Feeling a little cold this winter? Need something to warm you up? Let Velvet Helmet do the honours at their latest cabaret and variety night, courtesy of a dark and intriguing showcase of Brisbane’s finest artists. A Mid Winter's Dream is their July theme, and with that in mind, they're conjuring up a surrealist, Gothic vision of Shakespearean grandeur. It's the kind of show where you won't feel out of place dressing in your finest laces and satins, for example. It's also a feast of wondrous entertainment designed to lift your spirits and transport you to many altered realities. Of course, that's a big claim, but it is one that curator — and local actor and comedian Genevieve Butler — aims to back up. Her lineup includes object manipulator and contortionist Thomas Stewart as Melon the Human, satirical song and dance Crooners for Spooners, and a ghostly take on Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet. Plus, there's music from James Halloran with Laura Driver, as well as Matt O’Neill and the Whales of Anguish. Now that'll heat things up.
Think you grew out of slumber parties when you were in high school? Think again. It might have blanket forts and a pillow pit, but the Brightside's sleepover isn't quite like the nights you once enjoyed with your BFFs. It's better. Okay, so there'll be a selection of scary movies screening as well, and wearing your pyjamas — or a onesie — is actively encouraged. But did your childhood sleepovers take place in a bar, with live bands and a DJ? Nope, we didn't think so. Yep, this is the kind of evening you probably used to dream about. A Night In Texas, The Name Of A Ghost, Semper Fi and Initiate Jericho will be taking care of the music, with a little help from Brighty's DJs. Expect singalongs to everything from pop punk to hiphop and party metal to cheesy hits, because that's what happens at slumber parties. BYO hairbrush to use as a microphone.
Does watching a '90s action movie starring Nicolas Cage put a grin on your face? And not just any grin, but one just like the kind you might see on Nicolas Cage's face in a '90s action movie? If you answered yes to both of these questions, and you like beer and film-themed art, then the Scratch has a treat for you. For one night only, they're celebrating the wonder that is Con Air — that's right, the flick that thought a plane full of criminals was a good idea. Cage has long, flowing locks, everyone from John Cusack to Steve Buscemi to Dave Chappelle also shows up, and of course there's a crash landing. At Welcome to Con Air, the Milton bar will serve up one off-beers by Brewtal Brewers, Newstead Brewing Co., Croft Brewing Company and Bacchus Brewing Co made especially for the occasion, plus showcase up-and-coming Australian artists in a group exhibition — and yes, both the booze and the paintings are inspired by the movie. Plus, there's a screening of the film, of course. The only thing that's missing is a 'How Do I Live' singalong, but who knows what might happen by the end of the evening.
The LEGO Movie, everyone's animated film of 2014, taught us quite a few things Embracing your creativity and not being too rigid were among its chief lessons; however it also reminded us that everything is awesome — particularly the Danish-made interconnecting bricks that gave the feature its name. The folks at BrisBricks certainly think so, as do the masses that are certain to flock to their annual fan expo event. Yes, it really is exactly what it sounds like. Yes, it's a three-day extravaganza dedicated to the toys everyone still knows and loves, at every age. Marvelling at the LEGO creations the experts have conjured up is part of the fun, and buying new sets from specialist retailers too. If you've taken a fancy to the many pop culture-themed sets released in recent years, such as The Simpsons, Ghostbusters and Back to the Future, prepare for your wallet to get a workout. Of course, you'll also have the chance to do what every kid — young and old — wants, i.e. make interlocked creations until your heart is content. Here, if you're a LEGO lover, everything really is cool, and you'll be living your dream. Image via Alan Chia.
If you've ever had any doubts that there's a festival for everything, then Spruke just might convince you otherwise. The three-day event's focus falls on a certain, small, guitar-like instrument originating in Hawaii and gaining in widespread popularity. Yes, we're talking about the ukulele. Whether you're a dedicated uke fan, a wannabe player or a newcomer, the annual festival has something for you. Performances by ukulele musicians from both Australian and overseas are the obvious drawcards; however this is as much about celebrating the joy of music — be it making it or listening to it — as it is about live shows. Accordingly, the program includes everything from workshops on hot strumming techniques and playing Beatles songs to a plethora of jamming sessions, all taking place at the South Bank campus of TAFE Queensland Brisbane. And for those keen for a sample before committing to the main attraction, a Spruke showcase will also grace the Queen Street Mall at midday on October 2 and 3.
In naming his latest exhibition, Brisbane artist Jonathan Crowther isn't just blowing his own trumpet. The sculptor and painter takes everyday items — a kernel of popped corn, the ring pull from a can of drink, and a twisted piece of Blu-Tack, for example — and makes them look extraordinary. Breathing life into seemingly mundane subject matter by using incredibly skilful photorealism is what he does, after all, and he does it well. It's not just the things he chooses to depict that makes his work interesting, but also the large scale that he works on. How else could he ask audiences to reconsider objects they probably see every day, and barely even notice, let alone offer a second glance to? And how else could he use them to try to bridge the divide between high and low art? To many, a piece of popcorn is something you munch upon at the movies and pay no further attention to. To Crowther, the same thing blown up big is a sight to behold in its own right. Now that really is anything but ordinary.
The arts should be for everyone. And while many artists and audiences might assume that that's always the case, those with disabilities often find otherwise. Presentation opportunities, representation in the industry and involvement in major arts companies can be lacking for performers with disabilities, which is why Access Arts is trying to do something about it. Assisting artists with disabilities is part of their daily remit, but come June 26 and 27, they're really going above and beyond. That's when they're staging the Undercover Artist Festival, the first-ever arts and disability festival of its kind in Queensland. For two days, emerging and professional performers from across Australia will showcase their work — be it theatre, dance, music, installation or something else creative — at an event accessible to all artists and audiences. Here, diversity rules, both in terms of artists and in their efforts. There's satirical cabaret, live body painting, roving cosplay and stand-up comedy without talking on the lineup, so the festival certainly has the program to prove it.
This review was written about the Melbourne run of this production, in March 2015. Bryony Kimmings is well-known to Melbourne audiences. Last year, the daring British performance artist simultaneously toured two critical smash-hits to the city: Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model at the Festival of Live Art, and Sex Idiot at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. In some ways, Fake It 'Til You Make It is a kind of dark sequel to the achingly funny Sex Idiot, in which Kimmings traced her sexual chronology back through time. Now her real-life partner Tim Grayburn has become her co-star and collaborator, as the pair craft a narrative that intertwines his experience of chronic depression with hers as the woman who loves him. More than one moment in the show makes obvious references to the other. At one point the pair spell out an exhaustive, staggering list of the symptoms of depression on cuecards, a moment with traces of Kimmings’ crowdpleasing 'Fanny Song' from Sex Idiot (a song which made its own nod towards Bob Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues'). Here, the artist’s approach to music and sound design is just as eclectic and often surprising, with the 'Love Theme' from Cinema Paradiso taking pride of place alongside infectious earworm 'Let’s Talk About Gender, Baby'. Throughout the show, there are some brilliant scenes that stand as defiant reminders of what theatre alone can do — where the arrangement of competing voices, music and live bodies in space align. In one hugely affecting moment of this kind, a masked Grayburn is delivering a routine speech to colleagues at his advertising firm before he is first interrupted then overwhelmed by burst fragments of his own verbatim recordings with Kimmings. Overall, the combination of all these different elements — the recordings, songs, heartfelt confessions exposed to an audience and spotlight — occasionally risks overbalancing, feeling jumpy and disjointed. But that’s the paradox of representing trauma onstage; it’s a ruptured, messy form that marries content with style, and its messiness ultimately says a lot more about its subject than any conventionally polished play ever could.
Australia's about to embark upon an entire month of parties, gigs and backyard shindigs, all raising sweet, sweet money to fight poverty around the world. Having run successfully in the UK for about ten years, Oxjam is a month-long, nationwide music festival aiming to raise money for Oxfam. Now it's launching in Australia, with goodhearted gigs coming to venues, garages and backyards nationwide. Even you can throw one. One of those star-studded fundraisers which has seen the likes of Hot Chip, Fatboy Slim, Coldplay and T.E.E.D. crank out a set for a good cause, Oxjam has been a long time coming for Australia. Teaming up with MTV Music and MTV Dance, Oxfam are launching the festival in August; with the main events happening across Sydney and Melbourne. Local venues, collectives and labels like I Oh You, Noisey, Goodgod Small Club, One Day, Motorik, UNDR CTRL and more are holding some of the official gigs — where of course, funds raised will go directly to Oxfam. But you don't have to be near a major gig, you can also host your own party wherever you are. Literally anyone can hold their own Oxjam, from existing venues to local bowling clubs, big time clubs to your very own home. So if you're deep house DJ in your crew you could set up the decks in your garage, put a collection tin at the door and throw down one humdinger of a fundraving do. (And if your neighbours complain, give 'em hell until they donate too.) First time at the event-throwing rodeo? MTV Australia are hosting an official event at MTV HQ in Sydney (date TBC), where budding venue managers, club promoters and regular shindig starters can get tips on throwing their own Gig For Good during Oxjam. If you can't make it to the how-to, Oxjam's website has a bunch of handy tips and DIY guides for party planners. Oxjam is happening Australia-wide over August 2015, with the main gigs happening in Melbourne and Sydney. But with one in three people around the world living in poverty, Oxjam's probably one of the best reasons to throw a local backyard gig we've ever heard. Head over here for more info and start planning. Image: Goodgod Small Club.
Step inside the world of aviation's ace fighters, then experience the complexities and complications surrounding their efforts to take to the skies. No, this isn't Top Gun — although the play's nameless pilot protagonist certainly is one. Instead, it's a one-woman play that combines a military setting with a contemplation of the ethics of modern warfare. Grounded's heroine has a need for speed and lives for the squeeze of the trigger, until love and pregnancy send her back to earth. When she rekindles her career, it's in a seat at a base — aka "Chair Force" — rather than above the battlefield. Controlling a drone on the other side of the world, she realises that she can't war wirelessly and then go home pretending it's just like any other job. If it sounds like an emotionally and thematically complex work, that's because it is, with playwright George Brandt soaring both in his story and in his handling of the topic. There's a reason Grounded won the 2012 Smith Prize for works about American politics, after all. In this new staging featuring renowned local actress Libby Munro, you'll probably think it deserves more awards as well.
Excited about going to SplendourIn The Grass? Annoyed and envious that you can't make it? Looking for an evening out to cope with your feelings, be they of the celebratory or commiserating persuasion? Whether you're filled with thrills or FOMO, one place will add to your joys and make you forget all your worries. That'd be the Official Splendour In The Grass Pre-Party. Yes, it's the fun before the music festival frenzy, complete with a healthy taste of the Splendour lineup to get the shenanigans started. Four bands have been dispatched to Brisbane and charged with the task of kicking off the revelry for us Queenslanders, and that's a job they're going to relish. From the swagger of the Dandy Warhols to the infectious indie hooks of Brisbane's Last Dinosaurs — and including Dune Rats and Circa Waves, too — this is the pre-party to end all pre-parties. It's the warm up to the main event, and the next best thing to going to Byron Bay. No, this weekend really can't get any bigger.
No voice resonates more with real-deal Aussie music than that of John Farnham's — and if your mind draws a blank at that name, you should probably skip town. With classics like 'You're the Voice' and 'Sadie (the Cleaning Lady)' and more comeback tours than actual tours, Farnsy is the kind of musician that has transcended the title of singer to become one of Australia's greatest icons. Now, to celebrate her latest book on the one and only, Jane Gazzo talks to Andrew McMillen about the journey she took to discover the legendary performer. In a career spanning almost five decades, the likeable, charismatic star has entertained countless Australians, and Gazzo promises the inside scoop on how Farnham went from Melbourne plumber to the man behind multi-million record sales. Jane Gazzo: On John Farnham kicks off at 7pm this Wednesday. If you can't wait until then for your Farnsy fix, there's nothing wrong with watching YouTube clips to get a gentle reminder of the man with the golden hair.
History is about to be made in Brisbane. Yes, that's a big call, but there's just no other way to describe the meeting of musical minds that will occur for one evening only. Acclaimed Mexican guest Alondra de la Parra will conduct. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra will play. Superstar composer Philip Glass has arranged the work. And it all stems from a piece by electronica wizard Aphex Twin. They're joining forces for the world premiere of ICCT Hedral, and it's kind of a big deal. Your usual orchestral performance, this is not. Expect a high-octane display of rhythm and energy. De la Parra is one of the most sought-after talents around the world, and her stint at the helm will also see her showcase the biggest names in Latin American music. Quite simply, she'll be conducting QSO through a show of the kinds of sounds you never thought you'd hear them play. Now that's a night at the symphony.
Here you are, buying cheese, when you could just be making it at home. Yes, you read that correctly. Those friendly folks at the Makers Club are at it again, bringing their hands-on, DIY approach to everyone's favourite dairy product. They're certain that you already have all the utensils you need to whip up batches of feta, ricotta and mozzarella in your own kitchen. You just need to be shown how to do it. Presented by Green Living Australia's Valerie Pearson, this is their first-ever cheese-making workshop, and it is certain to be popular — so booking early is recommended. If you've ever fantasised about living in a world full of cheese, here's your chance to make that dream a reality. Just think: running out of your favourite food could soon be a thing of the past.
Aaah, that Morrissey: he's never boring. He won legions of fans as the driving force behind one of the '80s biggest alternative rock bands, and has caused plenty of head scratching with the outspoken antics that followed. You know the stories. You've read — or read about — his autobiography. The legendary musician's biggest claim to fame is what the New Globe Theatre is focusing on at their video night, in a belated celebration of the influential artist's birthday. Expect an audiovisual ode to all the things that made the Smiths great, from their iconic singles to their memorable performances. There'll be music videos, of course, featuring everything from the upbeat strains of 'This Charming Man' to the darker guitars of 'How Soon Is Now?' (aka the Charmed theme song, for those fond of bad supernatural TV dramas). There'll be television appearances, interview extracts and concert footage, too. The Smiths Video Night also coincides with Morrissey's trip to Australia for Sydney's Vivid LIVE, but sadly, he won't be in attendance.
Are you still, still recovering from The Red Viper versus The Mountain? Are you feeling a little nostalgic for the days when Tyrion could lay around boozing on vino? Perhaps you should be drinking your sorrows away with some like-minded Thrones fanatics. Confused? We’ll lay it down for you. Game of Rhones is a wine-tasting event that's been touring Australia since 2014. Featuring over 40 producers and 100 wines, it's a one-day, all-out trial by combat to determine the best offering of the grape varieties from the Rhone Valley in France — Shiraz, Grenache, and Viognier among others. But this isn't just a run-of-the-mill wine tasting set-up. To keep that theme solid, the Rhone Bar is where you can taste wines from ‘Beyond the Wall’ (ie: the Rhone Valley). Then, you can sign up for a blindfolded tasting in the 'torture chamber' (a highlight of previous Game of Rhones events). Suffice to say, after a few of these Rhone Valley wines, we'd probably confess to a secret or two. Of course, it wouldn't be Thrones-worthy if there weren't a few extra kickers. To accompany your wine, there will be a selection of feast-able treats available such as suckling pig and venison pie — if you’re a vego or a vegan, you've probably already guessed this is a highly meaty affair.
You've probably heard of the new aesthetic over the last few years. Not the show, but the term. It was coined by artist James Brindle in 2011 to describe the inevitable result of our increasingly online world. That'd be all things virtual bleeding into the physical realm. It's something you experience every day, and so do those in intermedia art circles. That's what the New Aesthetic? (the exhibition this time) is all about as it showcases the work of 16 Queensland, Australian and international practitioners. During the three-week presentation, audiences can step into a place concerned with how our concepts of physical space are evolving in the wake of digital communication and the Internet. As well as reflecting upon the very idea of a new aesthetic, each piece endeavours to identify new ways of understanding the world through technology, and tries to come to terms with what it all means. Think of it as artistic, futuristic food for thought. Image: Michael Candy, BIG DIPPER 2014, Kinetic light sculpture.
If we asked if you wanted to hang out at IRL in IRL, you might think that we're repeating ourselves. We’re not — we’re talking about going to the IRL Digital Festival in real life. That’s Brisbane Powerhouse’s latest event, an interactive art and gaming playground designed to combine the virtual world with a physical experience. Running from May 7–17, IRL is a celebration of technology and creativity in its inaugural year. That means rad things like playing with electronic art works and reliving the history of gaming. It also means these five events that you won’t want to miss.
If you're fond of all things French, then you're probably fond of a certain annual event. That'd be So Frenchy So Chic, aka Australia's yearly dose of Francophile heaven. Melbourne and Sydney get a day in the park to celebrate, while Brisbane gets an intimate evening of Gallic crooning. So Frenchy So Chic has been bringing the best of everyone's favourite European country to our shores for a few years now; however their 2016 offering might just blow their previous lineups out of the water. None other than Lou Doillon tops the bill — and if you don't know who the French Grammy award-winner is, then prepare to get excited. Doillon is the daughter of Jane Birkin and half-sister of Charlotte Gainsbourg, which makes her French pop royalty. She's also a talented purveyor of dreamy folk-blues tunes in her own right, and she's keen to celebrate the release of Lay Low, her latest album. Ooh la la.
When it comes to progressive, psychedelic '70s rock of both the mind-expanding and brain-melting variety, no one comes close to Pink Floyd. They took listeners to The Dark Side of the Moon and over The Wall — and those two albums became two of the best-selling records of all time. Yes, Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and company certainly made an impact as they experimented their way through a hallucinogenic soundscape. The Triffid agrees, which is why they're dedicating an evening to all things Pink Floyd. Get excited, because the Newstead venue is throwing another one of their tribute nights. Twin Haus, TSUN, Magenta Voyeur, Lucy Star Satellite and Micropsia will be doing the honours — i.e. giving their respective spins to the Floyd's iconic back catalogue. Each will play four tracks by the British band, plus two of their own, and yes, they'll be simultaneously trying to make audiences overflow with prog-rock bliss and feel comfortably numb.
When artist Charles Blackman made the journey from Sydney to Brisbane in the late 1940s, his work was forever changed. The city gave birth to some of his most famous pieces, and Queensland would continue to be influential in his output for the rest of his career. That makes the Queensland Art Gallery a rather fitting venue for an exhibition of Blackman's Sunshine State-inspired efforts. Amassing more than 50 paintings and works on paper — as sourced from more than 12 private and state collections — Lure of the Sun: Charles Blackman in Queensland explores his development, the connections and friendships he made while living north of the border, and their ongoing impact. Appropriately, it also displays his work alongside the likes of fellow Australian artists Laurence Hope, Laurence Collinson and Jon Molvig, compiling a trip through Blackman's artistic history both on and off the canvas. Think of it as a snapshot not only of one of the nation's most important painters, but of a creative social network. Image: Blackman, Charles. Australia b.1928 / The Blue Alice 1956-57 / Tempera, oil and household enamel on composition board / Purchased 2000. The Queensland Government's special Centenary Fund / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
We've all done it at some point: drawn or painted a picture of ourselves. You were probably made to in high school, and before that you definitely committed your likeness to paper in primary school. Think of them as the original selfies. Every two years, the University of Queensland invites a selection of artists to craft a new self-portrait — and every two years, one of them wins $50,000 for their troubles. In 2015, that honour went to Fiona McMonagle. She painted a single portrait at 7pm every day over 100 days, then turned it into a 16-second animation. Her piece is currently on display at the National Self-Portrait Prize 2015 exhibition, alongside the introspective offerings of her fellow contenders. Perusing their efforts, you'll be fascinated by the way these creative folks see themselves — and you'll likely be inspired to make your own attempt.
Keen on a trip to the Gold Coast, but short on an excuse to do so? If heading to the beach isn't reason enough, then maybe enjoying a few brews is. That's the aim of the game at Craft Beer Day — The Gold Coast Way, aka the tourist hotspot's take on everyone's favourite drinking trend. The details are simple: converge upon RSL Club Southport, try over 20 different beers from local brewers, and relish the combination of coastal vibes and craft beverages. Okay, there's more to the event than that, with beer appreciation classes also on offer, complete with your own glasses to take home with you. Local legend and triple j Unearthed star Matt Armitage will provide a few afternoon tunes, while the likes of Black Hops, Burleigh Brewing, Byron Bay Brewery, Matilda Bay, Cricketers Arms, Fortitude, Calibre, Holgate and Green Beacon have the booze side of things covered. When it comes to ways to spend a Sunday, this sounds like bliss. Image: Ricky Kharawala, Stocksnap.
Last year, the Brightside welcomed fried chicken joint Lucky Egg to the fold; however that's not the Fortitude Valley venue's only source of edible fun. They also invited some of the city's favourite sources of meals on wheels to stop by for a laneway party, aka Truck-It. And now they're back with a second version, celebrating Brisbane's obsession with street food once more. This time around, The Bun Mobile will be making Warner Street their temporary home yet again, and they'll be joined by a bunch of others that are yet to be announced. Whoever they happen to be, we're sure they'll ensure Truck-It 2 is yet another scrumptious way to end a Friday. As always, we recommend arriving hungry. If you didn't make it along last time but you have been to one of Brighty's regular shindigs, no doubt you're already keen — and no doubt you already know that it's not just your stomach that'll be satisfied. Fun is also on the menu, courtesy of a FIFA comp projected onto the walls of the venue's car park, a round of musical bingo or several, and — what else? — a food challenge. Image via The Bun Mobile.
Another week, another new market — the dream scenario of weekend shoppers across the city, let's be honest. This time around, Metre Market joins the fold. Fashion is their main domain, but you'll also find music, food and arts among their stalls. In fact, with giving Brisbanites an opportunity to sell their pre-loved clothes the main reason the market came to fruition, you can even get in on the action by applying for a metre or two of space. And if all you want to do is browse and buy, there's plenty of that on offer too. The first Metre Market will take place on February 7 at the Morningside School of the Arts, and promises to set quite the precedent for future events. Not only is it free, but it features pretty posies from In Bloom Flower Co., homewares by T-leaf Collections and Axsher, outfits from local labels Evangeline and Jada Blue, and creative prints by Ellamee Art and Illustration — among other stalls, of course. Just where and when they'll pop up next is yet to be announced, so heading along to their inaugural outing is highly recommended. Plus, their first Morningside site is less than a block away from the Southside Tea Room and Death Valley, should you need some pre-market sustenance or post-market beverages. Find Metre Market at the Morningside School of the Arts, on the corner Wynnum Road and Ison Street, from 9am to 2pm on February 7. For more information, check out their website or Facebook page.
Everyone knows that music is best when it is live and loud, and Brisbane has the event to prove it. That’d be the aptly named Brisbane Live Music Week, a seven-day showcase of the city’s sonic shenanigans presented by community radio station 4ZZZ. Any and all gigs taking place in Brisbane from March 22 to 28 technically fit the bill, but there’s much more to this celebration of the city’s thriving music scene than that. There’s also one-off shows, album launches and a boutique bohemian festival, championing a variety of acts, styles and venues. Horrorshow, Katie Noonan, Sticky Fingers, Uriah Heap, The Furrs, Kingswood and Megadeth’s David Ellefson all feature on a lineup that any event would dream of having, spanning local legends, home-grown up-and-comers and international stars. Keep checking the BLMW website for the latest additions, and for those who can’t make it in person, there’ll be special live-to-air performances across 4ZZZ and their online outlets.
Coming-of-age tales of teens and dreams may be a cinema staple, but they're common theatre fodder too. In Samson, young hearts run free, but they also weather the ups and downs of life in a Queensland country town. That's where Essie, Beth and Sid are simply trying to get through days filled with too much sun and too little hope. It might sound like a bleak scenario, yet Samson looks like a darkly beautiful story of the resilience of the youth. Think melancholy over melodrama, and a big heart to counteract the brutality, all wrapped up with a sense of humour. This is a world premiere of a new work, plus a Brisbane stage debut. The production stems from the pen of Julia-Rose Lewis, returning to La Boite after holding the position of their playwright-in-residence in 2013. It also marks the first time rising star Ashleigh Cummings of Puberty Blues and Tomorrow When the War Began fame has tread the local boards. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll see something you won't see elsewhere — even at the movies.
This time last year Tkay Maidza received a bunch of international attention for her release of 'Brontosaurus' (ft. Badcop). But to us, she sounded just like any another artist making miscellaneous party noises reminiscent of that act who plays those festivals we try to avoid. That being said, within the year she's developed into something special. Her latest EP Switch Tape offers '90s inspired breaks, with interesting production and confident vocal performances throughout. Adelaide's answer to Azealia Banks, Maidza brings so much energy to her recordings and we can't wait to see her on stage. After touring the UK and US, she's now returning home and hitting the road with a national tour for the new EP. Hitting up Sydeny's Chinese Laundry, Melbourne's Can't Say and Brisbane's Alhambra Lounge, Maidza's sure to bring a pretty big party. Even Adelaide is getting some love — this local kid definitely has definitely done good.
Who hasn't gazed up at the stars above and wanted to know more? Well, here's your chance. Professor Brian Cox, rock star of the particle physics world and an advisor on Danny Boyle's Sunshine, is coming to Brisbane for a four-day celebration of music, film and the wonders of the universe. A series of concerts is the main attraction of Journey Through the Cosmos, focused on the planets in our solar system. Professor Cox's insights accompany a performance of Gustav Holst's The Planets Suite, considered one of the most spectacular works in all symphonic literature. Want to learn more? Lectures and talks round out the busy program. Learn from Professor Cox's discussions on The Physics of Time and Einstein’s Universe, each with a special musical performance. Or find out more about the art of composing for Hollywood movies from Academy and Golden Globe award-winner Dario Marianelli of Atonement fame, who also recently constructed a concerto to represent the journey of the Voyager spacecraft.
Sydney trio Little May could be Australia's answer to folk warblers First Aid Kit. They've certainly been compared to the Swedish duo, and to New Zealand's Tiny Ruins, but at the moment they are carving out their own path. They've recently put out their debut, self-titled EP and just wrapped up an Australian tour with the legendary Rodriguez. But there's no rest for the wicked (or the wickedly charming, in this case). Little May are about to embark on a 12-date national headline tour to promote the EP. They'll be spreading the good vibes around Black Bear Lodge on December 6 supported by Winterbourne. To find out more, check out our interview. We asked them for their best tips for summer road trips.
Class is over, Santa's been and gone, and chances are you’ve got time up your sleeves to kill. Uniform sleeves, that is. Brightside is hosting a hell of a school-themed bash, where uniforms – moth-eaten or not – are the only dress code. Slick your hair and pray your braces will be off before Sunday, December 28, because there’s going to be a photo booth to snap class photos. Math, history, geography, biology and chemistry quizzes will be dotted around the club, so study up – get them right, and you might be in line for a gold star and some treats from the bar. Aversions Crown, A Night in Texas, As Paradise Falls and Sedation will be providing tunes throughout the night, and Alex Crook and Andrew Power will be playing acoustic sets in the beer garden.
Jess, the mastermind behind art/illustration label Winnifred’s Daughter, brings to you the works that are all her own. Inspired by her own upbringing as a child of the outdoors, Jess’ works are laced with nature. She claims her own childhood was spent under the sun, her hands caked with dirt and the vast farming areas of her parents’ livelihoods as her playground. The result in current day’s creative pursuits for Jess are characters who, like her, thrive in the unstructured wonder of outdoors, who revel in flora and dance with the fauna, and find the roots of mankind a homely place to be. Her media are as varied as her inspirations. Humble sketches and watercolours stretch towards the limitless bounds of childhood play and the area in which it took place for Jess. Head along to the opening night of this wonderful exhibition, indulge in drinks and nibbles and immerse yourself in Jess’ creative journey.
Catherine Sagin and Kate Woodcroft are at it again. They’ve taken their relationship to a new level, this time entertaining their audience in the unlikeliest of places. “Catherine or Kate” as a Brisbane-based duo seek out the extremes of performance to entertain (and perhaps challenge the status quo) by any means possible. Their previous conquests (or questionable experiences) include posing as Queensland Maritime Museum chairmen, surveying service station attendants regarding their attractiveness, and having it out in the liveliest of fencing duels. Performance, videography, photography, even sculpture are their modes and “why not” are their means. Now, they are taking stage within a humble White Lady Funeral Home for An Occasion, where they'll be chatting about their experiences studying comedy, as well as their work together in individual interests in the arts. They’ve invited along the talents of Erika Scott, Courtney Coombs, Martin Smith, Joseph Breikers, Tim Kerr and David M. Thomas to create a work that isn't funny. Immerse yourself in the bizarre and absurd; it's for an occasion!
The future Maloufs, Keats and Wintons have to arise from somewhere, and your best bet at catching them is at Yarn: Second Helpings. For two years Yarn has pushed Brisbane’s finest story spinners in front of crowds, with there latest installment showing off the crème de la crème of our local wordsmiths. On the bill will be a few Yarn favourites – Andrew Last is a living legend in Brisbane whose stories tend to induce more laughter than lethargy. He’s as much a spinner of the spoken word as the written, and has long been in high demand on the local story-telling circuit. David Ridley, Daniel Lynch, Alice Elwell, Sam Maguire and Georgina Moserrat will be indulging listeners in some juicy tales, with Jack Vening hosting the evening. If you’ve ears to hear, an open mind, and care for streamers, party poppers and birthday cake, head along to Blackbear Lodge and check out these talented story tellers to what they do best.
Love all things creative? Gather your artsy friends and head along to The Hold Artspace which will be home to Middle Ground 2 until 2 August. This exhibition is a collection of various art forms such as painting, sculpture, installation, printmaking and jewellery. The creative geniuses behind the intriguing pieces are Fine Ars Honours candidates from the Queensland College of Art. These students have been slaving away at their individual research projects for the past year and are excited to share the finished product. After a year of blood, sweat and tears, wandering around the gallery soaking in the creativity is the least you could do for these hard-working students. So why not spend a few hours taking in the work of Brisbane's next crop of artists. We guarantee they are a talented bunch indeed. The artist talk will be held on Thursday 31st July from 6-8pm.
We live in an increasingly digital environment, staring at phone screens, interacting through social media feeds and getting our news, music, movies and more in electronic rather than tangible forms. So do artists, their endeavours also adapting. Many are able to make their works more efficiently. Most can now access a much wider audience. Indeed, everything from costs to curation is changing. Formless to Form explores this transition, and the renaissance that has blossomed in its wake. The show isn’t just about a move towards pixels and away from paper, but contemplates the new technologies, processes and philosophies revolutionising the art world. Hailing from around the globe, renowned artists Ed Granger, Matt Sheridan, Greg MacLaughlin, Keren Paz and Jenny Sharaf help demonstrate the intersection between creating work digitally and exhibiting it physically. The gallery itself also plays a part beyond hosting the show, in the way the pieces are both displayed and made available for sale.
We’ve all been there: in a nightclub bathroom in the darkest hours of the evening, and suddenly privy to the innermost secrets uttered by those in neighbouring stalls, or scrawled on filthy walls. Slurred words turn into whispered confessions, just as scribbled notes turn into offbeat reading. In this cheeky show, they also turn into song. Public Toilets, Private Worlds turns the drunken rants, earnest musings and crude invitations from graffiti into hilarious stories and surprisingly catchy tunes. Who knows, your own experiences might even form a part of this journey into the hidden recesses of human behaviour, coming to Wonderland fresh from its hit season at the 2014 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Public Toilets, Private Worlds is part of Wonderland at the Powerhouse. Check out our top five picks of the festival.
Fresh from Falls and ready to spring into an East Coast tour is Brisbane five-piece Art Of Sleeping. After recently releasing first single ‘Crazy’ from their forthcoming LP (expected to land sometime mid-2015), the band are keen to test out their new material. For those who have been a fan of the band for a while, or really into previous single ‘Empty Hands’, do not despair, they’ll also be playing tracks off their 2012 EP, Like A Thief. Art Of Sleeping have been lauded by some pretty reputable music folks as quite the spectacle to be seen live, and really, who are we to argue? Their engaging brand of indie rock, and strong vocals from lead singer Caleb Hodges, is perhaps why the band has managed to make such a name for themselves despite their enigmatic nature. Either way, we’re pumped.
Can building a garden win the affection of a royal landscape architect, as well as the respect of the king? That may be the plot of A Little Chaos, but it isn't the point. There are more fascinating things afoot in this period romance. Kate Winslet stars as Sabine De Barra, gifted with a green thumb and fingers to match, as well as the gall to want to use them. She flouts the conventions of 17-century France in other ways, too: in voicing her opinions and in shunning the tradition of manicured lawns that has seen Andre Le Notre (Matthias Schoenaerts) design the outdoor areas of King Louis XIV (Alan Rickman). Yet, something about Sabine intrigues Andre, inspiring him to hire her to assist with a new project. Her vision of an alfresco addition to the Versailles palace, complete with a complex water feature, doesn't conform to expectation — just like Sabine herself. Together, the trio treads a tentative path to a more modern way of thinking, and not just in terms of gardening. This is Sabine and Andre's tale — including the threat to their blooming bond from his promiscuous yet possessive wife (Helen McCrory) — but the king's acceptance of a landscaper outside the norm is key to the story's gentle breaking down of gender stereotypes. Of course, in keeping with the time it depicts, the steps made are small in size, though they remain considerable in their fictionalised impact. Seeing Sabine strive and hopefully succeed always feels like the film's main goal, as paired nicely with a peek into what life was really like for women in the royal court. Indeed, as handsomely acted as the entire affair is, and as swept up in the period details, the slow-burning love story is actually the least interesting aspect of A Little Chaos. It's not that Winslet and Schoenaerts don't sell the romance. Their performances — her sorrowful but spirited efforts especially — are among the highlights of the film. It's just that the script rightfully cares more for the characters' professional rather than personal endeavours, and so does the audience. That would be the doing of Rickman, who co-wrote the screenplay and directed the feature in addition to acting as the monarch in the middle. In his second stint as a filmmaker after 1997's The Winter Guest, the man best known to many as Harry Potter's Severus Snape is delicate and determined, two traits the movie champions. Rickman also takes the obvious route more than once, whether lingering on the sumptuous scenery or letting Stanley Tucci turn up as yet another comic cad, once again stealing all his scenes. The formula behind the finesse is hardly surprising; the feature is called A Little Chaos, after all. The movie's title is clearly designed to reflect its heroine's wild ways within a system of order, and it does so. That it also captures the film's willingness to test boundaries within the tale itself, but not in its treatment, couldn't be more fitting.
With its natural decor and lashings of lush foliage, Elixir Rooftop Bar might very well be the kind of place a rabbit would like to call home. This Easter, there'll be a few hoppers doing just that — though they'll be of the Lindt chocolate type, of course. To usher in the occasion, the panoramic Brisbane venue is once again hosting their famous midnight bunny hunt. There'll be more than just sweet cocoa-based treats, with tapas and cocktails also on the menu. Arriving early is recommended — how else are you going to scope out all those sneaky chocolate rabbit hiding spots?
As part of a media artists' exchange program, Christoph Wachter and Mathias Jud arrived in Australia in March for a nine-week residency at the Queensland University of Technology's Creative Industries precinct. They received the requisite visas, and are certain to have enjoyed a warm welcome; however, not everyone is so lucky. Wachter and Jud are well aware of this fact, and of the tricky terrain of international immigration. Indeed, they're spending their time in Brisbane tackling the topic of refugee and asylum seeker policies, creating an exhibition about this complex humanitarian issue. In Landung in Australien, the duo shine a light on the vast discrepancy between those fortunate enough to enjoy the rights and freedoms of borderless travel, and those marginalised for seeking a brighter future on different shores. Diving into the reality of detention centres, they aim to broaden the conversation to include the often-overlooked perspectives of the detainees themselves. This isn't just art; this is a showcase that makes a statement.
For anyone with even the slightest claustrophobic tendencies, submarines probably don't sound too appealing. Nor will 12 men headed for wet depths, fighting over a pile of Russian gold and trapped in a secondhand vessel barely fit to sail. In fact, it sounds quite torturous. That's the predicament at the heart of Black Sea, an underwater heist film bursting with pressure of both the deep-sea and crammed-together varieties. When veteran salvage captain Robinson (Jude Law) is given his marching orders after more than a decade of service, he cottons on to a guaranteed get-rich-quick scheme. Rounding up a crew of other discarded workers, he heads to the ocean floor to trawl for a treasure trove once meant for the Nazis. Everything that can go wrong does, to paraphrase Murphy's law. Tensions rise between the half English, half Russian shipmates, with loud-mouthed diver Fraser (Ben Mendelsohn) particularly unhappy about splitting the loot with his comrades. The presence of the American representative (Scoot McNairy) of the mission's wealthy backers only makes everyone anxious. And the rusty, submerged boat springs more than its fair share of breaks and leaks on its voyage. There's a formula at work, filled with dire circumstances, desperate deeds and double-crossing, but there's also the involvement of director Kevin Macdonald, whose skills can't be underestimated. Few filmmakers make terse tales like the man behind Touching the Void and The Last King of Scotland, with Black Sea a worthy, if workmanlike addition to his growing resume. Macdonald styles the movie not as a gold-snatching drama or a watery adventure, but as a horror movie steeped in greed. His film lays bare humanity's most self-serving motivations in an every-man-for-himself display of selfishness and survival, while heightening the oppression of the enclosed space. With its sustained atmosphere of unease and kill-or-be-killed progression, Black Sea is surprisingly more than a little reminiscent of that other great trapped-in-close-quarters effort: Alien. Yes, really. The end result makes you sweat, even though guessing where the story is heading isn't difficult. And in a feature that really is about the journey rather than the destination, top marks must also go to cinematographer Christopher Ross (Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll), who contrasts the many jumps and slides through cramped hallways with an unsettling awareness of the dark depths that surround the submarine. Then there's the excellent cast, led by Law continuing his recent hot streak of good performances in things that aren't called Sherlock Holmes. He ensures Robinson avoids coming across as stir-crazy; with a weathered face and a furrowed brow, he's simply willing to do whatever it takes to turn every losing hand he is dealt into a win. While McNairy plays to type, as does Australia's latest great acting export, Mendelsohn, watching both doing what they do the best is never unwelcome. Claustrophobia, be damned: these are fine folks and a finessed film that you'll want to sink to the bottom of the ocean with.
The story behind Melbourne folk foursome Husky's new song, 'I'm Not Coming Back', sounds pretty damn cute. It's something to do with looking up at the stars in the night sky, seeing the lights of airplanes gliding under them and the universal need to leave parts of ourselves behind. Swoon. This whimsically starry-eyed vision fits perfectly with the soaring sounds of the track itself. But contrary to the song's title, Husky are indeed coming back — with a show at Black Bear Lodge on August 1 as part of their first headline tour since 2012. The folk-fuelled whiz kids stole hearts back in 2011 with their debut LP Forever So. Husky became the first Aussie band to be signed to Seattle label and arbiters of cool Sub Pop, then toured pretty much non-stop around Australia, the USA and Europe for a couple of years. It's a good thing they stopped and took a break, because now we're privvy to a whole lot of new Husky — as well as promising to play much-loved tracks from Forever So, they've been working on a whole lot of new folky goodness to tour with.
A good mojito finds the perfect blend of white rum, lime juice, soda water, mint and sugar. An inventive mojito tinkers with the recipe, because even the best drinks can use some spicing up. Maybe you're an original cocktail kind of person, or maybe you like getting creative — there's no right or wrong answer. But whichever category fits, prepare to get drinking at Riverland's National Mojito Day festivities. Just one of the Eagle Street venue's array of boozy activities of late — including a pop-up hot-buttered rum bar and an espresso martini festival — this one-day celebration will sling 18 different types of the beverage in question. They'll all feature Balinese white rum; however fresh fruit and French liqueurs will get a run as well. Head on down and start sipping on Friday, July 12, with the drinks pouring from 11am and live music kicking in at 5pm. Sure, National Mojito Day is actually officially the day before — but Riverland knows these kinds of shindigs are always better at the end of the week.
No one likes it when a party comes to an end. Sea Legs Brewing's solution? Keep the merriment going. While most folks only spend 24 hours celebrating the Fourth of July, the Kangaroo Point bar is extending the fun across four days of American-themed festivities. On the menu: US-inspired beers, which actually comprises half of the brewery's usual menu; a culinary spread that includes hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, chicken wings and ribs and a popcorn machine; plenty of classic American tunes; and, if you're keen for something other than brews, US-themed cocktails as well. All of the above is on offer from Thursday, July 4 through until Sunday, July 7; however if you stop by on the main date, you can nab a stamp card, start tracking your hot dog consumption, and even win a prize if you consume the most. If you're particularly fond of meat in bread, you can also head along on at 2pm on Sunday for the hot dog-eating contest (with registrations from 1pm).
Among the English language's best phrases, 'all you can eat' ranks up there with the best of them. It'd sound great in any language, of course, and you might hear it in German on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 — aka 'so viel du essen kannst'. Specifically, you might hear either version at Munich Brauhaus, The Bavarian and the Bavarian Beerhaus, which are all offering an appropriate stuff-your-face deal. For a two-hour sitting, you can tuck into as many schnitzels as you can stomach. Served on a platter, there are three varieties on offer: the uber schnitzel, which is decked out with rocket, semi-dried tomato and parmesan; the jager schnitzel, as topped with wild mushroom ragu; and the good ol' parmigiana, which obviously comes with melted mozzarella, tomato sauce and ham. Talk about good schnitt. The special costs $39 per person, also includes unlimited mashed potato and potato salad — yep, both hot and cold spuds — and is available for bookings of at least two people. You do need to book, however, so gather the gang, get planning, and make a date with a German beer house in Bowen Hills, South Bank, Chermside or on Eagle Street.
Come Friday, July 19, it's time for a night at the museum — but you won't find Ben Stiller roaming the halls here. Rather, given what'll be on display at Queensland Museum at the time, the revelry will feel a little out of this world. Given the date, it'll also feel positively lunar. Walking, talking, drinking and partying like you're on the moon is on the agenda at QM's latest After Dark shindig, which is all about soaring beyond the earth as part of the museum's NASA — A Human Adventure showcase. With the party happening just a day before the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, it'll be a real blast from the past, complete with 60s tunes and makeovers. Overall, there'll be music, drinks and demonstrations — plus attendees will get free reign, peering not only at the a whole host of exhibits about space featuring more than 250 items, including pieces that have actually been to space, but also feasting your eyes on the rest of the joint's displays. The Camp Hill Antique Centre will help QM recreate a 60s-era living room, so you can truly experience watching the moon landing like it's five decades ago. You'll be knocking back beverages; examining rocket engines, space food, space suits, lunar cameras and moon boots; and just generally pondering life beyond our pale blue dot. A word of warning: these shindigs often sell out so you'll want to nab a ticket quickly.
For a brief period this winter, Naïm is switching its Middle Eastern focus for Mexican cuisine — and it's inviting a top Mexican chef along to showcase his modern-style fare. You'd usually find Julio Aguilera cooking up a storm in both South and North America, including a previous stint at San Francisco's two-Michelin-star restaurant Saison; however between July 3–6 and again from 10–13 he'll be doing his best in Paddington. On the menu at this pop-up is a five-course Mexican degustation, all made from locally-sourced ingredients. Joining forces with Naïm's Vince Estacio, Aguilera will retain the tastes, textures and spices he knows and loves, while working in Aussie seafood, wagyu and the like. "It's an exciting challenge to build the flavour profiles of Mexican cuisine with ingredients from the other side of the world," the chef explains. Hospitality professional Matt Goodman will be working on the wine and spirits pairings, with the sit-down affair costing $80 per person. It's available for vegan diners as well. After serving up dinners for the bulk of their visit, Aguilera and Goodman will also turn Naïm into a Mexican block party on Sunday, July 14. Image: Naïm.
When the Nazis seized Germany during the 1930s, the party cemented its presence in many ways, however two stand out in Never Look Away. Firstly, Hitler's underlings began ruthlessly eradicating anyone deemed undesirable. Secondly, the growing facist regime deployed propaganda to condemn so-called degeneracy, including via art showcases about socially unacceptable pieces. Witness to both was a boy, Kurt Barnert (Cai Cohrs). He attended an exhibition with his beloved aunt Elisabeth (Saskia Rosendahl), was encouraged by her to explore his own creative streak and think for himself, and then watched on as she was taken away due to her mental health. Kurt is a stand-in for real-life artist Gerhard Richter, in a cinematic dance between fiction and history. But Never Look Away's message is clear: that some of Germany's greatest art masterworks are a product of living through the country's worst days, grappling with them and committing that conflict to canvas. If only Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's film took this idea to its core, instead of merely depicting it. If only it too was a work of great conflict and texture, rather than a curiously straightforward fictionalised biopic. The filmmaker's return to Germany after winning an Oscar for 2006's The Lives of Others, then heading to Hollywood for dismal Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp vehicle The Tourist, Never Look Away is a handsome, engrossing picture. It tells a compelling tale with impressive performances to match, never drags across its lengthy 189-minute running time, and earned Academy Award nominations for Best Foreign-Language Film and Best Cinematography for its efforts. That said, it's also as standard a version of the story as there is — and if our collective traumas have taught the world anything, it's that complexity remains even in the most clear-cut cases of good versus evil. As a young man forever shaped by childhood experiences both rewarding and tragic, Kurt (now played by Tom Schilling) emerges in post-World War II Germany as an aspiring artist. First, he paints signs. Then, he attends an East German art school, where he is taught to practise his chosen field with a communist mindset, and to specifically apply his skills to social-realist murals. Rallying against such strict confines, Kurt searches for creative freedom and challenges, which he finds in West Germany's Düsseldorf Art Academy under the tutelage of Joseph Beuys-surrogate Antonius Van Verten (Oliver Masucci). But he can't escape the past, not even in the arms of fellow student Elisabeth 'Ellie' Seeband (Paula Beer), whose gynaecology professor father Carl (Sebastian Koch) was responsible for sending Kurt's aunt to her death. Writer-director von Donnersmarck may have based his script on conversations with Richter, copious research and facts about the artist's father-in-law, and yet there's a prevailing feeling that colours Never Look Away's warm-hued frames. While its real-life details prove anything but, this is a neat movie. There are many ways to convey and explore the truth, with the German filmmaker choosing to easily join the dots. That his picture devotes so much time to showing how Kurt endeavours to interrogate the past, how that influences his work, and the thoughtful ways in which he brings his anguish and agony to his canvases, only shines a brighter light on Never Look Away's narrative and thematic tidiness. As Richter's pieces have screamed for decades across everything from photo-realistic images to abstract designs, there's little that's orderly about the way he's been sifting through his life via his art. Indeed, many of the film's best moments, focusing on Kurt in his art school studio as he struggles with making the paintings he's driven to create, show exactly how this is the case. As a result, Never Look Away does actually prove conflicted, albeit not in the way that a movie about an artist who sees the Nazis' horrors then falls in love with the daughter of an ex-SS officer should be. Rather, the film is conflicted about retaining its links to Richter and smoothing out his story for easy dramatic effect. It's also conflicted about sitting half-way between fact and fiction, not only filtering one man's tale through a simplified lens, but reflecting history through that same perspective as well. And viewers should feel conflicted watching it, too. Many of the picture's components are stellar, with the excellent Schilling, Rosendahl and Beer all turning in moving, nuanced performances, and cinematographer Caleb Deschanel giving the film a simultaneously classical yet probing look as well. Alas, as involving and visually striking as Never Look Away is, there's no mistaking that this is the glossy, not thorny, version of an inherently tricky slice of life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUrYfrTEYOU
Forget worms — the early bird gets gourmet bites to eat, farm-fresh produce to line the cupboards, and an enjoyable morning of browsing and shopping at Milton Markets. Every Sunday morning from 7am in winter, more than 80 stalls descend upon the corner of Cribb and Little Cribb streets in the inner western suburb to sell tasty wares. From whenever you feel like waking up until 1pm, you can wander through massive fig trees to join them. Once a season, the Milton Markets also celebrates the change of weather — and all of the food that goes with it. On Sunday, June 16, it's doing so with Milton Markets: Winter Seasonal Flavours, which'll showcase the tastes that make everyone think of frosty weather. If fresh seasonal fruit gets your stomach grumbling, you can stock up here. If a hot chocolates, warm comfort food and artisanal snacks do as well, you're in luck again. Expect themed gourmet food stalls, decorations to suit the occasion, and live entertainment and music are on the agenda too.
