Good Food & Wine Show's Australia 2012

You probably also know that 5 SPICE isn't a boy band from Shanghai... But did you know...
The Good Food & Wine Show is back and will spice up your weekend with new chefs, new features, new master classes plus hundreds and hundreds of delicious food and wine tastings - it's sure to be a weekend to remember!

Click on a city below to see which chefs and features are coming to you!

Melbourne 1-3 June 2012
Sydney 21-23 June 2012
Perth 13-15 July 2012
Adelaide 12-14 October 2012
Brisbane 9-11 November 2012

Tina Arena and the Sydney Symphony

Pop sensation and legendary songstress, Tina Arena, makes a triumphant return to Australia in 2012 for a series of stellar live performances across the country, including with the renowned Sydney Symphony.

Her loyal Australian audience will be treated to magnificent arrangements of her repertoire - as broad and diverse as her amazing career - specifically written for a Symphony Orchestra.

'This was the best pop-meets-classical show I have ever seen...joined by a small rock band, the Orchestra was simply breathtaking...this was a musical partnership which moved together seamlessly and with a generosity and such openness that almost every instrument became thrillingly distinct.' - The West Australian

Music Lovers should not miss this opportunity to see one of Australia's brightest stars performing favourites including Chains, Call Me, Don't Cry For Me Argentina and I Want to Know what Love is with the acclaimed Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

'The concert reminded you what truly great songs and joyful musical partnerships are all about' - The West Australian 

Looking for Sydney Group Accommodation for this event?

Contact Richard Amour (Business Development Manager) at  Metro Hotels

Ph: +61 2 9288 0108

Email: ramour@metrohg.com

Perth Tourism News: Cold Chisel April 2012 - By popular Demand

Cold Chisel announced today that their first new studio album in 14 years will be launched at Bluesfest - where Cold Chisel are headlining on Thursday April 5 - ahead of its official release in stores on Friday April 6 through Warner Music Australia. The album is titled No Plans and features 13 songs drawn from recording sessions across 2010 and 2011. The album features the final recorded performances by drummer Steve Prestwich who passed away in January 2011 and also one of his compositions 'I Got Things To Do'.

"In late 2009 the five of us made plans to record together again and do a tour," said frontman Jimmy Barnes. "After lots of twists and turns that's exactly what we've ended up doing but due to Steve's passing those plans changed a lot along the way. The last two years have reminded all of us that sometimes life deals up things you don't expect. You can't take anything or anyone for granted. Sometimes it's best to have no plans."

Making good on their promise of late last year, Cold Chisel have announced that they will return to Perth for a special one-off concert at Sandalford Winery, Swan Valley on Saturday, April 7, 2012.

TOUR DATES*:

Sat 7 Apr - Sandalford Estate Swan Valley, Perth
Wed 18 Apr - Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (18+)
*Ticketek is selling for the above venues only.
Cold Chisel April 2012 - By popular Demand

Eat, Pray and Laugh: Barry Humphries Farewell Tour

Paul Dainty, Chairman of Dainty Group has announced that Australia's greatest entertainment export - iconic performer, satirist, artist and comedian Barry Humphries - will take his final bow to Australian audiences during his farewell tour, "Eat Pray Laugh!".

Humphries, whose alter egos include inebriated cultural attaché, the Honorable Sir Les Patterson, and Moonee Ponds' legendary housewife, Dame Edna Everage, will perform a limited number of farewell shows from June to August this year.

While his famous creations are not officially retiring, Australia's greatest Dame insists that this will be her final tour.

"So, Possums, please do come and say goodbye to me. It would be lovely to see your faces for the last time," Dame Edna says.

Go to www.dameednafarewell.com for more details.

PERFORMANCE DATES*:
Fri 29 Jun - Sun 1 Jul - Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Thu 19 Jul - Sat 28 Jul - Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne
*Ticketek is selling for the above venue only.

La Traviata Sings Sydney’s Praises

WHEN it comes to staging events, Sydney knows how to turn it on and they certainly did on Saturday night when Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - La Traviata, burst into life - its spectacular backdrop, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Even if you have no particularlove for opera, this tragic love story and its glorious Verdi arias is as spellbinding visually as it is a feast for the ears.

An $11.5m production, it is being staged for three weeks only until 15 April, at Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Royal Botanic Gardens.

Monumental in its staging and effects (singers arrive by bud-lit boats) it features a full orchestra,
magnificent sets and stunning 1950’s costumes.Dazzling effects include a 9-metre chandelier sparkling with Swarovski crystals, suspended above the purpose-built stage and a dazzling fireworks display organised by pyrotechnician, Fortunato Foti responsible for Sydney’s New Years Eve.
La Traviata Sings Sydney’s Praises

Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate!

It's one colossal party on ice, with all your favourite Disney friends!

Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine's Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe. Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits your hometown!

Visit www.disneyonice.com.au for more information and to view a clip of the show.

TOUR DATES*:

Fri 15 - Sun 17 Jun - WIN Entertainment Centre
Fri 22 - Sun 24 Jun - Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Thu 28 Jun - Sun 1 Jul - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Wed 4 - Mon 9 Jul - Hisense Arena, Melbourne
Wed 11 - Mon 16 Jul - Allphones Arena, Sydney
Thu 19 - Sun 22 Jul - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
*Ticketek is selling for the above venues only.

Tickets available from Ticketek

Legally Blonde The Musical Set To Paint Sydney Pink

“Today I’m very pleased to join the Producers to announce an all-star cast.

“The coveted lead role of Australia’s Elle Woods has gone to Lucy Durack, best known as the good witch Glinda from the blockbuster musical Wicked,” Ms Chipchase said.

Playing alongside Durack will be Rob Mills in the role of Warner and David Harris as Emmett. Well known Australian and international fashion model Erika Heynatz will play the role of Brooke Wyndam and Cameron Daddo is returning to play Professor Callaghan.

“With such an outstanding cast, Legally Blonde is certainly going to be a crowd pleaser, entertaining audiences over many months.

Ms Chipchase said Sydney is back on top as the musicals capital of Australia.

“Sydney has re-emerged as the number one city for first run musicals in Australia and is fast becoming a city that producers worldwide are choosing to premiere their musicals.

“Sydney is the perfect home for the Australian premiere of Legally Blonde.

“This year is shaping up to be a very big year for musical theatre on the NSW Events Calendar.
“We have just enjoyed the Australian premiere of Annie, we have the world premiere of An Officer and a Gentleman in May and then the Australian premiere of Legally Blonde.

“At Destination NSW we are working hard on a musicals strategy to ensure Sydney is the number one city for first run musicals in Australia. Like many others I’m looking forward to welcoming Legally Blonde to Australia’s leading tourism and events city,” she said.

Co-Producer John Frost said we are thrilled to be opening Legally Blonde in Sydney.

“This is a high energy, award winning show and it is a great fit for Sydney,” he said.

Ms Chipchase said Destination NSW estimates that internationally renowned musicals can generate close to $20 million over a six month run in direct economic impact for NSW.

“Musicals are a clear economic driver and enhance the cultural life of the city. They hold a clear place on the NSW Events Calendar that is quickly becoming one of the best events calendars in the world.
“We will ensure that Sydney, the gateway to Australia and NSW, remains number one when it comes to securing and hosting major events in Australia,” Ms Chipchase said.

Legally Blonde The Musical Set To Paint Sydney Pink

Kylie Anti-Tour to debut in Australia

Kylie Minogue has come good on her promise to perform an `anti-tour' featuring B-sides, demos and rarities - and it will debut in Australia.

The pop princess is extending her Mardi Gras homecoming with two shows at The Palace in Melbourne on March 18 and Sydney's Luna Park on March 20.

Both venues have a capacity of under 2000 and were handpicked by the star to generate a more intimate atmosphere for her devoted fans.

It is expected that additional dates of the sized-down tour will be announced soon, which may include a visit to the US later this year.

Minogue first touted the idea of an `anti-tour' during her Aphrodite world tour, longing for a return to smaller gigs rather than the arena-sized spectaculars of recent years.

Initially expected to trial the idea in the UK, the singer entrusted friend and mentor Michael Gudinski to present the shows to Australian audiences first.

"(The) Anti tour is something I'm very keen on. I think it's an interesting concept," she told Sky News in Sydney at the weekend.

"That's something that's really just for super fans. There's not going to be hit songs in that show, but it's a good balance to something like (the) Aphrodite (tour)."

Minogue is currently celebrating 25 years in the music business and has branded her anniversary year K25.

Since the singer's debut single The Loco-Motion was released in July 1987, she has issued 11 studio albums and more than 50 singles.

*Tickets for both shows will go on sale from midday on Wednesday, March 7. Both are over 18 only.