KickArts KickArts

Coal Miner’s Daughter – The Story of Loretta Lynn and Friends, will sing the story of a champion of women’s rights, a mother of six, and a lifetime of chart-topping hits to Geelong’s country music lovers.







In floor-length gowns adorned with tassels and rhinestones, with hair as close to country music heaven as possible, where country music started and still should be – in the theatre, just like the Grand Ole Opry.







Coal Miner’s Daughter celebrates the incredible life and stellar career of the late great Loretta Lynn. From her early days in the hills of Kentucky to her tempestuous marriage, tragic losses, and enduring bonds with such luminaries as Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson until final send-off to country music heaven.







I recently caught up with Amber Joy Poulton to discuss the upcoming performance. Listen below

I was humbled and privileged to attend super musician pop duo Otto and Astrid’s one off show at the Potato Shed last week.







The brother and sister hail from Berlin and have been performing together for over twenty years – which frankly doesn’t feel like long enough.







The website for their band Die Roten Punkte describes Otto and Astrid as “super musicians and unparalleled performers of stellar proportions” and they could not be more accurate or uncomplicated in their descriptions.







For an hour we watched as they took us on an odyssey of sound, pathos, and deep healing in a loud way.







Performing on tour together doesn’t come without its challenges and I commend Otto and Astrid for acknowledging and implementing “artistic boundaries”.







Not every band would have the wisdom and practical experience to take a roll of duct tape, divide the stage in two halves, and each take ownership over one section of the audience whilst pitting them against one another over the course of an hour…







But these siblings know how to resolve their differences in a way where the audience feel included, comfortable and free to witness a virtual estrangement played out publicly.







Personally, I find Otto and Astrid’s commitment to their craft during times of great adversity inspiring, and I was delighted when they accepted my invitation to speak with them backstage shortly before Rolling Stone dialled in.







You can keep up to date with Otto and Astrid’s hectic schedule and attachment issues by visiting ottoandastrid.com







Or head to Instagram: @ottoandastrid







– Jess Aiton







Photo: Elaine Janes

The North Bellarine Film Festival is set to award a new category when it opens at the Potato Shed in Drysdale on the weekend of 17-18 November, 2023.







The festival opens on Friday evening with the critically acclaimed French film Saint Omer, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2022 Venice Film Festival.







The Emerging Filmmaker Award will be presented Saturday evening to a young Victorian filmmaker and beginning this year, the audience will select a ‘Peoples’ Choice’ from the Emerging Filmmaker Award finalists.















The Short Film Program on Saturday afternoon will include a diverse range of Australian and international short films that includes drama, mystery, comedy and animation. Short films are an exciting genre in filmmaking and this session should not be missed!















Catering at the Opening Night and the Emerging Filmmaker Award ceremony will be provided by Portarlington café Pier Street. Beer, local wines and soft drinks will also be available at the cash bar.







Festival Chair, Bill Lussier, called past the KickArts studios to give us an update of what to expect for this year’s festival.







Listen to the interview below.

This week on KickArts we meet film maker Thomas Broadbent who’s short film features as part of the upcoming North Bellarine Film Festvial Dinner and Film night on 26 October at the National Wool Musuem.







Join fellow film lovers for an evening of short-films at the North Bellarine Film Festival Dinner and Film night.







Discover this year’s most intriguing short films, produced by emerging Australian and international filmmakers including: Zac Marrinan, Dan Walls, Rikard Westman, Ainur Turganbayeva, Thomas Broadbent, Alvaro Rozas Leiva and Angus Molden.







Begin your evening with a two-course meal at Black Sheep Restaurant then join award-winning Melbourne based filmmaker, Thomas Broadbent as he speaks about the art of good story telling and his film Negatives.







As the lights go down, settle in to experience captivating films surrounded by fellow film enthusiasts. Our carefully curated selection of eight Australia and international short films guarantees an evening filled with laughter, suspense, and heartfelt moments.







Whether you’re a film buff, a food lover, or simply looking for a fun night out, the North Bellarine Film Festival Film and Dinner Night promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the art of film and enjoy a delightful dining experience in the heart of Geelong!







Cost









* Admit one: $50.00 – Film viewing only







* Adult: $50.00 – Two course dinner and drink







* Other/More Information: $40.00Early bird special for film viewing – until 30 September 2023











Book tickets here









Listen below for the interview with film maker Thomas Broadbent.

Geelong’s renowned Lyric Theatre hits the Playhouse stage this week with their latest production of Jersey Boys – The Story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.







A high-energy production with some great on-stage talent, today on KickArts we caught up with co-producer and stage manager Derek Ingles.







Show dates: 6-14 October, The Playhouse – Geelong Arts Centre







Click here for tickets.







Listen to the full interview below.

It’s the long weekend we’ve been waiting for…this weekend we will be kicking up our heels  and dancing the night away at the 19th annual National Celtic Folk Festival! 







With some great local, national and international acts the festival offers something for everyone.







Music, markets, dancing, hurling, tall-ships and more – don’t miss this great weekend.







Visit the website here www.nationalcelticfestival.com







We caught up with festival director, Una McAlinden – full interview below.