We are the Midnight Rangers. Born in the Post-Intervention Apocalypse of Mparntwe, we play country music from stolen, trampled and thirsty country. We necromance the bones of country classics and yell them louder than the Gravy Train we're all riding. This event is part of the Desert Festival opening, Alice Springs Town Council Night Market […]
From winning the regional battle of the school bands NT, best song, best band, Mulga Bore Hard Rock are heading to greatness. Set in remote central Australia, Anmatyerre country and one of lands smallest schools, a school band is taking on the world. Mulga Bore Hard Rock Band will be fresh from supporting KISS on […]
BLOOM where you're planted! On The Wing Productions brings their Pop-Up Cabaret to 2022 Desert Festival! Join your host Dan Milne, the Pop-Up Cabaret backing band, and a fantastic lineup of HOMEGROWN talent for some fun tunes. As always the open mic section is available for all BUDDING performers. Email [email protected] to express your interest. […]
While the isolation and extremes of the NT loom large in Sally Balfour’s songwriting, Sally's music connects on an individual level. Sally Balfour hails from Darwin and will be performing the songs from her debut EP. "Sally Balfour's voice has a resonance that just draws you in and keeps you captivated. Balfour is that special […]
Tibetan-Australian artist Tenzin Choegyal brings traditional Tibetan sounds into a contemporary setting, proudly holding the unbroken nomadic lineage which is central to his musical repertoire. Through his music and storytelling, Tenzin takes audiences on a musical journey which transcends cultural boundaries, reveals ancient wisdoms and connects deeply to the wandering people of his homeland. He […]
10 astounding songwriters weave an intimate songbird celebration of connection: ‘KINDRED,’ combining their unique voices, styles and song stories. Be delighted as this supergroup of women and gender diverse performers share their light and insight into our shared humanity. Featuring Bambadino, Ceenah, Fan Fatale, Gleny Rae, Jessie May, Kirra Voller, Kodivine, Velia and XAVIA. Save […]
Anwerne Apurte Alyelheme Anwerne alyelheme angkentye Arrernte-le Anwerne angkentye nenhe lterrke atnyenetyeke Anwerne imerneme ampe mape-ke We are singing together We are singing in our language Arrernte We are keeping our language strong We are teaching it to our children Please join Arrernte families, children and educators from Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe (Children’s Ground) as we share […]
La Vita Dei Diamanti, 'The life of Diamonds' is a surreal and sensory immersion into the decadent world of Alice Springs cabaret favourites, the Desert Diamonds. Come experience the lavish life inside the house of the diamonds, where audiences will be served up a lush fantasy landscape of art deco glamour. This performance begins with […]
Get your entire ecosystem bopping at this adults-only garden party. With local queer artists as our master gardeners, a night of collective creativity and kinky imagination awaits. Soak yourself in sensory delight including live music, roving performers, DJs, VJs, theatre and dance. Expect interactive installations, solarpunk peep shows and a whole microcosm of creatures to […]
From Jakarta to Eora, Putrika will bring her alt-soul electronica sound to Mparntwe. Her sound is a combination of multi-layered synths, percussive and groovy beats, ambient soundscapes paired with soulful vocals. Putrika released her first self produced EP ‘Silmara’ at the beginning of the year and got a rotation on multiple Australian local radios. She […]
Come join the song circle! This workshop is open to people of all levels of singing - the only requirement being a joy for singing with others. Most Sunday afternoons Emma enjoys sharing and leading songs with Splinter Sisters, a small circle of singers in Alice Springs. She will share with you some quick-to-learn songs […]
ARIA award winner and songbird Kavisha Mazzella’s original songs lyrical ingredients include humour, poetry, social justice and the spiritual. Singing in English and Italian, she will take you on an uplifting journey of stories and songs ringing with echoes of Celtic and Fado influences that will strike a resounding chord within. With 8 solo albums […]
Frank Yamma is one of Australia’s most significant Indigenous songwriters, with an ability to cross cultural and musical boundaries. A Pitjantjatjara man, Frank speaks five languages and sings in Pitjantjatjara and English. His mighty songs, magical guitar playing and deeply evocative voice tell stories of country, protection, heartache, travel and love. Frank Yamma is joined […]
Billy Black is a talented and travelled singer and guitarist. He has performed across a wide array of musical styles over a long career of six stringed debauchery. Join him for a delicate evening of acoustic, pure, clean, joy.
Bambadino is a Filipino-born lesbian Maths teacher singer-songwriter who yearns to belong. Her songs take you from funny anecdotes to bittersweet ballads about belonging to her body, to her family, to community, to herself. Bambadino lives in Mparntwe wtih her wife, dogs and chickens. She loves singing and watching the sunrise. If you can't make […]
Ronja Moss is a twinkly-eyed singer songwriter who delights in telling tales with her banjo and rolling melodies. Recently relocated to our Nation’s capital, Ronja grew up in the central desert of Alice Springs. Her songs paint pictures; either witnessed, or imagined, endeavouring to take the listener into the lives of her characters and thoughts. […]
The Alice Springs Town Council with support from the Northern Territory Government are proud to bring back the highly successful Pop Up Park Series in 2022, and this edition will feature a curated lineup of exciting Desert Festival talent! This place-based activation series targets Alice Springs families, neighbours and individuals looking for an opportunity to […]
Stellar Sea explore our hidden aspirations in a time when we need to desire less for the sustainability of our planet. Weaving live music, projected media and a compelling poetic narrative, they will deliver an embodied experience inspired by PJ Harvey and their own dreams. Stellar Sea are a cohort of post-punk eco queers with […]
Amidst times of questioning our losses, our sense of belonging and our resilience, songs came to be. This is a collaborative project initiated by Jakarta- born, now Mparntwe-based musician and visual artist Dina Indrasafitri. Dina will be collaborating with local legends such as Dave Crowe and Xavia to create a medley of song, dance and visuals rich […]
The inimitable Lady Lash builds intoxicating ambience through sultry vocals, poetic rhymes and haunting sonic sequences. A woman with both Kokatha and Greek heritage, she is influenced by the two ancient cultures. Don’t miss this incredible collaboration supported by fellow First Nations singer/songwriter/poet and activist, Kirra Voller, and Karnage N Darknis. KND are a hip-hop […]