TWiSK #354

St Kilda Blues Festival
Free gigs across 3 days in 20 St Kilda venues
New works at Red Stitch and Theatre Works
More free tix to win
Help to get $250 Power Saving Bonus

Full Program
Every gig is free
Street parades with Hoodoo Mayhem
6 pm Saturday
3 pm Sunday

St Kilda Blues Festival
Friday 3 March

George Lane
8.00 pm Doc Halibut
9.30 pm Collard Greens and Gravy
11.00 pm The Werewolves
St Kilda Sports Club
6.00 pm Louis King and the Liars Klub
8.30 pm Julian James and the Moonshine State
Vineyard
5.00 pm The Anna Scionti Band
7.00 pm The Hornets
Freddie Wimpoles
5.00 pm Heavy Medicine
7.30 pm Sweet Felicia and the Honey Tones
Blessington St Precinct
5.00 pm The Shuffle Club
8.00 pm Kim Volkman Blues Band
The Cross
8.00 pm Phil Para Band
Abbey Road
8.30 pm The Blowout
Jimmy O’Neil’s
7.00 pm Luke Greenhatch

St Kilda Blues Festival
Saturday 4 March

Hoodoo Mayhem street parade
6 pm – starting point TBC
Stage Acland Street
12.00 noon Phil Para
1.30 pm Collard Greens and Gravy
3.00 pm Mary Coughlan
4.30 pm Rod Paine and the Fulltime Lovers
6.00 pm Julian James and the Moonshine State
7.30 pm The Sammy Owen Blues Band
George Lane
6.30 pm Tanya-Lee Davies R&B Express
8.00 pm Willie J and the Bad Books
9.30 pm Heavy Medicine
11.00 pm Smoke Stack Rhino
St Kilda Sports Club
3.00 pm Shake
5.00 pm Sweet Felicia and the Honey Tones
7.00 pm Smoke Stack Rhino
9.00 pm The Kim Volkman Blues Band
Vineyard
3.00 pm The Tonalists
5.00 pm Mission Brown
7.00 pm Shake
Freddie Wimpoles
3.00 pm Phil Para Band
5.30 pm Louis King and the Liars Klub
Blessington St Precinct
2.00 pm The Hallowed Horns
4.00 pm Charles Jenkins
6.00 pm Phil Para Band
8.00 pm Ben Rogers Blues Asylum
The Espy
3.00 pm The Blowout
7.00 pm The Hoodoo Men
The Cross
4.00 pm Alex Burns
Banff
11.00 am Troy Wilson and Arron Gillett
Fitzrovia
10.30 am Alex Burns
Abbey Road
10.30 am The Steve Colebrook Trio
Sorsi e Morsi
10.30 am Out of Abingdon
Chronicles Bar
3.30 pm Abingdon

St Kilda Blues Festival
Sunday 5 March

Hoodoo Mayhem street parade
3 pm – starting point TBC
Stage Acland Street
12.00 pm Smoke Stack Rhino
1.30 pm Row Jerry Crow
3.00 pm The Werewolves
4.00 pm The Anna Scionti Band
6.00 pm Fools
7.00 pm Geoff Achison and Souldiggers with Jimmi Hocking
George Lane
5.00 pm Julian James and the Moonshine State
6.30 pm Rod Paine and the Fulltime Lovers
St Kilda Sports Club
3.00 pm The Sammy Owen Blues Band
6.00 pm Will J and the Bad Books
8.00 pm After Party with St Kilda All Stars
Vineyard
2.00 pm Paulie Bignall and the Thornbury Two
4.00 pm Tanya-Lee Davies R&B Express
6.00 pm Louis King and the Liars Klub
Freddie Wimpoles
2.00 pm Kim Volkman Blues Band
4.00 pm Shake
6.00 pm Heavy Medicine
The Espy
2.00 pm The Tonalists
6.00 pm The Horn Stars
Blessington St Precinct
3.00 pm Mission Brown
5.00 pm Waz E James Band
Banff
10.30 am Joshua Batten
Fitzrovia
10.30 am Out of Abingdon
Sorsi e Morsi
11.00 am Troy White and Arron Gillett
Chronicles Bar
3.30 pm Jasmine Mahon Trio
St Kilda Blues Festival

Bum Glue Club @ St Kilda Writers Group
Tuesday 28 February, 6.45 pm – 10 pm
All welcome. You don’t have to be a professional writer – you just need to get stuff done. They glue their bums to the seat and write.
No wifi, no phones, no talking, no distractions. $5 – $20 donation
Bookings  | More info | Facebook 
106 Art: Gallery and Studios, Top floor, 106 Barkly Street, St Kilda
No wheelchair access

Sunset Cinema @ St Kilda Botanical Gardens
Until 4 March, gates open 6.30 pm , film at sunset
Tuesday: I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Wednesday: Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre
Thursday: Aftersun
Friday: Blueback
Saturday: Everything Everywhere All At Once
Tickets available only on line $15/$10 
Best entry is via Blessington Street

Ocean Film Festival @ Astor
Wednesday 1 March and Thursday 2 March, 7 pm – 10 pm
A 3-hour celebration of our oceans with sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface. This collection of short films from around the globe documents the beauty and power of the ocean. With film maker Q&A $31/$23
Tix

Maoko Meet & Mend Workshop @ Space2b
Starting fortnightly Thursday 2 March, 10.30 am – 12 noon
Back by popular demand! Join Japanese sewer Maoko Carroll in a regular sewing circle. Spend some time with like minded people, learn how to mend your garments and feel connected with the community. $12 per session
Pre-book your place now 
When The Rain Stops Falling @ Theatre Works
Thursday 2 March – Saturday 18 March, 7.30 pm (1 pm matinee Sat 11 March)
Alice Springs. 2039. A fish falls from the sky – it still smells of the sea. It’s been raining for days and Gabriel York knows something is wrong…..
Writer Andrew Bovell (Lantana, After Dinner, Anthem) has created an epic and powerful piece of magic realism, which asks the question: do we have the capacity to address the damage of the past in the future? First performed in 2008, the play has become increasingly relevant as the world faces the impacts of climate change and global warming. $45/$35 some tix $20
Tix

Mick Turner “Not Sure What I Am Doing Here” @ Brightspace
Opening: Thursday 2 March, 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Exhibition: 2 March – 18 March
New works painted recently by Mick Turner.
Brightspace
8 Martin Street
Wed – Fri (11-5), Sat (12-4)

Raw Brit @ Memo
Friday 3 March, 7 pm
Raw Brit are back for another dangerous round of electrifying British bangers.
For this show, the band are joined by keyboard and guitar wizard Scott Griffiths and will alter the set to include smash hits from: Deep Purple, Faces, Black Sabbath and Status Quo. $50/$30
Tix

Pavement @ Palais
Friday 3 March
Sold out concert
Mini Market @ Christ Church Acland Street
Saturday 4 March, 9.30 am – 2 pm (weather permitting)
Books, plants and more.
Contact Robyn 0408 536 241 if you’d like to have a stall.

Family Fun Day @ National Theatre (J. Talbot Reserve)
Saturday 4 March 12 noon – 4 pm
Join the crew from The National for an afternoon of live entertainment, craft stalls, arts displays, food, drink, theatre tours and more.
Budding young thespians can enjoy free performing arts activities including showcase performances from the inspiring talents of The National Drama School and The National Ballet School.
Food trucks from local hospitality owners will be onsite plus stalls selling crafts, and second-hand costumes seen on the stage of The National Theatre.
Suitable for families with kids aged 3-12 years.
Free sponsored by the City of Port Phillip
For The Love @ Catani Gardens
Saturday 4 March, noon onwards
dance, pop and live performances headlined by pop star Charli XCX, and dance icons Duke Dumont, Sonny Fodera & Snakehips. Also Aussie favourites Cosmo’s Midnight, Budjerah, Kye, Sumner and Jade Zoe. $149+
Tix

British Invasion @ Memo
Saturday 4 March, 1 pm
Afternoon gig with Rob Caudill (US) as Rod Stewart, & Jeff Duff as David Bowie. $58/$45
Tix
Wolf Play @ Red Stitch
Previews: Saturday 4 March – Wednesday 8 March
Season: Thursday 9 March – 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’. Preview $28 / Season $69 – $20
Tix
TWiSK has a double pass to a preview session for one lucky reader
Email with “Red Stitch Tix” in subject line
Entries close Tuesday 28 February

Dan Warner & The Night Parrots @ Memo
Saturday 4 March, 7 pm
“Dan Warner’s voice has become a celebrated part of the Melbourne soundscape, and his band features other superb local musicians, including Ash Davies and Marcel Borrack.” $45/$30
Tix

Empire of the Light @ Astor
From Saturday 4 March various times in either digital and 35 mm film
Described as a love letter to cinema, Empire of Light is a poignant story about human connection and the magic of cinema from Academy Award winning director Sam Mendes with Olivia Coleman.
Presented in both digital and 35 mm film.
Tix and sessions  | Trailer 

Richard Marx @ Palais
Saturday 4 March
Sold out

Maisie Peters @ Prince Bandroom
Saturday 4 March (sold out) and Sunday 5 March, 7 pm
The prodigious 21-year-old on an internation tour. $54.90
Tix

2XU Triathlon @ Elwood
Sunday 5 March, 6 am – 11.30 am
Road closures: Beaconsfield Parade, Jacka Boulevard, Marine Parade, Ormond Esplanade from Kerferd Road, Middle Park to St Kilda Street, Elwood
Race infoPurim Guided Tour @ JewMu
Sunday 5 March, 11:10 AM – 11:30 AM & 1:40 PM – 2:00 PM
Learn more about the festival Purim with a guided tour of Museum collection objects. Learn all about the Purim festival with a free guided tour of the Jewish Museum. Free Suitable for kids aged 4+
Tix
Sunday Sizzle, plus Gay Stuff Markets @ Pride Centre
Sunday 5 March, 1 pm – 6 pm
Gay Stuff Markets – 1 pm – 5 pm
Join the Pride crowd for an afternoon of social connection on their stunning rooftop. Enjoy the sausage sizzle, a drink from the bar, and a dance to queer anthems from now and yesteryear. Free entry, no bookings required, and all ages welcome.

Daniel Champagne @ Memo
Sunday 5 March, 3 pm
Described as ‘the finest guitar player of this generation’, ‘a leading light in acoustic music’ and ‘a performer that must be seen to be believed’. $35
Tix
The Milards Country Duo @ Misery Guts Bar
Sunday 5 March, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
St Kilda based singer songwriters The Millards explore the poetry of Aussie country towns in their original songs inspired from their many years living in regional communities. With a nod to Revivalist fire and brimstone, haunting yodels of yesteryear and slow summer days on the verandah. The Millards sing their hearts out with their homegrown voice.
19 Grey St, St Kilda

Diary worthy

International Women’s Day “DigitALL” @ Town Hall
Thursday 9 March, 6 pm – 8 pm
Celebrate IWD and hear Ally Watson AOM, Founder of “Code Like a girl” and Sarah Moran co-founder of Women in Tech ?? Girl Geek Academy plus Carlene Harlock, Coordinator, Friends of Suai. The event will celebrate the innovation and leadership of women committed to bridging the gender digital divide.
A live music jazz trio will perform before, during and at the close of the event.
Booking required 
Not Finished With You Yet @ Alex Theatre on Fitzroy Street
Friday 10 March to Sunday 2 April
Part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
A new musical with a powerhouse cast including real-life partners Christie Whelan Browne and Rohan Browne.
Tickets from $66 (previews) $71
Tix
TWiSK has two double passes to give away
Email now with subject line “Not Finished With You Yet” to go in the draw to win a double pass
Entries close Monday 27 February
The winners will be drawn and contacted on Tuesday 28 February
Mussel and Jazz  Festival @ South Melbourne Market
Saturday 11 March and Sunday 12 March
Low key free food and music festival at the South Melbourne Market.
Worth the pilgrimage from St Kilda
Details
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 is a fan. $61.95
Tix

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

Help with Power Saving Bonus @ Port Phillip Community Group
Port Phillip Community Group can now assist residents to apply for the Victorian Government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus (PSB).
Their trained support workers can check your bill, ensure you are not paying too much for utilities, discuss hardship options, and submit your $250 PSB application for you.
PSB3 will end on 13 March, so get in quick!
Phone: 8598 6600 Email info-support@ppcg.org.au

Committee members wanted @ Palais Theatre Community Support Fund
Expressions of interest close Wednesday 15 March
Part of the Palais lease includes a Community Support Fund. This is overseen by two committees and applications are now open to join the Palais Theatre Community Advisory Committee and the Palais Theatre Community Fund Committee for a two year volunteer tenure.
More info 

This Week at Council

Feedback on leasing South Melbourne Town Hall to ANAM
Council will acknowledge the feedback received from the community about the long-term lease of the town hall to Australian National Academy of Music.
The 35+ year lease to ANAM is being proposed.
As reported in December 2022, council invited the community to say if there was any reason why the lease should not proceed.
Council will hear that 91% of submissions supported the lease.

Proposed changes to local laws
Council will consider a raft of changes to local laws on topics ranging from connecting to drains to rules on commercial dog walkers, political signs and shopping trollies.
A number of the changes have an impact on vulnerable people and a protocol for assisting rough sleepers in also included.

Response to proposed Council culture cuts

Last week we reported Council’s decision to consult the community on a proposal to reduce the Cultural Development Fund program of small grants by $87,000 or 46% after an extensive 7-month cost review.
We invited reader comments …

Volunteers multiply the value of grantsHelen Halliday, The St Kilda Historical Society

Helen asked TWiSK to share this resolution from the Historical Society meeting held last Friday in the wake of proposed cuts to cultural fund.
“As residents of St Kilda who volunteer to help make the area’s rich cultural history accessible, we, the St Kilda Historical Society would like to express our disappointment at the City of Port Phillip Council considering significant reductions to the Cultural Development Fund.
The Society has received grants through the CDF for several exciting projects over the last few years, including the podcast series Unplugged in St Kilda, a book to be launched in June: St Kilda 1841-1900: Movers, Shakers and Money-makers and the documentary under development: The Posh and the Riff Raff. Our projects cater to a wide variety of age groups and interests, including music fans and history buffs.
Along with broad appeal all our projects factor in a multiplier effect ensuring a huge return on Council’s investment. We are determined to campaign against this reduction as we would hate to see the Council’s support for community groups bear the brunt in these proposed Council budget cuts.”
St Kilda Historical Society
Listen to Unplugged in St Kilda

Nurturing local creativity

Serge Thomann, former councillor
“As the Chair of the Cultural Development Fund for 7 years whilst I was a Councillor, I am extremely disappointed that Council decided to cut the grants given to local – mainly individual – artists working on very exciting projects, often very avant-garde and cutting edge.
I went to many great performances that benefited from our grants. In particular, I’ll never forget sitting next to the one and only Margaret Fulton for the opening night of the amazing musical “Margaret Fulton, Queen of the Desserts” at Theatre Works (pictured above).
Without the $10,000 that we gave to the small independent producer, it would not have happened. A sell out season.
We never had enough money to help all the great and innovative projects presented to us… there will definitely not be enough now. And many projects would not have been or will not be “developed” without our grants.
Very sad as it helped nurture local talents and creativity.
I am not going to talk about the ridiculousness of spending $70k to save $17k of a $250m budget.
Embarrassing to everyone to say the least…”

Have you responded to our Reader Survey yet?
Give us five minutes and we’ll give you a better TWiSK.
Respond NowGreg 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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This Week in St Kilda respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the people of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.

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