If The West Wing, The Social Network, A Few Good Men and Steve Jobs taught us anything, it's that Aaron Sorkin knows how to write dialogue. With his work often rapid-fire in pace, passionate in tone and frequently delivered via his trademark walk-and-talk scenes, Sorkin demonstrates a winning way with words unlike anyone else in the business. With Molly's Game, however, he's faced with a new challenge. Sure, he knows how to pen intelligent stories that flow with their own almost-hypnotic rhythm. But does he know how to direct them as well? Like much of Sorkin's output, the success of Molly's Game comes down to the folks doing the talking. Invariably, his wordy scripts shine brightest when they're brought to life by exceptional actors. With a knack for his timing, sharpness and smarts, Jessica Chastain proves a perfect match. Indeed, Molly's Game might have Sorkin's name and stamp all over it, but this is Chastain's picture through and through. Whether she's rattling off skiing and gambling statistics in voiceover, bantering back and forth with her also-excellent co-star Idris Elba, or working poker rooms filled with the rich and famous, she is the movie's true trump card. In her latest impressive performance as a formidable woman in a male-dominated realm (see also: Zero Dark Thirty, A Most Violent Year and Miss Sloane), the two-time Oscar nominee plays Molly Bloom, the real-life former Olympic-level skier turned poker magnate. Stripped of her sporting dream after a horrific accident, Bloom heads to Los Angeles to "be young for a while in warm weather." When she takes on an admin job to pay the bills, she has no idea that she'll also be running her boss' weekly card games. Before long, she's in charge of her own underground gambling empire, and later being chased down by the FBI. Sorkin's film is based on Bloom's tell-all book, Molly's Game: From Hollywood's Elite to Wall Street's Billionaire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure in the World of Underground Poker. That title may be a bit of a mouthful, but it also explains why Sorkin was so attracted to the story (other than a fondness for verbosity). Power, success, the pursuit of both, and the intersection of idealism and corruption are common themes in his other screenplays, and they're all present here. As such, he's in very comfortable territory with a dynamite true tale that's topical, entertaining and filled with astute insights about human psychology and behaviour. Throw a stellar star and a stacked support cast — Michael Cera, Kevin Costner, Chris O'Dowd and even Stranger Things' Joe Keery — into the mix, and Molly's Game must've seemed like an easy winning hand. And it is, almost. In addition to its slick visuals, the film reflects some of Sorkin's best tendencies — a recent Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay is proof of that. Unfortunately it also suffers from some of his worst. Indulgence is one such grating trait, with moments of repetition and near-constant chatter blowing the running time out to 140 minutes. Sentimentality is another, with the writer-director happy to hit hard in his dialogue, but happier still when it comes with a warm glow as well. Still, when Chastain is unleashing her fast-paced narration or trading pithy chatter with Elba, you'll be able to overlook many of the film's flaws. And thankfully, that happens a lot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVMkOuZOMe0
There are plenty of ways that a band can honour legends of the local music scene. Painting their names on the wall is something that The Triffid has been doing since the Newstead hangout opened its doors. In showing their love for The Go-Betweens, however, they're also giving their eye-catching mural some sounds to match, courtesy of a tribute evening. Anyone who has attended one of The Triff's previous gatherings (highlighting the talents of everyone from Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, The Cure, and Pink Floyd to The Clash, Metallica and Iggy Pop) will know that they're in for a treat. Of course, the fact that they're shining a spotlight on homegrown talent makes the night all the more special. You'll be going round and round, up and down with Halfway, Dan Kelly, Adele Pickvance and The Stress of Leisure in no time — and you won't just be nodding to the past, but looking to the future. The show will also feature the finalists for this year's Grant McLennan Fellowship, aka Leanne Tennant, Hannah Macklin, Jeremy Neale and Bec Laughton, with the award named after The Go-Betweens' lead singer. Now that's how you pay tribute to a band that also has a bridge bearing their moniker.
For all of the hot, hot heat Brisbane summers send our way, sitting in a pool of water and viewing a movie isn't as easy to do as you might think. Don't worry, the Spring Hill Baths have you covered — and they're whisking eager swimming cinema-goers back to the '80s. You'll have the time of your life as you watch and splash around to Dirty Dancing, as long as you don't go putting anyone in a corner. And you'll probably see plenty of fancy footsteps, too, given that the event doubles as a first birthday shindig for Brisbane Barre Studio. Entry is free, but registration is essential; who doesn't want to watch Patrick Swayze steam it up on screen, then jump in the pool to cool off, after all? Free refreshments kick off at 6pm, followed by the film at 6.30pm. Bringing your togs, rather than your dancing shoes, is recommended.
Feel like being inspired? In need of a positive evening out? Trust Peppermint Magazine, Australia's own eco fashion and lifestyle quarterly, to come up with an event that fits the bill: their PepTalks series. Hosting its latest event on November 29 at Wandering Cooks, PepTalks embraces both interpretations of its name. Yes, fab folks featured in the magazine's pages will chat about their work, lives and efforts to make a difference. Yes, their discussion will pep you right up. Peta Granger, James Bartle and Belinda Evans are the latest inspiring figures in the PepTalks hot seat, sharing their experiences selling amazing-smelling soap, eliminating child exploitation in fashion, and crafting handmade textiles, homewares and jewellery. Plus, talk isn't the only thing on the menu, with food truck For The Pickles on site from 5pm, and everyone receiving a drink on arrival.
Music fans have vinyl. Movie buffs have VHS. Gamers, well, where do we start? If you're a lover of retro fun and mashing buttons is your preferred pastime, then there are just too many formats to choose from. Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Master System, Mega Drive, Gamecube, Saturn… the list goes on. Don't stress — whichever one you're into, you'll find it at the Brisbane Video Game & Pop Culture Market, plus a whole host of other stuff as well. Yes, there really is a fair, swap meet or shopping event for just about everything. Basically, this regular smorgasbord of gaming paraphernalia, toys, books, comics and more will take over Shady Palms Cafe to make your Sunday morning dreams come true, as long as those dreams involve consoles and pop culture. And, let's face it, it'll also make your Sunday afternoon dreams come true as well. We know what you'll be heading home to do (or, should we say, play) when the market closes at 1pm — and, if you feel like sticking around, the Stones Corner hangout will also be hosting a Mario Kart 64 showdown.
These days, 3D printers are a bit like Bernard Black's oven: they can handle anything. Houses, bikes, guns, toothbrushes... the list goes on, and also includes important artefacts. That's great news if you're into history, looking at cool bits and pieces from centuries gone by, or simply gazing at dinosaur skeletons. Modern technology can reproduce valuable, lost or destroyed items, truly taking museum visits to another dimension — but have you ever wondered about how it works, where it can be best employed, and what the practice means in the grand scheme of things? At Real to Relic: Museums in 3D, a swag of experts will be pondering just that; however this one-night-only exhibition isn't just about the theoretical side of things. You'll also watch 3D printing in action, and see if you can tell the difference between real and replica objects. Nope, this isn't your regular night at the museum.
Each year, Italy celebrates Festa della Repubblica — otherwise known as the country's national day. The occasion might not be a big deal in Australia, but don't tell that to the folks behind the Italian Food and Wine Festival. Come May 29, they're doing their best to give Brisbane a taste of the fun by throwing a free street event. That means a sea of Italian-themed festivities will take over New Farm Park, featuring plenty of food and wine, of course. There'll also be live music to help showcase the nation beyond the bounds of your stomach. The Italian Food and Wine Festival isn't just a one-off event — it's the centrepiece of Italian Week, which celebrates Italian influence in Australia and the country's culture in general. That's right, you now have an excuse to eat all the pizza and pasta you like for seven whole days — not that you need one, of course.
If you're in Tokyo and you're keen to see the fashion trends of the future, then hanging around the Harajuku district is a safe bet. If you're in Brisbane and you're not jumping on a plane any time soon, then you can drop by Sake for the next best thing. Yes, the Eagle Street eatery is bring a slice of one of Japan's hippest areas to Queensland for a one-night-only pop-up party. Paying $50, moseying along and enjoying a fun evening pretending you're far, far away is the easy part, though. Deciding what to wear — now, that's difficult. Whatever outfit takes your fancy, you'll be rewarded with a cocktail on arrival and mouthwatering canapés, with more specialty drinks and Sake bites — including the delicious yakitori the restaurant's regulars already know and love — on offer throughout the night. Add a live DJ keeping things pumping, and it really will be the closest you can get to the real experience without leaving the city.
Playing musical chairs with Rachel Vosila wouldn't just be fun — it'd be a furniture frenzy and a design showcase too. No two seats would look the same, with each crafted and constructed by Vosila using different materials and tools. In fact, she already has 52 she could use. They're the end result of her One a Week project, a year-long quest to challenge her skills. The idea really is as simple as it seems, although the results are anything but. Vosila made a new chair every week over the course of twelve months — that's 52 chairs for the 52 weeks of 2015. But they're not the kind of practical pieces you'd see in any old dining room (although, once you see them, you'll definitely want them in yours). Lucky for us, the Sydney-based artist's handmade seats are coming to Brisbane for one week only. The end result of her year of hard work will be on display at Homemaker The Valley from May 20-26. No, you can't sit on them. Nor will the music won't stop while you're walking around them. But you'll most probably be inspired to stretch your own talents, look at home décor a little differently, and consider redecorating your house. For a look at what to expect, have a peek at Vosila's Instagram.
When it comes to spirits, do you have clear priorities? Is your go-to drink the fruity tipple that has made many a glass of tonic taste great? Can you taste the difference between Tanqueray and Hendricks? If you answered yes to any of the above, then you'd best mark June 11 in your calendar. Because there's a special date for everything, that's when World Gin Day falls — and you'd better believe that Dutch Courage Officers' Mess has put together a series of gin-focused masterclasses to celebrate the occasion. That's what you'd expect from a bar that has more than 120 gins on its menu, but they really have outdone themselves this time. Start things off with oysters and Bloody Marys, enjoy a few food and drink pairings, and work your way up to teapot cocktails. And, for even more fun in-between sessions, lounge around at the outdoor bar, listen to all-day soundtrack of cruisy blues, rifle through goodie bags and keep wetting your whistle at gin tastings.
When a couple of excellent dudes by the name of Bill S. Preston, Esquire and Ted "Theodore" Logan needed to pass their final history report, they did what anyone would do if they had the chance. You've seen the movie. You know their story. That's right — they jumped in a time-travelling phone booth. Sadly, most of us don't live in a late '80s comedy film, so we have to dive back into the past by other means, such as books and re-enactments. And if the former isn't for you, then the latter just might be, even if you haven't ever tried it out yet. At History Alive: A Journey Through Time, 400 re-enactors and historians will portray and display 2000 years of history via everything from dance workshops and archery displays to cooking demonstrations and restaged battles. Whatever period you're keen to brush up on, be it Roman, Viking, Medieval, Napoleonic, Colonial and World War activities, you'll find it at Fort Lytton National Park — because a history festival has to take place at a historic site.
Who doesn't love the idea of pairing each and every bite of food with an appropriate alcoholic tipple? Okay, so we know that you already know all about degustation menus with matching wines, but have you taken the concept into the spirit realm? No, we don't mean ghosts. Yes, we do mean amber-coloured drinks. Whether you're an old hand at consuming the hard stuff with your evening feast, or this'll be the first time you pair a dram with every dinner course, Cobbler's Whisky Tasting & Degustation featuring Macallan and Laphroaig is the meal you won't want to miss out on. Just let the West End bar's trusty staff take care of all your eating and drinking needs for the night, with whisky aficionado Dan Woolley on hand to explain the ins and outs of the food and beverage menu. A word of warning: at $120 per person, this isn't a cheap experience — but you know it's going to be oh-so-rich, hearty and tasty.
If you were a child of the '80s, you either wanted to be Molly Ringwald or be with her. If you were a child of the '90s or '00s, as long as you saw The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink or Sixteen Candles, you probably wanted to as well. Sure, those dreams aren't likely to become a reality — but you can spend an evening with the actress and singer instead. Bringing her nostalgic cabaret show to Brisbane, she'll croon sultry tunes and charm entire rooms, and bust out a rendition of Simple Minds' Don't You (Forget About Me), too. Yes, her performance has proven so popular that there's a waiting list for tickets, but this is one club you definitely want to be a member of. This is one of our five top picks from this year's Queensland Cabaret Festival. Read the full list.
Talking about eating local and actually doing it are two different things. If knowing where to start is the only thing stopping you from moving between the former and latter categories, then What the Food!? can help — and take you on a Saturday food and drink stroll in the process. After meeting up at New Farm Park, you'll tour the neighbourhood to discover all the nearby delights on offer. That includes a locally sourced lunch provided by The Picnic Goods, plus beer tasting at Green Beacon Newstead. No, that's not all the afternoon has in store. Because What the Food!? is about learning, rather than just consuming, DIY workshops and Q&A sessions are also on the menu. Dig into veggies courtesy of Spurtopia, ask Robert Pekin all about Food Connect, and sample some honey with Phil from Hive&Harvest. Yes, a take home goodie pack complete with taste testers is also included.
Partying like it is 1999 (or anytime after 1989 and before 2000, in fact) has almost become a weekly occurrence in Brisbane, courtesy of all manner of themed club nights. Not all retro music evenings are created equal, however. At No Diggity at The Foundry, you'll be doing more than rocking a tie-dyed t-shirt. That outfit choice is completely acceptable, of course, as is mixing two-decade-old trends by throwing a flannelette shirt on over the top. Looking the part and standing around saying "wow, remember how things used to be?" isn't the main attraction here though, even if prizes are up for grabs; grooving to the music of the era, including one-hit wonders and enduring classics, is. That's what DJ Sezzo, Eevee and Black Amex will be spinning from 9pm until late — and yes, we're pretty sure that the Blackstreet track that gives the shindig its name will be given a whirl. Yep, it's not just a song that Chet Faker covered, and it won't be the only vintage track that'll get you in the '90s mood.
If ever a dive bar needed its own festival, it's Brisbane's Death Valley. Sinking drinks in the Morningside mainstay's beer garden, chowing down on a meal from Red Robin Supper Truck, tapping your toes to whatever's pumping through the stereo and chilling out with your friends almost feels like hanging out at a festival anyway — but now, the boozy offshoot of Southside Tea Room is about to take that vibe to the next level. Meet Death Valley Fun Camp, the brand new, must-attend weekend event you're going to want to grab a ticket to as soon as they go on sale. Part festival, part campout, it combines the best of both recreational activities. Think music, food, beverages, activities, marshmallows and sleeping in cabins at Lake Moogerah in the Scenic Rim district south-west of Brissie. Attendees will try their hand at flag-making, slosh through a mud course, paddle around on a kayak, and learn the art of pickling veggies — and that's just the beginning. When the sun goes down, they'll also help the Southside Tea Room crew and Jacob Knauth from Lucky Egg whip up dinner. A fireside gathering is on the agenda too, so brush up on your spooky stories. Afterwards, Top Shelf Wedding Band will bust out some live tunes, with members of Velociraptor and other Brisbane garage rock alumni — including Southside owners, The Grates' Patience Hodgson and John Patterson, we're betting — strutting their stuff. Sounds like the kind of weekend getaway that only exists in movies, doesn't it? Stop pinching yourself — it is really happening. Tickets start from $179, and include all meals and activities, a welcome pack complete with a camp t-shirt and a bunk bed for the night. Add an extra $79 for a refillable beer mug — the perfect container for all the Young Henrys beer and cider you can consume — with all food and drink proceeds going to Kids Helpline. Image: Josh Felise.
Who needs true crime TV when you can tour the real thing? Not Bloody Brisbane organiser Jack Sim. If you've ever taken a guided wander around the city's haunted past, you might be familiar with his work — but did you know he hosts a crime walk, too? Plenty of chilling events have occurred in Brisbane over the years , and Sim knows all the details. Every Tuesday and Saturday night at 7.30pm, he meets anyone eager to learn about the city's darker history at the Queen Street GPO, then explores and explains notorious sites within a three-block radius. If you don't want all the gory details of hangings, gunfights and more, then this probably isn't for you. And if you do, be warned: once you've delved into this unseemly side of the city, you'll want to take one of the three crime coach tours as well.
In 1997, Christmas changed. With a single episode of Seinfeld, the world became privy to a new form of holiday celebration that eschewed other traditions and denominations. Instead of a tree, an unadorned pole gets pride of place. Rather than share happy stories, everyone gathered airs their grievances. And, instead of settling down on the couch after a hearty meal, attendees compete in feats of strength. Okay, so maybe you still enjoy tinsel, turkey and street cricket with your family on December 25; however Sabotage Social is making sure you can have some Festivus fun as well. Their shindig takes place on December 16, a week before the official date of December 23 — but hey, if you're not happy about that, add it to your grievance list. Yes, there really will be a grievances box, and they'll be read out by the DJ for everyone to hear. A Very Special Festivus for the Rest of Us also features arm wrestling, potluck beers and red cocktails, and free regifted pressies for all. Don't forget to dress up, too, for your chance to win the best prize of all: a bar tab.
It's beginning to feel a lot like... Christmas, yes, but also like the powers that be just might want everyone in Brisbane to feast their eyes on a heap of festive films in open spaces. Anything South Bank can do, Roma Street Parklands can do too. 'Tis the season for joining in the merry movie fun, and all that. On the agenda: seven nights of yuletide screen gazing, spanning the usual well-known titles. You know the first rule of Chrissie flicks, though, right? You haven't really seen any of them until know all the lines. So, ho-ho-hop on over to the parklands' ampitheatre to watch interconnected tales combine in Love, Actually, witness Will Ferrell spread festive joy in Elf, and embark upon the Search for Santa Paws, among others. And yes, the second rule of Christmas movies declares that no film is too cheesy for the season.
Whether you're bored, distracted, lost in thought or genuinely interested the sight of the horizon, everyone stares off into the distance. You've probably done so several times today, with or without realising it. Not everyone turns the images they see when they're fixing their gaze on a far-off point into a series of paintings, though; just Lee Wilkes. The Australian visual artist takes inspiration from time spent living in the remote islands of Torres Strait, with Caricatured (and true) the end result. Just looking at the scenic seaside images, it's easy to understand just why each has been captured in artistic form. They're real but dreamy, based on actuality yet still hazy, and speak of both the place they represent and something much more broad and universal. Wilkes' work also proves both soothing and probing, asking viewers to vanish into a collection of pieces about vanishing points. Image: Lee Wilkes, Infinite possibilities (of a western sunrise), Oil on wood.
Eager to shop for sustainable wares, but struggle to find the right products? Or, maybe you just want to browse for Aussie designed, ethically manufactured clothes, homewares and cosmetics all in one spot? That's where Undress Collective's one-week pop-up comes in — and your bank balance starts to get worried. Between September 28 and October 4, they're taking over 65 James Street in New Farm to showcase all of the sustainable items you've always wanted, didn't know you needed, or both. Plus, as well as offering Byron Bay-made nail polish, environmentally conscious swimwear, small-batch hand-poured candles, artisan-crafted ceramics and more, they're kicking things off in fun style. Okay, so the official launch party actually takes place on September 30, two days after they open their doors, but it's still likely to be the most sustainable evening of food, wine and shopping you're likely to have in some time.
It starts with David Brent sharing his Life on the Road, ends with Denzel Washington protecting a town as part of The Magnificent Seven, and features everything from old faves to new hits in between. Yep, it's Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema — and it's back for its 2016 season. Prepare for a whole new round of cinema under the stars. Returning to South Bank's Rainforest Green from September 29 to November 13, Openair Cinema knows what movie-goers want when it comes to the outdoor film experience. Here, a big screen, comfy seats and cool flicks are just the beginning. You'll also find an on-site bar serving beer, wine and cider; five types of Vespa pizzas, plus garlic bread and salads; and tubs of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, of course. Movie-wise, catch the likes of Nerve, Bad Moms, Pete's Dragon, Snowden and Captain Fantastic from the lineup of recent films; however it's the special events and flashbacks in the program that are likely to cause the most excitement. As well as live music making their Sundae Sessions extra special, Leonardo DiCaprio fans can relive his '90s glory with sessions of Titanic and Romeo + Juliet, anyone fond of a certain British singleton can catch all three Bridget Jones titles, and everyone can pay tribute to dearly departed legends at screenings of Labyrinth and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Music fans, be sure to add The Wrong End of the Valley Festival to your calendar — and no, there's no prizes for guessing the general vicinity it'll be held in. Taking over both the New Globe Theatre and AMPED on Brunswick Street on October 1 and 2, the two-day event will see 75 bands grace four stages for a weekend filled with all the music your ears can handle. With New Globe's new Hidden TreasureZZZ showcase forming part of the action, expect to see a host of Brissie acts deliver epic sets. Tickets range from $15 pre-sold one-day passes to $50 VIP packages. Image: Major Electric.
Playing an instrument, belting out a tune and composing a track are all creative endeavours; however they're not the only artistic aspects of the music industry. If you've been to a gig or fest, seen some ace shots of it afterwards, and intertwined those images with your own memories — and we all have — then you know the power of music photography. With BIGSOUND taking over Brisbane this week, and with everyone likely to be scrolling through their social media feeds looking at pics from shows they couldn't attend as a result, it's a timely field to be thinking about. That's why Crowbar are hosting Point & Shoot - An Exploration of Music Photography. Yep, it's an unofficial addition to the revelry that highlights some of the best live music photographers and videographers in the business. From September 6 to 9, the bar's walls will display snaps from small venues, big festivals and more, each capturing your favourite musical acts. An assortment of prints will be available for sale for the very first time too, so you can take this combination of sound and vision home with you. Image: Stephen Booth.
From September 9 to 18, things at Currumbin Beach are going to be swell. Yes, the sea will rise and fall. Yes, everyone will have a mighty fine time. And yes, the annual SWELL Sculpture Festival takes over the coastal suburb. Art lovers looking for a combination of surf, sun and superb creativity, you're in luck, with an eye-catching display of 55 sculptures the highlight of the 14th annual event. It's free, outdoors and open all hours — because every time of the day is a good time for structures by the seaside. Don't go thinking the festival that's worth a day trip down the coast for is just about sculpture, though. Participate in a photography workshop, see smaller pieces in a gallery setting and spy 3,000 candles among the sand. Or, take a twilight walk, hangout at the festival green, and enjoy a live music lineup that features Cheap Fakes, The Lyrical, Katia Demeester, Felicity Lawless and more.
We're a hungry bunch in Brisbane — and, since food trucks started driving their delicious meals on wheels around town, we're keen on eating all the van-cooked fare that we can. Harold Fleming, aka Harry, knows this. As the owner of The Bun Mobile, he helped begin the trend. Now, he's about to bring more edible goodness to Brissie courtesy of a regular food truck gathering. That'd be Harry's Truck Stop, which will soon be showcasing the best mobile cuisine from South-East Queensland at a host of regular events. It all kicks off in King George Square at 11am on September 6, for the first of a fortnightly series in the inner-city. In addition, head to Di Bella Coffee in Bowen Hills every second Friday night and Sunday from September 18 to gorge on more. They don't call Fleming a food truck pioneer for no good reason.
It's the exercise trend that has swept the world, and popped up in Sydney and Melbourne in the process. And yet, somehow silent yoga hasn't made its way to Brisbane. On September 11, The Urban Bliss Sound Off Experience will change that in one of the CBD's most central and visible public spaces. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like: keen yogis will stretch and shoosh, with teacher Esther Wallace-Hill delivering cues regarding poses and movements via wireless headphones. Attendees will also listen to music piped straight into their ears during a 75-minute class that's open to yoga fans of all experience levels. Up to 250 people can participate — and while those that do will pay to take part, all proceeds raised will go towards a good cause. The event is designed to not only promote the latest yoga style, and help Brissie's stressed out citizens bend, stretch and breathe their way to inner bliss, but to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute's mood disorder diagnosis, treatment and prevention efforts. And if you're on the Gold Coast and can't attend, don't worry — you're won't miss out. Not just silent yoga but silent disco yoga is coming your way courtesy of Flow After Dark. It's clearly a great time to exercise as quietly as possible in the Sunshine State. The Urban Bliss Sound Off Experience takes place in King George Square. at 5.30pm on September 11. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the event's Facebook page.
Stop looking for the perfect Father's Day present, and start making sure that your dad is free this Thursday evening. If he's a whiskey fiend, he'll thank you for the best spirit-soaked gift a child could give — and you'll even get to enjoy the experience with him. Trust The Walrus Club to come up with a one-of-a-kind evening that might just be the best pressie ever. At their Father's Day Whiskey Blend Session, you'll bestow your beloved papa with the chance to create his own concoction, and then take a bottle of it home with him. Tasting 29 of the world's best tipples and enjoying matched gourmet canapés is also on the agenda, with the former serving up a range of intoxicating flavours, and the latter ensuring that you line your stomach before you start sampling. Expect to pay $100 for two tickets; however given the barrels of whiskey fun on offer, it's worth it.
Move over Q&A — there's a new opinion-focused show in town. This one entertains audiences every Sunday evening from 6pm starting on September 4, and can only be seen at Saccharomyces Beer Cafe. With a title like Majority Rules, the fact that the live gameshow will be playfully probing and polling attendees for their responses to a range of topics should be obvious. Here's how it works: you'll be quizzed, challenged and guided through a series of scenarios — and, once you register your responses via a smartphone app, you'll be part of quite the discussion. Expect questions such as "if you were stranded in the wilderness with your best friend, could you eat them to survive?" and "who would win in a fight between Jamie Oliver with a knife vs Gordon Ramsey with a spoon?''. Expect to find out whether your answers are average or unique, as well. Playing over a beverage or two is recommended.
They serve French toast burritos as well as peaches and cream shakes — but on Saturday, October 1, delicious food and beverages won't be Southside Tea Room's only drawcard. Oh, you can eat and drink, of course — but you'll do so while perusing a bunch of art. As presented by Sober Bob Monthly, attendees will find a heap of creative bits and pieces for their browsing and buying pleasure, with the likes of Yippywhippy, Hacklock, QueerContent Comix & Zines and Junky Comics taking part. Basically, it's a pop-up that everyone's going to want to pop into.
It's a good time to own a venue called Barbara. For the past month, everyone has been binging on Netflix's Stranger Things and shouting their love for the favourite character — who just happens to share her name with the Fortitude Valley bar. You know where this is going, and you're probably surprised that no one thought of it earlier. Head to Barbara from 9pm on August 20 for their Stranger Things shindig, and prepare to celebrate the show no one can stop talking about, the music everyone has been listening to non-stop and everything that's great about the best friend we wish we all had. Yes, we're talking about Barb. Don't worry — it's not a pool party, so no one is going to be snatched away by something sinister. Instead, you'll drink craft beverages, chat about '80s-inspired pop culture, and groove to synth-heavy tunes spun by DJs Mitch 'Eleven' Exton and Adrian 'Hawkins PD' Price. And, your pal Nancy won't even have to drag you there.
Drinking a beverage and watching a band ranks among life's simplest pleasures. Enjoying one of 150 craft beers and ciders from 38 independent brewers, while being entertained by Josh Pyke, Holy Holy and more — now that's how you take something great and make it even better. Ensuring a good time is had by all is part of the aim of the Beer InCider Experience in its 2016 iteration. Well, that and showcasing the best in brews and music, plus throwing in some delicious food and fun entertainment options. To line the stomach, at least ten local food trucks such as will do their bit, offering up everything from pizza to tacos. Those looking for something a bit different might want to head to the cheese stand, or perhaps to the espresso martini bar. Then, work it all off with a bout of Berlin-style ping pong or putt putt, or stand around and chill to the sights of roving performers. Yes, this truly is the ultimate in drinks-focused music festivals.
There ain't no party like a public holiday eve block party, and The Elephant knows it. The Wickham Street pub has made celebratory shindigs their new go-to gatherings for some time now — and everyone has been flocking to them, of course. Keeping in that spirit, they're throwing a big bash on Australia Day eve on January 25, complete with the usual chilled vibe, cold beverages and beer garden hangouts. Add a rocking music lineup of Confidence Man FeelsClub providing the live tunes, and that's your lazy, pre-day off Wednesday night well and truly covered.
In 2012, the community Denver artist Paul Weiner called his own was rocked by tragedy when a man opened fire in a Colorado movie theatre. A midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises was meant to be on the bill, but the horrific events sparked another kind of art: a response. Weiner's pieces delve into the incident, referencing redacted court documents that followed the shooting, commenting on violence throughout the US, and crafting canvasses that are designed to look blemished and bruised. These works form half of In the Balance — and if his efforts encompass his reaction, Kimberley Rowe's offer hers in kind. Filled with light and whiteness, the Californian creative's large-scale paintings aren't conceived as the opposite to Weiner's, but as their complement. "Each painting is an evolution or expansion of an idea spawned between imagining and doing," Rowe describes. Together, they bring something special to TWFineArt from January 24 to February 22, aka the kind of feeling you only understand when you experience it. That's what happens when you respond to something that changes life as you know it, isn't it?
One of the joys of watching Jessica Chastain on screen is watching an excellent actress at the top of her game. Another, and one that occurs again and again in Miss Sloane, is watching everyone else react to her presence. Whether she's hunting down terrorists in Zero Dark Thirty or playing a scheming sibling in Crimson Peak, no one sharing her scenes seems to know quite how to react — which is a testament to the kinds of roles the two-time Oscar-nominee chooses, as well as the way she plays them, rather than a comment on her co-stars. Ambitious, determined and daring to defy categorisation, the bulk of Chastain's characters simply demand attention. Ruthless lobbyist Elizabeth Sloane certainly does, as does the movie that shares her name. "Lobbying is about foresight," Sloane tells the camera during the film's opening scene, with everything that follows demonstrating the accuracy of her assertion. Miss Sloane starts with a congressional committee, where she has been asked to explain her behaviour during a high-profile job, before jumping back to fill in the gaps. Three months earlier, Sloane worked for one of Washington D.C.'s top firms — until the gun lobby came calling, she put them in their place, and the other side wooed her to lead their cause. Even her new boss (Mark Strong) didn't expect her to do more than put up a spirited fight, but losing isn't something Sloane knows how to handle, particularly when she's finally working for a cause she cares about. Her former colleagues (played by Sam Waterston and Michael Stuhlbarg, among others) swiftly turn nasty and combative. Her new co-workers, including the kindy and impassioned Esme (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), try to adjust to her calculating ways. Sloane herself, meanwhile, stands in the middle, providing not only a compelling centrepiece in a high stakes political battle, but a meaty example of the treatment that plagues strong women. She's a force to be reckoned with — exceptional at her job, capable of handling whatever comes her way, willing to do whatever it takes to succeed and thoroughly unconcerned about whether or not people like her. As a result, she's always a target. Arriving on screen so soon after America not only visibly rejected a vision of female leadership, but was quick to paint the prospect in highly unflattering terms, it's no wonder that Miss Sloane strikes a chord. That applies equally to the film and to the character — though the latter outshines the former, thanks largely to Chastain. Still, as the dialogue flies thick and fast, Miss Sloane proves a sleek, taut and tense political thriller. The film represents something of a change of pace for director John Madden after helming The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel; still, the veteran filmmaker proves more than up to the task. First-time screenwriter Jonathan Perera also acquits himself well, spinning an engaging narrative about duplicity, deceit, corruption and control. Of course, if you've ever watched a film or TV show about US politics, you've seen tales like this before. Proficient wheeler-and-dealers have weaved their way through shadowy landscapes on screen before, and painting the American capital as an ethical sinkhole is nothing new – as viewers of The West Wing, House of Cards, Scandal and Veep can all attest And yet, Miss Sloane is never less than involving, even when it feels a tad familiar. Plus, for the record, not everything plays out exactly as expected.
We're sure we've said it before, and we know we'll say it again: sitting outside sipping an ice cold beverage really is one of the finer things in life. Combine it with music, food and games, and you've got yourself a garden party going on. Not just any garden party, mind you. On February 25 at The Bench, a Stone & Wood Garden Party will take over the Cleveland hangout. If that's not a reason to head east for a day by the bay, then we don't know what is. The brewery's Garden Ale will be in the spotlight, fittingly, as well the kind of activities that go down well with a beverage or several. Yes, that means lawn games on this particular occasion, so shorts are quite the appropriate attire. And, in good news for everyone who likes boozing outdoors — aka everyone — more shindigs at more places are due to come over the coming months.
If there's one thing that Brisbane music fans love, it's the city's vibrant local scene. And if there's a second thing we love, it's events that showcase the best talent this town of ours has to offer. Add a third one in, and you'd have to add homegrown radio legends 4ZZZ to the mix. If the above list was a recipe, it'd cook up Open House at The Foundry on November 19. We know, we know, it'd also conjure up almost every locally focused gig in Brissie — but, hey, who doesn't want to support up-and-coming bands and the station that helps them? In this specific case, as your funds are going towards keeping the Zed dream alive, your ears will be getting their fill of friendships, Rebel Yell, Tiana Khasi, Jesswar, Sezzo Snot, Baby Mama, Sullivan and Sleep Club. And, don't just gloss over Open House's name. As the moniker suggests, this is an event that's all about making sure gigs are safe and inclusive for everyone.
he high priestess of dark rock is coming to Australia — PJ Harvey has announced her first Australian/New Zealand tour since 2012. Hitting epic venues like Sydney's shiny new $1.5 billion International Convention Centre for Sydney Festival, Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Brisbane's Tivoli and Auckland's Logan Campbell Centre, Harvey will be backed by her ten-piece band for a career-spanning set. It's been a while between drinks — Harvey hasn't performed in Australia or NZ since 2012. It's a new live show for the UK indie rock legend, one that's already toured Europe and the US and features all your favourite early classics and newer material. The first Brisbane show is sold out, so best get in quick for the second one.
Stop what you're doing (particularly if what you're doing is re-watching old Seinfeld episodes for the 33rd time), because Jerry Seinfeld, the man himself, is finally coming to Australia. The comedian will be gracing our shores with a five-date national stand-up tour of our capital cities — his first visit Down Under in almost 20 years. Yowsa. The Seinfeld Live tour will visit the Brisbane Entertainment Centre this August 9 for one show only. So hurry up and rewatch seasons one through nine ASAP. It's Seinfeld's first visit to Australia since 1998, when he toured the country just after the show wrapped. On that visit he called Melbourne the "anus" of the world — we'll see what he has to say about it this time round.
Everybody loves a countdown. Watching rage, voting in Triple J's Hottest 100: they're all Australian traditions. In Brisbane, we love all of the above — and we're also very fond of 4ZZZ's Hot 100. It's the poll voted by locals, celebrating locals and brimming with the best of everything that's hit local airwaves throughout the past year, and it's coming to The Triffid. See in the new year with a song (or 100) as the Newstead venue throws their first hangout of 2017. From midday, the first sixty tracks will be blasted through the Triff thanks to the power of radio, as you sit, drink, recover or do whatever it is you need to on January 1. Then, when tune number 40 hits in the race to number one, it's live broadcast time. There'll be beer, banter and the Zed's announcers on site to share the fun. Happy 2017 indeed.
Cabaret really doesn't get much racier than this — or seductive, subversive, or brand spanking new, either. If you've seen one of the previous two seasons of Boy&Girl, then you know what you're in for. If you haven't, well, prepare to have your musical theatre horizons broadened. Here, there's no rules. Instead, there's just gender-bending stage fun. And singing and dancing from a talented ensemble that knows how to make a whole heap of things pop. In case you're wondering, wine is heartily encouraged. Okay, okay, we'll stop being coy: the show comes with a warning about coarse language, adult themes, nudity, glitter and show tunes. We know that the latter two aren't everyone's thing, but don't let some shininess and songs keep you away from the production everyone in Brissie will be talking about. Again.
Like a few beverages? Then, whether you realise it or not, you like barrels. No, not the ones that Donkey Kong throws in the video game you spent too much of your childhood playing. We're talking about the wooden structures that all your favourite tipples are stored in. Beer, cider, wine, whiskey, rum: they've all been in a barrel at one point or another. And, they're all drinks that Bloodhound Bar serves. No wonder the Fortitude Valley joint has turned the timber vessels into a reason to have a party. That'd be Barrel Age, complete with a range of rare, mouth-watering, toe-curling offerings on tap, in-house barrel-aged spirits and cocktails on the menu, and matched cheeses and boilermakers available, too. Add barrel-fermented wines, a bourbon and food pairing showcase, and live Saturday night tunes from The Hi-Boys, and you'll be having a barrel of fun in no time. And yes, constantly telling everyone that you're having a barrel of fun is compulsory. Image: Jonathan Chie.
On any given weekend in Brisbane, there's a festival raring to fill your days and nights with fun. But, even if you collect fests like most people collect Pokemon, you haven't been to an event like this before. For the first time ever, the city will play host to an international celebration of the kind of moving and grooving known as belly dancing. At the Salam Brisbane Middle Eastern Dance Festival from July 29 to 31, you can learn to shimmy and shake, see seasoned professionals do the same, or treat yo'self to a combination of the above. In fact, if making the first steps towards taking to the stage yourself is just what you're after, you'll find more than 24 hours' worth of workshops delivering everything you could hope for. And if watching the masters at work is more your style, then enjoy performances by international star Mercedes Nieto, as well as local talents Jrisi Jusakos, Nayima Hassan, Rose Ottaviano, Virginia Rizkallah, Nasser Masri, Nerissa, Ambyr and Alice Knox as part of Salam Ya Raqs! A Dance Voyage, the fest's centrepiece event on July 31 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Image: Igor Plaza Photography.
It doesn't take much to turn a day at the Regatta into a party — but when the iconic Brissie pub really wants to throw a shindig, they know how to go about it. Enter RegattaFair, the second annual occasion dedicated to three days of riverside food, booze and hanging out. Basically, it's an excuse to eat, drink and be merry at one of the city's favourite haunts, not that you'll hear us complaining about that. Who doesn't want to wander beneath the fairy lights in the venue's laneway, peruse stalls selling all your favourite stomach fillers and thirst quenchers, and listen to DJ sets and live music in the process? Anyone keen on wood-fired pizzas (including a Nutella variety) and slow-cooked lamb rolls won't be disappointed — and neither will those after an Asahi, Mountain Goat, Fat Yak, Peroni or Penfolds tipple. Plus, stopping by the warm Rekordelig station, getting your fortune told while tasting rum in the Walrus Club, and sampling amber spirits in the Whiskey Bar are all a must.
Do you try to indulge in your favourite dairy product at every meal? Do you have an entire shelf in your fridge dedicated to brie, cheddar and camembert? Have you become rather great at convincing yourself that alternating between soft and hard pieces is the same as eating a balanced diet? Don't worry, we all love cheese — and, as a result, we all love the people responsible for its deliciousness. Yes, we're talking about cheesemakers — and yes, they're the folks in the spotlight at just what might be the best event Cheese Therapy and Cloudland could whip up. At Blessed are the Cheesemakers, you'll pay homage to the origins of the edible item everyone finds irresistible, as well as the artisans behind it. You'll also devour plenty of cheese, of course, and enjoy some wine along with it. And, if you're after an indepth dairy experience, you can take part in a blue cheese masterclass. Just remember to get in quick: only three sessions will be held, and each 30-minute class can only accommodate 15 hungry cheese lovers.
If all a horror movie needed was a killer concept, then Lights Out would sit at the top of the spooky cinematic heap. At its core is an idea that's equally obvious, ingenious and universal: the unsettling feeling that springs in children and adults alike when a flick of a switch plunges a room into darkness. In fact, when Swedish filmmaker David F. Sandberg first toyed with the notion in his two-and-a-half-minute short film of the same name, it became a viral sensation, catching the eye of horror producer James Wan in the process. Three years later, Sandberg has fleshed out the attention-grabbing effort into his feature film debut. In Lights Out, stressing about whatever sinister presence just might lurk in the shadows isn't simply a sign of anxiety or an overactive imagination, as Rebecca (Teresa Palmer) and her ten year old brother Martin (Gabriel Bateman) come to realise in the wake of a family tragedy. Initially, Martin isn't overly concerned when his grief-stricken mother, Sophie (Maria Bello), starts speaking to someone who isn't there. But then he spies a ghostly figure that only appears when his lamp turns off. When he flees his dimly lit home to stay in Rebecca's apartment, she starts seeing the apparition too. It's enough to make them jump, run and scream repeatedly, in a movie that knows how to make the most of its unnerving moments. Indeed, although writer Eric Heisserer seems fairly content to keep playing in formulaic territory after penning the recent remakes of both A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Thing, Sandberg perfects the ominous look, uneasy mood and expert sense of timing that a film about things going bump in the dark requires. More specifically, Sandberg's spot-on directorial choices include a focus on the obvious but essential: if you're going to call a film Lights Out, you have to master the many flickers and silhouettes that tend to come with luminous bulbs and the like. From the glow of exterior lighting shining down on an eerie-looking warehouse in the film's opening shot, to the contrast of every high- and low-wattage source of brightness you can think of against gloomy interior surroundings, the movie becomes a striking exercise in setting a specific tone through lighting and cinematography. As a result, what it lacks in narrative surprises, it makes up for in successful scares and inventive imagery. Thankfully, the small but spirited cast follows suit, even though they're largely saddled with cookie-cutter horror roles. No time is wasted on jostling for laughs or taking things too seriously, with the 81-minute feature proving an example of economical yet mostly effective filmmaking. Accordingly, even as Palmer's heroine makes more than a few predictable choices, and Bello's frazzled parent does the same, they're both pitched at just the right, relatable level.
If you've ever been to Bangkok, you might've wandered along one of its most famous streets, stepped inside one of its go-go bars and pondered just where you were in life — or found the spark you needed to start heading in a different direction. Indeed, that's just what Aussie traveller Andy does when she takes a job at one of the busy strip's karaoke bars, meets Thai-American Arisa and starts trekking throughout the country, seeking answers about their role as tourists in a developing nation as much as themselves. Andy's tale sits at the heart of the brand new, Brisbane Powerhouse-commissioned production Soi Cowboy, as created by artists Gillian Cosgriff (music and lyrics), Julia-Rose Lewis (text) and Kat Henry (director). Or, to be more accurate, it will be when it takes to the stage. For now, they're giving audiences a taste with a professional run-through of what's sure to be the city's next musical theatre hit. Tickets are free, but registration is required.
Every Monday night between August 1 and September 26, something unexpected is happening at Dendy Portside. At 6.30pm, the cinema will dim their lights, project a beloved film onto their one of their big screens and encourage you to talk along with it. Yes, you read that correctly. Yes, chatting through the likes of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Fifth Element and The Princess Bride is allowed. In fact, at Quote-Along Films, keeping quiet would be inconceivable. If you know the dialogue from Wayne's World, The Breakfast Club and Step Brothers so well that it just flows out of your mouth, you are worthy of this unique movie-going experience. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Clueless and Mean Girls round out the line-up of cult classics everyone knows, loves and can rattle off more than a few phrases from. Here, no shushing will be tolerated. Instead, prepare to spout your favourite lines until your heart's content.
If circus can be considered a feat of physical magic, then prepare for Casus to do the acrobatic equivalent of pulling a rabbit out of a hat. In their latest show, the Brisbane troupe will transform an empty stage into an active expression of life, love and humanity's innate need for contact. Anyone who has ever tried to turn nothing into something — be it a blank page or an everyday situation — will appreciate the artistry at the heart of this world premiere performance. And with a name like Driftwood, so will anyone who feels like they're just floating through their existence. Indeed, as it explores explosive encounters, hidden looks and humorous discoveries, and tells tales of loved ones, enemies and complete strangers too, Driftwood champions another piece of trickery — aka how everyone we know helps influence the person that we become. That's a significant topic for anyone to examine, let alone a circus show.
Need a boost? A lift in mood? Something to stimulate your senses? Let Elevate try to help. Yep, its name really is telling. Fancy footwork and fluid movement can do that, with this trio of contemporary dance works offering all three. And that's not all, of course. Performed by a fresh group of emerging young dance artists, Elevate also boasts energy and passion that's bound to be contagious. If you're wondering why, it's because Elevate isn't just a dance performance — it's actually a showcase stemming from Metro Arts' Transitions Program. The six-week practical intensive closely replicates the range of activities experienced in a small contemporary company — and boasts the assistance of Sydney-based choreographer Craig Bary, Brisbane's own Prying Eye, and the up-and-coming Sammie Williams — so expect the end result to prove uplifting in a variety of ways.
