The Idea of North has always been renowned for its exceptional ability to connect musically and emotionally with an audience. They take songs people know and songs they don't and tell the stories through their enviably imaginative and arresting vocal arrangements - all without touching an instrument. Duly recognised in its time, with international recording and performance awards and two ARIA Awards here in Australia, The Idea of North is in its most exciting iteration to date with the addition of the incredible vocal percussionist Kai Kitamura. Kai's ability to emulate an entire acoustic drum kit with nothing but his microphone is astounding even to the most discerning of audiences, as well as the most rhythmic of drummers. If you think you know the limits of what the human voice can create, then hearing and experiencing this astounding group will make you think again. The performance will be at 7pm on Thursday, April 4 at Armidale Town hall. Tickets $25-$45 available through www.trybooking.com

ADFAS LECTURE: SOPHIE MASSON

The ADFAS Armidale lecture will be at the Michael Hoskins Centre, The Armidale School, 6pm. It will feature Sophie Masson, who is an acclaimed author of more than 60 books for children and adults. She has won the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, and the young adult category in the Aurealis Awards. Guests are welcome at lectures. Cost for non-members is $25 per lecture, which includes supper and drinks. Bookings can be made on Trybooking.com. For membership enquiries, contact Jane Gow on 6772 6441.

TOASTMASTERS

Toastmasters has been helping people with public speaking and leadership since 1924. New England Toastmasters meet on the first and third Mondays of the month at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start at the Homestead at the University of New England. Find out more at http://newenglandtoastmasters.com​