DJ Afro Talks Fiesta: ‘A Journey Of What Our Culture Has Evolved Into

DJ Afro Talks Fiesta: ‘A Journey Of What Our Culture Has Evolved Into

I’m Jose Luis Pardo. I’m a DJ, producer and musician, appearing at Fiesta both as DJ Afro and in my band, Los Crema Paraiso. My love of music began with vinyl records – I used to spend a lot of time playing them at home by myself. 

Teenage years came by and I fell in love with the guitar, played in school with different bands and ended up starting the band Los Amigos Invisibles. We were high school friends that were lucky enough to tour the world thanks to our record label Luaka Bop’s faith in 6 guys from Caracas doing Latin dance music.

Los Amigos’ shows were always planned as a party and it was kind of hard to get a DJ to set up the mood with what we were being inspired by, so I started DJing myself before the shows and not so long after that, when I got a pair of headphones, I realised that I was a DJ and my DJ life started being parallel to my band’s life.

After a few years touring with Los Amigos and as a DJ, I met Neil Ochoa and we joined forces to open a studio together, and to start a new project based on our love for Venezuelan music and our desire to start playing around New York’s jazz clubs. 

Los Crema Paraiso’s El Debut became the first recording we did in our studio, and we discovered that we were in love with what we were doing musically. It sounded like nothing else, and when you feel that, you want to celebrate it and share it with everyone you know.

I grew up in a rich oil country that was always looking to what was happening outside, surrounded by people with a strong desire to prove they were cool and cosmopolitan. Then you grow up and realise that under the trends and inside your walls there are all these colours that you never cared to see before because you took them for granted. 

As a music person, I started discovering old Venezuelan albums that were brilliant but totally forgotten by my generation, Then, I moved to New York to look for better opportunities and, after not having most of the things I took for granted in my hometown, I started loving what I am, where I come from, what I had around when I grew up.

Being in New York opens your eyes to so much culture but also makes you realise what you are and where you come from, and I chose to be proud of that and use it to my benefit.

If I were to describe Latin American culture to someone who knows little about it, I’d talk about the beautiful charm of imperfection, chaos, being able to laugh about all that and still think it’s sexy. That, and the food, women, music and weather!

It means so much to represent my culture at Fiesta. Los Crema Paraiso and I as a DJ will do our best to show Sydney a journey of what our culture has evolved into.

We don’t want to be like anyone else, we are just what we are. We come with something that doesn’t sound familiar but it will make you feel at home. Los Crema Paraiso’s show is really trippy and high energy, and DJ Afro will just make you smile while you dance.

DJ Afro will appear at Fiesta on Saturday October 11 at 4:25pm and again on Sunday October 12 at 4:30pm. Los Crema Paraiso will appear at Fiesta on Saturday October 11 at 5:40pm and again on Sunday October 12 at 3pm.

EVENT DETAILS
Fiesta Darling Harbour
October 4-6 and October 11-12
Full program and getting here

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NRL Grand Final 2014 Preview: Rabbitohs v Bulldogs

 South Sydney Rabbitohs meet the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, October 5 

The South Sydney Rabbitohs meet the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, October 5 in the first NRL preliminary final. The match kicks off at 7.15pm (AEDT)

South Sydney hooker Issac Luke will miss Sunday's decider after he was found guilty of a grade one dangerous throw on Roosters star Sonny Bill Williams at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night. 

He joins Melbourne hooker Cameron Smith and Roosters stalwart Luke Ricketson as players who have missed grand finals through suspension in the modern era. Apisai Koroisau, who filled in for Luke when he was sidelined with a shoulder injury mid-season is expected to come into the starting side. 

Ben Te'o has been elevated to the run-on side for Kyle Turner who'll start on the bench. Beau Champion (wrist) is the only Souths player missing through injury. 

The Bunnies backed up their 40-24 qualifying final win over Manly with a convincing 32-22 victory over reigning champs the Sydney Roosters to qualify for their first grand final since 1971. They trailed 12-0 early but piled on 32-unanswered points before the Chooks scored two late consolation tries.

Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis was named at hooker on Tuesday but has all-but ruled himself out after suffering two fractures in his left foot against Penrith last Saturday. 

Five-eighth Josh Reynolds filled in at dummy-half against the Panthers when Ennis went down. However, Moses Mbye and Reni Maitua more likelye options at hooker while youngster Damien Cook filled in at hooker during Origin this season when Ennis shifted to half-back. 

The Bulldogs are missing Sam Kasiano (ankle), Pat O'Hanlon (ankle), Chase Stanley (shoulder), Jacob Loko (knee) and Lloyd Perrett (ankle). Des Hasler's Dogs lost six of their last eight regular season games and were given no hope of doing anything in the finals by most pundits. 

But they thumped the Storm 28-4 in the elimination final, edged Manly 18-17 in golden point and held off Penrith 18-12 to make their second grand final appearance in three years.

Reason To Watch

Sam Burgess v James Graham. The big Englishmen are the two premier forwards in the NRL. They both show a blatant disregard for their own bodies and have a mean streak but are also highly skilful. While they insist they don't seek each other out when these two clubs meet, you could be forgiven for thinking there's a magnetic attraction between the two because wherever one goes the other is there to greet them.

Reason To Turn Away 

Forty-three years is a long time. They handled the pressure last week but the Bunnies still have a massive mental hurdle to overcome and there'll be a lot of buttock clenching going on in the Burrow if the Bunnies fall behind again this week. 

And if you're a Dogs fan and Josh Reynolds plays dummy-half and repeats some of the shocking passes he dished up against the Panthers it might be time to go and turn a steak or head to the fridge for another cordial.

Say What ... 

"Just to play in the grand final's going to be great but to play against James who's a close friend and great competitor, it's going to be a great experience and I'm sure after the final whistle one of us will have a smile on the face and the other probably not. But we'll shake hands and I'm sure we'll get stuck in on the weekend," - Sam Burgess on his battle with fellow Englishman James Graham.

"To be honest, I need a miracle mate. I'm pretty disappointed at this stage so just going to do what I can and see how it all pans out to be honest," – Michael Ennis on the prospect of missing the NRL decider through injury.

Final Word 

The Rabbitohs carry the burden of 43 years without a premiership on their shoulders while the Bulldogs are trying to become the first team to win the grand final from outside the top four since the inception of the NRL in 1998. 

They split their two regular-season meetings, with both games not decided until the final minutes. Trent Hodkinson kicked a 78th minute field goal in Round 7 to give the Dogs a 15-14 win, while the Bunnies scored nine points in the final seven minutes to win 21-14 in Round 25. 

The likely loss of Ennis and Luke's suspension weakens both sides but the Bunnies are better equipped to cover Luke's loss. The Dogs have the edge in experience having played in the 2012 decider but the toll of three brutal finals fixtures in a row could hurt them in the final quarter. 

Michael Maguire's men won't have things all their own way but we agree with the bookies who are tipping South Sydney to end 43 years of misery on Sunday. Rabbitohs by 10.

Rabbitohs: Greg Inglis, Alex Johnston, Dylan Walker, Kirisome Auva'a, Lote Tuqiri, Luke Keary, Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Dave Tyrrell, Ben Te'o, John Sutton (c), Sam Burgess.
Interchange: Jason Clark, Kyle Turner, Chris McQueen, Thomas Burgess, Ben Lowe, Luke Burgess, Bryson Goodwin (three to be omitted).

Bulldogs: Sam Perrett, Corey Thompson, Josh Morris, Tim Lafai, Mitch Brown, Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis (c), James Graham, Josh Jackson, Tony Williams, Greg Eastwood.

Interchange: Tim Browne, Dale Finucane, David Klemmer, Frank Pritchard, Moses Mbye, Reni Maitua (two to be omitted). 

Showbag bonanza begins as families flock to Royal Melbourne Show

Cousins Chelsea, 3 and Carlos, 5 ride the flying elephants. Picture: Jason Edwards

FAMILIES flocked to the Melbourne Showgrounds today for the start of the state’s biggest show.

The 12-day Melbourne Show kicked off with a bonanza of rides, showbags, animal events and classic show food.

People chasing an adrenalin rush packed fast-paced rides in the Thrill Seekers Carnival, while children whizzed around on a miniature Ferris wheel.

Holding a toy pony she had won, Charlotte, 4, said the rides were the best part of the show.

Show-goers enjoy the rides. Picture: Jason Edwards

“I like the show because I like to win toys,” she said.

“The rides are good too because they are fun and scary.

“It is fun to come with my friends and go on the rides together.”

Charlotte’s father Michael Willis said yesterday’s warm weather was a perfect curtain-raiser for the show.

“The kids love the show - they love all of the carnival rides,” he said.

Alex Duguid, 4, on a quest for the best showbags. Picture: Jason Edwards

Mickey Mouse and girlfriend Minnie also made their first appearance at the show, keeping kids entertained in the Herald Sun Entertainment Dome.

Epping’s Alex Duguid, 4, was one of hundreds of children to snap up a showbag yesterday.

But it wasn’t all fun and games.

A motocross stunt rider was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital after a daredevil jump went wrong.

The teenager was performing in the Freestyle Mototcross Show about 2pm. Last night he was still in a stable condition.

The Melbourne Show runs 9.30am to 9.30pm daily until October 1.

Today’s highlights include a meet and greet with the stars of Home and Away and horses demonstrating their dressage skills in the exhibition event  competition.

Puppies will also put their best paw forward during the Advance Sweepstakes Day competition.

Daniel Gurr, 17, competes in the wood chop. Picture: Jason Edwards

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/showbag-bonanza-begins-as-families-flock-to-royal-melbourne-show/story-fni0fit3-1227065094340?nk=53eff2c37c7efc38ef5aab5f5e0c72e5

Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre (GECC) | Gladstone Attractions

 The  Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre has recently been redeveloped with an expansion of the adjoining multi-level car park to include an additional three levels of car parking and two levels of commercial office space.

This multi-million dollar redevelopment will establish the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre as one of regional Queensland’s premier entertainment venues, attracting new entertainment, conferences and events never before seen in the region.

Expansion has seen the addition of a new multi-use convention and event floor space that will increase the venue’s capacity to 1,500 standing and allow it to host larger and higher-profile events and concerts.

The new Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre delivers on its designers attention to detail to provide the city with a venue that will perform well into the future.

Find out More about Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre

Ipswich Civic Theatre

Ipswich Civic Theatre

Ipswich Civic Centre is a stunning combination of premier entertainment venue and community-focused function centre.

We  provide a range of services and facilities to support a wide cross-section of the local community and through the exciting Festival of Theatre program presents live music, special events and theatrical performances.

Located in the heart of Ipswich Central (on the corner of Limestone and Nicholas Streets) the Civic Centre has been proudly serving the Ipswich community and guests since 1975.

More information is available on the hire of the venue for functions (including weddings) and performances.

Tickets for performances and events can be purchased online at any time (ceasing just 18 hours prior to performance) and over the phone or in-person via our box office.

Find Out What’s On at Ipswich Civic Theatre

Ipswich Civic Theatre is located next door to Metro Hotel Ipswich International, A popular Ipswich CBD Hotel and Apartments Accommodation Provider

View the official Civic Theatre Website http://www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/

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South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters Preliminary Final Should be a Classic

Roosters v Souths

All season most people would've expected these two teams to be squaring off against each other in the premiership decider on grand final day. 

Here it is, a week earlier than expected, but no less important. South Sydney were extremely impressive in their semi-final demolition of Manly in week one of the finals. "Powerful" is the word that keeps coming to mind. 

This huge, mobile forward pack just steamrolled their way upfield and had the result beyond doubt very early in proceedings. 

I have been super impressed with young Rabbitohs centres Kirisome Auva'a and Dylan Walker. Wow! Can't these two lads run the ball. 

They are very dangerous indeed. Once the forwards have cancelled each other out, it may come down to their battle with Roosters pair Michael Jennings and Shaun Kenny-Dowall to decide a winner. They also have the big guy, Greg Inglis, at the back who could bust the game open at any time. 

This club has been around the money for a couple of years now so the players have finals experience and they know what's at stake. 

They will leave nothing in the tank in search of victory. Similarly, the Roosters boast a forward pack that can dominate the best around on their day. Sonny Bill Williams turned last year's grand final on its head with a brilliant second-half display. He is due. 

Courageous hooker Jake Friend will be all the better for his game last weekend. Halves Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney have come solid at the right time of the year as well. I am expecting a spirited defence of the title they won almost twelve months ago.

I really can't separate these two teams. I sense the Roosters have more tries in them; however, I have great regard for what Inglis might produce on this big stage. This will come down to a field goal either way.

Bulldogs v Panthers
Melbourne and Manly have been two of the most dominant finals teams in the NRL over the past decade. Over the past fortnight, however, the Bulldogs - with scintillating performances - have blown away both these sides. That's outstanding form leading into a preliminary final. 

Coach Des Hasler is a master of the big game. The Dogs, as a club, are certainly no stranger to finals football either and the spike in their intensity once they hit play-off time has been there for all to see. They have been impeccable. The Bulldogs forwards have owned the advantage line in both their semi-final outings. Their unique style of chain-passing among the big boys to create space for the halves and outside backs down the edges has been very effective.

The Panthers have been tremendous. What a gutsy bunch they have become. They play the team game with every individual contributing what they can to the common cause. The one thing we do know about this team is that they will keep coming and they will never give up. 

This is a new experience for the vast majority of their players so their start to the game will be very important indeed. The Bulldogs smashed both the Storm and the Sea Eagles in the first half of those games and will be looking to do a similar job on the inexperienced Panthers. 

If the Panthers can withstand the early blitz and settle down into their own rhythm, they will give a good account of themselves. C'mon Panthers.

Sydney teams, take a bow

The last four left standing in the NRL premiership race are all Sydney teams. Actually, it's five Sydney teams left standing if we include the Sea Eagles, who will officially finish in fifth position after their narrow loss to the Bulldogs last Saturday night. 

That in itself is an extraordinary performance for all these clubs. In an age where so many of the interstate teams have huge geographical and corporate advantages over the Sydney-based teams, it is testimony to management and the resilience of these older traditional clubs that they have been able to maintain their competitiveness in the congested market in this city. It's not getting any easier either. 

The cost of running a professional rugby league program is increasing all the time. Sydney-based clubs will need added corporate and member support if they are all to survive into the future. So regardless of who wins this weekend, the 2014 grand final will be the fifth all-Sydney grand final of the NRL era. 

The previous four featured the Sydney Roosters. In 2003, it was the Roosters v Penrith. In 2004, we saw the Roosters v Bulldogs; 2010 - Dragons v Roosters; and last year it was the Roosters v Manly. Will the fifth follow that pattern?

We need to be far more proactive

The rule which enabled Canterbury to regain possession in the 73rd minute of their match against Manly after a Josh Reynolds' kick struck referee Gerard Sutton is anachronistic and will surely be changed in the off-season. I know it's an obscure rule and is rarely required, but every time it has happened, we have asked for changes. 

None have been forthcoming. In bygone years, packing a scrum and giving the feed to the team in their oppositions half was not a guarantee of possession for either side. 

However, the days of competitive scrums are long gone and it is such a shame that it took such an incident in a crucial moment of a sudden-death final for the league community to realise we had a rule that could be so unfair. I have written in this column previously about another anachronistic rule which prevents interchanges at scrums. 

One day a team will lose a match because an injured played couldn't be replaced at a scrum and the team is either reduced to 12 men or that injured player is unable to be effective. These are just two examples of rules not appropriate in today's game but left untouched by our administrators due to apathy and a lack of foresight. 

We shouldn't have to wait for instances like we had last Saturday for such antiquated rules to be placed under scrutiny. The game has to be far more proactive.

State cup grand finals

Minor premiers Penrith will meet Newcastle in the NSW Cup grand final at Allianz Stadium on Sunday. The Panthers will go into the match with 12 players unavailable due to injuries among their extended senior squad but have overcome a number of obstacles already this season to lose just four matches and win both of their finals matches. 

However, the Knights will provide the Panthers with their sternest test to date having also won both of their finals matches comfortably and boosting a team full of players with NRL experience. A significant number of the Panthers team were members of last year's winning Holden Cup team and have a unique opportunity to win a second title in a different competition in successive years. 

The successful club will not just win the coveted premiership cup but will represent NSW in the national final on NRL grand final day against the Queensland champions. The Queensland Cup grand final will be held at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, featuring minor premiers Northern Pride from Cairns, one of the Cowboys feeder clubs, and last year's runners-up Easts Tigers, from Brisbane, featuring several Melbourne Storm contracted players. The two teams met a fortnight ago, the Pride won 8-7.

A word on the beaten sides

At this time of year all attention goes to the winning teams. I just feel that the performances of the Cowboys and Sea Eagles last weekend deserve recognition. Both were absolutely mighty in defeat and contributed to one of the best weekends of finals action I can ever remember. 

I don't know what happened to the Cowboys in the first 30 minutes of their clash with the Roosters, but I will say that no other team in the NRL could've mounted a comeback of those proportions against the defending premiers. It was simply stunning. They were so unlucky not to win. 

On the back of some real disappointments in the finals in the past two seasons it must feel like the world is against them, but I sense this will only make them stronger next season. I see good things ahead for the North Queensland team.

I have so much admiration for Manly. Their core group of senior players have been so good for so long. Despite the injuries and suspensions which weakened their side for the semi-final, they produced another whole-hearted effort. I hope the stories of unrest and disharmony are untrue. 

It would be a terrible shame if these guys didn't remain close friends for the rest of their days. It's been a very special era in the club's history. Well done.

Article by Phil Gould 
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Capitol Theatre Sydney

Beautiful and iconic Capitol Theatre plays host to world famous musicals, theatre, ballet, concerts and performers. 

The Capitol Theatre is located directly opposite Metro Hotel Sydney Central on Campbell Street in Haymarket, Sydney

Seen by over 70 million people, Disney’s landmark musical event The Lion King is a worldwide phenomenon that will redefine your expectations of theatre. 

Brilliantly re-imagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney beloved film is transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience which has won over 70 major international theatre awards.

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains, this breathtaking production explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and unforgettable music including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and the academy award winning Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

See the Capitol Theatre Website

Visit the Official Capitol Theatre website to buy tickets and find additional information about upcoming shows such as Wicked The Musical, Shen Yun and Les Miserables.

Located Directly opposite Capitol Theatre provides excellent value accommodation and has hotel packages ideally suited to Capitol Theatre goers

See all Hot Deals at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Capitol Theatre Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Wicked Family Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Minimum 2 Night Stay at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Art and About Sydney 2014

Art & About Sydney is a collaborative arts festival where every street, laneway, building site, intersection and thoroughfare is a canvas for creation and storytelling.

From home-delivered theatre performances in private living rooms, to Sydney’s largest backyard party in Martin Place, Art & About Sydney 2014 is set to excite and delight.

With a program boasting works from the quirky to the quintessentially Australian, local and international artists will present works that explore the festival theme of ‘endangered’ from 19 September to 12 October.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the 13th Art & About festival contains a unique three week program of works that will surprise and delight the city.

“This program of artworks and performances provides great insights and reflections on our rapidly changing society. I invite everyone to come and enjoy the wonderful things on offer”

Friday Night Live – Quarter Acre Block Party

Once a staple of Australian life, the quarter acre block is a fading dream in many parts of Australia. The 2014 Art & About Sydney launch will be a celebration of this diminishing pastime and all it stands for – evoking memories of our own backyards and neighbourhoods.

Martin Place will be transformed into a giant backyard – a welcoming and relaxed ‘block party’, featuring entertainment, quality food and drinks and a great place to begin your festival adventure. BBQs, Hills Hoists, back fences, lawn cricket, garage bands, garden furniture, dogs, vinyl records, beer and snags….all slap bang in the middle of Sydney’s CBD.

Australian Life

For the first time, the former Sydney Life photo competition and exhibition is going national. The Australian Life exhibition in Hyde Park will display large scale images depicting Australian life across the nation. 

The $10,000 competition winner will be announced at the Art & About 2014 opening night.

Little Sydney Lives

The always-popular Little Sydney Lives photo competition is back, displaying a selection of images from our smallest citizens, set amongst the greenery of Sandringham Gardens.

Entries for Little Sydney Lives, Australian Life Exhibition & Prize and a new $5,000 Instagram competition (#australianlife) are now open.

The Banner Gallery – Milk Bar

Passiona, a mix bag of lollies, a milkshake – Australia’s much-loved Milk Bar is back, with images of this fading icon emblazoned on our city banners during Art & About Sydney. 

The changing landscape of our beloved bars were born out of The Island Continent by Eamon Donnelly, an online archive capturing the colour, nostalgia, fashions, design and people across our country. Image credit, below: Eamon Donnelly.

Neon Nomads

Ten three-metre-high tepees in Hyde Park will illuminate the works of some of Australia’s and the world’s most respected graphic artists. The designs, by artists including Wendy Red Star, Phil James and Brett Chan, will pay homage to nomadic lifestyles and urban lifestyles.

Us

An outdoor photographic studio set up at the Queen Victoria Building will invite strangers to come together for old school style group photos as part of Us. Created by James Dive and The Glue Society, each participant will receive a copy of the photo.

The Walking Neighbourhood

Kids will turn the tables and take adults on a tour of city streets, providing a rare glimpse into their world. Taking the reins, kids guide adults on a 90-minute curated tour of Kings Cross and Redfern, sharing their thoughts and experiences of the ‘hood.

Bodies in Urban Spaces

Under the direction of Austrian artist Willi Dorner, 20 human bodies will cram themselves into doorways, alcoves and any gap they can find in the CBD. Dressed in brightly coloured clothes, the audience will spot them in all sorts of nooks and crannies as the festival finale.

Trolleys

Best described as part dance performance, part ballet, part outdoor spectacle, Trolleys is a 20 minute outdoor high-energy theatre work where street dancers and acrobats come together with the humble shopping trolley to spin, glide and slide across city spaces. Created by Shaun Parker & Company, Trolleys will take over Martin Place, Customs House Square, Hyde Park and Pitt Street Mall. Main image credit: Irven Lewis.

Armchair Apocalypse

Jumping off the stage and into your home, Armchair Apocalypse presents three brand new lounge room theatre shows, written and performed by some of Sydney’s most exciting young writers. Sydneysiders will be able to order these performances straight to their door and into their lounge room.

View Official Art and About website

- See more at: http://sydneycbdhotels.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/art-and-about-sydney-2014.html#sthash.OZdeS3HD.dpuf

Slash, Train to kick off NRL Grand Final

Slash will pump up the crowds at the NRL Grand Final on October 5

Former Guns N' Roses guitar god Slash and American pop-rock group Train - both of whom headline Australian music festivals in the next few months - have been picked to pump up the crowd before the NRL Grand Final on October 5.

Both acts also have new albums out in the next month. 

Slash will release World on Fire with his band Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators next month, while Train's seventh album, Bulletproof Picasso, is due out next week.

Train have a strong chart history here, scoring a No. 1 single in 2009 with Hey Soul Sister and a No. 5 with Drops of Jupiter in 2001. The band also has three top 10 albums.

What songs will they play? Slash (who is actually English and a fan of Stoke City football club) accompanying at least one Train song is a good bet (Hey Soul Sister is the obvious choice), while the top-hatted axeman is certain to turn out at least one classic Guns N' Roses number.

While the choice of entertainment won't entirely satisfy fans pining for the return of AC/DC or even Cold Chisel, Slash and Train seem a better fit for a big, expectant footy final crowd than Sir Tom Jones. 

The 74-year-old Welsh crooner will kick off procedings before the AFL Grand Final on September 27.

Slash is a headliner at the Soundwave festival next February and March while Train have already confirmed for Bluesfest next April 3.

Say ‘Oi’ to the Brazilian ‘Ritmo’ Sydney Festival!

Say ‘Oi’ to the Brazilian ‘Ritmo’ Sydney Festival!

The Culture Beats festival season at Darling Harbour continues with the Brazilian ‘Ritmo’ Festival on September 21! Portuguese for ‘rhythm’, ‘Ritmo’ is a perfect description of the event, which celebrates the soul and passion of Brazil’s unique fusion of cultures.



The Brazilian Community Council of Australia (BraCCA) is delighted to welcome an expected crowd of 20,000, including fans and newcomers alike, to Tumbalong Park for this hugely popular event, where the young, the old (and the young at heart).

With an interest in Brazilian culture can indulge in a full day of entertainment featuring live music, dance, cultural performances, art and craft stalls and traditional Brazilian cuisine, and learn a thing or two about Brazil’s vibrant culture while they’re at it!

Sing the Melody



Performers in this year’s star-studded line up include The Voice favourite Emily Rex, whose rendition of ‘Pure Imagination’ on the prime time TV show won her a place in the heart of the Australian public. 

A proud member of the Brazilian community, Rex will explore both modern and traditional Brazilian sounds throughout her set, hinting that she may even treat crowds to some smooth and sassy bossa nova! 

Also treading the stage is The Voice season two hero Ben Goldstein, who will bring cool acoustic summer vibes to springtime Sydney.

Tap the Beat



Demonstrations of the Brazilian martial art Capoeira, which combines music, acrobatics and dance, will be led by Edielson da Silva Miranda, aka Mestre Roxinho, who has been undertaking the discipline since 1979.

Roxinho is considered one of the world’s best Masters of Capoeira Angola, and founded Project Bantu, a program that uses Capoeira Angola as a tool to engage marginalised youth and thus forge out positive social outcomes in Brazil, Australia and the Asia Pacific.





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Sydney Fashion Shows: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival, Vogue Fashion’s Night Out

Some 10,000 guests and 50 designers will see out the most fashion-focussed September in recent memory.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney (MBFFS) will cap a month-long fashion celebration in the city when it runs from September 24 - 27.

MBFFS will follow Vogue Fashion’s Night Out and The City’s Fashion in the Villages weekend event earlier in September.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the consumer-driven event promotes Australia’s fashion, retail and tourism sectors in Sydney, while stimulating economic activity for many local businesses.

“Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney is all about showcasing Sydney as the fashion hub of Australia and promoting the wonderful talents of Australian designers,” she said.

“It generates excitement and a buzz for fashion followers and drives consumers eager to view spring and summer styles and fashion-related businesses into the CBD and our villages.

“We know that industry-led events supported by government encourage increased foot traffic in key shopping precincts, which is good for business.

“The Sydney is Fashion initiative has grown significantly to develop a wider audience reach and increased participation by retailers.”

Leading designers including Alex Perry, Camilla, Dion Lee and We Are Handsome will showcase their collections on the runway at Town Hall.

The parades will coincide with their new looks are landing in store.

Event organiser IMG Fashion confirmed demand for show packages had been stronger than ever this year.

IMG Fashion director of brand and strategy Elle Turner said this extended to premium seating.

“Our front row experience is almost sold out,” she said.

“Sydney has long been home to Australia’s biggest designers and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney celebrates all that is unique and exciting about Australian fashion in a runway extravaganza that excites and entertains.”
 
Supporting local fashion designers and business is part of The City of Sydney’s Retail Action Plan.

For more: www.sydneyisfashion.com.au

Source: http://www.ragtrader.com.au/news/sydney-s-big-september

Sydney's Largest Floating Venue Hosts Major Events

Pavilion in Darling Harbour is well and truly open for business. Dockside Group’s newest venue has hosted an elite caliber of events in the first few weeks of opening.

With a capacity of up to 1440 guests seated and 2000 standing, Sydney’s newest venue has seen a diverse mix of important ‘first’ events commencing with the gateway to the Sydney International Boat Show, a private function produced by leading Australian Event Stylist & Designer Phillip Carr, the Sydney launch of Mercedes Benz’s next-generation C-Class Series, the Project Futures Stella Fella Charity Black Tie Ball and The Australian Beauty Awards.

Dockside Group Managing Director, Christopher Drivas, said Dockside Pavilion will add a great deal of value to the Darling Harbour precinct.

“We’ve had a great response from our clients and we’re tracking well with strong bookings to date. In particular, many of our corporate clients have secured the venue for multiple year event bookings.

“We want people to be wowed by the magnitude of this venue and understand that it’s a spectacular blank canvas which can be used for virtually any type of event,” said Mr Drivas.

The Pavilion structure was designed by Warwick Bell from Fabric Structure Systems in Auckland, who famously created The Cloud for the New Zealand Rugby World Cup.

The Dockside Pavilion is a temporary venue owned and operated by Dockside Group and will remain in Darling Harbour until the completion of the new International Convention Centre. For more information about Dockside Group visit www.docksidegroup.com.au

Source: http://www.impactpub.com.au/micebtn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16985:sydneys-largest-floating-venue-hosts-major-events&catid=16:mice-news&Itemid=49

An Evening of Mexican flavours and Aztec Treasures | Viva La Independencia

An Evening of Mexican flavours and Aztec Treasures | Viva La Independencia

Be one of the first people to view Aztecs, our upcoming blockbuster exhibition, on a particularly important evening – Mexican Independence Day. Your ticket to this limited capacity event includes:

·         An authentic Mexican cocktail on arrival

·         A unique after-hours viewing of our new Aztecs exhibition with a like-minded people

·         Plenty of entertainment including a fiesta photo stand complete with sombreros and ponchos as well as a conversation corner where you can learn some fun and easy phrases

·        Themed canapés and drinks

The exhibition features more than 200 priceless artefacts and dramatic multimedia that tell the story of the spectacular and ultimately tragic rise and fall of the Aztec empire. 

Step into their world and marvel at the extravagant possessions of the Aztec emperors while exploring their sacrificial rituals and uncovering the mysteries of the Aztec afterlife.

The evening is warm and balmy. The intoxicating scent of orange blossoms fills the air, mingling with hints of tequila and gunpowder. The place is Dolores, Mexico, and the year is 1810...

A group of Mexican nationals are conspiring to overthrow the crown. Music plays, dancers sway, revellers drink and the night takes on the knowing grin of anticipation...

Priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is freeing his men from prison, ready to incite a revolution which will mark the first independence Mexicans’ have known in 300 years...

Hidalgo recites his Grito de Delores ‘Viva Mexico’, ‘Viva la Independencia!’...
Soon they will all be free from Spanish rule to become Mexica, once again... 

Photos on this page are for illustrative purposes only

Event Type: Special event

Date: 16 September 2014 to 16 September 2014

Time: 06.30 PM to 09.00 PM

Location: Australian Museum, entry via College St

Admission: $95 ($80 Members)

Find out More Information http://australianmuseum.net.au/event/Viva-la-Indepencida-Evening