On Saturday 6 September, Events NQ will once again stage Food, Wine and All That Jazz – which is not surprisingly, one of Festival Cairns’ most popular and iconic events.

Food, Wine and All That Jazz captures the true spirit of the tropical north in an enjoyable afternoon and evening of food, wine and song. This event is the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and feast on delicious food showcasing eight of the region’s best restaurants and tropical produce – along with wines to match and first-class entertainment – performed live thanks to media partner, 4CA FM.

New in 2008 is the waterfront location on the Esplanade. Moving north to a prime spot adjacent the Esplanade Skate Park, this event is a rare and exclusive opportunity to get out in the great outdoors during spring.

Also new at this year’s event is a dedicated kid’s space for the first two hours of the event. Designed to appeal to families, this child-friendly domain comes complete with face painting and madly funny Gherkin the Clown who also does balloon sculpture, stilt walking and juggling.

With the complete entertainment line up yet to be announced, Food, Wine and All That Jazz goers can look forward to some stunning fire-dancing from Felix and his pyrotechnique crew, four-piece band, Paris Texas and great dance music from Hip 2 Soul.

Participating restaurants include Green Ant Cantina, Golden Boat, Rydges Tradewinds Catering, Fire and Ice, Buddah Bar, Kani’s on the Esplanade, Jambo and Coffee on the Run from Cup and Away.

General entry is just $20 per person (from the gate) and $180 for a dressed, reserved table of eight (pre-purchase). Children under 12 years of age are free of charge. Tickets that can be redeemed from one of the eight presenting food and wine stalls are available for pre-purchase at $20 per book. They can also be purchased at the event.

For bookings, contact Events NQ on tel: 4053 4577 or visit the website: www.foodandwinenq.com.au

Festival Cairns 2008 will run from Wednesday 27 August to Saturday 20 September, 2008.

For further information about Festival Cairns 2008, click on www.festivalcairns.com.au or contact management company, Events Cairns on tel: 07 4051 0222 / email: info@eventscairns.com

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For all publicity enquiries, contact:

Pip Miller
Pip Miller PR
Ph: (07) 4032 4400 Mob: 0419 681 543 Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
Internet: www.festivalcairns.com.au

Tanks Arts Centre presents Sneaky Beats, a Festival Cairns event not to be missed. Showcasing young and local talent exclusively from the Cairns region, Sneaky Beats confirms the quality and diversity of music being produced by young people in the area.

The Tanks Arts Centre has recently been fostering live music in the region by facilitating young people to stage and perform at their own events. The hugely successful Battle Of Edmonton and Turn It Up in Gordonvale are both testament to this with great attendance and quality entertainment. Many of the bands that featured on those bills debuted on those stages and now have the chance to prove them selves on the larger Sneaky Beats platform.

Ranging from Reggae to Heavy Metal to Indie Rock the diversity from the eight acts set to hit the Sneaky Beats stage is astounding. The line up features some of Cairns finest well known talents including Emma Louise, Sian Evans Band, Echoed Silence and The Medics. The Medics are Cairns hottest act at the present. They will, no doubt, will be amped after their stint at the Time Out Concert playing alongside such acts as Faker and Scribe. The up and coming acts Shub, Amedance, Seven Chances and Take Notice
are also of outstanding quality. All and all it is a stellar line up promising an awesome vibe and fantastic tunes.

Sneaky Beats will be held in the beautiful surrounds of the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Saturday September 6 kicking off at 4pm. It is an all age’s drug and alcohol free event, all are welcome, entry is free. Come along and experience the best young local talent Cairns has to offer.

For more information contact Lisa Capon at the Tanks Arts Centre (07) 4032 6604 0r l.capon@cairns.qld.gov.au

e-news-3-1-sept-08e-news-2-29-aug-08E-News 3: Monday 1 September 08 Events & Media Opportunities

WEEK TWO – FESTIVAL CAIRNS

A pinch and a punch! Festival Cairns springs into week two following a high impact weekend of sport – music – art and family fun.

Congratulations to all the event organizers for the TimeOUT concert attracting a massive crowd of 10,000 to Cairns Showgrounds, the QLD Cup (well done to the Skytrans Cairns Taipans for downing Sydney last night) as well as the Festival of Sport, KickARTS Gallery, Cairns Regional Gallery and The Pier for their own respective events. The Tanks Art Centre also launched their program on Friday night with a great concert – Ben Winkelman Trio that was followed on Saturday with eloquent guitarist, Jeff Lang.

And before we get stuck in to this week’s line up, here is a short review from Narell Black, Operations Manager of Festival Cairns:

“Art is the winner! Friday night- Big –Insiders Exhibition at KickArts Gallery kicked off and was fantastic I was lucky enough to view the display on Friday afternoon and was blown away by the depth of talent 120 fantastic diverse pieces on display.

“Well done Kick Art- fantastically displayed and organised.

“Cairns Regional Gallery deserves a big congratulations for the fantastic Family Day they staged on Saturday. We had groups of families asking for directions down at the info stall on the Esplanade – so when re-enforcements came I could not help wandering along to see what all the excitements was about- I was greet by children throughout the ‘gallery’ with large, very impressively, decorated chef hats on. There were loads of children all with smiles on – showing great enjoyment for all the activities. And I could not but help noticing the parents and carers looking over their shoulders at the wonderful art on display. It was a feast of creativity.

“Fantastic Event- Congratulations to all involved.

Festival of Sport should be renamed, Festival of Fun! A good idea expanded on and made better; lots of kids and lots of community sport represented. One such activity that was a special highlight and looked great fun was the water polo and kayaking in the lagoon – how cool is that!

“The professional bump in and bump out for the triathlon was again inspiring. The organisers did a great job.

And finally, the Subway Hoops Clinic definitely rates a mention – 104 children were booked into the free Basketball clinic and 140 turned up. All players from the FOUR NBL teams were in attendance along with their coaches. Budding basketballers in Cairns were indeed treated and I think junior basketballers all around Australia would be green with envy.

“Cairns Kids and families were out and being active all weekend!”

So, what’s on this week?? Loads…concerts, storytime, theatre for young people, busking festival heats, Dave Graney, Possum Magic (it’s a sell out), Food, Wine and all that Jazz, Reggaetown, Carnival on Collins and more…..

Once again, don’t forget the second of four Festival Friday’s tonight at Ba8, Shangri-la….

Check out the website for more information www.festivalcairns.com.au – or my Festival Cairns blog – features all press releases/media kit and updates…www.pipmillerpr.com.au or call me on 0419 681543

For interviews with Operations Manager, Narell Black, call her on 0433 078830 or tel: 40307518 email: narell@eventscairns.com

Please note, there are media opportunities included in week one e-news. They are written in RED. Other opportunities will no doubt arise during the week and will be issued / notified under separate cover.

Monday 1 September 2008: Spring has Sprung!

• Winner of the Sydney International Piano Competition presented by Cairns Regional Council for one night only from 8pm tonight. Tickets still available and can be purchased from Ticketlink on 40319555.

Tuesday 2 September 2008:

• Media Opportunity: Tuesday, 2 September at 9.30am at Esplanade Lagoon for Schools Cultural Week 2008

Photo Opp – Cr Margaret Cochrane (who is the chair of the Schools Cultural committee) will be available for a media call on Tuesday, 2 September, 2008 at 9.30am at Inner City Facilities on the Esplanade opposite Mantra Hotel. In addition, we also have the “Smithy Crocs” coming down at the same time, also available for the media call. They are Smithfield State High Cheersquad, who are just about to take off for the National Titles. Schools Cultural Week 2008 is a two day event on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September from 10am at Fogarty Park stage. For further information, contact Simone Roseler, Marketing and Promotions, Inner City Facilities Mob: 0418 699 028 or Pip Miller Mob: 0419 681543

(please request media release if more info required)

• Storytime in the Library presented by Cairns Libraries starts today with a reading at Gordonvale Library at 10.30am by ABC Radio Far North presenter, Kier Shorey. Kier will read the award-winning children’s book, ‘The Rainbow Fish’ by Marcus Pfister. For bookings contact Gordonvale Library on 4056 1365 or details contact Kristie Jones at Cairns Libraries on 4044 3791.

Wednesday 3 September 2008:

• The second Storytime in the Library presented by Cairns Libraries will take place from 10.30am in Manunda Library with a reading by Councillor Margaret Cochrane. Councillor Cochrane will also read ‘The Rainbow Fish’. For bookings contact Manunda Library on 4044 3779 or details contact Kristie Jones at Cairns Libraries on 4044 3791.

Thursday 4 September 2008:

• Schools Cultural Week 2008 presented by Cairns Regional Council begins its two day event today from 10am on Fogarty Park stage. Performance times are 10am to 2.30pm and 6pm to 10pm today and tomorrow. This event showcases the diverse range of talent that exists within our local primary and high schools (some 20 in all). The concerts will combine choirs, string ensembles, rock bands, dances, orchestras and more. This is a FREE event. For information, contact Simone Roseler on 0418 699 028.

• Ergon Energy Busking Festival presented by Ergon Energy – Open Competition starts today with heats in City Place as follows: 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm.

Amateurs will vie for a slice of the $1000 prize money up for grabs when the finals are held between 4pm and 6pm on Friday 19 September.
For information, contact Melinda Norris, Bright Black AV on mob: 0400 798 425 or Claudette Bartos at Inner City Facilities, Cairns Esplanade on 4044 3715

• Storytime in the Library continues – today at Edmonton Library featuring ‘yours truly’ as the storyteller….this is my third storytime and I will take pleasure in reading ‘The Rainbow Fish’ to the kids. For bookings contact Edmonton Library on 4055 4121 or details contact Kristie Johnes at Cairns Libraries on 4044 3791.

• Theatre for Young People presented by Saint Monica’s College and St. Augustine’s College will present the first of two shows at McLaughlin Theatre from 7pm. Some of Cairns finest young stage performers will be on show with a performance featuring an adaptation of Egene Ionesco’s – The Lesson. Students from St. Monica’s College will also present an adaptation from the Theatre for Young People text titled, ‘The Formal’ – a comedy by Sue Murray. Admission is FREE. For information, contact Loredana Citraro on 4042 4800.

• The Queensland Orchestra Kinetic Energy presented by The Queensland Orchestra. This two night concert at Cairns Civic Theatre from 7.30pm is destined to raise the roof with great masterworks in 2008. Tickets still available for tonight and tomorrow from Cairns Civic Theatre on 4031 9555.

Friday 5 September 2008:

• Media Opportunity: Friday 5 September from 3pm at Tanks Art Centre for Dave Graney & Clare Moore concert tonight.

Photo Opp – Sound check and interview with Dave to talk about his return to Cairns after many years – his new band The Lurid Yellow Mist and new album, ‘We Wuz Curious’. Contact Eva Roberts 0404 848 666 or Pip Miller 0419 681543.

• Schools Cultural Week continues in Fogarty Park today from 10am.

• Family Fun at the Pier featuring La Goons continues at The Pier from 10am to 1pm

• Ergon Energy Busking Festival open heats continue today at City Place : 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm.

• Festival Fridays from 5pm to 9pm at Ba8, Shangri-La

• Theatre for Young People – final night in two day season tonight from 7pm at McLaughlin Theatre

• Dave Graney & Clare Moore featuring In the Lurid Yellow Mist presented by the Tanks Arts Centre – one night concert tonight – doors open from 6.30pm for a 7.30pm show. Tickets available from Ticketlink on 40319555. For information, contact Eva Roberts on 0404 848 666

• The Queensland Orchestra Kinetic Energy also wraps tonight with 7.30pm concert at Cairns Civic Theatre.

Saturday 6 September 2008: Weekend Two

• Family Fun at the Pier featuring La Goons continues today at The Pier from 10am to 1pm.

Chaka Demus & Pliers will perform at Reggaetown on Saturday

• Reggaetown Festival at Tjapukai from 12noon to 11pm. Australia’s premier Roots Reggae event, Reggaetown Festival, introduces a new brand of groove when it takes place on Saturday 6 September 2008 at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. This year’s event features the sweet and saucy rhythms and harmonies of New Zealand’s stand out Reggae ambassadors, Katchafire , the Mana Maori Music Men, Chaka Demus & Pliers and loads more. Tickets at the door or from Ticketlink 40319555 For information contact event organiser, Mickie Sellton, Mob: 0416037275 Email mickie@reggaetown.com.au Web: www.reggaetown.com.au

Picture: Rydges Tradewinds Executive Chef, John Crank shows off his Moroccan Lamb dish that will be served at Saturday night’s Food, Wine and All That Jazz on the Esplanade. He is pictured with one of the night’s performers, Felix the Firedancer.

• Food, Wine and all that Jazz presented by Events NQ will take place from 4pm to 10pm at the northern end of Cairns Esplanade (between Muddies & Skate Park) tonight. Featuring a complete entertainment line up of Paris Texas, Hip2Soul, Felix the Firedancer and Gherkin the Clown (for the kids from 4pm to 6pm), Food, Wine and All That Jazz goers can look forward to food from participating restaurants including Green Ant Cantina, Golden Boat, Rydges Tradewinds Catering, Fire and Ice, Buddah Bar, Kani’s on the Esplanade, Jambo and Coffee on the Run from Cup and Away.

General entry is just $20 per person (from the gate) and $180 for a dressed, reserved table of eight (pre-purchase). Children under 12 years of age are free of charge. For bookings, contact Events NQ on tel: 4053 4577 or visit the website: www.foodandwinenq.com.au

The boys from Gordonvale State High and their band, Amedance have the Right Attitude when it comes to metal…they will rock it out at Sneaky Beats on Saturday 6 September on the Lagoon Stage, The Esplanade. From left, drummer Andrew and threesome on guitar Tom, Josh and David

• Sneaky Beats presented by Cairns Regional Council will cap off Schools Cultural Week 2008 with a fabulous line up of live music events on the Esplanade Lagoon Stage from 4pm to 10pm. Eight bands will showcase their talents. This event is FREE. For further information, contact Lisa Capon on 4032 6604.

• Possum Magic – The Musical Live on Stage – a Garry Ginivan Attraction presented by Cairns Regional Council at Cairns Civic Theatre. This event is a sell out for its 6.30pm concert at Cairns Civic Theatre tonight and on Monday 8 September at 9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm. Possum Magic – The Musical is based on Mem Fox’s classic picture book, a tender tale of a baby possum, Hush, and her journey across Australia. The musical features larger than life puppets, original music and a cast of multi-talented performers. For information, contact Ticketlink on 4031 9555. SELL OUT, SELL OUT, SELL OUT!

Sunday 7 September 2008: Happy Father’s Day

• Carnival on Collins presented by Cairns Botanic Gardens kicks off this morning at 9am and will run all day until 3pm. Fabulous program of live entertainment culminating in special guest performance by Women in Docs – over 100 market stalls, plant stalls and a new food domain near Tanks Art Centre…For media opportunities, contact Sandy Astill at Tanks Art Centre on 07- 4032 6601 or Eva Roberts 0404 848 666

Emma Louise

• United – Youth Concert from 5pm to 7.30pm in Fogarty Park is organized by Cairns Christian Ministers Network with wonderful line up of local entertainment – Shakinah Dance Crew, The Dogs drummers of Good Shepherd and Emma Louise. This is a FREE, family event. For information contact Richard Mindenhall on 0431098082.

• Stomp the Nard presented by Cairns Civic Theatre from 7pm to 10.30pm is the final event for week two. This FREE event will be held at Esplanade Skate Park is going to host Cairns’ biggest dance battle featuring B-Boyz and Girlz, Krumpperz, Clownerz, and hip hop dancers from the north. For information www.stompthenard.com

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