Adelaide Guitar Festival's Blak Country

Blak Country celebrates the resonance First Nations people around the world have found in country music, nurturing generations to tell stories about life, land and love.

Following Blak Country’s profoundly moving premiere in 2024, powerful First Nations voices from across generations and around the globe have been touring South Australia’s regions and will gather on Boandik land in Berrin (Mount Gambier) for an outstanding showcase.

Curated by Barkindji Songwoman Nancy Bates, this year’s compelling line-up includes Boandik Elder Yawuri Penny Bonney, musical powerhouse Jess Hitchock, Mitchell Makoons of Manitoba’s Metis community, Kyarna Rose of the Yuin Nation and Western Arrente songwriter Rob Edwards, backed by full band and imagery of the land which breathes life into the songs.

“When we take time – when we make time – to listen to the songs and stories that come from our First Nations songwriters, we are listening to and learning from Country, as our ancestors did and as our grandchildren will do.” - Nancy Bates