It was headline news, and it caused exactly the reaction expected, as even those uninterested in fashion will recall. When Stella McCartney designed a line of clothing for Target, eager shoppers flocked to the department store — and we mean flocked. A frenzy ensued, with the shelves mostly bare moments after the fancy threads went on sale. As one disappointed customer explained, "by the time I got to the racks, half of the range was already gone." That might've been six years ago now; however today, it lives on in the hearts and minds of a group of emerging local artists — or in the title of their one-night-only group showcase at Cut Thumb ARI, at least. Combining pre-existing and specifically made new works by Loki Groves, Yannick Blattner, Naomi Blacklock, Sarah Poulgrain, Callum Galletly, Ursula Larin and Hailey Atkins, Stella McCartney for Target reflects the diverse outcomes of innovative art being produced in Brisbane. Yep, a consumerist experiment has sparked a creative response, as well as an exciting array of pieces across a range of media. Sure, it might be making a statement about everything from branding to conformity, but here's hoping the exhibition inspires even part of the frenzy of the couture collection that provides its moniker. Image: Hailey Atkins, SOFT CONCRETE SHARP SPONGE, Webb Gallery QCA, 2016.
You've been to Cloudland. You've probably even been downstairs to the venue's hidden, underground Cellar Bar. But even if it's your regular weekend hangout, we're guessing that you haven't experienced the kind of intrigue and indulgence they're about to start peddling. At a new Friday night popup series spanning June 17 to July 8, end your working week at Enigma Underground, complete with tasty tapas, live entertainment and luxury tipples. Just don't expect any old beverage when it comes to the latter, with the event showcasing the brand new vodka Absolut Elyx. There's a reason that magicians and illusionists will be putting on performances across each evening, after all — the drinks, including the new spirit in the spotlight, boast more than a few tricks up their sleeves. Where else can you grab a couple of espresso martinis on tap, learn how to make them for yourself, and recline in velvet couches? There's decadent Friday nights, and then there's this. Image: Joel Devereux.
Without anyone really realising it, low and slow barbecuing has become Brisbane's favourite style of food preparation, and there's a festival to prove it. Come July 2, the Brisbane Showgrounds will be engulfed in the kind of smoky, spicy taste sensations that can only come from taking your time to lock in as much goodness as possible. At the second annual Brisbane BBQ Festival, a convoy of food trucks, burger joints and ore will converge upon Bowen Hills to prove their culinary patience. They'll be starting up their ovens long before their doors open, and you'll get to devour the long-simmering rewards. Between sampling from the likes of Ze Pickle, Bella BBQ, German Sausage Hut and How We Rolls (to name a few), sipping frosty bevs at pop-up bars, and learning up at masterclasses and workshops, you'll also watch teams of professionals battle it out to be crowned the low and slow champions — while scoring free samples of their creations. And if your own gastronomic itches need scratching, you can then browse the boutique marketplace for barbecue-related products to help you whip up a storm at home. The sounds of the John Steel Singers will provide your ultimate barbecue soundtrack, with The Hi Boys and Big Blind Ray among the others on the bill. If that seems like too much fun for just one day, that's because it is. Image: Brent Hofacker.
If movies about sports, music and anything else either competitive or creative have taught us anything, it's this: everyone has a special skill, and everyone gets their time to shine. If your particular talent is shredding, then the next six weeks might just give you your moment in the spotlight. So You Think You Can Shred is exactly what it sounds like, aka a contest of dexterity and artistic integrity of the rockin' kind. Picking up a guitar is actually the easy part. Unleashing the full might of your inner music god, well, that's hard. With the comp a winner-takes-all type of situation, the virtuoso crowned the city's best over the course of the contest will receive $1000 cash, a new guitar and guitar set-up, a private keg party and more. And even if you can't play, we still recommend heading along. Where else are you going to hear these kind of intricate, extended, fret-busting sounds?
When the ancient Sumerians created their own version of the Egyptian Book of the Dead, they can't have known the horrors they'd unleash. First, the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis would accidentally fall into the hands of a group of college kids. Then, it would terrorise a big-chinned guy by the name of Ash, taking his right hand, sending him back to Medieval times, and still stalking him decades later. Now, the whole hellish adventure at the heart of The Evil Dead franchise has inspired yet another terrifying ordeal. No, we don't mean the 2013 remake. Instead, we're talking about The Scratch's artistic tribute to the Bruce Campbell-starring movie series. Featuring pieces by 30 creatively minded fans, Dead by Dawn: An Evil Dead Art Show amasses what we can only assume is the grooviest collection of paintings and drawings of Deadites, boomsticks and chainsaws the world has ever seen. It all kicks off with a boozy shindig on July 13 — complete with Brewtal Brewers' Malt Monster imperial stout, and timed as a precursor to the dive bar's annual Weekend of Darkness drinking festival — and then continues its demonic display until the end of the month.
If you like your music experimental and artistic, then you probably know all about the Institute of Modern Art's MONO series. Exploring the possibilities of sound is what this regular evening performance is all about — and championing the kind of talents that aren't likely to become household names, too. For MONO 22, John Chantler is in the spotlight in a performance that's also a homecoming. Born in Bundaberg but based everywhere from Japan to London to his most recent home of Stockholm for most of his life, he's one of the state's great synth masters, and he's coming back to Brisbane to prove it. Watch Chantler work with a quadraphonic set up, control voltage to unexpected ends and create sonic treats that are equally beautiful and abstract. He'll be joined by percussionist Vanessa Tomlinson, who'll offer up a brand new solo work for gong. And if you're keen on arriving early, the event will also double as a birthday celebration for composer, artist and curator Lawrence English — because every showcase needs electronic rhythms, vibrating instruments and cake, of course.
Counting down until the second Queensland Film Festival starts? Can't wait to watch your way through their 40-title 2016 lineup? If so, then you'd best head to the Institute of Modern Art at 3pm on July 9, because that's when this year's QFF really kicks off. Dedicating ten days to showcasing the best of international cinema just isn't enough, so QFF is hosting a preview screening before the festival's official opening night. Who doesn't want to spend their Saturday afternoon feasting their eyes on a specially curated selection of experimental shorts? That's what film festivals are all about, after all. Telling the tale of a young anthropologist seeking to push the limits of her discipline, Mathieu Kleyebe Abonnenc's Sector IX B, is the main attraction — as well a film that really should be seen in a darkened room. Add Ben Rivers' meditative A Distant Episode, Shezad Dawood's hallucinatory Towards the Possible Film, and an introduction by Professor Sue Best, and it's the kind of session that cinephiles' dreams are made of.
Every band starts somewhere — such as a showcase for the city's unsung new talent, perhaps? In fact, strutting their stuff on stage in front of a home crowd is what all fledgling groups dreams of. Trust the ace combo that is New Globe Theatre and 4ZZZ to kick off a monthly event that gives them that chance. At Hidden TreasureZZZ, the next generation of local musos will show audiences what they're made of, whether it's grunge, punk, pop, funk or something that just doesn't conform to any label. And, as the name suggests, the Saturday arvo jam session isn't just about the newest kids on the block; you'll also a smattering of more established bands that Brissie's favourite independent radio station already knows and loves. Check out Marville, Regular Band, Mutanteer Premium, Cheesy Crust and The Wet Fish at the first event on August 6, and then setting a recurring date in your calendar to come back regularly after that. Remember, you're not just rocking out to the Brisbane music scene's freshest faces — you're getting a glimpse of the rock stars of tomorrow.
So, you've been strolling the streets day and night looking for Squirtles, Meowths, Psyducks, Jigglypuffs and Geodudes. We're not saying that's not fun, obviously — but how about trying to catch 'em all with fellow Pokemon trainers while you're all in the same room? Trust the pop culture-themed party fiends at the Brightside to throw the shindig every Pokemon GO player in Brisbane has been waiting for: the Pokemon GO Social Club Meet. The whole venue will be a Pokestop, phone chargers will be available to make sure everyone has enough juice, and bringing along whatever kind of other Pokemon stuff you have — be it a Gameboy game or cards — is definitely encouraged. There'll also be Valor, Mystic and Instinct bucket cocktails, plus live tunes by Earth Caller, Deadlights, Daybreakers and Among The Ruined. Members of the city's 4000-strong crew will receive special badges, which should be all the incentive you need to join one of the biggest and most active groups in the country. Just head to their Facebook page right now to sign up online, and then to Warner Street from 6pm to meet up in person.
It hasn't always been whirring since the world was turning; however, in the six years since CERN's Large Hadron Collider first had its first research run, everyone has heard of it. Ever wondered how it works, why it took the work of 10,000 men and women to come to fruition, and how it helps scientists understand the secrets of the universe? Well, Queensland Museum wants to help you find out. From December 9, 2016 until April 25, 2017, the South Bank site will play host to Hadron Collider: Step inside the world's greatest experiment. It's not quite the same as venturing deep under the border between Switzerland and France, but, in an exhibition that comes direct from Science Museum, London, it is the next best thing. And, it wouldn't be one of Queensland Museum's major attractions without an evening component: Hadron After Dark. On December 9, February 3 and March 3, you can experience the wonder by night, complete with expert talks, demonstrations, live music and access to the entire museum.
If eating, drinking and being merry is your idea of a mighty fine birthday shindig, then you'll want to help Newstead Brewing Co. celebrate another year of existence. Yes, one of the inner-north's favourite watering holes — and favourite sources of freshly made beverages — has now seen this great planet of ours journey around the sun three times. That calls for beer, obviously. A variety of guest brewers will be helping Newstead's taps flow freely, with White Lies Brewing's Busta Nut Brown Ale, Brouhaha Brewery's Black IPA and Your Mates Brewing Co's Larry Pale Ale already confirmed. Add the Doggett Street venue's own amber liquids, and you've got a party going on. Food, music, great vibes, cake: they're all on offer from 11am on December 11 as well. And with this time of year basically one big shindig, what better place to get festive than a brewery?
Cinephiles, picnic-lovers and everyone in between, rejoice — the annual combination of movies, outdoor eating and park hangouts that is Moonlight Cinema is back for another round. After locking in their dates back in September, Australia's biggest outdoor cinema has confirmed their full 2016-17 summer program — and it's a goodie. Kicking off on December 8 in New Farm Park next to Brisbane Powerhouse, this year's setup boasts all the regular features that make this one of the country's most popular summer events. Big screen shimmering beneath the stars? Check. Food trucks serving the ultimate movie munchies? Check. Letting super-organised patrons BYO their own snacks? Check. A huge lineup of new releases and cult classics? You betcha. Expect all the big summer releases, like sci-fi thriller Passengers, the much-anticipated La La Land with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and Lion, based on the true story of Saroo Brierley who found his birth mother in India via Google Earth after 25 years of separation. Naturally, they'll also be playing Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (which was released today) as well as the yet-to-be-released Star Wars: Rogue One and game-turned-film Assassins Creed. As always, they'll also throw in a few cult favourites — this year it's Grease and Back to the Future — and some Doggie Nights, which will kick off with The Secret Life of Pets. Of course, heading to Moonlight isn't just about the movies shown, as fun as getting a sneak peek of upcoming flicks or sharing the joyous glow of watching iconic favourites on a big screen is. It's also about the experience, which is why you're allowed to start getting excited without knowing which films you'll be watching — and why you should be blocking out December through to March in your calendar. Tickets are on sale now.
There are many different ways of giving thanks, not that the American holiday dedicated to the occasion has been adopted in Australia. You can enjoy the bliss that is a good meal shared with good people. Or, you can head out, indulge in a few beverages and listen to some great music. You know who's suggesting the latter, don't you? New Farm Records, Control zine and... yep, The Brightside. After a massive event last year, they're back for more. Several courses worth, in fact. At Danksgiving, you'll get a feast of the sonic kind, with your ears treated to Waax, Wolver, Feelsclub, Sleep Club, Concrete Surfers and Keta Beats. Okay, okay, so it's happening a couple of weeks before the US holiday, but hey, it's all about getting into the spirit of things really. Here's hoping that doesn't mean awkward conversations with your relatives are part of the proceedings.
When you stay in a hotel, you expect certain things. A comfy bed, decent in-house dining, a nice view: they're on everyone's list. How about an arts festival right in the same building? Well, that's what Hotelling offers up. It's the latest stroke of genius from the folks at QT Gold Coast — and if you've ever been there before, you'll know that the Surfers' hotel doesn't offer your usual accommodation experience. Whether you're opting to stay for a night or two, or just want to enjoy the festivities, it all starts with a plunge Down the Rabbit Hole on November 4. Featuring newly commissioned performances by media artist Craig Walsh, variety entertainer Moira Finucane, dance collective The Farm, actor and La Boite artistic director Todd MacDonald, and acclaimed composer Lawrence English, the QT is calling it "an artistic rollercoaster" that'll take over everywhere from the penthouse to the tennis courts. It'll also be repeated November 5. Don't worry, there's other Saturday fun to be had too — in The Afternoon Playground, in fact. There, you'll hangout with the artists, enjoy everything the QT has to offer, and even embark upon a Qu Te mystery bike tour guided by performers Alicia Min-Harvie and Jonny Haselam. Yep, your next trip to a hotel just got arty, party-filled and amazing.
One day. Two acts. One play. Throwing some more figures into the mix, 41 years, two Tony Award nominations and one film adaptation are also relevant. That's David Mamet's American Buffalo in a nutshell, or in numbers at least. It's had quite the impact since it premiered in Chicago back in 1975 — and it's bound to again in its latest staging at Brisbane Powerhouse. The drama tells the tale of Teach, Don and Bobby, as the latter pair plan something and the former tries to get in on the action. This is a world of junk shops, collectors, a rare coin, a robbery and a small-time crook — and of manipulation and other scheming. Sounds riveting, doesn't it? Given that Mamet is also responsible for greats such as Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-the-Plow, that's hardly surprising. In Brissie, Troop Productions will be bringing his work to life and trying to fill some rather considerable shoes. Did we mention that William H. Macy, Robert Duvall, Al Pacino, Hayley Joel Osment and John Goodman have starred in previous US and UK versions?
Like zines? Want to buy a whole heap, learn about new titles you haven't yet discovered, and just show your support for the folks that make them? If so, then you're going to want to go along to the first-ever Brisbane Convention of Alternative Press. Don't be put off by the fact that it's called a convention — this is an indie, alternative comic-con kind of deal, not something business-like and formal. Basically, from 2pm on October 23 at The Zoo, BCAP will bring together a bunch of local zine makers and alternative comic artists, who'll all be selling their creative wares. Plus, they'll be chatting about them too. A 'Panel Talk at The Bar' is on the agenda, featuring a few of Brisbane's finest discussing the potential of the medium. Then, come 5pm, the mood will change ever-so-slightly — or the noise level, at least. That's when Mutanteer Premium and Amaringo will take to the stage and help you celebrating getting your zine on. Bring all of your pals, and hopefully this will become an annual shindig. Image: Eugene Peretz.
If you're in need of some purrfect company in Brisbane these days, cuddling a kitten has never been easier. Not only have a couple of cat cafes in Red Hill and Annerley finally brought feline-fancying establishments to Queensland, but the RSPCA have added their own addition to the fold. You can't have a coffee here, but you can befriend plenty of cute cats — and dogs too, to the delight of canine lovers. In fact, at RSPCA Sit, Drop, Shop at DFO Jindalee, they're hoping that you really will make a new meowing mate or barking buddy. As well as playing with the animals on site, you can also adopt them. It's like speed dating for pet ownership. In addition to four-legged creatures that just might become new members of your family, the pop-up shop features stationery, giftware, apparel and pet supplies, should you need another reason to visit. The store's grand opening takes place from 9am on October 16; however it's open seven days a week for the next few months, so you can keep dropping by. Don't worry, no one will judge you.
Some of the biggest names in Australian comedy will take part in coast-to-coast benefit gigs this month in order to draw attention to a very unfunny problem. For one night only on Friday, October 14 in capital cities across the country, local stand-ups will stand up for the victims of domestic violence. In Sydney, the event will be headlined by Celeste Barber at the Harold Park Hotel in Forest Lodge; in Melbourne, Dave Thornton at the Athenaeum Theatre in the CBD; and in Brisbane, Anne Ferguson-Howe at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club in Chermside. Each city will also feature a number of supporting acts, as well as smatterings of live music and other surprises. Tickets to each gig cost $49, with all proceeds being used to pay for the funerals of women who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Image: Oscar Keys.
When groups of creative types first decided to band together to present their own work, ARIs — or artist-run initiatives — were born. And when Brisbane's various cohorts crossed paths, BARI came into the world. BARI Festival is the next step, showcasing the innovative work that the city's ARIs craft, providing a fresh platform for their efforts, and endeavouring to expand their engagement with audiences. A biennial event, its 2016 program is jam-packed with exciting artistry. A tour of Brissie on a CityCycle with a bag of goon in the front basket; a warehouse party filled with bands, live painting, skateboarding and performances; or an immersive sound and swimming event, anyone? Or, view a piece inspired by two weeks spent analysing a pile of rubbish dumped in a shopping centre car park, discover what happens when a collective explores sex-positivity by undertaking short residencies in an adult entertainment venue, or enjoy a Sunday salon to chat about your own endeavours. Experimentation, discussion, celebration, contemplation: BARI Festival has it all.
If you've spotted any street art in Sydney or Melbourne, odds are that you've seen some of Phibs' work. Originally from the former but spending plenty of time in the latter, he has become one the most respected and renowned names in the Australian scene — and one of the most prolific. Now he's heading north to Brisbane, but not to cover the city in paint. Instead, he's the subject of a solo exhibition at The Culprit Club, which kicks off on October 7 and runs until November 6. At FACE/FACE, graffiti goes gallery. With his pieces largely inspired by nature, Phibs brings his menagerie of signature characters and styles together for an intimate showcase. It's designed to help audiences get face-to-face with the energy that fuels the creation of his larger gallery works and street murals, and it's bound to do just that. It's also certain to highlight just why he's become such a shining street art star.
New year, new you, new place to do yoga… right? Even if you've tried every type of yoga there is (silent yoga, silent disco yoga, cat yoga, blindfolded yoga, hip hop yoga, brewhouse yoga, Beyonce yoga, Drake yoga, Rihanna yoga and stand-up paddleboard yoga, for example), we're guessing you haven't stretched your limbs beneath a Brissie sunset on a CBD rooftop. Flow and Frolic offers just that in an hour-long session from 6pm on January 13 on top of the Next Hotel Brisbane, plus it offers something more asa post-workout, end-of-week bonus. Once you're done striking a pose, exercise-wise, you can throw some shapes when Shri Yoga's shindig turns into a dance party. Bend then boogie, and grab yourself a drink and a nibble too if all that physical activity has made you hungry and thirsty. Entry costs $10, and remember to BYO yoga mat, as equipment won't be provided.
How many times can you listen to Toto's 'Africa' in one sitting? Not sure? Well, you're about to find out. Drums will echo and quiet conversation will be whispered at Black Bear Lodge's entire evening dedicated to appreciating the almost 35-year-old song. And yes, the rains will be blessed. It's gonna take a lot to take anyone away from a whole night focused on Toto's finest moment, even though the American band actually had some other catchy tracks. You'd expect that you won't be hearing 'Rosanna', which is commonly assumed to refer to actress Rosanna Arquette. Or 'Hold the Line', the track that first put them on the map. Instead, it's 'Africa' all the way from 7pm on January 11, and there's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do to stop it. If you think you might find some long forgotten words or ancient melodies, think again. But, as sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti, we're betting that somewhere there'll be a screen playing the music video on repeat as well.
Back in 2007, when the original, UK version Skins started airing and you started watching, you didn't know deep you were going to fall for it. And for plenty of good reasons: the writing, the drama, the music, and the excellent cast, for starters. These days, an actor from the first generation of the series (and the second) pops up in just about everything. Nicholas Hoult was in Mad Max: Fury Road and the last three X-Men movies. Dev Patel is currently nailing it in Aussie flick Lion, and also starred in Slumdog Millionaire and The Best Exotic Marigold flicks. And don't forget Hannah Murray and Joe Dempsie are in Game of Thrones. Yes, watching big and small screens is a pretty good way to get a great dose of Skins nostalgia these days, but consider that a warmup. We're going to stop listing all the awesome things former Skins talent have done, because you might want to chat about them at Bistrotheque's Skins shindig. Yep, they're throwing a Skins First Generation 10th Birthday Party. We know, we know — there really is a night for everything these days; however you know you want to go to this one. It's free, The Seefelds and Bistrotheque house band Reckless at Tiffany's will be playing the appropriate British tunes, and there'll be plenty of dancing.
Triple 9 is the film equivalent of a song that catches your attention with a recognisable beat, yet still manages to get stuck in your head. You know you've seen this brand of testosterone-fuelled, tightly written crime effort before, but you can't help getting immersed in it anyway. There's plenty that's familiar in this blood-soaked tale of cops, robbers and ruthless Russian gangster, including the ways in which it uses its high-profile cast. But just because you know what to expect doesn't mean that the end result isn't effective or powerful. Starting with a chat between two shady figures, then barrelling into a bank heist, John Hillcoat's latest film explores the intersection of law and order in Atlanta. As it happens, most of the men behind the theft are current police officers or ex-military operatives. Corrupt detectives Marcus (Anthony Mackie) and Franco (Clifton Collins Jr.) work both sides of the line; shifty siblings Russell (Norman Reedus) and Gabe (Aaron Paul) lurk in the shadows; and former special forces contractor Michael (Chiwetel Ejiofor) oversees their operations. He's a pawn for mob boss Irina (Kate Winslet), who keeps threatening to take his son (and her nephew) away from him. Irina uses that leverage and her penchant for violence to not only strong-arm the crew into doing the first job, but to blackmail them into making a follow-up smash-and-grab on Homeland Security. Enter their nasty solution to the seemingly impossible task: distract the bulk of the city's police force by killing a cop. Marcus' new, straight-down-the-line partner Chris (Casey Affleck) is their target. Though newcomer Matt Cook is responsible for the screenplay, Triple 9 is a Hillcoat film through and through. The movie doesn't just follow in the footsteps of other gritty, murky crime fare — think Heat, Killing Them Softly and Sicario — but of the Australian filmmaker's own back catalogue, including The Proposition, The Road and Lawless. In his hands the film seethes with intensity, delivering menacing, mesmerising thrills. With Woody Harrelson, Gal Gadot, Theresa Palmer and Michael K. Williams joining the other well-known names, Hillcoat's stellar cast is on form. The film is an ensemble effort filled with fine actors doing what they do best — Paul playing drugged up and down-and-out; Winslet mastering yet another accent; Ejiofor navigating morally complex territory; and Affleck once again proving that he's more nuanced and compelling than his famous sibling. When the actors aren't snarling their lines at each other with distrust, they're stalking through hallways and shooting up freeways, in the film's most distinctive segments: its set pieces. Shot with energy and anxiety, and accompanied by an insidiously unsettling score, they're the feature's hooks. No matter how familiar everything else might seem, these sequences are sure to buzz through your brain, and ensure that you can't stop watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zU817AmOOk
In the words of Tyrion Lannister, it's not easy being drunk all the time. Everyone would do it if it were easy. That may be true, but you can certainly give it a go, when Game of Rhones returns for another year. An epic wine tasting event inspired by the grapes of France's Rhone Valley and the works of George R. R. Martin, this year's Game of Rhones will visit all Seven Kingdoms – by which we mean Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Wellington and Auckland. Each event will welcome more than 40 different winemakers, including Shaw + Smith, Yarra Yering, Tarrawarra Estate, Olivers Taranga and Paxton Biodynamic Wine (although exact producers vary city to city). There'll also be a number of food vendors on hand as well to ensure you don't go hungry. In between goblets, ticketholders will get the chance to chat with sommeliers at the Rhone Bar, vote for their favourite vintages as part of the People's Choice Award, and take part in a blind tasting 'torture chamber' that we promise is more fun than the name makes it sound. It should also go without saying that dressing up as your favourite GoT character is highly encouraged. Zombie John Snow, anyone?
If you're thinking about food as art, you should be thinking about one person. We're not talking about any of the many celebrity chefs that appear on our TV screens, fill food and wine conventions, and spruik supermarkets. We're talking about Elizabeth Willing. The Brisbane artist is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her merging of the lines between experimentation and gastronomy. In fact, her ongoing Dessert performance series is renowned for not only reimagining the usual relationship that we all have with food, but also creating a multi-sensory experience that plays with the choreography of dining. If that sounds like not only something you'd like to watch, but discover more about, then the hands-on Dessert workshop should be your idea of a satisfying artistic meal. A warning: these participatory culinary exercises are bound to be popular — and places are limited — so bookings are essential. Image: Ice-cream course: Dessert III. 2015. Ceramic bowl. Via Elizabeth Willing.
Imagine a place where disco rules, glitter and sequins may as well be the new form of currency, and dancing the night away is the only thing on anyone's mind. No, this isn't a Studio 54 daydream (but if you're whiling away the hours thinking about Ryan Phillippe and Neve Campbell, we won't judge you). Instead, it's VELVET. Attempting to bring the spirit of the famous New York nightclub to life, this cabaret performance combines disco, dance, burlesque and circus into one electrifying package. Think acrobatics, divas, singing chanteuses and muscly men. Think the kind of show that doesn't feel like you're nestled into QPAC's Cremorne Theatre circa 2016 — it feels like you're visiting the '70s in a time machine. Of course, that's the whole point of the hedonistic experience, which was voted Pick of the Fringe and Best of the Fringe at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. With singer/songwriter Brendan Maclean as your guide and the legendary Marcia Hines among the cast, you'll be wrapped up in a boogie wonderland in no time.
There might seem like there's a dedicated night for every kind of music — and there probably is — however don't let that keep you away from The Foundry's latest regular series. That'd be Brisbabes, the evening that not only has an awesome name, but also shines a light on the fantastic females enlivening the city's live music scene. Two women-centric celebrations have already rocked The Foundry, with the event proving such a hit that it's back for another outing. This time Romy, Cheers G'day, Inigo, Post-Dusk and Deena will take the stage. How's that for a lineup of lovely ladies? They'll bring a dash of indie folk, some post-synth pop, and a little nu R'n'B to the talent showcase, with one aim in mind: making sure Brisbabes #3 is bigger and better than its predecessors. They'll also champion a spirit of inclusivity, because while the fairer sex's music antics might be the main attraction, everyone is welcome.
Brisbane movie buffs, prepare to spend even more time at the movies, because the 2016 film festival season is about to officially commence. Brisbane Queer Film Festival is one of the first cabs off the rank, and they've unleashed an 11-day program brimming with cinematic excitement. It is their 17th year, after all. BQFF 2016 gets things started with not one but two high-profile retrospective screenings, because film festivals are about looking back at those great movies from times gone by just as much as showcasing new cinema treats from around the world. Leading the lineup is opening night's '70s-set disco wonder 54: The Director's Cut — aka the Ryan Phillippe, Neve Campbell, Salma Hayek and Mike Myers movie done the way filmmaker Mark Christopher originally intended. And as a sneak peek of the program the day before the official kick-off, the fest is showcasing Fred Schepisi's controversial The Devil's Playground to commemorate its 40th anniversary, complete with star Simon Burke in attendance. On the fresh flicks front, BQFF boasts local and international festival faves such as the Lily Tomlin-starring comedy Grandma, Sundance 2015 best director winner The Summer of Sangaile, Aussie surf fare Drown and Peter Greenaway's Eisenstein in Guanajuato. Everyone who was moved to tears by Holding the Man should bring tissues to documentary Remembering the Man, which similarly revisits the heart-wrenching tale of Tim Conigrave and John Caleo. The rest of the packed lineup includes everything from Berlinale Teddy award-winning doco The New Man to Swedish supernatural body swap effort Girls Lost. Yes, it's all shaping up to be yet another great of queer cinema; however not everything at BQFF 2016 adheres to the business-as-usual model. This year, the film-focused companion event to Brisbane Powerhouse's MELT continues its game of musical chairs, having moved from Brisbane Powerhouse to Palace Centro in 2015, and now taking place at New Farm Cinemas. That's not really all that surprising; in the last six months, the Brunswick Street theatre has played host to the Queensland Film Festival, the Iranian Film Festival Australia, the Indian International Film Festival of Queensland, the Jewish International Film Festival and the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival, among others, with the Brisbane Underground Film Festival also due to call the venue home this February. Brisbane Queer Film Festival 2016 runs from February 18 – 28 at New Farm Cinemas. For more information, visit their website.
What will Brisbane look like in the near future? The many cranes currently littering the city's skyline will soon be replaced by new buildings — and what will they add to our architectural footprint? Sure, you can simply wonder about the end result, or you can head to the Museum of Brisbane's latest exhibition for a sneak peek. Using models, plans and 3D renderings, Living in the city: New architecture from Brisbane and the Asia-Pacific provides a preview of the still-being-constructed places you're certain to frequent. If you're keen on an early glimpse of Coorparoo Square, the James Street Hotel or the Queensland State Velodrome — or luxurious private homes, too — here's your chance. There's another part to the show's title, however, with grand designs from Brisbane's nine sister cities also featured. By casting its eyes over new developments in Auckland, Abu Dhabi and more, the architectural collection doesn't just ponder the south-east Queensland of tomorrow, but offers an insight into the emerging look of the Asia-Pacific region as well. Image: Richard Kirk Architect, Courtyard Residence 2015, architectural illustration.
It's the stuff live music fans' dreams of made of: four gigs at four of Brisbane's best venues, all within two blocks of each other, and all on the same day. Oh, and did we mention that they're all free? No, we're not making this up. The event that should have everyone salivating is none other than the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl, which is exactly what it sounds like. On February 27, you're invited to trek between The Zoo, The Brightside, The Foundry and Black Bear Lodge, take in a jam-packed lineup of local bands (and a couple of Sydneysiders too), plus devour plenty of frosty, refreshing beers. The epic day of entertainment is sponsored by a brewery, after all. On the rockin' sounds side of things, a whopping 20 bands will take to the four stages, spanning everything from grunge to surf punk to abstract R&B. We'd name our highlights, but with such a chock-a-block roster of talent, it really is easier just to list them all: Ayla Babaganoüj BANFF Baskervillain Bryce Schneider Bugs DELUSO FLOWERTRUCK Forever Ends Here FOREVR Good Boy Hound Jeremy Neale Machine Age MKO Sun Shifting Sands Stateside Tempura Nights The Creases Twin Haus Details of the who plays at which venue variety are yet to be announced; however the whole shindig will kick off at 5pm. Given we know the what, where and when of it all in a general sense, the only thing left for you to do is clear your calendar for an ace day of tunes, brews and hopping around the Valley. The Mountain Goat Valley Crawl takes place at The Zoo, The Brightside, The Foundry and Black Bear Lodge on February 27. For more information, check out the event's Facebook page.
Every format, medium and type of technology has its day. Some persist, but many pass by in blink-or-you'll-miss-it fashion. If you've got a landline handset clogging up your cupboard or an old cathode ray tube television in your spare room, then you know what we're talking about. Others enjoy a revival years after their initial heyday, or are adapted for a new purpose. Take the risograph, for example. The '80s high-speed digital machine was designed and marketed as a cheaper photocopier, then received a second lease on life when it became the duplication and printing method of choice of zine publishers and artists. If it sounds like the type of format quite a few of the folks who line Junky Comics' shelves would use, well, that's because it is. In fact, the West End store is paying tribute to the humble riso with Junky, Murdoch, Niqui Toldi, Phoebe Paradise, Sam McKenzie, Stef Roselli and Philip Dearest's interpretations of and experimentations with dying media. The exhibition isn't called Dead Format for no reason.
“Can you play 'Drunk in Love'?” is the question that keeps hounding 23-year-old Cole Carter (Zac Efron) when he DJs at nightclubs and parties. Sometimes he says no, and sometimes he finds a way to politely sidestep the request, but he's never really pleased about being asked. That obvious unhappiness stems from his main aim — not just to make it big doing what he loves but to do so with authenticity. Pressing play on the hot song of the moment isn't what he's into. Instead, Cole believes that he can have an impact on more than people's feet, and that all he needs is a laptop, some talent and one new track that resonates on the dance floor to see his dreams become a reality. With his fellow San Fernando Valley-dwelling friends Mason (Jonny Weston), Ollie (Shiloh Fernandez) and Squirrel (Alex Shaffer), he promotes parties, scrounges for gigs and tries to do just that. Working for a shady real estate mogul (Jon Bernthal) helps him make cash to keep afloat. Becoming friends with one of his idols, James (Wes Bentley), also assists in moving him in the right direction; however, falling for James's assistant and girlfriend, Sophie (Emily Ratajkowski), doesn't. Every generation — or every couple of years, really — a film comes along that makes an effort to reflect the teenage and twenty-something lifestyles of the day, touch upon their hopes and aspirations, and wrap it all into a heavily stylised, soundtrack-focused party movie. Prominently featuring the 2006 Justice vs Simian song that gives the feature its title, We Are Your Friends is the latest formulaic attempt, though it is founded upon good intentions. Mia Hansen-Love’s similarly themed Eden from earlier this year aside, a film about the electronic dance music scene might seem an unlikely candidate to provide a soul-searching look at forging a creative career and remaining true to yourself in the process, but that's what Catfish TV series co-host and cameraman turned first-time feature writer/director Max Joseph, with co-scribe Meaghan Oppenheimer, endeavour to do. Cole's struggle to find his sound and his way feels genuine, even if everything around it — distancing himself from his mates, the romantic subplot, a crisis of conscience and the incursion of tragedy — feels much too calculated and convenient in following the typical coming-of-age format. Efron, still toiling valiantly to parlay his High School Musical fame into meaty film roles, also comes across as earnest in an effort that is sleek and superficial otherwise. The underrated actor might always look the stereotypical part, complete with headphones hanging around his neck and the requisite shirtless scene, but he's the force that makes the story matter without ever really seeming like he's trying to. Alas, he is stranded in an overly flashy music video aesthetic that grates against any real sentiments the film attempts to conjure — large text on screen, an overuse of slow motion and ample shots of pretty young things included. Indeed, the disconnect between the film's emotion and its method of delivery just can't be shaken, nor can its template, even if the pulsating beat tries to offer a distraction.
She’s been everyone from a magazine editor in The Devil Wears Prada to Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, and now she’s an aspiring musician. She’s the inimitable, ever-chameleonic Meryl Streep, of course, and in Ricki and the Flash, she’s channelling her inner rock goddess. She’s also belting out everything from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ 'American Girl' to Lady Gaga’s 'Bad Romance'. And yes, she's actually playing the guitar and singing the tunes herself. As the titular character, Streep plays a wannabe past the point where wanting to be something else is acceptable. With her band — including guitarist and lover Greg (Rick Springfield) — she gigs at a San Fernando Valley pub by night; to make ends meet, she works as a supermarket checkout operator by day. Ricki has been chasing her calling for sometime now but shows no signs of hitting it big. Then a phone call from her ex-husband, Pete (Kevin Kline), thrusts her out of her dreams and back to the children — about-to-be-divorced Julie (Mamie Gummer, Streep’s real-life daughter), and sons Josh (Sebastian Stan) and Adam (Nick Westrate) — she left behind years ago. Returning home and receiving something less than a warm welcome isn’t an uncommon movie narrative, or an uncommon movie-of-the-week one either. While Ricki and the Flash explores family problems from the female perspective, as well as attempting to shine a light on the judgments imposed on women who want to be something other than mothers and homemakers, there’s never any doubt that it covers well-worn territory. Writer Diablo Cody (Juno, Young Adult) and director Jonathan Demme (Rachel Getting Married) have much to do with the fact that the feature that results still offers an all-round pleasant viewing experience, with the script engaging despite its obviousness, and the film a well-framed, highly polished affair that suits its jukebox soundtrack of old hits. That said, that the movie always seems so nice and gentle — and absent any sense of edginess, other than Streep's half-braided hairstyle and black-heavy wardrobe — sometimes feels a bit out of place given its rock 'n' roll packaging. What she's wearing is the least impressive aspect of the star's performance, though, with her Ricki as convincing in her unattained desires as she is in her barely expressed regrets. Streep is not the film's only highlight, however. Gummer does much more than just convey her natural rapport with her mother, and Kline is as wanted a presence as ever on screen as the figure trying to reunite them. Together, they're as amiable as performers playing with a feel-good story steeped in several levels of cookie-cutter dysfunction can be. So is the likeable end product that is Ricki and the Flash itself, even if it doesn't amount to much more than its music and its cast — and even if Springfield doesn't sing his '80s classic 'Jessie's Girl'.
Let's take a moment to celebrate two of the greatest natural wonders on the planet. Without the female flowers of the hop plant — known to you and me as hops — we wouldn't have beer. Without the fruit that blossoms on winding vines, we wouldn't have wine. Actually, let's take a day to show them some love, plus food trucks and Brisbane bands too. At the Hops & Vines Festival at the Shaftson Hotel, drinking, eating and listening to local music is the thing to do. Craft beer brewers including Green Beacon, Stone & Wood and Newstead Brewing will provide the yeasty goodness, while wineries such as Tin Shed, Wirra Wirra and Oyster Bay will serve up their squished grape best. Feast on the Bone Lorry, Gourmet Hotdogz, the Shaftson's own pizza and more mouth-watering delights between beverages, and enjoy the sounds of Tyrone Noonan Band, Ty Fader, Mason Rack, The Haydon Hack Infusion and Willy Angelo as you're digesting all the tastiness. Entry costs $10, and includes two free samples of top tipples, as well as a souvenir wine glass to use throughout the day.
Just a few decades ago, the concept of technology-enhanced clothing was nothing but a dream. Today, we're tweeting and checking email from our watches — and that's only the beginning of the evolution of fashion and interactivity. What happens next is yet to be determined, but Artisan curators Beck Davis and Rafael Gomez have hazarded a guess. They've corralled a range of artists to help create a vision of the future, as focused on what we'll be wearing. The exhibition, as aptly titled Wear Next_, isn't just about speculation though. The selection of experimental wearable and interactive works by local, national and international artists and designer also contemplate the state of our increasingly technologically dependent lives. You'll not only marvel at how clothing could evolve, but get immersed in the broader debate around wearable technology, our mediated future-selves and human interactions in this future landscape. Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like — fashion for thought. Image: Chan Stacey Lok Heng, Li Tak Doris & Kwok Tsz Lam Lamothy, Without fear – The Umbrella Movement, 2015
When a festival includes a Beyonce dance session, a workshop on printmaking with pasta machines and a heaven and hell themed ball among its lineup, you know it's not your usual kind of event. And when that festival has the word "fringe" in its title, you don't want it to be. In fact, the strange and sublime is what the Brisbane Fringe Festival is all about in its fourth year — and the offbeat and anarchic too. Given that their program includes a curves and claws burlesque show, a mimed love story and hypothetical murals as well, it seems they know what they're doing. Of course, celebrating weird and wonderful art — be it music, comedy, theatre, writing, poetry, circus, cabaret, visual art or creative workshops — is only one part of the Brisbane Fringe Festival equation. Being surprised and entertained is a given; however the event's real aim is to showcase the full extent of Brisbane's diverse and cutting edge artistic community to new audiences. Now, that truly is a festival like no other.
Deep-voiced Sydneysider Kirin J Callinan preludes a massive Europe tour with a few stops on local turf, i.e. a national tour. He and his '80s cricketer hairdo will be rocking Brisbane's The Brightside this Wednesday, September 30. Callinan kicked of his music career as guitarist for Mercy Arms, before going solo with his own unique genre of chaos. His live shows have become infamous, with constant streams of stories from his gigs appearing online. In the words of Clash's Joe Zadah, "these unhinged and confessional sermons are made of savage riffs, self-deprecation and loop pedals." Between his hectic string of live gigs, he's made time to release his album Embracism (out now on XL/Terrible Records), perfect a flamboyant fashionably/unfashionable style and team up with Mark Ronson and Tame Impala as they covered 'I Sat by the Ocean' for Like a Version. Now, Callinan leaves his southern roots to head up north. His Wednesday night show will be supported by Molly Lewis and Emerson Snowe.
Outdoor-loving film fans, prepare for one of the best times of year. As the weather heats up, the act of movie-going heads outside with the return of Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema for 2015. Every Tuesday to Sunday from until mid November, South Bank's Rainforest Green will host a big screen bustling with new and old favourites. Guy Ritchie's take on The Man from U.N.C.L.E. kicks off the season, followed by the likes of Trainwreck, Straight Outta Compton and Sicario for anyone after some recent fare. Viewers wanting a cinematic trip down memory lane will be rewarded with sing-a-long Grease, anniversary screenings of Thelma and Louise, Clueless and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, plus Edward Scissorhands for Halloween. For those who have earmarked the end of the weekend as their optimal time for outdoor film-watching fun, expect to pair your movie with some music. At the Sundae Sessions, you'll be treated to a live performance by a local band before the feature. Of course, that's not the only way to treat yo'self, given that you can choose your preferred level of luxury any day of the week. Our tip: the 30-seats-per-session section that is Polo Class, which includes beanbag seating, a drink and a tub of ice cream in the price of admission.
There's retro dress shopping, and then there's the kind of trawling for frocks of old that only comes twice a year. The latter is certainly the case at Frock Up Brisbane, Queensland's longest running vintage fashion event. It's not just the array of attire that makes this a must-attend extravaganza, although the stacks and racks of clothing and accessories on offer really do comprise a couture-hunter's dream. And it's not just the mix of dealers travelling from as far as Victoria and local fashionistas refreshing their own wardrobes, either — which you can do if you're that way inclined, too. Both definitely make Frock Up worth the price of admission; however like all good celebrations, the chatter that accompanies the main attraction helps ramp things up another level. That's why you'll find happy shoppers filing into Katie's Sweetheart Vintage Cafe and discussing their love of vintage over homemade cakes — well, when they're not roaming around the stalls chasing a bargain.
Take a journey back through time with artist Eugenia Lim, in a playful new video piece that explores the history of Chinese immigrants in Australia. Filmed by Lim at Sovereign Hill Historical Park, Yellow Peril depicts a Chinese 'ambassador’ in a shiny gold Mao suit as she roams the rural mining town amidst the height of the Victorian gold rush. Taking its cues from the low key observational comedies of French filmmaker Jacques Tati, the work touches on questions of cultural and national identity, as well as the interwoven socio-economic destinies of Australia and its Asian neighbour. Yellow Peril is the latest of Lim’s works to explore issues of multiculturalism. A second generation Australian of Chinese-Singaporean descent, she has previously exhibited work at the Tate Modern, GOMA, ACMI and HUN Gallery NY. Yellow Peril will be exhibited at Metro Arts from August 19 to September 5.
Another year, another Woody Allen film — because that’s how frequently the writer/director makes and releases movies. Of course, with being prolific comes adhering to a template, particularly concerning his fondness for romantic and moral quandaries. In Irrational Man, womanising college philosophy professor Abe Lucas (Joaquin Phoenix) and precocious student Jill Pollard (Emma Stone) are the intertwined parties, swiftly warming to each other outside of class and soon overstepping the normal bounds of a teacher-pupil relationship. He's also seeing another faculty member (Parker Posey), and she has a boyfriend (Jamie Blackley), yet their intellectual bond can't help veering towards the physical. Anyone familiar with Allen's work will be prepared for the walking, talking and bantering to come, although in this case, the filmmaker prefers duelling narration — voiced by both lead characters, and conveying their innermost thoughts about each other — over dialogue. Anyone familiar with Allen's work will also be prepared for the necessary complications, here manifesting in the fate of a corrupt judge the would-be couple overhear a stranger complaining about. Indeed, once more continuing down the auteur's typical path, an existential crisis sits at the centre of the film. Just like in Blue Jasmine, Midnight in Paris and Whatever Works before it, Irrational Man endeavours to reconcile midlife malaise through amorous entanglements and ethical dilemmas; however, where those features more overtly played with drama, time travel and comedy respectively, this favours mystery. What does it take to reignite someone's zest for the life is the movie's ultimate question. Of course, even playing it straighter and more serious than usual, the answer comes in typical offbeat Allen fashion. It also comes with the filmmaker's repeated penchant for a hefty age difference, though both Phoenix and Stone rank among the film's highlights. Both convey their characters' transitions by playing to their strengths, and add plausibility to a script that doesn't demonstrate it otherwise. Sure, we've seen him both depressed and vibrant before, and her everything from sensible to swept away to cynical too, but familiarity with their performances doesn't breed contempt. That they share a natural rapport that makes the audience happy to spend time in their company also helps. Elsewhere, all the other Allen hallmarks are evident in what proves an enjoyable but expected affair: a jazzy score that adds a light tone to the weighty musings, warm colours that revel in the film's surroundings, and ample shots of the two stars basking in each other's presence. In fact, if Irrational Man feels like a compilation of the writer/director's usual beats, preferences and stories, that's because it is, as even casual viewers of his fare should recognise. Perhaps that's just what comes with crafting 50 films in 50 years. At this stage of his career, Allen is simply making what he wants — and what he wants is to delve into the same territory over and over again.
There is no name more synonymous with the term ‘nature photographer’ than Steve Parish. His vivid images of landscapes, wildlife and sealife in Australia have adorned books, calendars, postcards and more for decades. For the first time, As One celebrates his work in a different context — that of a fine art exhibition. Parish is a true naturalist, and it is only through his deep connection to the land — hiking, camping and diving into some of the country’s wildest places — that he has been able to capture such a diverse breadth of flora and fauna. This connection provides the inspiration for his creative work, as well as respite and calm from periods of emotional and mental struggles the photographer has experienced. A portion of proceeds from the exhibition’s sales will go to the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health Inc. to assist others on the same journey. As One exhibits at Brisbane Powerhouse from 8 September to 4 October.
How do you want to kick off the new year? We're not talking about the awesome party the night before, or the hangover that's certain to haunt you the next morning, but the manner in which you greet the day once it is well and truly underway — and once you've had some sleep. How about a barbecue, complete with food, games, drinks and a blissed-out atmosphere? It sounds pretty great — and it sounds even better when it is taking place at Statler & Waldorf. No, you don't have to do any cooking. Trust Paddington's resident gastropub — and the only such hangout named after Muppets characters — to come up with the perfect January 1st activity, whether eating something grilled and meaty, knocking back a cold beverage or two, or indulging your competitive side takes your fancy. We're not encouraging drinking contests, but we are rather excited about playing jumbo Jenga.
In her latest exhibition, Cigdem Aydemir presents a picture of a veiled woman on a beach. The Sydney artist has taken the name of her Boxcopy show, I won't let you out of my sight, from lyrics from the Baywatch theme, after all. And exploring the implications of the veil — as a culturally constructed site and of the veiled woman cipher as a resistant female — recurs in her pieces. Indeed, Aydemir's identity as an Australian Muslim woman with Turkish heritage has continued to influence her work, including her award-winning Bombshell, which won the Redlands Art Prize for playing with Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress scene in The Seven Year Itch. This time, as well as nodding to red-clad television lifeguards, she finds inspiration in the approaching 10th anniversary of the Cronulla riots. Aydemir's exhibition looks at the implications of gender amid rising racial tensions, the war on terror, the role of surveillance and the effect it has on different bodies. It also examines the complicated relationship between feminism and Muslim women. Thanks to I won't let you out of my sight, you won't look at beachside bathers in the same way again.
If koalas are considered among Australia’s national treasures, then a certain cute, cuddly critter must be their king. He’s the one everyone knows by name, even though he’s fictional. He’s graced books since 1933, thanks to author Dorothy Wall. Yes, he’s Blinky Bill. In his second big-screen outing following the 1992 movie that shares his name, Blinky (voiced by Ryan Kwanten) is up to his usual brand of cheeky trouble, though his intentions — like his heart — remain in the right place. When his father, adventurer Bill (Richard Roxburgh), leaves their sanctuary of Green Patch to chase white dragons and hasn’t returned a year later, Blinky decides to search for him. He knows that his mother (Deborah Mailman) will disapprove, but with treacherous goanna Cranklepot (Barry Otto) trying to take over their home, the young koala is certain that wandering the outback is the right thing to do. An animated — in both the colourful cartoon style and the lively antics they depict — escapade awaits in Blinky Bill the Movie, first journeying into a roadside store, and then venturing through several dangerous situations. Along the way, Blinky meets Nutsy (Robin McLeavy), a zoo koala unhappy about the idea of not being in captivity. He also attracts the attention of feral cat (Rufus Sewell) with sinister plans, seeks the assistance of a wandering wombat (Barry Humphries) and a stranded frill-necked lizard (David Wenham), and befriends two emus (Toni Collette) who help him hitch a ride. The celebrity voices, particularly a charming Kwanten boasting his native accent for a change, help enliven a film that’s sweet but standard from start to finish. The feature's primary director, Deane Taylor, is content to stick with cliches when it comes to the story, hence the upbeat goings-on, array of comic sidekicks and fearsome feline. These days, it wouldn’t be an animal-oriented effort without a cranky kitty as a nemesis. Buried underneath a family-friendly caper filled with slapstick sight gags is a slight, brief statement about Australia's treatment of asylum seekers, as seen in Cranklepot's desire to lock off Green Patch from outsiders; however, comic chaos always trounces commentary. The smooth edges you'll see in the computer-generated imagery also extend to the content, it seems, with even the usual environmental message typically included in Blinky Bill efforts absent. What stands out instead, and not always in a good way, is an overdose of Australiana and slang, as often seen in our nation's amusement-oriented, all-ages films. Accordingly, for those who won't just find an anarchic koala fun just for the sake of it, Blinky Bill the Movie works well enough as a piece of nostalgia about an Australian icon. Delving beyond that is less fulfilling, though the film doesn't demand it, given that it really is aimed more at young audiences than the young at heart.
Everyone in Brisbane knows about the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts — but how many know about the woman who gives the venue its moniker? Before her passing in 2000, Wright was a famed writer and poet, as well as a conservationist and human rights advocate. She had a way with prose, and campaigned for the environment and the nation's indigenous populace. Yes, she was an inspiring figure all-round, which is why her name now adorns one of Fortitude Valley's favourite creative spots. And, to commemorate the centenary of her birth, she's also the subject of an artistic tribute. Motivated by a great respect for Wright and her legacy, Fiona Rafferty and Frances Smith have worked together to celebrate an influential artist and activist. Paintings, works on paper and ceramic creations pay homage to Wright, her career and impact. Of course, there's only one place that could play host to the end result.
Festival-loving Eastsiders, clear your schedules for the second week of November. Not only is the beloved Bulimba Festival returning after funding issues threatened otherwise, but what was a single day of fun has now turned into a whole week of activities. Running from November 9 to 15, the fifth annual Oxford Street-centric party has moved to later in the year — and that's not the end of the good news. After six days of showcasing what makes living in the riverside suburb so great, the festival will come to an end with the mixture of music and markets that is Lunch on the Lawn, headlined by local indie legends The Grates. Given that the Southside Tea Room and Death Valley — the two Morningside establishments owned by the band's vocalist Patience Hodgson and guitarist John Patterson — are only a stone's throw away from Bulimba, they're the ideal to candidates to cap off what promises to be an exciting revamped event. Lunch on the Lawn also boasts all the browsing regulars know and flock to, plus food options, a licensed area and a VIP bar. Those heading along for the tunes will be treated to a lineup of some of Brisbane’s best burgeoning bands — including Cheap Fakes, Halfway, Avaberee, Eden Mulholland and Greg Chaipello — as brought together by The Triffid. The rest of the festival features everything from a tasting day to showcase the area's best eateries to the suburb's first No Lights No Lycra dance party, plus movies in the park on Friday the 13th and a river regatta. Yes, there really is something for everyone. Yes, that really is how you throw a suburb-wide celebration. The 2015 Bulimba Festival runs from November 9 to 15 at various venues across the suburb. For more information, visit the festival website.
Oysters are the kind of seafood that you either love or hate; maybe their salty taste and slimy texture tantalises your tastebuds, or maybe it doesn't. If you fall into the first category and you happen to be fond of beer, too, then Green Beacon has the event you've been dreaming about. That'd be the annual Green Beacon Oyster Festival, which returns for another round of saltwater clams and some of Brisbane's best brews. The Teneriffe-based bar and brewery will source six varieties of the freshest oysters in Australia, shuck them to order, and offer up an ocean's worth of specials — such as a mixed half dozen and a beer for $20. Bargain. When it comes to washing it all down, you can choose from Green Beacon's usual brews, of course, or you can treat yo'self to something more in line with the occasion. A single keg of Oyster Stout will be running through the taps, should you be feeling adventurous. We say: when at an oyster festival, and all that.
Imagine reading a series of letters written to one of the most famous characters ever committed to the page and stage. Now imagine those words turned into songs, telling stories of love, joy, betrayal and death. As jotted down by characters old, young, female and male, everything from love poems to suicide notes to junk mail gets a melody. That's what The Juliet Letters does — and yes, the lady of the title is the same lovesick heroine William Shakespeare wrote about. Back in the '90s, Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet crafted a song cycle inspired by real-life communications sent to the fictional Miss Capulet, as well as the just as genuine responses fashioned by a professor in Verona. To pay tribute to the timeless album, Dean Stevenson and string quartet the Arco Set will perform their own interpretation of this iconic work. Their take is both powerful modern and classically romantic — and it is the type of thing you won't hear often. Image via Jonathan Wherett.
