IN “Black is the New White”, brilliant young lawyer Charlotte is expected to be a female indigenous Waleed Aly, but it’s Christmas time when all the home truths come out and worse, she’s in love. “Black comedy” writer Nakkiah Lui admits that the “Meet the Fockers” scenario is not far away. At The Playhouse, March 28-31 (but not Good Friday). Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

IRISH pop singer Gilbert O’Sullivan says he’s been in Australia before but never with a full band. As part of his 50th anniversary celebrations he’ll be at the Canberra Theatre on March 26. Bookings to canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 6275 2700.

“SUMMER to Summer” is J.G. Montgomery’s seventh book. Set in early 1980s Canberra, it introduces us to the usual stereotypes – city without a soul, big country town, fat cat public servants and roundabouts – but penetrates the clichés to depict a city of growth and excitement. It’s available through pendragonpublishing.com.au.

“PAPER, Scissors, Rock” is a collection of works on paper by Julie Bradley, one of the true stayers in the Canberra visual arts scene. Some works were created at the Haefliger cottage while she was on artist residency at Hill End and the catalogue essay has been written by “CityNews” arts reviewer Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak. At ANCA Gallery, 1 Rosevear Street, Dickson, until April 8, noon-5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

AEOLUS Wind Trio, featuring Lis Hoorweg on clarinet, Jodie Petrov on flute and David Whitbread on bassoon, will mark its 35th anniversary by performing in Wesley Music Centre, 2pm on March 24 and in the Old Gunning Courthouse, 3pm, on Sunday, March 25. Tickets at the door.

HALL School Museum and Heritage Centre is presenting a traditional “in the park” twilight concert to be hosted by musical polymath David Kilby and featuring the Canberra Brass Band under director Kevin Knapp, with Katie de Veau as vocal soloist. Refreshments available or BYO picnic. On the lawns of the Hall School, 4pm, on March 25.

“ART in the Gardens” is the 11th annual exhibition of work by the botanic artists of the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Raising money to support the gardens, it’s at the Visitors’ Gallery, 9.30am-4.30pm, until April 15. Admission is free and all paintings are for sale.

CRAFT ACT has launched a campaign to raise funds for a unique indigenous jewellery design project, working with Creative Partnerships Australia and Jenni Kemarre Martiniello, of Kemarre Arts. To donate, visit chuffed.org and search for “Indigenous Jewellery Project” before March 29.

THE Canberra Short Film Festival, September 12-16, is open for entries in international, national, Canberra-made, documentary, indigenous film, animation, music videos, two-minute film and under-18s categories. Submissions to withoutabox.com by June 30.