Emily Cat 176

  Yesterday l went to The Kingston Arts Centre to see the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. The day started with frustration. Buses replacing trains, train cancellations and then l turned left instead of right. That last mistake was due to my lousy sense of direction! All of that meant l was late and had to creep in the dark. The attendants did point out some seats but l couldn't see them in the dark; it really was a comedy of errors. Finally l could sit and listen to some beautiful music.  This was a paired back orchestra, only 3 violins and a cello. What a treat. Violins soaring and that wonderful cello joining in. I think l missed the first 15 minutes but really enjoyed what l heard. I'm also thankful that the Orchestra came out and played in the suburbs. They usually play at the Melbourne Recital Centre which is in the CBD. This concert was at the Kingston Town Hall which is a part of Kingston Arts Centre and that Centre is in Moorabbin. I will definitely see them at full stren...

This week l travelled to Mornington to see the 2023 Archibald Exhibition. It was held in the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery. It was my first visit to this gallery and l was very impressed. It's a good space, has excellent customer service and it is set in natural surroundings. Definitely not my last visit. For those of you who don't know The Archibald Prize is the premier portrait competition in Australia. It is run annually and the main prize is awarded by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW. The main prize is $100,000 and then there is a packers prize which is judged by those who pack the artwork. There is always some slight rancor about the winner and l have to admit that l didn't agree with this years' winner. Having said that, l wouldn't know how to judge the paintings and am in awe at the artist talent of these painters. Each portrait is of a well known person in the arts, community etc. Some of them looked like photos they were that good. Imagine ha...

Last week l saw The Syncopaters with Yvette Johansson play at The Frankston Arts Centre. As you can see from the flyer the band played jazz from the 1920s. I have shared videos of music from that era including Paul Whiteman and the great Bix Bederbeke as you know l love music from that time.  1920s Jazz.  The stage was set and out they came. What a treat to hear that music live. The band began in the 1990s so they are older musicians now but they can still bring that sweet music to life. Trumpet, trombone, the sweet sweet clarinet and more. This is a band that knows how to play. They played 2 shows and both were in front of full crowds. I went to the 1.30pm performance and it was so good. Look at your local suburban Arts Centres, you can see some really good shows. The Syncopaters are currently touring Victoria. They are worth seeing live. https://www.thesyncopators.com/

Will l keep reading J. D Robb??

  I recently went to hear Chris Hammer in conversation at a library. Yet another reason l love libraries. For those of you who don't know Chris Hammer is an Australian crime writer: a very good Australian crime writer. As you can see from the banner on the left Robinsons Bookshop hosted the event. Robinsons Bookshop is an Australian book shop chain. Chris Hammer is a former journalist and that is where he learnt his writing craft. He also worked as foreign correspondent. His books are all set in N.S.W which is a state in Australia. (For reference l live in Melbourne which is in Victoria). I love how Australian authors are writing our stories. They know the land and the language which l like.  It was a very engaging talk. Chris went through his writing process, where he gets his ideas and spoke on publishing in Australia. He then took questions from the audience before signing books. I have mentioned before how interesting l find these talks and l'm thankful that the authors co...

  It's been a long wait. The old, tired, and much loved Whitehorse Centre is long gone. It may have been showing its age but l remember seeing some wonderful musical theatre there. Now we have The Round. Opening night is today and l wish it all the best. Having another suburban Arts Centre adds to a city and is a boon for those situated around Nunawading. Look at what is listed just for the remaining month of October and there are many good shows listed for the coming months too. Welcome The Round and break a leg.                                     THE ROUND Grand Opening Night 13th October 7.30pm Hidden Creative Gallery Hunt - Arena Theatre Co 15th October 10-4pm Sea of Light - Patch Theatre 15th October 10-4pm Cinderella - Nova  20-29 October Vincent Hooper 20th October 8pm The History of Hip Hop - Whitehorse Primary School 24th October 6pm Anh Do - The Happiest Refugee Live 26th Octob...

  Is this the best book yet in this series? I think it is. The seventh book begins with correspondence from a father trying to reach his son who he believes is in a cult. The father has tried everything, including another private detective, before going to the Strike & Ellacott agency. This is not a short book, coming in at 944 words with not a single one wasted. The writing is so good. Robert Galbraith is the pen name for J.K Rowling and l have to say l really like her writing. It's a good plot that is paced well through the novel. The characters are believable and the author fleshes out their lives well. Strike & Robin's relationship continues to grow without being contrived or forced. We also learn more about the peripheral characters including Pat the office manager. The book has been called the cult book, and it is about a cult and more. The author handles the topic of cults well without sensationalising it. There is no forced action. It all seems to flow into a bo...

I'm in Frankston again. Walking down the street minding my own business when a spy bright colours out of the corner of my eye.  All l can say is wow.

  It started with a happy bus driver singing along to the radio. Then followed a fruitless search to find a theatre. Just between you and me l am useless at reading maps and have a lousy sense of direction. So then l gave up and walked towards the library to see the 2 authors in conversation. Phillipa Kaye and Jodi Gibson are in the photo below.  What an interesting talk. Both authors have books out currently. Phillipa Kaye's book is Girl Detectives Just Wanna Have Fun: A Birdie Mealing Mystery. Phillipa is standing on the left. Jodi Gibson's book is called Reinventing Emily Brown. Jodi is standing on the right. They asked each other questions about their books and took questions from the audience. They went through the process of writing, editing and publishing. I think it's always interesting to hear the creative process that goes into writing a book. I haven't read either book but l am tempted by the mystery book. Jodi Gibson, in her own words, writes female feel goo...