In June 2013, singers travelled from every Australian State and Territory, and from six remote desert communities in Central Australia to Ross River homestead in the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges for the third Big Sing in the Desert. Over a few days, they shared songs in their languages, learned new songs together  and got to know each other over cups of tea and around the campfire.

In Part 2 we go behind the scenes to learn about the practicalities involved in putting on the event and also some of the stories of the singers.  You’ll also hear excerpts from more of the songs we learned.

My thanks to Annette, Liz, Delia, Doug, Pantjiti, Joe, Mary and Janie and all the other singers and organisers of Big Sing in the Desert 2013 for their contribution to these two Centralian Yarns.

The songs you heard excerpts from were:  Let Your Little Light Shine, We Have Only Started, Ingkaarta and Mahodimong.  Tune in to Local Connections Monday – Thursday from 6-7pm on 8CCC to hear more songs from the Big Sing in the Desert 2013 Choir.

Broadcast: Tuesday 23 July 2013 at 5.30pm on 8CCC Community Radio 102.1FM

and streaming live on on the world wide web!

Repeated: Following Friday at 9am and Sunday at 5.00pm

Producer:   Joy Taylor

Big Sing in the Desert FaceBook Page

Photos courtesy of Amy Jean Harding, Eye of Light Photography and Joy Taylor

The organisers of Big Sing in the Desert gratefully acknowledge the support of the NT Government and a host of individual contributors from around Australia who assisted members of remote community choirs to travel to Ross River and participate in the event.