Newsletter | #164 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday February 23 to Monday March 1, 2010.

This week... In Geelong, you'll find the Pako Festa with food, music and entertainment from many backgrounds. Craigieburn gets a serve with their Carnival in the Sun, while in Moonee Valley you'll also find the Moonee Valley Festival, just so we're clear on where it is.

And along with the Sydney road Street party, it's all about the community as festivals abound celebrating unity, multiculturalism, even ukulele's... so if you hear a faint plucking noise behind you it's not the pheasant plucker's son, but just the Melbourne Ukulele Festival celebrating the fact that some Hawaiian once had a dog with fleas and thought they'd honour such a thing with a tiny rendition of a guitar.

Major Events

The Frances Folk Gathering, held in the town of Frances just a kilometre away from the Victorian and South Australian border, offers a program that includes live music, competitions, workshops, children's events and more. With camping sites available, the festival is free.

When: Friday to Sunday, February 26 to 28

The Melbourne Ukulele Festival, held in various venues, features ukulele performers from across Australia, along with special international guests. Presented by the Melbourne Ukulele Kollective, the festival includes workshops, picnic gatherings, documentary screenings and more.

When: February 26 to March 2

The Western Port Festival, taking place on the beautiful Hastings Foreshore, is a weekend of entertainment with something for people of all ages. With free entry, the festival features a twilight market, live music performances, Dragon Boat Races, car shows and other attractions.

The Moonee Valley Festival, one of Melbourne's largest free community events, offers a wide range of activities and entertainment including the Henley on Maribyrnong Rowing Regatta and a day of festivities at Queens Park with live performances, carnival rides special guest appearances.

Pako Festa, held in Geelong, is the largest free celebration of cultural diversity in Australia, attracting thousands of people from all walks of life. Bringing together the art, music and food of many backgrounds, the festival features workshops, performances, films, craft displays and activities.

Craigieburn Festival is a free community festival that offers a vibrant carnival and circus atmosphere with a 'Tiny Town Wonderland' for kids, guest DJs, talent competitions, a fireworks spectacular and much more. Themed Carnival in the Sun, the festival is held at D.S. Aitken Reserve.

The Tibetan New Year Festival, held by the Tibetan Buddhist Society in Yuroke, highlights the ancient culture with teachings from the Tibetan, Thai, Zen and other traditions. Set amidst gardens boasting over 2,000 rose bushes, it features a photo exhibition and an exotic market.

La Dolce Italia, formerly known as the Lygon Street Festa, see's the return of one of Melbourne's most celebrated events. Showcasing the vibrant Italian culture and tradition of the icon Carlton strip, the festival includes performances, events and special dinners held at various venues.

The Fun in the Sun Festival, presented by the City of Kingston, offers a great day out for the family with live performances that include Dorothy the Dinosaur and friends. Held at Chelsea's Bicentennial Park, there'll be pony rides, sports clinics, farm animals, roving performers and more.

The Sydney Road Street Party, held as part of the upcoming Brunswick Music Festival, celebrates one of Melbourne's biggest multicultural gatherings with something for people of all ages including live music, kids' shows, street theatre, market stalls and food from around the globe.

Festival Of The Photocopier, held at Sticky in the Underground Subway Arcade of Melbourne's Degraves St, is a month-long festival that offers an insight into the world of independent press. Featuring 12 zinemakers from around the country, it includes launches, readings and more.

The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival offers special exhibitions every Saturday and Sunday at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak. Accessible by boat with a punt service, the arts festival includes special artists demonstrations, talks and activities.

Upcoming Events

Labour Day Eve at the Long Room on Collins Street offers a night of tasty entertainment with 10 item tapas platters available on the night, Melbourne's finest DJ's mixing top commercial hits, RnB, Dance and complimentary drinks for guests arriving before 11pm on the big night.

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 so you can jot them down on the to-do list , including Exhibitions, Live Gigs, Theatre, Markets, Expos and more..
View Future Events on any day of the week

What's New?

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Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show

The Summer Art Exhibition, presented by Berwick Artists Society in conjunction with the Rotary Club Farmer's Market, takes place at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick where artworks will be judged during the day by a well known Berwick artist, Peter Petrucelli and prizes awarded.

Last Day of Summer, held at NGV International, is a day of free entertainment that celebrates art and music with an exciting line up of performers that includes Henry Wagons, Crayon Fields and Beaches. Works by renowned sculptor Ron Mueck will also be on display during the day.

Letterheads 2010, held at the Melbourne gallery of 1000 £ Bend Artspace, is a re-visioning of the English alphabet by 26 of the most influential emerging and established contemporary artists in the world today. With pieces created exclusively for the exhibition it features work by Mark Bode.

Spun Light, showing at the Stonnington Service Centre located at Malvern Town Hall, is an exhibition of photography that uses the camera to capture light at a particular moment in time, at times with the light in movement, while at others the camera alone moves, capturing playful images.

Re-imaging the Classic Print, held at Obscura Gallery in St Kilda, sees the gallery's first exhibition for the year fusing the old and the new world in Fine Art Photography with works that range from digital prints to hand made, showcasing the techniques and talents of a variety of artists.

Against the Tide, showing at Axia Modern Art in Armadale, is an exhibition by Andrew McIlroy that features 15 large oil paintings that recall languid summer ocean waters. Using the techniques of the old masters, his extraordinary works are inspired by Tim Winton's book Breath.

Paradise in Suburbia is an exhibition of photography by Rebecca Dagnall. Appearing at Melbourne's Guildford Lane Gallery, the exhibition is a series of beautifully manipulated landscapes that explore the relationships and identities that people form with places in their suburbs.

QUEEN - The Unseen Archive, a special presentation held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, is a world premiere exhibition that showcases a fascinating blend of photographs and memorabilia related to the legendary English rock band Queen, providing a rare insight into the iconic band.

1 Artist 3 Exhibitions is a presentation of works by award winning artist Rob McKinnon, whose works are on permanent display at the Surfworld Surfing Museum. With three distinctly different exhibitions held at Gasworks Arts Park in Albert Park, all proceeds go to the Gasworks Foundation.

Experimenta Utopia Now, held at the Arts Centre, is a free exhibition that showcases over 30 fun, engaging and interactive works from Australian and international artists with themes that explore a broad spectrum of social behaviour and the boundaries of humanity and our planet.

Fields of View, appearing at various venues, is a touring exhibition based on the Black Saturday Fires that raged through Victoria last year. Featuring work by artists that include Kerrie Warren, Leonie Ryan and Peter Biram, it's currently showing at Gippsland Art Gallery.

Chinoiserie: Asia in Europe, running at Melbourne's NGV International, is an exhibition that examines the style in Western art which draws influences from China, Japan and India. Ceramics, furniture, prints and more are presented with examples of Asian art to illustrate such inspirations.

Heroes and Villains, a special presentation of artwork and prints held at Silver K Gallery in Armadale, is an extensive collection of artwork featured in comics and animation. Showcasing many rare pieces released from Warner Bros, it includes works by the talented artist, Alex Ross.

AC/DC Family Jewels, held at the Melbourne Art Centre, collects memorabilia from Australia's most iconic band and their record company. Free to the public, it covers the 35-year career of AC/DC, one of the greatest rock bands, with original material revealed publicly for the first time.

'til you drop, held at the State Library of Victoria, is a free exhibition that celebrates Melbourne's passion for shopping, from the Paris end of Collins Street to the local corner store. The exhibition features historic photographs and nostalgic items on display such as wartime ration cards and more.

Expos, Launches & Open Days

The AquaFest Marine EXPO, held at Hastings Foreshore as part of the Western Port Festival, presents a showcase of the latest marine craft, boats and skis. With information and advice about fishing, marine environment and products, the expo includes special water activities.

Performances & Theatre

Now With Feeling (Part III) is an original devised piece of theatre that uses the diverse dance and theatre arts talents of performers Fiona Bryant, Rob McCredie and Lucy Farmer. Held at La Mama Theatre in Carlton, the performance follows three individuals who occupy the same space.

The Seagull King, performed at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran, is a comic story of a failed actor who, having spent years in a nursing home pretending he has Alzheimer's as an alternative to unemployment, feels the stirrings of his true calling when an acting troupe visits the home.

Madagascar, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company, is an intriguing performance set in the room of a hotel in Rome where three versions of a story are told at three different times. Starring Nicholas Bell, Noni Hazlehurst and Asher Keddie, it's playing at the Fairfax Studio of the Arts Centre.

MAMA MIA! the hit musical that's inspired by the songs of ABBA, returns to Melbourne for a limited time with performances held at Her Majesty's Theatre. The romantic comedy follows a young girl whose efforts to meet her father reunite her mother with three lovers from the past.

The Swimming Club, held at Melbourne Theatre Company in Southbank, is a co-production with Black Swan State Theatre Company featuring Tina Bursill and John Waters in the story of six friends who reunite on a Greek island where they'd spent an adventurous summer thirty years earlier.

A Midsummer Night's Dream, held as this summer's production of Shakespeare Under The Stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens, features a young, vibrant and comical cast that brings the playful tale of love, mischief and magic to life, you can bring your own picnic or order a gourmet hamper.

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 great music successes while showcasing the songs they became famous for.

Cabaret & Burlesque

The Burlesque Ball, held at The Centre in Ivanhoe, is Australia's leading all burlesque spectacular with international stars Julie Atlas Muz, Roxi Dlite and Peekaboo Pointe and a host of Australia's top starlets presenting a night of non stop vintage glamour and entertainment.

The Manly Sisters Dinner and Drag Show, held each week at Dante's in Fitzroy, is an entertaining night out with Melbourne's favourite Manly Sisters bouncing onto the stage where they also invite audience members to join them on stage for their crazy "Drag Stars"competition.

Red Door Burlesque will be performing at the stylish Order of Melbourne 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.

Classical, Choral & Recitals

Music for the People, presented as the opening event for the Brunswick Music Festival, is a special concert held at Coburg Town Hall. Free to attend, the concert features an intimate performance by Indigenous musician and radio personality Kutcha Edwards along with Peter Rotumah.

Tarka - Precious Music, Precious Water is a special music-water event that will take place at Melbourne Town Hall. Held to highlight the beauty and preciousness of water and our natural environment, the event is a collaborative arts performance, involving moving music and imagery.

The St David's Day Concert, presented by Cantorion Cymreig Victoria Welsh Choir, will be held at the Melbourne Recital Centre in Southbank. The full-sized choral concert will display the full range of the choir's musical versatility as they're joined by Welsh conductor, Alun Guy.

Triple Treat, held at Melba Hall of the University of Melbourne, is a presentation by the Melbourne Musicians as part of a series of Sunday afternoon concerts. Featuring three top pianists in three popular piano concertos, they'll perform works by Chopin, Barber and Mozart.

Entertainment & Nightlife

The Stats, a band that's redefined electro with their dynamic live shows and soaring vocals, will be appearing at onesixone in Prahran. One of Melbourne's best electro bands, they'll be headlining a night that includes performances by Back Back Forward Punch and The White Electric.

Soundwave, held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, promises a bigger line up in the wake of its most successful turn-out last year. With bands that include some of the hottest new acts along with big names like Jane's Addiction, this year's festival includes the legendary group, Faith No More.

Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls will be appearing at Melbourne's Forum Theatre where she'll be joined by very special guest, Mikelangelo. Adding a heightened dimension to her live performance, Amanda will also be performing with a string quartet throughout her tour.

Dave Graney, one of the smoothest crooners Australia has produced and also one of the most eccentric entertainers, will perform songs from his latest album, Knock Yourself Out, at the Paris Cat, one of Melbourne's Premier Jazz Clubs and voted one of the best World music venues in Australia.

Ruth Roshan & Tango Noir will be appearing at Manningham Gallery in Doncaster. Capturing the ambience of a1930's French Salon, their performances are laden with flair, elegance and sauciness, taking the audience on a journey into the thrilling musical world of the tango.

The Outdoor Reggae Festival is a gathering of Melbourne's finest Reggae selectors and bands who will present a day of live entertainment with bands, djs, mc's and live African dancers performing across three stages at Ceres, a community environment park in East Brunswick.

Funhouse, a dynamic Pink tribute band, will be appearing at Mr. Pockets in Tullamarine. Featuring EJ Campbell as Pink, her performances personify Pink's image and personality with quirky dance moves and energy that capture the excitement of Pink's groundbreaking Funhouse tour.

Melbourne Zoo Twilights is a chance to enjoy music performed live at Melbourne Zoo with this year's season boasting a great range of performers. Held on the zoo's concert lawn areas, each concert evening also includes special displays of selected species open until 7.30pm.

The Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series returns with a fantastic program of free performances, held every Sunday. Presented by the City of Yarra, the family-friendly concerts feature a diverse range of performers with backgrounds and styles from across the globe.

Cinema

The Chinese Film Festival, held at the stylish Kino Cinemas in Collins Street, brings to Melbourne a program of the latest films from China. Held during the Chinese Lunar New Year, screenings include Chengdu I Love You, a film by Cui Jian, one of China's most progressive directors.

MIFF on Deckchairs, presented on the Big Screen at Federation Square, brings the very best of the Melbourne International Film Festival to the public with free screenings held every week. With deckchairs provided, it's the perfect way to kick back and enjoy great films under the stars.

The Rooftop Cinema flickers into action with film screenings of everything from cult favourites to new releases and documentaries, literally offering the height of entertainment with screenings held on the rooftop of Swanston Street's Curtin House along with the rooftop bar.

Moonlight Cinema, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, is Melbourne's favourite open-air cinema with a program that includes latest releases, contemporary films and cult classic movies. A great way to spend a night out with friends and family, you can bring your own picnic or buy food there.

Comedy

Ross Noble, voted one of the top ten greatest stand ups of all time by British TV viewers and a regular to Australian shows like Spicks and Specks, will be appearing Upper Yarra Arts Centre in Warburton, covering the topic of things - big things and small things - as only he could.

Catherine Deveny, the always provocative, Age columnist and serial pest, will broach some of the hard topics with MasterChef star Matt Preston and First Tuesday book show regular Marieke Hardy. Covering literature, food, sex and more, the talk fest is held at Southbank's C.U.B Malthouse.

The Impro Cave Summer Club sees Impro Melbourne's sharpshooting players taking their stage skills out west, appearing at the Dog Theatre in Footscray. After a sell-out season of last year's Impro Cave, the troupe will hold nothing back with a totally new season at their mercy.

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

The Maize Maze Carnival, held at the Enchanted Maze Garden in Arthurs Seat, is a chance to discover the amazing Maize Maze - the largest of its kind in the Southern hemisphere. With fun twists and turns, the impressive Maize Maze is made from more than 100,000 stalks of corn.

Bubblewrap and Boxes is a special performance held as part of La Mama for Kids, a program of performances for children. Featuring clowning and acrobatics, the play is set in the lost mail room where its odd inhabitant's existence is thrown upside down by a new package.

Sand Sculpting Australia will again present a special display as part of the Frankston Waterfront Festival with their newest theme 'Great Moments In History' featuring 3,500 tonnes of sand carved into spectacular sculptures depicting people, places and events that have shaped our world.

Circus

Circus Sunrise, an action-packed show for all the family, will be appearing with performances held at Westfield in Mill Park. A true family circus with lineage going back to 1648, the performances of Circus Sunrise feature juggling, acrobatics and whip-cracking excitement!

Learn Circus with NICA - Drop into Fed Square each Monday and try your hand at basic circus skills with experienced NICA trainers. Offering the chance to get a taste of circus in your lunchbreak, these free, fun workshops are suitable for all ages with a range of circus skills on offer.

Perry Bros Circus, Australia's oldest circus, will be appearing in Roxburgh Park, offering quality entertainment to please the entire family. With wire walkers, Jugglers, Whip crackers, balancing acts and more the circus also features performing ponies and camels along with their very funny clowns.

Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be holding performances in Taylors Lakes. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for people of all ages with performers including 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 Gum Gully Farm, located near the Dandenong Ranges... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter

More on Gum Gully Farm | Learn More about Melbourne!

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 Lighthouse Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young people to take responsibility for their own lives. Offering a loving family environment, Lighthouse provides long-term accommodation, care and outreach to young people, who would otherwise be homeless.

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

The Suzuki Night Market, held weekly at Queen Victoria Market, has become a summer tradition that offers a great mix of unique products and a great atmosphere with a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even two stages showcasing the best live music!

View MARKETS on any day of the week to make the most of the rare sunny days (it's a coin toss, 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 Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock, presented by The Age, embraces Victoria's love of food and wine by showcasing over 100 small food and wine producers presenting their delicious array of goods. Held at Hanging Rock Reserve, the day includes cooking demonstrations.

Wining

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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

Menulog Gift Vouchers are the perfect way to treat someone special to a great dinner with vouchers available for a wide range of participating restaurants in Melbourne and across Australia. There's even the option to buy a voucher and let the lucky recipient decide which restaurant they'd like to dine at!
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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.

This week we suggest the following:

View More of the Latest Listings at OnlyMelbourne!

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

The Trots

The Melbourne Festival of Racing, held at various venues throughout Victoria, features Australia's top race meetings, including nine Group 1 races worth more than $6 million.

Yarra Valley Racing, located at Yarra Glen, offers a great day out with the finest in racing entertainment along with great venues with regional food and wine.

Harness Racing
Monday March 1

Motor Sports

The Yamaha Superbike World Championship, held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Cowes offers non-stop action with twenty-six riders will be competing for sixteen teams during the event, which includes a bike expo, live music entertainment, nightlife and much more.

Walnuts in Stockings

The TNA Wrestling Maximum Impact Tour hits town when it comes to Rod laver Arena on their first ever national tour down under. TNA, which stands for 'TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION', brings exciting wrestling action to Melbourne with big names including Kurt Angle, AJ Styles and Samoa Joe.

AFL

NAB Cup | Round 2
Match 10 - Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs - Fri Feb 26
Match 11 - St Kilda v Sydney - Sat Feb 27
Match 12 - North Melbourne v Fremantle Sun Feb 28
All Matches Held at Marvel Stadium, Docklands

Community Sports

Republica Beach Volleyball, held at St Kilda Sea Baths, invites mixed teams of 4 to compete in a fun, entertaining atmosphere smack bang in front of one of the world's greatest DJ's. With a first in best dressed policy, each participant will receive a free refreshment from Republica.

South Sea Roller Derby hold a Recruitment Day and Learn to skate session each week at Frankston Skateworld, located in Carrum Downs. The sessions are a chance to learn more about the Roller Derby and learn the basic skills required to begin training for one of the hottest sports in town.

The Mums' Tennis Program, one of Tennis Victoria's most popular programs for mums, will be appearing at various local tennis clubs, offering an affordable series of lessons with qualified tennis coaching. Participating parents can also enrol the kids in the Tiny Tots Tennis Program.

Upcoming Events

What's New?