Katy Perry does Myer Melbourne; Purr fect warm up for Logies, by Eva Rinaldi - 30th April 2011

We're in Melbourne early for the TV Week Logies, and so is Katy Perry, who wowed, teased and entertained thousand of fans at Myer in the Melbourne CBD today.

Not to anyone's surprise there was no sign of husband Russell Brand, but that didn't stop the media or crowd asking, as they are quite the power couple these days.

The 26-year-old performing artist looked sensational and was very accommodating with both fans and media.

We learnt that she just loves Australians easy-going attitude, our weather (thank you Melbourne for the miracle sun and no rain today), Tim Tams, and eskies.

"I love being around all kinds of characters in Australia," Perry told the crowd of thousands, when they finally settled down from a massive 'We want Katy' chant, which must have gone on for at least fifteen minutes.

Some of the crowd rushed to Myer retail departments to snap up both Perry CD's and Purr perfume (which gives an "added bonus" to your man, Katy was quick to point out to us.

The queen of 'Teenage Dream', and soon teenage retail, is struggling with her Aussie lingo, but we give her top marks for effect, attitude and generosity of heart and spirit with her multitudes on fans hanging on every word and move. She got her cosses mixed up with eskies, but that's ok. Katy looked like she might do well to get a bit of sun, so someone needs to tell her where Bondi Beach is.

Perry had the crowd screaming and clamouring for photos and autographs, and as usual, security had a tough job, with most of them doing their job well.

Bourke Street mall came to a standstill, as 1000 or so fans stood behind steel barricades just hoping to catch a glimpse. Four Katy Perry look-a-likes kept the crowd entertained and and teased the press with purr fect poses with the perfume of the hour. Oh, the trams kept running, but slowed considerable, as passengers soon realised what all the fuss was about.

Perry commenced her first Australian tour in two years with shows in Melbourne on Thursday and Friday nights and is the big-name international act for tomorrow's Logie awards at James Packer's Crown Casino.
Her appearance today was actually to flog her new fragrance, Purr, and we estimated at least 500 units were sold. Even a couple of Aussie teen lads bought the Purr, which helped them get a photo, as you might have guessed.

We loved that she answered a journo's probing question about receiving plenty of male attention.

"I'm a big believer in sharing so I like to share myself. I feel like I'm in a relationship with all of you plus my husband. I feel like the people that support me and my music and who come to see my shows are choice people; they have good taste, they're smart, they're funny, they like to have a great time, they like to laugh. And also they're very respectful ... if anyone gets too close I karate chop them."

An unidentified reporter asked Katy if she could ask Russell if she could take him home or something to that effect. She laughed it off and then added he might be able to stay in the granny flat room for a bit. Security and minders swiftly snatched away the mic off the shortish mystery media guy.

It was quite a wait for the American sensation and but all agreed the reward was worth it. Perry said "You guys were making so much noise when I was trying to use the restroom".

What a Purr Fect day in Melbourne today if you made it, and we can't wait for the main course tomorrow at the Logies and follow up shows as her Aussie tour continues.

We loved you Katy, and so did our cameras. We can't wait to show the world our great photos and videos of you. The visuals are purr fect said a Music News Australia spokesperson.

Websites

Katy Perry official website

Myer

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Katy Perry to Launch Purr Fragrance at Myer Melbourne on April 30

MEDIA INVITATION

Katy Perry to Launch Purr Fragrance at Myer Melbourne on April 30


What:                   Katy Perry’s exclusive Australian launch of Purr by Katy Perry

When:                  Saturday April 30th 2011

Arrival:                 12:50 pm
Bourke St Mall, outside Myer entrance

In Store:               1:25 pm, VIP in store appearance
Mural Hall, Level 7, Myer Melbourne

Arrival

Photo/Video Opportunities:
·         Katy Perry to arrive publicly on Bourke St mall surrounded by fans
·         Arrival details are strictly confidential at this point, however there will be a fun photo opportunity featuring Katy Perry lookalikes

In Store

Press Conference
·         Katy will take questions from the press pit

Photo/Video Opportunities:
·         500 fans inside Mural Hall for VIP in store appearance
·         Katy Perry to appear on stage posing with fragrance, fans and Katy lookalikes
·         Katy Perry being interviewed by MC

Justin Bieber WOWS his fans in Brisbane

Justin Bieber has arrived in Australia for his My World tour, presented by Take 40 Australia!

Justin performed in Brisbane last night to a sold out crowd, despite suffering from a sore back.

WATCH - All Of Justin Bieber's Music Videos!

Justin tweeted, "back is in ALOT of pain but incredible show tonight. BRISBANE was #BEAST - Australia is about to be a party the next 2 weeks".

The teen star spent the weekend in Bali, before heading to Australia. And due to a bit of plane trouble Justin only just made it to Brisbane.

He tweeted, "After a long 24 hours and some crazy plane trouble we finally made it out. Thank you to Indonesia and our secret day in BALI.. Crazy 24 hours of travel...back is messed up....but we are smiling. We finally made it. AUSTRALIA we are here. Brisbane Leggo! #myworldtour"

Last week he also teased fans with the promise of a duet with Chris Brown during one of his concerts. There was no sign of the 'Next 2 You' singer at the Brisbane show, but hopefully we'll see Chris at one of Justin's upcoming shows!

Stay tuned to take40.com for all the gossip on Justin's Australian tour.

ZZ Top, Rose Tattoo And The Poor Do Enmore Theatre, by Eva Rinaldi - 27th April 2011

Who is top in Sydney at the moment? Yeah, you guessed it - ZZ Top.

Rose Tattoo and The Poor are pretty darn hot too, and they all played their hearts out at Enmore Theatre earlier tonight.

ZZ Top are a legendary Texan music trio who have been rocking and rolling for more than 4 decades. Inducted by The Stones' Keith Richards into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ back in 2004, they just keep rocking and still look unstoppable, and not too bad for their age.

The band was was happy to be quoted by the press: "We’re the same three guys, bashing out the same three chords. The band’s mantra remains the same: ‘Tone. Taste. Tenacity" said Billy F Gibbons, ZZ's guitarist.

ZZ Top has performed live in front of millions of fans around the globe. Their image - cars, bikes, beards, girls, keychain and all that, is known around the world and seems almost as big as their music. Make no mistake, these guys are rock gods.

Legs would be their most famous hit, probably followed by Gimme All Your Lovin’ and Sharp Dressed Man. Tonight I got to hear Future and Rock Me for the first time, and they definitely rate and were pretty well received by the jam packed audience.

ZZ Top impressed the heck out of me and I would seriously recommend you check them out too if you have the chance.

Ok, the others.... Rose Tattoo, headed up by Sydney's angriest man (just kidding Andy), Angry Anderson. Anderson leaped onto the stage early in the peace, and from the get go you could tell he and the boyz were ready to part-eee.

The Poor, rich on talent, didn't disappoint, and were worthy of also being a support to the other legendary bands.

Australia, if the show in Sydney was any indication of what these 3 bad boy rock bands are going to keep running with on their down under tour, you'll just have to attend in person to truly appreciate just how good they are.

Promoter, Andrew McManus, well done on putting it all together. You did yourself proud.

ZZ Top, Rose Tattoo And The Poor - A world class rock n roller trifecta if there ever was.

Websites

ZZ Top

Rose Tattoo

The Poor

Enmore Theatre

Andrew McManus Presents

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

ZZ TOP LIVE @ ENMORE THEATRE

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!

Kat Ferguson performing artist live at The Wall, by Eva Rinaldi - 24th April 2011

It had been almost year since I had the pleasure of hearing my friend Kat perform her musical genius, in the grounds of the Sydney Opera House no less, so when I found out Kat was going to do her thing close to where I'm based at the very moment in downtown Leichhardt, I jumped at the chance.

Leichhardt's Bald Faced Stag Hotel, a beautifully revamped traditional hotel, had never looked or sounded so good.

I'm pleased to report that Kat's performance has further improved, as impressive as she was way back then.  That's not the only positive change. Kat has two new members to her band. There's Dinesh Ekanayake (base guitar), Tyran Rotondo (drums / percussion) and Chaminda Samaraweera (drums).

Kat's special guests who performed on stage included Jessie May and Cordelia Rotonda.

The evening's support acts were Dan and Noel Trio, Untapped and Angelena Locke.

The songs that most took my liking tonight were Delirious, You Were The One, All He Needs and Boulder.

Without question All He Needs is the most emotive song where one can tell instantly that there's deep meaning and a powerful story behind it. This song is the first song I ever heard Kat perform, and it tells the story of a brave little boy, Jesse, who lost his courageous battle with cancer. Jesse's wish was that other's would be able to survive cancer, and Kat has been spreading the word across Australia for the past few years.

To me Kat sounds rather like Chrissy Amphlett and Sheryl Crow.

She counts her musical influences being Amanda Marshall and the Baby Animals.

I loved the way the night closed off with Kat handing the stage to 3 year-old Cordelia Rotonda who belted out What The Hell with power and finis far exceeding her young age. Cordelia, if you and your parents are reading this, stick with it girl - it appears you have a very bright future ahead of you, and keep learning and having fun with Kat and the band. And Tyran, the super talented 10-year old drummer - you are amazing. No wonder with mentors such as Chaminda sharing his knowledge. It seemed like I was watching a young Peter Criss (from KISS fame) at times, and that is a huge compliment.

As individuals they are all wonderfully talented, and as a unit, they appear destined for greatness and success on all levels, should they be able to maintain the current standard, and just keep moving forward with it.

If you've heard Kat before you know just how great she is, and if you haven't and appreciate great music with heart, passion and meaning, you need to get along to one of her upcoming appearances.

Websites

Kat Ferguson official website

Bald Faced Stag Hotel

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinandi Photography Flickr

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