Newsletter #136 | What's On Melbourne |

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for the week running from Tuesday August 11 - Monday August 17, 2009.
This week.. There's the chance to broaden your horizons and explore the best of the East with Asia Week at Melbourne University offering a range of special events, while the Indonesian Film Festival also begins with special guests from each film featured. There's also a tasty program of events and food tastings on offer with the West Gippsland Slow Food Winter Festival - that's Slow Food, not Slow Winter, God forbid! The ArtBeat Festival kicks off in Melton, offering a range of exhibitions and more.
The Australian National Academy of Music continues its festival of recitals, workshops and more with Piano! Also at Melbourne University this week, those busy bees are continuing with Mudfest11, their festival of performances, exhibitions and more. Craft Victoria also continues gets crafty on all y'all easels with their inaugural Craft Cubed Festival.
And with just a taste further down, check here to view more of the following..
Rockabye, performed by Melbourne Theatre Company at their Sumner Theatre in Southbank, is a play that examines our self-involved, celebrity-obsessed culture. Written by Joanna Murray-Smith, the play follows Sidney, a pop star who struggles to find success with her career and life after turning forty.
When: Runs Until September 20
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: Runs Until 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: Until August 15 | Monday & Wednesday to Saturday
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
Classical, Choral & Recitals
The Melbourne Guitar Quartet will be appearing at Chapel Off Chapel to launch their new CD, Four Elements. A vibrant guitar based ensemble, the award-winning group is known for their development of chamber music for the guitar by continuously cultivating groundbreaking arrangements of major works.
When: Saturday August 15 - 8 pm
The Melbourne Chamber Choir will be staging a performance at the University of Melbourne's Melba Hall, presented by Faye Dumont Singers. Inspired by the hymn, Come, Come Ye Saints, the performance premieres twelve musical responses to the same music and text source by composers from across the world.
When: Sunday August 16
The Maroondah Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra that is based in Ringwood, will be holding a performance that features works by Schumann, Massenet, Brahms and Strauss' popular Fledermaus Overture. The concert will be held at the Luther College Chapel in Croydon.
When: Sunday August 16 - 2.30pm
The Mary MacKillop Mass, a composition by Nicholas Buc that celebrates the centenary of Sister Mary MacKillop's death, will be premiered with the first public Melbourne performance at Fitztoy's Central Hall with the Australian Catholic University Choir, Box Hill Chorale and the Music Glenelg Festival Singers.
When: Saturday August 15 - 7pm
Entertainment & Nightlife
Live Concerts & Gigs
Noel Gardner and Alex Bridge will be appearing at Wednesday Night Acoustics, held at Clifton Hill Hotel. Partners in both music and life, the duo are popular performers at festivals all over Australia and perform heart-felt original songs that tell stories about our land, our environment, our lives and our hearts.
When: Wednesday August 12
Footsteps of a Nobody, performed at Spensers Live, is the very first rock-musical by Donna Williams and The Aspinauts. Half play, half musical, the performance traces the developmental milestones that are portrayed in the bestselling book, Nobody Nowhere; Autobiography of an Autistic Girl.
When: Friday August 14 - 7:30pm
Leticia Maher will be appearing at Northcote Social Club to launch her new album, Fallen Angels. An 'Afternoon Tea Party' celebration with everyone attending will receive a cup cake at the door, Leticia Maher and her band will perform folk-pop songs that touch on fado, jazz, blues and country.
When: Sunday August 16
Jesters Lane, a six piece original band from Melbourne, will be performing at Brunswick's Noise Bar in. Fronted by lead singer, Kimba, the band plays a unique fusion of funk, pop, jazz, blues, reggae and rock. They'll be supported by the bands RPG Radio, Jakk's Asimuth and The Young Have Secrets.
When: Saturdays Until August 29 | 8pm to 1am
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 16 - 5:45pm
Clubbing
Classic Kandy, held at Billboard The Venue, presents an excursion into what life was like in the deepest and best years of the early 21st century with a night of Old Skool clubbing. With the theme of school uniform with fluff attire, the night includes a Multi Color laser installation and CD and merchandise giveaways.
When: Friday August 14 - 10pm Onwards
Burlesque & Cabaret
Friday Night Burlesque, held at Fitzroy's Burlesque Bar, is a scintillating night of live performance, capturing the long and varied history of Burlesque entertainment in all its cheeky, saucy glory featuring established acts as well as some of the hottest up and coming performers in the Burlesque scene.
When: Every Friday Night | Doors Open 6pm
Trivia
The Monkami Trivia Night is a trivia event and charity auction held in Ringwood to raise money for Monkami and their support of people with intellectual disabilities. A fun night of questions, games and lots of prizes and giveaways, the theme is Cartoons, Characters and Clowns with fancy dress encouraged on the night.
When: Friday August 14 - 7pm to 11:30pm
Comedy
Suade, a male vocal group who deliver smooth vocal harmonies and questionable comedy like no one else possible could, will be appearing at Chapel Off Chapel with a performance that winds its way through pop, rock, jazz, soul, swing, R&B and whatever else they can get their grubby mitts on.
When: Sunday August 16 - 5 pm
That Time Of The Month, held at the Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, is the newest monthly comedy room. Far from the norm of stand-up comedy, the night offers entertainment with a difference, specialising in comedic cabaret and musical comedy from the rising stars of the cabaret scene.
When: Tuesday August 11 - 8pm
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
Alice in Wonderland Jr, is a fast paced stage adaptation of the classic tale that features updated dialogue and new arrangements of such classic Disney songs as I'm Late, The Un-Birthday Song and Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. Presented by Catchment Players, it's held at Heidelberg's Banyule Theatre.
When: Friday August 14 to Sunday August 16
Dora & Diego at Hoyts - Dora and Diego will be appearing on the big screen as you've never seen them before with special sessions at Hoyts Cinemas during August held at Chadstone, Melbourne Central and Eastland. Sessions are held every Saturday and Sunday with all tickets costing just $7.
When: Saturdays & Sundays | Throughout August
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
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 Southern Cross Station, formerly known as Spencer Street Station... 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 Southern Cross Station | Learn More about Melbourne!
Competitions & Special Offers
More Details Here
Community
African Drumming Classes - Ray Pereira, one of Australia's best performers and teachers in African Drumming, offers classes that teach great hand technique and how to hear and play inspiring West African rhythms on a variety of drums and percussion instruments that include djembe, bells and shakers.
When: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday - Various Locations
Dynamic Drawing Classes, held by Ron Curran, help you discover your creative identity and find your power through drawing. Classes are held weekly in Fitzroy and Brunswick. Classes cost $18, with no need to book, and each class includes a model, music and facilitation provided on the day.
Fitzroy: Saturdays & Tuesdays | Brunswick: Thursdays
Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Soapbox orators (that means you if you've something to say) can take turns speaking on various topics and viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or listen.
When: Each Sunday Afternoon - 3pm to 6pm
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 Smith Family Winter Appeal is a chance to help change the story for disadvantaged Aussie kids by helping The Smith Family raise money for their Winter Appeal. By making a donation you can support The Smith Family in offering disadvantaged kids educational support to break the poverty cycle.
Learn More About How You Can Help
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
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
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!
❊ Web Links ❊
➼
www.onlymelbourne.com.au
➼ Events Calendar - Find out Whats On any day of the week!
➼ OnlyMelbourne Marketplace - FREE Classifieds - Buy & Sell!
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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