The Scene - Local Entertainment News

S Sense

Reclaim the streets! The streets do not belong to council, cars, cops, drunks, thugs or businesses, they belong to us - regular citizens. I know the concept of citizen is a bit out of date - society is now membered by shareholders. Financial reward, not social good, is the primary concern.

But citizens (whose vested interests are social not financial) have a right to use their streets - and not just for cars. For fun! And the more the use, the safer they get.

Last Friday night there was a street party in the Lismore CBD. The opening of an art exhibition in a café included four bands playing in the street on an improvised stage. (Where is the street stage in the new Keen Street upgrade?) Street music.

In our so-called public houses, there is an increasing lack of live entertainment. Gambling is more profitable. Pubs can make a lot of money from pokies - and most publicans are willing to destroy the ambience and even the architectural beauty of some of these old pubs to get the pokies in.

I have fond memories of one old pub in Lismore with its backroom alive with music, its lounge warmed by a fireplace and the conversations of uni students, musos, workers just off work and hippie riff-raff like me.

Then one year a pack of pokie machines landed in the centre of that lounge like the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey and wrecked the joint. The new masters of the pub universe had arrived. It was, and still is, an act of gross insensitivity.

People don't want poker machines. They rip off people who can least afford it. They wreck families and communities. They push live music out. And they make irritating noises.

It's pretty sad - the tinkling, flashing, desperate hope that money will give life meaning.

You even see faded old hippies with a peace sign stitched to their favourite denim jacket, pressing the play button with a finger stained from tailor-mades and the other hand holding a rum and coke... some revolution, dude.

So, reclaim the streets! There was dancing in the street. Even I was tracing a few smooth moves on the bitumen. Kids sat on the road in front of the musicians fascinated by the timeless magic of the stage. It was a happy and untroubled night.

No pokies, no football banners, no television screens with skinny dogs chasing a fake reward...

The evening had a certain quality that we town people sometimes don't get from our town. It was... um, dignity.

Southern Aurora comes north

Aurora Jane with the fabulous Jane Hole (pictured) will be taking the country stage at The Channon market this Sunday, June 12, from 11am, after some big gigs in Melbourne.

Aurora Jane is a Byron-based trio (now with Tom Jones on bass) who have travelled Australia in recent times promoting their funky version of roots music and their CD What Is It?, which was released earlier this year. The album has got lots of airplay and good reviews in various music mags - including Guitar Techniques in the UK.

In July the band will do an intensive tour of the North Coast but this Sunday gives us a chance to preview them live at the market.

You can buy What Is It? from music stores or by visiting the website www.aurorajane.com.

And the winner is... Kanaka!

Looking pretty pleased with themselves are Sam Cromack, Drew McLeod, Michael Myers and Jamie Myers - members of the band, Kanaka, which won the Casino Beef Week school bands competition. There was a total of 15 bands competing, each band playing two songs.

Lennox-based Kanaka will use the prize money to record a demo CD. They were keen to thank their music teacher, Clare Lockton, for her encouragement.

Rock on, boys.

Hip hop gives hope

These Heart To Heart hip hoppers showed off the moves and grooves that have given them performance dance skills, and also provided financial relief to tsunami victims in Thailand, at the recent International Dance Week celebrations in Byron Bay.

By offering hip hop dance classes locally, dancer and teacher Sue Whiteman has been raising money for reconstruction projects in southern Thailand.

Heart To Heart Hip Hop has already raised $1800 and brings the total raised by local dancers up to $15,000.

Renee Moehead will conduct the next hip hop course, which begins today (Thursday, June 9) at the Alstonville Dance Studio. The course sessions run each Thursday in June from 4pm. There are senior and junior classes. The four-week course costs $25 with all the money going to tsunami victims. (There is still much to do.) To join the hip hop course phone 6686 2520.

Funny Theatre

John Smith, a taxi driver in London, has a secret. He has two homes with two wives in adjoining suburbs. Sounds like hell. Then one day it all comes unstuck (as if it wouldn't). Now the cops have come looking...

Thus the drama is set for Run For Your Wife, the latest production from the Lismore Theatre Company.

Despite the shivers of fear that such a story may well invite, this play by Ray Cooney is a light-hearted romp that opens this Friday, June 10, at the Rochdale Theatre in Goonellabah. The play then runs this Saturday, June 11, and then every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until June 25. All shows start at 8pm. (Except for a matinee on Saturday, June 18, which starts at 2pm.)

Tickets are available from Caddies Bean Shop in Lismore or at the door.

Beautiful Indonesia

There's been a lot of negative raves being aimed at Indonesia lately through the hyperactive press. The Corby drug bust and the tsunami have dominated headlines of late.

But Indonesia is a beautiful country with a diversity of arts and culture that makes modern Australia look like a cultural monochrome. This Saturday, June 11, is the opening night of the Inspirasi Indonesian Arts Festival at the Byron Community and Cultural Centre. The action starts at 6pm with the night promising to be a visual and aural feast.

There'll be films, muic, dancing, ethnic fashion and a photo exhibition.

Tickets to the Inspirasi Indonesian Arts Festival opening night are available from the Byron Community and Cultural Centre for $20/15. For more info phone 6685 7258 or visit the website at www.aiaa.org.au.

Chance for country superstardom

Melbourne band GIT will not be dressing down when they play at the Bentley Hall as part of the ABC's Live In Your Lounge Room series.

ABC North Coast is giving a local band, duo or solo act the chance to be recorded and played on-air as part of its second Live In Your Lounge Room concert series.

What the ABC wants is an act with a "country feel" to join Melbourne's GIT and North Coast country rockers The Re-mains on stage at Bentley Hall on Sunday, July 10.

Entries will be judged on the quality of the songs and the suitability of the act - and must be received by Friday, June 24. Send a CD and a brief biography to ABC Radio's Country Competition, PO Box 908, Lismore, 2480.

The Live In Your Lounge Room series aims to provide quality live music in a family-friendly, smoke-free environment utilising the beautiful community halls of the North Coast. Good idea.

Hard swingin' jazz

These dudes like to party and they'll be doing that on stage as Paul Williamson's Hammond Combo at the North Coast Jazz Fest in Bangalow this weekend and at the Jazz & Blues night next Tuesday in Lismore.

Paul Williamson's Hammond Combo is one of Australia's hardest working bands. They have played at all the major music festivals in Australia, been heard on radio around the country, have achieved a sort of jazz cult status and have maintained one of the longest residencies I've ever known - every Monday night for 13 years at the Rainbow Hotel in Fitzroy, Melbourne!

Paul Williamson plays saxophone and sings. The Melbourne Age was pretty effusive about his horn playing, describing it thus - "razor sharp sense of time, infectious swing and an incandescent, but dirty, sax tone that covers the range of the horn... low notes surging up from the boots, throat-stretching gurgles and explosions of nerve jarring harmonics. Beautiful stuff."

Paul is joined by Tim Neal on Hammond organ and Mike Jordan on drums.

The combo will play at the North Coast Jazz Festival in Bangalow this weekend, June 10-13, and at the Jazz & Blues night at the Rous Hotel in Lismore next Tuesday, June 14, from 8.30pm. Tickets to this show are $9/7.

For more information on the North Coast Jazz Fest visit the website at www.conservatoriumarts.org.

Nock on wood

Next Friday and Saturday, June 17-18, at the Byron Community and Cultural Centre, Dallas Nock will present his exhibition of watercolour landscapes and timber sculptures. The exhibition is called (let me get this right...) Byron® - I guess it's a way of describing the look and feel of contemporary Byron.

Local artist Dallas Nock has been painting the Byron landscape for over a decade and is now, at long last, having an exhibition of his work.

Byron® is a bright and romantic look at the Byron landscape. Dallas loves colour - his work is lush, bold and impressionistic.

And the sculptures are what the artist calls "slabs of timber made to soothe sore eyes".

Byron® opens next Friday, June 17, at 6pm.

Sculpture culture

Ella Hirst, one of this country's youngest sculptors (15 years), will be a part of artsCape: The Nature of Sculpture - the most easterly sculpture show in Australia. In 2003, Ella won a sculpture design competition for the Mosman swimming pool in Sydney - a work also inspired by her love of the water.

For two weeks in winter, June 26-July 11, the Cape Byron lighthouse and surrounds will become the site of a new sculpture show. Over 50 local, national and international artists have been invited to exhibit their sculptural works in the first ever artsCape exhibition.

artsCape: The Nature of Sculpture strives to communicate positive environmental themes through the medium of sculpture.

artsCape will coincide with two other major events - FEHVA (Forty Eight Hours of Visual Arts), a major national gathering of creative visualists now in its second year; and the annual migration of whales up the east coast. This year whale watchers, cape enthusiasts and art lovers will be treated to an inspiring collection of contemporary sculpture which will reflect the rich environmental and cultural values of Cape Byron.

For more info check out the website at www.artsCape.net.au.

Free tix to the flicks!

Yeeha! It's giveaway time again. We love giving our readers stuff. And we have 20 double passes to My House In Umbria, a film starring Maggie Smith, which opens at Birch Carroll & Coyle cinema in Lismore today (Thursday, June 9).

Maggie Smith's superb theatrical instincts lift My House In Umbria to dramatic heights while the lush Italian scenery massages the eye in this story of heartbreak and intrigue.

And remember that the Birch Carroll & Coyle's movie marathon madness is on this weekend (June 10-12) in Lismore with three (yes three) marathons to enjoy. Films like Star Wars Ep III: Revenge of the Sith, Kingdom of Heaven, Be Cool, Mr & Mrs Smith, The Longest Yard, Hitch, Robots and more. Tickets are on sale now at the Lismore cinema or from the website at www.birch.com.au.

• Freebie: The Echo has 20 double passes to My House In Umbria to give away. To be in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 10.15 and 10.30am next Tuesday, June 14, and tell us which Italian city wasn't built in a day.

Drawing it BIG

This drawing Outside In by Allan Bruce is huge! You can see it at Allan's exhibition Scrolls at the Lismore Regional Gallery.

Allan's drawings can extend to nine metres. Having to draw the image bit by bit, Allan usually sees each work for the first time as a whole when it is exhibited in a gallery.

He has travelled the world in pursuit of artistic knowledge and is now head of the visual arts department at the University of Southern Queensland.

He will give a free artist's talk and slideshow presentation on Islamic architecture and decoration this Saturday, June 11, from 10.30am at the gallery.

Oz-Kiwi dub connection

Dubshack (pictured) are preparing their tour bus for a gig in Byron this Friday. Being Byron-based makes it an easier trip but looking at the auto I'd say it's still a chancy one. Heavily influenced by classic Jamaican dub, ska and reggae, these kings of the dubby groove will play the Great Northern Hotel in Byron Bay this Friday, June 10.

They'll be supporting Kiwi band, the Black Seeds. An eight-piece band, The Black Seeds' blend of funk, reggae, soul and dub has set dancefloors alight throughout the land of the long white sock. Formed in 1998, they have released two albums and will produce their third this year. They have been to Australia twice, selling out shows both times. And apparently they're big in France. The French love their dub.

Friday's gig starts at 9pm.

Writing comp for students

Richmond-Tweed Regional Library is running a writing competition. Any person aged between 12 and 16 years can enter. The prize is a day pass to the kids' day at the Byron Bay Writers' Festival in August where they can meet with, listen to, and even teach their favourite authors.

All you have to do is to write (about an A4 page's worth) why and what you like about your local library. Maybe even how it could be made better.

Aspiring authors can get entry forms from the public libraries in Lismore and Goonellabah, from the website www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au or from their high school library.

Entries close at 3pm on Friday, July 1. Winners will be notified on July 29.

Art for the young soul

Art can give you purpose and satisfaction. Free art workshops are being held on Wednesday afternoons from 3pm (or after school) until 5pm, in C Blok on the Conservatorium site, behind the library in Lismore. Each week different aspects of colour and technique will be explored. These workshops are for young people aged 12-22 years and all materials are supplied. Absolute beginners most welcome. For bookings and more info phone 6622 3123. This a project of Community Connections North Coast.

Pulling the musical strings

There will be a concert featuring the combined talents of the Australian Youth Orchestra String Quartet (AYOSQ) and an ensemble of local talented players from the North Coast at the Star Court Theatre in Lismore on Sunday, June 19, at 3pm. A gold coin donation will get you in.

This is part of the Australian Youth Orchestra's (AYO) regional development program with the Young Australian Concert Artists (YACA) travelling to Lismore (L) next weekend, June 18-19, to present the Final Stages (FS) of intensive workshops for Local Young String Instrumentalists (LYSI).

For more info phone 6621 2266 or 6622 0300.

Poet ripped off

Poet and musician David Hallett, who has done much for the arts (especially poetry) on the North Coast, has had his house broken into and two very special instruments stolen. Bastards.

They are a 'Kentucky' flat-backed bluegrass mandolin and a very rare 'Hallett' banjo-mandolin made in the 1920s by a distant cousin - this is a distinctive instrument with a chromed metal neck, a metal skin and a wooden back. If you see or hear of anything phone David on 6688 6485.

Bangalow poetry.

This Saturday, June 11, Dangerously Poetic Readings (held at the Bangalow RSL Hall) will feature Lel Sebastian and Laura Jan Shore - both founding members and editors for Dangerously Poetic Press.

Lel has had poems featured in the Australian Poetry Foundation's magazine Blue Dog as well as being chosen for ABC Radio National's Poetica Young Poets program. Laura Jan Shore, author of The Sacred Moon Tree and Breathworks has had her poems in The Australian, Blue Dog, Poetry Monash, and many other literary magazines and anthologies in Australia and the US. To add a musical touch to the afternoon, Karl Farren will play some original folk songs. As always there will be an open reading, so bring along a poem or two to share. Entry is $5/$4. The rhyming starts at 3pm.

Jailhouse rockin'

Bob Hodgkins used to live at Midginbil between Uki and Kyogle with his wife and eight kids. His family still lives there in the bush but Bob is serving 20 months (15 months non-parole) in Grafton jail for driving unlicensed. 15 months!

Jail is not where a man with a family should be - especially for this non-violent crime. I mean, you can sell drugs and get less jail time.

Anyway, Bob's family and friends are putting on a benefit to raise monies for legal fees and the children's music lessons (it's a very musical family. They are The Perch Creek Jug Band.)

This 'celebration of freedom' with music, food and dance will take place from 5pm next Friday, June 17, to 5pm on Saturday, June 18. The venue is the old Midginbil schoolhouse at 200 Doon Doon Road (off the Kyogle Road). It's like a live-in mini festival.

The Bliss Mongers, Black Train, Shakari, Krazy Mixed Up Kids, One 4 One, Ragweed, Light Activation, Nadia Sunde and The Perch Creek Jug Band (without Bob) are just some of entertainments on offer.

Entry is by donation and bring camping gear for this expression of solidarity with Bob. For more info phone 6679 7058.

Earnest audition

Auditions for Lismore Theatre Company`s upcoming production of The Importance of Being Earnest have secured a fantastic cast for all roles except for those of Algernon and Jack - the two eligible, wealthy and dashing bachelors aged between 20 and 40. Anyone out there who might fit this description? Phone Jennie Hicks on 6687 9167 or 0431 958 991.

Common folk

Folk In Common, a monthly acoustic music club based in the village of Clunes, will present the Redlands Bluegrass Boys along with other acts next Friday, June 17, at the Clunes Village Common in Walker Street.

The Redlands Bluegrass Boys evolved from the organisers of the Redlands Bluegrass Convention in Brisbane and they perform a range of traditional bluegrass songs, demonstrating tight vocal harmonies and the driving instrumentals typical of the bluegrass style.

The commons is a great venue with outside and inside areas suited to all types of weather. Admission is $4 and the gig starts at 8pm.

For more info or if you'd like to play at future gigs, phone Khay on 6629 1091 or email folkincommon@hotmail.com.

Dance of Colours is here!

This Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, sees a big multicultural gig at the Italo Club in North Lismore.

Dance of Colours is a two-day celebration of cultural dance with performers from all over Australia coming together to promote cultural awareness and racial harmony through dance.

A series of workshops in belly dance, flamenco and Indian dance will be run with a gala performance night this Saturday, June 11, from 7.30pm. Then there's an open day on Sunday with a bazaar, jam session and open floor for performers.

Tickets are $15/12 with children under 12 free. Workshops are $35 each.

For more information on the concert or workshops phone Idell on 6629 3338 or visit the website at www.dancingtiger.com.au.

New blues band

There's something about the slice of a slide guitar and the wail of a harmonica that can turn a big tough lad into a gooey mess. Yes, that's the blues. Depressing songs that make you feel better.

And there's a new blues band on the North Coast - Straight 8. Four guys with a ton of experience and a love of good dancing boogie.

Straight 8 will play the Shaws Bay Hotel in Ballina this Sunday, June 12.

Slammin' poets

The Live Poets! will continue in competition mode at their next gathering at the Rous Hotel in Lismore next Wednesday, June 15. The popular poetry slams have been a feature this year and with both the Nimbin Poetry Cup (worth $2500) and the Byron Poetry Prize (worth $300) fast approaching, poetry slammers will need to be on their toes, or the tip of their tongues, to reach for the big local prizes.

As always the evening will feature open and invited readings - and new and visiting writers are always welcome. Entry is $6/4.

For more info phone 6688 6485.

• Freebie: The Echo has one double pass to giveaway to some lucky reader. To be in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 10.30 and 10.45am next Tuesday, June 14, and tell us how many lines there are in a sonnet.

North Coast Jazz fest is here!

The inaugural North Coast Jazz Fest will be blowing hot and cool this long weekend (Friday to Monday, June 10-13) when some of Australia's finest musicians grace four venues in Bangalow showcasing their huge talents. With plenty of fine food and grog available (and what is jazz without those vital ingredients?) you can eat, drink and fill your ears with music that includes the best of jazz, Brazilian, Latin, funk and hip hop.

Some of the performers are The Paul Williamson Hammond Combo, Sharny Russell - winner of Best Jazz Album at this year's ARIA Awards - the James Sherlock Quartet, Skaddabox, Paul McNamara - one of Australia's coolest pianists - Showa 44, Twelve Tone Diamonds, Grace Knight and her nine piece ensemble the Nonettes, Sam Keevers, View from Madeleine's Couch, Afro Dizzi Act and many more... (That was exhausting. Where's my vodka?)

Masterclasses and workshops for aspiring jazz musicians will also be held.

Tickets are $125 for the long weekend or $55 a day. And there are some specials - $25 for Friday night, $40 for students on Sunday and $45 for Monday. Workshops are only $10.

Tickets are available through the Northern Rivers Conservatorium in Lismore, Bare Bones in Bangalow, the Rug Shop in Bangalow, and Buzz Bar Music in Murwillumbah.

For more info (including the full program) and ticket bookings phone 6621 2266 or check out the website at www.conservatoriumarts.org.