Off The Leash April 2017 by Off The Leash

APRIL

20 17

Celebrating 10Years in 2017 INSTAGRAMMING THE TERRITORY

MALAK MARKETPLACE

MUSIC METTLE

An exciting new exhibition in this digital space

City of Darwin 2017 Community Event of the Year

The Waifs, Jessica Mauboy and Urthboy

MUSIC

•

PERFORMING ARTS

•

VISUAL ARTS

•

BOOKS & FILM

•

CULTURE

•

FOOD & DRINK

•

COMMUNITY

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

ril m

Stephen Dupont, Sing-sing performer, Gorka show, Eastern Highlands, 2011. Image courtesy of the artist.

Opening Night

Thursday 27Th april Fireworks 8.30pm

Amazing New food Stalls at the Junction

Mindil V IP $ 15pp

SunSeT in STy • Private reser ved le! VIP spac • Styled e tables & chairs • Esky w ith (ByO Dri Ice nks)

PIKSA NIUGINI Thursday 5-10pm sunday 4-9pm

www.mindilmarket.com.au admin@mindil.com.au

Photographs by Stephen Dupont 8 April – 16 July 2017

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

INSIDE

OFFTHELEASH.NET.AU

/OTL.magazine

t’s a privilege to live in one of the most beautiful and diverse parts of Australia, the Northern Territory. This month the Northern Territory Library combines this incredibly photogenic environment with the increasingly popular online photosharing platform Instagram in their biggest exhibition to date – iNsTagrammers. With contributors ranging from Mayor of Alice Springs Damien Ryan to Naiuyu artist Aaron McTaggart and NT News photographer Michael Franchi, this diverse exhibition promises a unique look at our distinctive corner of the globe – see page 4.

F R OM T H E

r o t i d E

2017 festival fever picks up with the National Heritage Festival and Wide Open Space Festival gracing our pages. World famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market returns, closely followed by recently awarded City of Darwin 2017 Community Event of the Year, Malak Marketplace. We had a chat with founder Lina Paselli about this weekly twilight market that has resulted in the creation of 12 new businesses since opening in 2016 – see Around Town. Top End foodies are in for a treat with the Territory Taste Festival, a 24-hour extravaganza of food, wine, demos and master classes spread across two days – sounds delish. If you’re looking for a Sunday chill, check out Burgers and Beats – see Food and Drink. National Youth Week continues – we’ve put together some program highlights – and we were fortunate to steal a moment with National Youth Week Ambassadors Jessie Spargo and Mark Munnich – see Youth.

@OTLmag

#OTLmag

E: roslyn@offtheleash.net.au T: 088941 7413 GPO BOX 2325, Darwin NT 0801

Katherine residents, get your dance shoes ready, the Grey Panthers are coming to town with their show Caravan. Playing in Darwin is Melbourne Ballet Company’s EmpyRean and the splash-filled hit show SOAP. Brown’s Mart Theatre hosts The Age of Bones and the CemeNTstars Disability Drama Group celebrates National Youth Week with VizAbility – see Performing Arts.

As the weather cools – and with Easter on the horizon – we asked our friends at Growing Up Troppo for their top kid-friendly camping spots – see Word on the Street. Assault your ears columnist Jess Ong recommends checking out Stuff You Should Know on your favourite podcast app – see page 15.

In fabulous news, the Deckchair Cinema reopens this month with The Baulkam Hills African Ladies Troupe. For those who missed The Eagle Huntress at the Travelling Film Festival, it screens as part of a fundraiser for the Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival – see Books and Film.

HERITAGE FESTIVAL | 5 DECKCHAIR CINEMA | 16

Bryan Bulley opens his sixth solo exhibition at Paul Johnstone Gallery, The Sculptures of Atauro Island continues at Charles Darwin University Art Gallery and Artmart, a collaboration between the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art, NOMAD Art Gallery and Outstation Gallery, opens in Parap – see Visual Arts. Happy April.

BRYAN BULLEY | 20 OTL is proudly supported by Roslyn Perry Managing Editor and Development Manager Anna Dowd Editorial Assistant

Zoe Beatty Graphic Designer

Chelsea Heaney Acting Music Editor

Sarah Novinetz Mike Frier Art Directors

Distributed to remote Indigenous communities with the assistance of

20 17

Celebrating 10Years in 2017 INSTAGRAMMING THE TERRITORY

MALAK MARKETPLACE

MUSIC METTLE

An exciting new exhibition in this digital space

City of Darwin 2017 Community Event of the Year

The Waifs, Jessica Mauboy and Urthboy

BOOKS & FILM

•

CULTURE

•

FOOD & DRINK

•

COMMUNITY

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

@littlemissflowers_darwin

•

PERFORMING ARTS

•

#AFLW

MUSIC

g a m l t o #

VISUAL ARTS

•

Paz Tassone #brownsmart

APRIL

@darwinentertainmentcentre

Cover proudly sponsored by Northern Territory Library

TO SEE YOUR PICS HERE

@ntlibrary

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 2015

Neda Vanovac (@bookhopper), 'Boy’s own rain cloud', Rapid Creek, Darwin

@_darwinning

NT Media Awards

AUSTRALIAN WEB AWARDS 2015

Not-for-profit winner

Caroline from GYRACC rocks a skirt made of recycled OTL mags at Junk Fest

@ntlibrary

Although care istotaken to ensure information in Off TheisLeash is correct, it is subject to change. We recommend checking offtheleash.net.au for updates. Although all careall is taken ensure information in Off The Leash correct, it is subject to change. We recommend checking offtheleash.net.au for updates.

FEATURE WHEN UNTIL SUN 2 JUL AT NORTHERN TERRITORY LIBRARY INFO ntl.nt.gov.au

Q&A with Instagrammer & Journalist Neda Vanovac aka @bookhopper

@unseenimages_travel, ‘Daly River’

What do you like about Instagram? I love the way it gives you a little peek into the windows of other lives all over the world. I follow photographers in countries such as Iceland, Brazil, Ghana and rural England, taking a look through their eyes at the lives they live.

@elise_derwin, ‘Rapid Creek, Darwin’

@michaelfranchi, ‘Somewhere along the north-west coastline’

@michaelfranchi, 'Dhunumbu Munuggurr, 5, pictured being painted by grandmother Bawuli Marika, Yirrkala'

@elbowrkshp, ‘What colour is the sky? Installation at Ross River’

How often do you post? I post very regularly – at least three to four times a week. I’ve made friends with people through Instagram and I have friends interstate and overseas who tell me they like seeing the NT. And it’s so beautiful here – who wouldn’t?

By Frances Grant THE INCREASING POPULARITY OF INSTAGRAM HAS LED TO A DEMOCRATISATION OF HIGH-END PHOTOGRAPHY; EVERYBODY CAN BE A PHOTOGRAPHER NOW, ALLOWING US A UNIQUE LOOK AT THIS DISTINCTIVE CORNER OF THE WORLD THROUGH MANY DIFFERENT SETS OF EYES. The Northern Territory is one of the most photogenic parts of Australia with its waterfalls, tropical plants, desert ranges, beautiful art and of course, crocodiles. There’s a long history of photographers documenting the beauty of the region from the anthropologists and colonial settlers of the early 1900s, through to contemporary storm chasers and international photojournalists. Recognising the rise of Instagram – and the uniquely Territorian application of this platform – the Northern Territory Library (NTL) has curated iNsTagrammers, a celebration of contemporary Territory photography as shared on social media. This is its biggest exhibition to date featuring more than 70 images from over 15 contributors. NTL Director Patrick Gregory says Territory Instagrammers post some of the most popular content in Australia. “Territorians are passionate and prolific photographers – their images paint a diverse picture of life in this unique part of Australia,” he said. Gregory says the library is very interested in social media as a medium for storytelling and creative production.

What sort of images do you post? I post pictures of my life and work – I like sharing the beauty of the Territory, so I post photos from bush trips to remote communities, camping trips to national parks, photos of the wildlife that share my home and street photos from my travels overseas.

“As the Territory’s major research library, that’s all about telling Territory stories, social media is a key focus for us, as it’s the place where Territorians are documenting social life and commenting on issues important to them. We want to explore that and celebrate it.” Featuring landscape, wildlife, lifestyle and tourism photography, as well as some powerful photojournalism, you may have already seen some of these images on your own phone screen. Despite the comparatively small population of the Northern Territory, NT Instagrammers have some of the largest followings in the country. NTL has always supported Territorian photojournalism, with more than 100,000 images in its collections and iNsTagrammers represents an exciting new entry into the increasingly important digital space. In many ways social media is in itself a type of archive, and the exhibition draws together key social media postings to create a picture of the NT in 2017.

What are some of your favourite accounts to follow? I love all of the everyday accounts such as @everydayaustralia, @everydayafrica, @everydaylatinamerica. I also love the evocative photography of @dollyandfife, the clean urban streetscapes of @vishalparadigm, the Eastern European daily life photography of @dcim.ru, the birds of @audobonsociety and the hilarious lo-fi fashions of @tommylenk.

It’s an exciting time for the library. As well as this innovative new exhibition, a new inaugural Creative in Residence program was recently launched by Arts NT to host a creative practitioner for up to six months. The program supports the production of new work using the gigantic and varied collections available at the library. Contributors to the iNsTagrammers exhibition include Mayor of Alice Springs Damien Ryan, NT News photographers Elise Derwin and Michael Franchi, Naiuyu artist Aaron McTaggart and Karama mother Jett Street. It's a very diverse group with very different takes on Territory living. Inspiring perspectives that may prompt you to share your own on Instagram.

@bookhopper, ‘Leliyn/Edith Falls’

AROUND TOWN WHEN EVERY SAT FROM 29 APR | 4-9PM At CHAMBERS CRESENT CARPARK, MALAK COST FREE INFO malakmarketplace.org.au

Malak National

HERITAGE

FESTIVAL WHEN TUE 18 – SAT 29 APR INFO nationaltrust.org.au/nt

THE TERRITORY IS A TREASURE TROVE OF STORIES AND PLACES and the 2017 Australian Heritage Festival is a chance to explore your own extraordinary backyard. Check out the talks, tours and events happening across Darwin. We’ve put together some highlights, but for the full program, visit the National Trust website.

Palmerston Rail Trail Walk

Stroll along the route of the original Palmerston to Pine Creek Railway and learn about its 1884 survey and engineering design. Transport back to the start point is provided. WHEN TUE 18 APR | 5.30-6.30PM AT FINLAY’S JOINT COST $10

The Heritage Debate – Should Government House join Airbnb? Have a chuckle and listen to speakers Sally Thomas, Professor Martin Carroll and Mel Little debate the pros and cons of Gov House joining the Airbnb trend that's sweeping the globe. WHEN FRI 21 APR | 7PM AT MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY COST $10

From Bombers to Batchelor

MarketPLACE N A CITY KNOWN FOR ITS MARKET CULTURE, Malak Marketplace stands out from the crowd with its emphasis on local organic produce, healthy tropical cuisine and connecting communities in a beautiful, artistic space.

It’s not difficult to see why this creative endeavour recently took home The City of Darwin 2017 Community Event of the Year. In just one year of operation Malak Marketplace has managed to activate a seriously suburban car park in the northern suburbs into a weekly twilight hive of food, music, arts, education and diverse cultures. Founder Lina Paselli says the success of the market was instant and a matter of the right time, place and people. After buying a house in Malak four years ago, she joined

Darwin Community Arts as a board member and found out there had been electrical infrastructure put in for a market five years ago, but no one had furthered the idea.

Paselli went ahead and dreamed about having an organic market in her own neighborhood and a team of fellow enthusiasts quickly formed around her. “It was a time in my life when I was trying to quit sugar and buy organic, but I’d felt a bit lost as to how I was going to do that,” she said, “ so we definitely went for a local organic farmers market right from the start, it had to be different to all the others.” From day one the market took off, spurning the creation of 12 new businesses and a local organic economy right on site. Paselli says heart of the market is the farmers.

History and Heritage Tour

Take a tour of rarely explored heritage sites in and around Darwin and cap it off with a BBQ surrounded by the incredible collection of memorabilia at the old Qantas Hangar. WHEN THU 20 APR | 5PM AT 1934 QANTAS HANGAR, PARAP COST $20

“We’ve managed to bring together an amazing group of like-minded people and I think our market goers really pick up on that when they go there.”

SPACE

Indigenous politician and journalist Malarndirri McCarthy will give this year’s speech echoing the Heritage Festival theme ‘Having a voice.’

WHEN MON 19 APR | 7.30PM AT GOYDER ROAD CEMETERY COST $5

Paselli says the vibe that’s been created is really something special.

Wide Open

Barbara James Memorial Lecture

Get your spook on and visit Darwin’s colourful citizens of yesteryear with a nighttime tour of the 1873 Goyder Road Cemetery.

A certain attention to detail is another unique feature of the weekly market. Chilled live music, Japanese theming – including red lanterns – and a central piazza style meet, eat and chat area, all make an aesthetic impression when you arrive.

It’s been 75 years since the WWII bombing raids on Darwin and the North. Learn about the lesserknown but significant WWII sites inland from Darwin on this guided bus tour. WHEN SUN 23 APR | 9AM-5.30PM AT BURNETT HOUSE COST $20

Cemetery Ghost Walk

“All the food stalls buy from the farmers and their produce is in the menus – which is why the menus are always changing. It depends on what is growing and what there’s an abundance of.”

WHEN THU 27 APR | 5.30PM AT NORTHERN TERRITORY LIBRARY COST FREE

Heritage Quiz Night at Burnett House

Try your hand and knowledge at the Heritage Trivia Night and take in the tropical architecture of the past at heritage listed Burnett House. Topics include wartime, early TV, song lines and around Darwin. WHEN FRI 28 APR | 5.45PM AT BURNETT HOUSE COST $10

FESTIVAL WIDE OPEN SPACE IS A UNIQUE FESTIVAL IN CENTR AL AUSTR ALIA THAT OFFERS THREE DAYS OF MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, ART AND WORKSHOPS. Held each year at the Ross River Resort, located about 85 kilometres east of Alice Springs, Wide Open Space promises an artistic smorgasbord of acts. Nestled into the East MacDonnell ranges at the mouth of the N’Dhala Gorge, the festival provides an utterly unique opportunity to experience the central Australian landscape.

This year’s line-up includes popular Melbourne four-piece Hiatus Kiayote, Reuben Stone, Sietta Soundsystem, Chimpo (UK), Resin Moon, Red Dirt Crew and Kardajala Kirri-Darra among many others. It's a diverse and noteworthy line up that has a respectable blend of international, interstate and local artists. The performance program includes burlesque, circus, roving artists and spoken word. The festival took out the Live Music Event of the Year at last year’s National Live Music Awards and

is bound to back this up with yet another entertaining and engaging program. It caters to all ages and covers a wide range of interests, with a selection of workshops you can participate in, a kids’ space, fully licensed bar and a market place for purchasing food and crafts.

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 28 – SUN 30 APR ROSS RIVER RESORT $180 (CAMPING INCLUDED) wideopenspace.net.au

WHEN AT COST INFO

THU 27 APR | 5-10PM FIREWORKS 8.30PM SUN 30 APR | 4-9PM MINDIL BEACH FREE mindil.com.au

Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival Volunteer callout

Mindil Beach Sunset Market

LISTINGS GENERAL

Darwin 4 Wheel Scavenger Hunt

Combine your automobile with altruism for this Darwin Volunteer Coast Guard fundraiser. Any car will do, just follow the clues non-race style along the scenic Darwin route. Head back to Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association to enjoy live music, hot food, cold drinks, raffles, auctions and prizes. WHEN AT COST INFO

Knowing Your Natives and Growing Your Own

Learn about your local native plants in this three-part workshop. In this first workshop you’ll take an excursion into nearby bushland and skillup on how to collect, prepare and store seeds from different species, as well as learning to make a herbarium specimen. Complimentary book and lunch included. WHEN SAT 1 APR | 9AM – 4PM AT GREENING AUSTRALIA NURSERY & EDUCATION CENTRE COST $40 WORKSHOP | $100 FOR 3 WORKSHOPS INFO greeningaustralia.org.au | 7922 9500

Artists’ Craft and Tea

Artists of all skill levels and mediums are invited to use the space at the brand new Durack Community Centre. Bring a plate and get to know fellow creatives over a cuppa. WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY THU | 6-7.30PM THE HEIGHTS DURACK COMMUNITY CENTRE FREE palmerston.nt.gov.au

Hubris, Hamstrings, Heroes & Hasbeens

Metrogaines and Cyclegaines are sporting events in the urban environment based on the principles of rogaining. They involve teamwork, endurance, strategic planning and map reading. Call it a fun run, walk or ride with a twist through Palmerston’s urban jungles. Your team will plan a route and move through the course using the map provided.

Become part of the vital volunteer crew for this rockin’ community festival, celebrating its 13th year of life along the Nightcliff foreshore in May. There’s plenty to do with social, physical and logistical roles up for grabs. Apply now to help get this party started.

The world famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market is back. As the sun dips into the Arafura Sea feast upon Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian and Greek food – to name just a few options – take a wander through the palm lined boulevards for some unique gifts or soak up the sunset and entertainment.

WHEN SAT 8 APR | 1-9PM AT MACKILLOP CATHOLIC COLLEGE COST $45 INFO nt.rogaine.asn.au

SAT 8 APR | 1-5.30PM DINAH BEACH CRUISING YACHT ASSOCIATION $40 PER VEHICLE dbcya.com.au

DARWIN WATERFRONT waterfront.nt.gov.au

WHEN SAT 6 – SUN 14 MAY INFO nightcliffseabreeze.com/ volunteers

Festival Kids. Entertainment includes performances by George the Farmer, a pitch perfect talent show and food, arts and crafts. WHEN SAT 22 APR | 9AM-1PM COST FREE

Aqua Zumba

Join in the fun for some supercool calorie burning in the pool at Darwin’s Wave Lagoon. WHEN EVERY SUN | 9AM COST $12 ADULTS | $8 U15

DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS

darwincommunityarts.org.au Chambers Crescent Theatre, Malak Work on those green thumbs with these free garden workshops. WHEN COST INFO

EVERY MON | 10AM-1PM FREE facebook.com/dcacommunity gardennews | 8945 7347

Top End Triathlon Festival Here’s your chance to tick the ‘did my first triathlon’ box and raise funds for CareFlight Top End at the same time. Triathlon Northern Territory encourage first timers, but all levels of experience, teams and individuals are welcome. There’ll be prizes for best fancy dress and highest fundraiser as well as a BBQ, kids DJ and waterslide. WHEN SUN 16 APR | 8-11AM COST FREE

Territory Taste Festival Kids

Families are invited to enjoy the free fun on the Darwin Waterfront lawns for the Territory Taste

Storytime

Say goodbye to quiet libraries! 1-5 year olds and their caregivers will love singing, dancing, listening to stories and engaging with puppets in these fun, interactive sessions. WHEN EVERY TUE & THU | 10-10.45AM COST FREE

You're never too young to enjoy reading. Treat your baby to songs, puppets, nursery rhymes and movement to enhance their early literacy development. Suitable for 0-1 year olds. WHEN EVERY WED | 10-10.45AM COST FREE

Lego Club

Hone your building skills with fortnightly activities and challenges. Create your own masterpiece and display it in the library. Suitable for ages five and above. WHEN WED 12 & 26 APR | 3.30-4.30PM COST FREE

Easter Celebrations

WHEN SAT 15 APR | 9AM-1PM COST FREE

palmerston.nt.gov.au/library

Nursery Time

Malak Community Garden

Hop on down with the kids for a mega fun day of Easter Celebrations and entertainment at the Waterfront. There’s a long list of activities to jump into including photos with Mr and Mrs Easter Bunny, twisting balloons with Hyper the Clown and Easter arts and crafts.

PALMERSTON LIBRARY

Gadgets and Games Club

Beats & Clips

Want to improve your audio recording or editing skills? Be it for film, music or digital storytelling, these workshops can help you upskill. WHEN EVERY MON | 3-7PM COST FREE

Malak Community Shed

Promoting creativity, sustainability, social cohesion and a sense of community, head along for some free weekly workshops featuring local and international artists. WHEN EVERY THU, 1-3PM | EVERY SAT, 9.30AM-12.30PM COST FREE

For kids aged 5-12 who like hands-on, problem based learning activities. This fortnightly club is based around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning activities and the equation that learning plus games equals fun.

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIA (CVA)

Shop 7A, 69 Mitchell St, Darwin conservationvolunteers.com.au | 8981 2306

Twilight Toad Busters

Who you gunna call? Toadbusters! Join the team helping to control this environmentally devastating introduced species in various hot spots around Darwin. Learn how to tell a frog from a cane toad and toad-proof your yard. WHEN TUE 4 &WED 12 APR | 6.30-9PM AT VARIOUS DARWIN LOCATIONS

Tropical Food Gardening

Head along to the Mulch Pit Community Garden to learn how to grow your own produce and live more sustainably. Find out about the species that grow best in the Top End and how to start your own compost pile. WHEN AT COST

THU 6 APR | 8.30AM-2PM THE MULCH PIT | 21 CUMMINS ST, RAPID CREEK FREE

Beautify Our Beaches - Marine Debris

Help out with weekly debris surveys on Casuarina Beach, Lee Point, Rapid Creek and Mindil Beach. Learn about types of debris, where it comes from and what impact it has on our environment. The debris is sorted and catalogued on the day, adding to the national database – Tangaroa Blue.

WHEN WED 5 & 19 APR | 3.30-4.30PM COST FREE

WHEN FRI 7 APR | 8.30AM-1.30PM AT MEET AT CVA COST FREE

Code Club

Birds of the Top End

WHEN COST BOOK

WHEN MON 10 APR | 8.30AM-2PM AT MEET AT CVA COST FREE

Coding is a great skill to help kids live in the digital age. This program is part of a nationwide network of volunteer-led, creative coding clubs for kids aged 9-12 years. Code Club is free but places are limited, so bookings are essential. EVERY SAT | 10AM & 11AM FREE askus@palmerston.nt.gov.au 8935 9999

Want to experience Darwin’s unique birdlife? Take advantage of the opportunity to visit urban and rural lagoons around the Darwin region. Count and identify wetland birds with the help of field guides and contribute to the preservation of the Top End's birdlife.

FOOD & DRINK

review

SWEET BREW & CO.

BURGERS & BEATS

Territory Taste Festival AKE MORE THAN 40 FOOD AND WINE STALLS, TASTE TESTERS, BEER GARDENS AND COCKTAIL LOUNGES AND MIX in master classes and demo’s with culinary experts in their fields and you’ve got the recipe for one delicious weekend at the Territory Taste Festival. Soak up the festival atmosphere or pick up some skills in a master class. WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 22 & SUN 23 APR | 10AM-10PM DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE $30/$25 ONLINE | $55/$45 ONLINE WEEKEND PASS | FREE U12 territorytastefestival.com.au

Spice Blending Workshop with Ian ‘Herbie’ Hemphill

Spice blending is an art as much as a science and striking the perfect mix is like pulling off the perfect party for your tastebuds. Learn the principles behind artisan spice blending from one of Australia’s foremost culinary herb and spice experts and make your own bespoke blend to take home. WHEN SAT 22 & SUN 23 APR | 10AM & 1PM COST $100 + FESTIVAL ENTRY

The World of Champagne

Take a stroll with The Champagne Dame down champagne’s illustrious and grand memory lane and be introduced to some of the colourful characters who’ve interwoven it into their lives. There’s a reason champagne is the world’s most enigmatic beverage and you’ll come away from this class knowing why. Sip as you learn, with tastings of the world’s finest bubbly. WHEN SAT 22 & SUN 23 APR | 11AM & 2PM COST $110 + FESTIVAL ENTRY

Clean Eating Workshop

Malak Marketplace’s top clean eating stalls Paleo in the Tropics, Needle in

a Haystack and The Buda Bar host this delectable masterclass in how to pull off a healthy diet and lifestyle in the tropics. Taste some of the best fresh local organic ingredients in signature dishes like coconut panna cotta with paw paw coulis, beetroot cured local jewfish, and kimchi. Take home a swag of new recipes and a belly full of tips and tricks on how to make clean eating in the Top End easy, enjoyable and affordable. WHEN SAT 22 & SUN 23 APR | 11.30AM & 4PM COST $60 + FESTIVAL ENTRY

SINCE OPENING LAST YEAR, SWEET BREW IN STUART PARK HAS BECOME A POPULAR LOCAL HANG OUT. Located in a converted mechanic’s warehouse and nestled amongst furniture stores and car dealerships along the city end of the Stuart Highway, Sweet Brew is an unlikely gem in Darwin’s café culture. With great food and drinks in a laid-back hip atmosphere, the café’s offerings have gone from strength to strength over the past few months. The latest addition to Darwin’s Sunday sessions is Burgers and Beats at Sweet Brew. This is a great way to farewell the weekend and combines some of our most

favourite things – including delicious burgers, crispy fried chicken, tasty boutique tap beers and a solid playlist to munch away the afternoon to. Their menu offers a range of mouth-watering options, often making unique creations that span a range of cultural inspirations, and the cocktail list will keep even Darwin’s most fussy foodies satisfied.

Easter Saturday, Sipping Wine

Stuck for an Easter Saturday plan? Get to the Piper Collective and find yourself sipping a selection of premium, exclusive wines with cheese pairings. And chocolate? But of course. WHEN SAT 15 APR | 1-2 PM AT PIPER COLLECTIVE | 103/28 BISHOP ST, WOOLNER COST $45 INFO pipercollective.com.au 1300 174 737

How to make the Best Dumplings

Dumplings...mmm…dumplings. Hosted by Danny Yeum of Roast & Noodles 328 fame – Darwin’s best Hong Kong style smoked meats – this workshop will get you educated about the different types of the humble dumpling and their origins. As the saying goes, the way to a person’s heart is through your dumpling recipe. Increase the net happiness of your friends and family by learning how to make the ultimate comfort food at home, including soup and steam based cooking techniques. WHEN SUN 23 APR | 10.30AM & 4PM COST $25 + FESTIVAL ENTRY

GENERAL Grow Your Own – Workshops

Learn to grow your own tropical edible produce at these monthly workshops with the experienced green thumbs at Lakeside Drive Community Garden. Come for a garden tour and talk, and go home with potted seeds or cuttings to get started at home or work. Bring your hat, gloves and get-up-and-grow. WHEN SAT 1 APR | 8.30-10.30AM AT LAKESIDE DRIVE COMMUNITY GARDEN COST $5 | MEMB FREE INFO cdu.edu.au/ldcg

WHEN EVERY SUN | 4-8PM AT SWEET BREW & CO, 45 STUART HWY, STUART PARK INFO sweetbrewandco.com | facebook.com/sweetbre wandco

We highly recommend adding this to your schedule this month but would get in quick and arrive early to secure a table, as previous editions have sold out.

LISTINGS

Malak Marketplace, Clean Eating Workshop

@sweetbrewandco

Sunday Seafoodfest

What better way is there to spend your Sunday arvo than kicking back to live music with your favourite peeps, eating top quality seafood and savouring a selection of specially paired Aussie wines. The Oyster bar and Piper Collective invite you to raise your glasses to the good life with this ultimate end to the weekend. WHEN SUN 9 APR | 4-7 PM AT OYSTER BAR, DARWIN WATERFRONT COST $89 INFO info@pipercollective.com.au | 89812242

Malak Community Dinner

Embrace Darwin’s diverse culture with a night of food and entertainment. WHEN MON 24 APR | 6-8.30PM AT DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS, MALAK COST $5 | $10 FAMILY | FREE FOR VOLUNTEERS INFO darwincommunityarts.org.au

YOUTH

LAUNCHmedia The City of Darwin LAUNCHmedia team will be out and about during Youth Week, posting to their LAUNCHdarwin Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat accounts. The official hashtag for NT Youth Week is #nywnt2017 but you’ll also catch them using #youthweek #launchmedia #launchdarwin #youngdarwin and #teamdarwin. Keep an eye out for some specially made Snapchat Youth Week geofilters popping up across Darwin.

Youth Action: Exploring Youth Concerns through Theatre

THIS IS THE WEEK FOR CELEBRATING THE VITALITY, STRENGTH AND POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF 12 TO 25 YEAR OLDS IN OUR COMMUNITY. It’s a chance for young people to express their ideas and creativity and to channel their passion into issues affecting them. It’s also a great excuse for some good old-fashioned fun!

WHEN UNTIL SUN 9 APR INFO youth.nt.gov.au

The theme for 2017 National Youth Week is Dream Big. The sky is the limit so get inspired and open your mind and your diary for a week of awesome youth-filled events and activities.

Off The Leash has put together a few highlights but for the full program visit youth.nt.gov.au.

Harmony Day Family Festival

Photo by Emma Lupin

Kicking off with a Welcome to Country, the Harmony Day Family Festival includes soccer matches, cultural performances, art activities, great food, jumping castles, water slides and face painting for the kids. Visit Harmony Place to learn about different cultures. WHEN SAT 1 APR | 3-9PM AT GRAY FOOTBALL STADIUM

Kids vs Cops Couchsurfing

CITY OF DARWIN

launchdarwin.com.au | facebook. com/launchdarwin | 8930 0403 COST FREE

Street Heat - Skate, Scooter, BMX & Quads Comp

Australian vert champ Renton Milar hosts this competition which includes BMX, scooter, quad and skateboarding divisions. Keen to shred? No need to pre-register, just show up on the day. WHEN SAT 1 APR | 3.30PM AT JINGILI SKATE PARK

Dishing up Darwin

Fun alert. Couchsurfing races are back. Help celebrate the resilience of young people affected by homelessness on National Youth Homelessness Matters Day. Come down and cheer on the competitors and enjoy live entertainment, food and info stalls.

Watch as some of Darwin’s youngest home chefs cook up a storm creating dishes celebrating Darwin.

WHEN WED 5 APR | 10.30AM-3PM AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE CARPARK

CITY OF PALMERSTON

Get that Job! Become a DJ Workshops

COST FREE

Join DJ Juno for two half-day workshops exploring everything from track selection to basic beat matching and live performance. Put it all into practice at a Happy Yess gig where you’ll perform for a live audience – all welcome. Book early to nab your workshop spot. WHEN AT BOOK

WORKSHOPS THU 6 & FRI 7 APR, 3.30-7.30PM | LIVE SHOW SAT 8 APR, 3-6PM THE HUB, CITY LIBRARY | LIVE SHOW – HAPPY YESS darwin.nt.gov.au/libraries

WHEN SUN 9 APR | 10AM-12PM AT DARWIN WATERFRONT

WHEN SAT 8 APR | 4-7PM AT PALMERSTON LIBRARY

KATHERINE REGION COST FREE

WHEN THU 6 APR | 4-7PM AT PALMERSTON RECREATION CENTRE

The Youth Services team at Anglicare Katherine host activities and workshops for young people aged 1025 years, including a healthy cook up!

Youth Homelessness Matters Day Event

WHEN WED 5 APR | 2.30-7PM AT MIMI ARTS, KATHERINE INFO 8963 6100

Library Movie Night

3ON3 Palmerston

WHEN SAT 1 APR | 5-8.30PM AT PALMERSTON RECREATION CENTRE

The very first standalone Super Smash Brothers Tournament is coming to the Top End. The event includes 1V1, big screen group battles, competitions, prizes and more.

Get amongst an afternoon of activities and basketball between the NT Police and youth.

palmerston.nt.gov.au | facebook.com/ palmerstonyouth | 8935 9922

This mixed basketball comp is for people aged 12-19 years. No preregistration is required – just rock up. BYO team or join one on the night. Free snacks and fruit provided.

Palmerston Digital Gaming Nights – Super Smash Brothers

Palmy Pool Party

This free youth and community event hosts a range of activities including a DJ, information stalls, circus performers, competitions, raffles and prizes, gladiator ring, water commando course, a free healthy dinner and the Mission Australia Chill and Dream lounge. WHEN FRI 7 APR | 5-9PM AT PALMERSTON SWIMMING AND FITNESS CENTRE

Enjoy a free movie night complete with a lucky door prize, Xbox and other activities, photo booth and free pizza! WHEN FRI 7 APR | 6-9PM AT KATHERINE LIBRARY INFO 8971 1188 | library@ktc.nt.gov.au

Q&A

with National Youth Week Ambassadors Jessie Spargo & Mark Munnich

Battle OF THE

School

2016 Winner, Gaia

arwin born and bred Jessie Spargo and Mark Munnich are National Youth Week (NYW) Ambassadors for the Darwin, Palmerston and Darwin Rural Region. Off The Leash caught up with Spargo during a quick break in her hectic schedule, which includes working at Menzies School of Health Research, studying a Masters of Disaster and Emergency Management at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and playing horn in the Darwin Symphony Orchestra; and had a chat with CDU Bachelor of Laws student Munnich who was on the Tiwi Islands with his work as a Community Legal Educator with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency. Why did you get involved in NYW? JS: I was drawn to NYW because of the theme: Dream Big! This theme means something different for everyone, but for me “Dream Big” speaks to ideas. I am really interested in learning what other young people in the Territory are passionate about, and working together to make that happen. NYW is a platform from which ideas can be fostered or shared and I find this really exciting. MM: There are numerous reasons, but the most important is that it’s a week that’s dedicated to young people. I wanted to be able to share my experiences and use it as an opportunity to be actively involved in the community, to voice my passions and encourage others to get involved. What does being a NYW Ambassador entail? JS: An ambassador has the privilege of promoting NYW and sitting on judging panels for Youth Week and Youth Holiday grants. The role of an ambassador is about encouraging other young people in the Territory to feel that they can develop their own ideas into action; host an event themselves and maybe even consider being a leader or ambassador one day.

MM: Getting out there and getting involved in the community. It’s a privilege to share and emphasize the important contribution young people make across the Territory. What youth issues are you most passionate about? JS: Encouraging young people to get involved in science, engineering and technology! Any field of study can seem daunting to a young person in or leaving high school, however with the right opportunities and support to get involved, it needn’t seem so daunting. I am most passionate about getting young people to think outside the box, don’t be afraid – take safe but exciting chances! MM: I’m passionate about issues that affect Indigenous youth as well as issues relating to health, alcohol, other drugs, youth boredom and sexual health. What do you love most about the Territory? JS: I work as a biologist and am a biologist by heart, so I would be amiss if I didn’t say what I love most about the Territory is the unique environment; the animals, plants, landscape and weather, plus the incredible people who make up the Territory’s character, its flair. I love that our young cohort are integral to this.

BATTLE OF THE SCHOOL BANDS IS SET TO ROCK, ROLL AND CROON THE NIGHT AWAY AS THE BEST OF THE TERRITORY’S YOUNG MUSICAL TALENT COMES OUT TO PLAY. Now in its eighth year, the annual competition is open to middle and senior students around the NT. Performers compete in school-based heats and this year more than 30 bands, duos and soloists have won a place at the final show down at Brown’s Mart Courtyard. The stakes are high – winners get a date with the stage at the BASSINTHEGRASS music festival in May, performing to thousands. Since taking home the top prize last year, standout band Gaia from Darwin High School have played gigs around the Top End, recorded their first demo and received airtime on local and national radio stations including Triple J. Local musician Dan Davies has been a judge for five years and says Darwin’s youth music scene has been exceptionally strong for a long

time, thanks in large part to this comp and the work of the NT Music School who run it.

BANDS

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 21 APR | 7PM BROWNS MART COURTYARD GOLD COIN DONATION ntms.net.au

“It’s been amazing to see the quality of musicians who’ve come through this competition go on to do gigs as young adults and often form different acts with other musicians,” Davies said. Davies reckons all young musicians who give it a go are rewarded. “Even if they don't win or even get through their heat, there are usually cool aspects to the entrants' songwriting and performance that the judges will pick up on and hopefully help them to explore and develop further.” He says ultimately music isn’t a competition. “Working collaboratively with other musicians, supporting each other and hopefully absorbing some of the feedback that I and the other judges give them are much more important than that.”

MM: Having been born and raised here I love how it keeps getting bigger. It’s a diverse community that embraces different cultures. What are your top event picks for NYW? JS: Dishing Up Darwin is sure to be a hit, a creative competition of enthusiasm and tasty delights – I can’t wait! I’m also very excited about the Palmerston Pool Party. MM: Youth Homelessness Matters Day in Katherine is an important event on the NYW calendar; and I encourage everyone to attend some events in their local area.

PERFORMING ARTS WHEN FRI 7 APR | 10.30AM & 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $49 | $44 MEMB, CONC | $15 U18 INFO yourcentre.com.au

IMBER UP, THE MELBOURNE BALLET COMPANY IS RETURNING TO THE TOP END WITH ITS EXHILARATING AND CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED TRIPLE-BILL EMPYREAN.

MBC celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and a well-deserved reputation for innovation and accessibility. Hoy says they set out to create repertoire that is original, world class and able to be seen by diverse audiences.

Empyrean: the highest heavenly sphere in medieval cosmology, closest to purity and unconditional love. Three of Australia’s most celebrated choreographers have taken this ancient and layered concept and created three distinct works to form the latest show from the Melbourne Ballet Company (MBC).

“We believe everybody should have the opportunity to experience worldclass contemporary ballet, so we do seasons in capital cities as well as a lot of regional performances. We try to keep costs of touring low by not traveling with large sets, then we’re able to offer more affordable tickets and to perform in many places that major company’s can’t reach.”

Sometimes you see something that stretches your idea of beauty and what the human body is capable of and MBC Director Simon Hoy says audiences are in for just that kind of ride.

Indeed the company’s dancers are among the best in Australia and bring a whole lot of excellence to the regional stages they perform on with backgrounds from the American Ballet Theatre to the Royal and Australian Ballet Schools.

“This program is a thrilling demonstration of cutting-edge contemporary ballet,” he said. “It’s a journey filled with passion, emotion and sheer athleticism, with a superb selection of music and some stunning visual effects.”

LISTINGS

EmpyRean

GENERAL The Age of Bones

Award winning Darwin playwright Sandra Thibodeaux's latest work is a fantastical Australian-Indonesian production about a boy, Ikan, who goes fishing one day and fails to return. Assuming the worst, Ikan’s parents hire a legendary seafarer to look for his corpse. He finds nothing. The Age of Bones traces what happened to Ikan – from the day he left his Indonesian village, to his eventual imprisonment in Australia and his fight to return home.

Hoy says they’re looking forward to performing EmpyRean at the Darwin Entertainment Centre. “It’s a beautiful venue actually, every seat has a great view. It’s a very good theatre to see dance.” Photo by Paz Tassone

Caravan

Soap

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE MORE THAN 60 YEARS OLD, CAN’T STOP DANCING AND LOVE TRAVELLING? Darwin’s legendary senior dance group The Grey Panthers are taking their shimmy onto the bus and heading to Katherine with their show Caravan.

ALWAYS PARTIAL TO A GOOD SOAKING, DARWINITES WILL BE DAZZLED BY THE SPLASH-FILLED HIT SHOW SOAP. The SOAP experience is a fusion of contemporary circus, comedy and physical theatre in a series of steamy, humorous and jaw-dropping water inspired themes. The show is returning to Australia after captivating more than 1.5 million audience members on their worldwide tour.

WHEN THU 27 – SAT 29 APR | 8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $69 | $65 MEMB INFO yourcentre.com.au

From a kooky and laugh out loud love story between two feet, to a primal, breath takingly visceral one man gymnastics performance with a bathtub, this is one seriously crowd pleasing evening. Apparently if you sit too close you’ll get wet, so sit as close as you can!

The show features more than 20 Panthers sharing the stage with some of K-town’s own dance talent to bring you a diverse afternoon including Latin, Hollywood and some sultry show numbers. Also premiering is Swings and Flings, a piece by choreographer Joanna Noonan about the lives of women from rural and remote backgrounds. Created on women who share common life stories, the dance explores how they coped over long periods dealing with rearing young children, men folk and the loneliness that can come with life on a big station. Tracks Dance Company Co-Artistic Director David McMicken says the audience is up for a dance flavoured smorgasbord. “They’re going to have a bit of a cry, definitely a laugh and be very

WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 1 & SUN 2 APR | WED 5 – SUN 9 APR BROWN’S MART $35 | $25 CONC | $30 GROUPS 8+ brownsmart.com.au

impressed by the range of dance styles presented,” he said. Being the longest established senior dance group in Australia, The Grey Panthers are performance stalwarts. With 29 years under their belts, McMicken says their longevity is remarkable for any dance group. Their secret?

VizAbility Performance

“They love performing! But also having other people see they can still do their stuff. The feeling is strong that they’re counteracting the idea that seniors become invisible, and they love to do it in a fun and entertaining way.”

WHEN SAT 8 APR | 6PM AT CHAMBERS CRESCENT THEATRE, MALAK SHOPPING CENTRE COST $5 | $10 FAMILY INFO darwincommunityarts.org.au cementworx@ darwincommunityarts.org.au

Opportunities to mingle with this loud and proud bunch are plenty with post show tea and chats, and plans for further workshops in Katherine. Nobody puts the Panthers in a corner – so join them for this all ages afternoon of dance filled fun.

Playback Theatre Workshops

WHEN SAT 8 APRIL | 3PM AT GODINMAYIN YIJARD RIVERS ARTS AND CULTURE CENTRE, KATHERINE COST $25 | $20 CONC INFO tracksdance.com.au

In celebration of National Youth Week, CemeNTstars Disability Drama Group celebrate diversity, youth culture and visibility in the Darwin community through dance, song and performance.

Interested in storytelling, community building, improvisation or exploring creativity? These Darwin Playback workshops delve into acting, physical theatre, ensemble work, listening and transforming personal story. Experienced and novice performers all welcome. WHEN WED 5 & 12 APR | 5.30-7PM AT NIGHTCLIFF UNITING CHURCH COST FREE INFO playbackdarwin@gmail. com | 0427 757 738

Matthew Wood

Artistic Director and Chief Conductor

2017

on s Seasp n ri tio Subsc NOW! OUT For more information and bookings:

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: dso.org.au or phone 8946 6974

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

#dsont #comeandseethesound Community Sponsor

Seabreeze Festival Big Day - Sat 6th May KKeep an eye out for... MOBILE PE RFORMANC the new Green Pavillon - environmental talks and presentations ES courtesy busses making transport easier [or ride your bike] refillable water stations [byo water bottle or buy a Seabreeze Bottle] KITES low tide first thing - so Sand Sculpture Comp, 8-10am

Celebrating our wonderful diverse community

THE EAGLE HUNTRESS FILM FUNDRAISER Sun 23 Apr Gates open 6pm Deckchair Cinema Film commences 7:30pm

Volunteer Call Out - check the website Join this community event and be part of the action & atmosphere!

Volunteers are vital to our festival, ensuring visitors have a wonderful experience. Volunteers are crucial to the success of the Seabreeze. There are many rewarding ways to be involved and we are happy to train and mentor you.

velling film festival, s at the recent tra “if you missed thi e. A glorious film!” n’t miss it this tim make sure you do mber] [STFF Audience Me festival.” I got a lot more out of the “The year I volunteered [Seabreeze Volunteer]

“Voluntee rin check out g at Seabreeze is a th afternoon e festival. I work h wonderful way to ard be coming ba ing part of the Se but have a great a ck for mo re” [Seab breeze team. I kee reeze Volu p nteer]

www.nightcliffseabreeze.com

EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11

16 Sun

6 Top End Triathlon Festival 6 Aqua Zumba 7 Burgers & Beats 23 Painter’s Mate 23 Adam Brand

Thu

See Food & Drink 7

27 6 Mindil Beach Sunset Market Opens

5 Barbara James Memorial Lecture 6 Artists’ Craft and Tea 6 Malak Community Shed 6 Storytime 10 SOAP

PUBLIC HOL

Mon

Sat

7 Clean Eating Workshop 6 Territory Taste Festival Kids 7 Territory Taste Festival 16 FlicNics 16 Starting Blocks with Sandra Thibodeaux 19 Artmart workshops 23 Maddy Jane 23 Altlantis, The Lost Empire

See Around Town 6

18 Tue

Sun

5 National Heritage Festival begins 5 Palmerston Rail Trail Walk 6 Storytime 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

23 16 The Eagle Huntress

Fri

5 From Bombers to Batchelor 6 Aqua Zumba 7 Territory Taste Festival 7 Clean Eating Workshop 7 Burgers & Beats 23 Cheek to Cheek

5 Heritage Quiz Night at Burnett House 5 Wide Open Space Festival 10 SOAP 23 Natalie Pellegrino 23 Loud at the Library 23 Open Mic Nite by the Sea

19 Wed

16 Deckchair Cinema Opening Night

5 Cemetery Ghost Walk 6 Nursery Time 6 Gadgets and Games Club

See Town SeeAround Books & Film616

See Visual Arts 19

See Books & Film 16

Mon

The Baulkam Hills African Ladies Troupe

Sat

6 Malak Community Garden 6 Beats & Clips 7 Malak Community Dinner 20 Framed (last chance) 23 Monday Music Jam

19 New Shades (last chance) 5 Malak Marketplace Opens 10 SOAP 16 FlicNics 16 Starting Blocks with Sandra Thibodeaux 19 NOMAD (last chance) 19 Artmart (last chance) 23 Roy Orbison Reborn

Thu

5 History and Heritage Tour

Sun

Tue

6 Artists’ Craft and Tea 6 Malak Community Shed 6 Storytime 16 Poetry and Coffee

PUBLIC HOL

5 Wide Open Space Festival

6 Aqua Zumba 6 Mindil Beach Sunset Market 7 Burgers & Beats 16 Wild Words

See Around Town 5

Wed

6 Nursery Time 6 Lego Club

See Around Town 5

Fri

5 The Heritage Debate 9 Battle of the School Bands 18 DVAA (Opening) 22 KINGSWOOD 23 Lilla 23 Loud at the Library 23 Open Mic Nite by the Sea

1 in 8 Darwin homes has a water leak wasting around $1000. Is your home one of them?

livingwatersmart.com.au

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

offtheleash.net.au

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

Sat

Sun

10 The Age of Bones

6 Aqua Zumba 7 Burgers & Beats 23 First Sunday Blues

Fri

Tue

6 Storytime 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

8 Become a DJ Workshops 8 Palmy Pool Party 8 Library Movie Night 10 The Age of Bones 19 GRYACC (Opening) 19 NOMAD (Opens) 20 Tripping up the steps to the Temple (Opening) 20 Framed (Opens) 21 Urthboy 23 Loud at the Library 23 Open Mic Nite by the Sea

Wed

6 Nursery Time 6 Lego Club 6 Twilight Toad Busters 10 Playback Theatre Workshops 16 French Film Night

3 Mon

Do the 3-Step Leak Check to find hidden leaks. livingwatersmart.com.au

6 Malak Community Garden 6 Beats & Clips 23 Monday Music Jam

Thu

21 The Waifs

6 Artists’ Craft and Tea 6 Malak Community Shed 6 Storytime 6 Twilight Toad Busters 18 Tactile Arts (Opening) 23 Overdrive

4 Tue

Wed

8 Couchsurfing

6 Nursery Time 6 Gadgets and Games Club 8 Youth Homelessness Matters Day Event 10 The Age of Bones 10 Playback Theatre Workshops

PUBLIC HOL

Fri

Do the 3-Step Leak Check to find out. Visit livingwatersmart.com.au

1 in 8 Darwin homes has a water leak. Is your home one of them? If so, thousands of your hard earned dollars could be going down the drain.

6 Storytime 6 Twilight Toad Busters 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

See Music 21

Living Water Smart—creating a sustainable water future for Darwin.

“Finally, you found me!”

See Performing Arts 10

Calendar APRIL 2017

1 6 Knowing Your Natives and Growing Your Own 6 Malak Community Shed 6 Code Club 7 Grow Your Own – Workshops 8 Street Heat 8 3ON3 Palmerston 8 Harmony Day Family Festival 10 The Age of Bones 19 New Shades opens 23 DSO Gala Fundraiser

Mon

10 EmpyRean

See Performing Arts 10

10 6 Malak Community Garden 6 Beats & Clips 6 Birds of the Top End 23 Monday Music Jam 23 Entries open Hot Shots Photography Comp 23 Entries open NT Song of the Year

See Youth 8

Sat

6 Hubris, Hamstrings, Heroes & Hasbeens 6 Darwin 4 Wheel Scavenger Hunt 8 Become a DJ Live Show 8 Palmerston Digital Gaming Nights – Super Smash Brothers 10 Caravan 10 The Age of Bones 10 VizAbility Performance 18 Hatched (last chance) 19 Artmart Artist Talks 20 Piksa Niugini opens 23 At The Dakota

21 Jessica Mauboy

6 Easter Celebrations 7 Easter Saturday, Sipping Wines 17 Entries close DIFF

Thu

Sun

6 Artists’ Craft and Tea 6 Malak Community Shed 6 Storytime 6 Tropical Food Gardening 8 Become a DJ Workshops 8 Kids vs Cops 10 The Age of Bones 19 Artmart (Opening) 21 Urthboy 23 PNAU live

6 Aqua Zumba 7 Burgers & Beats 7 Sunday Seafoodfest 8 Dishing Up Darwin 10 The Age of Bones

See Music 21

find us on facebook

18-29 April 2017

nationaltrust.org.au/nt

Ghost Walk • Car Rally • Rail Track Walk Heritage Quiz Night • Debates and more... The Australian Heritage Festival is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Trusts Partnership Program

NORTHERN TERRITORY

LITERARY AWARDS

2017

ENTRIES CLOSE 14 MAY NORTHERN TERRITORY LIBRARY

www.ntl.nt.gov.au

B R YA N B U L L E Y

TRIPPING UP THE STEPS TO THE TEMPLE opens Friday 7 April 5.30-7.30pm and will conclude 6 May 2017

w w w. p a u l j o h n s t o n e g a l l e r y. c o m . a u 08 8941 2220 / paul@pauljohnstonegallery.com.au Tuesday-Friday 10-5pm and Saturday 10-2pm

The Temple above Venus Bay acrylic on canvas 61 x 121cm 2016

WORD ON THE STREET

Assault YOUR Ears WELCOME TO ASSAULT YOUR EARS, A MONTHLY COLUMN DEDICATED TO PODCASTS. Like most people, I’m a curious critter so I was confident Stuff You Should Know (SYSK) would float my boat but instead, I lasted just five minutes. After some forceful encouragement from someone who’d persisted longer than me, I recently gave it another listen. This is the perfect example of why sometimes you should stick with what you dislike, because you’ll soon love it. From how polar bears work, to how passports work, to why lefties exist (I appreciated this one as a lefthander!), SYSK gives you detailed answers on all you’ve ever wondered about.

Everything that burred my goat the first time round has become almost charming. The two male hosts have great rapport, to the point that it’s like you’re actually peering in on their conversation. They laugh at each other’s jokes, they mumble at times, their voices aren’t particularly distinct – yet all of this just seems to work. The content is so riveting, and their delivery of it so accessible, that nothing more is needed, not even music. If you need somewhere to start, I recommend how LSD works and how survival cannibalism works. Prepare to have your mind blown! You can listen to SYSK via SoundCloud, iTunes or your favourite podcast app.

Jess Ong works as a Communications Manager in the arts and the private sector, and is also the Creative Producer of local storytelling night, SPUN. She is the host of SPUN’s soon-to-be launched podcast and moonlights in the world of freelance. FOLLOW spunstories.net | @jess__ong

DUST OFF THE CAMPING GEAR AND DITCH THE DS. HERE ARE FIVE KID-FRIENDLY CAMPING SPOTS DARWIN LOCALS LOVE.

Comics’

Easter is upon us and for lots of Top End families, it’s the time of year to clean off the camping gear and head out bush. I put out a call to Darwin families asking for their favourite kid-friendly camping spots. Here is the top five.

Corner

It’s no surprise that Gunlom in Kakadu rated highly. The spectacular natural infinitystyle plunge pools at the top of the falls are easily one of the most instagrammable spots around. You may need to carry – or bribe – your kids to get to the top, but you won’t regret it – a Chupa Chup works wonders for us.

SHOWCASING TOP END COMIC WRITING AND LOCAL STAND-UP PERFORMERS WHO ARE GRILLED TO REVEAL THEIR INFLUENCES, FAVOURITES AND FOIBLES. Will Crawford is an up-and-crawling comic. He moonlights as a land rights lawyer and policy activist.

Telegram from the Edge by Willy Crawford

“This is a telegram STOP keep going STOP This is Willy Crawford STOP I am tied up in Nhulunbuy performing at the East Arnhem Amateur Circus and Escapologist Festival courtesy of an Australia Council grant STOP Things have not gone to plan STOP Last night performing as the amazing Willy, I attempted the famous “Mexican Escape from a box of box jelly fish” STOP This escape was only partially successful STOP I am dictating this message to my lovely assistant and life partner Ginelle STOP I am stuck in a glass box in my bedazzled leopard print lycra trunks surrounded by seven box jelly fish STOP Say hi Ginelle STOP Hi STOP Ginelle has kindly

retrieved some tools to help break me out STOP The night was going great STOP I opened with my “cross dresser escapes from the closet” act STOP The Nhulunbuy Parkinson’s Choral Society then performed their rendition of Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake it Up’ © registered trademark STOP Chantelle our one-armed violist closed out the first half with her version of 'Sounds of Silence' STOP Ginelle then came out STOP Tied my hands with a cable tie and lowered me into the box of death STOP It started to go wrong when I couldn’t free my hands STOP When I tried

@thewanderingmama

to pop the trap door it stuck tight STOP I have been stuck here since last night fighting off affectionate jelly fish STOP I don’t even think they’re poisonous STOP The pet store said they were the real thing STOP Reminder to stop ordering from that supplier STOP Ginelle, why is there superglue on the floor STOP What do you mean I took you for granted QUESTION MARK I know you found your cousin Chanise’s bra backstage STOP I told you Chanise was just helping me with my bra removal technique STOP Ginelle what are you doing with that circular HYPHEN saw STOP Put the saw down STOP Stop STOP”

Leliyn (Edith Falls) was another stand out. Sure, it’s on the tourist trail, but if you’ve been there you can’t help but admit it’s stunning. The campground here is my pick of this bunch. Tiny little fish might nibble your tootsies when you take a dip at Leliyn – careful, it tickles –like the weird fish spa pedicures in Bali, but it’s free.

I’m not alone. The shallow sandy stream is perfect for little kids. Expert opinion – i.e. my kids – has it that “bush baths” are the “best ever”. Slightly less known is Maguk, a little gem in Kakadu. If you venture here you are likely to have moments at the plunge pools where it's just you, the kids and the fish. And last, but not least, is Umbrawarra Gorge. We camped here when our kids were babies and although it’s a walk into the gorge, just plonk them in a carrier as once you get there you are rewarded with a lovely little white sandy beach and clear shallow waters. So, if you are wondering what to do over Easter, or you are itching to get amongst it all as the weather cools, these are some tried and tested options. Thanks to Top End Mums, Darwin Mums and Bubs and others for sharing their favourite camping spots. Make sure you check with NT Parks and Wildlife on road conditions and whether the campsites are open before you leave. Happy camping!

Tjuwaliyn (Douglas Hot Springs) is one my favourites, and it seems

Libby Larsen Travel is, and has always been, Libby’s passion and she believes that this shouldn’t stop when you have kids. Libby knows that the best travel advice and tips come from other parents and so she started Growing up Troppo. It has loads of inspiration about hip places to stay, play and eat with kids that importantly parents love too. FOLLOW growinguptroppo.com | @growinguptroppo

& Dry season Saturday nights with a free movie under the stars. The Baulkam Hills African Ladies Troupe

LISTINGS

WHEN SAT 22 & 29 APR | 7PM AT GOYDER SQUARE, PALMERSTON COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

NT WRITERS' CENTRE

8941 2651 ntwriters.com.au

Poetry and Coffee

Connect with fellow poetry lovers and share your favourite verses or your own originals. No criticism, just enjoyment. Simply turn up and sip on a coffee in chilled poetic company. WHEN THU 20 APR | 10-11AM AT EAT AT MARTIN'S, COCONUT GROVE COST FREE

Starting Blocks with Sandra Thibodeaux

GENERAL French Film Night

Deckchair JERVOIS ROAD, DARWIN WATERFRONT

CINEMA

Enjoy a French comedy, Pas son Genre, along with French cheese and wine at this monthly Alliance Française de Darwin event. Clément, a young philosophy teacher from Paris, is sent to Arras for a year where he meets Jennifer, a pretty hair-stylist who becomes his lover. They’re free in their hearts and bodies and could share this perfect love if the cultural and social divides were not as deep. WHEN WED 12 APR | 6.30PM AT CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY, BUILDING BLUE 5.1.0 COST $20 | $14 MEMB, STUDENT INFO afdarwin.org

FlicNics

Q&A

with Film Director Ros Horin

DECKCHAIR CINEMA IS OPENING ITS 2017 SEASON WITH A SCREENING OF THE INCREDIBLE DOCUMENTARY THE BAULKAM HILLS AFRICAN LADIES TROUPE. Four African women escaping violence and abuse find a safe haven in Australia, but as they start their new lives they continue to hold their pain silently within – until they say yes to joining a theatre group. The film charts the course of the women as they allow their life stories to be transformed into an extraordinary theatrical experience, whilst the Troupe’s show moves from a stage in western Sydney to sell out audiences around the world. Off The Leash caught up with celebrated theatre and now film director Ros Horin about this amazing story.

Showcasing everything from comedies to popular animated movies for kids, Goyder Square is set to once again transform into a free outdoor cinema. Bring a blanket, chair or rug, pack a picnic and enjoy

What inspired you to create the theatre piece? I wanted to make a work that drew attention to the situation of violence against women, to get people to focus on and talk about it. I have to say where I began and where I ended up are two very different places. It ended up more exploring questions like how do women survive these things, is it possible to put your

life back together and what helps someone move from being a victim to a survivor. How did you go about the process of making the show? Initially I thought it was just going to be professional actors in the show. I’d started doing workshops with the women and actors together exploring themes, issues and points of difference between their stories. It was two years before we put anything on stage, so it was all very, very slow and very gradual, which is the only way it really could have happened. It was very confronting for the women at times but step-by-step they grew in strength from unburdening themselves of these deep secrets they’d held for so long. I saw their grace and resilience and I thought gosh it would be so powerful to have them on stage in some combination with the actors. So that’s what we did. Did you anticipate the process of making theatre would be so profound for the women? I really do believe in the power of great art to create an epiphany in the person experiencing it, so I did want this to happen to the audience. But I hadn’t really thought about

Thinking of writing that novel at last? Have a film in you positively itching to come out? Dabbled in poetry but not sure how to develop your craft? Get cracking with this fourweek course covering basic skills, tools and approaches to writing in creative genres. WHEN SAT 22 & 29 APR, SAT 6 & 13 MAY | 10AM-1PM AT FROG HOLLOW CENTRE FOR THE ARTS COST $150 | $127.50 NTWC MEMB $50 PER SESSION | $42.50 MEMB

Wild Words

Fred vant Sand – manic poet and former NT Slam Poetry competition winner – hosts a night of the best spoken word performance Darwin has to offer. Come and listen or, better still, grab those scribblings that have lain dormant at the bottom of a drawer for far too long, get up on stage and wow that audience! WHEN SUN 30 APR | 3-5PM AT RAILWAY CLUB COST $5 | KIDS & PERFORMERS FREE

it as being that kind of experience for those on the stage. It very much became a journey towards healing for the women. Not that one would say you’re ever fully healed or those things ever go away. But the film shows their journey over the five years or so and you really do see an incredible transformation. Why did you decide to make the film? There were extraordinary things happening in the workshops and rehearsals, which a theatre audience was never going to see – amazing things said, moments in improvisation, jokes and pain shared – all incredibly interesting and moving. I was recording from the start just to document it for its own sake but once we’d opened the play and saw the profound effect on audiences we knew we needed a film to keep the ball rolling, as while theatre is transitory, a film can go on forever.

The Baulkam Hills African Ladies Troupe

WHEN WED 19 APR | 7.30PM

The Eagle Huntress

A FUNDRAISER FOR THE NIGHTCLIFF SEABREEZE FESTIVAL, The Eagle Huntress is the heart-warming true story of a young girl who trains to be the first female in 12 generations to become an eagle hunter. The remote Altai mountains of Mongolia are a spectacular backdrop to this life-affirming and astoundingly photographed documentary. Join guest presenter Jenny Milne who stayed in Mongolia with the family. WHEN AT COST INFO

SUN 23 APR | 7.30PM DECKCHAIR CINEMA $16 | $12 CONC |$8 CHILD |$35 FAMILY info@deckchaircinema.com.au

My Best Friend is Stuck on the Ceiling

Win Tickets Flickerfest

THE FLICKERFEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL, NOW IN ITS 26TH YEAR, RETURNS TO DARWIN IN MAY WITH A VERITABLE BANQUET OF SHORT FILMS FROM AUSTRALIA AND ACROSS THE WORLD. We’ve got a double pass to give away to both the Best of Australian Shorts and the Best of International Shorts. To enter email roslyn@offtheleash.net. au by Friday 14 April and tell us which session you’d attend and why. WHEN AT COST INFO

DARWIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL GOT AN IDEA FOR A SHORT FILM? THE DARWIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (DIFF) IS CALLING for original short film screenplays of five to 10 pages in length. Five winning entrants will receive a professional script development period, industry mentoring and seed funding toward production of their short film – plus a premiere screening at DIFF in September this year.

WHEN ENTRIES CLOSE SAT 15 APR COST FREE INFO diff.net.au | submissions to initiative@diff.net.au

Applications don’t require a producer or director attached as DIFF is looking for the best story ideas and draft scripts – so get writing!

Located on the campus of BCA National in Parap, IH Darwin offers evening and weekend classes to students interested in preparing for their English language exams. Improve your English with us and learn strategies and techniques to reach your goals in the IELTS and Cambridge exams.

› IELTS General and Academic › Cambridge Preparation FCE and CAE

Semi Intensive Courses

AWARDS

NT WORDSMITHS, IT’S YOUR TIME TO SHINE. Entries for the 2017 Northern Territory Literary Awards are open with seven categories including short stories, travel stories, poetry, essays, youth, theatre scripts and flash fiction. WHEN ENTRIES CLOSE SUN 14 MAY COST FREE INFO ntl.gov.au

REHEARSALS Tue 7.00pm to 9.30pm

Welcome to International House Darwin.

NT LITERARY

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Sat 10.00am to 12noon Supported by City of Darwin

NEW MEMBERS AND VISITORS WELCOME Ron Roberts (President) 0418 857 744 darwincitybrassband@gmail.com

darwincitybrassband.org.au

20 hours per week (Monday to Friday) Students may choose 4, 8, 12, 16 or 20 hours of classes per week.

NORTHERN TERRITORY WRITERS’ CENTRE

Darwin

CRICOS Provider Number 02623G RTO Number 91109

For more information: Call

1300 13 03 27

Fax

02 9555 7374

info@ihsydney.com.au

8941 2651 ntwriters.com.au executive@ntwriters.com.au

Adress: Parap campus Darwin, 37 Gregory St. N T 0820

www.ihsydney.com.au

Workshops | Monthly Events | Opportunities CRICOS Provider Number 03419D RTO Number 91758

VISUAL ARTS TACTILE ARTS

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

Marita Albers, 'Jungle Music', 2017

GYPSIES, VAGABONDS & WILD, MAD WOMEN This gathering of recent work celebrates the wandering spirit, the colourful narratives of folk roots, the belly laughing, barefoot dancing and openhearted loving of fearless and creative women. Featured artists include Marita Albers, Kate Fernyhough, Ingrid Gersmanis, Sandra Kendell, Sonia Martignon and Nat Uhing. WHEN THU 13 APR – SUN 7 MAY | OPENING THU 13 APR, 5.30PM

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

Artist unknown, Ancestor figurine, Atauro Island, Timor-Leste, mid-20th century, wood, rosewood (Pterocarpus indicus), 9.5 h x 1.5 w x 2 d cm; private collection of Michael Abbott AO QC

The Sculptures of Atauro island The Charles Darwin University Art Gallery, State Secretariat of Arts and Culture of TimorLeste and Timor Aid present this unique and captivating sculptural tradition from the remote island of Atauro that lies across the Wetar Strait from Dili, Timor-Leste’s capital city. The Sculptures of Atauro Island

presents both contemporary and historical sculptures, and explores continuity and change in the woodcarving and sculptural traditions of Atauro Island.

Art U&T

ABO

Tactile Arts

with General Manager Shae Fisher

LOCATED IN THE GROUNDS OF THE MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY, the gallery and studios at Tactile Arts look out across the waters of Fannie Bay. Surrounded by trees and stretches of grass – with frequent visits by goannas, frilled neck lizards and sea-eagles – this member-based, community arts organisation supports artists and artisans throughout the Darwin, Palmerston and outer Darwin regions and across the Territory. We caught up with their new General Manager Shae Fisher to find out more about this thriving art space.

professional development and mentoring opportunities.

When was Tactile Arts established? The Tactile Arts building was constructed after Cyclone Tracy as a way to bring people together and rebuild community and we continue to do this in a way that is harmonious and creative.

What sets Tactile Arts apart? We have an amazing array of talented artists representing a wide spectrum of mediums and we strive to provide support and mentoring for artists of all levels. We provide opportunities for members to sell their art and craft through fairs and our Retail Shop located in Parliament House showcases the work of our members, offering some of the finest handmade craft in the NT.

What is the vision and core values of Tactile Arts? Tactile Arts aims to create a living arts centre and organisation that facilitates creativity in a harmonious and supportive environment. We strive to build engagement between artists and business, government, community and the not for profit sector. We intend to provide a supportive and better-funded environment for beginning, emerging and professional artists alongside a broad workshop program,

How do you develop your program each year? Tactile Arts’ core yearly program includes workshops, craft fairs and exhibitions. We also run youth programs at the Palmerston Library and are continuously working towards introducing new and engaging events to provide an opportunity for Territorians to come together to experience and showcase difference cultural arts mediums and participate in diverse arts activities.

What's coming up for Tactile Arts in 2017? We continue to provide a variety of workshops across the year – learn about pottery, jewellery making, textiles and more. Look out for our Dry season craft fairs and keep an eye on our website for exhibition details. We also have an online shop opening soon.

WHEN UNTIL SAT 15 JUL

DVAA

Darwin Visual Arts Association Woods Street, Darwin | 8981 9351 | dvaa.net.au WED–FRI 12-5PM | SAT 10AM–3PM

HATCHED

Launching the DVAA 2017 program is a special exhibition showcasing works by a selection of artists who started their careers at this important artist run space. Adding to the ongoing DVAA story, several school age artists involved in Exit Art also exhibit their work.

WHEN UNTIL SAT 8 APR

Rêverie

'Rêverie' (daydream) consists of vibrant watercolour portrait pieces filled with feminine elements by local artist and designer Talea Pattemore. WHEN FRI 21 APR – SAT 6 MAY | OPENING FRI 21 APR, 6PM

Darwinism

Inspired by a shared love of colour and design, the work of Heather Whybrow and Amber Reid explores the unique and quirky elements of Darwin life and the beauty of the tropical landscape. WHEN FRI 21 APR – SAT 6 MAY | OPENING FRI 21 APR, 6PM Heather Whybrow, 'Woman on Smithy'

NOMAD ART GALLERY

NCCA

Northern Centre for Contemporary Art Vimy Lane, Parap | 8981 5368 | nccart.com.au

Vickers Street, Parap | 8981 6382 | nomadart.com.au MON–FRI 10AM–5PM | SAT 9AM–2PM

WED–FRI 10AM–4PM | SAT 10AM–2PM

Lindy Brodie Nungarrayi, ‘Possum, Bird on Gum Tree’, 2014, acrylic on cotton canvas; image courtesy the artist & Barkly Arts

Marlene Rubuntja, ‘Grasses burn and come again’, 2016, etching

Artmart 2017

Artmart is an annual exhibition that began as a way of drawing attention to Parap as an art gallery hub, with NCCA joined by fellow Parap-based Nomad and Outstation galleries to form the Parap Galleries identity. The ‘mart’ in Artmart embraces the location amidst the well-known Parap Market and promotes the idea of contemporary art as accessible and affordable.

Artmart is accompanied by one-onone workshops with the Australian Cultural Fund – bookings essential.

Where worlds come together

Visaitp

WHEN THU 6 – SAT 29 APR | OPENING THU 6 APR, 6PM | ARTIST TALKS SAT 8 APR, 11AM-12.30PM | WORKSHOPS SAT 22 APR, 2-5PM

“The art room gives us time to put down all the knowing we have in our hearts, this is where worlds can come together. It is good to be able to let the thinking come out so other people can share in the things we know. Making these etchings can make us think of different ways to tell our story. We are lucky to make art together.” Yarrenyty Arltere Artists. WHEN FRI 7 – SAT 29 APR

Par ES I GALLER

OUTSTATION

2/3 Parap Place, Darwin | 8981 4822 | outstation.com.au TUE 10AM-1PM | WED–FRI 10AM-5PM | SAT 10AM-2PM

New

Shades New Shades presents an exciting new direction for the artists of Papunya Tjupi art centre. A restricted black and white palette results in a body of work minimal in colour, but with maximum impact This new generation of painters are direct descendants and relatives of the original Western Desert dot-painting movement in Papunya who have a deep understanding of the major honey ant dreaming of the region.

WHEN SAT 1 – SAT 29 APR

Tilau Nangala, 'Mikantji', 2017, acrylic on canvas, 122 x 71cm

GYRACC

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

Djilpin Decade

Gapu

Water Revonna Urban, ed 1/30; courtesy of Djilpin Arts

WHEN FRI 7 APR – SAT 3 JUN OPENING FRI 7 APR, 6-8PM

The home of Djilpin Arts, Ghunmarn Culture Centre in the remote community of Beswick, opened in 2007. Each year artists from the Mayali, Rembarrgna, and Rittharngu language groups have produced works, as well as artists from extended family at Numbulwar (Nunggubuyu language) on the central theme of Gapu (water), depicting scenes central to their daily lives and to the extensive

cultural knowledge system of remote Arnhem Land. This is the first time all 112 prints spanning over 10 years of printmaking have been shown together, in a grand culmination of community and collaboration.

Tony Albert, 'Brother (I am)' (detail), 2013, pigment print on paper; donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Tony Albert, 2014, 31st National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards

MAGNT

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 19 Conacher Street, The Gardens | 8999 8264 | magnt.net.au MON–FRI 9AM-5PM | SAT & SUN 10AM-5PM

HOT!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MAGNT ART COLLECTION

Hot! showcases 52 works from MAGNT's Australian art collection by some of the country's hottest artists, past and present. Featuring works by the likes of Tom Roberts, Brett Whiteley, John Brack, Tony Albert, Emily Kngwarreye and Jeffrey Smart, the exhibition looks at the various meanings we put to the word hot. WHEN UNTIL SUN 13 AUG

Bryan Mungubat, 'Bowerbird' (detail), 2016, mixed media; image courtesy of the artist

2016 NT Year 12 student exhibition Exit Art is a celebration of the talents and creativity of the next generation of artists and designers, presenting the very best contemporary art and design from Northern Territory Year 12 students. Proudly supported by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in partnership with the Northern Territory Department of Education, Exit Art reflects the diversity of NT artistic practice and practitioners, expressing universal themes of identity, place and environment.

WHEN UNTIL SUN 4 JUN

PAUL JOHNSTONE GALLERY Stephen Dupont, 'Sing-sing performer, Gorka show, Eastern Highlands' (detail), 2011; image courtesy of the artist

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

Piksa Niugini Photographs by Stephen Dupont Showcasing acclaimed Australian photojournalist Stephen Dupont’s journeys through Papua New Guinea’s most important cultural and political zones – the Highlands, Sepik, Bougainville and capital city Port Moresby. This remarkable body

of work captures the human spirit of the people of PNG, one of the world’s last truly wild and unique frontiers. WHEN SAT 8 APR – SUN 16 JUL

FRAMED – THE DARWIN GALLERY 55 Stuart Highway, Stuart Park | 8981 2994 | framed.com.au MON-FRI 9AM-5.30PM | SAT 9AM-4PM | PUBLIC HOLS 11AM-3PM

Vida Pearson, ‘Red tailed blacks with gum nuts’, 63 x 57cm

The

WORLD

OF PRINT MAKING

This exhibition includes rare Aboriginal and fine art prints as well as reduced priced reproductions. Printmakers include Robert Juniper, Lofty Nadjamerrick, Anna Curtis, Jimmy Pike and John Olsen. WHEN FRI 7 – MON 24 APR

Bryan Bulley, ‘The Striped Ladlefish’, 2017, acrylic on canvas

Tripping up the Steps

to the temple

WHEN WHEN FRI 7 APR – SAT 6 MAY OPENING FRI 7 APR, 5.30PM

Tripping up the steps to the Temple is Bryan Bulley’s sixth solo exhibition at Paul Johnstone Gallery. Bulley’s paintings sit within and happily bubble away in a parallel universe of their own. If the sliding doors of fate had flipped this way rather than that, if society had moved along a slightly different evolutionary branch, taking a fork left instead of right, we could well have ended up some place like where his paintings take us.

MUSIC WHEN THU 6 & FRI 7 APR | 7.30PM (FRI SOLD OUT) AT RAILWAY CLUB COST $30 INFO darwinrailwayclub.org

URTH BOY SYDNEY HIP-HOP PRODUCER TIM LEVINSON, ALSO KNOWN AS URTHBOY, came out with his fifth solo album The Past Beats Inside Me Like A Second Heartbeat last year to critical acclaim. Now, after nearly a year since his latest and most successful release, Urthboy is back with a new single titled ‘Crushing Hard’. To support this latest track, the MC has embarked on a run of national shows which has seen him zig zag across the country – ending the tour at the Darwin Railway Club and the Gap View Hotel in Alice Springs. As a founding member of politically charged group the Herd and cofounder of the Elefant Traks label, Urthboy has become iconic in the

Jessica

MAUBOY NE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST SUCCESSFUL FEMALE ARTISTS IS COMING HOME TO THE TOP END. Jessica Mauboy finishes up her eight-date national tour with a performance at the Convention Centre in Darwin this April. A born and bred Territorian and local favourite, Mauboy has had a very busy year. As well as starring in the new Seven Network show The Secret Daughter, the singer and songwriter recently became the first Indigenous artist to debut at number one on the ARIA charts. Heralded as one of Australia’s pop icons, the multi award-winning Mauboy has come a long way since her audition on Australian Idol in 2006. She has toured alongside Beyoncé and performed for Oprah Winfrey and former US President Barack Obama, as well as releasing three albums and starring in two films. WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 15 APR | 7.30PM DARWIN CONVENTION ENTRE FROM $81.50 jessicamauboy.com.au

This long awaited headline tour, titled All The Hits Live, is the first since her To The End of The Earth tour in 2013-14. The show takes you through Mauboy’s remarkable career thus far and covers some of the young musician’s accomplishments. As the name suggests, All The Hits Live canvases her most popular releases from the last 10 years – including tracks from the movie The Sapphires, some of her hits like ‘Burn’ and ‘Never Be The Same’ and tunes from her recently released chart topping album The Secret Daughter (Songs from The Original TV Series). Joining her on the night is X Factor winner Isaiah, supporting the recent release of his debut single ‘It’s Gotta Be You’ late last year.

Aussie hip hop scene over the past two decades. Since releasing his first solo album in 2004, Levinson has gone on to create four well-received albums and has supported Paul Kelly’s Spring & Fall Tour. ‘Crushing Hard’ is a step in a new direction for the hip-hop artist. Designed to be a follow up to the closing song of his last album, it introduces a more melodic style and vulnerability not seen previously in his work. Indeed, Urthboy’s recent releases reflect his development both professionally and personally, as many tracks from his latest album embrace the subject matters of fatherhood and relationships.

Urthboy is supported by Joyride, an often undeservedly overlooked artist in Australian hip hop over the past few years. Melbournebased Alice Ivy is also on the bill, a beat maker who has collected a cult following in Australia after just a mere 18 months of releasing a series of electro-soul singles. Due to the overwhelming demand, which saw the Friday night show at the Railway Club sell out well over a month in advance, Urthboy has added a Thursday night performance for lucky punters. With last year’s national tour completely sold out, get in quick to snap up the remaining tickets for this one.

WHEN THU 13 APR | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $60 INFO yourcentre.com.au

Waifs

25 YEARS AGO SISTERS VICKI THORN AND DONNA SIMPSON HIT THE ROAD AND EMBARKED ON A JOURNEY THAT WOULD carve a path for them to become one of Australia’s most iconic folk rock bands. Meeting up with Josh Cunningham en route on their first tour, the three young musicians formed The Waifs and have since gone on to release six studio albums with scores of well-known hits like ‘London Still’ and ‘Sun Dirt Water’. To celebrate their quarter century anniversary as a band, and the release of their latest album

Ironbark in February this year, the group have set out on a national tour. The Waifs are stopping by the Darwin Entertainment Centre for a show at the Playhouse Theatre, supported by Katherine-based favourite Serina Pech. Ironbark is a 25 track alternate folk rock creation written as a thank you to their loyal fans. It involved the three musicians, who now live in different places in the US and Australia, getting together at Cunningham’s rural retreat in NSW to record in a make-shift studio. This time around the trio broke with tradition, with the song writing

process involving live and complete collaboration rather than writing separately. The result is a record that evokes a sense of home, wherever in the world that might be. Bound together by expert musicianship and the long-standing friendships the three have formed between them since the early 1990s, The Waifs continue to produce entertaining and ultimately uplifting music that celebrates and commemorates their progress and achievements as a group.

MUSIC

KINGSWOOD WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 21 APR | 8PM DISCOVERY DARWIN $30 discoverydarwin.com.au

elbourne’s Kingswood have barely had time to catch their breath between the release of their sophomore album After Hours, Close To Dawn and hitting the road on tour across Australia. The guys are hitting up Darwin this month, bringing their catchy and celebrated indie rock music to the Top End. Off The Leash had a chat with guitarist and songwriter Alex Laska just one day after the release of their latest album. You just launched your album, congratulations. How does it feel to finally have it out there?

Yeah, it came out yesterday. It is weird actually, we have been waiting for it to come out for so long and then, in the days leading up to it, everyone was like ‘oh it is actually coming out on Friday’. It kind of took us by surprise even though we have known for so long. You can get caught up in the development and the building of it and forget about the actual putting it out part. This latest album is quite different from your first release. Is this something that was intentional or did it happen organically in the recording process? It was 100 per cent a natural progression. We could have set out to make it so different deliberately, but as soon as that is your intention, your artistic motivation is skewed. We have changed so much as people over the years, so things are undoubtedly going to be different. It was a completely natural thing and the way it was written, it was all about lyrics and melodies that moved us personally.

There are elements of diversity on the first album though, that match this one. It is something that really excites us. You recorded After Hours, Close to Dawn in Nashville. Can you tell me a bit about what that was like? That was incredible. We did it in a studio called Sound Emporium – it is legendary. It used to belong to Johnny Cash’s producer, so obviously Johnny Cash did all his stuff there. The artists that have gone through and the albums that have been made in that room – like Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant did his first return album there and Pharrell booked in just after we finished – it is pretty cool. The rooms are amazing. They sound unique but also familiar, they have their own tonality to them. What can we expect from your live show? We are basically building the means to be able to replicate the album live, which as you mentioned is so diverse, so we are putting a lot of

s e l fi o r P

work into how that is going to translate live. We will have an additional member playing piano, guitar and singing. And there are all sorts of textual additions and special triggers that we have designed so that we can play samples off the album live. It is pretty involved but super cool and means we can really get into it and explore everything we were doing on the album. We can’t wait to get out there. What made you want to come up to Darwin on your tour? We try and get to everywhere we can. If it fits in the touring schedule we do try to get up to more remote areas because there are obviously people all around Australia that don’t have the means to get to a southern capital city that still want to experience this music. We try to make that happen.

A lbum

review

Desert

DIVAS VOLUME II

A NEW COMPILATION FROM MUSICNT IS PUTTING ABORIGINAL WOMEN’S VOICES FRONT AND CENTRE. DESERT Divas is the result of a program that supports Aboriginal women’s song writing skills and helps to support them in learning about the music industry. Eight women were partnered with eight successful female musicians, who mentored them throughout the recording process at CAAMA studios in Alice Springs.

of remote communities. As well as being musically on point, the tracks also tell the unique stories and experiences of these women. Opening with the stripped back track ‘How Can I Live’, featuring the isolated and powerful vocals of Casii Williams, Desert Divas II features some seriously impressive female voices. Eleanor Dixon’s ‘My Spirit Is Free’ follows the first track, blending Indigenous and English languages in a downbeat and reflective song.

The result is a record with real soul and musical mettle that also unveils some serious talent coming out

‘Me & My Guitar’ brings in the acoustic singer-songwriter style of Bronwyn Stuart, followed by Jillian

Moody’s ‘My Brothers Arms’, which relays a heartfelt family-based narrative. ‘Flowers Will Bloom’ by Shana Ray takes on a more low-key electronic vibe, with keys playing the main melodies.

This compilation is the second instalment of the program, with this year’s mentors including Nai Palm of Hiatus Kaiyote fame, Leah Flanagan, Dallas Frasca and Helpmann Award winner Ursula Yovich.

The tempo picks up at ‘Song For The Mad Women’ from Kiriz Oliver, introducing a rock aesthetic that showcases the diversity of these musicians. ‘A Part Of Me’ is different again, with Rita Tomlins bringing back the acoustic vibe but utilising woodwind instrumentals. Capping it off is 'Falling For You’ from Miranda Garling, a catchy folky pop track.

The women were in good company, with producer Anna Laverty (Florence and the Machine, Courtney Barnett, Cut Copy, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds) recording and Steph Harrison (Bat Hazzard) as Musical Director. This mentoring program has produced an album that easily rivals releases from seasoned musicians.

It is definitely something worth checking out and an accomplishment that all involved should be very proud of.

INFO musicnt.com.au/divas |

facebook.com/desertdivas

APRIL

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

/OTL.magazine

@OTLmag

#OTLmag

DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

93 Mitchell Street, Darwin 8980 3333 | yourcentre.com.au

The Waifs

25 year anniversary tour with support by Serina Pech. WHEN THU 13 APR | 7.30PM COST $60

WHEN AT COST INFO

THU 6 APR | 8PM DISCOVERY DARWIN $51 discoverydarwin.com.au

PNAU Live Aside from a couple of remixes, audiences have not heard much from electronic music duo PNAU since 2012 – until now. The group have come back swinging after this hiatus, releasing a new single ‘Chameleon’ as well as welcoming multi-ARIA award winning producer Sam Littlemore to the group. To celebrate their return, PNAU are making a number of appearances around the country for special concerts and DJ sets. Discovery Darwin hosts the party music veterans, whose debut album Sambanova was released 17 years ago, for their triumphant return to the dance music scene.

At The Dakota – Melt EP LAUNCH With David Garnham and the Reasons to Live plus Acid City. WHEN SAT 8 APR | 7PM COST $10

Maddy Jane

Tasmanian based artist brings her captivating vocal delivery and uplifting indie pop style to Darwin. WHEN SAT 22 APR | 7.30PM COST $15

Wide Open Space Festival

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 28 – SUN 30 APR ROSS RIVER RESORT $180 (CAMPING INCLUDED) wideopenspace.net.au

Live at Sunset

Internationally renowned artist Dean Bourne celebrates his 20 year anniversary of performing and paying tribute to The Big O. WHEN SAT 29 APR | 8PM COST $69.90 | $64.90 CONC | $59.90 GROUPS 10+

RAILWAY CLUB

17 Somerville Gardens, Parap 8981 4171 darwinrailwayclub.org

Urthboy

Crushing Hard Tour with special guests Joyride and Alice Ivy.

DISCOVERY DARWIN 89 Mitchell St, Darwin discoverydarwin.com.au

PNAU

Live in concert. WHEN THU 6 APR | 10PM COST $49.40

KINGSWOOD

After Hours, Close to Dawn tour. WHEN FRI 21 APR | 8PM COST $30

WHEN THU 6 & FRI 7 APR (FRI SOLD OUT) | 7.30PM COST $30

Adam Brand

Get On Your Feet tour with special guest Matt Cornell and talented newcomer Gemma Kirby. SUN 16 APR | 8PM SKYCITY DARWIN $50 skycitydarwin.com.au

Atlantis, The Lost Empire

WHEN VARIOUS | 6PM

Roy Orbison Reborn

Whether you are an established or emerging artist, bring your instrument and join like-minded musos.

WHEN AT COST INFO

20 Conacher St, Fannie Bay darwinskiclub.com.au

OVERDRIVE PAINTER'S MATE LILLA CHEEK TO CHEEK NATALIE PELLEGRINO

Monday Music Jam

Line-up includes popular Melbourne four-piece Hiatus Kiayote, Reuben Stone, Sietta Soundsystem, UK based Chimpo, Resin Moon, Red Dirt Crew and Kardajala Kirri-Darra.

DARWIN SKI CLUB

THU 13 APR SUN 16 APR FRI 21 APR SUN 23 APR FRI 28 APR

JAM NIGHTS AND OPEN MIC

GENERAL LISTINGS

Monica Naselow

Darwin Symphony Orchestra – Gala Fundraiser

Celebrate and support the DSO over some bubbly in a tempting musical hors d’oeuvre to the main season ahead. This black tie event features the DSO’s new Concertmaster Monica Naselow as soloist. WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 1 APR | 7.30PM CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY THEATRE $105/$99 ONLINE | $85 /$79 ONLINE CONC dso.org.au

Jessica Mauboy

All The Hits Live tour. WHEN SAT 15 APR | 7.30PM AT DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE COST FROM $81.50 INFO jessicamauboy.com.au

With special guests Acid City, Kayoss and Assailant. WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 22 APR | 9.30PM HAPPY YESS $10 happyyess.com

Loud At The Library

Enjoy free live music at your local library every Friday lunchtime. WHEN 12-1PM

City Library 7 APR 14 APR 21 APR 28 APR

SHEL O'TOOLE LIBRARY CLOSED DAVID GARNHAM KEVIN MCCARTHY

Casuarina Library

7 APR SCOTT MURPHY 14 APR LIBRARY CLOSED 21 APR TRACEY BUNN 28 APR CLARISSIMO

WHEN EVERY MON | 7PM AT DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS, MALAK COST FREE INFO darwincommunityarts. org.au

Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

New members and visitors welcome. WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY TUE | 7PM 2 ABALA ROAD, MARRARA $10 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP | $50 PER SEMESTER LEARNERS' CLASSES darwincitybrassband.org.au

Open Mic Nite by the Sea Ambient, relaxed open-air setting. Baseline equipment provided or bring your own. WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY FRI | 7-10PM DINAH BEACH CRUISING YACHT ASSOCIATION FREE dbcya.com.au

Sound engineer, PA system & backline provided. WHEN SUN 2 APR | 2.30PM AT PINT CLUB COST GOLD COIN DONATION INFO facebook.com/firstsunday blues

2016 NT Song of the Year winner Dave Crowe aka Resin Moon

WHEN ENTRIES OPEN MON 10 APR – FRI 26 MAY INFO musicnt.com.au

NT SONG

HOT SHOTS Elsey Day (detail) by Elise Derwin. 2016 Best Portrait Photo and People's Choice Award

Have a photo of an NT band, NT music event or NT festival? Submit them to Hot Shots, an annual music photography competition created to showcase the Territory music scene

through the lens of the punter. The images go on show in a travelling exhibition that tours across the Territory.

Photography Comp WHEN COST INFO

ENTRIES OPEN MON 10 APR – FRI 26 MAY FREE musicnt.com.au/hot-shots

of THE YEAR Entries open this month for the 2017 NT Song of the Year Awards – a MusicNT initiative to recognise the unique songwriting talent across the NT. Entry categories are made up of nine genres including Rock, Pop, Folk, Urban/Hip-hop, Blues & Roots, Country, Heavy, Dance

and Electronic and Youth (aged 25 and under) and, returning for its second year, the TourismNT Territory Song Award. Awards will also be presented for People's Choice and the overall NT Song of the Year Award. Penned an original song? Throw your name in the hat!

April Events Easter at the Darwin Waterfront Saturday 15 April 2017 9am to 1pm | Free Join in the Easter celebrations with free family fun including a photo with the Easter Bunny, face painting, Easter arts & crafts, DJ, games, circus entertainment, waterslides, jumping castles and more.

Top End Triathlon Festival Sunday 16 April 2017 8am to 11am The festival is aimed at providing adult beginners with the opportunity to participate in their first triathlon. There will be fun for all the family on the day including a fundraiser BBQ, kids DJ and a waterslide.

Territory Taste Kids 22 - 23 April 2017 9am to 1pm | Free Families are invited to enjoy the free festival fun on the Darwin Waterfront lawns. The entertainment will include performances by George the Farmer, a pitch perfect talent show and food fun arts and crafts. All events are alcohol and glass free waterfront.nt.gov.au

Featuring the hottest school bands from across the Territory!

BROWNS MART COURT YARD 7 pm FRIDAY APRIL 21 Entry gold coin donation More info at www.ntms.net.au