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Mauboy sings in rain despite lights out

Showing her true colours as a girl of the north, R&B singing sensation Jessica Mauboy did not miss a beat when the first wet season rains poured down on Derby and the lights went out – she just kept singing.

Mauboy stole hearts as she performed for a crowd of 2000 at a free Derby community concert to promote healthy lifestyles, the SmokeFree WAHAWK now! Derby Freshfest last Friday evening.

Still abuzz from her previous night’s performance at the ARIAS with legends Yothu Yindi, Dan Sultan, Paul Kelly and Peter Garrett, she was thrilled with the reception to her first trip to the town.

Swooping in by helicopter just before sunset, Mauboy landed right on the local race track, metres from a sea of little children. The star shook many of the youngsters’ hands, as the crowd screamed her name.

People had been lining up since 4pm that afternoon – a practice almost unheard of in Derby, showing the Shire of Derby West Kimberley had backed a winner with the inaugural event.

Derby Freshfest continued into the evening and was a resounding success, from local dance school performances, a dance competition, bands, right through to the main act, and beyond, when a torrential downpour added a crazy Derby twist to the fabulous night, that was truly atmospheric and unforgettable.

Mauboy, originally from Darwin, was not fazed by the rain and kept singing to her adoring crowd until officials stopped the show for safety reasons.