Lions Tour Roars to Life in Sydney

Once every twelve years the biggest touring side in World Rugby, The British and Irish Lions flock to Australia to take on the Wallabies in a best of three test series. 

To commemorate a tour that has been a decade in the making Beebox Mgmt's Sports Presenter and Travel Correspondent Nick Vindin was asked to host an intimate dinner at Merivale's York 75.

The Sportsman's dinner featured legendary Wallabies Lloyd Walker (1989 Tour) and Jeremy Paul (2001 Tour) who entertained the guests with tales of their experiences on and off the field against the legendary touring party.

Nick steered the formal question and answer panel conversation which dished up controversy, intrigue and hilarity in equal measure. To compliment the proceedings award-winning chef Jeremy Strode prepared a delicious three course menu with matching wines. 

Nick will also cover the month-long tour for SBS and is looking forward to hosting more sporting dinners at York 75 throughout the year.

Penelope Austin iTunes Single Of The Week and Debut EP Release

The Beautiful Dark is the long-awaited debut EP from Australian singer/songwriter Penelope Austin is die for a digital only release on May 30th, 2013. To celebrate, iTunes is offering Don't Rescue Me, a track from the EP as the Single Of The Week, making it available to download for free for one week from March 31st.

Says Penelope Austin "It sets my heart alight to release The Beautiful Dark. I have been wanting to share my stories and my music with the world, and now I am. It is incredibly exciting to think that iTunes are so behind me and wanting to use Don't Rescue Me as their Single Of The Week...quite humbling really." 

For Penelope Austin, 2013 has been a stellar year thus far. She wrote and performed one of the most high profile and successful television synchs of the year with A Place To Call Home, as well as collaborated on the track 'The Darkness Collide' with J.J. Abrams for Star Trek Into Darkness. HBO and SoHo Channel also picked up tracks by Penelope Austin to feature in their on-air brand campaigns.

Now with the release of The Beautiful Dark, fans of Penelope have the opportunity to experience all of the tracks in full, and not just segments on television or in cinemas.

The five-track EP begins with A Place To Call Home, a Top 20 iTunes hit due to it's affiliation with the Channel Seven drama of the same name. The previously unreleased Don't Rescue Me, previously only heard on HBO's summer brand campaign comes next, followed by the haunting Danger Zone, again previously unreleased and only featured briefly on air earlier this year.

Penelope's debut single Smoke Into Flames is the fourth track on the EP, as featured on SoHo Channel's launch campaign for Foxtel and the final track is an acoustic performance of A Place To Call Home.

All of the tracks were written and produced by Penelope Austin and her long time collaborator Robert Conley.

While not on the EP, The Darkness Collide from Star Trek Into Darkness is now available worldwide on iTunes. Previously the track was available exclusively in Australia.

iTunes EP Release 30th May 2013

The Beautiful Dark EP by Penelope Austin

iTunes Single Of The Week 31st May 2013

Don't Rescue Me - Penelope Austin

For more information please contact david@beeboxmgmt.com 

Penelope Austin & Robert Conley write song with J.J. Abrams for Star Trek Into Darkness film

Penelope Austin and long time collaborator songwriter and producer Robert Conley have recorded an original song for J.J. Abrams’ highly anticipated “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS,” in theatres May 9.  The duo is among a select group of artists from six countries who received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their work featured in the upcoming film from Paramount Pictures.  

This is the latest is a string of successes for Penelope Austin, with recent synchs with HBO, SoHo Channel and Channel Seven.

For the first time ever in a Paramount live-action film, lyricists, vocalists and music producers from around the world were invited to add their creative talents and a local flavour to a track written for a major motion picture, which will be featured in the film during its theatrical run in each of the artists’ respective countries.

So, moviegoers in the countries that participated will hear a unique and different soundtrack than the moviegoers in other countries.  This opportunity, in which the artist’s own song will play during a pivotal scene with Star Trek’s iconic character Scotty, drew interest from the world’s hottest talent, including Australia’s Conley and Austin—who will now hear their work in the soundtrack in every movie theatre in Australia.

Their song THE DARK COLLIDE, which Conley co-wrote with Austin, who sings vocals, will be heard on the “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” soundtrack, which also features Academy Award®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s score, in every theatre in Australia.  

The song will be available for digital download on all major platforms around the films release. 

Penelope Austin and Robert Conley will walk the red carpet at the Australian Premiere of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS today at Event Cinemas George Street alongside very special guests J.J Abrams and stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban.

Austin said “It is such a phenomenal opportunity that six artists around the world have been offered this opportunity.  I am so excited to see and hear the results at the Premiere of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS at the Premiere tonight”.

“STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” follows the crew of The Enterprise as they are called back home to Earth in the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization.  In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice.  As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew. 

“STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” is written by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman & Damon Lindelof and directed by J.J. Abrams.  Abrams is producing with Bryan Burk through Bad Robot Productions, along with Lindelof, Kurtzman and Orci.  Jeffrey Chernov and Skydance Productions’ David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Paul Schwake are the executive producers.

 “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” opens in theatres in Australia on May 9.

“The Dark Collide”, written by J.J. Abrams, Charles Scott, Robert Conley & Penelope Austin. Produced by Charles Scott, vocals produced by Robert Conley and Performed by Penelope Austin.

Penelope Austin youtube page

RACHAEL LEAHCAR RETURNS WITH A COLLECTION OF SONGS CLOSE TO HER HEART

One of the most recognisable faces (and voices) in Australia thanks to her appearance on Australia’s biggest ever singing competition, The Voice, Rachael Leahcar is set to release her follow up album ‘Romantique’ on April 26^th. 

Having made it all the way to third place in the finals of The Voice, Rachael released her first album ‘Shooting Star’ including the songs she had covered so indelibly - "Night in White Satin", "La Vie En Rose", "Hands" and "Someone to Watch Over Me". The album went to #5 on the Aria Chart and #1 in her home state of South Australia. The success of her debut release coming down to Rachael’s huge fan base that fell in love not only with her voice, but her amazing outlook on life.

"I have never viewed myself as disadvantaged. I view myself as lucky to get a chance at a life in music. I intend to give my all without having any expectations about where it might lead. I just try to be grateful for what's happening today".

Following on from her success on The Voice, Rachael has toured nationally as Delta Goodrem’s special guest, performed shows in Italy with a 35 piece orchestra, and busied herself as an ambassador for NINE’s Carols By Candlelight – fulfilling a childhood dream by singing 2 songs on Christmas eve.

Spending the last few months in the studio with producer Bryon Jones, Rachael is now ready to release her new album - "Romantique"; an exquisite collection of contemporary, classic and original songs with her love of French music being reflected in the album’s title. "What is most exciting about this album for me is the chance to show the diversity in my musical tastes", says Leahcar, who delivers haunting but unique versions of Gotye's "Hearts a Mess" and Adele’s “Chasing Pavements.”

Fans of her previous work, including her signature song “La Vie On Rose” won't be disappointed by her typically ethereal and textured renditions of Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World" and Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel”.

  

To celebrate the release of ‘Romantique’, Rachael will be performing tracks from her album during a national run of centre appearances as well as live shows in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

RACHAEL LEACHAR

ALBUM – ROMANTIQUE – 26^TH APRIL

www.rachaelleahcar.com.au

CATCH RACHAEL PERFORMING TRACKS FROM HER NEW ALBUM AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

SHOPPING CENTRE APPEARANCES:

Friday April 26 - Centro The Glen Melbourne

Saturday April 27 - Centro Colonnades Adelaide

Sunday April 28 - Centro Galleria Perth

Thursday May 02 - Centro Roselands Sydney

Saturday May 04 - Westfield Chermside Brisbane

LIVE SHOWS: (LIVE "ROMANTIQUE LAUNCH SHOWS)

Thursday May 9th - The Space Theatre Adelaide

www.bass.net.au / 131 246

Friday May 10th - Palms at Crown Casino Melbourne

www.ticketek.com.au / 1300 795 012

Saturday May 11th - Revseby Workers Club

www.rwc.org.au / 0297722100

Penelope Austin syncs with HBO

Penelope Austin has lent her upcoming single 'Don't Rescue Me' to the always incredible HBO for a national cinema campaign profiling some of the hottest television series in the world. WATCH ON YOUTUBE

If you have been to the cinema over summer, chances are you will have already seen this campaign which highlights series such as True Blood, Game of Thrones and Girls. 

Written by Penelope Austin and Robert Conley, 'Don't Rescue Me' is a high energy experience reminiscent of The Gossip, mixed with the raw passion of Penelope's vocal and a pulsating kick. With  lyrics that tell of the desire to make it on your own terms (Red light holding me back, they wont let me run fire me like a gun...), 'Don't Rescue Me' is a flawless alliance with the brand values of HBO. 

This is the second high profile sync in the space of three months for Penelope Austin, the first being for Foxtel's SoHo Channel.

Nick Vindin hosts Cure Our Kids Event at The Ivy Ballroom

On Melbourne Cup Day Merivale's Ivy Ballroom was transformed into a racetrack for 300 guests fo enjoy a fundraising lunch supporting children's cancer charity Cure our Kids.

The event was hosted by Beebox's Sports Presenter and Travel Correspondent Nick Vindin, who entertained the capacity crowd for several hours, including with a live auction in the lead up to the big race. The Sydney Morning Herald's Sarah Whyte enjoyed the day, "The ever-bright SBS Sports reporter Nick Vindin reigned as master of ceremonies," she revealed in S Magazine.

Channel Ten's Justine Schofield, from Masterchef and Everyday Gourmet, was also active on the day announcing some special prizes at the end of the race.

However it was Jimmy Rees (aka Jimmy Giggle) who was without doubt the crowd favourite. The ABC Television star was in high demand - posing for photos with fans of Giggle and Hoot throughout the day.

The event was a success raising more than $26,000 for the children's cancer initiative at Westmead. 

Giggle & Hoot: Live On Stage!

Jimmy Giggle (Jimmy Rees), Hoot the Owl and their best owl pal Hootabelle are coming to the Playhouse Theatre for their first ever, live stage show "Giggle and Hoot and Friends" for a full-on 50 minute Giggle-liscious stage spectacular. Giggle and Hoot will be joined on stage by your favourite ABC characters, Bananas In Pyjamas, LazyTown and Postman Pat.

Bananas in Pyjamas, those lovable pyjama wearing fruit B1 & B2, who will be up to their usual antics and bound to entertain with their humorous and whacky sense of fun. Your friends from LazyTown, Sportacus the slightly above average super hero and Stephanie, will sing, dance and flip their away across stage with some awesome high flying acrobatics. Postman Pat, who is always ready to help out, is certain to pop in with some important mail to deliver.

Adapted from the hugely popular ABC4Kids top-rating programs, it promises to be this year’s summer family spectacular, packed with everyone’s favourite songs, lots of dancing and colourful costumes. Sing along and do the actions with all the characters!

The production is presented by Andrew Kay and Garry Ginivan in association with the ABC. Garry Ginivan, Artistic Director, says: "We are absolutely delighted to be presenting Giggle and Hoot and friends in Melbourne for the very first time. The combination of four of Australian pre-schoolers ABC2kids favourite programs is guaranteed to put a smile of every child’s face."

"Giggle and Hoot and Friends" Don’t miss this must-see HOOT-TASTIC summer attraction for the whole family.

Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne

From 3 January 2013

Bookings: 1300 182 183 artscentremelbourne.com.au For details visit abc.net.au/abcevents

For all media enquiries please contact:

National Publicist Brooke Davies M: 0419 359 401 E: brooke@bmcpr.com.au