Newsletter | #163 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday February 16 to Monday February 22, 2010.

This week.. Do you have wood? Because I have! You can have all the wood you want, too, if you head along to the Melbourne Wooden Boat Festival for a weekend of art exhibitions, yacht displays and more. If you prefer your wood a little drier, you'll find some crafty clogging going on at the Holland Festival, celebrating all things Dutch, which leads into an awkward segue about Dutch Boys with busy fingers and dykes in distress, thusly making reference to water so we can chinwag about the Riverboats, Jazz, Food and Wine Festival in Echuca.

I could just as easily have referred to the trees along the Murray to keep the wood theme going, but you have to agree, the Dutch Boy reference is a chuckle... unless there's a stick up ya bum, which brings us back to wood. It's the circle of life, people.

Major Events

The Melbourne Wooden Boat Festival, held at Docklands, brings together Melbourne's major wooden boat and yacht groups to create the ultimate event for classic boat lovers. With boat racing, woodworking exhibitions and sailing master classes, it includes free activities for everyone to enjoy.

The Riverboats, Jazz, Food and Wine Festival sees the town of Echuca come to life with a great series of jazz performances along the Murray River and various venues, art exhibitions, family activities and also dining events and a market celebrating the food and wine of the region.

The Holland Festival, held at Sandown Racecourse, is a day of live entertainment and exhibitions that celebrate the Dutch community in Australia with music performances, food and children's activities. A highlight of the event is a spectacular parade with brass bands and clog dancing.

The Melbourne Didjeridu Festival, held at Mia Mia Gallery in Templestowe, is a day long celebration of the didgeridoo with entertainment for the whole family that includes stalls, workshops, activities and a concert featuring world-class performers and musicians including Ganga Giri.

Festival Of The Photocopier, held at Sticky in the Underground Subway Arcade of Melbourne's Degraves St, is a month-long festival that offers an insight into the world of independent press. Featuring 12 zinemakers from around the country, it includes launches, readings and more.

The Sustainable Living Festival returns with a program of attractions, workshops, seminars and other special events held across Melbourne. Highlighting this year's theme of Climate Change, it features the Main Event held at Federation Square with exhibits, performances and more.

The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival offers special exhibitions every Saturday and Sunday at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak. Accessible by boat with a punt service, the arts festival includes special artists demonstrations, talks and activities.

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 so you can jot them down on the to-do list , including Exhibitions, Live Gigs, Theatre, Markets, Expos and more..
View Future Events on any day of the week

What's New?

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Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show

Re-imaging the Classic Print, held at Obscura Gallery in St Kilda, sees the gallery's first exhibition for the year fusing the old and the new world in Fine Art Photography with works that range from digital prints to hand made, showcasing the techniques and talents of a variety of artists.

Against the Tide, showing at Axia Modern Art in Armadale, is an exhibition by Andrew McIlroy that features 15 large oil paintings that recall languid summer ocean waters. Using the techniques of the old masters, his extraordinary works are inspired by Tim Winton's book Breath.

Paradise in Suburbia is an exhibition of photography by Rebecca Dagnall. Appearing at Melbourne's Guildford Lane Gallery, the exhibition is a series of beautifully manipulated landscapes that explore the relationships and identities that people form with places in their suburbs.

QUEEN - The Unseen Archive, a special presentation held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, is a world premiere exhibition that showcases a fascinating blend of photographs and memorabilia related to the legendary English rock band Queen, providing a rare insight into the iconic band.

1 Artist 3 Exhibitions is a presentation of works by award winning artist Rob McKinnon, whose works are on permanent display at the Surfworld Surfing Museum. With three distinctly different exhibitions held at Gasworks Arts Park in Albert Park, all proceeds go to the Gasworks Foundation.

Experimenta Utopia Now, held at the Arts Centre, is a free exhibition that showcases over 30 fun, engaging and interactive works from Australian and international artists with themes that explore a broad spectrum of social behaviour and the boundaries of humanity and our planet.

Fields of View, appearing at various venues, is a touring exhibition based on the Black Saturday Fires that raged through Victoria last year. Featuring work by artists that include Kerrie Warren, Leonie Ryan and Peter Biram, it's currently showing at Gippsland Art Gallery.

Renewal, held at Chapman & Bailey in Abbotsford, is an exhibition of paintings by Phillip Sayers. Highlighting the regrowth since last year's Black Saturday, the Templestowe artist has painted the renewal of the St Andrews bush, showing the first signs of recovery in a range of artworks.

Chinoiserie: Asia in Europe, running at Melbourne's NGV International, is an exhibition that examines the style in Western art which draws influences from China, Japan and India. Ceramics, furniture, prints and more are presented with examples of Asian art to illustrate such inspirations.

Heroes and Villains, a special presentation of artwork and prints held at Silver K Gallery in Armadale, is an extensive collection of artwork featured in comics and animation. Showcasing many rare pieces released from Warner Bros, it includes works by the talented artist, Alex Ross.

AC/DC Family Jewels, held at the Melbourne Art Centre, collects memorabilia from Australia's most iconic band and their record company. Free to the public, it covers the 35-year career of AC/DC, one of the greatest rock bands, with original material revealed publicly for the first time.

'til you drop, held at the State Library of Victoria, is a free exhibition that celebrates Melbourne's passion for shopping, from the Paris end of Collins Street to the local corner store. The exhibition features historic photographs and nostalgic items on display such as wartime ration cards and more.

Expos, Launches & Open Days

Bark in the Park, presented by Beneful, is a free day of activities for both dog owners and their furry friends, held at Elwood Park. The day, hosted by Steve Jacobs of Channel 9's TODAY show, includes free dog washing, pet samples (not that kind!) and live music, giveaways and more.

Noni B, one of Australia's leading fashion retailers, will be showcasing its exclusive Liz Jordan Race collection at Caulfield on Blue Diamond Stakes Day. To mark being the first fashion label to take naming rights of the Fashion Stage, there'll be competitions with great prizes on offer.

The Annual Kiwanis All Ford Day, now in its 19th year, will be held at the Deakin University Sports Grounds of Waurn Ponds, Geelong, where car lovers and holden haters (you know the kind) can see over 1,200 Ford Show Cars, stalls offering souvenirs, music, kids' rides and more.

Performances & Theatre

The Seagull King, performed at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran, is a comic story of a failed actor who, having spent years in a nursing home pretending he has Alzheimer's as an alternative to unemployment, feels the stirrings of his true calling when an acting troupe visits the home.

The Peppercorn Tree, performed at the Whitehorse Centre in Nunawading, is a new play starring Alan Hopgood and Kevin Harrington in a moving story of a family in turmoil and the hope for a brighter future as a biographer looks at the family and unveils secrets across the generations.

Madagascar, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company, is an intriguing performance set in the room of a hotel in Rome where three versions of a story are told at three different times. Starring Nicholas Bell, Noni Hazlehurst and Asher Keddie, it's playing at the Fairfax Studio of the Arts Centre.

MAMA MIA! the hit musical that's inspired by the songs of ABBA, returns to Melbourne for a limited time with performances held at Her Majesty's Theatre. The romantic comedy follows a young girl whose efforts to meet her father reunite her mother with three lovers from the past.

The Swimming Club, held at Melbourne Theatre Company in Southbank, is a co-production with Black Swan State Theatre Company featuring Tina Bursill and John Waters in the story of six friends who reunite on a Greek island where they'd spent an adventurous summer thirty years earlier.

The Drowsy Chaperone, held at the Art Centre's Playhouse Theatre, is a nostalgic look at the golden age of musicals as Geoffrey Rush stars as a die-hard musical theatre fan who invites us into his dreary living room where an outrageously funny musical from the 1920s bursts into life.

A Midsummer Night's Dream, held as this summer's production of Shakespeare Under The Stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens, features a young, vibrant and comical cast that brings the playful tale of love, mischief and magic to life, you can bring your own picnic or order a gourmet hamper.

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 great music successes while showcasing the songs they became famous for.

Cabaret & Burlesque

The Mysteries of Love, held at The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, is a performance by Green Room Award winner, Mikelangelo, who'll be joining the golden-voiced Saint Clare for an unforgettable evening of love songs where melancholy and desire gives rise to hope and optimism.

Buddy's Back! is an exciting cabaret show featuring Scot Robin who appeared in the original cast of the smash hit musical Buddy, playing the rock and roll legend. Performing over thirty of Buddy Holly's hit songs including That'll Be The Day, he'll perform at Doncaster's Shoppingtown Hotel.

The Manly Sisters Dinner and Drag Show, held each week at Dante's in Fitzroy, is an entertaining night out with Melbourne's favourite Manly Sisters bouncing onto the stage where they also invite audience members to join them on stage for their crazy "Drag Stars"competition.

Classical & Recitals

Deva Premal and Miten, a duo whose music captures their spiritual devotion to the Indian mystic, Osho, will be appearing at St Kilda's National Theatre for one night only where they'll also be joined by Manose as they perform their songs that incorporate song, chant and meditation.

3 String Architects, an innovative collaboration between three of Australia's leading improvising string players, will be appearing at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre in Warburton. Comprised of Tom Fitzgerald, Tim Blake and Tamil Rogeon, the electro-acoustic trio perform a rich mix of styles.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Concerts & Gigs

The Good Vibrations Festival returns for another big day of the best beat-based music when it hits The Nursery of Flemington Racecourse. Now in its 7th year, the line up for 2010 features some impressive names that include The Killers, Basement Jaxx, Gossip and Busta Rhymes.

Controversy, an extravagant cover band that captures the flair and sounds of the 80's, will be appearing at Wilson Botanic Park as part of an all ages event that relives the 80's when the hair was big and the music was loud. The special concert will also feature an appearance by The Mix.

Footsteps of a Nobody, performed at Doncaster Playhouse, is the rock-musical by Donna Williams and The Aspinauts that's half play, half musical, tracing the developmental milestones portrayed in Donna's bestselling book, Nobody Nowhere; Autobiography of an Autistic Girl.

The Musical Extravaganza, held at South Surrey Park as part of a series of free events celebrating Boroodara's parks and waterways, features a performance by Ros Bandt.
Renowned for her work inspired by water, the contemporary composer will be presenting a musical montage.

The Whitehorse Summer Music Series, which brings together an exciting range of some of Melbourne's best performers, will present a free concert held at Blackburn Lake Sanctuary where there'll be performances by Blackburn High Senior Stage Band and The Swing Sensation Big Band.

Michael McDonald, formerly of The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, will be appearing at The Palais in St Kilda. The Five-time Grammy Award winner will be joined by legendary singer songwriter Boz Scaggs to perform all of their greatest hits, along with songs from their latest albums.

The Buddy Love Jazz Quartet will be performing at Kojo Brown in Richmond, offering the perfect chance to catch some laidback jazz. The evening will see the Melbourne jazz vocalist, Buddy Love, performing an eclectic blend of soulful tunes and jazz standards with his formidable band.

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 Feb Snez and Rohan Kay.

Cold Snap, specialists in performing Chicago Blues, will be appearing at Cafe Tiramisu in Eltham where they'll offer a dose of House Rockin' Chicago Blues as they rip into their tunes with a passion that's earned them a reputation as one of the hottest live blues acts in Victoria.

Melbourne Zoo Twilights is a chance to enjoy music performed live at Melbourne Zoo with this year's season boasting a great range of performers. Held on the zoo's concert lawn areas, each concert evening also includes special displays of selected species open until 7.30pm.

The Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series returns with a fantastic program of free performances, held every Sunday. Presented by the City of Yarra, the family-friendly concerts feature a diverse range of performers with backgrounds and styles from across the globe.

Jimmy Fong, a performer who draws his music inspiration from a deep Malaysian culture, will be appearing at the Acorn On Forest, located in The Basin. His unique vocal style is accompanied by his intricate finger picking style and his own arrangements on the acoustic guitar.

Cinema

The Rooftop Cinema flickers into action with film screenings of everything from cult favourites to new releases and documentaries, literally offering the height of entertainment with screenings held on the rooftop of Swanston Street's Curtin House along with the rooftop bar.

Moonlight Cinema, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, is Melbourne's favourite open-air cinema with a program that includes latest releases, contemporary films and cult classic movies. A great way to spend a night out with friends and family, you can bring your own picnic or buy food there.

Comedy

Bugger the Polar Bears: This is Serious! takes a humpourous look at some serious issues with the critically-acclaimed comedian Rod Quantock sharing his thoughts on climate change, population and the end of the world. The benefit show is held at the Warrandyte High School Theatre.

The Impro Cave Summer Club sees Impro Melbourne's sharpshooting players taking their stage skills out west, appearing at the Dog Theatre in Footscray. After a sell-out season of last year's Impro Cave, the troupe will hold nothing back with a totally new season at their mercy.

[email protected] 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.

Melbourne For Kids

Twilight Jazz, held at the Northcote YMCA's Aquatic Recreation Centre, is a chance to spend a great evening out for the whole family where you can set up a picnic, enjoy the heated pool, plenty of games and entertainment with a love performance by The Band Who Knew Too Much.

Music for Little Monkey's is a performance by The Mudcakes, one of the most acclaimed children's groups in Melbourne today. Held as part of the popular monthly theatre program of La Mama for Kids in Carlton, their infectious songs feature kazoos, ukuleles and more in a fun live show.

Sand Sculpting Australia will again present a special display as part of the Frankston Waterfront Festival with their newest theme 'Great Moments In History' featuring 3,500 tonnes of sand carved into spectacular sculptures depicting people, places and events that have shaped our world.

Circus

Circus Sunrise, an action-packed show for all the family, will be appearing with performances held at Westfield in Mill Park. A true family circus with lineage going back to 1648, the performances of Circus Sunrise feature juggling, acrobatics and whip-cracking excitement!

Learn Circus with NICA - Drop into Fed Square each Monday and try your hand at basic circus skills with experienced NICA trainers. Offering the chance to get a taste of circus in your lunchbreak, these free, fun workshops are suitable for all ages with a range of circus skills on offer.

Perry Bros Circus, Australia's oldest circus, will be appearing in Roxburgh Park, offering quality entertainment to please the entire family. With wire walkers, Jugglers, Whip crackers, balancing acts and more the circus also features performing ponies and camels along with their very funny clowns.

Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be holding performances in Taylors Lakes. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for people of all ages with performers including everything from jugglers and clowns to acrobats, international performers and more.

Puzzles & Competitions

Spot The Difference

There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the Prahran Mechanics' Institute, home to the Victorian History Library... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter

More on Prahran Mechanics' Institute | Learn More about Melbourne!

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 Lighthouse Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young people to take responsibility for their own lives. Offering a loving family environment, Lighthouse provides long-term accommodation, care and outreach to young people, who would otherwise be homeless.

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

The Suzuki Night Market, held weekly at Queen Victoria Market, has become a summer tradition that offers a great mix of unique products and a great atmosphere with a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even two stages showcasing the best live music!

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!

Dining & Drink

Wining

Special Dining Offers

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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

Dining Gift Vouchers

Menulog Gift Vouchers are the perfect way to treat someone special to a great dinner with vouchers available for a wide range of participating restaurants in Melbourne and across Australia. There's even the option to buy a voucher and let the lucky recipient decide which restaurant they'd like to dine at!
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OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..

Each week we highlight some of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.

This week we suggest the following:

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

Cricket

Cricket | One Day International Series

Friday February 19 - 2.25pm

MCG - Melbourne Cricket Ground, Jolimont

The Trots

The Melbourne Festival of Racing, held at various venues throughout Victoria, features Australia's top race meetings, including nine Group 1 races worth more than $6 million.

The Arrowfield Stud Blue Diamond Stakes Day, Victoria's richest and most prestigious race for two-year-olds, is also a race meeting known for its glamorous style, celebrating Victoria's love of horse racing and fashion.

Caulfield Racecourse

Kilmore Racing Club offers patrons a huge range of entertainment options with the centerpiece being the 50+ top class Turf and Harness Race Meetings per year.

Harness Racing
Thursday February 18

Yarra Valley Racing, located at Yarra Glen, offers a great day out with the finest in racing entertainment along with great venues with regional food and wine.

Thoroughbred Racing - De Bortoli Family Day
Sunday February 21

Fun Runs & Walks

The XOSIZE Tri Series is one of Victoria's premier triathlon series with five exciting Summer events for all ages and abilities held in stunning bay side locations.

Sunday February 21

AFL (Red Meat)

NAB Cup | Round 1

Friday February 19 - 7.40pm, Marvel Stadium, Docklands

Sunday February 21 - 4.40pm, Marvel Stadium, Docklands

Soccer (The Other White Football)

Hyundai A League | Finals Week 1

Melbourne Victory Home Game

Thursday February 18 - 8pm
Marvel Stadium, Docklands

Community Sports

Republica Beach Volleyball, held at St Kilda Sea Baths, invites mixed teams of 4 to compete in a fun, entertaining atmosphere smack bang in front of one of the world's greatest DJ's. With a first in best dressed policy, each participant will receive a free refreshment from Republica.

South Sea Roller Derby hold a Recruitment Day and Learn to skate session each week at Frankston Skateworld, located in Carrum Downs. The sessions are a chance to learn more about the Roller Derby and learn the basic skills required to begin training for one of the hottest sports in town.

The Mums' Tennis Program, one of Tennis Victoria's most popular programs for mums, will be appearing at various local tennis clubs, offering an affordable series of lessons with qualified tennis coaching. Participating parents can also enrol the kids in the Tiny Tots Tennis Program.

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!

See Melbourne & Beyond - Smartvisit Card

See Melbourne & Beyond - Smartvisit Card

Learn more about Smartvisit Card

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Spot The Difference
Here are the 5 Differences in last week's picture of the Nobbies...

Newsletter | #162 | What's On this Week [Last Week]

Melbourne Trivia

It Was All Just A Dreamland...

Melbourne's iconic Luna Park, which opened in 1912, is the world's oldest amusement park held under private management.

The well-known landmark, and ever smiling face of both Melbourne and St Kilda, rests on the site of what was once Dreamland, which closed in 1909.

More about Luna Park.. | Read Melbourne Trivia...

WHAT'S ON CALENDAR

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WHAT'S ON FEEDS

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

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

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