Who knows? Dunno… I Do
Dunno… I Do celebrates the creative world of Northern Rivers artist Nhoj. The exhibition of bold, large scale paintings is a direct response to the recent unprecedented series of events experienced on the national and international stage.
Made in Nhoj’s Middle Pocket studio, this body of work reflects on the political, environmental, social and humanitarian issues that have confronted our society over the past two-year lockdown. In the not so subtle words of the artist: ‘It’s a mind fuck’.
Nhoj pays tribute to movements like #blacklivesmatter, #climateaction, #marriageequality and other cultural milestones with his signature pop palette of fluorescent oils painted on canvas and covered in resin, sometimes with a splash of glitter.
The centrepiece of the show is a huge technicoloured outback piece portraying a white man in an Akubra hat staring out across a climate ravaged landscape with the caption; ‘Dunno’. Beside him is an Aboriginal man with the words, ‘I Do’. It’s a statement about Indigenous knowledge as a solution to land management in the age of global warming. Another impactful painting depicts the triumphant #metoo advocate, Brittany Higgins, standing before Canberra’s Parliament House having just knocked out Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Nhoj has spent many years travelling deep into the centre of this land and respects Indigenous perspectives. He also reveres local landmarks like Wollumbin (Mt. Warning) and the Billinudgel Hotel, both of which feature in this collection of paintings.
‘My work is a regurgitation of current emotions inspired by the pressure cooker of lockdown,’ says Nhoj (AKA John Hallas) who acted as CEO of Ella Baché for 25 years, establishing a unique positioning for the company. He remains Chairman of the Board while pursuing his art practice and regenerating landscapes on Bundjalung country.
This exhibition runs until 14 December at Ninbella, 19a Byron St, Bangalow. The gallery is open seven days a week 10am–4pm.
Vaxed to the Max?
Steve Banks and the incomparable Sidemen bring you one final show just prior to Christmas; Vaxed to the Max. ‘It’s not meant to be provocative,’ says Banks. ‘It’s just a comment on life as it currently is for us all.’ Come have some much needed fun with Steve and the Sidemen. This concert will be outdoors under the stars at the Bangalow Bowlo. The band play songs they’ve either written themselves, helped to make famous, or were inspired by to become musos.
The show starts in the ‘cage’ at 7.30pm. Players from the Black Sorrows, 10cc, John Butler, Cliff Richard and Crossfire will be playing ‘at you’. Limited tables, so bring your own chairs and picnic blankets – food and beverages are available from the bistro from 5.30pm for a festive gig under the stars. Do not miss this – and don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Steve Banks and the Sidemen
Bangalow Bowlo on Thursday 16 December.
Tickets online at: eventbrite.com.au.
The Ballina RSL’s free music is back!
It’s been a long, looooong time between gigs at the Ballina RSL and now it’s time to party. The pandemic has meant that like most venues, the RSL has had to cancel most of the performances they had lined up over winter and spring, but those days are over and it’s back to the fun.
The first cab off the rank is Yolan who will get the musical ball rolling this Friday.
Yolan is a passionate storyteller who has the ability to make any song her own. Not ever wanting to be labeled as fitting into a particular genre, she finds her style in everything from heartfelt folk ballads, to soul, funk and alternative country blues.
On Saturday you can see the Blues Club, which was recently featured in Seven, with Soren Carlbergg Quartet & Louis Muller; and the month’s line-up continues with Dan Clark, Luke Yeaman, The Hombres, Jasper & Nelson; and the Christmas week specials include Renee Simone and the Matt Day Duo, another spin of the Soren Carlbergg Quartet; the fabulous Leigh James & Elizabeth Lord Christmas Eve Special; and to cap off the year, Bruno Bah on New Year’s Eve. And the best news? All of this great music is free – that’s right, no door charge.
The sea is rising and so are we!
Inspired by climate change protests, Spaghetti Circus’ powerful show Bails of Hey! is a middle finger response by teenagers to being ignored and looked down on by politicians, media, and the adult world. The show is action-packed with acrobatics, aerials, teeterboard, and most of all – fun!
First performed at a climate change protest in Byron Bay in 2019, Bails of Hey! has since been transformed, by director and international circus performer DJ Garner and the irrepressible Spaghetti Circus’ teenage troupe, into a breathtaking main stage show. And there’s no better place to show that off than in NORPA’s state-of-the-art theatre!
DJ Garner says these kids are inspiring. ‘Creating any show is a constant game of problems and solutions. The energy they have put into creating Bails of Hey! is exactly what will help change the world. And why should saving the world be boring?’
The cast/co-creators are the Spaghetti Circus Performance Troupe; 21 teenagers versed in daring physical skills and prepared to trust themselves and each other.
Bails of Hey! is suitable for all ages.
Presented by Spaghetti Circus and NORPA.
Friday 10 December, 7pm & Saturday 11 December, matinee 2pm, at Lismore City Hall.
Tickets: Kids (ages 2–17) $12.50, Adults $25, Family (2 adults, 2 kids) $70
Ten Thirds – BSA graduation exhibition
The work of ten Byron School of Art (BSA) third year graduates (Ten Thirds) will be exhibited from this week at the BSA Project Space in Mullumbimby.
BSA Director and teacher, Emma Walker, says this exhibition is a unique opportunity to see exciting new work being produced by a diverse group of emerging artists. ‘We are so impressed by the standard of student work presented in this year’s Graduate Exhibition. Despite the challenging year of disruptions had, owing to the ongoing pandemic, these students forged ahead with dedication and perseverance, making great strides in their practice.’ Emma said.
Ten Thirds features a dynamic array of works across painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, installation and video, with many of the works for sale.
The exhibition will run from 10am to 2pm, Saturday 4 December until Friday 17 December. There will be a closing event from 6pm on the 17th.
The closing event and the exhibition will be open to the public. The graduating students warmly invite you to come and celebrate this milestone with them.
Exhibition from Saturday 4 December to the closing event on 17 December at 6pm.
BSA Project Space, 112 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.
The Big Bike Film Night 2021
Hopefully it will be third time lucky for The Big Bike Film Night at Byron Theatre on Wednesday, 15 December.
The pandemic has seen this event reschedule twice, but now they are on a mission – to share with you the best cycling short films from around the world.
The Big Bike Film Night is pedalling into Byron Bay next Wednesday and to celebrate, the organisers are giving away a double pass.
A feast of short films devoted to the bicycle and all who ride, The Big Bike Film Night is an annual event that presents an array of international movies specifically curated by New Zealander and self-proclaimed ‘Film Pedlar’, Brett Cotter.
To enter for your chance at the double pass, email your details to: [email protected] by 9am on Tuesday 15 Dec.
The Big Bike Film Night 2021 is on at the Byron Theatre – Thursday 15 December at 7pm.
Kim Churchill has his ducks in a row
Set amongst the 80-acre working farm, Three Blue Ducks are hosting a bunch of live music sessions during the warmer months in Byron Bay. To kick things off, singer/songwriter Kim Churchill will be dropping a relaxed, stripped back set next week.
Churchill is celebrating summer with a comprehensive tour in support of Single Spark , his new single and the opening track from his Silence/Win album.
Churchill fascinates his audiences by juggling guitar, bass drum, harmonica, tambourine and percussion while delivering an extensive and remarkable vocal range.
Summer is here, live music is back! Don’t miss the chance to enjoy The Ducks’ first concert of the season with some epic artists, a great feed with your mates and enjoy the intimate setting.
The event includes tap beer or wine on arrival, a Ducks burger (meat or vegan option) and local support artists – Maanyung and Dusty Boots.
Wednesday, 8 December. Doors open 6pm, food and music 6pm–8.30pm. Three Blue Ducks @ The Farm, Ewingdale Rd, Byron Bay.
New Year’s Eve has Ragga and Soul
Local outfits Soul’D and Ragga Jump are joining forces to help you say goodbye to 2021 – and what better way to slide into 2022 than shaking your groove thang past midnight?
Byron favourites Ragga Jump play a mix of classic tropical party music, bringing the flavour of the islands to the dance floor.
From sexy and irresistible Calypso anthem ‘Hot Holt Hot’ to Bob Marley and UB40 reggae, they morph into ’70s funk from Hot Chocolate and James Brown, then segue into ‘Get Lucky’ and ‘Valerie’. Throw in swampy Latin hits from Santana and Lenny Kravitz and – ahhhhh! Oh God it’s good!
But wait… Soul’D then perform classics from legendary soul, Motown, funk, blues rock and RnB artists heard on the Atlantic, Stax, Motown and Savoy Labels of the late ’50s,’ 60s and ’70s – the likes of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Booker T, Wilson Pickett, Eddie Floyd, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, Earth Wind & Fire, Joe Cocker, Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, The Blues Brothers and The Commitments. Could it get any better? Try this – Soul’D is an Australian Soul outfit featuring ten musicians famous for recreating retro sounds from right across the eras.
With Ragga Jump’s 100 per cent dancefest delivered with punchy percussion breaks and Soul’D’s irresistible boogie vibes, there’s no way better to ring in the New Year.
Ragga Jump and Soul’D
Club Byron, 31 December from 6pm.
Tickets online only: www.soul-band.com/gig-guide.html. See you there!
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