Songs, Stories & Sweet Things

Name: Songs, Stories & Sweet Things
Start: 2026-06-28T14:00:00+10:00
End: 2026-06-28T14:00:00+10:00
Location: Paddington Hall

About

You’re invited to spend a Sunday afternoon with two Brisbane creatives, immersing yourself in community, music, art, stories and cake. Family-friendly and open to all ages, this event is a chance to get out of the house, get inspired and feel alive.

Musicians also have the opportunity to participate in the performance by joining in community choir and strings workshops the day before.

Monique Clare brings her cello, her songs, and her famously candid stage presence for two sets of live music. Brisbane illustrator Ingrid Bartkowiak joins her with a reading of her award-winning picture book Naturopolis, original artwork on display, and a market stall of her beautiful work. There'll be a bake sale, complimentary tea, cushions on the floor for the little ones, and permission to be yourself.

This is a neurodiverse-friendly event, so while the concert is happen you’re welcome to:
Draw
Knit/crotchet
Colour in
Embroider
Write
Bring anything quiet to keep your hands busy
Move
Leave and run around outside if you get restless

Next door is a park, playground, BBQ and skatepark so families can make a day of it, and kids can run around before the show to let off some energy before coming inside to relax.

NOTE TO PARENTS:
To make sure everyone can enjoy the show, please prep your kids for the event by encouraging them to sit still and quietly while the performance is happening. Bring picture books, colouring in or similar activities if you think they’ll need the distraction. Let them know they can dance to the music and clap and shout loudly after each song. Show them videos of the music (look up Monique Clare on youtube) and get them curious about the cello. If your child wants to make some noise, you’re welcome to take them outside for a little while.

WORKSHOPS
The day before, on Saturday 27 June, join Monique at Ithaca Hall for choir and strings workshops:

Choir
10am-11:45am
In this workshop we'll learn harmony parts for one of my songs and a cover (Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper), then sing together onstage at the end of the Sunday concert. We'll start with vocal warm ups, work on confidently holding two or three harmony parts, learn how to blend as a group and put our brand new choir to the test in front of an audience!

Strings
12:15-2pm
Open to violinists, violists and cellists who can learn quickly, play reasonably in tune, and are excited to try learning and performing without using sheet music! We’ll learn string accompaniment parts for one of my songs and a cover (Pink Pony Club). There’ll be options for different skill levels so that more advanced players can extend themselves while more beginner players won’t feel overwhelmed.

General admission $25. Workshop + show passes $40.
All ages. All are welcome. Bring the kids. Bring your mum and dad!