Firing Up Fridays

Imagine this. It’s 4.21pm on a Friday arvy, you’re almost done with the working week and keen to kick back and relax with a cold one and some live music – but where to go? Cue Live on Fridays!

When the rest of the country settles into winter hibernation, Darwin comes out to play, and Live on Fridays is a uniquely Territorian way to see in the weekend. Mosey on over to the Brown’s Mart Courtyard for live tunes from local acts every Friday from May through to October.

Brown’s Mart Artistic Director Sean Pardy enlisted local musician Tracey Bunn in the Programmer role. She says it’s the epitome of Top End living during the Dry.

“Live music in the Brown’s Mart Courtyard is pretty special. It’s a nice, relaxed vibe in a central location, outdoors in the beautiful Dry season weather – people love listening to music outside,” she says.

“It’s another outlet for original music in Darwin, which is short on original music venues – any venue that allows original artists to have a stage is more than welcome.”

After programming a successful run of the Live on the Lawn series in 2020, Bunn hopes locals and visitors continue to get behind local original talent.

“I don’t want to be programming acts that are always getting the gigs around town – I’m trying to mix it up as I usually do in my programming. Brown’s Mart is really conscious of ensuring gender equity – it’s forefront, and a topic I feel strongly about. It’s important to give opportunities to those who haven’t had the chance to play,” she says.

“I’m pushing for emerging talent each month, in the form of solo, duo or trio acoustic acts. Punters won’t be competing with the music to have their conversations and can catch up over a beer. Expect old faves, new talent and just quality original local acts.”

Live on Fridays
WHEN EVERY FRI | 5-7PM
AT BROWN’S MART COURTYARD
COST FREE
INFO brownsmart.com.au