MUSIC & DANCE

WHAT'S ONTHIS WEEK AND BEYOND

Indie rock

Centerpoint Playhouse, 8th floor CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road July 3 at 6pm

- The popular ''Lek Chin Sod'' concert series is back with rock groups Lemon Soup, Lomosonic and The Richman Toy. Organised by 104.5 FM Fat Radio, the concert will be joined by Tattoo Colour and many famous DJs.

- Call 02-641-5394.

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Neon night

Dream Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 15 July 3 at 8pm

- The second illuminating installment of ''Neon Nights'' will feature stylish, fun, friendly and feelgood party vibes at the hotel's Flava Lite Bar and Rooftop Pool Terrace. Offering mash-up, hip-hop, house and electro are Tech 12, DJ Verse@IILE, Simon Mackay and Tony Hughes.

- Free entry. Call 02- 254-8500.

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Rock for charity

Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani Pak Kret, Nonthaburi July 4 at 7pm

- Thailand's famous rock duo Asanee and Wasant Chotikul will be giving a charity concert entitled ''Royal Thai Army and Singh at Heart: Asanee-Wasant''. All profits will go to needy children from families of Thai soldiers who died or were injured while on duty.

- Tickets at 500 and 1,000 baht can be purchased from Thaiticketmajor booths (tel 02-262-3456).

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Tea time jazz

TK Park, 8th floor, Zone D CentralWorld Plaza, Ratchadamri Road July 4, 11, 18 and 25, 4:30-6pm

- Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park) is hosting the ''TK Park Tea Time Jazz Festival 2009'' every Sat of July. The first concert on July 4 is entitled ''The Evolution of Big Band Jazz'', featuring JRP Little Big Band, who will be performing works of Big Band legends.

- Free admission. Call 02-257-4300.

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Oldie songs

Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road July 5 at 2pm

- The Office of the National Culture Commission is holding a concert featuring classic songs composed by national artist Chalee Intarawichit. They will be crooned by four national artists _ Sawali Pakapan, Suthep Wongkhamhaeng, Chintana Suksatit and Charin Nantanakorn. Also joining the stage are a string of vocalists, including Settha Sirachaya, Danupol Kaewkan, Chamras Sevataporn, Orawee Sujjanon and Tuangsit Riamchinda.

- Tickets cost 300, 500, 800, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 baht and can be purchased from Thaiticketmajor booths (tel 02-262-3456).

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Jazz from Texas

Atrium 2, Central World July 10, 5:30-8pm

- Thai Beverage presents a free concert by One O'Clock Lab Band, the premiere performing ensemble of the internationally acclaimed University of North Texas jazz studies programme in the US. Noted for exceptional individual musicianship and tight ensemble performances, the group has toured internationally with great success over the decades. The concert is part of the 15th ''World Saxophone Congress'' which is running at Mahidol University from July 7-12.

- For more information, visit www.wscxv.org.

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Shinjuku nights

BarSu, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel Sukhumvit Road July 10-11, daily 10pm-2am

- DJ Fujimi Yoshiyuki, one of Japan's leading DJs, will be swinging into town from Tokyo to perform at a pair of special ''Shinjuku by Night'' parties. Wearing his trademark kimono, the groundbreaking DJ will cook up his distinctive style of mixing the hottest sounds on the dance floor. Japanese cocktails and fresh sushi will be served.

- Call 02-649-8358.

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Micro to rock

Novotel Bangkok Siam Square, Rama I Road July 11 at 9:30pm

- Micro will have a mini concert at the hotel's Concept CM2. Fans will hear their top hits such as Rak Pon Pon, 10,000 Fahrenheit, Bok Mah Kam Diew and many more. After the performance, the audience will dance with the international live band Seven Senses from Canada and the resident DJ.

- Tickets at 1,000 baht can be purchased from Thaiticketmajor booths (tel 02-262-3456).

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Melody of life

CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road July 11-12, daily from 10am onwards

- The famous ''Melody of Life'' music festival is back for the 4th time to present music and art under the theme ''The Missing Peace''. Over 100 participating artists include Modern Dog, Groove Riders, Tor Saksit, Friday, Stamp, Lipta, Monotone, Bee Peerapat, Thaitanium, Flure, Slot Machine, Scrubb, The Begins and Brand New Sunset.

- For more information, visit www.melodyoflife.net.

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FAIRS & SALES

Cutting-edge IT

Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Ratchadaphisek Road Daily 10am-8pm, until July 5

- The ''Commart X Gen Thailand 2009'' features a wide range of cutting-edge IT products from leading brands at attractive prices and the launch of the latest IT gadgets. There are also seminars, practical technology workshops led by specialists, auctions and a chance to win prizes.

- Call 02-642-3400.

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All about cameras

CentralWorld, 1st floor Daily 10:30am-9pm, until July 5

- The ''Big Camera Big Pro Days'' fair features the latest camera technology, a photography demonstration, a dance show by FHM Girl Next Door, tips by professional photographers and cameras at special prices.

- Call 02-640-4000 ext 1303, 1321.

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Magic fest

MCC Hall, The Mall Ngam Wong Wan July 3-5, daily 11am-8pm

- ''The Mall Magic Festival'' features magic shows by over 20 groups of world-class magic performers, including Philip Show, Black Tulip and Tuxedo Magic from Thailand. The highlight is a young magician contest for kids aged 8-15 years. On exhibit will be the legend of Thai magic show dated back to the reign of King Rama V and on sale are magic gadgets.

- Call 02-310-1409.

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Made in Thailand

Impact Muang Thong Thani Chaeng Watthana Road July 3-12, daily 11am-8pm

- The 10-day mega fair features nearly 5,000 booths with the spotlight on Thailand's major industries, including food and beverages, furniture and home decorations, fashion and apparel, health and beauty, auto parts and accessories, electrical and electronic appliances and Otop merchandise. There are also concerts by Boy, Tui and Pas from True Academy Fantasia; Singto, Dew and Ruj from The Stars; Tattoo Colour, Ponglang Sa-on and more.

- or details, visit www.madeinthailand fair.com.

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Amazing fish

Future Park Rangsit, Phahon Yothin Road July 3-12, daily 11am-8pm

- The 21th ''Pramong Nomklao Fishery's Day'' features an exhibition of ornamental fish, exotic fish and aquatic plants under the concept of ''Water Wars''. Visitors will witness the contest for ornamental fish and a medical exhibition during which free basic health check-up services will be available.

- Entrance fee is 20 baht. Call 02-958-0011 ext 1162 and 1886.

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Thai crafts

Jasmine City Building, 3rd floor Sukhumvit Soi 23 July 11, 10am-2pm

- The ''ThaiCraft'' fair puts on sale thousands of top quality products at reasonable prices created by over 50 groups of village artisans from all over the country. The highlight is a mini exhibition featuring a string basket group from

dhSaraburi.

- Call 02-676-0636/8 ext 231.

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FILMS

Classic Chinese

Pridi Banomyong Institute Sukhumvit Road, Soi Thong Lo July 4-5 and 11

- Interested persons are invited to the screening of many legendary Chinese martial arts movies. The programme on July 4 includes Green Snake (1995) at noon, a talk by movie critic Ruengrong Rungrasamee at 1:45pm, Full Moon Scimitar (1979) at 2:15pm and Ashes Of Time (1994) at 4:10pm. On July 5 sees Golden Swallow (1968) at noon, The Bold Brothers (1973) at 1:50pm and The Warlords (2007) at 3:50pm. The screening on July 11 includes Dragon Inn (1967), Handsome Siblings (1992) and L'Empereur Et L'Assassin (1999).

- Free admission. Call 02-381-3860/1 or visit www.pridiinstitute.com.

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Filipino drama

FCCT, Penthouse, Maneeya Centre Bldg Phloenchit Road July 9 at 8pm

- The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT) is screening Jay, a sensational movie based on the real-life murder of the producer of a reality show in the Philippines. directed by award-winning Filipino director Francis Xavier Pasion, it stars two of the country's top actors _ Baron Geisler and Coco Martin.

- The fee is 150 baht. Call 02-652-0580/1.

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MEDITATION

Beach retreat and workshop

Cha-am: July 10-12 Bangkok: July 18-19

- The International Meditation Club is organising the best of both worlds training in calmness and vipassana (insight) meditation to resolve daily problems relating to stress, tension, anxiety, anger, insomnia and depression, which could lead to a healthier and happier life. The programme is suitable for meditation practitioners at all levels. The training will be conducted in English by an experienced international vipassana meditation masters. The beach retreat will be held in Cha-am on July 10-12 and the workshop will be held in Bangkok on July 18-19.

- For details, e-mail: info@intlfip.org or call 081 622-4507.

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Weekend retreat

Ybat's Meditation Centre, Pathum Thani July 17-19

- The Young Buddhists Association of Thailand (Ybat) and the House of Dhamma are holding a weekend vipassana (insight) meditation retreat as a refresher for those with previous experience. The retreat is open to all English-speaking adults. It is not necessary to be a Buddhist to take part. Vegetarian food and single-room accommodation will be provided. Instruction will be in English with some Thai translation as necessary.

- For information in English, call 02-511-0439 (mornings), visit www.houseofdhamma.com/retreats03.html or email houseofdhamma@csloxinfo.com. For information in Thai, call 02-455-2525 ext 4209 or 02-413-3131.

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EXHIBITIONS

Graphic design

Grand Hall, 1st floor, Siam Discovery Rama I Road July 3-5, daily 10:30am-9pm

- Post-Elements Co is holding the ''Inbox'' graphic design exhibition featuring the work of graphic design groups Duck Unit, Slowmotion, Visionary and Farmgroup. There is also a seminar entitled ''Inspiration + Technique = Great Design'' to inspire and equip young designers with vision, tools and tips for creating graphic design that meets today's ever-changing lifestyles.

- Call 02-196-1102/3.

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Inspired by opium

Lamont shop, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Oriental Avenue July 3-31, daily 10am-8pm

- The ''Opium: Objects of a Lost Ritual'' exhibition puts on show elaborate pipes, pipe bowls, trays and tools associated with smoking opium. Many of the original carvings in ivory and wood, and inlay work with silver and precious gems _ sapphires, rubies and amethysts _ remain unchanged.

- Call 02-630-5931.

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SEMINAR/TALK

For infertile couples

Piyavate Hospital, Rim Khlong Samsen Road July 4, 9am-noon

- Perfect Woman Institute at Piyavate Hospital is holding a seminar on ''Blastocyst Culture: the Infertility Treatment'' conducted by experienced obstetricians who will provide in-depth information of the treatment. Infertile couples will also learn how to prepare for the treatment and get advice from a doctor.

- Free admission. Call 02-625-6555.

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Voice software

Roadhouse Barbecue, Rama IV Road July 14, 6-8:30pm

- Thailand Educators Network presents Malcolm Southern from Princeton Language School who will be talking about a new voice-recognition pronunciation software and how it can help Thai students to improve their pronunciation and reading skills. Using set lessons or tailor-made material, the software allows students to listen, repeat words, phrases and sentences on their own, in small groups or in larger classes.

- The fee is 380 baht (280 baht for members). Call 081-834-8982 or email tim@thaiednet.org.

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WORKSHOP

Understand each other

TK Park, 8th floor, Zone D Central World Plaza, Ratchadamri Road July 4-5, 10:30am-1:30pm

- Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park) invites interested families and teenagers to the Enneagram workshop during which they will learn to understand themselves and the people close to them. The one-day workshop on July 4 is designed for the entire families, while the July 5 session is for teenagers.

- Call 02-257-4300 or visit www.tkpark. or.th.

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COURSES

Theatre for kids

- Britain's Fusion theatre academy is coming to Bangkok to run its acclaimed children's holiday courses for children aged 4-18 at Harrow International School. This is a chance for them to learn singing, dancing and drama from award-winning actors, directors and a pop music guru. The week-long courses will be running daily from Mon-Fri with a stage show every Sat, beginning on July 6, 13, 20 and 27.

- The fee is 7,500 baht per week for half-day sessions and 15,000 baht per week for a full day. Call 02-503-722 ext 1910.

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For music students

- Chintakarn Music Institute is offering pre-entrance music courses for students majoring in music such as piano, violin, guitar, voice and woodwinds. Conducted by experienced instructors from top universities, the courses will emphasise mu sical techniques, skill development and how to chose repertoires.

- Call 02-254-3761/4.

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Art for kids

- La Lanta Fine Art is holding three art classes for children to learn fundamental art skills in a fun and inspiring environment. The ''Little Matisse'' course will enable the 4-6 year-old kids to create artwork using techniques such as watercolour, drawing, printing and sculpting. Designed for those aged 7-12 years, the ''Paint-O-Fun'' is a chance to learn both theory and practice of paintings and the ''Drawing is Easy'' will focus on freehand drawing with different media including pencil, watercolour and pastel. The courses will run every Sat for 8 weeks with different timetables.

- The fee is 3,800 baht (600 baht per session) for the first course and 5,500 baht (750 baht per session) for the second and third. Call 02-204-0583 or visit www.lalanta.com/kidclasses.htm.

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Thai boxing

- The Ambassador Hotel's Health Centre is holding Thai boxing classes during which participants will practice boxing techniques like, jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts, spinning back fists, combinations, slipping, sticking, moving, footwork, clinching and stand-up grappling. Instructed by Sakol Thousuwan and assistant trainers who have been guaranteed with the certifications of Thai Boxing Champion, the training runs every Tue and Thur from 5-7pm.

- The fee ranges from 3,500 baht per 10 sessions to 6,000 baht per 30 sessions (500 baht per session). Call 02-254-0444 ext 1230/5.

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COOKERY

Thai cuisine

We Love Cooking Room, 43rd floor CentralWorld Office Bldg, Ratchadamri Road July 9, 10am-noon

- Seagull kitchenware is holding a cooking class during which participants will learn to prepare two menus of authentic Thai cuisine _ khao tang na tang (crispy rice crackers with ground pork dip) and khanom jeen namya pla (noodles in fish curry sauce).

- Call 02-730-7999.

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EDUCATION

Study in Australia

Napalai Ballroom, Dusit Thani Hotel Rama IV Road July 4, 11am-4pm

- The Complete Education and Touring Australia (CETA) invites interested students and parents to the ''Australian Secondary Schools Exhibition''. Representatives from 25 top private and government schools from Australia will be available to give advice on the features, advantages, university pathways after graduation from Australian high schools and overall requirements to live and study in Australia.

- Call 02-665-8100 or visit www.ceta.co.th.

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CONTESTS

Young storyteller

- TK Park and Mother & Care magazine invite interested children aged 4-9 years to enter a storytelling contest to vie for a trophy from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, plus scholarships worth 300,000 baht. There are three categories _ solo, school team and family team. The selection round will take place in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai and Bangkok in Aug.

- The application deadline is July 15. Application forms can be downloaded from www.tkpark.or.th and www.mother andcare.in.th. Call 02-241-8000 ext 341.

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Super idea

- Young children in Pathom 1-6 are invited to enter the ''Honda Asimo Super Idea'' contest to vie for a plaque from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and scholarships worth over 100,000 baht. They should come up with their own inventions under the theme ''From the Power of Dreams, To Future Inventions''. Their inventions should incorporate mobility and be beneficial to society. Contestants are required to sketch the inventions and also describe the mechanics and the source of their inspirations. The winners will also represent Thailand at Honda Kid's Idea Contest 8 in Japan where they will have the opportunity to visit Asimo's birthplace.

- The submission deadline is July 15. Call 02-274-0671/5 ext 106/8 or visit www.honda-ideacontest.com.