Dig Deep: Haiti Benefit at Zen on Sunday!

Dig Deep: Haiti Benefit at Zen, 17 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Sunday 31 January.

Start time 10:00 PM

Tickets at the door $10

What is so little to us, could literally mean life or death for the children of Haiti.

UNICEF presents...
Homebrew
King Kapisi
The Feelstyle
The Arc
Bobby Brazuka
Mikey Rockwell
Switch & Kpz (Sunshine Sound System)
Scratch 22
The Newton Gutters
Tourettes
Jellyfish
Grassroots
R.I.A
Art Official
Dylan C
The Sandy Bay Social Club
Lucky Paul
Zeb
Ms Curious
Oohgun
Rhyas
Willie TheKid
Soul Science

The promoter says... Most of you are aware of the massive destruction that a recent earthquake has brought on Haiti. The earthquake decimated an already impoverished poverty-stricken nation.

This event brings together some of countries best Hip Hop, Reggae, Dubstep, Drum and Bass Acts, DJs and MCs, all performing for no fee.

All the proceeds donated to UNICEF for clean drinking water, food, medical supplies and the rebuilding of schools. We will be personally tracking this money to Haiti and will update you all on exactly where your money went.

"UNICEF is very active in Haiti and has been designated the lead agency for water, nutrition and education. I can guarantee this money will be used for Haiti as per your request."- Dennis McKinlay, Executive Director, UNICEF NZ.

Enquiries:
Danny Rawlins
danny@2020.co.nz

Fiesta Del Sol on Waiheke Island!

FIESTA DEL SOL returns to Waiheke Island's Stonyridge Vineyard this summer with a legendary international music line up of UK artists including NORMAN JAY and CRAZY P with DANIELLE MOORE! Its this Saturday.

Spanish for ‘Festival of the Sun’, FIESTA DEL SOL is a European flavoured event that caters to a mature social audience and celebrates all the great things that the summer season has to offer.

Don’t miss this magnificent day and night of partying perfection in the beautiful surrounds of Stonyridge Vineyard hosting International acts, live entertainment, DJ’s and musicians, Ibiza styled performers, multiple genres and areas of feel good music, barbeques, gourmet food, spa pools, secluded lounges, private party areas, fine wine and a top of the line event production and set up.

FIESTA DEL SOL only happens once a year and this is the only Stonyridge party of the summer! Get your friends together, book some accommodation and enjoy what promises to be a great long weekend summer holiday away from the city, on Waiheke Island.

FIESTA DEL SOL SATURDAY JANUARY 30TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND 1PM – 1AM / R20
STONYRIDGE VINEYARD
WAIHEKE ISLAND
NEW ZEALAND

STARRING
NORMAN JAY (UK)
http://www.normanjay.com/

CRAZY PENIS DJ & VOCALS SET
with DANIELLE MOORE (UK)
http://www.crazyp.co.uk/

SET TIMES:

SUNSET DECK:

1pm – 3pm Bobby Brazuka feat Jennifer Zea
3pm – 5.30pm Geoff Parker Feat Zeisha Fremaux
5.30pm – 7.30pm Bevan Keys
7.30pm – 9.30pm Crazy P (DJ SET) feat Danielle Moore
9.30pm – 11.30pm Norman Jay
11.30pm – 1am Jolyon Petch
5.30pm – 8.30pm Maya Dorcil on percussion
5.30pm – 7.30pm Lewis McCallum on Sax

VINEYARD MARQUEE:

1.30pm – 3.30pm Scotty Mayes
3.30pm – 5.30pm Jarrod Phillips
5.30pm – 7.30pm Grant Marshall
7.30pm – 9.30pm Karn Hall
9.30pm – 11pm Tim Phin
11pm – 1am Dick Johnson
6pm – 11pm Jabe on percussion

EVENT INFORMATION

START & FINISH TIMES:

The event kicks off at 1pm and runs through until a later than usual finish time of 1am. We suggest you get to the event as early as possible so you can get the most enjoyment out of your day and night.

FALLEN ANGEL VIP LOUNGE:

Purchase a ticket to the fallen Angel VIP lounge to enjoy a premium experience at Fiesta Del Sol.
VIP Tickets are very limited and include swift VIP entry to the event, a complimentary glass of Fallen Angel Wine on arrival, access to the exclusive VIP lounge and party deck, luxury toilets, leather furniture, glassware, table service, top shelf beverages, premium wines and more!

VIP tickets start from $110 + BF and are available from www.iticket.co.nz

SAMSUNG EXPERIENCE UPLOAD BOOTH:

Upload photos in real time onto your favourite social networking sites at the Samsung Experience upload booth. Equipped with connection cables for most cameras, this area will let you share your night at Fashion Beauty Music in real time online with your friends around the world! Oh, you forgot to bring a camera? – Not to worry, the Samsung team members will be on site with the all-new ST550 Samsung 2View Camera to take your pix for you!

SOL BEER SUNSET DECK:

Relax back on the Sol beer Sunset deck that overlooks the Vineyard.
The Sol hostesses will be there to ensure your stocked up on Sol and enjoying evening.

TAXIS & BUSES:

Taxi and Bus services will be available on the day/night to take people to and from the event from all locations on Waiheke Island.

FERRIES:

Extra Ferries will be organised for the day/night to take people to and from the Island for this event. http://www.fullers.co.nz/
The last Ferries off the island will be leaving at 11.45pm, 12.30am and 1am

WEATHER:

The weather is predicted for Sunshine on Waiheke this weekend so if its a bit crappy in Auckland, don’t let that fool you!
The weather over on the Island is always a lot better than the main land.
In the event of wet weather, there will be loads of shelter organised just incase.

LONG WEEKEND ACCOMMODATION:

Rent out a house or hire a hotel/motel room for the long weekend on Waiheke Island using the links below.
http://www.waihekeholidayhomes.co.nz
http://www.waihekeunlimited.co.nz
http://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/Waiheke_Island
http://www.waihekeholidayhomes.co.nz
http://www.bookabach.co.nz
http://www.holidayhomes.co.nz/search?q=Waiheke%20Island
http://www.amazingaccom.com/

TICKETS

$50 + BF Available from:
Online from Iticket http://iticket.co.nz/
Real Groovy – City: http://www.realgroovy.co.nz/
Route 66 – Newmarket http://route66.co.nz/
Stonyridge Vineyard – Waiheke Island http://www.stonyridgevineyard.com
Conch Records – Ponsonby Rd http://www.conch.co.nz/
By Phone +64 9 361 1000
By texting ‘FIESTA’ to 858

LIMITED DOOR SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE

THANKS TO
SAMSUNG
http://www.samsung.com/nz/
SOL BEER
http://www.solbeer.com.au
MINI
http://www.mini.co.nz/
RED BULL
http://www.redbull.co.nz/
FALLEN ANGEL WINE
http://www.fallenangelwine.com
THE ALIST
http://www.thealist.co.nz
HIGHLIFE ENTERTAINMENT
http://www.highlifeentertainment.co.nz
STONYRIDGE VINEYARD
http://www.stonyridgevineyard.com
GEORGE FM
http://www.georgefm.co.nz/

I’ll be there snapping as well. So if you see me coming at you with a camera you’ve got two choices: Smile or run! ;)

Kind regards

Public Enemy Goes Classical!

Public Enemy founding members Chuck D. (l) and Flava Flav (r).

PUBLIC ENEMY's booming beats and parental-advisory lyrics have rattled eardrums for nearly 30 years but band founders FLAVA FLAV and CHUCK D are softening with age.

The veteran hip hop outfit are booked to record with London's ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, one of the finest classical music institutions on the planet.

I hope it works out. It would be embarrassing if they were rebels without applause.

Source/The Sun

Shot of the Day – Approaching Full

Hi all,

This was taken just a few moments ago (11:30pm 28 January) and, as you can, see we’re getting close to a Full moon.

Time to howl! Owoooooooooo! ;)

Kind regards

Shot of the Day – Waning Gibbous

Hi all,

I was just outside a few minutes ago, enjoying a smoke, and I looked up to see the Moon hovering a bit above the horizon. I think it’s phase would be called Waning Gibbous. However, I’m not too sure as it’s been a long time since I was involved in Astronomy.

Anyway, I thought the Moon looked so nice and bright floating there that I just had to quick ran inside and grab the camera. I then snuck into the neighbour's yard and took the shot. I couldn’t shoot from my house as the view was obstructed by our trees.

So, this is what the Moon looks like from Auckland, New Zealand right now (1:54am January 27) for anyone that’s curious.

Kind regards

How To Grind

Shot of the Day: Pots and Pans

Max is in Jail!

Massive Attack coming to New Zealand!

Massive Attack founding members, Robert "3D" Del Naja, and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall. Image/Supplied

Hi all,

I’ve got some big news for you tonight!

I just found out that the original Bristol trip-hoppers, Massive Attack, are scheduled to play here in Auckland, at Vector Arena, on March the 25th!

Wooohooohooohooo! :D

Pre-sale tickets are going up on January 22nd and include a digital copy of the band's new CD, Heligoland. Regular tickets sales start on February 4th.

Kind regards

I Like Going to Concerts!

The Heavy on the Late Show with David Letterman

Video/TheAudioPerv.com

Hi all,

If you’ll recall last night I posted a blog entry about seeing The Heavy on the Late Show with David Letterman. Well, embedded above is a video of the actual performance!

Kind regards

The Heavy – How You Like Me Now?

The Heavy "How You Like Me Now?" promo. Shot in High Definition on Redcam, the video combines live action with Flash and traditional 2D hand drawn animation. Whilst bringing the Heavy graphic image to life, it tells the story of 2 ex-lovers and the chase by our lead "Wolf" of "Red" to see "How she likes me now". With reference to the classic 70's horror movie "Don't Look Now" there is a twist in the tale.

"How You Like Me Now?" is out on Counter Records on 31st August and is taken from their forthcoming album "The House That Dirt Built" released on 21st September.

Produced and Directed by Tabitha O'Connell
Director of Photography - Simon Weekes
Filmed in Rocks East Woodlands , Bath.

Just caught this band on the David Letterman Show and really enjoyed their performance. I thought you might like it too!

Holla!

Fire in the Sky

Queen Street and K’ Road at 6AM

Shots of the Day – Summerdayze-Auckland

Hi all,

Featured above are numerous snaps I took at the Summerdayze-Auckland 2010 dance party. Sorry for the delay in uploading these, but I have been very busy lately. And, I can only do so much while maintaining my physical and mental health! ;)

As for the party itself, I’d call it a hit and I had a great time, although I wouldn’t say that it packed the punch of the New Year’s Eve. However, New Year’s Eve would be hard for anyone to top as there is such buzz surrounding the day.

I’d like to thank Jared of Incline Events for hosting the event and for allowing me Media Access. It was a pleasure working with you, Jared, and perhaps we’ll do it again some day soon!

Kind regards

Zoh Zoh Ensemble at The Kingslander

Hi all,

Featured above are a number of shots I took at the Zoh Zoh Ensemble gig that was held on Friday night at The Kingslander.

While I could write up a full review of the gig, my thing is photography, so I’ll just show it to you and you can use your imagination to fill in the blanks. However, if I were so inclined to write a review, the best way to sum it up would be… Beautiful music and beautiful people!

Kind regards

Shot of the Day – Zoh Zoh Ensemble at the Kingslander

Hi all,

Just a little something to whet your appetites until I get the rest of the photos edited and uploaded.

I’m a bit behind at the moment and have yet to upload the majority of the photos I took at Summerdayze-Auckland.

The above shot was taken last night at The Kingslander after Zoh Zoh Ensemble had finished what proved to be a righteous set. More to come…

Kind regards

Happy Birthday, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. displaying the Nobel Peace Prize he just won in Oslo, Norway on December 10, 1964. The then 35 year old King was honoured for promoting the principle of non-violent resistance in the American Civil Rights Movement. Photo/Associated Press

Hi all,

On this day in 1929 at Atlanta, Georgia, someone who would be instrumental in forcing America to look at it’s horrible treatment of African-Americans and other ethnic minorities, Martin Luther King Jr., was born.

Having been born in 1962, I’m just old enough to remember the American Civil Rights Movement, the assassination of Dr. King, and the subsequent riots that that senseless act of murder sparked around the United States. I’m, also, fortunate enough to remember some of the speeches he gave, having seen them live on what was then a state-of-the-art Black and White television.

Please take a moment to remember Dr. King on this day and view the video I’ve embedded below. And, do keep what he stood for that in mind the next time you encounter someone who doesn’t look like you.

Kind regards

Shot of the Day - Macrotop

Making (some) sense out of camera sensor sizes

Image/DPReview.com

We regularly receive emails from readers confused as to the actual size of sensor used in digital cameras. Sensors (CCD / CMOS) are often refered to with an imperial fraction designation such as 1/1.8" or 2/3", this measurement actually originates back in the 1950's and the time of Vidicon tubes. Those who find the specification sheets for these sensors are then even more confused about the relationship between the fraction and the actual diagonal size of the sensor. Inside you'll find an explanation and a table of common sensor sizes. We'll be adding this information to our glossary for future reference.

It all started way back when...

The 'Type' designation given to toady's CCD sensors is that it harks back to a set of standard sizes given to TV camera tubes in the 50's. These sizes were typically 1/2", 2/3" etc. The size designation does not define the diagonal of the sensor area but rather the outer diameter of the long glass envelope of the tube. Engineers soon discovered that for various reasons the usable area of this imaging plane was approximately two thirds of the designated size. This designation has clearly stuck (although it should have been thrown out long ago). There appears to be no specific mathematical relationship between the diameter of the imaging circle and the sensor size, although it is always roughly two thirds.

Source/DPReview.com

A few top pro cameras now sport 35mm-size sensors and are referred to as full frame. Comparing this to Compact or Point and Shoot cameras today we generally find a 1/2.3" to 1/2.5" sensor. A few top-of-the-line compact cameras, like the Canon G9, feature a 1/1.8" to 1/1.7" sensor. To see the difference in the relative size of P&S sensors and DSLR sensors, look at the graphic below.

The very best compact cameras have sensors around the 1/3" to 1/2" range. The APS C to 4/3 sensors of the bulk of today's digital SLR cameras are huge by comparison. The developing push for full-frame at the top of the current DSLR market is a move to a sensor that is a bit more than double the size of today's APS C sensors. The approximate 24mm by 16mm APS C is the same size as the 1/2 frame 35mm championed by Olympus in the film era.

This size actually harkens back to 35mm motion picture film that became the standard on which most of the SLR lens systems are based. 35mm motion picture film contained images of around 24x16mm, and 35mm still film just turned the spool direction and used double the frame size. In fact, some early 35mm still cameras were referred to as "double-frame" cameras.

Why Does Sensor Size Matter?

In some of life's arenas bigger is better, but in computers and electronics we almost always see a trend toward smaller and smaller traces producing chips with higher and higher densities. So the question becomes why is a 10MP DSLR sensor any better than a 10MP Compact or Point and Shoot sensor?

The simple answer is that computer chips are digital devices, made up of transistors that register on and off (1 and 0) states, which are then combined to create the information we crunch in a computer. Digital sensors, on the other hand, are analog devices used to gather light and color information. Every digital camera then has some means to convert this analog sensor data to digital information in its processing path. Devices that communicate on and off do not require the sensitivity of devices that gather and convey more complex data like a digital sensor pixel.

Unlike digital data, all pixels are not created equal. Larger sensors, such as those used in digital SLR cameras, have larger pixels. All things being equal the larger pixels have more light-gathering ability over a given unit of time. This translates into two very important considerations for photography.

First, larger pixels exhibit lower noise than smaller pixels under the same conditions. This improved signal-to-noise ratio means that your 10MP DSLR image will likely produce better, sharper, clearer prints than the smaller 10MP compact (point and shoot) cameras. This improved SNR also means larger sensors produce a wider dynamic range (a greater range between the lightest and darkest elements of the photo).

The second aspect also relates to light gathering ability. Large DSLR sensors have more ability to gather light, which means they generally are more effective over a much wider range of lighting conditions than a compact camera. Many compact cameras are perfectly acceptable at ISO 100 but are very noisy by ISO 400. Most DSLR cameras with their larger sensors produce very acceptable results to ISO 800 or 1600 - ISO options not even available on most compact cameras. Some newer DSLR cameras even offer options of ISO 3200, ISO 6400, or even higher.

Source/AnandTech.com

Summerdayze-Auckland – The Carl Cox Live DJ Set

Hi all,

All those Summerdayze-Auckland photos are slowly but surely being edited and uploaded by me.

First up, simply because I admire the man so much, are a bunch of photos I snapped during Carl Cox’s live DJ set. These include onstage and offstage stuff, as well as some shots from the unofficial after-party that Carl attended!

As you can probably surmise from the liveliness of the people snapped, the set was absolutely awesome!

Please enjoy the photos and do be on the lookout for more to follow shortly!

Kind regards

Shot of the Day – Ilse at Summerdayze-Auckland

Hi all,

Featured above is a shot of electric violinist, Ilse, dancing onstage during Carl Cox’s set at Summerdayze-Auckland. Of course, the shot was taken by me, as I was onstage also! Holla! ;)

I found Ilse to be a lot of fun to be around and we spent quite a bit of time chatting with each other.

She seemed to take great pleasure in teasing me about the lump I’d acquired on my forehead from whacking it on a light fixture. As a matter of fact, she referred to it as a “mushroom”!  Ha ha ha! ;)

From what I understand, although I’ve yet to hear her perform myself, Ilse plays a mean electric violin and she’s played with such notables as Carl Cox and Yo-Yo Ma.

Below is her promo video.

Kind regards

ILSEVIOLIN - SHOW REEL 2009

ilse | MySpace Video
Video/Ilse Violin

Zoh Zoh Ensemble at The Kingslander!

Hi all,

Featured above are a few photos I snapped this afternoon out at Mission Bay where I ran into a several members of African music group Zoh Zoh Ensemble putting on a free performance for the beachgoers.

During a brief chat with Yaw Boateng (the guy with the dreadlocks) and François Byamana (the guy in the white Nike cap), principal members of Zoh Zoh, I found out that they were preparing for an upcoming gig.

The show is scheduled for this Friday, January 15, at The Kingslander and will run from 9PM until 12AM. Guess what? It’s free!

If you like African music, with a modern twist, please do come along and be prepared for a real treat!

Kind regards

Shot of the Day – Sharam at Summerdayze-Auckland

 

Hi all,

Featured above is a shot of Persian-American progressive house DJ and producer, Sharam, taken by myself backstage just moments before his knockout performance at Summerdayze-Auckland.

Sharam’s one half of the Grammy award-winning DJ/production duo, Deep Dish. And, as I’ve come to find out, a native of Washington D.C. - he’s a homeboy as I was born not to far from there in Virginia. ;)

Kind regards

Shot of the Day – Carl Cox at Summerdayze-Auckland

Hi all,

Featured above is a photo of the legendary Carl Cox taken by myself just minutes before he went on stage at Summerdayze-Auckland last night. And, below, is a shot of Carl and myself that was not taken by me and it shows. ;)

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Carl as I’ve been a fan of his work for a long time.

I was so excited to meet him all I could do was introduce myself, ask for some photos and then run away! LOL!  Nah! I wasn’t that bad really…

I chatted with him for a few minutes; asked about his visits to New Zealand – I found out there had been many; asked for a few candid shots and then pretty much left him alone to gather himself before his performance. I wasn’t trying to go hardcore journalist on him; I’d much rather just take photos of him, which I did, and enjoy the show!

As always, and this is just based on what I’ve seen in documentaries and YouTube videos, Carl put on a stellar performance! Having experienced him live for the first time I can clearly understand why he’s considered one of the world’s top DJs.

After Carl’s performance was over I managed to wrangle my way into the unofficial after-party at the Pyramid Lounge in Auckland’s CBD – there was an official one that Carl was not at – that Carl and a number of the other international DJs attended.

Just something to look out for…

I’ve heard it from a very reliable source that Carl will be vacationing here in New Zealand sometime this month. And, that he’ll be touring the country on a motorcycle as well as playing some shows along the way!

More news as I come by it and please do keep an eye out for more photos from and a brief review of Summerdayze-Auckland!

Kind regards

Shots of the Day – Highlife New Year’s Eve 2009/10

Hi all,

As promised by myself several days ago here are my best photos from Highlife New Year’s Eve Experience 2009/10.

The photos are all raw and unedited. Therefore, you’re going to see some anomalies that I normally wouldn’t let slip past me. (Please keep in mind that I was shooting under some very challenging conditions and the camera is still quite new to me.) However, since some of them made for “happy accidents” and interesting effects I’ve posted them anyway. ;)

There were so many sights that I wanted to share with you all. However, since I’m only one person, and I had to recharge the camera’s battery toward the end of the event as well as switching out storage cards, there’s only so much I can do, unfortunately.

As for the event itself, I’d call it an undeniable hit! I had massive fun!

There was something there for everyone! High profile VIP areas for those that are into that; Media rooms for onsite sharing of photos; Great bars; Makeup rooms; Helicopter rides; Great music from a number of different genres; And, it was very well organized and very health and security conscious so that everyone could just relax and enjoy to the fullest without having to worry about such matters themselves.

Well done, Adam and Anna, and the entire team!

Kind regards

Carl Cox at Summerdayze-Auckland this Friday!

Image/Supplied

Hi all,

Legendary three turntable wizard and dance music maestro, Carl Cox, will be playing at Summerdayze-Auckland this Friday! The event is being held at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre.

Guess what? A Colourful Guy, that’s me, will be up on stage photographing him as I just got Media Access from the promoters! Hahaaaa! ;)

Some other big name acts will be at Summerdayze also. However, I’m so excited about shooting Carl that I don’t even want to talk about anyone else! If you do want to know who else will be performing though please click here.

Please enjoy the brief interview with Carl that I’ve embedded below.

Kind regards

Video/Nightlife TV

Shots of the Day – Michelle Wilson and the Frogman!

Hi all,

Featured above and below are two shots of fashion designer Michelle Wilson, of Michelle Yvette, and the Frogman, who was roaming around creeping people out, I took at Highlife New Year’s Eve Experience 2009/10.

I really like Michelle as she very fun loving, good natured and just a pleasure to be around. Also, I hear she designs some really nice clothes. ;)

I’ve intended to work with her rather soon in having a pair of Harem pants designed and made. However, I’ve been so busy I haven’t been in touch with her regarding it again after our initial conversation. I think it’s about time I rectify that situation! :)

Kind regards

Shots of the Day – On the way to Highlife NYE 2009/10

 

Hi all,

Featured above and below are two shots I took on the way up to Matakana to attend Highlife New Year’s Eve Experience 2009/10.

As you can see from the photos, traffic got really bad on State Highway 1 at one point during the journey.

Traffic got so stalled, in fact, that numerous people took the opportunity to exit their vehicles for bathroom breaks. While other people took the opportunity to casually hang out of their vehicle doors, like the young men below, and literally turned the highway into a party! ;)

It was all good in the end though as we - A Colourful Gal went with me - made it there before the VIP/Media entrance closed and had no problems gaining special entry due to the always helpful Anna Jobsz.

Kind regards

Shot of the Day – DJ Cash Money at Highlife NYE 2009/10

 

Hi all,

I’m just doing some editing on all the photos I took at Highlife New Year’s Eve Experience 2009/10 and stumbled across this one I took of American turntablist, hip hop artist and record producer, DJ Cash Money aka Jerome Hewlett, doing his thing.

In case of some of you aren’t aware of him, he was the first inductee into the DJ Hall of Fame. I’ve embedded a brief interview with him below.

Update: Ha! I just discovered I had the wrong guy’s photo up. I’ve fixed it now! ;)

There are so many photos I want to share with you all – I thought I had taken about 600 photos, it turned out to be well over 900 – however there are just so many I can’t decide on my “best of’s”. Please do check back from time to time and I’m promise that more will appear here very soon.

Kind regards

Shot of the Day – Highlife NYE Experience 2009/10

Hi all,

While I was browsing through all the photos I took last night at Highlife New Year’s Eve Experience 2009/10 in preparation for all the editing work I now need to do, I came across one shot, which I embedded above, that for me just sums up the spirit of whole event quite well.

The shot was taken in the last few minutes of the party. So all the hardest of the hardcore partygoers – you know, the last standing - were really wildin’ out over at the Sol Beer tropical beach area were all the Funk, Soul and old school Hip-Hop and RnB  was being spun by some top DJs.

Girls were being pulled up on stage to dance; the DJ wound up passing that Vodka around, which really didn’t help my photography much *wink*; the bass was so loud I almost lost the contents of my stomach. LOL!

WE BE WILDIN’!!!

Kind regards

Highlife NYE Experience 2009/10 Preview

Hi all,

Well, as you can surmise from the fact that I actually posted something today, I survived Highlife New Year’s Eve Experience 2009/10 pretty much unscathed.

While I’m feeling a little fuzzy headed - 750ml of Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka, 500 ml of Albert le Brun Champagne and a few puffs will do that to one I suppose – all and all I’m in very good spirits and am really looking forward to the year ahead.

As for the party itself, it was a very well organized and highly entertaining event.  ;)

While I wont do a review or post tons of photos from it now - I think I have close to 600 – I’ve posted a photo above of one of the stilt-walking clowns that was roaming around the venue for your amusement.

Kind regards

Happy New Year 2010!

Image/A Colourful Guy

Hi all,

This is my last post of 2009! So, from A Colourful Gal, aka Crab Bag, and myself, Happy New Year 2010!

I’ll be away all day and all night today at the Highlife New Year’s Eve Experience 2009/10. So you probably wont hear from me for a day or so. However, please be on the lookout for my coverage of the event, after I recover from a night of debauchery that is, and gradually regain usage of the language centre of my brain…

Yeah, I’ll be totally wildin’ on the night! ;)

Kind regards

Smashproof New Years Eve Party 2009/10

Image/Supplied

Hi all,

I’ve just found out about another big New Years Eve event, the Smashproof party in Whakatane.

Now for those of you not familiar with Smashproof they’re a New Zealand-South Pacific Hip-hop group that blew up this year with their breakthrough hit, Brother featuring Gin Wigmore. I was going to embed the video below. However, Youtube has disallowed it! Wankers! ;)

Instead I’ll embed a photo below of myself with Young Sid from the group! Har har! ;)

Kind regards

Young Sid from Smashproof (l) and myself (r).

Image/A Colourful Guy

Highlife New Year’s Eve Experience 2009/10

Image/Highlife Entertainment

Hi all,

My mates, Adam Bennett and Anna Jobsz, are kicking off what promises to be the party of the decade tomorrow at Matakana Country Park just 45 minutes north of Auckland.

Since yours truly has VIP/Media access you can bet your last dollar that I’ll be there snapping away and partying on and on until the break of dawn! ;)

Highlife New Years Eve Experience 2009/10 features a huge line-up of musical acts this year and I’ll do my best to get up-close and personal with my favourites. Hopefully, they’ll be some of your favourites too. If not, oh well, you should have bought a ticket and come to the show yourself! ;)

For more information – I think there might be some tickets left – please click here.

Holla like you know, even if you don’t!

Kind regards

Shots of the Day – The House, the Garden

Images/A Colourful Guy (double click to enlarge)

Hi all,

I’m just enjoying a lovely afternoon here at A Colourful Crib and I thought I’d walk around our garden and snap some photos, which I’ve shared with you all above.

The photos are all pretty raw and unedited. I was just practicing shooting quickly, under moderately windy conditions, in high resolution mode, as one might when doing runway work, and I’m damned pleased with the results.

Kind regards

Shot of the Day – Helen in the Garden

Image/A Colourful Guy

Shots of the Day – Night Flowers

Images/A Colourful Guy (double click to enlarge)

Hi all,

Please enjoy these photography and simple image editing experiments I thought I’d share with you all above.

The subjects are some flowers in a vase that A Colourful Gal loves to keep on our glass top table in the lounge. While I don’t tell her this nearly often enough, I appreciate her doing so, as it adds some real beauty to our home.

I’m really enjoying my new camera and am learning more about it features and functions with each passing day. As a matter of fact, I’m enjoying it so much I’ve decided to take some photography classes very soon.

It’s not that I don’t know how to use an advanced camera, nor do I have any problems with image composition, it’s just that I believe a seasoned pro could teach me some tricks that might take me years to acquire on my own.

Kind regards

Happy Holidays!

Images/A Colourful Guy (double click to enlarge)

Happy Holidays from me to you and you and you and most of all YOU! :)

To all my peeps back in the U.S. I’ll be in touch very soon! To all my peeps in New Zealand I’ll see you all around town!

Much love to my wife, my mother, my father, my aunts and uncles, my cousins and my grandchildren! Yeap! I do actually have grandchildren without ever having had children of my own! ;)

Much love to my exes, you sexy things you! ;)

Much love to some very close friends whom I’ve lost touch with along the way. If you happen to find me, please get in touch! And, rest assured, I have been thinking about you and searching for you!

To my rivals and enemies, go jump off a cliff! Nah! It’s all good. I don’t have any love for you though! ;)

LaChapelle goes Lady GaGa!

 

Images/David LaChapelle

Hi all,

I just ran across this photoshoot, an example of which I’ve posted above, by photographer David LaChapelle featuring Lady Gaga. Kanye West also appears with GaGa in one shot.

Supposedly the shoot is rather controversial as GaGa is pretty nude in most of the photos. However, I find nothing particularly shocking about it all.

I guess I’ve become jaded after all these years! ;)

Kind regards

Shots of the Day – Max the Cat

Images/A Colourful Guy (double click to enlarge)

Hi all,

I’d like to introduce you all to my main man, Max the cat. Featured above is a slideshow of him enjoying his favourite toy, a clothes hamper from the $2 shop! ;)

Max came to us several months ago as a stray along with his queen, which we named Cindy, because she had a little beauty mark on her upper jaw that reminded me of supermodel Cindy Crawford’s mole.

Cindy and Max had been hanging around our house for about a week when we started wondering what was going on with them as they both looked rather ragged and malnourished as if they had been living rough for awhile.

Well, it turns out that Cindy had given birth to three kittens in our garage as A Colourful Gal was to discover when she was out there one day.

Of course we took care of both Cindy and Max upon discovering that they were new parents; we fed them both, which was a real chore after awhile as Cindy was ravenously hungry due to the demands of milk production on her body, and so was Max as he was constantly having to fend off the other male cats in the neighbourhood that wanted a piece of Cindy and the kittens; we deflead them; I personally chased away Max’s rivals on numerous occasions and rescued him from several very sound ass kickings.

To make a long story short… Cindy and two of the kittens eventually went to the SPCA; the third got lost unfortunately. And, Max we decided to keep with us as we felt his temperament made his chances of being adopted rather low; he can be quite a grumpy prick at times, probably due to the fact that he was living feral for several years as we came to find out later, although he’s calmed down a lot now due to my efforts to socialize him.

Kind regards

Pride of the Pacific 2009 – Night Concert Photos

Images/A Colourful Guy (double click to enlarge)

Hi all,

Above are a few of the photos I snapped at the Pride of the Pacific 2009 night time benefit concert for Tonga which was held at Finnegan's Irish Bar in Royal Oak this past Saturday night.

The performers featured are DJ Willie, Chase, the Babylon Riddim Band, Jah Make Yah, Fob Squad, Devolo & Mareko and 6 Pound.

What I said about the day concert previously applies to the night concert as well; if you missed this one you missed a real treat! As a matter of fact, I found the night concert to be even more enjoyable as it was an R18+ event and everyone really let loose! ;)

Just as a side note: After the concert was over there were a number of young people that had gathered in the parking lot across the road from Finnegan’s. Well, wouldn’t you know, in their infinite wisdom the New Zealand Police decided to implement Operation Booze Blitz on the crowd.

I was outside well prior to the police showing up and I can assure you that there was absolutely nothing out of the ordinary going on; there was no violence happening; no crime and no one was overly drunk or disorderly.

It was just a bunch of young people whooping it up as young people tend to do. Hell, I frequently whooped it up myself in my late teens and early twenties!

Anyway, within seconds of the first police car showing up, and the officers harassing the young people for no apparent good reason, a beer bottle got thrown, and then another! That did it! Within the space of five minutes we had six police cars and twelve officers on the scene and the crowd was quickly dispersed.

The whole thing was totally unnecessary and the police caused a problem where none actually existed! So much for Operation Booze Blitz!

Kind regards

Pride of the Pacific 2009 – Day Concert Photos

Images/A Colourful Guy (double click to enlarge)

Hi all,

Above are a few of the photos I snapped at the Pride of the Pacific 2009 daytime benefit concert which was held at the Son and SK8 Hall in Glen Innes this past Saturday.

The performers featured are DJ Willie, 6 Pound, the Birthday Boys, Mareko & Devolo, the Babylon Riddim Band and Juliet.

As you can see my investment in a new camera has really paid off quite well and I’m very satisfied with the results.

I’ve decided against writing up a review as I have way too much on at the moment. However, I will say this, nearly all the performances were exceptional and anyone not attending the concert missed a real treat!

Kind regards

Pride of the Pacific 2009 - Preview

Young performer from Babylon Riddim Band at the Pride of the Pacific 2009 daytime concert.

Image/A Colourful Guy

Hi all,

Yesterday while most people were focused on Coca Cola’s Christmas in the Park, A Colourful Gal and I headed on over to the Son and SK8 Hall in Glen Innes to enjoy a benefit concert for Tonga, Pride of the Pacific 2009. I also went to the R18+ night time concert at which was held at Finnegan's Irish Bar in Royal Oak.

Since it’s a Sunday, and no one is paying me to do this, I’m not going to give a full review nor post photos from the concerts at this time. However, I will say that for fans of Pacific Reggae, Hip and Hip and RnB, if you weren’t at either show you missed a real treat!

Please do stay tuned for my more comprehensive coverage of Pride of the Pacific 2009.

Kind regards

Pride of the Pacific 2009 - Concert for Tonga

Image/Pride of the Pacific

Concert for Tonga

By SARAH MOYES - East And Bays Courier

Family man and music lover Vili Tuitupou wants to do what he can to support the people of Tonga.

Tomorrow Mr Tuitupou, known as DJ Willie, is holding a family concert in Glen Innes as part of his Pride of the Pacific charity tour.

The Mt Wellington man has used his connections within the music industry to get performers for the fundraising gig.

Born in Tonga and raised in Glen Innes, Mr Tuitupou still has strong ties with the islands.

Tonga’s economy is making it difficult for locals to earn money and support their families so he is putting on his third concert in three years to help raise funds for food parcels.

"A survey in 2007 showed only 20 percent of people in Tonga had jobs. My uncle is a builder and earns $50 to $60 a week to support his five kids.

"We have it pretty good over here, so I want to help."

The Pride of the Pacific show will also showcase young musical talent.

There will be performances by New Zealand and Australian artists, as well as local musicians such as Tamaki College’s school band.

"There are some very talented young artists.

"It’s big for them to perform next to guys like Devolo and Mareko from Deceptakonz Dawn Raid," he says.

Artists are performing for free. Some of them travel to Tonga with Mr Tuitupou to put on a free concert and help distribute food parcels.

"We could keep the money for ourselves, but we want to give it away," Mr Tuitupou says.

He is also taking stationery to a school that was badly hit by the September tsunami.

Every year the tour gets bigger and he hopes more people will support the concerts, especially the island community.

The afternoon concert will be held at the Son and Skate Hall next to Pak’nSave in Glen Innes from 2pm with a $5 entry fee.

An R18 evening gig will follow at Finnegans Irish Bar in Royal Oak from 9pm to 2am.

Mr Tuitupou will be travelling to Tonga on December 31 to distribute the food parcels.

For information about Pride of the Pacific 2009 contact Mr Tuitupou/DJ Willie on 027-733-5219.

The Soldier of Love’s First “Official” Video - Sade

Video/Sade

Hi all,

If you recall I blogged about the 2010 release of Sade’s new CD, entitled “Soldier of Love” a few days back. Well, featured above is what’s supposed to be the first official video of the first single from the CD.

If I sound a little dismissive about it it’s because we know how the rumour mill works on the Internet. And, the above video has nothing in common with the one that’s on Sade’s site at the moment except for the actual music.

Update: The video above is actually from Love Is Stronger Than Pride! However, the music is from the new CD!

Kind regards

The Prodigy come back to New Zealand!

Image/fanpop.com

Hi all,

Those sonic rave badboys, Keith Flint, Liam Howlett, and Maxim Reality (pictured above), aka The Prodigy, are due back in Auckland at Trust Stadium on February 25, 2010. Tickets go on sale on December 10.

I’ve been a huge fan of the band ever since the release of their 1997 CD “The Fat of the Land”. And, “Breathe”, the video which I’ve embedded below, is one of my personal top 100 favourite songs!

Hopefully, I’ll see some of you at the concert, and don’t forget… Breathe with me!

Kind regards

Video/The Prodigy

The Soldier of Love Returns - Sade

Image/Sony Music

Hi all,

Remember sultry Nigerian-British songstress Sade Adu? I’m sure you do! Well, after ten long years since her last CD, Lover’s Rock, was released she’s due to release a new one entitled “Solider of Love” on February 8th, 2010!

Image/ngex.com

Though no details about Sade's new music have yet been revealed, one artist heard early versions of several songs: Maxwell, a fellow Sony recording artist and longtime friend and collaborator with Matthewman. The R&B singer sent a message to fans in March via his private Facebook page in which he indicated that he'd heard some of his labelmate's new recordings. "Trust me, it's so monolithic it'll shake you in your shoes!" he wrote. Source/Billboard.com

Kind regards

Video/Epic Records

It’s MASSIVE – New Massive Attack CD Soon!

Image/Massive Attack

Hi all,

The original trip-hoppers, Bristol’s Massive Attack, have finally let us know when their new CD is due to be released. It’s entitled “Heligoland” and should be in stores on February 8th 2010!

Are you excited or what? I am! Wooohooohooohooo! :D

The track listing is tentatively as follows:

Pray For Rain
Babel
Splitting The Atom
Girl I Love You
Psyche
Flat Of The Blade
Paradise Circus
Rush Minute
Saturday Come Slow
Atlas Air

Heligoland will feature vocalists are Horace Andy, Martina Topley Bird, Damon Albarn, Tunde Adebimpe, Guy Garvey, Hope Sandoval and, of course, founding members Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall.

Kind regards

Video/Massive Attack

Fashion Beauty Music – The Music

Images/A Colourful Guy (double click to enlarge)

Hi all,

This is the last part of my review of Fashion Beauty Music which was held on November 21 at the Kelliher Estate.

The headlining act at FBM was internationally known House diva Terri Bjerre (aka Terri B.) and she most definitely rocked the house that night!

Terri works alongside some of the most successful dance artists in the industry, and she’s released recordings with such notables as Roger Sanchez, D.O.N.S, Mark Trophy, Francesco Diaz, John Dahlback, Jerry Ropero, and Eric Smax.

She’s a big woman with a big voice and the crowd responded well to her. At one point during the show Terri came down from the stage and sung and dance with us on the floor. Everybody just loved that!

I got to speak with her briefly and learned that she’s originally from Washington D.C. which is about 65 miles north of where I was born in Virginia. So she’s my homegirl! ;)

Just to give you all a taste of Terri’s considerable talent, please enjoy the embedded video below, and do enjoy my above slideshow of her performance at FBM!

Kind regards

Fashion Beauty Music Preview

Image/A Colourful Guy

Hi all,

I just returned a couple of hours ago from Fashion Beauty Music and I had a pretty good time.

If you like big, expensive, high profile House music parties, combined with a fashion show by two of Auckland’s best young designers, and attended by beautiful people, well, this one was the place to be!

Just to whet your appetites I’ve uploaded the one photo above and I’m planning on uploading more later today; after I get some much needed sleep first. Hopefully, my photography skills are improving and the new camera definitely helps with that. Although one probably wont be able to tell from here as Blogger insist on compressing the very last drop of quality out of every photo it gets it’s mitts on!

Kind regards

Running with the Wolves - Twilight: New Moon

Myself and actor Bronson Pelletier (the werewolf Jared) from Twilight: New Moon.
Image/A Colourful Guy

Hi all,

Twilight: New Moon kicked off here at midnight and while I didn’t go to the premier I will be seeing the movie sometime very soon.

Just for the record, I am a Twilight fan, and I’m about as far from a fourteen year old girl as one could get. ;)

I tend to be enjoy vampire movies anyway, and I definitely like werewolves, as I’ve been known to howl at the Moon myself on occasion. So Twilight: New Moon should be right up my alley.

Kind regards

Al Green Sexes Up NZ!

 

Video/Gabe Solomon Music/Al Green

Hi all,

I just found out a couple of days ago that legendary soul singer, Al Green, is playing in Auckland on the 21st of January, 2010 at the Civic. This will be Al’s first ever appearance in New Zealand.

My father was, and probably still is, a huge Al Green fan. And, I can recall many an hour spent cruising around with Dad in the car as we listened to Al’s silky-smooth singing voice on an 8 track deck. Yes! That was a long time ago! ;)

In terms of his music, Al has this knack for blending emotion and erotica in such a way that neither overpowered the other. In other words: He wants you to give it to him and not hold back with it. But, he’s going remind you that he loves you while you do so. ;)

Al has had a very lengthy career spanning some 40+ years. He’s released 40+ albums so far, selling 150+ million copies, and has won 11 Grammys!

I may see some of you at the show!

Kind regards

Image/Supplied

Juice TV/Redbull Live Session at Juice Bar

Images/A Colourful Guy (double click to enlarge)

Hi all,

After I had finished up with the AUT Fashion and Textiles Exhibition on Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of accompanying Bharat Jamnadas, Senior Reporter/Director at Asia Downunder, and King Kapisi’s brother to a Juice TV/Redbull Live Session at the Juice Bar in Parnell.

This was the first Juice TV function I’d ever been to and quite enjoyed it. While I didn’t care for the band that was on that night – some indie Rock group – I did enjoy the venue and the company of many of Auckland’s music, television and print media community.

The Juice Bar was sufficiently dark, hip and lounge-like for my taste, with a nice outdoor courtyard where one can smoke, booze, chat, laugh and schmooze to one’s heart’s content.

Since the function had an open bar, we all took advantage of it by downing as many Vodka and Redbull mixed drinks as possible. Fortunately, no one was stumbling when we left, even after all that Vodka – it must have been the Redbull helping to keep us steady. ;)

From the Juice Bar we headed to the Ponsonby Social Club, which is located right beside the ever-so-trendy restaurant, SPQR.

DJ Manual Bundy was on that night and spun some mighty soul and hip-hop flavoured tunes. Supposedly, Manual is one of the top DJ’s in New Zealand. However, I’d never heard of him before – I must be living under a rock. ;)

Kind regards

Out and About – Labour Day in Auckland

Images/A Colourful Guy (double click to enlarge)

Hi all,

A Colourful Gal and I headed into the Auckland city on Labour Day and I decided to snap a few photos of the sights we encountered with my camera-phone.

Kind regards

Armageddon Expo Cocktails

Images/A Colourful Guy (double click to enlarge)

Hi all,

I’ve just now sobered up from a wonderful night out at the London Bar in Auckland where a cocktail party was held to celebrate the launch this weekend’s Armageddon Expo.

You’re probably asking yourself, what does this have to do with fashion, seeing as how Armageddon Expo is a sci-fi event? Well, not much really! However, actors and musicians, and there were a good number in attendance tonight, tend to be some of the most fashionable people around. Also, who doesn’t enjoy a good party?

Anyway, as you can see from my slideshow above, I mixed and mingled, schmoozed and boozed, with the best of them! And, not to be outdone by anyone, I pretty much managed to get a photo of myself taken with just about every celebrity that was in attendance! ;)

The event was great fun! The band was very good, the celebrities gracious and friendly, and the crowd was really lively and really seemed to fully enjoy themselves.

The Armageddon Expo-Auckland will be held at the ASB Showgrounds, in Greenlane, from October 24-26th. That’s this weekend!

Kind regards

Splore 2010 Music and Arts Festival Line-up

Images/A Colourful Guy (double click to enlarge)

Hi all,

Several nights ago I attended the Splore music and arts festival line-up announcement in Grey Lynn. Below are the musicians currently scheduled to perform at the event. And, above, are a few photos I snapped at the announcement.

Overseas artists
Jamie Lidell (UK)
Kid Carpet (UK)
Mystro (UK)
The Gaslamp Kiler (USA)
Daniel Haaksman (Germany)
10 Sui (UK)

New Zealand artists
Sola Rosa 
Minuit
Electric Wire Hustle
Pitch Black
King Kapisi
Nathan Haines
Clap Clap Riot
Olmecha Supreme
Spikey Tee
Mikee Dee
Six60
Kidz in Space
North Shore pony Club
Easy
The Nukes

More artists will be announced within the next few days. Please check out http://www.splore.net/ for more information.

Kind regards

Splore is cumming! You can cum too!

Image/Splore.net

Hi all,

It’s come to my attention that biannual music and arts festival, Splore, will held this Summer from February 19 to 21, 2010 at Tapapakanga Regional Park ~70km south east of Auckland.

The official launch and line up announcement takes place this week and I’ll be there to cover it. Please do check back for more information as I come by it.

Kind regards

Holla, Holla! - Ja Rule

Vidoe/ Ja Rule

I feel like a good "Holla, Holla" tonight and I don't even like Ja Rule! ;)

Sunset at Half Moon Bay Marina

Images/A Colourful Guy

Hi all,

While waiting for A Colourful Gal's ferry to arrive this evening I managed to capture some wonderful sunset shots with my camera-phone. It's a 5 megapixel equipped Samsung G810 in case you're curious.

Kind regards

South African Coca Cola Brrr Commercial

Video/Coca Cola

Hi all,

This rather amusing Coca Cola commercial just started airing here in NZ and, since I find it very funny, I thought I'd share it with you all.

While I don't know the exact location where it was filmed, it appears to have been shot in one of South Africa's townships.

Kind regards