The Scene - Local Entertainment News

Win Blues Fest tickets!

The Echo is giving people the chance to win tickets to see Michael Franti and other international artists at the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival at Easter.

The Echo has five double passes to giveaway for the opening night of the 15th annual East Coast Blues and Roots Festival in Byron Bay at Easter, each worth about $100.

The slogan of the Blues Fest - wicked music, sinful food, heavenly location - pretty much says it all and this year is gearing up to be one of the most varied and exciting festivals to date.

Heading the line up on the opening night is social activist and funk master Michael Franti with his band Spearhead. Franti has become famous for his unique, soul-infused style of hip-hop and the message of peace and love that resonates throughout his music.

Joining him on the night is Canadian blues legend Harry Manx. The only man other than George Harrison to master the Mohan veena - a 20-string Indian slide guitar - Harry has created a beautiful blend of Eastern and Western sounds and is a consummate performer.

Joining them is sensational new blues band North Mississippi Allstars and a host of other great acts.

The rest of the weekend is just as impressive as Thursday with performers including Solomon Burke, Steve Earle & The Dukes, The Cat Empire, Jackson Browne, The Waifs, the John Butler Trio, Luka Bloom, The Black Keys, Bob Geldof, Taj Mahal and more. For info, ticket prices and bookings visit the website at www.bluesfest.com.au or phone the Box Office on 6685 8310 during business hours.

Freebie: To go in the draw to win one of the five double passes to the festival's opening night write and tell us in 25 words or less why we should pick you. Send entries to Blues Fest Competition, PO Box 37, Lismore, NSW 2480, or drop them into The Echo office. Entries must be received no later than 5pm on Monday, March 22. The winners' names will be printed in The Echo on March 25.

In Dha house

After a hugely successful tour of the region last year Ku Promotions is presenting another concert featuring Eastern fusion band Dha (pictured) next Friday, March 12, at the Bangalow A&I Hall.

Led by classical Indian musicians the Singh brothers (Bobby on Tabla and Sukhi on vocals), the Dha collective consists of some of the most renowned Australian musical innovators - Ben Walsh from electronic outfit The Bird and junk percussion group Pablo Percusso, violinist Cleis Pierce, drumming legend Greg Sheehan and Barry Hill, who has performed with members of the Pan African Orchestra in Ghana.

Tickets to this special event are $18/15 at the door. Doors open at 7.15pm for an 8pm show.

Girls on film

The Northern Women's Film Festival is on at the Star Court Theatre this Saturday.

As the WOW Film Festival is now a biennial event, North Coast CAMERA will present the Northern Women's Film Festival in its place this Saturday, March 6, at the Star Court Theatre in Lismore.

Featuring the Northern Women Video Competition, the festival was designed to motivate and inspire women living in the Northern Rivers to get out of the home, office or school to produce a film.

On the day there will be three sessions of films, beginning at 3pm. The first session includes Anna Yen's Chinese Takeaway and Purple Haze featuring Rachel Hynes.

Following this is a dinner break at Sushi Central in Eggins Lane (just around the corner from Caddies).

The second session, from 7pm, features the Northern Women Video Competition - a collection of films up to 10 minutes in length that have been created by local female filmmakers.

The third session, from 9.30pm, includes the award-winning short films Ex, about a lesbian love entanglement, and Press Any Button by Australian Film, Television and Radio School graduate Anna Fraser, which examines the many choices facing women in their every day lives.

Local filmmaker Kathy McCormick will also screen her beautiful silhouette animation The Re-Enchantment before the finale - a screening of Starhawk's documentary Signs out of Time.

The documentary looks at archaeologist Marija Gimbutas and her life's work uncovering ancient women's stories. This is the premiere Australian screening of the documentary outside of Starhawk's weekend workshops.

Tickets to the festival are $8/6 per session or you can purchase a discount three-session festival ticket for $22/16 at Caddies Bean Shop in Lismore. Doors open at 2.30pm, following the International Women's Day rally from 10am-1.30pm on the corner of Magellan and Carrington streets.

Get with the program

ABC arts reporter Nikki Fuda presents a Radio Training for Beginners course in Lismore next week. Photo Cal Mackinnon.

If you've ever thought of turning that passion for Egyptian folk music or Haitian history into a radio program here's your chance to explore the dynamic world of radio and do just that.

Community radio has launched many successful careers and with a new training course comes the opportunity to explore how radio works and even develop a career in radio production or presentation.

The six week short course, Radio Training for Beginners, will begin next Wednesday, March 10, at ACE in Lismore.

Facilitated by local ABC arts reporter and community radio junkie Nikki Fuda (alias DJ Polyfiller on Bay-FM), this course is an informative and practical way to learn how to deliver a great idea, interview and program. It will also look at the various roles in radio from broadcast law to programming and will even include studio visits for hands-on training.

The course runs from 5.30-8.30pm. Limited places are available so book now on 6621 3171.

That's all folks

After nearly three years playing the local music scene Nimbin-based rockers The Durga Babies (pictured) are taking a break, but not before putting on a few last gigs to farewell punters.

The band members are all pursuing other projects so after these next few gigs it could be a long while before you see this fine trio playing around the region again. The first of these finales will be held this Friday, March 5, at the Australian Tavern in Murwillumbah from 9pm (keep an eye on The Scene for details of other appearances at their favourite venues).

The band's debut CD Love Comes, which won two Dolphin Awards in 2003 for best album and best engineering, is still available locally so if you can't make the gig grab yourself a copy.

Groove central

Campus Central Uni Bar is presenting a free concert next Thursday, March 11, showcasing the local eight-piece Groove Dalley (pictured).

Drawing inspiration from bands such as St Germain and Jurassic 5, Groove Dalley play a funky mix of original electro-jazz, funk and hardcore dance grooves.

They look set to become one of the region's finest young dance bands, so check them out while it's free. They will be supported by DJ Scott Plant. Doors open at 7.30pm.

Get caught in Mal's Webb

Vocal sensation Mal Webb (pictured) will be holding a workshop in 'vocal weirdness' and a mini gig next Thursday, March 11, at the Nimbin Central School.

Mal is a vocal gymnast, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. Widely regarded as the best beatboxer (vocal percussionist) in Australia, Mal is a former member of Oxo Cubans and Totally Gourdgeous.

His workshops are a journey through every sound you can possibly make with a vocal tract. Beatbox, harmonics, throat singing, whistling, mic technique, uvular fluttering, pygmy yodelling, advanced clapping, rock distortion, Inuit panting and signing autographs are all explored by Mal as he teaches how to become your own band using nothing but your voice.

The event will be held in room H16-17 at the school. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for school aged kids. The event starts at 7pm. For info phone Val on 6689 1285.

One perfect day

Southern Cross University is inviting the community to a free, day-long music festival this Friday, March 5, on the Uni Oval from 11am.

Uni Fest will feature performances by some of the best local bands as well as trash and treasure markets, face painting and a jumping castle for kids.

The program kicks off at 11am with an official Bundjalung welcome by Elder Aunty Irene Harrington and performance by the Goobah Goobah Dance Theatre.

Monkey and the Fish start the music at 12pm, followed by Brittle FX, Bedlam, Fickle and Jimmy Willing and the Real Gone Hick Ups. A free BBQ will be held at Campus Central at 5.30pm, with music by Marshall, before the final concert from 7pm with Aurora Jane and Proem 3.

The day is totally free so make the most of the Uni's generosity.

A winning formula...

The Echo has four double passes to giveaway to the opening night of Lismore Theatre Company's new production Occasional Coarse Language and Adult Themes next Thursday, March 11, at the Rochedale Theatre in Goonellabah.

This hilarious show is a two hour compilation of the best of British comedy from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, combining such talent as Monty Python, Rowan Atkinson, Hale and Pace, The Two Ronnies and Derek & Clive.

If you're a fan of this type of comedy you'll laugh yourself silly at Occasional Coarse Language and Adult Themes - the first LTC production for 2004 and a great way to kick off the theatre season.

As the title suggests it may not be a good idea to bring the little 'uns.

The show will be performed at the Rochdale Theatre from Thursday to Saturday, March 11-13, and from March 18-20. All shows start at 8pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for member of $10 conc from Caddies in Lismore.

Freebie: The Echo has 4 double passes to the opening night (Thurs, March 11) to giveaway. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 11 & 11.15am on Monday, March 8, and tell us one of the comedians who was part of the Monty Python crew.

Jump the fence

NORPA presents the eighth Over The Fence Comedy Film Festival this Friday, March 5, at the Star Court Theatre from 7pm.

The program features 16 of Australia's best short films in a two-and-a-half hour roller coaster ride through the absurd, bizarre, cheeky and daring work of Australia's indie filmmakers.

Tickets are $14/10. Phone 6621 5600 or grab one at the door.

If you can't make it tomorrow, the film festival will also be screened this Saturday, March 6, at the Byron Bay Community Centre. Tickets are $14/12.

Full moon open mike

A Full Moon Open Mike event will be held this Saturday, March 6, at the Channon Hall.

Any performers are welcome to share their skills at the open mike session - musicians, dancers, poets, puppeteers, raconteurs and actors.

If you're interested in performing contact Andy Putnam on 6688 6110 or Melissa Herman on 6688 6205 or turn up on the night and they'll put your name on the running order.

Acts that have already agreed to perform include world funk ensemble Stipski, blues funk duo Acoustic Bluestic and local belly dancing troupe Raksyumn. Go along and inspire others or simply be inspired yourself. Yummy vegetarian food and drinks will be available.

The gig starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are $5 each or $10 for a family. Performers and children under 16 are free.

Show me the money

The Ballina Players latest production, Funny Money, opens this Friday, March 5, at the Ballina Players Theatre.

Directed by Barbara Courtnay, Funny Money follows the trail of chaos that unfolds when Henry, a mild-mannered accountant, unexpectedly finds his briefcase full of a large sum of money.

Arriving home with the briefcase on his birthday, with his good friends Betty and Vic expected any minute for dinner, Henry announces to his wife Jean that he intends to keep the money and leave immediately for Barcelona.

The ensuing story sees Betty, Vic, Henry and Jean in a frantic game of cat and mouse with police inspectors with hilarious results.

Funny Money will be performed on Friday and Saturday, March 5-6, and on March 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 from 8pm. There is also a matinee at 2pm on Sunday, March 14.

Tickets are available from La Boutique Gift Shop in Ballina. Phone 6686 2662.

Seminar for songwriters

The North Coast Entertainment Industry Association (NCEIA) will host a seminar aimed at helping local songwriters next Tuesday, March 9, at the Lismore Workers Club.

The seminar will be presented by respected music industry lawyer and music publisher, Sally McPherson, who will talk about the commercial opportunities for songwriters, the ways that they can get paid for their craft, and how to make sure they get properly paid.

Sally McPherson's past and present clients include INXS, Tina Arena, The Sleepy Jacksons and more.

The seminar is limited to only 50 people so register now on 6622 0222. The cost is $5 for NCEIA members and $7 for others. The seminar runs from 6-8pm.

Spanning generations

British pioneers of folk/rock Steeleye Span (pictured) are currently doing a 35th anniversary world tour that brings them to the Lismore Workers Club next Friday, March 12.

Members have come and gone since the group formed in 1969 and the past and present line-ups read like a who's who of the British folk scene. Steeleye Span today finds Maddy Prior - the voice of Steeleye for 28 years - back at the helm alongside band stalwart and fiddler extraordinaire Peter Knight, bassist Rick Kemp, guitarist Ken Nicol and drummer Liam Genockey.

Coinciding with the release of a studio album of new material, this anniversary tour is a chance to revisit the long and distinguished career of a truly legendary music group.

For tickets phone the club on 6621 7401.

Subscribe and save

Duo Sol is just one of the classical music acts featured in the Musica Viva 2004 Subscription Series.

Musica Viva Lismore was established 25 years ago by a group of local music lovers, who continue to dedicate their time and energy each year to provide people in Lismore with world-class musical performances for a fraction of city prices.

Musica Viva is now offering a special subscription offer so people can enjoy all five performances in 2004 and save themselves money in the process.

The first concert for the year, on March 26, features virtuoso pianist Harold Brown, who has travelled the world performing solo recitals and playing with symphony orchestras. His Lismore concert will include works by Faure, Ravel, Chopin and Copeland as well as a special performance by local a cappella group The Nouveaux Singer to open the night.

The next concert in May features Duo Sol, a stunning collaboration between violinist Miki Tsunoda and pianist Caroline Almonte. Amongst the outstanding young classical musicians emerging in Australia, Miki and Caroline will perform a program that includes De Falla, Beethoven and Satoh.

For June Musica Viva is presenting the exciting five-piece Melbourne ensemble Shrewd Brass. With two trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba this quintet swings from opera classics to jazz.

September sees a performance by the Tankstream Quartet, a classical ensemble with a program that includes Mozart, the Shostakovich Quartet No 8 and Opus 110.

The final concert for the year features virtuoso guitarists Slava and Leonard Grigoryan, who perform everything from classical masterpieces to modern jazz improvisation.

Three of these concerts will be held in Lismore and two in Ballina. Subscription tickets for all five concerts are $120, $100 conc or $60 for students, which means you virtually get one concert free if you subscribe now, as singles tickets are $28.

Subscriptions and individual tickets are available from Dymocks at 84 Molesworth Street, Lismore. Phone 6622 4987.