Special Report: Business Class

THE Perth music landscape has been irreversibly transformed over the past decade with events organisers for outdoor concerts and festivals poised to stage one of the busiest summers in Perth's entertainment history.

OUTDOOR cinemas have a long history in Western Australia, dating back more than 60 years.

WHILE the top end of town chases the advertising dollar in securing chart-topping commercial acts to tour Western Australia, a niche market for musical entertainment has emerged with a different focus.

FOR almost 25 years, Leeuwin Estate has staged a series of alfresco concerts in its picturesque grounds as part of the winery's ongoing association and sponsorship of the arts.

MUSIC festival organisers in Perth are taking a 'green' approach to the events they stage, creating carbon-neutral concerts and implementing elaborate environmentally friendly programs.

THE first completely organic and biodynamic fruit juice to be produced in Western Australia will be launched on November 23 at the WA Biodynamic Festival.

THE Margaret River wine region welcomed its newest microbrewery late last month with the opening of the $10 million Saracen Estate/Duckstein microbrewery.

What is your favourite holiday destination? Sicily because of the relaxed lifestyle, and the fact I was born there and the mammas still love me.

LOW-COST carrier Virgin Blue this week said it would reduce fuel surcharges by 20 per cent on its domestic flights and Pacific Blue trans-Tasman and Pacific Island flights, just days after Skywest Airlines announced its airfares would rise by 4 per cent.