Jeffrey Tambor joins Sydney's Spectrum Now festival line-up

Richard Roxburgh and Tim Ross at the Spectrum Now launch at Carriageworks. Photo: Nick Moir

Richard Roxburgh has always said that Sydney's newest arts festival, Spectrum Now, would be one of surprises. And at the official launch of the festival at Carriageworks Wednesday night, Roxburgh delivered on his promise.

As glasses clinked and speeches were made – by creative director Roxburgh himself, as well as Andrew McEvoy, Fairfax Media's Managing Director of Life Media and Events – it was revealed that Transparent star Jeffrey Tambor, who won a Golden Globe Award this year for his role as a family patriarch transitioning to become a woman, was joining the festival line-up.

Tambor – who has starred in some of TV's most acclaimed comedies, including Arrested Development and The Larry Sanders Show – will sit down with Roxburgh for a Q&A event this March. 

"I'm a huge admirer of Jeffrey's work," says Roxburgh, "and as an actor whose career has spanned some truly incredible film, theatre, and TV – from heading up the Bluth family to playing a transgender family-man in Transparent! I'm really looking forward to picking his brains about that amazing life."

Tambor is joined at Spectrum Now by US actor and filmmaker Chris Rock (who will speak after a screening of his latest film, Top Five, in a special satellite festival event this Thursday), Britain's Alan Rickman (who will present his newest film as director, A Little Chaos, at two showings) and local arts stars such as painter Del Kathryn Barton, musician Bertie Blackman, comedian Tim Ross, Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton, and Shaun Gladwell.

The festival, which officially kicks off on Wednesday March 11, will be centred on the Spectrum Playground in the Domain, a free outdoor festival hub with live music, art shows, arts markets, a cinema, a 'Nosh Pit' featuring food from some of Sydney's best restaurants and, Roxburgh assures us, more surprises.

Guests at the launch were given a taste of what was to come at the three-week festival, with Tim Ross hosting ('Rosso' will indulge his passion for architecture with a comedy show that takes place in Harry Seidler's North Shore penthouse) and Bertie Blackman performing.

For Spectrum Now, Blackman – the daughter of painters Charles Blackman and Genevieve de Couvreur – has created a playlist of songs to accompany you on your next tour through the Art Gallery of NSW.

Louise Schwartzkoff, editor of The Sydney Morning Herald's Saturday Spectrum section, said the launch was the culmination of months of hard work bringing her pages to life. "The festival is such a fantastic extension of what we do in Spectrum every week," she said. "We love offering readers an insight into Sydney's cultural life, and this is an opportunity to take that to a whole new level."


SPECTRUM NOW HIGHLIGHTS

The Spectrum Playground

Music on the Spectrum Stage, movies in a pop-up Golden Age Cinema, an Arts Market and Nosh Pit for foodies. The Domain, March 11-22, Mon-Wed 5pm-10.30pm; Thu, Fri 5pm-late; Saturday 12pm-late; Sunday 12pm-9pm.

Marie's Crisis

It's the Broadway piano bar known for wild, boozy nights of legs-on-the-piano showtune singing, and it's coming to Sydney, pop-up style. QT Parlour Lane Roasters, March 19-28 (get in early – limited capacity).

Orfeo Ed Euridice

Silvia Colloca: actress, cookbook author… and opera singer. Shannon Murphy directs Colloca in her return to opera in a show that will unfold throughout the Art Gallery of NSW and feature food and wine. Art Gallery of NSW, March 14-29.

The Full Spectrum

A series of talks on love and collaboration (with Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton), the art of the critic and cultural crushes (with Stephanie Alexander, Ben Quilty and Peter FitzSimons). Walsh Bay, March 22-27.

The Sydney Morning Herald Spectrum Now presented by ANZ runs March 11-29
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Walking With Dinosaurs | Sydney

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular

After a worldwide tour seen by over 8 million people in 243 cities, the stunning theatrical event WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular is coming to Australia for a strictly limited tour! 

Internationally renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 20 life-size dinosaurs, including the terror of the ancient terrain, Tyrannosaurus-rex! Be amazed and thrilled as the greatest creatures ever to walk the earth return before your eyes.  It’s a dazzling $20 million arena spectacle of unprecedented size and quality set to captivate young and old alike. 

Marvel at the story of their 200 million year domination of life on earth. Watch them walk. Hear the roar. Be there as they fight for survival and supremacy. From the ripple of their skin to the glint in their eye, you will know the dinosaurs have really returned! 

Don’t wait another 65 million years until they’re back! 
Book now before they’re extinct.


EVENT SCHEDULE:

Wed 18 Mar 7:00pm
Thu 19 Mar 11:00am & 7:00pm
Fri 20 Mar 7:00pm
Sat 21 Mar 11:00am, 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Sun 22 Mar 11:00am & 3:00pm

EVENT LOCATION: Allphones Arena

#dinosaurs #showsaustralia #sydney #walkingwithdinosaurs #dinosaurssydney

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Ten FREE Events at Sydney Festival

You don’t need to miss out on Sydney Festival if the pennies are short after Christmas. Here are ten free events that measure up!

Sydney Festival looks great this year! But what excites us most at artsHub are the number of free events spread across the city and extending to the Festival's new hub at Parramatta. There is something for everyone - as the saying goes - from jumping castles to kookie interactive film noir and roof top jamming sessions. 

Here is our list of top ten FREE events to put in your diary this January. 

1. Christian Boltanski @ Carriageworks

16 tonnes of scaffolding with a random  filmscript moving through it, this interactive installation will captive the imagination of all ages. Chance is his first major installation to be presented in Australla, a work that was originally created for the French Pavilion at the 2011 Venice Biennale. At Carriageworks from 10 January through 23 March.

2. Climbing the walls with Leandro Erlich @ Darling Harbour

Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich is known for his ability to skew architectural perspective in his interactive installations. Known internationally, he comes to Darling Harbour during the festival turning what appears to be a standard 19thc dock-side building on its end, giant mirrors allowing anyone to have the ability to defy gravity. It is the ultimate selfie opp! Merchants Store will be at Darling Harbour 9-23 January.

3. Stonehenge in Hyde Park

Always wanted to visit Stonehenge? Well Sydney Festival brings you the next best thing, Sacrilege (pictured top). As the spiel goes this timeless monument has had ‘an irreverent makeover’. The work of Turner Prize winning artist Jeremy Deller, this giant jumping castle allows you to physically collide with history. Open 9 – 26 January.

4. Roman Ondak in Parramatta

Presented by Kaldor Public Art Projects at Parramatta Town Hall, this trio of performative art works by Slovakian artist Roman Ondak will include Measuring the Universe, previously presented in New York and London, Terrace a new work for Parramatta, and Swap, which featured in last year’s popular 13 Rooms at Pier 2/3. Be part of contemporary art from 10 – 24 January.

5. Festival Village in Hyde Park

Running throughout Sydney Festival Hyde Park will be transformed into the Festival Village, a hub for beverages, food and entertainment including the location of the infamous Spiegeltent, with nightly performance. From 8-26 January (closed Mondays), entry near the Archibald Fountain.

6. Concerts under the stars at the Domain

And the cornerstone of each Sydney Festival is the Domain concert series. Mark the dates for your diary now: 11 January is that night of popular smorgasbords both on and off stage as thousands gather with their picnic hampers under the stars; And on 26 January be prepared to enter an interstellar zone with Symphony in The Domain, with Gustav Holst’s The Planets and readings by the Bell Shakespeare company.

7. Interactive cinema at Artspace

Sydney artist Alex Davies loves to mess with your mind. ‘Step into The  Very Near Future and you’ll find yourself in th ebacklot with the cast and crew of a film noir in the making. From 16 January – 16 February (closed Mondays).

8. Pop 2014 – the street party of the year.

Street theatre, music, amazing food – it is a recipe for the coolest street party – including performances by jazz legend Ambrose Akinmusire, the soul sounds of Bella Kalolo, blues-infused funk of Ben Capalan to funk in Prince Alfred Park with Lee Fields & The Expressions. Head to Parramatta on 10 January to be part of it.

9. Donny Benet in the Spielgeltent

Donny Benet is claimed ‘the poster boy of Italo funk disco’. Mixing late nights in The Spielgeltent on 10, 17 and 24 January, it is the perfect place to drop in to keep the mood going after catching a spot of theatre during the Festival.

10. Make those summer lights last at Paradiso Lates

And more for the late night dwellers – check out the Paradiso Terrace Bar at Sydney Town Hall for after-hours entertainment. With a rolling schedule of free bands and DJs you can get down at the top, skyline and projections adding to the party buzz. Check the festival night for specific performances.

And remember to visit the Festival site to stay in touch with the latest new.

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St Mary's Cathedral Christmas Lights

St Mary's Cathedral will be turned inside out with projections of stained glass windows and the nativity, usually seen in the church's interior, projected onto the sandstone structure's 75-metre southern facade in the annual Christmas light show.

This year's theme is inspired by a number of cultures, creative director at AGB events Anthony Bastic said. ''We're celebrating … how light is used to celebrate Christmas around the world,'' he said.

 '

'It's a really nice way to celebrate this traditional story and then we're juxtaposing that with the spirit of Christmas.''

Music and animations tell a story of Santa, who creeps into a child's dream and brings toys to life. Planes string tinsel, toy cannons shoot brightly coloured baubles and toy soldiers march past to help decorate the Christmas tree.

The rich hues are illuminated by 12 projectors shining 26,000 lumens of light onto the cathedral.

''They use the very latest in digital technology so the machines they have are extremely bright … it's almost like daylight you're putting onto the building,'' Mr Bastic said. The light display will run daily from 8.30pm to midnight until it closes on Christmas Day.

Lady Gaga Set for VIP Repeat in Sydney as Southern Cross Austereo Negotiates Deal

Lady Gaga performs her first Monster Ball show at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in 2010

IT was one of the must-see events of 2011 and Lady Gaga looks set to return to Sydney Town Hall for a repeat performance.

It's understood radio network Southern Cross Austereo is in talks with the US singer's music label to stage an intimate concert during a break in an upcoming tour, with February the most likely month.
A SCA spokesperson wouldn't confirm the plans.

However, music industry sources say the network is in the final stages of negotiations.

Dubbed the 'Monsters Ball' and staged at Town Hall in July 2011, it was hailed a massive success for SCA as well as commercial partners, Vodafone and MCM Media. The invite-only show cost $1 million.

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Homebake Opera House: Paul Kelly, Gurrumul, Presets and Bernard Fanning Among Headliners

Rock everyman: Bernard Fanning will play at Homebake on the Opera House forecourt.

Homebake will be a three-day festival at the Opera House on December 6 to 8

The rumours that 2013 Homebake festival will be held on the steps of the Sydney Opera House have been confirmed by the event's organisers – but that was just the start of changes to the long-running Australian Music festival for its 18th birthday.

Homebake, for 17 years a one-day event, will be run as a boutique festival over three days at the Opera House forecourt, in conjunction with the Opera House’s 40th anniversary.

Paul Kelly and Gurrumul Yunupingu will headline a folk-rock focused opening day, on Friday, December 6, from 4pm. The Presets and Cat Empire will head a dance-focused bill on Saturday, December 7, and the closing day, Sunday, December 8, has a rock line-up led by Birds of Tokyo, Bernard Fanning, You Am I, The Rubens and the Beasts of Bourbon. On Saturday and Sunday, gates open at 2pm.

Gurrumul Yunupingu will headline a folk-rock focused opening day. Photo: Rob Gunstone

The capacity will be slashed from 20,000 at the Domain to 5000 per day. But organisers say Homebake will still feature other entertainment, such as comedy, market stalls, bars and food outlets.

The capacity will be slashed from 20,000 at the Domain to 5000 per day. But organisers say Homebake will still feature other entertainment, such as comedy, market stalls, bars and food outlets.

Sydney Opera House chief executive Louise Herron said Homebake co-promoter Michael Chugg was behind one of the first concerts on the forecourt, which featured Stevie Wright, Skyhooks, Richard Clapton and Split Enz.

"Our 40th Anniversary is all about drawing on our heritage, as we launch into the future and the next generation of artists, audiences and visitors to the Opera House.  So it is wonderful to be welcoming Michael Chugg and Homebake onto the forecourt as part of our celebrations.”

Chugg said the Sydney Opera House was ‘‘a special place’’.

“I have wonderful memories of delivering shows from some of the best Australian acts on those very steps, from the ... Concert of the Decade to the Crowded House Farewell To The World tour.’’
Homebake is expected to revert to a one-day festival in the Domain from 2014.

Homebake’s 18th birthday edition is on December 6-8 and takes place at the Sydney Opera House forecourt and surrounds. Tickets go on sale next Wednesday, September 25 at 9am, from www.homebake.com.au and www.oztix.com.au

ACTS LISTED AS PERFORMING

Friday, December 6, 2013

Paul Kelly

Gurrumul Yunupingu

Eskimo Joe

Vance Joy

Thelma Plum

Sheppard

Saturday, December 7, 2013

The Presets

The Cat Empire

Architecture In Helsinki

The Aston Shuffle

Way Of The Eagle (featuring guest performers Dan Sultan, Daniel Merriweather, Amy Findlay, Harry Angus & Lachlan Mitchell)

Deep Sea Arcade

Bam Bam

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Birds of Tokyo

Bernard Fanning

The Rubens

You Am I

Beasts Of Bourbon

Kingswood

Courtney

Simple Minds, Devo, The Church - Sydney Entertainment Centre Friday 7th December 2012

They defined a generation, are revered by critics and adored by fans. In an epic career spanning 30 years and more than 60 million albums sold, Simple Minds travelled from the streets of Glasgow to become one of the world’s biggest bands with a musical majesty that still inspires awe.

Devo’s pioneering sound, style and philosophy had a profound effect on the new wave movement. Influential, subversive and downright entertaining, Devo’s cult status quickly spread to the mainstream.

In what promises to be one of the most captivating tours of the year, Simple Minds and Devo will perform indoor shows and the popular a day on the green winery series later this year.

Joining them, and adding another highlight to savour, will be one of Australia’s finest, the church. Simple Minds, Devo and the church all in one night – now that’s what we call a concert not to be missed!

The tour is the first announcement for the next a day on the green summer season, the event’s 12th year. Eclectic 80s popsters Models, led by Sean Kelly, will open all a day on the green shows.

Simple Minds has had a lengthy love affair with Australia since tasting success here for the first time anywhere in the world with their first hit single ‘Love Song’ and first Gold album ‘New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)’. A stellar array of hits followed like ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’, ‘Alive and Kicking’, ‘Love Song’, ‘Promised You A Miracle’, ‘Glittering Prize’ and ‘Waterfront’ spanning eight Top 20 albums.
Lead vocalist Jim Kerr says: “Australia holds a very special place in the heart of Simple Minds. It was the first country anywhere in the world to embrace our music and we have wonderful memories of the tours we’ve done. We’re extremely excited about playing in Australia again.”

In the live concert arena, Simple Minds have few peers. This is a band that has played countless sold out stadium tours including three times at Wembley stadium, has been voted the prestigious Q Magazine’s ‘World’s Best Live Act’ and has retained an enviable reputation as one of THE great live concert bands.

Simple Minds commence a lengthy European tour in late June in support of their just released box set “Simple MindsX5” which features their ground-breaking first five albums ‘Life in a Day’, ‘Real to Real Cacophony’, ‘Empires and Dance’, ‘Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call’ and ‘New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)’ as well as a bonus disc of rare and previously unavailable B-sides and remixes.
According to the UK Guardian Newspaper “Simple Minds are suddenly alive and kicking again” whilst the Metro says: “It’s official, Simple Minds are cool again.”

There’s no denying the influence Devo – brothers Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh and Gerald and Bob Casale - have exercised over a new generation of artists. Invitations to play the Livid Festival (1997) and Splendour In The Grass (2008) on past Australian sojourns is testimony to their currency with music fans.

Devo was an extension of a multi-media exploration of the concept that mankind's progress had ceased, and the process of de-evolution had begun. Their early work from the visionary debut ‘Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo’ caught the attention of such icons as Brian Eno and David Bowie, and with hits like ‘Whip It’ and ‘Girl U Want’ and the accompanying revolutionary music videos, the group became one of the defining acts of the 1980s.

Devo’s surrealist and highly innovative stage shows have been an influence on artists from Rage Against the Machine to Lady Gaga. Kurt Cobain once said, "Of all the bands who came from the underground and actually made it in the mainstream, Devo is the most challenging and subversive of all."

In 2010 Devo released their first album in 20 years ‘Something For Everyone’ and have re-ignited their passion for live performance They are about to tour the US with Blondie so will be in fine form when they hit Australian shores again. DEVOtees..... expect the unexpected!
Having recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, the church continue to redefine what it is to be a band, evolving without compromise.

From the debut album ‘Of Skins and Heart’ through to 2009′s lush, organic masterpiece ‘Untitled #23’, lead vocalist and bassist Steve Kilbey, guitarists Peter Koppes and Marty Willson-Piper and drummer Tim Powles (now an active member of the band for 17 years), continue to pleasure their fans with a combination of chemistry, talent and a desire for excellence, unique and distinctive guitar sounds and thought-provoking lyrics.

Models induction into the 2010 ARIA Hall Of Fame was recognition of the status this pioneering Melbourne band has always held. Led by Sean Kelly and James Freud and emerging from the post new wave scene, Models’ produced ground-breaking albums ‘The Pleasure Of Your Company’ and ‘Out Of Mind Out Of Sight’. Kelly has continued to work as a producer and performer with his solo combo and leading various Models reunions.

 Sydney Entertainment Centre Friday 7th December 2012
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The Pogues Live in Sydney Tonight Wednesday 11, 2012

The Pogues, or Pogue Mahone (kiss my arse in Gaelic) as they were then known, came kicking and screaming into the world in 1982 and have been an indelible high watermark on the fickle tide of popular music for the last 30 years. The Pogues command an army of die-hard fans the world over, captivated by the power and conviction of one of the last true punk rock bands.

After the seminal album Red Roses for Me, followed by Rum Sodomy & the Lash, critical accolades began to appear for charismatic front man MacGowan. If I Should Fall from Grace with God and Peace and Love, brought the band commercial success, but cracks appeared, resulting in MacGowan being cast adrift after the recording of Hell's Ditch.

The Pogues reconvened in 2001 with their front man refreshed, yet as wild as ever, and this April will bring their own brand of fiery, literate, celtic rock to Australia.

TOUR DATE*:

Wednesday 11 April 2012 - Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
*Ticketek is selling for the above venue only.

An Officer and a Gentleman Cast Announced

The producers of the upcoming new musical An Officer and a Gentleman this week announced the principal cast members for the production. The cast will be led by Ben Mingay, currently starring as Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys, and Amanda Harrison, star of the blockbuster musical Wicked.

Ben Mingay plays Zack Mayo, the role brought to life by Richard Gere in the film. Amanda Harrison stars as Paula Pokrifki, the young factory worker originally played by Debra Winger.

The World Premiere of An Officer and a Gentleman will be held in Sydney at the Lyric Theatre on 19 May 2012. For more information see the show’s website. Destination NSW is pleased to support the musical which is an exciting edition to the State’s events calendar.

Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco - Tickets Available Now Sydney Show

Cirque du Soleil will return to Australia in 2011 for a national tour of Saltimbanco, one of the company's most loved, classic shows.

The internationally-acclaimed live entertainment company will be back with Saltimbanco, which started Australia's love affair with Cirque du Soleil when it first toured here in 1999.

A thrilling, kaleidoscopic celebration of awe-inspiring artistry and agility, Saltimbanco will be presented in theatre mode in arena venues across the country with the same energetic and vibrant performance as experienced in the Big Top.

SYDNEY TOUR DATE*:

From 27 July to 14 August - Acer Arena, Sydney
*Ticketek is selling for the above venue only.

BOOK at TICKETEK

Find and Book Sydney Accommodation with Metro Hotels

Jersey Boys at Royal Theatre Sydney

How did four blue-collar kids become one of the greatest successes in pop music history?

JERSEY BOYS, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2006 that takes you up the charts, and across the country.

JERSEY BOYS is the story of how four boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi –
THE FOUR SEASONS – wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were thirty.

JERSEY BOYS features their hit songs “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Rag Doll”, “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, among others.

When:

• Between Saturday 01 January and Sunday 04 September from 00.00 to 00.00

Tues: 7pm
Thurs+Fri: 8pm
Sat: 2 & 8pm
Sun: 1 & 6pm

Where:

Theatre Royal, 108 King Street MLC Centre Sydney 2000 Venue details

Cost:

Various

Website:

http://www.jerseyboysaustralia.com.au

More Info:

Newtheatricals
02 9261 0542
info@jerseyboysaustralia.com.au

How to get to this event:

Martin Place Train Station. Buses from Castlereagh Street.

Just announced, JANET JACKSON UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Tour of Australia

JANET JACKSON's UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Tour of Australia

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL!
Just announced: JANET JACKSON will be bringing her 'NUMBER ONES: UP CLOSE & PERSONAL' tour to Australia in Oct/Nov. Tickets go on sale Wed 3 Aug!
DATES
TUE 18 OCT PERTH BURSWOOD THEATRE SAT 22 OCT ADELAIDE FESTIVAL CENTRE WED 26 OCT MELBOURNE the ARTS CENTRE, STATE THEATRE THU 27 OCT MELBOURNE the ARTS CENTRE, STATE THEATRE WED 2 NOV GOLD COAST CONVENTION CENTRE SAT 5 NOV SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, CONCERT HALL SUN 6 NOV SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, CONCERT HALL