WHAT'S ON NOW? Garden Party, Civic Park 11:30am Saturday 4th July 2009 Featuring a massive line-up of international, national and local DJs, Garden Party brings Darwin a dance music event that can compare with any festival on the international stage. With a huge range of sounds spread across two stages there truly will be something to please absolutely everyone - from international chart topper Alan Thompson to the rising star of the electro scene Harris Robotis and the 2006/07/08 Australian DMC Champion DJ Perplex. The Smirnoff Copperpot Cocktail Tent also makes its Darwin debut at Garden Party, where festival goers can relax with a top shelf cocktail, mixed by expert mixologists. Come down and kick back in the shady surrounds of Civic Park and enjoy the party of the year! More information >> Ash Grunwald & Countbounce, Playhouse 8:00pm Friday 10th July 2009 Darwin is lucky to have secured not only roots man extraordinaire Ash Grunwald but also the elusive beats-man and producer behind his critically acclaimed album Fish Out Of Water, Countbounce (aka Pip Norman). Renowned for his live performances, Ash Grunwald is an incredibly engaging entertainer and celebrated festival favourite with three albums worth of good material to draw from and a talent for spontaneous improvisation. Pip Norman MCs, writes and co-produces with TZU, Urthboy from The Herd, and PEZ to name just a few. The sonic-hybrid created by these two incredible talents has culminated in a truly ground breaking album, the partnership seen live on stage only in Darwin. More information >> 2009 Darwin City Muster, Gardens Amphitheatre 6:00pm Saturday 11th July 2009 Yee Ha!!! Country comes to the city for an awesome concert under the stars featuring our premier acts Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Sara Storer, Harmony James & whipcracker Mick Denigan. Kick back and let loose with the legends of bush ballads, heartbreakers & country rock on the Amphitheatre lawns, located within the beautiful George Brown Botanic Gardens. This is a spectacular family event with the recipients of more than 60 Golden Guitars performing concert length sets with their own bands and the opportunity to make country connections in the Merchandise Tent during the event. Up to 2 children under 14 years admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult! More information >> 2009 Top End NAIDOC Ball and Awards Evening, SKYCITY Grand Ballroom 6:30pm Saturday 11th July 2009 The NAIDOC Awards recognise the outstanding contributions that individual Indigenous Australians make to their own communities and the broader Australian community. The 2009 Top End NAIDOC Ball & Awards Evening is the highlight of the annual week long celebrations and provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. More information >> Puppetry of the Penis, Playhouse 8:00pm Saturday 11th July 2009 Two blokes, no pants, and loads of laughs! The boys are back and touring Australia with the show that took the world by storm. From The West End of London to Broadway in New York the boys have been getting it out all over the world and now it’s your chance to see them in Darwin. Come and see the Hamburger, The Wristwatch and the Windsurfer just to name a few.....you’re nuts if you miss it! More information >> Kasey Chambers with special guests Shane Nicholson & Bill Chambers, Playhouse 8:00pm Friday 17th July 2009 Having sold over one million albums, been awarded seven ARIA’s, five CMAA Golden Guitars and a swag of APRA Awards, Kasey Chambers is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most loved and respected female performers, with a rare and refreshing capacity to shift her sound from record to record whilst retaining the reflective sweetness we first adored her for. Rattling Bones, a collaboration between herself and husband Shane Nicholson, marks a return to the early folk/country sound. According to the critics, the album contains some of the most polished and affecting country songs Australia has ever produced. More information >> XXXX $20000 Australian Invitational Bullride, Robbie Robbins Reserve 6:30pm Friday 17th & Saturday 18th July 2009 The XXXX $20000 Australian Invitational Bullride features some of Australia’s best bullriders over two nights. Each night provides three hours of bone-jarring bullriding entertainment with the bonus of a live performance by Dr Elephant following the bullride on both nights. Proudly sponsored by XXXX and brought to you by Dallas Livestock and Hot 100. More information >> The Borderers, Studio (cabaret) 7:30pm Saturday 18th July 2009 Moyston Productions presents Celtic/Irish band The BordererS in Darwin for one night only, playing a range of music from Celtic, folk, blues and a bit of country. Come along to this energetic show where you can let your hair down and dance the night away. "You must be dead if you're not seen dancing at a BordererS gig..." Jamie McKew - Port Fairy Festival Director. Darwin and Districts Pipes and Drums will support The BordererS. More information >> George Kapiniaris, Old Town Hall Ruins 7:00pm Sunday 19th July 2009 The Darwin Comedy Club presents direct from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2009 George Kapiniaris, one of this country's best loved comedy, music and TV stars who has had an incredible impact on Greek-Australian popular culture over the last twenty years. George Kapiniaris' claim to fame was his starring role in the hugely popular 'Wogs Out Of Work' stage show with Nick Giannopoulos. Since then the Australian public has continued to see him use his Greek heritage as inspiration for future roles and performances. More information >> The Taming of the Shrew, Playhouse 8:00pm Wednesday 22nd & 10:30am Thursday 23rd July 2009 Celebration, festivities and joy. They’re all here as two men come to Padua in pursuit of learning and love. The first, Lucentio, fixes his gaze on Bianca, the sweet and gentle daughter of the merchant Baptista. The second, Petruchio, hears of Bianca’s wanton and wild sister, Kate, and vows to tame her and teach her to be an agreeable wife. All will be married; all will be well. Or so it would seem. Directed by award-winning director Marion Potts and featuring an all-female cast, this new production of one of Shakespeare’s most controversial comedies is vibrant, energetic and packed with female punch - a perfect night out for anyone who has ever fallen in love and managed to survive it! More information >> Frank, Liza and Sammy: The Ultimate Event, Playhouse 8:00pm Saturday 25th July 2009 Over an eighteen month period in 1988 and 1989, three of the most dynamic entertainers of all time - Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli and Sammy Davis Jr - toured the world with their show aptly called The Ultimate Event. The production showcased the outstanding talents of these great performers and included the music of some of the most successful songwriters in history. In memory of these superstars, The Ultimate Event has been recreated in this stellar tribute show featuring the songs made famous by the legends, professional choreography and entertaining, witty dialogue. Don't miss it! More information >> Carl Barron - Walking Down the Street, Playhouse 8:00pm Friday 31st July & Saturday 1st August 2009 Comedian Carl Barron is at it again with new show Walking Down the Street. The show is a mixture of stand up, musical attempts and crazy facial expressions. In some parts it’s all three. Die-hard Carl Barron fans will be pleased to know there are some references to his old jokes, but on the whole this is a new show with different material - worth viewing just to hear his new spin on fart jokes! Walking Down the Street is quality Australian comedy, so achingly funny you may be in danger of wetting your pants! More information >> Walking With Spirits, Malkgulumbu (Beswick Falls) 6:00pm Saturday 1st August 2009 Now in it’s 8th amazing year, Walking With Spirits offers you the exclusive chance to experience the ancient Aboriginal tradition of Corroboree while enjoying the stunning beauty of Malkgulumbu (Beswick Falls), a sacred site not normally accessible to the general public. Presented by Djiplin Arts and the Australian Shakespeare Company, Walking With Spirits is Beswick Community’s annual celebration of their culture and heritage. Using fire, puppetry, images and music to reinterpret the concepts within the traditional dances, Walking With Spirits presents corroborees from four Arnhem Land language groups. More information >> The Kursk by Sasha Janowicz, Studio 8:00pm Saturday 8th August 2009 This extraordinary and inspired play is the true and human story behind the ill-fated Russian nuclear submarine Kursk, which vanished during an exercise in 2000 and was later found on the bottom of the ocean with 23 survivors trapped inside. This unique production magically captures the submariners’ claustrophobic world and the terrifying ordeal that the trapped sailors endured as they awaited rescue. We meet the sailors, their wives, their friends and their families who wait as pride, arrogance and political intrigue decide the fate of their loved ones. Compelling from beginning to end, the pressure is extreme and the stakes are high. More information >> Darwin Comedy Club - Josh Thomas hosts Green Faces, Old Town Hall Ruins 8:00pm Saturday 8th August 2009 Greens Faces is the country's biggest and most prestigious comedy competition organised by A-List Entertainment, Australia's premier comedy agent. This year Green Faces will be held at the Darwin Comedy Club, situated at the Old Town Hall Ruins, on Saturday August 8th. Hosting Green Faces will be comedian Josh Thomas (Good News Week, Talking ‘bout Your Generation), one of Australia’s fastest rising comedy stars. Come along and support the NT competition so we can send our finest up and comer to represent the NT at the National Grand Final in Canberra. More information >> The Jungle Book, Playhouse 6:30pm Monday 10th & 9:30am & 11:30am Tuesday 11th August 2009 Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book tells the story of a young human baby, Mowgli, found in the wilderness by a family of wolves and raised as one of their own. He learns over time the laws of the jungle, instructed by his animal mentors including the wise black panther, Bagheera, and Baloo the sleepy bear. Now in his early twenties, Mowgli returns to the jungle to see Baloo and Bagheera. Narrated by Baloo and covering an eclectic range of musical styles from contemporary ballad to funk and bongo beat, The Jungle Book is a bright, colourful and entertaining experience for the entire family. More information >> The Dancers Company - Triple Bill, Playhouse 7:30pm Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th August 2009 The Dancers Company, The Australian Ballet's regional touring group comprising guest artists of The Australian Ballet and graduating students from The Australian Ballet School, brings the highest quality dance productions to audiences outside the major capital cities. In 2009 The Dancers Company will present a programme of Ballets Russes inspired works featuring a classical gem, a whimsical poetic piece and a brand new work created especially for this tour. This magnificent triple bill is a perfect introduction for newcomers to the beauty and energy of ballet and to the history of this art form in Australia. More information >> Introduction to the Ballet - The Dancers Company, Playhouse 11:00am Wednesday 19th August 2009 In this highly entertaining and informative one hour programme, you’ll see the athleticism and grace of The Dancers Company in practice and performance. First the dancers will demonstrate their training in a shortened class, then they will perform fully-costumed excerpts from their repertoire. Suitable for ages 5 to adult, tickets cost $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for children 17 years and under and $6.00 for school groups of 10 or more students. Bookings should be made through The Australian Ballet on 1300 369 741 (cost of a local call) or online click here. Open Masterclass, Playhouse Stage 4:30pm Wednesday 19th August 2009 Given by former ballerina of The Australian Ballet, Joanne Michel, this open class for male and female classical ballet students grade 6 and above is designed to encourage a sensitive approach to musical phrasing, correct alignment of the body, a greater efficiency in moving and most importantly, to reinforce the students’ love of dance. The 1.5 hour class costs $20 per student. Bookings should be made through The Australian Ballet on 1300 369 741 (cost of a local call) or online click here Steel Magnolias, Playhouse 8:00pm Thursday 27th & Friday 28th August 2009 In the haven of Truvy’s beauty salon, six very different women come together to share their secrets and bare their souls, throwing in a little neighbourly gossip for good measure. From weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new beginnings to happy endings, they weather every event with grace, determination and perfectly coiffed hair. Starring Jacki Weaver, Ana Maria Belo, Marian Frizelle, Jennifer Hagan, Debra Lawrance and Geraldine Turner, Darwin audiences can enjoy this enduring comedy and heart-felt celebration of love, loyalty, and the bonds of sisterhood live on stage with some of Australia’s best-loved actresses. More information >> Queen - It's A Kinda Magic, Playhouse 8:00pm Friday 4th & Saturday 5th September 2009 A theatrical creation of the very best of Queen, live in concert! Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic delivers the whole Queen experience – from the passion and excitement of Freddie Mercury to the amazing guitar solos of Brian May and all those unbelievable harmonies. Featuring over 20 original Queen hits, including We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody, Fat Bottom Girls, and We Are the Champions delivered with 21st century sound and lighting, Queen - It's A Kinda Magic creates the best of the 70’s / 80’s rock era in a way that will transport you in time. More information >> Darwin Comedy Club - Brad Oakes, Old Town Hall Ruins 8:00pm Saturday 5th September 2009 Brad ‘Oaxy’ Oakes is a 17 year veteran of the Australian comedy circuit, and is one of Melbourne’s most sought after MC’s and headliner acts. Direct from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Oaxy is coming to the Darwin Comedy Club for one night only to make Darwinites laugh so hard their faces will fall off.  Book Early. THIS SHOW WILL SELL OUT! More information >> 2009 NT Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness Titles, Playhouse 12:30pm Sunday 27th September 2009 Get set to see the finest looking, ripped to the bone, muscular NATURAL physique bodies to ever hit the Top End when the World Natural Body Building Federation (WNBF) plays host to the 2nd Northern Territory Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Titles. The WNBF is a worldwide federation that is focused on making bodybuilding and fitness competitions drug-free, enforcing a strict seven year drug-free policy. With the winners going on to represent the NT at the WNBF National Titles in Sydney in October, this event promises to showcase the hard-earned gains of the intense training of each competitor that lands on stage. More information >> Carmina Burana, Playhouse 8:00pm Saturday 14th November 2009 Wine, women and love! What better way to celebrate the end of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra's twentieth year than to indulge in the age old themes that are presented in Carl Orff’s music and choral composition Carmina Burana. Counter Tenor and Baritone Hartley Newnham and Soprano Lorina Gore will join Guest Conductor Nicholas Routley under the bright lights for this scrumptuously rich vocal and orchestral feast. Keep an eye on the percussion section as Orff’s masterpiece can be brutally percussive in parts and that’s where the action will be! More information >> The Fairies - Fairy Tales & Nursery Rhymes Tour, Playhouse 10:00am Tuesday 17th November 2009 The Fairies' Fairy Tales & Nursery Rhymes Tour is an enchanting, magical fantasy for preschoolers starring a cast of characters who sing and dance their way through four well loved fairy tales. Fairyland is just brimming with fan-fairy-tastic friends, so dust off your wings, wave your wand, and start getting to know them a little better! There's the pretty purple fairy Harmony and her best friend Rhapsody, Dancing Fairy Princess Minuet, Barnaby the Bizzy Buzzy Bee, and of course the ever perplexed Wizzy the Wizard, who never gets his spells right! So many friends and so much fun in Fairyland! More information >> top^