My favourite band of all time, U2, dropped into Brisbane last week, and I was lucky enough to see them – front row! It was an absolutely fantastic concert, with some songs from their new album, but also the classic hits “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “Where The Streets Have No Name”. Although they are often accused of being too preachy, I find it quite refreshing that a band is so willing to use their fame for good, not just girls, fast cars and bragging rights. And considering I was entertained with 2 hours of my favourite tunes, I was more than happy to be reminded to look out for my fellow (wo)man, we are “one” after all.

They are continuing the tradition of some music greats, such as John Lennon, to change the world through music. Let’s continue the revolution and support bands that support each and every one of us.  Wouldn’t you agree?

Yours in the name of love,

Tara

Love the Christmas spirit? Head to King George Square on Friday 3rd December to see the Lighting of the Christmas Tree.

Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and a host of special guests (including Santa!) will be there with performance excerpts from Queensland Ballet’s The Nutcracker and plenty of your favourite Christmas carols. Festivities begin at 6:45pm so head to the corner of Adelaide St and Ann Street in the CBD to join the celebration.

Chalkfest and Youngcare join forces

Brisbane entrepreneur and owner of the Chalk Hotel Jason Titman has always believed in making a contribution to society aligning himself and the Chalk Hotel with many local, Brisbane, and national charities. Towards the end of 2009, Jason had the vision of putting together a music event called Chalkfest, that is designed to bring together some great Brisbane bands in an indoor festival environment. Along with this idea he saw the opportunity to involve Australia’s largest growing charity Youngcare. Jason says “I saw the opportunity to assist raising awareness through live music whilst working to raise funds to aid Youngcare in its goal to deliver quality care for young Australians. Youngcare gives back dignity and hope and that’s why they have our ongoing support”.

Chalk Hotel is offering an experience that no other hotel in Brisbane is offering in 2010. Chalkfest will be located within the 4 zones of Chalk Hotel, featuring 3 stages of music with turf laid out throughout the venue to create that true festival experience, “We are going all out dirt & all, just to make your festival experience come alive”. ChalkFest off with kick off with a bang! Literally! On Sunday 24th January Philadelphia Grand Jury, Numbers Radio and many more Australian artist’s will perform a booming set and come together with Youngcare to help raise funds for young Australians with high care needs. Jason says “music is about celebration of life and what better time than the Australia Day weekend for us to come together in support for this vital cause”. Chalkfest is set to be a regular event on the Chalk Hotel calendar and has some impressive line ups set to blow you away in 2010 “it’s going to be rock solid full of Brisbaneand Australia’s best rock bands, as well as some of the country’s hip hop, breaks, funk and dance acts”.

For tickets visit MoshTix at www.moshtix.com.au or through Moshtix outlets such as Rocking Horse Records, Butter Beats, Kill The Music, The Music Shop & Atlantis. Tickets are selling fast and a limited number of tickets will be available at the door on the day.

Or to learn more about Youngcare or to donate funds and support please go to www.youngcare.com.au.

Yours in design,

Jorja-saurus

Last weekend I found myself happily involved in mini marketing stint in which I unknowingly promoted a brand I don’t even particularly like.

Here’s the recipe for setting up your own small scale marketing exploit. These instructions relate to a Jim Beam promotion, but you can replace the ingredients to suit your preferred brand.

Step One: Utilise social media (ideally facebook) to invite everyone you know (and don’t know) to a free event on the Island party boat.

Step Two: Add a seemingly innocent colour theme to the party, for this occasion we’ve chosen a “White Party.” Remind your guests of the rule “No white clothes, no entry”.

Step Three: Set up the decorations. This may involve coloured balloons, Jim Beam branded banners and Jim Beam posters (or whichever brand you wish to promote). This way your guests will be subjected to the brand and will subconsciously connect the great time they are having with the brand Jim Beam.

Step Four: Upon entry to the party, distribute the entry passes, in the form of a piece of paper printed with the Jim Beam logo, attached to a red Jim Beam lanyard.

Step Five: To ensure your guests are enjoying themselves during the evening, distribute red glow sticks.

Step Six: Make sure your guests have access to very reasonably priced alcohol. Doesn’t have to be Jim Beam, just as long as it’s cheap.

Step Seven: Allow approximately 2 hours of boat travel, mixed with brand saturation and drinking – this will encourage your guests to continue their celebrations well into the evening. Wait until the boat has docked and voila! 200 of your own little promo kids running wild in the city!

Yours in Design,
Anya-demus 

New York designer, Barbara Glauber, is touring the country later this month as part of AGDA’s international speaker program. Barbara is a founding partner of the Smoking Gun website and is on the faculty at Yale University as a critic in graphic design. She loves typography and chocolate (don’t we all?) and during her talk, titled ‘Heavy Meta: Design and the Informational Baroque’, she will discuss her methods and share stories.

Details: events.agda.com.au