Music News Australia

Wednesday, 4 April 2012

Crosby, Stills & Nash At Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, Australia

Crosby, Stills & Nash put on an impressive performance tonight at Sydney's famous Hordern Pavilion.

Often referred to as "the voice of a generation", they maintain universal appeal, as demonstrated at a very full Hordern Pavilion in Sydney tonight.

They've been performing together for four decades and have fans stretching across several generations.

The legendary folk rock trio played such beautiful songs such as Marrakesh Express, Wooden Ships, Teach Your Children, Carry On, Our House and Long Time Gone.

Australian music lovers were sure treated tonight.

John Nash announced to the crowd before the concert that he was sick but would still perform, and you could tell the crowd appreciated his honesty - a trait not always exhibited in the music industry. I thought John sounded fine, and of course he is supported by other world class artists.

They have been around for what seems like forever, but they have hardly missed a beat, and their music is timeless, and seems as relevant today as when they first got together.

Fans - don't miss your only chance to see one of the world's best ever supergroups when they come to your city.

Promo...

In the words of Crosby, Stills & Nash - it's been a long time coming - but the wait ends now! McManus Entertainment is thrilled to announce that music legends Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) - David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash - will tour Australia in March and April 2012.

Since forming in 1969, the world's first "supergroup" have delivered countless hits, with their timeless harmonies and melodic folk-rock becoming a cornerstone of today's rock 'n roll. In 2012 CSN will take to the road once again, as they have done on a recurring basis ever since their very first gig together before half a million people at Woodstock more than four decades ago.

Hailed as 'the voice of a generation', fans can look forward to yet another epic performance as they play songs from their amazing catalogue of hits, including Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, Marrakesh Express, Wooden Ships, Teach Your Children, Carry On, Our House, Long Time Gone, as well as the classic anthems of the Woodstock generation - Helpless and Woodstock.

The California sun-drenched embrace of their harmonies and musical variety has cemented their reputation as true music legends, but don't just take our word for it. In 1969, after seeing one of their shows, rock immortal Jimi Hendrix declared, "I've seen Crosby, Stills and Nash burnin' ass... they're groovy, Western-sky music," - and according to Rolling Stone, Jimi "knew what he was talking about."

These three consummate singer-songwriters have more than lived up to this reputation, with their masterpiece debut LP Crosby, Stills & Nash jumping straight to the top of the charts and Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list. That same year, they were honoured with the GRAMMY® award for Best New Artist and the following year 1970's Déjà vu also made the prestigious "500 Greatest" list. CSN have since captured the hearts and minds of an entire era, becoming inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, as well as the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2007.

CSN have been performing music together for more than four decades and have weathered changing times and various configurations, while simultaneously captivating the world with their peerless three-part harmony vocals, inspired songwriting, musical virtuosity and social activism.

Don't miss your chance to experience these iconic singer/songwriters perform live in 2012.

Websites

Crosby, Stills & Nash

www.crosbystillsnash.com

Hordern Pavilion

www.playbillvenues.com

McManus Entertainment

www.mcmanusentertainment.com

Flourish PR

www.flourishpr.com

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

EMILY BLUNT & JASON SEGEL Confirmed for an Australian tour launching their new film

The Five-Year Engagement

From the producer of Bridesmaids

Comic genius Jason Segel will join hands with delightful Golden Globe ® winner Emily Blunt, and head to our shores on Monday 30th April (Sydney) and Wednesday 2nd May (Melbourne) to talk us through the trials and tribulations of one of the longest engagements ever to hit the big screen!

The director and writer/star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall reteam for the irreverent comedy The Five-Year Engagement. Beginning where most romantic comedies end, the new film from director Nicholas Stoller, producer Judd Apatow (Bridesmaids, Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) and Rodney Rothman (Get Him to the Greek) looks at what happens when an engaged couple, Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, keeps getting tripped up on the long walk down the aisle. The film was written by Segel and Stoller.

Monday, 2 April 2012

The Man in Black Coming To Sydney Opera House; Tex Perkins To Wow Johnny Cash Fans

Australian country music living legend Tex Perkins has nailed Johnny Cash in his 'The Man in Black' stage show.

The great news for Sydney siders is that its coming to the world famous Sydney Opera House this April and will be running for most of the month.

Exploring into Cash's life, love and loss, Tex along with Rachael Tidd and the band – Shannon Bourne, Dave Folley, Steve Hadley and Shane Reilly – will perform 23 of Cash’s songs from Ring of Fire, I Walk the Line and Folsom Prison Blues to Sunday Mornin’ Coming Down, Get Rhythm and A Boy Named Sue.

There's lot of praise being thrown around for Perkin's performance of Cash, and in this case is it truly deserved.

The massive catalogue of Cash work is done justice in a show that covers both the story of Cash's life, death, and the magical songs that brought it all together.

Perkins is a master in being Cash, with his deep gravelly mumble, his darkness and powerful spirit.

He is supported superbly by Rachael Tidd, who plays Cash’s wife and soulmate June Carter. Her voice is equal, if not better than the character she portrays and the special chemistry she shares with Perkins adds even more greatness to the show.

For those old enough to have witnessed the original Johnny Cash, you will be impressed, and for those who haven't, Perkins gives you as close to as perfection as is humanly possible.

This is 'The Man in Black' and Australia is blessed to have Tex delivering it to our Sydney Opera House.

Pitch...

The Man in Black - The Johnny Cash Story

The Helpmann Award winning The Man in Black is back! Tex Perkins leads The Tennessee Four in a celebration of the life and times of one of the most incredible singers, songwriters and entertainers to ever grace the stage.

This is two hours of Cash's magnificent music interwoven with the story of his rise to stardom, his fight for survival and his eventual redemption. Tex and his band take on Ring of Fire, I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, Sunday Mornin' Coming Down, Get Rhythm, A Boy Named Sue and other classics in a 2 hour show that also explores his relationships - from hardened prisoners to the beautiful June Carter and lots in between.

With his driving freight-train chords, steel-eyed intensity and a voice as dark as the night, the legendary Johnny Cash revolutionised music. Tex Perkins, one of the most electrifying front men of Australian rock 'n' roll, brings the hard-living country legend to life, delving into the depths of the star's life, love and loss.

'When Tex Perkins, formerly of the Cruel Sea and the Beasts of Bourbon, grabs the microphone and growls: ''I'm Johnny Cash'', you believe him.' THE AUSTRALIAN

'…Tex is Tex. Captivating and entertaining. And so is the show. It will satisfy hardcore fans of both men. And that's no mean feat.' HERALD SUN

Venue: Playhouse
Dates: 10 - 22 April
Duration: 135 minutes, including 20 minute interval

Websites

Websites

The Man In Black

www.themaninblack.com.au

Sydney Opera House

www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Tex Perkins official website

www.texperkins.net

Johnny Cash official website

www.johnnycash.com

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Johnny Cash official website

www.johnnycash.com

Sunday, 1 April 2012

The Pirates! Band of Misfits Premieres In Sydney Australia; Hugh Grant Walks Red Carpet

Hugh Grant

British movie star Hugh Grant arrived in Sydney yesterday, without too much attention, one day ahead of time for his involvement in the Australian premiere of The Pirates! Band of Misfits.

The 51-year-old actor, who recently became a dad, is in Sydney to promote his new animated movie The Pirates! Band Of Misfits, which this afternoon enjoyed its red carpet premiere at Event Cinemas at George St.

"I feel great," Mr Grant told Rupert Murdoch's News Limited. "I've got old friends I'm going to catch up with while I'm here."

Perhaps he's best known for his lead in The Four Weddings And A Funeral movie, but he's keen to become better known for more serious and dark roles.

Mr Grant became a dad to a baby Tabitha, last October, after a "fleeting affair" with Chinese actress Tinglan Hong.

He recently said of fatherhood: "I like my daughter very much. Has she changed my life? I'm not sure. Not yet. Not massively, no. But I'm absolutely thrilled to have had her - I really am.

"And I feel a better person."

Grant is also the godfather to ex Liz Hurley's nine-year-old son Damian, who he took to the London premiere of The Pirates! on March 21.

Band of Misfits is the Brit's his first shot at a role in an animated feature.

The movie, which was created by the makers of Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run, stars Grant as the enthusiastic, although not very successful, Pirate Captain.

Grant said preparing for the role should have been more soothing but he still managed to get himself into a panic before the recording sessions.

"(I) did a lot of rehearsal in my kitchen," he told media on the red carpet.

"I always find I was very good in my kitchen.

"I think it was partly because ... the room had a lot of echo which is very good for a pirate's deep voice.

"(But) then I get into the recording studio, which has a very dead silence (and) I thought, 'Oh, it's not working'."

Pitch...

Pirate Captain sets out on a mission to defeat his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz for the Pirate of the year Award. The quest takes Captain and his crew from the shores of Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London.

Directors: Peter Lord, Jeff Newitt
Writers: Hamish McColl (screenplay), Gideon Defoe (book)
Stars: Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek and Jeremy Piven

Websites

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

www.thepirates-movie.com

Sony Pictures Animation

www.sonypicturesanimation.com

Event Cinemas

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Watch Channel Ten Video
http://ten.com.au/video-player.htm?movideo_m=173753

Saturday, 31 March 2012

Celebrities Revel for a Cause: Black Tie For Breast Cancer Gala Ball, Sydney

Reg Inglis, Leanne Zalapa

Tonight in Sydney, Australia, the Black Tie for Breast Cancer (BT4BC) gala event for the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation took place at the beautiful Westin Hotel.

A community aware group of nice folks including both A-listers, everyday mums and dads and a range of people from all walks of life, gathered together to help raise much needed funds for the development of a new Cancer Centre at the Prince of Wales Hospital.

The celebrity contingent included Jodi Gordon, Braith Anasta, the newly engaged Rachel Gilbert and Tom Williams, two time Logie nominee Anna McGahan, Melissa Hoyer, Peter Morrissey, Laura Csortan and a swag of others whipped up a storm in an effort to help raise money for a new cancer centre at the Prince of Wales Hospital Randwick campus.

The guest list included: Jodi Gordon, Rachel Gilbert, Tom Williams, Anna McGahn, Ant & Becks, Peter Morrissey, Laura Csortan, Chris Joannou, Sarah Cumming, Geoff Field, Melissa Hoyer, Bianca Dye, Braith Anasta and Roy Billing.

Finally, all power to cancer survivors, their family and friends, and those doing what they can to help fight cancer.

Celebrity for good - always good to hear, and public big congrats to all of those who helped put tonight together.

About the Prince of Wales Hospital Cancer Centre...

The Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation promotes the work of the Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH) to build healthier communities. Partnering with our community, we raise vital funds to ensure the continued development of research, education and special projects, which will provide integrated health care for the patients.

Over the next few years we will be embarking on a campaign to build a new, gold standard Cancer and Blood Disorders Centre on site and the BT4BC event is the signature event for this centre. The centre will work closely with the University of NSW’s Lowy Cancer Research Centre, to provide the latest researched treatments. When completed, it will be the only fully comprehensive, public cancer treatment centre in Sydney, which also treats many of our country patients.

Braith Anasta, Jodi Gordon

Laura Csortan

Websites

Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation

www.powhf.org.au

The Westin Sydney

www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1183

open haus

www.openhaus.net.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Paris Hilton, Friends, Hollywood Celebrities Open Marquee The Star, Sydney, Australia

Australian entertainment and nightclub fans, and all you celebrity watchers out there... It's time for yet another showbiz update.

The Star's new nightclub Marquee in "Sin City" Sydney, Australia tonight held their grand opening last night and the ultimate party girl herself - Paris Hilton, along with boyfriend DJ Afrojack, and a bush tucker bag of friends and associates including Ashlee Simpson, Nick Lachey, Kellan Lutz, Abbie Cornish and LMFAO's Redfoo helped get the party started on the red (purple) carpet. By the way, the colour purple is supposed to attract money we understand, and it was working for Ms Hilton.

The gamble to sign up Paris and friends appears to have paid off, as far as attracting international headlines, but only time will tell what it does to the bottom line of The Star (once known as Star City Casino).

The Australian contingent of celebs who attended included Laura Dundovic, Alex Dimitriades, Glenn and Sara McGrath, Alex Perry, Nikki Phillips, Didier Cohen, April Rose Pengilly, Tim Commandeur, Laura Cstortan and Chris Joannou.

Marquee is understood to have snatched big dollars tonight, along with some positive press, but upping the ante in star power. Just how much it cost The Star to bring in Ms Hilton is anyone's guess but a well known media agency in Sydney estimated "between $50,000 to $150,000 for Ms Hilton and friends", but don't ever expect to find out the real figure as agents and legal eagles will be guarding that information from falling into the media and public domain.

The official VIP launch party featured DJ sets from The Black Eye Peas, will.i.am and Afrojack, with boat loads of celebs.

The 20,000 square foot nightclub occupies the entire top tier of The Star’s new Pirrama Road harbour side entrance. It enjoys a 1,200 people capacity and is aiming to fill up the venue with the right sort of customers. It's understood that there's three separate spaces within the one venue, and there was something for everyone's mood and taste.

The Main Room sports a 30-foot projection stage with an LED DJ booth and two funky dance floors, while another section entitled 'Boom Box' has an outdoor patio and DJ booth. For those guests who are looking for a bit more intimacy... and we know your out there boys and girls, there's a "library-style" lounge room along with fireplace, where you might want to get all cosy with your best friends.

The new sexy nightclub is a joint effort between The Star and Tao Group, which operates very successful nightclubs in the United States including LAVO in New York and Las Vegas, TAO Las Vegas and Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

We think its a pretty safe bet that you and yours will have fun (and spend a few dollars) at The Star's Marquee, so why not give them a go and tell us all about your experience.

It's all just another move in the Australian casino and entertainment wars, with a good dash of tourism biz factored in, and hopefully the public and Sydney benefit.

Competitor of sorts, Crown Limited, is following the progress of Sydney based 'The Star' closely, and the two gaming companies fight for the entertainment and gambling dollar, with big name celebs and casino "whales" being the most sought after patrons.

The Star will no doubt be hosting more celeb filled parties, but its unclear when Ms Hilton is returning to party (and pick up another payday). No word yet if she's got a whole floor to herself to sleep in and party (like Leonardo DiCaprio did on his previous down under Australian visits), but we highly suspect so.

Will you be on 'The List' any time soon at Marquee? Well, dress the part, work hard, and play harder, and you may soon be partying along with some of the world's hottest socialites.

If your into the best nightlife that Sydney has to offer you owe it to yourself to take the gamble and get on over to Marquee all you cool cats out there.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a hot success, and Paris - we hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Australia.