Off The Leash - October 2023

It’s been a treat taking the reins as Acting Editor this month while powerhouse Tierney enjoys an Aperol spritz or two on her long overdue honeymoon in Europe.

If you’re thinking October is the time to start winding down after the festival season, you may think again after hearing what’s served up around town this month.

With the build up arriving in the Top End, the mangos ripening and the closing curtain of the pre-monsoonal rains preparing to fall – there’s still a heap to sink your teeth into. For those in the beating heart of the Red Centre, it’s a spectacular time to see the landscape come alive in desert bloom with summer just around the corner.

Now is the time to savour what’s left of the year and look back on the incredible arts, events and music that have illuminated all parts of the NT.

We’re shining a spotlight on the local performing arts sector in our main feature to celebrate the mega load of talent throughout the regions. Do you know someone who deserves a shout out for their contribution to the arts? You can nominate a local artist or arts-worker in the NT Performing Arts Awards – whether it’s someone in the limelight or works from behind the scenes.

EDITOR OUT OF OFFICE!

Tierney is jet-setting off to Europe for a well-earned break – and her honeymoon! – this month, back on deck in Oct. Jenna Hoare is manning the ship for production of the Oct edition while she's gone.

Tierney returns to Off The Leash on Tuesday 10 October.

To add extra flavour around town – the Darwin International Laksa Festival kicks off a month earlier this year. You can lap up all your favourite laksa-inspired dishes leading up the main event on the Laksa Lawns at State Square.

The big performers keep rolling into town. Get all the giggles as Jimmy Rees hits the stage at DEC. On the showbiz flipside, Australian opera sensations Marina Prior and David Hobson bring a whirlwind performance to Darwin after sell out tours across the country. In Alice Springs, witness The Sunshine Club dance up a theatre storm at Araluen Arts Centre. Snap up your tickets fast.

A big shout out and thank you to Editorial Assistant Kate Conway for her support and eagle-eye attention to detail, all the work and flair Designer Danny Crichton brings into each edition, and it’s been wonderful working with the talented Betty Sweetlove as Contributing Writer based in Alice Springs – check our her stories on page 7.

I’ll be handing over to Tierney as she lands back in the tropics next month, ahead of another exciting edition to hit the stands.

And lastly, I want to sign off by saying that all good things take a team and what a team there is at Off The Leash!

proudly sponsored by Northern Territory Performing Arts Awards

SpotlighT ON

Territory Talent

In 2019, the Northern Territory Performing Arts Awards were established to celebrate the achievements, courage and excellence of hardworking creatives who make up the Territory’s performing arts landscape.

This month, you’re invited to nominate a local performer, show or artist that has contributed to the vibrant industry.

IF YOU’VE EVER sat in an audience and been blown away by a performance, marvelled at a set design or costumes, or left with lyrics and lines echoing in your head, now is your chance to show your appreciation and give some of the NT’s brightest stars the recognition they deserve.

The awards were born out of happenstance, when Artistic Director of Brown’s Mart at the time Sean Pardy, and former Corrugated Iron Youth Arts Executive Producer Jane Tonkin, found themselves with a spare 20 minutes after a third party didn’t show up for a meeting.

“We started talking about how the NT was the only jurisdiction not to have a celebration of performing arts and how there was no opportunity for artists to be celebrated,” Pardy says.

“Yet the flipside was they were doing this incredible work. So, we decided to just start something.”

Joining forces with Tracks Dance, the three powerhouse organisations formed a strategic alliance coined We3 and set out to showcase the incredible talent and diversity of the community. Officially recognising the significant contribution of the performing arts to the NT’s economy and liveability, the dream was a flagship, Territory-wide celebration.

“Our three-year plan was to present the awards ourselves. We had limited resources and just wanted to kick start them. Our hope was that they would gain enough momentum and become akin to other industry awards like the NT Sports Awards or The Brolgas for the tourism industry,” Pardy says.

This year, the vision is well on the way to becoming a reality with the performing arts sector handing over the awards to the NT Government to take the awards to the next level.

Northern Territory Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Chansey Paech says Darwin and its surrounding regions produce diverse, unique and impressive performing arts works.

“The Territory’s performing arts sector is integral to the unique social fabric of our communities, weaving together our stories, creativity and culture with warmth, colour and emotion,” he says.

“These Awards recognise the important contribution made by the performing arts – its creatives and the arts workers who make it all possible.”

Red Centre project the Olive Pink Opera is a shining example of the resilience of the Territory’s performing arts industry. Three years in the making, the project overcame multiple obstacles, including being postponed twice before premiering last year under a starlit desert sky.

A collaboration between composer Anne Boyd, Desert Song Festival, Olive Pink Botanic Gardens and the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir, the contemporary work featured open-sourced stories from Alice Springs residents and a children’s choir made up of local school students. It doesn’t get much more Territorian than that.

Performer, physical theatre practitioner, and theatre maker Nicky Fearn took home an accolade in 2021 and says the awards fill an important gap by providing artists with tangible evidence of recognition for their work.

“I was totally delighted that it happened, and I knew I could use that award in future grant applications,” she says.

“When you’re applying for national grants, many people can quote noted papers or people but, in the NT, we don’t have anybody doing that form of reviewing anymore … it’s quite detrimental when we’re going up against the national applicants.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Pardy.

“The struggle for NT artists is that we compete on a national stage yet it’s difficult to have national assessors understand the work that we’re doing and the great work that’s being created here because we’re four thousand kilometres away. Having these awards helps validate the great work that NT artists are already doing,” he says.

On almost any day of the year, Territorians and visitors can take their pick from a bounty of performances bursting with talent and creativity. The awards are an opportunity to champion members of the performing arts community – both on and off the stage – who give their all to an industry powered by heart and passion, often for little return.

“It’s a simple thing you can do to recognise a peer, colleague or friend, who you know is striving hard and doing great work. The life of an artist is not easy, and a nomination is something you can do that’s not going to cost you anything but will go a long way to supporting these artists,” Pardy says.

Nominations are now open, with the awards night set for November. If you know of someone who deserves a shout out, nominating is a meaningful way to show your support.

PERFORMING ARTS

NOT THAT KIND OF VIRAL

W

ATCH OUT, DARWIN! We’ve let comedian Jimmy Rees in for his latest show Not That Kind of Viral. After his 2022 sell-out performance, he's back for more with his well-loved entourage of characters and a few new on-stage personalities in tow.

Jenna Hoare caught up with the legendary entertainer and social media sensation to talk about his new show and whether he’ll be trying a piping hot laksa during his visit to the Top End.

Jimmy, you do such a great job at sharing the POV of a Darwinian in your social videos. Tell us what it is about the audience ‘up here’ that you’re looking forward to?

I was in Darwin for my tour last year which was amazing. I’ve been to Darwin before with Giggle and Hoot a couple of times back in the day. Darwin is a great place and a lot of people have responded to my social videos about Darwin saying, ‘how did you know?’. There’s lots of different people from everywhere and the audience is always great and supportive.

Your followers are used to seeing multiple Jimmy characters in your social videos. Will fans recognise some of these characters in your latest show?

Yeah, there will definitely be some faces that people recognise from my videos online. I recently did a video about border control in Darwin that will make an appearance. I'll bring some of these characters to the show but in a different format. There are some things you can’t do online so it will be more interactive. I think I change costumes about 100 different times in this show [laughs]…well it feels like it.

While a lot of your videos went viral during the pandemic, you’ve retained a huge loyal following. Do you see people’s social media habits changing as we emerge from a post pandemic world?

Sure. People were at home a lot then and I think it’s now changed. Not everyone is online looking at the same thing in the same way. But then you have the Matilda's playing in Australia and the whole nation seemed to watch that. I definitely

notice that if you share a video about what’s happening right now, you’re always going to get people on board. But generally, I think we’re now back in the pre pandemic times of how people are consuming content online.

Agreed. We're looking forward to seeing you in person. What else can folks look forward to in your Darwin show?

There’s a few local bits that change for each show. And there’s a few parts in the show where I get to interact with the audience. It’s a very different response in different areas that I visit. We get a few people up on stage which is fun!

Nice, I’m sure there will be a few volunteers. So, what does Jimmy have planned after this tour?  Over the last few years everything has really spawned from the videos I put out online. I’ll continue doing that and there’s a bunch of different things that stem from that content. I try to do a few different projects each year. The main thing is trying to make some more fun videos for the audience and planning to head out on tour next year, hopefully getting out into the more regional areas.

And the last important question for our readers. Will you be trying a piping hot laksa while you’re in town?

[Laughs] I feel like I want to do this. I want to try it after the Darwin show and go down to Mindil or wherever? Is it Mary’s?

I just want to go there because we’ve been talking about it for years now. And in October it’s surely going to mid-thirties and the laksa will be mid-fifties.

That’s right. There’s Mary’s Laksa at Parap Village Markets and the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Thanks Jimmy, we can’t wait to have you in the Territory.

Thanks Jenna, I’m looking forward to that laksa!

Dancing into the Age of Unknown

BLACK DIVAZ

Darwin, can you handle this? Get set for a raucous night of sparkling entertainment as purveyors of glitz, glamour and good times Party Passport bring their latest number, Black Divaz to the Brown’s Mart stage.

COMBINING GLITTERING CABARET with provocative comedy and showstopping costumes, Black Divaz pays homage to iconic divas of colour and stars three fierce queens hand-picked from Party Passport’s Miss First Nations pageant. The only national competition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Drag Performers in Australia.

Direct from the competition’s catwalk, queens Sarah Moany, Tyra Bankstown and Estelle are joined by the inimitable Constantina Bush as host for the evening. Miss Bankstown says the talented lineup is a powerful mix of performers.

“Sarah Moany and Estelle both have professional dance backgrounds and Constantina Bush is a comedic genius she’s just so funny and she’s also an amazing singer,” they say.

“To me it’s a really dynamic mixture and putting us all together in one room is going to be explosive!”

Without giving too much of the fun away, Miss Bankstown says audiences can expect a feel-good evening of nostalgic glitz and glamour – think Dream Girls or The Sapphires – with an Indigenous flair.

“Our culture has used song and dance to pass on knowledge for thousands of years, it’s something that we love to do, and we want to take everyone along on the ride,” they say.

Featuring a soundtrack of classic hits from some of the biggest voices in music history, don some glitter and sequins and join the queens for a spectacular sing-along in a safe and inclusive space. Fabulous, darling!

WHEN THU 5-SAT 7 OCT | 7PM AT BROWN’S MART COST $35 INFO brownsmart.com.au

For Tracks Dance Artistic Director David McMicken this very idea is at the centre of his latest project collaboration – Generating Divergence: Ageing into the Unknown.

“The field of dance and the ageing body appears to be quite new in this country, but it is something that a few people have been working on for many years.

We’ve been working with [dance group] The Grey Panthers, over 60’s, for over 35 years. Dealing with the idea of dance and aging.”

McMicken says being able to continue to expressively dance and create throughout his whole life and involving those who have later years of experience is something that’s of great interest to him

“We do a lot of work in Indigenous communities, and we do a lot of work with Southeast Asian communities and their idea of elders is quite established and quite profound in the way it’s treated. Through Tracks we’ve been focusing on that as being a pinnacle for arts [recognising] that our elders across the board have got lifetimes of experience in their bodies.”

The first development of this exciting project involves five well-established dancers including Helen Herbertson, the 2022 recip-

ient of Australia Council’s Award for Dance who joins Tracks as a guest collaborator and provocateur. Other dancers involved, who have all made significant contributions to dance are Rachael Wallis, Putu Desak Wati and Maari Gray.

“These professional dancers will meet on a retreat in Batchelor to explore the topics of dance and the ageing body. This is about starting the social conversation that applies not only to dancers, but sporting athletes and other athletic professions too,” McMicken says.

Jump online for a free interactive Q&A livestream this month, open to anyone interested in learning and engaging in the conversation of dance and the ageing body.

Generating Divergence: Ageing into the Unknown

WHEN THU 19 OCT | 4-5.30PM

AT LIVESTREAM ONLINE  COST FREE

INFO tracksdance.com.au

What does it mean to age? This is a question that’s usually pondered for years by dancers before they reach the visible signs of ageing.

DANCE ALL NIGHT AT THE SUNSHINE CLUB

HAPPY HOURWITH

LUKE KIDGELL

“THE SUNSHINE CLUB is a feel-good musical, and that’s its job” says the show’s inimitable writer and director, Wesley Enoch AM. Written in the 1990s, the multiaward-winning show was lovingly brought back to life by Queensland Theatre last year.

In the decades since its debut, Wesley Enoch has become one of Australia’s premier arts leaders. Returning to direct a new ensemble, studded with rising First Nations stars including Naarah and Garret Lyon, Enoch reflects on the musical’s enduring relevance.

“In the 90s, it was the height of the reconciliation movement, and I was writing about the birthplaces of that movement. Now it’s being produced again, it’s very much because we’re in the throes of talking about the referendum. The central question is still the same: can black and white dance together?” he says.

The story begins in post-war Brisbane as serviceman Frank Doyle returns from the war. Far from the liberated world he fought for, Frank faces the heartbreaking reality of racism as an Aboriginal man in Australia. Spurred on by his love for Rose, an ambitious young singer, Frank sets up the Sunshine Club, where people from all walks of life can meet and, most importantly, dance.

“Rose has all these options ahead of her - she’s been chosen to study at the London Academy of Music. When Frank comes back, they realise not only are they good friends, but they have an attraction - a white woman and a black man. That’s the basis of the play.” says Enoch.

This tale of love against all odds is inspired by the true, and often unknown, history of Aboriginal dance clubs that popped up after WWII.

“The Sunshine Club is a fictional place but it’s based on a real place called the Boathouse in Brisbane that a lot of my Elders went to. They’d tell stories of the dances they’d go to, how they’d have to sneak in and sneak back out again,” Enoch says.

Strict curfews were in place across the city and Aboriginal people would risk getting arrested on their way to the club at night.

“These dance clubs were for people who needed a place to go and be human in a world that was treating them as if they weren’t,” Enoch says.

An extraordinary piece of Australian theatre history, The Sunshine Club brings all the joy of musicals to the important questions of Australia’s colonial legacy.

“I think that a play, while it’s a very dull instrument for social change, it becomes a very important touchstone. Social change happens because people can go - I feel strengthened, I feel loved, cared for, I feel acknowledged through this story being told,” Enoch says.

With breathtaking choreography and a five-piece band, these true stories of community, strength and resilience take centre stage.

“There’s a song right at the end, and I don’t want to give away too much, but when we wrote it in the 90s the sentiment was that we have to make change. The lyric goes: “If not now, then when? If not now, then show me a world where it can.” says Enoch.

For one night only, the Sunshine Club is opening its doors in Mparntwe/Alice Springs this month.

“I’m not saying that plays change the world, but I say that people who change the world come and see plays,” Enoch says.

VIRAL COMIC LUKE Kidgell hits stages around the NT IRL this month!

The internet comedy sensation is back in the Territory with his new show, Happy Hour. With over 3 million followers, he is best known for side-splitting TikTok content and viral stand-up videos.

“Most people know me from the internet. I try to make people laugh, that’s always the goal.” he says.

Since bursting onto the comedy circuit in 2015, Kidgell’s recent international tour, Cheers to that! was a sell-out success. Now on another epic tour across Australia, his non-stop schedule thankfully provides plenty of hilarious new anecdotes.

“It’s about the last year of my life, travelling around the world. A lot of it is about going to the UK and travelling around Australia, all the stuff I’ve got up to. There’s a bit of crowd interaction,” he says.

His witty observations about life on the road are infused with a wildly-talented ability to interact with his audience. Kidgell has become known for his unbelievably quick-witted crowd work that leaves the whole room in stitches.

pect some seriously funny material, awkward encounters, embarrassing moments, and of course, a certain amount of chaos. But it isn’t all laughs and jokes being on the road for most of the year.

“Everyone thinks you’re going on holiday because they see the cool parts on Instagram but a lot of the time it’s like going on a really bad holiday. The show is the most fun part, every night.”

Kidgell’s effortless delivery is part of his on-stage charm, having honed his craft through years of live performances. When asked what people can expect from his Alice Springs and Darwin shows, he promises to live up to his online reputation.

“Just really good. The best you’ve ever seen,” Kidgell says.

With a potential break from touring planned for 2024, this might be the last opportunity for Territory fans to catch this breakthrough talent for a while. The jokes are on Kidgell, so all you need to do is grab your tickets and settle in for Happy Hour.

Alice Springs WHEN THU 5 OCT | 7PM AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE COST $55 | $50 CONC | $80 VIP INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

The Sunshine Club WHEN WED 11 OCT | 7:30PM AT ARALUEN

“So many random things happen at shows all the time. I think I’ve done 80-100 shows already this year. Last year I did 228 shows. It’s wild,” Kidgell says.

Audiences at Happy Hour can ex-

Darwin WHEN SUN 8 OCT | 6PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $55 | $80 VIP INFO yourcentre.com.au

Behind the outlandishly catchy melodies and joyful musical numbers, is a question that speaks to the heart of Australia’s history.

LISTINGS

Ariel en Pointe

From Disney's classic animation to Edvard Eriksen’s iconic statue perched on a rock overlooking Langelinie Promenade in Copenhagen - Hans Christian Anderson’s classic The Little Mermaid has inspired many artists spanning many artforms.

MONTH, THE beloved story of a young mermaid finding her place in the world is reimagined through the medium of dance by the Victorian State Ballet.

Created by husband-and-wife duo and co-artistic directors of the company, Martin and Michelle Sierra, the ballet was first performed in 2019. While the fluid-like, graceful movements of classical ballet seemingly go together perfectly with the underwater world of the story, Michelle says when Martin first came to her with the idea, she initially had her reservations.

“At first I thought it would be hard to portray the underwater setting, it did take me awhile to get my head around it,” she says.

“He directed it, I choreographed it and together we worked out the scenes and pulled out the important parts of the story... it’s very light-hearted and fun.”

Alongside the choreography, the layered performance uses a fleet of production elements from lighting and projections to music, costumes and set design to depict the seascape.

Set to a sweeping soundtrack featuring a mixture of traditional and contemporary classical works from Strauss to Pavarotti, dappled lighting illustrates sun light dancing on the ocean floor, with brightly coloured costumes representing coral or flowing fabric tails and fins moving with the dancers.

Anh Do - The Happiest refugee

Firefly Effect Talented students from St Paul's Catholic Primary School take to the stage in this performance exploring themes of change through drama and dance.

WHEN THU 12 OCT | 7PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $25 INFO yourcentre.com.au

Deadly Funny

For 18 years, Deadly Funny has unearthed the freshest and funniest comedians and yarn spinners from the oldest culture on Earth. Get set for a night of laughter and catch the future generation of stars before they become the next big thing.

WHEN THU 12 OCT | 7PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $15 INFO yourcentre.com.au

The Big Tease Soiree

The Australian Burlesque Festival presents a night of glamour featuring some of the best international and local burlesque performers. Head along and enjoy traditional Bump 'n' Grind, vintage-flavoured tease, sizzling cabaret and variety entertainment. Ooh la la!

WHEN SAT 14 OCT | 8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $72 | $65 MEMB INFO yourcentre.com.au

Join one of Australia's most talented comedians for a deep dive into his life's joys and sorrows. Anh Do's The Happiest Refugee Live takes his book of the same name a step further combining stand-up comedy with real-life stories, photos and films.

WHEN TUE 17 OCT | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $69.90 | $64.90 CONC INFO yourcentre.com.au

Faulty Towers Dining Experience

Anything can happen at this improvised dining theatre experience with Basil and co. from Faulty Towers. With two hours of comedy, three delicious courses and five-star reviews, you're invited to enjoy a brilliant night out served with a side of chaos.

WHEN FRI 20 OCT | 7PM SAT 21 OCT | 9PM AT OAKS DARWIN ELAN HOTEL COST $113 INFO faultytowersdining.com

Nurse Georgie Carroll: Sista Flo 2.0 Get ready to giggle, Darwin. Nurse turned comedian Georgie Carroll brings her award-winning brand of stand-up to the Top End for one night only.

WHEN THU 26 OCT | 8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $49 | $44 CONC/GROUPS 10+ INFO yourcentre.com.au

Wild Words

Join fellow wordsmiths at Darwin's monthly poetry/spoken word open mic. Jump on stage at the Bat and unleash the wild words within.

WHEN SUN 29 OCT | 4.30PM AT LUCKY BAT CAFÉ COST FREE INFO facebook.com/wildwords2018

Victorian State Ballet - The Little Mermaid

WHEN FRI 20 OCT, 7.30PM

COST $55 | $50 MEMB/CONC

$35 CHILD | $150 FAM

“The male dancers are swordfish, and they do a lot of partnering where they lift the girls as if they are floating so the costumes also add to the effect,” Sierra says.

While the ballet leans more into the original Hans Christian Anderson storyline than modern iterations, audiences will recognise familiar characters and plot points along Ariel’s adventure.

Dive into this stunning performance and witness the magical story brought to life on stage with all the beauty, grace and artistry of classical ballet.

Kakadu Bird Week 2023

FLOCK TO KAKADU National Park this month to discover over one-third of Australia's bird species. Explore and learn about the incredible variety of feathered creatures that call the world heritage-listed site home.

During Kakadu Bird Week, visitors can enjoy free activities and take expert-guided walking tours around the national park.

The event coincides with the annual migration of magpie geese

to billabongs like Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) to feed before the onset of rains.

Choose from a variety of ticketed and free bird appreciation events. A special free program for children has been created for families new to birding and the science of discovery.

WHEN UNTIL 3 OCT   AT KAKADU NATIONAL PARK   COST FREE   INFO parksaustralia.gov.au

HIT THE ROAD with Artback

City of Palmerston – Youth Media Team

CALLING ALL NT Creatives – Artback NT is seeking expressions of interest for its Performing Arts Development and Touring Program. Alternating between development and touring support, this round is on the hunt for exciting tour-ready works that share stories with a distinctly Territorian flavour.

The program is open to all genres of performing arts from solo musicians and bands to spoken word or comedy and supports artists looking to step up the business hustle – think marketing, logistics and teeing up venues –with Artback stepping into the role of agent and providing a helping hand to independent artists.

Evan Saunders is Performing Arts Manager at Artback and says the program can offer a valuable taste of life on tour.

“They’re going to know what it is like to be contracted as an artist on tour so they can just focus on the art. They’re going to reach some really interesting places in the NT, see some beautiful parts of the country and meet some amazing people along the way,” he says.

Formerly known as the Borroloola Strong Women’s Song Group, Wiji Ngambala is a project that has evolved through the program from development through to the tour ready stage. The group’s musical mentor, singer/ songwriter Dr Shellie Morris AO says it was wonderful to work with Artback on the special project.

“Artback has been so supportive of Marlene Timothy’s vision and dream of reclaiming our four language groups Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Gudanji and Marra. It’s so wonderful to work alongside an organisation that takes the time to listen and fully understand what the project means to the community,” she says.

If you’re an NT-based performing artist or producer with a story to tell, fill out an application and get set to hit the road with Artback.

Put your screen time to good use and volunteer with City of Palmerston’s Youth Media Team. Made up of 14-25-year-olds, they’re the voice of young people in Palmerston that come together to share what is important to the next-gen.

WHEN THU 5 & 19 OCT | 4.30-5.15PM AT PALMERSTON RECREATION CENTRE COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

The Summer Fashion Edit

patterns of pain, stress and trauma through relaxation and downregulation of the nervous system.

WHEN MON 9 & 23 OCT 6.30PM-7.30PM

AT THE WELLNESS HUB DARWIN COST $20 INFO nebula.net.au

Argentine Tango

Put on your dancing shoes or pop a flower in your hair and head to Zen Rooftop Lounge for fun and free tango classes. Give it a whirl!

WHEN SUN 15 OCT | 6-9PM AT ZEN ROOFTOP LOUNGE COST FREE INFO northerntango.com.au

2023 Health & Wellness Expo

Geek Up

Join like-minded geek culture enthusiasts at this inclusive and friendly afternoon of games, meeting new people and connecting – for young people aged 15-25.

WHEN SUN 29 OCT | 1-4PM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY COST FREE INFO launchdarwin.com.au

Tiny Tots Playground

Calling all fashionistas, witness the unveiling of new season collections at this glamorous runway show. Showcasing local designers plus curated offerings from boutiques, experience the creativity of Territory fashion and indulge in drinks and canapés by the catwalk. Ooh la la!

WHEN SUN 8 OCT | 2-5PM AT TOGETHER & CO COST $120-$205 INFO facebook.com/ togetherandcodarwin

Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (TRE)

Using movements like shaking, tremoring and stretching, TRE taps into ancient healing practices to help the body release stored

The 2023 Health and Wellness Expo showcases everything that encompasses health - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Head down to check out products and services on offer that can help improve your life.

WHEN SAT 21 OCT | 10AM-3PM

AT MARRARA NETBALL STADIUM COST $5 | FREE CHILD (U11) INFO ticketebo.com.au

Too Much Stuff?

Sell or buy pre-loved clothes, plants, fishing and sporting gear, tools, household goods and more at this fun little market in Alawa.

WHEN SUN 29 OCT | 9AM-12PM AT ALAWA HALL COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ toomuchstuffdarwin

Suitable for children aged six months to four years, this free weekly playgroup with Messy Bubs Darwin is an opportunity to connect with fellow Territory families. Head along for creative, multi-sensory fun.

WHEN EVERY MON | 9-11AM AT THE QUARTER CASUARINA SQUARE COST FREE INFO casuarinasquare.com.au

Code Club

Aimed at children aged 8-13 years, Code Club promotes digital making skills such as coding games, websites and art in a fun and creative environment.

WHEN EVERY SAT | 10AM-1PM AT CITY OF PALMERSTON LIBRARY COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

Movement Medicine Darwin

Ecstatic Dance

Dust off the cobwebs and unwind with ecstatic dance movement. New dancers always welcome, no experience necessary.

WHEN EVERY SUN | 10-11.30AM AT NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE COST $20 INFO facebook.com/ movementmedicine

Skyline Ferris Wheel

Check out the exciting range of fun attractions at the Skyline Precinct. Take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel, challenge your mates to a round of mini golf, or kick back and relax with a refreshing bev.

WHEN DAILY UNTIL SUN 8 OCT 10AM-10PM

AT STOKES HILL WHARF COST $15 | $10 CHILD/CONC $50 GROUPS 6+ INFO skylineattractions.com.au

TACTILE ARTS WORKSHOPS tactilearts.org.au

Raku Workshop

Join Katherine-based expert ceramicist, Danny Murphy for a one-day Raku Workshop. Raku is an exciting and dramatic technique of quickly firing and glazing pieces in only one hour.

WHEN SUN 8 OCT | 10AM-4PM COST $235 | $215 MEMB

Lino Printing

WHEN SAT 14 OCT | 9.30AM-1.30PM COST $140 | $125 MEMB

Embroidered Pictures

Ever wanted to add a little something extra to a special photo? Join Tactile Arts for this fun workshop embellishing photos with embroidery. Bring a copy of a photo you would like to embellish or use an anonymous one provided.

WHEN SUN 15 OCT | 1-3PM COST $65 | $55 MEMB

RED CENTRE

Alice Springs Rodeo

Get set for action-packed thrills and spills at the Alice Springs Rodeo. Witness the best cowboys and cowgirls competing for titles and enjoy tasty tucker, refreshing beverages and entertainment outside the ring. Yeeha!

WHEN SAT 7 OCT | 3-11PM AT BLATHERSKITE PARK COST $10-$125 INFO ticketebo.com.au

Todd Mall Markets

Discover local crafty treasures and sample delicious food as you meander down Todd Mall at these easy-going, friendly markets in the heart of Alice Springs.

WHEN SUN 1, 15 & 29 OCT 9AM-1PM AT TODD MALL COST FREE INFO toddmallmarkets.com.au

Youth Skate Workshops

Give skateboarding, scooter riding or BMX a go at these free workshops facilitated by local skaters and riders. All levels of experience are welcome with free snacks, water and equipment provided. Get rollin’!

What’s on these School Holidays!

Kid’s movie at Deckchair Cinema

skate parks. Whether you’re a BMXer, scooter rider, skateboarder, roller or inline skater – all are welcome.

Bundle up the kids for an evening under the stars at the Deckchair Cinema to see Kiki’s Delivery Service. Following the witch tradition, Kiki leaves home at 13 to complete her training. Armed with her mother’s broom and her cat, Jiji, Kiki finds her way in a big city full of new people. Screening in Japanese with English subtitles.

WHEN TUE 3 OCT, 7PM   AT DECKCHAIR CINEMA   COST FREE (12-25 YRS)  INFO deckchaircinema.com

Skatepark Trek

WHEN WED 4 OCT | 2-5.30PM   AT HUMPTY DOO, HOWARD SPRINGS, PALMERSTON, LEANYER & JINIGILI SKATE PARKS  COST FREE  INFO launchdarwin.com.au

Palmerston Children’s Week Event

Get creative with the kids these school holidays with Roar Art Design. This free craft day offers the choice of two afternoon art sessions for children to play, paint and enjoy. Get in quick to register.

WHEN TUE 3 OCT AT KATHERINE SCHOOL OF THE AIR COST FREE (5-17 YRS)   INFO activatekatherine.nt.gov.au

Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre

Get ready for Christmas and create festive gifts or stationery in this fun lino printing workshop. Participants receive two linen/cotton tea towels and a cotton tote bag to print on using easy carved rubber tiles.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 4.30-6.30PM AT SKATE PARK, THE GAP COST FREE INFO alicesprings.nt.gov.au

Skatepark Trek is for young people aged 12-17 years who want to meet other skaters while exploring local

Children’s Week is a national celebration of children’s rights, talents and citizenship held nationally on the fourth Wednesday of October to coincide with Universal Children’s Day. Celebrate at Palmerston Recreation Centre with free activities for the families.

WHEN TUES 24 OCT | 9-11:30AM  AT PALMERSTON RECREATION CENTRE   COST FREE   INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

Extended summer hours have started at the Alice Springs Aquatic & Leisure Centre. Go down and splash around with the kids or cool off with weekend fun on the waterslide.

WHEN DAILY   AT SPEED ST, ALICE SPRINGS   COST $3.30-$18.60  INFO ALICESPRINGS.NT.GOV.AU

LISTINGS

Darwin Fringe Fundraiser - The Rocky Horror Picture Show

the Darwin Fringe Festival so don your best costume and enjoy the timeless classic under the stars.

WHEN SUN 8 OCT | 7-8.40PM AT JERVOIS RD, DARWIN WATERFRONT

COST $18 | $14 CONC/CHILD

$10 MEMB | $42 FAM INFO deckchaircinema.com.au

Alice Springs Cinema Film Festival

last two men on Earth after a global apocalypse, who must adapt and evolve to save humanity.

WHEN TUE 17 – SUN 22 OCT AT ALICE SPRINGS CINEMA COST $20 | $13-$16 CONC $15 CHILD | $75 FAM INFO alicespringscinema.com.au

Emerging Writers Group

Sweethearts Brad and Janet find themselves stuck with a flat tyre during a storm, and call on the eerie mansion of Dr Frank-N-Furter for help. Stepping into the bizarre residence the innocent couple meet a houseful of wild characters. There are prizes for best dressed at this fun evening raising funds for

The Alice Springs Cinema Film Festival returns to showcase independent, unique, arthouse and international cinematic gems over six big days. Join like-minded film fans at this annual celebration of cinema and soak up 10 carefully curated films including Aussie flick, The Rooster and the documentary Little Richard, I am Everything.

Opening night kicks off with American sci-fi drama comedy, Biosphere. Set in the not-toodistant future, the storyline follows childhood friends Billy and Ray the

The Emerging Writers' Group is a place for would-be writers, not-quite writers, and anyone who needs time and space to put words onto the page. In each session, members facilitate a series of exercises and sharing opportunities in a supportive and stimulating environment. This program is free for NT Writers Centre members.

WHEN EVERY WED | 5-7PM AT RED HOT ARTS CENTRAL AUSTRALIA COST $45-$55 ANUAL MEMB INFO ntwriters.com.au

DARWIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2023 OPENING NIGHT

Each year the Darwin International Film Festival grows bigger than the last with exciting screenings and events for local film lovers and makers. Here's looking back on the opening night highlights at the Deckchair Cinema.

of Laksa For the Love

The Darwin International Laksa Festival returns this month, brought forward from its usual November appearance to delight tastebuds and celebrate the Territory’s "unofficial official dish."

AH, THE MIGHTY laksa! It’s the dish Territorians love to devour. Whether it’s enjoyed for dinner, lunch or even – to the confusion of many an uninitiated visitor – at breakfast. The delicious bowl of fragrant, spicy broth and noodles topped with all the trimmings never fails to hit the spot.

Now in its fifth year, the Festival was created to support business during what's traditionally a quieter time of year, but the beloved month-long laksa love-in has grown into so much more.

Owner of Besser Kitchen and Brew Bar, Lisa Heames says as well as creating a buzz across the Territory, the Laksa Festival unites the hospitality industry.

“There’s a real community around the Festival … we’re all doing our own thing, we’re all trying to run a business and look after our customers and our teams, but this is a really lovely way that we’re all in it together,” she says.

Minister for Business, Jobs and Training, Paul Kirby says the Festival is fast becoming one of the Territory’s most anticipated and competitive food festivals.

“It gives businesses and chefs the opportunity to create new dishes, and even drinks, with a twist on the classic Territory laksa,” he says.

“It’s just a sure thing, the laksa flavours are so good especially on crispy chicken … our menu is all day and you’d be surprised how many people have a laksa burger for breakfast.”

Jason Chin of Chok’s Place is an undisputed legend of the Laksa Festival.

The inaugural winner of the Golden Bowl for the NT’s best laksa in 2019, Chok’s Place has been a force ever since taking home the Golden Bowl on two more occasions and back-to-back People’s Choice winner in 2021 and 2022.

This year, Chok’s Place is awarded Hall of Fame status, which means they’re not entering the Golden Bowl competition, but Chin isn’t disappointed.

“I’m very happy to pass the throne on to someone else and let them embrace the journey and experience for themselves what we are so fortunate to have had,” he says.

“Our clientele has just grown, when we won the award back-to-back our sales grew two hundred percent in laksas alone.”

This year sees the introduction of the Laksa League online community, an interactive twist to participating in the Festival.

Darwin International Laksa Festival Food Tour

WHEN DAILY UNTIL SUN 29 OCT

Grand Finale Festival Day

WHEN SUN 29 OCT | 3-9PM

AT LAKSA LAWNS, STATE SQUARE COST FREE

INFO laksafestival.nt.gov.au

Besser’s laksa burger is a dish that has transcended the Laksa Festival.

Originally entered in the Festival’s Inspired by Laksa category, Heames says the dish quickly became a fan favourite and is now a permanent fixture on the menu.

“Every Friday was laksa Friday and our customers knew that. People would ring up and order 10 laksa burgers to take back to the office and it just built from there,” she says.

Laksa lovers can earn points towards daily, weekly and major prizes by tasting and reviewing dishes, checking into venues, inviting friends to join the fun, and of course – voting for your favourite laksa and laksa-inspired dishes.

It’s an exciting new layer to what was already a pretty fun month for foodies.

The Laksa Lawns once again take over State Square to wrap up the Festival with the Grand Finale Festival Day. Head along to see who takes home the coveted Golden Bowl for 2023 and spice up your life!

VISUAL ARTS

DESART

Alice Springs | desertmob.com

Desert Mob 2023

ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE

61 Larapinta Dr, Alice Springs | araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

DAILY 10AM-4PM

ALICE SPRINGS QUILTING EXHIBITION 2023

DESERT MOB 2023 exhibition showcases 35 Art Centres and is an invitation to view hundreds of works by artists who are members of Aboriginal-governed community art centres across Central Australia. Exhibiting alongside emerging and mid-career artists, many of the senior artists are veterans of the event, with established international profiles.

TACTILE ARTS

19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay | 8981 6616 | tactilearts.org.au

TUE-FRI, 10AM-4PM | SAT, 10AM-2PM

REFLECTIONS: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

AN EXHIBITION OF patchwork, piecing and quilting from enthusiasts and experts in Central Australia. The annual Alice Springs Quilting Club Exhibition has been part of the fabric at Araluen Arts Centre since 1984.

TACTILE ARTS INVITES you to join the celebration of their 50th anniversary. Reflections, aims to not only celebrate the organisation's successful history, but demonstrate the importance of supporting and promoting local members and artists. The exhibition contains a carefully selected range of works of all the greats that Tactile Arts has had the privilege of supporting.

Suzanne Knight, 'Display Label II - Four O’clock Moth', 2023, tapestry weaving wool & cotton, 245x85mm

SHORT SHELF LIFE

AFTER A THREE -month residency at Tactile Arts, Suzanne Knight presents her most recent collection of works. Short Shelf Life explores the domestic and the wild, where the natural world is dominated and restricted by waste that seeps into our environment and spreads unhindered, destroying habitats and the creatures that live there. Knight uses this exhibition to raise environmental awareness and take global responsibility to help preserve the Australian environment.

UNTIL SAT 21 OCT

MAGNT Museum and Gallery of the Northern Territory

19 Conacher Street The Gardens, Darwin NT | magnt.net.au

DAILY, 10AM-4PM

UNTITLED GALLERY + STUDIO

Unit 3/1 Clocktower Caryota Crt, Coconut Grove darwincommunityarts.org

WED-FRI, 10AM–4PM | SAT, 10AM-12PM

We’ve All Gone Mad

WELCOMING CHILDREN AND turning 40 has seen in-laws Clara Mills and Robby McKenzie reflect on how inquisitive they are about their worlds. Robby always has a sketch book with him and enjoys exploring acrylics, watercolours, ink and pencil, using art to decompress. Clara is a ceramicist who enjoys meeting the natural world with functional form and bold colour. This exhibit is an exploration of the curiosity of old and young, and it’s an ode to our Territory environment.

WHEN FRI 06 OCT – THU 26 OCT

NORTHERN TERRITORY LIBRARY

Parliament House, Darwin | lant.nt.gov.au

TUE, THU & FRI, 10AM-5PM | WED, 10AM-8PM | SAT & SUN, 1-5PM

2023

Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards

THE TELSTRA NATIONAL Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) celebrates 40 years in 2023, and aims to amplify the very best Australian Indigenous art from around the country. The NATSIAA is Australia’s longest running and most prestigious Indigenous art award, and features 63 works by emerging and established artists from across the nation.

The exhibition captures the attention of the nation, with an inspiring breadth of work from artists around the country.

UNTIL SUN 18 FEB, 2024

Bede Tungutalum with Diana Wood Conroy, 'Blue Circles', 1974, screen print on calico, 1.6x1.34m

HOW IT ALL BEGAN: TIWI TEXTILES AND PRINTS

LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES of the Northern Territory presents How it All Began, an exhibition of works by Bede Tungutalum and Diana Wood Conroy spanning 50 years. It is accompanied by personal archival material used in the creation of Diana and Bede's book Tiwi Textiles. This exhibition tells the story of a formative moment in the history of First Nations textiles and print making.

UNTIL SUN 26 NOV

CDU ART GALLERY

Orange 12, CDU Casuarina Campus | cdu.edu.au/gallery

WED-FRI, 10AM-4PM | SAT, 10AM-2PM

MANBURRBA Our Story of Printed Cloth from Bábbarra Women's Centre

THIS EXHIBITION CELEBRATES how Maningrida women have mastered the design, lino-block and screen-printing mediums over almost four decades. It is a story of women’s empowerment and how they have harnessed contemporary textile art forms to transmit ancient stories and knowledge.

DARWIN VISUAL ARTS

8 McMinn St, Darwin | dvaa.net.au

WED, 12–5PM | THU-FRI, 10AM-5PM | SAT, 10AM-2PM

NCCA Northern Centre for Contemporary Art Vimy Lane, Parap | 8981 5368 | 0402 379 630 | nccart.com

WED-FRI, 10AM-4PM | SAT, 8AM-2PM | OR BY APPOINTMENT

Alana Hunt: Surveilling a Crime Scene

CO-COMMISSIONED BY THE Sheila Foundation's Michela and Adrian Fini Artist Fellowship and NCCA, ‘Surveilling a Crime Scene’ is a solo exhibition of new and recent work by artist Alana Hunt. Through photography and moving image, Hunt examines contemporary colonial culture in north-west Australia, revealing colonisation not as something historic, but a continuum. UNTIL

Artistic Energy Paint & Create

A BEHIND-THE-SCENES GLIMPSE into the creative lives of the hosting artists of Paint & Create Darwin, a locally-owned business specialising in providing quality pop-up beginner social painting classes. An exhibition where creating art helps release and escape the chaos of everyday life; a visual explosion of different mediums coming together in one space. Artistic energy is a drive to create and break boundaries, bring joy, and connect with others.

Homegrown talent

Leah Flanagan hits the stage this month with her sweet, shimmering sounds in an inaugural performance of her latest album at the Darwin Entertainment Centre.

Leah Flanagan

Paints Another Side

FLANAGAN SHARES A compilation from her album Colour by Number, which explores a new area of music and features the lush sounds of a string quartet.

“I’ve never commissioned strings before…and we deliberately made [this] knowing that we wanted to make something that had classical arrangements.”

Flanagan produced the album with singer, songwriter, arranger and composer Sarah Belkner who Flanagan also calls a friend.

“I love Sarah’s musicianship. With Sarah it’s just me and her fleshing out all the ideas. And then talking through and spending a lot of time on the arrangements, what we wanted the songs to sound like and finding complementary players.”

“It’s nice to work with someone who you know is a beautiful musician and is the sort of musician that you really notice their own particular style when they’re playing, and she brings that to the album.”

In this show, witness a different side of Flanagan and be led through some of the tales and inspiration behind her songs, uplifted by the notes of Netanela Mizrahi and the Ad Hoc String Quartet.

All these creative musical elements are brought together by Sean Healy’s visual projections, based on the album artworks created by Curran Brown, Nungala Creative and Kamahi Djordan King.

“It’s nice to have the beautiful orchestral instruments, with guitar and

vocals, and beautiful projections [shared] in a venue like the Darwin Entertainment Centre,” Flanagan says.

Colour by Number was released in 2020 when Flanagan originally had planned her Australian tour, but like all good things during that time, the shows were put on hold due to the pandemic.

“I haven’t toured my album because of COVID. It made it difficult to tour the record.”

Flanagan says the visual element was originally planned as part of the show and the Australian tour.

"Sean has taken a lot of the artwork from the Colour by Number album. He took all the visuals and turned them into these beautiful projections… created specifically for each of the songs,” she says.

And what’s next for the talented musician?

“I’m spending time with my kids and working on a couple more albums. Trying to focus more on quality rather than quantity. I wanted [this show] to be something special at home. It’s not connected to any national tour. This is my only gig for a while.”

WHEN SAT 21 OCT | 7.30PM

AT DARWIN ENTERTAINEMENT CENTRE

COST $20-$40 INFO yourcentre.com.au

CALLING ON ALL film buffs, gaming geeks and Sci-Fi nerds. Sit back as the DSO takes you on a captivating night filled with soundtrack classics, stunning visual projections and story telling.

DSO Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Jonathan Tooby says there’s something for everyone in this latest performance.

“We’ve got classical elements. We’re doing music from the Sci-Fi film 2001: A Space Odyssy…featuring classical music by Johan Strauss and also a huge chunk by Richard Strauss,” Tooby says.

JOURNEY THROUGH OTHER WORLDS

Watch the DSO bring the theatre to life – led by Resident Conductor and Principal Clarinet Stephen Pevely with story components narrated by local storyteller Liz Trevaskis.

“Aside from the sound, there will be projected images, with lots of colour and light. It’s also presented by Liz Trevaskis. Taking you on a journey of curated sections throughout the show. It will be a very visually stimulating experience,” Tooby says.

There's around 60 musicians involved in this show that’s set to spark memories for kids and big kids alike. Revel in big tracks such

as Hans Zimmer’s The Dark Night and music from big blockbuster films including E.T. and the original Superman.

For all the gamers out there, geek out to the track from Final Fantasy, Zelda and Super Mario Bros.

“I went to see the first Star Wars film in 1981 and that music absolutely shook me to my core at that time and has remained with me. The new kid on the block is Han Zimmerman. I frequently have a playlist of his on and it’s just so consuming,” Tooby says.

And there’s no need to sweat in the outside build up with this enchanting evening – open to all ages – held at the Darwin Entertainment Centre.

Darwin Symphony Orchestra –Other Worlds

WHEN SAT 28 OCT | 6.30PM

AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE  COST $22-$65

INFO yourcentre.com.au

Yet to take a dip into Darwin Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) 2023 program?

Here’s your chance to dive into Other Worlds and journey through the sounds of your childhood in a nostalgic one-night performance.

THE SOPRANO & TENOR

After touring more than 200 shows nationally, the King and Queen of Australian musical theatre and opera –Marina Prior and David Hobson are adding Darwin to their map in a one-night performance.

The show blends big classics and new music, interspersed with humor and storytelling .

JENNA HOARE CHATTED to the playful duo about their latest tour The 2 of Us and what’s planned for their visit to the tropical capital.

Thanks for your time while you're on the road performing around Australia for this latest tour. Can you tell us how it's been so far?

Marina: It’s been amazing. We've been selling out everywhere and the audiences have been tremendous. They’re really responding to our shows. There’s a lot of places we’ve been to before and some that are new.

David: We get to be ourselves. We get to be naughty. We get to tell stories. And we get to do one of our favourite things that we’ve always wanted to do – a lot of Celtic material, folk music and that’s what the audiences are responding to. The fact they are seeing us in a situation where we’re not wearing theatre costumes and it’s just great fun.

Nice, it sounds like you're having fun. How did this collaboration come about?

Marina: We did our first professional show together which was The Pirates of Penzance – the Broadway version. Then we did a show at Leeuwin Estate in Western Australia, a very well-known winery concert. We realised we have a sympatico with the same sort of taste in music and it worked. Then we were lucky enough to start touring together. And we’ve already done 200 shows. We’ve been doing this for quite some time now.

There’s a mixture of classics and new songs in this performance. Is there a song that you both particularly enjoy performing as part of this show?

Marina: We do a Celtic section like Irish/Scottish kind of music and for me that’s a real favourite because we both have a real connection to that music through our families and it kind of takes the audience by surprise

and they tend to love that stuff as well.

David: [Adds] And I think that’s also where we have the most singing together in harmony and in way it’s our own arrangement, we have tailored it to ourselves and it gives these songs our own spin. It’s beautiful. We love it.

We certainly can't wait to have you in the NT. Is this the first time you’ve visited Darwin?

David: I’ve done a couple of things up there. I did a concert with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra in 2015. I think we were the first to perform opera in Arnhem Land with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. It was fantastic!

Marina: I’ve visited Darwin before, years ago. Just before you called, I said hey guys, I definitely want to see the crocodiles. I’ve locked it in. And I want to go to a place [along the water] where you can have sunset drinks and dinner.

David: I want to go to Mindil Market and Litchfield.

In that case, pack your bathers and thongs and you’ll fit right in. Thanks Marina and David for your time.

Marina and David: Thanks Jenna and dare I say, we'll be off the leash.

Marina Prior and David Hobson - The 2 Of Us

WHEN FRI 13 OCT | 8PM

AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST $34.95-$79.95

INFO yourcentre.com.au

GIG guide

OTL's quick and essential guide to live music in the NT.

To find out more, head to offtheleash.net.au

The Warm Up

Rocktober

CENTRE

COST $34.95-$79.95 INFO yourcentre.com.au

Local musos take to the stage at this beloved, monthly Sunday sesh to share their musical talents. Jump on stage if you’re feeling inspired or settle in for a relaxing arvo of good music and good vibes.

WHEN SUN 1 OCT | 3PM

AT TRACY VILLAGE SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ firstsundayblues

Sunday Reggae Sessions

Join dancehall and afrobeats aficionado DJ Ragga Rae for a Sunday reggae session of infectious rhythms, electrifying beats and good vibes.

WHEN SUN 1 OCT | 4.30PM

AT DOM’S BAR & LOUNGE COST FREE INFO domsdarwin.com.au

First Folk’n Friday

Hosted by the Top End Folk Club, this exciting series of concerts showcases the best of the Territory’s folk, roots, country and world music scene.

WHEN FRI 6 OCT | 8PM AT HAPPY YESS AT BROWN’S MART COST $10 INFO facebook.com/ firstfolknfridays

Stone Cold Records presents Rocktober. Get set for local rock legends Temperamental,  Roymackonkey plus Kathryn and the Overbytes to bring the house down.

WHEN SAT 7 OCT | 9PM AT HAPPY YESS AT BROWN’S MART COST $15 INFO stonecoldrecords.com.au

Darwin Celtic Music Sessions

Head down to the Lucky Bat for an afternoon of traditional and contemporary folk music from Ireland, Scotland, Cape Breton and more. Starting with a slow session, the pace picks up in the evening. All folk traditions are welcome, bring along an instrument and join the fun!

WHEN SUN 8 OCT | 4.30PM

AT THE LUCKY BAT COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ darwintradmusic

Marina Prior & David Hobson

- The 2 of Us

WHEN FRI 13 OCT | 8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT

Tropidelica

AUSSIE MUSIC LEGEND Paul Kelly headlines this exciting concert kicking off the one-year countdown to the return of the Alice Springs Masters Games (ASMG). Head down to Anzac Oval for free, family-friendly fun including a Colour Frenzy fun run and The Red Centre Mile, open to both competitive and non-competitive runners. The event also marks the day registrations for ASMG 2024 open. Join the fun and celebrate the region's love of music, sport and community spirit.

WHEN SAT 14 OCT | 2-10PM AT ANZAC OVAL ALICE SPRINGS COST FREE INFO alicespringsmastersgames.com.au

COST $15 INFO happyyess.com

Leah Flanagan - Colour by Number

WHEN SAT 21 OCT | 7.30-9.45PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $20-$40 INFO yourcentre.com.au

Darwin Symphony OrchestraOther Worlds

WHEN SAT 28 OCT | 6.30-8.15PM

AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

Tropical wonderland dance party Tropidelica returns with a night of soul, reggae, funk, dancehall and electronic beats. Dress to impress tropical style and get your jungle juices flowing as Femme Funkale dishes up a delightful night of booty-shakin’ fun.

WHEN SAT 14 OCT | 9PM

AT HAPPY YESS AT BROWN’S MART

COST $10-$15 INFO facebook.com/ femmefunkale

Paul, Pixie, Roy & Fanciful Four talented musos take to the stage at Happy Yess in this huge performance of soulful acoustic storytelling, classic rock tunes and powerful originals. Featuring Paul Clissold, Roymackonkey, Nicole Pixie Keenan and Jaemie Page aka Fanciful.

WHEN FRI 20 OCT | 9PM AT HAPPY YESS AT BROWN’S MART

COST $22-$65 INFO dso.org.au

Lungbuster & The Facts and Friends

Darwin's progressive rock legends Lungbuster are joined by The Facts to headline a rockin' night at Happy Yess.

WHEN SAT 28 OCT | 9PM

AT HAPPY YESS AT BROWN’S MART

COST $10 INFO happyyess.com

Jazz Assembly Jam Session

Bring an instrument and join the house band at this fun monthly jazz session at Dom’s Bar or sit back and enjoy the music with a cheeky afternoon bevvy.

WHEN SUN 29 OCT | 5-7PM AT DOM’S BAR & LOUNGE COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ jazzassemblyjam

Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

Darwin City Brass Band is one of the Top End’s enduring community institutions. New members and visitors are always welcome at their friendly rehearsals. Check ‘em out!

WHEN EVERY TUE | 7-9PM AT 2 ABALA RD, MARRARA COST $20 ANNUAL MEMB INFO darwincitybrassband.org.au

Darwin City Brass Band Learners Classes

If you’re looking for a new hobby or challenge Darwin City Brass Band offers a low-cost opportunity for aspiring and developing brass players of all ages, with tuition on Wednesdays during school terms.

WHEN EVERY WED | 4.30-7PM AT 2 ABALA RD, MARRARA COST $20 ANNUAL MEMB INFO darwincitybrassband.org.au

Wednesday Night Swing

Break up the working week and join Swing Dance NT for swing dancing accompanied by the 19 piece Hot and Cold Big Band. Give it a whirl!

WHEN EVERY WED | 7.30PM AT DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB COST $10 INFO facebook.com/ groups/swingdancent

Fridays @ Dom’s Unwind after a busy week and toast the weekend at Dom’s. Sip on a selection of cocktails and listen to

tunes from the house DJ to help you get your Fri-yay on.

WHEN EVERY FRI | 4PM AT DOM’S BAR & LOUNGE COST FREE INFO domsdarwin.com.au

Bella Maree

WHEN EVERY FRI & SAT FROM 12PM AT WILLING DISTILLERY COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ willingdistillery

RED CENTRE

fun jam sesh featuring a range of talented artists performing tunes from a range of genres.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 7-10PM AT JUMP INN CRAFT BEER BAR & RESTAURANT COST FREE INFO jumpinncraftbeerbar.com

TUE 3 OCT | JORDAN VANDERSCHUIT

TUE 10 OCT | GAVIN BAIRD

TUE 31 OCT | STELLAR SEA

Blues Night

Serving up relaxed, acoustic and soulful tunes every Fri, Blues Night at the Jump Inn is the place to be.

Relax in the lush surroundings of the Novotel Atrium Bar & Garden and enjoy the sweet, acoustic tunes from local muso Bella Maree.

WHEN EVERY FRI | 5PM AT ATRIUM BAR & GARDEN COST FREE INFO bellamareemusic.com

Weekends at Willing

Start your weekend early at Willing Distillery and enjoy tasty bites from local food trucks and chilled live tunes. If you’re feeling thirsty there’s award-winning gin, a curated cocktail list and NT craft beers to cater to all tastes. Get chilling with Willing.

From the Sydney Opera House to the outback, internationally-renowned concert pianist

Roman Rudnytsky has performed across Australia. Join the talented performer on his 23rd national tour and be swept away by a magical repertoire of engaging and enthralling pieces.

WHEN FRI 6 OCT | 7.30-9.30PM AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE COST $20-$39 INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

Jump Inn Jams Jump along to the Jump Inn for a

WHEN EVERY FRI | 6.30-9.30PM AT JUMP INN CRAFT BEER BAR COST FREE INFO jumpinncraftbeerbar.com

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