TWiSK #356

Draft Live Music Precinct Boundaries @ Council
Canadian Blue Moon Marque @ George Lane
Three new exhibits @ Linden
St Patrick’s Day St Kilda Style @ Acland Street
Podcast preview of this week in arts, music and community
Listen Now (16 mins)

Eilen Jewell & Her Band @ Espy Gershwin Room
Tuesday 14 March, 7.30 pm
“Alt Country Chanteuse”, Eilen Jewell leads a tight quartet that blends influences of surf-noir, early blues, classic country, folk, and 1960s era rock ‘n’ roll. TWiSK will be there. $61.95
Tix 
The Women’s Show #18 @ Vivienne Anderson Gallery
Opening Wednesday 15 March, 6 – 8pm
Exhibition continues until 22 April.
Vivien Anderson Gallery’s annual exhibition, The Women’s Show celebrates an exceptional collection of new paintings, sculpture and ceramics by emerging and eminent First Nations women artists from across Australia.
The 18th annual exhibition will be officially opened by Yaluk-ut Weelam & Boon Wurrung Elder, N’arweet Carolyn Briggs AM, with prominent artists Lorraine Connelly Northey, Maree Clarke and Janet Fieldhouse also in attendance. 
Info
284–290 St Kilda Road
Tuesday to Friday 11 am — 5 pm, Saturday 12 pm — 4 pm

Blue Moon Marquee (CAN) @ George Lane
Wednesday 15 March, 7 pm – 11:00 pm
Here’s a Port Fairy Folk Festival Side Show featuring Blue Moon Marquee performing original compositions influenced by anything that swings, jumps or grooves.
A.W. Cardinal (vocals/guitar) and Jasmine Colette a.k.a. Badlands Jazz (vocals/bass/drums) have played for crowds at jazz clubs, Lindy Hop dance halls, folk venues, blues haunts, hospitals, prisons, markets, motorcycle joints, dive bars, and prestigious festival stages – and now George Lane
Youtube: Scream, Holler & Howl
Tix 

Buena Vista Social Club Tribute Celebration @ Memo
Thursday 16 March, 7 pm
A feast of traditional Cuban music to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of the groundbreaking ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ album. With a Sydney based 10-piece band comprising of some of Australia’s best Latin music. $55/$35
Tix

Matt Joe Gow Vinyl Listening Party @ George Lane
Thursday 16 March, 7 pm – 11 pm
This event is truly for the fans – a vinyl listening party – hear the record for the first time on vinyl, hear about how the record came to life, the tracks that feature and the inspiration behind the songs.
Tix 

Steve Poltz (USA) @ Memo
Friday 17 March, 7 pm
World renowned troubadour $45/$25
Tix
Clannad @ Palais
Friday 17 March, 8 pm
St Patrick’s Day and the Melbourne gig of Clannad’s last tour of Australia and the first Australian tour without founder members Pádraig (2016) and Noel, who passed recently.
Tix

Jon Stevens Side Shows “Rock & Roll Up” @ Espy Gershwin Room
Friday 17 March, 8 pm
Jon Stevens is bringing it back to where it all began with his new, intimate offering – ‘Side Shows’. $64
Tix

Blues Arcadia @ George Lane
Friday 17, March, 7 pm – 11 pm
Festival favourites and three-time Blues Music Award winners
Tix

Meet Me in the Bathroom @ Astor
Season starts Friday 17 March, 6 pm
An immersive journey through the New York music scene of the early 2000s. A new generation kick-started a musical rebirth for New York City that reverberated around the world. The Strokes et al.
Tix
Trifecta of new art @ Linden
Opening: Friday 17 March, 6 pm – 8 pm
Exhibition dates: Saturday 18 March – Sunday 4 June 4
Kate Just > Self Care Action Series
Nell > Old New Wave
Abdul-Rahman Abdullah > Journeys
Knitting Circle > Kate Just @ Linden
Saturday 18 March, 11.30 am – 1 pm
Join Kate for this special event and be part of a live knitting circle, connecting with your community while contributing to artist Kate Just’s latest art project entitled Conversation Piece. This public knitting circle celebrates the rich traditions of women crafting textiles collectively and creates space for participants to engage with conversations, share stories, and generate something powerful as a community. Yarn is provided.
Info
Three artists talk @ Linden
Saturday 18 March, 1 pm – 2 pm
Join artists Kate Just, Nell, Abdul-Rahman Abdullah for a relaxed floor talk as they introduce the themes and inspiration relating to their current exhibitions, and discuss the conceptual ideas that underpin their art practices. The floor talk will be facilitated by Linden’s Director Dr Vincent Alessi and followed by opportunities to ask questions.
https://www.lindenarts.org/community/event-rsvp/?event_id=131
St. Patrick’s Day Parade @ Acland Street
Saturday 18 March, 2 pm
A parade along Acland Street to the Plaza followed by a ticketed event in O’Donnell Gardens. Free family events from 10 am – 3 pm including a dog show.
Ticketed music event headlined by Hermitage Green. $60
Tix 
Georgia Rodgers @ George Lane Matinee Sessions
Saturday 18 March, 3 pm – 6 pm
Georgia brings a combination of Blues and Jazz marrying an array of ambient guitar riffs and skillful use of a loop pedal; Georgia Rodgers is a new and upcoming artist.
Tix

Pop Choir at the Bar @ Memo
Saturday 18 March, 7 pm
After a hugely successful singalong show in January, Pop Choir is back by popular demand! International singers Sharon Stokes and Darryl John Moulton will teach you a few simple harmonies, while you sip on some drinks and sing your heart out to a classic well – known pop song.. $45
Tix
Moogy Trio @ Voodoo Love Child Speakeasy Bar
Saturday 18 March, 8 pm
Musician/Chanteuse/Songwriter: Néo-Eclectic Pop-Rock Psychédélique. Free
143 Chapel Street
Prof Frank Bongiorno: Politics and the soul of a nation @ U3APP zoom seminar
Saturday 18 March, 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Professor Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History at the Australian National University, author of ‘Dreamers and Schemers’. He will be interviewed by Jim Walter Emeritus Professor of Political Science, Monash University and U3APP member. Free
Link and info

Hugo Race Fatalists @ George Lane
Saturday 18 March, 7 pm – 11 pm
Hugo returns with close collaborators Michelangelo Russo & Georgia Knight.
Tix

Songs for Suzanne: The Music and Poetry of Leonard Cohen @ Memo
Sunday 19 March, 3 pm
Locals who love Leonard, with Henry Wagons, Rebecca Barnard, Delsinki, Alma Zygier & more $89/$69
Tix

Liam Gerner & Los Perros Perdidos @ George Lane
Sunday 19 March 19, 4 pm – 8 pm
Melbourne singer/songwriter’s striking new album featuring songs shaped by experiences touring in Australia, Europe and the US.
Tix

The Breadmakers @ Espy Basement
Sunday 19 March, 6 pm
Free blues in the basement.
https://hotelesplanade.com.au/the-basement/

Next week and beyond

Trash Pop Butterflies, Dance Dance Paradise @ Theatre Works
Wednesday 22 March – Saturday 1 April, 7.30 pm
Part theatre, contemporary dance, and Riot Grrrl fanzine come to life, this riotous, high-energy performance is a celebration of eco-feminist rebellion. $35 / $20
Tix

FOJAM presents – Carole King: Hits & Rarities@ Memo
Wednesday 22 March & Thursday 23 March, 7 pm
A classy ensemble featuring Harry James Angus (former frontman and founder of The Cat Empire), Emily Lubitz (Tinpan Orange), Jem Cassar-Daley, Esther Edquist (Sweet Whirl), Freeds and emerging star Jemma Cher. $70/$35
Tix

Jungle Shimmy @ Library
Thursday 23 March, 11 am – 11.30 am
Suitable for ages 3 – 6 years. Dance your way around the world with this incredible music, dance, and puppet adventure! Accompanied by unique instruments and puppets, learn Bollywood dancing, Bhangra, Turkish, Egyptian, Gulf, and Lebanese folk styles, as well as how to shimmy and shake your tummy in Belly Dancing! Free
Bookings required
Elwood Toy Library pop up @ St Kilda Library
Friday 24 March, 11.30 am
Learn more about local toy libraries at theses fortnightly pop up session after Baby Rhyme (10 am) and Tiny Tots (11 am).
More dates and info
Hijinks and low-lows @ Sisters in Crime
Friday 24 March, 6.30 pm (dinner) 8.00 pm (show)
Crime doesn’t always have to be bloody and gory, as new books by Elizabeth Coleman, Kerryn Mayne, and Ilsa Evans prove. Crime can make us laugh as well as gasp. Also hear Anne M. Carson read from her new book, The Detective’s Chair: Prose Poems about Fictional Detectives (Liquid Amber).
Bookings 
The Rising Sun Hotel, 2 Raglan Street, South Melbourne.
No wheelchair access

Vale Renée Geyer: Memorial / Musical Celebration @ National Theatre
Tuesday 4 April, 6.30 pm
TV & radio presenter, Richard Wilkins will MC the second half of the evening with a musical celebration from Paul Kelly, Russell Morris, Kevin Borich, Deborah Conway, Ross Wilson, Rebecca Bernard, Renée’s house band, plus other special guests performing in her honour. $69
Tix 
20 Carlisle St, St Kilda
Wheelchair access, accessible toilet

Don’t miss

Not Finished With You Yet @ Alex Theatre on Fitzroy Street
Until Sunday 2 April
“It’s saucy, funny, and deeply entertaining from start to finish. It’s not afraid to be outrageous or risqué …
Well scripted, and wonderfully performed, it’s the musical to see!”
Weekend Notes Review
Part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
A new musical with a powerhouse cast headed by real-life partners Christie Whelan Browne and Rohan Browne.
Tickets from $66 (previews) $71
Tix and info 
1/135 Fitzroy St
Wheelchair access, accessible toilet
Wolf Play @ Red Stitch
Until Sunday 2 April
South Korean playwright, Hansol Jung’s Wolf Play looks at the broken adoption of a little boy who is plucked from South Korea and moved to one American home, then shunted to another. In this internet-era custody battle, Jung draws upon the ancient, underappreciated performing art of puppetry to playfully explore a lone wolf desperately seeking his ‘pack’. $69 – $20
Tix 
Rear 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda East
Wheelchair access, limited accessible seating

Small venue profile #1

The first in a series of small venue profiles.
Readers are invited to suggest venues to profile by email 
Voodoo Love Child Speakeasy @ 143 Chapel Street
Here’s a little slice of New Orleans tucked away in St Kilda.
Located opposite the St Kilda Police Station, this tiny venue exudes southern Gothic style and promises ‘Blues, Booze and Bad Dance Moves’ all weekend long.
After opening last October, owners Jessica and Stuart are hosting free acoustic music Friday through Sunday.
There’s also music trivia on Wednesday nights and cafe lunch some days too.
voodoolovechildspeakeasy.com
143 Chapel Street
Wheelchair access, not sure about toilets 

What did Labor MP Nina Taylor think about community safety and our podcast report of gruelling testimony at Council?
TWiSK seeks comment 

TWiSK has sent the podcast of the gruelling testimonies from the public about street behaviour to the local MP, Labor’s Nina Taylor for comment.
We’ve asked for her response to Council pleas for more police resources.
We hope to bring you a response soon.
If you missed the podcast, listen now

Up next at Council

The next Council meeting is at St Kilda Town Hall, Wednesday 15 March, 6.30 pm

Draft Live Music Precinct Policy

Council will consider a draft Live Music Precinct Policy this Wednesday.
This draft is the next step in Council’s plan to become the first Victorian municipality to implement a Live Music Precinct (LMP).
This follows the Victorian Government’s new planning controls in 2020, which allow councils to designate LMPs through a planning scheme amendment.
With State Government support, this policy could come into effect from 2025.
Balancing act
Council is at pains to say the draft policy does not seek to make substantial changes to live music regulation, compliance or planning controls. The aim is to protect existing live music activity, and support and attract additional activity in coming years while maintaining amenity for our community.
Draft precinct boundaries
This draft map above shows Core Live Music Activity areas in purple, public open areas that may host live music in aqua and the precinct boundaries in the purple dotted line.
Basically, the precinct includes Fitzroy and Acland Streets plus parts of Barkly, Blessington and Grey Streets.
[TWiSK is interested to understand why the Palais car park is not included as public space available for music when it currently.
Also if South Beach Pavilion should be included as a potential venue.]
Consultation may start this month
If this draft is endorsed, a short community consultation period will start later this month.
Read the draft
TWiSK is happy to receive your comments
Email your comments

Analysis
Remember Pure Pop

Local music lovers may remember Pure Pop record store on Barkly Street.
(Pictured: Pure Pop owner Dave Stevens)
Pure Pop attempted to transition to a small scale acoustic venue as record sales disappeared. 
Despite some success and massive fundraising for sound proofing, the venue reluctantly closed in 2014 after it fell foul of a very small number of complaints and inflexible planning laws.
Read news from 2014
The future is small venues, done well
Not withstanding a miracle on the Triangle Site, it’s hard to imagine new mid-sized music venues appearing in St Kilda.
But what we can see are dynamic, smaller venues that have found a creative and commercial niche, including Claypots, Vineyard, George Lane, Veludo, Lost, Johnny’s and more.
If an official Live Music Precinct will encourage this trend – bravo, encore, more please.
TWiSK hopes our community will be proud of their live music precinct and be assured they can have more music, done better – because night time cultural activity can be positive amenity.
Palace Foreshore Events 23/24
Coincidentally, Council will consider plans to activate the St Kilda Triangle carpark as the Palace Foreshore for music, food and cultural events branded in November 2023 and March 2024
The event proposal for November 2023 has 38 occupancy days on the site (starting late October) with an aim to operate 10 shows.
The event proposal for March 2024 has a total of approximately 44 occupancy days on the site with an aim to operate 12 shows.
Read proposal
Council will also consider a Draft LGBTIQA+ Action Plan 2023-26.
Read draftGreg Day
Happy to chat anytime 0418 345 829
Content suggestions and community questions are always welcome.
gday@archives.gdaystkilda.com.au
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