A new day-long, picnic-style music fest will take over Hanging Rock on Sunday, November 27, with the clear focus of showcasing and highlighting First Nations artists and performers. And First & Forever's jam-packed lineup, hand-picked by Briggs (with a thank you to Paul Kelly), features everyone from Baker Boy, Jessica Mauboy and Thelma Plum, through to Christine Anu, Sycco, Alice Skye, Busby Marou, Ziggy Ramo and Barkaa.
In fact, there are more than 20 acts on the bill, spanning a whole range of genres and showcasing big-name talent alongside emerging stars. King Stingray, Budjerah, Dan Sultan, Electric Fields, Emma Donovan...the list goes on and on.
Electric Fields, by Morgan Sette
The specific Hanging Rock venue has been named The Gathering Place for the event, acknowledging the people of the Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung who have long met there, and also the power of Country. What's more, First & Forever is paying tribute to the late Archie Roach by dubbing its sole stage the 'Uncle Archie Stage'.
This contemporary celebration of Blak excellence in music and culture comes courtesy of Mushroom Group, the Victorian Government and Bad Apples Music.
Thelma Plum, by Georgia Wallace
Top Image: Sycco