Vivid Art After Hours: Andrew Bukenya presents Do the Spike Thing

In a special live music tribute to Vivid Ideas Game Changer: Spike Lee (appearing on Sat 1 June at Sydney Town Hall), Andrew Bukenya and his band reinterpret the cinematic soundtracks of this provocative filmmaker and trailblazer.

Spike Lee’s movie soundtracks represent a veritable cookbook of flavours, from the nostalgia-imbued, soul stirrings of Crooklyn and the pulsating RnB of Do the right thing and the jazz-seasoned pot of Malcolm X, to the bitter-sweet melodies of Clockers and gospel-tinged spice of BlacKkKlansman. Bukenya and his band have handpicked an eclectic collection of songs that illuminate and drive some of the most memorable films in contemporary cinema.

Preceding the Music performance, author and radio and TV personality Meshel Laurie confesses to being a bad Buddhist, but every day she puts her energy into improving. She works in television, creates podcasts, writes books and parents twins, so she knows a thing or two about the mad juggle of modern life. In this talk with Benjamin Law, she offers a snapshot of her life and the speed bumps and detours on the path to enlightenment. Meshel may not be a beacon of Buddhist Zen...yet. However, as the saying goes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Or a shuffle to the instant coffee machine at five am.

Slowing it down a notch, experience a short mindfulness session with Steve Pozel who’ll guide you through meditations on artworks in the Gallery’s collection.  Places are limited, so arrive early to sign up for a spot.

If that’s not enough, head down to the Mark Colvin Conversation: Net Worth. In this ticketed talk, Pulitzer Prize winner, author and art critic Sebastian Smee, psychologist and digital nutritionist Jocelyn Brewer and singer, songwriter and author Holly Throsby explore the value of an ‘inner life’ and ask whether we’ll pay a price for our digital distraction. 
 
Topical talks and live music are just part of the entertainment each evening. Stay for mindfulness sessions, drawing workshops and artist-led talks. Vivid Art After Hours events are free and everyone is welcome. While you’re at the Gallery, catch the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize exhibition too (admission prices apply).