FYI November 22

PULL OUT AND KEEP! PENRITH’S NUMBER ONE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

ISSUE 162 22.11.13

GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY ANTHONY CALLEA ALBUM

FOR F OR THE KIDS Hi-5 COMES TO PENRITH!

TV NEWS CHATTER ON THE BOX

BRAND’S DIARY

ADAM TRACES BACK HIS 15-YEAR MUSICAL JOURNEY

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Cover Story

BRAND’S NEW TAKE ON CAREER CLASSICS

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SHANNON COCHRANE speaks to Adam Brand about his latest accoustic album, performing with his dad and dealing with his divorce from dancing star Jade Hatcher...

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ountry musician Adam Brand has plenty of devoted fans and now they’ll be able to see a different side of him when he takes them on a journey through the last 15 years of his life.

After releasing three platinum and five gold albums, Brand decided to re-visit some of his earlier hits and record acoustic versions in his latest album ‘My Acoustic Diary’, which shows the progression of his career from its humble beginnings to now.

Fan favourites such as ‘Dirt Track Cowboys’, ‘Good Things In Life’ and ‘Hell Of A Ride’ have been re-recorded and have a completely different sound and feel with raw, poignant acoustic instrumentation.

The Perth born singer-songwriter will officially release the album at Rooty Hill RSL on Friday, November 22, with an Elvis ‘68 Comeback Special themed set-up.

Brand said he was inspired to release ‘My Acoustic Diary’ after fans began requesting an acoustics album, and his desire to capture the “raw magic” of his songs as he had written them, prior to production.

The passage of years has also affected Brand’s approach to his craft, and he said that he designed ‘My Acoustic Diary’ to show the development in his musical style and skills from his debut album in 1998 up until now.

“Part of this was showing the journey from the first song to the new ones, the steps I took, at what points did I think my songwriting shifted to another gear… I really sort of wanted people to put the CD on, listen to it, and feel like they went through 15 years of diary with me,” he said.

The album also features two new tracks – ‘Gone Fishin’’ and ‘Freedom Rebels’, which is

FYi Issue 162 Editor Troy Dodds Troy.Dodds@mediaview.com.au

an inspirational ode to following passions.

“It’s a song about not letting anyone tell you, ‘you can’t do it’. Live your life anyway you want, go out there and follow that dream no matter what people around you say,” he said.

For Brand himself, the path to following his dream of country music success began when he was just a child, having grown up around a musical family.

“I was born into it, my dad was a singer and played guitar and there was all this music around so I think it was in my blood… when I go home occasionally I’ll drag him on stage and get him to sing a song, so it’s a really sweet moment,” Brand explained.

Despite his early start in entertainment, Brand still had to walk a long road to become the polished artist he is today, working from small gigs upwards.

“It’s a progression… you’ll make a mistake and fall over on stage and forget your words, all the stuff that helps you get to the point where you’re at a level where you’re confident and you feel comfortable. You’ve never mastered it, you never know all there is to know, every show you’re learning,” he said.

While Brand may be humble about his skills, his music has earned him many admiring fans and the artist has been voted CMC Oz Artist of the Year five times. He attributes his popularity to the honesty and sincerity he shares with fans through his music.

“I would hope that people when they come to my show or put my music on or something, they know that they’re getting something that comes from the heart, they’re not getting a strategic marketing plan, they’re not getting something that’s manufactured just to try to make a few bucks,” he said.

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There’s no finish line, there’s no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow In 2009, Brand ventured out of his comfort zone by participating in and winning ‘Dancing With the Stars’, and married his dancing partner Jade Hatcher, with the couple splitting a few years later.

Although most people would struggle with the spotlight and scrutiny of their personal life, Brand said his strategy for coping was to simply ignore any negative publicity.

“I just kind of ignore it a little bit. I think that’s the best way because really the main opinions that matter are you and your loved ones… all you can do is try to do the very best you can and have integrity in what you believe in, and let everyone else make their own mind up,” he said.

Having made an amazing journey in the

music industry over the past 15 years, Brand has no ultimate career aims and instead hopes to continue making music that reaches out to his fans.

“There’s no finish line, there’s no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for me, so my goal is just to keep doing what I’m doing, to be able to keep singing songs that are relevant that people want to listen to.”

Adam Brand will launch ‘My Acoustic Diary’ at Rooty Hill RSL on Friday, November 22 at 8pm. Tickets are $35. For bookings or more information, call 9625 5500 or visit www.rootyhillrsl.com.au.

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Live

PENRITH GET BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL!

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e’s been touring the United States all year but now Aussie country and blues performer, 8 Ball Aitken, is returning to his homeland for a national tour.

The colourful musician will be touring Australia this month, with a free performance at Bligh Park Tavern in Windsor on Friday, November 22.

His return to Australia marks his biggest ever national tour, and comes fresh off Aitken’s success in his new home of America, where he has been recording music and impressing audiences.

The talented guitarist has roots in far North Queensland, where he spent his teenage years picking fruit while perfecting his musical skills and writing songs in preparation for his future career in country music.

His first break was getting booked for nightly shows at the Johno’s Blues Bar in Cairns, but before long he built up a reputation for his unique combination of classic country

and blues and began getting more fans and gigs.

Aitken made the move from Australia to country music capital Nashville, USA and has been songwriting with talented country writers while performing regularly at blues bars.

He spent months touring and playing at festivals across the United States and Canada, receiving warm welcomes in Texas, California, New Jersey, South Carolina and West Virginia with his adventures inspiring his new songs.

Three of Aitken’s songs have appeared on the soundtracks of American television shows, while the musician himself had a stint as an extra on the hit show ‘Nashville’.

The Australian tour will coincide with Aitken’s release of his brand new album ‘Southern Hemisphere’, which is a mix of country and blues and was recorded in Nashville with Australian-American producer Mike Flanders.

He will also release ‘A Bluer Shade of Blue’, a compilation of his best blues songs

taken from his previous five albums.

After spending so much time in Nashville, 8 Ball Aitken knows how to get country music fans excited and is set to bring his honky tonk

blues style back to Australia.

8 Ball Aitken will perform at Bligh Park Tavern on Stewart Street in South Windsor on Friday, November 22 at 7pm. Entry is free.

Jones.

‘Here Comes the Night’, a tribute to the legendary Van Morrison will be held at the State Theatre in Sydney on Thursday,

November 28.

Tickets range from $89 to $109. For bookings or more information, call 1300 139 588 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.au.

TRIBUTE TO LEGEND VAN MORRISON

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an Morrison is a living legend who’s classic rock blues songs have shaped a generation and now some of the musicians he inspired will be paying tribute to the man.

A trio of talented Australian musicians will be singing the songs of Van Morrison in ‘Here Comes the Night’ at the State Theatre on Thursday, November 28.

The concert will celebrate the music of Van Morrison, featuring Aussie rock icon Joe Camilleri, Vince Jones and Vika Bull putting their own touch on Morrison’s brilliant songbook.

All of Morrison’s classic hits will be performed, including ‘Gloria’, ‘Brown Eyed Girl’, ‘Bright Side of the Road’, ‘Moondance’, ‘Have I Told You Lately’, ‘Days Like This’, ‘Here Comes the Night’, ‘Baby Please Don’t Go’ and many more.

Camilleri has a starring role as principal performer in the concert, and was also the repertoire director, drawing on his years of

musical experience to create a fitting tribute to a beloved songwriter.

The veteran rocker is well-known for his work with bands Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons, and The Black Sorrows, which both released numerous chart-topping hits.

As a long-time Van Morrison fan, Camilleri was excited to stage ‘Here Comes the Night’, and said that the only difficulty he had was narrowing down the song choice from Morrison’s massive repertoire.

“He’s got 780 songs to choose from, that’s kind of like a modern master really, he’s probably written more songs than The Beatles and The Rolling Stones put together,” Camilleri said.

“So you choose songs that people like, that you like, then you start working around the things that set him apart from anyone else.”

He will be joined by Vika Bull, his former bandmate in The Black Sorrows who has also recently worked on another show honouring a musical icon in ‘At Last: Etta James’, and Vince

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Live

A ROMANTIC AFFAIR WITH VOV DYLAN

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omance will be in the air when award winning violinist Vov Dylan presents ‘A Romantic Affair’.

The concert is part of the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre’s beloved Morning Melodies series, and will be held on Wednesday, November 27.

With Dylan’s talented musicianship and beautiful music, ‘A Romantic Affair’ will sweep the audience away on a stunning emotional journey as classic compositions from across Europe are played with style and grace.

The performance pays tribute to the music of Andre Rieu and features many popular melodies from Europe and beyond, paying homage to the continent’s great composers and orchestras.

This exotic concert will include standards from the salons of Vienna such as ‘Wunderbar’ and ‘Queen of the Night’ as well as fiery Gypsy tunes from Hungary and Poland, combining to create an unforgettable repertoire of musical delights.

Dylan will also perform the most requested standards at any concert: beautiful renditions of ‘The Blue Danube’ and ‘The Radetzky March’.

The multi-award winning Vov Dylan is an esteemed solo violist and the conductor of the Viennese Orchestra, which features internationally renowned string players hailing from Poland and Australia.

One of Sydney’s most well-recognised violinists, Dylan has been playing music all his life and has performed internationally and received ACE and MO award nominations.

He has released four albums, appeared on television and radio and has also shared his passion and talent for music with young people in his role as a qualified music teacher working in schools and universities.

Joining Dylan on the stage is special guest Will Amer, the nation’s beloved ‘bush’ tenor who will lend his powerful vocals to the concert’s charming, romantic music and create an electrifying atmosphere for audience

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members.

The event will be a feast for the senses, with the gorgeous music accompanied by a delicious Devonshire morning tea served prior to the concert included in the ticket price.

‘A Romantic Affair’ will be held at the

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday, November 27 at 11am. Morning tea is included in the ticket price and is served at 10am. Tickets are $20. For bookings or more information, call 4723 7600 or visit www. jspac.com.au.

This one of a kind presentation demonstrates the talent and hard work of local children and while there will undoubtedly be many tearfully proud parents in the audience, you don’t need to be a family member to enjoy this entertaining performance.

‘Jigsaw Story’ will be held at the Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Friday, November 29 at 11am and 7pm. Tickets are $14 for students and $20 for adults. For bookings or more information, call 4723 7600 or visit www.jspac.com.au.

LITTLE STARS SHINE IN JIGSAW STORY

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hey might be young, but the primary school aged stars of ‘Jigsaw Story’ are already honing their performance skills with a little help from the Q Theatre.

The Q Theatre will be debuting ‘Jigsaw Story’, an exciting new primary school theatre festival event, on Friday, November 29 with children from local schools taking centre stage.

There will be more than 100 students performing at the event, coming from Glenbrook Public School, Korowal School, Blue Mountains Grammar School and Mamre Anglican School.

‘Jigsaw Story’ explores ideas about stars and the night sky, with the students showing off their skills in a delightfully original performance that will make parents proud.

The show is a new initiative from the Q Theatre to engage the young people of Penrith in the performing arts, by providing innovative industry-based arts education opportunities for local students and teachers.

Each of the four schools involved had to devise their own short work based on their ideas and thoughts about stars and the night sky.

They were teamed up with arts professionals from the industry, who helped the students to develop and rehearse their performances.

Students got the opportunity to work with a range of talented artists, including Danielle O’Keefe, Nick Atkins, Sophie Cook and Mathew Cooper.

With clever and engaging performances, the students’ plays answer many commonly wondered questions about the sky including why stars twinkle, what a star is made of, how many stars there are and where do they go during the daytime.

The finished product of their hard work is a captivating and highly entertaining show that puts together the children’s responses and ideas, showcasing their creativity and playbuilding skills.

Live

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22

ADAM BRAND ALBUM LAUNCH

Friday, November 22 Rooty Hill RSL $35

HOTSHOTS

Saturday, November 23 Mounties, Mt Pritchard $20 members/$25 visitors

Adam Brand Album Launch Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $35, 8pm 9625 5500 El Circo Blanc Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $80 members/$90 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 The Bandits Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Friday Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Hogans Heroes Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Karaoke Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 8pm 4773 9090 The Remixes Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Rockology Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Take A Hit

Venue: Kingswood Sports Club Free entry, 7.30pm 4737 4600 Machine Translations Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4732 6373

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Hogans Heroes Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Rock n Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1211 Hotshots Venue: Mounties, Mt Pritchard $20 members/$25 visitors, 8.30pm 9822 3555 Trivia Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 3pm 9623 1211 Red Bee & Age of Menace Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4732 6373 Wild Catz Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Roy Orbison Reborn Venue: Blacktown Workers Club

$25 members/$30 visitors, 8pm 9830 0600 The Bandits Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8pm 9830 0600 Chris Drummond Duo Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 Skyz The Limit Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Minus House Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Blaming Vegas Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4577 3396 Sunday Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Live Music Venue: St Marys RSL Free entry, 4pm 9623 6555 The Listening Room Venue: Penrith Panthers Free entry, 12pm, 4720 5555

HI-5 HOUSE PARTY DEBUT CONCERT

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ountless kids have grown up watching and learning from Hi-5, and now the energetic group are coming to Penrith to perform all their memorable songs for their fans in person.

The children’s performers, who are iconic in Australia and overseas, will be performing their show ‘Hi-5 House Party’ at the Evan Theatre, Penrith Panthers on Wednesday, November 27.

It will be the band’s first ever live ‘concert style’ stage show, with seasoned performers Stevie and Lauren introducing newcomers Dayen, Ainsley and Mary to the stage for a fun dance party extravaganza.

The five singers will be joined by long-time Hi-5 favourite, DJ Chats, who will be wowing young audiences as the ‘party meister’ who spins records and keeps the atmosphere up and pumping.

Any kid who loves Hi-5 won’t be disappointed by this fun, high energy show, with the group crafting their set list to audience

preferences after quizzing their 150,000 fans on Facebook to find out their favourite songs.

There will also be a special sneak peek of new songs to be featured on the revamped television series ‘Hi-5 House’, which is set to premiere in Australia later this year.

Classic hits such as ‘L.O.V.E’ and ‘Ready Or Not’ will put the audience into party mode, while new tracks ‘Dance with the Dinosaurs’ and ‘Come On In’ will have their stage debut right here in Penrith.

The popular Featured Songs of the Week from the television series will be performed on stage, with songs including ‘Wish Upon a Star’, ‘So Many Animals’, ‘Making Music’, ‘Move Your Body’, ‘Wonderful’ and others.

Beloved party games will be played, including a limbo competition, to accompany the colourful music and dancing and complete the dance party fun.

With plenty of interactive elements for kids to enjoy, ‘Hi-5 House Party’ is guaranteed to have the audience members up on their feet

and dancing along with Stevie, Lauren, Dayen, Ainsley and Mary.

‘Hi-5 House Party’ will be held at the Evan Theatre, Penrith Panthers on Wednesday,

November 27 at 10am and 12.30pm. Tickets are $25. For bookings or more information, call 4720 5555 or visit www.penrith.panthers. com.au.

Live FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

EL CIRCO BLANC

Friday, November 29 Rooty Hill RSL $80 members/ $90 visitors

MANILA BY NIGHT

Saturday, November 30 Rooty Hill RSL $5 members/$12 visitors

El Circo Blanc Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $80 members/$90 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 The Cover Agents Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Friday Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Karaoke Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 8pm 4773 9090 The Frocks Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Yum Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Project Blue Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 The Blacklist Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Manila By Night Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $5 members/$12 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 El Circo Blanc Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $80 members/$90 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 Rock n Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1211 Stellar Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Trivia Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 3pm 9623 1211 Transatlantica Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $7.50 members/$10.50 visitors, 8pm 9830 0600 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Akinga Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Best Kept Secret Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8pm

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9830 0600 Soul Deep Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 Koppen Terrace Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Liam Brew Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Yianna Nicholas Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Di Bird Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 Liam McAlary Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4577 3396 Sunday Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Live Music Venue: St Marys RSL Free entry, 4pm 9623 6555

CALLING ALL OPERA AND COMEDY FANS

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pera is used to explore modern romantic frustration with hilarious, heartwarming results in Penrith Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Opera in the Q’. The show features a production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s one-act comic opera ‘The Telephone’, and marks the opera-directorial debut of Sydney actor and director Catherine Terracini.

Audiences will be able to watch Penrith Symphony Orchestra’s take on the opera at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, November 30.

‘The Telephone’ focuses on Ben, who is a lovestruck and somewhat geeky young man who hopes to propose to his girlfriend but can’t seem to summon up the courage.

He struggles in trying to move his relationship forward as his girlfriend Lucy feels enigmatic and distant to him, constantly talking on the telephone.

Although ‘The Telephone’ premiered in 1947 in a very different world to today’s,

the opera still has relevance to our modern smartphone obsessed culture where digital forms of communication distract from real connection.

Director Catherine Terracini was drawn to the piece for its clever and touching commentary on humans and the way they bond with each other.

“The drama, as it unfolds, is a quirky comment on an aspect of the human condition that we know all too well today.

The telephone is such a symbol of people’s apparent connectedness in the modern world, yet increasingly a cause of our underlying disconnectedness,” she said.

The show is Terracini’s first time directing an opera, although the award-winning actor and director has credits in theatre, film and television.

This production was a family affair for Terracini, who worked alongside her uncle Paul Terracini, conductor for ‘Opera in the Q’ and works as the artistic director and principal

conductor of Penrith Symphony Orchestra.

Students from the Sydney Conservatorium Opera School, Zoe Drummond and Daniel Nicholson will be

playing the leading roles.

‘Opera in the Q’ will show on November 30 at 8pm. Tickets are $55. For bookings call 4723 7600 or visit www.jspac.com.au.

What’s On The...

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SMALL SCREEN

BIG SCREEN

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he movie adaptation of the second book of the Hunger Games is set to be just as, if not more, popular than the first. The movie ‘Catching Fire’ returns all hardcore fans’ favourite characters from the first and is just as good as the book version.

The book trilogy has won many awards for best young adults and in August 2012 knocked the Harry Potter series off the top of the Amazon best sellers list.

In this movie, Katniss has returned home safely after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with her friend and fellow tribute Peeta Mellark.

Their success in the games means that the rollercoaster ride isn’t over yet – Katniss and Peeta must now turn around and leave their families behind as they embark on a victor’s tour of the district.

Throughout their tour, Katniss begins to sense that there is a rebellion brewing in the area but despite this, the Capital is still very much in control as the President begins getting ready for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, which could change Panem forever.

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CATCHING FIRE [ Rated PG] Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson & Liam Hemsworth

CONSOLE

PARANOIA [ Rated PG] Starring: Liam Hemsworth, Harrison Ford & Gary Cidman

STEREO

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T

he Forza Motorsport series has been acclaimed by critics and loved by gamers, and now it’s making its debut on the exciting new Xbox One platform.

‘Forza Motorsport 5’ features new and improved graphics and engines, and players are spoiled for choice with more than 100 different vehicles to drive and a selection of some of the world’s most prestigious race tracks.

Gamers who are rev-heads can live out their fantasy of glory on the racetrack when they climb into the driver’s seat of cars that are made up from more than 50 real-world manufacturers.

Each car has been designed with impressive attention to detail but bad drivers should beware as these pristine machines are very capable of real-world damage with anything from a small scratch to total wrecks possible.

Serious players can adopt a success strategy, taking on unique careers and making vehicle milestones while racing against racing rivals. Fans of the series ‘Top Gear’ will also love content inspired by the series, including car challenges.

any people have experienced blackmail in some form before, but in ‘Paranoia’ the art is taken to an extreme and has serious consequences.

Liam Hemsworth plays Adam Cassidy, a young blue-collar worker who is trying to make his way up in the world but unfortunately makes an illegal mistake that is lethal.

Adam thinks he has lost everything until his boss Nicholas Wyatt approaches him and assures him that no one else will ever find out about Adam’s crime if he agrees to spy on a rival company.

Complying with the blackmail serves Adam well to begin with, as he is on the road to success and living the high life. But although Nicholas seems true to his word, the corporate hotshot is hell-bent on making his company billions regardless of the consequences.

Adam soon realises that he is merely a hostage in his boss’ ruthless game but decides he has to delve into the intrigue even deeper before he can finally be free of his blackmailing boss and illegal mistake.

FORZA MOTORSPORT 5 XBOX ONE

fter more than a decade of waiting from fans, multiplatinum rock band A Perfect Circle have finally released a studio album.

The record ‘Three Sixty’ has been described by band member Maynard James Keenan as a “representation of the friendship and instincts of the band”.

A Perfect Circle was formed in the late 90’s by the two fronting members, Keenan and Billy Howerdel. While the line-up has changed over the years, the current members who worked on ‘Three Sixty’ are James Iha, Matt McJunkins and Jeff Friedl.

‘Three Sixty’ has been described as a ‘greatest hits’ album, featuring their previous, most beloved songs such as ‘The Hollow’, ‘Imagine’, ‘Passive’, ‘Weak and Powerless’ and ‘Judith’. There is also a new song, ‘By and Down’, which is A Perfect Circle’s first original material released in a decade and has already grabbed the attention of fans of the alternative rock genre.

The song, which has an art rock feel with psychedelic guitar riffs, was

well-received by reviewers and has been compared to Led Zeppelin. Although ‘Three Sixty’ is largely old material from A Perfect Circle, the new song is enough to thrill fans and the old material has been chosen carefully to reflect the highlights of the band’s journey in the music industry.

A PERFECT CIRCLE THREE SIXTY

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Becoming a member is easy Your membership will include: • All monthly lunches • End of year Humanise Members only Christmas Party • Create your own personalised Business Profile with photos and videos • Full access to Humanise Business Directory • Your Business promoted weekly to other Humanise members of your group • $5 donated to Foundation 5Dollars each month • Rotational seating every month-creating new business opportunities For more information or to join visit us at www.humanise.com.au or call Kylie on 0415 950 493

WE’RE NOT TELLING YOU WHERE IT IS....

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW IS THAT IT’S MASQUERADE

DATE: 11th December 2013 8AM Bus leaves Penrith Panthers McDonalds Please arrive before 7:45am 10AM (ALL GROUPS) - Meeting Location - Cargo Bar Kings Street Wharf - 52-60 The Promenade Sydney 4PM Lunch Concludes - Bus departs from Kings Street Wharf for Penrith Group RSVP: ADMIN 0415 950 492 - admin@humanise.com.au WW5915

14

Wine and Dine

EAT OUT THIS WEEKEND

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unique dining experience right in the Penrith CBD, Stonegrill has some of the best cuts of meat you will ever taste, plus don’t leave without trying the delicious sticky date pudding. Bookings are definitely required, especially on weekends as Stonegrill is very popular. This is an interactive dining experience that is great for group parties or work events. Make sure you ask about the three course set menu, which is not only excellent value, but will give you the opportunity to try the best that Stonegrill has to offer.

STONEGRILL

80 Henry Street, Penrith. Phone 4722 5141.

ooking for that perfect place for a romantic dinner, but don’t want to travel all the way into the city? Why not try the steak and ribs specialists, Osso at Panthers. Osso is a beautiful restaurant with delicious, high quality food which is as asthetically appealing as it is scrumptious – and you’ll be hard pressed to find better ribs in Penrith than those on offer here. With an amazing wine list, brilliant food from starters all the way through to dessert and exceptional service, a night at Osso is a truly memorable occasion.

OSSO

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t’s the newest, hottest dining talking point in Penrith – and yes, it’s inside an RSL club! The Star Buffet at Penrith RSL has emerged as a sensational place to eat, with great food, even better prices and a fantastic atmosphere. If you think you know club buffets back to front, you’ve seen nothing until you’ve seen the great work that the team at Star Buffet do. Come with an empty stomach, because there’s so much food to eat, you won’t know where to fit it all in! Get there for lunch or dinner and make sure you get there early as the restaurant fills up quickly.

STAR BUFFET

Penrith RSL, Castlereagh Road, Penrith.

Phone 4728 5200.

SHIRAZ AND CHARDONNAY PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS

by David Ellis

A

deliade Hills maker Chain of Ponds has released a very-moreish 2012 Shiraz under its unusually-named Grave’s Gate label that’s well worth keeping in mind if you’ve thoughts of a game dish on the table for Christmas Day. For not only has this got great flavours that will go really well with that Christmas lunch or dinner game, at $22 it makes for excellent buying for the festive table as well.

Greg Clack who worked under the renowned Neville Falkenberg at Chain of Ponds from 2005 until Neville moved on to other things a couple of years later (thus allowing Greg to step up as Chain of Ponds’ Chief Winemaker), blended fruit from both the southern and northern parts of the Adelaide Hills.

The result’s a beautifully full-bodied wine with nicely balanced dark cherry, blackcurrant and juicy plum flavours, backed-up with secondary suggestions of black olives, dried herbs and fresh-ground black pepper.

There’s also a nice, subtle oak spiciness, silky tannins and balanced acidity. And while suggesting it could have Christmas Day game written all over it, if you’re not into game, it’s a great one to consider for the table with many red meat dishes as well.

One to note: While our thoughts are with Christmas, a bubbly worth having a look at is Hungerford Hill’s just-released 2008 Dalliance Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir, made from fruit of the super-premium cool climate region of Tumbarumba in southern NSW. Dalliance as a word has, of course, connotations of flirting, and despite being firmly Hunter Valley-entrenched, Hungerford Hill have long ‘flirted’ with fruit out of Tumbarumba as part of their philosophy of using the best fruit from NSW’s best growing regions for both their still and sparkling wine production; and this bubbly’s a real ripper.

Full of fresh fruit flavours – think honeydew melon to the forefront – and a crisp natural palate-cleansing acidity, it’s just $30.

Panthers complex, Mulgoa Road, Penrith.

Phone 4720 5588.

stablished since 1984, the most well known Chinese restaurant in Penrith, Happy Inn seats up to 120 people and has a private function room with no hire charge. They offer excellent Chinese cuisine and are specialists in seafood, and can provide catering for all functions. Open seven days for lunch and dinner, there is also a discount on take-away and home delivery (limited area).

All major credit cards accepted, so you can eat your fill! Happy Inn is considered Penrith’s number one Chinese restaurant, and is a favourite for business people across the area!

HAPPY INN

401 High Street, Penrith. Phone 4731 5355.

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16

Relax [ADVERTORIAL]

SIGN UP FOR THIS YEAR’S SANTA RUN

W

ant to have some real fun this Christmas?

Entries are now open for this year’s Santa Fun Run, to be held at the Penrith Paceway on Sunday, December 15.

Not only will you have lots of fun in your Santa suit, but you will raise some money for charity at the same time.

To find out more, call 4722 5556 and register yourself for this year’s event.

Register for the

a nt a S f r Fun

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5.30pm Sunday 15th December Penrith Paceway before the Festival of Carols by Candlelight Children, Families, or Businesses, this year you can run, walk or build your own sleigh to go around the track! Stay and watch the carols from 6pm.

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Register at Penrith CBD office Monday to Friday (Level 1, Suite 9-11, 513-519 High St Penrith Ph: 4722 5556) OR register and get your suit on the day from 3pm at Paceway WW5893

Relax ACROSS

Fill in all squares so each row, column and each of the nine 3 x 3 squares contain all digits from one to nine.

Solution to last week’s mind benders

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CHATTER ON THE BOX with Nathan Taylor

O

ne of the biggest movies of the 90’s could be getting its very own TV series if things go according to plan.

It’s understood movie company Paramount is developing a show based on the Patrick Swayze classic ‘Ghost’. Currently a script is in the works, so I’ll keep you updated if anything eventuates.

Speaking of new TV shows, animation mastermind and ‘Family Guy’ creator Seth MacFarlane is launching a new TV series next year called ‘Bordertown’. The comedy, to air in the second half of 2014, takes place in a fictional desert town in Texas and centres on Bud Buckwald, a married father of three

who serves as a border patrol agent who isn’t adjusting well to the cultural changes around him. With MacFarlane’s other projects ‘American Dad’ and ‘The Cleveland Show’ wrapping up, ‘Bordertown’ sounds like it could be a winner and the perfect replacement.

The 2013 ARIA Awards are airing on GO! next Sunday, December 1 and will feature a performance by none other than R&B superstar, Alicia Keys. The American will perform a medley of her hits ‘Girl on Fire’ and ‘Brand New Me’. Others artists to perform on the night include: Birds of Tokyo, Jess Mauboy, Samantha Jade, Bliss N Eso and The Potbelleez.

There’s just one episode to go of the hilarious ‘Ja’mie Private Schoolgirl’, which is a real shame, but the good thing is the show is doing really well on ABC’s iView catch-up service. While ratings are down for its usual Wednesday night broadcast, more and more people are catching up on the series online with the show smashing iView records for the ABC. Episodes 1, 2 and 3 have registered more than 810,000 plays combined. The previous record was held by the season seven premiere of ‘Doctor Who’ with 76,000 views.

Channel Nine has once again held on to the broadcast rights to air the Ashes cricket series between England and Australia in 2015

and 2019. Also in sport, Australian tennis fans could miss out on seeing the Hopman Cup on telly later this year after talks with Channel Ten broke down. There’s still no word yet whether it will be picked up by another network.

Still on Ten and the network have finally cancelled that woeful Monday night show ‘A League of their Own’. Ratings were so bad they hit a disastrous 328,000 last Monday.

An interesting four-part doco series is about to hit SBS called ‘Once Upon a Time in Punchbowl’. Beginning on January 7, the series tells the inside story of the Lebanese Australian community in Punchbowl.

18

Relax

A PIRATE’S ISLAND WHERE A DOLLAR’S NEVER BEEN STOLEN

by David Ellis

E

ven the most seasoned travellers could be forgiven for confessing that they’re not quite sure where to find the island of Jost van Dyke – one of the best kept little secrets in the Caribbean.

Because it has been 400 years since the Dutch pirate, Jost van Dyke, was plundering ships in the Caribbean, and this little speck in the British Virgin Islands that’s named after him is just 14 square kilometres in size, is home to fewer than 300 residents and still accessible only by sea.

And while he had a home and some minor fortifications on the island, with a motley assortment of fellow Dutch, French and British pirates, Jost van Dyke also grew tobacco and cotton between pirating duties.

It was another century after he moved on before his island would next be settled, this time by Quakers who started sugar cane plantations, and despite their public campaigning against slavery, worked these plantations with – you’ve got it, slave labour.

But when slavery was abolished in 1830, the Quakers quickly went belly-up, the island virtually hibernated for 100 years, and

the population dwindled to around just 100 inhabitants.

Towards the middle of the last century tourists – mainly cruising yachties – started to take notice of little Jost van Dyke, and the population began slowly rebuilding in response to the demand for facilities to cater for these visitors.

Today it’s Party Central amongst those in the know, and while there are no facilities for larger cruise ships, visits by the more boutique SeaDream Yacht Club, Windstar Cruises, Star Clippers and Paul Gaugin Cruises, coupled with inter-island ferries and visiting yachts, can see the locals easily outnumbered on any one day by visitors.

And little wonder: here the beach sands are soft as talcum powder, there are just three quaint village-like settlements, and just one main road, which despite being built in the 1990s, the locals have never quite got around to giving a name to.

It’s still simply The Road.

And in one of these villages their “road” through town is actually the beach, which probably explains why locals call Jost van

Dyke ‘Barefoot Island’. (There’s even a sign outside one bar proclaiming “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Clothes, No Problem.”)

Another oddity in the village of Great Harbour is the Stress Free Bar: here guests pour their own drinks, write their purchases in a pad on the bar – and settle the bill at the end of the day.

And at Foxy’s bar-on-the-beach, long-time resident Foxy Callwood’s Old Year’s Night (New Year’s Eve) party lasts three nights; his bar boasts a ceiling with enough T-shirts and donated underwear to run a garage sale, and his barbecued ribs, grilled lobsters and flying fish sandwiches are to die for.

Conversely the smallest bar on the island is called the Soggy Dollar – from the condition of banknotes handed over by sailors who swim ashore from their yachts for a drink and a meal.

To dry them, staff peg the soggy dollars to a clothesline out the back in the sun. And no, no one’s pinched one yet.

The Soggy Dollar Bar also has its own house cocktail called Painkiller, a potent mix of dark rum, pineapple and orange juice, and a splash of coconut cream.

Like the rest of the island, the Soggy Dollar Bar is all very laid back. As a barman tells us: “No one’s in a hurry to get anywhere. The fastest living things on the island are the goats, and even they aren’t in a hurry”.

And a visiting yachtie adds: “Live by the adage of the Caribbean – how beautiful it is to do nothing all day, and then rest up afterwards.”

He then bursts into the 1950’s Harry Belafonte hit for us: “This is my island in the sun, Where my people have toiled since time begun, I may sail on many a sea, Her shores will always be home to me.”

And don’t expect high-rise hotels, casinos or even big marketplaces on this island in the sun. It didn’t even get electricity until the 1990’s.

There are ferry services from the larger St John and St Thomas Islands in the US Virgin Islands, and your local travel agent can tell you how to join those boutique ships or tallmasters that sail the Caribbean and Jost van Dyke seasonally.

19

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20

A

Relax

GIVEAWAY: ANTHONY CALLEA

nthony Callea has one of Australia’s finest voices and now he’s using it to bring Christmas classics back to life with his latest album ‘This Is Christmas’.

Callea was a contestant in the 2004 season of ‘Australian Idol’, where he rose to fame as the show’s runner-up and also scored a record deal with Sony Music Australia, where he stayed until 2009.

He is now signed to ABC Universal and has returned to the studio with producer and long-time friend John Foreman, joining his beautiful voice with a stunning 55-piece orchestra to create his highly anticipated Christmas album.

This record is a follow up to his first ABC Music album ‘Thirty’, which was released in April and was loved by fans, making its debut at Number 18 on the ARIA Album Charts.

‘This Is Christmas’ is sure to be a holiday season classic, with the track list featuring 12 well-loved Christmas tunes including ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day’ and ‘The First Noel’ along with many more.

Guest vocalist Tim Campbell makes an appearance on the song ‘Have Yourself a Merry

Little Christmas’, while the very talented National Boys Choir sings on ‘Ave Maria’, ‘O Holy Night’ and a gorgeous acapella version of ‘Amazing Grace’.

While plenty of artists attempt Christmas albums, Callea’s is a notch above the rest, with a simple yet touching collection of well arranged tracks that are close to the artist’s heart.

The timing of the album’s release in 2013 is appropriate, as it coincides with the 10 year anniversary of Callea’s participation in Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight and his working relationship with musical director John Foreman.

The project is one that has been important for Callea, who is thrilled to have released ‘This Is Christmas’.

“Christmas is truly my favourite time of the year and I can’t describe how excited I am to be releasing ‘This Is Christmas’. It’s been a long time coming and to be able to create this album with John Foreman along with a talented orchestra, The National Boys Choir and with musicians who are the finest in the country, I couldn’t be more proud and overjoyed.

I sincerely hope this album captures the spirit and meaning of Christmas for all,” Callea said.

FYI has three copies of ‘This Is Christmas’ to give away. For your chance to win, email the code word ‘CHRISTMAS’ to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with your name and contact details.

Entries close Wednesday, November 27. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/12/01138. Terms and conditions at www. westernweekender.com.au.

WE ARE WATER W

By Wally Lamb

A

merican author Wally Lamb has already graced the New York Times bestseller list and now he’s set to do it again with his latest book We Are Water.

The novel pulls readers into an emotional current as it follows the journey of self-taught artist Annie Oh and her attempts to find her feet again after a messy divorce and pending re-marriage.

After being married to Orion Oh for a long 27 years and having three children with him, Annie has split up with her exhusband and is getting ready to marry her new love, Viveca.

Viveca is a sophisticated and charming woman whose hard work as an art dealer has helped make her enormously successful and wealthy, but despite all her virtues, the Oh children are struggling to cope with the upcoming nuptials.

Each of Annie’s three kids has a different reaction and response to their mother’s wedding and new partner, drawn between loyalties to their two parents and emotions about their family and history.

Beyond the domestic issues, Viveca stirs up drama when she discovers a rare painting by 1950’s black artist Josephus Jones in the Oh family home.

The discovery causes even more trouble, as Jones’ canvases and the story of his tragically shortened life ends up having an unexpected role in the life of the family, creating tension between Orion, Annie and Viveca.

Disaster reaches a crescendo on the day of Annie and Viveca’s wedding, with everyone trying to handle their new roles in the blended family environment as all the while secrets come out and shocking truths are revealed.

The intricate and intelligent portrait of marriage and family life is reminiscent of great novels such as Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom and Richard Russo’s Empire Falls.

We Are Water is a sweeping, compassionate novel with finely drawn characters and strong, emotional writing that will grip at readers’ heartstrings as they become involved in the novel’s story.

Author Wally Lamb has previously written four novels, including The Hour I First Believed and I Know This Much is True, which were both on The New York Times Bestseller list.

I Know This Much is True was also included on Oprah’s Book Club.

His novels have received praise from critics, with the Miami Herald referring to his writing as “audacious… profound and moving”, while USA Today wrote that he had embarked on “an exercise in soul-baring storytelling”.

He teaches a writing workshop at women’s prison York Correctional Institution and has edited two volumes of essays written by his students.

For an emotional and gracefully written take on families, you cannot find a better novel.

21

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22

Social Scene

SOIREE A GREAT PRELUDE TO ALTITUDE BALL

I

n celebration of the Altitude Awards, the Women with Altitude networking group held a spectacular cocktail party in the Blue Mountains to announce the finalists for the prestigious business awards.

Last Friday, November 15, member Lorraine Allanson opened up her stunning restored residence, The Gatsby Mountain Whispers in Katoomba, for a night of celebrations, certificate presentations, beads and feathers and cocktails.

The who’s who of business women from Penrith and the Blue Mountains attended the event, with founder of Women with Altitude, Andrea Turner-Boys declaring the Awards and Cocktail Party an enormous success.

A highlight of the evening was the scrumptious spread and cocktails provided, as well as a tour of the residence.

The party was a prelude to the annual Altitude Awards Ball, to be held on December 13, where the winners of the Awards will be announced. The theme is the 1920’s and tickets are selling fast!

Photos: Hilary Nathan Photography

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Social Scene

23

Congratulations

to all of the 2013 Finalists in the Women with Altitude awards from the team @ Complete Recruitment Solutions Proud sponsors of Women with Altitude 31 - 33 Lawson Street Penrith, NSW 2750 | Phone: 4731 2333 | www.completerecruitment.com.au WW5908

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Everything for your Home and more....

Penrith Harmony Will be performing your favourite Christmas Carols & Songs at these time

Every Thursday Night from 28th Nov 6.30pm - 7.30pm Every Saturday from 30th Nov 10.30am - 11.30am

The Giving Tree Bring a wrapped gift for a child less fortunate this Christmas and place it at the Giving Tree, The Spirit of Christmas.

Please place wrapped gift in the basket provided and mark on the card for a girl or boy and suitable age

Great

SAVINGS CENTRE WIDE

Over 30 stores to choose with all the leading brands in ONE location Just off the M4 on Mulgoa Rd • OPEN 7 DAYS www.penrithhomemakercentre.com.au

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