By Popular Demand
Adam Cook in Recital
8:00pm Friday 3rd July 2009

An evening of fine classical music with Adam Cook, Albany's local pianist, returning from a year of private study in France.

Adam will perform a variety of pieces, featuring works by French composers, including Bach, Bartok, Beethoven, Faure, Liszt, Ravel and Severac.

Tickets $30 / Pension/Student Card $26

Book online here

Spoken Word Australia Presents
Guy Pratt - Breakfast of Idiots
8:00pm Saturday 18th July 2009

Join legendary bassist Guy Pratt on a hilarious journey from teenage bedroom to stadium, armed only with his Bass Guitar. Breakfast of Idiots is the second instalment in Guy’s life journey, coming hot on the heels of his smash show & book of the same name "My Bass & Other Animals".

"Breakfast of Idiots" tells more hilarious stories of his fascinating 28-year career as a professional bass player, which started at the tender age of 19 with the legendary Aussie band Icehouse.

The bass player of choice for many of the world's finest and most well-loved musicians, Guy joined the premier league of bassists when David Gilmour asked him to play with Pink Floyd.

Since then he has gone on to work with some of the world’s musical superstars – he's performed with Jimmy Page in Japan, Roxy Music at LIVE8 in Berlin, John Lord in Brazil and toured with David Gilmour on his "On An Island" tour.

His list of recording projects include releases by Madonna, Michael Jackson, Womack & Womack, David Coverdale, The Pretenders, Jimmy Page, Tina Turner, Sophie Ellis Bexter, Elton John, Natalie Imbruglia and many, many more.

He's been nominated twice for the UK's highest musical accolade for song-writing, The Ivor Novello Award; written film, theatre, TV and documentary scores, and produced recordings for artists as diverse as Jimmy Nail, Marianne Faithfull, The Orb, and Debbie Harry.

Finally emerging from the shadows, Guy has decided to step into the spotlight without the security of a band and gives us a captivating insight into the music industry at the highest levels.

His first one-man show, "My Bass & Other Animals", saw him receive rave reviews at the 2005 Edinburgh Fringe.

Join Guy as he takes us on a wild, no holds barred ride behind the scenes of a life spent at the pinnacle of his craft with the world’s music elite.

Tickets 44.80 / Pension/Senior/Student Card $41.80

Book online here

Whispers From Beyond Presents
The Psychic and The Medium
Scott Russell Hill and Anthony Grzelka
7:30pm Friday 24th July 2009

The 'World's Most Accurate Psychic' and 'Australia's Own Ghost Whisperer' combine their amazing talents in this awe-inspiring show aptly titled The Psychic and The Medium.

They answer questions about spirituality, give messages from loved ones passed, and help with real life decisions.

The moment Scott Russell Hill and Anthony Grzelka open the door between this world and the next, anything can happen. Without fail, the dearly departed are the first to come through - each with a message of love or comfort for a loved-one in the audience. Pets too, are not shy in coming forward. They bound in, usually straight through the middle of a reading, wagging a tail or purring with love. The calamity that unfolds is both entertaining and comforting.

Yet, within each individual's message of love rests a solution for everyone. Revelations given and predictions made throughout the night will take audiences on a spellbinding journey both emotionally and spiritually. All of which is guaranteed to leave audiences with just one message - spirit can and will communicate with the living.

Visit www.whispersfrombeyond.com.au for further information.

Tickets $70

Book online here

Albany City Wind Ensemble Present
A Musical Mayhem
7:30pm Saturday 25th July 2009

The Albany City Wind Ensemble has been performing locally for the last few years and has members from school age to retired adults. It has a wonderful and diverse range of music in it’s repertoire.

Tickets $15 / Pension/Senior Card/Child <15 $12

Book online here

The Great Southern Factor Inc. Presents
WASA (WA Screen Awards) Winners Regional Tour
8:15pm Saturday 1st August 2009

All proceeds go to SCOPE workshops and "The Lollypop" Relay for Life Team. This is a joint fundraising event.

A Sundowner will be held prior to the film screening, at Mark Blyth Fine Jewellery Shop, 2/120 York Street Albany, 6:00-8:00pm Saturday 1st August. This very special fundraising event is proudly sponsored by Mark Blyth Fine Jewellery and Mad Fish Wines. Sundowner tickets available from the Town Hall Box Office only.

Film tickets $15
Sundowner tickets $20 (including drinks and finger food)

Book online here

WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Presents
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra
Featuring John Morrison and Graeme Lyall
7:30pm Tuesday 4th August 2009

Don't miss this amazing chance to see two of Australia's foremost jazz musicians perform alongside the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra - the best young jazz-makers in Australia! WAYJO, together with two legends of the Australian jazz scene – the entertaining jazz drummer John Morrison and award-winning composer Graeme Lyall – will head to Albany in August to play exclusively at the Albany Town Hall Theatre.

WAYJO's celebrated Jazz Orchestra, a 23-piece ensemble of WA's most talented young jazz musicians, and lead by award-winning artistic director Mace Francis, together with John and Graeme, will perform a wide repertoire of jazz from swing and big band through to contemporary.

John Morrison is the perfect host, combining a cheeky sense of humour with an incredible musical talent. John’s enthusiasm and witty banter will delight audiences of all ages. Saxophonist Graeme Lyall has been inspiring young people to play music for over twenty years. As an internationally acclaimed musician and composer for artists including Sammy Davis Jr, Tom Jones, Tony Bennet and Olivia Newton-John, Graeme’s musical talent is undeniable.

For 25 years WAYJO has provided excellence in the development of emerging artists in the areas of jazz performance, modern composition for jazz orchestra and improvisation. It offers a unique experience, providing the bridge from aspiring school musician to professional working musician. WAYJO is one of Australia’s cultural gems and the only youth jazz orchestra of its kind in the country.

Join us for an entertaining night of cool jazz - for one night only!

Tickets $35 / Senior/Student Card/Group 10+ $30

Book online here

City of Albany and Country Arts WA Present
Letters End by Wolfe Bowart
6:30pm Friday 7th August 2009

If your mind were a room and your life's memories lost in a jumble of old boxes, what forgotten treasures might you find?

From the creator of the internationally acclaimed productions LaLaLuna and The Shneedles, luminous physical theatre maestro Wolfe Bowart returns with Letter’s End - a whole new box of lunacy that truly pushes the envelope. With his signature mix of circus and theatre, stage illusion, interactive film and physical comedy, Wolfe Bowart has travelled the world enchanting audiences of all ages and nationalities. Fresh from tours of Brazil, Greece, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the UK and multiple nationwide tours of Australia, Bowart returns once again to invite us into the realm of the fantastic. Cut the string, tear open the brown paper wrapping and live a wondrous world rediscovered in Letter’s End.

"There is something instantly appealing about a man who comes on to a stage and looks into space with that utterly forlorn look of bewilderment, resignation and melancholy. You know that you will be mesmerised, and that he will make you laugh, he will make you sigh, and you will be enchanted by his every move" – Wendy Brazil, ArtSound FM

Please visit www.lettersend.com.au to learn more about this unique and truly magical family show.

Tickets $28 / Pension Card $26 / Child <16 $20

Book online here

Rhythm Hunter Presents
Bruce Mathiske's Sizzling Strings
2:00pm Sunday 6th September 2009

Sizzling Strings features the guitar mastery of internationally acclaimed virtuoso guitarist Bruce Mathiske, with his unique style of playing bass, rhythm and melody simultaneously that has led to world wide acclaim and standing ovations. Mathiske has been described by The Sydney Morning Herald as "the authentic guitar virtuoso". The concert will also feature ukulele dynamo Greg Young, and fingerstyle guitarist Rod Vervest. This extraordinary combination of music maestros will spellbind audiences with their stringed excellence.

Bruce Mathiske's fiery fretwork of solo guitar, encompasses a huge range of genres from Swing to Latin, Jazz to African, Folk to Flamenco, Gypsy to Ambient/Landscape and simultaneously playing didgeridoo. You will be taken on a journey with infectious rhythms from far flung corners of his guitar.

"Marvel at the speed of his playing on Nashville Express with its hints of country. Be amused at how, with Slipstreaming and Caribbean Daze, he could easily be a member of Jimmy Buffet's band. And, as he wanders around the region, see how effortlessly he embraces smooth Latin sounds with Havana Nights and the richness of Spain and Mexico with El Martes Gracioso. Mathiske is quite simply, a great guitar player" – Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald

Greg Young has been a guitarist for 40 years, and converted to Ukulele after absorbing himself in various forms of world music. His unique approach to Ukulele incorporating both strumming and picking techniques allows him to have his own distinct style covering genres such as Caribbean, Gypsy, Jazz and Blues, also laying down a vital accompanying role with Bruce..The highlight is the cleverly arranged Guitar/Ukelele duets with both Greg and Bruce exchanging musical phrases.

Rod Vervest is a fingerstyle acoustic guitarist specialising in the "Travis Picking" style which he also utilises to play Jazz, Swing, Ragtime and original material. Rod is regularly invited to perform at WA festivals, with occasional forays East. This has seen him play alongside a host of international players (Mose Scarlett, Tony McManus, Craig Ogden, Pierre Bensusan), Australian guitarists (Tommy Emmanuel, Jeff Lang, Andrew Winton, Nic Charles) and many others. Rod’s current passion is for Gypsy Jazz which he is quietly mastering, and Fingerstyle Ukulele.

Tickets $32.80 / Pension/Senior Card $27.80 / Student Card/Group 10+ $25.80 / Child <17 $17.80

Book online here

City of Albany Presents
Thursday's Child
6:30pm Tuesday 22nd September 2009

Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People is proud to present a world premiere stage adaptation of a classic, award-winning Australian novel, Sonya Hartnett's Thursday's Child. Commissioned by Sydney Theatre Company Education and adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge, and Tim McGarry, Thursday's Child is touring in 2009, taking the best in theatre for young people to remote Australian locations.

Tin Flute is Thursday’s Child and has, as the original nursery rhyme declares, far to go. A curious and lonely boy, Tin's solitary wanderings and strange desire to dig take him away from his family, far beneath the earth and into a self-made labyrinth of subterranean tunnels that he rules and roams by day and night. Above ground his family struggle through the Great Depression, fighting to survive on drought-ridden land. As life on the surface becomes more unsympathetic, Tin’s escape moves deeper into his mysterious world.

Winner of the 2002 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and relayed through the eyes of Tin's sister, Harper, Thursday’s Child explores the spirit of childhood juxtaposed with the struggle of adulthood.

Director Sandra Eldridge says, "Thursday's Child is a tale of fate, of surrendering to destiny, of family and hope, but most of all it’s a tale of memory. Looking back enables us to see the connectedness of the events that shape our lives. It allows us to then understand who we are and gives us the grounding to move forward. The epic tale of Thursday’s Child lends itself beautifully to the theatrical form."

Monkey Baa co-founder, Eva Di Cesare, says, "The Flute family, like so many in rural Australia, are victims of the harsh elements yet their desire to lay a stake in the ground and call their place their own is something that is ingrained in us all."

Thursday's Child is most suitable for young people aged 12+.

Tickets $33 / Pension/Senior Card $29 / Student Card $24 / Child <16 $22

Book online here

Retfar Entertainment Presents
The Rhythms of Ireland
8:00pm Sunday 23rd August 2009
7:30pm Monday 24th August 2009

Following the highly successful and critically acclaimed sell-out Australian tour in 2007, Ireland’s most celebrated show The Rhythms of Ireland return with their awe-inspiring and innovative production to Australia.

The Rhythms of Ireland is a dance and music show which blends the ancient traditions of Irish dance and music, with the innovative and flawlessly choreographed production values of contemporary Irish excellence.

Stars of the calibre of David Moore, lead male soloist of Riverdance (2005-2006), Anthony Street, lead male dancer of Lord of the Dance (2003-2007), Sean Kelliher, lead male soloist of Riverdance (2002-2005) plus a cast of 14 dancers with extensive experience with major Irish international productions thus ensuring a standard of excellence and quality in performance.

Choreographer Michael Donnellan needs no introduction, he is four-times World Irish Dance Champion, former lead male dancer of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. He directed the acclaimed Magic of the Dance.

Music direction by world renowned six-time all Ireland music champions Thomas Johnston and Martin Oconnell.

The Rhythms of Ireland has been critically acclaimed by media worldwide and is simply not to be missed.

Tickets $59.90 / Pension/Senior Card/Group 8+ $49.90 / Student Card/Child <16 $44.90

Book online here

City of Albany Presents
Doug De Vries / Diana Clark Trio
7:30pm Thursday 27th August 2009

Brazilian Jazz – Guitar, Vocals, Piano-Accordion.

Doug De Vries is a jazz musician of world class. He is Australia's foremost experienced and versatile jazz guitarist and composer, excelling in many musical genres from Jazz to Choro, Samba and Bossa Nova; styles that form the basis of Brazilian popular music, and he is also considered Australia's leading exponent of Brazilian guitar repertoire. He is particularly noted for his sophisticated accompaniments, deep knowledge and daring improvisations. Doug has toured widely and performs solo, as well as accompanying vocalists and other instrumentalists internationally.

Working in close association with Doug, Australian singer-songwriter Diana Clark has earned her reputation as a persuasive interpreter of Brazilian Jazz. Diana's beguiling, soothing voice brings to life original songs laced with KD Lang's poise and Nina Simone's depth while mixing English with Portuguese over a bed of guitar and piano. Supported by the sublime piano-accordion of Stephen Grant, Diana's contemporary singing style comes from a Jazz and A cappella music background.

"Melbourne guitarist Doug de Vries has long been revered for his magical playing and willingness and determination to explore new sounds and styles… (His) artistry is eloquent, joyous and exuberant" – Herald Sun

"De Vries and Clark feel the music of Brazil down to their bones. His guitar is full of romance and her voice is so intimate it could make you blush" – Cadence Magazine USA

Tickets $33 / Pension Card $29 / Student Card $22 / Child <17 $20

Book online here

The Great Southern Factor Inc. Presents
Milk (Film, MA)
7:30pm Saturday 29th August 2009

Tickets $15 / Pension/Senior/Student Card $12

Book online here

City of Albany Presents
Dealers Choice by Patrick Marber
8:00pm Saturday 10th October 2009

Winner of Writer's Guild Award for Best West End Play, Winner of the Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy. Written by Patrick Marber, writer of the smash hit films Notes on a Scandal and Closer.

There's no such thing as easy money…

Dealers Choice is much more than just a comedy. It is a compelling story about father-son, relationships, male bravado and a secret window into the world of men. Set in a restaurant after closing time, it’s usually the same old guys and their weekly 'friendly' poker game, but on this particular night there is a ring-in. One last diner guest lurking in the restaurant volunteers to join the game. Unknown to the amateur poker players, he is a tough, uncompromising professional gambler, owed a large sum of money by the restaurant owner’s compulsive son. In the build-up to the inevitable poker game, the men’s lives are revealed and secrets are divulged. Dealer’s Choice crackles with scalding wit and edge-of-your-seat suspense as the stakes are driven to an almost unbearable knife-edge.

Well known veteran actor David Webb plays the boss and heads up a brilliant ensemble cast; David Terry as Sweeney, the man who just can’t say no, Ashley Lyons as Frankie the womaniser, Brendan Clearkin as Ash, the tough professional poker player and John Leary as Mugsy, the mug!!

"Dealers Choice couldn’t have been done any better. It provides the perfect mix of actors, a strong script, wonderful direction and a perfect night of entertainment" – Broadway Australia

"Craig Ilott’s excellent production of Dealer's Choice catches not just the play's humour and macho swagger... but also the fear... Highly recommended" – Sun Herald

Tickets $42 / Pension Card $36 / Student Card $28 / Child <17 $20

Book online here

Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company
Princess Royal Drive, Albany

Stay tuned for the next Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company production.

Spectrum Theatre
Proudlove Parade, Albany

The Spectrum Theatre is a very intimate 67 seat theatre located on the ground floor of the Old Post Office building (now the University of Western Australia Albany Centre) on Proudlove Parade.

Stay tuned for the next Spectrum Theatre production.

Dome Cafe
"Jazz Masala Live at the Dome"
Albany Highway, Albany

Jazz Masala "Live at the Dome Cafe" Concert Series presents visiting and local jazz bands and musicians on a regular basis in a relaxed cafe setting.

The Dome Cafe Albany has a warm friendly atmosphere and is located in the beautifully restored historical Albany Primary School Building on Albany Highway.

Jazz Masala Live at the Dome Cafe Presents
The Darling Buds of May Quintet
7:00pm Saturday 25th July 2009

The Darling Buds of May are an exciting Perth based fresh young quintet that will take us late into the night. With an extensive repertoire comprising many styles of music which include 1920's Dixieland Jazz, 40's and 50's Swing, 50's and 60's Rock and Roll, Brazilian, and some popular music.

Guest dancers from "Simply Swing" dance school (Rockingham) will add to the evening's entertainment.

Meals are available from 6pm, along with wine by the glass or bottle.

Tickets $30

Book online here

Albany Baptist Church
Bethel Way, Albany

Albany Baptist Church is a large venue with plenty of parking and wheelchair access. It is often the location of local band and choral concerts.

The Royal Australian Navy Band Presents
A Charity Concert for the Royal Flying Doctor Service
7:30pm Saturday 1st August 2009

The Western Australian Detachment – Royal Australian Navy Band was inaugurated on the 15th of November 1957 commencing with only 16 members, many of whom supplied their own musical instruments. Today the band comprises 25 members who originate from a variety of non-musical trades and professions and are employed by the Navy on a part time basis.

Throughout the year, the band provides musical support to the Navy and the wider civilian community at many formal and social events. The band regularly supports the activities of RAN bases and ships home ported here in the West and to those of visiting foreign nations. Naval bands are committed to enhancing the positive image of the Royal Australian Navy, and assisting Defence recruiting by being involved in events such as local community festivals, charities, performing at schools and significant public celebrations.

The band incorporates five individual musical ensembles - a marching band, Dixie trad-jazz combo, a swing and show band, contemporary jazz ensemble and as a popular rock band.

The Royal Australian Navy Band Western Australian Detachment are visiting Albany for a special fundraising concert for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and to conduct workshops with local school bands.

Tickets $12 / Senior Card $10 / Student $7

Book online here

The Vancouver Arts Concert Room
Vancouver Arts Centre, Vancouver Street, Albany

The Vancouver Arts Concert Room presents local and visiting musicians on a regular basis in an informal and intimate concert setting for around 100 people.

The Concert Room is within the Vancouver Arts Centre, a heritage listed building less than 1km from the CBD.

Vancouver Arts and Act Belong Commit Present
Jaimi Faulkner
With Special Guest KT White
7:30pm Saturday 4th July 2009

In the back streets of West Brunswick, Jaimi learnt his first lick on his father's beaten-up nylon string guitar at the tender age of eleven. He had been studying piano for the previous four years, but something felt different when he picked up the guitar. "It just felt right, I connected with it straight away" he says with a smile. It was a connection that only grew stronger with time, and now, eleven years later, Jaimi and his guitar front an impressive roots band, play major festivals, and have already produced one full length album. It is still early days, but this ambitious young performer appears to have what it takes to carve out a place for himself on the world stage.

Jaimi has cemented a position as a permanent fixture in his beloved Melbourne music scene and is highly regarded amongst his peers, guitar virtuoso Geoff Achison exclaiming "This guy's going to be a monster!" Faulkner also called upon good friend Mia Dyson and legendary Bluesman Chris Wilson to guest star on a few tracks on his debut album 'Last Light'. "They really added something special to the record, they're just awesome muso's and it's always great to work with them."

The band has been through a few evolutions, but Jaimi is now perfectly accompanied by the tight unit of Nathan Adair on bass, Graeme Pogson on drums and Bill Bilander on Hammond Organ. "These are the best guys I've ever worked with, not only do we gel as musicians but we're also great mates, which is important when you spend so much time rehearsing, gigging and travelling together." Jaimi's passion for his music is such that everyone takes something from the experience of watching him perform, and his range ensures that everyone will find a favourite tune in each set.

Jaimi will be supported by Special Guest KT White from Denmark.

Tickets $20

Book online here

Stay tuned for more great events coming up including:

Call to book your tickets on 9844 2222 and pay by credit card
or drop in to the Town Hall Box Office
9:00am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday

Subscribe to our "E-Newsletter" to receive email updates on new shows at the Town Hall and other Box Office events.
Visit http://lists.albany.wa.gov.au/mailman/listinfo/townhall to subscribe.

You are welcome to email the Town Hall Box Office with any general enquiries:
townhall@albany.wa.gov.au

To view the Albany Town Hall Theatre Seating Plan Click here

The Albany Town Hall Theatre is proudly assisted by these organisations