Thursday 14th May 8-12 Free
Dean Martini Night
The coolest lounge tracks being spun on vinyl (of course) by the one and only D-Style,
aka Miss Debbie Hudson.

Friday 15th May 9-1 $5
Tracey Bunn + Mark Hilton + Mr Bodangles (WA)
As one half of the Toe Sucking Cowgirls, Tracey Bunn has for the last six years performed her upbeat country/roots music in tiny outback pubs for small audiences of blue collar beer swillers, to big stages at Woodford, National and Port Fairy Folk Festivals for appreciative crowds of music lovers. Strong warm vocals and gutsy performances characterize Traceys' music, as she takes her audience along an emotional and uplifting journey, encountering the silly and the sublime, finding the remarkable in the ordinary and portraying them in her songs with an openness and honesty reminiscent of a page from her diary. Mark is a local singer/songwriter who has witty and sensitive songs with a crafted edge. Solo or with his band he's well worth checking out. Mr Bodangles is a solo artist from Fremantle, Western Australia. He has an easy, chilled-out style, focusing on the pure sounds of the accoustic guitar and catchy rhythms.
www.myspace.com/traceybunnmusic
www.myspace.com/mrbodangz

Saturday 16th May 9-1 $5
2 Cats 1 Hat + Sideshow Aly
The mean girls from highschool have formed a hiphop band. Expect hardcore lyrics and special outfits. Aly from Elemental weaves tales of travel, love, trials and intrigue.
www.myspace.com/2cats1hat

Thursday 21st May 9-12 free
Karaoke
A popular monthly gig for those of us who just can't hide in the shadows. Come and join the fun.

Friday 22nd May 9-12 $5
The Aviators + Murmurs
These crazy Darwin kids live and breathe rock 'n' roll, combining solid guitar, pumping bass and kicking drum beats with beautifully chilled vocals. They only formed in 2007 but they have already released two fantastic CD's and are the topend darlings of Triple J. Murmurs are a brand new band formed out of the ashes of last year's Zero Option. Expect meticulously layered guitar over melodic pop structure.
www.myspace.com/theaviatorsband45

Saturday 23rd May 9-1 $5
The After Party featuring Burrfoot and friends
A band that has been around for a while has a new lineup and promises intriguing songs with layers of guitar and driving drums. Come and enjoy some real Darwin music after your big day in the sun.
www.myspace.com/burrfootdarwin

Friday 29th May 9-1 $5
The All Ordinaries (NSW) + Leon Hewer (SA)
A band from Sydney who describe themselves as "country and inner-western" (Sydney, that is), The All Ordinaries make pop music with an appealing amount of self-deprecating heart and soul. Leon (The Sheiks, Eight legged Thing, Four Men Stranded) comes from Adelaide.
www.myspace.com/theallordinaries

Saturday 30th May 9-1 $5
Straight Skirt + Semishigure
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. Semishigure formed in Darwin in September 2008. They are a three-piece band whose lyrics are all in Japanese. They like talking, singing and thinking in Japanese as well as eating yummy Japanese food. They have just released their first EP and consider themselves the only Japanese punk pop band in Darwin.
www.myspace.com/straightskirt
www.myspace.com/semishiguredarwin

Friday 5th June 9-1 $5
The Lookarounds + Anita George (VIC)
The Lookarounds is Steve Holliday's new band with Andrew Boys. It's an FX Guitar-oriented combo featuring a broad range of good-time music. So if you like the sound of jazz-country-bossa-blues-world filtered through individual sensibilities, come and take a look. Describing herself as a wandering troubadour with a penchant for folk, Anita George is a natural story-teller and evocative songwriter.
www.myspace.com/anitageorge

Saturday 6th June 9-1 $5
Josh Rawiri (VIC)
Raised in the Victorian coastal town of Portland, Josh's fresh, dynamic solo act ventures into an exciting range of reggae, blues, soul, acoustic, roots, rock and the ‘totally experimental’. Josh has mastered a handful of guitars – slide, electric, dobro – and further enriches his music with percussive beats, harmonica and original loops. His love of the land and surf, its raw beauty and essence, inspires smooth melodies, deep fluid base lines and strong original structures in his music.
www.myspace.com/joshrawiri

Thursday 11th June 7-12 $5
Kris Keogh + Samuel Tupou Exhibiton Opening
A collaborative exhibition by artists who grew up in Gove and have been friends for as long as they can remember. They had running races in primary school, went skateboarding in high school and both left
town soon after. Samuel has since become an renowned artist, runs a screenprinting studio and art gallery in Cairns and plays guitar in punk band Meat Bikini. His artwork is bright and loud, combining elements of pop art, wallpaper patterns and a subtle sense of humour. Kris moved to Darwin and plays music as Blastcorp, amongst other things. His artwork is influenced by Papunya Tula artists, cutesy Japanese cartoons and aims to make girls sigh.
www.mofocairns.com
www.blastcorp.com

Friday 12th June 9-1 $5
Sideshow Aly + Special Guests
Aly de Groot from Elemental plays personal melodic tunes in her alternate incarnation with a heap of personality and attitude.

Saturday 13th June 9-1 $5 BROWN'S MART
Happy Yess Third Birthday gig featuring Burrfoot, Big Strong Boss, Murmurs, Snow in Cities and many more...
A huge show featuring many of the bands that have made Happy Yess so great over the last few years.

Friday 19th June 9-1 $5
Great Big Squiddy Fun - A Baterz Tribute CD launch: featuring Guillaume + Cooperblack
Adelaide musician Baterz is celebrated with the launch of this tribute CD.

Saturday 20th June 9-1 $5
Blastcorp
Blastcorp is Kris Keogh. He makes beats and bleeps on his computer, then sings songs to them. He has played across Australia and released 4 albums and 4 EPs since 2000.
www.blastcorp.com

Friday 26th June 9-1 $5
All Ages Gig
Jaiden from Surrender the Dead is organising an all ages gig! It might be metal, it will be awesome.

Saturday 27th June 9-1 $5
Ame Lokz
Ame is a local girl with a guitar and some deeply personal songs to share.
www.myspace.com/ameandothers

Thursday 7th May 7-12 free
Art opening and live painting event with Mel Stringer and Ben Sea
Ben Sea and Mel Stringer, are two travelling emerging artists fished fresh from the Brisbane river. Eyes, Teeth and Winks is an exhibition of painted and inked artworks featuring elements of underground comic book art and surreal illustration. Amongst the collection of curiosities there will be live painting and handmade comics available.

Friday 8th May 9-1 $5
Singer/songwriter night - featuring John Leon, Emma Rowe, Kevin McCarthy, Kim Orchard, Mal Bates, Mr Bodangles and Amy Lokz
There are so many singer/songwriters in Darwin that we had to put on a whole night just to showcase this diverse talent. With short sharp sets this will be a great opportunity to sample from a smorgasbord of original local music.

Saturday 9th May 9-1 $5
En Rhoda + The Mulla Mullas
It's time to see what Finn, Noah and Charlie are up to. The Mulla Mullas are Richard Emmerson on guitar/effect pedals/vocals and Kylie Smith on drums. They formed in late 2003 in a share house in Yulara NT within view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. They make up songs somewhere in around and between soft, sweet and catchy tunes to explosive, powerful riffs accompanied by smashing drums.

Thursday 30th April - 8-12 Free
Ultimate Table Tennis Tournament night
Happy Yess presents the ultimate sporting event: A table tennis tournament! Big prizes, battle to the death. Everything provided. Open from 8pm, so come and warm up before the tournament at 9pm. DJ's spinning ping pong friendly beats as well!

Friday 1st May 8-1 (bar opens at 9pm) $5
CDU Bands: featuring Enth Degree, Lalingkin, Rob and the Bearded Ladies, Stephan Bulmer, The Fighting Fish and more
Come and see what's happening in the way of fresh new bands from the music course at CDU.

Saturday 2nd May 9-1 $5
Kapow! featuring Darwin Highschool VET Bands - all ages welcome (no alcohol)
This is a concert not for the faint of heart, including some of the best bands and DJ’s in Darwin , including 5 acts making their debut live performances. Established local acts include hard rockers Enth Degree and S.T.D, plus house/hardstyle DJ and lighting guru, DJ FiSH. Bands making their first public performances include Wind Up Toy, Simone, 3Tone, P’n’D and Shiny Merc, with styles ranging from R’n’B to acoustic pop to hard rock.

Friday 24th April 9-1 $5
2 Cats 1 Hat + Semishigure
2 Cats are an extremely popular live hip hop outfit who continue to shock and amaze. Semishigure are an explosive pop punk band who sing entirely in Japanese. What a lineup!
www.myspace.com/semishiguredarwin
www.myspace.com/2cats1hat

Saturday 25th April 9-1 $5
Burrfoot + Snow in Cities + Big Strong Boss
Burrfoot are Happy Yess' resident sonic melodic exponents. Expect clever intricate songs under layers of pure noise. Snow in Cities is what happens when you banish Ruben Maher to a cold and lonely place and he makes some music that is kind of sad and angry but mostly very beautiful and then he comes home and gets his friends to play it live. Big Strong Boss is Finn and Charlie from Moses' resurrected side-project. They used to play noisy songs, but they wrote one the other night that didn't really sound like their old stuff.
www.myspace.com/burrfootdarwin
www.myspace.com/snowincities
www.myspace.com/bigstrongboss

Sunday 26th April 12-4pm Free
Make your own Band T-Shirt Workshop
Learn how to screenprint with Colin Holt. Bring a bunch of t-shirts to print - everything else supplied. RSVP Charlie 0422 273 152 (numbers limited).

Thursday 16th April 9-12 Free
Karaoke
Come and meet all the local wildlife and be an April fool at Happy Yess.

Friday 17th April 9-1 $5
Sascha Ion and the Voodoo Economic (VIC) + Catherine Traicos (Syd) + The Moving Targets
Citing influences from Ike & Tina Turner and the Rolling Stones to Tom Waits and PJ Harvey, Sascha is joined by Andrew Fuller and drummer extraordinaire, Shaun ‘Chirpy’ Lohoar to create music with a smoky, bluesy intensity. Sydney singer-songwriter Catherine Traicos offers up a unique blend of deeply personal stories and resilient humour delivered with a lush, sultry feel. 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
www.myspace.com/saschaion
www.myspace.com/catherinetraicos

Saturday 18th April 9-1 $5
Greedy Stout + Mark Hilton + Nigel Swifte (Melb)
Formed in 2005 by long time friends Kane Stewart (guitar, vocals) and Tony Frey (drums, vocals), Greedy Stout was the chance, after years of playing in different bands and different states, for the two of them to get together and create their own band. Immediately joined by Lewis Parsons on viola they toyed with different genres of music before deciding to concentrate on Stewart’s own Celtic/ska/punk style compositions. Now joined by Gaia Osbourne on fiddle, they are a danceable force to be reckoned with. With a swag of CD’s under his belt, Mark has enough songs to cover every facet of human experience! His songs are wry and perceptive, his tunes memorable. Nigel is a little bit country and a fair bit above your average singer songwriter. He's got a depth and sensitivity that has been aptly labelled 'contemporary Finn-folk'.
www.myspace.com/geestout
markhilton.tv
www.myspace.com/nigelbswifte

Saturday 11th April 9-1 $5
Country Town Collective + Brooke Barnett
Country Town Collective have been called everything from alt-folk and country to roots music and old school rock and roll. They tell stories with lyric ingenuity and beguiling melodies. Brooke is a songwriter and performer with diverse influences. Her eclectic range of original music evokes a groovy, seductive mix of ambiences which brings to mind tropical swoony nights with funky-jazzy South American rhythms.
Country Town Collective
www.myspace.com/brookebarnett77

Thursday 2nd April 7pm (all ages) 8-12pm (over 18 only) Free
Exhibition Opening: In the Garden of Mischief and Melancholy by Marita Albers
An exhibition of recent works by local artist Marita Albers. Come along and witness colourful paintings and collages, curious creatures, mermaids and pirates, cupcakes, sequins and glitter.

Friday 3rd April 9-1 $5
The Lookarounds + Ame Lokz
Steve Holliday has a new band called the Lookarounds and I've heard it's a bit bossa nova, but it's a mystery so come along and we'll find out what it's all about. Ame is a local girl with a guitar and some deeply personal songs to share.
www.myspace.com/ameandothers

Saturday 4th April 9-1 $5
The Presley Boys + Kim Orchard
Everyone’s new favourite band brings an arsenal of hits to Happy Yess. These seasoned Darwin musicians play gorgeous songs which are given just enough rough treatment to make them unforgettable. Expect a melodic sonic attack with lyrics from the heart. Kim Orchard brings a touch of class to Jigsaw and Country Town Collective. His solo work is deeply interesting, personal and accomplished, and a pleasure to see performed.
www.myspace.com/thepresleyboys
www.myspace.com/kimorchard

Friday 27th March 9-1 $5
Zed Major + Emma Rowe
Zed Major is a five piece local Darwin rock band drawn together through their love for rock and roll. Made up of Georgina on vocals, Zeeko on rhythm guitar, Jimmy Phoenix on lead guitar, Nick on bass and Jay smashing the drums, Zed Major have been leaving a path of anticipation in their wake. If you want to know what unicorns bathing in rivers of honey sounds like, come see Emma, because apparently that describes her sound!
www.myspace.com/zedmajor
www.myspace.com/emmarowe

Saturday 28th March 9-1 $10
Skipping Girl Vinegar (Melb) + Leah Flanagan (duo)
8:30 - 9:30 Earth Hour - Join us in the dark for some acoustic tunes and we'll have a little think together about global energy issues.
Melbourne’s Skipping Girl Vinegar call themselves an 'old world, alt acoustic four piece obsessed with melody, pop hook and the search to stretch their song-craft'. They have been receiving lots of attention in the past 12 months and should be well worth checking out. Leah Flanagan is a singer-songwriter. Born and bred in Darwin, Leah has performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Adelaide Fringe Festival, and extensively along the East Coast. Trained in classical music at the Adelaide Conservatorium, Leah now writes and performs songs that reflect folk and jazz influences.
www.myspace.com/leahflanagan
www.skippinggirlvinegar.com
www.earthhour.org

Friday 20th March 9-1 $5
Bass Concussion: Blastcorp + Schmaltz
A night of dubstep, breakbeat and minimal techno featuring DJ sets by Blastcorp and Shmaltz plus a live Sonic Bassline Battle! Happy Yess will transform into a bass bin of sizeable proportions, with Blastcorp (Kris Keogh) and Shmaltz (Mark Schultz) taking to the stage in both live and DJ incarnations. Armed with an arsenal of drum machines, synths and laptops, expect the live sets to deliver beats and bass galore. Hear (and feel!) their DJ sets, chock full of cutting-edge electronic music from around the globe, focussing on the production hot-spots of London and Berlin.Then experience a Sonic Bassline Battle in which Kris and Mark challenge their special guests to a battle to make the heaviest,nastiest and most banging basslines possible. May the crowd decide who is crowned Boss of Bass! Enter the comp now, sign up at Happy Yess.
www.mysp ace.com/blastcorp

Saturday 21st March 9-1 $5 ALL AGES WELCOME - NO ALCOHOL
The Aviators CD Launch: Zed Major + The Aviators + Semishigure + Red Plum and Snow
The Aviators launch their latest recording of original pop rock tunes with a quirky twist, supported by Zed Major (trad rock kids), Semishigure (punk pop Japanese-style) and Red Plum and Snow (love songs with distortion).
www.myspace.com/theaviatorsband45
www.myspace.com/zedmajor
www.myspace.com/semishiguredarwin
www.myspace.com/redplumandsno

Thursday 12th March 9-12 free
Karaoke
Express yourself on stage with Happy Yess' regular karaoke event, or just relax and watch other people live their dream.

Friday 13th March 9-1 $5
Words of Haze: John Leon + Sid Wordie
Sid Wordie and Peter Hayes join forces exclusively to bring you a vibrant acoustic set of original music from their past lives and a sprinkling of rare and somewhat strange covers from the likes of Dean Martin, Peter Starstedt and a touch of horror comedy.

Saturday 14th March 9-1 $5
Semishigure CD Launch: Semishigure + Burrfoot + Straight Skirt
Darwin's newest Japanese punk pop band is launching an EP and have invited their friends, Burrfoot (loud, pure and heavy) and
Straight Skirt (melodic, noisy and happy) to help them celebrate.
www.myspace.com/semishiguredarwin
www.myspace.com/burrfootdarwin
www.myspace.com/straightskirt

Thursday 5th March 8-12 $5
Comics out of the Cupboard
Comics out of the Cupboard is back again to wreak havoc on the unassuming public. It's Back to School Night, so put on your old school uniform or someone else's and come on down to Happy Yess for a night of school pranks, spanks and secret handshakes. Featuring winners from last week's Triple J's Comedy Comp, Elaine and Benjamin as well as Darwin's freshest and funniest comics - Jen, Scott, Tim, Matt, to name a few. Hosted by well known and loved comic/MC Saikim Wan!

Friday 6th March 9-1 $5
Sideshow Aly + Marty
Aly de Groot from Elemental plays personal melodic tunes in her alternate incarnation with a heap of personality and attitude. Marty sets the scene with his singer/songwriter style.

After a year's hiatus, Red Plum and Snow return with an extra member and a beautiful CD. Join Kris, Gretchen and Ruben for an experience of love-drenched sound and the sweetest songs. Semishigure is Darwin's new (and only) Japanese punk pop band. Michael Peter, a guitarist/vocalist from down south with soulful melodies and intriguing lyrics who plays Happy Yess as part of a nationwide tour.

David Dalrymple is a Darwin-based recording and performing artist known for his work with Territory rock guitar virtuoso John Rogers in the guise of R&D. Single Vehicle Rollover is David's solo act.

Happy Yess' opening night for 2009 features the very first documentary photo exhibition by Megan Spencer, filmmaker (Lovestruck, Heathens), radio broadcaster (ex-ABC, triple j, SBS) and film critic. Her weapon of choice is a Lomo LCA, first designed as a Russian spy camera. Stumbling upon this little ripper by accident, Megan has spent the last 4 years exploring the world, Lomo in-tow, snapping her way through fallen-down squats, banal parklands, hairy countryside burnt blonde by the sun, and stark, slush-strewn city streets. They have travelled together over many miles: through Fitzroy, Darlinghurst, Newtown, Coogee, Bendigo, Canberra, Batchelor, Mary River… Berlin, London, Dover, Paris, Manhattan, Brooklyn (and some other places in between). The exhibition opening will feature musical guests Aaron Isaac and Bill Searle and Roddy Balaam from Darwin icons, The Presley Boys, playing live scores to local independent films.

Happy Yess favourites, Cooperblack are an electro-pop outfit with snappy tunes and danceable beats. Stirfry Music are funny, weird and totally entertaining. John Leon is a local singer-songwriter with something to say.

An awesome lineup of bands to open the new season. Horsetrank are swampy rock with irreverent lyrics and searing guitar. Burrfoot are well-matched but speedier (except for their quiet sensitive moments) and Straight Skirt raise the love song to new heights of yearning and pain.

Darwin's best alt country/folk outfit kicks off February with their set of gorgeous tunes before heading off on tour.

The Presley Boys bring a wealth of experience to playing and songwriting and present a powerful sound tinged with sweetness and irony. Sense of Hope are a local band with an individual style.

Karaoke is back for 2009 and it's bigger and better than ever. Join in what is becoming a favourite on the monthly Darwin calendar.

DJ's Jeremy Conlon and Megan Spencer pick up where they left off from their last dance blitz, 'Bowie Versus Talking Heads', now moving on to Kraftwerk, on their tour of great dance and electro-pop rock artists... Kraftwerk originals, Kraftwerk covers, 'artists influenced by' this great Kraut Rock band and many musical gut feelings will permeate the Happy Yess dance floor. Plus local artists will 'interpret' Krtaftwerk live.

Local troubadour, Mark Hilton, brings his unique perspective on life and love to the stage with heartfelt songs and some of this town's best musicians.

Local writer Claine Keily presents a variety of fascinating performers, poets and musicians in a night full of suprises.

One for ALL AGES! A handful of Darwin's best metal bands grind it out for the punters. Who needs alcohol when you're headbanging this hard? A drug and alcohol event sponsored by Darwin City Council.

Darwin blues boy wonder, Kim Orchard, presents his songs with warmth and a compelling intensity.

Thursday 11th December 6pm-12am
(All Ages until 8pm, Over 18's from 8pm-12am)
Exhibition Opening - Kris Keogh 'Born on the Cusp'

Returning to Darwin after a year in Japan, Kris has focussed his creative talents on visual art, creating an exhibition of stunning black and white artworks, painted in both Darwin and Osaka. After solo shows in Tokyo and Osaka in recent months, this is his first solo exhibtion in Australia. The opening will be full of music too, with a live set from Gemma Nourse aka The Bionic Hearts and a DJ set from Shmaltz.

Last day of school all ages gig: featuring Crassic Park, Giant vs the Sun, Zed Major and The Aviators

Catch the best of Darwin's young bands in a celebration of the end of the school year!

Blastcorp + Genevieve Graves + The Feedback Orchestra
The final night of Happy Yess for 2008 is a return of several HY favourites. Blastcorp (Kris Keogh) is back from Japan, armed with a brand new set of uncompromising glitch electronics based on harp recordings he has made throughout the year. Genevieve Graves brings her beautiful, fragile songs and hushed, understated live show back from Melbourne for her fist Darwin show in over a year. To cap it all off, Darwin's 20 member Feedback Orchestra re-ignite the sonic firestorm they started last year, bringing to a close anotheryear of great local, original music at Happy Yess.

27 year old social worker and film-maker from Canberra, Kim Nguyen, is attempting an epic overland bicycle journey un-aided across the continents from Brisbane to Copenhagen, raising awareness about the ongoing environmental issues facing the Developing World, in an attempt to help stop Climate Change. The project coined "Ride Planet Earth" began on 10th August in Brisbane. After travelling 2700 km through the Australian Outback, Kim is about to cross the Timor Sea to take on Asia. Come and learn about the impacts of climate change on the Top End and what we can do about it from experts from local environment groups, and help cheer Kim on his way.

Dave and a bunch of local musical luminaries present something a bit different, a bit special. Sideshow Aly is Aly from Elemental in another incarnation, weaving tales of travel, love, trials and intrigue.

Saturday 6th December 9pm $18 on the door. Presale tickets available for $15 + $1 booking fee here

"I’m really excited to have been invited by the good people at Happy Yess to play a Christmas Show in Darwin for the first time. This is something I’ve been doing in other cities for the past few years as a low stress warm down for the past 12 months. Suddenly I’ve got a tradition on my hands. I play the shows solo and in smaller venues to be more personal and intimate in nature. Sometimes there’ll be surprise guests. I also encourage this to be something to bring the whole family to. A few times we’ve had 3 generations come along. I spoke to one such family after a show and thanked this guy for bringing his parents. He said 'I’ve never heard of you, my Mum dragged me along'. Hope to see you!"

Learn all about putting gigs on at home and taking your act to the road from local experts and Sydney-based artist Darren Hanlon. Includes time for questions, networking and refreshments.

Hosted by comedian Jennifer Swillard, enjoy a night of poetry, performance and music on the twin subjects of Love and Death.

As one half of the Toe Sucking Cowgirls, Tracey Bunn has for the last six years performed her upbeat country/roots music in tiny outback pubs for small audiences of blue collar beer swillers, to big stages at Woodford, National and Port Fairy Folk Festivals for appreciative crowds of music lovers. Now a solo performer, expect strong warm vocals and a gutsy performance.Harry is a Melbourne musician who wanted to play guitar and sing rather than play cello at school. He was soon writing his own songs and playing in a band with mates from school. Folk music has always inspired him the most but he loves everything from pumpkins to Dylan.

Burrfoot are four local musicians who play original music covering a fair bit of the sonic spectrum but mainly hovering over the bit that says “raw”. Blood Vomit (formerly Hollow Zero) bring pure energetic death metal to Darwin flavoured with classics like Carcass and Bolt Thrower, These boys can be relied on for gut-wrenching vocals and burning riffs. It's a thankless task, but someone's got to do it.

It's Tim's birthday and he wants to celebrate it by making you laugh. Highly recommended for fans of comedy and young TImothy.

Jessie sings and James plays keyboards. They play folky country with a touch of rock with a bit of country. Zed Major are a five-piece band brought together by their love of rock and roll. They have been playing in Darwin since early 2008.

It’s an absurdly obvious choice for a tribute night, but who doesn’t have a secret favourite Beatles song that they’ve always wanted to play? Come and hear the Beatles like you’ve never heard them before, as interpreted by the best of Darwin’s bands. After the live action DJ Hatstand will pull out all the obscure covers for your dancing pleasure. Featuring Anna Boustead, Mark Hilton, Kim Orchard and many more.

Local music fans gather together to raise funds for the struggling Sunflower Orphan Centre in Cambodia.

Darwin rock gods Roy Mackonkey come back to their roots for a gig at Happy Yess to promote a new CD, supported by brand new band Murmurs who have risen from the ashes of local favourites Zero Option, plus Sam from Test Theory.

A night of great and quirky songs from the masters of danceable weirdness, Cooperblack, Dave Garnham and Jess Ribeiro in a duo setting and Neville Namarnyilk Ex Mi Mi Band.

Power pop trio from Melbourne, The Basics, bring their sixties sounds and smart suits to Happy Yess as part of their Australia-wide tour. Sunrise Reggae Band hopped in the van too and they're also on their way up from Papunya.

The awesome Burrfoot are one of the most powerful bands around. With witty, ironic lyrics and riffs to die for, they entertain and clean out the old cobwebs at the same time. Supported by two girls with a bunch of songs in English and Japanese about boys and stuff.

There are often connections between artists that we don't see. Two DJ’s (Megan Spencer and Jeremy Conlon) will unravel the web of relations between David Bowie and the band Talking Heads, taking popular culture theorizing to the dance floor!

A bunch of local film makers showcase gems from the past and present for your viewing pleasure.

Adelaide alt country rock outfit Rustflower are in Darwin for one night only as part of the Long Road Home Tour. With two guitars, bass and drums, female and male lead vocals, Rustflower deliver a night of songs about us all; love, passion, hope and stories from the road. Originally from Christmas Island, Kim Orchard is a local singer/songwriter with passion, talent and a debut album to prove it. His bluesy, folk inspired guitar playing and vocals are clever, witty and honest.
Rustflower

Leah’s ever-popular band plays a range of original songs in a diversity of styles reflecting folk and jazz influences.

A night of rockin' songs from the darkly urban to the personal from some of the best writers and performers in town. These two bands team up to make a night of it and are guaranteed to charm and disturb.
www.countrytowncollective.com

Brooke and a few friends get together to play some folky jazzy tunes. Anna is a solo acoustic act with a bunch of heartfelt songs about travel and life.

Strokenote - Fundraiser for Happy Yess
Emma Stocker hosts another night of do-it-yourself art-tertainment. With live music as the inspiration, punters are invited to create artworks on the spot to be hung on the wall for sale. Bar, nibbles and live art/music from 8pm, jam fest from 8.30pm. Bring your own materials or use those provided (there's heaps!). 20% of sales from art works goes to Happy Yess, Darwin's best live music venue thats keeping live music alive, (or feel free to donate the lot!)

Darwin Highschool Bands - 69 Watts, Emma Rowe, The Aviators, Zed Major, Honey I Ate the Kids and The Secret Game

The VET in Schools music students are back again with another electrifying gig in the Darwin area. Coming back for more after performing previously at Happy Yess in April, these enthusiastic teenagers are more than willing to showcase their skills once again to leave their audience no choice but to scream for more.

These crazy Darwin kids live and breathe rock 'n' roll, combining solid guitar, pumping bass and kicking drum beats with beautifully chilled vocals. They only formed in 2007 but they already have a CD out and another on it's way and have played many gigs around town to great acclaim. Straight Skirt is Gretchen, Roddy, Bill and Zeb rocking out with songs from bittersweet to creepy and lyrics about love, life and pain. Mike is from Brisbane band 'Homeless Yellow' and is going to warm it up with a solo set.

DJ Hatstand rocks the house with everything from retro lounge to hip hop, plus a few surprises along the way.

Local hip hop outfit 2 Cats 1 Hat team up with mystical MC’s Dirty Mic Pig, Won Wing and Tree Rat for a night of dance and song. Sideshow Aly is Aly from Elemental in another incarnation, weaving tales of travel, love, trials and intrigue.

Bingo is back at the Yess! Join your host Kat and special guest bingo callers. Amazing prizes of varying quality to be won!

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.

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.

BYO t-shirts and learn how to print your own band or arty t-shirts for very little outlay. Refreshments provided. Persons under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult. Please RSVP to Jess on 0404 837 943

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.

Ex-Melbourne DJ Bashment Jack's monthly Darwin thang with guest DJ's and performers.

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.

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!

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.

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

Two local artists transform the space once again. Come and feel the mood of September on the walls of Happy Yess.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Everyone needs a bit of karaoke every once in a while. Here's your chance to show us what you've got.

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.

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.

The Raw Comedy winner of 2007 brings the best of local comics to the Yess. Heckling is encouraged.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scott McGowan does it again with another fabulous lineup of comic talent. Darwin’s going off in the hilarity genre!

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

A spectacular art opening featuring artwork created using vinyl records with entertainment from local racy rappers 2 Cats 1 Hat and Bashment Jack (Nice).

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.

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.

Your host Glenn B. hosts karaoke Happy Yess style (ie relaxed and a little bit grungy!)

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.

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.

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.

Ex-Melbourne DJ Bashment Jack's monthly Darwin thang with guest DJ's and performers.

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.

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.

Crimson Ice + SenseofHope (acoustic) + Special Guests

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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

Greedy Stout + David Garnham

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.

DJ Bashment Jack cranks up the dance tunes and presents local dj and performance talent.