The Scene - Local Entertainment News

The Murray darling

Rising alternative music star Peter Murray (pictured) will be the feature act at the Southern Cross University Orientation Week O Rage gig next Tuesday, February 24.

Pete's debut album Feeler, which currently sits at No 3 on the alternative music charts, has already been nominated for an ARIA award and on Tuesday he was the featured musician on Rove Live.

His evocative, melodic vocals and heartfelt lyrics are what makes Murray stand out, and despite his quick rise to fame, he's determined not to become a one hit wonder.

"The records I love by people like Nick Drake, Neil Young and Bob Dylan are built to last," Murray says. "I wanted this to be an album like that - something you can pull out in 30 years and still hear the feeling in it, rather than something that's dated by the musical fashions of the day."

Pete will be supported by Kurtis. O Rage is held at the Uni Bar and the music starts at 7.30pm.

Entry is $10 (pre-sold) or $12 at the door for students, with guests $18. Tickets are available from Campus Central reception and Photo ID will be required on the night. For more info phone 6627 6888.

The power of one

Xavier Rudd (pictured) is one of Australia's most talented new solo performers, although you could easily be mistaken for thinking he is backed by a band if you've never seen him live.

On stage Xavier sits on a custom-made stand that allows him to play didgeridoo, drums, stomp box, guitar and harmonica simultaneously - his delicious vocals losing none of their power and intelligence in the mix. His music alone is an impressive showcase of a deep and original talent, and when you combine this with a humble nature and an obvious passion for performing it's little wonder he has captivated audiences across the world.

A barefoot hippy for want of better words, Xavier's style is impossible to pigeonhole. His latest CD To Let reflects a courageous, if shy, musician, but it is only live that you can truly enjoy the magic of Xavier Rudd.

Ku Promotions present Xavier's only north coast gig next Thursday, February 26, at the delightful A & I Hall in Bangalow. Tickets are 20 pre-sold, $25 at the door (if available) and $15 for 8-16 year olds.

You can get tickets from the Santos shops in Mullumbimby and Byron Bay or Barebones Artspace in Bangalow. Doors open at 7.15pm, with the show from 8pm.

Jazz is back!

Jim Kelly performs with his Thrillseekers in the first Jazz in the Countryside gig for 2004 next Wednesday.

Jules Kelly from Jazz in the Countryside will be kicking off her 8th year of weekly jazz nights next Wednesday, February 25, at Maggie Moores with Jim Kelly's Thrillseekers the first cab off the rank.

For those new to the area (or people who reside under a rock) Jazz in the Countryside presents world-class jazz every week at the pub, usually presented by lecturers and students from the contemporary music department at Southern Cross University. Visiting interstate jazz artists are also included on the program throughout the year at what is the only weekly jazz club between Sydney and Brisbane.

This first gig for 2004 is bound to be huge with a fantastic night of electric jazz from the Jim Kelly and his band of Thrillseekers. Featuring Jim of lead guitar, Steve Russell on keys, James Cox on percussion, Greg Lyon on bass and Scott Hills on drums, this talented group play high-energy original compositions with a strong emphasis on groove.

The gig starts at 8.30pm and tickets are a just $5! Keep an eye out in The Echo for details of the weekly gigs or pick up a program from Maggie Moores.

If for some reason you can't make next Wednesday's gig (like you're putting out a community newspaper) you can also check out another local jazz band, Greg Lyon's Hip Operation, at the Sunset Jazz and Blues event next Sunday, February 29, at the Pioneer Tavern in Wollongbar from 5.30pm (more details next week).

A diplomatic approach

Dean Manning (pictured) - the principal songwriter and guitarist behind Leonardo's Bride - is performing a one off gig at The Rails in Byron Bay next Thursday, February 26.

He was the wordsmith behind the hit song Even When I'm Sleeping, which was voted APRA Song of the Year in 1998. The break up of the band in 2001 allowed Dean wander around Europe and North Africa, before returning to home shores where he recorded his first solo CD Diplomatic.

Dean is now touring to promote this new pop-driven album, and this is the only chance to catch him on the north coast. The gig starts around 7pm.

Acting up again

Fourth Wall Theatre's new production of Andrew Bovell's play Speaking in Tongues features a talented cast of local actors that includes Russel Eldridge and Mandy Morris (pictured).

Directed by Susan Melhuish, this is the play the Australian hit movie Lantana was based on, yet it's use of split scenes and simultaneous dialogue makes it an entirely different theatrical experience.

Speaking in Tongues starts tonight, February 19, for a two-week season at the Byron Bay Community Centre. Tickets are $22/$18 from Icon Books in Byron Bay, Friday Hut Refreshments in Bangalow, The Bookshop in Mullum and Simpatico Gift Shop in Ocean Shores or you can book on 0407 573 386.

A welcome return

After a whirlwind tour that took in three states, ten thousand kilometres and four natural disasters, local country rockers The Re-Mains have returned to their home turf and will be rocking the Gollan Hotel this Saturday, February 21.

A flood in Tamworth, car accidents, gas leaks and Adelaide's hottest day in recorded history failed to stop The Re-Mains dishing out their unique style of country rock n' roll to the rest of Australia, but it's a welcome relief for fans to have them home in one piece

The Gollan has once again become a premier venue for live local acts, and previous Gollan gigs featuring The Re-Mains have definitely been amongst the best. Catch them from 9pm.

A nearly normal fairytale

Bilge and Barnacle spot a Troll in a scene from Bob Tissot's new pantomime, The Trollhunter.

There is unrest in the land of Oztrollia. They are running out of trees!

Queen Cecelia the Susceptible is simply speechless, Admiral Sir Reginald Rimshot, her Minister of Defence, is ropable and Giles Jiggerbottom, the Royal Proclaimer, is just jealous - he wants a new palace.

It would seem at first glance that the solution to the problem is simple; log the Old Forest. Only one minor problem - the Old Forest is full of trolls.

"But if we can catch all the Trolls," Sir Reginald suggests...

And so starts the new pantomime being presented by the Nimbin Players, The Trollhunter, which runs from next Thursday, February 26, to Sunday, February 29, at the Nimbin Hall.

It is the latest work from local playwright Bob Tissott, who's well known for his zany, humorous and intelligent theatre productions.

"I wanted to write something for children that dealt with contemporary issues in a classic pantomime style," Bob said. "Surely it's time we moved beyond brave woodcutters killing wolves and wicked witches imprisoning children in candy cottages."

The performances start at 7pm with a matinee at 1pm on Saturday afternoon (Feb 28). Ice Cream will be served at intermission!

Freebie: The Echo has two double passes to giveaway to the opening night next Thursday. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 11 & 11.15am on Monday, February 23, and tell us in what kids story did a troll live under a bridge.

Dreaming of India

The Northern Rivers Writers Centre and local author Inez Baranay (pictured) are holding a special Literary Lunch next Wednesday, February 25, to celebrate the publication of Inez's seventh book, Neem Dreams.

Set in Southern India in 1995, the book follows four characters whose lives are all linked through the neem - India's 'miracle tree'. Inez wrote the book after a number of sojourns into India during the 1980s and as well as being an absorbing story it also takes a deeper look at issues such as globalisation and development that now affect the country.

Neem Dreams was published in India to critical acclaim and her next book on yoga and writing, out later this year, will also be released there.

"I love India and the response to the book there was beyond my wildest dreams," Inez said. "I became enthralled by India in my first visit in 1980 and in my second visit (1986) I knew this was serious. As a novelist I needed to write a novel to focus my future travels and research in India, and explore the complexity, range and depth of this enthrallment. The neem became the perfect central motif, as both an anciently used village resource and the centre of late 20th century disputes on patents and ownership of knowledge."

Other books by Inez include Pagan, The Edge of Bali and Rascal Rain.

This special Literary Lunch will be held at the Bangalow Hotel, where Inez will speak of her many travels to India and her creation of the book. Tickets are $45 including a signed copy of the book or $32 for lunch only. Places are limited and bookings are essential on 6687 1711. The lunch starts at 12pm.

The perfect choice

Thanks Dad Coordinator, Chris Hawke (left) with Thanks Dad people's choice winner Lisa Newton and Christopher Dean of TP Health, one of the national sponsors. Inset: Lisa's winning photo.

The Thanks Dad 2003 National Photo Exhibition people's choice winner is Lisa Newton of Lennox Head, who was presented with $100 prize and winners certificate in Byron Bay last week.

Her photo was chosen from hundreds of photos from across Australia that affirm the positive times that men have with their children.

"I'm delighted that other Australians also liked the photo of the two people that are so important in my life," Lisa said at the presentation. "The photo is one of those candid, everyday moments. John had just arrived home from work and is holding up our daughter Meg, 2, who was playing dress ups in her 'fairy' costume."

Lisa's photo captured people's imaginations by digitally removing all colour except the pink in her daughter's dress.

"These photos show the intense desire of men to do the right thing with their children," said Christopher Dean of TP Health, one of the exhibition's national sponsors. "Men show their true nature when they are allowed to express themselves in a safe and supported environment. This exhibition helps to balance many of the negative images of men that we have seen publicly over the past thirty years."

Chris Hartley of Bentley and Lisa Engeman of Byron Bay were runners up in the exhibition.

Photos and details of past and future activities can be seen on the web site at www.thanksdad.org.au or phone 6622 3143.

Music awards

The inaugural Marijuana Music Awards, which will be presented at the Nimbin Mardi Grass in May, now has a best live performance category as well as best recorded track.

There are heaps of prizes up for grabs and all you have to do to enter the best live performance is simply turn up on the day and perform.

To enter best recorded track send your CD, contact details and $10 entry fee per track to Rainbow Records, PO Box 181, Nimbin, NSW 2480, Australia, before April 2.

For more information on the awards visit www.rainbow-records.com or phone 6689 1011.

Psychic connection

Luke Patrick will present his new touring show From The Other Side next Saturday, February 28, at the Goonellabah RSL Sports Club from 7.30pm.

Using his psychic abilities Luke can help guide people in matters regarding relationships, careers, health, personal events or life events from the past, present and future.

During the show people will see Luke receiving messages from guides, angels and others who have passed to the other side. The two-hour event includes an introduction, a question an answer session and a motivational talk. Tickets are $22 from the club.

Physy the 'in' thing

The new Goonellabah Culture Club is booming.

After their first class teachers Jaime Whittingham and Donna Lowden decided to open an extra class due to the overwhelming demand.

Physical culture is a unique Australian sport that includes a combination of ballet, aerobics, gymnastics and jazz dance all rolled into a fun program.

New class times are: Under 5s at 3.45pm, 5-7 years at 4.15pm, 8-9 years at 5pm and 10-13 years at 5.45pm.

There are still openings in the 10-13 years class, however, all ages are welcome to go along and join this great new club. Classes are all held on Tuesdays at the Goonellabah Community Centre.

For more info phone Jaime or Lisa on 6624 2271.

A jungle out there

Journey into the ancient and now threatened wilderness of Tasmania at the Tassie Party next Thursday, February 26, at Maggie Moores pub in Lismore.

Sponsored by the Rainforest Information Centre, Tassie Party is a special film night and roadshow that will include a screening of The Battle of Bakers Creek.

Entry is by donation. For more info phone 6621 3294.

Help Nora make mayor

Ungrouped mayoral candidate and well-known socialite Nora Vidler-Blanksby is a holding a special fundraising event this Sunday, February 22, at the Winsome Hotel to boost her campaign to become Lismore's mayor.

With Nora at the helm this will no doubt be a flamboyant and glamorous event, with music by Crystal, CC Moore, Tiffany and other guests DJs.

There will also be a preview from Sally McKenzie's play Scattered Lives performed by Theatre Theatre Productions and the chance to walk away with a 51cm colour TV in the lucky door prize.

The fun starts at 3pm, with showtime from 4pm. Entry is $10.