Movie and music lovers are in for a treat in Canberra, finds the latest Artsweek column by arts editor HELEN MUSA.

Josh Burton and Tom Burton present Tinseltown!, a fast-paced theatrical romp in which the brothers recreate an entire Hollywood blockbuster in one hour, complete with twisted characters and nods to cinema’s golden age. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, May 15.

The second Indonesian Film Festival returns with a showcase of contemporary Indonesian cinema presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. Admission is free. Kambri Theatre, May 16-17 and June 23.

Matthew Lamb will discuss the “archival imagination” of iconic Australian writer Frank Moorhouse, examining how his archival methods shaped both his work and identity in a free Fellowship presentation offered in person and online. National Library of Australia, May 19.

The Australian National Eisteddfod Bands and Orchestras program returns with performances and competitions showcasing young musicians from around the country. Various venues, May 21-24.

Stage

• Steph Evans directs the Canberra premiere of Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike, a comedy inspired by Uncle Vanya. Mockingbird Theatre Company at Belconnen Arts Centre, May 15-23.
• Michelle Heine’s BAM Entertainment ACT is searching for five young performers aged 11 to 17 to form GLOSS, a new all-female tween pop group. SouthPoint Shopping Centre, May 16.
• Helios + Selene offers a contemporary theatrical double bill inspired by mythic themes and visual storytelling. The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, May 20-23.

Concerts

• Lisa Simone presents A Daughter’s Tribute to Nina Simone, honouring the music and legacy of her mother, legendary singer Nina Simone. The Playhouse, May 14.
• Seventh Wonder recreates the sound and spirit of Fleetwood Mac in a tribute performance led by vocalist Bloom. The Q, May 15.
• Blamey Street Big Band under Ian McLean presents Blamey Swings Rock, reimagining hits by The Rolling Stones, AC/DC and Elton John with swinging brass arrangements and guest vocalists Jared Newall, Leisa Keen, Steve Amosa and Ashleigh Harris. The Q, May 16.
• Taiwanese-Australian singer-songwriter Kim Yang and Band launch her new album Turn On The Lights with a live Canberra performance showcasing her latest music. The Street Theatre, May 16.
• Paulini and Tim Campbell bring their show, Electrifying 80s, to town, celebrating synth-pop hits, power ballads and movie anthems by artists including Madonna, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, Prince and INXS. Canberra Theatre, May 16.
• Australian Chamber Orchestra artistic director Richard Tognetti leads ACO string musicians and a handpicked selection of Australia’s leading wind players in Schubert’s chamber masterpieces, the Fantasy in C major (in a new arrangement by Tognetti) and the Octet in F major. Llewellyn Hall, May 16.
• Interwoven: The Australian String Quartet performs works by Elizabeth Younan, Joseph Haydn, Sergei Prokofiev and Clara Schumann. Gandel Hall, NGA, May 17.
• The Order of St Lazarus ACT, Wesley Music Centre and Wesley Uniting Church join forces for a charity concert featuring Canberra musicians performing classical music for piano, cello, flute, trumpet, organ and voice, followed by afternoon tea. Wesley Music Centre, May 17.
• The Maruki Community Orchestra performs Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra No. 2 with soloist Beth Battrick in an afternoon concert. Lyneham High School Performing Arts Centre, May 17.
• Cellist Rachel Johnston joins colleagues from the ANU School of Music for a relaxed lunchtime concert featuring works including Fantasiestücke and Cello Sonata in D minor, Op. 40. ANU School of Music, May 19.
• Young pianists David Fan and Jake Bennett from the Marie Cull Piano Studio perform in the Wesley Lunchtime Concert series. Wesley Music Centre, May 20.

Galleries

• M16 Artspace presents four new exhibitions, including The Quiet Between by M16 studio artists, Fiona Little’s Blockwork, Junkyard by Charlie Jay and Grace Walters, and in CHUTESPACE, Julie Bradley’s Murky Water. M16 Artspace, May 14-June 7.
• The exhibition Elsewhere by Liz Priestley explores contemporary themes through new work opening this week. Grainger Gallery, May 14-June 7.
• Bling Bling brings together Canberra ceramic artists Lee Nelms, Liz Crowe and Jacqui Keogh in a contemporary exploration of decoration and the vessel. Canberra Potters Gallery, May 15-June 14.
• The QPRC & Bendigo Bank Art Awards returns with its largest exhibition yet, featuring work by more than 85 artists from across the region. Opens at Q Exhibition Space and The LinQ Gallery, May 16.
• The ANU Drill Hall Gallery and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts collaborate on an exhibition curated by Jonathan Nichols examining how traditional Western ideas of painting are being reshaped through contemporary cultural perspectives, with works by Jon Chan, Un Cheng, Chris Huen Sin, Noor Mahnun and Tang Dixin. ANU School of Art and Design Gallery, May 21-June 28.