Off The Leash - March 2023

ello, and welcome to the first edition of Off The Leash for 2023! We’ve missed you, but we’ve had a nice break, back on deck with fresh energy to bring you the hottest happenings in the NT throughout the year.

We kick off the year with a bang with the launch of our new tourism category, Explore. There’s so much to experience in the NT – from the Top End to the Red Centre – and we wanted to help get the word out about it. Check out the main feature to find out more about our next big move, and, if you have an exciting tourism experience to offer, how we can lend a helping hand.

It’s no secret we have a big crush on the Territory (you babe, you!) and with this desire comes a keen interest in its past. What better way to learn about NT history than directly from the people that lived it? Conversations with Clare is an exciting new Q&A event at the NT Library, hosted by former Chief Minister and ABC journalist Clare Martin, sure to spark your interest in local history, .

Our Performing Arts section is chockers with theatre, comedy and BMX. Yep, BMX. Brown’s Mart Theatre kicks off its annual program with poignant Australian theatre work, The 7 Stages of Grieving. Penned in 1995, it’s a vibrant and insightful account of what it means to be

an Aboriginal woman in contemporary Australia, directed by Jada Alberts and starring Tahlia Biggs. I implore you to see this one.

Comic comps come thick and fast, as Melbourne International Comedy Festival takes its search for funny folks countrywide with Class Clowns and Raw Comedy. I caught up with Aussie comedy legend Wil Anderson for a chinwag about his latest show, his unexpected New Year’s resolution, and some big nights he’s had at Throb Nightclub (haven’t we all!). And circus meets breakdance meets BMX, as the superhuman 360 ALLSTARS kick off an 18-month worldwide tour in D-Town.

You’ll love the sound of music returning to your ears, with performances from Darwin Symphony Orchestra and the Arafura Music Collective in the Top End. Alice-based artist Dave Crowe returns to his indie-folk roots, with the launch of his new tune ‘Melt’. And fabALICE sprinkles the glitter and good times in the desert, as the Red Centre comes alive with fabulous, frivolous fun for four festive days and nights.

I’m so keen to sink my teeth into another year, living the dream and soaking up the wonders of the NT. Wishing all Territorians and our very welcome visitors (you lucky things!) a good, great, excellent time in March.

Hannah Muir Contributing

Off The Leash Inc. acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

If you've got an exciting event or experience anywhere in the NT next month, we can help you get the word out. From free promotion on our website to cost-effective rates in our print magazine, there's something to suit all budgets.

5 MAR

a chance to get a free listing in print!)

new tourism category, Explore

Photo: Outback Ballooning

Tierney Seccull Managing Editor & Development Manager

Kate Conway Editorial Assistant

Simone Ericsson Graphic Designer

In 2022, OTL became a Territory-wide publication due to the generous support of Michael Sitzler, for all Territorians.

OTL is proudly supported by

writer

Since 2007, Off The Leash (OTL) has kept locals and welcome visitors in the loop with what’s on in the Top End, through a monthly magazine and comprehensive website, covering everything from art and music, to theatre, film, festivals, and more.

By Kate Conway

Explore

TERRITORY

ast year, we expanded to be a Territory-wide publication, showcasing the art, events and culture from the tropical Top End to the vibrant Red Centre. On the back of this expansion, we wondered, what more we could be doing to boost the NT?

So here we are, kicking off our first edition of the year with our shiny new tourism category, Explore.

The inclusion of Territory tourism experiences seemed a no-brainer to OTL Managing Editor Tierney Seccull, who says the introduction of Explore was a natural next step for the organisation.

“After a tough couple of years, we were stoked to realise our long term goal of becoming a Territory-wide publication and service in 2022, and through that, realised our capacity to be able to support the tourism industry,” she says.

“We already know that locals and visitors utilise the magazine and website to curate their weekends, their trips, and the inclusion of tourism-based activities will further make Off The Leash a valuable resource to navigate the amazing Territory lifestyle."

It’s a sentiment echoed by OTL Chair, Sally Clifford.

“The board is really excited by the introduction of the Explore category. We have long seen the benefits of Off The Leash as a travel guide to the wonderful offerings of the NT, across the Top End and now Central Australia,” she says.

“Explore takes this guide to the next level, to really direct locals and visitors to all the Territory has to offer. We are really proud of this next development for Off The Leash.”

And with so much on offer, we’re spoilt for choice. In the Top End, take a light-plane joyride over Kakadu’s Jim Jim Falls, toast a spectacular sunset with bubbles from the decks of a retired pearl lugger, or enjoy a thrilling helicopter ride through Nitmiluk’s awe inspiring gorges.

Down the track, marvel at the magnificent gorges and chasms of the MacDonnell ranges, the ancient landscapes of Watarrka (Kings Canyon) and, of course, the inimitable Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Danial Rochford is Tourism Central Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, and says there’s a melting pot of adventure and culture in the heart of the country.

“The Red Centre is an extraordinary part of the Territory with plenty of fun, adventurous, cultural, educational and unique things to do. Whether you are up for hiking 223km along the Larapinta Trail or want to float above the outback landscape in a hot air balloon, there is something here for everyone,” he says.

“Tourism Central Australia welcomes any opportunity to showcase the bounty of our region, and we look forward to seeing these incredible experiences showcased through Off The Leash. We encourage our members to make the most of this opportunity.”

Explore offers tourism operators the opportunity to showcase their activities and experiences, in print and online, within our function as a what’s on guide. From fishing charters and cultural tours, to starlit glamping escapades and bushwalking treks, it’s all dished out with your monthly dose of arts and culture.

So lace up your boots or don your pluggers, grab your backpack or your swimming gear, and get ready to Explore.

INFO offtheleash.net.au

Tipperary

Station

Overnight Experience

Experience the grand scale of Tipperary Station with this unforgettable, overnight stay. Tour the town centre and hear about the colourful, bygone days of this half a million-acre station. Flick a line in the mighty Daly River and dine under a blanket of a billion stars in this unique, outback setting.

WHEN SAT 1 APR-THU 31 AUG AT SKIPPERS AT DUNDEE cost $799-$990 INFO skippersatdundee.com

Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Flights

Experience the breathtaking feeling of floating above the Central Australian outback, as morning light illuminates the MacDonnell Ranges on this awe-inspiring adventure. After landing and pack up, enjoy light nibbles and sparkling wine in the middle of nowhere. It’s time to go up, up and away!

WHEN DAILY | FIRST LIGHT AT ALICE SPRINGS cost $335 30MIN | $399 60MIN INFO outbackballooning.com.au

Photo: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

CONVERSATIONS with Clare

nd what better way to learn about this formative history than directly from the people that were there? Conversations with Clare is a series of yarns in the iconic setting of NT Library, as former Chief Minister and journalist Clare Martin takes a seat with Territory characters to chat through these moments of significance.

The NT has seen its fair share of change over the years, its historical timeline punctuated by defining events. The 70s were particularly transformative, physically through Cyclone Tracy and politically through the establishment of the Northern Territory government.

By Tierney Seccull

Joining Clare in conversation is press photographer Clive Hyde and iconic cartoonist Colin Wicking, former NT Chief Ministers Paul Everingham and Marshall Perron, senior Larrakia Elders Bill Risk and Lorraine Williams, and artists Chips Mackinolty and Therese Ritchie.

Originally planned to roll out three years ago, paused due to COVID, this special conversation series runs over four Wednesdays this month. It came about when the NT Library reached out to Martin to curate a conversational series about the NT, backed by archival imagery.

“The brief was a really wide one. It was ‘you can interview whoever you like’, so I thought about how I could approach it in a way that would be of interest to Territory people, to Darwin people, … that also talks to who we are, using self-government as a bit of a starting point looking back over 50, 60 years,” she says.

Martin says these kinds of live conversational opportunities are really important.

“Personally, I love to reflect on who we are. I’ve been here 40 years and we have such a turnover in our population, that to better know what we’ve been and how we’ve developed, I think is really important to what and who we are now,” she says.

Featuring different guests each week, the conversations are guided and prompted by archival imagery, giving audiences a good visual reference paired with a narrative from the Territorians that lived in these times.

“From virtually nothing a government was developed here, it was really the Commonwealth running the place, so that is a fascinating part of our history. And the events that have shaped us – it’s good to get eyes like Colin Wicking and Clive Hyde on them, and Chips and Therese – talking about the events that have happened over the last 50 years, how they’ve shaped us, and how we’ve railed against them.”

CRACKING THE CODE

International Women’s Day is a worldwide celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The UN theme for 2023 is Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender-equal future. City of Palmerston has put together an exciting program of events to help you get involved. Let’s hear it for the ladies!

COST FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

IWD23 Launch

Join City of Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell to officially kick off a week of events in the 2023 program.

WHEN MON 6 MAR | 10-11.30AM

AT PALMERSTON REC CENTRE

Art Jam - Introduction to Watercolours

Join local artist Polly Johnston from Art Jam, and learn how to create with watercolour paints, pen and ink, exploring a number of different styles and techniques. Get creative!

WHEN MON 6 MAR | 5-7PM

AT DURACK COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE

WHEN EVERY WED, 1-22 MAR | 5.30PM AT NT LIBRARY COST FREE INFO lant.nt.gov.au

For a good, honest yarn about the Territory, backed by some amazing images from the archives with commentary from colourful local characters, pull up a pew at NT Library and get your history fix.

Hire a Grandma – Storytime in the Library

Whether you’re missing your grandma or just want to enjoy the company of one, a special group of women aged 50-plus lead this heartfelt event with storytelling, interesting chats and lots of love. It’ll warm the cockles of your heart!

WHEN TUE 7 MAR | 10AM-11AM

AT CITY OF PALMERSTON LIBRARY

Larrakia Cultural Event

Join Larrakia Elder Aunty June Mills, Kay Villaflor and rising artist Taleena Lui-Villaflor for this special event, featuring a Larrakia presentation, art stations and a light lunch. Be inspired by three generations, their amazing stories and talents.

WHEN TUE 7 MAR | 12.30-2.30PM AT LARRAKIA NATION FAMILY & CULTURE CENTRE

Embracing and Celebrating Women and Culture in Palmerston

Set to be a biggie on the IWD23 calendar, this special event is a true celebration of women and diversity in Palmerston. It features live music from local musicians and choirs, belly dancing, and a panel of inspiring local women speakers. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by STEPS, featuring home-cooked meals from the many cultures that make up the Palmerston community.

WHEN WED 8 MAR | 11-1.30PM AT PALMERSTON REC CENTRE

IWD23 Game Jam

Ready to put your coding skills to the test? Showcase your skills, collaborate with other developers, and take your coding game to the next level by creating the ultimate IWD-themed game at this fun session.

WHEN WED 8 MAR | 3-6PM AT CITY OF PALMERSTON LIBRARY

Australia Reads - Reading Hour

Celebrating Women Writers

Celebrate women writers with this hour of literature at Goyder Square, and enjoy an afternoon of reading, picnicking, and chatting with old and new friends.

WHEN THU 9 MAR | 5-6PM AT GOYDER SQUARE

Late nights at the Library – Boss Babe Bingo

Round up the crew and make tracks to Boss Babe Bingo to celebrate some amazing women that changed the world.

WHEN FRI 10 MAR | 6.30-7.30PM AT CITY OF PALMERSTON LIBRARY

Hi, Spirits!

At one point or another, most reading this will have been affected by the loss of someone special. A treasured family member, a cherished friend, a great teacher or work colleague. If you had the chance to reach out to the other side, to have contact with a special one once again, would you take it?

By Tierney Seccull

LISTINGS

Sunset Soiree | Know My Name Celebrate International Women’s Day with a special sunset event celebrating some of the great, but little known, women artists from MAGNT’s art collection.

WHEN WED 8 MAR | 5-8PM AT MAGNT cost $20 INFO magnt.net.au

Tiny Territory

AT MAGNT cost $12.50 INFO magnt.net.au

Argentine Tango

Experience the joy of Argentine Tango. Canapés and drinks are available at the Zen Rooftop Lounge, so all you have to do is put on your dancing shoes and turn up!

WHEN SUN 19 MAR | 6-9PM AT RAMADA SUITES ZEN QUARTER cost $5 INFO northerntango.com.au

Earth Hour Vegan Wine Dinner

Treat your tastebuds to an exciting dining experience for vegans and the vegan-curious at Earth Hour Vegan Wine Dinner. Experience the depth of vegan flavours, and indulge in Adelaide Hills vino from the sustainable, family-owned Wicks Estate.

topped with free-flowing bubbly. Off the booze? No problem – there’s also a food-only option available.

WHEN EVERY SUN | 12-2.30PM AT HILTON DARWIN cost $99 | $85 FOOD ONLY INFO darwintickets.com.au

Flix in the Wet

PETER WILLIAMS HAS been linking the land of the living with the dearly departed since his 20s, and this month, he’s returning to the Top End to do it again one last time in his final mediumship tour.

“I’m more moving into helping people to align with themselves … to come into their purpose and to start living life a lot more. Because that’s one of the biggest messages that I’ve been receiving,” he says.

“People get so caught up in their grief, they forget they’re the ones still living. That’s the message that keeps coming through again, and again, and again … You’re not guaranteed tomorrow, but are you really living?”

Being Williams’ last mediumship tour, you may feel the sense of urgency to grab your ticket to connect. But if you’re hoping to make contact with someone on the other side, it doesn’t quite work like that, as Williams is guided by the spirit world rather than the other way around.

“In Darwin … you’ve got 250 odd souls all vying to get their passed one to come through, but it’s not because you’ve been wishing or wanting it more. I work very closely with the spirit rather than the audience,” he says.

“It’s not about me trying to get around to read everybody, because that’s impossible and I’d also be energetically f—ked [laughs] … I have to be true to the spirit that’s coming through, not necessarily worry about what’s going on for the audience.”

Although audience members come with big hopes for a connection, you may be surprised to learn it’s the spirits that can get a bit pushy.

“I get to see [the spirits] first. There’s a bit of a line or a crowd

gathering, and one will step forward more than another. I actually have a spirit team that acts as bouncers, otherwise I would be overwhelmed by Spirit because there are so many. It’s kind of like a nightclub VIP scene with the little red cord – one steps forward, and I take it one-by-one. But if we’re at capacity, they can’t come in.”

If you’ve not been witness to a medium experience before, don’t expect things to play out in a Whoopi Goldberg-Patrick SwayzeDemi Moore-Ghost kind of way.

“There are no pottery scenes! Some occasional strippers come through but there are no live re-enactments, so the audience are safe on my behalf from my good old dad bod. But it can be fun, it can be serious, it can be sad. You just have to go with it!”

Over the years, Williams has been moved by the connections he’s been able to facilitate, and hopes –whether one connects or not – that Darwin audiences come with an open mind. Because at the end of the day, the main message from the spirits is always the same.

“It just makes you realise that you’ve got to appreciate what you’ve got – it’s always the same message. I’m dealing with a lot of grief, I’m dealing with a lot of death, but out of all of that, the message is to live.”

Peter Williams Medium

Searching Spirit Tour

WHEN FRI 17 MAR | 7–9.30PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $49 INFO yourcentre.com.au

Join Nick Volpe and Lucyna Kania, co-curators of Tiny Territory, for a photographic presentation capturing the beautiful, and sometimes beastly, hidden details of our micro world.

WHEN SAT 11 MAR | 11AM-12PM AT MAGNT cost FREE INFO magnt.net.au

Flickerfest

Flickerfest returns to Alice Springs with a once-a-year, one-off chance to see a selection of short films from the official festival screenings at Bondi Beach. Pull up on the Araluen Circus Lawns, and settle in for two evenings of entertaining and innovative Australian short films and International short films.

WHEN FRI 17 & SAT 18 MAR | 7.30PM AT ARALUEN CIRCUS LAWNS cost $24 | $22 CONC | $20 MEMB INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

Cosplay Life Drawing Workshop

Learn to draw a cosplay character! Featuring models in cosplay costumes, this is a life-drawing workshop with a difference.

WHEN SAT 18 MAR | 11AM-12PM

WORK SHOPS

TACTILE ARTS

tactilearts.org.au

WHEN SAT 25 MAR | 6.30-10PM AT HILTON DARWIN cost $99 INFO darwintickets.com.au

Art Jam – Creative Meet Up City of Palmerston offers this weekly meet up, for anyone aged 15 years and over, to meet other creatives and get creative in a purpose-built space.

WHEN EVERY MON | 5–7PM AT DURACK COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE cost FREE INFO palmerston.nt.gov.au

Salsa Classes

Salsa classes are back for another hip-swaying term! These practical, fun and easy going classes are designed to help you feel confident on the dance floor.

WHEN EVERY TUE & THU 7.30-9.30PM AT CWA STUDIO, WOOLNER cost $20 INFO salsitadarwin.com.au

Bottomless Bubbly Brunch

Treat yourself to a four-course brunch menu, as your glass is

Mid-Level Ceramics Wheel Throwing

Annie Gastin runs this six-week workshop, ideal for people who have attended a beginner’s class and would like to extend their ceramic knowledge.

WHEN EVERY WED & SAT, 1- 22 MAR (EXC. SAT 18) | WED, 6-9PM SAT, 1-4PM

COST $415 | $365 MEMB

Watercolour for Beginners

Learn watercolour techniques and Chinese Sumi ink wash painting in this four-week course with Frances Ricketts.

WHEN EVERY SAT, 11 MAR-1 APR 9.30AM-1PM

COST $440 | $400 MEMB

Deckchair Cinema might be closed for the Wet, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the exciting programming from Darwin Film Society. Escape the heat and the rain, and kick back in the air-con with some fabulous flicks every Sunday afternoon.

WHEN EVERY SUN | 3PM & 5PM AT BCC CINEMA CASUARINA cost $9-$17 | $41 FAM INFO flixinthewet.com

Movement Medicine

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

PALMERSTON LIBRARY

palmerston.nt.gov.au/library

Late Nights at the Library Minute to Win it Challenges

WHEN FRI 24 MAR | 6.30-7.30PM

Gadgets and Games Club

WHEN EVERY TUE | 3.30-4.30PM

Nurserytime WHEN EVERY WED | 10-10.45AM

Geek Squad WHEN EVERY THU | 3-4.30PM

Make Your Own Findings

Join glass artist Debra Senjuschenko and learn how to make different findings including ball-pins, bails, jump rings and more.

WHEN SUN 26 MAR | 10AM–1PM COST $195 | $175 MEMB

Botanical Art Seasons

Learn about botanical art techniques with Anastasia Maximova using watercolour, granulated pigments, fine liners and professional brushes.

WHEN EVERY WED, 29 MAR-19 APR 6-8PM COST $280 | $260 MEMB

VISUAL ARTS

CDU ART GALLERY

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

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

capturing nature

THESE NEVER-BEFORE -seen images, dating from 1857 to 1893, have been printed from the Australian Museum’s collection of glass plate negatives and are some of Australia’s earliest natural history photographs.

Sitting at the nexus of science and art, they tell both the story of pioneering research as well as the advent of photography in the young colony, less than 20 years after the birth of photography in Europe.

until SAT 1 APR, 2023

ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS

Shop 4, 19 The Mall, Charles Darwin Centre | aboriginalbushtraders.com

MON-FRI, 9AM-3PM | SAT, 8AM-2PM

1. Black-headed python, Aspidiotes melancephalus

2. Round faced batfish, Platax teira

3. Thought to be the original photograph of the first cassowary in the Australia Museum’s collection, acquired from Rockingham Bay, Qld in 1866 now known as the Southern Cassowary, Casuaris casuarius.

Photographer: Henry Barnes

Papuranjuwi Pamirnikuwi Nginingawula

Jilamara

Strong Tiwi Women, Our Painting, Our Stories

MAGNT Museum and Gallery of the Northern Territory

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

DAILY, 10AM-4PM

EXIT ART

CONTEMPORARY ART FROM 2022 NT YEAR 12 STUDENTS

STRONG TIWI WOMEN , Our Painting, Our Stories, showcases the work of eight female artists from Munupi Arts on Melville Island. This exhibition explores themes of Country, ceremony and body painting designs.

until SAT 18 MAR

Lidwina (Nina) Tepomitari, 'Jurrukukini' (Owl Eyes), ochre on canvas

EXIT ART IS a celebration of the talents and creativity of the next generation of artists and designers, presenting the very best contemporary art and design from Northern Territory Year 12 students.

Mirikai Peters was announced as the 2022 Minister’s Choice Award winner for Red Rock, a large painting on canvas. A passionate muralist, the Visual Arts student from Centralian Senior College in Mparntwe/Alice Springs says he finds inspiration all around him.

“I love the nature, wildlife and landscapes all around the town, just growing up around it was really inspiring, and so I wanted to paint it. My grandma painted landscape paintings so I was really making her proud too by painting this. She was a big inspiration in my life.”

until SUN 26 MAR

MONTAGES THE FULL CUT, 1999 – 2015

THIS UNIQUE EXHIBITION  presents eight montage films created in collaboration between artist Tracey Moffatt and editor Gary Hillberg. The films expose common stereotypes in popular cinema, revealing the ways they inform our collective cultural imagination. Curated and developed by Artspace, Sydney, this exciting exhibition is touring nationally in partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW.

until SUN 26 MAR

Minister's Choice Award recipient Mirikai Peters, 'Red Rock', 2022

Photo: MAGNT/Mark Sherwood

Tracey Moffatt and Gary Hillberg, Montages. The Full Cut, 1999 – 2015

Photo: MAGNT/Mark Sherwood

ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE

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

DAILY 10AM-4PM | SUN, 10AM-2PM

4TH NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART TRIENNIAL CEREMONY

RAUSCHENBERG & JOHNS SIGNIFICANT OTHERS

THE FOURTH NATIONAL

Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony, is the National Gallery of Australia’s flagship exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. From the intimate and personal to the collective and collaborative, ceremonies manifest through visual art, film, music and dance. Featuring the work of 35 artists from across Australia, this exhibition reveals how ceremony is at the nexus of Country, of culture and of community.

WHEN SAT 25 MAR – SUN 11 JUN

PAUL JOHNSTONE GALLERY

2/2 Harriet Place, Darwin | 8941 2220 | pauljohnstonegallery.com.au

WED–FRI 10AM-5PM | TUE & SAT 10AM–2PM

SARAH BROWN & DANNY MURPHY

Sand and Stone

BOTH DISTINGUISHED AND admired artists, Sarah Brown and Danny Murphy need little introduction. Sarah’s precise brush strokes translate the ephemeral tones and shapes of the Central Desert, while Danny’s high-fired ceramics, often echoing classical Greek design, are adorned with patterns that reflect the sandstone escarpment. Don’t miss this first collaborative exhibition.

WHEN SAT 25 MAR – SAT 22 APR

OPENING SAT 25 MAR, 5-7PM

AT THE HEIGHT of the Abstract Expressionist movement, a new avant-garde emerged from a relationship between two young artists. Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns began a private creative dialogue that introduced everyday signs, objects, and media into their work, collapsing the distinction between art and life. This exhibition draws on the National Gallery of Australia’s collection of prints with works by both artists and holdings of some other key works.

WHEN SAT 11 MAR – SUN 14 MAY

Bryan Bulley presents

RELAX-AY-VOO

BRYAN BULLEY HAS been a practising artist for well over three decades. Collected Australia wide, his paintings are revered for both their technical skill and their unique subject matter. His visual language, scripted over years of patience and dedication, is what sets him apart from his peers. In a time where access to imagery is overwhelming, Bulley has stayed true to his own vision and in doing so has attracted a vast and growing audience of admirers and collectors.

WHEN

Danny Murphy, 'Pot II', 2020, Earthenware sagga fired with terra sigillata, 42x41x41cm (irregular)

Sarah Brown, 'Glen Helen', acrylic on linen, 122x102cm

Jasper Johns, Gemini G.E.L., 'Bent "Blue"; from Fragments - according to what', 1971, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Purchased 1973. VAGA/Copyright Agency

Darrell Sibosado, Bard people, 'Ngarrgidj Morr (the proper path to follow)', 2022, commissioned for the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial. Ceremony

Bryan Bulley, 'Crocodile Man', acrylic on canvas, 41x65cm

GODINYMAYIN YIJARD RIVERS ARTS & CULTURE

Stuart Hwy, Katherine East | gyracc.org.au MON-FRI, 9AM-5PM

Territory blue

KATHERINE ARTIST MANDY Tootell returns to Godinymayin Yijard Rivers

Arts & Culture Centre to present a contemporary exploration of Top End bird life in Territory Blue. A celebration of the forms, colours and presence of birdlife in the Big Rivers Region and beyond, don’t miss this opportunity to find a new appreciation and gain insight into the diversity and features of the region’s avian residents.

until FRI 17 MAR

COCONUT STUDIOS GALLERY

8/18 Caryota Court, Coconut Grove | facebook.com/coconutstudiosdarwin

THU-SUN, 10AM-5PM | SUN, 10AM-3PM

gwalwamamadlema

Larrakia: star country

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

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

Botanically Porcelain

PICTURE A PATH through a tropical field of organic forms, each similar, but on closer inspection, unique. Darwin-based ceramicist Dawn Beasley transforms the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art with her largest installation yet. This floor-based field of delicate botanic forms, each exquisite on their own, are collectively breathtaking. Botanically Porcelain speaks to simultaneous yet conflicting qualities of nature: fragile yet enduring.

Cyan Sue-Lee, 'darraballrra damaylala (Larrakia. spirit snake)', 2022. acrylic on canvas, 76x101.5cm

THIS EXHIBITION FEATURES works by emerging artist Cyan Sue-Lee and her mother Nadine Lee. Together, their paintings and sculptural works explore coming into being, passage and return, bringing forth a new artist, and illuminating the cycle of creativity across generations.

TACTILE ARTS

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

TUE-SUN, 10AM-4PM

LIFE EXHIBITION BY TANIA

TANIA INVESTIGATES THE dynamics of landscape and fine art photography through the concept of Life. Through her magnificent aerial photography, Tania’s work takes the audience on a visual arts journey from above, exploring the relationships between the elements of nature and the life it creates, nurtures and ends.

WHEN FRI 24 MAR – SUN 16 APR OPENING FRI 24 MAR, 5.30PM

RED HOT ARTS

67 Bath Street, Alice Springs | redhotarts.com.au SAT & SUN, 12-4PM | MON-THU, 10AM-2PM

STRONG FEELINGS

INCITE ARTS AND the stArts with D Performance Ensemble present Strong Feelings, a multi-disciplinary, disability-led exhibition. Telling the varied and thought-provoking stories of a group of artists with disability living in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Strong Feelings shares their unique life journeys through a mixture of portraiture and storytelling, using costume, digital art, song, soundscapes, video and photography.

Strong Feelings, still from animation (detail) by Lizzie Trew Illustration by Joey Klarenbeek

Dawn Beasley, 'Botanically Porcelain' (detail), 2021, porcelain, slip & 18ct gold lustre

Tania, 'Ocean Life (Timor Sea, Darwin Region)' (detail), 2022, photograph, 1x1m

Mandy Tootell, 'White Collared Kingfishers', 2022. Ink, lino print & gouache on paper, 30cm

WIL UMINATE

Wil Anderson’s been doing the rounds on the comedy circuit for over a quarter of a century. The award-winning comedian, writer, presenter and podcaster chats about some pretty heavy themes in his shows, all delivered via his signature style of comedy genius.

This month, he’s hitting the Top End stage for a big night of laughs. Tierney

Seccull caught up with him to chat about his nail-biting career. And about his not nail-biting.

Can you tell us a bit about your new show, Wiluminate?

I can! Well, I kind of can. The truth of it is … the thing I normally say about comedy is, if you wanna know what I thought the show was, you kind of have to come on the first night, because that’s the only night it’s 100 percent what I thought it was gonna be. Then after that, it becomes a collaboration between me and the audience, you know? They decide which bits they like, which bits they don’t, and I tend to adjust based on that.

I get it – you bounce off the audience and, because it’s live, no two shows are the same based on how your audience interacts with you, right?

Yeah, that’s right … I think that’s what’s great about live stand-up comedy. It’s better to come and see it live than to watch it at home on TV, if you can, because that night will never be replicated again. It’s the idea that we are all here together, tonight, sharing an experience. I do a lot of improvised shows … and the great joy of those shows is that it’s never gonna be replicated again.

Totally get that. Are there any themes for Wiluminate?

The biggest thing that I’m grappling with is that, last year was my COVID show, it was my here’s-what-we-just-went-through show, you know, living in Mullumbimby and dealing with anti-vaxxers, and some strong thematic stuff. You don’t wanna re-tread where you’ve already been. But if you look at the world – like the major themes that are reflected in my show and in my book are COVID, climate change and inequality – you’d probably say those are still the main things affecting the world at the moment.

When you’re a comedian – I was gonna say artist, but let’s go with comedian [laughs] – when you work in the arts, producing a yearly piece of work, sometimes the world hasn’t changed substantially in a year, but our attitudes to living in the world might have. There’s still a lot of people affected by and dying from COVID … but we’re trying to live with it and trying to normalise it, you know? And so, that’s very interesting to me as a theme, because as a comedian, you’re always looking for that gap between what people say or do, but what the reality of the situation is. It’s in that gap where the comedy is.

It feels like the way we are dealing with things this year is very different to last year, and that feels inherently comedic and interesting, if I can unlock exactly what I’m trying to say about that!

You’ve been in the game for over 20 years, so I’m keen to ask how it feels to still be doing what you love, all these years later?

It’s funny isn’t it? Sometimes you just feel, well when I go to the Melbourne Comedy Festival, I still just feel like a kid doing the Comedy Festival for the first time. I still feel very much like every other act that plays that

festival, that’s one of the things I love most about comedy … comedy is very collegial. All that matters is, are you funny?

Being able to do it for that long, well, it’s nice. It’s nice to do a job you love at that level ... The funny thing is, I’m nearly 50, and I’ve been doing this for more than half my life, and it doesn’t even really feel like I’ve started. How good is that? Being the start of a new year, many of us look to bring in some changes – have you got any New Year’s resolutions?

It’s funny you ask that, because if you asked me any other year over the last 25 or 30 years, I would have absolutely told you that, no, I don’t – it’s not my cup of tea! But I’ve bitten my fingernails all my life and I’ve never been able to stop it, like it’s just a nervous habit. I’ve done hypnotherapy, I’ve done everything.

And the nail polish that tastes gross so you don’t chew them?

Yeah, I used to wear nail polish just to try and stop myself from biting my nails, but I was just a really chronic fingernail biter. Even during COVID –wearing a mask and the fact that we were trying not to f--king touch our faces and get germs – I still couldn’t stop. I was so frustrated with myself. This fingernail thing, I felt like, this thing has just got control over me.

So anyway, I read this book and the guy basically says, you’ve gotta wake up and say you’re not a person that bites their fingernails anymore … So January first rolls ‘round, I wake up and I decide to see if this thing’s gonna work. [Since then] I’ve had to get a manicure, I’ve had to learn how to file my fingernails, I’ve been accidentally scratching myself constantly … The dogs are very happy about it, they’re getting lots of scratches. So, not normally one for resolutions, but this year I have one and so far I’ve kept it. Keep up the good work! My husband has the same resolution, and keeps showing me how long his nails are and makes a bit of a check-me-out face when he has to trim them [laughs]. So other than definitely not biting your nails, because you’re simply not someone that does that, any plans while you’re in town?

I will say I always have a good time when I’m in Darwin, but then I s’pose that’s not an uncommon story when people come to Darwin [laughs]. One night we ended up at a nightclub, Tom Ballard was supporting me at the time, and we ended up at, I think it was called Throb? There were some girls on a hen’s night and they had a giant inflatable penis, so they got a photo with us and it got in the NT News.

I won’t lock anything in just yet, these days I’m much more of a go home immediately after the show kind of guy, but you never know!

By Kate Conway

The 7 Stages OF GRIEVING

By Tierney Seccull

– Dreaming, Invasion, Genocide, Protection, Assimilation, Self- Determination, and Reconciliation.

Tahlia Biggs is a proud Barkindji and Ngiyampaa woman, and the one tasked with delivering the powerful hour-long performance. Although confronting, the actor says it’s an honour to deliver these hard-truth messages to today’s audiences.

they’re really laid back and chilled, and the way they’ve been able to direct me, they always remind me of the bigger context, of a different perspective,” Biggs says.

BROWN’S MART THEATRE has released its 2023 program, offering a smorgasbord of quality theatre, music, and unique events and experiences throughout the year. Something the beloved Top End theatre has persistently done so well over the years is to present a program that challenges audiences, sparking curiosity, conversation and reflection. This year is shaping up no differently.

First cab off the rank is The 7 Stages of Grieving, a much-loved 1995 Australian theatre classic penned by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman. The gripping play centres around one woman tracing seven phases of Aboriginal history

“It’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s frustrating that we have to keep telling these stories, nearly 30 years on, but I think it’s just a very big privilege. There’s some heavy stuff, which is very triggering and very much hits close to home, but there’s such a power in it as well, being in control of the narrative. I think that’s just such a big privilege.”

The 7 Stages of Grieving is a poignant, vibrant account into what it means to be an Aboriginal woman in contemporary Australia. And despite themes that are heavy at times, it’s an expression of strength and survival, performed with humour and joy.

The play is directed by Australian actor and playwright Jada Alberts, and Biggs says they’ve been a true inspiration to work with.

“Jada’s been amazing, it’s been really, really cool to work with them. They’ve got such a cool perspective,

“Very early on, we established that we wanted this to be a reclamation of space – we didn’t want this to be a black woman on stage feeling like a victim in her grief, and having a most-likely majority white audience saying, ‘oh wow, how sad is this for that black woman?’

“We didn’t want to feel like we needed to draw white people there, to get white people on our side, to then leave and do something. We want people to come into this and feel privileged to be able to witness this black woman in her grief, and these stories, and not feel like it’s us asking the audience to go out there and do the work. It’s not up to us to do that.”

Theatre performances come by every so often that are significantly powerful and significant, they really shouldn’t be missed. The 7 Stages of Grieving is one of them.

WHEN FRI 3 – SAT 18 MAR (EXC. SUN & MON) | 7PM AT BROWN’S MART THEATRE COST $44 | $34 SEN | $28 CONC INFO brownsmart.com.au

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY Festival’s (MICF) open mic comedy competition Raw Comedy has launched the careers of some of the most recognised names in the Australian comedy landscape including Hannah Gadsby, Celia Pacquola and Luke Mcgregor. For a huge 27 years, stand-up hopefuls have battled it out for a spot in the national grand final, held as a feature event of the MICF with the chance to compete at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

In 2016, Darwinite Dave Woodhead was a national finalist, and this month, the talented writer, actor, producer and triple j host returns to where it all began as emcee of the NT final. Woodhead says the high stakes and competitive nature of the event is what has made it such an enduring fixture on the comedy calendar.

“There is nothing else like it. It’s the biggest opportunity a new comedian can get, to make it into the national finals,” he says.

“I think the element of competition is uniquely Australian – I don’t think there are many other countries that treat comedy like a competition.

In Australia, we have a competitive spirit with our love of sport, so we’ve tried to turn stand-up into a sport.”

Returning to Darwin for the first time in six years, Woodhead says he’s keen to soak up the energy of audiences on his home turf.

“I am just very excited to be back in my home town. I’ll be telling jokes, having a good time and getting you through the night,” he says.

“I’m not saying this just because I am a Darwin boy and I grew up there, but Darwin audiences are probably the best in the country. I don’t think people give them

enough credit, they are very in tune with comedy, they understand humour and they laugh loud.”

After two heats of cutthroat competition, expect the NT final to be the best of the best. Round up your mates, take a seat, and bear witness as local emerging voices give it their all.

Photo: Jim Lee

Alexandra Hudson

Dave Woodhead

Tahlia Biggs

Future funnyFOLKS

By Kate Conway

up their set and give them a few tips on stagecraft and presentation, to make sure they feel comfortable and confident before the actual performance,” says Reuben.

“We’re here to make them shine the brightest that they possibly can.”

Personally involved with MICF for over 15 years, Reuben says Class Clowns is an integral part of the Australian comedy landscape.

“An industry or festival doesn’t exist unless you have new artists coming in, bolstering the ranks, and making people who have been in the industry for a long time – and audiences who have seen a lot of comedy – think outside of what they’ve seen before,” she says.

“The whole event is geared towards really highlighting these young people, their amazing achievements, and their awesome brains, performance skills and their comedy chops,” she says.

Head along to see the next generation of Territory comics flex their comedic muscles. You never know, you could be witnessing the next big thing!

THIS MONTH, A bunch of the Territory’s bravest teens take to the stage for the Darwin heat of Class Clowns, Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s (MICF) national secondary school comedy competition.

Part workshop, part competition, the program is designed to

encourage teens with a talent for or interest in comedy to develop their craft and gain confidence in the art form. Luckily for prospective jokers, they’re supported prior to the event by experienced facilitators, Sarah Reuben and Brent Watkinson.

“We run a two-hour workshop with the participants, helping to polish

Celtica

“You’re never going to get that without young people who have the confidence and the know-how to do that. Class Clowns is the perfect way to make the industry that I love the best it possibly can be right now, but also for future generations of comedy lovers.”

With a chance to represent the NT at the national grand final up for grabs, held during this year’s MICF, the stakes are high. But Reuben says the event is about having fun and showcasing young talent.

By Hannah Muir

THERE IS SOMETHING undeniably entrancing about Celtic dance. A combination of the sound of quick feet in perfect rhythm, redolent music and angular formations that hypnotise their audiences, ready to be lured into the depths of folklore. Thanks to the fever of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance becoming cultural icons in the 1990’s, just a mention of Celtic Dance provokes a visceral nostalgia.

From the producers of Celtic Illusion, which has caused a global stir since 2011, Celtica brings its high energy, modern Irish dance show to Alice Springs.

Georgia May was one of the many, many kids that sat in front of their televisions completely spell-bound by the magic of Celtic dance during the Riverdance era. At that point in her life, a studious ballerina, May quickly changed directions.

“It was unlike anything I had seen. I think my mum thought I was going to be a prima ballerina with the Australian Ballet, but I definitely had other ideas as soon as I saw Irish dancing.”

May is now a lead performer of both Celtica and Celtic Illusion, in the excellent company of an elite troupe of dancers including stars of Riverdance, and says the distinctive unison and iconic sound that is synonymous with Irish dancing is what drew her in.

“Everyone must make the same sound at the same time, and dance to a time signature which is quite unique … And not just the same thing over and over and over again – there’s hundreds of thousands of different sounds you can make as an Irish dancer.”

Don’t miss this talented troupe made up of dancers from across the globe, as they storm the stage at Araluen Arts Centre in a high octane showcase.

Hardy Croucher

Photos: Jim Lee MICF

Shayla Keane

Photo: Guy Cleeve

For many, public speaking is one of the most nerve-racking things a human can do. Add to that the pressure of trying to make an audience laugh? Nightmare fuel.

All-Star ANNIVERSARY

By Kate Conway

360 ALLSTARS - 10 Year

Anniversary World Tour

WHEN FRI 24 MAR | 7PM SAT 25 MAR | 4PM

AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

COST $45 | $40 MEMB/CONC $35 CHILD (3-15YRS)

INFO yourcentre.com.au

HOMEGROWN AUSSIE SENSATION

360 ALLSTARS are setting off on an 18-month worldwide tour, celebrating a milestone 10 years of awe-inspiring, physical performance. The urban circus merges street culture and traditional circus art forms, presenting a supercharged exhibition of elite skills and showmanship.

Creator, director and drummer Gene Peterson says the show was initially born from a desire to create a show without business limitations of keeping it small, tourable and financially viable.

“I wanted to think, as an artist, what was the coolest thing I could come up with? Breakdancing, basketball

free styling, and BMX flat-landing?

Awesome. How many different types of awesome can we get on one stage?” he says.

“I realised all of these artforms are essentially an urban street culture equivalent to a traditional stereotypical circus discipline. Instead of acrobats, we’ve got the break-dancers, instead of a unicycle, we’ve got a BMX rider!”

Throwing business caution to the wind has paid off. Peterson says the group’s sell-out shows at iconic venues all over the world is a real highlight from the last decade.

“To be able to tout sold-out seasons at the Sydney Opera

House, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Broadway – they’re the feathers in our cap that we’re quite proud of. It’s really special to be there on Broadway, and to consider the history and magnitude of what’s come before,” he says.

“To be a part of that scene is a really exciting experience and we’re looking forward to returning one day soon.”

From 42nd St to Mitchell St, Top End audiences are treated to the global smash hit at Darwin Entertainment Centre. Peterson says the talented entourage looks forward to hitting D-Town.

“Darwin Entertainment Centre is a

beautiful venue, and Darwin’s such a lovely place to be. It’s nice looking ahead at the tour and you’ve got these points in your itinerary you can mark out and say ‘that’s going to be a really fun stop’. Darwin is certainly one of those for us.”

Crediting the show’s enduring success to their unique identity as an urban circus, and collaborative nature of the show, when all acts are interacting throughout the show, the on stage energy is palpable.

“We’re having the best time with each other on the stage, and that is contagious. As a result, the audience is having the best time with us. Come along and see what all the fuss is about!”

Photo: Cam Campbell

Glittering GOOD TIMES

By Hannah Muir

For the fourth year in a row – minus one pandemic related cancellation – a handful of dedicated local volunteers have been working tirelessly to produce a full weekend of engaging, fun and celebratory events that celebrate inclusivity and visibility.

The vibrancy of the celebrations is the perfect complement to Central Australia’s desert landscape, the ruggedness of the glorious ranges popping with glitter, sequins and feathers is a sight.

Kicking off festivities in spectacular fashion is a special Sound of Music sing-along at Araluen Art Centre, hosted by international piano accordionist, comedian and style icon, Hans. Speaking of fashion, dress in theme to take part in the costume parade if you fancy more than simply connecting to the nostalgia of Julie Andrews frolicking the countryside.

From there, the weekend is full of cabaret, comedy, community night markets with performers, fabFRIDAY Jam at the Jump Inn, and lip sync battles at Epilogue Lounge, just to name a few. For the curious, there’s the Sexual and Gender Diversity Community Forum, and for the kids, there’s the Drag Queen Story Time and Children’s Show.

An expected highlight of the program is the fabALICE Under the Stars Gala. Hosted by Marzi Panne and Miss Ellaneous, the line-up is glittered with stars including 100% Kylie, Drag Territory, DJ Cliterally, and more. Even the quarry sparkles, illuminated by the colours of the rainbow.

fabALICE is a wonderful opportunity to express compassion and fondness for this special place through space activation, fun and positivity. A conscious decision by the community-based volunteer organisers, who believe in the resilience of Central Australia, the festival injects extra life and vibrancy into the town in a sign of support.

Mparntwe/Alice Springs, well known for its richness in diversity, is the proud home to an extensive, enriching and vibrant queer community. This month’s fabALICE Festival celebrates the heck out of that.

Being the very next weekend after Mardi Gras, fabALICE’s Anya Lorimer says interstate and international pride travellers should definitely be putting fabALICE on their future itineraries.

“Come and join us for the very best afterparty in the desert!”

Photo: Lisa Hatz Photography

By Tierney Seccull

Her inner voice

Celebrate International Women’s Day with Arafura Music Collective, as talented musicians present The Inner Voice,  a chamber music performance set in the NT Supreme Court celebrating the creative power of women composers.

Last year, Mizrahi penned Hayashida Chizu, a piece inspired by a woman believed to be the first Japanese person buried in the Territory.

“Hayashida Chizu arrived in the Northern Territory from Japan in 1981. I learnt of her story through Bronwyn Dann’s exhibition, Harvesting Moonlight, and visited her grave near my home,” Mizrahi says.

“We know so little about Hayashida Chizu, and even her name was not written correctly on her grave. Writing this piece allowed me to bring one small gesture of justice to a woman whose name was not honoured. I chose to use my platform to voice her name.”

In a world where the gender scales remain tipped much to one side, opportunities to showcase the work of female composers and musicians shouldn’t be passed up, nor should chances to amplify female stories.

Mizrahi started playing music at just five years of age, but didn’t play a female-composed piece until her adult years.

“Even after many years of writing music, it took me a long time to feel at home with a composer identity. I know that women have been creators of music throughout history, but their voices are so often erased from history. As a composer, I feel empowered to use my voice but it took courage to take on this identity when it was not visible to me,” she says.

If you’re reading this, feeling the weight of the injustice of it all, there’s something you can do.

“Being in the audience for this show is an act of justice! You will get to use your own voice for healing and reconciliation. And you will hear diverse voices that are worthy of our attention.

“There is wisdom in the voice of the minority. I want to hear music by people of all genders, and I want young people to see this, to know that their voices are valued and needed in our society.”

The iconic setting of the NT Supreme Court lends itself to chamber music, the acoustics and sprawling heights making it a delight to perform in, in addition to the significance of why the space exists.

“A Supreme Court should be a space for the highest form of justice. The arts have an important role to play in all spheres that call for justice, too. How amazing that our Supreme Court has sublime acoustics for chamber music?”

By Kate Conway

Dances of Fire

DARWIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

(DSO) isn’t holding back with their season opening performance, kicking off 2023 with an exciting triple bill of works from composers Samuel Barber, Zoltán Kodály and Johannes Brahms.

Dances of Fire stars DSO Concertmaster Tara Murphy as violin soloist, performing the lyrical, dreamy and challenging Barber piece with an orchestra for the first time.

“The last movement is fiendishly difficult, it’s so fast, and I have to play 192 bars without a rest. It’s continuous moto perpetuo [perpetual motion] and then finally I get to have a rest and have a breath before I pick up the tempo again. But it’s tricky for everyone, both soloist and orchestra, that last movement,” says Murphy.

Grand, sweeping and beautiful, Dances of Galánta (Galántai Táncok ) is an orchestral work by Zoltán Kodály. The classical Hungarian folk piece is inspired by the town of Galánta where Kodály lived for several years.

“When you think Dances of Fire, this is where the fire part comes in. It’s really virtuosic for everybody, particularly the violins and the clarinet,” says Murphy.

Rounding out the program is Brahms’ Second Symphony. Renowned as Brahms’ personal favourite of his four symphonies, the piece is cheery and pastoral but by no means less passionate than the other two pieces.

“It is actually quite magical writing because, even when it’s really loud, it’s always warm and always resonates together. There is a real feeling of unity and moving as one with Brahms,” says Murphy.

All three pieces equally thrilling, dramatic and virtuosic, the stunning program heralds an exciting new phase for DSO as Resident Company at Darwin Entertainment Centre. More than just a new home, Murphy says the exciting move translates into the performance.

“It’s a dream come true. The feeling of being on stage is such a feeling of reverence and we get to do that every single week, and rehearse in that space. I think it just elevates everything that we do.”

WHEN SAT 18 MAR | 7.30–9.15PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $65 | $55 CONC | $35 U30 $22 U18 | $55 GROUPS 10+ INFO dso.org.au

FEATURING WORKS BY Clara Schumann, Caroline Shaw and Rebecca Clarke, Australian composer Emily Sheppard, and Darwin’s own Netanela Mizrahi, The Inner Voice delights and informs through the power of female voices, and the connections they craft through sharing their inner creative voice.

Photo: Tim Nicol Photography

Netanela Mizrahi

Melt in the Desert

Dave Crowe’s been making some serious noise in the desert over the years, earning his stripes as one of the best known musicians and music producers in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.

HE BEGAN TICKLING the piano ivories when he was just fouryears-old, penning his first songs at the ripe old age of seven, and has performed in a range of styles including indie-folk or flexing his electronica skills through his electro-pop project, Resin Moon.

He’s supported big acts like Tim Freedman and Ball Park Music, won a swag of awards, performed at a bunch of festivals including Darwin Festival and Wide Open Spaces, which is on next month, by the way. This month, he returns to his indie-folk roots with the hotly anticipated release of his new tune ‘Melt’ at the Jump Inn.

“It’s a love song for summer. It’s about the summer heat, it’s about the desert, it’s about the shimmering NT sun,” he says.

“I wrote it based on an image from Central Australia – a photograph someone had taken of Kata Tjuta, The Olgas, out near Uluru. So the whole concept of the song started

a magic music morning

Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) returns to delight all ages with Family Proms, handing over the reins – or rather, the baton – to young music lovers, as they embark on a magical music journey with musicians.

By Tierney Seccull

FEATURING DSO’S FABULOUS Young Artists, leading listeners through the many different sounds that make up an orchestra, it’s a beautiful experience that’s sure to bring joy. DSO Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Jon Tooby says it’s a hoot.

“It’s really become a bit of a fixture now. I think that’s because it’s just so fun and interactive and informative. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring children to see a whole symphony orchestra play in a really, really engaging environment – I think that’s why it’s so special, it’s just really fun.”

The whole family is invited to experience the orchestra up close, learning about the instruments and the different sounds they make, with an immersive walk through to check out the goods.

with a visual, and a stream of consciousness to describe that visual, so it was a different way of writing for me.”

Being inspired by his surroundings isn’t a new concept for Crowe, who constantly finds himself in awe of the rugged natural landscape of the Red Centre.

“It’s an awesome place to be based as an artist … There’s something special about the place, its geography, its people. As an artist, there’s a lot there to grapple with and try and make sense of. Hopefully, as artists, we’re contributing something positive to the culture here, the people here, and helping to try and make sense of some of the complex issues that are going on around this part of the world.”

Returning to his indie-folk roots has been a long time coming for Crowe, who says he’s felt the pull to make music with acoustic instruments rather than synthesised sounds.

By Tierney Seccull

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while now. The last few years, the indie-folk bug has been niggling at me,” he says.

“It’s been a nice and refreshing change to be playing more organic instruments and using real drums and bass, working with more natural sounds. It’s a nice change!”

Crowe’s set to drop a few more gems throughout the year, as he gears up to release a new album sometime in 2023. So if you’re kicking around the desert, jump along to the Jump Inn and get ready to ‘Melt’ with Dave Crowe.

This year, there’s also singing and dancing, and all children are given a paper straw baton to mimic the act of conducting the orchestra. Some lucky kiddos also get the chance to take control of the DSO baton and conduct the orchestra. Tooby says this part is always a joy to witness.

“It’s so exciting to see their faces light up. Just hearing a new sound, awakening their imagination. We all hear music on the radio or our phones, but we don’t necessarily know where the sounds come from, so to see the instruments actually producing the sounds completely acoustically is really, really exciting for a lot of kids.”

Round up the crew, pop on your listening ears – little and big – and treat them to some local sounds.

GIG guide

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

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

Top End Punk Vol II

The Inner Voice - The Music of Women Composers

WHEN SUN 12 MAR | 5-6.15PM AT NT SUPREME COURT, DARWIN COST $42 | $35 CONC | $10 YOUTH U12 FREE INFO facebook.com/ arafuramusiccollective

DSO Family Proms

WHEN SAT 18 MAR | 11-12PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $15 INFO dso.org.au

DSO Dances of Fire

WHEN SAT 18 MAR | 7.30-9.15PM AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE COST $65 | $55 CONC | $35 U30 $22 U18 | $55 GROUPS 10+ INFO dso.org.au

Stone Cold Records brings together some of Darwin’s best and upcoming bands, as Top End Punk returns for a second year. Enjoy the original punk sounds of Temperamental, Junk-time, The Burnouts and Whisper.

WHEN SAT 4 MAR | 9PM-1AM AT HAPPY YESS COST $12 | $15 DOOR INFO stonecoldrecords.com.au

Jam Night

RED CENTRE

Sing-a-Long A Sound of Music hosted by Hans

Head down to this much-loved open mic night, jump on stage and share your musical prowess, or sit back and enjoy the music with one of Smoke & Oak’s tasty concoctions.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 9PM AT SMOKE & OAK DARWIN COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ smokeandoakdarwin

Darwin City Brass Band Learner’s Classes

Come along and join in the fun of learning to play a brass instrument.

Jazz Assembly Jam Session

Head along to Dom’s Bar on the last Sunday of the month for this fun, jazz jam session complete with house band. Bring an instrument if you’re keen to join the jam, or sit back and enjoy the music with a cheeky afternoon bev.

WHEN SUN 26 MAR | 5-7PM AT DOM’S BAR & LOUNGE NIGHTCLIFF COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ jazzassemblyjam

This relaxing monthly arvo of music is a must-see, must-do, musthear. Strum a song and belt out a ballad or kick back with a drink in the shade while other talented musos do!

WHEN SUN 5 MAR | 3PM AT TRACY VILLAGE SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB COST GOLD COIN INFO facebook.com/ firstsundayblues

Darwin City Brass Band Rehearsals

Come along and join in the fun of community banding. New members and visitors are always welcome at Darwin City Brass Band’s friendly rehearsals and performances. The band rehearses on Tuesday nights, with a busy performance program throughout the year.

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

Darwin City Brass Band offers a low-cost opportunity for aspiring and developing brass players of all ages, with friendly and fun tuition on Wednesdays during school terms.

WHEN EVERY WED | 4.30-6.30PM AT 2 ABALA RD, MARRARA COST $20 ANNUAL MEMB INFO darwincitybrassband.org.au

Live Music Wednesdays at Dom’s Break up the working week and cure hump day blues with live original music from locals.

WHEN EVERY WED | 7-9PM AT DOM’S BAR & LOUNGE COST FREE INFO domsdarwin.com.au

Friday Knock Offs at Dom’s Gather your crew, kick back with a cheeky cocktail or two, and let the house DJ bring in your weekend.

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

Kick off fabALICE Festival with a fun sing-along, hosted by Hans. Festivities include a costume parade with prizes followed by a screening of the Sound of Music, complete with song lyrics to sing-along to all the magnificent, iconic numbers. Get together with friends, warm up those pipes and get ready to do, re, mi!

WHEN THU 9 MAR | 7-11PM AT ARALUEN THEATRE COST $60 INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

Musical Pop-Up Cabaret

Head along to Epilogue Lounge on the last Saturday of each month, and enjoy a fun night of themed tunes performed by feature artists. With an open mic section for those keen to have a sing, you can choose to be part of the action or sit back and soak it all in, all the while tucking into some of Epilogue’s delish dishes and chilled bevs. See you on The Rooftop!

WHEN SAT 25 MAR | 7.30-9PM AT EPILOGUE LOUNGE ROOFTOP COST FREE INFO facebook.com/ onthewingproductions

Jump Inn Jams

Break up the working week and jump along to the Jump Inn for a fun jam night sesh with various artists.

WHEN EVERY TUE | 7PM AT JUMP INN COST FREE INFO jumpinncraftbeerbar.com

TUE 7 MAR | DAVE CROWE

TUE 14 MAR | XAVIA

TUE 21 MAR | EMMA GERARD

TUE 28 MAR | GABBY DEVER

Acoustic Friday

Soundtrack your Friday night with live, soulful, acoustic tunes from talented, local musos.

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

FRI 3 MAR | SIMON JENKINS

FRI 10 MAR | EDAN BAXTER

FRI 17 MAR | JESSIE MAY

FRI 24 MAR | JUM RYAN

FRI 31 MAR | GABBY DEVER

HEADS UP!

Wide Open Spaces

Head to the heartland for Australia’s most centred festival, with three huge days and nights of music, art and desert culture. Time to think about booking those flights or getting your hot wheels ready for the ultimate road trip to the desert!

WHEN FRI 28 – SUN 30 APR AT ROSS RIVER RESORT COST $225-$325 INFO wideopenspaces.net.au