Bloomin' Marvellous

Nothing says spring like bountiful blooms and if you feel like heralding in the season with a splash of colour, you'd be mad not to take advantage of the Council flower give-away this weekend.

This Sunday, the City of Sydney will be giving away thousands of plants and flowers in support of the White Ribbon Foundation and around 30,000 pots of marigolds, begonias, salvia, lobelia, lamium and dianella are on offer in exchange for a teeny-weenie gold coin donation.

There's been nothing this cheap since Eliza Doolittle was flogging her posies!

The plants are left over from the latest Living Colour display which had a bicycle theme and floral blooms dotted around Sydney shaped like spokes, wheels and bikes, to celebrate the Sydney Rides spring bike riding festival.

White Ribbon Australia is the charity partner of Living Colour 2013 and is dedicated to preventing male violence against women.

For a small donation you receive a beautiful plant and help White Ribbon Australia deal with a problem that affects so many women - one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner and one in every three women over the age of 15 reports physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.

Living Colour has brightened Sydney’s streets for the last 10 years and uses water-wise, native and edible plants which are always re-homed after the event.


WHEN:           Sunday 3 November 2013 .... 8-11am

WHERE:         Cathedral Square, in front of St Mary’s Cathedral


Sydney Local says.....go the early and tack on a church service at the Cathedral, a swim at Cook + Phillip, or a feast of Yum Cha at Bohdi's to round out the day.

Sydney Festival 2014

Get excited! The Sydney Festival line up has just been announced and it's action packed with SO MUCH to choose from!

Go here to get your BROCHURE and start planning the festival fun!.. ... MUSIC, THEATRE, DANCE, CLASSICAL, OPERA, CIRCUS & CABARET.... there's a new map design to help plan you get around from festival A to Z...

The Festival Village is situated right in the centre of the City in Hyde Park, northside near the Archibald Fountain, and has a wide selection of of food and drinks, It's also the venue for the Circus Ronaldo Tent and the Spiegeltent.

8 - 26 January, closed Mondays

Family performances from 10am, licensed bars open from 5pm.

sydney - ringed by fire

It's not yet summer downunder but it looks like bushfire season has come early this year...today was a whopping 34 Celsius and Sydney is ringed with bush fires.....the city has taken on an apocalyptic look today....my friends are all over the place and posting pics from Bondi to the Blue Mountains...praying that everyone stays safe this weekend

spring finery

it's a little bit windy today, but my favourite spot was out of the wind and bathed in sunshine.... added to that, this canopy of green.... with a sweet angel to watch over me!

Mystery Road

Great to see an exciting newAustralian film on the horizon. If you like the sound of a western style thriller, with an enigmatic cop hero at the centre of a murder mystery, shot in the great Australian outback then Mystery Road is your kind of show. It got quite a rap last week from David and Margaret (At The Movies) and has been chosen as the opening night movie at the 2013 Sydney Film Festival.

From one of Australia’s most acclaimed directors Ivan Sen (Beneath Clouds, Toomelah)  Mystery Road stars Aaron Pedersen as Jay, an Indigenous detective who returns to his outback hometown to investigate the murder of a teenage girl.

Alienated from both the white dominated police force and his own community, Jay quickly finds himself out of his depth but steely in his determination to fight back for his town and his people.

Mystery Road’s all-star cast also includes Ryan Kwanten, Jack Thompson, Tasma Walton, Damien Walshe-Howling, Zoe Carides, Robert Mammone, Samara Weaving and Roy Billing.

In cinemas from October 17.

International Fleet Review

Get ready Sydney....the Navy is coming to town - and not just our Navy it seems like EVERY Navy is on it's way, with the International Fleet Review taking place over this long weekend. Two years ago the invitation was sent out and, from tomorrow onwards, we will have around 40 warships coming into town to say g'day.  There will be pomp, there will be ceremony, there will be admirals and rear admirals and epaulettes and even a prince called Harry.

The Tall Ships arrived today and tomorrow Sydney will welcome a combined fleet of 40 warships from Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, France, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, Russia, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Thailand, Tonga, the UK, and the US.

With its proximity to the Cross, Garden Island has always been a popular port

I'm thinking the Warship arrival (all day Friday) and the RAAF Roulettes (9.45am Friday) the Helicopter display team (Saturday 10.45) and the Fleet Review (Saturday 11am) are going to be highlights and the fireworks on Saturday night are rumoured to be bigger and more fabulous than NYE with many ships acting as the launching pads all around the Harbour!

For more information on the International Fleet Review, visit the NAVY website

And for updates go LIKE them on FB HERE

Not sure if the fireworks are simulcast, but if they are I hope they play this song:

Good Food Month

It's October which means it's Good Food Month   and a good excuse to eat your way around town with over 500 events listed around Sydney and right across regional NSW. There are plenty of opportunities to revisit old favourites, try new hotspots, stroll the night noodle markets, meet the providores at the growers market,  picnic with the kids, look at art, learn how to grow your own and take a class or two. (it's your turn next month, Melbourne)

Check out this ingenious ad campaign developed for this year's event..... can you guess the food/country pairing?

PS: did you notice that almost every country HAS RED in their flag?

William Street Laneway Festival

The 5th William Street Laneway Festival last weekend was everything a stylish local community event should be with live music, trestle tables, market stalls, food trucks, ping pong, face painting, dogs, kids, free juices and ice-cream galore.

 Walking from one end of the street to the other was a feast for the senses - all done under a sparkling blue sky..... definitely one event to earmark for next time!

Llankelly Place Gets a Make-over

The temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer... there's still a chill in the night air but nothing to deter an outdoor dining option or two.

Lucky then, that the City of Sydney continues to champion the personality make-over of Llankely Place, with the announcement of a trial period for this Potts Point laneway that will include extra room for outside tables and community events.

Home to a great variety of eateries, the choice in this little laneway is excellent and wildly eclectic - pizza, greek, tapas, malaysian, fine diner food, fresh juices and excellent coffee are all on offer here.

Llankelly Place is just a stone's throw from the action of the Cross but pedestrian access only means it's an ideal spot for outdoor dining and lingering over a meal - the recent refurbishment of the "starburst" lights have prettied up this once dingy, druggy spot, added to the safety aspect and given the neighbourhood a much-needed dining precinct.

getting crafty

Everyone seems to be doing it these days - getting etsy, crafty, creative, and artisanal and quite frankly if you havent knitted, felted or potted something lately you're not as hip as you think you are.

But dont despair, the City of Sydney has some free workshops lined up over summer destined to release the artist inside (kids and grown-ups alike)...

Fancy having a go at life drawing, zine making, pottery, knitting or "upcycling" jewellery from office waste? Well, theres a workshop just waiting for you and did we mention FREE?

Lord Mayor Clover Moore wants Sydneysiders to meet up, have fun and get creative and says  “Our libraries are so much more than just a quiet place for study or reading. From pottery to Christmas crafts, knitting and social media workshops, there’s so much on offer in our libraries".

David Quoy, a graduate of the College of Fine Arts and recipient of the Highly Commended Award in the Lloyd Rees Memorial Prize, is one of many talented artists sharing their knowledge and techniques in the workshops.

“Libraries are a lovely, open environment for people from all walks of life," says David.

“Hosting these classes in a library is special because it’s more open for the community, as opposed to studios which can be very private places.

“Making art can be a little bit daunting at first – most people have preconceived ideas of what art is or isn’t, and I’m hoping that my classes will give participants a more wide-eyed scope of what art can be.

“I’ll be utilising unconventional image-making methods grounded in traditional drawing techniques to help the participants explore their imagination and create unique works of art.”

CLASSES INCLUDE:

Draw on Imagination
Saturday 12 October, 11am – midday, Kings Cross Library, Level 1, 50-52 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.
Wednesday 16 October, 5.30pm – 6.30pm, Ultimo Library, Level 1, 40 William Henry Street, Ultimo.
Join printmaker, drawer and sculptor David Quoy for an introduction to basic drawing techniques, which will help open up your imagination to the possibilities of art making.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au

The Artist is WHO?
20 September – 20 October, Haymarket, Glebe, Green Square, Kings Cross, Newtown, Surry Hills, Ultimo, Customs House and Waterloo Libraries. Opening times vary.
Discover your inner artist with City libraries housing an art station where you can draw, paint or write to your heart’s content.
Free; no bookings required. For more information visit artandabout.com.au/festival-program/the-artist-is-who

We heART librarians
20 September – 21 October, Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
Our library staff have come out of the shadows and into the very public space of the library to display their secret artistic talents.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au

Typewriters, stamps & secret zine workshop
Tuesday 24 September, midday – 3pm, Newtown Library, 8-10 Brown Street, Newtown.
Join legendary zine maker Vanessa Berry and make your own DIY photocopied publication.
For ages 12 and above.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au

Make Me: Clay Creations
Thursday 26 September, 11am – midday, Newtown Library, 8-10 Brown Street, Newtown.
Use clay to create cut-out animals and figurines step-by-step, or make a cup using coiling techniques.
For ages five to 12.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au

Kinder Art
Tuesday 1 October, 10am – 11am, 11am – midday, Glebe Library, 186 Glebe Point Road, Glebe.
Let your little artists create a painted masterpiece on A4 canvas to hang on the wall.
For ages zero to five.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au

Spring Jewellery
Wednesday 2 October, 11am – midday, Haymarket Library, 744 George Street, Sydney.
Jeweller Zara Collins will help you create your own necklace with a spring theme, using 21st century office waste.
For ages five to eight.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au

Make Me: Beautiful Beads
Thursday 3 October, 11am – 1pm, Newtown Library, 8-10 Brown Street, Newtown.
Design your own jewellery, such as necklaces, keyrings or earrings, using a range of beads.
For ages eight to 16.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au

Draw on Life
Saturday 5 October, 2pm – 3pm, Ultimo Library, Level 1, 40 William Henry Street, Ultimo.
Saturday 19 October, 2pm – 3pm, Glebe Library, 186 Glebe Point Road, Glebe.
Tuesday 19 November, 6pm – 7pm, Kings Cross Library, Level 1, 50-52 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.
Join artist Kathe Payne for an evening of pencil shavings and creative minds, developing your sketching skills and basic drawing techniques.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au

Social Media for Artists
Tuesday 8 October, 12.30pm – 1.30pm, Customs House Library, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay.
Join social media strategist and creative arts advocate Lachlan Hibbert-Wells in exploring the possibilities of social media platforms for artists.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au

Learn to Knit
Saturday 12 October, 2pm – 3.30pm, Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
Saturday 2 November, 2pm – 3.30pm, Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
Learn knitting from scratch or brush up your skills. Wool and needles are supplied.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au

Life Drawing
Wednesday 14 October, 7.30pm – 8.30pm, Newtown Library, 8-10 Brown Street, Newtown.
An adults-only life drawing class, where private ‘life’ will most certainly be on display in a public place.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au

A Very Crafty Christmas
Thursday 21 November, 7.30pm – 9.00pm, Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
Getting excited about Christmas already? Join crafty librarian Sharlene, who will share her talent for all things paper craft and take you through how to cut, fold, rip and scrunch your way to beautiful paper Christmas crafts.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au


For more information, visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library

Poetry in Motion

The City of Sydney cleansing trucks are set to get a face lift with eleven trucks hitting the streets this month decorated with verses by famous poets, thanks to a project curated by the 2013 Sydney Writers’ Festival.


Each truck features two giant poems, measuring more than two metres wide and one metre high, with a total of 19 poems appearing in the series.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore says “From Shakespeare and Wordsworth to ancient Greek epics and celebrated Australian writers, poetry has delighted and inspired people for thousands of years.

The Lord Mayor wants to  encourage Sydneysiders to look out for the poems as they roam the city streets in May "they might even be inspired to find their own favourite sonnet.”

The poems featured on the trucks have been selected by Luke Davies, the 2012 Prime Minister’s Literary Award-winning poet and 2013 Sydney Writers’ Festival guest.

The poems include W. B. Yeats’ “Vacillation”, Judith Wright’s “Woman to Child”, Peter Porter’s “The Unicorn in Love” and Kay Ryan’s “Fool’s Errands”.

Mr Davies said he chose a series of poems “that stop one in one’s tracks, and are utterly unlike the advertising copy that litters the verbal landscape.

“If one single non-festival-going, non-poetry-reading citizen out there is led to look up one of these poems, I will feel wildly successful in my task as curator.”

The Sydney Writers’ Festival is one of the largest writers’ festivals in the world, attracting more than 80,000 attendances and featuring over 400 writers and authors each year.

The 2013 Sydney Writers’ Festival runs from 20-26 May. 
For more information, visit: swf.org.au

Poets and their selected works featured on the trucks are:

Rainer Maria Rilke (from “Archaic Torso of Apollo”) (tr: Stephen Mitchell)
Gig Ryan (from “When I Consider”)
Peter Porter (from “The Unicorn in Love”)
Jessy Randall (“Why I had Children”)
Martin Harrison (from “Walking Back from the Dam”)
David Campbell (“Mothers and Daughters”)
John Berryman (from “Eleven Addresses to the Lord”)
W. B. Yeats (from “Vacillation”)
Kevin Hart (from “Dark Bird”)
Judith Wright (from “Sonnet”)
Kay Ryan (“Fool’s Errands”)
John Berryman (from “Op. posth. no. 13”)
Laurie Duggan (from “Letter to John Forbes”)
joanne burns (“revisionism”)
John Berryman (from “Overseas Prayer”)
Marilyn Hacker (“Villanelle for D.G.B.”)
L. K. Holt (from “From Inside the MRI Scanner”)
Judith Wright (from “Woman to Child”)
S. K. Kelen (from “Reality Check”)

book sale at Potts Point Bookshop

Highly anticipated annual book sale at the Potts Point Bookshop on now till Sunday 5 May....

Prices start from $3, so get in soon and stock up for those rainy, winter afternoons. coming soon (maybe).

For book storage, inspiration, design check out bookshelfporn 

pic via pinterest

Foley Street Mural Launch & Street Party

A giant street party this Friday night, with food trucks, a DJ and pop-up bar, will launch a new 75-metre-long mural lining the walls of Foley Street, as part of Art Month Sydney.

WE ARE HERE, a 15-metre-high artwork presented by a collective of renowned Australian street artists, illustrators and photographers, depicts some of the city’s most significant people and events using a mixture of paint, collage, drawing, paste-ups, stencils and photography.

Each artist has completed a different section of the artwork, exploring a particular event or moment in time. The sections are woven together by a common colour palette, featuring bold reds, purples and blues, and the use of repeating motifs, including sign language.

In its early days Foley Street was part of the bush track linking Botany Bay and Sydney Harbour, then spent decades as one of Sydney’s busiest commercial centres, now its present-day life is as an emerging hub of arts, culture and creativity.

Foley Street will be closed to traffic for the launch. The event is part of Art Month’s annual East Sydney and Darlinghurst precinct night, with a host of galleries, artist studios and creative spaces in the neighbourhood staying open until late.

Mum's In

The first time I met Vashti Hughes was Saturday morning by El Alamein in Kings Cross and she was in character as the infamous Matilda 'Tilly' Devine. I was intrigued - like many of the other Organic Market shoppers - so I stopped to have a chat.

Vashti told me that she was inspired by Larry Writer’s seminal book “Razor” about inner city crime in the early 1900s that tells the stories of characters of the era like Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine.

Kate and Tilly were brothel owners, sly grog dealers and drug distributors who ruled the underbelly of Sydney from Surry Hills to Darlinghurst, Kings Cross and Woolloomooloo. By all accounts they were tough and they were mean. Plenty enough material there for some great yarns!

KATE & TILLY

So that's what Vashti has done - create a one-woman show called MUM'S IN: STORIES FROM RAZORHURST which is a warts and all cabaret romp through the age when cocaine, sly grog, prostitution and the keen edge of the razor ruled (oh how times have changed - no more razors!)

Vashti channels the molls and thugs who once ruled the streets and alleyways of the Cross in this dark comedy cabaret which continues to defy all current trends in Sydney theatre by extending its season time and again - yes its that good!

VASHTI AS TILLY

Check out Mum's In at the aptly named Bordello Theatre at the King Cross Hotel....

(go soon, as it won't last forever)

mumsin.com.au

Mum's In Promo......

The Yellow House

Late last year the Yellow House Pop-Up "popped up" in Macleay St much to the delight of local foodies who were all at sea when Brass Bistro disappeared, seemingly overnight.  What was to be a trial period of a few months has turned into a longer more permanent stay for the pop-up and this is a good thing.

It's a great little place with a good vibe, super friendly service, tasty food and it's situated in an ideal locale for lingering and people watching.

Under the stewardship of proprietors Jamie Morgan (chef) and Ben Sutton, Yellow House serves  "honest food for breakfast and lunch and dinner, designed to be shared and discussed," says Ben. The expertly prepared seasonal dishes are combined with a wine list put together by Melbourne’s sommelier of the year Travis Howe (The Age 2012) and can be enjoyed inside, by the bar or al-fresco watching the world roll by on Macleay St.

steak = honest food

This week sees the introduction of LIVE JAZZ and patrons can sample some of Jamie's fare with a Grazing Plate [$15-$25 dependant on seating]. Alternatively,  tuck into a bowl of Ricotta Gnocci, Steak or Fish of the Day [$20-$28].

Wine by the glass starts at $7 and carafes are $19-23.
Young Henry's boutique beer is also available, by the glass or by the growler (thats 2 litres to you and me).

Some of Sydney's smoothest Jazz musicians will be appearing -  the music kicks off from 6.30pm till 9.30pm. Get in early as seating is limited. Call Ben on 9356 3070 for a booking.

nobody puts baby in the corner

The Yellow House is a fabulous part of the local artistic history of the 2011 postcode, being a creative hub in the 70's and founded by artist Martin Sharp who told the ABC that "it really came out of an idea of Van Gogh's, 'cause he called his studio the 'Yellow House' and he wanted to start a community of artists in the south, in the sunshine, you know, to get away from the madness of Paris. In a small way, he certainly did it. And I was inspired by that idea." 

Every wall, floor and ceiling became part of this living gallery. The Yellow House was a 'multimedia' space and could be considered the first permanent "happening" in Australia. The building, a Queen Anne Terrace, dates back to the 1890's and houses the Pop-Up restaurant, a gallery and recently renovated apartments upstairs.  Some of the original artwork hangs in the lobby.  Nice to see it lives on....Expect more good things from the boys at Yellow House....

All The Fun of the [Mardi Gras] Fair

Gone are the days when Sydney's Mardi Gras was just a Saturday night parade for a select group. The event has definitely penetrated mainstream and now, after 35 years, Mardi Gras is a whole month of festivities - with parties, parades and picnics. Officially, it all kicks off this Sunday at Fair Day.

At Fair Day in Victoria Park, expect performances, outrageous costumes, food tents, bars, live music, amusement rides and the hotly contested Doggywood pet pageant.

Says Lord Mayor, Clover Moore “Fair Day celebrates the start of one of our biggest parties – each year Sydney Mardi Gras attracts about 25,000 tourists who boost our local economy by more than $30 million.

“The event shows that we are an accepting and welcoming community and also helps to promote Sydney around the world as Australia’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) capital.

The City is promoting “riding a bike as the best way to get to Fair Day, and will provide free valet parking to keep bikes safe and secure while everyone enjoys the fun of the fair."

There is also a stall where new or out-of-action riders can Try2Wheels; preparing themselves for the wider world and Sydney roads and maybe joining the 30,000 people already riding in Sydney each week.

According to Sydney Spokes President Mauricio Herrera cycling is not only good exercise, but also “a fantastic way to meet other gays and lesbians.”

“I moved to Erskineville from Venezuela about four years ago and joined Sydney Spokes because I wanted the opportunity to ride with someone else and get to know Sydney – it’s helped me make a great new group of friends,” Mr Herrera said.

“Sydney Spokes has been around for 27 years and we have more than 60 gay and lesbian members who meet up almost every weekend for organised rides."

City of Sydney Fair Day bike details:

• Free valet bike parking from 10am-7.30pm, entry via City Road near Cleveland Street
• Visit the two bike mechanics next to the Bike Valet for free tune-ups
• Try2Wheels between 10am and 7.30pm and visit the information stand in Area G to try a bike, pick up a map, find information about free bike courses, check out the latest accessories, and go in the draw for great prizes, including a brand-new bike
• The Sydney Cycleways stand will sit alongside gay and lesbian cycling group Sydney Spokes in the Fair Day Sports Village organised by Team Sydney

For more information about the City’s bike network visit sydneycycleways.net

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Sydney Chinese New Year Festivities kick off TONIGHT with the official launch of the 2013 Year of the Snake in Belmore Park.  Dragons and lions will come to to life, as well as sparkling firecrackers designed to scare off the previous year’s misfortunes.

Exclusive performances by folk singers and magicians from the City’s 2013 Chinese New Year partner city Shenzhen will follow, along with a sneak peak of what audiences can expect to see at this year’s Twilight Parade on 17 February.

Before the celebration gets underway, crowds can enjoy the contemporary beats of DJs live on stage, and the SBS Pop Asia radio crew will keep the entertainment going till in the night with competitions, giveaways and non-stop Asian pop.


TONIGHT: 6PM
AT: Belmore Park – between Eddy Avenue and Hay Street, Haymarket
(near Central Station)

El Loco in the House

There's only one more week till the end of the Australia Day long weekend, the end of January and the end of the Sydney Festival. Did you manage to do everything on your bucket list this summer? 

Is there anything that needs to be done before reality slaps you in the face and you realise it's already one-twelfth of the way through 2013!?

We certainly have a few things to check off this weekend and have decided to pick up the languid pace, now that the mercury has dropped back to below 100! Here's one at the top of the list :

El Loco Mexican food down by the water at the Opera House forecourt, open from 10am till 10pm : Its going to be hot, hazy and humid on the weekend - we say you'd be mad not to add some tacos and tequila to the mix!

Bought to us by the hot-as-tabasco Merivale Group, El Loco at the House offers a reasonable $6 to $10 menu, including breakfast tacos, hot dogs and the famous 'secret taco'. Drinks include slushie margaritas and other cocktail combos from south-of-the-border... .......aye carrumba!

on yer bike - cycling workshops

Summer is definitely here and with the Sydney Festival in full swing what better way to get around this glorious city than cycling? Dodge the crowds and park for free by following the bike lanes to art galleries, concerts, parks and restaurants.

If you're keen to get rolling  but a bit hesitant, why don't you try out the free summer bike courses at Sydney Park?

The popular half-day classes are open to kids, adults, seniors, rookies or regular bikers and have all the safety tips and traffic skills people of all ages need to get from A to B safely.

Cycling in the City lessons help regular riders increase their confidence and make the most of the growing bike network.

People of all ages and fitness levels are invited to learn how to keep their two-wheeled mounts in mint condition with the Bike Care and Maintenance course.

There's a new parent-friendly school holiday course teaching mums and dads and carers how to ride with kids, with skills and drills for two age groups, children aged seven to nine, and older kids 10-12.


Courses at the Sydney Park Cycling Centre and Green Square are free, but spaces fill up fast...

Bike Care and Maintenance: Monday and Wednesday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays;
Cycling in the City: Saturdays and Sundays; and
Parent and Child: Tuesday 22 January.
For more information or to book : sydneycycleways.net

images via pinterest

Microwave Jenny

The great thing about Woodford Festival is the unexpected, delightful discoveries that keep unfolding.... sure you can have a mission and a list of things to do, or you can go with the flow, keep your nose to the ground and come across some exciting new talent that makes your toes tap, your hips sway and puts a smile on your face.

MICROWAVE JENNY would have to be darn near the top of my Woodford discovery list [along with Swamp Thing, Rosewater + Vodka Slushies, the Secret Service and chocolate-filled organic doughnuts - but more on those awesomes later]

I love Tess' style - it's kinda Billy Holiday  meets Bjork

A self-described Pop-Folk-Love duo, Microwave Jenny are a supremely talented real-life couple who's easy onstage banter is as smooth as their lyrical harmonies. The songs! the style! the happiness! I was seriously blown away - Tess and Brendon deserve to be successful and famous and feted.

I'm not the only one to think this: I observed their legion of young fans mobbing them for autographs after the show and the Festival store sold out of their CD (boo-hoo for me).

Their song mash-up at the end of the show was sooooo good...I cant find a copy of the Woodford gig, but here's an example of what they did....





they sing other people's songs extremely well [not so easy to do, when the song is already a hit]





and then there's this cover....





but they write their own songs as well....




and here's an earlier song...



and if you're interested in hearing some more check this out... its around half an hour long but I guarantee you will be doing some toe tapping and smiling by the time its finished.




You would have to agree....these guys deserve a lot more recognition. I hope they're available when we are booking acts for the Kings Cross Festival, later this year!

The name MICROWAVE JENNY is a  nod to that classic Aussie movie The Castle, so you love them already, right?

WOODFORD FESTIVAL

Happy 2013! It's back to work week here at Sydney 2011, but with the current weather conditions as they are,  it's a definite EASE back to work week... which is totally in keeping with my holiday break destination - WOODFORDIA, home to the Woodford Folk Festival.

I'm not really so sure how it is that the Woodford Folk Festival has managed to escape my radar for so long, being as I am a very big fan of folk music, chai lattes, free hugs, the great outdoors, organic food, intelligent conversation, hippie clothing, alternative ideas and cute boys with tattoos...

Like, seriously guys, where have you been all my life!!!?? Well, okay, at least for the past 25 years which, as it happens, is the life-span of Woodford...

What is this place? Where did it come from? And why am I here?

I can't answer all of those questions but I can possibly give a subjective overview of the WOODFORD EXPERIENCE...

Rewind: one week before Xmas and my journalist buddy R calls me to say "I'm writing a story on Woodford Folk Festival, there's a tent with your name on it, book a flight, we leave on the 27th December, we'll be there for a week".........

SERIOUSLY!? WELL OKAY, I'M UP FOR AN ADVENTURE, LET'S GO!

On the plane : R is being very journalistic and researchy, with pens and circles, and I'm just stressing about my Maglight which I may or may not have left behind and wondering if I can do everything I need to do in the dark, and then randomly wondering if VIRGIN gives us food (a resounding no to both).

On arrival at Brisbane Airport there is a lot of waiting round for buses, drivers and other sundry passengers and FOUR FREAKING HOURS later I have managed to peruse the Woodford guide, which is a couple of centimetres thick with a ZILLION things going on and I'm feeling woefully under-prepared and the Maglight thing is looming.

But it's all  okay right? R is here write a nice story. It's a stress-free zone, RIGHT!?  well, that is until the PRIME MINISTER decides to come to Woodford and it all gets a bit crazy......

The PM? at a hippie-fest? YES and it gets better for not just one, but TWO Prime Ministers (past and present) come along, as Bob Hawke has been a regular for years and Woodford is much, much more than a hippie-fest.

The Festival is a non-stop action packed event with official activities from 8am till around 1am (later on some nights) and something to look at and be amazed by 24 hrs each and every day.

You couldn't possibly see and do everything, as there are around 20 venues [official venues] with overlapping performances covering musical genres like folk, rock, soul, blues, world, traditional. There are dancers, dancing troupes and circus + vaudeville performances. There are workshops in circus skills, dance, pottery, visual arts, glass beads, weaving, drawing. There are street performances and food markets. There are talks on subjects as varied as folk medicine, gardening, Antarctic exploration, sexuality, childbirth, mythology, sustainability and China (Bob Hawke's chosen talk).

There is a lot of laughing and sometimes, some crying too.

There is wide open space and grass to lie on, stars to look at, inspiration to be had, plans to hatch and dreams to be made.

Nobody cares about your piercings, your tattoos, your clothes (or lack of), whether you have fairy wings or antlers.......

It's magical and I'm already planning next year....

photos Lorraine Lock. Woodford Folk Festival .  Lachlan Gardiner. Enright Photography.