Walking in Country - An Enlightening Multi-media Performance Join Karen Smith, a Darug woman from the Boorooberongal clan of Western Sydney, for a walk in country, an intimate and enlightening multimedia performance, combining stories, songs and images. Accompanied by percussion and guitar, Karen shares the stories of her aboriginal ancestors, Maria Lock, Yarramundie, Gomebeeree, Colebee and the Darug Clans.   Where: Manly Art Gallery & Museum When: Sat 18 Sept, 3 - 4.15pm Cost: $15 adult, $10 conc / child Contact: 0415 221 113 Web: www.soundsalive.com.au   Manly Warringah Pipe Band Contest & Highland Gathering The Manly-Warringah Pipe Band has held this contest and highland gathering for five years. The gathering includes bands from all over NSW and the ACT competing in a pipe contest, a highland dancing contest, as well as food stalls and roving entertainment.   Where: Manly Oval, Sydney Road, Manly When: Sun 19 Sept, 10am - 5pm Cost: gold coin donation Contact: Vicky Lindsay, 9969 0418 Web: www.mwpb.com.au   Manjia Music – Concert for Relaxation & Healing Experience Manjia Music: violinist, pianist and composer, performing her latest spiritually inspired concert, Blue Heaven. Her elegant style and beautiful melodies have touched many audience’s hearts. Manjia is also a composer, and has conducted hundreds of healing concerts. Manjia will also discuss the benefits and uses of sound massage techniques.   Where: Manly Art Gallery & Museum When: Tues 7 Sept, 12.30 - 1.45pm Cost: $8 adult, $3.50 conc, $2 child Contact: 0423 163 391 / 9976 1421 Web: www.manjiamusic.com.au   Thoroughbass Concert A chamber music concert of the rarely-heard, the unusual and the ancient. Recorders as you have never heard them and songs that tell of forbidden passion. Expect to be surprised and delighted. Presented by ensemble Thoroughbass, directed by harpsichordist Diana Weston.   Where: St Andrew’s Church, Raglan St, Manly When: Fri 17 Sept, 6pm Cost: $20 Adults $10 Concession, children free Contact: Thoroughbass, 0411 375 821 Web: www.thoroughbass.com.au   Sydney Vocal Arts Centre Showcase Sydney Vocal Arts Centre showcases its most talented performers in a concert featuring four different choirs, with a special performance by the highly talented children’s choir ‘Out of the Blue’. Enjoy soloists from classical through to contemporary, featuring many of our finest local young singer/ songwriters.   Where: Manly Art Gallery & Museum When: Saturday 4 Sept, 5 - 7pm Cost: $15 adults, $10 conc & child Bookings: 9976 5552, info@vac.com.au Web: www.vac.com.au   Early Music Ensemble – The Marais Project Manly Music Club presents a concert program of French 16th C folk songs, a cantata for soprano by Montelair, a suite for viola da gamba by Marais and Schubert’s Ave Maria for soprano and guitar. Musicians Jennifer Erikson, Anthony Abouhamad and Tommy Anderson and soprano Belinda Montgomery.   Where: Cardinal Cerretti Chapel, St Patrick’s Estate, 151 Darley Rd, Manly When: Friday 3 Sept, 8pm (dinner 6pm) Cost: Concert - adults $20 conc $10, Dinner - $32pp Bookings essential: Maureen 9948 7738 Web: www.manlymusicclub.com.au   JS Dance Centre Showcase 2010 An exciting mix of dance styles will be performed by the JS Dance Team, including hip hop, jazz, ballet and contemporary. These pieces have been performed in competitions across NSW - don’t miss this opportunity to see these fantastic dances free of charge!   Where: John Speight Stage, Manly Corso When: Sat 11 Sept, 12.30pm Cost: free Contact: 0414 605 433 Web: www.jsdancecentre.com.au   Sydney Chamber Music Festival Sydney Chamber Music Festival Artistic Director Bridget Bolliger has created an outstanding 2-night music program called Tales to Tell and Art Links which celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Manly Art Gallery & Museum, starring ABC Presenter and Conductor Guy Noble with a host of celebrated musicians. Music performed includes works by Brahms, Ravel & Martinu.   Where: Manly Art Gallery & Museum When: Sat 11 & Sun 12 Sept, pre talks 5.30pm, Concerts 7pm Cost: Single concert ticket $35/conc $30, both concerts $60/conc $50, under 12s $10 Contact: 9498 2774 Visit website   An Afternoon of Recital Songs, Operatic Arias & Duets Soprano Sarah Clark and Baritone William Moxey present a program of Opera duets and Classical Voice Items from W.A. Mozart, Franz Schubert, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Giacomo Puccini, Henry Duparc, Gabriel Faure and Gerald Finzi.   Where: Manly Community Centre, 12 Wentworth Street, Manly When: Sunday 19 Sept, 3 - 5pm Cost: $10 adult, $5 conc Contact: Sarah Clarke, 0402 667 126   Words & Music An exhibition by five talented artists presenting their interpretation of the theme of ‘musicians and their music’. Works in oil, acrylic, gouche, pastel and mixed media.   Where: Cristals Restaurant, 90 The Corso, Manly When: 3 - 19 Sept, 8am - 8pm daily Contact: Jan Karras 9939 3727, email: jan@raglangallery.com.au   Lilly’s Madder Hatter Party A fabulous fashion show to launch Lillian Adele’s first hat collection, and to introduce herself as a new artist in the area. Watch models in fantastic costume and make-up showcase these vibrant and unconventional masterpieces.   Where: The Sugar Lounge, 42 North Steyne, Manly When: Fri 10 Sept, 7pm - 12am Cost: free Contact: Lilly 0423 471 194 Web: www.lillianadele.com.au