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IN CONVERSATION WITH SARAH WATERS

January 26th 2010 00:05

Sydney, Australia - January 2010

MARDI GRAS AT THE SEYMOUR CENTRE


Saucy and sophisticated, the Seymour Center's new partnership with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras presents a smoldering line-up of music, theatre and conversation across February and March 2010.

Direct from the USA the Kinsey Sicks brings Sydney their cracker show Each Hit and I (2-6 Mar); the fabulous Margaritas star in On the Rocks (25 Feb-6 Mar), and the chilling tale of the perfect crime unfolds in Thrill Me (24 Feb-6 March).

Queer Thinking on 26 February brings Sydney the most influential local and international queer thinkers and literary talent, with a range of fascinating events, at the Seymour including an in-conversation with Sarah Waters.


Cheaper than a drag diva's diamantes dare we say, Seymour is Mardi Gras' best valued fun; with a special double bill package to see Thrill Me and On the Rocks for nearly half price, as well as multi-tix discounts for three or more shows booked.

HATS OFF! 2010 THE HISTORY OF SHOWSTOPPERS
(Tue 22 Feb, 7:30pm, $70-90, all proceeds to charity Everest Theatre)

Hat's Off! returns for an amazing 12th year with a retrospective concert featuring a star studded line-up of Australian musical theatre, comedy, dance and cabaret performers all donating their time and talent to help raise much-needed funds for ACON and BGF. Hats Off! is a Mardi Gras Festival highlight featuring classic showstoppers from West End and Broadway musicals over the last century. Hosted by the hysterical Jan Van de Stool with Garry Scale attempting to lend some sanity to the proceedings, book early as this event will sell out! NB: Directed by Margi de Ferranti, produced by Jonathan Mill and Laurence Stark. Presented by New Mardi Gras and Oz ShowbizCares / Equity Fights AIDS Inc.


THRILL ME: THE LEOPOLD & LOEB STORY (24 Feb - 6 Mar Tue-Sat, 7pm, $20-30 Downstairs Theatre)
Relationships can be murder. Thrill Me is the award-winning Off-Broadway musical that recounts the chilling true story of the legendary duo Leopold and Loeb, who committed one of the most infamous crimes of the 20th century. It's1924, and two wealthy University of Chicago students believe themselves to be Nietzschean supermen, superior to the rest of society. But when they forge their dark plans to commit the perfect crime, things don't unfold exactly as they'd planned. NB: Book, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Dolginoff, a Squabbalogic production directed by Jay James-Moody, produced by Jessica Burns and musical direction by Mark Chamberlain

THE MARGARITAS IN ON THE ROCKS (25 Feb 6 Mar Thu-Sat 9.30pm, $18\25, Downstairs Theatre)
Fast becoming notorious for reworking vintage gems from the 60s, 70s and 80s, Sydney's hilarious female trio, The Margaritas, serve up a delicious mix of cabaret and burlesque with a deliciously wicked sense of humour. Tart and complex with a hint of bitterness, these sophisticated temptresses will add some of your old favourites into the blender and serve them up with a twist for Mardi Gras 2010. NB: Creators Jackeline Laso, Nathalie Cotte, Natalie McCormack

QUEER THINKING (Fri 26 Feb, 12.30-10.30pm, $12-15, (for day pass to any event) Seymour Centre)
A fusion of academia, literature and ideas, Queer Thinking brings together the queer community's best creative and academic talent to discuss their work, explore ideas and reflect upon the 2010 Festival theme, Mardi Gras History of the World including Erwin Olaf, Pedro Virgil, Paul Burston and so many more. This full day of talks, panel discussions, book launches and lively debates features sessions programmed throughout the Seymour, with one ticket providing access to the whole day. See below for more details on the individual events

QUEER THINKING: SARAH WATERS (Fri 26 Feb 6.30pm, $18-25, Everest Theatre)
A highlight of the Queer Thinking day is this on-stage In Conversation event with award-winning author Sarah Waters. Author of the award-winning trilogy of sexy Victorian novels (Tipping the Velvet, Fingersmith, Affinity); The Night Watch, a tender and tragic novel set against the backdrop of wartime Britain; and her most recent novel, The Little Stranger, Sarah Waters has been shortlisted for both the Man Booker Prize and the Orange Prize, and is among the UK's most successful lesbian authors. Get up close and personal with Sarah as she talks candidly about her books in this delightful In-Conversation event.



IN CONVERSATION WITH SARAH WATERS
Date FRI 26 FEB
Time 6.30PM
Tickets ADULT $25/CONC $20, MULTI-TIX $20/CONC $18*, MARDI GRAS MEMBERS $20
Venue EVEREST THEATRE
After her award-winning trilogy of sexy Victorian novels (Tipping the Velvet, Fingersmith, Affinity), Sarah Waters turned to the 1940s and wrote The Night Watch, a tender and tragic novel set against the backdrop of wartime Britain. Shortlisted for both the Orange and the Man Booker prizes, it went straight to number one in the bestseller chart. Sara's most recent novel, The Little Stranger, was shortlisted for the 2009 Man Booker Prize and again proves why she is among the UK's most successful lesbian authors. Get up close and personal with Sarah as she talks candidly about her books in this delightful In-Conversation event.

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The Beauty Queen of Leenane

January 25th 2010 23:00
The Beauty Queen of Leenane
by Martin McDonagh

20 February to 13 March 2010.
Opens 22 February 2010 at 7pm.

Wharf 2, Sydney Theatre Company, The Wharf, Pier 4, Hickson Road.

With an exceptional cast comprised of Judi Farr, Eamon Farron, Darren Gilshenan and Mandy McElhinney, The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh is at Sydney Theatre Company’s Wharf 2 from 20 February, opening 22 February.

Directed by Cristabel Sved, the production is part of the Company’s extensive 2010 Education Program (STC Ed), with evening performances open to both school groups and the general public.

Maureen, a middle-aged spinster, lives with her elderly, manipulative mother Mag. Her sisters have flown the nest, escaping the drab family home but Maureen remains at home, trapped in a dysfunctional relationship with her mother. The arrival of an invitation sparks hopes of a last-chance romance and offers Maureen the prospect of an escape to a new life. Things might be looking up for her, but not if her iron-willed mother has anything to do with it.

Loaded with savage irony, surreal humour and a touch of melodrama Martin McDonagh’s The Beauty Queen of Leenane looks at the malevolence of people leading hopeless lives.

The cast is well-known to Sydney audiences, particularly for recent performances in STC Main Stage productions. Judi Farr was nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award for her performance in John Doyle’s The Pig Iron People. Darren Gilshenan is currently on stage in Tot Mom (closing 7 February) and starred in last year’s Elling. Mandy McElhinney has just returned to Australia following STC’s triumphant tour of A Streetcar Named Desire to Washington and New York.

Cristabel Sved has worked as a director, actor, teacher and dramaturg with companies including Sydney Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Red Stitch Actor’s Company and NIDA. She holds a BA (Hons) in Performance from UWS and is a graduate of NIDA’s directing course. Cristabel was a founding member of Darlinghurst Theatre Company, was Griffin Theatre Company’s inaugural Affiliate Director in 2009 and has been a member of the B Sharp Artistic Committee since 2008.



Director Cristabel Sved Set & Costume Designer William Bobbie Stewart
Lighting Designer Verity Hampson Sound Designer Max Lyandvert
Cast: Judi Farr, Eamon Farren, Darren Gilshenan, Mandy McElhinney
Box Office 02 9250 1777

sydneytheatre.com.au
Tickets $31 adults / $25 concessions / $21.70 Under 30
Evening performances are at 7pm on 20, 22, 25, 27 February, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13 March.

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Al Di Meola with World Sinfonia

January 10th 2010 03:56
Al Di Meola with World Sinfonia
Touring Australia & New Zealand
from March 2010

Legendary guitarist, Al Di Meola is bringing his 6-piece Latin Jazz Fusion band World Sinfonia to our shores in March 2010. One of the most prominent virtuosos in the contemporary instrumental jazz field, Al Di Meola’s dazzling technique on both acoustic and electric guitars is unmatched, extending to fluid arpeggios flying at breakneck speed and beautiful, slow vibrato-laden melodies.



The tour commences in Perth and extends through NSW, Queensland, New Zealand, Tasmania, South Australia and ACT. Provocative and enchanting, Al Di Meola’s intriguing union of complex rhythms, lyrical melodies and sophisticated harmonies ensures an unforgettable aural sensation.

Known for his guitar mastery, Al Di Meola has twenty one recordings, three gold albums and has recorded and played with a number of illustrious names including Paul Simon, Phil Collins, Santana, Luciano Pavarotti, Jimmy Page, Stevie Wonder, Frank Zappa, Chick Corea, Steve Winwood, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Jaco Pastorius, Les Paul, Jean Luc Ponty, Steve Vai, Milton Naciemento, Egberto Gismonti, and many more.

Early in his career Al Di Meola was bestowed a Grammy, as part of Chick Corea’s Return To Forever. He has been voted World’s Best Guitarist several times by Guitar Player Magazine and has had sold out concerts across the world including Bulgaria and the United States.

Al Di Meola’s finds inspiration in music cultures across the world including sounds from Argentina, Brazil, Israel and the Mediterranean and in acoustic genres such as flamenco and the tango. The depth of his writing along with the soulfulness of his guitar expression have won this guitar virtuoso legions of fans worldwide, having played over many years to sell out shows across Europe, Canada and his native USA.
Of Di Meola, Guitar historian Robert Lynch said: “In the history of the electric guitar, no one figure has done more to advance the instrument in a purely technical manner than Al Di Meola. His total command of the various styles and scales is simply mind-boggling.”

Al Di Meola
with World Sinfonia
Australian & New Zealand Tour
MARCH & APRIL 2009

Perth Concert Hall
March 5
08 9231 9900

Sydney City Recital Hall Angel PlaceMarch 7
02 8256 2222
Bellingen Memorial Hall
March 9
02 6655 1522

Byron Bay High SchoolMarch 10

Enmore Theatre Sydney
March 12
02 9550 3666

The Basement, Sydney
March 13
02 9251 2797

Christchurch James Hay
BrisbaneMarch 15
136 246
Kuranda Amphitheatre
New ZealandMarch 16
1300 762 545

Auckland The Great Hall
March 18
0800 289 842

James Hay Theatre Christchurch
March 19
03366 8899

Wellington Opera House
March 22
04384 3840

Hobart City HallMarch 24
1300 762 545
Melbourne Hamer Hall
March 25
1300 182 183
Adelaide Her Majesty’s Theatre
March 26
08 8216 8600

Canberra Royal Theatre March 27
02 6243 5711

Newcastle Civic Theatre
March 29
02 4929 1977
Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
March 30
02 8839 3399
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Strange Breaks and Mr. Thing

October 23rd 2009 02:46
The Main Ingredients & Funkdafied Present
SAMPLED
'Strange Breaks & Mr Thing' Mix CD Launch
THIS FRIDAY - 23rd OCTOBER
@ Melt - 12 Kellett St, Kings Cross

Featuring:
DJ Mr. Thing (Ex Scratch Pervert / UK)
Katalyst
Naiki
Peter Glass
JC



** $15 ticket through Moshtix or $20 on the door **

** Happy Hour cocktails between 10pm and 12am **


FREE DOWNLOAD: Mr. Thing 'Portable Anorak' Mix HERE

The Main Ingredients & Funkdafied step back in time and dig deep in the crates for the album launch of ‘Strange Breaks and Mr. Thing’ - a five part ultimate breaks and beats series paying homage to the popular ‘Strange Games’ Series on the BBE label.
Get ready to be educated as class is in session!

Known popularly as Mr. Thing, this supreme DJ first started spinning in 1987. The first Hip Hop record I bought was Streetsounds Crucial Electro and my first import 12" was BDP's POERY but my first actual record was - (cringing) Adam & The Ants "Kings Of The Wild Frontier"

From these humble beginnings Mr. Thing went on to become one the World's finest DJ's as testified by the following accomplishments.

DMC TEAM WORLD CHAMP (SCRATCH PERVERTS) 1999
DMC UK CHAMP 2000
DMC WORLD 3RD PLACE 2000

Mr. Thing doesn't stand still with spinning records. Alongside amassing a fantastic record collection from digging trips across every continent, he practiced his production skills and has gone on to remix and produce records for a credible assortment of UK acts.

BBE and Mr. Thing have known each other for over 10 years and it was just natural that this collaboration had to happen. The result is Strange Breaks and Mr. Thing a five part ultimate breaks and beats series and a homage to the popular Strange Games Series on the label.


I wanted to do an extension of my 'Anorak' series of mixtapes, which were already a homage if you like to Kon & Amir, Muro & the Conmen etc, but put some stuff out there that covered all bases of music & breaks from the ultra rare to some reasonably common stuff people might have passed up before!

Mr. Thing is a world class DJ capable of rocking any party in any town and has performed/toured with DJ Jazzy Jeff, J Live, Marley Marl, Beastie Boys, DJ Premier, DJ Vadim, Run DMC, Slum Village, Mark B & Blade, KRS One and Jehst.
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on the fly presents...

Dim Mak Party ft. Pase Rock (Spank Rock/NYC)
Friday 16 October 1130pm
$16 at moshtix.com
Oxford Art Factory

Moving things forward with a local chapter of Steve Aoki's notorious Dim Mak parties - on the fly presents Pase Rock, as first cab off the rank, Friday 16 October at OAF. As Spank Rock's right-hand man, Brooklyn producer/DJ/rapper Pase Rock needed little introduction. Now as an integral part of Steve Aoki's Dim Mak label, roster and Hollywood party posse, Pase is shakin' and bakin' in the US hipster scene and playing shows non-stop all around the world while still finding time to produce his own brand of slap-happy, potty-mouthed party music.

As a celebrity DJ of choice, Pase Rock has DJ'ed private parties for Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Playboy and Lindsay Lohan. As a producer he is published on over 20 different labels as Five Deez, a member of Spank Rock and Fully Fitted (with (XXXchange and Tyler Pope from !!!) and under the Pase Rock moniker with releases such as his 2003 album Bullsh!t as Usual, the 2007 blow-up 'Lindsay Lohan's Revenge'... Put your paaaanties on, put that pussy away, Pase is on his way! Support from Dangerous Dan, Mik Menace, Cassette and that foppish dilettante tha Fizz.

Dimmak
T P R
On The Fly


--

... also this Sunday:

Mid Life Crisis
Parklife Kick On
Sunday 04 October 9pm
$15 on the door
Kinselas Middle Bar

Parklife Middle Bar post festival conundrum = Mid Life Crisis. Take prime position after Parklife this Sunday perched on the balcony at Middle Bar on Taylor Square - the closest club to the Festival as the crow flies. Drink in hand, you can watch the rabble scamper down Oxford Street on a mission, then ride the night away at the on the fly Mid Life Crisis 'kick on' or collect your thoughts, your friends and some respite before slogging on to the next joint. Joining you from the festival are the Lost Valentinos DJs (SVU), Kato, Brisbane's BMX, tha Fizz, Cassette, Deckheads... and more.

Really Long Link
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STC 2010

September 26th 2009 01:17
SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY'S MAIN STAGE SEASON 2010

Optimism by Tom Wright, after Voltaire
Director: Michael Kantor
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. Previews from 8 January. Season 12 January - 14



Spring Awakening. Book and Lyrics by Steven Slater. Music by Duncan Sheik
Based on the Original Play by Frank Wedekind. Director: Geordie Brookman
Sydney Theatre. Previews from 4 February. Season 9 February 28 February

Stockholm by Bryony Lavery
Directors and Choreographers: Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett
Wharf 1. Previews from 12 March. Season 17 March 11 April

Honour by Joanna Murray-Smith
Director: Lee Lewis
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. Previews from 17 April. Season 22 April 23 May

Oresteia by Aeschylus in a new adaptation by Tom Wright
Director: Tom Wright
Wharf 1. Previews from 1 June. Season 5 June 27 June

Long Day's Journey Into Night by Eugene O'Neill
Director: Andrew Upton
Sydney Theatre. Previews from 29 June. Season 3 July 1 August

August: Osage County by Tracy Letts
Director: Anna D. Shapiro
Sydney Theatre. Previews from 13 August. Season 17 August 12 September

The Trial adapted by Louise Fox, from the novel by Franz Kafka
Director: Matthew Lutton
Wharf 1. Previews from 9 September. Season 14 September 16 October

Our Town by Thornton Wilder
Director: Iain Sinclair
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. Previews from 14 Sept. Season 18 September 17 October

True West by Sam Shepard
Director: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Wharf 1. Previews from 27 October. Season 2 November 5 December

The Grenade by Tony McNamara
Director: Peter Evans
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. Previews from 4 Nov. Season 9 November 12 December

Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov, in a new adaptation by Andrew Upton
Sydney Theatre. Previews from 9 November. Season 13 November 11 December

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Grouper | Sydney on March 6

March 4th 2009 11:54
Grouper

In what should turn out to be one of the best live music nights of 2009, Preservation will present a show from US artist Grouper in Sydney on March 6.

The project for Portland, Oregon's Liz Harris, Grouper has steadily built incredible international acclaim for her mesmerising music, culminating in reaching both Pitchfork and The Wire's Top 50 albums for 2008 with her most recent full-length, Dragging A Dead Deer Up A Hill.

Often compared to classic 4AD dream-pop acts - especially the Cocteau Twins - the trance-like melodies and narcotic voice in a Grouper song swirl both prettily and mysteriously in their pastoral, psychedelic way. Otherworldly and blissful, this one-off, intimate show will be special.

Making that more so will be a rare performance from Sydney's sublime electronic composer Pimmon, set to release his new, long-awaited album Smudge Another Yesterday in April, with Seaworthy also adding their own delicate beauty to the evening.


Grouper


The night takes place Friday March 6
at Serial Space,
33 Wellington Street,
Chippendale


from 8pm.

Entry is 12 dollars.

Grouper, Pimmon & Seaworthy - Friday March 6 at Serial Space, 33
Wellington Street, Chippendale. 8pm. Be early.

Hear Grouper



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WOW | Big Day Out | Sydney

January 16th 2009 00:11
Check out WOW as a 4 piece at the Big Day Out in Sydney Friday 23rd Jan.

See WOW on the Hot Produce stage at 1:20pm. It's only their third show as a live 4 piece. There will be lots of surprises.



Drum Media

WOW member Bree (top right) is on the front cover of Drum Media this week, posing with other BDO Hot Produce stage band members, Kiss from The Scare and Sarah from theredsunband. Read the full interview online or in this weeks issue.

Mailer Daemon Tennis

Mailer Daemon recently remixed WOW song No Aspirations. Download it here (Z Share)

They recently recorded Tennis covering Future Ghost. Download it here (Z Share)

There are other remixes by Bumblebeez, Pink Frost and Drugmoney available to download on our myspace now.


WOW also have these shows coming up:


Sunday 8th Feb - Playground Weekender, Wiseman's Ferry
WOW Web Site


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Mardi Gras @ Riverside Theatres

January 14th 2009 01:28
MATURE CONTENT
   


Chinese Chamber Music Festival

January 13th 2009 01:50
Inaugural Chinese Gardens Chamber Music Festival

5 to 8 February, Sydney


www.johnhuiemusic.com


Lulu Liu


5 to 8 February the idyllic setting of the Chinese Gardens in Darling Harbour will be the venue for the jewel in the crown of this year's Chinese New Year celebrations. The inaugural Chinese Gardens Chamber Music Festival will unveil connections and unexpected cross-overs between Chinese and European music, old and contemporary. Artistic Director John Z Huie, who has returned to Australia after living and working in China for 18 years, will present the first Chinese Gardens Chamber Music Festival ever held in Australia.

John Z Huie


As an Australian composer who has lived and worked in China for the last 18 years, it gives me enormous pleasure to finally bring the music of China to Sydney in what will be a memorable and beautiful cross cultural experience says Huie.



John Z Huie - Composer and Festival Artistic Director

Born in Sydney, a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium High School, Huie won an Arts Council composer's scholarship along with Carl Vine in 1974 after writing his first major work, The Eclectic Mass. Huie was then commissioned by such bodies as The Sydney Choral Society, The Australian Film Commission, The Australia Council and the ABC.

Moving to China in 1991, Huie scored the music for a string of films and documentaries as well as lecturing on music for film at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Hong Kong Arts Centre. Commissioned by the HKSAR (Hong Kong Government), John composed and produced The Honorable Retreat, a musical tribute to the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997.

After moving to Shanghai in 2002, he spent three years researching and reproducing the authentic songs and musical style of Shanghai in the 1930s. The albums Shanghai Jazz 1 and Shanghai Jazz 2, were released by EMI. Huie then continued to write for small ensembles using a combination of traditional European and Chinese instruments, which resulted in the release of New Shanghai, also with EMI.

During this time he wrote a number of film scores including The White Countess by legendary New York based film duo Merchant Ivory.

Huie's most recent work Rabbit on a Shovel will premiere at the Chinese Gardens Chamber Music Festival.







Extraordinary Musicians


With more than 28 extraordinary musicians from China and Australia performing classics from Debussy to Dvorak, this is a unique opportunity to hear a wide ranging repertoire blending Chinese, Australian and European music, new and old.

Festival highlights include a rare opportunity to hear traditional Suzhou (Chinese) Opera, pingtan, a gentle chamber opera which features the superb pentatonic harmonies of the ancient instruments of China; guzheng virtuoso Fang Yu, principal of the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra; local Chinese instrumentalists Wang Zheng Ting (sheng) and Changning Chai (dizi); Australian pianists Kristian Chong, Michael Kieran Harvey and Brenda Jones, playing works by Ravel, Debussy and Dvorak; and The Chinese Australian Chamber Ensemble: Lulu Liu (pipa), Ying Liu (erhu), Jin Feng (yang qin) and Tony Wheeler (zhong ruan and guqin).


Ying Liu


Pianist Van-anh Nguyen will perform her modern interpretation of traditional Chinese works and Karak Percussion and Claire Edwardes will premiere John Z. Huie’s Rabbit on a Shovel, conducted by Max Liu, with Sun Yi, Jason Tong, Jeremy Williams, Patrick Murphy and Kees Boersma.



Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir, Governor of New South Wales will officially open the inaugural Festival on Thursday 5th February.



Presented in association with Musica Viva Australia, the Sydney City Council and The Sydney Harbor Foreshore Authority, this is a unique opportunity not to be missed.

TICKET INFORMATION



Dates: Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 February 2009.

Time: Pre-concert talks start at 6:30pm and concerts begin at 7:00pm.

Venue: Darling Harbour, Chinese Gardens (wheelchair access available)

Ticket Information: Single Tickets Reserved*: $85

Single Tickets Unreserved*: $65

Jade Festival Pass Reserved*: $306 (10% saving on single ticket prices)

* All tickets include Chinese meal with Australian wine (vegetarian option available)

Bookings: Musica Viva box office: 1 800 688 482 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)

Website & Program: www.johnhuiemusic.com

General Enquiries: Phone: 02 9518 4451





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