The Scene - Local Entertainment News

A modern fantasy

'Luna: our luminous companion in space' (top) and 'Artemis: a huntress companion of Diana' are two of the images now on show in Jon Liddell's exhibition Fantasm.

A new exhibition of photography-based images by local artist Jon Liddell, Fantasm, is now on show at Armistead's Gallery in Lismore.

Each of the images features a photograph of a woman, and then each subject is transformed through a combination of techniques to become the centre of a different fantasy.

Influenced by 19th century and medieval artists as well as modern fantasy artists and films, Jon has created a collection that is dreamy, confronting and often erotic.

"I was in the graphics industry before this and I woke up one day and couldn't do it any more - becoming an artist was my personal seachange in life and I found I was compelled to make these images," Jon said. "The images reflect how I see women - sometimes as warriors, sometimes as beautiful fairies and sometimes - terrifying. I hope that women can see themselves in these pictures."

Each of the artwork tells a unique story and such is their quality some will be included in a new book by Jon and Karen Yeigh on women and Greek mythology.

The exhibition is on show until next Wednesday, March 17.

The pass to happiness

Master of Indian-infused blues, Harry Manx, features at the opening night of the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival in Byron Bay.

On the north coast the last thing Easter represents is a furry bunny and chocolate eggs. Instead it means a four-day weekend, lots of rain and the highly anticipated 15th annual East Coast Blues and Roots Festival.

To celebrate this year's festival The Echo has five double passes to giveaway for the opening night on Thursday, April 8, which would normally cost you around $100.

Recently confirmed acts for the festival include hip hop, jazz and blues band Fun Lovin' Criminals, New York's 'Queen of Blues' Shemekia Copeland, Black Sorrows frontman Joe Camilleri, the Kenny Neale Band and indigenous artist Kerrianne Cox. These performers will join the growing list of world-class artists already confirmed - James Brown, The Cat Empire, Jackson Browne, the John Butler Trio, Luka Bloom, The Black Keys, Bob Geldof and Taj Mahal to name a few. Local country rock band The-Remains have also scored themselves one of the coveted spots for local artists.

The opening night line-up includes Michael Franti and Spearhead, Canadian blues artist Harry Manx, the North Mississippi Allstars and many 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.

Fly south this Wednesday

Concerts at Maggies present Jim Kelly's Latin Lovers featuring Elizabeth Lord (pictured) at the next weekly jazz night on Wednesday, March 17, at Maggie Moores.

Led by jazz guitarist Jim Kelly, the Latin Lovers features the dynamic voice of Elizabeth Lord, with Steve Russell on keys/vocals, James Cox on percussion, Jack Thorncraft on double bass and Dave Sanders on drums.

Together they play exotic rhythms from the countries of Central and Southern America, with a repertoire that includes Agua De Marco, Corcovado, Bird of Beauty, Begin the Beguine and even Tico Tico.

The gig starts at 8.30pm and tickets are $5 at the door.

King of the road

The King Victoria Drag Kings (pictured) will present their raunchy and hilarious night of cabaret this Saturday, March 13, at the Bangalow Bowling Club.

This is the Drag Kings' first Australian tour and they are certainly not for the faint hearted with their bent and crazy comedy that's rude, crude and generally over-the-top.

As part of the cabaret the Drag Kings pay tribute to and parody some of the world's most famous icons, so watch out for stars like Scon Bott, LeeBruceLee, Gary Glitteris, Maurice Valentino, Dirk Rediggler and others.

Tickets are $15, with the show from 8pm. For info phone 6687 1235.

Do your Civic duty

Local musician and member of KaOZ Klezmer, Pietro Fine (pictured), will launch his new live entertainment creation - Thursdays at the Civic - next Thursday, March 18 at (you guessed it!) the Civic.

Every Thursday Pietro will present a different live act, and the line-up so far looks pretty impressive, with The Old Spice Boys and The Skylarks already confirmed for future gigs. The idea is to feature local performers of 'good time' music, which is largely jazz and world music, with an emphasis on dance. One of the big drawcards for Thursdays at the Civic is the fact it's completely free, so everyone can afford to get down there for a dance and a bit of fun.

The Launch Party next week will feature the Rankin Band, KaOZ Klezmer and special guests such as ukulele player Azo Bell from The Old Spice Boys.

For those who don't know Davey Rankin is a talented trombonist and band leader, who performs New Orleans jazz accompanied by clarinet, tuba and banjo.

KaOZ Klezmer needs little introduction locally, as they have been playing their Eastern European and Middle Eastern jazz around the traps for years. As part of the concept guest musos and instrumentalists are always welcome.

It's a rare to have performers of this calibre playing free gigs, so help make this new venture a success. The Launch Party kicks off at 8pm.

Keep an eye on The Scene in coming weeks for details of future gigs.

Making a difference through music

Sylvia Lyte from Advanced Music Studios in Lismore helps students Steven Knapman, 13, and Kelsie Daley, 10, practise for the Music-a-thon concert next Friday.

Children from Advanced Music Studios in Lismore have been busy practising instruments and exercising vocal chords during the Malcolm Sargent Music-a-thon from March 3-19.

After two weeks of rehearsals, the students are ready to present their works at a special fundraising concert that will help raise money for children living with cancer.

Advanced Music Studios is just one of thousands of music groups throughout Australia who are helping raise a national target of $350,000 for the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children, which provides emotional and financial support to children with cancer and their families.

The students' concert will be held next Friday, March 19, at the Italo Club from 6pm.

Sylvia, a classical pianist, will also present a special piano recital, Chopin and Champagne, next Saturday to raise further funds (see next week's paper for details).

If I saw you in heaven

Jimmy Willing and the Real Gone Hick Ups headline the Live in Hillbilly Heaven gig at the Gollan next Friday.

The now infamous Live in Hillbilly Heaven events have drawn a pretty impressive crowd over the past few months, with Machine Gun Fellatio's Christa Hughes and Opposition Leader Mark Latham both popping in to check out the local talent.

For those who missed last month's Latham fiasco, Jimmy Willing and the Real Gone Hick Ups will be performing their reworked version of the folk classic Old Howard's Dead and Gone again - the song Marky Mark actually turned up to see.

The song itself seems to be gaining momentum as an anthem for people disenchanted by the Howard regime, with lyrics from the tune being printed in newspapers across the country.

The next Hillbilly gig on Friday, March 19, will of course be another big occasion, with the Bohemian Cowboys and Byron Bay's Cross Eyed Louise joining the Hick Ups for another wild ride in heaven. And who knows who'll turn up this time!

Thanks to Gollan Hotel publican, Gavin Meyers (who believes in providing decent live entertainment) the gig is totally free. Check it out from 8pm.

What a classic

Director Volker Hartung (pictured) will lead the Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra from Germany in a special one-off concert this Friday, March 12, at the Ballina Anglican Church.

The orchestra will perform Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, J S Bach, Mozart Tchaikovski's 'Autumn Song' for violin and orchestra, Albinoni's Adagio and more.

The concert starts at 8pm. Tickets are available at the door from 7pm.

Another day in paradise

Soul singer Tina Harrod (pictured) will launch her debut solo album Shacked Up In Paradise with a free gig at the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay this Sunday, March 14.

Written and recorded in Sydney, New Orleans and New York, Shacked Up In Paradise brings together a family of musicians with whom Tina has either performed or been closely associated with over the past decade, including her partner Jackie Orszaczky (who plays the Beach Hotel on March 13 at 9pm).

For her album launch Tina will perform with Jackie Orszaczky on piccolo bass, Hamish Stuart on drums, David Symes on bass, Aron Ottignon on piano and James Greening on trombone, with Rebekah Jensen and Mahalia Barnes doing backing vocals.

The gig starts at 4pm. Signed CDs will be available on the night.

Live Poets! show

The Live Poets! next monthly gathering is on Wednesday, March 17, at the Rous Hotel in Lismore.

One of the eve of another tour of Japan the infamous 'Gong' poet and musician Daevid Allen (recently featured in the Sydney Morning Herald's Good Weekend) will share a verse or two.

The evening will also feature the first Poetry Slam for the year, plus a number of open and invited readings. New and visiting writers are always welcome. The night starts at 8pm. Entry is $6/4.

Freebie: The Echo has one a double pass to giveaway to the Live Poets! To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 11 & 11.15am on Monday, March 15.

Greening Australia

A Greens launch will be held this Saturday, March 13, at the Rainbow Cafe in Nimbin to support the Greens team for the Lismore Council elections on March 27. Starting at 7pm, the night will feature music, poetry and performance, plus a rendition of the new song 'Six Pack To Go!' Entry is by $5 donation. For info phone Sue on 6689 1148.

Watch your language

The Lismore Theatre Company's latest production Occasional Coarse Language and Adult Themes is on for two weeks only at the Rochedale Theatre in Goonellabah.

The show feature sketches from infamous British comedy groups including Monty Python, Hale and Pace, The Two Ronnies and many others.

The show will be performed from this Thursday to Saturday, March 11-13, as well as from March 18-20. All shows start at 8pm. Tickets are $15/10 or $12 for members from Caddies in Lismore.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

By William Shakespeare
Where: Bangalow Showgrounds
When: March 17-20, 7pm
Tickets: $33, $27.5, $13 Family $80

"..Shakespeare Under The Stars has become a summer tradition. It rivals productions in Regents Park (London), Central Park (New York) and Golden Gate Park (San Francisco)."

The Herald Sun 2003

NORPA presents the Australian Shakespeare Company's entertaining production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Shakespeare's most-performed play receives the 'Baz Lurmann' treatment in this production resulting in a performance that is energetic, playful and freed from the chains of scholarly respectability. Set in the Bangalow Showgrounds, this ensemble piece provides a balanced mix of burlesque comedy and disciplined acting, resulting in a show that should please the most discerning audience. The vibrant cast in modern dress hurl contemporary references, songs, slang and asides into Shakespeare's verse, accentuating the comic and the physical. Bring a rug, cushion and enjoy this great family show in the beautiful Bangalow showgrounds enhanced with superb lighting.

Workshop

A theatre workshop with the cast of Dislabelled is available for interested hearing and hearing impaired participants. The workshop will be held at Lismore City Hall on March 23, 3.30pm to 5pm. If you're aged 16 years or more and would like more information on this workshop contact Emma Newman at NORPA Dance action on 6622 3279, email emma@norpa.org.au or by fax on 6622 3175.

Join a group of friends and take advantage of discounted group bookings by contacting NORPA on 6622 0300, email norpa@norpa.org.au or by fax on 6622 3175. Subscriptions can be purchased at NORPA call 6622 0300. Single tickets to NORPA productions can be purchased at the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre on 6621 5600 or at www.norpa.org.au.