Sista Set
Sista Set, playing as part of the Darwin Fringe Festival, showcases original contemporary songs by participants of MusicNT's Saltwater Divas program, a multi day workshop that fosters the creative musical talents of Aboriginal women living in the NT.
By Chelsea Heaney.
Performing alongside participants is program mentor Dallas Frasca, the namesake front woman of the three-piece, award-winning Australian rock outfit Dallas Frasca. She has toured the world, clocking over 900 shows with her band including nine international tours. In Melbourne, Frasca runs her own independent record label, Spank Betty Records and has supported the likes of Ugly Kid Joe, Patti Smith, Aerosmith and Van Halen.
Also taking the stage is Territorian woman Miranda Garling, who is a local favourite of the Darwin music scene. Garling, herself a former participant of the program, also joined up with Salt Water Divas, Desert Divas and Sister Sounds to be a mentor for young indigenous women this year. Garling has played previously at Darwin and Barunga Festivals and was a member of hip-hop band Pottstreet for six years.
Saltwater Divas, Barkly Divas and Desert Divas programs have been running since 2013 and have seen dozens of women participate in workshops that foster and nurture their creative ideas and support them to step up onto the public stage. Divas are mentored in song writing, music composition and live performance by established women in the music business.
Garling and Frasca met in 2016 whilst recording Desert Divas Volume 2 in Alice Springs.
“Being involved in the Desert Divas Volume 2 Project was an amazing experience. I got to work with so many people in the music industry, which gave me strength and confidence,” said Garling.
“I'm super excited to be part of this year’s Saltwater Divas mentoring team. It's an important program that nurtures the talents of emerging female Aboriginal musicians. It’s something I feel passionate about and I'm really looking forward to stepping up on stage with fellow mentor Dallas.”
Frasca feels the same way.
"I couldn't be more excited to be part of women supporting women on stage and showcasing new and emerging talent from the Top End at Sista Set. It’s a huge honour to say the least," she added.
Sun 9 Jul | 4pm | Happy Yess
