Baila Brazil 2015 - Sydney Opera House

EXPERIENCE THE HEAT OF BRAZIL THIS SUMMER!

From the creators of the sell-out, smash hit 2010 sensation Balé de Rua, the bigger and brighter Baila Brazil will burst onto the Sydney Opera House stage this summer.

With a pulsating mix of African dance, hip-hop, samba and capoeira, temperatures are set to soar for this dance and live music spectacular.

As colourful as the streets from where they hail, the cast of eighteen dancers and musicians deliver a high-energy celebration of life, love and the Brazilian way.

Combining live music, breathtaking body movements, dance, dynamic percussion and songs from the soul of Afro Brazil, Baila Brazil has a contagious, exhilarating energy and rhythm that will have people dancing in the aisles.



Balé de Rua was a sell-out in Paris, a triumph in Edinburgh and a hit in London, and now will make its highly anticipated return to Sydney.

Travel to the heart of Brazil with a perfect night ‘away’ at the Sydney Opera House.

The Balnaves Foundation Open House Program provides $5 tickets for low income and disadvantaged communities. More information and bookings here.

Where: Sydney Opera House - Concert Hall
When: Performances from 9 Jan 2015 - 18 Jan 2015
Tickets: Opera House online tickets - http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/baila_brazil.aspx?utm_source=SydneyOperaHouse&utm_medium=facebook&utm_content=fb2&utm_campaign=baila

PERFORMANCE DATES

JANUARY

1. Fri 09 Jan 15 7:00pm
2. Sat 10 Jan 15 2:00pm
3. Sat 10 Jan 15 7:00pm
4. Sun 11 Jan 15 7:00pm
5. Mon 12 Jan 15 7:00pm
6. Wed 14 Jan 15 7:00pm
7. Thu 15 Jan 15 7:00pm
8. Fri 16 Jan 15 7:00pm
9. Sat 17 Jan 15 2:00pm
10. Sat 17 Jan 15 7:00pm
11. Sun 18 Jan 15 7:00pm

REVIEWS

Balé de Rua Reviews

“…stunning ... If only I’d had a sixth star at my disposal” The Scotsman, UK

“Bursting with energy and carnival spirit” Time Out

“…festive, colourful, vigorous, moving and authentic.” Figaroscope, France

“...a freewheeling mix of rhythm, high spirits and serious intent…a joy to behold.” The Guardian, UK

Say ‘Konichiwa’ to the Japanese Festival!

Say ‘Konichiwa’ to the Japanese Festival!

We’ve been to Nepal, Malaysia, Brazil and Myanmar, we’ve even celebrated Christmas in Poland, and now our Culture Beats festival program is heading to the Land of the Rising Sun, with the Japanese Festival (or ‘Matsuri’) on 13 December!

Celebrating an ancient culture and a modern society, the Japanese Festival will bring the nation’s best food, drink and entertainment right to the heart of Sydney in Tumbalong Park.
Eat, Drink

Indulge in delicious, fresh Japanese delicacies with food stalls from some of Sydney’s finest. Colotakoinvite you to enjoy their trademark takoyaki (fried octopus served with tempura, pickled ginger and green onions), ebiyaki (prawn), or kaniyaki (crab, with the claw attached!). Momiji is serving up the noodle dish yakisoba straight off the teppan, and skewered fishcakes. 

Sushi Samurai will have crispy karaage (fried chicken), gyoza and okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) plus icy cold kakigori (shaved ice with syrup and condensed milk), perfect for a sunny summer Saturday! At Big Crunch Sushi you’ll have the choice of sushi rolls, uramaki and ‘sushi munch’ boxes in a variety of flavour options like teriyaki chicken, tuna, spicy tuna, salmon or vegetarian. Bao Dao Taiwainese Kitchen are dishing up Asian-style pancakes, and Kiyamachi Tei have okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and karaage.

At Thanks Foods you’ll find okonomiyaki, yakisoba, Japanese curry rice and karaage, while Thanks Martwill be selling Ramune (Japanese lemonade), Japanese ice popsicles, rice crackers, sticky rice with soy flour and brown sugar syrup, and rice balls. Sydney Okinawan Club is offering up Okinawa soba (an authentic noodle dish specific to the Okinawa prefecture), udon, Okinawa curry, rice ball, and ramune. As a special treat, every customer at their stall will go home with a small but very precious gift – Okinawa star sand. 

Tall Grass Cane Juice return to Tumablong Park to sweeten and refresh, and Maryu will be serving up Ebisen (a crunchy, shrimp-flavoured snack food) and onions rings, as well as selling drinks like ocha (green tea) and ramune, plus souvenirs like slippers, handheld fans (tradition manual fans and modern electric fans) and beauty products like hand cream and face cream!
Be Merry

Onstage, we’ve got some incredible performances in store, from traditional music and dance to modern performance; from sushi-making demonstrations to karaoke and sumo wrestling! The Anime Sydneyband, a collective of university anime clubs from across Sydney, will be doing covers of well known anime songs for local fans. 

Yo-yo wizard Wayne X will show why he is the best in the business, Shiho Sparkle Hooper will show off her special hula-hoop dance routines, and Master Sushi Chef Hideo Dekura will show how it’s done in a demonstration presented by Kikkoman. Singer Makoto Tanaka will perform a blend of Japanese folk songs and western classics, calligraphy artist Renclub will give a unique performance, and local cosplayers will give an insight into the subculture with a cosplay show. 

The Australian Sumo Federation will delight with displays from a sport that is both athletic and performative, dance group Team ACE will amaze, and the Live DAM Karaoke system from Japan is back for another year to thrill the audience and pit competitors (will you be one?) against each other.

And that’s just the start of it! All this and so much more will be on offer this weekend at the Japanese Festival. Don’t miss out!

EVENT DETAILS:
Japanese Festival
Tumbalong Park
10am – 7:30pm, 13 December
Full program and getting here

Spectacular Sydney Christmas Lights and Decorations 2014

by Ivana Katz

When: 3 November - 25 December
Website: www.sydneychristmas.com.au
Where: Sydney CBD
Cost: Mostly free

Don't Miss Out on The Fabulous Free Fun!

For the past few years my friends and I have packed up the kids and ventured into Sydney CBD to see the Christmas lights and decorations. And even though the venues we visit have remained the same, there is always something new and exciting to explore.

Seeing Christmas lights through children's eyes is magical – that is if you can drag them away from all the toy and game displays. This year Christmas is going to be no different. Here are some of our favourite spots to visit:


1. Queen Victoria Building

Christmas at the QVB is always spectacular. Not only do you get to see the beautiful sparkly tree which rises through several floors, but all the stores are cheerfully decorated and the atmosphere is warm and cosy. If you are lucky, you may even get to see street performers or appearances by fabulous guests, such as Jessica Mauboy who appeared a couple of years ago.

If you have young children, head to the Swarovski Crystal Garden for Christmas and have photos taken with Santa. With over 12,000 crystal ornaments, forestry and traditional Santa settings, this will be one photo session your kids won't quickly forget. As this is a very popular destination, it is recommended you get there early, particularly on the weekends.

Dates: 8 November – 24 December
Address: Queen Victoria Building, George Street, Sydney

2. Martin Place Christmas Tree

Each year the tree decorations are amazing and this year promises to add an extra dimension. Share the Christmas spirit by sending text messages to 0427 840 851 or #sydxmastree and your special wish will be displayed on the branches of the tree.

Dates: Thursday 27 November – Thursday 25 December 2014

Address: Martin Place, Sydney

To kick off the festivities, on Thursday 27 November from 6pm – 8.30pm you can also enjoy a family friendly Christmas Concert which features characters from Sesame Street, Lah Lah's Big Live Band and naturally the guy in the red suit is making an appearance.

3. David Jones Window Display

Always a remarkable treat, the David Jones Window Display offers new surprises each Christmas season. This year you can see the much loved displays from Tuesday 3 November – 25 December.

Have Santa photos taken in the new enchanted Magic Cave world. Transport yourself into one of many Christmas scenes using green screen and even have your Santa Photo experience on DVD. Bookings can be made online or instore.

If you have a feathered, fluffy or furry friend, bring them along for a happy Santa photo too.

David Jones Santa has joined the mobile trend and has created his own Santa app. Download the David Jones Magic Santa app and put yourself into the scene with an interactive Christmas experience with Santa and his Reindeer.

From 11 December to 24 December the David Jones Staff Choir perform each day for 30 minutes from 9am. Their special Christmas Eve performance begins at 8am.

Date: 3 November – 25 December 2014
Address: Elizabeth Street, Sydney


4. Hyde Park

Sydney's iconic Hyde Park is a wonderful place to walk through at night with its many fairy lights and Christmas tree decorations.

On Thursday 27 November from 6pm – 8.30pm enjoy a free family friendly Christmas concert. Your kids will love entertainment by Tom & Jerry, Hi-5 as well as craft activities, sausage sizzle, yummy ice cream and carols by Emma Pask and St Andrews Cathedral Choir.

Date: 27 November 2014 for Christmas concert, but decorations can be seen throughout the Christmas season

Address: Hyde Park, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

5. Town Hall

Watch the historic Town Hall come alive with unbelievable light projections every night from 8.30pm to 1am.

On Tuesday 16 December 2014 Town Hall puts on a Christmas concert from 8pm to 9.30pm. Cost is $15 for adults and $12 for children. Tickets sell out quickly, so make sure you book now at the City Recital Hall.


6. Strand Arcade and Pitt Street Mall

Stroll through Strand Arcade and admire lovely Christmas decorations. Take a break in one of Strand Arcade or Pitt Street Mall cafes and enjoy delicious Christmas treats or take in the many free shows put on by local street performers.

Address: The Strand Arcade between Pitt Street & George Street, Sydney


Source: http://www.weekendnotes.com/spectacular-sydney-christmas-lights-and-decorations/

World’s biggest short film festival, Tropfest, kicks off at Centennial Park

Laura Hughes and Shari Sebbens in You Wanna Order Pizza. Picture: Supplied

IT is that time of year again, Tropfest is here to showcase the best of the best.

The world’s largest short film festival will be based out of Sydney’s Centennial Park from 11am today with satellite events held in capital cities across the country.

The brainchild of actor and director John Polson, Tropfest is in its 23rd year and will see 16 finalists compete for the winning title.

Actors Shari Sebbens and Laura Hughes appear in one of the early favourites called You Wanna Order Pizza.

“We wanted to cement our amazing chemistry on screen,” Sebbens said of the film about “two girls trying to order pizza”.

Tropfest founder John Polson set for another big event

For more details visit: www.tropfest.com/au

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/worlds-biggest-short-film-festival-tropfest-kicks-off-at-centennial-park-today/story-fni0cvc9-1227147446325