A cool change is on the way
Andrew Georgiou spoke to artistic director Gillian Minervini about Harbour ‘12 – CoolChange.
Q: Gillian, you have an impressive history producing and directing events for Mardi Gras and Pride over the years. How does it feel to be back, this time as artistic director for CoolChange: Harbour ’12?
A: It’s great to be back working with our community on Harbour. I’m very honoured to be given the chance to put my mark on it.
Q: We’re feeling the name change. How did you come to CoolChange?
A: We are trying to change the party in a cool, more creative and fun way by playing on the idea of there being two distinct “moods” of the party — afternoon to sunset and then night.
We’re trying to create that summer afternoon feel of cocktails and catch-ups with some surprise entertainment and funky music. We then move into night with some of the best DJs in the world on the main dancefloor plus performances by Paulini and amazing fireworks.
Q: Talk us through the DJ talent.
A: Great funk, soul, jazz and dance music in the cocktail dance bar with Random Soul (Yogi and Husky) — two of Sydney’s most respected DJs and producers — plus one of Sydney’s favourite DJs, the fabulous Richard Weiss.
On the main dancefloor you’ll be treated to eclectic house tunes courtesy of the fabulous Kate Monroe. Troy Cox follows with funky, progressive house, before DJ Olivian from Rome takes us into the night with house music infused with a little bit of techno. Ending the party is the fabulous Lee Dagger of Bimbo Jones from the UK who has produced amazing remixes for everyone from Gaga through to Pink.
Q: We hear Paulini will be the headlining performer. How did you get her involved?
A: I think Paulini is the true talent of the Idol phenomenon, who has an incredible voice and fabulous stage presence. When we heard she was releasing a new single around the same time as CoolChange, we thought she would be the perfect fit.
Q: Walk us through the CoolChange partyscape.
A: We have our main dance area that overlooks that breathtaking view. We’ve created a Cocktail Dance Bar area with different musical offerings. There will be plenty of places to sit down and catch up with friends, including a wine bar and a chill-out space with great food.
Q: You’re bringing fireworks back to Harbour Party after a hiatus. Any hints on what time the big bang is scheduled?
A: I’m still deciding whether to end with a bang or do it earlier! Foti, who do the Sydney NYE fireworks and other major international events, are doing the fireworks so it’s going to be a big beautiful bang at some stage of the evening from a barge on the harbour.
INFO: February 25, 3—11pm, Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Sydney. Prices: first release $119 SOLD OUT, concession $105 (plus $3.75 bf), second release $139 (plus $3.75 bf), members $119 (plus $3.75 bf). Two tickets per member. All tickets may attract a transaction fee. Bookings: 1300 111 369 or www.foxtix.com.au
