gig guide

There are so many reasons to dance! It's fun, it's social, it promotes physical health. One of the more important reasons to dance is for your mind. At Swingin' Away The Blues, you'll be happier, and healthier, as well as contributing to people who are suffering from mental illness. If you just want to drink in the spectacle, that's OK too! There will be performances by some of Melbourne's well renowned swing troupes. Plus, there's comedy, live bands, and other types of dance performances as well. Check out the silent auction items and put down a bid. There's plenty to see and do. All profits raised are donated to the organisation SANE Australia, which campaigns for improved services for, and attitudes towards, people affected by mental illness. www.swinginthebluesaway.com.au/

Presented by: RASV & VFF A taste of Victoria's finest The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) is proud to present the first annual industry dinner 'Agriculture: The Heart of Victoria'. A celebration of Victoria’s agriculture industry, this not to be missed evening features a sumptuous dinner showcasing Victoria’s finest seasonal produce, Victorian wine and a live performance by Mornington Peninsula's 'Quarry Mountain Dead Rats'. A must for anyone working, studying or connected with Victoria’s agricultural industry, reserve your place today.

Headlining the star-studded line-up will be Motown royalty and founding member of The Supremes, MARY WILSON, alongside five other international acts and a stellar line-up of Australian performers. Ms Wilson will be performing excerpts from Stormy Weather: The Lena Horne Project, which will be staged at Melbourne Recital Centre on 28 June. New York cabaret icon, JOEY ARIAS, will showcase his channelling of legendary jazz and blues singer, Billie Holiday. The grandson of the American musical theatre virtuoso Richard Rodgers, USA’s Tony Award winning theatre composer/lyricist ADAM GUETTEL – composer of the acclaimed The Light in The Piazza – takes to the stage with Haley Bond. USA’s award-winning composer/performer, DAVID POMERANZ, who has sold over 40 million albums worldwide, stars in excerpts from his show Chaplin: A Life – in Concert, based on the life story of the cinematic genius. From London comes jazz harp goddess, TARA MINTON, and, following the knock-out success of his 2012 show, Candice McQueen: Nasty!, cabaret star SPANKY returns with a foretaste of his new show. They will be joined on the Gala bill by TREVOR ASHLEY and RHONDA BURCHMORE from the adults-only panto Little Orphan TrAshley. Melbourne’s very own diva extraordinaire and cabaret provocateur, YANA ALANA, graces our stage in a bent cabaret of blues, burlesque and blame. And from Queensland comes winner of the 2012 Australian Cabaret Showcase, composer, playwright and performer, BRADLEY McCAW. An After-Party will follow the Opening Gala just a short walk away at the St Kilda Memo. Date: Wednesday 26 June Time: 8pm Venue: Palais Theatre Ticket prices: A Reserve $79.50 B Reserve $59.50 Book at www.ticketmaster.com.au / 1300 660 013