Kiamasala Festival of India will bring colour and culture to Kiama. Photo: Supplied.
From spiritual fairs to salsa on the dance floor, the Illawarra has plenty in store this week.
RAW Comedy is set to deliver a belly full of laughs on Friday and the region’s first major Indian festival hits Kiama on Sunday.
In between there’s live music, a special event by the region’s lapidary club, charity trivia and a poetry workshop inspired by the late, great Ian Gentle.
Here are our top nine picks for the week.
All Weekend
One ticket holder each day will win a $500 lucky door prize to spend with traders at this fair. Photo: Photology75.
Dapto Crystals, Creatives & Mystics Fair
When: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 February, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Dapto Ribbonwood Centre, 93/109 Princes Highway, Dapto
Cost: Adults $5 (two-day entry), children 16 and under free, payable upon entry.
From spiritual infusion to retail therapy, there are many reasons to visit this fair. Meet talented artists, healers, psychics and mediums offering unique wares, services and experiences. Browse crystals, jewellery, gems, fossils and much more.
With a family-friendly vibe, you can take numerous pathways to explore the mystical and spiritual world. Learn to make crystal trees, wind chimes and bracelets in guided workshops, or let the kids try their hand at a quiz to win a crystal.
Friday
A blend of old-school salsa and contemporary Latin jazz will keep you on the dance floor. Image: Seeker Brewing.
The South Coast Salsa Coalition
When: Friday February 23, 7:30 to 10:30 pm
Where: Seeker Brewing, 1 Industrial Road, Unanderra
Cost: Adult $25, group of four $60, book here.
If you’re looking for a Saturday night dancing spot, you’ve found it at Seeker Brewing. Expect a blend of old-school salsa and contemporary Latin jazz designed to keep you on the dance floor. This talented 10-piece band infuses their music with a modern twist, but with a deep respect for the rich history and traditions of Afro-Cuban music. They draw inspiration from legendary artists like The Fania All-Stars, Poncho Sanchez, Tito Puente, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Celia Cruz.
Get ready for a side-splitting comedy showdown. Image: RAW Comedy.
RAW Comedy 2024
When: Friday 23 February, 8 pm
Where: Wollongong Town Hall, corner Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: $25, book here.
Billed as a “showdown of wits in this nation’s most extensive and esteemed open-mic comedy competition”, this show promises the next wave of comedy legends. Talented competitors in peak condition will engage in a hilarious battle. RAW Comedy alums include Anne Edmonds, Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Matt Okine, Becky Lucas, Aaron Chen, Sarah Kendall, Sam Simmons, Celia Pacquola, Luke McGregor, Rhys Nicholson, Tom Ballard, Sam Campbell, Georgie Carroll, David Woodhead, Cassie Workman and more.
Saturday
Steve Ley, Nicholas Powning, Natalie Claire and Miroslaw Galczynski form the Natalie Claire Jazz Band. Photo: David Slezak.
Natalie Claire Jazz Band
When: Saturday 24 February, 7:30 pm
Where: The Music Lounge, Wollongong Town Hall, Corner of Kembla and Crown streets, Wollongong
Cost: Standard $30, premium $35, book here.
This intimate performance is billed as “a celebration of the classics by Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra and more”. With a set list that includes tender ballads, hard-swinging classic jazz and upbeat Latin rhythms, expect good grooves, lush melodies, and high-energy improvisations from jazz musos at the top of their game.
Classical music is presented in an unexpected way at this unique concert. Image: Adelaide Ferriere Facebook.
Classical Kiama Concert
When: Saturday 24 February, 5 to 6 pm
Where: Kiama Anglican Church, 2 Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: Concession $55, general admission $65, book here.
French percussionist Adelaide Ferriere has won several international prizes. Based in Paris, she graduated with her master’s degree with the highest distinctions at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris in 2017 at the age of 20 and also studied at the London Royal College of Music. Now she’s headed to Kiama to captivate audiences with her magnetic stage presence and virtuosic dynamism.
Sunday
The inaugural Kiamasala is finally here. Image: Kiamasala.
Kiamasala
When: Sunday 25 February, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Black Beach, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
Heavy rain postponed Kiamasala’s debut late last year, but it’s finally here. The region’s first major Indian festival brings a jam-packed program celebrating all things Indian. Kicking off with sunrise yoga, expect Indian regional street food stalls, live and DJ music, Bollywood and classical dance, a spice market and henna artists just to name a few of the highlights.
This is a family-friendly event, so grab the little ones and get immersed in this rich culture against the beautiful backdrop of Kiama Harbour.
Don’t miss this gem of an event. Photo: Neirfy007.
Rock Swap
When: Sunday 25 February, 8 am to 2 pm
Where: Stuart Park, North Wollongong
Cost: Free entry.
The Illawarra Lapidary Club invites you to this great day for the whole family. Find something special as you browse the jewellery, gemstones, cabochons, minerals, opals, findings, beads, fossils and lapidary equipment and items. For those interested in lapidary, stalls will sell minerals, fossils and roughs perfect for working with, equipment, books and more. There’s also a Kids Rock Scramble at noon.
This event is part of The Gentle Project. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
The Gentle Art of Poetry
When: Sunday 25 February, 2 to 4 pm
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: $40, book here.
In the second of two workshops, award-winning local writer (of poetry & stories) Kathleen Bleakley will lead a poetry workshop connected to both the retrospective exhibition of artist Ian Gentle and other artists’ responses to his work. This event starts with a 30-minute exhibition tour led by gallery staff, before Kathleen leads participants through various exercises to spark their creative response.
Thursday
Become a champion for our local refugee population. Image: MCCI.
MCCI Champions of Welcome Trivia Night 2024
When: Thursday 29 February, 7 to 10 pm
Where: The Sunken Lounge, The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Table of 10 $213.08, book here, or email [email protected] for individual tickets and smaller tables.
This epic trivia night at The Frat will put your knowledge to the test for a good cause. Trivia enthusiasts or not, this is a fun night out, and all funds raised will go towards supporting people from refugee backgrounds living in the Illawarra.
Expect exciting questions and fantastic prizes up for grabs. Dinner can be purchased from downstairs and served in the trivia room. A small selection of snacks will also be available at every table, and drinks will be available to buy from the bar in the trivia room all evening.
Loading ...
