The ARTSLAB launches with three great events at Upper River Hall from 7–9 August. 

A screening of the acclaimed documentary That Sugar Film, a night of edgy artsy perfect pop with MONTAIGNE and Le Pie @ the Harvest Lounge and the wonderful Michael Caton in-conversation, followed by a matinee screening of his new film Last Cab to Darwin. 

That Sugar Film 

That Sugar Film, kicks off The ARTSLAB launch weekend on Friday 7 August. It’s an early session to encourage kids and families to come and see this hugely important and fun film. The Upper River Hall will be open from 5.30pm, selling kid friendly sugar-free dinner and treats. The film will commence at 6.30pm and will be followed by a Q&A and discussion with nutritionist and local Kangaroo Valley resident, Dr Rosemary Stanton and the film’s Impact Producer, Anna Kaplan. This fantastic film is one man’s journey to discover the bitter truth about sugar. Damon Gameau embarks on a unique experiment to document the effects of a high sugar diet on a healthy body, consuming only foods that are commonly perceived as ‘healthy’. Through this entertaining and informative journey, cutting edge animations and a rocking soundtrack, Damon highlights some of the issues that plague the sugar industry, and where sugar lurks on supermarket shelves. That Sugar Film will forever change the way you think about ‘healthy’ food. 

Montaigne

On Saturday 8 August, The ARTSLAB and Harvest Recordings team up again to present another great night of new music @ The Harvest Lounge, this time featuring two amazing female performers who both, in their own unique ways, serve up perfect indie pop that you can’t get out of your head. This is going to be one of those “I saw Montaigne play at The ARTSLAB Upper River Hall when…” moments. Awarded ‘Next Big Thing’ at FBi Radio’s 2014 annual SMAC Awards, this exciting, young singer/songwriter will blow you away, with her unforgettable songs and emotional vocals full of exotic edgy flavours, backed by a band of seasoned, talented musos. And if that isn’t enough, the night will begin with the steamy Le Pie, warming up the stage with her vulnerable and dark, uplifting and gorgeous songs with a dash of fifties/sixties pop. Don’t miss the chance to see and hear these two talented performers before they get really huge! The hall opens at 7pm, with our licensed bar and bar snacks available through the night. Le Pie will play at 8pm, followed by Montaigne at 9pm.

Last Cab to Darwin & Michael Caton

Then on Sunday 9 August, join us for coffee and morning tea and a chat with Michael “tell ‘em he’s dreamin’” Caton. In-conversation with Ian Darling, this intimate chat will cover everything from Michael’s long successful career as an actor, his environmental activism and his new film. Then stay for lunch and a 1pm screening of the film – Last Cab to Darwin – introduced by the film’s director Jeremy Sims. The film is about a cab driver called Rex who has never left Broken Hill in his life. When he discovers he doesn’t have long to live, he decides to drive through the heart of the country to Darwin, where he’s heard he will be able to die on his own terms; but along the way he discovers that before you can end your life you’ve got to live it, and to live it you’ve got to learn to share it…A perfect balance of drama and humour, this tender film unites some of Australia’s finest actors in a story about life and love. It’s never too late to start living! Great coffee, morning tea, lunch and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the day.