2008 EVENTS
2nd September to 14th September 2008
TELL ME ON A SUNDAY
Peter Cousens’ Kookaburra, The National Musical Theatre Company is thrilled to be bringing Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s Tell Me on a Sunday to Her Majesty’s Theatre from 2 - 14 September for 2 weeks only! Starring Jolene Anderson (All Saints), this classic musical features timeless songs such as Come Back With the Same Look in Your Eyes .
A newly single girl (Jolene Anderson) arrives in New York brimming with the optimism of starting over and sets out to seek success, companionship and, of course, love. But as she weaves her way through the maze of the city she begins to wonder whether she is looking for love in all the wrong places.
“Tell Me on a Sunday contains ...Webber’s very best songs...” - Michael Billington, The Guardian (UK)
LOCATION Her Majesty's Theatre  TICKETS FROM Ticketek
TELL ME ON A SUNDAY ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
6th September & 7th September
VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR
Made in Australia - is a celebration of Australia and its music.
Come join us as we explore the landscapes and themes that define what it is to be an Aussie - from the dusty outback to the urban sprawl of the big cities. Our journey will celebrate all the beauty, the joy, and the humour Australia has to offer and we'll do it all with the radio on.
Starring the talents of over 2,000 Victorian Government school musicians, dancers and singers performing the music of our great Aussie icons.
Made in Australia is home grown, 100% Australian and truly spectacular.
3 performances only 6 and 7 September, 2008 at Hisense Arena, Melbourne Park.
LOCATION Hisense Arena (formely Vodaphone Arean) TICKETS FROM Ticketek
VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
13th September 2008
JUDAS PRIEST
One of the world’s definitive heavy metal bands Judas Priest, who have sold more than 35 million albums worldwide, will bring their mammoth Priest Feast 2008 tour to Australian fans in September.
The Priest Feast tour will showcase their hugely impressive legacy as well as new tracks from their forthcoming album Nostradamus, which will be released by Sony BMG on 14 June, 2008.
The new album is a metal opera based on the life and predictions of Nostradamus. Long in the works, Nostradamus takes epic storytelling to a whole new level, as it recounts the life of this mysterious, world known 16th Century French prophet.
Judas Priest will be joined by special international guests Cavalera Conspiracy, Sepultura’s Max & Iggor reunited
LOCATION Hisense Arena (formely Vodaphone Arean) TICKETS FROM Ticketek
JUDAS PRIEST ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
13th September 2008
SHAPESHIFTER
Fresh from two European tours, Shapeshifter return to bring more explosive live shows to Australia.
Shapeshifter, voted New Zealand's best live act, is back on the road performing the electric and cutting edge set they are known and loved for. To top this off they are releasing their first live album with tracks from their epic orchestra tour.
Since blowing heads at the Parklife festival across the nation in September, Shapeshifter have toured throughout Europe twice, had huge tours throughout New Zealand and have internationally released a vinyl of "One" with a DBridge (Exit Recordings) remix to great critical acclaim.
Fans will get the chance to hear the latest Shapeshifter tracks which they have been performing throughout Europe and will feature on their next studio album, due for release in mid 2009.
LOCATION The Forum TICKETS FROM Ticketek
SHAPESHIFTER ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500
14th September 2008 to 27th October 2008
ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Don’t miss the ultimate live party experience – Richard O’Brien's Rocky Horror Show in this brand spanking new production at the Comedy Theatre from 14 September 2008.
The world’s favourite rock’n’roll musical is back and stars 2007 Helpmann Award-winning actor, ARIA-nominated singer/songwriter iOta as the outrageous Frank N Furter, with Paul Capsis, Tamsin Carroll, Sharon Millerchip, Michael Cormick, Kellie Rode and Andrew Bevis.
Bursting at the seams with timeless classics, including I’m Just A Sweet Transvestite, Damn It Janet, Science Fiction and the pelvic-thrusting Time Warp, this is the show that can’t stop partying.
Currently playing in Sydney, critics have raved about this new Rocky Horror Show.
"Fresh and funny...Rocky Horror is made anew." - The Australian
"There is plenty of raunchy fun to be had in this new production." - Daily Telegraph
"Come up to the lab - this is so fab!” - Sydney Morning Herald
Don’t dream it…be it and book now!
Be warned! This show may be a little bit naughty.
LOCATION Comedy Theatre TICKETS FROM Ticketek
ROCKY HORROR SHOW ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
19th September 2008
2008 BELL SHAKESPEAR - JUST MACBETH!
Just Macbeth! is a new play by acclaimed children’s writer, Andy Griffiths. One of Australia’s funniest and most successful writers, Andy is the author of 15 books including The Day My Bum Went Psycho and the wildly popular Just! series of stories, which has sold over two million copies worldwide.
Bell Shakespeare’s production of Just Macbeth! re-envisions the themes of Macbeth through the eyes of Andy Griffiths’ much loved characters, Andy, Danny, Lisa and Jen, as they negotiate their way through the world of the Scottish play.
Having concocted the witches’ magical brew as part of their school project, Andy and the crew suddenly find themselves on a freezing Scottish heath, mixing with kings and queens, and speaking very strange English. Andy in particular begins to be seduced by the idea that he could finally be the boss.
This is an hilarious and irreverent introduction to Shakespeare’s play for the young and young at heart, sure to have the whole family in stitches!
LOCATION The Arts Centre TICKETS FROM Ticketmaster
2008 BELL SHAKESPEAR - JUST MACBETH! ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
20th September & 22nd September
DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE
Dora's Pirate Adventure
Nickelodeon and AEG ThemeSTAR are proud to present Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Dora's Pirate Adventure. This 80-minute musical spectacular stars Dora and her cousin Diego, Boots the monkey and all of their friends including Map, Backpack, Tico, Swiper, Isa and more.
Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Dora's Pirate Adventure has been tremendously successful in North America and Europe where the show has already played to over 2.2 million Dora fans across 120 cities. Now it's Australia's turn!
The full scale live show leads Dora, our 7 year old Latino heroine, her cousin Diego, Boots the monkey, and all their friends on a fun-filled, swashbuckling, sea-faring adventure. With help from the audience, Dora and her courageous crew use their musical, language, mathematical, and reasoning skills to navigate the harrowing seas, track down the Pirate Piggies, and reclaim their stolen treasure. Dora leads the young audience to successfully carry out the mission.
The show features wonderful sets and costumes, and exciting musical numbers with all of the characters preschoolers love. Dora fans (and those new to Dora) are sure to enjoy this spectacular and unprecedented family theatrical experience that invites kids to think, sing and play along. Adults will have just as much fun seeing the smiles on their children's faces.
LOCATION Hisense Arena (formely Vodaphone Arean) TICKETS FROM Ticketek
DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
24th September 2008 to 12th October 2008
2008 MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL
From 24 September to 12 October, Melbourne will burst with excitement as The Age 2008 Melbourne Fringe Festival unleashes 19 days of arts events, installations and unbridled creativity across Australia’s cultural capital.
The Age 2007 Melbourne Fringe Festival marked 25 years of Melbourne Fringe bringing its wondrous melting-pot of art to Melbourne, making it one of Australia’s oldest and most significant cultural festivals. Over the years Melbourne Fringe has been the platform for many of Australia’s finest talents, including Jane Campion, Lano and Woodley, Barrie Kosky, Denise Scott, Jean Kitson, Santo Cilauro, Rachel Berger, Rachel Griffiths, Tiddas, Chamber Made Opera, Patrica Piccinini, Judith Lucy, The Doug Anthony Allstars, Greg Fleet, Adam Richard and Wil Anderson.
With an independent program representing performance, comedy, circus, cabaret, music, visual arts, dance and movement and digital art, more than 3,000 artists will be involved in this celebration of artistic excellence.
Melbourne Fringe offers something for everyone, presenting around 250 events in over 100 venues right across Melbourne, including activities for all ages. Ticket prices average less than AU$20 with plenty of free events.
So join more than 200,000 Fringe-goers in 2008, as we expose the most contemporary and innovative work by independent artists to the theatres, galleries, laneways and nooks and crannies of the city.
FOR MORE INFORAMTION VISIT http://www.melbournefringe.com.au
2008 MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
24th September 2008 to 26th September 2008
2008 MSO - THE WHITLAMS
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents
The Whitlams and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
One of Australia's classic bands will be performing all of their hits with Australia's best orchestra. This ground-breaking collaboration has already played to sold-out performances with the Sydney Symphony, Western Australian Symphony Orchestra and the Queensland Symphony. Hear stunning new versions of The Whitlams hits, including No Aphrodisiac, Fall for You, Out the Back, Fondness Makes The Heart Grow Absent and many more.
Get in early so you don't miss out!
LOCATION The Arts Centre TICKETS FROM Ticketmaster
2008 MSO - THE WHITLAMS ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
28th September 2008
AFL GRAND FINAL
The AFL Grand Final can lay claim to being the biggest sporting event in Australia. Who will be in this years Grand Final. Will Geelong be able to get another crown, we will have to wait and see.
LOCATION MCG
AFL GRAND FINAL ACCOMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge. Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500
29th September 2008
PARKLIFE
LOCATION Birrarung Marr TICKETS FROM Ticketmaster
PARKLIFE ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
OCTOBER 2008
2nd August 2008
2008 AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX
Australia’s Casey Stoner is facing a tough battle to hold on to his world champion’s crown in 2008.
Last year’s Phillip Island MotoGP saw Casey win at home in fairytale style in front of a record crowd.
Make sure you secure your favourite position to see all of the action at the Island from 3 - 5 October!
Tickets are selling fast!
LOCATION Phillip Island TICKETS FROM Ticketek
2008 AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
16th October to 19th October 2008
NOISEWORKS
Australian Rock Legends Noiseworks have just announced a series of dates throughout October and November 2008.
Noiseworks regrouped in June 2007 after disappearing from the scene in 1992. Their continued popularity has prompted further touring and inspired work on new material for a studio album planned for release later in the year.
"The band is better than it has ever been" says frontman Jon Stevens, "We're all enjoying performing together again and while we are, we'll keep doing this".
LOCATION The Palms at Crown TICKETS FROM Ticketek
NOISEWORKS ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
19th October 2008
STEVIE WONDER
‘A Wonder Spring Night’ Tour
One of contemporary music’s most iconic stars, the legendary Stevie Wonder, has announced that he will tour Australia in October 2008.
The ‘A Wonder Spring Night’ tour will travel to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth!
Stevie Wonder’s last national tour of Australia was in the 80’s.
The tour will feature an evening of music from Stevie, a performing and song writing tour de force who has received an astounding 25 Grammy Awards as well the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
LOCATION Rod Laver Arena TICKETS FROM Ticketek
STEVIE WONDER ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
25th October 2008
DRAGONFORCE
As Dragonforce prepare to unleash their fourth album Ultra Beatdown, anybody who understands the world of metal can have any doubt that we are about to witness a band going from being ‘potential international stars’ to a ‘major global phenomenon’.
The release of Ultra Beatdown is not the only thing Dragonforce enthusiasts have to look forward to! Talking the excitement level past 11 is the news that Dragonforce have packed their mini trampolines and guitar risers ready for an official Australian tour this October!
With one of the most entertaining live shows on planet rock, tickets will sell fast, so don’t drag your feet.
LOCATION The Forum TICKETS FROM Ticketek
DRAGONFORCE ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
NOVEMBER 2008
1st November 2008
CLASSICAL SPECTACULAR
Presented by: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra by arrangements with Raymond Gubbay
Classical Spectacular thrilled Australian audiences in 2006 with its impressive state-of-the-art lighting, stunning lasers and amazing pyrotechnics choreographed to classical music's best-loved tunes.
Back by popular demand, the world's greatest classical music event returns to Melbourne with an ALL-NEW production and ALL-NEW program featuring Verdi's stirring Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, Beethoven's grand Ode de Joy, Puccini's magnificent Nessun dorma and all the classics you know and love plus Tchaikovsky's spectacular 1812 Overture.
Over 200 performers fill the stage as renowned English conductor Anthony Inglis conducts the magnificent Melbourne Symphony Orchestra joined by the stunning 100-voice MSO Chorus and the Royal Australian Air Force Central Band.
Don't miss your chance to experience this unforgettable event LIVE in Melbourne!
LOCATION Rod Laver Arena TICKETS FROM Ticketek
CLASSICAL SPECTACULAR ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
2nd November 2008
RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP
The 2008 Rugby League World Cup not only concludes the Centenary of Rugby League celebrations in Australia, but will also mark the 13th chapter of the event which started way back in 1954.
Since the tournament’s inception, the Rugby League World Cup has been taken to eight nations, with games played in over 50 cities and towns.
The 2008 Rugby League World Cup will be the third tournament held in Australasia and will feature the top 10 Rugby League nations after qualifiers end in 2007.
Keep up to date visit http://www.rlwc08.com/ for all your Rugby League World Cup Information.
LOCATION Telstra Dome TICKETS FROM Ticketmaster
RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP ACCOMMODATION is available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
14th & 15th November 2008
ANDRE RIEU
André Rieu will bring Vienna to his fans in Australia by importing a stage set-up that includes a replica of the Castle of Schönbrunn, two ice rinks, two working fountains and hundreds of dancers, musicians and artists. Fans will feel like they have journeyed to Europe to see him perform.
His unique and exuberant style makes his shows one of the most talked about in the world of popular classics. Fans spend more time dancing in the aisle than sitting in their seats.
André Rieu World Stadium Tour
Imagine yourself in Vienna for an evening... the most romantic city in the world... The World Stadium Tour "A Romantic Night in Vienna" will take place against the background of the biggest transportable set ever: André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra and Choir, many well-known soloists, the Platinum Tenors, the Vienna State Opera Ballet, 80 Vienna Debutantes, the golden coach with the Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz-Joseph, the Vienna Figure Skating Association, famous skating champions, traditional Viennese horse-drawn carriages with horses and footmen, a complete golden ballroom with real golden chandeliers, fabulous costumes, gorgeous music, magical waltzes and so much more...
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LOCATION Telstra Dome TICKETS FROM Ticketmaster
ANDRE RIEU ACCOMMODATION is available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
29th November 2008
BILLY JOEL
Billy Joel is one of this century's greatest musicians. Winning six Grammy Awards, selling in excess of 150 million albums worldwide, being inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and also the Songwriter's Hall of Fame are just a few of the accolades Billy has clocked up over the years. Indeed it is thirty years since the release of Billy's landmark album 'The Stranger'. To celebrate this anniversary, Sony BMG are issuing 'The Stranger 30th Anniversary Legacy' edition with a bonus disc of live tracks.
Most recently Billy has been awarded the prestigious honour of giving the final ever musical performance at the renowned Shea Stadium. A sporting venue by trade - the home of the New York Mets major baseball league team - it has also had an illustrious music career that has seen performances from everyone such The Beatles and Led Zeppelin to name but a few. It's a fitting end to have the incomparable Billy Joel, a native New Yorker, close the final curtain on this hallowed ground.
The Herald Sun announced: "...his performance showed why he remains one of the premier acts of the world". The Courier Mail were similarly thrilled: "There were no huge screens, no pyrotechnics, no gimmicks at all - unless you count a revolving piano - because Joel didn't need them. The focus was all on the piano man - just as it should be."
"Billy Joel performed with expertise and intensity all night long." announced The Age, and the Sydney Morning Herald concurred: "...he is a well-seasoned entertainer, with a gift for writing songs that push all the crowd-pleasing buttons."
LOCATION Rod Laver Arena TICKETS FROM Ticketek
BILLY JOEL ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
DECEMBER 2008
19th December 2008
KYLIEX2008
Pop princess Kylie Minogue is in talks to bring her highly acclaimed KylieX2008 tour home to Australia by the end of the year.
Music promoter and chairman of Frontier Touring, Michael Gudinski, said he hopes Minogue will play for Australian audiences in December this year, following the completion of her 53-date European tour in August.
"If everything can work out there's every possibility we will do some dates later this year," Gudinski told AAP in Manchester.
"How many dates we can do, and how many cities we do, and that stuff, will have to be worked out - it's an absolutely gigantic production, it really is like taking theatre on the road.
LOCATION Rod Laver Arena
KYLIEX2008 ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
10th December to 14th December 2008
Tattersall's Australian Dancesport Championship
It’s colourful, vibrant and brilliant. Melbourne will be sizzling in 2008 when it hosts the Tattersall’s IDSF World Latin Championship.
From the 8 – 14 December, 2008 Melbourne’s Vodafone Arena will be hosting dance lovers from all over the globe.
Following the highly successful IDSF World Ten Dance Championship in 2004 another spectacular World class event has been awarded to Melbourne!
The 2008 festival of dance will be HOT!
The partnership between the Government of Victoria, DanceSport Australia and the Australian Dancing Society has taken competitive dancing to a new level in Australia, where in the Australian Championship is internationally recognized.
LOCATION Vodaphone Arena TICKETS FROM Ticketek
Tattersall's Australian Dancesport Championship ACCOMMODATION is still available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
31st December 2008
SENSATION WHITE DANCE PARTY
THE world's biggest dance party and a fireworks spectacular are poised to make Melbourne Australia's New Year's Eve hub.
Events giant ID&T, of Amsterdam, will hold a 10-hour New Year's Eve party for 45,000 revellers at Telstra Dome.
Tickets for Sensation will go on sale on July 24.
LOCATION Telstra Dome TICKETS FROM
SENSATION WHITE DANCE PARTY ACCOMMODATION is available at Hotel UniLodge Reservations can be made here or phone 03 9224 1500.
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