SILENT HOUSE
The Fringe Award-winning Hush series of concerts will return to stir hearts and ruffle emotions, showcasing the best of WA songwriting in intimate, quiet and decidedly un-pub-like environs. This year, an all-star lineup will expose their souls and songs within the historic surrounds of the St George’s College Dining Hall at UWA. Hush will get low (volume) on Friday, January 30, (with Abbe May, Mathas, Odette Mercy and Davey Craddock & The Spectacles) and Friday, February 6, (with San Cisco’s Jordi Davieson & Josh Biondillo, Felicity Groom, Timothy Nelson and The Wilds). Tickets available from facebook.com/hushconcert.
SOUNDS IN THE VALLEY
Lee Kernaghan returns to Perth for Sounds In The Valley, happening at Elmar’s In The Valley, on Australia Day, Sunday, January 25. Joining him will be Adam Brand, The Wolfe Brothers and Perth’s own Magnificent 7 for a top country day out from 4.30pm. Tickets available from the venue or Ticketmaster.com.au.
SIMPLY STIRLING!
The eighth edition of the City of Stirling’s annual Summerset Arts Festival is set to bet he biggest yet, with over fifty events to tempt revelers of all ages. The month-long party, which kicked off with a Seaside Carnival at Scarborough Beach last Saturday is also host to the Sunset Veranda, which will be a hub of Fringe World activity, with kids events and the closing party (starring The Preatures and Kim Churchill) also highlights on the programme. Find information and tickets at summersetartsfestival.com.au.
AQWAMATIC
Don’t just look at AQWA’s exhibits – enter one! Discover diving with the Reefwalker adventure and walk underwater through one of the largest living coral reef displays in the world! Come face to fin with reef fish, baby rays and stunning corals. No diving experience is necessary. Capable swimmers aged 12 and over can take the plunge. Bookings through AQWA (08) 9447 7500, runs Friday to Sunday until April. Cost: $20 plus your standard AQWA entry.
AQWA also have their Dive Or Snorkel With Sharks program which runs every day. Snorkellers or qualified SCUBA divers can join AQWA’s Divemaster to plunge into AQWA’s 3 million litre Shipwreck Coast aquarium and come face to fin with sharks, stingrays, turtles and hundreds of stunning fish. Cost: $159 and entry is included. Runs every day
ZIP ZAP ZOOM: BALLET AT THE QUARRY
Zip Zap Zoom, from acclaimed Colombian-Belgian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa is heading to the Quarry Amphitheatre, City Beach. An energetic fusion of hip-hop, ballroom, cabaret and other dance forms, Zip Zap Zoom is an electrifying feast for the senses from Friday, February 6 until Saturday, February 28. Gates open 6.30pm, performances commence 8pm. Bookings through Ticketmaster on 136 100, at any Ticketmaster outlet, or visit waballet.com.au Picnic hampers available for pre-order – visit waballet.com.au.
BIG NIGHT AT LAST NIGHT
Last Night, Perth’s favourite Thursday night party is branching out with its first ever public holiday eve party – an absolute corker for Australia Day Eve on Sunday, January 25. They’re filling up both rooms at Amplifier Capitol – pay once and get access to both!
In Capitol it’s the mighty Kisschasy, supported by i, said the sparrow and Tired Lion. In Amplifier they’ve locked in a heavy line-up with Iconoclast, Sanctions and To Hell With Honour, followed by Amps’ favourite late night Blink-182 covers band, Pink18Stink.
In the Amps Beer Garden they’re doing up a free BBQ with a bunch of acoustic acts playing between bands. Tim from Calm Collected, Life In A Glass House and more to be announced!
They’re also wheeling in a bunch of DJs to keep it going in Capitol after Kisschasy finish up, playing a huge set of party hits from the past 10 years of triple j’s Hottest 100 countdowns. There’s a ton of floor fillers in the mix to keep you dancing until the sun comes up on the public holiday!
MARIKO MORI: REBIRTH
The Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Perth International Arts Festival join together to celebrate the 2015 Perth Festival Visual Arts Program and the opening of Rebirth with a performance by Mariko Mori on Saturday, February 7. Mori will still the audience with her enthralling site-specific performance, Oneness. Following this Australian exclusive of Mori’s work, local favourites KUČKA, will continue the celebrations with their unique blend of forward-thinking poptronica.
A cash bar offering food and refreshments is available on the night. It’s an 18+ event, so children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Doors open 8pm; exhibition is open until 9.45pm.
ROSEY 100
On Monday, January 26, Australia Day will rock at the Rosemount Hotel as the venue hosts its annual triple j Hottest 100 happening all day. There’s songs to hear and games to play with MC Magnus Danger Magnus and DJ Aslan making a party from 5pm once the countdown peaks. Free entry.
BOB MARLEY OUTERNATIONAL DAY
Next month marks the 70th birthday of the late Bob Marley and, of course, the return of the Bob Marley Outernational Day, for what is its 34th edition. It’s all-a-happening at the Railway Hotel, Fremantle, on Sunday, February 1, from 3pm-10pm, with an international line-up featuring Cera Kymarni & Lioness Movement, Ngati, Nba Rastas, Downbeat, Jacob And The Rudeboys, Souljah Kaptivz, Danny Pash’s One Love, Ricky & Sabrina, Jah Wisdom Sound, General Justice, Jeeb Buju, Mumma Trees, Simba, Zare Demus, Blaqknight, Upfront, Darkchild, Tutomath and KBI.
This year funds are being directed to Oxfam’s Ebola Crisis Appeal in West Africa. Tickets are $25 at the door.
RED HILL AUSTRALIA DAY EVE CONCERT
Red Hill Auditorium will for the first time be celebrating the Australia Day Weekend with a massive and iconic line-up of Australian bands. On Australia Day Eve, Sunday, January 25, Icehouse, James Reyne, Diesel and Mental As Anything will be playing their hearts out on the big stage. Take the drive up through Swan Valley or catch one of Red Hill’s shuttles leaving from venues situated all over Perth, from Mandurah to Joondalup. Tickets and full details at redhillauditorium.com.au.
SOME MORE OFF THE FRINGE!
THAT’S USING YOUR NOODLE
Perennially popular Fringe World venue Noodle Palace has a new home this year. The brainchild of madman-about-town Tomas Ford and the creative force that is JumpClimb Events has moved up in the world, taking a perch on top of the Central Institute Of technology on Francis Street, Northbridge. More than 64 acts will stage shows in converted classrooms, while thirsty patrons can relax in a Chinese-styled outdoor bar between events. For all the details, whereisnoodlepalace.com.au is your destination.
RETURN TO MIDLANDIA
No, it’s not a terrible fantasy novel, it’s the resurrection of one of Fringe World’s newest and best initiatives, Midlandia – a satellite artistic hub located at Midland’s historic Midland Junction Arts Centre. It’s like a mini-festival far from the madding crowds of Northbridge, with top musical, comedy, circus and cabaret acts plying their trade every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from January 29 until February 21. Scoot over to midlandia.com.au for all the info.
AN EVENING WITH SAMMY J & RANDY
What’s your show about?
Sammy J: One man’s perilous journey from his bathroom to the linen cupboard to retrieve a fresh towel.
Randy: It’s an educational musical thriller.
Who’s gonna like it?
R: People who live in Perth.
SJ: Or anyone who has ever been to Perth.
R: And Freemasons.
SJ: And linen cupboards.
When and where is it on?
Gold Digger, Perth Cultural Centre, February 17 – 21.
What else are you looking forward to at this year’s Fringe?
SJ: I accidentally overtipped a waitress at the Moon Cafe in Northbridge last year so I’m very much looking forward to returning to reclaim my $3.50.
R: I have a crush on a lady that works at Karrakatta train station and I intend to serenade her with my lute.
Anything to add?
SJ: That’s it?
R: Yeah, it’s an Xpress Q&A.
SJ: We drove all the way from Melbourne to Perth for a 2 minute interview?!?
R: Yup. If anyone needs me, I’ll be at Karrakatta train station.
SJ: TRAITOR!
ELEPHENTS
Who are we talking to?
Adriane Daff.
What’s your show about?
It’s a surreal soap opera set at the very end of life’s existence of earth, where people are hooked up to one another via contractual agreements and have the power to sing all the things they cannot say. We follow the drama of two couples – the cheating playboy passing time with his elephant loving girlfriend and a talentless musical duo.
Who’s gonna like it?
Any person over 15 with ears and a heart
When and where is it on?
Teatro 1, Feb 17 – 22
What else are you looking forward to at this year’s Fringe?
Fag/Stag, Bruce, Monroe and associates, Moving On Inc
ADRIENNE TRUSCOTT’S ASKING FOR IT
What’s your show about?
Well, it’s me, one-half of the infamous Wau Wau Sisters, dressed only from the waist up and ankles down, having a cheeky (literally) go at the rules and rhetoric about rape, comedy and the awkward laughs in between. There’s commentary from George Carlin, Louis C. K. and Robert De Niro; there are ducks, whistles and enough gin and tonics to get a girl in trouble – but I sort of let my pussy do the talking, so to speak.
Who’s gonna like it?
Everyone. It might seem like a heavy topic, but if you think about how much anyone likes to laugh and how often this topic affects people, it’s actually quite mainstream. That said, if you are very easily upset, prostrate yourself to a vengeful God, approve of stoning women for walking in public, hate laughing, are unable to look at culture critically, don’t understand satire, or are a rapist, it might be a challenge.
When and where is it on?
The Stables, February 7 -13 2015
MICHAEL WORKMAN: WE HAVE FUN, DON’T WE?
Who are we talking to?
A shadow of a man. But it’s a shadow of a man making brownies so it’s not as sad as it sounds.
What’s your show about?
It’s about a comedian whose explanations of his shows don’t really do them justice and end up turning away more people than they bring, who is doing a show about despair and a girl who turns into a bird.
Who’s gonna like it?
Not my family, and not people who like dick jokes. So if we’re related, or you like jokes about dicks, maybe think very carefully before buying a ticket.
When and where is it on?
The Stables, February 10 -15
What else are you looking forward to at this year’s Fringe?
Ghost Machine by Laura Davis, Colourless Green Ideas by Josh Makinda, Stuart Daulman Is An Absolute Credit by Stuart Daulman, and of course anything by Nick Cody and Mike Goldstein.
Anything to add?
This.
FAG/STAG
Who are we talking to?
Chris Isaacs – co writer and performer.
What’s your show about?
Two male friends, one straight, one gay, trying to find balance having a best mate while being their worst selves.
Who’s gonna like it?
Hopefully lots of people. I think people who enjoy storytelling, nights like Barefaced Stories, will dig the form of the show. It’s really two characters having a yarn about their lives and friendship leading up to a wedding they are both invited to, so it has a relaxed personal feel. The comedy in it is honest, if not brutal at times, observant and self deprecating. We dissect and explore questions of machoism and manliness.
When and where is it on?
PICA Performance Space, February 3 – February 7.
Anything to add?
Don’t think too much about what to see and why. Fringe is about taking the risk, walking in blind to a show, embracing the nature of art with an openness and willingness to be entertained.
