MISSION Songs Project is an initiative to revive contemporary Australian Indigenous songs from 1900 to 1999, focusing on the Christian missions, state run settlements and native camps where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were relocated.
Searching for the family songs that were sung around the kitchen table, Jessie Lloyd explores the day to day life on the missions, settlements and reserves through music. From cultural identity to love and loss, these rare songs consist of almost forgotten stories that can now shed light into the history of our Indigenous elders, families and communities.
Performed as a vocal quartet, Jessie presents a rare performance style found only in Indigenous communities; such as family gatherings, social events or yarns over a cuppa. Story-telling, a major component of the performance, gives historical context and personal experiences into the tunes sung from the missions era, making the show warm, humorous and heartfelt.
Mission Songs Project faithfully explores the musical journey of Indigenous Australian music and connects the traditional contemporary, revealing the continuation of cultural practice and song traditions into the 21st century.
Mission Songs Project will be performed at Frankston Arts Centre on Friday 22 March, 7.30pm.
Tickets are $27-$59.
Bookings can be made online on thefac.com.au, over the phone on 03 9784 1060 or in person at Frankston Arts Centre.
First published in the Mornington News – 5 February 2019
