AFTER sell-out performances and standing ovations, television personality Shane Cortese is set to have audiences jumping in their seats to the “stonking” sounds of his rock ‘n roll show.

The actor who’s voice has won critical acclaimed not only from New Zealand audiences but those on the West End as Elvis, Ricky Nelson and Ritchie Valens, will take his ‘50s Jukebox Tour on the road in September.

The ‘50s Jukebox Tour, featuring Chet O’Connell and a rockin’ eight-piece Class of ’58 band, will begin in Whangarei and travel through to the South Island for the very first time.

Songs include a huge version of Roll Over Beethoven, featuring numerous Beethoven symphonies, and a 20-minute tribute to the king of rock n’ roll Elvis that has left audiences crying , the suave actor and his band stage a tight, fast-moving, upbeat, bright show that revives the magic of Buddy Holly, Del Shannon, Eddie Cochrane, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson and Gene Vincent.

Thursday 4 Whangarei details and online booking click here Friday 5 Kerikeri http://www.centakeri.com Wednesday 10 New Plymouth details and online booking click here Thursday 11 Napier http://www.napiermunicipaltheatre.co.nz Friday 12 Palmerston North http://www.regent.co.nz Sunday 14 Christchurch details and online booking click here Tuesday 16 Dunedin details and online booking click here Thursday 18 Invercargill http://www.stadiumsouth.co.nz Saturday 20 Greymouth http://www.regentgreymouth.co.nz Sunday 21 Blenheim call 03-578 2009 Monday 22 Wellington details and online booking click here

These staging segments are 2m x 1m, lightweight and easy to assemble. We have hired various staging equipment over the last few years and always look for quality products in everything we do.

To find out more about this product please visit www.stronglite.co.nz and or contact us for a quote.

Thirty years in the making the soundcraft Vi6 digital console is beyond intuitive. It gives you direct access to all functions with maximum information and visibility at all times. A unique integration of touch screens and encoders eliminating complex and fatiguing mental mapping.

The Soundcraft Vi system consists of three elements: the compact, space saving control surface, the local rack containing the SCore Live processing engine and a stagebox which connects conveniently to the local rack via Cat5 or Cat7 cable, with fibre optic interfaing available as an option.

The 32 fader Soundcraft Vi6 control surface delivers simlutaneous mixing of 64 mono inputs into 35 outputs, with 24 insert send/return pairs assignable to any of the input or output channels.

All input channels can have direct outputs in addition to their internal routing to 32 Group/Aux/Matrix busses, and the main LCR and LR busses.

Pristine sound quality is assured by a combination of Soundcraft ultra-low noise mic amp designs and Studer advanced 40-bit floating point digital audio processing.

Complete security is assured by diagnostics of the separate control surface, local rack and stagebox power supplies from the mixing position, with the facility to add second redundant supplies to each.

JANDS NZ Representatives Paul Edlin and David Fuller will be touring with the production crew to some of the venues and will be available to discuss any questions you may have about this amazing console.

For more information on the console please visit Soundcraft Digital.

Other tour equipment will include JBL vertec line array speakers, subwoofers, monitors, crown amplifiers, processors and a range of microphones.

For an itinerary on the Irish Rovers please click on our events calendar.

Built in 1889 in celebration of the long reign of the then Monarch of the British Empire, Queen Victoria, the Royal Wanganui Opera House was opened with much fanfare in Feburary 1900. The total construction and fit out cost was a little over £5000.00, which equates to nearly $8 million today!

The RWOH was the first theatre in the Southern Hemisphere and only the fourth in the world to utilise electric lighting. Additionally the theatre’s acoustics are acknowledged by experts to be of outstanding quality and the Opera House is one of very few wooden theatres, of it’s size, left in the world.

In 1999, in recognition of its 100 year anniversary, the RWOH was granted the Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth II and is the only building in New Zealand to be honoured in this way.

Naturally such a “Grand Old Lady” should be treated with respect and this was no different when it came to carefully choosing a new Audio System for the RWOH.

After hearing, seeing and being impressed by the JBL VRX installation at the Bruce Mason Centre on Aucklands North Shore, John Richardson the Manager at RWOH contacted Peter Van Gent of PVG Productions to learn a little more about the system. Shortly after this Peter contacted Paul Edlin of JANDS and plans, wiring diagrams, equipment schedules and EASE models were soon being drawn up.

The heart of the new system at the RWOH is based around a total of 12 JBL VRX932LA and 4 JBL VRX718S Line Array Elements, powered by a total of 11 QSC PLX2502 Amplifiers. Speaker Management is handled by a dbx Driverack4800 with a dbx 2231 Dual 31 Graphic handling FOH EQ.

A 32 Channel Soundcraft GB4 handles both the FOH mix sound and stage montior mixing duties. Each monitor feed passes through its own 31 band Grpahic EQ (one side of 4 x dbx 2231) with on-stage monitoring provided by 8 JBL PRX512M Powered speakers. Effects processings comes via way of 2 Lexicon MX series processors with dynamic processing handled by a dbx 1046 Quad Compressor/ Limiter. All microphones, both wired and wireless, are by Shure. A total of 8 Shure SLX sytems (4 SLX24-Beta58 and 4 SLX14-WCE6) were chosen for their ease of use, expandibility and sound quality. A smattering of Shure SM and Beta wired models round out the mic selection! Whirlwind cabling is used throughout the installation. As well as all microphone, instrument and insert cabling a 32×8 Medusa Snake is used for all stage inputs and returns from the mix position.

The system was supplied, installed and tuned by Peter Van Gent of PVG productions with assistance from Paul Edlin of JANDS NZ.

Of the new sound system John Richardson says “The new production system for the venue will enable the touring companies to shorten the venue set up time and with the new VRX array’s produce a better quality of sound. The local users now have access to the basics during rehearsal time without having the extra hirage expense.”

PVG Productions are looking forward to their 2nd tour with Irish Rovers. The last one was a blast.

Tickets on sale from Saturday, July 21 with Ticketek and Ticket Direct.
See below for details.

For more than four decades, THE IRISH ROVERS have charmed and entertained audiences around the world with their exciting stage shows. Throughout the years, these international ambassadors of Irish music have maintained their timeless ability to deliver a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer–one that will soon have you singing and clapping along. Their songs have become anthems of revelry and joy among generation after generation of fans.
The story of the Irish Rovers starts in Canada, where the 16-year old George Millar and 23-year old Jim Ferguson, both new emigrants from N. Ireland, met in Toronto at an Irish function. They ended up singing together ‘til dawn; and so the Irish Rovers were launched. They performed as a duo until George’s cousin, Joe Millar, immigrated to Canada the following year. Joe, who played button-key accordion and harmonica, and also sang traditional ballads, was recruited as he stepped off the plane. After several months of engagements around Ontario, the trio made their way to Calgary, Alberta, where they joined forces with George’s brother, Will Millar. The four Rovers then headed off to “Americay”– landing in at the famous folk club – “The Purple Onion” – in San Francisco, where they ended up headlining for an unprecedented 22 sold-out weeks. The folk clubs of California became the learning grounds for the young Rovers, and (through old-fashioned hard work and a wee bit of Irish luck) they were offered a recording contract with Decca Records.

In 1966, “The First Of The Irish Rovers”, a live album recorded at “The Icehouse” in Pasadena, was released. It generated enough excitement to warrant another album, and from this release came the million selling single “The Unicorn”, the band’s signature song to this day. Wilcil McDowell, an old friend from Ireland, joined the band at this time, enhancing their sound and rounding out the group.

Through the 1970’s and early 80’s, the Rovers brought their magic to television with a weekly series for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and later, a series on the Global Network in conjunction with Ulster Television in Ireland. In 1980-81, The Rovers once again soared to the top of the pop and country charts with “Wasn’t That A Party”. This real-life celebration was written by their friend, U.S. folk singer Tom Paxton, after he witnessed one of the band’s famous post-show parties. It has gone on to become an international anthem of good cheer. Hot on the heels of that success, the band recorded “Grandma Got Run-Over By A Reindeer” in 1982, which not only became an immediate seasonal anthem, but which lead to the creation of the much loved IRISH ROVERS’ HOLIDAY PARTY show that tours every November and December in the US and Canada.

The Irish Rovers continue to perform in theatres around the world, with original members George Millar and Wilcil McDowell. Will Millar retired from the band in 1995; and sadly, Jimmy Ferguson passed away in 1997. Joe Millar retired in 2005, and his son Ian Millar has since joined the group. Completing the Irish Rover line-up today are John Reynolds and Sean O’Driscoll, a multi-instrumentalist. The Irish Rovers are still passionate about performing and will continue to tour and entertain their legions of fans. Like the Unicorn, the Rovers are legendary and magical, and a good time is guaranteed for all.

WHERE & WHEN

September 2007
Saturday 22nd Invercargill, Civic Theatre. Bookings Ticket Direct.
Sunday 23rd, Dunedin, Regent Theatre. Bookings Ticketek.
Tuesday 25th Timaru, Theatre Royal. Bookings Ticketek.
Wednesday 26th Christchurch, Town Hall. Bookings Ticketek.
Friday 28th Blenheim, Civic Theatre. Bookings Ticket Direct
Saturday 29th Nelson, Trafalgar Centre. Bookings: Ticketek

October 2007
Monday 1st Wellington. Town Hall. Bookings: Ticketek.
Wednesday 3rd Hastings. Hawkes Bay Opera House. Bookings: Ticket Direct.
Thursday 4th Wanganui. Opera House. Bookings: Ticket Direct
Saturday 6th New Plymouth TSB Theatre. Bookings Ticketek.
Sunday 7th Palmerston North. Regent Theatre. Bookings Ticket Direct.
Tuesday 9th Taupo. Great Lakes Centre. Bookings: Ticketek.
Wednesday 10th Tauranga. Baycourt. Bookings: Ticket Direct.
Thursday 11th Rotorua. Civic Theatre. Bookings Ticketek.
Saturday 13th Auckland. Civic Theatre. Bookings Ticketek.
Monday 15th Whangarei. Forum North. Bookings Ticketek.
Tuesday 16th Hamilton. Founders Theatre. Bookings Ticket Direct.

PVG Productions will provide sound and lighting services for Tim Beveridge and his upcoming Tour.

WHERE: Tauranga, Whakatane, Taupo, Napier & Wanganui
Starts September 8.

BOOKINGS: Ticketek. www.ticketek.co.nz

“Upbeat, polished, dazzling, smooth… you would be hard pressed to find anything better than this in New Zealand” Christchurch Press 2007

NEW ZEALAND’S answer to Frank Sinatra, Tim Beveridge joins rising star Elizabeth Marvelly and the fabulous Neophonic Jazz Trio to present a very special entertainment series throughout the North Island in September.

Tim – the youngest performer ever to play the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera – is rapidly carving out his own unique style himself as NZ’s leading singer of the American song book in the tradition of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. Together with the brilliant cast he has assembled, this tour is not to be missed.

The special 90-minute concerts, supported by Mazda, will include American song book classics/favourites such as Mack the Knife, Come Fly with Me, New York New York, The Girl From Ipanema, Come Rain Come Shine, It Had to Be You and I’ve Got you Under My Skin.

“This is a chance to hear some brilliant and beautiful music, in the company of NZ’s premiere jazz musicians.”

TIM BEVERIDGE – THE SINGER
WWW.TIMBEVERIDGE.COM
Tim has carved out his own unique style as NZ’s leading singer of the American song book in the tradition of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

“… If, as William Shakespeare says, music is the food of love then Tim Beveridge… definitely qualified as a deep-dish apple pie – sometimes spicy, often comfortingly familiar, always satisfying.”
BOP Times

Tim Beveridge is both producer and performer in this fabulous presentation.

Tim, whose name has become synonymous with swing in New Zealand since he abandoned a life as a lawyer over a decade ago to pursue his dream of being a professional musician.

Not only is he living his dream, he’s doing very well at it by creating and producing his own shows – an area very few performers dare to venture.

Most recently he has had commercial success with his concert productions featuring the newly-created Neophonic Jazz Orchestra. He has formed a strong alliance with music legend Russ Garcia who has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood showbiz (Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, et al) and together they’re making great music.

These include His first CD, “Singer” with the NZSO, which went “gold” within 4 weeks of release – and “Come Rain Come Shine” – recorded in Hollywood with the Buddy Childer’s Big Band. It’s been endorsed far and wide, by such luminaries as Burt-Bacharach-lyricist Hal David who said “Tim Beveridge sings up a storm – listen to Come Rain Come Shine and you’ll agree”

Most recently Tim has completed production on his first live album – recorded in concert at the Auckland town Hall with Garcia and the Auckland Neophonic Jazz Orchestra

Tim has performed in productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera and Sunset Boulevard that toured New Zealand and Australia. But since 1996 Beveridge has left music theatre behind to concentrate on concert performances. He has appeared in concert with Dame Malvina Major, Hayley Westenra, with the Christchurch and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras, the Auckland Philharmonia and in many outdoor spectaculars.

In addition he has performed the national anthem for the All Blacks on 6 occasions – for 6 wins…

“In terms of sheer relaxed vocal finesse New Zealander Tim Beveridge was peerless.” — David Benedict “The Singer” (UK)

ELIZABETH MARVELLY – RISING STAR
Beautiful young singer Elizabeth Marvelly has the style and grace of a performer many years her senior.

The talented singer has been hand-picked and moulded by some of the best in New Zealand showbiz, including celebrated opera star Dame Malvina Major and veteran entertainer Sir Howard Morrison.

Last year she had her debut in the record-breaking Knight with a Dame tour … much to the delight of audiences throughout the country.

“Elizabeth is one of those great discoveries,” says Gray Bartlett MBE, a master of showbiz, touring and star management. “She’s destined for very big things. She’s such a natural performer and she works like a Trojan. Not only does she have a wonderful voice, she has a personality and brains to go with it. She’s the complete package.”

WHERE & WHEN
8 September Tauranga Baycourt
22 September Whakatane Memorial Theatre
28 September Taupo Great Lake Centre
29 September Napier – Century Theatre
6 October – Wanganui – Royal Wanganui Opera House

PVG Productions were once again proud to be a part of the Starship Charity Ball 2007. It was their 15th year anniversary which raised over $100,000, with the final total still to come, for the upgrade and renovation of Starship Children’s Hospital’s cancer ward.

Loren Welch played a pivotal role in working with Raegen & Rebecca of Celebrity Speakers International to theme the evening and create the mood which was a starry, starry night. From fairylights to mirror balls to starcloths the setting was spectacular. PVG Productions were able to provide a rendering of what the event would like using 3D software which always helps the client to get a visualisation of what they can expect to see.

Starship Foundation’s Chief Executive Andrew Young said he is delighted with the amount raised to date for the oncology ward rebuild.

“In the past 15 years the Foundation has made a huge, valuable contribution to improve children’s health. To celebrate this incredible milestone – and raise much-needed funds for the new oncology ward – the Starship Foundation, in conjunction with five-star sponsor SKYCITY, presented the ‘Starry Starry night’ themed Starship Ball.

“I would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters for their passion and dedication to Starship Children’s Health over the past 15 years”.

A host of stars attended the event including Starship Foundation Board Trustee and Patron, Lucy Lawless, who flew in especially from Los Angeles for the event.

Other guests included Kerre Woodham, ‘Dancing With The Stars’ champions Suzanne Paul and Stefano Oliveri, Candy Lane and the Candy Lane Dancers, Debbie Harwood, Peter Urlich, Annabel Fay and Kiwi chart toppers Opshop.

PVG Productions are proud to be supporting Touch Compass Dance Trust by taking on the role of Co-Producer with Catherine Chappell. Loren Welch worked with Touch Compass and their 2002 Lighthouse performance season and is happy to once again celebrate their 10th anniversary Tour.

Renowned New Zealand integrated dance company Touch Compass celebrates its 10th anniversary with a four centre North Island tour.

A retrospective showcase of its best works, including the outstanding and critically acclaimed work Lusi’s Eden (Catherine Chappell/Christian Penny), Hephaestus and Ares (Suzanne Cowan), Spoke (Malia Johnston), stunning films Union and The Picnic (Alyx Duncan), a new breathtaking aerial work plus a company improvisation complete the programme.

Performers dance, sing, fly, hop, run, and wheel in a visual feast that will astound and amaze. Incorporating dance/theatre, contact improvisation, film and flying this season is thought provoking, moving and highly entertaining.

Touch Compass will perform in Auckland, Whangarei, Hastings and Wellington during October and November. Trace the journey of this captivating company as they launch into a new decade of exceptional dance.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see Touch Compass in action, book now!

Touch Compass is a seasoned company imbued with a confidence to explore themes denied other companies. Francesca Horsley, LISTENER, 2002

TOUR DATES as follows:
Auckland 17- 20th Oct, Maidment theatre
Bookings: (09) 308 2383 or www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz

Whangarei 31 Oct, Forum North
Bookings: (09) 430 4244 or www.ticketek.co.nz

Hastings 8 Nov, Hawkes Bay Opera House
Bookings: 0800 484 2538 (0800 4 TICKET) or www.ticketdirect.co.nz

Wellington 13 – 15 Nov, Te Whaea Theatre
Bookings: 0800 484 2538 (0800 4 TICKET) or www.ticketdirect.co.nz

For further information visit www.touchcompass.org.nz

EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNTS available until Sept 16.

Class of 58 will perform their full concert at:

Tauranga’s Baycourt Theatre
Cnr Wharf and Durham Streets, Tauranga
Thursday 14 June at 8pm

Book Online at TicketDirect www.ticketdirect.co.nz or phone 07 577 7188 or 0800 4 Ticket

and at

Skycity Theatre
Cnr Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
Saturday 07 July at 8pm

Tickets available through Ticketek on 09 3075000.

For a special VIP discount on the full ticket price please visit the Shane Cortese website.