Image Credits: Jacqueline Mitelman Ruby Hunter 1996 (printed 2012) National Portrait Gallery of Australia © Jacqueline Mitelman

Celebrate Aunty Ruby Hunter’s talent and outstanding contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music with Proud, Proud Woman: A Ruby Hunter Tribute at Bondi Festival 2024 opening weekend. 

With support of Hunter’s family, Proud, Proud Woman: A Ruby Hunter Tribute will take place at Bondi Pavilion Theatre on July 6, to honour the legacy of Ruby Hunter. This special Bondi Festival event will showcase a lineup of exciting First Nations headline acts in collaboration with local musicians and singers, including award-winning artists Emily Wurramara and Dan Sultan. The concert will celebrate Hunter’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer for young First Nations artists wishing to pursue a career in music and the arts. Ruby Hunter first performed in public in 1988 during a festival at Sydney’s Bondi Pavilion, where she performed ‘Proud, Proud Woman’. With this year’s NAIDOC theme of ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud’ the concert promises to launch NAIDOC week with a powerful homage to Hunter’s profound contributions to music and her ability to champion the rights of Aboriginal women and children through her songs. 

This National NAIDOC Week Activity is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

Please note unfortunately due to illness, Emily Wurramara is no longer able to perform. We are pleased to announce replacing her on the lineup is First Nations artist, Kee’ahn.

Artists performing at Proud, Proud Woman: A Ruby Hunter Tribute:

Dan Sultan, Kee’ahn, Earl Weir, Matilda Brown, John James, Dan Mac, Jack Moffitt, Michael Tramonte, Elliott Hammond and Walangari Karntawarra.

Meet Kee’ahn:

Kee’ahn is a singer and musician hailing from North Queensland, whose name derives from the Wik word meaning to dance and play. Effortlessly blending the sounds of soul, R&B and pop throughout her music, Kee’ahn weaves lush melodies and words reminiscent of heartbreak and healing. Kee’ahn’s rich vocals and hopeful lyrics champion finding strength in our struggles, encouraging us to reflect, reinvent, and rejoice in our journeys.

Insta: @kee.ahn

Meet Dan Sultan:

Dan Sultan is one of Australia’s most loved singer-songwriters boasting numerous accolades to his name, including 7 ARIA Awards, NIMA Awards, Top 5 ARIA-charting albums, and an ARIA-certified gold record. His 2023’s self-titled album ‘DAN SULTAN’ won the ARIA for ‘Best Adult Contemporary Album’ and was also nominated for ‘Best Solo Artist’ and ‘Best Independent Release’. Sultan has toured countless times playing headline shows to sold-out crowds, as well as supporting the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Midnight Oil, Vance Joy and billed on some of Australia’s biggest festivals, including Splendour in the Grass, Blues Festival and Falls Festival, to name a few.

Insta: @dansultanmusic

Times:

Saturday 6 July 7.30pm

Prices:

Full price: $42

Concessions: $35

Mob Tix: $35

Accessibility:

There are two entrances to Bondi Pavilion including entry via Bondi Beach front and Campbell Parade, both providing accessible entrances. You can find ramp access with mobility parking spaces at the front and rear of the building. There are two floors, the ground floor has full access with a lift to level 1 where you can find the bar, Theatre and Seagull Rooms. Accessible amenities are located on both the ground floor and level 1.

HEARING LOOP

A Hearing Loop emits a wireless signal, for those with a hear aid or cochlear implant processor can switch to the T Switch to receive this signal. Hearing Loop is available in the Theatre of the Bondi Pavillion.

COMPANION AND CARER CARDS

Bondi Festival supports the Companion Card program. For patrons who require the assistance of a companion or carer, a second ticket is issued at no cost to the Companion Card holder. For Companion Card tickets please email bondifestival@waverley.nsw.gov.au with your details and the second ticket will be issued. The Companion Card holder must present their card at the Box Office.

ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and assistance animals are welcome at all Bondi Festival events and venues.