Cyndi Lauper does Sydney's State Theatre, by Eva Rinaldi - 31st March 2011

I'd so been looking forward to tonight for a week, having seen Cyndi perform at Concord in Sydney's inner west just last Friday at the Network Nine 'Today' taping.

There's something about this girl that makes me feel I can't get enough of her.

The sold out crowd was into Lauper and her leathers and energy big time. Talk about girls just having fun.  We were on cloud nine. One Lauper-mad fan was asking everyone at the front of the State Theatre if they has any tickets for sale. I hope she got her wish.

I was fortunate to get to really close to the stage. The music production sounded great to me and Cyndi frequently smiled for me and my camera, which made the evening all the more special for me.

She looked so good for her youthful 57, and still jumps around the stage like a cat. Her vibrant energy radiated the stage and the audience loved her back.

The singer performed one of my favs early into the evening - 'She Bop', and also went with a few new hot numbers from the new album 'Memphis Blues'. I prefer her hits from the 80s and 90s, but everything evolves. This girl sure ain't stale.

Yes, we had heaps of fun, and I so look forward to seeing Cyndi again when she comes back again to Australia. Long live the queen of fun.

Websites

<a href="http://www.cyndilauper.com">Cyndi Lauper official website</a>

<a href="http://today.ninemsn.com.au">Network Nine: Today</a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography">Eva Rinaldi Flickr</a>

<a href="http://www.evarinaldi.com">Eva Rinaldi Photography</a>

The future of soccer shines at Abbotsford despite rain, by Eva Rinaldi - 27th March 2011

Joseph Rinaldi

It was soccer mums heaven (or hell) depending upon what side of the score your kid's team was sitting on.

Today was the return of the pro active soccer season at Abbotford Park in Sydney's inner west.

First up it was the young ladies with the Abbotsford Girls (division 2) VS the Canterbury Girls (division 1). The game was a thrashing with Canterbury beating Abbotsford 17 - Nil. Yes, you read correctly - sorry local readers. Sometimes at junior soccer level the teams are not evenly matched, and to say that's what happened here is an understatement. Somehow Abbotsford Girls players, mums and dads could still crack a smile.

Then it was the boys which I was really excited about.  My son Joseph is one of the star players and today he also got to break in his new soccer boots.

The day at first looked liked the rain had cleared up.  I had my camera on me and I sensed it was going to be a memorable day. Next thing the rain stared to team down, and then almost simultaneously the game kicked off.

It was the Abbotsford Wolves VS Abbotsford the later being two years more senior.

For the majority of the first half the visitors were besting the Wolves, but what us soccer parents had noticed in the our home boys was that they were not willing to sit down and drown. No, they were swimming, not drowning, even if most of the game was in the Wolves half. Then disaster struck. Abbotsford scored and then again 10 minutes later, another, and it was 2 - Nil.

I don't know what coach Keith Walker told my son's team at half time, but it can't have been too bad.

Both teams ran back onto the paddock like champions and some top notch soccer began to play out. It reminded me of some of the better games of the FIFA World Cup finals. Just saying. The skill demonstrated by both teams far exceeded the age in years.

Fifteen minutes into the second half at Ricky Morsello from the Wolves scored, some great lead up work from Harry Pown, Thomas Louie and Joseph Rinaldi.

Another 10 minutes elapsed, with both teams getting about the same about of time in each others half, and then Thomas went for a long shot 40 meter kick aimed at the oppositions goal. It missed by only a meter, but may have attracted the biggest applause and shout outs by soccer moms and dads.

Five minutes later and Morsello scored again. What we didn't all realise at the time is that this evened the game to 2 - All.  A remarkable effort by the Wolves who were dwarfed in size, age and experience.

When the final whilst blew you could have sworn The Wolves has won, and mums and dads elated, but both teams enjoyed a solid applause, as well they might, having demonstrated great skill, especially considering it was the start of the season, and all looking like drenched rats.

Today the game of soccer was the winner, and was anyone who turned up to witness this neighbourhood friendly war. Thank you to everyone who was part of today's soccer fever at Abbotsford. It will always be a special day to remember for my family and I, and I hope we get to enjoy more soccer games of this calibre. Everyone who was part of it - give yourselves an applause - we were all winners.

Innerwest Courier page 135
http://digitaledition-innerwest.innerwestcourier.com.au/default.aspx#folio=undefined

Abbotsford Soccer (Wolves)

http://www.ajfc.net.au/website/

Eva Rinaldi Photography

http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography/

Shooters and models aim for success, by Eva Rinaldi - 24th March 2011

The 2011 ISSF World Cup (ISSF – International Sport Shooting Federation) is being held by Australian International Shooting Limited (AISL) at the Sydney International Shooting Centre (SISC) at rural Cecil Park in Sydney's west.

The prestigious championship runs from 21st March 2011 through to Thursday 1st April 2011.

This was the first event to be held in the twenty-sixth edition of the ISSF World Cup series for the Olympic shooting events. This will also be the first event for competitors to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games.

On Tuesday dual Olympic gold medallist Michael Diamond (NSW) shot a perfect 25 in the third round of the men’s trap at the 2011 ISSF World Cup at the Sydney International Shooting Centre as he chases an Olympic quota for Australia. Following scores of 24 and 22 on the opening day, Diamond showed his class in the third round to score a perfect 25 in tricky conditions on the range he won his second Olympic gold medal in 2000. After three rounds Diamond has raced up the leader board to sit in a tie for 5th place.

Today some extra elements of excitement were shot into the centre's program with the smoking hot, double barrelled team of models Kaela-Marie Kubbere and Calais Rauchle.

They were on hand to present the winners with trophies and medals.

Stay tuned to this blog for more action coming at you, and be on the lookout for our special Easter coverage celebrating the year of the rabbit. Bang!

Websites

Sydney International Shooting Centre
http://www.shootingcentre.nsw.gov.au/

Human Statue Bodyart
http://www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au/

Eva Rinaldi Photography
http://www.evarinaldi.com/

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography

Neil Diamond Sparkles At Acer Arena, by Eva Rinaldi

I'd been "in love" with Neil Diamond since I was a schoolgirl.

Diamond is both a great songwriter and a top notch entertainer, but his career has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but today he remains in the upper echelon of the entertainment industry.

A number of critics feel that his collaboration with producer Rick Rubin has been nothing but good for his career, and I'm of the same thought.
I wanted to publicly congratulate the musical genius on his recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

As usual, us photographers didn't get to stay for the entire show. Fortunately I got to hear some of my favs.

I understand that later in the show Diamond did a brilliant rendition of 'Solitary Man', and also played many of his most loved and best known numbers.

Diamond did a brilliant performance tonight. There was talk amongst media and fans that this be his last tour of Australia.

Whatever the case, thank you for sharing your gift with me and the rest of Australia for all of those decades. I'm sure word of your impressive tour of Australia will also get back to your native U.S.

Websites

http://www.neildiamond.com/

http://www.kerryobrienpublicity.com.au/home.html

http://www.acerarena.com.au/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography

Santana works his magic at Acer Arena, Sydney, by Eva Rinaldi

To my mind it was perfect timing for Carlos Santana and his 10 piece band to return to Sydney on a black-ish, rainy night, full with musically

magic.

The hip and cool 64-year-old Santana created harmoney, excitement, and took audience members, news hounds and photographers to a sensual and sexy heaven, if only for a few moments.

Santana, the Mexican guitar genious has been plying his trade for the better part of four decades, and the dedication to their craft is absolutely evident.

Adding to the magic was co-lead vocalists Tony Lindsay and Andy Vargas, as they treated us to Black Magic Woman, Evil Ways and more. As usual us photographers didn't get to stay to the conclusion, but we sure caught the vibe and Latin fever.

Santana might just be the most distinctive guitarist of all time.  A few notes, and you know its him.

Hipsters, 'Sin City' Sydney may have been black and wet tonight, but thanks to Santana's sensual, stimulating and inviting notes, I'm going to spend a few more hours on Cloud Nine once I return to my heaven scent home. Yeah - work hard, play hard, and party harder.

Websites

Santana

Michael Chugg

Acer Arena

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Cyndi Lauper: Girls And Guys Have Fun Today At Concord, by Eva Rinaldi - 25th March 2011

I'd be waiting for this for what feels like a lifetime.

Today, via a live recording of Network Nine's 'Today' show, I got to enjoy a Cyndi Lauper performance, and boys and girls, did we have fun.

I knew that Cyndi was is Sydney, as the word of this good news was all the buzz with news media, photographers and fans, but fortunately I got tipped off about the Goodard Park morning appearance just the night before with an article appearing in The Inner West Courier.

The live 'Today' show started at 5.30am, however Cyndi and the band didn't appear on stage and kick off their performance until 7.15am or so.

The crowd was pumped, as were television presenters Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson and Richard 'Wilde' (in another lifetime) Wilkins.

I was fortunate to get to the park earlier and was able to find a spot really close to the front of the stage. Soon after I got there, hundreds more flocked in and we started to feel like sardines for a while, but security was onto it and was able to reduce some of the stress.

It's amazing how good Cyndi looks and sounds for her youthful 57. Her vibrant energy radiated the stage and the audience, and genuine warmth and appreciation was reciprocated.

I was delighted to hear that the ultra talented New Yorker has a son of 13 years of age, the same delightful (most of the time) age of mine. Cyndi told the story to Nine's entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, of junior who once partly took over her show with 'Do You Want To Shout', and how he definitely has some musical talent.

The singer performed 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun', Time After Time', 'True Colours', as well as a few new numbers that she will also perform on her current Australian tour.

My only complaints were that there wasn't an open bar and that the sausage sizzle finished about just as fast as it started. The ques for food and drinks were too long, but we weren't there for bites anyway. We wanted entertainment, and boy did we get it. Go girl, and thanks to Channel Nine - your still my One also.

Yes, we had heaps of fun, and I really look forward to seeing Cyndi's indoor performance in Sydney at the State Theatre, which will occur on the 31 March and the 1st of April. A double dose of fun. Can't wait.

Websites

<a href="http://www.cyndilauper.com">Cyndi Lauper official website</a>

<a href="http://today.ninemsn.com.au">Network Nine: Today</a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography">Eva Rinaldi Flickr</a>

<a href="http://www.evarinaldi.com">Eva Rinaldi Photography</a>

Chris Isaak does Sydney's State Theatre, by Eva Rinaldi - 23rd March 2011

Sydney has enjoyed the musical and vocal talents of many a male performing artist as of late - Michael Buble, Lionel Ritchie and Usher included, but Chris Isaak can stand strong knowing within that he doesn't have to play second fiddle as far as talent is concerned...

Isaak signed a contract to Warner Bros. Records in 1984 for his virgin album Silvertone. The tracks 'Gone Ridin' and 'Livin' for Your Lover', from this album, were featured in David Lynch's classic movie Blue Velvet. Isaak's second self-titled album Chris Isaak was shot by fashion photographer Bruce Weber. Isaak's contract was renewed in 1988 when Warner Bros. shifted him to their Reprise Records label.

'Wicked Game' is his best known song by a country mile. Though released on the 1989 album Heart Shaped World, an instrumental version of the song was later featured in the 1990 David Lynch film 'Wild at Heart'. Lee Chesnut, an Atlanta radio station music director who was smitten with Lynch films, began playing the vocal version and it quickly became the station's most-requested number. Chesnut spread the word to other radio stations around America and the single became a US Top 10 hit in February 1991.

Take the time machine 10 years plus from then, and Isaak is still wowing them.

Isaak mesmerised the State Theatre tonight in a fashion rarely seen.

He knows how to intimately engage with the audience (and my camera) - lucky me... and lucky him. My camera loved his fashion sense too. Where did you get that sparkly jacket Chris? I loved it.

You would have to go a long way to find as hard-working and talented singer as Isaak. No one in the audience will ever forget his performance and will be looking forward to experiencing his magic again.

I just loved his seductively beautiful 'Wicked Game' which made me think of the music genius of Roy Orbison. His voice live is as good as a CD bought off the shelves.

My personal favorite song was 'I Want You To Love Me'.

I also wanted to publicity thank the kind and talented journalist who spotted me at tonight's performance. It was nice to also have another journalist assist me, as opposed to having to endure more elbows in the ribs, taunts and gibes by other photographers, shooters, paps or whatever they want to call themselves. I just wish all media types were as nice and as generous as the journo I met tonight.

We only got to stay for three numbers tonight, due to enforced news media regulations, but I still feel immensely blessed to have experienced his gift live.

Websites

Chris Isaak

http://www.chrisisaak.com

Andrew Mcmanus

http://www.ampresents.com/

Flourish Public Relations 

http://www.flourishpr.com/

State Theatre

http://www.statetheatre.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography

Lionel Richie: All Night Long Indeed, by Eva Rinaldi

             

I'd been looking forward to tonight for a long time, and Lionel baby didn't disappoint Sydney's Acer Arena.

It was Guy Sebastian, the multi-talented Aussie who rose to fame via the Australian Idol media machine, who opened the evening, sporting a new haircut that didn't do that much for me. Sorry Guy, but my heart and soul was here for Lionel, but I still like you lots too.

I honestly believe that Lionel Richie may be one of the most under-rated performing artists of all time, but what does a passionate music fan come photographer know anyway...well, that's what the knockers say. Let's see what the history books say about the musical genius in a few years from now, but back to matters at hand.

I was pleased to learn that Lionel is a great humanitarian who co-wrote 'We Are the World' and co-produced the remake 'We Are the World 25,' which was released during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Richie has raised a small fortune for breast cancer over the years, a cause that got on his radar when a family member was diagnosed many years ago.

The American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer is love on two legs, if I may say so (no offence to my man). Since 1968, he's been a member of the musical group Commodores signed to Motown Records. Richie made his solo debut in 1982 with the album Lionel Richie and number-one hit 'Truly'.

My son is probably going to be interested to learn that way back in 2002 one of his songs, 'Running with the Night' was featured on the Rockstar North video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, however the song was removed from later versions of the game.

Tonight Ritchie played most of his greats including the beautiful and genius 'All Night Long', 'Endless Love', 'Truly', 'Penny Lover', 'Stuck On You' and 'Three Times A Lady' and really connected with the audience (mostly couples), and my camera lens too, I'm pleased to report.

As I often do, I would like to publicly thank the promoter of the concert, Michael 

Gudinski of the Frontier Touring Company.  Frontier, an arm of the famed Mushroom Group, has really been outdoing themselves as of late. Thanks also to Rowena and Jules for being of such a great assistance tonight.

Tonight's summary - wonderful, warm, loving, and the night is still young!

                                                              Lionel Richie

Website

http://www.lionelrichie.com