The Scene - Local Entertainment News

S Sense

Knew this guy once who was a real home brew freak. Loved the stuff. I love it too but I'm too impatient to wait the required brewing time. And I do like my beer brown. Unless of course, we run out of brown...

I even hate waiting for Guinness to settle. I drink a lot of foam.

And wine. Wine doesn't need to breathe. It's not like us. It needs to get drunk straight away. Like, um, us...

Only kidding kiddies, alcohol is bad. That's why Muslims don't drink and why I gave it up. For a while. A little while. It was a Wednesday. Long enough to realise why we drink. (It makes our lives better...)

Anyway, my friend made this brew once that was so powerful that when I knocked on the door of his flat for a gala tasting (with glasses and everything) of the super brew, one of the bottles on the table just went off. Blew up. And that set off a couple of others.

I thought I'd been shot. But there's no oil in Lismore.

I fainted.

I dreamt I opened a home brew kit, grabbed the syrupy stuff, swallowed that, swallowed a glass of sugar and two of water and went out into the sun. In no time at all, far less than six weeks, I was feeling really good but frothing at the mouth. I started to dance and the top of my head blew off. Mr Impatient.

I awoke on my friend's couch. My head was still on. No bullet wounds. But his place looked like Iraq.

My friend carefully opened one of his remaining super bottles using long tongs, garden gloves and a wok tied to his chest. He wore a welder's helmet. The bottle opened so loudly it nearly drowned out the approaching police siren. Someone's got a fridge magnet.

"Have a beer," he said, pouring me a glass.

Ah, beer. Gives me a warm inner glow. Unfortunately, that's my liver. Thank God we got two of 'em.

A Fragment of space and time

'Fusion' - one of the paintings in Clare Nicholson's new exhibition Fragment.

A stunning new exhibition of paintings by Mullumbimby contemporary artist Clare Nicholson, entitled Fragment, is now on show at Armistead's Gallery in Lismore.

The exhibition explores the Australian landscape from a very different perspective, looking at the land from an aerial view rather than the traditional perspective of horizons of land and sky.

Clare says she has made this departure from the traditional to explore notions of chaos theory and what often appears to be chaos at work in nature. However, she says on closer inspection, this is in fact the precise replication of patterns and mathematical formulas.

"The paintings in this exhibition are a subjective response to the massive panoramic land and seascapes that make up a fragment of the aerial geomorphology that is Australia," Clare explained. "There are no horizon lines or traditional landscape schema's of fore, mid and background, but in some, atmospheric planar layering, which forces the eye to look through and down. The diversity of these topographies articulate something of an eclectic visual discourse of heterogeneous contradiction and compatability, imparting a dialect towards abstraction, but in fact, carry precise patterns of order and mathematical formula."

Clare Nicholson's Fragment is on show until September 28. Armistead's Gallery is at 43b Wyrallah Road, East Lismore. For more information phone 6622 8011.

Kids' Kiwi Choir

The Auckland Boys' Choir combines with the Auckland Girls' Choir for a choral visit to the North Coast.

Formed in 1970, The Auckland Boys' Choir has seen many hundreds of boys pass through its ranks. The Auckland Girls' Choir got together in 1996 after seeing the boys have so much fun. These choirs have combined for a tour of Australia.

The choirs reflect the young musical talent in the Auckland area of New Zealand and they have travelled around the world showcasing that talent and gaining a grand reputation in the process.

These boys and girls rehearse regularly, concentrating on choralography (yes, that is a word) and incorporating choreography into their performance.

With a diversity of musical styles and with David Brookes accompanying as organist, this combined choir will highlight all that is uplifting in choral music.

The choir will perform in concert at St Andrew's Anglican Church in Lismore this Saturday, September 18, from 7.30pm and at St Mary's Anglican Church this Sunday, September 19, from 2pm. As a special treat, the Lismore Public School Choir will also perform at the Lismore concert following their visit to the Sydney Opera House this week.

The Auckland combined choir will also sing at church services in the Catholic Cathedral in Lismore this Saturday, September 18, at 5pm and at St Andrew's Anglican Church this Sunday, September 19, at 7.30am.

Killick kills 'em with comedy

Bev Killick: she's funny, she's smart and she's yours next Monday.

Next Monday, September 20, sees Byron comedian Mandy Nolan presenting a night of laughs at the Byron Bowling Club, featuring comedy star Bev Killick.

Vince Sorrenti described Bev Killick as "confronting, intelligent and unfortunately, for the gross over-supply of male comics, very funny."

She has shared the stage with the likes of Dave Hughes, Wendy Harmer, Jimeoin and Weird Al Yankovich to name just a few and has worked the comedy circuit throughout Australia. Bev has picked up a few accolades on the way - like Best Female Comedian 2002 in the Maurie Awards, a winner in the Sydney Comic of the Year Awards and... well, you get the idea. She's funny, okay.

She will be supported by Sandy Gandhi and Mandy will, of course, MC the evening.

Show starts at 8pm and costs $15/10.

Concert with bananas

Vistara Primary School students show off some of the wonderful costumes their parents have helped them create for their annual concert next Thursday.

The annual Vistara Primary School Concert is being held next Thursday, September 23, at the Star Court Theatre in Lismore.

Students, teachers and parents from Vistara have been performing an annual concert for 17 years, involving the students in all aspects of the creative process, from stage decoration to acting and dancing.

Each year the students perform a number of different works. This year's highlights include The Story of the Kind Wolf - a modern day fairytale about not judging a book by its cover, The Zorba - a celebration of different cultures and African Story Dance - a theatrical movement piece about drought and struggle in Africa.

Also on the program is a yoga performance, comedy skits and more than 40 performing bananas. (What have B1 and B2 been up to?)

"Students and parents help create the costumes, sets and props - it's a collaborative effort from the whole school community," said Vistara administrator, Rukminii. "It's a wonderful celebration of our kids and our school - it's the highlight of our year."

The Vistara Primary School Concert kicks off at 6pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for kids at the door. If you're thinking of enrolment for your child for next year, it's also a great way to get a feel for the school and what it's all about.

Good Lord! Let's lounge...

Elizabeth Lord will sing with the band at the launch of her CD.

Singer Elizabeth Lord will celebrate the launch of her new CD, Live At The Pandanus Lounge, at the Rous Hotel in Lismore next Tuesday, September 21.

Original arrangements of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Rogers & Hart will feature in a night of live romantic music with Elizabeth and her band. This is a band of the finest musos in the area with Jack Thorncraft, Steve Russell and Dave Sanders - the same band that features on the CD (which was produced by Tim Webb).

The show starts at 8.30pm and costs $5.

Slava and Slavik, slaves to music

A serious Al Slavik (left) will join an even more serious Slava Grigoryan for a night of smiley fun! And brilliant music.

Slava Grigoryan and Al Slavik will combine their guitar and bass virtuosities at the Byron Bay Community Centre this Sunday, September 19.

Slava Grigoryan is known to Australian audiences as an extraordinary classical guitarist. In 1998 Slava collaborated with the Austrian bassist and vocalist Al Slavik to write and record the CD, Another Night in London, which was released worldwide and made it to number one on the Australian classical charts. (Which is interesting in itself as the CD is not in the classical genre - it draws its influence from jazz, pop, fusion and world music).

Slava and Al are currently in the process of recording a new CD.

Slava has received ARIA Awards for best classical album, Sonatas & Fantasies (2002) and Saffire, the Australian guitar quartet's debut album (2003). In 1998 Slava was named Young Australian of the Year for the Arts and in 2001 received the Mo Award for Instrumentalist of the Year.

Based in Vienna, Al Slavik has toured with Slava in America, Japan, Australia and Europe.

He's released two solo albums and spends much of his time touring Europe performing with his own ensemble and as a bass-for-hire with various bands.

Two great musos coming together for a special night. Gig starts at 8pm and tickets are $25/20. For bookings phone 6685 5659.

When only the best will do

The absolute best of two classical arts - musical and culinary - will descend upon Lismore in the coming weeks.

On Wednesday, September 29, the Lismore City Hall will reverberate to the sound of one of the world's great orchestras, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the incomparable Maestro Gianluigi Gelmetti. Then, on Saturday, October 16, under the stars in the gardens of City Hall, award-winning chef, Karen Martini, will prepare the second annual Lismore Feast.

Maestro Gelmetti and the SSO in Lismore

Lismore City Hall
Wednesday, September 29
Tickets: $47.20, $22.20
Bookings: 66215600 or visit www.norpa.org.au

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra's one-night performance, presented by NORPA and Southern Cross University, will feature works by Beethoven, Mascagni and Bottesini.

This is a significant selection as a feature of Maestro Gelmetti's career has been his international recognition as one of the great interpreters of the works of Beethoven. Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, first performed in Vienna in a concert to benefit wounded soldiers from the Battle of Hanau, is an ideal vehicle for the orchestra to display their renowned capacity for both subtle and expressive interpretation.

The work by Bottesini, Concerto for Double Bass No. 2, will feature the Symphony's co-principal double bass, Alex Henery, whose career has seen him perform with the likes of the London Philharmonia, the Royal Philharmonia and London Symphony.

Mascagni's stunning intermezzo, from his 1889 one-act opera Cavalleria rusticana, is an ideal complement to the evening's offerings. Cavalleria rusticana brought Mascagni instant acclaim and became the foundation work for one of the principal exponents of the verismo (realistic) style that ushered in the 20th century.

Feasting under the stars

Lismore City Hall Gardens
Saturday, October 16
Tickets: $88
Bookings: 6621 5600 or visit www.norpa.org.au

Chef Karen Martini will cook for the Lismore Feast on October 16. (Photo: Andrew Lehmann. Courtesy of Vogue Entertaining + Travel).

With the return of the Lismore Feast NORPA will again bring one of Australia's leading chef's to the Northern Rivers. The 2003 Feast attracted 200 'feasters' who were treated to superb food, the finest of wines and a variety of entertainments in keeping with the occasion.

Under executive chef Karen Martini Iceberg's Dining Room and Bar was awarded the Best New Restaurant for 2004 in the prestigious Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide.

Ms Martini will be preparing a special menu for the evening, featuring local produce. One of the foundations of Ms Martini's success has been her passion for quality produce, including fresh herbs, heirloom tomatoes, fennel, garlic, sheep and goats milk curds and cheeses. Her selection of the freshest seafood and properly aged organic meats are a hallmark of her burgeoning reputation. She has recently returned as executive chef at the legendary Melbourne Wine Room.

Last year's diners were treated to De Bortoli's Sparkling Emeri Durif and Emeri Chardonnay upon arrival, a highlight of the superb range of wines available on the night. De Bortoli will again be prominent at the 2004 Lismore Feast, unveiling a range of fine wines for diners.

Peace to the world!

The Byron Peace Carnival is a celebration of the spirit and culture of peace in the Rainbow Region. Community members are invited to join in the rally, parade and celebrations to be held in Byron Bay this Sunday, September 19.

The carnival will commence at 10am on Sunday with a rally and a procession through the streets of Byron Bay. The procession will travel to the Byron Bay market site, where choirs, didgeridoos and drumming will accompany the formation of a giant human peace mandala.

For more information phone 6672 3152 or 6684 7579.

Virgin sacrifice

Comedian Mandy Nolan keeps churning out the comic talent through her classes in stand up comedy. You can check out the latest graduates as they strut their gags at Mary Gilhooleys in Lismore next Wednesday, September 22, from 7pm.

See new talent as it steps into the spotlight of the toughest game in town - comedy.

Tickets are $10/8 and can be booked on 6685 4045.

Little Yarra Ensemble

Formed in 1995 by the Little Yarra Steiner School Music Faculty, the Little Yarra Ensemble is a group of over 50 musicians, between the ages of 12 and 16, who perform at various gigs ranging from local markets to national festivals.

The diverse repertoire explores music from around the world and includes a wide range of instruments such as cello, violin, harp, clarinet, oboe, flute, keyboards, double bass, djembe, marimbas and didgeridoo.

The vitality and passion that resonates throughout the audience whenever they perform is what makes a Little Yarra Ensemble concert unforgettable.

During March 2002 the group appeared at the National Folk Festival to critical acclaim with Bill Hauritz, director of the Woodford Folk Festival, describing them as "the highlight of the National Folk Festival. They were just great".

In May the ensemble were honoured to perform alongside the Gyuoto Monks for the Dalai Llama, at the presentation of the United Nations International Peace Award. Check out the Little Yarra Ensemble next Wednesday, September 22, at the Byron Bay Community Centre at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available at the door and cost $12 (adult), $6 (child) or $30 for a family.

Stringing along Coraki

Members of the Coraki community are invited to have a direct input into the upcoming Artsfest on October 30. You can participate in the creation of a 'great big ball of string' that will be used as an artistic installation by an experienced fibre artist during the Artsfest.

All you need is a little bit of time to sit and learn how, then make a couple of metres of string out of strips of fabric over the next few weeks. It could be made in your meeting place, home, anywhere. The organisers will then turn it into one big rope to be used by the artist on the day.

About 100 metres of this 'string' is required, so if you're an enthusiastic individual or group (men, women or children) who enjoys doing interesting but weird stuff then come along to Coraki Youth Hall 9am-12 pm on Wednesdays to make the ball of string.

For information phone 66832937, 6683 2507 or 6683 2325.

Jazzy Saturday

The Unity Jazz Band will play at the Lismore RSL Club this Saturday, September 18. I can't remember when a jazz band has last hit the Saturday night club and pub circuit here in Lismore but it's a good score for one of Lismore's most established jazz outfits.

Formed about 10 years ago, the band has played their blend of traditional and mainstream jazz shows at venues from the Gold Coast to the NSW central coast. They play monthly at the Wollongbar Tavern and at 7 Mile Café in Lennox.

With band leader Lloyd Jensen at the helm, members Frankie Williams, Don Peterson, Keith Manns, Warwick Cleverley and new boy Davey Rankin play some cool music with plenty of jazz soul.

The gig starts at 7pm and there is no charge. (Drinks are cheap at the RSL).

Eisteddfod competitions

The Lismore Musical Festival Society's eisteddfod competitions in spoken word are being held at Wilson Park Public School in Lismore this Saturday and Sunday, September 18 and 19, with sessions at 9am, 2pm and 7pm.

The vocal section of the competition takes place at the Churchill Auditorium in Lismore City Hall this Saturday to Tuesday, September 18-21, with the dance section judged on Wednesday, September 22, Friday, September 24 and Tuesday, September 28.

Everyone is welcome with entry costing a thrifty $5. For more information phone 6625 2369.

Gongs, songs and thongaphone

The Rhythm Immersion Project concert is the culmination of an artist in residence program at the Young Drums studio over the last two weeks.

The concert features ethnic percussion instruments from all over the world as well as Steve Langton's (artist in residence) own creations - like the amazing Thongaphone. There will also be instruments created by Young Drums' main man, Peter Jaggle.

The concert will be staged outside the Lismore City Hall where the Thongaphone is now situated. This is live percussive world music at its best.

The concert starts at 7pm this Friday, September 17. It's a free gig but a donation would be very helpful.