Off The Leash February 2018

FRANCK GOHIER

GRANTS & RESIDENCIES

VALEDICTORY CONCERT

A thousand miles from everywhere

The latest from Arts NT & Artback NT

DSO Artistic Director & Chief Conductor says goodbye

FEBRUARY

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MUSIC

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PERFORMING ARTS

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VISUAL ARTS

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BOOKS & FILM

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FOOD & DRINK

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COMMUNITY

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

Join the

ARTS NT REGISTER OF PEERS

Date: Sat 24 Feb, 7.30pm Venue: Darwin Convention Centre

Image: Bamboo Moon - Corrugated Iron Youth Arts

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 5pm Friday 1 March 2018

The Arts NT Register of Peers is a group of arts professionals who assist government with arts funding decisions and policy development by providing expertise and specialist advice across art forms, regions, community and cultural development areas.

Arts peers may be selected to participate in grant assessment panels, working parties and advisory groups. If selected, peers receive remuneration for sitting fees and approved out of pocket expenses.

Appointment to the current register of peers is for the period 2018 to 2020 inclusive. Nominations from Aboriginal, young and/or remote arts workers and arts practitioners are encouraged.

Sat 24 Feb, 7.30pm Darwin Convention Centre

For further information and to apply online visit www.dtc.nt.gov.au or contact Arts NT on 1800 678 237

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Celebrating 5 years of musicmaking under the leadership of Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Matthew Wood

Featuring music by Verdi, Gounod, Khachaturian, Elena Kats-Chernin, Iain Grandage and Nigel Westlake.

Bookings: dso.org.au | 8946 6214

INSIDE

OFFTHELEASH.NET.AU

/OTL.magazine

elcome to the first edition of 2018. The Wet season does not dampen spirits in the Top End – as this edition is quick to point out. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) kicks off a big year of exhibitions with a look back at some of Franck Gohier’s career defining work. A stalwart of the Darwin art scene, Franck Gohier: a thousand miles from everywhere explores the artist’s witty Pop aesthetic and shrewd social commentary. A diverse public program accompanies the exhibition – see page 4.

F R OM T H E

Ed

There’re opportunities aplenty to learn and discover this month. Don the white gloves for a hands-on exploration of the special collections at the Northern Territory Library, build you own capital city at Casuarina Library or get the lowdown on Australia’s deadliest animals from acclaimed wildlife guru Steve Backshall. If your arts organisation or business is looking for a strategic cash injection, applications are now open for Arts NT’s Strategic Arts Program. Also on offer to an Indigenous artist is a six-week residency program in Taiwan – see Around Town.

Stories and food collide at an autobiographical workshop – or if you prefer cooking your food to writing about it, try Emma Lupin’s Easy Pineapple Salsa – see Food & Drink.

@OTLmag

#OTLmag

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

February is a huge month of film with Darwin Film Society’s indoor season of Flix in the Wet continuing and the arrival of Sydney Film Festival’s Travelling Film Festival. You can also catch MAGNT at the Movies – see Books & Film.

ti or

AROUND TOWn | 5 FOOD & DRINK | 8 BOOKS & FILM | 9 Word on the Street | 13 YOUTH | 14 Visual Arts | 15 Music | 18 calendaR | PULL-OUT

The Top End is an incredible place to live and work, with opportunities abound. We asked some City of Darwin LAUNCHmedia legends to find out why young Darwinites are choosing to kick their career goals in the NT – see Youth.

Don’t miss your final chance to see Tjungunutja or A Ticket to Paradise. Colin Holt: a survey and Sarah Pirrie’s Coastal Links also close this month. Darwin Visual Arts Association members can submit work for what is likely to be the final Members’ Show to be held at Frog Hollow Centre for the Arts. Support emerging artists at Rising Stars 2018 – see Visual Arts.

FILM FEST | 9 YOUTH | 14

After five years at the helm, Conductor and Artistic Director Matthew Wood finished up with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra at the end of last year.

The DSO’s first concert of 2018 sees Wood return to the podium in a valedictory performance that celebrates five years of unique music making in the NT. Byron Bay outfit In Heart’s Wake stops by Darwin as part of a massive regional tour – see Music.

COASTAL LINKS | 15 OTL is proudly supported by Roslyn Perry Managing Editor and Development Manager Liz Trevaskis Writer Music Editor

Sarah Novinetz Graphic Designer Mike Frier Art Director

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FRANCK GOHIER

GRANTS & RESIDENCIES

VALEDICTORY CONCERT

A thousand miles from everywhere

The latest from Arts NT & Artback NT

DSO Artistic Director & Chief Conductor says goodbye

FEBRUARY

#o tlmag

20 18

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

FOOD & DRINK

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Franck Gohier, ‘Cowgirl’, 2004, synthetic polymer paint, metal can, nails and buttons on ironwood 53.5 x 27 x 16.5cm; Artbank Collection

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

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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.

February 2018

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Franck Gohier, ‘The Phillip’ (detail), 2006, synthetic polymer paint, metal can, nails and buttons on wood, 62 x 24 x 24cm; Artbank Collection.

by Tamara Howie

Franck Gohier: A thousand miles from everywhere Franck Gohier’s bold artwork has made him a stalwart of the Darwin art scene, and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is taking a look back at some of his career defining work. he acclaimed Darwin artist said his interest in people was one of the core themes that emerged when he revisited his work from the last 30 years.

Franck Gohier: a thousand miles from everywhere, curated

by Glen Barkley, is the third in a series of retrospectives by MAGNT focusing on local talent, following Winsome Jobling in 2016 and Rob Brown in 2015.

“I’m just really interested in people, who they are, how they react to events and situations and the history of people,” Gohier says.

“Why do people live here in Darwin for instance, in a relatively isolated place, and what makes people survive?”

His work explores Darwin as a city and the major events that shape the town and its people, from the bombing of Darwin in World War II to Cyclone Tracy, alongside the social and political landscapes.

Gohier’s skills cross several mediums, including printmaking, woodcarving and painting, and he’s made a name for himself with his cheeky and astute social and political commentary.

As the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the NT Government in 2016, Gohier has been able to lock himself away in his suburban backyard studio and create new works, some of which will be on show at MAGNT – including his “show-stopper” piece titled ‘The Gunn Point Space Base’.

“It’s an epic piece,” Gohier says.

“It’s a bit of a funny piece too because it’s talking about the NT space base like it’s a pie in the sky idea. We all get these crazy ideas in outposts like Darwin and the space base was one of those kind of ideas back in the day and it got shelved for a long time.”

Little did Gohier know there were plans to bring the idea back to life last year.

“When I had almost finished this piece, after working on it for months and months, I was listening to the radio and they said they’re talking about reintroducing this thing.”

Gohier says the piece will also be a “thank you” to the public and the Government for the grant, which allowed him to focus solely on his practice.

“Without the grant and that support I would never have been able to put that piece in the show – I guess it’s a thank you to the taxpayers and the people who pay for the grant.”

A diverse public program accompanies the exhibition, with the opening night hosted by Tim Ross and Kit Warhurst, with music from David Garnham and the Reasons to Live.

The public programs include an artist talk with curator Glen Barkley and MAGNT’s Curator of Australian Art Wendy Garden; a studio visit; and kids’ workshops – running as part of MAGNT’s regular Kids’ Club and Youngsters programs.

To coincide with the exhibit Gohier has chosen a number of documentaries, feature film and short film collections that explore some of the major themes in his work for MAGNT at the Movies.

Franck Gohier: a thousand miles from everywhere WHEN

AT COST INFO

FRI 2 FEB – SUN 1 JUL | OPENING FRI 2 FEB, 6-9PM MAGNT FREE magnt.net.au

Art Talk WHEN AT COST INFO

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SAT 3 FEB | 2PM MAGNT FREE magnt.net.au

Studio Visit WHEN AT COST

INFO

Clockwise from top left: Franck Gohier, ‘The Gunn Point Space Base’ (detail), 2017, octaptych, synthetic polymer paint and found objects on board, 120 x 640cm; collection of the artist. Franck Gohier, ‘Early warning from Bathurst mission’, 2003, mixed media and synthetic polymer paint on pop-riveted aluminium 198 x 86cm; MAGNT Collection. Franck Gohier, ‘Nature vs nurture’, 2015, synthetic polymer paint on board with found objects, 120 x 90cm; collection of Corinne Toune and Toby Robinson. Franck Gohier, ‘Soups of the province: Croc du Jour Soup’, 2013, screenprint, 45.5 x 32.5cm; MAGNT Collection.

SAT 10 FEB | 10AM-12PM MAGNT $20 | $15 CONC | INCLUDES TRANSPORT TO STUDIO magnt.net.au

MAGNT at the Movies – Franck Gohier Film Selection WHEN AT COST

INFO

EVERY SAT | 1PM MAGNT $10 | $8 CONC | $5 CHILD | FREE U6 magnt.net.au

Franck Gohier’s Darwin studio, 2017; MAGNT/Merinda Campbell.

AROUND TOWN INDIGENOUS

Artist Callout

ARE YOU AN INDIGENOUS ARTIST WORKING IN THE NT? DO YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR ARTWORK BEYOND THE TERRITORY? Would your work benefit from the inspiration, the challenges and the new perspectives offered by time spent creating in a different cultural setting?

If so – then Artback NT wants to hear from you.

In conjunction with Arts NT and the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Development Centre in Taiwan, Artback NT is excited to be offering two six-week residencies in the southern Taiwan community of Rinari, one in both 2018 and 2019, for Indigenous Territory artists practicing in any art form.

The cultural exchange, which will also see Taiwanese artists undertake a residency in the Northern Territory, is an exciting opportunity for artists from the two countries to highlight the diversity of First Nations experiences.

WHEN APPLICATIONS CLOSE

FRI 2 MAR INFO artbacknt.com.au

Artback NT Executive Officer Louise Partos says the exchange came about following the successful tour of Tiwi Islands band B2M throughout Taiwan in 2016.

“There was an immediate and strong connection – both socially and musically – between B2M and the communities they visited. Australia and Taiwan are home to vibrant Indigenous arts scenes, and we realised that a reciprocal residency could create opportunities for Indigenous cultural representatives of both nations.”

Above: Artback NT’s EO Louise Partos with Taiwanese artists, outside Etan Pavavalung’s Studio in Rinari; image by Lauren Hu, courtesy Australian Office Taipei Right: Rinari – Taiwan; image by Lauren Hu, courtesy Australian Office Taipei

She says that previous projects in Taiwan have created a stepping-stone for more meaningful, ongoing collaboration.

“This residency provides artists with the unique opportunity to work in a totally new environment, take a break, think about work in a different way, meet new people and be introduced to different customs. We hope that the successful NT artist will build new relationships and connections in Taiwan and that they will share their experiences both as artists and as Indigenous people, and be stimulated by their new environment. Artists will also have the opportunity to showcase work completed during the residency within each country.”

The residency is open to artists working in any form – including visual arts, ceramics, music, theatre or dance.

The only requirement is that the applicant is Indigenous and based in the Northern Territory.

Artback NT and the PingTung Cultural Centre will assist with sourcing appropriate studio space and other backup support as required.

“We realise that while this is an incredibly exciting opportunity it might also be scary for applicants. We really want artists to talk with us about any concerns they may have and to know that Artback NT will always be there with support. To this end we have suggested that there is an option to travel with a family member or companion for the duration of the residency. An English/ Chinese interpreter will also be made available.”

A selection panel will be made up of both Artback NT and Taiwanese representatives and the successful 2018 applicant will be announced in late March/early April.

ARTS NT FUNDING

apply no w

Johanna Bell, SPUN; image by Helen Orr

COULD YOUR ARTS ORGANISATION OR BUSINESS DO WITH A LITTLE CASH INJECTION? The Arts NT Strategic Arts Program provides targeted funding to support sustainable development in the arts, with funding available for NT artists, arts workers, festivals and organisations.

Put simply, Arts NT has funds – $400,000 in fact – and they want to share it with you!

The funding program was initiated in 2017, and in 2018 has been extended to support arts organisations to employ aboriginal artists and arts workers, and to support the growth of community festivals.

This year, grants are available across four different categories: Access for

Skinnyfish Sound System; image by MATSU

Arts Access Darwin, Free Space Studio

Artists with Disabilities, Independent Producers and Curators, Community Festival Capacity Building and Arts Industry Development.

Author and StoryProjects creative producer Johanna Bell received funding of $20,000, which allowed her to undertake an in-depth business planning process with a specialist consultancy and develop a new model for developing and delivering projects.

Successful applicants in 2017 included the Darwin Fringe Festival which received $20,000 to engage a consultant to examine the current state of the festival and to explore its future possibilities; Artback NT received $65,660 to take a delegation of 30 NT Arts Ambassadors to attend the 2018 Australian Performing Arts Market in Brisbane – including Skinnyfish Sound System; and Arts Access Darwin received $20,000 for 16 Darwin based artists with intellectual disabilities to lead the development and production of a new, innovative and accessible e-book: Talking To The Future.

“I’d been running StoryProjects, my creative production business, for almost for three years when I applied for the funding. In that time, I’d delivered some fabulous projects but I was really stretched. Figuring out how to work sustainably and avoid burnout was challenging. If you don’t build in time to read, think and reflect, then your most important asset, your creativity, is at risk.”

WHEN APPLICATIONS CLOSE

FRI 16 MAR INFO dtc.nt.gov.au

Deadly 60 Downunder

ONE OF TELEVISION’S BUSIEST PRESENTERS, AWARD-WINNING WILDLIFE EXPERT STEVE BACKSHALL, BRINGS HIS NEW STAGE SHOW DEADLY 60 DOWNUNDER TO DARWIN THIS FEBRUARY.

You may know him from the BBC’s Down The Mighty River with Steve Backshall, Extreme Mountain Challenge or Big Blue Live – or the Discovery Channel’s Expedition Alaska. When he’s not mountaineering, kayaking or scuba diving, the acclaimed wildlife guru and author is touring the world, terrifying and delighting audiences with tales of his extraordinary encounters with weird and wonderful predators.

Following the success of his Wild World Live UK Tour, Backshall brought his Deadly 60 Live Tour to Australia. It was a hit with fans and this new show sees him on stage with some of our deadliest animals. Watch as he shares the wildest Deadly footage from his Aussie adventures – from dangling above a crocodile’s nest to stalking the world’s most venomous octopus.

Join him if you dare…

WHEN SAT 3 FEB | 2PM & 5PM AT DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE COST $49 | $39 B RESERVE INFO ntix.com.au

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Brick BY Brick WHEN TUE 13 & 27 FEB | 10.30-11.30AM AT NT LIBRARY COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO facebook.com/northern territorylibrary

LOCAL’S HOUR

WET SEASON TREASURES TOUR LOCATED IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE ON STATE SQUARE IN THE HEART OF DARWIN, THE NORTHERN TERRITORY LIBRARY IS THE NT’S MAJOR PUBLIC RESEARCH LIBRARY. Providing all the usual library services, including access to books, magazines and newspapers, school education programs and events and exhibitions, the NT Library is also home to an extensive collection of Northern Territory historical and cultural material – and one of the library’s fundamental roles is to share these treasures with Territorians.

This February, you are invited to don the white gloves for a hands-on exploration of what lies within the special collections.

Top: Frank Flynn, Ophthalmoscope Middle: Cost Analysis of Pise Dwelling, unique monograph prepared by architects and engineers Mussen, Mackay and Potter in about 1952 Bottom: Jim Kenna, Cookbook

The Library Treasures Tour provides an up close presentation of some of the many treasures, including rare books, photographs and manuscripts.

From the Cyclone Tracy evacuee list, to rare 19th century maps and old-school Neighbourhood Watch newsletters, the treasure tours will bring a wealth of NT historical documents to your fingertips.

ANTS STRATEGIC ARTS GRApp ly today

BUILD YOUR OWN CAPITAL CITY IT IS THE MOST ENDURING OF MODERN CHILDREN’S TOYS – delighting, challenging and engaging generation after generation of boys and girls around the world. And this February, Darwin kids (and kids at heart) have the opportunity to do something they may have never done with Lego before, and build a new Australian capital city – or replicate the iconic buildings of Canberra.

Brick by Brick: Build Your Own Capital City is a touring activity and exhibition developed by the National Capital Authority, designed to increase Australians’ awareness of the unique characteristics of their Australian capital city, Canberra.

“In partnership with the City of Darwin Libraries, we’re delighted to provide the community with not only a great family friendly holiday activity, but with one that is educational and encourages everyone to discover more about Australia’s capital,” said the Hon. Nigel Scullion, Senator for the Northern Territory.

“We hope that this exhibition can inspire children as active civic citizens, showcasing extraordinary Lego structures that represent both the iconic Canberra buildings of today, as well as the bright future they envisage for their national capital,” said Senator the Hon. Scullion.

Brick by Brick is designed for people of all ages (recommended 4+) and abilities. Construction sheets are available for visitors to recreate the major institutions, bridges and attractions that identify the capital, including Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and the Captain Cook Memorial Jet. These constructions range in skill level from easy, to moderate and hard.

Join the fun at Casuarina Library and let your creativity run wild. Design your own capital city using Lego or build an iconic Canberra institution.

Do you accept the challenge?

WHEN UNTIL FRI 9 MAR AT CASUARINA LIBRARY COST FREE INFO facebook.com/cityofdarwin libraries

Applications are invited from the Northern Territory arts community for new initiatives through the following categories: •

ACCESS FOR ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES - grants up to $25 000

•

INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS AND CURATORS - grants up to $25 000

•

COMMUNITY FESTIVALS CAPACITY BUILDING - grants up to $25 000

•

Applications close 16 March 2018.

ARTS INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT - grants up to $100 000

For further information and guidelines visit www.dtc.nt.gov.au or call 1800 678 237.

Skinnyfish Sound System performance. Image courtesy of Artback NT. Photo by MATSU

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THE BUSINE$$ OF BEING AN ARTIST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP SERIES FOR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS. APRIL-MAY 2018 To register interest contact info@dvaa.net.au or phone Carol Bursa on 0408 894 421.

LISTINGS

Belle ArtStart The national call for entries for the third Belle ArtStart competition close this month – 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.

If you have a major work bubbling away in your mind, take advantage of the Wet season air-con and get painting.

WHEN ENTRIES CLOSE WED 14 FEB COST $50 ENTRY INFO maureen.heron@

belleproperty.com | belleartstart@bauer- media.com.au

2018 First Thursday GLAMR Social Group GLAMR: Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums and Records Management.

21st century technology is changing our professional information industry. Gather with colleagues each month to collaborate and discuss.

WHEN AT COST

INFO

THU 1 FEB | 5-7PM RORKES BEER WINE FOOD FREE | REFRESHMENTS AT OWN COST 0419 844 603

National Pet Adoption Day Looking for a forever friend for your family? Take the lead and adopt a pet. Pet rescue organisations will be in store with homeless animals to raise awareness of pet adoption and help them find families that will love them forever.

WHEN SUN 4 FEB | 10AM-2PM AT PETSTOCK DARWIN COST FREE INFO petstock.com.au | petrescue.com.au

Exploring Anger with Men Do you find you tend to get wound up and your 'buttons pushed' easily?

Have you had comments on the anger you express? This men only info and skill building session can help you find ways to better manage your emotions; from irritation and frustration through to anger and 'losing it'.

WHEN TUE 13 FEB | 6-8PM AT RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA NT COST $35 | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO nt.relationships.org.au

Bombing of Darwin Day Commemorative Service On 19 February 1942, shortly before 10am, enemy forces launched air raids on Darwin. It was the first time Australia had been attacked on home soil, and a defining moment in our country's history. Commemorate the 76th anniversary on this National Day of Observance.

WHEN AT COST INFO

MON 19 FEB | 9.30AM THE CENOTAPH, DARWIN FREE darwin.nt.gov.au

Couple Connect Create a lasting relationship through researched communication and connection skills. Fine tune how you talk, listen, interact and connect as a partner at this fun and relaxed workshop.

WHEN WED 21 & 28 FEB | 6-8PM AT RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA NT COST $50 | $80 COUPLE |

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO nt.relationships.org.au

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

WHEN AT COST INFO

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

Social Tennis Do you enjoy a hit of tennis but don't want the pressure or commitment of a serious comp? Learn to play or advance your skills in a social setting.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 7-8.30PM AT TENNIS PALMERSTON, MOULDEN COST $15 INFO tennispalmerston.com

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

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

TACTILE ARTS tactilearts.org.au Introduction To Weaving Learn a variety of weaving techniques, including how to use a lap loom, at this beginner’s workshop.

WHEN COST

SAT 10 & 17 FEB | 10AM-1PM $160 | $135 MEMB | MATERIALS SUPPLIED | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

BUILD YOUR OWN CAPITAL Join the fun at Casuarina Library and let your creativity run wild by designing your own capital using LegoTM or build an iconic Canberra institution. Do you accept the challenge?

CASUARINA LIBRARY 17 BRADSHAW TERRACE, CASUARINA 12 January to 9 March 2018 FREE ENTRY Brick by Brick is for ages 4+. Children must be accompanied at all times.

For school and group bookings call 8930 0200 or e-mail, casuarinalibrary@darwin.nt.gov.au

Stained Glass Lampshade Workshop Explore the history of stained glass while creating your own lampshade using modern techniques.

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

EVERY WED 21 FEB – 4 APR | 7-10PM $470 | $450 MEMB | MATERIALS SUPPLIED | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

WHEN EVERY SUN |10-11.30AM AT NIGHTCLIFF COMMUNITY CENTRE COST $15 | $10 CONC INFO 0431 929 145

WHEN

COST

LET’S DANCE 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 22 FEB | 7-9PM AT COCONUT GROVE HALL COST $12 | $15 TWO CONSECUTIVE CLASSES INFO facebook.com/nthntango

Milonga Join the Northern Tango community for a night of social Argentine Tango dancing.

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 23 FEB | 8-11PM COCONUT GROVE HALL $5 facebook.com/nthntango

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

Grey Panthers 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 AT COST INFO

EVERY FRI | 9.30-11AM TRACKS DANCE STUDIO $5 tracksdance.com.au

Argentine Tango Practica Hosted by the Northern Tango dance community, join fellow tango dancers to practice, refine technique, build musical skill, inspire each other, talk tango and spend another night of the week enjoying tango.

WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY SUN | 4.30-6.30PM MALAK COMMUNITY HALL $5 facebook.com/nthntango

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.

WHEN EVERY TUE & THU | 10-10.45AM COST FREE

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 COST

EVERY WED | 10-10.45AM 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 to 12 years, Code Club is free but places are limited, so bookings are essential.

WHEN COST

EVERY SAT | 10AM–1PM FREE

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Autobiographical Stories of the Tummy HAVE YOU GOT A STORY ABOUT THE BEST BBQ EVER? THE FINEST CAMPING ONE POT WONDER? OR PERHAPS YOUR FIRST TASTE OF A NEW DISH WHEN TRAVELLING? For many, food conjures memories – a picnic eaten in the Adelaide Hills or a gelato savoured in Rome. Following the success of her 2017 Tropical Kitchen program at Darwin Festival, performance artist Jamie Lewis returns for a second year as a resident artist at ACCOMPLICE. Inspired by the cultural and political stories around food – genealogy, ethical food sourcing, heritage and tradition – Lewis creates and performs works that are centered

1 garden red chilli Half a bunch of sawtooth coriander 1 spring onion or red onion

Raw Food Classes

With Top Enders' love affairs with food combined with the art of autobiographical storytelling, there’s sure to be some memorable tales coming out of this delicious workshop.

Learn how raw foods can heal your body and how to incorporate them into your daily life.

WHEN SAT 17 & SUN 18 FEB | 11AM- 2PM AT NIGHTCLIFF COST $120 PER CLASS | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO theholisticenthusiast.com

I LOVE PINEAPPLES SO MUCH, THEIR FORM IS AMAZING AND NOTHING SAYS “TROPICAL FRUIT” QUITE AS WELL. I have to admit that, growing up in a non tropical home, I thought that pineapples grew on trees – until I caught my first glimpse of a pineapple farm with rows and rows of spikey Bromeliads harbouring fruit in the sunshine, quite near their place of origin in South America. And more than 18 years on, they are still a favourite.

Image by Emma Lupin

Juice of one small local lime Fresh, grated coconut (optional) Chop the pineapple and cucumbers (or capsicum) into small cubes.

Finely chop the chilli, coriander and onion. Coconut can be added for a little sweetness. Combine and serve.

YOUR ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION

skycitydarwin.com.au @skycitydarwin 8

Image by Helen Orr

“Stories are at the heart of Darwin and I am excited to create creative opportunities for locals to reflect, create and share their yarn with their community,” she says.

Easy Pineapple Salsa 2 small cucumbers (or 1 small capsicum)

SAT 3 FEB | 10AM-5PM ACCOMPLICE $150 | INCLUDES LUNCH & DRINKS creativeaccomplice.com.au

around stories, conversation and food. Using personal memories of food as a starting point, Lewis teaches the skills and techniques of autobiographical storytelling – helping you to examine and tell your own stories.

Taste of the Top End 1 medium pineapple

WHEN AT COST INFO

LISTINGS

FOOD & DRINK

This time of year in the Top End, pineapples are in season – but only for a couple of months! They can be found at the local markets in Darwin and the rural area and are better than any long distance pineapples,

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.

as they are picked just ripe and are often small and sweet. They make great table or house decorations too, while they are ripening. They are easy to grow in a sunny spot in the garden and can be grown from the tops, or small pups at the side, but can take up to 18 months to mature.

Pineapples are great in salsas, refreshing drinks, drinking vinegars and in sweet and sour recipes – or even grilled as an accompaniment to other dishes.

I love making a little salsa (basically a salad with everything chopped finely) and also make this into a nummus, adding the base ingredients to pickled fish.

PIPER COLLECTIVE pipercollective.com.au

Wine and Cheese Tasting

Take a trip around Australia, sampling six wines with paired cheeses.

WHEN EVERY THU | 6PM COST $35 | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Explore Champagne and Sparkling

Six bottles of bubbles will be popped at this sparkling evening!

WHEN FRI 9 FEB | 6PM COST $89 | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Calling Red Wine Lovers!

Explore six glorious reds from Australia's first families of wine.

WHEN FRI 23 FEB | 6PM COST $49 | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Open That Bottle Night

Have a special bottle – or one that you’re not sure about – hidden away?

Try it through Piper’s Coravin System – it gives you the freedom to pour and enjoy a glass from any bottle at any time.

FOLLOW @tasteofthetopend

WHEN

SAT 24 FEB | 10AM-1PM

LISTINGS

& Faces Places

On Body and Soul Sami Blood

French Film Night

Enjoy the French comedy, Supercondriaque, along with French cheese and wine at this monthly Alliance Française de Darwin event.

WHEN AT COST INFO

WED 7 FEB| 6.30PM MAGNT $20 | $14 MEMB, STUDENT afdarwin.org

Eagle and Lamb – Author Talk

Travelling Film Festival BUNKER DOWN FOR SOME QUALITY WET SEASON SCREENINGS as Sydney Film Festival’s annual regional tour – the Travelling Film Festival (TFF) – returns this February.

Complementing Darwin Film Society’s indoor season of Flix in the Wet, the TFF brings a host of internationally acclaimed films to Top End screens.

Opening the festival is the winner of the Cannes Golden Eye Documentary Prize, Faces Places, a captivating and heartwarming film documenting legendary filmmaker Agnès Varda and iconic Instagram photographer JR’s journey as they travel through rural France.

Catch the winner of the 2017 Sydney Film Prize, On Body and Soul; the latest masterpiece by Cannes Palme d’Or winner Michael Haneke, Happy End, as he explores generational differences in attitudes towards life and the world; and the moving story of a reindeer herding Sámi girl who severs ties with her family and her culture in Sami Blood.

Armie Hammer shines with his performances in Call Me by Your Name,

a sensual and transcendent story of first love, and stars alongside Geoffrey Rush in Final Portrait, an amusing comedy about artist Alberto Giacometti.

Already a huge hit with Darwin audiences at the 2017 Darwin International Film Festival, Loving Vincent, the world’s first fully painted feature film explores the life of Vincent Van Gogh. Critically acclaimed The Florida Project and compassionate tale A Fantastic Woman are also ones to see.

The TFF Katherine screens Faces Places, Call Me by Your Name, Sami Blood and The Florida Project; as well as The Other Side of Hope, a heartwarming tale of friendship; and the winner of the 2017 Cannes Palme d’Or The Square.

TFF Darwin

TFF Katherine

WHEN THU 8 – SUN 11 FEB AT BCC CINEMA DARWIN COST $14 | $12 CONC | $10 CHILD,

STUDENT | SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE INFO sff.org.au/tff

WHEN FRI 9 – SUN 11 FEB AT KATHERINE CINEMAS COST $14 | $12 CONC | $10 CHILD,

STUDENT | SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE INFO sff.org.au/tff

Forming part of the city-wide commemorations of the Bombing of Darwin, Dr. Noel Kentish shares the fascinating story of his father: the only Australian captured by Japanese forces in Australia during World War II. WHEN MON 19 FEB | 1PM AT NT LIBRARY COST FREE | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL INFO facebook.com/ northernterritorylibrary

MAGNT

magnt.net.au

MAGNT at the Movies – Saturday Shorts + Feature

Local artist Franck Gohier has chosen an exciting selection of films that explore some of the major themes in his work.

WHEN COST

EVERY SAT | 1PM $10 | $8 CONC | $5 CHILD | FREE U6

MAGNT at the Movies – Sunday Feature

See a selection of rare and historic Australian films.

WHEN COST

EVERY SUN | 1PM FREE

NT WRITERS’ CENTRE ntwriters.com.au

Writing Memoir

Every life has its stories. This workshop with author Joanne Van Os seeks to inspire, instruct and help you get started.

Flix Wet IN THE

AT COST

INFO

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

AS THE RAIN POURS DOWN, AND THE CITY STEAMS UP – there’s nothing better than grabbing some popcorn and sitting back in the air-conditioned comfort of Darwin’s BCC Cinemas to enjoy the delightful pick ’n’ mix of films selected by the Darwin Film Society this Wet season.

And this February you can look forward to two extra special combos, with a Middle Eastern double and a Bad Behaviour double on the bill.

Your Middle Eastern journey starts with In Between; an empowering

tale of three young Arab Israeli women who share an apartment in Tel Aviv, chronicling their journey as they balance youth culture with traditional expectations.

City of Ghosts follows, with the harrowing yet hopeful tale of what happened when Syrian activists banded together, following the taking of Raqqa by ISIS in 2014.

Café Cinema complements this cultural feast, with special guest host Nadeem Turkia, owner of local food truck Flavours of Damascus.

WHEN AT

COST

Bad Genius

Enjoy Turkia’s famous ‘falafel’s made with love’, and join in the group discussion exploring questions raised in the film.

Flix in the Wet then hits pause for the Travelling Film Festival, resuming the following weekend with a very naughty double feature.

Ocean’s Eleven meets The Breakfast Club in the multi award winning crime thriller Bad Genius – the story of a straight-A student who devises an internationally successful examcheating scheme.

SUN 4 FEB | 10AM-1PM FROG HOLLOW CENTRE FOR THE ARTS $65 | $50 NTWC MEMB | BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Poetry and Coffee The Teacher completes your afternoon’s bad education, with a wildly entertaining black comedy inspired by the true story of a Communist-era school teacher who manipulated her pupils and their families for unprecedented personal gain.

To wrap up a month of fine cinema, catch Australian comedy-drama What If It Works.

WHEN

SUN 4, 18 & 25 FEB | VARIOUS TIMES

Connect with fellow poetry lovers and share your favourite verses, or your own originals. No criticism, just enjoyment.

WHEN AT COST

THU 15 FEB | 10-11AM EAT AT MARTIN’S FREE

Wild Words

The stage is wide open for anyone to perform poetry, prose, song lyrics or even a blog!

WHEN AT COST

SUN 25 FEB | 3-5PM RAILWAY CLUB $5 | FREE FOR PERFORMERS, CHILD, NTWC MEMB

9

14 Wed

7 Belle ArtStart (entries close)

Mon

6 Brick by Brick 7 No Lights No Lycra 7 Nursery Time

19 6 Brick by Brick 7 Bombing of Darwin Day Commemorative Service 9 Eagle and Lamb – Author Talk 19 Monday Jam Nights

See Books & Film 9 Bad Genius

See Around Town 7

20 Tue

Sun

6 Brick by Brick 7 Social Tennis 7 Our Common Threads 7 Storytime 13 RAW Comedy Heats 19 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

25

9 Flix in the Wet

6 Brick by Brick 7 Aqua Zumba 7 ‘Movement Medicine’ 7 Argentine Tango Practica 9 MAGNT at the Movies 9 Wild Words

15 Thu

Mon

6 Brick by Brick 7 Storytime 8 Wine & Cheese Tasting 9 Poetry and Coffee 13 Labelled

See Around Town 7

26

6 Brick by Brick 19 Monday Jam Nights

16 Fri

19 In Heart’s Wake

Wed

6 Brick by Brick 7 Grey Panthers 13 Labelled 17 Frog Hollow (opening) 19 Loud at the Library

See Around Town 6

21

7 Stained Glass Lampshade Workshop (commences) 6 Brick by Brick 7 Couple Connect 7 No Lights No Lycra 7 Nursery Time

See Around Town 5 Frank Flynn, Ophthalmoscope

See Music 19

22

Thu

Tue

6 Brick by Brick 7 Argentine Tango 7 Storytime 8 Wine & Cheese Tasting 13 LOL Thursdays

27

5 Wet Season Treasures Tour 6 Brick by Brick 7 Social Tennis 7 Our Common Threads 7 Storytime 19 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

17

Sat

Fri

6 Brick by Brick 7 Code Club 8 Raw Food Classes 9 MAGNT at the Movies 16 Colin Holt: a survey (last chance) 19 Have Fun With Brass

23

Wed

6 Brick by Brick 7 Milonga 7 Grey Panthers 8 Calling Red Wine Lovers!

16 The Mystical (opening) 16 Lyrical (opening)

28

6 Brick by Brick 7 Couple Connect 7 No Lights No Lycra 7 Nursery Time

18

Sun

15 Tjungunutja (last chance)

6 Brick by Brick 7 Aqua Zumba 7 ‘Movement Medicine’ 7 Argentine Tango Practica 8 Raw Food Classes 9 Flix in the Wet 9 MAGNT at the Movies 15 Coastal Links (last chance)

See Music 18

Matthew Wood

See Visual Arts 15

24

Sat

18 DSO Valedictory Concert

6 Brick by Brick 7 Code Club 8 Open That Bottle Night 9 MAGNT at the Movies 16 Rising Stars 2018 (last chance) 16 Tokapuwi: Big Mob of Birds (last chance) 19 Have Fun With Brass

AROUND TOWn Books & fILM Performing Arts YOUTH Visual Arts Word on the STREET Food & Drink Music FESTIVALS

offtheleash.net.au

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

Tue

1 Thu Fri

4 Franck Gohier (opening)

2

6 Brick by Brick

Fri

6 Brick by Brick 7 Grey Panthers 16 Tokapuwi: Big Mob of Birds (opens) 19 Loud at the Library

See Around Town 7

Thu

6 Brick by Brick 7 Grey Panthers 8 Explore Champagne & Sparkling 9 Travelling Film Festival 19 Loud at the Library

9

7 First Thursday GLAMR Social Group 7 Storytime 8 Wine & Cheese Tasting 13 First Thursday Comedy

Calendar See Around Town 6

6 7 Social Tennis

6 Brick by Brick 7 Our Common Threads 7 Storytime 13 RAW Comedy Heats 19 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

See Books & Film 9 Faces Places

8

9 Travelling Film Festival (opening)

6 Brick by Brick 7 Storytime 8 Wine & Cheese Tasting

See Feature 4

Sat

4 Art Talk 5 Deadly 60 Downunder 6 Brick by Brick 7 Code Club 8 Autobiographical stories of the Tummy 9 MAGNT at the Movies 16 Rising Stars 2018 (opens) 19 Have Fun With Brass

3 20

18

Sat

11

6 Brick by Brick 7 Aqua Zumba 7 ‘Movement Medicine’ 7 Argentine Tango Practica 9 Travelling Film Festival

9 MAGNT at the Movies

Sun

FEB 10

4 Studio Visit 6 Brick by Brick 7 Introduction To Weaving (commences) 7 Code Club 9 Travelling Film Festival 9 MAGNT at the Movies 17 DVAA Members’ Show – works due 19 Have Fun With Brass

4

Sun

7 National Pet Adoption Day

6 Brick by Brick 7 Aqua Zumba 7 ‘Movement Medicine’ 7 Argentine Tango Practica 9 Flix in the Wet 9 MAGNT at the Movies 9 Writing Memoir 15 A Ticket To Paradise (last chance) 19 First Sunday Blues

See Visual Arts 17

See Books & Film 9

Walkabout

See Around Town 7

7

Wed

Mon

6 Brick by Brick 7 No Lights No Lycra 7 Nursery Time 9 French Film Night

15 Coastal Links – artist talk

12

6 Brick by Brick 19 Monday Jam Nights

5

Mon

Tue

6 Brick by Brick 19 Monday Jam Nights

See Visual Arts 15

13

5 Wet Season Treasures Tour 6 Brick by Brick 7 Exploring Anger with Men 7 Social Tennis 7 Our Common Threads 7 Storytime 19 Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

NORTHERN TERRITORY WRITERS’ CENTRE

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

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

Aboriginal Bush Traders is 100% not-for profit and provides support to Indigenous people wanting to engage in economic activities in a sustainable way.

Facebook Aboriginal Bush Traders

Email

info@aboriginalbushtraders.com

Insta

aboriginal_bush_traders

Phone

(08) 8942 4023

Shop

www.aboriginalbushtraders.com

Lyons Cottage, 74 The Esplanade, Darwin 12

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

darwincitybrassband.org.au

WORD ON THE STREET

LOVE, DISCOVER, SHARE Clean Living is being mindful of what you put in your body, mindful of keeping a healthy home and work environment, and mindful of your environmental footprint.

and deliberately – for Indigenous print dresses, plastic sandals, hessian bags and DIY facial serums using essential oils, zoodles and kombucha!

who share my passion for clean, natural living. And I am constantly surprised by, and thankful for, the generosity of those who share their knowledge with me.

I’ve been a Territorian for over a decade now and have fallen in love with the tropics – all its charms, environment, multiculturalism and outdoor lifestyle; and even its idiosyncrasies – the Build Up, the heat, the wildlife – to me, it’s heavenly.

When I was a Territory newbie, I wished I had a guide – something or someone to help me adapt to this lifestyle. So, for newbies of today (and locals) I’ve compiled the Essential Guide to Clean Living in the Tropics, providing connections to over 100 Territory businesses taking a cleaner approach to beauty, health and well-being, clothing and accessories, destinations, eating out, family and kids, farmers, food and drink, home and lifestyle.

At Clean Living in the Tropics we publish our community’s insights, including ever-popular recipes for food, as well as recipes for essentials like removing mould!

Over the last 10 years, I have slowly let go of ‘European addictions’ like fashion labels, high-heeled boots, leather bags, wearing make-up all the time, spaghetti – and even wine. I swapped them – happily

Unfortunately, mould spores like to thrive in humid, damp conditions too. For a natural cleaning solution combine five drops of clove oil, one-quarter cup of white vinegar and one litre of water. Pour into a spray bottle – preferably aluminium or glass – shake well and spray.

Wipe clean with water and vinegar – done!

I’m constantly discovering people

Lina Paselli is the joint owner of Clean Living in the Tropics, an online publisher dedicated to championing clean living individuals and businesses in the Top End. Lina is also the co-founder and General Manager of award-winning Malak Marketplace, Darwin’s premier organic, sustainable farmers’ market and eco-tourist destination. She also owns Paleo in the Tropics.

FOLLOW cleanlivinginthetropics.com.au

| facebook.com/cleanlivinginthetropics

REVIEWS, TIPS AND ADVICE FOR TRAVELLING THE WORLD WITH KIDS What’s on Your Travel Bucket List for 2018? One of the things I love about the beginning of a new year is planning and dreaming about where to go for the holidays.

With Darwin being so close to Asia, there are heaps of exciting options a mere hop, skip and jump away – and at the top of my 2018 travel bucket list is Atauro Island off Timor-Leste.

The island is about an hour boat ride from Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili, or you can fly there if you prefer. The 25 kilometre long and 9 kilometre wide island is home to a spectacular mountainous spine and narrow coastal plains.

Approximately 9,000 people live on the island, mostly subsistence fishermen and farmers.

Timor-Leste isn't on everyone’s radar as a family-friendly destination. Being a mere hour and a half flight from Darwin, TimorLeste is even closer than Bali – and it seems that more and more Darwin friends are heading there.

Sure, it’s not for everyone. Tourism is in its infancy and infrastructure and services are basic outside of Dili compared to the likes of Bali.

But, if a laid-back island getaway, rustic eco huts, world class snorkelling and diving – without the hordes of tourists – sounds enticing you should check out Atauro Island.

There’s heaps to keep the kids entertained – swimming, fishing, boat trips, spotting dolphins and whales if you are lucky or taking a tour in a local tuk-tuk. There are also various festivals each year and opportunities to visit arts and crafts cooperatives. But if that all

seems too much you can simply laze beachside in a hammock.

There are various low-key, simple places to stay. Perhaps the most well-known is Barry’s Place which has a range of basic beach huts of varying sizes. The entire place is designed based on permaculture principles, using locally sourced building materials and traditional construction techniques. By all accounts it’s a friendly place to stay, and kids are warmly welcomed with open arms.

Don’t expect all the mod cons on Atauro Island, but if you’re looking for somewhere unique where your kids will get an insight into local Timorese culture, Atauro Island could be just the place you are after. A holiday there will certainly be an experience your kids will never forget.

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.

COMICS'

CORNER SHOWCASING TOP END COMICS AND LOCAL STAND-UP PERFORMERS

THE HOLIDAYS ARE OVER, THE DEMOULDING RITUALS COMPLETE AND NEW YEAR’S DIETARY RESOLUTIONS MADE AND JETTISONED – now is the time to venture into the world and explore the cultural delicacies that Darwin has on offer, and what better than to catch some of Darwin’s phenomenally talented standup comedians.

Darwin is blessed with an abundance of obscenely gifted standups performing some of the more intelligent, interesting and well-executed comedy in the country. The NT has enjoyed a comedy renaissance in recent years led by standup vanguards Amy Hetherington, Ryan McArthur, Danielle Andrews, KC Martin, Ange Wu, Nicole Stevens, Justin Crookes, Dave Woodhead, Angus Robson, Brad Stott and Andi Egan.

More recently, Ben Stephenson, Jason Williams, Justin Brown, Leo Tchia and Briant Clark have all developed into budding standup superstars. Alice Springs has seen the emergence of Jacqueline Pillar, Chris Cook, Danny Sgro, and Chris Little, perhaps the most talented standup in Australia not currently on television.

February also means that RAW Comedy, the national open mic comedy competition, comes to town. Some of Australia’s premier comedians have been discovered off the back of their success in RAW Comedy including Aamer Rahman, Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Celia Pacquola and Luke McGregor.

Darwin and Alice Springs will host heats before the NT final at The Venue Fannie Bay in March. The winner goes through to the final in Melbourne, which will be broadcast on ABC TV. So go see Darwin’s comedy superstars of tomorrow battle it out and perhaps be the first to see a Darwin comedian before they hit the big time and get too big to sign your belly at a Happy Yess gig.

Also this month, Alice Springs standup, Jacqueline Pillar, comes to Darwin to perform her new show “Labelled”. This show promises to be a “raucous trip through labels and stereotypes as applied through her lifetime – and her rejection of some of the maddest ideas in history”.

Darwin has a regular stand up night, First Thursday Comedy, at Brown’s Mart and there are always a couple of open mic spots available for people who’ve been thinking they’d like to give standup a try.

Head to the Beachfront Hotel for LOL Thursdays to catch five handpicked stand-up comedians deliver some fast and furious comedy.

Finally, best of luck to KC Marin and Jason Williams who are both touring their solo shows to the Adelaide Fringe Festival in February.

First Thursday Comedy WHEN THU 1 FEB | 7.30PM At BROWN’S MART COST $10 INFO facebook.com/ topendcomedy

RAW Comedy Heats WHEN TUE 6 & 20 FEB | 7-9PM At HAPPY YESS COST $10 INFO comedyfestival.com.au/ raw

Labelled – A Comedic Story About Stories About People WHEN At COST INFO

THU 15 & FRI 16 FEB | 7PM MAYFAIR GALLERY $15 facebook.com/jaccipillar

LOL Thursdays WHEN THU 22 FEB | 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 | @growinguptroppo

13

YOUTH

Life AT THE TOP

The Top End is an incredible place to live and work, where opportunities abound. Artsworker and emerging artist Hannah Illingworth and photographer Jacob Hazeldine of City of Darwin’s LAUNCHmedia caught up with three young Darwinites for Off The Leash, who are kicking their career goals in the Northern Territory capital.

Pick your weapon. As an artist, what do you prefer creating and what industries can we find you working in?

My art weapon of choice at the moment is a stylus. I work using a 13-inch HD Wacom stylus, which is a screen-based tablet. Although when I’m working on the Zero Point Project (a new anime web series) in Sydney I use a 24-inch, which is a lot nicer, so I might be upgrading soon. At the moment you’ll find me doing a lot of 2D animation and a lot of writing, but before that I was a stencil artist. I think I’d be a bit rusty with a Stanley knife and spray can now.

Jonathan Saunders

When people talk about Darwin, what’s the most amazing thing that you never hear?

The potential for growth and change here is often not talked about, especially for the growing film and screen community. And hopefully, with Zero Point, a growing animation community. For the screen industry, there’s a real need to keep talents up here, to build that community. I believe we can create things that are the same quality or rival to Melbourne or Sydney.

Why Darwin over somewhere like Melbourne? What happened for you to decide that Darwin is the creative playground for you?

I made the decision to stay because lot of people with a creative streak and talent have traditionally moved down south because there’s no work here. So it’s a double-edged sword where people want to work here, but there’re no jobs – but if there’s no one up here then no new jobs will be created. With the Internet it’s not a hindrance like it used to be and with Season Zero I’ve been working in Darwin but I also work with my animation director in Sydney using the web or phones. Being so close to South Asia, Darwin is in a prime position to expand; providing opportunities to work with animation companies in

Pick your weapon. As an artist, what do you prefer creating and what industries can we find you working in?

I predominantly work in theatre and live performance, so I really enjoy writing and directing. I very much enjoy performance practice that’s innovative, new and risky, working with queer artists and trying to experiment with new and old ideas. I also spend a lot of time as an arts manager and a producer, including with Darwin Fringe Festival.

Cj Fraser Bell

When people talk about Darwin, what’s the most amazing thing that you never hear?

One of the things I really love is the art scene. People don’t seem to know how awesome our art scene is – that it’s huge and different to other scenes in Australia. I didn’t realise, until I started travelling and seeing other work and other festivals, how unique and special it is here. We care about each other and we care about each other’s projects. We are a community, people have your back, people want to see you succeed and they want to give you opportunities.

There’s a real sense of pride and achievement, and I don’t think you find that in larger art scenes so much.

Why Darwin over somewhere like Melbourne? What happened for you to decide that Darwin is the creative playground for you?

I’m from Darwin, I was born here. But unlike a lot of people who stick around, my family doesn’t live here. They left and I decided to stay because I’d started to feel that sense of community. And then a few years later I realised that the art that gets made here, and the artistic voices that develop here, are unique, special and formed by this place. That’s really exciting and should be shared

Pick your weapon. As an artist, what do you prefer creating and what industries can we find you working in?

The last couple of years I’ve really enjoyed mucking around in Adobe; really playing around in Photoshop. Through trying new things and getting fresh ideas from places like Pinterest, I’ve gotten to see my progression in a digital media space and it makes me feel a bit proud. Generally you can find me working with AFL NT – press conferences, interviews, and media related work. You can also find me in the television industry working on The Scoop for Southern Cross Television.

Levi Dobson

When people talk about Darwin, what’s the most amazing thing that you never hear?

A lot of people are quick to talk about the weather – “it’s hot” – the markets and beautiful sunsets. Yeah, it’s all awesome, but the thing people really don’t talk about is the sense of community. The past three years have shown me that a lot; how tight and close our community is. My boss and I joke that there’s zero degrees of separation between everyone up here. Recently there was a horrible accident in the NTFL and seeing the community band together reinforced how strong our community is.

Why Darwin over somewhere like Melbourne? What happened for you to decide that Darwin is the creative playground for you?

People say “aw what! You’re still up here, what are you doing?” I think there’s a lot of misconception about how far you can progress in Darwin, but it has so many opportunities because it is so small and because we have a tight

14

Singapore and Malaysia where there’s been a big injection of money for those industries. You also get to stand out more. You can focus on making a good product instead of worrying about getting your foot in the door, which is not as crushing or detrimental to the end result. Don’t be discouraged by the isolation, I found an audience online as well. If you put in the work and promote yourself you’ll get the audience and the opportunities.

What’s been your favourite unique opportunity? What job has made you think: wow, this is definitely something I’d never do anywhere else?

My day job at ANKAAA (Association of Northern, Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists). I travel to a lot of remote Indigenous communities and you really wouldn’t be able to do that anywhere else. Compared to going out bush down south, the Territory still has that ‘Last Frontier’ vibe, even now. It’s a bit special.

We still have a lot of freedom in terms of travelling and living. For good or bad we’re still the final frontier.

You need to feel comforted and inspired. Where’s your favourite secret Darwin hideaway?

I’m afraid to say, as it won’t be a secret – but if I want to get away I usually go to the foreshore in Nightcliff. It’s not particularly a secret but it’s nice. I like it because it’s relaxing and everyone has their own story from there. Living in Darwin, one of the good things is the laid back attitude – but that’s also a bad thing, because if you’re too laid back you’re not going to push yourself to seek opportunities. You have to be confident in your abilities. If there’s an opportunity you’ve just got to grab it. Even if you don’t think you’ll get it, just try anyway.

FOLLOW facebook.com/zeropointanimation | jonathon-saunders.tumblr.com

with the rest of Australia. I think it’s a really great place to develop a unique voice.

What’s been your favourite unique opportunity? What job has made you think: wow, this is definitely something I’d never do anywhere else?

With very little experience, I think it’s unlikely that I’d be the director of a Fringe Festival anywhere else in Australia. Darwin’s a place where you can make your own opportunities. A bunch of friends and I decided there was a need for an independent arts festival for emerging artists of different art forms in Darwin. Being able to start that with my friends, and now drive it as the director, is a really cool opportunity. In Sydney or Melbourne you go to uni and get a degree and then beg people to let you work for free in the area you’re qualified in. In Darwin you can be kind of interested, but with no experience, and there’s probably an opportunity to be paid beside a team! The attitude of making things happen is really exciting.

You need to feel comforted and inspired. Where’s your favourite secret Darwin hideaway?

I live in the suburbs and I love those gorgeous little parks that are between streets. Often there’s not even a playground or even a proper walking path.

They’re just beautiful and really serene, these little pockets of green. I love that about Darwin, how green our suburbs are. It’s something that’s really unique to here. And everyone loves being on Nightcliff foreshore catching a storm roll in.

Even in the city you’re a minute walk away from the Esplanade. Being able to walk out of your office and be under a tree is the best.

FOLLOW @cjfraserbell | darwinfringe.org.au

community. The lifestyle is so laid back. Mum’s always saying “go with the flow” whenever I stress – and it’s true. I think back eight years to when I was living in Brisbane, and I wouldn’t be doing things down there that I do here. For me, I was at that stage where I was thinking I’m not really getting anywhere, but as soon as you start putting the work in and getting your name out, going places, conversing and meeting with new people, things just open up.

What’s been your favourite unique opportunity? What job has made you think: wow, this is definitely something I’d never do anywhere else?

The most unique opportunity would be The Scoop! If it weren’t for The Scoop we wouldn’t be having this interview! That’s opened my avenues to heaps of opportunities, places and locations I never thought I’d go. I’ve been lucky enough to do international trips, filming episodes in places like Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand. The Scoop’s so unique and I’ve met so many people. I’m so lucky and fortunate to be involved.

You need to feel comforted and inspired. Where’s your favourite secret Darwin hideaway?

It’s not much of a secret, but Nightcliff Jetty. For a lot of young people it’s got such a connection to their childhood. Living in the suburbs and going there with mates, I’ve had so many good experiences and made so many memories.

You’ve got sunsets, fish and chips, you can bring the family, watch the king tide when a cyclone rolls in or hunt the rock pools for seashells. The wider Darwin community resonates with this place. I really love it.

FOLLOW facebook.com/levidobsonpresenter | @ldobs

VISUAL ARTS MAGNT

Sarah PirriE

Coastal Links An initiative of Arts NT, the Creative in Residence Program was launched in 2016 as a professional development opportunity for Northern Territory artists and creative practitioners.

Produced in partnership with the Araluen Cultural Precinct in Alice Springs and Darwin’s Northern Territory Library and Northern Territory Archives Service, each residency provides a unique opportunity to create and showcase new work in one of these cultural institutions. Sarah Pirrie, who has been absorbing the shelves at the NT Library, spoke to Off The Leash about her residency and resulting body of work.

Tell us about the work you've created during your residency?

Simply put, I have created a book and a series of artworks including the works on paper, ‘Macrotidal Quadrat Series’, and a collection of allegorical ‘Rocksitting Place-mats’ around the theme of a coastal companion guide.

Rocksitting Place-mats? Please tell us more!

Yes, the Rocksitting Place-mats were the first works I completed as part of the residency and were used as a

form of sit-in during the 2017 Darwin Festival. People were invited to sit on the mats and engage in a discussion about our coastline. The image is of the iconic lateritic rock of East Point surrounded by water. They reference the tidal rock originally used by the Rocksitting Club – the rock was destroyed by lightning in 1986. I made them as a tool, inviting consideration about how we engaged, occupy and alter our coastline. I hope to use them for future events.

How has the program assisted you in your artistic practice?

Working with the staff and collection of the Northern Territory Library I have discovered a depth of knowledge about Darwin and our coastal communities. I envisage using this unique resource into the future and have developed many creative starting points for future artworks and curated projects.

What have been the outcomes for you?

Over the course of this residency I have walked the stacks of the Northern Territory Library and the intertidal reefs, rocks, mangroves and beaches

Art &

ABOUT

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

Charlie Tjaruru Tjungurrayi, 'Medicine Story or Man Dreaming', 1971; collection of MAGNT

of Darwin. The resulting artworks and notional companion guide interweave personal narratives, historical events, places and ecological phenomena.

What can people expect at your artist talk?

Like all good artist talks this will be an informal audience-driven event. I will discuss my Coastal Links project, the residency and hopefully provide some insight into the creative inspiration and technical aspects of the artworks created.

What’s next for you?

I’ll be consolidating what I’ve discovered through doing the NT Library residency; looking again to our coastal boundaries for a new body of work.

I have a number of projects on the go for Pirrie Space and am coordinating a new Bachelor of Creative Arts Visual Arts course at Charles Darwin University.

WHEN UNTIL SUN 18 FEB | ARTIST

TALK WED 7 FEB, 5.30-7PM AT NT LIBRARY COST FREE INFO facebook.com/northernterri torylibrary

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.

WHEN UNTIL SUN 18 FEB

Left: Brian Jonmundsson and his wife Visitacion arrive in Sydney, 1963. NAA: A12111, 1/1963/4/41 Below: Italian migrants disembark at Sydney, 1951. NAA: A12111, 2/1951/4A/

A Ticket To Paradise 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 4 FEB Top: Sarah Pirrie, ‘Macrotidal Quadrat Series No.1' (detail), 2017 Right: Sarah Pirrie, ‘Macrotidal Quadrat Series’ (detail), 2017

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Visit

PARAP GALLERIES NCCA

OUTSTATION

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

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

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

Dana Duncan, 'Three Green Puzzle' (detail)

The

Mystical

Rising Stars 2018 THIS ANNUAL EXHIBITION IS A CHANCE TO SHOWCASE AND SUPPORT UPCOMING ARTISTS as they forge their own path while sharing family stories and diversifying techniques. 10 artists from four art centres display a cross section of the diversity of work from the central desert and the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands.

Marina Pumani-Brown, 'Ngayuku Ngurra' (My Home), 2017, acrylic on linen, 122 x 152cm

WHEN

SAT 3 – SAT 24 FEB

DANA DUNCAN’S EXHIBITION FEATURES HIGHLY INTRICATE AND RICHLY COLOURED DRAWINGS, ceramics and mosaic, with patterned compositions in gel pen, along with forays into acrylic painting.

WHEN

FRI 23 FEB – SAT 17 MAR | OPENING FRI 23 FEB, 6PM

Kat Borrow, ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ (detail)

NOMAD ART GALLERY

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

Janice Pungautiji Murray, ‘Pinjoma Jilamarini - Barn Owls’, (three colour) sugar lift and aquatint, 90 x 60cm Janice Pungautiji Murray, 'Tirrintirri – Burdekin Ducks' and 'Pinjoma Jilamarini - Barn Owl', (in colour and black and white), etchings, 90 x 60cm

Tokapuwi Big Mob of Birds 16

TIWI ISLAND ARTIST, JANICE MURRAY IS WELL KNOWN FOR HER EXCEPTIONAL GRAPHIC INTERPRETATIONS OF TRADITIONAL CULTURAL MOTIFS, birds and ceremonial design.

In 2017 Murray was awarded an Australian Print Workshop Collie

Print Trust Fellowship to work in collaboration with printers Martin King and Simon White to produce 10 new large format etchings. This exhibition features the new suite of etchings, ironwood bird carvings and bird studies in ochre on paper.

WHEN FRI 2 – SAT 24 FEB

LYRICAL This exhibition is all about artist Kat Borrow’s favourite band – The Beatles – and the major impact it’s had on her life and love of music.

WHEN

FRI 23 FEB – SAT 17 MAR OPENING FRI 23 FEB, 6PM

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

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 SAT 17 FEB Left: Colin Holt, ‘Marshall Perron, 14 July 1988 – 26 May 1995’, 2008, acrylic on canvas; collection of the artist Below: Colin Holt, Untitled, 2014, acrylic and mixed media on board, 122 x 244cm; collection of the artist

DVAA

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

FROG HOLLOW OPEN TO ALL CURRENT MEMBERS OF DVAA, the first member show for 2018 is Frog Hollow. This member show is likely to be the last to be held at the iconic Frog Hollow Centre for the Arts. What does the space mean to you?

WHEN FRI 16 FEB – SAT 3 MAR |

OPENING FRI 16 FEB, 6PM |

DVAA MEMBER WORKS DUE

AT DVAA ON SAT 10 FEB, 10AM-3PM

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MUSIC

Uncharted

Musical Territory THE TERRITORY MUSIC SCENE IS BOOMING. WITH ARTISTS AS DIVERSE AS CAITI BAKER, GAWURRA AND BAKER BOY MAKING WAVES AROUND AUSTRALIA – AND INTERNATIONALLY. 2017 WAS A MASSIVE YEAR FOR MUSIC LOVERS AROUND THE WORLD TO SIT UP AND TAKE NOTE OF THE STORIES WE HAVE TO TELL – AND THE UNIQUE WAYS WE HAVE OF TELLING THEM.

Matthew Wood

So what can we expect Territory musos to deliver in 2018? Who are the artists we can expect to hear more from, and how will the Territory scene capitalise on some of the great achievements of the last few years?

Mark Smith, Executive Director of Music NT, spoke to Off The Leash about last year’s successes, and what he’s looking forward to this year.

Thank you

for the Music FTER FIVE YEARS AT THE HELM OF THE DARWIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (DSO), MATTHEW WOOD FINISHED UP AS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CHIEF CONDUCTOR AT THE END OF 2017. HE RETURNS FOR A VALEDICTORY CONCERT THIS FEBRUARY WITH A CONCERT CELEBRATING HIS MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST HALF-DECADE. You’ve worked with leading orchestras around the world, including the London Philharmonic, and conducted for Australia’s leading orchestras in Melbourne, Tasmania and Queensland. What brought you to the role in Darwin? Did you have certain expectations about what this experience would be like?

I had been living and working in the UK and Europe for many years and was very keen to return home to Australia at some stage. So when the position became available to return to Australia to work for the DSO I jumped at it. I had absolutely no expectations – as I had never been to the Territory before – however after coming and meeting the orchestra and familiarising myself with the landscape, I quickly became aware that this is a place of tremendous opportunity. The orchestra was about to celebrate its 25th anniversary; as such, many Territorians had already experienced a DSO concert.

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I think my main ambition was to improve the quality of playing and to broaden the scope of performances in order to reach as diverse an audience as possible, becoming an arts organisation that was truly representative of the broad cultural landscape of the Northern Territory. I think we have achieved this through a mix of diverse programming. When I arrived the DSO Opera Gala attracted about 500 people – we now perform regularly to about 3,500 at this event. Similarly, we regularly now attract over 6,000 for

our large outdoor ConocoPhillips concert at the Gardens Amphitheatre and our indoor audiences are increasing all the time. I am very proud of this development and believe the orchestra is in a very good place when it comes to being connected to the community it serves.

For a small city, we are blessed to have such talented musicians playing world-class orchestral music for us. What have been the highlights for you working with the DSO? The DSO has certainly demonstrated the ‘can do’ attitude of the Territory and there are definitely ‘unique’ experiences that will be impossible to replicate anywhere else. Probably the biggest of these experiences was the tour to Uluru where the orchestra became the first in the world to perform in front of this iconic Australian landmark.

Another was performing on a working barge in the middle of Darwin Harbour.

More recently we toured to NorthEast Arnhem Land where we performed Bizet’s Pearlfishers at Gulkula – a profoundly sacred place for the Yolngu people and the place where the Garma Festival is held each year. Here we collaborated with local musicians, translated the synopsis into Yolgnu and ran a four-day collaborative education program designed to break down cultural boundaries and develop a two-way dialogue of learning and appreciation.

What an extraordinary thing to do! I never thought I would be performing French Romantic opera on one of the most culturally significant Indigenous sites in the country, but this is what I love about making music here in the Territory! I have very much enjoyed exploring the possibilities of what a symphony orchestra can do and not be hindered by ‘traditions’. The DSO is making its history now and it is has been a privilege to be part of it.

DSO Master Series 1: Valedictory Concert WHEN SAT 24 FEB | 7.30PM AT DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE COST SEE WEBSITE INFO dso.org.au

What’s surprised you most during your time with the DSO? Probably, the most pleasing surprise has been the loyal nature of the audience. Whether the orchestra is performing music from rock legends at the Amphitheatre, opera at the Waterfront, jazz in the Convention Centre or standard symphonic repertoire, our DSO audience has been fabulous and generally very happy to try something different.

Amongst all these highlights, is there a standout concert experience from the last five years?

I will never forget the sight of one of Australia’s leading sopranos, Emma Matthews, entering the stage at Uluru. We were performing Verdi’s 'Triumphal March' from Aida as the sun was setting over the majestic rock – when in the distance Emma approached the stage in full ball-gown on the back of a local camel. Completely wonderful!

What will you miss the most about the DSO? I have been very privileged to spend the last five years making music with many musicians that volunteer their time. Their passionate dedication to the orchestra and to bringing symphonic music to the people of the Northern Territory is what I will miss the most – alongside the many friends I have made here and the unique concert experiences.

It sounds like it’s been an amazing time in Darwin. What’s next for you?

I will be heading back to London at the end of February where I will be working at the Royal Ballet Covent Garden. I then head to Stockholm where I will be conducting an opera

by Philip Glass, before we tour this production to New York. I will be heading back to Darwin as a guest conductor with the orchestra in the future, which is really nice – as I do not like goodbyes!

INFO matthewwood.org

What were your highlights of 2017?

2017 was a year when the Territory hit the national stage in a big way. We had more than 10 acts playing Nannup Festival in WA early in the year, and a host of acts including Yirrmal, Guwurra, At the Dakota and Dave Garnham pulling off some massive national tours. There were also four NT acts showcased at the Bigsound music conference – which has never happened before. It’s also been exciting to watch the rise and rise of Baker Boy; Caiti Baker taking the country by storm; and the emergence of Kardajala Kirridarra from remote community to national stage.

Artists like Caiti Baker, Gawurra and Baker Boy have all been Music NT Song of the Year award winners in recent years. How important are these awards for giving Territory musos national coverage?

Awards are a great way for acts to get recognition from their peers for their achievements. The NT Song in particular was set up to provide a platform to showcase the NT to the rest of the country and it feels like this is having an impact. After five years, the awards feel like they are firmly established – and we are currently working on the plans for this year’s event. We will have some exciting announcements in the coming month.

Bush Bands Bash, Desert Divas, the National Indigenous Music Awards, and the InTune Music Conference – these are some of the big dates each year on the Music NT calendar. How will these events continue to shape NT music this year?

This year we celebrate 15 years of both the NIMAs and the Bush Bands Bash. Both events have developed into unique, nationally significant programs that shine the light locally on the Territory, but also on the depth of Indigenous talent across the country. The fact that both of these events are held in the Territory only highlights the Territory’s ability to lead the country in supporting and recognising Indigenous musical talent.

Who are the Territory acts we should keep an ear out for this year?

Stevie Jean is recording at the moment and with the buzz around her there is the potential to break nationally. Tapestry recently released the debut single off their upcoming album, proving they are one of the most progressive bands to come out of the Territory for a long time. Kardajala Kirridarra are embarking on their first national headline tour and the buzz following their Bigsound showcase is massive.

Anything else you are looking forward to in 2018?

This year MusicNT will release the inaugural NT Live Music Study and Census which captured the economic and social value of live music in the Territory for the first time. This landmark report shows just how important music is to the Territory and we are excited to launch the campaign to ensure that NT music continues to be supported to grow and prosper into the future.

INFO musicnt.com.au

Baker Boy

FEBRUARY

WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 16 FEB | 8PM DISCOVERY DARWIN $44.90 discoverydarwin.com.au

We’ve done a few regional tours of Australia before, but this is by far the most extensive. The place we’re most excited to play for the first time is Alice Springs. I don’t think any of us ever imagined we would get to go, let alone play there.

Before the Great Southern Land Tour, you did 32 shows over 38 days in Northern America. How was it?

It was our first time headlining in America. A handful of the shows sold out and the crowd response was amazing, which was a huge highlight for everyone in the band.

IN HEART’S WAKE DESCRIBED BY ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE AS “STRIKING METALCORE AT ITS AGGRESSIVE, MEANINGFUL BEST”, ARK IS THE FOURTH FULL-LENGTH ALBUM FROM BYRON BAY OUTFIT IN HEART’S WAKE. After touring the album across east coast capital cities, and throughout the United States, they’re making sure none of

their fans miss out, with a massive regional tour landing in Darwin this February. Guitarist Ben Naime spoke to Off The Leash.

You’re on a massive regional tour of Australia at the moment. Is there anywhere in particular you’re really looking forward to playing?

Sorry to harp on about the touring... but before America you were in Europe. Before that Australia... how do you have the energy?!

Last year was really busy and it’s looking like the first half of 2018 is going to be pretty busy too. We love touring but it’s been nice to have a couple of weeks at home over Christmas and New Year. We all eat really well on tour and try to get a reasonable amount of sleep. It’s important to stay healthy, especially when you’re headlining

and have to give it your all every night on stage.

You’re touring off the back of your latest album Ark. Which songs are you really looking forward to sharing with your fans now that you’re back home in Australia?

We played a bunch of songs from Ark on our Australian headline tour last year, but we’ll probably play a couple of songs that we haven’t played live before on the regional run. I don’t want to give too much away, but we’ll probably be playing a few songs from the second half of the album.

Why did you want to create a thematic album – and why water?

We’ve always had a theme to our albums – I think it helps the album flow and lets you tell a story. We live by the ocean, and water is a huge part of our lives – we wouldn’t exist without it. It’s a topic that’s easy for us to relate to and we’re passionate about it, so it came pretty naturally when coming up with an overall theme.

Musician Anna Boustead has been playing gigs as part of Loud at the Library for many years. She says it felt strange at first, having not entered a library “since the days when we were told we had to be quiet at all times.”

“But libraries these days are dynamic, open and interesting places.

At lunchtime on a Friday they are full of young families, seniors, teenagers, carers, people on their lunch break – and sleep-deprived new mothers with babies in tow, of which I am now one!”

She says that breaking the silence with her guitar and voice was daunting, but she now really enjoys the opportunity to play in such an intimate setting.

“It is a great place to test new material, as you can read the audience and get true feedback on your songs. I also like to throw in a few covers. People don’t feel intimidated to talk to me or buy a CD like they might do when you are playing on a stage. My biggest fans are often the babies, who seem drawn to the rhythmic songs in particular.

My next challenge is to write some children’s songs, to complement the daily mantras I sing to my daughter, who is working up her percussion skills on the rattle.”

Stacey Rosser is the Projects Officer for City of Darwin Libraries, and she believes that Loud at the Library is a wonderful way to enjoy local music – while reacquainting yourself with the public library service.

“The crowd is varied, we have people who come along specifically to see the music and those that continue with their activities but also enjoy the atmosphere.

“If you haven’t looked inside a public library recently, you might be surprised what you discover when you do.”

Loud at the Library WHEN EVERY FRI | 12-1PM COST FREE INFO darwin.nt.gov.au/libraries CITY LIBRARY 2 FEB

TRACEY BUNN

9 FEB

CHARLIE POWLING

16 FEB

TRACEY BUNN

23 FEB

LIBRARY CLOSED

CASUARINA LIBRARY 2 FEB

DAVID GARNHAM

9 FEB

KEVIN MCCARTHY

16 FEB

SCOTT MURPHY

23 FEB

LIBRARY CLOSED

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

/OTL.magazine

@OTLmag

#OTLmag

In Heart's Wake WHEN AT COST INFO

FRI 16 FEB | 8PM DISCOVERY DARWIN $44.90 discoverydarwin.com.au

WHEN SAT 24 FEB | 7.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST SEE WEBSITE INFO dso.org.au

Singer-songwriter David Garnham echoes these sentiments.

“As a performer it’s great to play at the library, as you can reach people in the community that might not be able to make it to night time gigs because of young kids, or a lack of transport. And it’s the closest I ever feel to being a badass – because traditionally, who in their wildest dreams would have imagined being allowed to make a racket in the library?”

OTL's quick and essential guide to live music in the Top End. Rock on!

DSO Master Series 1: Valedictory Concert

Don’t say “shush” LOUD AT THE LIBRARY STARTED AS AN INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS, by providing a venue to play live. Every Friday lunchtime the Darwin City and Casuarina Libraries come alive, as local artists create a vibrant atmosphere in a space that is no longer somewhere customers have to be quiet, but a community hub for all kinds of events and activities.

GIG guide

Loud at the Library

The

Faste Fiv Broadwing

AFTER WINNING NT SONG OF THE YEAR FOR HIS TUNE ‘POCKETS’ IN 2015, and producing the critically acclaimed Ratja Yaliyali for Top End artist Gawurra in 2016, it’s been a relatively quiet year for Darwin electronic act Ben Allen – aka Broadwing – who has been focussing on recording in 2017. Expect to hear more from this talented Territorian in 2018, with plans for his debut album release in the middle of the year. He answered The Fast Five for Off The Leash.

What’s the first album you ever bought?

For the Working Class Man by Jimmy Barnes. I used to be a big Barnsey fan as a little kid. Not so much now.

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

I’ve already seen them a couple of times, but it would still have to be Radiohead. Nothing better than seeing Thom Yorke’s patented dance moves in the flesh. Amazing band.

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

Lots of Seattle bands like Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. I became a teenager halfway through the 90s so it was almost mandatory.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

Tricky one. Could go for something beautiful and sad like ‘Untitled #1’ by Sigur Rós. Might be a little much. The Hokey Pokey?

Finish this sentence. The thing people would be surprised to know about me… is that I have double-jointed thumbs. I think it helps my grip on a guitar neck. Possibly not that interesting or surprising, but that’s all that comes to mind.

INFO

facebook.com/broadwingmusic

WHEN AT COST INFO

EVERY FRI | 12-1PM CASUARINA & CITY LIBRARIES FREE darwin.nt.gov.au/libraries

JAM NIGHTS AND OPEN MIC

WHEN SUN 4 FEB | 2-7PM AT PINT CLUB, MARRARA COST GOLD COIN DONATION INFO facebook.com/firstsunday blues

Monday Jam Nights

WHEN EVERY MON | FROM 7PM AT DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS COST FREE INFO eo@darwincommunityarts. org.au

DARWIN CITY BRASS BAND

2 Abala Rd, Marrara darwincitybrassband.org.au Have Fun With Brass Darwin City Brass Band’s Training and Development Program is a fun, friendly and relaxed small group ensemble program that caters for both children and adults – entry level and developing players welcome.

WHEN EVERY SAT | 10AM-12PM COST $10 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals New members and visitors welcome.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 7-9.30PM COST $10 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

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Upcoming Events Aqua Zumba in the Wave Lagoon Every Sunday 9am (45 minutes) Get water active with weekly Aqua Zumba classes. $12 for adults and $8 for children which includes all day entry to the Wave Lagoon.

Easter Celebrations Saturday 31 March 9am to 1pm | Free Join the Easter celebrations on Saturday 31 March from 9am to 1pm with free family fun including a photo with the Easter Bunny, face painting, DJ, games, waterslides, jumping castles and more.

Queens Baton Relay Shared Celebration Friday 2 March 3pm to 9pm Families are invited to enjoy free outdoor concert and a fireworks finale at 8.45pm. Find a spot on the lawns and settle in for an evening of entertainment for the whole family.

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