Festival organisers, musicians and lovers of live music can access up to date information on 200 music festivals across Australia in 2006 in this new guide. Festivals range from blues, jazz, folk, bush, world, country, Indigenous and bluegrass to classical, rock, Celtic and many more. The guide’s state by state listings include contact details, venues,

Sydneys FBi RADIO, home to new Australian music and culture, has finally caught up with the 21st century has begun online broadcasting with a simulcast web stream. FBi launched in August 2003 with a remit to capture the best emerging talent from across the full spectrum of Australian culture. Music is FBis main passion ­

Held this September in Berlin, Popkomm presents over 400 hours of live music, more than 1200 artists from 23 countries, plus a vibrant trade fair and conference. The festival is now calling for applications from artists who wish to showcase at the event, with entries closing on May 23rd. See the Popkomm website www.popkomm.de/ for

Whichway is running intensive music industry workshops May 17, 18 & 19th at the Redfern Community Centre. Up to 15 artists who are ready for music industry development will be chosen to participate. The aim of this program is to create links between Indigenous artists, industry professionals and music support organisations to develop professional skills

Pete Wells of Rose Tattoo sadly passed last week after a long battle with cancer. MusicNSW would like to offer our condolences to Pete’s family and friends.

Just a reminder that the cause is still on the agenda. Parliamentarians are voting mid year and it’s important they hear our voices before they vote. The list of Parliament Members and their email addresses can be found at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au

From April 4-8, Australias non-profit youth portal Vibewire.net is holding an e-Festival – five days of online panels, short films, images, podcasts, guest columnists, published papers, opportunities and resources. e-Festival of Ideas is a conference taken online and democratised. It is the only forum of its kind – using the latest in online technologies to

Arts Law Centre has recently published a new edition of “A Practical Guide for Artists and Arts Organisations. This is a user-friendly guide explaining insurance for artists and non-profit arts organisations. Info:www.artslaw.com.au/Publications/Books/

Voting for the 2006 APRA Music Awards Song of the Year is now open. Simply visit www.apra.com.au and click on Awards Central. Once in Awards Central click on VOTE NOW and follow the steps provided.

Each year Nescafé Big Break gives away cash grants to people aged between 16 and 24, who have a dream or idea and need some financial support to make it a reality. It is not an achievement award and anyone can win the grants. There are no categories and winners can be from any field