By Cristina Natoli
Music
VINYL
DJ and writer Fiona Scott-Norman unveils her pick of the State Library's extensive collection of vinyl records in a Melbourne Music Week celebration of the musical artefacts. "Vinyl from the Vault" enables collectors to have their records valued, features pop-up record booths, and showcases rare discs from the '40s to now.
Jack Charles shares his life story in a show that illustrates the power of optimism.Credit: Jay Cronan
Today, 11am, State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, city, free, mmw.melbourne.vic.gov.au
CLASSICAL
Melbourne Chamber Orchestra pays tribute to British composers and British-inspired arrangements in a seven-part program titled The London Sketchbook. Violin soloist and 2014 Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year Grace Clifford joins the ensemble to perform Vaughan-William's Lark Ascending and Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor.
Tomorrow, 2.30pm, Melbourne Recital Centre, corner Southbank Boulevard and Sturt Street, Southbank, $30-$119, 9699 3333, melbournerecital.com.au
Jazz vocalist Mel Searle interprets the songs made famous by Ella Fitzgerald.
JAZZ
Melbourne-based jazz vocalist Mel Searle and her band present a 135-minute homage to Ella Fitzgerald, widely regarded as the Queen of Jazz and the First Lady of Song. Dubbed The Ella Experience, the performance is Searle's interpretation of the hits that made the American crooner a household name.
Today, 8pm, Paris Cat, 6 Goldie Place, city, $25, 9642 4711, pariscat.com.au
ORCHESTRA
Peter Milley's Cairo Club Orchestra revel in the launch of their latest CD, The Man from the South, with a gig featuring original vintage scores complemented by antique microphones and instruments. Known for recreating the jazz sounds of the '20s and '30s, vocalist Nichaud Fitzgibbon joins the band.
Tomorrow, 2.30pm, Flying Saucer Club, 4 St Georges Road, Elsternwick, $23-$35, 9528 3600, flyingsaucerclub.com.au
Live
THEATRE
A few years ago, American writer Annie Baker gave Uncle Vanya, Anton Chekhov's famous play, a colloquial and contemporary makeover. Nadia Tass directs a local production of the adaptation. Opening this weekend, the story about life, love and the pursuit of happiness stars David Whiteley, Rosie Lockhart, Olga Makeeva, Eva Seymour and Ben Prendergast. Ends December 17.
Today, 8pm, tomorrow, 6.30pm, Red Stitch Actors Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda East, $28-$45, 9533 8083, redstitch.net
Ashley Dyer's dance work
DANCE
Three dancers move in harmony with a pulsating floor in Ashley Dyer's latest creation, Tremor. When charged with audible and sub-sonic sound, a custom-built floor, made from 13 shake tables and more than 230 metal poles, vibrates in choreographed patterns. The performance aims to explore the link between motion, pressure and vibration.
Today, 7.30pm, tomorrow, 5pm, Arts House, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne, $25-$35, 9322 3713, artshouse.com.au
PERFORMANCE
ANIMAL
Susie Dee directs Nicci Wilks and Kate Sherman in Animal, an exploration of violence against women. Two sisters living in a remote town find themselves at breaking point and prepare for an escape to the outside world. The production questions the appropriate response when living in a cycle of violence. Season ends November 27.
Today, 8pm, tomorrow, 5pm, Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda, $26-$35, 9534 3388, theatreworks.org.au
JACK CHARLES V THE CROWN
A Koorie elder, ex-con, activist, and award-winning actor, Jack Charles' 72-year journey is unparalleled. Charles shares his life story in a show that illustrates the power of optimism despite the roadblocks. The 2015 Victorian Senior of the Year's live autobiography had a sellout season at the Melbourne International Arts Festival in 2010.
Today, 1pm and 7.30pm, tomorrow, 3pm, Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, city, $30-$55, 1300 182 183, artscentremelbourne.com.au
Food
Paris to Provence Melbourne French Festival.
FRENCH
Francophiles can indulge in French food, wine, fashion and culture at the eighth annual Paris to Provence Melbourne French Festival. Sign up for an escargot-eating contest, take part in a cooking demonstration at My French Kitchen and taste fresh croissants (made using imported French flour) by artisan boulanger Gontran Cherrier. The Maille Mustard mobile van will also be on the premises selling their $100 haute dogs.
Today, 9am-8pm, tomorrow, 9am-5pm, Como House and Garden, corner Williams Road and Lechlade Avenue, South Yarra, $7-$22.50, paristoprovence.com.au
LUNCH
Contemporary brasserie Oter hosts a Young Chefs Lunch for The Age's Good Food Month. Chefs on the rise, Jake Kellie (Lakeside Mill), Jasper Avent (Town Mouse), Alex Xinis (Press Club), Jarrod Di Blasi (Ezard) and the restaurant's own David Boyle cook a five-course meal with matched wines. The chefs will discuss the pros and cons of being a young chef and share their vision for the food of the future.
Tomorrow, noon-3pm, Oter, Basement, 137 Flinders Lane, city, $190, 9639 7073, goodfoodmonth.com
ARGENTINIAN
Learn traditional Argentinian recipes for empanada pastries and chimichurri sauce in an interactive cooking class hosted by chef Martin Zozaya, of Latin American eatery El Atino and Co, and his mum. The evening will begin with a cocktail and appetisers, followed by an hour-long cooking demonstration, concluding with dinner paired with Argentinian wine. All guests also take home a goodie bag as a souvenir.
November 22, 6.30pm, El Atino and Co, 366 Bridge Road, Richmond, 8529 4222, $130, elatino.com.au
Elsewhere
MARKET
Christmas shopping: The Design Anarchy, North Mlebourne.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Christmas shoppers will be surrounded by unique gifts at The Design Anarchy, with more than 170 design stalls on the premises, as well as an animal farm, live music, kids' entertainment, creative workshops and food trucks. The market focuses on promoting ethically and locally made products, and kids under 12 can attend for free. Products include Kyoti's raw stone jewellery pieces, activewear from Material Witness and homewares from Air of Grace.
Today, 10am-7pm, tomorrow, 10am-5pm, Meat Market, 5 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne, $2 entry, thedesignanarchy.com
RIDDELLS CREEK
Melburnians can find fresh country produce and hospitality less than an hour's drive from the city at the monthly Riddells Creek Farmers' Market. Snack on gourmet snags from the community barbecue, enjoy live music and stock up for a hearty weekend roast with Hand to Ground's large pastured boilers. Hydroponic greens are available from MKD Services and you can taste and buy locally grown pears and apples from Pollard's.
Today, 9am-1pm, Main Road, Riddells Creek, free entry, vfma.org.au
EXHIBITION
Great news for Toni Maticevski's fans: the Australian fashion designer's Dark Wonderland exhibition has been extended to next year. The curated pieces, largely from Maticevski's personal archive, form a gallery of his early influences through to his current practices. Programs associated with the showcase include tomorrow's Fashion Grove, where visitors can create their own costume using Maticevski's fabrics, and parade their outfit to disco music. Ends January 15, 2017.
Today and tomorrow, 10am-5pm, Bendigo Art Gallery, 42 View Street, Bendigo, free-$12, 5434 6088, bendigoartgallery.com.au
MindBodySpirit Festival: Learn about chakras and auras from spiritual healers, therapists and clairvoyants.
FESTIVAL
Healthy food, inspirational seminars, psychic readings and meditation sessions are on the agenda at the biannual MindBodySpirit Festival, with more than 200 health, wellbeing and natural therapies exhibitors taking part. Learn about fermentation, super-food snacks and raw vegan chocolate at the Soul Kitchen Stage. Shop from an extensive range of holistic goods and become well versed in the concepts of chakras and auras from spiritual healers, therapists and clairvoyants.
Today and tomorrow, 10am-7pm, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, free entry, mbsfestival.com.au
FAMILY
Circus acts, acrobats, a snow fairy, elves and, of course, Santa Claus come together for Santa's Christmas Spectacular. After a sold-out season in 2015, the troupe is back with their festive family show. The audience is invited into the magical world of Santa's workshop, where the clock is ticking to finish making all the children's toys and the snow fairy is trapped in her dome. Until December 18.
Today and tomorrow, various times, Wonderland Spiegeltent, 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands, $25-$29.50, wonderlandspiegeltent.com.au
OUT OF TOWN
The King Valley celebrates the region's Italian food and wine culture with La Dolce Vita festival. Eleven wineries, including La Cantina, Pizzini, Politini, Chrismont and Symphonia, open their cellar doors and invite guests to taste their new release vino varieties, such as prosecco, sangiovese and barbera. "The sweet life" wouldn't be complete without nonna-style, carbohydrate-filled food options, live music and markets selling local produce and artisan goods.
Today and tomorrow, 10am-5pm, various venues, King Valley, free-$20, winesofthekingvalley.com.au