Avatar

Yes we joined the throngs and enjoyed it. Couldn't believe when we got out that three hours had passed.

Just wish that the 3D hardware was as awesome in Australia as it is in Paris.

This is a funny comment on the trailer



and this is the real thing



Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Christmas concert and christmas tree

After a night at the Song Company Christmas concert we headed off to Martin Place to look at the Christmas Tree.

I felt like it was a blast from the past from my Song Company days, particularly when Nicky walked on stage!

The program was derived from animals and wasn't particularly a Christmas concert as such - not many carols. We were treated to renditions of slippery slimey slug, Winnie the Pooh and many other animal inspired songs.

It hit the mark for a light, family performance. However it was a tad twee for my own tastes. Of course, as one would expect it was sung beautifully by the Song Company.

Arran is the tiny spec at the bottom of the tree.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sandy Evans

The inspirational Sandy Evans performing at the Sound Lounge on thursday night.


www.placesandspaces.com.au

Ceres background

Just playing around with software for sharing information.

Ceres Solutions - Ceres background

eight oclock sharp

Fabulous venue in Glebe, known as Eight O'Clock sharp or Cafe Church.

You can relax on the lounges, bring your own wine, or have a cup of tea or coffee there. You can even bring along your take away.

Music is the best and intimate and engaging. Like having the most fantastic musicians doing their thing in your own lounge room.
Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Taikoz, Topology & Karak

Fantastic performance on Friday night with Taikoz, Topology and Karak.

Each of the ensembles performed their own material. With the additional bonus of a haunting solo shakuhachi by grand master Riley Lee.

Together they performed a new work by composer David Pye which was a great collaborative piece, teasing, whimsical and methodical.

Inspired by David's experience at an Indian temple, it had all the elements of a holy feast visualised through the music.

Apparently it was recorded by the ABC, so worth keeping an eye out for that concert. It also took place in Brisbane, which is where the recording took place.

This was one of the last of the year for the places + spaces series.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Bangarra

Went to Canberra to catch the retrospective for Bangarra, Fire.

What a great performance and such an impressive body of work.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Burning Daylight

This week went to the opening of Burning Daylight by Marragekku.

An extravaganza of dance theatre in a collaboration between artists from Sydney to Broome.

Was particularly pleased to see this as I was walking at Stalker when the work premiered.

It was great to see it in its full glory.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

a great little social media counter

Hi bit of a gadget'y thing from Gary's social media blog, which I have put on my website, because unfortunately I can't load it directly here.

Its a great little aggregator of website facts and figures and what amounts of time people are spending on social media. http://bit.ly/1MwSho


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Wangaratta Festival of Jazz

Managed to miss blogging about Wangaratta, which was because the three network doesn't work in either Oxley (understandable) or Wangaratta (really poor show there)

On the plus side, of course there was great music, new venue is nice and air conditioned. Volunteers were very helpful and thanks so much for their help with the Jazz Australia subscriber drive. Its fun to wander around and bump into people.

My highlight was Andrew Robson's Tallis music in the church. Sublime. Also really enjoyed watching Linda Oh playing with Charles Tolliver.

The heat was oppressive, there was no free water I could find and there were queues and over the top security who threatened to have me evicted from the new performing arts centre (overkill I think)

Not to mention the more I think about it the police were also rather vigilant as well. though thanks to them I did win some money on the Melbourne Cup - with Crimescenes and Shocking!

Image is of the Vampires, a great young Sydney band.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sydney festival launch for 2010

Sydney does love a party.

Loved the programming, which has real heart

Image from closing act, Iota, I reckon the cabaret in the Speigeltent will be a hot ticket for this year.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Card Making

Spent the morning at a card making course at Amazing Paper.

We now have the cards lined up on the sideboard and it is amazing how good they look. It was also quite simple.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Avenue Q

Really enjoyed this show and I have to say that Trekkie Monster and the Bad Idea Bears were my favourite characters.

If you have ever watched Sesame Street, this show if full of funny adult references, and has some poignant and definitely wind up moments.

Its only on in Sydney for another week http://avenueqthemusical.com.au and then it tours around Australia. But I reckon its definitely worth seeing.

Info on the show from the website. I know this blurb sounds like I am being paid, but I am not and was surprised that the people I mentioned the show to, knew hardly anything about it.

"I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for AVENUE Q to finally get to Australia," said creator, Robert Lopez. "Not just because I've never been and I've always wanted to die in a Great White shark attack, but because I've always suspected that Aussies would really love AVENUE Q!"

AVENUE Q, written by Jeff Whitty, with music by Robert Lopez and lyrics by Jeff Marx, first debuted in 2002 with an off-Broadway run. The show went on to beat favourite WICKED to win three of the top Tony Awards in 2004: Best Musical, Best Original Score of a Musical and Best Book of a Musical.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Hugh Masakela

Saw this concert at the Opera House.

I think I was in a different reality to some other people at the concert. Music was fine, what you would expect from an internationally renowned artist.

Indeed the Hemispheres series at the Opera House is fantastic, showcasing some truly amazing artists.

However, for me, this concert didn't do it for me. I actually found it a bit annoying that Masekala chastised the audience for being stuff shirts in ties and not getting down, then proceeded to spend the next 20 minutes doing his mine shaft number about death - not exactly stuff to get you dancing in the aisles.

I guess it doesn't really matter when the audience is eating out of your hand because you are a legend.

And what was the dialogue about being born in Nottinghamshire, the bad fake English accent and the story about then being washed down the river to South Africa? On what level was that entertaining or amusing? I so didn't get it.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Electrofringe and Sound Summit

Was only there for Thursday and Friday, but for those interested in new ideas, stuff off the beaten track and emerging talents This is not art in Newcastle is a good option this weekend.

There are the music elements of Electrofringe and Sound summit - good for tips on the music industry and showcasing some fantastic artists.

If you can't make it you can always listen to good old New Music Australia on Classic FM. Julian and Stephen are doing a fantastic job again.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Music at the House

We wandered down to music at the House, @ Government House. A great concept, but the wind was so bitterly cold. The Indian summer had come to an end.

However we did manage to hear Unkle Ho and Bridezilla, do some artwork and visit the House, before we became too cold to function and had to head off.

Such a beautiful landscape, vista and house.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Government funding of music

Whilst sitting at the Musica Viva performance, it got me thinking? The ensemble was fine, nothing to blow your socks off, but competent enough. Although I am sure there are Australian ensemble's who could also have done the repertoire justice.

However, I noticed that in the repertoire, only one piece was by an Australian composer. This genre of classical music and others as performed by the Symphony Orchestras and Opera Companies don't do very much to promote Australian composers. There is often a token, one piece by an Australian, but rarely more. The domain of presenting new works seems to lie with relatively newer and more adventurous ensembles, who receive crumbs of funding if any at all.

Which led me to my next thought. Why is public money funding the touring of international classical musicians around Australia when Australian artists find it so hard to tour in their own country? Let alone why are we paying for their travel to Australia, when so many local artists struggle to gain recognition overseas because of the high cost of entry into the international market ie airfares.

Yes, I can understand that the highest quality world performance can be a revelation, and strongly support opportunities to see the best in the world. However, is this Government funded cultural acceptance and support of the cultural cringe whereby we have to import musicians for a whole annual program? I can't think of any other genre that gets public money to bring in overseas artists to this extent.

Then there is also the issue of why isn't there even a support band, or ensemble, similar to the scenario found in most other musical genres. So that at least if an Australian artist isn't featured, they do have a performance opportunity and potential to be seen and grow their own audiences?

Anyway, I don't particularly want to "beat up" on an organisation, but am just curious as to why a funding body such as the Australia Council, who strongly proclaims their support of new Australian works, spends most of their funding on Companies (in the musical genre) who don't appear to be doing this. Perhaps I am missing something?

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Daruma Japanese Restaurant - cheap eats

Daruma
Level 1, (Prince Centre)
8 Quay Street
Haymarket NSW Sydney

T: 92812889

We just went for Bento boxes and as far as value for money is concerned I am totally sold on this one.

We paid $25.80 for two people for the Sushi Bento box at $12 and the Sashimi/udon box at $10 plus we had one drink. This also included all you could eat Miso soup and rice.

The sushi and sashimi were fresh. The boxes were varied, mine had seaweed, Arrans had fried tofu.

Ambience is lots of space and light.

You help youself to the Miso soup.

As far as I am concerned a total winner, even more so when you look at the price.

For some strange reason this is quay street, I have no idea when it was ever near a quay, it is closer to Paddy's Market, the back of the ABC building and UTS.

More cheap eats can be found at Cheap Eats Food Trek

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Kanye mashup with Obama

Funny mashup with Kanye and Obama



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Pete Martin Trio

Saw the Peter Martin Trio from the US on Tuesday night at SIMA.
Line up was Peter Martin (piano) Reginal Veal (bass) Terreon Gully (drums)

Image is of Reginal Veal.

What really struck me about the trio was the rapport of the musicians and the joy in their playing. Which translated into a joy for me to watch.

Of course, it goes without saying (even though I am saying it) that the musicianship was fantastic.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

What you eat

Cute little site about fast food outlets which gives a fat rating on food, so you can find out how many calories you are going to consume before you buy!

http://www.fatburgr.com/

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Big Sound

A good week at Big Sound, a week of speeches, watching bands, catching up with people.

I have to say I found it an Oasis of calm to go into the shopfront at the Judith Wright to see one of the nights put on by Lawrence English. A lot of the other music during the week seemed to feature heavy, loud bass lines.

Also saw Megan Washington's rock band, Washington at the Globe Theatre. It was interesting to see the change in style from jazz diva to rock chic. For me the music wasn't as interesting, but hey, I guess there is more money in rock and roll.

Also managed to catch Bertie Blackman's band at the Alhambra. I reckon that was the cream of the venues to perform at. Bertie has great charisma, can imagine the band will do really well.

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

For Brisbane travel tips visit my blog whatever

Back to reality

Well the overseas trip is over and it is back to reality.

Thought I had cracked the jetlag, but managed to catch a bug off Arran which laid me low.

Now back to work and thinking I really need to downsize!

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Edinburgh fringe estival tiips

queues are everywhere and shows are sold out. the fringe festival box office line is a nightmare. If you have a phone, call and make the bookings and then join the shorter queue to collect the tix with your credit card.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Isle of Arran

View from the B&B, Castle Kirk, an absolutely fab place to stay in Lochranza.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Phedre

Wonderful sense of anticipation as the curtain parted onto the scenery for Phedre. Now playing at the National, great acting, beautiful set.

This is the kind of theatre I have missed.

Not to mention it was very pleasant listening to the world music before the show.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

London life

Felt like a busy week.

After the arts marketing conference came back to London and saw Hamlet. It was a good production, but not the best Hamlet I have seen, have to admit I didn't feel emotionally engaged. However, Jude Law does have a charismatic presence, but ultimately I don't think I felt drawn in by anybody, it was rather a relief when they all died.

Was lucky enough to attend the Wynton Marsalis concert and reception to launch his big bands partnership with the Barbican. Fantastic dual piano playing going on.

However cannot believe that they have spent all that money trying to make the Barbican more friendly and they neglected to put up signposts from the Tube. Not surprised that my friend Tim couldn't find his way out either, its still not obvious guys!

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Soho theatre

Went and saw something can't recall name of play but it was entertaining.

theatre is so nice and how clever they are to put comedy in after the performances.

Though I will have to remember sitting on a bar stool gets wearing after 90 minutes.

Joanne

www.ceressolutions.com.au

West End Composers

Images from gig last night at SIMA.




Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Liquid Architecture

Unfortunately I was stricken with some winter disease so missed most of the program, but managed to catch 2 acts and really enjoyed it. Heard from others that it was a great program.

Saw the Sydney program curated by Jen Teo and Shannon, great job.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Arts Marketing

It was a stimulating week to attend the arts marketing summit and to hear speakers, talking about future trends in worlds of advertising and philanthropy. It has set me off looking at futurist trends.

I was really taken with the "friendraising" as opposed to fundraising stance of the Met Museum.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Seun Kuti

In the great afrobeats tradition, music that makes you want to dance. Though I have to admit, its a bit like reggae in that it is political and sometimes it seems a bit bizarre to be joyfully bopping away.

Performance at Riverside, where you can get nice and close and dance.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

places + spaces series

Very pleased with review from Australian Stage.

"Another instalment of Joanne Kee's marvellous Places+Spaces programme, at Marrickville's comfortable, warm and welcoming Factory Theatre was Mark Isaacs' Resurgence Band, featuring Isaacs on piano; the scintillating, award-winning James Muller, guitar; Matt Keegan, (soprano, alto and tenor) sax; Brett Hirst, bass; and Tim Firth, drums." Review by Brad Sykes

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

Technology and tiny URL's

Well I heard about it and decided to try it out. Tiny URL is this software that reduces website addresses to 21 characters, perfect for stuff like Twitter etc, but also good when you have a website page with a title bigger than Ben Hur.

Website is http://tiny.cc

As an extra tip also worked out that you can take out the www from the new address and it still works. http://www.tiny.cc/LahLah

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Come Out Festival

Well it may sound like it, but it isn't a gay festival, it is a festival for children in Adelaide.

I had the privelege to see a range of performances from:

Children's Cheering Carpet, a co-production betweeen Italy and Australia using incredible lighting sensors, on a journey from bush to city.

Freaky, a terrific collaboration between Circus Monoxide and Cirkidz in SA. A combination of budding circus performers,matched with the experience and drama of Circus Monoxide. It was a high energy, engaging performance, which beautifully used the burgeoning skills of the Cirkidz crew with the Monoxide performers.

Explosion Therapy, by Terrapin Puppet Theatre, just like the name says, an Explosion of "stuff". Really creative and interesting use of lighting and movement, creating something 2 dimensional and cartoonish from 3D life.

In a way this was similiar to The 2 Dimensional Life of Her by Fleur Elise, a work in progress where Elise is actually working on film and animation. The premise being an artist's process in a studio canvass. Again interesting use of lights, cartooning, special effects.

Come out produced a new work Books & Bits, which was a great quiz style romp through children's books. Fabulous seeing and hearing the reaction and interaction of the kids with the authors.

Plop by Windmill, was of course a beautifully rendered piece of work, geared for 1-4 years.

Boats by Terrapin was a great piece of theatre and clever use of puppets and imagery.

So in all a great selection and range of performances. I wish I had bought my daugher with me!

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au


www.ceressolutions.com.au

Mark Isaacs Resurgence Band

Another great concert in the places + spaces series. Thanks so much Kawai for your support.

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

Australian Theatre Forum

Well, I am sure the partying is still going home, but I am home now in my PJ's.

It was a great three days full of stories and ideas, meeting lots of new people and reconnecting with others.

The process was great.

Joanne kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Twitter

Not sure about this one, but yes I have jumped on the bandwagon to see what it does. Seems there are lots of different ideas about its usage. So you can visit me at Twitter.

Personally I only tweet once a day, as I can't possibly think why anyone would be interested in things like when I am going to sleep or to lunch.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Linsey Pollak

Went to a fabulous performance of Linsey Pollak, which was more like a chat and demonstration about the instruments he makes, but totally mesmerising. Obviously for young and old judging by the reaction of the crowd.

Highlights were the carrot clarinet and the bagpipe made with washing gloves. You can see demos on his website www.linseypollak.com

After seeing the show I would really love to present the show for a season in Sydney.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Audience participation

This is the only concert ever, where I have seen everyone up and dancing at the concert hall in the Opera House. Oh and forgot the stage was full of dancers from the crowd as well. thanks Angelique, what a powerhouse, thanks Jaslyn it was a great gig.


www.ceressolutions.com.au

Tenebrae III

Performance sung by The Song Company with choreography by Shaun Parker

It was great to see the third in the trilogy after having helped get them stated with the collaboration between The Song Company and Kate Champion's Force Majeure.

The music is uplifting and passionate, written by Carlo Gesualdo, Prince of Venosa, (1561 - 1613) murderer in 1590 of his guilty wife and her lover, later took a wife from the d'Este family, rulers of Ferrara, whose musical interests coincided with his own. He wrote a quantity of sacred and secular vocal music and a relatively small number of instrumental pieces. In style his music is unexpected in its sudden changes of tonality, its harmony and its intensity of feeling, qualities that have found particular favour among some modern theorists.

You can hear the music on the Naxos website. Definitely worth hearing.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

sydney dance company

Saw "we unfold", the latest work by Sydney Dance Company. Nice to see a contemporary dance piece which is pretty much just about the dance.



Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

A Day at the Easter Show

We started the day with the Erth petting Zoo, Scott does such a good job with these puppets.

Then it was on to Aussie Animals and Hip and Hop, shows for the younger kiddies that have them up and bouncing.

Saw some beautiful flower exhibitions, a few animals, chicks hatching, the farmyard smells.

It was a great day out, not too crowded, good weather.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Hemispheres

Ok, I know that they said no photography, but the flashes were popping like champagne corks on New Year's Eve and when Rita actually posed for a photo, I figured it was OK.

Though mind you, I am sure the poor usher will be in the running for workers comp through the stress of trying to stop people flashing!

Rita was a fantastic performer, beautifully paced show, amazing the love she had in the room from the little girl at the front with her Mom, to the 70 year old man dancing in the seat in front of us to the teenagers singing along.

Hemispheres is a fantastic series of world music concerts, taking you around the world, curated by the genius Jaslyn Hall, who is doing much for my musical education.

Catch a Hemispheres if you can, to be transported to another part of the planet, if only for one night.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

How many started here

Primary school band, rather curious to know how many musicians start here.




Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Keijzer McGuiness video

Hi this was a great gig, some footage. It was one of the bands on the Sound Traveller tour.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Twitter

Well have been playing around with the technology, not quite sure why anyone would be interested in my twitter but it is @joannekee, if anyone likes a look.

However I find for myself I can live vicariously by following people like Stephen Fry.

I tell myself its important to stay up to date and find out what technology people are using.

I can absolutely see the benefits if you are a media personality.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

places and spaces - Judy Baileys Jazz Connection

Performance from the morning tea gig with Judy Bailey's Jazz Connection. In hindsight, the music was so up it should have been a tea dance.

Everyone who came along loved it, so that was good.



www.placesandspaces.com.au

places and spaces - Compass

Performance by Compass at the first places + spaces gig of the year. It was a great turn out, fantastic music.




Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Topology

Just love this image of Topology. They are touring later in the year on their own as part of Sound Travellers and also with Taikoz, Topology and Karak as a joint presentation with places + spaces.

Check out their website www.topologymusic.com

Joanne
http://www.topologymusic.com/index.php/bio/
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Lots of music

A busy week with concerts by Roberto Fontanescu, killer pianist, performing with Buena Vista musicians at the Opera House.

Though I have to say the pre concert act, some latin dancing was so poorly lit that it really detracted from the performance.

After that it was down to the Basement for Brad Mehldau, a jazz icon playing with his piano trio. It was packed, the music was good but personally the style didn't inspire me, though obviously a lot of other people were pumped to be there.

Next gig was Taylor swift, teen princess from the US. There was lots of flicking of long blonde hair and very enthusiastic screaming. I am just wondering why the drummer was behind perspex?

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Adelaide and the Fringe Festival

This week was the Adelaide Fringe Festival and the children's weekend.

We had originally planned to go down to Womad, but due to some curious circumstances didn't make it.

However, we had a great time. Saw the Grimstones and the kids special edition of highlights of the Festival. Ate some great food and just hung out.

This is an image from the performance by the Pitts.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Bangarra

Saw Bangarra for the first time in ages with the True Stories program at Riverside Parramatta.

The Company really deserve their flagship status. Such wonderful dancers, both technically and artistically.

Have to admit when I read the program none of the concepts really grabbed me, but when I saw the actual performance, I was very happy that I was there.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Perth user unfriendly

So why does Perth have an international festival?

It certainly isn't to entice visitors to the city - me thinks?

I decided to go and see two shows in the program, one at the Octagon Theatre. Address in program Octagon Theatre, UOW, Nedlands. Very helpful for someone from out of town. And interestingly, the cab drivers don't know where it is either. Not to mention the staff were a bit puzzled by my request as to where to ask the cab to pick me up form.

For those of you who don't know this venue, no obvious entrance (in fact two entrances) both without roads or driveways going directly to them. Not to mention the big playing field between the theatre and the road.

Not impressed that the show started about 15 minutes late, so I missed some of the performance as I was worred about the cab leaving. Also, heard from numerous people that cabs are quite hard to pin down.

The next venture was even worse, The Quarry. Just so you know guys, public transport doesn't even list "The Quarry" you may know where it is, and it is a big venue, but the bus driver had no idea and when I rang to find out how to get there it isn't even listed. Not to mention that it is impossible to return from that venue after 10.10pm.

Such a shame as the ballet was great, but very unimpressed with how hard it was to find out about the venue and that my seat was given away before I arrived and that the ushers tried to give me really crappy seats instead.

Definitely not fun for a single female on a business trip, who decided to see some festival events.

Would I bother to do this again - highly unlikely. I went to Adelaide a week later and it was a dream in comparison to get around.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Shoeb Ahmad and Adrian Klumpes

Performance at Eastside in Paddington began with Alister Spence on solo piano. I was very happy that I was not responsible for the piano!

It was a very improvised set by Shoeb and Adrian, personally I prefer the more melodic stuff, but a lot of other people obviously get into this style.


www.ceressolutions.com.au

Ticketing Professionals conference

This was a well organised event, for ticketing professionals. A different perspective for me, as I was a speaker on the Producers point of view

However I found it rather interesting hearing about marketing and ticketing trends and what is going on in the world.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Chinese New Year Parade

The twilight parade was great fun, though a tad long.

You could see who really got the message about it being a night time parade, as the most effective participants/floats had lighting, including the Shaolin monks.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

next

this week's top pick was Aron Ottignon playing at the Sound Lounge.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Melbourne

It was a fun holiday destination, chock full of tourist activities, from Bennetts Lane to ENB's Angelina Ballerina.

Can I say what a license to print money that kind of child's show is. In fact I think $15 for a program is pretty outrageous.

Not to mention how annoying it was that they held the show back 15 minutes and still let in late comers (not at suitable break, but whenever they straggled in) What a great way not to enjoy a show. Boo to the venue and the ENB for letting that happen and not suggesting to the audience that they shouldn't talk through the performance.

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

The Nargun and the Stars

A beautiful show, of Australian mythical tales. The puppetry and the stage settings are a joy to see. It is particularly wonderful to see another ERTH fabulous big bodied production. How such s small arts company manage to put on such large scale works is a mystery, but fantastic that they are doing this.

The special effects and the large scale puppets, which are ERTH's trademark were a joy to watch. Not to mention some fine acting by the three human performers.

It all came together to produce a magical effect. My critical 8 year old, was very taken by the Nargun and despite the cold of the air conditioning and ice blocks for feet, was riveted.

Currently showing as part of the Sydney Festival definitely worth a trip to Parramatta. It is recommended for 8 and over, and is also a treat for adults of any ages.

From the novel by Patricia Wrightson
Adapted by Verity Laughton
Directed by Scott Wright & Wesley Enoch
Produced by Performing Lines.

The adaptation is informed by ERTH’s on-going consultation with the original story owners, the Gunai/Kurnai, Monaro and Boon Wurrung communities of East Gippsland.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Pianos around Sydney

Scattered around Sydney are pianos in public places.

On our way back from the pool we thought we would have a play.


Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Gypsy Kings and Queens

Fanfare Ciocărlia

Part of the Sydney Festival was a rollicking evening of fast and furious gypsy music. Rather like a Variety Gala from the Balkans. With lively horns and soulful flamenco sounds, costumed dancers, shimmying and Esme Redzepova looking most diva like in a pink chiffon outfit. Her voice was pretty amazing as well.

The performance was followed by a busking session from stage to small State Theatre foyer, where the band played on to the delight of the audience and money - preferably of the $50 persuasion was secured by the gypsy brandishing the hat.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Sydney Festival First Night

A big party day and night from the Sydney Festival.

These revellers were cooling off in Hyde Park.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

New Years Eve

This year it was New Years Eve on the South Coast.

I have to say a rather tragic 80's disco party, but rather nicer fireworks at a friends home in Gerroa, where the local holiday population let off their own fireworks.

Very loud, when they are right next to you!

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au