The Scene - Local Entertainment News

S Sense

Dressed like a grungy bum with a long-sleeved flannelette shirt, torn jeans and old boots, I'm standing under the burning sun with earmuffs and big sunnies holding a running brushcutter. Sweat is saturating my shirt. And I haven't even started yet. I'm just standing there.

Even the wallabies are looking at me wondering why I don't get into it. They love the new green pick after a mow.

I'm staring at a hill with grass a metre high. I just brushcut this hill only a few weeks ago.

Not only did I brushcut this hill just a few weeks ago, I realise, with a silent groan, that I've been brushcutting this same hill for decades. True.

The thought wearies me. I can't get motivated - I'm just getting very hot. Sweat with a cabernet-merlot tang is dripping onto the hot exhaust and would be making a pssst (should that be pissed?) noise but I can't hear it - because the brushcutter is wailing and my earmuffs are on.

This hill will never relent. It will always regrow. I give in. It wins.

If we're so smart we can bomb cities by remote control (men love remotes), create fridges with internet access (so root vegies can access porn?) and put fish genes in tomatoes (so they go better with chips?) - why haven't we got a lawn grass that needs no mowing?

(Apparently, it was introduced to Australian suburbs in the 1970s and is now a rampant and out-of control weed in the Murray River basin.)

I don't want to brushcut the bloody hill anymore.

And while I'm at it - I've been shaving the same face (well, pretty much the same face) on a regular basis for even longer than I've been brushcutting the hill. Only the colour of the hair has changed.

Maybe I'll get a wwoofer (willing workers on organic farms). German ones are good for brushcutting (and airplane maintenance). Actually, I could get a Swedish one with steady hands for the morning shave as well. They're good value, wwoofers. You just provide accommodation and food and you get labour in return.

Unfortunately, I don't have spare accommodation but I can sub-lease them from my friend up the road (who has a stable of them. I think he breeds them.) - I call them sub-wwoofers.

I turn off the brushcutter, give the wallaby a weet-bix and consider whether concrete would hurt its feet.

Then, rubbing my chin, I wonder if you can wax a hill.

Insite out at TAFE

Steven Giese's work, Nocturne - Brooms Head, is part of the exhibition called Staff Insite at Lismore TAFE.

Staff from the North Coast Institute of TAFE's Lismore campus, from art teachers to security guards to librarians, are pooling their creative talents to present a new exhibition called Staff Insite.

The show, located the Space Gallery at Lismore campus, is the first of the 2005 exhibition season. The result is a melting pot of styles, with everything from paintings and tapestry to sculpture and digital prints on display.

"I've been amazed with the standard of the works, and I was thrilled to see all these artists come out of the woodwork - we've all come together to contribute and it's a real cohesive team effort," said gallery coordinator Rose Marin.

Staff Insite is on show until March 20.

For more information on the show or the gallery phone Rose on 6626 6489.

Women Rox in Kyogle

The Roxy Gallery in Kyogle is now showing Art Of Women - an exhibition of art works from women living within our region - to celebrate International Woman's Day (which is March 8).

With over 100 pieces of artworks on show, Art Of Women reflects the many different and diverse approaches local women explore in art-making. The exhibition will run until the March 9.

For more info phone the gallery on 6632 3518.

Country concert hall revival

ABC North Coast Radio will present Live In Your Lounge Room with Tex Perkins, Kev Carmody (pictured) and Sara Tindley at the beautiful Repentance Creek Hall this Sunday, February 27, from 6-9.30pm.

The concert, funded by the ABC's Regional Production Fund, is hopefully the first in a series to be held in our community halls throughout the region. These Live in Your Lounge Room gigs are a reaction to so much live music being dominated by the pubs where alcohol and cigarettes can create an atmosphere that some punters have long grown out of (and some just never want to be a part of).

The Live In Your Lounge Room concerts will be smoke-free and family friendly.

The gig will be recorded for broadcast on various ABC radio programs, taking it literally into lounge rooms around Australia. There will be good food (provided by the Uncle mentoring program) and you can BYO drinks (alcoholic or non) and a cushion.

Tickets are $20 at the door or $50 for a family. This is a great idea.

If you don't know where Repentance Creek Hall is, you can visit the website at www.abc.net.au/northcoast and download a map.

Conserve the conservatorium

To help fund relocation costs, the Conservatorium is holding a silent auction this Saturday, February 26, at the Lismore Golf Club from 7.30pm.

Food and drinks will be available at the Club and entertainment will be provided by Conservatorium staff and students - and there's no shortage of talent there.

Anyone wishing to donate goods or services to the auction please call the Conservatorium on 6621 2266.

Go along and support one of the North Coast's most valuable institutions.

Platypus one of a kind

The Platypus Gallery in Casino (86 Centre Street) is celebrating its first birthday at 1pm this Saturday, February 26, with a BBQ, nibblies and a chance to view the current exhibition, Art of Oz.

The inaugural Art Prize, with a prize pool of $1300, will be launched by local artist, Anthony Hickling - who will also be a judge.

Get along and check it out. For more info phone 6662 3566.

Journo's journey for musical Mick

Mick Daley, country rocker and the new Hunter S. Thompson, peruses his new book King Tide Rollin' before its launch on March 4.

Mick Daley is multi talented. He fronts the bands The Re-mains and The Puddin' Thieves and, in a spare moment, has produced a book about an amazing journey he took with folk-rockers Weddings Parties Anything in 1993, when the band was in full artistic flight. Mick documented the trip through the Top End of the country for publication in Rolling Stone and Juice. But fate intervened in the form of a photographer whom Mick describes as, "an incorrigible prat from Melbourne who effectively sabotaged the whole assignment for me with his incredible ineptitude".

Ahem, a little resentment there, methinks.

Anyway, Mick has turned this funny and wild adventure tale into a book called King Tide Rollin'. It's a rollicking read with plenty of humour and an insight into life on the rock'n roll road - and into life in the Top End.

Mick will launch King Tide Rollin' at Caddies Coffee Shop in Lismore next Friday, March 4, at 6pm, with some readings and a little music care of The Puddin' Thieves. The book will be available for sale at the launch and through Mick at his music gigs for $20.

Casino Country Confidential

Darren Coggan and Felicity Urquhart have teamed up for an intimate night of country music at Casino this Sunday.

Two Australian country music performers (and Golden Guitar winners) have teamed up for a special regional concert this Sunday, February 27, at the Casino RSM Club - but don't tell anyone, it's confidential.

'A confidential evening with Darren Coggan and Felicity Urquhart' will see these two talented singer/songwriters revealing the stories and secrets behind their songs in an intimate acoustic performance.

"Performing in an acoustic setting like this allows you to breathe new life into your songs," said Darren.

Within the last 12 months, Felicity has travelled to America a number of times to perform and to focus on writing songs for her forthcoming album. She's now armed with a swagful of new songs, co-written with some of Nashville's finest.

Hear them at the Casino concert. And remember... shhhh, it's confidential.

Don't miss this Bliss

Direct from Kolkata and Mumbai, India, Raja Bliss features the musical interplay between Kala Ramnath's violin and Purbayan Chaterjee's sitar.

Gobsmacking technical virtuosity and musical intuition mark these players as among the world's very best. They have played all over the world - and now, finally, will perform on the good old North Coast at the Byron Bay Community Centre this Sunday, February 27.

Kala Ramnath transposes ancient Hindustani vocal techniques - to the violin!

Purbayan Chaterjee has been a featured soloist at Indian music festivals worldwide.

Add Ashis Paul (tabla) and you have a trio of raja bliss. Tickets are $23 and the bliss begins at 8pm. For more info phone 6685 5659.

Monkey Boy to go ape at Uni

The Campus Central UniBar is getting ready to go ape next Thursday, March 3, when Monkey Boy take to the stage. Monkey Boy is the latest offering from two of Australia's best-loved rockers - Mick Hart and Angus Diggs.

Mick Hart has done just about everything from playing the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival to supporting bands such as Cold Play and Gomez overseas. Angus Diggs is one of the most talked about drummers in the world today and is best known for his collaborations with guitar legend Jeff Lang.

The Monkey sound is down and dirty with a strong 60s influence.

Their debut album Bananas and Other Things is due out April 1 featuring Triple J favourites Can't get up in the morning and All you ever wanted.

Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are free for students and only $5 for guests.

Lismore boy wins local raw

If you didn't get to the first heat of the Raw Comedy in Byron on Valentine's Day (I was there) you missed out on a night of big laughs.

Lismore's Ben Chesser took out the number one spot with Byron's esoteric comedian, Paul Cattunar, coming in second.

Local comedians have one more shot at the big time with a second and final heat at the Byron Bowling Club next Monday, February 28. Tickets are $10. For bookings or more info phone 6685 4045.

Over the top comedy films

The ninth annual Over The Fence Comedy Film Festival will screen at the Star Court Theatre in Lismore next Thursday, March 3, and Saturday, March 5. Australia's largest touring comedy film festival showcases the talents and humour of 18 irreverent indie filmmakers.

For more info and tickets phone the Star Court Theatre on 6622 0300.

NORPA Season Launch

NORPA's 2005 season will be launched at the Star Court Theatre in Lismore next Friday, March 4, from 6pm. The 2005 program features 12 productions (including two locally produced shows), international acts and youth productions. The new season brochure can be ordered by phoning 6622 0300 or by visiting the NORPA website after March 4 at www.norpa.org.au.

The season launch is a free event and is open to the public. It's a great way to learn more about the shows, and find out about the subscription offers (for full details see page 9 of this week's print edition Echo).

Bliss mongering at Mt Burrell

The Bliss Mongers (pictured) will send out funky vibes and cool Celtic grooves from universe central, Sphinx Rock Café, this Sunday, February 27, from 1pm.

The Sphinx Rock Café is located on the Kyogle Road at Mount Burrell, not far out of Nimbin and offers great food, garden surroundings and, of course, cool music from The Bliss Mongers, who incorporate Celtic instruments with funky bass and percussion.

Paper trail leads to art prize

At the Next Art Gallery on Tuesday, 21-year-old Southern Cross University student Natalya Garden-Thompson (pictured) secured the $5000 Kaske Fellowship. Now in its fourth year, the Kaske Fellowship is designed to help artists make the transition from study to professional practice.

Natalya makes art from paper and will use the prize money to learn hand papermaking at the Creative Paper Mill in Burnie, Tasmania. (Tassie is the land of paper. Lots of trees too, but if you want to see the forests, HURRY!)

Natalya loves paper - "Art can be made on it or it can be made into art," she said. "I like the process of making it, using natural fibres from the environment. It's an ecologically sound process, using all recycled materials".

The artist's ambition is to establish a hand papermaking studio and workshop in Lismore.

Congrats Natalya.

The Vusi peace vision

South African Vusi Sidney Mahlasela Ka Zwane will perform at the Bangalow A&I Hall next Thursday, March 3, at 8pm. Adding to the passion, warmth and tenderness of his voice is Vusi's dedication to peace.

Doors open at 7pm for food and drinks. Tickets are $25 in advance from Barebones in Bangalow, Choppers Music in Lismore, Soundwaves in Byron and Santos in Mullumbimby - or $30 at the door (if there's any left).

Songwriters spectacular!

The North Coast Songwriters is holding its inaugural original songwriters evening at the Tatts Hotel in Lismore next Thursday, March 3. Everyone who appreciates original acoustic music will love this first of many monthly gigs showcasing local (and sometimes visiting) songwriters.

And what a start!

Headlining the night is Byron duo Scarlett Affection. I've seen these sisters, Melia and Nerida, a few times and their vocals, their musicianship, their songs are extra-ordinary. They played at the last Dolphin Awards and then won Best New Recording Talent. A great act.

But wait, there's more.

North Coast Songwriters is also featuring Luke Vassella, John Scholten, Paul and Al from Sweet Young Things, and a host of other talent to create a night of musical adventure and creativity.

The show starts at 8pm and entry is $3. ($3! Too cheap!)

For more info phone 0417 409 966 or 6622 0259.

Marijuana as medicine

Information about the medical positives of marijuana is distributed outside the NSW Parliament last year.

There will be a special night of music, poetry, dance, and an auction at the Hub Café in Nimbin's own Community Centre this Saturday, February 26, from 6pm. This gig is to raise funds for medical marijuana patients and their supporters to go down to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which this year has the theme 'Our Freedom, Your Freedom'. There they will make a medical point.

Since NSW Premier Bob Carr announced on May 20, 2003, that he had an insight into the plight and suffering of patients and that for some very sick people marijuana can be very helpful, nothing has changed.

These people are still being prosecuted and still have to get their mara-medicine on the dangerous black market.

This variety night with auctions and raffles (bring a pre-loved item and money) will feature some of Nimbin's finest performers (Martin Preedy, Doug Johnston, Jane Treasure, The Lightactivation Workers, Deborah Turner and The Intergalactic Blues Mafia).

Food and drinks will be available and a $5 or more donation gets you in. For donations or more info phone 6689 1842.

Polish songbird flies to North Coast

Renowned Israeli gypsy cabaret singer, Fayee Sussman (pictured) and sax player extraordinaire Zeppo Zimmerman will perform with KaOZ Klezmer at the Byron Bowling Club next Saturday, March 5, from 8pm.

Faye Sussman, born in Poland, sings in her native Yiddish with the shining passion and conviction that allows her music to soar. Her singing brings audiences to their feet at every performance.

Zeppo first performed klezmer as a guest of the KaOZ Klezmer Orkeztra (Klezmer has its own spelling style) at Woodford Folk Festival in 2000 and on the live KaOZ CD. He then went home to form the very successful Klezmer Connexion (there's that spelling again) in Sydney.

Tickets are $15/12 with a family price of $35/28, available at the door only.

For more info phone 6688 2284.

Hands on art for two Nimbin women

This Friday sees a multi-media exhibition called Hands at Work open in Mullumbimby.

Two women from Nimbin, Kristine Uebergang (photographer) and Vickiemaree Simpson (ceramicist) have created Hands at Work - a collaboration between photography and ceramics. It's an inspired study of hands building ceramic vessels - and the resulting artifacts.

Photographic prints are made on ceramic tiles to complement the earthy nature of the subject matter. To do this, photographic emulsion (liquid light) is applied to the surface of the tiles in total darkness. The process of making the prints became a journey that paralleled the process of creating the ceramic vessels.

Hands at Work exposes a woman's journey through creativity to an understanding of herself.

The exhibition runs until March 7 at the Piece Gallery in Stuart Street, Mullumbimby. For more info phone 6684 3446.

Multimedia magic @ Metro

Kismet, from Polka, answers his fingers phone...

The Sunday Session is back at the Metro Bar in Lismore this Sunday, February 27.

This "multimedia sensory explosion" (as called by the organisers - hold onto your head!), showcases local DJ and VJ talent.

Having built a reputation in 2004 for it's great vibes, good tunes and visual treats, the Sunday Session boasts some of the best DJs the area has to offer.

Area Red Design and Real Music Production will bring you quality entertainment, including local trance producer Lost Keys, regular Lisvegas rocker Donkihoof, cruisy beats master Morphonic, Hellbent, and the sensational Polka.

The evening will see visuals produced by Scurrypoint and Area Red Designs.

Great way to spend a Sunday.

Doors open at 2pm. The gig goes to 10pm with free entry.

A LTC AGM

Lismore Theatre Company's AGM is on Wednesday, March 9, at the Rochdale Theatre in Goonellabah from 6.30pm.

Following the necessary business of electing a new management committee, the evening will be given over to amusement, light refreshments and a bit of acting up. (Those theatre people love to play...)

All current and prospective members are welcome, and memberships will be taken on the night.

If you are interested in the theatre, either onstage, back stage, front of house, lighting, sound, costumes or just general support, come along - get involved in your local community theatre. For more info phone Jennie Hicks on 6687 9167 or Laurie Axtens on 6621 6015.

One for the kids (and the parents)

The ABC's favourite car for kids, Brum, is coming to town in a full stage spectacular - Brum & The Big Town Circus. This is a live, 45-minute show with comedy, drama, action and every kid receives a free gift.

Brum is the internal combustion super hero (from the hit series on ABC TV) who will take the kiddies on a wild, funny romp saving the crazy residents of the Big Town Circus from mischief and mayhem.

The action is non-stop, the costumes colourful, and the audience is encouraged to interact with Brum and his friends.

And there is an added bonus - Spiderman will be there! (First superdude with a website.)

Brum & The Big Town Circus is on next Tuesday, March 1, at the Casino RSM Club from 10am and later that day at the Lismore Workers Club from 2pm, as well as at the Ballina RSL Club next Wednesday, March 2, from 10am.

Tickets are $14.50 each with children under 12 months free. Children need to be accompanied by an adult.

Free rock, three bands

The Black Stars (pictured) are part of a rockin' triple bill when SCU students hit the town this Saturday, February 26, at the Gollan Hotel in Lismore.

Also appearing is Brisbane outfit, Giants of Science and local hard rockers and hat wearers, The Box Monsters. This gig is part of the uni's O Week celebrations and is put on by the Student Representative Council.

The gig is free. For more info phone 6620 3044.

Idolising marijuana music

With less than a week to go before the March 1 (next Tuesday) closing date for the 2005 Global Marijuana Music Best Recorded Track Award, it's now or never to enter your CD and compete with musicians and poets from around the world including entrants from Texas, Indiana, Chicago, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Sydney and Nimbin. Check out www.rainbow-records.com for entry details.

The 2005 Global Marijuana Music Awards will be presented at Nimbin Town Hall on Saturday, April 30, by Ballina Idol winner Vanessa Hoffman.

Jazz & Blues

Next Tuesday, March 1, sees the Jazz & Blues night at the Rous Hotel feature the fabulous Jan Preston on boogie woogie piano. Jan is one of Australia's finest blues players and she writes songs that capture her vivacious and emotional spirit.

This is her last gig on the North Coast and is a special one because she will have Jim Kelly on guitar, Greg Lyon on bass and Scott Hill on drums backing her energetic piano playing.

Entry is $9/7. The gig starts at 8.30pm.

Caravan comedy

Caravan, written by Donald McDonald, is a very funny Australian play. Imagine being cooped up in a caravan with five other people on a holiday saturated with rain...

Flooding beds, leaking roof, bored wife... I've been there. Didn't laugh at the time...

Director, David Quinn, has pulled together a superb cast and crew and is touring Caravan through the North Coast.

You can catch the big laughs at the Star Court Theatre in Lismore this Saturday night, February 26, at 8pm and this Sunday, February 27, at 2pm.

It will also show at the Bangalow A&I Hall on Saturday, March 12, at 8pm and on Sunday, March 13, at 2pm.

Tickets are available from Barebones Artspace in Bangalow (6687 13930) or the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre (6621 5600).

• Freebie: The Echo has four free tickets for the Saturday Lismore show, three for the Saturday Bangalow show and two for the Sunday Bangalow matinee.
  To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 10 & 10.15am this Friday, February 25, and tell us if caravans go before or after the car. (Hey. It's not easy thinking up easy questions...)