Taikoz Future Directions at City Recital Hall

TAIKOZ

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

14 June, 8pm

Australia’s internationally renowned TaikOz is being joined by one of New York City’s most exciting musicians as guest artistic director and soloist.

Traditional Japanese and jazz flute virtuoso, Kaoru Watanabe, will draw on the classical and jazz backgrounds of the TaikOz members to create new lyrical and improvisational possibilities for taiko drumming.

Kaoru Watanabe graduated from the Manhattan School of Music in jazz flute and saxophone. His music can be best described as an ever-shifting blend of the folk and classical traditions of Japan with contemporary improvisational and experimental music.

This stunning program will consist of mostly new works, created between TaikOz and Kaoru Watanabe during intensive collaborative sessions here in Sydney. For more information about Taikoz and their upcoming performances, check out their website here.

2014 Deni Ute Muster Artist Announcement!

The organisers of the 2014 Deni Ute Muster are thrilled to be able to lift the lid on this year’s amazing line of musicians set to take the stage over the October long weekend.

 

Now in its 16th year, the Deni Ute Muster celebrates all things Australian and is the largest event of its kind in the world.  Year on year the “Muster” continues to grow bigger and better and 2014 is on track to once again break all its records.

 

In its first year (1999), the Festival had approximately 5,000 patrons and set a new Guinness World Record for the most number of legally paraded utes at 2,839 – a record which still stands today.  Since 1999 the Deni Ute Muster has become the region’s biggest tourist drawcard and a “bucket list” celebration of all things Australian.

 

Without further ado, the artist line up for the 2014 Deni Ute Muster is … drumroll please:

 

Friday, 3 October, 2014

 

Morgan Evans, one of Australia’s hottest singer/songwriters, will be opening the main stage line up on Friday, 3 October.   A four-time CMC Music Award winner who’s toured with everyone from Taylor Swift to Alan Jackson, Morgan’s #1 selling debut album was recorded in Nashville and launched this year to great acclaim. His high-energy, dynamite performances are acclaimed by fans and media both here and in the US where he’s presently on tour before heading back home to perform tracks from his recently released, self-titled debut album at the 2014 Deni Ute Muster.

 

Blackjack Billy (USA) are the definition of fun – a group whose on-stage alchemy is impossible to describe in words but makes audiences holler and dance in delight. Their breakthrough signature hit Booze Cruise – an indelibly catchy ode to summer living – raced up the charts when it was released last year. Blackjack Billy made their Australian debut this year whipping the crowd into a frenzy at CMC Rocks the Hunter and sending their Get Some’ EP to number one the following week.  Be ready to rock when Blackjack Billy take the stage at this year’s Deni Ute Muster. 

 

James Reyne, Joe Camilleri, Daryl Braithwaite and Ross Wilson need no introduction to Australian audiences – between them they supplied the soundtrack to a generation and Deni Ute Muster is thrilled to welcome their The Time of My Life Band show to the line-up for Friday, 3 October.  Still individually selling out shows around the country, don’t miss the chance to experience the time of your life in one unforgettable night featuring all the iconic Australian hits from these four legends.  With countless chart hits between them, including The Horses, One Summer, Taxi Mary, Chained To The Wheel, The Boys Light Up, Hammerhead, Come Said The Boy and Bed Of Nails, the foursome will each take the stage to perform a selection of their most memorable singles, before joining forces to play together for the unforgettable finale.

 

There’ll be no time for sitting down when country superstar, Gary Allan (USA), takes stage to close the Muster’s first day in true country-rock style.  Gary Allan is a certified country music superstar and has been mixing honky-tonk bravado and grainy isolation across nine acclaimed studio albums; all the while mining the emotional turf that fuels a life well lived: the joys of parenting, the heartache of personal loss, the testosterone of disagreement and the unpredictability of love.

 

Gary Allan has had a string of #1 singles on US country radio including Man To Man, Tough Little Boys, Nothing On But The Radio, Watching Airplanes and Every Storm Runs out of Rain as well as his trademarks hits – the lonely Best I Ever Had and the swaggering Right Where I Need To Be.   Along the way he has amassed seven gold albums – three of them certified Platinum – and maintained the admiration of critics for his unwavering uniqueness.

 

Saturday, 4 October, 2014

 

After developing into one of the biggest Australian acts on commercial radio in 2013 (Top 10 on national radio), Brisbane indie-outfit Sheppard returned with a bang in 2014 with their No. 1 hit single Geronimo – the first track from their highly anticipated debut album.  It was Sheppard’s breakthrough hit Let Me Down Easy that first ignited radio airwaves around the world last year, hitting the Top 20 ARIA and airplay charts in Australia and the Top 10 in Thailand. The single, which is on its way to 130,000 sales, cracked the Top 100 on the CMJ college radio charts in the US last year and received further chart success in New Zealand, Holland and Thailand.  Sheppard are already lining up a handful of appearances in 2014, including showcase slots at Musexpo and the Worldwide Radio Summit in the USA, The Great Escape in the UK and opening slots for Keith Urban on his upcoming Australian tour in June before opening the stage on Saturday, 4 October at the Deni Ute Muster.

 

Spiderbait are considered Australian rock royalty with over half a million albums sold, 5 Top 20 albums, 19 ARIA Nominations and 2 ARIA Awards! They were the first band to make it to the #1 spot on triple j Hottest 100 for their pulsating guitar anthem Buy Me A Pony and their cover of Black Betty scored them a No. 1 single on the ARIA Singles chart and a Top 20 single in the US.  After an 8 year recording hiatus, Spiderbait returned in 2013 with a new self-titled album produced by François Tetaz. The album remains true to their rock heritage mixed with sweet sounds, double kick and gritty ball busting riffs.

 

The Mavericks (USA) are a country-steeped garage band that fuses elements of Tex-Mex and rock n roll to create the ultimate party every time they step on stage. They racked up hit after hit during the 1990s, crossing over to the mainstream with songs like All You Ever Do is Bring Me Down and Dance the Night Away.  After pursuing solo projects for most of the past decade, the group reformed in 2012 and unleashed their new album, In Time, like nothing had changed. They made their first ever trip to Australia last August and its Deni Ute Muster’s turn to be wowed and captivated by these irresistible legends.

 

Jimmy Barnes has been there and back. And, he says, “I’m glad to be back”.  He’s tasted glory as Australia’s favourite rock singer for more than three decades and Deni Ute Muster is proud to have him close the festival on Saturday, 4 October.

 

In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Jimmy Barnes was the wildest, loudest and most popular rock ‘n roll star in the country. In the 1990’s he reached mega-stardom with back-to-back No. 1 albums in both soul and rock genres. But it was the 2nd gig he played when he was 16, as lead singer on the back of a truck one hot Saturday at Gawler Raceway in Adelaide, South Australia, that started it all – that band would become Cold Chisel.

 

Jimmy Barnes holds the record for most No. 1 records by an Australian artist and is currently working on a new album of his old songs with special guests to mark the 30th anniversary of his first solo record.

 

Deni Ute Muster General Manager, Kate Pitt, said, “It’s just an amazing line-up of Aussie and international acts on both Friday and Saturday nights.  Each year we’re able to raise the bar and this year, with such a depth of talent, we’ve been able to do it again.  I’m confident we can break last year’s crowd record, as well as setting new world records for the largest parade of utes and largest gathering in blue singlets.

 

“And the concerts are only part of the entertainment at our festival which continues to draw a more diversified crowd and becomes established as a ‘bucket list’ event for anyone with an interest in Aussie rural culture,” Ms Pitt added.

 

There will also be non-stop activity around the festival site with most of last year’s favourites returning, including the Bull Ride Spectacular, The Australian National Circle Work Championships, Ute Museum, Holden Grunt Off, Holden Barrel Race and Show ‘n’ Shine, plus a host of trade sites and food stalls.

 

Big kids and little kids also love Carnivale Corner, our helicopter rides, the mechanical bucking bull, woodchop demonstrations and Whip Cracking Championships.

 

Additional competitions will also be held for tradie’s utes, to encourage more of another iconic Aussie breed.

 

The 2014 Deni Ute Muster is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

 

Tickets are on sale now and available at www.deniutemuster.com.au

Dare to be part of the Sunflower Dash

On Sunday 29 June, the Leukaemia Foundation is daring local residents of all ages and fitness levels to ‘dash’ through Newcastle Foreshore Park, wearing a sunflower and a smile for the Sunflower Dash.

Anyone can join the Sunflower Dash by running, walking, or dashing the 1km or 500m route. Those taking part will help provide emotional support to people with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders.

“Today, 31 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with blood cancer. Finding the sunny side to life can be hard when blood cancer shadows your day” said Christine McMillan, General Manager of NSW and ACT.

“We chose the symbolic sunflower because even on a cloudy day, it turns towards the sun. It is a beautiful image that makes us think of all the families who have turned to the Leukaemia Foundation to get through the tough times” said McMillian.

The Sunflower Dash will help the Foundation provide emotional wellbeing to those living with blood cancer and their carers. This is facilitated through education and support programs and counselling.

The Leukaemia Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the care and cure of patients and families living with blood cancers and related blood disorders. It receives no ongoing government funding and relies on community support.

The family friendly event will also have food and entertainment for everyone, with a special appearance by The Little Scallywagz and Iron Man. The event is also supported by local businesses, such as Tree Top Adventure Park and Mullers Amusements.

To register and bring sunshine this winter please visit www.sunflower.org.au or call 1800 500 088.

World’s Greatest Story of Adventure and Innovation Last Paradise Hosted by Local Legend, Peter McCabe

Thursday June 5 at 6.45pm – Event Tower Cinemas, Newcastle

Filmmaker Clive Neeson Available for Interview

Last Paradise reaches Newcastle on Thursday June 5 at the Event Tower Cinemas, Newcastle with local special guest, surf pioneer, Peter McCabe. It is a rare occurrence that Peter McCabe makes a public appearance. But this is an adventure film with global significance. It has received major awards from around the world with Australian film legends, Dick Hoole and Alby Falzon along with the scientific community singing its praises.

Last Paradise is the story of adrenaline and innovation – how a bunch of surfers pushed the limits to pioneer the modern concept of extreme sports and adventure travel. For physicist-film maker, Clive Neeson it has literally been a lifetime in the making and the journey has revealed major issues about our planet.

The late legend, Allan Byrne tells the story with pioneers Peter McCabe, George Greenough, Gerry Lopez, Miki Dora, AJ Hackett and Brian Conley. The 45 years of golden unseen footage was restored by Peter Jackson’s team who discovered it as the result of an accident during making of “The Lord of the Rings” and declared it as “the best footage we have seen”. Music legends including Cat Stevens came on board to provide a classic soundtrack.

For Tim Ryan Peter McCabe – WNewcastle’s Peter McCabe early 1970s, Last Paradise

The film begins and ends stalking monster waves in the Aussie outback where after decades of global exploration, the true meaning of paradise unfolds. Peter McCabe features in incredible unseen surfing footage with friend, Gerry Lopez as they discovered the paradise of Bali before tourism.

The evening will conclude with a Q&A session with physicist-come-filmmaker, Clive Neeson. Last Paradise is a big screen sensation and promises to be a great night out. All tickets purchased go in the draw to win a seven day Samoan Holiday package incl. flights.

In the remote wilderness, when necessity was the mother of invention, a maverick bunch of kids began experimenting with something that would change the world of adventure travel.

Passionately driven to innovate new ways of tapping into nature’s forces for adrenalin, Clive joined likeminded thrill seekers through the 1960’s and 1970’s in a global quest for adventure paradise. The culmination of their 45 year global search turns out to be our own Australia, the “Last Paradise”.

Through this unique original footage, a series of stories emerge with a relevance that connects to audiences, young and old. In and amongst the adrenaline and adventure, Last Paradise weaves issues of energy development, deforestation, species loss and urbanization as particular audience takeaways. But it’s all hidden under the bonnet of an exhilarating cinema experience.

“It is my life’s work. We captured on film the pioneering of extreme sports, that is, those which engage the wilderness and push the limits with the forces of nature. It began with my mother, who was raised in an orphanage and escaped it all to become a wildlife cinematographer in Africa during the 1950’s. My parents raised four boys remotely and we all became addicted to that daily brush with danger. I began filming at the age of 15 with a broken camera that I bought in a pawn shop because as a kid I was driven by the dream of what this film would be,” Clive said.

With a Master’s Degree in physics and a career in technology innovation, including the first digital movie camera and climate monitoring system, Clive skillfully incorporates scientific and educational elements into an eye-opening fun filled cinema experience for any age. He hopes “Last Paradise” will become an inspiration for the youth of today as well as a tool for education and social change.

“I wanted to use the world’s biggest adventure story to address the world’s biggest issues – in this sense the film is an open letter to a generation inheriting a world vastly different to the one I and my friends grew up in. We cannot see where we are going unless we see where we’ve been and only original footage can give us that experience” Clive said.

The winner of a string of international awards including Most Popular Film at the New Zealand Film Festival, Best of BANFF in Canada and The Ambassador of Green Award at XDance USA, Last Paradise will be screened nationally in through May and June.

 

The countdown is on to the Deni Ute Muster's big artist announcement!

The wait is almost over for Deni Ute Muster fans eagerly anticipating the 2014 music line-up announcement.

 Deniliquin Play on the Plains Festival Ltd. General Manager, Kate Pitt, yesterday confirmed she was in the final stage of negotiations … and made one big promise:

“We’ll be announcing some of the best musical talent from Australia and the United States.

“I can’t say any more at this point, but it’s a very exciting time for everyone at the Deni Ute Muster.”

 Ms Pitt also reminded the thousands of Ute Muster regulars from throughout Australia that the time for purchasing discounted early bird tickets was drawing to a close.

These are still available for only $179 for a full weekend’s entertainment and patrons can also use the ‘Time to Pay’ option.

“Our loyalty tickets have been in strong demand and that’s sure to continue for the next week or so. But don’t leave it too long, because soon after we announce the artists we will set the full ticket price and update the pricing on our website,” Ms Pitt said.

She added there was already a huge entertainment program which had been organised to complement an incredible music line-up.

A feature will be the amazing JCB Dancing Diggers – whose stunning acrobatics have become a YouTube hit – coming direct from the UK for a massive Australian appearance. Alongside this you can expect to see the powerful JCB V8 GT which can do anything from shooting out flames to wheel stands and is sure to be a crowd favourite.

There will also be non-stop activity around the festival site.

Most of last year’s favourites will return, including the Bull Ride Spectacular, The Australian National Circle Work Championships, Ute Museum, Holden Grunt Off, Holden Barrel Race and Show ‘n’ Shine, plus a host of trade sites and food stalls.

Big kids and little kids also love Carnivale Corner, our helicopter rides, the mechanical bucking bull, woodchop demonstrations and Whip Cracking Championships.

Additional competitions will also be held for tradie’s utes, to encourage more of another iconic Aussie breed.

Diversifying the program and festival audience, yet never forgetting it is centred around the ute culture, has helped the Deni Ute Muster evolve into an event like no other.

The 2014 Deni Ute Muster will be held on Friday, 3 October and Saturday, 4 October at the Muster Site, Conargo Rd, Deniliquin NSW.

The 2014 Deni Ute Muster is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Tickets are on sale now and available at www.deniutemuster.com.au

 

Deni Ute Muster

Conargo Road, Deniliquin, NSW

Friday, 3 October, 2014

– and –

Saturday, 4 October, 2014

www.deniutemuster.com.au

Facebook.com/deniutemuster

Twitter: #deniutemuster

Instagram: #deniutemuster

Diynamic finally reveals new Ibiza residency!

Diynamic announces its Ibiza residency 2014. The new event series goes under the name “Diynamic Outdoor” and will take place at “Cova Santa”, a so far largely unknown stunning venue tucked away in the picturesque landscape in the centre of the island. Every Tuesday from July 22nd to September 9th Diynamic presents a daytime event in the true spirit of Ibiza. Sunshine, good vibes and above all, quality electronic music presented by the very best Diynamic has to offer.

When setting up the plans for Ibiza 2014, Diynamic, the Hamburg based music and event label, felt like it was time for something new. It was the right moment to get further and make the next step. The Diynamic crew loves Ibiza and that is why they wanted to bring some innovation and diversity to the island, but keeping the original spirit of the so-called magic island: This is what “Diynamic Outdoor” is all about!

And fortune kept on smiling: An amazing location fell into Dynamic’s hands just at the right time. Cova Santa, a delightful spot a few miles from the little village San Jose, where olive trees grow and nature is at its purest. If you do understand a few words of Spanish, you might have guessed that “Cova” is the Spanish word for cave – and that is for a reason: “Cova Santa” is a venue adjacent to a real cave, which pirates used in the 15th century. It has a rich history of holy men and cultures seeking refuge within its safe walls. It was one of the islands main tourist attractions in the 1950’s. Nowadays its impressive interior houses one of the best wine cellars in the Balearic Islands. Cova Santa is a stunning venue with its beautiful outdoor terrace, an own indoor club and natural atmosphere.

Until just recently it has not really been used for parties. There were a few secret events before though, some hush-hush after parties, only DJs and their closes followers. 2014 is the official debut for “Cova Santa” as a club venue and Diynamic is glad to be part of it.

“Diynamic Outdoor” is about the pure experience of electronic music. A place for people to enjoy themselves out in the open. Actually, Diynamic Outdoor is what Ibiza was always about. The parties will take place on eight Tuesdays starting from July 22nd through September 9th. They will start in the afternoon, continue until midnight and then – for those who cannot get enough – move into the intimate indoor club of Cova Santa.

The line-up features simply the best of Diynamic: Solomun, H.O.S.H., Adriatique, Kollektiv Turmstrasse, David August, Stimming and more DJs and live acts from the Diynamic roster.

Everyone at Diynamic is super excited. Enjoying the view of the hills of Ibiza, watching the sunset and dancing in the moonlight together with our friends and the Diynamic family. Party with taste and respect to the environment that surrounds it. Summer may come!

DIYNAMIC OUTDOOR
with Solomun, H.O.S.H., Adriatique, Kollektiv Turmstrasse, David August, Stimming and more Diynamic DJs and live acts.

Every Tuesday from July 22nd until September 9th
Cova Santa
Ctra. San José, km 7 (junction to Sa Caleta)
07817 Ibiza (Spain)

Job Vacancy Wagga Area

TEMPORARY ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Part-time 14 hours per week

Maximum 24 month fixed term contract (Maternity Relief)

Remuneration:Minimum $487.98 gpw + super (based on part-time work arrangements)
Enquiries:Luke Grealy – 02 6926 9190
Closing Date:Wednesday, 4 June 2014 @ 5.00pm AEST

To view this opportunity and apply, please visit Wagga Wagga City Council’s vacancy page…

 

 

 

RDA Hunter's ME Program was last night featured on ABC's national news bulletin

Bucking the national trend of falling science enrolments, RDA Hunter’s ME program is making a difference to Hunter school students and industry. Selection of physics for example has risen 5% to above the NSW average at schools participating in the program.

David Bonzo of ME partner school St Philips Christian College said, “The Program has given students a reason to study harder subjects like maths, sciences for their HSC.”

“We have worked hard to build the ME Program into a workforce development initiative that makes a difference to students and industry and we’re seeing tangible results,” said RDA Hunter CEO Todd Williams.

As one of only three school student focused programs funded by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) in Australia, RDA Hunter’s ME Program links Hunter defence and manufacturing companies and Hunter high schools to build a skilled and tailored workforce for the future.

Ashley Cox, Manager of the ME Program says “This is such a unique opportunity for our region to lead the way in terms of ensuring our young people are fully prepared for the future, a future in which technological change and skills in Science and Mathematics will be vital.”

Highlights of the program to date include,
1. Secondary school participation in the ME Program has increased from 4 schools to 26 schools (which is a majority of secondary schools in the Hunter).
2. So far, over 7,500 students have been involved in the program
3. Industry participation has increased from 4 to 32. These companies range from small to medium sized technology companies to multi-nationals.
4. The uptake by year 11 students in Physics has grown to now put the Hunter above the NSW average
5. Students attending as ME Program School are now twice as likely to undertake engineering studies are significantly more likely to complete higher education as a result.
6. One of the ME Partner schools in 2012 for the first time ever has put on an extension maths class (3 unit)

“We need more of this type of focus to increase the enrolments (in STEM subjects)” said Prof Denis Goodrum from the Australian Academy of Science, Canberra.

 

City Recital Hall Whats on in June

Discover Mozart’s 40th
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
3 Jun, 6.30pm

The Greek Project
Charles Lloyd & Maria Farantouri
4 Jun, 7.30pm

Sydney Youth Orchestra
Simon Tedeschi & SYO
5 Jun, 7pm

Enlightened
Omega Ensemble
7 Jun, 7.30pm

Mahler 4
Australian Chamber Orchestra
Various dates and times

Schubert’s Cello Quintet
A Little Lunch Music
20 Jun, 12.30pm

IQ2 Oz Debate
St James Ethics Centre
24 Jun, 6.45pm

Great American Songbook
The King’s Singers
25 Jun, 7.30pm

In Memory of a Great Artist
Selby & Friends
1 July, 7.00pm

The Chimney Sweep by Salieri
Pinchgut Opera
Various dates and times

Piano Quintets
Australian Chamber Orchestra
Various dates and times

La Rêvolution
A Bastille Day concert
14 July, 7.30pm

Let’s Fall in Love
Amanda McBroom & Michele Brourman
19 July, 7.30pm

Choir of King’s College Cambridge
Musica Viva
Various dates and times

Dmitry Sinkovsky Russian Baroque Violin
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra
Various dates and times

Grand Prize Winner’s Concert
World Harp Congress
22 July, 4.00pm

Chamber Music Extravaganza
World Harp Congress
22 July, 7.30pm

Celebrating the Early Harp
World Harp Congress
24 July, 7.30pm

We are becoming enslaved by our technology
IQ2 Oz Debate
12 Aug, 6.45pm

Brundibár
Opera Prometheus Incorporated
14 Aug, 6.00pm & 8.00pm

Carnival Francais
Omega Ensemble
15 Aug, 7.30pm

Songbird Live in Concert
Marina Prior
16 Aug, 8.00pm

Imogen Cooper
Musica Viva Australia
Various dates and times

Boundless
Australian String Quartet
21 Aug, 7.00pm

Mozart & Mendelssohn
A Little Lunch Music
22 Aug, 12.30pm

Intimate Letters
Australian Chamber Orchestra
Various dates and times

Vocal Fireworks
The Song Company
31 Aug, 3.00pm