Mission Songs Project by Jessie Lloyd

About

Country Arts SA presents Mission Songs Project by Jessie Lloyd, produced by Performing Lines

An initiative to revive contemporary Australian Indigenous songs from 1900 to 1999 saw Jessie Lloyd travel Australia to visit various communities and Elders in search of the music and stories from the old days and life spent on missions and settlements.

Through the discovery of rare secular songs that were sung after church, Jessie’s profoundly moving and important Mission Songs Project now takes us on a musical journey across Australia, revealing what daily life was like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians on missions and state-run settlements.

Combining her laid-back style, defiant humour and beautiful vocals with poignant storytelling, Jessie  brings these old and rare mission songs unearthed through the Missions Songs Project to the concert stage in Whyalla and Port Augusta.

Performed by an extraordinary trio of Indigenous musicians led by Jessie and including Shellie Morris, this acoustic performance features songs infused with Islander rhythms, folk, and a little country ‘n western.  Moving harmonies and historical insights bring to life the voices of Elders as they would around a warm campfire or kitchen table.

In an exclusive for South Australia, Jessie has included a song borne out of a workshop with local community with ties to the Umeewarra Mission.  This beautiful and moving song will be premiered in Whyalla, followed by a performance at the Port Augusta Desert Fringe.

In Whyalla, join Jessie for a yarn in this relaxed and intimate experience with on stage, cabaret style seating.  Hear songs filled with optimism and hope in a performance that has been acclaimed at festivals such as WOMADelaide and the National Folk Festival.

Stay for a chat and a drink after the show.
“profoundly moving…the entire collection is sublime…” The Australian

“Mission Songs Project presents contemporary folk songs that continue the ancient song lines of this

country.” Archie Roach, AM, Mission Songs Project advisor and contributor

“Lloyd is masterful on stage: welcoming, funny and exuding intelligent leadership.” The Monthly

Photo by Peter Bothen

Jessie Lloyd | Mission Songs Project trailer from Performing Lines on Vimeo.

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