19.3 C
Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Entertainment and Arts in the Byron Shire for the week beginning 7 July, 2020

Latest News

Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

Plans to build Byron Shire’s first permanent group home for women and children in housing stress are moving ahead, with the development application for the project coming before Council this week.

Other News

Wild dog breeding season can increase attacks on domestic dogs

Local Land Services are reminding landowners to be aware of wild dogs as they have received five reports of domestic dogs being attacked and killed by wild dogs in the last two months.

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health

The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.

What the duck!

Most days I ask myself ‘what the duck’ is happening here? How could Trump be president again if he...

Richmond MP again called on for immediate Gaza ceasefire 

On Saturday, March 16 Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine unfurled a 20m scroll with the names of murdered children and host a ‘die-in’ action at the office of the federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot (Labor).

Big week in Byron Bay for adaptive surfers

Australia’s first-ever international adaptive surfing contest held in Byron Bay last week was an overwhelming success according to organiser Mark ‘mono’ Stewart.

Merryn Jean is streaming to help the world

Mother is Burning

While singer songwriters have found themselves prevented from performing live, they’ve been forced indoors to consider and create new projects. One such artist to concoct something new and powerful is Merryn Jean, who is about to release Mother is Burning.

She says, ‘The song was written in January 2020 when the bushfires were at the peak of devastation. It made me think a lot about society and nature, the connection between the two, ‘human nature’ and ‘humans in nature’.’ Merryn is an Australian musician based in Paris, France who is driven by her instinct to work across codes. To record this battle cry for Mother Nature she engages the young voices of Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School (where she was once a student). The song also features cello by Cecile Lacharme. 100 per cent of the revenue raised will be donated to an association fighting for climate justice.

The song will be released on all streaming platforms this Friday


Miss Amber & Stukele

Back to Uke!

Mullum Uke Club has resumed at Mullum Ex-services Club – running most Mondays from 6–7.30pm in the Auditorium. The Uke crew ask, if you are ill in any way, please don’t attend, and of course, if you are well – bring your own uke. And with the four metre rule being observed, social distancing and four string instruments will be in play!


Tibetan Lama, His Eminience Dzogchen Rinpoche, in Byron presenting a three-day weekend seminar on meditation. For more information go to www.shenpenaustralia.org/events

Having the Right View

A senior Tibetan Buddhist lama, His Eminence the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche, believes that having the ‘right view’ is essential to our wellbeing. He says: ‘Wrong view is the biggest issue now in the world. When we have the right view, living in this crazy world makes sense; otherwise, we suffer. Right view is essential for wellbeing.’

Dzogchen Rinpoche will share his Buddhist wisdom in Byron Bay in a three day weekend seminar and meditation. The seminar, on the topic ‘How to be in the world with right view?’ will take place from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July.

In these teachings, Dzogchen Rinpoche will explain what it means to have the right view, and how it leads to better decision making and choices. Dzogchen Rinpoche will show us how to have a view like that of an eagle soaring high in the sky. With that, we can rest with ease in all that arises.

Attendees will also be taken through guided mindfulness and Shamatha meditation practices to help focus and calm the mind.

For seminar application forms and further information call 0425 398 640 or email [email protected]


The Country Witches are back! Stirring up dangerous dialogues with their first show since lockdown. It’s at the Byron Services Club this Saturday and Bangalow Bowlo on Saturday 1 August.

The COVID-19 Coven… Bitchin for a Witchin

The Country Witches Association are feeling like the world has changed, and maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Join Irish singer songwriter Áine Tyrrell, and comedian Mandy Nolan as they gather to talk politics and polemics, pornography and pole dancing. It’s a wide ranging discussion that breaks the fourth wall and asks the audience to join the conversation, and the revolution. Join the CWA at the Byron Services Club this Saturday, and Saturday 1 August at the Bangalow Bowlo! Both shows at 7.30pm. Tix are $35 and must be purchased online at ainetyrrell.com/touring.


Reuben Kaye at the Brunswick Picture House

Reuben Kaye is out to Play

It is time to shake off the post-isolation blues – with the Picture House bringing in the big guns to do just that. Yes, multi-award winning Australian Cabaret artist, and self-proclaimed part-time hood ornament, Reuben Kaye, is back for two shows. Choose from a variety of ticketing options, starting at $15.

Described as ‘the evil love child of Liza Minnelli and Jim Carrey’, Kaye’s delivery is flawless, and blends lavish storytelling with gilded song, incorporating an impressive repertoire that ranges from Kurt Weill to Kate Bush. All while punctuating his monologue with rich cultural critique that has his worldwide audiences and critics begging for more.

With current COVID-19 restrictions in place, the team at the Picture House knew they needed to get creative, ensuring that no one would miss out on the full Reuben Kaye experience. In addition to a very limited number of tickets indoors, audiences can Come Out and Play in the idyllic Picture House garden, watching the show inside live on the big screen outside, as the fire is stoked and Reuben’s sequins give the evening stars a run for their money. But don’t think you’ll be safe from his moments of improvisation just because there is a wall between you… audience participation is a ‘ready or not’ proposition.

Covering all corners, for those of you who have become a little too comfortable on the couch, in a first for the Picture House, local audiences will be joined by fans from all over Australia, and the world, as the Reuben Kaye Comes Out to Play show is streamed right into the comfort of your lounge room for $15.

Two shows only. Duration 75 minutes: Saturday at 7pm, and Sunday at 5pm. For all bookings, streaming information and tickets go to brunswickpicturehouse.com


Skeggs informally

Black Tie Concert at Bruns Picture House

Fresh from releasing their new belter, Under The Thunder and accompanying video, Skegss are proud to present a series of once-in-a-lifetime shows from the iconic Brunswick Picture House, over four nights, July 8–11.

The shows will see the band perform for a limited capacity audience (seated and asked to arrive in formal attire), with the Friday and Saturday nights also live-streamed to international audiences via Veeps.

In some of the first concerts to be attended by live audiences post-COVID lockdown laws, fans at the shows can expect a full night of entertainment that may not happen at a Skegss show ever again – including a magician, cheese platters and limited edition merchandise.

For those who can’t make it to the Picture House in person, they will be able to stream the Friday and Saturday night shows, and host their own watch parties from the comfort of their lounge rooms.

Supporting Skegss will be Cronulla-based singer/songwriter Adam Newling, showcasing some of his top-notch alt-country gems. 

Tickets are on sale now. Sign up to the band’s mailing list at Skegss.com for your chance to secure tickets.


Austen Tayshus – with Mandy Nolan, Friday 17 & Saturday 18 July, at 8pm at the Byron Services Club.

The Way We Were… with Austen Tayshus

The world is nervously finding its way back to the pre-COVID way we were. Although perhaps we won’t ever be completely the way we were. We now stand on squares, we avoid contact with people, we wash our hands. So how are we supposed to negotiate this new world disorder? How do we connect? How do we move forward? Comedians are very much at the frontline of the social dialogue about how we feel.

Standup comedian and social provocateur, Austen Tayshus, always has a unique perspective on topical issues, and his post-COVID comedy is certainly something worth hearing! Fortunately for comedy lovers, Austen is back for two nights with the mama of mirth, Mandy Nolan as MC, and carpet cleaner by day, comedian by night, John Peacock as support. Social distancing has never been a problem at Tayshus’ gigs – no one ever wants to sit up the front! He’s a force of nature – his comedic downloads are legendary – weaving politics and topical themes throughout his satirical discourse that drills down on Australian identity, race and religion. Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July at 8pm at the Byron Services Club.
Tix $35 on mandynolan.com.au.

Shows have limited tickets owing to Public Health Order regulations.


Woo Hoo Choo Choo

The Rails is Back on Track

The Rails is travelling back with a live music line-up, every night from 7 July. Drink up the melodious sounds from 6.30pm till 8.30pm whilst supping on some of the tastiest beers around. Fantastic for you and fantastic for live music.

On Tuesday 7 July is Ooz, and on Wednesday is Jason Delphin. Thursday brings us Fintan, with Jordan McRobbie on Friday. The weekend sees Devils Kiosk on Saturday and Matty Armitage on Sunday. Get on down and support the return of live music.


Bangalow gets a hammering

Hammer & Hand – COVID-19 Relocation

After 12 wonderful years creating, teaching and marketing from their premises in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate, Hammer and Hand has relocated to the Art Precinct at 10 Station Street Bangalow, with a planned grand opening in July.

Leading up to the temporary closure of many businesses owing to COVID restrictions and the lockdown, and in the light of the changing demographic of the Byron Arts and Industry Estate, the members decided it was time to look for new premises, to downsize, and to find a more central and convenient location more accessible to their many loyal followers. Also, the large industrial workshop was no longer needed, as members have their own established studios and can continue to conduct jewellery making workshops from home. By chance, an opportunity to become part of the dynamic artistic community of Bangalow presented itself.

The new gallery, open seven days per week, will give many more people the opportunity to get to know the members and their hand-crafted works.

The new Bangalow Hammer and Hand is managed by Bruce Pringle, who founded the original collective twenty-six years ago in the Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart. Bruce has been a full-time practicing blacksmith, jewellery designer and sculptor since 1972.

www.hammerandhand.com.au/contact 

www.instagram.com/hammerandhandbangalow

www.facebook.com/HammerandHandBangalow.


Come and study at BSA

Visual Arts Introduction Course at Byron School of Art

The BSA Visual Arts Introduction Course is a 12-week course offering a structured program that introduces students to the fundamentals of contemporary art through observational drawing, design elements, materials, colour theory, painting, 3D studies and more. This is a great introductory course for anyone who is considering studying in the visual arts. No previous experience necessary. byronschoolofart.com


A two-day, weekend, weaving workshop

Jugan Dandii – Weaving Circle III

Join master weavers Tania Marlowe and Deb Cole, from Jugan Dandii, for a weekend weaving circle in a relaxing group atmosphere at Ignite Studios.

Over the two-day session, students will learn weaving techniques and craft with ‘random weave’ using local Bangalow palm fibre to create baskets, light shades and sculptural objects.

This two-day weekend workshop will be held on Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August from 9.30am–12.30pm daily. Owing to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, places are limited to a maximum of 10 participants only. The workshop is open to all adults (ages 15+).

All materials are provided and bookings are essential to secure a place. Book in early as places in these workshops sell out fast.

Ignite Studios is located adjacent to the Gallery in the former Ballina Fire Station at 60 Crane Street Ballina.

To book your place visit the NRCG website at www.nrcgballina.com.au or phone the Gallery on 6681 0530.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

A health check as Medicare turns 40

If you’ll forgive the earnest tone, I’d like to propose a toast. To a friend who’s almost always there when you need them most. To a system that aims to treat people fairly and respectfully. 

Byron Council staff baulk at councillors’ promise of free parking for locals

Will Byron Council deliver on its pledge to make parking permits free for locals across the Shire when paid parking comes into force in Brunswick Heads?

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Splendour 2024 cancelled

It's official, Splendour in the Grass 2024 has been cancelled.