Indigenous violin maestro and headline act of Folk By The Sea, Kabi Marrawuy Mumbulla - widely known as Eric Avery - has become a cultural icon, blending his rich heritage with exceptional musical talent. Avery captured the nation’s attention as the star of the Optus “It Starts with YES” television commercial, where he portrayed a steelworker who played the violin for his workmates during lunch breaks while secretly dreaming of performing with orchestras.

The commercial, filmed at the Port Kembla Steelworks and various other locations, was released in 2022. It tells the inspiring story of a steelworker whose colleagues, moved by his performances of “Working-Class Man” on the violin, decide to film and upload his lunchtime recitals to social media. The clip goes viral, catching the attention of an orchestra that offers him a chance to perform. In true Optus fashion, the steelworker-violinist's response is a resounding “YES.” The final scene shows the violinist stepping onto the stage before a vast audience, ready to fulfill his dream.

Avery was a perfect fit for the role. By 2022, he was already an established performer with a series of impressive credits, including collaborations with international stars like celebrated US cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Australian pop icon Tina Arena. He was also a 2021 Myer Creative Fellow and a visiting artist at Bundanon in the Shoalhaven in 2019.

Avery, who is a versatile violinist, vocalist, dancer, and composer, hails from the Ngiyampaa, Yuin, and Gumbangirr peoples of New South Wales. His work is deeply connected to his cultural roots, often incorporating his family's custodial songs. His haunting compositions frequently feature the Ngiyampaa language, offering a deeply evocative experience as he sings while playing the violin.

Reflecting on his experience filming the commercial, Avery shared that it not only built his confidence in performing before cameras but also allowed him to form lasting friendships with the musicians he met during the production. “I also got to play with an orchestra and made some good friends among the musicians I met doing that ad,” he said.

Avery’s journey with the violin began in his early teens. Growing up in the St George area of Sydney, he first picked up a toy violin at age 12. “It was really a toy, but I was able to make notes on it,” he recalled. His mother soon recognised his potential and bought him a proper violin when he was 13. Avery began teaching himself but eventually started lessons at 14, after his mother insisted on formal training. “The teacher described me as a ‘wild horse that needed to be tamed,’” Avery said. “I am not sure that I needed taming, but the lessons gave me much better technical skills and allowed me to really hone my skills and control how I wanted to play.”

He further refined his style busking in the Blue Mountains with his father, who played the didgeridoo, while also studying dance for three years. Today, Avery seamlessly blends his musicianship, dance, and singing into his live performances, creating a uniquely immersive experience.

Avery is particularly proud of his role in preserving and promoting the languages of his ancestors, especially those of his father's family, the Ngiyampaa people of north-western NSW. “I actually got to listen to my Ngiyampaa ancestors singing in their own language in a recording at the National Library, made in the 1970s by a linguist who was seeking to preserve the language,” he shared. “I now sing those songs—and I was fortunate to perform them at a land rights ceremony at Mt Grenfell, near Cobar, a few years ago. That was a very spiritual experience.”

Folk By The Sea Director Neil McCann sees Avery as one of the must-see acts at the festival, where he will perform twice on Saturday, September 21. “I can’t go past Eric Avery as the act that I am most looking forward to seeing perform live. He is a unique performer, and I think he will bring something very special to our festival,” McCann said.

In addition to Avery, this year’s Folk By The Sea festival will showcase a diverse array of musical styles among its 44 acts. Other Indigenous performers include the award-winning Shellie Morris from the Northern Territory and Victorian singer-songwriter Pirritu. The festival’s eclectic lineup also features the baritone brilliance of Mikelangelo, who will perform a tribute to The Pogues’ Shane McGowan, and talented young female singer-songwriters like Hedy Blaazer and Isobel Knight. Attendees can also look forward to the energetic sounds of folk bands like Cigány Weaver.

For those who enjoy a good laugh, the festival will offer comedy performances from circuit favorites Glover and Sorrensen, comedian and storyteller Peter Willey, and the Illawarra musical comedy duo Rheinberger and Wilson.

Kiama, the host town, will be well represented by local talent, including the Kiama Sea Shanty Club, the Kiama Pipe Band, singers Penny Hartgerink and Jessica Allan, and The Carefree Road Band, whose nine members include Kiama residents Louise and Mark Raue and Joel Robards.

The Bugle has published the full program for Folk By The Sea as a lift-out in this edition. Save it for September 20-22, so you can see the full line-up of acts. Tickets and additional information for the three-day festival, held at Kiama Showground, are available at www.folkbythesea.com.au.