Newsletter #134 | What's On Melbourne Newsletter #134 | What's On Melbourne

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for the week running from Tuesday July 28 - Monday August 3, 2009.

This week.. It's horses for courses with a free day of entertainment and fun at Champions, the Australian Racing Museum where a party will be held to honour the official birthday of all thoroughbreds, held traditionally on August 1 down here, while our equine friends in the Northern Hemisphere blow out their candles on January 1. Bet you didn't know that, eh?

Anyways, all thinly veiled trivial padding aside, the Melbourne International Film Festival continues this week, as does the Hume Winter Music Festival. Remember the days of wine and roses, when Nanna's sponge could rise perfectly and there'd be a festival held in its honour? Methinks the funding fairies have flitted elsewhere of late. Global Financial Crisis anyone?

And with just a taste further down, check here to view more of the following..
The Hume Winter Music Festival returns this year with an explosion of brilliant artists from the world of music, showcasing a multitude of musical genres and cultures. Celebrating the musical and cultural diversity of Hume City, the festival features a wide variety of performances featuring music, dance and more.
When: Runs Until August 9 | Various Venues


New to OnlyMelbourne
OnlyMelbourne Marketplace & Classifieds - OnlyMelbourne has just introduced our very own Classifieds Pages where you can buy and sell a wide range of goods, services and more including your very own sweet self with a Friends & Relationship section. Registration and advertising in the OnlyMelbourne Market is free providing you are a resident of Victoria.


Upcoming Events
Escapade Events will be holding a special screening of Cabaret, the classic musical starring stars Liza Minnelli at her best. The women's social events group will be holding pre-film drinks with canapes in a private area of the luxurious Palace Cinema Como lounge where guests can socialise before the film.
When: Wednesday August 5 | Bookings Required


The Chocolate Rush Festival returns with a bigger, better and tastier program of events, held at its new venue of Melbourne Showgrounds this year. With everything from workshops to chefs sharing their favourite recipes and industry competitions, the festival also includes live entertainment and wine tastings.
When: Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9


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
Debt of Honour, held at Forty Five Downstairs in Flinders Lane, is a tribute to Australia's Military forces in Timor in WW2 and the debt owed to the Timorese people who courageously supported them. The photographic exhibition includes images from private collections and the Australian War Memorial Museum archives.
When: Tuesday July 28 to Saturday August 1


The Bald Archy Prize Exhibition, Australia's most popular comic portrait competition and an alternative to the prestigious Archibald, celebrates its 16th year at Chapel Off Chapel. Judged by a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Maude, this year's subjects include Bill Henson, Nicole Kidman and Bart Cummings.
When: July 30 to August 30 | Open Daily, 10am to 5pm
Opening Held July 30 - 6:30pm


Charles Blackman: Australian Icon - Held as part of a major launch for one of South Melbourne's newest galleries, Art at Cyclone, this major exhibition celebrates the art of one of Australia's greatest living painters, Charles Blackman with works including paintings, drawings and limited edition prints.
When: Runs Until August 24 | Open Daily - 11am to 4pm


Break a Leg, held at City Museum, is a special exhibition that highlights Melbourne's rich theatre history. Charting the lives of some of the stars who gave birth to the rich legacy of Melbourne theatre, establishing it as a city for the arts, the exhibition features original material icons like from Dame Nellie Melba.
When: Runs Until August 23


Len Lye, one of the most radical creative minds of the modern age, will be showcased at a special exhibition held at ACMI in Federation Square. Surveying his work across film, sculpture, painting, poetry and more, the exhibition is the largest survey of Len Lye's work ever presented.
When: Runs Until October 11 | Open Daily


SUB12 is a Hobsons Bay arts event that features over 40 artists and 34 exhibitions held across 12 weeks in one great space, The Substation, which is located in Newport. Presented in four distinct exhibition blocks, each with its own opening night, the shows feature a diverse mix of emerging and established artists.
When: Until September 27 | Wednesdays to Sundays
Series Two: Runs July 31 to August 16


Daisy and Lizzie (my only friend) is an exhibition by Rebecca Pierce, held at Richmond's Blacksphere Fine Art. Based on her impressions of Daisy Bates and her companion Lizzie the bicycle lizard, her colourful imagery presents a storybook feel that also holds a starkly surreal agenda beneath the surface.
When: Runs Until August 8 | Wednesdays to Sundays


SAGE, Successful Aging, Growth and Enhancement, is a seminar held at St Michael's Uniting Church in Collins Street. Conducted by Psychotherapist, Dr Francis Macnab, SAGE is all about growing old positively, offering people over 45 psychological insights and advice to help them age more enjoyably.
When: Friday July 31 | $15 Including Lunch


Quick Guide to Family Dispute Resolution - WIRE, the Women's Information and Referral Exchange, will present a free information session offering a brief overview of Family Dispute Resolution. Held at the Lonsdale Street centre, the session will feature speakers Solicitor Lucy Padula and Mediator Priscilla Zara.
When: Monday August 3


Travelling Treasures, presented by the State Library of Victoria, is a selection of the Library's treasures, showcased at various local community libraries. Offering a chance to see precious items, the tour currently includes an early edition of Charles Darwin's Origin of Species and an antique globe of Captain Cook.
When: Monday August 3 - Preston Library
Next Week: August 4, Wodonga | August 5, Beechworth | August 6, Bright


Performances & Theatre
Customer Care, presented by Aftonbridge Theatre, is a comic story of one man's quest to get truly satisfying service out of the large corporation of Colson's. Set in the complaints department where unexpected romance blooms, performances of the show will be held at Northcote Town Hall.
When: July 30 to August 2 | 5 Shows Only


Top Girls, presented by students of Monash University, sees twenty talented performers uniting to bring back the 80's as the show follows the life of Marlene, a career minded woman who celebrates her success by opening her imagination to a remarkable dinner party with significant historical female figures.
When: Until August 1 - Tuesday to Saturday


Sideshow, performed at Prahran's Chapel Off Chapel, is a play set during the 1930s depression when the voyeurism of anomalous 'freaks' was a comforting reminder to 'ordinary' people that life could be worse. Following the lives of conjoined twins, the touching and unique play offers a Vaudevillian twist.
When: Thursday July 30 to Sunday August 2


The Club, David Williamson's celebrated play, will be performed by Fab Nobs Theatre. Inspired by the backroom dealings of the VFL during the 1970's, the play follows the transition of an Australian sport becoming Australian business. Performances will be held at The New Fab Factory in Bayswater.
When: July 31 to August 15


Life's A Circus is a play about love and betrayal as Vivien and David, two Australian circus performers working overseas, meet the youthful Alex and realise they may have found someone worth risking everything for. Featuring renowned theatre and circus performers, it's held at St Kilda's Theatre Works.
When: August 3 to 15 | Monday & Wednesday to Saturday


Savage River, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company, is a play that tells the warm, affectionate and moving story of a father and son who live by the edge of Savage River - now little more than a dam amidst a Tasmanian ghost town - whose lives are changed by the arrival of a beguiling woman.
When: Runs Until August 8 | Mondays to Saturdays


Servant of the Revolution, performed at Brunswick's Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, is a dramatic work of creative non-fiction directed by Brenda Addie. Based on historical fact, the play tells the story of communist revolutionary Karl Marx and how he secretly fathered an illegitimate child.
When: July 28 to August 1


Petrouchka's Nightmare, held at BMW Edge at Federation Square, is a ground-breaking performance that fuses elements of circus theatre and contemporary dance. Inspired by classic Russian fairytales, the story follows a Russian puppet, who comes to Australia after being purchased at a Parisian market.
When: Wednesday July 29 - 1pm & 8pm


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 greatest successes in pop music history while showcasing the great songs they became famous for.
When: Runs Until September 27


Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story returns to Melbourne with a brand new production held at the Palms at Crown. The live music extravaganza, which has become one of the biggest hits on the stage, presents the story of the iconic singer with two hours of his greatest hits that inspired many other performers.
When: Runs Until August 22


The Birthday Party, the classic play by Harold Pinter, will be performed by Melbourne Theatre Company at the Arts Centre's Fairfax Studio. Now regarded as a classic post-war drama, the play tells of how one man's life in a seaside boarding house is unsettled when two new lodgers arrive.
When: Runs Until August 1 - Monday to Saturday


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: Runs Until August 2


Dance
Tango's Violin, written and narrated by violinist, Sophie Kesoglidis, features dancers from So You Think You Can Dance in a performance about a woman who finds her love of playing violin and the tango only to have her life change further when she encounters a man. It plays at Healesville Memorial Hall.
When: Saturday August 1 - 8pm


Classical, Choral & Recitals
Steven Isserlis and Denes Varjon will be appearing at Melbourne Recital Centre for two special performances that will show why cellist Steven Isserlis is acclaimed around the world for his musical abilities. Accompanied by Denes Varjon on piano, the pair will perform lesser-known works by Schumann.
When: Tuesday July 28 - 7pm & Saturday August 1 - 8pm


Flinders Quartet will perform a Special Musical Program held at Southbank's Auspicious Arts to raise money for Jacob's Well, an organisation that aims to improved health, knowledge and the quality of life in impoverished countries. Music performed includes pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Bartok and Mozart.
When: Wednesday July 29 - 6:30pm


The Australian String Quartet will be performing a concert held at Southbank's Melbourne Recital Centre where the group will perform works by Arriaga and Shostakovich. Held as part of Provenance, the third national tour of the group, they'll also perform Smetana's first Quartet.
When: Wednesday July 29 - 7pm


Rhapsody in Blue, presented as part of Monash University's Open Day celebrations, is a special afternoon concert with the Monash Academy Orchestra. Held at the Alexander Theatre of the Clayton campus, the orchestra will be joined by acclaimed Australian pianist Michael Kieran Harvey.
When: Sunday August 2 - 3pm


Entertainment & Nightlife
Live Concerts & Gigs
The Flaming Lips, who last appeared in Australia during 2004's Big Day Out, will be appearing at Festival Hall. Much anticipated and long awaited, the group, who are known as one of the best bands in the genre of psychedelic alt-rock, will be appearing for one night only in Melbourne.
When: Wednesday July 29


The Lunchtime Concert Series, presented by the School of Music-Conservatorium at Clayton's Monash University, provides staff, students and the community a chance to enjoy a musical lunch break. Performed each Thursday, this week's concert features alt-folk band, Me and the Grownups.
When: Thursday July 30, 1.10 to 1.50pm | $4 Entry


Festival De La Grenouille, Festival of the Frog, brings together eight of Melbourne's leading metal bands for an amazing night of performances across two stages at Richmond's Corner Hotel. Featuring Ne Obliviscaris, the night will raise funds for French lead guitarist, Benjamin Baret's pending visa application.
When: Friday July 31 | Doors Open 7pm


The Girls Go Swinging is a performance by Connie Lansberg and the Sisters of Sass, Australia's only professional All Girl and All Glamorous Big Band. With a sound straight out of the 1940's, these young women offer a reminder of a time when shows were big and brassy, held at the Art Deco Oakleigh RSL.
When: Friday July 31 | Dinner Bookings Essential


Ruth Roshan & Tango Noir will appear at Melba Hall in Parkville to launch their debut CD. Capturing the atmosphere of a 1930's French Salon, the performance will be laden with flair, elegance and sauciness, taking the audience on a journey into the thrilling musical world of the tango.
When: Saturday August 1 - 8pm


Jed Rowe Band, an exceptional group of musicians fronted by talented songwriter, Jed Rowe, will be performing at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre in Warburton. Their dynamic live shows offer a style that's upbeat with funky riffs interwoven with dirty blues and swirling middle-eastern melodies.
When: Saturday August 1 - 8pm


Rosie Burgess Trio, a three-piece outfit who blend elements of jazz, soul, protest and blues to rise above the usual standard of folk music, will perform at Brunswick Hotel. Other guests appearing are Tom Woodward Duo and This Shallow Mercy, whose lyrics echo the tradition of social commentary in folk music.
When: Sunday August 2 - From 5:30pm


Grand Wazoo, the Legendary Kings of Soul, will be performing at Queen Street's Blue Diamond Club. With four lead singers, six horns and four rhythm players, the band offers vibrant arrangements of Black Soul and R&B Classics, playing greats ranging from the 50's through to the 60's.
When: Sunday August 2


The Melbourne Folk Club meet each weekend to enjoy live acoustic music, offering a great afternoon with CDs available by local performers. Performances are held at the Grandview Hotel in West Brunswick with the next guests who'll perform being Red Cat and Ian Paulin.
When: Saturday August 1 - 3pm to 6pm


Networking Nights
The Dining and Activity Network, a Melbourne Social Club with over 600 members, hold a weekly drinks and dinner night at the Malvern East restaurant, La Fiamma. Free to attend, the evenings are a great chance to make new acquaintances and enjoy reasonably priced food while learning more about the group.
When: Every Wednesday - 7 pm | Bookings Required


Burlesque & Cabaret
Crisis! The Cabaret, critically acclaimed during its season in Sydney, has come to Melbourne with performances held at The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne. Featuring all new arrangements, the cabaret follows two twenty-somethings who find their lives turned upside down during the recession.
When: July 30 to August 2 | 4 Shows Only


The Burlesque Hour LEGENDS! is a series of performances held at Flinders Lane's fortyfivedownstairs that presents the best of Burlesque with an international line up of legendary performers. With a special guest performer heading the bill each fortnight, shows currently feature the renowned vocalist, Paul Capsis.
When: Until August 2 | Thursday to Sunday


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


Cinema
What It Is, the hugely successful performance by comedian, Dylan Moran, will be screened at Hawthorn East's Rivoli Cinema for one night only. Filmed at Sydney's State Theatre during his Australian tour, the special presentation is a chance to see one of today's most uniquely insightful comedians at his best.
When: Wednesday July 29 - 7:30pm | One Night Only


Comedy
The Smile High Club, held on the last Thursday of each month at the Society Restaurant in Bourke Street, offers first class comedy with performances by some of the best comedians in Melbourne and from abroad. With first class comedy, guests have included Dave O'Neil, Greg Fleet and other comic greats.
When: Thursday July 30


The Impro Cave returns for another great run of entertainment to help beat the winter chills with a toasty warm venue at The Penny Black in Brunswick and the hottest improvised entertainment. This year's series of improvised shows are ones of exploration and adventure with a new show each time.
When: Every Sunday, 7:30pm | Until August 30


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
Family Day at Collingwood Children's Farm operates on the first Sunday of each month with each special day featuring a theme that matches activities provided for kids. With activities on offer including free pony rides, hayrides, a BBQ and more, the family Day for this month is Horse Day.
When: Sunday August 2 | Only $16 per Family!


Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination is a special exhibit at Scienceworks where you can discover the science behind the Star Wars films. The exhibition features authentic costumes and props from the entire Star Wars saga, including the iconic Darth Vader's menacing attire.
When: Open Daily Until November 3


Circus Shows
Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be holding performances at Sandown Park Hotel in Noble Park. 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 more.
When: Runs Until August 16 - Various Days in Noble Park


Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of Melbourne's Block Arcade, which was originally known as 'Carpenter's Lane'... 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 Block Arcade | Learn More about Melbourne!


Competitions & Special Offers
WIN $1,000 Shopping Spree at Sydney Airport - Don't miss the chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Sydney Airport with a Visa Pre-Paid Gift Card, offering the chance to spend big at one of the 120 stores that include Virgin, Syd Duty Free, Ralph Lauren and more. With a winner each month, entering is easy!
Closes December 31 | More Details Here


Only Mobile Phones, Australia's one-stop shop for mobile phones, provides all you could want for your mobile phone needs, whether it be a new mobile phone, a used mobile phone, mobile phone accessories and charge cards, you'll find everything you need while comparing prices for a Cheaper Deal!
Find Great Deals For Your Mobile | Visit Here For The Latest Deals With Menulog!!


Oyster Little Bourke, inspired by eating houses of Europe, offer Australian oysters always shucked during service, never before.
SPECIAL DINING OFFER!!
Book Through Menulog for 50% off all oysters when you dine at Oyster Little Bourke - Monday to Saturday, 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Visit here for BOOKING DETAILS @ Menulog

Offer Ends July 31 | Make a Booking Today!


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
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To find fast and easy delivery in your area, Vi 
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