Ernie Dingo and Indigenous artists headed to Margaret River Heart for a yarn this October

Margaret River audiences are in for a treat with a showcase of Indigenous talent fronted by legendary performer Ernie Dingo coming to town this month.

Yarning Singing, the latest production from the Phil Walleystack Indigenous Arts Foundation, hits the Margaret River Heart on October 20 for a 90-minute show featuring Aboriginal artists Sam B, Miss Genius, the Warangka Band, and Walleystack himself.

Workshops will also be held to coincide with the performances which recently scored $61,655 in funding from the State Government’s Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program.

The family-friendly workshops will give youngsters an incredible chance to get up close and personal with cultural icon Dingo at free acting workshops in the Heart’s studio space.

Known as one of Australia’s best-known and most loved performers, Dingo will give an introduction to acting and self-esteem development through confidence-building and fun improvisation activities which promoters said would involve the veteran actor and comedian “taking participants out of their comfort zone”.

A second workshop on the same day at the Zone Room was designed for budding percussionists aged 12 to 25.

Artist Reggie D’Souza will lead the drum and percussion program suitable for all skill levels.

“The overall experience of making music together creates unity, motivation and group bonding and best of all is fun,” the promoters said.

“By bringing people together with a common focus, drumming has the capacity to release negative feelings and leave people with a sense of belonging.”

Both workshops were free and held at 4.30pm on the same day as the performance.

The culminating 7pm show features a full-blown musical extravaganza with the Bunbury-based family Warangka Band headlining.

Smooth tunes come from WA-based rapper Sam B, and Maduwongga and Noongar woman Miss Genius whose own brand of hip-hop, which includes WA Music award-winning tunes, are informed by her efforts to overcome a hard upbringing and lead by example for Indigenous Australians.

Walleystack grew up in regional WA and has performed in one genre or another since he was a child.

His passion for music and connecting with audiences has seen him tour as far as the US, Germany, France and China during the past decade showcasing his fusion of country-rock and pop music.

Dingo will MC the night as well as take part in the workshops.

Visit margaretriverheart.com.au for tickets.