The Scene - Local Entertainment News

S Sense

Grasshopper, there are four important things to know in life.

1. How to make bread.

Making bread is a warrior skill.

It liberates the human spirit from the dehumanising passivity of having to consume half-baked, chemical-laden, corporate perversions of the very staff of life, often naming it after toilet paper. (Wondersoft). Bread is life - make your own.

Breadmaking is a subversive weapon in the hands of a bushido baker. Flour power.

And it's sexy. Breadmakers are the yeasty disciples of Pan. They have knowledge. And powerful hands. And that smell...

This knowledge is so important I shall now impart it to you.

Get one kilo of organic plain flour, put it in a large bowl, add three sachets of dried yeast (21 grams), two pinches of salt and two pinches of sugar (What? Never pinched sugar?). Then add two and a half cups of water.

Mix. Knead for five minutes and whack it into an oven at 180 degrees for 25 minutes. Let it cool. Done.

2. It's more important to be on the right side than to win.

The Vikings say that to get to Valhalla (a sort of drinking man's heaven) you have to die in battle. I'd rather die at the point of orgasm like that pope... (I don't know why I said that.)

Anyway, your modern Vikings take it metaphorically. It's okay to lose - that's why we have gin. So long as you fight, you will sleep. And dance.

Grasshopper, the warrior fights because he or she has to. End of story.

3. Dodgy old cars don't get ripped off.

The better the car the more you worry about it. And worry affects a warrior's breadmaking.

So, that's the reason (not because it was cheap and I was in a hurry and I thought it was a Camry), I bought a Camira. And not a Saab convertible.

I have a car that, frankly, no one wants. Stress free. Someone did actually break into it once - left spares on the back seat. The headlights were a bonus. For secret warrior stuff.

4. There is no secret warrior stuff.

Fort rocks

Fort has a cache of new songs for Lismore fans.

For nearly five years Fort have been travelling up and down the coast rocking venues and radio waves with their own style of Oz-rock. Now they're back in town, playing the Tatts Hotel in Lismore this Friday, November 12.

Since the release of their debut album, In A New Light, Fort has become one of Australia's most prominent live rock bands.

The past few years have seen the five-piece tour with bands such as Nebula, Fu Manchu, Grinspoon, Cog, Brant Bjork and the Bros. Fort also featured on the main stage at the second Splendour In The Grass festival.

Their live show has been described as "...a careful balance between laid back arvo ambience and all out rock fury. Brilliant!" (Time Off ). Or this - "Devil worshipping, go straight-to-hell, bring a tear to the eye of Bon Scott rockin' good stuff." (Drum Media).

Telek like it is

George Telek (right) will perform with David Bridie in Lismore next Thursday.

Papuan New Guinean artist, George Telek, will perform in Lismore at the Star Court Theatre next Thursday, November 18, with longtime collaborator, David Bridie (Not Drowning Waving and My Friend The Chocolate Cake).

The two-hour show is a sound and visual feast. The first half features Bridie and his three-piece band playing songs from his solo albums Act of Free Choice and Hotel Radio. The music will be set to specially made film clips by the likes of Rolf de Heer (director of Bad Boy Bubby) and former NDW member Tim Cole.

The second half is Telek with a Melanesian film and slide show. His hauntingly beautiful music ranges from love songs to stories of village life sung in the distinctive pidgin of the region and in his native tongue, Tolai.

"The traditional songs are about our daily life, songs that the people sing when they pick the bananas or collect the coconuts or go fishing," Telek explains.

This year marks eleven years of international recording and touring for Telek. He was awarded a MBE by the Papua New Guinea government for services to music. In the year 2000, he was invited to perform at the WOMAD festivals throughout the world, performing in Europe, the UK, the USA and Canada.

Rolling Stone magazine put it simply - "Telek is utterly compelling."

The show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $25/20, plus booking fee, from Ticketek (6621 5600) in Molesworth Street, Lismore, or at the door.

Hello to Tatar

Multi award-winning Zulya Kamalova (pictured) is the leading proponent of Tatar music in Australia, and one of the most versatile and high-profile vocalists on the world music scene. She'll display her considerable talents at Ewingsdale Hall this Saturday, November 13.

A native of the Volga-Kama region of Central Russia, she began performing Russian and Tatar songs at the age of nine. Inspired by Australia's cultural diversity, she decided to settle here in 1991.

With her new band, The Children of the Underground, Zulya has just released her long-awaited Russian album, The Waltz of Emptiness (and Other Songs on Russian Themes). This album explores the depths of the Russian soul, inspired by Zulya's life in that complex and mysterious country.

Her Ewingsdale gig starts at 8pm, with doors open from 7.15pm and tickets ($16/14) available at the door.

True blue coming through

John Williamson and his mates (Warren H Williams and Pixie Jenkins) are on the road and heading to Lismore.

Thirty years ago (was it that long?) John Williamson wrote and performed his first song, Old Man Emu, and made his particular mark on the Australian music scene. Like his heroes, Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson, Williamson has helped define the Australian identity. Ignoring fads and musical fashions, he has stayed 'true blue' and followed his eureka star.

With a swag of albums (32) and awards (20 Golden Guitars and 2 ARIAS) this musical icon is back on the road with a couple of distinguished mates bringing Australian music to the people.

The True Blue Reunion Tour with special guests Pixie Jenkins and Warren H Williams comes to the Lismore RSL Club next Wednesday, November 17.

John has written five new songs for this project including two show stoppers - Glory to Australia and Mates on the Road.

For information and bookings phone 6621 2434.

Funny funny

Lismore Theatre Company serves up the laughs with 'Allo 'Allo.

Once there was a very funny television series called 'Allo 'Allo. Now it's a play! And live theatre is more exciting, funnier and more entertaining than watching any television.

The play takes place in 1942 in occupied France in Rene Artois' café, owned by Rene and his domineering wife Edith and staffed by voluptuous waitresses, Mimi and Yvette.

While the Resistance is plotting to kidnap Hitler, a German officer and a nutty Italian captain are planning to steal a priceless painting of the Fallen Madonna to fund their retirement. Then the plot thickens like French soup.

Throw in a bunch of hilariously weird characters, dollops of satire and lashings of one-liners and voila - you have LTC's production of 'Allo 'Allo.

The laughs start from 8pm at Goonellabah's Rochdale Theatre on November 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and December 2, 3 and 4. Tickets are $15/12 and are available from Caddies Bean Shop in Lismore. For bookings phone 6621 7709.

J Freebie: The Echo has two double passes to give away to the opening night of 'Allo 'Allo on Thursday, November 18. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 on Monday, November 15, between 10.45 & 11am and tell us what year World War II ended.

Not just jazz

The Caxton Street Jazz Band will blow hard and hot in Alstonville.

The Caxton Street Jazz band will perform at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre this Saturday, November 13.

This band has an extensive repertoire ensuring wide appeal - everything from 50s swing to Dixieland and rhythm'n blues. Dancing is encouraged (as if you could resist) and supper will be provided.

Tickets will be pre-sold only so get in early. Oh, and it's a BYO night.

Tickets are $25. For bookings phone 6628 3614 or 6628 3636.

Out to Sea Jodi

Jodi Martin puts her feet up as she sails back to Lismore.

Longtime resident of the Lismore area and now Sydney-based performer, Jodi Martin, is on her way to Lismore with her first radio single, You Showed Me (from her upcoming album, 15 Minutes Out To Sea) making big waves in wireless land.

She will perform with her sister, Robyn, at the Metro Bar in Lismore this Friday, November 12. She is practically a one-woman band, singing, playing guitar and playing bass pedals with her feet - but for this tour she is joined by Sydney drummer Evan Mannell adding some unconventional beats to Jodi's sweet melodies.

Josh Cunningham from The Waifs reckons, "Jodi is one of the best singer/songwriters I've heard. I miss hearing her amazing songs when we're away." Sweet.

The music starts at 9pm.

Dolphins attract money

The Hottentots, Carl and Parissa, hope their latest musical work snares a Dolphin.

The 2004 Dolphin Awards next Tuesday, November 16, at the Lismore City Hall, as well as being the North Coast's entertainment industry's night of gala nights, will also be the venue for three major announcements affecting the local music industry.

Dolphin Award organiser, the North Coast Entertainment Industry Association (NCEIA), has secured $54,000 in research funding to undertake a Music Industry Development Program for the region.

"Through this project we will develop a strategic business and marketing plan for the local music industry," said NCEIA president, Tony Edwards.

The Dolphins will also be used to launch the Rainbow Region on-line Music Map and release details of the National Jazz Conference to be held in Lismore next year.

Tickets for the 2004 Dolphin Awards Night are available from Lismore Music Store, the ABC Centre in Ballina and Soundwaves Music in Byron Bay, or through NCEIA in Magellan Street, Lismore (6622 0222).

Tickets are $30/$25 (including dinner). And it won't just be the musicians who walk away from the night with a smile on their faces - a lucky person will win a new Martinez acoustic guitar, compliments of Lismore Music Store.

Retro Mania Flares Again

How cool are these hip guys from Solid Gold? No answer required.

In what is becoming a regular invasion of platform shoes, gold jewellery and extra wide flares, Solid Gold - a night of funky retro craziness and disco delirium - sets up the glitter ball at the One Nightclub in Lismore this Friday, November 12. Everytime the Solid Gold team comes to Lismore, big moustaches and big moves become the fashion for a night.

So, Walk Like an Egyptian to this groovy gig.

Winning artists workshop

Indonesian artist and Lismore Regional Treasure Art Prize winner Aris Prawaba (right) with Lismore artist Ritchie Taylor.

In conjunction with the Australia Indonesia Arts Alliance, aspiring and practicing artists will have the opportunity to join Indonesian artist, Aris Prabawa, for a two-day printing workshop using traditional techniques with modern influences.

Aris has just taken out top prize in the Lismore Regional Treasure Art Prize at the Lismore Regional Gallery with his painting of Thomas Wales, a traditional land owner from Cape York who has lived in Lismore for the last year and a half.

Aris studied at the Indonesian Institute of Art in Yogjakarta and recently featured in a documentary screened on SBS titled Art Activism and Rock and Roll.

The artist says, "My work, it is hoped, can contribute to the development of critical thought and debate, new ideas and new ways of relating to the world and each other."

This two-day workshop will include design, cutting and printing, and happens next Saturday and Sunday, November 20-21. Cost is $75/$65. For bookings and venue details phone 6685 5214 or email dee@lis.net.au.

Some of Aris' art can be seen at Fire In The Belly Pizzeria at 109 Dawson Street in Lismore until the end of November.

Real Lea Dancing

Liz Lea will bend and stretch your dancing capabilities.

The latest NORPA Creative Lab artist, dancer Liz Lea, is offering dance classes in Contemporary Dance, Bharata Natyam (Indian temple dance) and Kalariapattu (a South Indian form of martial art) from November 30 until December 10.

Originally from Sydney, Liz trained at the London Contemporary Dance School and at the Darpana Academy in India. This has led her to develop a unique movement language that melds contemporary and classical Indian dance with martial arts. Dangerous dancing.

While she's here, Liz will be working on a new solo work, which was commissioned by The Place in London.

Bookings are required for the classes, so phone NORPA Dance Action on 6622 3279, or visit the website www.norpa.org.au. For more on Liz check out her website at www.leadance.com.

Osama for women's health

The Lismore and District Women's Health Centre is presenting the film, Osama, as a fundraiser next Thursday, November 18, at the Lismore Cinemas. The movie starts at 6.30pm - but there are nibblies from 6pm.

The film is the first entirely Afghan film to be made since the fall of the Taliban.

Tickets are $12 and all proceeds will assist the centre with ongoing programs. If you would like to buy a ticket or take some to sell to friends and family please phone 6621 9800. Tickets are available from the cinema or The Echo office.

Hanging Rock Flicks

The 16mm Film Society presents Gabbeh - the story of an Iranian carpet weaver - plus a short doco this Saturday, November 13, at the beautiful Hanging Rock Hall in Williams Road, Cawongla, at 7pm.

For more info phone Mimi on 6633 7015.

Exception Rules!

The Lismore TAFE Theatre students are staging a new workshop production of Bertolt Brecht's play, The Exception and the Rule - a visionary work brought to life by these aspiring thespians.

The play is a biting social comedy written in the late 1920s. The Exception and the Rule looks at the exploitation of the Third World by the West (some things don't change, eh?).

Performances are next Wednesday to Friday, November 17-19, at 7pm, with a matinee on Thursday at 12.30pm.

It all happens at the Theatre Rooms, E Block, Lismore TAFE campus. Tickets, by donation, are available at the door.

Freebie: The Echo has one double pass to give away to some smart reader. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 10 & 10.15am next Monday, November 15, and tell us the name of another Brecht work. (Check out The Scene for an answer...)

Bridget Jones' breastfeeding fundraiser

The Lismore group of the Australian Breastfeeding Association is presenting the movie, Bridget Jones 2: The Edge of Reason, as a fundraiser to continue education, information and support of breastfeeding in the community. The long-awaited sequel stars Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Jacinda Barrett and Jim Broadbent.

Have fun and do good this Saturday, November 13, at the Lismore Cinemas. Showtime is 3.30pm. Tickets are available from Caddies Bean Shop in Lismore or from Jan on 6624 2097.

Living poetry

Next Wednesday, November 17, poetry invades the Rous Hotel in Lismore for the monthly Live Poets! night. As well as open readings there will be a feature performance from Gilly Smyth, poet and performer with the legendary cult band Gong. From the rioting streets of Paris in 1968 to the stages of London, New York and Tokyo in 2004, Gilly has stories to tell.

Also performing is Lismore singer and poet, Rebecca Rush, and hopefully there will be a word from Lismore Poetry Cup People's Choice winner, Cat Scobie. Entry is $6/4.

Freebie: The Echo has one double pass to give away. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 8888 next Monday, November 15, between 10.30 & 10.45am and tell us who hosts the Live Poets!

Wanted - singers, dancers, actors

Auditions will be held at the Rochdale Theatre on November 20 and 27 from 1pm for roles in The Threepenny Opera. Written by Bertolt Brecht and featuring the dramatic jazz score of Kurt Weill, the show is set in the streets, pubs and brothels of pre-war Germany. It is scheduled for production by the Lismore Theatre Company in April 2005.

For an audition or for more information call 0408 059 211 or email jubileest@bigpond.com.au.

Joints a'jumpin'

There's a big reggae gig, presented by the Byron Reggae Club, this Saturday, November 13, at Coorabell Hall.

Sounds Like Reggae (a Brisbane outfit), Dubshack, One For One and Dynamic Duo provide all the long, loping bass lines and bad back beats you can dance to while organisers will provide macrobiotic food and chai. Bob Marley would be proud.

Dangerously joyous playshops

Dangerously Poetic Press is offering Joywriting, a poetry playshop this Saturday, November 13, from 10.30am-2.30pm at the Bangalow RSL Club (on Station Street).

Both new and seasoned poets are invited to join in for a series of poetry games to stimulate fresh poems. Laura Jan Shore, a founding member of Dangerously Poetic Press, will facilitate this event. This is an opportunity to experiment with language and images in creating poetry. Cost is $35/$25.

To enrol phone 6680 1967 or 6684 3124.

Then stay for the regular Dangerously Poetic readings that same afternoon starting at 3pm. The theme is Humour in Poetry. Bring a poem (preferably funny) and join in.

Happy Birthday NIM-FM

It's birthday time for Nimbin's community radio station, NIM-FM, which is celebrating five years of filling Nimbin's airwaves with all the music and raves the village is famous for. The birthday celebration, called Face The Music, will kick off this Friday, November 12, at The Hub Cafe (THC) right under the radio station in the community centre.

There will be heaps of entertainment with poets and presenters and, of course, music - lots of music with The Big Notes, One 4 One, Shakari, Kelly Jo, and the Pagan Love Cult with Neil Pike, who has just returned from a world trip.

Food and drinks will be available from 6pm. Entry is $10. You can hear the fearless wireless on 102.3. Happy birthday!

Teenage Jinx

Jinx, presented by Theatre Theatre, is a play about teenage angst and the harsh realities of life. The young cast has emotionally brought to life for the stage all the drama of the original novel by Margaret Wild.

Jinx is on at the Rochdale Theatre in Goonellabah this Friday, November 12, at 8pm and Saturday, November 13, at 3pm and 8pm.

Tickets are $15/10 and are available from Caddies Bean Shop or at the door.

Portuguese punk for the youf

Portuguese punk rockers, Fonzie, are set to play the Youth Activities Centre in Byron next Thursday, November 18. Supported by West Australian band, Last Year's Hero, this will be an all ages gig. So young punks with a safety pin in their nose as well in their nappy can enjoy Portugal's finest punk outfit and get angry.

Show starts at 6.30pm and tickets are $15 at the door.

Big Prawn Cocktail

Ballina's Biggest-Ever Cocktail Party‚ this Friday, November 12, in the Ballina RSL Club Auditorium, promises to be a great social event with the emphasis on elegance, good entertainment, and fun - and it raises money for the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

The evening will start with an elegant dress-up cocktail party from 6.30pm, then from 9pm there's a funky soul band.

Tickets are $45 and include some drinks.

Get your tickets now at Ballina RSL Club.

Brains Power

The Avalanches set up their touring night club with Cut Copy in Byron this weekend.

The Avalanches call their touring nightclub Brains. I don't know why. But it might be a smart move to go and check out Brains when it takes on the Backroom at the Great Northern in Byron this Sunday, November 14, for a night of what the Brains trust calls "frenzied reckless abandon, brain-frying musical recital and impeccably nonsensical showmanship". Interesting?

Joining The Avalanches, is everyone's favourite moody glitterball huggers, Cut Copy, and Sydney synth-stomp artists, The Presets.

Get sexy and dance

Daniella Finkenauer has been teaching Salsa for four years now in Lismore and around the shire. She is now teaching salsa dance at the Canberra Hotel in Lismore each Wednesday from 7pm.

"You can spice up your life one step at a time, " says Daniella. "Everyone is welcome to experience the health-giving and sensual joys of learning this South American art form."

So put on your dancing shoes and get on down.