Australian Indian-fusion singer and songwriter Menaka will be visiting Bundaberg for a series of events celebrating global music.
Known for her unique blend of traditional Indian music with contemporary influences, Menaka will be joined by percussionist Tsoof Baras and songstress Kelsey Giarola for a series of events running from 21 to 23 November.
With the support of Bundaberg and District Neighbourhood Centre and the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), Menaka and friends will also collaborate with local artists and facilitators, Christie Jacobsen (Director, Bundaberg Voice Collective) and Cynthia Hoogstraten (Former President of Unity Drummers Inc).
Menaka’s journey as an artist began at the age of five, studying South Indian (Carnatic) music from her mother.
Following a health crisis that nearly cost her vision, she found solace in songwriting, culminating in her debut album, ‘My Eyes Can See’ released in 2019.
Menaka’s accolades include a Queensland Music Award for Best Song (World) in 2023 and performing at major festivals including the Woodford Folk Festival.
Find details of Menaka’s Bundaberg events below:
Live Performance at Oodies Café
Date: Thursday 21 November 7 pm
Tickets: Available here.
An intimate evening of music at Oodies Café, where Menaka presents original songs that seamlessly blend traditional Indian vocals with contemporary influences.
Together with accomplished musicians Tsoof Baras and Kelsey Giarola, Menaka weaves a tapestry of sounds at the intersection of East and West, leading her voice to music that seeks to connect, inspire and unite.
Songwriting Workshop
Date: Friday 22 November 5 pm
Register: To register attendance contact Cameron on 0419 729 998
Hosted by Bundaberg-based music school Bandwagon Music Lessons, this workshop invites participants to immerse themselves in an evening of creativity.
Menaka, Kelsey and Tsoof will discuss their songwriting processes, share insights and perform select songs that highlight their unique approaches.
From introspective narratives to fusions of diverse melodic and rhythmic frameworks, attendees will experience the intercultural dimensions of musical expression.
Weaving Worlds Workshop
Date: Saturday 23 November 9.30 am onwards
Tickets: $15 for one workshop and $20 (children and under 10’s for free), available here.
Weaving Worlds offers a day of immersive workshops that celebrate the tapestry of global music and rhythm.
From the song traditions of India and Africa to the modern and contemporary genres of expression, this is a rare and unique creative learning experience for the whole family, for all ages, abilities, musical backgrounds and levels of musical experience.
The workshops are a collaboration between Brisbane-based artists Menaka, Kelsey and Tsoof, with local talents Christie Jacobsen (Director, Bundaberg Voice Collective) and Cynthia Hoogstraten (Former President of Unity Drummers Inc).
Weaving Worlds has been supported by the Bundaberg and District Neighbourhood Centre and the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
For more information and to register for these events workshops, contact Menaka at musicwithmenaka@gmail.com.
