Les Misérables red carpet movie premiere, Sydney, Australia

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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