A play inspired by the later life of an enigmatic artist

Intimate space theatre returns to Nambour’s Black Box in October when 3bCreative presents the critically acclaimed Georgia, written by Jill Shearer and first performed by La Boite in 1999.

Georgia O’Keefe was one of the twentieth century’s most significant artists, and her modernist paintings of oversized flowers, animal skeletons, and landscapes of her beloved desert home in New Mexico are well known in the art world. 

Shearer’s play explores the dilemma of the older woman: her sexuality in the face of physical deterioration; her mental strength and vulnerability; her need for companionship and paradoxical love of solitude. Her relationship with the much younger Juan Hamilton who was her secretary, protege, and friend, was the subject of intense gossip at the time. This complex script shifts constantly between the “real”, and memories, dreams, and fantasy.

3bCreative welcomes Joy Marshall as director and the accomplished actor Rainee Skinner as Georgia. Designer Anne Grant aims to achieve a personal audience experience by restricting numbers for maximum connection.

• Georgia will play at the Black Box, corner of Howard and William Streets, Nambour from Friday 11 October until Saturday 19 October. For bookings, go to www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1164067

Dancing to Death: the Mata Hari Story

Before Marlene. Before Marilyn. Before Madonna. There was Mata Hari.

Dancing to Death: the Mata Hari Story premieres at The Lind on 25 October, with a season of matinees and evening shows to 2 November 2024.

This new work from the pen of acclaimed playwright, Jo Denver, and directed by Mathieu Cadart and Michelle Connelly, is pacy, sophisticated and intriguing. Jo’s expansive research enriches the sumptuous story of an unconventional Dutchwoman who, driven by ambition and wanderlust, transforms into her alter ego - exotic dancer, Mata Hari (‘eye of the day’). 

Mata Hari is joined on stage by the characters who influence, champion, and promote her international stardom. And who cannot save her from a trial, that found her guilty of spying for Germany, and her execution by allied forces in 1917.

Margreet is an 18yo Dutchwoman dreaming of fame, when she flees her rural Netherlands home in the late 1890s. Posted with her military husband in Indonesia, Margreet is intrigued by the region’s landscape and culture. 

When her brief and violent marriage ends, Margreet packs her ambition and sweeps into Paris at the height of La Belle Epoque - the Parisian ‘beautiful age’. Artists, aristocrats, musicians, and dancers mix in these affluent pre-war years, in Parisian cafes and cabarets. The streets fizz with vibrancy, as the private salon is replaced by the creativity of shared ideas on the street.

A citizen of the neutral Netherlands, Margreet, develops her Mata Hari dance act, takes Paris by storm, then frequently tours Europe. She collects powerful lovers and zealous enemies as she crosses contested borders on a neutral passport.

Mata Hari becomes the subject of scandal, when questions are raised about the nature of her relationships with military men from opposition forces. Whispers of ‘spy’ and ‘traitor’ grow ever louder, and Mata Hari’s fascinating life ends in front of a firing squad when she is just 41yo.

This luxe and sumptuous production melds theatre, dance, and multi-media in a visually stunning and stylised show, with performances from some of Queensland’s best talent.

The text is a fictionalised historical account that asks questions about the veracity of allegations against Mata Hari. Was she a scapegoat, a spy, a woman who loved too much? The piece juxtaposes moralistic expectations of women and their ‘place’ in society with the spirited exuberance of a woman who created a life that she lived on her own terms.

Free live music event at Ignite Auditorium Nambour

Live at the Chapel (L@TC) Nambour is hosting another free music event on Saturday, 5 October at 6pm, featuring a mix of country, pop, rock, and gospel in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. 

Held at the Ignite Church Auditorium, 29 Short Street, Nambour, the event is hosted by Ignite Christian Church and presented by Aussie Grown Radio.

This month’s headliner is Caroline Taylor-Knight, a passionate singer-songwriter who has performed at festivals internationally and supported artists like Daryl Braithwaite. Known for her captivating performances and heartfelt songs, Caroline will perform tracks from her albums Fall for Me and Me Again, along with her latest releases.

A special guest artist will also perform, with details revealed on the night. Donations are welcome to support the musicians, and drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.

• For more information, visit the Live at the Chapel Nambour Facebook page.

Buderim VIEW Club supporting Smith Family

The Buderim VIEW Club, which supports The Smith Family’s Learning for Life programme, holds its monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at the Buderim Tavern. 

These gatherings raise funds to help provide educational support for disadvantaged students, with the club currently sponsoring eight schoolchildren.

At the September meeting, guest speaker Dr Zoe West from the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer shared insights into her research on vulvar cancer, focusing on biomarker identification and advanced 3D imaging techniques to study cancer relapse. The event also saw new member Linda being officially welcomed into the club by President Antoinette.

• The next meeting will take place at 11am for an 11.30am start. RSVP by contacting Gail at gai3@optusnet.com.au or 5476 7163. Visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au/view-clubs/find-a-club/qld/buderim-view-club.  

Join the fun at the Santa Bilby book launch in Palmwoods

Palmwoods will host the launch of the delightful new children’s book, Santa Bilby, by author Miranda Birthisel and illustrator Cate James. 

The event will take place on Saturday, October 12, from 10am to 11am at The Little Book Nook on Little Main Street.

Families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled morning with a reading of Santa Bilby, followed by a book signing and Christmas-themed craft activities. 

The story follows the Easter Bilby as she steps in to help Santa deliver Christmas presents, bringing humour and excitement to the holiday season.

This free event is perfect for young readers and their families. Register now at www.trybooking.com/CVSPY or through the Bookshop to secure your spot. 

Don’t miss the chance to meet the author, enjoy story time, and indulge in some festive cupcakes!

Maroochy River Country Music Club’s latest concert

The Maroochy River Country Music Club will hold their October Concert on Sunday 13th, commencing at 12noon.

The club offers free tea and coffee, and some delicious cake. Entry is $10 and $8 for Members. The Venue is the A.C.M.A. Country Hall of Fame on Steggalls Road Yandina. Everyone is welcome. Featuring a Tribute to Country Singer Chad Morgan. Inquiries phone Darryl on 0458 671 568. Darryl Norwood, President.

Horse riding gear clearance fundraiser at North Arm

The Sunshine Coast Horse Riding for Disabled Second Hand Saddlery is having a Crazy Prices Clearance Fundraiser at the SCRDA Centre Monak Road North Arm from 9.30am to 3pm.

Cash and Card are accepted but there will be no holds, no returns, no lay buys. 

• No dogs allowed except service dogs. For more information visit  www.scrda.org.au  ph:    5472 7280.

Wonderful Weekend of Wood at Montville this month

The Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild is hosting its 2024 Wonderful Weekend of Wood on October 5 and 6, from 9am to 3pm at the Montville Sportsground, located at 230 Balmoral Road.

Visitors will have the opportunity to browse and purchase hand-crafted timber items, including toys, platters, bowls, jewellery boxes, and decorative tableware.

The event will also feature live demonstrations of timber milling, woodturning, pyrography, scroll sawing, and more. Attendees can stock up on slabs and turning blanks from the extensive Woodshed. Raffle tickets will be available, offering the chance to win wonderful prizes.

• For more information, contact the Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild at secretary@blackallrangewoodies.org.au.

Fred Brophy’s Boxing Troupe returns to Nambour Rugby League Club

Australian showman Fred Brophy is bringing his iconic boxing troupe back to Nambour Rugby League Club on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th October for two thrilling nights of entertainment. The event will take place outdoors, with gates opening from 6pm. Entry is restricted to those aged 15 and over, with minors aged 15 to 17 needing to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guests can enjoy food from the canteen and drinks from the licenced bar (strictly no BYO).

Fred Brophy, a fourth-generation showman, promises an unforgettable experience, as he says: “Ladies and gentlemen, I will show you something you have never seen before, and something you will never see again.”

• For updates and further event details, follow the Nambour Rugby League Club on Facebook. Nambour Rugby League Club is at 22 Crusher Park Dr, Nambour.

Hinterland Open Mic Day, band available

Open Mic Day at Hinterland Music Club Inc. is on again at the Big Shed, Historical Village, Bryce Lane, Maleny on Saturday October 12 from 10am.  Take a scenic drive to Maleny for a great day of entertainment, Country, Baby Boomers & Easy Listening music from local artists. 

If you play a musical instrument or would like to sing a song or two (band available) just bring along your 5 chord charts - beginners welcome, in fact everyone is welcome. 

• Admission $7 Members $5; sausage sizzle for lunch at a small charge; bottomless tea/coffee for a gold coin donation. For further information contact Barry 0427 659 687.

Music in the Moonlight to light up Palmwoods with entertainment

Palmwoods State School is set to host an unforgettable evening of entertainment with Music in the Moonlight on Saturday, October 12th, from 6pm at the school. This exciting event, presented by the Palmwoods State School P&C Association, promises a night filled with unique performances and fun for all.

The evening will kick off with a spectacular fire show sure to captivate audiences, followed by a dazzling burlesque performance that adds a touch of glamour to the night. Music lovers can look forward to live performances from a 17-piece jazz band, offering smooth and sultry vibes, as well as a rock band to close the night with a high-energy finale.

In addition to the live entertainment, guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, professional photography, raffles, and auctions, all in support of a great cause. The proceeds from the event will fund music scholarships for students at Palmwoods State School, helping nurture the next generation of musicians.

• Tickets for Music in the Moonlight are available online at https://events.humanitix.com/music-in-the-moonlight. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a magical night while supporting local students.

Karl S. Williams to perform in Maleny & Eudlo, October

Award-winning musician and genre-defying multi-instrumentalist Karl S. Williams will bring his Sunshine Coast tour to Maleny and Eudlo this month. 

Known for his powerful voice and unique blend of folk, blues, and gospel, Karl will perform at the Maleny Community Centre on Thursday 17 October at 7pm and at Eudlo Hall on Sunday 20 October at 4pm.

Celebrating the ten-year anniversary of his acclaimed debut album Heartwood, Karl will present a newly recorded solo version of the album, along with other favourites from his career. His captivating live performances, which have featured at prestigious festivals such as Bluesfest and Woodford Folk Festival, promise to be moving and unforgettable experiences.

Reflecting on his tour, Karl shared, “It’s a real privilege to revisit Heartwood a decade later and share these songs in a new light.”

This tour is presented by Red Chair with support from the Queensland Government’s Arts Queensland, ArtsCoast, and Sunshine Coast Council. Tickets are available now at www.redchair.com.au.

Gina Chick in conversation: From wilderness survival to literary legacy

Gina Chick, winner of the inaugural Alone Australia competition, will be sharing her extraordinary life story at the Maleny Community Centre on Thursday, October 24, as she discusses her new memoir, We Are the Stars. Best known for surviving 67 days alone in the harsh Tasmanian wilderness, Gina, pictured, has captivated millions with her resilience and deep connection to nature.

Her memoir spans her life from childhood through to the age of 50, detailing a journey that took her from Sydney’s vibrant but turbulent nightlife to a life-altering experience in the wilderness. In We Are the Stars, Gina reflects on the lessons learned from both life and death, shaping her into the rewilding facilitator, speaker, and writer she is today.  

Gina also comes from literary royalty. She is the daughter of Suzanne Chick, author of Searching for Charmian, and the granddaughter (by adoption) of famed writer Charmian Clift, partner of George Johnston, author of My Brother Jack.

The evening will also feature Andrew Stafford, opening the event with reflections on his iconic book Pig City, which has recently been re-released for its 20th anniversary. Pig City explores Brisbane’s music scene from the 70s through to the new millennium, offering insights into how politics shaped Brisbane’s artistic output.

• Presented by Outspoken, this event is expected to sell out. Tickets are $27.50, with student pricing at $18. Book via www.outspokenmaleny.com.

Genealogy Beginners Classes

Genealogy Sunshine Coast are holding workshops for beginners on 3 Consecutive Wednesdays on 13th, 20th and 27th Nov. from 9.30am to 4pm at Petrie Park Road Nambour. Cost is $25/day or $15 for members. Please phone 5329-2315 to book or email to genealogysc@gmail.com. M/tea provided but bring your own lunch.