Every Friday evening (weather pending) 5:30pm – 7:30pm
FREE EVENT
**NO Rektango on the following Fridays in 2025 : Friday 18 April 2025 (Good Friday) Friday 1 August 2025
Over 20 years old and still going strong, Rektangois a weekly event held every Friday in Salamanca Art Centre’s own enchanting Courtyard. Hemmed in by a cliff face stretching up to Battery Point, people from all walks of life gather for live music every Friday evening between 5:30pm and 7:30pm.
It’s a FREE EVENT event run by the musicians themselves, with lots of dancing, catching up with old friends or meeting new ones. There’s hot mulled wine and fires in the winter, sangria in the summer, plus beers, ciders and wine and it always goes ahead unless rained out. The music may be anything from gypsy swing, cool funk or latin sambas to daft disco depending on when you drop in, one things we can promise is there will always be plenty of dancing.
To find out who is playing this week – or if tonight’s performance has been cancelled due to bad weather – check Rektango’s facebook page HERE
Joshua Lamb
DATES
Saturdays in 2025 for as long as the weather lasts!
This Summer of 2024, members of the public are invited to enjoy the entertaining spectacle of a skilled portrait artist at work.
Tasmanian-based portrait artist Joshua Lamb is setting up his Parisian-inspired portrait sketching market arrangement in the Salamanca Arts Centre courtyard. Based on his own studies in the portrait markets of Montmartre in Paris, Joshua’s flair for capturing charming and delightful likenesses makes for a uniquely entertaining experience.
“I want to bring Montmartre to Hobart”.
Portrait sittings are generally around half an hour each. Timed to coincide with the world-famous and thriving Salamanca Markets, the portrait sketching is an enjoyable attraction, enhancing the experience for all enjoying some refuge in the gentle and delightful surrounds of the Salamanca Arts Centre courtyard.
And who knows, for a small fee you may be enticed to sit for your own keepsake heirloom portrait!
The energetic vibe of Rektangomeets the quirky chaos of Men in Suits in this opening night Pop-Up Performance.
Men in Suits
Get ready to enjoy a flashmob style performance during the band’s set break. Then stay on and dance away the night to more free music, get along to the Tasmanian Songbook Volume 4, or head up to the Long Gallery for a drink and more entertainment in the Singers’ Lounge.
Floods, fires and a pandemic – escape is tantalising to us in the face of these threats.
A lifeboat promises liberty and offers hope, and as art it sets the imagination free and transports us from the limitations of our daily routine.
Inspired by the emergency lifeboat of the recently decommissioned Aurora Australis icebreaker, which was a prominent feature of the Hobart waterfront, Escape Pod by Colin Langridge provides a historical reference to these past three decades. The bright orange colour is a visual link to the ship that berthed only 200 metres from this site.
Acknowledgements: The artist would like to thank Stuart Houghton (metalwork), Jason James (lighting), Andrew Jarvis (fibreglass) and Trevor Smith for their assistance with this project.
Image credit: Colin Langridge | Escape Pod (2021) | Fibreglass, stainless steel, acrylic, LED light | 200 x 80 x 80cm
Saturday 29 October, 2022 11am – 1pm The Courtyard, Salamanca Arts Centre ** weather dependant **
Come and hear some of Hobart’s finest Gypsy Jazz artists play a ‘session’ like you have never heard before! Curated and hosted by award winning virtuoso violinist Charlie McCarthy, members of the musical community are encouraged to join in, just like they did back in the day. Expect to be wowed by the music of the 1930’s Parisian Belle Epoque’ (Beautiful Era). This is the music that Monet, Renoir, Degas, Picasso, and Van Gogh listened to when they were out and about on their adventures.
Everyone is welcome!
Want to play along too?
If you are interested in participating in these sessions, then please register your interest below and Charlie will put your name on the list, and make sure there is a seat available for you.
Harry Edwards Harry Edwards is a Hobart based guitarist, performer, and composer. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tasmania in 2012 and has since developed a regular practice of performing professionally with various ensembles around Tasmania, including Hobart gypsy jazz staple ‘Django’s Tiger.’
Hosted by award winning virtuoso violinist Charlie McCarthy and featuring local and travelling musicians of the highest calibre, the Salamanca Gypsy Jazz Sessions differ from a regular musical performance in a few key ways.
This Gypsy Jazz Jam is based on how the genre was originally encountered in the 1930’s Parisian social scene, around a campfire fire/table or in a bar or even backstage during a gig where the musicians were formally booked to play for dances and would jam backstage for fun.
The Musicians will be seated in a circle facing each other, unrehearsed but with common repertoire and familiar calls/instructions/signals for on-the-spot arrangement decisions. All tunes are played from memory, no charts, just a list of common songs and everyone leads the song they nominate. Musicians can take a break whenever they like but the music is pretty much continuous and other musicians and even members of the audience are encouraged to join in and participate also! BYO instrument!
The audience is invited to be close to the music, and can move around the musicians, with the option of changing location at any time, go to the bar and enjoy a drink, chat and interact with friends, get in close to the musician you want to observe the most.
This session will not be amplified so move up close to hear the music as loud as you like.
The main goal being more fun for all.
Why these sessions are so special The musicians are more relaxed and will be more communicative and adaptable to variation in the moment, they will play uninhibited and take musical risks to the enjoyment of all.
The audience engages with the musicians directly. Chats between tunes, observing the interactions first hand and even getting involved if you bring your instrument.
You hear the true sound of the instrument directly from the instrument, no amplification, no feedback, so that when identical instruments are soloing you can clearly see/hear who is doing what. These instruments have been around for hundreds of years and are already the perfect volume for this kind of music.
The Salamanca Gypsy Jazz Sessions are presented by Salamanca Arts Centre as part of its Live Music Program, which is supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Live Music Fund.
Salamanca Art Centre’s 2022 programs are supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Office of the Arts via the RISE Fund.
Proudly presented by Salamanca Arts Centre.
Saturday 15 October, 2022 11am – 1pm The Courtyard, Salamanca Arts Centre ** weather dependant **
Come and hear some of Hobart’s finest Gypsy Jazz artists play a ‘session’ like you have never heard before! Curated and hosted by award winning virtuoso violinist Charlie McCarthy, members of the musical community are encouraged to join in, just like they did back in the day. Expect to be wowed by the music of the 1930’s Parisian Belle Epoque’ (Beautiful Era). This is the music that Monet, Renoir, Degas, Picasso, and Van Gogh listened to when they were out and about on their adventures.
Everyone is welcome!
Want to play along too?
If you are interested in participating in these sessions, then please register your interest below and Charlie will put your name on the list, and make sure there is a seat available for you.
Hosted by award winning virtuoso violinist Charlie McCarthy and featuring local and travelling musicians of the highest calibre, the Salamanca Gypsy Jazz Sessions differ from a regular musical performance in a few key ways.
This Gypsy Jazz Jam is based on how the genre was originally encountered in the 1930’s Parisian social scene, around a campfire fire/table or in a bar or even backstage during a gig where the musicians were formally booked to play for dances and would jam backstage for fun.
The Musicians will be seated in a circle facing each other, unrehearsed but with common repertoire and familiar calls/instructions/signals for on-the-spot arrangement decisions. All tunes are played from memory, no charts, just a list of common songs and everyone leads the song they nominate. Musicians can take a break whenever they like but the music is pretty much continuous and other musicians and even members of the audience are encouraged to join in and participate also! BYO instrument!
The audience is invited to be close to the music, and can move around the musicians, with the option of changing location at any time, go to the bar and enjoy a drink, chat and interact with friends, get in close to the musician you want to observe the most.
This session will not be amplified so move up close to hear the music as loud as you like.
The main goal being more fun for all.
Why these sessions are so special The musicians are more relaxed and will be more communicative and adaptable to variation in the moment, they will play uninhibited and take musical risks to the enjoyment of all.
The audience engages with the musicians directly. Chats between tunes, observing the interactions first hand and even getting involved if you bring your instrument.
You hear the true sound of the instrument directly from the instrument, no amplification, no feedback, so that when identical instruments are soloing you can clearly see/hear who is doing what. These instruments have been around for hundreds of years and are already the perfect volume for this kind of music.
The Salamanca Gypsy Jazz Sessions are presented by Salamanca Arts Centre as part of its Live Music Program, which is supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Live Music Fund.
Salamanca Art Centre’s 2022 programs are supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Office of the Arts via the RISE Fund.
Proudly presented by Salamanca Arts Centre.
Saturday 1 October, 2022 11am – 1pm The Courtyard, Salamanca Arts Centre ** weather dependant **
Come and hear some of Hobart’s finest Gypsy Jazz artists play a ‘session’ like you have never heard before! Curated and hosted by award winning virtuoso violinist Charlie McCarthy, members of the musical community are encouraged to join in, just like they did back in the day. Expect to be wowed by the music of the 1930’s Parisian Belle Epoque’ (Beautiful Era). This is the music that Monet, Renoir, Degas, Picasso, and Van Gogh listened to when they were out and about on their adventures.
Everyone is welcome!
Want to play along too?
If you are interested in participating in these sessions, then please register your interest below and Charlie will put your name on the list, and make sure there is a seat available for you.
Hosted by award winning virtuoso violinist Charlie McCarthy and featuring local and travelling musicians of the highest calibre, the Salamanca Gypsy Jazz Sessions differ from a regular musical performance in a few key ways.
This Gypsy Jazz Jam is based on how the genre was originally encountered in the 1930’s Parisian social scene, around a campfire fire/table or in a bar or even backstage during a gig where the musicians were formally booked to play for dances and would jam backstage for fun.
The Musicians will be seated in a circle facing each other, unrehearsed but with common repertoire and familiar calls/instructions/signals for on-the-spot arrangement decisions. All tunes are played from memory, no charts, just a list of common songs and everyone leads the song they nominate. Musicians can take a break whenever they like but the music is pretty much continuous and other musicians and even members of the audience are encouraged to join in and participate also! BYO instrument!
The audience is invited to be close to the music, and can move around the musicians, with the option of changing location at any time, go to the bar and enjoy a drink, chat and interact with friends, get in close to the musician you want to observe the most.
This session will not be amplified so move up close to hear the music as loud as you like.
The main goal being more fun for all.
Why these sessions are so special The musicians are more relaxed and will be more communicative and adaptable to variation in the moment, they will play uninhibited and take musical risks to the enjoyment of all.
The audience engages with the musicians directly. Chats between tunes, observing the interactions first hand and even getting involved if you bring your instrument.
You hear the true sound of the instrument directly from the instrument, no amplification, no feedback, so that when identical instruments are soloing you can clearly see/hear who is doing what. These instruments have been around for hundreds of years and are already the perfect volume for this kind of music.
The Salamanca Gypsy Jazz Sessions are presented by Salamanca Arts Centre as part of its Live Music Program, which is supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Live Music Fund.
Salamanca Art Centre’s 2022 programs are supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Office of the Arts via the RISE Fund.
Proudly presented by Salamanca Arts Centre.
Come and hear some of Hobart’s finest Gypsy Jazz artists play a ‘session’ like you have never heard before! Curated and hosted by award winning virtuoso violinist Charlie McCarthy, members of the musical community are encouraged to join in, just like they did back in the day. Expect to be wowed by the music of the 1930’s Parisian Belle Epoque’ (Beautiful Era). This is the music that Monet, Renoir, Degas, Picasso, and Van Gogh listened to when they were out and about on their adventures.
Everyone is welcome!
Want to play along too?
If you are interested in participating in these sessions, then please register your interest below and Charlie will put your name on the list, and make sure there is a seat available for you.
Hosted by award winning virtuoso violinist Charlie McCarthy and featuring local and travelling musicians of the highest calibre, the Salamanca Gypsy Jazz Sessions differ from a regular musical performance in a few key ways.
This Gypsy Jazz Jam is based on how the genre was originally encountered in the 1930’s Parisian social scene, around a campfire fire/table or in a bar or even backstage during a gig where the musicians were formally booked to play for dances and would jam backstage for fun.
The Musicians will be seated in a circle facing each other, unrehearsed but with common repertoire and familiar calls/instructions/signals for on-the-spot arrangement decisions. All tunes are played from memory, no charts, just a list of common songs and everyone leads the song they nominate. Musicians can take a break whenever they like but the music is pretty much continuous and other musicians and even members of the audience are encouraged to join in and participate also! BYO instrument!
The audience is invited to be close to the music, and can move around the musicians, with the option of changing location at any time, go to the bar and enjoy a drink, chat and interact with friends, get in close to the musician you want to observe the most.
This session will not be amplified so move up close to hear the music as loud as you like.
The main goal being more fun for all.
Why these sessions are so special The musicians are more relaxed and will be more communicative and adaptable to variation in the moment, they will play uninhibited and take musical risks to the enjoyment of all.
The audience engages with the musicians directly. Chats between tunes, observing the interactions first hand and even getting involved if you bring your instrument.
You hear the true sound of the instrument directly from the instrument, no amplification, no feedback, so that when identical instruments are soloing you can clearly see/hear who is doing what. These instruments have been around for hundreds of years and are already the perfect volume for this kind of music.
The Salamanca Gypsy Jazz Sessions are presented by Salamanca Arts Centre as part of its Live Music Program, which is supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Live Music Fund.
Salamanca Art Centre’s 2022 programs are supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Office of the Arts via the RISE Fund.
Proudly presented by Salamanca Arts Centre.
Come and hear some of Hobart’s finest Gypsy Jazz artists play a ‘session’ like you have never heard before! Curated and hosted by award winning virtuoso violinist Charlie McCarthy, members of the musical community are encouraged to join in, just like they did back in the day. Expect to be wowed by the music of the 1930’s Parisian Belle Epoque’ (Beautiful Era). This is the music that Monet, Renoir, Degas, Picasso, and Van Gogh listened to when they were out and about on their adventures.
Everyone is welcome!
Want to play along too?
If you are interested in participating in these sessions, then please register your interest below and Charlie will put your name on the list, and make sure there is a seat available for you.
Hosted by award winning virtuoso violinist Charlie McCarthy and featuring local and travelling musicians of the highest calibre, the Salamanca Gypsy Jazz Sessions differ from a regular musical performance in a few key ways.
This Gypsy Jazz Jam is based on how the genre was originally encountered in the 1930’s Parisian social scene, around a campfire fire/table or in a bar or even backstage during a gig where the musicians were formally booked to play for dances and would jam backstage for fun.
The Musicians will be seated in a circle facing each other, unrehearsed but with common repertoire and familiar calls/instructions/signals for on-the-spot arrangement decisions. All tunes are played from memory, no charts, just a list of common songs and everyone leads the song they nominate. Musicians can take a break whenever they like but the music is pretty much continuous and other musicians and even members of the audience are encouraged to join in and participate also! BYO instrument!
The audience is invited to be close to the music, and can move around the musicians, with the option of changing location at any time, go to the bar and enjoy a drink, chat and interact with friends, get in close to the musician you want to observe the most.
This session will not be amplified so move up close to hear the music as loud as you like.
The main goal being more fun for all.
Why these sessions are so special The musicians are more relaxed and will be more communicative and adaptable to variation in the moment, they will play uninhibited and take musical risks to the enjoyment of all.
The audience engages with the musicians directly. Chats between tunes, observing the interactions first hand and even getting involved if you bring your instrument.
You hear the true sound of the instrument directly from the instrument, no amplification, no feedback, so that when identical instruments are soloing you can clearly see/hear who is doing what. These instruments have been around for hundreds of years and are already the perfect volume for this kind of music.
The Salamanca Gypsy Jazz Sessions are presented by Salamanca Arts Centre as part of its Live Music Program, which is supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Live Music Fund.
Salamanca Art Centre’s 2022 programs are supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Office of the Arts via the RISE Fund.
