TODAY'S top pick

CHINESE FOLK FAVOURITES
Chinese singer Zhang Yan will perform popular folk classics such as Heaven's Road, Tibetan Plateau and The Wandering Songstress.

Where: Esplanade Recital Studio MRT: City Hall When: Today, 10.30am & 3pm Admission: $13 (includes coffee & tea before the show) Tel: 6348-5555

Art

THE ENERGY WITHIN
Indonesian artist Diah Yulianti is inspired by her native Kalimantan to depict in her paintings the connections between an individual and his environment.

Where: Galerie Waterton, 02-01 Tanjong Pagar Distripark (access by passenger lift 5), 39 Keppel Road MRT: HarbourFront When: Till July 19, 1 - 7pm (Thu & Fri), 10am - 7pm (Sat & Sun), by appointment on other days Admission: Free Tel: 9783-2144

RESUSCITATION
An art and fashion exhibition by Jonathan Seow featuring photography, live presentations, sounds and clothing objects.

Where: 72-13 Mohamed Sultan Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut/Clarke Quay When: Till Wed, noon - 8pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6737-7213 Info: www.72-13.com

VIB-RA-FON
A solo exhibition by Australian artist Tony Twigg, depicting his fascination with space.

Where: Taksu Singapore, Block 43, 02-74 Workloft@Chip Bee, Jalan Merah Saga, Holland Village MRT: Buona Vista When: Till July 18, 10am - 7pm (Mon - Sat), by appointment on Sun Admission: Free Tel: 6476-4788

PULP STORIES II
A tribute to the monumental and complex pulp works of American contemporary art giants James Rosenquist and Frank Stella.

Where: Singapore Tyler Print Institute, 41 Robertson Quay MRT: Clarke Quay When: Till July 11, 10am - 6pm (Tue - Sat), by appointment on Mon, closed on Sun Admission: Free Tel: 6336-3663 Info: www.stpi.com.sg

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

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

FREE SPIRITS A(R)T PLAY
An exhibition by six Filipino illustrators based in Singapore, including Frances Alcaraz, Beth Parrocha-Doctolero and Paul Eric Roca.

Where: Royal Plaza On Scotts, Art Space, Scotts Road MRT: Orchard When: Till Tue, 10am - 7pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 9734-4839

Charity

BOOK DONATION DRIVE
The Sony Group of companies in Singapore will be conducting a book donation drive till the end of the month. Give new or used English children's books to the South Africa Mobile Library Project.

Where: Sony Style Store, 04-08 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road MRT: Orchard When: Till July 31, 11am - 10pm daily Tel: 6238-1825

PAYING TRIBUTE TO SAMSUI WOMEN
Buy hand-stitched items ranging from keychains to door-stoppers celebrating the samsui women who contributed to Singapore's development. All items are made by old folks at the Tiong Bahru Befrienders Service, special-needs youths, abused mothers and maids.

Where: Museum Shop by Banyan Tree, Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Ongoing, 1 - 7pm (Mon), 9am - 7pm (Tue - Sun), 9am - 9pm (Fri) Where: Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road MRT: City Hall When: Ongoing, 10am - 7pm daily Where: National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, 01-03 MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Ongoing, 10am - 7pm (Mon - Thu & Sun), 10am - 8pm (Fri & Sat) Where: Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street

'THE THINGS I LOVE' REGIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION AT SINGAPORE SUN FESTIVAL 2009
A competition to promote greater appreciation and enjoyment of the arts in Asia. Submissions must be picturesque and have to tell a story.

Info: Submit your entries to www.singaporesunfestival.com by Sept 15. Prizes include a professional commission worth $8,000 to photograph a travel destination for Insight Guides, a Nikon D90 kit with 18-105mm VR worth $1,988 and a Nikon D60 kit with 18-55mm VR worth $988.

WIN ADELAIDE VACATIONS AND CASH
Buy any F&N Magnolia products and get the chance to win a trip for two to Adelaide and $5,000 spending money. Simply spend a minimum of $5 in a single receipt.

Info: Contest is on till Aug 16. Download the entry form from www.magnolia.com.sg

BOTAK JONES BURGER EATING CONTEST
Gobble down a 220g Botak Massive Sunrise Burger as quickly as you can and you could win the top prize of a three-day stay at Bintan Lagoon.

Where: Block 80, Stall 7, Marine Parade Central MRT: Eunos When: Tue, 7.30pm Where: 30 Woodlands Avenue 1 (Kopitiam), Stalls 2/3 MRT: Woodlands When: Wed, 7.30pm Admission: $10 entry fee for the contest Tel: 6288-2949 Info: The finals will be held at 970A Toa Payoh North on July 15 at 7.30pm. Go to www.botakjones.com

DEEPA RAAGA (THE GLOBAL DEEPAVALI SONGWRITING CONTEST)
Tamil songwriters stand to win the top prize of RM25,000 (S$10,300) in the world's first Deepavali songwriting contest. Organised by Chakravartty Club of Malaysia.

Info: Submit your first round entries by July 15. Visit www.DeepaRaaga.com, tel: 02-03-7781-7502 (Deepa Raaga Secretariat)

SPROUTS: NEW WORKS PLATFORM FOR BUDDING CHOREOGRAPHERS
Emerging dance choreographers now have the opportunity to take their ideas to the stage and win cash prizes in this new national competition that celebrates originality and creativity of choreographic concepts. Co-presented by the National Arts Council and Frontier Danceland.

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

SINGAPORE BLOG AWARDS (OMY CONTEST)
Bloggers and people who vote in the contest stand to win more than $20,000 worth of prizes, including mobile phones and overseas hotel accommodation packages.

Info: Visit sgblogawards.omy.sg by July 31 to vote for the top winners in the 10 categories of the Singapore Blog Awards organised by omy - a bilingual news and interactive web portal by Singapore Press Holdings.

24-HOUR PLAYWRITING COMPETITION
A cash prize of $700 awaits each of the winners of the youth and open categories. Organised by TheatreWorks Writers' Laboratory and the South East Community Development Council.

Where: Marina Barrage, 260 Marina Way MRT: City Hall When: July 18, 4pm - July 19, 4pm Admission: $25 (youth category for those aged 15 to 18), $35 (open category for those aged 19 & above) Info: www.theatreworks.org.sg

Encore!

AN ENCHANTING EVENING WITH LES PETITS CHANTEURS DE MONACO (THE LITTLE SINGERS OF MONACO)
This 31-strong boys' choir, dubbed the little singing ambassadors of Monaco, will perform sacred music, works of early master composers such as Mendelssohn and Mozart, songs from Monaco as well as Andrew Lloyd Webber compositions. In aid of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Student Relief Fund for financially challenged students.

Where: Victoria Concert Hall, Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Tue & Wed, 8pm Admission: $28 - $63 Tel: 6348-5555

TANGUY (PG)
Part of a line-up of French films in celebration of French cinema. The parents of a 28-year-old university teacher concoct a hilarious plan to make him move out on his own. Directed by Etienne Chatiliez. With English subtitles.

Where: Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Hill MRT: Tanjong Pagar/Outram When: Tue, 8pm Admission: $20 Tel: 6221-1694 Info: info@screeningroom.com.sg

WHATEVER YOU SAY (NC-16)
The assistant of the host of an exploitative talk show has an idea for a new show, but his boss steals the credit for it. He decides to go to the top man with the truth, but finds himself in over his head. Stars Diane Kruger, with English subtitles.

Where: Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Hill MRT: Tanjong Pagar/Outram When: Wed, 8pm Admission: $20 Tel: 6221-1694 Info: info@screeningroom.com.sg

Festival

NIGHT FESTIVAL
An outdoor extravaganza of theatrical performances with live music and dance, as well as interactive light installations created in and around the Bras Basah precinct. Singapore act Bersama Hijau will kick things off with a performance featuring dance, percussion and vocals by 80 performers.

Where: National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, The Peranakan Museum, The Substation, Singapore Management University Campus Green, Stamford Green & Stamford Road When: Fri - Sat, 7.30pm - 2am Admission: Free Info: www.nationalmuseum.sg

COSFEST VIII: A VERY HAPPY EVENT
Cosplay, short for 'costume roleplay', is essentially play-acting in costumes based on characters ranging from anime and manga to science fiction and horror. Winners of Cosfest VIII, the Singapore round of the World Cosplay Summit, will go on to Japan to compete. Their accommodation, food and airfares will be paid for. Jointly organised by NTUC Club and Singapore Cosplay Club.

Where: D'Marquee @ Downtown East MRT: Pasir Ris When: Sat & Sun, 2 - 6pm Admission: Free Info: www.cosfest.com

Gig

THE ANSWER IS... STEFANIE SUN WORLD TOUR
Singapore's reigning Mandopop queen will perform in futuristic costumes.

Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium MRT: Kallang When: July 11, 8pm Admission: $81 - $171 Tel: 6348-5555 SYF @

NGEE ANN CITY
Celebrate the gifts of Singapore youth as schools showcase their talents during the Singapore Youth Festival performances.

Where: Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza MRT: Orchard When: Sat & Sun, 4 - 6pm Admission: Free Tel: 6733-0337 Info: www.ngeeanncity.com.sg

THE LEGENDS OF DRUMS BY THE PERCUSSION ASSEMBLY
Under the baton of Quek Ling Kiong, the percussion assembly performs pieces such as Tiger Grinding Its Teeth, Dragon Dancing And Tiger Leaping, and The Rodent's Wedding. This performance is part of the National Arts Council's Arts For All Community Engagement Plan.

Where: Jurong Green Community Club MRT: Lakeside When: Sat, 7.30 - 8.30pm Admission: Free (refreshments at $2 a person are available) Info: www.nac.gov.sg

Museum

SINGAPORE COINS AND NOTES MUSEUM
This new museum has themed galleries featuring currency, from the earliest objects used for barter trade to the latest polymer notes.

Where: 2 Trengganu Street, 03-00/04-00 MRT: Chinatown When: Ongoing, 10am - 8pm daily Admission: $10 (adult), $6 (for children, students and senior citizens 60 years & above). Group packages available on request Tel: 6222-2486 Info: www.singaporemint.com

PRODUCTS OF IMAGINATION
A showcase of chairs, textiles and sculptures by Danish designer Verner Panton, whose works are colourful, imaginative and forward-looking.

Where: National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Till July 12, 10am - 6pm daily Admission: $6 (adults), $3 (senior citizens), free for students Info: www.nationalmuseum.sg

PROVERBIAL IN(TER)VENTIONS: RATNADEEP GOPAL ADIVREKAR
The Indian contemporary artist interprets proverbs in this exhibition.

Where: NUS Museum, University Cultural Centre, National Museum of Singapore, Kent Ridge Crescent MRT: Clementi When: Till July 26, 10am - 7.30pm (Tue - Sat), 10am - 6pm (Sun), closed on Mon Admission: Free Tel: 6516-8817

BABA BLING: THE PERANAKANS & THEIR JEWELLERY
An exhibition of jewellery from the late 19th century to the early 20th century from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Featuring contributions from Peranakan families and private collectors.

Where: Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street MRT: City Hall When: Till Dec 13, 1 - 7pm (Mon), 9.30am - 7pm (Tue - Sun), till 9pm on Fri Admission: $6 (adults), $3 (children, students & senior citizens aged 60 & above) Tel: 6332-7591 Info: www.peranakanmuseum.sg

THE P.9000 MOVEMENTS BY OFFICINE PANERAI
This exhibition is making its only Asian stop here. A rare opportunity for watch enthusiasts to view special pieces from Panerai's Manifattura Collection.

Where: Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foundation Foyer, 1 Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Wed - Thu, 11am - 6pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-7798

Nightlife

THE BLACK AND WHITE TRIBUTE PARTY: YELLO JELLO AND GOLD 90.5FM REMEMBER MICHAEL JACKSON
Fans who grew up listening to Michael Jackson can relive their memories at this thematic tribute party hosted by Gold 90.5FM's DJs including veterans such as Brian Richmond and Hamish Brown. The first 150 party-goers that come dressed in either complete black or complete white ensemble will receive two drink coupons, a special Michael Jackson poster, courtesy of Sony Music, and a candle for the candlelighting ceremony to remember the passing of a great icon. Those who come dressed like Michael Jackson and the best dress-up or look-alike will stand to win a bottle of champagne compliments of Yello Jello and a hamper from SONY Music.

Where: Yello Jello, The Cannery, Clarke Quay MRT: Clarke Quay When: Wed (July 8), 8pm Admission: Free Tel: 6887- 3733 Info: www.yellojello.sg

Shopping

GAMES OF GLORY
Spend $20 at The Heeren Shops and you can play two Asian Youth Games-related games - basketball and table tennis. The shopper with the highest score stand to win $200 worth of shopping vouchers from the shopping mall or air tickets from Firefly worth $280.

Where: The Heeren Shops, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard/Somerset When: Till Wed, 10am - 11pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6738-4388

SPH SHOP & WIN
Spend a minimum of $30 in a single receipt at any participating outlet at Paragon during the Great Singapore Sale and you could drive away a Subaru car.

Where: Paragon Shopping Centre, Orchard Road MRT: Somerset/Orchard When: Till July 26, 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Info: To participate in the draw, SMS your entry to 77877 in this format: SPHGSSNRICdate of purchaseamount spentplace of purchase. Mastercard shoppers simply key in 'Mastercard' at the end of the SMS

FOX END-OF-SEASON SALE

Where: All Fox outlets When: Thu - July 19 Tel: 6309-1200 Info: www.foxfashion.sg

Show

HEALTH & YOU EXHIBITION
Get free health screenings, play table-tennis, basketball and soccer, enjoy giveaways and more at the biggest health and wellness event here. Presented by Nestle and organised by The Straits Times Mind Your Body supplement and Lianhe Zaobao Lohas health page.

Where: Suntec Singapore, Halls 401 - 403 MRT: City Hall When: July 11 & 12, usual exhibition hours Admission: Free Info: mkghealthandyou@sph.com.sg

OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND
Photojournalists Lim Chin Ping and Adeline Ong record the lives and stories of mental illness patients living in Sunlove Home and Surya Home over a five-month period.

Where: Central Public Library, 100 Victoria Street, B1-01 MRT: Bugis When: Till July 15, 10am - 9pm Admission: Free Tel: 6333-7911

CATS OF THE WORLD PHOTO EXHIBITION
This visual celebration of cats showcases 40 cat photos with unique settings and backdrops around the world such as Greece, Italy, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Taiwan and Singapore. The photos contributed by 24 photographers from all walks of life capture the gorgeous cats in their element - graceful, lazy, sneaky, aloof and loving.

Where: The Arts House Gallery, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: From next Thu - July 28, 10am -10pm Admission: Free Tel: 9362-3626 Info: www.gattidelmondo.blogspot.com

COLOUR AND COUNTRY: CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA
Kayili artists are recognised internationally for their high quality works on canvas. Artists featured in this exhibition include Fred Ward, Nancy Carnegie and Jackie Kurltjunyintja Giles.

Where: Atrium Gallery, Australian High Commission, 25 Napier Road MRT: Orchard When: Till Aug 28, 9am - 4.30pm Admission: Free Tel: 6836-4123

IMPRESSIONS OF SINGAPORE
Award-winning artist Zhang Chun-Lei presents his first solo exhibition featuring 20 paintings that showcase his detailed observations of Singapore's iconic architecture, landscapes and landmarks such as Clarke Quay, the Marina South riverside, an MRT station and the flora and fauna of our concrete jungle.

Where: Fill-your-walls gallery, 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, 04-02 MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Thu - July 20, 10am - 10pm (except Wed and public holidays) Admission: Free Tel: 6222-1667

FREAKNESS BUSINESS
Artist Pixin's third solo exhibition, as with her first two, are built around family, relationships and observations of people and events around her.

Where: Night & Day - bar+gallery+friends, 139C Selegie Road MRT: Bugis When: Till July 30, 11am - 7pm (closed on Sun) Admission: Free Tel: 6884-5523 Info: www.nightandday.sg

Theatre

SHORT & SWEET SINGAPORE
Expect bite-sized theatre dramas with attitude. Catch 40 10-minute plays in English and Mandarin at this festival.

Where: Lasalle College of the Arts, Flexible Performance Space, Bencoolen Street MRT: Bugis When: Till July 12, 8pm (English Top 30)

Where: The Arts House, Play Den, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Sun (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: www.sistic.com.sg

OWN TIME OWN TARGET
National Service is the subject of this Wild Rice comedy double-bill comprising Laremy Lee's Full Tank and Julian Wong's musical, Botak Boys. The cast includes Brendon Fernandez, Rodney Oliveiro, Nelson Chia, Terence Tay and Ghazali Muzakir. Helmed by director Jonathan Lim and Wild Rice's resident playwright Alfian Sa'at.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre, Victoria Street MRT: City Hall/Bugis When: Wed - July 25, 8pm (Mon - Fri), 3 & 8pm (Sat & Sun) Admission: $32 - $62 Tel: 6348-5555

IMELDA'S BOYS
A comedy by Action Theatre about the men in the life of Mrs Imelda Marcos, the wife of the former president of the Philippines.

Where: The Room Upstairs, Action Theatre, Waterloo Street MRT: Bugis When: Thu - Sun, 3 & 8pm Admission: $33 - $43 Tel: 6348-5555

DON'T FORGET TO REMEMBER ME
A thought-provoking play by The Necessary Stage that portrays the trials and tribulations of people suffering from dementia. Written by Haresh Sharma and directed by Alvin Tan.

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

KOLEJ 56 THE MUSICAL
This Malay musical, directed by local director Hamzah Zulkifli and choreographed by Nor Haizad Adam, is about the unity of friendship and beautiful relationships. It showcases 50 youth talents from the Ain Society, ITE/tertiary students and Variasi artistes. With English subtitles.

Where: DBS Auditorium, 6 Shenton Way, Level 3 MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Sat, 3 and 8pm Admission: $8 (3pm), $10 (8pm) Tel: 9243-1160

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 Valerie Wang

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.