Rave about Arts

Brazilian Party - Ravensthorpe Style

Bossa Nova Baby with Juliana Areias, Ravensthorpe Hall.

It nearly didn’t happen, and one wayward saxophone player made a detour via Albany, but in the end around 100 people gathered together on the island of Ravensthorpe to celebrate community cohesion. Bossa Nova Baby, a Brazilian concert with internationally recognised Brazilian singer Juliana Areias made the adventurous trip to Ravensthorpe on Saturday 18th February to deliver an authentic cultural experience.

The evening began with a rather happy bunch of Hopetoun dwellers hopping on the bus bound for Ravensthorpe. Thanks to Lotterywest, the bus service could be provided, thus we could enjoy the company of Robert Bawden our dependable bus driver.

Once at the Ravensthorpe Hall, the choice for ticket holders was either Brazilian Entrees or Samba Lessons. Not to make a bad decision, both were very much enjoyed. The only disappointment was that everyone could dance really well and picked up the steps so quickly that there was very little foot stumbling amongst friends and no one to giggle about. Some of the staff from Hopetoun Primary School had quite the sultry Samba moves going on.

Juliana Areias and her 5-piece band put on a great show of smooth jazzy numbers. The vibrant audience had dressed well for the occasion donning bright frocks and some very creative home-made feather head wear. As the evening went on, the table decorations became dress ups and even the blokes luxuriated in a bit of sparkle-glamour. The spirit of small community fellowship was louder than the music, but only just!

In line with the theme, Kristin’s Kitchen provided a divine array of Brazilian cuisine which absolutely hit the mark. Even Juliana (100% Brazilian) and her band were impressed. The dessert table was also well received, kindly provided by RRAC committee members, and the friendly volunteers manning the bar were equally popular.

Special guests Gustav Hellberg and Hulga Ros Gudnadottir, artists-in-residence for the International Art Space Project #northbysoutheast, danced until their little Nordic hearts were content. Both were quite taken aback by how supportive and positive our community was in the circumstances surrounding the week that had been.

A popular artist once said "Aint no mountain high enough, aint no valley low enough, aint no river wide enough, to keep me from gettin' to you babe". Rain, Hail or Shine, Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council will continue to bring Cultural & Artistic events and activities to our area to invoke and enhance community spirit.

RRAC whole heartedly thanks every person that volunteered to ensure the smooth running of this event. Also a big thank you to those who purchased tickets, as we know many momentarily put aside some deep concerns to  join us in the spirit of 'togetherness' and community support.

Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council receives core funding from Country Arts WA, which receives funding from the State Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest.