The Ginger Root David
Blanasi/White Cockatoo San Diego Event FAQ
- Q-Who the heck are these guys?
- A-see the press release for basic info
and bios, but it is to be stressed that White Cockatoo is the real
deal, music and dance of Aboriginal Australia, that rarely travels
out into the world. This'll be unlike what most people have seen
even in Australia, at shows catering to tourists.
- Q-What will the performance be like?
- A-White Cockatoo consists of 5 members plus the MC. The
traditional Northern Australian performance section (most of the
night) consists of a didjeridu player, two songmen
(singer/clapstick player), and two dancers. Songs will be played
telling stories of where the performers are from, and interpreted
by the dancers, acting out the characters.
- Q-Who is this Blanasi, and why should I pay $50 damn dollars
for a didjeridu workshop with him?
- A-David Blanasi is in his late 60's, was raised in southern
central Arnhem Land, what is still today a huge Aboriginal
Reserve, like our own Indian Reserves, except larger, lusher,
BETTER.
Blanasi and the guys from Yothu Yindi are the only touring
Aboriginal didjeridu recording artists who were raised in an area
where the didj is a traditional part of the culture. Other well
known Aboriginal didge recording artists come from regions where
the didge was only recently transplanted, and play a contemporary
style. Some of the most famous Aboriginal players have been
playing the didj a relatively short time, like after graduating
from a western college, yet are credited with authenticity because
of their heritage.
But Blanasi was raised with this instrument, in the country where
it originated. This is not said to discredit other Aboriginal
players as musicians... we support them for what they do, but the
point is, David Blanasi is an extremely rare case of THE REAL
THING, by birth and upbringing. He is much sought after in
Australia, so we better appreciate him here.
Most of the money from the workshop goes directly to Blanasi's
group, to cover the significant expense of him coming here, make
his trip here worthwhile, and to show him the respect he deserves.
A percentage does of course go to the venue and organizers who are
making this happen, and to cover expenses, but rest assured the
majority of your ticket price goes right to the artist.
Also, concert tickets will be half price for workshop
attendees.
- Q-What will the dance workshop be like/what is Aboriginal
dance all about?
- A-Aboriginal dance is generally the retelling of creation
stories, dramatizing the movements of the "Dreamtime Ancestors,"
beings, both animal and human (and combinations and
shapeshifters!). The dance workshop will likely consist of a story
being taught to the participants, and then everyone will learn the
characters involved. For instance, you may learn to act out the
part of an emu who played out a part in the creation of an
area.
Expect an animalistic, interpretive, dance-in-a-circle good
time!
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