Music and wine festival Grapevine Gathering is gearing up to return to Brisbane's vineyards in 2022. The festival pairs the very best drops with a vibrant music lineup full of local talent. British indie-rockers The Kooks who are currently touring their beloved 2006 debut album Inside In / Inside Out lead the lineup alongside party-starters Peking Duk and 'Untouched' icons The Veronicas. They'll be joined on the winery stage by Ball Park Music, Jack River, Confidence Man, Cub Sport, Alice Skye, Nyxen and Becca Hatch. It's going to be a big day of tunes, folks. Aussie sketch comedians and Instagram celebrities The Inspired Unemployed are taking on hosting tunes to keep you entertained between acts. In addition to the tunes, punters will have access to an array of first-rate food options and a heap of wines, of course. To help make commuting to-and-from the vineyard a little easier, the festival has organised return buses from Mount Cotton central, Toowoomba, Maroochydore, Capalaba, Brisbane, Victoria Point and the Gold Coast. You'll just need to add a (slightly pricey) bus pass to your ticket.
When the working week is done, folks just wanna have fun. We're paraphrasing Cyndi Lauper because she knows what she's singing about. If your idea of taking her advice involves listening to ace musos belt out a few tunes, then QPAC's Green Jam is the Friday afternoon session you're looking for. All about live music, tasty food and kicking back in a grassy spot a stone's throw from the inner-city, QPAC's Green Jam Sessions offer an ace start to your weekend every week. Held between 5.30–7.30pm, the outdoor songfest takes over the Melbourne Street Green (aka that vibrant patch of turf just past the Cultural Centre walkway) for yet another year — and, in 2019, it'll once again feature a Korean-inspired menu. So, who's on the bill? The lineup kicks off on March 1 with a BrisAsia-themed lineup of LÂLKA, Salmon & The Peaches and Japan's KiKi-Tsugaru, and will be fleshed out as the year goes on. Expect local musicians and rising stars, plus talent from Queensland Conservatorium – Griffith University, Jazz Music Institute, JMC Academy and more. And as for your stomach, it can feast on bulgogi bao, kimchi pancakes, cabbage and mushroom dumplings with dipping sauce, and barbecue chicken skewers with gochujang mayo. You'll have to pay for the eating part of the evening (and any bevs you place in your hand), but it'll be worth it.
Brisbanites already have plenty of excuses to hang out in, on, near and around the water. This is the River City, after all. But come May, you'll have another reason to hit the brown snake when GoBoat splashes into town. The Denmark-born company has been busy launching its eco-friendly picnic boats in cities all over Europe over the past few years, as well as in Canberra, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Now, after announcing it was setting up shop in Brissie in recent months, bookings are now open for its local debut — so start getting excited about cruising along the river in a different way. Aimed at making the whole boating caper more accessible for everyday folk, the Scandinavian-designed vessels are slow-moving, a breeze to operate and don't require a boating licence, making for some fun, fuss-free sailing sessions. In a win for the planet, they also run on silent, pollution-free, electric engines, and are crafted from a mix of reclaimed timber and recycled PET bottles. Each of the contemporary GoBoats clocks in at 18-feet long, boasting a central picnic table with room for eight people (and all the necessary snacks and booze). And despite what you might be thinking, they're even affordable enough to fit your budget — simply BYO food and drinks, find enough eager sailors to jump aboard and a GoBoat session will start at around $14 per person, per hour. That's $109 hourly for the first hour, but the longer you book, the cheaper it gets. The Brisbane fleet will set sail from Breakfast Creek, with bookings available from Monday, May 24. And, the company's vessels are pet-friendly — surely you've got a very good boy who deserves a river jaunt. GoBoat will start operating from Breakfast Creek in Brisbane from Monday, May 24. For further details and to book, head to the company's website. Top image: Lean Timms
Earlier this week, the organisers of Bluesfest announced that the award-winning festival was likely to leave Byron Bay — and NSW altogether — after its 30th anniversary this April in a scathing open letter to the State Government. The letter was a response to the government's stringent new music festival policies, which require them to follow a new licensing regime and, in many cases, spend thousands of dollars on increased police presence. Speaking to the media yesterday, Premier Gladys Berejiklian responded to the letter, saying that Bluesfest is a "fantastic festival" that has "nothing to worry about". Premier Berejiklian continued, saying that Bluesfest was a "low risk" event, despite Festival Director Peter Noble's announcement that, according to the government's new criteria, it was deemed a "high risk event", which meant they were required to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with the new policies. This has led to more confusion about what exactly a low- or high-risk event is — and has exacerbated criticism that the government's new policies lack transparency — with guidelines released by the government saying that the level of risk is based on a number of factors including how many attendees, festival duration and whether on-site camping is taking place. Following this criteria, Bluesfest would be ranked as either a "high" or "extreme" risk event. According to Premier Berejiklian, however, high-risk festivals are events where "we've seen death or serious injury" in the past. Two other NSW music festivals, which were forced to cancel in the past week — Mountains Sounds and Psyfari — were both deemed "high risk". [caption id="attachment_566069" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bluesfest, Andy Fraser.[/caption] Speaking to the SMH yesterday, Bluesfest's Festival Director Mr Noble said they were still considering a move to either Queensland or Victoria. "Both the States of Queensland and Victoria do not have these guidelines... In fact, they invest in music and the live arts," Mr Noble told the SMH. "NSW needs to come an awful way along to start doing the same thing to the levels of the states surrounding them are doing. They're falling behind, and yet they're patting themselves on the back at the same time." While many festivalgoers have lamented the festival's possible relocation, saying "Byron is the Bluesfest, Bluesfest is Bryon", some have embraced it, with suggestions the festival move to Victoria. One Concrete Playground reader wrote, "Victoria The Bellarine Blues Festival 2020". Bluesfest 2019 is scheduled to run from April 18 to April 22 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. More details and ticket info here. Image: Andy Fraser.
Beyond the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the attacks of September 11 set in motion a third, different kind of battle. One fought on the home front; a quiet, uncomfortable and unspoken war of words and sidelong glances directed towards anyone who suddenly came to look 'different', 'foreign', 'un-American'. The inadequacies of American security were undeniable; however, the indignity of the racial profiling that became rampant in their wake remains — to this day — an irredeemable blight on the United States' history. It's within this framework that author Mohsin Hamid set his bestselling 2007 novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, now a film by director Mira Nair. It tells the story of Changez (Riz Ahmed), a prodigious Pakistani-born Princeton graduate who's headhunted by Jim (Kiefer Sutherland) to work in New York's top consultancy firm. With the company placing him on the fast-track to partnership and the chairman's daughter (Kate Hudson) quickly besotted, Changez's pursuit of the American dream seems assured. But then the Twin Towers come crashing down, and so too his perceived security. Colleagues view him differently, arrests and random searches become commonplace and despicable bigotry bubbles to the surface. At first Changez ignores, then endures, the prejudice, but eventually the feeling of victimisation and the loss of his identity become untenable and he returns to Pakistan. The film flicks back and forth between Changez's time in America and his present-day life as a 'radical academic' suspected of kidnapping an American colleague, and it's those latter scenes that engage most directly. Played out as an interview with US journalist Bobby (Liev Schreiber), they've a distinctly Cold War-era feel to them in the vein of the recent Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Schreiber puts in a great performance as the journo with his own secrets, and Sutherland shines as a Gordon Gecko-esque corporate cutthroat; however, it's Ahmed who steals the show. At times the rhetoric is handled a touch clumsily and the 'fundamentals of business'/'fundamentals of Islam' motif is, like the book, not especially subtle, but The Reluctant Fundamentalist remains a compelling and confronting examination of one of the war on terror's less publicised dimensions.
There's something rather cool about being ahead of the curve when it comes to cinema, watching the latest and greatest flicks unfold on the silver screen before the rest of the world gets to see them. Well, at Flickerfest Short Film Festival you can do just that. Yep, break out the popcorn, the internationally acclaimed festival is touring in Brisbane on Thursday, February 20 — and there's a swag of homegrown talent on the bill. This year, the folks at Flickerfest received a record 3500 entries from more than 100 countries around the world, making the 2020 program a real doozy. More than 200 handpicked creative and inspiring shorts screened at the festival's ten-day stint in Sydney earlier this summer. Now, at Palace James Street cinema, you'll catch the cream of the crop, with a focus on the best Australian shorts. Highlights include Chicken, directed by Papua New Guinean-Australian director Alana Hicks; animated short Rebooted about a movie star who also happens to be a skeleton; A Day In Your Life which is a thoughtful insight into homelessness; and moving Indigenous drama My Name Is Mudju by Brisbane director Chantelle Murray. [caption id="attachment_759070" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Rebooted'[/caption] After seeing a bunch of Aussie-made shorts, you can head to the after party. There you'll find plenty of snacks, beer, wine and non-alcoholic bevvies. Tickets for the evening cost $25 and include access to the afterparty. To see the full program and grab tickets, head here. Top image: Chicken by Alana Hicks and Sleena Wilson
Science is everywhere, and Brisbane has an annual festival dedicated to that fact — an event that features everything from the physics of skateboarding through to the Antarctic landscape in 2025. For movie lovers, World Science Festival Brisbane also delivers an annual treat in the form of a dedicated cinema lineup, taking over the Gallery of Modern Art's Australian Cinematheque for a few days each March. From Friday, March 21–Sunday, March 24, this year's film program is all about seafaring cinema. Sharks and other sea creatures, Studio Ghibli and Disney, lingering under the ocean's surface: covering all of the above, Into the Deep has a flick on the bill for everyone. It all kicks off with The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, so with one of Wes Anderson's greats — and if you want to make it a double feature, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is also playing on the Friday night. Come Saturday, it's animation time — and viewing for all ages, too — via Ponyo and Moana 2. Then, you just might be afraid to get into the water after Sunday's sessions, with documentary Playing with Sharks: The Valerie Taylor Story and classic blockbuster Jaws hitting the screen. Session times vary each day, but this is one of the cheapest cinema dates on offer right now, with tickets costing $10 — or $7 for GOMA members. Playing with Sharks image: Digital Scanning by Oscans in 2019 on authority of Carl Reinecke of WildBear Entertainment.
If you're planning on spending a Saturday with a beer in your hand, then one Fortitude Valley establishment has you covered. Admittedly, serving up pints is what Bloodhound Bar does every day of the week; however in honour of Brewsvegas, they're bringing back their beloved beer fest, adding it to the city-wide celebration, and making an extra special occasion of it. At the fourth Hopfields, they're also making an occasion out of showcasing hops, without which we wouldn't have the brews we know and love. With that in mind, expect all the tasty ales from around the world that you could dream of — and plenty you've likely never heard of, too — including limited releases, launches of new beers and one-offs brewed especially for the event, plus a slew of classics. Check out the drinks list and start salivating. With names like Sparkle Muffin, Alligator Tugboat, Unicorn Tears and 'Morning Blend' Coffee Milkshake IPA on the menu, you're going to want to try them all. Save some room for the cocktails though, with the humble hop flower given its moment to shine in all its forms.
2021 marks 23 years since '...Baby One More Time' rocketed up Australia's charts, and made sure that everyone in the country knew who Britney Spears was. In the decades since, the singer has enjoyed a slew of other hits, thanks to everything from 'Sometimes', '(You Drive Me) Crazy' and 'Oops!... I Did It Again' to 'Toxic', 'Everytime' and 'If U Seek Amy'. Yes, you now have at least one of these songs stuck in your head (or, let's be honest, a medley of all them). This year also marks the arrival of a must-see documentary about the pop star, which Aussies have heard plenty about but have been unable to watch for the past month. Part of The New York Times Presents series that streams in the US via Hulu, Framing Britney Spears examines not only the singer's life since she was a child — going back to before her first hit single, and before her time on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club in the early 90s, too — but also the way she has been treated in the press, the fact that she has been under a conservatorship since 2008 and the #FreeBritney movement that's sprung up in response to the latter. Not by her own choice, Spears has been an almost-constant presence in the tabloid media for nearly quarter-century. The paparazzi has covered her every move and career with disturbing intensity, in fact. Everyone knows the details, because they've been plastered all over magazine front pages and internet headlines for years and years, to the point that they've been impossible to avoid. And, as this doco ponders, it's easy to join the dots between the relentless hounding by photographers, the endless mentions in gossip columns, the ridiculous way Americans reacted when she didn't meet their idea of what a 'girl next door'-style pop star should be, how she has been regarded by pop culture in general and how the US legal system has stripped away her right to control her own life for more than a decade. The film makes for important and grim viewing — and, although it premiered in the US in early February, Channel 9 just aired the Hulu doco this past week, and has also made it available on its online service, 9 Now. So, you can now spend 71 minutes stepping through a story that hasn't ended yet and doesn't wrap up happily in the movie, but is rightly sparking a reassessment of how female celebrities — and young women in the spotlight in particular — are treated, Spears included. Check out the Framing Britney Spears trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GEa844LCoI Framing Britney Spears is now available to stream on 9 Now.
These days it seems like just about anywhere can be a cinema. Rooftop viewing is all the rage, drive-ins are popping up all over the place, and even local bars is getting in on the action. But that's only the beginning. Come April in Brisbane, film buffs will be getting locked up for their movie fix. No, going to the movies isn't being outlawed. Instead, cult film guru Kristian Fletcher has put together yet another must-attend event. This time, he's hosting a brand new movie night at Boggo Road Gaol. With a "when in Rome" attitude, Fletcher's regular program will serve up prison films in a prison setting – because flicks about roaming free in wide open spaces really wouldn't work, would they? First cab off the rank is The Great Escape on April 29, followed by 80's classic Brubaker and the Coen brothers' Miller's Crossing. And if you're wondering why we haven't mentioned The Shawshank Redemption yet, don't worry. Of course it will also grace Boggo Road's big screen. Each movie will start at 7:30pm, although anyone after more than just a film is encouraged to arrive an hour earlier. That way you can take an ex-prisoner tour, browse the markets, and peruse the jail art show. Our tip: BYO Rita Hayworth poster if you think you might want to tunnel out of there during the evening. Prison Movie Nights at Boggo Road Gaol kick off on April 29. Tickets will be $15 per film, or $35 for a film and tour combo. For more information keep your eyes on the Boggo Road Gaol website.
Everyone knows that Martin Scorsese directed Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. But without Paul Schrader's screenplay for each film, neither would've existed. The same can be said about their two other great collaborations: The Last Temptation of Christ, which stars Willem Dafoe as Jesus and caused quite the stir in the late 80s; and the sublime and soulful Bringing Out the Dead, the 1999 masterpiece that features a fantastic Nicolas Cage as a melancholic paramedic. Naturally, all four movies pop up at the Gallery of Modern Art's latest retrospective, with the venue's Australian Cinematheque paying tribute to Schrader's work. His own stints as a director will light lighting up the gallery's big screen, spanning all the way from his 1978 debut Blue Collar to 2017's phenomenal Ethan Hawke-starring First Reformed. Screening on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Sunday, December 15, Paul Schrader: God's Lonely Man will also screen American Gigolo, the movie that made Richard Gere a superstar; and Obsession, Brian De Palma's Vertigo-inspired thriller — as well as other highlights from a cinematic life spent contemplating contemporary masculinity on film.
Stan & Ollie begins with a glorious shot — an image that's strikingly composed, and that couldn't better encapsulate the film to come. Comedians Stan Laurel (Steve Coogan) and Oliver Hardy (John C. Reilly) sit in their shared Hollywood dressing room in 1937, bantering away in their playful, genial manner. Their backs are to the camera but, as they're both perched before individual mirrors, their faces are reflected in lights at either side of the frame. Stan's thinner visage smirks wryly from the mirror in front of the more jovial, sizeable Ollie, and vice versa. Director Jon S. Baird enjoys the affectionate interplay between the two comic stars, and gazes at them just as fondly. Most importantly, the filmmaker visually signifies the enormous presence that his two subjects had in each other's life. Worlds away from his last movie, the drug-addled Irvine Welsh adaptation Filth, Baird returns to comparable moments throughout Stan & Ollie. Just as the eponymous pair were at their professional best when they were together, the film shines brightest when it looks upon the two in tender exchanges. When Stan sits side-by-side with an ailing Ollie in a hotel bed, and when the duo recline on the deck of a ship against a sunset backdrop, Stan & Ollie offers an ode not only to their enduring partnership, but to the pull they felt towards each other. That's the entire picture from start to finish — however there's a particular heart-swelling sensitivity evident in these loving scenes. After spending its opening minutes on-set during the making of comedy-western Way Out West, Stan & Ollie jumps forward to 1953, when the pair's fame has faded and their double-act has nearly fractured. Reuniting after a rocky parting over contract matters, they embark on a tour of the United Kingdom largely to boost the chances of making their first film in years. But half-empty crowds in second-tier venues await, as does the scheming of an uncaring promoter, bickering between their wives (Shirley Henderson and Nina Arianda), and more than a decade of unspoken feelings about the way things have panned out. It hardly helps that, as the two ruminate upon what they had and what could've been since, they're continually met with astonishment from ordinary punters who didn't realise they were still alive. Given cinema's penchant for biopics — half of this year's Oscar acting contenders are nominated for playing real-life figures — it's surprising that Laurel and Hardy's story hasn't graced the silver screen before. Better late than never, obviously, with screenwriter Jeff Pope (also a writer on the Coogan-starring Philomena) penning the filmic equivalent of a warm hug for two of the industry's bona fide icons. There's no escaping Stan & Ollie's kindly, laudatory tone, but it's thoroughly deserved. While the zany vaudeville energy that the duo are known for only comes through in recreations of select routines, Coogan and Reilly put in pitch-perfect performances that capture exactly why their characters had such an impact on comedy as we know it. Indeed, Stan & Ollie's casting proves a cinematic stroke of genius, of the kind that every film aims for but only a select few manage. It's especially fitting that both Coogan and Reilly have become well-known for their own two-handers in recent times — the former with Rob Brydon, as largely seen in The Trip and its sequels; the latter with Will Ferrell, though last year's Holmes & Watson is best burned from everyone's memories. Experienced hands at bouncing off an on-screen partner, they're so adept at it here that their charming double-act feels like the real thing. Crucially, they sell both the sweetness and melancholy of a life spent tied to another, although the movie's most deeply moving element comes via postscript. When Hardy died, Laurel never performed again, but kept writing new material for them to share. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE5xbDTkzQQ
Since it was first staged on Broadway back in 1947, Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire has always been stellar. And, every time it has been staged — and turned into a Marlon Brando-starring movie in 1951, too — someone has always yelled "Stellaaaaaaaaa!". If that's all you know about the classic play, then La Boite's new version offers the ideal opportunity to rectify that (but don't worry, seasoned fans will find plenty to enjoy, too). You'll hear the story of small town belle Blanche DuBois, who has always depended on the kindness of strangers, as well as her younger sister with the infamous, oft-exclaimed name and Stella's husband, Stanley. Bridie Carter leads the cast, while La Boite's artistic director sits at the helm. Together, they're part of a production that also features a distinctive New Orleans cultural blend of live music onstage. No word yet if the La Boite bar is selling Stella Artois beverages.
More than two years after setting up shop as a daytime eatery, one of Fortitude Valley's favourite cafes has started serving up dinner once a week. Come Friday evenings, King Arthur Cafe is staying open to extend its farm-to-table ethos to later-in-the-day dining, and offering an all-Australian beer and wine menu to go with it. Open all day, with drinks and snacks available from 2.30pm and dinner between 5pm to 10pm, King Arthur's end-of-week selection includes six types of meat, five vegetable dishes and two larger meals made for sharing. Hungry patrons can take their pick from buttermilk chermoula spiced chicken ribs, kangaroo tartare, grilled octopus, duck tataki, swordfish ceviche and a stacked charcuterie board, as well as sides of pan-sautéed okra, dukkah-spiced corn, grilled broccoli with miso custard and more, or opt for whole fish and banana sambal or carne roja with pickled jalapeños. The new food menu continues King Arthur's commitment to supporting local farmers and producers, and tracing ingredients back to their source. As for beverage choices, they'll rotate seasonally, featuring natural and minimalist intervention wines, beers from Green Beacon Brewery, Slipstream Brewing and the Sunshine Coast's Brouhaha, plus a simple cocktail offering as well. "I think dinner was always an eventual progression for King Arthur," says owner Mairi MacKinnon. "We saw a need to extend service so that we could showcase more and more of the great produce that we have available to us in our region, and to pair this produce with some really great Australian beers and wines." Find King Arthur Cafe at 164c Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley. Head to their website and Facebook page for further details.
As well as being one of Newstead's best places for a bite, Allonda boasts a laneway where sipping drinks and whiling away the afternoon is always on the menu. But $15 cocktails, $4 beef croquettes and $8 fried chicken sandwiches from 3–6pm Tuesday–Saturday weekly might just be your best reason yet to head by. Called Spritz Sessions, this new regular special is on offer beneath yellow-hued umbrellas, surrounded by leafy plants and in a dog-friendly space — because why should your four-legged friend stay home when you're heading out for a beverage? For sips, you can choose between four kinds of spritzes (Aperol, lychee refresher, tropical punch and Solbevi limoncello), plus margaritas, negronis and old fashioneds. The food range also includes charred bread with olive oil and caramelised balsamic, oysters, tempura zucchini flowers and mini potato rostis. Allonda isn't taking reservations for its Spritz Sessions, so arriving early to score a table is recommended.
Since first appearing on our screens in an uncredited role in 1995's Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest, Charlize Theron has proven to be one of cinema's most versatile talents. She won an Oscar for playing real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster, then nabbed two more nominations for dramas North Country and Bombshell. She's a delight not only in dark, existential comedies (Young Adult, Tully), but also in irreverent rom-coms (Long Shot). And, over the past decade, she's proven particularly formidable in action flicks — as Prometheus, Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde and The Fate of the Furious have all demonstrated. Staying in kick-ass mode, Theron will next hit the screen on July 10 in Netflix film The Old Guard — and this time she's playing a warrior. Specifically, her character Andy leads a secret group of mercenaries who've been protecting the world for centuries. As she explains in the just-dropped trailer: "let's just say we're very hard to kill". Yes, that basically puts Theron in superhero territory, with the film based on Greg Rucka's graphic novel of the same name — and with the scribe himself writing the screenplay. The Old Guard also boasts a great director behind the lens, marking the latest film by Beyond the Lights' Gina Prince-Bythewood. Also strutting their immortal stuff are KiKi Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk), Matthias Schoenaerts (Kursk), Marwan Kenzari (Aladdin) and Luca Marinelli (TV's Trust), with Maleficent: Mistress of Evil's Chiwetel Ejiofor among the cast as well. And, story-wise, the straight-to-streaming film charts Andy and her crew's exploits when their special abilities are exposed during an emergency mission, which pits them against forces eager to cash in, copy and capitalise upon their extraordinary skills and power. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK-X2d0lJ_s The Old Guard hits Netflix on July 10. Top images: Aimee Spinks/Netflix.
We know. We've all done it. Home alone with a block of cheddar, a few scraps of brie and a lone Kraft Single. It all seemed so promising. When your mum/housemate/significant other returned, though, the truth became apparent. You'd made a cheese quagmire in your microwave, hadn't you? Hadn't you. Fortunately, the guys behind PappaRich, the ST Group, are now getting set to help you realise all of your cheese dreams without the weird kitchen smell three weeks later — they're bringing Malaysian chain Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart to Brisbane. With multiple stores in Kuala Lumpur and other areas of the country — plus a handful in Melbourne and Sydney, as of last year, as well as Pacific Fair since July — the cheese tart connoisseurs are continuing their expansion with not one, but two Brisbane ventures. In the coming months, prepare to flock to the Myer Centre and Garden City. Their namesake is the cornerstone of their offering: a savoury-sweet three-cheese situation encased in a shortcrust shell, designed to be eaten either hot or cold. The cheese, while made with local produce, is based on the distinct taste and texture of the dairy products of Hokkaido. The Japanese island is known for their dairy — it produces half of Japan's total milk and a huge 90 percent of their natural cheese — and HBCT have worked tirelessly to replicate it. Malaysia has gone nuts for it, and Melbourne and Sydney have jumped firmly on board; people have been queuing out the door to get their hands on one (or 12). Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart will open in the Myer Centre and Westfield Garden City in the coming months. For more info and to look out for an opening date, keep an eye on their Facebook page. Images: Tim Grey.
Across the past eight years, Sydney's All About Women festival has featured sessions on everything from hip hop and toxic masculinity to the post-#MeToo era — and, for its ninth iteration in 2021, it's once again presenting an exciting and eclectic program. When the event returns on Sunday, March 7, it'll feature talks, panels, workshops and films about the evolution of the feminist movement, its limitations, the gendered nature of household responsibilities, misogynistic online communities and the judgements built into artificial intelligence. There's also a session about coping with doomscrolling, because that topic couldn't be more relevant after the past 12 months. Once again, the fest will take place around International Women's Day — happening the day before, though, so it can still be held on a weekend. And while AAW has always covered a huge array of bases each and every year, there is a particular focus on power structures that limit the female experience in 2021. That subject will come through in sessions about identity, sexuality and resilience, and others that explore technology, entrenched inequalities and feminist futures. Talks about sex work and mindfulness are also on the bill, too. Leading the lineup of speakers is writer Isabel Allende, who'll be discussing her 2021 memoir The Soul of a Woman — which explores her role in the feminist movement across continents, cultures, and centuries. She's joined on the program by How to Be A Woman and More Than a Woman author Caitlin Moran, who'll examine the realities of of middle-aged life; Koa Beck, the ex-Jezebel editor-in-chief who penned White Feminism: From the Suffragettes to Influencers and Who They Leave Behind; and Laura Bates, author of Everyday Sexism and Men Who Hate Women and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project — with the ways in which the individual is often valued over the community and the corners of the internet swaying the mindsets of boys and young men all on the agenda. [caption id="attachment_797616" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Isabel Allende. Image: Lori Barra[/caption] For folks interested in AI, researcher and professor Kate Crawford will chat about machine classification and its role in entrenching inequality. Covering completely different subjects, one panel session will examine the often-complicated relationship between sex work and feminism, too, while another talk will help participants learn to cope with uncertainty in today's COVID-afflicted world. Or, attendees can head to workshops about making zines, weaving baskets — as led by Yorta Yorta woman Tegan Murdock and her mum Margaret Murray — and using music to help let go of the past. Unsurprisingly given the state of Australia's international borders, speakers from overseas will appear via video, rather than in-person. For those who can't attend AAW in person — including those located outside of Sydney — some sessions will be live-streamed as well, and made available to watch on-demand afterwards. The jump to online also includes AAW's film component. Two documentaries, Brazen Hussies and Coded Bias, will screen at the Opera House — and they'll also be available to stream online, alongside a lineup of short documentaries from female Australian filmmakers. All About Women 2021 will take place on Sunday, March 7 at the Sydney Opera House. Livestream tickets and event multipacks are on sale from 9am on Wednesday, January 20, with single-ticket pre-sales starting at the same time — and general public tickets available from 9am on Friday, January 22.
When the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl kicked off in 2016, it did so in simple but great style. Recognising that the key to many a good night out is a multi-venue itinerary, it made hopping between Fortitude Valley's finest hangouts a streamlined, well-organised yet still laidback experience — with brews aplenty and an ace live music soundtrack. That was then. Now, the same idea and aim remain; however everyone's favourite multi-venue mini music and beer festival is even bigger and better in its third year. After expanding from four venues in its initial outing to five the second time around, 2018's event will see attendees jump between seven spots to see 35 interstate and local artists. The simultaneous sonic fun takes place on February 17, at returning spaces The Zoo, The Brightside, The Foundry and Black Bear Lodge, plus new additions Barbara, The Flying Cock and Crowbar. As always, the agenda includes running between each to sip frosty beverages and catch crackin' sets, with the entertainment once again sponsored by a brewery. Details of the who plays at which venue variety are yet to be announced; however the whole shindig will kick off at 5pm. Given that we know the what, where and when of it all in a general sense, the only thing left for you to do is clear your calendar for an ace day of tunes, brews and hopping around the Valley. Oh, and to get excited about the below lineup: Philadelphia Grand Jury Gooch Palms Hatchie Hollow Coves Carmouflage Rose Midas.Gold Ninajirachi Jess Locke Bugs BOAT SHOW Nice Biscuit Emerson Snowe Holiday Party Ayla King IV Austen Jesswar Fritz Jouk Mistrow The Gametes Orlando Furious FeelsClub Port Royal First Beige Eat Your Heart Out Chakra Efendi Stranger Land JEFFE Hey Baby Pink Matter Keelan Mak Earthlings Twinfolds Hope D Zapéd The Mountain Goat Valley Crawl takes place at The Zoo, The Brightside, The Foundry, Black Bear Lodge, Barbara, The Flying Cock and Crowbar on February 17. For more information, check out the event's Facebook page.
If you like beer and you live in Brisbane, then you've probably noticed a trend in recent years. In fact, you've probably been making the most of it. That's to be expected when a certain patch of turf starts welcoming new drinking spots with frequency. Thanks to Ballistic Beer Co in Salisbury, as well as Helios Brewing Company and Slipstream Brewing Company in Yeerongpilly, there's no shortage of breweries to have a beer at on the southside — and while you've likely been hopping between them all anyway, Beermuda Triangle gives the area's boozy crawl an official spin. Head to any of the trio between 1–7pm on Saturday, October 30, get sipping, then catch a courtesy bus to the other two — and drink more frothy ales at each, obviously. Entry is free, more than 50 brews will be on offer, and there'll also be food trucks and live music at each brewery. Plus, you'll be able to just generally soak in the boozy Salisbury and Yeerongpilly vibes. Also, because this edition of Beermuda Triangle is being held just a day before Halloween, each brewery will also be whipping up a special spooky-themed beer for the day. And, wearing costumes is highly recommended. Basically, think of this brewery crawl as a beer-drinking version of trick-or-treating.
Yeah, we're thinking he's back — John Wick, that is. Five years after Keanu Reeves introduced everyone's favourite assassin (and dog owner) to the world, and two years after the film scored its first sequel, the action-packed franchise is bringing its third instalment to the big screen in 2019. Entitled John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum and due to hit cinemas in May, the series' latest follow-up picks up where the last flick left off, aka with Wick being hunted down by his fellow killers. With a $14 million price tag on his head, plenty of hitmen and women are out to collect the bounty. And all of this because, in the first movie, he became the proud owner of an adorable pooch. As Wick notes, of course, "it wasn't just a puppy". If you're not up on your Latin, parabellum means 'prepare for war', which is just what a kick-ass Keanu looks primed to do. This time, he'll have Halle Berry in his corner — and he's not adverse to brandishing some firepower while atop a horse or mowing down his enemies while he's riding a motorbike. With this year marking two decades since The Matrix first arrived and blew movie-goers' minds, he's not against quoting one of that film's most famous lines either. Like John Wick: Chapter 2, Parabellum does re-team Reeves with Laurence Fishburne once more, so prepare for another Neo and Morpheus reunion. As for the rest of the cast, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick and Jason Mantzoukas all return from the previous flicks, while Anjelica Huston ranks among the new additions. Behind the lens, former Keanu stunt double turned filmmaker Chad Stahelski directs again, as he has did with the previous John Wick flicks. The film's first trailer arrived earlier this year, and now a second sneak peek has dropped. Check them both out below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU8-7BX9uxs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2P3cpPOXY&feature=youtu.be John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum releases in Australian cinemas on Thursday, May 16.
It has been two years since The Foundry first came into Brisbanites' lives, and doesn't time fly when you're having plenty of live music fun. Consider that the warmup to the Valley venue's epic second birthday bash — or consider the shindig an ideal example of marking the occasion the way they intend to go on. On August 10, a top lineup of GL, Hatchie, Party Dozen and Holiday Party will be hitting the stage to celebrate, which means one thing: there will be dancing. Kicking off at 8pm, there'll also be a whole lotta love for a place that combines gigs, festivals, creative events, industry offices, a rehearsal space, artist touring accommodation and more under one roof. Pre-booked tickets cost $10 + booking fee, or grab one for $15 at the door.
From 12.01pm today, Queensland is once again letting in tourists (with a border pass) from across Australia (except Victoria) to visit its white beaches and coral reefs. To celebrate, Virgin Australia is selling half-a-million cheap flights to the Sunshine State. Virgin? Yes. The same airline that, just months ago, entered voluntary administration. It has since been sold to US private investment firm Bain Capital and launched a comeback sale in early July. Now, it has just kicked off its Good to Go sale, which is running from Friday, July 10 until midnight on Tuesday, July 14 (or until sold out) and includes fares as low as $85. It's not quite as much of a bargain as Jetstar's earlier $19 flight sale, but the tickets do include a 23-kilogram baggage allowance for economy class bookings. [caption id="attachment_770853" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] Sydneysiders can pack that bag and jump on a flight to the Gold Coast for $85, to Brisbane for $89 and to Cairns for $139, while Brisbanites can take their baggage to the Whitsunday Coast for $89, to Sydney for $99 and to Hamilton Island for $115. If you're hoping to head into Queensland in the next seven days, prepare for plenty of company: the government yesterday reported that 200,000 people had applied for the required border pass and that "congestion and delays" were expected. Virgin Australia's Good to Go sale runs until midnight on Tuesday, July 14.
You might have thought King George Square looked pretty fine during the day, and maybe a tad finer at night, but it's at twilight City Hall really shows off its colours. And what better backdrop to shop the evening away with, especially when the King George is filled with some of Brisbane's best designers and makers. The monthly Brisbane Twilight Market shows off some 80 stalls, staffed by some pretty nifty and talented local artists. There will be an eclectic selection of handmade clothing, accessories, leathergoods, papergoods, homewares and more on show. This market is all about sound, smell and sales — live jazz bands will provide a smooth soundtrack to the evening, and expect to be hit with that spring flowerbed smell that always lingers when there's a soap stall around. The markets run from 4pm – 9pm. Take along some cash and stock up on all things crafty.
Everyone has a childhood memory about discovering chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. A staple at several ice cream chains, the flavour is as simple as it sounds. Take some ice cream, add chocolate chip cookie dough, then mix it all together — with dessert fiends then able to lick their way through a creamy but also chunky mashup of two sweet treat favourites. Ben & Jerry's is one of the brands that has been dishing up the frosty treat for years, introducing it in 1984. In 2021, however, it has just launched a range of cookie dough chunks that don't come with ice cream. Available for a limited time only, you can snack them from the packet rather than enjoy them in a cone or cup. Two types are on offer, in 180-gram and 227-gram pouches. If you're all about choc chips, you can grab a whole packet of doughy chunks filled with them. If you're keen to mix it up, you can opt for both chocolate chip cookie dough and fudge brownie pieces in the same packet — so a version of Ben & Jerry's Half Baked flavour, sans ice cream. The separate packs of cookie dough chunks are only available until sold out, with the range on offer in select Ben & Jerry's Scoop Stores now — in Manly, Bondi and Chatswood in Sydney; Flinders Lane, Burwood Brickworks and St Kilda in Melbourne; Mooloolaba, Noosa, Surfer's Paradise and Pacific Fair in Queensland; and Hillarys, Joondalup, Fremantle and Northbridge in Western Australia. Ben & Jerry's cookie dough chunks are available at select Ben & Jerry's stores in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia for a limited time — in 180-gram and 227-gram packs.
Over the past few years, Gelatissimo has whipped up a number of creative flavours, including frosé sorbet, gelato for dogs, and ginger beer, Weet-Bix, fairy bread, hot cross bun, cinnamon scroll, chocolate fudge and bubble tea gelato. Earlier this year, it made its own spin on Caramilk gelato, too. For its latest offering, the Australian dessert chain is still turning something that everyone loves into gelato. This time, though, it's taking inspiration from a drink. Can't choose between sipping a cold brew coffee made with oat milk or licking your way through a few scoops of ice cream? Gelatissimo has the solution. That very combination is on the menu from Tuesday, June 1, adding a new vegan special to its range — but only for a limited time. Exactly how long it'll be hanging around hasn't been revealed, so getting in quickly in recommended. Whether you opt for a cone or a cup, you'll be tucking into gelato made with oat milk that's specifically designed to go with coffee. And as for the caffeinated part of the flavour, that comes about via a concentrate made by steeping coffee beans in water for around 24 hours. You can get the cold brew with oat milk flavour in stores Australia-wide, including within your five-kilometre radius if you're in Melbourne. Or, Gelatissimo also delivers take-home packs via services such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Doordash. Gelatissimo's cold brew with oat milk gelato is available from all stores nationwide from Tuesday, June 1.
When the Mardi Gras Film Festival returns each, it's wonderful news for Sydney's cinephiles. For folks located outside of the Harbour City, it's been fantastic news, too, for the past few years. Catering to movie lovers Australia-wide is fast, and welcomely, becoming a pandemic-era film fest staple — and MGFF has been jumping on the trend heartily. That includes in 2023, thanks to a 21-title online lineup. Not in Sydney but still want to watch along between Wednesday, February 15–Thursday, March 2? If you're in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or elsewhere across the country, you still have a feast of queer cinema coming your way. More flicks are available at the fest's in-person event compared to its digital lineup, but a nice selection will be screening online for those playing along at home and interstate. LGBTQIA+ movie lovers watching on from the couch can check out 21 features. Highlights span Black as U R, a doco about the lack of attention paid to the black queer community; Icelandic spoof Cop Secret; Blitzed!, about the eponymous London nightclub, with Boy George, Princess Julia and Spandau Ballet sharing their memories; and Youtopia, which explores the inadvertent formation of a hipster cult. And, there's also In Her Words, an ode to 20th-century lesbian fiction; A Place of Our Own, an Indian drama about two trans friends; and All Man: The International Male Story, exploring how a menswear catalogue became a homoerotic handbook — as well as the COVID-era set sci-fi road-trip flick Unidentified Objects, a winner at Outfest LA.
The lines between physical and virtual are blurring at Brisbane Powerhouse, with the iconic arts centre announcing their first digital-centric festival, IRL, to take place in May 2015. A convergence of live arts and gaming culture, IRL (as in, 'in real life') bridges the gap between the venue’s performance focus and the changing online landscape. The festival aims to create unique multimedia experiences and celebrate the increasingly interactive, interconnected realm that now encompasses all arts endeavours. Artistic director Kris Stewart, who has been at the helm of Brisbane Powerhouse since July 2013, said the festival is being developed to embrace and enable the new wave of national and international digital creatives. Thinking local and acting global, IRL will harness the power of leading Queensland-based organisations such as Queensland University of Technology, The Edge, Halfbrick Studios, Brisbane International Game Developers Association (brIGDA) and The Cube, as well as showcasing international partnerships with The Sundance Institute (home of the Sundance Film Festival), Electrofringe and LA-artists I Am 8 Bit. Further programming and curatorial decisions are still in development, with more details to be announced closer to the event. Organised and hosted by Brisbane Powerhouse, from 2015 IRL will sit alongside the World Theatre Festival, Brisbane Comedy Festival, Brisbane Queer Film Festival, Queensland Cabaret Festival and children’s festival Powerkids in the venue’s annual calendar of festivals.
Australian movie lovers, prepare to be spoiled for choice when it comes to getting your next big-screen fix. With Sydney out of lockdown and Melbourne likely to do the same this month, cinemas across the country are about to be inundated with high-profile features — and, with film festivals showing them. One such event getting the projectors whirring is the annual British Film Festival, which'll tour its 31-movie lineup of Brit flicks around the country between Wednesday, November 3–Wednesday, December 1. Gracing the fest's titles is a who's who of UK acting talent, so if you're a fan of The Crown's Olivia Colman, Claire Foy and Josh O'Connor — or of everyone from Jamie Dornan, Colin Firth, Judi Dench and Benedict Cumberbatch to Helen Mirren, Michael Caine, Joanna Lumley and Peter Capaldi — you'll be spying plenty of familiar faces. The festival will open with true tale The Duke, starring Mirren and Jim Broadbent, with the latter playing a 60-year-old taxi driver who stole a portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. From there, highlights include the Kenneth Branagh-directed Belfast, about growing up in 1960s Northern Ireland; Last Night in Soho, Edgar Wright's new thriller featuring Anya Taylor-Joy and Thomasin McKenzie; romantic period drama Mothering Sunday, with Colman, Firth and O'Connor; and Best Sellers, a literary comedy with Michael Caine and Aubrey Plaza. Or, there's also Stardust, a biopic about the one and only David Bowie — and The Electrical Life of Louis Wan, about the eponymous artist, with Cumberbatch and Foy leading the cast. Opera singing in the Scottish highlands drives the Lumley-starring Falling for Figaro, which also features Australian Patti Cake$ actor Danielle Macdonald; Benediction marks the return of filmmaker Terence Davies (Sunset Song), this time focusing on English poet and soldier Siegfried Sassoon; and Firth pops up again in World War II-set drama Operation Mincemeat with Succession's Matthew Macfadyen. Plus, To Olivia dramatises Roald Dahl's marriage to Oscar-winning actress Patricia Neal, Stephen Fry explores bubbly booze in documentary Sparkling: The Story of Champagne, and novelist Jackie Collins also gets the doco treatment. And, as part of the British Film Festival's retrospective lineup, Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon will grace the big screen — the former in a 4K restoration to celebrate its 50th anniversary. BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL 2021 DATES: Wednesday, November 3–Wednesday, December 1 — Palace Norton, Palace Verona, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Wednesday, November 3–Wednesday, December 1 — Palace Electric, Canberra Wednesday, November 3–Wednesday, December 1 — Palace James Street and Palace Centro, Brisbane Wednesday, November 3–Wednesday, December 1— Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Wednesday, November 3–Wednesday, December 1— Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema, Perth Wednesday, November 3–Sunday, November 21 — Palace Byron Bay, Byron Bay Friday, November 5–Wednesday, December 1 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and The Astor, Melbourne The 2021 British Film Festival tours Australia between Wednesday, November 3–Wednesday, December 1. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.
When August hits in Brisbane, everyone in town starts craving the same thing. We've been well-conditioned that way, because this time of year usually heralds the Ekka's arrival — and the annual return of its famed strawberry sundaes. But thanks to southeast Queensland's latest lockdown, things will be a bit different in 2021. Just like last year, the Ekka isn't going ahead due to the pandemic. Fingers crossed that those beloved strawberry desserts will still pop up somewhere, like they also did last year. If you'd like to combine that berry flavour with a brew or several, however, Stone and Wood has something extra special on offer. The brewery is bringing back its Ekka-inspired 'Strawberry Sundae Kisses' beer. Yes, it's a boozy version of iconic dessert, and it tastes like strawberries and cream. Stone and Wood whip it up in the traditional Berliner Weisse style, with the brew also featuring lactose and vanilla — and it'll be available in one-litre sharers at the brewery's lockdown drive-thru. If Brisbane can welcome a fancy mac 'n' cheese drive-thru and a lasagne drive-thru during its latest stay-at-home period, then it can also play host to a strawberry sundae beer-slinging brewery drive-thru — so that's exactly what Stone and Wood is setting up. Its Brissie brewery is offering the service from 12–5pm between Friday, August 6–Sunday, August 8. Yes, other types of brews will be available, as will merch, and you'll get it all brought to your car without having to hop out. Pick up some of the Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer and you'll also be helping a great cause, with Stone and Wood donating all the proceeds from the brew to The Common Good's usual fundraising efforts for The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation. Stone and Wood's lockdown drive-thru will operate at its Brisbane brewery at 99 Bridge St, Fortitude Valley, from 12–5pm between Friday, August 6–Sunday, August 8.
It's the German culinary classic that's become a true blue Aussie pub favourite — and now the humble schnitzel is getting its very own ten-week celebration courtesy of The Bavarian. Folks, get set for Schnitty Fest. Running from Wednesday, March 31–Wednesday, June 9, the event sees the German beer hall chain's many outposts (Brisbane's include Eagle Street Pier, Chermside and The Barracks) paying homage to this beloved dish with an exclusive menu of ten different schnitzel creations. On offer right through the festival, it's a truly diverse lineup, featuring everything from a Mexican-inspired schnitty topped with corn chips, salsa and spicy beef ($26), to a crumbed mushroom parma served with cabbage slaw and fries ($24). The Nashville variation takes a trip through southern USA by way of some southern fried chook, potato gems and a chipotle aioli ($26), while the aptly named Oktoberfest ($26) comes teamed with sautéed potatoes, mustard and wurstsalat (sausage salad). And the pork-based Schweineschnitzel ($26) will send all the traditionalists to bread-crumbed heaven. What's more, as a special hump day treat, diners will find the full range of schnitzels dropped to just $10 all day long every Wednesday. And as always, The Bavarian is pouring a slew of both Aussie and German beers to wash down your schnitty feast in style. [caption id="attachment_805249" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Oktoberfest schnitty[/caption]
Vegans tired of being excluded from affordable mainstream menus or, at best, treated as an after-thought, here's some cheerful news — for both you and the rest of the animal kingdom. Domino's Pizza has today — Monday, January 8 — added vegan cheese to its list of ingredients. Yep, your pizza eating habits no longer need be restricted to vego-only (or exxy sit down) joints — they can now extend to cheap on-the-way-home snacks and in-bed feasts. To celebrate, three vegan pizzas will be hitting the menu for a limited time. These are the vegan avocado veg, the vegan spicy trio and the vegan margherita. Most importantly, though, you'll be able to turn any pizza on the menu into an animal-free one by asking for vegan mozzarella and parting with an extra $2.95 (which is quite reasonable, really). Plus, all Domino's bases and sauces are plant-based. The decision to introduce vegan cheese came about as a result of a survey that Domino's conducted via its Facebook page in late 2017. "We were blown away by the response," said Nick Knight, CEO of Domino's Australia and New Zealand. "The popularity of, and demand for, vegan products has increased considerably over the years, so it's great we are now able to offer this high-quality, non-GMO, plant-based and preservative-free vegan cheese." Domino's created the cheese — which is also free of gluten, soy and cholesterol — in its LuvLab, aiming to mimic the taste, texture and melting power of dairy-based cheese. But we'll believe it when we try it. Obviously our fair city has plenty of pizza options that we'd recommend over Domino's, but, nonetheless, this can only be a sign that more readily-available vegan options will hit mainstream food outlets in the near future. To begin, the cheese will be available for a limited time, and, if it proves popular with customers, it'll be instated permanently.
It just got real grey in Brisbane. And in Brisbane during the warmer months, that only means one thing: a storm is coming. So if you're currently reading this from somewhere dry and cosy, we suggest that you keep it that way for the rest of your Sunday afternoon. And not just any old wet weather, either. The Bureau of Meteorology has reported that giant (its words) hail is expected with the very dangerous storm heading to the Caloundra area, while damaging winds and large hail are likely with storms near Redcliffe, Beachmere and Brisbane Airport. Hail nearing cricket ball-size has also been reported near the Glass House Mountains. And, even if you're not on the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane's northside, the storm warning is current for the Redland City, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane City and Moreton Bay council areas. In total, three serious thunderstorms are currently in the region and, taking a peek at the BOM's nifty colour-coded map, below, it looks like Brisbane's CBD could be hit. https://twitter.com/BOM_Qld/status/1195909184920969216 While Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has been battling the state's catastrophic bushfires this week, it has advised that those in the path of the storms should follow BOM's advice. The usual common sense tactics obviously apply: secure loose outdoor items and stay inside. Their number is 132 500 if you need SES assistance. Weather-wise, the wild conditions are set to subside after today — tomorrow is set to be a partly cloudy, rain-free 27. Stay dry out there. And remember to check Live Traffic, Translink and BOM for warnings and updates.
It has been 22 years since the Valley Fiesta first turned Fortitude Valley's live music scene into a weekend-long street party — and, returning for its annual spin across August 29 to September 2, it's bigger and better than ever. From live music to boozy shindigs to learning to dance in the middle of the Brunswick Street mall, the event's 2018 lineup is packed with things to do. Outdoor gigs, a light-filled art showcase and a special focus on active activities designed to get punters moving beyond making shapes and tapping their toes are all on the bill as well. Indeed, the area around Brunswick, Wickham and Ann streets is the place to be across five massive days, but if you're a little overwhelmed for choice, we're here to help. Add these ten top happenings to your Fiesta itinerary, and prepare for a busy stint of Valley revelry.
I’m going to be honest. I don’t have any tattoos, I probably will never have any tattoos, and my knowledge of tattoos doesn’t extend too far beyond Kat Von D’s L.A. Ink, which I have watched about three episodes of, including the one where her slightly creepy-looking hairless cat is tragically killed and Von D finds herself finally able to really empathise with her customers, many of whom get inked to remember and celebrate a loved one. Truth be told, I wish I was hardcore enough to get a tat but I am a) too fickle and b) too chicken. Despite this, I can totally understand the appeal of this weekend’s premier tattoo convention. Australia’s tattooed (preachers and practisers) will be flocking by air, rail and road to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in time for the Gold Coast Tattoo SURF n’ Ink Convention, held over three glorious days. If you are still hesitating, never fear because the convention has provided you with 10 Reasons why you need to go to SURF n’ Ink. I personally can’t go past number 6, but perhaps the true pull factor is that this is the only opportunity you will have to be tattooed by your favourite international artist (without going overseas). Plus, if you purchase your ticket online, you get express priority entry.
If you like cheese, then it's impossible to have too much of it. Whether it's served on a platter, combined with macaroni, slipped onto burgers, grated over pasta, melted into gooey fondue or part of a 150-cheese pizza — to name just a few cheesy examples — the more there is, the merrier your tastebuds are. That applies to cheese toasties, too, because even the simple combination of warmed bread and cheese can be improved by adding more of the later, then more still, then just a bit more. How much cheese should a toastie boast? As much as you can manage, really. If 40 different types of cheese sounds like enough (or close to it), then you'll want to celebrate National Cheese Day on Friday, June 4. Yes, it's another of those food-focused days that are really just excuses to spruik more of the dish in question. It's actually one of three that are set to tempt tastebuds this coming weekend, alongside National Doughnut Day and World Fish 'n' Chip Day. But it's also a reason to tuck into a 40-cheese toastie — or several. The cheese behemoths will be on offer for two weeks, and only via Deliveroo — with eateries in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland whipping up different versions. Wherever you opt to order from, you'll need to use the delivery platform. Each toastie will cost you $12, and $5 from each order will go to Eat Up, a charity that works to counteract child hunger. In NSW, Butter's Parramatta and Chatswood stores are serving up their take on the 40-cheese creation. So are South Dowling Sandwiches in Alexandria and De'assis in Collaroy, while Custom Cafe in Brookvale and Paper Plane Cafe are doing ham and 40-cheese toasties. Victorians can check out Royal Stacks' version, or opt for a 40-cheese and herb variety from Collingwood's Punjabi Curry Cafe, a 40-cheese breakfast toastie from Blackburn Pizza Kebab and Cafe, and either salami or ham versions from Yarraville's Antipasti Deli Cafe. And in Queensland, Fortitude Valley's Hashtag Burgers and Waffles and West End's Suburban Cafe are both doing their extra cheesy thing, as is Toowong's Kingfisher Seafood Cafe — which is making a beef and cheese variety. At Tutto Cafe in Ashgrove, a ham and cheese type will be on offer as well. Wondering what types of cheeses will be included? Obviously, it's a long list. Here's the full rundown, which will have you dreaming of oozing sandos for days to come. Sori Buffalo mozzarella Lemnos feta Floridia haloumi Scamorza bianca mozzarella Mainland shredded egmont Scamorza smoked mozzarella Fred Walker shredded tasty Provolone mild brazzal Black jack cheddar Pecorino romano zanet Ashgrove Tassie trio Colby Vega wine-infused cheese Gouda cumin wedge Zanetti pecorino romano Parmigiano reggiano Smoked cheddar Saganaki Havarti Blue Stilton Asiago dop Camembert Natural Swiss cheese Sartori balsamic Sartori espresso Pecorino romano Truffelino Red Leicester Rubicon Lancashire Double Gloucester Gourmet mozzarella Jarlsberg Fiordimaso Pickled onion cheddar Gouda nutty and robust Comté Emmental Manchego Roncal Burrata Forty-cheese toasties will be available to order from eateries in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane via Deliveroo for two weeks from Friday, June 4–Thursday, June 17.
2020 gave us Normal People, the TV adaptation of Sally Rooney's beloved second novel. 2021 saw the Irish author's third book, Beautiful World, Where Are You, hit shelves. So now that a new year is here, Rooney fans need something new to obsess over — and the Conversations with Friends streaming series, which has just unveiled its first teaser trailer, definitely fits the mould. Based on Rooney's 2017 debut novel, the show itself won't reach eyeballs until May, which is when it'll premiere in the US on Hulu and in the UK on BBC Three — and hopefully Down Under via Amazon Prime Video at around the same time. But the initial sneak peek, while brief, teases plenty to look forward to, including a stacked cast that features newcomer Alison Oliver as Frances, The Favourite and Mary Queen of Scots' Joe Alwyn as Nick, American Honey's Sasha Lane as Bobbi, and Girls and Sex Education's Jemima Kirke as Melissa. If you've read the book, you'll know that Conversations with Friends follows Dublin college students Frances and Bobbi, as well as married couple Nick and Melissa. Frances and Bobbi used to date, but are now best friends; however, everything shifts when they meet their new pals — with Frances and Nick having an affair, Melissa and Bobbi drawn to each other, and Frances and Bobbi's friendship put under threat. The 12-part Conversations with Friends miniseries' first trailer is brief, but firmly sets the mood — and quickly conjures up memories of Normal People. There's a reason for that beyond the shared Rooney-penned source material, with Normal People co-director Lenny Abrahamson and co-screenwriter Alice Birch leading the charge behind the scenes here. When Conversations with Friends was first published five years back, it launched Rooney's career and sent award nominations her way, with Hulu and BBC Three announcing their plans to bring it to the screen after the Normal People adaptation proved such a hit. And yes, if you can't wait for Conversations with Friends to land in your streaming queue, you can obviously try to fill your time rebinging Normal People. Check out the teaser trailer for Conversations with Friends below: Conversations with Friends will start streaming in the US in May, and is set to stream Down Under via Amazon Prime Video — we'll update you with a specific date when one is announced. Images: Alison Oliver (Frances), Sasha Lane (Bobbi), Joe Alwyn (Nick) and Jemima Kirke (Melissa) in Conversations with Friends, Element Pictures. Photographer: Enda Bowe.
Ain't no party like a Triffid party, and this Saturday they're prepped and ready to get it on for the return of Vibes on a Summer's Day. Think international acts, favourite local bands, beer, food and grooves that will kick off just after midday and last until the deep hours of the night. Before you skip down to the exciting stuff, be a champ and read up Vibes on a Summer's Day's history. The day used to be a permanent fixture in the Australian music calendar from the mid-'90s to 2003, catering to cutting-edge fans of the soul and funk fringes of house and breakbeat. It introduced the likes of Groove Armada, Norman Jay, Gilles Peterson and Jamiroquai, among others. Now, after a 13-year hiatus, Vibes is returning to both Brisbane and Sydney. Leading the day's line up will be the DJ of all DJs Jazzie B, funk brothers Faze Action, Phil Smart, Kid Kenobi, Frenzie and Joe90. They'll be delivering dishes of funk and groove across two huge stages. On the local front, Katch, DJ Rouse, Phil Pherry, Kieron C, Mr Walker, Bluesabelle Butterz, Gavin Boyd, Mr. Sparkle, Cool Hand Luke and Dj Chantal, and Anthorme Boogie Sephard with Boogie Nights will be proving some added beats. Tickets for Vibes for a Summer's Day cost $45 and can be purchased online.
Not that long ago, inner-city Brisbane was a hive of movie-going activity, with no fewer that five cinemas operating within the CBD. However, in recent times film lovers have become accustomed to seeing theatres close rather than open — but a proposed new use for the Tara House building on Elizabeth Street could reverse that trend. That's right Brisbanites, the iconic CBD building is might soon be the Elizabeth Picture Theatre — if it proceeds, that is. At the moment, it's the subject of development application lodged by the folks behind the revitalised New Farm Cinemas. After working wonders revamping the old Village Twin on Brunswick Street after more than a decade of inactivity, and running the Yatala Drive-In as well, the Sourris family have set their sights on turning the space previously known as the Queensland Irish Club into a seven-screen cinema. According to a development application lodged through Brisbane City Council and posted on a SkyscraperCity forum, the heritage-listed venue would retain many of its existing features, including transforming the current first-floor ballroom into a grand yet intimate 121-seat theatre, alongside another 57-seat screen on the same level. Five other darkened rooms would grace the ground and basement storeys, and accommodate between 22 and 34 patrons each. Street-level retail tenancies — aka shops and eateries — would also feature. If it goes ahead, the new cinema will mark 179 Elizabeth Street's first significant change since 1919, when the Irish Club first moved in. Prior to that, it housed produce merchants and warehousing firms, with the building initially springing up in 1878. Of course, Elizabeth Picture Theatre's location won't escape the attention of the city's cinephiles; it's directly across the road from what's currently a giant hole in the ground, but previously housed the much-loved Regent Cinema until 2009. As well as its close proximity to the now-demolished movie theatre, it's just up the road from two other former cinema sites: the Forum on the corner on Albert and Elizabeth Streets (which then became a Borders and is now a Topshop store) and the Albert around the corner, which Dymocks, Vapiano and more now call home. Over in George Street, fellow CBD venue Tribal Cinema is still standing, but hasn't been in operation since 2013, though it was listed for lease last year. Via Skyscrapercity.com.
Like much in 2020, Brisbane's next big music festival is going to look more than a little different than usual. Indeed, when Remix Hotel hits town between Friday, October 9–Sunday, October 11, it'll combine two of the year's big trends: making the most of this city of ours and live-streaming top-notch entertainment. Across the whole weekend, the tunes will be pumping at Ovolo The Valley. And if you're thinking that's a unique choice for a music fest, well, this is a unique event. Featuring a lineup that includes Groove Armada, Marshall Jefferson, Jason Bye, Rachel May, Groove Terminator and Mark James, this fest will be broadcasting its live sets from the likes of London, Manchester and Ibiza — all into the hotel's rooms and entertainment areas, and all for music lovers who are staying onsite for a couple of days of ace sounds and staycation shenanigans. Yes, that means you'll need to book a room, which starts at $598 for two people for two nights. But, once you're onsite, you'll be able to tap your toes to a stellar soundtrack in said room, as well as in the hotel's gorilla lounge, its interactive lounge, by the pool and at Za Za Ta Bar and Kitchen. Dancing isn't permitted in line with Queensland's current COVID-19 restrictions; however if you're hanging out in one of the communal spaces, there'll be a heap of seating. Your package includes your stay, free minibar, breakfast and rooftop sunset sessions daily, and a brunch bloody mary on the Saturday, too. More artists will be added to the lineup — and, if you're keen, the whole event is open to hotel guests only. Remix Hotel takes place at Ovolo The Valley from Friday, October 9–Sunday, October 11, with tickets starting from $598 for two people for two nights.
Whether for a drink, a bite to eat, a stint at the casino or to spend the night, heading to Treasury Brisbane has always involved heading to two neighbouring George Street spots. Until this November, that is — with the inner-city venue branching out to a third location perched over the Brisbane river. Called Will & Flow, the new bar will mark Treasury's first off-site location, although it won't be far from its casino and adjacent hotel. Brisbanites can expect to mosey down to the Queen's Wharf precinct, where the overwater watering hole will sit between the QUT Gardens Point CityCat stop and the Goodwill Bridge. The site will serve up drinks and food, and host events — all with views over the river to South Bank. Both indoor and outdoor seating will be a feature, and the latter is likely to be mighty popular. That said, in line with current social-distancing requirements, visitors won't have too much company to start with, with the bar catering to 45 seated patrons or up to 70 standing up cocktail-style when it launches. While we know Will & Flow's exact opening date (November 20), its menu details are yet to be revealed; however, it will be doing coffees during the day and cocktails after work. The overwater bar is the second to open in Brisbane's inner city in the past couple of years, following Mr Percival's over at Howard Smith Wharves — aka the last big new precinct to open its doors. Find Will & Flow in the Queen's Wharf precinct, between the QUT Gardens Point CityCat stop and the Goodwill Bridge, from Friday, November 20. Images: renders of Will & Flow.
Just a few short years ago, grabbing a bite or having a drink beneath the Fortitude Valley side of the Story Bridge simply wasn't possible. Now, Howard Smith Wharves is one of the city's most popular spots. Restaurateur and entrepreneur Hervé Dudognon knows that first-hand, after holding leadership positions at the precinct — and, hopping over to Albion's transformed 100-year-old timber mill for his new venture, he's now hoping to weave that magic twice. At Craft'd Grounds, Dudognon is the co-founder and namesake of soon-to-open French restaurant and bar Hervé's, which'll start welcoming patrons in sometime in March. "The vision has always been to create a community destination — an extension of your home that's warm and inviting," he explains. "Brisbane has a rich dining culture, and while there's many elegant restaurants and bars in town, we've seen a real opportunity to bring a new world-class, yet relaxed approach to French-inspired dining. We want to celebrate the romance of experimenting and preparing fresh produce subtly inspired by French and Australian culture," Dudognon continues. Husband and wife executive chef duo Alex and Chris Norman will be overseeing the kitchen — with Chris as Executive Chef and Alex as Executive Pastry Chef. Between them, the pair boasts The Square restaurant and Ritz Hotel in London, plus The Bridge Room, Merivale Group, The One & Only Resort, Palazzo Versace and Emporium Group in Australia on their resumes. Given that Dudognon's career includes stops at the Hotel De Crillon in Paris, Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, and Palazzo Versace and Merivale Group as well, the Hervé's team isn't short on hospitality experience. The venue's menus haven't been revealed as yet, but its food range will favour top produced sourced both locally and abroad — including southeast Australian oysters. On the wine lineup, the bar will hero Australian, French and other international vino from eco-conscious winemakers. Decor-wise, Byron Bay-based interior designer Katie Cameron has given top-floor space an intimate, homely feel. Think: timber aplenty — befitting the building's history — as well as terrazzo, soft lighting and textured fabrics, plus a clear view into the kitchen and its wood-fired oven. When Hervé's opens its doors, it'll join a growing precinct that sprawls across the 2600-square-metres site on Collingwood Street, and takes inspiration from The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney. Craft'd Grounds is also home to brewery Brewtide and coffee roastery Seven Miles, and will house yet-to-launch bakery and deli Brass Tacks as well. Find Hervé's Restaurant and Bar at Level 1, Craft'd Grounds, 35 Collingwood Street, Albion, open Wednesday–Sunday, from sometime in March — we'll update you with an exact opening date when it's announced.
With apologies to William Shakespeare, all the world isn't just a stage in French farce Murder Party. Instead, it's a game, then another one, then yet another after that. This candy-coloured murder-mystery takes perhaps the ultimate high-concept setup and hones in on a crucial fact: that audiences love whodunnits, whether they're watching them on the screen or reading them on the page, because charting the unravelling details entails sleuthing along. In other words, when we're wondering who killed who in which room and why (and with what weapon), we're playing. The board game Cluedo also nailed this truth, as have murder-mystery parties, plus the increasing array of other interactive shows and events that thrust paying participants into the middle of such puzzle-laden predicaments. And while Murder Party acknowledges this idea in a variety of manners, here's the first and simplest: it's set among a family famed for making best-selling board games themselves. First-time feature writer/director Nicolas Pleskof and his co-scribe Elsa Marpeau (Prof T) kickstart the film with a killer setup: that eccentric crew of relatives, their brightly hued home on a sprawling country estate, an usual task given to a newcomer and, naturally, a sudden passing. Architect Jeanne Chardon-Spitzer (Alice Pol, Labor Day) is asked to pitch a big renovation project to the Daguerre family, transforming their impressive abode so that living there always feels like playing a game (or several). Patriarch César (Eddy Mitchell, The Middleman) already encourages his brood to enjoy their daily existence with that in mind anyway, including dedicating entire days to letting loose and walking, talking and breathing gameplay. But he's looking for a particularly bold next step. He's unimpressed by Jeanne's routine proposal, in fact. Then he drops dead, the property's doors slam shut and a voice over the intercom tells the architect, plus everyone else onsite, to undertake a series of challenges to ascertain the culprit among them — or be murdered themselves. Also thrust into the high-stakes game, which'll dispense with anyone who refuses to take part or guesses incorrectly: César's son Théo (Pablo Pauly, The French Dispatch), daughter Léna (Sarah Stern, Into the World) and nudgingly named youngest boy Hercule (Adrien Guionnet, Le Bazar de la Charité). Yes, sibling rivalry complicates the hypothesising, as well as the attempts to stay alive. Théo is particularly friendly towards workaholic Jeanne, adding another complexity to the already-chaotic situation. Similarly at hand is the dead man's younger wife Salomé (Pascale Arbillot, Haute Couture) — a mystery writer herself — and his no-nonsense offsider sister Joséphine (Miou-Miou, The Last Mercenary). And, because a home this immense was always going to have some help hovering around, butler Armand (Gustave Kervern, Love Song for Tough Guys) gets drawn in, too. If Amelie and Knives Out combined, the end result would look like Murder Party. If Wes Anderson and Agatha Christie joined forces, the outcome would be the same. It's highly unlikely that Pleskof was ever going to call his feature Murder in the Game-Filled Mansion or Death While Rolling the Dice, but that's the overwhelming vibe. There's an escape room element, too — thankfully, though, nodding towards the Escape Room franchise isn't on the agenda. Murder Party's characters get stuck in intricately designed locked spaces and forced to piece together clues to secure their freedom, and are only permitted to remain breathing by keeping their wits about them, but no one's in a horror movie here. There's also a penchant for twists upon twists, including toying with the film's premise. Those zigs and zags are obviously best discovered by watching, but Pleskof and Marpeau know the genre they're diving into — and its tropes, customs and drawcards. They know the kind of flicks they're parodying as well, nodding and winking at everything from Alfred Hitchcock's thrillers to cutesy Gallic comedies. That isn't the same as making the most of their influences, or thoughtfully satirising stereotypical on-screen French quirkiness, however. It doesn't result in a game-changer of a mystery-comedy, either. To Murder Party's misfortune, the small screen has been awash in excellent comic whodunnits in the past year, spanning Only Murders in the Building, The Afterparty and The Resort. If you've seen even just one of those three shows, it'll linger in your mind while watching Jeanne navigate the Daguerre family's mayhem. Still, there's an enticing air to Murder Party's aesthetic, with production designer Jérémy Duchier (Perfumes), art director Jean-Baptiste Rodet (Agatha Christie's Criminal Games) and costume designer Dorothée Guiraud (Portrait of a Lady on Fire) showering the featuring in a rainbow's worth of shining shades. The film colour-codes its characters just as Cluedo always has — in their outfits, rather than their names — and also turns its vibrantly decorated labyrinth of a mansion into the game-playing version of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Visually, Murder Party is exactly what it's meant to be: a sweet treat. And, just like in Roald Dahl's beloved book and the movies that've brought it to the screen, exactly who endures and who gets eliminated is guided by personality, and by riddles and quests that know their players' strengths and weaknesses. Fluffy, flashy, sugary, elaborate — yes, Murder Party is the dessert of whodunnit flicks in several ways. In-depth characterisations aren't a particular murder-mystery strength (see: the recent versions of Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile), but for everyone except Jeanne, the film remains especially light. There's a reason behind that, linked to the plot's biggest twist of all. Still, in the overall puzzle, that's also too much of a telltale sign. Murder Party wants to ponder the fun and escape of moving tokens, shuffling cards, making guesses and other frivolous trivialities, but getting immersed in the sleuthing, and also invested in each character's fate, proves a slipperier and trickier prospect when it's instantly clear that almost everyone is just a pawn.
Summer is almost here for another year, and that means that festival season is almost here as well. We all know that the latter always comes in two parts, however. Before we spend our sunny days and balmy nights dancing in crowds, there's the anticipation phase — that time when it seems like every fest in the country is announcing plans and lineups to get us all excited. After Wollongong's Yours and Owls, new touring fest Summer Camp, Sydney's NYE in the Park and Melbourne's Beyond the City all dropped their latest details in recent weeks, it's now For the Love's turn. The waterfront music festival will hit up the Gold Coast, Wollongong, Melbourne and Perth in February and March 2022, with Dom Dolla, Crooked Colours and Mallrat leading the lineup. Running Touch, Allday, Boo Seeka, George Maple, Telenova and Ebony Boadu are also on the bill, and the folks at Untitled Group — the same minds behind Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music & Arts and Ability Fest — are still running the show. The Gold Coast's Doug Jennings Park, Wollongong's Stuart Park, Catani Gardens in Melbourne and Perth's McCallum Park are set to be transformed into blissful dance destinations — and punters will also have the opportunity to kick back in style in one of For The Love's VIP lounges, presented by Aussie streetwear label Nana Judy. If it all sounds a bit familiar, that's because a number of acts on the bill were due to play For the Love this year, only for 2021's events to get pushed back to 2022. But that chaos has meant that a Wollongong festival has now joined the tour, which is obviously great news for New South Wales residents. If an evening spent cutting shapes by the water sounds like a much-needed addition to your calendar, you can now register for presale tickets until 4pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 23. Presale tickets go on sale from 6pm AEDT hat same day, with general public tickets up for grabs from 1pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 24. FOR THE LOVE 2022 AUSTRALIAN DATES: Saturday, February 19 — Doug Jennings Park, Gold Coast Saturday, February 26 — Stuart Park, Wollongong Saturday, March 5 — Catani Gardens, Melbourne Sunday, March 6 — McCallum Park, Perth FOR THE LOVE 2022 LINEUP: Dom Dolla Crooked Colours Mallrat Allday Running Touch Boo Seeka George Maple Telenova Ebony Boadu For The Love 2021 tours the country in February and March 2022. Head to the festival's website to register for presale.
No doubt you have a couple of Donna Hay cookbooks in your cupboard. After all, she is an Aussie food icon. From baked treats and cakes to salads, soups and home-style feasts, she's known not only for her recipes but also her impeccable plating. Now, the much-loved cook is hosting a series of virtual cooking classes, so you can become a culinary whiz in your own kitchen. Yep, it's not often you get to cook with Donna Hay and, soon enough, you'll be plating up like a Masterchef contestant. Best of all, it's free. To make it happen, Hay has partnered up with renowned New Zealand winemakers Cloudy Bay, because it wouldn't be a dinner party without vino. Known for its well-crafted wine, particularly its sauvignon blanc, Cloudy Bay is synonymous with the Marlborough wine region. Happening on Thursday, August 20 and Thursday, August 27, the two 1.5-hour cook-along sessions will see you whipping up two courses — a grazing platter and a main — and pairing both with a Cloudy Bay vino. In the first masterclass, the focus will be on pairing a fresh, vibrant sauvignon blanc with each dish. In the second, it'll be all about cool-climate pinot noir. Overall, with the help of Donna Hay and Cloudy Bay, you'll pick up some serious shortcuts to at-home entertaining. You can register for free here. Once you've signed up, you'll get an email with a link to join via Zoom, plus access to online recipe cards access and where to purchase the two Cloudy Bay wines — and have them delivered to your door. The Shortcuts to Entertaining with Donna Hay sessions kick off at 6.30pm on Thursday, August 20 and Thursday, August 27. To sign up, head here, then order yourself bottles of Cloudy Bay from this website.
When was the last time that you picked up a pen, sat down in front of a piece of paper and wrote someone a letter? When was the last time you picked up a pen and wrote something other than a reminder note, shopping list or a scribbled signature, for that matter? Handwriting is no longer a daily part of many people's lives, and nor is corresponding with others via mail — but both are in the spotlight at Dead Letter Club. Founded in Melbourne and now making its way around the country, Dead Letter Club is reviving the art of simply writing letters, although it's doing so with a twist. It's also a creative writing night, where people grab some stationery, choose a pen name and start scrawling missives. The letters are then sent via secret post — that is, swapped with other attendees, with everyone paired up with a mystery pen pal — creating a back-and-forth of handwritten correspondence throughout the evening. On the club's website, creator Melanie Knight describes it as "a chance to turn the tides on consumerism. Rather than consume more, we can make something". Dead Letter Club also presents itself an antidote to today's texting, twittering, emoji-sending, like-clicking forms of communication, instead requiring someone to spend time and energy to carefully compose a long-form piece of correspondence to someone else. Celebrating its first birthday at Melbourne's Noisy Ritual Urban Winery on Wednesday, October 10, Dead Letter Club often takes place in boozy establishments — so if you need some inspiration, the liquid type is available to purchase. Hundreds of writing prompt cards are also on hand, should you simply need an idea to get you started. The club comes to Sydney on Wednesday, October 17 thanks to a session at Daisy's Milk Bar, with fellow nights following in Wollongong and Canberra as part of an east coast tour. A session also occurred in Brisbane in September — and the club welcomes enquiries from folks eager to start up regular events in their city or town. Image: Dead Letters Club.
For the past few years, the unnerving Séance installation has been popping up around southeast Queensland and spooking the region out. In 2022, it's back again — because when better than the lead up to Halloween? This time around, however, it's setting up its big, white container at Movie World on the Gold Coast as part of the theme park's October Fright Nights on Friday and Saturday evenings. That means that you do need to buy a ticket to the whole shindig, then nab a Séance ticket on top; however, you will get to enjoy this particular experience, plus everything else that's on the Fright Nights agenda. On that list: spooky entertainment, creepy precincts, themed mazes (some of which also cost extra) and, of course, Movie World's rides. Unlike most shipping containers around the place, this one isn't being used to transport furniture. And, given that the word 'séance' is written on the side in black, it's definitely more than a little ominous. Participants will be able to take a seat inside, and then put on a headset. You'll next be told to put both hands on the table. The lights go out, leaving the place in absolute darkness — and, for 20 uneasy minutes, you'll be taken on an immersive journey led only by touch and sounds. Expect to feel confused, repulsed and struck with temporary claustrophobia. According to organisers, numerous participants have bailed halfway through sittings in the past. You're probably thinking that there's something dark or supernatural about the whole thing — and going by the name, we don't blame you. But the installation's organiser says that 'séance' is simply a French word meaning 'session' or 'sitting'. And so Séance is a sensory experience that looks at the psychology of both sensory deprivation and the dynamics of a group sitting together. It's a scary indicator of how easy it is for confusion, disorientation and information overload to affect our judgement. (We're serious when we say Séance is not recommended for the claustrophobic, the easily frightened or those afraid of the dark.) Artists David Rosenberg and Glen Neath of Darkfield (who have collaborated in other sensory deprivation projects before) are the creative masterminds behind the project, which has been described as 'disorienting' and 'deeply unsettling'. And if need more of an idea of what you're in for, you might've listened to Darkfield's at-home experiences in the past few years, too — such as Double, Visitors, Eternal and Knot — and experienced a few bumps and jumps. [caption id="attachment_804877" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Séance in Sydney in 2017[/caption]
