The Scene - Local Entertainment News

S Sense

Climate change favours the cockroach. They like the warm weather. And years of Aussie cuisine and diverse poisons have made them very tough indeed. I dropped a cast iron pot on one the other day. As I lifted the pot off it, the cockie pulled itself together, loudly clicked its neck back in position, looked me straight in the eye and said in a mumbling Brando voice, "Hey, I got cousins..."

Forget boat people. Cockroaches are invading our country, taking our jobs... and our women! (Well, maybe not the women... or the jobs.)

Still, I was surprised when my girlfriend wanted me to get a cockroach motel for them. I don't want to be mean to anything but getting cockies a motel so they can have a little secret insect action with their mistresses is a bit rich.

Then she told me the motel actually has poison inside! The way she said it made me nervous...

Anyway, as a sane person, I won't use poison in my house but I've developed an alternative way to eliminate cockroaches.

First, what you do is catch one. Then you attach 12 volts (solar, of course) to its genitals (there are six of them) and torture the lousy terrorist until it tells you where its filthy nest is. (This is allowable under guidelines set down by greatest goddamn insects on the goddamn planet.)

Then you go to the nest and carefully introduce free market capitalism. In two or three generations, that's about two weeks, all the cockroaches are dead - except for three or four really fat buggers. They're usually too fat and too stupid to run. So you just stand on them.

End of nest. End of problem.

Some people call it insecticide. I just call it plain murdoch.

Second Siren Song Show

Virginiaflame listens for Siren's Songs

The first concert in the Siren's Songs Concert Series warmed Lismore last Saturday with fiery talent and feminine sensitivity - and before the good vibes settle, the second concert in the series will hit the stage this Saturday, July 10, at the Rochdale Theatre in Goonellabah.

This concert features Deb Bond, Felicity Clifton and Virginiaflame. Enjoy an evening of contemporary folk music presented by these three local recording artists.

This three-concert series celebrates the new compilation CD, Female Uni Tunes. This selection of amazing female musical talent that has come out of Southern Cross University will be launched at the NOWSA (National Organisation of Women Students Association) conference at SCU next Tuesday, July 13.

The third and final concert of the series is on Saturday, July 31. Tickets are $12/10 and are available from Caddies Coffee in Lismore or from 2NCR-FM.

For more information phone 6624 4618 or 6620 3006.

Sister trio

Tropical North Queensland's finest act, The Briscoe Sisters (pictured above) will perform under the magnificent fig tree at the Buddha Bar in Byron this Sunday, July 11, from 6pm. Hailing from the tribal country of the Kuku Yalanji people, around Mossman, the sisters grew up together, singing gospel and writing their own material.

This is their only show in Byron on their national tour, and with the upcoming release of their first single and video, Check It Out, this may be the only opportunity you have to see and hear these vocal angels before they go global.

The Willie is in again

Last week came the news that the album, Cinema, by Teven-based Wah Wah Willie, had been played in full on KPSU FM in Portland, the biggest city in Oregon, USA. Quite an achievement for an Aussie guitar player, living in the woods.

Now it seems the Americans can't get enough of this CD - it's going to be aired again in its entirety next Tuesday, July 13. It'll be streaming live here around 9-9.30am on the next day.

You can listen via the website at www.kpsu.org. You can also check out Wah Wah Willie's website at www.wahwahwillie.com where you can order Cinema. Tell'em S sent ya.

Bee Gee Now

Next Thursday, July 15, sees the Lismore Workers Club go all Saturday night feverish with Stayin' Alive - The Bee Gees Story. This tribute show pays homage to the Brothers Gibb who, as the Bee Gees, achieved stardom in 1966 with their first number one hit, Spicks and Specks.

There were many more to follow.

Only the Beatles have produced hits more consistently than the Bee Gees.

Over 30 years, the Gibb Brothers have given the world a diverse and popular litany of hits like New York Mining Disaster, Massachusetts, How Deep Is Your Love, Night Fever, Jive Talking, Lonely Days, Tragedy, How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? and scores of other hits.

Stayin' Alive - The Bee Gees Story incorporates a completely live five piece band, renowned worldwide for their definitive performances of all the classic Bee Gees songs.

Stayin' Alive promises to dazzle you with its astounding full multi-media presentation, featuring giant screens showing live vision of the band, amazing graphics and some original footage of the Bee Gees themselves.

Hear and feel the virtuosity and energy of the Bee Gees with Stayin' Alive - The Bee Gees Story. Tickets are $20 and are available from the venue. Show starts at 8pm.

Composing for Screen Competition

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium has received funding from the Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA) to run a Composing for Screen competition. All those talented composers and musicians on the North Coast (and beyond if you want) can enter.

Contestants will be asked to compose 10 minutes of music to a selected piece of film as a soundtrack. The winner will receive prize money of $1,500 as well as industry feedback from a panel of top film professionals. Entries close on Friday, October 8. For more info phone 66212266.

Woodchip on her shoulder

Tasmanian filmmaker Helen Shivanii Cameron is on tour with her series of five documentaries about Tasmanian forest issues.

The documentaries will be screened next Wednesday, July 14, at the Blue Tongue Café in North Lismore from 6.30pm. Entry is by donation and the café is open for meals and refreshments.

For more info phone 6689 5344 or 6623 1294.

Flashback Friday

This Friday, July 9, the Solid Gold DJs and Dance Troupe are jetting in to Lismore for one night only to present a night of retro-mania.

Yes hipsters, DJs Rock Solid and Gopher Gold are winging their way to Lismore in their trademark polyester flares and sweat stained leather to treat the adoring crowds to funky retro tracks and disco mayhem.

Solid Gold has more flashing lights than a seventies disco, more flares than a navy ship and more grooviness than a Barry white album.

If you wanna play air guitar to Kiss, wear stupid genie pants and shake it like MC Hammer, bang your head to Joan Jett or do a little dirty dancing to the sounds of Flashdance (and who wouldn't?), then Solid Gold is the place for you.

Solid Gold glitters this Friday, July 9, at the One Bar & Niteclub at Mary Gilhooleys. Entry is $10.

A dog of a show

Circus Ringbarkus, Australia's funniest travelling dog show, is coming to the Ballina RSL Club next Wednesday, July 14, at 11am. With their extraordinary doggy antics, Killer, Scruffy and Buster get lots of laughs as they clown around in this crazy canine comedy circus.

Killer, a Pomeranian, is cute and clever, and he knows it! Scruffy, a Maltese/Shihtzu cross, (a Shihtese?) is friendly and outgoing. Buster, a Terrier cross, completes the act. Gentle and intelligent, Buster is always at home on the stage.

This is a great way to entertain the kiddies over the school holidays. Tickets are $8 and are available from the Ballina RSL Club's Bottle Shop or phone 6686 2544.

Hip Hypno Powers

Don't look into his eyes!

There is a special something that all stage hypnotists need. Can you guess what that is? Yes, that's right… a goatee. And Peter Powers from the UK, a man called "the Ali G of stage hypnosis" by The Sun, has got a magnificent goatee as well as an abundance of the hypnotic and comedic skills that has made him a household name in the UK and Australia.

Peter will be performing at the Lismore Workers Club this Sunday, July 11, in a show that's described as a little bit naughty but never in bad taste. (It's an adult show.)

Peter Powers has enjoyed huge success in this country with appearances on The Vizard Show, Hey Hey It's Saturday, The Midday Show and The Footy Show - where he hypnotised Fatty Vautin and the crew. Fatty immediately believed he was an overweight ex-footballer.

His witty, mischievous style of delivery keeps the audience laughing while they marvel at his hypnotic abilities. Incidentally, Powers also holds the record for the world's longest hypnotic sleep. Well, he didn't actually do the sleeping. In 1993 he hypnotised a man in a Liverpool shop window to sleep, on display, for eight continuous days. Cheaper than mannequins…

Check out the outrageously funny hypnotist Peter Powers this Sunday from 4pm. Tickets are $25.

The war on truth

The controversial film Breaking the Silence: Truth and Lies in the War on Terror by journalist filmmaker John Pilger (pictured), is being shown next Tuesday, July 13, at the Tatts Hotel in Lismore.

In this film the award-winning journalist investigates the discrepancies between American and British claims for the "war on terror" and the facts on the ground as he finds them in Afghanistan, Iraq and Washington.

While President Bush refers to the US attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq as two "great victories", Pilger asks the question - victories over whom? and for what purpose?

Pilger describes Afghanistan as a country "more devastated than anything I have seen since Pol Pot's Cambodia". He finds that Al-Qaida has not been defeated and that the Taliban is re-emerging. And about Iraq, he asks, "Is this Bush's Vietnam?"

This special screening will be introduced by visiting Sydney-based Palestinian activist Rihad Charida, who will discuss how the Palestine/Israel conflict relates to Western interventions in the Middle East. It all starts at 6.30pm.

Entry is $6/4, with proceeds going to the Socialist Alliance and Green Left Weekly. For more info phone 6622 2862.

Action at The Channon

There is much happening in this pretty village this week (and most of the year, actually.)

The famous Channon markets are on this Sunday, July 11, and local band, Smokestack Lightnin, will be there, dropping Gs and playin' the blues to the market audience.

This is unaffected blues with three guitars and a drummer driving home the angst.

That very night, Sunday, July 11, there will be the Mystic Spiral Dance.

Local bands, Mystic Beats, Bliss Mongers and Evolove will come together at the funky Channon Hall for an evening of inspiring and uplifting music.

Ranging from the funky folk melodies of Evolove and Bliss Mongers to the electronic rhythms of Mystic Beats, this will be a high energy dance experience starting from 6pm. Entry is $10 with dinner and drinks available.

Oh, and don't forget the Opera at the Channon on July 25.

Sing like a Stone

Lou Van Stone's drowning not wavering…

Like so many musical talents, Lou Van Stone's talent has been nurtured by the Contemporary Music Department at Southern Cross Uni.

She's a vocalist, pianist and composer and has her own young quartet, also from SCU, with Matt Whitney, Aaron Sinclair, Tom Jones (I've heard of him) and Brad Dymock.

Hear her cool compositions at the regular jazz night next Wednesday, July 14, at Mary Gilhooleys in Lismore. It costs $5 and starts at 8.30pm.

Twisted film

Twisted chairpersons

Last Wednesday the first two Twisted Wits theatre sports TV shows were filmed at the Tatts Hotel in Lismore by LINC TV. The shows were a success, with a good-sized crowd coming to support the hilarious performance. In theatre sports you never know what will happen.

Jamie Grant hosted the show, which included some brilliant improvised sketches highlighting the wealth of talent and barrels of fun that are the Twisted Wits.

Twisted Wits will continue to be filmed fortnightly by LINC TV and is a great night for everyone and anyone who wishes to join in the theatrical fun and games.

The next show happens on Wednesday, July 14, at the Tatts Hotel from 6pm. Entry is $3.

dig here

Dig the cool shades, lads...

The rumours have been confirmed - Australia's famous jazz/dance fusion band dig (Directions in Groove) are to play at the Great Northern Hotel in Byron next Thursday, July 15. This will satisfy the many hungry fans who have waited over four years for the band's return.

"We never really split up," dig's Rick Robertson said. "We just disappeared to different parts of the globe for a while… to take some time out from a pretty hectic schedule."

The big news is that the original dig line-up, that recorded their self-titled debut EP (the biggest-selling independent EP in the history of Australian music), are back together for this tour.

"There has certainly been a few years since this line-up played together… but we've all improved as musicians and are all still playing professionally," Rick said.

Dig will be playing tracks from their three albums and have reworked old favourites like the Dig Theme, The Favourite, Two Way Dreamtime and the spectacular Rumour Has It.

Welcome back to live gigs, guys.

The Lismore Feast

Lismore City Hall Gardens
Saturday, October 16, 7pm til late
Tickets: $88 + booking fee
Available at the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre on 6621 5600 or www.norpa.org.au. Bookings essential

The staff at last year's Lismore Feast.

This year's event with special guest chef Karen Martini (Icebergs Dining Room & Bar - Voted Best New Restaurant, Sydney Morning Herald 2004 Good Food Guide).

"My food is an expression of my heritage, a product of my curiosity and the result of my hunger"

- Karen Martini

Tickets go on sale this week for The Lismore Feast with guest chef, Karen Martini. Karen will weave her Mediterranean magic on October 16 and with her passion for fresh herbs, virgin olive oils and properly aged organic meat she will be promoting our region's finest produce.

After the success of the event in 2003, NORPA encourages everyone who appreciates fine food, fine wine and roving entertainment in a spectacular outdoor setting to book early as numbers are definitely limited. Those booking tables of eight before August 15 will go into the draw to win two bottles of fine wine and a picnic rug courtesy of De Bortoli Wines. Last year's diners will remember being treated to De Bortoli's Sparkling Emeri Durif and Emeri Chardonnay on arrival and the excellent range of wines available during the evening. This year De Bortoli will unveil a new range for our diners that is still not available locally. Share this exceptional evening with old friends and new.

One man's rubbish

Using discarded objects including newspaper and plastic bags, Krinkl Theatre create delightful visual images and puppets before your eyes. The Kyogle based company will be developing a new work titled 'Suit Yourself' in a shop front in Carrington Street, Lismore, from July 26 to 31. Audiences and shoppers are invited to contribute to the development of this new work by watching during the rehearsal process and giving feedback. A final showing of the piece will be performed in Carrington Street, free to the public, on Saturday, July 31, at 11am. 'Suit Yourself' has been created through the NORPA Creative Laboratory. For more information on NORPA's C-Lab, visit www.norpa.org.au.

Coming Events

La Guerra
A Teatro del Mundo production
Star Court Theatre Lismore
July 9 & 10, 8pm
Tickets: $20, $15 + booking fee
Available at the door or call the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre on 66215600

Tickets are still available for Teatro del Mundo's stunning production, 'La Guerra'. Inspired by Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca's works, 'La Guerra' is powerful, passionate and dynamic Flamenco dance theatre that presents a dramatic interpretation of the events that led to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. 'La Guerra' will play for Lismore audiences on Friday and Saturday evening at the Star Court Theatre. Tickets available at the door.