Here’s the latest “Arts in the City” column from arts editor HELEN MUSA.

THE company Big hART, of “Namatjira” and “Ngapartji Ngapartji” fame, is coming to Canberra with “Songs for Freedom”, a concert written about community experiences in Roebourne, WA. Musically directed by Lucky Oceans, the family friendly event also marks the 40th anniversary of the death of John Pat in 1983, which triggered a royal commission into deaths in custody. Llewellyn Hall, September 9.

IN “Larry’s Cabaret Beret”, Sydney’s Larry Olive joins Anita Douche, Nigel Hornberry, Mikelangelo and Shortis and Simpson for a wild night of cabaret at Smith’s Alternative, September 8.

CELLIST David Pereira will play Popper’s “Hungarian Rhapsody” with Musica da Camera then direct the orchestra in a program of music for young and old, including Pereira’s own variations on “Incy Wincy Spider” and some classical music from “Bluey”. Holy Covenant Church, Cook, 2.30pm, September 9 and Soldier’s Memorial Hall, Gundaroo, 2.30pm, September 10.

CABARET queen Jazida tells us of “Mayhem & Music: Rebellion!” a punk live performance revue that looks at the idea of rebellion, living authentically and doing the unexpected, particularly through a queer lens. “C-Block Cell”, Gorman Arts Centre, September 2.

CANBERRA Bach Ensemble will explore Bach’s “Shepherd” cantatas, BWV 104, 85, 112 and the Mass in F, BWV 233. St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka, September 2 and 3.

ART Song Canberra’s next concert, “To the Sun!” will be performed by Songmakers Australia, made up of Merlyn Quaife, Christina Wilson, Brenton Spiteri and Nicholas Dinopoulos with Andrea Katz on piano. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, September 3.