Eurovision, Nature on Canvas, The Magic Hour and Transformers This Weekend

It’s getting cold. In the going out stakes your friends will soon be thinning out like Nick Cave’s hair as they partner up for the winter. You might not like it but cuddles, couches and the downloading of entire TV series’ will soon become more popular than Karl Stefanovic. So my first “event” for those already looking to cocoon is Misfits and miso soup. They sound good together and they are.

Here are the rest:

Eurovision
Watched by more people than the Royal Wedding and with more glitz, glamour and glitter, Eurovision 2011 is happening this weekend. Broadcast live from Dusseldorf, Germany, there’s a bunch of places around town to catch the spandex and songbirds in all their HD glory. On Sunday night The Greyhound Hotel (1 Brighton Rd, St. Kilda) and Joy FM are presenting a big screen broadcast from 6pm. Dress-ups are encouraged. For northsiders Melbourne Estonian House (43 Melville St, West Brunswick) will be hosting “a night of laughter. dancing and passionate singing” on Saturday. Prizes and games throughout the night, and $10 entry includes a plate of Hungarian Goulash.
What: Eurovision Party
When: Saturday and Sunday.

Eugene von Guerard – Nature Revealed
Eugene Von Guérard was born in Vienna and studied art in Rome, Naples and Düsseldorf before migrating to Australia in 1852. When he got here he painted Victorian landscapes from the Otways to Kosciuszko. He did it so well he is now regarded as Victoria’s and arguably Australia’s most significant colonial artist. Nature Revealed is the first dedicated Von Guérard exhibition since 1980. It features over 150 works, some never-before-seen prints, iconic landscapes and sketch books from here and beyond.
What: Landscapes
Where: Ian Potter, Federation Square
When: Now until Aug 7

GscheGscheGschoGchooGchooGajoojoo (Transformers onomatopoeia)
In 2007 Michael Bay successfully transformed an 80’s childhood memory into a multimillion dollar movie franchise. I was bitterly disappointed he chose not to include the theme music from the 1986 Transformers film, but when it comes to giant robots blowing things up, Michael Bay is a master. Some will say the movie is nothing more than a two hour long commercial for toys. To them I say WELL DUH! Which brings me to the event – this Saturday Toy”R”Us  Doncaster is putting on a showcase of all things Transformers plus previewing the new range of toys from the upcoming Transformers: Dark of the Moon film. You can meet Optimus Prime and Bumblebee and have your photo taken on a virtual Transformer background for FREE, plus there’s a whole bunch of bonus swag for folks who want to be the first in Australia to buy the new toys.
What: Toy Launch Party
Where: Toys”R”Us Doncaster
When: Sat May 14, 7pm – 10pm

Crepuscular
Crepuscular: The Wild Animals of Melbourne is a new show dedicated to twilight. No, not the vampire books, the moment in winter when the sky turns a dark deep blue, 9-5ers have left the city, the hard edge on everything becomes soft and animals emerge from hiding. The collection of artworks and artifacts cast light on how humans have unwittingly assisted some species and cast others into the dark. In a sad and ironic fail the show closes before 6pm on most days, but if you can make it in before then it looks dreamy.
What: Museum Magic Hour
Where: City Gallery, Melbourne Town Hall
When: 12 May to 6 July. Mon 10am – 2pm. Tues to Fri 11am – 6pm. Sat 10am – 4pm
Web: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/citygallery/Pages/Crepuscular.aspx

Gig Picks
Friday May 13th Pikelet plays at the East Brunswick Club (280 Lygon St, East Brunswick) with Dick Diver, Angel Eyes, and Montero. $15
Saturday May 14th Toot Toot Toots play Old Bar (74 – 76 Johnston St, Fitzroy) with Gay Paris, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, God God Dammit Dammit $10
Also on Saturday my band Store Bought Cool are playing with The Clits and The Sheriffs at The Donkey Room (354 Smith St, Collingwood). New venue. Entry by Donation. $3 Coopers 9pm-10pm

Interior Music Exhibition
Melbourne photographer Jenny Bollis’ most recent book, Interior Music, was inspired by the poetry of Emily Dickenson and features moody landscapes shot around Castlemaine. This weekend the original prints will be exhibiting at Anita Traverso Gallery.
What: Exhibition
When: Until June 3
Where: Anita Traverso Gallery, 7 Albert St. Richmond