The Scene - Local Entertainment News

S Sense

So. I thought I'd go within.

Seeking solitude, I went deep into the wilderness (my place) for many, many days (four) choosing isolation (no car helps...) living on an organic drug-free diet (no car helps...) I embarked on a special, but dangerous, journey of the soul in a quest for clarity. My inner child was calling...

It's like we're all waiting for something we know may never come. Like a train. Or renewable energy.

With no alcohol or smokes, I began to peel away the layers of meaningless (self) obsessions like I was an onion. I was amazed at how deep my superficiality was (is). Eventually, after a meditative (boring) existence of abstinence and um, flagellation (call it what you will), what I found at the centre of me, the metaphysical onion, was a question - can one, if one really had to, make alcohol from onions? I believe I could. I own myself and I can be anything.

"Be the wheel!" I used to yell at my dog as it chased after cars. It got run over, but the point is, um... Skidmark manifested his own death. Because he didn't own himself. In fact, I owned him. Without me he would have never caught his inner wheel. Unfortunately the wheel he did catch was a steel-belted 14-incher (though it did have an inner tube). Poor Skidmark.

Such are the mountains we must climb, the rivers we must swim... or take a boat if it's a really big river. Or if there's crocodiles in a small river... (yeah okay, or piranha...) Anyway, all I'm saying is, I reckon it'd be okay to take a boat (but not jetskis). That's all I'm saying. And I respect my right to say that because I'm a beautiful shining light surrounded by idiots. And walls, of course. ...and the universe. (Oh God.)

Before my philosophic and purgative pilgrimmage, I sometimes drank for reasons other than that of procreation and sometimes maybe excessively. Abstinence has made me weird.

Like, I don't always agree with the new wave of neo-conservative born-again Christians but what is wrong with asking women to ride side-saddle if they choose - and I stress the word 'choose' - to purchase and use a motorbike like some cheap hussie. Probably smokes and has a room upstairs and winks you in for a drink and... I'm so thirsty. Onion can take days to ferment. Wish I could go out...

So, I hope I have transferred some of my increased clarity to you through my writing in this week's column.

Viva la grand piano!

Young pianist Jayson Gillham will feature with other young Australian classical talent in the latest Musica Viva Lismore event.

Musica Viva Lismore does a great job. It's a non-profit organisation of volunteers that brings a series of chamber music concerts to the Northern Rivers each year at a very affordable cost.

For some years now, Musica Viva Lismore has been presenting concerts in Ballina (as well as Lismore) and the audience there is very appreciative and growing - they love their live classical music - but guess what? Ballina does not have a concert grand piano! Good grief. Tell me it's not so.

So Musica Viva Lismore has decided that the concert at Lismore City Hall on June 30 featuring young pianist Jayson Gillham and the Southern Cross Chamber Orchestra will be the inaugural fundraiser for the Ballina Grand Piano Fund.

Grand pianos are not cheap. You can pick up a Yamaha second hand for around $60,000 or a Steinway (which I prefer) for around $140,000. It may take a little time but this will be a great community gift for Ballina.

To hear the best in a grand piano you need a good grand piano player and Jayson Gillham is such a one. This young Australian pianist, who was a finalist in the Sydney International Piano Competition last year, will play Mozart's Piano Concerto No 12 in A major. A personal favourite.

Also featuring on stage will be 18-year-old Nick Hewett, a trumpeter from Lismore who is now studying at the Sydney Conservatorium, and soprano Margaret Schindler. This is a rare opportunity for young people to see a full orchestra in Lismore... they're not cheap to bring here.

The gig starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets to the concert are available from Dymocks Lismore (6622 4987) and at the ABC Centre in Ballina (6686 2436). For more info phone 6624 7807.

Detaining the pressure

Linda Rutledge plays six different characters in Pressure Point - a play about asylum seekers.

Pressure Point, a powerful new theatrical work, will premiere at the Byron Community and Cultural Centre this Friday and Saturday, June 17-18.

Writer Hayley Katzen, director Alka and actor Linda Rutledge have collaborated for three years to bring this drama to the stage. Pressure Point examines the intertwined lives of six women, all performed by one actor. A politician, a detainee, a lawyer, a wife, a nurse and an activist confront the issue of detention of asylum seekers in different and surprising ways.

The show will also run next weekend, June 24-25. Tickets are available from the Byron Community and Cultural Centre. You can phone them on 6685 6807.

A big purple kids' show

Isn't he cute? What kid doesn't love Barney - a big, purple, friendly dinosaur? And in a technological miracle that will bridge millions of years, Barney will appear on stage with Bob the Builder! Yay.

Barney, a cartoon character with his own television show, CDs, DVDs, a Bentley and an investment portfolio, will star in an all-singing, all-dancing 45-minute interactive stage show at the Lismore Workers Club next Friday, June 24, with his friends Baby Bop, BJ and a special appearance by Bob the Builder.

Barney the pre-schooler's best friend is celebrating his 15th anniversary as one of the world's most popular children's TV stars.

For more info or tickets phone the Lismore Workers Club on 6621 7401.

Frettin' females

Fliss Burdett (pictured) is definitely guilty of organising the Girls With Guitars gig at the Lennox Point Hotel this Sunday, June 19, from 5pm. (Cool place to enjoy the sunset.)

Girls With Guitars presents a showcase of great female talent with the likes of Julz Parker, Fliss Burdett, Kristy Gentz and Lecia McPhail-Bell.

Girls With Guitars originated in Nashville, Tennessee, and has since inspired sister affiliates in the UK, and now Australia.

Julz Parker first gained attention in Australia for her guitar playing in the Phil Emmanuel band at the ripe old age of 15. The past few years have seen her perform throughout the USA and Europe.

Fliss Burdett is the singer/guitarist with local folk/funk band, the-love-bus. Fliss has topped the radio charts in NZ, toured extensively, won songwriting competitions, and got this gig together.

For a girl in her mid 20s, Kristy Gentz has a lifetime's list of credentials - three recording deals, seven releases from three different bands, a hit in France, a television show, an outrageous number of national and international tours, two ARIA nominations, and an APRA songwriting award.

Lecia McPhail-Bell has played alongside Killing Heidi, Grinspoon and The Butterfly Effect in previous bands. She is preparing for the launch of her EP Heaven or Hell this year. For more info phone Fliss on 6687 4615.

Vanessa the Dresser

Is it a bird? Or a cat? No it's superbird, Vanessa Wagner (pictured), who will be holding one of her swish little parties at the Great Northern Hotel in Byron next Saturday, June 25.

With the days getting longer and the nights steamier, Ms Wagner invites you to enjoy a raucous and raunchy night at the Swinging Solstice Party. Swingers, queers, straights and celibates are all welcome.

Vanessa will DJ early and set the tone for the evening then Sydney DJ Stephen Allkins will inspire punters to carve up the dance floor. There'll even be go-go dancing and a stripper.

Come dressed to impress and share in the bounty of prizes on offer for the Best Dressed Punter Parade. Tickets are $20 pre-sale (available from the venue) or $25 at the door. The party starts at 9pm and rages until 3am.

Arty auction to help the disabled

This painting by Rhonda Baker is one of the many fine artworks to be auctioned in Lismore by that arty auctioneer with the mirthy money magic, S Sorrensen.

Armistead's Gallery and the Riding For the Disabled Association will present a Fine Art Auction at the Lismore Workers Club next Saturday, June 25, with 10 per cent of all sales going to the Riding For the Disabled people, who bring a lot of joy and adventure into some people's difficult lives.

The artworks to be auctioned are currently part of Ray Legge's collection. Ray has been collecting these works over a 20-year period and has acquired art pieces from all over Australia - and quite a few from established local artists.

The auction will be conducted by that master of all ceremonies, S Sorrensen, whose auctioneering skill is an artwork in itself. Many have shaken their head in wonder at such a concentration of talent in one person. S will no doubt bring a sense of occasion and solemnity to proceedings.

Starting at 6pm with a viewing of the art to be auctioned and with registration for those who may wish to bid for some or all of the pieces, the evening will include entertainment by Tapestry (a string ensemble - very sophisticated eh?), complimentary drinks and canapes, and then at 7pm, the auction.

If you wish to bid at this auction you must register either on the night or you can visit Armistead's Gallery in Lismore or phone them on 6622 8011. Prior viewing of the works can be arranged.

Celebrating jazz

The first North Coast Jazz Fest held in Bangalow last weekend brought together some of Australia's hottest musicians with Australia's warmest audience.

Pictured from top: The Oceania Trio filled the street with music and high fashion; Jim Kelly, guitar freak, played in so many bands he has a new nickname, "Lazybones".

Pics: Robin Osborne

Laid-back Larks

Skylarks are bringing their warm and cosy jazz vibe to the Nimbin Pub this Nimbin Market Sunday, June 19, from 2pm. Having played there regularly for the past three years, the audience loves, and expects, the laid-back riffs and rhythms, the finger-clicking grooves, of the Skylarks.

The brides come back

Floyd Vincent and the Childbrides are back on the North Coast with their Under The Mirrorball Tour. They will play the Chincogan Tavern in Mullumbimby this Friday, June 17.

Theatre-Theatre's double double bill bill

Theatre-Theatre's latest production is a double bill with Dr Seuss II (a collage of stories by Seuss - The Cat In The Hat Comes Back, Yertle The Turtle, The Lorax, etc) and Oh Dahling (a composite of Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes - The Emperor's New Clothes, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, etc).

These productions showcase the incredible talents of Seuss and Dahl as well as the energy, talent and inspiration of Theatre-Theatre. You can see this double-feature production at the Masonic Hall in Lismore (opposite the library) next Thursday, June 23, and then on Saturday, June 25. Both shows start at 7pm. Heaps of fun for all ages.

Tickets are $15 and are available from Caddies Bean Shop in Lismore or at the door on the night.

Festival of writers

With over 100 writers of national and international renown covering the widest possible range of literary interests and genres, Jill Eddington, director of the Byron Bay Writers' Festival, comments that, "We've grown from an intimate local event to a world class festival that fills three full days with abundant stimulus for hearts and minds."

Feature events include opening night on August 4, with Julian Burnside, human rights lawyer, discussing words and action. Friday's popular literary lunch at Fins restaurant will present New York writer and feminist, Kate Jennings, in conversation with savvy journalist Julia Baird.

Saturday evening's forum at the Byron Community and Cultural Centre will be a hoot. The combination of John Clarke, John Safran, Wendy Harmer and Guy Rundle in a panel chaired by Mick O'Regan should be stimulating and funny.

The full list of participants and booking info can be found at www.byronbaywritersfestival.com.

Recycled fashion parade

Lifeline's annual fashion parade is happening again, on August 13, and their recycled clothing competition is bigger than ever. Prizes range from $500 for the winner of the senior section to $200 for the juniors.

The recycle competition is open to all. Conditions include purchasing clothing from any of Lifeline's six stores, asking for an entry form while you're there, start sewing and hopefully you'll be rewarded for your creativity and originality. A good cause.

Smile - you're helping someone

The Alstonville-Wollongbar Quota Club has just released details of the Quota Photography Awards for 2005. The theme is A Slice of Passion! - North Coast Style.

This theme allows North Coast photographers to explore their passions - love, life and death.

With fees of $3 (junior section) and $6 (open section), everyone can afford to have a go for the $500 in prize money. All proceeds go to Ballina-Byron Family Centre's ButterflyChildren program - much needed grief counselling for children.

Entries are invited until August 19. Local photographer Jacklyn Wagner and retired professional Ted Ashby are the judges, with winners being announced at the Quota Art and Craft Fair opening night on Friday, August 26. Entry forms are available at The New Camera House in Lismore and Ballina, and in local supporting shops.

Asterix the second

The second Asterix Kitchen Project will be held this Thursday, June 16 (tonight!), at The Tatts Hotel in Lismore.

Bedlam will be headlining with their rocky, funky, groovy sort of music. New band Luca will showcase their three-part harmonies and diverse instrumentation.

But wait! There's more. The music of Longfoot is a dusty blend of distorted folk and dirty minor blues. Yum. And the night will be opened by Sally Marett. Doors open at 8pm and $4 will get you through them.

For more information phone 0408 402 825.

Monk art postponed

The Saraswati School of Yoga & Arts' Charity Monks Exhibition is now postponed for three months. Expressions of interest are still encouraged for all artists to donate an artwork with a 'freedom' theme to raise money for the Tibetan Sand Mandala Monks, who are from the Sera Mey Monastery in Ballykuppe, South India.

You can pick up the free canvases from Northern Rivers Art Suppliers in Lismore and finished works can also be delivered there.

For more info email kriya vidya@yahoo.com.au.

Pic your Dad

Thank dads and all men who have positive times with children by entering their photo in the sixth annual Thanks Dad National Photo Competition.

There are $100 cash prizes in categories like best primary or secondary school photographer; best photo featuring 10-18 year olds; and best photo featuring grandparents or other significant males who are not the main carer. Enter online at www. thanksdadphotos.org or by mail by August 25.

You could win a prize but more importantly, you honour the vital role men play in the lives of children.

For more info phone Community Connections North Coast on 6622 3143.

TAFE Virgin sacrifice

Mandy Nolan is a stand-up comedian from the North Coast who for the past seven years has been teaching the finer points of stand-up comedy to people from Melbourne to the Gold Coast.

"I think stand up comedy is a bit like learning to parachute," says Mandy. "Most people don't go up in a plane and make the jump because they're planning on joining the army - they do it for the exhilaration of facing one of the great human fears. Performing your own material on stage with the expectation of being funny is similar - if it doesn't work you could die and if it does you feel indestructible."

Mandy has been teaching Lismore TAFE drama students the highs and lows of stand-up. After six weeks of training, the course climaxes with a live performance where the students deliver their first five-minute stand-up routine. With Mandy at the helm as MC, audiences are in for a big night of laughs.

Check out the Virgin Sacrifice this Thursday, June 16, at the Blue Room in the Italo Club in North Lismore. Entry is $10. The laughs start at 8pm.

The jazz Flame

Jazz band, Little Flame, return to the hallowed and warm environs of the Rous Hotel in Lismore next Tuesday, June 21, for the Jazz & Blues night. Heavy on rhythm and with breathtaking capacity for inspired melody, this band mixes original compositions with tunes penned by the jazz masters.

The gig costs $5 and starts at 8.30pm.

Full moon in the Gardens

Djanbung Gardens in Nimbin will celebrate the solstice with a Winter Solstice Full Moon Party next Wednesday, June 22, from sunset onwards. There'll be a Celtic solstice ceremony at sunset, good food from the café after 6.30pm and music from 7pm with Robert Bruce, Al Khimiya, Pagan Love Cult and Mystic Beats. This is a fundraiser for permaculture education - a worthy cause promoting ecological sustainability.

Entry is a very cheap at $7/5. For more info phone 6689 1755.

Unplugged again

Karl Farren will feature at this month's Unplugged - an acoustic style (that means there's a PA) cabaret of local performers.

Karl's music can certainly touch the toughest punter's heart. His song First Born on the CD Fatherhood confirms his position as a songwriter of emotional merit.

Unplugged will offer the talents of Karl and regular and visiting performers at the Rous Hotel in Lismore next Wednesday, June 22, from 8pm. $6/4 gets you in.

For more info or to get a gig in the future (this is a monthly event) phone Don on 6622 7451.

A pitchin' project

Northern Rivers Screenworks presents the entertaining second round of Pitch'N'Punt for screen projects (film, television or digital media) from the Northern Rivers.

A number of locals, chosen from the first round held behind closed doors recently, have been trained and preened for this opportunity to present their projects in public at the Byron Community and Cultural Centre next Tuesday, June 21, from 7.30pm.

The pitchers have just five minutes each to entice you into the world of their project, convincing you and the judging panel it would make good viewing.

You can be a part of this night of entertainment, which includes locally produced short films, a lucky door prize and voting rights for the Punters' Choice.

This is an opportunity to learn the business, see what's happening locally and enjoy some creative local screen works.

Tickets are $8 (available at the door from 6.30pm). For more info or to book phone 6680 9220 or email info@screenworks.com.au.

Jazz, what jazz?

The Lismore Jazz Club gig has been postponed from this Sunday, June 19, to Sunday, July 3 (in two weeks), when a secret hot New Orleans jazz band (watch this space), featuring two secret jazz masters from Melbourne, will blow the roof off the Lismore City Bowling Club with the hot riffs starting at 2pm and raging on until 6pm.

And if you can't wait that long, there's a sort of jazz jam thing happening at the club every Sunday when the Jazz Club isn't .happening.