TODAY'S top pick

OCHRE DREAMING: STORIES FROM THE EAST KIMBERLEY
An exhibition of natural ochre artworks by established and emerging aboriginal artists from the Warmun Art Centre in Western Australia.

Where: ReDot Gallery, 11 Everton Road MRT: Outram When: Till July 4, noon - 7pm (Tue - Sat), by appointment on Sun & Mon Admission: Free Tel: 8189-6405 Info: alessandra@redotgallery.com

Art

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS (CIRCLE PAINTINGS)
Join a circle of friends to create large-scale paintings designed around the circle theme. Selected community organisations will also participate in this 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

SINGAPORE ART SHOW 2009 (CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS)
The National Arts Council and Singapore Art Museum invite visual arts submissions from Singapore and Singapore-based artists for the Singapore Art Show 2009. The best submission will receive the Singapore Art Exhibition prize comprising a $50,000 grant to be used for professional development through residences, further studies or training, and for the creation and/or presentation of new projects and works. The theme of this year's art exhibition is Art Buffet Singapore!.

Tel: 6332-3222 Info: Download application forms from singart.com and send completed forms to Singapore Art Exhibition Submission c/o Miss Stella Lim, Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Raod, Singapore 189555 with relevant images and documents by June 30

VIB-RA-FON
This solo exhibition by Australian artist Tony Twigg featuring more than 15 of his artworks, depict his fascination with space.

Where: Taksu Singapore, Block 43 Workloft@Chip Bee, 02-74 Jalan Merah Saga, Holland Village MRT: Buona Vista When: Till July 18, 10am - 7pm (Mon - Sat), by appointment on Sun and public holidays Admission: Free Tel: 6476-4788 Info: E-mail sing@taksu.com and visit www.taksu.com

Audition

SINGAPORE'S GOT TALENTS?
Susan Boyle wannabes can join this talent audition for those gifted in singing, dancing, acting, tumbling and more. Successful applicants can get a partial to full scholarship for training plus performance opportunities. Held by Ecnad, a contemporary dance company.

Where: Ecnad, Telok Ayer Performing Arts Centre, 04-07, 182 Cecil Street MRT: Raffles Place/Tanjong Pagar When: Thu, 7.30pm Admission: Free Tel: 6226-6404 Info: E-mail education@ecnad.org or visit www.ecnad.ecnad.org

Charity

FEEL GOOD MARTINIS
Drink the Crossroad Martini concocted by 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 (former Killiney Post Office), 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 stationery, 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 will present 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. Visit www.botakjones.com

SPROUTS: NEW WORKS PLATFORM FOR BUDDING CHOREOGRAPHERS
The winning choreographer with the Most Promising Work will receive a $2,000 cash prize and a chance to present a new work at the final showcase of the next edition in 2010. The Best Dance will receive a $500 cash prize.

Info: Download registration forms from www.nac.gov.sg or www.dansing.org.sg. Submit entries by July 23 and short-listed entries will be announced on July 31. The competition wil culminate in a final showcase of eight works at Victoria Theatre on Oct 3.

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 scripted by 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, which gives you a close encounter with the artist and his masterpieces.

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 10) Tel: 6425-2500 Info: www.omnitheatre.com.sg

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.

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

CAI XIAO HU CONCERT 2009
Sing along to the popular karaoke hits of Cai Xiao Hu, who has been crowned 'King of Hokkien Pop'. His best hits have been picked as the theme songs for popular dramas.

Where: Suntec City Mall, Rock Auditorium MRT: City Hall When: Sat, 8pm Admission: $51 - $101 Tel: 6348-5555

Holidays

SCENIC EXPLORER - SURVEILLANCE BALLOON
This workshop will enable students aged six to 15 design a light-weight camera holder with a balloon.

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 need 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: June 27, 7am - 1.30pm Admission: $50 per car ($10 will be donated to the Children's Cancer Foundation) Tel: 6235-2591

Info: Submit your namem 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 a world-record breaking 15 grand illusions in five minutes. They will make themselves appear, vanish, teleport, exchange places, dissect their bodies, pass through solid objects, make a motorcyle appear and more at 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
Catch jaw-dropping stunts at this one-night only performance by local celebrity illusionist Priscilla Khong which includes 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

Museum

STEVE McCURRY: THE UNGUARDED MOMENT (AN EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY ASIA 2009
View never before seen 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' portrait. 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 9Fri), 9am - 7pm (Sat & Sun) Admission: Free www.epson.com.sg/stevemccurry and www.monpasia.com.sg

Singapore River Fest

MILESTONES/MILESTONES DOUBLE BILL CONCERT
Catch the Milestones music event at the River Promenade fronting Timbre @ The Arts House which pays tribute to four eras of Singapore music from the 1970s to the present and features musicians from Singapore's music heyday of the 1970s till the present. You can also shop at a Milestones Market offering 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 onwards (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.theartshouse.com.sg. The artistes lined up include Peter Diaz, October Cherrie and the 1970s Tribute Band on Tuesday (music from the 1970s), Robert Fernando, Gypsy and Tokyo Square (music from the 1980s) on Wednesday, Concave Scream, Force Vomit, watchmen featuring Kevin Mathews (music from the 1990s) on Thu and Blues Train, West Grand Boulevard and Goodfellas (current music) next Fri. There will be a Milestones Double Bill with international artistes such as Lorraine Ayensu Trio from Britain and renowned Cuban pianist Nachito Herrera on Sat followed by a jam by Jack and Rai and their favourite musicians.

Sports

FITNESS@WORK
Join this free after work exercise programme organised by the Health Promotion Board at various locations around town.

Where: Toa Payoh Central Amphitheatre MRT: Toa Payoh When: Every Tue Where: UOB Plaza, Singapore River Promenade MRT: Raffles Place When: Wed & every Wed each week, 6.30 - 7.30pm Where: National Library Building, Level 1, The Plaza, Victoria Street MRT: City Hall/Bugis When: Every Thu, 6.30 - 7.30pm Admission: Free Tel: 6435-3012 Info: Visit www.hpb.gov.sg

Talk

WHY BUDDHISM AND NOT HINDUISM?
What was the role of Indians in the early transmission of Buddhism to China? 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. He is also the Associate Professor of Asian history and religions at the City University of New York in the United States.

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
Check out the major current issues, emerging traends and future prospects of the tourism and hotel industries here 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
Expect bite-sized theatre with attitude. Catch 40 10-minute plays in English and Mandarin about everything from wedding disasters to botched burglaries by some of the best playwrights, directors and actors in town at the return of 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 REAL SINGAPORE
Want to know the real Singapore? Go to Singapore Seen for local content that affects you.

Info: Visit singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singaporeseen/index.jsp

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

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