Newsletter | #115 | What's On this Week |
Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for March 16 - March 22, 2009.
This week.. Gadzooks, but it's a rich tapestry of events! Cultural Diversity Week takes place with a range of events including Viva Victoria at Fed Square, showcasing entertainment and food from over 50 countries. There's a lot more culture to come still with the Greek Antipodes Festival, the Thai Culture and Food Festival, and Ventana Latina in Frankston, celebrating all things Latin with a day of free attractions.
There's also the beginning of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, the Horsham Country Music Festval, and much more along with the continuing festivities of the Melbourne Fashion Festival, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and Art of Difference with a great program of arts, music and theatre showcasing the talents of those with disabilities.
NEWSLETTER
What's On this Week is an overview of the (too many to mention) events happening this week in Melbourne. To see everything that is happening on any given day this week, view our What's On MELBOURNE Calendar
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
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Cultural Diversity Week
Viva Victoria is a Multicultural Festival held at Federation Square when Melbourne's very own hub will come alive in a celebration of Cultural Diversity Week that will feature music and dancing across two stages. A free event, the festival includes art, dances, handmade crafts, traditional foods and kids' activities.Dunia Foli will be holding a special workshop in West African Drumming at Rosanna Library this week. Held as part of Cultural Diversity Week, the workshop will offer an exciting insight into the culture of West Africa life as Dunia Foli share their stories and experiences of music and teach traditional rhythms and songs.Harmony Day at Carlton Housing Estate - Local agencies and the residents of Carlton Housing Estate will be holding a special event to celebrate Harmony Day this week with entertainment that includes live music and dancing, activities kids and for people of all ages and delicious food from around the globe.A Taste of Harmony is an invitation to people from all walks of life to celebrate the rich cultural diversity that exists in Australian workplaces by putting a day aside to gather together for a lunch made of different foods from around the world. It's held all this week to coincide with National Harmony Day on Saturday.Major Events Guide
The Greek Antipodes Festival takes place this weekend when festivities will take over Lonsdale Street's Greek Precinct to celebrate all things Greek. A free event, the festival will feature a live performance by Greece's beloved songstress, Glykeria, along with local performers, food and more.The Sunbury Community Festival is an annual two day event held on the Village Green in Sunbury. Celebrating the unique identity of Sunbury, the festival will again offer great attractions with a Main Stage and Dance Floor, live local bands, roving entertainers, Kids Entertainment and an international food court.Ventana Latina is a Latin Fiesta that celebrates Latin American culture, held in Frankston's Wells Street Plaza. Now in its third year, the event provides an authentic Latin American experience with dance, music, food, art, crafts, poetry and the Chiquitines tent with traditional Spanish children's storytelling and more.The CERES Harvest Festival, held at the popular Community Environment Park in East Brunswick, is a multicultural food festival that celebrates out rich multicultural community as they're invited to come together and share food and recipes, song and dance, and have fun with live music.The Horsham Country Music Festival offers three days of entertainment and performances by local musicians and special guests with bush poetry, gospel and line dancing. The Festival is comprised of seven segments with three big shows that will be held at Horsham's Sawyer Park Sound Shell.The Basin Music Festival this year with a great program that includes a Firefighters' Benefit Concert held in the park on Friday. The concert is free and there will be the chance to make donations on the night. There will also be the Sunday Family Day in the Park with a free day of music, stalls, rides and much more.The Warrandyte Festival, held on Stiggants Reserve, runs for two days with the theme of of "Lovin' Livin' Local"this year, offering a wide range of unique events to suit all age-groups with activities such as gold mine tours, the waterslide, art and craft stalls, the duck race, a kids market, food stalls and more.The Brunswick Music Festival continues with a program offering plenty of music and entertainment featuring some of the finest performers from here and around the world. One of Victoria's most celebrated multicultural events, the festival celebrates the cultural diversity of the City of Moreland.Art of Difference is a festival that offers an exciting program of debate, performances and exhibitions that showcase the talents of deaf and disabled artists throughout the world and Australia. Performances, dances and more will be held at venues such as Gasworks, Bundoora Homestead and Federation Square.The L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Australia's largest and most successful fashion event for consumers, showcases the latest designs and brings to the public the upcoming collections for autumn and winter with special events that explore the latest ideas, movements and trends in the fashion industry.Upcoming Events
NEW LIVE CALENDAR To find out about future events in Melbourne, have a look at our new calendar, with details about many more events that lie ahead, including Exhibitions, Gigs, Markets, Expos and more..
View Future Events on any day of the week
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Novel Vessels is an exhibition by Rosie Miller, held at the gallery of Lindbeg Contemporary Art in Collingwood. A Melbourne artist with a background in different mediums, the exhibition features sculptures that alter the concept of the printed page into beautiful forms that are organic and shell-like in structure.Wildspace, a free exhibition held at Federation Square's Atrium, is the first exhibition of its kind in Australia. Set to become an annual event, the exhibition features depictions of depicting Australian Native Animals in their disappearing environments, with prizes awarded to emerging and established artists.Roparville, the latest exhibition by Dennis Ropar, portrays a sexy, kaleidoscopic world that blends dark gothic imagery with kitsch. With a vibrant and playful take on pop art the main thread is the tag 'unlucky' which evokes a sense of foreboding and unease. It runs at St Kilda's Jackman Gallery.An End to Myth, an exhibition held at Flinders Lane Gallery, sees the work of Lizzie Buckmaster-Dove using the practices of natural science and museology to present a new way of examining our country's environmental beauty with paper sculptures that convey the delicate beauty of our wildlife.Trepidation - I Report a Concern, a group exhibition at North Fitzroy's J-Studios, examines the external factors of influence that pervade our lives. With themes of concerns such as money, political and social apocalypse, sex, death and more, burdens both real and imagined are given voice in the work of each artist.Lost Lines, now showing at Unpretentiously Underground in Fitzroy's Brunswick St, is an exhibition by Ears, whose work playfully combines abstract expressionism with character based street art. Living up to his moniker, the exhibition is inspired by snippets of conversations heard on trains and buses.John Lennon: Imagine! is an exhibition of never-before-seen and rare photos of the late musician on display at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the only gallery in Australia to host the exhibition. The exhibition features rare black and white images by world-class photographers such as Dixie Dean and Tom Hanley.Step Right Up! The Circus in Australian Art is a free exhibition at Gallery I of the Arts Centre. Drawing together commissioned works by contemporary Australian artists, the exhibition also includes selected paintings and sculptures that show varied interpretations of all the colour and humour of the circus.The Cunningham Dax Collection is currently showcasing two exhibitions, Beyond the Three Trees and Healing Childhood Trauma. With over 12,000 works by people who've experienced mental illness or psychological trauma, the Collection in Parkville uses art to raise awareness of public mental health education.Speaking for the Ordinary Man, now showing at St Kilda's Jewish Museum of Australia, is an exhibition of sculptures by Charles Aisen, a tinsmith whose sculptures trace not only his own life journey but that of many Jews who settled in Australia with his touching works evoking the immigrant experience in Carlton.Expos & Open Days
Travel XPO, held at the Melbourne Exhibition Building in Carlton, offers all the information you need to plan a holiday or business trip with advice and insights into everything from insurance and visas to some of the best locations. With live entertainment, the event includes guest presenters from the TV show, Getaway.Penthouse Mouse AW09, held at The Capitol in South Yarra, is a program that offers everything in the latest of fashion, artworks, accessories and more. The event sees designers and artists unite under the one roof with runway shows, launches, films, champagne shopping nights and infamous parties.Performances & Theatre
Brilliant Monkey, written by and featuring Al Dukes, is a very bittersweet and very humorous play that tackles issues of homelessness and the impact of returning from war. Performed at the Frankston Arts Centre, the insightful play tells the story of a returned serviceman and his homeless brother.Gutenberg! The Musical! is a performance at Chapel Off Chapel that features 2 Men, 1 Piano, 30 Characters, more hats than My Fair Lady and one massively misguided dream as Bud and Doug perform their backer's audition, hoping to fund their play about Johann Gutenberg's 1450 invention of the printing press.The Wedding Singer, performed by Bayswater's Fab Nobs Theatre, is the musical version of the popular film, brought to the stage with a score (and hair) that pays homage to the 1980s. Set in 1985, the play captured the romance and comedy of the hit film as Robbie Hart, a jilted wedding singer tried to find love again.Two Sisters and a Piano, performed by Shift Theatre, is a play about hope and the human spirit. Held at the Dog Theatre in Footscray, the play tells the story of two sisters in Cuba, kept prisoner in their family home by a vigilant lieutenant, who find some escape when reality blends with dreaming.Copenhagen, performed at Chapel Off Chapel, is the award winning controversial play by Michael Frayn that explores the relationship between Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, two of the 20th Century's most important scientists who meet in 1941, during the Nazi occupation of the city the play is named after.Moonlight and Magnolias, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company, is Ron Huchinson's hilarious play that captures the truelife madness behind the scenes of Gone with the Wind, offering a humorous look at the off-set dramas that unfolded in the writing of the greatest movie in Hollywood history.Performance Arts
Found Sound, a project that features a series of musical and sound art events using experimental instruments designed and built by Australian artists and musicians, will present a performance this week at Tape Projects in Carlton. Featuring Queensland's Ross Manning with Rod Cooper, entry is only $5.Classical Performances
The Australian String Quartet will be holding a performance this week to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Haydn's death. The Landscapes Concert, held at Melbourne Recital Centre, features Haydn's String Quartet in G Major op.77 no.1, along with works by Australian composer Nigel Westlake and Schubert.Victorian Bushfire Appeal Concert - Sounds Sublime will be presenting a special concert at All Saints Anglican Church, located in East St Kilda. Featuring performances by Ingrid Heyn, Katrena Mitchell and Jochen Schubert with the Surrey Hills Chamber Orchestra all funds will be donated to Red Cross.Inner Voices, performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, is a concert of works by Bach and also Sibelius, a famed Finnish composer whose work will be joined by Finnish folk music at The Arts Centre. Proudly displaying his country's musical heritage, the ACO will be joined by young Finnish violinist, Pekka Kuusisto.Entertainment & Nightlife
Kate Vigo will be launching her latest single, The Way You Are - also known as the 'Doo Doo song' - at the Northcote Social Club this week, offering a taste of her forthcoming album for this year. Performing with her six-piece band, she will also be presenting a new video clip on the night. Sib will be supporting on the night.
Jazz n Shiraz, featuring Los Angeles jazz singer Connie Lansberg, is being performed on the third Sunday of each month at Darebin's RSL in Preston. With a family friendly atmosphere, the venue is large enough for children to play and dance while parents relax with some great Jazz and Blues tunes.Cariño Son, a seven-piece combo who play traditional Cuban music reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club, will be performing at the Spanish Club in Fitzroy. Capturing the feel of the bars and nightclubs of Havana, their performances are bound to inspire even wallflowers to get up and try some Latin moves.Cinema
The Melbourne Queer Film Festival returns to the screens of ACMI at Federation Square with a fantastic program that's larger than ever, featuring the latest and greatest in queer feature films, documentaries and shorts from Australia and overseas with three new short film packages added to their program this year.The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival, now in its 20th year screens in Melbourne at selected Palace Cinemas with a program that presents 34 new features that encompass the best of French Cinema with documentaries, dramas, action, romance as only the French can do it, and even kids' films.Magic Shows
Illusination, a magic act performed by psychology student Simon Taylor, is a show that explores the boundaries between sleight of hand and sleight of mind. Using magic to entertain along with some intriguing psychological principles, performances are held at University of Melbourne's Guild Theatre.Melbourne For Kids
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, presented by Altona City Theatre, is a pantomime performance of the classic tale that's loved by children around the world. Along with Snow White, the dwarves and the evil queen, the panto also features Fairy Cakes, King Put-upon and other characters added in true panto style.Dancing The Food Cycle is a performance and workshop for kids held at ArtPlay in Birrarung Marr where Ilan Abrahams from Sense of Place Projects will teach children food gardening skills and play movement games that respond to experiences in the garden, with this week's session held for kids aged 5 to 8.
DinoStory | Sand Sculpting Exhibition - Sand Sculpting Australia will again present a special display at the Frankston Waterfront with their newest theme, DinoStory. Featuring the work of sculptors from Australia and overseas, the sand carvings take the form of dinosaurs in stunning detail.Circus Shows
Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be appearing in Greensborough with performances held at Belmont Common. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for the kids and the whole family, with everything from jugglers and clowns to acrobats and more.Puzzles & Competitions
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Special Ticket Giveaway
Circus Sunrise is an action-packed show for all the family, soon showing at Rowville's Stud Park Shopping Centre during Easter. With shows during School Holidays, the circus will be offering a stunning show by presenting a special Easter Spectacular that will run until April 19. Circus Sunrise is a family circus with lineage going back to 1648!Win a Family-Pass!!!
- Courtesy of Circus Sunrise, OnlyMelbourne has TEN family-passes to give away, with each Family Pass offering FREE entry for 2 Adults and 2 children!
For your chance to win one of the Family Passes to Circus Sunrise, simply email your name, address and contact details with 'OnlyMelbourne Tickets Giveaway' as the subject line.
To email your entry ---> Click Here to Enter Competition
Competitions
The Great Transport Race, presented by Metlink, is a series of races held during second term for students in years 7 to 10. Free to enter, there will be four races held at different locations across Melbourne, leading to a major CBD race held on May 27 when student teams battle it out for the GTR champion's trophy.Community
FREE Family Pass at your Local YMCA - By taking part in the Premiers Active Families Challenge at your local YMCA, you'll receive a FREE 15 family pass to your local YMCA aquatic centre. During the Challenge, families are invited to spend 30 mins a day for 30 days together in a healthy activity.Finding Peace & Stability in a Troubled World is the topic of a public talk held this week by Sogyal Rinpoche, recognized as the incarnation of Tertön Sogyal, a teacher of the 13th Dalai Lama. Held at the Camberwell Centre, bookings are recommended however tickets will be available at the door.SoFiA, the Sea of Faith Network, will present a public lecture at the Meeting Room of Carlton Library. Promoting an open exploration of religion, spirituality and meaning, this month's lecture features guest speaker David Miller of the Existentialist Society, discussing "The Ancient Manichaean Religion."When Cancer Won't Go Away is a free forum by the Cancer Council of Victoria, held at their centre in Carlton North. The forum is for people with advanced cancer and their loved ones, covering both emotional and practical information including financial issues, services, treatment and support options.The Summerhill Dance Group hold a social event for people of all ages and backgrounds each week at the Oakhill Community Centre in Reservoir. Supported by Darebin Council, the dance evenings feature music from a professional D.J. playing strict tempo music for people of all dance level skills.Yoga at the Park is an initiative of The Health and Yoga Council of Australia, presenting Yoga classes in some of Victoria's most beautiful parks and gardens. Set in a relaxed environment, the classes suit many age groups and levels of experience with lessons held in various public parks around Melbourne.
Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Soapbox orators (that means you if you've something to say) can take turns speaking on various topics and viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or listen.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 or to benefit others. This week we ask you to consider the following..
Crazy Hair Day is a fun way to raise awareness of the name Cystic Fibrosis amongst primary age children and their families and friends by getting schools involved with a fun day of hair colouring. Held officially this Friday, the event can be held any day that suits, with event packs free to help out.Bangers and Cash is an annual campaign that's a deliciously fun way to raise money and awareness about Cystic Fibrosis. Register with CFV and you'll receive a kit that has all the information you need to get a barbeque sizzling at home, work or at your school to collect a donation for each sausage sold.Knitting Wool Appeal - The Inner Wheel Club of Bundoora is currently appealing for donations of wool to help them supply nursing homes, hospitals and the needy in the Diamond Valley with knitted patchwork knee rugs. After a particularly bitter winter, their supply of rugs has completely gone, as has their wool to produce more. To find how you can help Visit HereFundraiser Events
Autism Angels, a Support Group for those who are affected by Autism or work as carers, will be holding a special Dinner Dance to raise awareness and funds for support programs. Held in Fwkner, the special evening includes beverages, a three course meal, live band and children's entertainment.Markets, Fetes and Fairs
Miss Green's Wardrobe Swap Event, held at Baroque House in Melbourne's Drewery Lane, is a stylish fashion exchange meet where both men and woman can update their wardrobes in an eco-friendly and economical way by exchanging their quality, unwanted fashion items for a brand new (sort of) look!NEW LIVE CALENDAR
View MARKETS on any day of the week to make the most of the rare sunny days (it's a coin toss lately, isn't it!) and head to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs for a bargain!
A growing number of food, produce and even wine markets are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!Dining & Drink
The Thai Culture & Food Festival, held in Federation Square, is a chance to join the Thai Community as they celebrate and showcase their rich and historical culture with a day that begins with a Buddhist ceremony and includes attractions such as food and desert stalls, live performers, martial arts shows and more.The Lara Food & Wine Festival, held at Lara's historic Pirra Homestead, is a festival showcasing local produce with exhibitors including wine and cheese makers, olive oil and organic food producers, honey farmers and much more. Special guests include chef Gabriel Gate and Getaway presenter, Catriona Rowntree.The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival returns with yet another delicious program of over 200 events held across the state over 16 delicious days. Showcasing the best that Victoria has to offer in food, culinary skills, winemaking and much more, the festival program this year is bigger and better than ever.Wining (and Beering)
Young and Jackson will be celebrating all things green this week on St Patrick's Day with a special day of entertainment featuring four Live Irish Bands. Running from midday until 3am, their annual celebration will include Beef Guinness Pies served all day, Face Paintings, Hair Spraying and special giveaways.
Cleanskins.com sell premium Australian wines direct to the public at up to 50% off retail prices, offering Free Home Delivery and a 100% Money Back Guarantee. Perfect for all lovers of wine, their impressive range of wines and service were recommended on Channel 7's Today Tonight and Channel 9's A Current Affair.Special Dining Offers
Dining Specials - Save Up To 20% on Your Bill Menulog is the easiest way to book a restaurant online with over 4000 restaurant listings! By booking online through Menulog you can enjoy fine food and save money with special deals offering discounts on total food bills, complimentary wine and drinks, discount group bookings and much, much more!
Visit Here For The Latest Deals With Menulog!!
Red Pepper Ristorante and Pizzeria in Bentleigh offers authentic and modern Italian dining, and the finest selection of wines...SPECIAL DINING OFFER!!
Book Through Menulog and receive 10% off your total bill when you dine at Red Pepper Ristoranre!
Visit here for BOOKING DETAILS @ Menulog
Dining in Melbourne offers a splendid range of food styles to enjoy. Here are just a few classic food styles to choose from..
More Restaurants at onlyMelbourne's Dining Directory
Dining In
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.
OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..
Each week we highlight some of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.
To find out how you can join Melbourne's largest online community Visit Here!
Only Mobile Phones is Australia's one-stop shop for mobile phones, provide all you could want for your mobile phone needs, whether it be a new mobile phone, a used mobile phone, mobile phone accessories and charge cards, you'll find everything you need to keep your mobile phones up to date with ringtones, carkits, batteries and much, much more.This week we suggest the following:
Advertising your Business or Event at OnlyMelbourne is not only easy, but best of all it's FREE!! - Get Listed.. - don't forget to tell your friends!
Sporting Events
Nothing.. This Week
There are no major Sports Events this week, but fear not, it's game-on next week when AFL Premiership returns along with the Formula 1 Grand Prix! So, in the meantime, here's a monkey trying his hand (and opposable thumb) at tennis. It was that or a photo of yours truly running like a girl for a tram. The monkey beat me too, by the way. But that's neither here nor there.But Next Week.. AFL Premiership
AFL Premiership returns next week when you're all treated to a whopping 4 matches! Get the drop (or punt) on all upcoming matches with our full AFL Fixture page linked below, or check each upcoming match individually using our Sporting Fixtures with other upcoming sports events in Melbourne and Victoria.
Melbourne Tours
Smartvisit Card is the best way to see the sights of Melbourne, whether you're visiting Melbourne for business, a vacation, or even if you're a local wanting to find Melbourne's hidden treasures!
The Smartvisit Card includes entry to attractions such as Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Old Melbourne Gaol, Telstra Dome, Cook's Cottage, Melbourne River Cruises, and many more of Melbourne's TOP venues!
Visit great venues like Zoos, museums & more across Melbourne & Victoria!
Plus special offers & discounts!
Tailored to local knowledge on what to see & do!
Show your card & you're in, no need for cash!
Whatever time of year you visit - rain or shine!
Learn more about Smartvisit Card
Last Week's Puzzle Answers
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