Parrtjima – A Festival in Light returns to illuminate the Red Centre this Easter from 7 – 16 April 2023 and the music program, released today, includes some of Australia’s top Indigenous performers.
With reggae, pop, rock, soul, RnB, hip hop, rap and plenty more on the line-up, Parrtjima visitors are in for a musical journey through different Indigenous lands and languages across all 10 nights of the free festival.
The music line-up includes (in alphabetical order): Docker River Band, Eastern Reggae Band, Emily Wurramara, JK-47, KAIIT, Karnage (DJ), Karnage n Darknis, Paul Ah Chee, Radical Son, Richard J Frankland, Discovering Leerpeen Mara, Rowdy Birds (DJ), The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band and The Merindas
The only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) on behalf of the Northern Territory Government, and is produced by Creative Directors AGB Events.
NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop said the exciting music program is just part of the fun. “Parrtjima is a unique experience of large-scale light installations combined with a fascinating program of not just music but also talks, workshops and film,” she said.
“As well as being visually stunning, Parrtjima offers so many other experiences, and the chance to see some of Australia’s leading Indigenous artists perform. Combined with the unique tourism offerings available in the Red Centre, Parrtjima is not to be missed,” said Bishop.
Andrew Gurruwiwi from the Andrew Gurruwiwi Band said they are excited about Parrtjima 2023 and thrilled to be performing on opening night. “We are really looking forward to Parrtjima,” he said.
We love playing for a home crowd and this is a great opportunity to rock the red dirt dance floor of Desert Park. Playing outside in front of the MacDonnell Ranges really is such a unique and amazing experience!” said Gurruwiwi.
The theme for this year’s Parrtjima is Listening with Heart. Inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart, Listening with Heart embodies the concept of coming together, meeting and taking the time to contemplate and reflect.
Under the guidance of artist Rene Kulitja, who led the group of artists that created the artwork, the stunning piece will be brought to life as a large-scale, immersive light installation.
Other Parrtjima favourites will return, with the MacDonnell Ranges lightshow to use the 300- million-year-old landmark as a natural canvas, and the magical Grounded installation set to light up the red dirt at Alice Springs Desert Park.
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light takes place in Alice Springs from 7 – 16 April 2023. For more information and program, visit: www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au for details.
Image: Parrtjima – A Festival in Light (render)