UNIVERSAL PICTURES AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCE FILMING OF THE NEW ARENA PRODUCTION OF JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

AFTER CRITICS HAIL THE OPENING OF ITS RUN   

AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS

IN AUSTRALIAN CINEMAS FROM NOVEMBER 8

“Lloyd Webber’s new generation of superstars hits all the right notes.”

The Times

“A work of conceptual genius”

Daily Telegraph

“Restored to its heavy metal rock origins.”

The Independent

“An almighty success!” Daily Star Sunday

“Blows away tradition.” Daily Mail

Following a triumphant opening weekend at London’s 02 Arena, Universal Pictures Australia is delighted to announce that the 21^st century re-invention of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be filmed and shown in selected cinemas worldwide, including Australian screens from November 8, 2012 for one week only.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said:  "I have waited 42 years for Jesus Christ Superstar to play arenas in the UK, and it is great to finally see the show as it was originally intended, as an arena rock opera. I’m thrilled that Universal will be filming the new arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar for cinema release, which allows us to capture this amazing production and share it with the world!”

The 21-date arena tour, the first ever in the UK, features a star-studded line-up which includes award-winning musical comedian, Australia’s own Tim Minchin – also the co-writer of West End smash musical Matilda – in the role of ‘Judas Iscariot’; pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C as ‘Mary Magdalene’; radio DJ Chris Moyles in his stage debut as ‘King Herod’; and the winner of the UK’s primetime ITV show ‘Superstar’, Ben Forster, who was chosen by the British public to take on the title role of ‘Jesus’.

An award-winning creative team has been assembled to transform this legendary rock musical into a unique, contemporary, state-of-the-art spectacular. Director Laurence Connor, known for his work on the 25^th anniversary performances and concerts for Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera, works alongside Mark Fisher, the acclaimed world-leading set designer responsible for the staging of the Diamond Jubilee music concert in front of Buckingham Palace, and Patrick Woodroffe who worked on the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, to create a conceptual masterpiece.

The filmed event will be screened on over sixty screens in Australia from November 8, 2012 for one week only.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” is a worldwide phenomenon, portraying the story of the last seven days of Christ leading up to his crucifixion as seen through the eyes of ‘Judas Iscariot’, and featuring hit songs such as ‘Superstar’, ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’, ‘Heaven On Their Minds’ and ‘Hosanna’.  Over 40 different cast recordings have been released in 19 different languages.

The first production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” was a US arena tour in 1971. It then debuted on Broadway, and, in 1972, UK fans finally got their chance to see this landmark show when it arrived at London’s Palace Theatre – its run of eight years and over 3,000 performances smashed all box office records. Since then, Jesus Christ Superstar has rarely left the stage, with professional productions in 42 countries around the world and with around 300 amateur productions officially licensed each year.  

KIRIN J CALLINAN FINAL SYDNEY SHOW FOR 2012, FREE DOWNLOAD, OFF TO CMJ NYC USA THURS 11 OCT – OXFORD ART FACTORY

After performing to packed houses in Brisbane and Melbourne, Kirin J Callinan will play his final hometown show of 2012 in Sydney next week. It's at The Oxford Art Factory on Thursday 11 October, before he leaves the following day for shows at CMJ NYC USA for Terrible Records.

There to help raise funds will be post-punk deviants SCATTERED ORDER, formed in 1979; as well as bent Naked on the Vague and Holy Balm offshoot FOUR DOOR, plus more strange and special guests.

Additionally, you can download, for free, the WIIW Turkish Prison opening credits - a reimagining of WIIW, by Andy Midnight Juggernaut, the opening scene to a film that doesn’t exist: http://soundcloud.com/siberia-records/kirin-j-callinan-wiiw-turkish

KIRIN J CALLINAN
THU 11 OCT – OXFORD ART FACTORY, SYDNEY
With special guests Scattered Order, Four Door and more
Tickets on sale Mon 20 August from via www.moshtix.com.au, 1300 GET TIX & Moshtix outlets

Christina Hendricks launches Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition at The Star

American actress and star of the award-winning television series 'Mad Men', Christina Hendricks was in Sydney tonight and attended a closed event to launch the Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition.

As a style icon and proud spec-wearer, Ms Hendricks will be a judge and ambassador for the Specsavers competition, following international supermodel and photographer Helena Christensen, who was the face of the campaign in 2011. 

The Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition is a nationwide search for the country’s most stylish spec-wearer that celebrates the individual style and confidence of those who wear glasses. Ms Hendricks will join a cast of judges who represent some of Australia’s finest in the fashion and modelling industry to judge the competition – and will personally mentor this year’s winner at a photo shoot in Los Angeles.  

Ms Hendricks said, “I’m really looking forward to coming to Australia and being a part of the Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition. It’s a great initiative that encourages people to be proud and confident of wearing their glasses. 

“Personally, I love to wear glasses and experiment with different shapes, colours and styles. I even wear specs when I’m on the red carpet! Glasses are a great fashion accessory that can either complement my outfit or be a statement piece.”

Head of Style Communications and Development at Specsavers, Pernilla Algede said, “We’re delighted to welcome Ms Hendricks as part of the 2012 Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition.

“Ms Hendricks is renowned for her timeless fashion sense, grace and style; she is a wonderful role model for spec wearers and the perfect ambassador for Specsavers.”

The winner will receive a trip to Los Angeles and a 12 month modelling contract with SCOOP Model Management. The competition provides a great opportunity for gorgeous specs wearers to catch the eye of the modelling industry, and could help to fast-track their way to a successful career.

Ms Hendricks will appear at a closed event in Sydney on Wednesday 3 October to launch the competition. 

Entries to the 2012 Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year will open 4 October 2012. Stay tuned for further information on the competition and how to enter atwww.facebook.com/SpecsaversAustralia.

Websites

SpecSavers Australia

www.specsavers.com.au

The Star

www.star.com.au

The Darling

www.thedarling.com.au

Echo Entertainment

www.echoentertainment.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Open Haus

www.openhaus.net.au

The Beards: Receive ARIA Nomination For Best Comedy Release

After an already huge 2012 which has seen The Beards release their acclaimed 3^rd album Having A Beard Is The New Not Having A Beard, completely sell out one national tour, amass some insanely huge figures online and head out on their second massive national tour within the space of 6 months, the band have also just been nominated for their first ARIA for Best Comedy Release.

When asked for his thoughts on this ARIA nomination The Beards vocalist Johann Beardraven confessed, “We were a little confused. We thought the nomination was for best beard band but it turns out it was for best comedy, which makes no sense because we're not joking. Seriously, grow a beard!”

This ARIA nomination comes at the start of The Beards latest national tour which takes in 35 shows right across the country and celebrates the release of the brilliant animated clip for the single Got Me A Beard which has already clocked up over 330,000 views on YouTube.

Click to watch The Beards Got Me A Beard here

triple j, The Harbour Agency and Street Press Australia present:

The Beards: The 2012 End of The World

(for beardless people) Tour

4/10/2012 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba + The Snowdroppers & Kim Churchill.

5/10/2012 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast + The Snowdroppers & Kim Churchill.

6/10/2012 – The HiFi, Brisbane + The Snowdroppers & Kim Churchill.

10/10/2012 – The Club, Bundaberg + StormChasers & Kim Churchill.

11/10/2012 – Great Western Hotel, Rockhampton + StormChasers & Kim Churchill.

12/10/2012 – Magnums, Airlie Beach + StormChasers & Kim Churchill.

13/10/2012 – JCU Unibar, Townsville + StormChasers & Kim Churchill.

14/10/2012 – The Jack, Cairns + StormChasers & Kim Churchill.

24/10/2012 – Bar On The Hill, Newcastle + The Snowdroppers & Kim Churchill.

25/10/2012 – Wollongong UniBar, Wollongong + The Snowdroppers & Kim Churchill.

26/10/2012 – Baroque Bar, Katoomba + The Snowdroppers & Kim Churchill.

27/10/2012 – Beachcomber Hotel, Central Coast + The Snowdroppers & Kim Churchill.

1/11/2012 – ANU, Canberra + The Snowdroppers & Kim Churchill.

2/11/2012 – The Metro, Sydney + The Snowdroppers & Kim Churchill.

3/11/2012 – The HiFi, Melbourne + The Peep Tempel & Guthrie.

15/11/2012 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury + The Snowdroppers & Gay Paris.

16/11/2012 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River + The Snowdroppers

17/11/2012 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth + The Snowdroppers & Gay Paris.

18/11/2012 – Indie Bar, Scarborough Beach + The Snowdroppers & Gay Paris.

22/11/2012- Karova Lounge, Ballarat + The Snowdroppers

23/11/2012 – Queenscliff Festival.

24/11/2012 - Queenscliff Festival.

30/11/2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart. + Guthrie

1/12/2012 – Jive, Adelaide.

2/12/2012 – Jive, Adelaide.

Robert Pattinson comes to Sydney for The Twilight Saga

Photography by Eva Rinaldi

ROBERT PATTINSON COMES TO SYDNEY FOR THE TWILIGHT SAGA...

ROBERT PATTINSON TO TOUR SYDNEY FOR THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2

HOYTS DISTRIBUTION is thrilled to announce that ROBERT PATTINSON, star of the upcoming release of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 will be coming to Australia to promote the final instalment in the global phenomenon.

As part of the Sydney only tour later this month, Robert will be participating in media interviews to support the NOVEMBER 15 release of the film, and will appear at a fan event on Monday 22nd October, details of which will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The astonishing conclusion to the TWILIGHT SAGA franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2, illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.

Academy Award® winner Bill Condon directed both the first and second part of the two-part finale starring KRISTEN STEWART, ROBERT PATTINSON and TAYLOR LAUTNER. The film, based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series, was written by MELISSA ROSENBERG with WYCK GODFREY, KAREN ROSENFELT and STEPHENIE MEYER producing.

About THE TWILIGHT SAGA film series

THE TWILIGHT SAGA film series stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson & Taylor Lautner and tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together...even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires.  The action-packed, modern day vampire love story TWILIGHT, the first film in the series, was released in Australian theatres on December 11, 2008 to a blockbuster reception. The second instalment of the film franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON was released November 19, 2009, the third instalment, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE was released July 1, 2010, and THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 1 was released on November 17, 2011.

About Hoyts Distribution

In July 2012 STUDIOCANAL acquired HOYTS DISTRIBUTION Pty Ltd, one of Australia & New Zealand's leading independent film distributors.

Hoyts Distribution has been operating a successful film distribution business in Australia and New Zealand for over 10 years, becoming one of Australia's leading independent film distribution companies. Hoyts Distribution boasts a film library that contains over 120 titles, including four films from the highly successful SAW series and all of the films from the enormously popular Twilight franchise, including the final instalment, The Twilight Saga: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2, which opens in cinemas November 15.

Websites

Hoyts

www.hoyts.com.au

Australasian Worldwide Music Expo Announcement > AWME Announces High Profile Keynote Speakers for 2012 Conference Program

AWME 2012 four days of showcasing the finest roots music from around the world

Dates 15 – 18 November 2012

Venues Arts Centre Melbourne, The Hi-Fi, Lounge, Toff in Town and Ding Dong Lounge

Web www.awme.com.au

____________________________________________________________

International Music Person of the Year and legend of the Australian music scene, Michael Chugg, will be joined by former Violent Femmes bassist and curator of Mona Foma, Brian Ritchie, as keynote speakers at the fifth Australasian Worldwide Music Expo (AWME)

, taking place 15-18 November 2012, in Melbourne.

The pair will be part of an extensive contingent of approximately 500 local and international music industry professionals who are set to converge in Melbourne to share music industry knowledge in open discussions, forums, one-on-one sessions, and networking events over four days and nights, as part of the internationally renowned music market event.

Chugg, who has brought some of the biggest acts in the world to Australia including Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel and Prince, will take part in a candid conversation with journalist from The Australian, Iain Shedden. 

Whilst Ritchie will offer the opportunity to engage in an open discussion, drawing on his 25-year association with one of the world’s most popular alternative rock bands, his move into festival curation and his unwavering passion for all forms of music. 

AWME Director Simon Raynor is thrilled so many high profile music industry representatives are attending the event. 

“This is the first year we’ve featured keynote speakers in the Conference Program and to have the likes of Brian Ritchie and Michael Chugg sharing their professional insights is quite a privilege,” Raynor said. 

AWME is a great opportunity for musicians managers and anyone who works in the industry to attend as a delegate and build relationships across borders, in a bid to strengthen professional outcomes for local artists, as well as to share ideas, culture and knowledge. 

“We’ve got one of our strongest conference program’s to date, covering topics which strongly reflect current trends within the industry and address some of the issues associated with our geographical isolation from some of the larger music markets in the world,” said Raynor. 

There will be 28 panel sessions, forums and workshops held over the course of the expo with topics ranging from Selecting The Lineup, which will canvas the opinions of directors and programmers from some of the worlds biggest music festivals; as well as Spotlight On Asia, an exploration of what is fast becoming the key music region in the global market; to the context of Indigenous content at major festivals with The Culture of Contemporary Indigenous Music. 

The full conference program will be announced soon.

This year’s national and international delegates and conference guest speakers include representatives from: 

Glastonbury Festival (UK), Exit Festival (Serbia), Barbican (UK), BBC (UK), WOMAD Festivals (UK), Fuji Rock Festival (Japan), The Agency Group (USA), Calgary Folk Music Festival (Canada), Sziget Festival (Hungary), WOMEX (Germany), Paquin Entertainment (Canada), Modern Sky (China), Blue Frog Media (India), Chugg Entertainment, MONA FOMA, Bluesfest, WOMADelaide, Peats Ridge Festival, Future Entertainment, Sounds Australia, Boomerang Festival, Australia Council for the Arts, Arts Victoria, APRA|AMCOS, Songlines, Sydney Festival, Adelaide Festival, Meredith Music Festival, Premier Artists and many more.

The AWME conference component is complimented by a small film program and an extensive music program which will feature leading roots artists from around the world performing in over 50 showcases taking place at Arts Centre Melbourne, The HI-Fi, Toff In Town, Ding Dong Lounge and Lounge. 

Tickets are on sale now through the venues.

____________________________________________________________

AWME 2012 conference program

Delegate registration is now open at www.awme.com.au/delegates-registration-2012

Early bird registration for a 4-day Delegate Pass ends this Sunday, 07.10.12

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL INVITES SYDNEY TO DO THE OVO “BUG DANCE” !!

CUSTOMS HOUSE FORECOURT, CIRCULAR QUAY

WEDNESDAY 3 OCTOBER, 1PM TO 1.30PM

Sydney – Tuesday 2 October, 2012 – Cirque du Soleil is currently presenting OVO in Sydney, a spectacular show which invites audiences into the colourful and energetic world of insects. On Wednesday 3 October at 1pm, a swarm of Cirque du Soleil performers, representing fleas, beetles, spiders and crickets, will take over the forecourt at Customs House, Circular Quay and they are inviting Sydney-siders of all ages to join them in the Bug Dance.

The Bug Dance squad will be on hand to teach the basic moves in the lead up to a mass Bug Dance flash mob, featuring 12 members of the cast of OVO.

Directed by Deborah Colker, the first female director at Cirque du Soleil, OVO is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The cast of OVO is comprised of 54 performing artists from 16 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of OVO is the stunning flying trapeze act, in which six flyers soar 40 feet in the air, making this the biggest act of its kind to ever be presented under a big top by Cirque du Soleil. It combines many circus disciplines, including banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair. The finale features 20 artists running, jumping and leaping up a 24-foot vertical wallhting Designer éclairagesa creative team for the first time at Cirque du Soleilerms of distance

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - OVO

Now playing until 25 November 2012, The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

Tickets can be purchased online via www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo.

TWO FACES OF JANUARY - FIRST LOOK IMAGE

Photography by Jack English

Chester (Viggo Mortensen), Rydal (Oscar Isaac), Colette (Kirsten Dunst)

The first picture of THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY has arrived.

Starring Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst and Oscar Isaac, the film is currently shooting in  Crete, before moving to Athens, Istanbul and Ealing Studios in London.

THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY is a stylish international thriller based on the novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith adapted for the screen by Hossein Amini (DRIVE), who also has his directional debut here. Please see below for a short synopsis -

1962. A glamorous American couple, the charismatic Chester MacFarland (Mortensen) and his alluring younger wife Colette (Dunst), arrive in Athens by boat via the Corinthian Canal. While sightseeing at the Acropolis they encounter Rydal (Isaac), a young, Greek-speaking American who is working as a tour guide, scamming tourists on the side. Drawn to Colette's beauty and impressed by Chester's wealth and sophistication, Rydal gladly accepts their invitation to dinner.

However, all is not as it seems with the MacFarlands and Chester's affable exterior hides darker secrets. When Rydal visits the couple at their exclusive hotel, Chester presses him to help move the body of a seemingly unconscious man who he claims attacked him. In the moment, Rydal agrees but as events take a more sinister turn he finds himself compromised and unable to pull himself free. His increasing infatuation with the vulnerable and responsive Colette gives rise to Chester's jealousy and paranoia, leading to a tense and dangerous battle of wits between the two men. Their journey takes them from Greece to Turkey, and to a dramatic finale played out in the back alleys of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.

THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY is produced by Working Title and Timnick Films. STUDIOCANAL finances and will distribute in the U.K., Germany, France, Australia & New Zealand, selling the rest of the world. Hoyts Distribution will release the film in 2013.

ROBERT PATTINSON TO TOUR SYDNEY FOR THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2

HOYTS DISTRIBUTION is thrilled to announce that ROBERT PATTINSON, star of the upcoming release of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 will be coming to Australia to promote the final instalment in the global phenomenon. 

As part of the Sydney only tour later this month, Robert will be participating in media interviews to support the NOVEMBER 15 release of the film, and will appear at a fan event on Monday 22nd October, details of which will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The astonishing conclusion to the TWILIGHT SAGA franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2, illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions. 

Academy Award® winner Bill Condon directed both the first and second part of the two-part finale starring KRISTEN STEWART, ROBERT PATTINSON and TAYLOR LAUTNER. The film, based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series, was written by MELISSA ROSENBERG with WYCK GODFREY, KAREN ROSENFELT and STEPHENIE MEYER producing.

About THE TWILIGHT SAGA film series

THE TWILIGHT SAGA film series stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson & Taylor Lautner and tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together...even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires.  The action-packed, modern day vampire love story TWILIGHT, the first film in the series, was released in Australian theatres on December 11, 2008 to a blockbuster reception. The second instalment of the film franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON was released November 19, 2009, the third instalment, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE was released July 1, 2010, and THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 1 was released on November 17, 2011.

About Hoyts Distribution

In July 2012 STUDIOCANAL acquired HOYTS DISTRIBUTION Pty Ltd, one of Australia & New Zealand's leading independent film distributors.

Hoyts Distribution has been operating a successful film distribution business in Australia and New Zealand for over 10 years, becoming one of Australia's leading independent film distribution companies. Hoyts Distribution boasts a film library that contains over 120 titles, including four films from the highly successful SAW series and all of the films from the enormously popular Twilight franchise, including the final instalment, The Twilight Saga: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2, which opens in cinemas November 15.

Dave Stewart and friends in LA

Dave Stewart called upon some Australian friends to help him out with a special one off, sold out show DAVE STEWART AND FRIENDS.

   

Joining guests vocalists Colbie Caillat and Amy Keys, was Delta Goodrem, Orianthi and Vanessa Amorosi on stage at a packed Troubadour Theatre in LA last night.

  

Dave was showcasing his latest album THE RINGMASTER GENERAL – the sequel to the highly acclaimed BLACKBIRD DIARIES. The packed theatre were treated with a selection of tracks from both albums along with some of his greatest hits including, Would I Lie To You, Missionary Man and Sweet Dreams.

“It was such great fun to have all these amazing musicians and singers join me onstage at the Troubadour. Very surprising and coincidental that three of them were from Australia; Orianthi on guitar (I just produced her new album Heaven In This Hell), and we were also joined by Vanessa Amorosi who belted out "Would I Lie To You" like there was no tomorrow, and Delta Goodrem who sang along with me on acoustic guitar doing a really emotional rendition of "You Have Placed A Chill." I was also joined by Colbie Caillat to sing a duet, "Bulletproof Vest" from my album, The Blackbird Diaries. A very dapper looking John Mayer lept up for the encore to play an amazing blues guitar on "The Gypsy Girl and Me."

The Ringmaster General is available at all JB HiFi stores.

Photo Credit: Cristina Dunlap

Websites

Dave Stewart official website

www.davestewart.com

DAVE STEWART AND FRIENDS

Photo Credit: Kristin Burns

DAVE STEWART called upon some Australian friends to help him out with a special  one off, sold out show DAVE STEWART AND FRIENDS.   

Joining guests vocalists Colbie Caillat and Amy Keys, was Delta Goodrem,  Orianthi and Vanessa Amorosi on stage  at a packed Troubadour Theatre in LA last night 

Dave was showcasing his latest album THE RINGMASTER GENERAL – the sequel to the highly acclaimed   BLACKBIRD DIARIES .  The packed theatre were treated with a selection of tracks from both albums along with some of his greatest hits including, Would I Lie To  You, Missionary Man and Sweet Dreams.

“It was such great fun to have all these amazing musicians and singers join me onstage at the Troubadour.   Very surprising and coincidental that three of them were from Australia;  Orianthi on guitar (I just produced her new album Heaven In This Hell), and we were also joined by Vanessa Amorosi who belted out "Would I Lie To You" like there was no tomorrow, and Delta Goodrem who sang along with me on acoustic guitar doing a really emotional rendition of "You Have Placed A Chill." I was also joined by Colbie Caillat to sing a duet, "Bulletproof Vest" from my album, The Blackbird Diaries. A very dapper looking John Mayer lept up for the encore to play an amazing blues guitar on "The Gypsy Girl and Me."

The Ringmaster General is available at all JB HiFi stores.

Kym Staton in Yulli's Attic

Candlelight Dinner & Music Night 

Enjoy dinner plus some wonderful music in a very intimate setting. Experience a purely acoustic performance by candlelight, as Kym Staton plays renditions of jazz, blues, celtic, baroque, and original songs on guitar/vocals, violin and cello. Dinner and music will be served In the small attic with lovely warm acoustics, which holds only 24 people. The night also includes an interactive element, where audience members are invited to write down an idea for a lyric for a song that Kym later creates into and song and performs "off the cuff" at the end of the night! 

Kym Staton has studied music from a young age, taking up the violin at age 7. He has performed more than 50 concerts as a violin soloist, and has recently begaun performing as a singer/songwriter. He has very diverse tastes in different musical styles and is a multi-instrumentalist.

Date: Thursday 4th Oct, 2012
Time: Dinner orders taken from 6pm - 7.30pm, music from 8pm - 9pm
Please order your meal by 7.30pm at the latest, so that you do not interrupt the music performance.
Venue: Yulli's Restaurant, 417 Crown St, Surry Hills
Cost: $40
Includes: Entree + Main + live music performance
Bookings: Bookings essential. Click here and follow the links to book: http://www.meetup.com/Dinner-Live-Music/events/83357032/
Menu: Yullis has a full vegetarian/ vegan menu http://yullis.com.au/lunchdinner/
Enquiries: Email Kym Staton: kjstaton@me.com

See you there - if you dare! :-)

***bookings essential***

DREAMING – ‘BLONDIE’ CONFIRMED TO TOUR AUSTRALIA IN 2012 WITH SPECIAL GUESTS ‘THE STRANGLERS’ AND ‘THE SAINTS’

                                                                                                  

McManus Entertainment is thrilled to announce the return to Australia of one of music’s most acclaimed bands Blondie. Boasting one of the most compelling front-women in music Deborah Harry, Blondie have enjoyed a stream of timeless top ten hits bursting with great hooks and brilliant iconic lyrics. Aussie fans can expect a stellar performance from this renowned group. Tickets go on sale Tuesday 9^th October at 9:00am.

Blondie’s tour will hit Australia in December. They will play to fans in Hobart, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Townsville and Brisbane and will also grace the stage at this year’s Homebake Festival. Joining Blondie for these special shows will be special guests The Stranglers and The Saints. For the Sydney show special guests The Machinations will play to crowds in place of The Saints.

“I’m so excited to bring Blondie back to Australia. They enjoyed their first taste of success here back in the ‘70s and have a legion of fans awaiting their return, ” says promoter Andrew McManus. “Deborah Harry is like no other front-woman in the industry – fans can expect a first-class show.”

Blondie emerged from New York in the late ‘70s and quickly became music, style and pop culture icons selling over 40 million albums globally throughout their 37-year career. Scoring hits with reggae, rock/disco, hip-hop and pop songs alike, Blondie pioneered the early American new wave and punk scenes of the ‘70s.

The disco-infused track Heart of Glass was Blondie’s first US number one single which became a worldwide hit selling more than a million copies. Blondie repeatedly reached the top of the charts over the course of four decades with hits such as One Way Or Another, Rapture, The Tide Is High, Call Me, Picture This, Rip Her To Shreds, Hanging On The Telephone and Maria. The band landed a phenomenal five US and five UK number one singles cementing them as music royalty.

Deborah Harry is unquestionably one of the most important and influential women to have graced the stage and a living punk icon. Blondie has continued to be a powerhouse live act, attracting audiences around the world. 2006 saw Blondie inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band’s plaque situated right below The Beatles.

Australia has always had a special place in the band’s heart, being the first country in the world to give them commercial success.          

Blondie’s special guests are English punk rockers The Stranglers who scored 23 UK top 40 singles and 17 UK top 40 albums over a career spanning five decades. The Stranglers are the longest surviving and most continuously successful band to come out of the ‘70s UK punk scene. Top hits include Golden Brown, Always the Sun and Skin Deep.

Also joining Blondie is the Aussie rock band touted by Sir Bob Geldof himself as one of the first and most influential groups of the punk rock genre - The Saints. Evolving into one of the greatest Aussie bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s, singer Chris Bailey is constantly seeking new inspiration and always on the lookout for an unholy array of diverse musos to perform with. With 20 odd albums under their belt and a brand new album release this summer, The Saints will have you standing on your seats for more! Their legendary hits include (I’m) Stranded and Know Your Product.

The Saints will not be performing in Sydney. Instead, the popular Australian ‘80s dance-pop outfit Machinations will perform at the Enmore Theatre. The band’s hits include Pressure Sway, My Heart’s On Fire and No Say In It.

               

Proudly presented by Empire Touring, MAX, Heart 107.3, Gold 104.3, Cruise, WSFM, Zinc 100.7, 4KQ and FasterLouder.

                                                                                                             

                                  

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL TOUR DATES: BLONDIE

Saturday 1^st December                      Derwent Entertainment Centre, HOBART                                                      ticketmaster.com.au 136 100

Monday 3^rd December                       Arts Centre Melbourne, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, MELBOURNE             ticketmaster.com.au 136 100

Tuesday 4^th December                       Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, ADELAIDE                                   ticketek.com.au 132 849

Thursday 6^th December                     Enmore Theatre, SYDNEY                                                                                ticketek.com.au 132 849

Monday 10^th December                     Townsville Entertainment Centre, TOWNSVILLE                                         tecc.net.au 07 4771 4000

Thursday 13^th December                   Brisbane Riverstage, BRISBANE (18+)                                                          ticketmaster.com.au 136 100