Tribute shows, musicals, drag, musical comedy – the Riverina lights up this week with live music entertainment from diverse performers.
The Sydney WorldPride 2023 opening night will kick off in high glamour at The Curious Rabbit and there are trail rides, outdoor cinema and creative workshops.
Here are our top nine picks for the week in the region.
All Weekend
Trail Ride Ganmain Sports Club
When: Friday 24 February, 5 pm – 7 pm, Saturday 25 February 8 am – 12:30 pm and Sunday 26 February, 9 am – 12 pm
Where: Ganmain Sports Club Ford Street
Cost: Friday $15, Saturday $40, Sunday $30, choice of all rides $60, family $100, to register call Adele Hearn on 0488 177 543
Three days of trail riding with fellow equestrian enthusiasts, undoubtedly taking in some beautiful scenery along the way. Friday is a 7 km trail ride over about two hours, Saturday is 10 km over three hours and Sunday is 18 km over about four and a half hours. Friday finishes up at the club with music from Busker Colin from the Elvis Festival Forbes with hit tunes from the 60s and 70s and Saturday evening with the country-rock band Mason Boys fresh from the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
A Coo-ee to Marie – a musical
When: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February, 6:30 pm
Where: Bundawarrah Centre, 29 Junee Road Temora
Cost: Free, book here
The charming Bundawarrah Centre plays backdrop to this free family event – a musical with a touch of history. Music and theatre from local performers, musicians and artists take you on a journey celebrating the life of Marie Narelle (Catherine Mary Ryan) from 1870 Combaning, Temora to 1941 Chipping Norton, U.K. and home again.
Friday
World Pride Concert Viewing
When: Friday 24 February, 6 pm – 10 pm
Where: The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: $5, book here
Join the “Precious Gem of the Murrumbidgee”, drag sensation Rose Quartz as she hosts a viewing party of the Sydney WorldPride 2023 opening concert at Wagga’s The Curious Rabbit. Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue will be headlining Live and Proud with Charli XCX and Jessica Mauboy, hosted by Australian Idol Casey Donovan and drag performer Courtney Act. Enjoy the concert, with breaks in performances by Rose Quartz and Dizzy Dilemma with fire twirling and hooping, games, music and dancing.
Saturday
Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers
When: Saturday 25 February, 10 am – 11:30 am
Where: Junee Library, 92 Lorne Street, Junee
Cost: Free
The safety of our young motorists is a hot topic. The council has teamed up with Transport for NSW to offer this workshop, delivered by council’s road safety officer Karen Trethowan. It covers tips on supervising a learner driver, the GLS licensing system, the types of learner driver logbooks, licence conditions for L and P plate drivers, the benefits of on-road driving sessions and more. Bookings are essential – contact Karen at [email protected] or on 0437 645 183.
The Sixties Singing Sensations
When: Saturday 25 February, 6:30 pm – 11 pm
Where: The Riverine Club, cnr Tarcutta and Sturt Sts, Wagga Wagga
Cost: $130, book here
This cabaret dinner show features a star-filled cast performing songs of the 1960s’ most iconic female vocalists. Dinner by Pastorale Restaurant will ensure your musical palate is not the only thing tantalised on the evening.
On the Big Screen – outdoor movie
When: Saturday 25 February, 6:30 pm (movie commences 7:30 pm pending lighting)
Where: Beckom Park, Ariah St, Beckom
Cost: Free entry
Coolamon Shire Council’s series of family-friendly open-air movie nights ends this Saturday in Beckom. The film is The War With Grandpa, which follows the story of young Peter who, upset that he has to share his room with his grandfather, decides to declare war in an attempt to get it back. It seems however that Peter has underestimated his gramps, and hilarity ensues …
Contemporary Collage workshop
When: Saturday 25 February, 11 am – 3 pm
Where: The Little Yellow House, 41 Tompson Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: $150 to book, contact [email protected] or 0418 414 455
In this contemporary collage workshop, participants will use mixed media techniques and a variety of materials to create a whimsical still life that will be ready to hang when they leave. The cost includes morning tea and all art materials, including a canvas. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential.
Monday and Tuesday
The Wharf Revue: Looking for Albanese
When: Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 February, 7:30 pm – 9 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way (off Tarcutta Street), Wagga Wagga
Cost: Adult $65, concession $60, group 4+ $60, youth under 25 $35, child under 15 $20, discounts for members, book here
The rising cost of living, recession looming, geo-political conflict, environmental disasters and a never-ending pandemic … but on the horizon is a chance to drown your worries in the antics of The Wharf Review. Inspired by the “national spirit of optimism that lasted for a week” the team are back to tackle the big-picture issues in their sharp-witted manner.
Thursday
Kenny and Dolly Together Again
When: Thursday 2 March, 8 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way (off Tarcutta St), Wagga Wagga
Cost: Adult $69, concession, theatre subscriber, student and groups 10+ $65, under 16 $35, family (two adults and two children) $206
A must-see for Kenny and Dolly fans. Marty Edwards – a veteran of five Australian tours with the Original Kenny and Dolly show and The Kings of Country – has teamed with the US’s favourite Dolly, Wendy T to bring you the hits of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Expect an incredible tribute delivered with all the charisma and charm of Kenny and Dolly.