Newsletter | #264 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #264 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday to Monday, January 24 to 30, 2012.

This week... Australia Day is here in all its eventful glory, bringing it with it a great swell of other events for that less official public holiday, otherwise known as Friday. Along with a fine selection of festivals and events held across the - ahem - long weekend, we have a new kid on the block with The Piers Festival in Port Melbourne offering a family friendly day.

On much more familiar and also musical ground, there's the Murray River Music Festival with a great program of concerts, the Big Day Out, and the Globe to Globe Festival with music from all corners of the world.



OnlyMelbourne Welcomes
Share the Spirit, held at East Melbourne's Treasury Gardens, is a free festival that recognises and honours the original occupants of this country with a great line-up of performers. The event also includes community market stalls, workshops and children's activities.
When: Thursday January 26 - 1pm to 7pm


Government House Open Day, celebrating Australia Day, allows the public to visit Government House, one of Australia's finest buildings. With many rooms open to view, activities include a tour of the house and picnic grounds and children's entertainment in the grounds.
When: Thursday January 26 - 10am to 3pm


Major Events
The Piers Festival, held at Station Pier and Princes Pier in Port Melbourne, is a celebration of migration that features fun for all the family with spectacular displays of music, dance, food and historical displays along with the tall ship Enterprize there on the day and fireworks in the evening.
When: Saturday January 28


Festival of Sails, Australia's largest sailing regatta with over 400 yachts racing from Williamstown to Geelong, offers great action for sailing fans along with fantastic free family entertainment on Geelong's shores with three stages, stall holders, art and craft stalls and much more.
When: January 21 to 29


Midsumma Festival celebrates Gay and Lesbian culture at various venues in Melbourne with queer-centric and queer friendly performances and entertainment including special performances, cabaret, art exhibitions, community events and much more in its extensive program.
When: January 15 to February 5
Pride March: Sunday February 5


Port Fairy Moyneyana Festival, Victoria's longest running festival, is a community event for the whole family with daily entertainment that includes historic tours, concerts and film screenings, camel rides, workshops and more with many attractions and special events free.
When: December 24 to January 26


Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year at Chinese Museum celebrates with a special day of free entry and the chance to see the 63 metre-long Millennium Dragon awakened from its slumber with colourful, lively performances and lion dances along with other special attractions and cultural activities.
When: Sunday January 29


Also See: More on Chinese New Year
Also See: More Tours


Performances & Theatre
Girls Do Gertrude! is a double-bill of plays by the 20th Century's most famous lesbian, Gertrude Stein. Presented by Black Apple Theatre at Northcote Town Hall, Melbourne's most talented women come together on stage in Ladies' Voices and Three Sisters Who Are Not Sisters.
When: Tuesday to Sunday, January 24 to 29


The Bitter End, performed at Caulfield North's Downstairs at Alma's, is Kurt Phelan's debut play, which promises a night of laughs and heart-felt beauty as it tells the tale of Sean who questions how two people can connect in this technology-driven age of facebook and social networking.
When: January 24, 29, 30 & 31


Good Works, written by renowned Australian playwright, Nick Enright, offers an intriguing look into what we are capable of in the most ultimate of situations. Held at Revolt ArtSpace in Kensington, the play traverses the complex emotional matrix of male homosexuality.
When: Until January 28


Façade, performed at Northcote Town Hall as part of the Midsumma program, follows the story of six individuals whose lives are caught up in a web of deception. Dealing with the themes of fear, betrayal and loss, Facade will have you asking what you may be hiding yourself.
When: Until January 28 - Thursdays to Saturdays


Love & Other Psychological Disorders, held at Downstairs At Alma's in Caulfield North, sees Dinesh Mathew return with his very own show. An audience favourite with 'Burlesque In The Burbs', his show follows a young love-struck man's pursuit of that elusive condition called love.
When: January 24 & 25


Negative Energy Inc. performed at St Kilda's Theatre Works by Ash Flanders, takes no prisoners in this petty, unwarranted attack on the modern world. Accompanied by pianist Dave Barclay, Ash speaks, sings and minces as he attempts to prove life is exhausting and thankless.
When: Until February 5 - Various Dates


Confessions of a Grindr Addict, performed at Kensington's Revolt ArtSpace, is a comical, intimate and awkward journey through gay dating as Felix takes the first shaky steps into the uncharted world of a romantic encounter and shares his secrets about sex, love and the odd fetish.
When: January 17 to 28


37 Ways To Say I'm Gay, held as part of Midsumma Festival, is the new play by prominent gay writer and director Wayne Tunks. Featuring 12 actors playing 92 Characters, the stories told span many times and continents. Performances are held at Downstairs At Alma's in Caulfield North.
When: January 15 to February 5 - Various Dates


Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company at the Arts Centre, is Ray Lawler's classic Australian play that tells the story of Roo and Barney, whose tradition of spending their layoff from the cane-cutting season in Melbourne meets with unwanted change.
When: January 12 to February 18


Shakespeare Under The Stars presents Glenn Elston's brilliantly funny new adaptation, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' Behind The Scenes. Held in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, the hilarious production showcases Shakespeare's best known scenes with a special comic twist.
When: December 20 to March 10 - Various Dates


Songs for Nobodies returns to Melbourne's Arts Centre with the hit show featuring songstress, Bernadette Robinson as she portrays five anonymous women whose brushes with fame had a profound effect on their lives, interleaved with the songs that gave them heart.
When: December 23 to January 29 - Various Dates


Classical, Choral & Recitals
Cinderella, presented by Victorian Opera, is an all new production of the traditional pantomime for the whole family. Held at Her Majesty's Theatre, the lavish performance is a glorious and magical way to introduce children to the wondrous world of theatre and music.
When: January 25, 27 & 28


Burlesque, Cabaret & Dance
The Divine Miss Bette, held at the Butterfly Club in South Melbourne as part of Midsumma, stars Catherine Alcorn, the acclaimed Sydney cabaret artist. Trained by the man who discovered Midler, Catherine is bawdy, glamorous and as brash as the original in her stunning show.
When: Thursday to Sunday, January 26 to 29


Que Sera, Sharah, held at Melbourne's fortyfivedownstairs, is the new show by Tom Sharah, winner of the 2009 Sydney Cabaret Showcase, who weaves his own stories and Gen-Y observations through pop tunes old and new, all tinged with his own hilarious, in-your-face attitude.
When: Wednesday to Saturday, January 25 to 28


In Vogue: Songs By Madonna is the controversial smash hit of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and a Premier Event of this year's Midsumma Festival. Written and directed by Dean Bryant, the show is a musical journey through the tough life and tender songs of 'Madge'.
When: Until January 28 - Various Dates


Four Dead Divas, performed at South Melbourne's Butterfly Club, sees Dr Glenda Waverley, sociologist, day show host and purveyor of fine wines, assemble four of the world's finest dead divas to dissect the meaning of camp with gay icons, Dusty, Judy, Bette and Joan.
When: Friday January 27


South Side Show explodes onstage with death defying aerial performances at Red Bennies in South Yarra, while stunning acts of acrobatics, juggling and clowning roam across the stage and around the entire venue, unique for its high ceiling, making it perfect for such thrills.
When: Saturday January 28


View More Performances & Concerts


Entertainment & Nightlife
Fed Square Live, The Push's series of free concerts with a great line up of indie, blues, and rock performers, goes all out for Australia Day with three evenings of great music celebrating the best in Australian talent with guests that include Loon Lake and I, a Man.
When: Wednesday to Friday, January 25 to 27


The Rock Show, held at The Palms in Southbank, brings together Aussie Rock icon Jon English and nine young multi-talented performers in a trip back to the '60s and '70s as English delivers the history of rock in a show of theatrics, history and music that shaped a generation.
When: Friday & Saturday, January 27 & 28


The Stepkids, currently on their debut tour of Australia having released their self-titled album, will perform at the East Brunswick Club, distilling the best parts of your record collection and making it into something completely new with live instruments and stunning visuals.
When: Saturday January 28


Battles, here to perform at all six Big Day Out Festivals throughout Australia, will be making a headline appearance at Melbourne's Forum Theatre. Like a force of nature, the three-piece group present an exciting show that's rhythmically compelling and visually stimulating.
When: Saturday January 28


View More Live Gigs


Comedy & Magic
Checkpoint Charlie Comedy, one of Melbourne's newest comedy rooms located at Eurotrash Bar, warms you up with some of Melbourne's most exciting new up-and-comers before testing your continence with some of Australia's best known established comedians.
When: Wednesday January 25 - Doors Open 7:30pm


I Know What You're Thinking, held at Caulfield North's Downstairs at Alma's, is a witty show by magician Cath Jamison, who proves that conjuring, the paranormal and women's intuition does exist as she explores bizarre dating rituals and the 'feminine mystique'.
When: January 27 to February 4


Cinema
The Sleeping Beauty, presented by Palace Opera & Ballet at Palace Balwyn, is a special screening of The Royal Ballet's production of their signature work, which was revitalised in 2006 to mark the Company's 75th birthday with fresh set designs and additional choreography.
When: January 27, 28, 29 & February 1
Also Screening at: Palace Brighton
Also Screening at: Palace Cinema Como


The Shadow Electric, Melbourne's first large scale independent open-air cinema, is held within the beautiful grounds of the Abbotsford Convent. Along with screenings of quality films, the cinema also has a licensed bar with food, live music entertainment and a shorts film program.
When: Until April 29 - Thursdays to Sundays


Southgate Cinema presents films that include popular releases, art house films, documentaries and more right in the heart of Southgate. Free to attend, it provides an outdoor experience while remaining undercover inside the centre with screenings held under the open atrium.
When: Until February 29 - Tuesdays & Wednesdays - 7pm


Cameo Outdoor Cinema in Belgrave features state-of-the-art sound, stylish deckchairs and a whopping great screen. With a program of arthouse and quality mainstream films, they'll be screening first release films, offering a fantastic cinematic experience throughout summer.
When: Until April 14 - Various Dates


Ford Focus Moonlight Cinema, held at Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, offers a program of latest releases, cult classics and contemporary films. A great way to spend a night out with friends and family, you can bring your own picnic or purchase food while there.
When: Until March 25 - Various Dates


Movies in the Vineyard, held at Rochford Wines just an hour drive from Melbourne, presents an all-weather, outdoor event. Screenings of diverse and outstanding quality films held beneath the stars and amidst the lush scenery of Yarra Valley make for a special night out.
When: Until February 14 - Various Dates


Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema offers an eclectic mix of live music and entertainment provided by local and national artists. Held on the rooftop of St Kilda Sea Baths, the cinema features a diverse program of classics, family films, shorts from selected film festivals and more.
When: December 12 to February 9


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.
When: December 3 to January 31 - Tues to Sun


View More Cinema


Melbourne For Kids
Angelina Ballerina's Big Audition, held at the Arts Centre, is a ballet for children performed by the Royal New Zealand Ballet. The production tells of Angelina, a talented mouse who auditions for the Camembert Academy of Performing Arts and encounters adventures and drama.
When: Tuesday to Saturday, January 24 to 28


Hyundai A League | Week 17

Melbourne Victory v Sydney
Thursday January 26 - 4pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne


Tennis
Australian Open, held at Melbourne Park, plays host to the hottest event on the Tennis calendar. Running across two weeks, the Australian Open sees the world's finest tennis pros hit the courts with matches held at Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and the Margaret Court Arena.
When: January 16 to 29


6th Australian Beach Tennis Championships, held at Port Melbourne Beach, is held to promote and celebrate Beach Tennis, a strictly aerial game played with volleys, that's a hybrid of tennis, beach volleyball and badminton. Categories include women's, men's, mixed and juniors.
When: Friday to Sunday, January 27 to 29


Horse Racing
Racing at the Rock, presented by Kyneton & Hanging Rock Racing Club, offers a unique experience in a tradition that's been held now for over 125 years. With Hanging Rock Races held just twice a year on New Year's Day and Australia Day, it's an event not to be missed.
When: Thursday January 26


Australia Stakes, held at Moonee Valley Racing Club, brings great action with Black Caviar aiming to win 17 in-a-row in the Group 2 Essendon Mazda Australia Stakes. The special night also features family friendly and Australiana themed entertainment and activities on Burston Lawn.
When: Friday January 27 - Gates Open 5:15pm


Country Racing Victoria represents racing clubs in outer metropolitan areas and small clubs in rural areas with race programs that include special days with kids' entertainment.
Highlights: Geelong Grass Track Raceday - Wed Jan 25
Race Dates: January 24, 25, 26, 28, 29 & 30


Community Sports
AV Shield - Round 11, held at various venues and presented by the peak athletic body in the state, Athletics Victoria, is part of their wide range of events held to encourage, improve and promote a wide range of sports for all of their active members.
When: January 28 & 31 - Various Locations


Albert parkrun is a FREE weekly 5km event for runners of all standards, which takes place every week in Albert Park, offers an opportunity for people of all backgrounds and ages to come together on a regular basis to enjoy this beautiful park and get physically active into the bargain.
When: Saturdays, 8am - FREE but Registration Required


View More Sports Events


Let Melbourne Know...
Advertise Your School Fete, Fair or Carnival FREE!
Everyone wants to support their local school by going to their annual fundraiser. Last year we promoted a whopping 1,200 school events. So, make sure you let your school organizers know they can list their fete, fair or carnival for FREE @ OnlyMelbourne!
Add Your Event for FREE Today!!


Trivia & Humour
Shaggy Dog


Shaggy Dog by Deej - Click Here to find what happens!


Melbourne Spaces
Melbourne Tram Museum Tour
Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of visiting the good people (and trams) at the Melbourne Tram Museum. The last time I had seen a number of trams in exhibition was the 100th anniversary at Docklands which was close to the inspiration for this web site..

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