Newsletter | #138 | What's On this Week |
Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for the week running from Tuesday August 25 - Monday August 31, 2009.
This week.. It's Melbourne's time to shine with Melbourne Day celebrating all our city has to offer on Sunday with a range of events. Sunday also holds the Hurstbridge Wattle Festival, offering a day of fun for the whole family with special steam train rides on the day.
There's also a swag of film festivals to leave cinephiles reeling and some tasty treats for foodies with the Sunbury Region Wine Festival offering a program of tastings and entertainment, while at the Exhibition Building there's the Taste of Melbourne offering the finest fare from our fair city's restaurants, along with the ongoing West Gippsland Slow Food Winter Festival.
With just a taste further down, check here to view more of the following..
Major Events Guide
Melbourne Day, marking the first European settlement here, honours our reputation as one of the world's most liveable cities with a wide range of events, including the Lord Mayor hosting an official Flag Raising Ceremony at Enterprize Park, live entertainment and special offers from Melbourne attractions.
The Sunbury Region Wine Festival, held in the last week of August each year, celebrates one of Victoria's oldest wine regions, with many wineries still featuring the original bluestone homesteads. Now in its 22nd year, the festival program includes music performances, gourmet food and world-class wines.
The Hurstbridge Wattle Festival celebrates our unique Australian heritage, environment and community with a great day of attractions that include food, wine, entertainment and activities within the historic Hurstbridge township. The event also offers Vintage cars, stalls, roving entertainers and more.
The Spring Migration Festival, held in North East Victoria, is a gay and lesbian event that welcomes people of all sexualities to enjoy festivities and events that include the La Luna Full Moon Dance Party, markets, dinners and much more with a festival that travels from Falls Creek to Beechworth and Yackandandah.The Festival of Refugees, presented by the Victorian Council of Churches, is a celebration held at Box Hill Town Hall where Aboriginal Elder Reg Blow will welcome refugees to Australia. With a Middle Eastern and West African dinner included with entry, it features music from guests including Kavisha Mazzella.
Melbourne Spring Fashion Week showcases all the hottest designers, labels, styles and retailers Melbourne offers with events that include fashion parades, films, workshops, parties, markets and more. It begins with the David Jones Racewear Launch held at City Square with fashion parades and guests.
The Melbourne Writers Festival, one of Australia's key literary events, explores a broad range of literary ideas for people of all backgrounds with more than 250 events that include guest speakers, author signings, music, debates, and much more with Federation Square's Atrium being the Festival hub this year.
The West Gippsland Slow Food Winter Festival offers a program of events that showcase the superb local produce grown in Cardinia Shire, one of Victoria's most picturesque regions. Highlights during the festival include a wide range of cooking classes, demonstrations and food tastings.
The ArtBeat Festival, presented by Melton Shire, offers a diverse range of events that showcase the talents of local residents. Held in various venues within Melton, the program explores many art forms with free author talks, art workshops, art exhibitions, films and music and dance performances.
MUDfest11, once a drama festival and now the largest student arts and culture festival in Australia, takes place at the University of Melbourne where it plays host to a vibrant program that features Hidden Spaces with installations, artworks, and also Muddy Shorts with a one night extravaganza of theatre.
Craft Cubed, presented by Craft Victoria, is a new festival of experimental, skilled and ideas-based craft and design. With its very first theme of CITY|COUNTRY, looking at local geographical boundaries, the festival features a wide range of events including Open Studio days, seminars, exhibitions and markets.Film Festivals
The Melbourne Underground Film Festival celebrates its prestigious tenth year of championing alternative cinema in Melbourne. Renowned as Melbourne's only truly independent voice of cinematic dissention, this year's venues are Noise Bar, Loop, Glitch, and the Embassy (formerly QBH).
The AICE Israeli Film Festival, now in its 6th year, brings the finest selection of contemporary Israeli cinema to Melbourne's screens with featured films showing at Palace Cinema Como in South Yarra and Palace Brighton Bay. The festival features films and documentaries with many screening here for the first time.
The Message Sticks Film Festival returns this year to the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum with its biggest program to date. With screenings held in the museum's Age Theatre, it includes The New Black with short films and documentaries from emerging Indigenous film-makers.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
Father's Day Gift Guide - Father's Day is only one week away... So don't be late and be sure to get a great gift for Dad! If you haven't bought a gift or planned something special for your father yet then why not try some of our ideas to make it a perfect Father's Day this year to show how great he is!Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
The Spirit of the Black Dress Exhibition, part of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, showcases the works of emerging fashion and textile designers who were invited to create their own interpretation of a contemporary black dress. Judged by industry experts, the results are displayed at Georges on Collins.The Nicholas Building, Melbourne's prominent creative hub, will hold an Open Studios event across two evenings when the public can experience a behind the scenes look at the workings of a diverse group of artists, makers and designers and their studios, along with the galleries and retail stores of the building.The Extra Ordinary Exhibition, held to celebrate the release of Sigma's DP2 camera, features the work of fifteen well-known Australian photographers who were chosen to capture everyday ordinary objects that they find extraordinary. With limited prints available for purchase, it's held at Guildford Lane Gallery.The New Scientist Eureka Prize Exhibition is a stunning display of imagery that showcases the best twenty-five entries in the annual Science Photography competition, sponsored by New Scientist. Held at RMIT Gallery in Swanston Street, impressive photos include blastwaves and malaria-infected blood cells.
Fabrication, presented at the Pieces of Eight Gallery in North Fitzroy, is an exhibition of jewellery by Tessa Blazey, whose wearable works create intimate sci-fi worlds that are held in geometric sculptures that are inspired by her fascination with mineral specimens, their formal geometries and structures.
The Revolution in Colour is an exhibition by Brendan Parkes, held at the gallery 69 Smith Street in Collingwood. Named after a misread book cover, works in the exhibition capture as much of a statement within their titles as they do with the artwork itself captured in shades of shocking pink and fluorescent green.
The Darkroom Printmakers Exhibition, held at Melbourne Camera Club located in South Melbourne, showcases the current works of the club's very active darkroom workers group. Now in its 9th year, the exhibition has grown to become a popular and prestigious show for fans of traditional darkroom printing.
Planktos - Made to wander, showing at Seventh Gallery in Fitzroy, is an exhibition of new artworks by emerging Melbourne artist, Laureen Lansdown. A survey of hidden and transcendental beauty, the exhibition explores light and the bioluminescent qualities of deep-sea life and microscopic algae.
Galada Tamboore, held at Northcote's Synergy Gallery, is an exhibition by fine art photographer David Tatnall, capturing the landscape along the Merri Creek near Campbellfield. Presented by Merri Creek Management Committee, the show celebrates their twentieth anniversary of caring for Merri Creek.
Between the Lines is the 5th Annual Artist Books Exhibition by Artisan Books in Fitzroy. With a given theme inspiring works for each exhibition, this year's theme of 'Between the Lines' has attracted an amazing collection of works redefining the boundaries of books, raising them to sculptural form.
From East to West by Liu Xiao Xian, a contemporary Chinese Australian artist, is an exhibition at Melbourne's RMIT Gallery that explores the nuances between East and West. With playful wit, his photographs and sculptures explore his experiences since leaving China after the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
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.Open Days, Expos & Lectures
Taste of Melbourne, held at the Royal Exhibition Building, is a celebration of the best cuisine that Melbourne and its surrounding regions have to offer. The event offers four days of tasty activities that include live music, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and samples from the city's finest restaurants.The Ceramic and Hobbies Expo, presented by the Victorian Hobby Ceramics Association, carries the theme this year of Black and White, showcasing the work of ceramicists both from within Victoria and other states along with stalls for ceramic businesses. It takes place at the Polish Club in Rowville.
The I Do Wedding Expo, held at the picturesque venue of Sails on the Bay on Elwood Beach, offers advice and information on how to plan your wedding day without fuss or stress with wedding service providers at one convenient location. Entry fees will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.Melbourne City School, located on the corner of King and Little Collins Streets, will be holding a series of Open Days to showcase the school's educational vision with Drop-in Sessions during which the public can explore the campus, meet staff and learn more about their fresh approach to education.Performances & Theatre
The Anglesea One Act Play Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, offers a showcase of short productions by theatre companies across Victoria. With plays crossing a broad range of genres, the festival is held at Anglesea Hall with a program that provides great value for theatre lovers.The Colours, performed by Peter Houghton at Melbourne Theatre Company's Lawler Studio in Southbank, follows the comic story of Sergeant Atkins, a man who plans of his own when he's required to disband the British colony of Batundi in 1946, giving up the flag and its colours that he guards.The Lower Depths, held at St Kilda's Theatre Works, is a collaboration between the St Kilda Drop in Centre community and four theatre makers who have come together to adapt Maxim Gorky's epic play with performances created through a workshop process that explores their own experiences.Death and the King's Horseman, performed at South Yarra's Cromwell Road Theatre, is based on the true story by Nigerian playwright, Wole Soyinka. Portraying a 1946 incident in Nigeria when British intervention during a funeral ritual led to tragedy, the play is co-produced with the HOPE Sudanese theatre group.God of Carnage, featuring Pamela Rabe and Hugo Weaving, is a play by Tony Award winner, Yasmina Reza, a French playwright whose corrosive wit examines the darker sides of human nature as a playground scuffle escalates when the parents of those involved enter the fray with good intentions.
The 7 Fingers, Montreal's famous circus theatre group, will be appearing at Melbourne Comedy Theatre with their new show, Traces. The skilled performers speak openly about their lives as they perform stunning acrobatics, blending monologues with a musical score ranging from Broadway classics to Radiohead.
Rebecca, presented by STAG Theatre and performed at the Strathmore Community Hall, is a special performance that commemorates the 70th Anniversary of Daphne DuMaurier's gothic romance, a haunting tale of mystery as a woman unravels the mystery behind her husband's former wife's death.
La Belle Helene, presented by Lyric Opera Of Melbourne, is Offenbach's operetta masterpiece, known as one of his most beautiful pieces that also boldly mocks convention and the establishment. Performed by talented emerging artists, the production at Chapel Off Chapel offers a new adaptation.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical comedy that introduces six quirky kids who must grapple with puberty, equally quirky adults, and the lesson that winning isn't everything. Presented by Williamstown Musical Theatre Company, it plays at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute.
Slava's Snowshow is a special chance to see the extraordinary talents of Slava Polunin, Russia's famous clown. Performing in Melbourne for a limited season at the Athenaeum Theatre, the show features an impressive climax that engulfs the entire audience in the illusion of a snowstorm.
Chicago, appearing at Her Majesty's Theatre, is one of the true greats in Broadway history that tells the tale of Roxie Hart, a nightclub dancer with dreams of stardom who kills her lover and goes to prison. Featuring Sharon Millerchip as Roxie, other stars include Caroline O'Connor, Craig McLaughlin and Gina Riley.
Rockabye, performed by Melbourne Theatre Company at their Sumner Theatre in Southbank, is a play that examines our self-involved, celebrity-obsessed culture. Written by Joanna Murray-Smith, the play follows Sidney, a pop star who struggles to find success with her career and life after turning forty.
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 songs they became famous for.Classical, Choral & Recitals
The Melbourne Musicians will present a program of music with performances by outstanding soloists, Zoe Knighton and Ivana Tomaskova, held at St Johns in Southgate. Conducted by Frank Pam, the concert performance features works by Haydn, Mendelssohn and Beck, Franz Haydn's contemporary.
Freshwater Trio will be holding a performance at the Salon of the Melbourne Recital Centre as part of this year's concert series. Acclaimed by audiences and peers as one of Australia's foremost performing chamber ensembles, the group will perform works by Bach, Beethoven and Orpheus by Liszt.The Spirit Sings is a celebration of spiritual music presented by one of Melbourne's most accomplished choirs, the CHIME choir of Choral Institute Melbourne. Held at Melbourne's Wesley Church, the program includes favourites such as Amazing Grace and Ave Maria with Beethoven and Mozart among featured composers.Akasa & Living Out Loud, two of Melbourne's outstanding vocal ensembles, will be performing an afternoon of beautiful harmonies and infectious rhythms. Held at Fitzroy's beautifully renovated Central Hall, the event is a chance to hear the beauty of Akasa, a world award winning vocal ensemble.Dance
Concord, presented by The Australian Ballet, is a performance that combines the talents of three of the most exciting choreographers in ballet today from Russia, England and Spain. With dance works by Alexei Ratmansky, Wayne McGregor, and Nacho Duato, performances are held at the Arts Centre.Entertainment & Nightlife
Live Concerts & Gigs
Kate Ceberano will be appearing at the Palms at Crown, with an additional show announced following the sell-out success of her original performance date. Held as part of her 25 Live Tour, Australia's iconic soul singer will perform songs from her many successful albums with special guest, Carl Riseley.Holidays On Ice will be holding a performance to launch their new album, 'Pillage Before Plunder' with an exclusive show held at the Wesley Anne in Northcote. A collaboration between Angie Hart of frente, Dean Manning of Leonardo's Bride and Naomi Radom of CODA, they'll be joined by guest Jackson Mclaren.Muhanamwe, one of Australia's most exciting drumming and dance ensembles, will be appearing at Northcote's Bar 303. Featuring Guinean master drummers Aliou Sylla and Mohamed Camara, Muhanamwe guarantee a high-energy performance of infectious West African percussion.Unified Gecko, Melbourne's masters of Middle Eastern Boogie, will perform their addictive brand of Turkish fuelled reggae funk at The Spot in Brunswick. Specialising in Turkish Romany Gypsy, a darker version of gypsy music, Unified Gecko offer a unique style of the musical tradition.Seriously! is a performance held at Chapel Off Chapel with four of Australia's most exciting leading men, Matthew Robinson, Christopher Parker, Alex Rathgeber and Josh Piterman. Presented by Jewish Museum of Australia, they'll perform classics from Rodgers and Hammerstein and many other greats.
Connie Lansberg & the Sisters of Sass, Australia's only professional All Girl and All Glamorous Big Band, will appear at Richmond's Dizzy's Jazz Club and also at Melbourne's Manchester Lane. With the sound of the 1940's, the women offer a reminder of a time when shows were big and brassy.Burlesque & Cabaret
Friday Night Burlesque, held at Fitzroy's Burlesque Bar, is a scintillating night of live performance, capturing the long and varied history of Burlesque entertainment in all its cheeky, saucy glory featuring established acts as well as some of the hottest up and coming performers in the Burlesque scene.
The Ruby Revue, a variety night that's been a raging success in Sydney, is making its own mark in Melbourne with performances held at Thornbury Theatre. Offering a completely different show each month, shows feature new talent performing a range of acts including musical, burlesque, magic, comedy and more.Curly Girl Burlesque at North Melbourne's Cabaret Voltaire 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.Red Door Burlesque will be performing this week at the stylish Order of Melbourne, located in Swanston Street. Offering the finest in burlesque, vaudeville and circus, the night includes seductive tunes from DJ Emma Peel, saucy pinup girls, and death-defying aerial acts performed right above your table.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.Melbourne For Kids
Lights, Camera, Showtime! held at the Whitehorse Centre in Nunawading, is a theatre show performed by Whitehorse Showtime, the Scouts and Guides of the Whitehorse and Maroondah districts. With the theme of Hollywood Blockbusters, the shows offer family entertainment at an affordable price.Superheroes The Musical is a comedic performance set in present-day Melbourne that follows the misadventures that surround Professor Egghead's invention, which turns ordinary people into superheroes. Held at East Kew's Renaissance Theatre, it's performed by Track Youth Theatre.
Dora & Diego at Hoyts - Dora and Diego will be appearing on the big screen as you've never seen them before with special sessions at Hoyts Cinemas during August held at Chadstone, Melbourne Central and Eastland. Sessions are held every Saturday and Sunday with all tickets costing just $7.
The Goal Kick Program, held by East Bentleigh Soccer Club, is a great development program to introduce young boys and girls aged 5 to 7 to the game of soccer in a non-competitive and fun environment. With weekly sessions of skill drills and game play, kids can learn the sport while having fun, making new friends.
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
Circus Sunrise, an action-packed show for all the family, will be appearing in Wantirna South, located at Melton's Woodgrove Shopping Centre. A true family circus with lineage going back to 1648, the performances od Circus Sunrise feature juggling, daring acrobatics and whip-cracking excitement!
Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be holding performances opposite Bundoora RMIT on Plenty Road. 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 the Heide Museum of Modern Art... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter
More on Heide Museum | 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!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
African Drumming Classes - Ray Pereira, one of Australia's best performers and teachers in African Drumming, offers classes that teach great hand technique and how to hear and play inspiring West African rhythms on a variety of drums and percussion instruments that include djembe, bells and shakers.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 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
Australia's Premier Collectable Show, held at Maribyrnong RSL, is a great chance for collectors and enthusiasts of many different passions to pick up a bargain or try and find rare items with traders offering a wide variety of vintage, retro and modern collectables including sports memorabilia, toys, models 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 wine lovers, their impressive wine range 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!
Mezza Lebanese Grill in East Brunswick offer fresh Lebanese cuisine & traditional entertainment with belly dancers and music.SPECIAL DINING OFFER!!
Book Through Menulog and receive 20% off your total bill for 2 people or more when you dine at Mezza - Monday to Thursday.
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..
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.
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.
Ezibuy is the largest fashion clothing and home decor multi-channel retailer in Australasia. EziBuy's product range includes core womenswear brands - Capture, Grace Hill, Emerge and Urban - plus the extended choice offered by exclusive European brands Together and Apart, complemented by an extensive range of Lingerie, Homeware and Gift products.This week we suggest the following:
- Cocktails R Us<
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