Local Voices Singing Global concert

A concert of human rights songs by top local performers will be held at the Byron Bay Beach Hotel, on Thursday, 3 July, from 7.30pm.

The concert is one of the open events being presented in conjunction with the Activating Human Rights and Diversity Conference, hosted by Southern Cross University (SCU), from July 1-4 in the Byron Bay Community Centre.

“The concert will provide a wonderful opportunity for music lovers everywhere to experience the creative energies of passionate songwriters and musicians who have a commitment to social activism through music,” said organiser and MC for the night, Dr Janie Conway Herron, who is a writing lecturer at SCU and long-time musician.

Conway Herron’s family has a long history of involvement in music: her brothers Mick and Jim Conway are well known on the Australian music scene. Prior to engaging in academic pursuits, Conway Herron was a singer songwriter in a number of bands in Sydney and in Melbourne. All of her work reflects her concern and involvement with human rights. She is now writing a trilogy based on the history of the women in her family, and will perform at the concert.

The Local Voices Singing Global concert line up includes:

Acre from Byron Bay, who are a young group who play a combination of rock, country, blues and folk;

Manuhiri based in northern NSW, who are an exciting Pacific women’s trio who perform a fusion of acoustic and percussive World Pacific Music with contemporary and traditional elements;

The Hottentots from Byron, who comprise Carl Cleves and Parissa Bouas. Their music combines the best of ethnic traditional music and contemporary song writing. Their latest album Graceful was voted as being in the top three Australian Albums of 2001 by Diaspora magazine;

Monkey and the Fish, from Lismore, that comprises Chris Fisher and Marcelle Townsend-Cross;

Gregarious Chance, from Lismore, who are described as a cappella with attitude and occasional instruments, formed by composer/arranger Bruce McNicol. They combine an eclectic mix of musical styles and rhythms, human rights’ issues, and a whacky sense of humour;

Lisa Yeates, from Nimbin. Nationally recognised as a driving force in environmental and peace activism for over 20 years, Yeates’ life on the frontline has gained her a wealth of political and protest tales, songs and images. Former lead singer of the popular Tasmanian band Misters and Sisters, she currently sings with jazz band Skylarks;

Cleis Pierce, from Byron Bay, who is long-time contemporary violin player;

Janie Conway Herron, from Lismore, who has been a singer songwriter since the 60s;

Leigh Carriage, from Byron Bay, who is the head of vocal studies at SCU, and performs with many local bands;

PEACETRAIN featuring Byron's long-time duo Mook and Shanto, who were the cornerstone of BAHLOO, arguably the most high profile Byron musical act during the 80s. They have formed a trio with veteran musician/singer/songwriter Peter Ching; and

Demi-urge, from Lismore, that comprises Kirsty Grant, David Weir and Elenor Sapir.

There will be some “cross fertilisations” with performances by combinations of the above artists, Conway Herron said. There will also be an Auslang interpreter for hearing-impaired people.

For further information on the concert contact:
Dr Janie Conway Herron, School of Arts, SCU, Ph: 6620 3602 (w), 6621 3016 (h);
or Leigh Carriage, School of Arts, SCU, Ph: 02 6620 3874 (w), or Sara Crowe, Media Liaison, SCU, Ph: 02 6620 3144.