Norpa News

A great weekend of music

The Go-Betweens

Three cheers to everyone involved in the entirely splendid music weekend Lismore just had, from the world-class artists and their crews, to the audiences and locals who supported the event.

We've barely had time to draw breath though, as it's now time to enjoy all the music which is coming to town during August.

First boat docking will be The Go-Betweens, who are playing at Lismore's Star Court Theatre on August 5 as part of their globe-trotting Oceans Apart tour.

The Brisbane-incubated duo have been together now for almost 30 years.

Anyone who's experienced a summer north of Taree knows what their first massive hit, Cattle and Cane, is all about. The feeling caught on worldwide, with shows on every continent and 11 albums under their belts since.

They will be supported in Lismore by Sophie Koh, a singer/songwriter Unearthed by Triple J this year, whose debut album All The Pretty Boys came out last month.

Tickets are $32.20 from the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre on 6621 5600 or at the door from 7pm.

Our youngest local music lovers and their families are in for a treat direct from the Sydney Opera House on August 17.

Babies Proms combines music, children's stories and fun visuals in a wonderful show called Music Book that even babies can enjoy, which lets toddlers and pre-schoolers experience music and try out their newfound dancing legs.

The 12 musicians are all members of the Opera House's own chamber orchestra, and all love interacting with young fans.

The show sold out its season in Sydney, and is now on an extensive regional tour.

Music Book will start at 10am. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children from the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre on 6621 5600.

On August 16 at 7pm, hear the brass and drums and pipes of the Australian Air Command Band in a performance at Lismore City Hall.

Anyone who's watched a Beating of the Retreat knows how stirring the mix of classical pieces and martial standards (and usually a couple of witty surprises) can be. Tickets are $15/$10 or $25 for a family. Book on 6621 5600. To win a double pass to this gig, send an envelope with your name, address and telephone number on the back (and an Echo masthead inside) to: Brass Bliss, NORPA, PO Box 225, Lismore, 2480.

Events and giveaways

NORPA's next movie at the Star Court Theatre will be Head On, a German film directed by Fatih Akin. It is the story of two Turkish-German people who meet in a psychiatric clinic after suicide attempts. Cahit's faked her attempt to escape her devout Muslim family. To rid herself of shame, she begs Sibel to marry her. Unskilled at loving, their relationship reaches a point of murderous explosion. Head On is screening tomorrow, Friday, July 29, at 7pm and Saturday at 2pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 concession at the door.

• Winner of the double pass to The Go-Betweens is L Nilon of Wollongbar and winner of double pass to Head On is Brian Costin.