Ashley Dargan

Ashley Dargan is a descendent of the Aboriginal people of Northern Australia and a member of the Larrikia Tribe. He has been named "Bamboo Man" (ceremonial didgeridoo player) for the Larrikia by the leading Aboriginal Songmen and Lawmen of the Kakadu region, who have also directed him to bring his playing of their sacred tribal instrument to "all people of all colours". Ashely's years in the Outback of the Northern Territory, Australia, where he has his Aboriginal roots as well as his connection to his elders and the land, has empowered him to translate the rhythm of the Earth into his music thus creating a powerful and soul stirring sound.

Ashely began his education in classical music (trumpet) and musical theory at the age of five, completing the highest level of Trinitly Classical Music Examinations in the Commonwealth countries. Throughout his late teens/early twenties Ashley added modern music (encompassing reggae to blues) to his repertoire, performing as a percussionist/drummer with popular local bands such as Strange Bedfellows, in both Queensland and the Northern Territory.

During Ashley's first visit to the United States in 1995, he performed at the One World Music Festival Angel Fire, New Mexico and in concert in Taos. Keeping his commitment to educate people about his land, traditions and the didgeridoo, Ashley also taught several highly successful 'Sacred Sound' workshops in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and New York in that same year. Since then Ashley has held a management position with the world renowned Tjapukai Dance Theatre and Cultural Park in Cairns, Australia. In October 1996, Ashely recorded the didgeridoo soundtrack for an upcoming National Geographic video on Aboriginal Australia.

At twenty-seven years of age, Ash Dargan's talents are many. In addition to writing, composing and producing his own music, he plays didgerioo, Native American Flute, drums, guitar, percussion, keyboards as well as performing as a vocalist. Bringing together these instruments in the purity of ancient rhythm and tribal sounds, the melodic resonance of classical composition, spirit and pulse of our contemporary worldbeat, Ashley Dargan's musical offerings create a unique synthesis which will usher a new era of music.

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