The man standing on a concrete ballard under a light pole looked up when I walked by with my camera during a performance by legendary country music artist Warren H Williams.
“Who is that guy?” he asked urgently in a broad American accent. “And what’s going on here? It’s amazing!”
A minute’s silence for loved ones departed. Rest In Peace.
I told him he was at the Aboriginal Cultural Showcase, presented each year by the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Tamworth Aboriginal community. And “that guy” was long-time Showcase supporter Warren H Williams who performs at the Tamworth Country Music Festival every year.
2018 Aboriginal Cultural Showcase. Roger Knox and band on stage.
The Showcase has grown from a park on the fringes of town, to a multi-day extravaganza smack bank in the middle of Tamworth’s main drag, Peel St. In 2018, it took over the ABC Stage, and attracted crowds every evening.
NSW Aboriginal Land Council is a proud major sponsor, and attends each year to support Tamworth LALC and the Tamworth Aboriginal community.
Didgeridoo legend Mark Atkins and Uncle Len Waters preparing for the Smoking Ceremony.
Domenico Taraborelli on accordion and violinist Brannon Crickmore, with Warren H Williams
Stayed tuned for video packages of a week of great music and dance, but in the meantime, here’s a visual taste of the 2018 Tamworth Aboriginal Cultural Showcase. All images are by Michelle Aleksandrovics from OurMob.org.au.
David Leha (Radical Son) far right, with friends at the 2018 Aboriginal Cultural Showcase.
Members of the musical Knox family on stage.
Roger Knox performing at the 2018 Aboriginal Cultural Showcase.
Kade Strong from The Isaiah Spearim Dance Group, with permission.
(L to R) Roger Knox, Tamworth Country Music Festival Director Barry Harley, Warren H Williams
Dancer and dance group leader Isaiah Spearim.
(L to R) Gryffen Allen, Kelly Holton, Kelvin Allen and Angus Allen, with permission.
(L to R) Tamworth LALC Deputy Chair, Aunty Yvonne Kent, Deborah Lynch from Tamworth AMS, Tamworth LALC CEO Fiona Snape, NSWALC Councillor Charles Lynch.
Jacob Stanton from the Tamworth Opportunity Hub.
Guitarists Jed Zarb and Buddy Knox, with Warren H Williams.
Warren H Williams and band at the 2018 Aboriginal Cultural Showcase.
Rehearsal for (L to R) Warren H Williams, Brannon Crickmore and Mikayla Birthisel.
Winner of The Voice 2017, Judah Kelly on stage.
Dancers from the Isaiah Spearim Dance Group, with permission.
(L to R) Bailey Honeysett, Wirrindah Whitton, Jake Fisher, Uchenna Anyanwu (front centre), Bowen Strong, Isaiah Spearim
Leon Cochrane from the Isaiah Spearim Dance Group, with permission.
The Isaiah Spearim Dance Group at the 2018 Aboriginal Cultural Festival.
Samantha Duncan, winner of the “Miss Congeniality” Award in the 2018 Tamworth Queen of Country Music Quest, with Judah Kelly, winner of The Voice 2017.
Winner of The Voice 2017, Judah Kelly on stage.
Goori Knox and Aunty Yvonne Kent – Welcome to Country.
Uncle Len Waters and dance troupe leader Isaiah Spearim.
