What's On in Sydney - Seven Days Of Sydney Events and Attractions

Monday April 28

Going out

After taking out an Aria award for their 2011 debut album, the Jezabels have returned to release their sophomore album, The Brink. The four-piece are hitting the Opera House stage to get toes tapping with their moody pop-rock sounds. 8pm, Sydney Opera House, $59, 9250 7777.

Staying in

She's recorded with the Distillers and Spinnerette, but Brody Dalle has only just got around to her first solo album, the hard-rocking, hook-laden Diploid Love. Dalle has lined up an excellent crew of collaborators with Garbage's Shirley Manson, Queens of the Stone Age's Michael Shuman and the Strokes' Nick Valensi pitching in. Out on Caroline.

Tuesday April 29

Going out

The Spanish Film Festival is hitting town and its opening night has the premiere of Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed, followed by a party with free-flowing beer, wine and tapas. The road-trip flick is set in 1966 and focuses on a high school teacher (Javier Camara) who picks up two runaways while on a mission to meet John Lennon. 6.30pm, Palace Norton Street Cinema, 99 Norton Street, Leichhardt, $55, 9564 5620, spanishfilmfestival.com.

Staying in

Young German writer-on-the-rise Judith Schalansky has had her first novel published in English, The Giraffe's Neck. Biology teacher Inge Lohmark might rule her classroom at Charles Darwin High School with an iron grip, but as times change she is forced to confront her own capacity to evolve. $32.99 (Bloomsbury).

Wednesday April 30

Going out

Performance-art legend Marina Abramovic counts Taiwanese-American artist Tehching Hsieh as a personal hero. See what all the fuss is about with One Year Performance 1980-1981 (running until July 6), a collection of the documents Hsieh produced while punching a time clock every single hour for a year. 10am-6pm, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh, free, carriageworks.com.au.

Staying in

Judi Dench turns in another beautiful performance in Stephen Frears' touching but never sentimental Philomena, starring as a woman searching for the son she was forced to give up. The New York Times praised the film as "so quietly moving that it feels lit from within". Out today on DVD from Entertainment One, $34.95, rated M.

Thursday May 1

Going out

Producers from Australia's best wine regions will be popping corks and twisting screw tops at Aussie Wine Unearthed. There are more than 100 drops to sample and sommeliers will be on hand to help aspiring oenophiles pinpoint whether it's berry or chocolate tones they're detecting. 6pm-9pm, Ivy Ballroom, 330 George Street, city, $40, merivale.com.

Staying in

Making a television series from a beloved cult film sounds like a straight-up recipe for disaster (think of every single example from the past except Buffy the Vampire Slayer), but everything has gone right for the much-anticipated and Coen brothers-approved TV version of Fargo. The wry crime drama also boasts a wonderful cast including Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Colin Hanks and Bob Odenkirk. 8.30pm on SBS One.

Friday May 2

Going out

The Australian Ballet's double bill Imperial Suite (running until May 17) features two still-stunning works from the 1940s, George Balanchine's Ballet Imperial and Serge Lifar's Suite en Blanc. 7.30pm, Sydney Opera House, from $104, 1300 369 741, australianballet.com.au.

Staying in

Chris Lilley's brilliant comic creation Jonah is getting his own upcoming show, Jonah from Tonga. Those who enjoy a good TV-binge watching session are in for a treat as the ABC's iview is making available every episode from the series before they are even shown on television, starting 6pm tonight until 6pm on May 4 at abc.net.au/iview.

Saturday May 3

Going out

The Free Comic Book Day After Party is the perfect way to show a little graphic-novel-geek pride. Luna Park will be overrun by a cosplay parade, comic stands and even a parkour show near the entrance's famous face. 6pm, Luna Park, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, $25, lunaparksydney.com.

Staying in

Merrill Garbus' eclectic musical project tUnE-yArDs has returned with a third album, Nikki Nack. Listen to the joyous percussion of lead single Water Fountain for a taste of the vibrant world-music-influenced tracks. Out on 4AD/Remote Control.

Sunday May 4

Going out

Unsheathe that lightsaber and get along to a marathon screening of the original Star Wars trilogy in honour of Star Wars Day. To those who don't automatically get terrible puns and are wondering why this date was chosen, we say simply: ''May the fourth be with you.'' 2pm, Hayden Orpheum, 380 Military Road, Cremorne, $25, 9908 4344, orpheum.com.au.

Staying in Eric Bana appears in crime thriller Closed Circuit as a lawyer who is drawn into dangerous waters while working on a terrorism case. Out on DVD from Universal Sony, $39.95, rated MA 15+.

Hot spot

Inspired by the scandalous underworld of 1920s and '30s Sydney, Mayhem is a one-night-only evening of speakeasy fun. Burlesque dancers, fortune tellers, true-crime storytellers and a grog den will be turning the Justice & Police Museum into a veritable gangster's paradise. Friday, 6pm, Justice & Police Museum, corner Albert and Phillip streets, Circular Quay, $75, 1300 448 849, see sydneylivingmuseums.com.au.

Out of your comfort zone

Plunge into the deep end this Saturday with the launch of Shark Reef Snorkel. The family-friendly dip lets visitors snorkel with reef sharks, sawfish and wrasses, with no diving experience required. 10am and 12.30pm, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour, $95, sydneyaquarium.com.au.

Next week

The Soft Boys' Robyn Hitchcock and The Church's Steve Kilbey have teamed up for a national tour, Insects and Stars. The Reels' Dave Mason is a guest at the Sydney show. May 10, 8.30pm, Metro Theatre, 624 George Street, city, $49.90-$59.90, 9550 3666, ticketek.com.au.

Next month

Creative types and inspiration seekers will want to get along to Semi-Permanent to soak up the general genius pervading the event. International guests speaking this year include artist Mr Brainwash, philanthropic skateboarder Tony Hawk and filmmaker and photographer Cheryl Dunn. May 22-24, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh, from $195, semipermanent.com.

Almost as Good as Visiting Sydney - This Stunning 3 Minute Timelapse Video

Almost as Good as Visiting Sydney - This Stunning 3 Minute Timelapse Video

Brisbane’s Newest Convention Centre Set to Celebrate a Successful First Year of Business

Brisbane’s new kid on the block, the Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC), is pleased with its first 12 months of business and will celebrate its first anniversary on 2 March.

“We gauge the success not just on profitability, but repeat business and feedback from our customers, which has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Sue Hocking, General Manager, Venue Sales & Marketing.

The Royal ICC welcomed a number of high profile events in 2013 including the Queensland Tourism Awards, DUG International, National Radio Conference and Australian Commercial Radio Awards, Brisbane Boat Show, Brisbane Maserati Launch and the nationally televised 58th Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism.

“We worked hard to provide our customers with a different level of service, flexibility, creativity and care and I believe this is what has really set us apart from the competition this year – as well as the stunning heritage design of the facility,” said Ms Hocking.

“The Royal ICC was well and truly tested in 2013 with so many diverse events in all categories and it has performed exceptionally.

“The space works well with the adjoining unique outdoor Plaza; and our kitchens (and chefs) managed back-to-back large scale events with ease and grace.

“Our investment in Australia’s only operable ceiling grid system was appreciated by our customers who were able to produce creative options, and at the same time save on budget and time in the set-up and pull down of event theming and lighting,” she said.

The Royal ICC is also looking forward to welcoming a number of new international and national clients in 2014 including the MOTO Expo, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, General Practice Education and Training (GPET), QLD Education Resources Expo and the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) Conference.

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Tourism Australia Launches New Online Events Calendar

This new online resource will make life much easier for those working in our industry, helping them to select the most appropriate events to participate in or attend here and overseas

Tourism Australia has launched a new online calendar, to assist the industry plan their participation in tourism events in Australia and key international markets.

Tourism Australia’s General Manager Destination Development, Katherine Droga, said the fully searchable calendar provided a valuable one stop shop for the tourism industry, providing an online hub of nearly 80 domestic and international tourism events.

“This new online resource will make life much easier for those working in our industry, helping them to select the most appropriate events to participate in or attend here and overseas,” Ms Droga said.

“Thanks to input from across industry, including our state and territory tourism partners and the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), we now have a simple, user-friendly tool which will greatly assist in planning for and participating in key international and domestic events such as G’Day USA, ATE14, Corroboree China and ATEC Meeting Place,” she said

Hamilton Island Enterprises General Manager of Sales, Philippa Harrison, welcomed the new online calendar as a much needed tool in an industry where trade events are a crucial part of business activity.

“Hamilton Island has a strong presence at industry events, it’s how we reach key decision makers in our target markets, so we are really pleased this new online events calendar will make the process of searching and selecting the right events for us a lot simpler,” Ms Harrison said.

The Tourism Industry Events Calendar is housed on Tourism Australia’s corporate website and allows industry to search by date, relevant market and host organisation, as well as add their own key events matching the set criteria. It will be regularly updated and acts as the central hub of event information, providing links to the host organisations’ websites for further event and contact details.

The creation of the new online calendar is the latest outcome of a recent review by Tourism Australia looking at ways to improve how Australian tourism product is sold and distributed at home and overseas.

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Perth To Go Gaga

It is shaping up as the biggest year of live music in Perth's history.

Following tour announcements already this week from Kanye West and Robbie Williams, Lady Gaga has revealed she will head Down Under in August with her artRAVE, The ARTPOP Ball tour.

The eccentric pop star, right, will open the Australian leg of the tour at Perth Arena on August 20.

Gaga's die-hard fans, known as Little Monsters, have the chance to get up close and personal with the Bad Romance singer if they are willing to spend big.

For $1499, fans can sit inside an on-stage viewing area, known as the ARTPOP Zone, and then have an after-show meet and greet with Gaga in a private lounge area with cocktails and beverages. They will also get a photo with the singer.

Tickets go on sale at noon on Tuesday through Ticketek, starting at $92.65

Taste Festival Sydney 2014 and NSW Food & Wine Festival

Food lovers, it’s that time of year again! The NSW Food & Wine Festival is starting this week and we can’t wait for all mouth-watering food and wine events lined up in this year’s program.

Running for one month from the 21st of February to the 21st of March, the festival is bigger than ever, with something for everyone.

The festival celebrates NSW’s finest produce, wine and wine regions, featuring growers, winemakers, artisan food producers, chefs, restaurants, sommeliers and bars across Sydney and regional NSW. Events include sparkling brunches and high teas, snacks and street food, dinners, classes and more.

One of the festivals biggest events, Sydney Cellar Door, will take place on February 21st to 23rd in Hyde Park South. As well as the famous wine tastings, Sydney Cellar Door will feature food stalls including Bar Pho, Nomad, Salt Meets Cheese and Gelato Messina.

Live music will fill the park as locals and travellers dine together amongst the greenery.

RESCU Recommends: the popular Tour the Regions Dinners. These special event dinners feature set menus prepared by the finest chefs and sommeliers in NSW, with a focus on local produce. The dinners will take place at restaurants around Sydney.

For more on NSW Food & Wine Festival visit: nswfoodandwine.com.au



Taste of Sydney



Taste of Sydney is the city’s biggest event during NSW Food & Wine Festival. The 6th annual Taste of Sydney will take place on Thursday the 13th to Sunday the 16th of March in the gorgeous Centennial Parklands.

Aside from the opportunity to taste delicious food and wine, the event will offer an array of interactive features from the Lurpak Cookery School to a Food & Beverage Matching Masterclass
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RESCU Recommends: Sensology’s ‘The Art of Cocktail Making’. In this class, expert mixologists shake things up with simple step-by-step demonstrations on creating and serving some of the world’s most iconic cocktails. Prepare to be a hostess with the mostest at your next party.

For more on Taste of Sydney visit: tasteofsydney.com.au

Events Choosing Sydney Despite Convention Centre Closure

Sydney, Australia is hitting the publicity trail with positive stories on the city despite not having a convention centre.

“Sydney expects 2014 to be a strong year for business events with close to 53,000 delegates spending more than 230,000 days in the city and delivering an economic impact (EI) of close to A$200 million to the New South Wales (NSW) economy.”

Lyn Lewis-Smith, ceo BESydney said: “New South Wales welcomes around 50 per cent of the 890,000 international business visitors to Australia each year. And of these total arrivals, conference and convention arrivals account for about 20 per cent of visitors."

“This year, Sydney is open for business even though we won’t have a convention centre for the next three years. The pipeline of secured events is strong and we are still seeing bid wins for short term Asian business that will continue to grow the event pool. The benefits from all of these meetings, incentives and conferences will be great.

“You only have to look at the events of all sizes that we are hosting this year - from 18,000 people to just a few hundred - to see that our venues are continuing to accommodate conferences, meetings and incentives in Sydney’s usual, exceptional manner.

"--Some 2014 highlight events secured by BESydney include: The 105th Rotary International Convention for 18,000 delegates with an EI of almost A$64 million; Pro-Health China Annual Conference for 4,500 delegates with an EI of A$22 million; International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) World Parks Congress for 3,000 delegates with an EI of A$24 million and the LG Group Long Service Staff Reward for 1,400 delegates with an EI of A$7 million.

“Rotary is one of the world’s largest annual international business events and will inject close to A$64 million into the local economy during the four official convention days in June, making it one of the largest business events ever mounted in Australia,” said Lewis-Smith.