11 April 2011

Advantage Adelaide will this week host two special launch events in Sydney and Melbourne for the renowned Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

The sold out events, to be held in Sydney on Wednesday 13 April, and Melbourne on Thursday 14 April, ensure that interstate fans have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive preview of the iconic South Australian Arts event.

The VIP 2011 Adelaide Cabaret Festival Launch events are part of Advantage SA's Activating Adelaide program.

Advantage Adelaide CEO Nikki Seymour-Smith said that the Activating Adelaide events would engage with South Australian expats, media, and Arts enthusiasts.

"These events ensure that Sydneysiders and Melbournians don't miss out on experiencing the music, movement and theatre of the 2011 Adelaide Cabaret Festival, one of the State's best-loved events and one of the world's greatest showcases of cabaret."

"Featuring acts by established award-winning performers to up-and-coming rising stars from Australia and the world, its no doubt the 2011 Adelaide Cabaret Festival is set to be an incredible event. These interstate launch events sold out quickly, which is indeed a sign of the Festival's success and esteemed reputation," Ms Seymour-Smith said.

"We are delighted to partner with the Adelaide Festival Centre and provide a sneak peek of the 2011 Adelaide Cabaret Festival to Sydney and Melbourne guests with LIVE performances from four unique Festival acts including attendance by 2011 Adelaide Cabaret Festival Associate Producer Lisa Campbell."

VIP Adelaide Cabaret Festival Launch | Sydney
When: Wednesday 13 February 2011, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Marble Bar, Hilton Sydney, Level Level B1, 488 George Street, Sydney
Who: Associate Producer Lisa Campbell and LIVE performances by 2011 Adelaide Cabaret Festival acts Michael Griffiths (IN VOGUE: Songs by Madonna) and Tim Draxl (Freeway – The Chet Baker Journey)

VIP Adelaide Cabaret Festival Launch | Melbourne
When: Thursday 14 February 2011, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: River Room, Crown Towers, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Who: Associate Producer Lisa Campbell and LIVE performances by 2011 Adelaide Cabaret Festival acts Bert LaBonte (When I Fall in Love – The Nat King Cole Story) and Gillian Cosgriff (Waitressing, and Other Things I Do So Well).

For media information, images and interviews, please contact Natalie Ciccocioppo, Communications Manager, Advantage Adelaide on (08) 8211 8111 or natalie.ciccocioppo@advantagesa.com.au.

Performer Biographies

Melbourne
Bert LaBonte | When I Fall in Love: The Nat King Cole Story

Nat King Cole was "a song's best friend" who lived for music. Bert embodies this true music pioneer who we know so well.

Bert is a well-known stage actor appearing regularly with Melbourne Theatre Company and Sydney Theatre Company. You may also recognise him from his various on screen appearances, he recently appeared in the multi-award winning Animal Kingdom. Bert is the frontman for various outfits, the most popular being Madhouse.

Gillian Cosgriff | Waitressing, and Other Things I Do So Well

Described by Artistic Director David Campbell as "the female Tim Minchin" Gillian Cosgriff is being touted as the next big thing in musical comedy.

Fresh out of uni with a performing arts degree in hand (its only value being that she could use it to threaten potential employers with a nasty paper cut). She is ready to throw herself into something. The question is: what? Gillian won the Julie Michael Award for Musical Comedy and the Showcase Award at last year's Annual Sydney Cabaret Showcase – she is an incredible new talent!

Sydney

Michael Griffiths  |  In Vogue: Songs by Madonna

Adelaide's own Michael Griffiths does cabaret as Madonna. No accent, costume or wig just 'Madge' accompanying herself at the piano.

Currently performing in Jersey Boys, Michael has previously toured with Priscilla Queen of the Desert, We will Rock You! and as a member of the original Australian cast of Shout!

Tim Draxl  |  Freeway – The Chet Baker Journey

American singer and trumpeter Chet Baker was once labelled the 'James Dean of Jazz' for his matinee-idol beauty, emotional intensity and well-publicised drug habit.

Tim Draxl reveals his natural affinity with Baker's spare, haunting and instinctive musicality.

Tim Draxl began his career as a young 17 year old singer who quickly went to New York and within a year was singing at their top clubs and at age 19 won their prestigious MAC award (Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Clubs) for "best new cabaret talent". Since then Tim has recorded three music albums and now divides his time between living in Los Angeles working on his film career (he has starred in many films, notably Swimming Up Stream, and returning regularly to Australia, mostly to perform in cabaret.