The Sydney Comedy Festival is back in 2015 for it's 11th annual festival!

The 11th annual Sydney Comedy Festival has unleashed its 2015 program, revealing the biggest year yet for the event with more spectacular and diverse shows than ever before.

From 20 April to 17 May 2015 Sydney Comedy Festival will take over venues across the city to showcase over 180 shows to more than 115,000 comedy fans! Comedians from across the globe and all over Australia will descend on this great city of ours to have you bent over in laughter during 4 huge weeks.

Bursting at the seams, the 2015 program provides something for every comedy lover with over 180 hilarious shows including stand-up, musical, sketch, improv, gala events, children’s shows, showcases and much more.

Back by popular demand this year will be a plethora of international comic superstars including Jim Jefferies, Ross Noble (UK), Stephen K Amos (UK), Noel Fielding (UK), The Topp Twins (NZ), Wil Sylvince (USA), Cal Wilson (NZ), Paul Foot (UK), Jimeoin (UK), Deanne Smith (CAN), Daniel Sloss (UK), Jeff Green (UK), Tony Woods (US), Josie Long (UK), Daniel Kitson (UK), Craig Hill (UK) and Angelo Tsarouchas (CAN).

In 2015 there will be no shortage of international performers making their debut at the Festival including: Greg Behrendt (US), Jen Kirkman (US), Adrienne Truscott (US), Dave Anthony (US), Mike Wilmont (CAN), Luisa Omielan’s What Woud Beyonce Do? (UK), Ari Shaffir (US), One Man Breaking Bad (US) and Harith Iskander (MLY).

With tickets already in demand, local comedy legends that should not be missed include: Akmal, Effie, Ronny Chieng, Em Rusciano, Joel Creasey, Tom Gleeson, Fiona O’Loughlin, Lawrence Leung, Alex Williamson, Sam Simmons, Dave Thornton, Sammy J & Randy, Neel Kolhatkar, Frenchy, Lawrence Mooney, Steen Raskopoulos, Tom Ballard, Tahir, Tommy Little, Superwog, Susie Youssef, Michael Workman, Matt Okine, Rhys Nicholson, Nick Cody and Nazeem Hussain.

Bringing the laughs in more unexpected ways will be a number of unconventionally side-splitting shows including Denis Carnahan’s Rugby League The Musical, The Comedy Spelling Bee, The Naked Magicians, Erotic Fan Fiction, Theatresports World Cup and more.

Adding further excitement, the eagerly anticipated staged show, Thrilling
Adventure Hour (USA), will be set in the style of old-time radio performed live with a line-up of special Hollywood guests; while the Festival’s annual Secret Show, where the location and line-up are kept under-wraps, will return for 2015 in a fabulous and unexpected new location.

The 11th Annual Sydney Comedy Festival, April 20 - May 17. To view the full program and purchases tickets, head to www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au or www.sydneycomedyfestival.com.au

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=SYDCOMGV15

Source: http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/entertainment/the-sydney-comedy-festival-raises-the-curtain-on-its-2015-program-16974.html

Eight Days: What's On In Sydney

Events in Sydney March 23-30 2015!

Sunday March 23

J-pop singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has also been making a splash on the Western music scene for her catchy ditties like Candy Candy and the outlandish fashion sense that has led her to be dubbed Japan's answer to Lady Gaga.

Tonight's gig had to be moved to the larger venue of the Roundhouse to meet demand. 7pm, UNSW Roundhouse, Anzac Parade, Kensington, $70.70, 132 849, ticketek.com.au.


It's the final day for the Indian cultural festival Holi Mahotsav and it's going out in vibrant style with Colours Day. Visitors can buy plates of brightly hued powder to take part in the traditional practice of colour throwing. Sunday, 11am-7pm, Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, free, holimahotsav.com.au. 

Monday March 24

Street-art exhibition From the Streets (running until April 27) is displaying some of the most cutting-edge pieces from locally and around the globe. Particularly worth a look is the hyper-vivid and dynamic work of Sydney artist Shannon Crees. 11am-4pm, M Contemporary, 37 Ocean Street, Woollahra, free, mcontemp.com.


Tuesday March 25

Previews have begun for the much-anticipated Strictly Ballroom the Musical (running until June 29). The theatrical production promises to be a dazzling affair with Baz Luhrmann directing stars Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos in the tale of a dancer who flouts convention. 8pm, Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, $50-$120, 1300 795 267, ticketmaster.com.au.


Wednesday March 26

The Audi Festival of German Films (running until April 10) is kicking off with the opening night flick Banklady, based on the true story of West Germany's first female bank robber, Gisela Werler, who caused chaos in the 1960s. Star Nadeshda Brennicke will be a guest of the festival. 6.30pm, Chauvel Cinema, 249 Oxford Street, Paddington, $60, goethe.de/ozfilmfest.

Thursday March 27

Inspired by Nikolai Gogol's play of the same name, The Government Inspector was devised by director Simon Stone and his cast as a last-minute replacement when Belvoir lost the rights to The Philadelphia Story. The comedy-of-errors plot mimics real life as it follows an ensemble of actors given a new play only weeks before opening night. 8pm, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, $48, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au. Runs until May 18.

Friday March 28

The CropFest pop-up is setting up a night of culinary masterclasses to create a fruit and vegetable feast while also fighting food waste. Aaron Teece and Richard Robinson, head chefs at Studio Neon, are on board to teach how to best respect the farm-direct produce, with any leftovers going to feed the disadvantaged through OzHarvest. 5.30pm-10pm, St Mary's Cathedral Square, St Marys Road, city, $25, youthfoodmovement.org.au/cropfest.


Saturday March 29

For this year's Earth Hour catch a screening of the documentary It's Lights Out for the Reef at this candle-lit family picnic. There will also be a live performance from Newcastle folk band Benjalu and a candle installation created at Manly Cove. 6pm-9.30pm, Manly Council Chambers Forecourt, 1 Belgrave Street, Manly, free, earthhour.org.au.

Sunday March 30

Feminist festival All About Women will take over Sydney Opera House for a day of discussion and empowerment. International guests include cartoonist Alison Bechdel, author Lucy Siegle and activist Ilwad Elman. 8.30am-9pm, Opera House, from $25, 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com.

Hot spot

Inner-city families should get along to the opening of Jubilee Park, a new playground designed by landscape architect Sue Barnsley with a sandpit, swings and handcrafted cubby house. Lord Mayor Clover Moore will officially launch the space on Saturday with free entertainment and refreshments. Saturday, 11am-1pm, Jubilee Park, corner of Eglinton and Northcote roads, Glebe, free, cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/whatson.

Next week

Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Bernadette Peters is dipping into her vast songbook to perform selections from Stephen Sondheim and Rodgers and Hammerstein. April 2-4, Theatre Royal, 108 King Street, city, $109-$129, 1300 723 038, ticketmaster.com.au.

Next month
Arch funnyman Julian Clary will pack his case full of double entendres for the Sydney Comedy Festival. His show Position Vacant: Apply Within has him on the hunt for a suitable husband. April 22, State Theatre, 49 Market Street, city, $69.90, 136 100, sydneycomedyfest.com.au.

Out of your comfort zone

It's the return of Meat Free Week from March 24 to 30. Give up the steaks, sausages and seafood for seven days to raise funds for charities including Bowel Cancer Australia, The Australian Conservation Foundation and Voiceless. See meatfreeweek.org to learn more and get meat-free recipes from Simon Bryant and Bill Granger.

The Black Keys 2015 Australian Tour

The Black Keys return to Australia off the back of their successful 8th full-length album Turn Blue.

As part of the Turn Blue World Tour, the band will perform in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. They will also headline Bluesfest Byron Bay and will be the first artists to play at the inaugural Rolling Green events, from A Day On The Green promoter Roundhouse Entertainment, at wineries in Victoria’s Yarra Valley and the Hunter Valley NSW.

The tour celebrates the duo’s success with Turn Blue, which debuted on both the Billboard 200 and ARIA Charts at Number 1 and is the band’s highest charting album to date internationally. The album debuted in Top 5 and Top 10 charts worldwide with the first single “Fever” sitting at the top of radio lists. Their latest single “Gotta Get Away” can currently be heard on the airwaves.

The album was produced by Danger Mouse and The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. Turn Blue follows the critically and commercially acclaimed album El Camino which is now certified double platinum in Australia. El Camino spawned the huge hits “Lonely Boy” and “Gold On The Ceiling” and also saw the band take home three Grammy Awards for Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album.

Date: Friday, 10 April 2015

Start time: 8:00pm

Where: Qantas Credit Union Arena

Address: 35 Harbour Street, Darling Harbour NSW 2000

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=BLACKKEY15&v=MCO

Source: www.qantascreditunionarena.com.au/Events/Events%20Detail/The_Black_Keys.aspx

Country Superstars Rock Ipswich as CMC Plans to Stay

CMC ROCKS is set to have a home in Ipswich for years to come after a hugely successful three-day international country and roots music festival wrapped up yesterday.

More than 30,000 fans came through the gates during the festival with US international act Big and Rich closing last night's program to great acclaim.

Troy Cassar-Daley backs CMC Rocks' future

The festival has a three-year deal out at Willowbank with Ipswich City Council and the State Government but Matthew Lazarus-Hall, the CEO of co-promoter Chugg Entertainment, said a long-term stay was in the pipeline.

"We want a permanent home here," he said.

"We have moved this festival twice and we'd love to be here as long as people want us to be here."

Mr Lazarus-Hall said Ipswich, and south-east Queensland generally, was a hub for the genre.

"We've moved the festival to where the audience is," he said.

"Everyone who has come to the festival has had a great time."

More than 75% of the suppliers for the festival were from the region, ensuring a massive injection into the local economy.

Mr Lazarus-Hall said the Willowbank site was like "a mini city" with all the facilities available for fans to have a great time.

"We have even got a doctor and pharmacist on site," he said.

"It is very rare you have everyone running in the same direction but everyone from the local suppliers, to the council and State Government has been a dream to deal with.

"Mayor (Paul) Pisasale has been amazing. He has said, 'whatever we need to do to make it work, let's get on with it'.

"We really appreciate the opportunity to bring international acts out but also to promote Australian acts."

Grammy Award winners such as Lady Antebellum, Chris Young and Kacey Musgraves played as did Australian stars.

The Aussie acts proved a big drawcard for Ipswich's Tammy Telford.

"This is the day I wanted to come, to see Adam Harvey, John Williamson and Troy Cassar-Daley," she said yesterday

"I'm from Ipswich, so this is absolutely fantastic that us Queenslanders get to go.

"I'll be coming every year. I'm a huge country fan."

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Sydney to Steal Melbourne Grand Prix Under $180 Million Plan by Premier Mike Baird

Formula 1 Race Car in Sydney -Image: Joseph Gale

AN audacious bid to bring the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix to Sydney and possibly race it across the Harbour Bridge will be launched by a ­­­re-elected Baird government.

Premier Mike Baird will today announce that, if ­­re-elected on March 28, work would start on taking the Grand Prix off Melbourne.

Mr Baird would establish a bid team featuring Rod ­McGeoch, who led Sydney’s successful 2000 Olympics bid, and former News Corp CEO John Hartigan, the chairman of Destination NSW. The team would report to government by the end of the year on the economics of the race.

It is understood the Premier is interested in a minimum three-year bid which would cost NSW taxpayers up to $180 million to stage the event.

One option is for the event to race across the Harbour Bridge, back through the ­Cahill Expressway past the Conservatorium of Music and then down Bridge Street on to York Street in an approximately 5km circuit — about the same length as that of ­Melbourne’s Albert Park.

If the bridge were used, chicanes would have to be installed to ensure the cars went slower because the shape of the bridge’s road surface would otherwise cause the cars to lift up.

The CBD would be shut down for the race, which would see F1 stars such as ­Australia’s Red Bull ace Daniel Ricciardo doing high-speed battle over the harbour.

It is understood the ­government has plans to set up a street circuit similar to ­Monaco and Singapore.

The key would be to feature the Harbour Bridge and Opera House as part of the race to a worldwide television audience.

A public holiday would likely be created on the Friday of the event, if it came to Sydney, to get everyone into the spirit.

Mr McGeoch and Mr Hartigan will examine all aspects of a potential bid — including cost to taxpayers, benefits to the economy, infrastructure implications and potential routes. The Australian Grand Prix runs in March, with this year’s race run this weekend.

Daniel Ricciardo driving at the 2014 Australian Formula One Grand Prix - Source Dailytelegraph.com.au

Victoria’s contract expires in 2020 but a decision on an Australian host city is expected to be made by the Formula One governing body in 2018.

The bid would take ­advantage of the fact that the man who helped negotiate its transfer from Adelaide to ­Melbourne in 1996, Ron ­Walker, has just stood down as head of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.

“I want the Formula One to come to Sydney, because no other city in the world could provide a more spectacular backdrop for this event,” Premier Mike Baird said.

“We know this event is watched by up to 30 million people around the world, and securing the Grand Prix would put our already successful events strategy in pole position.

“But we need to get all the facts, before we move to bid stage. Rod McGeoch and John Hartigan are the right people to make this happen.”

Last month, the government announced it would top up its major events budget by $123 million if elected with hopes for an American National Football League (NFL) game, another Major League Baseball game, a National Basketball Association game or the F1 for Sydney. The extra money would take the major events budget to $643 million.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews ordered his major events teams to reconsider how his state attracts events after the NSW government successfully snared more than 130 sporting, cultural and lifestyle events in 2014, injecting more than $500 million into the state.

The 2014 Australian Grand Prix drew an ­attendance of 314,900.

The Grand Prix moved to Melbourne in 1996 after 10 years in Adelaide but it has always attracted ­controversy, especially from the residents near the Albert Park circuit.

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Les Miserables at Capitol Theatre Sydney | Arrives Next Week!

Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Boublil & Schönberg's legendary musical, LES MISÉRABLES, will open at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in March 2015.

The new production features glorious modernised staging, orchestrations and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. It has been praised by critics, fans and new audiences, breaking box office records internationally and inspiring filmmakers to make the outstandingly successful movie which went on to win 3 Oscar’s®, 3 Golden Globes® and 4 BAFTAs.

Playing the iconic role of Jean Valjean is established actor and musical theatre star Simon Gleeson. NIDA-trained Hayden Tee will play Valjean’s lifelong antagonist Javert while starring as Fantine is Patrice Tipoki. Playing Madame Thénardier is Lara Mulcahy and joining her in the role of Monsieur Thénardier is Australian theatre and cabaret favourite, Trevor Ashley.

Recent WAAPA graduates Kerrie Anne Greenland and Emily Langridge play Eponineand Cosette respectively. Chris Durling takes on the role of the passionate student leader of the revolution, Enjolras and Euan Doidge plays Marius the love struck revolutionary.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century revolutionary France, LES MISÉRABLES is a much loved blockbuster musical which has been seen by over 65 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the most popular musicals of all time. Having won more than 100 major awards around the world it has been hailed as the most stirring, moving musical ever.

Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, it is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Stars”, “Bring Him Home”, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, “One Day More”, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”, “Master of the House” and many more.

This new production of LES MISÉRABLES made a triumphant return to Broadway earlier this year.

“Refreshing, rethought and every bit as epic.” Chicago Tribune
“A sizzling Les Mis for the 21st century ...” The Huffington Post

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering an ideal Capitol Theatre Show Accommodation Hot Deal

View more information about this show at Capitol Theatre

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 2015

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival attracts over 250,000 visitors with its diverse and robust program that includes the World’s Longest Lunch and avant-garde tasting dishes from global culinary superstars. Each year the Festival Hub is centred around a theme, inspiring creativity and conversation by chefs and foodies alike. In 2015 the Festival Hub was designated the Artisan Bakery & Bar. 

On the rise

With the growing popularity of the produce to plate movement, the artisan bread trend has continued to rise in Australia.

Andrew Connole, director and CEO of Sonoma Baking Company says, “The Australian population are familiar with and have become accustomed to eating high quality, fresh produce and there is a growing emphasis on the importance of eating healthy and nutritional foods, so it’s not surprising that there is a demand for artisan bread here in Australia.”

Known as the “Godfather of sourdough” amongst the foodie industry for starting sourdough in Melbourne in the late 70’s, John Downes is one of the bakers at the 2015 Melbourne Food & Wine’s Festival Hub. Downes says “… it’s an ancient ‘trend’ which is simply being reborn and is here to stay and will continue to grow. The trend is now though towards healthy and sustainable products.

Breaking it down

Bread is essentially made out of three simple ingredients – flour, salt and water. With very little to hide behind, the quality of these ingredients becomes pivotal to the flavour of the end product.

Downes says, “I have been working in the UK with a large organic flour mill, where we purchased wheat from all over the world. In my opinion, I have not come across the quality of flour that is available in Australia anywhere else.” He continues “the biodynamic flour in Australia is unsurpassed. Because biodynamic farmers regenerate their soil, biodynamic flour has the maximum flavour one can get from wheat/rye/barley/spelt....and the new/old grains such as Emmer wheat.”

Michael James from Tivoli Road Bakery in Melbourne has worked at international restaurants such as the two Michelin starred Pied à Terre and Sydney’s renowned Bourke Street Bakery before starting his own bakery. 

 James sees the importance of quality ingredients when it comes to baking bread and sources most of his from Victoria. “We use Australian local organic flour that we freshly mill ourselves because we want to give maximum nutrition and flavour to our customers as do all artisan bakers in Australia,” he says.

Where to try

There is nothing like freshly baked bread straight from the oven. Try your own slice of heaven at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival’s Artisan Bakery and Bar open until 15 March.

Alternatively head straight to the source and try…Tavoli Road Bakery in Melbourne, Sonoma Bakeries in Sydney, Manu Bread in Launceston, Organic Loafers in Perth and Crust & Coin Brisbane.

Discover other exciting events that are happening around Australia. Or find out more about Australia’s food and wine.

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