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The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
This show is the next best thing to Dolly 'live and in concert'
Tricia Paoluccio grew up on an almond farm in Modesto, California, singing the songs of Dolly Parton and daydreaming about following in her footsteps. That dream has come true. Tricia is travelling the world as Dolly in Here You Come Again, a musical comedy she co-wrote with Bruce Vilanch and her husband, Gabriel Barre. Her parents still live on the farm, and it's where the idea for Here You Come Again was born. "My husband and I developed the idea and wrote it there during lockdown in 2020," she tells Weekender. "It's my favourite place on Earth." The heartfelt musical tells the story of a diehard Dolly Parton fan whose fantasy version of the international icon helps him navigate life's toughest challenges. With her wit, humour, and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. The show, which is produced by arrangement with Dolly herself, sold-out seasons across the US and UK and is now touring Australia. Tricia plays the role of Dolly alongside Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Kevin, Kellie Rode (Come From Away) as Mum, Laura Joy Bunting (Grease The Musical) as Tish, and Bailey Dunnage (Ride The Cyclone) as Jeremy. The musical has been adapted for Australia by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish and will feature all of Dolly's hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You. "I didn't come from a music family but my mother loved musicals and took me to musicals as a kid, we watched all the musical films together, I did dance classes, and she really supported my love of it," Tricia says. "It was my mum who bought me my first album, Here You Come Again, when I was six, which is where all this began." Tricia's other New York Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, The Green Bird and A View from the Bridge. Having grown up mimicking Dolly's voice, Tricia had to "unlearn" how to sing like Dolly to find her own voice. "You know, I think my own voice was waiting for me all along, but there is a lesson in trusting that what you are is enough," she says. "Even when I don't sing as Dolly, her influence on my natural style is ever-present. "When I am performing as Dolly, it does feel like her essence naturally channels through me. In the same way that when I am not being Dolly, the essence of me, Tricia, is just there. "Funnily enough, while I feel like many of Dolly's characteristics have shaped me, as Tricia, I have no desire to wear make-up and fancy clothes, and slip very comfortably back to being me: a mum, a daughter, a friend and wife." Working with creative teams in each of the countries Here You Come Again visits is a joy, she says, and keeps things fresh. "The story of the show is universal, but it's a lovely opportunity to work with a local creative team, to ensure that the show sits in every environment it's performed in and is easily relatable," Tricia says. "I adore the Australian company, they are super talented, wonderful actors and multi-skilled performers, and I honestly feel like already I've made new life longfriends. "What an honour it is to travel the world and work with incredible artists along the way, all of us united by telling this beautiful story of hope and love. Every day we all get to do what we love, for work, and that is a great privilege." And her favourite Dolly songs to sing on stage? "I love singing Little Andy which is not one of Dolly's most well-known hits, but I love it for the comedy and tragedy," Tricia replies. "I sing this and I get to simultaneously make the audience laugh and cry at the same time. It's a true country song!" Tricia Paoluccio grew up on an almond farm in Modesto, California, singing the songs of Dolly Parton and daydreaming about following in her footsteps. That dream has come true. Tricia is travelling the world as Dolly in Here You Come Again, a musical comedy she co-wrote with Bruce Vilanch and her husband, Gabriel Barre. Her parents still live on the farm, and it's where the idea for Here You Come Again was born. "My husband and I developed the idea and wrote it there during lockdown in 2020," she tells Weekender. "It's my favourite place on Earth." The heartfelt musical tells the story of a diehard Dolly Parton fan whose fantasy version of the international icon helps him navigate life's toughest challenges. With her wit, humour, and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. The show, which is produced by arrangement with Dolly herself, sold-out seasons across the US and UK and is now touring Australia. Tricia plays the role of Dolly alongside Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Kevin, Kellie Rode (Come From Away) as Mum, Laura Joy Bunting (Grease The Musical) as Tish, and Bailey Dunnage (Ride The Cyclone) as Jeremy. The musical has been adapted for Australia by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish and will feature all of Dolly's hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You. "I didn't come from a music family but my mother loved musicals and took me to musicals as a kid, we watched all the musical films together, I did dance classes, and she really supported my love of it," Tricia says. "It was my mum who bought me my first album, Here You Come Again, when I was six, which is where all this began." Tricia's other New York Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, The Green Bird and A View from the Bridge. Having grown up mimicking Dolly's voice, Tricia had to "unlearn" how to sing like Dolly to find her own voice. "You know, I think my own voice was waiting for me all along, but there is a lesson in trusting that what you are is enough," she says. "Even when I don't sing as Dolly, her influence on my natural style is ever-present. "When I am performing as Dolly, it does feel like her essence naturally channels through me. In the same way that when I am not being Dolly, the essence of me, Tricia, is just there. "Funnily enough, while I feel like many of Dolly's characteristics have shaped me, as Tricia, I have no desire to wear make-up and fancy clothes, and slip very comfortably back to being me: a mum, a daughter, a friend and wife." Working with creative teams in each of the countries Here You Come Again visits is a joy, she says, and keeps things fresh. "The story of the show is universal, but it's a lovely opportunity to work with a local creative team, to ensure that the show sits in every environment it's performed in and is easily relatable," Tricia says. "I adore the Australian company, they are super talented, wonderful actors and multi-skilled performers, and I honestly feel like already I've made new life longfriends. "What an honour it is to travel the world and work with incredible artists along the way, all of us united by telling this beautiful story of hope and love. Every day we all get to do what we love, for work, and that is a great privilege." And her favourite Dolly songs to sing on stage? "I love singing Little Andy which is not one of Dolly's most well-known hits, but I love it for the comedy and tragedy," Tricia replies. "I sing this and I get to simultaneously make the audience laugh and cry at the same time. It's a true country song!" Tricia Paoluccio grew up on an almond farm in Modesto, California, singing the songs of Dolly Parton and daydreaming about following in her footsteps. That dream has come true. Tricia is travelling the world as Dolly in Here You Come Again, a musical comedy she co-wrote with Bruce Vilanch and her husband, Gabriel Barre. Her parents still live on the farm, and it's where the idea for Here You Come Again was born. "My husband and I developed the idea and wrote it there during lockdown in 2020," she tells Weekender. "It's my favourite place on Earth." The heartfelt musical tells the story of a diehard Dolly Parton fan whose fantasy version of the international icon helps him navigate life's toughest challenges. With her wit, humour, and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. The show, which is produced by arrangement with Dolly herself, sold-out seasons across the US and UK and is now touring Australia. Tricia plays the role of Dolly alongside Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Kevin, Kellie Rode (Come From Away) as Mum, Laura Joy Bunting (Grease The Musical) as Tish, and Bailey Dunnage (Ride The Cyclone) as Jeremy. The musical has been adapted for Australia by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish and will feature all of Dolly's hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You. "I didn't come from a music family but my mother loved musicals and took me to musicals as a kid, we watched all the musical films together, I did dance classes, and she really supported my love of it," Tricia says. "It was my mum who bought me my first album, Here You Come Again, when I was six, which is where all this began." Tricia's other New York Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, The Green Bird and A View from the Bridge. Having grown up mimicking Dolly's voice, Tricia had to "unlearn" how to sing like Dolly to find her own voice. "You know, I think my own voice was waiting for me all along, but there is a lesson in trusting that what you are is enough," she says. "Even when I don't sing as Dolly, her influence on my natural style is ever-present. "When I am performing as Dolly, it does feel like her essence naturally channels through me. In the same way that when I am not being Dolly, the essence of me, Tricia, is just there. "Funnily enough, while I feel like many of Dolly's characteristics have shaped me, as Tricia, I have no desire to wear make-up and fancy clothes, and slip very comfortably back to being me: a mum, a daughter, a friend and wife." Working with creative teams in each of the countries Here You Come Again visits is a joy, she says, and keeps things fresh. "The story of the show is universal, but it's a lovely opportunity to work with a local creative team, to ensure that the show sits in every environment it's performed in and is easily relatable," Tricia says. "I adore the Australian company, they are super talented, wonderful actors and multi-skilled performers, and I honestly feel like already I've made new life longfriends. "What an honour it is to travel the world and work with incredible artists along the way, all of us united by telling this beautiful story of hope and love. Every day we all get to do what we love, for work, and that is a great privilege." And her favourite Dolly songs to sing on stage? "I love singing Little Andy which is not one of Dolly's most well-known hits, but I love it for the comedy and tragedy," Tricia replies. "I sing this and I get to simultaneously make the audience laugh and cry at the same time. It's a true country song!" Tricia Paoluccio grew up on an almond farm in Modesto, California, singing the songs of Dolly Parton and daydreaming about following in her footsteps. That dream has come true. Tricia is travelling the world as Dolly in Here You Come Again, a musical comedy she co-wrote with Bruce Vilanch and her husband, Gabriel Barre. Her parents still live on the farm, and it's where the idea for Here You Come Again was born. "My husband and I developed the idea and wrote it there during lockdown in 2020," she tells Weekender. "It's my favourite place on Earth." The heartfelt musical tells the story of a diehard Dolly Parton fan whose fantasy version of the international icon helps him navigate life's toughest challenges. With her wit, humour, and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. The show, which is produced by arrangement with Dolly herself, sold-out seasons across the US and UK and is now touring Australia. Tricia plays the role of Dolly alongside Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Kevin, Kellie Rode (Come From Away) as Mum, Laura Joy Bunting (Grease The Musical) as Tish, and Bailey Dunnage (Ride The Cyclone) as Jeremy. The musical has been adapted for Australia by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish and will feature all of Dolly's hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You. "I didn't come from a music family but my mother loved musicals and took me to musicals as a kid, we watched all the musical films together, I did dance classes, and she really supported my love of it," Tricia says. "It was my mum who bought me my first album, Here You Come Again, when I was six, which is where all this began." Tricia's other New York Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, The Green Bird and A View from the Bridge. Having grown up mimicking Dolly's voice, Tricia had to "unlearn" how to sing like Dolly to find her own voice. "You know, I think my own voice was waiting for me all along, but there is a lesson in trusting that what you are is enough," she says. "Even when I don't sing as Dolly, her influence on my natural style is ever-present. "When I am performing as Dolly, it does feel like her essence naturally channels through me. In the same way that when I am not being Dolly, the essence of me, Tricia, is just there. "Funnily enough, while I feel like many of Dolly's characteristics have shaped me, as Tricia, I have no desire to wear make-up and fancy clothes, and slip very comfortably back to being me: a mum, a daughter, a friend and wife." Working with creative teams in each of the countries Here You Come Again visits is a joy, she says, and keeps things fresh. "The story of the show is universal, but it's a lovely opportunity to work with a local creative team, to ensure that the show sits in every environment it's performed in and is easily relatable," Tricia says. "I adore the Australian company, they are super talented, wonderful actors and multi-skilled performers, and I honestly feel like already I've made new life longfriends. "What an honour it is to travel the world and work with incredible artists along the way, all of us united by telling this beautiful story of hope and love. Every day we all get to do what we love, for work, and that is a great privilege." And her favourite Dolly songs to sing on stage? "I love singing Little Andy which is not one of Dolly's most well-known hits, but I love it for the comedy and tragedy," Tricia replies. "I sing this and I get to simultaneously make the audience laugh and cry at the same time. It's a true country song!"
The Hindu
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
ACEnovation invites applications for National Storytelling Championship
The National Storytelling Championship India 2025, organised by ACEnovation, is inviting participants from ages 3 to over 103, across six categories, to share their stories, whether folk tales, personal anecdotes, or original fiction, in any language. The Hindu in School is the event's official media partner. In alignment with the National Education Policy, which recognises the importance of holistic development and creative expression, the championship provides a unique platform to enhance narrative abilities and confidently share their voices. The pan-India event aims to empower storytellers to address social issues, preserve local folklore, and promote cultural diversity. So far, over 1,000 registrations have been received from across the nation. 'The free workshops on storytelling and communication provided invaluable skills that I felt would enhance my narrative abilities,' Achinta Chopra, a participant from New Delhi, said. The registration fee is ₹400 per participant. Included in the registration are gift subscriptions to The Hindu's children's products — two months of The Hindu Young World or three months of Young World Club Digital or six issues of The Hindu in School 's Weekender; a free online workshop on the Art and Science of Storytelling; two additional free online workshops; gift vouchers; and free entry to the 'Hornbill Calls - Leader Talk' series. The last date to register is August 20. The stories can be submitted in any language. The grand finale will be held at the Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai campus, on October 2. Prizes include a trophy, and cash prizes of ₹25,000 for the junior category, and ₹1,00,00 for the senior category, among others. Visit for registration, guidelines, and more information. For inquiries, contact admin@ or call +91 8939951230. The Hindu in School is the media partner, and the organising partners are VIT Chennai, Amar Chitra Katha, MCC BOYD Tandon School of Business, The Blu Hornbill Club, and the World Storytelling Championship.
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- The Citizen
Richards Bay fraud accused case remanded
The trial for businesswomen and fraud accused Rhana Naicker and her four co-accused was on Tuesday postponed at the Richards Bay Magistrate's Court. It was set for this week but remanded to October as one of the accused was booked off sick and a new date will be set. Naicker faces charges of fraud relating to mismanagement or embezzlement of funds to the tune of R75 000 from the Richards Bay Diwali Committee NPO. The 59 year old was last year arrested and charged along with four others – Gloria Naidu, DeeAnn Huripursad, Nana Tsati and Bongani Masuku… Read the full story in the ZO Weekender edition, out on the shelves and on the ZO app. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Advertiser
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
'The joy of LEGO': fun for all ages at Newcastle Brickfest
Generations of children have a LEGO story to tell. Kevin Evans, now an adult, is no exception. "Like many kids, my earliest memories are filled with the joy of LEGO sets received for birthdays and Christmases. Back then, the bricks were simpler yet just as magical, connecting seamlessly with today's intricate designs - a testament to LEGO's timeless genius," he tells Weekender from his home in Anna Bay. "As I entered my teenage years, other interests took hold, and my beloved bricks quietly slipped into storage for a long 30-year hiatus. "Then, about 15 years ago, fate (or perhaps a very clever gift-giver) intervened. Our son received a LEGO set for his birthday, and as I sat down to help him build, something clicked back into place. A few months later, he excitedly showed me the magnificent Tower Bridge set. That was it. I had to have it!" LEGO brought the Evans family together. It became a shared family passion. "Wearing her dedicated school fundraiser hat, my wife spearheaded our very first fundraising event in 2011 for our son's primary school. The success was incredible, and soon, other schools and organisations began approaching us, eager for us to bring the brick magic to their communities," Kevin says. "It was this amazing momentum that led us to officially form Rainbow Bricks in 2013, turning a family hobby into a vibrant community group, all built on the enduring love of LEGO." Rainbow Bricks is a Recognised LEGO User Group, which is a formal designation given by The LEGO Group to a community of Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs). This recognition is part of the LEGO Ambassador Network, which is a program designed to foster collaboration between LEGO and the global fan community. Rainbow Bricks was officially recognised by LEGO in January 2014 and is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing together AFOLs and their families. "We have over 130 members and focus on building camaraderie, collaborative experiences and fundraising for our charity partners," Kevin says. "Anyone can display with Rainbow Bricks and share their love for LEGO. To become a member of Rainbow Bricks, you need to have displayed twice at our events before we will invite you to become a member." Rainbow Bricks is primarily an adult community, but its events are family-friendly, and many member families display together. Newcastle Brickfest is Rainbow Bricks' flagship event, held annually at locations across Newcastle, the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and the Mid North Coast. It is considered one of Australia's premier LEGO fan events and is the largest in NSW. This year's event, on July 5 and 6 at Newcastle Racecourse, will feature more than 270 tables of LEGO creations and raise money for John Hunter Children's Hospital Kids Club. "Last year, we managed to donate over $30,000 to the Kids Club, which was used to purchase additional equipment for the hospital," Kevin says. "This year, we're running the event over two full days and have added a Sensory Section for anyone who finds the crowd a bit overwhelming. "You'll see original creations from some of Australia's best builders, including a few LEGO master builders, and builders who have been featured in the LEGO House's displays of Masterpiece Builds in Billund, Denmark." The dedicated Sensory Section will be operational on Sunday, July 6, 9am to 10.30am, offering a calm and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Brickfest 2025 activities will include: What is it about LEGO that has proven so enduring, I ask? Why do people love it so much? "It encourages imagination for all ages," Kevin replies. "LEGO has a versatile design, meaning bricks from any era interlock, fostering endless creativity. They are high-quality bricks that withstand the years of play. It also aids children's fine motor skills and enhances their problem-solving abilities, and many adults revisit LEGO through fond childhood memories, providing engaging, screen-free fun." Generations of children have a LEGO story to tell. Kevin Evans, now an adult, is no exception. "Like many kids, my earliest memories are filled with the joy of LEGO sets received for birthdays and Christmases. Back then, the bricks were simpler yet just as magical, connecting seamlessly with today's intricate designs - a testament to LEGO's timeless genius," he tells Weekender from his home in Anna Bay. "As I entered my teenage years, other interests took hold, and my beloved bricks quietly slipped into storage for a long 30-year hiatus. "Then, about 15 years ago, fate (or perhaps a very clever gift-giver) intervened. Our son received a LEGO set for his birthday, and as I sat down to help him build, something clicked back into place. A few months later, he excitedly showed me the magnificent Tower Bridge set. That was it. I had to have it!" LEGO brought the Evans family together. It became a shared family passion. "Wearing her dedicated school fundraiser hat, my wife spearheaded our very first fundraising event in 2011 for our son's primary school. The success was incredible, and soon, other schools and organisations began approaching us, eager for us to bring the brick magic to their communities," Kevin says. "It was this amazing momentum that led us to officially form Rainbow Bricks in 2013, turning a family hobby into a vibrant community group, all built on the enduring love of LEGO." Rainbow Bricks is a Recognised LEGO User Group, which is a formal designation given by The LEGO Group to a community of Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs). This recognition is part of the LEGO Ambassador Network, which is a program designed to foster collaboration between LEGO and the global fan community. Rainbow Bricks was officially recognised by LEGO in January 2014 and is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing together AFOLs and their families. "We have over 130 members and focus on building camaraderie, collaborative experiences and fundraising for our charity partners," Kevin says. "Anyone can display with Rainbow Bricks and share their love for LEGO. To become a member of Rainbow Bricks, you need to have displayed twice at our events before we will invite you to become a member." Rainbow Bricks is primarily an adult community, but its events are family-friendly, and many member families display together. Newcastle Brickfest is Rainbow Bricks' flagship event, held annually at locations across Newcastle, the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and the Mid North Coast. It is considered one of Australia's premier LEGO fan events and is the largest in NSW. This year's event, on July 5 and 6 at Newcastle Racecourse, will feature more than 270 tables of LEGO creations and raise money for John Hunter Children's Hospital Kids Club. "Last year, we managed to donate over $30,000 to the Kids Club, which was used to purchase additional equipment for the hospital," Kevin says. "This year, we're running the event over two full days and have added a Sensory Section for anyone who finds the crowd a bit overwhelming. "You'll see original creations from some of Australia's best builders, including a few LEGO master builders, and builders who have been featured in the LEGO House's displays of Masterpiece Builds in Billund, Denmark." The dedicated Sensory Section will be operational on Sunday, July 6, 9am to 10.30am, offering a calm and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Brickfest 2025 activities will include: What is it about LEGO that has proven so enduring, I ask? Why do people love it so much? "It encourages imagination for all ages," Kevin replies. "LEGO has a versatile design, meaning bricks from any era interlock, fostering endless creativity. They are high-quality bricks that withstand the years of play. It also aids children's fine motor skills and enhances their problem-solving abilities, and many adults revisit LEGO through fond childhood memories, providing engaging, screen-free fun." Generations of children have a LEGO story to tell. Kevin Evans, now an adult, is no exception. "Like many kids, my earliest memories are filled with the joy of LEGO sets received for birthdays and Christmases. Back then, the bricks were simpler yet just as magical, connecting seamlessly with today's intricate designs - a testament to LEGO's timeless genius," he tells Weekender from his home in Anna Bay. "As I entered my teenage years, other interests took hold, and my beloved bricks quietly slipped into storage for a long 30-year hiatus. "Then, about 15 years ago, fate (or perhaps a very clever gift-giver) intervened. Our son received a LEGO set for his birthday, and as I sat down to help him build, something clicked back into place. A few months later, he excitedly showed me the magnificent Tower Bridge set. That was it. I had to have it!" LEGO brought the Evans family together. It became a shared family passion. "Wearing her dedicated school fundraiser hat, my wife spearheaded our very first fundraising event in 2011 for our son's primary school. The success was incredible, and soon, other schools and organisations began approaching us, eager for us to bring the brick magic to their communities," Kevin says. "It was this amazing momentum that led us to officially form Rainbow Bricks in 2013, turning a family hobby into a vibrant community group, all built on the enduring love of LEGO." Rainbow Bricks is a Recognised LEGO User Group, which is a formal designation given by The LEGO Group to a community of Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs). This recognition is part of the LEGO Ambassador Network, which is a program designed to foster collaboration between LEGO and the global fan community. Rainbow Bricks was officially recognised by LEGO in January 2014 and is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing together AFOLs and their families. "We have over 130 members and focus on building camaraderie, collaborative experiences and fundraising for our charity partners," Kevin says. "Anyone can display with Rainbow Bricks and share their love for LEGO. To become a member of Rainbow Bricks, you need to have displayed twice at our events before we will invite you to become a member." Rainbow Bricks is primarily an adult community, but its events are family-friendly, and many member families display together. Newcastle Brickfest is Rainbow Bricks' flagship event, held annually at locations across Newcastle, the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and the Mid North Coast. It is considered one of Australia's premier LEGO fan events and is the largest in NSW. This year's event, on July 5 and 6 at Newcastle Racecourse, will feature more than 270 tables of LEGO creations and raise money for John Hunter Children's Hospital Kids Club. "Last year, we managed to donate over $30,000 to the Kids Club, which was used to purchase additional equipment for the hospital," Kevin says. "This year, we're running the event over two full days and have added a Sensory Section for anyone who finds the crowd a bit overwhelming. "You'll see original creations from some of Australia's best builders, including a few LEGO master builders, and builders who have been featured in the LEGO House's displays of Masterpiece Builds in Billund, Denmark." The dedicated Sensory Section will be operational on Sunday, July 6, 9am to 10.30am, offering a calm and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Brickfest 2025 activities will include: What is it about LEGO that has proven so enduring, I ask? Why do people love it so much? "It encourages imagination for all ages," Kevin replies. "LEGO has a versatile design, meaning bricks from any era interlock, fostering endless creativity. They are high-quality bricks that withstand the years of play. It also aids children's fine motor skills and enhances their problem-solving abilities, and many adults revisit LEGO through fond childhood memories, providing engaging, screen-free fun." Generations of children have a LEGO story to tell. Kevin Evans, now an adult, is no exception. "Like many kids, my earliest memories are filled with the joy of LEGO sets received for birthdays and Christmases. Back then, the bricks were simpler yet just as magical, connecting seamlessly with today's intricate designs - a testament to LEGO's timeless genius," he tells Weekender from his home in Anna Bay. "As I entered my teenage years, other interests took hold, and my beloved bricks quietly slipped into storage for a long 30-year hiatus. "Then, about 15 years ago, fate (or perhaps a very clever gift-giver) intervened. Our son received a LEGO set for his birthday, and as I sat down to help him build, something clicked back into place. A few months later, he excitedly showed me the magnificent Tower Bridge set. That was it. I had to have it!" LEGO brought the Evans family together. It became a shared family passion. "Wearing her dedicated school fundraiser hat, my wife spearheaded our very first fundraising event in 2011 for our son's primary school. The success was incredible, and soon, other schools and organisations began approaching us, eager for us to bring the brick magic to their communities," Kevin says. "It was this amazing momentum that led us to officially form Rainbow Bricks in 2013, turning a family hobby into a vibrant community group, all built on the enduring love of LEGO." Rainbow Bricks is a Recognised LEGO User Group, which is a formal designation given by The LEGO Group to a community of Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs). This recognition is part of the LEGO Ambassador Network, which is a program designed to foster collaboration between LEGO and the global fan community. Rainbow Bricks was officially recognised by LEGO in January 2014 and is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing together AFOLs and their families. "We have over 130 members and focus on building camaraderie, collaborative experiences and fundraising for our charity partners," Kevin says. "Anyone can display with Rainbow Bricks and share their love for LEGO. To become a member of Rainbow Bricks, you need to have displayed twice at our events before we will invite you to become a member." Rainbow Bricks is primarily an adult community, but its events are family-friendly, and many member families display together. Newcastle Brickfest is Rainbow Bricks' flagship event, held annually at locations across Newcastle, the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and the Mid North Coast. It is considered one of Australia's premier LEGO fan events and is the largest in NSW. This year's event, on July 5 and 6 at Newcastle Racecourse, will feature more than 270 tables of LEGO creations and raise money for John Hunter Children's Hospital Kids Club. "Last year, we managed to donate over $30,000 to the Kids Club, which was used to purchase additional equipment for the hospital," Kevin says. "This year, we're running the event over two full days and have added a Sensory Section for anyone who finds the crowd a bit overwhelming. "You'll see original creations from some of Australia's best builders, including a few LEGO master builders, and builders who have been featured in the LEGO House's displays of Masterpiece Builds in Billund, Denmark." The dedicated Sensory Section will be operational on Sunday, July 6, 9am to 10.30am, offering a calm and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Brickfest 2025 activities will include: What is it about LEGO that has proven so enduring, I ask? Why do people love it so much? "It encourages imagination for all ages," Kevin replies. "LEGO has a versatile design, meaning bricks from any era interlock, fostering endless creativity. They are high-quality bricks that withstand the years of play. It also aids children's fine motor skills and enhances their problem-solving abilities, and many adults revisit LEGO through fond childhood memories, providing engaging, screen-free fun."
Business Upturn
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
Tesla To Offer Extended EV Test Drive Experiences Via Electrify Expos' Weekender Program
Tesla will be the exclusive partner at Electrify Expo LA for the Electrify Weekender program with additional automakers to be announced for future cities Electrify Weekender is an extended test drive program exclusive to Electrify Expo attendees where they can take their EV of choice home and experience how it fits in their everyday life LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Electrify Expo , North America's largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, today announced Electrify Weekender, an extended test drive program exclusively available to Electrify Expo attendees giving them the opportunity to extend their EV experiences beyond the gates of the festival and further familiarize themselves with EV technology building buyer confidence before making a purchase. The program kicks off with Tesla as the exclusive partner at Electrify Expo Los Angeles on June 21-22. 'Electrify Weekender gives people the freedom to experience EVs on their own terms,' said BJ Birtwell, founder and CEO of Electrify Expo. 'At our festivals, thousands of attendees get their first taste of EVs through hands-on demos, and that's often the spark that starts their journey. With Weekender, we're extending that experience into real life. Giving people more time behind the wheel builds confidence, and confidence drives adoption. This program is about breaking outdated myths, reaching new audiences and showing how EVs seamlessly fit into everyday life. My first EV experience was in a Tesla, so launching this with them feels like a full-circle moment. Now it's time for others to have that same 'light bulb' moment.' Tesla has been the industry leader delivering high-performance vehicles and innovative models. With Tesla's large role in shaping the industry, the collaboration with Electrify Weekender marks another milestone in the company's investment in EV accessibility and adoption. Attendees may sign up for the extended test drive program ahead of time or on-site at the festival. After selecting their preferred model, information is passed to the automaker who coordinates with local stores to schedule a two day driving experience. Participate in Electrify Weekender Interested in a longer experience with an EV of your choice following your demos at Electrify Expo? Find more information about the test drive program and participating automakers near you at . Electrify Expo's Remaining 2025 Tour Stops: June 21-22: Los Angeles, CA July 12-13: Seattle, WA August 23-24: San Francisco, CA September 13-14: Chicago, IL **new city October 17-19: New York, NY November 15-16: Dallas, TX **new city For the full 2025 schedule and to secure tickets, visit . Media interested in attending may request credentials by emailing [email protected] . Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2025 Electrify Expo locations can visit . About Electrify Expo Electrify Expo is North America's largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, where consumers come to shop and experience all things electric. The festival showcases the industry's leading brands and exciting startups through hands-on activations, demos and experiences spanning EVs, micromobility, solar energy, charging solutions, powersports, automotive aftermarket, and connected home technology, providing attendees with immersive learning opportunities and memorable interactions. From high-powered demo courses to engaging education zones, Electrify Expo offers a unique festival vibe for consumers to reshape what they think they know about EVs. In 2025, Electrify Expo's nationwide tour will visit Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit and follow on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube . Media ContactSkyya PR [email protected]
