Half the Sky brings together Australia’s finest music, cabaret and comedy artists including Blue
King Brown, Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier, Vika and Linda Bull, Tina Del Twist, Briony
McKenzie ,The Sunshine Sisters, Flap!, She Said Zed and Rachel Berger in an unmissable
celebration of International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women and reminds us of the
discrimination many still face around the globe. All proceeds from the Half the Sky concert go to
International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) to fund their work with women across Asia
and the Pacific.
“International Women’s Day is the moment in each year where we unite across cultural, economic and political differences to celebrate our vision and purpose – women’s rights and
gender equality.” said IWDA Executive Director, Joanna Hayter.
MC for the night Rachel Berger is one of Australia’s favourite stand-up comedians. “I’m humbled by the work that IWDA does so it’s a privilege to be the MC for this event and for this amazing
line up”, said Rachel. “Together we can celebrate the indescribable obstacles that women
worldwide overcome in order to thrive. If houses are burnt, women will rebuild, if harvests
are destroyed, women will sow immediately. So let’s come together on this day to applaud
women’s strength, tenacity and resilience.”
Performing at Half the Sky:
Natalie Pa’apa’a and other members of Blue King Brown, known internationally for its high energy, socially conscious music. In 2012 Deborah Conway and Willie Zygier sing about the things that make 50-somethings furious, miserable, wistful, amused, curious and even occasionally happy.
Vika and Linda Bull born of a Tongan mother and Australian father comprise one of the most distinctive, versatile and emotionally charged sounds on the Australian music landscape.
Tina Del Twist is a consummate cabaret performer Wes Snelling’s alter ego. Tina is a beautiful jazz/blues singer but beyond this are her funny, eccentric, debauched, glamorous, daring and extraordinary tales of her career.
Flap!'s onstage energy is exciting, sometimes frightening, and disarmingly delightful. Jess Guille's vocals are honey-sweet, while Eamon McNelis' trumpet playing is a riot of colour and rhythm. Soulful Melbourne-born song-smith Briony MacKenzie is defined by her long-standing love affair with jazz, soul and blues. Briony Mackenzie is a former intern, volunteer and staff member of IWDA. She Said Zed are three sisters from the inner suburbs; a blonde, a brunette and an occasional redhead, when she’s feeling flush who has been furiously penning tunes for the last six years.
The Sunshine Sisters are an increasingly prominent group from indigenous and multicultural backgrounds known for fresh songs, sweet harmonies and infectious rhythms.
International Women’s Development Agency is the only Australian development organisation entirely focused on women’s rights and gender equality. IWDA’s vision is for a just, equitable and sustainable world where women have a powerful voice in economic, cultural, civil and political life. IWDA is secular, not-for-profit and works in partnership to create positive change.
For more information visit www.iwda.org.au
