MusicNT begins search for Desert Divas stars

PRESS RELEASE:

MusicNT is calling for Indigenous female musicians, singers, songwriters, rappers and performers from Central Australia to shine with the Desert Divas when they perform at the 2015 Bush Bands Bash in Alice Springs on September 5.

Desert Divas provides aspiring and established female musicians with workshops in songwriting, singing, performing and music industry. The Divas then put what they’ve learnt into practice by performing their songs in a special showcase at the 2015 Bush Bands Bash (September 5, Snow Kenna Park).

In 2015 the Desert Divas will be mentored by an impressive group of women from the NT music industry who have all forged strong music careers. The mentors will share their skills, insights and experiences with the Desert Divas participants. The 2015 mentors are Mandy Garling, Jacinta Price, Katie Harder, Edi Donald, Cassandra Williams (Assistant Mentor) and Kirra Voller (Trainee Coordinator).

The Desert Divas began in 2010 in Alice Springs with six participants. In 2013 the Divas program expanded Territory-wide to include the Saltwater Divas in Darwin and Barkly Divas in Tennant Creek and participant numbers have grown every year. Alice Springs singer/songwriter Catherine Satour was one of the leaders in the inaugural Divas program and she said she was very proud with how the program had grown: “Divas is now Territory-wide and it’s because of the diverse and incredibly talented young women who begin their musical journey through the program. Divas is the program for women who want to create, express, explore and build opportunities in music supported by our communities, the Territory music industry and mentors.”

The Desert Divas program is part of MusicNT's Indigenous music development program and focuses on growing confidence and performance opportunities for aspiring female musicians from Central Australia. Desert Divas has direct artistic, industry and employment benefits for the girls who participate, as well far-reaching positive impacts on the wider community.

• Workshops - September 2-5 at Gap Youth Centre (Registrations are essential, head towww.musicnt.com.au/divas)
• The Bush Bands Bash with the Desert Divas is on Sept 5, Snow Kenna Park, Alice Spring
• $5 entry. Children under 16 are free. Gates open 5pm. Proudly a drug and alcohol free event

For more information head to: www.musicnt.com.au/divas