Entertainment
 Leah Briggs
Leah Briggs started her career at the age of 14, now 24 she has won numerous awards and seen many places around Australia including a trip to Norfolk Island which was included in her package when she won SA champion of champions in 2004. 2004 and 2005 saw Leah in the grand finals of the Telstra Road To Tamworth which was aired on CMC, from there she got the chance to become a support act for Adam Harvey. Leah is most proud of her original song “Million Miles” winning APRA Song of the year in 2008. Leah is now living in Tasmania with her husband Mick Wilson, who plays a mean pedal steel guitar. Mick has played, toured and recorded with a lot of main artists such as, Beccy Cole, The Chambers Family, Keith Urban, Adam Harvey, Troy Casser Daily, Gina Jefferies, Chad Morgan, Jimmy Little and Lee Kernaghan, just to name a few. Leah and Mick have been taking a break from music with their two beautiful baby girls, Aria and Presley, but are looking forward to getting back into their new and exciting career.
Lee Brocky
Lee Brocky is recognised for his ability to create songs that people can relate to on a personal level and leave them wanting more. He has been very successful in the country music festival circuit for a number of years. Lee is well known for the energy he shows when performing, and the way he can captivate an audience. His career highlights so far include the Male winner for 2002 for the Victorian Champion of Champions, and finalist in 4 competitions in Tamworth in 2004, which included the Aristocrat Entertainer of the Year and the CCMA Talent Quest. Later in 2004 he preformed in the South Aust Showcase. In March 2004 Lee was a support act to Troy Cassar-Daley at the 'Beachport Festival by the Sea'. In 2005 Lee won 2nd place in the Adelaide Hills Idol comp. Lee took some time out late 2005 to record his debut album 'Memory Lane', which showcases his songwriting ability and fine musicianship. Click here to hear music from Lee Brocky http://www.leebrocky.com.au
Calamari For Breakfast
Popular and enduring Mount Gambier band Calamari for Breakfast play an eclectic mix of rock, jazz reggae and folk. Influenced by Australian folk rock from the likes of Shane Howard, Paul Kelly and Mick Thomas, along with reggae and Celtic music, which multi-instrumentalist Judith Kelly embellishes with piano accordion, keyboards, mandolin, flute and saxophone, the band has long maintained a social conscience.
 Cockatoo Valley Song Group
The Cockatoo Valley Song Group (CVSG) is a group of 24 young singers based in Victorian/South Australian cross-border region known as 'the Green Triangle'. Since its establishment in 2003, the CVSG has been specialising in performing and workshopping songs drawn from many cultures. The 'traditional' component of the CVSG repertoire currently comprises about thirty songs in fifteen languages. The Group also performs contemporary Australian music and, in May this year, and has workshopped original songs from the Ti Tree indigenous community with singer/songwriter Mal Webb. The Group was invited to perform on a tribute CD for musician 'Baterz', released in late 2008.
Adam Hardcastle - B.Mus, B.A, B. Teach, M.Ed
Adam Hardcastle is the director of The Cockatoo Valley Song Group and teaches music in schools in Portland and Mount Gambier. He has studied composition and singing at the Elder Conservatorium of Music at Adelaide University, drama and Asian studies at Flinders University and primary/secondary teaching through Deakin University.
 Guy Detot
Guy was born and educated in Paris, France. He attended Art College (école boulle) for three years, where he studied furniture design, art history and sculpture. Late in 1982 Guy traveled to Adelaide, Australia where he worked for the Australian Ballet. In the early nineties Guy moved to Penola in the South East of South Australia. Slowly his reputation for sculpting hardwood – especially red gum spread. Guy is now a highly sought after artist at many top galleries both nationally and internationally. “I still work mainly with wood, although sometimes I introduce metal. My subject depends upon my mood and the grain of the wood. I have a particular affinity with red gum or hardwood, and my pieces are subconsciously based on my life as a dancer. I think there is a message in my sculptures. It is not enough to create a beautiful form. Sometimes the work is sensual – perhaps a woman’s form or body. Or sometimes it is something happening in my life”
Euan Doidge
 Interested in dance from an early age, Millicent’s own ‘Billy Elliot’ Euan Doidge has risen in popularity and success with a swag of awards and achievements of local, national and international significance. Participating in the Mount Gambier and Ballarat Eisteddfods for many years, Euan recently grabbed the spotlight at the National Showcase finals at the Gold Coast by winning Senior Dancer of the Year. The talented dancer — from MJ Dance Studio in Mount Gambier — won an overseas trip to participate in Canada’s national dance championships in May as part of his prize for taking out the prestigious Australian title. Euan also managed to snare the “elite” senior dancer award, beating a talented American competitor. Euan plans to finish Year 12 this year and aspired to attend the Ballarat Performing Arts Academy to specialise in musical theatre. Euan was the recipient of the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year for the Wattle Range district.
Flat on your Bacharach
In 2001 a creative collaboration was formed by pianist Matthew Carey and singers Libby O’Donovan and Melissa Craig. The dynamic trio each have an independent history of working nationally and internationally in numerous theatre, cabaret and live music acts with companies such as Doppio Parallelo, The Fabulous Singlettes, ACME Jazz Unit, Vitalstatistix and Patch Theatre Company. Packed with personality, style and a wry twist of fun, this dynamic ensemble takes audiences on an intimate and magical journey through four decades inspired by the prolific contribution to modern composition of the Burt Bacharach songbook. The trio has thrilled audiences across Australia and abroad with their award winning show. Attracting rave reviews at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, the UWA Perth International Arts Festival, the Sydney Gay Games Cultural Festival, the Adelaide Fringe and the Hong Kong Fringe Festival. The act pays tribute to some of pop music’s most exhilarating moments. The rich, powerful voice of Melissa McCraig and the smooth, velvety tones of Libby O’Donovan combine seamlessly with the mastery of Matthew Carey on piano as a tight knit trio, backed by a band of South Australia’s most renowned musicians. Audiences delight in a high energy, light hearted musical experience as timeless classics ‘Anyone who had a Heart’ and ‘Close to you’ are all given the Flat on your Bacharach treatment.
 Mahalia Fox
Having started singing at the age of 10 and playing guitar at age 11, Mahalia Fox is now an 18 year old ‘aspiring muso’ from Mount Gambier. Playing a combination of solo and collaborative music, Mahalia ‘absolutely loves’ music, and filling a large part of her life it is something she is intent on making a career out of. In 2009, Mahalia was in the process of completing an ‘EP’ made up of 7 unique and inspiring songs. Mahalia has recently joined forces with Bo'az Manser – on Piano, Keys and Bass, performing together around the region. Click here to listen to Mahalia http://www.myspace.com/mahaliakfox
Kenny’s Window
 Rip It Up describes the music of the “joyous Kenny’s Window” as “classically oriented tunes, but with a deliciously eccentric feel”. Kenny’s Window is a contemporary three piece band of musicians who have endeavored to create a voice that aptly expresses their interests and influences. All three have been classically trained at the Elder Conservatorium of Music and at the Flinders Street School of Music. Kenny’s Window has successfully injected a youthful energy into the traditions of folk and classical music while maintaining a respect for the elements of these genres that the informed listener holds dear. Influenced by the music of My friend the Chocolate Cake, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello and Nick Cave the result is described by dB Magazine as “music of exquisite imagery”. The trio tries to use interesting yet familiar forms (TV themes, classical, Irish, movie and theatre music) combined with interesting instrumentation involving violin, piano, organ, piano accordion, piano, guitar, mandolin and harmonica. Over the years Kenny’s Window have maintained residencies in and around Adelaide and played numerous festivals, events and functions throughout SA and Victoria. Kenny’s Window unofficially disbanded in 2005 and is pleased to unofficially reform for a one-off performance at the 2010 Beachport Festival. Interestingly, Adam Hardcastle who composed much of the music for Kenny's Window, originally from Adelaide, now lives in Portland because he loves the Limestone Coast area so much. The music was inspired from visits down to this area of coastline.
 Michael Mills the Music Man
Michael Mills is a children’s entertainer with a strong emphasis on education and a unique talent for song writing. His sense of the ridiculous and emphasis on humour delight students. Michael’s shows are a collection of extraordinary musical adventures. Michael has over a dozen musical shows in his repertoire which explore topics like science, the environment, cultural diversity, water conservation, the Australian outback, animals, dinosaurs, tracing storytelling from then to now and many other topics. He has been performing in Australia for over 25 years. Michael has extensive experience in creating and presenting performances for a number of South Australia’s major cultural & educational institutions such as The Adelaide Zoo, The SA Art Gallery, The SA Museum and the Botanic Gardens to name but a few. “Michael’s humour, singing and song-writing talents all added to what was an excellent production that was performed brilliantly”, Adelaide Zoo Education Service. Michael will be presenting two performances at the 2010 Beachport Festival:
Saturday Show – Dancing with Diprotodons
Australia was once home to an extraordinary array of enormous, ferocious lizards, giant wombats and kangaroos, leopard-sized carnivorous possums, and gigantic flightless birds. All of these species, however, are extinct. In Dancing with Diprotodons you will meet all that remains of these giant beasts in a fascinating musical journey amongst the rocks and bones of this ancient land. Dancing with Diprotodons teaches us that the potential for extinction is never far away. It shows us how fragile our ecosystems truly are. It provides a timely reminder to us all of the impact that humans and a changing climate can have on the ability of our fellow creatures to survive. More than anything, however, it gives a unique insight into the fantastic beasts that once roamed the Australian continent, and the habitat in which they lived
Sunday Show – The Most Groovy Concert Ever
The Most Groovy Concert Ever is a natural adventure of fun and discovery in song through the house and garden of somewhat eccentric singing scientist Professor Elliot Gnash. Through Gnash’s unique and inimitable style, it delves into the ever present relationship we have with the natural world. In so doing, it highlights the fascinating connections we all have with nature in our homes, and in our gardens.
‘The Two Michaels’ & ‘Out of the Blue’
Out of the Blue is a South Australian produced TV series featuring TV and radio personality and gardener Michael Keelan and Fish Monger and TV cook, Michael Angelakis AM. The two Michael's weave their seafood loving, joyous personalities into a 30 minute adventure which travels the worlds seven seas and beyond. Out of the Blue is an international lifestyle program that appeals to a diverse audience. The show gains support from tourism authorities both interstate and overseas, and national and international sponsors keen to use the program to showcase a range of products and destinations. Out of the Blue has traveled extensively overseas covering a variety of interesting stories, Italy - the Amalfi Coast and Elba Island; Malaysia - Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Terengganu; Croatia - Beograd and Split; Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta; New Zealand - South Island; USA - Los Angeles, California at G'day LA. National locations include the Sydney Fish Markets where the Michaels' cooked with world renowned chef Peter Doyle. Tasmania, Launceston and Hobart, Queensland, Rochhampton and Great Keppel Island. Western Australia aboard the submarine HMAS Dechanieux and Fremantle. Northern Territory, Darwin and Bathurst Island. The many locations in South Australia include the mighty Murray and the stunning Coorong. Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay. Wallaroo, Robe, Victor Harbour, Beachport, Port Vincent, Glenelg, West Beach, Port Pirie. Years of seafood and gardening passion ooze from the Michael's as we learn about the local seas, the local produce, mouth-watering recipes and colourful local personalities. It's laced with down to earth values and true blue Australiana, Out of the Blue is something everyone enjoys while the program promotes the value of eating seafood and the simple pleasures of life.
Michael Angelakis
This third generation Greek/Australian from the well-known Angelakis Brothers Seafood Company has a wealth of experience in all areas of presentation and his warmth and truly professional style provides the audience with an easy understanding of his simple recipes. His Greek heritage brings a certain flair and reflects the cosmopolitan lifestyle that is truly South Australian.
Michael Keelan
With a lifetime of experience in the horticultural world, the last thirty years has seen Michael Keelan as a popular broadcaster and television presenter. This mild mannered "boy next door" has finally combined his secret passion for cooking, with his lifelong ambition to travel the world, as co-host in the "Out of the Blue" series.
Dume (Domonique) Paolini
On a 6 month campervan tour of Australia with his partner Celine, Dume Paolini is a celebrated French sculptor from Orleans in the Loire Valley, South of Paris. Known for it’s world-famous castles and architectural heritage, Dume has been involved in a number of sculptural commissions throughout The Loiire Valley and is now very excited to bring his skills to create permanent works in Australia. As a part of the SeaFari 2010 Beachport Festival by the Sea, Dume is visiting Beachport and staying as an ‘artist in residence’ to create an exciting visual sculpture for the towns foreshore. To develop a concept for the sculpture that reflects the town and its people, Dume will be holding a series of community consultations, allowing valuable input from locals. It is aimed that the piece will become a significant foreshore icon, imparting visual pleasure and excitement to tourists and locals alike for years to come. Dume will also be presenting a series of additional workshops, taking students on a conceptual journey and teaching the processes behind forging 2-Dimensional concept ideas into miniature 3D sculptural realities. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn the secrets of artistic success from an internationally recognised sculpture artist!
Narelle Probert
Limestone Coast artist Narelle Probert has a passion for vibrant colour and pattern and experimentation with texture influence. Using acrylic paint, pastel and resin on canvas or timber she strives to create striking pieces which are entirely unique. Recently featured on the cover of the 2009 South East Yellow Pages with the children from the Bray Art Army, Narelle has plans to reach more country kids with her "big army tent", packing up things and traveling around with the children.
Jane Ruggiero - BA (Lit) Dip (Acting) Dip Ed. BA Hons (Theatre)
Jane's work could be defined as naive, childlike and expressive. She focuses on female portraits. She initially draws her subject onto black card with chalk pastels, then paints over her drawings with oils. She has a love of bold colour and enjoys working with light and shade. Jane’s background is in theatre, so there is a sense of theatricality to be found in her love of working with black - the face emerging.
JoJo Spook
JoJo Spook is a practicing artist specializing in sculpture, painting and textiles. Known nationally, JoJo has won many awards and received the Minister for Arts Scholarship Award in 2008. In 2006 JoJo Spook was featured on "Coxy's Big Break" on channel 7, in her Art Gallery on Phillip Island. Selected for over 40 group shows, her work has traveled interstate and in Melbourne including Federation Square, Crown Casino and the Telstra Building. JoJo's work also being illustrative of feminity and costume like, has led to several on stage catwalk appearances in Melbourne’s Comics Lounge and on Channel 31. Completing over 15 solo shows, the most largest and successful called "Assembled Fashion" displayed over 40 wall pieces and was held at the Federation Gallery in the Frankston Arts Centre in 2006. As well as coordinating the ‘Found Art’ sculpture workshops for the Beachport festival, JoJo has also taught creative workshops in limestone carving, wire and mixed media across Victoria and South Australia. Renowned for her metal dress like fashion inspired sculptures JoJo's work is satirical and forthcoming. Based on the painful etiquette of the fashion junkie her works describe uncomfortable corsets and stilettos made and constructed from kitchen utensils and unique found objects. Since moving from Phillip Island to SA JoJo has been involved in the Coordination of the South Australian Living Artist festival and has also been a delegate and board member of Country Arts SA. Her works can be seen on many websites worldwide and is distinct in style and humorous content.
Michael Tye
Since 1996 Michael has been creating superb mosaic designs backed up with attention to detail in all aspects of fabrication and installation. Having worked on a variety of community mosaic projects, Michael Tye inspired permanent mosaics can be seen through the state. Mike has also collaborative experience working with Artists, Architects, Graphic designers, Engineers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Mike’s services are available for private, public, or commercial projects.
Clementine Underdown
Clementine was introduced to pottery in 1976 whilst in England and began attending a London Art school. She progressed to attending evening classes at the then South East Institute of TAFE in 1980, completing her Certificate in pottery and design. In 1990 she established her own studio workshop at Glencoe in the South East and began producing functional stoneware, also exhibiting work in South Australia and interstate. During 1992-94 she was a participating artist in the design and construction of two ceramic murals at Millicent; 1995-96 she was artist-in-residence at Mount Gambier East and Kalangadoo primary schools. Clementine is a Co-operative member of Gallery 54 in Penola, and was a participating artist in the recent Country Arts Kanawinka Geo. Park project “Volcanoes: Layers of Meaning” in 2008, exhibiting at the Riddoch Art Gallery, Mount Gambier. Through Country Arts funding, in 2007, Clementine had the opportunity to participate in a three week workshop in china with funding assistance from Country Arts SA, along with a group of potters coordinated by the ANU School of Art. During her time at Jingdezhen, the ancient home of Chinese ceramics, she attended various workshops in the fields of mould making, casting and decorating techniques, carving, brushwork and decals. |
