Friday, 16 December 2011

Tara Moss talks about new book - Sydney

Tara Moss talks about new book - Sydney

Best-selling author Tara Moss will host a night of high fashion, Gothic glamour and all things paranormal in Sydney tonight to celebrate the release of her new book, 'The Spider Goddess'.
Venue:
State Library of NSW, Macquarie Street, Sydney
Date: Thursday, December 15, 2011
Time: 18:00 to 19:00
Website: http://www.taramoss.com/
Tara Moss is the author of the bestselling crime novels Fetish, Split, Covet, Hit and Siren. Her latest book, The Spider Goddess is the second novel in Moss' Pandora English series and will be the topic of conversation at tonight's event.

It's been two months since Pandora English left her small hometown to live with her mysterious great-aunt in a haunted mansion in Spektor - the fog-wreathed suburb of Manhattan that doesn't appear on any map.

With the help of Great-Aunt Celia and the handsome - but dead - Lieutenant Luke, Pandora is beginning to understand that she is heir to a great gift from the Lucasta family - a gift that comes with frightening responsibility. And New York needs Pandora's special gifts.

Sophie Monk turns 32

Sophie Monk turns 32

Australian pop singer and model Sophie Monk celebrates her 32nd birthday today. Monk was born in England in 1979.
Date: Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Sophie Monk first made a name for herself as part of the all-female pop group Bardot before moving on to establish a solo music and acting career, starring films such as Date Movie and Click.

Taylor Swift turns 22

Taylor Swift turns 22

American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift celebrates her 22nd birthday today. Swift was born in Pennsylvania in 1989.
Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Website: http://www.taylorswift.com/
Taylor Swift is one of the most prominent pop stars on the music scene right now, having sold more than 13 million albums worldwide. Swift is best known for songs such as Our Song, Love Story, You Belong With Me and Fifteen.

George Clooney attends luncheon - Sydney

George Clooney attends luncheon - Sydney

American actor George Clooney is currently in Sydney for the Global Leadership Forum and will attend an exclusive business luncheon with journalist Ellen Fanning today.
Venue:
Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Drive, Darling Harbour
Date: Monday, December 12, 2011
Time: 12:00
Website: http://www.thegrowthfaculty.com.au/
George Clooney is an American actor, film director, producer and screenwriter who has made over 40 films and received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award throughout his illustrious career. Clooney co-founded the Darfur aid organisation 'Not On Our Watch' and began serving as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, receiving a UN Summit Peace Award with fellow actor Don Cheadle.

For the last five years, Clooney has been focused on leveraging his celebrity to get people to care for something more important than celebrity - in particular the issues of Southern Sudan. His latest project is the Satellite Sentinel Project, which provides an early warning system to deter mass atrocities by focusing world attention and generating rapid responses on human rights and human security concerns.

In a rare public appearance, Clooney will discuss how collaboration, negotiation and comprise have been critical to his success in business and his humanitarian work. Clooney will discuss how we all use our circle of influence and personal power to make a difference to the issues that matter in our professional and personal lives.

Australian television personality Richard Wilkins will emcee this event, which will feature Kamahl singing the National Anthem and live entertainment from Brian Doyle.

George Clooney, Ellen Fanning, Richard Wilkins, Kamahl and Brian Doyle

Julien's Auctions hold media preview of Michael Jackson's possessions - Los Angeles

 
 
Julien's Auctions will hold an exclusive press preview for the sale of fine art and furnishings from Michael Jackson's last residence, 100 North Carolwood Drive, this morning.
Julien's Auctions hold media preview of Michael Jackson's possessions - Los Angeles
Venue:
Julien's Auction House, LA, 9900 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverley Hills
Date: Monday, December 12, 2011
Time: 10:00 to 17:00
Website: http://www.juliensauctions.com/
Julien's Auctions, the world's premier entertainment and celebrity pop culture auction house, will hold an exclusive press preview for the sale of fine art and furnishings from 100 North Carolwood Drive this morning.

The address is widely known as that of Michael Jackson's last residence before his untimely passing in 2009. The press preview will take place at Julien's Auctions Beverly Hills Gallery and Michael Jackson fans are expected to attend to pay tribute to the King of Pop.

This exclusive sale will feature fine art, antiques, quality modern furniture and other collectables from the Holmby Hills mansion. Amongst the highlights are a Maurice Utrillo watercolour, various seascapes by Ludolf Bakhuysen, fine antique furniture including a burlwood Victorian Revival Style armoire bearing words written on the mirror by the legendary entertainer, a Louis XVI style pier mirror, highly collectible modern furniture including pieces by George Smith, Asian ceramic jardinieres and much more.




 

Michael Jeffery turns 74

Michael Jeffery turns 74

The former Governor-General of Australia celebrates his 74th birthday today. Jeffery was born in Western Australia in 1937.
Date: Monday, December 12, 2011
Michael Jeffery succeeded Peter Hollingworth as the 24th Governor-General of Australia, serving from 2003 to 2008.

Jake Gyllenhaal turns 31

Jake Gyllenhaal turns 31

American actor Jake Gyllenhaal celebrates his 31st birthday today. Gyllenhaal was born in Los Angeles in 1980.
Date: Monday, December 19, 2011
Jake Gyllenhaal is noted for his roles in popular films such as Donnie Darko, The Day After Tomorrow, Brokeback Mountain, Zodiac, Jarhead and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.

Ricky Ponting turns 37

Ricky Ponting turns 37

Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting turns 37 today.
Date: Monday, December 19, 2011

40 years since the release of 'A Clockwork Orange'

40 years since the release of 'A Clockwork Orange'

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Stanley Kubrick's highly controversial cult classic, 'A Clockwork Orange'.
Date: Monday, December 19, 2011
A Clockwork Orange was renowned director Stanley Kubrick's dark film adaptation of Anthony Burgess' novel of the same name, which was originally released in 1962.

The film, which was instantly frowned upon for its violent and disturbing themes, has become a cult classic over the years for its social commentary on psychiatry, youth gangs and social and political subjects in a dystopian society.

The film surrounds a group of disenchanted and violent youths, led by Alex (Malcolm McDowell) who get kicks out of indulging in drugs, violence and sex. After the thugs go on a crime-spree, Alex is arrested and given the chance to rehabilitate via a controversial psychological conditioning technique.

Ironman Series 2011/12 - Gold Coast

Ironman Series 2011/12 - Gold Coast

The first event in the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series is held on the Gold Coast and will be the first hit-out for the leading contenders in the men's and women's competitions, including Ky Hurst, Shannon Eckstein and Hayley Bateup.
Venue:
Surfers Paradise Surf Lifesaving Club, ,
Date: Sunday, December 18, 2011
Time: 10:00 to 17:00
Website: surfironmanseries.com
The series that will begin at Surfers on December 18 and come to a climax in Noosa on February 19, 2012 will feature six races this summer - up one from last season. Other venues include big wave haven Portsea (January 8), a secret NSW location (January 22), a three-day festival in Perth (January 29) and the penultimate event in Coolum (February 12). Along with the new venues there will be several new formats mixed in with traditional favourites like the eliminator and triple sprint. Competitors include:

Shannon Eckstein, Matt Poole, Zane Holmes, Caine Eckstein, Hugh Dougherty, Wes Berg, Ali Day, Ky Hurst, Rhys Drury, Mitch Miller, as well as Courtney Hancock, Elizabeth Pluimers, Alicia Marriott, Kristyl Smith, Gemma Newbiggin, Amy Nurthen, Allira Richardson, Brodie Moir, Rebecca Creedy and Bonnie Hancock.

Network Ten is once again pleased to be the official broadcast partner of the 2011/12 series. All six rounds will be broadcast across Australia on Network TEN from 2-5pm Sundays with replays scheduled for broadcast on ONE.

Publicity is handled by Sports Communication Australia.

Sponsor: Kellogg (Aust) Pty Ltd 02 9384 5555 (41-51 Wentworth Avenue, Pagewood, NSW, 2035) ID:1678

Steven Spielberg turns 65

Steven Spielberg turns 65

American film director Steven Spielberg celebrates his 65th birthday today. Spielberg was born in Ohio in 1946.
Date: Sunday, December 18, 2011
Steven Spielberg is an internationally revered, award-winning director who is responsible for a long list of classic films, including Schindler's List, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan.

Brad Pitt turns 48

Brad Pitt turns 48

American actor and worldwide heartthrob Brad Pitt celebrates his 48th birthday today. Pitt was born in Oklahoma in 1963.
Date: Sunday, December 18, 2011
William Bradley 'Brad' Pitt is one of the most famous actors in the world, having starred in blockbusters like Legends of the Fall, Seven, Fight Club, 12 Monkeys, Troy, Snatch, Ocean's Eleven, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Katie Holmes turns 33

American actress Katie Holmes celebrates her 33rd birthday today. Holmes was born in Ohio in 1978.
Katie Holmes turns 33
Date: Sunday, December 18, 2011
Katie Holmes shot to fame in the late '90s as the character of Joey Potter on teenage television drama, Dawson's Creek. Holmes has since starred in many arthouse and blockbuster films such as Go, The Gift, Phone Booth, Batman Begins and Teaching Mrs. Tingle. Holmes is married to fellow American actor, Tom Cruise.

Rachel Griffiths turns 43

Rachel Griffiths turns 43

Award-winning Australian actress Rachel Griffiths celebrates her 43rd birthday today. Griffiths was born in Melbourne in 1968.
Date: Sunday, December 18, 2011
Rachel Griffiths may forever be known in Australia as the hedonistic best friend Rhonda in the cult classic Muriel's Wedding, but she certainly has moved on to bigger and better things, starring in films such as Beautiful Kate, Ned Kelly and Cosi and hit-television series like Six Feet Under and Brothers and Sisters.

Opeth tour - Melbourne

Opeth tour - Melbourne

Swedish heavy metal pioneers Opeth will return to sunny Australia this month for a national tour in support of the release of their tenth studio album, 'Heritage'.
Venue:
Palace Theatre, 20-30 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Date: Sunday, December 18, 2011
Website: http://www.opeth.com/
With more than 20 years and 10 albums under their collective belt, Opeth's legion of fans has grown as much as their kaleidoscopic sound has broadened. Since forming back in 1990 in Stockholm, Opeth have established themselves as pioneers of the progressive death metal/rock genre, blending folk, blues, jazz and metal influences with dynamic growling and clean vocals.

Throughout their career, Opeth have sold out concerts around the world and toured with the likes of Cradle of Filth, Megadeth and Baroness and now, the band has just released their highly-anticipated tenth studio album, Heritage, their first studio album in three years. Produced by Jens Bogren (Katatonia, Soilwork), Heritage takes a step back from Opeth's traditional style by removing all death growls from the songs - making it reminiscent of their seventh album, Damnation.

For the first time in two years, Opeth will return to Australia this month for a brief national tour - a perfect Christmas present for fans. The band will perform at The Tivoli in Brisbane on Thursday, December 15; The Enmore in Sydney on Friday, December 16; The Palace in Melbourne on Sunday, December 18 and Metropolis in Perth on Tuesday, December 20.

Who's coming:
Opeth

Christina Aguilera turns 31

Christina Aguilera turns 31

American pop singer Christina Aguilera celebrates her 31st birthday today. Aguilera was born in New York in 1980.
Date: Sunday, December 18, 2011
Website: http://www.christinaaguilera.com/
Christina Aguilera is one of the most successful recording artists of the decade, selling more than 42 million albums worldwide and estimated to be worth $60 million. Aguilera is responsible for catchy singles such as What a Girl Wants, Beautiful, Fighter, Ain't No Other Man and Keeps Gettin' Better.

The World's Most Spectacular New Year's Eve Party Just Got Better

Sydney Resolution Excluded From Dry Zone; Let The Champers Flow!


Sydney Resolution New Year’s Eve Concert is thrilled to let New Year’s Eve party goers know that on the back of Sydney Council’s announcement of alcohol-free zones at New Year’s Eve fireworks hot spots, Sydney Resolution will remain a licensed event – with multiple bars stocked with a full range of beer, wine and spirits – exclusively for Sydney Resolution patrons to enjoy.

Yesterday’s announcement of alcohol bans across Sydney will ensure that those seeing in the New Year around popular party locations (parks, beaches and reserves) will have to do so with water, juice and soft drinks only due to a Sydney Council dry zone decision. However, Sydney Resolution patrons will not only be able to enjoy the very best in music and premium fireworks displays, but also icy cold beers, chilled wines, spirits and flowing champagne.

Sydney Resolution New Year’s Eve Concert is Sydney’s biggest New Year’s Eve party, which will be staged at Sydney’s Glebe Island, overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour on Saturday December 31st 2011. The inaugural Sydney Resolution New Year’s Eve Concert will feature international superstars including Jamiroquai, Culture Club and Pet Shop Boys, as well as Australia’s very own Guy Sebastian, Pseudo Echo and Lyndsey Ollard.

With unobstructed, stunning views of the city and the fireworks display, there is no better place to be on New Year’s Eve than Glebe Island. See 2011 out with a bang with some of the world’s biggest classic and contemporary artists, playing all the songs you know and love.

Sydney’s Glebe Island will turn into a ‘mini city’ for this very special event, with a custom-built venue providing the very best in entertainment and bars, an incredible on-site ‘village’ showcasing Sydney’s best local and international food, and a unique array of retail and market stalls.

Sydney Resolution New Year’s Eve Concert is the hottest ticket in town for New Year’s Eve!
Please be advised that Sydney Resolution New Year’s Eve Concert is a licensed event – all patrons must be over 18 years of age.

Glebe Island is situated under the Anzac Bridge on the beautiful Sydney Harbour. All patrons will arrive and depart by ferry or bus service from terminals and wharfs provided by Sydney Resolution New Year’s Eve Concert. 

Please note there is no parking at the event. Gates open at 2pm, entertainment commences at 4:00pm and all performances will conclude by 1:45am. Gates close at 3.00am.

The Line Up...

JAMIROQUAI With more than 25 million album sales worldwide it’s fair to say that JAMIROQUAI are one of the UK’s most successful acts of any era. Fronted by the charismatic Jay Kay, JAMIROQUAI are coming down under for an electrifying live funk spectacular. JAMIROQUAI led the acid-jazz movement in the early ‘90s, later shifting to a unique mix of funk, soul and disco. Hits such as Cosmic Girl, You Give Me Something, When You Gonna Learn, Virtual Insanity, Little L and Love Foolosophy all formed the sound of a generation. With a seventh hit album, Rock Dust Light
Star, JAMIROQUAI show no sign of stopping, as they dust off their moves for an exclusive show at Sydney Resolution New Year’s Eve Concert.

CULTURE CLUB were at the forefront of the New Romantic movement, and one of the defining music acts of the 1980s. CULTURE CLUB – Boy George, Roy Hay, Mikey Craig and Jon Moss – had an incredible seven Top 10 hits in Australia including Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, Karma Chameleon, Church Of The Poison Mind and The War Song. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see CULTURE CLUB in all their original glory. The songs are timeless, the voice is unique and the band is still one-of-a-kind.

PET SHOP BOYS - Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe - are electronic dance-pop pioneers and one of the world’s bestselling artists. PET SHOP BOYS have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and had 17 Top 40 hits in Australia, and continue to set the charts and dance floor on fire with dance and pop classics like West End Girls, It’s A Sin, Go West, What Have I Done To Deserve This and Always On My Mind. Fans at Sydney Resolution New Year’s Eve Concert can expect a one-of-a-kind show from the PET SHOP BOYS, who are reproducing their theatrical stage performance – including the major video and dance component – that was created in 2009 at London’s O2.

GUY SEBASTIAN is undoubtedly one of Australia’s greatest singer-songwriters. His first solo single, Angels Brought Me Here, debuted at number one and was the fastest-selling Australian single in ARIA chart history. Add to this his string of awards and the fact he is the only Australian male artist in Australian music history to achieve five chart-topping singles
– including Angels Brought Me Here, All I Need Is You, Out With My Baby, Like It Like That and Who’s That Girl? – and you can see why GUY SEBASTIAN is not to be missed this New Year’s Eve.

PSEUDO ECHO pioneered the new ‘80s electro-pop sound in Australia and quickly established themselves as one of the country’s most successful and influential bands with Top 10 hits such as Listening, A Beat For You, Don’t Go, Living In A Dream and their iconic cover of Lipps Inc’s Funky Town. Since forming in 1982, the band have had album sales in excess of one million worldwide, a Top 10 single on the Billboard US pop charts and a number one single on the
Billboard US dance charts. In 2011 PSEUDO ECHO’S relentless party groove continues to resonate with musicians and fans alike, so get ready to keep groovin’ with some energy this New Year’s Eve!

LYNDSEY OLLARD is an English-born recording artist who splits her time between the Australian Northern Beaches and her UK home. Her debut album, One Night Stand, is eclectic and witty with a combination of catchy beats, haunting melodies and at times hilariously dry lyrics – from the tongue in cheek pub anthem Wasted, through to the heartbreaking tribute Too Young To Die.

The World’s Most Spectacular New Year’s Eve Party

With Jamiroquai, Culture Club, Pet Shop Boys, Guy Sebastian, Pseudo Echo and Lyndsey Ollard.



Our friends at Sydney Resolution are thrilled to announce Sydney’s biggest New Year’s Eve party, which will be staged at Sydney’s Glebe Island overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour on Saturday December 31st 2011. The inaugural Sydney Resolution NYE Event will feature international superstars including Jamiroquai, Culture Club and Pet Shop Boys, as well as Australia’s very own Guy Sebastian, Pseudo Echo and Lyndsey Ollard. 


Sydney Resolution NYE Event is sure to be an unforgettable night of music and festivities, showcasing some of the biggest acts in the world against a backdrop that only Sydney can provide.
With unobstructed, stunning views of the city and the fireworks display, there is no better place to be on New Year’s Eve than Glebe Island. See 2011 out with a bang with some of the world’s biggest classic and contemporary artists, playing all the songs you know and love.
 Sydney’s Glebe Island will turn into a ‘mini city’ for this very special event, with a custom-built venue providing the very best in entertainment and bars, an incredible on-site ‘village’ showcasing Sydney’s best local and international food, and a unique array of retail and market stalls.
Sydney Resolution NYE Event will be the hottest ticket in town for New Year’s Eve!
Please be advised that Sydney Resolution NYE Event is a licensed event – all patrons must be over 18 years of age.
Glebe Island is situated on the beautiful Sydney Harbour. All patrons will arrive and depart by ferry or bus service from terminals and wharfs provided by Sydney Resolution . Please note there is no parking at the event. Gates open at 2pm, entertainment commences at 4:00pm and all performances will conclude by 1:45am. Gates close at 3.00am
Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster
 Visit sydneyresolution.com for more information or visit them on facebook or twitter.


Websites

Sydney Resolution Concert Series

Main Event TV - NYE

Flourish PR

Music News Australia

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Splash News

Media Man News

Carols in the Domain - Sydney

Carols in the Domain - Sydney

Australia's largest free Christmas concert returns to Sydney's Royal Botanical Gardens for the 29th year in a row, offering attendees the chance to watch some of the biggest names in Australian show business performing live on stage.
Venue:
The Domain, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011
Time: 20:30
Website: http://www.carolsinthedomain.com/
This annual event attracts tens of thousands of people to come together and join in the festive cheer with some of Channel 7's biggest personalities as well as some of the best Australian and international musicians.

For its 29th year, the much loved Christmas event will be hosted by Channel 7 personalities Grant Denyer and Natalie Barr. Georgie Parker, Hugh Sheridan, Damien Leith, The X Factor winner Reece Martin, The Wiggles, Paulini, Tania Doko, David Campbell and Melinda Schneider will also make appearances and perform on the night.

Sponsor: Woolworths Limited 02 8885 0000 (1 Woolworths Way, Bella Vista, NSW, 2153) ID:41975
Who's coming:
Grant Denyer, Natalie Barr, Georgie Parker, Hugh Sheridan, Damien Leith, Reece Martin, The Wiggles and more

Sounds Of Light charity concert - Sydney

Sounds Of Light charity concert - Sydney

Sounds of Light is a charity concert that combines live entertainment and fundraising for orphans living in developing nations.
Venue:
Allphones Arena, 8 Bayswater Drive, Wentworth Point
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011
Time: 18:00
Website: http://www.soundsoflight.com.au/
It is estimated that in the developing world, 1 child dies every 3 seconds because of basic lack of safe water, health care, shelter and food. All children in the world should have the same opportunities in life, and have the chance to grow up healthy and happy. That is the motivation behind Sounds Of Light, with the money raised going to sponsor children in developing nations.

The concert will be in the form of Islamic Nasheed, Islamic vocal music that is either sung a cappella or accompanied by percussion instruments or minimal digital remastering. Some of the artist performing are Maher Zain, Irfan Makki, Gulf Echo, Mishary Al Aradah and comedian Azhar Usman.

The event will visit Sydney at the Allphones Arena on the 17th of December and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on the 18th of December.

Who's coming:
Maher Zain, Irfan Makki, Gulf Echo, Mishary Al Aradah, Azhar Usman and more

Sound of Melbourne Records launch - Melbourne

Sound of Melbourne Records launch - Melbourne

Sound of Melbourne Records are a brand spanking new non-profit making independent record label that will celebrate its launch in St Kilda this weekend.
Venue:
Pure Pop Records, 221 Barkly Street, St Kilda
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011 to Sunday, December 18, 2011
Time: 14:00
Website: http://www.soundofmelbourne.com/
Sound of Melbourne Records is celebrating its launch with the release of its very first record, Sampler 2011 this weekend at Pure Pop Records in St Kilda. Sampler 2011 is a compilation album of 13 unsigned Melbourne/Victorian independent artist's released on both CD and old school vinyl, with a 24-page booklet and free art prints.

To launch the Sounds of Melbourne Sampler 2011, eight of the 13 artists included on the album will showcase their music as part of a special launch weekend with free performances today and tomorrow.