Coming to Devon for the first time is 80 year old desert blues singer Kankawa Nagarra. She’ll be performing at Outside on Wednesday the 12th of August, fresh off stage from the WOMAD Festival.
Kankawa Nagarra has had an extraordinary musical career even though she didn’t own her own guitar until she was 40. A Walmatjarri Elder from the Kimberley, Nagarra has found musical inspiration from the tribal songs of her childhood, through the gospel songs of the mission she grew up on and the country music and rock ’n’ roll of the pastoral lease she worked on. But it was the blues that really awakened her and gave her the medium to express all her thoughts and feelings and turn them into songs. Her message of empathy extends to all of those she sees struggling around her and to the entire planet that she sees is being ravaged for profit.
In 2024 at the age of 78, won the 20th Australian Music Prize for her album Wirlmarni, beating acts like Nick Cave and Amyl and the Sniffers. The album was recorded outside on her own County, and shifts between musical styles and the four indigenous languages she speaks, backed by the buzz of night bugs and call of daytime birds. You can even hear the rustle of tin foil wrapping kangaroo tail to be cooked on the fire.
Joining Kankawa on her UK tour is Australian songwriter, performer and producer Darren Hanlon, who recorded and produced her award-winning album Wirlmarni and runs the label that released it, Flippin Yeah Records. A beloved artist in his own right, Darren has spent decades touring and releasing acclaimed records, building a devoted following across Australia and beyond. He has previously toured the UK supporting some of his musical heroes, including The Magnetic Fields and Billy Bragg, and has appeared at festivals such as Green Man and End of the Road. He has even made a cameo appearance in the hit children's TV show Bluey.
Hanlon will perform his own set and then conduct a Q & A with Kankawa where they’ll discuss her incredible history and connection to language, and then join her on electric guitar for her own musical set. Not to be missed!
Doors at 6pm. Join us early for pizzas from 6–8pm, with happy hour running from 6–7pm and 10% off pizzas. We'll have the fire pits lit outside and, in good weather, the skate bowl will be open to skate or watch before the show.
Set within our two-acre venue near Bantham Beach in South Devon, these intimate performances offer the chance to experience incredible live music alongside great food, drinks and the unique atmosphere that has made Outside a destination for live music in Devon. Arrive early, settle in and make an evening of it!
Please note that all tickets are general admission. We have limited parking so please car share, cycle, skate or walk if possible! You will not receive a physical ticket for this gig so if you would like to purchase these tickets as a gift, please just let us know the name of the attendee/s after you've made your purchase as we will have a list of names on the door. Cancellations & Refunds These tickets are non-refundable except in the event of cancellation or rescheduling. If the event is cancelled, a full refund will be offered. If the event is rescheduled, you will have the option to transfer your ticket to the new date or request a refund if you’re unable to attend. If you’d like to change the name on your booking, please contact us in advance so we can update the door list.
