It’s still February and already the Mad March mayhem is upon us, with the city chock full of Fringe fun and other events including the Santos Symphony Under the Stars, the Botanic Gardens’ Tomato Festival and Night Noodle Markets.
Santos Symphony Under the Stars
Pack a picnic and head on down to Elder Park on Saturday night for the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s popular Santos Symphony Under the Stars. Beginning at 8pm, this year’s free concert will feature conductor Garry Walker and baritone José Carbó, who will perform the “Toreador’s Song” plus songs from La Traviata and The Barber of Saville. The program also includes Dukas’s “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, music from the James Bond films, and, of course, Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” to accompany the fireworks show.
The Seagull
Young actor Xavier Samuel returns to Adelaide to star in the State Theatre Company of SA’s production of Chekhov’s The Seagull, which opens tonight (Friday) at the company’s Scenic Workshop. The Seagull follows the romantic and artistic conflicts between four characters, and is said to explore “emotion, creativity and romantic conflict with the incisive clarity of a doctor and the passionate heart of a poet”. Part of the 2014 Adelaide Festival program, it will run until March 16.
Blokarting in the CBD
Blokarting, we assume, is the love child of go-karting and boating – and it’s coming to the Adelaide Parklands. This Sunday (February 23) from 10am-4pm, members of the public are being invited to come and try the sport, which involves “sailing” across open spaces on land, harnessing the power of the wind. “The karts are made in such a way that as long as people can use their upper bodies, they can operate a blokart,” says event organiser Tom Burlison. “We have people sailing from as young as 10 years old right up to their 80s.” Sessions will be held in the Parklands off Anzac Highway, on the old netball courts. More details online.
Adelaide Fringe
So many Fringe shows, so little time. Here’s just a few of the ones we think are worth checking out this weekend: Shake Your Booty – 70s Disco Explosion, a one-night-only retro trip at the Norwood Concert Hall on Saturday; the free Waymouth Street Party (street food, music, theatre and more) today from 4pm; comedian Dave Callan in the Rhino Room; Jon Bennett’s one-man show Fire in the Meth Lab at Tuxedo Cat; sexy, high-energy circus/acrobatic/cabaret show Limbo in the Garden of Unearthly Delights; Etypejazz, also in the Garden this Saturday and next Saturday only; and The Umbilical Brothers: A KiDs ShoW (Not Suitable for Children) at the Royalty Theatre.
See InDaily’s 2014 Adelaide Fringe hub for all our Fringe stories and reviews.
Fringe visual art
Don’t forget that the Fringe also features a large number of visual art and design exhibitions and events, including body-artist and photographer Emma Hack’s solo exhibition of new works at The Big Slapple (Adelaide Convention Centre); Not Just a Pretty Face, a group show of portraits by female visual artists at the Adelaide Town Hall, and the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition at the Drill Hall, Torrens Parade Ground. The Jam Factory is also holding a Fringe Open Day on Saturday, with demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Tomato Festival
Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens are the place to be this Sunday for gardeners, cooks and anyone else who loves tomatoes. The Gardens’ Tomato Festival will feature a range of events, including a tomato taste test, cooking demonstrations, vegie garden tips, a tomato trail and kids’ activities. The full program is on the Botanic Gardens website.
The Pocket
Bamboozled Productions’ pop-up circus The Pocket has popped up in Henley Square, putting on free 15-minute family shows every 15 minutes this weekend. Showcasing their circus and comedic skills in the mini tent will be hula-hooping acrobat Daphne, multi-talented magician/comedian Magic Brian, one-woman circus act and musician Sara Ski (right) and juggling magician/comedian Dr Rube. Performances start 6pm Friday, 11am and 6pm Saturday, and 11am Sunday.
Night Noodle Markets
The Night Noodle Markets begin tonight (Friday) on the Riverbank Promenade, with Ginza Japanese Restaurant the first of a series of vendors that will be serving up delicious Asian street food from 4pm-10pm each Friday until March 14. Adding to the festival atmosphere will be live musicians, market stalls selling hand-crafted items, and a licensed bar. The markets are at Blue Hive, next to the Dunstan Playhouse.
Craft Beer & Cider Day
Ignite Unley is holding Craft Beer & Cider Day on Saturday at the Soldiers Memorial Gardens, with drinks from several craft breweries, food trucks, live music, market stalls and games. The fun begins at 4pm, with free entry.
On screen
See InDaily’s reviews of the latest films screening in Adelaide:
All is Lost
Endless Love
Dallas Buyers Club
Winter’s Tale
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Last Vegas
Grudge Match
12 Years a Slave
The Wolf of Wall Street
