How much laughing can you do in one month? It's time to find out. For the ninth year in a row, all things funny are taking over the city for the Brisbane Comedy Festival. Running from February 23 to March 25 not only at the fest's usual home of Brisbane Powerhouse, but with shows at Brisbane City Hall and SunPAC too, this year's lineup continues a grin-inducing trend: yes, it's bigger and better once again. More than 70 Australian and international comics are taking to the microphone to tickle your funny bones, win you over with their witty gags and simply sling more jokes at you then your stomach can probably handle. Amusing folks endeavouring to do just that include Jim Gaffigan, Mel Buttle, Rich Hall, Matt Okine, Zoe Coombs Marr, Nazeem Hussain, Sam Simmons and Celia Pacquola — and if you hadn't guessed already, the very lengthy list just keeps going. If you're looking for something a little looser in its vibe than the usual standup setup (and a bit later, too), After Hours returns as well. Or, you could head on back a few decades with Yada Yada Yada, a '90s Sitcom Special.
Sunday session: they're two of the finest words in the English language, particularly if you like ending your weekend in style (and forgetting that you have to go back to reality the next day, even just for a few hours). Thanks to Salt Meats Cheese, they're about to be joined by a few more excellent terms: Aperol Spritz jugs, live music and free pizza. From March 18, that's what's on the menu from 2pm to 6pm every Sunday at their Gasworks and Surfers Paradise stores. Farewell your few days off with a sip, a bite and some tunes — and don't pay more than $35. Yes, as part of the new weekly event, SMC are also serving up spritz jugs for that exact amount. And, it includes whatever type of pizza you'd like for absolutely nothing. Just pick your favourite from their 14 varieties and settle in for the arvo.
When you're a bar that nods to all things spooky in your name, and you boast more than a couple of monster-themed pinball and arcade machines, then you're going to like the end of October. Netherworld does, of course. Indeed, the Valley pub has been throwing beer fests and frightfests all month — and now it's celebrating Halloween in the expected style. So, what's on the agenda come Wednesday, October 31, other than a few pumpkins around the place? Expect a ghoulish night of scary fun — or, a monster mash if you will. Yep, you know that DJ El Norto is going to give the track a spin, and you know that you're going to dance to it, creepy cocktail in hand. Plus, if you dress up for a evening of Halloween gaming goodness, you'll score five free tokens for your trouble. Entry is free, with the spooky fun going down between 6pm–1am.
Come 2019, Brisbane will welcome Stone & Wood to town in a major way, with the brewery opening up its own site and tasting room on Bridge Street in Fortitude Valley. Can't wait that long? It's also hitting up its new spot on Saturday, November 24 — and hosting the Stone & Wood Backyard Invitational. A one-day brew fest running from 12–4pm, this shindig will showcase both S&W tipples and those from other breweries and distillers — complete with tastings, of course. The lineup will also include masterclasses and forums, plus live tunes. One of the highlights, other than just beer in general, will be a chat about food and drink themes hosted by Ale of a Time's Luke Robertson. The lineup of participating parties is yet to be revealed, but you can sign-up for more details and ticket notifications. When tix go on sale, they'll cost $60 + booking fee, with a tasting glass, tastings from all the breweries and access to all of the talks included in the price. While the event celebrates S&W's ten years in the beer business, it's spreading the love, with profits going to its Ingrained Foundation.
Alrighty then, film fans — it's time for a movie double that's quite the blast from the past. It's the flick that made Jim Carrey famous, plus the sequel that it had to have. And if you're getting 90s flashbacks, well, that's completely understandable. For one night only — Wednesday, October 17, to be precise — Barbara is hosting a movie night, with both Ace Ventura films in the spotlight. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective will kick off at 7pm, followed by Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls at 9pm. And, in good news for your bank balance, this retro comedy night is free. Of course, you'll need some cash for a few drinks. We'd say that you can sit through this pair of pictures sober, but watching two-decade-old comedies in a bar calls for a few beverages. This isn't a dress-up affair, but we all know what all it calls for: your best Hawaiian shirt.
Sick of looking at the walls of your house? Feel like a change of decor will be as good as a holiday? The solution is simple: go green. We're not talking about anything drastic, so don't worry if you can't paint the walls or afford a new couch. Thankfully, rustling up the cash for a few leafy plants is much more affordable — and much easier. Find greenery aplenty at Little Urban Oasis' Indoor Plant Pop-Up Shop, which is taking over the Woolloongabba Substation on Saturday, November 17. From 10am–1pm, you'll find a huge range of plants, including harder-to-find varieties, as well as the pots to put them in. Buy them together, all ready to place on your shelves — or buy them separately, with handmade ceramics on offer from Sleek And Who. You can also get your new plants potted onsite at the Little Urban Oasis potting station. And, because all that plant pondering and purchasing is hungry work, the Baby It's Cold Outside food truck will be on the premises to provide sustenance. Enjoy a coffee, frappe, smoothie or fruit-filled ice cream while you're mulling over the selection. Remember: you can never have too much greenery.
Two days. Five movies. Many, many bumps, jumps, frights, spooks and scares. That's Kristian Fletcher's Halloween 2018 Movie Program, with the cult movie buff once again honouring the most unsettling time of the year. Plenty of horror classics are covered, dating from the 1920s through to the 1980s. Indeed, they're the two decades that will be in the spotlight at Metro Arts' Lumen Room on Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27. Tickets start at $13.50 — and you can opt to see an entire day or night's worth, or just a single movie. If you're after a couple of particularly old school flicks, Fletcher's Roaring Twenties Cinema program will screen The Cabinet of Dr Caligari andThe Cottage on Dartmoor from 7.30pm on Friday, October 26, both with live piano accompaniment. Then it's 80s time on Saturday, October 27, thanks to The Lost Boys, the original Poltergeist and vampire effort The Hunger starring David Bowie. Plus, you can decide whether to make a day or night of it, thanks to sessions of The Lost Boys at 2.45pm to get things started or at 8.15pm to finish up.
RollerFit is finally coming to Brisbane — and to celebrate, it wants you to go for a spin. Regular Wednesday and Sunday classes will kick off at the YMCA Bowen Hills in November; however you can get a sneak peek on Sunday, October 28. Even better: you can hit the rink for free. RollerFit's Open Day will run across two one-hour sessions, with beginners and intermediate skaters getting their skates on between 12.30–1.30pm, and intermediate to advanced speedsters lacing up between 2–3pm. And if this is the first time you've ever even thought about living out your Whip It or Xanadu dreams, don't worry — the novice class also includes learn-to-skate lessons. If you don't have your own wheels, you can rent them for the class — but while entry is free, skate hire will cost you $5. Rental covers sizes 5–13, and it's a first-come, first-served kind of deal. Whether you're hiring or bringing your own, all skaters are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before their session.
There's nothing quite like a great story told well, especially if that tale has the power to scare or unsettle. Yes, we're talking about the kind of story you might hear around a campfire — but you don't need crackling wood fiery flames and marshmallows to share, listen to and enjoy a frightening narrative. With spinning tales exactly what Yarn is all about, the regular event is dedicating Thursday, November 1 specifically to ghost stories. And while it's happenning the night after Halloween, that's because there's never a bad time to get spooked, and because it ties in with Metro Arts' Deathfest. And, really, when it comes to this time of year, who doesn't want the macabre fun to go on as long as it can? Taking place in Metro Arts' Lumen Room, the unease runs from 7–9pm, with tickets costing $10. While there won't actually be a campfire, there will be heaps of haunted tales — about ghosts of many kinds.
Wine-loving vegans of Brisbane, Grape Therapy's latest event caters specifically to your interests. If you're fond of some vino accompanied by non-dairy creaminess, but can never find a wine and cheese night that caters to your eating choices, then prepare to be in cruelty-free cheese and wine heaven. On Friday, November 9, the Adelaide Street wine haunt is dedicating an entire evening to both of those things, much to your stomach's (and your conscience's) utter delight. In fact, between 6–8.30pm, it's ending the working week by throwing an entire festival dedicated to plonk and pieces of non-dairy tastiness without a trace of animal products. The Vegan Cheese and Wine Fest will only be serving up beverages and bites that fit its name, so that means all-organic vegan drops to drink and lactose-free slivers of cheese. There'll be plenty of variety when it comes to both, so prepare to get sampling — with tickets costing $45.
On Saturday, November 3, Barbara has three questions for all pop culture-loving Brisbanites. Do you have style? Do you have flair? Will you be there to celebrate The Nanny? Yes, the Fortitude Valley bar is dedicating an entire evening to the 90s sitcom with the catchiest theme tune around, as well as the flashy girl from Flushing at its centre, all thanks to its The Nanny Throwback Party. It kicks off at 9pm, entry is free — and if you miss out, it'll be a crushing scene. On the agenda are episodes of Fran Fine's greatest escapades blown up big on the Barbara projector, 90s tunes to suit the mood, drinks aplenty and costumes as well. Prepare to be the lady in red while everybody else is wearing tan, obviously. Or, channel your inner Niles, CC Babcock or Mr Sheffield, and possibly win prizes for your efforts.
It's the garden gift that keeps on giving — and one you can give to anyone, even your plant-killing pals or your mates with not-so-green thumbs. And, it's just the thing that the folks at The Succy Bunch specialise in. When they're not helping you send a spiky surprise across Brisbane, they're hosting a one-day market so you can drop by and pick up a few in person. Whether you're going natural for all of your festive presents, or want to spruce up your own house with a spate of self-gifting, you'll want to stop by The Succy Bunch's latest Succulent & Cacti Pop-Up Sale on Saturday, November 3. Expect a hefty array of plants and pots from a highly affordable $4, including gorgeous potted arrangements from $35. It all takes place from 8–11am at St Mary of The Cross School in Windsor, which is less than a five-minute walk from the train station if you don't have your own wheels. And in case you need some extra shopping energy, there'll also be a coffee cart on site sling caffeinated beverages and pieces of cake.
No strangers to a party, the Treasury Casino is starting off spring with not just one shindig, or two, but four. Every Friday night in September, the inner-city venue is opening up its courtyard, setting up pop-up bars and letting the cocktails flow. Taking place from 4.30–7.30pm on Friday, September 7, 14, 21 and 28, Spring Time Drinks is really all about kicking back when the working week is done, enjoying the sunnier weather and letting the season wash over you. If you're heading out for a big night to celebrate the weekend, it's a way to warm up for the evening. If you're just looking for a few tipples on the way home, consider it your stopover before the bus or train comes calling. Entry is free, and includes live entertainment in both the Treasury's courtyard and Ryan's on the Park. And while the beverages aren't free, sorry, you'll be able to knock back a couple of particularly zesty selections from the Pimms bar.
When you put your pants on one leg at a time, do you dress for comfort? Style? To make a statement? To challenge, provoke or rebel? Everything you wear can do all of the above, possibly all at once. Throughout history, plenty of folks have tried — particularly when it comes to matching their outfits with their political message. At Manifesto of Dress: A Night of Counter Fashion at 6pm on October 12, what's likely to be a rather creatively and engagingly-attired cohort will gather at Brisbane Powerhouse to ponder this very topic. Explore the ups and downs of counter fashion in a relaxed conversation, learn a few things and ponder your own sartorial choices. The event is free, but you can pair the fun with a beverage for the bar as long as you bring along your walley. The hour-long event is presented by The Stitchery Collective, a group that's well aware of fashion's multiple facets. The design collective believes that it should be "joyous, meaningful and beautiful all at once." You can't argue with that.
It's back. It has come of age. And, it's the inner-city street party to end all street parties. Sure, Brisbane as a whole likes to throw a suburb-specific bashes like they're going out of style; however no one does it like Fortitude Valley when their annual fiesta turns 21. If you've lived in this fair, mostly sunny city at any point over the past two decades, then odds are that you've been to at least one Valley Fiesta — and that you know why it's worth celebrating as a result. Over October 27 and 28, Brunswick Street and the surrounding Valley nooks and crannies will come alive with the sound of music, the smell of food from the area's plethora of eateries, and the sight of browsing and buying at the iconic markets. After some specifics? How about The Jungle Giants, Fatman Scoop, The Gooch Palms, Velociraptor and more taking care of the tunes, for starters? The event also boasts local talent singing their hearts out on Friday evening, multicultural showcases in the Chinatown mall on both Saturday and Sunday, and all the Valley shopping you could want. Yep, it's a fiesta alright.
Hands up if you're guilty of organising big group dinners based solely on the notion that you'll get to try more of the menu? Sure, hanging out with all your mates is nice, too, we guess. But the main thing is wanting to maximise dishes while minimising wastage. And this Korean fried chicken joint is one of the places you'll want to do that. Momo Chicken and Beer has a few outposts across Brisbane, including this one at Westfield Garden City. You have 13 different flavour options for Momo's signature dish: fried chicken. There are the obvious contenders like the super spicy fire flavour or sweet, sticky honey, plus some left-of-centre additions like carbonara and candy. But don't let the name fool you; Momo isn't just about chicken and beer. While its Korean fried chicken is, understandably, excellent, this Mount Gravatt favourite also boasts an impressive hotpot and noodle menu, too. Depending on your mood, you might feel like the creamy chicken curry udon or perhaps the spicy kimchi soup. While you're browsing, you may as well throw in a savoury Korean pancake or the toppoki stir-fried rice cakes. Images: Hennessy Trill
Up late: that’s when all the best stuff happens. It’s true of watching music videos at home in your pyjamas after stumbling home from a big night, and it’s true of enjoying Japanese fashion delights in an art gallery with DJs setting the mood for a fun evening to come. The Up Late series has been a popular aspect of the Gallery of Modern Art’s many shows, and for Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion, that trend looks certain to continue. On select Friday evenings until February, every visit to the exhibition is a complete sensory experience, with live performances, expert talks, Japanese-inspired food and bars, and a pop-up shop. Outrageous outfits aside, it’s the music lineup that’s cause for excitement. A range of international, national and local acts are the headline attractions, spanning Japan’s Broken Doll, Shonen Knife and Cornelius presents salyu x salyu, UK’s Factory Floor, and Aussie acts Sampology, Oscar Key Sung, MTNS and Last Dinosaurs.
If you’ve ever accidentally won the Gatton Hotdog Eating Competition, you’ll know that food can found a great yarn. Between those fables of McDonald's burgers with bite marks to that uncle who once confused a Schmacko for a twiggy stick, culinary feats and follies make up a pretty interesting slice of our lives. And to celebrate the storytelling of all things yum, Yarn are pushing onto the Black Bear Stage a collection of esteemed writers to tell us about their best binges. The menu includes Grace Finlayson, Morag Kobez, Dan Etiel, Kaitlyn Plyley, Ryan Sim and Joanna Lezanski, with Jack Vening your server for the evening. Whether you’re a stress eater, Paleo pilgrim or live on a diet of cigarettes and Diet Coke, Yarn: Eat Your Feelings promises to cater to all dietary needs.
The boys of burlesque are back — in their hometown, and with their new show. The internationally renowned all-male troupe described as an Aussie Cirque du Soleil meets RuPaul’s Drag Race returns for another round of outrageous entertainment in the aptly titled BRIEFS: The Second Coming. Expect their unique brand of circus acrobatics crossed with drag artistry, with ample lashings of satire, silliness and too-close-for-comfort talk and tricks thrown in for extra fun. On Friday nights, make a whole evening out of their adventurous antics with the show-stopping, sequin-clad Club BRIEFS as well, complete with a selection of guest appearances. BRIEFS: The Second Coming is part of the Wonderland festival at the Powerhouse. Check out our top five picks of the festival.
Get into the festive spirit, Brisbane: Wonderland is a-coming. No, not the white kind, even if Christmas is just around the corner. With the city’s current scorching, stormy heat, winter isn’t part of the equation. Instead, for the next two weeks, Brisbane Powerhouse plays host to all things odd and amazing. A new festival making its maiden outing, Wonderland celebrates the sultry, seductive, anarchic and entertaining, in an event tailor-made for late summer evenings spent by the river. We’re talking carny folk, circus performers, burlesque, barely clad men, comedy stars and singing sirens as the iconic New Farm venue transforms into a nighttime playground. The inaugural program is bustling with shows to see, so we’re here to help. What weird and wonderful offerings should you rush to? Here's five to start with.
First, there was the Weekend of Darkness. Now, get ready for the Weekend of Tartness — the sister festival The Scratch just had to have. Where the former has celebrated ales, porters, stouts and other tipples at the dark end of the spectrum since 2013, the newcomer cartwheels to the opposite end of the extreme spectrum of beer styles. If it is tart and tangy, it is likely to be on the menu. Over two days, the funkiest, sourest, most refreshing beers being produced in Australia and around the world will take over the taps of the Milton hangout. It might sound like a gimmick, but these biting brews have been around longer than you might think. In fact, historically, all beers used to be sour. Drinking is only part of the fun, with tasty food and a pumping soundtrack adding to the atmosphere. There’s also the promise of fluoro. Make of that what you will.
One wanted to take a walk on the wild side. The other had a lust for life. They each had perfect days, and harnessed their inner real wild child. They ran in the same circles, and enjoyed almost parallel careers. Once, they even shared a flat with David Bowie in Berlin. We’re talking about Lou Reed and Iggy Pop — who else? Before becoming icons of the industry, they respectively led The Velvet Underground and Iggy and the Stooges to rock’n’roll glory. They were friends, not fighters — but if the two had to battle it out based on their early work, who would reign supreme? You can love them both, but at Choose Your Weapon, there can be only one winner. In their latest musical showdown, the New Globe Theatre wants to settle the debate. There’s a compelling case to be made for each, whether all tomorrow’s parties or searching and destroying is your thing. Silver Sircus, The Con and The Liar will side with Lou and The Velvet Underground, while The Keepaways with Bones and Matt James will sing Iggy and the Stooges’ praises. Prepare for a night of blistering tunes, whoever emerges victorious.
First, there was Brisbane. Then, there was Brisvegas. Now, there’s Brewsvegas. No, the city doesn’t have another nickname — although this one would be fitting. Instead, it’s a pun on a pun on a place, and a now-annual celebration of our burgeoning craft beer culture. Brewsvegas started over a pint, and that’s where you should be spending nine glorious March days, too. Whatever tipple takes your fancy, at whichever bar around Brisbane, with whatever style of entertainment: there’s a drink, a venue and an event for everyone. It all kicks off with a free launch party at Wandering Cooks before any combination of beer and fun you could possibly imagine takes over Brisbane. We’re talking courtyard cinema at Canvas, a beer pong tournament at Shady Palms Cafe and an It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia trivia night at Southside Tea Room — and that’s just the beginning. Want to get a massage with hops-infused oil, taste a beer cocktail or sing along to metal karaoke? You can do that, too. Plus eat and drink until your heart is content. Now, that’s something to raise your glass to.
If you’ve been looking for an alternative party spot for your Thursday nights, look no further than Smart Money. The newest kid on the scene is throwing a big party and has invited me, you and all of our friends to attend. Boasting good music, good drink and cheap entry, Smart Money seems to be, well, on the money when it comes to knowing what young revellers want. Smart Money’s inaugural bash will feature performances from some of Brisbane’s brightest up-and-comers. If music is what you are after, check out sets from The Before Party (pictured), Mazer and Sweeps. There is cheap entry for those with student cards but if you are like me and have left your learning discounts behind, entry is still a very reasonable $8. If you can’t make the launch, never fear. Smart Money has already arranged their second bash next week. Head on down to the New Globe Theatre on Thursday nights – it’s where the smart money is spent.
One minute Sydney's Johnny Took, Matt Mason and Tommy O'Dell were writing nostalgic garage pop in a Newtown bedroom. The next, they were on high rotation on triple j, applauded by Splendour in the Grass-goers and basking in Channel V praise along the lines of "terminally infectious". With comfortably breezy tunes that could rival Oasis, DMAs are Australia's answer to Brit-rock — and they have the wardrobe of Adidas to match. The trio's sweet acoustic sound first hit the ears of influential label I OH YOU (Violent Soho, DZ Deathrays) in September 2013. "A good friend (who I guess I owe a beer to now) called me up and began barking down my phone about an amazing young band from Newtown," explained I OH YOU director Johann Ponniah, who released the trio's debut EP earlier this year. Their debut single 'Delete' swept across social media and dominated radio rotation, then the lads were one of the highlights of Splendour in the Grass this year, prompting many a singalong to 'Feels like 37' and 'The Plan'. Living well up to the significant hype, DMAs played their Britpop-loving butts off, as frontman Johnny Took steered the crew with his Gallagher-like pipes and tambourine stick. After a few smaller, low-key shows to promote their debut EP, the Sydneysiders are now embarking on their first ever national tour; playing shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Fremantle. If you haven't seen DMAs live yet, get amongst it at The Brightside this Thursday. Adidas trackies optional. Supported by The Creases. Words by Molly Glassey and Jasmine Crittenden. https://youtube.com/watch?v=vKSWC5r1tYg
Endearing, gleeful, kitsch. The works of Belinda Stanton are so much more than clay, more beautiful than your average home wares, and more dynamic than simple sculptures. These little creations fill the everyday with a bit of magic, and make anyone smile at their intricate simplicity. Making sugar bowls, mugs, egg dishes and tray sets with little content 3D faces is a stroke of genius; to craft them with such beauty and understanding of the human form would be disorientating if it weren’t so clear these creatures were to be viewed and marvelled rather than engaged in conversation. The minute detail that is involved in the creation of each work almost makes it a shame to use it the way it was intended – perhaps to serve afternoon tea to lucky visitors – and yet any excuse to view the items, be it in your kitchen or an art gallery, is one that will surely create great internal happiness.
Genevieve Reynolds and Jared Worthington are the two creative minds between the brand new exhibition, In Out. Both artists are well versed in communicating emotion and thought through imagery and the works that will be showcased at The Hold Artspace will prove it. Jared Worthington is a visual artist who explores the workings of mental faculties and the inner machinations of the brain. Using video and photographic mediums, Worthington delves into the human psyche and manipulates memories using illusory techniques. Genevieve Reynolds works with layers and colours to create depth and history in each of her works. For In Out, Reynolds’ paintings utilise a vibrant array of colour to portray abstracted geometric forms, where each colour interacts with another in interesting ways. Shapes appear in different configurations with different textures – each work becoming wholly unique and visually striking. In Out will run for a limited time at The Hold Artspace. Be sure to see it while you can.
Quit hibernating Brisbane, it's our month to wake up and shine. The sun is out, flowers are blooming, Telfast is making a killing and Brisbane Festival is only moments away from dowsing this fine city with all the art, music and theatre we deserve. Last year's Festival was a smorgasbord of cultural treats, and boy oh boy does the 2014 program deliver just as strongly. You can check out the whole program here, but we reckon there's a few that deserve more than a humble hyperlink to show them off. Before you think accommodation, dining and drinking you've got to book your shows. Our friend Andy Bull will be playing some dance-ready tunes, Urthboy will be dropping some grizzly beats (rap talk yo), and four-time Grammy award winner Joe Henry will probably out do both with his treacherously beautiful guitar ballads. Tickets are going to sell faster than you can say Spiegeltent, so get in quick. You can't do anything on an empty stomach, so you're going to need some Festival Flavours to keep your blood sugar up. From Southbank to the Valley, there's dining deals across the city so good they'd have Manu swooning. And if you want to keep it close and cosy, the Spiegeltent Garden Bar will be up and running again and promises a banquet of treats, beats and eats that will be packing your Instagram feed for a good month. Check out our picks of the ten best things to see at the Brisbane Festival.
Sydney's rambunctious leotard-loving lads, Bluejuice, are calling it a day. The beloved pop/rock/dance/errrthang ratbags Jake Stone, Stavros Yiannoukas, Jamie Cibej and James Hauptmann are embarking on their final greatest hits national tour to wrap everything up by the end of 2014. "After 13 years of broken bones, broken hearts, sore heads, passive aggression, regular aggression, several arrests, questionable skin infections, and a busload of infuriated tour managers, Bluejuice are announcing they are calling it quits at the end of 2014," says the Bluejuice reps. Since 2001, the beloved Sydney outfit have had one heck of a ride, keeping the chin of Australian music up with three celebrated albums (Problems, Head of the Hawk and Company) on the shelf and still holding the position of most played track on triple j ever ('Vitriol'). Bluejuice have decided to part ways to test the waters in other projects, with the sad intention of giving those leotards a rest. Before they take their final bows, the team will release a big ol' greatest hits album — a retrospective ride dubbed Retrospectable, with all your favourite mid-2000s sticky-floored party go-tos, best bits from their three albums, extra rare content and new single 'I'll Go Crazy', produced by Dann Hume (Sticky Fingers/Alpine). Bluejuice will kick it on their final national tour this September/October. Starting at Adelaide's Uni Bar, the pair will meander through the capitals and rural centres before finishing up where it all started — Sydney (at the Metro Theatre, where many a drunken Bluejuice escapade has roamed before). In one of the most emotionally-charged press releases we've ever seen, Bluejuice's legacy is laid down. "They shall leave behind a body of work of which they are all very proud, and they look to the future with a mix of hope and fear of starvation, not unlike the chick at the end of Children Of Men." Top notch. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ldBhDmvWFXE
Going to the movies is no longer just about seeing a film on the big screen; at New Farm Cinemas, it’s now about battling for board game supremacy as well. From October 8, Hollywood Games Night becomes a weekly Wednesday fixture at Brisbane’s newest movie palace. Combine the thrill of challenging your friends at games of chance and skill with the rush of seeing whichever new release takes your fancy. Whether Jenga, Monopoly, Scrabble or Settlers of Catan is your cup of tea, there’ll be something for everyone courtesy of the Queensland League of Extraordinary Gamers. Their extensive club library gives a glimpse of the board games on offer. Participants will compete for prizes, and the entry fee covers the price of admission into the late film session of your choice. Special meal deals — including a choice of gourmet game-themed pizzas — will also be available. Read more about New Farm Cinemas in our feature.
Self-proclaimed 'Southern American music preservationist' Justin Townes Earle is returning to our shores for Melbourne's Out On The Weekend Americana-lovin' festival. Luckily, he's also trekking across the country for a number of sideshows, set to play new tunes such as 'Time Shows Fools' from his fifth studio album Single Mothers. The album reflects a new direction for the recently married Earle, the first of two releases from a recent recording session. The second, Absent Fathers, will be released next year. Old and new fans alike can expect a new Earle experience at the show, with JTE playing with a full live band for the very first time. These shows will promise a different approach for the blues aficionado, one that finds him fitting in with his fellow jammers instead of dominating the stage solo. A true talent — and one who's truly stepped out of his famous father's shadow — Earle is a musician whose live shows guarantee a good ol' night on the town(es). Supported by Lindi Ortega + Marlon Williams.
TED Talks are the largest international platforms for innovators and ideas people. Now the slightly lower key, independent offshoot TEDx is coming to Brisbane. TEDxBrisbane aims to spread ideas, entertain, educate and inspire the thinkers to become the doers. It does it through short, powerful talks of 18 minutes or less on just about any topic which garners passion from within. In more than 100 languages, all around the world, independent TED talks — known as TEDx events — help to spread ideas on a global scale. The speakers for 2014 include artist CJ Hendry, nomadic foodie Dr Fiona Reilly, brand brainiacs Marianne Harvey and Cristian Staal, and six-year-old surfing and skating wunderkid Quincy Symonds, to name a few. Tickets are sold out, but keep an eye on the website for videos.
Love: it’s not about the big stuff. Helping someone find their glasses, squeezing their hand when they’re getting ready for a tough situation and sharing stories of mundane days are what matters, rather than grand gestures. Most movies prefer the latter, selling the fairytale rather than reality. Love Is Strange lingers in little things because it is not most movies, for better and for worse. What the latest film from writer/director Ira Sachs (Keep the Lights On) is instead is a gentle portrait of a strong romance in a sticky situation. It’s a slow effort that meanders through a series of unfortunate but not outlandish nor appalling turns — and a gradual revelation of moments that don’t test the bond of just-wed couple of 39 years George (Alfred Molina) and Ben (John Lithgow) but do try their patience. When George and Ben finally get married, their happy times are short-lived. A music teacher at a Catholic school, George loses his job because of his marital status, but Ben’s pension isn’t enough for them to live on. Forced to sell their New York apartment, they stay separately with friends and relatives as they wait to get back on their feet. From then on, their time together is rare, precious and all-too fleeting. Their frustrations become evident as George battles with the partying lifestyle of his young cop hosts (Cheyenne Jackson and Manny Perez), and Ben begins to feel unwanted bunking in with the teenage son (Charlie Tahan) of his filmmaker nephew (Darren Burrows) and stay-at-home writer wife (Marisa Tomei). And for all the film’s elegant imagery, artfully picked shots and evocative Chopin score, their frustrations also become the viewer’s. There’s a difference between yearning and mournful, just as there are shades of grey in domestic drama. The issues Love Is Strange ponders are certainly thoughtful inclusions, such as the intertwining of identities in a relationship, the impact of ageing and the limits of privacy and generosity among friends; however, they’re not deserving of the mood of heart-wrenching tragedy the film presents more often than not. Love Is Strange also struggles in its strongest area: casting. That’s a big call for a movie easily improved by the work of its wonderful leading men, but an apt comment when it strands its strongest elements apart for the bulk of its duration. Molina and Lithgow create subtle, lived-in characters and convey a realistic long-term relationship, their performances always the right kind of earnest. It is their chemistry that enhances the ambling material, and the film — like the lovers they portray — feels every second of their absence. Of course, that’s the point of the story, albeit an unsatisfying way to get it across. Perhaps the title really does say it all: Love Is Strange, and so are small, sweet and slight movies valiantly yet not always effectively trying to capture the importance of connection in the finer details rather than bold statements.
It takes a truly talented band to reach the heights of international stardom without a drummer, but New Zealand eight-piece Fat Freddy’s Drop make it look a synch. They’ve been touring for well over 15 years now, their inimitable horn-based sound, bringing together a soul, dub, reggae fusion that sends audiences loco. Now, they’re bringing their brass, bass and organic melody and lyricism to Australia for a nationwide tour. Testament to Fat Freddy’s Drop success is their ability to remain independent and reassured that the crazy little thing they’ve got going on is worth it. They were first band to hit number one in New Zealand with an independently produced record, and said album, Based on a True Story, is still the highest selling album by a national artist in the country’s history. They’ve released three studio albums, two live albums and several singles, and even built a studio. As for their live performances, they’re infamous for their energy. From the music to the atmosphere, the reggae sounds hit hard, and the techno spin Fat Freddy’s Drop has taken lately keeps the rhythm dynamic.
When is an art exhibition more than just an art exhibition? When it offers a history lesson as well. That’s exactly what We can make another future: Japanese art after 1989 serves up. Featuring around 100 works by over 40 contemporary Japanese artists, it showcases the best from the country’s modern art scene, as well as reflecting upon its time period. Japan’s imperial calendar holds the key, trading in eras to match the reign of the nation’s Emperors. The current Heisei era began in 1989, when Akihito took the throne after the passing of his father. With a new symbolic head of state came change across the country, filtering through everything from uncertain economic times to increased international interest in its culture. Twenty-five years into the Heisei period, We can make another future: Japanese art after 1989 charts the evolution of art in response: the trends, the critiques, the statements and the practitioners. The free exhibition started in September, with new artworks added in mid December. Image: Hall of Thirty-Three Bays (nos 1-24) 1995 by Hiroshi Sugimoto.
Art comes in all shapes and sizes — and that includes small and wearable. What motivates an artist to think little or express their creativity through manipulating metal? How does someone channel their thinking into something tiny, or through jewellery? Ten contemporary Brisbane jewellery and small objects practitioners attempt to answer that question at an 11-day exhibition at The Hold Artspace. Beau Allen, Pippin Blackwell, Renata Fojtikova, Alicia Lane, Andy Lowrie, Bianca Mavrick, Shanna Muston, Clare Poppi, Alison Stone, and Katie Stormonth combine for Extended Jewellery, showcasing the fruits of their extensive periods of postgraduate study in the field. Yes, you can marvel at their small wonders, but you can also hear the artists talk about their work, and take part as well. Head along on January 29 or February 5 for the object swap, bringing something of your own – an item that can be either worn or carried on your person, and that you’re willing to exchange as part of a social experiment.
It's 29 years since Queen last had Aussie crowds belting out their favourite lyrics at a live show. In that time, the Brit legends have endured the tragic loss of Freddie Mercury and struggled to find a replacement. In fact, since his death in 1991, no fewer than eleven singers have made appearances with the band, including David Bowie, Annie Lennox and Robbie Williams. However, it's 2009 American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert who's made the grade for this year's world tour. Before heading to Australia, he'll front Queen over the course of nineteen dates throughout the US. "The thought of sharing the stage for a full set in Australia is so beautifully surreal," Lambert said. "I'm honoured to be able to pay my respects to Freddie's memory. He's a personal hero of mine and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band." The tough part, of course, will be getting your hands on a ticket. New shows have been added but the seats have been pretty much snapped up quicker than you can say "Yeah, I'm smelling like a dried fish bone." https://youtube.com/watch?v=HgzGwKwLmgM
New Zealand artist Felix Harris is proof that art is all around us. Harris takes life’s little oddities, awkward moments and situations of discomfort and uncertainty, and glamourises them by way of vibrant, colourful portraits. Something so mundane, even a situation we often seek to avoid or downplay, is made hyperreal - a spectacle that is no longer avoidable, but rather draws us in and makes us examine the minor details of a situation that likely feels all too familiar. Witty observations are one of Harris’ main strengths that shine bright in his works, making squeamish behaviour appeasing to the eye with familiar ironies and new perspectives. The exhibition is running as part of the Brisbane Fringe Festival, an annual celebration of the city’s creatives, with spaces set up across Brisbane for theatre, music, dance, comedy, cabaret, visual art and workshops. Broaden your horizons, and see art in everything. There’s nowhere to hide.
Sydney born artist, Tim Johnson, will have his artistic pieces showcased at Milani Gallery until late August. Tim is a prominent voice within the Australian art scene and continues to make significant contributions to this field. Basically, this successful artist lives and breaths all things art. From a young age Tim was keen to create with a paintbrush and canvas, but in the 1960's he delved into the medium of conceptual art where he would question the discipline's underpinnings and values. Tim has since returned to his original medium of paint. Think of any gallery in the world and Tim's work has probably been showcased there. From Brisbane to Frankfurt, Chicago to Auckland, Tim's pieces have received praise across the globe. He has also shared his knowledge to students at workshops and universities across Australia. Pop into Milani Gallery before August leaves us for another year to soak up some of Tim's large body of work. Before visiting the gallery, get a taste for his art work here.
It’s on again! Grab your show bag, rides tickets and one of those strawberry ice creams at the annual Royal Queensland Show! It’s 10 action-packed days bursting with entertainment for all ages. Tackle the steepest rollercoasters, the fastest bumper cars and all the scares of the haunted house, or coast through the panoramic views of the ferris wheel if you like to indulge in the more relaxing experiences of the show. There’s the animal pavilion, where you might be lucky enough to see some new animals enter the world, and of course the show bag arena where the choices are exciting to the point of overwhelming. And that’s just the Ekka experience by day. By night, the show transforms into a carnival of lights and action. Monster trucks take daredevil jumps through streams of fireworks in one arena, and musical talents of Troy Cassar-Daley and The Voice’s Prinnie Stevens in another. Little and big kids alike will be racing to experience the excitement of the annual show. It’s finally here!
If only we could all be as fabulous as the Institute of Modern Art when we turn 40. Not only is IMA one of Australia's oldest independent galleries, it has presented more than 500 exhibitions and supported over 2000 artists, becoming Brisbane's premier place for experimentation and education in contemporary art. With such longevity comes the chance for celebration and reflection, partying and soul searching, and looking back as well as forward. In true IMA style, the merriment and musings have been bundled up into one excellent event, Imaginary Accord. It's a yearlong project of contemplating what IMA means, both then and now. It's also a three-month-long exhibition featuring the works of 15 local and international artists, including eight new commissions. Just as the gallery has over four decades, the show will grow and change over time. You won't just want to visit once — you'll want to keep going back, engaging with the accompanying lecture series, and then buying the book that releases at the end of the year. Now, that's how you wish IMA the happiest of birthdays. Image via Ross Manning and Milani Gallery, Brisbane. Dichroic Filter Piece (2012-14). Dichroic filters, cut glass, DVD player, projector, dimensions variable.
If there's one thing Brisbanites love, it's eating, drinking and strolling around market stalls — and thankfully, plenty of places serve up this kind of goodness. There aren't plenty of places like Bakery Lane or their new Providore Markets, however. Where else has more tasty treats than you could possibly devour, plus a pile of fancy pantry staples you're dying to take home, all wrapped up in Brisbane's newest restaurant and retail precinct? From May 2, the first Saturday of every month should see you headed in that direction, and hanging around for a morning of food and fun. Bakery Lane's brand-new tenants will be getting in on the action, as will a host of other outfits certain to get your stomachs grumbling, such as Bee One Third Honey, Crust & Co Artisanal Bread, Mapleton Falls Farms produce, Raw Health Probiotics and My Granola. In between the shopping frenzy, you can learn more about your favourite brew with cuppings from Reverends Fine Coffee pop-up, and wander through the shops to the sounds of live, local music. If that's not a great way to start your weekend — while filling your stomach and stocking your cupboards — then we don't know what is.
Those movie stars and directors we all know and love — they had to start somewhere. Many toiled their way to fame from humble beginnings, including that tried and tested path for emerging talent: short films. Yes, tomorrow’s cinema superstars are today’s short filmmakers, and thanks to Flickerfest, you can get a glimpse of the next batch of movie magicians. Now in its 24th year, the nation’s leading Academy® accredited and BAFTA recognised short film festival is once again showcasing all things brief — and beautiful, bizarre, brutal and downright bonkers — nationwide. For Flickerfest’s Brisbane stopover, audiences are being treated to three evenings of shorts, starting with the best Australian fare on opening night. Next up, check out some fine work from around the globe in two international packages. Five locally made flicks — A New You, The Duck, You Cut I Choose, Fell and Skin — have even made the mix, an amazing feat given that over 2,300 entries were submitted for 2015.
Margaret Thatcher described Francis Bacon – the 20th century artist, not the 16th/17th century philosopher and scientist — as “that man who paints those dreadful pictures.” That’s a rather high-profile dressing down, or a compliment, depending on how you look at it. Of course, there was a person at the other end of such a slamming. Inciting the ire of prime ministers aside, what made him tick? That’s what Pope Head – The Secret Life of Francis Bacon asks in a darkly comedic drama based on his life and work. Publicly, Bacon was an enigma and a maverick, both loved and hated. Privately, with success came tragedy and trouble. That the famous phrase “Champagne for my real friends. Real pain for my sham friends!” is often attributed to him probably says it all. Written and performed by English actor Garry Roost (from EastEnders, The Bill, and Black Books), Pope Head jumps into Bacon’s inspiring and intriguing journey, one of creative highs and personal lows. The one-man play was the toast of the UK, and now it’s Brisbane’s turn to charge their glasses and find out why.
To many, playwright and poet Oscar Wilde is the man who realised the importance of being earnest and showed the world the picture of Dorian Gray. But he was also the author of a particularly scandalous letter, telling a former lover of his pains and regrets from his jail cell. Wilde's famous correspondence was named De Profundis, which, aptly, is Latin for "from the depths". That's where his uncompromising account of his suffering and sexuality sprang from, and that's where Brian Lucas's brand new one-man adaption is certain to as well. Such raw material can only inspire an equally explicit performance, in a contemporary theatre adaption of a classic literary work never before seen on stage. It may be based on Wilde's torment in 1897, delving into the ultimate tabloid fodder of the time; however, this bold and powerful piece speaks to issues of discrimination, inequality and public humiliation that remain strikingly relevant today.
Everyone shops for new homewares at IKEA, but not everyone takes their IKEA shopping and turns it into something new. If you've always wanted to be one of those people — and who hasn't? — now you can. Just let the folks at Laneway Learning show you what to do. Their IKEA Hack class is exactly what you think it is: a lesson in transforming an off-the-shelf item into a one-off treasure. You'll be converting an ordinary, everyday lampshade into an original and creative decorative piece, and brightening up your house in more ways than one. You'll also be jumping into a world of IKEA fun, with reconfiguring and revamping the Swedish retail giant's bit and pieces — and working with recycled materials and found objects — quite the popular endeavour. This could be the start of a whole new way of looking at furniture, and a new pastime. Image: Teste di Legno.
Not everyone can road trip around the United States, surveying its natural monuments and snapping the results; however, everyone can share in the aftermath of Holly Riding's scenic journey. Exactly a year ago, she was photographing grand American sights. Now, her unedited images form the basis of her own show. As shot on 35mm, Desert Dreams attempts to capture the raw aesthetic of the vast and varied landscape that is often ignored in favour of US clichés. This isn't about the busy cities the rest of the world tends to imagine when they think about America. This is about the remote locations off the beaten path, where beauty is found in simplicity. Riding's A2 photo prints display the spirit of rural USA in all its glory, as does the accompanying hardcover zine. Anyone wanting their own slice of American desert life best head along to Desert Dreams' opening night on May 15, though. They'll be hot off the press, and in limited supply — plus you'll be among the first to revel in the earthy splendour of the exhibition.
Thanks to the internet, cats might be the animal kingdom's reigning rulers when it comes to art; however, man's best friend shouldn't be overlooked. Dogs may not be viral video sensations, but they're no strangers to the spotlight, either. In fact, the tail-wagging canines have a long history in storytelling and mythology. Dog Show dives into the many depictions and interpretations of these four-legged critters, as well as the relationship between people and pooches, for those interested in the intellectual side of things. And when we say many, we mean many. Twenty-five artists have offered their contemporary spin on hounds and puppies. The exhibition also assembles an array of dog-centric drawings, paintings, sculptures and more into one place, in the kind of show that sounds like heaven to anyone who's not a cat person. Here, every dog really will have its day.
You've been there plenty of times to see a show, have a meal, or enjoy some free Friday night comedy, but you might not realise that Brisbane Powerhouse is one of the city's most interesting places. We're not talking about its lineup of performances and events; instead, we're looking at its architecture. The multipurpose arts centre was once an electricity station, then spent decades abandoned and derelict, and was even used as a site for target practice for the army. There's simply nowhere else like it in Brisbane, and the artists behind Made with Light clearly feel the same way. Each of the exhibition's six pieces shines a light — literally — on their heritage-listed, riverside, brick-and-concrete canvas. Audiences are invited to interact, observe and appreciate the familiar venue in its shiny new get-up. Works come from artists Sarah Oxenham, Jonathon Istria, Alinta Krauth, Kellie Williams, Sophie O‘Rourke and Jen Seevinck.
Heading to one of the many markets around Brisbane is a weekend tradition, especially for those keen to stock up on fresh, tasty treats for the week ahead. For residents of the inner west, it's now something they can do closer to home, courtesy of the brand new Red Hill Farmers Markets. Every Sunday morning from May 31, Ithaca Tafe will turn into market central, foodie heaven and all things in between. Featuring produce supplied by farmers and sourced locally, with a strong focus on all things spray-free, this is where everyone serious about their meals is going to want to be. For culinary wizards, gourmet goodies including deli lines, fresh seafood and premium meats are the drawcard, though those fonder of eating than cooking will find plenty to devour on the spot. Those more interested in the non-edible things in life can survey the arts and crafts stalls, or browse for fashion, jewellery and gifts. Shopping is only part of the fun, of course, with live music and other activities also on offer. It's a dog-friendly event, too, so you can take your pet pooch along. This is the fourth venue run by Mark Power, a veteran of the farmers markets game. Regulars at Carseldine, Nundah and Kuraby know just the kind of goodness they're in for. Everyone else: prepare for an artisanal explosion. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
