The 2013 Newcastle Poetry Prize award night confirmed for October 12th.

The Newcastle Poetry Prize 2013 will be held on Saturday, 12th October at The Lock-Up Cultural Centre, 90 Hunter Street, Newcastle commencing at 4.00pm.

The celebration, in its 32nd year is a free event and welcomes individuals of all ages for an afternoon of conversation, canapé’s, and celebration.

The Newcastle Poetry Prize is the longest running and most prestigious poetry award in the country, gaining over 600 submissions each year and offering an amazing first place prize of $12,000.

Winners will be announced on the night accompanied by a reading of the wining poems.

Hosted by Hunter Writers Centre in partnership with major sponsor the University of Newcastle, the competition calls for submissions in March each year and is judged anonymously in July.

This year’s judges include nationally acclaimed author and poet Jean Kent and Professor of English, Communications & Cultural Studies Dennis Haskell who is also a notable poet.

Providing a valuable platform for writers to broaden readership and gain audiences from all around the country, a hardcopy anthology will also be unveiled and available for purchase on the night.

If you share a love of writing, language and all things literary you will not want to miss this major event.

For further information visit www.newcastlepoetryprize.com or phone Hunter Writers Centre on 02 49263485.

Archived: Big crowds expected at Newcastle Show

February 18, 2013 06:39:16

The President of the Newcastle Show says he is expecting strong crowd numbers at this year’s event with a number of changes made to ensure the event’s success.

This year’s show will take place over the weekend of March 2nd and 3rd with both Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Council’s declaring Friday March 1st a local event day.

President Roger Geary says there are a number of new rides which have not been at the show in previous years, while all outside stall sites have been taken up.

Mr Geary says last year’s show clashed with a number of other events, so this year they have worked to ensure that does not happen.

“The last show was affected by a lot of other rival events on that same weekend and some bad weather,” he said.

“The weather forecast I can’t control that but we’ve brought the show forward a couple of weeks earlier to avoid a clash with the football.

“We are also putting a lot of effort into school excursions on the Friday where we have discounted prices for the children.”

Mr Geary says he is expecting strong crowd numbers.

“The revenues from commercial space are up on last year’s because I think they realise that the crowd should be a lot higher because we’ve now got the rides back and a better list of entertainment,” he said.

“I believe every site outside has been sold and there are only a few sites left in the entertainment centre so our revenues are looking fairly strong.”

Archived from: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-18/big-crowds-expected-at-newcastle-show/4524162/?site=newcastle

High Speed Rail Information Session

NSW Trade and Investment and Regional Development Australia Hunter  invite you to attend a

High Speed Rail Information Session

Gen Okajima, General Manager of Central Japan Railway Co will explain the benefits that the world-renowned Shinkansen (Bullet Train) high speed rail system brought to Japan and its regions and how these benefits could translate to the Hunter region.

  Thursday 10th October 2013 3.30pm—5pm Hunter Trade and Investment Centre Level 3, 251 Wharf Road, Newcastle
RSVP Tuesday 8th October admin@rdahunter.org.au or 02 4908 7300

Newcastle Jazz Broadcast Weekend

A great weekend of jazz at the Newcastle Jockey Club! It has been fantastic in an amazing venue, Podcasts are now available under the “JAZZ FESTIVALS” folder. The trick to listening is to first install VLC media player on your PC then save the file you want to listen to onto your computer. If you have a MAC with iTunes your fine. Then any time you want to listen just click the file wherever you saved it and you’ll be listening in no time!

Young vocalists usher an Opera renaissance with Puccini’s Suor Angelica

 

Young vocalists usher an Opera renaissance with Puccini’s Suor Angelica

Subsequent to their debut performance of

Mozart and Wagner Make a Scene, Harbour City Opera returns to execute one of Puccini’s most adventurous compositions, Suor Angelica. Making an impact on the Sydney Opera scene Harbour City Opera are determined to reignite opera’s flare and passion in the hearts of a whole new audience, with some of Australia’s most talented, young vocalists. Held on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26th  September at the monumental Paddington Uniting Church, this performance depicts the second instalment of Puccini’s triptych of one-act operas. Suor Angelica chronicles the fall, redemption, and final transfiguration of its protagonist, Sister Angelica. Performed by the company’s Director, Sarah Ann Walker, Sister Angelica is forced to take the veil in repentance, following a youthful indiscretion, consequently being consumed by a downward spiral of heartbreak and betrayal. This symbolic symphony illustrates Puccini’s musicodramatic style, with his ability to identify himself with his subject, ensuring each opera has its own distinctive ambience. Recognised as one of the most poignant moments in any of Puccini’s work, Angelica’s aria ‘Senza Mamma’ remains a recital favourite. Music Director, Sharolyn Kimmorley’s support of ‘singers with razor sharp comic timing and killer voices’, as described by Limelight magazine, perfectly compliments this astonishingly beautiful composition.

‘This production of Suor Angelica symbolises exactly what Harbour City Opera stands for, combining extremely talented young artists with the opportunity to develop the audience’s love of opera with performances by these incredibly gifted musician,’ explains Walker. HCO’s hunt for exciting and bizarre locations to perform begins with Suor Angelica’s production at Paddington Uniting Church. Having seen appearances from the likes of John Mayer, Jet and Lady Gaga, this venue enhances their vision to provide opera’s greatest moments, endeavoring to unveil Australia’s most exciting voices whilst performing in Sydney’s most iconic spaces.

Tickets to Suor Angelica are now available on Harbour City Opera’s website. Premium Seating tickets are $65.00 and Standard Seating $55.00. To purchase tickets or to explore upcoming Harbour City Opera shows, visit www.harbourcityopera.com.au

For all media enquires please contact

Carmenia Orti Tullo at umm..communications

on (02) 8399 0411 or 0406 444 876.

 

Upcoming Hunter Country Gigs

Fri 13Sep Blue Suede Rockers Kurri Bowling Club 7.30pm
Sat 14Sep Blue Suede Rockers Duo East Cessnock Bowling Club 7.30pm
Sat 14Sep Peter Cosimo Hamilton Clocktower Markets 10.00am
Sun 15Sep Peter Cosimo Mayfield Hotel 2.00pm
Sun 15Sep Adam Price Beresfield Bowlo 5.00pm
Sun 15Sep Hoedown / Footloose Five Islands Rec Club 5.00pm
Sat 21Sep Tru Grit Show Baeromi Hall TBA
Sat 21Sep Peter Cosimo Hamilton Clocktower Markets 10.00am
Sun 22Sep Adam Price Stockton RSL 2.00pm
Sun 22Sep Brumbies Run Five Islands Rec Club 5.00pm
Fri 27Sep Blue Suede Rockers Nelson Bay Bowling Club 7.00pm
Sun 29Sep Peter Cosimo Rathmines Blues Festival 10.00am
Sun 29Sep Peter Cosimo Mayfield Hotel 2.00pm
Sun 29Sep Sheri & Dave Five Islands Rec Club 5.00pm
Sat 05Oct Peter Cosimo Hamilton Clocktower Markets 10.00am
Sun 06Oct Sheri & Dave Five Islands Rec Club 5.00pm
Sat 12Oct Peter Cosmio Hamilton Clocktower Markets 10.00am
Sun 13Oct Peter Cosimo Mayfield Hotel 2.00pm
Sun 13Oct Aleyce Simmonds Five Islands Rec Club 5.00pm
Sat 19Oct Country Music Festival Five Islands Rec Club All Day
Sun20Oct Country Music Festival Five Islands Rec Club All Day

CMC ROCKS THE HUNTER 2014

CMC ROCKS THE HUNTER 2014

FRI 14 MARCH – SAT 15 MARCH – SUN 16 MARCH

TICKET PRICES

3 Day Ticket – Adult (15 and above) $269 3 Day Ticket – Child (Ages 4 to 14) $134 Friday/Saturday only Ticket – Adult (15 and above) $159 Friday/Saturday only Ticket – Child (Ages 4 to 14) $79 Sunday only Ticket – Adult (15 and above) $159 Sunday only Ticket – Child (Ages 4 to 14) $79

Free admission to children under 4 years & accompanied by an adult. 

‘Time To Pay’ tickets plans are available. Go to www.cmcrocks.com for more info.

 

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER, 9AM

Book at www.cmcrocks.com

Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, Chugg Entertainment and Foxtel’s Country Music Channel are thrilled to announce that American superstar TOBY KEITH (USA) will be headlining the CMC Rocks the Hunter 2014 festival at Hope Estate. This will be Toby Keith’s first time performing in Australia.

Joining him will be international and local stars, including ELI YOUNG BAND (USA), KELLIE PICKLER (USA), LEE KERNAGHAN, CRAIG CAMPBELL (USA), LOVE AND THEFT (USA), PAUL THORN (USA), plus The Greencards (USA), Morgan Evans, The Flood, Luke O’Shea, Adam Eckersley Band, Jody Direen (NZ), Peter McWhirter, Kaylens Rain, Jason Owen and The Viper Creek Band. More artists will be announced soon.

CEO of Entertainment Edge, Rob Potts said, Toby Keith has been in our sights for years and we’re thrilled to finally bring him down under. We can’t wait to see him blow the punters away with his twenty years of incredible hits at CMC Rocks the Hunter next March. It’ll be a ripper!”

Executive Chairman of Chugg Entertainment, Michael Chugg said, “The festival keeps getting bigger and more exciting each year and what better way to see CMC rocking the Hunter in 2014 than with Toby Keith performing in Australia for the first time ever!”

Now in its seventh year of operation and fourth year in the Hunter, CMC Rocks the Hunter festival has established itself as the biggest International Country & Roots Festival outside of North America. One of the premiere events on the Australian music calendar, it brings together the best international and local country and roots performers at Hope Estate in the beautiful Hunter Valley.

Chugg Entertainment CEO, Matthew Lazarus-Hall said, “We’re thrilled to be bringing CMC Rocks back to the Hunter for its fourth consecutive year. The reception from businesses in the area has been so wonderfully mutual over the years; Over a quarter of the event staff are locals hired from across the region and more than 25% of the event’s total expenditure is with companies within the region too. We’re proud to be supporting both local businesses and local Australian music.”  

Previous years have seen performances by Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Big & Rich, John Butler Trio, Kasey Chambers, Sugarland, Dierks Bentley, Joe Nichols, Gary Allan, Pete Murray, Ian Moss, Tex Perkins, Jack Ingram and The Waifs.

Once again, camping will be available on site. The late-night Campers’ Bar (exclusively for campers) will be back in action on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights following the conclusion of the main stage program.

2014 will also see the return of the CMC Rocks Songwriters Shows, held on Saturday and Sunday afternoon in the Campers’ Bar. Each show will feature some of the biggest singer-songwriters in country and roots music playing their biggest hits in an intimate, acoustic setting. Access to the Songwriters Shows is open to all patrons of the festival.

Tickets go on sale Monday 9 September at 9am with limited one-day tickets available.

‘Time to Pay’ option will be available for ticket buyers, where tickets can be ordered immediately, with payments spread over four months.

For tickets, camping, travel and accommodation details go to www.cmcrocks.com

Singer/songwriter TOBY KEITH (USA) is one of the most consistently successful artists in country music history, with over 24 million album sales and 20 US #1 singles in as many years, including “Should’ve Been A Cowboy”, “How Do You Like Me Now?!”, “My List”, “I Wanna Talk About Me” and “I’m Just Talkin’ About Tonight”. Winner of multiple CMA, ACM and American Music Awards, the Billboard Country Artist of the Decade is renowned throughout the globe for his swaggering party songs, soulful ballads and rowdy, high-energy live performances.

The ELI YOUNG BAND (USA) honed their skills as an Eagles-esque live force in the Texas Red Dirt scene, building up an enviable fan following, before breaking into the mainstream country scene with their album, “Level”, in 2005. They blew us away in 2012 on their first trip to the Hunter, now they’re returning with even more hits under their belt – including ‘Crazy Girl’, ‘Even If It Breaks Your Heart’ and their latest ‘Drunk Last Night”.

Since rocketing to fame on American Idol, KELLIE PICKLER (USA) has been charming the public with her inimitable twang, cheeky charisma and powerful country pipes. Her three best-selling albums have seen her run the gamut from soul-baring vulnerability to girl power anthems and she constantly reaches for more honest, powerful and dynamic ways to tell her story. A multiple CMT Music Award winner and ACM and CMA nominee, Pickler has also triumphed on television, as the 2013 winner of the US Dancing with the Stars. Fans have demanded her in Oz for years and she’s excited to be making her first trip down under.

Two decades of chart-topping hits have cemented LEE KERNAGHAN as the modern-day King of Australian Country Music. He has criss-crossed the country countless times and his fans keep coming back for more of his patented brand of hard rocking, uniquely Australian country, backed on stage by the ferocious Wolfe Brothers. Lee has soared to new heights in recent years, with his latest album “Beautiful Noise” receiving some of the best reviews of his career.

CRAIG CAMPBELL (USA) has put a fresh take on the traditional country sound, racing up the US charts with hits both heartfelt (“Family Man” and “Outta My Head”) and cheeky (the smash “Fish”). The singer-songwriter’s warm baritone and laconic sense of humour has seen comparisons to Alan Jackson, and the Georgian was warmly embraced by Aussie crowds during his two previous trips down under – and local stars like Troy Cassar-Daley, with whom he recorded a hit duet.

Two-time CMA nominated duo LOVE AND THEFT (USA) combine influences as eclectic as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Maroon 5 to create a sound all their own. Comprised of singer-songwriters Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson (who have also written hits for other performers like Martina McBride), Love and Theft have taken the country world by storm since the release of their self-titled album, following the number one hit lead single “Angel Eyes”.

Hailing from Mississippi, famed troubadour PAUL THORN (USA) is acclaimed by his legions of fans for his unique combination of wry, quirky lyrics and a swampy blues-rock sound that electrifies live crowds. With his distinctive Southern twang and songs that are equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, Paul Thorn is set to grow his fanbase even further with his CMC Rocks debut next March.

 

RDA Hunter will be hosting Bernard Salt

RDA Hunter will be hosting Bernard Salt, advisor to corporate Australia on consumer, cultural and demographic trends, on Wednesday 6th November 2013 to deliver a public lecture about Workforce Development and the Hunter’s future.

An invitation will follow in early October. Details as follows,

Wednesday 6th November 2013 10.30am

Newcastle City Hall