Bunna Lawrie
Charismatic frontman of Coloured Stone, the band founded in 1977 by Bunna Lawrie on the Kooniba Mission in Australia's Northern Territory, Lawrie, along with two of his brothers, started out as a cover band playing small towns and settlements. The band rose to prominence with their 1984 debut release Kooniba Rock. This and its 1985 follow-up, Island of Greed, landed them spots on Australian national radio and led to their extensive tours. Throughout the ’80s the group released numerous albums in Australia, and one American release, Black Rock From Red Center, which came out on Rounder Records in 1987. In the ’90s the group slowed their recording and touring schedule but they managed to release a few albums including a greatest hits compilation in 1997 Best of Coloured Stone. In 1999 Lawrie became the first Aboriginal Australian to receive the coveted Don Banks Music Award, a prize usually reserved for Australian classical musicians. Lawrie joins The Black Arm Band for Hidden Republic, premiering at the 2008 Melbourne International Arts Festival.
