The Scene - Local Entertainment News

A testing time

SCU vocalist student Ben Taylor (centre) will perform with his band Pilot Guides at the Vocalists Final Exams in Byron next Monday.

Southern Cross University vocal students will undergo their final exams next week in Byron Bay, providing locals with an opportunity to see some of the region's finest emerging singers in concert.

The first exam will be held on Monday, October 27, at the Byron Bay Community Centre from 6pm. Performances include Paula Berenard (R&B), Erin Downie (soul/jazz/pop), Ben Taylor with his band Pilot Guides (rock/pop) and Emily Ryan (contemporary). Despite the fact these singers are still students, their vocal ability is astounding, and it should be a fantastic night. Tickets are $5 at the door.

The second exam will be held on Tuesday, October 28, at the Cotton Club in Byron Bay at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The night will feature Jacques (Latin/Columbian), Phoebe (jazz) and Anna Matheson (soul/gospel/groove), with others yet to be confirmed. Tickets are also $5.

Laughter the best medicine

Local country rockers The Re-Mains join comedian Alan Glover for a benefit gig to help pay for the damage caused by vandals in Nimbin recently.

The Nimbin community is putting on a major fundraising event next Thursday, October 30, at the Nimbin Hotel, to help pay for the damage in the village that was caused by vandals a fortnight ago.

It's often said people band together in times of tragedy, and thankfully for punters that's true, as the Nimbin Reconstruction Cabaret features one of the most spectacular line-ups of performers to be seen in a long-time.

The line-up includes comedy by S Sorrensen, the host of the monthly Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge in Lismore, and visiting comedian Alan Glover, whose green views and insightful, environmental comedy will no doubt go down a treat in Nimbin.

There will also be poetry performances by renowned local poets Christine Strelan, David Hallet and Nimbin-based poet Jane Treasure, who won the Live Poets! Lismore Poetry Cup just last week.

The Nimbin Gunja Faeries will also add their crazy, colourful flavour to the event, with local country rock band The Re-Mains to play out the night.

"We are very grateful for the support of S and Alan Glover – the Roy & HG of the Mardi Grass Hemp Olympix – plus all the other performers, and the pub for providing the venue," said Michael Balderstone from the Nimbin Museum. "Adversity often brings strength out in people and the close-knit community of Nimbin is no exception. Many residents want to make this a turning point in our evolution."

All money raised from the night will be shared between the damaged businesses and the Rainbow Cafe, which was among the worst affected, and is still trying to get back on its feet.

All the performers at the Nimbin Reconstruction Cabaret are giving there time freely. Entry is just $5 at the door, although larger donations will be gratefully accepted. There'll also be raffles and other fundraiser activities. The fun kicks off at 7.30pm.

Coraki art on show

The annual Coraki Tea Tree Art Prize will open this Friday, October 24, at the Coraki Youth and Community Hall in Bridge Street from 7pm.

The exhibition, which features works from kids through to professional artists, will be on show over the weekend, and anyone who makes the short drive to Coraki to have a look has the opportunity to vote in the People's Choice Award.

Everything from sculpture and photography to painting and Aboriginal art is featured in the art prize, and like all art shows, there will no doubt be artworks that surprise, delight and cause a little controversy.

Tomorrow's opening night kicks off at 7pm, with entertainment, wine and nibblies for guests, followed by the presentation of prizes by sponsors. Entry is $6.

The artworks will then be on show this Saturday, October 25, from 10am-5pm and on Sunday, October 26, from 10am-4pm. Weekend entry is just $1, and catalogues are available for $2.

Children under 16 are free throughout the weekend. For more information phone 6683 2626.

Food for thought

The Seed Savers Network will hold their 16th annual conference this Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26, in Byron Bay.

The informal gathering will be held in the Seed Savers Network gardens on Old Bangalow Road, and anyone is welcome to participate in weekend's activities.

The theme for the conference is 'The Quality of our Food in Question'. Topics to be covered include food irradiation, the relationship between soil and food quality, eating by colour, the trends in production and delivery systems around the world. People will also hear about Seed Savers projects that have been running for the past 12 months in Afghanistan, Ecuador, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

Afternoon workshops include propagating bamboo, cooking from the garden with Tippy Heng (the head chef at Dish restaurant), making compost, harvesting and foraging, seed cleaning and more.

On Saturday evening there will be a communal meal, featuring ingredients fresh from the garden, and performances of poetry and music about food. There will also be plants and seeds from the gardens available for sale all weekend.

The public is open to anyone interested, not just seed savers. The Seed Savers Network gardens are at 9-13 Old Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. The conference will run from 9am to 5pm each day.

Tickets are $15/10 per day.

Poetry Cup winners

The annual Live Poets! Lismore Poetry Cup was a huge success last Wednesday, with hundreds of poetry enthusiasts turning out to some of the region's finest wordsmiths vie for the coveted cup.

This year women seemed to wow the crowd, with Nimbin poet Jane Treasure taking out the cup, and Shé Hawke from Lismore winning the People's Choice Award for her poem Driving Desire, an excerpt from her forthcoming book, Depot Girl.

Congratulations to all those who won awards, and to those who didn't (eg the men), better luck next year.

Totally addicted to bass

The next jazz gig at Maggie Moores on Wednesday, October 29, will feature the Southern Cross University 3rd year Bass Student Exams – a great chance to see local talent in action and cheer on these hardworking students.

SCU bass students Chris McGrath, Justin Sinclair, Damien King, Grant Smith and Stewart Taylor will be showcasing their work with their individual bands on the night, with the hope of getting a good exam mark for their Contemporary Music component. The students will play many different genres of music, and people are encouraged to go along, enjoy the scrumptious food at Maggie Moores and support these local musos. The exams will start at 6.30pm and tickets are $5 at the door.

Variety the spice of life

Tickets are now on sale for the Sea-Horse Singers' fabulous new musical variety show, the Biggest Little Show in Town, which will be performed next Saturday, November 1, at the Lismore Workers Club.

The Sea-Horse Singers are a 26-piece performing charity troupe from Mullumbimby. Their eight-show season held in Mullum and Byron at the end of June was a total sell-out, and so the group are bringing their show to Lismore as a joint fundraiser for the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and Brunswick Valley Rescue.

The show itself is a three-hour spectacular that features the music of many famous bands including The Diamonds and The Supremes, with special guest appearances by Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Roy Orbison and many other classic performers.

The show will appeal to all age groups and with more than 60 songs being performed, it really is a musical extravaganza.

Two shows will be held at 1.30pm and 8pm, and seats are expected to go fast. Tickets are $15/12 or $8 for children aged 4 to 16 years. They are now available from the club on 6621 7401.

The Echo will have a double pass to giveaway to the show. See next week's Scene for details.

Blues Fest earlybirds

Earlybird tickets are now on sale for the 15th annual East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival, which is held in Byron Bay over the Easter weekend (Thursday to Monday) in 2004.

Earlybird season tickets are $190 for an adult, $115 for juniors 12-17 years and $30 for children 6-11 years. Earlybird three-day passes (Friday to Sunday) are $175 for an adult, $105 for juniors 12-17 years and $25 for children 6-11 years. All children under six are free.

Earlybird tickets are the best way to enjoy the festival at a reasonable price, but they are only on sale until November 30, 2003. For more information or to purchase Earlybird tickets visit the website at www.bluesfest.com.au or phone 6685 8310.

Have a ball

The Radical Faeries will present the 4th annual Faerie Glitter Ball next Saturday, November 1, at the Jiggi Hall.

The ball, a fundraiser for the Faerie Community Land Fund, will be a 60s B-grade event, and everyone is encouraged to get their best glad rags on and dress up for the black light.

The dance party will feature music by DJs Musicus and Eclecticus, and there'll be plenty of yummy country food for sale. Tickets are 15/10.

For details and directions visit the website at www.geocities.com/ozfaeries or phone 6689 7070.

Music inside and out

After the success of the North Coast Entertainment Industry's last workshop, Music Biz, the organisation is holding another workshop with entertainment lawyer Sally McPherson on November 4 in Lismore.

Ins and Outs of the Music Industry is a one-day workshop that will cover topics including standard recording agreement, sound recording licence agreements, pressing and distribution.

It's absolutely cheap as chips, with entry $5 for non-NCEIA members and just $2 for members.

It will be held at the ACE building in Magellan Street from 12-2pm.

For information phone email nceia@nceia.org.au or phone NCEIA on 6622 0222.

Country festival tickets

The annual Lismore Country Music Festival, which attracted more than 4000 people last year, is offering locals the chance to purchase earlybird tickets for the 12-hour music festival on November 22.

The festival features performances by some of Australia's best country artists including Troy Cassar-Daley, Sara Storer and The Blue Heelers, plus a bush poets breakfast and competition.

Earlybird tickets are only available until November 15.

For a brochure, ticket prices and more information phone 1300 137 315.

A Big Day Out for all

Tickets for the 2004 Big Day Out, to be held on the Gold Coast on January 18, are now on sale.

Big Day Out organisers have a bigger variety of bands than ever before for the 2004 event, with something for heavy metal heads, rock lobsters, dance fanatics and hip hoppers alike.

Headlining the festival is the infamous US-based rock n' roll band Metallica, who have been cranking out some of the world's best (and worst) heavy metal for nearly two decades. Also on the bill is America's newest rock sensation, The Strokes, who have wowed crowds with their classic, old rock sound.

Other bands already confirmed for the Big Day Out include Perfect Circle, The Dandy Warhols, Basement Jaxx, Black Eyed Peas, the Hoodoo Gurus, Gerling, Jet and many more.

This is probably the only chance to see such a diverse line-up together in one day, and anyone who's really keen should get in quick before the event sells out.

Tickets are $98 from Choppers in Lismore or Soundwaves in Byron Bay.

Have a ball

The Radical Faeries will present the 4th annual Faerie Glitter Ball next Saturday, November 1, at the Jiggi Hall.

The ball, a fundraiser for the Faerie Community Land Fund, will be a 60s B-grade event, and everyone is encouraged to get their best glad rags on and dress up for the black light.

The dance party will feature music by DJs Musicus and Eclecticus, and there'll be plenty of yummy country food for sale. Tickets are 15/10.

For details and directions visit the website at www.geocities.com/ozfaeries or phone 6689 7070.

Music workshop

After the success of the North Coast Entertainment Industry's last workshop, Music Biz, the organisation is holding another workshop with entertainment lawyer Sally McPherson on November 4 in Lismore.

Ins and Outs of the Music Industry is a one-day workshop that will cover topics including standard recording agreement, sound recording licence agreements, pressing and distribution.

It's absolutely cheap as chips, with entry $5 for non-NCEIA members and just $2 for members.

It will be held at the ACE building in Magellan Street from 12-2pm.

For information phone email nceia@nceia.org.au or phone NCEIA on 6622 0222.

Country festival tickets

The annual Lismore Country Music Festival, which attracted more than 4000 people last year, is offering locals the chance to purchase earlybird tickets for the 12-hour music festival on November 22.

The festival features performances by some of Australia's best country artists including Troy Cassar-Daley, Sara Storer and The Blue Heelers, plus a bush poets breakfast and competition.

Earlybird tickets are only available until November 15.

For a brochure, ticket prices and more information phone 1300 137 315.

A Big Day Out

Tickets for the 2004 Big Day Out, to be held on the Gold Coast on January 18, are now on sale.

Big Day Out organisers have a bigger variety of bands than ever before for the 2004 event, with something for heavy metal heads, rock lobsters, dance fanatics and hip hoppers alike.

Headlining the festival is the infamous US-based rock n' roll band Metallica, who have been cranking out some of the world's best (and worst) heavy metal for nearly two decades. Also on the bill is America's newest rock sensation, The Strokes, who have wowed crowds with their classic, old rock sound.

Other bands already confirmed for the Big Day Out include Perfect Circle, The Dandy Warhols, Basement Jaxx, Black Eyed Peas, the Hoodoo Gurus, Gerling, Jet and many more.

This is probably the only chance to see such a diverse line-up together in one day, and anyone who's really keen should get in quick before the event sells out.

Tickets are $98 from Choppers in Lismore or Soundwaves in Byron Bay.

Getting Dizzy

Afro Dizzi Act will perform next Saturday, November 1, at the Great Northern from 9.30pm.

The outfit are one of the best hip hop/electronica acts in Australia and tickets are expected to sell fast. To book phone 6685 6454.

A canvas for life

The artwork (left) 'Within' is one of 13 works featured in former Sydneysider-turned-local Sharon Vaughan's new exhibition, Breakthrough, currently on show at Caddies in Lismore.

The exhibition features works in mixed media and fine line B&W pen drawings, all of which provide Sharon with a canvas to explore and express her life.

"I just made a 5-minute documentary about my work that's been shown locally, so I wanted I wanted to do an exhibition to coincide with that," Sharon said. "The works are like a diary – it's my journey and all my stories of life are in these pictures. Drawing is a release for me – a way to express my thoughts and emotions. Everytime something significant happens in my life I hit the paper."

Sharon's works have an intense, frenetic nature about them and Breakthrough gives the overall impression that she has seen and discovered a lot about herself in recent years.

"People often say my works are dark and heavy, but then Frida Kahlo's works were very debauched and she's now considered one of the most extraordinary painters of the 20th century," Sharon said. "We can't always draw pretty flowers, because life's not always a basket of joy,"

This is Sharon's final exhibition in Lismore, so it's the last chance to see and purchase some of her work. Breakthrough is on show until the end of October.

A woman's world

Cathy Henkel with her mother Laura, the feature of Cathy's documentary The Man Who Stole my Mother's Face.

All women and children are invited to attend a Reclaim the Night peaceful rally and march against sexual violence next Friday, October 31, outside the ACE building in Magellan Street from 5pm.

The rally gives women and children the opportunity to join together in demanding a woman's basic human right to live in freedom and without the fear of discrimination and violence.

"We are continuing a long history of women marching for a world free of violence," coordinator, Carolyn Carey, said. "Women have been protesting in Lismore since 1998 and our community was one of the first rural areas in NSW to take part. To know that is goes beyond our community, that Reclaim the Night is a statewide, nationwide and international event, is a very strengthening experience for women."

Bundjalung Elder Aunty Irene Harrington will give a welcome address and there will be numerous speakers and performers, before women take the rally to the streets of Lismore CBD.

A fundraising event for the Lismore and District Women's Health Centre will be held after the march at the Star Court Theatre from 7.30pm. It will feature a screening of the moving documentary by local filmmaker Cathy Henkel, The Man Who Stole My Mother's Face.

The documentary is about Cathy's mother Laura, who was sexually assaulted and brutally bashed in her home in Johannesburg by a local teenager 14 years ago. In this documentary Cathy returns to Johannesburg to find out why the attacker is still a free man and ensure justice for her mother.

Cathy and Laura will both be present on the night to discuss the effects the making of the film has had on their lives.

All funds raised from screening will go toward the Women's Health Centre's new building.

Tickets are $10/8 or $6 for group bookings of 10 or more. They are available from the Women's Health Centre, Caddies or at the door.

Rock on

The Summerland Rockers will celebrate a decade of toe-tapping fun with a special 10th Birthday Dance this Saturday, October 25, at the Italo Club in North Lismore.

After 10 years in Lismore the Summerland Rockers now have a membership of more 550, who participate in regular rock and roll dance classes (beginners to advanced) as well as hops and dances.

This Saturday the Summerland Rockers will celebrate in style, with Sydney-based brass/swing band the Hollywood Hombres (pictured) travelling up north to provide swinging blues and grooves for the night.

The band features some of Sydney's premier jazz and roots musicians, including vocalist and songwriter Wes Pudsey, bass maestro David Bean, acclaimed guitarist Robert Taylor, saxophonist Tim Stocker and drummer Tim Firth. The chemistry between the sextet's members is described as 'electric' and from all reports they are one of the most infectious dance bands in their genre today. They will be supported by local DJ Rockit Rob – a well-known face in the rock and roll dance scene.

"The Hollywood Hombres are just an amazing band and we invite everyone to come and enjoy their music, have fun and help us celebrate this important milestone," Summerland Rockers president, Rhonda Bonner, said. "We especially welcome any old members with an interest in rock and roll to come and revive their passion for dance."

As well as great music and dance the birthday bash will feature a yummy supper, raffles, lucky door prizes and other activities. Entry is $10 for non-members, $7 for members and kids under 16 are free.

Poetry Cup winners

The annual Live Poets! Lismore Poetry Cup was a huge success last Wednesday, with hundreds of poetry enthusiasts turning out to some of the region's finest wordsmiths vie for the coveted cup.

This year women seemed to wow the crowd, with Nimbin poet Jane Treasure taking out the cup, and Shé Hawke from Lismore winning the People's Choice Award for her poem Driving Desire, an excerpt from her forthcoming book, Depot Girl.

Congratulations to all those who won awards, and to those who didn't (ie the men), better luck next year.

Totally addicted to bass

The next jazz gig at Maggie Moores on Wednesday, October 29, will feature the Southern Cross University 3rd year Bass Student Exams – a great chance to see local talent in action and cheer on these hardworking students.

SCU bass students Chris McGrath, Justin Sinclair, Damien King, Grant Smith and Stewart Taylor will be showcasing their work with their individual bands on the night, with the hope of getting a good exam mark for their Contemporary Music component. The students will play many different genres of music, and people are encouraged to go along, enjoy the scrumptious food at Maggie Moores and support these local musos. The exams will start at 6.30pm and tickets are $5 at the door.

The spice of life

Tickets are now on sale for the Sea-Horse Singers' fabulous new musical variety show, the Biggest Little Show in Town, which will be performed next Saturday, November 1, at the Lismore Workers Club.

The Sea-Horse Singers are a 26-piece performing charity troupe from Mullumbimby. Their eight-show season held in Mullum and Byron at the end of June was a total sell-out, and so the group are bringing their show to Lismore as a joint fundraiser for the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and Brunswick Valley Rescue.

The show itself is a three-hour spectacular that features the music of many famous bands including The Diamonds and The Supremes, with special guest appearances by Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Roy Orbison and many other classic performers.

The show will appeal to all age groups and with more than 60 songs being performed, it really is a musical extravaganza.

Two shows will be held at 1.30pm and 8pm, and seats are expected to go fast. Tickets are $15/12 or $8 for children aged 4 to 16 years. They are now available from the club on 6621 7401.

The Echo will have a double pass to giveaway to the show. See next week's Scene for details.

Blues Fest earlybirds

Earlybird tickets are now on sale for the 15th annual East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival, which is held in Byron Bay over the Easter weekend (Thursday to Monday) in 2004.

Earlybird season tickets are $190 for an adult, $115 for juniors 12-17 years and $30 for children 6-11 years. Earlybird three-day passes (Friday to Sunday) are $175 for an adult, $105 for juniors 12-17 years and $25 for children 6-11 years. All children under six are free.

Earlybird tickets are the best way to enjoy the festival at a reasonable price, but they are only on sale until November 30, 2003. For more information or to purchase Earlybird tickets visit the website at www.bluesfest.com.au or phone 6685 8310.

The Secret Death of Salvador Dali

by Stephen Sewell
Directed by Scott Maidment and Sue Rider
Starring Julie Eckersley and Trevor Stuart
Music performed and composed by Shenzo Gregorio
Star Court Theatre
Thursday, November 6, to Saturday, November 8, 8pm

Every morning when I wake up I experience an exquisite joy - the joy of being Salvador Dali.

- Salvador Dali

Salvador Dali spent his life provoking the world with surreal inventiveness and his own bizarre personality. At his death he left a vast body of work – work that was occasionally obscured by his larger-than-life personality and desire for self promotion. The Secret Death of Salvador Dali, by controversial playwright of the moment, Stephen Sewell, recounts Dali's days as poseur and artist from his deathbed.

This stunning two-hander, starring Julie Eckersley and Trevor Stuart, takes you on a surreal journey through the outrageous life and art of one of the world's most notorious artists.

Sewell is well known for his film and theatre work, including his AFI Award winning script for The Boys. With such a controversial subject to work with it, it's no surprise that The Secret Death of Salvador Dali is manic, highly skilled and outrageous theatre that pushes the boundaries of expectations and good taste.

Set in a surrealist netherworld the play begins with stunt violinist, Shenzo Gregoria, suspended in mid-air and ends with the stage filled with a huge inflatable prop, which could be a fantasy or the dying Dali's ego. Imagery plays an important part of this flamboyant play in which picture frames become swings, gender shifts magically and past and present mingle in the tortured pictures in Dali's mind. There is only one word for it: surreal. Well, maybe two: sordidly surreal.

This bio-drama is a shimmer of surrealism, absurdity and madness. It's clever, outrageous and an astute psycho-biography delivered among huge tapering beanbags with musical embellishments and is certainly not for prudes.

Book your tickets for the last production in NORPA's 2003 Season at the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre on 6621 5600 or online at www.norpa.org.au