FOR singer-songwriter Dave Arden, visiting south-west Victoria feels like coming home.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While he was born and raised in Melbourne, his family is originally from the indigenous missions of Lake Condah and Framlingham.
“It’s my belonging place – it’s where my family (shed) blood, sweat and tears … for many, many centuries,” Arden said.
“It’s a healing place. When I (need a break from) the city, I can go home to recharge.”
Arden will return to country on September 2 to play at the Heywood Community Hall and September 3 to play at Warrnambool’s Lighthouse Theatre.
His current show, which features Warrnambool musos Ruben Shannon and Richard Tankard, promotes his new album Close My Eyes, but it’s about more than just the songs.
“It’s about identity … and telling beautiful Australian stories,” he said.
“The response has been phenomenal. After the show, people have waited to talk to me about how they felt and what it meant to them. They’re crying and laughing.”