OK, enough of this winter bullshit. I’m done I tells you!
The best way to survive these last few chilly weeks is to either a) hibernate or, b) get to as many of these events as possible!
The ones below are all indoors and feature Canberra’s best artistic talent so if you’re going to stay in, why not do so in the presence of these fine folk?
Blood on the Dance Floor is a theatre piece by Jacob Boehme. Jacob was diagnosed with HIV in 1998. In search of answers, he reached out to his ancestors. Through a powerful blend of theatre, image, text, and choreography, Boehme pays homage to their ceremonies whilst dissecting the politics of gay, Blak and poz identities. Recommended for age 15+. Show times are on Saturday, 24 August at 5pm & 8pm. Check the Tuggeranong Arts Centre website for details and to book.
Sticking with the theme of locally made theatre, Metamorphosis is now in full swing at The Street Theatre! Adapted by Steven Berkoff, this stage production tells the story of Gregor – a broken man, exhausted by eternal work and an ungrateful family. Until one morning, he awakes, and is not a man at all. Inexplicably he has been transformed into a gigantic insect.
The play features an all Canberra cast including Christopher Samuel Carroll, Ruth Pierloor, Dylan Van Den Berg, and Stefanie Lekkas. Tickets are available fromTthe Street Theatre website and the show is on at various times between now and Saturday, 31 August. Check the website for more deets!
Onto music news now, and first up is huge congrats to local band Sputnik Sweetheart who SOLD OUT Transit Bar with their Us Girls single launch!
In further happy news, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers – have just released a new single See You In A Bit (I Still Care) and have announced that they’re playing Lost Paradise festival. Nice one.
The Missing Lincolns will be having their Lost Album live show at Smith’s Alternative on Friday, 23 August from 7:30-11:30pm. The band, made up of Canberra live music veterans, includes Luke McGrath, Nick Delatovic, Chris Gleeson and Josh Chaffey, and they will be recording this album live on the night. It’s also Nick’s 37th birthday bash! I have no doubt this will be a great gig. Tix available at the door for $10.
Ed Reading releases a new album across all platforms on Friday, 23 August. Ed has been producing music for over a decade and has a few different projects to his name, such as Disect (psytrance), Humanizm (techno), and Booyah (psychbreaks).
His recent Humanizm release, Adaptive Species, is 10 tracks of psychedelic wonderment,released by international label, Sub Element Records.
Signs & Symbols are making a comeback with their new album Counting in Colours which they’re launching at The Polo on Friday, 23 August from 8pm. Tix at the door. So many great local acts at the moment… can’t keep up!
On Wednesday, 28 August, Canberra DIG hosts the latest Crop Up Sessions. For your mid-week dose of music head over to sideway [sic] to have a listen to Eloria, Neko Pink, LIV LI and Pheno from 8pm. Tix available at the door for $10/$5.
On Friday, 20 September, Charlotte & The Harlots have brought a power pop/punk rock/grunge renaissance to their local scene. With energetic live shows around the city, they have created their own brand of rock ‘n’ roll. With debut single SUNSHINE just released, and a promising debut EP out soon, The Harlots are embarking on their first headline east coast tour with mates Mimi The Desert Pearl and a handful of other great local acts including The Differs, Babe Fiasco, and Dalmacia.
A reminder about the inaugural Canberra music event, Sweet Dreams Festival on Saturday, 21 September. The line-up features Citizen Kay, Kirrah Amosa, Kirklandd and Thandi Phoenix. The event will be held at the Truffle Farm on Mt Majura Road and tickets are available via the website now (sweetdreamsfestival.com.au).
If a market outing is more your thing, get along to the Handmade Markets on the weekend of 7-8 September. Featuring many local artists, designers, and makers across the board, this quarterly market is one not to be missed. Head over to Exhibition Park in Canberra – free parking and free entry.
That should keep you busy for a few weekends. See you in a month’s time!
