End of Financial Year Special

Very scary to be thinking about mid year, but we are offering a special that if you book any Entertainment for your End of Financial Year events, before the end of March, 2010, you will receive a 10% discount. Please mention this newsletter when requesting a quotation.

This month features a selection of different style musicians that are available. Our “Life as a Performer” this month is one of our fantastic Cartoonist. Have a read.

Joanna & the NHM Team

Please note our new phone number: (02) 9569 5990 and address – 55 Henry Street, Leichhardt, NSW 2040

Brett Bower

Brett is an award winning cartoonist described as a modern day Rolf Harris by the Sydney Morning Herald. As a speaker he uses cartoons to illustrate his messages on topics such as;" Taping Into Your Right Brain." and "How to Draw Your Boss" His presentations have inspired audiences throughout Australia & New Zealand. He has worked in the UK and North America as a cartoonist. His clients include Foxtel, Qantas, St George Bank, MLC, Acer Computers, IBM and many more. He has had many media, film and television appearances from Bollywood to The Today Show, Australian Idol.

Brett is our featured performer for this month, see below.

Hi Life Horns

Hi Life Horns is an original group of wandering minstrels. They have performed everywhere from birthday parties to corporate functions and major events. With their hip and vibrant zebra suits Hi Life Horns will look fantastic at any event. The guys perform versatile acoustic repertoire from genres such as jazz, pop, blues, funk and some TV/movie themes they are sure to get your crowd in high spirits.

Brian Donnelly

Brian Donnelly offers a variety of musical styles including jazz, classical, and popular songs. As an instrumentalist, Brian appears as a soloist or accompanist.

Grace Ensemble – demo cd available

The members of The Grace Ensemble have all been professionally trained at conservatoriums and have played in various ensembles and orchestras including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestra, and other national and international groups.

Gipsy Rhythms

Gipsy Rhythms - the passion of Spain in an exciting blend of guitars, voice, dance and irresistible rhythm combining contemporary, popular flamenco and classical music. Their repertoire includes many cover songs and instrumentals from the Gypsy Kings, flamenco dance music from various regions of Spain, some original work as well as songs from Gloria Estefan, Santana and even a captivating version of Ravel’s Bolero.

Denizen

Denizen has brought together the varied and unique individual talents of Illawarra’s finest musicians. Their repertoire embraces songs and tunes of Celtic, American and Australian origins and blends them with the traditional flavors and instruments of those countries. Members of Denizen have toured with overseas performers such as The Furey’s, Foster & Allen and Daniel O’Donnell.

Caribbean Soul is the intriguing sounds of the steel drum, sweet reggae music and happy beats of calypso, soca and all the sensual dance moves of the Caribbean Islands. Caribbean Soul’s show will dazzle any audience with sexy carnival style costumes, exotic dances, culture and the lowest limbo dance in the whole world. Yeah Man!

What do you do?
A: I am a cartooonist & animator. I draw live to screen cartoons at conferences, digital caricatures, and cartoon strips. However my passion is performing live at events.

Which is the best gig you have performed at?
A: I have appeared at events in Europe, Asia, United States, New Zealand and all around Australia. The best events are interactive, where your audience can be involved. Or maybe the time I was asked to do a portrait of Jen Hawkens.. That was a good day.

What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you while performing?
A: I have had a number of requests over the years to draw people in the buff! It always seems to be people you’d rather not see naked. LOL.

What is your favorite song?
A: I listen to The Who a great deal in my studio. I think good art goes hand in glove with good music.

What were doing last Saturday night?
A: I was an after dinner speaker at a conference, talking about “Visual Thinking”

Who would you like to perform with and why?
A: Sydney Symphony at the Sydney Opera House would be a blast. I would love to create an emotive piece of art in time to an emotive piece of music.

What is your most memorable moment?
A: Working with Dick Clarke in Orlando.

What makes you laugh?
A: The amount of people who want me to perform an extreme makeover with my pen. You know, bigger this, smaller that, a few less chins and more than one eyebrow.

What is your favorite film?
A: I should say anything with Bruce Willis, but the truth is anything with Diane Lane. God I love that women!

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
A: I actually spend a lot of free time painting or drawing for my own pleasure. I do try and get a surf in during the week.

Do you have a nickname and how did it come about?
A: Mr Doodle, but lets not go there!

How long have you been performing for?
A: Since I was sixteen, not very long at all..... Ok I just turned 38

What are passionate about?
A: Proving to people that we are all more creative than we think. If you ask a child are you good at drawing or singing they almost always say yes. It is not till we become adults that we do our best not to stand out from the crowd. We fear what people think if we sing or draw, so it is easier to say we can’t. Most adults will avoid stepping outside their comfort zone. How about you, can you draw or sing?