Music

Social Spy** Rebirth of the Marly, Hotel Marlborough launches Garden Bar

1May 2013 Hotel Marlborough, Newtown

The Marly invites you to come play in its garden

Last night, Sydney Social was invited to the VIP opening of Hotel Marlborough’s new Garden Bar in Newtown.

As the name suggests, The Garden Bar is an outdoor courtyard (heated during the chillier months) that has been opened up and transformed, showing off an indoor/outdoor hangout like no other in Newtown. The interior hosts a wild mash of styles, from feminine and romantic, green and organic, to edgy exposed brick and providing a stark contrast to the Marly’s classic exterior.

Fun, fruity cocktails were served alongside tray after tray of backyard classics by new Head Chef, Ernie Priestley. Having previously worked at the Abercrombie Hotel, Norfolk Hotel, Keystone, Merivale and Universal, Ernie has packed the menu with classed-up pub favourite, heaps of vegetarian offerings and old school Aussie classics such as fish fingers and a cheese platter. We highly recommend the fried scallops!

The new refurb plays up the garden theme with lush greenery, a sweet assortment of candy colours and a whimsical love seat. Touches of exposed brick and pops of lipstick are part of the overall re-launch of the Hotel Marlborough. “We have respected the heritage of the venue on the exterior, restoring heritage cream tiles and specially hand blown green tiles – but new venue like the Garden Bar will sit a long way from what the old Marly offered,” said Paddy Coughlin, CEO of the Riversdale Group.

The Iconic establishment has a rich history with more than 150 years of trade. “I love the history of the Marly, and it’s a great looking pub. It lost its way in recent years though so we’re going to give it a fresh new focus, and the timing couldn’t be better. Newtown is undergoing a massive resurgence in terms of pubs and clubs and as biggest and one of the best positioned in the area we’re looking forward to leading the charge for change,” adds Paddy.

The night could not have been more perfect for a night in the new Garden Bar. A full house of media and VIPs and celebs including Roy Billing, Michelle Leslie and Adam Zammit, Sally Singleton, Callan Ward, Jon Giles, Stephen Coniglio, Dom Tyson, Phil Davis, Toby Greene, Stephen Gilham (AFL Players, GWS Giants) partied with Singo, Paddy Coughlan, Ned Kelly, Mark Carnegie and Geoff Dixon in celebrating the re-birth of the Marly.

The Garden Bar at the Hotel Marlborough is open from 12PM – very late seven days for a cheeky backyard bevvie and burger

Hotel Marlborough – 145 King StreetNewtownwww.marlboroughhotel.com.au

What’s On: INSEAM Fridays at The Den

Sydney Social 101 is excited to announce that theres a new night in town thats not to be missed! Held at The Den at The Ivy, it’s a cool venue in the heart of the city!

INSEAM Fridays promises the most elite service from the moment you enter the private lift and into the stunning mirror bar. With Mixologist Mike Enright originally from the leading bars of London’s West End creating the most delicious of cocktails.

INSEAM at the Den brings the smoothest sounds of the city every Friday night, spinning soul music, house and funk to dance the night away. Showcasing a special guest DJ exclusively for INSEAM guests every week.

What: INSEAM at The Den, Ivy
When: Every Friday, from 9pm
Cost: $20 cover charge
Where: Level 2, 320 George Street, Sydney 2000

Check out what everyone had to say about the Launch of INSEAM:

Social Spy** Marquee celebrates first birthday in style

Marquee Sydney hosted its official first birthday party on Friday 29 March to celebrate one year since it entered Sydney’s clubbing scene, and lifted the bar on the city’s night life experience.

Guests included Jennifer Hawkins and partner Jake Wall, sports stars Robbie Farrah, Lucas Neill and Lote Toquri, songstresses Briden Starr and Prinnie Stevens as well as silver screen beaus James Tobin and Ryan Corr also made an appearance. Ellen’s DJ Tony Okungbowa was also a surprise last minute guest. Held in the exclusive The Library room, guests sipped champagne and partied in the intimate setting well into the night.

The first birthday party event kicked off Marquee’s string of Easter long weekend festivities, one of the biggest party weekends on Sydney’s social calendar.

The best local DJ talent and all-star residents Timmy Trumpet, Tenzin, Helena, Georgia, K Note, Zero Cool and Hook N Sling took over the Boom Box and The Main Room, spinning rotating sets through to the early hours of this morning.

Marquee has lit the Sydney nightlife scene, bringing the best talent from Australia and around the world in the past 12 months, including Aoki, Lil Jon, Psy, Sam Ronson, Dirty South, DJ Cassidy, tyDI, Jermaine Dupri, Calvin Harris, Avicii and Stafford Brothers to perform exclusively at the venue and has showcased its unrivalled access to the best talent in its first year.

Marquee has redefined the Sydney club offering during the past year, quickly establishing itself as a key celebrity party destination. Marquee’s service is synonymous with US standards and the VIP table and bottle service offering is a first to be successfully implemented in an Australian nightclub.

Local and international celebrities including Jennifer Hawkins, Delta Goodrem, Joel and Benji Madden, Chase Crawford, Jamie Foxx, Jonah Hill, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew Morrison, Lara Bingle have all partied at Marquee.

What’s on: Grandmaster Flash in the Flesh at the Soda Factory

When: Friday March 22nd, 9pm-5am
Cost: $20 (on the door)

He’s the daddy of DJ culture, the ultimate decknician, the grand master himself, and he’s coming to Surry Hills’ tightest new hotspot, the Soda Factory, on Friday 22nd March.

Grandmaster Flash has been killin’ it since ’74, and is still regarded one of the greatest DJs of all time. So dust off your platforms and don’t miss your chance to catch Flash in the flesh in the intimate, vintage surrounds of the Soda Factory.

Less than a month since opening their doors, The Soda Factory is fast becoming the watering hole of choice for hot bands and celebs alike. Just recently, hit makers Bloc Party were seen kicking back behind the coke machine. With sweet old school tunes, delish dogs and killer cocktails it’s no wonder the likes of Kele, A-Trak and the other cool kids come to hang… must be something in the bubbles…

Speaking of cool kids, the Soda Factory is stoked to announce an additional ‘secret’ show for Electric Empire after the overwhelming response to last night’s gig. The indie roots band will perform this special encore show tonight, Friday 15th March. With no door charge, we suggest you take your dollars straight to the bar for a Choc Passion Martini instead.

For venue details and more events: http://www.sodafactory.com.au

What’s on: GIANT LETTERS SPELLING OUT ‘CARMEN’ NOW ADORN AN OPERA STAGE THAT APPEARS TO FLOAT ON SYDNEY HARBOUR.

The creative vision for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Carmen has been revealed with the final ‘C’ of six giant letters spelling out ‘CARMEN’ now in place on the harbour-top opera stage. The spectacular Spain-Meets-Hollywood stage will set the scene for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Carmen, which opens Friday 22 March for three weeks only.

The Hollywood-inspired Carmen letters measure a staggering 9 metres high and 25 metres wide. When the production opens next Friday 22 March, they will be spot-lit by lighting towers on and around the main stage during the production. The scaffolding supporting the letters doubles as a structure for the singers and dancers to climb and perform from during the show. The stage itself is 32 metres by 24 metres and resembles a round, blood-stained bullfighting ring. It sits on a platform supported by 16 pylons sunk into Sydney Harbour.

The Carmen letters will cut an imposing silhouette across Sydney Harbour for the duration of the production, 22 March – 12 April. It positively dwarfs Australian icons such as the Big Banana and Big Pineapple in scale!

The letters symbolise the glamorous, seductive facade of Carmen and will be seen in all their glossy glory by visitors looking across the harbour from the Sydney Opera House, by joggers around the Royal Botanic gardens, by commuters driving across the Harbour Bridge and those travelling by ferry (or cruise ship!) on Sydney Harbour. The audience will see the letters in reverse, signifying the seedy underworld in which the gypsies’ underhanded activities take place at the tobacco factory in Seville, Spain.

The Carmen set features other spectacular effects including a life-sized slaughtered bull (post bull-fight) and fireworks. Dancers will whirl about the stage in dazzling flamenco costumes, bringing colour and movement to the blood-red stage.

Some of the world’s best opera talents have converged in Sydney to perform in Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Carmen. Hailing from Sydney, Perth and Tasmania in Australia, from New York and Memphis in the USA and even from the Ukraine, this is a truly global cluster of opera stars.

When the show opens, they will have had just over four weeks to bring this brand new outdoor production to perfection, ahead of the opening night on Friday 22 March, when they will perform on Australia’s most unique opera stage atop the water of Sydney Harbour. A nightly audience of 3,000 seated at the edge of The Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney will enjoy tapas, paella, Spanish BBQ and cocktails in luxury, while they watch the drama of Carmen unfold beneath the stars.
http://www.operaonsydneyharbour.com.au

Social Spy** FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL SYDNEY

Last Saturday one of the biggest national music festivals, the sold out Future Music Festival, was home to 50,000 festival goers hit Sydney on Saturday 9th March at Randwick Racecourse.

In its 7th year, it has grown to be the biggest and most successful festivals in Australia, kicking off in Brisbane last weekend and finishing off in Adelaide today.

As the most popular music festival, it offers music across the genres from music legends of The Prodigy & Stone Roses through to pop culture with Rita Ora and YouTube sensation Psy.

With a fantastic line up and the only premium First Class Lounge in the country, available at $300 per head for the ultimate festival experience, music fans got to rub shoulders with TV stars, celebrities and fashionistas – all whilst enjoying the 360 degree views on a raised platform between both main stages.

The First Class tent also included a beauty bar which were headed up by Rimmel & Redken artists & hairdressers to keep the ladies looking fresh and beautiful all day

With the music industry changing rapidly with the rise of digital music, YouTube and illegal downloads, artists are progressively moving into live music performances to reach out to their fans, making festivals an important part of their career.

If you’re coming to Sydney next year or plan to still be here, make sure you get a ticket!!

SOCIAL SPY** THE SODA FACTORY LAUNCHES INTO SURRY HILLS

16 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills

For those in the know, last night saw Sydney’s music industry heavyweights, actors, artists and more arrive in droves for the opening of Surry Hills’ newest late-night sweet spot, The Soda Factory.

From the outside, onlookers questioned why there was a queue on Wentworth Ave for entry to a hot-dog joint. Those with a keen eye though, would have spied celebrities slipping behind a 1950’s coke machine and not remerging until hours later, faces flushed and wearing smiles. Sydney Social 101 LOVES this!!!!

Thirsty Mirc frontman Rai Thistlethwayte, Triple J breakfast presenter, Alex Dyson and the god father of music himself Michael Chugg were just a few of the music industry faces out in support of the night.

Channel V presenter Marty Smiley and Actress Sarah Snook were seen cutting up the dance floor while New York’s DJ SPINNA worked the decks. And Masterchef winner Andy Allen and Puberty Blues actress Charlotte Best kicked back on the make-shift crate booths sipping cocktails.

Scott Tweedie, Renee Brack, Nacho Pop, Casey Burgess, Akos Armont, Nick Westaway and Dominic Allburn were also amongst the crowd.

Guests had the chance to sample drinks from the menu designed by mixologist Mitchell Warters, straight from London. He’s spent the last two years perfecting the art of the delicious drop at Richard Branson’s exclusive members-only Roof Gardens cocktail bar on High Street, LDN.

But rather than a traditional serving of spirits and classic cocktails, Warters has created some unique and exciting signature drinks to complement the old school atmosphere. The Chocolate Passion Martini: rich blend of dark chocolate and lush passionfruit was a real crowd pleaser. The Sailers Mule was cinnamon and bitters infused and served with a cute red and white milk-bar straw while the Sweet Gal’s Blush was a fruity mix of strawberries and kiwifruit.

To tie in with the hot-dog restaurant entry, food on the night consisted of gourmet dogs and sides of Mac & Cheese. The Hotdogs on offer included: The Texas Redneck – Classic Frankfurter Sausage, Smoked Chilli, Cheese, Texas BBQ Sauce, The Johnny Drama – Beef Sausage Bacon, Sour Cream, Avocado, Tomato Salsa, and The Buffalo Bill Chicken Dog -Battered Chicken Sausage, Buffalo Chicken Sauce, Cheese.

Bar owner Graham Cordery said the night was a huge success “We’ve had an incredible first night and the response has been overwhelming. People have been craving something different from Surry Hills for a while now and where excited to be able to offer them both a not so small bar and music venue all in one.”

For those in the know, The Soda Factory will offer the highest quality entertainment and beverages in a wonderfully central location, long into the night and beyond.

So whether you stop for a nightcap hot dog at Bobby’s Boss Dogs – the fast food joint that conceals this hidden gem – or pass through it as you wander out in the early morning glow, there’s a secret spot waiting for you at the bottom end of Surry Hills – but don’t just go telling everyone, alright? Shh, it’s just this way…

Monday – Wednesday 5pm – 12am
Thursday 5pm – 2am
Friday 5pm – 5am
Saturday 7pm – 5am

Upcoming Events/Artists
§ Thurs Feb 21st (VIP launch) DJ SPINNA (NYC)
§ Sat Feb 22nd – Public Launch Party feat DJ SPINNA
§ Sat March 2nd – GREG WILSON (UK)
§ Thursday March 15th – ELECTRIC EMPIRE (Live)
§ Sat March 16th – DROP OUT ORCHESTRA (Sweden)
§ Friday March 22nd – GRANDMASTER FLASH (USA)

GUNS N’ ROSES CONFIRMED TO TOUR AUSTRALIA IN MARCH 2013 WITH SPECIAL GUESTS ZZ TOP AND ROSE TATTOO

McManus Entertainment is thrilled to announce the return to Australia of one of the world’s greatest rock bands, Guns N’ Roses in March 2013. Joining Guns N’ Roses will be special guests ZZ Top and Aussie rockers Rose Tattoo.

Guns N’ Roses will play shows in Perth, Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne and Brisbane. Tickets go on sale through various outlets on Friday 25 January at 9am.

Promoter Andrew McManus says, “I can’t wait for these shows next March. Axl Rose is a legend and I can’t wait to see Guns N’ Roses play to their legion of Aussie fans again. I’m so proud to be bringing them back to Australia and am looking forward to a great tour with fellow rockers ZZ Top and Rose Tattoo.”

Hard rockers Guns N’ Roses were last in Australia in 2010 but haven’t played to Melbourne audiences since 2007. Guns N’ Roses are Axl Rose, DJ Ashba (guitar), Dizzy Reed (keyboards), Tommy Stinson (bass), Richard Fortus (guitar), Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (guitar), Chris Pitman (keyboards) and Frank Ferrrer (drums).

Since bursting out of the LA rock scene in the mid ‘80s, Guns N’ Roses went on to become one of the world’s most legendary rock bands and one of the biggest in music history. Their debut album, Appetite For Destruction, reached number one on the US Billboard chart in 1987 and has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide. The ground-breaking debut album featured classics hits, Welcome To The Jungle, Paradise City and the chart-topping hit Sweet Child o’ Mine. In Australia Guns N’ Roses reached the top of the ARIA album charts in 1991 with Use Your Illusion II and in 1993 with The Spaghetti Incident, a collection of punk and new-wave covers. 1991’s Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II remained on the US charts for more than 108 weeks and saw the band break new ground with their videos for November Rain, Don’t Cry and Estranged. The band’s most recent release, Chinese Democracy, was released in 2008 and debuted at number one in 13 countries.

Guns N’ Roses continue to tour the globe and have played to millions of fans worldwide. In April 2012, Guns N’ Roses were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and have sold more than 100 million records worldwide since forming in 1985.

Guns N’ Roses’ special guests on their Australian tour are the legendary Texan trio, ZZ Top. ZZ Top’s image has been as unchanging and memorable as their music. ZZ Top have been together for more than 40 years and were inducted by Keith Richards into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. The band’s iconography – beards, cars, girls and that magic keychain – transcend all bounds of geography and language. They’ve been referenced in countless cartoons and sitcoms and are true rock icons. Billy F Gibbons is one of America’s finest blues guitarists while Dusty Hill on bass and Frank Beard on drums (ironically the only member without a beard) provide the ultimate rhythm section support.

Most famous for their hits Legs, Gimme All Your Lovin’ and Sharp Dressed Man, ZZ Top are sure to thrill their Australian fans with their sturdy American blues and rock style. ZZ Top have sold more than 20 million records worldwide and achieved incredible chart success. Their 1983 album Eliminator was a multi-platinum smash in Australia and is “one of the greatest albums of the ‘80s” according to Rolling Stone magazine. The band’s latest album La Futura, (produced by Rick Rubin and Billy Gibbons) is out now through Universal Music Australia.

Rose Tattoo join Guns N’ Roses and ZZ Top on the Tour. The lineup features lead vocalist Angry Anderson, Dai Pritchard, Paul DeMarco, Geordie Leach and Randall Waller. Rose Tattoo is touted as the best bar-room-blues based rock band in the world and one of the most revered bands of all time. Inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006, their hits include Bad Boy for Love, Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw, Nice Boys, We Can’t Be Beaten and Scarred for Life.

Aussie rock fans can expect a hard-rocking performance from a hard-rocking lineup!
​
Proudly presented by Empire Touring, MAX, Triple M, Rockcity and FasterLouder
Tickets on sale Friday 25th January at 9am from various outlets.
​
​
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL TOUR DATES: GUNS N’ROSES, ZZ TOP AND ROSE TATTOO
Saturday 9th March​​Perth Arena, PERTH​ ​ ​ticketek.com.au ​132 849
Tuesday 12th March ​Allphones Arena, SYDNEY​ticketek.com.au ​132 849
Wednesday 13th March​Hunter Stadium, NEWCASTLE​proticket.com.au ​1300 121 012
Sunday 17th March​Arts Centre Melbourne, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, MELBOURNE ticketmaster.com.au ​136 100
Wednesday 20th March​Brisbane Entertainment Centre, BRISBANE​ ​ticketek.com.au​​132 849 ​​

Day Four** Rhiannon Fish, Brian McFadden, Natalie Bassingthwaighte And More Reveal Music Choices For THEIR Favourite Christmas Moods

Christmas music given a shake-up as stars from around the World share their own Festive/holiday playlists with fans on rara.com to celebrate free trial. On the fourth day of Xmas the way to dance around the tree… is listening to my fave star’s playlist on Rara.com for FREE

Sydney Social 101 is excited to announce that a music streaming service has overhauled traditional Christmas playlists in favour of more modern mixes created with the real moods of the festive period in mind; reflecting the different ways we all celebrate Christmas in 2012. We’re HUGE fans of Xmassy songs here at SS101 HQ and we love a sneak look into the musical tastes of our celebs, so this is right up our street!

Rara.com the easy-to-use instant music service – has enlisted the help of global music stars and names from the worlds of fashion, food, sports and entertainment to update its festive playlists. These famous faces have created hand-crafted compilations inspired by their own festive experiences, to give their fans a glimpse of exactly what they’ll be listening to this Christmas

Whether that’s giving their fans tunes for a hip-hop inspired Christmas party (thanks to UK rapper Tinchy Stryder), songs to enjoy with friends during the break between Christmas and the New Year (courtesy of Home & Away actress, Rhiannon Fish), giving their fans tunes for a hip-hop and dance inspired NYE party (thanks to Actor, Model and CelebrityDJ, Didier Cohen and Actor &MTV VJ, Keiynan Lonsdale) and even a high-energy playlist to help shed those pounds after all the excess of the party season (created by music artist and XFactor judge, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, as well as Urban Pop artist Timomatic), these new playlists have it covered, whatever mood you’re in.

Other playlists include music for driving home to see family during the festive period (put together by Australia’s Next Top Model judge, Charlotte Dawson), songs to recharge after NYE and get ready for 2013 with (compiled by Media Commentator and Entertainment Editor-at-Large at News.com.au, Melissa Hoyer), and even tunes to reflect on the good times from 2012 (from musician Brian McFadden).

The move comes as rara.com gives the gift of music and launches its seven day free trial so these playlists – and many more already created by some of the biggest rock, pop, and urban artists in the world – are available to all completely free of charge.

Nick Massey, CEO, rara.com said, “We’re really excited to be working with all of these big names who are all passionate about music, to deliver an early Christmas present and celebrate the launch of our free trial this December. As a music service that offers songs for every moment and mood, we wanted to create interesting, hand-crafted playlists that fit how people are really feeling at this joyous, hectic, crazy time of the year. As well as these quirky festive-themes playlists we also have others curated by global music stars from all genres for our listeners to enjoy all year round.”

Until January 31st anyone can find, play and share unlimited music from millions of tracks available on rara.com, completely free, for seven days. Just log on to rara.com online and use voucher code HOLIDAY2012. After the seven day free trial rara.com is just $0.99 (AUD) and $1.99 (NZ) per month for the first three months, then $7.99 (AUD/NZ) per month after that.

rara.com is also available on-the-go via apps for  iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, and Windows 8 devices. Online and mobile costs are $2.99 (AUD/NZ) per month for the first three months, and then $12.99 (AUD) and $13.99 (NZ) each month.

XMAS 101** The Coogee Carols

Randwick City Council presents

The Coogee Carols

Sunday, 16 December 2012

6.30pm at Goldstein Reserve on Coogee Beach

Hosted by Andrew Mercado & Jo Casamento

Confirmed performers include but not limited to

Katie Nejaim, Chris Paton, Joseph Sullivan, Tony Cogin,

Vanessa Fallon, Sara Carvalho, Chloe Marshall, Amber Lawrence, Brendan Moar, Kurt Phelan, Josh Quong Tart,

Emma Cooperthwaite, Jaynie Seal, Katie Parry, Christopher Horsey & Santa

Randwick City Council presents the COOGEE CAROLS at the Goldstein Reserve, Coogee Beach on Sunday, 16 December 2012 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Each year, this free event draws an audience from local and surrounding areas to celebrate community, family and the spirit of Christmas, opposite one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Locally based celebrities and personalities volunteer their time to appear at The COOGEE CAROLS performing traditional and contemporary carols, supported by a twelve piece band, and of course a special appearance by Santa.

Randwick Mayor Tony Bowen said, “Summer’s in the air and with the festive season almost upon us, please join us at Coogee Carols to celebrate what’s best about our City: our community.”

Large Screens are placed at Goldstein Reserve to ensure that everyone can see the performances.

The COOGEE CAROLS

VENUE: Goldstein Reserve, foreshore near Coogee Beach

DATE: Sunday 16 December

TIMES: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

FREE EVENT