Meet Mulga Bore Hard Rock. The six-piece band of family members from Akaye (Mulga Bore), two hours northeast of Alice Springs

This group of teenagers, aged 15 – 20 years old, bring from the hot, dry desert their own style of hard rock, inspired by ’70s, ’80s and ’90s greats like KISS, Status Quo and Guns N’ Roses, with a bit of Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Elvis thrown in for good measure.

They sing in English and the Anmatyerre language of their mob. From forming at their tiny school of 20 students to winning a Battle of the Bands, to opening for their heroes KISS – yes, that KISS – on the End of the Road tour, MBHR, led by front man Alvin Manfong, are working hard to take their big anthemic rockers to the next level.

Coming off the back of a jam packed 2024 with gigs including Mona Foma, Share the Spirit, GARMA, two showcase tours Big Sound and SXSW Sydney, a new album and two single releases with video for ‘Younga Barla Mapa’ and ‘Sweet Home Mulga Bore’, they are ready to rock the big stages for 2025.

Supported by Casey Jane, a long time Darwin singer-songwriter whose lyrics dig into life’s messier corners. From love and loss, to chronic pain and everything in-between. With over a decade of gigs under her belt and drawing on her love of blues, jazz, and soul, Casey blends raw storytelling with a sound that’s both vulnerable and punchy.

Presented by Darwin Festival, Artback NT and Darwin Railway Club