Philippa Schapper, GRAIN (Growing Rural Art In Nathalia) board chair, has welcomed this first performance of the year for the venue.
“This is the third time we’ve asked Neil Murray to come back,” Ms Schapper said.
“Neil Murray is in the vein of songwriter where all of his songs are about something important or contemporary.
“He has country-folky upbeat music, but it’s the lyrics plus the music that mean we invite him back, because we provide an audience that listens to the lyrics.”
Mr Murray originally sprang from Victoria’s western district, and headed for the Northern Territory in the late 1970s with a guitar in hand.
He emerged at Papunya in 1980 as a founding member of the pioneering Warumpi Band, which, over three albums and 20 years of performing, thrust contemporary Indigenous music into mainstream Australia with classics such as My Island Home and Blackfella Whitefella.
His songs have been recorded by Mary Black, Jimmy Little, Missy Higgins, Liz Stringer, Christine Anu, Peter Denahy, Carus, Adam Brand, Amy Saunders, Powderfinger, The Tiddas, Ursula Yovich, Peter Brandy, Emma Donovan as well as the Warumpi Band.
“(Neil Murray) is back on the road again, and he has some really strong followers in Echuca, and it was an Echuca couple who introduced us to him in the first place,” Ms Schapper said.
“He’s a guitarist and a songwriter, and as long as he’s got an audience who listens, he will keep playing, and playing, and playing.”
Mr Murray will be accompanied in this performance by Damian Neil, and supported by Kim Ritchie.
The performance will take place at The GRAIN Store’s Back Paddock tonight, Friday, February 4, with doors opening from 6.30pm.
A barbecue with salads will be on offer, with a gold coin contribution appreciated, and drinks at bar prices.
Tickets are available on the door for $30 for adults, children for free, and concession available, or by booking at www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=850714&
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