One of Mount Isa's favourite sons returns to town for next month's Mount Isa Blast.
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William Barton is one of the world's great didgeridoo players and he is set to perform for his home town crowd at the Blast.
The Mount Isa Blast organised by the Queensland Music Festival returns to Mount Isa for an explosive, spectacular set to blast off for three special performances from July 25-27 at the Rodeo arena and organisers say Barton's performance during the Blast show will link together many of the themes woven into the storyline.
The North West Star caught up with the internationally-famous Barton recently, who was between engagements in Sydney and Mexico, and he was excited about the prospect of returning to Mount Isa.
"I'm looking forward to playing in my home country," Barton said.
"It's always good to revitalise the spirit of your inspiration and (Mount Isa) is the origin of it for me."
Barton said his opportunity in life came through the music of his family, which he was fortunate for.
"I learned to play (the didge) from my uncle, he passed away when I was 11, he was a very inspiring individual, he was a lawman and a medicine man in the truest sense," he said.
"I was one of his last students, and I loved the language of that instrument and I decided I wanted to be a part of that musical mystery."
Barton's dad also passed away when William was just 15 but mum Delmae Barton is going strong and as an opera singer, she still performs on occasion with her son.
"Our last performance together was with my partner Véronique Serret, who is a wonderful violinist, at the Woodford Folk Festival," he said.
Barton said he was delighted the QMF asked him to perform in the Mount Isa Blast.
"Mount Isa has always been one of the big partner cities in the QMF," he said.
"It brings opportunities for a different sound perspective to people who don't have an opportunity to listen to unless they go down to the city."
Tickets for 2019's Mount Isa Blast are free however those wishing to attend must register at the website.
SEE ALSO: Mount Isa events calendar
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