A very special afternoon of music will entice crowds out to Wyndham this Sunday, August 8, as part of the Art Month Sapphire Coast schedule of events.
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Candelo-based musician Robyn Martin said she was really excited about the upcoming gig at the Robbie Burns Hotel, at which she will play with her band The Drift and welcome Djinama Yilaga Choir as special guests.
"We are going to back Djinama for a few songs. We have collaborated recently, they have been writing Dhurga language for some of my songs," Martin said.
"They tell the stories behind some of their songs, and Dr Lou Bennett, formerly of Tiddas, has helped write some of their songs.
"On Sunday they will do some songs acapella on their own and some with the full band," she said.
Martin first released her original songs in 2020 with local trio The New Graces, whose album 'Seasons' debuted at number one on the ARIA Australian Country Music Chart after Martin's song and title track had spent several weeks on the Australian Country Radio Charts.
The group were then nominated for four Golden Guitar awards at Tamworth 2021, including one for 'Seasons' as Heritage Song of The Year.
"It's just been incredible," Martin said.
Currently in pre-production, Martin's debut solo album is expected to be out by the middle of 2022.
"David Ross Macdonald, member of the Waifs is producing the album which is super exciting," she said.
"At the moment, I have about 25 songs, this is my first ever album, my whole catalogue of songs essentially, so we will pick the 10 best songs."
Martin grew up near Ceduna in South Australia, fourth generation on a farming property, and started out in a family band touring Country Music Festivals, clubs and halls. Her music is rooted in regional Australia with a story telling sensibility of Joy McKean and Paul Kelly.
The Drift, making up Martin's band are David Ross Macdonald on drums (The Waifs), Nick Keeling on banjo and keys (Mustard Courage/Casual Projects) and Sam Martin (Mikelangelo and The Black Sea Gentlemen/Malumba).
Under the coordination of Cheryl Davison, the Aboriginal creative producer at Four Winds, the Djinama Yilaga Choir formed in 2020. Their songs revitalise the Dhurga language, which in turn grounds the group with country and culture and makes a beautiful language accessible for all to learn.
The support act on Sunday is an emerging trio from Bega High School - Elka Clarke, Katya Boffa and Isabel Gilla.
Now restored, the vibrant and comfortable Robbie Burns will make guests very welcome with its big outdoor stage area, meals available from Heavens Kitchen on site and the bar open.
Doors open at midday, with live acts from 2-4pm. Tickets are available online: www.trybooking.com/book/sessions?eid=779336
Throughout August, the Robbie Burns Hotel are hosting pizza nights on Fridays, Saturday lunch and dinner and Sunday lunch. More info: https://www.robbieburnshotel.com/
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Leah Szanto
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
