What's on this weekend?

What's on this weekend? Who knows? Simone Whetton does!

Whether it's an indoors event you're looking for, or something with a bit of fresh air attached, there's always something for you to do.

Note: This segment is heard on-air at approximately 8.50am Saturdays and 10.05am Sundays and it is updated and published online Friday afternoon.

SATURDAY 24 APRIL

OUT AND ABOUT

Mount Wilson Community Market Weekend

This weekend at the Mount Wilson Village Hall you can buy books, plants, toys, clothes, pottery, glassware, jams and cakes, Devonshire teas and lots more. This is a community event to raise funds for the Mount Wilson and Mount Irvine Historical Society.
When: 24 April and 25 April - 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Where: Mount Wilson Village Hall, off Bells Line of Road, Blue Mountains

Macquarie University Astronomy Open Night

On Saturday at Macquarie University Fred Watson will talk about Pluto's eventful history. You can view the sky through telescopes, see a star show and see astronomical displays. Lots of activities for kids. $10/$5 and a family ticket is $25. No bookings are required. Enquiries on 9850 7111.
When: Saturday 24 April 6.30 to 10.00
Where: E7B Courtyard, Macquarie University, North Ryde.

Classic Warringah

On Saturday at Dee Why Beach Reserve there will be market stalls and performances by local performers. There will be a free Manly Surf School with lessons at 10 am and 11 am.
Where: Dee Why Beach Reserve
When: Saturday, 24 April

TALKS

Travel Saturday

The Sydney Mechanic School of Arts on Saturday 24 April there will be a panel of speakers talking about the art of travel writing, crisis in travel writing and cultural tourism. The panel includes Walter Mason, Brendan Shanahan, Erin O'Dwyer
When: Saturday 24 April 3:00 pm until 4:30 pm
Where: 280 Pitt Street, Sydney

MUSIC

Sydney Youth Orchestra

On Saturday, 24 April at 8.00 pm in the Community Hall in Springwood hear a wonderful concert featuring the second piano concerto of Dane Rojas which will be performed with the Sydney Youth Orchestra. The work has been sponsored by ARS Musica and dedicated to Bishop Anthony Fisher, the new Bishop of Parramatta who will be present.
When: Saturday 24 April 8.00 pm
Where: Community Hall, Springwood, Blue Mountains.

PERFORMANCE

Etiquette

At the Campbelltown Arts Centre until 2 May check out "Etiquette" which is a two person performance - a fantasy of conversation where the audience is involved. This is free but bookings are essential on 4645 4100.
When: 4.00 pm, 5.00 pm and 6.00 pm until 24 April and 11.00 am, 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm until 2 May.
Where: Campbelltown Arts centre

The Power of Yes

Playwright David Hare's play "The Power of Yes" is directed by Sam Strong and stars Rhys Muldoon, John Derum, Amber McMahon, Christopher Stollery, Russell Kiefel, Brian Lipsom, Tony Llewellyn-Jones.
When: On until 30 May. Backstage Q & A on 26 May 6.00 pm.
Where: Belvoir Street Theatre, Surry Hills

Rhythm Safari : the Show

At Bondi Pavilion on Saturday at 6.00 pm and 9.00 pm and then through to Sunday, 2 May, check out "Rhythm Safari" - the musical journey around the globe. If you like drumming this is the show for you!
When: On until 2 May
Where: Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach.

Hole in the Wall

This is a contemporary love story performed at the Campbelltown Art Centre. It is experimental theatre work looking at home, beauty, love and destruction. It explores what is the safe secure place that we all try and create in our home and what are the risks worth taking.
When: Finishes on Saturday 24 April 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm.
Where: Campbelltown Art Centre, Corner Camden and Appin Roads

Honour

Australian Playwright Joanna Murray-Smith's play "Honour" directed by Lee Lewis and starring Paula Arundell, Wendy Hughes, Yale Stone and William Zappa will be performed by the Sydney Theatre Company with previews this weekend and opening on 22 April at the Drama Theatre. The play is about a married couple with a seemingly happy and long married life which is then torn apart when a young journalist is introduced to the family. Tickets available through 9250 1777. Tickets $30-$85.
When: On until 29 May
Where: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

Shakespeare's R and J

Craig Ilott directs this play at the Riverside Theatre, set in a Catholic boys boarding school and some students sneak out at night to explore the play for their own enjoyment. Featuring Julian Curtis, Andrew Hazzard (who was recently in Spring Awakening), Ben Gerrad and Tom Stokes. Tickets $32/$28. Bookings 8839 3399
When: April 22 to 30 and later this year from June 17 to 19
Where: Riverside Theatre, cnr. Church and Market Streets, Parramatta

As you like it

Jason Langley directs Shakespeare's "As you like it" set in the Woodstock era of the late 60s. There will also be school performances as part of the season. Previews are $25. Full price $36/$30 and students $28. Bookings 9213 4508
When: On until 8 May. Preview Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 April.
Where: The Cleveland Street Theatre, 199 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills

The End

Samuel Beckett's play "The End" is directed by Eamon Flack and stars Robert Menzies and is on now at the Belvoir Street Theatre. Tickets $42/$32.
When: On until 9 May
Where: Belvoir Street, Downstairs Theatre 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills

EXHIBITIONS

Frock Stars: Inside Australian Fashion Week

The Powerhouse Museum has an exhibition from 22 April about the complex organisation behind Fashion Week. The exhibition will talk about how Fashion Week was established, will feature a catwalk display, and lots more including footage of Fashion Week moments. $10/$5. Family tickets $25.
When: 22 April to 29 August
Where: Powerhouse Museum 500 Harris Street, Ultimo

ART

Botanica 2010

Take a stroll through the Botanica Gardens and at Lion Gate Lodge check at the exhibition "Botanica 2010" which features over a 100 framed paintings and original unframed paintings and prints of endangered floral species. Free entry. All art works are for sale.
When: On until 25 April open daily 10:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: Lion Gate Lodge, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.

Tony Twigg

Artist Tony Twigg will be exhibiting at the Damien Minton Gallery from 27 April to 22 May in an exhibition entitled "Richocet". The exhibition focuses on Twigg's practice between Asia and Australia.
Where: Damien Minton Gallery, 61 Greater Buckingham Street, Redfern
When: 27 April to 22 May

Plastic Lens - photographs

Take a look at great exhibition of photographs which have been taken using plastic cameras. Photographers exhibiting include Steven Godbee, Kyle Gerrity, Roxy May, Tim Gibbs, Dave Chin, Heleana Genous, Tim Hixson and Andrew Hoyne.
Where: Blender Gallery, 16 Elizabeth Street, Paddington
When: On until Tuesday May 4.

Archibald Prize, Wynne and Sulman Prize

The annual Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes are on at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, starting this weekend. This years winner is artist Sam Leach who has painted a portrait of singer and performer Tim Minchin. Sam Leach has also won the Wynne prize for Proposal for landscaped cosmos. Michael Lindeman has won the Sulman with "Paintings, prints and wall hangings." This is the second year that the same artist has won the prize for the Archibald and Wynne (William Dobell won both in 1948 and Brett Whitley won all three prizes in 1978).
When: On now
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, The Domain

Salon Des Refuses

The alternative Archibald and Wynne Prize selection is on at the SH Ervin Gallery. On Sunday, 2 May artist Tom Carment, Mostyn Bramley-Moore, Susan Baird and Joshua Yeldham will talk about their observations of the Australian landscape in a public program on Sunday, 2 May at 3.00 pm.
When: On until 23 May
Where: Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks

Artists of Mosman: 2088

The annual exhibition "Artists of Mosman: 2088" features a range of recent artworks produced by artists living and working in Mosman as well as members of the Mosman Art Gallery. The exhibition includes painting, drawing, print making, textiles, photography, sculpture and ceramics and many of the works are for sale.
When: Exhibition finishes this weekend
Where: Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman

SUNDAY 25 APRIL

ANZAC DAY

Warringah Manly Dam and Oxford Falls

There will be dawn services at Manly Dam at the end of King Street Manly Vale from 5.30 pm on Sunday with a traditional piper by the Royal Australian Artillery Seventh Field Regiment. Local vocalist Gina Marshall and the Warringah Concert Brass Band will perform. Also at Oxford Falls at the corner of Dreadnought Road and the Wakehurst Parkway, will be another Dawn Service at Peace Park at 6.00 am organised by the Beacon Hill Rural Fire Brigade and will continue the tradition of book tributes being laid on the Cenotaph that are later distributed to local schools.|
When: Anzac Day Dawn Service
Where: Manly Dam and Oxford Falls

PERFORMANCE

Radio plays in the Blue Mountains

At the Mountain Heritage at the corner of Apex and Lovel Streets in the lounge on Sunday, 25 April, enjoy a radio play for $12 per person which is performed at 2.30 pm. There will be Devonshire teas. The plays are "Rocket from Manhattan" and "The Life of Riley - the Mother in Law" which was a series which went to air for nearly 20 years. The Blue Mountains Bus Company will take people to the Mountain Heritage from the Carrington Bus Stop if you ask the driver to do the detour for the radio plays. There are lots of connections with trains from Sydney into Katoomba and the performers will even wait for the bus to arrive.

TALKS

Eye on the Cosmos The Hubble Telescope

Curator Kerrie Dougherty will talk about the Hubble Space Telescope and some of its initial problems and what it's doing right now. This is a talk on Sunday 25 April.
When: Sunday 25 April 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

ART / EXHIBITIONS

Hunters Hill Art Exhibition

From Saturday, 8 to Sunday 16 May at the Hunters Hill Town Hall you can join in the art tours and talks at this wonderful community art event. There will be two free art tours and talks on the exhibition led by experienced art guides. Part of the exhibition will be displayed at the Hunters Hill Club.
Where: Hunters Hill Town Hall, 22 Alexandra Street Hunters Hill and Hunters Hill Club, 14 to 16 Madeline Street Hunters Hill. Art tours and talks Saturday, 18 May and May 15 11.00 am. Free.

Burnt Memory

Artist Lisa Tomasetti in collaboration with cinematographer Seamus McGarvey will exhibit in her new show "Burnt Memory". Large scale portraits are the main feature and the subjects are all women or children.
Where: Harrison Gallery, 294 Glenmore Road, Paddington
When: May 8 to 27, Tuesday to Friday, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm and Saturday, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Mirror Mirror - Then and Now

Contemporary Australian artists will talk about the influence that mirrors have had on their work in two free art talks at Sydney University on Saturday 1 May. This will be the closing weekend of the exhibition which is on at three University venues - The University Art Gallery, Verge Gallery and Tin Sheds Gallery. The talks will be by artists Mikala Dwyer, Robin Backen and Jack Redgate. All free.
When: Saturday 1 May from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: At the various venues. Each gallery will open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

COMEDY TOUR

Mythic Creatures: Comedy Tours

As part of the exhibition on at the Maritime Museum, Mythic Creatures, Comedians Dave Bloustin, Amanda Buckley and Ben McKenzie will lead a comedy tour of the exhibition. The tour combines methodology, history and comedy through the spooky corridors of the exhibition after dark. $25 per person including pre-tour drinks. 9298 3655. This is part of the Sydney Comedy Festival. This is also the National Maritime Museum's first ever comedy tour.
When: 6, 7 and 8 May from 6.00 pm with the tour starting at 6.30 pm
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum Darling Harbour 9298 3777

OUT AND ABOUT

Weekly Farmers Market in Darlinghurst

At Taylors Square from Saturday 1 May every Saturday will be a farmer's market with seasonal fruit and vegetables, free range poultry and eggs, organic bread, flowers and herbs.
When: Saturday 1 May from 8 am to 1 pm every week.
Where: Taylors Square, Darlinghurst

World New Music Day Festival

From 30 April to 9 May Sydney will host the ISCM World New Music Day which is the largest festival of contemporary music ever held in Australia. Some of Australia's top music ensembles will perform including the Goldner string quartet, the Song Company, Sydney Children's choir and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Big Band. Dr Matthew Hindson is the artistic director. Festival Passes for some 22 concerts at $250. There are individual concert prices from $10 and some events will be free.
When: 30 April 20 9 May
Where: Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith, Eugene Goossens (ABC C entre), Parramatta Riverside Theatre, Blacktown Arts Centre and St Finbar's Church, Glenbrook. Worldnewmusicdays.com.au/82562222

Strickland House Open Day

On Monday 26 April - the public holiday after Anzac day, the Woollahra history and heritage society will open Strickland House to the public from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. At 11:00 am and 2:00 pm there will be a short talk and a guided tour. Bring your own picnic and enjoy the views. Admission to the house is $4 children under 16 are free. Admission to the grounds is free.
When: Monday 26 April 10:00 am until 4:00 pm
Where: 52 Vaucluse Road, Vaucluse

Australian German Annual May Dance

The Australian German Welfare Society will host its 14th Annual May Dance at the Lowenbrau Keller at The Rocks. $65 per person for a 2 course meal and snacks. There will be a German band, silent auction and lots of other entertainment. Bookings on 9746 6274. RSVP by 23 April. The dance will be attended by the Ambassador of Germany, Dr Michael Witter.
When: 7 May from 6.00 pm
Where: The Rocks

TALKS

Moving from Analogue to Digital the Race against Time

On Saturday 8 May from 10 to 5 pm there is a talk on the uncertain future of analogue recording technology and movement to digital technologies. The talk with be given by Beth Robertson Manager of Preservation at the State Library of South Australia and the author of "Oral History Handbook". Tickets $50/45.
Where: Metcalfe Auditorium, Macquarie Street, State Library
When: Saturday, 8 May 10 am for 10.30 to 4.45. Bookings 9273 1414

What if we had Nuclear Energy?

Nick Greiner, Oliver Marc Hartwich and Dr Peter Seaton will talk about what if nuclear energy was a regular energy source in Australia. This event is free. Bookings 9438 4377
When: Thursday 29 April 6:00 pm until 7:15 pm
Where: Level 4, 38 Oxley Street, St Leonards

Cafe Scientific at The Basement

Scientist will discuss the latest news about Life Beyond Earth at The Basement on Monday 3 May - 6.00 pm till 8.00 pm. Professor Fred Watson, Dr Charley Lineweaver, Dr Paul Willis and Bernie Hobbs will form a panel to discuss the hunt for Alien forms of life. Free. No bookings required.
When: Monday 3 May 6.00 pm till 8.00 pm
Where: The Basement 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay

MUSIC

Virna Sanzone

Sydney singer Virna Sanzone will be performing with The Hipstones at The Vanguard. Tickets available at the door. Dinner and show or just show.
When: Saturday, 1 May - doors open at 6.30 show starts at 8.30.
Where: The Vanguard, 42 King Street Newtown.

Ole!

Celebrate Spanish music on Friday, 30 April at the Great Hall with a performance of lively Spanish music conducted by George Ellis. The soloist guitarist will be Rodrigo Santibanez. The program includes Revel's Bolero, a ritual fire dance by Manuel de Falla and lots more. Entry is by donation and seating is unreserved.
When: Friday, 30 April 8.00 pm
Where: The Great Hall, Main Quadrangle, University of Sydney

Sydney Mandolin Orchestra

The Mosman Music Club features the Sydney Mandolin Orchestra performing on Sunday, 2 May at 2.30 pm. Tickets $20/$15 children are free. 9908 1471.
Where: Blessed Sacrament Church, Bradleys Head Road, Clifton Gardens
When: Sunday 2 May 2.30 pm

Palazzo Baroque

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra will perform baroque music as well as a bit of rock in a series of performances starting 7 May. Artistic director is Paul Dyer and the program features Pachebel's Canon, A Whiter Shade of Pale and the Baroque Violin Soloist from Italy will be Federico Guglielmo. Tickets available through Angel Place. $25-$130.
When: 7, 8, 12, 14, 15 May at 7:00 pm and Saturday 15 May at 2:00 pm
Where: City Recital Hall, Angel Place

Pacific Opera: Opera by the Lake

On Sunday 2 May at Fagan Park in Galstone, the Pacific Opera, a young artist's opera company will perform live opera for the whole family. Bring a picnic and enjoy classics from Carmen, The Flower Duet from Lakne, Excepts from Hanzel and Gretel and The Sound of Music. There will be over 150 young singers from local schools participating in the choir. Tickets $40/$30/$10. A family ticket is $90. Bookings on 1300438849
When: Sunday 2 May set up picnic from midday for the concert at 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Fagan Park, Arcadia Road, Galstone

FILM FESTIVAL

German Film Festival

The annual German Film Festival kicks off on April 21 and continues until 2 May at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington. Famous German director Soenke Wortmann (Pope Joan, Das Wunder von Berne) will be coming to Sydney for the festival and talking on 29 April. Catch the comedy 'Soul Kitchen' which screened at the Open Air cinema earlier this year. Also screening are 'Tandoori Love' and 'Kebab Connection',. There is a Berlin component including "The Wolves of Berlin' and 'Berlin '36 to the 1999 classic 'Aimee & Jaguar'.
Where: Chauvel Cinema Paddington
When On until 2 May

PERFORMANCE

Rainman

Directed by Sandra Bates, Rainman is at the Ensemble Theatre at Kirribilli from Thursday, 13 May. It stars Alex Dimitriades, Catherine Graffin, Gary Baxter, Matilda Ridgeway, Daniel Mitchell and Paul Gleeson.
When: On from May 13
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli

High School Musical 2

At the Zenith Theatre in Chatswood from 4 to 15 May the Chatswood Musical Society will present High School Musical 2 live on stage. Adults $35/$25. Bookings 1300 662 12.
When: 4 to 15 May, Tuesday, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7.30 pm, Saturday matinees 2.00 pm and Sunday at 3.00 pm.
Where: Zenith Theatre, Chatswood.

Coppelia

The Australian Ballet performs the classic tale "Coppelia" - never fall in love with a doll! Artistic director is David McAllister and there will only be 21 performances.
Where: Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House
When: 4-22 May

Candy Man

Wayne Scott Kermond will perform in "Candy Man" and the Lyric Theatre at Star City. Tickets $49/$39. When: Friday, 7 May 8.00 pm, Saturday, 8 May 2.00 pm and 8.00 pm and Sunday, 9 May 3.00 pm.
Where: Star City

Theatre Sports National Championships

At the Enmore Theatre on Sunday, 2 May, Rebecca de Unamuno will host the Theatre Sports National Championships featuring New South Wales v Western Australia as well as the best from Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the Act. A family pass is $145.40 and tickets are $40/$37/$32. 9550 3666.
When: Sunday, 2 May 6.00 pm
Where: Enmore Theatre, Enmore

Bruce Glenn Magic and Fairytales

Sydney magician Bruce Glenn will perform magic and fairytales for grown ups of all ages on the last Thursday of every month at 8.00 pm. Bookings are for dinner and a show or show only. Details on 9363 4863.
When: Last Thursday of every month
Where: The Hughenden Boutique Hotel, 14 Queen Street, Woollahra

Scotland the Brave

As part of a national tour, "Scotland the Brave" will be conducted by Sean O'Boyle on May 1 at the Sydney Opera House at the Concert Hall. Featuring Soloist Suzanne Kompass, Greg Moore, Marcus Holden, Catherine Lynagh and pipe soloist Andrew Fuller. The concert is 150 minutes including intervals. Tickets $145/$120. Bookings 9250 7777
When: Saturday May 1 8:00 pm
Where: Sydney Opera House Concert Hall