The dusty outback town of Tennant Creek came alive with vibrant colours, captivating melodies, and infectious energy during the 2023 Desert Harmony Festival – Kunjuku, Anyinginyi Jangarlki Kapi Kaminya Palpuru (Respect, Identity and Healing).
This year’s edition of the renowned event, which ran from 28-30 July, proved to be a resounding success, leaving attendees and locals with unforgettable memories of cultural exchange, artistic brilliance, and community bonding.
Under the azure skies of the Barkly desert, the Desert Harmony Festival showcased the rich and diverse heritage of the region, celebrating the cultural tapestry that makes Tennant Creek a unique and special place.
Organised by Barkly Regional Arts, the festival brought together artists, musicians, dancers, and performers from various cultural backgrounds, creating an inclusive and harmonious atmosphere that fostered understanding and appreciation.
Attracting both locals and tourists alike, the 2023 Desert Harmony Festival kicked off with a vibrant opening cermony featuring traditional dances from the Munga Munga, Pujjali and Jarra Jarra dance groups of Tennant Creek and Ali Curung/Ampilatwatja.
The heartfelt Welcome to Country by Jimmy Frank was a poignant reminder of the land’s significance and the festival’s commitment to fostering reconciliation and understanding.
To close out the welcome event, Jingili man Stuart Joel Nuggett performed some beautiful songs written by himself and his mother, Janet Gregory, in the endangered Jingili language.
Throughout Saturday over 3,000 people made their way to the festival site on Staunton Street to experience an array of musical talent that spanned across genres, including renowned artists and emerging talents from the Barkly region, broader Northern Territory and interstate.
Highlights from Saturday’s Variety Spectacular included headliner Emma Donovan, energetic West African drumming outfit King Marong and the Tamala Express, roving performances from Snuff Puppets featuring characters developed and created by Artists of the Barkly and an impromptu hip-hop set from wellknown Mparntwe artists Dan the Underdog and Katanga Junior.
Sunday’s BAM Fest saw the best of the Barkly take to the Desert Harmony stage alongside visiting headliners Docker River Band.
The crowd of around 2,000 people came out early to support their local music heroes, despite the heat, and were treated for their dedication with early rousing performances from Elliott’s Harold Dalywaters, songbird Sarah Pope and Ali Curung young guns AC Reggae. The energy increased into the evening with Ti Tree reggae outfit PJ Reggae blowing the crowd away with their first Tennant Creek performance, followed by strong sets from crowd-favourites Desert Eagles and Jallajirrpa Band
Beyond the stage, the Desert Harmony Festival celebrated local artisans and culture through a program of workshop offerings. Locals and visitors alike had the chance to immerse themselves in bush tucker and medicine with the infamous Jerry Kelly, learn the art of traditional bead making with Lorraine Gibson and create artworks from found metal pieces thanks to facilitators Claire Freer and Michelle Bates.
As the Desert Harmony Festival draws to a close, this year’s celebration will be remembered as a triumphant display of cultural diversity and strong community, weaving together the stories and traditions that make the Barkly unique. For more information on Barkly Regional Arts’ full program of offerings, or to be involved in future events, please visit www.barklyarts.com.au
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This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 4 August 2023.
