Arts & Culture
The BiPolar Bears
Latest News!
The Bears have completed auditions and are ready to re-launch..
What will the new Bears look like? Check this page for updates..
The Bears have completed auditions and are ready to re-launch..
What will the new Bears look like? Check this page for updates..
To contact the band email phil@wildatheart.org.au Or call Dan on 0403 455 378
Bears on TVIn 2010 The Bipolar Bears featured in a 3-part rockumentary on SBS, which followed the journey of the band and their search for a lead singer: they’ve gotta be good, they’ve gotta be loud and they’ve gotta be mad. Episode dates for SBS
More info on the SBS site http://www.sbs.com.au/shows/bipolarbears/about/page/i//show/bipolarbears
The Bears support The Music Network (for mental health). Check out the great stuff the Network does at http://www.mentalhealthmusicnetwork.net/
Other Albums
New Shoes
In Oct 07 the band released their second original album with the EP "New Shoes". Packed with 4 powerful new songs, including the title track by friend of the band Heidi Everett, the EP goes from ska, to country rock, to rock and finishes up with lead singer Dale Bridge's punk "Scars".
Only Breathing
In 2003, the BiPolar Bears released their album 'Only Breathing', with 11 rock, reggae and blues tracks and even a locally commissioned folk song ! The CD contains some of the bands now classic hits, including Getaway and Little Miss Pink. Ross Hannaford (Daddy Cool) makes a guest appearance on a number of tracks and mentored the band through its first studio recording.
To order a copy of the BiPolar Bears EP "New Shoes' or their 2003 CD 'Only Breathing', please contact the Community Cultural Development Officer via eServices or (03) 9209 6777.
Check out The BiPolar Bears on myspace www.myspace.com/bipolarbears_australia
The Music Network (for mental health)
Started in 2006 as an initiative between the City of Port Phillip, Phil Heuzenroeder and the BiPolar Bears, The Music Network (for mental health) offers music development, performance and social opportunities for people living with mental illness from across Melbourne and Victoria.
The Young Odd Bods at Go Live!
Weekly workshops, monthly Go Live! performance gigs at the St Kilda Bowls Club and the annual Mad Hatters Music Festival in Mental Health Week are highlights of the Network's program. The Network also links up the many bands, artists and services across the state involved in music and mental health, including Heidi Everett, James Houston, Beware of Doug, Full Mental Jacket, It's Only Paranoia, the Odd Bods, Lunadenta, Moon Rockit and The Deep End.
See the http://www.mentalhealthmusicnetwork.net/
Check this out AGE article 'Mental As Anything'
Music Workshop
Weekly music workshops with a focus on professional development opportunities take place each Wednesday at the Sol Green recreation Centre in South Melbourne. To find out more visit the Music Network site http://www.mentalhealthmusicnetwork.net/
Photos by Paul Dunn
The BiPolar Bears, supported by the City of Port Phillip from 1993 - 2010 as part of a commitment to creating arts participation opportunities for people with mental illness and disabilities.
The BiPolar Bears CD has been assisted by the Federal Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer phone ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for the Community Cultural Development Officer.
