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a roundup of latest news and events in the Australian entertainment, arts and music scene

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Sat, 30 April 2005

Gigs @ Greyhound Hotel

Filed under: Gigs, General — site admin @ 9:50 am

Greyhound Hotel
1 Brighton Rd St Kilda. Ph: 9534 4189
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Wed 4 May
Public Bar: Pool Comp.
Bandroom: Jager Uprising w 3to2, Cut Diamond + L Bandits. 8pm free.

Melbourne based Hip-Hop group 3to2 have been striving towards their dreams of a successful music career since a young age. Sectah8 and Minutz once formed 3to2, many set goals were achieved. Motivation and initiative is high, complete commitment shown towards their music is second to none. Both members grew up heavily influenced by rock and Hip-Hop. Playing in many different bands in school, establishing and influencing their strong musical background. 3to2 were always drawn to writing and performing original music.
3to2 have a unique stage presence, initiated by two MC’s with intricate styles and blistering scratches provided by DJ Plasma. Constantly delivering energetic live shows, leaving their crowds on a high, a fixture on which all their performances are based.

Not only do 3to2 pride themselves on their live performances but they are a ‘no fuss’ group. Requiring no more than 4 on-stage inputs, a set time and road map, 3to2 will be ready on time, every time. There isn’t a shred of themselves that Sectah8 and Minutz don’t put into their stage show or their love of hip-hop.

Listen to their music and you will see a unit that walks its own path and has not allowed itself to be in the shadow of any precedent. With a never say die attitude they will show you a rarely seen mind state expressed in today’s stereotyped Hip-Hop. Also on the bill, Cut Diamond + The L Bandits.

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Thur 5 May
Public Bar: Ophelia’s Gun. 9.30pm free.
Bandroom: Dialysis, Darkness Bleeds + One Dead Dream. Free 8.30pm.

Ophelia’s Gun create a uniquely full sound for a trio. Fronted by female vocals and keys, their music is an eclectic mix of songs shifting from alternative rock mayhem to upbeat melodic tunes.

Within the trio each instrument takes on a distinct role creating an impressive blend of musical ability. With Monica’s angelic yet intense soprano voice harmonised with climactic piano, Tom’s energetic drumming, and Rhett’s heavy, resonant bass these three create a
distinctly memorable sound. Try Ophelia’s Gun on for size.

Dialysis - new sounds and unique melodies. From the depths of the Mornington Peninsula, Dialysis came to be in 2004 after the complete lineup was formed with Lee on drums, Justin on Bass, Wayne on guitar and Rob on vocals.

Their music is drawn from many influences including Butterfly Effect, Def Tones and Tool. Dialysis opens the door to you and leads you down the shady path of dark rock to give you a unique audio experience never granted to your ears before.

Support on the night is from Darkness Bleeds + One Dead Dream - free.

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Fri 6 May
Bandroom: The Amazing Zig Zag Circus + Her Torturing Embrace 8.30pm $6

Their kooky and their crazy, their bound to entertain you and sure to shock as well.
The Amazing Zig Zag Circus Sideshow has been playing around Melbourne for about two years. At first Zig Zag started playing at the nightclubs between the bands. As his catalogue of crazy stunts grew he started playing his own shows, one of which was for the Jim Rose circus dvd launch.

Over the past two years Zig Zag has played to over 40,000 people, largely due to the appearance made on the Melbourne leg of the Crusty demons nine lives tour. He has also performed with many great local bands such as Sydonia, Alpha state, Sunk loto, Spider goat canyon, Firewitch and Frankenbok.

Made up of 3 members - Zig Zag who performs the stunts, Kimma “princess of the sideshow” who assists Zig Zagand “The String Puppet” who plays guitar.
The Amazing Zig Zag never fails to deliver a mind blowing, glass eating, set yourself on fire, hammer a 4 inch nail in your head, walk on broken glass, shoulder dislocating while in a straight jacket show - while having enough time to set rat traps on himself and lift heavy objects from his eye sockets, nipples and genitals and a finale that will leave you gasping, speechless and eager for more daringly crazy stunts.

Music on the night from Her Torturing Embrace.

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Sat 7 May
Public Bar: Black Smith Hopkins + Lobby Lloyd. Free 9.30pm.

Blues rock singer, Black Smith Hopkins (Nicholas Hopkins-Smith) began his musical career in Melbourne in 1996 and his self-titled debut album was released in 1997 through Shock records. Music journalist and radio personality, Billy Pinnell stated that Black Smith Hopkins is the best blues based rock singer to come along this decade.

The Australian Encyclopedia of Rock and Roll called that album, the most exciting blues album ever issued in Australia. USA magazine, Blues Revue in 1998 reviewed Black Smith Hopkins as, The love child Iggy Pop and James Brown never had.

Since then this respected artist has released 6 more critically acclaimed albums, and continued to perform live around the country. Catch him as performs with the legendary Lobby Lloyd in the Greyhound’s public bar.

Bandroom: The Drag Show. $8, 8pm. Glitz, Glamour & more.

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Sun 8 May
Public Bar: Finger Pickin’ Sunday Sizzle w Andy Gorwell Band + India Mau. 4pm, free.
Melbourne based blues/roots musician Andy Gorwell has been playing and recording music from an early age. Originally from the Mornington peninsula Gorwell moved to the Melbourne in the late 90’s to pursue his musical interests and has been performing in Melbourne’s vibrant live music scene ever since. Over the last 6 yrs Andy has played at many of Melb’s venues and has supported artists such as Ross Wilson and Kevin Borridge.

Andy tried his hand at songwriting, and in 2002 released his debut album Uprooted which is currently distibuted by MGM (www.thegroovemerchants.com). The album, a collection of roots country originals recieved widespread acclaim both in Australia and overseas scoring national airplay across Aust, in Europe, Canada and the US making the Americana charts(US) . The album also recieved favourable reviews in these countries.

Andrew has only recently teamed up with Peter Pascotto on Drums and Scott Shaw on bass to form a 3 piece blues/rock outfit. The trio is currently recording a new cd to be released around mid 2005. Be sure to check them out at a venue near you. www.geocities.com/andygorwell

Bandroom: Karaoke free from 8.30pm.

Fred Negro & Steve Prictor encourage the next generation of stars in their own special way, with performances by leading and not-so-leading local luminaries.

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Wed 11 May
Public Bar: Pool Comp.
Bandroom: Jager Uprising w The Rex Wicked, Mondo Cane + Krill. Free 8pm

“To invent you need a good imagination and a pile of junk” - Thomas Edison…In a remote central Queensland basement filled with guitars, keyboards and effects, five music junkies had the junk, and an imagination much bigger than their sleepy home town of Yeppoon. They moved to Sydney and became KRILL - a small fish in a big sea.
Uptempo, frenzied pop, with generous portions of gritty electro rock’n'roll. Need some names? - think equal parts The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Dallas Crane, Little Birdy and The Dandy Warhols…hell, just get to a show and hear it for yourself.

The live shows are pumping! - it’s about good times, and lots of ‘em!!! KRILL is in Melboune recording their debut EP “the sweet side of cider” - don’t miss them while they’re in town! www.krill.com.au

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Coming Soon
* Bag O Nails - Thursdays in May from 12th.
* Rock N Roll Wrestling with The Speed Demons - Fri May 13
* P-Tex - Sat May 14
* Louis King + The Liars Club - Sun May 15

Fri, 29 April 2005

Tegan & Sara - news from the US

Filed under: General — site admin @ 8:01 pm

After opening the West Coast dates of the KILLERS tour, Tegan & Sara are confirmed for Coachella. They will be performing this Sunday, May 1 at 5.30pm right before the Arcade Fire.

We have just confirmed a 5 minute piece on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” which will run on Monday, May 2, which will focus on the girls’ experience at Coachella. Entertainment Weekly will also be featuring Tegan & Sara in their coverage of the Festival.

In addition, MTVU will officially add the video for “Walking With A Ghost” to Magna Cum Laude rotation next week which will result in 30 - 35 spins a week.

Last but not least, Tegan & Sara have been confirmed to perform as part of this year’s Lollapallooza on Sunday, July 24.

SO JEALOUS was released on Sept 14, 2004, and the buzz continues to build after stand out performances on THE LATE LATE SHOW, JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE, & LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O’BRIEN, plus constant touring and some smart radio programmers!

Keep your eye on Tegan & Sara:
“Tegan and Sara’s exuberant new album, So Jealous, offers something a little different….sparkling hooks and singalong choruses.” – The New York Times

“(Tegan and Sara are) Go-Go’s-via-Gwen indie-pop bliss…a self-defense guide for smart girls in an emo boys world” - Spin

“a precocious punky pop act with a knack for writing brisk songs and vivisecting ex-lovers” - Entertainment Weekly

Mad Dolly Gigs

Filed under: Gigs, General — site admin @ 10:04 am

Mad Dolly are once again pulling out the rock action around Melbourne in the
coming weeks!

The lads have had a wee rest after the excitement with Rollerball, and are now
recouperated enough to rock out with some new choons, new moves, but the same
rockin’ style that is Mad Dolly.

NEXT GIG:

May 5th @ Pony w/ The Upper Hand, Translate (doors 9 PM)

COMING UP:

May 13th @ The Armadale w/ Rincon

Mad Dolly detailed bio:

Mad Dolly are a 3-piece rock band based out of Melbourne with big sound, big
riffs and dirty hearts, and are swiftly honing their reputation as Melbourne’s
Bitchenest band.

The band consists of Alan on vocals, guitar, and funny business; Eddy on bass,
vocals, and general surliness; and Rob on drums, vocals and colourful language.

They’ve been rocking out around Melbourne for nearly a year now in their current
lineup, and have played with the likes of The Urviles, Immersion, and Tailbone.

Mad Dolly have also gotten behind the new Melbourne initiative The Music Mob,
and have played at their recent Rock Night at the Dan O’Connell with Immersion
and Creech.

Just coming off the back of several shows with Rollerball on the Victorian leg
of their tour, the guys are in fine gigging form and are drawing steady crowds
everywhere they go. They’ve been heard on PBS FM, RRR, 3CR and country radio
stations. Cruising round the city streets in old cars, blasting Kyuss, Black
Sabbath and AC/DC and The Powder Monkeys out of their stereos, Mad Dolly will
be playing a dingy room near you soon. Keep your eyes on the street press and
your ears on the radio.

They have an mp3 available on their website (see below), and are booking more
gigs in April-June right now.

Be Where You Are mp3: http://www.maddolly.com/sounds/Be%20Where%20You%20Are.mp3
Mad Dolly: www.maddolly.com
The Upper Hand: www.theupperhand.org
Translate: www.translateband.com

Highlights on six more shorts from St Kilda Film Festival 2005

Filed under: Film, Festivals & Major Events, General — site admin @ 1:09 am

Below for your info is a brief run down on another six of the top 100 short films in this year’s festival.

IN THE CAN
Starring: Daniel Fredrickson (Stringers)
Director: Damian McLindon
Synopsis:
Featuring Daniel Frederikson (Stingers), radio personality Laura Milke and local grandpa Matthew Golgerth, In The Can is a hilarious take on everyone’s pet hate: waking up with a grumbling stomach in a house empty of all edible food.

Marty, a twenty something slacker, wakes up after a night on the town, fresh out of money, and with an unbearable hunger. His kitchen is bare – except for a mountain of unwashed dishes and empty beer bottles. After a desperate search he finds a lone and dusty can of baked beans, but he can’t get the damn thing open. He tries everything: a can opener, a knife, a rock, an axe grinder… but all to no avail.

Finally Marty takes to the stubborn can with a sledgehammer and it explodes, spraying beans across the back yard and even in the face of a curious neighbour. When he sits down to contemplate his victory, he notices something odd - the can has a ring pull on its bottom side.

Shot over two days on Super 16mm film, In The Can is the brain-child of director Damian McLindon and scriptwriter/novelist Ben O’Mara. It was written and produced on a shoe string budget with one aim in mind: to make a film about a can of baked beans funny. The film was the product of months of solid pre-production, a cracking script, a hardworking crew… and a hell of a lot of baked beans.

THE UMBRELLA MEN
* Starring: Damien Walsh Howling (Ned Kelly, Stingers, Blue Heelers, Secret Life of Us, He Died With a Falafel in his hand) & Benji McNair (Neighbours, All Saints, Secret Life of Us, Blue Heelers, Something in the Air)
* Director: Matt Norman

Set in 1915 Gallipoli, this is the moving story of two mates fighting to stay alive in a horrific environment during one of the most historical moments Australian soldiers have ever been a part of.

We closely examine what it is to be thrown into battle un-equipped and unprepared, with only mateship as your guide.

AMORATLITY TALE
Directed by: Mike Bullen
* Creator, writer: COLD FEET

BAFTA, 2001, Best Drama Series
WRITER OF THE YEAR, 2003, TV Comedy Awards (UK)
BEST COMEDY DRAMA, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, TV Comedy Awards (UK)
CAST: PAUL GLEESON (SOMERSAULT), RUSSELL DYKSTRA (LANTANA) JENNI BAIRD (ALL SAINTS), AMANDA BISHOP, KIRRILY WHITE, ELIZABETH FRIELS

BRIEF SYNOPSIS
At an interstate conference, two married men succumb to temptation and take women to their rooms. What happens behind closed doors will change their lives irrevocably, in ways neither could have begun to predict.

SAME PLACE, DIFFERENT FACE
Directors: Elizabeth Clancy, Kylie-Rose Douglas
(* This movie catched the essence of St Kilda perfectly and be will screen on opening night)
Running Time 10 minutes
Synopsis: ‘Same Place, Different Face’ is a documentary representation of the changing cultural face of St Kilda.
Combining still images, super 8 and DV footage with an interview soundtrack, it is a candid reflection on what was and continues to be a diverse and intriguing suburb – a suburb that seethes under the spotlight placed upon it by Victorians, Australians and international visitors.
Diirected by Elizabeth Clancy and Kylie-Rose Douglas, the film evokes St Kilda through photographs and interview material gleaned from over 30 local luminaries. Shot, researched and produced by Clancy, Douglas and Bindi Cole, `Same Place, Different Face’ delivers a thoughtful
and qualified celebration of community, character and change.

GIFTED
Director: Zoe Carides
(* this is Zoe’s first short film as a director)
Synopsis:
“A solitary man prepares for bed, and whilst sleeping, is visited by a force
of nature who wants a little give and take….”

MY SISTER
Writer/Director : ChiYen Ooi
Producer : Libby Porter
SYNOPSIS
A young Chinese Australian girl struggles with her cultural identity and traditions she doesn’t understand.

AWARDS/FESTIVALS
Melbourne International Film Festival (Australia)
Fitzroy Shorts (Australia)
Winner Best Australian Short Film Melbourne International Film Festival 2004.
Winner Best Actor Fitzroy Shorts 2004
Winner Best Cinematpgraphy Fitzroy Shorts 2004
Nominated Best Cinematography AFI Non Feature Category 2004
(Australian Film institute Awards)
Gold ASC Award (Australian Cinematographers Society) 2004

Thu, 28 April 2005

International & Local reviews for St Kilda Film Festival shorts

Filed under: Film, Festivals & Major Events, General — site admin @ 10:29 am

St Kilda Film Festival shorts & directors get a great response both locally and internationally……

“EVERYTHING GOES” GETS RAVES AT 48TH SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

“Everything Goes,” an Australian Film Commission funded short film starring Hugo Weaving, Abbie Cornish and Sullivan Stapleton has had a rave response from critics and audiences alike at its first screenings at the 48th San Francisco International Film Festival last weekend.

The eighteen minute film depicts the unlikely relationship that forms between a young couple building their future together and a lonely man getting rid of his past.

Written and directed by first-timer Andrew Kotatko, “Everything Goes” was the only Australian film chosen for the “Revelations” programme, described by the festival organisers as “a superb collection of international narrative and animated shorts.”

In his preview of the San Francisco International Film Festival, critic Jeffrey M. Anderson of the San Francisco Examiner wrote that “the festival’s shorts programme, ‘Revelations’ boasts some fine work, but the highlight is Andrew Kotatko’s ‘Everything Goes,’ based on a Raymond Carver story.”

“Everything Goes,” winner of the Gray + Perkins Lawyers Award for Best Short Film at the 2004 Lexus IF Awards, will next screen at the St Kilda Film Festival, Australia’s premier national short film competition. The festival runs May 24 – 29, 2005. For more details, see the festival’s website at: www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au.

For further Information on “Everything Goes”: trainthought@hotmail.com

Director Matt Norman (The Writer & The Umbrella Men from St Kilda Film Festival 2005) wins BEST FILM at the Ballarat Film Festival.

Last night at the 1st Ballarat Film festival’s closing night Awards, Matt Norman of The Actors Café Pty Ltd film production company took out the night, winning BEST FILM for his 1915 short “SHANK”.

“SHANK” was part of the 2004 Tropfest Best of the Rest tour last year and has since been added to with a sequel to Premiere at this year’s St Kilda Film Festival. The sequel to this award winning film is called “The Umbrella Men” starring Damian Walshe-Howling and Benjie McNair. You can see “The Umbrella Men” along with Norman’s short feature “The Writer”, starring Kim Gyngell in the coming weeks at St Kilda Film Festival.

“Shank” was originally made for Tropfest in 2004. Starring it’s writer/director/producer/ editor Matt Norman and also Sydney based actor Rob Carlton, it tells the story of two mates with everything to lose. One is sent to Gallipoli (Carlton) while the other is left waiting for his friend to return (Norman).

Taking out the award was fantastic for everyone involved. Since “Shank”, Norman has made two other films so it’s hard to continue to push a past film when you’ve got others waiting for their turn in line. “To have one of my first films be reborn is a real treat” Matt said.

Matt Norman plans to shoot the third of the trilogy late 2005 called “Past the Poppies”, which is the story of a returned soldier seventy years on after Gallipoli. The film will be the closing chapter on this very sad but poignant homage to Gallipoli and its heroes. It’s the training run for the long anticipated feature “Imperial Myer” which is still in development and hopes to be in production in the coming years.

For more information please go to: www.theactorscafe.com

Wed, 27 April 2005

Stars Behind Bars @ The Prince of Wales - St Kilda

Filed under: Festivals & Major Events, General — site admin @ 8:17 pm

with The Living End
and more to be announced soon!!

The Living End have been confirmed as the headline act for this years MS Society fundraising benefit extravaganza, Star’s Behind Bar’s at The Prince Of Wales in St Kilda, Thursday June 2nd. This will be the last chance for Melbourne fans to experience Australia’s most powerful live band as The Living End are heading back to the studio with acclaimed producer Nick Launay, to record their highly anticipated fourth album. Expect a variety of killer tunes from their impressive catalogue of hits, and a preview of what’s to come.

Star’s Behind Bar’s is part of MS Week- May 30 to June 6, a week dedicated to raising money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. It’s set to be a night of nights, with more bands and many more celebrity participants soon to be announced!

Throughout the night, a variety of film, television, music and sporting “Star’s” will be employed to serve you! That’s right, a rotating roster of celebrities will get behind the bar to tend to your thirst and help raise much needed money for Multiple Sclerosis research.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease affecting young Australians, predominantly aged between 20 and 40 years of age. It is also one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system among young Australians. Last year’s sold out event featuring Michael Franti, Paul Kelly, Cruel Sea, Dallas Crane, Dan Brodie, Dan Kelly & The Mess Hall raised over $50,000 for the MS Society research fund.

Stars Behind Bars bartending applications are piling up, roster to be announced shortly…

Tickets are $29.50 plus booking fee and are available from Gaslight, Polyester, Greville Records or The Prince of Wales phone book 9536 1168 or book online:

www.princebandroom.com,au. TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 29TH APRIL.

Brandi and The Badcats

Filed under: Radio, General — site admin @ 10:16 am

3CR Radio Station, 855 on the AM band will be interviewing Brandi and
Reno on Saturday night, 30th April on a show called Shake Rattle and
Roll commencing at 8pm.

The legendary Harold Frith, drummer and founder of the 50’s Australian
Supergroup… the Thunderbirds who is now drumming for the Badcats will be
joining Brandi and Reno to talk about the band, and play some tracks
from their debut CD which also features Brandi doing a song penned by
Harold and originally recorded with The Thunderbirds as an instrumental.

The album entitled “Mama Rock ” is going to be lauched when the Brandi
and The Badcats head north in June to do 3 shows at the Wintersun
Festival in Coolangata.

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