“Recording Holley is akin to trying to capture lightning in a bottle, and his music represents a devotion to the very act of creation.” - The New York Times
“Nagarra’s heartfelt album captivates listeners with its blend of First Nations blues, country and gospel, infused with her story and deep empathy for the struggles of others.” - Future Mag Music
Since 1979, Lonnie Holley has devoted his life to the art of improvisation. A survivor of Jim Crow–era Alabama, his practice was born from struggle and has grown into a lifelong expression of resilience and imagination. Across drawing, sculpture, music, film and performance, Holley transforms the everyday into something sacred – fragments of history remade as living art.
At 75, he remains as vital as ever. His work appears in major museum collections around the world, and his music continues to push boundaries. Holley’s seven albums include Oh Me Oh My (2023), featuring Michael Stipe, Bon Iver and Sharon Van Etten, and the lushly produced Tonky (2025). Each performance is a singular act of creation, as songs evolve live before the audience, shaped by the moment and the energy in the room.
On this night, celebrated musician and activist Kankawa Nagarra joins Holley for a collaborative performance. A Walmatjarri Elder from the Wangkatjungka community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Kankawa won the coveted 2024 Australian Music Prize at the age of 80 for her debut album, Wirlmarni – a powerful blend of blues, country, gospel and Walmatjarri songlines. Expect a remarkable exchange between these two musical forces.
- 60 mins (no interval)
