‘Best world act’ plays sunday@subi

Grace’s music, like her mixed heritage, reflects and celebrates the diverse influences of her Creole culture. Grace Barb is from a very exotic place!

Grace Barb said the Seychelles people are a unique blend of African, Indian, Chinese, French and British blood.

“A melting pot of people of mixed black, Asian and European heritage,” Grace said.

“The cross-over of pop, funk and reggae while still retaining the authenticity of my Creole roots is very appealing to the wider national and international audience,” she said.

Her music is a colourful combination of Indian Ocean Afro-Creole and island roots - sung in Creole, English and French, and is laced with a modern pop sensibility of reggae and funk.

An experienced performer with a strong stage presence, Grace has shared the stage and played alongside artists such as Tony Allen, Cat Empire, Ben Lee, The Wailers, UB40, Ernest Ranglin, Bombo, The Black Seeds, Mad Professor, and Ba Cissoko. She has also performed at Australia’s prestigious festivals such as Woodford Folk Festival, Perth International Arts Festival, FairbridgeFestival and Southbound Festival.

In November, Grace and her band brought their Afro-Creole groove to the Australasian World Music Expo and the Queenscliff Music Festival in Victoria, Australia to a massive and curious crowd wanting to hear what the Afro-Creole fuss was all about!

Graces debut album ‘Kreol Daughter’was recorded with UK mixer/producer, Jeremy Allom, best known for mixing Massive Attack‘s first famous album, ‘Blue Lines‘ and working with artists such as Bjork, David Bowie, Freddy McGregor, Sly & Robbie and Maxie Priest.

Tickets are free and are available on the day from 1.15pm, with concerts starting at 2pm and finishing at 3.30pm, including a short break to enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine from the Subiaco Arts Centre bar.

The sunday@subi series is a free community concert series that covers a mix of themes and genres suitable for all ages. The series runs every Sunday from 18 July to 3 October at the Subiaco Art Centre, 180 Hamersley Road, Subiaco. For more information visit www.subiaco.wa.gov.au or contact the City of Subiaco on 9237 9222.

Season at a glance

22 August
Grace Barb & Seychelles Rhythms

29 August
Urban Cowboy Band

5 September
Adam Hall & the Velvet Playboys

12 September
Angel Sounds
Featuring Bronwyn Wallis

19 September
Sabroson
Contemporary Afro-Cuban music

26 September
The DomNicks
Classic rock ‘n’ roll with Perth’s rock legends

3 October
Justin Freind
Perth’s favourite tenor