Barbecue flavour to Lakeside 2011

He's been a dancing star, an evil brother and part of a dodgy West Auckland family - now Shane Cortese is taking on a new role as one half of the artistic director team for Lakeside 2011.
The Rotorua Lakeside Concert Charitable Trust has launched the artistic directors for Lakeside 2011 - Shane Cortese from Outrageous Fortune and music maestro Mark Dennison. The concert - which will have the theme of Made in New Zealand - will be held on January 22 next year.
The theme will embrace the theme of summer fun and music sung around the Kiwi barbecue.
Cortese is well known for his role as Hayden Peters on popular TV3 show Outrageous Fortune, Dominic Thompson on Shortland St and Dancing With The Stars, when he was paired up with his now-wife Nerida.
He wants to create an atmosphere that will allow all members of the family to enjoy good music together, just as they would around a summer barbecue. "Family is the most important thing in the world," he said. "I want the show to start at 7.30 and once you get on the train at 7.30 you don't want to get off again," Cortese said.
He will also be bringing his family with him and his wife is likely to make a guest appearance, he says.
The show will showcase some of the nation's leading entertainers, and locals will feature as well. Well-known Kiwi entertainers Frankie Stevens, Jackie Clarke and Ainslie Allen will be part of the show, along with C4 host Drew Neemia, who will perform at the popular concert for the first time.
Rotorua Lakeside Concert Charitable Trust chairman Ian Edward said the theme was relevant and timely given the Rugby World Cup in 2011. He said the trust was always approached by a high calibre of performers or entertainers wanting to be the next artistic director for the annual Lakeside concert.
"What they wanted to bring together are memories of the entertainment a family would enjoy around a summer barbecue."
This was the 15th year the concert had been held and Mr Edward said the event brought together the best Maori, contemporary and classical music.
"I think, from a fairly humble idea, I like to believe that we've created something now that is anticipated by the community," he said.
Event director Monty Morrison said he was excited about the unique New Zealand concept for next year's show.
"We're thrilled and excited about the concept [Cortese and Dennison] has been able to present to us ... It was a joint proposal," Mr Morrison said.