Singapore GP unveils new experiences for the 2014 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
• Over 55 hours of entertainment expected over the three-day race weekend
• 3 new stages set to entertain patrons at the Circuit Park
Singapore, 31 July 2014 – Race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd today unveiled new experiences patrons can look forward to at the 2014 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX. This includes three new stages, a brand new dining concept and an expanded support entertainment line-up consisting of 49 acts from 20 countries, including Zone 4 and Zone 1 headliners Jennifer Lopez, Robbie Williams, Mayday, John Legend, Pet Shop Boys and Ziggy Marley.
"We were thrilled to receive excellent feedback from our patrons on their overall experience at the Marina Bay Street Circuit last year. One of the trends was that people are coming in through our gates earlier to fully maximise their time in the Circuit Park, indicating that fans have come to appreciate our entertainment programming over the years. This September will be no different, in fact fans can look forward to new
entertainment precincts and dining concepts, a specially curated entertainment line-up which includes some musical gems and even an 'extreme circus-cabaret' act, and more interactive activities so ticketholders have plenty to see and do from the minute they enter our gates," said Michael Roche, Executive Director, Singapore GP Pte Ltd.
Patrons can expect non-stop action from when the Circuit Park gates open at 3pm until midnight with specially curated off-track entertainment comprising world-class international music acts, theatrical performances, illusionists and roving artistes throughout the799,000sqm Circuit Park. A myriad of these fringe acts are in addition to the thrilling on-track action set to take place on the streets of Singapore this 19 September (Friday) to 21 September (Sunday).
On-Track Action
The Marina Bay Street Circuit will welcome the Masters Historic Formula One cars, which will race for the first time under lights in Singapore. The FIA Masters Historic Formula One Championship and Masters HGP will combine to showcase a grid of Formula One cars from 1966 - 1985. An invited selection of 20-cars will form up in Singapore for the ultimate historic Formula One showdown.
Comprising historic 3-litre engine FORMULA ONE cars from the 1970s and 1980s in period livery, Masters Historic Racing promises a thrilling glimpse of historic FORMULA ONE, delivering a superb spectacle of sight and sound.
Petrolheads will also be treated to scintillating racing action even before the Formula One cars take to the track. The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia returns to the Marina Bay Street Circuit with the all-new 460 horsepower Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991) racing cars.
Singapore hosts the penultimate race for the highly popular championship, whose currentrace leader is 23-year-old Earl Bamber of LKM Racing. The New Zealander is the reigning champion and is no stranger to the Singapore street circuit, having picked up the trophy last year.
The line-up for the twelfth season features five Singaporean residents: veteran racer Ringo Chong (Team Kangshun), reigning Class B champion Egidio Perfetti (Mentos Racing), 2013’s Class B runner up Yuey Tan (Dorr Havelock Racing), 2010’s Class B champion Mok Weng Sun (Clearwater Racing), as well as series newcomer Ro.C. Skyangel (Team Yongda Dongfang).
The Most Comprehensive Entertainment Programme Yet
Featuring 49 acts from 20 countries, the 2014 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX has a spectacular performance line-up that promises something for everyone.
Experience four different types of entertainment themes throughout the three-day race weekend; catch performances from international music acts, watch illusionists weave their magic, get involved in workshops run by roving artistes or be enthralled by theatrical productions while at the night race.
International Music Acts
Storytelling singer Steven Gene Wold, better known as Seasick Steve, revives traditional country blues with his three-string trance guitar.
Since his debut solo album Dog House Music in 2006 at the age of 65, the busker turned BRIT Award nominee was nominated as the best International Male Solo Artist at the 2009 and 2010 BRIT Awards. His third album I Started Out With Nothin’ And I Still Got Most Of It Left went platinum in the UK and sold over 250,000 copies.
Since then, Steve has had a sold-out concert at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall and has performed at the Glastonbury Festival as well as on-air with the "Late Show with David Letterman" and BBC's "Later...with Jools Holland". Catch Steve's Singapore debut in Zone 1 of the Circuit Park on Saturday and Sunday.
Jamaican musician Richard Blues has been entertaining audiences worldwide for the last 20 years with regular performances at the Scotland Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Chicago Blues Festival and London’s Covent Garden. Based in the UK, this guitar-slinging, modern-day poet will perform in Singapore for the first time ever in Zone 4 on Friday and Saturday, in addition to performances in Zone 1 on Sunday.
Hailing from the exotic Cape Verde, Portuguese singer Lura has married the traditional rhythms from Cape Verde into a new dance sound for her generation. Lura’s 2005 album Di Korpu Ku Alma (Of Body and Soul) was released in ten countries, including the USA, Italy and the UK. Nominated as one of the Best Artistes from Africa at the BBC World Music Awards in 2006, Lura's Singapore debut will be in Zone 1 on Friday and in Zone 4 on Saturday.
Scouted in Brisbane, Australia, Vino Veritas play a fusion of European gypsy jazz and “edgy punky Eastern European folk music”. Comprising two guitarists and a violinist from varied musical backgrounds, the catchy trio will get your feet tapping in Zone 4 on Friday and Sunday as well as in Zone 1 on Saturday.
Also talent spotted in Australia, Reuben Stone records live loops in his performances, involving layers of guitar, bass and beat box to create an authentic one-man band. The professional busker’s original sound includes samples from psychedelic rock, drum and bass, blues, glitch hop and dub. Look out for Reuben’s set as he performs in Zone 4 on Friday and Saturday as well as in Zone 1 on Saturday and Sunday.
Singapore's hottest band of 2014 The Sam Willows will perform in Zone 1 on Saturday and in Zone 4 on Sunday. Fresh from their 2013 North American tour, The Sam Willows recently experienced a week of studio time with five-time Grammy Award-winning producer Steve Lillywhite CBE (U2, Rolling Stones, The Killers).
Carlos Castano is an independent Filipino singer-songwriter who has sold over 40,000 copies of his three albums in the Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore. Carlos’ fourth album is set for release in August 2014 in the US and Canada. Catch him in Zone 4 on Saturday and in Zone 1 on Friday and Sunday.
13-year old Miguel Antonio may be the youngest performer at the Circuit Park but expect a polished performance from the prodigious crooner when he sings at Zone 1's Paddock Club Lifestyle Stage on Saturday. Singapore's next big thing is no stranger to large crowds, having previously performed to an audience of 10,000 since his debut in 2010.
Other international music acts set to take the stage at the night race include Holy Roller and The Smoking Guns, Fungkimunkees, Indigo, Pavarotti Forever, ShiLi & Adi, The Shock, Vanessa Fernandez and Zsa + Claire.
Illusionists
Andrew Mayne is a big part of the new generation of magic. Wildly innovative, highly visual and with a little bit of mischief thrown in, his brand of “shock magic” combines the impact of large-scale illusions with in-your-face street magic. Andrew has a knack for making things disappear, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Mayne has previously worked behind the scenes creatively for notable magicians David Copperfield, Penn & Teller and David Blaine. Currently starring in the TV series “Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne”, this illusionist has performed his unique brand of magic across five continents and has garnered millions of views on YouTube. Look out for Andrew across the Circuit Park throughout the three-day race weekend.
A “supercharged showman” and “daredevil performer”, Cosentino will take to Zone 1 on Saturday and Sunday. Feast your eyes as the 2013 International Magician of the Year pulls off grand illusions involving props such as kitchen knives, razor blades, chains and handcuffs for heart-stopping deadly stunts that will leave you in awe.
Matthew, Prakash and Asi Wind from The Artifice Group will captivate guests at the Paddock Club and Hospitality Suites with mind-boggling tricks and illusions. The experienced trio has weaved their magic at over 10,000 events and are able to perform in 6 different languages!
Jean-Christophe is an Australian-born, Singapore-based mentalist who specialises in tricks of the mind and psychological deception. Look out for this charismatic magician around the Circuit Park and watch as he bends metal using only his mind.
Theatrical Performances
Immerse in a magnificent outdoor theatrical extravaganza with Lady in the Moon taking centre stage at the Padang on Saturday and Sunday. The reenactment of the legendary fable behind the Mid-Autumn Festival – traditionally celebrated by the Chinese in September – revolves around protagonist Chang’e, the Moon Goddess of Immortality and her talented archer husband, Hou Yi.
Lady in the Moon tells the story of how Hou Yi saved the scorching earth from nine suns, which led to the heart-wrenching separation of the star-crossed lovers.
The spectacular production features artistes from 5 countries (Germany, Israel, Italy, Poland and Spain) collaborating for the first time. Look out for a larger-than-life 4m puppet, aerial dancers 25m above the ground, stiltwalkers and a 7.4m tall “tech” tree!
Witness heart-stopping illusions, mind-bending displays by contortionists, fire breathers and breathtaking dance moves from the sensational circus-cabaret troupe TORQUE. The critically acclaimed production features eight highly skilled performers from the US, UK and Australia who will mix death defying stunts with toe-tapping music. Having performed to sell-out audiences at London’s Wonderground Festival and Australia’s Adelaide Festival, Torque is set to make their Singapore debut at the Sail Stage on Saturday and Sunday.
Matteo Arfanotti of Cuerpos Pintados is a world champion bodypainter whose masterpieces are enhanced through the beauty of the human form. Comprising 9 body painted dancers and acrobats, Matteo’s avant garde expressionist art seeks to create striking overlapping images intrinsic to the purity of the human form. Catch their Singapore debut in Zone 1 on Friday.
World-renowned sand artist Ilana Yahav uses only her fingers to create moving stories that will emerge right before your very eyes. The Israeli’s mastery of this unique art form has reached a global audience with her videos amassing over 30 million views on YouTube. Be captivated by Ilana’s sand animation in Zone 1 on Friday and as part of the Lady in the Moon performance in Zone 4 on Saturday and Sunday.
Glass Duo’s Anna and Arkadiusz Szafraniec are Poland’s only glass music act and one of the few professional ensembles worldwide. Using 57 specially crafted glass goblets which produces 5 octaves – making it the biggest professional glass harp in the world – the duo have performed in concerts, international festivals as well as radio, television and theatre productions around the world. See them in Zone 1’s Paddock Club Lifestyle Stage on Friday and as part of the Lady in the Moon performance in Zone 4 on Saturday and Sunday.
Using only their voices to replicate sounds of an entire orchestra, The Voca People are a delightful Israeli-based ensemble that combines acapella vocals with beatboxing beats, all while in costume! Created by Lior Kalfon and Shai Fishmann, catch this quirky group in action in Zone 4 on Saturday and in Zone 1’s Paddock Club Lifestyle Stage on Sunday.
Workshops and Roving Artistes
Drum Cat, the award-winning, globally recognised Korean ensemble that has taken the world by storm with their high-energy performances makes their Singapore debut at the Circuit Park this year. Don't miss these sexy, all-female percussion group in Zone 4 on Friday and Sunday as well as in Zone 1 on Saturday.
Get interactive with Asia Ability as they transform a group of individuals into a percussion band in just 45 minutes. Their workshop at Zone 4's Esplanade Park Stage on Friday and Sunday will be filled with infectious rhythms in one of the most exhilarating group activities to sweep the Circuit Park.
Take part in Frititi's workshop and be treated to the vibrant rhythms of Africa. Participants will be introduced to a variety of dance movements and styles from across the African continent by the Pan-African arts and culture group. Workshops will be conducted in Zone 4 on Saturday and Sunday.
Look out for more roving acts and colourful characters throughout the Circuit Park for a unique photo opportunity with artistes such as Cayote Ugly, Champagne Showgirls, Singing Waiter, The Invisible Man, The Living Topiary, TTB Stiltwalkers, Urban Street Team and more. In addition, patrons can also try their hand at changing the tyres of a Formula One replica car at the Pit Stop Challenge station, or get 'inked' with free airbrush tattoos by the 8-Ball Tattoo artists in Zone 4.
New at the Circuit Park
To complement the adrenaline-pumping action on the track, Singapore GP has introduced three new stages for 2014, bringing the total number of stages within the Circuit Park to nine.
The spectacular new Sail Stage will feature exciting content guaranteed to get spectators spellbound. Sited within Zone 1's F1 Village where all the action is, the Sail Stage features a seven-metre high canopy that will be home to theatrical performances by Torque and Ilana Yahav, as well as daredevil illusionist extraordinaire Cosentino.
The Sail Stage is in addition to three other stages - the Village Stage, Sunset Stage and the Paddock Club Lifestyle Stage - in Zone 1, whose main fare is live music from local and international performers guaranteed to get you on your feet.
Over at Zone 4, the new Coyote Stage is home to performances by Seasick Steve and theatrical production Lady in the Moon. Flanking a Hawker Village at the edge of the Padang (field), the revamped dining concept features food and beverage outlets operating out of open-concept modular containers. Here, patrons can feast on local and international cuisine from 10 stalls in a melting pot of gastronomical delights.
Just a stone's throw away also in Zone 4 is the White Bar Stage. Set in the idyllic Esplanade Park, take a respite from the tropical heat under the majestic rain trees and cool off with your choice of alcoholic beverages at the adjacent White Bar. This area is set to come alive once the sun sets, as patrons will be treated to live performances by international music acts such as Richard Blues and Reuben Stone, as well as local talents ShiLi & Adi, Vanessa Fernandez and Zsa + Claire.
Other Zone 4 stages providing more riveting entertainment accessible to all patrons include the Padang Stage, Esplanade Park Stage and the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre.
To view the latest entertainment programme as well as for more information about the artistes performing at the 2014 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX, visit www.singaporegp.sg. Please note that the artiste line-up, performance date and performance venue are subject to change.
Tickets to catch the thrilling on-track action and stellar entertainment line-up are available from S$68 for a Friday Zone 4 Walkabout ticket (subject to availability). Tickets are available online (www.singaporegp.sg), via the ticketing hotline (+65 6738 6738) as well as at all SISTIC outlets / international authorised agents.
Notes:
Annex 1: Singapore Grand Prix Enterainment Programme
Annex 2: Fringe Entertainment Fast Facts
Annex 3: 2014 Entertainment Highlights
Annex 4: Marina Bay Street Circuit Map
Annex 5: 2014 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX Ticket Prices