Fri 11 April, 2025 7:30pm – 10:00pm (Doors open at 7pm) Live @ The Founders Room Salamanca Arts Centre 65b Woobys Lane, or for lift access enter through The Courtyard
Friday 11th April 2025 Doors & bar open at 7pm Music from 7:30pm
The Founders Room on Woobys Lane Salamanca Arts Centre
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Son del Sur, Tasmania’s own 10-piece salsa band has built a strong reputation, performing at Tasmania’s most popular venues and major music festivals and events, showcasing their vibrant sound across the state. Son del Sur draws inspiration from the giants of salsa; think Celia Cruz, the rhythmic genius of Tito Puente, and the brilliance of Ruben Blades, while also adding the legendary beats of Buena Vista Social Club. This influence has become the path the band has decided to follow.
With Son del Sur, you’ll dive into the energetic salsa spirit of the barrio from the ’70s and ’80s. The band brings a blend of salsa from the vibrant streets of New York, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, adding their own arrangements and original beats to give their salsa and Latin jazz a unique ‘Tassie’ flavour. Son del Sur is made up of local musicians.
Its members are:
Franco Solis: The band leader, percussionist, and main vocalist from Chile, is well-known for his long music career and collaborations with the local Tassie music scene.
Elias Solis: Local Latin percussionist from Chile, Elias grew up in a musical family and studied in Chile, Peru, Brazil, and Cuba, performing Latin music, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Lea Palacios: The band’s newest lead singer from Colombia, she’s worked with diverse music groups, from Jazz to Rock and Latin fusion, blending styles with her deep, expressive voice.
Konrad Park: The band’s dynamite timbal player, is known for his long career as a percussionist in Tasmania. A brilliant drummer and teacher, he has inspired many with his skill and dedication.
Kelly Ottaway: Adds flavour to the band’s groove with his piano, montunos, and arrangements. Kelly is a brilliant arranger and music writer, he spices up every performance with his creative touch.
Simon Reid: Son del Sur’s bass man, Simon, is a Tasmanian multi-instrumentalist and teacher. He’s backed hundreds of bands locally and nationally, producing original music and salsa grooves that keep you dancing all night.
Scott David Cashion: Baritone and Tenor Saxophone player, and occasional hand percussionist, he’s enjoyed a 35-year music career across diverse Tasmanian settings and performance situations, enriching each with his talent.
Yoram Levy: Trumpeter and former Principal Trumpet of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, is now a sought-after nationwide performer, educator, and ensemble leader since retiring from the TSO.
Les Johnston: a passionate trombonist, combines over a decade of performance and educational experience with technical skill and captivating stage presence, making him a top choice for jazz, classical, and contemporary ensembles.
Frances White: Is a powerful trombone player who makes the band stand out. She plays great solos, works with many different bands, and always adds something special to the music.
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Please note that the Courtyard Lift IS OPERATING!
Doors & Bar open at 7pm
Music begins at 7.30pm The Founders Room on Woobys Lane Salamanca Arts Centre.
This concert at Salamanca Arts Centre is supported by Arts Tasmania’s 2025 Arts Projects Fund. Salamanca Arts Centre is grateful for this support via Arts Tasmania and the Minister for the Arts.
Sat 26 April, 2025 7:30pm – 10:00pm (Doors open at 7pm) Live @ The Founders Room Salamanca Arts Centre 65b Woobys Lane, or for lift access enter through The Courtyard
$28 +bf each $52 +bf for 2 x tickets $91 +bf for 4 x tickets
Welcome to the Salamanca Jazz2025 series, live in the Founders Room on Woobys Lane.
Nadira & Friends’ Tribute to the Great Ladies of Jazz.
Saturday 26th April 2025 Doors & bar open at 7pm Music from 7:30pm
The Founders Room on Woobys Lane Salamanca Arts Centre
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If you haven’t seen or heard Nadira before, here’s what others say about her; Australianjazz.net – Nadira is this unstoppable person! Full of energy and enthusiasm. Nadira sings with the kind of pure joy that is totally contagious. Anyone who has been to her shows knows that this petite, yet commanding, performer has a punk-ish attitude and on-stage banter that could be a comedy act on its own!
Liz Carnovale (Paris Cat Jazz Club – Artistic and Programming Director) – Nadira is a dynamic, enthusiastic and forever playful Vocalist that brings joy into a room! Petit in size but robust with her punchy, articulate Jazz vocals and her quick wit…Nadira immediately gains your attention…make no mistake Nadira is the real Jazz deal!
Bob Sedergreen (Australian legendary jazz pianist, Australian Jazz Hall of Fame 2018) – Nadira is a very capable and experienced vocalist with a comprehensive repertoire. She is a professional artist who communicates immediately with her audience and is a pleasure to work with.
Nadira will be joined on stage by: Aaron Entresz – guitar; Konrad Park – drums; Lestyn Parry – piano; Seb Folvig – double bass; Jesse Bowden – sax; and Stevie McEntee – trombone.
See for yourselves what the hype is all about! Nadira and Friends will be performing as a Septet showcasing a tribute to the Great Ladies of Jazz, with fresh renditions of jazz standards tunes and well-loved songs from The Great American Songbook.
Please note that the Courtyard Lift IS OPERATING!
Doors & Bar open at 7pm
Music begins at 7.30pm The Founders Room on Woobys Lane Salamanca Arts Centre.
Tickets are only $28 ea +BF, or buy two tix for $52+BF, or buy four tix for only $91+BF.
This concert at Salamanca Arts Centre is supported by Arts Tasmania’s 2025 Arts Projects Fund. Salamanca Arts Centre is grateful for this support via Arts Tasmania and the Minister for the Arts.
Sat 29 March, 2025 7:30pm – 10:00pm (Doors open at 7pm) Live @ The Founders Room Salamanca Arts Centre 65b Woobys Lane, or for lift access enter through The Courtyard
$28 +bf each $52 +bf for 2 x tickets $91 +bf for 4 x tickets
This concert at Salamanca Arts Centre is supported by Arts Tasmania’s 2025 Arts Projects Fund. Salamanca Arts Centre is grateful for this support via Arts Tasmania and the Minister for the Arts.
Celebrate Hobart’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature at Hobart LitFest!
Join us for a dynamic program showcasing Tasmania’s finest writers, with engaging panels, book launches, interactive workshops, and intimate readings. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with the literary talent that makes Hobart unique. The festival will culminate in an exciting Independent Book Fair, where you can discover and support local independent authors and publishers. Don’t miss out on this celebration of words, culture, and creativity in the heart of Tasmania.
Monday 7th & Wednesday 9th April 2025 – 10AM Via Booking Only
Young Writers High School Program Presented by Tasmanian Indie Author Group & Salamanca Arts Centre Salamanca Arts Centre are partnering with the Tasmanian Independent Author Group to present the Young Writers High School Program as a part of Hobart LitFest. This program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in three one-hour sessions led by independent authors from the Tasmanian Independent Author Group. During each session, students will participate in tailored writing workshops designed to inspire creativity, sharpen their writing skills, and explore new styles of expression. This interactive experience fosters a deeper connection to the writing process while encouraging self-expression and personal growth in a supportive, hands-on environment. To find out more, please visit the school booking system here.
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Monday 7th April 2025 – 5:30PM Free Event
‘Pony Tales’ Book Launch and Children’s Picture Book Panel Discussion Presented by Forty South Tasmania Join us for the launch of “Pony Tales: For the Love of Shetland Ponies” by Jacqui Sinclair Dickson, a collection of spirited stories and vivid charcoal drawings from a life-long horse-lover, writer and vision-impaired artist. The book will be launched by award-winning author/illustrator Fiona Levings (co-regional co-ordinator of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), followed by a discussion with other Tasmanian author/illustrators on their creative process.
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Tuesday 8th & Thursday 10th April 2025 – 10:30AM Via Booking Only
Story Island Presents… ‘Mix, Match, Make!’
Collage and storytelling collide in this highly engaging and accessible creative workshop, brought to you by The Story Island Project. In Mix, Match, Make!, students will experiment with text and images cut out from magazines, books and newspapers to create their very own stories or poems in collage form. This dynamic workshop includes a mix of individual and group activities and, as students can engage with the materials at a variety of levels, it caters for a diverse range of abilities. Each group will be led by one of Story Island’s expert Story Leaders, with additional student support from our trained team of volunteers. To find out more, please visit theschool booking system here.
About Story Island The Story Island Project is a Hobart-based not-for-profit organisation that nurtures the creativity and writing skills of young Tasmanians and celebrates their diverse voices. With the support of our enthusiastic volunteer tutors, Story Island runs free, dynamic storytelling workshops where young people are empowered to create their own stories. Our vision is for young people to harness the power of their imaginations so they can grow to be resilient and creative shapers of their own lives.
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Wednesday 9th April 2025 – 6:30PM Free Event
Tassie Indies Read Enjoy a showcase of Tasmanian Indie Authors reading their work. Ranging a number of genre styles of writing, come along and find your new favourite author!
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Saturday 12th April – 10AM til 3PM Free Event
2025 Tassie Indie Author Book Fair Come along and check out Tassie’s best independent authors. Something for everyone with a range of genres on offer. Meet the authors! Buy the books! Book signings and giveaways! Find out more here.
Story Island Project – A Hobart-based not-for-profit organisation that nurtures the creativity and writing skills of young Tasmanians and celebrates their diverse voices.
The Hobart Bookshop– A proud independent and locally owned bookshop in Salamanca Square, Hobart, Tasmania.
Island Magazine– A not-for-profit premium Australian literary magazine of fiction, poetry, nonfiction and arts features.
Celebrate Hobart’s designationas a UNESCO City of Literature at Hobart LitFest!
Join us for a dynamic program showcasing Tasmania’s finest writers, with engaging panels, book launches, interactive workshops, and intimate readings. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with the literary talent that makes Hobart unique. The festival will culminate in an exciting Independent Book Fair, where you can discover and support local independent authors and publishers. Don’t miss out on this celebration of words, culture, and creativity in the heart of Tasmania.
Sunday 6th April 2025 – 10:00AM Sunday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Festival Hub Open Welcome to the Hobart LitFest Hub – a cozy retreat for ticket holders! Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee as you unwind in a comfortable space designed for writer and readers alike. Whether you’re here to sit back with a good book, jot down your thoughts, or simply connect with fellow festivalgoers, our hub offers a perfect escape. Come in, recharge, and take a moment to enjoy the slightly quieter side of the festival.
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Sunday 6th April 2025 – 12:30PM Sunday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Creating Book Merch: Art and the Crowdfunding Author Festival goers will be guided through how to create your own unique book merch using DIY craft, local resources, and creative partnerships to create extra value for your crowdfunding campaigns. The presenter, Tansy Rayner Roberts, will discuss her own experiences and take you through ways to boost book sales using art & craft in the digital age.
About the Presenter
Tansy Rayner Roberts (also writing as Livia Day) is a Tasmanian indie author with more than 25 years writing and publishing experience. She has won multiple awards including two Hugos,and was the co-host of two popular podcasts: Galactic Suburbia, and Verity. Tansy has run five successful crowdfunding campaigns and assisted on several more. You can find her as @tansyrr on Patreon, Insta, Bluesky and Threads.
Sunday 6th April 2025 – 1:45PM Sunday Ticket / Festival Ticket
Tassie Fireside Chat – From Page To Screen with Belinda Bradley & Franz Docherty
Join us forFrom Page to Screen with screenwriters Belinda Bradley & Franz Docherty as they share the process of crafting a screenplay and bringing it to life on film. Get an insider’s look at what it truly takes to transform a written script into a dynamic film, with Belinda and Franz exploring the journey from the page to the screen. Whether you’re an aspiring screenwriter, filmmaker, or film enthusiast, this event will offer valuable lessons and insider knowledge on the magic of storytelling for the screen.
About the writers Belinda Bradley and Franz Docherty are award-winning creators, writers, and producers based in Hobart. They work across multiple platforms including television, film, and theatre, and have worked as freelance producers for ABC Radio National. They are co-creators and writers on their original six-part mystery drama series Savage River, produced with Aquarius Films and the ABC which premiered on the ABC and ABC iview in 2022, and is on Paramount Plus in the UK. Find out more about Belinda and Franz here.
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Sunday 6th April 2025 – 2:45PM
Sunday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Tassie Fireside Chat – Get Published, Tasmania! Produced by Forty South Tasmania & Island Magazine
Tasmania is producing some of the finest writing in the country, supported by a diverse and growing publishing industry. Join Island’s Jane Rawson and Forty South’s Rayne Allinson and Lucinda Sharp for a deep dive into what these publishing outlets are looking for, and how to kick-start your publishing career here in Tasmania.
About the Presenters
Dr Rayne Allinson Dr Rayne Allinson received her BA and MA at the University of Melbourne and her DPhil in History at the University of Oxford. She is the author of A Monarchy of Letters: Royal Correspondence and English Diplomacy in the Reign of Elizabeth I(Palgrave Macmillan, 2012). After a long career in academia, she is now Assistant Publisher at Forty South Publishing, a board member of TasWriters, and a bookseller at Fullers Bookshop where she runs the Reading Group.
Lucinda Sharp Lucinda danced with The Australian Ballet from 1974 to 1984 and, after her performance career, became a rehearsal director/teacher for several regional dance companies. She then studied at the University of Western Australia, graduating in 1999 with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. On completion of her studies, Lucinda worked as a psychologist in the performing arts for the Australian Ballet School, the Australian Ballet company, the Australian National Academy of Music and in private practice. In 2012 Lucinda and her husband, Chris Champion, moved to Hobart where they own and operate Forty South Publishing, the largest Tasmanian book publisher and publishers of the iconic Forty South Tasmania (print and online magazine).
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Sunday 6th April 2025 – 4:00PM Sunday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Hobart as a UNESCO City of Literature: What It Means for Tasmania Join us for an exciting panel event on Hobart as a UNESCO City of Literature: What It Means for Tasmania’s Future. This forward-looking discussion will explore the transformative potential of Hobart’s UNESCO recognition, focusing on how it will shape the state’s literary and cultural landscape in the years ahead. Local authors and experts will discuss the opportunities for growth in the local literary scene, fostering collaborations, and nurturing a new generation of writers and creatives. Don’t miss this chance to hear how Hobart’s designation is paving the way for a brighter, more dynamic cultural future for Tasmania.
About the Presenters
Dr Rayne Allinson Dr Rayne Allinson received her BA and MA at the University of Melbourne and her DPhil in History at the University of Oxford. She is the author of A Monarchy of Letters: Royal Correspondence and English Diplomacy in the Reign of Elizabeth I(Palgrave Macmillan, 2012). After a long career in academia, she is now Assistant Publisher at Forty South Publishing, a board member of TasWriters, and a bookseller at Fullers Bookshop where she runs the Reading Group.
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Sunday 6th April 2025 – 5:00PM Sunday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
LitFest Networking Event Join us at the Hobart LitFest Festival Hub for an exclusive networking event! Connect with fellow book lovers, authors, and industry professionals in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. Enjoy a complimentary drink upon entry as you mingle and share your passion for literature. This is the perfect opportunity to make new connections, exchange ideas, and be part of a vibrant literary community. Don’t miss out on this exciting event – where creativity and conversation flow!
Story Island Project – A Hobart-based not-for-profit organisation that nurtures the creativity and writing skills of young Tasmanians and celebrates their diverse voices.
The Hobart Bookshop– A proud independent and locally owned bookshop in Salamanca Square, Hobart, Tasmania.
Island Magazine– A not-for-profit premium Australian literary magazine of fiction, poetry, nonfiction and arts features.
Celebrate Hobart’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature at Hobart LitFest!
Join us for a dynamic program showcasing Tasmania’s finest writers, with engaging panels, book launches, interactive workshops, and intimate readings. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with the literary talent that makes Hobart unique. The festival will culminate in an exciting Independent Book Fair, where you can discover and support local independent authors and publishers. Don’t miss out on this celebration of words, culture, and creativity in the heart of Tasmania.
Saturday 5th April 2025 – 12:00PM Saturday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Opening Lines and Unresolved Issues: How to begin and how to end a really good story Katherine Johnson, Kathryn Lomer and Robbie Arnott are all Award-winning Tasmanian authors, who will be sharing some insights as to how they set their opening scenes, what to say at the end, and what might be best left unsaid.
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Saturday 5th April 2025 – 1:15PM Saturday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
People are so Gullible: Do Facts in History even matter anymore? Our world is full of heavy words and grand proclamations hurled with such passion and force because someone wants us to believe them. But saying something does not make it so. Esteemed Tasmanian historians Hamish Maxwell-Stewart, Robert Cox and Alison Alexander remind us of the value of Fact and Evidence in Writing History.
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Saturday 5th April 2025 – 2:30PM Saturday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Short stories and Long shots: Weaving the improbable with the credible (in under 5,000 words) The short story has been a valued and favoured form for writers and readers for hundreds of years. What art is there in fashioning an engaging tale without the freedom of unlimited length. Cameron Hindrum, Leigh Swinbourne and Mallika Naguran have each published collections of short stories, and will share their thoughts on how to tame big ideas in order to reveal all that the reader needs to know, sometimes in only a few pages.
Burning Bridges, Burning Books & Burning Issues We have always lauded a writer’s courage to say what needs to be said. With subtlety and satire, history’s sacred cows have been subjected to scrutiny. Award-winning Tasmanian authors, including Adam Ouston, Gina Mercer, and Ben Walter ponder the rights and obligations of the contemporary writer to say what they wish to say in an increasingly complex world.
A Distillation of the Language: Why Poetry is the highest form of writing. In this provocation, Pete Hay, Anne Kellas, and Sarah Day; three of Tasmania’s most highly regarded poets, will share why Poetry is their chosen form, and how Poetry, alone, allows human concerns, both personal and universal, to co-exist, and to be articulated within the most economic use of the English language.
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Saturday 5th April 2025 – 7:30PM Saturday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
The Great Debate – Plotting vs Pantsing Are you a Plotter or a Pantser? Is it better to plot out every story point, every twist, every action, every scene? Or fly by the seat of your pants and go where the story or characters flows? Everyone does it differently, some do a little of both. Join us for a panel of Pantsers and Plotters as they debate whether it is better to plot out your novel or fly by the seat of your pants!
The Panelists
Lissa Bilyk I’m Lissa, an Australian indie author and proud advocate of the Oxford comma! After spending a few years living in the UK, I now currently reside in the breathtakingly beautiful Tasmania/lutruwita with my husband and a black cat/feral gremlin. Armed with a BA (Hons) in English Literature, I craft bold, cinematic stories packed with heart-pounding action, thrilling adventure, and just the right amount of kissing! My debut novel, The Edge of Darkness, was published in 2011.
Ruth Amos RJ (Ruth) Amos worked as a lecturer in chemistry for ten years before deciding that she’d much prefer to write for a living. She started her writing with some cosy mysteries, bringing in the drama of the academic world, and has moved on to experiment with science fiction. She has also written two self-help books: My Year of Saying NO and Boots That Fit, that share the lessons she learned as she simplified her life. She hopes that others will also experience the joy of a life that fits them perfectly. Ruth is married to Moz, and they have two grown-up children, two children-in-law and three delightful grandkids. She loves reading, is a relatively unskilled knitter, and enjoys walking along the beach (pretty much any beach will do).
Mark Mannock Amazon bestselling author Mark Mannock writes the successful Nicholas Sharp Thrillers sold in over 50 countries worldwide. Sharp is a complex character who turned his back on his life as a US Marine sniper to seek solace in his beloved piano. Despite his best efforts, Sharp’s insatiable curiosity combined with his inability to turn his back on those in trouble leads him into situations fraught with danger. Mark’s new series, The Lachlan Byrn Thrillers, explore the fine line between an assassin, a vigilante, and a serial killer. Byrn’s escapades take the reader on an interesting journey into one man’s dark psychological make up.
DK Girl Danielle K Girl is an Aussie living in stunning Tasmania with her three furkids, cats Luffy, Sweetie and Ren, and feathered fowl; hens, Calliope and Hyacinth. She has just completed an 8-book historical fantasy series with queer romance, set in Victorian England. When she’s not listening to Kpop, D K Girl is reading up on all the mythologies of the world to find inspiration for more stories of the supernatural and strange. Come say Hello on the socials! instagram – daniellekgirl facebook – DKGirlbooks
Lou Powers Ex soldier, sports coach, former IT professional, previously unemployed bum and one-time pizza delivery driver, Lou Powers weaves aspects of his entire life into his stories, often drawing on real-life experiences for inspiration. The author of the Jimmy Eyebrow – Budget Hitman series of books, Lou plots his stories out at the highest level, but once the writing starts, the chaos begins. He knows where he’s going, but hasn’t a clue how he’s going to get there, which is then ultimately reflected in the shambolic journey that Jimmy Eyebrow and his cohorts inevitably find themselves embarking on in each book. In full understanding that his works are as likely to win a literary award as he is of being appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lou instead hopes simply that his readers get enjoyment out of his stories and read them through the same ridiculous lens with which they were written.
David Webby David, originally born in New Zealand, has lived in various parts of Australia and currently lives in the beautiful Huon Valley in Tasmania, with his wife, two labradoodles, and a few chooks. He is a man of many talents; juggler, photographer, and bee keeper, to name a few, and loves hiking the wilds of Tasmania. A self-confessed ‘Foot Magician’ (aka Podiatrist), by day. David loves the life balance of work and home life. It gives him time for personal and creative pursuits, including writing. David has been writing for over ten years. After a hilarious incident, when two mice jumped out of the car upon their return from a Bunya Mountains holiday, his wife, Victoria, said ‘that was so funny. You should write a story about that!’ Thus, the adventures of Harry and Larry were born. Including stories originating from an extended camping holiday around Australia in 2016, the trilogy ‘The Misadventures of Harry and Larry’ was produced. It was officially published in 2022.
Simon Thiessen I am Simon James (S.J.) Thiessen. I live in Hobart, Tasmania with my wife Jane, and have four children. I started writing Aether to fulfill a lifelong dream of writing a novel. My writing was a hobby, a distraction from my work as an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author of business books and podcaster – which is why Aether took so long to write! As I wrote, I realised I didn’t really want to write a novel. I wanted to be a novelist and so the DI Stratton series will continue to expand. My stories are inspired by a love of mysteries and overlaid with themes I am passionate about: Tasmania, dyslexia, triathlon, inclusiveness and equity, and a healthy dose of anti-establishment-ism. Like DI Terry Stratton, I am an enthusiastic, rather than talented, triathlete and have represented Australia twelve times in age group world championships in Beijing, Auckland, Chicago, Cozumel (Mexico), Adelaide and Montreal. My favourite authors include Ian Rankin whose evocative description of Edinburgh makes me feel I have lived there despite never (yet) visiting, and Reginald Hill for his wonderful characters and intriguing plots. I hope the influence of both is apparent in my writing.
Cary Lenehan Cary Lenehan is a former trades assistant, soldier, public servant, cab driver, truck driver, game designer, fishmonger, horticulturalist and university tutor – among other things. His hobbies include collecting and reading books (the non-fiction are Dewey decimalised), Tasmanian native plants (particularly the edible ones), medieval re-creation and gaming. He has taught people how to use everything from short-swords to rocket launchers. He met his wife at an SF Convention while cosplaying and they have been together since that time. He was born in Sydney before marrying and moving to the Snowy Mountains where they started their family. They moved to Tasmania for the warmer winters. Looking out of the window beside Cary’s computer in Hobart/nipaluna is a sweeping view of Mount Wellington/kunanyi and its range of mountains.
Story Island Project – A Hobart-based not-for-profit organisation that nurtures the creativity and writing skills of young Tasmanians and celebrates their diverse voices.
The Hobart Bookshop– A proud independent and locally owned bookshop in Salamanca Square, Hobart, Tasmania.
Island Magazine– A not-for-profit premium Australian literary magazine of fiction, poetry, nonfiction and arts features.
Celebrate Hobart’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature at Hobart LitFest!
Join us for a dynamic program showcasing Tasmania’s finest writers, with engaging panels, book launches, interactive workshops, and intimate readings. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with the literary talent that makes Hobart unique. The festival will culminate in an exciting Independent Book Fair, where you can discover and support local independent authors and publishers. Don’t miss out on this celebration of words, culture, and creativity in the heart of Tasmania.
Friday 4th April 2025 – 4:00PM Friday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Festival Hub Open Welcome to the Hobart LitFest Hub – a cozy retreat for ticket holders! Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee as you unwind in a comfortable space designed for writer and readers alike. Whether you’re here to sit back with a good book, jot down your thoughts, or simply connect with fellow festivalgoers, our hub offers a perfect escape. Come in, recharge, and take a moment to enjoy the slightly quieter side of the festival.
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Friday 4th April 2025 – 5:30PM Friday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Tasmanian Literary Prize Longlist Open Mic Join us for a special Open Mic session featuring Tasmanian Literary Prize Longlist authors! This intimate event offers a chance to hear short snippets of their captivating works, as they share their stories and voices with Hobart audiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience firsthand the talent and creativity of these exciting authors.
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Friday 4th April 2025 – 7:00PM Friday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Scratch Night with Bad Company Theatre Step into the creative world of Hobart’s emerging playwrights at our Scratch Night! Join us for an evening of play readings, showcasing new works by up-and-coming local writers. Facilitated by the talented team at Bad Company Theatre, this is a unique opportunity to experience raw, untapped stories in their early stages. Be part of the creative process, offer feedback, and witness the future of Hobart theatre unfold!
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Friday 4th April 2025 – 7:00PM Friday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER Join PROTEA Impro as we perform a classic novel in JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER. Which book? Well that’s up to you! As a Hobart LitFest special treat we’ll be asking about your favourite romance novels, romantic characters and Tas literature and then we’ll see them come to life in a stunning (or bewildering) improvised stage adaptation. Will it be a faithful adaptation? Not even close: Just give us some titles, some plot points, maybe a couple of characters and we’ll do the rest.
See you on Friday April 4th for JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER ‘Let’s build a romance novel!’
PROTEA Impro PROTEA Impro is Tasmania’s leading improvised theatre company. Specialising in full length plays and narrative works which they have performed across the country and overseas. They also hold the Tasmanian licence for Theatresports™️ which they perform monthly at The Founders Room SAC.
PROTEA Impro’s 2025 season is supported by Salamanca Arts Centre
Tasmanian improvisation. Follow us on Insta @proteaimpro
Story Island Project – A Hobart-based not-for-profit organisation that nurtures the creativity and writing skills of young Tasmanians and celebrates their diverse voices.
The Hobart Bookshop– A proud independent and locally owned bookshop in Salamanca Square, Hobart, Tasmania.
Island Magazine– A not-for-profit premium Australian literary magazine of fiction, poetry, nonfiction and arts features.
Celebrate Hobart’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature at Hobart LitFest!
Join us for a dynamic program showcasing Tasmania’s finest writers, with engaging panels, book launches, interactive workshops, and intimate readings. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with the literary talent that makes Hobart unique. The festival will culminate in an exciting Independent Book Fair, where you can discover and support local independent authors and publishers. Don’t miss out on this celebration of words, culture, and creativity in the heart of Tasmania.
Salamanca Arts Centre’s Hobart LitFest runs from Thursday 3rd until Saturday 12th April 2025 in the Long Gallery and is supported by the City of Hobart, and sponsored by Forty South Tasmania, Island Magazine, The Hobart Bookshop, and many other Tasmanian organisations, groups, and businesses.
Full Program for the Hobart LitFest 2025 can be found online HERE
Thursday 3rd April 2025 – 6:30PM Opening Event including Keynote Speech by Peter Timms
How have we become a City of Literature & how do we compare? Join us for the official opening of the festival followed by a keynote speech by Peter Timms, through which we will explore the journey that led to our city being recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature. Delve into the rich literary history, cultural influences, and key milestones that have shaped our city’s identity in the literary world. We’ll also compare our literary standing to other global cities, highlighting what sets us apart and what we can learn from their successes. Don’t miss this chance to reflect on our literary legacy and future over drinks and nibbles!
About the Presenter Peter Timms held curatorial positions in Australian museums between 1973 and 1988. He was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 1984 and an Australia Council Senior Writers’ Fellowship in 1994. Since 1988 he has been a freelance journalist and author, including five years as editor of Art Monthly Australia and art critic for The Age. Peter has published eleven books, including Australian Studio Pottery, Making Nature, What’s Wrong with Contemporary Art?, Australia’s Quarter Acre, Private Lives, and Hobart. His first novel, Asking for Trouble, was published by HarperCollins in 2014. His most recent book is Silliness: a Serious History.
Full Program for the Hobart LitFest 2025 can be found online HERE
Story Island Project – A Hobart-based not-for-profit organisation that nurtures the creativity and writing skills of young Tasmanians and celebrates their diverse voices.
The Hobart Bookshop– A proud independent and locally owned bookshop in Salamanca Square, Hobart, Tasmania.
Island Magazine– A not-for-profit premium Australian literary magazine of fiction, poetry, nonfiction and arts features.
Sat 1 March, 2025 7:30pm – 10:00pm (Doors open at 7pm) Live @ The Founders Room Salamanca Arts Centre 65b Woobys Lane, or for lift access enter through The Courtyard
$28 +bf each $52 +bf for 2 x tickets $91 +bf for 4 x tickets
Welcome to the launch of the Salamanca Jazz2025 series, live in the Founders Room on Woobys Lane. The Jode Brewster Trio performs Joe Henderson’s landmark album, ‘The State Of The Tenor’ (Live at The Village Vanguard).
Saturday 1st March 2025 Doors & bar open at 7pm Music from 7:30pm
The Founders Room on Woobys Lane Salamanca Arts Centre
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In this concert, which will launch our Salamanca Jazz 2025 concert series, the Jode Brewster Trio will pay tribute to Joe Henderson’s landmark album, The State Of The Tenor (Live at The Village Vanguard). Recorded in 1985 in New York, this album is held in very high regard as one of the most important albums that worked towards the development of chord-less trio performance and the jazz language as a whole. The Jode Brewster Trio will perform the album in its entirety, plus some additional tunes from surrounding Joe Henderson Albums and other favourites. This band promises to deliver a captivating performance along with information about the tunes to give listeners a deeper understanding of the music.
Jed Adams is a Hobart-based double-bass and saxophone player. He has been in and around the Hobart scene for over 10 years, and has had the fortune of collaborating with some of Hobart’s best musicians in that time.
Dude, with a knowing look on his face, standing in front of a yellow wall, and with his left hand resting, casually, but not carelessly, on a double bass.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chris McGuinness-Terry is one of the most prominent young jazz drummers in Hobart. With a passion for collaboration and cross-pollination between genres, Chris also plays with a variety of artists in different groups and capacities within the Hobart music scene.
Dude, sporting a well-groomed beard, and wearing a rather ‘loud’ shirt and beige trousers, playing the drums, in front of the rock wall in the Salamanca Arts Centre Courtyard.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jode Brewster is an emerging saxophone artist from Hobart, who passionately embraces the jazz language; drawing inspiration from legends like John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, Sonny Stitt, and Joe Henderson.
A young gentleman, wearing glasses and a mid-blue shirt and dark trousers, performing on a saxophone.
Please note that the Courtyard Lift IS OPERATING!
Doors & Bar open at 7pm
Music begins at 7.30pm The Founders Room on Woobys Lane Salamanca Arts Centre.
Tickets are only $28 ea +BF, or buy two tix for $52+BF, or buy four tix for only $91+BF.
This concert at Salamanca Arts Centre is supported by Arts Tasmania’s 2025 Arts Projects Fund. Salamanca Arts Centre is grateful for this support via Arts Tasmania and the Minister for the Arts.
