Billy Idol with Cheap Trick | Australia 2015

Billy Idol with Cheap Trick | Australia 2015

Rock icon BILLY IDOL is returning to Australia and New Zealand for his first concert tour of Australia since 2002.

Billy Idol’s tour announcement coincides with a flurry of new Idol projects that have fans around the globe in a heightened state of excitement!

Idol’s long-awaited and riveting self-written autobiography Dancing With Myself was released worldwide on October 7 via Touchstone/Simon and Schuster and his first album of new material since 2005, Kings & Queens of the Underground, is out on October 17 on BFI Records/Kobalt Label Services.

Written by Idol himself, in his inimitable, searingly honest voice, Dancing With Myself offers an all-access pass to Billy Idol’s journey to fame. 

His tale is an extraordinary one, from a transient childhood divided between the United States and England, to Idol’s time as a seminal member of the 1970s London punk scene fronting the band Generation X, to his meteoric rise to stardom, propelled by a distinctive sound combining punk’s energy and ethos with a danceable, driving beat.

Beyond adding his uniquely qualified perspective to the story of the evolution of rock, Idol is a brash, lively chronicler of his own career. Delivered with the same in-your-face attitude and fire his fans have embraced for decades, Dancing With Myself offers eye-opening anecdotes full of drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll that only Billy Idol can tell.

Idol’s new album Kings & Queens Of The Underground was primarily produced by Trevor Horn, with Greg Kurstin also contributing as producer to two songs, including the anthemic lead single, ‘Can’t Break Me Down’.

Special guests are Cheap Trick.

Tour Dates

MARCH 14 (SAT)	PERTH, WA	AN EVENING ON THE GREEN KINGS PARK & BOTANIC GARDENS
MARCH 18 (WED)	WOLLONGONG, NSW	WIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
MARCH 19 (THU)	SYDNEY, NSW	QANTAS CREDIT UNION ARENA
MARCH 21 (SAT)	YARRA VALLEY, VIC	A DAY ON THE GREEN ROCHFORD WINES
MARCH 22 (SUN)	FLEURIEU PENINSULA, SA	A DAY ON THE GREEN LECONFIELD WINES
MARCH 24 (TUE)	MELBOURNE, VIC	MARGARET COURT ARENA
MARCH 28 (SAT)	HUNTER VALLEY, NSW	A DAY ON THE GREEN BIMBADGEN WINERY
MARCH 29 (SUN)	MT COTTON, QLD	A DAY ON THE GREEN SIRROMET WINES

Incubus Australia Tour With Special Guests Antemasque & Le Butcherettes

Iconic rock gods, Incubus are unparalleled in their ability to shift moods and textures at the drop of a dime, proving that they have become a rare thing: a modern rock band that actually grows and improves with each album.

Through their double decade-long rise to the top, Incubus have notched up over 13 million album sales and have amassed an arsenal of sing-a-long hits including Drive, Nice To Know You, Wish You Were Here, Are You In?, Pardon Me, Megalomaniac, A Certain Shade Of Green... come on, you know you're guilty of belting out any one of these tunes on a drunken Karaoke night!.

The musical genius of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala formerly of At The Drive In and The Mars Volta, needs no introduction! During the 90's, as members of At The Drive In, the pair raised the bar on the post hardcore genre with the release of their third (and final) album Relationship of Command to critical acclaim; an album now regarded as one of the most influential rock albums of the 90's.

In 2001 they teamed up again and the Prog-rock experimentation of The Mars Volta was unleashed! The band went on to release 6 studio albums with the single Wax Simulacra earning the band a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Fast forward to 2014 and the creative collaboration appears in its newest incarnation, ANTEMASQUE. With the release of their debut self-titled album mid 2014, ANTEMASQUE again proved themselves as the masters of musical diversity. The band spent the latter half of the year touring the US and Europe, bringing their unmistakable live intensity and a vibe that's virtually unmatchable!

"the performance thrived with punk energy like a bull in a china shop playing 70s prog." - consequenceofsound
"Like true rock stars, ANTEMASQUE left the stage with fans wanting more." - examiner.com

Mexican garage-punk trio Le Butcherettes are like the brilliant offspring of surrealist Luis Bunuel and intrepid rock icon PJ Harvey with the band's songs and wildly cathartic live shows often drawing comparisons to Karen-O, Patti Smith and Bikini Kill.

Renowned for their electrifying and anything goes live performances; they have toured the US with The Flaming Lips, Omar Rodriguez Lopez and Jane's Addiction and performed at countless festivals including Lollapalooza, Coachella, Fun Fun Fun Fest and many more.

"Le Butcherettes are never to be missed and are heretofore not to be ignored. Utterly stunning." - sfweekly

Incubus Events:

28 Feb-01 March Soundwave Brisbane

28 Feb-01 March Soundwave Sydney

27 Feb The Enmore Theatre Sydney

25 Feb  Forum Melbourne Melbourne

21-22 Feb  Soundwave Adelaide 2015 Adelaide

21-22 Feb  Soundwave Melbourne 2015 Melbourne

BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

Direct selling company, Nu Skin, has confirmed that its 2016 incentive trip will be to Sydney.

The announcement was made at a recent Nu Skin Academy event in Macau.

This is one of the largest incentive wins in BESydney’s 44-year history and one of the largest incentive groups Australia has ever hosted.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “It’s a milestone in the making. Sydney shines as a strategically-important destination for Asian corporates looking to reward, motivate and inspire their top sales people. The city is a firm favourite for Asian companies, and this win is testament to this.”

The incentive will see Nu Skin’s qualifying sales people travel to Sydney for a five-day program in April 2016. Delegates will travel from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Nu Skin Greater China Regional President Andrew Fan said, “Sydney has exceeded every expectation. Throughout this journey its stakeholders have united for a cohesive, whole-of-city approach which we have not witnessed before. I am confident that Sydney will deliver an outstanding incentive program. Our sales people will feel motivated and inspired by Sydney as the 2016 host destination and this is sure to drive sales performances.”

The winning bid was the result of collaboration between BESydney, Destination NSW, Tourism Australia, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Sydney Airport Corporation Limited.

In addition to the 2016 Nu Skin event, BESydney has secured $278 million worth of confirmed business for the future.

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BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

Direct selling company, Nu Skin, has confirmed that its 2016 incentive trip will be to Sydney.

The announcement was made at a recent Nu Skin Academy event in Macau.

This is one of the largest incentive wins in BESydney’s 44-year history and one of the largest incentive groups Australia has ever hosted.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “It’s a milestone in the making. Sydney shines as a strategically-important destination for Asian corporates looking to reward, motivate and inspire their top sales people. The city is a firm favourite for Asian companies, and this win is testament to this.”

The incentive will see Nu Skin’s qualifying sales people travel to Sydney for a five-day program in April 2016. Delegates will travel from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Nu Skin Greater China Regional President Andrew Fan said, “Sydney has exceeded every expectation. Throughout this journey its stakeholders have united for a cohesive, whole-of-city approach which we have not witnessed before. I am confident that Sydney will deliver an outstanding incentive program. Our sales people will feel motivated and inspired by Sydney as the 2016 host destination and this is sure to drive sales performances.”

The winning bid was the result of collaboration between BESydney, Destination NSW, Tourism Australia, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Sydney Airport Corporation Limited.

In addition to the 2016 Nu Skin event, BESydney has secured $278 million worth of confirmed business for the future.

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Japan vs United Arab Emirates | AFC Asian Cup - Quarter-Finals Sydney

Japan vs United Arab Emirates | AFC Asian Cup - Quarter-Finals Sydney

Reigning Asian Cup champions, Japan, take on the United Arab Emirates in this crucial Quarter Final clash at Stadium Australia.

Having breezed through the group stage with a straight run of wins, the star-studded Samurai Blue squad are a contender to once again take out the comp.

But the UAE can't be written off just yet, with impressive wins in their group stage, particularly over Qatar. 

Will Samurai Blue progress to the Semi Finals, or will the United Arab Emirates cause a surprise upset? Be here to witness world class football at it's best.

About the AFC Asian Cup Quarter Final 

Sydney will be hosting one of the AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals at Stadium Australia in Olympic Park. Get your tickets early and see two of the greatest teams battle it out to make a semi-final.

The AFC Asian Cup 2015 is one of the most exciting sporting events to come to Australia. It is the largest football tournament in the Asia Pacific region and will be hotly contested by some of the best teams and players in the world.

Featuring Asia's top 16 qualifying teams, this much anticipated competition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for football and sport fans alike.

EVENT SCHEDULE

TIME	ACTIVITY
6:30PM	Gates Open
8:30PM	Japan v United Arab Emirates

Venue Address:

Stadium Australia
Sydney Olympic Park
NSW 2127

Find out more at www.afcasiancup.com

25th Art of Sydney Awards Exhibition

25th Art of Sydney Awards Exhibition

The 25th “Art of Sydney” Awards Exhibition is a unique opportunity to view over 300 original artworks. All artworks are offered for sale.

It is an annual celebration showcasing the wonderful diversity of Sydney’s leading local artists and features artworks from 13 Art Societies around Sydney. In addition the “Art of Sydney” exhibition also raises funds for CareFlight.

CASS (Combined Art Societies of Sydney Inc.) is celebrating its Quarter Century! 25 years is an amazing success story especially as CASS is a non-profit group run totally by volunteer lovers of art.

Time: Daily 9.30am to 7pm on Sat 24 & Sun 25 Jan.
From: 9.30am to 10pm on Australia Day, Mon 26 Jan.
From: 9.30am to 6pm on Tues 27 Jan – when Exhibition closes

More Information on the Combined Art Societies of Sydney website.

City of Sydney Chases Chinese Business and Tourism

Chinese business and tourism relationships remain a focus for the City of Sydney into the new year with the Lord Mayor visiting the country and speaking at a business forum.

 In November finance company executives, leading academics and government officials met for the fourth annual Sydney China Business Forum. Lord Mayor Clover Moore opened the forum of 200 business and political leaders from the two countries by saying Sydney must compete with the Asia-Pacific for Chinese investment.

“Sydney is competing to be the top location for business in the Asia-Pacific and our work to bring together industry and political leaders from Australia and China is a crucial part of that,” Moore said.
“We are the gateway to Australia’s financial, education, creative and tourism sectors and we are delighted to back an event that shows off our city’s credentials. The Free Trade Agreement between our two economies means growing business connections now presents huge possibilities, and the City is determined to help businesses seize them,” a spokesperson for the Mayor’s office said.

 Following visits to Chinese cities Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xi’an and Wuhan the Lord Mayor also hosted Chinese delegations, including the Governor and Deputy-Governor of Hubei Province in Sydney.

 The signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) between the countries, the text of which was concluded in November 2014, is due to take place later this year. This will mean the removal of tariffs on commodities exported to China including energy resources, dairy, iron ore and the delicacy that is Tasmanian rock-lobster.

 An announcement at last year’s G20 summit that Sydney would be the global infrastructure hub has significant repercussions for the city’s financial relationship with China. Chris Johnson, the CEO of Urban Taskforce, said the endorsement could lead to extensive offshore opportunities for developers across Asia, particularly in digital, technological and creative industries.

“As well as the potential for increased markets for developers there is the increased work potential for consultants like project managers, planners, engineers and architects, ” Mr Johnson said.

 The ongoing strength of Australia’s bilateral partnership with China has particularly strong implications for the higher education trade. International students are a significant source of revenue for the Australian economy, with course fees being significantly higher for international students than for domestic students.

 A 2011 report by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship stated that the highest number of applications for a student visa came from China, with 49,852 visas granted in 2010-11.
Professor Kerry Brown, Executive Director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, said that a good quality lifestyle and good economy are amongst the main incentives for Chinese students coming to Sydney.

“With so many Chinese students having graduated from largely business and economic based degrees in recent years, it is not surprising that finance has been able to employ good quality students to work particularly in centres like Sydney and Melbourne,” Prof Brown said.

“Expanding trade links to China [mean] that in the future, [links to Australia] are useful for Chinese students in their careers,” Prof Brown said.

Although study costs are high, it is more financially accessible for Chinese students who can afford to study overseas to do so in Australia than in other global cities.

At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), tuition and course fees are approximately AUD$64,000 per annum for undergraduate courses. Kings College London, offer clinically-based courses such as medicine and dentistry at a cost of approximately AUD$67,000 per annum. 

For international students, the expense of studying courses such as dentistry and engineering at the University of Sydney is approximately AUD$39,700 per annum. A science degree at UNSW costs approximately AUD$37,440 per annum.

 Considering comparative affordability for international students, Sydney is particularly attractive. “With so many Chinese students having graduated from largely business and economic based degrees in recent years, it is not surprising that finance has been able to employ good quality students to work particularly in centres like Sydney and Melbourne,” Prof Brown said.

Rates of Chinese tourism to Australia remain strong and Sydney continues to have strong appeal for travellers, the majority of whom come from Shanghai and Beijing.

 A major research project by Tourism Australia, the findings of which were published in May 2014, found that 57% of Chinese respondents ranked ‘world class beauty and natural environments,’ as two of the most important factors when selecting a travel destination. The availability of good food and wine, safety, and ‘spectacular coastal scenery’ were also considered.

 According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), rates of short-term tourist arrivals from China have grown at a pace faster than that of any other country to Australia, climbing from 2.4% (of the total proportion of visitors to Australia) in 2000 to 7.7% in 2010. Notably, this figure jumped to 24.7% by the end of September 2014.

 Destination NSW has implemented a comprehensive tourism strategy, the China Tourism Strategy and Action Plan (2012-2020), to continue to cater to the large Chinese market. The strategy is aimed at capitalising on the existing market and ensuring ongoing growth for the industry.

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Thriller Live | Sydney Lyric Theatre 2015

THRILLER LIVE, a spectacular theatrical production now in its record breaking 6th year in London’s West end, celebrates the career of the world’s greatest entertainer, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five.

THRILLER LIVE is over two hours of non-stop hits that pays homage to Michael Jackson’s legendary live performances and the magic of his 45 year musical history.

Featuring all of Jackson’s favourite songs including: I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off The Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Bad and Thriller!

Australian star of Michael Jackson 'Thriller' show says it's a dream come true

It's not impersonation, it's celebration. That's the heavily underlined message from performer MiG Ayesa and executive producer Torben Brookman about Thriller Live, a touring stage show featuring the songs and stylings of pop great Michael Jackson.

"We don't want to impersonate Michael Jackson. First of all I'm not black so it's a different thing," said Filipino-born, Sydney-raised Ayesa, who is one of five singers taking on Jackson's legacy.

"I'm not pretending to be Michael Jackson, I'm being MiG singing Michael Jackson songs with four other singers and 16 dancers. Having said that we need to hint at his style, try and emulate his flavour without ever mimicking. It's a really careful balance because of course he has those serious fans who will know if you've hit the wrong angle on a particular dance move."

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)

Show Dates: 26 February - 16 March 2015

Australia Day 2015 | Darling Harbour Sydney

Darling Harbour is home (and host) to the nation’s biggest harbourside party every year on 26 January.

The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority is proud to once again bring Darling Harbour to life for you on Australia Day, as part of our commitment to supporting the NSW visitor economy.

There are so many ways to be Australian; celebrate them all at Darling Harbour with our program of family fun, festivities and fireworks!

We’re all about free entertainment! The kids will love the colourful Circus Playground at Palm Grove, where they can learn to juggle, hula hoop and stilt-walk.

Enjoy live world music as artists from the Culture Beats program return to the stage, showcasing sounds from traditional Cretan music to West African rhythms.

Watch out for musical lifeguards and kangaroos on stilts around the bay, and look out for a Bollywood flash mob, lawn-bowling swing-dancers and contemporary Indigenous performers busting out their best moves at Pier 26.

Witness a heart-warming twilight concert from The Voice’s Darren Percival, enjoy the official NSW Australia Day ceremony, catch international superstar DJ Havana Brown performing live at Darling Quarter, then be wowed by spectacular fireworks and music shows lighting up Cockle Bay and NEW location, Tumbalong Park.

With all this and more on offer and so many bars and restaurants to choose from, Darling Harbour is the only place to celebrate our nation’s day with your family and friends.

Event Accessibility:

An accessible viewing area is available at Palm Grove located at the southern end of Cockle Bay, opposite IMAX.

View accessibility map

Month of Love at Darling Harbour

If you believe in love, share it, swoon it, smooch it and shout it from the rooftops for the Month of Luuuurve.

An affair destined to make your heart go pop; we’re feelin’ the love all the way up to Valentine’s Day and on to Mardi Gras with outdoor movies, romantic picnics, date night deals, fireworks and row boats on the bay.

Eat your heart out with dinner for two deals, loved up cocktails and dreamy desserts. Play around with cheeky photo booths, message of love lanterns, pop-up drag shows, heart-stealing deals and a super-charged competition. Love oh so passionately and take the time to express your love with romantic row boats on the bay, serenades and even personalised fireworks.

Every day during the Month of Love is Valentine’s Day at Darling Harbour and as  Mardi Gras brings the Darling Festival to the Bay, there is every reason to love and be loved in between.  We’ll take you and your favourite people to wherever your heart desires.

When: 7 February to 7 March Daily
Where: Darling Harbour - Sydney





Source: http://www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/month-of-love.aspx

Want accommodation with beautiful views of Darling Harbour? 

Try Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour and get a free upgrade: http://www.sydney-metro-apartments-darling-harbour.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/free-upgrade-hot-deal-accommodation

Sydney Festival | Top Five Music Events 2015

Music fans will be spoilt for choice at this year’s Sydney festival with free concerts in the Domain, international headliners and the very best Australian talent. Here are our top five unmissable performances

Far from Folsom

Legendary Australian rock star Tex Perkins channels the spirit of Johnny Cash, recreating his legendary 1968 Folsom Prison concerts within the historic walls of the 19th century Parramatta gaol. Perkins will be accompanied by his band the Tennessee Four and Rachael Tidd taking on June Carter vocals in the appropriately evocative setting.

Far from Folsom takes place at Parramatta gaol on 16, 17 and 18 January.

Beat the Drum

This is bound to be the coolest 40th birthday party you’ve ever been to. Triple Jlaunched as 2JJ in 1975 and has gone on to make an outstanding contribution to Australia’s music culture. The Hottest 100 has enlivened Australia Day, Triple J Unearthed has provided a platform for our emerging artists, and One Night Stand has taken the music to regional communities across the country. Join the party as Triple Jbrings together the very best local bands to celebrate the milestone.

Party with Triple J at Beat the Drum on 16 January in the Domain.

The Artist live in concert

Director Michel Hazanavicius’ masterpiece The Artist, starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo, is brought to life with the orchestral score performed on stage by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Winner of (only) five Academy Awards including best picture, best director and best original film score, the silent era-style film will be amplified with the live orchestral soundtrack composed by Ludovic Bource and conducted by Ernst van Tiel.

Experience the Artist live in concert on 23 and 24 January in the Concert Hall of Sydney Opera House.

Seu Jorge

Straight from Rio, the much-anticipated Brazilian star Seu Jorge is set to fire up the Domain with his free Summer Sounds concert (as well as the more intimate show atThe Star) on his first Australian tour. Seu Jorge brings the beats of South American reggae, samba and electronic vibes with him, playing covers of our most danceable pop songs (like his Portuguese version of David Bowie in Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic) along with original tunes.

See Seu Jorge for free on 10 January in the Domain.

Latvian Radio Choir

Another first for Sydney, the Grammy award-winning Latvian Radio Choir will perform two special a cappella performances of a diverse range of material including a Bach chorale and pieces by composers Henry Purcell, Arvo Pärt, and Pēteris Vasks. Conducted by Sigvards Kļava, the 24-piece chamber choir are known for pushing the boundaries of the human voice and the broad range of traditional forms of singing.

The Latvian Radio Choir performs at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place, on 23 and 24 January.

For more information on all Sydney festival events, visit www.sydneyfestival.org.au.Sydney festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

The Domain - Sydney Festival 2015

When: Friday 16 January 2015 to Saturday 24 January 2015

It wouldn't be summer in Sydney without The Domain concert series. Bring a hamper, a blanket and your friends and settle in for a free concert under the stars. Presented by Sydney Festival 2015.

Summer Sounds In The Domain (with Seu Jorge)

With sublime musicianship and infectious energy, Brazil's hottest artists take over for the best party of summer.

Beat The Drum (celebrating 40 years of triple j)

In 1975, the radio station 2JJ launched in Sydney. To celebrate this milestone, triple j has invited a bunch of musical friends to play The Domain.

Symphony In The Domain

Contrasted with pieces by Beethoven and poetry and prose readings by Anita Heiss, this is an evening of classical music and the sounds of contemporary

Indigenous Australia.

Opera In The Domain

Hear Australia's brightest stars, under the stars, sing opera's most famous arias with the magnificent backing of a full orchestra.

Website: www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2015/

Source: http://www.sydney.com/events/the-domain-sydney-festival-2015

What to do at Sydney Festival 2015

Our pick from the 179 arts, music and culture events being held as part of Sydney Festival’s mammoth 2015 program.

Festival Village, Hyde Park

From 8 to 26 January, Festival Village returns to Hyde Park and will be open day and night, offering family-friendly activities, cabaret, circus acts and musical performances in addition to dozens of dining options and pop-up bars. The Famous Spiegeltent is joined by new addition The Aurora Spiegeltent, and Dublin-based street artist Maser's giant work Higher Ground is a two-storey art installation that will be his biggest ‘playground’ to date.

Sydney Buddha, Carriageworks

For the third consecutive summer, Carriageworks is presenting a free-to-the-public, large-scale installation by an international artist. Following on from 2013’s Song Dong: Waste Not and Christian Boltanski’s Chance in 2014, this year the public space will house the largest installation ever created for Australia by Chinese artist Zhang Huan. Sydney Buddha will be comprised of two facing buddhas: the first made from aluminium, which acts as a mould to form the second buddha, which is made from ash collected from Buddhist temples in Shanghai and will gradually disintegrate over the course of the exhibition.

Ross McHenry Future Ensemble, Hyde Park North

Composer, producer and bass player Ross McHenry has gotten together with six of the world’s most daring musical innovators to push jazz in new directions. Taking electronic music and hip hop as influences, and future jazz and LA beat as a model, the Future Ensemble builds on the jazz band setup by adding live samples, loops and beats in a largely improvised performance that will take place at 7pm on 9 January.

Bill Culbert exhibition, National Art School Gallery

In his largest solo exhibition in Australia to date, New Zealand artist Bill Culbert presents Strait, a line of milk bottles pierced by a horizontal fluorescent tube and Pacific Flotsam, a swarm of fluorescent lights and plastic containers (pictured), alongside other recent sculptures and photographic works. The exhibition – which exudes Culbert’s signature vision of making the every day radiant and extraordinary – follows the success of his installations at the 55th Venice Biennale of Art.

Symphony in the Domain

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra will be joined by ARIA-award-winning performer, composer and didgeridoo player William Barton to perform Peter Sculthorpe's Beethoven Variations as well as songs from his own composition Birdsong at Dusk. The performance honours the working relationship of Barton and Sculthorpe: the latter taught Barton western notation for classical music and Barton in turn helped Sculthorpe integrate Aboriginal music into his compositions. Both were deeply influenced by their love of Australia, and the performance on 18 January will celebrate their sacred appreciation for its landscape.

Parramatta Opening Party, Centenary Square

On Friday 9 January, Sydney Festival’s opening party will be headlined by Paul Kelly, who presents his new collaborative project The Merri Soul Sessions featuring Dan Sultan, Clairy Browne, Kira Puru and Vika and Linda Bull. The all-ages event will see a Fire Garden by artist Mike Roberts come to life after dusk, food and beverage options, and a rooftop stage proferring its own musical lineup.

Source: http://www.vogue.com.au/vogue+living/arts/galleries/what+to+do+at+sydney+festival+2015,34263?pos=5

Next to Normal | Hayes Theatre Co Sydney

Boasting the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three Tony Awards including best musical score, Doorstep Arts in association with Hayes Theatre Co willpresent Next to Normal at Hayes Theatre Co from Thursday 8 January after a wildly successful season in Geelong earlier this year.

With poignant lyrics and a powerful contemporary rock score, Next to Normal is an insightful and fiercely honest story of love, loss and family life. Reprising her critically claimed role, Natalie O’Donnell (Mamma Mia, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), leads a superb cast as Diana, a troubled woman in danger of being engulfed by her past. Cathartic and ultimately uplifting, Next to Normal challenges us to ask the question, ‘What is normal?’

Joining Natalie in the cast are some of Australia’s finest musical theatre talent includingAnthony Harkin (Avenue Q, Shane Warne The Musical), Alex Rathgeber (An Officer And A Gentleman, Fiddler on the Roof), Brent Trotter (Jersey Boys, Four Seasons In One Night), Kiane O’Farrell (Carrie: The Musical, 42nd Street) and Clay Roberts(CATS, Thoroughly Modern Millie).

Playing its Sydney professional premiere, Next to Normal was rated the Theatre People’s Choice for the number one production over its two-week Geelong season and Director Darylin Ramondo is excited to introduce this critically acclaimed production to a Sydney audience.

“We are thrilled to have Doorstep Arts’ production of Next to Normal is part of the line up Hayes Theatre Co for 2015. Next to Normal is a powerful piece of modern music theatre that manages to touch the heart and soul of those who see it. 

Though it’s subject matter is complex, it is intelligent, witty and full of heart, and is beautifully conveyed by this exceptional cast, led by Natalie. Hayes Theatre Co has built a strong reputation for offering audiences an intimate theatrical experience and this production continues in that tradition. We cannot wait to introduce this extraordinary show to Sydney audiences”, said Director Darylin Ramondo.

Based in Geelong, Doorstep Arts is a leading independent theatre company committed to creating exceptional and innovative theatre. We relish in our enviable reputation for bringing contemporary musical experiences to our audience, for enriching the cultural identity of our community, and for promoting the artistic excellence of our city. 

Starring some of our nation’s most recognised performers, recent productions include the Australian premiere of Three Sides, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Songs for a New World and The Last Five Years.

REVIEWS:

Doorstep Arts do it so well that it could be renamed Next to Perfect
Stage Whispers
THE BEST piece of theatre I have ever seen …… Perfectly performed, perfectly directed and amazingly written
Theatre People 
Next to brilliant… It’s something of a rollercoaster ride, one that leaves you feeling worked-over and exhilarated
Geelong Advertiser

Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave Potts Point
Dates: Thursday 8 January – Sunday 1 February 2015
Times: Tuesday – Saturday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm, Sunday at 5pmDuration: 2hrs 30 minsTickets: Adult $49.90, Concession $44.90**including booking fees

View Source for more information

- See more at: http://sydneycbdhotels.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/next-to-normal-hayes-theatre-co-sydney.html#sthash.vPiPTRi4.dpuf

AFC Asian Cup - Sydney 2015

The 16 best teams in Asia will meet in Sydney and Newcastle in January 2015 to compete for the AFC Asian Cup, the most sought-after trophy in Asian football. Be part of the biggest football tournament to take place in Australia as the region's dynamos battle it out.

Sydney is host to seven games including the Socceroos all-important clash with Oman. These games will be held on 10, 13, 15, 19, 23 & 26 January 2015. Stadium Australia will also host a quarter final, the semi-final on Australia Day and the final on 31 January.

This is your chance to see world-class football right here in Australia. With ticket prices from $5 for kids and $40 for families, it's an affordable option for all football fans and a real highlight of the school holidays over summer.

Tickets are on sale now: http://www.afcasiancup.com/

Chinese New Year Australia

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at City of Sydney's Chinese New Year Festival. This vibrant arts Festival has a program bursting with cultural events, markets, tours, exhibitions and entertainment, most of them free. Join in the celebrations for the Year of the Sheep by including your event in the 2015 Chinese New Year Festival.

The Festival showpiece is the spectacular Twilight Parade which will lights Sydney streets, with the very popular Dragon Boat Races commencing the following Saturday and Sunday.

With over 80 events to choose from, visit the Sydney Chinese New Year web site to plan your Festival.

For more information - Visit Sydneychinesenewyear.com

Also - Chinese New Year Festival Launch

As the warmth of a Sydney summer evening comes alive with a feast of flavours from a vast array of cooking stalls, firecrackers are guaranteed to scare off any lingering misfortunes from the previous year. Soak up the atmosphere and then tuck into a bowl or two of delicious New Year dumplings with family and friends, before you settle in for a night of celebrations.

There will be lion dancing, as well as special launch night performances on the market stage, including a sneak preview of the Twilight Parade, plenty of pop and more traditional music and dance.

For more information - Visit Sydneychinesenewyear.com

Its Year of the Goat!

1907 13 Feb 1907 - 01 Feb 1908 (Fire)
1919 01 Feb 1919 - 19 Feb 1920 (Earth)
1931 17 Feb 1931 - 05 Feb 1932 (Metal)
1943 05 Feb 1943 - 24 Jan 1944 (Water)
1955 24 Jan 1955 - 11 Feb 1956 (Wood)
1967 09 Feb 1967 - 29 Jan 1968 (Fire)
1979 28 Jan 1979 - 15 Feb 1980 (Earth)
1991 15 Feb 1991 - 03 Feb 1992 (Metal)
2003 01 Feb 2003 - 21 Jan 2004 (Water)
2015 19 Feb 2015 - 07 Feb 2016 (Wood)