The Scene - Local Entertainment News

Art in the heart

Local artist Laurie Axtens will hold a Charity Art Auction at Caddies Coffee Shop this Saturday, April 3, to raise funds for impoverished children in the Limpopo province of South Africa.

Over the last few months Laurie has been accumulating books and equipment to send to three primary schools in Limpopo and is now looking to raise funds to ship the donations to their new home.

"Asking for money up front just seems like begging so to raise funds I have produced a dozen 'waterfall related works' to put up for auction," Laurie said. "One hundred per cent of the proceeds will go to the Limpopo Appeal."

The Limpopo Appeal came about in answer to a call from Shana Gelin, a long time Lismore resident and former member of the local Stand Up Poets. Working as a teacher's aid for the Peace Corp in Limpopo, Shana visited the three schools and after seeing the inadequate facilities was compelled to help. She says there are no reference books whatsoever, no sporting equipment and over one hundred of the students are AIDS orphans. The schools spend their meagre resources feeding the children and for some the meals are the only food they have.

To help raise as much money as possible for this worthy cause, local artists and healers Jimmy Willing, Melissa Harvey, Bill Clifton, Kriya Vidya and Gibbo have all donated works or services to be auctioned alongside Laurie's waterfall series.

Works are available for viewing from today, April 1, at Caddies, with the auction from 1pm this Saturday.

For more info phone Laurie on 6621 6015 or 0419 636 943. Alternatively, just turn up with your chequebook on Saturday - it's an investment in fine art and a healthy heart.

Time to face-up

A scene from Skate or Die by Brendan Drinkwater, one of the films being shown at the Face-Up film screening this Saturday night.

A six month Work-for-the-Dole course run by North Coast CAMERA, Face Up, has resulted in the creation of nine new writer /directors and 10 adventurous and extremely different short films.

The films, all shot on location throughout the Northern Rivers, will be shown in a special one-off screening this Saturday, April 3, at the Star Court Theatre in Lismore.

Not only is this a great opportunity to support and enthuse budding local filmmakers, but it's also a chance to see some extremely high quality films and discover just how talented these first timers are.

The films on show differ greatly in style and subject matter, with everything from a documentary looking at the serious issue of drug use in the Northern Rivers to a hilarious comedy about an elderly couple and their first experience with viagra. Entry is free, although a gold coin donation would be appreciated. The screening starts at 7.30pm.

Lizard seeks new home

The Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge, Lismore's own home grown comedy club, is having a break during April following the sudden closure of Maggie Moores - it's permanent home for the last five years.

The Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge has become an important cultural institution in Lismore, showcasing the cream of Australian comics as well as providing a working environment for local comedians just starting on the scary and exciting voyage that is stand up comedy.

Comedy clubs in rural areas are very rare as comedy is largely a city-based form of entertainment, and punters are lucky to have a crew like that of the Lizard to bring the laughs to Lismore.

The Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge will recommence in May at venue that will be disclosed once the Lizard has found a new and suitable lounge for its activities. The Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge appreciates the great local support it has and looks forward to tickling those funny bones again soon.

If anyone has a suggestion as to a new venue or development, phone the Lizard crew on 6633 7057.

Land of the three

'Superb Blue Wrens' by Katherine Castle, one of the artworks on show in the Vibrant Land exhibition at Jasper Gallery in Federal.

A new exhibition by three experienced Northern Rivers' artists, Vibrant Land, opens tomorrow, April 2, at the Jasper Gallery in Federal.

Katherine Castle, Jocelyn Carmel and Suvira McDonald have combined their works to create a colourful and impressive landscape collection, which includes paintings, ceramic forms and wall pieces.

Katherine Castle works in watercolour, gouache, oils and pastels to create her paintings of the unique Australian landscape and its wildlife, while Jocelyn Carmel uses innovative combinations of watercolour, pastels and ink for her series inspired by the local landscape.

Suvira McDonald's beautiful ceramic landscapes and vessels reflect his appreciation for the timeless terrain of northern NSW. He uses classic and contemporary glazes as well as surface techniques to create a sense of atmosphere and textures of familiar landscapes.

It's a beautiful drive out to the Jasper Gallery and a great chance to see some exciting local art as well as indulge in the delicious food and coffee served at the Pogel's Wood Restaurant.

The exhibition is on show until May 2.

Banned for life

The next Thursdays at the Civic gig on Thursday, April 8, will feature the Rank'n Banned, led by iconic local trombonist Davey Rankin (pictured in his younger days).

For more than two decades Davey has been using his unique skills as a trombonist, humourist and band leader to perform wild comedy and music shows that feature the best of New Orleans jazz and traditional favourites.

Next Thursday Davey will be accompanied by Col Jones on trumpet, Greg Warner on bass, Col Hobson on banjo and Keith Manns on drums, with special guest artist Pietro Fine (the organiser of Thursdays at the Civic) also joining the group on stage.

The gig starts at 8pm and entry is free.

Note: Due to unforseen circumstances tonight's Thursdays at the Civic gig featuring the Old Spice Boys has been cancelled, but they will be back in May after a tour of Perth.

Holding the Forte

Local heavy rock band Forte (pictured) will perform in Lismore next Thursday, April 8 - the first time since their tour with Grinspoon late last year.

After a tour south of the border and the success of their debut album In a New Light, which was high on the Australian Independent Charts for some weeks, Forte are now preparing another crop of songs intended for release later this year.

Catch Forte next Thursday at the Tatts Hotel with Stuey Died and The Black Stars. The music should kick off around 9pm.

Living on the edge

'Boomanjin I (Melaleucas)' is one of the artworks on show in Robert Berry's new exhibition, On The Edge, which is now on show at the Lismore Regional Gallery.

Robert, a Hervey Bay artist, has created a series of evocative paintings of World Heritage listed Fraser Island, detailing the natural beauty and delicate ecosystem of this sub-tropical Australian landscape.

Also on show in the 'OuterSpace' area is a dynamic work by local sculptor Paddy Redmond entitled Blind Faith, which looks at his Catholic heritage and his childhood.

Blind Faith and On The Edge are both on show until May 8. Keep an eye on the back page in coming weeks for more details.

Drumming up a storm

The Samba-Blisstas, who are the Lismore Lantern Parade's Carnival Band.

Carnival Drumming workshops and rehearsals with the Samba-Blisstas are now being held at the Bangalow Showground Pavilion, where new members will always be enthusiastically welcomed.

The Samba-Blisstas lead the Lismore Lantern Parade each year as the 'Carnival Band' as well as performing at places like the Taste of Byron and Bangalow Christmas Carnival, giving members a unique opportunity to be part of a creative and fun community initiative.

The Carnival Drumming workshops are open to everyone and there are instruments, parts and routines for total beginners to advanced show offs. All equipment is supplied and no experience is required - they just want people with a love of rhythm, people and community celebration.

The Samba-Blisstas are coordinated and directed by former West Australian percussionist Paul Barrett, who has spent the last eight years leading the biggest and most successful Samba Band in Australia and has more than 15 years experience in community arts.

He now lives in Bangalow and is on a mission to create something just as magical right here in the Northern Rivers! The next six-week training coarse starts on May 16, in the lead up to this year's Lismore Lantern Parade.

People are being encouraged to join the current rehearsals in Bangalow now or ring Paul for more info on 6680 3660 or 0417 969 743.

You've got male

Local a cappella singing group the Acapelicans (pictured) are looking for male vocalists to join their vibrant group. The group, whose current members range from 21 to 60ish, welcomes any men between the age of 18 and 80 who can sing well.

"If you want a really rich and interesting sound, you need the right proportion of male voices, both tenor and bass, to complement and balance the female voices," said the group's coordinator, Lisa Dillon. "Several men have left our group in the last 12 months because of their work and family commitments, and we have a desperate need for replacements."

The Acapelicans work hard to achieve a good sound and a professional stage-presence. They also have plenty of fun. The group has a wide-ranging repertoire, which includes everything from spirituals to popular songs. They practise in Alstonville, Ballina and Lennox Head, and would love to hear from any man who's passionate about singing and has Wednesday nights free. Phone Lisa on 6628 7518.

Freeing Africa from AIDS

While providing world-class music for punters is obviously the core of the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival philosophy, another focus of this year's festival is the launch of the Australian 46664 campaign.

46664 was the prison number of Nelson Mandela (pictured) on Robben Island, Cape Town, where he was held in captivity for 18 years. Inspired by the vision and leadership of Nelson Mandela, the 46664 campaign was created to develop awareness of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Foundation and people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

Warner Music Australia will launch CDs and a DVD of the recent 46664 concert in Cape Town exclusively at the Blues Fest and $2 from every sale will go to the 46664 campaign.

Throughout the festival everyone will also be asked to 'give a gold coin' every day to the many volunteers on-site. To keep the 46664 ideal fresh in people's minds footage will be shown on either side of the main stages in between band performances from the Cape Town event including messages from the likes of Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, David Bowie, Bono and others.

If you're not attending the festival or want to further support the campaign a number of fundraising events are happening pre and post Blues Fest. This includes a special 'Byron Style' (as opposed to Black Tie) concert featuring the Kenny Neale Band and MC Mandy Nolan next Wednesday, April 7, at the Great Northern in Byron Bay. Entry is $30 and there will be an auction of goods donated by local businesses.

There will also be a special Blues Fest after show party on Tuesday, April 13, at the Beach Hotel.

For more info on the 46664 campaign email 46664@bluesfest.com.au or visit www.46664.com. For Blues Fest info visit the website at www.bluesfest.com.au or phone 6685 8310.

A life of pottery and pumpkins

Acclaimed potter and Southern Cross University lecturer Tony Nankervis has retired after 19 years of teaching. He is pictured with two of his pieces from 1984.

Leading Australia potter and Southern Cross University lecturer Tony Nankervis is retiring after 19 years of full-time teaching. Tony has taught ceramics since SCU's inception in 1994 as well as teaching for a decade at the Northern Rivers College of Advanced Education - the University's former incarnation.

SCU associate professor Jan Davis is now replacing him as head of the Visual Arts program.

"The depth of Tony's experience in wood-fired ceramics is virtually unmatched in Australia," Jan said. "He has been of enormous value to students but also his experience and compassion as a teacher will be sadly missed and hard to replace."

Tony has an international profile as a potter, having exhibited in Europe, Japan and North America, with works also featured in the collections of several major galleries in Australia. He has been a pioneer of the long wood-fired ceramics technique in Australia - a technique he has been practising for 25 years.

Yet despite his great affinity with the art of ceramics, pottery wasn't Tony's first career choice.

He initially did an agricultural economics degree at UNE, followed by two years teaching at Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia, before heading off overseas.

"When I returned I got involved in making pots when somebody - a friend of a friend - threw me a pound of clay and I was just hooked immediately," Tony recalled. "I got totally involved in it."

After a lifetime of contributing to the pottery art form Tony is finally taking some time for himself, although he will continue to supervise postgraduate students in ceramics at SCU.

During his retirement he plans to learn Spanish, spend more time in his little fishing boat and visit his sons, who chose to follow a different career path from their father despite having some talent in the arts.

"They are capable artistically but they saw the kind of poverty we went through in our early years and said 'No way'‚" Tony explained. "Trying to earn an income as an artist can be hard. You can be very creative with pumpkins, I can assure you! They were always available and I've eaten them in every known way."

Everyday dreaming

A new exhibition by Goldie Adams entitled Dreams of the Everyday is now on show at Armistead's Gallery in Lismore.

The former SCU student has already had a lot of success with her gridded contemporary portraits. She won the People's Choice Award in the Living Regional Treasures competition in 2002 and then in 2003 won second prize in the contemporary painting section of the Coraki Tea Tree Art Prize.

This solo exhibition is Goldie's first since completing her Visual Arts degree in 2003 and is a departure from the portrait genre, instead focusing on everyday domestic objects.

It is on show until April 14.

Sweat it out

Australian dance sensation Groove Terminator (pictured) will join two of Byron's finest DJs - Nick Taylor and Pob - for a late night dance party this Saturday, April 3, at the Great Northern Hotel in Byron Bay.

Eat Sweat is the last chance to enjoy a night out before the Easter crowds arrive and these three DJs are literally some of Australia's best, playing disco grooves and break beats with a bunch of great remixes from GT. Eat Sweat runs from 9.30pm till late. Tickets are $12 from the venue.

NORPA presentsTHE FLOOD

April 8 - 10Starting @ the Cnr of Magellan & Keen Streets6.30pmFREE event

text by Janis Balodis, music by Michael Hannan, directed by Patrick Nolan, designed by Kathryn Sproul, lighting design by Bernie Tan, sound design by Colin Black, instrument builder Steve Langton, visual artist Craig Walsh, design collaborator Harley Graham

NORPA's free outdoor production, The Flood, is now in full rehearsal mode. This unique musical event commemorates and celebrates a community's capacity to pull together in times of crisis in a humorous and accessible way. Director Patrick Nolan describes the show as "a piece of theatre about and by the community. It's about floods, which is something integral to people's lives and people's existence in Lismore." The Flood is a progressive piece, where the audience travels with the performance as it moves through the streets and laneways of Lismore. It is a true community effort, involving local singers and performers, the SES and video projections of local people telling their flood recollections. Don't miss this unique event on April 8, 9 and 10. For more information on The Flood, call NORPA on 6622 0300 or visit www.norpa.org.au

Runners Up

produced by Legs on the Wall and The Studio at the Sydney Opera HouseLismore City HallApril 22, 1pm & 8pm, April 23, 8pmTickets $33, $27.50, $13 plus booking fee. Call 6621 5600

"If the actors had walked on water I couldn't have been more surprised."

- The Guardian (UK)

Legs on the Wall is in great form for its 2004 tour of Runners Up - a fast-paced, acrobatic exploration of the primal world of sport. The company is renowned for startling and sensuous performances, creating quintessentially Australian theatre by integrating acrobatics, dance, aerial and circus skill into a narrative framework.

With movement inspired by the lively armchair sportsman, Runners Up pushes the boundaries of physical theatre from high-flying acrobatics to tummy slides under the backyard sprinkler. It's as fast and furious as a rugby league grand final, minus the blood and bodily harm. Tickets are now available at the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre, call 6621 5600 or visit www.norpa.org.au

While in town, Legs on the Wall will conduct physical theatre workshops at Lismore City Hall on April 20. These workshops will cover balance acrobatics, contact improvisation and choreographic principals. Expressions of interest are required by April 5. Call NORPA Dance Action on 66223279 for more information.

Engage yourself in local theatre

The latest play by the Lismore Theatre Company, Occasional Course Language and Adult Themes, was a huge success recently, inciting passion amongst the audience and the cast members.

In a dramatic gesture on the last night of the season, cast member and director Jason Smith got on bended knee and asked his partner Julie Thomasson (a cast member and stage manager) to marry him in front of the entire audience. Astounded but equally delighted, Julie said yes, and the couple now plan to marry at the Rochdale Theatre next year. Congratulations from everyone at The Echo.

In other LTC news there are still a few small parts available (especially for anyone under four feet who can act!) for the next production of Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters.

For info or to get involved phone Gray on 6624 4745 - you never know, you might meet your future life partner there!!

Old school art

The Casino Art Centre is inviting artists in the Northern Rivers to submit artworks for their upcoming exhibition of Northern Rivers Artists, to be held in April at the centre for one month.

The centre is also holding an exhibition of HSC artworks from the past decade in May and June. If you have any artworks of this kind or know someone who does the centre would love you to submit them.

Works will be accepted from anywhere in NSW and the centre can help with the cost of shipping.

To get involved in either of these events phone Peter Gallo on 6662 7325, email casinoartcentre@yahoo.com.au or write to Casino Art Centre, PO Box 1226, Casino, NSW, 2470.

What a horn bag

Jazz in the Countryside are still holding their weekly jazz nights at Mary Gilhooleys but as of next Wednesday, April 7, they have decided to move it to the main bar where there is more space.

The room will be a smoke free zone on jazz nights and can accommodate more people, which is lucky considering next Wednesday's gig is very special event.

The John Hoffman Quartet will perform a night of beautiful jazz standards exquisitely delivered by flugal horn player John Hoffman, with Jim Kelly on electric guitar, Jack Thorncraft on double bass and Dave Sanders on drums.

Before coming to Australia from the US John recorded with the bands of Woody Herman, Buddy Rich and Glenn Miller. He has also worked with Frank Sinatra, Shirley MacLaine, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr and Peter Allen, which certainly makes for an impressive CV.

This night of world-class entertainment is just $5. The jazz kicks off at 8.30pm.

Music publishing

As a result of overwhelming requests, NCEIA has asked entertainment lawyer Sally McPherson to host an in depth seminar on music publishing in Australia, focusing on songwriters and their relationships with music publishers.

Sally will cover areas such as what does a music a publisher do?, why sign with a music publisher?, what's in a music publishing deal?, the role of collection societies and other relevant information.

The seminar is next Tues, April 6, at ACE in Lismore from 11am for approximately 90 minutes.

Pre-register attendance by 5pm next Monday, April 5. The cost is $5 for NCEIA members and $7 for non-members. Contact NCEIA on nceia@nceia.org.au or 6622 022