International Goon Appreciation Day, Sommelier Walks, Comedy And Cherry Blossoms This Weekend

International Goon Appreciation Day
I’m not sure if International Goon Appreciation Day is a real thing or if William Godfrey just randomly picked a date for a facebook event and viral madness ensued. Regardless, over 20,000 people are attending it this year (nearly double last year).  Why not join them in this rich Australian tradition?
What: Appreciation Day
Where: In homes and gardens across Australia.
When: Wednesday March 30th.
Link: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=104434486292009

Truth Be Told
Andrew McClelland is a multi-award winning stand-up comedian whose past shows have covered Pirates, Secret Societies, the Roman Empire and how to make the perfect mix tape.  He’s also bloody funny and one of the few people who has made me cry from laughter, swallow my tears and then have my tears come out my nose. His new show tells tales of a French Foreign Legion sniper, a Czech wild boar, attempted romance and the most sexist barber in Melbourne. 57-ish minutes of autobiographical tales that probably happened.
What: Comedy
Where: Victoria Hotel – Vic’s Bar, 215 Lt Collins St, Melbourne
When: From Thursday till 24 April at 7:15PM
Link: www.comedyfestival.com.au/2011/season/shows/andrew-mcclelland-truth-be-told

Cuba is Japan
The world is round, a record is round.  If you’re around on Friday check out Cuba is Japan as they launch their first 7” at the Workers Club, with support from Pow Pow Wow, A Dead Forest Index, and Sans Gras.  The 7″ comprises 2 songs from their forthcoming concept album “CANVAS” – a set of thirteen tracks inspired by the first circumnavigation of the world in 1519-22 by Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan. It has a knitted outer cover. The artwork on the record and poster is by Dylan Martorell it’s wicked.
What: Music
Where: The Workers Club, 51 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
When: Friday 1st April, 8.00PM
Cost: $10

Big Scary
Big Scary were easily my favourite act at Falls Festival last year, and they are still one of Melbourne’s best kept secret – but not for long.  If you didn’t see them with your own eyes it’s hard to believe so much sound comes from a two piece, they move seamlessly from uptempo rock to ethereal piano driven melodies.  They have the enthusiasm of The Grates and the soul of Patrick Watson.
What: Music
Where: East Brunswick Club, 280 Lygon St, East Brunswick
When: Friday 1st April (SOLD OUT), Sunday 3rd April
Cost: $15

Sommelier’s City Walk
Here’s an idea with legs. There are so many great restaurants in Melbourne, why spend an evening at just one? You can take in three restaurants with a specialty seasonal dish and matched wine served at each on the Sommelier’s City Walk run by Hidden Secrets Tours.  Bookings for groups of 2-8 people. Restaurants include La Vita Buona, Cumulus Inc, Gills Diner, Verge, Izakaya Den, Seamstress, Mezzo and more.
What: Dinner and Wine
Where: Melbourne
When: Mon-  Thurs. 5.00PM – 7.30PM
Cost: $145 per head
Link: www.hiddensecretstours.com/tours_progressive_dinners.php

Hanami Festival
Yah Yah’s is hosting Hanami Festival; A Japan Earthquake Benefit this Sunday. Hanami, or ‘flower viewing’ is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers and cherry blossom. From the end of March to early May sakura, or cherry blossoms, bloom all over Japan as friends and family gather to enjoy the blossom’s fragile beauty. In these dark days for Japan the sakura and hanami is more important then ever. Come along for a day of music, art, craft market stalls and food as we support our friends in Japan. All door proceeds go to the Red Cross to assist in the Japan rebuilding and recovery effort.
What: Music, Art, Markets
Where: Yah Yah’s, 99 Smith St, Fitzroy
When: Sunday 3rd April from 2.00PM
Cost: $10
Link: www.yahyahs.com.au