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Revamped ASP World Surfing Awards Ready for World’s Best Surfers this February

Posted on February 6, 2012 by admin

COOLANGATTA, Queensland/AUS – The ASP World Surfing Awards will draw the world’s best surfers to Australia’s Gold Coast once again this February, but this season’s gala event will be provided in an exciting new format this year with both surfers and fans participating in the awarding of athletes. New awards have been added, the production has been enhanced, tickets will be available to the general public and the event will be webcast LIVE via YouTube.

ASP World Surfing Awards - Image credit to Kirstin Scholtz, ASP 2011

Image credit to Kirstin Scholtz, ASP 2011

Surfing’s “night of nights”, the 2012 ASP World Surfing Awards will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, February 23, and will officially recognise last season’s top performers.

ASP World Surfing Awards:
– ASP World Champions
– ASP World Runners-Up
– ASP Rookie of the Year
– Peter Whitaker Award
– Breakthrough Performer

The world’s best surfers will take the night to trade out their board shorts and bikinis for suits and dresses, and this year’s ASP World Surfing Awards will feature an array of new accolades voted on by the surfers themselves.

ASP World Surfing Awards - Image credit to Kirstin Scholtz, ASP 2011

Image credit to Kirstin Scholtz, ASP 2011

Voted by Surfers:
– Surfer’s Surfer (surfer on tour with the most admirable qualities)
– Heat of the Year
– Manoeuvre of the Year

For the first time in the event’s storied history, the 2012 ASP World Surfing Awards will allow fans to participate in the selection process of four new publicly-voted awards.

Voted by the Fans:
– Male Entertainer of the Year (In and out of the water)
– Female Entertainer of the Year (In and out of the water)
– Most Underrated Male Surfer
– Most Underrated Female Surfer

TO VOTE, click on ASPWorldSurfingAwards.com.

For more information about the event and ticketing for the general public, log onto ASPWorldTour.com or further information available at www.gccec.com.au.

Posted in Events, Surfing, Tourism | Leave a comment

Gold Coast Airport boosts Marathon with three-year sponsorship

Posted on February 3, 2012 by admin

In a massive boost for major events in Queensland, Premier Anna Bligh today announced Gold Coast Airport has extended its naming rights sponsorship of the annual Gold Coast Marathon for a further three years.

“Gold Coast Airport will continue as naming rights sponsor of the award winning and internationally acclaimed Gold Coast Airport Marathon in 2012, 2013 and 2014,” said Ms Bligh.

“Gold Coast Airport first signed on as naming rights sponsor for the 2003 Marathon and the new deal will take its sponsorship of the event through to a 12th year in 2014.

The Premier said the partnership would continue to deliver more visitors to the Gold Coast.

“The Queensland Government will continue to back the Gold Coast Airport Marathon,” said Ms Bligh.

“Gold Coast Airport has made a significant investment in this major Queensland event and I thank them for their commitment to an event that continues to grow and draw visitors from interstate and overseas.

“Since Gold Coast Airport commenced its sponsorship, entries have risen from 9,494 in 2002 to 24,725 last year.

“The sponsorship by Gold Coast Airport has enabled the event to increase its numbers significantly from interstate and reach key international markets particularly Japan, New Zealand and South East Asia.

“Last year this led the Gold Coast Airport Marathon to deliver an economic impact of $39.45 million for Queensland including nearly 50,000 visitor nights.

“Hosting major events like this are part of our plan to continue building Queensland’s bright future,

“With the continued support of the Gold Coast Airport, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon will continue to be one of the City’s international showcase events in the lead-up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

Gold Coast Airport Managing Director Dennis Chant said the Gold Coast Airport was very proud of its 10 year partnership with the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

“Both Gold Coast Airport and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon have enjoyed rapid growth since our first year as naming rights sponsor and we continue to share our main goals – to grow tourism for the region and set benchmarks in our respective industries that attract worldwide attention,” said Mr Chant.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon allows Gold Coast Airport to demonstrate to other corporate entities a commitment to fostering events that showcase this region to the world and involve the community as a whole.

“Sponsorship of this event has certainly helped our airport grow and is credited with helping us secure direct daily flights to Japan, after we started with charter services specifically for the marathon some years ago.

“Gold Coast Airport management and staff are thrilled to continue our sponsorship of this iconic event and look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with Events Queensland.”

Events Queensland CEO John O’Sullivan said the sponsorship by Gold Coast Airport would cement the Gold Coast Airport Marathon’s reputation as a key event on the Queensland calendar.

“The support of Gold Coast Airport over the past 10 years has helped elevate the Gold Coast Airport Marathon to become one of the world’s most desirable running events.

“Events help build resilience in tourism and this is a great example of how an event and a sponsor can work together towards this goal.”

Events Queensland Gold Coast Chairman Kerry Watson welcomed the sponsorship renewal as the start of another big year for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

“I acknowledge the tremendous support the Gold Coast Airport has provided over a long term and has committed to provide for at least another three years.

“This sponsorship will boost our activity in key markets interstate and overseas particularly in Japan, New Zealand and Asia where we have recently secured some major partnerships with other marathon events.”

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is owned and managed by Events Queensland Gold Coast, a subsidiary of Events Queensland on behalf of the Queensland Government.

Gold Coast Airport is a key component of the portfolio of airports owned by Queensland Airports Limited that also includes the gateways of Townsville and Mount Isa.

The 34th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on 30 June to 1 July this year. The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is a finalist in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held on 2 March.

Visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au

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Children’s Events Abound At Gold Coast’s Bleach* Surfing the Fringe Festival

Posted on February 2, 2012 by admin

The recently unveiled program for the Gold Coast’s inaugural surf culture festival includes a wealth of family-friendly and children-specific events.

Bleach* Surfing the Fringe will host over fifty-five art and photography installations, film screenings, music, talks, fashion, theatre and food events staged across the spectacular beaches, foreshores and major venues unique to the Southern Gold Coast from 11-26 Feb 2012. For 16 days, across 10kms, over 80 artists and musicians will be on display at Bleach* Surfing the Fringe’s varied array of events.

THE SURFER AND THE MERMAID

A major component of the Bleach* children’s programming is the stunning locally produced children’s book, The Surfer and The Mermaid, which is set to be brought to life as an enchanting theatrical performance. The book was written by internationally-renowned Gold Coast writer, Tim Baker and esteemed surf photographer, Ted Grambeau, and depicts a magical underwater world where a young surfer is guided by a mermaid to meet her marine friends.

The premiere of this theatrical adaptation will be presented at Surf World Gold Coast Museum as part of Bleach* Street festivities on the 11th February. The production will then enjoy several school anf family sessions at Surf World before the production moves to The Arts Centre Gold Coast. This home grown production features a host of local talents, including Music Direction by Nadia Sunde and Theatre Direction by Melinda Collie Holmes.

BLEACH* GROMS

Also part of Bleach* Street festivities, Bleach* Groms is a series of children’s activities that aim to connect children to the sandy shores that surround them. It will be held on the 11th February at Currumbin beachfront south of Elephant Rock.  Bleach* Groms Beachology workshop sessions will help kids uncover the natural wonder of the seaside environment and its ecosystems with informative hands-on exploration sessions, while sand castle competitions and other fun activities will bring the beach to life. Attendees are encouraged to bring hats, drink bottles and sunscreen.

KIRRA DREAMING

The Kirra Hill Cultural and Community Centre on top of Kirra point will host a day called Kirra Dreaming filled with children’s workshops, writing workshops and acoustic music performances to compliment the space’s art gallery POP UP Bleach* Collective exhibition on the 18th February.

As part of Kirra Dreaming, former professional surfer, musician, and cultural performance artist Lucas Proudfoot will host a contemporary children’s performance, Circular Rhythm, which shows children how culture and music can fuse together. Using didgeridoo, guitar and percussion instruments, children can participate through song, dance and interactive play.

Music performances from talented local musicians will round out Kirra Dreaming’s relaxed but festive vibe.

Celebrated surf author Tim Baker will also host a separate ticketed writing workshop on the day for budding scribes. Tickets for the writing workshop are $50 and this exclusive event is limited to 30 people.

BLEACH* ON THE ROCKS

Children and parents alike will be enthralled by the Bleach* On The Rocks art projections happening at Currumbin beach front.  Watch the iconic Elephant Rock come to life each Saturday and Sunday night of the Festival with animation and lighting to create starlit evenings filled with ambience.

The piece de resistance of Bleach* On the Rocks will be live installations by celebrated artists like Claudio Kirac and Kellie O’Dempsey, whose vast scope of work spans international platforms including the Festival Internationale de Benicassim, Spain, M on the Bund 10th Anniversary event in Shanghai and the University of Queensland Centenary celebrations. So take a stroll along the beachfront promenade or take a picnic rug down the sand and enjoy the vision of the Rock’s spectacular beauty illuminated at night.

POP UP BLEACH*

Family-friendly free activities include visiting the plethora of Pop Up Bleach* galleries showcasing art and photography celebrating the surf theme. Expect the unexpected with these unique art ‘pop up’ exhibitions peppered across iconic Southern Gold Coast foreshores & beachside locations. As part of POP UP Bleach*, celebrated local visual artists, photographers, street artists and new media artists will be on display. A major component of POP UP Bleach* concept is enabling surf-inspired creations to be displayed in the place that inspired them – the beach. This will be achieved by creating temporary galleries in shipping containers placed along the Southern Gold Coast foreshores.

The line up includes internationally renowned artists Claudio Kirac, Peter Joli Wilson, Dick Hoole, Jack McCoy, Albe Falzon, Mal Sutherland, Sean Scott, Ted Grambeau, Shelli Bankier, Trent Mitchell, Duncan Macfarlane, Jasson Mackay, Joel Rea, Jenny Midson, Jae Copp, Magnus Kennedy, Yoshi, Narani Henson, Justin Crawford and Switchfoot + many more.

Keep an eye out for artist talks, live art shows, film screenings and other activities at each gallery site.

Bleach* Key Kid-Friendly Event Programming

The Surfer and The Mermaid

Public Shows 11th & 12th February 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm, Surf World Gold Coast Museum, Currumbin. No bookings required, entry by gold coin donation

School Shows 13th & 14th February 10.30am, 1pm, Surf World Gold Coast Museum, Currumbin. (School bookings essential)

Bleach* Groms

11th February, Currumbin beachfront ( Sth Elephant Rock), 11 am onward. Free event, no bookings required.

Kirra Dreaming

18th February, Kirra Hill C&CC, Kirra. 11am onward. Children’s events free, no bookings required. Writing workshops ( for adults) $50, tickets available at www.bleachfestival.com.au

Bleach On The Rocks

11th & 12th, 18th &19th, 25th& 26th February. Elephant Rock, Currumbin. 7pm. Free event, no bookings required.

Pop Up Bleach*

11-26th Feb, Thursdays and Fridays 4pm – 8pm. Saturdays and Sundays 3pm – 8pm. Pop up galleries at Currumbin in Surf World Gold Coast carpark, Tugun next to Tugun Surf Club, Kirra at Roughton Park on Marine Pde, and Coolangatta at Queen Elizabeth Park. Free event, no bookings required.

Stay up to date with Bleach* events by visiting the Bleach* Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BleachFestival

Or visit the newly launched Bleach* website filled with event descriptions, ticketing information, artist profiles, and venue details: www.bleachfestival.com.au

Posted in Art, Community, Events, Kids & Teens, Music, Photography, Theatre/Film, Tourism | Leave a comment

Secret Meet Bleach* Festival Launch Proves to Be Hot Date

Posted on January 25, 2012 by admin

The Gold Coast’s inaugural surf arts and culture celebration, Bleach* Surfing the Fringe, enjoyed a secret VIP launch called ‘Meet Bleach*’ at Coolangatta’s Never Land Bar, Comb Artspace and Underground Surf last night. Despite inclement weather, over 120 VIP guests were in attendance.

A street reception including a DJ set, art installations and a BBQ greeted guests before they were ushered inside to ‘Meet Bleach*’.

Conducted like a speed dating event, attendees were then treated to candid chats with some of the festival’s key contributors covering aspects of upcoming events, with ‘speed daters’ including festival assistant curator and surf photographer Shelli Bankier, surf author Tim Baker, photographer Ted Grambeau, festival fashion co-ordinator Heidi Bartholomew, photographer/designer Claudio Kirac, photographer Peter ‘Joli’ Wilson, Rob Bare from Soundlounge/R & B Creative, Chad Calderon from Surfing Queensland, Andre ‘Ondi ‘ Marseus from Underground Surf, Michelle Blauw from Australian Surfcraft Industry Association, Greg Daven from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Jonny Micallef from Never Land and Scott Collins from Gold Coast Tourism.

The evening was then capped off by a live art installation from celebrated visual artist Kellie O’Dempsey.

Bleach* Festival Director, Louise Bezzina, said the evening was intended to be unique and quirky, and while the speed dating format had been a surprise element the evening had been a resounding success with attendees. “Last night’s launch set the tone for what is to come. It was exciting, fun and full of energy.  I am really pleased with the turnout of guests, great mix of artists, sponsors and media.  There is a really sense of anticipation in the air for the Festival. The Gold Coast is ready for a festival like Bleach* and we look forward to sharing it with you all. Seventeen sleeps to go and I can’t wait!”

Bleach* Surfing the Fringe festival will be taking place at various locations across the southern Gold Coast from February 11-26.  A range of over 55 art, music, photography, film, fashion, talks, theatre and  food events all celebrating surf culture will be offered to the public, with a majority of events with entry for free or by donation.

For updates visit the newly launched Bleach* website filled with event descriptions, ticketing information, artist profiles, and venue details: www.bleachfestival.com.au

Posted in Art, Community, Events, Music, Networking, Photography, Theatre/Film, Tourism | Leave a comment

Stockwell Appointment Games ‘OC’ Chair

Posted on January 13, 2012 by admin

QUEENSLAND Premier, the Hon Anna Bligh has formally announced the appointment of Mark Stockwell as Chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) today.

Mr Stockwell was appointed by the Governor in Council yesterday on the recommendation of the Premier and the President of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association.

Premier Bligh said she was thrilled when Mr Stockwell agreed to Chair the Games and reinforced the sentiment now that the appointment approval process has been finalised.

“Mr Stockwell managed to drive the Bid for the Games with a passion and energy befitting his days as an athlete and I have no doubt he will throw the same amount of enthusiasm into delivering a sensational Games that will do Queensland and Australia proud.

“He has a very solid business and commercial background that will ensure the infrastructure and venue upgrades are in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth Games Federation and the international sporting bodies.

Premier Bligh said the next major appointment would be the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC), Chief Executive Officer – a role that will be widely advertised to ensure we get the right candidate to fill such an important position.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee newly appointed Chairman, Mark Stockwell said he would bring to the role extensive experience as an athlete combined with a solid business management background and knowledge and passion for the regions capabilities.

“The Bid for the Games was very intense and all about demonstrating what we could do and how we would deliver a fantastic and memorable Games.

“The Organising Committee is all about delivering on our promises to the Commonwealth Games Association delegations as per the detail outlined in the Bid Book.

“The Gold Coast will be on show to the world and it is paramount that we have the right staff in place, well trained volunteers and all aspects of the event combined are delivered to the highest standard,” Mr Stockwell said.

“We must now look to appoint a Board and a CEO so we can hit the ground running in 2012… however this is a marathon, not a sprint with lots of planning before the finish line in 2018 and lots of hard work ahead,” Mr Stockwell said.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid Chief Executive Officer, Mark Peters has been appointed Acting CEO of the Games Organising Committee until the role is filled.

For more information please contact:

Tamara MorrisManager – Communications and Community Engagement

T: 61 7 5583 5802 M: 61 400 658 429

E: [email protected]

For more information please visit: www.goldcoast2018bid.com

Posted in Commonwealth Games, Events, Tourism | Leave a comment

Mat McHugh & Sway On Sunset Announced for Bleach* Surfing the Fringe Festival

Posted on January 13, 2012 by admin

The stellar sounds of The Beautiful Girls frontman, Mat McHugh, will feature at a special live performance slotted for Bleach* Surfing the Fringe festival’s fashion and music opus, Sway on Sunset, on the 18th February 2012.

Taking place on the beachside deck of Coolangatta’s Komune, Sway on Sunset will celebrate the most spoken about fashion item in the world, the bikini, on a runway suspended across an outdoor pool.

Curated by swimwear aficionado Heidi Bartholomew, Sway on Sunset will take the audience on a three-part journey into the bikini’s evolution. Beginning with a collection of authentic vintage swimwear from the fashion eras of 1940’s right through to the frivolous 80’s, the show continue on with a glimpse of designs from local favourites Karen Neilsen, Tallow, Alope and bikini lover, and finish with a very special advance preview of the Summer 2012 Billabong bikini range.

“Sway on Sunset will pay homage to the bikini and aims to bring style, sophistication and playfulness back to the beach. We’ll be focusing on the bikini’s incarnations from vintage glamour to coastal modern fashion, restoring and resurrecting the bikini’s status as a true style icon,” said Bartholomew.

To add to the outdoor summer ambiance, Mat McHugh will perform a set filled with hits from his band, The Beautiful Girls, plus air a special glimpse of some of his newer material. The Bleach* performance will also mark a rapid departure for the popular artist. In a change from earlier incarnations of Mat’s solo efforts, Bleach* will see Mat pairing his new stripped back sound with a drummer and bassist.

“I’ve been working on a new solo record so I’ve been spending the last twelve months just touring completely solo with an acoustic guitar, just paying some dues, supporting some people and traveling the world. And from this point on I think this event at Komune is the first I’ll actually be playing with a band. So I’ll be playing with drums and bass from now on, and pretty much focusing on that more than The Beautiful Girls for the foreseeable future. This is the first show, it should be really fun,” said McHugh.

In 2002 the frontman of The Beautiful Girls began riding the wave as the band’s Morning Sun EP became a radio hit of Summer. In 2010, after 12 world tours, eight records and 285,000 album sales, they reached a high mark with their dub tour de force, Spooks. The album hit number 6 on the US Billboard Reggae Charts and debuted at number one on the Australian Independent charts. But after touring with John Butler through the US solo, Mat found a new appreciation for keeping things simple. His more recent solo work is roots in every sense of the word, and will be the perfect accompaniment for a sunset session bikini show like no other.

“I’ll be playing at the beach, and I’m playing in a spot that I love and in an event I’m fully behind,“ said McHugh, adding that as a surfer he’s excited by the whole Bleach* concept. “An event that celebrates all different sides of surfing and music and the whole culture of it in a festival is just something that I couldn’t basically not be a part of once I heard about it.”

Sway on Sunset is presented by Bleach* in association with Billabong, Komune and Gold Coast Airport.

The Gold Coast’s inaugural surf culture festival will host over fifty-five art and photography installations, film screenings, music, talks, fashion, theatre and food events staged across the spectacular beaches, foreshores and major venues unique to the Southern Gold Coast from 11-26 Feb 2012. For 16 days, across 10kms, over 80 artists and musicians will be on display at Bleach* Surfing the Fringe’s array of over 55 events.

See Mat McHugh’s video interview about Bleach* and Sway on Sunset here:
http://vimeo.com/34916644

Stay tuned for another special announcement in coming weeks by visiting the Bleach* Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BleachFestival

For festival updates visit the newly launched Bleach* website filled with event descriptions, ticketing information, artist profiles, and venue details: www.bleachfestival.com.au

Posted in Art, Community, Events, Music, Photography, Surfing, Theatre/Film, Tourism | Leave a comment

Regional events shine on the Gold Coast

Posted on January 7, 2012 by admin

Gold Coast regional events will receive an $85,000 funding boost after the Bligh Government invested in four local events under the latest round of the Events Queensland Regional Development Program (EQRDP).

“Events are an important way of driving up tourist numbers on the Gold Coast,” Member for Broadwater and Parliamentary Secretary assisting the Premier on the Gold Coast and Commonwealth Games, Peta-Kaye Croft, said today.

“They generate community pride, attract visitors, and support local jobs, businesses and the tourism industry.

“The Gold Coast’s reputation for delivering major sporting events helped it secure the 2018 Commonwealth Games which will deliver a massive boost for jobs and tourism in the region.

“But there are many great experiences on offer on the Gold Coast and that’s why the Queensland Government is proud to continue this year’s investment in events with an additional $85,000 in funding to support the local region,” she said.

“Investing in events – whether they be the 2018 Commonwealth Games, major, regional or business events – is part of our plan to continue building Queensland’s bright future.”

Events to receive funding under Round 21 of the EQRDP program include:

  • BLEACH Surfing the Fringe 2012, Gold Coast. A festival which celebrates the “artistic expression” of surfing and highlights the “off the water” aspects of surfing culture including photography, fashion and music. Held 28 January-9 March 2012. Funding amount $25,000.
  • Burleigh Pro 2012, Burleigh.  A surfing event held at iconic surfing location and with a record of attracting some of the world’s best surfing talent. Held 7-12 February 2012. Funding amount $25,000.
  • Surfers Paradise Festival 2012, Surfers Paradise – an annual community celebration of music, food, fashion, film and art. Held 16 June-9 July 2012. Funding amount $30,000
  • Queensland Ocean Swim Series 2012, located between Kirra Beach, Coolangatta and Kings Beach. Described as three unique open water swimming events in three unique locations. held 15-29 April 2012. Funding amount for the Gold Coast events $5,000.

Ms Croft said the latest round of funding brought the total number of events supported under the program to 856 and a total investment of $18.3 million since the program began in 2001.

“We know that events – whether they are major, regional or business events – can make a real difference to the communities that host them by providing vital support to the tourism industry,” Ms Croft said.

“That’s why the Queensland Government recently increased funding to the EQRDP by $600,000 per annum bringing the total program fund to $3 million per annum.”

To find out more about events in Queensland visit www.eventsqld.com.au

Posted in Events, Tourism | Leave a comment

Local and international acts announced for 2012 Gold Coast surf culture celebration

Posted on January 3, 2012 by admin

Blue King Brown, The Break and Inner Tube Announced as Music Headliners for Bleach* Surfing the Fringe Festival

Bleach* Surfing the Fringe has announced some of the fine musical acts that will grace the stage ahead of the surf culture festival’s debut on the 11- 26th February, 2012.

The Gold Coast’s inaugural surf culture festival will host over fifty-five art and photography installations, film screenings, music, talks, fashion, theatre and food events staged across the spectacular beaches, foreshores and major venues unique to the Southern Gold Coast.

Bleach* Street will open the festival with a free street party that will take over Currumbin’s Tomewin St on Saturday 11th February with vibrant art displays, markets stalls and a licensed area. Music acts announced for Bleach* Street include upbeat surf reggae greats King Tide, the stellar rock and roots of Band of Frequencies, and recent three time Australian Songwriter Association National award winners, The Lamplights.  Band of Frequencies will also play a special Bleach* set at the Bleach* Elephant Rock Sunday Session on 12th February when the band will play beachside to create the quintessential laidback summer party vibe.

Bleach* opening festivities will spill over from Bleach* Street to Coolangatta’s Never Land Bar with everyone’s favourite surf punksters, Goons of Doom, and an art installation in nearby Comb Artspace by the Goon’s frontman, pro surfer and artist Ozzie Wright.

Never Land and Comb will also feature other Bleach* Party events set to blur the boundaries between music and art.  Local surf garage aficionados Depths of Balsa will fire up Never Land on the 18th February while artist Nick Chalmers installation hits Comb in full swing, and on the 25th February party on down with Sure Cut Kids at Never Land while celebrated artist Claudio Kirac’s Dreamland installation displays at Comb.

On the 10th February sweet acoustic soundsters Paper Kites will be the first of many acts gracing Bleach* gigs at The Sound Lounge. The venue will also host Tijuana Cartel on 17th February for an evening filled with multi-layered grooves, touches of slide and flamenco guitar, trumpet, vocals and Afro Cuban Percussion mixed with some hardened electronica – a combo that’s intriguing, energetic and utterly delicious.

The Sound Lounge will also play host to the ultimate Bleach* surf music double biller, The Break and Inner Tube on the 24th February.

The Break comprises of three members from Midnight Oil (drummer Rob Hirst and guitarists Martin Rotsey and Jim Moginie) joined by Brian Ritchie, bass player of the Violent Femmes. Together this all-star cast brings a sheer raw vitality and phenomenal force to the surf rock genre. Both Midnight Oil and Violent Femmes both enjoyed massive popularity in surfing circles and bore surf influences – The Oils began their career on Sydney’s Northern Beaches whilst the Femmes spiced their folk punk sound with surf-rock guitar. But the formation of The Break takes the surf connection one step further. Their sound harks back to surf music’s forefathers – think Link Wray to Dick Dale – but also draws heavily on more contemporary surf sounds, like the psychedelic meanderings of San Francisco’s Mermen.

Inner Tube is the collaborative name for a surf concept experiment by prolific US musicians Mark McGuire (Emeralds) and Spencer Clark (Monopoly Child Star Searchers and The Skaters). After watching seminal 80’s surf movie Storm Riders the duo hatched a plan to create a concept album based on their interpretation of the music and waves featured in classic Australian surf films, and will perform the album live exclusively in Australia. Don’t miss this unique journey into surfing’s past imbibed and deconstructed into Mark and Spencer’s current music visions, which swing from krautrock to synthesizer instrumentals.

Inner Tube will also perform at Bleach* surf concept breakfast Sea Salt Sunrise at Kirra foreshore, over looking the famous surf break featured in many of the movies that in turn inspired Inner Tube.

The grand finale for The Sound Lounge’s Bleach* programming will be Blue King Brown’s Rise of the Morning Star Concert with special guests Tabura for an afternoon outdoor celebration held on the banks of the Currumbin river on the 26th February.

Lead by multi-talented Natalie Pa’apa’a’s powerful vocals and relentless energy, Blue King Brown offers a mix of dancehall, roots, rock and afro groove in a mash-up built upon an irrepressible percussive foundation. They will be joined by Tabura’s unique blend of traditional and contemporary music. Fresh from rocking Port Moresby in front of a 20,000 strong crowd, this group of West Papuans, Papua New Guineans and Australians are united in their cause of strengthening civil resistance in West Papua through the power of music.

Supporting the fight for freedom in West Papua, The Rise of the Morning Star concert aims to break the silence on 50 years of genocide and will raise funds to aid this cause.  The concert will then travel on to other nations in the South Pacific.

Kids can also get in on the musical act at Kirra Dreaming with Circular Rhythm, a series of free children’s music and culture workshops hosted by indigenous pro surfer and musician Lucas Proudfoot coupled with acoustic music performances at Kirra Hill Community and Cultural Centre on the 18th February.

For a unique twist, the Bleach* Travelling Music Truck will add a surprise element to the Bleach* festival.

Summer on wheels, this key feature of Bleach* will provide the soundtrack for party days and endless evenings across each Sunday of the festival’s 16 day tenure.  The Bleach* Travelling Music Truck can appear anytime, anywhere and with any band, so keep your ears peeled and eyes open. This gorilla-style music concert series will feature the best live music acts, bringing the ultimate summer beachside concerts to a shore near you.

Keep up to date with announcements of new movements of the Travelling Music Truck on the Bleach* Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BleachFestival or on the festival website, www.bleachfestival.com.au

Bleach* Music Programming:

10 Feb    Paper Kites, Sound Lounge Currumbin, from $12 + BF

11 Feb    Bleach* Street – King Tide, Band of Frequencies, The Lamplights + Guests, Tomewin St Currumbin, FREE

11 Feb     Bleach* Opening Party – Goons of Doom, Never Land Coolangatta, Door $15

12 Feb     Travelling Music Truck, FREE

12 Feb     Elephant Rock Sunday Session – Band of Frequencies, Elephant Rock Café Currumbin, pre-book $35

17 Feb     Tijuana Cartel, Sound Lounge Currumbin, from $30 + BF

18  Feb    Kirra Dreaming, Circular Rhythm children’s music culture workshops w/ Lucus Proudfoot, Kirra Hill C&CC, FREE

18 Feb     Depths of Balsa & Nick Chalmers art installation, Never Land Coolangatta, Door $15

19 Feb     Travelling Music Truck, FREE

24 Feb      The Break and Inner Tube, Sound Lounge Currumbin, from $22 + BF

25 Feb      Sea Salt Sunrise feat. Inner Tube, Kirra Foreshore, Kirra Surf Lifesaving Club, pre-book $45

25 Feb      Sure Cut Kids & Claudio Kirac’s Dreamland installation, Never Land, Coolangatta, Door $15

26 Feb      Travelling Music Truck, TBA, FREE

26 Feb     Blue King Brown and Tabura, Sound Lounge Currumbin, from $33 + BF

Stay tuned for another special musical guest announcement in coming weeks.

For further information visit the newly launched Bleach* website filled with event descriptions, ticketing information, artist profiles, and venue details: www.bleachfestival.com.au

Posted in Art, Events, Music, Surfing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bleach* Surfing the Fringe Festival Announces First Round of Events

Posted on December 22, 2011 by admin

Twenty-five exciting new art, music, photography, food, talks and film events announced for Gold Coast surf culture festival

Bleach* Surfing the Fringe festival has earmarked twenty-five events for its first round of announcements that have gone live today on its new website, www.bleachfestival.com.au

Bleach Surf Festival

The Gold Coast’s inaugural surf culture festival will host over fifty-five art and photography installations, film screenings, music, talks, fashion, theatre and food events all targeted to represent aspects of the surf lifestyle. Bleach* Surfing the Fringe festival will ignite the spectacular beaches, foreshores and major venues unique to the Southern Gold Coast from 11- 26 February, 2012.

Amongst the first event installments published on the website is Pop Up Bleach*, a series of unique art ‘pop up’ exhibitions peppered across shops, galleries and iconic Southern Gold Coast beaches and landmarks.

Contributing artists and photographers including Peter Joli Wilson, Sean Scott, Ted Grambeau, Shelli Bankier, Trent Mitchell, Joel Rhea, Brad Payne, Jae Copp, Albe Falzon, Dick Hoole and Claudio Kirac plus many more. A major component of Pop Up Bleach* concept is the creation of temporary galleries in shipping containers that will be placed along Currumbin, Tugun, Kirra and Coolangatta.

Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina came up with the idea of using containers while working out ways to curate and deliver exhibitions in a range of different beachside locations.  “The shipping containers are raw and industrial looking which I think fits in well with Bleach*, but they are also weather proof and secure.  I wanted the art to be on display as close to the beach as possible, particularly given that the art work was inspired by the beach and surfing culture, and the shipping containers will allow us to do that.”

Another key event announced is Bleach* Street, a free street party that will launch the festival by taking over Currumbin’s Tomewin St on Saturday 11th February. Bleach* Pop Up galleries and live music performances will provide colour and movement alongside designer market stalls presented by The Village Markets. Bleach* Street will also host special children’s events including indoor performances of the theatrical interpretation of The Surfer and The Mermaid at Surf World Gold Coast Museum, and Bleach* Groms, a series of free activities at nearby Currumbin Beach.  Bleach* Street will bring the streets to life surrounding two of the coast’s must-see spots; Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Surf World Gold Coast Museum.

“The inspiration behind this was to promote and showcase the Surf World Gold Coast Museum and deliver a really fantastic free day that will kick the festival off. Great music, great art, workshops and The Surfer and The Mermaid all make up Bleach* Street,” said Bezzina.

Bleach* film events announced with the website launch include the highly anticipated Sons of Beaches 72, an art & film installation charting the evolution of the pro surfing movement that sprung from the Gold Coast which will feature a live panel of surfing greats, and outdoor Summer Film Nights presented in association with Patagonia that will host the local premieres of highly acclaimed movies Come Hell or High Water and Under The Sun, Jack McCoy’s film clip for Paul McCartney, Blue Sway, plus more.

Food buffs will rejoice at the announcement of events like Sea Salt Sunrise, which treat Bleach* patrons to a surf concept breakfast on stunning Kirra foreshore with live music and fresh gourmet fare.

Music acts announced include the stellar Band of Frequencies, who will play the Elephant Rock Sunday Session and as part of Bleach* Street. Surf reggae greats King Tide will also lead the stage at Bleach* Street, while Tijuana Cartel will be one of the many acts gracing Bleach* gigs at The Soundlounge.

For more information visit the newly launched Bleach* website filled with event descriptions, artist profiles, and venue information: www.bleachfestival.com.au

The Bleach* website was built by the talented team at R&B Creative. Stay tuned for more announcements to come!

Posted in Art, Community, Events, Music, Photography, Surfing, Theatre/Film, Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Tavern is back at Sanctuary Cove!

Posted on December 21, 2011 by admin

Exhibitors and visitors to the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, 24-27 May, will have a new social hub boasting good old fashioned pub-grub, with the opening of The Cove Tavern.

The Tavern is the latest venture by one of the Gold Coast’s most experienced restaurateurs, Max Alfieri, who is the owner-operator of the popular IoEsco restaurant in The Marine Village.

His vision for the Tavern is “a place where visitors and locals can relax and enjoy a traditional pub menu, complete with bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, chicken Parmigiana, fish and chips and fisherman’s baskets”.

Max has drawn on his own extensive experience in the industry – behind the Gold Coast’s much loved and awarded restaurants Cantina Napoli at Runaway Bay, Eccolo and Darcy’s at Paradise Point – as well as the expertise of business partner Adam Waller in this latest venture.

“We wanted to recreate the classic ‘old pub’ feel, with an urban edge,” says Max. “For the menu, we have gone back to basics to include affordable lunches at around $20 for a main, take away meals and entertainment options including gaming facilities and a TAB.”

Boat show organisers are excited that exhibitors will at last have a welcoming location for socialising and dining, during and after hours.

“We are thrilled that exhibitors, visitors and guests will have a brand new venue for socialising and ‘sealing the deal’,” says Sue Thomson, General Manager Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

“2012 will certainly be a year for new additions – a new Tavern, reworked venue for optimal display and traffic through the show, new attractions and a diverse program to give the show an added boost in its 24th year.”

The Cove Tavern also incorporates a boutique wine cellar aptly titled ‘Corker Cellar’, stocking a wide variety of Australian and international wines including selections from Chile, South America, Italy, France, Argentina and New Zealand. In another first, the cellar boasts Enomatic machines which will allow patrons to try the wine before they buy it.

In addition to a new social venue, exhibitors now have four equally good reasons to get their applications in to reserve space for the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

• Display rates have been reduced by 5% across all exhibition areas. Exhibitors who are eligible can also claim the 10% marine industry discount.

• The initial deposit has been reduced from 30% (which has applied over the entire history of the event) to 10% for 2012.
• Payments can be made in full or in three instalments – 10% with your application, 40% by February 29th and the balance by March 30th.
• SCIBS will again provide each exhibitor with $10million public liability cover for the 2012 boat show.

Several exhibition site changes are new for 2012, to further optimise opportunities for exhibitors.

Exhibition site plans available on the website indicate two adjacent pavilions in The Marine Village car park area – Marinebusinessworld.com Pavilion (50 x 80m) and SCIBS Pavilion (30 x 40m). Each pavilion features a glass façade facing the re-configured open display area. The new SCIBS Pavilion also offers a range of smaller booths measuring 3 x 2m.

The Superyacht Australia Pavilion (30 x45m) remains unchanged at its location in The Marine Village. The marina layout shows other slight modifications which will assist with visitor traffic flow and the overall show experience.

To date, 163 exhibitors have booked for the 2012 event and event organisers are confident that number will reach 400, with interest from companies all over the country and around the globe, many of whom are staging world-first launches.

“The boat show team has been responsive to exhibitor and visitor feedback, aiming to produce a world-class event that showcases exhibitor products, services and goods,” says Sue Thomson, general manager Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

“Our objective is to help exhibitors achieve optimal ROI and create a multi-faceted program during the boat show that attracts the widest market possible, and gives visitors even more for their entry price.”

All information, prospectus and booking forms for the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show are available at www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Jeni Bone
Media Liaison
Tel: 0412 230 002 / (07) 5578 9763
[email protected]

Posted in Boating, Events, Restaurants, Tourism | Leave a comment