Live and Lovely
There’s nothing quite like kicking back in an iconic, historic Darwin setting, a cold beer in hand as the sounds of local musicians fill your ears. Even better if it’s a Friday in the Dry. Well, dear readers, the time has come for a Dry season favourite to return… Brown’s Mart’s Live on Fridays is back!
By Tierney Seccull
See out the working week with work mates and chums in the Brown’s Mart Courtyard, as a different local solo or duo act takes to the stage each week for two glorious hours of tunes.
A rite of passage for locals, and a true delight for welcome visitors, it’s a laidback way to welcome the weekend. Brown’s Mart Theatre Artistic Associate Cj Fraser-Bell says it’s important to give local acts a platform.
“Brown’s Mart is the home of Territory performing arts, and that includes theatre, but that also very much includes music,” they say.
“We wanted to provide an opportunity to connect our audience with Northern Territory musicians, and to allow NT musicians to have a beautiful Friday afternoon gig where they don’t have to play covers. They can chuck a few in if they want to, but it’s really about their artistry.”
The concept is a welcome one for local creatives, including singer-songwriter Crystal Robins who features on the line-up this month.
“There’s a lot of live music in live venues around Darwin, but there’s not as many that really focus on showcasing local new and original music, so it’s really good to have that opportunity,” she says.
“It’s a great venue, in the beautiful outdoor courtyard in the Dry season, and it’s usually a really nice audience, people that are open and receptive to hearing new music and hearing local artists.”
The community-minded event supports both established and emerging artists, and gives musicians the opportunity to work with the Brown’s Mart technical crew.
“It’s always great to have the support of a tech crew, and not have to fix everything yourself. And also for some artists who maybe don’t have their own equipment, or don’t gig around the covers scene,” Robins says.
The Brown’s Mart bar is stocked with all of your faves like bubbly, beer and spirits, and also caters for non-drinkers or those on a booze break with alcohol-free beer and wine, and a bunch of softies.
If you’re looking for the perfect transition between work and weekend, this is it. Pull up a pew at Brown’s Mart and enjoy some live local ear candy.
Live on Fridays
WHEN FRI 14, 21 & 28 APR | 5-7PM
AT BROWN’S MART
COST FREE
INFO brownsmart.com.au
Thumbnail & inset: Crystal Robins, photo: Lisa McTiernan
Header: David Spry, photo: Charlie Bliss Creative
