First Nations artists will converge on Victoria’s most spectacular stage, The Gathering Place at Hanging Rock, on Sunday November 27 for a landmark music event.
Announced last week by Mushroom Group, the Victorian Government and Bad Apples Music, First and Forever will present a day-long festival celebrating Blak excellence and the irrepressible force that is contemporary First Nations culture and music.
Curated by Bad Apples Music founder, rapper and author, Briggs (with a special thank you to Paul Kelly), the First and Forever lineup features 20+ supreme talents – from acts at the top of their game to iconic, progressive trailblazers, songwriting giants and jaw-dropping, effervescent party starters.
Artists include: Baker Boy, Budjerah, Jessica Mauboy, King Stingray, Sycco, Thelma Plum, Alice Skye, Busby Marou, Christine Anu, Dan Sultan, Electric Fields, Emma Donovan, Tasman Keith, Ziggy Ramo, Barkaa, Birdz, Dameeeela, Jess Hitchcock, JK-47, Kardajala Kirridarra, Kobie Dee and more.
The wheels propelling First and Forever began turning following a chance encounter between Briggs and the late Michael Gudinski AM, founder of Mushroom and a lifelong champion of First Nation talent.
“For years I’d had an idea for a First Nations-led contemporary music festival, something cool and boutique that was really about the music and culture,” Briggs said.
“When Gudinski called me about a similar idea he’d had, we found this really collaborative working relationship. We both had a passionate approach to Melbourne, Victorian music, and amplifying Blakfellas’ stories. MG got the ball rolling. After he passed, the ball was in my court. I had to take it home.”
Gates to the picnic-style event will open from 1pm, with music running into the night.
Tickets ($79 general entry + fees for 12 years old and over) go on sale Friday October 14 via firstandforever.com.au.
For transport details (including fee parking for vehicles with more than four attendees, bus services from Melbourne and shuttles from Woodend – full event info and tickets, head to firstandforever.com.au
