Dear Westsider readers
This year is the centenary of the births of two of the twentieth century’s musical greats: John Coltrane and Miles Davis. To mark the occasion two local musicians, Mito Elias and Adam Gauci, have come together to collaborate on a musical tribute that we’re featuring as part of our Westside Spotlight series.
The vision for their work, titled Trane 2 sivaD, imagines Coltrane and Davis passing through Footscray on the train. On an intuitive impulse, they step off at Footscray Station for something to eat. Crossing the street to enter Footscray’s iconic market, they are immersed in a living soundscape: the rhythmic calls of Vietnamese greengrocers, the resonant timbres of the Ethiopian krar, the echoes of Sudanese lutes. Without hesitation, they take out their instruments and initiate an impromptu jam with vendors and musicians alike. The market becomes the central stage: a small Harlem of Melbourne: vibrant, dense and profoundly multicultural – capturing Footscray’s cosmopolitan and polyphonic spirit.
It’s a stonkingly great piece of original music. Listen in and tell me I’m wrong.
Another program highlight for June is Dominique Hes’ Stories of Newport Lakes. Dominique talks to the people who know the place best. Her series captures intimate conversations recorded right where the stories unfold; along the water’s edge, under the trees, with the sounds of nature all around. From the visionaries who imagined Newport Lakes into existence, to families who’ve called it home for generations, to the bird watchers, musicians and everyday visitors finding solace in its landscapes, what emerges is a compelling portrait of community, belonging and the quiet magic that happens when people and nature intersect.
But wait! There’s more. These two excellent shows are part of the suite of new programs we’re rolling out over June and July. Visit the website to find out more. We know you’ll find something there you’ll want to listen to. So, please do.
Mario Pinti
Program Manager
