WHAT'S ON NOW? The Zoo Story, Brown's Mart Theatre 7:30pm Thursday 7th - Saturday 9th August 2008 The Zoo Story is a powerful one act black comedy. Edward Albee’s (Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf?) first play, it propelled him into the international spotlight as one of the great controversial contemporary playwrights.  Two strangers, Peter (Bob Scheer) and Jerry (Nick Manley), encounter each other in a park and engage in conversation that grips them in a psychological power play that becomes a struggle for life and death. More information >> The Ballad of Backbone Joe, Brown's Mart Theatre 7:30pm Friday 15th - Sunday 17th August 2008 A dollar fight gone wrong, a classy sheila with a mind for revenge and a private detective hot on her heels… The Ballad of Backbone Joe tells a twisted tale of the apparent murder of Messy Dimes Dan, owner of the town’s abattoir and boxing emporium. Set in the roaring carnival days of pre-war Australia, this tin-pan alley opera presents a jigsaw puzzle narrative using film, visual trickery, bone-crunching physical theatre and the unique Rag ‘n’ Bone music and junkyard aesthetic of Melbourne-based trio The Suitcase Royale. The Ballad of Backbone Joe is a toe-biting junkyard tale which will hold you in the cradle of suspense until the red curtain comes down. More information >> Jeff Lang, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Friday 15th August 2008 Jeff Lang has earned worldwide acclaim as a virtuosic guitarist, a dynamic songwriter and a startlingly unique live performer. Blending rock, roots, folk, blues, ballads, instrumentals, improvisation and a devastatingly high level of musicality, Jeff and his band create a unique musical experience. Performing tunes from his latest album Half Seas Over, a powerful and hypnotic recording, Jeff is expanding the boundaries of traditional folk, country and blues to create a new brand of non-traditional music which is undeniably and deeply steeped in tradition, yet with its imagination set on future horizons. More information >> Star Shell Opening Party featuring Uber Lingua, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 10:00pm Friday 15th August 2008 Kick off the opening night of the Star Shell with our first ever special house-warming party! Melbourne’s global party maestros Uber Lingua heat up the dance floor with urban beats and body pumping grooves from around the globe, with DJs, vocalists, dancers, and video art which will transform the Star Shell. More information >> Traditional Indigenous Dance, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 6:30pm Saturday 16th to Saturday 23rd August 2008 Discover the cultural, spiritual, and artistic identity of the Northern Territory’s Indigenous people in an intimate performance of Traditional Indigenous Dance. Embark on a spiritual journey - an encounter you won’t easily forget. More information >> Cantonese Delights, Playhouse 7:30pm Saturday 16th August 2008 Once again Cantonese opera fans and stage art lovers can indulge their passion with the return of the Cantonese Opera following the success of previous Darwin Festival performances. The evening will include four opera extracts in full costumes, piano solo, piano and cello duet and dances. The extracts will be subtitled in English and Chinese and MCs will address the audience bilingually. Take this opportunity to experience the sound, costume and energy of Cantonese culture created by these lively performances. More information >> The Australian Art Orchestra, Old Town Hall Ruins 8:00pm Saturday 16th August 2008 Against the illuminated backdrop of the atmospheric Old Town Hall Ruins, guest artists from the Australian Art Orchestra, Australia’s premier contemporary music ensemble, perform a program of works by Paul Grabowsky. This unique combination of some of Australia’s finest, under the direction of the inimitable Paul Grabowsky, is a major force in improvisational jazz and the contemporary music scene. This performance will be a rare treat for Darwin audiences. In this intimate setting under the balmy tropical moonlight, this exclusive performance will be simply unforgettable. More information >> Mikelangelo & the Black Sea Gentlemen, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Saturday 16th August 2008 Internationally acclaimed and immaculately dressed, Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen take to the Star Shell with their visceral and intoxicating Kabaret Noir. Mikelangelo, with his thunderous baritone voice and riveting sensuality, is part-ringmaster, part-crooner, part-beast possessed and, without doubt, one of the most powerful performers ever to tread the stage. The Black Sea Gentlemen are his formidable musical ensemble, a group of four devilishly handsome, musically gifted and audaciously entertaining performers. Together they waltz, tango and polka their way through a show bristling with humour and pathos. More information >> The NEO - Play Mode, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 10:00pm Saturday 16th August 2008 Put yourself in play mode and experience the band the Adelaide Fringe said, "goes off like a fireball" and Triple J called "top shelf". With wild sweaty shows this year at the Woodford Festival in Queensland and the Adelaide Fringe Festival where they launched their EP Stay Alive, The NEO are back in the NT for a special Darwin Festival show in the style they do best: theatrical musical anarchy. The NEO are performing a show to rival their 2006 sell-out Freak Show, involving physical theatre, sound effects, improvised audience interactions and high energy musical stunts. Rock and Roll Theatrics! More information >> MGT - Wolfgang Muthspiel, Slava Grigoryan & Ralph Towner, Playhouse 5:00pm Sunday 17th August 2008 Join guitar virtuosos Wolfgang Muthspiel (Austria), Slava Grigoryan (Australia) and Ralph Towner (USA) as they perform music from their debut release, From a Dream. In 2005, Australian audiences were astounded by the debut tour of the 3 virtuosos, together known as MGT. All classically trained and inspired, each has a distinctive approach to composition and performance and has led vividly different forays into world, jazz and modern classical music. The music of From a Dream celebrates these influences, highlighting their individual artistry within a trio format, creating a truly new ensemble ‘voice’ in the guitar world. More information >> Crossing Roper Bar, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Sunday 17th August 2008 Crossing Roper Bar is an amazing collaboration between the Australian Art Orchestra and the Wagilak Gujarra/Nyilapidgi musicians from Ngukurr.  The collaboration started in 2004 and has since grown in profile and acclaim, with performances at Garma Festival, FINA World Championship Festival and the Queensland Music Festival. With special guest Ruby Hunter and under the Artistic Direction of AAO’s Artistic Director Paul Grabowsky, this unique performance combines traditional Indigenous song and music with contemporary Western music of classical and jazz roots to create an unprecedented and enthralling performance. More information >> Dulsori - Binari, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Monday 18th & Tuesday 19th August 2008 Renowned Korean drumming and dance troupe, Dulsori, bring their new show Binari to the Darwin Festival for the first time. This spectacular performance blends traditional Korean percussion and song with contemporary rhythms to create a kaleidoscope of colour and sound, alive with a rich and vibrant energy. Dulsori (meaning ‘heartbeat of the land’), perform the dynamic Korean percussive style known as Pungmul or “summoning”, which celebrates the elements. Their energetic and elemental performances are raw and passionate affairs. As one of the world’s most enthralling performance troupes, Dulsori never fail to thrill. More information >> The Dancers Company - Triple Bill, Playhouse 7:30pm Wednesday 20th & Thursday 21st August 2008 The Dancers Company, The Australian Ballet’s regional touring group, comprises guest artists of The Australian Ballet and graduating students from The Australian Ballet School under the direction of Associate Artistic Director Danilo Radojevic. Founded in 1980 by then Artistic Director Marilyn Jones, The Dancers Company brings the highest quality dance productions to audiences and regions outside the major capital cities. This year The Dancers Company presents an enchanting classical Triple Bill, a perfect introduction for newcomers to the beauty and energy of ballet and to the history of this art form in Australia, featuring Les Sylphides, Graduation Ball and The Sleeping Beauty Act 3 – Aurora’s Wedding. More information >> Ash Grunwald, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Wednesday 20th August 2008 Ash Grunwald plays the Star Shell for the first time, performing tracks from his brand new album Fish Out of Water. Darwin audiences will be among the first to hear this, his most adventurous and accessible album yet. Ash presents a thrilling hybrid of musical styles, infused with beats and grooves, junkyard percussion and scorching riffs which will impress music lovers. Those already familiar with his sense of musical adventure will love his new offering, and those not already familiar will discover a treasure to behold. More information >> Simon Pampena in The Maths Olympics, Studio 1:00pm & 7:30pm Thursday 21st August 2008 The Maths Olympics is upon us and Australia is currently ranked 48th. What a disgrace! But don't despair… Simon Pampena has developed a training session to turn young potential into gold medal reality. Through an hour of music, comedy, dance and MATHS, Simon communicates the passion needed to be #1 in the world’s greatest sport. Following a successful season at the 2008 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Maths Olympics is in Darwin for 2 shows only, proudly supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week. Featuring maths concepts suitable for children 10 years and older, The Maths Olympics is fun for the whole family! More information >> Lipstick & Ochre, Frog Hollow Centre for the Arts 7:00pm Thursday 21st - Sunday 24th & Wednesday 27th - Sunday 31st August 2008 Celebrating a 20-year relationship with senior women dancers of the Northern Territory, Tracks reunites two great local cultural icons – The Grey Panthers and the Yawalyu dancers of Lajamanu. In true Territory style, worlds collide, cultures connect and communities join together in a uniquely Australian celebration. Take a journey into the spirit of our land, guided through life and time by the collective wisdom and experience of the women of Lipstick & Ochre and their guest performers. Prepare for a laugh, a quick step, an ancient song and an earthy shuffle. “It’s better than taking a pill!” More information >> Tanah Merege featuring Yilila, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Thursday 21st August 2008 Yilila return to the Festival in a performance that reunites the long and fruitful relationship between Arnhem Land and Eastern Indonesia. Yilila have been taking their Arnhem Land sound to the world and are coming back to Darwin with new collaborators from the village of Watublapi on the island of Flores, Indonesia. This special performance, Tanah Merege, meaning ‘Black Land’, will feature five musicians from Watublapi in their international debut, performing traditional Indonesian dance, gong and ukelele music, alongside Yilila in a celebration of a cultural connection which has been in place for centuries. More information >> His & Hers, Brown's Mart Theatre 7:30pm Friday 22nd August 2008 Art, music, theatre; in the round, in the raw, in the flesh.  Visual art, modelling, music and stylish madness. This is performance like you've never seen it before.  In this unique and visually challenging work, the audience is invited to not only observe, but also to participate, engage with and impact on the performance itself. Bring your sketchbook and draw; walk round and see the artists at work; wander out to the bar, talk to the models, listen to the music, follow the slowly evolving poetry of the moment and see creativity from the inside.  A whole new experience in performance. More information >> Kua Etnika, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Friday 22nd August 2008 Balinese, Javanese, Kalimantan, jazz, reggae and many other influences come together in a concert by Indonesia’s most popular gamelan (ensemble), Kua Etnika. Described as a “big band” sound, atmospheric Indonesian string, wind and percussion instruments and the pulsating bonang (a collection of tuned deep gongs) will be infused with guitars, violins and keyboards creating intensely complex rhythms. Kua Etnika’s adventurous arrangements of well-known songs from the East, the West, from anywhere, show off their abilities at lavish interpretations without losing the nuances and power of their traditional sources. More information >> Sophie Koh, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 10:00pm Friday 22nd August 2008 One of Australia's most recognisable indie artists, Sophie Koh returns to Darwin with her band to launch her much anticipated second album All Shook Up. Sophie was born in New Zealand, grew up in Singapore, lives in Melbourne, and was “unearthed” in Darwin. Her diverse background is reflected in her rich musical stylings - a delicate blend of folk and pop, incorporating sweet melodies, heartfelt lyrics and a lush sound. As anyone who has experienced a show by Sophie Koh will tell you, this is a night not to be missed. More information >> Wil Anderson in BeWILdered, Playhouse 8:00pm Saturday 23rd August 2008 Australia’s most passionate and prolific comedian returns to Darwin after a sell-out season at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne International Comedy Festival with his brand new show BeWILdered. The show is an hour of rapid-fire stand up about truth and lies from one of the most wonderful comedic imaginations in the country. Wil is rare in the world of stand-up comedy in that year after year his shows keep getting sharper, edgier and, most importantly, funnier! More information >> Holly Throsby, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Saturday 23rd August 2008 Holly Throsby comes to Darwin for the first time, fresh from her third album release A Loud Call. Recorded and produced in Nashville by Mark Nevers (Lambchop and Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy) her new album follows on from 2006's ARIA-nominated Under the Town, and Holly's acclaimed 2004 debut, On Night. In the last few years Holly has toured extensively both within Australia and internationally, to the UK, Europe, America and Canada. She has supported such luminaries as Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Joanna Newsom, Bill Callahan, M. Ward and Low. Holly’s music, with its beautiful mix of romantically incisive pop songs and lilting back porch dirges, will captivate and delight. More information >> The Leah Flanagan Band and Tinpan Orange, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 10:00pm Saturday 23rd August 2008 Melbourne based Tinpan Orange will join Darwin locals The Leah Flanagan Band to create a melting pot of sweet melodies and polished harmonies. Their sound mixes together with lead breaks that captivate and songwriting to arouse the imagination and stir the heart. Both bands have been travelling the country promoting their critically acclaimed albums, and are excited to bring you this special collaboration. More information >> Tastes of the Top, Galuku Gallery (Botanic Gardens) 6:00pm Sunday 24th August 2008 Now in its 3rd year, Tastes of the Top showcases our fresh and seasonal food with an outstanding dining experience. And this year, it’s a little different…Combining the talents of four of our best restaurants with the extraordinary local produce of the Top End, this will be cooking without borders. Featuring Jimmy Shu from Hanuman, Danny Yeum of Tasty House, Marc Wagnon from Moorish Café and Lea Amy Bell of Char Restaurant, Tastes of the Top will be the gastronomic highlight of the year. Pre-dinner drinks will be served at sunset in the Galuku Gallery - the Festival's spectacular outdoor art space. Gourmet food, glamorous company and a galaxy of stars overhead! More information >> Cantar Timor, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 6:30pm Sunday 24th August 2008 The Darwin Chorale brings the magic and mystery of East Timor to Darwin in this special collaboration which has been two and a half years in the making. The Chorale, which has entertained Darwin audiences for over 20 years, is joined for the first time by a 30 strong choir from East Timor. This unique performance will also feature the Australian premier of Ola Timor! - a new work written by the Chorale’s Musical Director, Nora Lewis. The combined choirs have formed a symbiotic partnership and their music reflects the fusion of traditional Timorese culture and Western song. Witness the tremendous spirit of two very different and special worlds joining in song. More information >> Galaxy, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Sunday 24th August 2008 Arising from the turmoil and chaos of Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence in 1999, Galaxy have forged ahead to become one of the most well respected bands in one of the world’s newest nations. They return to the Star Shell following their critically acclaimed debut in 2006 and extensive performances all over East Timor to perform their unique blend of hip hop, reggae and rock. Mixing beautiful acoustic harmonies with traditional Timorese sounds, they will be performing songs from their new CD Perecua which musically takes brave new steps, exploring issues of conflict and forgiveness. This is a performance not to be missed. More information >> Ulu Chandra - Bali, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 6:30pm Monday 25th August 2008 A timeless tale of good and evil told through spellbinding traditional dance and music by the Ulu Chandra dance group from Bali, Indonesia.  Exploring universal themes of peace, harmony and our relationship with nature, this rich tapestry of joyous colour and music will enchant. More information >> Broad, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th August 2008 This year Deborah Conway is joined on stage by Golden Guitar Best Female Artist 2008 winner Diana Corcoran, the exquisitely delicate chamber folk of Laura Jean, the gorgeous vocals and jazz-infused songs of pianist Elana Stone, and the raw mastery of blues and roots guitar and banjo picker Liz Stringer.  To accompany these 5 unique musicians and songwriters, we’re delighted to announce that the RocKwiz Orchestra (SBS TV) will be lending their talents to Broad 2008. Don’t miss this extraordinary concert of the best in contemporary Australian music. More information >> iMoves, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 6:30pm Tuesday 26th August 2008 iMoves (Independent movers) is a full-bodied dance program presenting short and dynamic works by local, independent choreographers which incorporate the themes of translation and collaboration. This year’s program presents three separate works by choreographers Julia Gray, Erwin Fenis, and Tara Robertson, featuring graphic artist Marcus Dixon. iMoves embodies dance from a variety of genres, showcasing a hybrid of contemporary, hip hop, break, and Pacific Islander dances styles, infused with multimedia elements. More information >> Kong Nay, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 6:30pm Wednesday 27th August 2008 Kong Nay’s Chapei music - the “Cambodian blues” - is about to strum and holler its gutsy way into your orbit. It’ll probably make you laugh (even if you don’t speak a word of Khmer) - it could make you cry - and you won’t have heard anything like this ancient, haunting, yet foot-tappingly funky music before. Blind since he was a child, Kong Nay is known as the Ray Charles of the Mekong Delta and is a master of the Chapei, a traditional form of improvised song-making that is often compared to American Delta Blues. Joined by his brilliant young protégé Ouch Savy, together they bring to life the power of their precious musical inheritance. More information >> Jimmy Little in Concert with special guests Shellie Morris, Lou Bennett & William Barton, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Wednesday 27th August 2008 This is a rare opportunity to connect with this remarkable singer and storyteller. Experience a truly unique night of conversation and song with an Australian National Living Treasure. Jimmy has been entertaining Australians since 1957, and continues to do so. He has charmed generations through his collaborations with everyone from the Wiggles to Kylie Minogue. With his energies today focused on promoting a healthier future for Indigenous Australians through The Jimmy Little Foundation, his live performances are rare, so an opportunity to see this remarkable singer and storyteller in concert is not to be missed. More information >> Great Big Science Gig, Studio 6:00pm Thursday 28th August 2008 The gang from Great Big Science Gig is back in town with a brand new show for National Science Week 2008! Join us as we look inside the lab and rock out to the latest cutting edge research and innovation from Australia and around the world. Great music, great demonstrations and great science have been the hallmarks of Great Big Science Gig for five years. This year Chris, Darren and Marty will be checking out earthquake prediction, crocodile immunity, heavy elements, the Ultra Battery, the mysterious world of the potato and much more! So join us for your annual fix of inspiring unconventional science, the way nature probably didn’t intend. Free entry! More information >> Liberty Songs, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 6:30pm Thursday 28th August 2008 In this unique and very special performance, three critically acclaimed Indigenous singer/songwriters - Shellie Morris, Leah Flanagan and Lou Bennett - join with women from Darwin’s Liberian refugee community to explore and share their cultural stories and experiences through song. With backing from a 5 piece band, this exciting collaboration is a true melding of musical traditions. It juxtaposes the music of Liberia, from rhythmic drumming and ululations to jazz and blues, with the diverse influences of the Indigenous songwriters, particularly their blues and harmonies. More information >> Drums and Lions, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Thursday 28th August 2008 Be transported to East Africa in this unique musical collaboration between Ethiopian-born Azmari musician Dereb Desalegn and Maltese Australian reggae dynamo Nicky Bomba. In Drums and Lions, Dereb and Nicky have stayed true to the Azmari tradition of improvisation and non-conformism, and have developed their music into a dazzling new African Australian sound. This new sound combines soul, blues, reggae and even a hint of Bollywood with the musical heritage of Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups. More information >> Casio Brothers - Superheroes of Kid-Hop, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 6:30pm Friday 29th & Saturday 30th August 2008 The Casio Brothers are the Swedish ‘Superheroes of Kid-Hop’ and are way too enthusiastic about eating well and being active. Fabio, DJ Mario and the highly flexible Coco Cassette will thrill kids of all ages with their seriously funny and ultra-cool high-energy show featuring stories in rhyme, kids’ musical toys and interactive dance fun. These fitness-lovin’ funksters have performed everywhere from Australian Idol to headlining the Adelaide Fringe Festival’s Gala 4 Kids and will perform at the Darwin Festival for the first time after a sell-out season at the Sydney Opera House. More information >> Claire Hooper - Storybook, Studio 8:00pm Friday 29th August 2008 Claire Hooper is a rising star! Featured on ABC TV’s The Sideshow and Channel 10’s Good News Week, Claire comes to Darwin for the very first time with her new show, Storybook. To achieve her self-imposed mission of writing the best storybook ever LIVE ON STAGE, she’ll be drawing on her rich theatrical background to bring her extraordinary ideas to life. With costumed re-enactments, live animals, an exhaustive search for the meaning of life and a few mercifully brief songs, this hilarious show has many surprises in store. More information >> Gurrumul and Ego Lemos, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Friday 29th August 2008 Gurrumul, who recently released his chart topping, self-titled debut album, presents songs of his people, culture and land sung in his angelic voice, with elegant backing of guitar and double bass. Ego Lemos (Cinco do Oriente) is one of East Timor’s leading musicians and is involved in a renewal of Indigenous music and language. Performing together for the first time, exclusively for Darwin Festival, this will be a special opportunity to see two great musical minds working together. More information >> Munuk Gapu - Freshwalter Saltwater, Playhouse 8:00pm Friday 29th & Saturday 30th August 2008 In the World Premiere of this exciting production, renowned Indigenous dancer and choreographer Gary Lang interprets the lives, adventures and misadventures of Territory pearl divers from a bygone era. Experience an underwater journey and the temptations which present themselves as they descend into the ocean’s depths and the watery realm of the sirens. Gary Lang is a Larrakia man who trained at the National Aboriginal Islander Dance School and toured the world with some of Australia’s premier dance companies. His last full length work Entrapment enthralled audiences and this is a special opportunity to see one of the Territory’s most gifted artists. More information >> Blue King Brown, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 10:00pm Friday 29th August 2008 Blue King Brown is a band for your hips, heart and head. The Melbourne-based collective melds a deeply percussive sense of rhythm with sweet melodies and politically astute lyrics. They have a refreshing modern take on roots music, uniquely Australian yet with an unquestionably international feel. Fresh from a tour of Canada and the USA, a sell-out Japanese tour and a national tour earlier in 2008 supporting the legendary Santana,  their high energy live performances are awe inspiring and are bound to have you out of your seat and up on your feet. More information >> 2008 Commonwealth Bank Series - Australia vs Bangladesh, TIO Stadium 9:30am Saturday 30th August, Wednesday 3rd & Saturday 6th September 2008 Australia will take on Bangladesh in the 2008 Commonwealth Bank Series featuring three one day international matches at TIO Stadium. Tickets on sale now! More information >> Northern Territory Indigenous Music Awards, Gardens Amphitheatre 7:00pm Saturday 30th August 2008 Indigenous music’s night of nights! The Awards acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the Territory’s Aboriginal music performers, both in contemporary and traditional genres. Now in its fifth year, the annual ceremony and concert is itself a prestigious showcase of local talent, attracting an increasing number of key national industry professionals. This year’s spectacular event will bring you an exclusive performance by the Saltwater Band from Elcho Island, performances by the Kenbi Dancers, Chooky Dancers and Wildwater from Maningrida, and, as always, bring you some very special collaborations. More information >> Anne McCue, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 8:00pm Saturday 30th August 2008 After wowing Darwin audiences in last year’s sell-out Broad concert, Anne McCue returns to the Star Shell. Fresh from a tour of America’s Deep South and accompanied by a three piece band, she will perform her unique blend of bluesy rock and folk music. With guitar prowess compared by many to Hendrix, and poignantly delicate yet fiery vocals, Anne has successfully exported her craft all over the world, from Sydney to Vietnam, Canada to the Deep South of America, and now to the Far North of Australia’s Top End, Darwin. More information >> Casio Brothers - Up Late and Live, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 10:00pm Saturday 30th August 2008 This adults-only performance will rock you, shock you and above all, will bring the house down! Be sure not to miss the Darwin debut of this hilarious super cool team supreme! Fabio, DJ Mario and their highly flexible lady MC, Coco Cassette, ooze funky fresh Swedish style in a seriously funny high-energy show that has left rave reviews in its wake. They have performed at Melbourne Fringe, the Big Day Out for three years in a row, and have even shared the stage with the founding father of hip hop himself, Grand Master Flash! More information >> Paradise: Remixed, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 6:00pm & 8:00pm Sunday 31st August 2008 Paradise: Remixed is a dynamic high energy music and dance performance bringing ancient cultures and traditions to life. In this colourful cultural extravaganza, the Cultural Village of the NT explores the concept of paradise lost and paradise rediscovered in our own backyard. Through rising sea levels, erosion and violent storms, many small island countries are disappearing and their cultures will possibly be lost forever. This performance celebrates the spirit and resistance of these threatened cultures and presents them in a new light - Paradise: Remixed. More information >> Star Shell Closing Party, Star Shell (Botanic Gardens) 9:30pm Sunday 31st August 2008 Celebrate the Festival that was with high energy grooves, tribal beats and party jazz. Join eMDee, the Jigsaw Collective and special guests for one of the best party events of the year. More information >> Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia Winner, Studio 8:00pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008 The Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia was established in July 1977 by Claire Dan, and admitted as a member of the Federation of International Music Competitions in 1978.  It has now become internationally recognised as one of the world's great piano competitions.  Following world-wide auditions to locate a total of 36 of the finest pianists aged between 17 and 30, 3 stages of competition take place over 3 weeks at the Seymour Centre followed by the finals at the Sydney Opera House. This is a unique opportunity to see the 2008 winner before they head off overseas to participate in several international festivals. More information >> Cosentino - The Art of Illusion, Dance and Escapes, Playhouse 10:30am & 8:00pm Friday 5th September 2008 This funky, spunky magician appeals to teenage audiences with his contemporary twist on the world of illusion which leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. Threshold takes the audience into the mysterious depths of their imagination by focusing on the mind, body and soul. Through unique presentation and spectacular illusions, Cosentino pushes the boundaries and demonstrates the threshold of the human body.  The production continues its successful formula of dazzling magic and illusions blended with energetic dance, dangerous and nailing biting escapes, audience participation, humour and many surprising twists. More information >> Grant Collins, Studio 8:00pm Friday 19th September 2008 Witness the multi-limbed techniques and dynamic stage presence of internationally renowned solo drum set performer, Grant Collins, as he redefines what it means to be a drummer in his incredible ‘One Man Percussion Orchestra’ show. Grant’s drum set (the largest in the southern hemisphere) allows him to express a level of artistry which has seen him rise as one of the forerunners of solo drum set composition and performance. The concert features a projection screen to show the rear view of the pedals (there are 16+ of them!) so audiences can be part of a 4D concert presentation. More information >> Night Fever, Playhouse 8:00pm Saturday 20th September 2008 Three highly talented Australian vocalists join forces to present Night Fever, a celebration of the four-decade-strong success, popularity and resilience of one of the greatest musical stories ever told – The Bee Gees. This amazing recreation of The Bee Gees’ music is based on the 1997 One Night Only concert in Las Vegas, and the highly acclaimed live recording of that concert later released on CD. Night Fever is a multi-media feast with state of the art sound, hi-tech lighting and giant on-stage screens playing footage of famous Bee Gees’ concerts and musical highlights of their career. More information >> Possum Magic, Playhouse 6:30pm Tuesday 23rd & 9:30am & 11:30am Wednesday 24th September 2008 Possum Magic is the tender tale of baby possum Hush, made invisible by Grandma Poss in an effort to keep her safe from snakes. The adventure begins when Grandma is unable to reverse the 'bush magic' spell and both she and Hush set off across Australia to try to find the solution. Based on Mem Fox’s classic picture book, the stage production of Possum Magic has been stylishly embellished into a rollicking Australian musical – complete with lamingtons, pavlovas and vegemite sandwiches! A work full of imagination, charm and humour, Possum Magic features larger than life-size puppets, original music and a cast of multi-talented performers.  More information >> Darwin Symphony Orchestra - Water, Fire and Passion, Playhouse 8:00pm Saturday 4th October 2008 Inspired by the music of Latin America, this program unfolds out of the brutal sensibilities of Sensemaya, to the elegance of Bach’s Concerto for Oboe d’amore and Piazzola’s evocative tangos of the Four Seasons, inspired by Vivaldi’s work of the same name. Villa-Lobo’s Ciranda das Seta Notas performed by Kim Walker, Dean and Professor of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, commences the second half, with Beethoven’s Symphony No.5, sometimes called the ‘Destiny Symphony’, concluding the concert. More information >> 50th Anniversary Celebration - Cliff and the Shadows: Together Again Tribute, Playhouse 8:00pm Saturday 18th October 2008 Darwin’s own international star Marty Rhone is coming home and bringing his smash hit show, the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Cliff & the Shadows – Together Again to the people of Darwin. The 2 hour musical tribute to the legendary Cliff Richard & the Shadows has been playing to sell out houses and standing ovations across Australia since April and Marty wants to finish the tour where it all began, on stage as an 11 year old at the Darwin Town Hall all those years ago. The show features Marty performing all the great hits of Cliff Richard and renowned guitarist AJ Ferris recreating the distinctive Hank B Marvin Shadows’ sound. More information >> Beatlemania on Tour, Playhouse 8:00pm Saturday 13th November 2008 Showtime invites you on a magical mystery tour exploring the Beatle's revolution in popular music and culture. Employing authentic Beatle instruments, amplifiers, and costumes, coupled with faithful renditions of your favourite Beatle classics, Beatlemania on Tour recreates the spirit of the Fab Four in ways that have audiences raving about them - eight days a week! Musically, no detail is overlooked to re-create the true sound and excitement of The Beatles, with every song performed totally live and in its original key. Visually, the presentation is as close to the real thing as you can imagine...  Close your eyes, could it really be them? More information >> Darwin Symphony Orchestra - Gershwin... And All That Jazz, Playhouse 8:00pm Saturday 15th November 2008 George Gershwin was instrumental in creating what is now known as the voice of American music. The Australian pianist Michael Harvey presents two works by Gershwin for orchestra, Rhapsody in Blue and variations on I got Rhythm, as well as Carl Vine’s Piano Sonata.  The remainder of the program showcases Michael Daugherty, the most commissioned composer of his generation, Charlie Chaplin’s film The Risk with music composed by Carl Davis and closing with the Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofe.  More information >> top^