Dubowgale Beats – the celebration of black Australian music

Black Australia has a rich musical history – a heady blend of country and rock, flavored with the unmistakable zest of social activism and connection to country.

This month, Sydney Opera House has an incredible music line up for Dubowgale Beats, a concert celebrating the contemporary rhythms of Black Australia. Catch Archie Roach, Kevin Bennett, Street Warriors, Brendan Gallagher, Jeck and more for a gig to remember!

Dubowgale Beats is an in-conversation with Archie Roach and musical concert in support of the Jimmy Little Foundation pays respect to this tradition and the precious contribution indigenous artists make to the musical life of Australia.

For the first part of the evening, the beloved entertainer will be joined in conversation with Rhoda Roberts, the Opera House’s Head of Indigenous Programming and in song with friend and collaborator Craig Pilkington. Roach talk candidly about Charcoal Lane, and album which set the wheels in motion for a prolific musical career, his extensive and passionate advocacy efforts and the ups-and-downs of the past few years, a time punctuated by family tragedy and personal ill-health and how he emerged resilient thanks to the restorative power and narrative quality of music.

The evening’s lively second half will recognize another heavy-weight of Indigenous music with a coming-together of a special group of Australian performers, from diverse corners of the local music scene, who stand-up, sing, and work in support of the Jimmy Little Foundation.

The Jimmy Little Foundation Band comprising Graham “Buzz” Bidstrup (GANGgajang and The Angels), Andrew Richardson, Rick Melick, and Jimmy Little’s daughter Frances Peters will also make a special appearance at the show.

An Australian treasure, Jimmy Little was a trailblazer for Indigenous musicians as well as a pioneer of Indigenous rights. The eponymous charity that he founded nearly a decade ago is a legacy that continues to sustain the struggle for a healthier future for Indigenous Australians and will be honored with a night of soulful masterpieces, rock anthems and pop classics in a dynamic tribute to and by icons of Australian music.

What: Celebration and Concert of Black Australian music

When: Saturday, the 8th of August

Archie Roach in Conversation: 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm.

Dubowgale Beats Concert: 8.00pm – 9:30pm.

Tickets on sale now, click here.