Newsletter | #098 | What's On this Week |

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for November 17 - November 23, 2008.
This week.. there's the Rye Interfaith Festival with a weekend celebration of many cultures, the Carnegie Street Festival offering fun for the whole family and a visit from Santa for the kids, and Parliament House opens its doors this Sunday with a special tribute to the centenary of women winning the right to vote in Victoria. There's also a very tasty spread of food and wine festivals across the weekend, including the Eltham Amateur Wine Show and the Yarra Valley Strawberry Festival.
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
The Rye Interfaith Festival, held this weekend, brings together many of the world's faith traditions to celebrate unity and understanding with a weekend of music, food, workshops and attractions for people of all ages. Held on the Rye Foreshore Reserve, the festival includes displays of sacred art being created, local and exotic crafts and a wide variety of activities for children such as making Peace Cranes and prayer flags.
The Carnegie Street Festival has something for the whole family in this community festival that features free rides, show bands, personality entertainers, food and even special offers from traders and community groups. The day includes the Carnegie Christmas Fair and Sidewalk Sale, Father Christmas' arrival in his Mini Train, and also displays of artwork by local schools. It begins at 10:30am and is held on Koornang Road.
Parliament House Open Day will be held this Sunday between 11am and 4pm. With an emphasis this year on the centenary that marks when women first achieved the right to vote in Victorian elections, there'll be 100 ceramic figurines displayed on the front steps while the Parliamentary Gardens will also feature some of the performances, projects and activities that honoured the milestone this year.
The Bicycle Film Festival rolls into Melbourne with the huge Bikes Rock! gig at Hifi Bar on Thursday. Running until Sunday, the Bicycle Film Festival offers a program of art, music, films, parties, and related bicycle-related extravaganzas. The Bicycle Film Festival promotes biking through a creative platform of art, music and film that appeals to broad populations in a fun and inventive fashion.
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 much more..
View Future Events on any day of the week
(Bee Invasions notwithstanding!)
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Trolley People is an exhibition of new works by Melissajay Eagan, examining a beginning fascination with the structure of the trolley and the relationship to its users and the needing and wanting of 'something'. It opens Thursday at The Projects in Collingwood.
Where The Wild Things Are is an exhibition by Kelly Smith, a Tasmanian artist whose enchanting artwork has featured in Australian and international publications including Vogue. Her exhibition runs at Brunswick's Gallery 696 until next Wednesday.
A Free Ikebana Exhibition by Shoso Shimbo and his students will be held at Zambesi, located in Flinders Lane, beginning this Saturday. Running until next Friday, the exhibition showcases one of Australia's top floral artists' Japanese flower arrangements.
The Sisters in Harmony Quilt Exhibition, presented by Seabreeze Quilters, is the second annual exhibition of Japanese and Australian quilts that celebrate 20 years of friendship between City of Hobsons Bay and Anjo. The exhibition is held in Altona until next Sunday.
Pieces of Eight, North Fitzroy's contemporary jewellery gallery, has welcomed five new jewellery designers to the gallery, including UK artist, Antonella Giomarelli. Work by the new arrivals will be displayed in the gallery window 24 hours a day throughout November.
Warburton goes Digital! is an intensive week of digital photography by award winning photographer, John Meir. Running until this Sunday, it includes the exhibition Sunrise to Sunset, along with workshops and portrait sessions at Upper Yarra Arts Centre.
NEXT, by Michael Portley, is an exhibition of landscape paintings with a Victorian flavour, featuring works that vary in approach from abstract to representative. Currently showing at Northcote's Kick Gallery, the exhibition will run until Saturday.
The Kew Cottages Project Media Experience is a media art installation that explores the lives of the residents of the former Kew Children's Cottages. Using image, video and text, the interactive exhibition is displayed at Hawthorn Town Hall.
Betwixt, the latest exhibition by Heather Shimmen, features extraordinary detailed lino-cut prints that deal with themes of migration and land. Now showing at Gallery 101 in Collins Street, the exhibition will run until this Saturday.
Liminal, now showing at RMIT Gallery, is an exhibition of wearable technologies by Melbourne artist, Leah Heiss, whose work has been developed at the threshold of art and science. The impressive exhibition will run until Saturday.
Inner Reflections Beyond The Conscious is an exhibition of paintings by Visnja Rasic. Exploring themes of truth, conviction and also personal acceptance, it runs until Sunday at the Ochre Gallery, located in Collingwood.
Bye tommorow is an exhibition about saying goodbye to childhood and the past while simultaneously living with that past into adulthood and the future. Currently running at The Dolls House in Preston, the installation exhibition will run until November 29.
Greenhouse by Joost is an Australian first in self-sustaining planning with this temporary event venue, currently open at Federation Square. Made entirely from recycled materials, Greenhouse will run until January, open daily as a gallery, cafe and social hub.
Dreams from Loom and Needle, now showing at RMIT Gallery, is an exhibition of the innovative work of Hannah Pang. Featuring fabrics and designs that use the ancient Chinese silk weaving technique of Kesi and Shibori, the exhibition runs until Saturday.
Expos, Launches & Open Days
The Historic Commercial Vehicle Club will be holding their 27th Annual Display Day this Sunday at Sandown Racecourse, and Convoy For Kids will be there with the mini semi-trailer, RugRats Haulage, offering free rides for children all day along with free showbags.
Melbourne Symmetry is a photographic book that will be launched at The Atrium of Federation Square on Saturday. The book promotes our unique city and will be available for purchase with a portion of proceeds to be donated to the Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation.
Nillumbik Artists Open Studios will celebrate 21 years this weekend by opening the studios of 29 artists in 23 studios throughout Eltham and the historic area of Nillumbik. With artists of many mediums including sculpture and printmaking, most work is for sale.
Sexpo, the Health, Sexuality and Lifestyle Exhibition, begins this Thursday at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, offering information and displays about all aspects of health, adult entertainment, sexuality, and adult lifestyles. The expo will run until Sunday.
Performances & Theatre
Secret Life of a Sex Doll, beginning Thursday at the Butterfly Club, is a new show by Atlanta Coogan that explores and somewhat politicises the idea that This Particular Sex Doll has lived a rich and interesting life, told in cabaret and monologue.
I Like This, the latest production of dance company, Chunky Moves, tells the story of two men who design an environment, and try to make sense of it by then controlling it. A playful exercise in absurdity, it opens Thursday at Chunky Moves studios in Southbank.
The Strand, beginning Wednesday, is part of Preston Market's arts project, Market Value. Held in the car park of the market, the play is a theatre and multimedia performance that offers a magical reality, where love overcomes a community secret.
After Dinner, presented by Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group, is a bitter-sweet black comedy about being single and dining in public when five people converge on a suburban nightspot. Written by Andrew Bovell, screenwriter of Lantana, it begins Thursday.
Madama Butterfly, presented by Opera Australia, is Puccini's moving tale of love and loss in the city of Nagasaki. Performed in Italian with subtitles, the production features Nicole Youl as Cio-Cio-San with a performance on Wednesday at The Arts Centre.
One Cloud, a play presented by Lady Muck, is set on an idyllic island nicknamed Paradise, where Stella Harper lands with the hope of a new beginning, only to find the locals have other ideas. Performances are held at St Kilda's Theatreworks.
The Women of Troy, presented Sydney Theatre Company, is a stark play about the fates of the women of Troy during the epic and historic fall of city. Based on Euripides' classic tragedy, it runs until Sunday at Malthouse's Merlyn Theatre.
The Hypocrite, performed by Melbourne Theatre Company, is a variation of Moliere's classic play, Tartuffe. Written by Justin Fleming and featuring Sara Gleeson and Kim Gyngell, it's currently playing at The Arts Centre's Playhouse.
Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, the latest production of Human Sacrifice Theatre, is a play about Danny and Roberta, who meet in a deserted Bronx bar, running from their separate demons. Plating at Chapel Off Chapel, it will run until Sunday.
Zombie Prom, presented by Fab Nob's Theatre, is a story as old as time itself where Boy meets Girl, and it somehow all ends up with zombies after a nuclear waste silo mishap - we've all been there! It plays Wednesday to Saturday in Bayswater.
The Rocky Horror Show has finally hit Melbourne, bringing Richard O'Brien's classic musical to the stage with ARIA-nominated singer iOta as the outrageous Dr Frank N Furter. The iconic play and long time cult favourite is on at the Comedy Theatre.
Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, is the hit musical that tells the untold story of the legendary witches from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Now playing at the Regent Theatre, the show reveals the surprising past of the supposedly Wicked Witch.
Classical & Choral Performances
A Night at the Opera is a special concert by the Melbourne Musicians chamber orchestra and vocal ensemble, Pot-Pourri. With highlights from Carmen, Don Giovanni, Lakme, The Pearlfishers and more, they'll perform this Wednesday at St Johns, Southgate.
Cantilena, performed by the Australian String Quartet, is the final Melbourne show for this year by the esteemed musicians. Bringing together three melodic works by three remarkable composers, they'll perform on Thursday at Collins Street Baptist Church.
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 this Thursday at Richmond Uniting Church, entry is by Gold Coin donation.
La Fille Mal Gardee, by Essentially Ballet's Youth Production Company, is a comic tale of a love set in the French countryside during the harvest picnic. With music by both the Eltham and Surrey Hills Orchestras, it's held Friday at the National Theatre.
The Idea Of North will be performing this week with one show only held on Sunday at Chapel Off Chapel. With four great voices on stage, the a cappella group are renowned for their slick arrangements that blend jazz, soul, gospel and cheeky musical comedy.
Entertainment & Nightlife
The Hookers and Deviates Ball is back this year with the theme of a White XXXmas, inviting risque punters to celebrate this Saturday at Pod Nightclub in Little Bourke Street. The event is a chance for couples and singles to express themselves openly and have fun.
The Tropicana Summer Latin Party, held this Saturday at Hot Rock Diner in Werribee Shopping Plaza, is a night of fun entertainment with Merengue and Salsa lessons along with DJs and a dance performance of 'Salsa d'Amor' by Ginny and George.
Sound Bytes Round 2 sees the return of this novel music night that features chiptunes, which is music made with and inspired by retro video game consoles. Held this Friday night at Softbelly in Little Bourke Street, Talkshow Boy will also preform on the night.
Ivan Zar, a performer of Delta style blues, will be appearing this Thursday at Brunswick East's Lomond Hotel. Originally from Egypt, Ivan has supported many great musicians, including BB King. Chris Molnar's Country Blues Cats will also perform on the night.
Bloc Party will be appearing at Festival Hall this Thursday and Friday, with additional seats recently announced for their Intimacy Tour, promoting their newest sound and album which caused a stir when it was released online with just 3 days notice.
John Mellencamp will be performing this Friday night along with Sheryl Crow at Rod Laver Arena. Making his first appearance here in fifteen years, he'll be playing with his legendary touring band, with Australian artist Shane Nicholson supporting on the night.
Greg Stewart, Rod Wilson & Martin Zakharov, a popular jazz trio, will be performing at Sofi's Bar at the Hotel Sofitel on Saturday. Beginning at 9pm, their diverse arrangements include works by artists such as Sinatra, Snow Patrol and Leonard Cohen.
Live Flavor, the latest show by Daniel Oldaker, is an off the wall performance that spoofs popular culture with ridiculous routines such as 'How to be the Public Ass', 'Celery Sword Swallowing' and 'Watermelon Man'. It begins Thursday at The Butterfly Club.
The Docklands Church Trivia Night, held this Thursday at James Squire Brewhouse in Waterfront City, is a fun night of trivia with Great prizes to be won! The special night will help raise funds for World Vision. Bookings are essential.
Walking Down the Street, the latest show by comedian, Carl Barron, is now playing at the Atheneum Theatre. With performances running until Sunday, the show offers the quirky insights of Carl's observations with thoughts inspired on the street.
Theatresports sees the Semi Finals held this Sunday with the mighty thespians battling onstage at St Kilda's Theatreworks. With teams competing in ever-increasing degrees of improvised difficulty, the night brings hilarious feats of do-or-die wit!
Live Music Guide Melbourne Venues and Gig guide.
Melbourne For Kids
Hands Together for PND is a day of entertainment and fun at Federation Square this Tuesday. Presented by the Post and Antenatal Depression Association, the event is free and there'll be a performance by The Kazoos along with face painting and more.
A Family Fun Day will be held this Saturday at Preston Library, beginning at 10:30am. The first in what will be an annual event, the day include plenty of fun for the kids with a sausage sizzle, face painting, storytelling, live music and entertainment and more.
Clowning Around - This Sunday at Bridie O'Reilly's in Brunswick there'll be an afternoon of fun and laughter with clowns there to play games and amaze children with tricks, juggling and more. 10% of door money from the day will go to CanTeen Australia.
The Myer Christmas Windows, which have delighted families and kids for more than 50 years now, are displayed outside the Bourke Street store where you can now find this year's offering, inspired by Alan Snow's children's book, How Santa Really Works.
Puzzles & Competitions
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! Sign up for Next Week's Newsletter to avoid missing the answers..Mystery Rumble Omen
The Apron Hit A Gate
A Cloud Grown InnLast week's answers are further down with Melbourne Trivia
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the Auditorium of Her Majesty's Theatre, Australia's most commercially successful theatre... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter
Last week's answers are further down with Melbourne Trivia
More about The Maj | Learn More about Melbourne!
Competitions
Menulog, one of the easiest ways to book a restaurant online or order home delivery, is offering the chance for you to win a trip for 2 to Hayman Island where you can have a romantic getaway in a beautiful setting.
For a chance to win this fantastic prize all you need to do is simply visit Menulog before December 15th and do any of the following...Order food online
Book a restaurant
Review a restaurantThe more orders, bookings and reviews you make, the greater your chance of winning. By booking through Menulog you can also find restaurants that offer great deals on complimentary wine, discounts for total food bills and more, so you're already making a saving!
Community
Yogalates, the latest exercise trend, is a fusion of Yoga and Pilates, offering benefits of both regimes. This Friday at Queensbridge Square there'll be a Free Lunchtime Session, presented by Berri Claritea fruit iced tea drink. Earlybirds will receive a free yoga mat.
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 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia's largest Christmas gift appeal. The Wishing Tree supports some of Australia's largest welfare organisations and Trees can be found nationally in Kmart stores, with gifts collected up until Christmas Eve.
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
This weekend has three great fetes where you'll find kids' entertainment, stalls, food & more...
St Anthony's Coptic Fete - Egyptian foods, face painting, rides and stalls this Saturday in Oakleigh.
A Fair to Remember, held this Saturday in Malvern, is a great chance to pick up a bargain in the latest fashions, while also helping to support the charity, Very Special Kids. Now in its 11th year, this family event includes children's attractions, food and music.
The UCI Track World Cup will see the world's best cyclists returning to Melbourne for three big days and nights of action, beginning Thursday at Hisense Arena. Running until Saturday, there will day and night sessions held each day with track cycling at its best.
Fun Runs
The Hobsons Bay Relay For Life, held this weekend at Newport Athletics Track, is an 18-hour, overnight team event raising funds for The Cancer Council Victoria's research and support programs. Held annually since 2006, this year's event hopes to raise over $100,000.
Rat Race is a fundraising event for Oxfam Australia that invites thrill seekers to the Newest Urban Team Challenge, held in Australia for the first time. With activities that include biking, climbing, kayaking and more, it takes place in Docklands this weekend.
Soccer
Hyundai A League Soccer | 2008/09 Season
Round 12 of the Hyundai A League brings a match to Melbourne's own backyard this weekend...
Friday 21 November 2008
Melbourne Victory FC vs Mariners FC
8pm at Telstra Dome
Spring Racing Carnival
Victoria's Spring Racing Carnival showcases 50 days of premier world-class thoroughbred racing and a party atmosphere unmatched at any other Australian sporting event! Each year, the Spring Racing Carnival puts Victoria on the international map with its high-quality horse racing that incorporates 85 race meetings across the state, with 20 Country Cups at venues such as Ararat! It runs until Thursday.
National Basketball League
Melbourne Tigers Home Games
Melbourne Tigers Vs Cairns Taipans
Wed 19 November, 7:30pm
State Netball & Hockey Centre, Parkville
Dining & Drink
The Tourmont Food & Wine Festival, held this Sunday at Fintona Girls School in Balwyn, is a gourmet extravaganza with over 40 stalls with the very best of fine wines, gourmet food, boutique beers and more. The free event includes kids' activities on the day.
Yarra Valley Strawberry Festival returns this week to tempt you on Sunday and celebrate Victoria's strawberry season at Lilydale Showgrounds. The popular festival is free to attend with kids' rides, an animal farm, stalls, entertainment and more.
The M & C Seafoods Xmas Beach Party takes place this Saturday at Kilmore Racecourse and while it may be far from the beach, the event more than makes up for it with swimwear parades, gourmet seafood, DJ's, entertainment marquees and more.
Wining
Cocktails for a Cause is a special fundraising night held this Saturday at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Prahran. Raising money for research into Orthostatic Intolerance, the night includes a silent auction, prizes, music, food and more.
The Eltham Amateur Wine Show will be held this Sunday at Eltham Community Centre. Presented by the Eltham & District Amateur Winemakers Guild, the show will feature over 700 country and grape wine entries along with workshops, food and more.
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.
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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!
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