Off The Leash – December 17 | January 18

JANUARY

Celebrating 10Years in 2017 ‘TIS THE SEASON

BUILD UP BEVERAGES

WET SEASON WONDERLAND

Christmas trees, lights and carols

Keep your cool with homemade thirst-quenchers

MAGNT – a treasure trove of holiday discovery

MUSIC

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PERFORMING ARTS

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VISUAL ARTS

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BOOKS & FILM

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FOOD & DRINK

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COMMUNITY

DECEMBER

18 17

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

Aboriginal Bush Traders Retail Gallery and CafĂŠ last day of trading Friday 22nd December 2017, reopening Monday 22nd January 2018.

DSO at the Movies Phone (08) 8942 4023 Email info@aboriginalbushtraders.com For opening hours please visit www.aboriginalbushtraders.com

Date: Sat 9 Dec, 2pm Venue: Darwin Convention Centre

Bookings: Can be made through Darwin Entertainment Centre NTix.com.au | 8980 3333 | 93 Mitchell St, Darwin

Lyons Cottage, 74 The Esplanade, Darwin @ Snowman Enterprises Limited | Image @ Snowman Enterprises Limited | www.thesnowman.com

2

INSIDE

OFFTHELEASH.NET.AU

/OTL.magazine

he Top End is a special place to be at this time of year with rolling storms and spectacular lightning displays. If you’re looking for somewhere to keep dry and escape the post-storm humidity, check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory – a great Wet season destination. With a massive program of events, exhibitions and workshops running this school holidays, you can learn about a whole range of Territory wonders. Add to that a specially curated film program and there’s something for everyone to discover – see page 4.

@OTLmag

#OTLmag

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

Stop by our Top End galleries to score some local art to gift to a rellie or friend – or to keep for yourself! Darwin Art Trail offers a great opportunity to visit artists in their studios.

The Groote Eylandt Ghost Net Weavers show their work in Darwin for the first time – see Visual Arts.

F R OM T H E

r o t i d E

With the end of the year comes school holidays, Christmas and, of course, New Year’s Eve. What to do? Design a microworld, make a megafauna collage, design a t-shirt or give hula-hoop lessons a go. Sing some carols, meet Santa and enjoy twinkling Christmas lights. If you’re able, share the festive spirit and volunteer at a local charity or donate some food or pressies. See in the New Year with some live music or fireworks – see Around Town.

The holidays are the perfect time to hit the books or head to the movies.

We’ve put together a few local reads for your enjoyment. Catch the Christmas comedy Elf or The Polar Express in 3D. Film buffs will rejoice as Flix in the Wet return in January – see Books & Film.

Top End stages are showing no signs of falling dark this December with theatre, storytelling, comedy and multicultural karaoke all taking place – see Performing Arts.

As always in the Top End, December doesn’t disappoint with a diverse range of music for your end-of-year enjoyment. Join in at Carols By Candlelight or Carols in the Library and stay festive with Christmas Fantasia or The 12 Notes of Christmas. The Darwin Symphony Orchestra perform music from the movies – including a screening of the heart-warming animated Christmas film The Snowman. Local bands Mary Handsome, Double Dinghy and Horse Trank play Darwin Entertainment Centre and Darwin soulstress Caiti Baker holds her hometown album release party – see Music.

It’s been another fab year at Off The Leash and we’ve enjoyed celebrating our 10-year anniversary with you all. It’s been a pleasure, as always, to bring you the Top End’s only comprehensive what’s on guide to community events, music, arts, film and more. A huge thank you to our dedicated and passionate staff, board, sponsors, partners, advertisers and loyal readers – we couldn’t do it without you.

AROUND TOWn | 5 FOOD & DRINK | 8 BOOKS & FILM | 9 Performing Arts | 10 Word on the Street | 15 YOUTH | 17 Visual Arts | 18 Music | 21 calendaR | PULL-OUT

CHRISTMAS LUNCH | 8 FLIX IN THE WET | 9

On behalf of the OTL team I wish you a happy and safe festive season. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

DELUGE | 21

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

Sarah Novinetz Graphic Designer

Liz Trevaskis Music Editor

Mike Frier Art Director

DARWIN

Kate Rendell Performing Arts Contributor

Distributed to remote Indigenous communities with the assistance of

JANUARY

@artback_nt

Don Whyte, Offcuts

#o tlmag

Celebrating 10Years in 2017 ‘TIS THE SEASON

BUILD UP BEVERAGES

WET SEASON WONDERLAND

Christmas trees, lights and carols

Keep your cool with homemade thirst-quenchers

MAGNT – a treasure trove of holiday discovery

DECEMBER

18 17

BOOKS & FILM

•

FOOD & DRINK

•

COMMUNITY

TO SEE YOUR PICS HERE

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

VISUAL ARTS

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@tasteofthetopend

PERFORMING ARTS

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@offtheleashmagazine

MUSIC

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@launchdarwin

@marniejayart @aboriginal_bush_traders @tracksdance

@ntlibrary

Cover proudly sponsored by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Installation (detail) by Joanna Roberts, 2017

@growinguptroppo

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

@aboriginal_bush_traders

@launchdarwin

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.

December 2017 | January 2018

3

Wet Season Wonderland

Ever wanted to draw a monster goby, watch the world’s first full-length feature film or make your own megafauna? The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is a treasure trove of holiday fun and discovery.

by Anna Dowd

arwin’s premier cultural institution will see more than a few repeat visitors throughout this Wet season with workshops, exhibitions and activities for all ages.

“Showcasing contemporary art and culture is also the role of the museum, so I wanted to show recently made films, but ones you can’t necessarily find on DVD or Netflix,” he says.

Escape the heat with a trip or two devoted to the MAGNT exhibition spaces. Tjungunutja is a must see exhibition with more than 130 paintings, artifacts and a film installation showcasing the early days of the famed Papunya Art Movement in Central Australia.

And for the school holiday revellers there’s a selection of the best films for two to 12 year olds, chosen from Australia’s largest children’s film festival, Little Big Shots.

The MAGNT at the Movies program will have you pulling out your diary with a unique program catering to kids, families and film lovers alike.

Learn about Australia’s 100-year history of cinema every Sunday with film screenings from the National Film and Sound Archives, including the world’s very first feature flick, The Story of the Kelly Gang, made in 1906.

Guest program curator Tim Parish says the program is a chance to showcase films that reflect the role of museums.

“As a curator we’re usually totally focused on contemporary films, doing premieres and that kind of thing. But a museum is a place where we look at history, and make sure we don’t lose it. Going into Australia’s film archives is the ideal way to do this.”

For Parish the perfect contrast is the Saturday afternoon program featuring the best contemporary short films from the world’s top film festivals including Sundance and Tropfest plus Oscar nominated short films.

“There’s not a lot around at cinemas for kids in this age range, so it’s another unique opportunity to show films that aren’t your usual Disney movie. Plus I think the adults will enjoy them as much as the kids,” says Parish.

Indeed if you’re a big kid at heart, there’s a lot more on offer for you and your smaller charges this school holidays.

Peer into microscopes, make your own Miocene megafauna or just chill out in a beanbag with a book or puzzle at the Discovery Centre. Or get your six to 12 year olds in for one of the many art meets science style workshops happening throughout January.

Kids can learn basic street art techniques from legendary graffiti artist Dave Collins, who’ll go deep into to the back of house stores to get everyone inspired to spray paint and stencil their very own monstrous animals.

And what is a monster goby? It’s the Territory’s strangest and scariest looking fish. The kids will know everything there is to know by the end of this session with artist Shaun Lee, including how to draw the famed fish.

INFO

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Clockwise from top left: Joanna Roberts, 'Synthetic Biota Darwin' (detail), 2017; MAGNT Kids Club explore Mumu Mike Williams’ 34th Telstra NATSIAA entry, 'Postbag painting'; Joanna Roberts, 'Synthetic Biota Darwin' (detail), 2017; Street art workshops with artist David Collins; MAGNT School Holiday Program activities; MAGNT School Holiday Program Art workshops

magnt.net.au

AROUND TOWN

SCHOOL'S OUT!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

'TIS THE SEASON

NO NEED TO GO TROPPO THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. HERE ARE SOME GREAT TIPS TO KEEP LITTLE MINDS AND HEARTS HAPPY AND ENTERTAINED.

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1!

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, 2018 IS NEARLY HERE. HERE ARE SOME FUN WAYS YOU CAN SPEND NEW YEAR’S EVE.

Discovery Centre Check out this vibrant interactive space, suitable for children and families. Design a microworld, explore minerals and crystals, make a megafauna collage or a makedo sculpture.

WHEN AT COST INFO

DAILY | 1-4PM MAGNT FREE magnt.net.au Territory Wildlife Park Christmas Markets

School Holiday Program Suitable for ages six to 12, activities include 'Pixilate My World', 'Sandy Designs', 'Graffiti Letters' and 'Monster Mayhem'.

WHEN TUE 2 – THU 4 & TUE 9 –THU

11 JAN | 10AM-12PM AT MAGNT COST $10 | $8 CONC | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO magnt.net.au

Meet a Curator MAGNT’s curators are bringing objects, specimens and artefacts out of their storerooms and into the gallery this school holidays.

WHEN VARIOUS TIMES AT MAGNT INFO magnt.net.au

School Holiday Activities Five to 12 year olds can make a winter wonderland, design a t-shirt and create a mask with morning craft at Katherine Library. Rest up from your artistic endeavours with free movies on Thursdays.

WHEN TUE 19 – THU 21 DEC, TUE 9

– THU 11 & TUE

16 – THU 18 JAN | 10.30AM- 12PM AT KATHERINE PUBLIC LIBRARY COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO library@ktc.nt.gov.au |

8971 1188

Come and Be Creative Give pavement art, felt creatures, break dancing and hula-hoop lessons a go – but be sure to watch out for the sock monsters and invisible pictures while you’re there!

WHEN TUE 2 – WED 24 JAN

(WEEKDAYS) | 10-11AM AT PALMERSTON LIBRARY COST $5 CHILD | $10 FAMILY |

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO askus@palmerston.nt.gov. au | 8935 9999

School Holiday Fun at Darwin Waterfront Round up your friends and take advantage of these holiday activities at the Waterfront. All activities are free and you don’t even have to book.

WHEN

AT COST INFO

MON 8 – FRI 26 JAN (WEEKDAYS) | 10AM-12PM DARWIN WATERFRONT FREE waterfront.nt.gov.au

YES, IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! HERE ARE A FEW FESTIVE THINGS YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR OF END-OF-YEAR PARTIES, CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AND LONG-OVERDUE CATCH-UPS. Christmas Lights The magic of Christmas comes to life as thousands of lights transform Darwin Waterfront into a Christmas wonderland.

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 1 – SUN 31 DEC | 7-10PM DARWIN WATERFRONT FREE waterfront.nt.gov.au

Quiet Magic with Sensitive Santa Sensitive Santa’s sensory friendly environment helps to provide a low stress and quiet surrounding for children and families with special needs to meet Santa.

WHEN

AT COST INFO

EVERY THU & SAT UNTIL THU 21 DEC CASUARINA SQUARE FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL casuarinasquare.com.au

Meet Santa He’s here! Santa has managed to squeeze a few visits in before Christmas, giving children the chance to meet him and get their photo snapped. Jolly good!

WHEN FRI 1 – SUN 24 DEC AT CASUARINA SQUARE INFO casuarinasquare.com.au

Darwin Carols By Candlelight Darwin’s Amphitheatre will glow with candlelight as it fills with the festive sounds of Darwin’s largest choir and finest talent, concluding with fireworks at 8.30pm.

WHEN SUN 3 DEC | 6.30PM | GATES 4.30PM AT DARWIN BOTANIC GARDENS AMPHITHEATRE COST GOLD COIN DONATION INFO facebook.com/ carolsbycandlelightdarwin

Territory Wildlife Park Christmas Markets The whole family will have a ball at this annual event, with bouncy castles and slides, market stalls, live music and the chance to get snapped with Santa. Ho-ho-ho indeed!

WHEN SUN 3 DEC | 9AM-1PM AT TERRITORY WILDLIFE PARK

COST FREE FOR MARKETS ONLY INFO territorywildlifepark.com. au

Tiny Tots Kids Club With a theme of ‘Christmas Fun’, how can you go wrong? Meet Santa and enjoy story time, activities and morning tea.

WHEN MON 4 DEC | 10AM-12PM AT PALMERSTON SHOPPING CENTRE COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ palmerstonshoppingcentre

YWCA Parenting Support Program – Christmas Party Young parents aged less than 25 years and their little ones are invited to attend this free Christmas celebration with refreshments and a free Christmas gift for every family included.

WHEN THU 7 DEC | 10.30AM-12.30PM AT PLAYGROUP HOUSE, MARRARA COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO parenting@ywcaofdarwin.

org.au | 8936 0532

Katherine Christmas Street Parade The North Pole comes to Katherine this year with themed floats, entertainment, market stalls and more at Katherine’s annual Christmas parade.

WHEN THU 7 DEC | 4-8PM | PARADE 6PM AT KATHERINE INFO facebook.com/kathxmas

Carols in the Library Enjoy traditional and contemporary carols at your local library.

COST INFO

FREE darwin.nt.gov.au/libraries

WHEN SAT 9 DEC | 10.30-11AM AT CITY LIBRARY WHEN WED 13 DEC | 6-6.30PM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY WHEN SAT 16 DEC | 10-10.30AM AT NIGHTCLIFF LIBRARY

Palmerston Christmas Tree Lighting Bring the family along to witness the Palmerston Christmas tree light up in Goyder Square. Enjoy carols around the tree with local group Wicked Smile and a screening of the family Christmas film Elf.

WHEN FRI 8 DEC | 6.30PM | FILM 7.30PM AT GOYDER SQUARE, PALMERSTON COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

Katherine Carols By Candlelight Kicking off with the Katherine Community Night Markets, the festivities include free activities for the kids, food stalls and a special visit from Santa.

WHEN SAT 9 DEC | MARKETS 3PM |

CAROLS 6.30PM AT LINDSAY ST COMPLEX, KATHERINE COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ katherinetowncouncil

Community Christmas Carols Head along to the Darwin Baptist Church for an evening of Christmas carols and family fun – including a jumping castle and petting zoo.

There’s food, drink and candles available for purchase, with all proceeds going towards Foodbank NT. WHEN SUN 10 DEC | ACTIVITIES

5-6PM | CAROLS 6.30PM AT DARWIN BAPTIST CHURCH COST FREE INFO dbc.org.au | facebookcom/ darwinbaptistchurch

Santa Visits the Wave Lagoon The man in the big red suit will be stopping by the Waterfront TWICE – we think that’s pretty generous given how busy he gets this time of year.

You can also check out a bunch of fun activities including a disco party, dance competitions and circus fun, plus prizes and special Christmas treats from Santa.

WHEN AT COST

INFO

SUN 10 & 17 DEC | 11AM-2PM DARWIN WATERFRONT $7 | $5 CONC, U15 | FREE U3 | $18 FAM waterfront.nt.gov.au

Suitcase Market Buy or sell at this market from a suitcase with new and used, arts and craft, vintage and modern treasures to be found.

WHEN COST AT INFO

SUN 17 DEC | 1-5PM $20 STALLHOLDER FEE RAILWAY CLUB darwinrailwayclub.org

NYE at Darwin Waterfront Each year, the Waterfront treats Top Enders to a night of entertainment, fun and music to see in the New Year.

Bring along a picnic rug and your crew, and grab some grub from one of the many food haunts. The littlies don’t have to stay up late either, with an early fireworks display at 9pm – boom! Please note this is an alcohol and glass free event.

WHEN

AT COST INFO

SUN 31 DEC | FROM 5PM | FIREWORKS AT

9PM AND MIDNIGHT DARWIN WATERFRONT FREE waterfront.nt.gov.au

New Year’s Eve By The Sea Escape the hustle and bustle and jostling for taxis with smokin’ live rock, blues and soul by the sea. Entry is free and club prices apply for dinks and meals.

WHEN SUN 31 DEC – MON 1 JAN | 7PM-2AM AT DINAH BEACH CRUISING

YACHT ASSOCIATION COST FREE INFO dbcya.com.au

NYE at the Rails Aussie band Butterfingers bring their audacious attitude and flair for fun to New Year’s Eve at the Rails.

WHEN AT COST INFO

SUN 31 DEC | 7PM RAILWAY CLUB $65 darwinrailwayclub.org

Bourbon Street New Year's Eve Party Think funkological piano and sassy horns. See in the New Year in traditional Bourbon Street style with Pugsley Buzzard and The Hoodoo Mayhem Brass Band.

Pugsley Buzzard

WHEN AT COST INFO

SUN 31 DEC | 9PM SKYCITY DARWIN $60 | $110 VIP skycitydarwin.com.au

Australia Day January 26th means something different to everyone – whether you pay your respects to the country’s first peoples, note the arrival of the First Fleet or spend the day listening to the J’s. But if there’s one thing we can agree on, it’s that we’re lucky to call Australia home.

WHEN FRI 26 JAN INFO australiaday.org.au

5

LISTINGS

WHEN EVERY WED 6 – WED 27 DEC | 8AM-1PM AT VARIOUS DARWIN LOCATIONS COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO conservationvolunteers. com.au

Artists’ Craft and Tea Creative folk of all skill levels and mediums are invited to use the space at the Durack Community Centre. Bring your tools, your work and get inspired over a cuppa with colleagues.

In the Red This evening of comedy, drag performances and cabaret on World AIDS Day raises funds for the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council’s programs and services. There’s a community art exhibition on the theme ‘Knock Out Stigma!’.

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 1 DEC | 7PM RAILWAY CLUB $15 | $10 NTAHC MEMB ntahc.org.au

Overcoming Anxiety – Meditation Day Course Anxiety and stress are increasingly common problems in our busy, modern world. Learn how to identify and remove the causes of anxiety and enjoy a more balanced and happy life.

WHEN AT

COST INFO

THU 7, 14 & 21 DEC | 6-7.30PM THE HEIGHTS DURACK COMMUNITY CENTRE FREE palmerston.nt.gov.au

ATMOS: Listening Parties for Story Lovers Fancy a true story with that? Listen to local stories while sipping your favourite bevy at Darwin’s first story station, brought to you by the story telling gurus at SPUN Stories.

WHEN

AT COST INFO

MON 13 – SAT 30 DEC (CLOSED SUN) RAW BEAN ESPRESSO BAR FREE spunstories.net

Our Common Threads Want to improve your sewing skills or learn from scratch? Head along to these community sessions for some female only craft time.

WHEN SUN 3 DEC | 10AM-4.30PM AT CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY COST $25 INFO meditateindarwin.org

WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY SUN | 9AM DARWIN WATERFRONT $12 | $8 U15 waterfront.nt.gov.au

Belle ArtStart The national call for entries is on for the third Belle ArtStart competition – and they’re looking for Australia’s next wave of creative talent. If you’re an artist aged 16-25, there’s $17,500 worth of prizes up for grabs including the $10k major prize. Entrants are invited to submit a canvas painting and, making everyone a winner, all works are up for sale with artists keeping the coin.

Tango Practica Hosted by the Northern Tango dance community, join fellow tango dancers to practice, refine technique, build musical skill, inspire each other and talk tango.

WHEN

AT COST INFO

MON 4, 11 & 18 DEC | MON 8, 15, 22, 29 JAN | 7-9PM MALAK COMMUNITY HALL $5 facebook.com/nthntango

‘Movement Medicine’ Conscious Dance Class This guided free-form dance class explores using movement as medicine.

WHEN SUN 3, 10 & 17 DEC |10- 11.30AM AT NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE COST $15 | $10 CONC INFO 0431 929 145

WHEN MON 4 DEC | 6.30-7.30PM AT TRACKS DANCE STUDIO COST $18 INFO facebook.com/ salsitadarwin

Latin Dance Party Dance up a storm to some sweet Latin tunes at this end-of-year dance party.

WHEN TUE 12 DEC | 7.30PM AT SKYCITY DARWIN COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ salsitadarwin

No Lights No Lycra A weekly dance jam in the dark – no teacher, no steps to learn, no alcohol, no talking – no worries! Just dancing and great tunes. Perfect for all ages, shapes and sizes. No need to book, just turn up when you’re in the mood for a boogie.

WHEN AT

COST INFO

EVERY WED | 6-7PM HAPPY YESS THEATRE, BROWN’S MART $7 nolightsnolycra.com

PALMERSTON LIBRARY

palmerston.nt.gov.au/library

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.

LET’S DANCE

Brazilian Zouk Classes

WHEN EVERY TUE | 10AM-1PM AT THE HEIGHTS DURACK

COMMUNITY CENTRE COST FREE | MATERIALS PROVIDED INFO darwincommunityarts.org. au

WHEN TUE 5 DEC & 30 JAN |

BEGINNERS 6.30PM |

IMPROVERS 7.30PM |

INTERMEDIATE 8.30PM AT TRACKS DANCE STUDIO COST $18 INFO facebook.com/ salsitadarwin

originates from Brazil.

WHEN MON 4 DEC & MON 29 JAN

BEGINNERS 7.30PM |

INTERMEDIATE 8.30PM AT TRACKS DANCE STUDIO COST $18 INFO facebook.com/ salsitadarwin

WHEN TUE 5 & 12 DEC | 6-7.30PM AT SANDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ sandersonnac

Salsa Dance Classes

WHEN ENTRIES CLOSE WED 14 FEB Capoeira COST $50 ENTRY Mixing elements of martial arts, INFO maureen.heron@ movement, music and culture into a

belleproperty.com | high energy dance-fight-game, this belleartstart@bauer- exciting and mysterious art form media.com.au

Bachata Dance Classes

Meditation Learn relaxation and breathing techniques to promote health and well being.

Twilight Toadbusting Who you gunna call? Toadbusters!

Join the team helping to control this devastating introduced species in various hot spots around Darwin.

Learn how to tell a frog from a cane toad and toad-proof your yard.

Aqua Zumba Join the Zumba pool party for a cool calorie burning dance fitness session at Darwin’s Wave Lagoon.

WHEN EVERY TUE & THU | 10-10.45AM COST FREE WHEN MON 4, 11 & 18 DEC | 6.30-8PM AT CHARLES DARWIN

UNIVERSITY, CASUARINA WHEN WED 6, 13 & 20 DEC | 6-7.30PM AT DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS COST VARIOUS INFO facebook.com/xango capoeiraaustraliadarwin

Argentine Tango Tango is a fun, social activity that can be danced by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability. It’s an improvised dance, and one that will exercise your mind as well as your body.

WHEN THU 7 DEC | 7-9PM AT COCONUT GROVE HALL COST $12 | $15 TWO CONSECUTIVE CLASSES INFO facebook.com/nthntango

Nursery Time You’re never too young to enjoy reading. Treat your baby to songs, puppets, nursery rhymes and movement to enhance their early literacy development. Suitable for 0-1 year olds.

WHEN EVERY WED | 10-10.45AM COST FREE

Code Club Coding is an awesome skill to help kids live in the digital age. Part of a nationwide network of volunteer-led creative coding clubs for kids aged nine to12 years, Code Club is free but places are limited, so bookings are essential.

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

Wishing you happiness, good health, prosperity & peace.

WHEN EVERY TUE 5 DEC – TUE 9 JAN

| 6.30-9.30PM AT VARIOUS DARWIN LOCATIONS COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO conservationvolunteers. com.au

6

Marine Debris Surveys Help out with weekly debris surveys on local beaches. You’ll learn about types of debris, where it comes from and the impact it has on our environment. The debris is sorted and catalogued on the day, adding to the national database – Tangaroa Blue.

www.belleproperty.com/darwin

WHEN SAT 9 & SUN 10 DEC | 10AM-4PM AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS INFO darwinarttrail.com.au

Darwin Art Trail TICK OFF YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT LIST WITH A WEEKEND ON THE DARWIN ART TRAIL. With six private studios open to the public, you can chat with the artists in their natural habitats and buy art that comes wrapped in a great story about how and where it came to life.

Nestled among native trees on the edge of a paperbark billabong in Girraween, Marnie Jay – a supreme nature-lover at heart – is in her element inside her quaint and airy Bird House Studio. You'll fall in love with her colourful acrylic paintings and prints on canvas.

Step inside an unassuming demountable in Howard Springs to find leather crafts made from the wonderful textured skins of calf, crocodile and even cane toad.

Acquire a one-of-a-kind item or a custom creation by Jenny Glencross at Little Egret Fine Crafts.

above: Marnie Jay, 'Shepherd Street' below: Jenny Glencross, Leather Bag

Peter Jettner and Troya Bywaters of Getrocked Gallery in Girraween produce rustic steel sculptures and ornaments including birds, bats, fish, crocodiles, birdbaths and more.

Debra Senjuschenko at Gallery 105 in Howard Springs has a tinkling array of lampwork, chainmaille and silver jewellery, as well as fused glass art and beads, with a modern and contemporary design.

Visit Robyn McLean at Susurrus Studio in Darwin River, the home of bippidii boppidii. Her fabric designs for clothes and furnishings inspired by the flora, fauna and lifestyle of the Top End are popular for good reason.

At Studio Elevenlee, a small suburban studio in Moil, you'll find Kate Bussey producing sculptures using clay thrown on the pottery wheel, decorated in bright colours and finished with recycled materials.

Gerald Clapham shows his passion for many techniques in clay and works in stoneware clay, making functional pottery.

It’s art tour meets personalised purchasing – this special Christmas edition of the Darwin Art Trail takes satisfying Chrissie shopping to a whole new level.

REHEARSALS Tue 7.00pm to 9.30pm TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Sat 10.00am to 12noon Supported by City of Darwin

The Gift of Giving IF YOU CAN, DONATE FOOD OR FUNDS OR VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME THIS FESTIVE SEASON TO HELP EVERYONE SHARE IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS.

NEW MEMBERS AND VISITORS WELCOME Ron Roberts (Music Director) 0418 857 744 Carol Atkinson (President) 0408 322 539 darwincitybrassband@gmail.com

darwincitybrassband.org.au

ENSEMBLE

Donate or Volunteer Foodbank NT | foodbanknt.org.au St. Vincent de Paul NT | vinnies.org.au Red Cross | redcross.org.au Melaleuca Refugee Centre | melaleuca.org.au UnitingCare Christmas Appeal | unitingcarechristmasappeal.com.au Darwin Basket Brigade | magicmoments.org.au Somerville | somerville.org.au Salvation Army | salvationarmy.org.au The Smith Family | thesmithfamily.com.au Mission Australia | missionaustralia.com.au

C Kids’ lassics

12 Notes

Christmas

Sat 16 December

9.30am & 11am Venue: Palmerston Senior College

Sun 17 December

9.30am & 11am Venue: CDU Theatre, Orange 3

Suited to a younger audience and their families Family (2 x adult x 2 children) $20 | Adult $10 Child $5 | Babes in arms Free

Bookings: Can be made through Darwin Entertainment Centre NTix.com.au | 8980 3333 93 Mitchell St, Darwin

7

LISTINGS

FOOD & DRINK

What are you up to on Christmas Day? The kind folk at Casuarina Baptist Church put on a Christmas Day lunch each year, for those who are doing it tough or need some companionship. Lunch is served up by a dedicated team of volunteers, followed by an afternoon of fun and games.

WHEN MON 25 DEC, 12PM | RSVP

BY WED 20 DEC AT CASUARINA BAPTIST CHURCH COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO facebook.com/casibaps |

RSVP admin@casbap.org.

au or 8945 2183

Darwin’s Biggest Christmas Party at the Races

Eat, drink and be merry with this special Christmas buffet luncheon. Whether it’s an end of year staff show or a day out with friends, celebrate the silly season with three hours of festive fun, food, drink and race day entertainment. Giddy up, Rudolph!

WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 9 DEC | 12.30PM DARWIN TURF CLUB $99 | CASH BAR FROM 3.30PM darwinturfclub.org.au | 8923 4222

Christmas Day Lunch

Build Up

BEVERAGES IN BETWEEN RAIN SHOWERS, THIS TIME OF YEAR CAN BE PRETTY STEAMY AND, APART FROM SUBMERGING YOURSELF IN COLD WATER, WHAT BETTER WAY TO COOL AND CLEAR THE MIND THAN A REFRESHING DRINK. It’s pretty tempting to reach for a cold beer – especially around the festive season – but there are plenty of thirst quenching, healthy drinks that can be made from a few simple ingredients that you’ll find growing in your backyard or at the local market.

fruits and finds to combine,” says Taste of the Top End’s Emma Lupin.

Taste of the Top End has teamed up with City of Darwin’s Healthy Darwin program to deliver a festive drinks workshop to finish off the year.

“Some of my favorite drinks include lemongrass, ginger, turmeric and tamarind, Thai basil, lemon basil, mint and of course healthy dashings of local limes and other citrus. But there are also many other wonderful

Image by Emma Lupin

Rambutan Refresher

“I’m a big fan of the rambutan, with its monstrous red rubbery skin and sweet slippery fruit within. I love that it’s ready around Christmas time – the most fittingly extravagant red bauble to brighten up those monsoon days,” she says.

with Thai Basil & Honey

“Paired with the very easy to grow Wet season wonder, Thai basil, rambutans make a great drink.”

This hands on workshop will show you how to make iced teas, meddlies and sodas, plus tips on how to grow or find the ingredients. There’re even hot drink recipes for those monsoonal days.

De-stone the rambutans and chop roughly. Place 10 of these in a saucepan with the honey and a small amount of water. Warm until melted and syrupy (about 5 minutes). Cool the syrup, add the fresh water and ice with lots of torn Thai basil and the remaining 5 rambutans.

Lemongrass is a lovely addition to this drink.

WHEN AT COST INFO

NOTE – the measurements are flexible, add as much or as little as you like, taste as you go and adjust for your enjoyment.

MON 11 DEC | 5.30-7.30PM ALAWA PRIMARY SCHOOL $15 tasteofthetopend.com

15 Rambutans 1 bunch Thai basil 1 tbsp local honey (or to taste) 500 ml (rain) water

Emma Lupin is a tropical plant specialist and local food enthusiast with passions for native habitat conservation and sustainable living. She is an environmental educator, community engager and encourages connection to the beautiful natural world, particularly our tropical home.

FOLLOW @tasteofthetopend

Treat yourselves to a fun filled Christmas Day feast at The Vue, Il Piatto or the Grand Ballroom. There’s set menus or buffets to choose from, with bon bons and a visit from Santa included.

WHEN MON 25 DEC | 11.30AM-4PM AT THE VUE, IL PIATTO OR THE

GRAND BALLROOM | SKYCITY DARWIN COST VARIOUS | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO skycitydarwin.com.au |

8943 8940

Celebrate Christmas

This year, relax and let someone else take care of Christmas lunch. Feast on a fresh and tasty buffet – we hear that the man in the big red suit will be stopping by with treats for the little ones too.

WHEN MON 25 DEC | 12-3PM AT DOUBLETREE BY HILTON COST $155 | $89 U17 | $54 U12 |

FREE U5 | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO esplanadedarwin.sales@

hilton.com | 8901 0792

8

WHEN MON 25 DEC | 12.30PM AT HILTON DARWIN COST $170 | $89 U17 | $54 U13 |

FREE U6 | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO hiltondarwin.sales@hilton.

com | 8901 0792

REVIEW Mick Guy

Craft Beer IN DARWIN SWEATY DAYS IN DARWIN PROVIDED THE PERFECT EXCUSE FOR SOME COLD BEER DRINKING IN THE EARLY EVENING, POST SOME BIG DAYS OF WORKSHOPS WITH LOCAL HOME BREWERS. I found the Top End home brew scene knowledgeable and experimental – always looking at ways to manage and play with the Darwin humidity. My timing was great as One Mile Brewing Company had only just opened their taphouse in Winnellie.

The perfect spot for an afternoon beer with mates, I tested out their Otto’s Red Ale – a malt driven English Red and perfect for the balmy conditions.

Next stop was Six Tanks Brew Co – it was Saturday night so this place

was pumping. Being on Mitchell St, their drink menu was diverse and, when it came to beers, they stocked their own brew with guest taps on show. I grabbed a Philter Brewing XPA (Sydney) to satisfy my hop urges – delicious with a great balance of pale malt and citrus hops.

The final destination was Stone House Wine Bar that, despite the name, has a great selection of craft beers on tap, with regular taps of Mountain Goat complimented with changing kegs of some lesser-known fine ales. I continued to indulge my desire for red ales and had a KAIJU! Hopped Out Red (Victoria). The courtyard provided the perfect space to sip while enjoying the tropical night air.

My first visit to Darwin was only four years ago and none of these establishments existed. Now I had my very own craft beer crawl on my hands.

There is something for everyone, a range of beers to suit all palates, and different venue vibes to suit the kind of night you’re after. Awesome to see the growth of the craft beer community in Darwin – I will be back!

Mick Guy is a partner of Semi Pro Brewing Co. in Brisbane. He visited Darwin to deliver home brew workshops at ACCOMPLICE. INFO semiprobrewing.com.au | creativeaccomplice.com.au

&

Lovin'

Holiday Reads

LOCAL

Mercenary

Penny Pincher

My Home in Kakadu

Author: Jane Christophersen Illustrator: Christine Christophersen

INFO

ntwriters.com.au

Once upon a Rock

Living in Hope

Summary of Small Things

This collection of NT writing from the early 1990s is a treasure trove from the past. Enjoy the pathos, humour, drama and adventure in these thoroughly entertaining stories.

This is the story of the early years of Frank Byrne’s life. The story of a boy who was taken away from his mother and his family forever when he was just six years old. He had no say in it.

His family had no say in it.

Poetic fragments from the journal of an artist, spanning the closing months of a year in a remote desert town. With a new set of bold paints, life unfolds.

INFO

INFO

INFO

A collection of contemporary Northern Territory writing

ntwriters.com.au

Author: Frank Byrne with Frances Coughlan and Gerard Waterford

ntwriters.com.au

Flix Wet IN THE

AT COST

INFO

BCC CINEMA DARWIN $16 | $12 CONC | $10 MEMB | $8 CHILD | $35 FAM (SINGLE SESSION) $24 | $18 CONC | $15 MEMB | $10 CHILD | $55 FAM (DOUBLE SESSION) deckchaircinema.com | info@deckchaircinema.com

During the Wet season, the Deckchair Cinema closes its doors due to weather conditions. But don’t despair – Flix in the Wet is set to keep film buffs dry and happy with a stimulating and eclectic program of Aussie and International films.

Author: Carol Adams

ntwriters.com.au

LISTINGS

Through the eyes of her granddaughter, Tarrah, respected Bunitj Elder Jane Christophersen reveals the beauty of life in Kakadu and the significance of the changing seasons to those who live there.

Striking illustrations show all the elements of daily life as Tarrah goes bush with her family, gathering fruits, fishing and hunting.

Darwin in the Wet

Author: Sue Moffit

This travelogue and guidebook captures the magic of the Wet with beautiful photographs to enhance your journeys and experiences in and around Darwin.

INFO

darwininthewet.com.au

The Polar Express – 3D

Join Billy as he embarks on a rollercoaster ride north to see the big man himself.

Elf

Starring Will Ferrell, this Christmas comedy follows the journey of Elf, a human who was raised as one of Santa’s elves, as he returns to his place of birth, New York City. This free screening follows the lighting of the Palmerston Christmas Tree.

WHEN FRI 8 DEC | 7.30PM AT GOYDER SQUARE, PALMERSTON COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

WHEN TUE 12 DEC | 10.30AM & 7PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $15 | $12.50 MEMB, CONC |

$10 CHILD, GROUP 8+ INFO yourcentre.com.au

French Film Night

Enjoy the French movie Le père Noël, along with French cheese and wine at this monthly Alliance Française de Darwin event.

WHEN WED 13 DEC | 6.30PM AT CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY COST $20 | $14 STUDENT, MEMB INFO afdarwin.org

NORTHERN TERRITORY WRITERS’ CENTRE

School Life

This observational documentary follows a year in the lives of two inspirational teachers at Headfort, the only primary-age boarding school in Ireland.

WHEN

SUN 21 JAN | 3PM

What If It Works?

Adrian, an irrepressibly chirpy tech nerd, has OCD. Grace, a beautiful street artist, has Multiple Personality Disorder. As new neighbours in an edgy, graffitied suburb of Melbourne, they find themselves in therapy with the same psychiatrist. Stick around for a post-film Q&A with director Romi Trower.

WHEN

SUN 21 JAN | 5PM

Patti Cake$

Fighting an unlikely quest for glory in her downtrodden hometown in Jersey, where her life is falling apart, Patti tries to make the big time in the hip-hop scene with original and affecting music.

WHEN

SUN 28 JAN | 5PM

8941 2651 ntwriters.com.au executive@ntwriters.com.au Workshops | Monthly Events | Opportunities 9

LISTINGS

PERFORMING ARTS

including African, Mexican, Spanish and Greek – to name just a few.

WHEN SAT 2 DEC | 5PM & 8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $20 | $30 BOTH SHOWS |

$15 CHILD | $25 BOTH SHOWS INFO yourcentre.com.au

Grey Panthers 2017 SPUN: Rewind

"Rewind" back through the last 60 years of Darwin's history, and celebrate the stories that have helped shape this wild, vibrant town into what it is today. From the final frontier, to the impact of Cyclone Tracy, and a recent growth spurt, locals take you back to their haunts, hoods and hangout spots to share their true, personal stories all about their Darwin.

WHEN AT

COST INFO

A unique seniors dance group of Territory women and men over the age of 60. Want to be part of the fun? Join in weekly to learn new dances and rehearse for special performances.

WHEN FRI 1 & 8 DEC | 9-11AM AT TRACKS DANCE STUDIO COST $5 INFO tracksdance.com.au

FRI 1 DEC 2017 | 6.30-8.30PM BROWN’S MART THEATRE (SOLD OUT) & COURTYARD FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL spunstories.net

Dance Around The World

Journey around the globe as the students from Sam’s Dance Studio celebrate dance from around the world,

Multicultural Karaoke A UNIQUE CELEBRATION OF THE CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY IN OUR CITY, DARWIN’S FIRST-EVER MULTICULTURAL KARAOKE COMPETITION IS HERE. Karaoke, translated into English as ‘empty orchestra’, is a global phenomenon originating in Japan.

It’s said to have begun when a scheduled singer was unable to perform and the bar owner invited customers to step in – because who doesn’t love the chance to belt out their favourite song? Especially when it’s an opportunity to sing in your first language. Then it’s about more than music, it’s about cultural identity.

With a diverse line-up of performers, Darwin Community Arts is using the Karaoke platform to bring

communities together. Whether performing a rendition of the original Japanese ‘Sukiyaki’ or ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’ sung in Russian, this is an opportunity for locals to showcase their unique talents and for audiences to delight in the diversity of their offerings.

Event organiser Sachi Hirayama says that while not everyone can always participate in cultural performances, Karaoke is easy and accessible.

“It’s about social inclusion. Songs can connect everyone. It’s also a chance to see how popular songs have been transformed by other cultures.”

We all know Darwin is a diverse city, but how does this play out on the Karaoke stage? With prizes for costumes, singing,

dance, cultural authenticity and overall performance, this event is guaranteed to be entertaining.

“This is an opportunity to show just how multicultural Darwin is.

Darwin has so many people from many different countries. It is also a chance for people to showcase music and culture from very small, less represented countries like Mauritius or Kiribati,” says Hirayama.

This special event is family friendly and includes food and cultural stalls from the popular Malak Marketplace.

WHEN SAT 2 DEC | 5-9PM At PORTUGUESE & TIMORESE

SOCIAL CLUB COST FREE INFO facebook.com/darwincom marts

Workshops

Jack Tinapple & Hamish McDonald

Suicide in B-flat

A JAZZ GREAT DISAPPEARS. THE OUTLINE OF HIS BODY HAUNTS THE STAGE. THE CITY IS ON EDGE AND THE MUSICIANS ARE RESTLESS. The keystone cops are on the case, but nothing adds up - is he really dead, or did he just frame himself? With an all-star cast of hepcats and actors, presented

by Darwin Drama, Sam Shepard’s surreal exploration of jazz is a crazy ride that takes you to places you’ve never been before – just like jazz itself. Will Crawford caught up with director Hamish McDonald for Off The Leash.

I understand Suicide in B-flat has only been performed once in Australia.

What inspired you to put on this piece?

Possibly the fact that I was in that one show! And when I started hanging out with some jazz musicians in Darwin, I thought this is the perfect piece for us to do. It’s really a miniature masterpiece from the pen of the late master, Sam Shepard.

What can audiences expect?

If you want to know how music holds together all the craziness of life and makes it bearable, see Suicide in B-flat. If you want to see theatre that stretches the boundaries, explores multiple dimensions, and makes you stare your life in the belly button (but doesn’t take itself too seriously), see Suicide in B-flat.

I understand there is a live band (Jigsaw Collective) interacting with the action of the play. How does that impact on stage and is it difficult to get the musicians to behave?

Let’s face it, musicians never behave! Actors are relatively sane compared to musicians – they keep the whole thing together while the musicians go off on these improvisatory tangents – which is just what Sam Shepard would have wanted.

10

WHEN At COST INFO

WHEN SAT 2 & 9, THU 14 DEC At 30 AUSTIN LANE, DARWIN COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO facebook.com/ttocome dydebate

TUE 5 (PREVIEW) – SAT 9 DEC, 7PM | SUN 10 DEC, 5PM BROWN’S MART THEATRE $25 | $13 CONC | $15 PREVIEW brownsmart.com

Comedy Debate

Ange Wu

WHEN FRI 15 & SAT 16 DEC | 7PM At 30 AUSTIN LANE, DARWIN COST $25 | $35 BOTH SHOWS |

$20 CONC INFO facebook.com/ttocome dydebate

THE TERRITORY’S OWN

Comedy Debate 2.0 THE TERRITORY’S OWN COMEDY DEBATE RETURNS FOR A HILARIOUS SHOWDOWN THAT SETS DARWIN’S BEST COMEDIANS AGAINST EACH OTHER OVER TWO NIGHTS. Comedy Debate 2.0 isn’t your standard comedy night, it’s an interactive event built on three crazy ideas: you, the public, get to vote on the topic, the debate teams will switch sides and there’s a wildcard spot on the panel.

In a fitting nod to the ancient Greek debating tradition, this year’s Comedy Debate has set up camp in the old Greek Consulate in Darwin’s CBD. From here, the Top End’s most seasoned performers are running a series of free workshops. Whether an

absolute beginner or an experienced performer looking to try a new skill, participants will create their own comedy performance.

Producer and Debate MC Liz Rogers says it’s this aspect that makes this year’s Comedy Debate unique.

“What’s particularly exciting about this incarnation is the community engagement. I truly believe everybody is funny and with the workshops people have the opportunity to hone their skills and gain the confidence to perform.”

One outstanding participant will also get to battle it out with the professionals, filling a wildcard spot on the debate team.

For Rogers, debate is an especially accessible format and appeals to wide range of people.

“Debate presents comedy to an audience in a different way to the usual stand-up. It requires quick thinking and strong punch lines, as well as a convincing argument.

Hilarity ensues, because it’s back and forth – it’s a fight!”

This year Ryan McArthur and Ange Wu return as team captains – and these two have history! Also taking sides is the sassy no-holds-barred Constantina Bush and the coolly calm, but oh so dangerous, Gail Evans.

Who will win? You decide!

Mon

Thu

Tue

Mon

Fri

5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 23 Loud at the Library 23 Live Music

5 Discovery Centre

12

5 Discovery Centre 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 6 Tango Practica

23 Monday Jam Nights

8

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Program 5 Come & Be Creative 6 Twilight Toadbusting 6 Our Common Threads 6 Storytime

2 Wed

4 Thu

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Program 5 Come & Be Creative 6 Storytime

Sat

5 Discovery Centre 6 Code Club 23 Live Music

5 Fri

23 Loud at the Library 5 Come & Be Creative 23 Live Music

See Music 23

Ben Evolent

See Visual Arts 19

From the Off The Leash team

Sun

5 Discovery Centre 6 Aqua Zumba 23 Live Music

19 A Frontier Journey (last chance)

14

HAPPY See Around Town 5

13

NEW YEAR

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Program 5 Come & Be Creative 6 No Lights No Lycra 6 Nursery Time

3

Calendar JANUARY 2018 Public holiday

1 See Music 23

11 5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Program 5 School Holiday Activities 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 6 Storytime

6

9

Sat

5 Discovery Centre 6 Code Club 23 Live Music

Tue

Mon

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Program 5 School Holiday Activities 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 6 Twilight Toadbusting 6 Our Common Threads 6 Storytime 20 Through My Eyes (last chance)

15

5 Discovery Centre 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 6 Tango Practica 17 Get that Job - Tattoo Artist 23 Monday Jam Nights

7

Sun

Wed

5 Discovery Centre 6 Aqua Zumba 23 Live Music 23 First Sunday Blues

10

Tue

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Program 5 School Holiday Activities 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 6 No Lights No Lycra 6 Nursery Time

16

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Activities 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 6 Our Common Threads 6 Storytime

@thesundaysojourn

See Visual Arts 20

Fri

20 A View from the Bush (last chance)

22 5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 23 Loud at the Library 23 Live Music

See Around Town 5

16 Sat

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Sensitive Santa 5 Meet Santa 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 6 Code Club 10 Comedy Debate 21 The 12 Notes of Christmas 21 Christmas Fantasia 23 Carols in the Library 23 Live Music 23 Tapestry

See Around Town 6

Thu

17 Sun

21 The 12 Notes of Christmas 5 Discovery Centre 5 Suitcase Market 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 5 Santa Visits the Wave Lagoon 6 Aqua Zumba 6 Movement Medicine 23 Live Music

Sat

See Music 21

See Around Town 6

Sun

5 Meet Santa 5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 6 Aqua Zumba 23 Live Music

David Garnham

See Music 23

23 24 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 6 Code Club 23 Live Music

Fri

23 Loud at the Library

29 5 Christmas Lights

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 23 Live Music

28

5 Discovery Centre 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 6 Storytime

18 Mon

Sat

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 6 Tango Practica 6 Capoeira 23 Monday Jam Nights

See Around Town 5

30

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 6 Code Club 23 Live Music

Tue

20

Wed

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 School Holiday Activities 5 Meet Santa 6 Marine Debris Survey 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 6 Capoeira 6 No Lights No Lycra 6 Nursery Time 18 Mukulubena Baskets (last chance)

19

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Activities 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 6 Twilight Toadbusting 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 6 Our Common Threads 6 Storytime 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsal

Tue

Public holidays

Mon

5 Christmas Lights

See Music 22

25 26

Sun

5 Christmas Lights 8 Christmas Day Lunch 8 Celebrate Christmas 8 What are you up to on Christmas Day?

31

22 Butterfingers

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Bourbon Street New Year’s Eve Party 5 NYE at Darwin Waterfront 5 New Year’s Eve By The Sea 5 NYE at the Rails 6 Aqua Zumba 23 Live Music

21

Thu

Wed

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Activities 5 Christmas Lights 5 Sensitive Santa 5 Meet Santa 6 Artists’ Craft & Tea 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 6 Storytime 15 The 12 Comics of Christmas

27

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 6 No Lights No Lycra 6 Marine Debris Survey 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 6 Nursery Time

AROUND TOWn Books & fILM Performing Arts Word on the STREET YOUTH Visual Arts 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.

Fri 10 Grey Panthers 5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 6 In the Red 10 SPUN: Rewind 20 In The Frame (opens) 23 Mark Hilton with Toby Robinson 23 British India 23 Loud at the Library 23 Live Music

Thu

See Performing Arts 10

8 See Music 22

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 5 Palmerston Christmas Tree Lighting 9 Elf 10 Grey Panthers 10 Suicide in B-flat 19 Art After Dark (opening) 23 Loud at the Library 23 Live Music 23 Crap Music Rave Party

Fri

2 Sat

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Sensitive Santa 5 Meet Santa 6 Code Club 10 Dance Around The World 10 Multicultural Karaoke 10 Comedy Workshops 23 Hotel Red 23 Live Music 23 Acid City & Temperamental

Mon

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 6 Tango Practica 6 Capoeira 8 Build Up Beverages 23 Monday Jam Nights

11

3 Sun 23 Darwin Carols

By Candlelight

Tue

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 6 Meditation 6 Twilight Toadbusting 6 Our Common Threads 6 Latin Dance Party 6 Storytime 9 The Polar Express – 3D 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsal

12

See Music 23

4

Mon

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 5 Tiny Tots Kids Club 6 Bachata Dance Classes 6 Brazilian Zouk Classes 6 Tango Practica 6 Capoeira 23 Monday Jam Nights

See Books & Film 9

From the Off The Leash team

Wed

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 6 Marine Debris Survey 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 6 Capoeira 6 No Lights No Lycra 6 Nursery Time 23 Carols in the Library

9 French Film Night

13

MERRY CHRISTMAS

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 5 Territory Wildlife Park Christmas Markets 6 Meditation Day Course 6 Aqua Zumba 6 Movement Medicine 23 Live Music 23 First Sunday Blues

Calendar DECEMBER 2017

1 7

22 Caiti Baker

Sun

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Sensitive Santa 5 Meet Santa 5 Katherine Christmas Street Parade 5 YWCA Parenting Support Program – Christmas Party 6 Artists’ Craft & Tea 6 Argentine Tango 6 Storytime 10 Suicide in B-flat 15 Holidays from Hell

10

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 5 Santa Visits the Wave Lagoon 6 Aqua Zumba 6 Movement Medicine 7 Darwin Art Trail 10 Suicide in B-flat 23 Community Christmas Carols 23 Live Music 23 Totally Don’t

5

Tue

Sat

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 6 Meditation 6 Twilight Toadbusting 6 Our Common Threads 6 Salsa Dance Classes 6 Storytime 10 Suicide in B-flat 23 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsal

9

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Sensitive Santa 5 Meet Santa 5 Katherine Carols

By Candlelight 6 Code Club 7 Darwin Art Trail 8 Darwin’s Biggest Christmas Party at the Races 10 Suicide in B-flat 10 Comedy Workshops

6

Wed

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 6 Marine Debris Survey 6 Capoeira 6 No Lights No Lycra 6 Nursery Time 10 Suicide in B-flat 18 Coastal Links (opening)

18 Little Wonders (last chance) 18 Injalak Fabric a-Dressed (last chance) 19 The Jerry Can Factor (last chance) 20 Reflections (last chance) 21 Deluge 21 DSO at the Movies 23 Carols in the Library 23 Live Music 23 It’s a wrap – end of year party

15

Fri

14

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Meet Santa 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 10 Comedy Debate 19 Art After Dark (last chance) 22 The East Pointers 23 Loud at the Library 23 Live Music

Thu

5 Discovery Centre 5 Christmas Lights 5 Sensitive Santa 5 Meet Santa 6 Artists’ Craft & Tea 6 ATMOS: Listening Parties 6 Storytime 10 Comedy Workshops 19 Rights On Show (last chance)

17 Wed

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Activities 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 6 No Lights No Lycra 6 Nursery Time

Tue

18 Thu

Wed

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Activities 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 6 Storytime

See Around Town 6

5 Discovery Centre 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 6 No Lights No Lycra 6 Nursery Time

23 24 Mon

5 Discovery Centre 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 6 Our Common Threads 6 Storytime 17 Get That Job Best. Resume. Ever

29 6 Bachata Dance Classes

5 Discovery Centre 6 Tango Practica

19 Fri

20 Retrospective of International Group Exhibition (opening)

Thu

5 Discovery Centre 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 23 Loud at the Library 23 Live Music

25 Tue

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Fun 6 Storytime

30

5 Discovery Centre 6 Our Common Threads 6 Salsa Dance Classes 6 Storytime

See Visual Arts 20

See Around Town 6 Public holiday

26

Fri

Wed

5 Discovery Centre 5 School Holiday Fun 5 Australia Day 23 Loud at the Library 23 Live Music 23 Going Underground

31

18 Facing Two Fronts (last chance)

5 Discovery Centre 6 No Lights No Lycra 6 Nursery Time

20 Sat

5 Discovery Centre 6 Code Club 23 Live Music

See Visual Arts 20

See Visual Arts 18

21

Sun

9 What If It Works?

5 Discovery Centre 6 Aqua Zumba 9 School Life 23 Live Music

Sat

See Books & Film 9

Sun

9 Patti Cake$

28

20 In The Frame (last chance)

5 Discovery Centre 6 Aqua Zumba 23 Live Music 23 Going Underground

27

5 Discovery Centre 6 Code Club 23 Live Music 23 Going Underground

22

Mon

5 Discovery Centre 5 Come & Be Creative 5 School Holiday Fun 6 Tango Practica 23 Monday Jam Nights

See Books & Film 9

AROUND TOWn Books & fILM Performing Arts YOUTH Visual Arts Word on the STREET 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.

WORD ON THE STREET

ASSAULT YOUR EARS DEDICATED TO PODCASTS

Rough Translation is a podcast from NPR that takes listeners out of their everyday comfort zones and catapults them into a foreign country, exploring how conversations playing out in one place sound very different somewhere else.

Presenting a global view on familiar conversations, Rough Translation

explores ideas around love, race, war and babies through an international lens. All the episodes I’ve listened to have left me wondering how Rough Translation managed to uncover the story in the first place, as they’re all so detailed, different and obscure in their subject matter!

All episodes are 100 per cent worth listening to – you’ll hear stories that hone in on an unexpected angle, like a Syrian refugee living in Berlin who took on a dating coach to help navigate this murky terrain after his one attempt forging a relationship failed.

I was captivated by the episode ‘Anna in Somalia’; it tells the story of a man trapped in a remote prison, and on a downward spiral, until he hears a knock on the wall. It’s an unusually beautiful story, I can’t recommend listening to this episode enough.

Wrap your ears around Rough Translation – it’s a refreshing reminder of what’s beyond our own backyards.

You can subscribe to Rough Translation via Apple Podcasts 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 the SPUN Stories podcast and moonlights in the world of freelance.

FOLLOW spunstories.net | @jess__ong

Guluyambi Cultural Cruise

REVIEWS, TIPS AND ADVICE FOR TRAVELLING THE WORLD WITH KIDS The holidays are on their way! The end of the year is looming – no doubt you’ve seen those telltale signs – Woolies has tinsel, Smith Street Mall has fairy lights, the Christmas party invites are flooding in and the most asked question around town is “are you staying or going?”.

I love Christmas in Darwin – it’s way more chilled than the frenzied family festivities down south. A Darwin Christmas is all about lazy days lounging poolside, chowing down on chilli mud crab, BBQ barra and mango and lime sorbet.

Santa is stopping in Darwin again and opportunities abound to meet our bearded friend. You’ll find him at the Waterfront, Casuarina Square and other locations around town. Carols by Candlelight at the Botanical Gardens is a must, and if you haven’t taken the kids to see the glitzy glow of houses laden with Christmas lights, glowing reindeers and fake snow in Palmerston, why not try it this year? Check out the Facebook page “Darwin/Palmerston Christmas Lights” for all the intel on where to see the best displays.

And when the buzz of Christmas is over, there are heaps of activities to keep little ones entertained.

Make sure you check out the school holiday programs at the Darwin Waterfront, City of Darwin, the

Don’t forget trips out of town – Kakadu National Park in the Wet season is awe-inspiring. We love splashing about in the gorgeous rock pools at Boulder Creek and taking the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise with Kakadu Cultural Tours.

For a few months a year, when Magella Creek floods and the road to Ubirr is closed, they run a combined Guluyambi Wet Season Cruise which takes you through paper bark forests to Ubirr. And yes, that means no hordes of tourists.

We haven’t done it yet but it’s one my KPI’s for this Wet season.

And that’s just for starters!

CORNER SHOWCASING TOP END COMICS AND LOCAL STAND-UP PERFORMERS

The Mechanics of Comedy – Part 2 Comedy, like all art, is subjective in its appeal. Unlike other art forms, however, comedy seeks to elicit a particular and visceral response from its audience: the involuntary diaphragmatic spasm, also known as the humble laugh. A comedian’s success is judged, almost solely, on whether he or she can excite the audience to achieve this physical ecstasy. It is also why comedians make such good lovers…

Comic styles come in all different shapes and colours. From the acerbic and subversive brilliance of 'Truth Tellers' Aamer Rahman, Bill Hicks, Bill Burr and Jim Jefferies (when he’s not being a misogynist), to the ethereal whimsy of the 'Surrealists' James Acaster, Kristen Schaal and Noel Fielding, to the delightful charm of the 'Geeky Misfits' Nick Helm, Tina Fey’s Liz Lemon or Richard Ayoade’s Maurice Moss, to the anti-authoritarian joy of the 'Post-Punk Anarchists' Alexei Sayle, Rik Mayal and Adrian Edmondson, to the playful suspense of the 'Storytellers' Maria Bamford, Billy Connolly and Celia Pacquola, there are many techniques that comedians employ to make us laugh.

The Misanthrope Misanthropes often paint bleak verbal pictures for comic effect.

My favourite being the roguish Dylan Moran (Black Books) and Sean Lock (8 Out of 10 Cats). Both employ word play to both delight us with unexpected shifts of perspective and disturb us with their unapologetic and (we hope exaggerated) distaste for humanity.

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and Palmerston City Council. Then, if you are still tearing your hair out wondering what to do with the kids, there’s always ice skating, bowling, Flip Out, the water parks and the wave pool.

We love to dine and dip at the Ski Club and Darwin Trailer Boat Club, both of which have great pools.

Another option is the Loong Fong Seafood Restaurant at Novotel Darwin Airport – there’s a fabulous pool for a night swim. Our boys love spinning the Lazy Susan, gorging on prawn crackers, fried rice and crispy skin chicken. Take care with little ones though as the dining area is next to the pool, so best with older kids.

I C M O C S'

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.

“Twitter is for people who can’t shut the **** up, even when they’re on their own.”

“My favourite chat up line is ‘does anyone know you’re here?’.”

“When they did the autopsy on Michael Jackson they found six different chemicals, and two of those were artificial colouring.”

The sitcom version of the Misanthrope is the innovative 1999 The League of Gentleman that skilfully and innovatively scaffolds hideous characters around some dark and morbid narratives to hilarious effect.

Often refreshingly honest about their moods and dislikes, Misanthropes allow us to revel in the fine details of their discomfort and disgust.

To see a local example of a black and slightly surrealist comedy, check out:

Suicide in B-flat WHEN

At COST

INFO

TUE 5 (PREVIEW) – SAT 9 DEC, 7PM | SUN 10 DEC, 5PM BROWN’S MART THEATRE $25 | $13 CONC | $15 PREVIEW brownsmart.com

To catch some great local comedy:

Holidays from Hell A festive night of stand-up with Top End Comedy.

WHEN THU 7 DEC | 7.30PM HAPPY YESS

A good example of this is Moran's line “Some people say I’m grumpy.

It’s not something I’m aware of.

It’s not like I walk around poking children in the eye – not the very small ones anyway”.

At

Lock is another comedian who is able to write macabre one-liners that parody his own inappropriate behaviour and cynical worldview.

Some of my favourite Lock Misanthropist one-liners include:

LOL Thursday The 12 Comics of Christmas

“One Christmas my wife said ‘surprise me’, so I phoned her from Morocco.”

COST $10 INFO facebook.com/ topendcomedy

Leave your dignity at the door at:

Darwin's finest stand-up comedians let their festive minds run wild.

WHEN THU 21 DEC | 8PM At BEACHFRONT HOTEL COST FREE INFO facebook.com/topend comedy

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

FOLLOW growinguptroppo.

com | @growingup troppo

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Make MAGNT your second home this wet season!

NORTHERN TERRITORY ARCHIVES SERVICE

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YOUTH

CITY OF DARWIN facebook.com/launchdarwin

Get That Job – Tattoo Artist

AUSTRALIA's YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

LISTINGS

below: Designs by Maneeza Rahmany, 2017

with fashion designer

Q&A Maneeza Rahmany

YOUNG FASHION DESIGNER AND DARWIN MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT MANEEZA RAHMANY FIRST LEARNED TO SEW IN 2015. SHE HASN’T LOOKED BACK, RECENTLY TAKING OUT THE TOP GONG AT THE 2017 APEX AUSTRALIA TEENAGE FASHION AND ARTS YOUTH FESTIVAL IN PERTH. OFF THE LEASH CAUGHT UP WITH THE INSPIRING AND DRIVEN EMERGING DESIGNER. How did you learn to sew?

The first time I held hands on a sewing machine was at a City of Darwin workshop. I was the first to arrive and the most anxious entrant. Dixi Joy Bankier helped me immensely in the creation of my garment in 2015 and she’s been an extremely dedicated mentor ever since, consistently working with me to grow as a young emerging fashion designer.

xia_tattoo

Would you recommend the workshops to others who want to get involved in the fashion industry?

The workshops are a great help for young designers hoping to participate in the NTeen Fashion Festival. As most teenagers desire to showcase their talent and creativity at the show, they’re generally disabled by the necessity of cutting and sewing. This factor is a huge drawback for young teens entering the competition. However, the workshops have enabled designers to display their true capabilities by assisting them in the sewing requirements. The workshops are also a great way to interact with the other contestants in a mutually respected environment.

Love drawing? Curious about what it takes to become a tattoo artist? Find out more about career pathways in the tattoo industry, as well as how to improve your drawing skills from local artist Alicia Fernandez. Participants are welcome to bring a sketchbook or art folio for feedback. Suitable for ages 16-25.

Where do you draw your inspiration?

At this point, my style has evolved tremendously and it's all due to my growth as an emerging designer. I gather my inspiration from a range of different sources and utilise them towards my designs. The most significant inspiration however, is my home city, Delhi. The vibrant colours, flavours and textures are truly mesmerising and the constant energy and fiery vigour captivate any soul.

The city drives as my main source of inspiration. Designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Roberto Cavalli, Karl Lagerfield, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and many more all motivate me through their creative energy and freedom of

style. Their infinite passion for design and fashion is truly inspiring. From time to time, various textures, certain silhouettes and specific fabrics can really influence my style and encourage me to design something new.

How did you prepare for the competition?

The initial design process began way back in mid January. I began with countless sketches and searched for design inspirations everywhere, from Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, magazines, fashion archives and antique pieces in my Mum’s wardrobe. I also scavenged through textiles, materials, fabrics, drapes, appliqués, gathers and certain finishes to create my desired vision of an Indian-Western fusion design. Then I pursued the technical side, which involves sewing the garments in a muslin form. This practice run helps develop the design and structure of the garment and any necessary adjustments and changes can be made. After the muslin run, I was ready to cut and sew the designs on the finalised fabrics.

What was it like to win 2017 Young Designer of the Year?

It was absolutely incredible. The feeling of listening to my name being cheered and receiving the title as ‘Young Designer of the Year’, was insane. The sensation was euphoric and no amount of words will be able to justify the sheer happiness.

What's next for you?

I always strive for more, the past is never enough. As soon as I allow myself to believe the present is adequate, I risk losing my passion. So I’m constantly on the reach for more awards, more titles, more recognition and more success.

I’ve always dreamt of having creative control over my very own label one day, myself as the creative designer. Being a fashion designer of my own fashion house gives me complete creative control over the designs and allows me to input my style and persona on an international scale. The freedom of such an occupation is great and I'd love to be able to transform my dream into a living, breathing reality.

INFO

facebook.com/nteenfashion

WHEN MON 15 JAN | 10.30AM-

12.30PM CASUARINA LIBRARY FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO launchdarwin.com.au AT COST

right: image by Ashlee Wallace for LAUNCHmedia, The Lane Art Space

Aydar Zarifullin

Nick Johnson

Get That Job – Best. Resume. Ever.

WHEN TUE 23 JAN | 2-3.30PM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY COST FREE | BOOKINGS

ESSENTIAL INFO launchdarwin.com.au

VOLUNTEERING VOLUNTEERING IS A GREAT WAY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO GET INVOLVED IN THEIR COMMUNITY. Off The Leash chatted with some young volunteers for LAUNCH Darwin who gave three thumbs up to getting involved.

17-year-old Ashlee Wallace moved to Darwin two months ago and decided to put herself out there by volunteering for LAUNCHmedia.

“I saw a post on Facebook, so I applied thinking this could be a good way to make friends and work on my confidence and social skills. I would never have even thought of doing something like this before, I’m a pretty shy person.”

Image by Charlie Bliss

Find out how to create a resume that helps you stand out from the crowd with Amy Hetherington. Suitable for ages 14–25.

Her bold move paid off and she was soon skilling up in media, covering events around Darwin and even signing up for Darwin Council’s Youth Advisory Committee. It’s got her feeling pretty excited about the future.

“I feel like I’ve really come out of my shell. Now I want to keep going down this path of social media, business and marketing to see if it can lead to some sort of career.”

Aydar Zarifullin spotted the same opportunity in an online post, becoming the youngest volunteer at LAUNCHmedia, aged 13.

“I’d only really used social media with my friends before, but when I started this I learned how to make posts more effective, to reach more of your audience and things like that. These are all skills that are needed for the future.”

For Nick Johnson, LAUNCH’s Midnight Basketball program has been the game changer.

He played four tournaments, representing the NT in the Nationals, before deciding it was time to give back.

“I loved it so much I decided to get involved in volunteering as a coach.

Now I’m loving being able to guide a bunch of players to just have a great game of basketball.”

He’s since been asked to be Court Supervisor for the Rising Stars basketball program for kids and adults of all abilities, and is loving every minute of it.

“As long as the programs are running, I reckon I’ll stay involved for a very long time.”

INFO

launchdarwin.com.au

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VISUAL ARTS NORTHERN TERRITORY ARCHIVES CENTRE Kelsey Crescent, Millner | 8999 6890 | naa.gov.au Vera Lalara, 'Ghost Net Baskets'; 4 Mile Out Station, Groote Eylandt; image courtesy of Anindilyakwa Arts

TUE–FRI 9AM-4.30PM

FACING TWO FRONTS THE FIGHT FOR RESPECT Joe McGinness' service record ID photograph, 1942. NAA: B883, DX977

Mukulubena Baskets MEANING ‘BEAUTIFUL’, MUKULUBENA BASKETS USING GHOST NETS AND BUSH DYED FABRIC BY THE GROOTE EYLANDT GHOST NET WEAVERS WILL BE DISPLAYED IN DARWIN FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS DECEMBER.

Every year around 640 tonnes of discarded fishing equipment, known as ‘ghost gear’, is left to drift in our oceans, entrapping bird and marine life as it moves aimlessly through our seas. Large amounts of these nets are found and removed from the remote beaches and surrounding waters on Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria. To prevent these nets from becoming landfill, or releasing poisonous greenhouse gases when burnt, Warnindilyakwa women are utilising this environmental threat in a creative way and sharing knowledge about this ecological hazard.

NT artist Aly de Groot was invited by Ghost Nets Australia to facilitate ghost net weaving workshops at Anindilyakwa Art Centre in 2011 – and the women of Groote Eylandt have been weaving ghost nets ever since, creating unique baskets with bush dyed and recycled fabric. Groot now works full time with Anindilyakwa Arts, working with the artists to combine traditional knowledge and contemporary fibre art processes to create new ideas and designs.

THROUGH THE LENS OF MILITARY SERVICE and the stories of those who served, learn about Indigenous soldiers' fight for social justice.

WHEN UNTIL WED 31 JAN

This digital exhibition features extraordinary images, stirring video portraits, and original records from the Archives’ Darwin collection and the Northern Territory Archives Service including identification photographs, maps and letters.

GYRACC

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

Injalak Fabric a-Dressed INJALAK ARTS IN WEST ARNHEM LAND RECENTLY LAUNCHED GET IT ON, inviting professional designers, dressmakers and students to create fashion garments with Injalak Arts textiles.

This exhibition is a selection of 20 garments from Get It On using contemporary cultural designs printed on cotton twill, linen and silk.

Vera Lalara, an exceptional artist and weaver whose baskets feature in the exhibition, stays up late into the night, whilst her children sleep, weaving baskets where she lives on the remote 4 Mile Outstation.

“Old People came to Angurugu School when I was young to teach us weaving. We go collecting Pandanus and string and dying with plants to make colours,” she says.

“I love making baskets both ways, the traditional ways that the old ladies teach me and these new ways with the ghost nets and bush dyed fabric.

It’s important, to keep my culture going, for the future.”

Marebu (pandanus mat) design by Injalak Women, hand screen print on silk; image by

WHEN UNTIL WED 20 DEC AT ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS INFO aboriginalbushtraders.com

Liz Martin, Aboriginal Bush Traders

WHEN UNTIL SAT 9 DEC

NORTHERN TERRITORY LIBRARY

Parliament House | Corner Bennett and Mitchell Street, Darwin ntl.nt.gov.au TUE, THU, FRI 10AM–5PM | WED 10AM-8PM | SAT & SUN 1–5PM

TACTILE ARTS

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

Little Wonders Members’ Exhibition

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Coastal Links

Sarah Pirrie, ‘Macrotidal Quadrat Series’

Inspired by collections from the Northern Territory Library, Sarah Pirrie’s intricate works bring to life the Top End’s unique coastal environment and history.

WHEN WED 6 DEC – SUN 18 FEB | OPENING WED 6 DEC, 5.30PM RSVP eventbrite.com.au

(detail), 2017

Featuring new work by Jacqueline Gribbin, Anne McMaster and Winsome Jobling. Plus from the stockroom, a selection of framed prints reduced for the months of December and January and unframed prints from Northern Editions print making studio.

WHEN

UNTIL SAT 9 DEC

Lyn Lambeth, ‘Ghost Drifters’, 2017, ghost net, driftwood and polychaete worm shells

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

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

Tjungunutja From Having Come Together

Comprising more than 130 paintings, rare cultural artefacts and historical ephemera, this startling exhibition provides an extraordinary insight into the genesis of the contemporary Aboriginal art movement, revealing the largest and most important collection of early Papunya paintings in the world.

COLIN HOLT A Survey FEATURING ALMOST 90 WORKS FROM A CAREER SPANNING 40 YEARS IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA, Colin Holt: a survey includes abstract paintings that shimmer with heat and energy, moody and ethereal land and seascapes, cowboys on horses imagined from early frontier days, commissioned posters and a complete series of not-so-flattering portraits of NT Chief Ministers.

WHEN UNTIL SUN 18 FEB

Colin Holt, Untitled, 2003, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 95 x 49.5cm; CDU Art Collection, CDU2237

WHEN UNTIL SAT 17 FEB

POP UP EXHIBITION The Nicol family waits to board the Cameronia, 1950. NAA: A12111, volume 8

Darwin Supreme Court State Square, Darwin | 8982 1111 | dcls.org.au | MON–FRI 8AM-5PM

Polly Johnstone, 'The Happiness Machine'; 2016, Rights On Show Charlie Tjaruru Tjungurrayi, 'Medicine Story or Man Dreaming', 1971; collection of MAGNT

A Frontier Journey: Photographs by Otto Tschirn 1915-18

Rights On Show Darwin Community Legal Service has proudly hosted this annual human rights art award and exhibition since 1994. With the 2017 theme of 'Sustainable Tourism: visitors and locals caring for country', the award was open to NT artists of all levels, giving entrants the chance to engage with the community on human rights topics through art.

WHEN

UNTIL THU 14 DEC

A Ticket To Paradise

The photographs of Otto Tschirn give a remarkable insight into the social world of the changing Central Australian frontier during the early years of the 20th century.

This touring exhibition, from the National Archives of Australia, examines the rich diversity of Australian immigrants and the government’s ambitious plans after World War II to encourage mass migration.

WHEN UNTIL SUN 14 JAN

WHEN UNTIL WED 14 FEB

PAUL JOHNSTONE GALLERY

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

THE JERRY CAN FACTOR

DVAA

CLASSIC JAPANESE CERAMICS ARE GUIDED BY THE AESTHETIC OF "WABI-SABI". This approach, which reflects the ideals of Zen Buddhism, embraces simplicity, naturalness, aging and irregularity.

Master artist Cecily Willis’s new exhibition echoes these qualities by understanding and appreciating the natural characteristics of clay. Predominantly built from red stoneware, these new sculptural forms defy imagination and shift the perception of traditional ceramics.

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

Art After Dark DVAA'S FINAL EXHIBITION FOR 2017 is a celebration and showcase of work by students from Casuarina Secondary College Adult Night Classes.

WHEN

FRI 8 – FRI 15 DEC | OPENING FRI 8 DEC, 6PM

Cecily Willis, Ceramics

WHEN UNTIL SAT 9 DEC

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NCCA

NOMAD ART GALLERY

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

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

WED-FRI 10AM-4PM, SAT 9AM-2PM, OR BY APPOINTMENT

left: Anne McMaster, ‘Melville Island Mangrove’, 2017, linocut and etching

below: Jacqueline Gribbin, 'Under Cover', 2017, relief, etching a continuation of her series entitled Dear Gilbert,…. ‘ (Song for the Ichthyologist)

Suryani, acrylic on canvas, 95 x 116cm; image by Fiona Morrison

In the Frame Featuring new work by Jacqueline Gribbin, Anne McMaster and Winsome Jobling. Plus from the stockroom, a selection of framed prints reduced for the months of December and January and unframed prints from Northern Editions print making studio.

WHEN FRI 1 DEC – SAT 27 JAN

Visaitp

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

Retrospective of International Group Exhibition

A View from the Bush

In June and July 2015 NCCA ran its second Artists' Camp in the Top End for Indonesian artists. Five Balinese artists and a Bali-based Javanese artist spent time in a number of Top End and Central Desert locations.

The body of work produced is an interpretation of the NT landscape and Balinese culture.

THE ENCHANTMENT OF STEVE GOUGH'S CLASSICALLY INSPIRED LANDSCAPES LIE IN THE MINUTE DETAIL SET AGAINST THE GLOWING AND OFTEN HAZY ATMOSPHERE OF THE TOP END BUSH. This new series of paintings are vignettes of Gough's hallmark characteristics.

Seasonal light, the fine slender lines of woodland trees, quiet stillness or the rustle of feather are all contained within his distinctive small scale oil on board artworks. Gough's new bird studies will delight – painted actual size, yet exuding a 19th century charm similar to colour plates found in scientific manuals. Exquisite compositions of simplicity and detail.

WHEN FRI 19 JAN – SAT 17 FEB | OPENING FRI 19 JAN, 6PM

Through My Eyes

This series of paintings using ink and watercolour wash on paper is Australian artist Jenny Ashby’s response to seven years living and working in Bali. Curated by Rita Macarounas.

Steve Gough, 'Northern Rosella on Gold Leaf', 2017, oil and 22ct gold leaf on board, 22 x 29cm

WHEN UNTIL SAT 6 JAN

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

WHEN UNTIL SAT 16 DEC

DARWIN ART TRAIL

Various locations | darwinarttrail.com.au

right: Marnie Jay, 'Mac and Mossy's Big Day Out', 2008

Reflections

DARWIN ART TRAIL

THIS RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION REPRESENTS GEOFF TODD’S ART OVER A 28 YEAR PERIOD, a time during which Todd and Framed Gallery have frequently worked together.

Sourced from the artist’s private collection, interstate, Indonesia and Austria, most of the work has not been shown in Darwin.

Each example evokes memories of Todd’s style while illustrating the evolution of his art over the period.

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A supreme nature-lover at heart, Marnie Jay is in her element at her quaint and airy Bird House Studio, nestled among native trees on the edge of a paperbark billabong. Lucky wallabies, curlews and bush chooks free-range across her 'Land for Wildlife' acreage and joyous birdsong wafts through the windows, inspiring the creativity of one very happy rural artist.

Getrocked Gallery produces rustic metal sculptures and ornaments incorporating old farm, industrial and mining materials in their works.

Ideal for enhancing your garden or surroundings, visit the gallery to gain an insight into their art making process.

Geoff Todd, ‘Times Two’, 2002, conte, pastel and acrylic on canvas, 168 x 122cm

WHEN SAT 9 & SUN 10 DEC | 10AM-4PM

Peter Jettner at Getrocked Gallery

WHEN UNTIL SAT 9 DEC AT FRAMED GALLERY INFO framed.com.au

WITH SIX PRIVATE STUDIOS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, the Darwin Art Trail provides an opportunity to talk with and purchase work directly from the artists.

MUSIC

Deluge Mary Handsome

Deluge: Mary Handsome, Double Dinghy & Horse Trank WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 9 DEC | 8PM DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE $25 | $20 PRESALE yourcentre.com.au

he Studio Theatre plays host to three local bands who know how to celebrate this sweaty, stinking, crazy time of year in the Top End. With tales of salty Top Enders, surf rock inspired by the cool breezes of North East Arnhemland and satirical swamp rock – whether you’re new to Darwin or born and bred, this is a gig that will make you feel right at home. Roy Kellaway from Mary Handsome spoke to Off The Leash about his music and the family connections at play.

You grew up in Arnhemland, surrounded by some of the most influential musicians to have come out of Australia, in particular Yothu Yindi. What can you remember about the music of your childhood?

That's a hard one to answer, because I could talk for ages about the impact Yothu Yindi has had on my life. The music, the values, the ideologies shared by my bapa Dr Yunupingu and my bapa Stu, I grasp with two hands. Listening to Yothu Yindi brings me back down to my roots. When I hear Yothu Yindi I get this really

DSO at the Movies

DSO Kids' Classics

In this special festive celebration, the DSO will also perform the film score to The Snowman live to a Satheart-warming 9 Dec, 2pm screeningDate: of this Venue: Darwin Convention Centre animated Christmas film. Music from Bookings: Can be made through Darwin Entertainment Centre the Harry Potter Pirates NTix.com.au | 8980films 3333 | 93and Mitchell St, Darwin of the Caribbean will also feature.

It’s been a big year for the DSO, and they are finishing it off in style!

DSO at the Movies

@ Snowman Enterprises Limited | Image @ Snowman Enterprises Limited | www.thesnowman.com

After the huge success of their performance of the Babe film score last year, the DSO continues their exploration of the power of film in an afternoon at the movies, playing the music of one of the most successful film composers of all time, John Williams.

With credits to his name spanning decades from Fiddler on the Roof, Jaws, The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark and ET to Home Alone, Schindler’s List and Jurrasic Park, if you’ve ever been to the movies, then you’ve been moved by the music of John Williams.

Tell us about how Mary Handsome got together – and how would you describe your style of music?

Reid (guitarist and singer) and I played music together in Arnhem Land. We just clicked and through our love of music we became best

You're playing at the Entertainment Centre this December with acts Double Dinghy and Horse Trank, which includes your Dad. Is this the first time you’ve played in Darwin – and the first time on the bill with your Dad? It is the first Mary Handsome gig in Darwin! We've played at Yirrkala and Nhulunbuy but not Darwin, so we are so stoked to get up there. It’s not the first time being on the bill with the old man though. I remember playing a gig up in Gove with my high school mates, Dad made a last minute band called the "Stu Kellaway All-stars." He didn't actually name the band name, the event organizers did. But I still give him heaps about it.

CHRISTMAS FANTASIA

at the movies

IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE DARWIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORM THIS YEAR – THEN YOU’VE GOT NO EXCUSE FOR MISSING THEM THIS DECEMBER, with not one but two shows to delight the whole family.

Amongst those influential musicians your Dad, Stu Kellaway, was a member of Yothu Yindi. What kind of influence has he had on your music?

Without pumping the old man’s tyres up too much, I honestly look up to him in all areas of life. Musically, he's my mentor, and the way he goes about his music is so humble. He’s in it for the right reasons; sharing messages, sharing stories and jamming with mates. That's what it's about.

mates. When I was in grade 11 I moved to Brisbane and Reid moved to Perth. When I graduated school, Reid quit his timber shop job in Perth and we moved into a wobbly old Queenslander in sunny Brisvegas. We then formed the band after jamming in the kitchen with some mates of mine. We had a gig one week later.

Our music is new-wavey surf rock.

DARWIN CHORALE PRESENTS

DSO PRESENTS

+ KIDS' CLASSICS

funny feeling in my body, even if I’ve heard the song a million times.

I guess hearing these songs since I was an infant has cemented a really personal element within me. Without getting too "touchy feely", it's just something that connects with me, and I don't get the same feeling when I listen to anyone else.

For something designed specifically for the smaller music lovers in your family, the DSO presents a festive Kids Classics’ concert, The 12 Notes of Christmas, featuring a new version of the well-loved Christmas carol for little voices to sing, along with other festive delights from around the world. This intimate performance, featuring members of the DSO, is a great opportunity to interact with the musicians.

Each concert runs for approximately 45 minutes with some time for questions from inquisitive minds and will be held at the Charles Darwin University Theatre, Casuarina and at Palmerston Senior College.

DSO at the Movies WHEN SAT 9 DEC | 2PM AT DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE COST $60/$55 PRESALE | $50

CONC/$45 PRESALE| $30

U16/$25 PRESALE | $155

FAM/$135 PRESALE INFO dso.org.au

The 12 Notes of Christmas WHEN SAT 16 DEC | 9.30AM & 11AM AT PALMERSTON SENIOR COLLEGE WHEN SUN 17 DEC | 9.30AM & 11AM AT CHARLES DARWIN

UNIVERSITY THEATRE COST

INFO

$12.50/$10 PRESALE | $7 CHILD/$5 PRESALE | $25 FAM/$20 PRESALE dso.org.au

THE DARWIN CHORALE FINISHES A PERFORMANCE PACKED YEAR WITH A BEAUTIFUL PROGRAM IN CHRISTMAS FANTASIA. Again displaying its ability to perform different styles of music, the chorale leaps from the musical theatre of CHESS, performed to great acclaim in October at the Darwin Entertainment Centre, to a concert of superb classical Christmas music.

The program includes works by Vivaldi, Mozart, Vaughan Williams, Handel and Saint-Saens, plus a selection of carols. With 50 singers accompanied by a string orchestra, Music Director Michael Loughlin leads the Darwin Chorale in the ambient surroundings of Christ Church Cathedral.

“The audience will particularly enjoy Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols, which includes several well-known carols and features bassoon soloist Alana Bryett and full choir,” says Loughlin.

“Other highlights include a trio from the Mozart opera Cosi Fan Tutte featuring Fiona Wake and Nora Lewis AM, and Vivaldi’s short choral work Beatus Vir (Blessed is the man) with Fiona Wake, Erin Gleeson, Jennifer Rivett and full choir.”

A special feature of the concert will be a performance of Vivaldi’s flute concerto Il Gardellino (The Goldfinch) by local flautist Tania Bird, accompanied by the string orchestra.

The audience will of course have the chance to join the choir for carols throughout the program, and the concert will conclude with a rousing rendition of the much-loved favourite the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from Handel’s Messiah.

WHEN SAT 16 DEC | 7.30PM AT CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL COST $25 INFO darwinchorale.org.au

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WHEN SUN 31 DEC | 7PM AT RAILWAY CLUB COST $65 INFO darwinrailwayclub.org

The

Faste Fiv

Caiti

BAKER DARWIN’S GENRE-BENDING SOULSTRESS CAITI BAKER RELEASED HER DEBUT SOLO ALBUM ZINC TO HUGE ACCLAIM IN OCTOBER. With producer and Sietta collaborator James Mangohig, she’s bringing the album to the Beachfront Hotel for a huge hometown release party this month.

She answered The Fast Five for Off The Leash.

What’s the first album you ever bought?

The Lion King soundtrack! I was obsessed with the movie and all the music. I still know it back to front.

If you could see any artist or band – living or dead – this weekend, who would it be?

Aaliyah.

Whose posters did you have stuck to the wall as a teenager?

Hahaha… Will Smith, JTT, Spice Girls, Missy Elliott, No Doubt and Blackstreet!

What song would you like played at your funeral?

Yikes! I have no idea. But I should probably think about this more now.

Finish this sentence. The thing people would be surprised to know about me… is that I was once the senior graphic designer for Blockbuster Australia and New Zealand, when video shops were still a thing.

WHEN SUN 10 DEC | 3PM AT BEACHFRONT HOTEL COST FREE INFO caitibaker.com

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ButterFINGERS EMERGING FROM BRISBANE IN 2001, AND MAKING A MARK ON THE AUSTRALIAN HIP-HOP SCENE WITH THE TRACKS ‘YO MAMA’, ‘I LOVE WORK’ AND ‘FIG JAM’, ARIA NOMINATED BUTTERFINGERS HAVE NEVER TAKEN THEMSELVES TOO SERIOUSLY. After a decade apart, they’re back with the same audacious attitude and flair for fun, and will absolutely bring the house down on New Year’s Eve at the Railway Club. Frontman Evil Eddie Jacobsen spoke to Off The Leash.

Butterfingers are back after a 10 year hiatus – what inspired you to get the band back together?

Money. After finding steady employment outside of music we all felt a little uncomfortable with our new found wealth and thought it best to restart an unprofitable business again – and the band really fit our needs perfectly.

How does touring feel now, compared to 10 years ago?

Well, since we aren’t absolutely hammered onstage all the time like we used to be, I’d like think we’ve improved. I’m not sure that we have, I’d just like to think that.

How has the Australian hip-hop scene changed in your absence?

It used to be a lot more violent to be honest. Hip-hop gigs used to be scary, so you’d have to roll with a posse every time you went out. It’s nice to see everyone’s calmed down a little bit. You can actually talk to girls now.

You’re playing at the Railway Club on New Year’s Eve. Will you be making any New Year’s resolutions come midnight?

To come back to Darwin as soon as possible. I have never been there but I have a feeling I’m gonna love it. I imagine it’s just like the Crocodile Dundee movies. Am I right?

I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! And to make sure you do return – what kind of performance would you like from your NYE audience?

Technically we’re the ones required to provide the performance but if you can just make sure I don’t crack my skull on the ground when I stage dive, then you guys are alright by me. Beers after, yeah?

letting loose on that one which is always fun to watch.

In terms of songs, ‘John Wallace’ has been going over great – there are a few easy singalong parts and it’s been great to see people belting it out. They’re singing about death and cholera but it seems to make them really happy. We’ve tricked them with a happy melody. Classic folk song...

THE EAST POINTERS WHILE THEIR NAME MIGHT SUGGEST THEY ARE A LOCAL OUTFIT – DON’T BE FOOLED! THE EAST POINTERS ARE TRAVELLING A LONG WAY TO BRING THEIR MUSIC TO DARWIN THIS MONTH. Hailing from Prince Edward Island in Canada, the folk trio are touring new music from their highly anticipated second album What We Leave Behind, singing songs about the same joys and sorrows of life that we can all relate to – no matter where we are from. Banjo player Koady Chaisson spoke to Off The Leash.

Congratulations on the new album.

What’s it been like playing these new songs on tour?

Thank you! We’ve only just started playing these tunes and songs live because we had to wait for months between wrapping the recording and our album launch, and we’re loving it.

‘Party Wave’ (which we wrote about our first surfing experience in NZ) is probably my favourite instrumental track to play live because it’s so upbeat, and the dancers have been

You toured for 10 months last year – what’s it like being away from home for so long? How does that test the band’s relationships?

I’ve always dreamed about having a job that let me see the world, so although it can be difficult at times, it’s hard to complain. We’ve also masterminded our touring schedule so we miss long stretches of Canadian winter – also hard to complain about that!

We were best friends long before the band started so there’s not much in terms of drama either. I know.

Boring, eh? We miss our partners and our families of course; I especially miss my little nieces and nephews.

They seem to grow up so much each stretch I’m away.

Tell us about home – Prince Edward Island (home to Anne of Green Gables) – what’s the music scene like there, and how does this influence your music?

PEI is awesome! It’s small and lovely and the people are friendly and welcoming. It was such a great place to grow up. I think one of the things I love most about PEI is the music scene. It’s very inclusive and pretty much devoid of ego. Bands help other bands, everyone looks out for everyone, it’s a beautiful thing!

You’re playing at the Railway Club in December – have you been to Darwin before?

It’s our first time to Darwin – first time to the Northern Territory in fact. We’ve heard it’s beautiful and wild, so it’s probably good that we’re coming up for the first time on our fifth visit – we’re a little more used to what passes as ‘wild’ in Australia.

Do you know we have a really lovely spot in Darwin called East Point Reserve? You should swing by!

No I didn’t and I just looked it up!

200 hectares of green space – we’re in! You Darwinites (Darwinians?) should swing by East Point in PEI. That’s what the band is named after.

I fished off there for 11 years (I was a lobster fisherman before I got to play music fulltime) and it’s got some crazy tides.

WHEN FRI 15 DEC | 7PM AT RAILWAY CLUB COST $16.50 INFO darwinrailwayclub.org

DECEMBER - JANUARY

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

FRI 1 DEC | 6-9PM DARWIN BOWLING CLUB FREE markhilton.tv

British India WHEN AT COST INFO

WHEN AT

COST INFO

SAT 2 DEC | 7.30PM DINAH BEACH CRUISING YACHT ASSOCIATION FREE dbcya.com.au

#OTLmag

Mark Hilton with Toby Robinson WHEN AT COST INFO

Hotel Red Annie Gastin and her band Hotel Red are coming back to Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association with (jingle) bells on to celebrate the festive season with a night of swing, jazz and blues. They rocked the club in all the right ways for their 35th anniversary celebrations and now they are back to bring their musical magic to the stage, while you bring yours to the dance floor.

FRI 1 DEC | 8PM DISCOVERY DARWIN $34.70 discoverydarwin.com.au

Darwin Carols By Candlelight Darwin’s Amphitheatre will glow with candlelight as it fills with the festive sounds of Darwin’s largest choir and finest talent, concluding with fireworks at 8.30pm.

WHEN SUN 3 DEC | 6.30PM |

GATES 4.30PM AT DARWIN BOTANIC GARDENS AMPHITHEATRE COST GOLD COIN DONATION INFO facebook.com/ carolsbycandlelightdarwin

Darwin Symphony Orchestra MasterSeries 3 – At The Movies

WHEN SAT 9 DEC | 2PM AT DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE COST $60/$55 PRESALE | $50

CONC/$45 PRESALE| $30

U16/$25 PRESALE | $155

FAM/$135 PRESALE INFO dso.org.au

Katherine Carols By Candlelight Kicking off with the Katherine Community Night Markets, the festivities include free activities for the kids, food stalls and a special visit from Santa.

WHEN SAT 9 DEC | MARKETS 3PM |

CAROLS 6.30PM AT LINDSAY ST COMPLEX, KATHERINE COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ katherinetowncouncil

Deluge: Mary Handsome, Double Dinghy & Horse Trank WHEN SAT 9 DEC | 8PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $25 | $20 PRESALE INFO yourcentre.com.au

Carols in the Library Enjoy traditional and contemporary carols at your local library.

Loud at the Library Enjoy live music every Friday lunchtime from noon.

WHEN SAT 9 DEC | 10.30-11AM AT CITY LIBRARY

WHEN EVERY FRI | 12-1PM COST FREE INFO darwin.nt.gov.au/libraries

WHEN WED 13 DEC | 6-6.30PM AT CASUARINA LIBRARY

City Library

WHEN SAT 16 DEC | 10-10.30AM AT NIGHTCLIFF LIBRARY

8 DEC - PHILIP SPENCER

Caiti Baker – Hometown Album Release Party WHEN AT COST INFO

SUN 10 DEC | 3PM BEACHFRONT HOTEL FREE caitibaker.com

Community Christmas Carols Head along to the Darwin Baptist Church for an evening of Christmas carols and family fun – including a jumping castle and petting zoo.

There’s food, drink and candles available for purchase, with all proceeds going towards Foodbank NT. WHEN SUN 10 DEC | ACTIVITIES

5-6PM | CAROLS 6.30PM AT DARWIN BAPTIST CHURCH COST FREE INFO dbc.org.au | facebookcom/ darwinbaptistchurch

Darwin Chorale – Christmas Fantasia WHEN AT COST INFO

SAT 16 DEC | 7.30PM CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL $25 darwinchorale.org.au

Darwin Symphony Orchestra Kids’ Classics – The 12 Notes of Christmas WHEN SAT 16 DEC | 9.30AM & 11AM AT PALMERSTON SENIOR COLLEGE WHEN AT

COST

INFO

SUN 17 DEC | 9.30AM & 11AM CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY THEATRE $12.50/$10 PRESALE | $7 CHILD/$5 PRESALE | $25 FAM/$20 PRESALE dso.org.au

1 DEC - KEVIN MCCARTHY

WHEN AT

COST INFO

SUN 31 DEC | 7PM-2AM DINAH BEACH CRUISING YACHT ASSOCIATION FREE dbcya.com.au

RAILWAY CLUB

17 Somerville Gardens, Parap 8981 4171 | darwinrailwayclub.com

15 DEC - TRACEY BUNN

Crap Music Rave Party

22 DEC - SCOTT MURPHY

WHEN FRI 8 DEC | 9PM COST $17.50

5 JAN - SCOTT MURPHY 12 JAN - WAYNE CRISTAUDO 19 JAN - DAVID GARNHAM 26 JAN - KEVIN MCCARTHY

Casuarina Library 1 DEC - CHARLIE POWLING 8 DEC - ANNA BOUSTEAD 15 DEC - BRIAN CULLEN 22 DEC - BEN EVOLENT 29 DEC - DAVID GARNHAM 5 JAN - BEN EVOLENT 12 JAN - CHARLIE POWLING 19 JAN - ALAN BEAZLEY 26 JAN - ANNA BOUSTED

Hotel Darwin Live Music Relax after work and enjoy the cool sounds of Glen Forner every Friday, and special guests each Saturday and Sunday night.

WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY FRI, SAT & SUN HOTEL DARWIN FREE thehoteldarwin.com.au

New Year’s Eve by the Sea Who needs hustle bustle, overpriced drinks and jostling for taxis?

Dinah Beach hosts a relaxed yet upbeat party this New Year’s Eve, with smokin’ live rock, blues, soul and more from Mark and Serena and the Extractors. Celebrate the end of 2017 and welcome in the New Year at this classic Darwin open-air venue, with club prices for dinks and meals, free entry and a great seaside location to party with your mates.

Totally Don't Local duo Totally Don't launch their new album Dew Drops from the Sun. WHEN SUN 10 DEC | 6-8.30PM COST FREE

The East Pointers WHEN FRI 15 DEC | 7PM COST $16.50

Tapestry Launching their latest single, from an upcoming EP to be released early 2018, Tapestry will be joined

by Silk Village, We Burn Bridges and Summit.

WHEN SAT 16 DEC | 7PM COST $20

Butterfingers WHEN SUN 31 DEC | 7PM COST $65

Going Underground Railway Club fundraiser and membership drive. Hottest 100 playing Friday. Live music all weekend.

WHEN FRI 26 - SUN 28 JAN COST $15 FRI | $15 SAT | $10 SUN

| $30 WEEKEND

HAPPY YESS

12 Smith St, Darwin happyyess.com facebook.com/happyyessdarwin Patrons should check ahead to confirm acts closer to the event, as details are subject to change.

Acid City & Temperamental Local alternative act Acid City have been rocking Top End stages since 2012. Almost five years to the day since they made their debut, they will be joined by fellow grunge outfit Temperamental who are reuniting after a two-year break, to help celebrate. Supported by upcoming solo artists Joy Greer and Clifton.

WHEN SAT 2 DEC | 9PM COST $10

It’s a wrap – end of year party Happy Yess celebrates a great year of live music, with one last night of music, madness and mayhem.

Featuring, but not limited to, MiSs PoSsuM doing a Tropadelica-style dance set.

WHEN SAT 9 DEC | 9PM COST $10

JAM NIGHTS AND OPEN MIC

WHEN SUN 3 DEC & SUN 7 JAN

| 2-7PM AT PINT CLUB, MARRARA COST GOLD COIN DONATION INFO facebook.com/firstsunday blues

Monday Jam Nights WHEN

AT COST

MON 4, 11 & 18 DEC | MON 8, 15 & 22 JAN | FROM 7PM DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS FREE

INFO eo@darwincommunityarts. org.au

Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals Please check the Facebook page for January rehearsal dates.

WHEN EVERY TUE UNTIL 19 DEC

| 7.30-10PM AT 2 ABALA RD, MARRARA COST $10 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

| $50 LEARNERS’ CLASS PER SEMESTER INFO darwincitybrassband.org. au | 0418 857 744

23

EXPERIENCE THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH HILTON This year, relax and let us take care of the details. With a mouthwatering Christmas themed buffet menu, and the service you expect, we have Christmas Day all wrapped up.

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH

Includes a delicious buffet menu, beverage package, festive novelties and a visit from Santa Claus.

Contact our Christmas team to book your table on 8901 0792

darwin

Upcoming events Christmas lights Every night in December 7pm to 10pm

The magic of Christmas will come to life at the Darwin Waterfront.

Thousands of lights will illuminate the tropical harbour-side parklands, transforming it into a Christmas wonderland.

Santa Visits the Wave Lagoon Sunday 10 and 17 December 11am to 2pm | entry fees apply Enjoy loads of fun including a kids disco, circus fun, prizes and Christmas treats from Santa!

Santa will also make an appearance at restaurants and cafes.

New Year’s Eve Sunday 31 December 5pm to 12pm (midnight) | Free Ring in the New Year at Darwin Waterfront, kicking off the night at 5pm with a free outdoor concert and a fireworks spectacular at 9pm and midnight. Find a spot on the lawns and settle in for an evening of entertainment for the whole family.

January School Holiday Fun Monday 8 to Friday 26 January 10am to 12pm (midday) | Free Keep the kids entertained with activities on every weekday.

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

Book now at skycitydarwin.com.au