Artist Sioux Dollman is excited about her Painting for Adults classes starting in the new term. By Melissa Meehan
AUDIENCES looking to be inspired and entertained will be reaching for a copy of the latest arts program from the Upper Yarra Arts Centre in Warburton.
For the next six months there’s something happening at the arts centre every weekend, including an exciting mix of live music, theatre and comedy, films, dance, community arts, festivals and workshops.
The centre’s cultural development officer, Mary-Jane Warfield, said the program for the first half of 2008 was jam-packed with world-class performances, screenings and events.
“We’ve got diverse and engaging events happening every Saturday night for the next six months,” she said.
“We want people to know that whenever they are looking for something to do, we’ve got something on.”
The program kicks off during the first weekend in February with Movimientos, a sizzling hot Spanish Flamenco music and dance performance by Arte Kanela, and a night of laughs by internationally acclaimed comedian Ross Noble.
Ms Warfield said other comedy highlights in the coming months include performances by ABC TV favourites, The Kransky Sisters, local funny man Michael Connell and the return of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow.
“We’ve also got a fantastic program of live music and performance,” she said.
“In late February there’s the award-winning storytelling performance Mantalk, the VCE drama playlist production of Asylum is coming in June and in between there’s the latest productions from resident community groups WRAP and Sooper Dooper Circus.”
The live music program includes performances from ARIA award-winning singer and songwriter, Kavisha Mazzella, world folk group Yggdrassil, internationally renowned blues and jazz artist Bob Sedergreen, and Gypsy music troupe Babaganoush.
The centre is also home to a thriving film scene screening a mix of the latest major releases, art house films, and family and children’s classics.
The Yarra Ranges Film Society also hosts regular screenings and in June will stage the 25th Warburton Film Festival. Warburton Winterfest will also be staged in June.
For a copy of the arts centre program, to find out about workshops and classes and to make bookings phone 5966 5040.
