Sydney Festival Unveils 2014 Lineup

Mike Patton Performing Luciano Berio’s 1965 composition Laborintus II

Classical performances from Mike Patton and Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo, and a tribute to Big Star’s cult 1978 albumThird/Sister Lovers lead the Sydney Festival program for 2014.

The performance of Big Star’sThird will see the last remaining musician from the band, drummer Jody Stephens, joined by REM’s Mike Mills, The Posies’ Ken Stringfellow and guest local and international artists. Lee Ranaldo will perform his new work Hurricane Transcriptions on a double bill alongside Mike Patton, who will be performing Luciano Berio’s 1965 composition Laborintus III, which is described as “a montage of spoken word, instrumentation and electronics.”

The festival, which will once again take over the city from January 9 – 26, also includes performances from former Battles frontman Tyondai Braxton, solo artist John Grant, post-punk survivor Edwyn Collins (Orange Juice), Daptone’s Lee Fields & The Expressions, electronic duo Matmos, avant-jazz saxophonist and Arcade Fire/Bon Iver collaborator Colin Stetson, punk-cabaret provocateur Amanda Palmer and former Bad Seed Mick Harvey revisiting his albums of Serge Gainsbourg’s interpretationsIntoxicated Man and Pink Elephants.

Other festival highlights include Laneway festival’s Kurt Vile playing two shows – a solo set and a full-band gig – off the back of his recent album Walkin on a Pretty Daze; Bombino, the acclaimed electric guitarist from Niger, playing a Falls sideshow; and Malian duo Amadou & Mariam returning to Australia with their “multi-sensory experience” Eclipse. While the festival has abandoned its traditional free opening-night party, disco star Chaka Khan will play a free show in the Domain gardens on January 11.

MAJOR EVENTS

Lee Ranaldo’s Hurricane Transcriptions / Mike Patton’s Laborintus III with Ensemble Offspring & The Song Company
City Recital Hall – January 16

Big Star’s Third
Enmore Theatre, January 23

Chaka Khan
The Domain – January 11

Amadou & Mariam’s Eclipse
Sydney Town Hall, January 9-11

So Frenchy So Chic in The Park – Lou Doillon, Lilly Wood & The Prick, Féfé and Circus Babylon
St John’s College, University of Sydney – January 18

Tyondai Braxton’s HIVE + Canyons & Daniel Boyd’s 100 Million Nights
Concert Hall Sydney Opera House, January 21

Matmos
City Recital Hall, January 15

Sun Ra Arkestra
State Theatre, January 18

Ambrose Akinmusire
City Recital Hall, January 11
The Spiegeltent, January 12

FESTIVAL VILLAGE

Amanda Palmer
The Spiegeltent, January 9-19

Tom Thum
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 21-26

Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers
The Spiegeltent, January 8
Parramatta Opening Party, January 10

Bombino
The Spiegeltent, January 9-10
The Lennox, Parramatta, January 11

Chris Thile
The Spiegeltent, January 14 – 15
The Lennox, Parramatta, January 16

Samaris
The Spiegeltent, January 16 – 17

Edwyn Collins
The Spiegeltent, January 19 – 21
The Lennox, Parramatta, January 18

The Staves
The Spiegeltent, January 22 – 23
Sutherland Entertainment Centre, January 24

Sinkane
The Spiegeltent, January 24 & 26

C.R. Avery & The Sojourners
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 9 – 10

Dom Flemons
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 11 – 12

Kurt Vile
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 23

Colin Stetson
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 25 – 26

Hot Dub Time Machine
The Spiegeltent, January 11, 18 & 25

Donny Benet & The Donny Benet Show Band
The Spiegeltent, January 10, 17 & 24

Lee Fields & The Expressions
The Spiegeltent, January 19

Funki Porcini
The Spiegeltent, January 16

Andrew Weatherall
The Spiegeltent, January 26

PARADISO AT TOWN HALL

John Grant and John Murry
January 16

Modular Night – Juan Atkins, Movement, Roland Tings, Wordlife and Softwar
January 17

Orquesta Tipica Fernandez Fierro
January 18

Mick Harvey: Intoxicated Man
January 19

Kurt Vile & The Violators
January 22

Georgia Anne Muldrow & Dudley Perkins with DJ Romes
January 23

Future Classic – Jacques Renault, Medlar, Touch Sensitive, Wave Racer
January 24

Soil & Pimp Sessions
January 25

The Soft Pink Truth
January 16

Andy Votel
January 19

Tyondai Braxton
January 22

- See more at: http://sydneycbdhotels.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/sydney-festival-unveils-2014-lineup.html#sthash.1Hh2SQZ4.dpuf

Metro Hotel Sydney Central NEW image set

New images of Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Lion King Tickets On Sale Now!

Got tickets to the Lion King musical?  Stay close to Capitol Theatre at Metro Hotel on Pitt!

Book this Lion King Package for $260.00* per night including:

• One night's accommodation in a Superior Deluxe Queen Room
• A bottle of wine on arrival
• 2 course Pre-theatre Dinner at Palace Hotel Sydney for 2 adults
• Extended check-out to 12 noon the following day

Book this hotel package: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/254

Don't have tickets to Lion King? Get tickets now from Ticketmaster website: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Disney-Presents-The-Lion-King-Australia-tickets/artist/820969

See PDF for full show schedule to pick your date: Capitol Theatre Show Schedule Lion King

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“THERE IS SIMPLY NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT” The New York Times

Seen by over 65 million people, Disney’s landmark musical event The Lion King is a worldwide phenomenon that will redefine your expectations of theatre. Brilliantly re-imagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney beloved film is transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience which has won over 70 major international theatre awards.

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains, this breathtaking production explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and unforgettable music including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and the academy award winning Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

Sydney City Hotels Filling Fast For Australian Garden Show

Garden lovers from around Australia and overseas are expected to flock to Sydney in September when the city hosts the inaugural Australian Garden Show in Centennial Park from September 5-8, 2013.
A NSW Government event, The Australian Garden Show will be held in the Brazilan Fields West in Centennial Park, and is expected to quickly gain national and international credibility, attracting garden lovers from around the world.

Accommodation in the city is expected to be at a premium for the spring event, so garden enthusiasts are advised to book now to avoid disappointment. Metro Hotel Sydney Central and Metro Hotel on Pitt are two properties located within walking distance of Centennial Park, with both hotels offering a range of affordable packages.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is the Metro Hospitality Group’s flagship property on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets in the heart of Sydney. The hotel recently completed a two year refurbishment that saw a complete upgrade of its rooms and facilities, and its location opposite the Capitol Theatre in the Entertainment Precinct makes it the perfect choice for garden enthusiasts wanting to be close to the Park so they can make the most of the day.

Also located on Pitt Street, Metro Hotel on Pitt is a stylish boutique hotel closer to the city centre and better suited for guests wanting to mix a visit to the Garden Show with some shopping and sightseeing in the heart of the city. A short bus trip will take you to the show.

The event has been designed as the ultimate garden showcase and will appeal not only to experienced gardeners, landscapers and designers but also novices and the many people who just like to admire the handiwork of other people’s green thumbs and creativity.

The Australian Garden Show Sydney will combine display gardens designed by leading landscape architects, workshops presented by gardening gurus and personalities, a potting tent for children, products to purchase and a high tea marquee which, come nightfall, transforms into a floral cocktail bar setting – complemented by the now established Centennial Park Light Garden.

The Australia Garden Show Sydney also coincides with Centennial Park’s 125th Anniversary, providing another reason to visit the show in its first year.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central and Metro Hotel on Pitt are located less than five kilometres from Centennial Parklands, and can be reached by bus, train or on foot.

Book accommodation at Metro Hotel properties by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternatively bookings can be made online at www.metrohotels.com.au

New General Manager for Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Metro Hospitality Group has appointed Earl Muir to the position of General Manager of Metro Hotel Sydney Central, the Group’s flagship property on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets, Sydney.

In his new role, Mr Muir is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the property, as well as identifying and capitalising on opportunities to grow the hotel’s leisure and corporate business.

Mr Muir said he was very excited about the opportunity to manage Metro Hotel Sydney Central.

“Metro Hotel Sydney Central has just completed a major refurbishment over a 2 year period in its bid to increase occupancy among the leisure market, as well as building on its burgeoning corporate business,” Mr Muir said.  “I look forward to bringing my extensive food and beverage experience to complement this recent refurbishment.

“I also see significant potential to grow our conference, incentives and meetings business.”

Prior to taking up this position, Mr Muir was General Manager of Metro Hotel Tower Mill Brisbane.

His extensive hospitality management experience includes Manager of Marburg, a 240 acre heritage-listed functions and events venue in Ipswich; a contract with Lockyer Valley Regional Council to open a purpose-built Conference and Events Community Centre; and a variety of positions with hotel chains Sebel, Marriott and Rydges. 

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Eros Ramazzotti 2013 NOI Sydney Tour

Live Nation in association with Abstract Entertainment are proud to announce the Australian tour of Italian pop/rock superstar, acclaimed guitarist and songwriter EROS RAMAZZOTTI in his “NOI” WORLD TOUR 2013.

Recording in both Italian and Spanish, Eros is a phenomenon throughout Europe, South America and with Italians all over the world. His concerts are internationally renowned for their excitement and first-class production.

During his 29-year career Eros has sold more than 55 million records, releasing eleven studio albums, compilations and live albums as well as 37 singles, transcending traditional musical boundaries.

Eros first gained international success in 1993, with the release of Tutte storie, which amassed six million album sales and occupied the top five in every country already charmed by his undisputed talents. This critical and commercial success also led to numerous accolades including ‘International Male Artist of the Year’ at the Echo Awards, Goldene Kamera, Italian Music Awards, Telegatto Awards and World Music Awards.

US record company mogul Clive Davis was so seduced by Eros’ talent, Davis encouraged him to hold a concert at New York City’s Radio City Hall. The show was a sell out and Eros was the first Italian artist to grace the prestigious stage.

His remarkable appeal is derived from his unique, commanding voice, his energetic performance of catchy, melodic tunes, delivering passionate autobiographical ballads with rich instrumentation.

Italian superstar EROS RAMAZZOTTI mesmerised crowds when he delivered his debut Australian performances in 2008, demonstrating why he is one of Italy's greatest ever performers.

When: Wed 20 November 2013 - Starts at 7:30 PM

Where: Sydney Entertainment Centre - 35 Harbour Street, Darling Harbour

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/

Ticketmaster Tel: 1300 883 622

How To Get There: http://www.sydentcent.com.au/Venue/Location/Getting-Here/

Staying in SYDNEY for Eros Ramazzotti's 2013 Sydney Concert?

Need a hotel room close to Sydney Entertainment Centre?

Look no further than Metro Hotel Sydney Central - only 7 minutes WALK to the Sydney Entertainment Centre whilst being close to other iconic Sydney attractions. 

Website: Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Capitol Theatre Hotel Package

For $165.00 per room per night you get:

• One night's accommodation in a Superior Queen Room
• Hot Buffet Breakfast for 2 adults
• Extended check-out to 12 noon the following day

• Book Online and Terms here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/242
• Or call: 02 9281 6999

Want to try another hotel? Metro Hotel on Pitt, only a 10 minute walk to Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Website: Metro Hotel on Pitt

Metro Hotel on Pitt is offering this Winter Sydney CBD Getaway Hotel Package

For $134.00 per room per night you get:

• Free WiFi
• A bottle of wine on arrival
• Late check out of 12 noon
• Staying in a Standard\Single\double\twin room*

• Book Online and Terms here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/306
• Or call: 02 9283 8088

Other Metro Hotels and Apartments:

• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour (the closest train station is Wynyard)

• Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo (13 minutes walk to Central station)

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Tour

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, famed for their precision marching and musical versatility, will perform a concert featuring military classics to jazz and big band favourites. This concert will display the outstanding versatility of some of the world’s finest military musicians.

There really is something for everyone as the Royal Marines display their incredible musicianship and pageantry.  A wide range of musical styles includes music from the big screen and superb solo items. This concert would not be complete without the famous traditional marches and overtures that have proved such a hit with audiences over the years with the Royal Marines’ exceptional display of precision and skill.

The 90 minute performance is a testimony to the professionalism of the world’s finest military bands, proudly demonstrating talents acquired over many years of practice and experience both in the classroom and on the parade square.

When: Monday 9 October 2013
Where: Capitol Theatre Sydney - 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000 Australia
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Band-of-Her-Majestys-Royal-Marines-tickets/artist/1191547

Staying in SYDNEY for The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines?

Need a hotel room close to Capitol Theatre Sydney?

Look no further than Metro Hotel Sydney Central - RIGHT next to the Capitol Theatre Sydney whilst being close to other iconic Sydney attractions. 

Website: Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Capitol Theatre Hotel Package

For $165.00 per room per night you get:

• One night's accommodation in a Superior Queen Room
• Hot Buffet Breakfast for 2 adults
• Extended check-out to 12 noon the following day

• Book Online and Terms here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/242
• Or call: 02 9281 6999

Want to try another hotel? Metro Hotel on Pitt, only a 10 minute walk to Capitol Theatre.

Website: Metro Hotel on Pitt

Metro Hotel on Pitt is offering this Winter Sydney CBD Getaway Hotel Package

For $134.00 per room per night you get:

• Free WiFi
• A bottle of wine on arrival
• Late check out of 12 noon
• Staying in a Standard\Single\double\twin room*

• Book Online and Terms here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/306
• Or call: 02 9283 8088

Other Metro Hotels and Apartments:

• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour (the closest train station is Wynyard)

• Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo (13 minutes walk to Central station)