Penang Island Jazz Festival 2007 – 4th Edition

The Penang Island Jazz Festival is back with its 4th Edition this year with a line up of Local and International Musicians performing on its Main Stage at the Gardens of the Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi on 1st and 2nd of December 2007 (Saturday & Sunday). There will be 6 acts featured per night.
In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007, the Penang Island Jazz Festival 2007 is among one of the major tourism events for Penang – “The Pearl of the Orient”, and is supported and endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, the Penang State Government and the Penang Tourism Action Council.
The Festival is presented by Mercedes-Benz, with ASTRO, Lite FM, Rhythm MP and Bayview Beach Resort as our Partners, and Supported by the Australian High Commission & Viva Musica, Embassy of the Czech Republic – Kuala Lumpur, Starbucks Coffee, Heineken, AmBANK, Areca Center of Performing Arts, Goethe Institut Kuala Lumpur, The Guitar Store, AER, Tropical Spice Garden, InterGlobal Music and Alliance Francaise de Penang.
This year’s MAIN STAGE Performers include Jose Thomas & Groove Unction (Malaysia), Leonard Tan & BeanSproutz (Malaysia), Paul Ponnudurai (Malaysia), The Idea of North (Australia), Anke Helfrich Trio (Germany), Possicobilities (China), Nah Youn Sun (Korea), John Goldie (UK), Louis Soliano Quartet (Singapore), Bangkok Connection (Thailand), Bob Aves Jazz Group Featuring Grace Nono (Philippines).
Supporting Activities for The Festival begins from the 29th of November to 2nd December 2007 and include:
- The Jimmy Boyle Young Talent Jazz Competition Finals, 29th November 2007 at the Bayview Beach Resort (Free Entrance). The Winner of the Competition will be given the honour to open one of the nights of the Main Stage Performance Programmes.
- The Penang Island Jazz Festival 2007 Gala Dinner, on Friday, 30th November 2007 at the Bayview Beach Resort Grand Ballroom (Entrance by Purchase of Gala Dinner Ticket at RM100 per ticket). Co-Hosted by the International Women’s Association (IWA), Penang, part of the proceeds from the sale of the Dinner Tickets will be donated to Charity supported by IWA. Performers for the Gala Dinner include James Boyle & The Ragged Tigers, John Goldie and Louis Soliano Quartet.
- The Experimental Fringe Stage Performances, 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m., from 30th November to 2nd December 2007 at the Lobby Lounge of the Bayview Beach Resort. Performers for the Fringe Stage include Cheong & Friends, James Boyle & The Ragged Tigers, Evening Breeze, Elvira & Friends and the Areca Jazz Quartet & Quintet. (Free Entrance).
- The Jazz Gallery houses the Poster, Photograph, Paintings and Percussion Exhibition, from 29th November to 2nd December 2007. Short Demo and Talk on maintenance and repairs of Saxophone and Percussions will be conducted at the Jazz Gallery (Free Entrance).
- Workshops from 30th Nov. - 2nd December 2007 to be held at three venues – Alliance Francaise de Penang, Tropical Spice Garden, Bayview Beach Resort (Entrance to all workshops will be by Festival Ticket)
- Drum Circle By Members of The Aseana Percussion Unit & Tugu Drum Circle, 2nd December 2007 at Gardens of The Areca Centre of Performing Arts, 50 Peel Avenue, Penang. Contact No. 04-2273669 (Free Admission)
Visit www.penangjazz.com for more details and information on the Festival.
Venue : The Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi, Penang
Dates : 29th November – 2nd December 2007
Main Stage Performances : Saturday 1st Dec. & Sunday 2nd Dec. 2007 The Bayview Beach Resort Gardens
From 6.15 pm
Ticket Priced at RM50 per night and RM80 for 2 nights
For Ticket Information and Enquiry, please log on to TicketPro website at www.ticketpro.com.my

Black Eyed Peas: Black, Blue & You Tour 2007

Event Review: The Black Eyed Peas performed in Genting– City of Entertainment as part of their worldwide Black Blue & You Tour 2007 to a crowd of over 5,000 people. The show was held in Arena of Stars on 26th October 2007.

Invited to review the event, we journeyed up to the Highlands. Members of the press were treated to the Press Conference two days earlier with band members Will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and Apl.de.ap who willingly answered our questions and even did their hands prints in plaster.

Having met the group backstage, seeing their concert in 2004 at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort and again at the Force of Nature event in 2005, it was hard to imagine how different it would be this time. Expectations were high.

The Peas have been travelling around the world as part of their tour taking them across various continents like Europe, South America, South Africa and Asia. They’ve also been busy with a host of material since their last visit.

Fergie launched her solo effort with a string of hits like “Fergalicious”, “Glamorous”, “London Bridge” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry”. Will.i.am has also recently released his solo effort “Songs About Girls” with “I Got It from My Mama”, already popularly hitting the airwaves. Judging from his album, there will be more hits in store.

They also released their “Monkey Business: album after “Elephunk” and another collaboration album with Sergio Mendes. We were also told that Taboo and Apl were also working on their own albums too. Fans need not worry, they are not breaking up. We were reassured during the interview.

Fans were treated to a two hour energetic performance, featuring all their chart and award winning hits back to back. Will.i.am and Fergie also sang their own album hit materials like “I Got It from My Mama” and “Big Girls”, Fergalicious” and “London Bridge” respectively as well. They sang a total of 23 songs including “Hey Mama”, “My Humps”, “Don’t Lie”, “Mas Que Nada” and Don’t Phunk with my Heart”.

Just when they stopped and said goodnight, apparently they had a 1am flight to catch, the crowd screamed for an encore and they came back on belting out “Pump It”, “Where is the Love” and finished it off with “Let’s Get It Started”. What a night.

Overall, the concert was amazing and we have to thank Genting – City of Entertainment for inviting us. Now to see Live & Loud Kuala Lumpur. A tiny birdie also said someone was working to bring Justin Timberlake down. He’s apparenly coming to town in early-mid Dec once sponsors are confirmed. Can’t wait! :)

Press Release:

Get ready for a night of energizing hip-hop music and dance! The respected and highly acclaimed multiple Grammy Award winner, Black Eyed Peas, will be bringing their party to Genting – City of Entertainment on 26 October (Friday) at the prestigious Arena Of Stars (AOS)!

The Black Eyed Peas transcended their raw hip-hop roots and have become one of the music industry’s global phenomenon. The quartet won over the crowd with the monster-stomp ‘Elephunk’ in 2003. ‘Elephunk’ was a breakthrough album for The Black Eyed Peas, vaulting them to a level of success unparalleled by any other hip-hop group. The accolades are quick to recite: 7.5 million albums sold worldwide, 4 Grammy nominations, 1 Grammy award, and an unforgettable performance on the 2005 broadcast. Global hits such as “Where Is The Love”, “Hey Mama”, “Let’s Get It Started” and “Shut Up” elevated the group’s name.

With the forth album, ‘Monkey Busines’ (2005), the Black Eyed Peas solidified their status as hip-hop’s power group. Their fourth album further intensifies their passion for making music together and for connecting with their audience through the most fundamental way: making people have a good time. ‘Monkey Business’ raised William, Fergie, apl.de.ap and Taboo status with hits such as “Don’t Phunk With My Heart”, “Don’t Lie”, “My Humps” and “Pump It”.

Over the years, the Black Eyed Peas have received accolades and recognition for their music. In 2004, the group received a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for “Let’s Get It Started”. In 2005 and 2006, the group again won for the same category for their hits “Don’t Phunk With My Heart” and “My Humps”, respectively.

Don’t miss the chance to catch the sensation hip-hop group in action as they party at Genting Highland Resort on 26th Oct! Tickets are on sale now for RM120, RM220, RM320, RM420 and RM550. Get your tickets now to grab the 15% Early Bird Promotion for the first 1,000 tickets (subject to terms & conditions).

Please be advised that no admission for infants in arms & children below 3 years old. Children aged 3 years old & above MUST purchase tickets for admission. For more details and ticket reservation, please log-on www.genting.com.my or call 03 2718 1118.
Black Eyed Peas: Black, Blue & You Tour 2007 in Genting – City of Entertainment is presented by OSIM, Official TV – NTV7, Official Radio – Hitz.fm, Official Karaoke – Be A Star, Official Loyalty Card – Genting MasterCard and Tour Agent – Midas Promotions.

Genting International Magic Festival 2007

Genting – City Of Entertainment today unveiled another exciting attraction up at the hill come November which is sure to excite magic & illusion enthusiasts of all ages. It is the Genting International Magic Festival 2007, which will be held on 16 - 25 November 2007.

In a press conference held today at the hill top resort, it was announced that the one-of-a-kind event is a spectacular gathering of top magicians who will be participating in the “Champions of Magic Show” starring top Champion magicians from around the world and “Stars of Magic” Show, featuring invited established or rising stars of the Magic World who will compete for a first prize of USD10,000.

The event is expected to attract not only children but also the young at heart and magic & illusion enthusiast to Genting Highlands Resorts. It is officially recognized and sanctioned by the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM).

The IBM is the world's largest organization for magicians boasting nearly 13,000 members worldwide. With over 300 local groups called Rings, in more than 73 countries, the IBM is considered to be the most respected organization for amateur and professional magicians in the world!

“Genting – City of Entertainment is excited to bring this unique event for our visitors this November. It will be a congregation of the best international magicians and illusionist that should not be missed by the whole family, the first of its kind in Malaysia” Mr. Alan Teo – RWB Executive Vice President.

During the press conference, David Sandy’s stunt was showcased in front of Genting Hotel. A lucky reporter from the local media was given the chance to ride together with the renown magician during the exciting blindfold drive which was with obstacles.

During the Genting International Magic Festival in November, apart from the two main events, the event will also feature strolling close-up artistes including Michael Ammar – The World’s Greatest Close-Up Magician and Jon Armstrong - 2007 Close-Up Magician Of The Year (as voted by The Academy Of Magical Arts). There will also be daily magic seminars, competitions and enrichment sessions for both children and adults.

Mr. Alan Teo further expressed "We are delighted to partner with DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd. We thank DiGi for the support in helping to make the festival a success."

The Genting International Magic Festival 2007 is proudly presented by DiGi with the support of Official Sponsor – Nasa & Stopoil, Official Car – Proton, Official TV Station – NTV7 and Official Loyalty Card – Worldcard.

Be on a look out for exciting ticket offers and packages nearing to the date. Check out www.genting.com.my or call 03 2718 1118 for details and purchases.