Canowindra-based singer songwriter Nerida Cuddy is hosting a special event to introduce her new book and album on Saturday, 25 October.
This is a concert with a difference, featuring Nerida's songs, poems, writings and favourite photographs all woven together to
help lead the audience in a time of reflection.
In these uncertain times, and with all the losses and traumas we end up holding in life, how do we also hold onto hope and faith?
Nerida's new album, In the Midst of the Dark, and her new Companion book, both wrestle with these questions.
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In the Midst of the Dark was skilfully produced by Nerida’s Nashville-based, Grammy-nominated cousin Paul Colman, who came and recorded the album last year in a beautiful farmhouse in Canowindra.
In reviewing the album, Australian singer/ songwriter (and multiple award winner) Colin Buchanan said the songs “awaken and help us make sense of our feelings and experiences”, with a “refreshingly rootsy… lyrical and musical authenticity that shines”.
After finishing the album, Nerida gathered its lyrics together with more of her writing, together with some of her favourite photographs, and formed a beautiful book for reflection called Companion.
Described as “a masterpiece… inspiring, vulnerable, wise and poetic”; “a deeply relatable and evocative work [that] gives permission to feel”; Companion is a visually beautiful work “designed and curated to enable contemplation, reflection and
healing” (Lesa Scholl, Melbourne Anglican Magazine).
To know how best to celebrate and share this new creative work has been challenging for Nerida, who is well aware that it is quite unusual to perform songs that are so personal, emotional and at times spiritual.
“I know that this is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, I also know that every person has to face these questions at some
time in life. I have worked really hard at creating a concert experience that includes light and laughter, as well as the hard things, and it actually holds out a safe space for people to reflect on and even enjoy the content.”
The upcoming Canowindra concert isn’t the first time this material has been performed; in August, Nerida shared a similar event with a full audience in an old church by the sea in Kiama (Kiama Anglican).
This concert was described as “a wonderful gift… moving… full of depth and authenticity… Nerida didn’t shy away from talking about grief, lament and hope - but she did it sensitively and wisely”.
What: Introducing Nerida's new album and companion book
When: Saturday, 25 October 7-9pm
Where: Perennialle Plants event space, Canowindra.
Cost is $20 (includes a light supper).
More information via Humanitix (search nerida-holding-hope); also on Nerida’s socials, or via neridacuddy@gmail.com; www.nerida.inf
