Sonic Mayhem Orchestra featuring + Trish Delaney Brown at BLUEBEAT Jazz Club

Groove on down to Bluebeat next Monday (21st) for our favourite jazzy jammin’ residency with the Sonic Mayhem Orchestra. You won’t want to miss this extra special date, where the hard hitting 10-piece ensemble will be joined by the sultry sounds of Trish Delaney-Brown (pictured), the versatile Australian vocalist and co-founder of ARIA-winning a capella group The Idea of North. 

The main gig will be followed by a free-wheeling jam session -  loud and live til very, very late – don’t miss it!

When: Monday 21st May, doors open 8:00pm
Where: Bluebeat Bar and Grill, 16 Cross Street Double Bay
How much: $10 + booking fee, book tickets here or on 9328 4411
More info here

Darth Vegas will launch their latest album, ‘Brainwashing for Dirty Minds’ this Friday for the Romero Records OFFICIAL LAUNCH at the Factory Theatre.

The kings of ‘Jazzy Cartoon Metal Disco Music’ will be joined by Sydney’s favourite mad gypsy-tango-punks Tango Saloon, and an exciting new project from two of Sydney’s most talented performers, Brian Campeau and Elana Stone, Rescue Ships. Jay Katz, showman extraordinaire, will play MC and spin some wacky tunes from his personal collection.

Been spending too much time on Oxford Street? Cruise down to the Factory Theatre this Friday and see what Sydney REALLY has to offer…

When: Friday 18^th May, doors open 8:00pm
Where: The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road Marrickville
How much: $18.50 + BF, book online here or on 9550 3666
More info here

Talk – Global Food Security

The world faces a major challenge in the coming years. Meeting the food needs of roughly 9 billion people by 2050 will require significant productivity gains in agriculture, improvements to the livelihoods of the world’s poor, substantial reductions in post-harvest losses and food waste, all while attending to growing land and water scarcity and evolving abiotic and biotic stresses. Cornell University Economics Professor Chris Barrett discusses the challenges of planning to provide food security for an ever-growing population.

When: 6:00-7:30pm, Wednesday May 16th
Where: Law School Foyer, Sydney University, Eastern Avenue Camperdown
How much: FREE
More info here or on 9351 1935

Parents and Children’s Edible Garden Program

Come along to this free, 9-week course run by local charity Circles of Learning aiming to teach parents and their children about sustainable and healthy eating and wellbeing. During the program you will have fun growing your own food with your children and gain tips and hints on ways to prepare and cook healthy meals for your family.

When: 9:15am-12:15pm, each Wednesday from 16/5 – 11/7
Where: Holdsworth Communal Garden, Spicer Lane, Woollahra
How much: FREE but booking is essential – please call Judith Schultz at Circles of Learning on 9327 7750
More info here

The Art of the Album

In the seven decades they’ve been around, album covers have carried some quite outstanding and eclectic imagery. They mark our student days, our holidays, our growing up, and our coming of age. But they weren’t just memorable – they were precise, descriptive, evocative, intriguing – and they were a decent size.

BlenderGallery is proud to present the exhibition, The Art of The Album – a collection of large, original, signed, limited edition prints of some of the most iconic images in music. Featured are images such as the iconic artwork for Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon by Hipgnosis, Peter Corriston’s powerful cover for Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti and Peter Blake’s covers for Paul Weller’s Stanley Road and The Beatles’ Sgt. Peppers.

When: 5th May – 2nd June, Gallery open 11am-6pm Tues-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat, closed Sun, Mon
Where: Blender Gallery, 16 Elizabeth St, Paddington
How much: FREE
More info here

Sydney Writers Festival

There are a bunch of great events running across Sydney this week featuring well known authors and thinkers such as Roddy Doyle, Annabel Crabb, Jeffrey Eugenides and Hilary Mantel. Tickets are generally priced between $10-$35, however there are plenty of free events on offer as well. Check out the event program at the festival website and grab some tickets before they’re all gone!

When: Festival runs from Monday 14th to Sunday 20th May
Where: Events are held at locales across Sydney
More info here

Sydney Ideas: Recent Developments in China’s Civil Society  

After the 30-plus years of reform and opening up, Chinese society has been gaining more independent space and growth momentum which have rarely been seen in Chinese history. In this presentation, Professor Yu Keping, Director of the Center for Chinese Government Innovations at Beijing University, argues that a relatively independent civil society is emerging in China thanks to the introduction of market economy and progress of democratic governance in China.

When: 2:30-4:00pm, Monday 21st May
Where: Law School Foyer, Sydney University, Eastern Avenue Camperdown
How much: FREE
More info here or on 9351 1935

Our aim is to now provide the Jazz Action Society with the following -

• Manage/maintain and develop a membership register of the JAS
• Encourage a connection between established jazz musicians who are associated with JAS
• Re-establish workshop events that were previously offered by JAS
• Provide supporter concessions to any Eastside events for JAS members
• Provide access to Studio B broadcasting and recording facilities
• Present weekly radio program updates and music recorded at JAS concerts
• Interconnect the JAS and Eastside websites
• Plan to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of JAS in 2014 which will follow-on from the 30th Anniversary celebration for Eastside Radio 

To help celebrate this momentous occasion Eastside Radio and the Jazz Action Society will be hosting their first concert together on Wednesday May 30^th at Paddo RSL featuring The Cope Street Parade. It’s a fun filled night of music and celebration starting at 7pm.

Also included on the night will be a special premiere short film screening of Who’s Wally, a moving tribute to long serving presenter Wally Wrightman, written and directed by Morgan Fiebig.

Please note that all JAS members are now eligible to attend all Eastside concerts and events at discounted prices. For those of you yet to renew your membership we would like to invite you to still be a part of this great initiative, The Jazz Action Society, which will soon be celebrating it’s 40^th Anniversary!

Pick Your Battles

The late 1960’s and early 1970’s were a time of great social upheaval. This period produced passionate activists who challenged the status quo and effectively changed the way we thought of our society. Join panellists, Meredith Burgmann, Roelof Smilde and Eva Cox as they re-visit these turbulent times and discuss the how their efforts changed Australia’s political landscape. Hear their views on the long term ramifications of their actions and their view of modern activism.

When: 6:00-7:00pm, Tuesday 8th May
Where: The Galleries, State Library of NSW, Macquarie Street, Sydney
How much: FREE (but please book here or on 9273 1770)
More info here

Composting and Worm Farming Workshop

Come along to this FREE workshop presented by Sustainability Guru Teresa Rutherford as part of International Composting Awareness Week. Find out how to set up your own compost bin or worm farm and keep it working well. Also find out how to get a free compost bin or worm farm for your home. If that doesn’t tempt you, a light lunch will also be provided at the workshop.

When: 10:30am-12:30pm, Wednesday 9^th May
Where: Paddington community garden, Quarry Street, Paddington, which is next to Palm tennis courts
How much: FREE but booking is essential – please call Woollahra council Waste Projects Officer Pamela Mina on 9391 7966, or email Pamela.Mina@woollahra.nsw.gov.au
More info here

Reflections on Cultural Identity

John and Jean Comaroff, professors of anthropology and social sciences respectively at the University of Chicago, welcome you to a discussion on the rapidly evolving shift in cultural identity and interaction amongst ethnic groups across the globe, against the backdrop of neoliberal capitalism that has gained such influence since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

When: 6:00-7:30pm, Wednesday 9^th May
Where: Law School Lecture Theatre 101, Sydney Law School, Eastern Avenue, Sydney University
How much: FREE
More info here

Bondi Wave Free Music Industry Conference

For anyone who wants to know how to get into the music industry and how to succeed, this one day free music industry conference is for you. Top industry professionals will be speaking on various topics such as music publishing, festivals, events, copyright, music promotion, independent record labels, internet music and much more. Download the program guide here

When: 9:30am – 3:30pm, Friday 11^th May
Where: Bondi Pavilion
How much: FREE – Registration will take place on the day at 9:30am, so be there early to secure your spot!
More info here or on  8362 3400

Julie + Ai Caramba!

Drop in to D’Vine Winebar this Sunday for a night of Brazilian bossa rhythms and soulful Latin jazz, courtesy of the fabulous Julie Eisenberg and her dynamic band Ai Caramba! They will play a mixture of original songs and old favourites from the glory days of Brazilian pop and samba. So grab some tapas and bliss out to the rhythms or kick up your heels on the D’Vine dancefloor!

When: 7:00-9:00pm, Sunday 13^th May
Where: D’Vine Winebar and Grill, 206 Bondi Road (opposite Kemenys)
How much: FREE
More info here  or on 9369 2425

National Day of Action for Marriage Equality

People will be hitting the streets across Australia on Sunday May 12th in support of same-sex marriage rights. Events are being organised by various grassroots community groups, including Equal Love and Community Action Against Homophobia. In Sydney, there will be a huge rally taking place at Town Hall in the City. Come down and express your righteous anger at our unfair laws and demand full rights for Gay and Lesbian couples around Australia.

When: 1:00pm, Sunday May 12th
Where: Sydney Town Hall (courtyard area next to the town hall)
How much: FREE (obviously)
More info here 

Each company represented at EcoXpo is a proud owner or user of an organic, natural and/or sustainable brand. You’ll discover the best brands of the industry and their products and services.

EcoXpo 2012 is proud to announce a series of exciting mini seminars on stage led by handpicked experts who are simply the best in their field. Free seminars focusing on the environment and sustainable living for all, but try to get in early as seats are limited.

Ecolicious, one of the exhibiting businesses this weekend

See numerous eco living live presentations by eco-icons and celebrities, engage exhibitors and visitors alike.

Highlights include:

The International Trashion Fashion Show which puts the spotlight on the always whimsical, often outrageous, and sometimes lovely trash couture (made entirely of beach litter) created by American born artist Marina DeBris. While entertaining audiences, this event spurs awareness of plastic pollution and our impulsive readiness to throw everything away. Supported by Reverse Garbage.

Bike fanatic and Bicycle NSW Chief Executive Officer, Alex Unwin, will also talk about his goals to help create of a vibrant cycling community in our city, improve health, where residents live happier and enjoy our great public places. Alex will tell you why to take up bike riding, how to choose a bike, where and when to ride, and who to ride with.

Through Eckhart Tolle inspired meditation and tools gathered from all over the world, Pachamama Symposium Leader and Bali Spirit Festival Ambassador, Lina Mbirkou takes you on an inward journey to discover a more sustainable way to honor yourself, each other and this planet. You will walk out of her workshops with a renewed sense of who you truly are, newly formed friendships and a stronger sense of how to be the change you want to see in the world.

Sustainability starts with you!

The brains behind this event is Aymeric Maudous. He is the kind of man you could sit down with and listen to for hours and hours… Holding a Masters degree in Environmental Management, Aymeric is passionate about sustainable living, and through the Eco Expo wants to share with others how they can reduce their environmental footprint through making informed choices.

$10 is not much to pay for a better world!

Find out more about this important event and come along to see how it all works. CLICK HERE

Exo Xpo is a proud sponsor of Eastside Radio

City of Sydney 101 Workshops

Throughout 2012 City of Sydney is offering a series of ‘101’ workshops designed for small business owners and operators, giving an overview of common issues in setting up and running a business. The workshops cover food and beverage, small bars, live music and pop up events and will feature presentations from City staff, industry representatives and NSW government agencies.

The first workshop will be Development Applications 101

When: 10:00am-12:00pm, Wednesday 2 May, 6:00pm-8:00pm Tuesday 7 August
Where: Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay
How much: FREE (but please booking at the website beforehand)
More info here or from coordinator Lauren Anderson on 9246 7879

Take a look at the website for details of other workshops run throughout the next few months

Are we there yet? 

Join musician and former refugee advocate Kate Maclurcan, and Sydney University lecture and journalist Ghassan Nakhoul as they explore perilous encounters and journeys made in the search to become more truly human.

When: 7:30pm-9:00pm, Wednesday 2nd May
Where: Upstairs room, The Paddington Arms Hotel, 384 Oxford St, Paddington
How much: FREE (entry by donation)
More info here or on 0414 873 910

This is not a Lecture Theatre 

Bec Dean and Jeff Khan, Co-Directors of Performance Space and artists from Local Positioning Systems curated by Performance Space, take over the MCA’s new Veolia Lecture Theatre to delve deeper into Performance Art. Artists Lara Thoms, Jason Maling and Julie-Anne Long will present their manifestos for Performing at an Institution.

When: 7:30pm-8:30pm Thursday May 3rd
Where: Veolia Theatre at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay
How much: $10/$7 Members & Concs (booking fees apply)
More info here or on 9245 2484

Friday May 4th HEADON portrait prize opening and photographic festival

Australia’s largest photography festival kicks off this Friday at Customs House, Circular Quay. Come along to check out the amazing work by the 40 portrait prize finalists and grab a glass of champagne. The festival will run all through May and encompasses over 200 events at galleries across Sydney – make sure to check out the event guide here for information about all of the great events taking place around town. In addition, the popular Head On Photo Festival Seminar will be held over two days at Bondi Pavilion on Saturday May 5 and Sunday May 6. It’s a great way to develop new skills and further your career, whether you are a seasoned professional or aspire to be one.

Official Festival opening and announcement of the Portrait Prize winners
When: 7:00pm, Friday 4th May
Where: Customs House, 31 Alfred Street Circular Quay
How much: FREE
More info here

Headon Photography Seminar
When: 9am-5pm, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th May
Where: Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach
How much: $95, $85 for members
More info here

Get your game on

Drop into Glebe Library during May and June to try out some of the Library’s old school board games. Bring your kids along and join in the retro-gaming fun with Monopoly, Cluedo, Connect Four, Trouble, chess and other games, or even bring in your own board games and make some new friends.

When: Tuesday 1st May to Saturday 30th June, Library open weekdays 9am-6pm, Saturdays 10am-4pm, closed Sundays
Where: Glebe Library, 186 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
How much: FREE
More info here

Multicultural Arts Forum 2012 on 13 & 14 April at Carriageworks. 

With the participation of an amazing range of speakers including Cristina Dio (Diaspora Media), Danielle Antaki (Powerhouse Youth Theatre), Lisa Havilah (Carriageworks) and Pino Migliorino (Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia FECCA), the Multicultural Arts Forum offers two days packed with panel discussions, roundtables, keynotes, network opportunities and fabulous showcase entertainment.

The interconnections between professional and community arts practice, diverse programming and an open mic discussion on the uncertain future of world music presenter Café Carnivale, are some of the hot topics in the 2-day program.

Iconic singer and actor Paul Capsis promises to be one of the highlights of the showcase event on Friday evening. He will be joined by West African master musicians, KEYIM BA, plus some great dance and theatre performances and film screenings.

Multicultural Arts Forum 2012 is presented by Groundswell: Creative Thinkers, Creative Solutions, an arts sector-driven committee founded for the ongoing dialogue, promotion, advocacy and development of multicultural arts in NSW.

For more info click here.

Registrations now open and essential. 

AFTRS – The Australian Film, Television & Radio School –  is running  fantastic short courses for kids and teens at its studios in Moore Park, Sydney.  For teens there’s the hugely popular HSC Video Intensive and the Real Filmmaking Workshop. Plus there’s a Claymation course and a Young Filmmaker’s Workshop for younger kids.

If you’re one of the first 10 people to book a place in the Claymation course you’ll receive a FREE merchandise pack for the new movie ‘The Pirates! Band of Misfits’ valued at over $100 plus a double pass to see the movie (released April 5). Plus Eastside Listeners get a 10% discount on all School Holiday courses until April 7.

And if that wasn’t exciting enough…. Mike Munro is running the Video Journalist Boot Camp!

On 22 – 23 May join a two-day intensive to give print & radio journalists the skills of the Producer/Shooter role and the confidence & understanding to file stories for online and broadcast outlets. Tutors Mike Munro (60 Minutes, A Current Affair, Sunday Night) and veteran Cinematographer Gareth Tillson will lead the class, drawing on their decades of experience in print & TV to get the students prepared for their new media challenges of the future. More details HERE

To receive your 10% discount call 1300 065 281. Course details HERE