THE INSIDE WORD
ROJO ROLLING WITH SNOOP DOGG AND ED SHEERAN
THIS could be the start of something big. Jarreau La Castra’s new album has achieved something remarkable.
In a little over one day, Councillor
Bob’s son, who performs under the name RoJo RMG, hit No.1 in the new album charts on iTunes in Hip Hop and across all genres. Behind him in the top 10 were Snoop Dogg, Amy Shark, Hilltop Hoods and an up-and-coming, ginger-haired singer/ songwriter called Ed Sheeran.
“It’s surreal,” said Jarreau when we rang to congratulate him. “It’s really awesome and I am beyond happy with how the EP has been received.”
He also has a wonderful cover of the Tones & I hit Dance Monkey, which he has done as a fundraiser for musicians and artists struggling at the moment.
Check him out – he is a global talent.
ABUSE THE POWER AND YOU’RE TOAST
WE’VE always said that the rich are just a little bit different. How else to explain the actions of one of that class who was spotted doing something very odd in a luxury high-rise building.
One of the residents smelt something burning and opened the door of her unit to check. There she saw her neighbour, in a dressing gown, in the hall way with a kettle and a toaster plugged into a power point.
The smell was from the toaster and she asked what was going on. “I’m making my breakfast of tea and toast,” came the matter-of-fact reply. “Why out here?”
“I’m saving on my electricity bill by using the power from the building.”
By our reckoning that amounts to a colossal saving of around five cents per day. Another exciting episode of lifestyles of the rich and shameless.
LONG CATWALK TO SUCCESS
IT often takes someone who is prepared to simply have a go to make something extraordinary come to life.
A prime example of that is Lynne Goddard (pictured with Elizabeth Downer) who conceived and created The Long Catwalk fashion and food event in Main Beach last Friday.
Which begs the question – why? “I’ve lived in Main Beach for 27 years and witnessed the halcyon days but have recently
seen the stress that COVID has had on so many traders,” she said.
“I’ve staged big events before so thought it would be a good idea to turn Tedder Avenue into a giant runway. I didn’t seek any funding because it would be easier to get it done and then once it was shown that it could be done, the next ones will be easier. All the cafes and restaurants along Tedder were approached. They all agreed, the models donated their time
and Dynamite Dance School came on board too.
“It was all COVID compliant and GCCC approved. The feedback has been extraordinary so hopefully it will become a regular event.”
The power of one – again.
HOME NEVER AWAY FOR ACTOR
IT is a case of Somerset to Summer Bay for Annabelle Stephenson (right) with the beauty lighting up the screen on popular soap Home and Away.
“It has been one of the best jobs I’ve ever had playing Taylor Rosetta,” she said.
“The cast and crew were all absolutely wonderful. I was lucky to have a job during the height of the pandemic and I’ve never seen a production team work so hard to support each other and continue to create. Camaraderie, hard work and lots of laughter win every time.”
Her transition from Somerset College, where she did all her schooling, to full-time actor wasn’t totally expected or planned: “I was always performing, involving myself in school plays, playing music and dancing but getting accepted into NIDA at 18 made me grow up very quickly. The skills I learned there have allowed me to endure such a demanding and difficult career path.”
She moved to Los Angeles and landed roles in a series of films including Revenge, Pray for Rain, Escape Room and Rehearsal.
Although now based in Sydney for work, the Gold Coast will always be home. “I still have the same friends from school and I came back recently to celebrate my birthday with them and even fed the dolphins at Tangalooma.”
And advice for anyone starting out in the industry? “Acting has a glamorous veneer but in reality it takes a lot of hard work, perseverance and rejection. Don’t let external influences affect you.
“No matter how hard it may seem, always stay true to yourself, because you are unique and bring something to the industry no one else can.”
Another shining example of local talent succeeding.