The Scene - Local Entertainment News

Back in the backyard

The Wright Brothers are piloted by brothers Simon and Jed Wright.

Three local bands, Engine Three Seven, The Wright Brothers and Seaburg, got together and toured down south under the banner of "Byron In Ya Backyard". It was a taste of the musical richness and diversity of the North Coast. And that taste was well received and the southern musical palate wants more. They will get a lot more from these three local outfits (a national tour is on the cards) but first, Byron In Ya Backyard is touring around... well, its backyard, with punters able to eat their fill of local original sounds at Chincogan Hotel, this Friday night, August 19, and at the Rails Hotel in Byron this Sunday, August 21 from 6.30pm.

Cancelled

Jimmi Carr (centre) and his sour looking band mates are unhappy because they've had to cancel their North Coast tour. Why? Don't know...

Solo Seeker sings

Remember the Seekers? They were one of the really big Australian bands of the sixties that did well on the world pop charts (the Easybeats were another). At one stage they knocked the Rolling Stones from the number one chart position with the song The Carnival is Over.

That was 1964. The Seekers had left their home shores and had arrived in England for what was originally only going to be a few weeks - they ended up staying much longer and put together a string of hits.

The Seekers had a distinctive sound - partly due to singer Judith Durham's voice and partly due to guitarist's Keith Potger's musical sensibilities.

Since the demise of the original Seekers, Keith has been involved with The New Seekers (where he wrote and arranged many of their songs) and various incarnations of the original band (Judith Durham returned to the band in 1993).

But Keith has another project in mind - going solo. Last year he released Secrets of the Heart and is establishing himself as a solo performer. He loves to play the 12 string acoustic guitar and his excitement at doing his own show is evident in the energy and passion he gives to the songs - both old and new.

You can see Keith Potger do Seekers material and some of his own when he performs at the Lismore Workers Club (6621 7401) next Thursday, August 25, and at the Ballina RSL Club (6686 2544) on Friday, August 26. Both shows start at 8pm and tickets are $15 and available from the venues.

Special screening 

Lyndon Terracini has a great voice. We all know that but this Friday night, August 19, North Coasters can see evidence of another of his talents. Lyndon wrote the screenplay for the film The Widower which is screening twice at the Star Court Theatre in Lismore.

The Widower stars Chris Haywood and Frances Rings (remember her from Bangarra Dance Company?) and is a tale of loss, grief and love simply directed by Kevin Lucas. Lyndon's screenplay takes the form of dramatic songs based on the poetry of Les Murray. Complemented by Elena Kats-Chernin's haunting music and camera work by Kim Batterham (who won the 2005 Golden Tripod for this work) The Widower is a simple, elegant music-drama. It tells the story of a father and son who struggle to reconcile the loss of a loved one. It's a beautiful portrait of life in the Australian bush. It is film poetry.

Margaret Pomeranz (you know her) said in her review, "I found The Widower a really pure and beautiful experience and a very moving one. It's fantastic that we're able to produce films that combine such an amazing array of talent."

The evening screening will start at 7pm with an introduction by Lyndon. And maybe a singalong...

There'll also be a screening this Saturday, August 20, at 2pm. Tickets are $10/8.

Brill - o!

Eddie Brill is a comedian from the US but he's coming to the North Coast to test armchairs and hairstyles. Laugh at him next Monday...

It's not every day that you get an international comedian performing on the North Coast. But thanks to Russell Crowe (you know him - Mister Sensitive), Eddie Brill, who works as the talent scout and warm-up comedian for the David Letterman show, is on his way to the Byron Bowling Club, next Monday, August 22, at 8pm, where he will expose his comic genius to our part of the world.

It seems that he and Russell were guests on a chat show recently and when Eddie mentioned he was coming out to do some stand-up in Australia, Crowie recommended that he check out Byron Bay. It will be his only regional performance. Russell then suggested Eddie might like a phone in his face.

Born and raised in New York, Brill is a respected stand-up in the USA and abroad. He has been a regular on the comedy scene in England since 1989 and also works regularly in Ireland, France, Amsterdam and Hong Kong. Eddie has received the award for the best male comedian in New York three times in a row - a pretty sensational testimony to his talent considering he's up against the likes of Jerry Seinfield.

Eddie's support comedian for the night is Brendan Lovechild, a Mullum boy who has been creating comedy waves from Sydney to Brisbane.

The evening's host is our very own Mandy Nolan.

Tickets are $20/15. For bookings phone 6685 6202.

Dance till ya drop

Blue King Brown is one third of the triple bill dance fest at Coorabell hall this weekend.

Blue King Brown, Skin and Tommee & the Neighbourhood will all be generating some serious dance grooves this Saturday night, August 20, at Coorabell Hall.

Originally from Byron but now based in Melbourne, Blue King Brown fuse soul, rock, hip hop, roots reggae and percussive grooves into a rhythm-based sound that pulls you up out of your chair, slaps you just a bit to wake you up and makes you dance.

Skin, after a bit of a break (a lesion?), is getting back together for this evening. Some members of Skin are also in Blue King Brown. Greg Sheehan, percussion guru, returns to perform with Skin. Good.

Rounding out the entertainment for this night of dance are Tommee & The Neighbourhood. Tommee's music will take you to the heart of the Indonesian jungle where he was born and infect you with the rhythm of freedom - jungle roots reggae meets big city blues. Tommeee & The Neighbourhood have released their first CD No Added Sugar. It's a musical odyssey travelling from roots reggae to funk, from soul to blues and from Latin to Afro beats.

The doors open at 7.15pm. The show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $15.

Assume the jazz position

Guitarist Steve Magnusson (who won the Wangaratta Guitar Jazz Award ) and tenor-sax man Julien Wilson (who didn't) make up two thirds of the hot jazz combo, Assumptions Trio - who are cruising to Lismore next Tuesday.

Assumptions Trio are a Melbourne-based ambient-power trio. (I'm not sure what ambient-power is but it sure sounds exciting.) Anyway, I do know that these guys have been hailed as one of the most significant groups on the Aussie jazz scene. Their debut album Assumptions 2% has been nominated for both an ARIA and a Bell award for Best Australian Contemporary Album. With the addition of drummer Will Guthrie this trio has guitar, tenor sax and drums. No bass. That, as well as their approach to improvisation, creates a distinctive sound. There'll be some hot licks flying around this gig.

Catch these special guests of the weekly Jazz & Blues night at the Rous Hotel in Lismore next Tuesday, August 23, from 8.30. Entry is $9/7.

Dancing fruits

Tropical Fruits will present another of its sensational dance parties on Saturday, August 27, at the Italo Club in North Lismore. This wicked event is called Sinsation and will have sensational local DJ Tsunami mixing it up with Sydney DJ Svetta on the turntables. There'll also be a sensational live performance, plenty of sensational dancing and some interesting visuals. Tickets are available at the door and are $25/20/15.

King of the jungle

The Winsome Hotel in North Lismore is really pumping these days. Good to see the old place back in action. This Saturday, August 20, the Winnie will pulse to Leo Pride - a raw and rude jungle dance party. There'll be drum acts direct from the dark continent and some extraordinary dancers... and a whipping. (!?)

With DJs spinning the jungle beats, the Tarzan action will swing until 3am. $20 gets you in.

Martha's coming

Martha Wainwright (pictured) is quite an original performer with an interesting musical pedigree. Born in 1976, she is the daughter of Kate McGarrigle (of the renowned folk duo Kate and Anna McGarrigle) and singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III. She began writing songs and performing in clubs while a drama student in her native Montreal.

Singing dramatic ballads bristling with character, she seems wise, vulnerable and sexy. And she has a voice that can break your heart. (But I'm tough...)

Now based in New York City, Martha is coming to the Bangalow A& I Hall on Thursday, September 1.

Tickets are selling pretty quickly so I reckon if you're keen to experience Martha Wainwright and special guest Josh Ritter, grab your tickets soon.

Tickets are $40 (plus a booking fee at some outlets) and available from Barebones Artspace in Bangalow (6687 1393), Mullumbimby Book Shop (6684 1413), Buzz Bar in Murwillumbah (6672 4766), Way Out East in Ballina (6686 8111), All Music and Vision in Lismore (6622 5399) and Music @ Byron (66 857611).

One for the boys

Daniella Finkenauer will be helping the lads get their moves together in the Into The Groove dance project. But what is it with the 'Keep Clear S' sign? I'm always clear...ish. Okay. Once I was clear... for a minute.

Hey boys! Are you in Year 10/11? Do you want to flex your muscles and perform? Boys are encouraged to get 'Into the Groove' in October. The lads can join other dancers for an extraordinary work experience week as part of a dance company project at Lismore City Hall. Five full days of dance including acro balance/circus, capoeira, hip hop, African and contemporary dance culminating in a performance in the theatre.

Get in quick and contact your careers advisor at your high school or call NORPA Dance Action on 6622 3279 by next Monday, August 22.

Dynamic teacher Annetta Luce from New York (home of hip hop, dudes) will lead the company with help from local dance artists like Daniella (if she can get out of the rubbish can). There are limited places available so do it now.

Shake it sheik!

If you love belly dancing and Middle Eastern culture here's a night for you.

The Nomad Dance Troupe (pictured) and Alkhimiya will present El Leila Halwa (The Beautiful Night) this Saturday, August 20, at the Nimbin town hall.

Invoking the spirit of the exotic east, chantress Laya will open the evening with a chanting and singing ritual, followed by a special performance of Sufi poetry by Hafiz the Sufi mystic and philosopher.

Alkhimiya will perform solo and with the Nomad dancers. The Desert Wind Drummers will enhance the Arabic theme with an impassioned middle eastern drum session.

The organisers invite the audience to come dressed for the occasion with middle eastern attire. There'll be door prizes for the best dressed.

Tickets are $10/7 and are available at the door. The belly shaking starts at 7.30pm.

Herb fest music looking good

This is what can happen in the country when a lack of trains and higher fuel prices can force people to marry within the family. Jimmy Willing is drooling with anticipation of his band's gig at the Health and Herb Festival being held this weekend in Lismore.

Jimmy Willing & the Real Gone Hick-Ups will perform their wild country music at the Greenridge Health and Herb Festival on the main stage this Sunday, August 21, at 3pm. The Real Gones are country music at its zaniest, filled with dodgy love stories and missing teeth. And a dog.

There's a huge variety of music at the festival over the two days (this Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21) including Waiting For Guinness, Isabella A Capella, Voices in the Roar, Old Spice Boys, Andy Jans Brown & The Ink and plenty more. Like dance performances...

Check out the Summerland Rockers (Sunday 12.30pm, main stage) for some rock & roll moves, the Hip Hop Dance (Saturday, 4.15pm, main stage) for the modern groove moves, and the Nomad Dance Troupe (Sunday, 2.45pm, main stage) for some beautiful belly bounces.

There are activities for kids, a local designers' fashion parade (Saturday, 1.45pm. main stage; Sunday, 1.30pm, main stage), a cooking competition (Saturday, 10am - 12pm, Bush Foood Bonanza Tent) and lots of interesting talks and displays that could affect your lifestyle.

The Heath and Herb Festival will be held in Riverside and Heritage Parks in Lismore this Saturday and Sunday, August 20-21.

More info and a program can be found on page 18 of this issue and at www.healthandherbfestival.com.

Reg calls it a day

By Julian Ryan

Bentley Art Prize founder/coordinator Reg Hartley is pictured in front of this year's untitled winning entry by Ross Tamlin. After 21 years in the job Reg has decided to call it a day.

After organising the Bentley Art Prize for the last 21 years the event's founder and coordinator Reg Hartley has decided to let someone else take on the responsibility of organising the show.

Reg started the show to raise money for Bentley Hall. Since then the Bentley Art Prize has gone on to become an important annual event raising thousands of dollars for local charities.

Reg's final show drew a record 390 entries plus 600 visitors.

After 21 years in the job Reg said it will be sad to hand the reins over to someone else, but was looking forward to coming next year to simply enjoy the art.

"I will miss the contact with the artists and the students that have all helped to make the Bentley Art Prize a successful annual event," Reg said. "I have enjoyed every minute of organising these shows over the years and would like to thank my long-suffering wife Phyllis for all her support.

"At 83 I just don't have the same amount of go as I had in me 20 years ago and now it's time to let someone else carry on."

The Bentley Hall committee will shortly decide who will organise next year's Bentley Art Prize. Anyone interested can phone Reg on 6663 5253 to nominate.

This year the $1000 open prize was taken out by Ross Tamlin for his untitled painting. Tom Stewart won the Acquisition Prize for Cattle Resting, The Aboriginal Prize was awarded to John Weeronga Bantoo for Bush Tucker Camps and Caleb Payne won the Aboriginal Student Art Prize for Meeting Place.

Evelyn O'Neill won the Amateur Painting Prize for Hello Cocky and David Nixon won the Photography Prize for Journey.

Meet the real Byron locals

There's a new film made by recent locals about some of Byron's most secretive but exciting real locals. After five years work and over a thousand dives around Julian Rocks just offshore from Byron, Tim Hochgrebe of Planula Productions and Osvaldo Alfaro from the local animation and visual effects company GreenhouseFX, have created Marine Passions.

Audiences will enter the little known world under the waves as they meet the true Byron Bay locals - manta rays, turtles, sharks, a playful octopus and many other wet creatures.

Breaking new ground in underwater imagery, Marine Passions is augmented with visual effects and a soundtrack (featuring local musos Bhakta and Disha) which fuse to create an artistic rendering of this secret underwater world which is geographically so close to us.

There will be a film premiere and DVD launch for Marine Passions this Friday, August 19, at the Byron Community Centre. The film starts at 6pm and tickets are $15. Included in the price is live music by Bhakta and Disha.

Ballina is guilty

After the successful Bless 'Em All cabaret, Ballina Players are busy with rehearsal for their next production Dead Guilty written by Richard Harris. This play is a thriller - a "who dunnit" - that will keep the audience guessing right up to the last scene.

Directed by Ballina Players president, Mary Richards, the play revolves around the wife, the lover, the counsellor and the home help - hmmm, interesting.

Actors include Octavia Stapleton, a veteran of many Ballina Players shows, Chrisitine Holmes, a new Ballina Players member whose acting credits include Cop Shop and Carson's Law, Matthew Whittingham and Diana Mason.

Dead Guilty will open on September 2 and will run until September 17 at Players Theatre in Ballina. For more info or bookings phone 6686 2662.

Idol - the heat is on

The first semi-final of the Ballina's Idol competition is full. From the four heats so far 12 have made it to the first semi-final. The final three to make the semis (from heat four last week) were Lucinda Marty (Byron Bay), Lloyd Bilton (East Ballina) and Ian Brown (Byron Bay). This Sunday the Ballina RSL Club will host heat five, with the best three going into the second semi-final. They'll be competing for over $10,000 in prizes in the Ballina's Idol final which will be held in the Ballina RSL Club auditorium on September 30.

So if you think you've got the talent and passion to perform in front of an audience, you need to be quick as the last four heats are filling up fast. Get down to the Ballina RSL Club and grab an entry form. Or entry forms can be downloaded by visiting www.ballinarsl.com.au.

For more info phone Nancy on 66 81 4325 or 0414 462 513.

Cawongla Playhouse auction

Cawongla Playhouse (the area's pre-school) is hosting its major fundraiser of the year next month. With a recent freeze on funding increases for pre-schools (who needs education?) and the skyrocketing insurance premiums, Cawongla Playhouse, like most pre-schools, is facing tough financial times. So it hopes to raise extra money through the Cawongla Playhouse Auction.

The Cawongla Playhouse is looking for donations of any kind - gardening tools, furniture, small goods... you name it. Anything that is in good working order will go under the hammer at the pre-school on Sunday, September 11, from 11am.

Lunch will be available and there'll be stalls for the kids. For more info phone Sharon at Cawongla Playhouse on 6633 7167.

An Indian night

Narasimha Hegde from Southern India is a master of the Indian classical flute. He's also a member of Prakruti which is an offshoot of the Appiko movement - an Indian forest protection movement.

Narasimha will give a flute recital and a talk on traditional methods of harvesting non-timber forest products and there'll be a showing of Neil Pike's new film Appiko - about that Indian tree-loving movement - at the Rainforest Information Centre at 13 Wotherspoon Street in Lismore this Friday, August 19; at Djanbung Gardens in Nimbin this Saturday, August 20; and at Shambala Sanctuary in Belongil Crescent, Sunrise Beach, Byron, this Sunday August 21.

The show starts at 7pm each evening. John Seed will also talk about the campaign to protect the Periyar Tiger Reserve in southern India.

Entry is $15/5(money to go to Indain conservation projects). Food and chai will be available.

For more info phone 6621 3294.

All ages rock!

Here's how to get warm this Friday, August 19 - go along to the Winta Rock gig at the PCYC in Lismore (corner of Dawson and Orion Streets) where our own punksters Brittle Fex will headline a night of good clean dirty rock. These award-winning lads will be supported by Tentative (who aren't), Double or Nothing (who are) and Evasion (who won't).

This is an all ages gig with no drinking or smoking to interfere with the musical bliss. The gig goes from 7 - 11pm and costs $7.

For more info phone 6621 6276.

It's serious. Really.

Mandy Nolan and Alan Glover are two of Australia's best comedians and they will be going head to head (with some support from experts who actually know what they're talking about) in the Great Debate at the Health and Herb Festival in Lismore this weekend. The debate is on in the Talking Tent this Saturday, August 20, at 11.30am.

They will argue the relative merits of traditional and modern medicines. It should be a real hoot. And probably informative too. (If you listen to the others...)