What’s On?

Byron

Old Mervs Regional Tour

March 13, 6pm

WA indie rock duo Old Mervs bring their high-energy bush-rock sound to Brunswick Hotel for the first time as part of a regional Australia tour. Following sold-out tours across Europe and the US — including an appearance at Chicago’s Lollapalooza — they are sure to satisfy with songs from their ARIA-charting 2025 debut album, which incorporates a punchy mix of indie, Britpop and ’90s West Coast alt-rock. Tickets via Moshtix.

Lewis Garnham: Taking My Time This Time

March 11, 7pm

Award-winning comedian Lewis Garnham makes his debut at the Brunswick Picture House as he returns home for a limited run of work-in-progress shows titled ‘Taking My Time This Time.’ After acclaimed appearances at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Perth Fringe World, Adelaide Fringe and RAW Comedy, the laid-back raconteur is set to amuse with sharp new material performed in an intimate setting. Tickets available at Eventfinda.

Ganavya

March 13, 7:30pm

Acclaimed New York-born, Tamil Nadu-raised vocalist Ganavya brings her transcendent fusion of spiritual jazz, Indian devotional music and ambient soundscapes to Byron Theatre for her first ever Australian headline tour. Following a string of acclaimed records, including 2024’s collaboration with Floating Points, like the sky I’ve been too quiet, Ganavya’s music has been hailed for its deeply moving, otherworldly beauty, and is guaranteed to stir the soul. For tickets visit byroncentre.com.au/theatre-events/ganavya

Tweed

Thirst Trap single release party

March 14, 6pm

Come and boogie with Northern Rivers five-piece band Thirst Trap as they launch their new single “Waiting on Time” at Murwillumbah’s M-Arts precinct. Fresh from festival appearances including SXSW Sydney and support slots with Birds of Tokyo, the band are raring to go ahead of their debut EP. Expect high-energy alternative rock and a hometown show set to pack the dancefloor. Tickets via Oztix.

Murwillumbah Theatre Company presents The Tempest

Running from March 13–29

Performing themes of betrayal and redemption, the Murwillumbah Theatre Company will bring a 400-year-old tale back to life with their production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The production features a rich tapestry of characters that includes sprites, magicians and half-men, half-beasts, and will entice audiences with its diverse mix of high drama, comedy, romance and treachery. Catch the play at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre. For tickets visit murwillumbahtheatrecompany.com.au

JB Paterson

March 13, 7:30pm

Songwriter and producer JB Paterson’s traditional folk and blues roaming blue-collar style is in the same vein as Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt and Bob Dylan. With three self-produced albums to his name, JB Paterson continues to make songs of enduring intimacy. Pairing classic melodies with incisive, earthy lyricism that represents musical storytelling at its finest, his show at the Murwillumbah Citadel promises to captivate local audiences. Get tickets at Humanitix.

Ballina

The Village People Experience

March 14, 7:30pm

Step back into the 1970s with the electrifying Village People Experience, a dazzling tribute to the disco legends Village People. Featuring a live band, flamboyant costumes and sensational performers, this high-energy show captures the spirit of the era. Led by Broadway’s James Harkness, this nostalgic journey of afros, platforms, roller skates and iconic hits can be undertaken at Ballina RSL. Tickets available at ballinarsl.com.au/event/the-village-people

Observing the Macro and Micro with Eliza Adam

March 14, 10am–2pm

Join Brisbane multidisciplinary artist Eliza Adam for a hands-on workshop exploring macro and micro mark-making, repetition and layered techniques at Ignite Studios in Ballina. Working across painting, sculpture and textile-based processes, Adam’s practice examines themes of interconnectivity. Participants will use ink, gouache, oil pastels and natural materials like seeds and grasses to create multimedia works on paper inspired by place. For tickets, visit nrcgballina.com.au/v1/public-programs/workshops

Extinction: A Love Letter

Until March 21

Nature lovers, families and anyone closely bound to place are encouraged to visit Alstonville’s Black Fig Gallery and view this heartfelt exhibition celebrating the natural world. Featuring detailed rainforest and landscape works alongside playful pieces for younger audiences, the show honours native species past and present. More reflective than alarmist, it invites visitors to notice, remember and care for what still surrounds us. For more information visit blackfiggallery.com.au

Lismore

The Boy of Many Colors

March 13, 6pm–9pm

The Boy of Many Colors is a proud cassowary man of the Yidinji–Bar Burrum & Mamu tribes of tropical Far North Queensland. Known for his hip-hop and deep bass lines, he blends music, dance and storytelling in a vibrant performance. This free event is presented by Lismore Regional Gallery at The Quad and will showcase BLAK music, with Mandawuy, a Gumbaynggirr and Barkindji artist who often writes and performs in language, also taking the stage. For more information visit lismoregallery.org/quad/quad-upcoming-events

Restored at the Con

March 14, 10am–2pm

Step inside the beautifully restored Northern Rivers Conservatorium as its doors swing open for the whole community to explore. Enjoy live performances from teachers and students, try your hand at a range of instruments and meet the team behind the music. Walk through the renewed spaces and celebrate this vibrant hub for creativity, learning and connection as it returns stronger than ever. For more information visit nrcac.edu.au/event/restored-at-the-con/

Headstands and other feats of normal life

Until March 29

Ceramic artist Belinda Smith presents a striking new body of work exploring the female head as both vessel and symbol. Her poised yet playful sculptures, including inverted headstands, speak to balance, resilience and quiet triumph. Smith’s work has been exhibited across Australia and internationally. Her exhibition, currently held at the Lismore Regional Gallery, reflects the strength, grace and lived experience within everyday acts of endurance. For more information, visit lismoregallery.org/exhibitions/headstands