MSO Summer Concerts, Tropfest, Genny B Fest, Riverboat Fest and plenty of other Feb flings this weekend

GO TROPPO
This weekend marks the 20th birthday of the world’s biggest short film festival. Tropfest started in Sydney and has since spread around the globe to Paris, New York and China among others. The idea is simple: the event is broadcast live from Sydney’s Domain to capital cities around Oz, (in Melbourne it’s at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl) where hundreds of people get to watch the 12 short films together. Each film must feature a theme: this year it’s ‘Light Bulb’. Grab a blanket, a flask and enjoy the free show.
WHAT: Short film festival
WHERE: Sidney Myer Music Bowl, St Kilda Rd Melbourne
WHEN: Sunday 19 Feb. Gates open 2pm, movies from 7.30pm – 11pm
WEB: tropfest.com/au

GEN FEST
RRR regular, Livewie co-host, guitarist of Your Wedding Night, The Bites and all round excellent person Genny B has been battling an aggressive cancer for the past year, and her mates are throwing a benefit gig. If a person is judged by their friends, then Genny B is tops. Dan Kelly, Glenn Richards, AIH DJs (Architecture in Helsinki), Teeth and Tongue (solo) will be performing, while Alan Brough of Spicks and Specks and RRR host Jess McGuire will be hosting. All proceeds go 100% towards helping Genny with her ongoing treatment.
WHAT: Benefit concert
WHERE: The Corner Hotel, 57 Swan St Richmond
WHEN: Thurs 16 Feb
WEB: Tickets $25 + bf by clicking here or calling 9427 9198
Facebook event: www.facebook.com/events/327978167235107

SUMMER SYMPHONIES
It’s that time of year again, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is tuning up for another series of free concerts at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl. Four concerts are being presented over the next fortnight: Russian Rhapsodies, Indigenous Australian flavors, Argentinian tangos and the odd Piano concerto. Bring a picnic and enjoy MSO outdoors before they head back to the concert hall for the year.
WHAT: MSO Sydney-Myer free concert series
WHERE: Sydney-Myer Music Bowl
WHEN: Feb 18th, 22nd, 25th Feb
WEB: http://content.mso.com.au/sidney-myer-music-bowl-free-concerts/

RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL
If you like rivers, boats and music then boy oh boy you’ll be excited as the minstrels take to the Murray. Mark Seymour, Tex Perkins, Clairy Brown and the Bangin’ Rackettes and The Bamboos are just some of the talent on the H20, plus a 22 piece Congolese choir. Set in the lovely Echuca-Moama district of northern Vic, there’s also a festival breakfast at the Beechworth Bakery. And that’s pretty much all the boxes ticked.
WHAT: Water and music
WHERE: Echuca-Moama (about 3 hours drive from Melbourne)
WHEN: Friday 17 Feb to Sunday 19 Feb
WEB: riverboatsmusic.com.au

COMMEDIA DELL PARTE
If work’s got you down in the dumps and you need a good laugh, head down to the George Lane Bar to check out some stand-up comedy. This week has Michael Chamberlain, Tommy Dassalo, Craig McLeod and plenty of other comedians trying to give you the giggles. Best of all, you get to choose how much you pay for watching by how much you enjoyed yourself, so the cheapskates will be rapt.
WHAT: Stand-up comedy
WHERE: George Lane Bar, 1 George Lane, St Kilda
WHEN: Thursday 16 Feb, 8:30pm-11:30pm
WEB: CommediaDellParte.com

EAST BRUNSWICK BRATS PARTY
Melbourne’s favourite party band Northeast Party House have stepped up the pace and are ACTUALLY playing a venue near you! Maybe it was Triple J or maybe it’s the amount of house parties getting shut down by the cops or maybe its just a coming of age thing. Don’t miss these brats play one of the last gigs at The East.
WHAT: Party hardy
WHEN: Friday 17th Feb
WHERE: The East Brunswick Hotel, 280 Lygon St Brunswick East
WEB: facebook.com/events/301038339928392

THE DROWNING GIRLS
Theatre company Turtle Lab are putting on a production based on the morbid true tale of an Edwardian gent who seduced wealthy women only to drown then in bathtubs and pocket the life insurance. In the play the murdered wives emerge from their watery graves to give their spectral side of the story. Turtle Lab have partnered with White Ribbon, a campaign to raise awareness and end violence towards women.
WHAT: Theatre and good cause
WHEN: Every night (except Monday) until Feb 26
WHERE: Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote
WEB: Book tickets online at northcotetownhall.com.au or phone on 9481 9500

TALKS OF THE TOWN
The Wheeler Center is hosting public discussions all week about all aspects of Melbourne living. Join a panel of some of the city’s best placed commentators, experts and policy makers and have your say about what matters to you. Topics include: transport-movement, arts-culture, city-urban planning, environment-sustainability and sports.
WHAT: Ideas for Melbourne
WHERE: The Wheeler Center, 176 Little Lonsdale St Melbourne
WHEN: Until Friday 18 Feb 6:15pm-7:15pm
WEB: wheelercenter.com