American comedian Lily Tomlin and Tales of the City author Armistead Maupin will be gracing Australia’s premier gay and lesbian event, the 2011 Sydney Mardi Gras.
Ignatius Jones, the artistic director behind the Sydney Olympics’ ceremonies, has joined New Mardi Gras team, contributing creatively to this year’s Mardi Gras Parade on March 5.
Also on this year’s bill of stellar acts will be Taylor Mac and his larger than life cabaret, The Ziggy Stardust Meets Tiny Tim Songbook or Comparison is Violence. At the official after party, Scottish electro DJ Calvin Harris will be among several well-acclaimed DJs mixing tunes for an expected 15,000 people or more after the parade.
New Mardi Gras CEO Michael Rolik said international acts were an important part of the festival but local talent were ‘key’ to the success of Mardi Gras.
‘We’re thrilled to have Ignatius Jones overseeing the creative vision for our upcoming Parade,’ Rolik said.
‘International acts are an important part of the Festival, getting a lot of press coverage and generating excitement for the period leading up to the Parade and Party.
‘However, Mardi Gras is very much about harnessing the best of local talent.
‘It’s absolutely key to our success and we’re doing more and more to engage the best and brightest in our community.’
Sydney’s Mardi Gras Festival kicks off from February 19 till March 6.Visit www.mardigras.org.au for more information and news.
Benn Dorrington
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