Newsletter | #069 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #069 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for April 28 - May 4, 2008.

This week, the Melbourne Jazz Festival swings into town with some of the world's hottest acts! Head to Gippsland where a festival by any other name smells just as sweet with the Shakespeare on the River Festival! Or you can travel further afield Back to Booktown for an enormous weekend book fair! There's also the Autumn Festival in Bright, a celebration of World Laughter Day at Fed Square with the Leukaemia Foundation, and the Grape Escape in the Grampians to tempt your tastebuds!

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

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Major Events Guide
Melbourne Jazz Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with an action-packed six-day program running from April 29 to May 4. Featuring legendary jazz performers playing in some of Melbourne's finest venues, jazz lovers are set to experience a breathtaking line up of artists from across the globe with most of the international acts playing exclusively in Melbourne!


Shakespeare on the River Festival commemorates William Shakespeare's 444th Birthday this year with the festival running until May 8th in Stratford.

Packed with theatre, music events, story telling, writing workshops and more, one of the major festival highlights, the Avon Village Fair Day, takes place this Sunday at Stratford's Village Green.


Laugh for the Leukaemia Foundation celebrates World Laughter Day this Sunday with a fun day for the family that will also help raise funds for this important organisation. Held at Federation Square, the special event features a free half-hour laughter session along with face paining, hair colouring, a laughter competition and prizes & giveaways. A free-event, you can help by making a $5 donation on the day.


Back to Booktown is a huge two-day book fair held in the town of Clunes, the site of Victoria's first gold strike, located an hour and a half's drive from Melbourne. During the weekend fair, buildings all across Clunes become temporary bookstores with booksellers from all over Australia. The weekend also features talks by award-winning writers, food, wine and more in this must-see event for every bookworm!


The Bright Autumn Festival celebrates two weeks of Autumn's vibrant colours and produce in the valleys of the Victorian High Country.

Taking place in Bright over the last week of April and the first week of May, the highlight is the Gala Day held this Saturday when the main streets are closed off for bands, Street Stalls, displays and the Festival Parade!



Mother's Day | Only 2 Weeks Away!!
Mother's Day Gift Guide | May 11th
Mother's Day, held May 11th this year, is only several weeks away... So why not get in early and be sure to get a great gift for Mum! If you haven't bought a gift or planned something special for your mother yet then why not try some of our ideas to make it a perfect Mother's Day this year and show her you care!
Visit Here For Mother's Day Gift Ideas



Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
The Bonsai Exhibition & Sale Weekend, hosted by Bonsai Northwest Incorporated will be held this weekend at The Yarraville Club. The Exhibition will feature over 100 Bonsai on display, demonstrations, and a huge range of bonsai items for sale.


Drawn From The Desert, currently showing at MARS Gallery, is an exhibition of Jo Bertini's latest work, charting her intimate journey with sketches and works on paper that allude to actual sites and places from the Simpson Desert landscape.


The Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School will be holding their annual Art Exhibition from Friday till Sunday with works by local artists and past students available for sale. On Sunday children can experience art with story in the 'Fable to Felt' storytelling.


Black in Fashion: Mourning to Night, an exhibition running at both NGV International and NGV Australia, explores the impact and influences that black has had within many facets of clothing, tracing the changing significance of black in Western fashion.


The Melbourne Story lets you explore Melbourne's history, learning about the unique evolvement in this latest exhibition at Melbourne Museum. With evocative stories, icons and personalities that have shaped Melbourne, the exhibition features over 1200 objects.


Top Designs, on display at Melbourne Museum, is an exhibition that showcases some of last year's outstanding VCE student designs including an electric rockabilly guitar, decadent denim inspired by Marie Antoinette, and even a remote-controlled helicopter!


NEW08 | Emerging Artists Exhibition - Held at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, NEW reveals the latest in artistic practice from the freshest crop of young Australian artists. Showcasing works of surprise and invention, the exhibition runs until May 11th.


The Fitzgibbons Dynasty is an exhibition that honours the Fitzgibbons, one of Australia's most prominent families in entertainment. On show at the Victorian Jazz Archive, the exhibition features three generations including late jazz icon, Graham "Smacka"Fitzgibbon.


Justice & Hope is a photographic exhibition of Jenn Dobson's visual documentation of children throughout India and South East Asia. Profits from photograph sales will go to Jacob's Well, providing fresh water wells and other assistance for impoverished villages.


Arts & Theatre
The Wedding Singer - A New Musical is the latest production of Williamstown Musical Theatre Company. Based on the popular film, and with an all-new score that pays loving homage to the pop songs of the 80's, the play runs at Williamstown Mechanics Institute.


Classical Vibes - This Thursday, Nick Parnell presents Australia's first national tour of classical favourites on vibraphone with concert piano. Showcasing classical works by Beethoven, Chopin and Gershwin, Parnell's beguiling performance will take place at Melba Hall.


Emerging Playwright Forums allows writers to showcase work with rehearsed readings, and gain audience feedback. With a reading this week of Gaylene Carbis' work Audrey Hepburn and I consider Our Assets, entry is by donation with food and drink later.


Over The River & Through The Woods, playing at Heidelberg Theatre Company, tells the hilarious and touching story of Nick, a single Italian-American whose grandparents, desperate to keep "la famiglia"together, scheme to keep him at home.


Melba Conservatorium will be holding a performance on Wednesday with the Odeon Guitar Trio, featuring three of Australia's foremost guitarists, performing at 1:10pm. Held as part of the Lunchtime Concert series in Richmond, admission is free.


Guys And Dolls, playing at Princess Theatre, features a sensational cast that includes Lisa McCune, Garry McDonald, Shane Jacobson and Magda Szubanski. Set during 1940's New York, the must-see musical is one of Broadway's greatest shows!



Entertainment & Nightlife
The Da Capo Singers are holding a tasty afternoon of 'Soup and Song' at the Balla Balla Centre in Cranbourne this Saturday. Beginning at 1pm, the choral group will perform traditional songs from China, South Africa, Romania, Britain and Canada.


Old Friends is a performance by Derek Taylor and Anna-Lee Robertson featuring the music of Cole Porter, Burt Bacharach, Richard Rodgers, Irving Berlin and more. Held as a fundraiser for St Mary's House of Welcome it takes place at Chapel Off Chapel on Friday.


Live Music Guide Melbourne Venues and Gig guide.



Competitions
Be the first to ride the Wheel - a ride to remember!
Win a ride to remember on Waterfront City's stunning 120m high Southern Star Observation Wheel.

Scheduled for completion in late 2008, the winners will also receive two guided tours throughout 2008 to see the construction progress, a commemorative gift and invitations to the official VIP launch!

Competition Ends 30th of June 2008


$12,000 Cash Bonanza! Here's your chance to share in a $12,000 CASH BONANZA, courtesy of Financial Services Online! Apply free online for any comparative quote & you automatically qualify for free entry into their monthly prize draw of $1,000!

For More Competitions Visit Here



Dining & Drink
Grampians Grape Escape - Set in the Grampians, this food and wine festival showcases the best of Western Victoria's wineries with more than 80 vendors, live music and children's entertainment all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Grampians National Park. Held this weekend, this year celebrity chef 'Fast' Eddy Halmagyi from Better Homes and Gardens will offer cooking demonstrations during the festival.


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
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!
Computer Swap Meets
Visit Here


Melbourne For Kids
Game On, a special exhibition held at ACMI, almost literally features the A-Z of video and computer gaming history with an extensive collection of artwork, playable games, footage and more! With gaming consoles on display from the earliest era of arcade games through to modern consoles like the Playstation 3 and WII, the exhibition also shows the future of games and where the next adrenaline rush lies!


Melbourne Tours
Smartvisit Card is the best way to see the sights of Melbourne, whether you're visiting Melbourne for business, a vacation, or even if you're a local wanting to find Melbourne's hidden treasures!

The Smartvisit Card includes entry to attractions such as Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Old Melbourne Gaol, Telstra Dome, Cook's Cottage, Melbourne River Cruises, and many more of Melbourne's TOP venues!

Free entry to over 60 top attractions..
Visit great venues like Zoos, museums & more across Melbourne & Victoria!
Over $800 of entry fees for ONE low price..
Plus special offers & discounts!
Visit just 2 Attractions a day & you'll save!
FREE 128 page guidebook..
Tailored to local knowledge on what to see & do!
Cash free entry..
Show your card & you're in, no need for cash!
All year-round Attractions..
Whatever time of year you visit - rain or shine!


Learn more about Smartvisit Card


Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!

What's On for March



Community
Come & Try Rowing Day - The Y Rowing Centre, located in beautiful Albert Park Lake, invites you to try your hand at rowing. Held on the first Sunday of each month, these sessions are open to participants of all ages. Just turn up and have fun!
Cost: $10 - Booking not required.


Learn to Knit at Prahran Library - Every Wednesday at Prahran Library there is a free one-hour knitting class for people of all ages and experience. A great way to make friends and be creative, the classes begin at 1:30pm - needles and wool can be provided.


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. This week we ask you to consider the following..

ripple is an online system that easily allows you to make a difference while online by generating money for charity in two unique ways. By clicking a link or using their search engine, you can help fight poverty by simply taking a moment to view internet advertising, with the advertisers payment to ripple going toward charities that include Oxfam and Oaktree.
To Learn More about ripple Visit Here


OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..
Each week we highlight five 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:
About Town Mobile Mechanics - Offering reliability & competitive prices...
Kidz Funky Designs - A range of gorgeous hair accessories for children...
Terra Rossa Restaurant Bar - Elegance and style in Melbourne...
Woods Premium Condiments - Australia's Finest condiments...
Soul Obsession - Providing a personalised performance for any occasion...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!

To find out how you can join Melbourne's largest online community Visit Here!

Puzzles
Anagram-orama!
We've rearranged the letters of three of the attractions featured in this week's newsletter.. See if you can figure them out!Knock Boot At Bow
Water Them Red Fronds
Heading Sorts PaceAnswers in Next Week's Newsletter...

Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the Enterprize Landing Memorial... See if you can spot them!

Read More about the Enterprize Landing Memorial | Learn More about Melbourne!

Answers in Next Week's Newsletter

Last Week's Answers
Anagram-orama!Huge Candy Dorm Talk - KLM Dutch Orange Day
Awe Turns Wonder - Water Under Snow
Aye Cook Scry Few Pints - Cityscapes of New York
Spot The Difference
Here are the 5 Differences in last week's picture of Geelong's Adventure Park, Victoria's first water park...

Newsletter | #068 | What's On this Week [Last Week]


Melbourne Trivia
Can You Con A Gunzel With Marmalade?
A recent poll on Channel 7 news in April of this year asked if the public would like to see the return of Tram Conductors - bringing in a resounding YES with 79% of those who took part in favour of the Connies tripping the tram fantastic once again.

The results of the poll contradict the belief held by many that the return of Conductors was most sought after by Gunzels - an Australian term for any enthusiast of railway and light rail such as Trains and Trams. Otherwise known as a Train Spotter to our friends in the UK.

The words Connie, meaning Tram Conductor, and Marmalade, meaning Tram Conductor / Driver are among other old slang terms - excluding the general expletives now heard from folks caught without a ticket!

More about Tram Conductors.. | Read Melbourne Trivia...

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