Smith's Alternative

Smith's Alternative Smith's Alternative, a bookshop for 37 years, is now a performing arts venue and art gallery/cafe/bar. Check the website for details.

Smith's is open midday-9.30pm every night, later if there is a late show on. Smith's is a cafe and art gallery by day, with fine coffee, teas and in-house baked treats and hand-made toasted sandwiches. By night it's a cosy bar and performing arts cafe, with a good selection of wines, beers, cider, the odd cocktail and events most nights, including all genres of music, comedy, poetry, cabaret, burlesque, performance art, anything that Canberra's and the world's creative community throws up, we'll host it. Find out more at www.smithsalternative.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/smithsalternative

Dept. of Rock 2026 begins. Opening remarks from the Secretary, Leanne Thompson.
29/09/2026

Dept. of Rock 2026 begins. Opening remarks from the Secretary, Leanne Thompson.

I HOLD THE LION’S PAW AND OUT WITH THE INSATURDAY OCTOBER 24, 7-9PM$20/10 https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/i-hol...
29/09/2026

I HOLD THE LION’S PAW AND OUT WITH THE IN
SATURDAY OCTOBER 24, 7-9PM
$20/10 https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/i-hold-the-lions-paw-104725

A night of rarities. Smith’s Alternative hosts a double bill feast of musical riches.

Opening up proceedings is a quartet of diversities – Out With The In: Miroslav Bukovsky trumpet -Helen Svoboda bass – Sophie Min piano – Ronny Ferella drums. This new grouping brings together a richness of music making- generational, cultural, historical.

Musical marauders I Hold The Lion’s Paw will mix their sonic brew for set two. The band is currently on tour and promoting their recent release Potentially Interesting Jazz Music.

“a beguiling stew of afro-beat, jazz-rock-inflected postbop, and electro-acoustic noise.” — The Wire

Reuben Lewis trumpet/synth
Emily Bennett vox/synth
Helen Svoboda bass
Ronny Ferella drums

28/09/2026

Wednesday’s Arts Cafe We’ll hear from Aus music legend Hugo Race about his latest album I Made It All Up For You that he recorded with his Italian band The Fatalists & Michelangelo Russo, which will be launched at Smith's Alternative on Saturday 10th October. Pete Ross from Pete Ross and the Sapphire will preview the launch of their self-titled album at Smith's Alternative this Sunday afternoon. And, jazz trumpeter & composer Thomas Avgenicos will talk about his quartet Delay 45 launching their new album I’ll Go Where You Go (also) at Smith's Alternative tomorrow night. Music by bands & musicians playing around town. Broadcast 12-2pm

TWO BLONDES + A BLOKESASSY JAZZ, BLUES AND GROOVESSUNDAY NOVEMBER 8, 4-6PM$20/15 https://www.smithsalternative.com/event...
28/09/2026

TWO BLONDES + A BLOKE
SASSY JAZZ, BLUES AND GROOVES
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8, 4-6PM
$20/15 https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/two-blondes-a-bloke-104738

One jazz master. Two sassy blonde vocalists. Three great mates. TWO BLONDES + A BLOKE return to once again delight audiences with their trademark sparkle, musicality and infectious sense of fun.

At the piano, jazz master John Black brings the sophistication, the swing and the occasional raised eyebrow. Joining him are powerhouse vocalist Gaye Reid and captivating songstress Lisa McClelland. Expect rich vocals, lush harmonies, dazzling piano and cheeky banter, as three great mates explore the tangled territories of life, love and mischief.

With more than three decades of performing experience each, this seasoned trio take a playful, stylish and often unexpected journey through jazz, latin, blues, pop and original songs, breathing fresh life into familiar favourites and serving up a few delicious surprises along the way.

Their collective credits span Adelaide Fringe, Thredbo, Manly and Darling Harbour Jazz Festivals, Blues on Broadbeach, Canberra’s Spiegeltent and the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

Sophisticated enough for the jazz lovers. Cheeky enough for everyone else.

TWO BLONDES + A BLOKE — jazz, blues, cabaret... and a little trouble.

“Such a gorgeous show with great tunes, fabulous voices & lots of giggles as well.” Adelaide Fringe: Hidden Gem Reviews, Mar ‘26

OLIVER DJURKOVIC 4TET PRESENT: CYCLESFRIDAY OCTOBER 23, 6:30-8:30PM$20/15 https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/olive...
28/09/2026

OLIVER DJURKOVIC 4TET PRESENT: CYCLES
FRIDAY OCTOBER 23, 6:30-8:30PM
$20/15 https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/oliver-djurkovic-4tet-104728

Come and join Oliver Djurkovic and his 4tet to officially launch “Cycles”, Djurkovic’s 3rd album.

Cycles is a 5 part suite that explores themes of life, humanity the spirit and introspection. Applying new compositional elements and vibrant musical energy, this album presents a departure from classic jazz embracing a more modern and freer sound.

Joined by Mic Knight (Piano), Connor Moloney (Drums), and Oscar Winter-Giles (Bass), this evening will be filled with exciting new sounds and maze-like improvisation.

There will also be physical CD’s to be bought!

LIGHTBULB’S CHRISTMAS COMEDY SPECIALTHURSDAY DECEMBER 3, 7-9PM$25/20 https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/lightbulb-...
28/09/2026

LIGHTBULB’S CHRISTMAS COMEDY SPECIAL
THURSDAY DECEMBER 3, 7-9PM
$25/20 https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/lightbulb-104710

Come and delight in the quick-wit and creativity of improvised comedy masterminds with a hint of Christmas cheer. Fresh from their sold out season of “Clueless: Murder with a Twist”, Lightbulb returns to their live sketch origins to bring you their annual Christmas special at Smiths. Combining the wit of stand-up and the intimacy of live theatre, Lightbulb creates memorable stories, colourful characters, enchanting songs and plenty of laughs.

Join Lightbulb for a night of comedy mayhem that will never be repeated!

Lightbulb Improv is Canberra’s premiere improvised comedy ensemble. Since 2016, the Lightbulb Troupe has delighted audiences with their unique flavour of warm, funny and spontaneous theatre. Lightbulb is known for their unscripted takes on well-known genres with “Clueless: Murder with a Twist”; ‘Shakespeare: Off The Ruff’ and ‘Austen: Under The Bonnet”. They have produced and performed shows at festivals and events across Australia and internationally, including Canberra Comedy Festival, Art Not Apart, Brisbane Impro Festival and the National Folk Festival. They love bringing their comedy magic to Smith’s Alternative.

Want more? Check out www.lightbulbimprov.com.

28/09/2026

Australian bassist James Shortland is proud to present Emergence, the debut album and national tour from one of Australia's exciting emerging jazz artists. Blending original compositions with new arrangements and selections from the jazz tradition, Emergence traces James' personal and musical journey through challenge, growth and renewal.

27/09/2026

Arts Cafe Monday! We talk with Stacy Jewell from Craft + Design Canberra about a new suite of exhibitions and reprise our convo with Olivier David about the current Barton ArtBox show of Andrew Sayers’ work. Music new and notable from all over the place 12-2pm!

Address

76 Alinga Street
Canberra, ACT
2601

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday 12pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday 12pm - 9:30pm
Thursday 12pm - 9:30pm
Friday 12pm - 11:30pm
Saturday 12pm - 11:30pm
Sunday 12pm - 9:30pm

Website

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