
Soundbaths, Shamanism, Starlight and You!
Every year the Starlight Festival in Bangalow transports locals to the celestial plane with soundbaths, shamanic journeys and in-depth everything. Taking attendees through time and space with a sound healing, you can learn to play the singing bowl, browse the market or access ancient knowledge.
Featuring Alice Miyagawa, a teacher of harmonium, chanting, mantra meditation, and vocal techniques for singing and meditation. She is also the wings behind The Harmonium Choir – a wonderful group of harmonium players who offer a unique sound healing modality for health and wellbeing. Alice will be leading initiates towards enlightenment with her daily yoga sessions.
Kylie Upton is a mother, business owner, hippie in high heels and yogini – she had always maintained her own health and wellness but when a health crisis challenged her in 2014 she discovered Kundalini Yoga; she regained her health and it totally transformed her life. She has studied Kundalini Yoga in Australia, India, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the United States and practices Kundalini Yoga every single day. She has fallen in love with sharing the teachings.
Originally from the Victorian coast, Tom Robb’s story begins with an early love for adventure and a passion for teaching. What started out as a Diploma, then a Degree in outdoor education has now turned into something so much greater. With the desire to be a forever student, Tom began studying material based on psychology, mental health, and mind mastery, while simultaneously completing his yoga and meditation teacher training. Accompanied by Lucinda, his ‘74 Kombi, he is on a mission is to deliver his presentations to every school, festival, and conference across Australia.
Starlight Festival: A festival of conscious living; of awakening and connection through interactive workshops, soundbaths, yoga; of shamanic journeys and talks with local, national and international presenters.
7–10 January, Bangalow A&I Hall
Price: $30 admission. Four day pass $75. Locals two-for-one days, Thursday 7–8 Jan.
Tickets online or at the door. www.starlightfestival.com.au

Nudgin’ it
Nudge continues in it’s Saturday slot for 2021. The first Saturday of the month ongoing – but giving you a break between NYE and the first Nudge of ‘21. Winner of the Byron Shire Community Event of the Year at this year’s Australia Day Awards and featuring DJs Phil Perry, Crucial D, Dale Stephen and Lord Sut. Limited tickets.
Saturday 9 January, 4-11pm $20
Cunning Stunts will continue to donate a percentage of profits to local charities throughout the season – they have raised $325k+ so far, helping 28 charities.
Go to cunningstunts.com.au
to grab your tickets.

Lisa brings the bands back
SummerStage is quite possibly the most exciting new gig to hit Byron.
Born out of the restrictions of 2020 that saw so many in the music industry pack up their equipment and go home – this is an outdoor COVID Safe musical gathering made possible because the kick arse soul mama that is Lisa Hunt has pulled it all together. ‘Build it and they will come’ is the vision statement, and that’s exactly what Lisa is hoping for – that the crowds will descend on Red Devil footy field with picnic rugs aplenty to enjoy a sumptuous evening of song.
Opening on Saturday 9 January, and running through until 28 February. With a stunning line up each evening – it’s clear the bands are back in town.
Saturday 9 January line up is Oka, and Bullhorn.
Oka is the sound of the future without losing the past. Could there be a more befitting opening act for the festival? The music of Oka is a Welcome to Country where the Dreaming meets world music; seamlessly blending roots, jazz, dub and house – and positve vibrations fill the air.
Bullhorn are an acoustic force of nature with a line up that includes seven horn players, one drummer and one monster MC. With their roots in funk, soul, hip hop, reggae and dance music their performances inspire the most conservative audiences to make their way to the dancefloor. Doors open at 4pm.
Sunday 10 January welcomes Lisa Hunt
After a year of silence in the Shire she calls home, the soul sister returns to stage with the very best of her African American musical roots on display: Motown, Soul, Funk and Disco. Infectiously feel good music for those in the know.
Also stepping up are the Hussy Hicks. Powerhouse vocalist Leesa Gentz, and guitarist Julz Parker are bringing the full band for SummerStage. This promises to be a day of next level female soul power.
For tickets go to summerstagebyronbay.com.au

The Fantastic Mr Wes!
Calling all Wes Anderson fans! The Regent Cinema is proud to present a festival of quirky and quality films from the incredible film director Wes Anderson from 4–6 Jan. The Regent Cinema are providing three days of Wes’ genius to indulge your cinematic senses. Kid-friendly titles and adult favourites. Seven films for a full degustation! Matching wines available.
With screenings of masterpieces: Rushmore, The Royal Tenebaums, The Life Aquatic, The Darjeeling Limited, Fantastic Mr Fox, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Isle of Dogs.
For more info go to the-regent.com.au

See SAE virtually
Find your true calling with the leading global specialist in creative media education. If you’re considering studying creative media (animation, audio, creative industries, design, film, or games, or web & mobile) join SAE online for their Virtual Info Night and hear from industry-experienced lecturers, learn how you can pursue your passion in this dynamic and expanding industry.
Join this live online event and get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, course presentations, student showreels, live Q&A, and explore SAE in a 360° interactive campus experience!
14 Jan 6–8pm. For info and bookings phone 1800 723 338 or email [email protected]

The Austentayshus Virus
He’s big, he’s bold and he’s back! Austentayshus is the big bad wolf of Aussie comedy, huffing and puffing his way through the zeitgeist. Every year he makes his satirical sojourn to Byron Bay. He loves it here. He says we ‘get him’. That we are one of the smartest crowds in the country. Of course we love hearing that – and we also love hearing his improvised downloads on the politics and drama of our town.
Presented by Mandy Nolan in three hot summer shows! Saturday 9 January at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services at 8pm, Sunday 10 January at the Byron Services at 5pm, and Monday 11 January back at the Byron Services at 8pm.
All tix are $40 on mandynolan.com.au


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