AFCM Festival Garden Program 2022

In 2016-17 the cultural and creative economy was worth $111.7B to the Australian economy (6.4% of GDP), and the total cultural and creative workforce was 868,098 people, or 8.1% of the total Australian workforce. How do regional creative industries contribute to their local economies and help grow jobs and develop talent? Led by AFCM Chair Mary Jo Capps AM, join in this informal long table discussion and hear industry leaders from various arts organisations and all levels of government explore how the arts often underpin regional economic growth.

'A New Approach (ANA)', 2021

Immerse is a contemporary and exciting 4-piece group creating ‘in-the-moment' improvised music on exotic instruments from around the world including hand pans, wooden flutes from Armenia and Slovakia and percussion instruments from the middle east, all against the backdrop of electric piano and synthesizer.

Relax in the late night lounge with Townsville based jazz trio playing cool laid-back jazz. With Jarrah Jones on guitar, Jim Bonanno on drums and Tim Doolan on acoustic and electric bass, this young trio brings a great vibe to the Opening Night of the Festival Garden.

Some of Townsville’s brightest young music students take to the stage for this entertaining concert. Bring the kids and a rug and enjoy some wonderful music in the Festival Garden.

Amiti is an impressive young Brisbane-based ensemble making a name for themselves in the classical music world. Try something new and enjoy this short concert featuring works from Beethoven, Ravel and Schiff.

Join in the fun with Townsville's hugely popular community drum circle. It’s enjoyable music in the garden, under the stars.

Chill in the lounge with the much loved and supremely talented Band of the 1st Royal Australian Regiment, pared back to a more intimate jazz ensemble playing popular jazz ballads with a little hip hop thrown in!

Co-presented by Townsville City Council, this annual concert in the park is a Festival highlight. Bring the family along to hear the Barrier Reef Orchestra perform along with visiting AFCM musicians Jack Liebeck and Peter Luff. Pack a picnic and enjoy this fabulous concert in the garden.

Led by North Queensland’s premier celtic band,33 1/3 , this bunch of energetic Celtic music buffs will entertain with traditional Irish music. Enjoy lively music, singing and even a Guinness or two!

Lontano is a wonderful musical duo made up of Anthony Dettori (The Sunburys) and Roz Pappalardo (Women in Docs and The Soldier's Wife), performing alt country-folk songs that will appeal to fans of Johnny Cash and June Carter.

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy high tea with Australia’s most loved culinary icon Maggie Beer. In this friendly conversation hour hosted by ABC personality Damien Beaumont, you will hear more about Maggie’s love of music and food, and about her goal to ensure older Australians enjoy nutritious meals. A delightful high tea including drinks will ensure this is a truly memorable afternoon with Maggie Beer.

Internationally acclaimed didgeridoo artist William Barton is joined by First Nations cultural group the Wulgurukaba Walkabout Dancers, who themselves have built a national and international reputation.

Kick back in the late night lounge and listen to some soulful music.

Led by Theresa Famularo with AFCM Board member Russell Mitchell, the Indo-Pacific New Music Exchange (IPANEME) is proposed as a future gathering of creatives in Townsville, linked to the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). It’s focus is on New Music from the Indo-Pacific region, including contemporary classical music, art music, cultivated music, serious music, canonic music and music considered to be of high aesthetic value. It also includes culturally diverse traditions, and new innovations in interdisciplinary, experimental sound art practices. There is currently no platform for New Music proponents in either Australia or the broader Indo - Pacific. Come and listen to panellists explore how IPANEME could fill this gap and present New Music from our region to national and international presenters and producers. Event supported by Townsville Enterprise. 

Celebrating 25 years as one of Australia’s leading string quartets, the Goldner String Quartet chat to Festival Director Jack Liebeck about their musical journey and how Townsville and AFCM hold a special place in their lives.

Let’s twist again with 45 RPM and their authentic 50’s and 60's rock and roll music. Think Elvis, Buddy Holly and a whole lot more, supported by the Townsville R&R Dancers. You will definitely be tapping your toes along to the music with a smile on your face!

Kick back in the late night lounge and listen to some groovy music

Led by Aunty Rosalind Sailor, the Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to all Australians to walk for a better future. It is a call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling about this country’s history.

Superb jazz musician Mike Rivett recently one Australia’s most prestigious jazz award. He's performed extensively in Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA and now you can see his warm-up act live and free.

Antarctica Suite brings audiences to the farthest reaches of this wild and majestic continent. It is the coldest, driest and windiest place on Earth with the roughest oceans and yet, weird and wonderful creatures thrive here in astounding abundance. With a grand score for orchestra and guitar by Australia’s Nigel Westlake (Babe, Babe: Pig in the City, Miss Potter), Antarctica Suite connects us to this earthly wonder, covering the history, ecology and beauty of Antarctica. This special screening is presented in partnership with the Townsville Cinema Group, free under the stars.

Internationally acclaimed jazz musician Mike Rivett brings his quartet to the late night lounge for some fine jazz music. Mike Rivett recently one Australia’s most prestigious jazz award and has toured extensively around the world.

With a plan to exact revenge on a mythical shark that killed his partner, Oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) rallies a crew that includes his estranged wife, a journalist, and a man who may or may not be his son.

David Malouf is an Australian literary icon and internationally recognised author with more than 18 books published and multiple literary awards. David chats with Sue Cole, owner of Mary Who? Book Store and also does some readings and book signings. 

Dancebreak encourages a focus on how movement feels, rather than what it looks like. It’s about freedom and the joy of movement. Give it a go! Led by Dancenorth instructors to the beats of a DJ.

Join in the fun of salsa dancing under the beautiful night sky with displays and instruction in Latino dancing. DK Dreadjuan will have everyone on their feet. Wear your tropical gear and get in the groove!

Tim Griffin is a multi-award winning musician who has performed all over the world , including residencies on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Tonight he is joined duo partner Blake “the Dr“ Spady on harmonica for a chilled night of blues and storytelling.

Some of Townsville’s brightest young music students take to the stage for this entertaining concert. Bring the kids and  enjoy some wonderful music in the Festival Garden.

The whole family will enjoy this concert performed by visiting Festival musicians. It’s funny and energetic with its musical depiction of lions, roosters, elephants, donkeys and more.

Activate and energise your body, connect to other people and your community with this enjoyable session led by Dancenorth instructors.

Comprised of 22 specialist musicians, Townsville’s own Band of the First Battalion (1RAR Band) will entertain with music from the classics to current, from Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington through to Buddy Rich, Sammy Nestico, and Ben Patterson.

Join in the fun with Townsville's hugely popular community drum circle. It’s enjoyable music in the garden, under the stars.

Delight your senses with feats of fantasy set to soaring Arabic music, marvel at the skill of belly dancing and dance of a bygone era. Show includes solo and group acts, with swords, fans and silk veils. Plenty of fun and audience participation.