The Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival activates this vibrant coastal town for three days. Photo: Jon Harris.
The Illawarra has a big week lined up, kicking off with the all-weekend Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival. The Kiama Woodcraft group is putting on its annual showcase.
Celebrating the role and contributions of older adults to our local communities, Shellharbour’s month-long Seniors Festival also kicks off this week with a jam-packed schedule.
And the Great Illawarra Walk is back to take folk from Shellharbour to Austinmer on foot, to raise money for a cause dear to many hearts.
In between there’s live music, creative and practical workshops and a chance for kids to discover.
All Weekend
What started as live gigs organised by a South African jazz enthusiast and Kiama High School creative arts teacher has grown into a full-blown community event. Photo: Jon Harris.
Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival
When: Friday March 8 to Sunday March 10, various times
Where: Various Kiama, Gerringong and Minnamurra venues
Cost: Various, book here.
Over more than three decades this beloved, volunteer-run community event has become a highlight on the Kiama social calendar. Expect three days of live music experiences across multiple venues (including outdoors for all to see), buskers, entertainment, food and drinks. This year’s impressive lineup includes Frank Sultana, Oyobi, Jesse Morris and the Shakedown and many more.
Browse wares that would make you proud of Kiama’s local woodcraft group. Photo: StudioPeace.
Kiama Woodcraft Group Annual Expo
When: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 March, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Kiama Masonic Hall, 46 Collins Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
Why not branch out from the usual this weekend and check out the Kiama Woodcraft Group’s annual showcase? The program includes demonstrations of various types of woodcraft from wood turning to carving, saw work to pyrography, displays, and market stalls. Expect a wide range of woodwork styles and skills on show, pick up a handcrafted gift or explore a new hobby, with traditional tools and a wide selection of locally supplied craft timbers for sale.
Multiple Days
Shellharbour celebrates its seniors this week. Image: Shellharbour City Council.
Seniors Festival
When: Monday 11 March to Tuesday 16 April, various times
Where: Various Shellharbour locations, see program
Cost: Free.
From film screenings to art workshops and free swimming to a wide range of practical seminars, Shellharbour is set to celebrate its seniors in many ways this year. This year’s Seniors Festival theme is “Reach Beyond”, presenting excellent opportunities for older Australians to explore fresh adventures and forge new friendships through active participation in the festivities. The event launches with an expo on Monday 11 March from 10 am to 1 pm at Shellharbour Civic Centre and follows with a full program of events spread throughout the month until 16 April.
Friday
It’s never too early to cultivate an appreciation of art. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Junior Art Trail
When: Friday 8 March, 10 am
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free, book here.
Do you have a budding artist or art aficionado? Perhaps you’re simply looking for an accessible way to introduce your little one to the beautiful world of art. Held on one Friday each month until December this year, take a free, fun tour through Wollongong Art Gallery, designed for kids aged three to five years. Children will explore artworks through storytelling, artmaking, songs and more.
Saturday
Women of all ages are invited to learn the fundamentals of tools, build capacity, and unleash their creativity. Image: The Tinkerage Shellharbour.
Empower Her: Tool Skills Workshop
When: Saturday 9 March, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: The Tinkerage Shellharbour, 44 Buckleys Road, Dunmore
Cost: Shellharbour residents free, general admission $40, book here.
All women should know their way around the toolbox, and to honour International Women’s Day, The Tinkerage is offering a workshop allowing women to learn just that. Led by the dynamic facilitator Anita Johnson, women of all ages will unleash the power of hands-on skills for repair, tinkering and creation in a supportive and inclusive environment. Learn the fundamentals of various tools, and unlock your creativity and capacity. BYO lunch, a drink and a mug for a cuppa, as well as any tools at home you need help with.
Trish Delaney-Brown, Sam Walton and Bri Cowlishaw are LYHRA. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
LYHRA Vocal Trio
When: Saturday 9 March, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Thirroul Library, 352/358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul.
Cost: Free, book here.
With music reminiscent of treasured vocal trios from the past, along with their own compositions and arrangements of songs inspired by the likes of Joni Mitchell and Aretha Franklin, LYHRA celebrates the joy of vocal jazz and harmony. The trio consists of celebrated singers, songwriters and performers Trish Delaney-Brown, Sam Walton and Bri Cowlishaw. Refreshments will be served following this live performance at Thirroul Library.
It’s not too late to sign up for The Great Illawarra Walk. Photo: Great Illawarra Walk Facebook.
The Great Illawarra Walk
When: Saturday 9 March, 7 am
Where: From Bean Roasted Espresso Bar Shellharbour, Shop 1/20-26 Addison Street, Shellharbour to Headlands Hotel Austinmer, Headland Avenue and Yuruga Street, Austinmer
Cost: Adult $50, child $20, book here.
Lace up, fuel up and get ready for The Great Illawarra Walk. The annual charity event will kick off at Bean Roasted Espresso Bar in Shellharbour in the morning and finish at Headlands Hotel in Austinmer. The goal is to raise $150,000 to help build a purpose-fit gym for athletes with disabilities. Rapid Relief Team will provide an epic lunch and snack spread at Tate Park in Wollongong free of charge and One Agency Property Division will provide regular water stops along the way (although it’s still a good idea to have a drink bottle with you).
Sunday
Get in touch with your spiritual side at The Frat. Photo: Neirfy007.
Festival of Spirit
When: Sunday 10 March, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Residents within a 5-km radius of the club must have a membership to enter (adults $7, concession $4.40), book here.
Readers, mediums, spiritual healers, boutique retailers, and more – The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow invites you to connect with your spiritual side. Whether you’re into crystals, looking to immerse yourself in a spiritually vibrant environment, or just after a day out and about, there’s something for everyone at this event co-hosted by Eat Shop Love Markets.
Wednesday
Discover the joys and benefits of yoga. Photo: koldunov.
Taste of Yoga
When: Wednesday 13 March, 1 to 2 pm
Where: Warilla Library, 8 Woolworths Avenue, Warilla
Cost: $5, book here.
In this series of four weekly yoga sessions you’ll enjoy the benefits of gentle yoga to boost flexibility and balance, and enhance wellness. Instructor Tracy has two decades of experience and looks forward to guiding yogis of all experience levels (including absolute beginners) through gentle stretches and movements to build strength and flexibility in your body, calm the mind and nurture the spirit. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and wear comfortable exercise clothing.
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