notes from
the hard
road and
beyond
A musical journey
from revolution
to redemption
(International)
Melbourne Exclusive
Mavis Staples
Joss Stone
Paul Dempsey
Emmanuel Jal
special guest artist
Rickie Lee Jones
The Black Arm Band
including
Archie Roach
Lou Bennett
Shane Howard
Emma Donovan
Shellie Morris
Mark Atkins
and other special guests
Following what’s been described
as 2010’s musical event of the
year, the extraordinary Seven
Songs to Leave Behind, the Festival
again closes in grand style with
an uplifting evening of incredible
music. This year some of the
world’s finest singers assemble
with The Black Arm Band for
one night only to reprise the
soundtrack to freedom.
notes from the hard road and beyond
chronicles an inspiring canon of songs from
civil rights, anti-war and women’s suffrage
to environmentalism, feminism and the
abolition movement in a glorious and daring
celebration of the music of protest, rebellion,
love and hope.
“The true definition of a spectacle.
Packed with high points, all the
way through to its final moment.”
FasterLouder (on Seven Songs to Leave Behind)
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“An unforgettable night of music.”
The Australian (on Seven Songs to Leave Behind)
“A celebratory, uplifting show that
is unafraid to confront the big
questions in life.”
The Age (on Seven Songs to Leave Behind)
Weaving together music from Billie Holiday,
Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Leonard Cohen,
Pete Seeger and Green Day, to name just a
few, notes from the hard road and beyond
is a unique and joyous testament to the
indomitable nature of the human spirit,
expressed through music.
Pop meets polemic in this spectacular
tribute to the lives and voices that have
marked, and in some cases changed, the
course of human history.
Mavis Staples
A key member of gospel and soul legends
The Staple Singers, Mavis Staples’ personal
and musical history is inseparably enmeshed
with the US civil rights movement and the
life of Dr Martin Luther King.
Rickie Lee Jones
Following last year’s incendiary
collaboration, the inimitable Rickie Lee
Jones returns by invitation of The Black
Arm Band for this special concert of protest
and rebellion.
Joss Stone
With a voice like honey, this gifted soul
singer-songwriter released her first multiplatinum album at the age of 15, and eight
years later has sold over 11 million albums
worldwide and won two Grammys.
Paul Dempsey
This Melbourne singer-songwriter is the
founder of the highly acclaimed Australian band
Something For Kate. Having recently launched
his acclaimed solo album Everything Is True, he
here makes a very special hometown appearance.
Emmanuel Jal
Born into the life of a child soldier in Sudan,
Emmanuel Jal survived unbelievable
struggles to emerge as an acclaimed hip-hop
artist, spreading a message of reconciliation.
The Black Arm Band
A Melbourne Festival favourite since their
debut in 2006, this coalition of some of
Australia’s finest musicians includes iconic
elder statesman Archie Roach and senior
songman Shane Howard, yidaki virtuoso
Mark Atkins along with an amazing
songstress chorus including Lou Bennett,
Emma Donovan and Shellie Morris
Conception & Direction Steven Richardson
Musical Supervision Eugene Ball
Vocals Supervision Lou Bennett
Assistant Producer Anna Jacobs
Lighting Design Phil Lethlean
Sound Design Jim Atkins
Media Natasha Gadd, Rhys Graham
Melbourne Festival reserves the right to vary the advertised program and to
add, withdraw or substitute artists where necessary. No refunds for lineup
changes will be offered.
Melbourne Festival wishes to advise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
patrons that this event may contain images of deceased people.
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Event Information
Sidney Myer Music Bowl
For conditions of entry please refer to
melbournefestival.com.au
Sat 22 Oct at 8pm
Gates 1 & 2 open at 6.30pm
2hr 35min with interval
A Reserve Full $120
A Reserve Groups (8+) $108
A Reserve Concession $90
General Admission Full $80
General Admission Concession $60
Student (General Admission) $25
Transaction & booking fees may apply
the Arts Centre 130