Concert goers gave Eric Avery rave reviews after a special NAIDOC Week concert at Wollongong Art Gallery last week.
On Thursday, July 4, the First Nations violinist treated an audience of more than 150 people to a captivating mix of music and song, predominantly in Ngiyampaa language.
“I was captivated by his ability to play the violin,” said Jay.
“[Eric’s performance] was really provocative. It was so authentic," said Marianne. Jennifer agreed, saying, "It’s a privilege to celebrate NAIDOC Week like this.”
Local elder and environmental/cultural advocate Uncle Peter Button gave the Welcome to Country and performed a reconciliation song on his guitar before Eric’s headline act.
“We recorded it in Austinmer a couple of weeks ago,” Uncle Peter said, adding that he hopes to release the reconciliation song soon.
Uncle Peter enjoyed Eric’s performance. “Anyone who can play the violin is impressive,” he said.
Wollongong’s 2024 Citizen of the Year, Dr Aunty Barbara Nicholson, was also a fan. “He’s amazing,” she said of Eric. “You can tell the total dedication he has in his discipline. The violin is part of him. It’s not an object that he’s manipulating, it becomes an extension of his essence. I was blown away.”
“The way he blends the recordings, with his virtuosity on violin and also his singing, all at the same time! I thought, how can you sing and play that? You haven't got your chin on the violin, and keep that steady? It’s just amazing. I think he's absolutely brilliant.”
Aunty Barb presented Eric with an artwork donated through the Ngana Barangarai (Black Wallaby) project.
Supported by the South Coast Writers Centre, this project is the driving force behind writing workshops with inmates at Junee Correctional Centre and the Dreaming Inside anthologies of their work. Copies of the 12th edition – launched at the gallery in May 2024 – were on sale after Eric’s concert.
“That was an amazing bit of work,” Aunty Barb said of her gift to Eric. “We had seven lots of artwork at the last launch and the inmates do that work and donate it to us. The funds raised from those artworks help us keep the program going.”
Eric’s performance was part of the series of free Music and Tea at the Gallery monthly concerts run by Felicity Woodhill, founder of Inspire Music Australia. It was a special event to mark NAIDOC Week and funded by Culture Bank Wollongong, a local initiative to support cultural projects, concerts, events and workshops through community contributions.
Culture Bank member Lara Seresin rated Eric’s performance as “absolutely exquisite”.
“I’d never heard of Eric Avery so Felicity’s knowledge means that she is such a rock within our community,” Lara said.
“It’s great to bring beautiful music to Wollongong and the Illawarra. Culture Bank is amazing because residents can help pay for musicians like Eric to come and perform.
“We need more members for Culture Bank for these exquisite performances, to support Eric, to enrich our community. So join Culture Bank! I’ve been paying $10 dollars a month for 11 years – but you can choose what you want.”
Find out more about Culture Bank on its website.
