A microcosm of national diversity is hoping to use music to bridge cultures in the City of Logan.
There are more than 230 cultures represented in this city. Just a few of them will be showcased at a “sacred music event” this month.
Locally, nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians part of the Bhakti Soul Collective will be taking to the stage at the Bodhi Chan Meditation Centre in Springwood.
The evening will feature Brisbane-based classical Thai musician Peranya Visitchantaragoon, whose work has appeared on HBO’s acclaimed series The White Lotus; virtuoso tabla (an Indian instrument) player Ravikesh Singh; award-winning multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Vanessa Searle; and Logan’s very own Adi Thomas, a musician who has supported the likes of Missy Higgins and Dan Sultan on stage.
Between them, these artists represent cultures from across the globe – including First Nations and Polynesian.
Ms Thomas said there was no better place than Logan to kickstart their “spiritual” performances.
“We have got a real mix of different ethnicities which are a real reflection of Springwood and Logan demographic,” he said.
“It is basically about building community and bringing together multiculturalism.”
Mr Thomas arrived in Logan only eight months ago, but has aready planted his feet and enjoyed what the city has to offer.
Between the friendly people and vibrant cultures, plus proximity to the rest of south-east Queensland, Mr Thomas said Logan had “everything you need”.
He moved down from Far North Queensland, where he worked as a youth community worker in low socio-economic communities.
His passion for supporting and inspiring the young has taken him across eastern Australia.
But his other passion, music, has now brought him to a more spiritual place.
“I’ve always been a spiritually-minded kind of person. I always delved into Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and, because I’ve got First Nations in my blood, delving into that cultural stuff to find what works for me – to find a path for healing, transformation, and just being a better person.
“Music has a way of reaching through boundaries and the other modalities cast… [creating] that feeling of fire, the feeling of connection, the feeling of belonging.”
With his music, Mr Thomas has performed across Australia and the world.
“I’ve supported artists like Missy Higgins and Dan Sultan, played some of the biggest festivals in Australia, toured throughout Hawaii and had music that’s been played throughout Australian radio.”
The Bhakti Soul Collective is playing from 6-7.30pm on Sunday 22 June at 223 Dennis Road, Springwood.
Early bird tickets are $30 and can be made via trybooking.com/DBYBQ.
