ARIA-nominated, award-winning singer Emma Donovan will tour to Frankston Arts Centre to share her trademark soul and country songs, and new music recorded in Gumbaynggirr and Noongar languages. Emma is proud to be one of the First Nations artists spearheading efforts to put traditional languages on the music map.
“I am very proud to introduce new words and share languages with audiences and fans. It’s so important to preserve this part of our history, family and country,” she explains. “This project will shine a light on Indigenous music culture, sharing stories and preserving language in song. I want to share my story with Australia and the world, and I want audiences to hear my songs and languages to enhance their knowledge of our expansive history of this country.”
Since first appearing on the stage with the renowned family band The Donovans, Emma worked with artists such as Paul Kelly, The Teskey Brothers, Paul Grabowsky, Spinifex Gum and the late Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter. She is also known for her work with the highly regarded Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks and the extraordinary Black Arm Band project.
Joined on stage by Steve Magnusson on guitar and Samuel Anning on double bass, Emma is excited to share her stories with audiences in Frankston and the peninsula. “For me to write my solo album, I needed to go back into my own family musical archives to rediscover the country music I was raised on and that I performed.“
Emma Donovan: Songs, Stories and Soul from Family and Country will be performed at Frankston Arts Centre on Tuesday 14 May, 8pm. Tickets are available at thefac.com.au or by calling 03 9784 1060.
