MEDIA RELEASE COURTESY: 2011 TV Week Logie Awards

With less then three weeks to go until the TV WEEK Logie Awards, TV WEEK and the Nine Network are thrilled to announce global sensation Katy Perry will rock the stage. In Australia for her sold-out California Dreams Tour, Katy will open the show with a performance of her hit song “Firework”.

Since the sassy pop icon’s 2008 breakthrough with the massive smash hit “I Kissed A Girl”, Katy has continued to dominate music charts around the world. Her debut album ‘One Of The Boys’ is also home to hit singles “Hot N Cold” and “Waking Up In Vegas”.

Last year, Katy followed up with another massive album – the platinum and ARIA number one Teenage Dream, which defined her as one of the greatest pop acts in the world today. The album featured a double-platinum single of the same name, plus triple-platinum hits “California Gurls” and “Firework”.

“Katy will have the whole room on their feet dancing! We’re thrilled that she is opening our show,” TV WEEK Editor Emma Nolan said.

In addition, the TV WEEK Logie Awards are excited to reveal the list of 2011 presenters – and what an eclectic mix it is! Without a doubt, this year’s awards will not only showcase supreme performers, but also extremely entertaining presenters from a variety of backgrounds.

Masterful violist André Rieu will make a special appearance on the red carpet. The godfather of classical music had to postpone his tour down under last year due to illness, but André is thrilled and excited to be able to return to Australia.

Comedy duos Hamish Blake and Andy Lee and Roy Slaven and HG Nelson are sure to bring some laughs. Fresh from announcing a planned move to New York, Hamish and Andy will take over the stage with their quirky humour, while legends Roy and HG will surely show them how the old boys do it.

Hamish is in the running for the Silver Logie for Most Popular Presenter.

Critically acclaimed comedy chameleon Chris Lilley – on the cusp of what is sure to be a jubilant return to the small screen – will hand over an award, but as which character is anyone’s guess. Fellow ABC1 comedian and Gold Logie nominee Adam Hills will also keep the laughs rolling when he gets on stage to present.

But it’s not just funny guys handing out the iconic statues this year. Everyone’s favourite top model Sarah Murdoch will bestow another to a lucky nominee, and she won’t be the only model presenter, with the ever-glamorous Megan Gale certain to keep all eyes firmly on the stage.

Guest presenters will also include Logies royalty Lisa McCune, the ever-hilarious Shane Jacobson, The Chaser boys Chris and Craig, and Stephen Curry. Nominees to take the stage for presenting roles include Richard Roxburgh (Silver Logie for Most Outstanding Actor), Eddie Perfect (Most Popular New Male Talent), Shaun Micallef (Silver Logie for Most Popular Presenter) and Gold Logie nominee Karl Stefanovic, who will be joined by his brother Peter.

Adrian Dellevergin, Executive Producer of the TV WEEK Logie Awards, said: “We are thrilled with the calibre of presenters at the Logies this year, which includes the best of Australia's television talent. We are also very excited to have Katy Perry performing, which promises to be a show-stopping performance.”

The 2011 TV WEEK Logie Awards, hosted by Shane Bourne, will be held at Melbourne’s Crown Entertainment Complex on Sunday, May 1, and broadcast from 7.30pm on the Nine Network.
Full list of presenters: -

Adam Hills
The Chaser boys - Chris and Craig
Hamish Blake and Andy Lee
Roy and HG
Chris Lilley
Catherine McClements
Karl Stefanovic
Peter Stefanovic
Sarah Murdoch
Jamie Durie
Shaun Micallef
David Stratton
Margaret Pomeranz
Richard Roxburgh
Lisa McCune
Stephen Curry
Deborah Mailman
Shane Jacobson
Megan Gale

ZZ TOP with special guests Rose Tattoo & The Poor

Andrew McManus Presents is proud to announce that after 10 years, blues-rock legends ZZ Top are finally coming back to Australia!

ZZ Top’s image has been as unchanging and memorable as their music. The legendary Texan trio has been together for more than 40 years and were inducted by Keith Richards into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 2004.

‘We’re the same three guys, bashing out the same three chords. The band’s mantra remains the same: “Tone. Taste. Tenacity’ said Billy Gibbons, guitarist extraordinaire.

ZZ Top are a solid touring unit and have performed before millions of fans around the world. Their iconography – beards, cars, girls and that magic keychain seems to transcend all bounds of geography and language. They’ve been referenced in countless cartoons and sitcoms and are true rock icons.

ZZ Top are genuine roots musicians. Billy Gibbons is one of America’s finest blues guitarists while Dusty Hill on bass and Frank Beard on drums (ironically the only member without a beard) provide the ultimate rhythm section support.

Most famous for their hits Legs, Gimme All Your Lovin’ and Sharp Dressed Man, ZZ Top are sure to thrill their Australian fans with their sturdy American blues and rock style.

ZZ Top last toured Australia in 2000 and have sold more than 20 million records worldwide and achieved incredible chart success. Their 1983 album Eliminator was a multi-platinum smash in Australia and is ‘one of the greatest albums of the ‘80s’ according to Rolling Stone magazine.   

Rose Tattoo and The Poor will also be appearing with ZZ Top.

IT’S GONNA BE ONE WILD PARTY – DON’T MISS OUT!

Students lives and careers transformed by dance and music audition, by Eva Rinaldi - 21st April 2011

Today was yet another pivotal step in the continued life and career transformation of my special needs students.

For the uninitiated, I teach a group of students in Sydney who have had a number of life and career challenges, many of them effected by traumatic early childhood experiences.

Studies have proven that the formative years of ones life - 1-10 years of age have a significant impact on how an individual will view the world for the rest of their lives.

I'm pleased to report that over the past five weeks the vast majority of my students have made significant gains in confidence, self esteem, attitude, work ethic, communication as a whole, and most have even started to grasp some of the inner workings of the arts, entertainment and media world.

Last week we focused on achieving some practical solutions such as real and sustainable employment opportunities. As a team, we have already identified that most of the students were not ideally suited for "normal jobs" - nor am I for that matter, and neither are most successful people in arts, entertainment and media. It takes a certain breed of person - strong personalities, vast imaginations and being high on energy and a 'can do' attitude. All are pretty much prerequisites for success. Some of my students have these attributes in spades.

Today was a golden opportunity for two of my class to land a dancer role in a major advertising campaign coming up for one of the world's leading entertainment and media companies - and right here in Sydney. While it was not a multi million dollar contract opportunity, it was a genuine foot in the door opp, or launchpad if you will, that the right person could bounce off into a solid TV, film, dance or advertising industry role.

Here's the great news. At least one of my students, let's call her "Ella", has progressed to the next round of casting where she gets one step closer to being a key face for an entertainment industry product and solution that could well end up becoming a household name in Australia. I see a little bit of a Susan Boyle thing going on with this student, and its so exciting to see her grow as both an individual and as a member of the workforce - in the ultra competitive entertainment and media sector. Yes, this chic has the right stuff.

I know the story may sound a little far fetched for some, and lets face it - we sometimes hear of incredible stories in the press (or in movies), which sound too good to be true. So, today I took along a video camera and we shot footage which will be incorporated into the documentary showcasing the transformation of the lives of my ever faithful class.

Within a week I will have a much clearer picture of just how far "Ella" is taking her dream, but the class and I have a really good feeling about it.

What's next for my class of "comeback of the decade" folks? More red carpets, events, artistic creations and some worthwhile media opportunities.

We've already proved the knockers wrong, and we look forward to doing it again and again.

Why do we continue to show that the "impossible" can become possible? Because we can, and also because its often lots of fun, and we get to not only share dreams and aspirations as a team - we also get to achieve greatness together also.

Dream, believe, love and achieve - thank you for joining us on our journey again and we shall look forward to sharing more "impossible dreams" again with you next week.

Websites

Human Statue Bodyart

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

Music News Australia

Keri Hilson, Nelly, Ciara, Snoop Dogg, Fat Joe & Bow Wow Kick Off Supafest .

Keri Hilson

R&B’s sexy stars traveled Down Under for their first date of Supafest 2011, One of Australia's largest music festival. Keri Hilson lit up the stage in a studded denim jacket and a black bra, and a pair of cutoff shorts while performing material from her No Boys Allowed album live for the first time at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.

Ciara wowed thousands of music lovers with her steps moves and beautiful voice as she and her troupe of dancers worked up a sweat onstage.

Hip-hop Spunks Nelly and Bow Wow had the ladies swooning, Bow Wow jumped off the stage and had the the photographers and security officers on their toes.

Timbaland pulled out of the gig but Game,T pain, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Taio Cruz, and the New Boyz made up for his absence with their entertaining sets.

Snoop Dogg brought the West Coast to the land of Oz, closing out his performance by sharing the stage with Bow Wow on the classic “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?”

The four-date festival will also play Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne, and is expected to attract over 100,000 music fans.

Fat Joe

Taio Cruz

Game

Ciara

Nelly

Snoop Dogg

Bow Wow

Busta Rhymes

T-Pain

Israel

http://www.supafest.com.au/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography/

Star City and Supafest present Snoop Dogg and Nelly - Live and Exclusive

Snoop Dogg Supafest

Nelly Supafest

Not only is SNOOP DOGG a living legend in hip-hop, he is also one of the greatest rappers and pop culture icons of our time. In a musical career spanning over two decades, Snoop has amassed an impressive discography consisting of ten solo albums and has sold tens of millions of albums worldwide.
 
He has scored acting roles in over 40 movies, featured in his own reality show and has endorsed numerous pop culture brands. It’s his natural appeal to both the hood and Hollywood that has allowed Snoop to stay tremendously relevant through the years. Since bursting into our consciousness alongside famed producer Dr. Dre on the 1992 classic “The Chronic”, Snoop has remained a constant force in hip-hop and a household name around the world.
 
With 18 Top 20 singles in Australia, including 3 number ones, NELLY is a Grammy Award winning artist that has been topping the charts for over 10 years. With a genre-defying discography, its easy to see why Billboard Magazine recognized Nelly as the #3 artist of the decade (2000-2009).
 
Hailing from St. Louis, Nelly first burst onto the scene with the massive worldwide hit “Country Grammar”, and continued to consistently return to the charts with hit after hit including “Hot in Herre”, “Dilemma” and “Over & Over”. Nelly became a rapper capable of crossing practically all boundaries from the Dirty South to MTV and everything in between.
 
With 21 million album sales under his belt, Nelly is also a successful actor and entrepreneur, owning two clothing lines, Apple Bottoms and Vokal, plus the energy drink Pimp Juice. Nelly’s latest album “5.0” is out now featuring the hit single “Just A Dream” which peaked at #3 on the Aria Charts.

Eva Rinaldi Photography
http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography/

http://www.evarinaldi.com/

RALPH Australian Swimwear Model of the Year announced at Star City

For the third time in the event’s history Star City was the home to the RALPH Australian Swimwear Model of the Year (RALPH ASMY) National Finalists and will host the National Final in the Grand Harbour Ballroom.

Renowned for bringing the biggest names, the best shows and the most spectacular events to the region, Star City’s line up of entertainment is second to none.
 
The 2011 RALPH ASMY National Final promises to be no exception.
 
Star City was excited about their association with the RALPH ASMY National Final, adding a distinct element of colour and glamour to further diversify the already extensive events calendar.
 
The contest has been promoted in cities and major towns throughout the months of November, December, January and February in over 200 nights of promotions in almost 40 venues covering all major cities and regional centres throughout all States and Territories in Australia. Each venue ran up to 5 nights of contest.
 
Kahili Blundell 2011 Winner ... The winner of the title RALPH received over $16,000 in cash and prizes and will appear in the 2011 RALPH
Australian Swimwear Model of the Year Calendar, she will feature in the Poster and other promotional material as well as a photographic feature in ZOO MAGAZINE.
 
Runner up Sina King, Tiffany Baker and Krystal Dawson.
 

Websites
 
http://www.asmy.com.au/
 
http://www.proconleisure.com/
 
ralph.ninemsn.com.au 
 
www.starcity.com.au/Home.htm
 
www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotogra...
 
http://www.evarinaldi.com/

Cyndi Lauper does Sydney's State Theatre, by Eva Rinaldi - 31st March 2011

I'd so been looking forward to tonight for a week, having seen Cyndi perform at Concord in Sydney's inner west just last Friday at the Network Nine 'Today' taping.

There's something about this girl that makes me feel I can't get enough of her.

The sold out crowd was into Lauper and her leathers and energy big time. Talk about girls just having fun.  We were on cloud nine. One Lauper-mad fan was asking everyone at the front of the State Theatre if they has any tickets for sale. I hope she got her wish.

I was fortunate to get to really close to the stage. The music production sounded great to me and Cyndi frequently smiled for me and my camera, which made the evening all the more special for me.

She looked so good for her youthful 57, and still jumps around the stage like a cat. Her vibrant energy radiated the stage and the audience loved her back.

The singer performed one of my favs early into the evening - 'She Bop', and also went with a few new hot numbers from the new album 'Memphis Blues'. I prefer her hits from the 80s and 90s, but everything evolves. This girl sure ain't stale.

Yes, we had heaps of fun, and I so look forward to seeing Cyndi again when she comes back again to Australia. Long live the queen.

Websites

Cyndi Lauper official website

State Theatre

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Santana works his magic at Acer Arena, Sydney, by Eva Rinaldi - 25th March 2011

To my mind it was perfect timing for Carlos Santana and his 10 piece band to return to Sydney on a black-ish, rainy night, full with musically magic.

The hip and cool 64-year-old Santana created harmoney, excitement, and took audience members, news hounds and photographers to a sensual and sexy heaven, if only for a few moments.

Santana, the Mexican guitar genious has been plying his trade for the better part of four decades, and the dedication to their craft is absolutely evident.

Adding to the magic was co-lead vocalists Tony Lindsay and Andy Vargas, as they treated us to Black Magic Woman, Evil Ways and more. As usual us photographers didn't get to stay to the conclusion, but we sure caught the vibe and Latin fever.

Santana might just be the most distinctive guitarist of all time.  A few notes, and you know its him.

Hipsters, 'Sin City' Sydney may have been black and wet tonight, but thanks to Santana's sensual, stimulating and inviting notes, I'm going to spend a few more hours on Cloud Nine once I return to my heaven scent home. Yeah - work hard, play hard, and party harder.

Websites

Santana

Michael Chugg

Acer Arena

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Cyndi Lauper: Girls And Guys Have Fun Today At Concord, by Eva Rinaldi - 25th March 2011

Photos by Eva Rinaldi Photography

I'd be waiting for this for what feels like a lifetime.

Today, via a live recording of Network Nine's 'Today' show, I got to enjoy a Cyndi Lauper performance, and boys and girls, did we have fun.

I knew that Cyndi was is Sydney, as the word of this good news was all the buzz with news media, photographers and fans, but fortunately I got tipped off about the Goodard Park morning appearance just the night before with an article appearing in The Inner West Courier.

The live 'Today' show started at 5.30am, however Cyndi and the band didn't appear on stage and kick off their performance until 7.15am or so.

The crowd was pumped, as were television presenters Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson and Richard 'Wilde' (in another lifetime) Wilkins.

I was fortunate to get to the park earlier and was able to find a spot really close to the front of the stage. Soon after I got there, hundreds more flocked in and we started to feel like sardines for a while, but security was onto it and was able to reduce some of the stress.

It's amazing how good Cyndi looks and sounds for her youthful 57. Her vibrant energy radiated the stage and the audience, and genuine warmth and appreciation was reciprocated.

I was delighted to hear that the ultra talented New Yorker has a son of 13 years of age, the same delightful (most of the time) age of mine. Cyndi told the story to Nine's entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, of junior who once partly took over her show with 'Do You Want To Shout', and how he definitely has some musical talent.

The singer performed 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun', Time After Time', 'True Colours', as well as a few new numbers that she will also perform on her current Australian tour.

My only complaints were that there wasn't an open bar and that the sausage sizzle finished about just as fast as it started. The lines for food and drinks were too long, but we weren't there for bites anyway. We wanted entertainment, and boy did we get it. Go girl, and thanks to Channel Nine - your still my One also.

Yes, we had heaps of fun, and I really look forward to seeing Cyndi's indoor performance in Sydney at the State Theatre, which will occur on the 31 March and the 1st of April. A double dose of fun. Can't wait.

Richard Wilkins and Cyndi Lauper

All photos by Eva Rinaldi

Websites

Cyndi Lauper official website

Network Nine: Today

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Chris Isaak does Sydney's State Theatre, by Eva Rinaldi - 23rd March 2011

Sydney has enjoyed the musical and vocal talents of many a male performing artist as of late - Michael Buble, Lionel Ritchie and Usher included, but Chris Isaak can stand strong knowing within that he doesn't have to play second fiddle as far as talent is concerned... even though he is not as big of a name.

Isaak signed a contract to Warner Bros. Records in 1984 for his virgin album Silvertone. The tracks 'Gone Ridin' and 'Livin' for Your Lover', from this album, were featured in David Lynch's classic movie Blue Velvet. Isaak's second self-titled album Chris Isaak was shot by fashion photographer Bruce Weber. Isaak's contract was renewed in 1988 when Warner Bros. shifted him to their Reprise Records label.

'Wicked Game' is his best known song by a country mile. Though released on the 1989 album Heart Shaped World, an instrumental version of the song was later featured in the 1990 David Lynch film 'Wild at Heart'. Lee Chesnut, an Atlanta radio station music director who was smitten with Lynch films, began playing the vocal version and it quickly became the station's most-requested number. Chesnut spread the word to other radio stations around America and the single became a US Top 10 hit in February 1991.

Take the time machine 10 years plus from then, and Isaak is still wowing them.

Isaak mesmerised the State Theatre tonight in a fashion rarely seen.

He knows how to intimately engage with the audience (and my camera) - lucky me... and lucky him. My camera loved his fashion sense too. Where did you get that sparkly shirt Chris? I loved it.

You would have to go a long way to find as hard-working and talented singer as Isaak. No one in the audience will ever forget his performance and will be looking forward to experiencing his magic again.

I just loved his seductively beautiful 'Wicked Game' which made me think of the music genius of Roy Orbison. His voice live is as good as a CD bought off the shelves.

My personal favorite songs were 'Wicked Game' and 'I Want You To Want Me'.

I also wanted to publicity thank the kind and talented journalist who spotted me at tonight's performance. It was nice to also have another journalist assist me, as opposed to having to endure more elbows in the ribs, taunts and gibes by other photographers, shooters, paps or whatever they want to call themselves. I just wish all media types were as nice and as generous as the journo I met tonight.

We only got to stay for three numbers tonight, due to enforced news media regulations, but I still feel immensely blessed to have experienced his gift live.

Chris Isaak

Websites

Chris Isaak
http://www.chrisisaak.com/

State Theatre
http://www.statetheatre.com.au/

Eva Rinaldi Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
http://www.evarinaldi.com/

Lionel Ritchie: All Night Long Indeed, by Eva Rinaldi - 22nd March 2011

I'd been looking forward to tonight for a long time, and Lionel baby didn't disappoint Sydney's Acer Arena.

It was Guy Sebastian, the multi-talented Aussie who rose to fame via the Australian Idol media machine, who opened the evening, sporting a new haircut that didn't do that much for me. Sorry Guy, but my heart and soul was here for Lionel, but I still like you lots too.

I honestly believe that Lionel Richie may be one of the most under-rated performing artists of all time, but what does a passionate music fan come pro photographer know anyway...well, that's what the knockers say. Let's see what the history books say about the musical genius in a few years from now, but back to matters at hand.

I was pleased to learn that Lionel is a great humanitarian who co-wrote 'We Are the World' and co-produced the remake 'We Are the World 25,' which was released during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Richie has raised a small fortune for breast cancer over the years, a cause that got on his radar when a family member was diagnosed many years ago.

The American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer is love on two legs, if I may say so (no offence to my man). Since 1968, he's been a member of the musical group Commodores signed to Motown Records. Richie made his solo debut in 1982 with the album Lionel Richie and number-one hit 'Truly'.

My son is probably going to be interested to learn that way back in 2002 one of his songs, 'Running with the Night' was featured on the Rockstar North video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, however the song was removed from later versions of the game.

Tonight Ritchie played most of his greats including the beautiful and genius 'All Night Long', 'Endless Love', 'Truly', 'Penny Lover', 'Stuck On You' and 'Three Times A Lady' and really connected with the audience (mostly couples), and my camera lens too, I'm pleased to report.

As I often do, I would like to publicly thank the promoter of the concert, Michael
Gudinski of the Frontier Touring Company.  Frontier, an arm of the famed Mushroom Group, has really been outdoing themselves as of late. Thanks also to Rowena and Jules for being of such a great assistance tonight.

Tonight's summary - wonderful, warm, loving, and the night is still young!

Websites

Lionel Ritchie

The Frontier Touring Company

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Optus One80Project Festival, by Eva Rinaldi - 20th March 2011

The Australian music industry got a welcome shot in the arm today thanks to media powerhouse MTV Australia, and many backers such as Optus.

The One80Project Festival was held in Sydney's beautiful and large (for the city) Prince Alfred Park.

The park was especially green as for the first few hours we were hit with on again, off again rain, with complimentary yellow beanbags and pillows for the public offering minimal relief. The bags and pillows offered colour and atmosphere, and the fans took to them like ducks to water. A visitor was overheard saying "It's Sydney Swampfest", taking a jab at the weather and muddy patches in the grass, but they said it with a smile on their face, and then went on to sink a complimentary cold beer.

The festival officially started at 5.30pm, but many fans and media showed up early. We think that at its peak there may have been 3,000 at the festival, however that can't be confirmed as the number seems to be a well kept secret and the powers that be are not saying. There was plenty of first aid officers on hand, thank god, as my mate suffered a cut on finger when navigating of boggy patch of mud, and the boys and girls in blue were also well represented, but sadly none on horseback, but that may have suggested that there was only a minimal security risk at the fest.

The VIPs, guest list and media were treated to an undercover - raised area, with an operating bar and bites, but more seating would have been handy. I want to say a big thank you to Paul and Derrick at the bar, who served us early, quickly and with a smile. We later learnt that comedian Rosso was delighted that the bar was open. Rosso also told us that he was impressed that MTV and co had created yet another opportunity to nurture and showcase Australian talent to the world. Rosso didn't mention his old comedian mate Merrick Watts, who went to school with my journo mate at Pittwater High, but he did say there were many beautiful women were at the school, as there was at today's event. The blokes, mainly dressed in smart casual, where mainly very good looking and very intelligent also, as you might expect from Sydney's entertainment, music and media world.

Being a pro photographer, I was delighted that there were plenty of photo opportunities and just some of the friendly souls who I was blessed to photograph included Tim "Rosso" Ross, Craig Wing (NRL player, currently having a season in Japan), Xavier Samuel (Twilight), David Wenham (Lord Of The Rings), Ali Daher (Hollywood Treatment), Georgia Gomen, Nathan Kake (Napoleon Perdis), Katrina McGarry, Maria Bodoeguaard, Andy Cutcliff (When The War Began), Matt Williamsen (Family Tree), Daisy McKenzie-McHarg (MTV), Joe Corrigan (Snobs) and Alana Bowden (Snobs)...the title of their show, not their attitude. Everyone was delightful, and if I forget anyone, sorry, there was so much going on. We loved you all.

It was great to see communications giant Optus get behind the event, but for their sake, I do hope Optus' current enthusiasm for MTV and the music world can be matched in a boost of customer service for their mobile telephone division, of which I've been having some considerable issues with of late.

Back to the festival, it was impressive (for a free fest), and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Aussie Twilight star Xavier Samuel was the guest presenter of the short film festival's Public Vote Award, details of which will soon appear here.

Celebrity judges included David Wenham, actress Kat Stewart, Joel and Nash Edgerton and Animal Kingdom writer and director, David Michod.

The One80project gives aspiring film and TV producers a genuine chance to turn their idea into a shot at the small screen, and then hopefully seeing them progress to the next level of AussieWood, if not Hollywood.

As well as the public vote, awards were passed out for the judges' choice and best student entry, with the judges' pick to be made into a one-hour drama for broadcast on MTV Australia. The full list of winners will soon be published right here!

The festival, now in its fifth year, screened the top 10 finalists and featured a live DJ set by Grammy award winner Mark Ronson with supporting sets from Bag Raiders and Softwar.

Oh, a big thank you to MTV publicist Milly Gattegno who helped get us access to a large number of celebrities with substance, as well as facilitating some top photo opportunities for my company.

A good test on the success of these type of things is to ask the question... would I do it again, and rain, hail or shine, the answer is yes, just as long as my every faithful media team came along with me again too. You rock, and so did the event.

Stay tuned for a confirmation of finalists and winners.

My inside knowledge of the going ons assures me that the substance did match the hype of this enjoyable project, and I'm betting that next year will be even bigger and better.

David Wenham

Websites

MTV Australia

One80Project

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Pink Floyd Tribute Band: 'The Great Gig In The Sky’, by Eva Rinaldi - 19th March 2011

Paying tribute to one of the world's greatest ever bands, Pink Floyd, was never going to be an easy task.

I'd been hearing mixed reports for weeks leading up to the Sutherland Entertainment Centre show this evening, so to be honest, I was just hoping for the best.

With the rain bucketing down at Sutherland I was getting nervous about tonight, for both the band and the promoter, but I'm pleased to report that my fears proved unfounded. This tribute band is world class, at least in my estimation, but I'm sure that they're will be other critics and would be's, if they could be's, that will want to argue with me.

Sydney audiences can be such a spoilt lot, always looking for the negative - the glass always being half empty, rather than half full.

We entered the venue and the vibe was warm and inviting, the joint was packed. The show was very near capacity. There must have been a few insiders and media types in attendance, as after a song or two a few voices from the crowd called out "faster", followed by "louder, and many music types will know that there's a music entertainment website portal called Faster Louder. My friend was tempted to call out 'In The Mix', just to make it fair, but he someone resisted temptation.

The band comprises of Steve Balbi on vocals (Noiseworks), Peter Skelton (drums), Ian Tilley (bass), Paul Najar (keys), Aaron Michael (sax) Peter Northcote (guitars) and Joseph Calderazzo (guitars). They were also joined by an impressive section of vocal artists Krishna Jones (Juice), Mitchell Anderson, Miss Min and Robyn Laou.

I was delighted that they played some of the greats the original group was best known for including 'Another Brick In The Wall', 'Dark Side Of The Moon' and 'Money'. 'Brick' was a pleasant surprise with female artist Jones dressed in school uniform belting out the chorus, doing such a fine job that it didn't seen out of place.

Balbi put on a fine show and reminded me of a cross between Johnny Deep and lead from The Doors, Jim Morrison. Balbi had a dark side too him I felt, but also showed some light when he spoke to the other side with classic ballad 'Wish You Were Here'.

Speaking of dark, arguably the darkest song of the night was 'Nobody Home', performed by Robyn Laou.

It's needs to be said that the sound, lighting and video special effects were top class. The big screen effects added a lot to the performance aspect of the show, but at the same time were not a distraction from the bands fine talent.

The creative director was Joseph Calderazzo, who must be happy with his end result, judging by tonight's fine performances, and promoter Martin Contempree hit the mark, as did publicist Christina, who did a wonderful job of looking after my media requirements.

Oh, the homely venue also offered free tea and coffee for patrons, which we quickly took advantage of, and alcoholic drinks were also very reasonably priced. These aspects do make the event and experience all the more pleasurable, and make one more inclined to support the venue, brand and promoter again.

Tonight was proof that tribute bands can be world class and don't have to be seen as second rate knock offs. My favorite track may have been 'Just Another Brick..', but I can confidently report that this was not "just another tribute band". Judging by the audience reaction its a safe bet that even the original Pink Floyd would have respected their performance. 8 out of 10, and would I go again - Yes.

Websites

CCEntertainment

Sutherland Entertainment Centre

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Pink Floyd (Wikipedia)