The Scene - Local Entertainment News

Shaping Up Before Shipping Out

The nine graduates of Lismore TAFE’s Ceramics Diploma will showcase their works in a new exhibition, Shaping Up, which opens tomorrow, November 22, at Lismore TAFE (G Block).

Showing off just two of the stunning pieces included in the exhibition are graduate students (l-r) Annie Coroneos, Raine Sharpe, Rachelle Deaker, Sue Fraser, Aimée Fanton, Paul Scott, Yoko Watson and Sacha Gould (front).

The exhibition will feature wood-fired and gas-fired sculptural and functional pieces, slip casts, porcelain works, erotica wall pieces, mixed media pieces, glaze works and figurative and abstract works.

“There is a really diverse cross-section of works – the culmination of three years intense study for us,” graduate, Sue Fraser, said. “This is a great opportunity to support and acquire local art, and see what’s happening locally creative fields.”

Two students in the ceramic course have been selected as finalists in the NSW TAFE Art & Design Awards, while another graduate won the Thursday Plantation TAFE award.

The exhibition will also feature sculptures and paintings created by students completing Fine Arts – Certificates I or II.

The opening, which starts at 5.30pm on Friday, will include a talk by head of SCU’s School of Arts Jan Davis, and people can talk to the artists and enjoy free nibblies.

Shaping Up runs from Monday to Friday, November 26-29, from 10am-4pm each day.

Cog Keeps Turning

Sydney-based rock trio Cog will perform a gig at the Great Northern next Thursday, November 28, from 9pm.

The band is on an east coast tour, and they have just arrived on the north coast after performing at the recent WTO protest in Sydney to a few thousand people.

The lead track Paris, Texas from the new EP Just Visiting Part 2 has been getting high rotation airplay on Triple J recently, and even if you haven’t heard the band they are well worth a look if you’re into Aussie rock.

Tickets are $15 at the door.

A Not So Secret Life

Writer of Blue Fish/Red Fish, Live Fish/Dead Fish, Bob Tissot, with a member of his real life family, grandson Tien.

A new play by acclaimed local scriptwriter Bob Tissot, Blue Fish/Red Fish, Live Fish/Dead Fish, will be performed at the Nimbin Hall this Friday-Monday, November 22-25.

Performed by the Nimbin Players, the play examines the strained and sometimes dysfunctional relationships within a ‘typical’ Nimbin family, set against the lush backdrop of the north coast rainforest.

“When I started writing I wanted to show the similarity in basic attitudes between the ‘alternate lifestyle’ dwellers and their parents,” Mr Tissot said. “However, in typical Nimbin fashion, my characters hijacked the plot and took me somewhere quite different.”

The play will be performed at 8pm each night, and tickets are $10 from Perceptio’s Bookshop in Nimbin or at the door.

Be warned, the play contains coarse language, drug use and nudity.

Freebie: The Echo has one double pass to giveaway to Monday night’s performance of Blue Fish/Red Fish. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 on Monday, November 25 between 10 & 10.10am and tell us who the title of the play reminds you of.

Helping the Soupie Through Song

Some of the members of the Alstonville Chorale and Ensemble (l-r) Hazel Waters, Mieke Bell, Lola Whitney, Pam Waters, Max Miller, manager Roy Waters and David Waters. The whole choir has nearly 50 members.

The Alstonville Chorale and Ensemble will present their annual fundraiser for the Lismore Soup Kitchen this Friday, November 22, at the chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Goonellabah.

The choir’s 50-odd singers and the 15 members of the instrumental ensemble will together perform two pieces – an hour-long cantata by Sally DeFord entitled ‘In Him We Live’ and a short performance of Strauss’s Emperor Waltz.

The choir has been established for six years now, and this is the third fundraiser they have done for the Lismore Soup Kitchen. While entry to the concert is free, people are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food items to donate to the Soup Kitchen.

“The night is a great opportunity for people to enjoy a lovely night of sacred music, while also supporting a very worthwhile local charity,” choir director, Rob Harris, said. “The cantata is probably one of the hardest pieces the choir has done, and it’s very beautiful. We all love what we do, and we have a lot of fun with the music.”

The Alstonville Chorale and Ensemble concert starts at 7.30pm.

Tropical Fruits Back in Action

Local party goer Joel Babicci (far left) with (l-r) Tropical Fruits Inc event coordinator Jo Reavell, chairperson Erif Benham and bar coordinator Edward Missingham.

After a year’s absence on the local scene, Tropical Fruits Inc are back to present yet another fabulous New Year’s Eve dance party in Lismore.

The party in 2001 was not held due to a committee restructure, and is the only year in the last 17 years that Tropical Fruits have not held their annual bash.

The group have held three successful dance parties for Easter, the Queen’s Birthday and the Labour Day weekend already this year, and they are now busy putting the finishing touches to the New Year’s Party.

“There has been some confusion because a business using a similar sounding name are also hosting a New Year’s Eve dance party this year,” Tropical Fruits chairperson, Erif Benham, said. “Unlike this other group we are a not-for-profit organisation and we don’t put on these events to make money – we do it to give members and locals a really fabulous event that will make their New Year’s Eve a memorable occasion.”

The Tropical Fruits New Year’s Eve event is a nine-hour dance party, which runs from 9pm to 6am (licensed til 3am) at the Lismore Rugby Grounds off Bangalow Road.

DJs mixing throughout the night include locals DJ CC and DJ Stuart Edwards, Sydney based DJs Kelly Lynch and Sveta, and Brisbane DJ Nerolli as well as other special guests.

Live stage performances will be held during the night, and there is a bar and café with food available and party toys (glow bracelets etc) for sale. A Recovery will be held at the same venue from 3am-1pm with a new line-up of DJs, while the Winsome Hotel will open from 5am on New Year’s Day for anyone who wants to keep the party going.

The Tropical Fruits New Year’s Eve dance party is particularly famous for its amazing light and sound production, which is done each year by Brisbane company LSU.

“It’s as good as the sound and lighting you’ll find anywhere in Australia – it really is an extravaganza,” Erif said. “The beautiful outdoor setting, the massive dance tents, the cafes under the trees and the sound and lighting all come together to create an atmosphere like no other. It’s a welcoming atmosphere for the diverse gay, lesbian and queer culture, and also for the entire mainstream community.”

Earlybird tickets for the Tropical Fruits New Year’s Eve dance party are $75 until December 12, and then $80 after that. They are available from the group’s website at www.tropicalfruits.org.au or from Caddies in Lismore, Bangalow and Ballina.

Freebie: The Echo has one double pass (that’s $160 worth!) to giveaway to the dance party. To go in the draw to win write to Tropical Fruits Competition, c/- The Northern Rivers Echo, PO Box 37, Lismore and tell us in 25 words or less why you deserve to go.

Entries close on Monday, December 9, with the winner to be announced in The Echo issue dated Thursday, December 12.

Con Students Make Their Mark

Dance students from the Northern Rivers Conservatorium performing earlier this year. The students’ end of year performance is being held next week at Lismore City Hall.

After a year of intense study at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, the Con’s dance students are ready to walk out of the dance studio and into the limelight of the stage.

The students will present their stunning end of year show, Signatures, next Friday and Saturday, November 22-23 at Lismore City Hall.

The show highlights the development of 15 students who have studied at the Con for the last 12 months through a series of challenging dance pieces, with a focus on them as individuals.

While being a great night of entertainment for anyone who loves dance, the show would be of particular interest to potential students, as it gives an overview of the course material (ie different dance styles and the varied approaches to choreography, stage craft and content).

The show features beautiful costumes, spectacular lighting and a diverse range of dance styles.

A matinee performance of Signatures will be held on Friday, November 29 at 1pm for just $6, with the major performance on Saturday, November 23 from 8pm, with tickets $10/8.

To book phone the Con on 6621 22666.

White Men can’t Funk

Funk band Afro Dizzi Act performs with The Pillar of Sound Project next Wednesday at the Tatts.

After returning from playing at the prestigious Jazzmajlis world fusion festival in Dubai, funk band Afro Dizzi Act are performing a gig in Lismore next Wednesday, November 27, at the Tatts Hotel.

Afro Dizzi Act formed in 1997 to provide an opportunity for musicians to experiment with original sounds, and since then they have developed a huge following of fans around the country. The band plays high-energy, uplifting music that effortlessly fuses jazz, funk, hip hop, electronica and world music. It’s not often such a high profile dance band plays locally, and with tickets just $4 you’d be mad to miss it.

Afro Dizzi Act will be supported by hip hop trio The Pillar of Sound Project (otherwise known as PSP) – a Lismore outfit headed by MC ThunderCat.

The gig starts at 9pm, and tickets are available at the door.

Californian Folk Legend in Concert

Californian singer Kristina Olsen performs at the Ewingsdale Hall on Friday night.

Locals have the rare opportunity to see California folk/blues legend Kristina Olsen up close and personal in an intimate, one-off concert this Friday, November 22, at Ewingsdale Hall near Byron Bay.

A talented singer, songwriter and musician from a very young age, Kristina has mastered more than 16 instruments in her lifetime including the guitar and slide guitar, saxophone, piano, clarinet, bass guitar, concertina and hammer dulcimer to name a few. In fact Kristina’s hammer dulcimer can be heard on Michelle Shocked’s debut album Short Sharp Shocked, which was released back in 1985.

Currently Kristina is on her eighth Australian tour to promote her new album All Over Down Under (a CD of Kristina’s live shows). Tomorrow night she will perform lots of high-energy slide on her steel-bodied blues guitar, with accompaniment by Peter Grayling on cello and George Butrumlis on accordion. They will perform a host of new songs, and hilarious musical tales of her tour on the road from Bangladesh to Glasgow.

If you’re not a festival-goer (Kristina largely performs on the festival circuit) this is a great chance to see her live in concert, and tickets are just $15/12 at the door.

Food and refreshments by Ka-toush will be available during the show. Doors open at 7.15pm, with the show from 8pm.

Aboriginal Art at it’s Best

A new exhibition of Aboriginal art entitled Jambama, which includes the work ‘Hunting Ground’ by Charlie Caldwell (pictured) is now on show at the Bunyinbin Art Studio in the Casino Industrial Estate.

Jambama (the closest translation to ‘express creativity’ in Bundjalung language) features paintings, mixed media works, screen prints, woodwork and batik (wax dyeing) by local Aboriginal artists.

The exhibition is open Monday-Friday from 10am to 3pm at the art studio, Lot 47 Cassino Drive, Casino, until November 27. All are welcome.

An Irish extravaganza

Dancers from the Irish School of Dance (l-r) Anonshka, Zoe, Kate, Gregory, Alex and Lucia will perform at the school’s annual concert this Saturday.

The Lismore School of Irish Dance will present its end of year Extravaganza Concert this Saturday, November 23, at the Star Court Theatre.

The popular annual event is a fundraiser for the school so they can buy more costumes (worth around $350 each) for members to use in the 2003 dance competitions.

More than 50 of the school’s members will perform singing, dancing, and a short pantomime on the night.

“There’s always lots of action and some really exhilarating performances – we usually get a full house because its just so popular,” dancer, Fingal Ross, said. “There will be hard show and soft show dances, lots of Irish singing and a great pantomime about fairies and pixies for the young ones. It’s a great family night out.”

Tickets are $10 or three for $25, and the show starts at 7pm. To ensure a seat book now on 0416 224 258 or try your luck at the door.

Forest Films

A ‘Heart Projections’ film and music night will be held this Friday, November 22, at the Rainforest Information Centre (13 Wotherspoon Street, North Lismore) from 7pm.

The night will feature the screening of five short films about Tasmanian forests, plantation and chipping issues, with music by Jarrah and anyone else who wants to join in for a jam.

The films’ subject matter ranges from talking about the economics of wood chipping to the hardships faced by a town being destroyed by current forest practices.

The films give a real insight into the issues surrounding Tasmanian forests, and are suitable for all ages.

Entry to the night is by gold coin donation, with proceeds allowing the films to be toured around Tasmania and supper is also available by donation.

Being Human

A new exhibition by local artist Damien Rocks is now on show at BodyWorks Within, 97 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.

The exhibition, Human Being, features a selection of monoprints exploring the human form and what it means to be a human being. Damien has drawn inspiration from the graphic works of Matisse and the German expressionists, as well as from Australians such as Donald Friend, Joy Hester and Brett Whiteley.

Damien is a Lismore TAFE graduate and successful businessman. 10 per cent of proceeds from all sales will go to the Red Cross Bali Appeal.

Human Being is on show until December 24, from 10am to 5pm Monday-Friday and on Saturdays by appointment.

A Celtic Swansong

Next Thursday, November 28, marks the end of the fifth successful year of Celtic Jam Nights at the Rous Hotel in Lismore, and one last gig is being held on Thursday to see out 2002.

Promoters would like to thank everyone involved in the Celtic Jam Nights over the last 12 months, and invites everyone to enjoy one last jam night next week.

All players, new and established, are welcome to perform on the night.

The jam session kicks off at 7.30pm, and entry is free.

The Texas Blues

Brisbane band The Hipshooters will showcase their Texas style blues at the weekly blues night next Tuesday, November 26 at Maggie Moores in Lismore.

The band – Anton Elkington on guitar and vocals, Billy Williams on bass and John Forbes on drums – play Texas blues and rock, with some jazz thrown in.

After 10 years together the Hipshooters have released three albums, and on Tuesday a copy of their latest album Voodoo Love will be given away.

Tickets to the gig are $9/7 at the door, with the show starting at 8.30pm.

Freebie: The Echo has one double pass to giveaway to this gig. To go in the draw to win phone 6622 2888 between 10 & 10.30am on Monday, November 25 and tell us the capital of Texas.

Musicians Wanted

The Lismore Regional Art Gallery is calling for expressions of interest from local musicians to be part of a major performance in February, 2003.

Musicians will be able to showcase their talents at the event, sell recordings and get a film recording of the event on VHS.

To be involved take a tape or CD and a resume into the gallery or phone 6622 2209 for more information.

Latin Dance Night

Local company Coco Loco will present a Latin Dance Night on Friday, November 22 at Coorabell Hall.

The night will include performances by Boom, a fantastic five-piece polyrhythmic percussion band from Bellingen, and DJs Afrodisia and Ramu who will play Afro-Latino music and up beat Latin tribal funk.

The gig starts at 7pm, and tickets are $15/13 at the door.

Film Comp Contacts

Entries are now open for the Northern Women Film Competition, which will be screened in Lismore next January.

Videos must be less than 10 minutes long and must have been written and directed by a woman in the last 12 months. All genres are accepted and films will be judged on the technical aspects of the video as well as content.

Prizes are available for best film, best script, best film and audience choice.

Entries cost $10 each, and close on January 18, 2003. For more information and entry forms phone North Coast CAMERA 6621 5444.

Art Biz Workshops

Two ‘Self-Management for Artists’ workshops will be presented by local ABC arts reporter Nikki Fuda next week, and people are urged to book early as there are limited places.

Based on the concept that artists are self-employed businesspeople, Self-Management for Artists helps artists identify the skills needed to manage and develop their career.

Nikki will show artists how to manage and promote themselves, access funding, take advantage of training and artistic opportunities, work with the media, how to network and the benefits of mentors.

The first workshop will be held in Lismore on Wednesday, November 27 and in Byron Bay on Friday, November 29. To book phone Lismore ACE on 6622 1903 or Byron ACE on 6684 3374.

Dance Forum

Don’t forget the community dance forum/workshop, Dancing in Landscapes of Home, is being held this Friday and Saturday, November 22-23.

On Friday there is a dance workshop for older people, Moving Toward Freedom, presented by experienced dance therapist Alice Owen. It will run from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Saturday is the main community dance forum, which gives people the opportunity to discuss creating art, especially dance-related art, and lean from experienced practitioners.

Tickets for Saturday are $25/$20, and lunch, morning and afternoon tea is provided.

To book phone Emma Newman on 6622 3279 or email emma@norpa.org.au.

Responding to Art

A group of volunteers at the Lismore Regional Art Gallery have created their own exhibition, Voluntary Responses, which is now on show at the gallery.

Each of the volunteers’ artworks were created in direct response to an artwork that is part of the gallery’s permanent collection, and to illustrate this connection both the original artworks and artists’ responses are on show side by side.

The 12 volunteers have worked in a variety of mediums including oil paint, watercolours, prints, sculpture, textile, ceramics and text.

Artists included in the exhibition are Evelyn Parkin, Emma Hamilton, Megan Devlin, Christine Porter, Sarah McGrory, Adrian Ward, Wendy Lageman, Nola Littlejohn, Alison Nowell, Rochelle Summerfield, Natasha Glynn and Luke Fahey.

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

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