Author: admin

I got a letter from Foxtel the other day (hang on do they advertise with us….) telling me
heir download service has been Kuthlumped. No explanation, just we’re closing it. This
I found rather curious as I disconnected Foxtel a year or two ago!

It wasn’t their fault really, I wasn’t really chuffed about paying for a service with
advertising, but I had it connected in the full knowledge it was there. The young
beautiful and very reasonable girl that came to my door through the mists of
Bachelorhood showed me that it was for me.

To my thinking Pay TV should be about much much less advertising than free to air TV.
Maybe sneak an ad in their now and then but wherever possible put the brakes on
intrusive advertising. But in balance I liked the content they had  available  (the young
beautiful girl told me I did) and it seemed like a good deal.

I have read the “we did  a survey and 200% of people said they missed the advertising
and please could they have it back” put out by the Pay TV industry too, do they really
think Australian’s believe that?

The actual reason I ground my teeth and had Foxtel switched off was that after paying
for every movie package I could find I discovered they are required to censor movies
just like Free to air TV stations. I say “required” because I don’t blame Foxtel for this
policy, its something that was imposed on them from the dark days of the Family
First-Howard government. I don’t necessarily always want to watch the type of movie’s
that might be subjected to the censors scissors, but as a coughing, hairy, obese middle
age adult male I expect the right to choose what I do and don’t see without some
do-gooder deciding for me on the basis of the religious or social values they consider
to be the norm, usually held by a minority.

The argument of the “control everything we see and hear” brigade was always “God
won’t someone protect the children”. Hmm ok. I agree, I am very outspoken about
children and teenagers being closely supervised when accessing the Internet because
of the amount of really awful (and plain sexually misleading) stuff on there.  However
we have a morass of  parental locks and pin codes on Foxtel to just precisely “protect
the children” from harmful images. The Federal government also made it a requirement
of all new Digital set top boxes sold in Australia, that they have a parental locking
mechanism.

So there is now precisely no excuse for this arcane television censorship regime with
watershed’s and AO Modified  versions . Ok one in a hundred parents will still not
protect their children from harmful content even with this technology in place, but the
same parents will probably also for example take drugs in front of their children, feed
them dog food or takeaways for breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and generally give them
the poor care no amount of laws can stop.

That this type of control continues unabated, makes it pretty clear to me that it was
just the minority imposing their  narrow views on everyone in the first place, they care
little “for the children” or anything else. I can see a conspiracy theory developing here,
I need a coffee and a lay down…

I liked Foxtel and if they ever get the Movie censorship sorted out I will probably
subscribe again, why if a fabulously beautiful Foxtel girl came to my door tomorrow
and said those magic words “uncensored movies” everything would be wonderful and
Land of Oz. Note to Foxtel Reps: Sorry “Sports Package” is as good as trying to sell me
static on the screen…why is their this assumption that we all love “the footy” because
we’re male. “We’re bringing back Fashion TV” is probably better if you are looking for
a “dead cert” multipurpose sales pitch for the average male at the door..

“Charlie Parr is one of the greatest musicians and human beings I know. So many country-blues artists are crippled with retro-ism and purism, but he has brought wonder and excitement to this music. Even Charlie’s foot coming down on the floor boards screams with more soul and life than most anything – past or future”Alan Sparhawk (Low)

Many people play roots music, but few modern musicians live those roots like Minnesota’s Charlie Parr. Parr’s heartfelt and plaintive original folk blues and traditional spirituals don’t strive for authenticity: They are authentic.

Described in 2008 by The Sunday Mail as “the hottest new folk and country blues artist of the year” Parr was introduced to Australian audiences that year via his track ‘1922 Blues’ which was used in the much played Vodafone ad (you know the one where the guy folds up his whole apartment, and the lyric… “I worked all summer couldn’t save a cent, I gave all my money to the government”). Add to that a coveted national tour supporting Paul Kelly, dates with You Am I and spots on festivals such as Falls Festival, Sunset Sounds, Southbound, Wave Rock and it comes as no surprise that Charlie’s developed a genuine fondness for Australia.

Returning to our shores for the first time in several years the Duluth, MN based performer will be showcasing songs from his latest studio album ‘Barnswallow’. The album, named for a banjo instrumental Parr once recorded with the Black Twig Pickers, has that same distinctive timeless feel, steeped in traditional folk and blues, one has come to expect from Charlie’s albums. ‘Barnswallow’ is the follow up to 2011’s critically acclaimed ‘Keep Your Hands On The Plow’.

Inspired by greats such as Charley Patton, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly Charlie Parr is one of the most authentic American blues artists produced in recent times. With sparks flying off his National resonator, 12-string guitar and banjo Parr’s spellbinding finger picking & slide techniques place him among the world’s foremost string-benders. His lovingly executed East Coast Blues style comes across as authentic, organic and honed from a deep-rooted love of the music, which has invited collaborations from the likes of Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk from indie darlings Low and progressive bluegrass outfit Trampled By Turtles.

Special guest for several dates on the tour will be Andrew Morris* (of 2 x ARIA Award Nominees The Wilson Pickers, and guitarist for fellow Brissie lad Bernard Fanning) who will be launching his new single ‘Flicker’ from the album ‘The Situationist’.

“Parr may not know it, or he may not believe it, but when it comes to real folk music, he sweeps the category. ‘Barnswallow’ might be Parr’s strongest record yet, and it’s certainly his most triumphant.” City Pages (USA)

Sound engineer Ray Dolby has died at his home aged 80. In a statement Dolby’s son said:

“Though he was an engineer at heart, my father’s achievements in technology grew out of a love of music and the arts, He brought his appreciation of the artistic process to all of his work in film and audio recording.”

The President of Dolby Laboratories said:

“Today we lost a friend, mentor and true visionary, Ray Dolby founded the company based on a commitment to creating value through innovation and an impassioned belief that if you invested in people and gave them the tools for success they would create great things.
Ray’s ideals will continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for us all.”

Support Act are proud to announce that renowned all girl group, and heroines of the blockbuster movie, The Sapphires, will be presented with Support Act’s annual charity award in recognition of their invaluable work in the Indigenous community on at the Music in the House luncheon on Friday, 11 October, 2013, at NSW Parliament House.

The focus of Music In The House is to honour members of the music industry who, by their tireless efforts and charitable works, have made a difference and enriched the fabric of the broader Australian community. Previous recipients of the award have been Jimmy Barnes, Glenn Shorrock, Don Spencer, Richard Clapton, John Paul Young, Russell Morris and John Butler.

Support Act is also thrilled to confirm that Jessica Mauboy will be performing at this event in what will surely be a spellbinding and intimate performance in honour of the original members of The Sapphires, who will also be attending the luncheon.

The Sapphires feature film was inspired by a true story of these four extraordinary Aboriginal women, sisters Laurel Robinson, Lois Peeler and their cousins Beverley Briggs and Dr. Naomi Mayers. Yorta Yorta women born along the Murray River, they were part of an extended family of brothers and sisters who regularly sang together during the 1960’s and 70’s. Sisters Laurel and Lois toured Vietnam in the late 1960’s singing to the American troops which was an extraordinary achievement for two young Aboriginal women.

Life after The Sapphires has been an even richer experience for these extraordinary family members – Dr. Naomi Mayers has held the office of Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Medical Service for 30 years with Beverly Briggs and Laurel Robinson tirelessly working by her side striving to improve the health of the Aboriginal community (Naomi received an Order of Australia Medal in 1984). Following a stint as Australia’s first Aboriginal model, Lois Peeler went on to become the Executive Director of Worawa Aboriginal College, a secondary education facility for young Aboriginal Women.  Lois is also the former head of Aboriginal Tourism Australia.

As a performer, Jessica Mauboy continues to mesmerise audiences with her acting and singing and has established herself as one of Australia’s biggest female pop stars. Jessica played the role of “Julie” in The Sapphires movie which earned her an ACCTA Award for Best Supporting Actress and an AFCA Award for the same category. Jess also represents a key role model to the indigenous community for Australia as seen in her involvements across their organizations that include mentoring, performing and education.

Jessica said today “I’m so happy to see The Sapphires being recognised by Support Act for all that they’ve done over years to support the indigenous community.  They are true role models for our community and I can’t wait to see them at the lunch and congratulate them in person”

Support Act is Australia’s unique music charity supporting music professionals in crisis.  This year’s Music in the House will be bigger and better than ever before: come along to support our crucial work and hear about the changes which are taking place in our unique charity, over a very special lunch place in one of Sydney’s most prestigious venues.

Joanna Cave, CEO of Support Act said “Music in the House is always special but this year promises to be extraordinary: if you are in the audience, expect to be moved by Jessica Mauboy’s performance; impressed by learning what The Sapphires did next and inspired by the difference Support Act is making to peoples’ lives”

 Bookings can be made online by visiting www.trybooking.com/59552 or download the booking form from www.supportact.com/events .  Enquires can also be made via admin@supportact.com.au.

Tickets must be paid for in advance and can be booked until 5.00pm on Thursday, 3 October. Please note tickets will not be available on the day.

Tickets cost $165.00 per person / $1,500.00 per table of 10 (incl. GST) and includes a three course meal, drinks and a special performance by Jessica Mauboy.

By buying a ticket you are helping music professionals in crisis.