Darwin Port Bandstand Artists
Darwin Port Bandstand Artists
Wirriŋga Band
Welcome to Country > Wirriŋga Band – Wed 5 Aug, 6pm & 8pm
Wirriŋga Band hail from the island community of Milingimbi in north east Arnhem Land. As one of the longest standing saltwater reggae / rock bands of the NT, Wirriŋga Band is set to Rock the Darwin Port Bandstand on Opening Night of Darwin Festival 2026!
Wirriŋga Band hail from the island community of Milingimbi in north east Arnhem Land. As one of the longest standing saltwater reggae / rock bands of the NT, Wirriŋga Band is set to Rock the Darwin Port Bandstand on Opening Night of Darwin Festival 2026!
Wirriŋga Band started in 1979, born out of the Black Wizard band, when frontman Keith Lapulung was just 19 years old. Wirriŋga Band went on to release their first 2 albums ‘Dreamtime Shadows’ and ‘Dreamtime Wisdom Modern Time Vision’ with CAAMA Records in the 90’s.
Wirriŋga Band fondly recall supporting Baby Animals at the Darwin Amphitheatre and touring across Arnhem Land, NT and remote communities across the country. With a number of founding members still in the band, along with some next generation members, this group has inspired and educated countless musicians across Arnhem Land. With a special show in the pipeline celebrating the legacy of the bands almost 50 years together along with the new sounds incorporating Dreamtime Wisdom into Modern Time Vision, this is a performance you won’t want to miss!
LuckyFind – Thu 6 Aug, 6.30pm & 8pm
You will find yourself in your musical happy place if you like Jazz, Funk and excellent musicianship if you catch LuckyFind on Thursday 6th August.
They are a fresh and local 3 piece Instrumental Jazz Funk Trio featuring Anthony Sherwood on Drums, Aden Mackay on Guitar and Phil Waldron on Bass.
They are a fresh and local 3 piece Instrumental Jazz Funk Trio featuring Anthony Sherwood on Drums, Aden Mackay on Guitar and Phil Waldron on Bass.
Darwin Beach Choir – Fri 7 Aug, 6pm
Darwin Beach Choir has built a strong reputation for exciting and enthralling participatory singing experiences in Darwin. They return to Darwin Port Bandstand 2026 to share their signature high-energy and open-air performance / workshop where members of the local community raise their voices in a joyful, inclusive one-hour sing-along where all voices are welcome. Come along, Learn a song start to finish with a live band.
Bernie Bremond – Fri 7 Aug, 8pm
Bernie Bremond has a long music history here in the NT and across Australia. He is an award-winning musician and songwriter with a great story to share.
He has sharing the stage with Perfect Strangers, Johnnie Diesel and the Injectors (also recorded with in Memphis), Peter Wells (ex-Rose Tattoo) and Jimmy Barnes. Internationally, he has performed with Jeff Healey, Grace Jones, Fine Young Cannibals and Dweezil Zappa, only to name a few.
Catch Bernie’s solo performance of original folk blues from 8pm.
Bernie Bremond – Fri 7 Aug, 8pm
Bernie Bremond has a long music history here in the NT and across Australia. He is an award-winning musician and songwriter with a great story to share.
He has sharing the stage with Perfect Strangers, Johnnie Diesel and the Injectors (also recorded with in Memphis), Peter Wells (ex-Rose Tattoo) and Jimmy Barnes. Internationally, he has performed with Jeff Healey, Grace Jones, Fine Young Cannibals and Dweezil Zappa, only to name a few.
Catch Bernie’s solo performance of original folk blues from 8pm.
Emma Stocker and the Ever Stars – Sat 8 Aug, 6.30pm & 8pm
Emma Stocker & The Ever Stars are a truly original and dynamic trio. Catch their captivating sound blending soulful vocals with a unique blend of electric bass, eclectic drums and percussion, and harmonising saxophone. Their music lands in the special place where jazz noir meets folk, country, blues, and a sweet love song or two.
Adam Scriven – Sun 9 Aug, 6.20pm & 8pm
Adam Scriven is a versatile singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Darwin, Northern Territory of Australia. Blending folk, blues and roots into a captivating, organic sound and known for his intricate guitar work and soulful lyrics, Adam’s performances radiate warmth and passion, engaging audiences with their raw energy and emotion. Whether on a festival stage or in an intimate venue, he delivers a musical experience that’s both heartfelt and unforgettable.
Adam Scriven is a versatile singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Darwin, Northern Territory of Australia. Blending folk, blues and roots into a captivating, organic sound and known for his intricate guitar work and soulful lyrics, Adam’s performances radiate warmth and passion, engaging audiences with their raw energy and emotion. Whether on a festival stage or in an intimate venue, he delivers a musical experience that’s both heartfelt and unforgettable.
With a long list of shows under his belt including Glastonbury and Shambala Festival in England, Woodford and the National Folk Festival in Australia, Adam is a regular at Darwin's iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and a finalist in the 2017 and 2023, 2025 NT song of the year awards.
Serena Storm – Tues 11 Aug, 6.20pm & 8pm
Be swept into your evening with Serena Storm. A pivotal artist in the Top End Blues Scene, Serena Storm brings her signature sound to the Darwin Port Bandstand in 2026. With a swagger of soulful originals and classic covers Serena weaves blues, soul, funk, rock & rockabilly into a unique and incredible style of her own.
Louder Than Words – Wed 12 Aug, 6.20pm & 8pm
Louder Than Words are a local four piece who have swiftly built a dedicated following of music-lovers that are enthralled in their unique instrumental sound and the opportunity to witness improvisation across genres.
Louder Than Words invites you to explore the echelons of your own mind on the dancefloor as you are swept into an intoxicating symphony of sound listeners have said is reminiscent of Tarantino, Dirty Three, Massive Attack, Twin peaks, Ennio Morricone, Hendrix and the like but Darwin Stylee grounded in the joy of sweaty improvisation and enigmatic expression.
They will be loud and won’t have words.
Harold Dalywaters – Thu 13 Aug, 6.20pm & 8pm
Harold Dalywaters is a Mudburra man, bushman and one of the recognised musical voices of the Barkly region. Based in Elliott, he has spent his life travelling the Stuart Highway, working, singing and
Harold Dalywaters is a Mudburra man, bushman and one of the recognised musical voices of the Barkly region. Based in Elliott, he has spent his life travelling the Stuart Highway, working, singing and
sharing stories from Country.
His music has been played across the Northern Territory, and one of his songs recorded in language was used by the Collingwood Football Club during an Indigenous Round campaign.
Hannah Guilford – Fri 14 Aug, 6.30pm & 8pm
Hannah Guilford is a singer/song-writer from Darwin who pairs a soulful voice and gentle melodies with lyrics written from the heart. Her songs bookmark different chapters in her life and take inspiration from the likes of Julia Jacklin, Angie McMahon, and Joni Mitchell. Joined by Alanah, Josh and Leisa, the brand brings indie folk and jazz undertones together for a shimmery, soothing show.
Hannah Guilford is a singer/song-writer from Darwin who pairs a soulful voice and gentle melodies with lyrics written from the heart. Her songs bookmark different chapters in her life and take inspiration from the likes of Julia Jacklin, Angie McMahon, and Joni Mitchell. Joined by Alanah, Josh and Leisa, the brand brings indie folk and jazz undertones together for a shimmery, soothing show.
ZAZA ZOO – Sat 15 Aug, 6.30pm & 8pm
ZAZA ZOO are a three piece band from the northern suburbs of Darwin. Their sound is like the streets of Karama in 1996, travelling via Moil foil to the family friendly parks of Jingili. They play Futuristic Soul, RnB, Blues, Funk and Hip Hop with a deep love of psychedelic rock too. Predominantly instrumental, it’s not that they don’t love rappers and singers, they just don’t want them in the band.
ZAZA ZOO are a three piece band from the northern suburbs of Darwin. Their sound is like the streets of Karama in 1996, travelling via Moil foil to the family friendly parks of Jingili. They play Futuristic Soul, RnB, Blues, Funk and Hip Hop with a deep love of psychedelic rock too. Predominantly instrumental, it’s not that they don’t love rappers and singers, they just don’t want them in the band.
Its a band of legends from the NT Music Scene - Evan Saunders plays guitar, Rowan Dally plays drums, Kuya James plays bass.
Emlyn Johnson – Sun 16 Aug, 5pm, 6.30pm & 8.10pm
An honorary Territorian hailing from Geraldton Hospital 1980s, Emlyn Johnson has been following the call of the musical sirens since about the Y2K bug. Into folk, folk-rock, recent albums include 2024's "Horse Dream" recorded at MONA, and 2022's "Nullarbor Mulch" recorded in an azzy shed in Fremantle. Performed at Katherine Art Prize 2025, Unconformity Festival 2025, and a regular at Bustard Town, Johnson is a musical journeyman in the the style of Leigh Brown. He’s been compared to Leonard Cohen and a gardener.
An honorary Territorian hailing from Geraldton Hospital 1980s, Emlyn Johnson has been following the call of the musical sirens since about the Y2K bug. Into folk, folk-rock, recent albums include 2024's "Horse Dream" recorded at MONA, and 2022's "Nullarbor Mulch" recorded in an azzy shed in Fremantle. Performed at Katherine Art Prize 2025, Unconformity Festival 2025, and a regular at Bustard Town, Johnson is a musical journeyman in the the style of Leigh Brown. He’s been compared to Leonard Cohen and a gardener.
Maili Clarke – Tue 18 Aug, 6.20pm & 8pm
Maili is an indie-pop singer, songwriter and performer who grew up in rural Darwin.
Maili is an indie-pop singer, songwriter and performer who grew up in rural Darwin.
Maili loves to lean into feminist themes and the perspectives of women in her music. Maili wrote her first published song for the local ‘Tracy’ film (2025) directed by Kosta Hatzivalsamis. Her more recent published music has been centered on her own experiences and she is currently working on her debut album. Maili is excited to share her songwriting at Darwin Festival!
King Marong x Martin Tucker – Wed 19 Aug, 6.20pm & 8pm
Experience the joy created when two of the NT’s most incredible musicians come together in a rare and delightful collaboration.
King Marong and Martin Tucker present songs and culture from King's culture -The Mandinka people of West Africa. They have been collaborating for the last 25 years and with both being multi-instrumentalists , they weave music together in a unique style combining traditional instruments as the 21 string Kora harp, the 6 string Kamelngoni, Djembe and Dundun drums , jaw harps, shakers , flutes and more. Mandinka songs, fables and stories tell the history of the proud people , an oral history passed down from 12 century Malian empire through generations to the present day.
Rising Island Music Showcase – Thu 20 Aug, 6.30pm & 8pm
Music Director and mentor Airileke Ingram curates this special showcase of emerging artists from the Pacific diasporas of the NT and beyond including Alphintonia Band from Vanuatu via Humpty Doo, Grace Dikoi and Amelia Kadiba.
.png)
Djaali and Friends – Fri 21 Aug, 6.30pm & 8pm
Djaali & Friends bring an electrifying mix of hip-hop, soul, reggae, and R&B to the stage. Fronted by the compelling storytelling of seasoned rapper and songwriter Djaali, the six-piece outfit is powered by a soulful collective of musicians and vocalists. Together, they craft a dynamic live sound defined by hypnotic grooves, lyrical depth, big rhythms, and soaring harmonies—creating an experience that hits hard and stays with you.
Djaali & Friends bring an electrifying mix of hip-hop, soul, reggae, and R&B to the stage. Fronted by the compelling storytelling of seasoned rapper and songwriter Djaali, the six-piece outfit is powered by a soulful collective of musicians and vocalists. Together, they craft a dynamic live sound defined by hypnotic grooves, lyrical depth, big rhythms, and soaring harmonies—creating an experience that hits hard and stays with you.
LAUNCH x DF Young Musicians Showcase – Sat 22 Aug, 6.15pm & 7.45pm
This showcase event will feature 3 incredible emerging young acts based in Darwin, fresh off the back of LAUNCH Darwin’s music mentoring program with Industry and performance mentoring by some of the Territory’s best.
This showcase event will feature 3 incredible emerging young acts based in Darwin, fresh off the back of LAUNCH Darwin’s music mentoring program with Industry and performance mentoring by some of the Territory’s best.
Singer-songwriters Kecemere and Audrey Petschel will showcase their incredible original songs sharing powerful insights into the hearts and minds of these two passionate young creatives.
The Melophobics are a 6 piece band with big energy and a diverse sound including Indie, Pop, Rock and Jazzy songs. They formed in 2024 and have some significant performances under their belts already, with highlights including BEAT Festival, The official Territory Day celebrations and the Darwin Festival Program Launch 2026!