The Scene - Local Entertainment News

S Sense

That guy, that old cowboy guy, is on the corner with his speaker and microphone singing his country heart out.

He used to wear a gun but I think he's just allowed to busk now and not, you know, kill people. Because the security people will get him. It's very hard though to get close to that cowboy guy when he's in full voice. I saw a pie from the pie van spontaneously explode one day during a particularly energetic rendition of, um, something... with a dog in it.

I like eccentrics. I give him 50 cents. (Hey, I don't like them that much.)

Oh look. Here's that lady with the trolley. She collects bags and cans for recycling. Good on her. But things are tough now. Bins have changed. Remember when they had lids? She could just take the lid off, do some recycling and make a buck. But the modern bin is designed so you can't do that easily.

Apparently people might steal our rubbish. Bastards.

I drop 50 cents into the bin. I know the trolley lady will be stoked when she finds it.

Exhausted, I sit down on a bench and listen to, um, something... with a broken heart in it, look at the lollipop statue thingy and wonder why the pie bus doesn't get a parking ticket.

Suddenly, there is a demonic rumble and screech behind me so inhuman, so menacing it could be an American prison - but no, they don't have wheels - it's the sweeper man. He's driving the sweeper machine with one hand, has the leafblower in the other and, with a practised finesse, blows the rubbish from an awkward gutter into the waiting jaws of the speeding sweeper narrowly avoiding trolley lady as she swoops on a coke can before the machine gobbles it. Bravo! Excellent manouver - but LOUD! I can't hear cowboy guy anymore.

I walk over and give sweeper man 50 cents.

Oils ain't acrylics

Ellen Leo's painting 'Pandanus on the Bay' is part of her exhibition at Kolinda Gallery in Alstonville.

Local artist Ellen Leo will be showing 20 of her recent works in oils and acrylics at the Kolinda Gallery in Alstonville from Friday, July 16, to July 30.

This is an exhibition of landscapes and still life paintings that shows off Ellen's love of colour - especially in her local environment. She has had a long career in art and design and recently devoted her skills and experience to helping other artists.

So, immerse yourself in colour and light with Ellen's work. The Kolinda Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. For more info phone 6628 0297.

The Funny Horror Show

Neil Ireland is a Martian but Moya Telfer still wants to hold hands...

You saw him in the Creative Timber ad on telly. You've seen him deliver the funny lines at Ballina Players Theatre. But now you can catch Ballina's own Gavin Hayter in his very own play, Cryogenic Princess, which world premieres at the Ballina Players Theatre this Friday, July 16.

In this production he reveals to us a talent not known to many - his song and script writing ability (Gavin has just completed a three year Bachelor of Music Degree at Southern Cross University). This play, an intergalactic drama with eccentric characters (look at the picture!), is set in the year 2222 when Martians have abducted - actually, it's too amazing - you'll have to see the show yourself. Cryogenic Princess features an original script, original music, comedy, drama and... Martians! And did we mention Gavin Hayter?

Cryogenic Princess is on each weekend from Friday, July 16, to Saturday, July 31.

Tickets are available at La Boutique in Ballina or phone 6686 2662.

Fleet of mind

Greg Fleet goes the comic biff in Byron.

Greg Fleet has all the makings of comedy genius. No, seriously. From the first time this NIDA graduate stepped on stage at Melbourne's Prince Patrick back in 1987 he has made quite an impression both in Australia and overseas.

Not only has he made a name for himself as one of Melbourne Comedy Festivals' 'must see' acts, continually coming up with new shows, he has gained comic credibility throughout Scotland and the UK.

"In one hour he succeeds in dragging us to extremes of laughter, embarrassment and pity, but mainly laughter, as he takes us on the emotional roller-coaster journey of our lives. He deserves to be massive," wrote London's The Independent newspaper.

The London Times called him "the fastest thinking stand up around."

Fleety has that amazing ability to translate his life into comic text - the good, the bad and the down right ugly. You can hear it in his radio shows (SA-FM breakfast in Adelaide and 2Day FM with Wendy Harmer). You can hear and see his wit on TV (Rove, The Fat and The Glass House) and you hear, see and feel his comic art in his live shows.

Greg Fleet features at the Byron Bowling Club for one show only next Monday, July 19, with Brendan Lovechild as support and Mandy Nolan as MC.

Tickets are $15/20 and can be booked on 6685 4045 or can be purchased beforehand at the club. We recommend you get in early, because last time he played Byron, five years ago, he sold out twice!

Yeehaaaw! Casino is country music capital

Melinda Schneider: country princess with a mo.

Melinda Schneider recently picked up her fourth Mo award for Female Country Performer of the Year at the 29th annual Mo Awards held at the Sydney Entertainment Centre last month.

Named after Aussie vaudeville funnyman Mo Mackacie (remember the painted face?), the Mo Award is given for excellence in live performance.

With the launch of her new album, Family Tree, Melinda Schneider is bringing her extensive talents to the Casino RSM as part of her national tour this Saturday, July 17.

Since winning Female Vocalist of the Year at the Golden Guitar Awards at Tamworth in 2003, Melinda Schneider has corralled a herd of awards and a mob of fans, many of whom are on the North Coast. They now have the chance to see Melinda live and up close.

Her Casino show will also feature Dianna Corcoran, the 2004 Golden Guitar winner for New Talent of the Year, and the dynamic 2004 Star Maker Winner, Travis Collins, who will both bring their own special country style to this event.

If country is your thing, check out Melinda Schneider's Family Tree Tour this Saturday in the beef capital, Casino. Tickets are $20 and the show starts at 8pm.

Cup runneth over

Laurie Axtens jiggles his bag in preparation for the Victorian Afternoon Tea.

Actually, I don't know if a tea bag is exactly Victorian (the era not the state) but the Lismore Theatre Company (LTC) will present a delightful afternoon tea in the Victorian fashion (will there be snuff?) this Saturday, July 17, at the Rochdale Theatre in Goonellabah, from 3.30pm.

The fundraising Victorian Afternoon Tea will feature entertainment including musical pieces, poetry readings, a reading from The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde and bear-baiting.

Cast members will be dressed in Victorian attire. All those stiff uppers...

Tickets are $10 and are available from the door. For bookings or more info phone 6625 2203.

Band on fire!

The music tour, just begun, burns out...

On the first leg of their national tour, local band Andy Jans-Brown and the ink, has experienced a tragic blow to their tour dream. On Monday, while travelling on the Summerland Way out of Lismore, their tour caravan caught on fire.

Despite help from a passing motorist, it burnt to a cinder. Luckily, no-one was hurt but the contents of the caravan, including most of the band's instruments, sound equipment and costumes (and their rock'n roll dreams, no doubt), were reduced to ashes.

This devastating event has only made the hard working trio of Southern Cross University music students more determined to succeed. The show must go on.

Andy Jans-Brown and the ink are proceeding with their tour with next week's gig at the Rous Hotel in Lismore on Thursday, July 22, going ahead as planned.

This gig will now double as fundraiser and farewell for this plucky outfit. Go along to support Andy Jans-Brown and the ink. It starts around 8pm.

e-music @ UniBass

Nick Taylor has a ball.

UniBass is the electronic music night at the Campus Central UniBar. These were a huge success last semester (amazingly helpful for overworked students) and promise to be even bigger this time round - now with the UniBar open until at least 2am.

Main acts for the first UniBass gig of the semester next Thursday, July 22, are Nick Taylor and Rock Hardson with Donkihoof as support vinyl spinner.

Nick Taylor is one of Oz's most famous DJs. He's so famous he has a regular name... and the ability to get the dance floor pumping. He regularly plays in the US, Japan and Europe, so it's a privilege to be able to hear his grooves at the Uni.

Rock Hardson has played on tour with acts like Jamiroquai and The Avalanches and has provided the grooves at many fashion shows including one by Gianni Versace.

As usual Scurrypoint Media provide the visual stimulations with the latest in high tech light gear. It should be a great night to kick off the new semester.

UniBass is on at Campus Central UniBar next Thursday, July 22. Tickets are free to students and $5 to guests. Doors open at 8pm and close no earlier than 2am!

Stars support Fort

The black stars will support Forte in Lismore next Thursday.

The black stars are a cool, new, melodic, local, indie rock trio.

The band has been busy gigging since their formation in 2002, with their first EP due out by the end of 2004.

After being spotted by Elston Records, the black stars have been invited to play some high profile gigs supporting controversial new Queensland band The Wall Of Sound.

They will be supporting Byron-based band Forte, who have prepping material for a new album after 2003's successful In A New Light.

So catch Forte and the black stars at the Tatts Hotel in Lismore next Thursday, July 22.

Drama at Trinity

As part of On Stage, Trinity Catholic College presents Kabaret with (clockwise from bottom) Saskia Wilson, Anna Scott, Sophie Balding, Leah Dwyer and Sarah Grant... and a subtle daub of rouge.

The year 12 drama students at Trinity Catholic College will present On Stage - a showcase of drama works in progress for the trial HSC - in the Chanel Drama Studio at the College next Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 22-24.

The works-in-progress being performed include ensemble and individual pieces ranging from original creations to material drawn from such literary dignitaries as Kushner, Beckett, Berkoff and Jane Austen (with a twist).

There are two separate programs featuring over the four shows. Shows start at 7pm, except for the first show on Saturday, July 24, which starts at 3pm. Tickets (at $8) and programs are only available at St Mary's site office on Dawson Street. For more info phone 6625 1384.

Songwriter's solo show

David Ramsey will be displaying his songwriting talents in his debut solo performance at the Urban Café in Bangalow this Saturday, July 17.

David's music is already familiar to many on the North Coast through his performances with the band Dogsbody (aka The Thirst, aka The Authorities), which sadly disbanded last year. Since then, David has been concentrating on developing a solo show, drawing on the songs that he has written over the last dozen or so years, as well as his interpretations of traditional material.

David cut his musical teeth in Newcastle before relocating to the North Coast in 2001. Although highly rated as a guitarist (he can be seen as an occasional guest in the Real Gone Hick-Ups), he prefers to be known as a songwriter.

Check him out as a soloist at the Urban from 7pm.

Gospel truth

Lismore Revival Fellowship is having a Gospel Concert in Spink's Park in Lismore this Saturday, July 17, from 10am and at the Fellowship Hall in Rous Road, Goonellabah, that night from 7pm. The evening concert will be followed by a free supper.

For more info phone 6624 4491.

Happy Birthday Poets!

T'was a cold and wintry night 13 years ago when a small band of poets, cold, starving and disregarded by Lismore society, huddled around the big open fireplace in ye olde Lismore Club for the first ever Live Poets! gig.

From humble beginnings the gig soon became a night of literary debauchery with the gig (and after-gig parties) affecting people's minds and relationships.

The Live Poets! became one of the North Coast's most successful events with poets having a venue in which to try out and tune their verses and gather with the like-minded.

Thirteen years on and many things have changed - the Lismore Club is no longer a venue and some tentative, aspiring poets of last decade are now on top of the poetic heap. And some things don't change - David Hallett is still the organising dude and poet meister and the Live Poets! still turns on the talent every third Wednesday of the month.

Next Wednesday, July 21, the Live Poets! will have its birthday at the Rous Hotel in Lismore with poets new and old (yeah, yeah, I'll be there...) coming to celebrate the long success of this performance institution. There will a poetry slam (you can win money!) as well as performances from poets past and present.

The gig starts at 8pm and entry is $6/4.

J Freebie: The Echo has two passes to give away to the Live Poets! 13th anniversary gig. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 11 and 11.15am on Monday, July 19, and tell us in what year the Live Poets! kicked off. (Mathematics required.)

Thanks dad photo comp

It's that time again when you can enter photos in the Thanks Dad National 2004 Photo Competition. This competition, in its fifth successful year, affirms the positive role of men in the lives of their (and all) children.

Benefits include $100 for each winner in the ten categories. As well, the photos will tour schools, shopping centres and community venues across Australia in the People's Choice Competition after Father's Day this year.

Entries for the competition close on August 25.

For entry forms and more info visit the website at www.thanksdad.org.au.

Thanks dad photo comp

It's that time again when you can enter photos in the Thanks Dad National 2004 Photo Competition. This competition, in its fifth successful year, affirms the positive role of men in the lives of their (and all) children.

Benefits include $100 for each winner in the ten categories. As well, the photos will tour schools, shopping centres and community venues across Australia in the People's Choice Competition after Father's Day this year.

Entries for the competition close on August 25.

For entry forms and more info visit the website at www.thanksdad.org.au.

Lismore Jazz Club forms

25 people attended a meeting on July 7 where the Lismore Jazz Club (Inc) was formed to promote jazz music and to assist in the hosting of the 60th Annual Australian Jazz Convention in Lismore at the end of 2005.

Office bearers elected were Thomas George MP (patron), John Crowther (chair), John Flynn (vice chair), John Bancroft (secretary) and Michael Bird (media officer).

The one position not filled is that of treasurer - so if there is a friendly bank manager or accountant out there who is interested in promoting jazz phone 6622 8147. (Anyone interested in helping can try that number too.)

The Lismore Jazz Club's next major fundraiser will be held at the Lismore RSL Club on Sunday, August 22, from 4pm - after the Herb Festival activities.

Erotic Art

Calling all erotic artists! Your time has come. There will be an erotic art exhibition held on August 7. You can show your works - paintings, dance, music, sculptures etc. or just come along and participate in the arts erotica. If you want to show your erotic art there (not in this newspaper you won't!) or for more info phone 0411 559 397.

Sunday session

Sunday Session number five is set to roll this Sunday, July 18, at the Metrobar (the old Metropole Hotel) in Lismore from 2-10pm. The Sunday Session is a regular monthly event that keeps returning due to the growing number of happy punters.

This Sunday Session, presented as usual by Scurrypoint, is sporting another huge line-up. Expect an appearance from DJs Pop, Foot-E, Bache, The Project, Morphonik, Donkihoof, Hell Bent and T.B.T. The Sunday Sessions are free and food and drink are available. Get in early to catch the action.

Surf rash

The Goons of Doom describe their music as rock and roll surf music with a distinct horror pop edge. Sound interesting? The Goons know there's something sinister about all this hippy love crap getting peddled off as surf music and they're here to out the pretenders.

The Goons will play with The Beautiful Girls at the Great Northern Hotel in Byron this Sunday, July 18, from 8.30pm.

Tickets are $20. Phone 6685 6454.

A description of Goons of Doom music comes from band member, Bunny Fang: "We're f#@%* amateur back alley vampire surf pop horror that rocks."

Arts by the sea

The Ballina Arts and Craft Centre (BACCI) will hold its annual exhibition with a black tie opening at the Ballina RSL Club on Friday, July 16, from 7pm.

Opening night for this exhibition of 260 paintings and 28 tables of assorted crafts, boasts live music from a string trio, an art auction and the attendance of local dignitaries and celebrities.

For more info phone 0410 621 990.