Sand Tracks 2014 – Blekbala Mujik and Running Water
The 2014 Sand Tracks program presented well-known band Blekbala Mujik, touring the central desert region with emerging artists Running Water.
Hailing from Burunga (Gulin-Gulin) in Arnhem Land, Blekbala Mujik is one of the most successful bands to emerge from the Top End of Australia. The band mixes traditional song and instruments with synthesizers and modern production carrying a message of reconciliation and shared dreams.
Running Water pose for a mid-tour shoot. Picture by Oliver Eclipse.
Running Water hails from the remote community of Kintore, 530kms West of Alice Springs. The band has a growing reputation demonstrated by their stand-out performance at the 2013 Bush Bands Bash where they rallied the crowd to dance and sing along to their Luritja lyrics.
In 2014 the Sand Tracks tour party travelled 10,076km across three states. The tour employed 16 people, including 12 artists and four crew over 26 days. The bands played to some 4,260 people over six performances and provided 14 workshops to 404 participants.
Shows were locally presented in Alice Springs by MusicNT, Amata by Amata Community Council, Wingellina by NG Media, Warakurna by Warakurna Community, Warburton by Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku, and Kiwirrkurra by Kiwirrkurra Council Aboriginal Corporation.
“Everybody loved it. They had the whole community up and dancing, 200 people rockin’ and rollin’. Everybody was enthralled from start to finish. We should hold it every Saturday night!”
– Andrew Gurkin, Community Development Advisor in Kiwirrkurra
Sand Tracks crowds enjoy the sounds of Running Water Band. Picture by Leyla Mark.
