STEVE McCURRY: THE UNGUARDED MOMENT (AN EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY ASIA 2009
View never before see photographs at this first solo exhibition by Steve McCurry, winner of the prestigious Robert Cappa Gold Medal for 'Best Photographic Reporting from Abroad' Award and the photographer of the iconic Afghan Girl portraits. Presented by Epson.

Where: Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foundation Foyer, 1 Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Till July 19, 1 - 7pm (Mon), 9am - 7pm (Tue - Thu), 9am - 9pm (Fri), 9am - 7pm (Sat & Sun) Admission: Free www.epson.com.sg/stevemccurry and www.monpasia.com.sg

Art

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS (CIRCLE PAINTINGS)
Join this Circle Of Friends to create stunning large-scale paintings designed around the circle theme. Selected community organisations are participating in this fun, interactive event facilitated by United States-based Vietnamese artist Hiep Nguyen.

Where: Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard MRT: City Hall When: Tue - Fri , 9am - 5.30pm Admission: $10 (adult), $5 (students and seniors per hour) Info: Register at circleoffriendssg@live.com

KENA LOE! A SOLO EXHIBITION BY YOGI SETYAWAN
The 15 humorous paintings of Indonesian artist Yogi Setyawan will make you smile as they will remind you of the simple joys and happiness of life.

Where: National Library, Level 8, Promenade, 100 Victoria Street MRT: City Hall/Bugis When: Till July 15, 10am - 9pm daily, except public holidays Admission: Free Tel: 9099-3965 Info: E-mail krisstel@galerieeve.com

BLOSSOMS AND SENTIMENTS
This showcase of watercolour on paper and lithography paintings by local artist Chou Leng as well as Chinese artists He Wenjue and Li Wenfeng depict traditions and new hope.

Where: Pan Pacific Singapore, Public Art Space, Level 2, 7 Raffles Bouelevard, Marina Square MRT: City Hall When: Till Aug 17, 10.30am - 6.30pm (Mon - Sat), 11am - 5pm (Sun) Admission: Free Tel: 6721-8888

Audition

SINGAPORE'S GOT TALENTS?
This new talent audition is meant for those talented in singing, dancing, acting, tumbling and more. Successful applicants can get partial to full scholarships for training plus performance opportunities. Held by Ecnad, a contemporary dance company.

Tel: Call 6226-6404 for details. Info: E-mail education@ecnad.org

Charity

FEEL GOOD MARTINIS
Drink the Crossroad Martini concocted by the funky new warehouse-style KPO, housed at the former Killiney Post Office, and private club Quintessentially and 50 per cent of the proceeds from each Martini will go to the Rainbow Children's Home charity.

Where: KPO (3 Killiney Road MRT: Somerset & Quintessentially, High Street Centre 06 -31, 1 North Bridge Road MRT: City Hall/Clarke Quay When: Till July 1, 10am - 6pm (Mon - Fri only) Admission: Free Tel: 6733-9400 (KPO), 6511-1199 (Quintessentially) Info: Quintessentially will also accept donations of items, such as stationary, clothing, toys and books for children

Classical

16TH SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL 2009
The stars of this year's festival are Vladimir Feltsman, Nikolai Demidenko, Pascal Roge and Yevgeny Sudbin. Each of them presents a recital built around one or more pieces by Chopin, covering a wide spectrum of masterworks from Bach to Prokofiev.

Where: Victoria Concert Hall, Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Thu - Sun , 8pm (Thu : Vladimir Feltsman, Fri : Nikolai Demidenko, Sat : Pascal Roge and Sun : Yevgeny Sudbin) Admission: $21 -$48 Tel: 6348-5555

Contest

BOTAK JONES 'MASSIVE BURGER EATING CONTEST'
Gobble down a 220g Botak Massive Sunrise Burger in the fastest time at this Massive Burger Eating Contest and you might win a three-day stay at Bintan Lagoon. The contest is being held at all the 11 Botak Jones outlets here.

Where: Botak Jones, Toa Payoh, 2nd Street Cafetaria, 790A Toa Payoh North MRT: Braddell, When: Tue , 7.30pm Where: Botak Jones, Bukit Batok, Block 233, Bukit Batok Avenue 5 When: Thu , 7.30pm Where: Botak Jones, Block 412, Bedok North Avenue 2 MRT: Bedok When: Fri, 7.30pm & other Botak Jones outlets at various dates Admission: $10 entry fee Tel: 6288-2949

Info: The final will be held at the Toa Payoh outlet on July 15 at 7.30pm. Take note that the Botak Massive Sunrise Burger comprises a pure beef burger with sliced Canadian streaky bacon, four slices of cheddar chees and two eggs fried sunny side up. Visit www.botakjones.com

SKIP-A-DANCE WITH MILO
Skip your way to the top prize of $1,500 worth of cash and products in this contest held in conjunction with the Health & You exhibition organised by The Straits Times Mind Your Body health supplement and Lianhe Zaobao Lohas health page.

Where: Suntec Singapore, Halls 401 -403 MRT: City Hall When: July 11, 3 - 4.30pm (Semi-Final)& July 12, 3 - 4.30pm (Final) Admission: Free

Info: E-mail mkghealthandyou@sph.com.sg with the name of the group, number of participants in the group from a minimum of two to a maximum of eight, name of the leader and contact number, indicating Skip-A-Dance With Milo as your e-mail subject. Closing date: Mon at midnight on Mon )

HEALTH HARMONY FAMILY SINGING COMPETITION
Join this two-generation family singing competition and you and your family could win the top cash prize of $1,000. Organised by The Straits Times Mind Your Body health supplement and Lianhe Zaobao Lohas health page.

Where: Suntec Singapore Halls 401 - 403 MRT: City Hall When: July 11, 4.30 - 6pm (Semi-Final) & July 12, 4.30 - 6pm (Final) Admission: Free

Info: Group member smust be from the samwe family and include two generations such as mother and son and grandfather and granddaughter (documents are required for verification). E-mail mkghealthandyou@sph.com.sg with your name, contact number, number of participants in the group and relationship and the song title, indicating 'Healthy Harmony' as your e-mail subject. Closing day: midnight on Mon

Dance

GARDEN AFFAIR 013: BIRD CALL
This dance which explores the co-existence between humans and birds in the dense urban environment is choreographed by Elysa Wendi and playwright Ng Yi Sheng.

Where: Garden Studio, Cairnhill Arts Centre, 126 Cairnhill Road, 01-07/09 MRT: Newton When: Thu & Fri (, 8.30pm Admission: Free Tel: 6238-6469 Info: tafcl@singnet.com.sg

Encore!

AH! SI J'ETAIS RICHE (IF I WERE A RICH MAN) (SCREENING) (M18) (FRANCE)
Directed by Gerard Bitton and Michel Munz, this film is about a travelling salesman who discovers that his wife is cheating on him on the day that he wins a big Lotto prize. In French with English subtitles.

Where: Alliance Francaise theatre, 1 Sarkies Road MRT: Newton When: June 30, 8pm Admission: $6.10 (Alliance Francaise member), $8.20 (non-member) Tel: 6348-5555

ERASED (VISUAL ARTS)
French photographer Bertrand Meunier has created a montage of his black-and-white photographs snapped in China in the mid-2000s. Part of Month of Photography Asia.

Where: Alliance Francaise, SG Private Banking Gallery, 1 Sarkies Road MRT: Newton When: Till July 18, 11am - 7pm (Mon - Fri), 11am - 5pm (Sat), closed on Sun Admission: Free Info: www.alliancefrancaise.org.sg and www.phish-comms.com

CHANGING ASIA (VISUAL ARTS)
A showcase of 26 works by eight French and Chinese photographers documenting the changing social and geographic landscape of China and India. Part of Month of Photography Asia.

Where: Alliance Francaise, SG Private Banking Gallery, 1 Sarkies Road MRT: Newton When: Till July 18, 11am - 7pm (Mon - Fri), 11am - 5pm (Sat), closed on Sun Admission: Free Info: www.alliancefrancaise.org.sg and www.phish-comms.com

THE VENICE CARNIVAL UP CLOSE
View photographs of the 2008 & 2009 Venice Carnival by photographer Foong Lian Fey at this this exhibition.

Where: Bistro Senso @ Singapore Flyer MRT: City Hall When: Till June 30, 10.30am - 10.30pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6479-2445

VAN GOGH - BRUSH WITH GENIUS, AN IMAX MOVIE (FRANCE)
Relive Vincent Van Gogh's life journey through his letters and see the places that inspired him and the paintings at this IMAX movie.

Where: Omni-Theatre, 21 Jurong Town Hall Road MRT: Chinese Garden/Jurong East When: Till Oct 9, 1, 3, 5 & 8pm Admission: $10 (adult), $7 (senior citizens aged 55 and above), $5 (child aged three to 12) Tel: 6425-2500 Info: www.omnitheatre.com.sg

DA VINCI: THE GENIUS (ITALY)
This world acclaimed exhibition from Italy features studies of Leonard Da Vinci's most famous Renaissance art, anatomical sketches and 3D animations of The last Supper, Vitruvian Man and Mona Lisa, including new secrets.

Where: Science Centre, The Annexe 15 Science Centre Road MRT: Jurong East When: Till Aug 16, 10am - 6pm (Tue - Sun), closed on Mon except school holidays and public holidays Admission: $15 (adult), $10 (child aged three to 16) Tel: 6425-2500 Info: www.davincithegenius.com

Film

I LOVE MALAYA (PG) + BROTHER NUMBER 2 (PG) & SAMPLIFY! TALKBACK SESSION
I Love Malaya is about Chin Peng, leader of the Malaysian Communist Party. Brother No. 2 is a documentary that gives voice to some of the survivors from the bloody regime of the Khmer Rouge. There will also be a dialogue session with Eunice Lau, co-director of both films, and Jason Lai, co-director of Brother No. 2.

Where: Sinema Old School, B1- 12, 11N Mount Sophia MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Wed , 8pm Admission: $10 (talkback session) Tel: 6336-9707 Info: www.sinema.sg/oldschool

Info: I Love Malay is directed by Chan Kah Mei, Christopher Len, Ho Choon Hiong, Eunice Lau and Wang Eng Eng while Brother No. 2 is directed by Eunice Lau and Jason Lai. There will be a dialogue session with Lau, the co-diector of the two films and Lai, the co-director of Brother No. 2.

Gig

EURASIANA, A MUSICAL TRIBUTE
Singapore's top Eurasian musicians, such as pianist Jeremy Monteiro, his singer sister Claressa, and singers Vernon Cornelius and John Molina, perform at this concert. They are accompanied by the Singapore Pop Orchestra conducted by Iskandar Ismail under the artistic direction of Dick Lee. The hosts are hosts include Brian Richmond, Eunice Olsen and Andrea De Cruz. Organised by the People's Association and the Eurasian Association.

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Fri & Sat, 7.30pm Admission: $21 - $53 Tel: 6348-5555

BEING NGAK & CLEMENT
Local singers, Ngak and Clement, whose songs were heard in the Singapore hit movies, 881 and 12 Lotus, will perform a blend of emo rock, R & B and jazz, accompanied by Christine Sham (keyboards), Melvin Wong (bass) and Jeremy Yeo (drums and percussions). Part of Late Nite @ Esplanade.

Where: Esplanade Recital Studio MRT: City hall When: Fri , 9.30pm Admission: $28 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: www.esplanade.com

Holidays

SCENIC EXPLORER - SURVEILLANCE BALLOON
This workshop will enable students aged six to 15 to get an aerial view of the soundings though designing a light-weight camera holder.

Where: Dover Community Centre MRT: Dover When: Wed ), 9.30am - noon Admission: $26 (member), $32 (Non-member) Tel: 6777-0976 (2- 10pm) Info: www.pa.gov.sg

SCHOOL'S OUT! PROMOTION
Children only pay $1 for every year of their age when they dine at Parkroyal On Beach Road's Plaza Brasserie during the school holidays this month.

Where: Parkroyal on Beach Road, Plaza Brasserie, Beach Road MRT: Bugis When: Till June 30, noon - 2.30pm (lunch from Mon - Fri), noon - 3pm (lunch on Sat & Sun), 6 - 10pm (dinner) Admission: $32 (lunch), $38 - $39.80 (dinner) Tel: 6505-5710 Info: There is a Hainanese food fare till Sun .

THE AMAZING SINGAPOREAN FAMILY RACE 09
Hop into your car and join this Amazing Singapore Family Race to find clues and answer questions as a family and you might win the top prize of a stay at Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali worth $4,500 plus $500 cash.

Where: Leisure Park Kallang MRT: Kallang When: Sat, 7am - 1.30pm Admission: $50 per car ($10 will be donated to the Children's Cancer Foundation) Tel: 6235-2591 Info: Submit your name, identity card number, contact number and number of participants and e-mail address together with your crossed cheque to kids World Media Pte Ltd, 30 east Coast Road 03 -14, Singapore 428751. Visit www.parentsworld.com.sg or e-mail asfr2009@wheelsforfun.com.sg

Magic

THE IMPOSSIBLE RECORD
Singapore illusionists JC Sum and 'Magic Babe' Ning will attempt to perform 15 grand illusions in five minutes. The illusions include vanishing, teleporting and dissection. Part of the closing celebrations of the nine-day long Singapore River Festival.

Where: Central Promenade by the Singapore River MRT: Clarke Quay When: Sat, 9.30pm Admission: Free Info: The event will be submitted to the Guinness World Records. www.jcsum.com/record.html

'MAGICAL WONDER WITH BIRDS' BY PRISCILLA KHONG
Enjoy jaw-breaking acts and stunts at this one-night only performance by local celebrity illusionist, Priscilla Khong, which incloudes her famous Umbrella Routine and Disappearing Act.

Where: Jurong Bird Park, Pools Amphitheatre, 2 Jurong Hill Road MRT: Boon Lay/Jurong East When: Sat, 7.30 - 8.10pm Admission: $24 (adult) and $12 (child) for the Magic Bundle comprising magic show and park entry), $12 (adult) & $6 (child) for magic show alone Info: Visit http://www.birdpark.com.sg/whatsup/MagicalWonderWithBirds.html for information and to book online

Singapore River Fest

MILESTONES/MILESTONES DOUBLE BILL CONCERT
The Milestones music event at the River Promenade in front of Timbre @ The Arts House pays tribute to Singapore music from the 1970s to the present, featuring musicians from the different eras. You can also shop at the Milestones Market, which offers vintage and nouvelle vintage merchandise by the riverside. Organised by Timbre Music.

Where: River Promenade in front of Timbre @ The Arts House, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Tue - Fri, from 6pm (Milestones) Admission: Free Where: River Promenade in front of Timbre @ The Arts House When: Sat (Milestones Double Bill Concert) Admission: $42, including one free drink Tel: 6332-6919 Info: www.timbre.com.sg

Talk

LET'S TALK ABOUT HIV/AIDS
Find out more about the prevalence of HIV, the mode of transmission and legal issues relating to HIV at this session facilitated by Dr Mary Stewart, a public health specialist and trainers (Action for Aids).

Where: Women's Initiative for Ageing Successfully, Junction 8 Office Tower 06 -05, 9 Bishan Place MRT: Bishan When: Mon, 2 - 3pm Admission: dpnate $2 Tel: 6250-1012 Info: Registration is open to women in their 40s and above only.

WHY BUDDHISM AND NOT HINDUISM?
What is the role of Indians in the early transmission of Buddhism to China and why did Hinduism, unlike Buddhism, fail to penetrate the Chinese society? Find out more at this lecture by Dr Tansen Sen, a visiting senior research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Singapore and head of the recently established Nalanda-Sriwijaya Centre here.

Where: Asian Civilisations Museum, Ngee Ann Auditorium, Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Tue, 7pm Admission Free Tel: 6778-0955 Info: Registration is required. R.S.V.P by e-mailing nhb_acm_rpu@nhb.gov.sg. Admission charges to the galleries apply

OUTLOOK FOR THE TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRIES
What are the major current issues, emerging traends and future prospects of the tourism and hotel industries here? Find out at this seminar by the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) and the Real Estate Developers Association, Singapore (REDAS).

Where: York Hotel, off Scotts Road MRT: Orchard When: June 30, 9am - 1pm Admission: $250 nett for members of the Singapore Hotel Association and the Real Estate Developers Association of Singapore (REDAS), $300 (non-members) Tel: 6336-6655 Info: The closing date: Tue. Cheques should be made payable to REDAS Com Pte Ltd and mailed to 190 Clemenceau Avenue 07 -01, Singapore Shopping centre, Singapore 239924. E-mail peilin@redas.com

Theatre

SHORT & SWEET SINGAPORE 2009
It's bite-sized theatre with attitude. Catch 40 ten-minute plays in English and Mandarin ranging from wedding disasters to botched burglaries and whodunnits showcasing some of the best playwrights, directors and actors in town at this Short & Sweet Singapore Festival.

Where: Lasalle College of the Arts, Flexible Performance Space, Bencoolen Street MRT: Bugis, When: Wed - July 12, 8pm (English Top 30) Where: The Arts House, Play Den, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, MRT: Raffles Place When: July 1 - 5 (Mandarin 10) Admission: $28, Tel: 6332-6919 Info: tickets@toph.com.sg

Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio MRT: City Hall When: July 16 - 18, 8pm (Gala Finals) Admission: $38 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: Buy one ticket for each week of the English Top 30 and get a discount of $5. Visit www.sistic.com.sg

DON'T FORGET TO REMEMBER ME
A thought-provoking play by The Necessary Stage which portrays the trials and tribulations of people suffering from dementia. Written by Haresh Sharma, directed by Alvin Tan and commissioned by the Health Promotion Board. The cast includes Karen Tan, Timothy Nga and Rodney Oliveiro.

Where: Various venues When: Till Sept 26, 7 - 8pm Admission: Free Tel: 9726-1281 Info: E-mail hpb_mhe@hbp.gov.sg to register. Visit www.healthymind.sg

Web

THE STAR BLOGGERS
The Star Bloggers discuss the latest topics in their inimitable way.

Info: Visit www.stomp.com.sg/starblog to read their takes

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

Listings on this page are free. Write to Life!Events, Life!, The Straits Times, Podium Level 2, 1000 Toa Payoh North, Singapore 318994, e-mail stlife@sph.com.sg or fax 6319-8276 at least two weeks ahead.

Include the name of the event, organiser, venue, date and time, ticket prices and nearest MRT station, as well as your name, address and contact number. Send pictures if you have any. We reserve the right to edit or reject items submitted