People, Culture, Country
Be part of something extraordinary this Australia Day and share in the spirit of Saltwater Freshwater country with an event that celebrates our first-nation peoples this Australia Day at Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens. With headline act Archie Roach, acclaimed hip-hop artist Briggs, rising star Radical Son, soul songstress Emma Donovan with the PutBacks, and fusion dance band DidJital.
As well as presenting the best in national Aboriginal music, the heart of the interactive festival is the collaboration of the four nations of the saltwater freshwater region: Gumbaynggir; Dunghutti; Biripi; and Worimi. Festival-goers will be able to hear Gumbaynggirr stories, learn the local language, and discover bush foods and medicines on guided discovery walks.
They will also be able to get hands-on weaving with Worimi artists from Forster and Karuah, make bark canoes with Dunghutti craftsmen from Kempsey, and paint with Taree artists in the Biripi art space. This is a chance for visitors to connect with and learn more about the cultural richness and diversity of this region. Monday 26 January, 9am–5pm. Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens. Entry by donation.
Mice and Men
Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee James Franco (127 Hours, Milk) and Tony award nominee Chris O’Dowd (The Sapphires, Bridesmaids) star in the hit Broadway production Of Mice And Men, filmed on stage by National Theatre Live and screening at Palace Cinema this week.
This landmark revival of Nobel prizewinner John Steinbeck’s play is a powerful portrait of the American spirit and a heartbreaking testament to the bonds of friendship.
Of Mice and Men screens at Palace Byron Bay Cinema at 1pm on Saturday and 12.30pm on Wednesday 28 January.
Tickets $23–25 available at the cinema box office or online at www.palacecinemas.com.au.
The Main Event
The Main Event is an extraordinary dance event happening in historic Federal village just 30 minutes inland from Byron Bay at 7pm this Saturday. It will feature dancers with and without disabilities from the northern rivers region, across the country and as far away as New Zealand, Norway and Germany.
It is the culmination of a week-long dance workshop program based around the philosophy of utilising communication as a creative tool. This creative activity is led by two of Australia’s leading dance practitioners, Philip Channells (creative director, Dance Integrated Australia) and Gavin Webber (co-founder of The Farm). Together they have developed a program that focuses on skills development (disability-inclusive) and choreographic practice and development in dance.
The performance showcases some of the work of 35 dancers in collaboration with ARIA award winner Ben Ely (formerly from the Regurgitator band), local musician Dominic Rado, and multimedia artist and projectionist Kellie O’Dempsey. The Main Event is being held at Jasper Corner, Federal.
Pizza Volante will be popping up at the venue from 5pm and tickets are available at the door – $10 adult / $5 child.
Circus opens its doors
If your new-year resolution is to get fit, be more adventurous, learn something new, find spiritual balance, engage more with your community or perhaps finally perform on stage then Circus Arts is the place for you. Byron’s indoor multi-activity centre is the ultimate venue for getting active and having fun and on Saturday January 24 everyone is invited to come along to Open Day and see what’s on offer for 2015.
Open Day offers include $5 taster classes in kinder, kids’, teens’ and adults’ circus, acrobatics, aerials, parkour, flying trapeze, indoor climbing, trampolining and yoga! Everyone can enjoy the FREE Juggle Zone and Playspace and watch Circus Arts’ top students and trainers perform their signature acts.
Term starts Tuesday January 27 so come along and join the Circus Arts family and realise your dreams for 2015!
Circus Arts Open Day is on Saturday from 10am–2pm at 17 Centennial Circuit, Byron Arts and Industry Park.
Dance ARC
ARC Dreaming Aboriginal Dance Theatre is back by popular demand this Friday for an epic performance at The Space at the Byron Bay Community Centre.
ARC Dreaming is a collaboration between music fusion group Visions of a Nomad and the Nunukul Yuggera dancers, both internationally acclaimed.
Nunukul Yuggera recently opened the G20 summit in Brisbane, performing in front of the world’s delegates, televised worldwide. Don’t miss this true celebration of Australian culture!
SNIPPETS
Mullum Potters
Mullum Potters are welcoming new members. Call into the Drill Hall studio on Jubilee Avenue from 10 till 3 on Thursday 22 or 29 Jan to get membership details or contact Ellen 6680 4810. More info at www.mcag.com.au.
Lone Goat gallery
‘Place of Dreams’ by Robert Ryan runs until 4 February. Gallery volunteer attendants required – please contact 0408 337 277.
Celebrate
An open celebration of Australia, the land, its people, with BYO barbecue at swimming pool park in Bangalow Sunday 25 Jan 5pm, organised by Anglican and Uniting churches.
Looking for photos
Looking for photos (or memorabilia to photograph) of war-bride-related material for a new exhibition at the Ex-Services Club Mullumbimby in April 2015. Also material related to war horses that were part of WWI. Please email Debby at [email protected].
Visioning your life
Take time now to explore your creative side and to refocus on finding meaning in your life. Tuesday 3 February, 10.30am till 3.30pm at Ballina Community Health Centre Solarium, Cherry Street entrance. Free! For bookings phone 6620 2999.
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