In just three years, Koori Voices is becoming a much-loved tradition at the Illawarra Folk Festival – a concert featuring Illawarra and South Coast First Nations performers that enhances the national Indigenous artists that are always a significant part of the program.

Kyarna had her first taste of the festival in Koori Voices last January, and blew the audience away with her heartfelt original songs and astonishing covers of classics like Emmylou Harris’ Michelangelo. Since then, she has recorded and released her first EP and now has her own mainstage festival slot.

This year’s Koori Voices will see the return from last year’s concert of Illawarra school student and proud young Yuin woman Alara Livingstone, alongside Worimi/Birrpai woman Nicole Smede and a women’s choir from the South Coast called Mudjingaal Yangamba. The name means “Spirit Singing” in the ancient South Coast language Dhurga, and through their choir the Elders, Aunties and sisters are revitalising their traditional languages while sharing stories for healing, growth and joy.

Indigenous academic and story-sharer Dr Jodi Edwards will host the concert, sharing culture, nature and science as only Jodi can.

Koori Voices coordinator Lillian (Lilli) Rodrigues-Pang says Koori Voices grew from a desire by festival organisers to better connect with Illawarra’s Koori communities. “The festival has always promoted national Koori artists, which has been great, but we were looking for a way to better connect with the local communities. Koori Voices seemed a good

way to do that,” Lilli said. “It is beautiful opportunity for these local artists to support each other and connect with a wider audience. We are very excited to have Alara back after she did so well last year, and she’ll have a

longer set this time. Nicole is great and we’re so pleased that Mudjingaal Yangamba are coming up from the South Coast. We’ve had our eye on them for a while. And of course Jodi Edwards is an incredibly warm-hearted and generous knowledge sharer, and a beautiful MC.”

Alara will perform a combination of originals and covers while Nicole interacts with nature and technology to create a magical show.

Jodi and Lilli will also combine for a show called Sea Kinn Stories, in which Jodi carries on the legacy of her Ancestors as a story sharer. Her stories interweave Culture, Country and Kin. Oral storyteller Lilli will delve into her acclaimed Mermaids oral program.

Koori Voices is a two-hour show from 10.30am-12.30pm on Saturday at the Black Diamond stage.

Sea Kinn Is on Saturday at 2-2.40pm at Bush Tipi and Sunday at 11.20am-12noon at Grandstand Bar.

Whiskey Dram: Bring a refreshing blend of full-bodied pirate folk, with a peaty profile of Irish trad, Australian Americana, Blues, bluegrass, a briny punk palate and a burnt tonewood finish.

Entry will be by $15 donation (or more if you like), and proceeds going to Community Outreach Illawarra

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