Bob Dylan Touring Australia & Sydney Opera House

It took a while but at age 73, Bob Dylan is set to play his first-ever concert at the Sydney Opera House as part of his upcoming Australian tour.

Dylan, who is also playing three shows at the State Theatre, ends his Australian tour at the world-famous waterfront venue in the Concert Hall on September 7.

But tickets for the Opera House show - which go on sale at 8am on July 4 - don't come cheap. Standard tickets start at $199 although for a music legend the top tier is a comparatively reasonable $249.

Comparative to say, Barbra Streisand, who is considered to be the most expensive legacy act, with her lowest-priced tickets often priced over $500 and up to $1500.

There is no indication yet that luxury or plantinum-type packages will be available.

Dylan's tour begins in Perth on August 13 and takes in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide before reaching Sydney. Tickets went on sale on June 3 and are sold out for Sydney's State Theatre shows and believed to be nearly sold out for Melbourne.

Meanwhile, Dylan's place as one of the most important innovators in contemporary music history is expected to be further underlined at a Sotheby's auction on Tuesday in New York. His handwritten lyrics for the song Like A Rolling Stone are expected to fetch over $US530,000 ($565,000).

A Sotheby's employee shows the handwritten lyrics for Bob Dylan's
 Like a Rolling Stone song that is up for auction. Photo: Reuters

Richard Austin, head of Tuesday's two-part sale at Sotheby's told AFP it was the first time a six-minute single was released, allowing people to go beyond short format, and marked one of the first cases of viral marketing.

Executives opposed its release because of its length, but an employee took it to a nightclub where it played all night, leading to DJs to clamour Columbia records for its eventual release, which came in 1965.

Austin said there was "a lot of interest" in both sets of Dylan lyrics ahead of the auction, calling them a "wonderful thing just to see."

Dylan's final lyrics for the protest anthem A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall also go under the hammer, estimated to be worth $US400,000-$US600,000 by Sotheby's.

The auction celebrates various rock performers who have gripped the world for the past 60 years.

A piano first played by Lennon when he was recording the album Imagine and later played in multiple studios by him, Dylan and Reed, among others, is valued at $US100,000 to $US200,000.

Among the other items are the infamous contract that Jimi Hendrix signed in 1965, in which he agreed to play exclusively for record label PPX for just one American dollar. It's valued at $US100,000 to $US200,000.

BOB DYLAN TOUR DATES

August 13-14 - Riverside Theatre, PCEC, Perth (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

August 18-20 - Palais Theatre, Melbourne (All Ages)
ticketmaster.com.au, 136100

August 25 - Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

August 29 - Royal Theatre, Canberra (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

August 31 - Entertainment Centre, Adelaide (All Ages)
ticketek.com.au, 132 849

September 3-5 - State Theatre, Sydney (All Ages)
ticketmaster.com.au, 136100

September 7 - Sydney Opera House (All Ages)
sydneyoperahouse.com, (02) 9250 7777


Source: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/bob-dylan-to-play-first-sydney-opera-house-gig-20140623-zsikp.html


Need accommodation in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Perth for Bob Dylan's Australian tour?

Try Metro Hotels - we have 3 conveniently located hotels and apartment in the centre of Sydney, boutique serviced-apartments in Melbourne and hotels in Brisbane CBD and Perth:

New South Wales (Sydney CBD):

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central
• Metro Hotel on Pitt
• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Victoria (Melbourne CBD):

• Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Queensland (Brisbane CBD):

• Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Western Australia:

• Metro Hotel Perth

So whether you need hotel or apartment accommodation, Metro Hotels has got you covered.

A Beach In The Centre of Perth

Brisbane has one, Cairns has one, even Darwin has one - and Perth is set to get one within a matter of years.
A man-made beach in the heart of the city will be a feature of the Riverside Project and one that Perth-based planning expert Garry Middle welcomes.

With much of the city's focus on the Elizabeth Quay Project, the Riverside Project which aims to transform the eastern gateway to the city into a vibrant destination has not received as much attention.

The project is being overseen by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority and developed by Lend Lease.
It is split into a number of different areas, including one to be known as Waterbank.

Lend Lease project director Tim Urquhart said while the master plan for Waterbank was being finalised, stage one development applications would commence later this year.

“The man-made beach is part of this development and it aims to provide a relaxed urban waterside experience with public access, including for watercraft,” he said.

Mr Middle, a Curtin University adjunct researcher, said a man made beach created as an addition to the Swan River was a good idea.

“We need to make the foreshore diverse, we don’t want so much sameness, so this is something I’d like to see,” he said.

The concept of a man-made beach worked really well in other places, he said, singling out Brisbane’s beach in the Southbank area.

“When you go there you see it’s pretty family oriented and the way it is constructed was done really well with kids playgrounds and fountains," he said.

Mr Middle said while there were a few small beaches along the river in the South Perth area, generally there was not a lot of beach area on the Swan River.

He said issues that would need to be considered would be water quality and depth, ensuring the water did not drop off too quickly.

Mr Middle imagined the water would mostly be used for wading and as a launch point for paddlers.

He said while some in Perth were wary of swimming in the river, it was mostly a preference thing.

“There’s a spookiness about the seagrass and the water is not always exactly clear, there are jellyfish as well, and a sense of the unknown about swimming in the river,” Mr Middle said.

He said that much of the river was busy with boat activity as well, so an area set aside for people to use without too much other activity would be useful.

While the exact plans for the Waterbank area have not been finalised, Mr Middle said he would like to see a grassed area near the beach included.

He said “soft edges” such as grass were a good idea considering the other nearby river areas such as the Claisebrook Cove had a lot of concrete and “hard edges” suitable for walking but less suitable for children.

Mr Middle said the area would likely be most popular with locals rather than tourists.

”Our beaches are so good so tourists would still go to Cottesloe or Scarborough, this wouldn’t be an attraction in itself for tourists, he said.

The Riverside project is expected to be completed by 2020.

Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/the-beach-comes-to-perths-centre-20140619-zsf56.html

Sir David Attenborough Live in Sydney | The Third Dimension

Sir David Attenborough will appear live on stage in Sydney and Melbourne in November in a brand new show titled Sir David Attenborough – The Third Dimension.

A pioneer of the latest technological advances in program making, Sir David brings the natural world to audiences worldwide in ways not dreamt of just a few years ago.

Focusing on his latest programs, Sir David will share his most recent experiences filming the natural world, using the latest technology such as CGI and time-lapse, and showing audiences some of his programs highlights as they were meant to been watched – in 3D.

“Imagine Sir David, in person, on stage, talking about his latest filming expedition and then watching his work in 3D”, said Lateral Events CEO Simon Baggs. “This maybe the largest 3D viewing in Australia, a testament to Sir David’s continuing quest to use the latest technology to bring us closer to the natural world. It will truly be a unique experience.”

Following the sold-out tours of Australia in 2012 and 2013, the new show will provide a completely fresh look at the natural world and an insight into Sir David’s recent travels and discoveries.

PRICES:

Platinum $245.00

A Reserve $199.00
B Reserve $149.00
C Reserve $99.00
D Reserve $65.00

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Find Nearby Accommodation at Metro Hotels in Sydney

Pre and Post Show Food and Beverages nearby at Palace Hotel Sydney

Find out more and purchase Tickets

Best Places in Sydney for Whale Watching

The National Parks and Wildlife Service's Geoff Ross shares his favourite spots for whale watching

It's that magic time of the year when Australians are privy to one of the world's largest mass migrations.

Humpback whales have started their migration up north as they travel around 5,000kms to get up to the northern warmer waters of the tropics.

Geoff Ross, Coordinator Marine Fauna Programs at NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service joined Linda Mottram to share his best whale watching locations in Sydney and the Central Coast.

The young males started their migration first, when daylight savings began, to establish breeding grounds in the warmer northern waters.

The rest of the whales have now followed suit, so it's prime time to catch these majestic animals as they make their way through the waters off New South Wales.

Thanks to Mr Ross and 702 ABC Sydney Mornings listeners, we've compiled a list of the top places to catch a glimpse of the whales making their journey north.

Sydney

* Cape Solander, Kamay Botany Bay National Park (southern side of Botany Bay)

* Cape Banks, Botany Bay National Park (northern side of Botany Bay)

* South Head at Sydney Harbour

* North Head at Sydney Harbour

* North Head at Manly

* Long Reef Headland

* Stewart House at South Curl Curl

Central Coast

* Copacabana

* Bouddi National Park - high sea cliffs

* Captain Cook Lookout

* Marie Byles Lookout

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/06/19/4029054.htm

DIRTY DANCING (Just Announced!) - Sydney Lyric in January 2015

JUST ANNOUNCED: The international hit musical DIRTY DANCING will return to Australia a decade after its World Premiere in Sydney, opening at the Sydney Lyric in January 2015! 

Featuring hit songs including “Hungry Eyes”, “Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me?” and the iconic (I’ve Had) “The Time Of My Life”, DIRTY DANCING has become one of the most popular musical productions of all time. 

DIRTY DANCING RETURNS TO WHERE THE MAGIC BEGAN
Leading Australian theatre producer John Frost has announced the international hit musical Dirty Dancing will return to Australia in January 2015, a decade after its World Premiere in Sydney.

“Dirty Dancing has been an amazing worldwide success,” said Frost. “The 1987 film was a massive hit, and the original movie soundtrack contains some of the most loved songs of all time. The stage musical gave audiences the chance to hear these songs performed live and to experience the breathtaking dance routines. People flocked to it, breaking records all around the world. 

The UK Observer called Dirty Dancing ‘The biggest live theatre sensation of all time’. Now, ten years after the World Premiere in Sydney, it returns home to where the magic began, playing at the Sydney Lyric where audiences can again have the Time Of Their Lives.”

Featuring hit songs including Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and the iconic (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, Dirty Dancing has become one of the most popular musical productions of all time.

Waitlist now by adding Dirty Dancing to your favourites.

Club Lyric members will receive priority access to tickets. If you're not already a member, email club@sydneylyric.com.au to sign up.

Cool Yule at Darling Harbour Brings the Magic of a Northern Hemisphere Winter to Darling Harbour

IMAGINE walking through a Narnia-like frozen forest with 350 white fir trees standing seven metres tall, a flurry of snow bursts, icicles and ghostly lighting, right in the middle of Darling Harbour.

The enchanted forest installation is one of the corner pieces of the inaugural Cool Yule, a month long winter festival.

Project manager Cathy Levins-Byres, from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, said she wanted everyone to rug up and “come out and get cold”.

“We wanted to really go a step further and create a winter playground to really get the message out there – winter is only beginning and we will take you through it,” she said.

“There are snow cones and snow pits, a giant inflatable iceberg floating in the middle of Cockle Bay Wharf and a giant snowflake.

“It’s all about cold and celebrating everything that is cold. We want you to get out, have fun and get your adrenalin going.

“A lot of families cannot afford to bring their children to see snow so we are trying to bring the snow to Sydney.”

The foreshore authority is also bringing in a snow-making machine – using a white vapour refrigeration system – to make real snow which will be released in blasts along Cockle Bay Wharf, the Harbourside promenade and the eastern end of Pyrmont Bridge.

Ms Levins-Byres said activities were either free or very affordable, such as a cover charge of $5 for 20 minutes of play in the snow pits.

Cool Yule highlights also include an ice rink, firework displays and the Ice Men of Colorado, who will be chiselling away at huge blocks of ice creating extreme sculptures every evening in a show set to rock music.

“We are encouraging people after work to come out and have some fun,” Ms Levins-Byres said. “You do not just have to go home miserable because it’s winter.”

One of Cool Yule’s big drawcards will be an ice rink at Tumbalong Park featuring an Après Skate bar serving gourmet winter delights.

There will be a 25m Thredbo snow slide and a snow pit at the Australian National Maritime Museum’s forecourt to delight visitors.

Snow pit session times will be divided into age groups for two to six-year-olds, seven to 12-year-olds and everyone over 13 to ensure safe fun for everyone.

If you’ve ever wanted to fit inside a snow globe and let’s face it – who hasn’t? – then why not try out the life-size Air New Zealand Snow Globe which will provide an incredible backdrop for winter selfies.

There is plenty of entertainment for younger children, including the Monkey Baa Story Theatre which runs every Sunday.

As part of the festival, Cockle Bay will feature an inflatable iceberg, Palm Grove will be lit up with a giant snowflake and there will be an incredible frosty firework display featuring blue and silvery lights every Saturday.

Restaurants throughout the Darling Harbour precinct have also got on board and will serve wintry meals and drinks including mulled wine and hot toddies.

Spend $15 in the Lindt Chocolate Cafe or marquee to get a ride in one of the huge Lindt Lindor Zorb Balls at Darling Harbour Marina.

This is the first Cool Yule and is hosted by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority with partners and will be held at various spots in Darling Harbour from June 13 to July 13.

Find ideal Winter Sydney Accommodation at Metro Hotels 

Cool Yule at Darling Harbour Brings the Magic of a Northern Hemisphere Winter to Darling Harbour

IMAGINE walking through a Narnia-like frozen forest with 350 white fir trees standing seven metres tall, a flurry of snow bursts, icicles and ghostly lighting, right in the middle of Darling Harbour.

The enchanted forest installation is one of the corner pieces of the inaugural Cool Yule, a month long winter festival.

Project manager Cathy Levins-Byres, from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, said she wanted everyone to rug up and “come out and get cold”.

“We wanted to really go a step further and create a winter playground to really get the message out there – winter is only beginning and we will take you through it,” she said.

“There are snow cones and snow pits, a giant inflatable iceberg floating in the middle of Cockle Bay Wharf and a giant snowflake.

“It’s all about cold and celebrating everything that is cold. We want you to get out, have fun and get your adrenalin going.

“A lot of families cannot afford to bring their children to see snow so we are trying to bring the snow to Sydney.”

The foreshore authority is also bringing in a snow-making machine – using a white vapour refrigeration system – to make real snow which will be released in blasts along Cockle Bay Wharf, the Harbourside promenade and the eastern end of Pyrmont Bridge.

Ms Levins-Byres said activities were either free or very affordable, such as a cover charge of $5 for 20 minutes of play in the snow pits.

Cool Yule highlights also include an ice rink, firework displays and the Ice Men of Colorado, who will be chiselling away at huge blocks of ice creating extreme sculptures every evening in a show set to rock music.

“We are encouraging people after work to come out and have some fun,” Ms Levins-Byres said. “You do not just have to go home miserable because it’s winter.”

One of Cool Yule’s big drawcards will be an ice rink at Tumbalong Park featuring an Après Skate bar serving gourmet winter delights.

There will be a 25m Thredbo snow slide and a snow pit at the Australian National Maritime Museum’s forecourt to delight visitors.

Snow pit session times will be divided into age groups for two to six-year-olds, seven to 12-year-olds and everyone over 13 to ensure safe fun for everyone.

If you’ve ever wanted to fit inside a snow globe and let’s face it – who hasn’t? – then why not try out the life-size Air New Zealand Snow Globe which will provide an incredible backdrop for winter selfies.

There is plenty of entertainment for younger children, including the Monkey Baa Story Theatre which runs every Sunday.

As part of the festival, Cockle Bay will feature an inflatable iceberg, Palm Grove will be lit up with a giant snowflake and there will be an incredible frosty firework display featuring blue and silvery lights every Saturday.

Restaurants throughout the Darling Harbour precinct have also got on board and will serve wintry meals and drinks including mulled wine and hot toddies.

Spend $15 in the Lindt Chocolate Cafe or marquee to get a ride in one of the huge Lindt Lindor Zorb Balls at Darling Harbour Marina.

This is the first Cool Yule and is hosted by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority with partners and will be held at various spots in Darling Harbour from June 13 to July 13.

Find ideal Winter Sydney Accommodation at Metro Hotels