BSJ Heads to New York – Las Vegas in May 2009

March 1, 2009 by admin · 1 Comment 

BSJ Heads to New York – Las Vegas in May 2009

 

BSJ News Australia & backstagejobs.com.au team head to New York and Las Vegas in May 2009 in search of some amazing stories and images from New York Broadway and Las Vegas Shows.

 

We will start our trip in Hollywood for a week in search of some amazing images and backstage theatre and TV Studio Images and articles.

 

Then we will head over to New York for a week to showcase the Big Apples Broadway shows including Wicked.

 

Once we have completed New York we head over to Las Vegas and we hope to bring you some amazing images and articles from shows like Bette Milder Show at Ceases Palace and much more!

 

We also will be setting up a YouTube and blog so we can keep you up-to-date with our progress.

 

http://www.youtube.com/BSJNEWSAUSTRALIA (Starts In May 2009) Subscribe to it now

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John Farnham – Will he Tour Again in 2009 ?

February 13, 2009 by admin · 5 Comments 

John Farnham – Will he Tour Again in 2009 ?

 

Rumour abounds for a comeback of John Farnham. A veteran of the Australian music industry, Farnham had a thirty-year career and announced his retirement in 2002.

 

Farnham’s Last Time tour, which ended in 2003, would be his last large scale one. He did state however that he would continue to perform to live audiences. He kept his word and over the years has performed in short-run seasons in concerts, fundraisers and community events, as well as the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony and a short run tour with Tom Jones in 2005.

 

The only source of such a rumour comes from a Herald Sun article, where Glenn Wheatley was interviewed. Wheatley, Farnham’s manager for 30 years, stated that a comeback is imminent, but that he needs “to sit down with [Farnham] first and formulate what is the best approach”. The article also adds that a tour is the most likely path to a comeback.

 

Indeed such a thing may seem inevitable given his continued performances, but Farnham himself denies any such event. Appearing in Channel Nine’s Australia Unites telethon (screened on 12th Feb 2009), Farnham stated that he wasn’t considering a comeback at this time. Wheatley, who also appeared on the telethon, said that he would try to persuade a change of mind.

 

Wheatley was released from prison in May 2008 after having been convicted for a minimum of 15 months for tax evasion in 2007. He spent the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

 

Farnham’s official website lists no current or upcoming news about a comeback. Contact with one of Farnham’s representatives, Bandshop, could not offer a comment and Farnham’s fan club organisers also had no news of a return to touring for the star.

 

If anyone has any news or updates to this article, please contact Backstage Jobs.

 

Written by : Naomi Guss (Staff Writer)

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Western Sydney Dance Action Appoints new director!

January 27, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

 wsda

It is with great excitement that the board of Western Sydney Dance Action appoints Olivia Ansell as their new director.

 

Olivia Ansell’s involvement over the past decade, as a producer, director, choreographer, teacher and performer, demonstrates her diversity and versatility within the NSW arts sector, making her a valuable asset to an organisation such as Western Sydney Dance Action. Sydney based and a graduate of Queensland University of Technology’s Academy of the Arts, her recent experience includes producing the inaugural season of Short Sweet+Dance 2007, launching the Fast+Fresh Dance series for WSDA in 2008, directing Short Sweet+Dance 2009 and producing, directing and choreographing a range of events and dance activities for companies, organizations and institutions such as Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s Kids in the Park, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Cracker Comedy Festival, Dreamworld Themepark, Entertainment Alliance, College of Fine Arts UNSW, Sceggs Redlands, The McDonald College, Ecole Dance Theatre, Luna Park and the Conservatorium of Music.

 

Western Sydney Dance Action is a not-for-profit organisation that develops and nurtures the cultural fabric of dance in Western Sydney and beyond. The WSDA mission is to provide support and mentorship across it’s four core areas-Dance Development, Artist Support, Education and Audience Development.

 

WSDA was established by founding director, Kathy Baykitch, in 2000 as a partnership between Ausdance NSW and Riverside Theatres-and in 2004 commenced as a non-profit association. Under Kathy’s visionary direction, WSDA created, mentored,  supported, and produced numerous artistic programs and initiatives that have consolidated Western Sydney Dance Action as an incubator of dance activity and opportunity in Western Sydney.  These projects include Dance Bites-an annual program that produces four works per year by emerging and established choreographers, Westbound-a work experience initiative for secondary school students, ConnectEd Workshop series for primary school teachers, Fast+Fresh Dance for aspiring young choreographers and most significantly the establishment of a newly renovated, permanent 5 studio complex in Parramatta City called the Connect Arcade.

 

After six years of lobbying by Kathy for much needed rehearsal space in western Sydney, Connect Arcade was given funding approval by former NSW arts minister, Frank Sartor, on the 12th June 2008.

 

Newly appointed director, Olivia Ansell, said,  “I am looking forward to consolidating and expanding upon the achievements of WSDA to date, maintaining the nurturing and unwavering support of Riverside Theatres Parramatta as well as projecting a new, self sustainable vision and pathway for WSDA to move in to it’s next generation of dance development.”

 

By supporting the development of both new and established work, cultivating exchange between fellow emerging and established Independent practitioners, strengthening Western Sydney Dance Action’s relationships between established artists and organizations, and pursuing opportunities that enhance dance education and community participation –Ms Ansell believes she can further expand western Sydney’s reputation as a centre for excellence in dance facilitation.

 

The 2009 program shall deliver an exciting partnership with Kay Armstrong’s youth dance company, YouMove, who are taking permanent part-time residency at the Connect Arcade.  YouMove will be presented as part of the annual Dance Bite series staged at Riverside Theatres, and plan to feature their work at neighbouring arts centres, various community events, showings and educational workshops.

 

Olivia Ansell will commence in the role part-time, whilst she fulfils her commitments as festival director of Short Sweet+Dance 2009, before commencing with Western Sydney Dance Action full-time at the end of March.

 

 

 

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New Theatre Newtown – Take Me Out

January 17, 2009 by admin · 1 Comment 

 

In association with 2009 New Mardi Gras Festival, the Sydney Premiere of the

2003 Tony Award winner for ‘Best Play’

Take Me Out

 

by Richard Greenberg

Darren Lemming is a sporting god – and he’s just told the world he’s gay.

When the New York Empires’ star centre fielder comes out at a press conference, the tightknit

macho world of professional baseball is thrown into chaos. His business manager is

horrified; the fans are staggered; the team bosses go into damage control; and his teammates

are confused, angry and hostile.

Set entirely in a locker-room over the course of one season, this funny, sexy, touching and

ultimately tragic play examines themes of masculinity and identity and throws a spotlight on

the homophobia, racism and class warfare that lurks under the shiny veneer of America’s

most popular sport.

Directed by Barry French

Set Design: Tom Bannerman

Performance Times: Thursday – Saturday @ 8pm, Sunday @ 5pm

Sat 7 March @ 1pm (no 8pm show)

Tickets: $28 full / $22 NMG and concession / $22 (groups 10+)

Sunday 8 Feb @ 5pm “Pay What You Can” (minimum $10)

Bookings: 1300 306 776 / www.mca-tix.com.au

Media Source : http://www.newtheatre.org.au

 

5 February – 7 March 2009

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Big Day Out 2009 -The 2nd Announcement

November 27, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

The 2nd Announcement
 
 
 

 

Hello music fans.

Big thanks to everyone for their support for the Big Day Out once again this year.

With Sydney and Gold Coast tickets snapped up within hours and all shows heading towards sell outs it is great to know that you trust us once again to deliver a wonderful experience.

Our new musical offerings are ready to be unveiled. We truly believe these new acts are impressive additions to an already stellar lineup.

Soon we will also announce our final musical acts, visual art installations, special attractions and the world of the Lilyworld.

We hope you can join us for the day.

Two down, one to go….

Roll up! Roll up! Rock ’n’ roll ringmaster SERJ TANKIAN has donned his top hat and will be cracking the whip at BIG DAY OUT 2009. The System of a Down front man has gone solo with the multi-layered album Elect the Dead. Backed by his band the FCC, TANKIAN’s show is a vaudevillian explosion – part comedic, part heart-attack serious. A showman like no other, SERJ TANKIAN is guaranteed to bring the drama at BIG DAY OUT this summer.  (ALL SHOWS)

BIG DAY OUT is dedicated to providing good times. And to help us do this in 2009, we’ve called on the band dubbed Boston’s answer to the Ramones – the legendary DROPKICK MURPHYS. This loud, raucous and chaotic seven-piece Celtic punk combo hits the stage with one goal: to play music that creates an all-for-one, one-for-all environment where everyone is encouraged to participate, sing along, and have a good time. Sounds good to us! So let the good times roll with DROPKICK MURPHYS at BIG DAY OUT 2009. (ALL SHOWS)

Do not underestimate the charm of BLACK KIDS. They won’t teach your boyfriend how to dance, but this feel-good Florida five-piece will help you put your best foot forward at BIG DAY OUT 2009. Led by Reggie Youngblood’s “catchy tunes about dancing and desire”, BLACK KIDS have put a fresh spin on retro sounds with their irresistible debut album Partie Traumatic. From artist-to-watch to buzz band to real deal in the space of only three years, see BLACK KIDS continue their stratospheric rise at BIG DAY OUT.  (ALL SHOWS)

When BIG DAY OUT felt that burning desire to get on the floor, there was only one band to call: please welcome back everybody’s favourite synth-wielders, London’s HOT CHIP. “The most effortlessly cool band in Ravesville” (thanks, NME) are set to scintillate and shake up the summer with tunes from their third album, Made in the Dark. For a festival experience packing personality and electro-pop perfection, it gets no hotter than HOT CHIP at BIG DAY OUT 2009.  (ALL SHOWS)

Summer Down Under is so hot, BIG DAY OUT is calling in The Cool – the head-spinning wordplay of Chicago hip hop trailblazer LUPE FIASCO. Once protégé to Kanye, Jay-Z and Pharrell, LUPE’s second album, The Cool, whose first single “Superstar” (featuring Matthew Santos) has shot him into the big leagues in his own right. This smart, charismatic and energetic performer and his band are coming to teach you the art of being cool. School’s in for summer with LUPE FIASCO at BIG DAY OUT 2009. (ALL SHOWS)

Forget the father and the son, all BIG DAY OUT needs is HOLY GHOST! Part of the DFA stable, HOLY GHOST! is Brooklyn duo Nicholas Millhiser and Alexander Frankel. Obsessed with analog synths, thumping disco, and older than old school production, the pair busted out their own moves on the majestically squelchy single Hold On, and have spiced up other people’s moves with remixes for Cut Copy, MGMT and Moby. Let the spirit move you when HOLY GHOST! enter the body of BIG DAY OUT 2009. (ALL SHOWS)

BIG DAY OUT is going back to the future, and the man at the wheel of the DeLorean is Z*TRIP. The LA DJ once regarded the originator and king of the mash up movement, Z*TRIP is now mixing things up differently – classics, soul, up-tempo and b-boy jams, rock riffs, old school hip hop, all feeding into something new, something totally Z*TRIP. He’s DJed for change for Obama in the States, now Z*TRIP will be changing it up at BIG DAY OUT 2009. (NZ & EAST COAST ONLY)

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Early in 1984, an inner city Sydney band called DIED PRETTY set out to create their own distinctive style, and challenge the musical preconceptions of the time. They quickly garnered a reputation for live shows full of raw passion, intensity, and more often than not, complete disintegration. After 18 years together and eight seminal albums, 2002 signalled the end for this five-piece and they played their last shows. Fast forward to present day, and 2008 has seen former band mates Peno, Myers, Welsh, Clark and Hoey reunite. DIED PRETTY played the first BIG DAY OUT in 1992, and in 2009 they return to the BDO stage to show us their music has well and truly stood the test of time. (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

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It’s been six years since THE VINES ram-raided their way into the public consciousness. In this time, THE VINES have experienced an accelerated career lived out very publicly in a whirlwind of brilliant pop records, legendary gigs and gruelling world tours, breakdowns, break ups and the occasional fug of spliff smoke. Roll on 2008 and the release of their fourth album Melodia which greets the world with the kind of blinking, wide eyed enthusiasm of a band just out of the garage and it’s a safe bet to say that anything goes. In fact, based on the last six years, it’s best not to assume anything other than: it’s going to be one hell of a ride…and we welcome THE VINES back to the BIG DAY OUT this summer.  (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

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INFUSION is one of Australia’s most loved electronica artists, well known for their rollicking live shows and a resume of remixes as long as your arm. They return to rock the house at the BIG DAY OUT in 2009 after starring at Coachella, Roskilde and Glastonbury festivals. Following on from their classic Phrases and Numbers (2002) and Six Feet Above Yesterday (2004) the band will release their third album in 2009 and they’ve given us a taste of what’s to come with the saucy electro track “Dogtown”.  (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

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Scorching guitar work, killer name and an electrifying stage presence has made Melbourne’s CHILDREN COLLLIDE the hottest trio to break through the indie scene in a long time. With their cracker debut LP The Long Now, CHILDREN COLLIDE have created an album that is a captivating introduction to the band’s explosive, high-voltage grunge-alicous pop. After wowing crowds during their hometown BDO show in 08, they join the big wheel circus for the first time. Come meet Johnny, Ryan and Heath at the BIG DAY OUT summer series, we know you’re gonna love them.  (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

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Dance music guru PEE WEE FERRIS returns to the BIG DAY OUT in 2009.  One of Australia’s most influential DJs and producers, PEE WEE FERRIS is a trailblazer of the dance music movement world wide. He’s had residencies in Australia and around the world featuring guests like Paul Oakenfold and Paul van Dyk, played alongside Basement Jaxx, Daft Punk and The Prodigy, received ARIA nominations and ARIA Gold Records and has a swag of composition and remix credits to his name.  He takes his rightful place behind the decks at the BDO and will hammer out one huge party set for fans this summer! (ALL SHOWS)

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Bridging the gap between introspective art rock and shimmering melodic pop, SPARKADIA’s debut album Postcards is one of the albums of the year. The Sydney four-piece have been hitting it big time in Europe with their accomplished pop hooks and bittersweet lyrics. SPARKADIA return this summer to deliver their most majestic sing along anthems like “Too Much to Do” and “Jealousy” at the BIG DAY OUT.  (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

THE GETAWAY PLAN have graduated top of the class from their teenage punk rock beginnings in Melbourne and have busted their way into the rock scene in a big way!  With sold out tours and stacks of radio and television airplay, these rock minstrels are on the up. And finally fans can enjoy their music in the comfort and safety of their own homes with the release of their debut LP Other Voices, Other Rooms, which punches out powerful, melodic, rock hits like Where the City Meets the Sea and Shadows. It’s time to get away with the GET AWAY PLAN at the BIG DAY OUT! (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

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Melbourne based LITTLE RED are sharp dressers, and they smile a lot.  Their music is pretty good too – word on the street is that they’re going to be in command of a comprehensive 60s rock’n’roll revival at BIG DAY OUT. Their debut album Listen to Little Red is full of irresistibly danceable hooks, timeless melodies and charming harmonies. Don’t miss LITTLE RED as they serve up a refreshing set of sweet summer sounds at the BIG DAY OUT in 2009.   (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

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Mammal is f**king excellent to watch; there’s no denying it. – Drum Media. And it IS as simple as that really. MAMMAL’s first LP was a revolutionary live album melding prog, punk and raw rock. With their prophetic powerhouse vocalist Ezekiel Ox and more wild riffage from Pete Williamson than you can poke a stick at, these guys released their first studio album this year when they recorded with Eric Sarafin (Ben Harper, Pharcyde).   Raging against the record industry machine, MAMMAL released the resulting record The Majority independently, and are set to make one hell of a big ass noise for fans at the BIG DAY OUT.  (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

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The genius of Sydney’s own MERCY ARMS is slowly dawning on music fans in Australia and abroad.  In 2008 they’ve continued to spin their melodic web around our psyche’s with release their self titled debut – an inspired album drenched in luscious production from iconic Australian producer Tony Cohen. MERCY ARMS have also been sharing their atmospheric rock with audiences worldwide, and locally have ridden along in the tour bus with the likes of The Pixies, The Strokes, Cut Copy, The Horrors and The Editors. This band is sure to be round longer than your haircut, so don’t miss them at the BIG DAY OUT.  (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

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AJAX has been working the decks for over 15 years. He started out pretty much the same way as most DJs by spinning at house parties, private events and dances – he was a hit, and made friends fast. Not content with the same old things, he quickly moved into the club and radio mix show scene and now his mantle is littered with many a DJ award. AJAX’s frenzied live shows serve up an energetic fist pumping, head nodding, body moving style, breaking out with scratching, beat juggling and trick mixing. Get ready for a BIG DAY OUT dance-floor experience you won’t forget any time soon!  (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

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ANDEE FROST’s musical soul was set on fire at an early age by the glimmering sounds from the decks at the school disco.  He took to DJing and his obsession with dance music grew and he eventually gained the status of “legend” at Melbourne club Honky Tonks.  Throwing down some of the kookiest licks in town, ANDEE FROST has played with the likes of Justice, 2 Many DJs, and the Klaxons, and his Dr Seuss, disco inspired set is not to be missed at the BIG DAY OUT!  (ALL AUSTRALIAN SHOWS)

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Cathartic, intense and thunderous, THE DRONES’ music does not fit easily into conventional rock music categories. While their material is often based on rock sounds and song structures, Gareth Liddiard and band mates are driven by a need to push boundaries venturing into the noisy, atonal, blues-based music that the likes of Tom Waits brought to a wider audience. Their fourth long player Havilah was released in September, and is again brimming with the innovation and artistic integrity that has made THE DRONES one of Australian rock’s most critically acclaimed acts both here and overseas. Come witness THE DRONES when they deliver both new material and bring new light to their older songs at the BIG DAY OUT. (EAST COAST ONLY)

New additions to Big Day Out 09: SERJ TANKIAN, DROPKICK MURPHYS, BLACK KIDS, HOT CHIP, LUPE FIASCO, HOLY GHOST!, Z*TRIP, DIED PRETTY, THE VINES, INFUSION, CHILDREN COLLIDE, PEE WEE FERRIS, SPARKADIA, THE GETAWAY PLAN, LITTLE RED, MAMMAL, MERCY ARMS, AJAX, ANDEE FROST, THE DRONES.

These acts join the already announced: NEIL YOUNG, ARCTIC MONKEYS, THE LIVING END, THE PRODIGY, SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM, MY MORNING JACKET, PENDULUM, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, TV ON THE RADIO, SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO, THE TING TINGS, TIKI TAANE, CUT COPY, COG, YOUTH GROUP, THE GRATES, BIRDS OF TOKYO, TZU and EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING.
 
Stay tuned for more local additions in your city!

Media Source: http://www.bigdayout.com

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Moshtix

November 10, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

BSJ Recommends Moshtix is an electronic ticketing company that provides ticketing for venues and events via a self service website, retail outlets and a national phone booking line.

Book tickets to your favourite bands , or sell tickets with Moshtix

Check out Moshtix website www.moshtix.com.au

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