1. Mary G, the Black Queen of the Kimberley, is excited to announce the inaugural Mary G’s Kimberley Showcase at the Roebuck
Bay Hotel in Broome on 12
th
September 2015. Featuring the finest cream of Indigenous talent from Australia’s far North-West,
the two hour showcase will take the audience on a unique journey celebrating the Kimberley’s Indigenous Culture through
comedy, storytelling and music. Joining Mary on stage will be John Albert, Yatangal (Mervyn
Mulardy), and John Bennett.
Singer/songwiter John Albert's powerful lyrics and original voice deliver a unique Kimberley sound.
Hailing from the Bard people of the Dampier Peninsular in Australia’s far north-west, John was the
front man of nationally acclaimed Broome band Scrap Metal. John says: “I was born and raised in the
northern part of Western Australia where the land is red, the beaches are white and the seas are
blue. My music reflects the social issues of family, community and my Aboriginality. I am also aware
of my environment, emotions and spirit which I have inherited through Aboriginal culture”. Following
a break from the music scene John is relaunching his career with the release of his second solo album
in 2016. A true treasure of Broome and the Kimberley it is exciting now that John will be joining Mary
G in her showcase.
Yatangal (Mervyn Mulardy) is a Karajarri man with deep cultural beliefs and a passion for his
people. Raised in Bidyadanga Community, south of Broome in Australia’s far North-West, he
speaks his language and has spent many years sitting with his Elders to learn and understand
the Pukarri Karta Janka (dreaming stories). Mervyn appears onstage as Yatangal- Yatangal is
the keeping place of the spirit and the dream that brings that spirit to its physical being.
Through his music and storytelling, Mervyn explores and reconfigures contemporary and
cultural music traditions and takes his audience on a powerful emotional and spiritual
journey. The musical synergies Mervyn builds around his traditional and contemporary
political understanding are an expression of Indigenous power that resonates across
generations. Yatangal will show and educate the audience on the mystical and sacred
aspects of one tribe’s belief in themselves and their dreaming and connection to country, language, law and people.
From a remote country where desert meets the sea, Western Australia’s John Bennett has emerged as
a singer/songwriter with an astounding ability to transport listeners to his home country and transcend
cultural barriers. Singing of country and connection to community, John launched his inaugural self-
titled album in 2010. Establishing a name as the “voice of the Kimberley”, the Bidyadanga community
man has written an album that sings to country and connects with the yearning in every person to
nurture family and the environment. His debut album which features two time Grammy award winner,
Lucky Oceans has also received 12 national music award nominations including awards for WA
Indigenous Song of the Year for his track 'Wangkaja', APRA Song Writer of the
Year and WA Country Music Independent Album of the Year 2013.
Nominations for Male Artist of the Year at the 2011 & 2012 Deadly awards
have listed John amongst the likes of Gurrumul and Troy Cassar-Daley.
Celebrating the music and culture of Australia’s far North-West, Mary G’s Kimberley Showcase is an
event not to be missed!
Contact Bel Skinner m 0417 252 071 e red@redrockmusic.com.au