With a career that spans collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, including co-founding the Black Arm Band and working alongside Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter, Uncle David’s music tells powerful stories from the heart.
Uncle David Arden is a celebrated Kokatha/Gunditjmara musician and songwriter with over four decades of groundbreaking work in the music scene. His collaborations have shaped the careers of both First Nations and non-First Nations artists alike.
David fronted the Koori Youth Band in 1986 and went on to perform with iconic artists such as Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, and Bart Willoughby. He worked closely with Archie and Ruby between 1990-1994 and again in 2006-2010, contributing songs like famed ‘So Young’ to Archie’s Jamu Dreaming album and performing it at the 2014 AFL Dreamtime at The G in front of 70,000 fans.
As co-founder and Musical Director of The Black Arm Band in 2006, David helped bring together some of the most respected names in the music industry. His single ‘Freedom Called,’ co-written with Paul Kelly, highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander military service.
Now, David brings his incredible storytelling and musical talents to The Count’s for a one-of-a-kind solo performance, kicking off MPAC’s inaugural Blakout series.
Make a meal of it! The music gets underway at 7.30pm, but arrive a bit earlier if you can. From 6.30pm, enjoy pre-show dinner and drinks at The Count’s Italian-style kitchen and bar.
This show is proudly part of Blakout. Blakout is a bold celebration of First Nations talent, shining a spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Reconciliation Week to NAIDOC Week. Experience a deadly mix of music and dance, with a multi-generational lineup that brings powerful First Nations storytelling to life.
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