Here’s HELEN MUSA’s latest “Arts in the City” column, a potpourri of all things arts in and around the town. 

THE 20-piece Spectrum Big Band will be joined by Hawker College band, where they’ve been in residence, to play the first notes heard in Australia on International Jazz Day. They’ll be exploring the historical developments of jazz music and the influence of big bands in popular media. Murranji Theatre, 51 Murranji Street, Hawker, 2pm, April 30. 

“A WHOLE Other Story” is a solo exhibition by British painter and illustrator artist John A Rowe who was, incidentally, the 2022 winner of the National Capital Art Prize. Opens at Aarwun Gallery, Nicholls, 6pm, Friday, May 5. There’ll be a children’s book reading of Rowe’s “I Want A Hug”, to which families with children are welcome, 2pm, May 6. Rowe’s paintings are a combination of figurative storytelling and abstract art.

MUSICA Viva is presenting a blend of instruments rarely heard in classical chamber music: flute, harp, and viola, in the concert “Among the Birds and the Trees”. The recital features London Symphony Orchestra flautist Adam Walker, Vienna Philharmonic harpist Anneleen Lenaerts and BBC New Generation Artist Timothy Ridout. The centrepiece will be Debussy’s sprawling “Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp”, performed alongside modern works inspired by Debussy’s soundscapes. Llewellyn Hall, 7pm, May 11.

FORMER ANU professor and percussionist extraordinaire Gary France’s Vibelicious sextet is appearing in Geoff’s Jazz with a tribute to American jazz vibraphonist and bebop player, Milt “Bags” Jackson. Smith’s Alternative, Alinga Street, Civic, 7pm, May 3.

THE “Apprentease” competition welcomes performers from all backgrounds to compete for their chance to win the Burlesque Excellence Award as well as prizes focused on their professional development. Apprentease ACT is run by state producer Jazida and co-producer Chocolate É Claire! It includes performance spots, mentorship, classes and costume items. Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, 7pm, May 5, details at theapprentease.com 

HUNGARIAN-Austrian composer György Ligeti wrote some of the most striking music of the late 20th century. To mark his centenary, pianist Edward “Teddy” Neeman, harpsichordist Donald Nicolson, the Alma Moodie Quartet and Miroslav Bukovsky, John Mackey and Aron Ottignon will perform his works at ANU School of Art and Design Gallery, 2pm, May 1.