Billy Idol with Cheap Trick | Australia 2015

Billy Idol with Cheap Trick | Australia 2015

Rock icon BILLY IDOL is returning to Australia and New Zealand for his first concert tour of Australia since 2002.

Billy Idol’s tour announcement coincides with a flurry of new Idol projects that have fans around the globe in a heightened state of excitement!

Idol’s long-awaited and riveting self-written autobiography Dancing With Myself was released worldwide on October 7 via Touchstone/Simon and Schuster and his first album of new material since 2005, Kings & Queens of the Underground, is out on October 17 on BFI Records/Kobalt Label Services.

Written by Idol himself, in his inimitable, searingly honest voice, Dancing With Myself offers an all-access pass to Billy Idol’s journey to fame.

His tale is an extraordinary one, from a transient childhood divided between the United States and England, to Idol’s time as a seminal member of the 1970s London punk scene fronting the band Generation X, to his meteoric rise to stardom, propelled by a distinctive sound combining punk’s energy and ethos with a danceable, driving beat.

Beyond adding his uniquely qualified perspective to the story of the evolution of rock, Idol is a brash, lively chronicler of his own career. Delivered with the same in-your-face attitude and fire his fans have embraced for decades, Dancing With Myself offers eye-opening anecdotes full of drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll that only Billy Idol can tell.

Idol’s new album Kings & Queens Of The Underground was primarily produced by Trevor Horn, with Greg Kurstin also contributing as producer to two songs, including the anthemic lead single, ‘Can’t Break Me Down’.

Special guests are Cheap Trick.

Tour Dates

MARCH 14 (SAT)	PERTH, WA	AN EVENING ON THE GREEN KINGS PARK & BOTANIC GARDENS
MARCH 18 (WED)	WOLLONGONG, NSW	WIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
MARCH 19 (THU)	SYDNEY, NSW	QANTAS CREDIT UNION ARENA
MARCH 21 (SAT)	YARRA VALLEY, VIC	A DAY ON THE GREEN ROCHFORD WINES
MARCH 22 (SUN)	FLEURIEU PENINSULA, SA	A DAY ON THE GREEN LECONFIELD WINES
MARCH 24 (TUE)	MELBOURNE, VIC	MARGARET COURT ARENA
MARCH 28 (SAT)	HUNTER VALLEY, NSW	A DAY ON THE GREEN BIMBADGEN WINERY
MARCH 29 (SUN)	MT COTTON, QLD	A DAY ON THE GREEN SIRROMET WINES

Ipswich Needs a Beating Cultural Heart

Ipswich needs a beating cultural heart

A NEW $90 million Ipswich Performing Arts Centre (IPAC) seating up to 1500 people in the main theatre has been identified as a key driver in revitalising the city in both a cultural and economic way.

The Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy of 2008 identified the IPAC as "a catalytic project to stimulate revitalisation" of the region.

The strategy outlined the need to "develop a multi-purpose performing arts complex incorporating a public square to celebrate significant occasions with usages including conventions, exhibitions and multicultural events".

A subsequent 2011 needs analysis and feasibility study of the IPAC determined the required building size, usage, concept designs and possible sites for the centre.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said council had identified three sites in Ellenborough St, South St and at the Ipswich Railway Workshops as possible locations for the IPAC.

"The key is the positioning of it - to make a strong CBD," he said.

"My preferred location is in Ellenborough St where the old rail yard is because it is close to the CBD.

"Where we are standing (in the council offices in South St) is another preference because we can take the whole of council to the Icon 2 building and the library to the CBD.

"We achieve that and we will have one hell of a vibrant CBD.

"CBDs are all about performing arts and having an entertainment base. Culture is at the heart of a thriving city."

Council is seeking $300,000 from the State Government to fund a feasibility study.

The facility would include multi-purpose performing spaces that are flexible enough to meet a vast array of needs with a main theatre seating 1200 to 1500, a secondary theatre with a capacity of 400 to 600 and a function space to seat 600 diners.

Cr Pisasale has identified Port Macquarie's performance and exhibition arts facility known as The Glasshouse as an example of what he hopes to replicate in Ipswich as it boasts a theatre, performance studio, an international-standard regional gallery, conference facilities, heritage displays and a Tourism Information Centre.

The council's project brochure highlights how the current Ipswich Civic Centre "does not meet the functionality requirements and does not have sufficient capacity to meet current or future demand".

Since the civic centre was built, the population of Ipswich has doubled and is expected to more than double again by 2031.

The civic centre's dated appearance, design limitations and inadequate capacity mean a new facility to cater for the Ipswich region's needs is long overdue.

Cr Pisasale said acts and functions were currently being held in Brisbane and other centres and Ipswich people were missing out on entertainment options.

Incubus Australia Tour With Special Guests Antemasque & Le Butcherettes

Iconic rock gods, Incubus are unparalleled in their ability to shift moods and textures at the drop of a dime, proving that they have become a rare thing: a modern rock band that actually grows and improves with each album.

Through their double decade-long rise to the top, Incubus have notched up over 13 million album sales and have amassed an arsenal of sing-a-long hits including Drive, Nice To Know You, Wish You Were Here, Are You In?, Pardon Me, Megalomaniac, A Certain Shade Of Green... come on, you know you're guilty of belting out any one of these tunes on a drunken Karaoke night!.

The musical genius of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala formerly of At The Drive In and The Mars Volta, needs no introduction! During the 90's, as members of At The Drive In, the pair raised the bar on the post hardcore genre with the release of their third (and final) album Relationship of Command to critical acclaim; an album now regarded as one of the most influential rock albums of the 90's.

In 2001 they teamed up again and the Prog-rock experimentation of The Mars Volta was unleashed! The band went on to release 6 studio albums with the single Wax Simulacra earning the band a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Fast forward to 2014 and the creative collaboration appears in its newest incarnation, ANTEMASQUE. With the release of their debut self-titled album mid 2014, ANTEMASQUE again proved themselves as the masters of musical diversity. The band spent the latter half of the year touring the US and Europe, bringing their unmistakable live intensity and a vibe that's virtually unmatchable!

"the performance thrived with punk energy like a bull in a china shop playing 70s prog." - consequenceofsound
"Like true rock stars, ANTEMASQUE left the stage with fans wanting more." - examiner.com

Mexican garage-punk trio Le Butcherettes are like the brilliant offspring of surrealist Luis Bunuel and intrepid rock icon PJ Harvey with the band's songs and wildly cathartic live shows often drawing comparisons to Karen-O, Patti Smith and Bikini Kill.

Renowned for their electrifying and anything goes live performances; they have toured the US with The Flaming Lips, Omar Rodriguez Lopez and Jane's Addiction and performed at countless festivals including Lollapalooza, Coachella, Fun Fun Fun Fest and many more.

"Le Butcherettes are never to be missed and are heretofore not to be ignored. Utterly stunning." - sfweekly

Incubus Events:

28 Feb-01 March Soundwave Brisbane

28 Feb-01 March Soundwave Sydney

27 Feb The Enmore Theatre Sydney

25 Feb  Forum Melbourne Melbourne

21-22 Feb  Soundwave Adelaide 2015 Adelaide

21-22 Feb  Soundwave Melbourne 2015 Melbourne

BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

Direct selling company, Nu Skin, has confirmed that its 2016 incentive trip will be to Sydney.

The announcement was made at a recent Nu Skin Academy event in Macau.

This is one of the largest incentive wins in BESydney’s 44-year history and one of the largest incentive groups Australia has ever hosted.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “It’s a milestone in the making. Sydney shines as a strategically-important destination for Asian corporates looking to reward, motivate and inspire their top sales people. The city is a firm favourite for Asian companies, and this win is testament to this.”

The incentive will see Nu Skin’s qualifying sales people travel to Sydney for a five-day program in April 2016. Delegates will travel from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Nu Skin Greater China Regional President Andrew Fan said, “Sydney has exceeded every expectation. Throughout this journey its stakeholders have united for a cohesive, whole-of-city approach which we have not witnessed before. I am confident that Sydney will deliver an outstanding incentive program. Our sales people will feel motivated and inspired by Sydney as the 2016 host destination and this is sure to drive sales performances.”

The winning bid was the result of collaboration between BESydney, Destination NSW, Tourism Australia, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Sydney Airport Corporation Limited.

In addition to the 2016 Nu Skin event, BESydney has secured $278 million worth of confirmed business for the future.

Wicked | Crown Theatre Perth

Wicked | Crown Theatre Perth

The most awarded new musical and Broadway’s number one show will thrill Perth at the Crown Theatre from May 2015. Awe-inspiring and spectacular, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz.

Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood.

The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the enthralling story of two unlikely friends and how they became the wicked witch of the west and Glinda the Good. Experience it now.

“The Defining Musical of the Decade” - The New York Times

Location: Crown Theatre Perth

Date: From 3 May 2015

Tickets: From $69.90

Plus a one-off service/delivery fee from $8.45 per transaction and a credit/debit card processing fee from 1.95% applying.

25th Art of Sydney Awards Exhibition

25th Art of Sydney Awards Exhibition

The 25th “Art of Sydney” Awards Exhibition is a unique opportunity to view over 300 original artworks. All artworks are offered for sale.

It is an annual celebration showcasing the wonderful diversity of Sydney’s leading local artists and features artworks from 13 Art Societies around Sydney. In addition the “Art of Sydney” exhibition also raises funds for CareFlight.

CASS (Combined Art Societies of Sydney Inc.) is celebrating its Quarter Century! 25 years is an amazing success story especially as CASS is a non-profit group run totally by volunteer lovers of art.

Time: Daily 9.30am to 7pm on Sat 24 & Sun 25 Jan.
From: 9.30am to 10pm on Australia Day, Mon 26 Jan.
From: 9.30am to 6pm on Tues 27 Jan – when Exhibition closes

More Information on the Combined Art Societies of Sydney website

City of Sydney Chases Chinese Business and Tourism

Chinese business and tourism relationships remain a focus for the City of Sydney into the new year with the Lord Mayor visiting the country and speaking at a business forum.

 In November finance company executives, leading academics and government officials met for the fourth annual Sydney China Business Forum. Lord Mayor Clover Moore opened the forum of 200 business and political leaders from the two countries by saying Sydney must compete with the Asia-Pacific for Chinese investment.

“Sydney is competing to be the top location for business in the Asia-Pacific and our work to bring together industry and political leaders from Australia and China is a crucial part of that,” Moore said.
“We are the gateway to Australia’s financial, education, creative and tourism sectors and we are delighted to back an event that shows off our city’s credentials. The Free Trade Agreement between our two economies means growing business connections now presents huge possibilities, and the City is determined to help businesses seize them,” a spokesperson for the Mayor’s office said.

 Following visits to Chinese cities Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xi’an and Wuhan the Lord Mayor also hosted Chinese delegations, including the Governor and Deputy-Governor of Hubei Province in Sydney.

 The signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) between the countries, the text of which was concluded in November 2014, is due to take place later this year. This will mean the removal of tariffs on commodities exported to China including energy resources, dairy, iron ore and the delicacy that is Tasmanian rock-lobster.

 An announcement at last year’s G20 summit that Sydney would be the global infrastructure hub has significant repercussions for the city’s financial relationship with China. Chris Johnson, the CEO of Urban Taskforce, said the endorsement could lead to extensive offshore opportunities for developers across Asia, particularly in digital, technological and creative industries.

“As well as the potential for increased markets for developers there is the increased work potential for consultants like project managers, planners, engineers and architects, ” Mr Johnson said.

 The ongoing strength of Australia’s bilateral partnership with China has particularly strong implications for the higher education trade. International students are a significant source of revenue for the Australian economy, with course fees being significantly higher for international students than for domestic students.

 A 2011 report by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship stated that the highest number of applications for a student visa came from China, with 49,852 visas granted in 2010-11.
Professor Kerry Brown, Executive Director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, said that a good quality lifestyle and good economy are amongst the main incentives for Chinese students coming to Sydney.

“With so many Chinese students having graduated from largely business and economic based degrees in recent years, it is not surprising that finance has been able to employ good quality students to work particularly in centres like Sydney and Melbourne,” Prof Brown said.

“Expanding trade links to China [mean] that in the future, [links to Australia] are useful for Chinese students in their careers,” Prof Brown said.

Although study costs are high, it is more financially accessible for Chinese students who can afford to study overseas to do so in Australia than in other global cities.

At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), tuition and course fees are approximately AUD$64,000 per annum for undergraduate courses. Kings College London, offer clinically-based courses such as medicine and dentistry at a cost of approximately AUD$67,000 per annum. 

For international students, the expense of studying courses such as dentistry and engineering at the University of Sydney is approximately AUD$39,700 per annum. A science degree at UNSW costs approximately AUD$37,440 per annum.

 Considering comparative affordability for international students, Sydney is particularly attractive. “With so many Chinese students having graduated from largely business and economic based degrees in recent years, it is not surprising that finance has been able to employ good quality students to work particularly in centres like Sydney and Melbourne,” Prof Brown said.

Rates of Chinese tourism to Australia remain strong and Sydney continues to have strong appeal for travellers, the majority of whom come from Shanghai and Beijing.

 A major research project by Tourism Australia, the findings of which were published in May 2014, found that 57% of Chinese respondents ranked ‘world class beauty and natural environments,’ as two of the most important factors when selecting a travel destination. The availability of good food and wine, safety, and ‘spectacular coastal scenery’ were also considered.

 According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), rates of short-term tourist arrivals from China have grown at a pace faster than that of any other country to Australia, climbing from 2.4% (of the total proportion of visitors to Australia) in 2000 to 7.7% in 2010. Notably, this figure jumped to 24.7% by the end of September 2014.

 Destination NSW has implemented a comprehensive tourism strategy, the China Tourism Strategy and Action Plan (2012-2020), to continue to cater to the large Chinese market. The strategy is aimed at capitalising on the existing market and ensuring ongoing growth for the industry.

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Thriller Live | Sydney Lyric Theatre 2015

THRILLER LIVE, a spectacular theatrical production now in its record breaking 6th year in London’s West end, celebrates the career of the world’s greatest entertainer, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five.

THRILLER LIVE is over two hours of non-stop hits that pays homage to Michael Jackson’s legendary live performances and the magic of his 45 year musical history.

Featuring all of Jackson’s favourite songs including: I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off The Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Bad and Thriller!

Australian star of Michael Jackson 'Thriller' show says it's a dream come true

It's not impersonation, it's celebration. That's the heavily underlined message from performer MiG Ayesa and executive producer Torben Brookman about Thriller Live, a touring stage show featuring the songs and stylings of pop great Michael Jackson.

"We don't want to impersonate Michael Jackson. First of all I'm not black so it's a different thing," said Filipino-born, Sydney-raised Ayesa, who is one of five singers taking on Jackson's legacy.

"I'm not pretending to be Michael Jackson, I'm being MiG singing Michael Jackson songs with four other singers and 16 dancers. Having said that we need to hint at his style, try and emulate his flavour without ever mimicking. It's a really careful balance because of course he has those serious fans who will know if you've hit the wrong angle on a particular dance move."

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)

Show Dates: 26 February - 16 March 2015

- See more at: http://sydneycbdhotels.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/thriller-live-sydney-lyric-theatre-2015.html#sthash.H0aRuFZV.dpuf

Perth International Arts Festival 2015

As part of the line-up for the $22.4 million festival, World War I themes feature prominently, with giant puppets set to roam the streets and the stories of Indigenous soldiers presented on stage.

In total, more than 1,000 artists will feature in the festival's 63rd year.

"We're very fortunate this year that almost everyone we wanted to come to the festival has said yes, so actually the scale of it and the intensity of it is increased by the fact that people around the world, artists around the world really want to come and play in Perth," festival director Jonathan Holloway told the ABC.

"It's by far the largest festival Perth has had."

This is the fourth and last year Mr Holloway will sit as director of the festival, before handing over the reins to a yet to be announced successor.

His first festival included the grand spectacle of Place Des Anges, which saw high-wire performers dump nearly two tonnes of feathers on ecstatic crowds above St George's Terrace on a hot summer night in 2012.

He said while Perth audiences have always been "incredible", there was a courage and willingness to engage with performances that had emerged during his four years at the helm.

"We've seen them really engage in unusual and unexpected ways of connecting with arts," he said.

"Whether that be through iPads, or under feathers or on the beach at dawn, whether that be rolling about with death in wheat, or breaking bread with deaf-blind Israeli performers, it's been an audience all along that's really taking creative risk

A Word from the Director:

My four Festivals as Artistic Director in Perth have been about two things – stories and experiences

The stories have spanned millennia and have explored who we are, where we have come from, our current situation and where we might be going.

They are stories about this land, between the desert and the sea, defined by and beholden to both. Stories of our relationships with each other and with the rest of the world. The truth of our digitally complex, environmentally conscious, culturally diverse world and how we reconcile with it.

While the stories are intellectually complex, it is the visceral experiences that have the power to transform and define us.

Curating experiences is less straightforward than telling stories. No two people approach a Festival moment in the same way, and no four people will agree on the meaning – or indeed value – of the experience they just shared.

No two Festival journeys will be the same, and our hope is that your travels through this Festival will include experiences both intimate and epic. Experiences that whet the appetite and stimulate all five senses. Moments that allow us to remember something we all knew as children – that the map is not the territory, that the best discoveries are made by straying from the path or committing to a fantastic voyage.

Stories and experiences in perfect collision can propel us around the world in one Festival. In our constant search for and celebration of the extraordinary, we have looked far and near, seeking out ever new ways to harness the greatest talent from around the world and nurture the best artists from Western Australia.

Perth International Arts Festival is a beautiful and much loved thing, and I have been honoured to spend half a decade getting to know its character and its desires, and to have guided it to new places.

And so we come to another crossroads, and the beginning of our next great adventure …

Bon voyage.

EVENT DATES - 13 Feb–7 March 2015

Find out what is on at the Perth International Arts Festival 2015 at the official site

The Domain - Sydney Festival 2015

When: Friday 16 January 2015 to Saturday 24 January 2015

It wouldn't be summer in Sydney without The Domain concert series. Bring a hamper, a blanket and your friends and settle in for a free concert under the stars. Presented by Sydney Festival 2015.

Summer Sounds In The Domain (with Seu Jorge)

With sublime musicianship and infectious energy, Brazil's hottest artists take over for the best party of summer.

Beat The Drum (celebrating 40 years of triple j)

In 1975, the radio station 2JJ launched in Sydney. To celebrate this milestone, triple j has invited a bunch of musical friends to play The Domain.

Symphony In The Domain

Contrasted with pieces by Beethoven and poetry and prose readings by Anita Heiss, this is an evening of classical music and the sounds of contemporary

Indigenous Australia.

Opera In The Domain

Hear Australia's brightest stars, under the stars, sing opera's most famous arias with the magnificent backing of a full orchestra.

Website: www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2015/

Source: http://www.sydney.com/events/the-domain-sydney-festival-2015

Sydney Festival | Top Five Music Events 2015

Music fans will be spoilt for choice at this year’s Sydney festival with free concerts in the Domain, international headliners and the very best Australian talent. Here are our top five unmissable performances

Far from Folsom

Legendary Australian rock star Tex Perkins channels the spirit of Johnny Cash, recreating his legendary 1968 Folsom Prison concerts within the historic walls of the 19th century Parramatta gaol. Perkins will be accompanied by his band the Tennessee Four and Rachael Tidd taking on June Carter vocals in the appropriately evocative setting.

Far from Folsom takes place at Parramatta gaol on 16, 17 and 18 January.

Beat the Drum

This is bound to be the coolest 40th birthday party you’ve ever been to. Triple Jlaunched as 2JJ in 1975 and has gone on to make an outstanding contribution to Australia’s music culture. The Hottest 100 has enlivened Australia Day, Triple J Unearthed has provided a platform for our emerging artists, and One Night Stand has taken the music to regional communities across the country. Join the party as Triple Jbrings together the very best local bands to celebrate the milestone.

Party with Triple J at Beat the Drum on 16 January in the Domain.

The Artist live in concert

Director Michel Hazanavicius’ masterpiece The Artist, starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo, is brought to life with the orchestral score performed on stage by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Winner of (only) five Academy Awards including best picture, best director and best original film score, the silent era-style film will be amplified with the live orchestral soundtrack composed by Ludovic Bource and conducted by Ernst van Tiel.

Experience the Artist live in concert on 23 and 24 January in the Concert Hall of Sydney Opera House.

Seu Jorge

Straight from Rio, the much-anticipated Brazilian star Seu Jorge is set to fire up the Domain with his free Summer Sounds concert (as well as the more intimate show atThe Star) on his first Australian tour. Seu Jorge brings the beats of South American reggae, samba and electronic vibes with him, playing covers of our most danceable pop songs (like his Portuguese version of David Bowie in Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic) along with original tunes.

See Seu Jorge for free on 10 January in the Domain.

Latvian Radio Choir

Another first for Sydney, the Grammy award-winning Latvian Radio Choir will perform two special a cappella performances of a diverse range of material including a Bach chorale and pieces by composers Henry Purcell, Arvo Pärt, and Pēteris Vasks. Conducted by Sigvards Kļava, the 24-piece chamber choir are known for pushing the boundaries of the human voice and the broad range of traditional forms of singing.

The Latvian Radio Choir performs at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place, on 23 and 24 January.

For more information on all Sydney festival events, visit www.sydneyfestival.org.au.Sydney festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Billy Connolly High Horse Tour Australia 2015

Legendary Comedian, Billy Connolly finally brings his "High Horse Tour" to Australia!

Hailed as the UK's most influential comedian of all time, Billy has toured worldwide continuously for the last 50 years, performing to an audience of over 10,000,000.

Billy is currently enjoying the best reception of his career on his current Scottish tour.

"it's clear that Billy Connolly hasn’t lost his mojo." - Telegraph UK, 30/9/14

OFFICIAL TOUR VIP PACKAGES
Ensure you make your night of laughs special by purchasing one of the great packages on offer for Billy Connolly's High Horse Tour

VIP Packages offer premium seating and a selection of other benefits including pre-show functions, exclusive merchandise and access to exclusive facilities where available.

Functions and packages are managed and hosted by the Australian Event Packaging Group (AEPG) team. If you have any specific questions about the packages please contact us at billypackages@aepg.com.au

Tour Dates:

Fri 6, Sat 7, Mon 9, Tue 10 & Thu 12 Feb - Sydney Opera House, NSW

Thu 19 Feb - Royal Theatre Canberra, ACT

Sat 21 Feb - Allphones Arena, NSW

Sun 22 Feb - Newcastle Entertainment Centre, NSW

Mon 2 Mar - Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD

Sat 7 Mar - Adelaide Entertainment Centre, SA

Tue 10 & 11 Mar - Perth Arena, WA

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=BILLYCON15

Next to Normal | Hayes Theatre Co Sydney

Boasting the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three Tony Awards including best musical score, Doorstep Arts in association with Hayes Theatre Co willpresent Next to Normal at Hayes Theatre Co from Thursday 8 January after a wildly successful season in Geelong earlier this year.

With poignant lyrics and a powerful contemporary rock score, Next to Normal is an insightful and fiercely honest story of love, loss and family life. Reprising her critically claimed role, Natalie O’Donnell (Mamma Mia, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), leads a superb cast as Diana, a troubled woman in danger of being engulfed by her past. Cathartic and ultimately uplifting, Next to Normal challenges us to ask the question, ‘What is normal?’

Joining Natalie in the cast are some of Australia’s finest musical theatre talent includingAnthony Harkin (Avenue Q, Shane Warne The Musical), Alex Rathgeber (An Officer And A Gentleman, Fiddler on the Roof), Brent Trotter (Jersey Boys, Four Seasons In One Night), Kiane O’Farrell (Carrie: The Musical, 42nd Street) and Clay Roberts(CATS, Thoroughly Modern Millie).

Playing its Sydney professional premiere, Next to Normal was rated the Theatre People’s Choice for the number one production over its two-week Geelong season and Director Darylin Ramondo is excited to introduce this critically acclaimed production to a Sydney audience.

“We are thrilled to have Doorstep Arts’ production of Next to Normal is part of the line up Hayes Theatre Co for 2015. Next to Normal is a powerful piece of modern music theatre that manages to touch the heart and soul of those who see it. 

Though it’s subject matter is complex, it is intelligent, witty and full of heart, and is beautifully conveyed by this exceptional cast, led by Natalie. Hayes Theatre Co has built a strong reputation for offering audiences an intimate theatrical experience and this production continues in that tradition. We cannot wait to introduce this extraordinary show to Sydney audiences”, said Director Darylin Ramondo.

Based in Geelong, Doorstep Arts is a leading independent theatre company committed to creating exceptional and innovative theatre. We relish in our enviable reputation for bringing contemporary musical experiences to our audience, for enriching the cultural identity of our community, and for promoting the artistic excellence of our city. 

Starring some of our nation’s most recognised performers, recent productions include the Australian premiere of Three Sides, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Songs for a New World and The Last Five Years.

REVIEWS:

Doorstep Arts do it so well that it could be renamed Next to Perfect
Stage Whispers
THE BEST piece of theatre I have ever seen …… Perfectly performed, perfectly directed and amazingly written
Theatre People 
Next to brilliant… It’s something of a rollercoaster ride, one that leaves you feeling worked-over and exhilarated
Geelong Advertiser

Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave Potts Point
Dates: Thursday 8 January – Sunday 1 February 2015
Times: Tuesday – Saturday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm, Sunday at 5pmDuration: 2hrs 30 minsTickets: Adult $49.90, Concession $44.90**including booking fees

View Source for more information

Prom 15 – Time Warriors | Civic Theatre Ipswich

Ipswich City Orchestra dares to take you from ancient Rome to the world of sci-fi movies.

Be transported for a couple of hours to “galaxies far far away” with music from Starwars, E.T. – The Extra Terrestrial and even 2001 – A Space Odyssey.

Breathtaking music will sit beside the majestic marches you know so well. 

Come and be surprised at the very clever program designed to appeal to all ages!

You can come dressed as your favourite Starwars or sci-fi character, or come as you are and enjoy a unique Prom.

Some works will have images and video footage to add to the presentation.

Witness the BIGGEST Orchestra ever mounted in Ipswich under the baton of Chief Resident Conductor, Patrick Burns.

Find Nearby Accommodation at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Metro Hotel Ipswich International Show Package http://www.metro-hotel-ipswich-international.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/show-package-accommodation-hot-deal

#prom15 #timewarriors #ipswich #ipswichtourism #showsipswich #ipswichhotels #ipswichqld

Roxette Australian Tour 2015

Special Guest: Boom Crash Opera

Live Nation is excited to announce that legendary Swedish pop-rockers Roxette are returning to Australia for a national tour in summer 2015.

After the 2011-2012 World Tour that took them around the globe twice over, playing to more than 1.5 million people in 46 countries including our very own shores, Roxette - Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle - are ready to do it all again, with the Aussie leg of their world tour kicking off in February.

"We are beyond thrilled to head back to Australia, a stunning country with beautiful fans who have remained some of our most loyal supporters over the last 25 years," says Per Gessle. "Marie, the band and I are ready and raring to go with a brand new show full of our best hits and a few surprises".

One of Sweden's finest exports, Roxette have a string of much loved hits under their belt including Listen To Your Heart, The Look, How Do You Do, Spending My Time, Joyride, Dangerous, Sleeping In My Car, Dressed For Success, It Must Have Been Love, Almost Unreal and many many more.

Arguably one of the world's most successful power-pop duos, Roxette this year celebrate the 25th anniversary of their juggernaut hit single The Look reaching #1 on the Billboard US Chart in 1989. This track kicked off one of music's longest-running pop careers with the duo selling more than 75 million albums worldwide to date. The band topped the Australian singles charts three-times with smash hits It Must Have Been Love, Joyride and The Look, with five of their albums reaching the Top 10 on the Australian album charts.

The band's come-back began in 2011 with the release of hit single She's Got Nothing On (But The Radio) lifted from the album "Charm School". This, along with their sellout 2011-2012 World Tour, cemented the fact that Roxette were back bigger than ever, much to the joy of fans worldwide.

Roxette's 2012 tour was a triumphant success, with the first arena shows selling out instantly, extra dates added and rave reviews from fans and media alike. "Unless you'd seen it for yourself, you can't imagine the mass frenzy the return of Roxette caused," said the Herald Sun. "Roxette's is a back catalogue to die for," said Life Music Media, while Tone Deaf raved "Every hit gets a big rock ending, every ballad sees several hundred lighters aloft and we love every moment of this trip back to the 90s."

And so the Roxette joyride continues with their World Tour hitting Australian shores in 2015. Listen to your heart and come join it!

Tour Dates:

• Tue 10 Feb - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD
• Sat 14 Feb  - Perth Arena, WA
• Tue 17 Feb - Adelaide Entertainment Centre, SA
• Fri 20 Feb  - Rod Laver Arena, VIC
• Fri 27 Feb  - Qantas Credit Union Arena, NSW

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=ROXETTE14#VYSovOdlT4ylleJx.99

Sydney Chinese New Year Festival

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at City of Sydney's Chinese New Year Festival. This vibrant arts Festival has a program bursting with cultural events, markets, tours, exhibitions and entertainment, most of them free. Join in the celebrations for the Year of the Sheep by including your event in the 2015 Chinese New Year Festival.

The Festival showpiece is the spectacular Twilight Parade which will lights Sydney streets, with the very popular Dragon Boat Races commencing the following Saturday and Sunday.

With over 80 events to choose from, visit the Sydney Chinese New Year web site to plan your Festival.

For more information - Visit Sydneychinesenewyear.com

Also - Chinese New Year Festival Launch

As the warmth of a Sydney summer evening comes alive with a feast of flavours from a vast array of cooking stalls, firecrackers are guaranteed to scare off any lingering misfortunes from the previous year. Soak up the atmosphere and then tuck into a bowl or two of delicious New Year dumplings with family and friends, before you settle in for a night of celebrations.

There will be lion dancing, as well as special launch night performances on the market stage, including a sneak preview of the Twilight Parade, plenty of pop and more traditional music and dance.

For more information - Visit Sydneychinesenewyear.com

Its Year of the Goat!

1907 13 Feb 1907 - 01 Feb 1908 (Fire)
1919 01 Feb 1919 - 19 Feb 1920 (Earth)
1931 17 Feb 1931 - 05 Feb 1932 (Metal)
1943 05 Feb 1943 - 24 Jan 1944 (Water)
1955 24 Jan 1955 - 11 Feb 1956 (Wood)
1967 09 Feb 1967 - 29 Jan 1968 (Fire)
1979 28 Jan 1979 - 15 Feb 1980 (Earth)
1991 15 Feb 1991 - 03 Feb 1992 (Metal)
2003 01 Feb 2003 - 21 Jan 2004 (Water)
2015 19 Feb 2015 - 07 Feb 2016 (Wood)