Guy Sebastian Plays for Legacy

With his angelic voice and soulful grooves, Guy Sebastian shows are always worth seeing. But his latest tour promises to be something extra special.

This time around Guy’s paired up with the Australian Army band. And the military link doesn’t stop there. Proceeds from all the shows will go to Legacy, a charity which provides care to the families of deceased Australian serviceman.

Guy’s Army in Concert tour kicks off in Wagga Wagga tomorrow night. There are still some tickets available, so make sure you snap them up fast!

19, 20, and 21 September 2008 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
4 October 2008 – Concert Hall @ QPAC, South Bank
11 October 2008 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
26 October 2008 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
28 October 2008 – Canberra Theatre Centre
7 November 2008 – Hamer Hall @ The Arts Centre, Melbourne
13 November 2008 – The Hills Centre for the Performing Arts, Castle Hill
15 November 2008 – Wrest Point, Sandy Bay
22 November 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Darwin
29 November 2008 – Civic Theatre, South Townsville

Image source: Sunrise.seven @ Flickr

Casey Donovan Attacked in Bar Brawl

Former Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan was allegedly assaulted at a Sydney bar on Sunday morning. The 20-year-old singer suffered lacerations to her face and a broken finger in the unprovoked attack.

“She was out with friends having a good time and on the dance floor when she was approached and hassled by these guys,” explained Casey’s stepfather Norm Axford.

“They were making comments about Idol and she told them not to bother her. The next thing one of them punched her twice in the face.”

Police and ambulance were called to the scene, and Casey was taken to the Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment.

What a scary thing. I wish her a speedy recovery!

Image source: Young Einstein @ Flickr

Jonny Taylor an Idol No More

Jonny Taylor became the first Australian Idol casualty tonight, getting the chop after week one. Jonny found himself in the bottom three with Sophie Paterson and Teale Jakubenko, but after the “sing for your life” round but didn’t earn enough votes to continue in the comp.

Before I go on I’d like to say how disappointed I was with the way the “sing for your life” concept was executed. How can one truly sing for their life when they’re restricted to the very same song that flopped the night before? I’d have much rather heard the Idols sing something they thought would compel the public to see they deserved to stay. Something new, an original perhaps, would have been much more appropriate.

I’m sorry to see Jonny go. I haven’t been very impressed with his performances to this point, but I feel he had a real depth and I was looking forward to seeing him grow in the comp. But someone’s got to go I suppose.

The most exciting part of the night for me was the news that next week our Idols will be mentored by none other than Cyndi Lauper. They’ll sing 80s hits, and I couldn’t be happier. One of my idols helping our contestants sing music from my favourite decade? Bring it on!

Tim Rogers and Pete Satchell Play for Mental Health

Aussie legends Tim Rogers (You Am I) and Pete Satchell (Dallas Crane) will head the line-up of a massive mental health charity gig in Melbourne.

Mad Hatters Night will take place at St Kilda’s Gershwin Room on October 9. Tim and Pete will join the Bipolar Bears, Heidi Everett, and the Melbourne Mass Gospel Choir for the show.

All funds raised will benefit The Music Network for Mental Health, a program which brings musicians with mental illness together for performances and songwriting workshops.

Tickets are just $15, or $8 for concessions, so if you’re in Victoria make sure you get along and support this awesome cause!

Image source: Irene Tong @ Flickr

Snoop Dogg Gets a Visa

There’s good news for Snoop Dogg fans: the American rapper has been granted an Australian visa.

But there is a slight catch. After evaluating his criminal record, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has ordered the hip hop star to undertake counselling before he arrives.

“Given his criminal record, the department undertook a full character assessment of Snoop Dogg’s criminal history and previous conduct before making a decision on his visa application,” a departmental spokesman said.

“In making this decision, the department weighed his criminal convictions against his previous behaviour while in Australia, recent conduct – including charity work – and any likely risk to the Australian community.

“We took into account all relevant factors and, on balance, the department decided to grant the visa.”

The department added that Snoop’s visa will also be cancelled if he fails to abide by the law during his Aussie stay. I hope he’s on his best behaviour! Snoop Dogg will tour with Ice Cube and Bone Thugs N Harmony. Here are all the dates!

29 October 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
31 October 2008 – Acer Arena, Sydney
2 November 2008 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
5 November 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
7 November 2008 – Burswood Dome, Perth

Image source: Hooverdust @ Flickr

The Veronicas Get a Reality Show

Broken engagements, missing boyfriends, a little girl on girl action … with all the scandal following The Veronicas these days it’s little wonder that American producers have given Australia’s most famous twins their own reality TV show!

But Jess and Lisa Origliasso aren’t phased by cameras following their every move.

“We document everything we do anyway,” Jess told The Daily Telegraph. “We often have camera crews on us on tour. It’s just about lives.”

It seems like every man and his dog has a reality TV series these days, but the show could be a major vehicle for promoting the dynamic duo overseas. And with so many rumours surrounding the girls, it could help set the record straight!

The Veronicas reality TV show is likely to air on American youth network MTV.

Image source: Foraggio Fotographic @ Flickr

Gabriella Cilmi Tops ARIA Nominations

Teen sensation Gabriella Cilmi looks set to scoop the pool at this year’s Motorola ARIA Awards after she earned six nominations. The not-so-sweet singer is up for best female artist, single of the year, breakthrough artist – album, breakthrough artist single, best pop release, and highest selling single! Wow!

“It’s sweet as to be nominated. Looking forward to getting home!” Gabriella said today from France. She’s there for a promotional tour which will see her appear on the popular TV show Tara Tata with Metallica!

The nominations cap off an amazing year for Gabriella, whose debut single “Sweet About Me” and debut album Lessons to be Learned both zoomed to the top of the Aussie charts. She’s also scored top 10 hits in the UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Norway, New Zealand, and Italy! And it’s not likely to slow down anytime soon, with Gabriella recently singing a deal with US label Universal Republic.

But before she heads to the States Gabriella will come home to perform at the ARIA Awards and Homebake.

Expat Sam Sparro didn’t do too badly either with nominations for single of the year, best male artist, best pop release, breakthrough artist album, and breakthrough album single.

He may not have topped the charts like Gabriella and Sam, but blind indigenous singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was still a big hit with ARIA voters. He scored nominations for best world music album, best independent release, best male artist, and album of the year.

Also scoring four nominations were mainstream successes The Veronicas, The Presets, The Living End, and Angus and Julia Stone. Close behind with three nods were Faker, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson.

The ARIA Awards Ceremony will be held at Acer Arena on Sunday 19 October. Until then, check out all the nominations!

Album of the Year
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunnipingu – Gurrumul
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson – Rattlin’ Bones
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Dig Lazarus, Dig
The Living End – White Noise
The Presets – Apocalypso

Best Adult Contemporary Album
Clare Bowditch – The Moon Looked On
Jimmy Barnes – Out In The Blue
Katie Noonan – Skin
Robert Forster – The Evangelist
The Panics – Cruel Guards

Best Blues and Roots Album
Angus and Julia Stone – A Book Like This
Jeff Lang – Half Seas Over
Mia Dyson – Struck Down
The Audreys – When The Flood Comes
The Waifs – Sun, Dirt, Water

Best Children’s Album
Hi-5 – Planet Earth
Jay Laga’aia – Come Dance and Sing
Justine Clarke – Songs To Make You Smile
The Fairies – Fairy Fun Fun Fun
The Wiggles – You Make Me Feel Like Dancing

Best Comedy Release
Akmal – Akmal Live and Uncensored
Matt Tilley – Gotcha Calls Three’s a Crowd
Merrick & Rosso – Live and Totally Wrong!
Shaun Micallef – The Expurgated Micallef Tonight: The Very Best of Shaun Micallef’s Short-Lived but Brilliant Tonight
The Umbilical Brothers – Don’t Explain

Best Country Album
Catherine Britt – Little WildFlower
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson – Rattlin’ Bones
Melinda Schneider – Be Yourself
Sara Storer – Silver Skies
The McClymonts – Chaos and Bright Lights

Best Dance Album
Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours
Mobin Master – Show Me Love
PNAU – Pnau
The Potbelleez – Don’t Hold Back
The Presets – Apocalypso

Best Female Artist
Clare Bowditch
Gabriella Cilmi
Holly Throsby
Kylie Minogue
Missy Higgins

Best Group
Angus and Julia Stone
Silverchair
Faker
The Presets
The Living End

Best Independent Release
Ben Lee – Ripe
British India – Thieves
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunnipingu – Gurrumul
Lior – Corner of an Endless Road
Midnight Juggernauts – Dystopia

Best Male Artist
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunnipingu
Nick Cave
Paul Kelly
Pete Murray
Sam Sparro

Best Music DVD
Hilltop Hoods – City of Light
Paul Kelly – Stolen Apples
Powderfinger/Silverchair – Across The Great Divide
John Butler Trio – Live at Federation Square
Wolfmother – Please Experience Wolfmother

Best Pop Release
Gabriella Cilmi – Lessons To Be Learned
Kylie Minogue – X
Operator Please – Yes Yes Vindictive
Sam Sparro – Black and Gold
The Veronicas – Hook Me Up

Best Rock Album
Eddy Current Suppression Ring – Primary Colours
Faker – Be The Twighlight
Gyroscope – Breed Obsession
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Dig Lazarus, Dig
The Living End – White Noise

Best Urban Release
A-Love – Ace of Hearts
Bliss ‘n’ Eso – Flying Colours
Kayalyst – What’s Happening?
Muph & Plutonic – …and Then Tomorrow Came
Spit Syndicate – Towards The Light
The Herd – Summerland

Breakthrough Artist – Album
Angus and Julia Stone – A Book Like This
Gabriella Cilmi – Lessons To Be Learned
Midnight Juggernauts – Dystopia
Operator Please – Yes Yes Vindictive
Sam Sparro – Sam Sparro

Breakthrough Artist – Single
Angus and Julia Stone – “The Beast”
Gabriella Cilmi – “Sweet About Me”
Sam Sparro – “Black and Gold”
The Panics – “Don’t Fight It”
The Potbelleez – “Don’t Hold Back”

Single Of The Year
Faker – “This Heart Attack”
Gabriella Cilmi – “Sweet About Me”
Sam Sparro – “Black and Gold”
The Living End – “White Noise”
The Presets – “My People”

Highest Selling Single
Delta Goodrem – “In This Life”
Gabriella Cilmi – “Sweet About Me”
The Potbelleez – “Don’t Hold Back”
The Veronicas – “Untouched”
The Veronicas – “Hook Me Up”

Highest Selling Album
David Campbell – The Swing Sessions 2
Delta Goodrem – Delta
Guy Sebastian – The Memphis Album
The Veronicas – Hook Me Up
Tina Arena – Songs of Love and Loss

Best Classical Album
Brett Dean and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra – Brett Dean
Elena Kats-Chernin – Slow Food
Richard Tognetti, Neal Peres da Costa and Daniel Yeadon – Bach Sonatas For Violin and Keyboard
Roger Woodward – Jon Seb Bach Chromatic Fantasia Fugue, BVW 903
Slava Grigorian and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra – Baroque Guitar Concertos

Best Jazz Album
Andrea Keller – Footprints
Deni Hines and James Morrison – The Other Woman
Grace Knight – Willow
Joe Chindamo – Duende, The Romantic Project
Mike Nock Project – Meeting of the Waters
Oehlers, Grabowsky, Beck – Lost and Found

Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album
Night – Original Cast Recording
Summer Heights High – Chris Lilley
Pricilla The Musical – Original Cast Recording
The Square – OST
Various Artists – The Countdown Spectacular Live 2

Best World Music Album
Archie Roach – Journey
David Jones – Colours of the Drum
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunnipingu – Gurrumul
Joseph Tawadros – Angel
Watussi – Tequilla Sandre Fuego

Image supplied by Warner Music Australia

Earl Cole and Chelsea J Play Michael and Norah in Perth

It’s been some time since Perth’s acclaimed Michael Bublé tribute act Earl Cole performed one of his popular dinner shows, but the wait has been worth it. Earl will play Banca Café on Sunday 21st September with a very special friend, Chelsea J.

You might recognise Chelsea from Australian Idol or Popstars. These days she’s ditched reality television for an impressive turn as Norah Jones.

Banca Café is an award-winning restaurant located at 75 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill. Tickets will set you back just $75, which includes the show, a three-course meal, and champagne on arrival. And if you can gather a group of six or more, you’ll pay just $70 a head. The show kicks off at 7 pm and runs for three hours. Bookings are essentials and can be made by called (08) 9344 7007.

For a taste of what to expect, make sure you check out Earl’s website. He’s just released a new album, Come Fly With Me, and samples of all the tracks are available online.

We’re never likely to see Michael Bublé and Norah Jones team up for an Aussie tour, but this amazing tribute show may just be the next best thing.

Image supplied by Earl Cole

Australian Idol Top 12 Revealed

Australian Idol has a top 12! But just like this entire series of Idol, it wasn’t without surprises. We’re used to the public choosing two wildcards and the judges choosing the remaining two. Not so this year, with the judges deciding to put three of their favourites through to the finals. Would it have changed the results any? Who knows. I’m certainly happy with the result.

The judges elected to send star performer Roshani Priddis, “rough diamond” Luke Dickens, and quirky singer-songwriter Jonny Taylor through to the finals. Ex-pat Sophie Paterson was the audience favourite, earning her rightful place in the top 12.

So now it’s on to the pointy end of things. With such amazing talent making up our top 12, I say bring it on!

Image source: Wikimedia Commons 

Gabriella Cilmi Nominated for Q Award

Those Brits just love our Gabriella. Ms Cilmi has been nominated for the Best Breakthrough title at the upcoming Q Awards.

She’s got some stiff competition in the form of Duffy, Adele, Santogold, and Bon Iver, but I’d love to see her take home the gong. After all, “Sweet About Me” and “Save The Lies” are both in the British Top 50 right now.

Expect more nomination nods for Gabriella when the ARIA contenders are announced on Wednesday. If I were her I’d start clearing some space in the pool room.

Image source: Adam Bowie @ Flickr