Hot Stars, Cool Jazz - an evening with Fred Watson and James Morrison (20 Feb 2009)

[iceman (Mike)]

Passing on this press release for information of IIS members and guests.

What do astronomer Fred Watson and musician James Morrison have in common? Besides being leaders in their respective fields – they share a love of the stars and great music. What better way to start celebrating the International Year of Astronomy than listening to them both, under the same glorious roof of Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music?!

2009 is the International Year of Astronomy and James Morrison and Fred Watson will be performing at the Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music to start the celebration of stars - and beyond.

James Morrison’s career has been diverse and perhaps not typical of most jazz musicians. He recorded “Jazz Meets the Symphony” with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lalo Schifrin, performed concerts at the Royal Albert Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for Princess Anne. On two occasions he has performed Royal Command performances for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and for US presidents Bush and Clinton at Parliament House in Australia. In 1997, James was recognised for his service to the arts in Australia and awarded a medal of The Order of Australia.

Fred Watson is the author of “Stargazer: The Life and Times of the Telescope”, and is a regular broadcaster on ABC Radio. Fred’s latest book, “Why is Uranus Upside Down”, is based on listener questions. He is Astronomer in Charge of the Anglo-Australian Observatory, and an adjunct professor at the Queensland University of Technology, the University of Southern Queensland, and James Cook University.

Fred has been quoted as saying, “I’ve spent so many years working in large telescope domes that I’ve started to look like one“. His main scientific interest is gathering information on very large numbers of stars and galaxies.
In 2003, Fred received the David Allen Prize for Communicating Astronomy to the Public and in 2006 was the winner of the Australian Government Eureka Prize for Promoting the Understanding of Science. Fred has an asteroid named after him (‘5961 Fred Watson’), but says that if it hits Earth, it won’t be his fault…

There is no doubt that the evening will be fun, informative and entertaining.
Both James Morrison and Fred Watson are available for interview through Marnie Ogg.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Contact Person: Marnie Ogg
Company Name: Thrive Australia
Phone Number: 0417 689 003
http://www.thriveaustralia.com.au/management

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

I don't suppose there's any chance that they'll be making their way up to QLD?

[iceman (Mike)]

Not sure, it didn't say but I'm guessing not since it wasn't mentioned.

I might head along to this with my son - he plays the trumpet and has a slight interest in Astronomy, and I have a slight interest in Astronomy

[Octane (Humayun)]

Originally Posted by iceman

I might head along to this with my son - he plays the trumpet and has a slight interest in Astronomy, and I have a slight interest in Astronomy

And, you're awesome at the trumpet?

Regards,
Humayun

[iceman (Mike)]

haha not likely. I can play the C and G with my lips but can't get the high E or higher than that!

[thriveaustralia (Marnie Ogg)]

HI

I would consider bringing this to QLD or anywhere else in Australia if there was enough interest and perhaps a sponsor involved.

If this appeals please get in touch with me

Marnie
Thrive Australia (event organiser)

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

I don't suppose there's any chance that they'll be making their way up to QLD?

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

A number of MAS members are in Marnie. Too good to miss. Was it you that accompanied Fred to his lecture at MAS a few months ago?

[astronut (John)]

It was Chris

[thriveaustralia (Marnie Ogg)]

yes - it was me who was with Fred at his lecture for MAS. I'll look forward to seeing some of you again at this show.

Marnie

[Dog Star (Phil)]

Flamin' coast-huggers! You get all the fun!
I'm going to put on a Billie Holiday cd (accompanied by Teddy Wilson) and go out and look at the stars on my own.
Illegitimates!

[theodog (Jeff)]

Originally Posted by Dog Star

Flamin' coast-huggers! You get all the fun!
I'm going to put on a Billie Holiday cd (accompanied by Teddy Wilson) and go out and look at the stars on my own.
Illegitimates!

Don't fret, Keep an eye out for "Festival of the Stars" here at good old Coona.
No danger of salt on the skin, but still a fair hike from AS.

Possibly see Fred (& others) in their natural ecosystem while touring SSO and MOPRA Radio dish on the open day.

"Science in the Pub", +Annual Bok lecture by prominant astronomer.

Music in the Warrumbungles National Park under the stars.
Going on past years 2009 should be a cracker.

More details as they come to hand.

[astronut (John)]

Eight members of The MacArthur Astronomical Society are going!!
Come on guys, you know you want to go.