James Valentine

Versatile MC, Speaker and Entertainer with a Quirky Edge

James Valentine is a man of many talents. As a broadcaster and writer he is renowned for his quirky social commentary and sense of humour. As a fine jazz musician, he leads his own band, The James Valentine Quartet, and is admired for his sensuous saxophone playing and mellow vocals.

James has presented Afternoons on 702 ABC Sydney since the ’90s and has appeared on live television for Sunrise, It Takes Two, Midday and Good Morning Australia. Since 2010 James has narrated the Australian version of Come Dine With Me, offering his witty observations and unique style of commentary.

With more than thirty years’ experience in daily live radio and entertaining, James is an ideal choice for live events as an MC, speaker, bandleader or entertainer. His easy-going wit and humour make him a popular choice with a wide range of audiences.

James began his career as a musician, studying jazz in Melbourne before going out on tour with some of the leading Australian bands of the early 1980s, including Joe Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, The Models, Absent Friends and Wendy Matthews. Today, with his quartet or his pianist, James provides the perfect entertainment for corporate events – either as a show or as background accompaniment.

As an MC he has hosted such diverse events as the Telstra Small Business of the Year, Engineers Australia Awards, the Australian Animators and Special Effects Awards, the Australian Book Design Awards and the Sydney Film Festival.

And as a speaker, James has appeared at the Sydney and Melbourne Writers Festival and regularly addresses schools, community groups, seminars and conferences on everything from media, to writing and his own career.

James Valentine is also the author of several books including the Jumpman Series for young readers, The Form Guide and Spotfull for adult readers and The True History of Stuff for children – a collaboration with artist Reg Mombassa. He writes a weekly column for The Australian and Northside Magazine and during his career has also written for Rolling Stone, Vogue, Cleo, The

Celebrity Speakers Australia Inspirational speakers, Telephone +61 2 9251 1333 ABN 36 884 606 155 History entertainers and hosts for your [email protected] House, 133 Macquarie St conference or event. Since 1978. www.celebrityspeakers.com.au Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Whichever role he plays at an event, James Valentine’s low-key style, friendly manner and light hearted humour immediately puts audiences at ease, while the jazz he plays creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Versatile and funny, James will not only write and perform to your brief but he can also handle the technical demands of any situation.

Client testimonials

We often use James for events at Aria and our venues at the Sydney Opera House. Always “ prepared, always professional, really knows how to read the crowd. Perfect!

- Matt Moran, Aria Restaurant

James was very well received by all the delegates who were still talking about his topic all “ through the conference. James was the ultimate professional. Easy to deal with and at all times very professional.

- Association for Payroll Specialists

James was able to ad lib and work the crowd effortlessly, throughout an entire day of events “ for Australia Day, 2011.

- Sutherland Shire Council

I wanted to write to you and say a MASSIVE thank you. Your 'tone' for last night was “ absolutely perfect - exactly what we were after. Thank you so much. The band were also fantastic - really added class to the night. Feedback today has been incredibly positive - so again, big thank you.

- NSW Palliative Care Awards

James was really well received. He was warm and engaging and made all our award winners “ feel very special. A total hit and a pleasure to work with, both beforehand and on the night.

- Avviso Public Relations

He was very good to deal with – professional, organised, and he made himself very available “ to talk with us when required. My feedback would be positive!