MOONLIGHT’S MARCH MOVIE MANIA BEGINS

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Moonlight Cinema announced a smash hit March film program, revealing many of Hollywood’s hottest films will screen at Moonlight before they’re released to cinemas in Australia.

New Australian gems, family friendly hits, all new blockbusters, and plenty of recently released must-see-on-the-big-screen films, will be gracing screens at Moonlight throughout March.

Be among the first to see Triple 9, London Has Fallen, and Eye In The Sky; as well as new Australian film The Daughter starring Geoffrey Rush, Miranda Otto and Sam Neill.

Family friendly advanced screenings include Hugh Jackman’s new film Eddie the Eagle, Kung Fu Panda 3, and from the creators ofFrozen Zootopia. The Lion King, and Disney Pixar’s latest marvel The Good Dinosaur make five family film choices for Moonlight in March.

New blockbusters to hit the outdoor cinema screens include: Deadpool starring Ryan Reynolds as Marvel’s wisecracking antihero, Sacha Baron Cohen’s new spy-comedy Grimsby; and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 returning 14 years later for an even bigger Greek calamity.

Don’t miss another chance to see the multi Oscar nominees The Big Short, The Revenant, and Spotlight.   Catch up on Australian comedy queen Rebel Wilson in this year’s dating manual How to Be Single. And there’s now no excuse not to see the third highest-grossing film in box office history, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.

Doggie Night will also continue, with screenings of The Lion King in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and Mean Girls in Sydney and Melbourne Moonlight Cinemas.

As always Moonlight cinema is a BYO friendly event, but no sweat if you forget your picnic spread and sparkling; Moonlight’s famous LA style food truck and fully licensed bar, will be serving up tasty treats for all appetites.

Audiences can tuck into a scrumptious menu of movie munchies including pulled pork sliders, New Yorker chilli cheese dogs, buffalo fried chicken, parmesan truffle fries and fresh Nutella donuts.

Gates are open an hour and a half before the film starts so organize your friends, snap up your grassy patch and lay back for a summer of fun, food and films under the stars!

 

WHAT:                                               Moonlight Cinema

WHERE & WHEN:                            Brisbane: New Farm Park at Brisbane Powerhouse, Dec 16 – March 6

Melbourne: Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens, Dec 3 – March 27

Perth: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Dec 5 – March 27

Sydney: Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park, Dec 3 – March 27

 

Lock in some movie dates with your mates by checking out the program online, following Moonlight Cinema’s social media channels and signing up to Moonlight e-news.

Website: www.moonlight.com.au/

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Sydney’s 2016 Mardi Gras kicks off

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The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is back. The Festival kicks off on Friday 19 February and runs for two weeks, until Sunday 06 March, 2016; with a jam-packed program of events, performances, exhibitions and activities.

The 2016 theme is ‘MOMENTUM’, evolving from Mardi Gras history in the fight for social justice and self expression. Born from a night of political protest in 1978, Mardi Gras’ spirit lives on 38 years later, in joyous celebration. A shining light across the world, that demonstrates just how far the community has come; whilst acknowledging the journey and challenges ahead. With the theme Momentum, Mardi Gras is saying: it’s time to stand up and be counted; turn passion into purpose, and let it ripple out and resonate around the world.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO, Michele Bauer said, “This year absolutely represents every colour of the rainbow, to match the incredible diversity of our community. The Festival really is the most amazing two week long celebration, an opportunity for everyone to get involved and have their voices heard. From visual arts, theatre, film, the Parade, outdoor family activities; whether you’re eight or 89, there is something for you.”

Join over 80,000 people in Victoria Park for Fair Day, proudly supported by ANZ; a free, fun filled celebration of LGBTQI family and community on Sunday 21 February, 2016. From pooches and Pad Thai, to markets and music; dancing and drama, to rides, comedy, and crazy fun for the kids; Fair Day is for the whole family.

Queer Thinking gives audiences the low down on some of the meaty LGBTQI community issues for 2016, both at home in Australia and abroad. Inspiring, entertaining and provocative, Queer Thinking delves into what ‘momentum’ can mean from both inside and outside the diverse LGBTQI communities. The talk fest will take over venues across Sydney for the first time.

Gender Trailblazers returns to celebrate the courageous individuals, who take transgender rights from strength to strength on Friday 4 March, 2016. Gender counsellor and leading psychologist Dr Elizabeth Riley will host a riveting night of Trans* community conversation with speakers across the spectrum of ages and experiences. The evening at Monkey Baa will be a lively night of discussion, ideas and outlook for the community.

The Harbour is a brand spanking, shiny new, Mardi Gras event series on Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie’s Point, presented in partnership with Canon. An epic series of film, talks, concerts and musical spectaculars, glittering from our favourite shore. Headlining the series is In Bed with Madonna, presented by Queer Screen to celebrate the film’s 25th Anniversary! Australian pop icon, Tina Arena will perform an intimate concert at Tina Arena at The Harbour with all the classics like: I Need Your Body, Chains, and I Want To Love You. There will be a Sing-a-long with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir to the film Mamma Mia as well.

The parade that captivates a nation and reverberates around the world; The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is back for its 38th year! Over 200,000 people will line the streets of Sydney’s traditional Gay and Lesbian district in support of the 10,000 fabulous parade entrants who have united for a glittering spectacle of sparkles and self-expression on Saturday 5 March, 2016. The event is once again supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Parade Sideshow is the ultimate way to experience the Parade in style. Hosted by acid tongued Drag diva Portia Turbo and TV host Andrew Mercado no sequined jockstrap passes without comment, or wardrobe malfunction missed. Leave the milk crates at home with some premium seating, exclusive access to bars, food stalls, live screens, and bathrooms.

The Diamond Club, for Mardi Gras members and their guests only is an exclusive ticketed viewing area in the heart of the Parade celebration, presented in partnership with ANZ.

The Official Mardi Gras Party on Saturday 5 March, 2016, has over 12,000 partygoers from all over the world. This is the largest LGBTQI party in the Southern Hemisphere held at the Entertainment Quarter. Shiny and spectacular, the Party is a piping hot line-up of local and international DJ’s, shows, and world class production that will soon be announced.

Send off Mardi Gras with a bang in a final event extravaganza between The Beresford and Flinders Hotel on Sunday 6 March, 2016. A cherished tradition of the Festival, The Laneway has evolved from a portable stereo on Hill St to a full blown street party. Expect live music, diva drop-ins, pop-up shows and world class DJs across a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces.

THEATRE

Mega-watt stars of Australian drag Courtney Act & Trevor Ashley team up for their Gentlemen Prefer Blokes, Seven-Year-Itch reunion tour, and take on some of history’s greatest duos as a part of the Rainbow Room. For three nights only from Thursday 3 – Saturday 5 March, the Sydney Opera House will transform into a hot-bed of comedy, chaos and cabaret as a line-up of stars take to the stage to paint the sails rainbow.

Shift from 1958 to the present and back again with The Pride at the Eternity Playhouse from Friday 5 February – Sunday 6 March 2016. Alexi Kaye Campbell’s award-winning theatre piece promises to be a remarkable reflection on society’s journey towards sexual attitudes, both past and present.

With Mad Max: Fury Road and The Great Gatsby under his belt, iOTA will put on a show just as high octane and memorable as his on screen performances on Friday 4 March 2016. Combining musical talent, amazing theatrical presence, and outrageous outfits, this will be an unforgettable showcase of old favourites as well as hits from his brand new album ‘Wolf Number Nine’.

5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche is the uproarious, award winning theatrical show about a women’s society forced to confront the future during their ‘Annual Quiche Breakfast’. After taking America by storm this smash hit performance will have audiences at Belvoir Street Theatre coming back for second helpings from Tuesday 16 February – Saturday 20 February.

The sexy and hilariously raunchy double bill The Ultimate Lesbian Double Feature explores what Sappho and Virginia Woolf may have sexted to their lovers (had sexting been around during their time); and puts a lesbian twist on a 1950s American instructional video on how to prepare the perfect dinner party from 23 February to 05 March.

PARTIES

A festival within a festival for all things furry and cuddly, the Harbour City Bears’ Bear Festival will be returning across multiple venues. As well as the highly successful pop-up, Bear Bar at the Burdekin Hotel. There’s nine days of themed party nights, tasty beers, live performances, delicious food, great DJs, and a big ol’ bear hug awaits at Sydney’s woofiest bar, Friday 26 February – Thursday 3 March.

Get outside and make the streets of Sydney a dance floor with Silent Disco Tours, a series of one hour magical disco adventures at Sydney hot spots from Saturday 21 February to Friday 4 March 2016. Don disco gear and a set of special discoD headphones to ‘Get Physical’ with new and old favorites.

MUSIC

Australian pop icon, and newest ARIA Hall of Fame inductee, Tina Arena will send shivers up the spine at Tina Arena at The Harbour, presented in partnership with Canon on Thursday 25 February, as well as the State Theatre on Friday 4 March, 2016. With a name synonymous with Australian music, Arena fans can catch all the classics like: I Need Your Body, Chains, and I Want To Love You.

Bearded beauty and 2014 Eurovision Song Contest winner, Conchita Wurst, is teaming up with Sydney Symphony Orchestra to bring her new show From Vienna with Love to Mardi Gras. Rising like a Phoenix from the steps of the Sydney Opera House, Wurst will be joined by special guests Courtney Act, Trevor Ashley and Paul Capsis at the Concert Hall.

VISUAL ARTS

William Yang: Stories of Love and Death features several strands of Yang’s photography for which he is now well known, including his portraiture of celebrities (Patrick White, Brett Whiteley, Cate Blanchett) and historic Mardi Gras documentary work. Investigate the importance of identity through photography from Wednesday 17 February – Saturday 5 March.

Raw, sassy and proud Fierce Femme brings together professional and amateur works in an exploration and celebration of the Femme Identity, Thursday 3 March. Telling the stories of Femmes within the LGBTQI community, the exhibition analyses what ‘Fierce Femme’ looks like through the eye of a lens.

The beard obsessed (and admit it, aren’t we all!?) will revel in The Bearded Men Project; a series of oil portraits showcasing contemporary male presence and beauty at Blank_Space Gallery from Saturday 20 February to Friday 4 March. The exhibition aims to highlight there’s more to gay men than “abs, bums, sneers & pouts”.

SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

The most stylish run in Sydney, the Little Black Dress Run, returns to Darling Harbour on Sunday 28 February 2016. Rock your frock for the 3km run/walk around Darling Harbour in the name of charity. The event has become a “must do” for the Mardi Gras season, so frock up and stretch out those hamstrings and heels!

Break out the hairspray and blue eye shadow for 80s themed The Mardi Gras Disco Climb. This is Sydney’s highest disco dance party, with retro track list; climb leader guides; and the most fabulous ascent over Sydney Harbour Bridge, from Thursday 25 February – Wednesday 9 March 2016.

FILM

The ever-popular Mardi Gras Film Festival presented by Queer Screen is on again in 2016 at Event Cinemas George Street, from Thursday 18 February – Thursday 3 March. Opening with Summertime, a lesbian love story; and the hotly anticipated documentary Remembering The Man, the real-life story behind Holding The Man.

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Sun Bum sunscreen launches in Australia

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Sun Bum was founded in 2010 by two Aussies, Adam and Teagan Francis, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA. They created a line of premium sun care products to protect themselves, their families and their community from the harmful dangers of the sun.

Sun Bum’s premium sunscreen formulas offer Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection and are Gluten Free, Paraben Free, Oxybenzone Free, Retinyl Palmitate Free, Oil Free, Cruelty Free and Dermatologist Tested.

Their Original range of specialty formulations are available in Sunscreen Lotions and Continuous Sprays in SPF15, SPF30 and SPF50, and six deliciously addictive flavours of Moisturizing Lip Balm with SPF15. Also included in the launch was After Sun products featuring Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to help heal and moisturize the skin after a long day in the sun. For the little one’s and those with sensitive skin, Sun Bum offers an All Natural sunscreen collection under their super cute Baby Bum label. Rounding out the initial offering is a sweet selection of beach lifestyle items including Beach Footballs, Frisbee Flyers, Paddle Ball sets, Beach Towels and collectible vinyl figures of their infamous and iconic logo Ape named “Sonny”.

In early 2016 Sun Bum will introduce their Signature line up of Premium High Performance mineral sunscreens and face sticks that were developed in collaboration with WSL Aussie pro surfer Julian Wilson.

The event had Sun Bum Ambassador Surfer Julian Wilson attended to launch the brand to VIPs, media and influencers, including MTV’s Krit, former Miss Australia Erin Holland, Big Brother’s Travis Lunardi, wellness blogger Caroline Groth, singer Krystie Steve and beauty editor/style influencer Eleanor Pembleton at the Bucket List in Bondi Beach.

The crowd enjoyed Coronas, Taco’s and tunes while watching the waves at Bondi Beach.

Sun Bum is priced from $4.99 AUD. For more information about Sun Bum head to www.TrustTheBum.com For specialty related esquires reach out to Australia@TrustTheBum.com

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Shiny Wins Tropfest 2016

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Tropfest, thanks to CGU Insurance, tonight announces Daniel ‘Cloud’ Campos and Spencer Susser the winners of Tropfest Australia with Shiny, a stop motion animation that challenges the materialistic status quo.

In just under four minutes of the seven allowed for Tropfest films, Shiny was a clear winner with the judges, also having won two Tropfest Craft Awards for Sound Design and VFX.

The pair will receive a Hyundai Tucson for a year, $10,000 cash, a trip to Los Angeles for a week of meetings with film executives, an HP Spectre x2 as well as a Nikon D810 and Nikkor lenses and accessories.

Australian Hollywood legend Mel Gibson, The Mentalist star Simon Baker, Australia’s favorite TV mum Rebecca Gibney, Moulin Rouge! Cinematographer Don McAlpine and Jocelyn Moorhouse, Director of 2015’s top Aussie film The Dressmaker, and AACTA-nominated documentary filmmaker Maya Newell, announced Shiny amongst other Tropfest winners tonight.

Nick Baker and Tristan Klein from Sydney, picked up second prize for their animation Postcards to Ulay.  Third Prize went to Rick Donald from Sydney for The ATM.

A $3,000 prize generously donated by Nicole Kidman went to Best Male Actor Rick Donald for his role as Frankie in The ATM, and Best Female Actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte for her performance as Sarah in Why Would I Lie? 

Jeff Harding won the Nikon DSLR Film category, for Andrew Kennedy and Tim Chatfield, a documentary about Australia’s first World Light Heavyweight Champion. The duo will be taking home a brand new Nikon D610 and $3,000 RRP worth of Nikkor lenses and accessories.

Shiny screened to approximately 100,000 people in Sydney’s Centennial Parklands and at other live venues across Australia. SBS 2 broadcast the Festival live and online, streaming all the action into thousands more homes across the nation.

Tropfest Founder and Director, John Polson, said:  “I congratulate Daniel Cloud Campos and Spencer Susser on taking home the Tropfest trophy this evening.  Tonight’s turn out shows Tropfest is more alive and relevant than ever. It’s thrilling to see so many supporters of short film come out to celebrate grassroots storytelling. Tropfest’s ability to celebrate the phenomenal talent of these filmmakers with film industry heavyweights and such a huge national audience is the part of the magic that has taken many of our winners to the next level of their careers.”

“The last few months have been an incredible – at times very difficult – journey.  Just a couple of months ago, I truly believed there would never be another Tropfest because of what happened. But thanks to CGU Insurance, here we are, having screened 16 incredible finalist films to hundreds of thousands of people all over Australia and the world.  It’s hard to put into words what we owe CGU Insurance for keeping this uniquely Australian event on the tracks. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing Tropfest – and the many small businesses that rely on us every year – will continue,” he said.

For the first time since 2012, Tropfest‘s Craft Awards returned, recognising excellence in six vital fields.  The winners are: Viv Scanu Acs for cinematography; Josh Grom for editing; Andy Scott for scoring; Nick Baker for screenwriting; Daniel ‘Cloud’ Campos & Spencer Susser VFX and Derek Vanderhorst for sound design.

Tropfest is a festival born of filmmakers and those who love to see a good story unfold. From humble beginnings at the Tropicana Café in Sydney’s Darlinghurst in 1993, an eager crowd of 200 showed up to watch a short film screening organised by Tropfest founder John Polson.

Twenty-three years on, the event attracts a live national audience of around 150,000 today, and draws in hundreds of thousands more via the exclusive SBS2 TV broadcast.  Tropfest has also grown internationally with standalone competitions in New Zealand, South East Asia, New York, the Middle East and elsewhere.

In addition to new partner CGU Insurance, Tropfest is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and Screen NSW; as well as returning major partners Qantas, Nikon, Centennial Parklands, SBS 2, Screen Australia, and Nova 96.9.

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Spectrum Now Festival launches its 16 day program at Opera Australia

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The Sydney Morning Herald Spectrum Now Festival held its launch party at Opera Australia on Thursday 4 February 2016 .

The Sydney Morning Herald Spectrum Now Festival presented by ANZ, one of Sydney’s most diverse cultural events, today announced its 16-day program, with ticket sales now open to more than one hundred unexpected experiences across Sydney. From a playful large-scale wall painting at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and a massive music line-up at The Domain to opera and high tea at a boutique hotel, the Festival is set to spotlight the city’s creative heart and soul through four festival categories of art, music, stage and talks.

Spectrum Now Festival @ The Domain, the festival’s central hub, invites Sydneysiders to spend 11 memorable summer evenings drinking and eating with free entertainment including burlesque dancers, fire breathers, feathered showgirls and free live music alongside a ticketed Big Top venue. Visit sideshow alley for the chance to get inked by award-winning tattoo artist Leslie Rice at an LDF Pop-Up Tattoo Parlour, or get a haircut by Sydney’s favourite retro barber Tony Vacher whilst listening to ragtime bands on the back of a 1960s Dodge truck.

From March 3 to 13, an immense line-up of ticketed music events will fill The Big Top @ The Domain, curated by Paul Piticco and Jessica Ducrou, the promoters of the iconic Splendour in the Grass and Falls Music & Arts Festival. The Big Top, a bespoke undercover construction created for the first time in 2016, will host a selection of all-time favourite artists, from local to international talent. The full line-up of artists performing in the Big Top @ The Domain include: Hot Dub Time Machine; Missy Higgins; The Jesus and Mary Chain (UK); Birds of Tokyo; Calexico (USA); Augie March; RocKwiz Live; Godspeed You! Black Emperor; Seekae; U.S Girls (USA); Alvvays (CAN) and Jonathan Boulet.

Del Kathryn Barton, a Spectrum Now Festival creative ambassadors, widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading figurative painters of her generation, created an exclusive artwork for the 2016 Spectrum Now Festival program cover, titled Cosmic Crime. Commenting on her inspiration for the cover, Del Barton says: “The figurative narratives in my work began in my childhood from a desire to tangibly manifest fantasy beings. For the program cover, I think I was trying to conjure encounters with my fairy and unicorn friends.”

Travelling across the world from Burning Man and Coachella, artist Robert Bose will transform the Sydney skyline with the Australian debut of his Balloon Chain, an eye-catching installation being created in The Domain, featuring a floating helium sculpture made from dozens of latex balloons. Creating a landmark on the horizon throughout the Festival, the sculpture will morph into a striking celebration of Mardi Gras on 5 March when it becomes The Rainbow Chain. The Domain will provide a place for families and parade goers to be entertained on their way to celebrate the parade.

2016 Festival Director Caroline Kemp says: “In 2016 we’re shaking things up with a complete redesign of our beating heart, Spectrum Now Festival @ The Domain. Inspired by European town squares where all corners of the village come together to party and celebrate, my wish is for families,

Western Sydney artist Tom Polo will be at the Art Gallery of New South Wales for Painting Live: Tom Polo, creating a dynamic and playful large-scale wall painting, taking over the Gallery’s entrance court during the Spectrum Now Festival. This spectacular project unfolds entirely onsite, each day, over two weeks. Visitors to the Gallery can watch Polo’s unique creative process, engage with the artist, and see the work transform from beginning to end.

Polo comments: “Taking its cues from daily walks throughout the Art Gallery of New South Wales building, the content for my wall painting will be conceived entirely on site, changing and developing daily during Spectrum Now. It’s on these walks around the galleries that I’m aiming to collect something additional each time: a historical reference, a detail of gallery architecture, a specific colour or shape, the expression of figure in a portrait, a snippet of banal conversation between visitors, an overheard opinion about a work in the galleries, a greeting with a member of staff, an encounter with a curious visitor.”

Two highlights of the 2015 inaugural Festival talks program, Pillow Talk and Cultural Crush, return in 2016. Presented over four heated nights at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the audience is invited to experience a healthy mix of stimulating and provocative conversations.

Pillow Talk delves into the intimate and personal lives of Australia’s leading creative couples, and on March 6 and 16 at the Art Gallery of NSW will feature: David and Kristin Williamson; David and Lisa Campbell; Rob Carlton and Adrienne Ferreira; Richard Tognetti and Satu Vänskä; Max Cullen and Margarita Georiadis; along with Dan Wyllie and Shannon Murphy.

Cultural Crush invites pre-eminent journalists to cross-examine their dream subject in front of a live audience, kicking off on March 9 with award-winning investigative journalist Kate McClymont putting renowned Australian film director Bruce Beresford under the spotlight, while journalist, columnist and screenwriter Benjamin Law will interview award-winning journalist, author and anchor of the ABC’s 7:30pm program, Leigh Sales. Continuing on March 14 Sydney Morning Herald columnist and ABC Drive show host Richard Glover asks the big questions of Australian actress, playwright and screenwriter, Kate Mulvany, while Annabel Crabb, ABC’s chief online political writer, weekly Fairfax opinion columnist and author of the bestselling book The Wife, nuts it out with Australian writer Frank Moorhouse.

For the second year running, Spectrum Now Festival is presented by ANZ. ANZ has a long history of supporting arts in New South Wales, helping to bring to life a diverse range of programs that promote diversity and encourage creative expression. Catriona Noble, ANZ Managing Director Retail Distribution Australia comments: “Spectrum Now Festival encourages audiences to discover the breadth of talent on offer in Sydney and to engage with new experiences through music, art, theatre and thought-provoking conversations.

To complement this diverse program, we are excited to present the ANZ Blue Stage Series that will feature a lineup of events for undiscovered musicians to share their talent. Sydney-siders can enjoy pop-up performances from these artists at Martin Place, Pitt Street Mall and The Domain throughout the festival period.”

Other program highlights exclusive to Spectrum Now Festival:

– As part of the Talks program, Todd McKenny, Georgie Parker and Emma Palmer will reveal hilarious stories about their teenage years with Confessions of a Teenage Diary at Ensemble Theatre, followed by a Q&A on March 6 & March 8.

– Taking over on 7 March for a huge outdoor Broadway sing-a-long is the free Pop-Up Marie’s Crisis Broadway Sing-along, travelling all the way from its West Village roots in New York City. Partnering with Hayes Theatre Co., audiences are invited to star alongside some of Australia’s best musical theatre talent and sing their hearts out right in The Domain, while the Marie’s Crisis Festival Bar will be set up evenings from 1-10 March at Parlour Lane Roasters, QT Sydney.

– Tattersall’s Club, Hyde Park will play host to a night of conversations with barrister, writer, Archibald study and bon vivant Charles Waterstreet, with Charles Waterstreet Coversations on March 11.

– The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) presents a thought provoking panel conversation, titled ‘The Creative Future is Now!’ on March 4, in Woolloomooloo, focussed the booming creative industry and what this means for individual practitioners.

– Returning from a sold out event in 2015, Ken Done opens the doors to his studio in the Rocks on March 9, inviting guests to enjoy a cocktail and hear stories of his vibrant career.

– Sydney-based Mexican artist El Peque presents El Peque: Arte Urbano, at 107 Projects in Redfern, exploring the nexus of social and magic urban realism with a new body of work using paper, board and canvas.

– Returning after huge success in 2015, Harmony Park in Surry Hills will host Carousel, a curated event on March 12, showcasing the work of Sydney’s innovative creatives from food, fashion, art and music.

– Mindfullness & Music: The Vegas Nerve Experience, invites the audience to groove and de-stress, at the Coogee Diggers Club to live band The Vegas Nerve on March 6 and March 7.

– Pitt Street Uniting Church presents Dead Men Talking, a “war of words” staring Henry Lawson (Max Cullen) and Banjo Patterson (Warren Fahey).

In 2015, the Spectrum Now Festival attracted 100,000 people across over 200 exhibitions, gigs and events, under the direction of actor Richard Roxburgh.

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Darling Harbour Celebrates the Month Of Love in February 2016

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Bring your darlings to Darling Harbour for the third annual Month of Love and celebrate love in all its forms, from 5 February – 5 March 2016, and join the Chinese New Year celebrations from 6-21 February 2016.

Back by popular demand and presented by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Month of Love 2016 has more FREE events than ever before and plenty for visitors of all ages to love in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.

Darling Harbour loves the diverse cultures of Australia, and will host Chinese New Year celebrations and the Serbian (6-7 February) and Greek (27-28 February) festivals during Month of Love. At the Chinese Garden Chamber Music 2016 concert (tickets $65), enjoy a night of beautiful scenery and sound with master instrumentalists from China and Australia. Or, catch one of a number of FREE events, including traditional lion and fan dances, Tai Chi classes, tea ceremonies and more at the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

Month of Love event favourites are returning, including heart-shaped Loved Up Fireworks every Saturday night, the Luminous light show and Tickle Me Pink outdoor romantic movies at Darling Quarter, as well as the Row Your Way To Romance rowboats on Cockle Bay.

Darling Harbour will be brought to life with stunning installations, light displays and selfie opportunities, including the Love is in the Air super-sized triple hearts under the expressway at Palm Grove, the Pash n’ Dash photo station, the new Electrify Your Love giant rose lantern at Druitt Landing, Pyrmont Bridge’s Heartbeats on the Bridge and the transformation of the Civic Connector into The Love Connector.

Mark your calendar now for the Queen of Pop flash mob performance, paying homage to Madonna from noon on Valentine’s Day. Featuring talented dancers, the Gay and Lesbian Choir and Megadonna: the Mega Puppet, Queen of Pop will be all you need to get Hung Up, Vogue your heart out and Express Yourself.

Darling Harbour is the perfect place to impress your darling, without breaking the bank during Month of Love, as restaurants, cafés, retailers and attractions will provide dozens of deals to delight. From fine dining on Cockle Bay Wharf and even underwater by candlelight at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, to action-packed double date discounts at Harbourside Shopping Centre’s 9D Action Cinemas, Darling Harbour Month of Love 2016 is destined to make hearts go pop, particularly on Valentine’s Day.

Bringing a whole lot of Mardi Gras fabulousness to Darling Harbour, Sydney’s most beloved drag performers will work it in fun Drag and Drop live pop-up shows from 6pm-9pm on 20, 25-27 February and 3-4 March across Harbourside and Palm Grove.

On Sunday 28 February, the click-clack of high heels will sound from 10am when the Little Black Dress Run for charity kicks-off at Darling Quarter, followed by Darling! Family Fun on the Village Green from noon-4pm. Curated by artist Tammy Brennan, the afternoon event will feature Mardi Gras fun designed for ages 5-12.

From 4pm-6pm on 28 February, We Love Queer Thinking at Month of Love offers a series of talks on what it is to be LGBTQI today, alongside a forum presented by IVF Australia on acceptance and tolerance of family diversity. Also on 28 February, Gayby Baby will have a special screening at Monkey Baa Theatre Company.

Month of Love and cultural festivals are among many events staged by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority at Darling Harbour, which sees 26 million visitors annually, contributing $800 million to the visitor economy.

For Month of Love 2016 program updates, feel the love at darlingharbour.com.

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A night at Sydney Festival’s Meriton Festival Village

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Sydney Festival’s Meriton Festival Village is the ultimate oasis of musical and theatrical delights, along with plenty of delicious eats, all in the heart of the city at Hyde Park. It’s the perfect place to kick back in the afternoons or kick on into the warm summer nights.

A great selection of food and beverages are available from 12pm and the licensed bars are open from 4pm. Food and beverages purchased at the Festival Village can be consumed while watching a musical or theatrical production.

On Friday 22 January 2016, I went to watch the theatrical production, Songs of the Fallen, and sampled a number of the James Estate wines at the James Estate Wine bar at the Meriton Festival Village.

Songs of the Fallen is a cabaret musical about the life of Marie Duplessis, the peasant-girl-turned-courtesan and La Traviata muse, who died at 23 from consumption.

James Estate wines are wines that are built on a foundation of quality, experience and a sense of “place” that encapsulates the lifestyle and creative spirit of the Hunter Valley.

James Estate grapes are grown in the region and made and bottled onsite. This means every part of the process is in the hands of our highly experienced and innovative winemakers.

James Estate spreads across two sites in the Hunter Valley – the Cellar Door in Pokolbin and Vineyard in Baerami, with plantings dating back to 1968.

For more information about Sydney Festival, go to https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au or phone 1300 856 876.

For more information about James Estate wines, go to: https://www.jamesestatewines.com.au/

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Chinese New Year festivities are set to commence

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Spectacular giant lanterns representing animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac will take over some of Sydney’s most popular locations as part of next year’s Sydney Chinese New Year Festival.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Lunar Lanterns, the first exhibition of its kind in Australia, will mark the 20th anniversary of the festival and its evolution from a small community event to the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside China.

“As Sydney embarks on a period of transformation, we are using this opportunity to revitalise and reimagine one of Sydney’s most-loved festivals to make it bigger and better than ever before,” the Lord Mayor said. Lunar Lanterns is a contemporary take on a centuries-old tradition, with some lanterns standing multiple storeys high, located throughout the city from Circular Quay to Chinatown from 6–14 February 2016.

Lanterns will flank the entrance to Circular Quay, transform the business heart of Martin Place and illuminate the bustling streets of Chinatown, allowing everyone to follow the trail to find their zodiac sign and bringing the summer nights to life in a uniquely Australian celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Lunar Lanterns will be one of the highlight events of Sydney’s Chinese New Year celebrations which will run from 6–21 February.

The festival will include favourite events like the Dragon Boat races, Lunar Feasts and more than 70 associated events.

The City is also planning a series of events to mark the 30th anniversary of Sydney’s sister-city relationship with Guangzhou. Since it began in Sydney, the City has produced 108 events for the Chinese New Year Festival, supported more than 600 associated events and hosted 10 delegations from China to be part of the celebrations.

The festival now attracts more than 600,000 visitors to more than 80 events across the city, also making it one of the most popular events in Sydney’s calendar.

For more information on the Chinese New Year Program, Visit the City of Sydney Website here.

Australia Day 2016 Celebrations at Sydney Olympic Park

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Bring your family to Sydney Olympic Park this Australia Day and celebrate our national day with an action-packed schedule of FREE entertainment, activities and fireworks.

More than 6,000 people are expected to take part in the family-friendly festivities taking place at Cathy Freeman Park and presented by Sydney Olympic Park Authority and Auburn City Council.

The event will kick-off at 12noon on Tuesday 26 January with international food fare, family activities and live entertainment, before a fireworks finale just before 9pm.

Free carnival rides, crafts, sports clinics for kids, an animal farm and pony rides will provide the backdrop to a full entertainment program. Entertainment features live shows from professional musicians, local youth and multicultural music and dance performers.

An Official Ceremony will also start at 12 noon, and will include a Local Citizens of the Year awards presentation and a welcoming ceremony of new Australian citizens.

Paid parking is available at Olympic Park, but attendees are encouraged to use public transport. Free shuttle buses will be operating from Auburn and Lidcombe train stations on Australia Day.

For more information about FREE Australia Day 2016 celebrations at Olympic Park, visit sydneyolympicpark.com.au.

For more information about what is happening on Australia Day in NSW, click here.

Australia Day – Everyone, Everywhere: Australia Day Council of NSW Announces 2016 Australia Day Program

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The Australia Day Council of NSW is launching another big Australia Day program with a strong focus on celebrating and showcasing the rich and diverse culture that makes Australia unique.

The 2016 Australia Day program includes events that celebrate the many cultures that make up Australia including paying tribute to Australia’s traditional landowners and our newest citizens.

Minister for Multiculturalism, John Ajaka, believes Australia Day is about coming together and recognising our fortune as a nation.

“It is a time to reflect on what inspires us and to embrace the common goals that unite us – our commitment to a tolerant, free and democratic nation that allows each of us to succeed while respecting our individual differences,” Mr Ajaka said.

“It is also a time to acknowledge our Indigenous people and the significant contribution of our multicultural communities.”

Proud Australian and leading musical talent, Jessica Mauboy, will extend her role in the Australia Day celebrations not just with her performance at the free Australia Day 2016 – Live at Sydney Opera House event, but throughout the day, taking part in traditional cultural ceremonies.

“Australia Day is all about sharing our cultures and embracing what makes us unique. This year, I’m really proud to be taking part in some traditional ceremonies that pay respect and tribute to my ancestors, including singing the national anthem in Sydney language on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge while the WugulOra Morning Ceremony takes place at Barangaroo Reserve,” Ms Mauboy said.

Australia Day Council of NSW Chairman, Angelos Frangopoulos, believes Australia Day is an opportunity for communities across Australia to come together, regardless of background, in a spirit of friendship and harmony and celebrate what makes each of us Australian.

“This is the day when we stop and take time to celebrate our passion for our nation and highlight how fortunate we are to live here in this beautiful place,” Mr Frangopoulos said.

“This year’s theme, Australia Day – Everyone, Everywhere, allows us to share your Australia Day celebrations with the world, whether it’s a BBQ with friends and family, a day on Sydney Harbour or even a backyard game.

“This Australia Day, we’re inviting you to upload a photo or post to your social media channels using #AusDay to add your special moments to the global map on australiaday.com.au and see how everyone, everywhere is celebrating.

“We’ll also be adding some fun online with the Aussie Slang Challenge, testing how well you know your Australian lingo. It will be running from 1 January on australiaday.com.au.”

For more information about what’s on Australia Day 2016, go to australiaday.com.au.

AN OVERVIEW OF AUSTRALIA DAY 2016:

With the Australian summer in full swing, Australia Day on 26 January is almost upon us and there will be lots of exciting things happening in and around Sydney Harbour to explore.

SYDNEY HARBOUR

As early morning swimmers make splash as the Great Sydney Swim begins at Farm Cove, P&O Cruises will start the day bringing four of the world’s most impressive cruise ships, Pacific Aria, Pacific Eden, Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl to join the celebrations on Australia Day

The much loved Ferrython will see Sydney’s beloved First Fleet ferries dressed and decorated to the nines as they make waves in Sydney Harbour before they make their final dash to the finish line under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

As the Ferrython winds down, take a couple of minutes to warm your vocal chords for the Salute to Australia at midday. Join in with seven choirs around Sydney Harbour and sing the national anthem as our armed forced combine efforts to pay tribute to Australia.

Front and centre of the Salute to Australia will be the Australian Navy’s largest ever flagship, the newly commissioned HMAS Adelaide, along with a 21 Gun Salute and an aerial flyover by RAAF Fast Jets.

Then for a shift in pace, move your attention to the middle of harbour as a graceful set of Svitzer Tugs, East Sail Yachts and helicopter squirrels dance for the popular Tug and Yacht Ballet, set to the music of Leo Delibes’ Pizzicato from the ballet, Sylvia, in an amazing display of nautical manoeuvring to a musical score that will be heard across the inner harbour area.

And for those who prefer to nestle in for the day and have the action come to them, the Cruising Concerts are the perfect solution. Two custom built floating stages will make their way around Sydney Harbour, dropping in to popular locations including Bradfield Park, Blues Point Reserve, Overseas Passenger Terminal, the Sydney Opera House and Barangaroo Reserve from 12:15pm onwards.

Entertaining the crowds on the Cruising Concert stages will be The Enormous Horns, an eight piece all singing and all dancing party band and Junkyard Beats, creating rhythms from around the globe by using everything from plastic buckets, kitchen utensils and angle grinders.

As we move into the afternoon, the Tall Ships Race will see some of Australia’s most majestic boats take to the harbour to compete in a race from Bradleys Head to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, followed by the world’s oldest annually conducted sailing event, the 180th Australia Day Regatta.

Celebrations will then turn to the skies for the Qantas flyover while the Russian Roolettes dazzle with their aerobatic display and the Red Berets demonstrate their marvellous parachute display over Sydney Harbour.

Boaties will show their true Aussie colours as they tour Sydney Harbour for the Australia Day Harbour Parade before flocking to Athol Bay.

The day will end in a bang with P&O Cruises hosting a fireworks display off a barge in the inner harbour.

AROUND SYDNEY HARBOUR

From 7:30am on 26 January, spectators can view the special WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo Reserve or the Sydney Harbour Bridge which acknowledges Australia’s traditional custodians.

WugulOra is a Sydney area Aboriginal language word meaning “one mob”, and captures the essence of a ceremony to signify the special place that our Indigenous peoples hold.

The ceremony will include the Aboriginal flag raised with the Australian flag on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in honour of our nation’s first people, along with a performance of the national anthem, in language and in English, by Jessica Mauboy atop the Harbour Bridge.

At 11:45am at Sydney Harbour, more than 500 people, including children from the NSW Public Schools Choir, will participate in an Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony under the guidance of Aboriginal elders.

With smoking ceremony taking place around the harbour, this traditional cleansing ritual acknowledges our ancestors and pays respect to the land and sea of Country, as well embracing the many different cultures that make Australia what it is today.

Head to the Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve and witness the culmination and demolition of Olivier Grossetete’s month-long cardboard construction the Ephemeral City and then check out Shaun Gladwell’s latest video artwork, Skateboarding v’s Minimalism. Or settle in to listen to the Cruising Concerts as they make their way through to Nawi Cove.

Stop past the Overseas Passenger Terminal to chill-out with your family and take advantage of the action on Sydney Harbour. With entertainment, food and the incredible waterside location, the Overseas Passenger Terminal will allow you to experience the best of Sydney Harbour while paying tribute to our cruising past.

At 11am, the Lord Mayor’s Citizenship Ceremony will take place at the Overseas Passenger Terminal to welcome our newest Australians from 20 different countries. Around the corner at Hickson Road Reserve, KIIS FM on the Harbour will see you get the best views of Sydney Harbour from the giant KIIS 1065 swing, complete with a photo booth, fairy floss and the KIIS street team.

Come and discover Sydney’s most spectacular sunset at Nawi Cove at Barangaroo Reserve and enjoy the Nawi Sunset Sounds performances on Dukes Pier. The three-hour line-up will include some of your favourite young Australian entertainers, with roving theatre performances around the cove.

To mark the end of the day, a special Sunset Ceremony will take place from 8pm at Barangaroo Reserve and say goodbye to grandfather – the Sun – in a traditional Aboriginal Sunset Ceremony.

Darling Harbour will be the spot to be with the best in home-grown music, dance and entertainment. The official NSW Australia Day Ceremony builds to the amazing Australia Day Spectacular, when a breathtaking display of pyrotechnics will light up Cockle Bay, set to a soundtrack specially produced and performed by Sneaky Sound System.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

The iconic Sydney Opera House will once again host some of Australia’s most talented artists on Australia Day, with two free concerts on the forecourt, The Wiggles Australia Day Concert and Australia Day 2016 – Live at Sydney Opera House.

The event is brought to you by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

As part of their 25th anniversary celebrations, The Wiggles will mark the milestone with their first concert of the year at The Wiggles Australia Day Concert. Families will be able to participate in the morning’s festivities, singing along with their favourite Wiggles as well as Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and Captain Feathersword.

The evening will see a tribute to Australia, with the Australia Day Creative Director, John Foreman, bringing together a collection of Australia’s brightest performers for Australia Day 2016 – Live at Sydney Opera House, including host Grant Denyer, Jessica Mauboy, Justice Crew, Kate Ceberano, Thirsty Merc, Cyrus, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Greta Bradman, Roy and H.G. and Bachelor Girl.

Tune in to Australia Day 2016 – Live at Sydney Opera House on Australia Day at 7.30pm AEDT on Tuesday, 26 January 2016, live and exclusive on TEN. * Please note, both concerts are already at 100% capacity and no further tickets are available.

SYDNEY CBD

The 27th annual GIO Oz Day 10K Wheelchair Race will see some of the world’s finest wheelchair athletes prepare for the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, as they race around Alfred Street in the The Rocks in an incredible act of strength and endurance.

Just around the corner, take a stroll through the cobblestone laneways of The Rocks where The Rocks Markets will showcase some of Australia’s best local fashion, jewellery and art. Then saunter up George Street, enjoy the serenity of Sky Gaze, strike up some friendly rivalry at croquet and party on down to Lolo Lovina’s Caravan, where Triple J’s Hottest 100 is counting down.

Once you have explored the stalls, settle in for lunch with mouth-watering flavours from around the world whilst kicking back to listen to some home-grown Australian artists at two outdoor stages in The Rocks.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to head to Hyde Park North and check out Sydney Festival’s Festival Village with delicious treats and funky tunes by Soul of Sydney. Head there on one of Sydney’s Vintage Buses as the green and yellow double decker buses of yester year make their way from the Sydney Opera House to Central Station via Hyde Park, with nine stops including Macquarie Street, College Street, Elizabeth Street and Phillip Street.

Website: www.australiaday.com.au/

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