The deluge this week has sadly cancelled the Berry Celtic Festival and some outdoor markets this weekend, but if you need a dose of traditional Celtic music, we have just the thing! Plus a big handful of ideas for indoor events, some great shopping tips, and a fabulous garden to visit if the weather fines up on Sunday.
Tonight! Meet the Artist
Archibald prize winner and local legend Randall Sinnamon is opening a micro-exhibition of his works, “700 metres away” at Jervis Bay Brewing Co. Chat with Randall, enjoy live music by Crosswinds, and imbibe some fortifying beverages and wholesome snacks. From 6pm on Friday 23 May. This event is part of the Autumn Celebration of Food, a festival by Shoalhaven Food Network.
Irish Slow Session Sunday
Head down to the Sandbar Restaurant this Sunday from 3pm to play along in a traditional Irish session then stay for a warming dinner of Irish stewed lamb shanks and a Kilkenny beer for $35, specially prepared for the evening by Chef Jason Wilkinson. Bring your instrument, your voice, or just your ears and enjoy a fun selection of Irish music, such as jigs and airs. The members of The O’Carolan Trio will help with some tune learning and provide sheet music. Beginners welcome.
Locals Night Dinner
Staying at Sandbar Restaurant, Chef Jason has introduced Locals Nights on Thursdays, which he announces on their Facebook page – and via this newsletter of course. This Thursday 29 May will be “ribs and wings” for $30pp, a perfect antidote to the onset of winter. Keen an eye on their socials for more locals dining specials this winter.
Art Café with Jen
Sip on a coffee, nibble on a cake and sketch a scene at the popular Art Café mornings with Jervis Bay artist, Jenny McIntosh – beginners welcome. Jen is well-known for her sumptuous landscape paintings in oils, and this casual morning is a perfect way to tap into her expertise for your own artwork. BYO materials or Jen can supply you with everything you need for a small fee, including paper, pen and watercolours. The last one for May is already sold out, but don’t panic, spots are available for Friday 13 June in Ulladulla, and Friday 27 June in Nowra, 9.30am-11.30am at Peckish on the Park in Nowra, $45/$50+bf.
Art/Craft Classes this Winter
While you’re in the mood for an art class, check out the new program of arts and crafts workshops coming up in Huskisson at the Arts Muster on 23/24 August. There’s an exciting range of classes now on sale, such as pastel drawing, felted sculptures, gel-plate printing and more. Read our story about some of the two-day workshops or see the Arts Muster website for more details.
Celebrate Native Gardens
It’s Botanic Gardens Week and the delightful Shoalhaven Heads Native Botanic Garden is celebrating with its annual Open Day on Sunday 25 May, 10am-2pm. There will be plant sale, sausage sizzle, live music and community information tables, including Bushcare. Ask a volunteer for a guided tour to learn more about what lives in the gardens – including “evidence” of a resident satin bower bird (an array of little bits of blue plastic were photographed just this week!). Funds raised will help maintain these gardens for the community, at 9 Celia Pde Shoalhaven Heads.
Coastal Fashions on Sale
The boutique Beyond the Beach Lifestyle on Currambene Street Huskisson is having a sale of selected new season styles, a perfect excuse to freshen up your look. Plus, for a limited time, the famous $20 rack is back and there is always a hidden treasure or two among the deeply discounted items. While you’re there, check out the range of coffee table books, which will brighten your outlook on these cold winter days.
Love Live Music?
KV Reggae Fest
It’s on again, the Kangaroo Valley Reggae Festival with a lineup of rocking reggae musical acts, a friendly dance floor and plenty of sustenance from the food trucks and Friendly Inn bar. Saturday 24 May 11.30am-10.30pm, $55/$35 or a family ticket for $150, book online. Last year was a fun, family-friendly day with loads of dancing by young and old, plus a good old-fashioned bonfire in the evening. Plus it looks like the weather might be ok by the weekend. This year, Sydney band Garfish will be playing, led from the trumpet by Nick Garbett, plus The Lady Beans, a three-piece vocal outfit bringing the good vibes.
Ben Lerner at El Horses
It’s the best of new jazz, with the Ben Lerner Quartet at El Horses on Friday 30 May from 7pm, $20+bf. Ben is an outstanding young artist who has quickly established himself as one of the emerging voices in Jazz and on the Alto Saxophone in Australia. His South Coast Tour of 2025 anticipates the recording and release of his debut album as a bandleader later in the year. Joining Ben are Steve Barry (Piano), Max Alduca (Double Bass) and Alex Young (Drums), performing a selection of Ben’s compositions. He is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is set to begin a Masters degree on a scholarship at the esteemed Manhattan School of Music in September 2025.
sunday sessions
George Bishop will be playing his signature soothing sounds with uplifting rhythms at Jervis Bay Brewing Co this Sunday, 25 May from 3pm.
All the Fuss is jamming at Cupitt’s Estate on Sunday from 12.30pm, creating a funk/soul vibe for the lunch time diners.
Met Fa’oa will take you into the sunset hours at the Bannisters Pavilion Rooftop Bar in Mollymook from 5pm-8pm, the perfect spot for a last cocktail of the weekend with a talented local musician playing a range from old school jams to modern funk.
Plan Ahead
Sound Bathing for Creatives
Pause and unwind this coming long weekend, at a one-hour sound bath by practitioner Jen Freeman from Healing Sounds Jervis Bay. Head to Meraki Wellness Hub in Nowra an find a comfortable position for the sound and vibrations to move you into the theta brainwave state – said to boost creativity, ideas, imagination and mental clarity. Jen has a selection of instruments including quartz singing bowls and koshi chimes that will help to clear your mind. $38pp, 2pm on Saturday 7 June, book online.
World Oceans Day Film Fest
Husky Pictures is host to the second annual World Oceans Day Film Festival, organised by a dedicated and passionate group of local people who curate and organise the event to raise funds for the Great Southern Reef Foundation. Buy your tickets now for this not-for-profit event, on Saturday 7 June from 3pm-7pm, $20/$15 includes six short films and a sausage sizzle at intermission for a gold coin donation (veggie option available). Arrive at 2.30pm for a welcome to country and smoking ceremony.
