World Youth Day - Super Thursday
Pope Benedict XVI makes his first official visit to World Youth Day events. Channel 9 news reporter Michael Usher has all the latest on World Youth Day. For more information on the event visit www.wyd2008.org
Rapping priest
Father Stan Fortuna, the priest from the Bronx raps some religious messages. To find out more on check out www.francesproductions.com or www.franciscans.org.au/wyd
The Day of Difference Foundation
World Youth Day ambassadors, the Delezios, are encouraging support for the charitable organisation The Day of Difference. The children’s charity provides funding for much needed hospital equipment and facilities to save children’s lives, research into burns and skin technology and support for children and their families on their journey from emergency to recovery. For more information visit www.darofdifference.org.au
Wicked the musical
Wicked has landed in Melbourne's Regent Theatre! Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz and features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
Qantas Holidays is offering TODAY Show viewers a special offer to see the breathtaking production of Wicked.
From $197 per person twin share the price includes one nights accommodation in a city standard room at Hotel Ibis and one A Reserve Ticket (per person) to Wicked.
This fantastic getaway is available on selected dates between 13 July and 26 October 2008. Offer ends 24 August 2008.
Don’t forget to combine this offer with a Qantas or Jetstar Airfare
To book call Qantas Holidays on 13 14 15 or visit www.qantas.com/todayshow
Billy Joel in concert
Tickets on sale 9am Friday 25 July
Fans of the piano man prepare yourselves! The Frontier Touring Company welcomes back Billy Joel to Australia and New Zealand this November and December for a limited run of concerts. Billy will take to the stage in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney and - for the first time in 10 years will also play shows in Auckland and Adelaide.
Billy Joel is one of this century’s greatest musicians. Winning six Grammy Awards, selling in excess of 150 million albums worldwide, being inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and also the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame are just a few of the accolades Billy has clocked up over the years. Indeed it is thirty years since the release of Billy’s landmark album ‘The Stranger’. To celebrate this anniversary, Sony BMG are issuing ‘The Stranger 30th Anniversary Legacy’ edition with a bonus disc of live tracks. This collectors item is being released to coincide with the announcement of Billy’s tour through Sony BMG on Saturday July 12th.
In 2006 Billy toured Australia thrilling the audiences and critics alike by playing all the favourites – Piano Man, Uptown Girl, New York State of Mind, River of Dreams and Tell Her About It amongst many others – in a two and a half hour spectacular. Breaking attendance records across Australia, Billy left everyone enraptured with his performances.
Tickets to see Billy Joel were snapped up in record time, and with Auckland and Adelaide added to the agenda, you can expect demand to be unprecedented. Secure yours when they go on sale this Friday 25 July.
Pre-sale tickets will be available from Tuesday 22 July. Head to www.frontiertouring.com for further details.
Sunday 23 November, Members Equity Stadium, Perth, contact Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
Wednesday 26 November, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, contact Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
Saturday 29 November, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, contact Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
Thursday 4 December, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, contact Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
Tuesday 9 December, Acer Arena, Sydney, contact Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
Sunday 14 December, Vector Arena, Auckland, contact Ticketmaster 09 970 9700 or www.ticketmaster.co.nz
Perisher Snow report
Snow reporter Christie Dowling has the latest news from Perisher Blue. For more snow reports and weather information visit www.weather.ninemsn.com.au
China earthquake appeal
We were all moved by the terrible earthquake in China. The devastating quake claimed more than 80,000 lives and left five million people homeless.
In the village of Beichuan everything was destroyed. As locals try to rebuild their lives We’re asking you to lend a hand to help raise money to build a new school to Australian safety standards.
We need to raise $325,000 to build a school for 500 students. The TODAY Show have donated $1000. You can donate at any branch of the National Australia Bank
Remember every little bit helps and all donations are tax deductable. If you’re a business and you send us your receipt for a donation over $500 we’ll give you a big plug on air.
The NAB details are: Account name: China earthquake appeal. BSB: 084-130. Account number: 75 314 7955
