Christmas carols

Opera Australia Christmas carols were fun. My friend Matt directed the production.

This is a hard to make out who's who version of Six White Boomers.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

End of the year

It was a fantastic night at the Excelsior for the last Jazzgroove gig of the year. Matt Keegan trio were playing fast and furiously to an enthusiastic audience, who would have been happy to hang out there all night.

Then for a change of pace we headed off to the Opera Australia Christmas carols. Georgie Parker was a real star.



Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Christmas lead up

Well I am obviously trying to juggle too many things at the same time. I urged my daughter to hurry up so we could get to the concert on time. Arrived at the hall to find it looking a little sparse and when we asked found out that the concert had been the night before. Oh, well these things happen.

Instead we had a little dance around the Nutcracker story in the David Jones windows.



www.ceressolutions.com.au

Has definitely started on the silly season

So Christmas celebrations have started this week with the SAMAG Trivia party through to the team Christmas dinner for my department at the zoo.

This is us when we went to Max Brenner for a chocolate indulgence.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Goodbye Howard - hooray!

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Glebe Fair

A hot day on Glebe Point Road for the Fair. Saw King Farook, great band,



www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sculpture by the Sea

Lots of rain and then the sun came out. We were running late so we only caught the end of Matt Ottignon playing at the Amstel Beer tent, Sculpture by the Sea. Probably just as well, as I would have had to have left my 7 year old sitting outside, as it was a licensed bar (not a good look).

How fantastic is the concept of Sculpture by the Sea. Idyllic, beautiful Sydney coastal walk. Lots of people having a good time.


The seal bears no relationship to scultpure by the sea, it is one of the rescued leopard seals at Taronga Zoo in the recovery section.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Launched Sound Travellers

Launched Sound Travellers today and had a great response.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Music @ The Factory

So this was the week I ran my pilot launch of Music at the Factory with the JG Mothership. It went pretty well and it was heartening, there is definitely potential there for something bigger. Now I just have to find enough hours in the day to make it happen.

Here is a little clip of what it was like. Sadly the little video in my phone doesn't like the dark, a problem when videoing concerts. However, it does give you a feel for it.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Zombies - courtesy of archives

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.soundtravellers.com.au

Melbourne Festival

So it was off for a quick visit to the Melbourne Festival, meeting people to discuss Sound Travellers, which is really inspiring, plus great to catch up with friends.

Saw Merce Cunningham's Company in the heat in Federation Square . Then a performance by DBR, which for me was an interesting exercise in the blurring of musical genres.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Cat Empire, Short, Sweet and Dance

OK, so I took my 7 year to her first "stand up" concert today. We went to the all ages Cat Empire concert at the Metro.

Silly me, thinking because it was "all ages", and it was on at 2, didn't realise that it was going to be jam packed. So in we strolled at 3.15 to a see of people, most considerably older than 7! You can see from the video that we wouldn't have had a hope in hell of her seeing a thing if ...

Some very kind people shared some room near the steps and we had a good view. Arran said it was terrific, but after 50 minutes succumbed to hunger, thirst, tired legs, heat and a need to go to the bathroom.

Having said that we had a great time, band were good, I would definitely go again.



Also went to see Part 2 of Short, Sweet and Dance. 10 minute dance pieces, have to admit I was rather disappointed by the overall quality, but there was one stand out piece which was the Martin Del Amo.

Also furiously marketing my gig of Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra at the Factory
with Pascal Schumacher Quartet on 1st November. Should be a good concert, so if you have any interest, have a look.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Wake up Everybody and Lets get it on

OK this song is an old favourite of mine by Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes.


As is this one from Marvin Gaye



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Children's activities

A day in the life of children's activities starting with Buzz Dance Company performing Rabbit at the Opera House. Active and engaging performance of physical dance based on the Alice story.

Why does there seem to be so much more great children's theatre/performances being created outside of NSW?


Then onto Carriageworks for a ride on Babylove. We hope we get more of this kind of stuff.

Great fun, little teacup ride. There were also some presentations by resident companies. Here is a little clip of David and Max from Stalker with some fantastic movement. As David did say at the beginning, it isn't really a show, more just showing us what can be done, and certainly making us wish we could see a show! Have a look at their website for the performance angle.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Big Sound

An interesting few days spent in Brisbane at a music conference, called Big Sound. Great to hear new ideas, meet people and see what is happening. I have a huge interest in the application of technology to support art forms that have not traditionally had big commercial reach.

There are so many possibilities existing now. It is all very exciting, as it opens up opportunities that previously you couldn't consider with small budgets.

I have been listening to a couple of albums from Lawrence English's, Room 40 label, worth listening to if you enjoy "other" types of music.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Electrofringe, Newcastle and Lucian

Well an interesting weekend spent finding more about sound/art electronica at Electrofringe (largest sound/art festival in Australia) and getting to visit all those burnt out wrecks of buildings in downtown Newcastle.

I am immersing myself in the "foundling" musics that I am running a project for, called Sound Travellers, to organise some touring along with Performing Lines, courtesy of a grant from the Australia Council. So good to see for myself what is happening. Was very struck by the lack of females performing, though there were a healthy number at the talks.

Amazingly in all my other trips to Newcastle, I had never seen so many down and out buildings. Had only noticed the new building work going on.

Also managed to catch the Lucian Freud exhibition on men. Having seen lots of his female nudes this was a different take on the style.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Jazz:Now

IIt was a great week of jazz at the Jazz:Now Festival, now in its fourth year. Highlight for me was definitely Phil Slater.

Then for something completely different it was off to a keeper talk about Penguins at Taronga Zoo. Joanne Kee

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Music

A week full of music, from a live performance with an old film, Goethe's Faust, through to the Classical Music awards and then for a change of pace a talk from the International Rhino Foundation.

Some types of music may be going on the endangered species list, but not to such as an extent as many species of rhino.

The top performance of the week was the Caged uncaged at Carriageworks with the Song Company and Ensemble Offspring. A great combination of the understated and estoeteric, in a minimalist setting.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

APEC

What a week, how annoying having our lives were interrupted by the APEC juggernaut. I am still wondering where all that money to pay for the security came from?

So shame that four policemen felt that they had to arrest a middle aged man and wrestle him to the ground and call him a security threat. Is this what happens when laws are rewritten and our officials can dispense with common sense? Does our Government think that the citizens of Australia are so violent and scary that we had the most draconian security laws in the western world for this summit?
http://ninemsn.video.msn.com/v/en-au/v.htm?t=m162
If the link doesn't work try the ninemsn website and go to Sydney news.

What happened to common sense and reason in all this? What a worry that the people controlling our security can behave like bouncers at a night club.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Trend Watching

This is an interesting thing looking at the future and trends.

http://www.trendwatching.com/trends/tips.htm

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Katie Noonan

OK I can do without the intro from Libby, but I just saw Katie Noonan last week and I have to say she is totally amazing. I prefer this version, which is not as slick as the film clip, but has that beautiful natural, live performance vibe at which she excels.

She has just released a new album and I have to say if you get a chance, try and catch her, she really is special, the voice effortless and the musicians are hot as well. I think the word is 'freakish' she has so much talent.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

What of the future

Went to a fabulous lecture about the future as part of the Small business month series.

It is really refreshing to take time out to listen to ideas and then to explore them. Often it is hard to find time, because life is so busy, but I think it is really worthwhile to be hooked into how to do business better.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

How many mouths can be fed at this trough?

So now I am esconced in the fundraising mode.

Last week I attended a launch of the Friends of Bathsheva Dance Company. I am also working for Taronga Foundation researching grants/PPF's etc.

I would love to know how much further we have to go in terms of what sort of money lies out there. With over 640 something PPF's now registered, how far can that pot of gold stretch and how sustainable will it be?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

From Carpenters from Kempsey to Tehillim

Well rather a mixture of tastes this week. With the Carpenters from Kempsey, a tribute duo performing at the cabaret room in the AB in Glebe, through to more highbrow contemporary classical with work by Reich, Ligeti etc.

The Carpenters was a fun night out, cabaret appears to be alive and well in Glebe. It seemed as though just about everyone in the room knew enough words to sing along.



The performance of Steve Reich's Teihillim was a very moving and rich musical landscape comprising of Ensemble Offspring, Halcyon and Synergy Percussion.

However finding a park, when it was footie night at Parramatta was a scarey experience!

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Tania Libertad

What is it about so many artists that their publicity photographs bear little resemblance to what they currently look like. I was expecting a young girl, it was more a mature woman, with appropriately aged accompaniment.

Sydney Opera House was in world music concert mode. I did feel very sorry for the Martinez brothers who were serious background music, not even a support band status, with the houselights staying firmly on during their performance and people ambling in and chatting. It certainly didn't do them justice.

The excited fans of Libertad were merrily flashing away with their cameras and mobile phones - despite the announcement in English that photography was prohibited. It added to the Carnival atmosphere, though I must say that the annoying thing with digital cameras is not just the flash, but also the back light from the camera viewing screen.

As for the music, to me, not knowing any of the songs, I thought I was seeing the equivalent of a pop spanish version of Nana Mouskouri, however I believe I am quite wrong as Tania was a protest singer! Oh well - lost in translation!

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

International Music Market Brisbane

It was a great week in Brisbane attending the Australian International Music Market. There were lots of showcases, lots of networking, some fantastic music and definitely some dance beats, as evidenced by Marguerite and Kate bopping away to the The Scientists of Modern Music. Seriously infectious dance music.

Other highlights were the Wantok Foundation's Sing Sing. A fabulous blend of music and dance, both contemporary and traditional . Serious yet joyous and very moving at the same time.

Of course there were jazz highlights, for me the best live performance was Alistair Spence. Though I don't think the beauty of his live set is matched on the CD.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Cross cultural work

Hi well this week it is Brisvegas for a week of showcases and networking at the Music Market.

The week started with seeing a Queensland Music Festival piece, Crossing Roper Bar. A fusion of indigenous with contemporary music. Not too sure that the work hangs together at this stage.

Just wondering with a lot of the cross cultural work, that if in the anxiety to do the right thing and be inclusive, that the natural flow of things is forced, ending up with stilted and to me meaningless and often patronising work. In our rush to be supportive of specific sectors that we accept the mediocre disguised as feel good, do the right thing stuff.

Is it fair, to other artists who are outstanding in their craft?

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Erth - Gondwana

So there were only 12 performances for the July school holidays and guess what? they sold out. Children's theatre is alive and kicking.

This show was beautifully staged and executed, featuring Australia's amazing prehistoric creatures and land brought to life with full body puppets and large-scale inflatable plants.

The journey was a bit scarey for some of the younger children, you need darkness for puppets, which can be frightening. However it was a lovely journey seeing giant dinosaurs, insects, indigenous plants, life-size rocks and mammals.

The land masses changed shape, there was a bit of death and murder with flesh-eating dinosaurs nesting, feeding and fighting for survival.

Plus for my daughter the best part was the interactive session at the end, where Basil, featured as a performing animal. He was given eye drops, and fed leaves by various audience members. Plus we now know that his wife and kids live in New Zealand.

Performed by Erth Theatre Company, it was educational and great entertainment.

If you were one of the lucky ones to have seen the show, it was also great value.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Gerard Masters Trio @ Jazzgroove

Fabulous performance by Gerard playing new material at the Excelsior last week.

Apart from that it has been more activity for school holidays. The special effects exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum was fun.

We did get a chance to do the one hit wonder video ourselves.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Caroline Ninn and Cafe Carnivale

For the final Cafe Carnivale of the year, it was a night of dancing and celebration, which featured South American music. The dancing didn't quite compare to these natives from Argentina.

Interesting vibe in the place, along the lines of place to hang out, music was in the background and incidental. Probably just as well, the music was OK, but not great and there was the odd schmalzy classic thrown in.

Then it was off to a more European style to see the cabaret performance of Caroline Ninn at the Opera House in an hommage to Piaf. She was good, not great, with a wonderful European presence. I reckon Greg's marketing efforts were the stars!

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Divine Harmonies, gypsy and jazz

It was one of those week's where I had so many things planned, but best laid plans were knocked out by a cold and lots of rain and some bitterly cold nights.

So I didn't get started until Thursday to see Divine Harmonies, (image from the show) a triple bill program by Tasdance featuring the works of Sue Healey, Anna Smith and Sean Parker.

It was an enjoyable program, with references to Hildegard von Bingen in Sean Parker's work. The choreography was intriguing, however the dancing, particularly in the initial movements of the piece and the trio by the male dancers did not do justice the piece. Although the dancers had relaxed towards the end, for me their movements were missing the fluidity and lyricsm of von Bingen's music.

The spoken word by the two female dancers was a curiosity to me in the sheer "Australian-ness" of the accents, when set against the music - glorious harmonies of this European composer.

Sue Healey's piece was playful and fun. The work by Anna Smith more intense. Both composed to the music of Ben Walsh and I would have to agree with Jill Sykes criticism that there was a sameness to the works. Although I differed in that I enjoyed Ben Walsh's sound scapes/music.

From there it was onto music with the jazz ensemble, the catholics at the Sound Lounge. Take the best musicians and you really can't go wrong.

For Saturday it was onto the more sombre world of a Leonard Cohen tribute by Monsieur Camembert. In fact, some of the Cohen sounded rather upbeat when played with a gypsy swing feel. Sadly I had to miss the second half when it was M Camembert doing fun numbers, however I have to say I was pretty satisfied with the Cohen, particularly the pieces sung by Yaron.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

The Yacoubian Building

Image from the Sydney Film Festival site


What a powerful and amazing film to come out of Egypt.

172 minutes - I have to admit if I had known how long the movie was beforehand I might not have gone. Though I was really glad that I had the opportunity to see this film.

What I find most incredible was the topics covered by the film from corruption, homosexuality, misogyny, poverty, religion. The acting which was so sympathetic and genuine and the ability of the director to allow us to engage with all the lead roles.

Having been to Egypt myself, though only as a tourist, I could relate to the role of women in society there - low with no power, with men feeling they have the right to treat them as sex objects. We had also seen the poverty, though of course not to any meaningful extent, but had seen the fact that being rich and driving a mercedes trumps over some poor person being run over by same car.

The first screening was sold out, but it is on again tomorrow night. Definitely worth seeing.

Joanne Kee
www.womenandwealth.com.au
www.ceressolutions.com.au

So many worlds…

From a child’s point of view Dreamworld, Seaworld and Warner Movie world are definitely destinations in themselves. Worlds within worlds where you can visit the Wild West, A Wiggles World, or Polar Bear shores. We haven’t even mentioned what could be considered as the more peripheral world’s orbiting in the trail of the big three such as Currumbin Sanctuary or Whitewater World, one of the newer additions to the Gold Coast. The list goes on, it’s fierce competition for that tourist holiday dollar.

The attraction for many is the family holiday destination, with lots of thrills and activities. Surfers Paradise definitely caters for as many different styles of people as possible from the serious “luxe” market in the refined world of the Palazzo Versace, where the swimming pool has been recreated as a small beach through to the cheap and cheerful with fast food and fast fun being on the menu – McDonalds, KFC etc abound

How to choose?

The first qualifying statement is that being transported to another world from the hours of 10-5 ain’t cheap. For a family for four you are looking at a cost of $64 for an adult and $42 for a child, adding up to $212 for a family of four for a day pass to one theme park whether it be the Warner Group or the Dreamland experience. Of course there are a range of special options ie three park pass from Warner which includes Seaworld and Wet n’ wild for $135 for an adult and $86 for a child or for Dreamworld and Whitewater World a two park pass is $99 for an adult and $66 for a child.

Whilst all the main activities are included, food and the all prevalent merchandise can put a serious dent in your hip pocked. If you can take some snacks this is recommended not just for the savings but also because the food on offer is fairly standard fair of fish and chips, burgers etc. A water bottle is a must if you are traveling in summer.

Budget tip

• If the thought of visiting so many parks is a bit daunting you can also save money by visiting the same park twice. This is something offered by all the parks once you are there. On your way out of the park you can extend your pass by an additional day for a discounted second day rate.
• Organisations such as NRMA, the Entertainment book offer discounted tickets if pre-paid and booked for all the Worlds.
• Deals also can be had through Seaworld Nara Resort which frequently offers special packages that include resort entry, usually offered outside peak season.
• There is also lots of competition in all hotel ranges so it pays to shop around for what can be included with your accommodation ie breakfasts, children’s meals..
• Some deals are also good for lone parents or carers traveling with children – it’s worth shopping around.

Which world for me?

Of course it all comes down to personal taste and age ranges. All the parks offer a few “heart stopping” signature rides from the Big 5 thrill rides at Dreamworld, The Claw, Tower of Terror, Giant Drop, Cyclone, and the Wipeout; at Warners you can find the Batwing Spaceshot and a range of roller coasters from the child friendly Road Runner Rollercoaster then getting faster and more furious with Wild West Falls, Scooby Doo or the Lethal Weapon Ride; at Seaworld you can find the Corkscrew Rollercoaster and the Pirate Ship.

Watch the video

Warner and Dreamworld would probably win the thrill ride vote particularly for teenagers plus. For myself, who is not really a fan of these kind of thrills but as an accompanying parent had to go along for the rides, Seaworld was about my speed. Of course Seaworld is better known for the sea animals from Penguins, dolphins and seals to sharks. A fantastic experience here is the Animal Adventures. A series of more up close and personal encounters with the animals.

My daughter went to the Dolphin adventures and whilst not actually swimming with the dolphins, you definitely get up close and personal. Expect to feed a dolphin, rub their tummy, give them a kiss, souvenir photo included - and you will get wet even though you wear a wetsuit.

Tip.

• These packages are really popular so it pays to do your homework and book in advance.
• The trainer led experiences as well as being a load of fun are educational.

If you want animal experiences, Dreamworld could also be the place for you. Of course there is Tiger Island – (I think this is where they send Big Brother contestants after they get voted out!). Plus there is the Australian Wildlife experience, the Sunset Safari (guided behind the scenes tours) and the Farmyard friends.

For those of you who either like to touch the animals or are traveling with children, the good thing about these experiences are that you can pat the kangaroos and if you so desire have your photo taken cuddling a koala (obviously this is also an attractive option for a lot of adults as well). For those of us who live down South where koala touching is usually a no, no this is a great experience. Same applies to the farmyard creatures that you can pet and help with their feeding.

As for what is best for the toddler plus age group, once again, all the parks cater for this group and have special dedicated activities and rides.

Continuing with Dreamworld there is the Wiggles World. One would have to say that Wiggledom is practically a rite of passage now for Australian children. So this gives you an opportunity to do the Big Red Car ride, dance with Dorothy and visit Captain Feathersword’s ship.

If you want more than all that wiggling, there is also the Nickleodeon Central rides area and the Dreamworld people have conveniently listed family rides as a category to help with your theme park visit planning. That’s a big plus for me.

Warner World has the Looney Tunes village for the younger age group. Seaworld has Cartoon Beach. There are also rides such as the Bermuda Triangle and The Flume Ride which are moderate.

Tip

• Generally there children’s rides are fairly mild, for those with children a little older who want more adventure, there are height restrictions on some of the rides, but no age restrictions. Check the websites for more details.

Time

There is such a multitude of activities within just these three flagship parks, it would be easy to do nothing except theme parks. However, its worth remembering that there is much much more on offer in the surrounding areas from mini golf to the Water theme parks to Currumbin for wildlife, themed meals such as Dracula’s or an outback adventure. Plus for those who do want to chill out, day spas also seem to have a strong presence. Suffice to say you can cram a hell of a lot of activity into one holiday.

Warners has a lot of action rides and seems to specialize in the roller coaster experience starting with the gentler Road Runner ride and working up to Lethal weapon and Scooby Doo, an indoor disco kind of roller coaster – don’t let the cute cartoon name fool you, this is a full on ride.

All of the parks have shows and other entertainment. Plus both the Warners and the Dreamworld Group have water parks. Warners have Wet’n’Wild and Dreamworld have launched the newest themepark, Whitewater world. Seaworld has a smaller Waterpark inside the theme park.

It can get hot in Surfers so these are good ways to keep cool and for when the weather drops to a chilly 20 degree average in winter, Whitewater world has heated water!

For the average person each park offers a full day’s entertainment plus. In my personal opinion I think that Dreamworld has a tiny edge in respect of offering something for everyone, but those Animal adventures at Seaworld also rate very highly with me.

Accommodation options

If you are the kind of person who likes a bit of down time it is possible to book hotels with kids clubs and child minding and spas. If your hotel doesn’t have a spa, don’t fret as there are various spas in town and a couple of legitimate businesses where the masseuse visits the hotel.

Obvious choices with kids clubs are Sea World Nara Resort and the Paradise Resort. I have to admit that the Paradise Resort was looking a tad tired when I visited, though conceptually it is very children focused.

If you do a comparison of these two resorts the difference for me is that Paradise Resort feels more like an activity based resort with Karaoke, Polynesian Dance spectacular and Bingo nights. Seaworld is a touch more upmarket without the range of activities but it does have a small day spa. When I was there I overheard a long and heated complaint about some of the rooms at Nara, so I suspect that some rooms are better than others. Definitely don’t go expecting the same kind of finishing touches as you would find at the Palazzo Versace or the Sheraton.

It is worth checking out websites such as Trip Advisor for independent opinions from fellow holiday makers. To compare the hotel glitz against real life experiences.

If you only have a few days my recommendation is not to cram too much into the time as the world’s can be exhausting. Hanging out at the resort pool can be nearly as much fun as the high voltage excitement of a theme park.

Just as an aside there were no freebies involved in any of this research, but there was definitely a very satisfied 7 year old.

http://www.dreamworld.com.au

http://www.seaworld.com.au

http://www.movieworld.com.au

http://www.currumbin-sanctuary.org.au

http://www.whitewaterworld.com.au

http://www.wetnwild.com.au

Accommodation

http://www.seaworldresort.com.au

http://www.paradiseresort.com.au

http://www.tripadvisor.com

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Contemporary Dance

A week of contemporary dance at Carriageworks this week.

Good to see the venue buzzing with life. As usual the opening night of a Performance Space dance event is well attended and as we all slowly move into the venue for the start we realise that there isn't really anywhere to sit - oops, should have paid more attention and gone in earlier.

Rosalind Crisp - Danse #1 - is a solo work with video and that newish genre of "live typing" which accompanies her as she moves around the space. So probably the bench we end up sitting on was a good choice as it was hard to tell where the action is going to take place.

It takes place on walls, on stages and on the audience floor to the backing track of her breathing, heels of audience members walking across the room, some ambient hum of the computers. Near the end there is a moment of music which is quite a relief, as the dance in silence for the majority of the work is an exercise in monotonality.

In contrast Settlement - Hans Van den Broek, a residency project is filled with dancers, props and noise. If this is a work in progress it could be quite interesting to see the next phase.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Circus Oz

So, a week late in posting but last week's night out on the Town (in between flu) was Circus Oz. The best thing was the look on my little girls face - 7 years old, absolutely gob smacked at various stages.

The show was fast paced, particularly in the first half and managed to engage the old and young. I've seen slicker performances, but this works as a total entertainment package.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Excelsior

So not having much of a chance to see anything except stuff related to work.

A great young band, Medium Brown and 20th Century Dog, seriously good players.

It is great to be attracting consistently good audiences to see the latest in what is happening in improvised jazz. If you get a chance, it is really worth a visit if you love jazz, though it comes with a not too comfortable, but a great atmosphere with musicians, music lovers mingling warning.
www.jazzgroove.com

www.ceressolutions.com.au

All work and no play

A busy week, exciting to be working on a concept to produce a concert series of jazz/world music next year at the Factory in Enmore.

Its been a good thing, meeting up with artists, discussing the project, putting together the business plan.

As well as the arts, things are moving along for my financial women's website - womenandwealth. So its busy, busy tying all the bits and pieces together.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Music @ The Factory

Ok, so I have this idea that there is an incredible amount of talent in Sydney at the moment. The most fantastic musicians, who deserve a wider audience.

I also see huge audiences for jazz music at Festival events, or for international guest artists. In my mind I am wondering why there seems to be such a huge gap from people who enjoy this genre and people who are experiencing local musicians. Certainly, the talent of the Australian musicians is world class and I guess the proof is in how well they are doing overseas.

So through a series of events, I find myself in the process of producing a concert series - the theme is great music in friendly, lush surroundings. A common underlying factor for the performances is a jazz influence, but not to the extent where it overtakes the incredible diversity and range of what music is today.

In the best traditions I am going through the motions, researching, lots of talking to people, sourcing funding, finding interesting combinations of artists. Can I turn this idea into reality? I think I can - here's to 2008 and Places and Spaces.

Suggestions or comments as to what would make this work are welcome.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

From war to technology futures

This week's touch of culture was Stories in the Dark, by Deborah Oswald, performed by ATYP - Australian Theatre for Young People. A mixture of folk tales and the grim reality of life in a war torn city.

For some reason as I was watching it I was thinking Sarajevo. I visited Sarajevo when Yugoslavia existed. It was a beautiful city. On the surface it certainly seemed to be working as a melting pot.

One wonders what happened to the people we met, how can one think of a future when faced with such a bleak reality? When you scratch the surface of a civilisation how quickly it can unravel.

The script is good, I found the first half a bit rambling, but it certainly came together by the end. Worth seeing it is on at Riverside, Parramatta.

As a contrast I went to CEBIT this week, the future of technology, or so they say. I love my technology, but you know I also love the feel of putting pen to paper and the endless possibilities that are before you when you start a new book. Beautiful white pages, perhaps the appeal is that it is finite, not like a computer screen which has the possibility to go on for what seems forever.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Herbie Hancock

Great to see such a huge audience for Herbie Hancock.

Kind of a strange combination of out there stuff with very commercial. Musos were great, but the rendition of Stevie Wonder's - Just called to say I love you, was more proof that a professional muso can sound really bad, a bit like a karaoke tune.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Action and drama in a theme park

Well it was interesting seeing some shows at Movie World and Sea World, perhaps animal trainers shouldn't cross over into drama. This being a definite case of cross something or other arts, with Sea Lion handler meeting pirate ship drama. Not very dramatic, but you can get away with it when you have a couple of cute seals.

Even better was the fact that their enclosure is being renovated, so it felt nice and close and personal on the lawn, with the seal coming onto land to do a painting? Well, it wasn't a Picasso, but we managed to get visual arts, drama and was that a bit of singing all in one performance.

Debatable whether it is better to just stick to the facts and do the entertaining through education or whether we need pirate outfits to keep the masses entertained.

The animal adventures where my daughter got to meet a dolphin was an absolute winner. Meeting Colin the dolphin and his trainer Dion was a definite highlight of our visit to Surfers Paradise. Totally recommend it.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Time Warp

It was an Easter performance, but a week later to confuse the issue. The Song Company performing Visitatio at St Marys Crypt. A combination of early music, Oud playing and a farting wind organ.

It sounded beautiful, a little over dramatic for my tastes, but a fantastic setting.

Great to catch up with Roland and to see the singers after such a long time.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Easter

So this Easter it was a combination of the pagan pleasures in life, not so cultural - that thing namd the Easter show and then off for retail therapy at the newly opened level in Broadway.

We managed to see the circus performances of Hoopla at Darling Harbour. It was crazy in the workshop type area where you could juggle, if you had any idea how to...?, walk on stilts, do a mini tightrope and try the hula hoop. Try not to knock anyone else over.

Favourite thing voted by my 7 year old was learning the hula hoop.

The rain managed to put a dampner on the performances, but one can understand the risks involved with all that rigging and height.

Such a combination of things to see and do at the Easter show, from music to grand parades and wondering if anyone is really all that fussed about any of them. They are more just activities to do as one passes through the rows of show bags, fairy floss and dagwood dogs.

Next week we are going for high art with a performance by the Song Company at St Marys Crypt.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Lights out and who is home?

Well for some reason my husband told me we had to turn the power off at the mains, but I thought that sounded a bit far fetched, fridge off? resetting all those power grids etc, what chaos in the city if power went down to the fuse box level.

However we did turn off all our lights and from our home in Glebe looking around our neighbourhood couldn't see anyone else who had done the same.

We were heartened however to see the images on the news, as obviously the lights did go out in the City, we just couldn't see them!

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Music and comedy

A mixed bag of performances this week from the Exotica - what a fantastic band with Matthew Ottignon and Dave Symes, through to Eric Bibby blues performer, great voice, through to a one man show of Star Wars the Trilogy which was a bit of a laugh, just as well as it was part of the Cracker comedy Festival.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Swan Lake

So fantastic to see a production that has improved with age. Having seen Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake in its first incarnation when it was really quite ground breaking, after a number of years on the road, it is still just as riveting.

Whilst I will admit to being a huge Adam Cooper fan, and I reckon he is still my all time favourite male swan (Sylive Guilleme being my number one in the role), the production had a vitality and freshness which definitely withstands the test of time.

Loved the Prince Simon Williams, it is such a pleasure to see completed hand gestures and a fluidity and grace in a male dancer.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

From in house fashion parades to Digeridoos

So this week was the inaugural paid performance for the opening of the new Performance Space featuring Martin Del Amos. The Carriageworks is remarkably intimate considering it's huge proportions, it was great to see it in action.

The funny thing, is wandering around town with my daughter we caught a fashion show at Myers. Personally I thought it was pretty tame, but she thought it was fantastic - which is good that a 7 year old isn't a cynic.

We ended up in Darling Harbour for the Capeira festival. Fun, but I would have liked to have seen the "masters" in action.

Then the highlight of the day was an amazing show at the Outback Centre in Darling Harbour by a didg player Jeremy Donovan. He is awesome as an educator. If you get a chance go and see him he performs there quite a lot. He also has an amazing website http://www.jeremydonovan.com.au - worth a look.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Alcina, Tango Masculino

So it was a mixed bag this week from Tango Masculino, which promised something from the imagery but failed to deliver on the acting front.

Through to the wonderfully over the top stage setting of Alcina, the latest production by Opera Australia at the Sydney Opera House. Saturday night was a good night where it all came together. I managed to be entertained all the way through the 4 hours! which is a good sign.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Jazz

So what is it about jazz that it thrives in grungy smoky spaces. What is it that the audience likes to stand packed, so that its hard to see, hot and sweaty.

Jazzgroove is powering along with Dub Scouts and Triosk last week, so much so that we had to move the door out to the corridor. www.jazzgroove.com

Aaah, is their a market for jazz from people who like some comforts in life?

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Short, Sweet & Song

This week was the opening of our new venture, 10 minute music theatre. It was great to see so much energy and vitality.

If you want to read more about the individual pieces you can visit aussietheatre.com and go to the review section for Short, Sweet & Song.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Photo from Palace Whore Image by Geoff Sirmai

Kaidan

This week it was the final show of the Sydney Festival, Kaidan.

A beautiful fusion of dance, Taikoz drumming and cinematic effects.

Plus more Short & Sweet, which is rather inspiring, so much energy and talent out there.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

La Clique

So this is what burlesque circus is all about and this is the boy in the bathtub. David O'Mer that all my friends told me was a must see.

Have to admit, it was a fine night of entertainment. Bathboy did live up to expectations. There were also a lot of other great acts, performed in a beautiful tongue in cheek manner.

I am still rather impressed with how that magician hid those handkerchiefs!
Picture from the Spiegeltent site.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Short and Sweet

This was our Short & Sweet Sydney 2007 Festival opening. A great night with a taste of what is yet to come.

The Festival features 10 minute plays and showcases the talent and energy of contemporary theatre.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Zero Degrees

Saw Zero Degrees as part of the Sydney Festival which was great, as expected. I am a huge fan of Akram Khan.

Just visited his website to add an image and realise that there is also a piece with 2 of my all time favourite dancers, which I would love to see of Sylive Guillem and Akram Khan.

This website is beautiful, worth taking a look, oh if only mine had that beauty and simplicity.

Photo is by Tristam Kenton and this is from the Akram Khan website.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sydney Festival Launch

So what is probably the biggest art's party in Sydney went off with a bang last night. The Festival is here again.

With a scrum of a crowd at the Capital Theatre for Batsheva, and then of course the party at Hyde Park.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

New Year at the Opera House

Sydney does love a fireworks display and what better place to see them than from the Opera House.

I have found a good use for video ipods/MP3's as we were sitting there bored out of our brains waiting for the next round of fireworks.

However, it was worth the wait as we were encircled by fireworks from the harbour and the city.

After watching "Kenny" I thought I could approach those portaloos without fear. However I do have to say, they haven't improved much, how can they go short of water and jam up when they are near a water connection?

The crowds were fine, everything was efficient, lots of transport, friendly folk, all except the loos Definitely a 1 out of 10 for maintenance!

Joanne

www.ceressolutions.com.au