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Coronation Street--Posted by editor_usa Some Believe Elton is Coming to Tongan Ceremony Thursday
8 May 2008 @ 17:17 - GMT
Between $3 million and $4 million NZ is expected to be spent on the Tongan King's coronation this summer, perhaps in part because the King's special guest list is expected to feature some well-known personalities.
The Tongan government has been tight-lipped about preparations for the event, but did mention that celebrations for King Tupou V will begin with a traditional kava ceremony on 30 July.
The coronation ceremony itself will be held on August 1.
Matangi Tonga newspaper editor Pesi Fonua says it has been a tough couple of years following the November 2006 riot and the people of Tonga are looking forward to the celebrations.
But he says rumours that Elton, Mick Jagger and Sean Connery will attend the coronation are just hearsay.
Nothing Like The Veal Thing--Posted by editor_usa Cook is Inspired in Odd Way by Elton And Partner Thursday
8 May 2008 @ 17:04 - GMT
Gordon Ramsay will be consuming Elton and David Furnish on a new F Word.
''Elton'' and ''David'' are actually the names of a pair of calves the chef has named after the men.
Special guest and friend of Elton's, Janet Street-Porter, is to lead the animals to the abattoir.
Gordon suggested she would ''hopefully slip in there with them.''
He said: ''Poor Elton and David, having to sit there and listen to her for all that time and not being able to answer back!''
But Gordon was serious when he stated that Brits should try veal more often.
He thinks not enough is eaten ''in this country. It's something we're too squeamish about. It's a shame because it's delicious, very healthy.''
The F Word is to run 12 weeks over the spring and summer, starting Tuesday, May 13, on Channel 4.
Inns And Outs--Posted by editor_usa Car Space For Notables Has Been Moved Thursday
8 May 2008 @ 16:01 - GMT
David Mundell used to own Perth's Bein Inn until June 2007 when he sold it to the current owners.
He told EJW that he built up a music programme which was eventually internationally known.
''Since the capacity was only 50/60 people it was like a living room concert. Over the 9 years that I owned it we had many many famous artists play at the inn.'' The names include past and present members of Elton's team, Charlie Morgan and Davey Johnstone. Another is Elton's former bandmate, John Jorgenson.
''He was a frequent visitor--he used to play a whole weeks residency with his band.''
David has now moved to the Inn at Lathones near St.Andrews ''where we have a full music programme. In fact we are currently waiting on John Jorgenson announcing his dates for this autumn at Lathones.''
But he left his mark on the Bein.
He helped set up a couple of spaces in the establishment's car park, with one marked ''Reserved for Bob Dylan'' and the other ''Reserved for Sir Elton John.''
It started as a jape, but David noticed that many took it seriously and avoided parking in these areas.
Later, the singers had their parking privileges removed. The spaces were taken away after the Bein constructed a new car park.
Managing director Michael Kenny explained: ''It's only ever been tongue in cheek in the hope that they would either come... or come back.
''Legend has it - and as far as I'm concerned it's only legend - that a long, long, long time ago, before they were famous, they did at one stage of their careers play here.
''But the new owners, they'd like to take it forward in a different direction and don't want to do music, so they decided the past lies in the past.''
However, Kenny admits guests have been wondering why the spaces have been removed, and may reconsider.
Meanwhile, Mundell says the car parking spaces have transferred to Lathones.
So when Elton plays McDiarmid Park in July, his parking options will have expanded.
Craig's List--Posted by editor_usa A Reproduction of Elton With Memorable Present Wednesday
7 May 2008 @ 16:06 - GMT
Elton John
Above is a portrait of Elton with his feather cloak gift, which he was presented with in December 2007.
"It's the Maori equivalent to an Academy Award" and means the music-maker is an honored member of the Ngati Te Whiti sub-tribe, group chairman Peter Love explained at the time.
He added that the honour was in "recognition of the enjoyment Sir Elton John's music has given to Maori over the years and his loyal continuance to return to Aotearoa to entertain." {Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand.}
Elton received the Korowai cloak at a New Plymouth concert, where he played before 15,000 people.
The painter is New Zealand's Craig S. Primrose, who said it's an honour to do a picture of someone who has reached the pinnacle of his career, such as the Rocket Man.
Craig will present the painting to Elton on May 14--when the singer is scheduled to play Auckland's Vector Arena.
Two other canvases are to be signed by Elton, and sold at auction.
Proceeds go to the EJAF and an organisation supporting the health of youngsters under the age of five, the Royal New ZealandPlunket Society.
Benefit/Birthday Blowout to Feature Top Acts--Posted by editor_usa
Tuesday
6 May 2008 @ 15:59 - GMT
Elton has been asked to be one of the entertainers when a past president of South Africa throws a birthday bash on June 27.
Amy Winehouse is expected to open the three-hour evening concert to mark Nelson Mandela's 90th in London's Hyde Park, while Shirley Bassey has received a request to lead a rendition of HappyBirthday. Others slated to perform are Queen (whose Brian May is organising the extravaganza), Razorlight, Bono, and Annie Lennox. According to rumours, Eminem will also take part.
Among those due to attend are Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Clinton.
Fundraising events as part of the celebrations will benefit the charitable organisations established by the activist: the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Nelson MandelaChildren’sFund and Mandela Rhodes Foundation, which through their work have sought to bring about change and make a difference to lives in South Africa, Africa and elsewhere over the past 14 years. The concert proceeds will go to the 46664 campaign which raises awareness about the impact of AIDS, especially in Africa, and promotes effective HIV prevention measures throughout the world
Tickets for the public go on sale at www.livenation.co.uk, on Friday, May 9, but those who register at www.46664.com could be eligible to take advantage of a pre-sale.
Tickets cost 65 pounds (plus booking fees), and there are currently a limited number of VIP packages available.
Demand Prompts Another Anchorage Date--Posted by editor_usa
Tuesday
6 May 2008 @ 15:35 - GMT
It took less than an hour for the Sullivan Arena to be sold out for Elton's concert, prompting the addition of a second show.
Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. Monday for the May 28 event.
Joe Wooden, regional general manager for arena management company SMG of Alaska, said they sold out of the allotted 8,100 tickets 58 minutes later.
A second performance has been added on May 30.
The Englishman has never been to Alaska before, but is coming later this month on a quest to hold concerts in every state in the United States.
He will play in Fairbanks on May 29, between the two Anchorage dates.
The Carlson Center in Fairbanks observed that sales for Elton's gig there set new records, Saturday, nearly selling out in just three and a half hours.
It's My Party--Posted by editor_usa Elton's Favourite Has Lost London Election Monday
5 May 2008 @ 18:37 - GMT
Boris Johnson has started his first day as London mayor, vowing to "crack on" with the job.
Johnson, the Tory MP who ousted former Labour mayor Ken Livingstone after eight years, officially received the seals of office at midnight. Aides said he would use the next few days to work on delivering key campaign pledges.
Elton had supported Brian Paddick, who came in third in the election.
The Liberal Democrat candidate paid tribute to Livingstone as "an amazing mayor" and indicated that he would not be interested in working with Johnson.
He said he would be talking to Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg about his future and what he could do for the party.
Date Has Been Set For Next ''White Tie & Tiara''--Posted by editor_usa
Monday
5 May 2008 @ 17:17 - GMT
Corporate Catering strives to advise and assist, whether it's a traditional dinner or a themed extravaganza.
Products and props, including sculptures, statues, chandeliers, mirror and flowers are utilised, and the company's events team offers guidance in:
Lighting
Production
Flowers
Linen
Chair Seat Covers
Invitations
Printing
Corporate Signage
Promotional Gifts
Limousine & Executive Car Hire
Audio Visual Equipment
Event Management
Photography
Videos
Travel Arrangements
Hotel Bookings
Ticket Agents
Among their more important upcoming events is the White Tie and Tiara Ball at Elton's Windsor home.
It is scheduled for Saturday, July 5.
A Breath of Fresh Air--Posted by editor_usa Mountain And Garden Were Sites of Two Latest Concerts Monday
5 May 2008 @ 16:38 - GMT
As announced previously, Elton was the star attraction at the Austrian ski resort of Ischgl as it closed for the season on Saturday.
According to the BBC, the pop veteran's piano had to be taken up the mountain to an altitude of 2,320 metres by cable car - and only just fitted in with centimetres to spare.
He gave a free two-hour show for 25,000 skiers in front of the white peaks, the latest big name to take to the slopes after a steady growth at rock concerts in ski resorts.
Since Elton first played in Ischgl back in 1995, the resort has hosted Bob Dylan, Sting, Tina Turner and the Scissor Sisters, among others
At this show, Elton's set list included Daniel, Pinball Wizard, and Crocodile Rock.
Despite being in a ski resort, the vocalist admitted he had never skied or snowboarded.
"I would love to as it looks fun, but my insurance won't allow me to in case I beak an arm or something," he said.
"I'd also love to have a go on a four-man bobsleigh - but again my insurers won't let me."
Concerts like this are primarily a marketing ploy for the ski resorts, and they appear to be successful.
"It was a bit of a gamble to begin with and a large investment for the resort but it has really paid off," says Lynsey Devon, a spokeswoman for tour operator Inghams.
"It has really put the resort on the map and brought an increasing number of skiers in."
Getting high-profile names does not come cheap, and although the concert in Ischgl was free for skiers, it was not for the resort. It is thought Sir Elton commanded a fee of around £500,000 for his set.
There was also a 60-page list of "personal requirements".
Elton specified that he must have Persian rugs and large non-leather sofas to relax on before and after the show.
He wanted palm trees over two metres tall as well as a range of flowers, noting there should not be a lily in sight.
But 13 years ago, Ischgl decided to put its entire advertising and marketing budget into staging two massive concerts a year, and the ploy appears to be paying off.
It is also part of a strategy for resorts to offer more than just skiing to attract a wider client base. In part, this is fuelled by worries about global warming and the prospects that there will not be as much snow in the future.
This season has been a bumper one, though, and as the resort closes for the season there is still plenty of snow on the slopes.
In related news, the Top of The Mountain concert wasn't Elton's only weekend performance.
A day later, the songwriter played Sir AlanSugar's 40th wedding anniversary party.
The Apprentice boss paid Elton £250,000 to entertain evening guests in a marquee the size of a football pitch in his back garden.
To celebrate 40 years with his wife, Ann, Sir Alan also asked Frankie Valli And The FourSeasons to entertain on the grounds of his £5million Essex mansion.
UK Paper Has Interviewed Elton's Guitarist--Posted by editor_usa
Monday
5 May 2008 @ 16:24 - GMT
A couple of months before Elton's Darlington appearance, Davey Johnstone spoke with the Northern Echo about sports and music.
After spending the past 26 years living in California, the Edinburgh-born musician admits that the one thing he misses is football and so is looking forward to watching the Arsenal versus Everton game on TV.
"I'm a massive soccer fan. You get some matches in America, but not many, I don't think there ever will be," he said. "Beckham's there now, but the only difference is he's being paid a lot of money to play there.
"I've had to become a big basketball fan instead."
Davey met his employer in the early seventies when he was asked to play acoustic guitar on an album of BernieTaupin's poetry put to music
Johnstone was then asked to play on Elton's Madman Across the Water and was invited to become a permanent member of his band in 1972.
During his career he has worked with artists such as Alice Cooper, Meatloaf, Rod Stewart and the Who.
A testament to the strength of the relationship he has with the pianist is that in more than 30 years of playing together, Johnstone has never been on the receiving end of one of Elton's infamous tantrums.
"He's simply the most talented of all the people I've ever worked with," Davey said of Elton. "He's such a great musician. He loves guitars, but he couldn't play one if you paid him."
Davey admits that the pressures of almost constant touring can take their toll, but when they go out on stage it more than makes up for it.
"We've been together so long now and have got such a big catalogue that the concerts are never the same.
"Rocket Man's always a really good song to play, as we change it every night. Sometimes it can go on for 15 to 20 minutes. I also enjoy playing a lot of the earlier stuff."
■ Tickets are still available for the Elton's show, on July 5, at Darlington Arena, priced from £40 to £80. To book tickets, call 0844-847-1731; disabled concertgoers can phone 0844-847-1655.
Cancer Organisation Gives Away EJ Concert Tix--Posted by editor_usa
Monday
5 May 2008 @ 16:11 - GMT
Some young cancer patients and their families have been offered free tickets for Elton's Auckland engagement.
This is to take place at the Vector Arena on May 14.
Concert promoters offered the Child Cancer Foundation 100 tickets for young patients and their families.
Foundation spokesman, Russell Crackett said parents needed time out.
"It basically gives them the chance to lock out the outside world for a couple of hours and just switch off from the crap they have got to deal with and put themselves in a special sort place, forget the world and have a bit of fun."
He added that it was not known whether Sir Elton would be told of the cancer patients, or if he would acknowledge their presence.
Harmony--Posted by editor_usa Foundation, With A-List Supporters, Plans Latest Event Friday
2 May 2008 @ 16:46 - GMT
The seventh annual Daniel Pearl World Music Days is to be held from October 1-31, 2008.
Since World MusicDays' inception, more than 2,000 concerts in 77 countries have been dedicated in memory of the Wall Street Journal reporter murdered by extremists in Pakistan shortly after 9/11. Pearl was a musician who believed in the power of melodies to bridge differences and unite people around their shared humanity. World Music Days was established to honour his October 10 birthday.
World Music Days is an awareness raising network, not a fundraiser, and there is no financial obligation to participate.
The World Music Days Honorary Committee is composed of celebrated international artists who represent a broad spectrum of musical styles from classical to hip hop including Elton, Theodore Bikel, Yo-Yo Ma, Zubin Mehta, R.E.M.,Ravi Shankar, RussellSimmons and John Williams.
Building a Better Bensalem--Posted by editor_usa Top Names to be Feted in Free Musical Series Friday
2 May 2008 @ 16:07 - GMT
Bensalem is offering a free series of concerts and films.
This will be open to anyone--not just PA residents.
The Commerce Bank Amphitheater will host 26 free events, beginning May 9 with a jazz festival.
Of the 19 scheduled concerts, a dozen will be cover bands. They include:
Billy Joel and Elton John Tribute
With Lee Alverson
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 7:00 p.m.
Alverson, mentioned in this site's ''Herman's Habits'', is a singer and musician who has shared the stage with many national acts, such as the John Denver and Three Dog Night, and to date has performed in 36 states.
He has produced many successful musical revues including a Big Band Show.
His flamboyant piano playing has been compared to Elton and Jerry Lee Lewis.
With assistance from the nonprofit Building a Better Bensalem Today, the township also will host eight free family film nights, showcasing such films as Evan Almighty and The Pursuit of Happyness.
