Eva Rinaldi Photography

January 5, 2012

Annie The Musical To Get Red Carpet At The Star: Sydney, Australia

Annie The Musical is to get the red carpet treatment at it's 'Sin City' Sydney location this coming Thursday night.

It's hard to imagine that the Lyric Theatre was once closely tied in with the former Star City Casino, but it was. Annie The Musical is hardly the kind of show you would expect to see at a casino complex, but with Echo Entertainment's The Star and its push of mainstream entertainment, its exactly the kind of thing to expect, and for the most part, the media and public at large have been lapping it up.

The Star's Lyric is hardly a stranger to top line entertainment acts with just some of the more recent guests who performed there in various capacities being Snoop Dog, Al Pacino and, Elton John, and the famous 'An Officer And A Gentleman', also produced by John Frost, will play at The Lyric this coming May.

Music News Australia has been able to secure a red hot list of some of the celebrities expected to show up for Thursday's red carpet event:

Kelley Abbey

Trevor Ashley

Lorraine Bayly

Rachael Beck, Ian Stenlake and daughters

Mark Beretta

Hayley and Nathan Bracken

Lauren Brant (Hi-5)

Casey Burgess (Hi-5)

Tom Burlinson and family

Tina Bursill

Jonathan Coleman

Penny Cook and family

Lorrae Desmond

Sophie Faulkner and family

Mark Ferguson and family

Anthony Field and family

Amanda Harrison (Wicked)

Erika Heynatz and Andrew Kingston

David Jones Roberts (Home and Away)

Sonia Kruger

Jay Laga’aia and family

Toni Lamond

Guy Leech and family

Edwina McCann and twin daughters

Glenn McGrath and family

Angus McLaren

Ben Mingay (Jersey Boys)

Sam Moran

Amanda Muggleton

Barry O’Farrell, Premier of NSW

Peter Phelps and family

Matt Shirvington and family

George Souris, Minister for the Arts

Karl Stefanovic and family

Maria Venuti

Samara Weaving (Home and Away)

Matthew White

Sydney has apparently already fallen in love with Annie, and we suspect that the Alan Jones factor (active media heavyweight playing a role in the musical) hasn't hurt ticket sales or its publicity machine.

Ticket sales musical Annie are rocketing towards 100,000! We understand there are currently about 80,000 theatregoers already claiming their seats to the musical, which opens to the public tomorrow night, and no doubt will be swamped by news media.

Approximately 20,000 of those tickets were sold in the past couple of weeks, despite strong competition for the entertainment dollar, including the Phantom Of The Opera sequel Love Never Dies, which begins previewing on Sunday. Who would have thought that The Star would be giving the likes of the Capitol Theatre and the Sydney Opera House a run for their money with musicals et al.

"If anyone has any concern about musical theatre going down the drain, they're in the wrong business. People are spending their money and wanting great entertainment", producer Frost has told Australian media.

The battle for the Australian entertainment dollar is just heating up, and certainly Sydney's The Star is going full speed ahead and betting that world class entertainment will remain paramount in the quest to bring more punters to land based casinos and entertainment complexes.

Extra media blurb we secured...

The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including It's the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, N.Y.C. and the ever-optimistic Tomorrow, Annie is one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time. Reprising one of his all-time favourite roles as the charismatic and sophisticated New York ‘zillionaire' Daddy Warbucks, is Anthony Warlow. He will be joined by the ever-popular Nancye Hayes playing everyone's favourite villain, Miss Hannigan. Todd McKenney, Chloë Dallimore and Julie Goodwin also bring their talents to this delightful musical. And in a special treat, radio star Alan Jones will join the cast in the role of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

A MESSAGE FROM PRODUCER JOHN FROST

It gives me great pleasure to bring ANNIE back to Australian audiences. When I produced this show 12 years ago I was overwhelmed by the response it received. ANNIE is such a well known, well loved production that appeals to so many different age groups. Its popularity means that it is staged once a year in many countries around the world, and I have no doubt that the Australian audiences are well and truly ready to see it again.

This time around, I am especially delighted to be able to work once more with Australia's favourite leading man, Anthony Warlow and theatrical legend Nancye Hayes.

To be taking this wonderful show and the star studded cast on tour in 2012 presents a unique and exciting opportunity to reach a new generation of Australians and it gives me enormous pleasure to think that people Australia wide will again be able to experience this special production.

Websites

The Star

http://www.star.com.au/

Annie The Musical

http://www.anniethemusical.com.au/

Lyric Theatre

http://www.lyrictheatre.com.au/

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Media Man News

http://www.mediamannews.com/

Casino News Media

http://www.casinonewsmedia.com/

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

January 4, 2012

3M Citycruise brings Summernats to the heart of Canberra

Capture the excitement of the Summernats 3M Citycruise tomorrow from the best vantage point, and be part of a pre-cruise press conference with event co-owner Andy Lopez, at the corner of Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street in the heart of Canberra.

The Summernats 3M Citycruise will take to Northbourne Ave at 12pm midday on Thursday January 5th 2012 to launch the 25th birthday of the iconic Street Machine Summernats, proudly supported by Rare Spares.

In a street parade of the likes not seen before in Canberra, a convoy of 200 of Australia’s best street machines will parade along Northbourne Avenue.

The Citycruise convoy will make its way from Exhibition Park along Northbourne Avenue to London Circuit, before turning back up along Northbourne to return to the festival venue.
When:    Thursday 5th January, 2011

Where:    Corner of Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street, Canberra

Press conference/interviews – Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez discussing the 3M Citycruise
Time:    11:45am

Footage – 3M Citycruise cars driving past media vantage point
Time:    12:10pm

Summernats 25 will be held at Exhibition Park in Canberra from the 5th – 8th January 2012. For more information visit the website at http://www.summernats.com.au/

January 3, 2012

Reggae Producer Kemar ‘Flava’ Mcgregor to Release New Single

"Club Dance Riddim" was produced by Kemar "Flava" McGregor, and features vocal performances from Grammy Award-winner Sinead O'Connor; reggae legends Nadine Sutherland and Chalice; British Lovers Rock Queens Carroll Thompson and Janet Kay; and romantic reggae sensations Peter Spence, Tony Anthony, Sadiki, Adele Harley, Lady Lex and Nikesha Lindo, among others.

Kemar 'Flava' McGregor is currently the most popular, and the most in-demand producer in the roots-reggae industry today, and has produced tracks for the most renowned and legendary reggae artists, including Sean Paul, Maxi Priest, Wayne Wonder, Beenie Man, Marcia Griffiths, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Beres Hammond, Gyptian, Freddie McGregor, Sugar Minott, Barrington Levy, Sanchez, Gregory Isaacs, and many more.

Rolling Stone Magazine Australia Announces 3rd Annual Awards

To say we’re excited about the 3rd Annual Rolling Stone Awards is a massive understatement. Last year’s event was a huge, sweltering party (highlights – Paul Kelly turning up, Michael "Freaking" Chugg’s sweary tirade, Lupe Fiasco’s bodyguard, Art Vs Science’s DJ set, and a surprise display of beatboxing from Plan B’s cohort Faith SFX). There’s an expectation that this year’s event will be bigger and better, and Rolling Stone Australia and everyone else involved doesn't aim to disappoint.

Due to the success of last year’s event, RS be keeping the 3rd outing of the Rolling Stone Awards just as exclusive and star-studded, albeit at a new more central (and air conditioned) venue. Drawing from a long list of entertainment and pop culture luminaries, the judging panel is as illustrious as it was tuned-in and the resulting winners will be a nicely varied bunch. But that’s what you get when you ask comedians, actors, politicians, writers, tour promoters, artists and professional skateboarders to try and agree on a shortlist.

Judges this year included the likes of Tim Ross, Jon Coghill, Michael Chugg, Brendan Cowell and Morgan Campbell, just to name a few.

The categories include:

The Rolling Stone Award: Our top honour of the year, awarded for an outstanding contribution to popular culture. The winner of this award can come from any area – music, film, TV, literature, art, politics, activism, etc. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

Best Female: Awarded to a local lady for outstanding contribution to popular culture, whether that is music, film, TV, literature, art, politics or activism. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

Best Male: Awarded to a local bloke for outstanding contribution to popular culture, whether that is music, film, TV, literature, art, politics or activism. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

The International Award: Awarded to an international male, female or group who have had a profound positive impact on popular culture in Australia/NZ. The winner of this award can come from any area – music, film, TV, literature, art, politics, activism, etc.

Mover & Shaker: Awarded to someone who has changed the game in their particular field this year – a maverick, trailblazer or revolutionary. The winner of this award can come from any area – music, film, TV, literature, art, politics, activism, etc. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

The Immortal: A lifetime achievement award for outstanding contribution to popular culture. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

Album of the Year: The best full-length album released in 2010. Simple as that. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

Best Live Act: Just as the name says, honouring the best live performance or tour by a band – Australian or international – in Australia/NZ in 2010.

Artist to Watch: This is an acknowledgement of an outstanding emerging artist – regardless of how long they’ve been around – who is set to blow up big. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

Artist of the Year: Music only, the best all round artist of the year. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

We also roped in celebrity writers close to the winners to pay tribute to their mates (or in one case, uncle), making this far livelier and more fascinating than some stale old list of winners. But let’s stop patting ourselves on the back, it’s really time to congratulate our winners who will be announced at on Wednesday 25th January. All winners will also be listed in the March issue of Rolling Stone Magazine (out on 1 February 2012).

Be sure to check out the BlackBerry Lounge while you’re there and of course, the fantastic cocktails!

We'll see you there fellow rock n rollers.

Websites

Rolling Stone (Australia)

www.acp.com.au/rolling_stone.htm

Rolling Stone

www.rollingstone.com

AVM Publicity.com

http://www.anoukpublicity.com/

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Media Man News

http://www.mediamannews.com/

Alan Jones Joins Cast Of Annie The Musical At Lyric Theatre; The Star

Annie The Musical by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer

Annie The Musical, a photo by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Alan Jones Joins Cast Of Annie The Musical At Lyric Theatre; The Star

The Star, owned and operated by Echo Entertainment, has organised a media call for this coming Tuesday 3rd January at the Lyric Theatre.

We will be attending to cover the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie prior to the official opening night of the show at 7pm on Thursday January 5, 2012.

Three musical numbers from the show will be performed, and afterwards producer John Frost and lead cast members Anthony Warlow, Nancye Hayes, Todd McKenney, Chloe Dallimore, Julie Goodwin and Alan Jones will be giving interviews and be available for photograph opportunities and more.

The musical numbers will be:

It’s the Hard Knock Life – featuring the children’s cast

Easy Street – featuring Nancye Hayes, Todd McKenney and Chloe Dallimore

A New Deal for Christmas – featuring Anthony Warlow, Julie Goodwin, Alan Jones and the ensemble cast.

Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie”, the musical Annie burst into popularity in 1977 when it opened on Broadway. After running there for nearly six years, it has played in over 22 countries worldwide including the UK, Argentina, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Australia. Annie became a smash-hit movie musical in 1982 starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney and Carol Burnett that is adored worldwide and a fixture of popular culture references.

Annie is full of toe-tapping hits which have become staples of musical theatre repertoires worldwide and now, 34 years on, it remains one of the most loved and universally appealing musicals of all time.

Annie plays in Sydney until March 25 before a national tour.

It all marks another interesting development in the Australian casino wars, as agency, Media Man has been calling it for a few years now, and it will be interesting to see how Melbourne based competitor of The Star, Crown Casino, responds with their entertainment line up, which is also ramping up on the west coast on Australia with the newly named Crown Perth (formally Burswood Entertainment Centre).

The battle for the Australian entertainment dollar continues, and certainly Sydney's The Star is going full speed ahead and betting that world class entertainment will remain paramount in the quest to bring more punters to land based casinos and entertainment complexes.

Media blurb we secured...

A MESSAGE FROM PRODUCER JOHN FROST

This time around, I am especially delighted to be able to work once more with Australia's favourite leading man, Anthony Warlow and theatrical legend Nancye Hayes.

Websites

The Star

http://www.star.com.au/

Annie The Musical

http://www.anniethemusical.com.au/

Lyric Theatre

http://www.lyrictheatre.com.au/

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

IP Publicity

http://www.ippublicity.com.au/

Media Man News

http://www.mediamannews.com/

Casino News Media

http://www.casinonewsmedia.com/

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Alan Jones Joins Cast Of Annie The Musical At Lyric Theatre; The Star

Annie The Musical, a photo by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Alan Jones Joins Cast Of Annie The Musical At Lyric Theatre; The Star

The Star Lyric Theatre To Open Annie The Musical In Sydney

Annie by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer

Annie, a photo by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
The Star Lyric Theatre To Open Annie The Musical In Sydney

The Star, owned and operated by Echo Entertainment, has organised a media call for this coming Tuesday 3rd January at the Lyric Theatre.

We will be attending to cover the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie prior to the official opening night of the show at 7pm on Thursday January 5, 2012.

Three musical numbers from the show will be performed, and afterwards producer John Frost and lead cast members Anthony Warlow, Nancye Hayes, Todd McKenney, Chloe Dallimore, Julie Goodwin and Alan Jones will be giving interviews and be available for photograph opportunities and more.

The musical numbers will be:

It’s the Hard Knock Life – featuring the children’s cast

Easy Street – featuring Nancye Hayes, Todd McKenney and Chloe Dallimore

A New Deal for Christmas – featuring Anthony Warlow, Julie Goodwin, Alan Jones and the ensemble cast.

Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie”, the musical Annie burst into popularity in 1977 when it opened on Broadway. After running there for nearly six years, it has played in over 22 countries worldwide including the UK, Argentina, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Australia. Annie became a smash-hit movie musical in 1982 starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney and Carol Burnett that is adored worldwide and a fixture of popular culture references.

Annie is full of toe-tapping hits which have become staples of musical theatre repertoires worldwide and now, 34 years on, it remains one of the most loved and universally appealing musicals of all time.

Annie plays in Sydney until March 25 before a national tour.

It all marks another interesting development in the Australian casino wars, as agency, Media Man has been calling it for a few years now, and it will be interesting to see how Melbourne based competitor of The Star, Crown Casino, responds with their entertainment line up, which is also ramping up on the west coast on Australia with the newly named Crown Perth (formally Burswood Entertainment Centre).

The battle for the Australian entertainment dollar continues, and certainly Sydney's The Star is going full speed ahead and betting that world class entertainment will remain paramount in the quest to bring more punters to land based casinos and entertainment complexes.

Media blurb we secured...

The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including It's the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, N.Y.C. and the ever-optimistic Tomorrow, Annie is one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time. Reprising one of his all-time favourite roles as the charismatic and sophisticated New York ‘zillionaire' Daddy Warbucks, is Anthony Warlow. He will be joined by the ever-popular Nancye Hayes playing everyone's favourite villain, Miss Hannigan. Todd McKenney, Chloë Dallimore and Julie Goodwin also bring their talents to this delightful musical. And in a special treat, radio star Alan Jones will join the cast in the role of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

A MESSAGE FROM PRODUCER JOHN FROST

It gives me great pleasure to bring ANNIE back to Australian audiences. When I produced this show 12 years ago I was overwhelmed by the response it received. ANNIE is such a well known, well loved production that appeals to so many different age groups. Its popularity means that it is staged once a year in many countries around the world, and I have no doubt that the Australian audiences are well and truly ready to see it again.

This time around, I am especially delighted to be able to work once more with Australia's favourite leading man, Anthony Warlow and theatrical legend Nancye Hayes.

To be taking this wonderful show and the star studded cast on tour in 2012 presents a unique and exciting opportunity to reach a new generation of Australians and it gives me enormous pleasure to think that people Australia wide will again be able to experience this special production.

Websites

The Star
http://www.star.com.au/

Annie The Musical
http://www.anniethemusical.com.au/

Lyric Theatre
http://www.lyrictheatre.com.au/

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

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

IP Publicity
http://www.ippublicity.com.au/

Media Man News
http://www.mediamannews.com/

Casino News Media
http://www.casinonewsmedia.com/

Music News Australia
http://www.musicnewsaustralia.com/

January 1, 2012

Boy George, Culture Club

Boy George, Culture Club, a photo by Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Sydney’s biggest New Year’s Eve party: Jamiroquai, Culture Club and Pet Shop Boys, as well as Australia’s very own Guy Sebastian, Pseudo Echo and Lyndsey Ollard

Sydney Resolution Concert Series is thrilled to announce Sydney’s biggest New Year’s Eve party, which will be staged at Sydney’s Glebe Island overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour on Saturday December 31st 2011. The inaugural Sydney Resolution Concert Series will feature international superstars including Jamiroquai, Culture Club and Pet Shop Boys, as well as Australia’s very own Guy Sebastian, Pseudo Echo and Lyndsey Ollard.

Sydney Resolution Concert Series is sure to be an unforgettable night of music and festivities, showcasing some of the biggest acts in the world against a backdrop that only Sydney can provide.

With unobstructed, stunning views of the city and the fireworks display, there is no better place to be on New Year’s Eve than Glebe Island. See 2011 out with a bang with some of the world’s biggest classic and contemporary artists, playing all the songs you know and love.

Sydney’s Glebe Island will turn into a ‘mini city’ for this very special event, with a custom-built venue providing the very best in entertainment and bars, an incredible on-site ‘village’ showcasing Sydney’s best local and international food, and a unique array of retail and market stalls.

Sydney Resolution Concert Series will be the hottest ticket in town for New Year’s Eve!
Please be advised that Sydney Resolution Concert Series is a licensed event – all patrons must be over 18 years of age.

Glebe Island is situated on the beautiful Sydney Harbour. All patrons will arrive and depart by ferry or bus service from terminals and wharfs provided by Sydney Resolution Concert Series.

Please note there is no parking at the event. Gates open at 2pm, entertainment commences at 4:00pm and all performances will conclude by 1:45am.

Gates close at 3.00am

Tickets go on sale at 9am on 28th November through Ticketmaster.

Websites

Sydney Resolution Concert Series - New Years Eve
www.sydneyresolution.com/

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Sydney Resolution New Year’s Eve Concert Review; Jamiroquai, Culture Club, Pet Shop Boys, Guy Sebastian and more

The promotional blurb read Let The Champers Flow, and flow it did.

Sydney Resolution New Year’s Eve Concert was a thumbs up for fans who could afford to pay up to $300, and news media who attended also generally considered it a success.

The much hyped event, pushed along by News Limited's Foxtel - Main Event, and a ton of promotion, appeared to be roughly 75% sold out, which in this financial climate is not that bad at all.

Sydney Resolution was a licensed event with bars offering plenty of beverage options.

It was pitched as Sydney's, if not Australia's biggest New Year’s Eve Concert and party, and the fans and performers were pumped for it.

The full line up was Jamiroquai, Culture Club, Pet Shop Boys, Guy Sebastian, Pseudo Echo and Lyndsey Ollard.

Glebe Island has never seen so many big name performing artists in one place, and they may not again - unless promoters Andrew McManus and partner, Universal Music Group, decides to do follow up Sydney Resolution shows on the same sight in the future.

Early on - 3pm, the crowd was very light, but as the night rolled on the place filled up to a very acceptable level.

At 4pm it was time for the show to officially begin with Lyndsey Ollard kicking off, soon after making an announcement that "I'm not a man hater" (pointing to some of the themes in her songs). Another memorable part of her act was when one of Ollard's dresses split on the right side at bust level, but trained eyes in the audience suggested that it was in fact a staged wardrobe malfunction. Her music and performance was fine and a good opener for the loaded entertainment line-up. Her One Night Stand number was eclectic and witty, as it was promoted.

Pseudo Echo, innovators of ‘80s electro-pop sound in Australia, did not disappoint. Lead Brian Canham joked that he felt "a bit like a Wiggle" in reference to playing in sunlight, which got a nice crown reaction. He also pointed out "the five young ladies helping with crowd participation". Canham knew the crowd was still building up and you could tell he and the band members appreciated being part of the special evening. As you would expect, the first strong crowd reaction was for 'Listening' (if you don't recall, it goes like this... I say You say

Weren't you listening, Now it's too late, You're not listening, I say You say, Weren't you listening, Now it's too late, You're not listening. Their biggest pop was for 'Funky Town', which most of the audience got on their feet for.

Next up was Australia's own Guy Sebastian who looked and sounded great. In the line up to the event fellow performing artist Jamiroquai told the press that he didn't know who Guy Sebastian was. This didn't seem to bother Guy who put on a great show.

By the time 7.30pm and darkness came over us it was time for the Pet Shop Boys - Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe. They are electronic dance-pop pioneers without question and one of the world’s bestselling artists. Thankfully they performed their classics 'It’s A Sin' and 'Always On My Mind', that got many fans to their feet. Their music videos, dance choreography and overall visual effects were extremely impressive, especially for a shared stage.

At about 9pm the "family friendly" fireworks went off, which teased the crowd for the main event fireworks on the stroke of Midnight.

Jamiroquai, who celebrated his 42nd birthday yesterday, was arguably the main event for most fans, hit the stage at 10pm, and he brought it. The night before he told press one of his new year resolutions was to "get laid more". Whatever the case, the man was high on energy and fed off the frenzied crowd. He sure knows how to engage an audience and his unique sound and cool dance moves explain why he's sold more than 25 million album sales worldwide. Front-man Jay Kay, is obviously the main reason for the mega success of the group, however he also has many very solid performers in support.

Boy George's Culture Club, the final act of the show hit the stage after the New Year's Eve firework, and almost all the crowd got on their feet. George sounded good for a 50 something man who has gone through considerable life issues in recent years. Does 'The Boy' plan to commence a national or world tour? Not so sure, but he still has his legion of fans in Sydney and around the world.

Well done to all the artists, the performers, the roadies, Flourish PR, and everyone else involved in putting together a heck of a concert, in a strained economy no less. The concert delivered, and so did Sydney's world class fireworks. We hope Sydney's in for more 'Resolution' concerts in coming years.