Hugh Jackman, Tom Hooper, and Sir Cameron Mackintosh touch down in Sydney

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey movie premiere: Sydney, Australia

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey movie premiere: Sydney, Australia...

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' enjoyed its Sydney, Australia red carpet movie premiere at George Street Event Cinemas tonight.

A crowd of hundreds of general public and dozens of media welcomed in the popular film franchise.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a 2012 fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson. It is the first of a three-part film adaptation of the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, to be followed by The Desolation of Smaug and There and Back Again, due for theatrical release in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Promo:

Set in Middle-earth 60 years before The Lord of the Rings, the adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of 13 dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield.  Their journey will take them into the wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers. 

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in  The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield.

Also reprising their roles from The Lord of the Rings in The Hobbit trilogy are: Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; and Andy Serkis as Gollum.

The international ensemble cast of the trilogy also includes Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, James Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott and Aidan Turner.

The screenplay for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro.  Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh.  The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.

Storyline:

Bilbo Baggins is swept into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever ... Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum's "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities

A younger and more reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out on a "unexpected journey" to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of Dwarves to reclaim a their stolen mountain home from a dragon named Smaug.

Summary: Many entertainment commentators including the Media Man agency think that 'The Hobbit' may be one of the best and most popular movies in Australia for 2012, despite the late release in the year. One for the whole family, and both casual and die hard fans should love it.

Special thanks to everyone who helped make tonight such a big success. See you at the movies again soon.

Director: Peter Jackson

Writers: Fran Walsh (screenplay), Philippa Boyens (screenplay), Guillermo del Toro, Peter Jackson

Actors: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitrage, Andy Serkis (Voice), Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving.

Websites

The Hobbit official website

www.thehobbit.com

Village Roadshow Australia

www.roadshowfilms.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Guitarist Dani Macchi (Belladonna) Exclusive Interview

From MySpace to The Grammy's - Dani Macchi (Belladonna) Sheds Light on the "Noir" of Italy

Founder, songwriter and guitarist for Italian rock group Belladona, Dani Macchi chats about how Belladonna went straight from MySpace to being nominated for 2 Grammy Awards, recording with Michael Bolton in England, opening for Nine Inch Nails, Staind, Korn and Duff McKagan, his hit radio show "The Noir Hour" on Italys' biggest rock radio station, working with producer Alex Elena (Bruce Dickinson, Avril Lavigne, Miles Davis) on Belladonna's soon to be released album, and more.

Dani on working with Michael Bolton: "Very few people are aware of my one/off experience with Michael Bolton! I was living in London at the time and Michael Bolton had to do 3 TV appearances to promote one of his albums, and I pre-recorded the backing tracks in a London studio and then appeared on TV with him, where he sang live. A great honor for me, compounded by the fact that Porcupine Tree's Gavin Harrison was the drummer of those sessions and TV appearances we did."

Read the full interview here on Guitarhoo!:

http://www.guitarhoo.com/articles/dani-macchi_102

Samantha Jade and The Collective perform live at Westfield, Miranda, Sydney

Samantha Jade and The Collective perform live at Westfield, Miranda, Sydney

Popular Australian performing artists Samantha Jade and The Collective made an in store appearance this afternoon at Westfield, Miranda, in Sydney's south.

Ms Jade celebrated the release of her debut album, met her fans and signed copies of her new CD.

She is aiming to build upon her success, having won The X-Factor music reality TV show.

The artists drew a crowd of a few hundred people, mainly consisting of teenagers.

The performance wraps up a series of live shows for Ms Jade before she joins her fellow X-Factor finalists for X-Factor Live tour.

Websites

Samantha Jade

www.samanthajade.com.au

The Collective

www.thecollectiveofficial.com

Sony Music

www.sonymusic.com.au

Westfield

www.westfield.com.au

HUGH JACKMAN & RUSSELL CROWE RETURN HOME AFTER GLOBAL TOUR. Joined by Director TOM HOOPER and Producer SIR CAMERON MACKINTOSH, the pair will walk the red carpet at the Australian Premiere of Les Misérables

Following a headline grabbing, whirlwind International Tour, Hugh Jackman & Russell Crowe return to Australia to celebrate their first collaboration in the film adaptation of the musical phenomenon, Les Misérables on home soil. Academy Award®-winning director TOM HOOPER (The King’s Speech) and SIR CAMERON MACKINTOSH, producer of the much loved theatrical production and film, along with producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will join Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe on the red carpet.

The highly anticipated black-tie Premiere event will be held at The State Theatre, Sydney on Friday 21^th December, with the red carpet extending the entire length of Pitt Street Mall.

The event will be hosted by local favourite Kerri-Anne Kennerley and other local will include Jackie Weaver, Kate Ritchie, Michael Caton, Jessica Mauboy, Sarah Blasko, Charlotte Dawson, Michelle Bridges, The Hon Simon Crean MP, The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP and The Hon Barry O’Farrell MP.

Members of the original cast of the Australian stage production of Les Misérables will also be attending, including Marina Prior, Debra Byrne and Martin Crewes.

Jessica Mauboy and Justice Crew perform live concert in Sydney CBD; Chifley Plaza - Sydney, Australia; Ipoh Kicks Off Christmas with Jess Mauboy and Justice Crew...

The very popular Jessica Mauboy and Justice Crew performed a free concert at Chifley Plaza, Sydney tonight, to the delight of Christmas shoppers and lookers on.

Promo...

Ipoh Kicks Off Christmas with Jess Mauboy and Justice Crew...

Jessica Mauboy and Justice Crew will launch an exclusive Christmas shopping event across the Ipoh Group’s premium retail destinations - QVB, The Galeries, Strand Arcade, Chifley Plaza and No. 1 Martin Place – with public performances on Thursday 13 December. The live music kicks off Ipoh’s festive season campaign, counting down the 12 days ‘til Christmas via daily interactive events and prize giveaways.

Jessica Mauboy will take the stage at 6pm on the ground floor at QVB and performances are staggered throughout the night, as customers move from centre to centre to complete their Christmas shopping. Australia’s Got Talent winners Justice Crew perform at 6.30pm at The Galeries ground floor and catch Mauboy live again in Chifley Plaza at 7pm. Finish off the night at the Strand Arcade where trumpeter Paul Wheeler will be playing on level two.

WHAT: Ipoh VIP Shopping Event

WHERE: QVB, The Galeries, Strand Arcade, Chifley Plaza and No. 1 Martin Place

WHEN: Thursday, 13 December 2012, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

6.00pm: Jessica Mauboy, QVB, Ground Floor

6:30pm: Justice Crew, The Galeries, Ground Floor

7:00pm: Jessica Mauboy, Chifley Plaza, Lower Ground Floor

7.30pm: Trumpeter Paul Wheeler, Strand Arcade, Level 2

Customers can embrace the festive spirit with complimentary beverages while they shop as well as indulging in sweet treats courtesy of Haigh’s, Sublime Gelato, The Nut Shop, Sweet Infinity and Bon Bon chocolates.

The Strand Arcade will host a pop-up Galliano cocktail bar amongst dazzling decorations designed by Alex Perry, while The Galeries’ Summer Lounge complete with faux grass, palm trees and flamingos is the perfect hideaway for those wanting to escape the holiday rush. Chifley Plaza’s larger-than-life Citizens of Celebrationinstallation is a must-see with its imaginative characters and modern design.

Other highlights include a roaming quartet of carollers in QVB, alongside the building’s iconic Swarovski Christmas tree and Crystal Garden with Santa and his helpers. Plus gift wrapping on QVB’s level two for a gold coin donation to Barnados.

An abundance of exclusive offers will be available on the night from top retailers including Alannah Hill, Coach, Gorman, Incu, Ralph Lauren, Alex Perry, Farage, Kikki.K, MaxMara, Bristol & Brooks, Manning Cartell and more.

Continuing the spirit of giving, Ipoh is offering over $50,000 worth of extraordinary prizes throughout the 12 day countdown. Spend over $150 in any Ipoh centre to go into the daily draw. All prizes build up to the ultimate present, a $10,000 MasterCard voucher on Christmas Eve.

Customers can also get a helping hand by picking up a free copy of Ipoh’s gift guide magazine with insightful suggestions and personal anecdotes from leading Sydney-siders including Guy Sebastian, Julie Goodwin, Tom Waterhouse, Antonia Kidman, Terry Biviano and Tim Ross.

Reconnecting the city with an authentic Sydney Christmas, this shopping event speaks to the contemporary, stylish and time-poor values of the urban lifestyle. At a time when customers are looking for engagement, expertise and a bit of fun, Ipoh is leading the way in revitalising the retail experience with its captivating take on Christmas.

Thank you to everyone who helped make today possible.

Websites

Jessica Mauboy official website

www.jessicamauboy.com.au

Justice Crew official website

www.justicecrew.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Chanukah: The Festival Of Lights; Sydney, Australia

Hanukkah, Sydney, Australia...

Hanukkah was celebrated in Sydney, Australia, today, with festivities following into the evening.

Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights and is celebrated December 8-16, 2012. On the Hebrew calendar, the dates are 25 Kislev to 2 Tevet in the year 5773.

Hanukkah is an 8 day celebration commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C.E. during the Maccabean revolt against Greek rulers.

Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting a nine-branch menorah. Technically, the it is called a hanukkiah to distinguish itself from the seven-branch menorah used in the Temple.

The story of Hanukkah is one of miracles and of revolution. Antiochus, the Greek ruler, forbade Jewish religious practice, so a small group of Jews, the Maccabees, revolted. These Jews, in course, prevailed and restored the Holy Temple, which had been desecrated. The menorah in the Temple needed to be re-lit because, according to tradition, it should burn continuously. The Temple liberators found one vial of olive oil, enough for one day of light. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days.

Jews now light menorahs on each night of Hanukkah. Traditionally, one candle or flame is lit for each night until the eighth night, when all eight lights shine together. The menorah has a ninth "helper" flame -- known as the shamash -- used to light the other candles. This is necessary because in Jewish law the Hanukkah lights' only purpose is to visually proclaim the miracle of the holiday. Jews place the lit menorah in a prominent window in order to fulfil this commandment.

A common practice on Hanukkah, is gift giving on each night, and it is therefore a wondrous time for Jewish children. Fried potato pancakes (latkes) and doughnuts (sufganiyot) are traditional fare, and a spinning top (dreidel) with four Hebrew letters -- nun, gimel, hei, shin -- form an acronym for the message of Hanukkah: A great miracle happened there.

Thank you to everyone who helped make today possible.

Websites

Chabad Youth NSW

www.cyn.org.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Johnny Ruffo launches JR Watches at Jay Jays, Sydney

Australian performing artist Johnny Ruffo launches JR Watches at Jay Jays, Sydney, Australia...

The ultra popular Johnny Ruffo launched his own watch line at Jay Jay's in the Pitt St, Sydney store earlier tonight.

Ruffo is best known for his appearances on television programs such as The X Factor, Dancing With The Stars and Home and Away.

Georgia Sinclair provided some in-store entertainment, to keep shoppers entertained at 'Glasshouse', while they waited to meet and take photos with Mr Ruffo.

Ruffo apparently has a good business head on his shoulders, and has taken the Hollywood path of getting businesses up and running which compliment his showbiz career. Not just a pretty face or body, by any estimation.

Thank you to everyone who helped make today possible.

Websites

Johnny Ruffo official website

www.johnnyruffo.com

Jay Jay's

www.jayjays.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Kane Hibberd To Release Book Of Soundwave Photography

Take an Access All Area’s trip though the archives of official Soundwave photographer Kane Hibberd’s debut photography book, ‘Kanye Lens Vs Soundwave Volume 1’

Since the festival went national in 2008, Kane (aka Kanye Lens) has been on hand to capture every banging head, sweaty riff and thrashing body, that has ensured that each festival has been bigger and better than the one before.

His first book, which Kane is self funding and independently publishing, is spread over 450 pages and contains more than 600 colour and black and white images of all the action both on and off stage.  Including personal commentary on his imagery from artists and crew, the book aims to give a holistic picture to a festival that is now firmly entrenched into the hearts and memories of music fans.

“From the moment I was asked to jump on board the Soundwave machine, my goal was to, one day, produce a coffee table style photography book.  I grew up watching Tony Mott create a legacy with the Big Day Out and now this is hopefully the start of my own legacy.  I’ve tried to create book full of imagery that can escape the shadow of its famous inhabitants and stand alone as beautiful pieces of artwork.  Hopefully the book will appeal to not only music fans, but also fans of photography.” – Kane Hibberd (Kanye Lens)

A must for collectors, the first 2000 copies of the book will be individually numbered by Kane and are  now available for pre-order from www.kanyelens.com, shipping February 2013.  Visit the webstore to see the range of pre order options, which include prints from selected artists.

Kanye Lens Vs Soundwave Volume 1 – out Feb 2013

Pre orders available now from www.kanyelens.com

Skyfall James Bond movie teams up with Heineken

Skyfall James Bond movie teams up with Heineken; Producers of the 23rd Bond movie have exploited every possible brand connection...

The world's most successful movie franchise - James Bond, has been continuing its winning ways in strategic and intelligent product placement, and popular beer Heineken, appears to be one of the real winners in the latest Bond flick - Skyfall.

Bond (and Heineken) lovers - check out this multimedia promo... 

Make no mistake - product placement helps funds great flicks and the switched on folks at James Bond HQ (and their advertising agency friends) are well aware of this... so are we.

Some news outlets have claimed that without the reported £45 million revenue Heineken poured into the film, Skyfall would not have gone ahead, but we don't have any way to get an accurate figure, so let's just continue shall we Bond fans.

We understand that with the the Dutch beer having forked out over £28m for the privilege of seeing Bond sip from a green bottle in an early scene helped cover almost a third of the film's estimated £93.7m ($150m) production budget in the process.

Bond (Daniel Craig) is a diplomatic spokesman and pitch-man of sorts on the issue of product placement, acknowledging that their reliance on brand associations is "unfortunate," before countering: "This movie costs a lot of money to make (and) nearly as much again to promote, so we go where we can."

That line is about as close as we're going to get to learning the film's actual marketing budget, given Sony Pictures International's track record is being reluctant to divulge details on such matters.

Fun financial fact: In 2006 it was reported that product placement across all media was worth over £3.3 billion.

Beer not your thing? According to Brandchannel, the most important "Skyfall" product placement isn't the beer Bond drinks but the gun he shoots!

Movie Plot Outline: Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Promo...

Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Director: Sam Mendes

Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan

Stars: Daniel Craig, Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Bérénice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Rory Kinear, with Albert Finney and Judi Dench as "M"

Produced By: Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli

*Sponsored by Heineken

News...

Craig is the best Bond: Moore...

Bond legend Roger Moore, enthralled with ‘Skyfall,’ now thinks Daniel Craig is the best actor to play the legendary spy...

Moore, who began his stint as the action hound in the ’70s, once gave that honor to Sean Connery. ‘They’ve guaranteed Bond another 50 years of life,’ he said of the new film.

Bond alum Roger Moore used to think Sean Connery was the best James Bond, but now thinks that designation belongs to Daniel Craig.

"I went to a screening of ‘Skyfall,’ and I’ve changed my opinion. I think that he (Daniel Craig) is the Bond. He’s quite brilliant," Moore told TIME magazine.

Moore has been a fan of Craig’s ever since the opening scene of 2006’s “Casino Royale,” Craig’s first time in the role.

James Bond's world of movie intrigue explored in 'The Untold Story Of 007'...

“I thought ‘Casino Royale’ was tremendous,” Moore said. “I thought his action was quite extraordinary — he did more action in the first 30 seconds of the film than I did in 14 years of playing Bond. To me, he looks like a killer. He looks as though he knows what he’s doing. I look as though I might cheat at backgammon.”

Craig put his own spin on the iconic spy, just as Moore did when he first took over the role of 007 with 1973’s “Live and Let Die.”

On playing a role already associated with Connery, he said, “You don’t really think about that. How many millions of actors during the last 400 years have played Hamlet? They don’t worry about how the other fella did it — they just get on with doing it their way.”

Moore’s own way endeared his Bond to the public for seven consecutive films by Eon Productions. His third Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me,” is often considered his best, just as Connery’s third, “Goldfinger,” is often considered his.

Now Moore thinks Craig’s third performance is the best of the franchise.

"I wrote to Barbara (Broccoli) and Michael (Wilson) and said…they’ve guaranteed Bond another 50 years of life," he said.

Take 40 Stars of Summer party with The Presets; Point Piper, Sydney

Take 40 Stars of Summer party with The Presets; Party at Point Piper, Sydney, Australia...

The biggest event of the summer is kicking and happening.

The Take 40 Stars Of Summer Party, presented by Playboy Fragrances, is alive and kicking.

The mansion is pumping, lights and speakers going off, drinks gushing and the swimming pool is alive with excitement.

The Presets headlined tonight, getting everyone into the groove of things to come.

Stay tuned to take40.com <http://take40.com/>  and Music News Australia for your entertainment and music news fix.

Take 40 Stars of Summer with The Presets

Take 40 Stars of Summer with The Presets; Party at Point Piper, Sydney, Australia...

The biggest event of the summer is almost here – the Take 40 Stars Of Summer Party, presented by Playboy Fragrances.

The mansion is ready and all the logistics have been put in place by the Take 40 team. There's even a glass stage over the swimming pool.

The Presets are headlining tonight and we will have another report for you when the sun goes down.

Stay tuned to take40.com and Music News Australia for more news, photos and more.

Guest List...

The Presets – Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes

Brian McFadden – singer/  presenter

Vogue Williams - DJ

Nacho Pop –dancer

Erika Heynetz – presenter

Tyler Atkins - model

Kit Willow – designer

Rhiannon Fish – actor Home and Away

Emma Louise Birdsall – singer, The Voice

Pip Edwards – fashion designer

Rhys Muldoon – actor

The McClymonts – singers

Dion Lee – designer

Kim Ellery – designer

Marc Freeman –  fashion designer

Reni Matua – footballer

Milly Gattegno (The Faders) – DJ

Tanja G - model

Damion Downey – ex Sneaky Sound System

Stacey Wren and Ava D – Big Brother

Ryan Buckingham and Angela Murray  - Big Brother

Carmelo Murray – X Factor

Corban Harris - Skater

Corey Oliver and Whippet – Bondi Rescue Lifeguards

About Take 40...

The Take 40 Countdown is Australia's biggest and longest running chart show! Check us out at www.take40.com - it's the only website where you can listen to the show in full, watch stacks of new and classic clips, listen to music, check out massive video interviews, the latest music news and heaps more...

Thank you to everyone who helped make today possible.

Websites

Take 40 official website

www.take40.com

The Presets official website

www.thepresets.com

HUMAN NATURE CONFIRM A HEADLINE RESIDENCY DEAL AT THE PRESTIGIOUS VENETIAN LAS VEGAS®

Australia’s most successful male vocal group, Human Nature are thrilled to announce that they will be the headlining act for a two-year residency at one of the world’s most luxurious resorts, The Venetian in Las Vegas. The new show, titled Smokey Robinson presents Human Nature: The Motown Show will begin on Saturday, January 19, 2013.

“We are incredibly proud to be bringing our show to one of the most iconic casinos anywhere," said Human Nature's Andrew Tierney. "The support we have had in this city has been extraordinary and we can't wait to get more and more people dancing and singing every night with our versions of the most amazing music ever produced - Motown!”

“Once we heard those smooth harmonies of Human Nature, we knew they were a perfect fit for The Venetian,” said John Caparella, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Venetian and The Palazzo. “This is a show you want to tweet about the minute you step out of the theatre.”

“We are thrilled to be moving our new production of this show into The Venetian Las Vegas,” said Producer Adam Steck, Founder and CEO of SPI Entertainment, Inc. “Human Nature have achieved incredible success in Las Vegas over the past three years. Headlining at The Venetian is a perfect match for the guys and their show and it is really a dream come true. The guys are incredibly talented and a genuine Las Vegas success story who continue to attract and thrill audiences from all over the world. I can’t wait to get started in our new home."

Human Nature will now call The Sands Showroom (formerly the Venetian Showroom) at The Venetian, a 742-seat venue, home for a two-year residency. In true Las Vegas fashion, their first show at The Venetian will be their 777^th show on the famed Las Vegas strip.

It’s 23 years since the group was formed by Andrew and Michael Tierney, Toby Allen and Phil Burton – four high school friends who have gone on to conquer the world.  Human Nature are one of Australia’s great musical success stories. Since signing with Sony Australia in 1995, they have released nine albums - five of which went to number one in Australia – achieving 23 platinum awards, 17 top 40 hits and five top 10 hits worldwide. They have sold more than two million albums in Australia alone. Their album The Motown Record has also reached number one on the US Billboard Heat Seekers chart.

In 2005, Human Nature released the five-time platinum album Reach Out – The Motown Record. A collection of Motown hits (and ARIA’s highest selling Australian album of 2006), this was followed up in 2006 with Dancing In The Streets – The Songs of Motown Two then in 2007 the group returned with Get Ready featuring Motown superstars like Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson.

It was this association with Smokey Robinson that saw Human Nature head to America in mid 2009 to become the first Australian group to start a Las Vegas residency in the famed live performance mecca and remain there today, four years later. Earlier this year, the group scored a coveted performance opportunity on the US Dancing With The Stars performing to an audience of over 16 million viewers for a Motown themed show.

The talented quartet are enroute to Australia preparing for their next live theatre shows, “Christmas, Motown and More”. Human Nature will perform with their band and symphony orchestras kicking off next week on the Gold Coast (with Philharmonia Australia), in Adelaide (with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra), in Sydney (with Philharmonia Australia) and in Melbourne (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) - see details below.

About The Venetian Las Vegas®

The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, the largest property in America to receive AAA’s Five Diamond and the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Four Star awards, is one of the world’s most luxurious resort and convention destinations. Recreating Venice’s legendary landmarks, the LEED® EB Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified resort offers unmatched service and quality for leisure and corporate guests. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Venetian features The Grand Canal Shoppes®, an indoor streetscape complete with gondolas and singing gondoliers, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, world-class gaming, exquisite restaurants, a wide variety of entertainment such as “Soul2Soul with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill,” the party musical “ROCK OF AGES,” showroom headliners including David Spade, Rita Rudner, Tim Allen and Joan Rivers and extensive convention and corporate services.

About SPI Entertainment

SPI Entertainment, Inc. is a leading Production Company & Talent Agency with six successful resident award-winning shows in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, and more than 10 shows touring internationally. With a successful track record of building entertainment brands and partnering with world class entertainers, SPI has become the preeminent Theatrical Producer & Talent Agency in Las Vegas and beyond. Current Productions include Smokey Robinson Presents: Human Nature - The Motown Show, Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth, Australia's Thunder From Down Under, Divas - Starring Frank Marino, The Australian Bee Gees Show, and American Storm.

HUMAN NATURE AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES

FRIDAY DECEMBER 14             JUPITERS THEATRE – JUPITERS HOTEL & CASINO            (with Philharmonia Australia)

                                                     www.ticketmaster.com.au OR 1300 139 588

SATURDAY DECEMBER 1                     JUPITERS THEATRE – JUPITERS HOTEL & CASINO            (with Philharmonia Australia)

                                                     www.ticketmaster.com.au OR 1300 139 588

MONDAY DECEMBER 17                       ADELAIDE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE (with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra)

                                                     www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19                SYDNEY STATE THEATRE                    (with Philharmonia Australia)

                                                     www.ticketmaster.com.au OR 1300 139 588

SATURDAY DECEMBER 22                   HAMER HALL, ARTS CENTRE               (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)

                                                     www.ticketmaster.com.au OR 1300 139 588

SUNDAY DECEMBER 23                        HAMER HALL, ARTS CENTRE               (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)                                                        www.ticketmaster.com.au OR 1300 139 588

 www.humannaturelive.com

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness.

When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.

With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

Visit the official Facebook page facebook.com/StarTrekAU

First Wave of Stellar Music and Arts Acts Announced for 2013 St Kilda Festival ST KILDA FESTIVAL 2013

The St Kilda Festival, Australia’s largest free music festival, today announced the first wave of headliners, including the internationally acclaimed Midnight Juggernauts DJs, iconic rock band Bluejuice and spiritual songstress Thelma Plum alongside the new Soundkraft Records electronic music stage on Festival Sunday, culminating the nine-day celebration of music and culture.

Showcasing St Kilda at its best, the festival is now in its 33^rd year and will take place from Saturday, 2 to Sunday, 10 February 2013.

Festival Producer Adele Denison is proud to announce the 2013 St Kilda Festival program will include more than 150 artists across seven stages and more than 40 St Kilda venues.

“The St Kilda Festival celebrates Australian music and culture and we’re thrilled to offer a nine-day program of entertainment, during which St Kilda will entertain more than 400,000 families and music lovers,” said Ms Denison.

Outdoor indigenous festival, Yalukit Wilum Ngargee: People Place Gathering kicks things off on Saturday, 2 February, featuring soulful blues artist, Kutcha Edwards and Koori songstress, Illana Atkinson and the Deans.

Home grown talent is celebrated at Live N Local throughout the week, and  includes Bon Jovi support act The Scarlets and unique songbird Suzie Stapleton, with Melbourne indie pop sensations Better than the Wizards bringing the beats on Festival Sunday’s Live N Local Stage.

The highlight of Melbourne’s event calendar, Festival Sunday will see sultry chanteause Kylie Auldist liven up O’Donnell Gardens, alongside headliners Midnight Juggernauts DJs, Bluejuice, Thelma Plum and Client Liason on the New Music Stage.

Aside from a vast array of music, the impressive program also sees Humphrey B Bear returning to the Festival Sunday Kidzone and guided tours of the historic Esplanade Vaults, a rare opportunity to visit the vaults and open them to the public.

All nine days of the St Kilda Festival offer a different experience, bringing together arts and music and celebrating Australian culture.

The Festival is produced and presented by the City of Port Phillip and supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria. For further information please visit www.stkildafestival.com.au

The full 2013 St Kilda Festival line-up will be announced on Monday, 7th January.