Newsletter | #125 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #125 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for the week running from Tuesday May 26 - Monday June 1, 2009.

This week.. the St Kilda Film Festival kicks off with its big gala opening night at the Palais Theatre, but the grand soirees don't end there. You can also get along to Docklands for Ignite, the City of Melbourne's festive celebration of arts, music and pyrotechnics with its grand opening that will feature a spectacular fireworks display and parade.

The Emerging Writers' Festival continues this week with enough forums, performances and more to keep the literati entertained, while there's also the ongoing Melbourne Italian Festival, which celebrates food, music and cinema with a program that's richer than your Mama's bolognese. The Autumn Chamber Music Festival also continues with performances of opera and more by some of Australia's finest musicians.


And with just a taste further down, check here to view more of the following..
The Melbourne Italian Festival, now in its 5th year, is an event that embraces all aspects of performance to highlight the vibrant Italian culture throughout Melbourne. Held at various venues, the festival program includes everything from music and films to poetry, arts, and even Spaghetti Western screenings.
When: Continuing Until June 7


The Autumn Chamber Music Festival, in collaboration with Past Echoes, showcases Australia's finest musicians with performances in various venues throughout Melbourne. With a program of chamber music spanning the centuries, the festival features solo recitals, theatre, opera and much more.
When: Continuing Until May 31


Creative Gippsland is a month-long celebration held throughout May that showcases hundreds of events in Gippsland and its neighbouring shires. Highlighting the diverse talent within the area, the program features events that cater to many tastes with exhibitions, workshops, performances and tours.
When: Held Throughout May


Upcoming Events
The Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show, one of the biggest events on the culinary calendar, returns this year with new features and highlights to tempt your tastebuds, including special guest, Gordon Ramsay, who'll be appearing as part of LG's Celebrity Theatre along with other renowned chefs.
When: June 5th to June 8th


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
Totem City, showing at Steps Gallery in Carlton, is an exhibition of drypoints, etchings, drawings, paintings and sculptures by Marco Luccio, inspired by construction sites and monumental structures of Melbourne. The impressive exhibition also includes a special series of talks, workshops and presentations.
When: Runs From May 26 to June 28 - Open Daily
Official Opening Held Tuesday May 26 - 7pm to 8:30pm


A Butterfly's Journey, held at Gasworks Arts Park, is a beautiful photographic exhibition that offers a rare and stunning glimpse into Southern Vietnam's scenery and portraits of Northern Vietnam's hill tribes. All proceeds from the sale of these works will be donated to an orphanage in Sapa, where photos were taken.
When: Open Daily - 9am to 5pm | Ends: June 14
Official Opening Held Tuesday May 26 - 6pm to 8pm


Creepy Cripple, showing at Brunswick's Gallery 696, is an exhibition of surreal paintings by Beau White, an artist whose paintings capture grotesque and potentially disturbing imagery, while offering a very tongue in cheek humour that will nonetheless make your flesh crawl.
When: May 27 to June 10 | Wednesdays to Sundays
Opening Held Friday May 29 - 6pm to 9pm


Bare Your Teeth, held for two days at Brunswick East's Irene Warehouse, is a grassroots art exhibition that includes live music and workshops. Celebrating the Melbourne punk scene and inspiring creativity, the event features work by amazing artists with painting, tattoo art, cut and paste, photography and more.
When: Friday May 29 & Saturday May 30


In The Black, held at Lauraine Diggins Fine Art Gallery in Caulfield North, is an exhibition of black and white imagery that showcases drawing, photography and prints from a variety of genres. The exhibition featuring work by many diverse artists, ranging from colonial to contemporary and aboriginal art.
When: May 30 to August 8 - Mondays to Saturdays


Stories To Tell, an exhibition held at the Angela Robarts-Bird Gallery in Gasworks Arts Park, is a showcase of works by three Melbourne based illustrators who each offer a different view of stories you know, and some you don't, drawing inspiration from classic folklore, Shakespeare, myths and more.
When: Runs Until June 14 | Opening Held May 28, 6pm


Top Designs, an exhibition held at Melbourne Museum, showcases work by Victoria's final year secondary school students. With artworks that span many styles such as furniture, clothing, short films and photography, the exhibition offers a glimpse of some of tomorrow's brightest talents.
When: Open Daily Until July 26


The Independent Type, held at the State Library of Victoria, is an exhibition that celebrates the history of Victoria's literary culture with displays and exhibits that mark the progression of writing by exploring traditional Indigenous storytelling through to colonial classics and today's vibrant writing scene.
When: Open Daily | Ends: October 25


Open Days, Tours & Expos
Historic Winton, held at Winton Motor Raceway near Benalla, is Australia's largest and most popular all-historic motor race event. Held across two days, the event presents action-packed racing and displays of over 400 historic and vintage racing cars and motorbikes from the 1920s to the 1980s.
When: Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31


Shaping Elegance, held at Como Historic House and Garden in South Yarra, is a fashion exhibition that showcases the work and designs of Robert Fritzlaff, a master craftsman who stood out and established his reputation in the late 1960s. The designer himself will be part of special tours on selected dates.
When: Open Daily - 10am to 5pm | Ends: June 14
Final Tour - June 10 | Bookings Required


Performances & Theatre
Melburnalia No.2, the follow-up to 2007's acclaimed production, is a series of five specially commissioned short plays that form a single theatrical journey that examines Melbourne through the decades. With a 6 person ensemble performing 25 roles, it's held at Flinder's Lane's Forty Five Downstairs.
When: May 20 to June 7 - Various Dates


Three Sisters, presented by PMD Productions, is Anton Chekhov's classic and beautiful story of the search for meaning in a time of hardship and social change. Regarded as one of the Russian Master's best works, the tragic and humorously touching play will be performed at Chapel Off Chapel.
When: May 28 to June 20 - Thursdays to Sundays


Avenue Q is a new breed of musical, performed by a weird and wonderful mix of humans and puppets. Winner of three Broadway Tony Awards, the tasteless yet hilarious production is a cross between Sesame Street, the Muppet Show and any adult comedy you could shake a puppet at. Note: This is NOT a Kid's Show.
When: May 30 to June 21


Clickity Clack Don't Talk Back & Aoroi are two productions presented as a double-bill at St Kilda's Theatre Works. Held as part of their Selected Works program this year, the performances contain a fabulous blend of Contemporary Dance, Physical theatre, Illusion, Circus and slightly strange puppetry.
When: Runs Until May 31 - Tuesday to Sunday


Skriker Interrupted, presented by La Trobe University at their Menzies Theatre in Bundoora, is a performance that combines two plays about dreams and reality, madness and the underworld, examining what happens when we cross the border dividing the unconscious world from our daily lives.
When: Wednesday to Friday | Ends: May 29


A Little Night Music, presented by Opera Australia, features Sigrid Thornton in her Opera Australia debut along with Nancye Hayes and Robert Grubb, who are reunited in this new production that includes Stephen Sondheim's classic and whimsical song, 'Send in the Clowns' in this show held at the Arts Centre.
When: Runs Until May 31 - Various Dates


Dralion is the latest show by Cirque du Soleil. With performances held under their trademark blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau in Docklands, the show is a fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde approach of Cirque du Soleil which has made them the world's most renowned circus performers.
When: Tuesdays to Sundays | Ends: June 14


Dance
Project 5 - BELIEVE, a presentation by Melbourne Ballet Company, is a program of four works by individual choreographers, including MBC's resident choreographer Simon Hoy with his dance piece, 'Submerged'. Performances are held at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran.
When: May 27 to 31 - 7:30pm | 1pm Matinees May 30 & 31


Classical, Choral & Recitals
The Jazz and World Music Concert, presented by Monash University School of Music, is a special performance held at BMW Edge in Federation Square that features John Taylor, one of Europe's most celebrated jazz pianists and esteemed professor of Jazz Piano at the Cologne College of Music.
When: Tuesday 26 May - 7.30pm


The Robert Salzer Vocal Championships, held at Hawthorn Town Hall as part of the Boroondara Eisteddfod, is a chance to enjoy an evening with Melbourne's best up and coming classical singers vying for the title of Vocal Champion. The concert features special guest, Opera Australia's Sally-Anne Russell (pictured).
When: May 29 - 7.30pm | Adults $6, Concession $4 at Door


Melbourne University Choral Society will perform Mozart's Requiem at Melbourne's beautiful and historic St Paul's Cathedral. With work also by Gordon Kerry and Brahms, the concert conducted by Andrew Wailes features the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and the Australian Children's Choir.
When: Saturday May 30 - 8pm


Entertainment & Nightlife
Curly Girl Burlesque, held at Fitzroy's Burlesque Bar each week, 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.
When: Every Friday Night - 9pm


Cristal Burlesque, held each week at the Chapel Street bar, Cristal, showcases some of Australia's finest Burlesque performers with circus and vaudeville acts, regular international guests and DJs playing sultry blues at one of Melbourne's most luxurious venues and decadent events.
When: Every Sunday - Doors Open 7pm


Comedy
Last Drinks, a comedy written and performed by the award winning Damien Callinan, sees the performer artfully transform himself into a cast of hilarious regulars at 'The Criterion', a pub that survives the wowsers, the yuppies & the health inspectors. It's held at Healesville Memorial Hall.
When: Saturday May 30 - 8pm


Comedy@Spleen is a comedy night at Spleen Bar in Bourke Street, where you can step out to 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.
When: Every Monday - 8:30pm to 10:30pm | FREE Entry

Live Music Guide Melbourne Venues and Gig guide.


Melbourne For Kids
National Simultaneous Storytime, held each year by the Australian Library and Information Association, promotes the value of reading and books with a special story session held in public libraries across Australia. With this year's chosen book of Jackie French's Pete The Sheep, find a library nearby and join in!
When: Held May 27 - 11am | Various Locations


Yo Gabba Gabba! | Live on Stage - One of the hottest children's shows in recent times, the ground-breaking and musically inspiring Yo Gabba Gabba, will be hitting St Kilda's Palais Theatre in live performances that feature all the favourite characters such as Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex and DJ Lance Rock.
When: Friday May 29 & Saturday May 30


The Street Science Hip Hop Workshop is a free monthly workshop where kids and teens can learn the art of legal aerosol art with the Street Science team, some of the most talented, experienced and friendliest of the Australian hip-hop community. The workshop takes place at The Venue in Noble Park.
When: May 30 - 6pm to 9pm | All Ages Event


The Goal Kick Program, held by East Bentleigh Soccer Club, is a great development program to introduce young boys and girls aged 5 to 7 to the game of soccer in a non-competitive and fun environment. With weekly sessions of skill drills and game play, kids can learn the sport while having fun and making new friends.
When: Saturday Mornings - 10am to 11.15am


Kid Disco is at the Chelsea Heights Hotel where kids can enjoy all the fun of a primary school disco kicked up a notch! With two sessions held every Saturday afternoon, Kid Disco features professional DJ's, a disco light show and dance instructors who perform and offer dancing tips. Entry includes a meal on the day.
When: Saturdays - 1pm to 3pm & 4pm to 6pm | $11 Entry


Circus Shows
Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be appearing in Altona with performances at Doug Grant Reserve. 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 much more.
When: Various Days | Located in Altona Until June 8


Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the Emu Bottom Homestead in Sunbury... 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 on Emu Bottom Homestead | Learn More about Melbourne!


Competitions
FreeCompetitions.com.au brings the best competitions on offer right to you lucky Australians! By searching the web for the greatest competitions in Australia, they can let you know what's on offer and send them to you via e-mail. The service is completely free of charge with no catch but the chance to WIN!
Learn How To Win Today | Fun Food and Friendship is Melbourne's best and liveliest social activities group. The Melbourne social group is all about enjoying fun activities, meeting new people and making new friends. With special events, outings and more, the group can help you widen your circle of friends, restart your social life or establish a new social life when relocating to Melbourne.

This week we suggest the following:
The Birthday Cake Shop - Delicious ice cream cakes & delivery...
Allans Ironing Service - Same day ironing in Elsternwick...
AJH Lawyers - Business, Commercial Litigation & Immigration Law...
evolve technik - Car performance tuning & more...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
AFL Premiership
AFL Premiership - Round 10 - May 29th to 31st

Carlton vs West Coast Eagles - Friday 7:40pm, Marvel Stadium
Nth Melb vs Bris Lions - Saturday 2:10pm, Marvel Stadium
Collingwood vs Port Adelaide - Sunday 4:40pm, MCG
Essendon vs Geelong - Sunday 2:10pm, Marvel Stadium

AFL Premiership - Full Fixtures | General Sports Fixtures


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


Last Week's Puzzle Answers
Spot The Difference
Here are the 5 Differences in last week's picture of Werribee Open Range Zoo...

Newsletter | #124 | What's On this Week [Last Week]


Melbourne Trivia
Ahead On The Shopping Block..
'Doing the Block' - that's the, as opposed to your (or one's as they might have once said, and excuse the lengthy digression) - was once a common expression bandied about Melbourne, used to describe the act of strolling through Melbourne's shopping arcades, The Block and Royal Arcade.

Coined in the late 1800's, the phrase came about when it was a favourite pastime of Melburnians to stroll up and down this section of Collins Street in the late afternoon or on Saturday mornings, making the area a place that offered not only the most elegant shopping experience of its time, but also a hub where it was fashionable to be seen.

Many, many decades later, with the advent of BMX Bikes and wayward youths, the phrase was surpassed by that of the much less elegant, 'Wanna go hang at the Milk Bar?'

More About Doing The Block.. | Read Melbourne Trivia...

WHAT'S ON CALENDAR
Speaking of what's on, our new calendar allows you to select any day of the year to view everything (everything!!!) on that day in an easy to read, printable display.
-:- View What's On Calendar
-:- View Markets Only Calendar

Melbourne On The Phone
OnlyMelbourne is now mobile phone compatible. Yes, our pages are formatted to be viewed on the small screen. To view our mobile phone website, go directly to our home page with your web compatible mobile phone and you will automatically be redirected to the mobile compatible version of OnlyMelbourne.

WHAT'S ON FEEDS
For those with newsfeeds, we now have a daily What's On Melbourne Today feed.

NEWSLETTER
What's On this Week is an email overview and reminder of the (too many to mention) events happening this week in Melbourne.

Get your copy of What's On this Week! 
➼ www.onlymelbourne.com.au

➼ Events Calendar - Find out Whats On any day of the week!



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