Apr 20

RAW: Adel Intl Guitar Festival – Aug 9 – 12 – Program Details

2012 Adelaide International Guitar Festival program resonates on an electrifying global note

In a fitting homage to the world’s most popular instrument, the 2012 Adelaide International Guitar Festival will run over four consecutive jam-packed days from 9 to 12 August, boasting 88 musicians – some of the world’s leading guitarists – across 42 events.

The 2012 program is set to deliver a World Premiere, three Australian Premieres and five Adelaide Premieres, 17 international events, one-night only performances, many of which are exclusive to the Adelaide International Guitar Festival.

As the nation’s largest international guitar festival, this premier Adelaide music event showcases 18 international artists from the United States of America, Croatia, Bosnia, Brazil and Korea, plus 70 of the best Australian musicians.

Heading up his second Adelaide International Guitar Festival, Artistic Director Slava Grigoryan reveals, “There are very exciting players coming to Adelaide from across a broad spectrum of music, including classical, flamenco, roots, jazz, blues, rock, funk and contemporary song writing. It’s a chance to see some truly pioneering musicians and rare collaborations that won’t be repeated beyond this Festival.

“We’re bringing some world-renowned artists as well as fast-rising stars like the Punch Brothers, who have been invited to Australia for the first time to participate in this year’s program.” Slava says.

Adelaide Festival Centre will house the entire event, offering a smorgasbord of ticketed shows across its various venues as well as free and low cost workshops, master classes, artist talks and panel discussions.

In a Festival first, the inaugural Meet the Maker series of free events features 13 guitar makers from across Australia and the unique opportunity for guitar enthusiasts to explore the craft of luthiery, being privy to demonstrations involving latest works, various tools, techniques and trade secrets.

In an extraordinary prelude performance to the Festival, two-time Grammy Nominee guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel will perform a one-night only show at the Festival Theatre on Saturday 5 August. Tommy will be joined on stage by special guest Frank Vignola.

Marking the opening night of this cultural event on Thursday 9 August, in a colossal performance set to ignite the Festival Theatre stage, is the John Scofield Trio. From funk and fusion to swinging jazz standards, rock-fuelled jams, lush orchestral collaborations and gritty blues, Scofield effortlessly masters each style with his potent distinctive six-string voice complemented by improvised musical banter with his band Ben Street (bass) and Bill Stewart (drums). Supporting them in this rare musical treat are The Airbenders featuring Adelaide’s own Mike Stewart (saxophone) and Paul White (Hammond organ) along with up-and-coming star Hugh Stuckey on guitar and drummer Andrew Dickeson.

Direct from a sold-out US tour, New York’s charismatic Punch Brothers make their Australian music festival debut in the Festival Theatre on Friday 10 August with special guests The Yearlings. The Punch Brothers have built on their bluegrass roots to create a sound that breaks through the wall of folk, jazz, indie rock and classical music.

On Sunday 12 August, the Festival Theatre stage will be charged with majestic shows Quintette and The Spirit of Flamenco. The formidable Australian String Quartet is joined by a stellar line-up of international soloists to perform some of the most superb guitar quintets ever written in a unique collaboration exclusive to Adelaide International Guitar Festival. Collectively with exceptional Festival guests Edin Karamazov, Ana Vidovic, Simon Powis and Artistic Director Slava Grigoryan, the Quartet will present works by Boccherini, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Albéniz and eminent Australian composer Phillip Houghton, as well as a suite of seven classic Beatles songs arranged for guitar and string quartet by Cuban composer Leo Brouwer. A post-performance High Tea with Quintette performers will be served at the idyllic Lyrics restaurant, overlooking the River Torrens from 3pm.

The Spirit of Flamenco toasts American maestro Jason McGuire’s – ‘el Rubio’ – collaboration with Emmy Award-winning choreographer and dancer Yaelisa, drawing their San Francisco-based company Caminos Flamencos to Australia for the first time. Special guest Florian Remus gathers some of South Australia’s brightest flamenco stars to embody the exhilarating and electrifying spirit – el Duende – that arises from the genre’s fierce fusion of dance, voice, percussion and guitar.

In a World Premiere performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons, award-winning musicians, composers and innovators, the Grigoryan Brothers explore the entire suite of works arranged for two guitars by their father Edward. In a unique arrangement for guitars and voice, Schubert’s Winterweisse will be tenderly played by dynamic duo Oliver Fartach-Naini and Lee Song-Ou, and joined by acclaimed lyric coloratura tenor Henry Choo, presented in the Dunstan Playhouse on 9 August.

On 10 August in the Dunstan Playhouse, Ana Vidovic in Recital showcases the extraordinary grace, delicacy and expressive eloquence of talented guitarist Ana Vidovic. Special guests on the evening are Elder Conservatorium’s elite Guitarissimo performing a diverse and exciting repertoire.

Acclaimed composer, revered scholar and masterful guitarist Paulo Bellinati brings his distinctive sound to Australia for the first time. Famed for compositions which reinvent traditional rhythms, Bellinati and his fellow countryman Weber Lopes strike a perfect balance between the sophistication of classical music and the spontaneity of popular forms. See them on 11 August at the Dunstan Playhouse.

In an Australian exclusive performance at the Dunstan Playhouse on 11 August, enigmatic Bosnian lutenist Edin Karamazov will treat his audience to a charismatic performance of his favourite compositions along with innovative soloist of a new generation of classical guitarists, Simon Powis.

Celebrate innovative guitar quartet Guitar Trek’s 25th anniversary on a musical voyage through their distinctive and innovative sound in the Dunstan Playhouse on 12 August.

Join founding member of multiple Grammy Award-winning US swing band Asleep at the Wheel, ABC Radio National’s Daily Planet presenter, screen composer and touring musician, Lucky Oceans for a Coopers Late Night Session with his pedal-steel guitar and blazing quartet including Ric Eastman and Dave Brewer together with multi-instrumentalist Sam Lemann at the Space Theatre on 9 August.

Another Coopers Late Night Session on 10 August at the Space Theatre is one of the hottest talents in Australian blues, revered Sydney guitarist Ray Beadle whose infectious swing and loping rhythmic sensibility are underscored by Hal Tupaea (bass) and George Brugmans (drums) along with Adelaide’s five-piece roots institution The Streamliners.

In a highly anticipated Triple Bill, Harry James Angus (The Cat Empire, Jackson Jackson) will enchant audiences with his poignant storytelling via a series of breathtaking ballads, followed by the young and dangerously talented Roscoe James Irwin at the Space Theatre on 11 August. Australian folk darlings, Tinpan Orange featuring guitarist Jesse Lubitz and stunning six-foot front-woman Emily Lubitz twirling her flaming red hair across a complex musical landscape will form the final treat in this spectacular performance trifecta.

Adelaide’s legendary Billy Bob Rankine and the BBQ Boys will host the final night of the Festival and Coopers Late Night Sessions with an All Star Jam at the Space Theatre on Sunday 12 August with very special guests including a bevy of the finest international, interstate and local Festival guitarists for a highly memorable last hurrah.

This year the Adelaide International Classical Guitar Competition, supported by the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation in association with Marsh Australia, has attracted competitors from across the globe. Finalists have passed through a rigorous audition round and will travel from several continents to compete for the first prize of $10,000 and a guitar made by acclaimed South Australian luthier Jim Redgate valued at $16,000. Festival-goers are invited to the final free event on Saturday 11 August in the Dunstan Playhouse.

Adelaide Festival Centre has joined forces with Adelaide City Council to present the various free workshops including Dave Brewer’s Talking Technique with Lucky Oceans, Caminos Flamencos’ Flamenco Dance, Jason McGuire’s Beginners and Intermediate Levels for Flamenco Guitar and Sam Lemann’s Hawaiian Ukulele Styles.

Other free events include the series of four Artists in Conversation events, Segovia on Toast, facilitated by The Victorian Guitar Society’s Dr Paul Nash along with a panel of guitarists and educators including Artistic Director Slava Grigoryan. Edin Karamazov discusses his musical adventures with Classic FM’s Julie Howard, while Lucky Oceans reveals the evolution of the steel guitar and his journey with the instrument and ABC Radio National Music Deli’s host Alice Keath explores musical inspirations with Punch Brothers’ mandolinist Chris Thile.

Making another comeback this year is 15 Minutes of Fame, providing aspiring guitarists with the unique opportunity to perform at the Adelaide International Guitar Festival. Interested applicants can download a form via the Festival website at www.adelaideguitarfestival.com.au

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and Artistic Director Douglas Gautier says “I applaud Slava on yet another exceptional program which assists in further cementing Adelaide’s place on the premier international arts calendar. I look forward to joining music lovers and immersing myself in all the experiences the Festival has to offer.”

Festival-goers who book their VIP subscription before 19 June automatically go in the running to win an exclusive performance by Artistic Director Slava Grigoryan for up to 40 guests at their home or office. Festival VIP Subscribers receive a string of exclusive discounts on tickets, merchandise and Fox Creek Wines (Festival Wine Sponsor). Phone BASS on 131 246 or visit www.bass.net.au.

For full program/venue details and information on workshops and other events in the 2012 Adelaide International Guitar Festival go to www.adelaideguitarfestival.com.au

Tickets are on sale now through BASS 131 246 or online www.bass.net.auU.

Apr 18

RAW: German Film festival – Palace – 26 April – 1 May – Preview

– ES IST WUNDERBAR ! –

37 REASONS TO ATTEND THE

2012 AUDI FESTIVAL OF GERMAN FILMS

For our 11th annual Festival, we’ve assembled a spectacular cinematic collection that highlights the rich diversity of Germany’s contemporary film industry.

Under the guidance of the Festival’s new director, Dr. Arpad Sölter and presented by the Goethe-Institut in association with German Films, the 2012 outing, once again proudly sponsored by Audi, Europe’s leading producer of exquisite automobiles, will screen 37 of the most compelling features and documentaries to emerge from Germany and Switzerland over the past year.  The 2012 line-up will also include a selection of shorts and a retrospective on the work of famed German actor/director Leander Haußman (Hotel Lux, Robert Zimmerman is Tangled up in Love, Sun Alley), who will be a guest of this year’s event.

Screening across 6 cities from 18 April until early May, the 2012 Festival will offer a varied programme, in each state.

The Adelaide season will be launched by Westwind, the story of twin sisters from East Germany whose bond is tested when they meet two young men from Hamburg during a 1988 summer camp.

Additional highlights of the 2012 Festival programme include:

4 Days in May / 4 Tage im Mai

Four days before the end of the Second World War in Germany. A Soviet Captain and his patrol have occupied an orphanage by the sea; a German army unit is camped on the beach; a secret love affair blooms against all odds. Everyone is weary of fighting; except for the 13-year-old orphan Peter who wants to prove he’s a hero and tries with all his cunning and power to instigate trouble between the opposing troops.

Color of the Ocean / Die Farbe des Ozeans

A German tourist on the Cayman Islands discovers a group of African refugees undergoing detention by the local police. Her concern with their plight leads her to help one of the refugees and his young son. However, will this humanitarian act lead to a positive result?

Cracks in the Shell / Die Unsichtbare

A challenging psychological tale about a young actress faced with a powerful self-revelation.

If Not Us, Who / Wer Wenn Nicht Wir

The political and social events that happened in the 1960s in West Germany are brought to the fore in this absorbing drama about the relationship between the rebellious revolutionaries Gudrun Ensslin and Bernward Vesper. Gudrun defied authority and was sympathetic to the communist cause, while Bernward, the son of a Nazi writer, fought against his difficult heritage.

Kaddish for a Friend / Kaddisch für einen Freund

In a tough, Berlin suburb an elderly Jewish war veteran resists being placed in a retirement home, preferring to retain his independence.  However, when a neighbouring Muslim teenager ransacks his apartment, what will be the consequences?  Will the old man and the boy’s family ever forge a peaceful co-existence?

Mahler on the Couch / Mahler auf der Couch

Based on some factual evidence, this film recounts the 1910 meeting of composer Gustav Mahler and Sigmund Freud, when Mahler, on discovering that his wife Alma was having an affair with architect Walter Gropius, was driven to seek Freud’s help in coming to terms with the deception.

Sennentuntschi (Closing Night)

In an isolated Swiss village, locals discover the body of a priest while a young woman arrives seeking retribution for past misdeeds. This first, unsettling horror film from Switzerland involves the creation of a monster, the invoking of the supernatural, and the way the past reconciles with the present.

Stopped on Track / Halt auf freier Strecke

This intimate film follows Frank (Milan Peschel) who is diagnosed with a brain tumour.  Depicted in a semi-documentary style, we observe the process by which he chooses to live the remainder of his life, from the way that his family copes, to the participation of actual health professionals.  The issues of mortality and dealing with a death sentence are explored via scenes that evoke a strong response from both the actors and the audience.

The Good Neighbour / Unter Nachbarn

In this thriller, a journalist, starting life in a new city, is involved in a hit and run accident, which leads him to become immersed in a psychological game of cat and mouse.

Three / Drei

Director Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run, Perfume) brings us a provocative drama about a married couple whose 20-year relationship is at a crossroads. They respectively each meet a man who is able to satisfy what is lacking in their lives. This man is the same one for both of them, and an unusual ménage a trois ensues.

Festival dates and venues are as follows:

ADELAIDE:            26 April – 1 May                    Palace Nova Eastend Cinema

Visit the Festival Website at: http://www.goethe.de/ozfilmfest


Apr 18

RAW – The City – Bakehouse – 3.5K

Martin Crimp’s 2008 work The City is on at the Bakehouse under the direction of our new STC artistic director, Geordie Brookman (here for his nowyesnow company.)

The opening scene brings partners Clair (Lizzy Falkland) and Chris (Chris Pitman) together discussing their day. One was perplexed by the event of his security card not swiping properly at work, the other about being witness to a child being taken away from her father at the railway station.

From that moderately understandable entre things never quite seem so plain. Is The City about the vicissitudes of life, the dissolving pursuit of community in a big place, the pursuit of career when helping others may be a better goal or the neuroses we all conjure to make our days interesting? You form your own opinion and enjoy the debate with others but one can be assured that the production coming at you is first rate.

For starters, the Bakehouse stage has never seemed so large thanks to Victoria Lamb’s minimalist decor of white side panels and glass rear ones with lighting that can not only take us into intimate places but project the simultaneous feel of the modern office and the rear house extension.

The work of Falkland and Pitman is spot on (as you would expect from these talented and experienced actors) weaving inter personal conflict with the humour of the repetition dialogue, seeming both attached and detached from each other and the world around them, albeit in a big city.

For a further taste of what we can look forward to at The Playhouse from Geordie Brookman (he directed last year’s Speaking In Tongues), this captivating 80 minutes is worth the effort.

Kryztoff Rating  3.5K

Apr 17

RAW – Me and My Shadow – Patch Theatre – At The Space Til 21st April – 4.5K

Adelaide’s Patch Theatre Company has been delighting children, mainly in the 4-8 year old category, for 40 years and Me and My Shadow is sure to go down as one of their best shows.

At the start, the set seems nothing more than some paper bags strewn across the stage, some cut to resemble apartment like buildings. But soon all manner of transformations take place – a torch becomes a car, then a rocket and finally back to a spotlight. Those bags become people, receptacles for stuff, straw man hair and hats.

Controlling the space are two Flinders Uni Drama Centre graduates, Emma Beech, as the lost girl initially spooked by her own shadow, and Hew Parham, playing both an alter ego and companion.

Many children shows (for obvious reasons) seek to engage the fleeting attention spans of their target audience with noise, slapstick and farce. Patch take on the far more considerable task of securing their focus through wonder, magic, light and shadow. Me and My Shadow achieves in holding their people spell bound – even to the point of amazed silence. It is a craft no doubt many parents wish they could bottle and take home with them.

Many parents may also believe that nowadays the only control over the blank canvases that are their progeny’s minds are high tech electronic toys and such mundane things as paper and light will no longer suffice. Be prepared to be wholly challenged for while deep into the performance it all looked like it may fizzle a bit, the last 10 minutes are a joy for everyone. The final globe light and silhouette scenes are not only a delight but a wonder even to the adult minds. The impact on the young ones seated close to the stage as these massive human figures jump about and expand and contract at a whim can only be imagined but those moments are sure to be ones they will cherish.

Me and my Shadow is brilliant children school holiday fare from which no one will feel any burden for attending and indeed very likely a great sense of reward.

Kryztoff Rating  4.5K

Apr 17

DETOUR FESTIVAL is almost here! 4 BANDS + $50 ALL YOU CAN DRINK

Daniel Bills, the brains behind the successful ‘Sounds Of Suburbia’ show at The Gov brings another new festival to town! Riot Runners, Like Kites, These Wild Animals and Kingston Downes (mildura) are the hottest hard rock acts around here at the moment and a neat deal… $50 ALL YOU CAN DRINK… this is DETOUR!


DETOUR

(noun) An alternative route.
Get away from the city, the usual venues and expensive drinks and take a DETOUR. 4 hours of drinking and rock bands!

Saturday 21 April 2012

Blackwood Memorial Hall
21 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood

$50 ALL YOU CAN DRINK!!!* (see below for ticketing options)

8:00pm – Midnight

18+ (No ID = NO ENTRY)

Riot Runners
http://www.facebook.com/riotrunnersband

Kingston Downes (VIC)
http://www.facebook.com/kingstondownes

These Wild Animals
http://www.facebook.com/thesewildanimals

Like Kites
http://www.facebook.com/likekitesrock

Ticketing options:

$25 NON-DRINKING (Entry + soft drink)

$50 4 HOUR DRINKS PACKAGE! (Entry + beer, wine, + spirits)

$65 4 HOUR DRINKS PACKAGE + TRANSPORT (Bus from CBD to venue and back to the CBD after event, entry + beer wine + spirits)

Tickets are available through the bands NOW or via Venue Tix website and outlets as of Tuesday 10 April.

http://www.venuetix.com.au/

* Under section 108 of the Liquor Licensing Act, it is an offence for anyone to supply or sell liquor to an intoxicated person on licensed premises. Under section 124, the licensee, a responsible person, an employee or agent (e.g. security) of the licensee, or a member of the police force has the authority to prevent entry/remove any person, using reasonable force, from licensed premises who behaves in an offensive or disorderly manner, or is intoxicated.

Apr 15

Film – The Lucky One – 4K

Now aged 24, teenage heart throb, Zac Efron tries his hand at an adult role in Scott Hicks’ latest romantic drama, The Lucky One.

When his chance discovery of a photo of a beautiful girl amongst the rubble of an Iraqi combat mission helps save his life, US Marine Sergeant, Logan Thibault (Efron) seeks out to find her upon his return to Louisiana from duties.

Having found the girl in the image, Beth (Taylor Schilling), Thibault then struggles with the mental scars of battle, his inability to explain his seeming chance arrival into Beth’s life and her menacing ex, Keith Clayton (Jay Ferguson).

Based on a Nicholas Spark novel, this is nothing more and nothing less than a fine romantic drama. Scott Hicks’ direction is flawless, the Alar Kivilo photography is sumptuous and detailed and the post production by fellow South Australian cohorts, Kojo a delight.

While Efron has beefed up for the role his good looks shine through even if his ability to express much more facially than his trade mark stare is limited. He may dominate the marketing of the film, but on screen it is Schilling who stars. Her Beth sparkles, with humour and despair and her stunning good looks will give guys every reason to join their female friends in attending.

Ferguson is a great counter point to the developing relationship that pains him greatly, a coupling suitably promoted by Beth’s live in mother (Blythe Danner) and their child played by Riley Stewart is another strong showing.

As mentioned this is a fine romantic drama but the inevitability of the ending is never in doubt and while the story has some nice twists absolutely nothing new is added to the genre by The Lucky One. Still, this is a relatively big Warner Brothers’ production aimed at Efron / romantic flick lovers and they are sure to have a hit. Quality if unadventurous cinema.

Kryztoff Rating   4K

Kryztoff was fortunate enough to be at the Adelaide launch of The Lucky One. So click here for the following:

Red Carpet Interview with Zac Efron

Red Carpet Interview with Director, Scott Hicks

Images of Zac Efron et al at Adelaide Red Carpet Launch of The Lucky One

Apr 15

Music – Titanic Anniversary – Adelaide Symphony Orchestra – Fest Theatre – 5K

By Ben Nielsen

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s Titanic Anniversary commemorated the centenary of the vessel’s fateful maiden voyage. Directed by guest conductor Guy Noble, the ASO joined forces with local actors Paul Blackwell and Alexandra Rice in a combination of music and narrative.

The performance told the story of the Titanic from construction to sinking through a selection of historical observations, poetry and anecdotes; with a cleverly designed musical tableaux accompanying the acting.
Amongst others, the evening’s program included works by Britten, Elgar and Chopin. The repertoire was a fitting selection of music of the era, repertoire played aboard the ship and that performed at the memorial concert in the Royal Albert Hall.

Adelaide acting veteran Paul Blackwell provided a great performance, as did freshly graduated Alexandra Rice. Both demonstrated their acting finesse with multiple convincing characterisations that supplemented the primary narration, as well as an endearing song and dance number (Glover-Kind’s I Do Like To Be Beside the Seaside).

The ASO once more demonstrated its force and ability, both alone and as a soundtrack behind the actors. From the epic Overture from Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman to the sombre Nearer, My God, to Thee by Mason, the orchestra superbly portrayed the diversity of emotion, and in a manner similar to a film score, made it easy to visualise the dramatic narrative.
The performance concluded with Elgar’s inimitable Enigma Variations: IX Nimrod, a highlight and fittingly sentimental finale.

Titanic Anniversary was another spectacular performance presented by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Kryztoff Rating  5K

Apr 10

Miss Burlesque Australia – Grand Final – 21st April – Sydney – 3 SA Finalists: SA State Record

Miss Burlesque 2012 National Final – 3 SA Finalists

The Title of Miss Burlesque Australia will be awarded to the best overall performer across a range of activities including Traditional, Neo and unique interpretation of Burlesque. We are also looking for a winner who will actively use her Title to promote a better community of Burlesque in Australia, and promote the community of Burlesque in Australia, internationally. Personality, performance, skill and presentation all form key parts of winning the competition.

Miss Burlesque Australia is the first competition in Australia to combine all feature elements of Burlesque performance and personality to compete for a major prize and international title.

A national competition that will see performers from all States compete for a prize pool worth over $20,000 AUD in money, prizes and sponsorship.

State heats were held in March 2012, with 10 State Finalists including 3 wildcards heading to Sydney for the Grand Final on 21st April 2012 at the Enmore Theatre, where the winner will be crowned Miss Burlesque Australia

In 2012, the competition was extended to include Mr Boylesque. Boylesque is a literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects. The word derives from the Italian “burlesco”, which itself derives from the Italian “burla” – a joke, ridicule or mockery. A later use of the term, particularly in the United States, refers to performances in a variety show format. These were popular from the 1860s to the 1940s, often in cabarets and clubs, as well as theatres, and featured bawdy comedy and striptease. Each Boylesque Finalist will showcase a unique act & will be judged on Imagination, Creativity, Originality, Use of props or costume, Execution, Strip Tease, WOW factor – Is this person Mr. Boylesque Australia?

Meet the Finalists: http://missburlesquecompetition.com/blog/category/2012-grand-finalists/

Boylesque

Atari Playa (Winner TAS 2012)

Johnny Domino (Winner WA 2012)

Jolie (Winner SA 2012)

Miss Burlesque

Briana Bluebell (Miss Burlesque NSW 2012)

Ruby DeLure (Miss Burlesque WA 2012)

Alyssa Kitt (Winner QLD 2012)

Dezzi Damned (Miss Burlesque SA 2012)

Missy De Meanour (Miss Burlesque TAS 2012)

Strawberry Siren (Miss Burlesque VIC 2012)

Azaria Starfire (Runner Up SA)

Bunni Lambada (Runner Up NSW)

Representing SA – 3 Finalists which is a State Record:

Azaria Starfire (wildcard)

An obsession with all things sparkly led Azaria Starfire to the glamourous world of burlesque in 2009. Dancing as a group performer and Fire Soloist with Midnight Burlectro, Sugar Club, Dublin. Soon giving her cute, comedic and clumsy alter ego a chance finally to mix her interests in theatre, art, dance and costume creation into one fine and glittery burlesque cake. With ten years experience as a bellydance instructor. Azaria dances with swords, fire, isis wings, and oriental fans. Continuing her dance training at Bife where she completed their Performing Arts Dance and Advanced Dance Programmes in 2011. In 2009 along with friends she co-created The LoveCats Burlesque Troupe, who in two short years became Ireland’s largest burlesque troupe. Azaria worked as Artistic Director and Choreographer with this team. Performing solo and as part of the comic burlesque duo Riddle and Starfire, Azaria also performed group routines with The Velvet Vixens. In 2011 The LoveCats performed their Final Farwell to the largest audience any Irish burlesque show had generated to date.  And so begins the next chapter of her adventure in the sunny land of Australia

Dezzi Damned – MBA SA

Dezzi Damned is a performer in Adelaide’s own alternative burlesque group, “Fetish Burlesque”. Her style is RocknRoll bombshell meets gore horror queen! She has been performing on stage for “Fetish Burlesque” since late 2010 and is continuing to grow as a professional burlesque performer. Runner up Miss Ink SA 2011 & Runner up Miss Ink Australia 2011

Jolie Mystique – Mr Boylesque

Jolie is a small town lad with big talent, Standing at 5ft 4, he struts around in studded heels, studded pants and braces, His originality & personality shine on & off stage, A style & attitude that mimics Prince, this new boylesque artist isn’t a cocky stripper, he engages the audience & gives every performance raw sex appeal, humour & passion. As for the extra features his wacky outfits offstage and playful props make the acts even more spectacular. He started with a wink & a smile cabaret run by Dahllia Deux & Cherry Valens followed it up with Flavella lamou’r and Karney Doll performing at feast festival this year. He’s also a triple threat who’s in the industry for the long haul & to make a difference & blow everyone away.

Website: http://www.missburlesquecompetition.com

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=MISSBURL12

Apr 03

Dance – Leigh Warren & Dancers – PARI PASSU – 17-26 May – Preview

LEIGH WARREN AND DANCERS – PARI PASSU

Leigh Warren and Dancers return to the Adelaide Festival Centre with Pari Passu – Touch – a world premiere dance work, connecting the tactile world of touch in a whirlwind of movement, breathtaking interactive technology and quadraphonic sound.

In three parts titled; random, tangled and synchronic, four dancers will explore the composite relationships of touch, dance, design, music and light.

The work begins with a partnership of sound, flesh and light, with the dancers illuminating interactive translucent surfaces with their bodies. Part two brings them together to tangle and unravel in sensual body contact duets and part three sees each performer unflinchingly hurl themselves into a unified dance of hypnotic power.

LWD Artistic Director, Leigh Warren says using multimedia technology to examine the uniqueness of touch, has made this one of the most stimulating projects of his career.

“Touch is a vital component of everyone’s day to day life, not just a dancer’s. Audiences can expect to encounter three visually exhilarating yet vastly different realms through touch – light, music and movement,” he said.

“The use of the lucid touch screens and flowing light directed by each dancer provides audiences with a unique opportunity to see the wonderful flow lines dancers make in the air and on the ground.

“The set, designed by the award-winning Mary Moore, is going to be as electrifying as the dance and I’ve been fortunate and delighted to work with Adam Synnott in developing all the multi media and music components.

“Not only is Adam an acclaimed sound designer and media artist he is also one of LWD’s most accomplished dancers so there’s nobody more qualified to bring my vision of this work to life.

When: 17 – 26 May 2012
Where: Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Tickets through BASS phone 131 246

Apr 01

Cabaret Festival Preview

Life is a cabaret, Adelaide!

By Julia George

Adelaide was treated to a special taste of the 2012 Adelaide Cabaret Festival, when it was launched last night in spectacular fashion at the Festival Theatre, to a full house of 1900. Hosted by artistic director Kate Cebrano, fans, media, and the like were treated to a first glimpse of the glamorous 2012 program that will see 110 international artists and 194 Australian artists (110 South Australian) take to the stage over 16 extravagant nights in June, opening on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Paying homage to the true essence of cabaret, Cebrano has created an exciting program for 2012. The program proudly boasts 12 international shows, many of which are exclusive to the Festival, along with eight world premiere shows, and also seven Australian premieres. In total there will be a vast 146 performances of some 49 electrifying shows. To view the whole program head to the Festival’s website as below is just a small selection of the breadth and vigour of the shows on offer.

Announced last night, international artists Lea Salonga, best known as the voice of Prince Jasmine in Aladdin and is also a Tony Award winner for her role in Miss Saigon; Lenny Henry, a UK all-rounder – actor, comedian, writer, TV presenter and radio host; and the legendary Broadway performer Ben Vereen. Other must-see acts include Aussie ex-pat Nadeah, best known globally for her performances with French supergroup Nouvelle Vague, and Kane Alexander, who was part of pop supertars group Il Divo. Of course, there will also be Adelaide’s night of nights, the Variety Gala Performance to open the Festival on Friday 8 June, where guests will walk to the red carpet and witness a selection of talented cabaret artists from this year’s program.

The world premiere of Love-Song-Circus sounds interesting. It’s a fusion of the sumptuous vocals and compositions of Katie Noonan with three female acrobatic aerialists from Australia’s internationally acclaimed contemporary circus Circa, joined on stage by the Tulipwood String Quartet. As does The Grand Illusionist by Australia’s Got Talent finalist Cosentino, he will be performing death defying stunts and incredible illusions in an Adelaide Cabaret Festival first. And Class of Cabaret is back with 30 students from 15 high schools across the state, who will take to the stage to share their stories through music in a Glee-esque fashion.

The Festival is not shy of great offers, under 30s can sign up to Adelaide Festival Centre’s youth arts membership program GreenRoom to access a range of special offers and everyone who signs up in April will receive a free mystery ticket to an Adelaide Cabaret Festival performance. Others can save by purchasing tickets to four or more shows at the ‘subscriber’ price.

June need not be a dull month with the excitement, glitz and glamour of the 2012 Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Do yourself a favour and check out the amazing program – there’s something in there for everybody!

Adelaide Cabaret Festival, presented by Adelaide Festival Centre, 8-23 June 2012
For the full program head to www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au

Book tickets at BASS.

Cabaret Festival Preview Youtube Video