Brisbane

In Brisbane for the week for the Big sound music conference.

Staying Chesters a great little b&B, which is a stones throw away from James Street Markets and campos coffee. Good places to get coffee.

Had dinner at Cru in James Street yesterday. The steak was fantastic, though not too sure about the potato rosti with breadcrumbs. This little complex has lots of other interesting places to eat, graze and consume in this little strip of shops.

The James Street markets are at 22 James Street, fortitude Valley, Brisbane


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Creative business

Well my daughter in an effort to pay back her holiday money - borrowed from me whilst away, has decided to set up a business. Jewellery and cards. I think this could be a slow process.

We started on the weekend with buying materials for the cards and are now working on prototypes. Some are actually quite good.

Others, I have definitely told her are not going to sell as handmade for $5, if they are crooked and have dirt marks on them. Should be an interesting process.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Holiday fatigue

I now feel that I have officially got holiday fatigue and have tired legs from walking and the will to shop is not so strong.

However, not looking forwardto the packing!

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

edinburgh festivals

queues everywhere and crowds of people milling around everywhere else, so navigating your way through the city and the roadworks on Princess street is a pretty slow and hard slog.

Lots of things sold out on the 2 for 1 scheme, bah, couldn't take advantage of that. being given producer status seems fairly unhelpful for even buying tickets.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

10 tips Euro Disney

Tips,
1) In hindsight pre-booking park passes would have been quicker than queuing.
2) we went later in the day ie arrived at midday to avoid morning queues. Stayed till later at night when crowds had thinned.
3) If you don't pre-buy, go to the far left hand side to buy tickets away from the queues, there is a series of shared booths there and quicker to access entry.
4) It seemed pricey, but the character meals were good value. An extra 10 Euro per adult on the normal buffet price. No queuing and lots of photo ops.
5) A good place to get your bearings is the Lucky Nugget while having lunch, you can plot your course.
6) The express tix are really good, they do save on queuing time.
7) You can only get one express ticket at a time, so choose wisely
8) There are definitely peak times ie after shows etc, if you do activities while the shows are on the queues are shorter.
9) the shops get really manically busy later in the evening
10) Whilst queues are shorter later in the day some rides start closing around 9.00, ie we couldn't get onto Autopia

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Eiffel Tower

Image from our perfect meal at the Eiffel Tower.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Paris Plage

Paris is a beach along the Seine. Imagine sitting on the hot sand with no respite with a cool ocean to jump into.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Euro Disney

Can't believe the cost of Eurodisney once you add up the transport, the entry, the food, around $50 for 3 hotdogs and a couple of bags of chips and only 2 bags of chips. That was the cheapest thing we could find.

We had already blown our budget by having a character buffet for lunch. At nearly $200 we ended up thinking it was actully quite good value compared to the other food outlets. However, Arran loved it and it beat queuing to meet the characters and have our photo taken.

Definitely worth using the fast ticket system and of course the queues are shorter later in the day.

We arrived at midday and started with lunch, knowing the obsession most families have with being early. This tactic worked as we only missed out on one ride we wanted to go on - Autopia for some reason always had long queues. We managed to do Buzz Lightyear twice and for some rides only queued for 15 minutes, which we thought was pretty good.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Paris

Now in Paris, but for some reason I thought my hotel was closer to Gare du Nord than it was. How I had trouble finding blvd Magenta, I don't know.

Curious, it is dirtier than last time I was here and many more people on the streets.

Plus really,really expensive

Still can't believe the numbers of people in Europe, metro crowded all day and its the weekend.

Stood like an idiot trying to catch a glimpse of the Tour de France, saw something but no idea what it was.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Travel

what a long flight, compoounded by smoke being seen on landing and having to hang around for another half hour in the plane. However otherwise it went smoothly but full planes.

London is crowded, can't believe numbers of tourists. Soho looks really grotty and it still takes forever to get anyway, due to crowds.

Had a great day with Phil and Annie at Columbia markets, upmarket etc and got some real coffee.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

School Holidays

After a really big day at school with disco and a party to see Hannah Montana, first day of school holidays spent in bed with flu. aaaarggghhh, all those plans for stuff we need to do fly out the window.

Hopefully its not swine flu, as we are on the mend now.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Dr Who

So it looks like it was Christmas in July for us. As we were winding our way out of David Jones we decided to have a look at the toys section and came across some great Dr Who gear on sale.

We managed to score a couple of ten set figures from series one and two. It was less than half price and they are really cute because they are in a telphone booth.

When we got them home, we were even happier, they are such good quality, bendable action figures. If you are a Dr Who fan, or know someone who is, make your way to David jones, if I hadn't had my daughter with me, I would probably have put these away as they make a great Christmas present.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Childhood diseases

How debilitating is that same cold or flu you get off your child. Spend the whole week with disruption then get the illness worse than anyone else in the family and write off a few days more work.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sing - Justine Clarke

Justine Clarke at the Enmore Theatre

A great family show, very relaxed, community feel. Good songs, sing along lyrics and lots of opportunities for audience participation.

Perfect for under 6 age group.

Unfortunately there were only 2 shows in Sydney. Justine is quite pregnant and is doing a small tour.

Worth catching if she comes near you.

Joanne Kee
http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

Winter Festival

Winter Festival in Sydney, tiny little ice rink, but cute concept.

Last day is today Sunday 21st June.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Light Walk

Light Walk around the harbour.











Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Fire Water

Well, we were in the wrong location, shame the Rocks website didn't make use of google maps or where is to show me where Campbell Cove was. By the time we found our way, it was way beyond getting a good vantage point, so it was snippets that we caught.

The bay is unfortunately very small, hope they don't get big audiences, because a lot of people will be disappointed.

It could have been good, hard to really get a feel for it. My tip is you need to be there in good time to get a good vantage point, particularly if you have kids.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Long Weekend in Sydney

I love holidays in Sydney when so many people leave town, its easy to get around, people are more relaxed. You can even get a table in one of the few winebars in town with a European Feel, overlooking Hyde park.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

tiny url

Well I heard about it and decided to try it out. Tiny URL is this software that reduces website addresses to 21 characters, perfect for stuff like Twitter etc, but also good when you have a website page with a title bigger than Ben Hur.

Website is http://tiny.cc

As an extra tip also worked out that you can take out the www from the new address and it still works. http://www.tiny.cc/LahLah

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Advertising triumphs over good food

Yes, we were advertised into a trip to McDonalds for the special games on offer.

I was in the mood for something good to eat, but no it was off to fried and plastic for the minature trivial pursuits game.

Success to those advertisers.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Come Out

Well it may sound like it, but it isn't a gay festival, it is a festival for children in Adelaide.

I had the privelege to see a range of performances from:

Children's Cheering Carpet, a co-production betweeen Italy and Australia using incredible lighting sensors, on a journey from bush to city.

Freaky, a terrific collaboration between Circus Monoxide and Cirkidz in SA. A combination of budding circus performers,matched with the experience and drama of Circus Monoxide. It was a high energy, engaging performance, which beautifully used the burgeoning skills of the Cirkidz crew with the Monoxide performers.

Explosion Therapy, by Terrapin Puppet Theatre, just like the name says, an Explosion of "stuff". Really creative and interesting use of lighting and movement, creating something 2 dimensional and cartoonish from 3D life.

In a way this was similiar to The 2 Dimensional Life of Her by Fleur Elise, a work in progress where Elise is actually working on film and animation. The premise being an artist's process in a studio canvass. Again interesting use of lights, cartooning, special effects.

Come out produced a new work Books & Bits, which was a great quiz style romp through children's books. Fabulous seeing and hearing the reaction and interaction of the kids with the authors.

Plop by Windmill, was of course a beautifully rendered piece of work, geared for 1-4 years.

Boats by Terrapin was a great piece of theatre and clever use of puppets and imagery.

So in all a great selection and range of performances. I wish I had bought my daugher with me!

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Off with her head

Obviously a day at Questacon was not the dream of most mother's on her special day.

They had a special offer with Mothers admitted free last Sunday. So as a treat for me, my daugher Arran took me along and banished Dad.

Questacon is the most fantastic place and in fact, I could have spent much longer there and will definitely go back for another visit, with or without our heads.

Joanne Kee

www.ceressolutions.com.au

mixed bag

Well it was a day of varied experiences, from childrens theatre, the Little Mermaid in chamber concert mode at the Opera House, through to another kids show by Patch Theatre, starring the big bad wolf?

and then to the electronic sounds of Triad, sitting on the floor of the Don't Look Now Gallery in Dulwich Hill and in between the torrential rain.

Now cleaning out the soaked rabbit straw.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Twitter

Not sure about this one, but yes I have jumped on the bandwagon to see what it does. Seems there are lots of different ideas about its usage.

So you can visit me at Twitter

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Anzac Day

Well, Sandy and Arran were up at an early hour for them, off to raise money by offering sprigs of Rosemary for Anzac Day.

Its all part of Scouts Australia and I am really pleased that Arran does something like this, on behalf of other people.

In a fast moving world, Scouts are really fantastic in the way they teach skills and values to the next generation

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Wiggles

There were three security guards outside the venue, Access all ages and Pram parking required. All was controlled chaos for the Wiggles gigs at the Enmore Theatre.

All credit to the Wiggles, it was a great show, lots of classic tunes, plenty of movement and lots of audience engagement.

Loved that they collected the roses for Dorothy and read the signs (mainly made by the Mums!). Plus the Wiggles actually seemed to be having great fun.

Boo to the parents who think that no-one exists except their own offspring and who talk loudly and let their kids block other children's views.

Shows are still on, but they sold out months ago, no wonder, getting a chance to see the Wiggles at the Enmore instead of the Entertainment Centre is much, much better.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

busking in Pitt Street Mall

These guys were great to watch a cross between yo-yos and circus juggling.

Joanne Kee

http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

Being sick

What a nice thing it would be to have a job where I was paid when I was sick. This is one thing about running my own business is that that kind of luxury and paid holidays don't exist.

So as I am lying there with cotton wool head I am furiously thinking about all the things I have to do.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Easter Happy, Happy

Make love not war demonstration on the steps of the Town Hall.

Done to the drum beats of a hare krishna chant.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Easter show

It was extremely pleasant this year going to the Easter Show on Thursday, the crowds were not too bad, so it was very pleasant. We did lots of poking around looking at stuff. Visited the Big Top and saw the Erth Petting zoo, Wild Aussies and Hip and Hop.

Then it was off to the agricultural displays, still not sure who won, but we did like the story book. We also planted a sunflower and saw the pumpkin prize winners, celebrities pictured here. The sample bag pavillion wasn't too crowded, and the petting zoo was also fun.

Show is still going and its fun to visit.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sydney streets

Images captured on Sydney streets this Saturday.



Hare Krishna in Hyde Park and busking in Pitt Street Mall.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

total obsession

Well have decided to go to Europe for busines mainly, but it is now total obsession with travel. Can't believe the difference in prices you can find online.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Pangolin

A very cute creature from Stephen Fry's twitter.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Concerts and exhaustion

Put on two concerts this week, these images are from Judy Baileys Jazz Connection, a rather toe tapping affair. I think if I was going to do this again I would make it a tea dance.

Next up was Compass, fabulous tango music.

Very happy now to be a couch potato for a day.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Pop princess

Well we braved the screaming crowds to see Taylor Swift, toss her hair and strut her stuff at the Factory Theatre.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Adelaide

We spent the weekend in Adelaide for the Childrens fringe festival and to celebrate Arran's birthday.

Womad had been on the agenda, but we didn't make it. Probably just as well, I hear that they sold out of ticket for Sunday so they were selling weekend festival tickets on the Sunday at full price. If that is true that is horrific price gouging.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Scouts

Spent the day on Sydney harbour as part of an activity with the Scouts/Cubs. Its a great thing to have this kind of opportunity.

I was trying real hard with the canoeing, but have to admit my best moment was when we got a tow back in. The wind really picked up and we were struggline to get back to base.

I am amazed at how chuffed Arran is with the badge.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Cheap eats

The local Indian Tandoori restaurant has a secret side entrance and a separate takeaway section where it is possible to buy some good food, for what we reckon are bargain prices.





Just off Glebe Point Road, with the entrance on Bridge road, great value, the non-vege Thali was $14 for this huge plate.

We have decided our friend Diane needs to start a cheap eats blog site, so in our quest to help out we are aiming at budget meals.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Pleasures of spending a day with an 8 year old

So nice to spend a day with Arran, just hanging out and having a really great time together.

It was nothing out of the usual we did, just having a sushi train and browsing in shops, but just great to spend time together enjoying each others company.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Year of the Ox

What a busy week, so much work. Not improved by my husband saying why are you still working, the answer being obvious, because I have to.

On the plus side, Joh kindly gave us her VIP tix to the Chinese New Year Parade, which was great fun.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Back to school

First week back to school and good mother that I am I bundled Arran up and took her, wondering as we went why it was so easy to park - simple answer - pupil free day!

Managed to get it right the next day.

Quite nerve for Arran to be going back after what feels like such a long break.

All good now and wondering what class she will be in next week.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Not so fabulous Melbourne

Docklands I must admit was rather a disappointment, they advertised sand sculpture and there was one sculpture. It was good, but boy do they misrepresent it.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Melbourne

Had such a fun time in Melbourne with Arran where we went for the long weekend.

Did lots of tourist and other activities from markets to Angelina Ballerina, to jazz to shopping. Not to mention a fantastic meal at Guiseppi and Aldos. Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

The Nargun and the Stars

Knowing the work of ERTH and the fact that they have a tiny team, it is just so wonderful that Scott is able to pull off the work he does. How such s small arts company manage to put on such large scale works is a mystery, but its fantastic that they are doing this. Not to mention that it is a great piece of theatre.

A beautiful show, of Australian mythical tales. The puppetry and the stage settings are a joy to see. It is particularly wonderful to see another ERTH fabulous big bodied production.

The special effects and the large scale puppets, which are ERTH's trademark were a joy to watch. Not to mention some fine acting by the three human performers.

It all came together to produce a magical effect. My critical 8 year old, was very taken by the Nargun and despite the cold of the air conditioning and ice blocks for feet, was riveted.

Currently showing as part of the Sydney Festival definitely worth a trip to Parramatta. It is recommended for 8 and over, and is also a treat for adults of any ages.

From the novel by Patricia Wrightson
Adapted by Verity Laughton
Directed by Scott Wright & Wesley Enoch
Produced by Performing Lines.

The adaptation is informed by ERTH’s on-going consultation with the original story owners, the Gunai/Kurnai, Monaro and Boon Wurrung communities of East Gippsland.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
January 17-18, 20-21 at 7pm, January 18 at 3pm
Sydney Festival Event
All tix $25

End of the Chinese year

It was down to the Joss House today for the end of year devotions to the ancestors and prayers for a good New Year.

It was incredibly busy and smoky, in fact I can still smell the smoke on my hair.

It kind of made me wonder with the celebrations about how removed we are now, four generations later from what the hell is exactly happening? We burnt joss sticks, burnt money, threw stones and donated money, bowed three times etc. Now I am not exactly sure what all that ritual stands for?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sydney Festival Launch

As part of the kids day we visited Hyde Park and helped flesh out the Tasmanian Devil.

We watched a bit of hip hop, but I don't think the age demographic was right. It didn't have the atmosphere of a real hip hop comp.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Gerroa

Lazy couple of days on the beach at Gerroa. Mini summer holiday.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

xmas in Sydney

Queuing for chocolate - the chocolate shop with a bouncer!



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Cabbage

More on the new bunny from Sunshine bunnies.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

were cabbage

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Cavolo Nero

Have managed to waste many hours bunny shopping, finding bunny, researching all the work having a bunny involes and buying bunny paraphenalia.

Oh yes, and silly me thought a mini lop meant that the bunny wouldn't grow too big. Obviously my understanding of mini and the rabbit world definition is different!

How much bugging can a small child do? Finally gave in to a pet, hope I don't regret the hours of work I am going to put into this!

Bunny not yet arrived, awaiting hutch.

Not to mention Arran being on a good behaviour bond for the next 2 weeks.

Oh yes, bunnies name is Cavolo Nero, cabbage for short.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Back to normal

Thankfully, household back to normal, with chicken pox over, and now just a little bit of green throat.

Had a busy week weeing Phil Slater quartet, Way out West and Booka Shade. Had planned to go to Jazz in the Gardens at Vaucluse House, but I think it is a tad too wet.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Latest get up campaign

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't like to find myself innocent without recourse to a fair legal process.

Anti-Terrible Laws

History will remember the Bush-Howard era of national security as one marked by draconian anti-terrorism laws that did little to protect us but created a climate of fear. With the end of that era, we now have a chance to write a new chapter of history.

An independent review and watchdog can weed out the most abhorrent features of the system while ensuring a more robust and accountable system that keeps us safe.

Have your say on how you want the new era to look by signing this petition.9,989 have joined this campaign - help us get to 15,000.

Visit https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/campaign.php?alias=WereAfraidNot&id=435

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Chicken pox

It is so hard to remember whether or not I had chicken pox, so the pyscho symatic effect comes into play.

Arran with spots, me with paranoia.

On the positive side, some of those treatments they have now are really good at controlling itching and Arran is now back at school.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Barack wins!

How exciting, its just been called, a new President for the future.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Wangaratta, Beechworth, Glenrowan

What a tragic little town is Glenrowan, where everything revolves around Ned Kelly in a slightly dusty, run down, Japanese tour bus kind of way.

In comparison Beechworth has lots of charming sandstone buildings, wide streets, a little city slicker in the country, but nice.

At the Farmhouse we stayed at in Oxley, my daughter walking in barefeet was asked by her Dad to be careful of snakes, she responded "but this is private property!"

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Australian Idol

Here's us at a found of Australian Idol, all the thrill of being on a TV set! not

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Tasmanian Devil launch

Check out the Tasmanian Devil appeal.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Arran as a drag

This is what too much make up can do for you.

Joanne

viva la gong

A fun festival in Wollongong.

We saw Ihos, Pray Bells, which was part of the Sound Travellers program. Arran was on her best behaviour, I got her to go to sleep.

Then it was the fun of the circus with a cabaret in the big tent with Circus Monoxide, Elana Kats Chernin and others. Packed out and really good.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

red centre

Decided to take a visit to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Went on a day bus trip from Alice, rather gruelling, leaving at 6.00 and back after midnight.

Pretty gruelling but worth it. Uluru, rock is the same, but the level of tourist services is much slicker now.

Joanne Kee

http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Alice Springs

Just been to Alice Springs for a regional conference Art at the Heart. This is an image from the opening ceremony.

Interesting how you can be at the centre of Australia, where english is not necessarily the common language.

Lots of indigenous culture in Alice, it seems that there is no other kind there?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Seaside

So nice to get away to the South Coast for a few days and visit my good friend Perrie.

Arran and I headed off, chilled out, wandered off to the beach, watched videos and generally had a good time.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Training band

Well, a week of action, from mini fete to training band's first public performance at the Inner West Festival.

The love of parents as they listen to the farting noises of the school band. Actually they didn't sound too bad, only a few little squeaks.




Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Pinata and Fathers Day

We went shopping for Fathers Day on Saturday, ending up with many goodies that my 8 year old found as special for Dad. So we bought a rocking horse pinata, but I knew from before the purchase that it was going to be hard to do the actual bashing dead. So we have a pinata, saved from desk.

Plus we have a "para-olympic" pig and a cow. Cannot be returned to the shop because they are mute, as they are now in a new loving home.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Highland flings

Arran bonding with her Uncle Tam, who returned from the UK this week. They certainly seemed to hit it off.

Today we headed out to the Highland Fling at Elizabeth Bay House.

On the way we had lunch at a newish Cafe, on 368 Crown Street, Coffee Cup on Crown, totally delicious food. In fact it was sooo good we took home a piece of the apple crumble for later.

The Highland fling was full of things Scottish, though I don't think the skittles were supposed to be used like a baseball bat.

Joanne Kee

Billycarts and bears

Billy cart - this is the creation created by Sandy and decorated by Arran and Roshan for the races at Forest Lodge Primary school.

I did have flashing disco lights as a go faster look - but they weren't allowed to turn these on during the races as nothing except grunt power was allowed. Much to my dismay the flashing lights have now disappeared with my rechargable batteries as my daughter gave them away.

Joanne Kee

http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

A few rocky moments

Arran playing the saxaphone - not that well!


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Another performance

Three performances left to go for the factory series.

Alcohotlicks and Alister Spence Trio was a good night.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Places + spaces presents Alister Spence Trio + the Alcohotlicks

Alister Spence Trio.

This is the sound of the hammer striking the nail right on the head, sweetly, every time’ Australian Financial Review

This trio brings together three of the most exciting, innovative and experienced musicians in original, contemporary Australian jazz music.

‘Soothing atmospherics, flying swing, free improvising and tranquil pools of lyricism all come and go, beautifully played … alwaysguaranteed to draw you into their captivating musical worlds.’ SMH.

Joining them will be the wonderful moving image artist, Louise Curham.

When these three long time collaborators get together, a bewitching musical world unfolds, full of excitement, surprise and beauty.The wealth of experience that the band has, both separately and together, allows the music to ebb and flow seemingly effortlessly, as they move through highly original compositions and free passages.From shadowy insistent funk, to racing swing, or trance-like ambient echoes, this is contemporary jazz and improvised music of the highest order.

The trio’s last two CD’s Flux and Mercury both received ARIA nominations, and they are now beginning to attract attention overseas.This performance at the factory comes on the eve of their first tour of Japan.Also appearing - the Alcohotlicks! Check them out here

The Alcohotlicks

Arne Hanna Composer (The Honourable Wally Norman, New York Times Critic’s Pick 03’) ‘I am firmly of the opinion that the Alcohotlicks are the finest, most inventive musical group working within the jazz idiom in Sydney.’

John Shand wrote ‘…Flower, Hauptmann and Mannell may just be on to something rather wonderful.’ (Sydney Morning Herald)aaron flower-guitarben hauptmann-guitarevan mannell-drums

The Alcohotlicks are a Sydney based band formed in the later part of 2002. The instrumentation of the band is unique comprising of two electric guitars and drums. The first two years were spent writing and performing in the local Sydney Jazz scene. As a band The Alcohotlicks have over thirty compositions registerd with A.P.R.A. and have released two self produced live recordings. Performance highlights include: the Jazz:Now festival - Sydney Opera House, Stonington Jazz festival, and Wangarratta Festival of Jazz.

In 2007 Aaron Flower won the prestigious Wangaratta National Jazz award, with Ben Hauptmann a close second.

From late 2005 The Alcohotlicks began featuring artists in their live performances, which most recently included incorporating Cesar and Steve Marin, both leading exponents of traditional South American music.

Other featured artists include:
ARIA and Mo. award winner James Muller ‘I believe Evan, Ben and Aaron have created music that is not only fresh and brilliant, but uniquely Australian.’
Art Orcehstra of Australia guitarist and composer Carl Dewhurst ‘(I) believe TheAlcohotlicks to be one of most original and captivating groups in Australia today.’
Melbourne based National Jazz Award winner Steve Magnusson ‘Their compositional approach, architecture and arrangements are unique to their sound.’

Doors @ 7pm, Performance begins at 8pm

places and spaces presents music @ the factory series.
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Din Tai Fung

My friend Diane had raved about the dumplings and we decided to give it a go and I have to say we are now hooked.

The experience is fun, as there is a process to how you eat these dumplings, the fragance, the broth inside them etc. Plus of course there is the production line process outside so you can see how they are assembled.

Probably just as well to have some entertainment as there is a pretty good chance you will have to queue.

The dessert is I have to say one of the best I have had in an Asian restaurant, mango, icecream and shaved ice, refreshing and delicate.

We'll be back!

Arran ready to dig into her dessert.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Back to School

After a weekend break in Terrigal it was back to school this week.

Have to admit, Terrigal holiday was really refreshing. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza, pool downstairs, beach just outside, enough attractions to be interesting, room comfortable. Definitely would like to go back there.


Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/