Bad Apples Music and the Dungala Kaiela Foundation in collaboration with Australian Live Music Industry Leaders including Frontier Touring, Live Nation Australia, Live Performance Australia, and TEG Live, today announce Now & Forever a unique concert event set to take place on Friday 6th October at the Shepparton Showgrounds, Yorta Yorta Woka. 

An Artist and First Nations led initiative, Now & Forever is a celebration and invitation to stand in solidarity with community, to amplify choosing yes for the 2023 Referendum.  

Invited by Bad Apples Music founder, rapper, and author Briggs, Now & Forever will showcase an epic line-up of supreme Australian talent who champion a way to yes, including:  

A.B. ORIGINAL, BAKER BOY, BARKAA, EMMA DONOVAN, HILLTOP HOODS, JIMMY BARNES, MO’JU AND PAUL KELLY, CO-HOSTED BY SAM PANG 

Gates to the picnic-style event will open at 2pm, with music kicking off at 3pm and running into the evening. Artists will perform across one main stage, with special guest appearances and collaborations expected throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at Shepparton Showgrounds early, to soak in the atmosphere of what promises to be a unique and unforgettable event on October 6.  

The idea for Now & Forever 2023 was born in Shepparton, Yorta Yorta Woka and has gathered widespread support and enthusiasm across First Nations leaders, the live music industry, the local community and broader region.

“I had to bring this home because this is where I grew up. We have a once in a generation opportunity to write our future together, and the artists on the bill have signed up for that. This is about celebration, inclusivity, solidarity, positivity and listening, as much as it is about a voice. In that spirit, everyone is welcome to the show - even the undecided voters. And if you don’t know, just come to the show.” – Adam Briggs    

“On behalf of our live music and entertainment industry, we’re proud to stand alongside our artists who are stepping up and speaking out in support of Yes and the opportunity for Australians to come together to recognise our First Nations people, to listen, and walk together to create a better future.” – Evelyn Richardson, CEO, Live Performance Australia 

Tickets ($21.50) for Now & Forever are available from 9:00am AEST today via ticketmaster.com.au/nowandforever    

Tickets are priced to be affordable to everyone. “We understand Shepparton is going to be a destination for a lot of people, and I’m aware of the obstacles”, said Briggs. “I want to make this accessible for everyone and be able to give back to local and national charities doing good work.” 

All proceeds will be donated to not-for-profit and charities doing good work for the region and across the lands we know of as Victoria. 

Now & Forever will offer a range of food and non-alcoholic beverage options, and is an alcohol-free event. For transport details, full event info and tickets, head to ticketmaster.com.au/nowandforever