What would you do if 7,000 people suddenly showed up in your town with no place to stay? Come From Away , the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical tells the remarkable true story of a tiny town with a huge heart that welcomed the world. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, 38 planes full of stranded people were diverted to the small Canadian town of Gander in Newfoundland.
This week, Thursday to Sunday at the Byron Theatre. Tickets from $49 at byroncentre.com.au.
Felicity Lawless stimulates the senses and elevates the soul with music fusing world, reggae and rock elements. From deep in the forest she creates music to heal the world and remind people of their connection to nature.
Thursday night at the Rails, Byron Bay. Free show.
After a sell-out season last year, the musical about the history of Brunswick Heads Fishermen’s Co-op, called The Wake , features stories from fishermen, their families and co-op workers, with original songs and projections on the big screen. The Wake is about the days when the co-op was the heart of Brunswick Heads. It’s an evening of singing and storytelling about the drama, tragedy, humour and romance of prawn-trawling life on the dangerous Brunswick bar.
Friday to Sunday at the Brunswick Picture House, Brunswick Heads. Tickets $20/$30/$40 from brunswickpicture house.com.
Kane Muir earned his stripes from years of busking around the world, performing atop a homemade suitcase drum with his signature one-man-blues-band show. He has toured up and down the east coast many times in his house truck from Melbourne to Cooktown in Queensland playing in too many venues to mention.
Saturday from 7pm at The Northern, Byron Bay. Free show.
Brett Healy’s music is bringing back the simple rock style with real players, that’s right you guys, he likens it to an old Holden – four on the floor and keep it simple. This is a style that others go back in time to get. No click tracks, no samples, no tricks, just good old-fashioned ROCK. His music will take you to a place where the good times ROLL.
Friday from 5pm at the Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club. Free show.
Northern Rivers-based roots/reggae/hip-hop band, Cinnamon Sun, oozes a comforting conscious vibe that will have you transported to a Tahitian bar under the orange setting sun, with all worries lost. Fronted by the grounded and forever chilled Davy Simony, Cinnamon Sun is the evolution of his global solo roots journey, now enriched by a dynamic collective of talented musicians.
Sunday from 1pm at the Billinudgel Hotel. Free show.
This week’s Ballina Blues Club features the Darren Jack Band – for over 20 years, Darren Jack has been thrilling audiences in Australia with his powerhouse rock, blues and electrifying original compositions. A multiple award winner, Darren Jack has collaborated with some of Australia’s finest musicians.
Sunday from 2.30pm at the Ballina RSL Boardwalk. Free show.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
