The Scene - Local Entertainment News

Open Slather's On

Vanessa Wagner.

The premiere of the Open Slather Youth Short Film Festival - which received a record number of 58 entries this year - will be held tomorrow night, August 30, at Southern Cross University's Whitebrook Theatre.

Hosted by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras presenter and Celebrity Big Brother evictee, Vanessa Wagner, the event is designed to give young people a chance to show their filmmaking prowess.

"This is unique opportunity to see and hear the issues on the minds of young people," Ballina Youth Service manager, Peter Moore, said. "Ballina Youth Service is committed to developing the potential of young people across the region and Open Slather is one of a number of youth focused events we run throughout the year."

Entries were received in five categories - 18 and under, 24 and under, animation, open regional and open national. The premiere will showcase 23 short-listed films, and all entries are eligible to be nominated for the IF Magazine People's Choice Award for best film.

This year's Open Slather will also include a performance by Aboriginal singer/songwriter Kev Carmody, as part of the launch of the Ballina Youth Service's Aboriginal Youth Programs. The programs will be run over the next 10 months in Ballina, ranging from art and craft activities to songwriting and recording workshops with Kev Carmody.

More information on the programs can be obtained on the night.

Tickets to Open Slather are $10/6 from the SCU Union, Lismore and Ballina's ABC Shops and Soundwaves in Byron Bay, or at the door. The night runs from 6-10.30pm.

Only the Beginning

Not quite Boney M... Deborah Conway returns to the Great Northern on Sunday.

Deborah Conway started picking through the bones of her 17 year musical career while hanging around Brisbane last Summer. The result is a 17-track 'greatest hits' compilation titled Only the Bones.

It kicks off with the magnificent 'Man Overboard' her first hit with Do Re Mi back in 1985, then collects highlights from her four albums, plus side projects like Ultrasound, as well as the Patsy Cline songs 'Sweet Dreams' and 'Walking After Midnight' - the result of her performances last year in a critically acclaimed Patsy Cline tribute show.

It's a fitting testament to a career that has spanned music, theatre, film and a number of other cross-collaborations.

But the always outspoken Conway is a little more forthright about it.

"It's a bit of self indulgence. I was trying to make sure that they weren't just the pop songs people had heard before," she said.

"I wanted it to represent all the albums. Many people who've heard my music know the early stuff, but not many people know the late stuff."

Alas she ran out of room to get all the songs she wanted on, but favourites like 'It's only the beginning' sit alongside 'Radio loves this' and 'Never far away' from 2000's Exquisite Stereo.

While her partner/collaborator and guitarist Willy Zygier is 'staying home to look after the kids' for this tour, Conway has assembled a top shelf band to rip through the hits - the rhythm section from Augie March, Gerry Hale, the genius behind Uncle Bill, for a splash of bluegrass, James Black of the Revelators on keyboard and David Carr on guitar.

"I'm also going to do a 'best of' costume changes as well," Conway laughs.

Tickets for Deborah Conway at the Great Northern are on sale now from the pub, or at the door on the night.

Who Brought the Dogs Down?

Resin Dogs play the Great Northern next Thursday.

Brisbane funksters Resin Dogs are back with their unique dance blend challenging punters to 'Set it off' - the name of their new EP - by carving up the rug at the Great Northern next Thursday, September 5. It's impossible to stay still at a Resin Dogs gig - their funky, fun time beats are guaranteed to get even the oldest dogs in the audience learning new tricks.

While Andrew and Dave from the band are regulars in Byron, playing as Two Dogs, the full shebang will be bolstered by American west coast rapper Abstract Rude for a dash of hip hop.

Expect them to play a long show with plenty of old stuff and a ripper horn section.

It promises to be a big sweaty dance fest. Tickets at the door.

Lizard Fave Returns

Peter 'Akmal' Saleh.

After a sell-out show last year, the irrepressible Peter 'Akmal' Saleh returns to the monthly Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge next Tuesday, September 3, at Maggie Moores.

Akmal has been performing professionally on the Australian comedy circuit since 1988, touring with well-known comics such as Jimeoin, Ben Elton and Steady Eddie.

Today he is one of the circuit's best comedians and his latest project, The Fifty Foot Show, which he co-wrote and performed in, is currently on Foxtel's Comedy Channel.

Akmal's shows are always upbeat and frenetic, the jokes coming so thick and fast the audience hardly has a chance to draw breath. While imagination always plays a part in a comic's show Akmal largely draws on personal experience, which undoubtedly explains why there are so many jokes in his routine about living below the poverty line.

Next Tuesday Akmal will be joined by local comedians Rene and Jacinta, with live music by local musician Chris Aronsten. As always MC S Sorrensen will host the night and compere the $50 joke competition - fast becoming a favourite at the Laughing Lizard so get in early for a shot at the money.

Delicious dinners are available at the venue, however, bookings are essential for the $20 meal and show deal (phone 6622 18888). Show tickets only are $12 at the door, and $6 for Uni students who bring ID. The show kicks off at 8.30pm.

Freebie: The Echo has one double pass to giveaway to the Laughing Lizard. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 10.30 & 10.40am on Monday, September 2.

Baartz Back in Town

Former Southern Cross University graduate and talented saxophonist Martha Baartz (pictured) will make her debut back in Lismore with the Baartz Freeman Quintet next Wednesday, September 4 at Maggie Moores' weekly jazz night.

Guitarist Lliam Freeman is co-writer and founder of the Baartz Freeman Quintet, and is one of few musicians to be awarded a international study grant from Arts Victoria to pursue studies in jazz composition overseas.

Melbourne-based Martha and Lliam join with some of the North Coast's most talented musicians to complete the ensemble - Dave Sanders on drums, Jack Thorncraft on bass and Steve Russell on keyboards.

Since coming together the quintet has already played regularly at Melbourne's premier jazz venue, Bennett's Lane, while also recording music for ABC National's popular music program, Jazz Tracks.

The quintet has a hugely diverse repertoire, blending influences from places like New Orleans and New York with music from West Africa and Cuba. The result is a highly infectious blend of music that is rich and deeply rhythmic, while still showcasing the various talents of the musicians.

Tickets to this gig are only $5, and it's a great chance to support an ex-Lismore local whose making a name for herself in the competitive world of music. The gig starts at 8.30pm.

Gig Spells Future Benefits for Natives

To raise funds for much-needed new equipment, Lismore's community radio station 2NCR FM is holding a Benefit Gig tomorrow, August 30, featuring Brisbane band Future Native (pictured).

Future Native is a collaboration between singer/songwriter PJ Creamer and the classically trained bass player and harmony singer Melanie May.

Together as Future Native they have allowed themselves to be more innovative, and the band's line-up ranges from tribal drums and didgeridoo infused music to pop and rock.

With lyrics reminiscent of Midnight Oil and a musical feel somewhat like The Foo Fighters, Future Native make for some very interesting listening, as evidenced by their latest single 'Protest Song', which has had high rotation airplay on Triple J. While Future Native are headlining the Benefit Gig there's no shortage of talent among the other performers.

Local pop and jazz duo Candra Sleeman and Jason Cakitaki will take to the stage with their folky and uplifting jazz, preceded by a debut performance from solo blues artist Adam.

Completing the line-up is regular Winsome performer DJ Miss Direction and DJ Accidentally Kelly, whose electronica has been featured on 2NCR FM for the last three years.

The Benefit Gig is being held at the Tatts Hotel and with entry just $5/3, it's a cheap, easy and entertaining way to show support for a great local organisation. Gig starts at 9pm.

Hooley Dooley!

Children's entertainers The Hooley Dooleys will perform their fabulous new live show next Friday, September 6 at the Lismore Workers Club, and they're even bringing along their favourite friends - Russell the Muscley Kangaroo and Tickle the Doodat.

The Hooley Dooleys (Bruce Thorburn, David Butts and Antoine Dumarest) have just embarked on a tour to promote the new show Roll Up! Roll Up!, which is all based around the circus. But as well as singing songs all about clowns and juggling, magic and tightropes, the Hooley Dooleys also have plenty of other numbers - ones that kids will love like the slimy song Slug and ones that parents will like such as Get the Job Done, about helping mum and dad around the house.

"It's really important for us to create music that kids can interact with, and that will make them laugh," Bruce said. "We love children, and we love making music - our shows are about inviting kids to get up and move around, and to really laugh and have a good time."

Tickets to the Hooley Dooley's Roll Up! Roll Up! show are $8.80 and children under 18 months are free. The show starts at 10.30am. To book phone 6621 7401, but remember you need a member to sign you in.

Alice's Wonderland

Clunes Village Community Productions will present their newest play, Living Next Door to Alice, next Saturday and Sunday, September 7-8 at the Clunes Village Common. Designed as a family show, Living Next Door to Alice is a adaptation of the famous story Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, with heaps of exciting sets and plenty of live music.

The show starts at 4.30pm. Afternoon tea is included in the ticket price of $12 adults, $7 children or $30 for a family. Bookings are essential, phone Trish 6629 1775.

Bay FM Radiothon

The 2002 Bay FM Radiothon, which has been running since August, will culminate a massive party tomorrow, August 30, at the Great Northern in Byron Bay.

The Radiothon was held to raise funds to finance a move from its temporary studio to the new Community Centre in Byron Bay, from where it will permanently operate.

Anyone who has subscribed during the Radiothon is now in the draw to win a $2,000 sound system from TSF Hi-Fi, which will be drawn at tomorrow night's gig.

Live performances on the night include popular dance act Zephyr Timbre, funk act Kurtis and local DJs Pob and Si-Clone.

Tickets to the Radiothon Party are $12 for subscribers, $15 non-subscribers from Bay FM's temporary studio on Butler Street or the Great Northern. Doors open at 8.30pm.

Billy's Back

Billy's Holiday are back for a special performance this Saturday, August 31, at the Gollan Hotel, Lismore.

Billy's Holiday is an acoustic 3-piece act showcasing the timeless talent of Billy Miller, Australian rock legend, former Ferrett and currently with Dave Graney.

Billy is joined by local stalwarts Brian Watt and Barry Ferrier of "Snapshot". Billy's Holiday is a blend of rich three part harmonies, exceptional guitar playing and all the greatest hits of the 70s and late 60s. Expect plenty of Beatles, Bee Gees, Beach Boys, Eagles, Elton John and much more.

Talking Heads

by Alan Bennett

Star Court Theatre Lismore
September 10-11, at 8pm
Tickets: 6621 5600

NORPA's final production of the year, Alan Bennett's Talking Heads, will play at the Star Court Theatre on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 10-11.

Starring Joan Sydney and Kevin Harrington, this production has been receiving great reviews since opening in Melbourne in July.

Two monologues, A Chip in the Sugar and A Lady of Letters from the award winning collection will be performed, allowing for great virtuoso acting from this star pairing. Catherine Lambert, Herald Sun theatre reviewer says, "The skill in these monologues is in the layering and attention to detail of character and humanity.

This production understands their value and adds a new mark of excellence to their presentation. Definitely one of the best shows of the year."

Alan Bennett is one of Britian's best loved and most highly acclaimed writers, one of the great chroniclers of English life and language.

When the satirical Talking Heads first appeared on television, they received no less than 12 nominations in the BAFTA Awards. Since then stage productions of Talking Heads have met with massive praise from both audience and press alike.

These monologues shine with Alan Bennett's unique take on human foibles and the fascinating characters will resonate with the audience - we all know these people.

Tickets for this production are available at the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre, 66215600.

If you'd like to see the show with friends, ask about our group booking discounts.

For more information visit www.norpa.org.au

Use the form below to search through the Northern Rivers Echo Newspaper web site.

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