Big Name, No Blankets at RISING Festival Tickets
About Big Name, No Blankets
A rock ‘n’ roll story celebrating the trailblazing music icons, Warumpi Band, inspired by tales from founding member Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher.
"You might think we're flash up here on this big stage, with big lights and big hair but we come from a little place with a big heart and a big story..."
Big Name, No Blankets cranks the amp and plugs into the heart of Papunya (Warumpi), where for the first time, we hear the stories of the Warumpi Band through the Butcher Brothers' perspective, narrated by founding lead guitarist Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher.
Warumpi Band is the original First Peoples rock band to sing in language, known for their anthems ‘Blackfella/Whitefella’, ‘My Island Home’ and ‘Jailanguru Pakurnu’. Big Name, No Blankets is inspired by their rise to the top through their politics, presence, and potent rock 'n' roll riffs.
Sammy weaves intimate storytelling with big rock 'n' roll songs. He takes us on a journey from the band's beginnings in the ‘70s—when __Sammy __and his two younger brothers, Gordon (drummer) and Brian (bass), learnt music by jamming on a flour drum in Pupanya—through to their wild nights conquering pub rock and touring the world.
Warumpi Band had a massive influence on the likes of Yothu Yindi and Coloured Stone. True to their roots, the show weaves in culture from Central Australia and North East Arnhem Land, and two ancestral languages—Luritja and Gumatj (Yolngu Matha)—as the band navigates divides between bush and city, white and black, fame and family.
You’re invited into the world of these central desert legends. Stomp your feet, clap your hands and sing along as you get swept away by this big-hearted story.
With sincere thanks to Larissa Behrendt AO and Michael Lavarch AO, Canny Quine Foundation, Robert Salzer Foundation, Scully Fund and all private donors whose generosity and support make projects like this possible.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., commissioned by RISING, Sydney Festival, Darwin Festival, Brisbane Festival and Adelaide Festival.
Supported by Canny Quine Foundation and The Robert Salzer Foundation.
Venue
Melbourne Town Hall
Accessibility
Accessible points | Drop-Off: Collins Street, north side, east of Swanston Street. Entrance: Copper Doors, Swanston Street (to the left of the main doors). Bathrooms: Ground floor, turn right when exiting lifts. Internal lift for access between floors.
Directions
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY TRAIN: The nearest rail station is Flinder Street Station
BY TRAM: Nearest tram stops are: City Square/Swanston Street—Stop 11 (routes 1, 3, 3a, 5, 6,26, 64, 67 and 72), and Collins Street—Stop 6 (routes 11, 12, 48, 109)
More information about Big Name, No Blankets
“Has the audience screaming and stomping joyfully” — ARTSHUB
Writer: Andrea James
Story and Cultural Consultant: Sammy Butcher (founding member of Warumpi Band)
Co-Directors: Dr Rachael Maza AM and Anyupa Butcher
Music Director: Gary Watling
Performers: Baykali Ganambarr (Sammy) Teangi Knox (Gordon & drums) Taj Pigram (George) Jackson Peele (Neil) Cassandra Williams (Suzina, Mum & Ensemble) and Tibian Wyles (Brian, Ensemble & Understudy)
Cinematographer and Sound Designer: James Henry
Sound Arrangements and Composition: Crystal Butcher
Sound Arrangements and Composition Mentor: David Bridie
Set Designer: Emily Barrie
Lighting Designer: Jenny Hector
Costume Designer: Heidi Brooks
Video Content Designer: Sean Bacon
Producers: Nina Bonacci and Alexandra Paige
Theatre Consultant: Sarah Goodes
Dramaturg: Amy Sole
Music Director: Gary Watling
Production Manager: Nathan Evers
Stage Manager: Celina Mack
Assistant Stage Manager: PJ Rosas
Audio Engineer: Daniel Lade
Warumpi Family Consulting: Suzina McDonald and Marion Burarrwanga
Core Band: Gary Watling, Malcolm Beveridge, Jason Butcher and Angus McKean
Tickets
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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