Tom Waits Tribute, Gertrude St. Projection Fest, Sex Face, Free Movies this Weekend

For many years The Sorrento Marine Aquarium/Oceanarium was, well let’s be honest…in the last 25 years it wasn’t much other than a few paneled displays of seahorses and one big old wonderful seal who was rescued once upon a time. It was daggy, dark and cold, the paint was faded, but it was full of more history and character than anything you can find on the Peninsular these days. I was heartbroken when I took a girl I was rather sweet on to see it only to find it had been ironically replaced with a fancy overpriced fish and chip shop. I still don’t know when it closed or what happened to that seal. Melbourne is constantly changing. The things you loved from your past may not be there next to time you go to visit them so why not take time this week to go back to some place you love and share it with someone special.

Or if you’re not feeling nostalgic you might consider the following events:

Heart Attack and Vino
This Saturday a stella line up of local musos (including Tim Rogerstein, Dave Larkin, Nick Barker, Charles Jenkins, Dan Brodie, Cam Ewart, The and the Sideshow Brides) are getting together at The Gem to celebrate their love for all things Tom Waits.  Entry is free but I suggest you get down early before the piano starts drinking.
What: Tom Waits Time
Where: The Gem, 289 Wellington St, Collingwood
When: Saturday 23^rd July
Web: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=234511923235030

Lights Action
From this Friday night Gertrude Street, Fitzroy will be lit up by projection artists, community groups and individuals exploring the theme of hidden places and spaces in shops, on walls, footpaths, tree trucks and more. Opening night kicks off at 7pm at The Workers Club. Special events (for a modest fee of $2) include the ‘Gertrude Guided Art Tours’ on Thursday 28 July; a tour of the colourful, light filled street, as well as ‘Sensory Overload’ on Friday 29 July at the Workers Club – a night of live bands with interactive projection installations, plus announcement of the winner of the RMIT Emerging Artist Prize.
What: Pretty light art things/Festival
Where: Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
When: 22nd – 31st of July 6PM-Midnight
Web: www.thegertrudeassociation.com/projects/gertrude-street-projection-festival-2011

Free Movie!
When it’s cold and dreary out, there’s nothing better than curling up with a nice movie for free at home. It’s hard to believe that in the heart of Melbourne you can do just that, along with a few dozen other people at the State Library. The screening of ‘The Merry Widow’ is part of their Outside-In cinema event. During the day you can catch musical and ballet films, and at night you’ll get documentaries and animated films from around the world. Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, relax in their deck chairs, enjoy the pictures and have the chance to win prizes too!What: Free Flicks
Where: State Library of Victoria, Arts Reading Room, Swanston St, Melbourne
When: Wednesday 20 July, 12 noon – 1:30pm and more in the coming weeks
Web: www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/film-screenings
Tickets: FREE! Just turn up – seating is limited so arrive early!

Japanese Sex Face
Tonight two bands that sound nothing alike — Sex Face and Cuba is Japan will play a unique double headline event at The Grace Darling. Sex Face, local legends through there all encompassing poster campaign of anime boobs, will get your arse shaking with their up-tempo acid funk. Global navigators Cuba is Japan who have toured to Malaysia, Taiwan and China with the likes of Tricky and Placebo, perform a captivating progression of compositions inspired by the journey of Ferdinand Magellan.
What: Unique music blend
Where: The Grace Darling, 114 Smith St, Collingwood
When: Thurs 21 July, 9pm
Cost: $10 including CD
Web: http://thegracedarlinghotel.com.au/home/gig-guide-3/

Old Melbourne Gaol
Melbourne is home to many historic buildings, each with their own interesting and dark tales. The Old Melbourne Gaol is one such place — having seen the hanging of 135 prisoners including a certain Mr. Ned Kelly. As you wander around the creepy hallways and cells you are taken back to a dark, dirty and brutal period of Melbourne’s past. There are many interesting displays and artifacts that are sure to send a shiver down your spine and kick your imagination into overdrive. The Night Tours are especially frightening so strictly for the non-hysterical.
What: Old Melbourne Gaol, 377, Russell Street (between La Trobe and Victoria Sts)
Web: www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au