August Program
Thursday 28th August 8pm $5
Starlight Lounge - Poetry Special - featuring Moses, The Morning After, Matt Ryder
Local writer Claine Keily presents a night of live improvised comedy, poetry and music. Expect the unexpected.
Friday 29th August 9pm $5
The Steve Holliday Alternative + Straight Skirt
Hailing from Darwin, this original torch and twang country/blues cabaret combo plays easy-going good time music with a mix of yarns, urban poetry and country harmonies. Rod Baalam, Gretchen Ennis and Bill Searle from Crimpolene team up with Zeb Olsen on drums for a rockin' emotional melodic ride through the ups and downs of Darwin life and love. They call it Straight Skirt.
Saturday 30th August 9pm $5
Metal Night - Burrfoot + Vicious Apathy
Dedicated trad metal from Vicious Apathy meets the thinking person's metal band, Burrfoot, who stretch the boundaries of genre and deliver a heartfelt and intelligent noise that soothes and inspires.
http://www.myspace.com/oldeschoolau
www.myspace.com/burrfootdarwin
September Program
Thursday 4th September 7-8 all ages. 8pm 18+
Art Opening - Mel Macklin and Emma Long
Two local artists transform the space once again. Come and feel the mood of September on the walls of Happy Yess.
Friday 5th September 9pm $5
Mark Hilton and the Chunes + Matt Ryder
One of the highlights of the Moonlight Stage at the Darwin Festival, Mark is an ex-Melbourne singer/songwriter/guitarist now living in Darwin. He writes songs with honesty and a sardonic sense of humour. A very popular local act, Matt is an intense guitarist with a vocal style to match.
markhilton.tv
Saturday 6th September 9pm $5
Burrfoot + Moses + Presseject
The ever-popular Moses return to Happy Yess to amaze with their thoughtful and intelligent sound assault. Presseject are a couple of Sydney girls with electronic paraphenalia and a bunch of personal and quirky songs.
Thursday 11th September 8pm $5
Comics out of the Cupboard
The crazy team from Saikim’s comedy course are doing it again: clever jokes, local insights and a handful of suprises. Guaranteed to shake you out of your comfy chair!
Friday 12th September 9pm $5
Greedy Stout + Marty
Greedy Stout play a raucous style of Celtic ska punk that always inspires audiences to flail about wildly on the dancefloor. Marty is a solo acoustic guy with a bunch of his own songs to show you.
Saturday 13th September 9pm $5
The Moving Targets + Brooke Barnett
Comprised of bits and pieces of the Darwin music scene, this folk/pop supergroup debuted at Bass in the Grass 2008 and has continued to perform whenever they can get everyone on the same stage. Featuring David Garnham, Leah Flanagan, G Boenkendorf and Alex Brindell.
www.myspace.com/themovingtargetsband
Thurday 18th September 9pm free
Karaoke
Open your lungs for a dry season edition of karaoke Happy Yess style (ie relaxed and a little bit grungy!) with your host Glenn B.
Friday 19th September 9pm $5
Nice
Ex-Melbourne DJ Bashment Jack's monthly Darwin thang with guest DJ's and performers.
http://www.myspace.com/niceupdarwin
Saturday 20th September 9pm $5
'R.i.p. it Up'
Horsetrank + Straight Skirt
Horse Trank is an indie rock band formed in Darwin ages ago. Made up of Colin Holt on drums and vocals, Cal Williams on guitar and vocals, Colin Simpson on guitar and vocals and Jesse Davis on bass, the music has been described as scungy. Straight Skirt is the new outfit for Gretchen Ennis, Roddy Balaam, Zeb Olsen and Bill Serle. It’s an all-star line-up playing deliciously crafted pop tunes with a lot of grunt and only a hint of sweetness.
http://www.myspace.com/straightskirt
Thursday 25th September 8pm free
Bingo
Friday 26th September 9pm $5
Country Town Collective + Jess Ribeiro
Formed in Adelaide at the end of 2005, CTC features the lovely Alice Rae on guitar/vocals, and a range of Darwin musicians backing her up (including the fabulous Kim Orchard). The sound is sweet bluesy alt urban country. Jess is a modest kind of girl with a HUGE talent. Every time she plays Happy Yess she pulls out a little something special, something new. Her cute and quirky songs often have a dark side that make them real and believeable.
http://www.countrytowncollective.com
Saturday 27th September (pm $5
Metal Nite: Death Wish + Paradox
Once a month Happy Yess becomes the HOME OF HEAVY METAL, featuring the cream of Darwin’s heavy, death, grind and black metal and there certainly are some impressive bands in the genre. Be afraid.
http://www.myspace.com/deathwishnt
October Program
Thursday 2nd
November Program
December Program
Old Shows Below
Thursday 21st August 9pm free
Karaoke
Everyone needs a bit of karaoke every once in a while. Here's your chance to show us what you've got.
Friday 22nd August 9pm $5
Cooperblack + Stirfry Music
Cooperblack is Darwin-based, three piece pop/rock/electro band. Simon (the Hungarian) is the mad professor, bending keys and theramin the way Hendrix would have if he were born in 'land of zero axes'. Oliver (the German) is the funniest and has seen more bands play than we have had hot dinners combined, bringing those performances and vivid recollections to Cooperblack. Jeremy (the Australian) studied classical music and has vast music retail and back catalogue brain, but don't hold that against him. New album "Pop...My Art is Bleeding" released in June 2008. Stirfry Music is Robbie and Ed playing cute and quirky with a keyboard and some singing. Some call it impromptu genius, so have some respect.
Saturday 23rd August 9pm $12 Happy Yess and MusicNT members / $15 others
Brown's Mart - all ages welcome.
Rocket: Cooperblack + Greedy Stout + Burrfoot + Moses + The Aviators
It's festival time so Happy Yess and MusicNT are putting on a huge gig with some of the best local bands of the moment. This will be the gig of the year so don't miss it.
www.myspace.com/burrfootdarwin
www.myspace.com/theaviatorsband45
Thursday 14th August 8pm $5
Comedy with Scott McGowan
The Raw Comedy winner of 2007 brings the best of local comics to the Yess. Heckling is encouraged.
Friday 15th August 9pm $5
Carra (NSW) + Marty
A blues and rock musician at heart, Carra’s music also draws influence from a vast range of styles. His solo act is intimate and dynamic and richness and texture is provided by the stomp box, guitars and pedals. Marty is a solo acoustic guy with a bunch of his own songs to show you.
www.myspace.com/carramusic
Saturday 16th August 9pm $5
The Presley Boys + Sanna Lund (Sweden via Melb)
These seasoned Darwin musicians play gorgeous songs which are given just enough rough treatment to make them unforgettable. Stalwarts of Happy Yess, they always present a melodic sonic attack with lyrics from the heart. Sanna is a Swedish singer songwriter currently living in Melbourne. With influences ranging from Jeff Buckley to Ani di Franco and Jose Gonzales her sweet tunes are personal little stories wrapped in gentle guitar.
www.myspace.com/thepresleyboys
Thursday 7th August 7-8 all ages. 8pm 18+
Art Opening - 'The Petrochemical Love Club Darwin 1990-92, a Retrospective', by Alison Dowell + live local music
Now a vacant flat block on McMinn Street at the junction of Barnston and Harvey Streets, in the early 90's the former Darwin Workers'
Club was transformed to become the Darwin Music Development Centre - aka The Petrochemical Love Club. Art studios flourished upstairs and downstairs there were plenty of rooms for workshops and rehearsals . Out the back there were many, many gigs and events. For those who were there it was a plentiful and diverse time, a space full of energy and creativity. Artist Alison Dowell pays tribute to the spirit of the old Workers' Club with her large hand-coloured photographs.
Friday 8th August 9pm $5
Claire Hollingsworth (WA) + Loren Kate
Claire's wandering shoes have led her astray from her beloved hometown of Perth. Armed with her guitar and her new EP 'Waiting on Fate' she is making her way around the country, singing tales about her travels, Plasma TVs, the death of a rat, and Melbourne's techno/electro muso 'Muscles' (the unexpected muse). Loren Kate’s beautifully crafted melodies are performed with such truth, passion and intimacy that will leave any listener stimulated and inspired. Her honest voice and heartfelt lyrics create a unique, haunting sound that is capturing audiences all over the countryside.
http://www.myspace.com/clairehollingsworth
http://www.myspace.com/lorenkate
Saturday 9th August 9pm $5
Black Swans of Trespass (Melb) + Jess Ribeiro
The Black Swan of Trespass are an original roots band. Compositions are based around the 5 string banjo, using all genres and
elements but subscribing to none. Frontman, CC Thornley, leads some of Australia's most interesting and idiosyncratic jazz
players to create a unique sound delving into and dissolving the borders between genres such as bluegrass, jazz, reggae, funk, blues and many others. Jess is a modest kind of girl with a HUGE talent. Every time she plays Happy Yess she pulls out a little something special, something new. Her cute and quirky songs often have a dark side that make them real and believeable.
Thursday 31st July 8pm $5
What… more comedy?
Scott McGowan does it again with another fabulous lineup of comic talent. Darwin’s going off in the hilarity genre!
Friday 1st August 9pm $5
Kim Orchard + Special Guests
Our local talented and prolific alt-bluesman is organising a treat for you featuring himself and the musicians who gather around him. Stay tuned for details.
http://www.myspace.com/kimorchard
Saturday 2nd August 9pm $5 - all ages welcome
Playgat, Quinn&band, Zed Major, Electrical Beaver, Charlie from Moses solo
Happy Yess makes bands. Come and see what's happening at a grass roots level - it's where the coolest and freshest music is being created with reckless abandon and mountains of enthusiasm.
http://www.myspace.com/zedmajor
Friday 25th July 9pm $5
The Morning After + Cattlefarm + Luke Going
Comprised of experienced musicians Alex Brindell (drums), Matt Ryder (bass) and Lachlan Parsons (guitar/vocals), The Morning After play an original blend of alternative pop/rock with influences ranging from Split Enz, Muse and Led Zepplin, to Something For Kate and Tool. Luke Going is an emerging artist who hails from Brisbane. Moved to Darwin at the start of 2007, has begun playing solo around Darwin just recently. Hopefully expanding into a small ensemble soon, and will play under the name 'Silhouette the Sun'. The sound is an infusion of Elliott Smith, Tom Waits and some original herbs & spices thrown in for flavour...
http://www.myspace.com/lukegoing
www.myspace.com/silhouettethesun
Saturday 26th July 9pm $5
Special Event - Fascination Street
80’s Alternative Tribute Night
The Cure, New Order, Soft Cell, Joy Division… what’s not to love? Local original bands pay tribute to the 80’s and then Ex- Brisbane Alternative DJ, Marius, revives the 80's with his obsessive collection of 80’s alternative music. Featuring the Bloody Marys, Country Town Collective, Moses and many more.
Thursday 17th July 9pm $5
Karaoke
Open your lungs for a dry season edition of karaoke Happy Yess style (ie relaxed and a little bit grungy!) with your host Glenn B.
Friday 18th July 9pm $5
Ill Starred Captain (S.A.) + Special guests
Ill Starred Captain are a hard-working, constantly touring, original two-piece band from Port Lincoln S.A. featuring singer/guitarist Scott Bassham and drummer Justin Francis. They have a distinctive, no-bullshit style of melodic punk rock with soaring highlights.
http://www.myspace.com/illstarredcaptain
Saturday 19th July 9pm $5
Elemental + Jess Ribeiro
Elemental is Darwin’s only all-original female band, playing honest, groove-based, roots-inspired tunes for your thinking and dancing pleasure. Jess is a modest kind of girl with a HUGE talent. Every time she plays Happy Yess she pulls out a little something special, something new. Her cute and quirky songs often have a dark side that make them real and believeable.
Thursday 10th July 8pm $5
Comics out of the Cupboard
The crazy team from Saikim’s comedy course are doing it again: clever jokes, local insights and a handful of suprises. Guaranteed to shake you out of your comfy chair!
Friday 11th July 9pm $5
Hip Hop Night
MC Hora pulls together all the local hip hop talent, from rappers to beatboxers to DJ’s, for a night of beats and mayhem. Come and check out the local scene – it’s alive and well!
Saturday 12th July 9pm $5
Country Town Collective + Shanna Watson (NSW)
Formed in Adelaide at the end of 2005, CTC features the lovely Alice Rae on guitar/vocals, and a range of Darwin musicians backing her up (including the fabulous Kim Orchard). The sound is sweet bluesy alt urban country. Shanna's music is a mellow mix of blues and folk which stems from a love of storytelling and simple, honest lyrics.
http://www.countrytowncollective.com
Thursday 3rd July 8pm $5
Scott McGowan's Comedy Olympics
A mix of experienced and up-and-coming comedians battle it out for comedy gold and bragging rights. Be there for the torch relay, opening ceremony, the heats, the finals and the closing ceremony. NT Raw Comedy winner 2007, Scott McGowan, has gathered together the cream of Darwin comic talent for a night of riotous laughter and fun.
Friday 4th July 9pm $5
Mark Hilton + Nira
Two of Darwin’s premier original songwriters and performers round up their musician mates and take to the stage. Mark writes songs with honesty and a sardonic sense of humour. Nira exhibits her talent with soulful piano and guitar as well as thought-provoking lyrics.
Saturday 5th July 9pm $5
Moses + Starlight Motel
The ever-popular Moses return to Happy Yess to amaze with their thoughtful and intelligent sound assault, supported by the heartfelt tunes, heavy-handed drumming, and warmly distorted guitar of Starlight Motel, Kylie and Zeb from Elemental’s other band.
http://www.myspace.com/mosesau
Thursday 26th June 8pm $5
Off the Record – Art Opening
Darwin Fringe Event
A spectacular art opening featuring artwork created using vinyl records with entertainment from local racy rappers 2 Cats 1 Hat and Bashment Jack (Nice).
Friday 27th June 9pm $5
The Morning After + Marty
Matt Ryder's new band is set to rock the Yess with original tunes and a Darwin style all their own. Marty is a solo acoustic guy with a bunch of his own songs to show you.
Saturday 28th June 9pm $5
Metal Night featuring Vicious Apathy, Death Wish and Hollow Zero
Once a month Happy Yess becomes the HOME OF HEAVY METAL, featuring the cream of Darwin’s heavy, death, grind and black metal and there certainly are some impressive bands in the genre. Be afraid.
http://www.myspace.com/oldeschoolau
http://www.myspace.com/deathwishnt
http://www.myspace.com/hollowzero2
Thursday 19th June 8pm $5
Karaoke
Your host Glenn B. hosts karaoke Happy Yess style (ie relaxed and a little bit grungy!)
Friday 20th June 9pm $5
Kim Orchard + Jess Ribeiro
Kim Orchard is currently one of Darwin’s most interesting and prolific original performers. With a couple of homegrown CD’s under his belt, his bluesy, folk inspired guitar playing and vocals are clever, witty and honest. Jess is winning hearts all over town with her unique and sincere songwriting and performance style.
http://www.myspace.com/kimorchard
http://www.myspace.com/latraperamusic
Saturday 21st June 9pm $10
Tin Pan Orange + Harry Angus solo acoustic
Darwin dry season regulars from Melbourne, Tin Pan Orange, bring you laid-back jazzy tunes and gypsy rhythms. They love the vibe at Happy Yess - and we love having them! Harry Angus is one of Australia's most talented and individual performers and seeing him perform solo will be a once-in-a-lifetime treat.
Thursday 12th June 8pm $5
Comedy Night
Happy Yess is fast becoming a hotbed of hilarious local talent with our monthly comedy gigs. Come and find out what all the fuss is about. Hosted by Raw Comedy winner Scott McGowan.
Friday 13th June 9pm $5
NICE
Ex-Melbourne DJ Bashment Jack's monthly Darwin thang with guest DJ's and performers.
http://www.myspace.com/niceupdarwin
Saturday 14th June 9pm $5
Aviators + Straight Skirt
Darwin's ever-popular Aviators play melodic rock songs with fresh harmonies and a loveable DIY style. Straight Skirt is the new outfit for Gretchen Ennis, Roddy Balaam, Zeb Olsen and Bill Serle. It’s an all-star line-up playing deliciously crafted pop tunes with a lot of grunt and only a hint of sweetness.
http://www.myspace.com/theaviatorsband45
http://www.myspace.com/straightskirt
Friday 6th June 9pm $5
Acoustic Showcase
What is it about Darwin that breeds singer/songwriters at such a rate? Is it the lack of drummers and bass players, or is it the laidback, personal style that so suits our lifestyle? Come along and find out as we showcase the best of Darwin’s solo acoustic talent. We also welcome new talent with an open mic session.
Saturday 7rd June 9pm $5 All ages welcome
Coming out of the legendary VET music program in Darwin, Metal-styled rock band Crimson Ice are quickly becoming a big name in the local original music scene. Senseofhope play music in the screamo/rock genre.
Thursday 22nd May 8pm $5
Isotopia Festival Benefit Film Night
Come along to a film night in celebration of a nuclear free future. Films screened will enlighten you with aspects of the uranium industry that mainstream media is too scared to show, accompanied by guest speakers and luscious musical interludes. All proceeds go to Isotopia Festival 2008.
www.isotopiafestival.org
Friday 23rd May 9pm $5
Burrfoot CD Launch + The Morning After
Burrfoot present their latest batch of recordings. This intense four-piece takes you from love to hate and back again in one song, and leaves you in pieces on the floor. The Morning After is Matt Ryder’s new band (he plays bass) and also features experienced musicians Alex Brindell (drums) and Lachlan Parsons (guitar/vocals). They describe themselves as “an original blend of alternative pop/rock with influences ranging from Split Enz, Muse and Led Zepplin, to Something For Kate and Tool”.
www.myspace.com/burrfootdarwin
Saturday 24th May
CLOSED (Bass in the Grass)
Friday 30th May 9pm $5
Cooperblack CD Launch + Special Guests
This very popular Darwin pop/rock/electro band launches it’s new album "Pop...My Art is Bleeding" with a night of films, music and mayhem.
Saturday 31st May 9pm $5
Metal Night - Vicious Apathy + Death Wish
Formerly Olde School, Vicious Apathy play fast and they play hard. With a new lead vocalist, they'll be well worth catching. Death Wish are up-and-coming band who are rapidly gaining notoriety
Thursday 15th May 8pm $5
Karaoke
Your host Glenn B. hosts karaoke in a friendly enviroment. Don’t be shy!
Friday 16th May 9pm $5
Greedy Stout play a raucous style of Celtic ska punk that always inspires audiences to flail about wildly on the dancefloor. Singer/guitarist David Garnham has an interesting take on the solo thing and a bunch of great original tunes.
Saturday 17th May 9pm $5
Nice
DJ Bashment Jack cranks up the dance tunes and presents local dj and performance talent.