Lights, Colour… Action! Festival of Arts for 2011 begins this weekend!

From this weekend the region will come to life with a sea of lights, colour and extraordinary action thanks to the 2011 Mackay Region Festival of Arts.

The 16-day extravaganza themed Light and Water contains a plethora of diverse and captivating performances and experiences from cabaret to visual arts, mouth-watering food and wine to musicals, and everything in between.

Community Services and Facilities portfolio councillor Karen May said from July 9 to 24, residents and visitors will be able to encounter not only never before seen local talent, but world renowned and widely acclaimed national and international artists.

“Tickets are selling fast and as the festival is now upon us this weekend, I urge everyone to act quick and secure seats at their desired shows,” Cr May said.

This Saturday night (July 9) from 7.30pm, the MECC Foyer will welcome Ali McGregor the star of Jazz Cigarette.

After over five years as a principal soprano for Opera Australia, Ali McGregor is now one of the countries most exciting cabaret artists featuring in the hit show ‘La Clique’ and her own shows ‘Opera Burlesque’ and ‘The Late-Night Variety-Nite Night’.

She has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals including Edinburgh Fringe, Melbourne Comedy and Adelaide Cabaret festivals.

Backing Ali in Jazz Cigarette is Rajiv Jayaweera, Johnathan Shwartz and Simon Barker, three of Australia’s top Jazz musicians. This evening of classic jazz ballads and sassy blues is the perfect platform for one of the most unique and versatile voices to reach its operatic highs and velvety mellows.

Tickets are still available and prices range from $30 for adults and $25 for concessions & Friends of the MECC/Festival. Note: A delicious pre-show dinner is available when booking.

Then, on Sunday (July 10) budding artists will participate in the unique event, Nudes in the Landscape from 10am at Haliday Bay.

If you have ever wanted to learn life-drawing and water colour painting, Sunday’s event is the perfect opportunity to do so. Indulge your senses in this full day sensory experience involving art, food and a delightful escapade to the shores of Haliday Bay National Park.

Under the expert eyes of local artists Leonie Wood and Rosemary Payne, 30 people will take part in an outdoor life-drawing class combining the beach and the naked form, enjoy a wood-fired pizza lunch at the Railway Café and then finish off their masterpieces in water colour.

Tickets are $80 for adults and $75 for concessions & Friends of the MECC/Festival. However, your ticket does include bottled water, lunch and art materials. Those coming along are encouraged to bring a hat and sunscreen.

Car pooling is also available for this event; those interested should phone Festival and Events officer, Jemma Carey on 4961 9765.

To view the full program or book tickets for any of the above events simply go online to www.festivalmackay.org.au or alternatively, phone the box office on 4961 9777.

Contact: Mackay Regional Council

Phone: 1300 MACKAY (622 529)