‘The Good News Story’ – how a sustainability revolution IS happening around the world

Join local resident and sustainability expert Simon Carter as he presents a positive and exciting view of sustainability – one focused on opportunity, prosperity and hope rather than loss, cost, fear and failure. Event is free but booking is preferred. Please come early and join us afterwards to chat and share some tasty snacks.

When: 1^st February, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Where: Bronte Surf Life Saving Club

How much: FREE

More info here or 9369 8045

Dragon Boat Racing – Chinese New Year

The Chinese Year of the Dragon has just begun – what better way to celebrate than at the Dragon Boat Races at Darling Harbour? This event is part of the City of Sydney’s Chinese New Year celebrations and is sure to be big! Races run over 2 days from 4-5 of February, and take place every 8 minutes. Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunblock.

When: 4^th February, 8am – 5pm, 5^th February, 8am – 3pm

Where: Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour

Cost: FREE

More info here

Seymour Centre Courtyard Sessions

Every Friday evening from the 20^th January to 30^th March, The Seymour Centre courtyard hosts FREE gigs featuring up-and-coming talent from Sydney’s vibrant local scene. Bands include high-octane bluegrass outfit ‘Bellyache Ben and the Steamgrass Boys’, six-piece female cabaret group ‘Lady Sings it Better’, and energetic pop-rock stalwarts ‘The Sculptures’. Take a break from dancing and grab a drink and bite to eat at the Courtyard Bar and BBQ. The venue is also ‘kid and pooch friendly’.

When: Fridays from 20^th January to 30^th March

Where: Seymour Centre Courtyard, Corner of City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale

Cost: FREE

More info here 

Picasso Goes to the Movies

As part of their Picasso exhibition, the Art Gallery of NSW is running free weekly screenings of classic films influenced by the Spanish master. Sessions run from 9^th November to 25^th March, and feature the work of auteurs such as Federico Fellini, Stanley Kubrick, Jean-Luc Godard and Luis Buñuel. Check out the website for full session listings. Please note that tickets are limited and must be collected in advance.

When: Wednesdays 2:00pm and 7:30 pm, Sundays 2:00PM

Where: Domain Theatre, Art Gallery of NSW

Cost: FREE

More info here

Surry Hills Markets

The Surry Hills Markets, held the first Saturday of each month, is brimming with vintage clothing, used books and records, and all sorts of curios and knick knacks. Whether you’re a seasoned bargain hunter or casual shopper, you’ll find something interesting at Surry Hills Markets. When you’re done, grab lunch or a coffee at one of Crown Street’s many chic eateries.

When: Saturday 4^th February, 7:00am – 4:00pm

Where: Shannon Reserve, Surry Hills, Corner of Crown and Collins Streets

Cost: FREE

More info here

We started 2011 with Jazz in Continuum –following the success of the first Jazz In Continuum event in 2010. This important event has grown to develop a new audience for Eastside Radio, providing a platform for young Jazz musicians to perform and also connect with professionals and mentors in the industry.

In June we launched our annual Radiothon Soul Support 2011 with Swingin Soul, a hugely successful night at the now closed Tone Nightclub. We were incredibly lucky to have Little Egypt’s Burlesque perform on the night, a ten-piece band featuring some of Sydney and Melbourne’s most talented musicians including Elana Stone, Brian Campeau and Lucian McGuiness. The incredible Mr Percival and the ever-vivacious Lilly Dior also took to the stage, with DJ Burnhard and Smokey La Beef and Smart Casual working the decks. Dancing was the name of the game with incredible burlesque provided by Gallery Burlesque dancers and swing steps performed by the Swing Patrol kids. Swingin Soul really set the tone for 2011 – good fun, great music and new opportunities to share the Eastside sound with a growing audience.

Our Radiothon, Soul Support provided just the ticket for the continuing growth of Eastside Radio. We received more support than ever from local and nationwide businesses, and were able to offer prizes ranging from Paddington shopping experiences to Far North Queensland Getaways. Our listeners dug deep and supported their favourite radio station, with money raised going to assist in the upgrade of our studio equipment and ongoing costs in running the station.

We were incredibly excited to join The Sydney Fringe Festival in September at Five Eliza, the official Fringe Festival bar in Newtown. Eastside Radio presenters Lilly Dior, Susan Gai Dowling, Taline Kalaidjian and Julian Hibbard and John Curwin with The Sluggs. The venue was stunning and we had a lot of fun chatting to festival goers about the music of Eastside Radio. We received some great feedback about Eastside Radio’s talent and were very excited to see that there is a groundswell of young people who are passionate about good live music.

After the success of Five Eliza we developed a night with our good friends at 505, a night that showcased the diverse sound of Eastside Radio on stage. Eastside Live at 505 was born, with a focus on presenting music for an audience who enjoyed good music, a bit of a dance and a fun night out. Live broadcast on Eastside 89.7fm, Eastside Live at 505 has showcased music from The Vampires, Alphamama and The Love Drug, Mucho Mambo and Hobo Bordeaux. This monthly night of music has grown immeasurably in a few short months, with the second Thursday of every month at 505 quickly developing a loyal following.

Sadly, on December 4, 2011 Wally Wrightman, a long time presenter at Eastside Radio and very dear friend passed away. After 25 years on air, Wally developed a loyal base of listeners and the loss of this great man was felt far and wide. We received countless phonecalls, letters and webposts testifying to Wally’s personable, loving and lively personality, with many listeners and friends expressing their sorrow at the passing of such an exceptional person and engaging performer/ presenter. Wally’s legacy lives on at Eastside Radio through his fellow presenters, staff and listeners.

Our Xmas Radiothon, 12 Days of Xmas was our biggest yet, with prizes generously donated from some of our favourite Business Supporters. We showcased the best of the best with goods and services from around Australia and an international getaway to New Zealand thanks to Beach Lodge Villas and Travbiz. Once again we were blown away by the support of our listeners, who called to pledge their support financially and also express their love of the station to us verbally.

January kicked off with our first Eastside Live at 505 for 2012 with Hobo Bordeaux taking to the stage. This was a sellout event, with more listeners than ever coming out to support the station.

2012 brings an exciting lineup at Eastside Live at 505, including DOUBLE DIP on Feb 9th, a performance night with Eastside Radio Presenters bringing their skills to the stage. Each performer will be presenting one tune from their repertoire and one tune from a completely different genre. This is going to be a night of laughs, fun and most importantly – Great music!! With Matt McMahon, Lloyd Swanton and Toby Hall on Rythmn and Lilly Dior, Susan Gai Dowling, Helen Fenton, and Taline Kalaidjian on vocals, Dan Barnett and Bob Bertles on horn and special appearances by your other favouite presenters including Chris Horsey, John Hibbard and Julian Curwin, this night is going to be a veritable buffet of talent, humor and unexpected surprises.

Jazz in Continuum returns for 2012 in April, growing even bigger and better. Featuring more new artists, acts and arrangements than ever, Jazz in Continuum will continue to put the spotlight on the best emerging talent that Sydney has to offer.

After a rained out 2011 event, Global Rhythms will return in 2012. Plans are already underway to bring Sydney the best world music Eastside has to offer with local, national and international acts performing at this free community concert.

And then of course there are the incredible music, presenters and programs that air on Eastside Radio 89.7fm every day. We have new presenters, new shows and new time slots with your old favourites returning once again in 2012 to bring you the music they like best. We have new arts presenters, and our drive shows are booking some of the most interesting interviews you’re likely to hear this year. So stay tuned, stay in touch and welcome in 2012 with Eastside Radio!

Eastside Radio is getting ready for a sweet dose of funk, latin, jazz and rare grooves when we welcome DJ Maestro LIVE on air on Groovescooter, this Tuesday 10 January, 6.30pm-8pm.

The legendary Jazz DJ from Amsterdam will be doing a guest set with Gordon ”Savage Gee” Watson between 7-8pm.

With a mixture of vintage records and contemporary classics, DJ Maestro is best renowned for his remixes on the Blue Note label.

Blue Note has recorded jazz giants such as Art Blakey, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock and Eric Dolphy. DJ Maestro is the only DJ to work with Blue Note, and with the archives of the legendary Jazz Label, has released 9 albums under the name Blue Note Trip.

He is associated with all things related to funk, latin and jazz in the Netherlands. He is the founder of Dutch station Jazz Radio, the artistic director for the Swingin ‘Groningen Festival, and started his own record label (Dig This!).

With rare grooves and breaking tunes he has brought all of this to Australia’s shores this summer, so if you haven’t managed to catch him- tune in!

For the last dose of DJ Maestro this week, you can catch his final Sydney DJ set at Hunky Dory Social Club on Wednesday night!

So get on the trip:

http://eastsidefm.org/specialist/groovescooter/

http://www.facebook.com/musicadimaestro?sk=info

http://www.digthis.nl/

Their community of musicians, the best this city has to offer, bolstered by a couple of interstate favourites, is ready to swing, groove and rock your socks off. Their venues are primed to bring great live music, musicians and music-lovers together.

It’s all here, from their spiritual home, Venue 505, the grandeur of the Tom Mann Theatre, chilling at the Clarendon in the afternoon, a saucy late night jam upstairs at the Gaelic Club, insightful workshops at Redfern, and an opening night Q&A at the hallowed Old 505 Theatre.

They’re even catering for the next generation of jazz fans, who’ll get a kick out of their free family events at the newly renovated Prince Alfred Park and in the beautiful Redfern Town Hall. This years venues are all within a short stroll from one another, so their scandalously well-priced festival pass will get you access to more events than ever before!

Amidst all the changes, they’ve kept in touch with two great friends. Eastside Radio will be at 505 all weekend for live broadcasts, and Musica Viva in Schools are helping them out at the Sunday kiddie concerts.

For more information visit their festival homepage HERE

There’s no better place to welcome the new year than in Sydney – the New Year’s Eve Capital of the World.

Be one of the first in the world to welcome the new decade as Sydney dazzles you with its world-class event and a spectacular Midnight Fireworks Display.

The internationally-loved event on Sydney Harbour brings in more than 1.5 million spectators and is watched by more than 1 billion viewers across the world.

Celebrations start with Pre-Show Entertainment from 5pm and festivities get bigger with the not-to-be-missed 9pm Family and Midnight Fireworks Displays.

Start your party plans early and make sure you get a front row seat to the best show in the world.

When: 31st December at 6:00pm

Where: Harbour Sydney 2000

Costs: FREE

More Info: Click HERE

 NYE @ BARANGAROO

Watch the fireworks with family and friends from the best vantage point on Sydney harbour this New Year’s Eve, when Barangaroo opens for a festival of fun and family activities.

Opening from 6.30pm, the Barangaroo New Year’s event will feature food and drink stalls, including wood-fired pizzas and burgers, along with street performers all capped off by the electric display on Sydney’s Harbour.

Watch the fireworks cascading down the harbour and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the display on the bridge, while enjoying a picnic with your family from this unique vantage point.

The Barangaroo New Year’s Eve event is the ideal destination for families, with facilities and entertainment for young and old. Barangaroo wishes to welcome the whole of Sydney to enjoy New Year’s Eve from our famous shoreline. Tickets are $15 per family, $5 per adult and $3 per child, plus booking fee. Visit www.ticketek.com to purchase tickets to the event.

When: 31st December at 6:30pm

Where: Barangaroo , Gate 4, Hickson Road Millers Point 2000

Costs: Adult: $5.00, Children: $3.00, Family: $15.00

More Info: Click HERE

 Coogee will sparkle with a spectacular fireworks display

If you dread battling the city crowds on New Year’s Eve, head to Coogee Beach for a sensational fireworks display and an easy to find picnic spot.

Randwick Mayor Scott Nash said Coogee Beach is a sensational setting to see in 2012 with the Council’s annual Coogee Sparkles firework display sure to delight.

“Coogee Sparkles is already a popular event for many in the eastern suburbs community, but there is always space for more,” said the Randwick Mayor.

“This year the fireworks will start at the new family-friendly time of 9pm.

“It’s a great alternate to the craziness and congestion of the city on New Year’s Eve, especially for young families and there’s plenty of space available to set up your evening picnic.

“There are regular buses to and from the city and Central Station or if you plan on driving, there’s usually nearby onstreet parking available.

“There are many vantage points along the Coogee Beach foreshore to view the colourful and vibrant fireworks, including Goldstein Reserve located directly behind the beach, Grant Reserve to the south and Dunningham Reserve to the north.”

When:  December 31, 2010   at 9.30pm

Where: Coggee Beach

Costs: FREE

More Info: Click HERE

 Soul of Sydney: Free FUNK DISCO & HIP HOP & House New Years Day Blockparty Picnic

Secret Eastern Beachside Location (Email soulofsydney@gmail.com for location info)

Soul of Sydney & Our House Sydney will be hosting another special family friendly New Years Day FUNK Throw-down picnic to kick off 2012 in the right kind of fashion, with some good friends, in the great outdoors enjoying the sunshine and with DJ’s playing REAL music in the right environment.

DJ’s will be on rotation playing everything from from James Brown, Jocelyn Brown, Masters At Work, Erykah Badu, De La Soul, Dilla, Larry Levan, Sade, Jill Scott & Frankie Knuckles just to name a few.

Real Music, Real People Enjoying in a family friendly outdoor environment.

When: January 1st 1pm-10pm

Where: Secret Eastern Beachside Location (Email soulofsydney@gmail.com for location info)

Costs: FREE

More Info: Click HERE

If you recognise these lucky folks names be sure to give them a card this year, cause they have just scored a range of incredible prizes!

MAJOR PRIZE DRAW

Major Prize #1 6 nights accommodation at the Beach Lodge Apartments New Zealand including Flights and relaxing massage thanks to TRAVBIZ and Essentials Massage and Natural Beauty

WINNER: Peter from Caringbah #72

Major Prize #2 Accommodation at the Clarendon Guesthouse + double tix to Tuba Skinny, Thursday the 5^th January 2012

WINNER: Dick from Clovelly #613

 Major Prize #3 All feature albums from 2011 – 25 in total

WINNER: C from Randwick #3765

Major Prize #4 Framed Print “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” from Dr Seus Gallery

WINNER: Janos from Strawberry Hills #1218

Major Prize #5/6/7 Sydney Fest Double Tix

#5 Joshua Redman/Brad Meldau – Angel Place, 20^th January 2012

WINNER: Richard from Bellevue Hill #779

#6 Taraf de Haidouks – Enmore theatre, 12^th January 2012

WINNER :Mark from Bronte #3909

#7 Pedrito Martinez – Keystone Festival Bar, 26^th January 2012

WINNER: Dome Bar Surry Hills #3883

GOLD SUPPORTER DRAW

Gold Supporter Prize #1 Thredbo Blues Festival Experiences including 3 nights accommodation at the Denman Hotel , from the 13^th until the 15^th of January 2012

WINNER: Andrew from Lane Cove #998

Gold Supporter Prize #2 the Entire Necks Back Catalogue

WINNER: Ray from Abbotsford #3902

Gold Supporter Prize #3 Sydney Festival: Asa and fefe – Keystone Festival Bar, 18^th January 2012

WINNER: Steffen from Randwick #3899

BUSINESS SUPPORTER DRAW

Business Supporter Prize #1 $1000 Eastside Radio campaign

WINNER: Pierre Della-Putta Architects Ink Woollahra #796

Business Supporter Prize #2 Walsh`s Pharmacy Marobra Voucher $200

WINNER: Robert Kerr Gem Garage Doors Darlinghurst #3363

Business Supporter #3 Nouvelle Vague – Keystone Festival Bar $100 value, 19^th January 2012

WINNER: Deborah Edwards Octavian Bondi #3896

Congratulations to our lucky prize winners and THANKYOU from all of us here at Eastside Radio to all of you listening and supporting us to stay on the air!

Eastside Radio is waiting with baited breath for the clock to strike 5pm.

Why you ask?

There are a multitude of reasons!

Reason #1

A New Zealand 6 night getaway for 2 including flights and beauty spa treatment

Reason #2

Double tickets to Thredbo Blues Festival with 3 nights accommodation at the beautiful Denman Hotel

Reason #3

Blue Mountains live music getaway at The Clarendon with double tickets to Tuba Skinny New Orleans soul group

Reason #4

ALL the feature albums from Eastside Radio for 2011 – 25 in total!

Reason #5

A framed limited edition print – The Grinch that Stole Christmas from Dr Seus Gallery

PLUS Sydney Festival Tickets, The entire Necks back catalogue, a $1000 ad campaign with Eastside Radio and Walsh’s Pharmacy vouchers.

But the main reason is that these incredible prizes will be drawn TODAY – December 21 at 5pm on Drive with Eric Gyors.

So if you signed up to support Eastside Radio during our 12 Days of Xmas keep the dial fixed to 89.7fm and keep your fingers crossed, because we will be giving away some of the most exciting Christmas gifts you’re ever likely to receive.

Thankyou to everyone who joined up and supported Eastside Radio and an extra special thanks to our generous business sponsors who have donated thousands of dollars worth of services, experiences and products for our 12 Days of Xmas Supporter Drive.

Hi I’m Elena, I’ve been here for 8 weeks now and I really enjoy my Internship at Eastside Radio. To be honest, the reason I came here was to get some work experience and a good qualification. But being an Intern at Eastside is more than that: You quickly  become a member of the big, nice community that is Eastside; and for me that is more fun than other work. Not that I do not learn something here – it’s rather the other way around: I experience so much here but have fun and nice company at the same time.

“12 days of Christmas” also is a challenge for me since – like probably every non-native-speaker- I sometimes have difficulties with understanding fast speaking people on the phone, but mostly everybody patiently shows a lot of understanding and helps me to feel comfortable. It’s probably a mixture of the Australian “No worries” attitude, the pre-Christmas forgiveness and the incredibly awesome prizes the people get at “12 days of Christmas” that lead to it. I mean, honestly, who wouldn’t  endure  waiting for  an Intern when they get the opportunity to win a fully paid trip to New Zealand ?!

Being a member of the Eastside Community has shown me how important it is to work in a nice environment.  I’m glad to see that Eastside supporters donate their money to help Eastside to stay on air. Although I’m just a tiny part of Eastside Radio it’s great to realise that people like and support the work we do here.

Call Eastside Radio on 9331 3000 to sign up as an Eastside Radio Supporter and be sure to say hi to Elena and tell her what a good job she’s doing!

Pictures: Elena and Forever French presenter Gabrielle  and some of the Eastside Radio crew having fun at Paddington RSL.