Newsletter | #140 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for the week running from Tuesday September 8 - Monday September 14, 2009.

This week.. Spring (for what it's worth - near as I can tell the only change is the onset of pollen with those randy flowers, so excuse my sniffly segue) shows its colours with a basket of outdoor festivals including BudaFest with a weekend of open garden events at Castlemaine's Buda Historic Home. There's also the Melba Festival with concerts, dinners and more in the Yarra Ranges, while in Diamond Creek there's the Rotary Town Fair with carnival rides and a grand parade.

Melbourne's gay calendar gets a new feather in its cap this week with the adult festival, Melbourne Leather Pride. And I should point out that Spring Fashion Week's come to an end, so don't go thinking that this is part of that shindig lest you mistakenly take your mum along to the leather fest. It'd be an eye-opener for her, let me assure you. Meanwhile, there are plenty more ongoing events including Darebin Music Feast, the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival and the Brimbank Literary Festival.

With just a taste further down, check here to view more of the following..

Major Events Guide

Melbourne Leather Pride, one of the newest events on Melbourne's queer calendar, is an adult only festival that offers a program for the more robust of Melbourne's gay community with visual arts and literary events, workshops, seminars and adult party nights at various venues. How much could a hairy bear?

BudaFest is an Open Garden Festival offering a weekend of events at Buda Historic Home and Garden in Castlemaine. With a focus on the energy efficiency of gardens, the festival includes special dinner and film nights, workshops and presentations with guest appearances by Rob Gell, Michael McCoy and others.

The Story Festival, held at Gasworks Arts Park, is a one day children's festival, focusing on children's literacy, imagination and play. Free to attend, the festival features activities for families and kids with author readings, craft sessions, theatre shows and storytelling throughout the day.

Melba Festival, inspired by the iconic Dame Nellie Melba, offers a carefree weekend with a unique range of performances and experiences in the beautiful Yarra Valley. The festival program celebrates the area's many regional foods and wine with special dinners that include musical concerts.

Diamond Creek Rotary Town Fair, celebrating Diamond Creek's community, allows local groups, such as schools and the Scouts to raise funds and promote their activities. The Fair has many activities including a large carnival area with rides and sideshow activities along with a Grand Parade and fireworks.

The Brimbank Literary Festival, held to promote and celebrate local literary talent, offers a program of events for people of all ages that include of workshops, short story and poetry awards, and special talks with guest authors with most events during the festival free to attend.

The Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival is a celebration of Spring that offers fun for people of all ages with events that include the popular Kyneton Antique and Collectibles fair, art shows, concerts, exhibitions and more along with open garden days that feature home garden awards and garden tours.

The Ballarat Foto Biennale, the largest photographic event in the southern hemisphere, offers a program of special events that showcase the best photography from across Australia and the world with exhibitions of work by artists from China, Poland and other countries held in many venues of Ballarat.

Overload Poetry Festival, Australia's premier poetry festival, celebrates the vibrant poetry scene with special events that offer a broad program of entertainment with poets from across the globe converging on Melbourne with famous and infamous poets performing alongside first-timers and emerging poets.

Darebin Music Feast offers a huge program of events celebrating song writing and music in all its diverse forms. The festival features hundreds of events that celebrate the diversity of Darebin, one of Melbourne's most thriving music communities, including High Vibes, the festival's closing celebration.

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.

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 Greek Film Festival, now celebrating its 17th year, presents a selection of contemporary films direct from Greece. Held at Palace Cinemas in South Yarra, the festival offers a program of challenging short films and powerful documentaries, interspersed with films by Greek-Australian filmmakers.

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

Visions of Dreams & Life is an exhibition by Steven Sandner that depicts surrealist landscapes and spectacular flora that contrasts natural expanses with urban jungles. Held at Brunswick Arts Space, his expressive form of photography explores the themes of power, status, class and revelations.

Losing the Unique, an exhibition at Shifted Gallery in Richmond, combines the works of Jasmine Targett and Debbie Symons to explore the decline of our world's natural environment. Examining ecological identity, the works are portrayed as unique pieces, archived and documented.

A Collection of Portraits, showing at Hogan Gallery in Collingwood, is a series of works by Aida Sabic using a variety of mediums that include acrylic on canvas and wood panels and ink on watercolour paper. Depicting female subjects for the most part, her works also draw inspiration from song lyrics.

Beyond Words is an exhibition that proves there's a story behind every picture with paintings produced by young clients of MacKillop Family Services, who offer support to families suffering hardship. On display at Federation Square's Atrium, the expressive paintings can be purchased through silent auction.

The Collective, a group of artists who work in a myriad of styles and media, will be holding their first exhibition will be held at Space 39 on Little Collins Street. With all contributing artists being employees of Museum Victoria, much of the work is influenced by collections held at the museum.

I saw and heard of none like me is a group exhibition by six artists exploring identity with drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture. Drawing its title from Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, the exhibition at Abbotsford Convent examines themes that include individuality and persona.

VIVID: Images of Africa & Australia is an exhibition of paintings by three Melbourne artists, held at Camberwell's Guild House Gallery. With spectacular paintings drawn from tribal images and wildlife available to buy, a percentage of sale proceeds will go to the Global White Lion Protection Trust.

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 ARCHITEAM Architecture Awards is a bi-ennual event that will be held at St Kilda's Obscura Gallery. Recognising fresh and innovative contributions to the architectural field, the exhibition of awards entries features designs that hold ambitious aspirations with a small environmental footprint.

The Yarra Valley Group Exhibition features the work of fifty-three artists who will be opening their studios to the public in the upcoming Yarra Valley Open Studios Weekend. Held at Sticks Winery in Yarra Glen, the exhibition is a taste of the talent you'll be able to get a closer look at during the special weekend.

The Arlen Ness Photographic Exhibition, presented by Victory Motorcycles, is a collection of work by Arlen Ness, the world's foremost motorcycle customiser who has been creating motorcycle art since the 1960's. The exhibition is held at Sebel Heritage Hotel Yarra Valley in Chirnside Park.

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.

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 & Launches

Sustainable House Day sees sustainable homes in Australia open their doors to the public to demonstrate how eco-friendly houses can be, with an insight into past mistakes as much as successes. This year's event is sponsored, making entry to homes free on the day. Participating homes, that is!

The Melbourne Retirement & Lifestyle Expo, held at Caulfield Racecourse, provides a chance to learn more about the latest products, services and innovations from the retirement industry, helping broaden the choices for those nearing retirement and those who've already donned their slippers.

The Discover Casey Cardinia Expo, held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham, is an event that offers a great chance to grab a bargain with the expo featuring more than 60 businesses, each offering a different bargain. With giveaways, prizes and kids' entertainment also, the expo is free to attend.

L'Art et la mode - L'Art c'est la mode is an exhibition held at Melbourne's Madam Virtue & Co, showcasing their upcoming Haute Couture and Pret-à-Porter Collection alongside artwork by Archibald Prize Finalist Mike Chavez, Melbourne-based jeweller Katie Scott and fashion photographer Andrew Maccoll.

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

Dealer's Choice, performed at Nunawading's Whitehorse Centre, is a compelling story about the world of men that explores male bravado and the bonds between father and son when a friendly regular poker game is shaken up by a newcomer at the table, one with his own reasons for playing.

Australian Icons is an afternoon of entertainment hosted by an icon himself, the inimitable Max Gillies. Held at Hawthorn Town Hall, the concert is free to attend and honours Australian greats such as Roy Rene, Weary Dunlop, Tim Burstall and others with music by renowned composer George Dreyfus.

Once We Lived Here, performed at Flinders Lane's Forty Five Downstairs, is a new Australian musical by Dean Bryant and Mathew Frank. The play examines the passing of a way of life in rural Northern Victoria during a family gathering at a sheep station when hard truths are exposed.

Off the Hook, presented by Eltham Little Theatre, is a comedy of errors set in the lounge bar of Hook House, a quiet hotel in the English countryside where an assortment of guests, including an escaped prisoner, create mayhem that becomes classic farce. Performances are held at Eltham Performing Arts Centre.

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.

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.

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

Opera from the Heart, held at the Peninsula Community Theatre, is an evening of operatic entertainment featuring David Kram and the cast of More than Opera. Presented by the Brotherhood of St Laurence to raise proceeds for the charity, the night includes a guest appearance from Jonathon Welch.

L'Amour, conducted by Jonathon Welch (he's a busy bee this weekend), is the debut of TheChoir who will be appearing at the Melbourne Recital Centre with two concert performances that feature new choral arrangements of love songs by the Beatles, Elton John, Stephen Sondheim and others.

Anthony Marwood, a versatile performer whose talents include violinist, actor and dancer, will lead the Australian Chamber Orchestra as guest director when they perform at the Arts Centre. With music by Mozart and Kinella, the concerts include Marwood himself performing a violin concerto by Schumann.

Dance

The Sleeping Beauty, performed by The Australian Ballet at the Arts Centre, features the much-loved score by Tchaikovsky with choreography by Stanton Welch. The performance depicts the classic tale of a princess cursed to a hundred-year sleep unless she can be awoken by a kiss of true love.

The Australian Ballet School will be holding their Graduate Exhibition at the State Theatre of the Arts Centre, presenting a showcase of classical and contemporary works, performed with by their exceptional students, with this year's program inspired by the poems of Robert Ray.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Concerts & Gigs

Shannon-Goodrich Ensemble will be appearing at Melbourne's Paris Cat Jazz Club, where the group will performing a selection of their newest compositions. With music inspired by the passionate style of Flamenco, they'll be joined by cellist, Caerwen Martin and percussionist, Alejandro Vega.

Laura Hill & The Tuesday Bandits, appearing at various venues, are an uplifting musical group from Adelaide. Fronted by Laura Hill, whose toe tapping, catchy tunes capture the spirit of laid back summers, the band performs a style that mixes folk, pop, blues and roots with a pinch of salt, sun, and surf.

The Potbelleez, the dynamic DJing duo that's Dave Goode and Jonny Sonic, will be appearing at the Commercial Hotel in South Morang where the pair will perform breathtaking skills over four CDJs, two Technics, two mixers and two FX units.. and other contraptions you may or may not be familiar with.

Lucy's Crown, appearing at The Pint on Punt in Windsor, offers a stage presence with more than your average rock band. With a performance that's visually spectacular, their shows are freely choreographed, merging raw music with a modern twist on Japanese Butoh theatre. They'll be supported by Dezperados.

The Light Quartet will perform at Spencers Live with their original and ambient compositions. Comprised of Mike Johnson on harp, David Jones on percussion, Ben Robertson on Double Bass and Evripides Evripidou on Guitar, the group's music is inspired by medieval, jazz and Spanish traditions.

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 Connie Lansberg Quartet, which brings the popular vocalist together with her favourite pianist Jonathan Wade, will perform at the Rosstown Hotel in Carnegie. With performances that are uniquely unpredictable and fun, the group performs an eclectic mix of funky jazz and witty intelligent originals.

Burlesque & Cabaret

Theatrical Mayhem, held each week at the Australian Centre Of Performing Arts' Cabaret Voltaire in North Melbourne, is a live entertainment phenomenon that captures the passionate revival of burlesque with performances by emerging talents that are sensual, sexy, confronting and often totally mesmerizing.

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.

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.

Cinema

West Side Shorts, presented by Angry Productions, is a monthly film night held at the Junction Hotel in Newport. Held every second Tuesday of the month, the film nights are a chance to see fantastic short films made by local talent and also to network with local filmmakers and actors.

Trivia Nights

Jacob's Well will be hosting a Trivia and Games Night at the Melbourne Bowls Club in Windsor. With great prizes up for grabs, a major prize for each player on the champion table, and many more goodies, the night is a chance to show how brainy you are while helping Jacob's Well break the poverty cycle.

Comedy & Spoken Word

That Time Of The Month, held at the Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, is the newest monthly comedy room. Far from the norm of stand-up comedy, the night offers entertainment with a difference, specialising in comedic cabaret and musical comedy from the rising stars of the cabaret scene.

Comedy@Spleen is a comedy night at Spleen Bar in Bourke Street, where you can 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

La Mama for Kids will present two plays performed by the Italian theatre company, Fondazione Aida. Held at the Carlton Courthouse, the first play is The Happy Prince, inspired by Oscar Wilde's fairy tale, with a later performance of Harlequin's Secret using traditional traditions of acrobatics and comedy.

The Gallery Ark, a touring exhibition designed for children, aims to encourage a sense of curiosity by presenting some of the treasures of the NGV collection. Telling the story of Noah's Ark as seen through the different religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It's now showing at Bundoora Homestead.

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 Sunshine, with performances held at Sunshine Marketplace. 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 reading room at the State Library of Victoria... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter

More on the State Library | 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.

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.

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..

Exchange for Change is a fun way to update your wardrobe while also helping Oxfam Australia raise funds to combat global poverty. By hosting an Exchange for Change party at your home, guests are invited to swap unwanted clothes with one another and make donations at the event to aid Oxfam.

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

Gemarama, held at the YMCA Leisure Centre of Kangaroo Flat, is the annual exhibition of the Bendigo Gem Club which features displays of minerals and gems from around the world along with demonstrations of silversmithing and gem cutting. Children under 16 are admitted free to the event.

...from the heart is the annual art show of St Michael's church in North Carlton. With work by artists who were invited to provide art inspired from the heart and their faith, the exhibition is a non-judged event, with many artworks for sale on the day along with craft activities and a cafe.

The Strathdon Community Fete has something for everyone at with craft and cake stalls, trash'n'treasure, plants, books and food. Raising money for Strathdon Community's aged care programs, the day includes children's entertainment with an animal nursery, jumping castle, fire engine rides, 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

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Special Dining Offers

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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 Cuisine

Chinese Restaurants

Italian Restaurants

Seafood Restaurants

French Restaurants

Dining Gift Vouchers

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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.