Diary Notes
Melbourne
WICKED, Regent Theatre, from 27 June
The Broadway hit WICKED is delighting audiences at the glorious Regent Theatre. WICKED follows the tale of two girls who meet in the Land of Oz - one born with emerald-green skin who is smart, fiery and misunderstood; and the other who is beautiful, ambitious and popular. How these two unlikely friends wind up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes WICKED the most spellbinding musical ever.
For further information: go to www.wickedthemusical.com.au
Media contact: Howie and Taylor Publicity on 03 9654 3431
Spring Racing Carnival, throughout Victoria, 1 October to 19 November
Victoria’s famous Spring Racing Carnival is one of Australia’s best-loved annual sporting events and the best reason to dress up and enjoy world-class thoroughbred racing. For 50 days Victorians, along with interstate and international visitors, enjoy lively sports and social action. Highlights include: AAMI Victoria Derby Day on 1 November; the race that stops the nation - the Emirates Melbourne Cup on 4 November; Ladies Day - Crown Oaks Day on 6 November; and the last day of racing - Stakes Day on 8 November.
For more information: call 1300 139 401 or visit www.racingvictoria.net.au
Media contact: Damian Booth, Racing Victoria Limited on 03 9258 4252
The Spiegeltent - Melbourne 2008 season, 9 October to 14 December
Spring time in Melbourne has become synonymous with the arrival of The Spiegeltent, one of Europe’s prestigious, antique mirror tents, which takes up residence on the Arts Centre forecourt every year for a three-month season of world-class music, cabaret, sideshow and burlesque. Highlights include the first Australian World Music Expo, Chooka's Children's Festival, the weekend jazz series and the return of the tent’s extremely popular late night club - Club Spiegel. From established Australian artists such as Lior, Sammy J, CW Stoneking, Jeff Lang, Joe Camilleri and Ross Wilson to emerging artists and a sprinkling of international stars, there will be concerts to suit all tastes.
For more information: www.spiegeltent.net
Media contact: Michelle Buxton on (03) 9537 7155 or email: michelle@buxtonwalker.com
Appetite, Kage Physical Theatre, the Arts Centre, 22 to 25 October
Appetite, the much anticipated new work from multi-award winning Melbourne contemporary performance company Kage, will have its world premiere in the 2008 Melbourne International Arts Festival. Directed by Kate Denborough and combining original live music from acclaimed female vocalist New Buffalo, Appetite is a fusion of dance, theatre and visual design. Searching for fulfilment, craving meaning and reinvigoration, a successful woman on the eve of her 39th birthday (Catherine McClements, star of new TV drama Rush) invites her closest family and friends to dinner but, as the night progresses, when realising that her hunger for life, for lust, for sensation has disappeared, she is inspired to change.
For more information: www.melbournefestival.com.au
Media contact: Miranda Brown Publicity on (03) 9419 0931 or email: info@mbpublicity.com.au
Rugby League World Cup, Telstra Dome, 2 November
The 2008 Rugby League World Cup will mark the 13th chapter of the event which started back in 1954.
Since the tournament's inception, the Rugby League World Cup has been taken to eight nations, with games played in over 50 cities and towns. The 2008 Rugby League World Cup will be the third tournament held in Australasia and will feature the top 10 Rugby League nations. Join the crowds at the Australia versus England clash at Telstra Dome.
For further information: call (02) 9231 4488 or go to www.rlwc08.com
Focus on Johnnie To, ACMI, 6 to 16 November
This November, ACMI Cinemas will present Focus on Johnnie To, a comprehensive retrospective program of his solo directorial works, spanning his early films to his most recent release. Johnnie To Kei-Fung, known to Westerners as ‘Johnnie To’, is the master auteur of Hong Kong film, with a career spanning 28 years and nearly 50 producing and directing credits to his name - and counting. The season will open with To’s latest film, Sparrow (2008).
For further information: www.acmi.net.au
Media contact: Claire Butler, ACMI, on (03) 8653 2415 or Claire.butler@acmi.net.au
Ancient Hampi: The Hindu Kingdom Brought to Life, Immigration Museum,
13 November 2008 to 26 January, 2010
This international exhibition at the Immigration Museum offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the stunning World Heritage site of Hampi in southern India. Using state of the art digital technologies, this new experience presents stereographic panoramas of an extraordinary site, with all its mythological, archaeological, artistic and historic significance. Ancient Hampi includes animations of Hindu myths and stories, aerial and projected photography, an immersive digital interactive space showing 360-degree panoramic images of the site and is landscape, as well as stunning night photographs of the temples taken by John Gollings.
For more information: go to museumvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum
Media contact: Amanda Linardon on (03) 8341 7136 or alinardon@museum.vic.gov.au
New Views 2: Conversations in Graphic Design, Melbourne Museum, 14 November 2008 to 15 February 2009
One Hundred graphic design students and practitioners are featured in this Melbourne Museum exhibition of print and digital posters questioning the future of the profession of graphic design. The work currently on view are the result of an international call for posters with submissions from Australia, United Kingdom, United States, Portugal, France, Turkey, Singapore and Switzerland.
For more information: go to museumvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum
Media contact: Amanda Linardon on (03) 8341 7136 or alinardon@museum.vic.gov.au
Equitana Asia Pacific, Melbourne, 20 to 23 November
Held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, Equitana is an event celebrating the world of horses and includes more than 300 exhibitors from Australia and overseas, hundreds of horses, world-famous presenters, specialist clinics, breeders’ village, horse sales, two spectacular evening events and various exciting competitions, such as the World Cup Dressage and Showjumping, carriage driving, saddlehorse, mounted.
For more information: go to www.equitana.com.au
Australian Corporate Games, Melbourne, 21 to 23 November
This annual national multi-sport event for businesses and organisations will attract more than 9,000 participants from 300 organisations over four days at various venues in Melbourne. Twenty team and individual sports and games are on the program including: AFL; badminton; basketball; cricket; golf; indoor karting; netball; outrigger canoeing; poker; running; soccer; softball; squash; swimming; tennis; table tennis; tenpin bowling and volleyball.
For more information: www.corporategames.net.au or 1300 301 418
Chunky Move Dance Company presents I Like This (World Premiere),
Chunky Move Studios (Southbank), 21 to 30 November
I Like This is a new self-devised work from two of Australia’s finest new talents, Byron Perry and Antony Hamilton, and the first show for The Next Move, a series of performances created by the next generation of Australian dance makers and presented by Chunky Move. The Next Move is designed to bridge the divide between young choreographers making small independent work and more established choreographers running their own organisations or engaged with larger commissions.
For more information: www.chunkymove.com.au
Media contact: Miranda Brown Publicity on (03) 9419 0931 or email: info@mbpublicity.com.au
Intimacy, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, until 30 November
Artists contemplate feelings of disquiet, loss, loneliness, passion, love and longing that embody intimate human relations in a new group exhibition at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. The exhibition includes works by Louise Bourgeois (France), Nan Goldin (USA) , Steve McQueen (UK), Sophie Calle (France), Mariele Neudecker (Germany), Jesper Just (Denmark), Gabrielle de Vietri (Aus), Mutlu Çerkez (Aus), Felix Gonzalez-Torres (USA), Amikam Toren (Israel), Margaret Salmon (USA) and Annika Ström (Sweden).
For further information: call (03) 9697 9999 or visit www.accaonline.org.au
Media contact: call Katrina Hall on 0421 153 046 or email khall@accaonline.org.au
Regional Victoria
Macedon Ranges Budburst Wine and Food Festival, 26 October and cellar door weekend 8 and 9 November
Budburst, the annual Macedon Ranges Wine Region celebration features over 30 talented wine-makers who open their doors for this popular food and wine celebration. Wine-lovers can sample a range of white and red varieties as well as the native sparkling ‘Macedon’ from Victoria’s famous cool climate region. The two weekends are a great opportunity to explore this picturesque region, including the gardens of Mount Macedon and Hanging Rock. On Sunday 26 October, join in the fun of a food and wine street party in Piper Street Kyneton
For further information: (03) 5422 0326 or go to www.budburst.com
2008 Mildura Jazz, Food and Wine Festival, 31 October to 3 November
The Mildura Jazz, Food and Wine Festival will delight fervent jazz enthusiasts and music lovers, as well as those who just enjoy sitting back and soaking up the ambience of Mildura's attractions including the paddle steamers, riverside wineries and parks, gourmet food and locally produced wine. The festival incorporates ticketed and free events and provides a non-stop program that caters to all tastes.
For further information: call1800 039 043 or go to www.artsmildura.com.au
The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz, 31 October to 3 November
The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz is an annual celebration of jazz and blues held in the town of Wangaratta located three hours from Melbourne in north-eastern Victoria. Since its inception in 1990, the festival has grown to include more than 90 events featuring more than 350 national and international artists. The festival hosts the National Jazz Awards, youth jazz workshops, master classes and events throughout Wangaratta and surrounding wine regions.
For further information: call 1800 801 065 or visit www.wangaratta-jazz.org.au
Media contact: Michelle Buxton on (03) 9537 7155 or email: michelle@buxtonwalker.com
Portland Bay Festival, 31 October to 4 November
Located at the western end of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the bustling town of Portland embraces the Melbourne Cup long weekend when it celebrates the Portland Bay Festival. Enjoy an action-packed event with colourful markets, a street parade and live music on Saturday night in the marquee located on the lawns of Portland’s foreshore. Delicious local food and wine will be available at the marquee throughout the festival. Other highlights include the Rotary Art Show, Portland Three Bays Marathon on Sunday and a Melbourne Cup social event.
For further information: call 1800 035 567 or go to www.portlandbayfestival.com.au
The Southern Gippsland 2008 Summer Starters, 1 and 2 November
The Southern Gippsland Summer Starters is held on the pre Melbourne Cup weekend. The winery celebration extends from Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory as cellar doors located in this emerging wine region showcase local food, music and art. This is a great opportunity to meet the winemakers and sample wonderful cool climate wines.
For further information: go to www.southerngippslandwine.com.au
Media contact: call Robyn Schmidt on (03) 5664 3204
Toast to the Coast, Geelong, 1 and 2 November
Toast to the Coast is the Geelong region's annual festival devoted to wine, food and music. The festival highlights and celebrates the excellent cool climate wines produced locally. More than 100 of the region's finest wines can be savoured for $10. Approximately 20 venues will host festivals across The Bellarine, Surf Coast and Moorabool Valley.
For further information: call 1800 620 8888 or go to www.toast2coast.com
Media inquiries: call Mr Glenn Jones on 0409 548 958
Festival of Gardens, Castlemaine and Maldon, 1 to 9 November
View a wide range of beautiful gardens in and around Castlemaine and Maldon. Chat to the owners and learn how they keep their gardens looking healthy and beautiful in times of severe water restrictions. Gardens range from classical beauties to native landscapes, cottage gardens, homestead and town gardens. The theme for 2008 is ‘flowers and festivities’.
For further information: call (03) 5472 3412 or go to www.festivalofgardens.org
Compass Windows Kyneton Cup, 5 November
Head to Kyneton, in Victoria’s spa country, and enjoy all of the fashion and excitement of the country racing at Kyneton’s biggest race meeting. Held annually on the day after Melbourne Cup, this meeting offers a total day of entertainment including live music, fashions on the field, private and corporate marquees, punters’ club, on-course competitions and much more. Entry is $20 adults and children under 14 are admitted free. Courtesy buses are scheduled to meet trains from Melbourne at the Kyneton train station. Gates open at 10.00am.
For further information: call (03) 5422 1866 or go to www.kynetondistrictracingclub.com.au
Beechworth Celtic Festival, 7 to 9 November
Join in the celebrations of Beechworth’s Celtic heritage at the 15th Annual Celtic Festival. Music, myth and mayhem abound throughout Beechworth over this November weekend festival. There will be dance, music and displays.
For further information: call 1300 366 321 or go to www.beechworthcelticfestival.com.au
Jazz on Track, Walhalla, East Gippsland, 15 November
Enjoy a train trip on Victoria’s most spectacular railway whilst listening to the sounds of traditional and Dixieland jazz. The train departs Thomson Station in East Gippsland at 7pm and travels to Walhalla. Tickets cost $85 per person and include the train trip, dinner, champagne on the train and entertainment.
For more information: call (03) 5126 4201 or go to www.walhallarail.com
La Dolce Vita, King Valley, 15 and 16 November
Celebrate the arrival of spring at La Dolce Vita - the King Valley's springtime celebration of the sweet life. Enjoy a diverse variety of wines, gourmet food, spectacular scenery and warm King Valley hospitality during a wonderful weekend of Mediterranean al fresco indulgence.
For further information: call 1800 801 065 or go to www.winesofthekingvalley.com.au
Media contact: Elizabeth Ellis on (03) 5722 9774
Malmsbury Village Fair, 16 November
The Malmsbury Village Fair is a wonderful opportunity to taste the food and wine of the Macedon Ranges in the beautiful setting of the 150-year-old Malmsbury Botanic Gardens.
For more information: call (03) 5423 2088
Scody Teams Plus Mornington Peninsula Bike Ride, 16 November,
The Scody Teams Plus Mornington Peninsula is a race for both individuals and teams over some of the spectacular landscape in Victoria. Entrants can either undertake the timed Mornington to Flinders race which runs 112 km or fit in some sight-seeing on the way and take the shorter, non-timed 66km route.
For more information: www.bikevents.com.au
Strawberry and Cherry Weekend Festival, Bacchus Marsh, 22 and 23 November
The inaugural Strawberry and Cherry Weekend Festival, to be held in Bacchus Marsh, 45 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, will feature lots of fresh produce, fun activities and prizes.
For more information: call Glenda Jones (03) 5367 5250 or go to www.visitbacchusmarsh.com.au
Warrantina Lavender Harvest Festival, Yarra Valley, 23 November
Head to the annual Harvest Lavender Festival at Warrantina Lavender Farm (Wanin Yallock) and enjoy a fun day of entertainment. Set amidst the fragrant purple fields of lavender, enjoy fine food, boutique beer and local Yarra Valley wine while being entertained by music, dancing and singing. Highlights of the day will include displays of old time arts and crafts, Scottish Highland dancing, bagpipes, Irish dancing, boot scootin’ and more. Entry is: $10 for adults; $5 for children; and concession and $25 for a family pass.
For more information: go to www.warratinalavender.com.au
Media contact: Annemarie Manders on (03) 5964 4650
2008 Queenscliff Music Festival, 28 to 30 November
Now in its 12th year, the award-winning Queenscliff Music Festival is one of Australia's great contemporary music events. A family-friendly festival, Queenscliff is much loved for its depth and diversity of musical talent as well as its picturesque seaside setting. Located just over an hour's drive from Melbourne - or a 40 minute ferry trip from Sorrento - Queenscliff presents top Australian and international guests. There are wonderful venues, great food and wine and a ‘Kids Klub’. Announcements of the 2008 line-up will commence in August.
For more information: go to www.qmf.net.au
Media contact: Carolyn Logan on 03 9482 6067
2008 Great Victorian Bike Ride, 29 November to 7 December
Now in its 25th year, the 2008 Great Victorian Bike Ride is the ultimate cycling holiday which will travel through the Goldfields and Grampians regions, past wineries and stunning mountain ranges.
For more information: call1800 616 600 or go to www.greatvic.com.au
Media contact: John Meyers on 03 9818 6339
Gemstones, Jewellery, Antiques and Collectables Expo, Morwell, 29 to 30 November
Held at the Kernot Hall in Morwell, this expo is aimed at collectors and traders and will be one of the biggest events of its kind held in Victoria. Watch gemstones being polished and check out the antique jewellery, old bottles, fossils, glassware, coins, stamps, old dolls, teddy bears, books and collectables. Free antique appraisals will be conducted on both days of the expo.
For more information: call Wally Weston on (03) 5127 6548.
The Age Spring Harvest Picnic at Werribee Park, 30 November
Food and wine producers from all over Victoria will gather in the grounds of Werribee Park to sample, showcase and sell their tasty products. This will be a great day for the family and will feature music and dance on stage throughout the day, cooking demonstrations by well-known chefs, and lots of activities for kids. Bring a blanket and basket and create a picnic from the delicious range of goods on offer. The entry price includes admission to the Spring Harvest Picnic, Victorian State Rose Garden and cooking demonstrations, entertainment and car parking. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for concession card holders and children under 15 years of age enter free.
For more information: call (03) 9555 0253 or visit www.harvestpicnic.com.au
Media contact: call Kirsty Hunt on 0419 525 796.