Newsletter #109 | What's On Melbourne

Newsletter #109 | What's On Melbourne

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for February 2 - February 8, 2009.

This week.. Melbourne's newest music venue, the acoustically gorgeous Melbourne Recital Centre, opens it's doors with a weeklong program of conerts beginning Sunday, but you can get in early for a looksee with their Open Day on Saturday that features attractions for all the family. There's also more fun for the family with the Whittlesea Country Music Festival and Warnambool's Wunta Fiesta where kids (or penguins) can take part in the filming of a music video.

There's also a day of skills and thrills with Freestyling at Federation Square, showcasing the cream of Australia's Hiphop Crop, while Uniting Care's Pancake Day also holds their deliciously official launch this week. The St Kilda Festival also continues this week, as does Midsumma with its program of arts and theatre.

There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!

What's On this Week is an overview of the (too many to mention) events happening this week in Melbourne. To see everything that is happening on any given day this week, view our What's On MELBOURNE Calendar

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Special Announcement
Public Transport Rally | This Tuesday - There will be a public rally held this Tuesday at Parliament House to address the public transport crisis and hold the State Government to account. With an address by speakers held at Midday, people are invited to gather on the steps of Parliament House at 11:30am - or whenever their train or tram manages to get them there!



Major Events Guide
The Melbourne Recital Centre will celebrate its opening as Melbourne's most exciting and newest music venue with a week-long festival of concerts that begins this Sunday, the 100th Birthday of the venue's patron, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. There will also be an Open Day held on Saturday with family activities, offering interaction between performers and the public.


Freestyle @ Fed Square is a rare opportunity to catch the Australian Hiphop scene at its finest at this free event that sees Hiphop Champions battling it out for the bragging rites to claim the crown in a series of contests that include Emcee Battles, DJ'ing and dance-offs in Locking, Popping and Krumping. Beginning at 1pm, it includes graffiti exhibitions and more.


The Whittlesea Country Music Festival, running from Friday to Sunday at Whittlesea Showgrounds, is a chance to come and celebrate Australian country music with a host of talented performers and country style activities. With the Victorian and National Country Music Awards held Friday night, the festival includes a street party held Saturday, bush poetry and more.


Wunta Fiesta, southwest Victoria's largest community festival, begins Friday to showcase Warnambool outstanding locations such as Lake Pertobe, Botanic Gardens and the foreshore. With three days of music, food, wine and activities, a highlight is the Friday Family Night at Flagstaff Hill when kids can come dressed as penguins to take part in the filming of a musical film clip.


UnitingCare Pancake Day will hold their public launch on Tuesday at Melbourne City Square, offering a taste of how you can help UnitingCare by holding an event yourself. Pancake Day lets local people help local people with money raised at your event used by a UnitingCare agency in your area. Pancake Day events can be held any time during the month of February.


St Kilda Festival, now a nine day event that's bigger than ever before, continues this week with the Live N Local program showcasing artists, performers, comedians and more in St Kilda's many vibrant venues. The festival ends with Festival Sunday, a street celebration like no other with free live music, extreme sports, dance, children's activities and more.


Midsumma Festival continues this week, celebrating 21 years as Melbourne's premier Gay and Lesbian festival. With queer centric and queer friendly performances and entertainment, the festival offers includes special performances, cabaret, art exhibitions, community events and much more with an extensive program that runs until February 18.


The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival continues with special events taking place every Saturday and Sunday until April 13th. Held at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak, which is accessible by boat with a punt service, this weekend you can see an exhibition by the Wildlife Art Society of Australasia along with special artists demonstrations.



Upcoming Events
Cry Baby Classical Concerts, organised by 3MBS 103.5FM Classically Melbourne and the City of Yarra, offer parents and children the chance to enjoy classical music. With a performance held next Monday at Malvern Town Hall, entry is by Gold Coin donation. Music for children will be performed live on the day by a variety of local classical musicians.


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
(Stupidly balmy nights notwithstanding!)



Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Daintree Our History, Our Future is an exhibition by Caspar Brace that conveys his love and awe of nature and life, reminding to us all that all life, and all ecosystems, have intrinsic value. Opening Thursday at Brightspace in St Kilda, 50% of all sales will go to Rainforest Rescue and his artwork will also feature in an auction to benefit the organisation next Saturday.
Learn how to host an event


Markets, Fetes and Fairs
The Suzuki Night Market has returned to Queen Victoria Market, held weekly and running Wednesday nights through to February. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere. The Suzuki Night Market offers a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even two stages showcasing the best live music!


Auctions
Movie Memorabilia Collectables Auction - This Sunday there will be an auction of Movie Memorabilia from the collection of Geoff Close. With over 200 lots of items up for auction, including Movie Posters, Lobby Cards, Toys, Star Wars and Marx Brothers items and more, registration and viewing begins at 10:30am with the auction held at 1pm at Ashburton Bowls Club.


NEW LIVE CALENDAR
View MARKETS on any day of the week to make the most of the rare sunny days (it's a coin toss lately, isn't it!) and head to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs for a bargain!

A growing number of food, produce and even wine markets are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
Fetes Fairs & Shows
Art & Craft Markets
Food & Produce Markets
Swap Meets
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.
Visit Cleanskins.com


Special Dining Offers
La Francesca in Surrey Hills is a family owned restaurant that serves Italian and Modern cuisine of the highest standard with specialties that include pasta, risotto, and seafood dishes. They'll be offering a Special Valentine's Day deal with dinner from a set menu that can include Two Courses for $30 per person or Three Courses for $40. Confirmed Reservation is essential.
Make a Booking at La Francesca


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
More Restaurants at onlyMelbourne's Dining Directory


Dining In
Menulog Home Delivery is a great chance to eat fine cuisine at home! With over 300 of the best restaurants on offer, you're sure to find something to suit any taste or occasion.

To find fast and easy delivery in your area, Visit Here


Valentine's Day
MelbourneVictoria



❊ Web Links ❊
www.onlymelbourne.com.au

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Newsletter #109 | What's On Melbourne