The Last Sunday Folk Up
On the last Sunday of the month, folkies descend on the Watertank Cafe in Mparntwe Alice Springs for an evening of music, poetry and connection.
Our two feature artists kick off at 5pm and 6pm.
Open mic is from 7pm. Two songs per act only, so get your name on the blackboard early!
Tickets are $10 for Folk Club members and $20 for non-members.
A selection of meals and drinks are available for purchase throughout the night.
Special Events
Sunset Concert at Olive Pink Botanic Gardens
Sunday August 16 from 4pm
East of West weaves connections between people and place - between the interior spaces we inhabit when journeying in our imagination and the external world of connections we share with the people and places around us. Born in Bosnia, New Zealand and England, this trio of well-travelled musicians weave music that connects with the hearts and minds of the audience in a contemplative yet dynamic performance. Touching on many genres but deeply in tune with its own sound, East of West questions boundaries and borders, reaching across them to touch the minds and hearts of listeners.
This ARIA nominated trio begin their album launch tour in the Centre - at a very special sunset concert in the exquisite Olive Pink Botanic Gardens Alice Springs, with an opening set by Mparntwe's very own world musicians King Marong and Pin Rada.
From 4pm - 7pm, feel free to bring a blanket, cushion, drinks and snacks.. Chairs provided.
Tickets are $30/$20 concession (kids under 16 free)
https://events.humanitix.com/east-of-west-in-the-centre
Music and Food Camp at Tamara Date Farm - August 22-23
East of West’s music draws from the rich cultural melting pot of the Balkan and Mediterranean regions, spicing it with a hint of contemporary European jazz. Comprising Bosnian-born composer Goran Gajić on double bass, Philip Griffin on oud and laouto, and Malindi Morris on percussion, East of West explores the borderlands between genres through their intricate compositions and improvisations.
Starting their Australian album launch tour in the Centre, East of West offer a weekend of engagement, musical delights with a complimentary menu of healthy and delicious food at the unique location of the Tamara Date Farm (via Santa Teresa Rd).
Just one hour out of Mparntwe/Alice Springs, the camp will run from Saturday 22nd Aug 11am to Sunday 23rd Aug 3pm, including all meals, workshops and an intimate "round the campfire" performance from East of West.
Arrive on Saturday in time for introductions and lunch, set up camp under the date palms, then immerse yourself in a range of musical workshops facilitated by three experienced musicians and educators. After dinner on Saturday night, enjoy an intimate concert from East of West, before settling down to sleep under the desert stars.
Sunday offers more workshops and delicious food, culminating with a singing workshop after lunch, allowing plenty of time for participants to pack up and head back to town.
Allow one hour for the drive, four wheel drive recommended (some heavy sand)
Workshop program
Sat 22
11am - arrive, set up camp
12pm - induction and tour of date farm
12.30 - 1.30 - lunch
2pm - 3pm - workshops
3 - 3.30 - afternoon tea
4-5pm - workshops
6.30 - dinner
7.30pm - Fireside concert
Sun 23
7.30am - breakfast
9-10am - workshops
10 - morning tea
11 - 12 - workshops
12.30 - 1.30pm - lunch
2 - 3pm - singing workshop
FINISH
Workshops on offer
Singing workshops:
Black Sea folk song (1 hour)
Learn a haunting three-part traditional song from the mountainous Black Sea region of Türkiye with Philip Griffin, exploring the different arrangement possibilities of mixing the parts and incorporating solo and choral sections.
Bosnian Sevdalinka (urban folk song) (1 hour)
The haunting urban folk music of Bosnia strikes a chord with many of us, speaking as it does of love, loss and the resilience of a strong and proud people. Join Goran Gajić and East of West and learn a song or two from this beautiful part of the world, and sing to the accompaniment of double bass, oud and percussion.
Instrumental workshops:
Balkan grooves on Ukulele (or other melody instrument!) (1 hour)
Bring your ukulele or other instrument and learn a Balkan tune or two with the members of East of West. Watch out… there will be some interesting time signatures! All levels welcome.
Balkan and Middle Eastern rhythms and percussion (1 hour)
Bring your percussion instruments or simply your hands and voices and explore the fascinating rhythms of the Balkans, Mediterranean and Middle East with Malindi Morris from East of West. Learn to tap your foot, clap your hands or play your drum to all sorts of odd time signatures!
New music from old traditions (made easy) with East of West (1 hour)
Are you interested in traditional music but want to explore your own compositions? Bring your instrument or voice and join the East of West trio for a composition masterclass! Delve into new approaches to writing original music drawn from the rhythms, scales and traditional ornaments of the folk and traditional music of the Mediterranean and Balkan regions.
Children’s workshop:
Wonky rhythms and body percussion for kids (young and old) (45 min)
What do apples and pineapples have to do with music? Come along and find out… Get ready to stomp your feet and clap your hands to some of the amazing (and wonky) rhythms of the Balkans!