Newsletter | #134 | What's On this Week |
Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for the week running from Tuesday July 28 - Monday August 3, 2009.
This week.. It's horses for courses with a free day of entertainment and fun at Champions, the Australian Racing Museum where a party will be held to honour the official birthday of all thoroughbreds, held traditionally on August 1 down here, while our equine friends in the Northern Hemisphere blow out their candles on January 1. Bet you didn't know that, eh?
Anyways, all thinly veiled trivial padding aside, the Melbourne International Film Festival continues this week, as does the Hume Winter Music Festival. Remember the days of wine and roses, when Nanna's sponge could rise perfectly and there'd be a festival held in its honour? Methinks the funding fairies have flitted elsewhere of late. Global Financial Crisis anyone?
And with just a taste further down, check here to view more of the following..
Major Events Guide
The Horses' Birthday Party, held at the Australian Racing Museum at Federation Square, will celebrate the birthday of all thoroughbreds with a day of free activities. The family event will feature prizes and giveaways, a jumping castle and even a giant birthday cake for 92's Cup Winner Subzero to blow out.The Melbourne International Film Festival, one of Melbourne's signature events, offers an impressive program of cinematic features from over 50 countries with special screenings and events that include guest speakers, Q&A screenings, and the return this year of Next Gen with films for young audiences.
The Hume Winter Music Festival returns this year with an explosion of brilliant artists from the world of music, showcasing a multitude of musical genres and cultures. Celebrating the musical and cultural diversity of Hume City, the festival features a wide variety of performances featuring music, dance and more.New to OnlyMelbourne
OnlyMelbourne Marketplace & Classifieds - OnlyMelbourne has just introduced our very own Classifieds Pages where you can buy and sell a wide range of goods, services and more including your very own sweet self with a Friends & Relationship section. Registration and advertising in the OnlyMelbourne Market is free providing you are a resident of Victoria.Upcoming Events
Escapade Events will be holding a special screening of Cabaret, the classic musical starring stars Liza Minnelli at her best. The women's social events group will be holding pre-film drinks with canapes in a private area of the luxurious Palace Cinema Como lounge where guests can socialise before the film.
The Chocolate Rush Festival returns with a bigger, better and tastier program of events, held at its new venue of Melbourne Showgrounds this year. With everything from workshops to chefs sharing their favourite recipes and industry competitions, the festival also includes live entertainment and wine tastings.
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
Debt of Honour, held at Forty Five Downstairs in Flinders Lane, is a tribute to Australia's Military forces in Timor in WW2 and the debt owed to the Timorese people who courageously supported them. The photographic exhibition includes images from private collections and the Australian War Memorial Museum archives.
The Bald Archy Prize Exhibition, Australia's most popular comic portrait competition and an alternative to the prestigious Archibald, celebrates its 16th year at Chapel Off Chapel. Judged by a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Maude, this year's subjects include Bill Henson, Nicole Kidman and Bart Cummings.
Charles Blackman: Australian Icon - Held as part of a major launch for one of South Melbourne's newest galleries, Art at Cyclone, this major exhibition celebrates the art of one of Australia's greatest living painters, Charles Blackman with works including paintings, drawings and limited edition prints.Break a Leg, held at City Museum, is a special exhibition that highlights Melbourne's rich theatre history. Charting the lives of some of the stars who gave birth to the rich legacy of Melbourne theatre, establishing it as a city for the arts, the exhibition features original material icons like from Dame Nellie Melba.Len Lye, one of the most radical creative minds of the modern age, will be showcased at a special exhibition held at ACMI in Federation Square. Surveying his work across film, sculpture, painting, poetry and more, the exhibition is the largest survey of Len Lye's work ever presented.
SUB12 is a Hobsons Bay arts event that features over 40 artists and 34 exhibitions held across 12 weeks in one great space, The Substation, which is located in Newport. Presented in four distinct exhibition blocks, each with its own opening night, the shows feature a diverse mix of emerging and established artists.
Daisy and Lizzie (my only friend) is an exhibition by Rebecca Pierce, held at Richmond's Blacksphere Fine Art. Based on her impressions of Daisy Bates and her companion Lizzie the bicycle lizard, her colourful imagery presents a storybook feel that also holds a starkly surreal agenda beneath the surface.
The Cancer Council's Arts Awards Exhibition will be held at 120 Collins Street with the theme of Celebrating Life and Hope Through Art. Providing a creative voice for Australians touched by cancer, the moving exhibition brings together diverse and outstanding works from entrants of all ages.
Another Side of Me, held at the foyer of the Queen Victoria Women's Centre, is an exhibition of creative art by the women of WIRE, the Women's Information and Referral Exchange. The exhibition explores and embraces the theme of womanhood, reflecting the inspiration to women offered by the group.
Laneway Commissions turns Melbourne's already unique laneways into a network of hidden treasures with contemporary public artworks by different artists scattered throughout the city, including Cathy Busby's, We Are Sorry, a study of the 2008 apologies to Aboriginal peoples in Australia and Canada.The Family Mould, showing at Hawthorn's Town Hall Gallery, is an exhibition that continues Ilona Nelson's exploration into her self-identity. Prompted by the birth of her first child, which created time to reflect on the history of her family tree, her hand coloured photographs pay homage to her family album.Lucidia, held at Fitzroy's Unpretentiously Underground, is an exhibition by Nom, a London based artist whose drawings and paintings explore somethings old and somethings new with images that portray female characters teetering along between the real and imaginary, with clown grins and pheasant moons.Fox in a Box is a photographic installation by Rebecca McIntosh that tells the tale of the facetious character Flying Fox Woman, an urban legend and home-made superhero suffering from domestication. The installation can be seen at The Dolls House, a unique miniature gallery held in a shop window in Preston.
A Day in Pompeii, a special exhibit held at Melbourne Museum, depicts the daily life of one of the world's most extraordinary cities, Pompeii, which was destroyed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. With over 250 objects, the exhibit includes an immersive 3D theatre.
The Salvador Dali Deseo Liquido Exhibition, held at Artiq Galleries in South Yarra, is an intimate collection of paintings and sculptures by the celebrated master of surrealism. Exhibited for the first time in Australia, and exclusively at Artiq Galleries, the authenticated works are free to view and all are for sale.
In The Black, held at Lauraine Diggins Fine Art Gallery in Caulfield North, is an exhibition of black and white imagery that showcases drawing, photography and prints from a variety of genres. The exhibition featuring work by many diverse artists, ranging from colonial to contemporary and aboriginal art.The Independent Type, held at the State Library of Victoria, is an exhibition that celebrates the history of Victoria's literary culture with displays and exhibits that mark the progression of writing by exploring traditional Indigenous storytelling through to colonial classics and today's vibrant writing scene.Open Days, Launches & Seminars
Hands Up for the Homeless, a campaign by Melbourne Citymission, will be officially launched at Federation Square when the Nova 100's Casanovas lead an attempt for the biggest hokey pokey. People are invited to take part in their PJ's and also show their support by hand-printing a giant mural.SAGE, Successful Aging, Growth and Enhancement, is a seminar held at St Michael's Uniting Church in Collins Street. Conducted by Psychotherapist, Dr Francis Macnab, SAGE is all about growing old positively, offering people over 45 psychological insights and advice to help them age more enjoyably.
Quick Guide to Family Dispute Resolution - WIRE, the Women's Information and Referral Exchange, will present a free information session offering a brief overview of Family Dispute Resolution. Held at the Lonsdale Street centre, the session will feature speakers Solicitor Lucy Padula and Mediator Priscilla Zara.
Travelling Treasures, presented by the State Library of Victoria, is a selection of the Library's treasures, showcased at various local community libraries. Offering a chance to see precious items, the tour currently includes an early edition of Charles Darwin's Origin of Species and an antique globe of Captain Cook.Performances & Theatre
Customer Care, presented by Aftonbridge Theatre, is a comic story of one man's quest to get truly satisfying service out of the large corporation of Colson's. Set in the complaints department where unexpected romance blooms, performances of the show will be held at Northcote Town Hall.
Top Girls, presented by students of Monash University, sees twenty talented performers uniting to bring back the 80's as the show follows the life of Marlene, a career minded woman who celebrates her success by opening her imagination to a remarkable dinner party with significant historical female figures.
Sideshow, performed at Prahran's Chapel Off Chapel, is a play set during the 1930s depression when the voyeurism of anomalous 'freaks' was a comforting reminder to 'ordinary' people that life could be worse. Following the lives of conjoined twins, the touching and unique play offers a Vaudevillian twist.
The Club, David Williamson's celebrated play, will be performed by Fab Nobs Theatre. Inspired by the backroom dealings of the VFL during the 1970's, the play follows the transition of an Australian sport becoming Australian business. Performances will be held at The New Fab Factory in Bayswater.
Life's A Circus is a play about love and betrayal as Vivien and David, two Australian circus performers working overseas, meet the youthful Alex and realise they may have found someone worth risking everything for. Featuring renowned theatre and circus performers, it's held at St Kilda's Theatre Works.Savage River, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company, is a play that tells the warm, affectionate and moving story of a father and son who live by the edge of Savage River - now little more than a dam amidst a Tasmanian ghost town - whose lives are changed by the arrival of a beguiling woman.Servant of the Revolution, performed at Brunswick's Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, is a dramatic work of creative non-fiction directed by Brenda Addie. Based on historical fact, the play tells the story of communist revolutionary Karl Marx and how he secretly fathered an illegitimate child.
Petrouchka's Nightmare, held at BMW Edge at Federation Square, is a ground-breaking performance that fuses elements of circus theatre and contemporary dance. Inspired by classic Russian fairytales, the story follows a Russian puppet, who comes to Australia after being purchased at a Parisian market.
Jersey Boys, performed at the Princess Theatre, is the Broadway hit that charts the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons as the play takes a nostalgic look at how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history while showcasing the great songs they became famous for.
Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story returns to Melbourne with a brand new production held at the Palms at Crown. The live music extravaganza, which has become one of the biggest hits on the stage, presents the story of the iconic singer with two hours of his greatest hits that inspired many other performers.The Birthday Party, the classic play by Harold Pinter, will be performed by Melbourne Theatre Company at the Arts Centre's Fairfax Studio. Now regarded as a classic post-war drama, the play tells of how one man's life in a seaside boarding house is unsettled when two new lodgers arrive.
Avenue Q is a new breed of musical, performed by a weird and wonderful mix of humans and puppets. Winner of three Broadway Tony Awards, the tasteless yet hilarious production is a cross between Sesame Street, the Muppet Show and any adult comedy you could shake a puppet at. Note: This is NOT a Kid's Show.Dance
Tango's Violin, written and narrated by violinist, Sophie Kesoglidis, features dancers from So You Think You Can Dance in a performance about a woman who finds her love of playing violin and the tango only to have her life change further when she encounters a man. It plays at Healesville Memorial Hall.Classical, Choral & Recitals
Steven Isserlis and Denes Varjon will be appearing at Melbourne Recital Centre for two special performances that will show why cellist Steven Isserlis is acclaimed around the world for his musical abilities. Accompanied by Denes Varjon on piano, the pair will perform lesser-known works by Schumann.
Flinders Quartet will perform a Special Musical Program held at Southbank's Auspicious Arts to raise money for Jacob's Well, an organisation that aims to improved health, knowledge and the quality of life in impoverished countries. Music performed includes pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Bartok and Mozart.The Australian String Quartet will be performing a concert held at Southbank's Melbourne Recital Centre where the group will perform works by Arriaga and Shostakovich. Held as part of Provenance, the third national tour of the group, they'll also perform Smetana's first Quartet.
Rhapsody in Blue, presented as part of Monash University's Open Day celebrations, is a special afternoon concert with the Monash Academy Orchestra. Held at the Alexander Theatre of the Clayton campus, the orchestra will be joined by acclaimed Australian pianist Michael Kieran Harvey.Entertainment & Nightlife
Live Concerts & Gigs
The Flaming Lips, who last appeared in Australia during 2004's Big Day Out, will be appearing at Festival Hall. Much anticipated and long awaited, the group, who are known as one of the best bands in the genre of psychedelic alt-rock, will be appearing for one night only in Melbourne.
The Lunchtime Concert Series, presented by the School of Music-Conservatorium at Clayton's Monash University, provides staff, students and the community a chance to enjoy a musical lunch break. Performed each Thursday, this week's concert features alt-folk band, Me and the Grownups.
Festival De La Grenouille, Festival of the Frog, brings together eight of Melbourne's leading metal bands for an amazing night of performances across two stages at Richmond's Corner Hotel. Featuring Ne Obliviscaris, the night will raise funds for French lead guitarist, Benjamin Baret's pending visa application.
The Girls Go Swinging is a performance by Connie Lansberg and the Sisters of Sass, Australia's only professional All Girl and All Glamorous Big Band. With a sound straight out of the 1940's, these young women offer a reminder of a time when shows were big and brassy, held at the Art Deco Oakleigh RSL.
Ruth Roshan & Tango Noir will appear at Melba Hall in Parkville to launch their debut CD. Capturing the atmosphere of a 1930's French Salon, the performance will be laden with flair, elegance and sauciness, taking the audience on a journey into the thrilling musical world of the tango.
Jed Rowe Band, an exceptional group of musicians fronted by talented songwriter, Jed Rowe, will be performing at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre in Warburton. Their dynamic live shows offer a style that's upbeat with funky riffs interwoven with dirty blues and swirling middle-eastern melodies.
Rosie Burgess Trio, a three-piece outfit who blend elements of jazz, soul, protest and blues to rise above the usual standard of folk music, will perform at Brunswick Hotel. Other guests appearing are Tom Woodward Duo and This Shallow Mercy, whose lyrics echo the tradition of social commentary in folk music.
Grand Wazoo, the Legendary Kings of Soul, will be performing at Queen Street's Blue Diamond Club. With four lead singers, six horns and four rhythm players, the band offers vibrant arrangements of Black Soul and R&B Classics, playing greats ranging from the 50's through to the 60's.The Melbourne Folk Club meet each weekend to enjoy live acoustic music, offering a great afternoon with CDs available by local performers. Performances are held at the Grandview Hotel in West Brunswick with the next guests who'll perform being Red Cat and Ian Paulin.Networking Nights
The Dining and Activity Network, a Melbourne Social Club with over 600 members, hold a weekly drinks and dinner night at the Malvern East restaurant, La Fiamma. Free to attend, the evenings are a great chance to make new acquaintances and enjoy reasonably priced food while learning more about the group.Burlesque & Cabaret
Crisis! The Cabaret, critically acclaimed during its season in Sydney, has come to Melbourne with performances held at The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne. Featuring all new arrangements, the cabaret follows two twenty-somethings who find their lives turned upside down during the recession.The Burlesque Hour LEGENDS! is a series of performances held at Flinders Lane's fortyfivedownstairs that presents the best of Burlesque with an international line up of legendary performers. With a special guest performer heading the bill each fortnight, shows currently feature the renowned vocalist, Paul Capsis.Curly Girl Burlesque, held at Fitzroy's Burlesque Bar each week, is a fun, cheeky and risque show, which began as an Hours Level research project by Claire Haywood, and has since gone on to become a hit that celebrates the burlesque of yesteryear with a contemporary touch that challenges perceptions of women.Cinema
What It Is, the hugely successful performance by comedian, Dylan Moran, will be screened at Hawthorn East's Rivoli Cinema for one night only. Filmed at Sydney's State Theatre during his Australian tour, the special presentation is a chance to see one of today's most uniquely insightful comedians at his best.Comedy
The Smile High Club, held on the last Thursday of each month at the Society Restaurant in Bourke Street, offers first class comedy with performances by some of the best comedians in Melbourne and from abroad. With first class comedy, guests have included Dave O'Neil, Greg Fleet and other comic greats.
The Impro Cave returns for another great run of entertainment to help beat the winter chills with a toasty warm venue at The Penny Black in Brunswick and the hottest improvised entertainment. This year's series of improvised shows are ones of exploration and adventure with a new show each time.
Comedy@Spleen is a comedy night at Spleen Bar in Bourke Street, where you can step out to enjoy a great night out with an eclectic mix of Melbourne's comedy scene featuring established personalities and comedy legends from radio and television with guests such as Glenn Robbins, Corinne Grant and others.Melbourne For Kids
Family Day at Collingwood Children's Farm operates on the first Sunday of each month with each special day featuring a theme that matches activities provided for kids. With activities on offer including free pony rides, hayrides, a BBQ and more, the family Day for this month is Horse Day.
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination is a special exhibit at Scienceworks where you can discover the science behind the Star Wars films. The exhibition features authentic costumes and props from the entire Star Wars saga, including the iconic Darth Vader's menacing attire.Circus Shows
Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be holding performances at Sandown Park Hotel in Noble Park. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for the whole family, with everything from jugglers and clowns to acrobats, international performers and more.Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of Melbourne's Block Arcade, which was originally known as 'Carpenter's Lane'... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter
More on Block Arcade | Learn More about Melbourne!
Competitions & Special Offers
WIN $1,000 Shopping Spree at Sydney Airport - Don't miss the chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Sydney Airport with a Visa Pre-Paid Gift Card, offering the chance to spend big at one of the 120 stores that include Virgin, Syd Duty Free, Ralph Lauren and more. With a winner each month, entering is easy!
essentialmall.com.au is Australia's most prominent on-line discount fragrance retailer offering genuine designer fragrances, bath, cosmetic and skin products and more for men, women and children. With over 15,000 items from over 400 brands, you can save up to 75% off retail prices.Only Mobile Phones, Australia's one-stop shop for mobile phones, provides 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 while comparing prices for a Cheaper Deal!Community
Dynamic Drawing Classes, held by Ron Curran, help you discover your creative identity and find your power through drawing. Classes are held weekly in Fitzroy and Brunswick. Classes cost $18, with no need to book, and each class includes a model, music and facilitation provided on the day.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.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..
The Biggest Aussie Pie Night celebrates the fundraising tradition and the iconic pie to help support families living with cancer. During August, schools, sporting clubs, businesses and families are invited to set aside one night or day to bring people together to enjoy a pie and raise money for Challenge.
The Smith Family Winter Appeal is a chance to help change the story for disadvantaged Aussie kids by helping The Smith Family raise money for their Winter Appeal. By making a donation you can support The Smith Family in offering disadvantaged kids educational support to break the poverty cycle.Markets, Fetes and Fairs
Fairfield Primary School Community Art Show Family DayFamily Day is an annual event when Fairfield Primary School becomes a family-friendly 'art gallery' featuring work by local artists. Activities will include fabulous food, live music, bollywood dancing, drumming, workshops, crafts and more.
The Great Collectors Heaven Fair, held at Malvern Town Hall, is a chance for collectors and enthusiasts of many different passions to pick up a bargain or try and find rare items with traders from Melbourne, country Victoria and other states at the fair offering Memorabilia, Records, Comics, Stamps and more.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
Wining
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
Put Victoria on Your Table, a campaign by the Victorian Government, celebrates our state's greatest food and wine with a series of events that includes The Age Good Food Guide Winter Restaurant Express which showcases over 80 of its featured restaurants, each offering two courses of Victorian fare.
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!
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Oyster Little Bourke, inspired by eating houses of Europe, offer Australian oysters always shucked during service, never before.SPECIAL DINING OFFER!!
Book Through Menulog for 50% off all oysters when you dine at Oyster Little Bourke - Monday to Saturday, 5:30pm to 6:30pm
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Dining in Melbourne offers a splendid range of food styles to enjoy. Here are just a few classic food styles to choose from..
Modern Australian CuisineChinese Restaurants
Italian Restaurants
Seafood Restaurants
French Restaurants
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.
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