Editorials

Organised by a small group of dedicated music lovers, the festival continues to thrive through the work of volunteers and artists whose contributions over more than two decades have sustained its focus on artists, programming, and community participation. A vital part of Dorrigo’s special atmosphere comes from its patrons, who travel from all walks of life and across generations to share in the community of music. Their presence helps sustain the cultural life and sense of place that make the…

The Nambucca Valley has spoken: “We LOVE Open Streets!” With over 2000 people turning up despite the ominous forecasts & intermittent rain, the February festival felt like a community really finding its home. Moving the festival to spring allows the team to try some new ideas from the local Youth Council: the long evenings will come alive with light & laser installations, fire shows & fireworks, a new wearable art workshop collaboration with Nambucca Valley Phoenix, Punk Arts Collective &…

Damian Wright is one of Australia’s most compelling flamenco guitarists, an artist whose work combines technical precision, emotional depth, and a deep respect for tradition. Based in Australia, Wright has built a reputation as a gifted performer and composer, known for bringing the fire and discipline of flamenco into vivid focus for contemporary audiences. His playing reflects years of dedication to the form, shaped by the expressive power of Spanish flamenco and expanded through his own creative voice. Whether performing…

The festival celebrates our local arts scene and blurs the line between community and professional artists, while bringing internationally touring artists of high calibre within reach. It’s accessible, alcohol free and welcoming to everyone. International lineup Headlining this year is Ars Nova Napoli, one of Italy’s leading folk acts, bringing the authentic sounds and dance rhythms of Naples to Australia for the first time. Also mesmerising audiences is chitarra battente virtuoso Alessandro Santacaterina, part of a new wave of artists…

The Bellingen Spring Plant Fair returns on 12 September, running from 7.30am to 1pm, for one of the Mid North Coast’s most cherished community events — a celebration of plants, people and all things green. A Grower’s Paradise With stalls offering an impressive range of plants, supplies and tools, the fair is a haven for anyone with a green thumb. Visitors can browse native plants, seeds, stags, bee and bird boxes, and a wide variety of nursery offerings. Whether they…

Tori Ann Donnelly’s debut solo exhibition, Balawun.ga, gently peels back the layers of Gumbaynggirr history through a deeply respectful exploration of culture, storytelling on Country and the sacred knowledge held by plant kin. Central to the exhibition is the ancient melaleuca tree, or paperbark tea tree, which carries ancient stories from the past into the present and reminds us of the ongoing strength of Gumbaynggirr storytelling across generations. The exhibition invites visitors to slow down, listen and learn from the…

At the heart of STARSHINE is American-born performer Nikki Canale, Australia’s only American Stevie Nicks tribute artist, bringing her authentic connection to the music and her professional stage experience to audiences across the country. Having also performed on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, Nikki brings the polish, presence and theatricality of a Las Vegas show to STARSHINE’s Australian tour. Performing alongside an exceptional lineup, including their very own “Songbird” Krissy Keys as Christine McVie, Regotron as John McVie, Mitchell Jon channeling…

Dan Sultan is one of Australia’s most loved singer-songwriters, boasting numerous accolades including 7 ARIA Awards, NIMA Awards, Top 5 ARIA-charting albums, and an ARIA-certified gold record. His 2023 self-titled album Dan Sultan took home the ARIA for Best Adult Contemporary Album, while also earning nominations for Best Solo Artist and Best Independent Release. A powerhouse live performer, Sultan has headlined the Sydney Opera House Forecourt to thousands of fans, toured his orchestral reimagining of Blackbird with the MSO, DSO…

Orphans starts with a date night, interrupted by a brother covered in blood. What comes next is a twisting story of how far people will go for their family – exploring foster care, generational damage, racism and the potential for violence in us all. As with all Et Tu productions to date, there are moments of lightness. But this play also escalates at a pace that’s not always expected at the theatre. Dennis Kelly’s Orphans won both the Edinburgh Fringe…

From Tumut to Tathra, regional NSW will be filled with homegrown sounds this Spring, courtesy of the fifteen acts selected to partake in the annual Regional Tours program. This opportunity provides artists with essential touring experience and helps forge new touring routes across the state. Whether inside of a theatre, brewery or arts school, venues from Grong Grong to Pokolbin and Byron Bay will nurture local, live music for this year’s mighty opportunity. Receiving mentorship from the MusicNSW Regional team, five…