Country music legend Kenny Rogers performs State Theatre, Sydney; Australian music legend John Williamson supports

Kenny Rogers is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, actor, photographer and entrepreneur. 

He has been most successful with country audiences and has charted more than 120 hit singles across various music genres and topping the country and pop album charts for more than 200 individual weeks in the United States alone.

Tonight Rogers performed to an appreciative Australian audience at the famous State Theatre in Sydney.

He was supported by Australian country legend John Williamson and I couldn't think of a better support in the world, but there can be little doubt that the majority of people were there to see Rogers.

Rogers is one of very few artists who have enjoyed successful careers in such a variety of genres - jazz, folk, rock, country and pop. Houston-born Rogers formed his first band while in high school in 1956 - a rockabilly group called The Scholars (they performed on American Bandstand) - and has never quit making music. He played stand-up bass in the jazz group the Bobby Doyle Trio, and later became a member of the popular folk group, The New Christy Minstrels. The spotlight started focusing on Rogers when his group, The First Edition, scored their first hit, "I Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In), which was followed by the pop and country chart success of "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town."

Rogers' solo career shot into the stratosphere with the #1 hit, "Lucille," which was named the CMA's Single of the Year and was certified Gold.  "Daytime Friends," "Sweet Music Man," and "Love Or Something Like It" continued his run of success. Then came "The Gambler," a story song so vivid it not only delighted country and pop fans, it also became a TV movie, starring Rogers himself in the title role. The movie spawned four follow-ups, making it the longest running miniseries franchise on television. The five Gambler mini-series have attracted over 100 million viewers nationwide and launched a second career for Rogers as an actor on television and movies.

News...

Kenny Rogers autobiography out in October...

With Rogers 50 years of performing and 120 million album sales, there's a lot to write about.

He says "It stirs up certain emotions that you'd forgotten about. Particularly when your life has been as busy as mine - it's kind of hard to keep up with things"

"I must admit I enjoyed writing it. I enjoyed that process. I don't know that I'd want to do it again."

More News...

The pinnacle of his career is in the late 1970s to '80s and includes hits such as The Gambler, Lucille, Coward of the County and, with Dolly Parton, Islands In the Stream. He has had 24 No.1 hits.

"Once I started with Lucille [in 1977], it was like an indescribable career for anybody, so you have a look at that and say: how can you not have enjoyed that?" Rogers says. "But I have to tell ya: too much success is not good either. I'm at a great place right now where I sign enough autographs to satisfy my ego, but not so many that it invades my privacy."

In 2009 Rogers did widespread touring under the anniversary banner The First Fifty Years. He still performs or records about 100 days annually. But turning 74 next week, with a much younger wife and twin eight-year-old boys at his home in Atlanta, he expects his Australian concerts will be his last here.

"This is probably gonna be my last international tour," he says. It's because his family can't be with him. "So I think when I come back … that's gonna be it. I'm gonna stay home then.

"I'll continue to tour the States. I'd just like to be able to get home [more] so I can spend what I think is quality time with the boys … I really wanna be there for 'em instead of being gone all the time."

Rogers has said his one regret is the toll his pursuit of success had on his relationships. But "I don't want to go back and rehash things that I was honest about and paid the price for. I don't want to pay it again."

Kenny Rogers will also play at the State Theatre tomorrow night, again supported by John Williamson.

If Rogers other performances down under in Australia are anything like tonight's, fans are in for a massive treat from this true music legend, and his new Aussie legend mate.

Australian Tour Dates...

SYDNEY, NSW AUSTRALIA

August 16, 2012 9:00 p.m.

State Theatre

With Special Guest John Williamson 

DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY AUSTRALIA

August 18, 2012 9:45 p.m.

Darwin Festival

George Brown Botanic Gardens

With Special Guest Sara Storer 

PERTH, AUSTRALIA

August 21, 2012 9:00 p.m.

Riverside Theatre 

Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre

With Special Guest Troy Cassar Daley 

MELBOURNE, VIC AUSTRALIA

August 23, 2012 9:00 p.m.

Palais Theatre

With Special Guest Troy Cassar Daley 

NEWCASTLE, NSW AUSTRALIA

August 24, 2012 8:00 p.m.

Newcastle Entertainment Centre

With Special Guest Lee Kernaghan

GYMPIE, QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA

August 26, 2012 8:00 p.m.

Gympie Music Muster

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

August 29, 2012 9:00 p.m.

Adelaide Entertainment Centre 

With Special Guest Beccy Cole

John Williamson

Kenny Rogers

John Williamson

Kenny Rogers

Websites

Kenny Rogers official website

www.kennyrogers.com

John Williamson official website

www.johnwilliamson.com.au

State Theatre

www.statetheatre.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Legally Blonde To Open 4th October 2012 at The Star, Sydney

News Media Update..

Theatre production 'Legally Blonde' enjoyed a media call this morning at ABC TV studios at Ultimo in Sydney.

The play comes with much fanfare so it will be interesting to see if the show lives up to its reputation and hype once it plays to live audiences at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, which is part of The Star (formally known as Star City Casino).

The Star and its business partners have taken a calculated gamble on running with 'Legally Blonde', and you can bet that they will be hoping for similar outstanding results that they received with musicals such as 'Annie'.

Sydney continues to secure world class entertainment thanks to our friends at The Star and Lyric, and we encourage you to check out what all the fuss is about.

Legally Blonde To Open 4th October 2012...

The Sydney Lyric Theatre is going to be host to the famous musical 'Legally Blonde'.

Legally Blonde The Musical is the hilarious story of college sweetheart and homecoming queen, Elle Woods - a girl who doesn't take no for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone "serious", Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books and heads for Harvard Law School! Along the way, she proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Legally Blonde The Musical - Winner of Best Musical 2011 Olivier Awards and a smash hit running into its third year on the West End was created by a world-class creative team led by Tony Award-winning director Jerry Mitchell.

Based on the movie starring Reese Witherspoon and remaining true to the script, Legally Blonde the Musical is a feel-good number with a '90s feel.

College sweetheart Elle heads off to law school to win back her boyfriend Warner after he dumps her for someone more serious, only to graduate top of her class and find a far better love interest.

Warner, too, finds the courage to dump family expectations of a career in law and politics and pursue his true calling as a model.

"I've seen it on Broadway and the West End and it's great. It really does do the movie justice," leading actress Lucy Durack says.

"I love the role of Elle. As much as she looks like she hasn't a care in the world, people are unkind to her and judge her and she struggles with that.

"But she takes a positive path and rises above it. She doesn't take the low road, ever. The whole show is a celebration - be who you are, the best version of yourself, and be proud."

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL

The musical opens 4th October 2012.

Websites

Legally Blonde The Musical (Australia)

www.legallyblonde.com.au

The Star

www.star.com.au

Sydney Lyric Theatre

www.sydneylyric.com.au

Echo Entertainment

www.echoentertainment.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

City 2 Surf news report: Human Statue Bodyart paints Nova96.9 runner Wippa

This morning the annual Sun-Herald City 2 Surf fun run took place.

It started off wet and windy, but about half an hour into the race weather conditions generally improved.

The race was as competitive as ever, but for one major sponsor, Nova 96.9FM, exposure and publicity was of paramount importance - not that finishing strongly wasn't also on the agenda.

Nova personality Wippa and a few of his mates got body-painted up courtesy of human statue agency, Human Statue Bodyart.

Wippa was made up with red and black bodypaint and it was impossible to miss the logos from supporters and sponsors including those from Nova, Dick Smith, The Stampede and New Love.

City 2 Surf News Report...

Liam Adams has become the first back-to-back winner of the City2Surf run since Dickson Marwa in 2006-07, besting his rivals to take out the 14-kilometre race in 00.41.31 minutes.

With his biggest challenger, Michael Shelley, competing in the Olympic marathon in London, it was all there for Adams to capitalise.

After grasping the lead early from the 8am start, Adams didn't seem fazed by the wet weather and strong winds, snatching a 40-second lead at the 5-kilometre mark and having the race convincingly won by the climax of Heartbreak Hill.

With fellow pre-race favourite Mitch Brown on his tail, Adams also left eventual runner-up Harry Summers in a race for second as he entered the back half of the race completely unchallenged.

He is the first Australian since Steve Moneghetti in the early 1990s to win back-to-back.

"I took the risk in going out and taking it too hard," Adams said.

"I actually blew up a bit so I thought I'd made the wrong choice and Harry is an even-matched runner with me. We've got close PBs [personal bests] and I thought he was going to run over me at the end.

"I thought I sightly broke him a little bit more up Heartbreak and a couple of those other hills and I just held on for dear life."

Some commentators thoughts that Sydney's torrential rain and gail-force winds made it arguably the worst racing conditions in City2Surf history.

In 42 years, only twice had it rained during the world's biggest run, but the capacity 85,000 entrants felt mother nature's stormy power.

There was early relief when the race started in relatively dry conditions, but by the time Adams and his chasers entered the second half of the event they were met with fearsome head on winds.

"It was worse than last year – that wind coming into Bondi was tough," Adams said.

"I thought I'd be best at cutting the wind but that wasn't quite the case. It was tough."

It was forecast to be one of the slowest City-2Surf's as a result, someone didn't notify the 25-year-old defending champion – who finished only 20 seconds slower than his 2011 time of 00.41.11 - and women's winner Lara Tamsett, who crossed in 00.46.55.

Of course, in the men's field, a number of regular entrants were unavailable due to Olympic commitments, including 2011 runner-up Shelley who will race in London tonight. And in the women's field, the race was wide open with defending Jess Trengove also in London. Instead, it was 2010 winner Lara Tamsett who was the favourite and snatched victory.

While none of the seeded or preferred runners came close to Steve Moneghetti's 1991 race record of 00.40.03 minutes or Suzie Power's 00.45.08 set in 2001, the race wasn't without its challenges, with competitors hit by a wet and slippery road and strong head winds.

Second for the women's was Clare Geraghty in 00.48.55 minutes and third Abigail Bailey in 00.49.26. Summers and Brown finished in times of 00.42.22 and 00.42.28 minutes, respectively.

Many celebrities took part in the race in the name of charity, including celebrity chef Neil Perry, radio personality Wippa, boxer Lauryn Eagle and Biggest Loser winner Margie Cummins.

Websites

Nova FM

www.novafm.com.au

The Sun-Herald City 2 Surf

www.city2surf.com.au

Human Statue Bodyart

www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au

Human Statue Bodyart Flickr

www.flickr.com/photos/humanstatuebodyart

The Sapphires movie premiere at State Theatre, Sydney, Australia

Plot...

It's 1968, and four young, talented Australian Aboriginal girls learn about love, friendship and war when their all girl group The Sapphires entertain the US troops in Vietnam.

Premiere...

Tonight Sydney's State Theatre was once again the place for hot new movie premiere.

Last night State Theatre was the place for the Sydney premiere of 'The Bourne Legacy', and tonight it was a very different genre with 'The Sapphires'.

'The Sapphires' took over the famous theatre, as the red carpet was rolled out for this interesting new film.

It was wonderful to see the strong turn out of people including many notable Indigenous Australians, there to support the film and actors.

Review...

When a little-known stage show dubbed 'The Sapphires' shimmied into Perth two years ago, four Aboriginal songbirds burnt up the stage in a dazzling display with all the promise of a big screen blockbuster musical.

Inspired by the true story of playwright Tony Briggs’ mother and three aunts during the racial upheaval of the ’60s and delivering a spirited score, sparkling costumes and charismatic performances, the showstopper still ranks  among the best plays or musicals seen on any stage in Perth, Broadway or the West End.

Originating as an acclaimed production in 2004, that 2010 reprisal introduced a new cast including seasoned songstress Christine Anu and Australian Idol season two winner Casey Donovan, marking the oft-maligned powerhouse vocalist’s return to the spotlight.

Off the back of rave reviews, it secured a stint in London with Donovan the sole lead to secure a spot on tour, only to unsuccessfully audition for the film version.

Deborah Mailman (from the original 2004 production) and Australian Idol season four runner-up Jessica Mauboy are joined here by two young newcomers in Miranda Tapsell and Shari Sebbens as talented sisters Gail, Julie and Cynthia  and cousin Kay, whose beautiful harmonies are discovered by soul-loving music manager Dave (Chris O’Dowd).

Directed by feature film debutant Wayne Blair, the cinematic adaptation comes with lots of pressure and expectation and delivers.

The Sapphires is likely to become an Aussie classic and is full of soul.

If music themed flicks are your thing you really need to see this film.

The Sapphires (M)

Starring: Deborah Mailman, Chris O'Dowd, Jessica Mauboy

Director: Wayne Blair

Writers: Tony Briggs, Keith Thompson

Production Co: Goalpost Pictures

Websites

Goalpost Pictures

www.goalpostpictures.com

Hopscotch Films - The Saphires

www.hopscotchfilms.com.au/the-sapphires-film

State Theatre

www.statetheatre.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

The Bourne Legacy red carpet premiere at State Theatre, Sydney, Australia

The Bourne Legacy tonight enjoyed its Sydney, Australia red carpet premiere (and a bike stunt) at the world famous State Theatre.

Megastar Jeremy Renner has seen his career take off in recent years after appearing in a string of popular movies including 'The Hurt Locker', 'Avengers' and 'The Bourne Legacy'. The 41-year-old says it is impossible for him to pick a favourite out of the vast number of films he's starred in.

"My favourite movie... it's difficult to say," Jeremy admitted to Sydney radio's Kyle and Jackie O. "It's a bit like having to choose which is your favourite child."

Renner features in the latest Bourne movie following the departure of Matt Damon. He found it tough to abide by some of the rules surrounding the top secret nature of The Bourne Legacy's script.

"They flew the script in at midnight and you were allowed to look at it for two hours before they flew it back. I'm a slow reader anyway so I felt pressured," Jeremy explained. "I had to really rifle through it! I mean what were they going to do, have it burst into flames on me or something?!"

Although he felt stressed, Jeremy agrees with the concept. The actor respects the need for secrecy with storylines in the film industry.

"We are in the age where nothing is sacred or private anymore. It gets to the point where no one wants to come see movies if they know the ending anymore so why spoil it for people?" Jeremy continued. "Especially in a big franchise like Bourne where there is a big fan base."

Story...

After agent Jason Bourne goes rogue as seen in the original "Bourne" trilogy--CIA agent Eric Byer (Edward Norton), head of the government's secret Outcome program which has used a chemical process to create super agents, decides to end that program by killing all the agents in the field. One such agent, Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) manages to survive the culling and with the help of biochemist Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz) goes on the run from Byers' agents as he tries to get the chemicals he needs to survive.

"The Bourne Legacy" is a very interesting approach to reviving a franchise because it's not a reboot as much as a sequel that takes place concurrently and overlapping with "The Bourne Ultimatum." This idea is the brainchild of Tony Gilroy, who was involved in the the first three "Bourne" movies before directing "Michael Clayton" and "Duplicity." He returns to the "Bourne" franchise.

In The Bourne Legacy, writer/director Tony GIlroy expands the Bourne universe created by Robert Ludlum with an original story that introduces us to a new hero (Jeremy Renner) whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films. 

For The Bourne Legacy, Renner joins fellow series newcomers Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Stacy Keach and Oscar Isaac, while franchise veterans Albert Finney, Joan Allen, David Strathairn and Scott Glenn reprise their roles.

The buzz is that this is an awesome film, so be watching out for release dates in your region.

Release Date: August 10, 2012

Genre: Action-Thriller

Studio: Universal

Starring: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Albert Finney, Joan Allen, Scott Glenn, Stacy Keach, Oscar Isaac

Directed By: Tony Gilroy

Written By: Tony Gilroy and Dan Gilroy

Produced By: Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley, Jeffrey M. Weiner, Ben Smith

Full Cast List:

Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross

Rachel Weisz as Dr. Marta Shearing

Scott Glenn as Ezra Kramer

Stacy Keach as Retired Adm. Mark Turso, USN

Edward Norton as Retired Col. Eric Byer, USAF

Donna Murphy as Dita Mandy

Michael Chernus as Arthur Ingram

Corey Stoll as Zev Vendel

Prue Lewarne as CNN Reporter

Tony Guida as Dr. Benezara

Sonnie Brown as Dr. Lieberburg

Neil Brooks Cunningham as Dr. Dan Hillcott

Zeljko Ivanek as Dr. Donald Foite

Robert Christopher Riley as Outcome #6 (as Rob Riley)

Albert Finney as Dr. Albert Hirsch

Dennis Boutsikaris as Terrence Ward

Oscar Isaac as Outcome #3

David Strathairn as Noah Vosen

Corey Johnson as Ray Wills

Jennifer Kim as Outcome #4

Page Leong as Mrs. Yun

Joan Allen as Pam Landy

John Arcilla as Joseph

Clayton J. Barber as Gene (as Clayton Barber)

Michael Berresse as Leonard

Elizabeth Marvel as Dr. Connie Dowd

Websites

The Bourne Legacy

www.thebournelegacy.com

The Bourne Trilogy

www.thebournetrilogy.com

Universal Pictures Australia

www.universalpicturesaustralia.com.au

Universal Pictures

www.universalpictures.com

State Theatre

www.statetheatre.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com