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17 short films on ‘making’ to hit the screen in Murwillumbah
Join in the upcoming short film festival at the Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah is looking at uncovering the traditions, skills and consequences of ‘making’.
Local News
Kylie to headline Splendour in the Grass for 2024
Taking to the Splendour stage Kylie Minouge will be the opening night headline while she makes a triumphant return home and stamps her name in the annals of Splendour lore.
Byron Echo
Interview with Ben Harper
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Ben Harper is one of the premiere songwriters of his generation and there is always a feeling of that extra something special whenever he appears at Bluesfest – on its stages, he has collaborated with many of the festival’s favourites and he has captured the ears of anyone within reach.
Byron Echo
Bangalow Film Festival
There are still plenty of great films to see at the Bangalow Film Festival – highlights include Eskawatã Kayawai – The Spirit of Transformation, the story of the cultural and spiritual renaissance of the Huni Kuin people from the Brazilian Amazon forest through their connection with Ayahuasca, and Freud’s Last Session when on the eve of the Second World War, two of the greatest minds of the 20th century, C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud converge for their own personal battle over the existence of God – both on Wednesday.
Byron Echo
Alliance Française French Film Festival
The opening of the Alliance Française French Film Festival (AF FFF24) last week was brilliant, with a screening of the epic The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan – there are still sessions available for this film and the sequel, The Three Musketeers: Milady. There are so many truly good films in this festival, the program is definitely worth checking out, but the one I am looking forward to most is Neneh Superstar.
Byron Echo
Global beats and lantern parades
Byron Bay’s free Harmony Day celebration on Saturday, March 23 starts at 3.30pm in Apex Park, Main Beach, with live global beats and dance from our region’s multicultural community.
Entertainment News
Brunswick Picture House comedy weekend
Brunswick Picture House is the home of comedy in the Northern Rivers and after a stonking summer comedy program, the fun and frivolity continue this month with a spectacular comedy weekend.
Byron Echo
Bangalow film fest from this Thurs
Just a few highlights from the upcoming Bangalow Film Festival (March 7–16) are the 30th anniversary of The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Shire Choir’s Love Letter To Musicals, and a live score accompaniment to the classic horror flick, Nosferatu.
Byron Echo
French Film Festival – just delicious
This year’s French Film Festival opening night choice is a unique adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’s thrilling and beloved classic novel The Three Musketeers. In a double blockbuster film production nominated for six César awards, from director Martin Bourboulon, the opening instalment, D’Artagnan, will open the festival.
Entertainment News
Interview with Tijuana Cartel
Tijuana Cartel is a renowned Australian musical collective celebrated for their pioneering fusion of diverse genres. Their latest masterpiece, Alectura is an innovative album that once again showcases the band’s expertise in blending organic house and melodic house with captivating rhythms, beats, and global influences.
Byron Echo
Concerned about climate change and societal collapse?
Join a Q&A with Jem Bendell for one night only in Byron Bay – Professor of Sustainability, Jem Bendell, was one of the first to directly name and speak out about what the climate crisis means for our civilisation. His seminal paper Deep Adaptation started a global movement by that name as well as inspiring the creation of Extinction Rebellion.
Entertainment News
They’re wild and they’re back!
Wild Marmalade return to the Beach Hotel this week for a free Sunday session – if you don’t know Wild Marmalade then you are in for a treat. The world’s original didgeridoo and drum band certainly know how to spin the dial to 11 and get the high vibes rolling. They will be joined by Tijuana Cartel front man and guitar virtuoso, Paul A George; this is sure to be an epic afternoon of groove.
Byron Echo
They’re just a Teenage Fanclub, baby
Teenage Fanclub will return to Australia in March performing their first live shows down under since 2019. The renowned Glasgow five-piece – led by founding members Norman Blake and Raymond McGinley, with drummer Francis Macdonald, bassist Dave McGowan and keyboardist Euros Childs – will perform in Byron Bay on Tuesday, 12 March. The tour celebrates the band’s upcoming 12th studio album, Nothing Lasts Forever – set for release in September.
Entertainment News
Interview with L.A.B ahead of Bluesfest
Following on from a year that has seen them sell-out tours in the States and Europe, L.A.B will soon return to Byron Bay Bluesfest with a new album ready to go.
After winning Best Group, Best Song and Best Album two years in a row at the New Zealand Music Awards, taking out Best Record at the 2022 Rolling Stone Awards and being voted New Zealand’s Best Live Act by Radio New Zealand, L.A.B are on fire. L.A.B’s eclectic mix of reggae, blues, funk, rock and electronica creates a sound entirely their own, and one that we love. On vocals and guitar, Joel Shadbolt chatted with Seven about crossing the Tasman to play in Byron at Easter.
Local News
Mandy gets back to a little virgin sacrifice
The virgin sacrifice is bak with Mandy Nolan bringing the Northern Rivers a new batch of comedy virgins coming to the stage.
Entertainment News
Short film awesomeness
Flickerfest and iQ are back, Thursday to Saturday at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall. Go on a remarkable cinematic journey from global to local with...
Byron Echo
Marching in with a bang!
Get your party pants on as Nudge Nudge Wink Wink marches in with a bang this Saturday. Arrive early and leave late! Two incredible guest DJs join the Cunning Stunts residents in the Shed.
Byron Echo
Bangalow Film Festival starts next week!
Bangalow Film Festival is back for its fourth year and the full program is available in all its cinematic glory – and it starts next week. Grab the popcorn and settle in for exclusive world and Australian premieres of critically-acclaimed feature films, award-winning documentaries, beloved classics, plus masterclasses with industry experts, Q&A sessions, special guest encounters and surprise events.
Entertainment News
Interview with Lydia Lunch and Joseph Keckler
Tales of Lust & Madness is a new show from Lydia Lunch, New York’s ‘punk poet queen of extremities’ and Joseph Keckler, a singular performer once crowned the ‘best downtown performance artist’ in New York City.
Byron Echo
Cinema: Poor Things
With so many shades of Frankenstein, and featuring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe and Ramy Youssef, Poor Things is set in Victorian London. Medical student Max McCandles (Youssef) becomes an assistant to the eccentric surgeon Dr Godwin ‘God’ Baxter (Dafoe) and falls in love with Godwin’s ward, Bella (Stone), a childlike young woman…
Entertainment News
Interview with Hayley Grace
Hayley Grace’s response to post-flood PTSD, was to look at life and healing in a different way, then come through the other side writing about it – her new single ‘Mary Jane’ is the result. Hayley and The Bay Collective, a raucous seven-piece big band – featuring a full horn section, guitar, bass, keys and percussion – will launch the song this week and play some shows to get it out there. Seven spoke to Hayley on the weekend to get her POV on The Bay Collective and recovery.
Byron Echo
The Light of Loving Kindness
‘May the light of the sun and moon of loving kindness and compassion permeate the entire world forever more, dispelling the darkness of the suffering of beings, and filling space with peace and happiness’ – Khentrul Lodrö T’hayé Rinpoche.
Byron Echo
Pushing Up the Tempo
Paving her way in the music scene, Yazmin has played alongside some of the biggest artists in the world at venues throughout Australia, Bali and the UK. She has spent her time in the industry supporting the likes of Kaskade, Futuristic Polar Bears, Savage, The Potbelleez, Stafford Brothers, Joel Fletcher, Hilton Caswell and many more!
Byron Echo
A True Pioneer in Deep House
Embark on a musical journey with Osunlade, a true pioneer in deep house and nu-jazz, as he graces the stage at The Northern Hotel in Byron Bay on March 9 for a three-hour extended set.
Byron Echo
They got the Dojo Rise
Adam Blesing, Sean Dedrick and Anthony Sherwood are Dojo Rise – forging their own unique footprint in the music industry, with their uplifting south coast sound; an eclectic fusion of reggae/dub, pop and indie soul.
Entertainment News
Interview with Tim Finn
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Regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, New Zealand native Tim Finn continues to embrace the true definition of a renaissance man while fuelling an all-inclusive, creative fire that constantly drives him onwards and upwards. Having established himself in the early 1970s as a founding member of art-pop-rock pioneers Split Enz and later as a member of the internationally successful band Crowded House (alongside brother Neil), Finn has penned some of the most treasured songs in contemporary music.
Byron Echo
The warm sounds of Ino
Originally from NZ, Ino Pio has been proud to call the Northern Rivers home for the last decade or so. When visiting Byron Bay you will be sure to see him playing at venues in the Shire. Ino warms the sounds of acoustic excellence, with his one-man-band show, looping up all your favourites, from top-40 to new renditions or old, Ino will get you grooving for any occasion.
Entertainment News
Soothing vocals
Animal Ventura is the brainchild of Brazilian-born, Byron Bay-based singer-songwriter Fernando Aragones. His last release ‘All The Love We Knew’ is a soulful blend of coastal-folk, with a pulsing drumbeat and simple yet elegant guitar riffs – all topped by Fernando’s signature soothing vocals and meaningful lyrics.
Byron Echo
The Secret Fantasies Tour
The Sydney Hotshots will be performing at the Ballina RSL on Friday, February 23 and they want to see you!
The lads are back to...
Byron Echo
Hayley Grace, something special
Hayley Grace is a multi-talented, Australian singer/songwriter with that something special. Her soulful, unmistakable sound and her energetic live shows with looping guitar, vocals, beat boxing and percussion are an explosion of funk, reggae, soul, RnB and trip-hop. Hayley had a very colourful and musical childhood growing up on the east coast of Australia, and started performing live by age 15.
Byron Echo
It’s Faaaaaaaaaaaaat Albert
Fat Albert is essentially a cover band who have branched out into original music that feels right to play, coming straight from the balls and soul of Rock’n’Roll! In the past few years, notching up over 1,000 live shows, the boys have done supports, played alongside, and shared the stage with many local and international acts, such as: Coolio, Wolfmother, The Beautiful Girls, Amity Affliction, (The Tea Party’s Jeff Martin), The Screaming Jets, Choirboys, The Radiators, The Feelers, Gasoline Inc, Marshall and the Fro, Dallas Frasca, and Oh Mercy.
Byron Echo
He’s a sharp one
Akmal, renowned for his sharp wit, returns to the stage with a daring twist: performing nude to the delight of thousands. Despite competition from a diverse comedy scene, his show promises hilarity and honesty, drawing on his Arabic roots and immigrant experiences.
Entertainment News
The Stormin’ Barnes
Barnes Storm pays homage to Jimmy Barnes with uncanny accuracy and respect, delivering a high-energy performance that leaves audiences craving more. Led by frontman Scott Bedford, the band captures Barnes’ essence, ensuring a memorable experience for fans.
Byron Echo
Flickerfest back in Mullum
The annual Flickerfest and iQ Inc three-day festival of short films is at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall from Thursday, February 29 to Saturday, March 2.
Entertainment News
Cinema: Priscilla – her story
In 1959, 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu was living with her family in Bad Nauheim, West Germany, where her father was stationed in the US military. At a party on the base Priscilla meets 24-year-old renowned singer Elvis Presley, who has been drafted into the military at the peak of his fame
Byron Echo
Interview with Dr Stephen Bright on psychedelic-assisted therapy
A discussion will be held at the Byron Theatre next Tuesday where a panel of experts will talk about the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Australia
Entertainment News
Credo for the people
Composer, arts activist, and founder of Pianos for the People, Yantra de Vilder, is bringing a free concert – CREDO, a multi-arts performance – to Kohinur Hall on Saturday, 17 Ferbruary.
Local News
New tourism plan for Lismore region
In a move aimed at bolstering Lismore's visitor economy, Lismore City Council has greenlit a roadmap to navigate the region towards tourism growth.
Local News
New charitable funding round opens
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s first funding round for 2024 opens today, Tuesday 19 March, with more than $500,000 available for local community groups and charities with new and existing projects.
National News
Tech companies grilled on how they are tackling terror and violent extremism
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has issued legal notices to Google, Meta, Twitter/X, WhatsApp, Telegram and Reddit requiring each company to report on steps they are taking to protect Australians from terrorist and violent extremist material and activity.
Local News
Ballina burnout workshops to support local community
The Northern Rivers community will have an opportunity to learn from leading burnout experts across March and April in a series of free workshops presented by Ballina Shire Council.