Bangalow Film Festival’s Second Outing
The Bangalow Film Festival has announced the program for its second annual festival, which will take place across multiple venues from January 13–29.
Premiering award-winning films from across the globe, the 2022 program offers a diverse and inclusive film festival experience. The festival is expanding its footprint to deliver screenings and events in Murwillumbah and Lismore, and pop-up locations across the Byron Shire.
With a line-up of critically acclaimed films, the program presents 18 feature films along with panels, art exhibitions, and the finest locally sourced food and beverages.
One of the many titles featuring this year, and making its regional screen debut, is environmentally moving documentary River. Directed by Jennifer Peedom, who will be attending the festival, this cinematic and cultural experience reflects on how rivers have shaped human existence and Mother Nature’s elaborate landscapes.
The Showgrounds will come alive with regional premieres from two internationally renowned filmmakers, including Pedro Almodovar’s newest film Parallel Mothers, starring Penelope Cruz, and Celine Sciamma’s tender coming-of-age ghost story Petite Maman.
Not to be missed is Australian film Little Tornadoes, a period drama that depicts a newly single father weathering turbulent times. Director, Aaron Wilson, will be in attendance as the film makes its NSW premiere.
Thought-provoking documentary, Green is the New Black, is a film that hones in on music and sustainability. The documentary follows internationally renowned Byron Bay band In Hearts Wake as they strive to become the first carbon neutral band in the world. The film is the directorial debut by Bangalow local Jake Taylor, who also fronts the band. The screening will be introduced by a panel discussion with special guests discussing sustainability in the arts.
More films are yet to be announced. You can find out about the films and tickets at: bangalowfilmfestival.com.au.
From Share Houses to Gritty Town
Born in the share houses of Paterson Street circa 2015, Byron Bay band Drop Legs have just released their second album Manic Monk. Mixing their signature coastal dub sounds with psychedelic and indie elements, the 12 tracks wander through a vast selection of moods and genres. From a laid back barbecue jam to a bitey political anthem – this album is a reflection of the manic/ monk, Yin/Yang sides of our modern lives and personalities.
Unlike the share houses the band have kept their gritty ecclectic style and are rearing to go at playing gigs post-COVID.
Drop Legs are playing a run of shows, including the Great Northern on Friday, before they head south to Sydney and Melbourne in 2022.
Austen Tayshus – Dangerously Funny
Every January, Austen Tayshus, the legendary white pointer of Australian comedy makes his way to Byron Bay. It’s his favourite show of the year. ‘It’s a smart crowd’ he says. And he’s right. Not everyone is going to ‘get’ a Tayshus show. But Byron, he reckons, and the towns that fringe her, do.
Austen likes to make people think – to push them to the brink of their comfort zones. And sometimes way over the edge.
It’s why he’s such a fierce figure in the Aussie comedy scene, a scene where many comics and promoters are terrified of him. Austen, aka Sandy Gutman doesn’t play safe. He doesn’t suck up to venue owners. And he certainly doesn’t stroke the ego of other performers or promoters. He is a lone wolf. At times smarter, funnier, and more experienced than anyone else in Aussie comedy. But be warned. He’s also a lot more dangerous. There are few comics with the tenacity and killer instinct of Austen Tayshus.
The comedy superstar who first came into being in 1981 has the ability to take a room hostage, just with his tongue. Every Austen show is unique. He has the ability to weave together current politics, what’s happening in the room, philosophy, anthropology, religion and of course sport, and let’s not forget the Pope, all into one gag.
There is no subject he won’t dissect. Uncomfortable, confronting, but always illuminating, an Austen Tayshus show is both comic and cleansing. He doesn’t need you to like him. In fact he’d probably prefer it if you don’t.
It’s ‘Bewdy and the Beast’, with Mandy Nolan as feature MC – and a special guest!
Wednesday 5 Jan, Bangalow Bowlo, 8pm.
Thursday 6 Jan, The Regent Murwillumbah, 8pm.
Monday 10 Jan, Byron Ex-Services Club, 8pm.
Thursday 13 Jan, Federal Hall, 8pm.
Friday 14 Jan, Mullum Ex-Services, 8pm.
Tickets $30 on trybooking or mandynolan.com.au
Song Dynasty Singing Revival
After months of silence, Janet Swain of Song Dynasty is going full steam ahead with great concerts and singing opportunities.
On Friday 17 and Sunday 19 December, the chamber choir, Dynasty8, presents Rest – classical choral music for high vibrations. Bring cushions and mats if you want to lie down – but chairs will be provided. Dynasty8 will be accompanied by David Bennett from Planet Earth Gongs. Concerts will be held at the Brunswick Heads Memorial Hall and Kingscliff Community Hall.
Again this Christmas there will be Real Carols at the Right Time with special guest Bobby Alu. This will be your first chance to check out the brand spanking new Brunswick Picture House. Kicking off at 4pm, come and sing along – songbooks provided.
There will be a carol rehearsal with Janet on Monday 20 December from 6pm at the Memorial Hall.
Janet’s popular Big Song Sessions for Wellbeing start on Monday 17 January 2022 in both Brunswick Heads and Kingscliff, and the Big Voice Choir also starts in the evening at the Picture House. This big hearted choir will be open to new members from January. Check out www.songdynastymusic.com.
Get your Lemon Chicken at the Courthouse
It’s Christmas time and what better way to celebrate than with a traditional Lemon Chicken gig at the Courthouse. Lemon Chicken have been marinating some new tunes and are ready to finally play to the masses, and for those who’ve tasted the Chicken – let all your friends know – and let’s make it the biggest night ever.
They’ve got everything covered from Paul Kelly through to Rage Against the Machine, and the fabulous Dave Power is doing a warm-up set.
Lemon Chicken are bringing live music back to Mullum – so get your pants on and come on down.
Lemon Chicken at the Courthouse, Sat 18 December, 8pm.
A Big Week in Ballina
A big week is coming up at the Ballina RSL with free live entertainment from The Hombres on Friday, Jasper & Nelson on Saturday and Christmas week special guests Renee Simone and Matt Day Duo on Wednesday 22 December, and the Soren Carlbergg Quartet on Thursday 23 December, and don’t forget to kick your NYE weekend off early with the Big Gig live comedy on Thursday, 30 December.
A highlight on the free entertainment calendar this week is Sebastiaan, on Friday17 December, bringing back the days of Frank, Dean, Roy and Elvis, mixed with some Nat King Cole. Sebastiaan performs songs that will take you back to the time when swing was the thing and crooners had mastered the art of entertainment.
On December 22, DJ Danny B and his seemingly endless catalogue of epic tunes and his ability to slip just the right track into any situation will have you up and dancing to an awesome pre-Christmas playlist.
Reserve a table for dinner at any of these gigs: ballinarsl.com.au.
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