It's another Tuesday Night in Darwin.
I'm in a club/bar arrangement listening to live music, the Eastern Arrernte Band from just out of Alice Springs. Their music a mix of reggae and dance.
An old workmate got us the tickets. They're into live music, and after the ravages of COVID, it's just good to be in the presence of a real drum kit, keyboards, electric guitars and bass with a couple of singers making their presence felt. There's something comforting about Dennis, sitting behind the soundboard, sucking on a vape, trying to get the levels right. Dennis got told to do his job a couple of times.
I'm one of the few non-indigenous faces in the crowd, one of mixed ages - a mainly indigenous crowd. Little kids with their huge smiles tug at mothers, and grandmother's shirts. Other people hang out the back, rocking babies in strollers. People are dancing, having fun. It's a club. It's fun, safe, orderly, although the bouncers had to keep asking people not to dance on the stage.
It's an interesting feeling being in the minority. Not one I am used to, but it's not a bad feeling. Being at events like this reminds you that people are people. Music unites. Dancing is good for you.
The second pear cider ensured I could get a few dance moves on without self-consciousness. My special earplugs helped keep me calm. Dialing down the music 20 decibels stops me from freaking from the noise.
And it was all over by 9.30 p.m. We walked back to the hotel down the street, buzzing from the experience.
It's just another Tuesday night in Darwin, and I'm very aware of the privilege it is to be able to attend such an event.
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