For the past two years, we've all been streaming flicks on our laptops and phones while we've been spending more time at home. But there's nothing quite like putting your bum on a seat in an actual picture palace — especially when you're jumping into a whole film fest, pop-up cinema or movie-filled season filled with big-screen delights. Excitingly, you can do that IRL at more than a few events around Brisbane over the next few months. We've rounded up some of our faves right here, so you can add them to your diary — and, when the time comes, order an extra large popcorn, then get stuck into some serious viewing.
While much of the country is slowly starting to creep back to normality — and Melbourne has a roadmap to get there — there are some basic activities that'll be looking very different post-COVID. That includes the humble music gig and festival. With large crowds seen as a potential risk for virus transmission, all Australian states and territories still have density limits in place for gatherings and events, meaning that this year's festival season is set to be in stark contrast to all those before it. While it's hard to tell exactly what the future of music shows looks like locally, plans for an upcoming Western Australian event could help shed some light. Hitting the Busselton Foreshore on Saturday, October 31, the inaugural Good Day Sunshine festival is set to debut a new COVID-safe festival format, featuring a revolving stage and four separate crowd areas. The design will allow event promoters Macro Music to safely host 5000 punters. In the plans, the aptly named Turntable Stage sits at the centre of the site, rotating between four separated audience zones, each with a reduced 1250-person capacity. The lower numbers and crowd split will allow the festival to meet the state's current density restrictions of two-square-metres per person, while improving ease of contract tracing. Each of the four areas will operate as a separate event, complete with its own entry and exit point, and own amenities including bars, toilets and food outlets. A static sound system will service the entire site, while on-stage LED screens will provide all punters with concert visuals at each point of the stage's revolution. After purchasing tickets, Good Day Sunshine patrons were required to nominate one of the four quadrants, which is where they'll remain for the entirety of the festival. Each of the zones will have its own COVID safety officer, leading dedicated teams of staff that will continuously clean shared facilities and top up hand sanitiser stations. The event is set to be closely monitored and, if it proves successful, could pave the way for future Aussie festivals. "I would be flattered if this format was to be used by other events in Australia and across the world," said Macro Music CEO and festival designer Ross Macpherson. "The sooner we can get large-scale live events back up and running, the better for everyone." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeYsTUQ9D34&feature=youtu.be The Good Day Sunshine lineup has met some issues thanks to Western Australia's hard border lockdowns and difficulties securing approval for artists to enter the state. At this stage, acts including Eskimo Joe, John Butler Trio and Xavier Rudd are set to headline the October 31 debut. Good Day Sunshine will debut at Barnard Park, Busselton, on October 31. Learn more about its new format at the festival's website.
If it's a shiny start to 2018 that you want, then it's a shiny party you'll get at The Fox's NYE Glitter Ball. A word of warning first up, however: you'd best be keen for a music-, drink- and crowd-filled evening as well. Spread across three floors, it'll certainly be busy at the South Brisbane haunt, with a trio of options on offer. Hang out on the ground level for $65, which gets you three hours of food and drinks; head up to the roof for $179, keep the fun going for five hours and get a glass of Veuve Cliquot on arrival; or fork out $229 for the VIP experience, including an oyster bar. Live entertainment will be on offer either way, and so will so, so, so much glitter and a jam-packed venue.
We could probably all do with some more phone-free time, what with today's always-connected society, not to mention the cancer scares. But sometimes it's handy to have a functional phone even when you're trying to get away from it all. Music festivals are a prime example: you're out in a paddock enjoying music all day and when the speakers fall silent you need to call your friends to find your tent. So, UK phone company Orange teamed up with renewable energy experts gotwind to develop some new ideas for Glastonbury this year: wellies with thermocouples that harness the funky heat of your feet after throwing shapes all day, and a shirt that charges your phone by converting soundwaves into electricity. And if you're getting back to nature by going camping, you might just need that phone to make a call if something goes wrong... or to post a photo of what a great time you're having away from all your facebook friends. Japan's TES New Energy have come up with what is basically a cooking pot with a power cord, so that you can harness the extra heat from boiling the billy to charge your smart phone. [via PSFK]
Thelma and Louise. Chocolate and peanut butter. Romeo and Juliet — all iconic pairings. Now, rosé wine and gin creators Maison Mirabeau might have introduced a new contender to the mix in the form of its signature drop: the Mirabeau Dry Rosé Gin. As you might have guessed, it's created via the power pairing of Provençal pink wine and gin. The low down? It's a fresh drop that you will want to enjoy in an appropriately refreshing environment. So, fantastically, a great introduction to the drop is on offer at the Maison Mirabeau x Four Seasons Sydney poolside pop-up this summer. From Monday, December 5 to Monday, January 23, you'll have the chance to channel a South of France sojourn by heading to Four Seasons Sydney and sipping a selection of delicious rosé- and gin-based cocktails from the comfort of your sun lounger. Whether you like a traditional dry gin (tinted pink), or are a purist and opt for a glass of Pure Rosé, you can expect subtle, stylish drops. There's Mirabeau's Riviera Gin & Tonic served with Mediterranean tonic water, fragrant rosemary and zesty lemon peel; and a chilled Rosé Negroni served with Lillet Rosé, Campari and orange peel — a particularly decadent indulgence when coupled with a stay at one of Sydney's most fabulous five-star hotels. Alternately, if you can't quite find the time to stop and smell the rosé, then Maison Mirabeau is making it easy to create a piece of Provence at home with bottles of Mirabeau Dry Rosé Gin now stocked at Dan Murphy's. For more on the Maison Mirabeau x Four Seasons Poolside Summer pop-up, head to the website.
Feel like you're always seeing shows in the same places, Brisbanites? Wondering why some of the big productions don't make their way to our theatres, even if they're playing in Sydney and Melbourne? There's a reason for both — but if a new proposed 1500 to 1700 seat venue comes to fruition, those problems might become a thing of the past. Released on January 16, Building Queensland's Infrastructure Pipeline Report recommends something that theatre, music and live performance fans have long been hoping for, and is rather obvious really: that the State Government builds a new performing arts centre. The city's spread of performing arts venues hasn't changed in quite some time, meaning that there's only so much room for so many performances. Chatter about another addition to the fold springs up every few years — but this report might just see that talk turn into action. The report cites the fact that Brisbane's major performing arts venues are currently at capacity, which is a pretty big deal. That means that they probably couldn't fit in something like The Book of Mormon (which has just opened in Melbourne this week) if they wanted to. For example, with the city's biggest venue — the Queensland Performing Arts Centre at South Bank — already staging events for Queensland Ballet, Queensland Theatre Company, Opera Queensland and Queensland Symphony Orchestra, it's pretty darn busy. That's not really a reason that stands up to growing pressure from the arts sector, including local, national and international companies looking to stage mid-sized and large-scale productions, or to audiences. And it will only continue to be an issue into the future. No further specifics are offered, although putting together a complete detailed business case is outlined as the next step (albeit without a timeline). And as we mentioned above, the government has played in this territory before, with nothing actually eventuating. Debate has raged about the size of any new venue over the years, with preferences ranging from 500 to 1500 seats. And while the latter was included in the winning Queen's Wharf proposal — aka the space that's about to drastically change on the northern side of the river in the CBD — it's no longer mentioned on the project's website. Via Brisbane Times.
Been spending the first few months of 2021 pondering the future? Given how the past year has panned out, that's only natural. But tonight, on Tuesday, April 27, you might want to look to the skies as well — and feast your eyes on a luminous lunar sight. For folks located Down Under, this is when you'll see this year's 'pink supermoon'. While super full moons aren't particularly rare — two usually happen each year — there are plenty of reasons to peer upwards this time around. If you're wondering why, we've run through the details below. WHAT IS IT? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. As we all learned back in November 2016, a supermoon is a new moon or full moon that occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it particularly bright. They're not all that uncommon — and because April 2021's supermoon is a full moon (and not a new moon), it's called a super full moon. It's also a pink moon, too, which doesn't refer to its colour but to the time of year. In the northern hemisphere, April and spring go hand-in-hand — which means the April full moon usually arrives with the onset of the year's floral blooms, and with the first flowers from the pink-hued wild ground phlox specifically. Of course, it's currently autumn in the southern hemisphere, and the wild ground phlox are native to North America — but the name still sticks. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? If you're keen to catch a glimpse, you'll want to peek outside on Tuesday, April 27. While timeanddate.com notes that the super pink moon is expected to be at its peak at 1.31pm during the day today in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane — and at 1.01pm in Adelaide, and 11.31am in Perth — it's still worth looking up for once evening hits. If you're eager to take some pictures — and see if you can outdo previous supermoon snaps — moonrise is expected at 5.33pm AEST tonight. That's when the moon will first peek above the horizon for the evening, and it'll move higher into the sky across the night. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies — so city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. Typically, haze is predicted for Sydney, and Brisbane and Perth have partly cloudy forecasts — but the Bureau of Meteorology only tips light morning showers for Melbourne, and sunny conditions for Adelaide. If you miss out tonight, another supermoon is due on Wednesday, May 26 — and it's called the flower moon. Via timeanddate.com / space.com. Image: Andrew C.
During the past two months of lockdown, we've done plenty of solo dancing in our lounge rooms, with online nightclubs, virtual DJ sets and charity music festivals providing the tunes. But, from today, Wednesday, May 27, you can round up nine of your mates and head out for a night of dinner and dancing at your own private event at The Tivoli. In line with Queensland's recently eased restrictions, which came into force on May 15, restaurants and venues serving food have been allowed to reopen to ten dine-in customers at a time. The Tivoli doesn't usually fit that description, but it's adapting to the situation — and allowing Brisbanites to have the place to themselves for a four-course shared meal, all while listening to a live band or making shapes to a DJ set. "COVID19 has changed the way people are allowed to gather and experience live music, so instead of focusing on what we can't do during this time, we're focusing on what we can," explains The Tivoli co-owner and creative director Dave Sleswick. "For the first time ever, we're opening up The Tivoli to intimate groups for an evening of decadence, incredible food and excellent music. This is a fantastic time to diversify our offering and get creative." You and your nine pals will pay at least $165 each, which includes exclusive access to the venue for four hours, a tour of the place (including backstage), and picking your own music playlist to be pumped through The Tiv's sound system. The basic package also features a glass of champagne on arrival, then four courses of dinner with matched wines. Your meal will start with cheese and charcuterie, with truffled mushroom pâté and duck dumplings among the entree options, pork belly porchetta and braised wagyu beef cheeks on the mains list, and petit fours served up for dessert. If you're after a live band or DJ, that can be arranged as well — although you'll have to pay extra. You can also turn the occasion into a poker game or murder-mystery night, get a professional photographer to come along and get snapping, or level up your food to include caviar and oysters, too. To make a booking, you will need to have ten people. You'll also need to pay a 50-percent deposit at the time. Bookings are available from Wednesday, May 27–Friday, June 12, after which The Tivoli expects to be allowed to permit groups of 20 to enjoy all of the above — contingent on Queensland's COVID-19 restrictions easing further, as outlined in the state's roadmap. During the pandemic, The Tivoli has also launched a bottle shop and cafe, should you be looking to pick up some booze to take home — or have it delivered. Records from Jet Black Cat Music are also available, with The Tiv-themed merchandise coming soon as well. The Tivoli is open for private bookings from Wednesday, May 27, with a minimum spend of $165 per person for a group of ten people required. To make your reservation, visit the venue's website.
When Pharrell Williams first made contact with Morgan Neville, the Oscar-winning documentarian behind 20 Feet From Stardom, their conversation could've started like this: "it might seem crazy what I'm 'bout to say". The famed producer, N.E.R.D. co-founder, 'Happy' singer, and Daft Punk and Snoop Dogg collaborator's proposal to the filmmaker also behind the Mr Rogers-focused Won't You Be My Neighbour?, then Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain and STEVE! (martin): a Documentary in 2 Pieces, was for Neville to tell Williams' life story — a request that doesn't seem out of the ordinary. But Pharrell wanted this journey through his upbringing in Virginia Beach in Virginia, his music dreams as a kid and a teenager, and then the ups and downs of his career to solely be relayed using Lego animation. How do you explore anyone's existence, let alone someone so influential in music for decades, while rendering them, other interviewees and everything else that's seen on-screen only in the style of The Lego Movie, The Lego Batman Movie, The Lego Ninjago Movie and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part? Just as importantly, why would you? Piece by Piece, the film that results, sits alongside Brett Morgen's David Bowie-adoring Moonage Daydream as recent music docos that know how to expertly takes their cues for their approach, aesthetic and vibe from their subject. In both cases, it's instantly apparent that any other method wouldn't have done the folks at their centre justice. Piece by Piece boasts the childhood details, the stories shared by loved ones and colleagues, the glimpses into the studio and the examples of Pharrell's work, his music and the videos that go with them alike. As the movie's title states so clearly, however, they have all been built piece by piece in Lego animation. This effectively meant making the film twice, first featuring the raw materials, including chats with Williams, his N.E.R.D. bandmates Shae Haley and Chad Hugo, his distant cousin Timbaland, fellow Virginia Beach residents Pusha T and Missy Elliott, and then everyone from Daft Punk and Snoop to Gwen Stefani and Kendrick Lamar — and secondly with that initial cut, which Neville dubs the "radio edit", animated frame by frame in the Lego fashion. Spliced into the initial version were storyboards for scenes that simply wouldn't have been possible to realise without Piece by Piece's unconventional biodoc technique, many of which bring Pharrell's synesthesia to the screen. Music appears to him as colours, and shapes as well. The film not only recreates that sensation for the audience, but does so with exacting detail: when the beats that Pharrell creates appear as pulsating bricks, be it for N.E.R.D's 'Rock Star' or No Doubt's 'Hella Good', or for Snoop Dogg's 'Drop It Like It's Hot' or Williams' own mega hit from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack — and much more — the forms and hues depicted are exactly what Pharrell sees. In every piece, frame and moment, this is a documentary that's intimately in tune with its subject, then. It celebrates a dreamer by crafting those dreams out of bricks. Yes, it all clicks. It's an ode to creativity and imagination, too, right down to deploying one of the first formats that almost every child uses to make new worlds, because that's what Lego lets us do. While there are tie-in kits available for sale, as happens with Lego-based movies, the medium matches the man perfectly. Indeed, that's so accurate that the feature wouldn't have happened otherwise, including if Lego hadn't be on board with the idea, Neville told Concrete Playground. "We'd thought about it, whether there were other ways of doing it if Lego said no. And I think we all agreed if Lego said no, there was going to be no film," the director shares. "It just felt like Lego itself was actually an important piece, as it were, of what the film was — that it wasn't just a gimmick, that it actually felt part of who Pharrell is in his story and how he sees the world." We also chatted with Neville about how you respond when Pharrell asks you to make a movie about him using Lego — a version of which is seen in the film — plus creating a type of music documentary that hasn't been made before, the added possibilities that come with examining someone's life and career in Lego, heroing creativity, his starting point whether he's making docos about Williams or Bourdain or Martin, and more. On How You React When Pharrell Suggests That Lego Would Be the Perfect Medium to Tell His Story "What happens in the film is a version of what happened in real life. But that was the one moment that I didn't actually record, because the first time I met Pharrell, he pitched me on this idea where he said 'I want you to make a movie about me, and then I want you to throw away all the visuals and do it again in Lego'. And honestly, when he said that I was totally hooked. So that's the difference. I think in the movie I'm a little unsure, but I think in real life I jumped right into it. That was the thing that got me incredibly excited, because I didn't know what it was going to mean. It was a crazy idea, but I love crazy ideas." On Making a Type a Music Documentary That Hasn't Been Made Before — and Whether It Feels Daunting, Freeing or a Bit of Both "I feel like being a film director, there's a kind of wilful amnesia that you have, where you intentionally forget how difficult it is to make films. Because if you remembered, you wouldn't make them. So I vaguely knew that this was going to be climbing a mountain, but I really just looked at this path in front of me and said 'well, this is interesting. What if I do this, and what if I think about this? And, well, let's talk to Lego. They could kill it. It might go away'. We talked to Lego and they said 'we love it'. And then we just kept trying things. And so step by step it came together, but it was five years of work to get there." On How Using Lego Allowed the Film to Explore and Expand Areas and Details That Wouldn't Have Been Possible Otherwise — or in Such an Evocative Way "That was the amazing realisation I came to early on, was that because of the Lego, we could do things you can't normally do — you certainly couldn't do in a documentary and you couldn't do in a lot of films — which is visualise imagination, or visualise things in somebody's head. And so the synesthesia was an important thing because Pharrell sees colour when he hears sound. We wanted to get that right. We actually brought in Michel Gagné, who's a famous animator, who had done the synesthesia in Ratatouille, to work on this — to think 'how do you do synesthesia, but in Lego?'. But then also the idea that we can visualise beats — the beats that Pharrell has made are physical Lego objects. And every beat in the film is actually reflective of how Pharrell sees that song. So the colours and the shapes of the beats in the film are accurate to what Pharrell sees in his head, even though nobody else knows what that is. Every song, we're like 'Pharrell, okay what are the colours? How does this look?'. Because it's interesting, he has a library in his head of every song you mention, he'll tell you what the colours are of that. So things like that you could do in Lego, which I don't know how else you would do that." On the Importance of Connecting Celebrating Creativity and Imagination with One of the First Gateways to Unlocking Both for Children "I think many people, most people, probably grew up with some connection to Lego toys. I did. I was of the era where when I bought a set of Lego, you would just get a big box of pieces. There were no instructions, it was just 'okay, make whatever you want'. I always ended up with a big tub of random pieces and you would just make stuff. I think Pharrell, also Lego he said was a really important toy his parents would give him when he was young. And it's interesting how much it comes up in the creative community. I've talked to architects and artists and designers, and Lego actually is kind of a building block of creativity. It's this thing that I think is just pure imagination in that way. And so imagination is a huge theme of the film. I love making films about creative people and how they think, and Lego just felt like this perfect way of exploring that. And the idea that it was Pharrell's conceit makes it even more organic to why it works in this film." On Neville's Starting Point When He's Making a Documentary, No Matter Who or What His Subject Is "My starting point on every project, I do a couple of things. I start a playlist of music. So for every film, I have a playlist of music, even if it's not about music. I'm a musician and I've made a lot of films about music, and it helps me get a feel for the tone of what a film could be. In this case I had like ten playlists, because Pharrell had done so much music. So I had solo work and produced by, and with the bands he had done and influenced music. And I spent months listening to all of it, waiting for songs to pop out and for me to hear them and say 'oh, I could see this, it feels like this song belongs in a scene' or 'this song has a theme that could work to the story'. So that's a big part of it. Then I gather visuals and references, and all that kind of stuff. So all that just goes into a pod as I start to conceive of what this film might be. But I think all that other stuff, tone and aesthetic, are all things I'm thinking about in the beginning. And then I just talk as much as I can to the subject or other people. I just am trying to take in as much input as I can get. Then it starts to form in my head and little things start coming together." On the Difficult Task of Knowing What to Include and Leave Out When You're Making a Film About Someone with Such a Wide-Ranging Career "It always is. This was difficult because Pharrell has done so much, but I always think about it more like 'what are the things that influenced his life?'. I mean, a big part of this movie is his childhood, which was a huge part of what made him who he is. But it's not his career. So in that way, the career stuff, he had so many more hits that aren't even in the film. He's done so much. But to me it's about the moments where things turn. It's where maybe a failure — failures are as interesting as successes when it comes to looking at a narrative of a person's life, because that's where we learn. So I think it was really identifying the moments where something felt different, or where he learned something, or where something clicked or didn't click. I always try to avoid what I think of as 'the Wikipedia version' of a person's life, because it's not that interesting to just go through everything they accomplished. But to hit the moments that actually meant something to them, that were part of their personal growth or their creative growth, that's what I try to zero in on, and so that helps me cut stuff out unfortunately." Piece by Piece opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Images: courtesy of Focus Features / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.
Do you prefer popcorn or choc-tops? Frozen coke or post-mix? Drama or comedy? Action or horror? These are all questions you need to answer because you need to be ready for the cinematic fiesta that is about to take place. The Brisbane International Film Festival is on again, and it might be the most comprehensive and diverse iteration of the festival ever experienced. Taking place in cinemas all over Brisbane, BIFF (what a great acronym) will be screening dozens of films ranging from home-grown flicks to obscure international fare. Do yourself a massive favour and check out the program online. Decide if you prefer documentaries or short films, world cinema or Australian efforts and buy a ticket (or ten). Don’t miss out on one of the cultural highlights of the year. And if you really need a hand choosing from the extensive list, we have gone ahead and made a list of ten films that you need to see.
I fear soon Brisbane will reach a point where the beloved attires so many of us covet - the wardrobes of eras and people past, second hand and vintage fashion - will begin to hit a serious stock shortage. There are only so many lovely stylish ladies who have saved their outfits from the last few decades – and I think at least a few of their collections are filling up the hangers in my wardrobe. There’s just something about our generations range clothing that can never going be as cool as the fashions of the 40s and 50s. It's time to stock up before all the good stuff is gone! The monthly Vintage and Designer Markets are on again this Saturday housed at their new venue, Rumpus Room. There is sure to be something to suit your budget and need. I mean come on, there’s gotta be room in your wardrobe for an extra trendy coat this winter! There's always room! Get your mitts on the best of Brisbane’s vintage before it’s all snatched up!
With Splendour in the Grass and other winter festivals approaching, you're going to need a little more than a tent - even if it is one of the adorable Fieldcandy tents that we found the other week. There's still campfire eating to think about, as well as that necessary cup of caffeine after a night spent in the great outdoors. Thanks to the creative and over-the-top genius of these 10 'glamping' products, this list will have you covered. 1. Bell Tent Recall the circus of yesteryear in a retro striped bell tent. All that is missing is the bedecked elephants. 2. Faux-Fur Throw What better than a faux-fur blanket to keep the winter chill out? Your inner diva needs it. 3. Wine Glass Clamp You've reclined into the comfy canvas recesses of your camping chair. But where to place your glass of pinot? An age old dilemma solved with a simple clamp that can attach to just about any camping chair. 4. Star Solar Lights Keep the stars with you on a cloudy camping night, or even inside your tent. This outdoor string of star-shaped is powered by a separate solar panel and will light automatically when the sun goes down, lending your campsite a magical feel. 5. Heart-Shaped Marshmallow Toasting Fork As if s'mores could get any better, you can now toast your marshmallows on a heart-shaped stick. 6. Cafe Latte Set There is no need to compromise on the quality of your coffee just because you are outdoors. This set contains a French press and a milk foamer to satisfy even the most hardened coffee snob. 7. Portable BBQ Grill This retro and portable grill is too cute. Perfect for roasting burgers and hotdogs! 8. Phone-Charging Gumboots Even the most avid campers miss their mobiles when roughing it. Keep yours charged with these functional and fashionable wellies. After a day full of running around at a festival, simply slide your phone into the charger at the top of the boot, where it will receive a charge from heat energy you have generated all day.
In the Greater Brisbane region, 2021 started with a snap lockdown and then other COVID-19 restrictions, before returning to the conditions that were in place late last year. Now, with March almost at its midpoint, the entire state is about to enjoy a few changes — which is particularly great news if you like gathering in large groups at home or in public. This morning, on Thursday, March 11, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced via social media that new eased restrictions will come into effect at 1am on Saturday, March 13. On the cards, just as the weekend begins: letting folks have 100 people over to their house at once, and to gather in groups of 500 outdoors in public. So, if you've been keen on throwing a house party but didn't want to restrict your guest list to the previous cap of 50, you can now double your fun. You'll need to wait until Saturday night, though, with the previous rules still in place on Friday evenings. For outdoor public gatherings, the cap is going up from 100 — which is a hefty leap. Also changing: the limits on people at campsites, which could affect your Easter getaway plans for the better (yes, it's almost that time of year). There'll now be no caps, with the rules here being removed altogether. And, if you feel like you've spent too long waiting for elevators of late, there's a reason for that. Currently, only four people are allowed inside a lift at once, but that's going up to six people. In this batch of relaxed restrictions, nothing has changed with hospitality and entertainment venues including restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, bars, museums and galleries — so they're still able to welcome in one person per two-square-metres, and allow stand-up eating and drinking, too. Indoor events remain at 500 attendees, and seated, ticketed venues such as cinemas and theatres have been at 100-percent capacity since January. Outdoor events can still have 1500 folks head along, openair outdoor stadiums remain at full capacity as well, and dancing indoors and outdoors has been back for a couple of months, with the one person per two-square-metres rule in place there as well. The latest changes come as Queensland reported five new overseas-acquired cases in the past 24 hours, and zero new local cases. The state's current case total sits at 41, out of a pandemic-long total to-date of 1373. As always, the usual hygiene and social-distancing advice applies — including frequent hand-washing, maintaining a 1.5-metre distance from other people and getting tested if you have even the slightest of COVID-19 symptoms. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.
Takeaway or dine in? It's the question that everyone who can't be bothered cooking dinner has faced, and it is more complicated than it sounds. Perhaps you'll be flying solo with your containers of food, but feel like some company? Or, maybe you and your pals all want meals delivered from different places, but know that's a bit impractical. A Helsinki pop-up has the answer, whether you're looking for an alternative to eating alone or trying to keep your gang of fellow diners happy. Called Take In, the kitchen-less venue is all about pulling up a chair, picking from around 20 restaurants, and enjoying the space as your dining room away from home — plus, making sure you have someone to share it with, even if your mates are all already busy. There's also a bar on-site, so that's the drinking side of the equation taken care of (or some liquid courage if chatting to folks you don't know makes you a little nervous). Customers can drop in just for a tipple, too; however eating out alone, but not alone is the main aim of the game. For anyone finding themselves in Finland in in the near future, the pop-up runs until April. Via Eater.
Anyone who's been outside at all this winter will have noticed that Brisbane's hardly dipped below t-shirt weather. Well, Brisbane is never too cold, but this August was one of the warmest on record. This has been both delightful and worrying — we've enjoyed days in the sun, but they've only added to our ever-present anxiety around global warming. And as we start to mentally prepare ourselves for a really, really hot summer, it seems that we're out of time already — this weekend is set to be a bit of a scorcher. Weatherzone reports that a pool of hot air is currently making its way across the country and, when it reaches the eastern states over the weekend, it will raise the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees. That will bring central Brisbane up to a maximum of 35 degrees on Sunday, September 24 and Monday, September 25. Ispwich is set to have four days over 35 in a row. In September. The hot temps will be accompanied by some nasty gusts of wind, so it's likely fire bans will be put in place across the state. While things will cool down in NSW and Victoria by Monday, in Queensland the spring heatwave is expected to continue into the week as well. Better buy that fan now, then.
Downton Abbey has always been the TV equivalent of a cup of tea: warm, soothing, a tad sugary, but reliably serving up an escape from everyday woes. Airing for six seasons from 2010–15, the 1920s-set British TV series was a hit for many reasons, letting audiences get lost in the soapy intrigue of a lavish Yorkshire mansion chief among them. That, and watching Maggie Smith sling barbs, make quips, and put anyone in their place, a skill that the veteran actor wields oh-so-well. It's been nearly four years between sips, but both the show and its beloved octogenarian are back. They're on the big screen this time around, however this is the epitome of a television movie. It's filled with everyone's favourite characters, hits all of the familiar marks, overflows with slim subplots that get wrapped up before the end credits, and leaves viewers feeling happy and cosy. With the film taking place in 1927, more than a year has passed for Downton Abbey's inhabitants, but it's business as usual at the titular manor. That's until royal news arrives, with King George V (Simon Jones) and Queen Mary (Geraldine James) planning to stop by for a visit. Naturally, excitement abounds among the aristocratic Crawley family and their loyal staff. It's the latter that have to weather the most obstacles, though. Dreaming of attending to Their Majesties, they soon discover that the Crown will be bringing their own servants with them. That's not the Downton Abbey way, of course, and the house's maids, butlers, cooks, footmen and the like won't give up their chance to shine for the kingdom without a fight. There's plenty of story to go around, and plenty of people to navigate the regal antics. Patriarch Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville) isn't too fussed, and nor is his wife Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), although that's largely because their daughter, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), takes charge. His mother Violet (Smith) is spoiling to confront her cousin Maud (Imelda Staunton), who's also the Queen's lady-in-waiting, about an inheritance. Among the upstairs residents, Tom Branson (Allen Leech) gets the most interesting narrative arc — an ex-chauffeur who married into the family, and an Irish Republican, it's suspected that he may cause trouble during the royal stay. Downstairs, retired butler Carson (Jim Carter) has been asked back for the occasion, much to his replacement Barrow's (Rob James-Collier) dismay. Kitchen maid Daisy (Sophie McShera) isn't quite ready to plan her wedding to footman Andy (Michael C. Fox), and Mary's maid Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt) is on the trail of a thief. The list goes on, with more than 25 characters receiving substantial screen-time. Penned by Julian Fellowes, like all 52 episodes of the TV show, Downton Abbey takes the more-is-more approach. This cinematic last hurrah is packed with as much as it possibly can manage, which is great news for existing fans, but comes across as rushed for newcomers. No one gets too much attention, no storyline feels particularly important and there's little in the way of tension. The blueprint of each subplot gleams as obviously as the mansion's lavish surfaces, too, even when the movie keeps jumping from one minor drama to the next. Rather than telling a rousing new tale in a fleshed-out fashion, Fellowes and director Michael Engler are more concerned with letting Downton diehards spend a bit of extra time with the well-to-do crew and their kindly subordinates. The pair do just that, however that doesn't mean uninitiated viewers aren't catered for. Nearly two decades after winning a screenwriting Oscar for Gosford Park, actor-turned-writer Fellowes has become the fount of all knowledge regarding English upstairs-downstairs shenanigans — and even when he's keeping things light and slight, the results are enjoyable to watch. As well as possessing an ear for the rhythm of everyday banter among posh and ordinary folks alike, he understands the class clashes between them, plus the similarities that draw them together. He also knows and conveys a crucial fact: that the dynamic between the upper echelons and the help isn't as consigned to the past as it may seem. Downton Abbey is a historical fantasy where scant little changes, but there's a reason that the period program struck such a chord over the last decade. As the political landscape becomes more and more fractured around the globe, the series recognises society's divisions while leaning into comfort, safety and stability in a gentle and unchallenging manner. Comfort, at least visually, might just be an understatement. There isn't much to rationalise Downton Abbey's release in theatres instead of on TV (other than the likely box office windfall, that is), but the lavish costuming and grand set design look a treat on the silver screen. Indeed, other than Smith doing what the program has always tasked her with doing best, the film's imagery is the star of the show. While the rest of the cast perform exactly as they're asked — as is to be expected nine years after the series first premiered — this isn't an actor-driven affair. Really, it's a big hug goodbye in movie form, offering up a huge embrace to eager aficionados and giving a pleasant-enough squeeze to everyone else. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbV8LpEzYgQ
Finally you can pay for your daily soy latte with a picture of David Bowie's face. If you're in the London suburb of Brixton and have a couple of Brixton Pounds on you, that is. To mark the anniversary of the UK's first urban local currency, Brixton has issued a new edition of notes featuring some famous ex-Brixton residents, including the infamous face of glam-rock. A Ziggy-era picture of Bowie now graces the £10 note, while former Chicago Bulls basketball player Luol Deng and WWII lady-spy Violette Szabo appear on the £5 and £20 note respectively. The Brixton pounds were launched in 2009 as a way to support independent business and encourage local trade and production. The Brixton pounds don't replace regular British pounds, rather they work alongside them, much in the same way Scottish pounds do. Brixton is a notoriously volatile area of South London - one night I walked in the wrong direction and ended up there, only realising once all the street lights had been blacked out and a gentleman enquired as to how much I was charging for my 'time'. The Brixton pounds are an effort to improve perceptions of the area (perpetuated by people such as myself) and ensure that local businesses can keep afloat in the face of recession and competition from big chain stores, while working to reduce the area's carbon footprint. It's actually a fantastic strategy, and one that's worked well in several towns around the UK. Now that they've put David Bowie on a valid form of currency, you can bet that Brixton's going to be doing a whole lot more business, because at the end of the day it's just not as exciting buying groceries with a picture of the Queen than it is with Ziggy Stardust. [Via PSFK]
Spender understands the adaptability of a chair, Jeremy Neale and Go Violets team up and Bonobo are ready to help you relax on a Sunday. Here are five tracks to soundtrack your weekend. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HgU3rROkeIE 1. 'Bed & Chair' - Spender Spender dropped this pop tune densely wrapped in deep synth only yesterday, meaning you could be one of the first to own it, and then when your friends catch up and start talking about him in a month, you can be that person who says "I knew him before he was big". Be quick though; this window will only be open a short time, with Spender set to soar into stardom off the back of this dance-inducing smash. Also, we don't recommend trying his chair positions at home. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JyqemIbjcfg 2. 'Recover' - CHVRCHES CHVRCHES announced this week their plans to tour Australia in early August (with Splendour in the Grass rumours swiftly following), and their tickets will be in hot demand. Their debut EP Recover was released only two months ago and has since gained worldwide acclaim, and the title-track here is a fine example of just why everyone wants a piece of the Scottish trio. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bpm8VV8O93E 3. 'Antenna' - Bonobo Bonobo are the masters of making music that suits every occasion, and their newly released album, The North Borders, showcases this to perfection. Play this track at that house party on Friday night, whilst nursing that hangover on Saturday morning or whilst having the in-laws over for supper on Sunday, and nobody will be disappointed, especially not you. 4. 'In Stranger Times' - Jeremy Neale & Go Violets Jeremy Neale is the garage guru of Brisbane. Not only does he front the voracious Velociraptor, but he also creates his own catchy tracks in his spare time. Now he has teamed up with the guru-esses Go Violets to create a delectable harmony that transports you back to the '60s. So open all the windows and doors and blare 'In Stranger Times' to all of your neighbours — they deserve to hear it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=tBsRvthVhdw 5. 'Entertainment' - Phoenix Phoenix's new album Bankrupt is finally released in only 11 short days. The French rockers have been teasing us ever since the release of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix with hints about when they would release new music and what it would sound like. Well, ladies and gentlemen, it sounds incredible. 'Entertainment', the first track off the soon-to-be-released album, is a ballistic blend of pop, orient-inspired synth and bass guitar that will populate every party playlist you hear this weekend.
If you want a trip to remember full of endless sunshine, tuk tuk rides and temples (but you don't fancy the idea of going within sniffing distance of Denpasar) then Cambodia might be the place for you. The Kingdom of Cambodia is home to a generous and open people, incredible and fragrant food, staggering temples, and a truly incredibly history. When you combine all of this with 24-hour action, scooters piled high with chooks and kids, and a country still in recovery from recent turmoil, you get a formidable destination for the fearless. Cambodia has been steadily building a reputation as both a place to immerse yourself in history and culture — and, more recently, as a place to party. It's a place of highs and lows. Your first glimpse of the formidable Angkor Wat will leave you in no doubt as to its status as one of the most incredible feats of ancient architecture on the face of the Earth; your last glimpse of the party beaches of Koh Rong Island will remind you of why your liver is hurting. But when you've had your fill of temples and you're sick of the endless party scene in Sihanoukville, you should make for the peaceful riverside town of Kampot. Steeped in French Colonial history — but without the big-names of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh — this beautiful and fascinating spot in southwest Cambodia is well worth a stay, especially when some R&R from constant travel is required. Need some help on how to fill your days? Here's ten things to do while kicking it in Kampot. [caption id="attachment_578323" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Aram Visser via Flickr.[/caption] VISIT AN ABANDONED LUXURY RESORT This remote and once-grandiose luxury resort was dreamed up by colonial French settlers in 1922. Now abandoned, Bokor Hill Station's buildings are still standing (no mean feat, given that this spot was one of the last strongholds of the Khmer Rouge in the 1990s) and make for an eerie day trip. The best way to get out there is to jump on a scooter and ride out yourself — but if you're not confident on a bike, there will be a tour or ten being spruiked in town. Cap your visit off with a drink in the creepy and almost completely patronless, brand spanking new casino which has been curiously constructed on a very out-of-the-way hilltop. Not weirded out enough? Check out the abandoned Catholic church, which is complete with a still-standing altar. WATCH A FILM AT A ROOM SERVICE BED CINEMA So we know you can do this anywhere in the world, but sometimes you just want to take five and watch a film in a foreign country. Watching a film on your laptop will suffice — but watching one in a private bed cinema is approximately one million times better. At Ecran Movie House, you get to splay out over a massive bed in your own private viewing room with air-conditioning, room service drinks and on-demand dumplings from the adjoining noodle joint. Can Hoyts take cues from this? EAT VEGO NOSH BY THE RIVER AT BANTEAY SREY SPA Travelling around Cambodia is tough. Reward yourself with a soothing oil massage or a facial. Banteay Srey Spa is women-only — with the exception of yoga in the morning — and is a great place to enjoy a spa treatment, as well as a swim in the river and some vegetarian and vegan food afterwards. Didn't bring your swimmers? No problem. The spa provides traditional Khmer wraps, which perfect for taking a dip. [caption id="attachment_578321" align="alignnone" width="1280"] James Antrobus via Flickr.[/caption] VISIT THE GIANT DURIAN Surely this one needs no more explanation. The giant fruit sits in the middle of a roundabout in the centre of town and is something of a spiky statue sister to our own Big Pineapple. Plus, there's no smell. [caption id="attachment_578349" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Blake Wheeler.[/caption] ROPE SWING INTO THE RIVER Like swinging off ropes into the river? Great. Get thee to Arcadia Backpackers for the highest of rope swings, the best tower jumps and one of the busiest backpackers in Kampot. If you're looking for a travel buddy as well as a bit of adrenalin, you'll find one here. [caption id="attachment_578333" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Oliver Townend via Flickr.[/caption] EAT PEPPER CRAB AT KEP Unless you're on a secluded romantic vacation (or don't mind everything being a bit of a drive away), don't bother staying in Kep. Head there on a day trip instead. You'll be able to feast on the famous pepper crab, which is local Kep crab served with Kampot green pepper. It's only forty-five minutes away by tuk tuk, so you can be back at your riverside bungalow in Kampot by sundown. EXPLORE KAMPOT'S CAVES Craving caving? Visit the guys at Climbodia. They'll lead you into a dark abyss of limestone caves, and then lead you back out again into the light. No experience needed — just a willingness to explore Kampot and enter dark spaces. [caption id="attachment_578337" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Marie via Flickr.[/caption] TASTE THE BEST PEPPER IN THE WORLD Fun fact: Kampot is the pepper capital of the world. Khmer people have been cultivating the spice in the area from as early as the 13th century — and up until the Khmer Rouge occupation from 1975, there wasn't a hatted restaurant in Paris worth their salt that wasn't using this piquant spice. If you want to try the best pepper in the world, straight from the source, head to one of Kampot's pepper farms for an insight into the industry. [caption id="attachment_578339" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Marie via Flickr.[/caption] WATCH THE FISHING BOATS ON KAMPOT RIVER This massive gulf of water is home to an abundance of fish, and is basically life for the Khmer people in Kampot. Sit by the river at sunset and watch the stream of green fishing boats puttering out to sea for the night. [caption id="attachment_578340" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ruben I via Flickr.[/caption] HAGGLE AT THE NIGHT MARKETS These markets start from about 4pm down near the durian roundabout and are worth a look — although, be warned, they're super dense and truly packed. Haggle hard, people. Top image: P W via Flickr.
Early 2000s, Apple-powered minimalism. It's a thing. At least one this designer is running with. German designer Klaus Geiger has resurrected the now-retired Apple Power Mac G5, the once proud must-have of the post-millennium hoo-ha, in a stunning new furniture line we're chomping at the bit to have in the office. If it's not too painful, cast your mind back to 2003. Botttles full o' bub were being swilled by Fiddy Cent. Ol' Delta Goodrem gave the finger to Neighbours. The US launched a slight little you know, invasion of Iraq. Things were on the move. Apparently the still slick-looking Mac was the fastest in the Apple family when it hit shelves in the same golden year of 2003, now it lies dormant, superseded by Airs and Pros. But old models don't just vanish into the ether. Geiger's elegant-as-blazes project BENCHMA(®)C rounded up the old towers and transformed them into sleek desks, shelving units, drawers that make you remember the Macs of the millenium not as this: but as sleek marvels of minimalist design. Like this: We're signing up now. Via The Verge. All images Klaus Geiger
When you're watching The Room, or reading behind-the-scenes memoir The Disaster Artist, or seeing the star-studded film the latter spawned as well, one big fact is always glaringly apparent. It's inescapable. It's as obvious as Tommy Wiseau's lanky hair and awkward demeanour. It's as plain as the spoons scattered throughout The Room. Yes, Greg Sestero went through one helluva experience. Of course, if it wasn't for The Room, Sestero mightn't have enjoyed his current fame. When you're in a movie that's so bad it's bad but also someone great to watch — but definitely not great itself by any standards — that's a particular kind of success. So, Sestero has made the most of it. He penned The Disaster Artist. He popped up in the flick based on it. He reteamed on-screen with Wiseau for the two-part Best F(r)iends. And he heads to screenings, doing Q&As to chat about all things The Room, too. It's been five years since Sestero last came to Australia to indulge the nation's The Room fixation, but for a week in February, he's back. His timing is perfect given that Wiseau's disasterpiece notches up 20 years in 2023. Spoons at the ready at Dendy Coorparoo on Tuesday, February 14, clearly. Sestero is doing two things: getting talking about The Room as part of 20th-anniversary sessions, and also showing his new horror film Miracle Valley. This one is a horror movie on purpose, rather than accidentally like The Room, and also marks Sestero's feature directorial debut. For newcomers to The Room — with your pristine minds currently untainted by its wonders, and your vocabulary free from constantly saying "oh hi Mark" — it tells the tale of a banker, his adulterous fiancée, his conflicted best friend, a local teen caught up in a drug deal, a mother with cancer, a particularly tense party, a bunch of guys playing football in tuxedos and the worst apartment decorating scheme you've ever seen. Wondering how all of these things come together? Even the wildest combination you can come up has nothing on The Room. As for Miracle Valley, it's about an obsessive photographer and his girlfriend, who head off on a desert getaway but get threatened by sinister forces. No — disappointingly or welcomely, depending on how you feel about The Room — Wiseau is not among the credited cast.
Come one, come all to see The Illusionists! A team of some of the world’s greatest magicians have assembled to wow and amaze with an unforgettable and dazzling display of magic that will have everyone on the edge of their seat. Each individual Illusionist will perform their own special brand of magic, along with their own assistants and sophisticated array of tricks and talents. Forget your typical children’s party magician; this is not just a display of card tricks and slight of hand pranks. Come to witness mind boggling displays of levitation, and daring escapes that will leave you breathless. The Illusionists have sold out shows around the world and they mean to do the same in Brisbane. Come and see the greatest display of super-talent this side of The Avengers, and prepare to suspend belief in the face of pure magic.
UPDATE, May 13, 2022: Due to Brisbane's wet weather, Regional Flavours has been cancelled for 2022. The event's organised have advised that "it is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of Regional Flavours 2022. This decision was not made lightly and ultimately took into account patron, stallholder, talent and staff safety given the current weather forecast and conditions." Ticketholders will receive automatic refunds via Oztix. If you're a Brisbanite who's fond of hitting up the city's festivals, the next few months are shaping up to be big — with Stones Corner Festival, Big Gay Day, Teneriffe Festival, Pinot Palooza and Paniyiri all returning before winter hits. Also joining them is Regional Flavours, and it's back to its three-day, once-a-year format. So, get ready to eat and drink your way around South Bank in a huge way. The dates you need to block out in your diary: Friday, May 13–Sunday, May 15. And if you've flocked to this South Brisbane event before, you'll know that you won't be leaving feeling hungry or thirsty. For more than a decade, Regional Flavours has been the inner-city precinct's signature food and wine festival for good reason, even in 2021 when it broke up its usual festivities into separate mini fests. You can't beat the full experience, though, obviously. The main attraction here: bites and booze. To take care of both, there'll be farmers, graziers, growers, winemakers, brewers, distillers and artisan producers hailing from both Queensland and Australia, all onsite to showcase their wares. That's what the jam-packed market part of the South Bank event will serve up — but there'll also be cooking demonstrations, masterclasses, a gin lovers' experience, and a significant focus on farm-to-fork sustainability. And, a whole heap of culinary stars will take to the fest's three stages as well. Chefs doing the honours include Georgia Barnes, Khanh Ong, Courtney Roulston, Miguel Maestre, Peter Kuruvita and Alastair McLeod, as well as the folks behind a range of Brisbane restaurants — including from Otto, Paper Daisy, Stanley, Agnes, Golden Pig, Rosmarino and Essa. If you're keen to learn more about bush tucker and slow food, Dale Chapman is on the bill as well — and to give the whole fest a soundtrack, DJs will be spinning live tunes and live music will be played across three venues. This year's Regional Flavours also has a theme: 'the ultimate grazing table'. And yes, that sounds exactly like what you'll be doing as you munch your way around South Bank, stopping only to soak in the riverside view while you eat and drink. Regional Flavours returns to South Bank between Friday, May 13–Sunday, May 15. For further details, head to the event's website.
There's no way that Dream Scenario could've been a horror movie, even if it does hail from A24 and boast Hereditary, Midsommar and Beau Is Afraid filmmaker Ari Aster as a producer. Constantly having one particular person pop up in your head as you slumber is indeed eerie; however, when that person is the one and only Nicolas Cage, who'd be scared? Cage doesn't play himself in Dream Scenario — so, it isn't going down The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent's path — but the characters played by actors other than the Renfield, Pig, Willy's Wonderland, Face/Off, Con Air, Wild at Heart, Vampire's Kiss and Raising Arizona star do indeed keep dreaming of his likeness. And, when it won't stop happening, it earns plenty of attention in this new sci-fi comedy from Sick of Myself writer/director Kristoffer Borgli. Paul Matthews is just an average family man and college professor when Dream Scenario kicks off, as the movie's trailer shows. And, if the Cage-inhabited figure didn't start haunting everyone's sleep, that would've remained the case. When we say everyone, we mean it, with millions of folks getting acquainted with Paul when their eyes are closed — his daughter, his students, old loves and then basically the entire globe. "It was one of the best scripts I've read, quite frankly, and I think it's my best performance and probably the best movie I've ever made," said Cage about the end result. The film premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, will release in the US in November, but doesn't yet have a big-screen date Down Under. Borgli's English-language debut, Dream Scenario also stars Julianne Nicholson (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story), Michael Cera (Barbie), Tim Meadows (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson), Dylan Gelula (Loot) and Dylan Baker (Hunters). And, it's another glorious chapter in the best Hollywood guessing game there is as long as Cage keeps hopping in front of the camera, aka where will the inimitable actor show up next? Check out the trailer for Dream Scenario below: Dream Scenario releases in US cinemas on November 10, but doesn't yet have a release date Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced. Images: courtesy of A24.
A Twitter-famous writer with a bestseller to her name and plenty of online fame, Arabella (Michaela Coel) has a deadline. Overnight, she needs to finish the first draft of her second book or her publishers won't be happy. But when her mates suggest that she comes out for a couple of drinks, the London-based scribe quickly acquiesces. The next morning, though, she doesn't feel okay — and it isn't just a hangover, with Arabella slowly realising that she has been the victim of sexual assault. It's best to take I May Destroy You's title literally from the get-go — in reference to how this show will make you feel, that is. Turning a traumatic experience into blistering television, the 12-part series is easily 2020's best, and it is definitely a phenomenal effort from creator/writer/co-director/star Coel. Watching Arabella come to terms with what's happened to her, and to regain her sense of self, isn't easy viewing — but it's absolutely must-see TV.
A triple treat sounds like something delicious you may have received as a reward after a rough week of maths homework and soccer practice. Neapolitan ice cream perhaps? Corn chips, salsa and guacamole maybe? Or even a hot dog with cheese and tomato sauce? All very delicious options which work especially well together because of three distinctive flavours working as one. The Triple Treat Tour is coming your way and it’s a threesome glorious enough to excite your everything. Although the realm of the event is more in the aural arena than one to please your taste buds, this particular tour is still one to shout about. The three fillings to this Triple Treat pie are millions, Nantes, and Northeast Party House – a trilogy to rival the Lord of the Rings. All hailing from different states, they’ve been taking turns playing to a home crowd, and this week it’s Queensland’s turn with millions. Playing at Woodland Bar, the three bands will be bringing their distinctive garage-pop-dance-indie-rock flavour to the table, ensuring there is something for everyone. Despite there being no ice cream specifically linked to this event, it’s still very worthy of it’s Triple Treat title.
"Darling it's better down where it's wetter" isn't just a line that The Little Mermaid fans have had stuck in their head for the last two decades. It's also the first thing likely to pop into the minds of anyone heading to one particular Norwegian restaurant. Now open in the coastal village of Båly in the country's south, Under plunges hungry patrons into watery surroundings, offering more than just the usual scenic vistas. At this eatery, diners tuck into their dishes underwater. As first announced in 2017, patrons feast on seafood under the sea. If you're going to open a space underneath the ocean, you have to serve up the fish, which is just what head chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard is doing. There's just one food option, with a seasonal set menu serving up 18 courses and taking around four hours to get through — with optional wine or juice pairings. Here, however, the surroundings are as much of a drawcard as the cuisine. Visitors descend down three colour-coded levels to sip sparkling tipples in a champagne bar that boasts views of the shoreline, then enjoy dinner in the completely submerged dining room. The latter sits five metres below the water's surface, and is surrounded by panoramic acrylic windows for quite the aquatic view. For those wondering about pressure and safety, metre-thick concrete walls will keep everyone nice and dry, in a structure designed by architecture firm Snøhetta. Describing the space as "a sunken periscope", the building was constructed not only to wow those stepping foot inside, but to fit in with its surroundings. The grey exterior colour scheme is designed to blend in with the rocky coastline, with coarse surfacing that encourages molluscs to cling on. Indeed, over time it's hoped that Under will become an artificial mussel reef. As well as offering quite the place to eat, the project also aims to champion biodiversity, functioning as a research centre for marine life. This includes informational plaques educating visitors about the area, helping to expand not only the list of places you've tucked into a meal, but your knowledge. Bookings are open — start planning your next Scandinavian trip now. Images: Snohetta.
Real life has enough drama, as we all well and truly know at the moment. When it comes to getting cosy on your couch, you can be forgiven for wanting to forget the world's troubles — and your own, and this year's — and get caught up in a side-splitting comedy instead. Our tip: pick a top-notch TV series of the rib-tickling kind and stream (or re-stream) your way through it. Some you can knock out fairly quickly, filling your weekend with laughter. Others will take weeks and months, and will constantly brighten up your days in the process. From acerbic delights and absurd wonders to heartwarming gems and instant classics, streaming platform Binge isn't lacking in the comedy department. Because being able to lose yourself in a hilarious TV series is one of life's simple but much-needed pleasures, we've teamed up with the Australian service to highlight five shows that are guaranteed to have you giggling and guffawing — including via a 14-day free trial for new customers.
Lorde, that dynamo 17-year-old with the Grammys and the dance moves and the best friend named David Bowie, has been hit by illness after a gargantuan string of performances including Coachella, forcing her to postpone her Australian tour dates. Set to hit our shores in just a couple of days, Lorde was set to perform at eight shows across the country including Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane. The Pure Heroine issued a statement via press release today: "It breaks my heart to have to postpone these shows as the band and I absolutely love playing to Australian crowds, and it was not a decision we made lightly," she said. "I know I need to focus on getting better in order to perform at my best. We'll be with you as soon as we can, Aussies." After a heartbreaking cancellation earlier in the year, this will (hopefully) eventually be Lorde's first Australian stadium tour since playing smaller club venues and the Laneway circuit. And while we were sure to get the full royal treatment from her 2013 breakthrough album Pure Heroine, this 2014 tour was said to have some surprises in store. It's been announced there will be a huge light show component, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for a cameo from Ziggy Stardust. Management have yet to release further information or rescheduled tour dates as yet, or whether refunds will be issued. Stay tuned for more details, for now give your neighbours a little singalong concert. Here's where the postponed tour dates currently sit: Thu 24 Apr — Festival Hall, Melbourne (All Ages) POSTPONED Sat 26 Apr — Festival Hall, Melbourne POSTPONED Sun 27 Apr — EC Theatre, Adelaide (All Ages) POSTPONED Tue 29 Apr — Challenge Stadium, Perth (All Ages) POSTPONED Fri 2 May — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (All Ages) POSTPONED Sat 3 May — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (All Ages) POSTPONED Sun 4 May — Entertainment Centre, Newcastle (All Ages) POSTPONED Tue 6 May — Riverstage, Brisbane (All Ages) POSTPONED
Brisbane isn't quite the centre of the universe — but for five days in March, it'll feel that way, especially when it comes to all things science and technology. After 2020's event didn't quite turn out as planned, the city will once again play host to the only Asia-Pacific offshoot of New York's World Science Festival. The short version: prepare to be showered in knowledge. This year's science extravaganza will take over a lengthy list of local venues between Wednesday, March 24–Sunday, March 28, offering up a hefty list of activities to go along with it. When you're not listening to Dr Karl Kruszelnicki chat about the importance of trusting scientists, you'll be pondering how the very first stars looked, exploring the science of happiness, wandering around a science-inspired art art trail, and hitting up a trivia, comedy and science hub outside the Cultural Centre. Curocity Brisbane also ties into the fest, so you'll be getting the best of two hefty events at once. Or, you can catch a program of films that explore how the mind works — such as The Babadook, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Oliver Sacks: His Own Life — then head to the annual turtle hatching session (yes, with real, tiny turtles). Other highlights include chats about everything from beer, bushfires, the pandemic and spiders to dinosaurs, artificial intelligence and the art of scientific illustrations. [caption id="attachment_799285" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Loggerhead hatchling, World Science festival 2017[/caption]
Photographs have the ability to allow us to view situations from new angles and provide us with new perspectives, altering our preconceptions. Simply changing the angle of a camera, for example, can create immense and unique beauty that changes the way we see spaces, as well as the colours and patterns within them. In Room Portraits, German photographer Menno Aden does just that, transforming drab, everyday rooms into fascinating works of art that make you want to sprout wings. The Bedroom The Renovator's Dream The Shoe Store The Grocery Store The Double Room The Convenience Store The Bar The Living Room The Dentist's Room The Kitchen The Rehearsal Room The Picnic The Hotel Room The Kitchen II The Classroom
If you needed more evidence that teenagers are becoming even smarter at a younger age, look no further. A new trend has emerged in Midwest America, where teenagers are reportedly soaking candy in alcohol in order to get drunk. Long gone are the days when young hooligans would wait outside the bottle shop and desperately beg the first bloke with facial hair to buy them a case of Bacardi Breezers. Instead, candy is being soaked in spirits before being consumed in a seemingly harmless practice. These teenagers were even able to pick the cutest and most innocent candy as their method of intoxication: the gummy bear. Darcy Jensen from Prairie View Prevention Services works in South Dakota to stop underage drinking. She notes that whilst the problem has not yet become widespread, she has already sent out warnings to schools across the state about the dangerous new practice. "Maybe someone has offered the candy and they didn't even know. So telling the kids ahead of time this could be something to be aware of is important," she said. Darcy raises a valid point. Teenagers might think twice about accepting a drink from a stranger, but a gummy bear? Never. She notes that this new trend will provide parents with a good opportunity to talk to their children about the hazards of underage drinking, and describes the gummy bears as "a good conversation starter." Maybe confectionery giants should start selling candy in brown paper bags from now on. [via Keloland]
One device to brew them all? Blending slow cold drip coffee with cold/hot pourovers in one genius brewing device, two Queensland coffee companies are teaming up to crowdfund the Brewover. Green coffee supplier Bean Grean and roaster Manna Beans are trying to raise $65,000 toward this new controllable flow hot/cold brewer, which would prick the ears of many an Australian cafe needing to save on space (or straight-up coffee nerds in general). The Kickstarter campaign, which prices the Brewover at around $60 a pop, has currently raised $13,300 with 29 days to go. So how does it work? Coffee purists might turn their nose up, but the team truly know what's up when it comes to coffee brewing methods. The Brewover all hinges on what's called the flow control valve, allowing to switch between three different brewing methods: hot/cold pourovers and cold drip. Pourovers are easy stuff; just pop a Chemex filter in the glass cone and brew hot/cold as usual. Cold drip? Just use the same glass cone as a water reservoir and attach an Aeropress filter under the brew chamber. Pure, well-brewed genius. Via Daily Coffee News.
Writer Osamah Sami draws on his real-life misadventures in Ali's Wedding, a film that's been billed as Australia's first widely released Muslim rom-com. It's an intriguing hook, but one that belies just how good the end product really is. Yes, it's about a Muslim-Australian protagonist, and that's absolutely worth highlighting. It's also warm, smart, hilarious, and one of the most enjoyable movies to come out of Melbourne in years. Set in the northern suburbs and in part at the University of Melbourne, the dings of the Sydney Road tram are a regular feature on the soundtrack, as Sami and director Jeffrey Walker craft a confident feature that knows how to combine comedy with heart, without having to resort to cheap or lazy laughs. Ali's Wedding tells the story of Ali (Sami), a uni student attempting to get into medicine in order to make his father, the local Muslim cleric, proud. The only problem? He's not any good. So when he flunks the entrance exam he decides to pretend that he didn't – a not-so-white lie that ends up resulting in a chain of "oh no" events for him, his family and his mosque. Along the way he does manage to stumble across something real though: love, in the form of actual medical student Diane (Helene Sawires). But love is not what others have in mind for Ali, with his parents planning to marry him to the daughter of another family from the mosque Sami is well supported by the rest of the cast, including Don Hany as his dad bringing the perfect mix of fatherly authority and dagginess. Sawires, meanwhile, is fantastic as Diane, who proves far more than just a love interest. She's a fully formed character; a cool, kick ass gal full of exasperation and self-assurance, who isn't afraid to tell Ali when he's being an idiot. Pleasingly, the film refrains from dipping into farce. Instead, Sami and company provide an entertaining but still insightful look at the stereotyping of Muslim people – seen most blatantly in a sequence in which the mosque's theatre group attempts to perform their play about the life and death of Saddam Hussein in the United States. The movie also serves as a feel-good representation of modern multiculturalism, with scenes jumping from traditional tea ceremonies to eating icy poles and watching AFL. That Ali's Wedding manages to combine all of these elements joyfully, without ever becoming saccharine, helps turn a true tale into a bloody good film. Osamah Sami may have never gotten that medical degree, but he sure knows how to tell a story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEMeZDmvYhs
A dystopian favourite reaching its end, one of the best TV shows of the past few years, the greatest small-screen effort in this very galaxy, more chestbursting horror, Glen Powell: they're all coming to your streaming queue in 2025. As the new year approaches, the networks and platforms responsible for your television viewing are dropping sneak peeks at what's in store. Following HBO's teaser trailer, now arrives Disney+'s version. Add season six of The Handmaid's Tale, season four of The Bear, season two of Andor, new Alien TV series Alien: Earth and the Powell-starring Chad Powers to your must-see list, as they're all on the way. So are Daredevil: Born Again and Ironheart, both from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Andor isn't the only Star Wars series highlighted, thanks to the Jude Law (Peter Pan & Wendy)-led Skeleton Crew. Elsewhere, season two of Percy Jackson and the Olympians gets a look in as well — and there's more where it and all of the above shows came from. As is always the case with trailers that are about a channel or streaming service's entire upcoming slate rather than one specific show, nothing receives the indepth treatment in the just-dropped trailer — but The Handmaid's Tale still gets plenty of attention. Season six is the last season of the Elisabeth Moss (The Veil)-led series based on Margaret Atwood's book, but the author's The Testaments is next set to make the leap from the page to the screen. The Bear also features prominently. Disney+ and Hulu said "yes chef!" to the fourth season before season three even aired, and gives Jamie Lee Curtis (Borderlands) one of the key lines of the clip: "sometimes your work family is closer to you than your family family," she tells Ayo Edebiri's (Inside Out 2) Sydney. With Chad Powers, audiences get a glimpse at a series that enlists Powell as a quarterback who takes on a new persona — the titular character — to play for a struggling team. And in Alien: Earth, the sci-fi/horror saga started in 1979 by Ridley Scott's (Gladiator II) iconic film heads to our own pale blue dot, with Noah Hawley leading the charge behind the scenes after also doing the same on the Fargo TV series. Andor has debut new footage ahead of its return in April 2025, while release dates for everything else — release windows, even — are yet to be revealed. Also featured in the trailer: clips from season two of Goosebumps: The Vanishing, as well as the new Paradise and Good American Family. The first stars Sterling K Brown (American Fiction) and James Marsden (Unfrosted), while the second is led by Ellen Pompeo (Grey's Anatomy). Check out Disney+'s 2025 trailer below: The shows highlighted in Disney+ and Hulu's new trailer will arrive in 2025. We'll update you with more details when they're announced.
As we learn to live our lives of social distancing and self-isolation (for the near future, at least), it's easy to feel overcome with boredom. Even worse is our tendency to go looking for the latest news update, fuelling our fears in the midst of a global pandemic. But there are better ways of entertaining ourselves than being trapped in a today's news cycle. Right now, podcasts are your friends. Whether you listen to one in bed after waking up, on the balcony while you get a breath of fresh air, or in the kitchen while you cook that fun new recipe, podcasts can help you escape from today's hectic environment — without being glued to a screen all day. Whether you're a podcast veteran or a skeptic, this list has something for you. Being stuck at home can feel a little less restrictive when you can dive into brilliantly written fictional narratives, are consumed by true crime and mystery, or even learn a new language. Here are a five podcasts that will have you hooked in no time. DISGRACELAND True crime, excess and rock 'n' roll. Host Jake Brennan insists, when it comes to rock stars, we like them as bad as can be. This podcast tells stories of murder, drugs and sex, protagonised by your favourite music legends — and how they got away with it all. Disgraceland unveils the darkest side of old-school stardom, with a laidback, no nonsense narrative style. Dive into the Rolling Stones' wild lifestyles, Frank Sinatra's mobster adventures and Whitney Houston's hidden descent into drugs. If you manage to go through all 69 episodes, check out 27 Club. A new project by the same creators, this podcast takes a closer look at the unsettling truths behind rock 'n' roll, this time focusing on the members of the 27 club. The first season tells the story of iconic guitarist Jimi Hendrix, who died of an overdose at age 27. What? 69 30-minute episodes. THE WAY I HEARD IT Mike Rowe's soothing voice takes you on a guessing frenzy in every single episode, as he narrates a story about a famous historical figure, without telling you who he's talking about until the very end. He'll be talking about a prominent academic and you'll be picturing a rockstar. He'll tell you the story of a prize cow and you will be convinced he's talking about a femme fatale. With unexpected twists and so many random interesting facts, you can expect to chuckle when an episode's protagonist you've been so invested in is revealed to be someone totally unexpected. What? More than 150 20-minute episodes. ROOM 20 This LA Times investigative reporting podcast will keep you on the edge of your seat. Journalist Joanne Faryon tells the story of her search for a man's identity. A man only known as Sixty-Six Garage who has spent more than 15 years on life support in a San Diego nursing home. As a teenager, he suffered from severe brain damage after he was thrown out of a truck in a car accident. An undocumented Mexican immigrant in the United States, his identity remained unknown, and there were no paper trails to help track down his family — until Faryon launched her own investigation. What? Six 30-minute episodes. MOTHERHACKER A divorced PTA mom gets scammed out of her savings. She has no choice, but to join the team of scammers who took everything from her. Surprisingly, she's amazing at it. Told as an old-time radio drama, Motherhacker is a fictional podcast that explores the lengths someone might go to in order to stay afloat in a dire situation. Think Black Mirror meets suburban mom. Motherhacker's perfect mix of suspenseful and quirky will leave you wanting more every time you finish an episode. With only nine episodes lasting around ten minutes each, this podcast could easily become a one sit-down binge. Open a bottle of red, enjoy a few snacks and make a night of it. What? Nine ten-minute episodes. COFFEE BREAK LANGUAGES Are you a more practical listener? If so, why not take advantage of your free time to learn Italian, or fine tune that rusty Spanish you haven't worked on since uni? Coffee Break offers podcasts in seven languages, with content ranging from beginner level, where you can learn phrases and grammar, to more advanced, where you can expand your vocabulary. These podcasts use stories situated in your language's country of origin to teach you how to speak it, engaging you beyond a typical grammar-based language program. It's said that listening to native speakers hold conversations is one of the most effective methods of learning it. By doing so, you can also keep your brain busy through self-isolation and social-distancing times and gain a valuable new skill that will definitely come in handy in the future. What? Podcasts in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin and Swedish. Need more? Check out our favourite true crime podcasts.
What does a perfect Sydney summer afternoon look like to you? An icy bottle of sauv blanc at the Opera Bar? A picnic table abundant with the kale and quinoa spoils of Maloneys? Or maybe a wild sunset boat party on the harbour with three of the world's most amazing DJs pumping inimitable summer beats into the earholes of you, a special +1 and 700 fellow revellers? There are approximately 90 days each year when the nights are warmish and superfoods actually taste good, but only one evening where you can party on a boat with Rudimental, Flight Facilities and producer/tastemaker/international party icon Steve Aoki. Riding the floating festival wave scheduled to hit the northern hemisphere later this year, You+1 marks an exciting first for the local dance scene, mixing the buzz of big-name international acts with homegrown talent and a quintessentially Sydney harbour setting. The line-up is also pretty diverse sonically, with the three headliners all falling under one sweepingly broad genre. Aoki climbs aboard having just been named the highest grossing dance artist in North America, renowned for delivering a cornucopia of electro house hits via an insane live performance. Investing the festival with a dash of feelgood Hackney soul are youth workers-turned-electro quartet Rudimental, who have already made waves in their native UK with this addictive track, while our own Flight Facilities put a halcyon spin on the genre as they return to their home city. An extremely limited number of tickets will be up for grabs via Durex's Facebook page from 3 September, so mark that date in your iCal to get 'em while they're not only hot but free. Date: Sunday 14 October, 2012 Time: 5pm – 9pm (boarding from 4.45pm) Location: The Starship, Wharf 4, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour (adjacent to Cargo Bar) Tickets: facebook.com/Durex.Australia https://youtube.com/watch?v=JI6fDb6IBmU
Here comes the songs, Beatles fans — but not quite as you know them. In fact, Lady Beatle isn't just for die hard aficionados of the fab four. It's for everyone that likes their pop culture a bit out of the ordinary. As she did with Miley Cyrus in Wrecking Ball, Naomi Price turns one of the most famous catalogues of tracks in history into something completely different and new. If you saw that show, then you'll be eager to see how this turns out. It hits Brisbane Powerhouse for four nights, running from Wednesday, November 18–Saturday, November 21. Come together, because all you need is love and a modern memory play (aka a stage show where a character tells the tale from their recollections, with this one inspired by true accounts). Given the title, expect to see her standing there. Price, that is. Also expect the likes of 'Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds', 'Eleanor Rigby', 'Lady Madonna' and 'Penny Lane' come to life in a kaleidoscopic cabaret. Images: Dylan Evans Photography.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Rekorderlig. Foraging through the snow in search of electronic music just got significantly easier; Rekorderlig (ever keen to demonstrate that Aussies should be tackling winter with a tad more brio than a pack of grizzlies) has revealed the 'mystery location' for free upcoming music event Sounds in the Snow. On September 13, just as the flakes start to melt and smack bang in the middle of the Toyota One Hit Wonder Mountain Festival, Sounds in the Snow will take place by the Rekorderlig Hot Pools at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel. Sydney synth pop boys Panama will appear in Thredbo to deliver their so-called hopeful house music live. Fronted by Perth-born songwriter and classically-trained pianist Jarrah McCleary, the trio are currently touring Europe and the United States on the back of sophomore EP Always. Sounds in the Snow is just one of the many excuses that Rekorderlig's giving you to head to the snow this season. Afternoon sessions are happening at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel every Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 3pm and 6pm; fire pits are burning; the Rekorderlig Hot Pool is providing serious apres-ski relaxation; and their tasty cinnamon and vanilla-fused Winter Cider is at the top of the drinks menu. Sounds in the Snow is a free gig happening from 4-5pm on Saturday, September 13 by the Rekorderlig Hot Pools at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel. For the latest updates, join the Rekorderlig Facebook page. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UylPrMcurB8
It's called a cabinet of curiosities and, once you walk inside The Inchcolm by Ovolo in Spring Hill, the L-shaped glass counter filled with all kinds of knickknacks will definitely pique your interest. Maybe your eyes will be drawn to the Etch A Sketch, the plate with John Lennon's face on it, the bowling pin and the cassette tape. Or, you could instantly scope out the mannequin head, the Polaroid camera or the Elvis Presley box set. Either way, the cabinet is quite the centrepiece — and conversation piece, too. The gleaming piece of furniture has been part of the The Inchcolm since 2018, when the now century plus-old site was first taken over by the Ovolo hotel chain. Now, it remains after the venue's latest revamp. Visually, not too much has changed, but Ovolo has altered a few names here and there, and also shifted the focus of its entryway bar setup. The Inchcolm by Ovolo is actually the hotel's new moniker, and it's the first 'by Ovolo' site in Australia. As for the bar, the space formerly known as Salon de Co is now called The Inchcolm Bar. If you're not staying on the premises, it's the latter that's the main drawcard — and it has ditched its sit-down restaurant in favour of a boutique bar and bistro vibe. Its inspiration: Bar Marmont at Los Angeles' Chateau Marmont. In other words, the theme here is retro glamour, all in keeping with the buildings old-school heritage. Or, as Dave Baswal, Ovolo Group Managing Director ANZ, explains, "think a 1920s Paris salon where Gertrude, Ernest and Pablo would comfortably rub shoulders while sharing trailblazing ideas." Yes, he's talking about Stein, Hemingway and Picasso. If you visited The Inchcolm before the change of focus, you'll still recognise the velvet furnishings, dark-hued colour scheme, mood lighting and eye-catching floral wallpaper. Now it all adorns a space that's both a bar and a bistro in one. So, you can sit back and sip martinis — there's 11 different types on the menu, and the five signature versions cost just $12 during the daily martini hour from 5.30–6.30pm — or you can choose from an all-day dining lineup between Tuesday–Saturday. Food options include cheeseboards, charcuterie, escargot, steak tartare, caviar and oysters to nibble on — plus steak frites, gnocchi, southern fried chicken and burgers for something more substantial. Three kinds of toasties, including one with three cheeses, are also on offer, as is tiramisu, mud cake and creme caramel for dessert. If you're after something to drink other than martinis, the wine list spans seven pages, while the spirits offering runs over five. And, if you'd like to combine your visit with an overnight stay, The Inchcolm by Ovolo is dog-friendly, and features a complimentary sweets bar. The Inchcolm by Ovolo and The Inchcolm Bar are now open at 73 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill.
Filling your summer with overseas travel mightn't quite be on your agenda yet, but packing it with artworks from around the Asia Pacific can be at the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art. As the two Brisbane galleries do every three years, they're turning their attention to the Asia-Pacific region — to take stock of Brissie's place in this part of the globe, and to celebrate the exceptional work being created by the area's talented artists. Displaying across the two South Bank sites from Saturday, December 4–Monday, April 25, this Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art marks the tenth hosted by either QAG, GOMA or both — and has been its flagship series since first gracing Queensland Art Gallery's walls almost three decades ago. To celebrate, APT10 is showcasing 69 artworks from more than 150 Asia-Pacific creatives, covering more than 30 countries. Among both newly commissioned and recent pieces, one key highlight is participatory shrine installation Shrine of Life/ Benjapakee Shrine by Vipoo Srivilas. It'll feature five hand-crafted ceramic deities decked out with gold and floral embellishments, with the quintet signifying identity, love equality, creativity, security and spirituality. Or, there's also the striking Hairloom by Rocky Cajigan, which does indeed possess a descriptive title. The Filipino artist has made a ten-metre-long loom of human hair, which is designed to comment on the Cordillera region of the Philippines. [caption id="attachment_834721" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vipoo Srivilasa Thailand/Australia b.1969. Shrine of Life / Benjapakee Shrine (detail) 2021. Mixed-media installation with five ceramic deities. Installed dimensions variable. Commissioned for APT10 / Purchased 2021 with funds from the Contemporary Patrons through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Photograph: Simon Strong ©Vipoo Srivilasa.[/caption] Also on the bill: a cave-like environment made out of found materials, as crafted by Balinese artist I Made Djirna; huge sculptural vessels fashioned out of fibreglass and synthetic resin by Kuwait City- and San Juan, Puerto Rico-based artist Alia Farid; and Indonesian Australian artist Jumaadi's large-scale painted stories on cloth prepared by Indonesian artisans. Plus, Chong Kim Chiew will provide an installation that paints maps directly onto tarpaulin, and comments on reorientiation — geographically and politically — in Malaysia and throughout southeast Asia. The full roster of APT10 participants also spans artists from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Myanmar, Iran, India, Singapore, China, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan and Vietnam — and yes, the list goes on. [caption id="attachment_834719" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shannon Novak. Aotearoa New Zealand. b.1979. Nexus Central Installation (Installation detail). Pataka, Wellington, New Zealand, 2018. Courtesy: the artist.[/caption] Announcing this year's lineup, QAGOMA Director Chris Saines said that "APT10 is full of stories of travel, journeys, migrations and connections to place. It's layered with responses, questions and ideas about the present moment, the many issues facing humanity, and propositions towards the future from a diversity of cultural perspectives. It includes works of art that are by turn highly personal, deeply political, and full of joy." He continued: "with the global impact of COVID-19, APT10 has presented logistical challenges, but it has also been exceptionally rewarding to see how artists work through such tremendous change. It has necessitated new approaches to exhibition-making, and we've worked virtually with artists, advisors and collaborators to facilitate exchanges and outcomes from afar." Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art's 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT10) will run from Saturday, December 4–Monday, April 25. For more information, head to the GOMA website. Top image: Rocky CajiganFontok and Kankanaey people, The Philippines. b.1988. Hairloom 2021 (installation view, APT10). Human hair, cotton thread, gauze, wood bars, acrylic glass, wooden beater, bamboo shed rod, aluminum heddle rod, wooden shuttles, rope, carved wooden board, carved hands, colonial sandstone piedras (bricks), gauze and woven shirts, fishhooks, stainless steel racks and rods. Case of Emergency (Dalican, Bontoc, Mountain Province 2616 Philippines) 2021. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas with etched acrylic glass, wooden box frame and stainless steel fastenings. Commissioned for APT10. Courtesy: The artist. Photograph: Chloë Callistemon, QAGOMA.
It's impossible to be stressed when there's cute puppies around, which is as good a motto as any to live by. Are you the kind of person who gets tense rushing around airports, even if you've checked in early and you're heading off on your dream holiday — or you've just landed for a relaxing getaway? Here's something that'll help: for one day only at Sydney Airport, you can add spending time with tiny guide dogs to your trip. Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has dubbed its pop-up a puppy cafe, and sipping a cuppa while patting labrador puppies Aero, Pax, Kingsford, Syd and Amelia is on the agenda. You'll need to make a date with Café Veloce at airport's Domestic Terminal 2 on Thursday, January 18, however, and be around between 10–11.30am and 12.30–2pm. If anything is worth dropping your bags off well in advance of your flight or hanging around after disembarking, it's this. Tickets cost $15 for adults, and are only available at the door. Expect to have company — who wouldn't want to add some adorable Guide Dogs pups, which've been named the 'airport litter', to their airport visit? Attendees will also be surrounded by Therapy Dogs as well as the five Guide Dogs pups, and get a free coffee as part of the entry fee For Sydneysiders who aren't jetting anywhere anytime soon, you can still drop by, but you will need to go through airport security to get to the cafe. "For one day only, we are thrilled to open up our Guide Dog cafe in Sydney Airport where ticket holders can meet the gorgeous airport litter and learn about the wonderful work of Guide Dogs," said Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Puppy Development Advisor Sabrina Gabrielle "This day is all about highlighting the brilliant work that Guide Dogs does, raising awareness for our community and celebrating our wonderful Christmas appeal partnership with Sydney Airport." "It takes over two years and costs $50,000 to breed, raise and train each life-changing Guide Dog, including the pups we'll have at our cafe. Through this event we want to recognise the crucial role all of our dogs play in helping Australians living with low vision and blindness lead a life without limits." The Guide Dogs pop-up puppy cafe will be at Café Veloce in Sydney Airport's Domestic Terminal 2, Keith Smith Ave, Mascot, on Thursday, January 18 — with sessions from 10–11.30am and 12.30–2pm. You can buy tickets from $15 on the door. For more information about Guide Dogs Australia, head to the organisation's website.
Already an enormous success on Broadway, in London's West End and in Melbourne, Tony and Olivier award-winning musical Come From Away is touring its remarkable true tale around Australia's east coast. Based on real post-September 11 events, the acclaimed production will actually return to Melbourne in January 2021 for an encore season of kind-hearted charm, before heading to Brisbane in March and Sydney in June — visiting the Queensland and New South Wales capitals for the first time. If you aren't familiar with the musical's plot or the actual events that inspired it, it's quite the exceptional story. In the week after the September 11 attacks in 2001, 38 planes were unexpectedly ordered to land in the small Canadian town of Gander, in the province of Newfoundland. Part of Operation Yellow Ribbon — which diverted civilian air traffic to Canada en masse following the attacks — the move saw around 7000 air travellers grounded in the tiny spot, almost doubling its population. Usually, the town is home to just under 12,000 residents. To create Come From Away, writers and composers Irene Sankoff and David Hein spent hundreds of hours interviewing thousands of locals and passengers, using their experiences to drive the narrative — and, in many cases, using their real names in the show as well. The result is a musical not just about people coming from away (the term that Newfoundlanders use to refer to folks not born on the island), but coming together, all at a time when tensions were running high worldwide. Since being workshopped in 2012, having a run in Ontario in 2013, then officially premiering in San Diego in 2015, Come From Away has become a global smash hit. After opening on Broadway in 2017, it was still running before the theatre district closed due to COVID-19. The musical wowed crowds in the West End, too — and, when it first opened in Melbourne in July 2019, it became the Comedy Theatre's most successful musical in the venue's 91-year history. Along the way, the show has picked up a Tony Award for best direction of a musical, six other nominations, and four Olivier Awards out of nine nominations. Come From Away was actually initially due to head from Melbourne to Sydney in 2020, but that's one of the many things that didn't happen this year. COME FROM AWAY 2021 AUSTRALIAN TOUR Melbourne: January 19–March 21, Comedy Theatre Brisbane: March 26–April 18, QPAC Lyric Theatre Sydney: June 3–July 21, Capitol Theatre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zmvy1p2FOE&feature=emb_title Come From Away will return to Melbourne's Comedy Theatre from January 19–March 21, then hit Brisbane's QPAC Lyric Theatre from March 26–April 18 and Sydney's Capitol Theatre from June 3–July 21. For further information — or to buy tickets — visit the musical's website. Images: Jeff Busby.
Since setting up in Rotterdam in 1997, Superuse Studios have been leading the way when it comes to sustainable architecture and design - both interior and exterior. Their portfolio includes a children's playground made out of old windmills, a contemporary art space that was once a shipping yard and a residence constructed entirely of recycled materials. Superuse are currently showcasing their latest designs at London's Architecture Foundation, where they'll be hanging about until July 31st. Some of their most recent developments have arisen from collaboration with students at the Royal Academy of Art at the Hague. Founder Jan Jogert has told The Guardian, the aim is to 'identify and connect available flows in the urban ecosystem.' One success story is that of GRO Holland, a project that involves recycling the 98.8% of produce wasted in the coffee-making process. Left-over grounds are gathered from cafes and blended with spores from oyster mushrooms, then cultivated in a dark, warm place. The resulting fungi are sold back to the cafes, while the waste produced goes to local tulip farmers. Superuse are also about to embark on the construction of a visitors' centre, which will again feature mushrooms and coffee grounds, this time as insulation. 'It is only through transparency that things will change,' Jongert says. 'The idea of connecting these disparate flows will become a big part of the economy. It will have to happen – we have no other choice.' [Via PSFK]
A decade has sashayed away since Bianca Del Rio won the sixth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. After emerging victorious over Australia's own runner-up Courtney Act, the drag queen and comedian has been conquering Down Under stages ever since. Among multiple tours over the past ten years, the fabulously quick-witted talent last brought her Hurricane Bianca whirlwind this way in 2022 — and she'll next break out her devilish snark and timing in 2025. "I'm coming out of my crypt and hitting the road again to remind everyone that I'm still DEAD INSIDE!" said Del Rio about her latest world tour, which has dates in Canada, the US, Britain, Ireland, Europe and Latin America across the rest of 2024. It began this year in San Diego, spending from February–May packing out theatres across North America. "If you enjoy irreverent humour, like sparkly costumes and are NOT easily offended … this is the show for you!" Del Rio continued. The global favourite keeps building upon her massive past decade or so, with the dimple-cheeked performer doing everything from tours upon tours to hitting the West End stage in the musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie and also popping up in the film version as well. Then there's 2016 comedy Hurricane Bianca and its 2018 sequel Hurricane Bianca: From Russia with Hate, plenty more appearances on various Drag Race seasons and specials, web specials, music videos and even an episode of Celebrity Family Feud. Accordingly, you know what to start watching in preparation for Del Rio's Dead Inside gigs in Australia and Aotearoa from January — although, as you'll know if you've seen her live before, there's nothing like seeing her in the flesh. [caption id="attachment_965670" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Ronn via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Del Rio's 2025 visit will break out the cutting insults — plus her larger-than-life persona in general — in Brisbane first, beginning the tour with two nights at Fortitude Music Hall. After that, one-night stops are on the agenda at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre, Astor Theatre in Perth, Sydney's State Theatre and Llewellyn Theatre in Canberra. In NZ, Del Rio will hit the stage at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in Auckland, Wellington's Opera House and James Hay Theatre in Christchurch. Bianca Del Rio's Dead Inside Tour 2025 Dates: Tuesday, January 28–Wednesday, January 29 — Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane Friday, January 31 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne Wednesday, February 5 — Astor Theatre, Perth Saturday, February 8 — State Theatre, Sydney Tuesday, February 11 — Llewellyn Theatre, Canberra Thursday, February 13 — Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland Saturday, February 15 — Opera House, Wellington Monday, February 17 — James Hay Theatre, Christchurch Bianca Del Rio's Dead Inside! tour heads around Australia and New Zealand in January and February 2025. For more information or to buy tickets from 9am on Friday, July 19, 2024, head to the tour website.
Throughout 2021 so far, the Queensland Government has been trying to entice the state's residents out of the house by handing out travel vouchers. First came 15,000 to use in the state's north, then 30,000 for Greater Brisbane and 6000 for The Whitsundays. They were followed by another release of 5000 for folks already holidaying in the Cairns region, and then 30,000 more for Queenslanders heading to the Gold Coast. That's a hefty batch of incentives; however, more are coming — 38,000 more, in fact, as Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced. For those keen on spending some time on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane or in Cairns, you now have a second chance — with 10,000 on offer for the Goldie, 19,000 for Brissie and 9000 for the Far North. The new vouchers for the first two spots are being distributed to folks who missed out the first time, too. Accordingly, if you entered then but didn't score anything for your troubles, you're automatically in the running now. The Gold Coast vouchers were allocated yesterday, Sunday, July 11 — and they operate exactly the same way as the first batch. So, recipients receive a $100 voucher to be used on tourism experiences and accommodation in the area. You'll score a 50-percent discount on whatever you're booking, up to $100 maximum, and you need to book by Wednesday, July 21 for use before Friday, September 17. Keen on a Brissie staycation — or getaway, if you're located elsewhere within Queensland? Those vouchers are being distributed today, Monday, July 12, and are also worth $100. The same rules that were in place for the last Brisbane vouchers — and for the Gold Coast vouchers, as explained above — still apply. This time, though, you need to book and use the vouchers by Sunday, August 15. And, if you're headed to Cairns soon, you could nab a 50-percent-off voucher just by walking through the airport. They're being given to people who've just gotten to the city — so those already going on holidays up north — with the $200 passes being handed out in the arrivals hall at Cairns Airport. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1413968292566372355 Like all of the past voucher drops, the ongoing concept has two obvious objectives: enticing Queensland residents to go venturing throughout the state, and helping support tourism businesses. With parts of the Sunshine State going through not one, not two, but three lockdowns so far this year, they're all important aims. When the first Holiday Dollars scheme was announced back in March, Premier Palaszczuk said that it could keep being rolled out if the vouchers are popular. That's obviously happened quite a few times now, but there's no word as yet about whether other parts of Queensland might be covered in the future — or if these areas of the state will score even more vouchers in the future. For more information about the Queensland Holiday Dollars program, head to the scheme's website.
UPDATE, August 14, 2023: Tickets are getting snapped up fast for Flight Facilities' tour, with new shows announced. This article has been updated to include the additional dates. Flight Facilities know how to get a party started. The Australian producer duo, aka Hugo and Jimmy, have spent more than a decade inspiring folks to make shapes to the pair's own tunes. Given that they began mixing other artists, it's hardly surprising that they're also playlist and mixtape maestros. See: their Decades Mix series, which has spoiled listeners with six hour-long, decade-spanning surveys. If it's a dancefloor filler from 1962 to 2022, the odds are that it has featured in one of Flight Facilities' odes, with separate mixes for 1962–72, 1972–82, 1982–92, 1992–2002, 2002–12 and 2012–22. And, if it's a track from the 1970s to now that's made the cut, it's also likely that it'll get a spin on Flight Facilities' just-announced latest DJ tour, which is all about its Decades mixes. Fuelled by crate digging, this trip around Australia will jump through hundreds of tracks across extended club sets throughout October. First up: Brisbane's Fortitude Music Hall, before Flight Facilities head southward from Byron Bay's Beach Hotel to Melbourne Pavilion. Also on the itinerary: going west over to Rechabite Hall in Perth and Freo.Social in Fremantle, a stint at Adelaide's Harvest Rock, and both Town Hall and Liberty Hall carpark in Sydney. Start guessing which tunes will get a whirl now. The 72–82 mix spans everything from Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' to Queen and David Bowie's 'Under Pressure', while the 82–92 list includes New Order's 'Blue Monday', Madonna's 'Lucky Star', Prince's 'Cream' and Technotronic's 'Pump Up the Jam'. Among the 92–02 roster: Arrested Development's 'Mr Wendal', Beastie Boys' 'Body Movin'', 2Pac's 'How Do U Want It?' and The Avalanches' 'Frontier Psychiatrist'. And, from 02–12, the mix starts with Chemical Brothers' 'Star Guitar' and ends with Flight Facilities' own 'Clair De Lune'. The duo only dropped the 12–22 mix in July, so heading along to these gigs means hearing Flight Facilities' absolute latest blast from the past. FLIGHT FACILITIES — THE DECADES TOUR: Friday, October 6 — Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane Saturday, October 7 — Beach Hotel, Byron Bay Thursday, October 12 — Sydney Town Hall, Sydney — NEW DATE Friday, October 19 — Melbourne Pavilion, Melbourne — NEW DATE Friday, October 20 — Melbourne Pavilion, Melbourne — SOLD OUT Saturday, October 21 — Rechabite Hall, Perth — SOLD OUT Sunday, October 22 — Freo.Social, Fremantle — NEW DATE Saturday, October 28 — Harvest Rock, Adelaide Sunday, October 29 — Liberty Hall Carpark, Sydney — SOLD OUT Flight Facilities will take The Decades Tour around Australia in October 2023. Head to the Secret Sounds website for further details, and tickets from 10am AEST on Friday, August 11.
If you're a fan of Australian music, you must have heard of BIGSOUND. Australia's answer to Austin's South by Southwest, Brisbane's annual music conference/festival is tailor made for true music fans and industry reps alike. Although the event doesn't boast huge international headline acts, BIGSOUND does something better. The three-day event helps to unearth and promote up-and-coming Australian and New Zealand acts, as well as informing the world of the current and future trends and ideas cooking within the music industry. Bigwigs from all over the world head to Brisbane's Fortitude Valley to check out what Australia has to offer, and it can be a huge boost for any band on the lineup to simply attend and connect with the right people to help them on the way to stardom. There's a significant amount of networking afoot for Aussie artists wanting to snag an overseas door-opener. Best of all, BIGSOUND attracts thousands of punters into Fortitude Valley over two nights to witness 140 bands play across 14 venues. They don’t call it BIGSOUND for nothing. There is a lot to see and do. If you're struggling to decide who to check out on Wednesday or Thursday night, we have handpicked a few artists that, in our humble opinion, are absolute must-sees. Bad//Dreems Adelaide rock foursome Bad//Dreems have been on a roll over the past two years after meeting at their local football club. The lads have earned high acclaim for their brand of straight shootin' rock and roll that embodies the dispassionate psyche of our youth under that hot Australian sun. These guys put on a great show — mark them on your timetable and make sure you're front row when they rock out. Wednesday night: JBL Live Stage, The Brightside (Outdoor) @ 9:40pm. Blank Realm Brisbane band Blank Realm are the dark horse of Australian music. After making moves in the underground, this psych rock band has been playing some big festivals overseas including Glastonbury, Spain's Benicassim and Valkhof Festival in the Netherlands. Their past two albums have also been widely critically acclaimed, so find out what's behind the hype and see this band. Wednesday night: New Globe Theatre @ 11:20pm. Client Liaison Melbourne duo Client Liaison produces pop music that oozes style. Although retro in aesthetic, Client Liaison are entirely new age. Don’t let the big hair and glittery synthesizers fool you – the debut EP from these dudes is a modern slice of cool. If you want to dance at BIGSOUND, stop by and check out Client Liaison. Thursday night: triple j Unearthed Stage, Oh Hello! @ 11:30pm. D.D Dumbo Castlemaine multi-instrumentalist, D.D Dumbo aka Oliver Hugh Perry specialises in minimalist compositions that incorporates traditional instruments with percussive loops and crooning vocals. D.D Dumbo’s 'Tropical Oceans' is one of the best songs of the year by one of the most unique artists operating today. One of Splendour's runaway goalkickers, make sure you have D.D at the top of your priorities. Wednesday night: Alhambra Lounge @ 11:20pm. Klo Klo is cousins Simon Lam and Chloe Kaul. The duo are one of the freshest on the BIGSOUND lineup, having only started making music together in 2013. Lush electronic arrangements mix with ethereal and dreamy vocals to make an alluring sound, one that will take Klo very far. Wednesday night: triple j Unearthed Stage, Oh Hello! @ 9:50pm. Oscar Key Sung As one part of Oscar + Martin, Oscar Slorach-Thorn grew accustomed to playing big stages. Under his solo guise, Oscar Key Sung, the producer has created some of the best tunes in the tightly-knit Australian electronic spectrum. OKS has toured internationally and has sold out more shows than he can count; his performance is sure to be BIGSOUND highlight. Wednesday night: inthemix Stage, Woolly Mammoth @ 11:30pm. Pikelet Evelyn Morris has been performing as Pikelet since 2007, sharing the stage with some of the best in the game over the years. If Sufjan Stevens, Goldfrapp and Devendra Banhart are names you're fond of, make sure you check out the musician they handpicked as their support act. Thursday night: The Underdog @ 8:50pm. Teeth & Tongue New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based musician Jess Cornelius is Teeth & Tongue. Her third album, GRIDS, is a great collection of emotive pop — drum machine and evocative guitar lines are her forte, songs about love, loss and life are her passion. Critically acclaimed and well travelled, Teeth & Tongue is a sure BIGSOUND thing. Wednesday night: Black Bear Lodge @ 9pm. Tkay Maidza If you've turned on the radio over the past 12 months, you've certainly heard Tkay Maidza. The 18-year-old's massive hit, 'Brontosaurus' got feet stomping nationwide. Fresh from huge appearances at Splendour in the Grass and Groovin'The Moo, the Zimbabwe-born, Australia-raised MC is on a rapid rise to international recognition. Be there for bragging rights before she takes over the world. Thursday night: JBL Live Stage, The Brightside (Outdoor) @ 9:40pm. Yeo Brisbane-raised, Melbourne-based Yeo is a worldly soul who creates evocative and emotive R&B electronica. This super talented musician writes, records and produces his own music, entirely in control of his own unique artistic vision. Anyone with such talent and drive is worth seeing, especially the sonically intriguing Yeo. Wednesday night: inthemix Stage, Woolly Mammoth @ 9pm. The go-to happening for Australian music fans and industry leaders alike, BIGSOUND is your ticket to big gigs, big rubbing shoulders ops and even bigger ideas. Check out the full BIGSOUND program of panels, events and gigs right here.
Planning a trip to the Red Centre for NAIDOC Week? The Ayers Rock Resort celebrates the occasion with '50 Years of NAIDOC' — a feast for the senses, where vibrant cuisine and captivating storytelling combine with art, culture and more. Running from Sunday, July 6–Sunday, July 13, Indigenous chef Mark Olive, aka 'The Black Olive', headlines the experience, taking over the resort's Arnguli Grill & Restaurant with a three-course set menu brimming with native bush foods and Indigenous wines. Olive will also host an intimate dinner on Wednesday, July 9, with guests invited to enjoy the exclusive menu sat alongside Olive, who'll recount stories and insights behind each dish and the ingredients' significance. Meanwhile, Olive will also present a complimentary Bushfood Masterclass, where culinary tradition, technique and storytelling blend across various sessions in the Gallery of Central Australia's outdoor amphitheatre. Beyond these gastronomic encounters, the Ayers Rock Resort has also produced a series of art experiences and cultural activities. Aṉangu artists Billy and Lulu Cooley will present their wood-carving talent in the Town Square Circle of Sand. Plus, the Sunrise Journeys encounter sees guests connect to Country at dawn, as three local Aṉangu artists bring the desert landscape to life each day using laser projection, music and the natural environment. On Wednesday, July 9, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park's Cultural Centre Inma Ground offers insight into traditional working tools and ceremonial song and dance, while the Town Square Lawns features the NAIDOC Markets, teeming with community, culture and cuisine on Sunday, July 6. For cinephiles, the Arkani Theatre will host the Indigenous Film Festival, screening free films throughout the week, including Charlie's Country and Bran Nue Day. Images: Carly Earl / Matt Lambley.
