The City of Greater Bendigo is developing a concert called Dragon City Sounds featuring well known Aboriginal hip-hop artists, Baker Boy and Dallas Woods and local group Aswang which will go live on the Bendigo Venues & Events youtube channel https://bit.ly/34pdIUw from 4pm Sunday October 25, 2020.
Dragon City Sounds is an opportunity for young people to connect with community through music, arts and culture. It is also an opportunity to spread positivity during what has been a challenging time for many young people.
Headline act, Baker Boy is the freshest new hip-hop talent to emerge from Australia. Born in Darwin and raised in the remote Northern Territory communities of Milingimbi and Maningrida, Baker Boy is a young, strong and proud performer who raps in English and Yolngu Matha language representing his Arnhem Land family.
Baker Boy was named Young Australian of the Year in 2019 and recently won the coveted Artist of the Year gong at the National Indigenous Music Awards for the second year in a row. He is a multidisciplinary talent working across rap, dance and acting who is currently living in Central Victoria.
Dallas Woods is an MC and rapper hailing from the Kimberley WA. He is known for his role on ABC Kids' "Move It Mob Style" and in 2018 as Baker Boy's support act on his national tour.
City of Greater Bendigo Acting Coordinator Inclusive Communities Nikki Williams said organisers are absolutely delighted to showcase such an amazing line up of young talented musicians to perform the concert and spread messages of positivity at what has been a difficult time for many young people.
"The production values on Dragon City Sounds will be exceptionally high and we expect the concert will not only be viewed locally, but also nationally and internationally as well," Ms Williams said.
"Prioritising the mental wellbeing of our young people during COVID is very important and we are aiming to provide a really high-quality music event, with great talent to help them feel more connected to community.
"The restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic has made it difficult for young people to socialise with their normal friendship groups and it's been difficult to remain positive through this time.
"It's important for young people to have access to safe, free and accessible entertainment events that showcase local talent in the community.
"It's also important for our local young creators and entertainers to have opportunities like Dragon City Sounds to regain some income and perform and engage with an audience.
"We're hoping the concert will help promote the message of positive mental wellbeing for our young people and increase their ongoing resilience and social connections during the ongoing restrictions.
"We are encouraging young people to get a group of friends together in a safe way to view the concert and support amazing local talent performing in our premier events venue."
Dragon City Sounds is funded by VicHealth and will be filmed at Ulumbarra Theatre. The concert is produced by Bendigo Venues & Events, a business unit of the City of Greater Bendigo.
