Myer Windows, Paris Cat, Riding Side Saddle, Space, Music and the Zoo this Weekend

MYER WINDOWS
Melbourne is a city that doesn’t have a lot of traditions not sport related. The annual unveiling of the Myer Christmas Windows is one of them. It might have been years since you lined up behind that velvet rope to see animatronic scenarios depicting different Christmas-related themes, but you should try it again. This Friday the curtains are being pulled back on the 55th Christmas Windows, with this year’s theme ‘Santa’s Coming to Town.’ More than just about Christmas, the Myer Windows mark the start of warmer weather, holidays and good times.
What: A Melbourne Tradition
Where: Myer, Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne
When: This Friday until Dec 24.

PARIS JAZZ
Fancy a night out in a dimly lit jazz bar being serenaded by a pronounced comic genius and soulful singer? Is your penchant for musicals drawn from 9-5 work-type settings? If that’s the case, head to the Paris Cat this weekend to see Tracy Harvey perform songs from her show ‘Call Girl The Musical’. Set in a call centre, the performance will also feature songs from Harvey’s upcoming show set in a public hospital.
What: Tracy Harvey Smokin’ at the Paris Cat
When: Friday 4 November @ 7.30pm and Saturday 5 November @ 7.30pm
Where: Paris Cat Jazz Club, 6 Goldie Place, Melbourne
Web: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=253121801384503
Bookings: info@pariscat.com.au or at the door, $20/concession $17

RIDING SIDE SADDLE
The all female line-up of Riding Side Saddle is tearing away from Flemington’s Oak’s Day (aka Bloke’s Day) and returning to the more traditional roots of ‘Ladies Day’. Featuring an array of talented musos such as Triple J Unearthed’s Gossling and Melbourne’s Owl Eyes. If everyone wasn’t talking about Kimbra, they’d be talking about this lady. (Note: the male kind more than welcome)
What: Riding Side Saddle
Where: Prince Bandroom, 29 Fitzroy Street St Kilda
When: Thursday 3 November
Web: www.princebandroom.com.au/gigs/info/riding-side-saddle

CONSERVATIONS, SUSTAINABILITY AND ANIMALS
So I finally went to the Zoo. It’s no secret Zoos have a dark past of acting selfishly and treating animals as spectacles for human entertainment. The Melbourne Zoo has come a long way since then and their focus has shifted from spectacle to conservation, sustainability, rehabilitation and education. A Melbourne Zoo worker told me in an ideal world we wouldn’t need zoos at all and that the Melbourne is trying to work towards that world. The Melbourne Zoo is educating people on the impact humans have on animals and their environment. For the most part they do this in a fun and entertaining way with consideration for the animals well-being first and the message second. Maybe I’m being naively optimistic but I found something quite memorable about seeing kids learn from seals that it’s really important to not dump your rubbish on the street lest it end up in the waterways, or about bigger issues surrounding poverty and palm oil. It a unique place to see things you don’t get to see every day and you might even come out with a better understanding of the world and your place in it. It’s not for everyone, but I had a really nice time.
What: Conservation, sustainability and monkeys
Where: Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Ave, Parkville
When: Open every day of the year
Web: www.zoo.org.au/MelbourneZoo

SPACE
Tell them about Star Voyager Hal… I’m sorry Dave I can’t…well fine I will then – ACMI has a bunch of cool space move stuff on display. From Fritz Lang to the moon landing to Star Trek, Total Recall, Alien, Moon and Sunshine. There are weekend talks and musical performances Thursday night. This Thursday VCA jazz prima donna Brous does her thing at 6pm.
What: Cool Space stuff
Where: ACMI
When: Now till Sunday 29 January 2012. Exhibition open daily 10am-6pm
Web: www.acmi.net.au/starvoyager.aspx

TOOT TOOT TOOTS
Country, Surf, Psychedelic goodness from the Toot Toot Toots with support from Clinkerfield, Plague Doctor and Go Girl Gadget Go Go Dancers.
What: Music and dancing
Where: The East Brunswick Club, 280 Lygon St East Brunswick
When: Friday 4 October @ 8pm
Web: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=265625963477237