The Scene - Local Entertainment News

Doc rocks

After three years of pure hell as a result of a near fatal car smash, Doc Neeson has returned to live performances with a vengeance, and he's on his way to Lismore.

Over the last 28 years Neeson's 6'4" frame has captivated and enthralled rock music crowds all over the world. His voice and stage antics are tattooed into the memory of all true rock fans. Oh, the blurry memories of the pub rock days...

His passionate performances, stage presence and ability to engage an audience are still the benchmark for so many who try to aspire to rock star status, but there is only one Doc Neeson, and few can get close to his magic.

It was the week before flying out to Dili to entertain the troops at a special concert in December 1999 that Doc's car was rammed from behind by a truck while he stopped to pay a freeway toll. His life was changed in a split second and it is only recently that Doc has been able to perform again.

"I decided to form a new band that will be known as Doc Neeson's Angels," he said. "Obviously the show will feature mostly classic songs from The Angels repertoire but this change of line-up allows me to maintain my desire and enthusiasm to move forward musically."

On bass guitar is Doc's old partner from The Angels, Jim Hilbun, with former Dragon members Alan Mansfield on keys and Peter Northcote on guitar. Peter Clarke from Keith Urban's band completes the line up.

Doc Neeson will see your face again next Thursday, May 20, at the Lismore Workers Club from 8pm. Tickets are $25. To book phone 6621 7401.

Undies down under

Steve Martin likes lingerie...

NORPA's latest production, The Underpants, is on show for two nights only next Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18 and 19, at Lismore City Hall.

Adapted by Steve Martin (you know him - famous film funnyman) from the original script by Carl Sternheim, The Underpants was described by The Sun Herald as, "a zany sex comedy crowded with clever wordplay. There's a crack team of comic actors at play here... This show zings."

In 1997 NORPA last presented a Steve Martin play, the hilarious Picasso at the Lapin Agile. This was the first full-length play written by Martin and was a sellout when it played in Lismore.

Carl Sternheim's classic play first premiered in 1910 in Germany causing censorship controversy at that time (well, it was a little risqué for the Kaiser).

Now, nearly a century later, the adapted play is free from the political and sexual fetters of that time and the intentions of Sternheim have been fulfilled with this Martin adaptation.

"I decided to uncork the genie that Sternheim had placed in the bottle - the genie that makes the play relevant to our age," Martin said. "Sternheim's play is ribald, satirical, self referential, and quirky. I hope I have retained those elements and assured my place in heaven - I mean, served the playwright's intentions."

As one of the characters says, "Don't underestimate the power of a glimpse of lingerie."

The play starts at 8pm each night and tickets are $33, $27.50 and $13. To book phone 6621 5600 or visit the website at www.norpa.org.au.

Freebie: The Echo has two double passes to give away to The Underpants, each worth $66. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 next Monday, May 17, between 11 & 11.15am and tell us the name of a movie Steve Martin starred in.

Wyrd but true... not really

Carla Versitano snubs Jason Smith because of his funny hat in The Wyrd Sisters.

Lismore Theatre Company's second production for 2004 is Wyrd Sisters, a play adapted by Stephen Briggs from a Terry Pratchett story. Terry Pratchett is one of Britain's most prolific writers, famous for his Discworld series, a collection of parodies that includes Wyrd Sisters.

This show, directed by Gray Wilson, is a comedy ever so loosely based on Shakespeare's Macbeth. It features a wicked duke and duchess, the ghost of the murdered king, soldiers, cauldrons and spells... spooky. Who will save the kingdom from destruction? Which witch is which? Find out when Wyrd Sisters opens at the Rochdale Theatre in Goonellabah next Thursday, May 20. The show will run for three weekends on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until June 5. All shows begin at 8pm. Doors open at 7.45 for ticket sales and light refreshments. Tickets are also available at Caddies Bean Shop in Lismore or phone 6621 7709 to book.

Freebie: The Echo has two double passes to give away for the shows on May 20-22. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 on Monday, May 17, between 10.30 & 10.45am and tell us the name of a Shakespearean play without a witch.

Competitive Poetry

The Live Poets! will celebrate another festival of words next Wednesday, May 19, at the Rous Hotel in Lismore from 8pm.

This month's show will feature Lismore's own lyrical "cash for comment" - the Poetry Slam. This popular poetry event gives poets the opportunity to win money in a competition that is as entertaining as it is thought provoking. Poetry slammers will need to be in training for the upcoming Nimbin World Poetry Cup on August 1 and the Lismore Poetry Cup on October 20.

New and visiting poets are always welcome. Tickets are $6/4. For more information phone David on 6688 8294 - he also has entry forms for the $6,000 Broadway Poetry Prize (winners will be announced in September at the Australian Poetry Festival). These will be available at the Live Poets! gig.

Freebie: The Echo has two single passes to give away. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 11.15 & 11.30am on Monday, May 17.

Jazz from the Hip

Greg Lyon's Hip Operation will feature at next week's regular jazz night on Wednesday, May 12, at Mary Gilhooleys in Lismore. This groove session will be a farewell gig for Hip Operation's guitarist, Ben Thompson, who will leave these brown shores shortly for greener musical pastures where he will continue his life-long search for the ultimate riff.

Greg (bass and vocals) will be accompanied by Ben, Bob Howlett (keys), Natalie Gay (vocals), Mitch and Shaston (saxophones) and Scott Hill (drums).

Say hello to jazz and soul classics and goodbye to Ben next Wednesday from 8.30pm. Entry is $5.

You can draw for sure

What is Dynamic Drawing? According to dynamic drawer Ron Curran, "If you can walk, sign your name, shout or swear, you can draw. Drawing is owned by nobody."

This radical denial of "properness" is liberating and asserts that drawing, by its nature, has always been wayward and has refused to be straight-jacketed.

Experience life drawing at its refreshing best with Lismore's Dynamic Drawing every Thursday at the church in Keen Street (opposite Woolies) from 9.30am to 12pm.

Everyone is welcome, from beginners to the experienced, to enjoy these relaxed, non-judgemental and explorative sessions. Entry is $20/15.

Southern aurora

A hole new sound... Jane Hole from Aurora Jane.

At Woodford Folk Festival at the beginning of this year, Aurora Jane was introduced as "the secret love child of Ani DiFranco and Jimi Hendrix."

Despite the fact that Hendrix was well and truly dead before Ani came of age, this is an apt description of this new act.

Aurora Jane features the songwriting of prolific original artist, Jane Hole, with musical chops from a talented new outfit.

Catch Aurora Jane this Friday, May 14, at the Mullumbimby Hotel or this Sunday, May 16, at The Channon Teahouse.

Coincidently, Aurora Jane's funky new single, Release, was recorded at Become Sound Studios at The Channon and is available now.

If you can't make it to Aurora Jane's gigs this weekend, the band will also be playing at the Tatts Hotel in Lismore on Wednesday, May 26.

Jazz from the Hip

Greg Lyon's Hip Operation will feature at next week's regular jazz night on Wednesday, May 12, at Mary Gilhooleys in Lismore.

This groove session will be a farewell gig for Hip Operation's guitarist, Ben Thompson, who will leave to continue his life-long search for the ultimate riff.

Say hello to jazz and soul classics and goodbye to Ben next Wednesday from 8.30pm. Entry is $5.

Bored? Skate

Telstra Country Wide's FairGo 2004 is the biggest skateboarding event for the Far North Coast, to be held on Sunday, May 23, at Missingham Skate Park in Ballina.

There are heaps of prizes for sponsored and unsponsored skateboarders, so sign up now for a chance to win. For an entry form phone Ballina Youth Service on 6681 5511.

Bands across the ocean

Oceanic and Celtic combine in a music feast by five talented female artists.

Take local pacific island trio, Manuhiri, mix with Celtic legends, Lorraine Jordan and Gill Hunter from the UK, sprinkle with log drums, bass drums, bozouki, accordion, ukulele, guitars and the soaring voices of these women and you have a musical collaboration that celebrates global friendship and brings together two cultures.

This exciting musical concoction of Oceanic and Celtic world music will be held this Saturday, May 15, at Durrumbal Hall in Mullumbimby from 7.30pm.

These five musicians have been hits at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and WOMAD UK and they are now ready to embark on an international tour that takes them across the South Pacific and into Europe. They have recently released their debut collaborative CD, From Celtic Roots and Oceanic Soul, recorded live in Wales, UK.

Be a part of this joyous combination for $15/12.

Try, Try, Tripod

Three peas in a pod - the funny boys from Tripod perform at the Uni next Thursday.

The Campus Central UniBar will present one of the must-see shows coming to Lismore in 2004 - the comedy trio Tripod.

Tripod is a musical comedy trio that has been on almost every major radio and television station in the country, sold out Melbourne Comedy Festival shows, released two full-length albums and have generally been making the people of Australia laugh.

As they should, they're comedians. And they're not afraid of admitting that they're comfortable doing a three-part harmony with other men.

Tripod premiered their new show, 3-Way Action, at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in April. If you haven't caught them live, you may have heard them on Triple J's breakfast show every Tuesday morning, or seen them on the television where they are regulars on Network Ten's skitHOUSE.

MC for the night will be comedian Mike Van Acker, who will warm the crowd up before the Tripod boys take over. Following the Tripod show, the Campus Central UniBar will have DJ Noodles providing entertainment in the front bar.

Check out the hilarity and mirthful mischief at the Campus Central UniBar next Thursday, May 20, from 7.30pm. Tickets are $15/10 for students and $20/15 for guests (cheaper prices for pre-bookings) from the Campus Central reception at Southern Cross University.

The show is bound to sell out so get in early.

New SCU art gallery to open

The Southern Cross University Art Gallery will re-open next week in the Lismore campus Plaza after being tucked away in an administration block for 11 years. It will remain there until a purpose-built gallery is built in the Lismore CBD.

The new gallery, named Next, will feature an exhibition of works by PhD student Cornelius Delaney and recent graduate Jason Rogers, which will be launched at the opening next Tuesday, May 18, at 5pm.

As is traditional with arty things, there will be wine and cheese provided.

The gallery has had a chequered 14-year history. It began in 1989 in the university's original Keen Street campus in the Lismore CBD, but it burnt down later that year. It then moved to the university plaza, but that space was transferred to student administration in 1993 and the gallery was moved to R block as a temporary space, and called the University Art Museum.

It is hoped the university gallery will soon be located in Lismore's CBD as part of the proposed Art in the Heart project.

"We are excited by the prospect of having a new specially designed gallery and to be back in the CBD, however in the meantime, this space will do very nicely," associate professor Jan Davis, head of the Visual Arts program, said.

The gallery space will run an active exhibition program that supports and enhances the undergraduate and postgraduate Visual Arts program, as well as the work of graduates.

The first exhibition, by Delaney and Rogers, called No Spectators, is a socio-political critique influenced by modern rock music, cartoons, movies, advertising and television.

For more information phone 6620 3144 or 6620 3039.

Rankin ranks jazz best

Rhe next 'Thursdays at the Civic' gig on Thursday, May 20, will feature local band Jazz On The Move, led by iconic local trombonist Davey Rankin.

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 Pietro Fine on clarinet and soprano sax, Greg Warner on banjo, Mark Bromley on bass, Warren Burns as a special guest on drums and a surprise trumpet player, plus the usual sit-ins on the night. The gig starts at 8.30pm at the Civic Hotel. Entry is free.

Elton dresses up for Ballina

I can't believe it's not Elton...

Have you always wanted to experience the magic of Elton John's performance without leaving the comfort of the Northern Rivers? Well, now you can with Kim Hoffman's tribute to Elton John called Benny and The Jets.

Kim Hoffmann has devoted the past 12 years of his life to capturing and perfecting the essence of Elton John in concert. Kim meticulously reproduces every subtlety of Elton's music, from his amazing piano playing and vocal ability to his wild and zany stage antics. I've heard he even hosts outrageous costume parties between tours.

Benny and The Jets will make you believe you are witnessing the real Elton John performing his songs live before your very eyes. They will take you through every era of Elton John's illustrious career with the songs, stage show and flamboyant costumes that made the man famous.

Dress up and be a part of the Elton John experience next Friday, May 21, at the Ballina RSL Club from 8pm. Tickets are $15.

In the between (again)

In the Between, a richly atmospheric interpretation of The Tibetan Book of the Dead by four-piece ensemble Trikaya, will be performed again in Byron Bay this Saturday and Sunday, May 14-15, after a sell-out season last year.

Trikaya brings together four of Australia's finest multicultural collaborators, who have combined selected text readings with musical meditations and sound illuminations to create a unique spiritual performance.

"The Tibetan Book of the Dead isn't an easy read," The Echo's stargazer, Lillith Rocha, said. "With the best intentions you might never get round to it. Trikaya's electrifying rendition of these extraordinary instructions for life, death and beyond is a precious and timely spiritual service - taking you apart, giving your soul a great shaking, then reassembling you with infinite compassion."

Trikaya is comprised of four artists - Riley Lee (shakuhachi), Tenzin Choegyal (flute and voice), Michael Askill (singing bowls, bells and gongs) and James Coates (spoken word).

In the Between will be performed at the Byron Bay Community Centre at 8pm each night.

Tickets are $25 from Windhorse Gallery in Bangalow, the Mullumbimby Bookshop or at the door (although it's advisable to get tickets early).

For more information phone 6684 7921.

Up the Arts!

Nikki Fuda - teaching the business of art.

Trying to make a buck from your art? You've got that creative talent, you produce the artistic goods, but what if no-one sees it or hears it? Who will buy your product?

That's where other skills come into play in taking care of arts business - skills like building confidence, marketing and promotion, working with the media, locating funding and developing relationships. It's one thing being an artist with talent but it's a whole other world managing and marketing yourself and your art.

Based on the premise that an artist is a self-employed businessperson, Nikki Fuda will present a two-day workshop The Business of Being an Artist, which helps pro-active and emerging artists identify the skills needed to manage their career and move forward.

Nikki is a performer, writer, trainer and broadcaster. She has taught hundreds of artists working across all media over the past two years in this Adult Community Education course.

Special guest artist and ex-participant, Susan Joyce, will talk about her learning journey in marketing her art that has led to a major exhibition in Melbourne next month.

The workshop will be held over two days - Wednesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 26, from 9.30am-4.30pm at ACE in Lismore. The cost is a well-invested $56 but participant numbers are limited so book now. Phone 6621 3171.

God in Alstonville

Alstonville Chorale and Instrumental Ensemble (try and get that on a T-shirt) will present No Greater Love - a John W. Peterson cantata - in a special concert this Sunday, May 16, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Glen Court, Goonellabah.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the Lismore Soup Kitchen and while entry is free, people are asked to bring a donation of non-perishable food for the Soup Kitchen.

All donations are greatly appreciated - especially by those who will eat it.

NORPA Dance Action Presents

Street to Studio Dance Week 2004
Free Event

Have you ever caught yourself having a little dance in your armchair? Itching to try out some new moves but not sure where to start?

Here is your day: 'Street to Studio - Dance Week 2004' is coming to Byron Bay on Saturday, May 15.

Starting near the Byron Bay Community Centre at 10.30am, there will be half a dozen short and tasty dance pieces for you to sample.

The sample works are excerpts from longer pieces to be performed at the upcoming independent dance show 'Big Feet Little Feet' on June 4 and 5, which is now in its third year.

After the street dances, come into the Community Centre Theatre at 11.30am to see younger dancers in their 'Little Feet' performances; these youngsters are an important aspect for the growth of dance in our area.

Following the performances and after a short lunch break there will be four 20-minute workshops available free to the general public, at beginner level, starting from 1pm.

These workshops offer a chance to try some new moves, connect with the dancer within, or just have a go and a giggle with your friends, whether you're 6 or 76.

Big Feet Little Feet
Byron Bay Community Centre
June 4 & 5 at 8pm
Tickets: $16, $13, $10 available from Caddies Lismore/Bangalow & Byron Soundwaves.

You've whet your appetite with 'Street to Studio' and now you're looking for the full dance experience. 'Big Feet Little Feet' is now in its third year of showcasing some of the best dance talent in the region. The standard and variety of presentations in Big Feet Little Feet continues to increase each year. Local dance practitioners and students will present short works covering a range of dance styles from hip hop to physical theatre, providing audiences with the perfect opportunity to see what goes on in the dark and dusty halls and studios all over the region. A unique performance from Lee Purdie will be a highlight during the event. Lee has developed a blend of yoga technique and dance moves. She has studied, taught and performed different forms of dance throughout her life and has been a dedicated practitioner of yoga for over 10 years. Her dream of blending both passions came to fruition in the form of Yogadance. She is working with seven dancers in this piece, including herself, showing how the serenity of yoga can be merged with the flow of dance to create something quite beautiful and refreshingly fluid.

For further information and a program of events phone Danielle Macintosh on 6680 3046, 0428 876 346 or visit www.norpa.org.au.

Coming Events

The Underpants
Lismore City Hall, May 18 & 19 at 8pm
Tickets: $33, $27.50, $13 + booking fee. Phone 6621 5600 or visit www.norpa.org.au

Don't miss Company B's production of The Underpants, adapted by comic legend Steve Martin from the original play by Carl Sternheim.