Category: News

Grab your poodle skirts and Brylcreem and get set for the 50s extravaganza, The Big Bopper Presents Elvis Meets Buddy!

I saw Doug Parkinson play The Big Bopper in the original run of Buddy way back in 1991. How incredible that 18 years later he’s still singing “Chantilly Lace” in that trademark baritone! Doug will be joined on the tour by Scott Cameron, who starred as Buddy Holly in the recent Australian production of Buddy. While Richie Valens completed the original trio, this tour features a much bigger 50s icon. Stepping into those blue suede shoes of Elvis Presley is none other than Donny Edwards, the man regarded as the world’s most sought after Elvis impersonator. Considering how many folks don the rhinestone jumpsuit, that’s some claim to fame!

This rocking tour will make stops in capital cities and regional centres all around the country from April 2010. Tickets are on sale now.

21 & 22 April 2010 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
23 & 24 April 2010 – Astor Theatre, Perth
28 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Warrnambool
29 April 2010 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier
30 April 30 & 1 May 2010 – Her Majesty’s, Adelaide
2 May 2010 – Chaffey Theatre, Renmark
4 May 2010 – Dapto Leagues Club, Wollongong
5 May 2010 – Wests Leagues, Newcastle
6 May 2010 – Southern Cross Club, Canberra
7 May 2010 – Evan Theatre @ Penrith Panthers
8 May 2010 – State Theatre, Sydney
9 May 2010 – Workers Club, Revesby
12 May 2010 – Civic Centre, Townsville
13 May 2010 – Convention Centre, Mackay
14 May 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Proserpine
15 May 2010 – Civic Centre, Cairns
18 May 2010 – Cultural Centre, Capella
19 May 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Gladstone
20 May 2010 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
21 May 2010 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
22 May 2010 – Civic Hall, Ipswich
23 May 2010 – Events Centre, Caloundra
25 May 2010 – Cultural Centre, Redcliffe
26 May 2010 – Civic Centre, Gympie
27 May 2010 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
28 May 2010 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads
29 May 2010 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
30 May 2010 – Performing Arts Centre, Redlands

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Sorry to alarm you all, but Christmas is just five weeks away. I braved the local shopping centre last week and was annoyed before even leaving my car. Driving half an hour looking for a park will do that to you. Then there were the crowds inside, the bored sales assistants, and the stores which didn’t have the items I wanted anyway. And we all know it’s going to get worse in the coming weeks.

These days, I don’t know why I bother. It’s much easier to shop online, and awesome Aussie retailer Chaos has got a bunch of cool deals to ring in the festive season. They’re currently celebrating the 30 Days of Chaosmas, with fantastic specials and offers each day. For example, today you can get your Britney fix without paying an exorbitant price to see a lacklustre concert! Chaos is offering the Britney Singles Collection and plenty of other Britney CDs for just $7.95. Some may argue they’re not even worth that, but they’re good stocking stuffers for your little sisters!

If you’re stuck for ideas, consult the cool Chaosmas Gift Finder. It’ll help you find the perfect present for mum, your bratty little brother, Aunt Doris, and your mates. Or you could always cop-out and get a gift voucher!

Either way, a rocking musical present’s bound to be a bigger hit with the rellies than bath salts or socks!

Image source: Powerbooktrance @ Flickr

The Rogue Traders are back, with a brand new singer and a new song! “Love Is A War” is the first track featuring vocals from Sydney-born Mindi Jackson.

Rogue Traders founding member James Ash found Mindi through her MySpace page and thought her a natural for stepping into Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s stilettos.

“Nothing really stopped when Nat left,” he explained in a statement. “I continued to write music, and looked around for a new singer, and didn’t settle until I found the right one. Mindi was that right singer.”

Understandably, Mindi says the call from James was a “massive shock.” Yet after a few early jitters, she’s settled comfortably in the band’s new vision and extensive back catalogue.

“Love Is A War” is the start of a new chapter for the band. It’s not just the first single from their as-yet-untitled fourth album. It’s also the first track Mindi penned with James. The song marks a return to The Rogue Traders’ club roots, without compromising the pop sensibilities which made them a national sensation.

“Love Is A War” will hit radio this Friday before its digital release on Christmas Day.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

There must be something in the water on The Presets tour bus. Both Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes are expecting little ones!

Julian’s partner, SBS newsreader Janice Petersen excitedly told media that she’s 16 weeks along.

“I’m up the duff,” she gushed. “It’s been a dream run so far – I haven’t had any morning sickness.”

They’re looking forward to a delivery surprise, as the gender of the baby doesn’t matter to them one way or the other.

Kim and his long-term girlfriend are also expecting their first child next year.

“It was unexpected but they are really happy,” a source told The Daily Telegraph.

The band is currently working on their third studio album. Perhaps we’ll see a few lullabies on there!

Image source: Arthur Hanna @ Wikimedia Commons

ARIA Award winning Aussie Gurrumul has teamed up with Sting for a cover of “Every Breath You Take.” The collaboration will be shown on French music TV show Taratata next month.

Gurrumul also performed “Wiyathul” from his self-titled solo album on the program. He’s currently in France as part of his European tour. I’ll bet his life seems like a million miles away from his native Arnhem Land!

“There’s always something to learn from other musicians,” Sting said after the duet. “There’s always an exchange … They will surprise you with what they can do or what they can add to your own music. Or you can teach them.”

It sounds like a wonderful collaboration. Definitely one to track down on YouTube once it airs!

Image source: Neate Photos @ Flickr

TownHallSteps are an Aussie band on the up, with a killer debut album and a tour of the United States under their belt. They barely had time to unpack their suitcases before heading out on some Aussie dates. I recently caught up with drummer Ryan Lambert to chat about the band’s time abroad, playing big support slots, and what inspires the band’s eclectic sound.

You recently toured the United States. How did the crowds there respond to your music?
The response we received from audiences in the US was great! Very positive, we have a gained strong interest from a couple of US record companies and management. We are already making plans for an extended stay in 2010!

What’s it like to perform at iconic venues like The Viper Room and The Roxy?
Hearing about these venues, and who has played there over in the past I think you really expect something pretty amazing. Although if you have played or been to shows in venues like The Spectrum on Oxford Street in Sydney, you have already experienced a venue a similar size the Viper Room. It is very small, but being on Sunset Boulevarde in Hollywood playing on a stage that you know many iconic bands have played on in the past, plus sharing the stage with Kate Miller-Heidke the night we played, the experience was nothing short of amazing.

Has the trip inspired you to travel more?
Yes definitely. Our experiences overseas were amazing. Although we are heading back to Hollywood next year to record and do another tour, we hope we have the opportunity to visit lots of other countries in the future as well!
Continue reading “Q & A with Ryan Lambert from TownHallSteps” →

Have you got plans for New Years yet? Well if you’re in the Gold Coast, you might consider heading out to see Shannon Noll.

Nollsy has just announced a return to his home state to play a special New Year’s Eve show at the Boardwalk Tavern. Situated right on the Hope Island Marina, you can’t imagine a more picturesque spot to ring in the New Year.

Shannon’s still out promoting his current best of album, so you can expect to hear all the hits including “What About Me,” “Lift,” and “Shine.” He’ll be ably supported by Star Q.

Tickets to the show cost just $40. They’re on sale now through Oztix and the Boardwalk Tavern.

Image source: The Harbour Agency