Monday 29 January – Sunday 4 February

TWiSK #399

Cook statue security bungle
Boonwurrung leader slams vandals

Local women get Australia Day gongs

Great music
UB40 @ Palais
Frank Yamma & David Bridie
Memphis in Melbourne

Pride March plus after parties
Acland Plaza drag competition


Learn to Sew! @ Elwood Neighbourhood House

Tuesdays 30 January to 2 April, 12.45 pm – 3.45 pm
Learn your way around a sewing machine, and discover how to use your knowledge to create a range of items such as a lined tote bag. Students will be guided by an experienced tutor over the 9-week course. For complete beginners.
Enrol now: Hurry classes often full up quickly
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell @ Palais
Tuesday 30 January
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell is the reggae and pop collective responsible for serving up hits including Red Red Wine and Kingston Town. $99
Tix
I Want it That Gay @ Theatre Works
Tuesday 30 January – Saturday 3 February, Thu – Sat 7 pm, Wed – Fri 9 pm
I Want it That Gay is a cabaret-comedy that sheds light and humour on the challenges of growing up with starkly heteronormative music, popstars and paradigms. At times hilarious and at times heart-breaking, the show is an irreverent look at the way popular culture shapes what we see and therefore who we’re allowed to be.
Tix
Home Economics @ Explosives Factory
Tuesday 30 January – Saturday 3 February,  7.30 pm
A delicious series of vignettes teetering on the axis of sex and food
Real food, real mess and a sickly saturated design underpin our society’s complicated relationship with overindulgence of all kinds.
Tix
No wheelchair access
Dignity – An Exhibition by Angelina Mirabito @ Space2b
Tuesday 30 January – Saturday 2 March
Opening Night Thursday 8 February 6-8pm
The Dignity Exhibition celebrates art’s power to transform the way we experience public and private spaces. The presence of art in daily life can have a dignifying effect, regardless of who we are or our story. Art can create meaningful connections and remind us of what’s possible.
Info 
144 Chapel St

No Pride in Racism – Midsumma @ Pride
Tuesday 30 January, 6 pm – 8 pm
GBTIQA+ community leaders share their thoughts and perspectives on sexualised racism in the community. This panel will share experiences of queer people of colour, culture, and faith. This event is open to people of all racial and cultural backgrounds. Free
Info
Big program of midsumma events @ Pride
Full list of other midsumma events at Pride 
Velvet Bloom @ St Kilda Library Summer Sounds
Wednesday 31 January, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Mornington born and raised guitarist and exquisite vocalist Maddy Herbert aka Velvet Bloom will fill the library with tunes. Her music “speaks to the human spirit with an oozing honey pot of silky vocals, lush soundscapes and raw emotion.” Free
Book 
St Kilda Comedy @ George Lane
Wednesday 31 January, 8.00 pm – 11.00 pm
“An epic night of unparalleled laughs and lagers.”
With comedians like Daniel Connell (pictured), Billy Styles and Elijah Dries, with guest performances by: Jeremy Dooley, Fergus Neal, Jackie Hatton, William Wang, Christina Schmidt, Sahil Bhatia, Akwasi Osei-Tutu, Abhishek Mishra and Richard Meneses.
Tix 

Sunset Cinema @ St Kilda Botanical Gardens
Wednesday 31 January – Saturday 9 March, 7 pm – 11 pm
First sessions include Next Goal Wins, Barbie, Poor Things and Wonka. $25/$18
Tix

Walter Trout Band (USA) @ Memo
Wednesday 31 January and Thursday 1 February, 7 pm
American Blues Rock legend Walter Trout is a warrior, survivor, icon. From his early days in 1970’s LA supporting the likes of John Lee Hooker, Big Mama Thornton and Percy Mayfield – through to his stint playing guitar for the seminal Canned Heat (1981-1985). Later he joined British blues giant John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, where he paired up with fellow six-string virtuoso Coco Montoya. He’s touring with a band. $85/$75
Tix

The Pleasures @ George Lane
Thursday 1 February, 7.00 pm – 10.30 pm
The Pleasures are a new band fronted by Australian country music icons Catherine Britt and Lachlan Bryan.
Tix

The Dry 2 with Bana, Connolly & Harper Live @ Astor
Friday 2 February, 6.30 pm
Be amongst the first to see, Force of Nature: The Dry 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2021 Australian box office smash hit, The Dry, with Eric Bana, director Robert Connolly and author Jane Harper in attendance.
Tix

8 Ball Aitken Band @ Memo
Friday 2 February, 7 pm
8 Ball Aitken has toured the world for more than a decade performing his swampy- blues-rock across twenty countries to date. $40/30
Tix
Impromptunes @ Alex
Friday 2 February, 8 pm – 9:20 pm
Impromptunes: The Completely Improvised Musical. The audience suggests a title, and seconds later the curtain opens on a brand new, completely improvised and totally hilarious musical. $33
Tix 
Concerts by candlelight @ Artful Yoga Gallery
Fridays 2 February & 16 February, 7 PM – 10 PM
A cosy night in a candlelit art gallery serenaded by sound, enjoy the concert!
2 February Line-up: Rhiannon Bright, Dan Cully and Brent Hayhurst. $40
Tix 
1 Vale Street
Monthly Mini Market @ Christ Church
Saturday 3 February, 9.30 am – 2 pm
Books, plants & much more
14 Acland Street
To have a stall on the first Saturday of any month, contact Robyn 0408 536 241

St Kilda Queer Art Club @ St Kilda Library
Saturday 3 February, 11 am – 1 pm
A free event for the gays and theys as part of the Midsumma celebrations! Art club is an open invitation to express, explore, experiment, and engage with different art-making prompts and materials. Facilitated by queer arts therapist and community facilitator, Don Fazliu. 
Bookings 
Shop small, shop local, shop queer @ Pride
Saturday 3 February, noon – 5 pm
Gay Stuff is prideful and celebrates everything queer with a fabulous line up of vendors. Featuring specialty goods from a collection of Melbourne’s finest queer and allied artists, creatives and style makers.
Cold Irons Bound + The Golden Rail @ George Lane Matinee Sessions
Saturday 3 February, 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm
The Golden Rail are relatively new by name but have a musical backstory stretching all the way to Perth in the sunny, indie 1980’s.
Tix

Pallett Band @ National Theatre
Saturday 3 February, 7.30 pm – 9 pm
Pallett Band is the alternative voice of Iran’s current generation.
Comprising seven classically trained musicians from Iran, Australia, Mexico, Netherland and USA, Pallett seamlessly blends contemporary and classical Persian poetry, creating a captivating dialogue between social issues and cultural heritage. $89+
Tix

Frank Yamma w/ David Bridie @ George Lane
Saturday 3 February, 7.30 pm – 11.00 pm
Frank Yamma is one of Australia’s most significant Indigenous songwriters with an ability to cross cultural and musical boundaries.
Tix
Midsumma Pride March @ Fitzroy Street
Sunday 4 February, 11 am – 5 pm
Marching from Lakeside Drive to Catani Gardens, the annual pilgrimage parades down Fitzroy Street passing gloriously before the Pride Centre before concluding with free entertainment, and festivities, including DJs and live performances, in Catani Gardens. Free
Info
Road closure time: 8 am – 3pm

Witness the crowning of Acland’s Drag Star @ Acland Plaza
Sunday 4 February, 2.30 pm – 4 pm
A family-friendly, emerging drag competition hosted by the radiant and larger-than-life drag queen, Brenda Bressed, who etched her name in the entertainment world as a standout contestant on Season 12 of The Voice Australia. She’ll be joined on the back of a beautiful old mobile Dodge stage truck, by the wonderful artists as they sing, dance and strut their stuff, vying for the title of Acland’s Drag Star, winning great prizes. Free
No booking required
A Gay on the Lawn 2024 (Pride March Afterparty) @ St Kilda Sports Club
Sunday 4 February
Free
66 Fitzroy Street

Memphis in Melbourne – Nicole “Ms Nickki” Whitlock (USA) @ Memo
Sunday 4 February, 3 pm
 Big voice. Commanding presence. Expect Memphis Soul, Delta Blues, Chitlin Circuit shenanigans and everything in between. With Jules Boult and The Redeemers. $75
Tix
Check out the YouTube

Next week
Monday 5 February – Sunday 11 February

Adele Barbaro Live @ The National
Monday 5 February, 7 pm – 10 pm
Dubbed the Great Big Giveaway Show, this live variety show will be packed with inspiring stories, fascinating interviews, hilarious games, live music and of course … plenty of prizes! Supported by Samuel Johnson, Pia Miranda, Emma Watkins and Conrad Sewell. $129
Tix 

Pirritu @ St Kilda Library
Tuesday 6 February, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Pirritu’s music is a gentle, honest, and melodic personal journey that entices you into the depths of sadness, love, and shimmering hope. Their work honours a cultural journey to connect back to land, language, and family with a continual thirst for deeper understanding of his people and country. Free
Please book
Destroyed @ Explosives Factory
Tuesday 6 February – Saturday 10 February, 7.30 pm
A one-act performance of queer femme heartbreak, grief, torture and swathed in blood, based upon the Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Created by experimental artist Ebony Rattle.
Tix
No wheelchair access
St Kilda’s Queer History with Graham Willett @ Carlisle Street Arts Space
Thursday 8 February, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
St Kilda has harboured all sorts of people and all sorts of events – not all of them entirely respectable.
Historian Graham Willett will highlight the ways in which LGBTQIA+ Melbournians have, over the decades, gathered there, creating places for themselves and turning established venues to their own purposes. Lady swimmers and naked bathing, cafes and cruising grounds, Arts Balls and HIV/AIDS Centres … all part of a rich history that is not talked about nearly enough. Till tonight.
Bookings
Inside St Kilda Town Hall, Carlisle Street
Sunset Market @ Acland Plaza
Thursday 8 February, 4.00 pm – 8.30 pm
Presented by the makers and traders of the St Kilda Esplanade Market.

The Australian INXS Show @ Memo
Thursday 8 February, 7 pm
Fronted by Dellacoma Rio, whose uncanny portrayal of Michael Hutchence has captivated audiences worldwide, this 6 piece band will take you on a journey through all the classic INXS hits that have made them a household name for decades. $59 EB discounts.
Tix
Vic Opera: Candide by Leonard Bernstein @ Palais
Thursday 8 February – Saturday 10 February
Voltaire’s satirical tale of mindless optimism springs to life through a brilliant score from famed, West Side Story composer, Leonard Bernstein.
Cast includes the multi-talented music theatre Renaissance man, Eddie Perfect, and award-winning star of Hamilton, Lyndon Watts. $39
Tix

Comedy Gold @ The National Studio 2
Fridays 9 February – 1 March, 7.30 pm
9 February
Jude Perl (pictured) and guests including Mel McGlensey
16 February
Carl Donelly (UK) and guests including Bart Freebairn, Robyn Reynolds, Tabitha Booth and Nicolette Minster
23 February
Andrew Hansen and guests Ivan Aristeguieta, and He Huang
1 February
Lehmo and guests Urvi Majumdar and Lizzy Hoo
Comedy Gold is lovingly curated by Janet A McLeod, aka The Fairy Godmother of Melbourne Comedy
Comedy Gold will be held in Studio 2 – an intimate black box theatre with cabaret tables and general admission seating.
Theatre seats (general admission) $35, Cabaret Seating $39, Cabaret Table (4) $150
Tix
Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson @ National
Friday 9 February, 8 pm
International touring show featuring two Michael Jacksons and a 14-member cast.
Produced and directed by leading dance producer Darrin Ross, and choreographed by Lavelle Smith Jr, who has closely worked with Michael and Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Chris Brown, and the Rolling Stones.$75+
Tix
Summer Jam Street Basketball @ Peanut Farm
Friday 9 February to Sunday 11 February, 10 am – 9 pm
This is street basketball with a theatrical attitude. It’s a celebration of basketball culture with the best elements of a summer block party. Think music, food, amazing court action in a transformed Peanut Farm location. Men’s, women’s and wheelchair events.
Free Friday, other days $20+
Info
Local vendors are teaming up to provide discounted tickets to Summer Jam’s Saturday games with any purchase at the following shops:
7 Apples Gelato, Village Belle, Boneyard Social Club, FAT JAK’S, Brotherwolf St Kilda, Saul’s Balaclava & Tickle Pink Elwood.

“Unplugged” – The Iconic Album & Music of Eric Clapton @ George Lane
Friday 9 February, 7 pm – 11 pm
Matt Arthur and The Lazybones as they pay tribute to Eric Clapton’s legendary “Unplugged” album.
Tix 
Twilight Beach Polo @ West Beach
Saturday 10 February, 2 pm – 7 pm
Horses, fashionable folk, food and festivities. Great location adjacent to West Beach Pavilion. $120 +
Tix
Road closure: Pier Road, 12 pm to 8 pm
St Kilda Latin Festival @ South Beach Reserve
Saturday 10 February, 2 pm to 10 pm
Branded as Fiesta Del Sol, this regular gig prides itself on music, culture, food and beer. $119 + generous early bird discounts.
Tix
Book Bazaar @ Holy Trinity Balaclava and Elwood
Saturday 10 February, 2 pm – 5 pm
Loads of great books, art, travel, fiction and more.
175 Chapel Street

The Blow Out – Album Launch + Checkerboard Lounge @ George Lane Matinee Session
Saturday 10 February, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Authentic and original blues & roots .
Tix

Cricket The Musical @ Memo
Saturday 10 February, 7 pm
Denis Carnahan brings his one man cult hit musical comedy show to Melbourne for the first time.
Australia’s hardest working musical sports satirist uses his unique satirical spin to investigate events, along with battles with broadcasters and sponsors, and the game’s history of treachery, villainy, facial hair, and illegal abrasives. $45
Tix

Matt Joe Gow & The Dead Leaves – Live Album Release @ George Lane
Saturday 10 February, 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Matt Joe Gow and The Dead Leaves present a live EP release from their “Woodshed Sessions” album.
Tix

Musical movies every Sunday and Wednesday @ Classic Elsternwick
Every Sunday 4 pm, repeated Wednesdays 11 am
Classic Cinemas are making a song-and-dance of the movie musical, with a year-long celebration of the best and boldest films the genre has to offer.
Great list of titles.
Tix
The Peptides @ St Kilda Sports Club
Sunday 11 February, 5 pm
Free
Sunidhi Chauhan @ Palais
Sunday 11 February
Noted Indian playback singer. $79 +
Tix 
St Kilda Festival @ St Kilda
Saturday 17 February & Sunday 18 February 2024
Free and all ages. First Peoples First Saturday, followed by Big Festival Sunday crowd fest!
Info

Cook statue damaged just hours
before security was set to start

TWiSK can reveal that the early morning damage to the St Kilda foreshore Cook statue happened just hours before extra Council security was set to start.
The security lapse allowed the statue to be cut off at the ankles and toppled from the plinth. 
An anonymous Instagram video shows people on ladders with power tools on the plinth in high viz gear in the early hours of Thursday.
It was reported that the media arrived at the scene before the police.
Security was to be upgraded later that day
Mayor Heather Cunsolo told TWiSK that the vandalism was reported at 3.30 am before a security guard had arrived as planned.
“As the statue had previously been vandalised, we had arranged for security to attend as a precaution from later [that day],” she said.
“We understand and acknowledge the complex and diverse views surrounding Australia Day. We can’t condone, however, the vandalism of a public asset where costs will be ultimately borne by ratepayers.”
“Council officers have collected the statue for assessment and the graffiti has been removed.”
“We are aware of the Premier’s reported comments about the Victorian Government offering to assist our Council repair and reinstate the Captain Cook statue,” she said.
Council has investigations into the repair of the statue, but as a Heritage Victoria listed statue, it will require a permit from them before any restorations can begin.

Cook vandals don’t speak for us,
says Boonwurrung leader

Jason Briggs, Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council Chair, used his address at the We-Akon Dilinja Dawn Ceremony to slam the destruction of the nearby Cook statue.
“By seeking to overshadow this sacred ceremony, [they] have sought to undermine the cultural authority of the Boonwurrung. We don’t support or condone what [they] did.
“[They] don’t speak for us” he said.
Briggs told The Age following the event that if the local Aboriginal community had an issue with the statue, they would go through legitimate legal channels, rather than “being thieves in the night with angle grinders”.
“If we want the community to respect our cultural icons, it’s a two-way street,” Briggs said.
YouTube clip of Jason Brigg’s comments on the damaged statue, 

Local women feature in Australia Day honours

Dr Vivienne Elton (OAM)
St Kilda East resident, Dr Vivienne Elton received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to psychiatry and the community.
Active in the International Psychoanalytical Association, National Association of Practicing Psychiatrists and Australian Psychoanalytical Society, she has had roles in Huazong University of Science and Technology (Wuhan) and with the Rwanda Tutsi Genocide Survivors Association.
Vivienne also co-edited a book “Trauma, Flight and Migration: Psychoanalytic Perspectives” in 2023.
Ms Amanda Gome AM
Elwood resident Amanda Gome received an AM for significant service to media, business and to women. She founded social media agency Notable Media after heading up digital and social media for the ANZ Bank. Before that she was publisher at Fairfax with Business Review Weekly and Smart Investor. She also had CEO roles at Private Media and Smart Company. She was an Adjunct Professor of Business and RMIT.
Ms Christine Lempick Fitzherbert (OAM)
St Kilda Police Citizens and Youth Club CEO since 2016, Christine Fitzherbert received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the community through a range of organisations. She has also held senior roles at Melbourne Health and Southern Health.
Mrs Barbara Kessel (OAM)
St Kilda resident Barbara Kessel received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the community through social welfare organisations. She had many roles in counselling and family support, plus decades of volunteering with Personal Emergency Service and the Compassionate Friends Victoria (TCFV).