Music n Arts n Food
A TASTE OF THE EXOTIC By Andrea Louise Thomas
Each year Frankston is taken by storm as the city is immersed in the stories, music, sport, dance, food, film and arts of Latin American, Spanish and Portuguese cultures. The annual month-long Ventana Festival is a highlight of the city’s calendar providing authentic insights into the cultural diversity of Spanish-speaking countries. With events and activities for all ages, such as, a pop up film festival, concerts, bilingual storytelling, craft and costume displays,
soccer, capoeira, luche libre (Mexican wrestling), and educational workshops, each year Ventana gets bigger and better. Ventana’s Street Fiesta on March 14 is a dazzling display of colour, flavour, song and dance. The ‘Queen of the Sea’ procession kicks it off with Carnival dancers in spectacular costumes sashaying their way from the beach into the CBD. Music and dance continue until 8 pm. A food, drink and craft bazaar on Wells Street offers the tastes
and scents of Latin America. Try the pupusa from El Salvador. The event opens on Friday, 26th February with live music, entertainment, refreshment and an immersive cultural art exhibition. An inspirational film, Landfill Harmonic, about the members of the Paraguayan Youth Orchestra who make musical instruments from the trash they collect at the local landfill screens at 8:30 pm. Opening night events at Frankston Arts Centre from 7 pm.
Don’t miss the all the cultural events and experiences of the 10th annual Ventana Festival. Opening night bookings recommended on 9784 1060. If you can only choose one event, go to the Ventana Fiesta on Saturday, March 14 starting at 11:45 from the beach at Playne Street to the Wells Street plaza for the official festival opening. The party continues until 8 pm. For more info, click on thefac.com.au.
TWILIGHT JAZZ AT DAME ELISABETH MURDOCH’S CRUDEN FARM
Twilight Jazz at Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s Cruden Farm Saturday 19 March 2016 4pm to 8pm
Enter via Cranhaven Road (Mel Ref 103 G6) Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s Cruden Farm will once again host McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery’s annual fundraising event on Saturday 19 March. Picnicers will be entertained by Mrs Mippy dixieland jazz band, Dukes of Debonaire, the Beckitt Brothers & The Frankston High School Senior Stage Band – Directed by Leon de Bruin. This is the only event at Cruden Farm that takes in the gardens at twilight. Bring your picnic basket, rug, table & chairs and sit back and enjoy the ambience and surrounds of the beautiful gardens and lakes whilst being entertained by a variety of bands across two locations within the grounds of Cruden Farm.
Browse the gift stall or purchase Elgee Park wines, soft drinks, tea, coffee or the ever popular gourmet sausage sizzle. Details: Saturday 19 March. 4pm to 8pm. Enter via Cranhaven Road, Langwarrin. (Gates open at 3pm). MEL REF: 103 G6. TICKETS $20 pre-purchased Incl $3 non-refundable booking fee Pre-purchase available up to 3pm on Friday 18 March $25 on the day (only available at the gate) Ticket price includes a free coffee at McClelland Cafe, valid 20 March to 30 April. Children under 12 are free Bookings 03 9789 1671 www.mcclellandgallery.com
Featuring: mrs sippy dixieland jazz band, Dukes of Debonaire, the Beckitt Brothers & The Frankston High School Senior Stage Band – Directed by Leon de Bruin Bring your picnic basket, rug, table and chairs and sit back and enjoy the ambience of the beautiful Cruden Farm garden and lakes. Wine, soft drink, tea, coffee and gourmet sausages available for purchase.
Tickets: $20 pre purchased on 03 9789 1671 or $25 on the day at the gate. Ticket price includes a free coffee from the McClelland cafe, valid 20 March - 30 April 2016. Children under 12 free
www.mcclellandgallery.com Frankston Times 22 February 2016
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