What's On Archives - Page 34 of 36

Sons Of Sun – ‘A Show That Sent Shivers Through Me’

April 20, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The famous Sun Record label was founded by producer Sam Phillips in Memphis, Tennessee in February 1952. Sun was the first label to record Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Sydney musician John Kennedy answered questions about the show:

Is the show a musical or cabaret?

Sons of Sun is neither a traditional musical or a cabaret. Told through the character of Sun Records’ founder Sam Phillips, his assistant Marion Keisker, and the famous musicians that Sam recorded, the show features a three-piece live band and three actors performing a scripted play. The focus constantly shifts from the story to the songs and back.

Whose music is featured in the show?

Fronted by Sydney musician John Kennedy, the Sons of Sun band performs excerpts of 35 songs from the artists who were discovered by Sam Philips ranging from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. But it also shows how Sam had originally set up his recording service to champion the music of black rhythm and blues musicians in the Memphis area. Howlin’ Wolf, BB King, Ike Turner, Rufus Thomas and many more artists recording at Sam’s studio before the discovery of Elvis.

Will Elvis fans get to hear some of their favourite songs?

Fans will hear a lot of Elvis and a whole lot more. The show outlines Sam Phillips’ musical influences from his early life and his struggle in setting up Sun Records until his discovery of Elvis. Elvis’ Sun Record recordings are featured along with some of his early RCA hits.

Who performs in the show?

The tenacious Sam Phillips is played by Sydney actor, Matt Charleston, with co-stars Victoria Beck and Ben Maclaine taking on multiple roles from Sam’s assistant Marion Keisker to Howlin’ Wolf. Alongside John Kennedy in the Sons of Sun band are original Red Wiggle, Murray Cook on lead guitar and Phil Hall on bass.

Sons of Sun is on at The Little Theatre at 1pm today, 20th April and 1pm on Thursday, 21st April.

Find Yourself… In Amazing Forbes This Elvis™ Season!

April 20, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Start your engines, put on your blue suede shoes and come party with us in Amazing Forbes! Forbes is proud to partner with the Parkes Elvis Festival to expand the offering of events over the course of the week. Amazing Forbes loves a party and this is no exception!

The Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast has become a favourite for Elvis-goers and local Elvis fans alike to attend during the festival. Come and start your day the right way and get your boogie on – with a good feed, funky entertainment and maybe even a bit of a jive!

It all happens in Templar Street, right in the heart of the CBD from 7-10am Friday, 22nd April; with plenty of yummy brekky options to choose from – and of course, good coffee to get you in the groove for the rest of the day! Cafés are located in Templar, Lachlan and Rankin Streets. Entry is free – just buy your own brekky. Spot the red Mustang and stop for a selfie – just like Elvis!

And why not also have a browse at our gorgeous boutique stores before you head off to more Elvis-infused activities and events? Buses leave from Club Forbes to Parkes up the other end of Templar Street at 9.10am, 11.10am and 1.10pm.

Other exciting events that are happening in Amazing Forbes over the course of the Festival include:

The Presley Gala at Club Forbes: Performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm-11pm featuring Nigel Stanley, Ricky Ford, Rick Charles, Terry Leonard, Gabe Phoenix and Mark Caligiuri.

Elvis Entertainment at the “Golfie” (Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel): Performances from Bernie Peri on Friday night 7.30-10.30pm, Locked and Loaded (Rockabilly) on Saturday night 7-11pm, and Barockers on Sunday afternoon 1-5pm.

Contact the venues directly for more information on these fun events!

Buses will operate between Forbes and Parkes during the festival, and bus stop locations are at Big 4 Forbes Holiday Park (Flint Street), Forbes Showground (Show Street), Club Forbes (Templar Street/Newell Highway) and Sam Street/Newell Highway (opposite the Forbes Golf Club). Bus timetables are available at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre.

Stay And Explore

April 20, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Whether you have some down time between concerts, a few extra days to explore or plan to visit again in the future, Amazing Forbes has an abundance of activities for every kind of explorer.

From its stunning natural environment, including the Lachlan River, Lake Forbes and Forbes Wetlands (Gum Swamp bird hides) to exciting public art trails, history and Wiradjuri culture.

Sculpture Down the Lachlan is an exciting trail of larger-than-life sculptures situated along the Lachlan River from Forbes to Condobolin (including the towering goanna sculpture at the Forbes Wetlands). Discover more sculptures and murals in town, including sculptures and Story Poles at the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre on Lake Forbes. Why not stop in for a yarn and discover more about Forbes’ Wiradjuri heritage?

Forbes boasts a rich and colourful history, and gold rush past – a giveaway is the magnificent architecture that lines the streets to this day. Many of the buildings are part of the Heritage Trail (and several appeared in the hit film ‘The Dish’).

Not to be underestimated is the unique boutique shopping district where you’re bound to find something amazing. So, when will you next Find Yourself… in Amazing Forbes?

Time To Rev Up Your Engines And Let Down Your Hair!

April 20, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

READY, SET, GO… There’s no other way but the ‘Speedway’ at the return of the Parkes Elvis Festival this year with a fantastic line-up of all the old favourites and a host of new and unique events. Making it all happen are Parkes Shire Council’s Cathy Treasure, Visitor Economy & Major Events Specialist and Tiffany Steel, Parkes Elvis Festival Director.

After two years of slow living and ‘tracky dacs dress ups’ at home, the green flag is up and it is time to speed up the fun, friendly feel-good vibe that draws thousands to the Parkes Elvis Festival.

The King is back and from today Parkes will transform into a red, white and blue melting pot of go-go dancing girls, racing overalls and suits, spectacular racing cars, and of course the ubiquitous Elvis jumpsuit for this year’s Speedway theme.

The next five days are jam-packed with more than 400 Elvis and speedway inspired events. Apart from all the much-loved festival favourites like the Street Parade, Renewal of Vows, Gospel Service, Miss Priscilla Dinner, and free Cooke Park Main Stage Entertainment, a host of new and unique events will make the comeback festival an unforgettable one.

There is the Speedway Exhibit of rare and classic race cars and virtual reality simulators, a Pin-Up Pageant for rockabilly and vintage fashion lovers, a wild rock and roll play about Sun Records, Mark Anthony’s one-off special Speedway Show, a virtual Q&A appearance by Speedway child star Victoria Paige Meyerink, and Charles Stone, tour producer for the Elvis Presley Tours in the 1970s.

Taylor Rodriguez, the USA’s 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, will make his Australian debut at the Feature Concert Series, and the list goes on and on for a festival where you can forget about the troubles and hardships of the past two years to rock ‘n roll to your heart’s content.

By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Elvis Festival Celebrates ‘Speedway’ With Unique Car Exhibition

April 20, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

There is a lot to get revved up about over the return of the Parkes Elvis Festival, but an exclusive and unique exhibition to celebrate this year’s theme will be a chequered flag experience for many.

The Speedway Car Exhibition will run for five days only and will feature vehicles on display for the first time.

So, get your motor running and head to the corner of Clarinda and Mitchell where you will be greeted by a special Holden Dealer Team (HDT) showroom with a collection of modern and period cars, and road and race cars.

The collection of cars had the full HDT treatment, including the 2015 VF ‘Blue Meanie’ collection in sedan, wagon and ute configuration. It is the first time that the anniversary edition Commodores will be on display together. The VE-VC, VF-VK group A and VF-VL Group A that will excite Holden lovers and motor heads alike.

A crowd favourite is sure to be the 1980 Marlboro Holden Dealer Team 05 VC Commodore built by Peter Brock, which brings the King of the Mountain to the King of Rock and Roll in Parkes.

Also included will be a VK Group A, VE Interceptor and VF Champion Series Commodore. The Holden theme continues with a Walkinshaw Commodore and a HK Bathurst Monaro. Fans of the blue oval will also be pleased with the inclusion of such cars as a Moffatt Tribute Mustang along with a 1965 Shelby Cobra and MK 1 GT40 that appeared in Matt Damon’s Ford vs Ferrari movie.

Entry is free and the display is open from 9am to 5pm from today to Sunday. The official opening is at 11am today and Peter Champion from HDT Special Vehicles will be sharing his wealth of experience, as well as his friendship with Peter Brock.

Parkes Picnic Races Spectacular

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

IMAGE CREDIT: https://parkespicnicraces.com.au/

Save the date for the biggest weekend of the year in Parkes on Saturday, 11th June for the Parkes Picnic Races.

The annual meeting of the Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Amateur Race Club Inc on the long weekend in June has become a social highlight for locals and visitors.

Expectations are extremely high that this year’s event could be the biggest on record according to club secretary Mark Olson. “The shackles are off and the saddle is on and we are off and running for what will be a great day for picnic racing and as usual a fantastic community get together opportunity.”

President Tim Keith had a spring in his step announcing the major sponsor for 2022 will be Parkes Services Club. “What a wonderful long-term partnership we have,” he said.

The committee is putting a shout out to any locals who would like to volunteer their time on race day with help in all manner of jobs. For those interested in helping out, call into the Memphis Motor Inn or call Mark O’Neill on 0427 647 170 for further information.

Fashions on the field is going to be a smash again this year with effervescent judges Dixy Coulton and Elizabeth Pakchung given the unenviable job of judging the four categories of Best Dressed Couple, Elegant Lady, Stylish Man and Millinery.

Spots are limited for sponsored tents with all the usual suspects lining up again.

A live band will be on course for an afternoon of fabulous music with Foxxy Cleopatra.

There will be five races on during the afternoon with good prize money attracting capacity fields.

Hoofnote, the club is searching far and wide for an extra special celebrity guest so watch this space and above all else we will see you all on 11th June at the Parkes Picnic Races.

By Mark O’Neill

Wooden Artefacts On Exhibit

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Working on the new display of Aboriginal wooden artefacts were (L-R) Ronda Sharpe, Ethan Hartley, Geoff Anderson and Irene Ridgeway.

The Henry Parkes Museum has enlisted the help of members of the Aboriginal community in Parkes to display a collection of wooden artefacts.

The collection includes spears, boomerangs for hunting and fighting, a didgeridoo and two shields. All the items are from the Parkes area and have been in the museum’s archive according to President of the Parkes & District Historical Society Bruce Hall. Artist Irene Ridgeway and Ethan Hartley painted the mounting board, and Ronda Sharpe and Geoff Anderson helped them with the mounting of the items on the board.

The new exhibit is on display in the Aboriginal section of the museum.

Basil, Sybil And Manuel Are Coming To Town!

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Expect nothing short of guaranteed fun and a brilliant night out as you climb inside the BBC’s iconic Faulty Towers TV show and experience it from the inside out…

Yes, you can be part of the action right here in Parkes as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up mayhem on a plate alongside a 3-course meal and two hours of non-stop laughter. With over 70% of each performance improvised, it is completely immersive and a highly interactive comedy spectacular where anything can happen… and usually does!

It took Allison Hattenfels, Manager of Bushman’s Motor Inn, four years to get this top attraction of London’s theatre scene to come to Parkes. The good news is the show will run for two nights on Wednesday, 27th and Thursday, 28th April.

“It is a very different and fun experience,” said Allison, who decided she wanted it to come to Parkes after she had seen in Young.

“Not only will it be a good night to catch up with friends and have a good laugh, but it will also help to keep the feel-good mood that the Elvis Festival bring to town last longer as it is three days after the end of the festival,” said Allison.

She says we all need humour in our lives after COVID, and the world’s most sought-after tribute to the iconic Faulty Towers is sure to deliver barrel loads of laughs in an irresistible blend of top-flight improvisation and tight theatrical script.

“The actors are extremely quick witted and react instantly to any quips made by audience members,” said Allison.

Be prepared to be pranked and expect the unexpected as chaos reigns right from the start with Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Book a table with friends by calling 6862 2199 or go to www.bushmansmotorinn.com.au

Final Classic Outback Trial Rally Starts In Parkes On Sunday

March 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Buy a raffle ticket from the Parkes Prostate Cancer Support and Awareness Group outside Discount Daves today and tomorrow to stand a chance to get a ride around town with race driver Warren Briggs in his 1965 Mustang

Rally cars started arriving in Parkes yesterday and will be seen all over Parkes this weekend as cars and their crews come to town for the start of the seventh and final Classic Outback Trial.

It is an endurance rally for historic rally cars (pre-1980), and 49 cars and their crews will pass under the starter’s arch in Church Street at 9am on the first of seven long and gruelling days of fast, hard and dusty competitive car rallying covering 33 special stages and nearly 1,700km in total.

With the racing crews comes a mobile army of almost 300 people who will offer a very significant boost for the economy of not only Parkes, Orange and Bathurst – where overnight stops will be held – but also that some of the smaller towns like Condobolin, Molong and Sofala, where lunch breaks will be held.

Entries for the event include local Bathurst legends Andrew and David Travis. Driving a 1984 V6 powered Nissan Gazelle, the son and father team will be trying hard to win this year’s event to add to their already impressive tally of four Classic Outback Trial wins.

Hot on their heels will be former Australian Rally Champion Nathan Quinn in a 1972 Mazda RX2 and South Australian star driver Stuart Bowes, who will be manhandling his massive Mercedes Benz 450 SLC through the tight forests and fast and open shire roads between Parkes and Bathurst.

Another entry set to attract some attention is a 1958 British sports car fitted with 2019 Telsa S electric running gear. The car is a Sunbeam Alpine Series 3, probably best known as the “Get Smart Car” in the popular TV series of the 1970’s.

Michael Wilkinson of Victoria is the car’s owner and the brains behind the unique concept, and the Classic Outback Trial is his first foray into dusty and gravel roads of a regularity rally with an electric rally car.

Giving the rally some international flavour will be UK-based Kiwi Warren Briggs who has entered his beautiful 1965 Mustang. Aided by Victorian navigator Matt Dillon the team are hoping for a good showing. It will be a change of scenery for Warren who is more used to steering his historic Formula one McLaren around tarmac circuits instead of the dusty roads of regional NSW.

LOCAL CHARITY SUPPORT

Warren and his team usually pick a local charity to support and this year have joined with local racing legend Peter O’Donnell and Spinifex Recruiting to raise awareness and funds for the Parkes Prostate Cancer Support and Awareness Group.

The Mustang will be on display this afternoon in front of Discount Daves in Clarinda Street to raise awareness for the Prostate Cancer Support Group. The group will be running a raffle with the lucky winner getting a ride around town with Warren in the Mustang. The team welcomes everyone to come up whilst the event is on, get a photo or two or just have a yarn about the Mighty Red 1965 Mustang.

A feature of the 2022 Classic Outback Trial is the Regularity event, held in conjunction with the Special Stage Rally but on open roads and where the crews must strictly obey all traffic rules and regulations to arrive at their destination on time.

The 2022 Classic Outback Trial will move to Orange on Tuesday, 29th March and will finish at Bathurst Civic Centre on Saturday, 2nd April.

Young Soloists Ready For Big Night

March 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Lexi Herden and Aimee Ross from Parkes Christian School are ready to share the stage with Australia’s biggest stars in
Overture after being successful with their auditions as soloists.

Sharing the stage with Australia’s celebrity artists in your home town is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the two junior soloists in Overture are super excited for the 2nd of April.

The two Parkes Christian School students might only be 12 and 13 years in age, but Lexi Herden and Aimee Ross are ready for the challenge of performing on the big stage and would like to see the whole community come out and support them on this unforgettable night.

Lexi will be singing ‘When I grow up’ from the musical Matilda. “I will sing two verses and then the choir will join in,” said the young star who has only had two solo roles before in her life.

Aimee will be singing ‘I know it’s today’ from Shrek with Australian superstar Lucy Durack and Holly Hare from Bathurst. Aimee sings the part of little Fiona, Holly is young Fiona and Lucy is adult Fiona.

The two students had to do an audition at the end of last year and are the only two school-aged soloists chosen from auditioneers from all across NSW.

“My mum took a video when I got the good news,” said Aimee. “I was ecstatic! I really wanted it,” said the young star who has been in several Parkes M & D productions.

Lexi said she did not really understand how big a deal it was until her mum explained. “I got really excited, but I’m also feeling a bit nervous about performing in front of such a big audience.”

She would love to become a professional in musical theatre one day, and can’t wait to meet Lucy Durack and talk to her about

what it takes to get to the top.

“It would be amazing to meet Lucy and perform with her on stage,” said Aimee, who also have a passion for law and politics and becoming a lawyer.

The two students will conclude their preparation with a singing lesson with the other big star of Overture, Josh Piterman shortly before the big night.

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