Dallas Frasca, Deadly Funny, Jay Wymarra, MusicNT’s Desert Divas & more
Friday 27th September, 6:00 – midnight
Join Desert Festival for an uplifting Opening Night dedicated to the resilience and power of our region’s First Nations and female artists.
The hilarious Jay Wymarra will be your special MC, guiding us through the night. First Nations comedian and 2019 Deadly Funny national finalist. Whether hosting, performing stand-up comedy, acting, or transforming into his fabulous drag alter-ego, “Rhianna Mation,” he always captivates the crowd. His unique voice and staunch activism for the rights of people across all spectrums make him the perfect MC for a festival in Alice Springs, the hub of diversity.
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6:15pm: Welcome to Country & GUTS’ Brave Bodies
Commencing with a Welcome to Country, then a showcase from GUTS Dance Brave Bodies Dance Program. Since 2021 Brave Bodies have engaged 15, majority First Nations young femme and non-binary people once a week, learning various dance styles and techniques and bravely undertaking public performances at events around Mparntwe.
7pm: Deadly Funny Comedy Showcase, featuring Leon Filewood and Jay Wymarra
Cheeky, loud, Black, and proud! Get ready for an hour of comedy with the funniest storytellers of the future. For 18 years, this deadly competition has unearthed the freshest, fiercest, funniest comedians and yarn-spinners talent from the world’s oldest culture. Don’t miss the laughs! Presented by Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Deadly Funny has featured tatents like Steph Tisdell, Kevin Kropinyeri, Andy Saunders, Shiralee Hood, Dane Simpson, Elaine Crombie and Sean Choolburra.
8pm: MusicNT’s Desert Divas
Fresh from a 6-week development season, this year’s deadly Desert Divas take to the stage to perform their songs. Every year, these budding artists amaze us with heartfelt lyrics, musicality, and stories in an intimate, family-friendly showcase you won’t want to miss.
9:30pm: Dallas Frasca
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Dallas Frasca is a true standout—a charismatic stage force and a powerhouse on the stage. Stepping away from her rock roots, she debuts her new ‘one-woman show,’ featuring her #2 ARIA-charting album, Force of Nature, electrifying guitars, dynamic live looping, and powerhouse vocals that match the intensity of her electrifying instrumentation.
10:30pm: Stuart Joel Nugget
Graciously stepping in to fill Emily Wurramara’s spot is local legend Stuart Joel Nuggett. A Jingili man from Kulumindini/Elliott, now based in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Stuart brings his exceptional talent to the stage ahead of his performance at the National Folk Festival in 2025. Performing in Jingili—a language with only five native speakers—he’s been playing music since childhood, taught by his uncles in the Ali Curung, Elliott, and Barunga regions. His song Ilbingini Agiyabarda was a finalist in this year’s NT Music Awards’ blues and roots category.
11:15pm: Shy Monk
Taking on the final set of the night is local favorite Shilo, a well-known DJ and singer/songwriter. With an exciting upcoming gig supporting Ayebatonye and C.FRIM, Shilo is here to help us end the evening on a high, getting everyone up and dancing!
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Access
For more information and updates about accessibility at the festival, including a downloadable Access Guide, please check our Accessibility page.
