While many interstate artists remain locked out, local artists are stepping up to keep the Tanks stage humming.
Seven nights of entirely homegrown music is making its way to Tanks Arts Centre, with something to excite rock, jazz, dance and indie pop punters.
There are shows scheduled for every remaining weekend in October, as well as two in November.
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The diverse program next brings forward Mike Rivett, Eddie Skiba and Jessy Lynch this weekend, ahead of Mau Power on October 15.
An international hip hop star hailing from Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, Mau is renowned in his community and internationally as a powerful storyteller.
“It’s been a while since I've been able to plan and execute a live show,” he said.
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“It's amazing to see venues like Tanks Arts Centre and organisations like Cairns Regional Council fully committed to supporting the creative arts industry in the midst of COVID-19.
“The music industry has been decimated by the pandemic and it’s very humbling to see venues and organisations still willing to support artists and musicians like myself.”
A proud Dhoebaw man of the Guda Malullgal nations, Mau is the first Torres Strait artist to rap in language.
His career highlights include playing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, the Taiwan Indigenous Festival, and touring with fellow musicians Archie Roach and Christine Anu.
The Tanks then welcomes rising star Greta Stanley, who’s been making a frequent appearance in triple j’s radio rotations with two new singles – Hope It Lands and Bottle It Up, a doozy between Greta and Perth-based artist Riley Pearce.
Seven local names feature in the last half of the program, with hip hop collection R.3.B, Cold Water Band and Whodafunkit bringing it to a close on November 13.
Seats to all seven shows can be purchased on Ticketlink.
This story originally appeared in Tropic magazine’s Issue 32.
LOCAL LINE-UP
Fri 8 Oct | Mike Rivett
Sat 9 Oct | Eddie Skiba, Jessy Lynch
Fri 15 Oct | Mau Power
Fri 22 Oct | Greta Stanley
Fri 29 Oct | Lady Valiant, The Joker Pokers
Fri 12 Nov | Swamp Donkey, The Brazilians
Fri 13 Nov | R.3.B, Cold Water Band, Miss V
