What's On - Special Events, Previews & Signings - Archives

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Vincent Lyce's Final Curtain

Venue:Queens Loft,133, Queensbridge Street, Southbank
Date:'31st October and 14th of November'
Time:7:30pm
Booking:03 9698 8011
Vincent Lyce's Final Curtain is a macabre mix of comedy, murder and mystery served with a delicious dinner. Ex wives, illegitimate sons and fans alike will gather to celebrate the illustrious career of Vincent Lyce.

Forty years as the star of horror movies as forgettable as 'Dump of Death' and 'When Death Knocks Don't Answer'...

What's on at ACMI

Venue:ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne
Date:'Aug 5-11'
Australian Perspectives
Sat 8 Aug 4pm
Bastardy MA15+
One of the finest Australian documentary works of recent years, this poetic impressionist work follows the life of indigenous actor Jack Charles. Seamlessly blending archival footage with material shot over 7 years, Bastardy reflects on Charles' world as actor, founder of Australia's first indigenous theatre group, cat-burglar and street philosopher.
Amiel Courtin-Wilson, Australia, 2008, 35mm. Source: Film Camp

Freaky Fridays
Fri 7 Aug 10pm
The Puffy Chair unclassified 15+

Josh (Mark Duplass) decides to buy a purple 1985 La-Z-Boy on eBay and drive cross-country to collect it, with his girlfriend Emily and brother Rhett in tow. This endearingly lo-fi debut feature by Jay and Mark Duplass (the 'Coens of Mumblecore') won the Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival.
Jay Duplass, 85 mins, USA, 2005, Digital Betacam. Source/Courtesy: Beyond Home Entertainment

Kids' Flicks
Sun 9 Aug 1pm,
Angelina Ballerina Sets Sail G
Based on the popular children's books and animated TV series, Angelina makes her feature film debut!
Ginger Gibbons, 55 mins, UK, Digibeta. Courtesy: Haven Licensing

Seniors' Cinema
Sat 8 Aug - Mon 17 Aug, 6 sessions
Slumdog Millionaire MA15+
British director Danny Boyle's acclaimed Hollywood-meets-Bollywood romantic melodrama from the writer of Full Monty.
Danny Boyle, 120 mins, UK, 2008, 35mm, English and Hindi with English subtitles. Courtesy: Icon Film Distribution

Festival
58th Melbourne International Film Festival
ACMI is the place to experience the best of Australia's pre-eminent film festival.
Friday 24 July - Sunday 9 August

Jazz on Film

Venue:ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne
Date:'Sat 1 May and Sun 2 May '
Black Orpheus PG
Sat 1 May 8.30pm
This 1959 Cannes Palme d'Or winner recasts the classic Orpheus and Eurydice myth against the excess of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. The film's soundtrack introduced jazz hipsters to the bossa nova and was a huge influence on artists such as Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd who covered various numbers featured in the film.

The Jazz Baroness unclassified 18+
Sun 2 May 6pm
Narrated by Helen Mirren, this compelling documentary uses rare archival footage and interviews with jazz luminaries to tell the offbeat love story between British heiress Pannonica Rothschild (who remarkably had 20 songs dedicated to her by various jazz musicians) and the father of modern jazz, Thelonious Monk.

Miss Samantha Diamond

Venue:The Butterfly Club 204 Bank Street, South Melbourne
Date:'Wednesday 27th May'
Time:8pm
Fee:$15
Booking:www.thebutterflyclub.com
Looooong limbed burlesque starlet Miss Samantha Diamond started her burlesque career as half of Sydney's hottest showgirl duo Kiss Kill Cabaret in Sydney, Australia.

Now performing solo acts, Samantha has shimmied her way into Australia's heart. Currently based in Melbourne, Samantha performs regularly at Australia's premiere burlesque venues and events with upcoming shows at Cristal Burlesque, Grindhouse, the High Noon Ball and with us!

Faces in the Crowd

Venue:Red Stitch Actors Theatre, rear 2 Chapel St, St Kilda East (opposite Astor)
Date:'7 October - 7 November. No show Monday or Tuesday. '
Time:8pm (Sundays at 6.30pm) Running time approximately 100 minutes including interval
Fee:$20 - $34 ($15 student rush)
Booking:Redstitch.net (discounted tix) or on 03 9533 8083
Young British playwright, Leo Butler's outstanding new play catches the mood of our have-nowpay-later ethos with a raw and devastating account of a couple who get swept along on a tide of easy credit.

Dave promised Joanne the world, and she got it in expensive consumer goods. The debts built up, children were put on hold, and then Dave buckled under the pressure and abandoned his wife, his home and financial responsibilities for the lure of a life he'd always wanted.

Now, Joanne has sought him out, and she and Dave have very specific business. There are bitter accusations about excessive buying with plastic as they are forced to take an inventory of their actions, accounts owing, and the bonds that define them.

The Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair

Venue:Melbourne Exhibition Centre
Date:'July 23-26th'
Time:9.00am-5.00pm Thursday, Friday and Sunday and 9.00am-8.00pm Saturday
Fee:Adults: $16, Seniors/Pensioners: $15, Children (5-16yrs): $8, Children (under 5yrs): FREE, Family (2A + 2C): $39
Booking:Tickets available at the door or online at www.craftfair.com.au
This year Australia's favourite craft event is dedicating itself to YOU -providing you with the freshest ideas from some truly remarkable artists in inspirational displays, hands-on fun in classes, expert know-how in workshops and demonstrations and the very best in craft retail therapy. Plus it's your only opportunity to see the always impressive annual Victorian Quilters' Quilt Showcase!

As the only event to be held in conjunction with the Victorian Quilters Inc annual Quilt Showcase, the Craft & Quilt Fair will display over two hundred quilts from members of the association. As a major fair feature every year, the exhibition attracts numerous visitors eager to admire the various techniques and styles of local novice and expert quilters.

Make sure you meet our special guest, internationally acclaimed Felt Artist Wendy Bailye. Embracing the ancient textile art of felt to great effect, Wendy has sold her pieces to art collectors in Germany, Japan and Hong Kong, and will display a collection of her wearable arts, decorator items and large felt artworks at the Fair.

For the cost of admission, visitors will have access not only to the Craft & Quilt Fair and the Quilt Showcase, but to the Bead Fair - a boutique show, dedicated to beads. Buy the latest beads and tools, be inspired by special displays and learn the latest techniques in Make & Take Classes.

Plus we're bringing all of Australia's best craft retailers to Melbourne! In town for five days only, you'll have the opportunity to stock up on the latest and most unique craft supplies and tools.

So escape the wintery blues and come to the Craft & Quilt Fair - we have a colourful mixture of craft, art and fashion fun sorted for you!

Richard Byrnes & Mark Thompson

Venue:278 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney NSW 2010
Date:'12 September - 7 October, 2009'
Time:Tues-Sat 11am-6pm
Booking:robingibson.net/exhibitions/
Richard Byrnes: The Descent and Mark Thompson: Appropriations

In A Dark, Dark House

Venue:Red Stitch Actors Theatre, rear 2 Chapel St, St Kilda East (opp Aston)
Date:'22 July - 22 August'
Time:Wednesday 22 July - Saturday 22 August 8pm (Sundays at 6.30pm) No show Monday or Tuesday. Running time approximately 2 hours
Fee:$20 - $34 ($15 student rush)
Booking:Redstitch.net (discounted tix) or on 03 9533 8083
In A Dark, Dark House by one of America's most provocative playwrights, Neil LaBute, is the latest offering by Red Stitch Theatre. An explosive drama full of twists, secrets and revenge, In A Dark, Dark House explores the depths of family loyalty and betrayal.

Terry is visiting his estranged younger brother Drew in the grounds of a psychiatric institution. Drew, a lawyer turned wealthy businessman, wants Terry to confirm a watershed event from their adolescence which may help make sense of his recent fall from grace. But information has a price. In A Dark, Dark House is a tense tale of fraught fraternal relationships, where male violence and vulnerability co-exist and where emotion can be seen as weakness.

The ShagFIT at Bellachara

Venue:Gerringong's Bellachara Boutique Hotel
Date:'Friday July 31st-Sunday August 2nd '
Fee:$749 per person
Booking:Matthew: 0410045125
ShagFIT includes:
- Two night accomodation in a five-star award-winning boutique hotel
- All meals (beverages excluded)
- 4 personal training sessions
- 1 hour massage in the Bellachara Day Spa
- 1 hour Tai Chi
- Use of the hotels' facilities
- 6-week after camp exercise and eating program
- Online support from lead trainer Matthew Murphy
- Proxmity to village shopping Gerringong
- 10% on all spa treatments booked outside the package

Hunter Valley Uncorked

Date:'Sunday October 11th '
Time:12noon until 6pm
Fee:Hunter Valley Uncorked is free to enter. Purchasing a souvenir wine glass for $7 will be key to enjoying wines at the event.
Booking:hunteruncorked.com.au or call 02 4991 4533
Pyrmont Bay Park will explode with the gourmet delights of the Hunter Valley on Sunday October 11th with the inaugural Hunter Valley Uncorked Pyrmont event showcasing the best of more than 100 Hunter Valley Wines and produce. Over 20 wineries and restaurants will be on hand with their first class offering giving visitors the opportunity to relax in the park and soak up the fabulous Hunter Valley experience by the water.

Iconic wineries such as Tyrrells, McWilliams, Tulloch, Tower Estate and Scarborough Wines along with boutique brands such as Two Rivers, Margan, Ridgeview and Allandale will all be showcasing the fabulous wines that will be available for sale at Hunter Valley Uncorked.

Award winning Hunter Valley restaurants such as Robert's Restaurant, The Verandah Restaurant and the Cellar will be creating culinary magic for guests to purchase and enjoy with a drop of the Hunter Valley's finest wines. Local olives and cheeses will also be available to taste and purchase, making the event a food and wine lovers heaven!

A Night of Crime along Lygon Street

Venue:Borders Carlton, Lygon Court, 380 Lygon Street Carlton, VIC 3053
Date:'Monday June 29th of June 2009'
Time:From 7:00pm
Borders is hosting an exclusive book signing and Q&A session with leading Melbourne crime writers Colin McLaren, Andrew Rule and Keith Moor at its Carlton Store.

Colin McLaren has a remarkable background as an experienced undercover cop with the Victorian police which resulted in the convictions of eleven mobsters, including bosses Antonio Romeo and Rosario Trimbole, on drug trafficking charges. He went on to become Australia's most experienced task force detective, serving on four major assignments in rapid succession including the Walsh Street murders, the Mr. Cruel child rapes and murders, the Griffith Mafia probe and the NCA bombing.

Keith Moor is the author of Crims in Grass Houses, which chronicles the life and crimes of Australia's most wanted man and reached number three on the national best-seller list. Keith is currently the head of the Herald Sun's investigative unit, having been appointed Insight Editor in 1996.

Andrew Rule is the co author and publisher of the Underbelly true crime series and winner of the Gold Walkley and the recipient of the Australian Journalist of the Year award on two occasions. He has also written several other books including the critically-acclaimed Cuckoo and co-edited and published the phenomenally successful Chopper Read books. Andrew is now the deputy editor of investigations and features at the Age.

Pacha Sydney at Ivy NYE

Date:'New Year's Eve 2009'
Time:6 PM until 4 AM
Sydney's party glitterati are set to celebrate the end of the naughty noughties in a style never before paralleled in the Harbor City. NYE 09 sees the coming together of the world's most glamorous club brand, Pacha, and Sydney's most sumptuous venue, Ivy to deliver an event of unparalleled magnificence.

Line Up:
Sebastian Ingrosso
A Very Special International Guest
Claude Vonstroke
Sidney Samson
Goldfish
Streetlife DJ's
Grum
The Aston Shuffle
Goodwill
DJ Mo'Funk
Johnny Gleeson

Australian Springtime Flora Festival

Venue:Mt Penang Parklands, Kariong
Date:'September 10th - 13th 2009 (Thursday - Sunday)'
Time: 9am - 5pm Thursday - Saturday, 9am - 4pm Sunday
Fee:Adults $14.00, Seniors, Aged and Disabled Pensioners $12.00, Children (5 - 16 years) $4, Family (2 adults & 3 children) $32.
The 2009 Australian Springtime Flora Festival is the best place to buy plants from Australia's top propagators, wholesalers and retailers, while also picking up tips from some of NSW's leading landscapers.

Visitors can delight in everything from landscape architecture, to homewares, potted plants, and floral design. Located in 5 hectares the Australian Springtime Flora Festival has a festival atmosphere with children's rides and entertainment. A variety of food stalls sell everything from hamburgers to gourmet delights and wines.

The festival is the longest running large scale event of its kind in Australia. With more than 250 exhibitors and around 50,000 visitors - the Australian Springtime Flora Festival is one of Australia's best Springtime events.

Sportsgirl Superstylist

Date:'For the month of August'
Calling all stylish sportsgirls!

If you love to freestyle the most outrageous outfits and have a talent for knowing what works wonders, then this shout-out is for you.

Sportsgirl is on the hunt for the ultimate Sportsgirl Superstylist and we want you to submit 5 of your most stunning styling ideas. For the lucky finalists we're challenging them to the ultimate live fash-off in our new Chadstone Superflagship store in front of a panel of glittering celebrity judges. The winner then gets to style a Sportsgirl fashion shoot and tell all in the next magazine.

Focus on Girls 24/7

Venue:Australian Centre for the Moving Image: Federation Square, Melbourne
Date:'Friday 3 July - Sunday 12 July'
Fee:Full $13, Concession $10 > 6 Session Package: Full $60, Concession $48. 6 Session Packages can only be purchased by phone (03 8663 2583) or in person at the ACMI Box Office. All sessions must be selected at time of booking.
ACMI Cinemas presents in association with Sydney Film Festival: Focus on Girls 24/7.

From desperate housewives to rampaging teenage anarchists, 'the girls' are up front in these stylistically brazen films by women directors from the sixties and early seventies. The films brought together in Focus on Girls 24/7 are stylistically brazen, each signalling a unique creative vision behind the lens. The contradictory impulses of the modern woman are rendered on screen in bold, unfettered performances from the leading actresses. Seen collectively, these films raise questions about the attainability of personal and social freedom in an era when 'liberation' was the main prize. Seen apart, each film is an enduring classic from one of the most vital eras in the history of cinema.

Films:
Cleo From 5 To 7 (Cleo de 5 Ã 7)
Daisies (Sedmikrasky)
Jeanne Dielman (Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles)
Wanda
Sparrows Can't Sing
The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum (Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum)
Wings (Krylya)
The Girls (Flickorna)

Photo opportunities at the Madman National Cosplay Championship - Grand Finals

Venue:The Sebel Hotel, Albert Park, Melbourne.
Date:'Saturday, November 14th, 2009.'
An invitation to all photographers with a keen eye for costumes... Who will be crowned Australia's greatest cosplayer for 2009?

In conjunction with Supanova Pop Culture Expo, Madman proudly presents the Grand Final round of the Madman National Cosplay Championship.

The day will be a fun-filled affair - including the Madman National Cosplay Championship finals judging, with a special introduction from an official representative of the Consulate-General of Japan; as well as an on-the-day cosplay contest, anime screenings, workshops and panels, character and cosplay goods vendors and much more.

Giant robots, fairies, ninjas, anthropomorphic wonders: They'll all be on show at the championship and are sure to provide some truly spectacular photo opportunities - and there really is little cosplayers love more than showing off for the camera.

A Dinner to Die For

Venue:The Retreat Hotel, 226 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford
Date:'29 Aug, 7 Nov, 5 Dec, 12 Dec and 19 Dec'
Time:7.30
Fee:$80pp includes 3 course dinner and show
Booking:Tickets available by calling 03 9417 2693
Having written, directed and produced interactive murder mystery events for 10 years in England, Simon Jay is launching his first Australian show as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

The Retreat Hotel in Abbotsford provides the amazing period backdrop for 'A Dinner to Die For'. A venue not unaccustomed to dramatic twists and turns having been the setting for the long running TV series, 'The Sullivans'.

Taking full advantage of this beautiful period building 'A Dinner to Die For' gives audience members the unique opportunity to be in the show whilst watching the show all at the same time. Set in 1928, party-goers are the invited guests of Lord Quinten Daventry. The malarkey and mayhem is served up in large helpings of 'carry-on' style humour and double entendres along with a delicious 3 course dinner.

Girls Night In to raise money for women's cancer

Date:'throughout October'
Booking:Girlsnightin.com.au
Each October the Cancer Council holds a major event titled Girls Night In to raise money for women's cancer.

Girls are encouraged to get together with their friends somewhere indoors and donate the money they would have spent on going out to The Cancer Council for research, support and education.

One in nine Victorian women will be diagnosed with breast or gynaecological cancer, so the reality is it could be you or one of your girlfriends that hears the words 'you have cancer'. Help us change the statistics.

We Are Gathered Here- By Daniel Kitson

Venue:Athenaeum Theatre
Date:'Tuesday 6 - Sunday 11 October'
Time:Tue - Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm
Fee:Adult $33, Concession $28
Booking:Ticketmaster.com.au or (03) 9650 1500
Everyone you have ever known will die.
And so will you.

And yet we dance in the looming shadows of mortality, we dance and we talk and we eat and we argue. We read books. We care for people. We buy houses. We plant trees and we start to drive and we learn how to make milk frothy. Because something, somewhere in the middle of it all has to matter. As our seconds and minutes and days slip by, something has to be important. And who are we to giggle and point and sneer at what others have found to care about? Who is to say what is beneath us, what is not worthy of our hearts?

Everybody needs something to hold when it gets dark, so who am I, who are any of us, to point at anything and call it facile or redundant or stupid or rubbish?

Even when it quite clearly is.

Sydney Film School Open Day

Venue:Sydney Film School
Date:'Saturday, November 21'
Time:2pm
A great opportunity to find out the answers to all the questions you might have about studying film in one of the most innovative, creative and productive training environments.

After screening a sample of recent short dramas and documentaries produced by SFS students, a panel of key teachers supported by a couple of graduates and current students will discuss the real experience of the Sydney Film School's practical - hands on training, both in 16mm and digital film.

Meet the group of dedicated and passionate teachers, committed and experienced industry professionals who are themselves actively involved in the film industry.

Listen to the graduates' own experiences of working in the film industry and see current students studying (mostly editing), as study will not be suspended for the day.

About Fit2Date

Venue:Princes Park
Date:'Saturday 15th August'
Time:9-11am
Fee:$30 for 2 hours, prizes and refreshments
Booking:fit2date.com.au
Forgot online dating... so yesterday and speed dating...been there and tried that.

Now there is a new way for singles to meet their match and it involves lots of sweating and getting physical on the first date! Got your attention?

Welcome to the Mega Meet Session- a 2 hour fun team fitness session for fit eligible people. After successfully taking place in Sydney & Brisbane Fit2Date is proud to launch the first Mega Meet in Melbourne

FIT single people wanted to get hot and sweaty together (You must be a 6 out of 10 on your own fitness scale and be training at least 3 times a week)

The suite life on Royal Caribbean just got even sweeter

Booking:Call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call 1300 754 500.
Leading international cruise company Royal Caribbean has introduced a number of enhancements to ensure any of the passengers booked in suites feel completely pampered on their holiday.

At dedicated check-in lines for embarkation, guests are given gold or silver SeaPass cards which enable crew provide them with personalised service throughout their cruises. Then on arrival, their suite is stocked with complimentary water and a fruit plate, as well as complimentary luxury spa bathrobes, slippers, and an exclusive range of Vitality bathroom amenities. They'll have the perfect night's rest with Royal Caribbean's plush duvet and the ability to choose from a menu of pillows.

Rhapsody of the Seas will offer 18 cruises for its 2009/10 season. Examples of pricing on sailings include - a 16-night South Pacific cruise from Hawaii to Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora and into Sydney junior suites start at $8,790 per person (based on two person occupancy) with third or fourth guests at $1,740 per person; while an 11 night Australian Barrier Reef cruise junior suites start at $6,830.50 per person (based on two person occupancy) with third or fourth guests at $1,490.50 per person. All prices are inclusive of taxes and gratuities.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and New Zealand.

Fed Square Wine Awards Showcase

Venue:The Atrium, Fed Square
Date:'Wednesday, 5 August, (4.00pm - 8.00pm) and Thursday, 6 August, (4.30pm - 8.30pm)'
Fee:$25, including wine tasting, a signature tasting from participating restaurants and cafes and live jazz music (+ $2 glass deposit).
Booking:Tickets available at the door.
Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy the occasional tipple, you're invited to sample Victoria's finest drops at the annual Fed Square Wine Awards Showcase.

The Wine Awards Showcase is the culmination of Fed Squares monthly Wine Showcases, featuring over 70 award winning wines from 45 wineries to tantalise the tastebuds.

Set in the stunning Atrium at Fed Square, the Wine Awards Showcase offers an opportunity to taste wines not readily available in the marketplace, talk to winemakers, sample the characteristics of the state's wine varieties and discover why Victoria is known as a state of worldclass winemakers.

Red Hill Country Music Festival

Venue:Red Hill Showgrounds Reserve, Arthur's Seat Rd, Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula.
Date:'Sunday, January 3, 2010 '
Time:Gates will open at 8am
Fee:Entry is $25 Adults. $20 concession, and children 14 and under admitted free
Festival Chairman Mr Jeff Sproal, said the 2010 festival will showcase an exciting variety of Country Music performers:
Ezra Lee, a young piano sensation from NSW
Doug Bruce and The Tailgaters. Doug, a Texan now residing in Victoria, won the 2009 TIARA award for best new artist at this year's Tamworth festival.
Sandra Humphries a South Australian singer/songwriter whose single "I'm Worth It" recorded in Nashville, reached top 10 on the country music charts.
Bryen Willems(aka The Swamp Duck) this Sydneysider will be making a welcome return appearance to the festival
As well as: Praire Oysters, Phoneix, Rene Diaz and Avalon, The Blackhill Ramblers.

Attractions include the Red Hill Hot Rod Show & Shine, an ASRF Sanctioned event for pre '76 Hot Rods, Classic & Custom Cars, and a Ute Muster.


Charmaine Wilson - The Spirit Whisperer

Date:'22/08/2009-29/11/09'
Booking:spiritwhispers.org
22/08/2009: The Events Centre, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
04/09/2009: Empire Theatre Toowoomba - Show starts at 7:30pm
05/09/2009: Redland Performing Arts Centre Cleveland
16/09/09: Tamworth Capitol Theatre
18/09/09: Armidale University of New England
10/10/2009: Ipswich Civic Hall
17/10/2009: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast
22/10/09: Ballina RSL Club
31/10/2009: Roundhouse Theatre Kelvin Grove
14/11/2009: Logan Entertainment Centre
27/11/09: Wagga Wagga- Civic Theatre
24 & 25/11/09: Bendigo RSL
29/11/09: Orange Ex Services Club

Pyrenees Escapade

Venue:at the Avoca Shire Turf Club.
Date:'Sunday November 1, 2009 '
Time:11am - 5pm
Booking:Pyrenees.org.au
Themed as 'All the Best that Europe has to Offer'

This scrumptious weekend allows visitors to taste delightful wines and savour the flavours of cuisines from different European regions with some of the key wineries providing European inspired entree size dishes for people to purchase. Some of the weekends activities include:-

-Door Prizes: Every hour
-Pentanque: Learn this traditional French pastime at a leisurely pace with friendly tutors
-Expert Wine Spitting Competition: Think you can last the distance with even more accuracy than wine judges?
-Barrel Bung Classic: Can you land a bung in a wine barrel?
-Wine Options Challenge: Test your skill at identifying wine
-International Master Class: Taste, compare, and discuss the vintners' selections with our renowned panel of wine makers from Chapoutier and the Pyrenees.

CraftVictoriasCraftCubedExhibition

Venue:Craft Victoria, 31 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Date:'Until 12 September'
Time:Monday 12-5pm and Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm
RMIT University Industrial Design graduates, Ben Landau and Brittany Veitch, have launched a series of wearable couture jewellery called Bio-Accessories.

Bio-Accessories are inventions that mask the unpleasant sights, sounds and scents of the city in an attempt to bring some of the natural world back into city living.

Creations that form the Bio-Accessories line include a headpiece with a bird perched on a twig and a wooden mask with herbs growing in front.

Each piece of Bio-Accessories incorporates a living organism to accompany the wearer throughout their day, creating a symbiotic relationship.

These pieces are a representation of mobile natural environments, framed within a fashionable alternative to become a couture accessory.

The International Make-Up Artist Trade Show (IMATS)

Venue:Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
Date:'12 - 13 September 2009'
Time:8:30am - 5pm Saturday; 10am - 5pm Sunday
Fee:$40 one day pass; $60 two day pass
Booking:Open to trade and public
IMATS will showcase the work of local and international award-winning make-up artists, both in beauty and prosthetic work.

Keynote speakers for the show include renowned Australian make-up artist Rae Morris - the make-up director of Australia's Fashion Week, a four-time winner of Australia's Make-up Artist of the Year award, and the author of Makeup: The Ultimate Guide.

IMATS Sydney will host 60 international vendors, with educational seminars held throughout the weekend. 2500 visitors, both trade and consumer, are expected through the doors for the event.

Aspiring make-up artists from around the globe will converge in Sydney to compete in the IMATS student competition. The competition is divided into beauty and prosthetic themes: this year's beauty theme is Gothic and the prosthetic theme is X-Men Mutants. First-place winners in each category will take home a $1,000 prize.

A Little Night Music

Venue:Sydney Opera House
Date:'opening on June 28, 2010'
A Little Night Music is one of Stephen Sondheim's most sophisticated creations. Inspired by the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, the setting is Sweden in midsummer, on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the land of the midnight sun. Sondheim's score is almost entirely written in triple time - the rhythm of the waltz - which gives it a quaint and lyrical air which contrasts violently with the punchy style of, say, Sweeney Todd or Company. To conduct it is Australian musical theatre expert, Andrew Greene.

An Art Exhibiton with a Twist... Artists at Work

Date:'Friday June 12- Sunday June 27th'
ThisJunelongweekendenjoyanArtExhibitionwithadistinctdifferencescatteredamongstthevineyardsofPietervanGentWinerywillbethefourexhibitingartistseachshowcasingtheirspecialisedstyle.Overthethreedaydemonstrationvisitorscanliterallygetupcloseandpersonalaseachartisandemonstratestheirchosentechniqueofferinganinsightintoindividualartisticapproaches.

First Look: Style Wars

Venue:ACMI: Fed Square Melbourne
Date:'Thu 9 Jul 7pm, Fri 10 Jul 7pm, Sat 11 Jul 7pm, Sun 12 Jul 5.30pm'
Legendary hip-hop documentary and timeless film classic Style Wars (1983) is coming to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) this July as part of the First Look program.

Shot in NYC in the early 1980s, Tony Silver and photographer Henry Chalfant''s groundbreaking film documented the new language of hip hop - graffiti, rap, breakdance. Bringing subway battles between artists and civic guardians to the fore, Style Wars gives voice to some of New York's legendary writers including Kase 2, Skeme, Seen UA, Cap, Mare 139 and Dondi. A precursor to both Wild Style and Beat Street, Silver's film is vivid, legendary and a rare big screen event.

Sleepy Hollow MA15+

Date:'Fri 24th and Sun 26th of September'
Time:Fri (9.30pm) Sun (3.30pm)
Washington Irving's classic American folk tale gets the Hammer horror treatment in Burton's sweeping, suspenseful, Gothic remake. Burton's inspired adaptation pits the enduring mythological image of the Headless Horseman against the 'new world' figure of Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp), reinvented as a New York City sleuth who, in stark contrast, is all but imprisoned within the rational workings of his own (somewhat addled, sleep-prone) head.

Photographs of Life at the Sydney Fish Market by Birgit Neiser

Venue:Mosman Art Gallery: Cnr Art Gallery Way and Myahgah Rd Mosman
Date:'13 June- 26th July'
Time:Open 7 days 10.00am- 5pm (closed public holidays)
The Mosman Art Gallery in association with the Sydney Fish Market are delighted to present the groundbreaking expose of life behind the scenes at the largest working seafood market in the southern hemisphere. Photographer, Birgit Neiser has captured the essence of life and work at the Market, documenting its vibrant atmosphere at one of Sydney's premiere, harbourside locations.

Trading over 13 000 tonnes of seafood annually, Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay is an authentic fisherman's market with over 100 species passing through its auction daily. For most people a visit to the Sydney Fish Market involves a pleasant sensory experience, as the smell of fish and the squawk of seagulls greets the casual visitor. For Birgit Neiser, her behind the scenes photographs reveal an ongoing love affair with the hustle and bustle of the Market and everyone there, from the fishermen to fork lift drivers and oyster shuckers. Glistening stills of the myriad sea life that is sold, prepared and consumed at the Market are also included, providing are a compelling testament to the timeless nature of this maritime industry.

Ever since Birgit Neiser was a young girl in Germany, travelling with her family and later independently as an adult, she found that she was especially drawn to fish markets around the world. With her formal professional background as an economist Neiser has been interested in markets as dynamic places full of life. Whether the markets are stock, free trade or fish, the act of trading has always entranced her. Later, her passion as a student of photography led her to work as a freelance photographer for various European magazines and to continue her studies in New York at the International Center of Photography.

In 2003 Birgit Neiser travelled with her husband and children to Sydney and settled in Mosman. From 2006, she immersed herself in the daily life of the Sydney Fish Market in order to document its energy, its many diverse characters and the tremendous sense of place the market holds within Sydney's food culture.

To compliment the exhibition there will be a series of talks, workshops and tours.

An Evening with Christine Anu

Venue: NOTES, 75 Enmore Road, Newtown
Date:' Wednesday, 29 September 2010'
Booking:Ticketek.com.au


Whale watching for Illawarra Singles

Venue:Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
Date:'Nov 22, 2009 '
Time:9am-12pm or 1pm-3pm
Fee:$79.95 includes a 3 hour whale watching trip and food and drink
Booking:Quickconnections.com.au
With just 6 men and 6 women per age group on-board the MV Signa, this will be an amazing opportunity to get to know those other singles on-board while keeping an eye out to sea in search of whales and their newborn calfs!

Departing from Kiama Harbour for the big blue at: 9am-12pm (ages: 35-45) 1pm-3pm (ages 45-55) Tea, coffee and cheese & biscuits will be provided.

What's On at ACMI

Venue:ACMI- Fed Square, Melbourne
Date:'July 8-14th'
Focus On Girls 24/7
Fri 10 Jul 7.15pm
The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum (Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum) unclassified 18+
Volker Schlondorff and Margarethe von Trotta, 106 mins, West Germany, 1975, 35mm, German with english subtitles. Courtesy: Contemporary Films/Kinowelt
Katharina Blum is accused of being a terrorist collaborator after what appears to be a one-night-stand with a wanted man. Seemingly innocent, she stands her ground and this integrity proves her downfall as police and journalists conspire to break her, turning her into an unwilling celebrity.

Freaky Fridays
Fri 10 Jul 10pm
Executive Koala unclassified 18+
Minoru Kawasaki, 85 mins, Japan, 2005, 35mm, Japanese with English subtitles. Courtesy: Klockworx
From the cult director, screenwriter and producer who brought you 2004's Calamari Wrestler comes a live action social comedy about a Japanese salaryman who just happens to be a koala.

School Holidays: Kids in the Studio
Wed 8 Jul, Thu 9 Jul, Fri 10 Jul
Puppet animation
Drop in between 12pm-4pm Studio 1 > Free!
Recommended for children aged 5 to 13

Sculpture 23

Venue:Robin Gibson Gallery: 278 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney
Date:'25 June - 20 July 2011'
Booking:Robingibson.net/exhibitions/
Peter Baka, Richard Byrnes, Erwin Fabian, Geoff Harvey, Patricia Lawrence, Marilyn McGrath, Clement Meadmore, Phillip Piperides, David Pottinger, Qian Jian Hua, Oliffe Richmond, Avital Sheffer, Randall Sinnamon, Terry Stringer, Hui Selwood, Sandra Taylor

The Emerging Writers Festival presents Wordstock.

Venue:BMW Edge Theatre, Federation Square
Date:'Thursday 28 May'
Time:7.30pm
Fee:$15/$10 concession
Booking:www.emergingwritersfestival.org.au
With David Quirk, Emilie Zoey Baker, Sean M. Whelan, Matt Kelly, Cusser Kev, Damien Lawlor, Ben Poijbe, Will Hindmarsh & Clem Bastow. Curated by Josh Earl.

Melbourne's finest wordsmiths have been invited to create new works inspired by and drawn from the lyrics of iconic singer/songwriter Nick Cave's vast repertoire for WORDSTOCK, a one night festival of words. New songs, poems, short plays and performance pieces will be unleashed.

Both reinvention and inspiration, WORDSTOCK is set to once more be the highlight performance event of the Emerging Writers. Festival. Transcending genres like Nick Cave himself, this homage through bricolage challenges poets, spoken word artists, stand up comedians, ranters, theatre groups, sketch comedians and choirs to storm the stage with their new works inspired by the best of Cave's catalogue including Red Right Hand, Into My Arms, Dig, Lazarus Dig!, and Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow.

WORDSTOCK has been curated by Josh Earl, a comedian (by night) and librarian (by day).

WORDSTOCK performers include:

David Quirk, a stand-up comedian, who grew up as a theatre based actor before dedicating himself to stand-up after studying Performance Studies at Victoria University. In 2007 he made his Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut with his solo show 'I don't wanna tell jokes'. David's 2008 MICF show 'Kathleen Grace' received a Golden Gibbo award nomination.

Emilie Zoey Baker, one of Australia's finest performance poets, who has just returned from a North American tour, and is the 2006 Nimbin World Performance Poetry Cup champion. Her first book, She Wore The Sky On Her Shoulders is out now.

Sean M Whelan, a writer of poetry, prose and works for performance. In 2009 he was a special guest at the Writing Festival in Montreal, Canada. His second book of poetry, Tattooing the Surface of the Moon was released in 2008.

Ben Poijbe, a poet, comedian, writer, and blogger with a weekly column at Australian news commentary site New Matilda. Ben has published two books: a collection of stories and poems, Handy Latin Phrases and a collection of scripts, The Adventures of Guanacoman.

Will Hindmarsh who performs in the psych pop ensemble The Great Apes, and recently co-wrote and performed the multimedia pop-musical Dan Brown Gets a Visit from Opus Dei in 2008 Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Clem Bastow, a senior contributor for Inpress and and writer for The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Sunday Age, Defamer Australia, Beat, Big Issue Australia, jmag, StylusMagazine.com, and many others. She is a member of the RocKwiz Brains Trust and her work has hit bookshelves in Measure Magazine's Best Independent Music Writing of 2003, Playlists, RocKwiz and RocKwiz Volume 2, and the forthcoming anthology Your Mother Would Be Proud. Clem hosts a weekly drive show, on radio 3RRR.

Matt Kelly, the genial half of The List Operators, whose recent sketch and improvisational show was in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Cusser Kev, a musician who has contributed music to the film M and performs as part of the band Smedley & Rolphe

Damien Lawlor, a 3RRR broadcaster and massive Nick Cave fan.

Playground

Venue:Seven Nightclub: 52 Albert Rd South Melbourne
Date:'Saturday Nights'
Time:Doors Open 10pm
Fee:$4 Spirits / Bubbles & Wine / Cascade B4 11pm
Booking:Playgroundsaturdays.com
Playground's arrival on the Australian clubbing scene in 2004 changed the face of urban club nights. It instantly filled the gap for a superior and quality urban clubbing experience, bringing in patrons from all over Melbourne and Australia who were keen to hear urban music in a sophisticated setting. This formula, along with 6 rooms all up, with 4 of them playing distinct styles of urban music including Old Skool, Neo-Soul, Reggaeton and R&B, has made Playground one of the premier urban club nights in the country.

Free University and TAFE Guides

Date:'13th April 2010'
Time:7AM
The Australian Scholarships Group's (ASG) two free guides aim to dispel some of the uncertainty for students, prospective students, their parents and teachers, and include vital information about the new government policy changes to youth allowance and student support.

Manon

Venue:Sydney Opera House
Date:'January 15, 2010'

FREE Saturdays and Sundays when you stay Friday night at Millennium & Copthorne hotels in Asia

Venue:Visit www.millenniumhotels.com.sg for more information.
Date:'30 May 2009 to 8 June 2009'
In a celebration of long weekends, Millennium & Copthorne International will be giving away more than 3,000 room nights in an unprecedented 1-for-2 offer. Weekends for Free offers a complimentary Saturday and Sunday night for each Friday night booked. Weekends for Free is available for a 10-day period only.

Participating Hotels:

Singapore:
Orchard Hotel
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
M Hotel
Copthorne King's Hotel
Copthorne Orchid Hotel
Malaysia:
Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur
Copthorne Orchid Penang
Indonesia:
Millennium Sirih Jakarta
Philippines:
The Heritage Hotel Manila
Thailand:
Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok
Millennium Resort Patong Phuket

La traviata

Venue:Sydney Opera House
Date:'January 22, 2010'
The glorious voice of Russian soprano Elvira Fatykhova is back, and so is a production that has won the hearts of opera goers across Australia. Elijah Moshinsky's ravishing production of Verdi's La traviata opens at the Sydney Opera House on January 22, 2010.

Beautiful Losers

Venue:ACMI- Federation Square, Melbourne.
Date:'Thursday 2 - Sunday 5 July, 2009'
Booking:www.beautifullosers.com/
Directed by: Aaron Rose and Joshua Land, USA, 2008, Digital Betacam.
Time: 90mins
Courtesy: Madman Cinema
Featuring: Barry McGee, Ed Templeton, Mike Mills, Margaret Kilgallen, Geoff McFetridge, Jo Jackson, Chris Johansson, Harmony Korine, Shepard Fairey and Cheryl Dunn.

As part of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image's (ACMI) First Look season this July, ACMI is screening the Australian Premiere of Aaron Rose's Beautiful Losers (2008).

Fresh from the International Film Festival circuit, including South By Southwest and Hot Docs, Beautiful Losers charts the rise and rise of a group of Independent New York artists - all self proclaimed 'outsiders' - who came together in the early 90's through director Aaron Rose's storefront gallery, 'Alleged'.

ACMI Film Curator Kristy Matheson says "For a time during the 90's it seemed as though you couldn't move (in a pop culture sense) without seeing, watching or being influenced by one or more of the artists that are featured in Beautiful Losers: these artists had such an incredible impact on what was happening in counter culture from record covers, film, fashion and the whole street skating explosion."

"This beautifully crafted documentary looks at how these independent artists became successful and eventually embraced by the mainstream but it is also an inspiring film, offering a real DIY call to action to artists and non-artists alike."

The Oprah Winfrey Show in Australia

Popular US talk-show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, is set to travel to Australia this December to film at least two episodes that will air in early 2011.

Gold Coast's Ultimate Girls Night

Venue:Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
Date:'Thursday 11th and Friday 12th June'
Time:5pm-10pm
Fee:Tickets to the event are $35 and include the Deluxe Goodie bag and a glass of wine totalling
Booking:www.GirlsNightOutAustralia.com or through www.Ticketek.com . Online ticket purchases receive a bonus FREE day spa pass to the Phoenetian
The Gold Coast will host two indulgent evenings of shopping, wine tasting, fashion, beauty freebies and fun on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th June. Women will be up to their earrings in designer clothes, jewellery, lingerie and beauty products. The event kicks off at 5pm and continues until 10pm both evenings, providing enough time for ladies to shop, stimulate the economy and enjoy an evening out with friends.

Some exclusive Boutiques which will be exhibiting include Amaro, Israeli designer jewellery made famous by celebrities such as Madonna and Oprah. Mariana Jewellery and Dolly Designs will also showcase the latest in bohemian style rings, pendants, earrings and necklaces.

Speciality Boutique f-online, will showcase some beautiful and playful Lingerie. Hand-made clutches will be available from Brisbane based label Marguerite; they are uniquely crafted from Japanese Vintage Kimono fabric.

Dr. Rey from the E! Hit Series Dr. 90210

Date:'Thurs 8th Oct- Sat 10th Oct '
Following the launch last week of Dr. Rey's Shaping Hosiery which will go head to head with Spanx, at half the price, globally, Bruno Schiavi is delighted to announce that Dr Rey will be returning to Australian shores to share his shaping secrets with his Aussie fans in early October 2009. Known the world over for his famous Brazilian Butt lift Dr Rey's new shaping hosiery not only targets women's curves but adds that invaluable shape to any derriere.

Thurs 8th Oct Target, Westfield Miranda, NSW
Fri 9th Oct Target, Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC
Sat 10th Oct Target, Chermside Shopping Centre QLD

Winemaker's Table Series

Venue:Hunter Valley
Date:'June 2009'
Booking:For a full months program, individual event details, and information on how to book tickets and accommodation visit www.winecountry.com.au or call 02 4991 4533.
This June visitors to the Hunter Valley will have the opportunity to dine with some of the region and country's leading Winemakers at the Winemaker's Table Series, one of the many fabulous series of events at this year's Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month.

This unforgettable experience will see up to 20 people dine with a Winemaker in Australia's oldest wine region. The Winemaker will guide guests through an evening of food and wine matching which can only be described as culinary heaven.

Those who attend the dinner will also come away with a greater understanding of the hard work and passion of the regions Winemaking families who have produced first class wine for generations, along with a few tips from the regions highly awarded chefs.

Winemaker's Table Series of events scheduled for June include:

Scarborough Wine Co. and the Cellar Restaurant (Thursday 11th June and Thursday 25th June 2009) Bookings Essential- please call (02) 4998 7584.

Robert's Restaurant and Tower Estate (Every Friday evening in June at 7.30pm onwards.) Bookings Essential- (02) 4998 7330.

The Wine House and Kitchen (Saturdays in June) Bookings Essential- (02) 4998 7945.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley and Ballabourneen Wine Company Winemakers Table Luncheons (Saturday 6th June and Saturday 27th June) Bookings Essential- (02) 4991 0952

Ultimate Wine Matching Experience (Sundays throughout June) Bookings Essential -(02) 4998 2000

The Chef, the Winemaker and the Producer (Saturday 20th June) Bookings Essential -(02) 4998 7231

Brokenwood Wines - -Great Chefs at the Winery- featuring Steve Manfredi (Friday 12 June, 2009) Bookings Essential-(02) 4998 7559

Petersons with Vintage Food and Wine matching dinner (5th June, 2009) Bookings Essential -(02) 4998 6789

Stuart MacBride Tour

Date:'13th July - 20th July'
Booking:www.harpercollins.com.au
From Granite City, Aberdeen, international bestselling author of Logan McRae thrillers such as Cold Granite and Flesh House, Stuart MacBride is making his way Down Under for his first Australian tour.

As the winner of Breakthrough Author of the Year at ITV's 2008 Crime Thriller Awards and the Crime Writers Association's CWA Dagger in the Library in 2007, it's clear to see Stuart MacBride is the finest thing to come out of Aberdeen in years!

Julia Morris - Don't You Know Who I Used To Be?

Venue:Metro Theatre 624 George St, Sydney
Date:'14th November 2009'
Time:7.30pm
Fee:$34.50 Full / $30 Conc
Booking:(02) 9550 3666 or Metrotheatre.com.au or Ticketek.com.au
Following a sell-out run during this year's Sydney Comedy Festival, fans will get one more chance to see the Helpmann Award nominated show Don't You Know Who I Used to Be which won 'Best Local (Australian) Act' in Time Out Sydney's 2009 Comedy Awards. The show is a hilarious illustrated journey through the life of the self anointed, ignobly titled 'Lady J-Mo' from the eight year old who wrote her own Logie's acceptance speech to the comedienne we know and love.

The show is inspired by the Julia's hilarious memoirs of the same name about moving to the UK, going broke, too many 'overnight romances' and learning the hard way that mojitos are not one of the five major food groups. Julia will be revealing excerpts from the book whilst weaving her special brand of stand up magic and divulging tidbits that were too naughty to print.




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