Stories in the library
Celebrate the joy, wonder and simplicity of a nature-filled Christmas this year with Australian Christmas stories and songs on Monday at the Mullumbimby Library (10.30am) and Brunswick Heads Library (2.30pm). Join storyteller and musician Annie Bryant and special guest storyteller Sandra Frain for a celebration of Australian summertime Christmas symbology with stories and songs from the beach, bush and beyond!
Laughing from the belly
Mandy Nolan takes the helm at the last BellyLaugh Open Mic Comedy at the Brewery Thursday. With her sights set on the festival circuit in 2016 (when she and comedy partner Ellen Briggs head to Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy festivals) catch the old girl as she tries out some of her latest gags and hones the oldies. With visiting comics from Brisbane and some exciting brand-new talent – don’t miss this free night of laughs. 8pm.
Soundbaths, shamans and a yoga space
Journey though time and space with a soundbath or activate your body mind and soul in the new yoga space at the Starlight Festival. A festival of conscious living, awakening and connection to humanity’s true potential through interactive workshops, soundbaths, yoga and shamanic journeys with local, national and international presenters.
Bangalow A&I Hall 7–10 January. Price: $20 admission. 2 day pass $30. Locals 2-for-1 days. Tickets online or at the door.
The flying circus
Fresh from their sold-out and award-winning tour of the United Kingdom, Head First Acrobats are back in Australia and are touring their internationally acclaimed show Elixir. Having played to sold-out crowds and rave reviews in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and the United Kindgom, Head First Acrobats are ready to bust out for one night only in Byron Bay. Elixir is circus like you have never seen before, uninhibited by cliche or expectation, subversive and hilarious at the same time. Acrobats fly five metres into the air on the teeterboard, spin upside-down on the mesmerising roue cyr wheel, perform incredible one-arm handstands on wobbling canes, and balance on nothing but their heads on a swinging trapeze. Elixir is an incredible display of acrobatics and physical comedy, tied together with an eccentric narrative. An action-packed hour of circus, with a cohesive story from start to finish. The story follows three bumbling (albeit handsome) scientists who attempt to create the elixir of life. The mayhem that follows is a beautiful mix of incredible acrobatics and impeccable, comic timing. Friday at Byron Community Centre at 8pm. Tickets online at byroncentre.com.au or drop in and get them in hard copy during business hours.
Jonathan Atherton
Jonathan Atherton is Australia’s most-travelled comedian. He speaks more languages than your average UN delegate; the truth and poignancy of his rapid-fire comedy will have you laughing… and thinking.
As a seasoned traveller, having lived and worked in Thailand, Japan, Kenya, Uganda and Indonesia – and been and presenter of Lonely Planet (Discovery Channel) and Pilot Guides (ABC-TV) – Atherton brings a unique global perspective to his comedy. He has performed to sell-out crowds in London, Ireland, Amsterdam, Jakarta, Thailand, Malaysia, New York and across the Australian comedy circuit. He has just returned from his seventh sell-out season at Singapore’s famous 1NiteStand Club. The Jakarta comedy club raved: ‘Masterful and multilingual Australian super-talent.
To say that this man had the audience in stitches does not convey the true spirit of the experience. Astounding, incredible, unbelievable, fabulous and gifted.’ He hits Aussie soil this week and headlines the Byron Services Club on Monday at 8pm with Mandy Nolan as MC and Anne Howe as support. Tix are $25 at the club or can be booked on 6619 0529.
MarkArt
The Roxy Gallery once again undertakes its Christmas goodwill with its annual affordable arts exhibition taking place from 16 December through till 30 January 2016. This exhibition provides a vehicle for both professional and emerging artists to get their works into the public domain as items for purchase as gift ideas.
MarkArt promises to be a vibrant, exciting exhibition of works that encapsulate a collection of skills and techniques and many local artists. Works purchased during this exhibition can be taken from the gallery prior to the completion of the exhibition just in case they need to be placed under the Christmas tree.
All Shorts closing!
Byron All Shorts celebrates the filmmaking talent of the northern rivers region and encourages audiences to experience the many amazing films and local stories that are produced here each year. Filmmakers from across the region are invited to submit their short films of up to 30 minutes long, from all genres. Prizes and cash to the value of around $3k will include awards for Best Film, Best Emerging Talent, Audience Choice and more; recognising the incredible talent in our region. If you live in the northern rivers, or have produced a film in the northern rivers, or have made a film about the northern rivers you can enter Byron All Shorts.
Byron All Shorts finalists will screen on 23 January at the festival’s new venue, Mullumbimby Civic Hall; alongside the best in the world at Flickerfest – Australia’s leading Academy-accredited international short-film festival. Entry deadline Monday.
Entry forms and info: www.iQ.org.au 0414 779 881.
Write your own hip-hop songs!
An awesome hip-hop songwriting workshop is being presented by Byron Youth Service as part of their Suffolk Park program. Coming up this Saturday at 2–4pm, local young people are invited to join in a FREE hip-hop songwriting afternoon with acclaimed hip-hop artist Esscay!
For young people booking in early you will receive the free Esscay CD Revelation. Esscay is looking forward to sharing his rap-writing skills as he sees hip-hop as a deeply empowering and confidence-building tool for the development of self-esteem and emotional maturity for young people as well as being awesome fun to create your own rap, songs and music. So don’t miss the free workshop for young people at Suffolk Park Hall. To book in early for a free CD call Lotte at BYS 0490 026 840 or come along on the day. Free refreshments will be available!
Colouring in for your community
Join local artist Maria Wilson at Still@theCentre on Saturday morning to colour in the mega-card (a printed drawing by Maria) and raise money for the Liberation Larder. The Gallery will match any gold-coin donations dollar for dollar and they will also provide tea, coffee, cake and colouring implements! At the gallery 10am–12 noon.
