Celebrated singer songwriter Emma Donovan brings her new album ‘Til My Song is Done’ to the Bundanon stage. Blending reggae, gospel, soul and country, Emma and her band will enchant with heartfelt songs and rich storytelling.
Australia’s queen of soul, Emma Donovan and her band take to the stage at Bundanon. Fresh off a national tour for her highly anticipated, ARIA-nominated album ‘Til My Song is Done, Emma will enchant with her trademark blend of reggae, gospel and soul and a return to her country music roots. Emma’s childhood was spent travelling out to Tamworth with the family country music band, The Donovans. This concert draws on those memories, infusing rich storytelling with heartfelt performance.
Emma is supported by South Coast Yuin choir Djinama Yilaga, with a breathtaking performance in Dhurga language.
Celebrate summer and spend the afternoon at Bundanon, with a pop-up bar and snacks from 4pm and the Art Museum open late until 6pm. Bring a picnic rug and sit on the hill to enjoy these spectacular performances in a spectacular landscape.
KEY EVENT TIMINGS
10.00am–6.00pm — Art Museum open
10.00am–4.00pm — Ramox Cafe open (Kitchen closes at 3pm)
3.00–7.00pm — Farmhouse Bar open
3.00pm — Doors open
3.30pm — Shuttle bus arrives
5.00pm — Welcome to Country
5.15–5.45pm — Djinama Yilaga
5.45–6.30pm — Emma Donovan & Band
6.45pm — Shuttle bus departs
7.00pm — Venue closes
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION
- A free return shuttle bus will run from Bomaderry Train Station & Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. Bookings essential. Read more & book
- This is an outdoor concert
- The concert will go ahead rain or shine – please bring sun protection and something to keep you warm and dry in case of inclement weather. Handheld fans & insect repellent are recommended due to the natural landscape.
- There are various unreserved seating options – theatre-style and cabaret seating on the forecourt, or the option to picnic on the hill.
- Bundanon is a licensed venue, so BYO alcohol is not permitted.
- Food and beverages will be available to purchase at the event.
- If sitting on the hill, you are welcome to bring a small picnic blanket or low back ‘festival chairs’. Standard height camping chairs and eskys will not be permitted.
- A water station will be available, please bring your own refillable bottle. We ask that these be empty upon arrival.
ABOUT EMMA DONOVAN
Emma Donovan has been touring the country for over 20 years, performing soulful songs and sharing powerful stories with audiences around the globe. Before she became known for her work with greatly admired Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks and the extraordinary Black Arm Band project, Emma first appeared on the stage with her renowned family band The Donovans, performing church song renditions with her mother Agnes, her five uncles and maternal grandparents Micko and Aileen.
On her mother’s side, Emma is part of the famed Donovan family of singers of the Gumbaynggirr people, of what is now known as Northern New South Whales. On her father’s side, Emma is of the Yamatji people of what is now known as Western Australia. Emma regularly performs songs in Gumbaynggirr and Noongar traditional languages, and shares stories to provide her audiences with an understanding of Country and community.
In 2024, Emma released her debut solo album ‘Til My Song is Done’. Emma has toured and recorded with the best in the Australian music scene including Paul Kelly, The Teskey Brothers, Yothu Yindi, Paul Grabowsky, Jen Cloher, Spinifex Gum and the late Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter.
ABOUT DJINAMA YILAGA
Djinama Yilaga is an intergenerational Yuin choir, established in 2019. Meaning ‘happy ceremony’ in Dhurga language, Djinama Yilaga sings in Dhurga and is led by renowned Walbunga/Ngarigo artist, Cheryl Davison. Yuin people were often multi-lingual, speaking and understanding languages of neighbouring and visiting groups. Dhurga was spoken and understood by many within the 13 tribes of the Yuin Nation. It was the dominant tongue of the Walbunga people of the Broulee region and the Brindja Yuin people of Moruya. The choir has gone from strength to strength and is continually requested to perform at local and national events.
“A once-in-a-generation voice such as Donovan’s must be heard, shared and celebrated.”
— Beat Magazine
“Emma’s voice is everything you’d want in a soul singer. She’s the real deal.”
– Wax Poetics
Stay The Night
Make a weekend of it and fully experience Bundanon with this rare two-night Stay: Yana Waridba, a weekend of play at Bundanon. Experience First Nations art and culture with delicious meals, storytelling, stargazing and more.
