Welcome to this week's OnlyMelbourne newsletter guide to Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community - August 20 - August 26, 2007.
This Week.. The Melbourne Writer's Festival, Experimenta Playground opens, Short & Sharp - a must-see for cinema fans, Melba Spiegeltent's La Soireea and get ready for the upcoming Melbourne On Show!
We also have AFL and Basketball match details and much more info on many upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
The Age Melbourne Writers Festival begins this Friday, starting ten days of chat, banter and provocation with the world's top writers. The Melbourne Writers' Festival, running until September 2, is a highlight for lovers of the written word with more than 250 events including music, debates, fun and games, and Jane Clifton's late-night literary cabaret 'The Shallow End.'
Experimenta Playground is an interactive exhibition that mixes art and creative technology. Featuring innovative displays and playful artworks by Australian and international artists, these exhibitions demystify often complex technology.
Experimenta Playground will open on 25 August and run until 23 September at BlackBox, the Arts Centre.
The Melba Spiegeltent presents La Soiree - a live event with a gypsy soul and a hungry heart! A spiegeltent is a hand-hewn pavilion used as travelling dance hall and wine tasting marquee since the early 20th century. A theatre, a salon, a portal to another time and more, La Soiree is a must-see attraction, running for a limited season until November 18 at Northcote Town Hall Civic Square.
Energise Enterprise 07 is Victoria's premier Small Business Festival, taking place throughout August with a huge range of events, workshops and information sessions and forums.
With over 400 events in metropolitan and regional Victoria to choose from Energise Enterprise 07 has something to offer everyone.
The competition sees finalists pitching their ideas to film industry judges and the audience for the chance to get their short film made. Legendary singer Kutcha Edwards (pictured) will be performing on the night.
Melbourne On Show, taking place August 29 & 30 at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, showcases everything you need to host a successful corporate event, be it a Fundraiser, Christmas Party, Special Function, or even to entertain clients or reward staff.
A must for business owners, personal assistants and all event organisers, this fabulous expo also highlights popular team building programs at the Challenge Laser Skirmish and Paintball Circuit! Visit www.melbourneonshow.com.au
Father's Day Ideas
Father's Day is only 3 weeks away - September 2nd - so now's a good time to plan ahead and get a great gift for Dad!
Why not buy Dad a Melbourne Sports Tour voucher. Mention OnlyMelbourne and receive 10% Off all Melbourne Sports Tours. More Details Here
The Hurstbridge Wattle Festival, 26th August, has its roots firmly planted in our early rail history. A joyous celebration of Melbourne's heritage, the festival features an extensive array of activities, food and entertainment for all!
The Sweet Temptation Expo will tempt with all things sweet, offering a variety of treats that will be hard to resist. Held at the Royal Exhibition Building from 25 - 26 August, the exhibition is also open on Friday 24 for a Trade-only show.
RACV Home Show & Garden Expo - Get your home and garden ready for spring with the RACV Home Show & Garden Expo! Beginning August 25 at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, the expo showcases the best in decoration and home improvement.
Collective Memory is the new solo exhibition of Jennyfer Stratman. Opening August 15 at Über Gallery, Stratman's sculptures investigate the landscapes of the psyche and how these resonate with the landscapes of the natural environment.
Artefact is an exhibition in which thirteen contemporary artists have woven small-scale works through historical artefacts, putting a new twist on the traditional forms of display at City Museum's Making Melbourne Galleries.
Arts & Theatre
Mudfest 10, the largest student arts festival in Australia, begins August 20. Based on the theme of the indigenous concept of 6 seasons this year, the festival brings student art and theatre to the community with a wide and varied program.
Dollypop & Seduce opens August 24 at Monash Gallery of Art. Dollypop is Renato Grome's series of large photographs of Barbie and Ken dolls in various playfully ironic poses. Seduced, also the work of Grome, features boldly captured exotic flora.
Holiday, playing at the Arts House until August 22, is a contemporary baroque musical. Presented by Ranters Theatre, Holiday exposes the hidden anxieties and strange, inexplicable behaviour between two people who only want to relax.
Weary - The story of Weary Dunlop is a moving and heartfelt two-act play that pays tribute to one of Australia's greatest icons. Celebrating the heroic spirit of Weary Dunlop, the play will be running at the Comedy Theatre until August 25.
The Sip'n'Sup Festival, taking place on 25th August, is Victoria's Premier Winter Wine and Food event cellarbrating 20 years of wine excellence.
Held at the Sunbury Campus of Victoria University, the festival features many highlights for wine lovers such as new vintage releases, Master Cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, art and more!
Zia Teresa are known for their generous home styled traditional Italian meals and commitment to quality. The special's menu is continually updated, offering you classic gourmet dishes from all regions of Italy, in addition to Zia originals.
Menulog Home Delivery is a great chance to eat fine cuisine at home! With over 300 of the best restaurants on offer, you're sure to find something to suit any taste or occasion. To find fast and easy delivery in your area, Visit Here.
Sporting Events
AFL - Round 21
With only 2 weeks till the Finals, this week sees 5 matches playing in Melbourne ..
Friday at Telstra Dome St Kilda v West Coast at 7:40 PM
Saturday at Telstra Dome Carlton v Kangaroos at 2:10 PM
Saturday at The MCG Collingwood v Sydney at 7:10 PM
Sunday at Telstra Dome Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn at 1:10 PM
Sunday at The MCG Essendon v Richmond at 5:10 PM
The Boomers will play New Zealand on Monday 20th in the 2007 FIBA Oceania Men's Championship. Competing at Vodafone Arena, This is the first of a three game series, playing for the right to play at next year's Beijing Olympics.
AFL Tour
Aussie Rules Football - Live with a Local Host! Experience the unique Australian game of football with a local host to explain the rules, bumps and brawls. Your package includes meeting your host near the ground before the match, for a welcome drink.
Your host will explain the rules and involve you in the game using competitions and awarding prizes. You will also receive a show bag of Aussie Rules goodies!
Tour Includes:
Reserved Undercover Seating
Souvenir Program
Footy Record & Club Song Sheets
Aussie Footy Food - Meat Pie and Sauce (with beer or soft drink) at Quarter Time!
Entertainment & Nightlife
Broad sees Deborah Conway's legendary concert series return for a third year, with four brilliant female musicians and four different styles. Anne McCue, Sally Seltmann, Jade Macrae and Abbe May will be joining her at the Athenaeum Theatre this week.
Let's Nut it Out, taking place Friday, is a Comedy Gala that will raise money to support AnaphylaxiSTOP in the research of life threatening allergies. Featuring Australia's Funniest Comedians, the event features organiser, Peter Helliar, Rove McManus, and more!
The Impro Cave is back to light up your Sunday nights with its monstrously funny collection of formats and shows - different every week! With shows running until August 26, you can eliminate your winter blues as Impro Melbourne lights up the stage!
Nunawading Market - Come to Nunawading Market, where you'll find almost 100 stalls of high quality craft & produce! Held this Sunday from 9am, proceeds support the cultural, performing and visual arts throughout the City of Whitehorse.
With winter and that 'much-needed rain' already here, make the most of those rare sunny days at one of Melbourne's excellent markets, fetes and fairs.
An increasing number of food and produce markets including wine are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
Ben Thomas
Ben Thomas' solo performance is all about the emotion he can capture in the song using lesser used chords and solos worked into the song structures, working together with a voice that is rock and folk performed with a strength and operatic approach. This Sunday 12 - 2 pm.
For Melbourne Kids
National Science Week occurs in August each year and this year Museum Victoria celebrates the 10th year with a wide range of special activities and fun programs for science fans of all ages running from August 18 to August 26.
Amazing Human Body Exhibition is an educational exhibition that provides audiences with a unique, educational view of the human body. Using a unique preservation method called plastination, the exhibition features approximately 400 human specimens.
Pixar - 20 Years of Animation takes you behind the scenes of the studio that created Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story, Cars and The Incredibles. Pixar's fascinating processes are revealed through concept sketches, drawings and sculptures.
The Independent Games Festival Exhibition is an interactive showcase of selected winners and nominees of the Independent Games Festival. The exhibition features a stunning selection of work such as Samarost 2 (pictured).
Family Tours
Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!
Circus Shows
Silvers Grand Magic Circus proudly present an ever-changing program that features artists from all parts of the world.
Silvers will be performing from August 8 to August 26 in Nunawading, at Burvale Hotel Car Park, located on the corner of Springvale Rd & Burwood Highway.
Sounds of Strike up the Band is the latest fundraising concert to help support the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum. With the RAAF Central Band headlining the event this Saturday, money raised will go towards the fit-out of the Shire's new regional museum.
You Can Help
There are many social causes that are relevant to people from all walks of life, many of which rely on public support to better the community or assist those who are less fortunate. This week we ask you to consider the following..
The Fathers Day 5, taking place September 2 at Albert Park, is not only a fun-run & walk that offers a great day out for the family, but it's also your chance to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. So get your trainers on - enlist your family, friends and colleagues - and step up to support the fight against prostate cancer!
To Register for this year's Fathers Day 5 Visit Here
OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..
Free Online Listings - Listing your Business or Event at OnlyMelbourne is not only easy, but best of all it's FREE.. To find out more about how to join one of Melbourne's largest online communities visit here.
Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.
Welcome to this week's OnlyMelbourne newsletter guide to Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community - August 20 - August 26, 2007.
This Week.. The Melbourne Writer's Festival, Experimenta Playground opens, Short & Sharp - a must-see for cinema fans, Melba Spiegeltent's La Soireea and get ready for the upcoming Melbourne On Show!
We also have AFL and Basketball match details and much more info on many upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
The Age Melbourne Writers Festival begins this Friday, starting ten days of chat, banter and provocation with the world's top writers. The Melbourne Writers' Festival, running until September 2, is a highlight for lovers of the written word with more than 250 events including music, debates, fun and games, and Jane Clifton's late-night literary cabaret 'The Shallow End.'
Experimenta Playground is an interactive exhibition that mixes art and creative technology. Featuring innovative displays and playful artworks by Australian and international artists, these exhibitions demystify often complex technology.
Experimenta Playground will open on 25 August and run until 23 September at BlackBox, the Arts Centre.
The Melba Spiegeltent presents La Soiree - a live event with a gypsy soul and a hungry heart! A spiegeltent is a hand-hewn pavilion used as travelling dance hall and wine tasting marquee since the early 20th century. A theatre, a salon, a portal to another time and more, La Soiree is a must-see attraction, running for a limited season until November 18 at Northcote Town Hall Civic Square.
Energise Enterprise 07 is Victoria's premier Small Business Festival, taking place throughout August with a huge range of events, workshops and information sessions and forums.
With over 400 events in metropolitan and regional Victoria to choose from Energise Enterprise 07 has something to offer everyone.
The competition sees finalists pitching their ideas to film industry judges and the audience for the chance to get their short film made. Legendary singer Kutcha Edwards (pictured) will be performing on the night.
Melbourne On Show, taking place August 29 & 30 at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, showcases everything you need to host a successful corporate event, be it a Fundraiser, Christmas Party, Special Function, or even to entertain clients or reward staff.
A must for business owners, personal assistants and all event organisers, this fabulous expo also highlights popular team building programs at the Challenge Laser Skirmish and Paintball Circuit! Visit www.melbourneonshow.com.au
Father's Day Ideas
Father's Day is only 3 weeks away - September 2nd - so now's a good time to plan ahead and get a great gift for Dad!
Why not buy Dad a Melbourne Sports Tour voucher. Mention OnlyMelbourne and receive 10% Off all Melbourne Sports Tours. More Details Here
The Hurstbridge Wattle Festival, 26th August, has its roots firmly planted in our early rail history. A joyous celebration of Melbourne's heritage, the festival features an extensive array of activities, food and entertainment for all!
The Sweet Temptation Expo will tempt with all things sweet, offering a variety of treats that will be hard to resist. Held at the Royal Exhibition Building from 25 - 26 August, the exhibition is also open on Friday 24 for a Trade-only show.
RACV Home Show & Garden Expo - Get your home and garden ready for spring with the RACV Home Show & Garden Expo! Beginning August 25 at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, the expo showcases the best in decoration and home improvement.
Collective Memory is the new solo exhibition of Jennyfer Stratman. Opening August 15 at Über Gallery, Stratman's sculptures investigate the landscapes of the psyche and how these resonate with the landscapes of the natural environment.
Artefact is an exhibition in which thirteen contemporary artists have woven small-scale works through historical artefacts, putting a new twist on the traditional forms of display at City Museum's Making Melbourne Galleries.
Arts & Theatre
Mudfest 10, the largest student arts festival in Australia, begins August 20. Based on the theme of the indigenous concept of 6 seasons this year, the festival brings student art and theatre to the community with a wide and varied program.
Dollypop & Seduce opens August 24 at Monash Gallery of Art. Dollypop is Renato Grome's series of large photographs of Barbie and Ken dolls in various playfully ironic poses. Seduced, also the work of Grome, features boldly captured exotic flora.
Holiday, playing at the Arts House until August 22, is a contemporary baroque musical. Presented by Ranters Theatre, Holiday exposes the hidden anxieties and strange, inexplicable behaviour between two people who only want to relax.
Weary - The story of Weary Dunlop is a moving and heartfelt two-act play that pays tribute to one of Australia's greatest icons. Celebrating the heroic spirit of Weary Dunlop, the play will be running at the Comedy Theatre until August 25.
The Sip'n'Sup Festival, taking place on 25th August, is Victoria's Premier Winter Wine and Food event cellarbrating 20 years of wine excellence.
Held at the Sunbury Campus of Victoria University, the festival features many highlights for wine lovers such as new vintage releases, Master Cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, art and more!
Zia Teresa are known for their generous home styled traditional Italian meals and commitment to quality. The special's menu is continually updated, offering you classic gourmet dishes from all regions of Italy, in addition to Zia originals.
Menulog Home Delivery is a great chance to eat fine cuisine at home! With over 300 of the best restaurants on offer, you're sure to find something to suit any taste or occasion. To find fast and easy delivery in your area, Visit Here.
Sporting Events
AFL - Round 21
With only 2 weeks till the Finals, this week sees 5 matches playing in Melbourne ..
Friday at Telstra Dome St Kilda v West Coast at 7:40 PM
Saturday at Telstra Dome Carlton v Kangaroos at 2:10 PM
Saturday at The MCG Collingwood v Sydney at 7:10 PM
Sunday at Telstra Dome Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn at 1:10 PM
Sunday at The MCG Essendon v Richmond at 5:10 PM
The Boomers will play New Zealand on Monday 20th in the 2007 FIBA Oceania Men's Championship. Competing at Vodafone Arena, This is the first of a three game series, playing for the right to play at next year's Beijing Olympics.
AFL Tour
Aussie Rules Football - Live with a Local Host! Experience the unique Australian game of football with a local host to explain the rules, bumps and brawls. Your package includes meeting your host near the ground before the match, for a welcome drink.
Your host will explain the rules and involve you in the game using competitions and awarding prizes. You will also receive a show bag of Aussie Rules goodies!
Tour Includes:
Reserved Undercover Seating
Souvenir Program
Footy Record & Club Song Sheets
Aussie Footy Food - Meat Pie and Sauce (with beer or soft drink) at Quarter Time!
Entertainment & Nightlife
Broad sees Deborah Conway's legendary concert series return for a third year, with four brilliant female musicians and four different styles. Anne McCue, Sally Seltmann, Jade Macrae and Abbe May will be joining her at the Athenaeum Theatre this week.
Let's Nut it Out, taking place Friday, is a Comedy Gala that will raise money to support AnaphylaxiSTOP in the research of life threatening allergies. Featuring Australia's Funniest Comedians, the event features organiser, Peter Helliar, Rove McManus, and more!
The Impro Cave is back to light up your Sunday nights with its monstrously funny collection of formats and shows - different every week! With shows running until August 26, you can eliminate your winter blues as Impro Melbourne lights up the stage!
Nunawading Market - Come to Nunawading Market, where you'll find almost 100 stalls of high quality craft & produce! Held this Sunday from 9am, proceeds support the cultural, performing and visual arts throughout the City of Whitehorse.
With winter and that 'much-needed rain' already here, make the most of those rare sunny days at one of Melbourne's excellent markets, fetes and fairs.
An increasing number of food and produce markets including wine are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
Ben Thomas
Ben Thomas' solo performance is all about the emotion he can capture in the song using lesser used chords and solos worked into the song structures, working together with a voice that is rock and folk performed with a strength and operatic approach. This Sunday 12 - 2 pm.
For Melbourne Kids
National Science Week occurs in August each year and this year Museum Victoria celebrates the 10th year with a wide range of special activities and fun programs for science fans of all ages running from August 18 to August 26.
Amazing Human Body Exhibition is an educational exhibition that provides audiences with a unique, educational view of the human body. Using a unique preservation method called plastination, the exhibition features approximately 400 human specimens.
Pixar - 20 Years of Animation takes you behind the scenes of the studio that created Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story, Cars and The Incredibles. Pixar's fascinating processes are revealed through concept sketches, drawings and sculptures.
The Independent Games Festival Exhibition is an interactive showcase of selected winners and nominees of the Independent Games Festival. The exhibition features a stunning selection of work such as Samarost 2 (pictured).
Family Tours
Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!
Circus Shows
Silvers Grand Magic Circus proudly present an ever-changing program that features artists from all parts of the world.
Silvers will be performing from August 8 to August 26 in Nunawading, at Burvale Hotel Car Park, located on the corner of Springvale Rd & Burwood Highway.
Sounds of Strike up the Band is the latest fundraising concert to help support the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum. With the RAAF Central Band headlining the event this Saturday, money raised will go towards the fit-out of the Shire's new regional museum.
You Can Help
There are many social causes that are relevant to people from all walks of life, many of which rely on public support to better the community or assist those who are less fortunate. This week we ask you to consider the following..
The Fathers Day 5, taking place September 2 at Albert Park, is not only a fun-run & walk that offers a great day out for the family, but it's also your chance to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. So get your trainers on - enlist your family, friends and colleagues - and step up to support the fight against prostate cancer!
To Register for this year's Fathers Day 5 Visit Here
OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..
Free Online Listings - Listing your Business or Event at OnlyMelbourne is not only easy, but best of all it's FREE.. To find out more about how to join one of Melbourne's largest online communities visit here.
Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.