Live music, dancing and all that jazz

Jazz takes over State Library of Queensland at a mini music festival on Saturday 10 August as part of the Live! Queensland band culture program.

State Librarian Janette Wright said this was one event guaranteed to get people moving with All that jazz!

“Audiences will get to swing with performances by some very talented ‘cats’, The Con Artists, La Trav, Tropical Dance Orchestra, The Calibre Cats and the Mark Pradella Quintet,” Ms Wright said.

“Live! house band of the month, the Mark Pradella Quintet will entertain with a show full of popular standards for all tastes in jazz while The Con Artists, Queensland Conservatorium’s premier jazz orchestra will showcase Brisbane’s emerging jazz talent in this 18 piece big band under the direction of Steve Newcomb.

A motley crew of musicians and heavenly voices, La Trav will unleash original piano driven rock and pop. Then those who are tired of simply tapping their feet can jump up and learn the Charleston and swing in FREE dance classes before trying out their new moves to the old time jive of Tropicana Dance Orchestra and the high-energy Swing Nouveau musical stylings of The Calibre Cats.

Along with a fascinating look at Queensland’s jazz history with jazz critic and lecturer Dr Neville Meyers and his panel of aficionados, there will also be a white gloves experience with original band photographs, programs, sound recordings and newsletters, which tell the story of the lively jazz scene of our city,” said Ms Wright.

Classic jazz films Let’s Get Lost, about one of jazz history’s most acclaimed trumpet players and vocalists Chet Baker, and Chicago, the high-energy Broadway musical tale of two condemned murderesses on death row, will also be screened during the afternoon.

Other upcoming events include Live! Trivia night on Friday 23 August where music enthusiasts can put their knowledge to the test and the Composition Competition Gala Concert, the best and freshest locally written music played by the South Brisbane Federal Band, on Saturday 24 August.

Visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on for the full Live! program.

Live! Second Saturdays: All that jazz
Sat 10 Aug, 3pm–9pm | Free, bookings slq.eventbrite.com 3840 7768
Cash bar open from 5pm | State Library of Queensland
View the day’s timetable at slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on

Live! Trivia night
Friday 23 Aug, 6.30pm | $20 per team of 6, bookings slq.eventbrite.com 3840 7768
State Library of Queensland

Composition Competition Gala Concert
Sat 24 Aug, 6pm | $15 adult/$10 concession, bookings thefeds.org.au
State Library of Queensland

For further media information, interviews and images please contact:

Cinnamon Watson Publicity ~ 0432 219 643 ~ cinn@cinnamonwatsonpublicity.com.au

Inaugural Queensland Business History Award announced

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame announced the winner of the inaugural 2013 Queensland Business History Award, Brisbane Markets Limited.

State Librarian Janette Wright said, “The Queensland Business History Award, presented by State Library of Queensland at the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame induction dinner, recognises leadership in collecting, preserving and sharing business history.”

A new addition to the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame initiative, founded in 2009 by State Library of Queensland, Queensland Library Foundation and QUT Business School, the annual award aims to reward businesses that cherish, protect, value and share their corporate story.

This year’s winner, Brisbane Markets Limited, has seen many challenging times over the years but remains to lead by example, receiving the award for their excellent approach to record keeping.

With historical records dating back over 150 years, Brisbane Markets Limited is proud of its past and preserves its unique and important historical documents and items. Since the organisation’s establishment in 1868, historical documents and memorabilia were stored in boxes by staff, unaware of their significance.

In 2010, a ‘Brisbane Markets History Task Force’ was created to catalogue and organise the company’s records and treasures.  The task force developed a Collection Room of photographs, memorabilia and film which is now available for public viewing at its Rocklea offices, Monday to Friday.

Preserving business records helps co-create Queensland’s memory for future generations and State Library of Queensland encourages all businesses to get on board. Ms Wright said, “Brisbane Markets Limited’s commitment and dedication to keeping all its unique records intact and sharing them with the community is outstanding.
Photographs, ephemera, film, correspondence, donated ledgers, minute books, annual reports and oral histories all play a part in telling Queensland’s narrative. The Queensland Business History Award encourages businesses and business leaders to elevate the importance of safeguarding their irreplaceable historical material.”

Media enquiries: Kirri-Lee Huggett, SLQ Communications 07 3842 9803 | kirri-lee.huggett@slq.qld.gov.au

Chauvel honoured with screening at State Library

State Librarian Janette Wright congratulated Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame for inducting Australian film icon Charles Chauvel.

To honour Chauvel, State Library of Queensland will hold a screening of his influential film, Jedda, on Tuesday 20 August at 7pm.

Jedda (1955), filmed in central Australia, tells the story of Aboriginal teenage girl Jedda who is raised by a white squatter family and desperately wants to learn about her Aboriginal culture.
This notable film holds many firsts in the Australian film industry – first full colour Australian film, first Australian film to be screened at Cannes Film Festival, and the first Australian film to star two Indigenous Australian actors.

The screening at State Library, hosted by Chauvel scholar and QUT Distinguished Professor Stuart Cunningham, will give people the rare opportunity to see Jedda on the big screen and to learn more about Charles Chauvel.

Known for his ground-breaking film techniques, Darling Downs film-maker Charles Chauvel (1897 – 1959), was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame last night in recognition of his pioneering contributions to the Queensland and Australian film industry, along with his determination as a businessman.

Ms Wright said, “Chauvel contributed significantly to Queensland, discovering well-known talents such as Errol Flynn and comedian Chips Rafferty, while shooting Australia’s first colour film at a time when there were no processing facilities available.
Remembering, recognising and re-telling the stories of our state’s leaders, past and present, ensures we are co-creating Queensland’s memory for future generations.
The screening of Jedda at State Library allows people the opportunity to view this iconic movie, and learn more about one of our state’s memorable leaders.
Chauvel’s films are an important part of Australia’s history and State Library is dedicated to embracing and sharing Queensland’s contribution to Australia’s story.”

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame was established in 2009 by State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Library Foundation and QUT Business School to recognise and celebrate Queensland’s business leaders. The Hall of Fame is part of the John Oxley Library at State Library of Queensland. Visit www.halloffame.slq.qld.gov.au for the inductees’ digital stories and for more information.

Bookings: Free, www.slq.eventbrite.com or 07 3840 7768

Media enquiries: Kirri-Lee Huggett, SLQ Communications 07 3842 9803 | kirri-lee.huggett@slq.qld.gov.au

“Pitch In!” become a digital volunteer

State Library of Queensland is looking for digital volunteers to tag, text correct, or transcribe its significant collections of historic photographs, newspapers, and books.

It doesn’t matter if you’re from Thargomindah, Toowoomba, Toowong, or Taipei anyone can Pitch In!

State Librarian Janette Wright said digital volunteers were needed to add information about historic photographs, correct the text of old newspaper articles, and transcribe significant diaries.

She said, “We’re particularly keen to work on some of our World War I collections in the lead up to the centenary in 2014. Correctly transcribing old letters, diaries and newspapers makes it much easier for family members, researchers, writers, and the public to find and use these materials.”

As well as World War I, there are assignments involving Queensland band history, Australian South Sea Islanders and the Ekka. All assignments help State Library of Queensland make digital collections more visible and accessible. 

Pitch In! is an ongoing project that will present some of the most exciting and mysterious collections for volunteers to engage with and share their unique knowledge and stories online. For more information on how to get involved, find “Pitch In!” on www.slq.qld.gov.au or email: discovery@slq.qld.gov.au

Media enquiries:
Cathy Stacey, SLQ Communications
07 3842 9346 | cathy.stacey@slq.qld.gov.au

Scratching the surface at State Library

Marsden State High School students are visiting State Library of Queensland this week to learn to use Scratch animation techniques and build their digital literacy.

State Librarian Janette Wright said the workshops would develop students’ confidence and interest in learning through digital mediums and text in a fun and playful environment.

“We have partnered with Queensland University of Technology, Logan City Council Libraries, and Marsden State High School to deliver Scratching the Surface, a three-stage project designed to build students’ capacity, skills, and knowledge,” said Ms Wright.

“Digital animation is an effective way to engage young people from diverse linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds and has been shown to be instrumental in improving literacy outcomes in both traditional text and digital media,” she said.

Scratch is a free program produced by Massachusetts Institute of Technology that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music and art.

Following the workshops, participants will have the opportunity to train as peer leaders in Scratch software, and use their skills to help establish an ongoing series of Scratch workshops at Logan City Council Libraries.

Ms Wright said libraries had an important role to play in providing informal learning opportunities.

“Working with schools and communities, libraries can help vulnerable children develop language and cognitive skills from basic literacy through to problem solving and creative and critical thinking,” she said.

Photo op with Marsden SHS students attending workshop, Thu 20 June, 10am-10.30am at State Library of Queensland. Please confirm attendance.

Media enquiries
Alexia Saeck, SLQ Communications
07 3840 7784 | alexia.saeck@slq.qld.gov.au

Last chance to enter Young Writers Award

Young wordsmiths have until 19 July to enter their short story in State Library of Queensland’s Young Writers Award for a chance to win $2000.

State Librarian Janette Wright said the prestigious competition, open to Queensland residents aged 18 to 25, is a great opportunity for aspiring writers to share their stories, and hopefully kick-start a literary career.

“The annual short story competition provides a chance for emerging and aspiring writers to gain exposure and receive invaluable professional development opportunities,” said Ms Wright.

“Queensland is a gold mine of young creative talent, and it’s competitions like this one that help reveal that hidden talent and provide the support and encouragement needed to further their careers,” Ms Wright said.

“Whether you’re a notepad scribbler, a creative writing student, or just have a great story to tell, I encourage you to let the words flow and see where it takes you,” said Ms Wright.

If you’re thinking of entering, here are some tips on how to get noticed.

• Be confident in your writing, relax and don’t try too hard
• Use language that comes naturally to you
• The judges are looking for stories with distinctive and interesting characters and plots – so first get to know who your characters are and where your plot is going, and the language will follow.
• They’re all good ideas, but don’t try to cram them all into one piece. Think about your core themes and characters and stick by them; your loyalty will pay off in the end.

The Young Writers Award closes at 5pm on Friday 19 July, 2013. For more details, and to read some of the past winning stories, visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on

Media enquiries
Alexia Saeck, Communications, State Library of Queensland alexia.saeck@slq.qld.gov.au | 07 3840 7784

The search begins for Queensland’s best spoken word poet

The annual Australian Poetry Slam competition will travel the state to draw out local talent in the search for Queensland’s best spoken word poet.

Poetry Slams are electric live events where contestants have two minutes on stage to impress the judges with a spoken word performance of an original poem. The Queensland leg of the national competition is coordinated by State Library of Queensland.

“Poetry Slam will see State Library working with public libraries and communities throughout Queensland to develop and showcase local talent through workshops and live performances,” said State Librarian Janette Wright.

Wordsmiths of all genres are encouraged to take to the stage and leave their mark at the mic, with the lure of $12,000 of cash and prizes on offer.

The competition will see heats and workshops take place in eight locations around the state: Blackall, Mackay, Rockhampton, Cairns, Goondiwindi, Logan, North Lakes and Brisbane. They will run from now until the end of August.

Two finalists from each heat will be flown in to compete in the State Finals at State Library in September. The State Champion and Runner Up will then travel to Sydney to compete for the Australian title.

Free workshops will also be held at each location prior to the heats. The workshops, run by experienced Poetry Slam mentors, will introduce newcomers to this unique form of performance poetry and help contestants sharpen their words before they hit the stage.

Now in its seventh year, Poetry Slam has unearthed local talent from around the country and seen a diverse range of performers and voices take to the stage.

“Poetry Slam events provide an exhilarating experience for both performer and audience and offer enormous opportunities for creative and professional development to participants,” Ms Wright said.

“Programs like Poetry Slam are great in that they attract people from all walks of life, right across Queensland, to participate in a creative experience and have their voices heard.”

For more information and full heat details, visit www.slq.qld.gov.au/poetryslam

The Queensland tour of the Australian Poetry Slam is coordinated by the State Library of Queensland in partnership with local public libraries and regional arts organisations.

Media enquiries: Nicole Mangelsdorf, SLQ Communications
t. 07 3842 9084 |  Nicole.Mangelsdorf@slq.qld.gov.au

Queensland Memory Awards commemorate the state’s past, present and future

State Library of Queensland has announced the winners of the 2013 Queensland Memory Awards, including Brisbane author Matthew Condon.

State Librarian Janette Wright said that the Queensland Memory Awards, supported by Queensland Library Foundation, are presented annually by State Library of Queensland, to recognise new contributions to the state’s history and documentary heritage.

The 2013 Awards, including the John Oxley Library Fellowship, John Oxley Library Award, and John Oxley Library Community History Award, were announced tonight at an Awards Ceremony at State Library.

The prestigious $20,000 John Oxley Library Fellowship was awarded jointly to researchers Kathleen Fallon and Matthew Nagas for their proposed project A Commemorative Pilgrimage of Significant Sites: The Australian South Sea Islanders from Tweed Heads to Torres Strait.

“Kathleen and Matthew’s application caught the panel’s attention as their project coincides with commemorations of 150 years since the first South Sea Islanders were brought to Australia,” Ms Wright said.

“Kathleen and Matthew will research, document, compile, and photograph historic sites significant to Australian South Sea Islanders, with an aim to publishing a series of heritage tourism guides.
In addition to the cash component, Queensland Library Foundation also provides the Fellows with a dedicated work space within the John Oxley Library to use the Library’s collections in the completion of their project.”

The previous Fellow, architect Don Watson, has been using the collections of the John Oxley Library to create a biographical dictionary of pioneering Queensland architects over the past century.

The recipients of the John Oxley Library Award and John Oxley Library Community History Award were also announced at the ceremony last night.

Louise Denoon, Executive Manager Queensland Memory said that “Award winning journalist Matthew Condon is the recipient of this year’s John Oxley Library Award, for his ongoing contributions to the telling of Queensland stories both past and present, and his commitment to bringing pertinent issues to the forefront of our state’s social consciousness. Earlier this year, Matthew released an investigative work Three Crooked Kings, an in-depth examination of corruption in the era of former Police Commissioner Terry Lewis. In his investigation Matthew had unprecedented access to Terry Lewis’ official police diaries and personal papers. The result is a compelling work that brings new meaning to a pivotal and transformative era in Queensland’s history.”

The 2013 John Oxley Library Community History Award has been granted to Brisbane Open House, an annual event belonging to the Open House Worldwide family.

Ms Denoon said that since its inception in 2010, Brisbane Open House has unlocked more than 50 of Brisbane’s architecturally significant buildings to the public for guided tours and self-exploration, with buildings as diverse as the Masonic Memorial Temple, Old Government House, Riverside Centre, and State Library of Queensland itself.

“In this way, Brisbane Open House plays a crucial role in encouraging Queensland’s residents and tourists to engage actively with Brisbane’s history, and will continue to do so for years to come,” Ms Denoon said.

Interview opportunities:
2013 John Oxley Library Fellowship
Matthew Nagas
Kathleen Fallon

2013 John Oxley Library Award
Matthew Condon

2013 John Oxley Community History Award
Michelle Lee, founding member of Brisbane Open House and President of the Brisbane Development Association
Malcolm Middleton, Queensland Government Architect

Media enquiries:
Shahedah Sabdia, Communications, State Library of Queensland
shahedah.sabdia@slq.qld.gov.au | 07 3842 9847

State Library gets active for reconciliation

State Library will mark the end of National Reconciliation Week with ReconciliAction: an action-packed day of free entertainment and celebration for all ages.

State Librarian Janette Wright said the June 2nd event is an opportunity for all Queenslanders to show their support for reconciliation by celebrating together.

“This event encourages everyone, of all ages, to actively engage with the message of reconciliation. It is an opportunity for the community to come together in an event focussed on participation, and of course celebration.”

The festivities kick off at 10.30am with children’s storytelling and music including traditional language songs.

Acclaimed young Indigenous artist Chern’ee Sutton will, with the help of the public, create a collaborative artwork to celebrate the message of reconciliation.

Local hip hop troupes from Elements Collective will entertain the crowd, as well as musicians Linta J, Skotti Hunter, Alicia Mellor and Mark Lowndes. Celebrated electro sensation MC Kitch and headliners Classik Nawu will take to the stage later in the afternoon.

Deadly Choices will also be there to share their message of making healthy lifestyle choices through cooking demonstrations, information stalls and children’s games.

Also visiting State Library for Reconciliation Week is Logan State of Mind, an exhibition that uncovers and showcases the positive role models, success stories and fantastic creators that hail from Logan. The exhibition will take place in The Studio space from Tuesday 28 May; its final day will be Sunday June 2. Live performances will highlight Logan musical talent and bring the exhibition to life at 6pm each night.

“We’re excited to present such a diverse line-up of talented entertainers and activities as part of National Reconciliation Week,” Ms Wright said.

"Reconciliation is about diversity and togetherness. We hope to share that message and celebrate together, as one united community, through this event.”

Media enquiries: Nicole Mangelsdorf, SLQ Communications
07 3842 9084 |  Nicole.Mangelsdorf@slq.qld.gov.au

Tear it up at State Library

Tear it up with State Library of Queensland in June as we continue to celebrate our Live! Queensland band culture program.

June has been dedicated to our local punk trailblazers who are part of a long list of innovators who threw down the gauntlet to conformity and made their voices heard.

State Librarian Janette Wright said SLQ was thrilled with the response so far to Live! Queensland band culture and was keen to see the reaction to the next major instalment in the program, Tear It Up.

“Tear It Up is an action-packed mini festival running from 3pm-9pm on Saturday 8 June, which looks at the independent, DIY voice of Brisbane, starting with punk band The Saints who first flung themselves onto the world stage, making our town’s voice heard,” said Ms Wright.

As well as panel discussions, free films, and market stalls, visitors to SLQ can indulge in free performances by local bands Last Chaos, Steve Towson, Impossible Odds and The Mouldy Lovers.

Ms Wright said, “Live! house band of the month The Mouldy Lovers with their blend of gypsy-ska-punk are sure to drive people off their seats while Steve Towson’s one man, one guitar act always delivers a passionate live show, mixing music and politics with his unorthodox solo, electric style.
Brisbane band Last Chaos will feature and Fred Leone and Kaylah Tyson of Impossible Odds will also take to the stage to drum their message of social justice.”

"Audiences will also get the chance to sit in on some great panel discussions. Kate Scott, Sean Sennett and Gavin Sawford, who have each carried the torch as editor of local street press magazines Rave and Time Off will discuss the history of independent music journalism in Brisbane.”

There are plenty of opportunities for musicians and music lovers throughout the whole the Live! Queensland band culture program, which runs until September.

QMusic’s professional development series is not only an opportunity to learn more about how the music industry functions through workshops but also a chance to network with music industry professionals (28 May and 4 June).

The Go-Betweens fans can join Robert Forster on 12 June as he reflects on the band dynamic, their UK exile and ongoing musical legacy.

For the full Live! program, visit slq.qld.gov.au or download the free SLQ Live! App.

Live! Second Saturdays: Tear It Up
Sat 8 Jun, 3pm–9pm (cash bar from 5pm)
Free, bookings slq.eventbrite.com 3840 7768
Visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on for the timetable

Little BIGSOUND
Fri 12 Jul, 9am-5pm
$33, groups 10+ receive 10% discount, bigsound.org.au

QMusic workshops & hook-up
Releasing your music & The business of music
Tue 28 May and 4 Jun, 6pm-8pm (hook-up networking opportunity from 8pm)
Free, bookings qmusic.com.au 3257 0013

Live! with Robert Forster
Wed 12 Jun, 6pm
Free, bookings slq.eventbrite.com 3840 7768

Media enquiries:
Cinnamon Watson Publicity
0432 219 643
cinn@cinnamonwatsonpublicity.com.au