LIVE, LOCAL, LEGENDARY
Ah, the Dry. Nothing quite like getting outside and enjoying that balmy, sunny wintertime we are so lucky to have here in the Top End. But if there’s one thing that makes it that bit sweeter, it’s enjoying a knock-off with mates soundtracked by live local music. Cue Brown’s Mart’s Live on Fridays!
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
THE MUCH-LOVED program kicked off last month, inviting punters to pull up a seat in the Brown’s Mart Courtyard every Friday afternoon. This year, they’ve got some local food trucks on deck, so you can enjoy a sweet feed with your bevs and beats.
Local legend and music producer James Mangohig has curated a diverse line-up of musicians for 2025, representing the many of the cultures that are at the heart of the community. He says they’re doing things a little differently this year.
“Live on Fridays has become a kind of iconic Darwin thing, and what’s been a bit of a challenge over the years is reaching out to different people, because it’s always been a bit of a privilege in life to have two 45-minute sets of all original music,” he says.
“This year, we’ve reached out to the classic favourites that have played … but then we’ve also reached out to some people from different communities.
“We’ve got Londi, this African singer who’s been doing some jazzy, R'n'B soul stuff, we’ve got Tribo, which are a band from the Filipino community that kind of do a mix of old school Filipino classic kind of rock songs, but the cool thing is opening it up a bit more so people are allowed to do covers from their own background.”
With a different act each week, it’s a great way to keep your thumb on the pulse with the local music scene. Mangohig says it’s a gentle learning experience.
“I’m just trying to find ways to bring in some new things, try them out, see what happens, if it works, it works, if it doesn’t, that’s also okay. It’s a really good, I guess, chilled gig.”
Each arvy, in addition to a different artist or act, you’ll find a different food truck, with fare like ice cream, Mexican, hot donuts, pasta, and more on the menu. Mangohig says the addition of food has elevated the experience.
“At the first one … I really noticed the vibe was awesome. It just felt really good to watch people order food, then sit in the Courtyard, listen to music. I really dug it!”
Head along to Brown’s Mart every Friday and see in the weekend to the sounds of local legends. It’s a must-do, must-see, must-hear. And this year, a must-eat!
Live on Fridays
WHEN EVERY FRI | 5-7PM
AT BROWN’S MART COURTYARD
COST FREE
INFO brownsmart.com.au
