In conjunction with the Armidale Regional Council, NECOM is proud to present an evening of entertainment on Friday 16 March to launch this year’s “Autumn Festival”. From 6 – 9pm patrons can enjoy a wide variety of musical styles performed in a large marquee set up in Curtis Park. The theme for 2018 will be “Ireland” given the proximity to St Patrick’s Day, so listeners can expect to hear some Celtic references in the repertoire. Between 6 and 9pm on the night, you can enjoy performances by local string ensemble “Con Brio” (under the direction of Joanna Fairs-Wu), April Kelson’s “Triple Platinum” student chamber group, with Arlene Fletcher and Jhana Allan forming a folk string duo to round off a great showcase of string talent from NECOM. The irrepressible Fumie Takahashi, NECOM’s music therapist, will be playing a selection of well-known songs on her steel drum, while “The Dixie Six” trad-jazz band will finish the evening with a one hour program. This should prove to be a great concert of free entertainment, and we hope to see as many families there as possible.