In typical style, NORPA, the region’s leading theatre company, launched it’s 2013 Season with maximum theatrics and a healthy dose of fun with a rockabilly roller derby party at the Lismore roller skating rink. Highlights of the night included a celebration of NORPA’s 20-year history and Artistic Director Julian Louis going wheel to wheel with the Northern Rivers Roller Derby gals.
With tickets for all of NORPA’s 2013 shows now on sale, the race is on to see which of the six very different shows NORPA is bringing to Lismore this year will be snapped up by punters first.
“I think The Ensemble Theatre’s Frankenstein will definitely be in the running for top spot,” says Artistic Director Julian Louis. “It recently opened in Sydney to amazing reviews and as the opening show in our season, it will be the first chance for audiences to experience a main-stage theatrical production in the newly renovated Lismore City Hall”
“But then again who wouldn’t want to see Taylor Mac, New York’s gender-bending cabaret sensation, cover 100 years of popular song in one spangled evening? Or Max Gillies and Samuel Johnson in an extremely powerful play by Reg Cribb called The Haunting of Daniel Gartrell? That is what’s so great about curating a season of shows for a Northern Rivers audience – it’s a diverse and vibrant community of theatre lovers we cater for, with a wide palette of tastes!”
“We know that our audiences love contemporary circus so we’re bringing Australia’s hottest new company, Casus and their show Knee Deep – this is sensual and dramatic circus, the whole genre has really developed as an art form. Choreographer
Shaun Parker wowed us last year with The Yard so we had to ask him to return – this time he’s bringing his international touring show Happy As Larry which uses highly physical dance, hip hop, ballet and roller-skating to find out what makes us happy.”
“One of NORPA’s hallmarks is championing new, adventurous works so we’ve got a wicked re-imagining of The Wizard of Oz by Maxine Mellor and The Danger Ensemble. NORPA is supporting the creation of this brand new work with Brisbane’s leading theatre company La Boite and it will have its premiere at Brisbane Festival before coming straight to us in Lismore.”
“We’re very lucky to be able to bring six world-class theatre shows to Lismore at a much cheaper ticket price than it would cost people to see the same shows in the big cities. In the case of Taylor Mac you’d have to travel to Sydney or Darwin or New York to see him. The support we get from funding bodies, sponsors and our subscribers means regional audiences don’t miss out on these experiences. Our relationship with Southern Cross University also means high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds will see some of the shows for free. This year local accounting firm TNR have also come on board and will be supporting the performances of The Haunting of Daniel Gartrell and Knee Deep.”
“We are very excited about getting back into the renovated Lismore City Hall with these shows. Because it’s a shorter season this year we’ve made it so you only have to buy tickets to three shows to become a NORPA subscriber and get all the discounts and goodies like meeting the cast that come with being a subscriber – including a chance to win a bunch of festival passes. So it’s a win all round this year!”
Tickets for all of NORPA’s 2013 shows are now on sale through www.norpa.org.au or the NORPA Box Office on tel: 1300 066 772. The first show is Frankenstein on July 19 in the newly renovated Lismore City Hall. Many of the shows in NORPA’s season sell out in advance so make sure you get in early! Season Brochures available from NORPA or online at www.norpa.org.au
Tags: norpa
On May 21st, DrSketchys Burlesque Life-Drawing presents a night of lush and forbidden pleasures as our bohemian crowd of artists and their decadent friends explore the world of dark glamour, gothic spectacle and luxurious fetish.
Our two models for this sumptuous evening of erotica are the ravishingly voluptuous and mischievous Mercy St Just, and returning to DrSketchys after a year in the shady netherworld of Londons flesh-pots, the elegant and sultry Lady Cave!
Step out into velvet , as these two jaw-dropping performers overwhelm the audience with a sensuous night of languid modelling , performances, latex, leather and lace. The stronger of our artists might manage to scrawl a few images with a shaky hand, the rest of the throng will no doubt sit slack-jawed and mesmerised , quietly whimpering in awe and astonishment.
Guiding our audience in their exploration of the dark side is beautiful chanteuse , and MC for the evening, Miss Belle Benet. Miss Benet will be preparing our Art-monkeys for a steamy night with some slow-burning songs of love and desire.
Entry is $15 at the door. Doors open at 6.00pm, and the session runs from 6.30pm to 9.30pm approximately. Its on Tuesday May21 at the Byron Brewery!
Bring your own art-materials if drawing, but everyone is welcome whether drawing or not. And, as if we have to tell you, its an Over-18s event!
Tags: dr sketchy
Being the month of the mother, The Byron at Byron Spa is going all out for May.
Massage at The Byron at Byron Spa
“One day is just not enough to celebrate motherhood” said Spa Manager Melinda Dunn.
During May guests will receive a complimentary half hour facial with every one hour massage and a complimentary half hour massage with every one hour facial. Whether they are a mother, a father, or neither.
“The most difficult decision, particularly as we age, is shall I look after my face or body?” said Melinda. “But why choose when you can do both”.
“We have been thrilled to see more locals claiming their locals card. With 10% discount every time you visit the resort, it all adds up”. An application form for this free card can be downloaded from www.thebyronatbyron.com.au
The Byron at Byron Spa also has a Spa Rewards Program. For every $500 spent on treatments in the Spa within a twelve month period, guests receive a $50 Spa Gift Voucher.
With the Spa’s brand new luxurious steam room, relaxation area and spa included in the price of every treatment, a visit can easily last half a day.
“A spa experience begins with preparing the body for treatment” said Melinda. “We recommend arriving up to an hour prior to treatment to make use of the facilities. Guests love the Japanese kimonos, Italian slippers and fluffy white towels. It’s great to set the mood. Our moist steam room increases blood circulation, assists in cleansing and detoxifying the skin and reducing muscle tension. It facilitates relaxation prior to a massage, so the treatment can be more effective.
“The heated natural mineral spa is so luxuriously deep, and with the onset of the cooler weather nothing feels more indulgent than immersing yourself into deep warm water to soak tired muscles and joints before a massage or body treatment”.
The Byron at Byron is consistently voted #1 on TripAdvisor for Byron Bay and is a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Winner for 2013. Please telephone 6639 2110 or email spa@thebyronatbyron.com.au for bookings and enquiries.
Tags: Byron, Byron at Byron, Byron Bay, spa
The 18th Byron bay Triathlon will be taking place this weekend on May 11 and 12.
The Triathlon has the wonderful support of the NSW Police Service, Byron Bay Councillors and Council staff who have approved a road closure from the Hyundai Transition all the way to Ross Lane near Lennox Head with conditions. Firstly local residents must have access and an escort service into the estates, hotels and resorts and the bus line south cannot be cut. This means that you will encounter some vehicles and must remain vigilant at all times. 102,000 people could be indirectly affected by the triathlon this year so your support is necessary to both protect cyclists and also maintain the community harmony. The rules are simple: don’t draft as this increases risks and is cheating; stay in the left lane; keep your eyes up and look ahead; and give way to vehicles.
The distance has been increased to 40km resulting in immense pressure from the community regarding the extension and this may have to be cut on the day. Some of the competitors will comment this should have been sorted earlier, and the reply is ‘it has been sorted’, but we are the only remaining midday triathlon on the calendar in a major town with only one road access… and we must work with the community or the historic Byron Bay Triathlon format will be changed.
Competitors and friends should allow an extra hour travel time when turning into Byron Bay as there are extensive delays on the roads due to the triathlon. Do not park illegally or you will be towed. Do not be late for racking in the Hyundai Transition and come prepared for rain showers and a cool breeze.
It is expected that wetsuits may be approved. The wave starts are faster this year and reordered to reduce times on the cycle leg. Please be at marshalling thirty minutes prior.
The introduction of the Cooper’s Party and Presentation Night at the Surf Club will take place where you are invited to join the Triathlon team for post event celebratory beverage or meal. There will be catering only for four hundred meals but have heaps of Coopers.
Event Program:
Friday 10th May
- Registration Open 4.00pm – 7.00pm
- Carb loading dinner available at Byron Bay Services Club (Johnson St) – crew will be there at 7.00pm
Saturday 11th May
- Registration Open 8.00am – 11.00am
- Transition Open 9.00am – 11.00am
- Junior Aquathon 10.00am
- Athlete Briefing 11.20am
- Byron Triathlon 12.00pm
Sunday 12th May
- Run for Mum/Family Walk 9.00am (registration open from 8.00am)
Parking:
Race Day Parking will be available in Butler Street Reserve (Byron Bay Sunday Markets Site).
The majority of public streets in Byron Bay are subject to parking restrictions (2-4 hours maximum). This year we have once again secured athlete parking at the Butler Street reserve. Thank you to Byron Shire Council.
Gates open 7.30am, parking entry is off Sommerset Street. If entering Byron Bay from the North turn right into Butler Street at the roundabout intersection of Shirley Street and Lawson Street (near the Police Station & Caltex service station – before crossing the railway lines).
If travelling from the south turn left at the bottom of Johnson Street at the roundabout into Lawson Street, then left into Butler Street at the roundabout intersection of Shirley and Lawson Streets (just after crossing the railway lines).
The registration/transition is located about 500m from the parking area.
Parking will cost just a gold coin donation – volunteer parking attendants from Byron Youth Service will be in attendance collecting money for their programs. Please support this great local service. All cars MUST leave the car park by 6pm when we will be locking the gates.
Maps are available on the website at: http://www.byronbaytri.com.au/
Athlete Program & Start Lists:
Need to know where to go? Where to park? What time to be here? Who else is racing in your category? All the answers are in the Athlete Program & Start Lists which are now available the website: http://www.byronbaytri.com.au/
Presentation Night:
Don’t forget about the presentation night at the Byron Bay SLSC from 5.00pm. Presentations start at 6.30pm – music, food & of course some Coopers will be available. Lots of prizes to be won in the random draw so don’t miss out.
Triathlon Australia One Day Licence:
Please be aware that if you DO NOT have a TA membership/licence number you are required to purchase their one-day licence with your entry. If you have not already done so – please log back into the registration site & purchase the licence – $20 for individuals & $25 for teams.
Mummy’s Wish Fun Run & Family Walk:
There is still time to enter the Mothers Day 5km Run for Mum or Family Walk in aid of “Mummy’s Wish”. Don’t miss out – register now & support this wonderful charity.
For further details visit www.byronbaytri.com.au
Tags: byron bay triathlon
The picturesque village of Bangalow will be abuzz with the joy of singing on the weekend of 11-12th May when the Northern Rivers Conservatorium presents the third annual In Harmony Bangalow Choralfest. The memory of the late Michael Malloy is honoured at each Choralfest as the man who inspired the event. “Michael was so lovely to work with, he had such energy, community spirit and of course was an incredible supporter of the arts and also of the work of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium. Michael and I hatched the idea for the first Choralfest under one of the trees in the Bangalow Public School playground way back in 2010 and now we’re presenting the third Choralfest – I’m sure Michael would be thrilled” said Anita Bellman, Executive Director of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium.
Bangalow and its many charming halls offers just the right setting for In Harmony Bangalow Choralfest’s workshops and concerts. The event kicks off on Saturday morning 10am with a workshop especially for Conductors presented by Brian Martin. In the afternoon there are four workshops to choose from: Breathe Easy Singing Technique (Imogen Wolf), I Love Singing (Simon Chate), Hear Your Male Voice (Brian Martin) and Choral Improvisation (Nicholas Routley).
A twilight concert by the acclaimed The Idea of North is the perfect ending to a fantastic day of singing to be presented at the Bangalow Catholic Hall. The Idea of North is Australia’s premier contemporary a cappella ensemble. Formed twenty years ago, their enviably imaginative arrangements of classic songs from the pop, jazz, folk, gospel and comedy genres have won them awards the world over.
Sunday is all about celebrating choirs – with concerts presented from 1pm by local community choirs, school choirs and even choirs from the Gold Coast and Bellingen in the RSL Hall, the A&I Hall and the Uniting Church. The Big Sing Finale boasts a combined choir of more than one hundred voices guaranteed to uplift you and fill your heart with the joy of singing. A weekend pass to the In Harmony Bangalow Choralfest would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift or bring Mum along to the Sunday afternoon concerts for just $10.
Bookings can be made online at choralfest.nrcac.edu.au or contact us at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium on 6621 2266 or email admin@nrcac.edu.au
Weekend passes $50. Workshops $20. The Idea of North $25. Sunday passes $10.
Tags: bangalow, Choralfest
Based in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia, Sacred Earth is the creation of Jethro & Prem Williams. Jethro & Prem have been travelling the world for 9 years performing live the music of Sacred Earth. Their music is awe inspiring, uplifting and takes the listener on a deep inner journey. The stillness that is discovered during their concert performance is profound.
For one night only, Saturday May 18, the beautiful spiritual journey musicians Jethro & Prem Williams of Sacred Earth will perform in Byron Bay at Coorabell Hall. Don’t miss this beautiful and very special show!
For further information and ticket purchase visit www.kupromotions.com.au and earth.net.au/tickets
Tags: coorabell hall
The much loved Old and Gold Festival is on again in Brunswick Heads.
Celebrating its 12th year, the Old and Gold Festival in the seaside town of Brunswick Heads features things old, secondhand and recycled. There is no shortage of pre-loved wares at any one of the 3 fairs or 70 plus garage sales.
As well as picking up bargains come along and enjoy a variety of free entertainment around the town and don’t miss the famous Australian Marbles Championships – a fun event for all age groups.
The festival starts at 8am and goes till 3pm.
For further information visit www.oldngold.com.au
Tags: brunswick heads, old n gold
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2013
3 DAY, SINGLE DAY AND CAMPING TICKETS SOLD OUT!
The organisers of the annual SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS event would like to advise that all 3 day, single day and camping tickets to the 2013 event, taking place Friday 26 to Sunday 28 July at North Byron Parklands, Byron Bay have completely sold out.
The system laboured a little under unprecedented the demand for tickets, but once it started to move it was all smooth sailing.
With an increased capacity this year, all single and three days tickets sold out in under an hour.
There are still a limited number of Country Club tickets available from Moshtix but with all other tickets now gone these too are moving fast.
Event Producers, Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco said “What a perfect start for Splendour at our new home, North Byron Parklands! Our housewarming party is going to be awesome. Please don’t bring a pot plant!”
Splendour would like to thank Moshtix for all their efforts this morning.
We’ll be announcing the Official Splendour Sideshows on Monday, stay tuned!
For complete information and frequently asked questions on the event please go to the Splendour website: www.splendourinthegrass.com
Proudly supported by triple j, Channel V and in partnership with Climate Friendly
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2012 – SOLD OUT
Friday 26 July, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July
North Byron Parklands, Byron Bay
www.splendourinthegrass.com
Dubmarine will once again team up with Brisbane bass heavy roof raisers Kingfisha for the double headliner show at the Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay on Saturday, May 11.
Dubmarine – Smashing together dub, dancehall, reggae, drum n bass, and just a little touch of rock, the nine-piece tour-de-force are unleashing the first single – Beat in Control – from their highly anticipated second album due in the second half of 2013.
Kingfisha – Brisbane’s bass heavy roof raisers will hit the road for the first time in 2013 in support of their new single, “Digging For Fire”. In leaps and bounds the polished Kingfisha have blown away audiences with their powerful dub/reggae sounds and slick vocal styling.
For further information visit www.kupromotions.com.au
Tags: hotel great northern
This year SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS finally moves to its idyllic, permanent home at North Byron Parklands. Picture wide green meadows, flower covered dams, trees, trees and more trees. From July 26 – 28 this eden will be transformed into a nirvana for music and arts enthusiasts.
“It has been a long road but it’s been so worth it! We’re finally presenting Splendour at its permanent home at North Byron Parklands. The site is currently being prepared for our ‘housewarming’ and we are super excited to show off our new digs!” said co-producers Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco.
Over three monumental days, punters can random shuffle their feet between 80+ of the hottest acts on offer today, from global tastemakers to the “ones to watch” to festival favourites as you’ve never seen them before, to seasoned internationals and truly iconic Australian acts.
Splendour In The Grass 2013 will include all of the event’s popular festival features plus some super new additions!
No Splendour experience is complete without a few lost hours in the TIPI FOREST, the quintessential Byron experience. Also channeling the essence of “The Bay”, GLOBAL VILLAGE is back with all the performances, workshops, market stalls and global food fair that everyone loves. Factor them both in!
One of Splendour’s most popular daytime spaces, the SPLENDOUR FORUM will once again discuss both the heavy and featherweight issues, and philosophical questions with a good deal of entertaining random banter thrown in!
Think you might be looking a bit June 2013? You’ll want to check out the VERY SMALL MALL and while you’re at it you might want to book a treatment at the SPLENDOUR DAY SPA to be looking your splendiferous best when you meet your mates at the SMIRNOFF COCKTAIL BAR where you’ll find a different club each night.
Keep your eyes peeled for the SPLENDOUR ARTS series of dynamic and interactive artworks including the so bad it’s good TENT OF MIRACLES. Look up, look down, look all around for artists and their work as it emerges across the site throughout the weekend.
SPLENDOUR IN THE CRAFT. “Finally!” we hear you say. Yep, we thought so too. You can expect a bunch of crafternoon workshops like Upcycle Your Merch and Pimp Your Tent. There’ll be lunchtime Crafty Sessions with talks by some awesome crafters. We’ll also have some of our more crafty musicians dropping by. Plus there’ll be suitcase rummages, markets and more. So much goodness!
MISS SAIGON KARAOKE. We all know how this goes! It had to happen. Way overdue!
THE RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY is a world-travelling series of music workshops, gigs and info sessions. It’s a platform for those who make a difference in today’s music landscape. This year, the Academy celebrates its 15th birthday, with New York as the host city. As part of the local Aussie celebrations, Red Bull Music Academy will be curating its own stage, assembling an all-star cast of local and international artists to further your musical education. Stay tuned for the announcement of artists that will be performing on the Academy stage!
Then there’s the COUNTRY CLUB BAR! With a view overlooking the Supertop stage, exclusive entry to this bar is just one of the many perks of The Country Club ticket. Yeah we know that lots of festivals have premium tickets but this one is so much better! You also get a super special camping spot with exclusive loos (and we all know how important that is!), complimentary cloakroom, showers, phone charging, bus travel and a bunch of other stuff including the Country Club Concierge to help you plan the perfect Splendour weekend!
Plus there’s LITTLE SPLENDOUR (kids club), SING FOR YOUR SUPPER (busker’s stage), MARKETS and a whole new world of CULINARY DELIGHTS that we’ll be telling you more about soon.
Splendour’s beautiful new venue has loads of space for camping onsite. With flat open fields to set up your very own festival crib and up to 5 nights available, it’s an easy and super affordable way to experience Splendour. The Splendour campground will be accepting early entry from Wednesday 24 July. You’ll find more information about camping at splendourinthegrass.com.
Splendour has long been at the forefront in developing new and effective ways to lighten event specific carbon footprints. Our army of committed enviro-savvy punters has offset thousands of tonnes of carbon via carbon-offset tickets and on site recycling programs. Watch this space for info about how you can help to keep SPLENDOUR green!
Okay! Time to get to the heart of it all. SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS is joyous as hell to deliver you this news. Here are the artists who will grace the Supertop, Mix Up Stage and GW McLennan Tent this July….
MUMFORD & SONS (only Australian show), FRANK OCEAN, THE NATIONAL (only Australian show), OF MONSTERS & MEN, EMPIRE OF THE SUN, BERNARD FANNING, THE PRESETS, TV ON THE RADIO (only Australian show), KLAXONS, FLUME, BABYSHAMBLES, PASSION PIT, BIRDS OF TOKYO, JAMES BLAKE, ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI, LAURA MARLING, MATT CORBY, DRAPHT , MYSTERY BAND, FLIGHT FACILITIES, POLYPHONIC SPREE (performing Rocky Horror Picture Show), BOY & BEAR, FAT FREDDY’S DROP, COLD WAR KIDS, THE RUBENS, SARAH BLASKO, DARWIN DEEZ, YOU AM I (performing Sound As Ever & Hi-Fi Way), HERMITUDE, HAIM, AIRBOURNE, THE DRONES, MS MR, GURRUMUL, EVERYTHING EVERYTHING, CLAIRY BROWNE & THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES, CLOUD CONTROL, PORTUGAL. THE MAN, DAUGHTER, SOMETHING FOR KATE, WAVVES, CHET FAKER, SNAKADAKTAL, ROBERT DELONG, UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA, WHITLEY, FIDLAR, JAKE BUGG, THE BAMBOOS, SURFER BLOOD, DEAP VALLY, PALMA VIOLETS, ALPINE, LITTLE GREEN CARS, VANCE JOY, JAGWAR MA, VILLAGERS, VIOLENT SOHO, DUNE RATS, PVT, THE JUNGLE GIANTS, CUB SCOUTS, ART OF SLEEPING, THE GROWL, TWINSY, THE CHEMIST, SONGS, MITZI and TRIPLE J UNEARTHED WINNERS.
PLUS DJ’S – ALISON WONDERLAND, YOLANDA BE COOL, WHAT SO NOT, XAPHOON JONES, D-CUP, OTOLOGIC, PEKING DUK, TYLER TOUCHE and BAD EZZY.
For more information check out splendourinthegrass.com!