January

THOMAS SABO TRI-COLOUR JEWELLERY FOR SS2013

GOLDEN SILVER COLLECTION LAUNCH L’Aqua Gold Room, Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney

THOMAS SABO invited the Australian fashion and lifestyle press on Wednesday afternoon to the launch of the new Spring/Summer 2013 Sterling Silver Collections at L’Aqua Gold Room, Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney. Around 100 media and a handful of selected celebrity guests celebrated the international lifestyle brand’s exquisite new ranges.

The THOMAS SABO GLAM & SOUL Women’s Collection renowned for its 925 Sterling silver sparkled with a completely new design signature for the brand – 18 carat yellow and rose gold plated silver. Entitled GOLDEN SILVER, this new feature of the SS2013 collection was unveiled against a backdrop of picturesque harbour views.

The modern look of the women’s collection is inspired by the fabulous designs and colours of Moorish culture and includes warm-coloured elements incorporated into the gold-plated pieces of jewellery. Drop-shaped arabesques, intensive bright turquoise and golden yellow suns from One Thousand and One Nights are combined in new style statements.

A highlight was the presentation of the new SS2013 campaign which features Poppy Delevingne as the new global brand ambassador for the Women’s GLAM & SOUL Collections. Poppy Delevingne, a top British model and internationally celebrated style icon, is the face of the evocative campaign for the women’s wear and perfectly captures the spirit associated with the GOLDEN SILVER range with her youthful twist and seductive charm.

Poppy Delevingne: “The new Spring Summer 2013 Collection by THOMAS SABO offers the modern woman every opportunity to take centre stage. With the many new combination options using silver, rose gold and yellow gold, you can find the right accessory for every occasion, every style and every personality.”

The THOMAS SABO REBEL AT HEART Men’s Collection was presented autonomously for the very first time. With countless items of jewellery with rebellious attitude, blackened silver is the material that lends the designs their special coolness. Although created for the rebellious gentleman, the REBEL AT HEART Collection includes numerous unisex items of jewellery. The celebrity testimonial for the new the men’s collection is internationally successful violin virtuoso, David Garrett. David Garrett is a huge jewellery fan and a role model for men’s jewellery as he demonstrates the courage to experiment with exceptional styles and accessories.

Warmly welcomed were local celebrities Samantha Jade, Alice Burdeu, Danny Clayton, Keiynan Lonsdale, Jaynie Seal, Brendan Moar, Maude Garrett, Sophia Conn, Lachlan Cosgrove, Briden-Starr and Rochelle Fox who joined esteemed fashion media identities in attendance.

L’Aqua Gold Room provided the perfect setting for the presentation of the THOMAS SABO GLAM & SOUL and REBEL AT HEART Collections, which will be available from leading jewellers nationally in March 2013.

PARTY ON BOURBON STREET AS NEW ORLEANS COMES TO COCKATOO ISLAND

Let The Island Bar at Cockatoo Island transport you to Bourbon Street in New Orleans for an Aussie take on one of the world’s legendary festivals- the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

It will be all about old-fashioned Southern hospitality (in the heart of Sydney Harbour) as Sydney’s favourite summer-time bar is transformed into New Orleans oldest neighbourhood, the French Quarter. Featuring Bourbon Street favourites Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Cruzan Rum, from Friday February 15 to Sunday February 17 there will be an irreverent festival atmosphere at The Island Bar with top bartenders showcasing the traditions and history of cocktails from New Orleans.

The Island Bar’s Bourbon Street party will transport island-goers into a world of decadence, Creole style. To get into the spirit, visitors will be given beaded necklaces and festival masks on arrival to party in the bar festooned with lighting and jester hats. On offer will be Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps, Cruzan Rum Hurricanes and other classic New Orleans cocktails, to be sipped on a French Quarter balcony with garlands and bunting flags.

Food carts will serve unique Louisiana cuisine including Creole pizzas straight from the wood-fire oven, Louisiana “hot” dogs and spicy Cajun chicken strips. Signature New Orleans jazz, blues and soul music & street performers will keep you movin’ from day to night, and don’t miss the marching band as they parade through the bar in celebration. For dessert, finish with banana crepes and banana fritters with cinnamon, prepared right in front of you.

Bluesy tunes, Southern food and a vibrant atmosphere- if it weren’t for the spectacular Sydney Harbour backdrop, you could almost be in New Orleans this February….

Social Spy** 4th Annual Rolling Stone Awards

The 4th Annual Rolling Stone Awards presented by PATRÓN TEQUILA hosted a fantastic event at Beach Road Hotel last night, Wednesday 16th January. This is Patron’s third year sponsoring the huge annual music event.

Guests on arrival were greeted with the option of either the Ultimat Rosemary Martina or the Patrón Perfect Margarita, presented in Patrón Jam Jars. Throughout the night Patrón offered new and exciting cocktails to choose from, the Ultimat Lychee Breeze, the Patrón Reposado Paloma, Bloody Maria Cabillito’s (with a cucumber foam) and the ever-popular Xpresso Martini (SS101 fave)

Bondi Ink gave a permanent reminder of the fun had at the Rolling Stone Awards. With an onsite parlour, guests were entitled to a free tattoo – one of the tattoos of offer was the Patrón Tequila BEE. There was one who was brave enough to go under the needle and pay his allegiance to the fastest-growing luxury ultra-premium tequila in the world.

Patrón was the proud sponsor of the two awards, presented by Tex Perkins. The Best New Talent (sponsored by Ultimat Vodka) was awarded to The Medics and the Single of the Year (sponsored by Patrón) went to The Presets, for the electro-pop track ‘Ghosts’ which was voted by Rolling Stone Magazine readers.

Rekorderlig Cider Bar at Sydney Festival until 27th January

The Beautifully Swedish Cider Bar at Sydney Festival 2013 Saturday, 5th January 2013 – Sunday, 27th January 2013

Rekorderlig Cider is the first ever cider sponsor for The Sydney Festival 2013 on Saturday 5th January until Sunday 29th January.

The custom built Beautifully Swedish Rekorderlig Cider Bar, set in the Honda Festival Garden in Hyde Park, will be showcasing the eight distinctive and delicious flavours, and for the first time offering jugs of Rekorderlig encouraging cider lovers to relish Rekorderlig’s Beautifully Swedish way of life and attitude and share a jug with a friend.

The Honda Festival Garden in Hyde Park is a Sydney summer highlight, a welcoming oasis for a drink after work and the perfect setting to enjoy a balmy night filled with theatrical and musical delights.

Set amongst Hyde Park’s beautiful landscape the Rekorderlig Cider Bar will be the ultimate location to relax, sample the innovative flavours, enjoy the live music and soak in the atmosphere of the festival. Boasting fun, exciting and engaging activities, the bar will be decorated in Rekorderlig’s vibrant and colorful ‘Beautifully Swedish’ campaign branding.

With a wide range of activities and shows on offer at the Honda Festival Garden throughout January, such as Cantina, Darkside and Hot Dub Time Machine, the Rekorderlig Cider Bar is the perfect way to begin the evening with friends and family, enjoying a refreshing drink on a hot summer’s eve.

Rekorderlig’s family owned fourth generation family brewery combines the highest quality fruit with pure water from one of Europe’s most accredited springs in Vimmerby, Sweden. Superior in quality and taste the exceptional ingredients continue to produce an award winning portfolio of premium ciders, reinforcing its position as the most popular and fastest growing imported cider brand in Australia.

Rekorderlig is Australia’s leading imported cider and is available in seven sensational flavours including the traditionally refreshing Apple, distinctively crisp Pear, zesty Strawberry & Lime, dry and juicy Wild Berries, the premium Apple & Blackcurrant, sweet Mango & Raspberry and the new tantalizing and refreshing Orange & Ginger. All flavours will be available at the Beautifully Swedish cider bar.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy Rekorderlig’s unique and Beautifully Swedish Cider Bar at this year’s 2013 Sydney Festival.

WHAT’S ON – Sydney 101 – Celebrate all that is Australian this Australia Day…

Whether it’s your first Aussie Day (January 26th) or if it’s your 30th, there is absolutely no reason not to get involved.

There are so many cool activities taking place across this lil’ ol’ country that we call home.

When I first arrived in Sydney four years ago on the 23rd January, I had no idea that there even was an Australia Day, no less when it was! Little did I know that it was in 3 days time, and that it would be one of the best days of my travels yet!

Back in 2009, we started at Hyde Park with a crate of Pure Blonde, then we headed to The Australian Hotel in The Rocks. We then ended our day watching the fireworks at Darling Harbour – they were spectacular!

I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of it before! So here is a little gift from me to you, to let you decide how your perfect Australia Day will be spent:

1. Bronte Beach BBQ (all day)

Avoid the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the quaint Eastern Suburbs beach between Bondi and Coogee. It is one of the few places where you’re allowed to drink in the open and it has grass, sand and BBQs to complete a relaxing day at the beach.

2. The Rocks – Glenmore and The Australian Heritage Hotel (all day)

This was suggested by one of Sydney Social 101′s Facebook fans as a ‘must-see’ for Australia Day – You can enjoy Emu and Kangaroo pizzas at The Australian, then wander a mere 20 metres to The Glenmore for spectacular Sydney Harbour views. A great option if the weather isn’t 100% as The Glenmore now has a retractable roof to ensure that rain, sun or hail, you can enjoy a schooner with a view!

3. Bondi Rocks – North Bondi (12pm til late)

If you fancy a lively day with beer, sounds and shapes, head to Bondi Rocks in North Bondi – One for all the hipsters (or wanna be) out there!

4. Festival of the Voice – The Rocks (12pm – 8pm)

A great suggestions by another SS101 Facebook groupies They advised their pick would be to head to The Rocks this Australia Day for a free celebration of music and song.

There is also a twilight concert with Australian artists in Dawes Point Park. Again you’ll be able to take advantage of stunning Harbour views.

There are also concerts at First Fleet Park and ‘Song Street’ (George Street). If you’re talented with regards to vocal gymnastics, you can even make sweet music on the karaoke stage in The Rocks Square.

5. Darling Harbour - Australia Day Fireworks

Like I did on my first Australia Day, join thousands of people at Cockle Bay, hear an official address from the NSW Premier and witness the grand finale of Sydney’s Australia Day celebrations—an exhilarating symphony of light, sound and pyrotechnics. Perfect if you’re looking for things to do with the family!

6. Party hard with the best of them with Keystone!

Cargo Bar, Cargo Lounge, Bungalow 8 and The Loft have a list of celebrations to suit all tastes this Australia Day here in Sydney, from 25 – 28 January!

They are all hosting a four day festival at the four iconic harbour-side venues on King Street Wharf! With over 50 different DJs and live acts, plus activities, games and more, ‘Oz Fest’ is a celebration of Australian icons with all the jam-packed excitement and entertainment of a festival! Including Minx She Can DJ tour, Sosueme DJs, Strummer & heaps more!

Sweethearts Rooftop Bar is hosting Aussie celebrations from 25 – 28th January! There will be $5 tinnies and great Aussie food ALL WEEKEND

The Sugarmill will be hosting a massive Australia Day party across four floors from 10pm – Kings Cross

Gazebo – 26th January from 12pm

Peter Allen Party with DJs from 4pm, celebrations from 12pm for a massive AustraliaDay Celebration.

Manly Wine – 26th January from 3pm

7. Rave the night away at Pacha at The Ivy – Saturday 26 January from 6:30pm!

Now there are no doubt many events and activities I have missed out – If you have any suggestions, please post a comment below!

Hope you all have the best Australia Day ever!

The Hobbit holds its position as Australia’s number 1 film

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY has held its place as #1 film at the Australian box
office since its opening on December 26, 2012 (12 days and running).

The first chapter in Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson’s long-awaited filmed adaptation of The Hobbit trilogy has earned a staggering $28,636,856 on 560 screens across Australia to date.

Shot in 3D 48 frames-per-second, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was released nationally on December 26, 2012 in High Frame Rate 3D (HFR 3D) in select cinemas, other 2D, 3D formats and IMAX®, to also break records as the biggest Boxing Day release in motion picture history.
Grossing $21,031,327 in its first week it has also claimed the spot of Australia’s fourth largest opening week of all time, outperforming all three films in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and coming in close behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two, Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince and The Avengers.

To date, the blockbuster has earned an estimated US$263.95 million in the US and grossed an
estimated $562.8 million internationally, for an astounding global total of $827 million, and still steadily climbing.

Roadshow Films Managing Director Joel Pearlman said: “This is an extraordinary result. Australian audiences rushed to cinemas to see the first in the trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Featuring some amazing local talent among the cast, including Cate Blanchett and Barry Humphries – we are delighted with these box office results.”

LOOK FIVE** On the fifth day of Xmas the only way to be seen, is rocking a hot swimsuit – A look that begs to be seen

As Xmas approaches and Sydney prepares for a hot sunny Christmas day, it is time to bring out the hottest swimwear you can find to ensure that you sizzle this summer!

Sydney Social 101 has a number of key looks to make you stand out from the crowd!

All looks can be purchased at www.skyeandstaghorn.com

Skye & Staghorn ‘Volkerson’ One Piece $210.00

Skye & Staghorn ‘ DK’ One Piece $206.00

Skye & Staghorn ‘Cody Jane’ One Piece $265.00

The back

Skye & Staghorn ‘Joker’ Two Piece $206.00

NYE 101** Priceless Sydney takes New Year’s Eve up a Level… or 47

Internationally-renowned chef and author, Michael Moore, has teamed up with MasterCard’s Priceless Sydney program to bring an exclusive above-city New Year’s Eve celebration to Sydneysiders, which they can book from today at http://www.pricelesssydney.com.au.
Perched high above Sydney on level 47 of the Australia Square building, the recently-opened O Bar and Dining combines two global trends for NYE revellers to experience – above-city venues and market fresh, healthier dining.
Moore, who has owned and managed top restaurants in both London and Sydney throughout his 26-year career, says that like any other trend, dining is very fashion-driven.

“Above-city venues are in full swing around the world, with Loof in Singapore, Vue Bar in Shanghai and Plunge in New York being just a few making the most of their stunning skyline vistas. O brings a hot new vibe to Sydney – it’s a fun, sexy, naughty and healthy destination where Sydneysiders can enjoy a freshly-juiced cocktail and some tasty lunch or dinner, all while soaking up city vistas from above.”
Previously known as The Summit restaurant, O Bar and Dining is a stylish, modern venue; with every interior detail hand-picked by Moore himself. Guests can enjoy 360-degree views of Sydney thanks to a revolving floor – the prime spot to enjoy Sydney’s famous fireworks show this New Year’s Eve as you look down on Sydney harbour from 47 floors up.

The O Bar and Dining menu focuses on local seafood and seasonal produce, underpinned by Moore’s healthy eating philosophy, inspired by his cookbook for diabetics and health-conscious cooks, Blood Sugar. Items on the menu include pasture-fed dry aged beef, rare breed pork and lamb and creel caught crustacea accompanied by the day’s market greens and vegetables.
Available exclusively via Priceless Sydney, MasterCard cardholders will have access to three unique New Year’s Eve Packages, each offering an evening filled with entertainment and delicious cocktails to accompany a bespoke menu by Michael Moore.
 Package 1 – A six-course menu at a sought-after window table, $495 per person
 Package 2 – A six-course menu, $425 per person
 Package 3 – Substantial canapés at the O Bar, $320 per person
Event Details:
Date: Monday 31 December, 2012
Time: 7.30pm until 2.00am
Location: Level 47, Australia Square, 264 George Street, Sydney
RSVP: Places are strictly limited, so reserve a place at Sydney’s hottest New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome the New Year in style: http://www.pricelesssydney.com.au.

CATCH A PIECE OF HISTORY ON THE SYDNEY MONORAIL LAST CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY ROUNDS

Sydneysiders and visitors to Sydney are invited to take a ride and farewell the Monorail on its last Christmas holiday rounds before its closure in June 2013.

After 25 years of service as one of Sydney’s most iconic tourist attractions, people travelling on the Monorail this Christmas can make their own special memories as they take a ride on the city’s most unique travel experience.

Whether it’s to visit the Pirates! at the National Maritime Museum, go crackers at Wallace & Gromit’s World of Invention at the Powerhouse Museum, celebrate some Christmas cheer at Carols in the Domainor indulge the family in the Christmas spirit at Santa Fest in Darling Harbour, the Monorail is the perfect and easy way to get about the city.

Make a day of it with a Monorail Day Pass from only $9.80 or $24 for families which includes unlimited travel plus discounted entry to ten of Sydney’s best attractions: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye, Captain Cook Cruises, Powerhouse Museum and National Maritime Museum and many more.

Also included in every Monorail Family Day Pass is a free souvenir Eye Spy Up High activity fun sheet where families can test their knowledge of the city as they enjoy the ride. Celebrating the Monorail’s 25 year history, Eye Spy Up High highlights 25 special sights throughout the Monorail route.

Sydney’s Monorail has long been a unique form of travel linking the city and Darling Harbour, transporting up to 3 million Sydneysiders, domestic and international tourists each year.

Don’t miss the opportunity to farewell Sydney Monorail through its last Christmas holidays.

Sydney Monorail operates daily every 5 minutes (closed Christmas Day)

Open 7am – 10pm Mon – Friday, 8am – 10pm Saturday and Sunday

www.monorail.com.au

HUMAN NATURE CONFIRM A HEADLINE RESIDENCY DEAL AT THE PRESTIGIOUS Venetian LAS VEGAS®

Sydney Social 101 is a HUGE fan of Motown music. So if any of our readers are planning to head to Las Vegas, please read on for the show of a lifetime.

Australia’s most successful male vocal group, Human Nature are thrilled to announce that they will be the headlining act for a two-year residency at one of the world’s most luxurious resorts, The Venetian in Las Vegas. The new show, titled Smokey Robinson presents Human Nature: The Motown Show will begin on Saturday, January 19, 2013.

“We are incredibly proud to be bringing our show to one of the most iconic casinos anywhere,” said Human Nature’s Andrew Tierney. “The support we have had in this city has been extraordinary and we can’t wait to get more and more people dancing and singing every night with our versions of the most amazing music ever produced – Motown!”

“Once we heard those smooth harmonies of Human Nature, we knew they were a perfect fit for The Venetian,” said John Caparella, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Venetian and The Palazzo. “This is a show you want to tweet about the minute you step out of the theatre.”

“We are thrilled to be moving our new production of this show into The Venetian Las Vegas,” said Producer Adam Steck, Founder and CEO of SPI Entertainment, Inc. “Human Nature have achieved incredible success in Las Vegas over the past three years. Headlining at The Venetian is a perfect match for the guys and their show and it is really a dream come true. The guys are incredibly talented and a genuine Las Vegas success story who continue to attract and thrill audiences from all over the world. I can’t wait to get started in our new home.”

Human Nature will now call The Sands Showroom (formerly the Venetian Showroom) at The Venetian, a 742-seat venue, home for a two-year residency. In true Las Vegas fashion, their first show at The Venetian will be their 777^th show on the famed Las Vegas strip.

It’s 23 years since the group was formed by Andrew and Michael Tierney, Toby Allen and Phil Burton – four high school friends who have gone on to conquer the world.  Human Nature are one of Australia’s great musical success stories. Since signing with Sony Australia in 1995, they have released nine albums – five of which went to number one in Australia – achieving 23 platinum awards, 17 top 40 hits and five top 10 hits worldwide. They have sold more than two million albums in Australia alone. Their album The Motown Record has alsoreached number one on the US Billboard Heat Seekers chart.

In 2005, Human Nature released the five-time platinum album Reach Out – The Motown Record. A collection of Motown hits (and ARIA’s highest selling Australian album of 2006), this was followed up in 2006 with Dancing In The Streets – The Songs of Motown Two then in 2007 the group returned with Get Ready featuring Motown superstars like Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson.

It was this association with Smokey Robinson that saw Human Nature head to America in mid 2009 to become the first Australian group to start a Las Vegas residency in the famed live performance mecca and remain there today, four years later. Earlier this year, the group scored a coveted performance opportunity on the US Dancing With The Stars performing to an audience of over 16 million viewers for a Motown themed show.

The talented quartet are enroute to Australia preparing for their next live theatre shows, “Christmas, Motown and More”. Human Nature will perform with their band and symphony orchestras kicking off next week on the Gold Coast (with Philharmonia Australia), in Adelaide (with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra), in Sydney (with Philharmonia Australia) and in Melbourne (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) – see details below.

About The Venetian Las Vegas®

The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, the largest property in America to receive AAA’s Five Diamond and the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Four Star awards, is one of the world’s most luxurious resort and convention destinations. Recreating Venice’s legendary landmarks, the LEED® EB Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified resort offers unmatched service and quality for leisure and corporate guests. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Venetian features The Grand Canal Shoppes®, an indoor streetscape complete with gondolas and singing gondoliers, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, world-class gaming, exquisite restaurants, a wide variety of entertainment such as “Soul2Soul with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill,” the party musical “ROCK OF AGES,” showroom headliners including David Spade, Rita Rudner, Tim Allen and Joan Rivers and extensive convention and corporate services.

About SPI Entertainment

SPI Entertainment, Inc. is a leading Production Company & Talent Agency with six successful resident award-winning shows in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, and more than 10 shows touring internationally. With a successful track record of building entertainment brands and partnering with world class entertainers, SPI has become the preeminent Theatrical Producer & Talent Agency in Las Vegas and beyond. Current Productions include Smokey Robinson Presents: Human Nature – The Motown Show, Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth, Australia’s Thunder From Down Under, Divas – Starring Frank Marino, The Australian Bee Gees Show, and American Storm.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 14                        JUPITERS THEATRE – JUPITERS HOTEL & CASINO   (with Philharmonia Australia)

                                                     www.ticketmaster.com.au OR 1300 139 588

SATURDAY DECEMBER 1                    JUPITERS THEATRE – JUPITERS HOTEL & CASINO   (with Philharmonia Australia)

                                                     www.ticketmaster.com.au OR 1300 139 588

MONDAY DECEMBER 17                      ADELAIDE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE (with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra)

                                                     www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19               SYDNEY STATE THEATRE                   (with Philharmonia Australia)

                                                     www.ticketmaster.com.au OR 1300 139 588

SATURDAY DECEMBER 22                  HAMER HALL, ARTS CENTRE              (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)

                                                     www.ticketmaster.com.au OR 1300 139 588

SUNDAY DECEMBER 23                       HAMER HALL, ARTS CENTRE              (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)                                                            www.ticketmaster.com.au OR 1300 139 588

 www.humannaturelive.com