Newsletter | #142 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #142 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday September 22 to Monday September 28, 2009.

This week.. Things gets good and arty with a good dose of quirky thrown in for good measure as Melbourne Fringe takes over the city with everything from the niftiest uses for flour you've ever seen to performances that'll make you never look at puppets the same again. There's also the Melbourne Stencil Festival appearing unofficially at the wall of your local milk bar (or kitchen if you're graced with a toddler and a texta) and also in Abbotsford where you'll find things a little more organised and above board with exhibitions, workshops and more.

Malaysia Week also begins this week, celebrating the nation's culture with special events including a free festival day in Southbank with dance performances, music and food. For those with a sweet tooth who are also fond of a tipple, there's Warrnambool Chocolate Week with tastings, events and tasty choctails.



With just a taste further down, check here to view more of the following..
Check out our View School Holiday Guide



Major Events Guide
Melbourne Fringe Festival is a celebration of Melbourne's vibrant and quirky arts culture with an extensive program of music, theatre, exhibitions and much more. Showcasing the talents of independent artists and performers at various venues, the festival hub is at North Melbourne's Lithuanian Club.
When: September 23 to October 11


The Melbourne Stencil Festival, held every year, is Australia's premier celebration of stencil art. Taking place in Abbotsford and Collingwood, the festival features a colourful program of exhibitions, live artist demonstrations, films and panel discussions that examine one of the most divisive sub cultures.
When: September 25 to October 4


The Multicultural EID Festival, held at Flemington Community Centre, celebrates the end of the month of Ramadan. Organised by Moonee Valley African communities, the family fun day is free to everyone, Muslim and non-Muslim. Activities include Soccer, Children's rides, a BBQ lunch and other great activities.
When: Saturday September 26 - 11am to 3pm | Free


The Navarathri Festival is a joyous event dedicated to the Hindu goddesses Dhurga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Held at Epping Memorial Hall, the festival features dancing and music that celebrate the breaking of nine days of fasting with offerings of food and flowers for the goddesses.
When: Sunday September 27 | Free but Bookings Required


The Padre Pio Festival, held at St Luke's Church in Lalor, celebrates the Feast of San Padre Pio. The event includes a mass service conducted in Italian followed by a church procession, then entertainment with opera performances by the Bellini band and refreshments served in the church hall.
When: Sunday September 27 - 1.30pm to 5.30pm | Free


Malaysia Week, a series of events showcasing Malaysian art and culture, features a festival day with Fiesta Malaysia, held at Southbank's Queensbridge Square. Fiesta Malaysia captures the spirit and culture of Malaysia with song and dance performances, traditional costumes, games, food, sports and martial arts.
When: Malaysia Week - September 27 to October 13
Fiesta Malaysia, Sunday September 27 | FREE Event


The Melbourne International Festival of Brass features recitals and concert performances from some of Australia's finest musicians and brass ensembles. The festival program includes musicians' forums, concerts, workshops, jam sessions and more at several venues throughout Melbourne.
When: September 27 to October 3


The Tesselaar Tulip Festival, held an hour away from Melbourne in Silvan, is a vibrant festival that celebrates Spring in style with fields that feature more than half a million beautiful flowers. With specially themed weekends held throughout the festival, attractions include concerts, kids' days and more.
When: September 16 to October 13 | Open Daily


The Royal Melbourne Show, a highlight of School Holidays, provides entertainment for all ages. With something for everyone, from extreme rides and hundreds of showbags to choose from to food and rides, the Melbourne Show also has animal, woodchop contests and many more attractions.
When: Runs Until September 27


Melbourne Leather Pride, one of the newest events on Melbourne's queer calendar, is an adult only festival that offers a program for the more robust of Melbourne's gay community with visual arts and literary events, workshops, seminars and adult party nights at various venues. How much could a hairy bear?
When: Runs Until September 27 | Adults Only


The Ballarat Foto Biennale, the largest photographic event in the southern hemisphere, offers a program of special events that showcase the best photography from across Australia and the world with exhibitions of work by artists from China, Poland and other countries held in many venues of Ballarat.
When: Runs Until October 4 | Various Venues


Film Festivals
Digital Fringe, held as part of Melbourne Fringe, is a visual delight with imagery and film showcased throughout Melbourne in venues that include libraries, shopfronts and more. With film available for download, there's also the Mobile Projection Unit, a travelling van that turns the cityscape into art at night.
When: September 23 to October 11 | Various Venues


The Melbourne Italian Film Festival returns for its 10th year with screenings held at selected Palace Cinemas. With new films selected from the recent Venice, Rome and Cannes International Film Festivals, the program also features a special retrospective of classic films from Rome's famous Cinecitta Studios.
When: Runs Until October 5


Upcoming Events
Melbourne City School, located on the corner of King and Little Collins Streets, will be holding a series of Open Days to showcase the school's educational vision with Drop-in Sessions during which the public can explore the campus, meet staff and learn more about their fresh approach to education.
When: Friday October 2 - 10am to 12pm


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
Salsa Sirens Undressed is an exhibition that shows a group of Melbourne-based salsa dancers, captured Noel Xuereb in paint, photography and sculpture. Held at Bright Space Gallery in St Kilda, the exhibition reveals a different side to the dancers, showing the people they are when removed from the stage.
When: Thursday to Saturday, September 24 to 27
Opening Held Friday September 25 - 7pm to 10pm


Shelter: On Kindness is an exhibition of work by artists, architects, writers and thinkers who were all invited to reflect on what qualities of environment and circumstance afford us shelter in a physical and metaphorical sense. Inspired by the book, On Kindness, by Adam Phillips, it's held at Melbourne's RMIT Gallery.
When: September 25 to October 25 - Monday to Saturday


The Fall, held at Forty Five Downstairs in Flinders Lane, is an installation by Megan Evans that draws on the theme of 'swarm intelligence' with eucalyptus leaves that pass across the gallery walls. The virtual leaves are animated in contrast to the installation, which is captured as a freeze frame on the walls.
When: Until September 26 - Tuesday to Saturday


The Lure of Echo, held at Donkey Wheel House, one of the oldest heritage listed buildings in Melbourne, is a immersive sound sculptural installation by Sarah Duyshart. Beautifully ethereal, the dark arches and corridors hold sieves that gently sift flour through spotlight to the floor in response to sound.
When: September 26 to October 11


Flirt is an exhibition of nautical naughties, femmes fatale, sultry sirens and coy coquettes, captured in coloured pencil and vibrant ink. Held at Gallery 696 in Brunswick, the works by self taught artist, Kate Lightfoot, portray sassy women with a cheeky air and big, gorgeous doe-eyed charm.
When: Runs Until September 30 - Wednesday to Sunday


Tiny Tunes for Wee Australians is an exhibition of small works on paper by Mexican artist Roberto Marquez. With a reputation for quirky visuals, normally incorporating images of himself with icons of Mexico's culture and literature, his works displayed at Forty Five Downstairs examine his Australian sojourns.
When: Runs Until September 26 | Tuesday to Saturday


Diction, on display at Helen Gory Galerie in Prahran, is the first solo exhibition in Melbourne by West Australian based artist Stormie Mills. One of Australia's most collectable street artists, with a career spanning 25 years, his works use combine black, white and grey tones to examine the fragility of life.
When: Runs Until October 3 | Wednesday - Saturday


The Leica/CCP Documentary Photography Award is an exhibition that showcases the work of Australia's contemporary documentary photographers. Appearing at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, award finalists featured in the show capture diverse views ranging from war photography to quiet observations.
When: Runs Until November 1 | Wednesday to Sunday


The Mont De Lancey Art Show, held at the beautiful historic homestead in Wandin North, is an annual exhibition that showcases the work of artists in the Yarra Ranges. Established in 1996, the Art Show sees the winning artwork acquired by the homestead's gallery for the Mont De Lancey Collection.
When: Until October 4, Wednesday to Sunday | Entry $5


Visions of Dreams & Life is an exhibition by Steven Sandner that depicts surrealist landscapes and spectacular flora that contrasts natural expanses with urban jungles. Held at Brunswick Arts Space, his expressive form of photography explores the themes of power, status, class and revelations.
When: Runs Until September 27 | Thursday to Sunday


Losing the Unique, an exhibition at Shifted Gallery in Richmond, combines the works of Jasmine Targett and Debbie Symons to explore the decline of our world's natural environment. Examining ecological identity, the works are portrayed as unique pieces, archived and documented.
When: Runs Until September 26 | Wednesday to Saturday


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 Four: Runs September 11 to September 27


Open Days, Expos & Launches
The AFL Walk of Fame, appearing at Federation Square, is a Hollywood-style display that will feature the handprints of AFL stars with kids able to see how they measure up on the giant height chart! The event includes daily handball competitions with special guest AFL stars on hand to show their own skills.
When: Runs Until September 25 - 10am to 4pm | FREE


The Australian Native Orchid Show, held at Mount Waverley Community Centre, features displays of the most diverse and largest collection of terrestrial orchids including rare and endangered species. Along with the Orchid Cafe, the show includes an exhibition area with botanical art and photography.
When: September 26 & 27 | FREE for Children 16 & Under


The Body & Soul Expo, held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham, explores alternative beliefs and therapies. With a cafe available all day, the expo features over 40 exhibitors and stalls including Tarot Readers, Crystals, Reiki, Spirit Artists, Aura Readings and more with presentations held through the day.
When: September 27 | FREE for Children 14 & Under


Performances & Theatre
Genius, performed at the Collins Street Baptist Church, is a musical tribute to the legendary blues artist, Ray Charles. With Chris Kirby as the Very Reverend Frederick Douglas Jackson, the pulpit performance offers a light-hearted look at the blues with musical accompaniment by Jeff Duff and Wylie J Miller.
When: September 23 to October 10 | Various Dates
Guide Dogs Victoria Charity Premiere, Wed September 23


Svetlana in Slingbacks, presented by students of La Trobe University, tells the story of a girl growing up in 1960s Adelaide as she struggles with her Russian heritage and family dramas, leaving her to find escape in a fantasy playground of sci-fi, spaceships and stars. Performances are held in Bundoora.
When: September 22 to 26 - 7pm


Attract/Repel, presented by The Melbourne Town Players, is an uncompromising and raw look into racism in Australian culture. Created by Ming-Zhu Hii, the performance takes the form of interrogation to look beneath the surface of society. It's held at The Store Room above the Parkview Hotel in Fitzroy North.
When: Runs Until October 10 | Tuesday to Sunday


God of Carnage, featuring Pamela Rabe and Hugo Weaving, is a play by Tony Award winner, Yasmina Reza, a French playwright whose corrosive wit examines the darker sides of human nature as a playground scuffle escalates when the parents of those involved enter the fray with good intentions.
When: Runs Until October 3 - Mondays to Saturdays


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 songs they became famous for.

When: Runs Until September 27


Classical, Choral & Recitals
The St Nicholas Chorale will be holding their debut concert at St Mary's Star of the Sea Church in West Melbourne. An a Capella choir that specialises in performing sacred music of the Eastern churches, their concert features works by Rachmaninoff, Bortniansky, Berezovsky and a new work by Fr Ivan Moody.
When: Thursday September 24 - 8pm


Dance
Triplicity, by Weave Movement Theatre, a talented group of people with and without physical disabilities, features three short works that explore ways to open the body, unlocking the inherent stories within. Held at Dancehouse in North Carlton, the performances investigate themes of chance and intimacy.
When: September 24 to 27


Postcards from... is a performance by Janelle Kristen DePetro that uses movement to explore a girl's relationships with the men in her life and those she must let go. Inspired by text from Helen Garner's short story 'Postcards From Surfers' and personal writings, it's held at Fitzroy's Cecil Street Studio.
When: Thursday & Saturday, September 24 & 26 - 7:30pm


Entertainment & Nightlife
Live Concerts & Gigs
Carnaval Soundnation, presented by Deakin University's Indonesian Student Association, is a concert at Festival Hall with two of Indonesia's biggest bands, Nihji and Ran. The concert includes performances by IndoMelburnian bands and a parade with a modern twist on traditional Indonesian dance.
When: Thursday September 24


Fiesta, Melbourne's premier Latin indoor Festival, is held at Malvern Town Hall where International Latino star, Magic Juan, will be performing classic Proyecto Uno songs along with songs from his latest album, The Sure Bet. The night includes a performance by latin show band, Peligro, DJs and floor shows.
When: Saturday September 26


Big Squiddy Fun, held at Richmond's Corner Hotel, celebrates the launch of the tribute album to Baterz aka Barnaby Ward. One of the most underrated contributors to Australia's music scene, the performer, who fell victim to HIV following a blood transfusion, is honoured with performances by a huge line-up.
When: Sunday September 27 - Doors Open 3.30pm


JO JO Smith & The Brothers Of Love will be performing at Spensers Live, offering a great night of entertainment. One of Australia's best female vocalists and known as 'Mistress of Groove', Jo Jo's range has earned a reputation as one of the best stage performers along with her talented band.
When: Sunday September 27 - From 4pm


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 September 27 - 6pm to 9pm


The Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra will be performing at The Apartment in Little Bourke Street where you can enjoy dinner and one of the best shows in town. With an 18-piece orchestra, Daryl McKenzie proves why he's one of Australia's best-regarded musicians with legends like Tom Jones using his arrangements.
When: Monday September 28


Burlesque & Cabaret
Spread a Little Joy, held at Chapel Off Chapel, is a performance for lovers of fine music theatre that reunites the talents of the two Melbourne divas, Natasha Bassett and Lizzie Matjacic. Their latest creation celebrates Broadway with stunning harmonies, a hint of sass and a good deal of comic flair.
When: Thursday & Friday, September 24 & 25 - 8pm


Snuff Clubb, held at the Fringe Hub of North Melbourne's Lithuanian Club, is a cabaret club of manic giant puppets, live music and special guest. A theatre of the macabre and risque, Snuff Clubb is a daring cavalcade of bizarre characters who grow more absurd as the show unfolds, much like themselves.
When: September 25 to October 10 | ADULTS ONLY


Theatrical Mayhem, held each week at the Australian Centre Of Performing Arts' Cabaret Voltaire in North Melbourne, is a live entertainment phenomenon that captures the passionate revival of burlesque with performances by emerging talents that are sensual, sexy, confronting and often totally mesmerizing.
When: Every Thursday Night - Starts 8pm


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


Curly Girl Burlesque at North Melbourne's Cabaret Voltaire 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 Saturday Night - 8pm | Bar Open 7pm


Clubs
Heretic opens its doors for the first time at the venue of Oktobar in Thornbury. Melbourne's only true Metal Club, Heretic will take place on the last Sunday of each month with DJ's FreAky Andy and DJ Max V playing only the hardest genres of metal with music including Pantera, Metallica and Cradle of Filth.
When: Opening Night - Sunday September 27


Comedy
Who's your Daddy? held at Melbourne's Bull & Bear Tavern, combines the talents of Terry North, JJ McLean, Mr. Alabama and Peter Melrose. The four comedians explore fatherhood in the 21st century, drawing on personal experiences from altogether having 13 children and 11 grandchildren... and possibly more.
When: September 22 to October 10 - Tuesday to Saturday


Welcome to the Freak Show, held at Cabaret Voltaire in North Melbourne, is Darren Freak's musical journey into Australian middle class culture. With satirical wit, sharpened by a career as a satirical writer, he draws on everything from his childhood and family to AFL, celebrity, online dating and more.
When: September 23 to October 11


The Smile High Club, held 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 include Troy Kinne, Nicky Talacko, David Tulk and other special guests.
When: Thursday September 24


The Cloud Girls, a performance by Triple J presenters Madeleine Culp and Jennifer Carnovale, is a humorous look at the world of music as the two rockers effortlessly slide through scenes and characters on a psychedelic musical journey. Absurdist and original, it plays at the Lithuanian Club in North Melbourne.
When: September 25 to October 10 - Tuesday to Sunday


Theatresports, Melbourne's longest running improvisation comedy show, returns with performances held at St Kilda's Theatre Works. Featuring a cast of mighty thespians, teams go head to head in ever-increasing degrees of improvised difficulty, bringing new feats of do-or-die wit to the stage each week.
When: Runs Until November 29 | Every Sunday


Comedy@Spleen is a comedy night at Spleen Bar in Bourke Street, where you can 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
The Earth Kids Festival is a day of fun held in Koonwarra, a town recognised for its sustainability incentives. An hour and a half from Melbourne, the festival features preloved clothing stalls, activities with recycled materials, educational demonstrations and activities, and the launch of Organic Dolls.
When: Sunday September 27 | FREE for Kids Under 16


The AFL Grand Final Family Day is a chance to watch the big game on a superscreen at Elsternwick Park. Presented by the Elise Sneddon Foundation, Raising money for The Royal Childrens Hospital, the day offers fun with Camp Australia, a Crayola activity centre, jumping castles, animals and more.
When: September 26 - Activities commence 1pm


Baloomba-wop, held at the Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre, is a musical adventure for kids. Performed by Donna and the Aspinauts, the show is an interactive, off the wall, musical adventure for kids and kids at heart. It should appeal to fans of Dr Seuss, Lewis Carroll, Roald Dahl.
When: September 26 - 6pm to 7pm


Circus Shows
Stardust Circus, Australia's largest circus with animals, will be performing at Gateway Island, a unique arts venue located on the Murray River of Albury. The performance features African lions, monkeys, Liberty horses and trick ponies, acrobats, Aerialists, the sensational flying trapeze, clowns and more.
When: Until October 18 | Various Days in Wodonga


Circus Olympia, direct from Europe, is a bright and vibrant entertainment event that will thrill, awe and humour audiences of all ages. Performing at Westfield Fountain Gate, the circus features humane animal acts together with circus artists from nations that include Switzerland, Portugal and Russia.
When: Until October 11 | Various Days in Fountain Gate


Circus Sunrise, an action-packed show for all the family, will be appearing in Sunshine, with performances held at Sunshine Marketplace. A true family circus with lineage going back to 1648, the performances od Circus Sunrise feature juggling, daring acrobatics and whip-cracking excitement!
When: Until October 6 | Various Days, Sunshine


Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be holding performances at Burnley Oval in Richmond on Swan Street. 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: Until October 11 | Various Days in Richmond


Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of Geelong Gallery, one of Victoria's premier art galleries... 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 Geelong Gallery | 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


Community
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..

Exchange for Change is a fun way to update your wardrobe while also helping Oxfam Australia raise funds to combat global poverty. By hosting an Exchange for Change party at your home, guests are invited to swap unwanted clothes with one another and make donations at the event to aid Oxfam.
When: Held Throughout September


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, 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
Warrnambool Chocolate Week is a huge celebration of all things chocolate with feature events including a Chocolate Hunt, Masterclasses for adults and children, free chocolate tastings, prize draws and more. Kids' activities include a screening of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and cooking classes at Flagstaff Hill.
When: 28 September to 4 October | Various Venues


Wining
Rutherglen Wine Show is a chance to make good on all those tipples you've had and test your tasting skills against expert judges, sampling some of the best wines from Australia's top wine growing regions. Held at Rutherglen Show Grounds it includes a Gourmet Dinner and the Wine Show Seminar.
When: Runs Until September 25


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 wine lovers, their impressive wine range 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 ❊

➼ Newsletter | #142 | What's On this Week 

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

➼ OnlyMelbourne Marketplace - FREE Classifieds - Buy & Sell!






Update Page