THE Christmas-New Year period is always packed with entertainment in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region and 2013 is no exception.
Clubs, pubs and theatres have a busy line-up of stars and exhibitions. Here is just a taste of what is to come – check out the advertisements in this issue and visit individual websites for more information.
Exhibition and theatre-wise, the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie is hosting one of Australia’s most prestigious exhibitions during December and January – the Archibald Prize regional tour. Visitors to the gallery this December and January can view the 39 finalists’ portraits. Visit www.glasshouse.org.au
The Hastings Valley Fine Art Association is holding its major exhibition during December and January at the Laurieton United Services Club. Visit www.hastingsvalleyart.net.au
The Sunset Gallery, 11 Murray Street, Port Macquarie is hosting the Oneline exhibition of contemporary artworks until the end of December. The exhibition features works by local artist Juan Cosgayon. The works are hung side by side, forming one line, quite unlike the traditional way of displaying arts. Visit https://www.facebook.com/sunsetgallery.lounge
The family classic The Wizard of Oz will be on at the Players Theatre from 10 January until 2 February every Friday and Saturday night at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Glasshouse on 6581 8888 or the Players Theatre box office one hour prior to any performance or through the theatre’s website at www.playerstheatre.org
Club, pub and restaurant-wise, the Eighteen Thirty Restaurant in Port Macquarie is hosting the Festive Follies Burlesque Dinner Show on Friday 20 December, a Vaudeville-style burlesque cabaret spectacular. Tickets cost $120 are available from the restaurant and include dinner, wine and show, phone 6584 3677.
Well-known Aussie comedian Rod Gregory, aka ‘The Old Fella’, will be performing at the Laurieton United Services Club on Tuesday 7 January. Mr Gregory shot to fame after making it to the grand final of Australia’s Got Talent in 2011, with his refreshing larrikin bush humour striking a strong chord around the country. He has just announced that his upcoming tour will be his last, so this will be your last opportunity to catch him in person. Tickets are available from the club. Visit www.laurietonclub.com.au
The Port City Bowling Club is celebrating New Year’s Eve in a big way with a summer party, featuring band Rubicon. Purchase a Corona between 9-11pm for your chance to win $250. Courtesy buses will be running to get you to the club and back safely. Other Port City gigs include Andy and Besty’s Funhouse (21 December), Jericho Road (27 December) and Gotcha Covered (28 December) Visit www.portcity.com.au.
The Lake Cathie Bowling and Recreation Club is putting on a feast of fine food. On Friday 20 December the club is raffling $3000 worth of hams, legs of pork, turkey buffs, hampers and seafood trays. On Sunday nights the badge draw is on at 6pm and 7.30pm, followed by a raffle drawn at 7pm. Thursday nights is another raffle drawn at 7pm.
“We also have super draw, which jackpots $1000 per week and also we have a joker draw at 7.30pm approximately,” a spokesperson said.
“Also on Saturday 29 December we have a second chance which is $1000 worth of outdoor products and in the bistro there will be a $20 Asian smorgasbord on at night time.” Visit www.lakecathiebowlingclub.com.au
The North Haven Bowling and Recreation Club also has a packed line-up of entertainment. Tonight at 6.30pm Trevor Hart is performing (free), Saturday 21 December at 7.30pm Glenn Heath and the Deep Blue Sea will be performing (free) and, Saturday 28 7pm it is Dean Weston’s turn (also free). Other gigs include Crank the Monkey (New Year’s Eve), 4 January – a Shine On the Pink Floyd Show (tickets cost $20), 8 January – karaoke (free for the whole family) and Saturday 11 January – the Ultimate Pink Show ($10 under 15 years, $15 adults or $40 family). Visit www.nhbrc.com.au
The Settlers Inn in Port Macquarie also has plenty happening – visit ttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Settlers-Inn-Hotel
The Majestic cinema in Port Macquarie has the usual pre and post-Christmas line-up of blockbusters. You can check them out at www.majesticcinemas.com.au
