- Ballantynes’ Spring Fashion Show for Ronald  McDonald House was huge success and the auction alone raised $2,190.00

-    Congratulations to Rebecca Gibbs & Stephen Page- ZM’s Runnaway Bride winners getting married tomorrow at Seranada Lodge. As part of the package The winners also get 2 Crown Limousines for their big day.

-    You may have seen the Blockbuster movie- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince casts its spell worldwide, on audiences!

Christchurch Kerala Assn brings you Samraj’s The Indian Houdini Magic Show

Next Friday 2 Oct at Aurora Centre, Burnside High School
From 7.00pm-10.00pm
Indian food stalls counters open from 6.00pm.

Be there to witness and enjoy these LIVE and ON STAGE magic- absolutely out of this world!
No cinematographic tricks……..
No computer graphics…….
No special effects….

But True and Pure Magic at its best………

Tickets are available from Asian Food Warehouse, Ace Videos, & Yogji’s Food Mart

#   I have two tickets to giveaway to Indian Houdini Magic Miracle to 5th CTV caller for the afternoon show.

It was sad that SIr Hpoward Morrison passed away.

Donna & Meagan play a special video of SIr Howard.

My sister from USA surprised my nephew Shane for his 21st birthday- a very happy birthday, Shane!!

# Poster screened for Sufferage Celebration
NZ women were granted the vote on 19th of September 1893.
As part of the National Council of Women-in fact all women are invited to celebrate Sufferage Day tomorrow at 5.00pm at Christchurch Cathedral in the Square.
Bishop Victoria Matthews will speak about “Seeking a New Spirit”
Also Dr Katie Pickles outlines the struggle for women’s right to vote started in Christchurch.
Followed a Shared Finger Food Tea and Entertainment the Canterbury Women’s Hall  190 Worcester Street  til 7:30pm.

Mamma Mia has been such a huge success. It finishes tomorrow! Limited Tickets
So Ring Ticketek NOW.

Mamma Mia’s Donna & Sophie Sheridan witha young fan

As they sing” The Winner Takes It All—and as far I’m concerned , the global smash hit musical Mamma Mia Tour is the winner.

Joining me this morning from Theatre, Workshops & television & Mamma Mia are Gary Watson ( Sky) and Leigh McDonald ( Rosie).

Both Gary and Leigh talk about the show and the life here in Christchurch and how they love it here.

As a tribute to Mamma MIa’s second last show in Christchurch, I gave an autographed programme of Mamma Mia to the 3rd CTV caller. remember this was my personal programme so it shows how much I really love you!

Donna thanked Guests  & Sharon

When Arthritis New Zealand contacted me to see if I could have Stars In Their Eyes‘ contestant, Jon Palmer on my show, Sharon’s Community Update on CTV, I had accepted it thinking this will help the organisation raise funds but I was highly impressed once I heard his CD…..I thought it was Gene Pitney’s original CD-!!

We were simply gob-smacked ( including the packed audience) at Hornby Club last night to hear this Rangiora hairdresser and Woodend resident, Jon Palmer sing Pitney song- one after the other!

Gorgeous Sue White from The Breeze and CTV’s Lets Go Shopping star hosted the evening. Jon had sung at Sue and Andrew’s wedding five years ago.

Starting with 24 Hours to Tulsa ( dedicated to me), he sang  a total of 31 songs of the legendary late Gene Pitney’s.

The songs were:
2. I Must Be Seeing Things
3. Nobody Needs You Your Love Like I Do
4. I Didn’t Have Dime
5. Last Chance To Turn Around
6. Back Stage
7. Eye Of Love
8. To Highway
9. It Hurts To Be In Love
10. Take Me Tonight
11. Mecca
12. Half Heaven
13. I Gonna Be Strong
14. Who Need You Now
15. Blue Angle
16. Princess In Rags
17. Yesterday’s Hero ( never been performed on stage before)
18. Tower Tall
19. Twenty Four Sycamore
20. Somewhere In The Country
21. True Love Never Runs
22. Liberty Valley
23. Only Love Can Break A Heart
24. Boss’s Daughter ( never been sung before)
25. I Wanna Love My Life Away
26. Mary Lou ( Ricky Nelson wrote this for Gene)
27. She’s A Rebel
28. Ocean’s Away ( Chris Button- a dear dedicated fan of Jon Palmer’s) gave Jon a red rose)

{ Sue Briscoe-President of Gene Pitney International Fan Club and a close freind of the singer, used to present him with a red rose). In fact Sue was present for Jon Palmer’s first show, where she gave him a red rose. Looks like Chris is set continue the tradition- how wonderful}.

29. Yours Until Tomorrow
30.  Something Gotten Hold Of My Heart- this earned Palmer a standing ovation!
31. Plus an encore song

About Jon Palmer: ( Please note this Bio is exclusive to Sharonlingham.com)

A musician for thirty five years, Jon Palmer was inspired three years ago to record a CD of Gene Pitney songs as a tribute to the legend and his music. These were for  his friends and family only.

He was later invited to perform for the Kiwi Country Music Club at the Rangiora RSA as Gene Pitney. A local lady,in the Gene Pitney fan club, Chris Button was so inspired by his performance that she made contact with the fan club and set the wheels of fate in motion.

Since then Jon has put together a six piece backing band and has performed shows in nine venues around Canterbury and two in Sydney, employing session musicians and working with Genes Australian promoter.

Palmer’s show has 30 of Gene Pitney songs. Jon had been very fortunate to have granted permission from Lynne Pitney -the legendary singer’s wife to use her husband’s music!

He has performed at eleven shows in two years and about to do his 12th. Jon also appeared as Gene Pitney on Stars in their Eyes in May 2009.

The 47 year old is married with 4 children.

It was great to see his family there- his lovely wife, Deb and his daughter and son. Both children are music minded already- the son keen on drums and guitar and his daughter into pop songs and already sung at Christmas in the Park at Rangiora!

If you hear of Jon Palmer performing in your area, be sure to grab a ticket as he is the closest to Gene Pitney- you really think it is the star himself- trust me on this!
I feel Jon Palmer has a huge future ahead of him!

I met Gene Pitney a couple of times when he sang at Christchurch Town Hall. As I may have mentioned before,  the last time he has sold all his promotional videos in Australia and asked if I could import some on his behalf before he arrived in New Zealand.  I rang Auckland to get the paperwork organised and was rather
fortunate that at the same time there was an article about me in NZ Women’s Weekly -made it easier for me to get the ball rolling. I ended up having two of our offices and our waiting room full with boxes of
the star’s videos!

Gene had declared his love of travelling in our Crown Limousines’ Rolls Royce as he mentioned it on stage.

Proceeds from the concert went to Arthritis New Zealand. Phone 64 3 366 8383

To contact Jon Palmer Fan Club President: ( Chris Button)  please email to genep@ihug.co.nz

Funding for Telethon’s KidsCan- We’d be watching with great interest how much the charity ends up getting as we thought it was 100%.

The Brass Band Big Day Out is back at Cashmere High School Auditorium- tomorrow

king-concert-a4-11
Featuring David King is their guest conductor 10am – 3pm.
All players are welcome to come and play.
Tickets $20 for the day or $25 including concert ticket at Aurora Centre-at 7.30- evening door sales available for only $10. Davey Boyes, Ph 021 558 700

# I have a double pass to the Concert with Professor David King to 2nd CTV caller

Christchurch  Supergrans Fundraiser

celebrity-debate-poster
The Great Celebrity Debate- Too Many Broths Spoil The Cook
A fantastic evening on Saturday 22nd August, 7.00pm at Christchurch Girls High School auditorium tickets from  Supergrans. Tickets ONLY $25    Ph 388 6415

# I have a double pass to The Great Celebrity Debate to give to 1st CTV caller

My guest specializes in CORNUT & TRUMPET having won many awards in Australia and the UK,
The first soloist from Britain to win the International Brass Musician of the Year.
An outstanding conductor from the British Brass Band movement of the past decade.
As Principal Guest Conductor of the Norwegian band, he directed them to 4  consecutive wins the Norwegian National Championships
He is also principal conductor of the University of Salford Brass Band
Been awarded the Iles Medal by  The Worshipful Company of Musicians for his services to the British Brass Band movement.

My pleasure to introduce one of the world’s leading brass musicians,Professor David King and also Graham Hickman- Musical Director of Woolston Brass Band.

Couples happily walked away with bargains galore at last Sunday’s Canterbury Wedding Auction & Fashion Show. A huge thanks to all sponsors, Sue White-the fashion and raised nearly $10,000.show MC did us proud and did our auctioneer Phil McGoldrick. Hot news for CTV viewers-It will now be an annual event in Christchurch!

The ultimate Romantic ballet- The Meridian Season of La Sylphide

The story of a young man’s quest for unobtainable love takes centre stage in the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s celebration of the ultimate Romantic ballet, the Meridian Season of La Sylphide. A must see Dances from Napoli. Now at Issacs Theatre Royal
Now on till this Sunday. Tix  –Ticktek.

The Meridian Season of La Sylphide- The Ultimate Romantic Ballet

Issacs Theatre Royal. Tickets: Ticketek – 0800 TICKETEK

# I have a dble tix to this Saturday’s show to the 3 rd CTV caller.

Danza Latina

danza-fiesta-15th-aug
Danza Latina is raising funds for their Pro-team Salsa Sabrosa which was recently chosen at the N Z Salsa Congress to represent NZ at the International Salsa Congress in Sydney 2010

# I have 3 x double tickets to CTV viewers- one for each show- 2nd callers for each.  Danza Latina
Saturday 15 August-160 Manchester Street From 10.00pm
Salsa Free Phone: 0800 272 572

Guest:
He‘s from the days of Ray Columbus & the Invaders. He has a small recording studio for demos of songs, video soundtracks including an album of singer Eddie Low – one of my previous guests.
He wrote, recorded, manufactured, and marketed over 650 young children’s/selling 250,000 copies.
His popular show is Rocking is our Business specialising in early Rock and Roll songs
He also plays at corporate events all over the country. Also on cruise boat in Fiji. He’s Ch Casino’s regular entertainer. With 15 yrs with TVNZ- As a solo, duo or the Brian Ringrose Band & the Cactus Swing Band.

Please welcome Entertainer Brian Ringrose – Rocking is our Business

The Canterbury Wedding Auction & Fashion Show on Telethon on TV3
I’m so proud to say that leading Canterbury wedding professionals have joined forces to bring a complete wedding package a LIVE auction on Sunday 2 August at the Chateau on the Park for TV3 Telethon for Kidscan.

No need to run around looking for wedding professionals- the package is already arranged. This would be first ever wedding package for a charity auction. The lucky bidding couple will be instant celebrities and what a way to start their married life- also may even the whole wedding at a fraction of the cost and yet helping Kidscan.

Kidscan is a nationwide organisation dedicated to meeting the basic physical needs of financially disadvantaged children. So do not let anyone tell you otherwise!

LIVE Wedding Auction for Telethon on TV3 Sunday 2 August at the Chateau on the Park
Phone  379 0099 or Visit www.sharonlingham.com

Funtastic and exciting live production SCOOBY -DOO! STAGEFRIGHT– LIVE ON STAGE!
7 &  8 July – Isaac’s Theatre Royal

Scooby Doo and his gang, Shaggy, Daphne and Velma are packing up their gear to take centre stage in New Zealand from 7th & 8  July in a school holiday!

# I have a A double ticket to SCOOBY-DOO STAGEFRIGHT to 1st CTV caller- just name one character of Scooby Doo

Peruvian Grand Fiesta” with Matecito Live Band -18 July Shirley Club

18julyperuvianparty-021

Peruvian community would love to share with you their National day celebration, with the best of Latin music from South America:
Salsa,  Merenge,  Bachata,  Cumbia & Cha Cha.
Matecito Latin Band: with Gerardo Torres playing for the “Peruvian Independence Party 2009″ Everybody welcome.Tickets: Door $20 & Presold $15:  Phone 332 2180

# I have a double tix to Peruvian Grand Fiesta to CTV’s 4th caller

Guest:
With Scottish background She’s a primary school teacher at Lady of Fatima and is a proud member of Peruvian Society.
She’s one of the dancers, Marinera in Peruvian Grand Fiesta. Vicky Reid is introduced.
Vicky’s lovely dancing costume weighs 3 kg!

With lovely Donna.

Premiere show Stomp 09 at James Hay Theatre was amazing! Audience interaction, precise rhythm-the show is mersmersing if you haven’t bought your tickets to Stomp 09 ring Ticketek straight after this show!

We maybe in recession but with our music industry in Christchurch.
Chartfest 09- yet another successful event at the Town Hall- wonderful displays of products & services pertaining to music-even children 3-5 yr olds enjoying Singstars. Hip Hop studio was great fun also included young Isla Fulton. Make sure you go next year!

SOME PHOTOS OF CHARTFEST :

Flip Grater      (above)                                                  Solaa Soundcheck (above)

Ragamuffin Children (below)                                    Auditorium Stage ( out of 4 stages)

The YMCA NEW ZEALAND’s celebrating its birthday with a CONNECTING FAMILIES DAY!!
As part of the nationwide celebrations, the Christchurch YMCA is putting on a
huge celebration, – Arts, Music, Bouncy Castle and clown, face painting-
loads of giveaways and it’s free.
This Saturday at BISHOPDALE YMCA-12 – 3pm
CITY YMCA 10am – 1pm

“Twirling with Time” is an evening dance and music showcased from
different countries and cultures that have historical and cultural connections with the Philippines. Countries include Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Spain and Puerto Rico.
Twirling With Time this Sat 6 June from 6pm at Ngaio Marsh Theatre,
Ticket only $10 each.

Andrew Newton –the international hypnotist- live on stage. All your favourite scenarios and plenty of new ones! More laughs in one evening than you could imagine…..  without being hypnotised, that is.
Thursday 11 June  at Isaac’s Theatre Royal
Tickets available from Ticketek. Ph 377 88 99
Andrew Newton (below)

# A double tickets to Andrew Newton the Hypnotist given away to 3rd CTV caller.

Guest:
Born and bred in Tehran Persia, she lived and studied in Vienna for 18 years before migrating to NZ in 1998; She’s Member of Fendalton/ Waimairi Community Board
Also Chair of Christchurch Intercultural Assembly
She’s experienced as a Marketing Manager, Journalist, Political Researcher also the Presenter of the “Voice of Migrants” on Plains FM.

I have an absolute pleasure to welcome Lady Faimeh Burke.
SHe talked about her disappointment witht he council’s decision in cutting fundingand secretarial support for Christchurch Inter Cultural Assembly (ICA). As we become more diverse, there is a growing need for forums.

The council wanted them to get incorporated but this move will lead to loss of partnership with the council Gnai Tahu and the community.

You could email Lady FaimehBurke  at:  faimeh@gmail.com

With lovely Donna.

Nick Holmes- A film-maker is on the lookout for an Australians living here for a role in The Instrument of Change.  Also there’s another role available for a New Zealander.

There’s so much talent here in Canterbury- Design & Arts College of NZ held it annual ‘invitees only’ fashion show on Monday.Cover Story 09 Visual Show was just amazing to see the students design all garments, do their own make-up and hair styling. Not to mention body-art & special effects. Well done Annabel and team !

Some photo to share with you.

Stomp 09-  taking the clutter & junk of everyday life and making music with it- from boots, bins, even the kitchen sink….a mixture of
theatre, dance & comedy! James Hay Theatre,  2-7 June, tickets from Ticketek. Not to be missed!

#

# I have a double pass to give away to the Premiere show to Stomp 09 but do tell us what it is about. –the first caller with the correct answer wins them.
Phone 03 3777 033 7.30pm show only

I’ve a confession to make- I consume one King size Cadbury’s chocolate a day- which reminds me that as part of NZ International Comedy Festival, Cadbury Crunchie Comedy Convoy is on at James Hay Theatre This Thursday.
Limited Tix avail from Ticket Direct.  Phone 377 66 89 for bookings
Guest:
He is the Manager & founder trustee of CHART Christchurch

Co-ordinator of the NZ Music Manager’s Forum,

A true South Islander from a very musical family, he started out as a drummer

An ambassador for music and teacher with 1st hand experience from recording-to marketing both domestic/international music industry.

Even managed Neil Finns’ Roundhead Studios, & has been involved with numerous artists including  as Dave Dobbyn, Goldenhorse., The Chills…

The man behind highly successful Chartfest – Jeff Fulton. Welcome.

Jeff talks about Chart and Chartfest.

# A double ticket to Chartfest given on air.

( Thursday 2 April 2009 with lovely Donna Manning)

1. Hayley Westerner’s NZ Tour has just been re-scheduled to August-September.

2.–If your organisation is looking for funds- actor late Paul Newman’s Own Foundation is donating $100,000 to New Zealand charities apply www.paulnewmansown.com.au or www.sharonlingham.com for more details.

3. The Gods of Warm Beer- a rip-snorting comic- epic that deals with hypocrisy, rugby, religion, sex, violence, politics and bad language.
This is  Westport in 1951.
Now@ Court Theatre till – 2 May. Tix avail Box Office Ph. 963-0870.

Guests:
She appeared in numerous roles in theatre, television and short films including as Judy Billingham on SHORTLAND STREET,
NZ feature film 50 WAYS OF WAYS OF SAYING FABULOUS.
She directed the world première of Carl Nixon’s THE RAFT at Court Theatre,
Guest director for Ohio Northern University for THE UNDERPANTS.
Co-ordinator of the acting programme at NASDA + directing a wide range of plays and musicals for NASDA.
She received a Young Achievers Award & Scholarship for the British Theatre Assn in London- has since directed and produced a wide range of shows both around N Z and overseas.

Moving on to my next guest:

In his professional career since 1974, he appeared with all NZ’s major theatre companies, also in film, television and radio dramas. His appearances include
ARSENIC AND OLD LACE; THE HISTORY BOYS,
Box office hit WHO WANTS TO BE 100?
Also played Jimmy Dickson in the film OUT OF THE BLUE and appeared on PLAYSCHOOL and SHORTLAND STREET.
After several seasons of PENINSULA at The Court,
Brisbane and Nelson Arts Festivals, from Roger Hall’s ALADDIN to many roles and multiple characters in the children’s PINOCCHIO and most recently, as Stuart in THE BIRTHDAY BOY.

Stephanie McKellar-Smith & Timothy Bartlett were introduced ( yes, finally)

Both Stephanie and Tim discussed their time in Westport ( she is from there), about Gods of Warm Beer
and how the play was as it was back in 1951.

A double pass to The Gods of Warm Beer to give away.

Question: Did both of Sharon’s guests act in Shortland Street?

The 1st CTV caller with the correct answer wins the tickets.

March 4 with Megan.

Meeting on of the hot new Dancing With Stars’ couple- Aaron Gilmore and Rebecca Hobbs when they were in Christchurch for Latin Dance Festival.

Congratulations to Molly who won The Edge’s Summerjam tickets to the sell out Veronica’s concert at Christchurch Town Hall in a Crown Limousine.

Southern Opera presents Giani Schicchi.
It begins with a death, but what should be a time of solemn mourning turns into a frantic search for the will, a flurry of self-centered greed and a roller-coaster ride to disaster…with the sharp-witted con man, Gianni Ski Key played by the renown baritone Martin Snell at the centre of the action.  With the famous aria
“O mio babbino caro” and a love-story on the side, this is the perfect comic opera for all.
Add to this a first half, ‘Blooming Opera’ compèred by Mark Hadlow. The cast has a chance to display their vocal talents before they plunge into the mayhem of Puccini’s comic masterpiece.
James Hay Theatre, Christchurch 12 & 14 March , 15 & 17 March Tix: Ticketek
Ashburton Trust Event Centre, 19 March, 7.30pm- Tix fro Ticket Direct
Oamaru Opera House, Oamaru-Saturday 21 March, 7.30pm
Tix: Ticket Direct   More infor www.southernopera.com

A Premium dble tickets & programme to Ginai Schichi to a lucky CTV

She has become an icon following her appearances featuring Latin, Tango, Jazz, Classic and hot traditional Gypsy favourities with Kiwi entertainers like Dave Dobbyn and Hayley Westenra.

She’s a violinist and composer and just returned from UK & US after launch of her  4th CD Fire & Light.

Recently engaged to Ian Tilley-her pianist & music director, she’s currently on her nationwide tour -  Fiona Pears is introduced.

DVD of Fiona Pears       Cathedral this Saturday

We have a double tickets to Fiona Pears’ Fire & Light concert to give.