Despite being many kilometers and continents away from the country of Croissants, berets and good wine, Brisbane has its fair share of Francophiles. Thankfully once again, from 16 March to 3 April, this group of accent loving people can leave their adopted homes of the faux Eiffel Tower in Milton and Brisbane’s Hermes boutique and head to Palace Cinemas to enjoy the annual French Film Festival presented by the Alliance Française. A chic French themed party will mark the opening of the festival, where attendees will be treated to canapés, wine and the screening of Potiche. The movie, which contains a stellar cast including Catherine Deneuve, Gérard Depardieu and Fabrice Luchini, was last year chosen to appear at both the Toronto International Film Festival and Venice International Film Festival. Other standout movie events from the festival include the 22 March screening of Angele and Tony, with a guest appearance from elegant French actress and Ambassador of French Cinema – Next Generation, Clotilde Hesme, as well as showings of crime thrillers Sphinx, White as Snow and documentary The Arrivals. Finally, the French are known for their bourgeois lifestyle as much as they are for their cheese and baguettes, so what better way to end the festival than with a fashion and love themed evening and showing of YSL & P.Berge l’Amour Fou, the story of Yves Saint Laurent and his glamorous life?
Lock up your children: the Sanderson sisters are back and they're wreaking havoc again, as this witchy trio are known to. Twenty-nine years after Hocus Pocus first cast a spell on audiences, the beloved flick is getting a sequel — arriving on Disney+ this month, on Friday, September 30, and with a new full trailer to prove it. The latest sneak peak at Hocus Pocus 2 follows an initial teaser back in June, and the results are the same: more witchy mayhem as originally seen in 1993; more Bette Midler (The Addams Family 2), Sarah Jessica Parker (And Just Like That...) and Kathy Najimy (Music) getting spooky; and oh-so-much nostalgia this time, of course. In this second effort, Winnie, Sarah and Mary Sanderson are unleashed in modern-day Salem again, and things naturally get chaotic. As the trailers show, the magical siblings make a reappearance thanks to a different threesome — a trio of teenage pals who, early in the initial trailer, are told that "it's on the 16th birthday that a witch gets her powers". Cue a black cat, a book of spells, chanting in a graveyard and big The Craft vibes. Soon, cue Winnie, Sarah and Mary as well. Story-wise, Hocus Pocus 2 naturally follows what happens next, as the Sandersons try to unleash their child-eating ways — and the high schoolers who conjured them up attempt to stop them before dawn on All Hallow's Eve. It's been 29 years since someone last lit the black flame candle which resurrects the 17th-century sisters in the movie's world, just as it has in our own, and the witches aren't happy about it. That said, in this new sneak peek, the Sandersons also get an origin story. So if you've always wanted to know more about the sisters, here's your chance — and Ted Lasso's Hannah Waddingham factors into it. Hocus Pocus 2 also features Sam Richardson (The Afterparty), Doug Jones (The Shape of Water), Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl), Belissa Escobedo (American Horror Stories), Lilia Buckingham (Dirt), Froyan Gutierrez (Teen Wolf) and Tony Hale (Veep). While the original film was directed by Kenny Ortega — before the filmmaker gave the world the High School Musical movies — this one has Dumplin', Hot Pursuit and The Proposal's Anne Fletcher behind the lens. And yes, the Mouse House's streaming platform sure does love dropping seasonal-themed movies at the appropriate times. Here's hoping this one turns out better than last year's Christmas-focused Home Sweet Home Alone, though, when it hits the platform just before the scariest month of the year. Check out the full trailer for Hocus Pocus 2 below: Hocus Pocus 2 will be available to stream via Disney+ on Friday, September 30. Images: Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Having quite literally broken the internet within 24 hours of landing — thanks to an Australian designer dress and a baby announcement — the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (aka Prince Harry and Meghan Markle) are now deep into their Antipodean adventures. During the royals' 16-day tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, they're getting up to all kinds of shenanigans — from meeting koalas at Taronga Zoo to visiting socially conscious cafes in Melbourne to hopping over to picturesque Fraser Island. Even if you don't live according to a royal budget, the royal itinerary is a handy guide for showing first-time visitors around Australia. Here's the nitty-gritty of the itinerary, with a few extra suggestions from the Concrete Playground team thrown in for good measure. Don't worry, it's nice and accessible for us mere plebs. ROYALS IN SYDNEY After meeting the Governor-General, the royals' first port of call was Taronga Zoo, where they met their koala namesakes — two ten-month-old joeys, which were wedding gifts from the people of NSW — among other unique Aussie fauna. Harry asked if the koala was a "drop bear" — and we're really glad to see that local legend has made it all the way to the monarchy. For your visit, we recommend adding an adrenalin rush with the Wild Ropes course followed by a snooze among wildlife at Roar and Snore. From there, take a brief ferry ride to Circular Quay, to see a show at the Opera House. The royals couple sat in on Bangarra Dance Theatre's rehearsal of Spirit 2018, but you can choose from a multitude of other performances and live music events. After a few days in other states, Harry and Meghan returned back to Sydney and made tracks to Bondi Beach. The couple spent time in an "anti-bad vibes circle", met local surfers and talked about mental health with OneWave. The non-profit group meets weekly on a heap of different beaches, if you want to get involved. https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1053065957571092481 To channel those good vibes on your trip, we suggest you swing by one of Bondi's vegan-friendly cafes or treat yourself to some natural wine at Bondi Hall. Alternatively, make tracks to the Harbour Bridge — where later today Meghan and Harry will tackle the famous BridgeClimb (which has just relaunched with new owners) with Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Don't mess it up, ScoMo. Or, head to Cockatoo Island, where the duo will head to attend an event at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. Terrifying ghost tours take place after dark, if you're looking for a something a little extra spooky to do. ROYALS IN MELBOURNE The couple's Melbourne escapades included a stop by South Melbourne beach — of course, it was overcast — and a cooking class at social enterprise restaurant Charcoal Lane. The forward-thinking eatery is also covered in colourful murals paying homage to the area's Indigenous identity. You can see the royals checking it out here: https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1052823771910832128 If you're keen to mirror this socially conscious agenda, Melbourne has added several new cafes to its already impressive collection this year — including a throng of social enterprise cafes from Kinfolk, where 100 percent of profits go to charity, to Wild Timor Coffee Co., where the coffee is bought directly from Timorese farmers, at fair prices. On the shores of Port Phillip Bay, Meghan and Harry learnt all about how to keep Melbourne's beaches and waterways clean, from both school students and grown-up volunteers. If you've been thinking about lending an eco-friendly hand, get in touch with Earthcare St Kilda. ROYAL ISLAND HOPPING With 8,222 Australian islands to choose from, there's no shortage of inspiration when it comes to island hopping. The royals have their sights set on the biggest sand island in the world, the legendary Fraser Island, whose magnificent giant dunes shimmer in 72 colours. It's a shame the two don't have more time on their hands, to embark on the epic, eight-day Great Walk, which visits many of Fraser's 100 freshwater lakes. If you've been contemplating an island hop of your own, check out this handpicked selection of paradises. [caption id="attachment_681271" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed.[/caption] ROYALS GO REGIONAL As magnetic as Australia's major cities and beautiful coastline are, no visit Down Under is complete without a trip inland. Meghan and Harry also stopped by Dubbo, which is perched on the Macquarie River, 300 kilometres northwest of Sydney, to meet drought-stricken farmers and host a community picnic. We suggest returning by car, to explore some of the Central West's other friendly country towns. There's Parkes, home to The Dish and the annual Elvis Festival; Orange, where you can hike to the summit of Mount Canobolas and go truffle hunting at Borrodell Vineyard (in between tasting scores of wines); and Bathurst, for an innovative regional art gallery and woodfired pizza inside a candle-lit former church schoolhouse. Meanwhile, in Victoria, regional adventures should definitely include a journey along the Silo Art Trail, a 200-kilometre road trip through Australia's biggest outdoor art gallery. Top image: Sydney Opera House, Hamilton Lund
The steely gaze and warrior-like stance of Kristen Visbal's legendary bronze statue Fearless Girl have made their home in our own Federation Square. Erected in time for International Women's Day on Friday, March 8, the work is a limited-edition reproduction of the famous sculpture, which was first installed facing off against Arturo Di Modica's Charging Bull in New York's Wall Street. The statue depicts a small girl, with hands on hips and chin in the air, looking boldly into the distance. First commissioned by investment company State Street Global Advisors and appearing on International Women's Day in 2017, she's since become a symbol for female leadership and gender diversity in the workplace — although, not without some criticism. Many, including Di Modica himself, called the statue as a 'publicity stunt' created by a company that itself only had a small number of female executives. The statue was, late last year, relocated to a spot across from the New York Stock Exchange. https://twitter.com/StateStreetGA/status/1072588598388633602 One of just four in the world, our Fearless Girl — commissioned by law firm Maurice Blackburn and superannuation funds Hesta and CBUS — will make her home in Fed Square for the next three years, in an effort to inspire conversations about gender rights and equality. Aside from New York, the only cities to have played host to one of the statues are Oslo and Cape Town. Find 'Fearless Girl' at Federation Square until March 2022.
Get excited, festivalgoers: Pitch Music & Arts is returning to Grampian Plains in 2025, complete with a jam-packed roster of talent. Joy Orbison, Honey Dijon, Funk Tribu, 2manydjs: they're all on the bill. So are Daria Kolosova, SPFDJ, 999999999, Shanti Celeste, FJAAK, Lady Shaka and Job Jobse, with the list going on from there. Everyone should make the trip to the Grampians at least once, and here's as ace an excuse to do so as any: the return of the much-loved camping festival, which will host its eighth edition, taking over Moyston again. Next years' festivities are happening from Friday, March 7–Tuesday, March 11. Not only will its three stages play host to a sparkling lineup of local and international musical talent, as always, but the tunes will be backed by a hefty program of interactive art and installations. Basically, no matter who makes it onto the bill, attendees are in for a very big, very busy four days. Joy Orbison's 'flight fm' and 'better' were used in teaser videos for 2025's fest, which was indeed a huge advance lineup hint. You can also look forward to catching Gabber Eleganza, BASHKKA, Funk Assault, Baraka, ISAbella, Ogazón, southstar, Midland, Dax J, Anetha and plenty more, including Osmosis Jones, Moopie, DJ PGZ, Stev Zar, Jennifer Loveless and Mabel. On the Pitch Music & Arts arts lineup: Adnate, Anatolik Belikov, Ash Keating, Builders Club, Clayton Blake, EJ Son, ENOKi, Georgia Treloar, Henry Howson & Ambrose Zacharakis, Jaqui Munoz, Joan Sandoval, Lukas Rafik Mayer, ØFFËRÎNGŠ (aka Melissa Gilbert), Petra Péterffy, Rachel Lyn & Cameron Trafford, Raquel Villa, Reelize Studio, Sam Hayes, TERRAIN, Tetrik and UnitePlayPerform. In between all of the dance-floor sessions and arty things, festivalgoers will again be able to make themselves at home in the Pitch Pavilion, which is where yoga classes, meditation and sound baths usually help patrons unwind. The local-focused Club Serra will be new in 2025, championing homegrown talent. Pitch Music & Arts 2025 Lineup 2 LUBLY 2manydjs (DJ set) 6 SENSE 999999999 Anetha Audrey Danza BADSISTA Baraka (LIVE) BASHKKA D. Tiffany Daria Kolosova b2b SPFDJ Dax J Diffrent DJ Fuckoff DJ Gigola DJ Paulette DJ PGZ b2b Moopie Ed Kent Ela Minus Elli Acula Fadi Mohem FJAAK (LIVE) Funk Assault Funk Tribu Gabber Eleganza presents the Hakke Show GiGi FM Guy Contact Honey Dijon ISAbella Jennifer Loveless Job Jobse Joy Orbison Kasper Marott Kia Kuzco (LIVE) Lacchesi Lady Shaka Leo Pol Maara Mabel Maruwa Mia Koden Midland Mikalah Watego Miley Serious Naycab Ned Bennett Objekt Ogazón Ollie Lishman Osmosis Jones Pablo Bozzi Pegassi Shanti Celeste southstar Stev Zar Sugar Free Surf 2 Glory Taylah Elaine The Illustrious Blacks Trym VOLVOX Y U QT Images: Duncographic, William Hamilton Coates, Max Roux and Ashlea Caygill.
When it comes to street art exhibitions, it really doesn't get any bigger than this. A retrospective of Banksy's work has made its way to Australia, featuring more than 80 of the artist's off-street masterpieces. Opening today, Friday, October 7 at The Paddock in Melbourne's Federation Square, The Art of Banksy is a massive collection of pieces by the art world's chief enigma — including the darkly satirical, overtly political work that has turned the stencil-loving artist into such an infamous icon. Endeavouring to take audiences on a journey through Banksy's output and mindset, the exhibition includes the well-known Girl with Balloon, Flag Wall and Laugh Now pieces, as well as three efforts that have never before been displayed to the public. If it sounds epic, that's because it is. The art featured has been sourced from over 40 different private collectors around the world, and comprises the largest showcase of Banksy pieces to ever make its way to our shores. As curated by the artist's former manager Steve Lazarides, the exhibition is also a little controversial. While every piece is original, unique and authentic, The Art of Banksy proudly boasts that the entire show is 100 percent unauthorised. No, Banksy hasn't signed off on the event. As well as displaying Banksy's work in a custom-built enclosure, The Art of Banksy also shines a light on a range of pieces by well-known and emerging local street artists. Expect to find them on the surrounding external surfaces and the inside walls of the exhibition's own Circle Bar, which will serve craft beers and cocktails. Outside, the Welcome to Thornbury team will corral a heap of food trucks into an area called 'The Railyard'. Plus, on Friday nights and Saturday arvos, DJs will also provide appropriate tunes to suit the occasion. Of course, Melburnians will know that this isn't the mysterious figure's first dalliance with the city. The artist's stencils have popped up around the city previously courtesy of a visit in 2003, though many have been destroyed and damaged in the years since. The Art of Banksy will run from October 7 to January 22 at The Paddock in Federation Square, Melbourne. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the exhibition website. Images: Olga Rozenbajgier. Words: Sarah Ward.
When the COVID-19 pandemic first started making its impact known, we all began to feel like we were living in a disaster movie. Contagion flicks, outbreak films, sci-fi fare about infectious diseases — they all echoed with eerie prescience. The next types of movies that might start cutting a little too close to home? Dystopian flicks about climate change's impact. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released its sixth assessment report about the state of the planet, global warming's impact and humanity's influence upon increasing temperatures — and it doesn't paint a calming picture. The big news: if no big moves are made in current efforts to combat climate change, the planet will warm by 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial temperatures by as early as 2030. That figure has been mentioned for some time as an unwanted milestone, as it's when climate scientists predict that higher temperatures, rising sea levels, heavier rains, longer fire seasons and worse droughts will kick in. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events around the world already, including Australia's devastating 2019–20 bushfire season, seeing these conditions worsen is obviously alarming news. Also flagged by the IPCC, which is the United Nations' body for assessing the science related to climate change, has been around since 1988 and has 195 members from around the world: that the planet has already warmed by 1.1 degree since industrialisation, and that Australia has warmed by 1.4 degrees. And, it has dubbed humanity's part in these increases as "unprecedented", with working group co-chair Dr Valérie Masson-Delmotte saying that "the role of human influence on the climate system is undisputed." The #IPCC released its latest #ClimateReport today, #ClimateChange 2021: the Physical Science Basis. "The role of human influence on the climate system is undisputed." – Working Group I Co-Chair @valmasdel Report ➡️ https://t.co/uU8bb4inBB Watch the video, 🎥 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hZOSU1xWQR — IPCC (@IPCC_CH) August 9, 2021 Also, even if the IPCC's most ambitious targets to arrest the impact of climate change were put in place, global warming would still likely hit 1.5 degrees by 2035. The body's scientists expect that the planet will warm by at least 1.6 degrees above pre-industrial temps regardless of whichever measures are put in place, before ideally beginning to drop again once those drastic mitigation tactics — things like large-scale reforestation projects, or being able to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere — started to have an effect. It's no wonder that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called the IPCC report "a "code red for humanity" in a statement. "The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk. Global heating is affecting every region on Earth, with many of the changes becoming irreversible," he continued. "The internationally agreed threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius is perilously close. We are at imminent risk of hitting 1.5 degrees in the near term. The only way to prevent exceeding this threshold is by urgently stepping up our efforts, and pursuing the most ambitious path," the Secretary-General said. "This report must sound a death knell for coal and fossil fuels, before they destroy our planet... If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe. But, as the report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses." World leaders will meet at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow from October 31 this year to discuss the planet's plans to stop warming at 1.5 degrees. To read the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's sixth assessment report, head to the IPCC's website.
One of soccer's biggest events is heading Down Under, with the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 unleashing a month of fierce global competition across Australia and New Zealand this winter. There's no shortage of ways to celebrate the tournament, including heading to matches, barracking for the local squads, donning team colours head to toe, watching along at the pub or turning your couch into World Cup central. Here's another: hitting up the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, June 25. For one morning only, to celebrate 25 days until the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 kicks off, the Harbour City's famous structure will close to traffic and open to soccer festivities instead. Whether you're keen for a kick, run, jog or dance across the iconic roadway, or to be in the company of local and international football legends, this'll be an event like no other. At a festival of football that's been dubbed the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Sydney Harbour Bridge Unity Celebration, the fun will start from 6am, running until 8.45am. Exactly what the lineup will entail hasn't yet been revealed — or who those soccer stars will be — but there'll be activities and activations linked to the Women's World Cup, music from participating nations, and grassroots football and multicultural communities coming together. If you do want to take the invitation to dance across the bridge literally, that's encouraged. In fact, there'll even be a 'unity beat' for you to bust out your best moves to. Folks eager to head along will need to book in a free spot in advance, with registrations open now. "Football unites the world," said FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, announcing the World Cup 2023 Sydney Harbour Bridge Unity Celebration. "The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be the perfect setting to rally and unite our communities and create an enticing and distinctive experience that truly goes beyond greatness!" The tournament itself runs from Thursday, July 20–Sunday, August 20, with Sydney hosting at least 11 matches, including the Australian team's opener against the Republic of Ireland and the final a month later. Games will also be played in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, as well as Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Hamilton. The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Sydney Harbour Bridge Unity Celebration will take place on Sunday, June 25 on the Sydney Harbour Bridge — and registrations for tickets are open now. The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 runs from Thursday, July 20–Sunday, August 20 across Australia and New Zealand, with tickets available from the FIFA website. Images: Destination NSW.
It's been a weekend tradition for decades, and one that your stomach has no doubt thanked you for: checking out some live tunes in Fortitude Valley, then tucking into whatever tummy-settling food you can get your mitts on in the early hours of the morning. But if you're heading to a gig at Ann Street's iconic The Zoo, there's no need to wait until after the music stops to grab a feed — because the venue is launching its own pizzeria. That'd be Zoopreme Pizzeria, which'll start serving up slices on Saturday, January 15. The Zoo has given its kitchen a big revamp and this is the end result, with chef Luigi De Santo doing the honours. "If my mother finds out I make pizza with pineapple, I won't be allowed to come home to Napoli, but I'm am very happy to join The Zoo family," said De Santo. "I am very passionate about making pizza and I'm very excited to create delicious pizzas for Zoopreme Pizzeria." [caption id="attachment_839239" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Johnstone[/caption] De Santo's menu will span Italian classics, as well as a few varieties that'll boast nods to the local music scene. If you can remember The Zoo's kitchen setup in the 90s — or you've heard about it — there might even be a couple of off-menu specials that take their cues from those times. To order the latter, you'll need to ask at the bar. Zoopreme Pizzeria will operate during The Zoo's gigs for now, but will also allow non-ticket holders in from 11.30pm–2.30am — so you can grab a late-night feed even if you're not scoping out the venue's stages that evening. In the near future, the aim is to do takeaway and delivery orders, too, and to operate outside of the venue's events. To get things started, The Zoo is launching Zoopreme Pizzeria in the most fitting way: with a pizza party. Head by on opening night for slices and tunes by Totally Unicorn, Being Jane Lane and Cooper Reilly from Bad Neighbour. Entry is free, there'll be pizza and drink specials until 2.30am, and you'll get a slice for free as well if you arrive between 6.30–7.30pm. Find Zoopreme Pizzeria at The Zoo, 411 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, from Saturday, January 15 — operating whenever The Zoo is open and hosting gigs. Top image: Luke Henery.
There's something about summer ending that gets everyone thinking about getaways, even if everyone's favourite holiday season won't be back for another nine months. Thankfully, autumn, winter and spring are still mighty fine times to leave your daily life behind for a weekend, few days, or a week or so. To help make those yearnings for a break become a reality, Qantas has just-dropped week-long sale. You'll need to be dreaming about jetting off to somewhere in Australia, and you'll also want to travel from April. Dates vary depending on the route, but some have fares available up until mid-December — so you can book in another summer holiday after all. In total, more than one million discounted flights are on offer. Whether you're a Sydneysider thinking about a Gold Coast jaunt, a Melburnian keen to spend part of winter in Tasmania or a Brisbanite eager to hit The Whitsundays, you have options. And, on 34-plus routes, one-way flights will cost you under $150. Everywhere from Queensland's tropics to the Apple Isle's cities are covered, and from Perth to Sydney, too — alongside all the other state capitals, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Broken Hill and more. The two cheapest options, as tends to be the case on most flight sales, are the Sydney–Ballina and Melbourne–Launceston routes at $109. Other highlights include Adelaide to Kangaroo Island for $139 — and Sydney to the Sunshine Coast, Melbourne to Albury and Brisbane to Mackay all for $149. The sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Monday, March 11, so you'll want to get in quickly to get a bargain. And, as always, if fares sell out earlier, you'll miss out. Inclusions-wise, the sale covers fares with checked baggage, complimentary food and beverages, wifi and seat selection. Qantas' red tail sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Monday, March 11, 2024, or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Now in his tenth year of making music, Nicolas Jaar was previously known for his 'blue-wave' minimal techno. But at a young 24 years, Jaar has already progressed in style. Darkside moves away from anything he's created on his lonesome. Collaborator Dave Harrington, a multi-instrumentalist from Brooklyn, might have previously said he prefers making music that's sad. But speaking from his hotel room in icy Oxford, Jaar concedes that Darkside isn't dark at all; it has an electro-psyche-jazz sound all of its own. Right now, Darkside are in the UK as part of the Psychic world tour alongside their recently released debut album of the same name. Receiving rave reviews from both critics, and, well, ravers, Psychic scored two 'Best New Track' slots with Pitchfork after the 11-minute opener 'Golden Arrow' was released as a free download in August. But Jaar refuses to get carried away by critics and their reviews. Because, as he says, there'll always be those who love your music and others who hate it. For Jaar, it's about taking fans to a new place. "The only hope for musicians is that we're communicating something," says Jaar, coming over all Alice in Wonderland. "I just hope that people are able to fall into the small worlds that we try to create." Harrington originally played with Jaar as part of his touring live band. But after jamming together between gigs, the duo quickly morphed into Darkside back in 2011. Now they're back to where it all began — on tour — and Sydney and Melbourne are next on their list of places to wow. Darkside are at their best when heard live. but there's no use in predicting how their sets will pan out. Though their drawn-out electronica is likely to have us fall down the rabbit hole, each of their performances are different. "We try to improvise every night because we're doing this so much, and we're playing so many shows," says Jaar of their live performances. "We feel like, if we change it up here and there every night we'll slowly get to a better understanding of what we're trying to say. And as musicians we're getting better and better." Darkside's Psychic world tour has sold out shows across Europe. And since Jaar sold out his solo gigs at 2013's Sydney Festival, their Hi-Fi and Palace Theatre gigs are expected to go the same way. After all, in the year that's passed, the duo's evolving sounds have only garnered more fame. And don't expect that to slow down any time soon. It appears we can expect even more from Darkside over the coming year. "We're hoping to write a new record," says Jaar. Sadly, they've not as yet begun writing: "We're thinking about it." For now we'll have to settle with Psychic and their upcoming live shows. But who are we kidding; we couldn't ask for more. Darkside play Sydney's Hi-Fi on Wednesday, April 2, and Melbourne's Palace Theatre on Friday, April 4 (tickets for both via Oztix). Thanks to Modular, we have one double pass to give away in each city. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=d8NaWT0WvEE
Dinner parties always seem like a good idea. But just thinking about the shopping, setting up, cooking and cleaning can be enough to drive you to drink, often at a pricey bar. Never fear, there are some easy tricks to hosting a cracker of a meal that is easy on the wallet and won’t test your sanity. As spring beckons urging us to act on our festive impulses, many of us will brave it. Let us present to you our tips for the time poor and culinary challenged in our bluffer’s guide to hosting the perfect dinner party. Setting Up Alfresco dining is always preferable. As George Michael will tell you, people just have more fun outside. And don’t worry if your backyard is wearing the wounds of less classy occasions. Do a quick sweep-up (no need to be too fussy) and fill the place with random objects, fairy lights and lots of candles – I like to stick them in old booze bottles. Imperfections, somehow, become charming in dim lighting. Light a fire. Cover the table in something black - it’s forgiving - and pour all the wine into carafes. It is an undeniable fact that wine tastes more expensive when poured from a carafe. Vases or glass containers of any description will work also. Once setup, get the tunes going. It’s important that your playlist is tailored to accompany the swim of lady alcohol through your guests. Regardless of your preferred genre, there is a formula I’ve found never fails. Start with something new, slowly move into some cult classics, finally, if the mood is right, get a little bit tragic. Entrée Save the unnecessary effort, and washing up, that comes with preparing individual dishes and simply throw a nice platter together. The key is to know where to pick up some good grub for picking. Thankfully the city is teeming with amazing delis. Throw everything straight on the platter, no little dishes. And you need some bread. This is not the time for Wonder White, though. Try a spelt or a kamut if you want to go gourmet. Rip it up and serve straight on the board with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic for dipping. Discarded jar lids come in handy. Set it beside the table and let the guests graze casually. Main course I opted for a vegetarian risotto. It’s cheap, easy and will keep your vegetarians and gluten haters at bay (you can hold out on the cheese if need be, but it seems lactose intolerance has become a bit passé). Any old Google recipe will do, just toss through your favourite bits and pieces and be sure to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Throw together a simple salad. Rocket, pear, walnut and parmesan is my go-to. The nightcap As the evening curtails, it is nice to introduce a new beverage. Boil some cheap plonk with oranges, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla (or whatever condiments you’ve got!) and voila! Mulled wine. I like to throw some rhubarb in also. And maybe a splash of port if it’s on hand. Whether the night evolves into a political debate or a living room dance-off, you’ve certainly set your guests up for a good one. Sit back, relax and bask in the host’s glory.
Whether it's after a hard day at the office, a hard morning of exercise or a hard evening of heavy drinking, there are few sweeter reliefs than an ice cold beer. And thanks to Pat's Backcountry Beverages, you can brew your own beer whenever and wherever you so desire with these tasty, transportable sachets. Simply pour the packet of beer concentrate in a special carbonation bottle, add water and shake, and you have yourself the world's most convenient six-pack. Perfect for campers and hikers, the Alaskan company assures its customers that they haven't sacrificed transportability for taste, claiming that the sachets will give you the "same great taste you're used to in a premium micro beer". To find out more have a look at this demonstration video and get brewing.
Music lovers all over the country have been holding their breaths for the much-awaited Parklife lineup announcement. And yesterday they were able to exhale with utter excitement at the acts that are set to hit the stages around Australia in late September and early October. We have a double VIP pass to giveaway in each city that Parklife will be making an appearance. Lucky winners of the VIP tickets will not only gain access to the exclusive Garden Bar, which offers such treasures as toilets, phone chargers, massages and the chance to catch up with Parklife artists, but they'll also get free drinks and a Parklife Mixtape, and be able to skip the ever-dreaded queues. To go in the running, just head to the Concrete Playground Facebook page and leave a comment under this story telling us which artist you want to see most, and which city you want tickets for. Entries will close at noon on June 21. Parklife dates and venues:Parklife Brisbane - Saturday, September 29 at Botanic GardensParklife Sydney - Sunday, September 30 at Centennial ParkParklife Perth - Monday, October 1 at Wellington SquareParklife Melbourne - Saturday, October 6 at Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Kings DomainParklife Adelaide - Sunday, October 7 at Botanic Gardens Discounted presale tickets ($25 off in all cities except Adelaide, which is $17 off) are available from 12pm on June 21 until midnight on June 25. Head to parklife.com.au for more info.
Australia's most sinister festival, Dark Mofo, is back for its seventh year and is set to be as boundary-pushing as ever, with its full lineup announced today. As always, the festival will take place in the lead up to the winter solstice, exploring connections between old and contemporary mythology through art installations, performance, talks and music — all taking place in the darkness of Tasmanian winter. Hosted by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Dark Mofo will takeover most of Hobart between June 6–23, showcasing a melting pot of artists, creatives and thinkers who dwell in the shadows of mainstream culture. Just-announced musicians include FKA Twigs — who's also bringing her experimental dream pop to Vivid Sydney this year — New York-based composer Nicolás Jaar, American singer John Grant and multi-instrumentalist Roger Eno. Other highlights of the music program include an audiovisual 'soundbath' by Sigur Rós; an international metal program, featuring Brazil's Mystifier; and the return of Night Mass — a ritualistic series of multi-venue, late-night parties featuring Sampa the Great, FAKA and Empress Of. These musicians and creatives join those announced in the first lineup drop last week, which included boundary-pushing speakers in the Dark + Dangerous Thoughts program, artists Ai Weiwei and Mike Parr, and singer and actor Sharon Van Etten. [caption id="attachment_716526" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saeborg, Pigpen. Courtesy of Dark Mofo and the artist.[/caption] The festival's dark and quirky arts lineup has grown, too, with the addition of a latex-filled installation and performance by Japan's Saeborg and an immersive group exhibition — of ten international artists, including Canada's Cassils, USA's Paul McCarthy and India's Shilpa Gupta — inside the former Forestry Tasmania Building. The award-winning building — which once housed its own forest — is just one of many new venues to join this year's program. Come June, revellers will also be able to party inside the Old Hobart Blood Bank, the Avalon and Odeon theatres, the Old Davey St Congregational Church and aboard a floating natural wine bar, dubbed Natty Waves. Of course, all the festival favourites are set to make a triumphant return, too. You'll be able to drink and eat amongst inverted crosses and candles at the Winter Feast, try not to freeze during the very cold Nude Solstice Swim and absolve your sins at Night Mass. Dark Mofo returns to Hobart from June 6–23. Pre-sale tickets are available from 6pm on Monday, April 15 with general tickets on sale from midday on Tuesday, April 16. For more information, and to check out the full lineup, head to the festival website. Images: Andy Fraser; Meagan Streader, Response VII — Partition III, photo by Sam Whiteside; and All This Coming and Going, Terrapin.
Here's a scenario that, until now, you've probably never even imagined could happen. You go to press play on your favourite Spotify playlist, but accidentally click on a different batch of tunes — songs especially chosen by the service for the adorable animal that shares your life. Not content with limiting its lister base to people, Spotify is now creating curated playlists for dogs, cats, birds, hamsters and iguanas. The selection of tracks is personalised too, because the kinds of songs that your furry, feathered or scaly critter likes aren't necessarily the same as what some other barking, meowing or tweeting creature prefers. Here's how Spotify's Pet Playlists work: you visit the Swedish music streaming company's site, choose your type pet, pick from a list of traits that describes them best, then add a name and photo. Based on all of that information, plus your own Spotify listening habits, the service's algorithm will go to work, coming up with a lineup of tunes that'll apparently rock your animal's world. There are limitations to the new feature, though. Only the aforementioned five types of pets are catered for, so if your animal companion is a rabbit or other type of critter with ears, it'll miss out. And, as for the traits that you can pick from, you're presented a number of pairs on a sliding scale — so select between relaxed and energetic, shy and friendly, and apathetic and curious. Still, if you and your pooch, kitty, canary, rodent or lizard like listening to music together — or you've ever noticed them react to a particular song — you can now treat them to their own playlist. Spotify's online research, surveying 5000 music-streaming pet owners in the US, UK, Australia, Spain and Italy, indicates that 71 percent of people play tunes for their pets, with classical and soft rock the genre all those critters seem to like best. Fancy letting your woofer listen to a book instead? Audible also does audiobooks for dogs, too. To create a Spotify Pet Playlist for your dog, cat, bird, hamster or iguana, visit the Spotify pets website.
There are some big, green changes afoot in the ACT, with the nation's capital today — Wednesday, September 25 — legalising the possession and cultivation of cannabis for personal use. The ACT Parliament gave a green light to the bill put forward by Labor backbencher Michael Pettersson, called Drugs of Dependence (Personal Cannabis Use) Amendment Bill 2018, which allows residents over the age of 18 to possess up to 50 grams of dry cannabis (or 150 grams of wet) and to have two cannabis plants growing at their house, with a maximum of four per household. The new laws, which are set to come into effect from January 31, 2020, aren't clearcut, however. You still won't be able to buy, sell, give or even share marijuana under the new laws — which means your only option is to grow your own. The ACT's Chief Police Officer Ray Johnson told the ABC Radio earlier today (via The Canberra Times), that even sharing a joint would be considered 'drug supply'. "If there's evidence that someone is providing cannabis to someone else, that's supply and that's an offence," Johnson said. Cannabis will still remain an illegal drug under Commonwealth law, which means that Canberrans risk fines and prison time for possessing the drug. At the moment, it's unsure how ACT police offers will react, as they have the ability to enforce both ACT and Commonwealth laws. It's also possible the Commonwealth could overrule the ACT decision, as it did with the Territory's same-sex marriage decision back in 2013 (yes, the ACT independently legalised same-sex marriage before any other jurisdiction), saying the ACT's law was inconsistent with the Federal law. You also can't smoke in public places or around minors, and, just as before, there'll also be penalties for any minor caught with cannabis, for driving under the influence and, importantly, artificial cultivation. Which means, any cultivation with the aid of light or heat is still illegal — so you won't be able to set up a hydroponics system in your cupboard or basement a la Pineapple Express. So, while things are looking suitably murky for now, if all proceeds as expected, Canberrans will be able to light up from early next year. It'll be interesting to see if this influences laws in any other states or territories. The ACT's Drugs of Dependence (Personal Cannabis Use) Amendment Bill 2018 is set to be signed in on January 31, 2020. We'll let you know if anything changes. Via The Canberra Times
In a delightfully clever combination of old and new, Rich Neeley has been taking actual vintage books and giving them new lives as iPhone chargers. The book chargers feature a subtle adapter for iPhones/iPods through the front cover, and then connect to a power source through a wire which runs behind the book's binding. Neeley travels around Southern California with his wife on book hunting excursions, where they dig up old treasures or Rich to feature in his work. These have included books from as far back as 1914, as well as a copy of the classic Alice in Wonderland. Priced at around $50 from Rich's Etsy store, these will make a great gift and add a little convenient charm to any home. [via CoolHunting]
As a movie, it's a masterpiece. As a stage musical, it's one of the most famous there is. And when it returns to Australia for the first time in almost 20 years with Sarah Brightman starring as Norma Desmond, Sunset Boulevard is going to be big. Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony-winner, which first took the leap from the screen to the stage in 1993 — and picked up Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, and awards for leading actor, leading actress and featured actor for its efforts, among more — is bringing its Hollywood story Down Under again in 2024. The production will kick off its new Aussie run in Melbourne in May, debuting at the Princess Theatre, then move to the Sydney Opera House from August. As Desmond, Brightman will make her global debut in the part, taking on her first theatre role in over three decades. She'll also add to a spectacular career that includes originating the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera back in the 80s. Here, she's taking on a part that saw Gloria Swanson nominated for an Oscar in 1951 and Glenn Close win a Tony in 1995. Debra Byrne played the part in Australia back in 1996, while Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls is doing the same in West End right now. "I am so delighted to be returning to Australia after many years, and to be marking my return to the stage in a musical after so long. It is only fitting for it to be with such an exquisite production as Sunset Boulevard," said Brighton. "I have always admired Andrew's work on this musical and I very much look forward to exploring the incredible score and also the iconic character of Norma Desmond. Mr DeMille, I'm ready for my close up!'." As Billy Wilder's 1950 film first covered in a feature that's been influential not just in inspiring stage adaptations, but on every other movie about Tinseltown since, Sunset Boulevard follows silent star Desmond. With her career getting small with the advent of the talkies, she dreams about making a comeback. The movie famously starts with a man's body floating in a swimming pool, then flashes back to Desmond's time with screenwriter Joe Gillis, her latest attempts to reclaim her success and the events that bring about that watery end. On the stage, Sunset Boulevard will echo with tunes such as 'With One Look', 'The Perfect Year' and 'As If We Never Said Goodbye' as it tells the above tale. GWB Entertainment and Opera Australia are behind Sunset Boulevard's latest Aussie stint — and if you're wondering who'll star alongside Brightman, the casting process has just begun. For audiences outside of Melbourne and Sydney, details of possible stops in other cities are yet to be announced. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @sunsetmusicalau SUNSET BOULEVARD 2024 DATES: From May 2024 — Princess Theatre, Melbourne From August 2024 — Sydney Opera House, Sydney Sunset Boulevard will play Melbourne from May 2024 and Sydney from August 2024, with Melbourne pre sales from Tuesday, October 10 and general sales from Friday, October 13. To join the ticket waitlist and for more information, head to the musical's website. Sarah Brightman images: Simon Fowler.
In Fred Schepisi's new rom-com, the unimaginatively titled Words and Pictures, two antagonistic high school teachers argue the merits of images versus prose. It's a flimsy and vaguely pretentious premise for a movie, but one that, at the very least, feels well-suited to the medium. After all, what is cinema if not the marriage of sight and sound? The unfortunate irony of Schepisi's film is that it fails to make a very good case for either. Clive Owen plays Jack Marcus, an English teacher at the expensive Croydon Academy. A burnt-out poet with a puffed-up ego and a drinking problem, Marcus openly bemoans the ability of his students, despite it having been years since he wrote anything of significance himself. A few of Marcus's colleagues find his attempts at roughish charm amusing. The rest treat him with barely concealed contempt. One faculty member well and truly in the latter category is Juliette Binoche's art instructor, the icy Dina Delsanto. Like Marcus, she was once an in-demand artist, although rather than a pen, her tools were paint and canvas. But rheumatoid arthritis has stripped her of her dexterity and forced her to take up teaching. The pair could hardly be more different. So naturally, they're destined to fall in love. The catalyst for their romantic conflagration is a remark made by a student, that pictures are more powerful than words. Delsanto, being an art teacher, agrees, prompting Marcus to strike back in his own class. Soon the debate embroils the entire school — because after all, nothing gets young minds firing than the surly sexual tension between their professors. It's difficult to think of a supposed romantic comedy with two less sympathetic protagonists. That being said, Marcus is so actively unlikable that the humourless Delsanto seems positively charming by comparison. Rejoinders that are meant to be witty instead play as painfully smug, while his smarmy attempts at wooing cross well into the realm of harassment. As a teacher he's even more unbearable, dropping truth bombs on his students by explaining that haikus are, like, the original tweets. Say whaaaaaat? Schepisi's direction is uncharacteristically flat, the director putting up as poor a case for pictures as screenwriter Gerald Di Pego does for words. At least the contest is even that way, although frankly both mediums deserve better. For that matter, so do we. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1JX6NScig7M
Following weeks of controversy around Bluesfest's decision to book Sticky Fingers for its 2023 edition, the festival has decided to remove the band from its lineup. The announcement comes after both King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and Sampa the Great withdrew from this year's event following the band's addition. Five weeks out from the festival, which is scheduled to arrive at North Byron Parklands across the Easter long weekend, Bluesfest has released reluctant a statement announcing that Sticky Fingers will not be performing — while also defending the controversial band. "Bluesfest cannot, sadly, continue to support Sticky Fingers by having them play our 2023 edition, and we apologise to those artists, sponsors and any others we involved in this matter through our mistaken belief that forgiveness and redemption are the rock on which our society is built," the statement reads. "The narrative that they continue to deserve to be cancelled, as well as anyone who publicly supports them, is difficult to accept, wherein a portion of society and media passes eternal judgment toward those, in this case, a diagnosed mentally ill person whom we feel doesn't deserve the continued public scrutiny he's being given." [caption id="attachment_876098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Jason Galea[/caption] In the two weeks following Bluesfest's sixth artist announcement for 2023, which featured Sticky Fingers, the festival experienced acts dropping out. When King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard cancelled their appearance, it cited Bluesfest's decision to book content that conflicts with their values. "As a band and as human beings, we stand against misogyny, racism, transphobia and violence," King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's statement reads. "Surprised and saddened to see Bluesfest commit to presenting content that is in complete opposition to these values." The removal of Sticky Fingers is the fourth confirmed lineup change since Monday, February 20, after The Soul Rebels featuring GZA, Talib Kweli and Big Freedia were also removed from the lineup due to a separate disagreement with the festival's founder Peter Noble. Dylan Frost, Sticky Fingers' frontman, has been the subject of serious allegations which include physically threatening First Nations singer Thelma Plum and harassing a transgender woman at a Sydney pub. Frost and bassist Paddy Cornwall were also caught in an alleged brawl with each other in 2019 which saw Cornwall charged with affray. "We will now move on, put this behind us and continue to plan and present our best-ever edition of Bluesfest... proudly," continues the statement from Bluesfest, before linking to a lengthy article from The Weekend Australian about the band. The festival will continue without Sticky Fingers, The Soul Rebels, King Giz and Sampa the Great from Thursday, April 6 until Monday, April 10 with headliners including Gang of Youths, Paolo Nutini, Tash Sultana, Bonnie Raitt, The Doobie Brothers and Beck. [caption id="attachment_867504" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kurt Petersen[/caption] Bluesfest 2023 will run from Thursday, April 6–Monday, April 10 at Byron Events Farm, Tyagarah. For the most up-to-date lineup, head to the Bluesfest website. Top image: Lachlan Douglas.
Throwing a Beastie Boys-themed party on New Year's Eve is something worth ch-ch-checking out. Throwing a free Beastie Boys-themed party on New Year's Eve — well, that's a license to ill. There'll be no sleep 'til Brisbane at Sabotage Social on December 31. And no, you don't have to fight for your right to party here. So listen all y'all — it's a NYE shindig that'll get your body movin'. Make some noise, pass the mic, shake your rump, dress up in your favourite Beastie Boys outfit, dance under a blacklight and just feel the intergalactic, planetary beats. If this is what'cha want to see out 2016, you're in for a treat.
Back in January, you should've already marked your diary for one of the dance-music highlights of 2025: The Warehouse Project making its second trip to Australia. Now, it's time to discover who'll be spinning tunes while you make shapes. Partiboi69, Hector Oaks, X-Coast, Miss Bashful, Carla Martinez: they're all on the just-dropped lineup. If you went to The Warehouse Project's first-ever Australian dates in 2024, then you experienced a slice of history, as this Manchester-born rave-scene mainstay finally made the leap Down Under. The event's Aussie debut clearly went well, hence the return for a second year running. The Warehouse Project is again hitting up Sydney and Melbourne, this time across Thursday, April 24–Friday, April 25. The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Fred again.., Skrillex and Happy Mondays have played it overseas. De La Soul, Aphex Twin, Carl Cox and deadmau5, too. For fans of dance music, and just music fans in general, The Warehouse Project's fame extends far past its UK home. For its second Australian trip, Melbourne's PICA will welcome The Warehouse Project for the second time; however, Sydney's event is taking place at Hordern Pavilion in 2025, after setting up shop at Munro Warehouse in Sydney Olympic Park in 2024. This year's events are one-day affairs in each city, too, rather than two nights apiece as happened last year. This remains a two-city tour, though, so if you're keen on hitting up The Warehouse Project in Australia and you live somewhere other than Sydney or Melbourne, you'll need to plan an interstate trip. The Manchester institution's Aussie debut in 2024 came after initially going international in 2023 in Rotterdam and Antwerp. It was back in 2006 that The Warehouse Project first unleashed its club nights on its birthplace, kicking off in a disused brewery and then moving underneath Manchester's Piccadilly station, in a space that's also been an air-raid shelter — and also to a warehouse that dates back to the 1920s. Now, it calls former railway station Depot Mayfield home when it's on in its home city. "After the incredible success of last year's debut, we're excited to revisit Sydney and Melbourne to build on the magic we created. Once again, we'll be pulling out all the stops in production and bringing a mix of both international and domestic artists to two special venues," said The Warehouse Project Co-Founder Sam Kandel about the event's Aussie comeback. "With the special atmosphere the Australian crowd creates, we know this will be an experience that resonates long after the music stops." The Warehouse Project Australia 2025 Dates Thursday, April 24 — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Friday, April 25 — PICA, Melbourne The Warehouse Project Australia 2025 Lineup Partiboi69 Hector Oaks X-Coast Miss Bashful Carla Martinez The Warehouse Project returns to Australia across Thursday, April 24–Friday, April 25, 2025, with general ticket sales from 11am AEDT on Wednesday, February 5. Head to the event's website for further details. Images: Duncographic / Jordan Munns.
The early life of David Helfgott was commemorated in the award-winning movie, Shine, but many fans of the treasured musician say that you haven’t appreciated his talent unless you’ve seen it in person. This rare opportunity to see the internationally acclaimed and loved pianist is one worth seizing. His triumphant story and exuberant passion have led David Helfogtt to international and chart-topping success – his performances are reportedly captivating to all who witness them. His Brisbane performance will see him interpret compositions by JS Bach, Beethoven and Franz Liszt - big names in classical music, played by one of the biggest names in contemporary classical performance. Get a ticket and get along to QPAC for a night of memorable music.
Spring is here, the sun is out, and everything is 500 times more whimsical. Now times that whimsy by infinity. Studio Ghibli is bringing a showcase to our shores in October and it's touring all over the nation's cinemas. Celebrating renowned filmmakers Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the showcase will feature four films and two documentaries that explore the intricacies and beauty of their craft. If you haven't had a chance to get acquainted with the work of these two cult favourites before, this will be the perfect opportunity to get up to date. Work your way through much-loved classics with screenings of both My Neighbour Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies. Then explore new terrain with The Tale of the Princess Kaguya and the critically-acclaimed historical anime feature The Wind Rises. Though the Japanese animation studio has 20 feature films to its name, the Australian showcase will feature just these four — a refined look at the old versus the new. But this won't just be for the newbies. Seasoned anime pros can get an inside look into the craft with screenings of both Isao Takahta and His Tale of the Princess Kaguya and The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness. Though the documentaries have had separate screenings at local film festivals this year, this will be their first standalone showing on Australian screens. Either way, whether you're a die-hard anime fanatic or have never even seen Spirited Away, there's always room in your life for a little whimsy and wonder. Get lost in the cinema for a few hours and discover an exciting new world. The Tale of Studio Ghibli Showcase will run at select cinemas in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane from October 9-22. The films will be screening in Perth from November 6-19, and in Adelaide from November 27 - December 10.
Like karaoke? Fond of singing along to well-known songs, especially with a drink in your hand? Happy to belt out a tune in a crowd? If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then it's time to up your crooning game during Pub Choir's new Australian tour — aka the boozy sing-along that's all about giving your lungs a workout between sips. Since early 2017 in Brisbane, Pub Choir has been amassing brew-loving music fans in venues around the Queensland city. The regular event asks its attendees to learn a particular song in three-part harmonies, with talented professionals on hand each time to show everyone the ropes and lead the way. Every evening then culminates in a big boozy singing session, with the event making its way to bigger Brissie locations over the years, as well venturing around the country. Now, it's hitting up every Aussie capital across January and February 2022 — including The Tivoli in Brisbane on Tuesday, February 1 and Wednesday, February 2. The vibe: a far more organised version of exactly what happens whenever someone puts 'Wonderwall' or 'Weather With You' on the pub jukebox. And, now that communal singing in public is back after all the various pandemic-related restrictions that've come our way over the past two years, you can expect this tour to feel particularly celebratory, too. Pub Choir was a big hit during lockdowns, and as life started to return to normal as well; you might've taken part in Couch Choir in 2020, or watched the Australia's Biggest Singalong special on SBS earlier in 2021. Run by Astrid Jorgensen and Waveney Yasso, its IRL events are mighty popular, too — unsurprisingly — with tickets getting snapped up very quickly each time. So if you're keen to sing and drink with a theatre full of people, you'll want to book asap.
Pups and pints: it's a winning combination. And, it never goes out of style. Brisbanites keep going barking mad for downing beers with their doggos, so The Brightside's Barks & Brews sessions just keep coming back — but the event on Sunday, October 31 won't just be your usual canine-friendly boozy afternoon. Folks of the two- and four-legged variety, it's time to make another date with a few beverages — and with all things spooky. Barks & Brews Halloween Edition will celebrate the date in a pup-appropriate way. Obviously, that means dressing up your doggo in its scariest (but still cutest) outfit, with prizes on offer for the best costume. Running from 11am–3pm, this canine-centric shindig doesn't really need to offer up anything more than dogs, brews and a light smattering of Halloween theming; however, it's also throwing in market stalls and cocktail specials as well. So grab your fluffy companion, flock to the beer garden and prepare to sink a few cold ones while celebrating October 31. And, expect to spend time in the company of plenty of other dog lovers and their pooches, too. BYO frisbee.
"Your nose like a delicious slope of cream / And your ears like cream flaps / And your teeth like hard shiny pegs of cream." Le Diner en Blanc — like Howard Moon's poem — will have you in all white. But sorry, Booshers: this Brisbane event, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2023, is just for the sophisticated. Now popping up all around the world, the Diner en Blanc began in Paris more than three decades ago thanks to François Pasquier and friends. This year, Brisbane's creme de la creme will once again dress in all-white on Saturday, November 4 and flock along, with the event held at a predictably stunning location that remains secret until the very last moment. Following an evening of elegance, fine dining and live music, the 2000-plus foodies then pack up their crystal, dinnerware, tables, chairs and litter. Like ghosts (white 'n' all), they leave behind no sign of their rendezvous. That said, don't get any ideas — a white sheet thrown over your figure will not do for an outfit. Le Diner en Blanc guests must either be invited by a member from the previous event, or get on the waiting list for a ticket — with the latter open for registrations now. And, if you're wondering what the event entails — other than eating, drinking and wearing white and white only — you'll need to bring a table and two white chairs with you, as well as your own picnic basket, glassware, white tablecloth and white dinnerware. You can order a catered picnic, though, if you don't want to bring your own. Booze-wise, you'll either need to opt for wine or champagne via the event's e-store, or be happy bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages. Wondering where Le Diner en Blanc might pop up this time? In past Brissie outings, it has brought its all-white setup to Eagle Farm Racecourse, New Farm Park, Roma Street Parklands and the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Images: The Edit Suite / Balvin Productions.
At the ungodly hour of 7am this morning, Vivid LIVE announced the rest of the 2014 lineup. We’re already excited about seeing The Pixies in rare intimate mode in the Opera House, the ACO and The Presets in collaboration, Giorgio Moroder and The Pet Shop Boys. And now (drum roll, please), here’s the rest of what’s in store. Ladies and gentleman, introducing the first lady of hip hop, Ms. Lauryn Hill. Known not only for her groundbreaking 1998 album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill but also for her subsequent ‘disappearance’ from the music scene, she’s back. With plenty to say. Two Opera House shows are scheduled for May 27 and 28. And next, art rock hero St. Vincent, hot on the heels of the release of her new, self-titled album. We’re expecting big harmonies, orchestral adventures and choreographed magic — at the Opera House for the first time ever. We’re just not quite sure how the stage dives will go in the Joan Sutherland Theatre. There’ll be one performance only on May 25. Two other international artists will also make their SOH debut: James Vincent McMorrow will be bringing his masterful songwriting, ethereal electronics, killer falsetto and full band over from Ireland, while English-Italian songstress Anna Calvi will be making the trip armed with tunes of cinematic proportions. Brian Eno has described her as "the biggest thing since Patti Smith". German pianist-producer Nils Frahm, who released his seventh LP, Spaces, last year, will be delivering his Einaudi-reminiscent melodies and dynamic jazz-influenced electronics, and Kate Miller-Heidke is set to present new album O Vertigo! Finally, Goodgod will be hosting an intercontinental revue with cult South African musician Penny Penny and his seven-piece band at the helm, Jonti & The Astral Kids will play a tribute to The Avalanches with a performance of Since I Left You and Studio Parties will make a return, led by Astral People, R.I.P. Society, Siberian Nights and Future Classic.
Brisbane Comedy Festival has been and gone for 2019, but Brisbane Powerhouse still wants to tickle your funny bone. As part of MELT, you'll laugh, giggle and guffaw at the country's best queer comic talent. It's the first time that the festival, and the venue, has put together a showcase of this type — so the comedy gala will make history and shower you with humour, all at once. Spanning familiar names and faces, plus bona fide up-and-comers, the event boasts a stacked lineup, starting with Rhys Nicholson on MC duties. From there, you'll split your sides watching Tom Ballard, Demi Lardner, Jude Perl, Alex Ward, Sam Bowden and Cassie Workman, with the cackles echoing from 7.30pm on Sunday, June 30.
While your newsfeeds have been inundated with restaurant closures, travel bans, and many event cancellations, there has been some uplifting news, too. One of them is Cream Town: an online art shop showcasing works by Australian artists financially impacted by COVID-19. The initiative was sparked by the need to support local creatives in a time where a lot of exhibitions, freelance gigs and general work have dried up. So, if you're in the market for some new art, you can now invest for a good cause. Started by photographer Isaebella Doherty, Cream Town has already sold roughly $4000 worth of prints since launching last week on Thursday, March 19. The project has a very egalitarian ethos, with any out-of-work artist — emerging or well-known — able to put their works up for sale. "We're all in the same situation at the moment," Doherty told Concrete Playground. You won't find the usual art-world elitism here. What you will find is a diverse selection of eye-catching prints, from photography to collage and illustration. Each work is priced at $100, which is a whole let less than what you'd usually spend to adorn your walls. And, seeing as you're spending so much time at home currently, you may as well do a little redecoration and buy yourself one (or a few). If you can't splash that cash right now (or want to contribute more), you can make a donation, which will be evenly distributed between all artists. Works are currently being printed by Melbourne studio Hound & Bone, have a limited run of ten and can be shipped around Australia for a flat postage fee of $12.95. [caption id="attachment_766131" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Maree Downs' by Madi Whyte[/caption] Even though Cream Town came to fruition in these uncertain times, it hopes to continue supporting the arts community — even when the world is back to normal. Head to Cream Town to check it out and buy yourself a piece of $100 art. If you're an artist and would like to get involved, you can express interest via Instagram or the website. Top mages: Brodie Clark, 'Shlurp'; Ella Fitzgerald, 'Gaia'; Quince Frances. 'Riparian ecosystems'; Dani Marano, 'Roman Holiday'; Isaebella Doherty, 'Pretty Things #2'.
Hailing women shouldn’t really be cause for a special celebration but at the same time, any excuse for a party is good, right? Art exhibitions and female work fit together like a vodka and soda or avocado and toast. Perfection that is too hard to explain in words. Luckily, the Brisbane art scene has worked out a solution for that. Starting May third the Lust For Life Tattoo and Art Gallery in Fortitude Valley will be showcasing a selection of brilliant female artists with Viva La Femme – A Celebration of Women. In the gallery’s first group show since the end of last year, Viva La Femme will be a great opportunity for viewers to both catch up on the happenings of the art industry and get a female’s perspective on all the current activities of the world. The show includes nineteen artists, handpicked by the exhibition curators and will highlight the works of Sarah Hickey, Braidy Hughes (pictured), Symone Male, Anna Day, Caitlin Sheedy, Febe Zylstra, Skye Baker, Belinda Sinclair, Amy Tanner, Beatrice Oconnell, Joanne Brooker, Clarissa Bones, Kellie Jagoe, Gill Pyke, Michelle Aguis, Martine Cotton, Vikki Roy, Bri Lee and Nikki Morgan Smith. The line up may be a mouthful, but it sure is a tasty one.
With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise along the southern stretch of Australia's east coast, Queensland's border has become a hot topic yet again. The state reopened to visitors from parts of the country in early July, but has been quick to block travellers from identified hotspot areas — first banning folks who've been in Victoria, then disallowing entry from anyone who has visited Campbelltown, Liverpool and Fairfield City in New South Wales, and now deeming the entirety of Greater Sydney a coronavirus hotspot. As announced today, Wednesday, July 29, by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, that means that anyone who has been in the Greater Sydney area in the last 14 days will not be permitted to enter the Sunshine State — with the border closure coming into effect at 1am on Saturday, August 1. The new block covers 31 additional NSW local government areas, which have all been declared hotspots. Accordingly, Sydneysiders and those who've been in the city in the past fortnight will find themselves in the same position as Victorians and anyone who has been in that state during the same period. The general advice: if you've travelled to those areas, don't plan on going to Queensland. Anyone who falls into the above categories will not be allowed to access or quarantine in the state, and will be turned away at the border — whether you live in the hotspot areas or have visited them in the last fortnight. You'll only be permitted into Queensland if you receive an exemption "for essential specialist workers, as well as for health, legal or compassionate grounds", but the Premier has previously advised that "very few exemptions will be granted". If you do receive an exemption, you will be required to go into forced quarantine for 14 days, in a hotel, at your own expense. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1288280804041211905 A 14-day forced quarantine period will also apply to Queensland residents returning home from Greater Sydney — in a hotel and at your own expense, too. On Tuesday, July 28, before the new restrictions were announced, Premier Palaszczuk was blunt in her message to Queenslanders considering travelling south: "I would advise Queenslanders at the moment, to not travel to New South Wales... Now is not the time to leave Queensland — now is the time to stay in Queensland". The move comes as Queensland recorded two new cases of COVID-19 in travellers returning from interstate — with two women testing positive after coming back to Brisbane from Victoria via Sydney. Contact tracing is underway, with a focus on the Logan, Acacia Ridge and Springfield areas. Queensland Health has announced that it'll provide any relevant updates, including public health alerts, during the day if necessary. NSW recorded 19 new cases in the 24 hours leading up to 8pm on Tuesday, July 28, with two in hotel quarantine and the rest linked to a variety of clusters across the city, including one in Potts Point. From 1am on Saturday, August 1, anyone who has visited the Greater Sydney area in the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter Queensland unless they are a returning resident or are entering for one a few essential reasons. For more information, head to the Queensland Government website.
When autumn starts winding down, end the season with a bit of sunshine. When winter kicks in, begin it with beaming rays, too. Virgin wants you to book in a Queensland getaway across May and June 2025, so much so that it's putting on a big flight sale. Fares start at $45, and you've got three days to nab a bargain. Also, your efforts will help the Sunshine State's tourism industry after the weather hasn't been kind to it so far this year. This round of specials is available until 11.59pm AEST on Saturday, March 29 — unless sold out earlier — and covers destinations from the Gold Coast up to Cairns. You have two months to head away, between Thursday, May 1–Monday, June 30, 2025, although dates vary per route. While the sale is firmly focused on one part of the country, you still have options in terms of departure points and destinations. Within Queensland, you can leave or arrive in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Hamilton Island, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Mt Isa and Proserpine. And, around the rest of the country, flights to and from Adelaide, Alice Springs, Canberra, Darwin, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Uluru are available. The cheapest price, $45, will get you between Sydney and either the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast. For $55, Brisbane–Proserpine and Melbourne–Gold Coast fares are on offer. From there, $79 covers Sydney–Cairns and Sydney–Hamilton Island, while Brisbane–Hamilton Island is $85 and Melbourne–Cairns is $99 — and the list goes on. The sale has the backing of the Queensland government, to assist the Sunshine State's recovery after the weather events of the past few months — and thousands of seats have been discounted. Only select fares cover seat choice and checked baggage, however, with the airline announcing back in 2021 that it now splits its economy flights into three types. Economy Lite doesn't include checking any baggage or picking your seat, but Economy Choice does — and Economy Flex gives you extra flexibility (hence the name) if you have to change your plans later. Virgin's 72hr Queensland sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Saturday, March 29 — or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
We all know hot days in Brissie are tough — but it's no sweat if you have a plan. The first step? Pick your go-to splash zone — you can do so much better than the backyard wading pool. We're here to help, and so is M.A.C Cometics. The brand is dedicated to keeping you refreshed and relaxed all summer long via its hydrating Fix+ mist (which also keeps your makeup in place all day) as well as through this verified checklist of must-swim spots around the city. This rundown has something for everybody, from casual splashers to active explorers and poolside loungers. You bring the togs and Fix+, we'll bring the answer to your summer prayers. Some of the swimming spots on this list are not patrolled by lifeguards. To ensure you stay safe, head here for tips on water safety.
Unroll your posters, dust-off that secret diary and get ready to rock your body right: the Backstreet Boys are bringing their latest world tour Down Under in 2023. Get ready for another hefty dose of 90s nostalgia, too, given that you can now see the huge boy band and the vastly dissimilar blink-182 in Australia and New Zealand in the near future. With the sheer number of popular 90s gigs, nights and tours happening over the past five years or so, plus the remakes of childhood favourites like The Lion King and Aladdin, this is the run of shows that was always going to happen — and it was already supposed to. The targets of all your teenage affection were meant to hit our shores in 2020, but we all know what got in the way. Instead, Backstreet's back — alright — in 2023. Get ready to belt out the lyrics to 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back)', 'As Long As You Love Me', 'I Want It That Way', 'Larger Than Life' and 'Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely' when the famous five — aka AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson — head to Australia and New Zealand in February and March for a very nostalgic arena tour. Hitting up stadiums in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland, the Backstreet Boys will also be performing songs off their 2019 album DNA, which debuted at number one on the charts when it was released and features Grammy-nominated single 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'. Fingers crossed that they also break out tracks from their new festive record A Very Backstreet Christmas, even though it won't quite be the season when the tour gets here. Either way, we know you'll most likely be there for the 90s and early 00s goodness. You've got a few months until the band gets here, so that's plenty of time to relearn the moves to 'Everybody' over summer. BACKSTREET BOYS DNA WORLD TOUR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 2023 DATES: Saturday, February 25 — RAC Arena, Perth Tuesday, February 28–Wednesday, March 1 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Saturday, March 4–Sunday, March 5 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Wednesday, March 8 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Saturday, March 11 — Spark Arena, Auckland The Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour heads to Australia and New Zealand in February and March 2023. Tickets are on sale now via Live Nation.
The Art Gallery of NSW is set to unveil the results of its multimillion-dollar expansion and renovation project later this year. Originally announced in 2017 and officially given a green light in 2018, the Sydney Modern Project is now finally set to be complete before the end of 2022. And, as part of the expansion's opening, the gallery has commissioned original works from nine acclaimed local and international artists. The artists enlisted to create works for the opening comprise an impressive list: Yayoi Kusama, Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Karla Dickens, Simryn Gill, Jonathan Jones, Richard Lewer, Lee Mingwei, Lisa Reihana and Francis Upritchard. Spanning huge artworks from First Nations artists through to intricate installations worked into the building's architecture, the creations will be displayed across the site both indoors and outdoors, with some viewable to the public day and night. Highlights include a floral sculpture from Yayoi Kusama that'll be placed on the new building's terrace, and be able to be seen at all hours; huge wire and iron bags from Waradgerie (Wiradjuri) artist Lorraine Connelly-Northey; and, by Simryn Gill, a life-sized rubbing of a century-old tree that was removed to create the Sydney Modern Project. [caption id="attachment_758872" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama[/caption] A family of fantastical figures inspired by local Moreton Bay fig trees will be created by New Zealand-born artist Francis Upritchard, too — to be installed in the building's Welcome Plaza, greeting those that enter the gallery. Other notable works span a multi-panel painting by Richard Lewer, celebrating the labour and personalities behind the Sydney Modern Project, plus a trans-Tasman sci-fi moving-image work from Māori artist Lisa Reihana. The list of pieces goes on, with the full program of commissioned works available at the AGNSW website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRl_jDVF-eo&t=1s "The extraordinary Sydney Modern Project art commissions connect deeply with our sense of place in Sydney and the architecture and landscape around them," AGNSW Director Dr Michael Brand said. "They'll be some of the first artworks that welcome visitors to our expanded campus, with many able to be experienced night and day." Funded by a $344 million public and private collaboration comprised of $244 million from the NSW Government and $100 million raised by private donations, the Sydney Modern Project will see the AGNSW double its current exhibition space, incorporating an entirely new 7830-square-metre building and a gallery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. It will also add some new elements to the existing building, with new pools, greenery and public spaces being added to the cultural institution's longstanding gallery forecourt. The Sydney Modern Project is set to be completed later this year — we'll update you with an exact opening date when it is announced. Top image: Sydney Modern Project render as produced by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa / SANAA
Back in 2014, before he slipped into Black Panther's suit, Chadwick Boseman stepped into James Brown's shoes. Playing the iconic musician in Get On Up, Boseman lit up the screen — and while he'll forever be known for his time in Wakanda, the biopic ranks among his greatest performances. Although Boseman's career was tragically cut short due to his death to cancer in August this year, the actor has one more film set to reach screens — and it too sees him playing music. To be specific, he's playing the blues as an ambitious trumpeter called Levee in the new movie adaptation of August Wilson's play Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. On the stage since 1982, and now in this new Netflix movie version, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom focuses on an afternoon recording session in 1920s Chicago. Ma Rainey, the "Mother of the Blues" (played by Viola Davis), is the star of the session, but she's running late as she fights with her manager over control of her music. As the band waits, Levee and fellow musicians Cutler (Colman Domingo, If Beale Street Could Talk), Toledo (Glynn Turman, Fargo) and Slow Drag (Michael Potts, True Detective) bide their time swapping stories in the rehearsal room. As helmed by Tony-winning playwright and theatre director George C. Wolfe (for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches and Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom hits streaming on December 18 — and, while this time of year brings awards speculation about almost every weighty drama with a high-profile cast, Boseman and Davis in particular have been the subject of plenty of predictions. As well as marking Boseman's final film, it's his second this year — and his second Netflix feature, too — following his potent supporting role in Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods. Check out the trailer for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ord7gP151vk Ma Rainey's Black Bottom will be available to stream via Netflix from December 18. Top image: David Lee, Netflix.
Earlwolf is the amalgam of Odd Future (or Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, or OFWGKTA) alumni Tyler, the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt, two of the most talked about hip hop artists of the decade. Whilst that talk is often based around the controversy they create, with Tyler's most recent artistic foray into commercial curation causing heated debate, there is no denying that when it comes to music the two are innovative virtuosos changing the sound of the genre with their subversive aural experiments. Their Australian tour is their first visit to our shores since Tyler's most recent release, Wolf, and with 19-year-old Earl's follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, Earl, to be released so soon — and with it promising to be very tidy indeed if his new single 'Whoa' is anything to go by — there is no better time to catch the two most prestigious talents of Odd Future. Be aware, though, that whilst the two are excellent at what they do, this is probably not for you if you are offended easily. The hip hop duo are bringing their explosive sound to Brisbane on June 8, so get in quick and witness the future of hip hop.
If you've ever caught two planes, three boats and four different stomach bugs to get to an impossibly blue water, white sand, out-this-world island off the coast off Southeast Asia, you've probably felt its beauty is so paramount that you, mere mortal, weren't even supposed to be there. And as it turns out, you're not. Koh Tachai is the latest small island to feel the sting of strong tourist numbers — so much so that Thai authorities are closing it completely. You can just close an entire island? You sure can. According to the Bangkok Post, the island, which is part of the Similan National Park off Phang-nga province on the west coast, will be a total no-go zone for all visitors starting October 15. This includes the shoreline, beaches and reefs too. The decision to close the island is an attempt to ease the negative effect of tourism and too much human impact on the fragile piece of paradise. The coral reef is one of the best in the world, and attracts a lot of divers and tourists in high season. At times there would be over 1000 people on the beach when, technically, it was only meant to hold 70. "Thanks to its beauty, Koh Tachai has become a popular tourist site for both Thai and foreign tourists. This has resulted in overcrowding and the degradation of natural resources and the environment," Tunya Netithammakul, director general of Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation, told the Bangkok Post. "We have to close it to allow the rehabilitation of the environment both on the island and in the sea without being disturbed by tourism activities before the damage is beyond repair." Shutting down an entire island is a drastic measure, but it's part of a growing trend to limit the numbers of people visiting high traffic tourist sites. Earlier this year, Cinque Terre announced they would be capping visitors at 1.5 million to preserve local culture. Something to think about before you plan your next exotic getaway. Via Bangkok Post. Image: Mu Ko Similan National Park of Thailand.
Coca-Cola has been turning green lately with sustainable bottles and recycled store shelving already upping their eco-cred, but their latest venture in the Philippines might be the best yet. Partnering with WWF, their new 60 foot by 60 foot billboard features 3,600 Fukien tea plants held in pots made from recycled Coca-Cola products, the plants defining a simple silhouette of a Coke bottle. As well as catching the eye the billboard should soak up carbon from the immediate atmosphere, as each plant is capable of absorbing 13 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year. Critics have cited it as mere greenwashing, and only a drop in the ocean compared to Coke's giant production and transport carbon outputs. Nevertheless, at least it's a step in the right direction, and as well as advertising their product the billboard also highlights the issue of climate change. But, will it ever make up for the decades of flashing lights on the Kings Cross Coke sign? Will Sydney ever see the lights dimmed and replaced with some greenery? [via PSFK]
Released just as the COVID-19 lockdown began, Fallow, the third album by country singer-songwriter Fanny Lumsden, has been her most successful album yet. Deprived of the opportunity to tour her record immediately after it came out, Lumsden is now playing some of NSW's smaller towns, plus the state's home of country music, Tamworth. The fiercely independent artist manages herself and has her own record label and production company. Basically, she is a musical force to be reckoned with, so get set for an evening of energy, intimate storytelling and spellbinding harmonies. You can catch her performing on the Far South Coast on Sunday, November 8, at a bunch of rural NSW venues across the month and in Marrickville on Friday, November 6. To check out dates and details — and to buy tickets — head here. For the latest info on NSW border restrictions, head here. If travelling from Queensland or Victoria, check out Queensland Health and DHHS websites, respectively.
If you've ever spent hours falling down the wildlife and nature video rabbit hole online late at night, this one's for you. National Geographic's Symphony For Our World will combine the best of the footage from the organisation's 130-year archives with a live orchestral performance, synchronising the triumphant moments of both music and nature under one spectacle. And, that soundtrack will feature a Hans Zimmer-flavoured score and feature a live choir as well. The natural history footage will be drawn from years of past images, drawing from Nat Geo's shots from all over the world. The accompanying symphony will be created by Bleeding Fingers Music, featuring the work of composers such as the legendary Hans Zimmer, as well as Austin Fray and Andrew Christie. Just like the recent Planet Earth II Live in Concert, Zimmer's score especially will make you feel things you didn't know you could about animals you'll never meet. A five-part composition that'll tour Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, Symphony For Our World will take the audience on a journey from the sea, along the coastlines, across the land, through the mountains and then finally into the sky, with differing orchestral movements for each world environment. It's the story of our planet, but brought to life in a different way — so why not get out of the house and off YouTube and go see some fully immersive nature. SYMPHONY FOR OUR WORLD TOUR DATES Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane – Sunday, August 26 ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney – Friday, August 31 Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, Melbourne – Sunday, September 2 Symphony For Our World will tour Australia from August 26 to September 2. For more information and to buy tickets, visit natgeo-symphony.com.
When Virgil Oldman (Geoffrey Rush) celebrates his birthday, he does so dining alone in a high-end restaurant, staring disconsolately at a special cake baked in his honour as other patrons titter at the pitiful spectacle. Lonely as he is, Virgil has carved out a fine career as an art auctioneer and is widely respected as the best at what he does and valued for his fine eye and penchant for detail. In his fastidiously maintained home, he keeps a whole wardrobe full of top-end designer gloves, the perfect accessory for a man who likes to keep life at arm's length. The wardrobe leads into a sanctuary of his most treasured possessions, a secret stash of portraits of women. He has secured these valuable gems in league with his only real friend, Billy (Donald Sutherland), an art collector who conspires with Virgil to win valuable works at auction, sold under value to 'the best offer'. When he is engaged to value the collection of antique furniture owned by Claire (Sylvia Hoeks), a young woman whose parents have died, he goes to the spectacular but run-down old property but finds to his frustration that Claire is not there. He continues to visit the property to attend to his work, but Claire is a ghost, always finding excuses not to meet him. Eventually, he finds that a young woman has in fact been in the house all along, but is in hiding. Concealed behind a wall, she tells him she has not left the house since she a traumatic experience she had as a teenager. Sensing a kindred spirit, Virgil gets drawn into her life, against his better judgement. As Virgil becomes more familiar with the house, he finds scattered wheels and cogs of a mysterious machine, which he takes to Robert (Jim Sturgess), a twinkle-eyed, raffish young man with a busy love life and a flair for repairing old things. Increasingly Virgil comes to confide in Robert and seeks the younger man's advice on the twin mysteries of the contraption and the elusive Claire. Becoming entranced by Claire's ethereal beauty and isolation, Virgil's usually perfect work performance begins slipping, the sign of a man losing control of his ordered life as he grapples with the foreign emotional landscape of human connection. Writer/director Giuseppe Tornatore has made an exquisitely told story with a cruel sting in its tale. Rush delivers a beautifully judged and involving performance as a man whose austere and detached approach to life is thrown into disarray, while Sylia Hoeks is ideal as the mysterious Claire. While some elements of the story's final act probably don't stand up to closer scrutiny, the overriding impression as the credits roll is one of complete heartbreak, making The Best Offer one of the best feel-bad films in recent memory. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WCfXq3nFDUM
Being a part of a spunky indie-rock threesome from Melbourne, with Chris Cheney (hot The Living End frontman) in your corner, exposure on Triple J Unearthed, and two EPs under your belt sounds like a pretty good position to be in. That is the situation for Melbourne band Celadore, who only formed a couple of years ago, but have clearly been working their bot-bots off to get their music off and rolling. In 2010 they released their first EP Distance is a Gun to fab reviews from music media and solid airplay on Melbourne community radio. Now they are taking it up a notch with the release of their second EP The Bright and Blue, their second release through top-notch indie label Popboomerang Records, and was recorded at Melbourne’s Red Door Sounds. It was engineered by Luke Postill (Children Collide, Red Riders) and is Chris Cheney’s first foray into music production. What a hardworking bunch of lads, and now the work continues with their 16-date tour across Australia, taking in capital cities and regional towns. Obviously they are hitting Brisbane too, and will by rocking out (indie style) at the Hotel Orient later this week. It shall be grand.
Mona Foma is almost here and the 2023 lineup is fantastic. If you're desperate to go but have left it to the last minute in a move that can only be described as "classic you", you can still pick up an exclusive one-of-a-kind travel package for the second weekend of the festival (February 24-26). Each package is for two people and includes two nights at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart with complimentary daily breakfasts, tickets to the Peaches Mona Session on Friday, February 24, where the feminist icon will perform her seminal electroclash opus The Teaches of Peaches in its entirety on Mona's lawns, plus Posh Pit ferry passes to sip champagne and canapés while en route to the festival. All of the above is $765 total (for two of you) so book now at Concrete Playground Trips — but you need to get your skates on because there are just three left. [caption id="attachment_874265" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hadley Hudson. Image courtesy of the artist and Mona Foma.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_883205" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A king room in the Movenpick Hotel Hobart[/caption] Top image: Jesse Hunniford from Mona Sessions 2021. Image courtesy of Mona Foma.
Across his two-decade filmmaking career, Bong Joon-ho has explored Korea's first serial murders, grappled with a creature feature, sunk his teeth into a twisted maternal tale, stranded the last remnants of humanity on a train, and followed the exploits of a young girl and her superpig. Now, the applauded South Korean director can add a prestigious and historic accolade to his resume — not only taking out this year's Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his latest movie, Parasite, but becoming the first Korean filmmaker to win the coveted gong in the fest's 72-year run. Bong's seventh feature after Barking Dogs Never Bite, Memories of Murder, The Host, Mother, Snowpiercer and Okja, Parasite follows a family of four that is struggling through rough times. Led by his regular star Song Kang-ho (The Host, Snowpiercer), they're all unemployed; however, that situation might just be about to change. Son Ki-woo has been offered a lucrative tutoring gig and, although he doesn't have the required university degree for it, his sister Ki-jung is quite the forger. Once he has his foot in the door, he discovers that his wealthy new employers might be the solution to his family's money woes in more ways than one. As well as widespread acclaim, the film has been earning comparisons to last year's Palme d'Or winner, Shoplifters — but darker, more mysterious and twisty and with a tense and satirical edge. In other words, it sounds like classic Bong. That said, if his diverse resume has proven anything — other than his supreme talents behind the lens — it's that he never makes the same movie twice. Parasite's win comes after his previous movie, Okja, was part of Cannes' Netflix controversy — after Okja screened in competition in 2017 just over a month before landing on the streaming platform (and alongside other Netflix titles), the famous French film festival announced that it would no longer screen the company's movies from 2018 onwards. Other Cannes 2019 award winners include Mati Diop's Atlantics, which took out the Grand Prix and also made history as the first feature by a black female filmmaker in the festival's competition; Young Ahmed, which nabbed Two Days, One Night filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne the best director prize; and Celine Sciamma's Portrait of a Lady on Fire, which took out the best screenplay gong. Antonio Banderas won best actor for Pedro Almodovar's Pain and Glory, British talent Emily Beecham won best actress for Little Joe, and the movie that everyone was talking about — Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — went home empty-handed. If you're wondering when you can see Parasite, it'll have its Australian premiere at the Sydney Film Festival on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16. Expect it to pop up at other local festivals as well, with a general Australian release planned for a yet-to-be-confirmed date later this year. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_0KJAzyUJc Parasite screens at the Sydney Film Festival on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16, with a general Australian release slated for a yet-to-be-confirmed date later this year.
In a bid to contain the last coronavirus outbreak, the Queensland Government mandated the wearing of masks across Greater Brisbane in late March, and then expanded some face covering rules statewide, too. The requirements were given a slight tweak when April started, but wearing a mask has been part of daily Queensland life throughout this month so far — until 6am hits tomorrow, Thursday, April 15, that is. At the moment, if you're spending time indoors somewhere other than your house, you need to wear a mask. They must be worn in all indoor spaces other than your home, all indoor workplaces unless it is unsafe to do so, on public transport, in taxis and ride share vehicles, and outdoors when social distancing isn't possible. But, from 6am on Thursday, April 15, covering your face will no longer required unless you're at an airport or you're flying. The Queensland Government still advises that folks should carry a mask with them, though, to use in crowded places when you're not able to social distance. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1382107083324084225 The change was announced by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk alongside a heap of other easing restrictions. Queenslanders will be able to have 100 people over to their houses, gather outdoors in groups of any size, dance both indoors and outdoors, and stand up to eat and drink at bars and clubs, too. The usual requests regarding social distancing, hygiene and getting tested if you're feeling even the slightest possible COVID-19 symptoms still apply, though — as they have since March last year. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.
