The Genius of Allen & Smyth
Poetry lovers are in for a very special evening of words and music at the first Poetry at the Paradiso for the year. These events have become a must-see, must-hear on the poetry circuit. This Thursday night will be a celebration of the lives and works of two extraordinary and prolific artists: Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth. Living locally and performing internationally, Gilli’s and Daevid’s pioneering, anarchic careers began in the 50s and 60s.
Their France/UK-based psychedelic rock band Gong, one of the many platforms for their poems, is still recording and touring internationally, with a new album just out – I see you.
More than twenty local poets and friends will be performing poems and songs by and for these two well-loved ‘Elderberries’ and Daevid and Gilli themselves will share some of their poetry. Vasudha Harte of Dinkum Bohos will host the evening, which features a stellar lineup of performers including Russel Hibbs, Gina Lakosta, David Hallett, Glitter Girl, Jem Edwards, Frank Coorey, William McElroy, Bohemian Beat Riddhi, Turiya Bruce, Ilona Harker, Max Volume, ReVerse Butcher and more, with special guests Orlando Allen and Ynys Allen. For one night only this Thursday 7pm at Pizza Paradiso Suffolk Park.
It’s Still A Wonderful Life
Many have sometimes wondered what the world would be like without us. George Bailey (Dylan Wheeler), the central character in the radio play
It’s a Wonderful Life, is granted that opportunity. Many will relate to his story. It’s a Wonderful Life, written by Tony Palermo and directed by Mike Sheehan, will be staged at the Players Theatre March 6–21. Evening performances commence at 8pm and weekend matinees at 2pm. Opening night on March 6 will be a special event, with pre-show champagne and finger food. Book online at www.ballinaplayers.com.au or at Just Funkin Music, 6686 2440, where a booking fee will apply.
Saved by a Poem
Most of us have reached for a poem in a moment of strife or love or grief. What poems have saved you? Dangerously Poetic Press is exploring the theme, Saved by a Poem, at its next reading where audience members are invited to share a short poem or two that has served to heal or sustain in some way. The evening will begin with the resonance of crystal bowls played by Camilla Nova accompanied with Elvina Munir on the Native American flute. Some of the DP members will open by reciting poems that have saved them and then the extended open section will proceed. Bask in the words that have meant so much to another. This community event is open to all for $12/10 DP members.
Friday, 7–8.30pm at St Martin’s Anglican Hall, 42 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby
Writers at the Rails – From Hellfire to Eternity
Byron Bay’s Writers at the Rails return for the first 2015 show on Sunday featuring two icons of performance poetry: longtime host of Brisbane’s Kurilpa Poets, the infamous Reverend Hellfire; as well as globetrotting Gong muso/poet Daevid Allen. The afternoon show also includes invited readings and the $100 Poetry Slam. Show starts at 2pm
An Evening with Dylan Thomas
An Evening with Dylan Thomas – from Laugharne to Mullumbimby is a journey through Dylan Thomas’s short but colourful life, and combines the talents of visiting Welsh director and actor Ray Thomas with a strong local cast of 15 Drill Hall veteran and newcomer actors. The performance has come as a result of a chance visit by Welsh theatre worker Ray Thomas who has turned his visit to Mullumbimby into an Australian premiere of a production of Wales’s most well-known poet and writer: Dylan Thomas.
‘Mullumbimby is a perfect spot to perform the show, with its similarities to Laugharne – the town where Dylan Thomas spent the last four years of his life in a creative renaissance,’ says Drill Hall committee member and the production’s producer, Michael Borenstein. ‘Laugharne is a small town with unique characters, beautiful natural surrounds, a lively pub culture and love of the arts – not unlike our town of Mullumbimby.’
This year marks the 101st anniversary of the poet Dylan Thomas’s birth and the 99th year in the life of the Drill Hall. Ray Thomas will direct the production and play the narrator; gently guiding the audience through the poet’s life while the actors perform around 70 colourful characters. An Evening With Dylan Thomas will be held at Mullum’s Drill Hall theatre in Jubilee Street over six nights starting this Friday and Saturday followed by 6, 7 March at 7.30pm . Sunday matinee performances on 1 and 8 March at 5pm. Tickets $15 / $10 concession, booked online at www.drillhalltheatre.org.au or purchased at the Mullumbimby bookshop, or at the door (if not sold out).
SNIPPETS
Byron Harmony Festival
With Byron Harmony Day coming up on 28 March and lead-up activities throughout March, volunteers are needed to help plan, set up, perform, workshop and speak. Please call Judy 0405 436 663.
U3A Brunswick Valley
Tues 17 March – members please note: Mayor’s Morning Tea at the OS Country Club. Photo Comp on display from 9.30. Phone 6685 1732.
Mullum Art Gallery
Mullumbimby Community Art Gallery: Artists are invited to submit an expression of interest to present exhibitions at the Mullumbimby Community Art Gallery for available dates in 2015. For more information and to request an application form please email [email protected] or drop in on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm behind the Drill Hall at 2 Jubilee Ave, Mullumbimby.
U3A Ballina/Byron
Enjoy Poetry with David at 10am on 3/3/15, in the meeting room, Mullumbimby RSL. Enquiries 6680 7350.
Speakers Corner
Starting Sunday 1 March, meet at Byron Environment Centre booth at 2pm in Railway Park and bring your ideas, soap box or milk crate. Info: Feather 6680 9374 (after 4pm).
Art Competition
Artists, get your paint brushes out and start painting for the 10th Annual Ocean Shores Country Club Art Competition/Exhibition. Entry forms at www.oceanshorescc.com.au. Enquiries Jennie 6684 1664 or Marilyn 6680 4907.
Book fair
Friends of the Library are having a massive book fair, book fest and book sale on Saturday 11 April, and we need your help with donated books, DVDs, CDs, vinyls, games and puzzles. Please call Beryl on 6685 3030 or Janene on 6685 5022, or email [email protected].
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
