ILLUMINATING CULTURE
LIGHTS, CAMERA, DECKCHAIRS!
THE ARRIVAL OF April means things are ramping up, as ye olde event calendar in the NT starts to fill right up.
Kicking off festival season around these here parts is Parrtjima in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, returning to illuminate the world’s oldest living culture in the desert. Across nine star-lit nights, Desert Park on Arrernte Country transforms into a vibrant hub of culture, learning, music, food, and wonder.
With light installations drenching the red sand and West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) in multi-colour, one heck of a music line-up including the likes of BARRKA, 3%, and Drifting Clouds, plus an incredible chance to engage with culture through workshops and storytelling, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve really been part of something. This is goosebump stuff.
Awareness around youth homelessness is tackled head on with the annual Couch Surfing event in Darwin, where brightly decorated couches hurtle through Civic Park. The whole fam can get involved at the Citizen Science BioBlitz, and help our scientists by observing and recording plants, animals, and insects. And the role arts organisations play in shaping the future of creativity is discussed with the first Critical Conversations session.
Something very exciting happens this time of year in
the Top End. Deckchair Cinema comes out of hibernation, as the gates are flung open for another season of cinema under the stars. Kicking things off is Wolfram in its NT premiere – an incredible film by the Territory’s own Warwick Thornton, and sequel to his award-winning flick, Sweet Country. A Territorian story on the Deckie screen? Iconic times two.
Aunty and niece collab for the first time in Life in Squares, a special exhibition from local artists Cecily Willis and Violet Bond at Qubit. There’s so much wonderful art to peek at, so check out the Visual Arts section for all the juice.
Gigs feature, as always – no edition of Off The Leash would be complete without them! –so check out the music section to find out about a Territory album and story realised as a stage show, Vocalective’s Easter treat, and Darwin’s longest-running swing and jazz band.
In OTL news, we welcome Brooke Gibbs to the role as Assistant Editor, while Jonathan Munro joins the ranks as Graphic Designer. This is their first edition, and I reckon they’ve done a sweet job. Welcome to the OTL family, Brooke and Jonathan!
That’s it from us. Enjoy April, and a happy Easter to you.
FEATURE 4 & 5
AROUND TOWN 6
PERFORMING ARTS 10
EXPLORE 14
BOOKS & FILM 15
VISUAL ARTS 16
MUSIC 20
GET IN TOUCH
editor@offtheleash.net.au
08 8941 7413
GPO BOX 2325, Darwin NT 0801
THANK YOU TO OFF THE LEASH PARTNERS
Tierney White Managing Editor & Development Manager
Brooke Gibbs Assistant Editor
Jonathan Munro Graphic Designer
Contributors
Rosie Wild
GOT AN EVENT IN MAY?
OUR COVER Cover proudly sponsored by Parrtjima
This edition may contain the names, images, artworks and stories of people who have passed away. Please read with care.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Off The Leash Inc. acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.
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A new iteration of Parrtjima illuminates the beauty of Aboriginal culture, artwork, music, languages, and their special ability to carry a rich understanding of connection.
DUSK DESCENDS IN the desert. People wind their way on buses and trails towards the Alice Springs Desert Park, catching glimpses of lights dancing across the range and sky. Getting closer, a soundscape emerges, blending music, storytelling, and language. Getting even closer, festoon and lanterns light the way in.
Once inside, an adventure of wonder awaits. There’s a bustling courtyard of food and markets. There’s a dynamic program of music, workshops, demonstrations, and talks. And there are pathways to guide you on a journey through large installations of art and light.
This is Parrtjima, a free festival for all ages that runs across 10 ambient nights, held at the Desert Park in the Arrernte estates of Mparntwe, Antulye, and Irlpme, also known as Alice Springs.
Parrtjima showcases the vibrancy of artwork, language, music, and stories with the aim of shining a light on rich layers of connection.
“For understanding to grow between the diverse groups of our community, there’s got to be some medium that everyone can share and enjoy. We want to provide that,” says Tourism and Events NT Advisory Board Chairperson, Paul Ah Chee.
“Families really love the event. It’s a big space. It’s very friendly.
It’s a wonderful way to spend evenings, hearing music, seeing the light show, going to talks and workshops, and walking around the installations.”
Parrtjima’s large installations celebrate ways of knowing and seeing that have been passed through generations for millennia. They highlight the ways art and culture adapt, evolve and experiment with form, materials, and style, connecting deep time to the contemporary.
This year’s theme is ‘Language’, which touches on more than words. Language shapes how we understand the connections between things. It describes flows, relationships, exchanges – not just between people, but between places, water, creatures, and trade. The installations, workshops and demonstrations at Parrtjima convey this deep understanding of language.
Art by multi-award-winning Corban Clause Williams from Martumili Artists is translated into The Language of Soaks. An installation with the glowing designs of Darrell Sibosado, a Bard man with deep connection to Goolarrgon Country in the Kimberley, acknowledges ancient trade routes and enduring connections between Western and Central Australia.
The Language of Wati Ngintaka (Perentie Lizard Man) honours the lineage of ancestral knowledge held by Reggie Uluru, one of the most senior living custodians and artists from Mutitjulu.
The re-imagined The Language of Textiles celebrates collaborative work from artists from Yarrenyty Arltere, Ikuntji, Bindi Mwerre Anthurre, and Papunya Tjupi Arts.
Grounded returns, transforming the sand beneath your feet into giant projections of glowing art. And new to the program is an outdoor Dome, which shares culture through the language of film and animation.
“It’s pretty special for Arrernte Country to be hosting these art forms from different areas. There’s a real appreciation of that,” says Ah Chee.
“And because it is held on Arrernte country, Parrtjima is really strong on honouring Arrernte culture, Arrernte language, on Arrernte soil.”
The activation, Arrernte Voices, invites audiences to interact with programmed light effects and learn Arrernte words they can carry with them beyond the festival. Amongst the free workshop and demonstration program, Say it in Arrernte! playfully introduces children to the Arrernte language, and sand painting workshops share the language of markings in the sand.
“To build connection and respect, you don’t have to be absolutely fluent in a language. Just taking the opportunity to learn a few words and ideas is a mark of respect, honour, and acceptance,” Ah Chee says.
As well as generating respect and acceptance, language gives people a voice. Parrtjima’s program of music and talks amplifies First Nations voices.
“There are a lot of issues affecting us … At Parrtjima, there’s opportunities to hear talks and discussions around different themes that impact on Aboriginal society,” says Ah Chee.
“And in the music program, no one style or age group owns the stage. Each person has a story, and that story wants a voice. Music is the opportunity to project that voice and be unapologetic about it.”
The free live music program has an exceptional line up of highly acclaimed First Nations artists including Electric Fields, 3%, Drifting Clouds, Emma Donovan, and BARKAA. Local artists Paul and Roland Ah Chee, Kirra Voller, Alice Kings, Damien Armstrong, and Sneaky Train also take the stage.
Surrounded by lights and with the backdrop of the stunning ranges of Arrernte country, the music program itself is worth coming back night after night for.
This year, there’s the option to add curated ticketed experiences that take you beyond the festival site. Highlights include the Merne Mwerre Bushfood Experience, rare watercolour masterclasses with artists from Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre, and the special Desert at Dusk experience inside Desert Park.
“Parrtjima showcases the vibrancy, wonder and connectivity of language, artwork and stories,” says Ah Chee.
“These show resilience and provide hope. They’re something people can look at and think, ‘Ah, this is special.’ We hope that when people see that, they will think ‘How do we maintain that? How do we grow that? What’s our responsibility to it? How do we keep everything full of light?’
“Everybody benefits when we share a bit of light.”
Live Sand Painting
From Story to Screen
Join Nina Fitzgerald, Creative Director of Laundry Gallery, in a hands-on screen-printing experience and leave with a wearable artwork of your own.
SAT 11 APR | 6.30PM & 7.45PM SUN 12 APR | 6.30PM
Flavours of Country
Learn about cooking with native bush spices in a live cooking demonstration with renowned local cook and native ingredient expert, Rayleen Brown.
FRI 10 & SUN 19 APR | 7PM
The Art of Native Spice
This intimate workshop with Rayleen Brown explores native botanicals and bush spices. Guests leave with their own spice jar, printed bush food information, and interpretive notes.
FRI 10 & SUN 19 APR | 8PM
Creature Makers
This is a hands-on, creative workshop in soft sculpture with Yarrenyty Arltere artists, known for their joyful upcycled practice. Participants receive a make-yourown kit and explore colour, texture and stitch techniques, and leave with a unique soft sculpture of their own.
THU 16 APR | 7.30PM SAT 18 APR | 6.30PM
Clay Stories
Unhurried and immersive, this workshop with artists from Hermannsburg Potters creates space to listen, make, and connect. Participants leave with a sculptural piece of their own and a deeper understanding of Western Aranda culture and language.
FRI 17 APR | 7.30PM
Say it in Arrernte!
A playful, family-friendly introduction to the Arrernte language. Designed by Children's Ground for children and carers, this interactive session introduces Arrernte words and phrases through movement and song.
WED 15 & THU 16 APR | 6.30PM
*All events free unless otherwise noted.
A unique opportunity to sit with some of the festival’s artists and respected Elders, as they share stories of their Country and teach the significance of markings, drawing them with you in sand.
FRI 10 & SAT 11 APR | THU 16 – SUN 19 APR | 7.15PM & 7.45PM
Electric Fields
This multi-award-winning duo bridges electronic music, soul and language. Described by Vogue as “movers of the next gen”, Electric Fields’ return to Parrtjima promises an unforgettable, high-energy opening under the desert sky.
FRI 10 APR | 8.30PM
3%
This First Nations hip-hop supergroup delivers shows that transform stages into sites of cultural reclamation, joy, and protest all at once. Come see why they have a status as leaders within contemporary Indigenous music, bridging tradition with the restless invention of modern hip-hop.
SAT 11 APR | 8.30PM
Drifting Clouds
Conceived in the homelands of Bunhungura, a short drive from Gapuwiyak, the ethereal music of Drifting Clouds blends synthpop, 80s influences, rock, and country, with deep connections to Songlines, Dreamtime stories, culture, and life in community.
THU 16 APR | 8PM
Emma Donovan
Emma Donovan, a proud Gumbaynggirr and Noongar
woman, is a celebrated Aboriginal Australian singer and songwriter, known for her powerful voice and deeply emotive storytelling.
FRI 17 APR | 8.30PM
BAARKA
This Malyangapa/Barkindji woman has emerged as one of Australia’s most exciting hip hop artists, known for her sharp lyricism and unfiltered passion. Stepping forward with a powerful artistic vision and a fearless, honest approach to storytelling, she is nationally recognised and celebrated, and a formidable force.
SAT 18 APR | 8.30PM
Merne Mwerre Bushfood
As the sun sets and the ranges come alight with the festival, enjoy live music, drinks and bush food canapes while Rayleen Brown, a Ngangiwumirr and Eastern Arrernte woman from Kungkas Can Cook, shares her expertise of cooking with bushfoods, highlighting their superfood qualities and cultural significance.
SAT 11 APR | 5.30PM
MADIGANS FUNCTION ROOM, DESERT PARK $130
Many Hands Watercolour Masterclass
In this rare masterclass, paint alongside artists and descendants of Albert Namatjira, who continue the Hermannsburg watercolour tradition, represented by Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Arts Centre. Be guided and encouraged to create your own landscape artwork – a meaningful keepsake to remember the experience.
FRI 10 & FRI 17 APR | 9.30AM
Desert at Dusk
This tour is a journey with exclusive access to experienced and accredited guides of Alice Springs Desert Park. Experience the majestic Nature Theatre Bird Show, immerse yourself in a guided tour of the diverse deep cultural heritage of the central desert, and savour a gourmet dinner under a canopy of stars. TUE 14 APR | 2.45PM
Youth homelessness remains a significant issue across Australia, with thousands of young people experiencing housing instability every night.
WORDS BROOKE GIBBS
IMAGE TYMUNNA CLEMENTS
OVER 3,000 YOUNG people aged 12-25 years are homeless on any given night in the NT (ABS, 2021). That’s almost 12 times the national average. In the NT, this challenge is intensified by housing instability, domestic and family violence, mental health challenges, and family breakdowns.
For many young people, homelessness doesn’t always mean sleeping on the streets. Instead, it often looks like moving between friends’ houses, staying temporarily with relatives, or relying on short-term arrangements just to get through the week. This experience, commonly known as couch surfing, can leave young people without stability, safety or long-term support.
A 20-year-old Aboriginal Larrakia man and father of three, who we’ll refer to as Jeff as he wishes to
remain anonymous, said he never had housing stability growing up.
“As a teenager, I never really felt the joy of having my own bedroom or my own house,” he says.
“I was constantly living with my family and moved to Darwin to live with my grandfather. I then lived with siblings but didn’t have the best relationship with them and didn’t really feel I had a permanent roof over my head.”
This event brings this issue into the spotlight while connecting young people with services and support within the community. The day combines awareness with community action, encouraging people to learn more about youth homelessness while taking part in a range of engaging activities.
“I felt like I would be like my
IF YOU’VE EVER wished there was one place in Darwin where you could learn a language, try pottery, explore digital technology, cook something delicious and maybe even dance Bollywood-style, Darwin Adult Short Courses (DASC) might just be it.
Term 2 at DASC is shaping up to be a vibrant mix of creativity, skill-building, and community connection, with a wide range of courses designed to help Territorians explore new interests and develop practical skills.
“The upcoming program is about creating opportunities for people to learn, experience, and connect,” says DASC Coordinator Jackie O’Toole.
“Every term brings something new, but this year’s Term 2 feels especially alive – full of colour, creativity, movement, and possibility. We’re really proud to offer a space where people can explore new skills, try something different, and be part of a welcoming community of learners.”
family – jobless and living on Centrelink, and that took a toll on my confidence. Because of the environment around me, I thought I wouldn’t get a good job and that I would be living off Centrelink,” Jeff says.
Through connecting with these services, Jeff was able to enter secure accommodation, received help with his tax return, and was able to build his confidence up.
One of the standout features of the event is the couch racing, where teams compete using creatively decorated couches in a race through the park. The event also includes stalls, music, information booths, and family-friendly activities.
While the atmosphere is lively, the event carries an important
Creativity takes centre stage this term with a growing visual arts program that invites participants to slow down and reconnect with their creative side.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Josh, our new pottery tutor, whose hands-on sessions invite you to slow down, get messy, and discover the joy of shaping clay,” O’Toole says.
Beyond the arts, DASC continues to expand its digital learning options with several beginner-friendly technology courses to build confidence in an increasingly digital world.
“Our courses are designed to help people feel more comfortable with digital tools, whether they’re starting from scratch or just curious about emerging technology,” O’Toole says.
New offerings include a Generative AI course exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity and communication, as well as an introductory Microsoft course
message. By bringing the community together in a fun and welcoming environment, organisers hope to spark conversations about the challenges many young people face when they don’t have a stable place to live.
Jeff says his hope for the future is to be stable and better than he was yesterday.
“I want to let the person reading this know you can be the one to break the cycle. If you don’t have the confidence, you’ll find it. You just have to be consistent and know you’ll see better days, even when things get hard.”
Couch Surfing WHEN WED 15 APR | 10AM-2PM AT CIVIC PARK COST FREE INFO anglicare-nt.org.au
for beginners looking to develop everyday digital skills.
For those who love the thrill of performance or simply want to build confidence, Term 2 brings two stand out courses – Public Speaking Using Theatrical and Comedy Techniques, and Learn to Stage A Short Play, both taught by David Dalzell.
For those who prefer learning through movement, try out weekly yoga sessions, suitable for all experience levels, alongside Bollywood dancing classes designed to bring energy and fun into the week.
“In Darwin, it’s rare to find such a broad mix of skills, arts and activities all in one place,” O’Toole says.
“These classes offer a gentle escape from the everyday – a chance to explore, experiment, and reconnect with your creative side.”
Ever wondered what lives just beyond the walking tracks and mangroves of
WORDS BROOKE GIBBS
IMAGE EMMA LUPIN
THIS UPCOMING CITIZEN Science
BioBlitz invites you to swap curiosity for discovery, offering a rare opportunity to explore one of Darwin’s vibrant natural spaces alongside scientists and researchers.
Participants survey everything from birds and reptiles to frogs, insects, ants, and native plants, contributing valuable data that helps researchers better understand and protect the local environment.
Ludmilla Creek is one of Darwin’s most biologically rich urban waterways because it sits where ecosystems meet.
“It is a special ecosystem as it has big stretches of mangroves. It has a really interesting ecosystem for birds and fish breeding which helps us better understand biodiversity,” says scientist Sam Woods.
Participants have the chance to survey five different mammal species including brushtail
What
role
should arts organisations play in shaping the future of creativity?
And who gets to decide?
possums, which is a threatened species.
Citizen science allows everyday people to contribute to real scientific knowledge. During a BioBlitz, community members work alongside scientists to observe and record plants, animals, and insects across a defined area.
Beyond the data itself, citizen science plays an important role in building community awareness and care for local environments.
“When people spend time learning directly from scientists and observing species in their local creek, it often deepens their connection to the place and their interest in protecting it,” says Landcare Community Engagement and Development Officer Britt Guy.
It’s a robust way to measure and record on online databases.
“Citizen science helps people on the ground to understand what is there and how to measure.
Scientists like me have access and work with the data,” Woods says.
“The more data on where the species are and why they are there, helps us to better protect them, particularly the vulnerable and threatened species. Surveying vegetation helps us to identify solutions such as weed management."
For those eager to connect with nature, learn from scientists, and uncover the wildlife of Ludmilla Creek, this event promises a fascinating day of discovery.
Ludmilla Citizen Science BioBlitz
WHEN SAT 11 & SUN 12 APR 6.30AM-6PM
AT LUDMILLA PRIMARY
COST $5
INFO creekconnections.org Critical Conversations
WHEN THU 2 APR | 5.30-6.30PM
THESE ARE THE big questions being explored in Critical Conversations, a forum series bringing Darwin’s arts community together to tackle the issues shaping the sector right now.
Returning after a successful first year, the series invites artists, organisations and audiences into the same room to unpack complex topics around arts activism, ethics, sustainability, and the social responsibilities of creatives.
At a time when the world often feels increasingly divided, Critical Conversations aims to do the opposite, creating space for open dialogue, shared ideas, and thoughtful debate.
Each forum in the series is hosted by a different arts organisation, with conversations shaped by the perspectives and challenges unique to that group. The sessions also include time for audience questions, encouraging the wider community to contribute to the discussion.
Last year’s conversations tackled everything from ethical storytelling and arts censorship to the importance of building long-term relationships and legacy within the arts sector. They also explored what it means to work with institutions that may not have originally been designed with diverse communities in mind.
This series brings together some of Darwin’s key arts organisations, including Tracks Dance Company, Darwin Community Arts, Artback NT,
Brown’s Mart, and the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art.
Tracks Dance Company kicks things off with the first forum of the year, posing the question – should arts organisations last forever?
“At a time when the world seems to be all about creating divisions, some of Darwin’s leading arts organisations have come together to create Critical Conversations,” says Tracks Artistic Director David McMicken.
“Each series of forums will run throughout the year, allowing for important conversations about arts activism, ethical arts practice, and our social responsibility as creatives. Each organisation will host their forum, focusing on issues that affect them. There is also time for audience questions.”
With funding pressures increasing and costs rising across the arts sector, the question asks whether long-standing organisations should continue to receive ongoing support indefinitely, or whether there needs to be space for new voices and ideas to emerge.
The conversation explores how emerging artists and organisations can enter a sector that can sometimes feel saturated, and what happens to the skills, knowledge and legacy developed by established arts institutions if they eventually step aside.
These are not simple questions, and that’s exactly the point.
Critical Conversations isn’t about arriving at easy answers – it’s about creating space for the arts community to reflect, challenge assumptions, and imagine new possibilities together.
For artists, arts workers, and curious audience members alike, it’s a rare opportunity to step back from the day-to-day hustle of making art and instead talk about the bigger picture shaping the creative landscape.
Dinner + Comedy Show
Come hungry and ready to laugh at this one-night-only dinner and comedy experience. Enjoy a three-course feast with comedians performing between courses, plus a special appearance from Drag King Sinon as Jesus.
THU 2 APR | 6-8PM
The LAST SUPPER $120 thelastsupper.com.au
Easter Egg Hunt
Hop over to Darwin Waterfront for the best Easter fun. An annual family favourite, the Darwin Waterfront Easter Egg Hunt is full of chocolates, jumping castles, petting zoos, face painting, crafts, and more!
SAT 4 APR | 9AM-1PM
DARWIN WATERFRONT waterfront.nt.gov.au
Introduction to Bird Watching
A guided walk for all ages; families are encouraged to come along. Explore Darwin’s urban creeks while learning how to spot local birds and take part in simple survey work. Led by youth worker and birdwatcher Mitch Rose, the walk focuses on observation, practical skills, and connecting with nature.
SAT 18 APR | 8.30-10.30AM MITCHELL CREEK FREE creekconnections.org
Needle Felting
If you’re a total newbie, or have tried needle felting before, this workshop is for you. Learn some simple needle felting techniques to turn the dryer ball into your very own needle-felted bird.
SUN 19 APR | 9AM-1PM
$137 | $126 MEMB TACTILE ARTS STUDIOS tactilearts.org.au
Paint & Sip: Paint Your Own Peeny Vase
Gather your cheekiest friends for a playful, adult-humoured ceramics session featuring a 6.5-inch peeny vase, ready for bold decoration. Enjoy a relaxed, creative afternoon with vibrant paints, drinks, and plenty of laughs.
SUN 19 APR | 4-5.30PM THE LAST SUPPER $60 thelastsupper.com.au
Unleash Your Inner Comedian: Comedy Workshop
Join Danielle Andrews for this welcoming workshop for first timers and comedy-curious creatives. Build confidence, craft material, and discover your comedic voice, with the chance to perform a debut five-minute set at a supportive Comedy Showcase.
SUN 19 APR | 12-4PM
TOP FLOOR COMEDY
$55 topfloorcomedydarwin.com.au
Gaming After Dark is a safe, action-packed and inclusive place for young people aged 12-17 to hang out and play casual setups, compete in low stakes e-sports competitions, socialise, and make new friends. No registration required, and there's free snacks!
FRI 24 APR | 6.30-8.30PM
CASUARINA LIBRARY FREE launchdarwin.com.au
Geek Up
Meet, connect, and play D&D or join in on art workshops lead by local young creatives. Free, snacks provided.
Recommended for ages 15-25.
SUN 26 APR | 1-4PM
CASUARINA LIBRARY FREE launchdarwin.com.au
Harmony & Humour Bar Choir: Rocky Horror & Other Cult Classics
Guaranteed to lift your spirits, this unique experience blends humour and harmony for a night of pure joy. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just love to have fun, this event dishes out laughter and camaraderie in equal measure.
SUN 26 APR | 5.30-7PM
THE LAST SUPPER $16 thelastsupper.com.au
Grab your mates for an entertaining trivia sesh that'll have you flexing those brain muscles and battling it out over questions on pop culture, history, music, and more.
EVERY TUE | 7-9PM SILKS FREE
EVERY WED | 6.30-8.30PM
BREEZES BAR & BISTRO FREE
EVERY WED | 7-9PM BEACHFRONT HOTEL FREE facebook.com/fruitbatevents
Drag Quens Bingo
Hosted by the fabulous Sherri Lee Volua, expect laughs, prizes, music, and a whole lot of personality. Join Drag Queens NT for an unforgettable night of glitter, glamour, and high-energy entertainment.
EVERY WED | 6.30-9PM ZEN ROOFTOP LOUNGE $20 facebook.com/dragqueensnt
Musical Bingo
Join your host, Danielle, for a fun session of musical bingo. Instead of numbers, players listen to snippets of popular songs and mark them off their cards. Bingo!
EVERY THU | 6.30-8.30PM BREEZES BAR & BISTRO FREE
The Dolphins take on the Penrith Panthers in a blockbuster Friday night clash at TIO Stadium. Making their debut as the Territory’s NRL home team, the Dolphins promise a huge night of footy in Darwin. Whether you’re a diehard fan or love the atmosphere, don’t miss it.
FRI 17 APR | 7:30PM TIO STADIUM $10-$35 ntdolphins.com.au
TRE TRE (Tension/Trauma Release Exercises) uses movements like shaking, tremoring, and stretching to help release stored patterns of pain, stress and trauma. This practice helps the nervous system to down regulate, encouraging relaxation, calmness and connection, and has been used by many ancient cultures.
MON 20 APR | 6.30-7.30PM
THE WELLNESS HUB DARWIN $20 nebula.net.au
Club Tropical Milonga
Enjoy an evening of social dancing with local Northern Tango community of dancers. Come early to enjoy dinner at the venue before dancing the night away.
SAT 11 APR | 7-11PM CLUB TROPICAL RESORT FREE northerntango.com.au
End of Month Milonga
A milonga in the context of Argentine tango refers to a social dance event, often a dance party, where people gather to dance tango and milonga. More than just a dance, it's a social gathering with its own traditions and etiquette. Join the fun and tango the night away!
FRI 24 APR | 8-11PM COCONUT GROVE COMMUNITY HALL $10 northerntango.com.au
Soak up the atmosphere at the Todd Mall Markers where local makers, artists, and food vendors bring the town centre to life. Browse handmade crafts, fresh produce, and unique gifts while enjoying live music and a relaxed Sunday morning vibe.
SUN 12 & 19 APR | 9AM-1PM
ALICE SPRINGS TOWN
COUNCIL LAWNS
toddmallmarkets.com.au
Movement Medicine Ecstatic Embodiment Dance
Welcome your Sunday with a bit of movement medicine. Go on a dance journey with no steps or routine – just immerse yourself in the rhythms and melodies, and let the movement unfold.
SUN 19 & 26 APR | 10-11.30AM
$20
NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE
Mums and Bubs Pilates
EVERY MON | 10-11AM
RICH LIFE HEALTH & FITNESS
$15 | FREE MEMB rlhf.com.au
Sunset Yoga
Unwind with sunset yoga
overlooking Cullen Bay Beach. Move through a gently, flowing class as the sun goes down, with smooth transitions designed to relax the body and mind. All abilities are welcome. Bring your own mat or hire one for the day.
EVERY TUE AND WED | 6PM – 7PM
RICH LIFE HEALTH & FITNESS
$20 | $18 SEN | FREE MEMB www.rlhf.com.au
InVogue Dancing
EVERY FRI | 10AM-12PM
NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE
$8
Breathwork and Meditation
EVERY SUN | 11.15AM-12.30PM
RICH LIFE HEALTH & FITNESS
$20 | $18 SEN | FREE MEMB rlhf.com.au
Kirtan Meditation
Find respite from the daily grind with meditation that utilises live music and mantras for a fully
immersive experience. Program includes meditation, a wisdom talk and a meal to finish. All welcome.
EVERY SUN | 5-7PM
NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE BY DONATION asmy.org.au/darwin
Deep Peace Immersion
Experience a nourishing evening designed to calm the nervous system, uplift the heart, and gently reconnect you with inner peace. This is the perfect me-time, where you can slow down and reset your nervous system with mantra meditation, guided relaxation, sound healing, and gentle breath work.
FRI 24 APR | 6.30 – 8.30PM
MULLA MULLA YOGA SHALA
$30 asmy.org.au/darwin
Kirtan Mantra Night
Enjoy this community Kirtan Gathering, offering an authentic evening of guided heartfelt kirtan mantra meditation, accompanied by music. Enjoy the atmosphere and immerse yourself in a truly meditative experience.
SAT 25 APR | 6.30-8.30PM
RHEBO HALL FREE asmy.org.au/darwin
Bindi Enterprises
This program offers participants the chance to create digital artwork and transform it into fabric repeats. Open to all skill levels, it fosters creativity and provides disability support services.
EVERY TUE | 1-3PM
BINDI ENTERPRISES
$130-$300 bindienterprises.org.au
Ludmilla Creek
Open Contemporary with GUTS Dance
An introduction to different elements of contemporary dance practice including technique, improvisation, learning choreography, sharing space with other bodies, and getting all your bones and muscles moving!
EVERY TUE | 6-7.15PM
GUTS STUDIO
$20 | $160 CLASS PASS gutsdance.org.au
Pub Brew Trivia Night
Round up your mates and put those noggins to good use at this weekly trivia night. With pizza specials and happy hour if you scoot in a bit earlier, it’s a sweet way to spend a Thursday.
EVERY THU | 5PM HAPPY HOUR
7.30PM TRIVIA ALICE SPRINGS BREWING CO alicespringsbrewingco.com.au
Margi and Tacos Saturdays
Turn your Saturday into Saturyay, amigos, with special deals on margs and tacos on the Epilogue Lounge Rooftop. Feel like busting a boogie? Lucky they have a pumping dance floor. Muy bien!
EVERY SAT | 5-10.30PM
EPILOGUE LOUNGE epiloguelounge.com.au
Main Event: Saturday 11 April Base Camp: Ludmilla Primary School
Corrugated Iron hands the stage over to emerging artists to perform and lead during NT Youth Week.
WORDS BROOKE GIBBS IMAGE TYMUNNA CLEMENTS
DIRECTED BY EMERGING theatremaker Pip O’Shea, as part of Corrugated Iron’s NXT Gen Artist in residence, Little Girls Alone in the Woods is a sharp contemporary work that asks a question young people quietly wrestle – who gets to decide who I am?
“Directing Little Girls Alone in the Woods has been an amazing learning experience both for me and for the young people involved. It’s got a lot of frustration and rage in it, about what we’d do to have freedom and what we’d do once we have it,” says O’Shea.
“It resonates with all ages who have experienced the feeling of being trapped before, especially any women who may have wished they could have just run off into the woods.”
Written by Australian playwright Morgan Rose, the play is a haunting exploration of girlhood, fear, and imagination. The story follows two young girls navigating the strange space between childhood and adolescence, where games, secrets, and stories begin to blur with darker realities. What starts as playful make-believe slowly reveals the ways young people process fear, power and the unknown.
“Truthfully, this is the biggest honour of my life to have a group of young artists stage a bunch of my work in the Top End, a place I have never visited, but would love to one day,” says Rose.
“When they emailed me with the idea, I spent the whole day
showing friends the email, saying ‘Can you believe this?’ It’s what theatre is all about – connecting folks from different places and life experiences. I cannot wait to see how they interpret these works.”
Performed by Company C, Corrugated Iron’s leading acting ensemble, this production places young performers at the centre of a complex and demanding text. For Corrugated Iron, the production is an opportunity to bring a powerful contemporary Australian work to Territory audiences while also giving young performers the chance to grapple with complex themes through theatre.
“Young artists' ability to grapple with big issues can sometimes be underestimated. They are at the leading edge of commentary of where we are at. They are experts,” says Corrugated Iron Executive Producer and CEO Zoe Scrogings.
Company C was drawn to Little Girls Alone in the Woods for its feminist lens.
“Our young people are currently into Yellow Jackets and A Handmaid’s Tale, so the feminist work in this old Greek classic spoke to them. This play is about problems they deal with,” says Scrogings.
Known for its youth-focused programs and bold productions, Corrugated Iron has long been a creative home for emerging artists in the Territory. Their work often explores the experiences of young people in ways that are honest,
The Commandments – Play reading
Thou shalt not consider the 10 Commandments a personal challenge. When David’s religious father is injured in sudden, shocking circumstances, he feels the faith of a good man is being tested and decides to test God in return by breaking The 10 Commandments.
FRI 10 APR | 6-7PM
BROWN’S MART STUDIO
$15 | $10 CONC brownsmart.com.au
Unleash Your Inner Comedian Comedy Workshop Showcase
imaginative, and sometimes confronting, and Little Girls Alone in the Woods fits within that tradition.
Rather than presenting a straightforward coming-of-age story, the play invites audiences into the inner worlds of its characters. The forest becomes a space where imagination runs wild, fear takes shape, and the boundaries between childhood play and real danger begin to shift.
Audiences can expect a production that leans into atmosphere and storytelling. Lighting, sound, and movement work together to create a world that feels both magical and unsettling, much like the childhood spaces the story explores.
For young performers, stepping into these roles can be both challenging and empowering. Theatre offers a space where difficult ideas can be explored safely and creatively, allowing performers to express emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken.
For audiences, the experience is just as powerful. Watching young actors bring these stories to life can be a reminder of how complex and imaginative childhood can be, and how those early experiences shape the people we become.
As Darwin’s arts scene continues to grow, productions like this highlight the important role youth theatre plays in the Territory’s creative landscape.
Join an uplifting night of laughter as participants from Unleash Your Inner Comedian take the stage for the first time. After training with Danielle Andrews during the Darwin Comedy Festival, these brave performers share their debut five-minute sets, celebrating fresh voices, confidence, and local talent.
SUN 19 APR | 5-6PM
TOP FLOOR COMEDY $11.50 topfloorcomedydarwin.com.au
Jimmy Carr – Laughs Funny
Get ready for a night of razorsharp one-liners and dark humour as Jimmy Carr returns with his brand-new show Laughs Funny. Known for his edgy wit and magnetic delivery, Jimmy’s comedy divides opinion – but if you like it, you’ll love this. Definitely not for the easily repelled!
THU 23 APR & FRI 24 APR | 7-8PM
$92-$112
DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE bohmpresents.com
The Dirty Word
The Dirty Word is Alice Springs’ long running open mic poetry night, the home of original poetry where spoken word, confession, satire, and truth collide. Step up or sit back – no polish required. Just bring your words.
THU 2 APR | 6-9PM THE ROASTERY $5 DONATION reddirtpoetryfestival.com
April is one of the most exciting times to experience Central Australia. As the intense summer heat fades, the Red Centre settles into cooler days and crisp evenings, making it the perfect time to explore.
This year, the landscape is looking particularly vibrant after a month of rains at the end of summer, with fresh growth bringing colour and life back to the desert. Paired with a calendar full of iconic events, April is shaping up to be a standout month in the Red Centre.
For those wanting to experience rugged Territory character, the Aileron Bush Festival delivers a full weekend of outback action. Famous for its lively rodeo, bush competitions, live music, and family-friendly atmosphere, this much-loved festival celebrates life in the outback and brings together locals and visitors alike for a uniquely Central Australian experience.
The social calendar continues with the return of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival. Spanning several race days across April and May, the carnival brings excitement, fashion and a festive atmosphere to the track.
Beyond the events, the cooler temperatures make it ideal for hiking through the West MacDonnell Ranges, discovering hidden waterholes or simply soaking up the vast desert landscapes.
To top it off, Tourism Central Australia offers a discount scheme, where tourists and locals can enjoy 25 percent off accommodation, car hire, tours, and attractions for any bookings before Thu 4 Jun. Now there’s a good excuse to soak up the wonder of the desert!
"My theory on cinema is, as long as it’s full of truth and dignity, it’ll work.”
Warwick Thornton
You don’t have to tell us twice to get our butts to the Deckie, as the beloved cinema throws open the doors [gates] for another huge year of flicks under the tropical night sky.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
IMAGE PAZ TASSONE
INSET JAMES GOURLEY
launches this month with a huge opening night event, featuring the latest from one of the Northern
Celebrated for films like Samson and Delilah and Sweet Country, Thornton’s latest flick Wolfram – a sequel to Sweet Country – premiered at Adelaide Film Festival in 2025. Now, the flick filmed entirely in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, the First Nations director’s hometown, makes its NT premiere at the beautiful Deckie.
Thornton says he’s pleased to see it grace the screen of the Territory institution.
“Deckchair’s always looked after me, you know. The screenings that I’ve done there, I think I did Sweet Country there, New Boy, it’s just such a warm experience, it’s such a warm, balmy night, it’s always, always been such an amazing experience screening there,” he says.
“It’s full houses, people who are intelligent, and want to know more, and want to be entertained, I love it – I love Deckchair – it’s an institution, it’s just very special.”
Set in 1932 and based on a real story, Wolfram stars Deborah Mailman as Pansy, a mother longing for the return of her stolen children. It addresses the exploitation of Indigenous Australian children working at the Hatches Creek wolfram field – a tungsten mine in the NT.
Written by David Tranter and Steven McGregor, Thornton says it’s important to continue to shine a light on the experiences of Aboriginal Australians through cinema.
“We’ve had a lot of stories told about us, where we’re always sort of been over there in the distance under the tree, we never really have been asked what’s our opinion, so it’s just time, you know,” he says.
“And it’s not just me, it’s some of the other Indigenous filmmakers –actually, Territory filmmakers as well – we’ve got access to that cinema screen, and we need to show the truth and give people dignity, and that’s what we should be doing … taking control of your narrative, and speaking your point of view.
“It’s like, a lot of white films about Indigenous people, they’re filmed from the station owner’s verandah, looking out at a so-called lawless world – and our point of view is that there’s a sh-tload of lore out there. Incredibly strong lore. And we’re looking from that place, looking back at the verandah and getting scared … A different perspective and point of view … My theory on cinema is, as long as it’s full of truth and dignity, it’ll work.”
Deckchair Cinema General Manager James Parker says the team’s thrilled to kick off the year with a Territory story, powered by Territorians.
“Warwick Thornton, he’s such an international star these days, he’s a Territorian who’s made it into the big time, and I think we can all enjoy his work on the big screen and the story that’s behind that … the history of his films, I mean, they’re fantastic, and this is a follow on from Sweet Country, which was a huge hit,” he says.
“There’s lots of Territory creatives involved – from Central [Australia] to Katherine to Darwin. We’ll also have Steven McGregor, the writer, who’s based in Darwin, at the event as well. It’s just a huge Territory story – the film’s a huge Territory story, but the actual event and the film coming out is a huge Territory story.”
The special guests keep rolling, with appearances throughout the month.
Award-winning Canadian filmmaker, photographer, author, and multimedia artist Dianne Whelan visits for the screening of her film for 500 Days in the Wild, where one woman’s epic cross-country journey becomes a stirring portrait of endurance, landscape, reflection, and human connection.
Filmmaker James Litchfield and actor Tilda Cobham-Hervey pop in for the screening of Alphabet Lane, where a couple leave the bustle of city life for the quiet of rural Australia, hoping for a fresh beginning. This atmospheric Australian drama explores connection, imagination, and the fragile boundaries between truth and storytelling.
April boasts a swag of international films with the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival and the National Indian Film Festival Opening Night. The fundraiser program also continues, with Sunday screenings to help local not-for-profit organisations raise a bit of coin.
Other gems hitting the big screen include Imagine from filmmakers Tyson Yunkaporta and Jack Manning Bancroft, and Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie, a Canadian time travel comedy mockumentary-adventure film pegged to be a cult classic.
With tasty tucker dished out by local food vendors each night, the chance to catch one of our iconic Top End sunsets, and the anticipation of the looming Dry season, Deckchair Cinema throwing open for the year means you just know good times are coming.
Life in Squares is a first-time collaboration between Territory artists Cecily Willis and Violet Bond at Qubit Gallery.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
Life In Squares
WHEN FRI 10 APR – THU 30 APR
OPENING FRI 10 APR
5.30PM AT QUBIT GALLERY
qubitgallery.com.au
CECILY WILLIS HAS worked with the medium of clay for more than two decades, winning a swag of awards throughout her career, with pieces acquired by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Violet Bond works across a range of mediums, her more recent has involved collecting natural and discarded objects and using them to create compelling images in a variety of ways and on a range of surfaces.
Willis is also Bond’s aunty and says the two have long considered collaborating on an exhibition.
“Violet Bond and I have been talking about working together for some time … Initially we looked at the possibility of opening our own retail space in Darwin, but the high rental costs lead us to consider the alternative of a collaborative exhibition,” Willis says.
“Violet is my niece and we’ve both lived in the Top End for a long time, so communication and collaboration has been a natural, smooth exercise. While she has created works in a range of mediums, I have remained a slave to clay … For the past few years, I have been drawn to the look and texture of dry glazes, and I have been experimenting with them on a variety of shapes and clay bodies.”
Life in Squares came together when the artists realised they were both drawn to squares in their current arts practice, a shape they feel carries domination in everyday life. Whilst the works aren’t all necessarily square in form, there are links and suggestions to the square throughout, the pieces interactive and inviting to touch.
Bond says working with the concept of squares is a break from her natural way of working.
“Most of my work is about how we relate circularly to the environment, so life, death, birth, life, death, birth. And I grew up in Manangrida, so
living with that proximity to Indigenous Australia has also made me really aware of those cycles in the natural world,” she says.
“In this exhibition, trying to contain the natural world in that way just feels, honestly, for me, it's a reflection of colonisation and collection – at how we put things in museums and we collect things in little boxes. So, trying to kind of fit the whole natural world into one little square box.
“It's this idea of life that is just so counterintuitive … and all of those old adages of, you know, putting things in a box, putting people in a box, all of that seems to be wrapped up in the same thing.”
As well as the square, the pair was inspired by the natural beauty of the Northern Territory.
“The colours used and obtained combine the natural hues of our northern environment with those we are drawn to in our decorative life spaces,” Willis says.
The works from each of the artists varies given their mediums and interpretations, but it works. Bond says collaborating with her aunty has been a very special experience.
“It always felt like we were like kindred spirits, but in our own lane, which has been a really interesting thing. Having my aunt be so entrenched in use of natural materials in this other stream, where I was using natural materials to make sculpture, photography and multimedia projects,” she says.
“We've both been really passionate from our different lanes, but they always seem to touch each other at some point. Having them living parallel is one thing, but now to have them in the same place, speaking the same language, feels like a real coming home.”
DARWIN VISUAL ARTS
8 McMinn St, Darwin dvaa.net.au
Northern Centre for Contemporary Art Vimy Lane, Parap | nccart.com
Brink explores a shared condition shaped by overlapping political, environmental, technological, and social thresholds. Artists respond to the anticipated, and the unknown state of the future. What it means to live in a state of suspension – where escalation feels imminent, yet resolution remains elusive.
UNTIL SAT 11 APR
Contemporary Printmaking from Indonesia and Australia
cotton Clairefontaine paper, 150x200cm
UNTIL SAT 11 APR
7 Anchorage Court, Darwin outstationgallery.com.au
The Martu people of Western Australia's East Pilbara have been painting Country for generations, to portray and simultaneously connect to. Outstation Gallery presents Martumili Masters, a group exhibition of Martumili Artists spanning multiple generations. Painting with purpose, with presence, and with profound knowledge of place.
FRI 10 – SAT 25 APR
GALLERY + STUDIO
Unit 3/1 Clocktower Caryota Crt, Coconut Grove darwincommunityarts.org
BY ABBEY HALL
Abbey Hall’s new work reflects a year defined by waiting. Suspended between hope and anxiety, Abbey finds distraction in her observations of Northern Australian life. Through backyard sculptures, overgrown gardens, lures, and memorial crosses, Abbey captures a forced slowness – a visual record of trying to stay present while the wait continues.
5.30PM
MIDPUL ART GALLERY
54 Cavenagh St, Darwin City NT 0800 cdu.edu.au
Looking back at the development of printmaking at Djilpin Arts, this exhibition emphasises the importance of art in the ongoing preservation of knowledge, language and intergenerational memory.
Featuring more than 100 works, the exhibition collectively testifies to 20 years of artistic and cultural continuity, and collaboration.
UNTIL SAT 2 MAY
CDU DANALA CAMPUS
54 Cavenagh Street, Darwin CBD, NT cdu.edu.au
Taylor O’Hare Marschke with edits by Sharna Motlap, 2025, photograph
IMPACTS ON COUNTRY POP-UP INDIGENOUS ART EXHIBITION
This powerful exhibition celebrates Indigenous culture by showcasing stunning artworks that explore the deep connections between climate, healing, and Country. Artists include Andrew Doyle, Ngelebe, Emily Ford, Linda Ford, Jodie Durante, Noeleen Madrill, Sharna Motlap and Taylor O'Hare Marschke.
This exhibition includes morning tea and a panel session with Indigenous artists and researchers involved. FRI 10 APR, 9AM-4PM | MORNING TEA & PANEL, 10.30AM
Shop 4-5, Smith St Mall, Darwin aboriginalbushtraders.com
A collection of works sharing Dreaming stories by Judy Martin, Myra Patrick Herbert, Ursula Napangardi Marks, Agnes Napanangka Donnelly, Robyn Napurrurla Lawson, and Biddy Timms from Warnayaka Arts in Lajamanu, NT.
UNTIL SAT 11 APR
A collection of works on canvas and sculpture from Ngukurr Arts, which sits a stone’s throw from the banks of the Roper River in Ngukurr, South East Arnhem Land.
& ARCHIVES NT
54 Cavanagh Street, Darwin lant.nt.gov.au
In the mid-1970s, photographer, teacher and artist Konrad Winkler captured the Northern Territory in all its chaotic glory. Primarily working between Cyclone Tracy (1974) and Self-Government (1978), he documented a Territory on the brink of change – raw, rebellious, playful, and unique.
UNTIL FRI 5 JUN
61 Larapinta Dr, Alice Springs araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre
Lot 3238 Stuart Hwy, Katherine | gyracc.org.au
Many members and veterans of the Australian Defence Forces have tattoos, and while their reasons for getting tattooed vary, self-expression and belonging play a part. They also share a common purpose in getting inked – to remember. Hear the stories behind the tattoos in this unique exhibition.
UNTIL SUN 26 APR
This exhibition explores artists who push the boundaries, diverging from a conventional path, challenging traditional art-making techniques to enable new outcomes to surface.
UNTIL MON 1 JUN
For the first time ever, four First Nations artworks from the National Collection are on display alongside local creations as part of the Sharing the National Collection program.
UNTIL OCT 2027
A 100 percent Territory story presented by Territory creatives hits the stage at Brown’s Mart Theatre.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
IMAGE ROAMING CREATIVES
IT WAS DURING the pandemic that local singer-songwriter Sally Balfour released her first ever album – a Northern Territory-inspired children’s record about a little crocodile called Clara.
The album was recorded in 2019 and 2020 in Mparntwe/Alice Springs by Darcy Davis at Red House Recording Studio – just down the road from Balfour’s childhood home – and features a swag of Territory musos including Xavia, Katie Harder, Dave Crowe, the late, great Ted Egan, Balfour’s father Scotty, and her own children and nephews, making it extra heartening.
This month, her vision to present Clara Crocodile as a stage show is realised, with a fun gig for music fans of all ages presented by a talented entourage of locals.
Clara Crocodile’s gotta skip town when she realises her parents are planning to eat her, so she sets off down the Stuart Highway in search of a new home, encountering familiar Territory environments and animals along the way.
Created to expose little ones to the magic of live music, the stage production combines live performance, puppet storytelling, and animated visuals, resulting in a rich, sensory experience for all ages.
Balfour recalls becoming a parent as the inspiration behind the project.
“I think the actual story came to me when my first bub was born … I was sitting on the couch at home, and I was looking at him, and I was wondering what the hell I was gonna do with my life, feeling this overwhelming change in my identity now that I was a mum,” she says.
“I was listening to kids' music, and what was out there, and I wasn't too keen on what I was hearing … like, mainstream kids' music kind of thing. There's some really cool kids' music, but then there's just some stuff that I don't know how parents stay sane listening to it … So, Clara’s story and music styles kind of appeared when I became a mum.”
really wanted to make the music, and the music being played, a focus of the show,” she says.
“I think, probably in the last 18 months, it feels like there is this shift that the music industry is seeing, and then, just sitting back and watching that and thinking, ‘well, what do I want to contribute to the music industry?’ And I think one thing is finding ways to give kids exposure to live music.”
Suffice to say, the kids are sure to love this one. Making it extra sweet is the Territory-ness of it all, as Clara Crocodile travels through the NT encountering Territory characters along the way. Plus, Territory kids are no stranger to crocs and taught to be CrocWise, their presence such a part of our culture.
“The story of the crocodile came from looking at all the newspapers, and the media, about how many crocs there were, and croc culling, all that sort of stuff,” Balfour says.
“And in every kids’ show, or every kids’ story, there has to be a trauma that the kid faces. The trauma that Clara faces is that her parents are gonna eat her … that's quite funny, and I quite liked the dark humour that you could have around that, you know? Having your parents want to eat you, because, well, that never happens!”
As well as the little ones getting a kick out of this one, grown-up music fans should also have a hoot, as a collective of local creatives collaborate for the first time. Balfour’s joined by musicians Yuka (Fukuzaki) Hicks, Conor Cartwright, Pele Savage, Tim Webb, and Mark Smith, with their music supported by puppetry from Tania Leiman as Clara.
Balfour is stoked everyone’s come to the party, and to bring it all together on stage.
Clara Crocodile
WHEN SAT 18 APR
10.30AM & 2.30PM
AT BROWN’S MART THEATRE
COST $12
INFO claracrocodile.com
Balfour’s witnessed the wonder in the eyes of her own children when they experience a live theatre or music gig, and says kids accessing live performances is the driving force behind the live stage show.
“It scares me that live music is becoming a dying art form. It scares me that kids aren't exposed to live music like I was when I was a kid, and I
“I wanted to create music for kids, that adults could enjoy. I wanted to make a story album about the Territory. I was lucky enough to make a wish list of artists in Alice Springs to record the album. I was lucky enough to ask brilliant musicians from Darwin to recreate the album as a live stage show. And they have come on board!”
Don’t miss your chance to see this total Territory production in the Northern Territory institution that is Brown’s Mart Theatre. You really can’t get more Territory than that.
THIS MONTH, EXPERIENCE a powerful afternoon of choral music when a 26-voice choir presents The Hope of Easter.
Taking place at Darwin Memorial Uniting Church, this performance by local group Vocalective offers a rich and immersive musical experience. Accompanied by a small orchestra featuring strings, oboes, trumpets and timpani, the choir guides audiences through centuries of sacred music, exploring themes of hope, resurrection and renewal, that sits at the heart of the Easter season.
“While not having the resonance of a cathedral, the Darwin Memorial Uniting Church has good acoustics for the choir and orchestra together,” says Vocalective Music Director Michael Loughlin.
“The two trumpet concertos of Vivaldi as played by the two soloists, David Pye and Jess Anderson, will sound brilliant in that acoustic. And the church is air-conditioned, which is a huge bonus for performers and audience.”
The program brings together music from several of the most famous composers in classical history, each offering a different style and story. One of the highlights is music by Johann Sebastian Bach, often described as one of the most important composers of all time.
“The opportunity to perform the greatest and most popular choral work ever written, even only with these special excerpts which deal with the Easter story, is very special for choirs and orchestras alike,” Loughlin says.
“The smiles on singers’ faces when pumping out the Hallelujah is uplifting and inspiring. We’re sure the audience will warm to soloist
Callum Bowles as he sings The Trumpet Shall Sound with trumpet soloist, David Pye.”
The concert features Bach’s Easter cantata Christ lag in Todesbanden (Christ Lay in Death’s Bonds).
“Many numbers in the Bach Cantata are characterised by independent lines of music sung by the four parts – soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. These are quite magical moments. Soft singing in the Russian pieces is moving and somehow powerful in a rather different way,” says Loughlin.
Loughlin describes the piece as the journey of Easter, from the pathos of the orchestral opening, through the crucifixion to the resurrection and celebration of that.
“We hope that our audience will join us on the journey through this music of pure genius,” he says.
The program also includes music connected to well-known Russian composers, Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninov.
“Often the tenor and bass parts are divided into two separate parts, and the second basses are asked to sing extremely low notes. We can reach those, but it’s hard to project a full sound at those depths. Vocalective will sing this music accurately, with conviction and with a strong, full tone,” Loughlin says.
Tchaikovsky is best known for writing the famous ballads Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker.
Sergei Rachmaninov was another major figure in Russian music and was known both as a composer and an incredible pianist. His music often features big, sweeping melodies and strong emotions.
Music has always played a big role in marking special moments, and Easter is no exception.
The concert features excerpts that highlight the richness and depth of Russian choral music.
Adding another flavour to the program is the music of Italian composer, Antonio Vivaldi. He spent many years teaching music at an orphanage in Venice, where the students became famous performers across Europe.
Vivaldi wrote hundreds of pieces of music, including the well-known Four Seasons. This concert features his lively Concerto for Two Trumpets, a bright and energetic piece that shows off the sound of the brass instruments and adds a burst of excitement to the program.
To finish the afternoon, the choir performs excerpts from George Frideric Handel’s famous work, Messiah. Even those that don’t usually listen to classical music often recognise the iconic Hallelujah chorus, which closes the concerts on a high note.
“We hope that our audience will leave feeling uplifted, happy, and talking about the great music they’ve just heard. We also hope the audience is inspired by what they have experienced from Vocalective’s performance,” Loughlin says.
The Hope of Easter WHEN SUN 12 APR | 4.30PM AT DARWIN MEMORIAL UNITING CHURCH
COST $40 | $35 CONC | $20 CHILD INFO facebook.com/ vocalective.singers
Big brass, smooth swing and a room full of dancers – when Darwin’s Hot n Cold Big Band takes the stage, it’s hard not to tap your foot.
FOR OVER A decade, the local ensemble has been bringing the sound of the big band era to audiences across the Top End. With a full line-up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones and rhythm section, the group delivers the rich, energetic sound that defined jazz halls throughout the 20th century.
When the Hot n Cold Big Band started in 2009, there wasn’t a great deal of jazz in Darwin, and it was craving a big sound.
“There were plenty of rock bands and solo acts, but the big band niche was a sleeping giant,” says founding member, Brian Manning.
“We saw a gap for something grand, brassy, and we brought a gloriously loud, unashamedly joyful sound that matched the city’s eccentric energy.”
Multi-instrumentalists and highly respected music educators Martin Corcoran and Brian Manning sparked the idea. It wasn’t a carefully staged project, so much as an organic offshoot of Darwin’s music scene.
“Martin had approached me and joked about starting a swing band. Suddenly brass and woodwind players started appearing. Word spread, a loose collective formed, and musicians would turn up to
gigs whether they were on the setlist or not,” Manning says.
There was no formal structure, just a shared pool of talent and a weekly habit of playing for the sheer fun of it. Many of the players were either attendees or teachers at the NT Music School, and this provided a good community outlet for their professional development.
The Hot n Cold Big Band’s first performance was at the Hotel Darwin on April Fool’s Day back in 2009. The name is a cheeky reference to the early gigs at the Hotel Darwin which, in the old days, had two bars known locally as the Hot and Cold bars.
“The front bar had no air conditioning, the lounge bar did,” Manning says.
“The name also fit the way we played – one night we were hot, the next we were cold. It’s also a fair warning of how you’ll feel after five minutes on the dance floor.”
Over the years, the band has been lucky to have players who are the backbone of the Darwin music scene. When you consider this is a collection of musicians who have been playing in 35-degree heat for over 15 years, they earn legend status by default.
“Swing Dance NT are part of our extended family too, and well-deserving of the title. In fact, we’re probably the hardest-working big band in Australia. We play every week, apart from a short break over the holiday season,” Manning says.
The band performs every Wednesday at Darwin Railway Club, and anyone heading along is in for a good time.
“[We’re] a mix of frantic page-turning around the pool table, valve oiling, and Railway’s charm,” Manning says.
“There’s a lot of laughter, and a fair bit of sweating before we even hit the first note. It feels like a family reunion every single week. There’s a lot of camaraderie.”
The Rails is one of Darwin’s premier live music venues, and represents the soul and spirit of the town. The residency started because the band needed a home
that embraced character over corporate polish.
“They also let us leave our stuff there,” Manning says.
“It’s special because it’s inclusive. You’ll see retirees dancing next to backpackers and defence members. It’s the ultimate Darwin melting pot and it’s a natural fit.”
The Hot n Cold Big Band was voted Australia’s Sweatiest Big Band for three years running, a title Manning says was earned honestly.
“When you pack a full big band onto a stage in Darwin Wet season, things get tropical. It’s a badge of honour. It means we’re working as hard as the dancers,” he says.
While the music may draw inspiration from decades past, its appeal is timeless. Swing rhythms remain irresistible, and Manning reckons the communal experience of live jazz continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
“In the early days, we were just happy if everyone showed up with the right sheet music. What kept us going was the immediate reaction from the crowd. Seeing people swing dancing in the tropics felt like we were building a community, not just a band.
“In a transient town like Darwin, keeping a long ensemble together for over 15 years is a minor miracle. We’ve become a Darwin institution.”
Whether you’re a long-time jazz fan, a swing dancer looking for the perfect soundtrack, or simply someone curious about Darwin’s vibrant music scene, Hot n Cold Big Band offers a chance to experience a classical music tradition brought to life by local talent.
Hot n Cold Big Band WHEN EVERY WED | 7.30PM AT DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB COST $10
INFO darwinrailwayclub.org
If you’ve ever found yourself humming a movie soundtrack long after the credits roll, these two upcoming concerts might be exactly your kind of night out.
BRINGING THE MAGIC of cinema to the stage, The Magical Music of Harry Potter and The Hollywood Film Orchestra & Choir present sweeping soundtracks, powerful live performance, and a chance to relive some of the most iconic moments in film history through music.
First up, audiences are invited to step straight into the wizarding world with The Magical Music of Harry Potter. Presented by the Magical Film Orchestra & Choir, the concert celebrates the unforgettable music that helped bring J.K. Rowling’s beloved stories to life on screen.
Expect a night filled with familiar melodies and cinematic magic as the orchestra and choir perform themes from the Harry
Potter films. The show blends live music with magical illusions, a Harry Potter quiz, and audience interaction, creating an immersive experience for fans of all ages.
The following night, film lovers can return for another cinematic celebration with The Hollywood Film Orchestra & Choir, a concert dedicated to some of the greatest soundtracks in cinema.
The performance brings together star soloists, a full orchestra, and stunning film clips, guiding audiences through some of the most recognisable movie scores ever written. From Top Gun to Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator to The Dark Knight, the program celebrates the music that has helped define Hollywood storytelling.
While films transport audiences through story and visuals, music also leaves a deep impression.
A single theme can instantly bring back a scene, a character or a moment of pure cinematic wonder. These concerts offer a rare chance to experience those soundtracks as they were meant to be heard – performed live, loud, and surrounded by fellow film fans.
The Magical Music of Harry Potter WHEN TUE 14 APR | 6.30-9PM COST $79-$99
The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others WHEN WED 15 APR | 8-10.30PM COST $74-$94 AT AANT CENTRE INFO yourcentre.com.au
This relaxing monthly arvo of music is a must-see, must-do, must-hear. Strum a song and belt out a ballad or kick back with a drink in the shade while other talented musos do!
SUN 5 APR | 3-7PM
TRACY VILLAGE FREE facebook.com/firstsundayblues
Darwin Celtic Music Sessions
Drop in with your mates and your instruments for good tunes and some good craic at Darwin's monthly Celtic music session, featuring local and visiting musicians playing through an array of traditional and contemporary music from Ireland, Scotland and the Celtic diaspora.
SUN 5 APR | 4.30-7.30PM THE LAST SUPPER FREE topendfolkclub.org
BIG WETT
There's nothing subtle about BIG WETT. Unapologetically sex-positive and queer as hell,
she has rapidly built a cult following. Selling out shows from Naarm to London, with support from triple j and NME, her debut EP PU$$Y arrives September. Catch Big Wett in the flesh at Bustard Town.
SAT 11 APR | 9PM-2AM BUSTARD TOWN $30-$40 bustardtown.com
Live on Fridays: The New Era Relax into your weekend with this Dry season favourite, as the Brown’s Mart Precinct fills with live music. Live on Fridays: The New Era features live music handpicked and curated by local legend David Spry. Experience Spry's new music alongside a line-up of local talent that celebrates First Nations voices and spotlights established legends, with a few surprises along the way.
FRI 17 & 24 APR | 5-7PM
BROWN'S MART FREE brownsmart.com.au
Darren Griffis – Lone Lion Tour
Darren Griffis brings his bourbonsoaked bluesrock to Dinah Beach,
delivering raw vocals, big riffs, and gritty storytelling. Known nationwide for honest performances and ABC supported releases, he’s a standout solo artist and member of Juke Joint. Expect deep grooves, soulful energy and roadforged musicianship that grabs you from the first note.
FRI 24 APR | 6.30-9.30PM DINAH BEACH FREE dbcya.com.au
Sunset Sounds: ENBARR
This eight-piece Celtic band from Darwin heads down the road to Katherine, performing a live gig at GYRACC's Sunset Sounds.
SUN 26 APR | 7.30-9PM
GODINYMAYIN YIJARD RIVERS ARTS & CULTURE CENTRE $15 gyracc.org.au
Sunday Live at Splash
Get out your togs, bathers or swimmers, and kick back poolside. This weekly event at Darwin Airport Resort's Splash Cafe offers a chilled afternoon of music, food, drinks, and connection, set against the beautiful backdrop of the new poolside space. Bliss.
EVERY SUN | 2-4.30PM SPLASH CAFÉ NOVOTEL DARWIN AIRPORT FREE darwinairporthotels.com.au
Vinyl Candy Trio
EVERY TUE | 9PM-MIDNIGHT
SWEETHEARTS FREE
Nat, Max & Rick Trio EVERY FRI | 12-2.30AM SWEETHEARTS FREE
Nat & Max Duo EVERY SUN | 4-8PM CAVENAGH HOTEL FREE
Crystal Robins EVERY SUN | 6-9PM FORESHORE RESTAURANT & CAFE FREE
Live Lunches at the Roastery Every Friday from noon, The Roastery fills with music from local and travelling musicians. Enjoy lunch in an intimate setting with live music setting a cozy scene. For updates on who's playing next, keep an eye on their socials!
EVERY FRI | 12-2PM THE ROASTERY CAFE FREE duyucoffee.net
Good craic, good tunes, bain marie buffets. What more could you want for your Friday night? Join Darwin's only seven-person Celtic dance band for some high energy rooftop shenanigans to kick off your weekend.
FRI 10 APR | 6-10PM ZEN ROOFTOP BAR FREE zenrooftopbardarwin.com Friday Vinyl Revival
Start your weekend right with The Roastery's selection of shareable or scoffable dishes! This relaxed and intimate event in the courtyard offers a kid's space, stocked bar, and delish menu. Music is dished out by the legends at 8CCC Community Radio. It's the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
EVERY FRI | 5-8PM THE ROASTERY FREE duyucoffee.net
Sunday Sessions Dive into some sweet tunes every Sunday at Alice Springs Brewing Co, and enjoy a few cold ones and a feed in the sunshine with friends and fam. Keen to strum a ditty or two? Throw your name in the hat!
EVERY SUN | 4-8.30PM ALICE SPRINGS BREWING CO FREE facebook.com/aspbco
(A-Z)
ANNA LUNOE b2b NINA LAS VEGAS
AYYBO(USA) • BALL PARK MUSIC
denzel curry(USA) • galantis(swe)
G FLIP • IN HEARTS WAKE • JESSB(NZ)
KITAALEXANDER • kobie dee the living end • MALLRAT
MAPLE’S PET DINOSAUR morty(UK) • ninajirachi
oktae(KR) • PEKING DUK • playlunch
TEEN JESUS and the JEAN TEASERS
THE TESKEYBROTHERS • VENJENT(UK)
