Thelma Plum, Jem Cassar-Daley, Dan Sultan + Briggs: free live music performances are happening from TONIGHT at the NGA

Posted on 1 March, 2024

And they’re all acts you can’t miss.

Transforming into a free festival hub complete with live music, family-friendly activities, and food, from 5pm on Friday 1 March (that’s right – TONIGHT), the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) is opening its doors up after dark for a very special experience.

Extending their opening hours until 9 pm each night, Enlighten Up Late at the NGA is helping locals kick start their experience at the Enlighten Festival by exploring the Gallery’s diverse collection and exhibitions – including the blockbuster Emily Kam Kngwarray exhibition and their newest exhibition Vincent Namatjira: Australia in colour with a special offer of two for one tickets.

But that’s not the coolest part (although it is hard to beat).

Celebrating the launch of the Vincent Namatjira: Australia in colour, not only has the NGA commissioned a new projection and sound-based work by Namatjira to illuminate the building’s exterior for the 2024 Enlighten Festival, but they’ve brought together some amazing First Nations musicians to provide a killer soundtrack so Enlighten Up Late visitors can boogie the night away – and with some major names included, there truly is something for every kind of music taste.

Did we mention entry is free? Here are four highlights – and there are no tickets required.

Thelma Plum

Perfect for: The folk fanatics 

Have no plans tonight? Think again. From 7 pm until 8 pm Gamilaraay woman, musician, and creator, Thelma Plum, will be taking the stage at the NGA for an unmissable, free live performance that will have you tapping your toes.

Using her music to tell stories about her culture, heritage, and what it’s like to be a young Aboriginal woman in Australia, expect to hear some of her top hits (we have our fingers crossed she plays Homecoming Queen and Clumsy Love).

Friday 1 March | 7 pm – 8 pm

Jem Cassar-Daley

Perfect for: Indie lovers

As the daughter of Troy Cassar-Daley, this Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung woman knows a good tune when she hears one – and she knows how to write one too.

Making a name for herself in the indie genre after releasing her debut single in 2021 (drawing inspiration from music favourites like Missy Higgins, Phoebe Bridgers, Angus and Julia Stone, and Carole King), she has a brand new single out – so why not hear her diverse soul and pop grooves for yourself in person?

Saturday 2 March | 7 pm – 8 pm

Dan Sultan

Credit: Michelle Grace Hunder.

Perfect for: Alt rock fans.

With numerous accolades to his name (including seven ARIA Awards, multiple NIMA Awards, Top Five ARIA-charting albums, and an ARIA-certified gold record), Dan Sultan is one of Australia’s most beloved alternative rock singers and songwriters, so it’s pretty cool he’s coming to Canberra (for free!).

Supporting the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Midnight Oil, and Vance Joy and billed on some of Australia’s biggest festivals, including Splendour in the Grass, Blues Festival, and Falls Festival (just to name a few), we predict that the Friday night performance from this talented Arrente/Gurindji man will be one memorable show.

Friday 8 March | 7 pm- 8 pm

Briggs

Perfect for: The hip-hop-obsessed

Haven’t heard of Briggs? What rock have you been living under? A dominant and hugely influential force in Australian music, Yorta Yorta man Briggs has a career that has seen him tour alongside the likes KRS-ONE, Ice T, 50 Cent, Hilltop Hoods, and Paul Kelly.

We recommend listening to his break-out rap album ‘Homemade Bombs’ and preparing yourself for an hour-long concert where one of the country’s most talented all-rounders in music, TV, and now publishing shows you why he’s so darn beloved.

Saturday 9 March | 7 pm – 8 pm

Looking for more reasons to stay up late at the NGA?

Jeremy Whiskey (Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara) is another act that’s not to be missed. A renowned guitarist who has worked on the soundtrack to Vincent Namatjira’s projections, he’ll be playing from 6.10 pm until 6.10 pm on Friday 1 March only.

On Saturday 2 March, make time for Dem Mob and The Desert Stars. Hailing from the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Dem Mob is the first group rapping in Pitjantjara Language. They recently took the stage in Spain and were the first Indigenous act to perform at Primavera Festival in Barcelona, while The Desert Stars are the most remote rock band in the world. Bringing their authentic desert rock sound from Spinifex Country, you’ll never hear anything like them again.

And for those who want to spend a little more time at the NGA (or who have little ones to entertain) every night until Monday 11 March, kids can get creative at the Emily Kam Kngwarray Art Cart and in the Vincent Namatjira All Stars Studio. Across both Enlighten weekends (Friday 1, Saturday 2, Friday 8 and Saturday 9 March), there will be a special pop-up where you can show off your superstar style and strike a pose against a Vincent Namatjira backdrop and on Sunday 10 March from 10 am until 4 pm there will be a playful program of creative experiences for kids and families, inspired by works of art in the national collection.

Who needs sleep when there’s so much to see?

Imaged supplied.