Brolga Boys are an Indigenous band founded in 1996 by original members
Russell Smith (Pitjantjatjarra) and Ben James (Yorta Yorta). The band's
other members include Dave Mudie on drums, (Goofang/Brolga Boys), Adam
Redfern lead guitar (Goofang/Brolga Boys) and Matty Vehl on Hammond Organ
and keyboards (Charles Jenkins / Ice Cream Hands/Brolga Boys).
Over 10 years the band has been going about their business. Gigging around
their hometown of Melbourne (Rob Roy Hotel, Evelyn Hotel, Esplanade Hotel,
and Prince of Wales Hotel) with tours and festivals both at home and
interstate, they highlight supporting their Indigenous heroes - Warumpi Band
at The Dreaming Festival 2006 as a personal milestone. They have also played
the Nan Girra Festival, Social Justice Festival, Pushover, St Kilda
Festival, and Earthcore.
Lead singer Russell Smith toured Japan solo in 2005 as part of Australia's
World Expo, and has also performed for the Dali Lama, Mohammad Ali, and
Nelson Mandela.
He has also been invited to share the stage with Janes Addiction, Dandy
Warholes,Jungle Funk and Living Colour on Australian tours.
The band has recorded with David Bridie and has recently gone into the
studio with producer Tim Johnston to record their new ep.
The Brolga Boys have been a stalwart of the reconciliation scene in
Melbourne, playing numerous benefit shows for the cause including the recent
Jackie Geia tribute night and the Uncle Kevin Buzzacott fundraiser with
Russell recently working with Reconciliation Victoria to coordinate
celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the 1967 referendum.
Brolga Boys provide a passionate and skilful performance that draws on
themes of social justice, Indigenous pride, story telling and imagery based
on our great southern land. Their fantastic repertoire of rock,alternative and
soul tunes showcases talent and professionalism that you only expect from a
band - a decade together.
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