‘The Muppets’ Australian Premiere To Be Hosted By Jason Segel and Kermit The Frog by Eva Rinaldi

Kermit The Frog has snuck into Australia to premiere 'The Muppets' movie on the green carpet at Bondi Junction's Event Cinemas.

Synopsis

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10-million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit the Frog reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called The Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, "The Muppets" hits the big screen November 23, 2011.

Director: James Bobin

Writers: Jason Segel, Nick Stoller

Actors:

Jason Segel

Amy Adams

Chris Cooper

Rashida Jones

Alan Arkin

Jack Black

Zach Galifianakis (Cameo)

Ken Jeong (Cameo)

Jim Parsons (Cameo)

Kristen Schaal (Cameo)

Sarah Silverman (Cameo)

Emily Blunt (Cameo)

Whoopi Goldberg (Cameo)

Selena Gomez (Cameo)

Neil Patrick Harris (Cameo)

John Krasinski (Cameo)

Mickey Rooney (Cameo)

Producers: Jason Segel, Nick Stoller

Websites

The Muppets - Disney

disney.go.com/muppets

Event Cinemas

http://www.eventcinemas.com.au/

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

A Day To Remember + The Used + You Me At Six - Music News Australia

There is a new wave of artists that are constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries. A DAY REMEMBER are at the forefront of this uprising redefining a genre that was desperately seeking creativity,

2011 has been a monstrous year for the Florida quintet. From topping billboard charts and being crowned MTV’s breakthrough artist of 2011 to selling out arena’s across the globe, propelling A DAY TO REMEMBER to unprecedented heights.  Their new album ‘ What separates me from you’ showcases the band at their unrelenting best with alternative press proclaiming “Whether it’s crafting a pop-punk anthem or delivering a sonic beatdown, A DAY TO REMEMBER do it better than everyone, and for the rest of us, that’s where the separation lies.” – Alternative Press

THE USED have been a main stay in a genre that has seen many of their contemporary’s come and go. On their most recent outing their 4^th full length ‘Artwork’ THE USED once again push the boundaries of a genre they helped pioneer with Absolutpunk.net declaring, “THE USED could possibly be the biggest post-hardcore band of the past decade, and if they aren’t already, they will be with this record”.

Known for their notoriously adrenalized live sets, YOU ME AT SIX have cemented their growing reputation as one of the world’s most electrifying bands and they “are going further up in the world every single day, the question is; is there really any stopping them?” – Change The Record

YOU ME AT SIX return in support of their critically acclaimed new album ‘Sinners Never Sleep’.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 23 DECEMBER, 9AM

MONDAY 27 FEBRUARY  BRISBANE, EATONS HILL HOTEL – Licensed A/A www.oztix.com.au 136 100

TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY SYDNEY, UNSW ROUNDHOUSE– Licensed A/A

www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

For all tour enquiries please contact Chris O’Brien: chris@soundwavefestival.com

Presented by Soundwave Touring

THE BEACH BOYS ANNOUNCE 50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION, NEW ALBUM AND TOUR

Legendary Band’s Golden Anniversary CELEBRATION to Include a New Capitol Album And Commemorative Catalogue Releases, a Major International Tour and More! The founding members of The Beach Boys, one of the world’s most legendary bands in popular music history, will reunite for a global 50th Anniversary CELEBRATION in 2012.  Beach Boys Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks will come together for a new studio album and commemorative catalogue releases with Capitol/EMI and a 50-date international tour to begin in April with a headlining performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (“Jazz Fest”) as well as other exciting events to be announced.  Brian Wilson says, “This anniversary is special to me because I miss the boys and it will be a thrill for me to make a new record and be on stage with them again.” Mike Love says, "We got together at Capitol Records and re-recorded ‘Do It Again.’  Brian and I wrote that song which went to number 1 in Great Britain, Australia and elsewhere some 44 years ago.  Brian paid me a compliment saying, ‘How can a guy sound that great so many years later?’  Later on, while working out some harmonies on a new song Brian had written, I got a chance to return the compliment.  It was a thrill to be around a piano again with Brian, Alan and Bruce and experience firsthand the brilliance of Cousin Brian's gift for vocal arrangements.  I am very much looking forward to David Marks joining us and thrilling with his surf guitar licks.  Music has been the unifying and harmonizing fact of life in our family since childhood.  It has been a huge blessing that we have been able to share with the world.  Wouldn't It Be Nice to Do It Again?  Absolutely!” Al Jardine says, “The Beach Boys were recently inducted into the California Hall of Fame. From our humble beginnings as brothers, cousins and friends, we have been honoured to sing the praises of California, and I'm really excited for our fans to be able to see us again in concert on the world stage, and to celebrate our 50th anniversary together with a new studio album.” Bruce Johnston says, "I will be looking forward to singing Brian Wilson's melodies and Mike Love's lyrics once again in concert with many of the original band members, but imagine what we all could come up with vocally in a recording studio atmosphere under Brian's musical direction." David Marks says, "I'm really looking forward to celebrating this important milestone in The Beach Boys’ history with the other guys, and with Capitol Records - where it all began 50 years ago. It means a lot to me that we can all reunite and pay tribute to the fans who have kept the music alive." The Beach Boys have already recorded several songs for their new album, to be released in 2012 by Capitol/EMI, with more tracks to be recorded before its completion.  The as-yet-untitled album, the first to feature all of the band’s surviving original members in decades, is being produced by Brian Wilson and executive produced by Mike Love.   The Beach Boys and Capitol/EMI have also teamed up for a 50th Anniversary campaign spotlighting the band’s entire catalogue, with several new commemorative releases planned for 2012, including a new hits collection and a career-spanning box set. Roger Faxon, CEO of EMI Group commented: “It's no exaggeration to say that The Beach Boys are one of the greatest and most loved bands that the world has ever produced, and true American icons. We are incredibly proud to take this next step with them as our partnership enters its fiftieth year, and I can't wait to see the band back together doing what they do better than anyone else." Colin Finkelstein, COO of EMI Music North America said: "We’re honoured to continue Capitol/EMI’s historic partnership with The Beach Boys as they celebrate their fiftieth anniversary.  The Beach Boys bring the best of California’s sun and surf culture to people all over the world with their music, and we're really looking forward to working with the band on the new album and commemorative catalogue releases - a real CELEBRATION of fifty years!" Quint Davis, producer/director, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival says, “It’s an honour to present the original Beach Boys reunion at Jazz Fest 2012.  Hosting the greatest artists of our era has always been the primary mission of Jazz Fest, and certainly The Beach Boys are unsurpassed as an iconic American musical and cultural institution. Every spring Jazz Fest is the number-one destination for good vibrations and fun, fun, fun; on April 27th, when The Beach Boys reunite on our biggest stage, it’s going to feel like a thrilling homecoming for everyone lucky enough to be there.  We’re all looking forward to experiencing the magic and the joy.” Founded in Hawthorne, California in 1961, The Beach Boys were originally comprised of the three teenaged Wilson brothers: Brian, Carl and Dennis, their cousin Mike Love, and school friend Al Jardine.  In 1962, neighbour David Marks joined the group for their first wave of hits on Capitol Records, leaving in late 1963, and in 1965, Bruce Johnston joined the band when Brian Wilson retired from touring to focus on writing and producing records for the group.  For five decades, America’s first pop band to reach the 50 year milestone has recorded and performed the music that has become the world’s favourite soundtrack to summer.  The Beach Boys signed with Capitol Records in July 1962 and released their first album, Surfin’ Safari, that same year. The album spent 37 weeks on the Billboard chart, launching the young group known for its shimmering vocal harmonies and relaxed California style into international stardom.  The Wilson/Love collaboration resulted in many huge international chart hits, and under Brian Wilson’s musical leadership, the band’s initial surf-rock focus was soon broadened to include other themes, making The Beach Boys America’s preeminent band of the 1960s. In 1966, The Beach Boys were one of the first bands to found its own record label with the launch of Brother Records, Inc. (BRI), with the band’s members as its shareholders and Capitol Records as its distribution partner.  BRI continues to manage The Beach Boys’ intellectual property, including the band’s catalogue with Capitol/EMI and other label partners, as well as its name, logos, image and likeness. The Beach Boys continue to hold Billboard / Nielsen SoundScan’s record as the top-selling American band for albums and singles, and they are also the American group with the most Billboard Top 40 chart hits (36).  ‘Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys’ is fast approaching triple-Platinum sales status in the US and is double-Platinum in Australia, and ‘The SMiLE Sessions,’ released to worldwide critical acclaim in November, has been heralded as 2011’s #1 Reissue of the Year by Rolling Stone magazine. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and recipients of The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award, The Beach Boys are an American institution that is iconic around the world.

For further information, please contact your local EMI Music representative, or check out:  http://email.thinkmail.com.au/t/r/l/iijlfy/cdjjrkiiu/t/ www.thebeachboys.com http://www.youtube.com/BeachBoys www.facebook.com/thebeachboys

Battle of the Smashers II; Steve Waugh's Warriors VS Canada Bay Exiles On Today

We're on location here at Drummoyne Oval enjoying a day of cricket for a worthy cause.

It's a beautiful day with a medium wind of 20 knots.

Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh kindly offered us an interview earlier today. He said half joke-ingly a couple of the NRL players would be danger men on the field, but don't expect him to play in any NRL matches.

We just saw the women's match - NSW Breakers (Lend Lease) best QLD fire. The final score was NSW 5 for 137 and QLD 7 for 136.

Santa Clause has just arrived at the ground, and a van with koalas from Featherdale Wildlife Park has entered the ground with kids of all ages chasing Santa and the koalas.

Back to the cricket - the main event will be later on today:

NRL stars Robbie Farah, Chris Lawrence, Chris Heighington, Paul Gallen, Nathan Hindmarsh,

NSW Origin coach Ricky Stuart, NRL boss David Gallop, league legends Paul Sironen, Brad Clyde,

Hazem El Masri and Aussie football great Mark Bosnich.

Entry to the matches are by donation and all funds will assist The Steve Waugh Foundation to provide children suffering from rare diseases with a fighting chance and ‘somewhere to turn’.

The champion NSW Breakers start the action-packed day by playing Queensland in cricket’s answer to State of Origin. This Twenty20 game features some of Australia’s best female cricketers, including superstar Ellyse Perry who has represented her nation in soccer and cricket.

Just some of today's fun and games at the ground include:

• Celebrities and sporting champions

• A world class athletics event

• Autograph booths and photo opportunities with celebrities

• A free kids coaching clinic hosted by the Sydney Cricket Club

• Native animal display

• Santa, face painting, music and much, much more.

And there's more...

• Corporate sponsorship opportunities

• Join the 12th Man Club and for $500 be part of a team

• Twenty20 team fundraising - put in $20 yourself and get 20 friends to join in and donate to the Foundation

• Make a personal donation to the Foundation.

Game II will run from 2-6pm

Canada Bay Exiles v Waugh’s Warriors

Steve Waugh’s Warriors XVI

Steve Waugh (c) (Australian cricket great)

Ricky Stuart (vc) (NSW Origin coach)

Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)

Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)

Michael Crocker (South Sydney)

Brad Clyde (Canberra Raiders great)

Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters)

Tim Mannah (Parramatta Eels)

Johnny Mannah (Parramatta Eels)

Steve Mortimer (Canterbury great)

Gavin Robertson (ex-Test cricketer)

Bill Harrigan (NRL referees)

Troy Waters (Hall of Fame boxer)

David Kelly (Sydney Cricket Club)

Bill Woods (Channel 10)

Canada Bay Exiles XVI

Dominic Thornely (c) (Sydney Sixers)

Robbie Farah (vc) (Wests Tigers)

Chris Lawrence (Wests Tigers)

Chris Heighington (Wests Tigers)

Todd Payten (Wests Tigers)

Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers)

Paul Sironen (Balmain legend)

Hazem El Masri (Bulldogs legend)

Daniel Mortimer (Sydney Roosters)

David Gallop (NRL Chief Executive)

Bill Young (Wallabies)

Mark Bosnich (Socceroos)

Daniel Smith (Sydney Thunder)

Daniel Lane (The Sun-Herald)

Angelo Tsirekas (Mayor of Canada Bay)

Neil Cadigan (Media)

Quotes from some of the supporters of today's event...

“I’m proud the City of Canada Bay is supporting The Steve Waugh Foundation through the Battle of the Smashers II and I would encourage for everyone to come along and support a great family day out. Steve Waugh’s Foundation offers children affected by a rare disease hope and comfort.”

Angelo Tsirekas, Mayor of the City of Canada Bay

“I believe you’re only as good as the team around you. Thanks to everyone involved and who comes along to the Battle of the Smashers to support us. I’m looking forward to a fun day out with a team of good mates and sporting champions playing for kids and families affected by rare diseases. Always 100.” Australian cricket great Steve Waugh AO

“Steve Waugh was described in the media as “heroic” for the courage he displayed as a cricketer, but nothing matched what he’s achieved through his Foundation. Waugh has provided hope and compassion to families who, before his intervention, may’ve feared no-one cared about their child’s plight.” Sun-Herald sports journalist Daniel Lane, managing director of BombsAway Productions

“As one of the teams he played against, Sydney Cricket Club is happy to support Steve Waugh and his magnificent Foundation. Come to Drummoyne on December 18th and help him make a difference to a sick child’s life. We’re grateful for the opportunity to co-host such a wonderful event. Sydney Cricket Club’s General Manager, David Kelly

Stay tuned to Music News Australia for photos and multimedia, and we here that Rupert Murdoch's Fox Sports Australia will also be offering some great coverage of today's matches.

If you're not here  already at the game there's still time for you to make it down.

May the best team win, and well done to everyone.

Websites

City of Canada Bay

http://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/

Steve Waugh Foundation Australia

http://www.stevewaughfoundation.com.au/

Fox Sports Australia

http://www.foxsports.com.au/

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Splash News

http://www.splashnews.com/

Media Man News

www.mediamannews.com

Summernats Festival Revs Up Canberra

The much loved parade was given the miss from the festival in the 90s after a number of unfortunate incidents, but its back with a bang and is now known as Citycruise.

Event co-owner Andy Lopez told press it will showcase the best Summernats has to offer, and will be family friendly, which makes the crew in my family a lot more keen.

"People are going to get see something really terrific...two hundred cars in convoy, beautifully managed, well presented, a complete range of all the types of vehicles that Summernats has to offer and I think pretty much the community is excited about it."

The cars will strut their stuff along Northbourne Avenue between Exhibition Park and London Circuit.

This form of sport is also a winner for Canberra's tourism with money pouring into from all over the country.

Summernats will be running from January 5th to 8th at Exhibition Park. The Citycruise will be at midday on the 5th.

Get your set of wheels and join in the action, and please drive safely.

Websites

Summernats

http://www.summernats.com.au/

Street Machine

www.motoring.ninemsn.com.au/streetmachine

DBC2

http://www.dbc2.com.au/

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Splash News

http://www.splashnews.com/

Media Man News

www.mediamannews.com

Great Summer Holiday Fun - Live On Stage!

Kids Get Ready To Rock N Roll! Touring 28 December 2011 to 6 February 2012

Aussie kids are preparing to experience their first LIVE music concert! Mickey Mouse and his band of friends, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, will perform in the musical extravaganza Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival these summer holidays.

Kids can dance, sing, play air-guitar and laugh with Disney’s favourite characters as popular hits are remixed to the hottest sounds of today featuring hip hop, pop, swing, reggae, rock, country and much more! Joined by Disney favourites, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story, this fun-filled concert experience will entertain the whole family. The line up of performers - including, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy, Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie, Woody, Buzz and Jessie – are among more than 25 Disney stars who feature in this jam session! 

Come and join them at Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival for a lively concert experience guaranteed to deliver enough rockin’ memories to last a lifetime.  

TOUR DATES & TICKET INFORMATION:

PERTH             Dec 28-30   Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketek

GOLD COAST Jan 6-7     Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketek

BRISBANE   Jan 9-10    Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketek

SYDNEY         Jan 12-15   Sydney Entertainment Centre - Ticketmaster

NEWCASTLE  Jan 17-18   Newcastle Entertainment Centre - Ticketek

WOLLONGONG Jan 21      WIN Entertainment Centre - Ticketek

ADELAIDE   Jan 23-24   Adelaide Entertainment Centre - Ticketek

MELBOURNE  Jan 26-29   The Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketmaster

LAUNCESTON Feb 1-2     Silverdrome – Silverdrome 

HOBART         Feb 4-6     Derwent Entertainment Centre - Ticketmaster

Tickets On Sale Now

A Reserve: $36.50 (*family ticket $135)

B Reserve: $29.50 (*family ticket $105) 

*Admits any configuration of four people

For more information and to purchase tickets to Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival visit http://www.disneylive.com.au/ 

About Feld Entertainment 

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!

Websites

Disney Live

http://www.disney.com.au/

Feld Entertainment

http://www.feldentertainment.com/

Double Edge PR

http://www.doubleedge.com.au/

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Splash News

http://www.splashnews.com/

Sydney Festival begins - Music News Australia

Sydney Festival is the New South Wales capital's most popular and prestigious annual cultural event. Over the years, the festival has welcomed thousands of performers, celebrities and professional experts who have performed to more than 250,000 people each year at venues across the city.

The 2012 edition of Sydney Festival looks toward the horizon with a truly global summertime celebration of our shared humanity, of Australian innovation and of two dynamic communities with the potential to shape our city's future cultural identity: Sydney's second CBD, Parramatta, and Redfern - Australia's 'black capital'.

This year's festival will celebrate Sydney's unique history and potential with Black Capital, a series of performances, seminars and exhibitions reflecting the city's diverse contemporary Indigenous culture in Carriageworks in the heart of Redfern. The festival will also visit Riverside Theatres and the Idolize Spiegeltent in Prince Alfred Park in Parramatta.

The 2012 Sydney Festival will welcome an array of prestigious guests, including the creator and host of This American Life, Ira Glass; Faith No More frontman and eclectic musician Mike Patton; songstress and icon PJ Harvey; singer-songwriter Beth Orton; legendary theatre director Declan Donnellan; choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and the National Theatre of Scotland.

Overall, this year's festival offers 11 world premieres, 15 Australian exclusives and 14 Australian premieres, presenting more than 1,500 artists from around the globe.

Opening night at the Domain Stage will feature the quietly enigmatic Gurrumul Yunupingu, followed by the gorgeously idiosyncratic Washington and rounded off with the international music globetrotter, Manu Chao, in his first Australian performance.

Who's coming:
Ira Glass, PJ Harvey, Mike Patton, Beth Orton, Declan Donnellan and more