The Great First Nations Songbook | A Night of Swing and Soul
Schedule
Sat, 18 Oct, 2025 at 07:30 pm
UTC+09:30Location
AANT Centre - The Territory's Premier Live Entertainment Venue | Darwin, NT
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AANT Centre presentsThe concert-length performance that features the beloved hits of Australia’s iconic First Nations musicians, reimagined with the electrifying flair of 60s big band music by celebrated local Quandamooka singer-songwriter Adam James, and his band, The Dreamtime Swing.
“This is a first of its kind musical event. Although First Nations songlines are over sixty thousand years old, The Great First Nations Songbook concert is a celebration of First Nations song from the last sixty years” said Adam.
“Australia’s very first pop star was the legendary Yorta Yorta singer, Jimmy Little. In the 1960’s a dapper young Jimmy Little rocketed to an international no.1 on the Top of The Pops with his hit single, Royal Telephone. The concert opens with this legendary song, and closes with Treaty by the incomparable Yothu Yindi,” he said.
In between is a musical journey underlined by swing and soul and covering First Nations music makers like Troy Cassar-Daley, Coloured Stone, Dan Sultan, Pirra, Ruby Hunter, Archie Roach and Busby Marou among others. Between songs, Adam tells stories, with the whole experience truly memorable.
The music provides a unique glimpse into the heart of Adam’s creative journey as he brings the best of Blak Australian music to new audiences, new beats and new heights.
“It’s a celebration of heritage, harmony, and Dreamtime Swing,” said Adam.
"Do your heart – and feet – a favour and go and see this show!” STAGE WHISPERS
"It’s jazz. It’s Australian. It’s intimate. It’s huge. It’s how the songbook should be.” THEATRE HAUS
Credits
Performer / Creator: Adam James
Director: Bridget Boyle
Co-musical Director / Pedal Steel Guitar: Michel Rose
Co-musical Director / Guitar: Jamie Clark
Band: The Dreamtime Swing
Supported by Airport Development Group and PowerWater.
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Where is it happening?
AANT Centre - The Territory's Premier Live Entertainment Venue, 93 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia, DarwinEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
