From The Carnivale Office

When the fun begins at Port Douglas Carnivale this year (May 20 - 30), the seaside village will be swinging to a new local tune selected by the event's organisers as the official theme song for this year's 10 day celebration.

Carnivale chairman Ken Dobbs said the song, 'Everything Is Okay', typified the upbeat feel of the region and its premier festival.

“We wanted to add another element this year, and this song seemed perfect. It's local, it's original, and it makes you feel great about what we have here in Port Douglas,” said Mr Dobbs. Singer/songwriter Omid Master recorded the song back in 2007, and the tune is known to fans around Port Douglas.

“I'm delighted that the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce has picked up 'Everything is Okay' for Carnivale.

It remains an all time favourite for me because I wrote it when I was enjoying a summertime peaceful lifestyle here and feeling very upbeat about life. 'Everything is Okay' is about how if I had a lot to do during the day and things were tough at work, I could go home, be in a different world, and everything would feel OK.”

The song can be downloaded for free at this year's all new Port Douglas Carnivale website www.carnivale.com.au, which also contains a blog featuring news, gossip and feedback from the local community. Fans can also engage with Carnivale on social media sites Facebook and Twitter.

Organisers are confident that everything is indeed OK for this year's Port Douglas Carnivale, and have introduced new events and schedule changes to further enhance this year's program.

“This year the Macrossan Street Parade will be held on Friday 21 May, and this will be followed by Food, Wine & A Taste of Port on Saturday 22 May. This popular food and wine festival is usually on the final weekend of Carnivale, but this year we are introducing a new cuisine event, the Slow & Sultry Supper, which will take place on the second Friday (28th May) and feature our local restaurants in a streetside dining event,” said Mr Dobbs.

Mr Dobbs said the 2010 Macrossan Street Parade would be themed 'Vintage Port', and that different events within the Carnivale program would have individual themes, rather than having one umbrella theme for the festival.  “Different event managers have asked if they can use their individual themes and ideas this year, so we felt this way best reflects the community's wishes and really, Carnivale is a community event that attracts visitors to Port Douglas so we believe that's the way to go,” said Mr Dobbs.

Last year was the biggest street parade ever with 53 entries ranging from full scale vehicular floats to community-based groups walking, dancers, cyclists and horse riders. This year, the Cairns & District Historic Vehicle Club Inc is coming to the party and is expected to place a dozen vintage marques into the parade which will also feature Omid Master and his ode to Port Douglas 'Everything is Okay'.

OMID MASTER - BIOGRAPHY 2010

Australian male artist released his debut album through MGM / Green Media February 2007. His new album is adult rock with a cutting 2010 rock edge. His live performance energises the crowds into swaying and singing along with fresh beats and strong guitar sounds.

He has opened for Eskimo Joe, Dave Graney, Lior, Dallas Crane, The June Julys and more. He played on the Channel 9 Today Show, appeared at various Queensland festivals including Townsville Fest, Yungaburra Folk Festival and Laura Festival.
Omid Master’s musical journey has been unique and abstract with a few years of acoustic solo work, but has turned back to his strong original electric rock songs with a pertinent message.

In 2010 he will be releasing his second album with strong catchy, humorous and emotional songs – one journalist described the new material seen at a live show as “a heady blend of impressive instrumentation, crafted lyrics and relative themes”. Currently, Omid Master spends his musical career transitioning between writing at home, recording and playing regular live shows.

Omid Master’s debut album, ‘Better Late Than Never’ is available through MGM Green Media catalogue number OM 001 and the single 'When I Close My Eyes' EAG002 and 'We’re Gonna Get It (Justice)' EAG003 on itunes.