The Main Street Mornington Festival returns for the 21st time this year.  This free, family-friendly event runs from 11am-5pm on Sunday, October 16, and Frankly Frankston is a proud sponsor.

Festival director Christina Nolan says: “It’s such a pleasure to bring this event, which is extremely popular with locals and visitors from afar, to the community each year and we really appreciate all the ongoing support provided by our sponsors, local businesses and organisations, community groups and volunteers.”

Mornington’s Main Street will once again be transformed into a stage showcasing our arts, culture, food and wine.  The festival celebrates the best of the Peninsula’s gourmet produce, boutique wineries, artists, musicians, dance troupes, singer-songwriters and performers. There will be a diverse range of stallholders and performers, and the program is available on the festival website.

For the kids there’s animal petting, mini-golf, dancing, face-painting and more. Nova Star Productions stilt walkers will hover above the crowd and Go Go Entertainment mascots will roam the festival. 

Performance spaces and stages will feature a mixture of up-and-coming artists and seasoned performers. The EastLink stage will feature acts such as Sarah Rzek, who recently signed with Molly Meldrum’s label Luxor, and reggae band Ras Jahknow.  You will also see cover bands, singer-songwriters, school bands and more on the other stages. 

Other highlights include a Totally Wilde Magic performance and a drum workshop by Dudlee Djembe.  There will be fresh seasonal produce growers, delicious food and a large selection of Australia’s best wine-makers, showcasing what the Peninsula has to offer. Pencil the festival into your diary for Sunday, October 16, and tag your posts with #MSMF.  

The annual event is produced by the volunteers of Northern Mornington Peninsula Tourism Inc.  Major sponsors are EastLink and the Mornington Peninsula Shire. More: www.mainstreetfestival.com.au or Facebook: /MainStreetMorningtonFestival

Peninsula artists will share their insights into mental illness at the 2016 Mental Health Week Peninsula Art Exhibition. 

Presented by Mentis Assist, the exhibition runs until Saturday, October 22, at Frankston’s Cube 37 and showcases the work of artists with a lived experience of mental illness, including carers and family members. 

For Peter Fanton, whose painting Justified and Ancient (pictured) won best artwork at last year's exhibition, art is “a means by which I bring into focus that which matters to me.  In terms of recovery and my wellness strategies, art allows me to connect and express my values and what has meaning to me”.

The exhibition is about more than just art, however.  It is about the importance of community support in breaking down stigmas and enabling people to access the treatment and care they need to manage and recover from their illness.  In the Frankston/Mornington Peninsula area there are higher levels of mental health than the Victorian average and many are not aware of or have difficulty accessing services available in the community. 

Mentis Assist provides specialised mental health support for people 16 years and over living in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula areas.  Its services include homelessness support, activity groups within the community, youth support, carer and family outreach, and tailored care for individuals from dedicated support workers. 

For more information about the exhibition, visit mentisassist.org.au/mental-health-art-exhibition

With Rosebud’s long history as a great place to enjoy summer beach holidays, what better place to revive the fun-filled ‘50s and ‘60s lifestyle?

This new festival, Foreshore RockFest, will run over three days from November 25-27 and will involve a series of different music, dance, movie, car and vintage shopping events.  In its first year, all activity will be based in Rosebud.

The fun starts on Friday evening with a beach party in the Rosebud Scout Hall.  A new show added to the program is the Mark Andrews Legends Show at GPO Hotel from 7pm.  Mark is a renowned Elvis impersonator and his show will focus on Elvis, Austen Powers and Tom Jones, among others. On Saturday morning the town centre will rock with hot rod and ‘chrome bumper’ cars on show, ‘50s performers and dancers along the footpath and a ‘50s and ‘60s market running at Rosebud Primary School.  The market will include clothing, food, DJs, live bands and dance demonstrations, with a gold coin entry.  The vintage shops in town will pump with music, fashion and bargains while the cinema will feature a classic Audrey Hepburn movie. 

Saturday evening will provide fans of the ‘50s and ‘60s with multiple dance venues hosting live bands, including the Lincolns, Fender Benders and Honey B and the Stingers, along with a special Elvis double feature at the Dromana 3 Drive-In.

Sunday will see a pre-1970s hot rod and classic car show on the Village Green, featuring hundreds of cars and vintage caravans, with live music.  For the fashionistas from the era, a vintage clothing and ‘pin up’ contest will also be held in the Memorial Hall next to the car show.  The market will continue at the Rosebud Primary School on Sunday from 10am.  All events will culminate at 3pm.

Tickets are available online and are essential for many events.  Don’t delay because they are selling out rapidly.  For tickets and full details, check out foreshorerockfest.com.au or Facebook Foreshore Rockfest.

Living in Two Worlds is not only the title of Marion Parker’s latest solo exhibition, it also sums up the Mt Martha artist.

“I was always told to ‘come back down to earth’, or ‘stop daydreaming’, as I’ve always had my mind or spirit in the non-physical world,” she says.  “And so the title of this show is all about my two distinctive styles - of the physical world of earthly landscapes where I’m inspired by nature, and the ethereal non-physical world where I paint my abstracts and am inspired by quantum physics and the metaphysical.”

Marion was a naturopath who treated such celebrities as George Foreman.  She had clinics in Sydney and Melbourne, wrote a few books, had health columns, a radio show and even a racehorse - then she had an epiphany and gave it all away to move to Mt Martha and paint.
After 10 years, with her art now selling internationally and her name becoming known in art circles, Marion feels she’s only getting warmed up and that the best is yet to come.  One thing is for sure, though - she wouldn’t be doing anything else.

Living in Two Worlds is at the Frankston Arts Centre until December 10. 
Details: marionparker.com.au, and phone Marion on 5974 8816.

Tenor and composer David Hobson is one of Australia’s best known operatic and recording artists and will be performing at Frankston Arts Centre for one night only.
David’s unique talents have enabled him to sing for The Queen, win Dancing with the Stars and play such diverse roles as Rodolfo in La Boheme and Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

An Intimate Evening with David Hobson, on Monday, October 31 (Cup Eve) at 7.30pm, highlights a collection of arias and songs from his diverse career and spans the genres of opera, music theatre and contemporary repertoire.  Together with talented pianist and guitarist David Cameron, this promises to be an entertaining evening of fine music-making.
Book at thefac.com.au or phone 9784 1060.  Tickets from $54-$59.

FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE
A: 27-37 Davey St, Frankston
T: 9784 1051
W: artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au

Mornington’s Main St will be the centre of the universe on Sunday, October 16, when the 21st annual Main Street Mornington Festival showcases the best wine, food, music, art, entertainment and shopping from across the Peninsula.

As well as several stages featuring Peninsula-based performers and bands, there will be a community stage, roving artists and musicians, and a children’s arcade providing entertainment throughout the day. 

The festival runs from 11am-5pm and entry is free.  Details: mainstreetfestival.com.au/ or facebook.com/MainStreetMorningtonFestival

Get a perspective on our place in space and hear star stories from different cultures at an astronomy night star talk at Overport Park, Somerset Rd, Frankston South, on Tuesday, September 27, from 6.30-8pm.  The talk is open to all ages but numbers have been capped at 30 people.  BYO folding chair or picnic rug, warm clothing, a blanket and a small torch.  Cost: $2-$5.  Bookings essential on 1300 322 842.

The Art of Remembrance is an art exhibition in support of the Alice Sloan Trust, presenting a collection of original elephant sculptures that have been created by artist and Toorak College teacher Greg Sukroo. Each one has a unique story to tell.

These exhibition pieces will be included in a silent auction at the 2016 Biennial Women’s Luncheon on Saturday, October 22, at Toorak College in Mt Eliza. Women of all ages are warmly invited to attend the lunch to share in the afternoon of friendship and view the exhibition.

Alice Sloan lost her life in 2005 at the age of 16.  Inspired by the way Alice lived her life with love, passion and enthusiasm, the Trust was established by her family to provide young people from all walks of life with opportunities that may not otherwise be available.

The Trust provides financial and in-kind support to various programs that foster fun, friendship and personal development.  The Biennial Women’s Luncheon is the major fundraising event for the Trust, enabling continued growth and sustainability of its programs.

The full exhibition can also be viewed at Toorak College’s VCE Art Exhibition from Thursday, October 6, to Sunday, October 9, when early bids can be made and more can be learnt about the inspiration behind each elephant.

You can book your tickets at trybooking.com/203583, and for any inquiries contact Jennie Sloan on 0411 479 118.  For more information about the Alice Sloan Trust and the luncheon, visit alicesloantrust.org.au

If Lego is your go, you’ll be over the moon this month when Inside The Brick brings its Interactive Play and Lego Model Expo to Frankston.

The theme of the expo is “Space”, and if you come dressed as your favourite space character you’ll go in the draw to win a Lego set.  As well as a massive collection of Lego displays and a hands-on build zone, there will be heaps of interactive activities and building challenges for all ages.  Junior builders will be catered for with loads of Duplo and huge, soft Lego Edu bricks.

The expo will have staggered entry sessions to avoid overcrowding and to give everyone a chance to see the displays, and the 9am Sunday session is sensory-friendly for families with children who have autism spectrum disorders.  From 9-10am, visitor numbers will be reduced and music and announcements inside the venue will be at a lower volume.

The expo is at the Frankston Arts Centre, 27-35 Davey St, from Thursday, September 22, to Saturday, September 24 (9am-5pm), and Sunday, September 25 (9am-4pm).  Tickets are available at www.trybooking.com/KAXA (discounted) or at the door (full price) and range from $10-$12 for concession/children aged 3-17; $12-$15 for adults; $44-$59 for families (two adults, three children); and free for children under 3 when accompanied by an adult ticket-holder.

The Framers Workshop has a new address in Frankston but the friendly, personal service it is known for hasn’t changed.

The workshop, with a showroom dedicated to framing, has moved from 469 Nepean Highway to 1/6 Kitson St.  And with its main retail shop in Mornington, The Framers Workshop has all your framing needs well and truly covered.

The Framers Workshop has been providing a high-quality service and customised framing solutions to the Mornington Peninsula for 40 years, specialising in individual framing of all art works, photographs, certificates, textiles, medals and memorabilia as well as oil and acrylic painting stretching and conservation framing for treasured items.

With 24 years’ experience, Matt Garrett carries out all framing onsite with a fast, seven-day turnaround, and can handle special requests and urgent framing if required.

The Mornington retail shop has a constantly changing collection of giftware, photo frames, cards, framed images and mirrors to complement every décor, with lots of Christmas items in stock.

THE FRAMERS WORKSHOP
A: 1/6 Kitson St, Frankston
T: 9783 8980
A: 68 Main St (cnr Blake St), Mornington

T: 5975 3674
W: www.theframersworkshop.com.au

Statewide Autistic Services Inc is raising the bar for creatives with a disability.  SASI's popular annual art exhibition is set to impress and the organisation is inviting people with a disability to submit their artwork. 

Entries are open from October 17-28, and the exhibition will be held at Cube 37 in Frankston from November 19-24.  Prizes include the prestigious Alfred Murfey Prize, which is given in honour of one of SASI's founding members, as well as The People’s Choice Award and Packer’s Prize. 

Conditions of entry are available at sasi.org.au/events

STATEWIDE AUTISTIC SERVICES INC
A: Level 1, 54-58 Wells St, Frankston
T: 9773 6044
W: sasi.org.au

With Rosebud’s long history as a great place to enjoy summer beach holidays, what better place to revive the fun-filled ‘50s and ‘60s lifestyle?

Foreshore RockFest, from November 25-27, will involve a series of music, dance, movie, car and vintage shopping events. In its first year, all activity will be based in Rosebud.

The fun starts on the Friday evening with a beach party in the Rosebud Scout Hall. On Saturday morning the town centre will rock with hot rod and ‘chrome bumper’ cars on show, ‘50s performers and dancers along the footpath and a ‘50s and ‘60s market at Rosebud Primary School (continuing on Sunday at 10am).  The market will include clothing, food, DJs, bands, and dance demonstrations and classes, with a gold coin entry.  The town’s vintage shops will pump with music, fashion and bargains, while the cinema will feature a classic Audrey Hepburn movie.  

On Saturday evening, bands will perform at multiple dance venues, and the Dromana 3 Drive-In will screen an Elvis double feature.

Sunday’s entertainment will include a pre-1970s hot rod and classic car show on the Village Green, and a vintage clothing and ‘pin up’ contest will be held in the adjacent memorial hall. All events will culminate at 3pm.

Details: foreshorerockfest.com.au or Facebook Foreshore Rockfest.

The work of many Peninsula artists will be featured alongside a diverse range of artwork from around the state during the 38th annual Mt Eliza Art Show next month.

Jeweller Frances Cook, painter Debbie Mackenzie, photographer Tash Carah and sculptor Paul Mutimer (pictured) are the feature artists exhibiting at the art show at Mt Eliza North Primary School.  One of the longest standing art shows on the Peninsula, it is the school’s major fundraising event of the year and kicks off with a gala opening night on Friday, October 21, from 7.30-10pm.

The show continues on Saturday, October 22, from 10am-5pm and Sunday, October 23, from 10am-4pm; and café d’Art is open Saturday and Sunday serving morning and afternoon teas as well as light lunches.

The Mt Eliza Art Show is at Mt Eliza North Primary School, 6 Moseley Drive, Mt Eliza. Entry over the weekend is $5 for adults (children admitted free) with tickets available at the door.  For more details, go to www.mtelizaart.com or phone 9787 6611. For opening night tickets, go to www.trybooking.com/MWCS

Jubilee Church, which has operated from the heart of Frankston for the past 13 years, has recently moved its service to Sundays at 3pm at 135 Golf Links Rd, South Frankston.

Senior minister Mark Whitby said the change of time and location would bring some new impetus to the fellowship.  Pastor Whitby said the service was inspirational and contemporary with a strong preaching message, and there was always opportunity to receive prayer.

JUBILEE CHURCH
A: 9 Station St, Frankston
T: 9770 0660  
W: www.jubilee.net.au

The Hinterland Scarecrow Festival and Trail is on from September 16-October 3.

Appearing like magic just in time for the school holidays, scarecrows have been popping up in gardens, shop fronts, mazes and vineyards dotted around the Mornington Peninsula hills.

Everyone can join in the fun by building a scarecrow to add to the touring trail and win some great prizes, whether you live in the hinterland or not.

The scarecrows come in all shapes and sizes and this year they are either traditional or Aussie icon themed art installations made from hay bales, farmyard relics or papier-mache.

For a free day out with the kids you can drive around the hills and admire the scarecrows that have evolved into a community art form. Then vote for your favourite scarecrow online and play the ‘Spot the Scarecrow’ interactive game to win some great prizes.

The scarecrow trail map is also available on the mobile-friendly website or you can print it off before you leave home from www.scarecrowfestival.org.au

A special Scarecrow Festival Day will be held on Saturday, October 1, at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve from 9am-3pm, coinciding with the Red Hill Market. Pop in before heading off to see the trail.

Lively country music and hay bales will set the scene for your kids to enjoy free art activities and a live scarecrow competition. Dress-up clothing and free face painting will be available to give them a helping hand.

If you get your kids organised beforehand they can build their own traditional or Aussie icon scarecrow and enter the children’s scarecrow competition.  It just needs to be delivered the night before.  All the competition and event details are on the website.

The new Circus Oz show rockets into Frankston Arts Centre next month.  

An eclectic mix of extraordinary skills, ridiculous characterisation, hilarious mayhem and fabulous live music, this show is a celebration of the great values of Circus Oz that have generated critical acclaim and woven the company into the hearts of audiences around the world.  The show is packed with gasp-inducing circus tricks, dazzling and spectacular group acts and daredevil acrobats.

Come and see the entire stage filled with flying clubs and a fast and furious knockabout, and prepare to be overwhelmed with the visual and aural spectacular. ArtsHub called Circus Oz “one of the best touring companies this country has produced”.

Sessions are on Saturday, October 8, at 1.30pm and 7.30pm, and Sunday, October 9, at 1.30pm.  Tickets: members $44; full $49; concession $46; under-16 $17; under-30 $30; family of four $115.

FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE
A: cnr Davey and Young streets, Frankston
T: 9784 1060
W: thefac.com.au

Boutique Design Market will bring more than 70 of the best designers and creators together at the Kingston City Hall in Moorabbin on Saturday, October 15.

As well as homewares, art, babies’ and kids’ goods, handbags, shoes, vintage goods, jewellery and everything in between, there will also be a cafe, food, music, kids’ activities, a free photo booth and lots of fun.

The market is open from 10am-2pm and entry is just $2, with kids admitted free.  It’s all indoors, pram-friendly and there’s plenty of free parking - or you can leave the car at home because it’s right next to Moorabbin station.

BOUTIQUE DESIGN MARKET
A: Kingston City Hall, 985 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin
W: boutiquedesignmarket.com.au

Eight performers and bands from Frankston, the Mornington Peninsula and the outer southeastern suburbs have been chosen to take part in a series of concerts, recording sessions and mentoring workshops for GRID 2016.

GRID (Grass Roots Indie Development) invited independent musicians from the region to register for GRID 2016 in a bid to build a supportive, non-competitive community of independent musicians in the region.  All eight will receive a fully produced track from El Perro Productions, two paid gigs at Frankston’s Pelly Bar and The Village Green in Mulgrave, and a weekend of one-on-one mentoring with music industry professionals from Music Victoria.  They are:

The Pelly Bar will feature Andre McMillan, Paper Giants, Sarah Eida and The Moody Spooks on Saturday, August 20; with Gordon Koang, Dimitrios, Alana Wilkinson and Maker Resonate on Saturday, August 27.
 
The Village Green has Alana Wilkinson, Gordon Koang, Maker Resonate and Dimitrios on Thursday, August 18; and Sarah Eida, Andre McMillan, The Moody Spooks and Paper Giants on Thursday, August 25.
 
Tickets and details of all shows at gridseries.com.au/shows/