Get ready for take-off when the Royal Australian Air Force Band presents an afternoon of unforgettable music at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, 18 September at 1pm. Featuring a dynamic and diverse program that will captivate audiences of all ages, the 40-piece ensemble plays a unique mix of musical genres, from stirring patriotic anthems and classical masterpieces, to contemporary hits and toe-tapping jazz. Celebrating the rich heritage and spirit of the air force, the concert promises a journey through music, displaying the band’s exceptional skill and versatility. With a proud history of performances dating back to the 1950s, the Air Force Band has earned widespread acclaim for its public engagements and recordings, including the celebrated 30 Smash Hits of the War Years album and the Through Struggle to the Stars—100 Years of Air Force documentary. Led by Squadron Leader Daniel Phillips, the band’s talented musicians, drawn from across Australia, will inspire with every note. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the Air Force Band’s performances, this is an afternoon of soaring melodies and extraordinary music not to be missed. Tickets are $25 each available at the box office, at wpacc.com.au or by calling 5722 8105. * What's On in brief The Sweet Life at Art Gallery on Ovens A joint exhibition called The Sweet Life by resident artists Melissa Johns and Linda D'Agostino opens at the Art Gallery on Ovens this week. Linda enjoys experimenting with a variety of mediums and techniques including ink and pen, acrylics, watercolour and collage, while Melissa likes to work with sustainable materials, creating collages with a whimsical and vintage feel. The exhibition runs from 18 to 29 September and an opening celebration will be held at the gallery on Saturday, 20 September from 11am to 1pm with all welcome. * Blues Guitar Roadshow to visit on Saturday The Blues Guitar Roadshow ensemble spectacular is coming to Wangaratta for the first time a with huge line up of the best of the best musicians on the Australian blues scene. Among the performers are Lloyd Spiegel, Geoff Achison, Wilbur Wilde, The McNaMarr Project (Andrea Marr/John McNamara), Corey Legge, Dale Alison and Shane Gilbert, showcasing amazing talent in an electrifying original format, with a show stopping "all star jam" that has to be seen to be believed. See it on Saturday, 20 September at 8pm at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre with tickets available at wpacc.com.au. * Mat Vaughan exhibition to open at Wangaratta Art Gallery A new exhibition by Wandiligong-based artist Mat Vaughan called There there, will open in Gallery 2 at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Friday, 19 September. Vaughan's latest series of large-scale paintings delves into the creative process, examining how the act of making art influences both the artist and the viewer, reflecting on the enigmatic and sometimes elusive moment of completion. A free opening celebration and artist talk will be held at 5pm, with all welcome and RSVP appreciated for catering purposes to wangarattaartgallery.com.au/Programs/Opening-Artist-Talk-There-there-Mat-Vaughan. * Timor-Leste and Indi Friendship celebration An event to celebrate 20 years of friendship between the three friendship groups located in the North East Victorian region and communities in Timor-Leste, will be held at the Uniting Church Hall in Wangaratta on Saturday, 20 September from 6pm to 9pm. There will be live music with the Mystic Trio band, video links to Timor-Leste, a raffle and other entertainment, with tea and coffee provided (BYO grazing platter and drinks). Tickets are $25 per person available at trybooking.com/DEBZT. * Commemorative High Tea for seniors The Rural City of Wangaratta invites residents aged 95 and over to a special High Tea being held at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway on Thursday, 2 October from 12pm to 3pm. Enjoy delightful treats and entertainment by Paris Zachariou at this special celebration, with those who know someone eligible encouraged to share the opportunity with them. Bookings are required by calling Angie on 5722 0745. *
