Issuu

DJARMALAK COME TOGETHER

DARWIN FESTIVAL

BASSINTHEGRASS

Sneak peek at the 2019 program

Meg Mac takes her name back

Concerts on Country

MAY

20 19

MUSIC

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PERFORMING ARTS

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VISUAL ARTS

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BOOKS & FILM

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FOOD & DRINK

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COMMUNITY

Yo u r fre e what ’s o n g u i d e TO TH E TO P E N D

∼ O NE WE E K O NL Y ∼

10 HOT SHOWS OUT NOW BLANC DE BLANC ENCORE LEGS ON THE WALL

MAN WITH THE IRON NECK

By Ursula Yovich

BANGARRA DANCE

30 YEARS OF SIXTY FIVE THOUSAND OPERA AUSTRALIA

MADAMA BUTTERLY

By Puccini

PHARE CIRCUS (Cambodia)

ECLIPSE

MOJO JUJU TOM GLEESON ARENA THEATRE CO

AIR RACE

By RO B BROWN

DARWIN ABORIGINAL ART FAIR DARWIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Mayfair Gallery 7 Harriet Place

Opens 6pm Friday 10 May

Full #DARWINFESTIVAL program on sale 21 JUNE

BOOK NOW AT darwinfestival.org.au

WARRAKAN Reinvigorating the

MECA Collection

MAY 17 - JUNE 8 Fibre works by Tony Cameron + Penny Milingu Wanapuyngu

28 March – 20 July | CDU ART GALLERY A heritage collection of Yolngu bark paintings, sculptural objects, hollow logs, and weavings, collected at Milingimbi in the 1970s. Building Orange 12 Charles Darwin University Casuarina Campus  /cduartgallery

10am - 4pm | Wed to Fri 10am - 2pm | Sat artgallery@cdu.edu.au www.cdu.edu.au/artgallery

Tom Djäwa, Men, turtles and spear, c. 1970s, natural pigments on bark, 98 x 51 cm courtesy Milingimbi Art and Culture, image Fiona Morrison

Lyons Cottage 74 The Esplanade Weekdays: 9am - 4pm sATURDAY: 9am - 2pm Aboriginal Bush Traders aboriginal_bush_traders (08) 8931 6650 aboriginalbushtraders.com

INSIDE

OFFTHELEASH.NET.AU E: editor@offtheleash.net.au T: 08 8941 7413 /OTL.magazine

ey folks, it looks like the weather and the calendar are in sync this year – the Dry season is officially here! You know what this means… All of your beloved annual events are back, plus a few new ones. Darwin Festival has dropped a little glimpse into their program, which looks like it’ll be a bumper as it celebrates its 40th birthday.

F R OM T H E

r o t i d E

Hungry Territorians should prep their bellies for a smorgasbord of foodie events this month. The Darwin Italian Festival gives big eaters the chance to win bragging rights with the spaghetti eating competition (it looks like just as much fun to watch as participate…). If you’re keen to try some proper bush tucker, A Taste of Kakadu is back with a mouth-watering program of fine dining and bush walks, where nature is your tasting plate. Territory Taste Festival and Graze have a bunch of kitchen wizards showing off the best locals have to offer. Cinephiles are spoilt for choice for films under the stars! The NT Travelling Film Festival’s inflatable cinema screen is popping up at outdoor locations, truly making it the most

@OTLmag

#OTLmag

GPO BOX 2325, Darwin NT 0801

picturesque cinema in the world – but I’m totally biased. FlickerFest is also bringing a side-splitting comedy shorts program to the Deckie this year.

The Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival will be Threading the Foreshore with artists and community spirit. Down the track, Pine Creek Gold Rush Festival is eagerly awaiting one lucky punter who might strike it rich panning for gold, and Katherine’s creatives give trash a new life at the Junk Art Festival.

There’s still so much more – BASSINTHEGRASS, Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, Fred’s Pass Rural show… We’ll all need a holiday to recover at the end of May.

Italian Festival | 8

This is my last week keeping the big chair warm here at Off The Leash. I’ll be taking my Christmas jumper and gammon editing skillz back to doing all the fun stuff, as we’ve found a new editor – yay! Tierney White steps up to the plate from next month’s edition. Long-time readers will remember Tierney when she cut her teeth here at Off The Leash in 2015, also as editor of our former youth mag Turn It Up.

Top End Wedding | 9

Stay tuned – greats things are coming in 2019.

Rob Brown | 18 OTL is proudly supported by Tamara Howie Acting Editor/ Journalist

Contributors Kylie Stevenson Anna Dowd

Sarah Novinetz Graphic Designer

Distributed to remote Indigenous communities with the assistance of

#o tlmag

Slide Youth Dance

Deckchair Cinema is back!

use the HAshtag above to see your pics in the magazine

Deckchair Opening Night - snap by Peter Top End Wedding NT Premiere

Frogs like movies, too. Pic: James Parker

Cover proudly sponsored by Djilpin Arts. Tropical wedding cake by @c_bella_m

Tropical wedding cake by @c_bella_m Between the Moon and the Stars opening - MAGNT

@divingtonsteele

Dancer: Eric Malibirr; photo Peter Eve, courtesy of Djilpin Arts

Tracks Dance studio opening

Tracks Dance new studio blessing

Although all care taken to ensure information in Offin The is correct, it is subject to change. We recommend checking offtheleash.net.au for updates. Although alliscare is taken to ensure information OffLeash The Leash is correct, it is subject to change. We recommend checking offtheleash.net.au for updates.

May 2019

FEATURE

DJARMALAK

(COME TOGETHER)

CONCERTS ON COUNTRY

Kira Puru The Merindas

By Tamara Howie

Mojo Juju

photo: Peter Eve

above: Balang T. E. Lewis, 'Bunggul', 2017, limited edition etching, 20x20cm.

ome of the hottest Indigenous performers from around the country will head to the remote community of Beswick for a new series of concerts, celebrating the legacy of Balang T. E. Lewis. Lewis spent his life bridging the gap between black and white Australia through art and music. ‘Culture as identity, art as medicine’, was his consistent message to community and visitors alike. To honour his legacy, the inaugural Concerts on Country series celebrates traditional culture and contemporary Indigenous music with three concerts over the Dry season. Djilpin Arts manager and Lewis’s wife Fleur Parry says the intimate events were born out of a project the acclaimed actor and artist was working on before his sudden death in 2018. “Last year [Lewis] was working on a project at Beswick called Djarmalak," Parry says. "It was about the white cockatoo, a traditional dance that’s really special to Beswick. This is a continuation of that idea and his vision to bring people together to celebrate culture.” The concerts kick off this month with a powerful line-up of Indigenous acts from across the country, and a strong focus on female performers making their mark in the Australian music scene. Kira Puru headlines the May event, with Mojo Juju, The Merindas, and Oetha among the performers set to hit the Beswick stage over the next three months.

“There’s quite a big focus on women, which is another thing that Balang was really keen on. He was always encouraging women in the community to come forward a bit more and always asking his sisters to get up on stage. It was something he felt strongly about – bringing women to the front. We’re following that lead as well.” Multi-talented artist and pop powerhouse Kira Puru is excited to share her music at such a significant event. “Pop music embodies a freedom that is universal and beyond language or taste to a degree," she says. "Even if you listen to classical music primarily, there are at least one or two pop songs that you know and love, right? I like to write music that feels celebratory has a strength at its core. I think this is because I spent a long time feeling disempowered and I want to be the type of artist that I wish I saw on the screen growing up.” “A big part of our individual identity can be accessed through the sharing of music, food and culture. Celebrating community is such a lovely way to feel connected to your history, land and self, or learning more about others.” Each event will be MC’d by Constantina Bush, and feature indigenous DJs, Beswick’s own Wugularr Drifters, workshops, museum tours, art sales, overnight camping, food and barista coffee. Parry says the intimate performances will be special for the locals and visitors to the community.

Bruce Hall

WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 25 – SUN 26 MAY DJILPIN ARTS, BESWICK $65 | $135 GOLD PASS shakespeareaustralia.com.au

“We really wanted to get the exciting, emerging, new and contemporary artists balanced against the traditional practices of Beswick and Arnhem Land, and we wanted to see what other Indigenous artists are doing around the country and bring it remote and straight to the people,” Parry says.

“For people living in Beswick, they don’t really get to see concerts or music events, so it’s about bringing it to their home, and the other side, it’s special for visitors to come in to a very intimate environment and an opportunity to get a glimpse into community life and culture. Hopefully they take that away with them and spread positive messages.”

AROUND TOWN

By Liz Rogers By Anna Dowd

Fred’s Pass Rural Show From bush herbs to buffalo - Darwin’s rural area has an abundance of locally-grown produce ready to discover. Back by popular demand, The Paddock to Plate Marquee at Fred’s Pass Show is the place to learn about what’s being grown and produced in our region. Under one roof you’ll find everything from exotic fruits and tropical spices to locally made beef jerky and fresh farmed NT barramundi. And what’s more, there’s an impressive line-up of celebrity chefs eager to show you how to cook with it. Cooking show style, the likes of Masterchef contestant Rachael Ciesiolka, legendary NT restaurateur Jimmy Shu, and chef and TV presenter Lynton Tapp are set to

take the paddock to the plate and the pond to the pan. My Kitchen Rules alumni Betty Banks says she can’t wait to share her family recipe for steamed barramundi sourced from premium Humpty Doo farmed fish. “My mum is from Laos so we grew up eating this beautiful, simple dish using light and dark soy, loads of ginger, garlic and spring onions,” Banks says.

The 50km Feast. This debut event celebrates locally-sourced ingredients from within 50km and combines them with the skills of top Territory chefs for a sit down feast under the stars. The Fred’s Pass program is more than just food. There are events for the whole family including chainsaw carving, side show alley, horse jumping events and Shannon Noll headlining the music stage.

“Being able to share this as something that we regularly ate together as a family, but using the beautiful produce we have here in Darwin, it’s going to be something really special.”

The 50 Km Feast

If the sound of butter smoked pearl meat and crocodile tacos tickles your tastebuds, you might want to grab your tickets for

WHEN FRI 17 - SUN 19 MAY

WHEN FRI 17 MAY

Paddock To Plate WHEN SAT 18, SUN 19 MAY AT

Espirito do Samba BRAZILIAN SAMBA IS A POWERFUL AND HIGH ENERGY LATIN DANCE style made famous by the Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro and it's seen an explosion of interest around Australia.

In 2017 Erin Gilbert founded Espirito do Samba with an ethos to build a culture of inclusion for people to foster a love of movement and love of self.

COOLALINGA

COST

$15 | $5 CHILD 6-17 |

$40 FAMILY

INFO

fredspassruralshow.com.au

Heritage Festival WHEN SUN 5 – SUN 19 MAY INFO nationaltrust.org.au

Dancer Rachel Marks met Gilbert through Darwin’s Latin community and says the dance group has done far more than just add to her exercise routine. “I wanted to get fit and I wanted to get over the issues I had with my body image,” she says. “I’m feeling so much more confident in myself now. “I also love that it’s a solo dance style – you don’t need a partner and you can practice anywhere. “As a single mum, it’s become so

important to me to have that class as my time.” Since Espirito do Samba opened its doors, their weekly classes and workshops have also seen the development of a professional dance group that performs at corporate gigs, weddings and fiestas around Darwin. Dancer Stacey Anderson says she joined the classes after seeing their glitz and moves at a public event. “I saw two performers at Darwin Carnivale in 2017 and was mesmerised by their confidence and sassy but feminine moves and posture, and I wanted to feel that confident and alive within myself,” she says. “Every week I come to class and train, I feel myself getting closer to that goal.” WHEN EVERY MON & TUE AT STUDIO 13, COCONUT GROVE COST $15 CASUAL CLASS $75 SIX-WEEK TERM INFO facebook.com/ espiritodosamba

EVER BEEN CURIOUS ABOUT THE CHANNEL ISLAND LEPROSARIUM, or wanted to dig a little deeper into the places and stories that make the NT what it is? The NT Heritage Festival is the place to do it, with two weeks of events with annual favourites including the Cemetery Ghost walks. Check out the full program to see what tickles your fancy. In the mean time, here’s Off The Leash’s top picks. Heritage Quiz Night Quiz master Daryl Manzie will test your knowledge of NT Heritage and Darwin’s history, music, sports, geography and much more. WHEN FRI 10 MAY | 5.30PM AT BURNETT HOUSE  COST $20

Cemetery Ghost Walk A dark night, flickering candles and perhaps a ghost or two will greet you as you are guided through this 1873 graveyard. This is your chance to learn more about some of Darwin’s colourful citizens of yesteryear.

WHEN TUE 14 MAY | 7PM AT OLD PALMERSTON CEMETERY, PARAP  COST $20 | $10 CHILD | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Barbara James Lecture This year the annual oration honouring the memory of historian Barbara James will be given by NT administrator Vicki O’Halloran. WHEN WED 15 MAY | 5.30PM  AT BURNETT HOUSE GARDENS COST $15

Channel Island Leprosarium Guided Walk This is a rare opportunity to take a

walk with your knowledgeable guide Michael Wells and learn some of the history of this area. WHEN SUN 19 MAY | 9AM AT CHANNEL ISLAND COST $10 | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

“Dragged Screaming to Paradise” Hear Suzanne Spunner’s award winning play read by Annie Gastin. WHEN AT COST

SUN 19 MAY | 6PM AUDIT HOUSE, MYILLY POINT HERITAGE PRECINCT $25

18 May Prayer Corby & MELANIE GRAY DUO

WHEN SUN 12 MAY | 8AM-12PM AT EAST POINT RESERVE COST FREE INFO darwin.nt.gov.au

Tarzan McDonald & David Collins

Community 2 Art Tree Planting Street THE CITY OF DARWIN’S STREET TO ART program is kicking in to gear. Artist Tarzan McDonald is taking the reins as a producer to help local artist transform six walls throughout Darwin. Here’s what she had to tell us about herself and the project. Tell us a bit about yourself as an artist. Have you ever worked on murals before? I’m a mixed media artist and predominantly a graphic designer. I have dabbled in mural art in Yogyakarta in Indonesia. That process made me realise it’s a possibility for me to branch out on to a wall as a graphic designer. Also having the opportunity to

exhibit in the Darwin Lightbox series added a whole new dimension of how many different ways there are to create public art to a large scale. Who will benefit most from being part of this project? Emerging artists and artists who have a high interest in going big with their art, but aren’t sure about the process of getting their work out there. It’s a super-exciting opportunity for artists to build their confidence and work through all the stages, from budgets to contacting building vendors, through to thinking about cultural awareness. It’s a super-supported space with a really lovely mentoring organisation.

The brief mentions ‘thinking outside the box’ - what are some examples of this? There’s one wall where there’s the possibility that rather than painting it, it could be a process of elimination and using a water blaster to get rid of dirty areas, like stencil art. We want to see a large scope of different artists and there are means for adaptation of your artform to get it on the wall. How do people get involved? Check the City of Darwin website and social media for all the latest information on what you need to do.

EOI Painting Workshop INFO

darwin.nt.gov.au

EAST POINT RESERVE IS THE NEXT LOCATION to get a spruce up with a community tree-planting day more than 12 months after the devastating impact of Cyclone Marcus. Co-ordinator Jamie Lewis encourages everyone to come and help replant native plants to help the reserve flourish. “We will be planting a range of local native monsoon vine forest species to try and replicate the existing forest as much as possible,” he says. “Replicating the native forest means we will be providing suitable habitat for a whole range of creatures that call East Point home. We will also be planting a few species that the threatened Atlas Moth feeds and lays eggs on to help facilitate the return of this unique species to East Point Reserve.” More than 2000 trees and shrubs are to be planted as part of the City of Darwin’s replanting program to

establish resilient urban forest. “An urban forest has a range of functions including cooling, creating a sense of place, providing habitat, storm water and climate change mitigation and encouraging people to spend more time outdoors,” Lewis says. “Trees and shrubs have specific environmental requirements, and when considering which species to plant, each site must be matched to a plant that will do well in that location. It’s all about finding the right tree for the location.” The whole family is invited to get down and lend a hand. “It’s a great opportunity to learn about our local plants from Council's expert staff and a good opportunity to come and contribute to building a forest that will hopefully be there for generations,” Lewis says. “There will be a free BBQ and cold drinks and we hope it will be a great day for families to get outdoors.”

Arts e

Notic Board

Young Territory Author Awards AWARDS Each year the Young Territory Author Awards give insight into the creative minds right across the Territory, and lets them share the stories close to their hearts. Library manager Stacey Rosser says the annual competition, now in its 29th year, is open to everyone aged under 18, and they’d love to see more stories from remote areas in the Territory.

“It’s a chance to share a story that's important to them and the way they want to tell it, and the voice they want to tell it in. “I know there are some stories out there we’d love to hear.”

or 10 years ago are now published authors. “Judges are looking for originality of ideas, quality of writing, and the presentation.”

Loads of prizes can be won, with an overall winner and prizes for the best entires from schools, regions and age groups.

Workshops will be held during May and June right across the Territory, with local authors sharing some wisdom to help inspire and polish works from young writers.

“We’re really trying hard to reach further out into more remote areas and places further afield,” she says.

“There’s quite a lot of categories and recognition up for grabs,” Rosser says.

There’s still plenty of time until entires close, so now’s the time to get those stories written.

“It’s important to reach out to all the kids who have a story to tell.

“We’ve seen some success stories come through the ranks, too - people who won the competition five

WHEN INFO

ENTIRES CLOSE FRI 23 AUG darwin.nt.gov.au/ytaa

NT Varuna Residential Fellowship An opportunity for emerging or established writers who are developing new work in creative writing or illustration. The program offers four professional development fellowships and support for two Top End writers and two from the Central Desert region. WHEN

APPLICATIONS CLOSE TUE 14 MAY

National Dance Forum The 2019 National Dance Forum is calling for submissions on the theme of ‘Home—dance of place, disruption and belonging’. Opportunities exist to present in panel discussions, workshops or as a keynote address. WHEN

APPLICATIONS CLOSE WED 15 MAY

Aboriginal Bush Traders Aboriginal Bush Traders is seeking retail staff with outstanding people skills, a passion for indigenous art and an understanding of gallery spaces. INFO recruitment@ironbark. org.au

NT Creative Industries Strategy Have your say in the development of the NT Creative Industries Strategy. Discussions, interviews and research will take place over the coming months to build a picture of the creative industries. INFO creativeindustries@ chambernt.com.au

by Anna Dowd

Mother's Day

Saltwater Craft Fair LISTINGS

What goes into a gift that’s been crafted by local hands, and what comes out of it? A whole lot of good, according to printmaker and Tactile Arts committee member Jocelyn Tribe. “When people are making things with their hands at their leisure and turning their thoughts into forms, there’s an opportunity to gain a sense of achievement and satisfaction,” she says.

Malak Marketplace Darwin’s only dedicated organic and local farmers' market with produce, organic food, cooking workshops, yoga, arts and crafts and entertainment. WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY SAT FROM SAT 4 MAY | 4PM MALAK MARKETPLACE , 14 MALAK CRES FREE malakmarketplace.org.au

Dinah Quiz Night Darwin Chorale Fundraiser Gather up your trusty brains teams of six. Prizes for winning, prizes for participating and good vibes for supporting a local community club. WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 4 MAY | 7-10PM DINAH BEACH CRUISING YACHT ASSOCIATION $10 facebook.com/DBCYA

Beyond the Factory Floor Panel Discussion Darwin Free University explores concepts of labour with a panel of speakers covering different aspects of working life. WHEN MON 20 MAY | 6-7.30PM AT DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS COST FREE INFO facebook.com/darwin freeuniversity

Car Boot Sale Turn your trash into treasure on the last Saturday of every month. WHEN AT COST INFO

25 MAY | 8.30-10AM DARWIN TRAILER BOAT CLUB FREE dtbc.com.au

Aqua Fitness WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY SUN | 8.30AM DARWIN WATERFRONT $12 | $8 CHILD waterfront.nt.gov.au

Understanding Teenagers Learn the latest research and tips on how your teenager’s brain works and thrive together as a parent-teenager team. WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 24 MAY | 12-2PM RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA $35 | $50 COUPLE nt.relationships.org.au

Limitless – 3 Week Meditation Course Join Buddhist Monk Gen Kelsang Dornying to learn ways of thinking and mediation techniques that connect you with your limitless potential for peace, happiness and wisdom. WHEN THU 2, 9, 16 MAY | 7-8.30PM AT CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSTITY COST $60 INFO meditateindarwin.org

Letting Go, Moving On Do you find yourself longing to re-live the past? Gen Dornying teaches techniques and meditations that make us strong, happy and able to move forward in life with confidence. WHEN SAT 11 MAY | 10AM-4.30PM AT CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSTITY COST $75 INFO meditateindarwin.org

PALMERSTON LIBRARY

WHEN AT COST INFO

WED 15, 22, 29 MAY | 12.30- 4.40PM RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA $150 | $220 COUPLE nt.relationships.org.au

With more than 60 artisan stalls at the Mother's Day Saltwater Craft Fair, there’s something for everyone, including resin homewares and jewellery, to indoor plants and crafts. WHEN AT COST INFO

SUN 12 MAY | 9AM- 2PM DARWIN WATERFRONT FREE tactilearts.org.au Salvation Jewellery

Nursery Time You’re never too young to enjoy reading. Treat your baby to songs, puppets, nursery rhymes and movement to enhance their early literacy development. Suitable for bubs up to 12 months. WHEN EVERY WED | 10-10.45AM COST FREE

Gadgets & Games Club For kids five to 12 years who like hands-on, problem-based learning activities. WHEN EVERY WED | 3.30-4.30PM

Code Club Coding is an awesome skill to help kids live in the digital age.

COST INFO

$18 salsitadarwin.com.au

Ballet for Adults WHEN AT COST INFO

BEGINNERS EVERY SAT 1-2PM | INTERMEDIATE EVERY THU 6.30-8PM | ADVANCED EVERY TUE 6.30-8PM STUDIO 13, COCONUT GROVE $25 | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL 0439 896 700

Pilates for Dancers WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY SAT | 11AM-12PM STUDIO 13, COCONUT GROVE $25 | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL 0478 579 784

Salsa Classes

LET'S DANCE

WHEN EVERY TUE | BEGINNERS 6.30PM | IMPROVERS 7.30PM | INTERMEDIATE 8.30PM AT DANCE WORLD STUDIO, WOOLNER COST $18 INFO salsitadarwin.com.au

The Jungle Body Konga

No Lights No Lycra

WHEN EVERY TUES | 6PM AT ANYTIME FITNESS, STUART PARK COST $10 | MEMB FREE INFO facebook.com/TheJungle BodyWithHayley

WHEN AT COST INFO

Bachata Class

Argentine Tango

WHEN EVERY MON | 8.30PM AT 13/1 CARYOTA COURT, COCONUT GROVE

WHEN EVERY THU | BEGINNERS 7PM | FOCUS 8PM AT COCONUT GROVE HALL

WHEN EVERY SAT | 10AM–1PM COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

EVERY WED | 6-7PM HAPPY YESS THEATRE, BROWN’S MART $8 | $40 SIX CLASS PASS nolightsnolycra.com

COST INFO

$12 facebook.com/nthntango

Movement Medicine – Conscious Dance This guided free-form dance class explores using movement as medicine. WHEN EVERY SUN | 10-11.30AM AT NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE COST $15 | $10 CONC INFO 0431 929 145

Argentine Tango Practica WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY SUN | 4.30-6.30PM STUDIO 13, COCONUT GROVE $5 facebook.com/nthntango

Latin Night WHEN AT COST INFO

WED 29 MAY | 7.30PM SANDBAR, MINDIL BEACH CASINO RESORT FREE salsitadarwin.com.au

Milonga WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 31 MAY | 8-11PM COCONUT GROVE HALL $5 facebook.com/nthntango

Have an event coming up? Upload to offtheleash.net.au It's FREE!

palmerston.nt.gov.au/library LEGO Club Hone your building skills with fortnightly activities and challenges. Create your own masterpiece and display it in the library. Suitable for ages five to 12 years. WHEN EVERY TUE | 3.30-4.30PM

Bringing Up Great Kids – Skill Building Course This three-week course for parents of babies through to the primary school years covers child development, communication and mindfulness techniques to be the responsive parent you want to be.

“That is really nurturing stuff, good for the soul.”

Storytime Say goodbye to quiet libraries! One to five-year-olds and their caregivers will love singing, dancing, listening to stories and engaging with puppets. WHEN EVERY TUE & THU 10-10.45AM COST FREE

SAT 1 JUNE 5PM

LINDSAY STREET, KATHERINE SCULPTURE, FASHION, MUSIC MAMBALI BAND FROM NUMBULWAR WRITE OFF - 31 MAY TO 2 JUNE A series of workshops for writers & readers

info at katherineregionalarts.org.au

FESTIVALS Blanc de Blanc ENCORE

Dannatt is not a professional artist, and Katherine Regional Arts development officer Carmen Ansaldo says that is part of the beauty of the festival.

Junk Art Festival IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT ENTERING THIS YEAR’S JUNK ART FESTIVAL, Harley Dannatt suggests you take a hike.

DARWIN FESTIVAL Early Release DARWIN FESTIVAL IS READY TO CELEBRATE ITS BIG 4-0 AND has released a little sneak preview of what’s in store for the celebrations. There’s theatre, comedy, circus, art a little something for everyone,and a brand new show in the Victoria Spiegeltent, from the makers of LIMBO - Blanc de Blanc ENCORE. Man With The Iron Neck is a daring and delicate story of survival told with humour, poignancy and thrilling stunts. Cambodia’s Phare Circus’s award-winning show Elipse

combines a dramatic mix of theatre, classical Cambodian Apsara dance and thrilling acrobatics, all set to a live original music score. Music fans of all varieties are in for a treat with Mojo Juju set to make waves in The Lighthouse. Opera Australia heads back to Darwin with the sights and sounds of Japan in Puccini’s famous opera Madama Butterfly. While D'Fest celebrates 40 years, the Darwin Symphony Orchestra is also in party mode for their 30th. The DSO will perform a program of three very different compositions, including Sibelius’ Finlandia,

followed by a world premiere from celebrated Australian composer Lachlan Skipworth commissioned especially for the 30th anniversary and designed to reflect the spirit of the Territory.

Festival GET YOURSELF DOWN TO CIVIC PARK for a gastronomic tour of Italy.

From wood-fired pizza to lesser-known regional delicacies, the biennial Darwin Italian Festival is a foodie paradise.

Leave some space though if you’re signing up for the spaghetti eating competition, open to all brave adults and this year for the first time, kids under 12 in the ‘bambino’ category.

The variety of dishes is as diverse as the regions of Italy they represent, according to committee member Paola McCarthy.

WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 11 MAY | 12PM- 1AM CIVIC PARK, DARWIN CBD FREE italiansnt.com.au

Mambali Band from Numbulwar will headline the opening night on June 1. WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 1 JUN LINDSAY STREET COMPLEX FREE katherineregionalarts.org.au

year a new project Threading the Foreshore will build on that.

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair returns, and funnyman Tom Gleeson is the first cab off the rank for 2019 Festival comics.

“The section of foreshore used is 2km long, and although it’s very beautiful in its own right, there are still plenty of sites along this strip that deserve to be highlighted,” Wackett says.

WHEN THU 8 – SUN 25 AUG INFO darwinfestival.org.au

“Seafood such as octopus and calamari showcase the distinct flavours of Italy’s Mediterranean regions and, of course, delicious Italian desserts like gelato and cannoli.” McCarthy says the food appreciation lesson doesn’t have to stop there, with a line-up of grandmothers ready to demonstrate how to cook traditional Italian foods in your own home.

“You find the best junk out bush, but sometimes the best pieces are also right in front of you,” he says.

The biggest prizes of the night – worth $2000 each – are the classic welded sculpture and non-welded sculpture. Other categories include functional art, wearable fashion, headwear, under 16s, under 5s, the school class prize and the people’s choice award.

It’s also the 30th birthday of Bangarra Dance Theatre marking the milestone with their show Bangarra: 30 years of sixty five thousand.

“There’s everything from bistecca, Italian steak and salsiccia, an Italian sausage from the Puglia region, to dishes like arancini or stuffed meat balls from Southern Italy,” she says.

DARWIN ITALIAN

The four-time entrant says all his iron-work creations have come from items found in the bush, from old fencing and car parts to a section of disused railway track he unearthed at Pine Creek.

“It’s not just open to artists, anyone who wants to express themselves creatively can give it a red-hot go,” she says.

Nightcliff

Seabreeze Festival NIGHTCLIFF SEABREEZE FESTIVAL WEAVES COMMUNITY , creativity and country together over one amazing weekend.

“So the thought was to weave the stages and spaces together with works by local visual artists that respond to the environment and their community.”

From small, volunteer-run beginnings 15 years ago, Seabreeze now supports more than 1000 Territory artists, dancers and musicians in the biggest community festival on the calendar.

Seven Darwin artists have been invited on-board as Seabreeze ‘creatives in residence’ to do just that, each working with a variety of mediums and community groups to bring their installations to life.

Community liaison officer Bryn Wackett says the festival showcases community as well as the beauty of this iconic stretch of coast, and this

WHEN FRI 10 MAY, 5PM SAT 11 MAY, 11AM AT NIGHCLIFF FORESHORE COST FREE INFO nightcliffseabreeze.com

Pine Creek Gold Rush Festival EACH YEAR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE MAKE THE PILGRIMAGE to Pink Creek for the annual Gold Rush Festival.

After European settlement, construction workers struck gold while constructing the telegraph line between Darwin and Adelaide.

The historic town around 200km south of Darwin comes to life during the festival, showing off its proud history.

The subsequent gold rush saw the town’s population swell with newcomers from all over the country, including Chinese immigrants who played a large part in shaping the town's identity.

Festival-goers get the opportunity to try their hand panning for gold and exploring the small town and its pre and post-colonial history.

The Festival continues in this spirit, and welcomes visitors from

all corners of the globe and helps them discover a bit of gold fever in the outback. There’s always a huge host of events on over the weekend, so keep an eye out for the full program that's fit for the whole family.

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 31 MAY - SUN 2 JUN  PINE CREEK FREE  victoriadaly.nt.gov.au

to give a helping hand to each other. I wanted to capture that about the Territory in the film because sometimes that gets lost in a lot of stories. "Selfishness is celebrated in a lot of things, and I think it’s kind of nice to remind people that being selfish doesn’t build communities.”

TOP END WEDDING MOVE OVER MICK DUNDEE – the Top End has a image. Top End Wedding hits the silver screen this month. Co-writer and star, Larrakia/Tiwi woman Miranda Tapsell, says it was important to really capture the Territory for its

true nature to break the stereotypes formed by films like Crocodile Dundee. “There’s a selflessness to the Territory. I feel like I grew up with people living out of each other’s pockets, and everyone was willing

The romantic comedy follows Lauren (Tapsell) and Ned (Gwylim Lee) as they head up north to Darwin from Adelaide for a quick hitch, but soon find themselves in the midst of a family drama. Before jumping on a flight from England for the role, Lee spent time researching the set locations and more about Aboriginal culture. “Seeing Katherine, Kakadu and Tiwi on a small computer screen doesn’t really do it justice, so you

kind of have to be here to believe it,” he says. “I thought it was really important before coming out that I’d try and school myself a little bit in Aboriginal culture and in the relationship between Aboriginal people.

LISTINGS

French Movie Night

“In modern Australia it’s quite a dark history, and an angry history at times. But what I loved about this script, is that it’s a film that celebrates the positive aspects of Aboriginal culture and the songs and language and traditions.” Catch Top End Wedding across the Territory in all cinemas, including BCC Cinemas in Palmerston and Casuarina, Deckchair Cinema, and as part of the NT Travelling Film Festival program. WHEN THU 2 MAY

By Kylie Stevenson

Enjoy the film, Rock’n’Roll, along with French cheese and wine at this monthly Alliance Française de Darwin event. WHEN AT COST INFO

WED 1 MAY MAGNT $20 | $14 MEMB/STUDENT afdarwin.org

Chauka Please Tell us the Time

FlickerFEST A SHOWCASE OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST SHORT FILMS will also be cracking some jokes this year, with Flickerfest set to include a special comedy line-up for the first time.

Travelling

Film Festival THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MUSIC AND MEMORY was the inspiration for filmmaker Jane Hampson's short film Sunset.

celebrated old age and encouraged people to look at the way we view and treat old people, while still touching people's hearts,” she says.

Sunset follows the story of Ingrid, an 89-year-old who is abandoned on her birthday. In a sad state, she meets a young musician who helps her make peace with her past.

“It’s about a woman in the sunset of her life and set on the Nightcliff foreshore, so it’s a celebration of Darwin’s shorelines and magnificent sunsets to tie the outside and her inner world together.”

Hampson says she was inspired to tell a story with a strong musical link after learning of the impact of music on people with Alzheimer’s disease. “I had a friend who was a carer in an old-timers home and he told me about the power of music, especially for people with Alzheimer’s disease,” she says. “As soon as music was played, especially if it was from an important time in someone's life, they would find all this animation for life. I was really interested in how those memories are trapped in people’s minds.” Hampson also wanted to make viewers think about how the older generation are treated in today’s society. “I wanted to do something that

You can catch Sunset, along with a whole host of other locally produced films at several locations in the Top End as part of the NT Travelling Film Festival. INFO

nttravellingfilmfestival.com

Darwin WHEN SAT 11 MAY | 7.30-11PM AT DECKCHAIR CINEMA COST $12

The two back-to-back programs, the Best of Australian Shorts and Short Laughs Comedy, will feature 18 of the absolute highlights of the 160 films screened in Sydney earlier this year, handpicked from 2700 entries. Program director Bronwyn Kidd says film-goers are up for some incredible fun with the addition of the new comedy program, which features Arrears from Darwin born and raised film-maker Wilf Watson. “We’re thrilled to be including local films on the same screen as national and international films,” Kidd says.

SAT 18 MAY | 7-11PM KATHERINE GORGE, JETTY LAWNS $19

SAT 25 MAY | 7.30-10PM EDITH FALLS KIOSK AND CAMP GROUND FREE

“It’s received a fantastic reception around the country,” she says. “It’s such a unique story and is very close to the community.” Kidd, who has been touring across the country with the festival, says some of the crowd favourites include fantastical animation Della Mortika: Carousel Of Shame, Paul McDermott’s Ghostbear, Oscar-nominated Canadian animation Animal Behaviour and Belgian comedy Wilderbeest.

DECKCHAIR CINEMA

COST

$16 | $12 CONC | $24 BOTH

PROGRAMS | $18 BOTH CONC

INFO

flickerfest.com.au

A beautiful yet painful portrait of life on Manus Island by Behrouz Boochani, 2019 winner of Australia’s most prestigious literary award for No Friend but the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison. While writing the book, Boochani secretly filmed Chauka on his mobile phone. WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 3 MAY | 7.30- 9.30PM MAGNT THEATRETTE DONATION dassan.org

Writing Memoir with Joanne Van OS Every life has its stories. A memoir can cover a person’s whole life, or just a small section, and it can be about yourself, or someone else, but is usually from a personal perspective. WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 4 MAY | 10AM- 1PM TIMOR ROOM, HARBOUR VIEW PLAZA $70 | $36 NTWC MEMB ntwriters.com.au

Books gone wilde – LGBTQI Community library. Stocks books by or about lesbian, gay, trans, queer, and intersex people.

Edith Falls WHEN AT COST

Kidd says Lil Bois, created in Ngukurr, is the first short film in the traditional language of Ngandi.

WHEN FRI 3 MAY | 7.30 & 9.30PM

The Best of Australian Shorts features more NT talent, with high concept eco-science fiction film Spectrum from local director

Nitmiluk WHEN AT COST

Timothy Parish, who will introduce his film in Darwin, and Indigenous drama Lil Bois by Grant Thompson.

Desert Dash

WHEN AT COST INFO

SUN 12 MAY | 9AM- 1PM NIGHTCLIFF MARKET $5 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP| UNDER 18 FREE | booksgonewilde@gmail.com

FOOD

DRINK

WHEN FRI 10 - SUN 19 MAY AT KAKADU NATIONAL PARK COST VARIOUS  INFO parksaustralia.gov.au/ kakadu/taste

THE BOAT YARD LONG TABLE DINNER images: courtesy Parks Australia

THE BOAT YARD LONG TABLE DINNER AT THE DINAH BEACH Cruising Yacht Association is a first for the venue famous for its annual Viking Funeral - a classier option for those who’d prefer a bit of fine dining rather than pig on the spit. General manager Wendy McCallum says they’ll deck the yard out and set the mood with a swing jazz band. “We wanted to do something a little more classy and something different that we haven’t done before,” she says. “We’re going to re-imagine the boatyard and turn it into a magical place with fairy lights and a long table scenario, which is quite popular in Darwin and around the world at the moment.”

A Taste INDIGENOUS CHEFS AND KAKADU NATIONAL PARK’S TRADITIONAL OWNERS will work together to celebrate the foods that grow in the stunning landscape. The nine-day festival will explore the native foods that have sustained Kakadu’s people for thousands of years with a series of workshops, cooking demonstrations dinners, and bush walks. On top of the extensive culinary events, there's also the arts and

Kakadu

culture program packed with weaving workshops, visual art exhibition and traditional dance. Park manager Russell Gueho says each year the festival is an important way of celebrating the many elements of beauty in the dual world heritage listed park.

“This year’s festival features a range of activities that invite people to experience traditional food and culture. Events like ground oven cook-ups, basket weaving workshops and canape cruises will take visitors on a journey of discovery through storytelling, Indigenous art and, of course, bush food.”

“A Taste of Kakadu is an exciting celebration of traditional foods and the history embedded in the cultural heritage of this great national park,” Gueho says.

Highlights from this year’s festival include Anme Garringun Ganji Mayambolk, a one-of-a-kind event under the stars at Cooinda Airstrip, with canapes and stories that

interweave the rich tapestry of Aboriginal night-time mythology. Another event not to miss is The Riverside Stone Country Cook-Up, an opportunity to explore the landscape with the Njanjma Rangers and experience traditional food and stories. The walk ends with a cook-up where you can sample fish, yam and water lilies, and hear an array of family stories.

by Emma Lupin and Ary Brown

GULP NT PRESENTS

“I found jazz bands are always really popular here at the club, whether they’re swing, gypsie or traditional jazz, it just seems to be a genre that resonates with Territorians,” McCallum says. “It’s great background music and also very upbeat dancing music, so we’re expecting a bit of full moon dancing as the night goes on.” McCallum says they’re hoping the event will bring some new faces down to the club. “We do a variety of events to reach different Territorians, because not everyone is into live music and not everyone is into the Viking Funeral,” she says. “By doing a range of events it gives people a reason to pop down to the club, and they usually love it once they’ve seen us for all our rustic finery.”

WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 18 MAY | 6.30-9PM DINAH BEACH CRUISING YACHT ASSOCIATION, STUART PARK $90 | $80 MEMB facebook.com/DBCYA

Community

Balado Cassava Leaves by Ary Brown

COOK

Young cassava leaves enough for 600g when boiled and squeezed dry. 300-500g turkey mince/ tofu mince or tempeh

GROWING & UNDERSTANDING LOCAL PRODUCE

Ary Brown grew up in a small town called Pekalongan in Central Java, Indonesia, where local food and farming is a huge and important part of life. She was living with her family when she met a young American man, Ben, and moved to live with him in East Java. That was 22 years ago, and after some time living in Bali, Seattle and Yogyakarta, and three children later, they came to settle in Darwin. Brown has a love of plants and has been learning about native landscapes and conservation at a training program for migrant women through Greening Australia. Part of this program also encourages the sharing of stories and connection through the love of plants and food. Brown loves Darwin and the tropical weather, the markets, the local produce that is easily grown, and

1 can coconut cream the diverse but inclusive community feeling. She also loves that it is not so far from Indonesia but has a lot less traffic and people. Brown cooked a wonderful cassava dish to share at a local food lunch. She loves this dish as it reminds her of home, and she often makes it for special occasions. Every two weeks, there are particular Muslim gatherings for women and children (Majlis Taklim Shasisoma, Bahasa for knowledge sharing). These are either at the Darwin Mosque or at community members' houses; food is shared and she is always asked to make this dish as it is a favorite among her friends. This dish can be easily made from leaves grown in the backyard, so it is inexpensive. You can then buy turkey mince, tempeh or tofu mince to add. The cassava leaves need to be fresh and young.

2- 3 sticks of lemongrass, cut and smashed 1 onion 3 cloves of garlic 7 red long chilies (medium) 2-3 tomatoes 1 cube veggie stock Oil (coconut or rice bran) Method Clean the leaves really well and boil in a pan of water for about 10 minutes. Cool, squeeze, and then cut into slices when cold. Chop and fry the onion and garlic. Add chili, tomatoes, tofu/turkey mince/tempe, fry for 10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add veggie stock cube (not in water). Add smashed up lemongrass. Add in the chopped up leaves and stir. Add coconut milk, stir a little more and cook for 15 minutes. Serve in bowl and enjoy with rice and friends.

photos: Emma Lupin

A three-course buffet dinner is on the menu for guests, with room to let your hair down to some live Jazz and dance once your belly is full.

If you know a community cook in Darwin who would like to share their recipe, GULP NT can organise a gathering with their small team. $100 plus ingredients can be offered to the participating cook for hosting and sharing thanks to City of Darwin community grants. Get in touch today and share your stories and food love. INFO

gulpnt.com

LISTINGS Mother’s Day High Tea at Burnett House Take your tea in the historic grounds of Burnett house with a classic side of scones, jam and cream. WHEN SUN 19 MAY | 2-5PM AT 4 BURNETT PLACE, LARRAKEYAH COST $25 INFO nationattrust.org.au

DigniTEA What could be better than tucking into a delectable high tea with your favourite ladies on a Sunday afternoon? Doing just that, but in the name of charity. Round up the girls and raise some much-needed coin for Share The Dignity, a charity supporting women experiencing homelessness and poverty, and victims of domestic violence. WHEN AT COST INFO

SUN 26 MAY | 1-4PM MINDIL BEACH CASINO AND RESORT $69 | $650 TABLE OF 10 sharethedignity.com.au

GRAZE: Bicentennial Park Imagine this – sea views and picnic blankets on The Esplanade, friends, premium Australian wine tastings and delicious grazing plates from Darwin’s food wizards… Imagine no longer! Rally the troops and get ready for a lazy Sunday GRAZE at Bicentennial Park. WHEN AT COST INFO

SUN 26 MAY | 3-8PM BICENTENNIAL PARK, THE ESPLANADE $49 facebook.com/grazeevents

Territory Taste Festival Celebrate the best of NT food with this two-day event held in a brand new location at the Darwin Port Cruise Ship Terminal. Chat with farmers and growers, learn about bush tucker, check out the newest food businesses, and enjoy cooking demonstrations from local and visiting chefs, including the delightful Manu Fieldel. WHEN SAT 25 – SUN 26 MAY | 10AM – 10PM AT DARWIN PORT CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL COST $27-$30 DAY PASS | $40-$60 WEEKEND PASS INFO territorytastefestival.com.au

Malandarri Festival

NEW CONCERT

JUST ANNOUNCED!

HEROIC BEETHOVEN

Friday 14 – Saturday 15 June, 2019 artbacknt.com.au

Join the Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Gurdanji and Mara people in Borroloola for a unique community-led event celebrating dance and culture.

SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER, 7:30 PM

DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE

Witness Beethoven’s revolutionary Heroic Symphony, a triumphant celebration of love, loss, and the human spirit.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE 15% 30 ANNIVERSARY GALA SAT 24 AUGUST, 7:30 PM

DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE

O FORTUNA!

SAT 7 DECEMBER, 7:30 PM

DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE

Yanyuwa dancers performing, Malandarri Festival, 2018. Photographer: Benjamin Warlngundu Bayliss

BUY NOW AT DSO.ORG.AU/BUY-TICKETS | 8980 3333

Thu

7 Limitless Meditation Course 7 Let’s Dance 7 Storytime

Wed

Tue

7 Bringing Up Great Kids – Skill Building Course 7 Nursery Time 7 Gadgets & Games Club 7 Let’s Dance

28 5 Espirito do Samba 7 LEGO Club 7 Storytime 7 Let’s Dance 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Nirvana Open Mic Night

17 Fri

Thu

5 Fred’s Pass Rural Show 5 The 50km Feast 15 Sounds @ Sunset 19 Warrakan (opens) 20 Lindsay Malay Solo Show (opening) 23 James Damien 23 The Roy Boys 23 NT News Live on Fridays 23 Organic Sounds Played on Vinyl

23 7 Storytime 7 Let’s Dance 16 Deadly Darwin Comedy

See Around Town 8

See Music 21

Fri

21 BASSINTHEGRASS

See Around Town 6

19 Resinthat (opening)

Wed

7 Understanding Teenagers 16 Deadly Darwin Comedy 18 Plastic Glow (last chance) 19 Requiem for a Landscape (opening) 23 Glen Forner 23 The Roy Boys 23 NT News Live on Fridays

7 Bringing Up Great Kids – Skill Building Course 7 Nursery Time 7 Gadgets & Games Club 7 Let’s Dance 7 Latin Night

Sun

Sat

18 Sat

Fri

7 Milonga 8 Pine Creek Gold Rush Festival (commences) 18 Pink Frills and Kakadu Thrills (opening) 23 Glen Forner 23 The Roy Boys 23 NT News Live on Fridays

22 Deborah Conway – Epic

4 Djarmalak 7 Malak Marketplace 7 Car Boot Sale 7 Code Club 7 Let’s Dance 9 NT Travelling Film Festival 11 Territory Taste Festival 16 Deadly Darwin Comedy 23 James Damien 23 Vox Crox Choir

11 Mother’s Day High tea 5 Fred’s Pass Rural Show 5 Heritage Festival (ends) 5 Channel Island Leprosarium Guided Walk 5 Dragged Screaming to Paradise 7 Aqua Fitness 7 Let’s Dance 9 NT Travelling Film Festival 23 Shannon Noll 23 Gin & Jazz

Thu

5 Fred’s Pass Rural Show 7 Let’s Dance 9 NT Travelling Film Festival 10 Long Table Dinner 18 The Plum Spanky Motel (last chance) 18 Fluidity (last chance) 20 Kun-Waral: Spirit Shadows (opening) 23 Shannon Noll 23 Sanctuary Sessions 23 Tropidelica

See Visual Arts 19

7 Storytime 7 Let’s Dance 17 LOL Thursdays 23 Toni Childs Retrospective

See Food & Drink 10

Sun

10 A Taste of Kakadu (ends)

4 Djarmalak

7 Aqua Fitness 7 Let’s Dance 11 Territory Taste Festival 11 Graze 11 DigniTEA

See Music 22

Mon

5 Espirito do Samba 7 Let’s Dance 7 Beyond the Factory Floor Panel Discussion

See Feature 4

Tue

Mon

5 Espirito do Samba 7 LEGO Club 7 Storytime 7 Let’s Dance 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Nirvana Open Mic Night

5 Espirito do Samba 7 Let’s Dance

AROUND TOWn Books & fILM Performing Arts YOUTH Visual Arts Food & Drink Music FESTIVALS

offtheleash.net.au

Although all care is taken to ensure information in Off The Leash is correct, it is subject to change. Not all events can be listed on this calendar, so we recommend checking offtheleash.net.au for updates.

Wed

17 Brave

7 Nursery Time 7 Let’s Dance 7 Gadgets & Games Club 9 French Movie Night

Tue

18 The Plum Spanky Motel (Opening)

See Visual Arts 18

5 Espirito do Samba 7 Let’s Dance 7 LEGO Club 7 Storytime 19 Childhood Memories of Kuruyultu (last chance) 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Nirvana Open Mic Night

Calendar

Mon

See Performing Arts 17

6 Fri

5 Espirito do Samba 7 Let’s Dance

8 Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival 10 A Taste of Kakadu (commences) 16 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow 20 Woven Circles, Woven Lives (opens) 22 D*Town Sings 23 Glen Forner 23 The Roy Boys 23 The Rabbit Hole Mixtape Launch

2 Thu

Sat

7 Limitless – Meditation Course 7 Storytime 7 Let’s Dance 9 Top End Wedding 17 First Thursday Comedy

7 Malak Marketplace 7 Letting Go, Moving On 7 Code Club 7 Let’s Dance 8 Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival 8 Darwin Italian Festival 9 NT Travelling Film Festival 20 We Are Always Making Something From What We Have (last chance) 23 James Damien

Fri 9 Chauka Please Tell us the Time

9 FlickerFEST 16 Two 17 A Midsummer Night’s Dream 18 Fluidity (opening) 18 Plastic Glow (opening) 20 Storygraph (opening) 23 Glen Forner 23 Battle of the School Bands Final 23 The Roy Boys 23 NT News Live on Fridays 23 Batpiss & Guests

See Books & Film 9

Sun

See Around Town 7

MAY

7 Mother’s Day Saltwater Craft Fair

6 Community Tree Planting 7 Aqua Fitness 7 Let’s Dance 9 Books Gone Wilde – LGBTQI 23 Darren Hanlon

Sat

Mon

See Visual Arts 18

7 Malak Marketplace 7 Dinah Quiz Night 7 Code Club 7 Let’s Dance 9 Writing Memoir with Joanne Van OS 17 A Midsummer Night’s Dream 20 Sirens and Shipwrecks (last chance) 23 James Damien

5 Espirito do Samba 7 Let’s Dance

Sun

5 Heritage Festival (commences)

7 Aqua Fitness 7 Let’s Dance 20 Print (last chance) 23 First Sunday Blues 23 Afro Moses 23 Seaside Sounds

Wed

Tue

7 Nursery Time 7 Let’s Dance 7 Gadgets & Games Club 20 Lindsay Malay Solo Show (opens)

5 Cemetery Ghost Walk 5 Espirito do Samba 6 NT Varuna Residential Fellowship Applications close 7 LEGO Club 7 Storytime 7 Let’s Dance 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals 23 Nirvana Open Mic Night

See Around Town 5

Thu

Wed

7 Limitless Meditation Course 7 Let’s Dance 7 Storytime 17 Canned Comedy Darwin 22 Tex Perkins with Matt Walker

5 Barbara James Lecture 6 National Dance Forum Applications Close 7 Let’s Dance 7 Bringing Up Great Kids – Skill Building Course 7 Nursery Time 7 Gadgets & Games Club

NORTHERN TERRITORY WRITERS’ CENTRE

NATIONAL TRUST

AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL ‘Connecting people, places and the past’

8941 2651 ntwriters.com.au executive@ntwriters.com.au Workshops | Monthly Events | Opportunities

YOUR STORY IS UNIQUE TO YOU

YOUR STORY YOUR HOME

Old Hotel Darwin 1999 R.I.P Artist Marnie Jay

nationaltrustnt Event bookings & info w: nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nt e: trust@ntnationaltrust.org.au p: 08 8981 2848

DARWIN

5-19 May 2019

PAUL HERON

National Trust of Australia (NT) Audit House, 2 Burnett Place Larrakeyah

SELLING - PURCHASING - LEASING

0421 060 838

ICONIC NT LOCATIONS TRANSFORMED INTO SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR MOVIE THEATRES SHOWCASING THE VERY BEST IN LOCAL SHORT FILMS AND ANCESTRAL STORIES ALICE SPRINGS | 30 MARCH TENNANT CREEK | 6 APRIL DALY WATERS | 13 APRIL DARWIN | 11 MAY

EDITH FALLS | 25 MAY KAKADU NATIONAL PARK | 1 JUNE NHULUNBUY | 1 JUNE nttravellingfilmfestival.com/tickets

Image from Lil Bois

NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK | 18 MAY

DEADLY DARWIN COMEDY The inaugural Deadly Darwin Comedy features a group of five Aboriginal Comedians who are dead keen to launch humour into their communities, just like The Commitments did but hopefully with a lot more success. But no matter what the outcome, the important thing is to stay hydrated. All five performers have competed in the National Deadly Funny competition, with Richard Fejo the NT Winner for 2018. Featuring: Richard Fejo, Mica Kickett, Normie Grogan, June Mills and Lynette Hubbard Brown’s Mart Theatre 23 - 25 May 2019 $20/$15 Book online: brownsmart.com.au

YOUTH

Sounds@Sunset

LAUNCH NIGHT SERIES IF THERE’S A JOB YOU CAN DO IN THE BASKETBALL AND DEVELOPMENT program, Launch Night Series, Alicia Kent has done it.

wellbeing, respectful relationships through to communication and employability skills.

apply for opportunities they would never have dreamt were possible for them.”

Logistics, programming, volunteering and marketing - she’s loved every part of it.

It’s this multifaceted approach that has attracted more than 400 participants and more than 300 volunteers over its four years.

Applications are open for Top Enders who are keen to lend a hand and volunteer in the program.

“I was always told to be the person you wish you had growing up,” she says.

“The basketball attracts the young people but the program is so much deeper,” Kent says.

“I grew up in Darwin and when I was a young person there were no late night programs quite like this." The basketball program is more than just throwing the ball around it also involves life-skills workshops on topics ranging from health and

Language with a Local

DARWIN – IT’S A SPECIAL PLACE. As it’s the home of people from all over the world, languages and accents from nearly every corner of the globe are spoken here daily. However, there is one language that has been spoken here since time immemorial and is still being spoken today: the Larrakia language.

“It helps build their confidence, their abilities and belief in themselves, and provides them with role models who genuinely care about them and their experiences. “We’ve had a number of young people who have gone on to

“It is so important for me to keep our Larrakia language alive because when you speak it on country, the land, trees, and waters hear you and country will talk to you through the rain, wind, and animals. “I am so proud to have been taught our language from my Dad, Uncles, Aunties, and my Alap... because they were able to keep it alive and now I do the same with my children, nephews, and nieces to ensure it is passed on and kept alive.”

“We’re looking for positive people who love their community,” Kent says. “You don’t have to have experience working with young people, but if you have an interest in the industry or love sport or just love Darwin, then you’ll love this program.”

INFO

launchdarwin.com.au

Lee and Trent Lee for their time and speaking with me about their language. Beginners Guide to the Larrakia Language: Mayilema (Mah-lemah): the current season that changes around May. This season is known for goose egg collection, knock-‘em-down winds, and spear grass. Ma Muk (Mah Muck): See you later! Batji (Bart-gee): Good!

This language belongs to the Larrakia people who are the Traditional Owners of the Darwin region, including Trent Lee, who had a chat with us about the importance of traditional languages. “I believe all languages are important, especially to the people of the tribe they belong to as it gives them power, pride, knowledge, strength, and a sense of belonging,” he says.

THE FIRST SOUNDS@SUNSET FOR 2019 will be the musical pre-party for everyone gearing up for BASSINTHEGRASS. Producer Donald Sanger has lined up local musicians to get revellers in the mood. “It’ll be a pre-BASS warm up gig so the vibe will be a bit of a party,” Sanger says. “The idea is high energy music to get people ready for BASS the next day.” Sounds@Sunset returns after a successful year in 2018, which saw emerging producers organise a series of public concerts on the

The program up-skills young Territorians with a passion for the music industry, and provides young musicians more stage time to refine their performance skills. Sanger says each month’s event in 2019 will have a theme. “After this first gig the next few will have different themes, so the next one might be all about dogs, so people can brings their pets along, or one for kids so there’s more music for families,” he says. WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 17 MAY | 5PM NIGHTCLIFF FORESHORE FREE launchdarwin.com.au

Youth Advisory Committee IF YOU’RE A YOUNG PERSON WITH BRIGHT IDEAS, the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) wants you. The YAC is the voice of young people and advises City of Darwin Council on a range of topics and makes recommendations on issues affecting young people.

A special thanks to Aunty Bilawara

Emily Tyaemaen Ford is a Rak Mak Mak Marranunggu woman from Kurrindju, who speaks two languages - Rak Mak Mak Marranunggu and Rak Marrithiyel. She is on the City of Darwin Youth Advisory Committee and works in Indigenous research at Menzies.

foreshore with great success.

The YAC is currently recruiting for new members and committee member Theresa Helm says they want as many voices as possible for people aged between 12 -25.

a difference and have their voices heard.” On top of working closely with Council, YAC hosts and supports a range of events including Quiz4Dili, CEO Sleepout and Youth Homelessness Matters Day. If you’re keen to get involved, you can head along and see how it all works first hand. “Put an expression of interest in to the youth projects office and come as an observer,” Helm says.

“We’re a diverse demographic so we want to reflect that,” she says.

“You can get a feel for it and then you can put in an application.”

“We’ve got a lot of really ambitious young people who want to make

INFO

darwin.nt.gov.au

PERFORMING ARTS By Anna Dowd

Written by Jim Cartwright and directed by Ensemble Theatre’s Mark Kilmurry, Two introduces 14 colourful characters, all skilfully played by Brian Meegan and Kate Raison. Set in a country pub, the two main characters are a middle-aged married couple that run the establishment.

TWO Pull up a bar stool and get to know the regulars in this timeless classic of the stage.

Over the years they’ve served every type of person – and you get to meet them in a series of funny, heart-warming and poignant vignettes. Raison says from the outset Carwright, who is from Northern England, believed it to be a universal story with characters you could find anywhere around the world.

By Anna Dowd

“It’s very much that voyeuristic idea of sitting in a pub or bar somewhere and seeing maybe an old lady in her chair, having a drink at the end of the day, and thinking to yourself ‘I wonder what her story is?’,” she says. “That’s what he’s done, he gives her a voice so the audience gets to see her story.” Meegan and Raison, married in real life, say playing seven diverse characters in the one play is a wonderful challenge for an actor. “There’s no time for elaborate costume changes or makeup or anything like that,” Raison says. “It’s just changing the physical nature of the character and the voice and embedding them with qualities the audience can see

The inaugural event features a group of four Aboriginal comedians who are keen to launch humour into their communities.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Roadshow

DANE SIMPSON HAS A HOMEGROWN APPROACH to comedy that audiences can’t get enough of.

“Over there you just spin yarns all day and whoever gets the most laughs kind of wins.”

From sell-out shows with the Aboriginal Comedy All Stars, to his Darwin-bound third tour with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, no one is more surprised than Simpson that his family’s antics have whole audiences in stitches.

The Gamilaraay man says he hadn’t even considered using his now legendary didgeridoo routine until he first toured with the Roadshow in 2017.

“I grew up in country NSW in Walgett hanging out with Dad and Nan and uncles and aunts,” he says.

“I grew up with my dad and the old fellas teaching us jokes and stuff on the didj,” he says. “On my first roadshow, I started mucking around playing it between

“I’d never thought about it, that people hadn’t heard those kind of silly blackfella jokes, so I tried it out.” As a comedy fan growing up in a regional area, Simpson knows what it means to be able to watch a line-up of some of the nation's best in your home town.

One the bill for the first line-up includes several familiar faces to the Top End comedy scene, including Richard Fejo, Mica Kickett, Normie Grogan, and Lynette Lewis-Hubbard. “The event is in the initial stages to launch careers, and attract new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander comedians to the scene,” Fejo says. “It’s about changing the way we’re

“As a kid, I’d come and watch the Melbourne Comedy Roadshow when it would travel to Wagga Wagga,” he says. “It was so inspiring. It’s still crazy to me that I’m now on the bill!”

WHEN FRI 10 MAY | 8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $49 | $40 MEMB | $40 GROUP 8+ INFO yourcentre.com.au

She says the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. “There are characters that we’ve figured out are hugely popular with audiences and get massive laughs,” she says. “But we’ve also had people come up to us afterwards who’ve found the play really powerful and quite cathartic. “We need and want theatre that challenges us and speaks to us, and I think Jim Cartwright just does that so well.”

WHEN FRI 3 MAY | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $49 | $45 MEMB/CONC INFO yourcentre.com.au

Deadly Darwin COMEDY IF YOU’RE DEAD-SET READY for some laughs from the original comedians of the country then get ready for Deadly Darwin Comedy.

shows and the other comedians in the show were like ‘why don’t you do that in your routine?’.

straight away.”

Deadly Comedians

perceived and injecting humour, comedy and laughter in our community.” As for the types of jokes Fejo expects? “Totally inappropriate,” he says with a laugh. All performers are graduates of the National Deadly Funny competition, which aims to break down barriers and highlight emerging Aboriginal comedians throughout the country.

WHEN THU 23-SAT 25 MAY | 7-8.30PM AT BROWN’S MART THEATRE COST $20 | $15 SENIOR INFO brownsmart.com.au

CORNER SHOWCASING TOP END COMICS AND LOCAL STAND-UP PERFORMERS

I was at a house-warming of some very hip 20-somethings, music industry types, when the perennial debate about the best-ever sitcom erupted. Predictably enough, some overly loud, middle-aged white lawyer started bandying around Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, as if the rest of the world hadn’t dropped those false icons years ago. If I’d wanted to watch a bunch of neurotic, self-absorbed white guys whine about how maladjusted everyone else is, I would just take a video selfie… Then the inevitable Seth MacFarlane acolyte started claiming that the Family Guy’s poorly-behaved yokel everyman was not actually a naughties rip off of Homer Simpson. The same persistent MacFarlane fan then also tried to deny The Orville

A tall, older 65-year-old dude then started screaming, “don’t mention the war!” and claiming racism was fine if it was against Spanish waiters. Man, when will the baby boomer realise they don’t control the world anymore? Then a smelly, pony-tailed 42-yearold gamer joined the circle and chimed in that Red Dwarf was the best ever science-fiction comedy and based completely on an acid trip he’d been on in 1984. At this point, a Generation X public relations professional started fiercely asserting that Sex and the City was eligible as a sitcom and denied it was actually vacuous regressive example of ‘men are the ultimate goal’ cool-girl Bridget Jones’s Diary feminist-lite. A 10-year-old girl with a wry grin and a dry ginger ale in her hand then stepped into the circle and reminded everyone that Mel Brooks' Get Smart was pound-for-pound the best secret-agent themed sitcom ever made. Hard to disagree.

my godmother Edna – a 92-year-old speech therapist, naturopath and former dominatrix – appeared out of nowhere and quietly added that, while Cracknell and MacDonald’s Mother and Son was a wonderful dissection of Australian domestic life created from equal parts pathos, cynicism and absurdity, that for an ensemble sitcom piece, it was a dead heat between Raw Meat and Parks and Recreation. Characters, Edna explained, were the key to any good narrative driven comedy, and Ron Swanson, April and Andy provided some of the most vivid comic vignettes in living memory. Now I don’t know why my 92-yearold godmother was at my friend's party, but her words will ring in my ears long after the traces of hallucinogens leave my system…. However, special mentions go to

Will Crawford is an up-andcrawling comic. He moonlights as a land rights lawyer and policy activist.

Then, with gin and tonic in hand,

Ronnie Barker’s Porridge, A League of Gentleman. If you like your comedy a little homicidal, Arrested Development, 30 Rock and Taxi…. and remember house parties that are demographically diverse produce tastier spreads. First Thursday Comedy WHEN AT COST INFO

THU 2 MAY | 7.30-9.30PM HAPPY YESS $10 topendcomedy.com

Canned Comedy Darwin WHEN THU 9 MAY | 7-9.30PM AT THE DECK BAR COST DONATE CAN OF FOOD INFO facebook.com/amyhether ingtoncomedy

LOL Thursdays WHEN THU 30 MAY | 8.30-10PM AT THE BEACHFRONT HOTEL COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ topendcomedy

LISTINGS

COMICS'

wasn’t merely MacFarlane indulging a $15million William Shatner cross-dressing fantasy.

A Midsummer Night's Dream Shakespeare’s magical comedy is coming to Palmerston. Bring a picnic and be captivated by this performance by Essential Theatre. WHEN FRI 3 & SAT 4 MAY | 6.30-9.30PM AT SANCTUARY LAKES COST $30 | $15 CHILD INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

Brave Slide Youth Dance Theatre immerses youth audiences in the lives of relatable, honest and fragile characters, showing the cruelty of teenage bullying and cyberbullying and its lifelong impacts. WHEN MON 29 APR – WED 1 MAY, 10.30AM | TUE 30 APR, 7PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $25 | $15 CHILD 3-15 INFO yourcentre.com.au

Open April to November

VISUAL ARTS Art U&T

ABO

with creative producer

Amina McConvell

Katie Hagebols, 'East Alligator' (detail), 2019, acrylic on canvas

Plastic Glow

Pink Frills And Kakadu Thrills

WHEN FRI 3 - FRI 24 MAY | OPENING FRI 3 MAY, 6PM AT UNTITLED GALLERY, COCONUT GROVE COST FREE INFO darwincommunityarts.org.au

WHEN FRI 31 MAY – THU 20 JUN | OPENING FRI 31 MAY, 6PM AT UNTITLED GALLERY, COCONUT GROVE COST FREE INFO darwincommunityarts.org.au

How are you creating a sense of community through art at the space? We have the community studio which is available to hire for community members for creative projects, meetings and other events and gatherings.

which is a drop in creative space from 2-5pm every Friday, super casual and open to everyone and anyone.

Korin Lesh, 'Plastic Glow', 2019, plastic and lightning, 6m x 5m (interactive space)

UNTITLED THE UNTITLED GALLERY AND STUDIO IS Darwin Community Art’s brand new accessible community visual arts space in Coconut Grove. Amina McConvell had a yarn with Off The Leash about what makes the space so unique. How does the space differ to others in the Top End?

Untitled is a unique art space because it’s a combined studio and gallery, which is an exhibition space and an active workshop space, and these aspects flow into each other. It’s a community space that we hope will provide an inclusive creative environment where community members can cross pollinate one another’s ideas and projects.

The studio is home to the Free Space Studio arts and disability collective. They are in the studio Wednesdays to Fridays getting creative and cultivating the good energy! And there is also Undirected Art Space,

“There’s nothing like a deadline to get the creative juices flowing. When I do get in the studio I work in a frantic pace I call ‘binge painting’.”

What’s The Plum Spanky Motel? It’s the imagination of artist Rob Brown.

Brown says there is rarely a deep underlying meaning behind his cheeky and often sordid paintings.

“If you want to scratch below the surface of my paintings, do so at your own peril,” he says.

“My concentration span is similar to a 2-year-old so I find thematically based shows a real struggle,” he says.

“Half your luck if you find a deeper meaning, but my intention is to have the paint talk louder than the story. “My paintings are skin deep, much like myself.” Roughly every two years, Rob Brown manages to crawl into his studio and reacquaint himself with his “colourful paints and oily rags and dirty brushes.” “I’ve got the motivation of a sloth,” he says.

“I work laterally rather than in any clear linear structure. I tend to paint pictures rather than paintings. Using single characters or events to make an impact. “The moment there are several figures on the same canvas, the story begins to be elaborated and the moment the story is elaborated the boredom sets in.” WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 10 - SAT 18 MAY | OPENING FRI 10 MAY, 6PM  MAYFAIR GALLERY FREE facebook.com/mayfairdwn

DARWIN VISUAL ARTS IT’S BEEN A LONG JOURNEY, BUT DARWIN VISUAL ARTS is ready to throw open its doors after a big move and re-brand. After several months of relocating and construction, the organisation is finally ready to get some art on the walls of the new gallery and kick off their jam-packed year of programming in its new home at Harbour View Plaza. Gallery manager Belinda Kinitavaki says she’s excited to welcome everyone to the new space with the member’s show Fluidity. “We’re moving in to a more positive space,” she says.

Rob Brown, 'Travelling Salesman', 2019, mixed media, 40x40cm

Rob Brown, 'FK', 2019, mixed media with collage, 40x40cm,

What were you looking for when programming Untitled? The exhibition program strives to be inclusive of all artists including:

Anna Reynolds

THE PLUM SPANKY MOTEL FROM ROCK STARS TO NAKED GIRAFFES, princes to perverts, The Plum Spanky Motel has a sordid history of debauchery and indulgence.

So if you ever feel like you need a little minute for your creativity, or just to play with a pet art project and a space would help you do that - then pop along on Fridays.

people of all communities, cultures, abilities, ages, sexuality, and faiths. We are really open to anything – all artforms, experimental work, works-in-progress, curatorial proposals, emerging artists and community projects. We are keen to support artists, curators and communities to show their work and test their ideas – and Untitled Gallery and Studio is a great place to do that.

“We’re going to make it the best we can – I’m really happy that we’ve got a decent gallery to work with, which is so much better than where we were.”

The opening will be a chance to celebrate the re-brand, from Darwin Visual Arts Association (DVAA), to Darwin Visual Arts, but it's also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of Artist Run Initiatives (ARI) in the Top End arts community. “It's really important for artists to have the freedom to show their work without a commercial pressure, and to also get feedback,” Kinitavaki says. “If you’re serious about your artwork and developing a career as an artist, you need to be having regular exhibitions - it helps with development and that's not always easy to access for emerging artists.” As well as regular exhibition opportunities, DVA also hosts workshops, artist’s talks and offers mentoring

for both artistic development and business skills. “We’re here to create a sense of community, which is really important for the development of artists. It helps you feel like you’ve got your own tribe, and also opens discourse, which is really healthy for a developing artists.” There’s a lot planned at DVA for the year ahead, with two openings this month.

Fluidity WHEN FRI 3 MAY - SAT 18 MAY | OPENING FRI 3 MAY, 6PM AT DARWIN VISUAL ARTS COST FREE INFO dvaa.net.au

MAGNT

OUTSTATION

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 19 Conacher Street, The Gardens | 8999 8264 | magnt.net.au

2/3 Parap Place, Darwin | 8981 4822 | outstation.com.au TUE & SAT 10AM-2PM | WED–FRI 10AM-5PM

MON–SUN 10AM-5PM

YIDAKI This immersive exhibition tells the story of the origins of yidaki (didjeridu) and illustrates the importance of the instrument in Aboriginal life and culture. Yolngu Elder Djalu Gurruwiwi invites visitors on an experiential journey that includes exploring a stringybark forest, voyaging with the West Wind and becoming immersed in the mesmerising power of yidaki. UNTIL SUN 7 JUL

Eunice Napanangka Jack, 'Kuruyultu' (detail), 2018, acrylic on linen, 84 x 121cm

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF KURUYULTU – EUNICE NAPANANGKA JACK SOLO EXHIBITION Djalu Gurruwiwi, Yolgnu Elder and Yidaki Master, 2016; courtesy of the Museum of South Australia

The oeuvre of Enice Napanangka Jack spans more than three decades, circling around the great narrative of her birth at Kuruyultu – near the small community of Tjukurrla in Western Australia – the events leading up to it, and her early childhood memories of leaving the nomadic life on the Western Australian and Northern Territory border behind and moving to Haasts Bluff. UNTIL TUE 7 MAY

ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS Lyons Cottage, 74 The Esplanade, Darwin | 8942 4023 | aboriginalbushtraders.com MON-FRI 9AM-4PM, SAT-SUN 9AM-3PM

Deaf Tommy Mungatopi, 'Cycles of the moon', natural pigments on bark; © estate of the artist, licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency Ltd.

Between The Moon And The Stars The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) enters a galactic realm with the Between the Moon and the Stars exhibition. This intriguing showcase explores how the moon and its phases continue to impact on animal and human life. UNTIL MAR 2020

Ban Chiang Pipe c 1000 BC, stoneware and porcelain, purchased 1978. MAGNT Collection. Courtesy of MAGNT. Photo: Merinda Campbell

SMOKING PIPES – A HISTORY IN COLLECTING

The stories of how museums collect objects can be just as interesting as the objects themselves. From the highlands of Papua New Guinea to the early missionary days on Groote Eylandt, fascinating tales can be drawn from the histories of collecting through the diverse range of pipes over the past 50 years.

Warrakan Warrakan (‘animals’ in Djambarrpuyngu) is an exhibition of extraordinary fibre art and sculpture, rendered from pandanus, bush string and paperbark wood and paint. Artists Tony Cameron and Penny Milingu Wanapuyngu work collaboratively through Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts in remote East Arnhem Land. Tony Cameron, 'Watu (dog)', 2018, Fibre sculpture mixed media, 80 x 27 cm

WHEN FRI 17 MAY- THU 6 JUN

UNTIL SUN 13 OCT

DARWIN VISUAL ARTS

CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY

1/8 McMinn St, Darwin, Harbour View Plaza | dvaa.net.au TUE- FRI 11AM- 4PM | SAT 10AM-3PM

Building Orange 12, CDU Casuarina Campus | 8946 6621 | cdu.edu.au/ artgallery WED–FRI 10AM-4PM | SAT 10AM-2PM

Alison Worsnop, 'Burnt Pandan', watercolour, 58x78cm

Reinvigorating the MECA Collection

REQUIEM FOR A LANDSCAPE

Maureen O'Sullivan

RESINTHAT

Exhibition of works by Maureen O’Sullivan exploring the luscious and reflective qualities of resin on a variety of surfaces. WHEN FRI 24 MAY - SAT 15 JUN

OPENING FRI 24 MAY, 6PM

DVA proudly presents an exhibition of works on paper by NT artist Alison Worsnop. Requiem for a Landscape is the artist's act or token of remembrance of a small stretch of wetland. The repetitious pages of these pieces might have the endless quality of a dirge or chant in memory of a deceased. WHEN SAT 25 MAY- SAT 15 JUN OPENING FRI 24 MAY, 6PM

Drawing from a heritage collection of significant Yolngu bark paintings, sculptural objects, hollow logs, and weavings, this exhibition brings together a stunning selection of 64 works from the Milingimbi Education and Cultural Association (MECA) Collection, created in Arnhem Land in the mid-1970s. David Malangi 'Mokuy', c. 1970s natural pigments on wood

UNTIL UNTIL SAT 20 JUL

PAUL JOHNSTONE GALLERY

Harriet Place, Darwin | 8941 2220 | pauljohnstonegallery.com.au TUE–FRI 10AM-5PM | SAT 10AM-2PM

NCCA

Northern Centre for Contemporary Art Vimy Lane, Parap | 8981 5368 | 0402 379 630 | nccart.com.au WED-FRI 10AM-4PM, SAT 9AM-2PM, OR BY APPOINTMENT

Johnathan Saunder, 'Zero Point fights Samson' Episode 2; image courtesy the artist.

Storygraph A group exhibition of text, image and animation by three artists Beth Sometimes, Joshua Santospirito and Jonathon Saunders. NCAA'S Gallery One and Two will feature graphic novel works by Joshua Santospirito, Beth Sometimes. Jonathon Saunders’ Zero Point-Everyone Starts From Nothing will be projected in the screening room.

Lindsay Malay, ‘My Ganggayi Country’ (detail), 2019, ochre and natural pigment on canvas, 150x150cm

LINDSAY MALAY SOLO SHOW Lindsay Malay is a Gija man from the remote Kimberley in Western Australia. He was born in Wyndham and grew up on Bedford Downs Cattle Station and in Halls Creek, and now lives in the Warmun Community. Lindsay will be delighted to discuss the importance of inter-generational learning through art and to interpret the narrative behind his powerful paintings at the official opening and on Sat 18 May from 10am-2pm. WHEN WED 8 MAY – SAT JUN 1

OPENING FRI 17 MAY, 5.30PM

WHEN FRI 3 MAY - SAT 1 JUN

Bryan Bulley, 'The Lute Player' (detail), 2018, acrylic on canvas 50.5 x 61cm

SIRENS AND SHIPWRECKS This body of work from Bryan Bulley varies from landscapes to portraits of the characters and birds within his parallel universe.

OPENING FRI 3 MAY, 6PM

GYRACC

Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre Stuart Highway, Katherine East | 8972 3751 | gyracc.org.au | TUE–FRI 10AM-5PM | SAT 10AM–3PM

UNTIL SAT 4 MAY

THE PROJECT SPACE

THE MARY KUNYI LEGACY

1/3 Vickers St, Parap | 8941 3935 | salonartprojects.com.au

For the first time ever, this exhibition brings major works by Mary Kunyi together from collections across the country to highlight the significance of her contribution to Indigenous art history as well as the now iconic artistic style of the Daly River region.

TUE–FRI 10AM-5PM | SAT 10AM-2PM

UNTIL SAT 13 JUL Mary Kunyi, 'Wurr (Grass)' (detail), 2001; courtesy of the Estate of Mary Kunyi and Merrepen Arts

Lucy Yarawanga, “Bawaliba being eaten by Ngalyod”, 2019, etching, 50x33cm

Kun-Waral: Spirit Shadows This collaboration between Bábbarra Women’s Centre and Maningrida Arts & Culture refers to the shadow or memory of powerful beings who transformed as they moved across country, before humans arrived. Artists include Deborah Wurrkidj, Janet Marawarr, Lucy Yarawanga, Jennifer Wurrkidj and Carol Campion.

TACTILE ARTS

19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay, Darwin | 8981 6616 | tactilearts.org.au TUE- SUN 10AM-4PM

WHEN SAT 18 MAY- SAT 15 JUNE | OPENING SAT 18 MAY, 11AM WE ARE ALWAYS MAKING SOMETHING FROM WHAT WE HAVE A collaboration between two Alice Springs based art centres. Childhood memories of making and playing with bush toys inform a series of whimsical soft sculptures from Yarrenyty Arltere Art Centre; while Tangentgere painters Grace Robinya and Sally Mulda are joined by emerging artists reflecting on stories of family and country.

Beth Ebatarinja, Portrait of artist holding a component of 'Bottle Bush Dolls' artwork, 2019, soft sculpture, 43 x 37 x 11 cm

UNTIL SAT 11 MAY

Kieren Karritpul, ‘Ngannime (stars)’ (detail) Navin Chandra, 'Trekkers in Fog', 2018, digital photograph on cotton rag paper, 10cm x 27cm

Award-winning photographs from members of the Northern Territory’s Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), from landscape to portraiture and everything in between. Join the artists at the opening to hear more about their exquisite works. UNTIL SUN 5 MAY

2019, acrylic on canvas, 205cm x 148cm

WOVEN CIRCLES. WOVEN LIVES. Four artists from one river, and four different countries along it. All currently working in Nauiyu, Daly River, this exhibition brings together the new paintings and textiles of these mature artists associated with the Merrepen Art Centre. WHEN FRI 10 MAY - SUN 2 JUNE

BASSintheGRASS

MUSIC Meg Mac

It’s been a rollercoaster few months for the Sydney songstress Meg Mac, who is currently traversing the nation on her ‘Give Me My Name Back’ tour while preparing for the release her album, Hope, in June. But she’s excited to head to Darwin for a beach-side gig at BASSINTHEGRASS, with an epic lineup including Amy Shark, Ball Park Music, Caiti Baker and Karnivool. You’re on a huge tour at the moment, while still releasing singles and your upcoming album how are you feeling juggling it all? It’s exciting and a little bit scary as well, but I’m so glad I’m on tour at the same time as the release because it reminds me why I do what I do. When I’m on stage singing, it all makes sense, and I don’t think too much about the release or what’s going to happen because I’ve got a show to do. Will your festival gig at BASS in Darwin be a bit different than the tour? I’ll have to re-think a few things because it’s going to be an outdoor

Battle

of the

School

Bands

festival at the beach. I’ll try and do something special. Your new album, Hope, is coming out in June, can you tell us a bit about it? It’s named after one of the songs on the album – it’s a sad song. It’s about the flip side of hope, where it can be desperate, sad and almost a curse. I feel like everyone knows that feeling – we’re all living in hope for something. Were you hoping for something when you wrote it? I had this novel on my piano when I was writing this song, which had this painted portrait of a woman on the front and she looked sad and defeated, but there was something about her that looked hopeful. I thought I was writing it about this woman, but now I’ve started playing it on tour, I think I wrote this about myself. Maybe it’s hard to admit, but I feel like we’re all hoping for something to change or happen. WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 18 MAY | 11AM - 11PM MINDIL BEACH $105 | $220 PLATINUM 18+ bassinthegrass.com.au

THE BIG NAMES AT BASSINTHEGRASS will be given a run for their money when the winners of the NT Battle of The School Bands hit the stage. NT Music School principal Bill Grose says this year’s competition has unearthed some great talent for the final, which will be held this month to decide who claims bragging rights and a spot on the BASS line-up. “The standard is really high this year, they’ve kicked it up a level,” he says. “We’ve got some real stars, so it’s going to be a really tough competition.” 21 bands and soloist from 10 schools entered this year’s competition with a diverse mix of sounds coming from young musos. “We’ve got some quite intense rock bands, and one with three saxophones and no guitars – they’re definitely writing some original material,” Grose says. “The sounds range right through to some beautiful acoustic guitar

ballads and everything in between. “The one thing that amazed me most is the quality of song writers.” Grose says one of the great elements born out of the competition is the chance for the young artists to travel from Alice and Nhulunbuy to Darwin for the final and meet each other. “They all come together and it’s a fantastic couple of days where they’re all camped out in the Green Room, and there’s a strong sense of community at that age level,” he says. The annual competition has become a right of passage for many born-and-bred performers, with several alumni forging a strong presence in the local music scene and father afield.

NT Battle of the School Bands Final WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 3 MAY | 6.30PM RAILWAY CLUB, PARAP FREE ntms.net.au

By Kylie Stevenson

DAVE GRANEY & CLARE MOORE

Patsy Coleman

DAVE GRANEY ISN’T A MUSICIAN WHO FOLLOWS THE RULES; he likes to “smash them up”.

albums, and in 1996, was named Best Male Artist at the ARIA Awards for The Soft ‘n’ Sexy Sound.

The singer-songwriter from Mt. Gambier in South Australia grew up on a diet of Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Blue Oyster Cult, and says he’s “reclaiming” rock on his latest album Zippa Deedoo What Is/Was That/This.

Despite the opening track on Zippa Deedoo lamenting, tonguein-cheek, how he could have been a better pop star, Graney says he couldn’t have.

“Classic rock is a boring term used by commercial radio which they have boiled down to a cannon of about six bands. Make that four,” he says. Graney has been making music since the 1980s, and alongside, Clare Moore has fronted numerous bands including The Moodists, Dave Graney and Coral Snakes, and The Dave Graney Show. He has released more than 30

“Do you follow all the rules or smash them up? I think the latter,” he says. “Anybody from Australian Idol is a stiff. I prefer people who know how to be bad.” Zippa Deedoo, recorded with Moore and their band The MistLY, is eight songs done 13 ways. “The album is presented a little like a jazz reissue album, which often come out with alternate takes of songs,” Graney says.

“Songs always change after you record them, so I guess it’s a mixture of a classic rock approach, a jazz consideration and ’90s remix stylings.” Graney and Moore will perform an acoustic set in Darwin, minus the MistLY, spanning songs from across their career right up to Zippa Deedoo, concentrating more on the lyrical side of things. “It can be more flexible,” he says of the shows they perform as a duo. “We keep it a little open-ended as to how the room is, the people and the sound. I can mope around here and there across my songbook.”

WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 1 JUN | 7PM DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB $27.50 darwinrailwayclub.org

By Kylie Stevenson

The

Faste Fiv

Music in the Breeze

TEX PERKINS

with MATT WALKER AFTER 20 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND MUTUAL ADMIRATION, Tex Perkins and Matt Walker are taking the stage in Darwin as a duo, and fans are in for a wild ride spanning Perkins’ full career. The pair will perform a set of the new music they’ve been working on, mingled with Perkins’ back catalogue, including music made with The Cruel Sea, Beasts of Bourbon, The Dark Horses and Tex, Don and Charlie. “It’ll be a bit of everything, so expect to be taken on rollercoaster ride of emotions,” Perkins says. Perkins and Walker first worked together on The Man in Black in 2010, and discovered they shared a lot of similar tastes. “If someone forced me, I’d have to say we really are quite a dynamic duo. But I’d never say that,” Perkins says.

They started writing music together a couple of years ago, and are taking their time to produce an album — something Perkins has rarely had the luxury of but is excited by. Their upcoming show is described as “blues swamp groove”, blending

wood and metal sounds. “It’s an acoustic sound but it’s also a dirty sound,” Perkins says. “Well, actually a ‘dirt’ sound. Not 'big city' dirty, more like 'out in the country' dirt. Dirt with grass and leaves and s--t, y’know? Matt and I will be doing some of that stuff, but also some softer, sweeter, sadder sort of stuff as well.” It’s been a tough year for Perkins, whose Beasts of Bourbon bandmates Spencer P Jones and Brian Hooper passed away last year, but he says he still loves nothing more than making music.

THE DRY SEASON SPELLS ONE THING FOR MUSIC FANS - the return of the regular free outdoor gigs. NT News Live on Fridays, Sanctuary Sessions, and Sounds@Sunset are back, filling the fresh air with tunes across the Top End. Brown’s Mart courtyard gets a makeover every Friday afternoon with live acoustic local and interstate musicians on stage, while punters can grab a drink to wind down the working week. The May line-up including Beverley McShanag, Bridey Rose, Burger Joint, Kyle Maher and Scott Bywater. Sanctuary Sessions is back for another year in Palmerston, with a line up of family friendly entertainment on the picturesque lawns of

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Tue evenings and Sat mornings

“…After losing Spencer and Brian last year, the realisation that we’re not going to be around much longer really hits home and you try to hang onto every second of joy you can — and play some intensely powerful rock ‘n’ roll with people you love.”

WHEN THU 9 MAY | 7.30PM AT SANDBAR, MINDIL BEACH CASINO COST $65 INFO mindilbeachcasinoresort. com.au

NEW PLAYERS WELCOME

Brass and Percussion Varying skill levels accommodated Ron Roberts Musical Director 0418 857 744 Andrew Stone President 0422 216 818

Supported by City of Darwin

NT News Live on Fridays WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY FRI | 4.30-7PM BROWN’S MART COURTYARD FREE brownsmart.com.au

Sanctuary Sessions WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 18 MAY | 4-7PM SANCTUARY LAKES FREE palmerston.nt.gov.au

Sounds@Sunset WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 17 MAY | 5PM NIGHTCLIFF FORESHORE FREE launchdarwin.com.au

“I’m very lucky I get to do what I love,” he says.

D*Town Sings IT’S A WELL-KNOWN FACT that beer makes everyone a better singer. Two local music legends are inviting everyone who has every fancied themselves a pub performer to join in a communal choir for a new monthly event. Musicians David Garnham and Ben Allen will teach amateur singers three party harmonies for a classic tune – all in the space of a few hours.

REHEARSALS Tue 7.00pm to 9.30pm

Sanctuary Lakes once a month. Sounds@Sunset will get revelers in the mood for BASSINTHEGRASS with some party music on the Nightcliff foreshore - check out our Youth section on page 15 for all the details, and stayed tuned for the regular monthly events.

“It’s that whole premise of a very informal, very fun format, where we’ll bring people together to belt out a tune,” Garnham says. “By the end, we’ll all be singing like a bunch of endearing, knock-about louts at the pub.” Can’t sing? Don’t let that stop you; it’s all about having a good time with your mates.

darwincitybrassband.org.au

“It's for all singing abilities – you

don’t even have to be of the bathroom singing standard, you can be an entry level bathroom singer,” Garnham says. Each month a new song will be selected, but the tune for May is a tightly kept secret, though Garnham did drop a few hints for those able to decipher his clues. “We wanted to pick an Aussie classic, and there’s nothing more Aussie than claiming a song that was written by a New Zealander and pretending it’s Australian,” he says. “The song we have in mind has a rousing large chorus and a couple of big moments that will hopefully give us spine-tingling, hair-raising moments of beauty in amongst lashings of charm and good times.” WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 10 MAY | 7PM DARWIN SKI CLUB $15  creativeaccomplice.com.au

DEBORAH

CONWAY DEBROAH CONWAY AND WILLY ZYGIER HEAD TO DARWIN ON THEIR EPIC TOUR, after the release of their 10th album, The Words Of Men. The concert will see their new music paired with the classic 1993’s ARIA award-winning, gold-selling record, Bitch Epic. Debroah Conway answered The Fast Five What’s the first album you ever bought? It was 1971 and I had walked down to our local record store clutching my money and bought my first LP, Carole King’s Tapestry. I do have the album but now on CD. If you could see any artist or band – living or dead – this weekend, who would it be? Louis Armstrong with Ella Fitzgerald & The Oscar Peterson Quartet, the very essence of what it is to be inside your craft and to communicate it so perfectly. I’d take my daughter Alma Zygier (a glorious jazz singer) and we’d smile all night at the dazzling musicianship and mourn not to be able to repeat the experience. Whose posters did you have stuck to the wall as a teenager? The only two I remember were a giant headshot of Paul Newman looking quite devastatingly handsome and a small A4 size poster that read ‘prune juice will set you free’. I no longer have either of them. What song would you like played at your funeral? A traditional Jewish funeral doesn’t incorporate music but if it did I’d choose ‘Moon River’. Finish this sentence. The thing people would be surprised to know about me… is not just a thing, but a very long list. After all, how well can you know a person? Perhaps a little better if that person is creative and writes and releases albums.

WHEN FRI 31 MAY | 8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $57 | $52 CONC/MEMB | $24 CHILD 3-15 | $45 GROUP 15+ INFO yourcentre.com.au

MAY

GIG guide OTL's quick and essential guide to live music in the Top End. Rock on! To find out more, head to offtheleash.net.au

Shannon Noll Shannon Noll has become a legend, a meme, an everyday hero and a county boy who stands by his word and convictions.

known tracks, including ‘Drive’, ‘My Body Loves to Party’ and his nod to ‘What About Me’. WHEN SAT 18 MAY | 9.15PM, AFTER FIREWORKS

The Australian Idol runner up will be in the Top End headlining the entertainment for the Fred’s Pass Rural Show, before kicking on to the Berry Springs Tavern the following day.

FRED’S PASS RURAL SHOW

COST

$15 | $5 CHILD 6-17

INFO

fredspassruralshow.com.au

WHEN SUN 19 MAY | 3PM  AT

BERRY SPRINGS TAVERN

COST

FREE

Nollsie will perform some well-

INFO

berryspringstavern.com

Fridays with Glen Forner Catch Glen at Hotel Darwin to round out your week.

with food trucks. BYO blanket and bean bag.

3 MAY

BEVERLEY MCSHANAG

10 MAY

BRIDEY ROSE

WHEN SAT 18 MAY | 4-8PM

17 MAY

BURGER JOINT

WHEN EVERY FRI | 6-9PM

SANCTUARY LAKES,

24 MAY

KYLE MAHER

31 MAY

SCOTT BYWATER

/OTL.magazine

@OTLmag

#OTLmag

HOTEL DARWIN

PALMERSTON

COST

FREE

COST

FREE

INFO

thehoteldarwin.com.au

INFO

Palmerston.nt.gov.au

Saturdays with James Damien Take in this talented Territorian performer with your Saturday bevy.

Vox Crox Choir VoxCrox and a live band will play hits from the 60s

WHEN EVERY SAT

WHEN SAT 25 MAY | 7.30PM

DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB 17 Somerville Gardens, Parap 8981 4171 | darwinrailwayclub.org

HOTEL DARWIN

CHARLES DARWIN

Battle of the School Bands Final

COST

FREE

UNIVERSTIY THEATRE

WHEN FRI 3 MAY | 6.30-9.30PM

INFO

thehoteldarwin.com.au

COST

$20

COST

FREE

INFO

voxcrox.com

INFO

ntms.net.au

YACHT ASSOCIATION

Toni Childs Retrospective Join the legendary Toni Childs performing hits and fan favourites from old and new albums.

COST

FREE

WHEN THU 30 MAY | 7.30PM

INFO

facebook.com/DBCYA

Afro Moses WHEN SUN 5 MAY | 5-8PM AT

DINAH BEACH CRUISING

DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT

Gin and Jazz Join local musicians on the third Sunday of every month. COST

$11.50 PRE-BOOK | $15 DOOR

INFO

stickytickets.com.au

Shannon Noll

Tropidelica – Birds of Paradise Get your jungle juices flowing as Femme Funkale dish up a delightful night of booty-shakin’ fruitilicious fun with Laydee Loopin, Miss Possum & DJ Yesss! WHEN SAT 18 MAY | 9PM- 1AM COST

$10

JAM NIGHTS AND OPEN MIC

WHEN SUN 5 MAY | 2-7PM AT

PINT CLUB, MARRARA

COST

GOLD COIN DONATION

INFO

facebook.com/firstsunday

blues

Jam Night at Nirvana Jump on stage or sit back and enjoy the music. WHEN EVERY TUE | 9PM-LATE AT

NIRVANA RESTAURANT

COST

FREE

INFO

nirvanadarwin.com.au

WHEN SUN 19 MAY | 5PM

CENTRE

Seaside Sounds Watch the sun drop as your ears are tantalised with this year's diverse line up of hand-picked artists including Tyron Hapi, Rave Radio, Godlands, Paris Lawrence, Flash, Dj Delicious and Dj UK. WHEN SUN 5 MAY | 4PM-12AM

COST

$69 | $65 MEMB/CONC | $64

Dave Graney

CHILD (3-14)| $65 GROUP

WHEN SAT 1 JUN | 7PM

INFO

yourcentre.com.au

COST

Deborah Conway - Epic WHEN FRI 31 MAY | 8PM AT

DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRE

$27.50

Darren Hanlon Darren Hanlon returns to Darwin this May as the final date of a tour. WHEN SUN 12 MAY | 7PM

DARWIN SKI CLUB

COST

$57 | $52 CONC | $24 CHILD |

RAILWAY CLUB

COST

$90 GATE PRICE | $140

$45 GROUP

COST

$20

VIP PACKAGE

INFO

yourcentre.com.au

INFO

darwinrailwayclub.org

INFO

seasidesounds.com.au

Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals Tex Perkins and Matt Walker

WHEN EVERY TUE | 7-9.30PM

WHEN THU 9 MAY | 7.30PM

2 ABALA ROAD, MARRARA

INFO

darwincitybrassband.org.au

MINDIL BEACH CASINO

COST

$65

INFO

mindilbeachcasinoresort.

com.au

The Roy Boys The Roy Boys play acoustic covers featuring all your favourites.

D*Town Sings

WHEN EVERY FRI | 6-9PM

WHEN FRI 10 MAY | 7-9PM

THE BELL BAR & BISTRO,

DARWIN SKI CLUB

BELLAMACK

COST

$15

COST

FREE

INFO

creativeaccomplice.com.au

INFO

roymackonkeyofficial.com.au

HAPPY YESS 12 Smith Street, Darwin 0447 842 779 | happyyess.com Batpiss & Guests Collingwood noise-punks Batpiss are coming to Happy Yess for the first time ever. WHEN FRI 3 MAY | 8PM COST

$13.30 PRE-SALE | $15 DOOR

The Rabbit Hole Mixtape Launch WHEN FRI 10 MAY | 7.30PM- 1AM

MINDIL BEACH

COST

$105 | $220 VIP

Live on Friday Chill out after the work week with music with Brown's Mart's popular live music showcase.

INFO

bassinthegrass.com.au

WHEN EVERY FRIDAY | 4-7PM

BASSINTHEGRASS WHEN SAT 18 MAY | 11AM-11PM

Sanctuary Sessions Free music from local artists for the whole family, including the pets,

COST

$10

Organic Sounds Played on Vinyl 60s RnB, disco, boogie, Afro and warm sounding, soulful house.

BROWN'S MART COURTYARD

WHEN FRI 17 MAY | 9PM

COST

FREE

COST

INFO

brownsmart.com.au

$10

until 7 July

admission fees apply book ahead at magnt.net.au/yidaki

Presenting Partners

Production Partners

May Events Free Yoga Asana Class Every Saturday during the Dry Season 8am to 9am | Free A dedicated and qualified yoga instructor will guide you through a gentle 1 hour session of yoga asana, breath work and meditation suited to all levels of yoga experience including beginners. Patrons will need to provide their own yoga mat for the class. Arafura Games Closing Celebration Saturday 4 May 6:30pm to 8:30pm | Free Arrive from 5pm and enjoy all that the Waterfront precinct has to offer. Sit back and enjoy the shows, featuring local NT performing artists and groups. For more information visit arafuragames.nt.gov.au Mothersâ€™ Day Saltwater Craft Fair Sunday 12 May 9am to 2pm Peruse the wares of some of the Territoryâ€™s best artisians and choose a unique gift for mum from one of the many local arts and craft stalls. Harmony Soiree Saturday 25 May 4pm to 8:30pm Celebrate our thriving multicultural community and enjoy all of the food, performances and festival atmoshphere on offer

All events are alcohol and glass free waterfront.nt.gov.au