Celebrity News Media

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Cirque du Soleil Ovo red carpet at Entertainment Quarter, Fox Studios, Sydney

OVO OPENING NIGHT CELEBRITY ‘ORANGE’ CARPET ARRIVALS

News media covered the "orange" carpet celebrity arrivals at OVO from Cirque du Soleil under the blue-and- yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) tonight in the Showring at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park.

Figures and celebrities included: Television personalities: Rebecca Gibney, Michael Caton, Erik Thomson, Firass Dirani, Samara Weaving, Rhiannon Fish, Jay Laga’aia, Conrad Coleby, Callan Mulvey, Ian Stenlake, Georgie Parker, Todd Lasance, Jamie Durie, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Richard Wilkins, James Tobin, Scott Cam, Sally Obermeder, Magdalena Roze, Kathryn Robinson, Steve Jacobs, Anne Sanders, Bill Woods, Matthew White, Nathan Joliffe and Tyler Atkins.

Celebrity chefs: Manu Feidel, Neil Perry, Peter Doyle, Margaret Fulton and Masterchef favourites Hayden Quinn and Julie Goodwin

Fashion designers: Leoni Edmiston, Peter Morrissey, Luke Sales, Akira Isogawa

Musical theatre stars: Trevor Ashley, Bobby Fox, Ben Mingay, Sharon Millerchip and Kelley Abbey.

Other Sydney identities include: NSW Minister for the Arts George Souris, Glenn McGrath, Mark Geyer, Joh Bailey, Damien Leith, Mia Freedman, Maria Venuti, Wendy Harmer, Rafael Bonachela and John Bell.

International actor: John Rhys-Davies (Indiana Jones, The Lord of the Rings)

ABOUT OVO

Since its world-premiere in Montreal in 2009, OVO has charmed well-over 2 million spectators in more than 15 different cities in North America. Santa Monica will be the only Southern California stop for a Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) production in 2012. Tickets are available online at cirquedusoleil.com/ovo.

OVO, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The cast of OVO is comprised of 54 performing artists from 16 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of OVO is the stunning flying trapeze act, in which six flyers soar 40 feet in the air, making this the biggest act of its kind to ever be presented under a big top by Cirque du Soleil. It combines many circus disciplines, including banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair. The finale features 20 artists running, jumping and leaping up a 24-foot vertical wall.

Websites

Cirque du Soleil

www.cirquedusoleil.com

Cirque du Soleil - Ovo

www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ovo/default.aspx

The Entertainment Quarter

www.eqmoorepark.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Indiana Jones & The Raiders of the Lost Ark screening; Popcorn Taxi at Randwick Ritz Cinema, Sydney

Popcorn Taxi at Randwick Ritz Cinema, Sydney; John Rhys-Davies interviewed...

Indiana Jones & The Raiders of the Lost Ark' has been digitally remastered and is now available on DVD, and actor John Rhys-Davies is here in Sydney to tell us about it... as well as tell us about his experiences in the film and entertainment business.

The night was full of energy and information, but fairly light on news media, which didn't seem to mind anyone in the slightest - film buff club of sorts Popcorn Taxi has their own in-house media on hand tonight and no doubt they got some great information from actor Rhys-Davies who was in a talkative, jovial and theatrical mood.

Background...

Steven Spielberg and sound legend Ben Burtt went back to the original negative to create this new version of Indiana Jones & The Raiders of the Lost Ark that's entirely true to the look and feel of the original film.

John Rhys-Davies attended tonight's remastered screening. Rhys-Davies, in his pivotal role of Sallah, experienced not only a part on one of the most famous films of all time, but an inside view into the film's fascinating production process. Since starring in Indiana Jones & The Raiders of the Lost Ark, Rhys-Davies has enjoyed a rich and varied career, including the role of Gimli in the Lord of the Rings films.

Upon reading the script he said "This is either going to be one of the biggest disasters of all time, or its going to set a new fashion in film making but either way I’d love to do it."

Rhys-Davies is a Welsh character actor who is most famous for playing an Egyptian Man-Friday style character...Sallah in both 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' and a Russian general opposite James Bond in 'The Living Daylights'.

Raiders of the Lost Ark is a 1981 American action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg, produced by George Lucas, and starring Harrison Ford. It is the first installment in the Indiana Jones franchise.

Storyline...

The year is 1936. A professor who studies archeology named Indiana Jones is venturing in the jungles in South America searching for a golden statue. Unfortunately, he sets off a deadly trap doing so, miraculously, he escapes. Then, Jones hears from a museum curator named Marcus Brody about a biblical artifact called The Ark of the Covenant, which can hold the key to humanly existence. Jones has to venture to vast places such as Nepal and Egypt to find this artifact. However, he will have to fight his enemy Renee Belloq and a band of Nazis in order to reach it. (IMDB)

Wrap Up...

Awesome film. One of the greatest flicks of all time in the opinion of many. Rhys-Davies was very giving of himself this evening and well done to the good folks at Popcorn Taxi for adding extra excitement and substance to the films showing. Keep checking the Popcorn Taxi official website for more about this great film and wonderful interview. The film and its actors and team have put a stamp on the movie making business that will never be forgotten.

Cast:

Harrison Ford - Indiana Jones

Karen Allen - Marion Ravenwood

Paul Freeman - Dr. René Belloq

Ronald Lacey - Major Arnold Toht

John Rhys-Davies - Sallah

Websites

Indiana Jones & The Raiders of the Lost Ark

www.indianajones.com

Popcorn Taxi

www.popcorntaxi.com.au

Randwick Ritz

www.ritzcinema.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

John Rhys-Davies - 'Indiana Jones & The Raiders of the Lost Ark' screening - Sydney

John Rhys-Davies - 'Indiana Jones & The Raiders of the Lost Ark' screening - Sydney, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
The all new remastered print, prepared especially in conjunction with 'Indiana Jones & the Raiders of the Lost Ark's' Blu-ray release, creates a spellbinding experience for Indiana Jones fans.

Randwick Ritz Cinema, 43-47 Pauls Street, Randwick

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Website: www.popcorntaxi.com.au

www.evarinaldi.com

Steven Spielberg and sound legend Ben Burtt went back to the original negative to create this new version of Indiana Jones & The Raiders of the Lost Ark that's entirely true to the look and feel of the original film.

John Rhys-Davies will attend tonight's remastered screening. Rhys-Davies, in his pivotal role of Sallah, experienced not only a part on one of the most famous films of all time, but an inside view into the film's fascinating production process. Since starring in Indiana Jones & The Raiders of the Lost Ark, Rhys-Davies has enjoyed a rich and varied career, including the role of Gimli in the Lord of the Rings films.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Reminiscing CD of Little River Band songs collaboration with Variety - the Children's Charity

Emma Pask, Danielle Blakey, Anita Spring, Evelyn Duprai

Emma Pask, Danielle Blakey, Evelyn Duprai, Anita Spring

Evelyn Duprai, Danielle Blakey, Emma Pask, Anita Spring

Reminiscing CD of Little River Band songs collaboration with Variety - the Children's Charity , a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Reminiscing CD helps special needs kids...

In support of the launch of their new 'Reminiscing' CD for children in need across Australia, vocalists Danielle Blakey and Evelyn Duprai of the album will appear on stage for live performances of the jazzed up interpretations of the Little River Band songs. Produced by the Children's Charity Variety, the proceeds from the sale of the CD go directly to the charity. The CD's can be purchased for $25 and will also be on sale at the concert.

......known for their ability to take pop songs and turn them into jazzy gems
Jazz Nouveau announce the release of their debut CD "Reminiscing"

"Reminiscing" is a collection of Little River Band songs with a Jazz Nouveau twist, featuring guest vocalists Emma Pask, Evelyn Duprai, Danielle Blakey, Anthea White and Anita Spring and is available on iTunes.

Jazz Nouveau - the brainchild of Joseph Calderazzo, was birthed one afternoon in 2003 whilst trying to figure out how he could transform songs that were well known and current into pieces that carried an air of timeless sophistication.

Creating rhythms that echo the heartbeat of the modern metropolis they call home, Jazz Nouveau have developed a sound that not only uniquely reverberates the city of Sydney, it also merges tantalizing cosmopolitan flavours with a classic attention grabbing vintage style!

The band features amazing Sydney musicians including New Zealand prodigy CHARMAINE FORD on piano, DAVE GOODMAN on drums, the debonair GARY HOLGATE who lets the double bass know exactly who’s the boss, the elegant Ms EVELYN DUPRAI who tastefully sings it all from a whisper to a shout, and of course, JOSEPH CALDERAZZO on guitar.

Proceeds from the sale of this CD will go to Variety - The children's charity.

QUOTES AND REVIEWS...

"Jazz Nouveau are happily deconstructing a bunch of rock hits and misses into a very stylish lounge suite." Ross Clelland (Drum Media)

"You nailed Reminiscing" Chris Richards (Owner/booker Blue Beat)

"I can feel an ARIA coming on" Don Bartley (Benchmark Mastering)

".. really nice tracks hey .. we did alright !" Emma Pask (Jazz singer)

"This release and people associated with it surly have an award or two coming their way. Very high quality" (Greg Tingle/Media Man)

"Big congratulations to you guys for producing a beautifully presented tribute to Little River Band. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of it" Anthea White (Hipstones)

will be joined on stage by Jazz Nouveau featuring Dave Goodman on drums, Gary Holgate on double bass, guitarist Joseph Calderazzo, and also including New Zealand Piano prodigy, Charmaine Ford. A tantalizing tapas menu will be available before the commencement of the show.

Websites

Emma Pask official website
www.emmapask.com

Evelyn Duprai official website
www.evelynduprai.com

Variety - the Children's Charity
www.variety.org.au

Jazz Nouveau official website
www.jazznouveau.net

Little River Band
www.littleriverband.com

Sydney Fringe
www.sydneyfringe.com

A Little Extra
www.alittleextra.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Planet Pit World Tour: Pitbull, Taio Cruz, Havana Brown and Timomatic: Sydney, Australia

International Planet Pit Tour

Tonight the Planet Pit tour hit Sydney via AllPhones Arena at Homebush in Sydney's west.

A packed arena saw the mega music card headlined by Pitbull (Armando Christian Pérez) go crazy.

Mr Worldwide was the main event, but we think the show was loaded up with other top line performing artists to spread risk and get bums on seats in what is an entertainment industry that has seen better days, with Australia being bombarded by overseas acts and artists, with only so many entertainment dollars to go around.

This concert was rather like a mini music festival in some respects. Even five years ago you would expect an artist such as Pitbull to tour Australia with maybe one support act to open, but not this time. The show has 4 headliners - yes, 4.

Timomatic and his dancers were awesome as always.

DJ Havana Brown brought it and rose up the level of energy in the stadium in a big way.

Taio Cruz did his thing, aided by some very cool lasers and lights.

Pitbull with his band which included a DJ, a keyboard player, a drummer, a percussionist and two synth players, one of which switched between bass and synth and the other who alternated between saxophone and synth.

We think most fans would have go their money's worth, which is what its all about.

MTV News: Pitbull Report...

He wowed the crowd when he took to the VMA stage last year alongside Ne-Yo to perform their smash hit ‘Give Me Everything,’ and now, rap superstar Pitbull has revealed his favourite memories from that night – as well as his thoughts on this year’s nominees!

The Miami-born muso, who’s in the country this week as part of his ‘Planet Pit’ world tour, told MTV Australia that meeting two of hip hop’s biggest names was the highlight of the night for him!

“One of my best memories was how I was rehearsing, and I walked back, and Kanye said that, you know, he respects our movement,” Pitbull told us.

“More than anything, I got a chance to shake Jay-Z’s hand, which is someone that I idolise - not only as an artist but as a businessman.”

“It was a great day. A magical moment for me.”

So who does he think will take home the Moonmen at this year’s ceremony?

“I don’t know. I just think to be part of the VMAs you’re already a big winner.”

But while he may have stayed mum on who’ll walk away a winner on the night, the ‘I Know You Want Me’ singer had nothing praise for Aussie sensation Gotye and his track ‘Somebody That I Used To Know!’

“[He’s] a great candidate to win something, absolutely, cause it’s a great, great, great record!” (MTV Australia)

Promo...

International Planet Pit Tour

Dainty Group announced today that No. 1 selling artist PITBULL will be touring Australia on his International Planet Pit Tour this August. The tour will have crowds partying with Mr Worldwide in arenas in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

Adding to the avalanche of hits at these shows will be international special guest TAIO CRUZ. This unbelievable line-up will also feature Havana Brown and Timomatic, creating a pop dance explosion!

Pitbull has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business, achieving back to back hits with tracks such as 'On the Floor' with Jennifer Lopez, 'I like It' with Enrique Iglesias and 'DJ got us fallin' in love' with Usher. You cannot turn on the radio without hearing a track featuring Pitbull! The list of superstar collaborations is endless and has cemented Pitbull as one of the most sought after artists on the planet who has also now created a spectacular live show!

TOUR DATES:

Thu 23 Aug - Burswood Dome, Perth

Sat 25 Aug - Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Mon 27 Aug - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

Wed 29 Aug - Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Sat 1 Sep - Allphones Arena, Sydney