The Scene - Local Entertainment News

United we stand

After months in the studio recording and refining their latest album Unity - incidentally made near Byron Bay - Brisbane five-piece george (pictured) are now hitting the road for a promotional tour that brings them to the Lismore Workers Club next Thursday, March 4.

The band's first album, Polyserena, debuted at #1 on the national ARIA charts (remaining in the top 10 for 15 weeks) and showcased the angelic voice of lead singer Katie Noonan and a new alternative rock sound that led to the band winning the 2002 ARIA for Best New Artist/Album. On this tour george will be showcasing their debut hit single Still Real and current single Jaded from the Unity album, which the band feels is a much more positive record about themselves and the world and after a turbulent time for both.

"It's meant to be universal. There's been an extreme amount of emotional intensity in the world over the last two years, but I now feel people are starting to look to each other again - I'm feeling that anyway," Katie said. "I guess it's not meant to be just about unity for us, it's an everyone thing as well."

This gig is bound to sell out quick. For tickets phone the club on 6621 7401.

Sangeeta bares her soul

Local performer and songstress Sangeeta (pictured) will be performing next Thursday, March 4, at the Tatts Hotel in Lismore.

Described in her bio as PJ Harvey meets Jeff Buckley meets Radiohead, people may know Sangeeta from her day job as the songwriting and vocal teacher from the Northern Rivers Conservatorium in Lismore. On stage she transforms into a piano-playing seductress and is backed by three hot musos - Andrew (Fatter Than Nuzrat) on guitar and trumpet, Stu (Couchfunk) on bass and Travis (My Big Friend, Melbourne) on drums and electronic samples. Compelling and honest in her delivery, Sangeeta's performances are soulful, magnetic and straight from the heart.

For a completely different audio and visual experience check out Sangeeta from 9.30pm, with support from local trio The Ladders. Entry is just $3.

The spirit of Ireland

The Ragús Irish extravaganza will be performed at Lismore City Hall next Thursday.

The Irish music and dance spectacular Ragús is coming to Lismore next Thursday, March 4, at Lismore City Hall for one night only.

Ragús encapsulate the sound and spirit of the Aran Islands, nestled in Galway Bay near Dublin, and the combination of traditional music, song and dance is an exhilarating journey into Irish culture.

The word Ragús is Gaelic for 'urge' or 'desire' and captures the vibrant mood that this company of young performers create on stage. While Ragús was formed in 1988 the traditional style of singing - sean nos - dates back to the early 1600s. It comes from the Irish/Gaelic language and means 'in the old style' and is a major feature of this show. People will also hear the bodhran being played throughout the night, as it holds pride of place as the principle percussion instrument of Irish music, dating back to 3000 BC.

Ragús has become Ireland's biggest selling show and is the best way to travel to and experience Ireland without leaving home.

For tickets and information phone the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre on 6621 5600.

Out in the Cole

Four times Golden Guitar winner Beccy Cole (pictured) will perform with fellow country star Brendon Walmsley in double bill this Saturday, February 28, at the Lismore Workers Club.

Beccy won Female Vocalist of the Year for two years running in 2001 and 2002 at the Tamworth Country Music Awards and her latest album Little Victories looks to bring her similar success.

Brendon's love for traditional country music is perfectly complemented by Beccy's passionate and energetic contemporary tunes, making this a spectacular night of entertainment for country fans.

The gig starts at 8pm and tickets ($20) are now available from the club. Phone 6621 7401.

The front line

Three of the north coast's most prominent, prolific and creative front men have teamed up for a series of shows and to record a studio album.

Mick Daley of The Re-mains, Jimmy Willing of the Real Gone Hick Ups and David Virgin of the David Virgin Group (pictured) have been teasing out each others more reflective songs for the trio to play along with well known favourites from their respective bands, plus some Irish songs and country blues. Check them out this Friday, February 27, at the Australian Tavern in Murwillumbah from 9pm.

Fishy business

Javier Fredes and Simon Barker get into the rhythm during a Red Fish Blue performance.

The second Concert at Maggies for the year is a special presentation of Sydney band Red Fish Blue.

Featuring four of Australia's most outstanding musicians - Sam Keevers on piano, Javier Fredes on percussion, Brett Hirst on double bass and Simon Barker on drums - this band is one of the country's finest jazz ensembles and it's a rare treat to have them on the north coast.

Originally thrown together for a one-off gig Red Fish Blue worked so well the quartet decided to stick together and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Respected Sydney Morning Herald music reviewer John Clare wrote "When Keevers brought one of the percussionists [Fredes] from his Cuban band, Los Cabrones, to Sydney in 2000 to play with local drummer Simon Barker and bassist Brett Hirst at the Side on Cafe, the bright, percussive, melodic and deep music that ensued was just too good to let die on the night."

With an infectious energy and love of performing, Red Fish Blue play an all-original repertoire producing music of a unique depth and texture that's richly layered with Latin rhythms and Cuban percussion.

Red Fish Blue play next Wednesday, March 3, at Maggie Moores from 8.30pm. Tickets are $9/7 at the door.

Citizen Kane

To support the release of his latest single Stupid Friday, Australian singer, songwriter and producer Mandy Kane (pictured) is touring the country with his live band.

Mandy has recently finished two successful tours with Marilyn Manson and Machine Gun Fellatio, and his music is now being featured on the soundtrack of the new Australia film One Perfect Day.

Catch this extraordinary songwriting talent with his band this Friday, February 27, at the Beach Hut Hotel in Ballina.

A happy union

Funky local five-piece El Gonzo Green (pictured) are taking their unique brand of grooves to the Southern Cross University Union Bar next Thursday, March 4.

El Gonzo Green will be kicking the night off with a mixture of hip hop, jazz grooves and pumping dance beats that will get everyone on the dance floor.

DJ R2C2, known for his work at the Metro Bar Sunday Sessions, will then perform a set of funky jazz Psi breaks. The fun begins at 9pm.

The ties that bind us

Fresh from a string of performances at the national Australian Blues Festival in Goulburn, local acoustic blues band Ragweed are back in the hills again and ready to perform their foot-stompin' blues jug and ragtime tunes this Friday, February 27, at the Nimbin Hotel.

The group has received rave reviews at several major festivals for their crazy, energetic shows and outrageous 'tie' nights.

Not only do they get everyone up and dancing but they also make sure nobody leaves without wearing a tie!

They'll kick off around 8pm.

Sally forth!

Sally Kimpton features at the March Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge next Tuesday night.

The second Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge for 2004 is on next Tuesday, March 2, at Maggie Moore's in Lismore, and it's probably a good idea to book early as people were banked up at the door last month.

Returning as the feature act is Brisbane comic Sally Kimpton, who people may remember from her visit to the Lizard last year. A big fan of trash magazines and newsworthy but ultimately useless information, Sally's insights into the world of fashion, film and television are absolutely hilarious. In fact she even tried her hand at TV acting once or twice, ending up as a nurse on Home & Away and a tremendously believable corpse on All Saints. Her comedy has been featured on Triple J, Triple M and Radio National for seven years and she will soon be appearing in the new ABC TV series 'Stand-Up!'.

Also featuring on the night is Robert Grayson, who has performed in both the United States and Australia, and there's little doubt punters will hear about the difference! Robert runs comedy courses through Lismore ACE for those interested in the masochistic world of stand up comedy.

After the recent Triple J Raw Comedy heats here on the north coast, The Lizard has also invited some of the best of the new local comic talent to strut their stuff to a Lismore audience. Renee Searles (who performed as MC at the Ladies Lizard Lounge last month) and Sharon Fraser were the eventual winners from the two heats held in Byron Bay. They both now travel to Sydney for the state finals.

After last month's all female show, S Sorrensen returns as your guide through this month's mirthy depths. And of course there's also the regular Millies on Magellan joke comp, the Dr Juice Bar special prize and a poem from word maestro David Hallett.

Maggie Moores has great food available and it's a good idea to book, especially if having dinner. For bookings phone 6622 1888.

The Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge starts at 8.30pm and tickets are $20 for a meal and show, $12 show only or $8 for students.

Two much music!

Ku Promotions are presenting two very special concerts this week - Irish sensation Grada on Friday, February 27, at Coorabell Hall and Navajo performer R Carlos Nakai (pictured) on Sunday, February 29, at the Byron Bay Community Centre.

Grada is talented young folk quintet, and hailing from diverse musical backgrounds they produce a wild mix of sounds encompassing Irish, Breton, Eastern European and Pacific influences. Always good for a dance, Grada features Anne Marie O'Malley's powerful voice and strong bodhran playing, Alan Doherty of Lord of the Rings soundtrack fame on flutes, whistles and vocals, Brendan O'Sullivan on fiddle and viola, Gerald Paul on guitar and bouzouki and Andrew Laking on double bass, vocals and guitar.

Tickets are $16. Doors open at 7.15pm.

Ku's second gig for the weekend features six-time Grammy nominee and legendary flute master R Carlos Nakai, who delivers a rare musical/cultural/spiritual experience. He has brought the native American flute into the classical concert hall, performing and recording as a soloist with major symphonies worldwide. He's collaborated with Japanese, Tibetan, jazz, Indian jazz and numerous other musicians in his quest to discover the limitless possibilities of his instrument.

You can see R Carlos live during two shows at 6pm and 8.30pm. Tickets are $25 and it's a good idea to book on 6685 6807 so you don't miss out.

Tarkine roadshow

Follow his recent visit to the Tasmanian forests, Greens MLC Ian Cohen will speak at the Tarkine Roadshow information, slide and film night this Sunday, February 29, at Ewingsdale Hall.

The Tarkine Roadshow is currently travelling through NSW, informing people of the devastation that is happening in the Tasmanian wilderness and what they can do about it.

All proceeds will go towards campaigning to protect the forest and books are available for sale.

"When the Tarkine Roadshow comes to town I hope to be able to comment on Mark Latham's visit to the Tasmanian forests," Ian said. "The campaign is focussing and promises to be a major Federal election issue allowing the Federal ALP to distance itself form the Howard Government's environmentally genocidal behaviour, supported to the hilt by the Tasmanian ALP. Tarkine is Tasmania's largest unprotected wilderness including forests, open coastal heath and magnificent coastline - it really is the edge of the earth, open to the Great Southern Ocean. I encourage locals to come along and find out what they can do to protect the heritage of Tasmania."

The night starts at 7pm and entry is by donation.

Got the blues?

Tickets are selling fast for the East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival (held on the Easter long weekend in Byron Bay) so it's advisable to book tickets now.

This year's festival is gearing up to be biggest yet with confirmed performers already including the 'Godfather of Soul' James Brown, the John Butler Trio, Bob Geldof, The Black Keys, Solomon Burke, Jackson Browne, Harry Manx, Michael Franti and Spearhead, The Waifs, Taj Mahal and The Cat Empire.

To purchase tickets visit www.bluesfest.com.au or phone the Bluesfest Box Office on 6685 8310 during business hours.

Back to the future

Futurite, a dance night featuring top DJs, will be held this Saturday, February 28, at the Winsome Hotel.

The night will feature performances by a punk duo, plus DJs Head in a Vice, Sonic Extermination and Kriz. The publicity flyer says it's "for opened imagination and a wild liberating atmosphere."

Futurite starts at 7pm and is just $3.

Wyrd Sisters auditions

Lismore Theatre Company is holding audition for a production of Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters next Sunday, March 7, at the Rochedale Theatre.

A rollicking yarn that takes the mickey out of Macbeth and Shakespeare in general, this will be high calibre production and a lot of fun for participants.

The auditions will run from 12-4pm but if you're interested it's best to register with the director, Gray Wilson, on 6624 4745.

A hip operation

Sunset Jazz & Blues returns to the Pioneer Tavern in Wollongbar this Sunday, February 29, with a performance by Greg Lyon's Hip Operation.

The band features Greg Lyon on bass and vocals, Jim Kelly on guitar, Bob Howlett on Hammond organ, Scott Hills on drums and the delightful Natalie Gay up front with her wonderful voice.

Greg Lyon's Hip Operation plat a repertoire of jazz and blues featuring the sounds of Hammond organ in the style of the famous Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery jazz and blues era.

The music starts at 5.30pm.

Season Launch

NORPA's 2004 Season was unveiled at the Star Court Theatre last Thursday with special guests Antony Ernst from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Rebecca Massey from Company B Belvoir in attendance.

The 2004 Season includes performances by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Company B Belvoir, Legs on the Wall, Monkey Baa Productions and the Australian Shakespeare Company.

NORPA will also be presenting a free multimedia music event in April and will once again host The Lismore Feast in October.

Alongside our sponsors, NORPA are excited to present an excellent season of performing arts with something to please everyone. For more information on the full season, subscription packages and a free brochure, call NORPA on 6622 0300 or visit www.norpa.org.au.

A Midsummer Night's Dream
by William Shakespeare
Bangalow Showgrounds
March 17-20, 7pm
March 19, 1pm
Tickets 6621 5600 (children under 5yrs free).

NORPA presents the Australian Shakespeare Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream under the stars at the Bangalow Showgrounds.

A Midsummer Night's Dream continues to be one of Shakespeare's best-loved and most-performed comedies. Set in a magical world, it tells several stories over one balmy summer night in a magical forest, where fairies play pranks on lovesick mortals, where romance confuses the eyes and the hearts of both fairy and human lovers and a group of earnest craftsmen attempt to rehearse a play to delight their lord's wedding feast.

For those who enjoy their Shakespeare 'Baz Luhrmann style', The Australian Shakespeare Company's production accentuates the comic and the physical, taking advantage of the natural surroundings enhanced by superb lighting. Enjoy this contemporary adaptation with family and friends in the magical surrounds of the Bangalow Showgrounds. Bring a picnic, rug and cushions.

Tickets for NORPA productions can be purchased from the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre on 6621 5600.