It's beginning to feel a lot like... Christmas, yes, but also like the powers that be just might want everyone in Brisbane to feast their eyes on a heap of festive films in open spaces. Anything South Bank can do, Roma Street Parklands can do too. 'Tis the season for joining in the merry movie fun, and all that. On the agenda: seven nights of yuletide screen gazing, spanning the usual well-known titles. You know the first rule of Chrissie flicks, though, right? You haven't really seen any of them until know all the lines. So, ho-ho-hop on over to the parklands' ampitheatre to watch interconnected tales combine in Love, Actually, witness Will Ferrell spread festive joy in Elf, and embark upon the Search for Santa Paws, among others. And yes, the second rule of Christmas movies declares that no film is too cheesy for the season.
Whether you're bored, distracted, lost in thought or genuinely interested the sight of the horizon, everyone stares off into the distance. You've probably done so several times today, with or without realising it. Not everyone turns the images they see when they're fixing their gaze on a far-off point into a series of paintings, though; just Lee Wilkes. The Australian visual artist takes inspiration from time spent living in the remote islands of Torres Strait, with Caricatured (and true) the end result. Just looking at the scenic seaside images, it's easy to understand just why each has been captured in artistic form. They're real but dreamy, based on actuality yet still hazy, and speak of both the place they represent and something much more broad and universal. Wilkes' work also proves both soothing and probing, asking viewers to vanish into a collection of pieces about vanishing points. Image: Lee Wilkes, Infinite possibilities (of a western sunrise), Oil on wood.
Eager to shop for sustainable wares, but struggle to find the right products? Or, maybe you just want to browse for Aussie designed, ethically manufactured clothes, homewares and cosmetics all in one spot? That's where Undress Collective's one-week pop-up comes in — and your bank balance starts to get worried. Between September 28 and October 4, they're taking over 65 James Street in New Farm to showcase all of the sustainable items you've always wanted, didn't know you needed, or both. Plus, as well as offering Byron Bay-made nail polish, environmentally conscious swimwear, small-batch hand-poured candles, artisan-crafted ceramics and more, they're kicking things off in fun style. Okay, so the official launch party actually takes place on September 30, two days after they open their doors, but it's still likely to be the most sustainable evening of food, wine and shopping you're likely to have in some time.
It starts with David Brent sharing his Life on the Road, ends with Denzel Washington protecting a town as part of The Magnificent Seven, and features everything from old faves to new hits in between. Yep, it's Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema — and it's back for its 2016 season. Prepare for a whole new round of cinema under the stars. Returning to South Bank's Rainforest Green from September 29 to November 13, Openair Cinema knows what movie-goers want when it comes to the outdoor film experience. Here, a big screen, comfy seats and cool flicks are just the beginning. You'll also find an on-site bar serving beer, wine and cider; five types of Vespa pizzas, plus garlic bread and salads; and tubs of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, of course. Movie-wise, catch the likes of Nerve, Bad Moms, Pete's Dragon, Snowden and Captain Fantastic from the lineup of recent films; however it's the special events and flashbacks in the program that are likely to cause the most excitement. As well as live music making their Sundae Sessions extra special, Leonardo DiCaprio fans can relive his '90s glory with sessions of Titanic and Romeo + Juliet, anyone fond of a certain British singleton can catch all three Bridget Jones titles, and everyone can pay tribute to dearly departed legends at screenings of Labyrinth and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Music fans, be sure to add The Wrong End of the Valley Festival to your calendar — and no, there's no prizes for guessing the general vicinity it'll be held in. Taking over both the New Globe Theatre and AMPED on Brunswick Street on October 1 and 2, the two-day event will see 75 bands grace four stages for a weekend filled with all the music your ears can handle. With New Globe's new Hidden TreasureZZZ showcase forming part of the action, expect to see a host of Brissie acts deliver epic sets. Tickets range from $15 pre-sold one-day passes to $50 VIP packages. Image: Major Electric.
Whether you're in a band, work in the industry or just like going to gigs, you're going to want to pay attention to Brisbane's newest music publicity company, Mellum. And to help, they're throwing a launch party that is sure to garner more than a little bit of notice. Hosting a sonic showcase that includes Kučka, friendships, HABITS, Ribongia, Simona Castricum, SEZZO SNOT, Sullivan, Tobacco Rat, DEATH CLUB 7 and GNIGHTZ certainly helps, with the fun all taking place across two stages at Woolly Mammoth on September 9. Anyone who buys a ticket in advance will get access to a bar tab provided by Jack Daniel's and Young Henrys; however that's not the most interesting part of the story. As the evening's lineup indicates, Mellum's aim is to mix up the range of artists that reach your eyes and ears. This isn't about different styles of music, but challenging whose stories are heard. We told you that you're going to want to pay attention. Image: Jake Steel.
Playing an instrument, belting out a tune and composing a track are all creative endeavours; however they're not the only artistic aspects of the music industry. If you've been to a gig or fest, seen some ace shots of it afterwards, and intertwined those images with your own memories — and we all have — then you know the power of music photography. With BIGSOUND taking over Brisbane this week, and with everyone likely to be scrolling through their social media feeds looking at pics from shows they couldn't attend as a result, it's a timely field to be thinking about. That's why Crowbar are hosting Point & Shoot - An Exploration of Music Photography. Yep, it's an unofficial addition to the revelry that highlights some of the best live music photographers and videographers in the business. From September 6 to 9, the bar's walls will display snaps from small venues, big festivals and more, each capturing your favourite musical acts. An assortment of prints will be available for sale for the very first time too, so you can take this combination of sound and vision home with you. Image: Stephen Booth.
From September 9 to 18, things at Currumbin Beach are going to be swell. Yes, the sea will rise and fall. Yes, everyone will have a mighty fine time. And yes, the annual SWELL Sculpture Festival takes over the coastal suburb. Art lovers looking for a combination of surf, sun and superb creativity, you're in luck, with an eye-catching display of 55 sculptures the highlight of the 14th annual event. It's free, outdoors and open all hours — because every time of the day is a good time for structures by the seaside. Don't go thinking the festival that's worth a day trip down the coast for is just about sculpture, though. Participate in a photography workshop, see smaller pieces in a gallery setting and spy 3,000 candles among the sand. Or, take a twilight walk, hangout at the festival green, and enjoy a live music lineup that features Cheap Fakes, The Lyrical, Katia Demeester, Felicity Lawless and more.
We're a hungry bunch in Brisbane — and, since food trucks started driving their delicious meals on wheels around town, we're keen on eating all the van-cooked fare that we can. Harold Fleming, aka Harry, knows this. As the owner of The Bun Mobile, he helped begin the trend. Now, he's about to bring more edible goodness to Brissie courtesy of a regular food truck gathering. That'd be Harry's Truck Stop, which will soon be showcasing the best mobile cuisine from South-East Queensland at a host of regular events. It all kicks off in King George Square at 11am on September 6, for the first of a fortnightly series in the inner-city. In addition, head to Di Bella Coffee in Bowen Hills every second Friday night and Sunday from September 18 to gorge on more. They don't call Fleming a food truck pioneer for no good reason.
It's the exercise trend that has swept the world, and popped up in Sydney and Melbourne in the process. And yet, somehow silent yoga hasn't made its way to Brisbane. On September 11, The Urban Bliss Sound Off Experience will change that in one of the CBD's most central and visible public spaces. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like: keen yogis will stretch and shoosh, with teacher Esther Wallace-Hill delivering cues regarding poses and movements via wireless headphones. Attendees will also listen to music piped straight into their ears during a 75-minute class that's open to yoga fans of all experience levels. Up to 250 people can participate — and while those that do will pay to take part, all proceeds raised will go towards a good cause. The event is designed to not only promote the latest yoga style, and help Brissie's stressed out citizens bend, stretch and breathe their way to inner bliss, but to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute's mood disorder diagnosis, treatment and prevention efforts. And if you're on the Gold Coast and can't attend, don't worry — you're won't miss out. Not just silent yoga but silent disco yoga is coming your way courtesy of Flow After Dark. It's clearly a great time to exercise as quietly as possible in the Sunshine State. The Urban Bliss Sound Off Experience takes place in King George Square. at 5.30pm on September 11. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the event's Facebook page.
Stop looking for the perfect Father's Day present, and start making sure that your dad is free this Thursday evening. If he's a whiskey fiend, he'll thank you for the best spirit-soaked gift a child could give — and you'll even get to enjoy the experience with him. Trust The Walrus Club to come up with a one-of-a-kind evening that might just be the best pressie ever. At their Father's Day Whiskey Blend Session, you'll bestow your beloved papa with the chance to create his own concoction, and then take a bottle of it home with him. Tasting 29 of the world's best tipples and enjoying matched gourmet canapés is also on the agenda, with the former serving up a range of intoxicating flavours, and the latter ensuring that you line your stomach before you start sampling. Expect to pay $100 for two tickets; however given the barrels of whiskey fun on offer, it's worth it.
Move over Q&A — there's a new opinion-focused show in town. This one entertains audiences every Sunday evening from 6pm starting on September 4, and can only be seen at Saccharomyces Beer Cafe. With a title like Majority Rules, the fact that the live gameshow will be playfully probing and polling attendees for their responses to a range of topics should be obvious. Here's how it works: you'll be quizzed, challenged and guided through a series of scenarios — and, once you register your responses via a smartphone app, you'll be part of quite the discussion. Expect questions such as "if you were stranded in the wilderness with your best friend, could you eat them to survive?" and "who would win in a fight between Jamie Oliver with a knife vs Gordon Ramsey with a spoon?''. Expect to find out whether your answers are average or unique, as well. Playing over a beverage or two is recommended.
Love cats? Like wallpaper? Can't see how the two could possibly combine? How about wallpaper featuring cats as far as the eye can see? If you have a feline friend or two, it probably sounds like your ideal kind of decor. The kitten-filled creations are actually pieces of art whipped up by Tim Andrew for his new exhibition, Kittentinuum. "'The kittens are unique-ish, but also pretty much the same, they repeat indefinitely, a kind of "kittentinuum"', as he explains. Indeed, while Andrew has chosen to focus on one of everyone's favourite cute critters, it's actually the repetitive patterns in wallpaper that remains his true fascination (and have for a few years, as his previous work demonstrates). Whether you share his interest in design and variance, or just want to look at an extended backdrop of cats, you'll find the purrfect blend of both at This Must Be the Place until September 15.
They serve French toast burritos as well as peaches and cream shakes — but on Saturday, October 1, delicious food and beverages won't be Southside Tea Room's only drawcard. Oh, you can eat and drink, of course — but you'll do so while perusing a bunch of art. As presented by Sober Bob Monthly, attendees will find a heap of creative bits and pieces for their browsing and buying pleasure, with the likes of Yippywhippy, Hacklock, QueerContent Comix & Zines and Junky Comics taking part. Basically, it's a pop-up that everyone's going to want to pop into.
There really is a festival dedicated to everything you can think of. We've said it before, and we know we'll say it again; however, given that Redcliffe has a two-day fest dedicated to flying kites, we know we're right. Yep, it's the event your inner seven-year-old will love — and, let's be honest, your adult self will too. It's a breezy way to spend the weekend, that's for sure. It's also a celebration of the simple pleasure of letting the wind catch a brightly coloured combination of wood, string and fabric, and then watching it soar. Of course, KiteFest is exactly what you make of it, whether something peaceful or action-packed is on your personal agenda. If you just want to stare at the sky, you can do that. If you want to browse market stalls, listen to live music, watch roving performers and more — including world-class professional kite flyers, high-flying fly board performers, back-flipping sky skis and high-speed jet ski routines — you can do that too.
It's a good time to own a venue called Barbara. For the past month, everyone has been binging on Netflix's Stranger Things and shouting their love for the favourite character — who just happens to share her name with the Fortitude Valley bar. You know where this is going, and you're probably surprised that no one thought of it earlier. Head to Barbara from 9pm on August 20 for their Stranger Things shindig, and prepare to celebrate the show no one can stop talking about, the music everyone has been listening to non-stop and everything that's great about the best friend we wish we all had. Yes, we're talking about Barb. Don't worry — it's not a pool party, so no one is going to be snatched away by something sinister. Instead, you'll drink craft beverages, chat about '80s-inspired pop culture, and groove to synth-heavy tunes spun by DJs Mitch 'Eleven' Exton and Adrian 'Hawkins PD' Price. And, your pal Nancy won't even have to drag you there.
Drinking a beverage and watching a band ranks among life's simplest pleasures. Enjoying one of 150 craft beers and ciders from 38 independent brewers, while being entertained by Josh Pyke, Holy Holy and more — now that's how you take something great and make it even better. Ensuring a good time is had by all is part of the aim of the Beer InCider Experience in its 2016 iteration. Well, that and showcasing the best in brews and music, plus throwing in some delicious food and fun entertainment options. To line the stomach, at least ten local food trucks such as will do their bit, offering up everything from pizza to tacos. Those looking for something a bit different might want to head to the cheese stand, or perhaps to the espresso martini bar. Then, work it all off with a bout of Berlin-style ping pong or putt putt, or stand around and chill to the sights of roving performers. Yes, this truly is the ultimate in drinks-focused music festivals.
If you live in Brisbane, you've heard all about the city's connections with Asia; we are the home of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and the new Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival, after all. Since 2013, the BrisAsia Festival has also been on that list, paying homage to the culture of our neighbours. As always, this year's program features another mix of traditional and contemporary Asian arts, channelled into events across Brisbane. It all kicks off with tours — of food around Sunnybank, and of art at GOMA — but the fun really is just beginning. Where do we start? Watch the films of a Hong Kong songstress, attend an Asian pop culture concert or learn the art of tai chi. Or, celebrate the lunar new year in Chinatown, make your own lanterns, listen to traditional Japanese instruments or discover the secrets to your favourite international cuisines.
There ain't no party like a public holiday eve block party, and The Elephant knows it. The Wickham Street pub has made celebratory shindigs their new go-to gatherings for some time now — and everyone has been flocking to them, of course. Keeping in that spirit, they're throwing a big bash on Australia Day eve on January 25, complete with the usual chilled vibe, cold beverages and beer garden hangouts. Add a rocking music lineup of Confidence Man FeelsClub providing the live tunes, and that's your lazy, pre-day off Wednesday night well and truly covered.
In 2012, the community Denver artist Paul Weiner called his own was rocked by tragedy when a man opened fire in a Colorado movie theatre. A midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises was meant to be on the bill, but the horrific events sparked another kind of art: a response. Weiner's pieces delve into the incident, referencing redacted court documents that followed the shooting, commenting on violence throughout the US, and crafting canvasses that are designed to look blemished and bruised. These works form half of In the Balance — and if his efforts encompass his reaction, Kimberley Rowe's offer hers in kind. Filled with light and whiteness, the Californian creative's large-scale paintings aren't conceived as the opposite to Weiner's, but as their complement. "Each painting is an evolution or expansion of an idea spawned between imagining and doing," Rowe describes. Together, they bring something special to TWFineArt from January 24 to February 22, aka the kind of feeling you only understand when you experience it. That's what happens when you respond to something that changes life as you know it, isn't it?
One of the joys of watching Jessica Chastain on screen is watching an excellent actress at the top of her game. Another, and one that occurs again and again in Miss Sloane, is watching everyone else react to her presence. Whether she's hunting down terrorists in Zero Dark Thirty or playing a scheming sibling in Crimson Peak, no one sharing her scenes seems to know quite how to react — which is a testament to the kinds of roles the two-time Oscar-nominee chooses, as well as the way she plays them, rather than a comment on her co-stars. Ambitious, determined and daring to defy categorisation, the bulk of Chastain's characters simply demand attention. Ruthless lobbyist Elizabeth Sloane certainly does, as does the movie that shares her name. "Lobbying is about foresight," Sloane tells the camera during the film's opening scene, with everything that follows demonstrating the accuracy of her assertion. Miss Sloane starts with a congressional committee, where she has been asked to explain her behaviour during a high-profile job, before jumping back to fill in the gaps. Three months earlier, Sloane worked for one of Washington D.C.'s top firms — until the gun lobby came calling, she put them in their place, and the other side wooed her to lead their cause. Even her new boss (Mark Strong) didn't expect her to do more than put up a spirited fight, but losing isn't something Sloane knows how to handle, particularly when she's finally working for a cause she cares about. Her former colleagues (played by Sam Waterston and Michael Stuhlbarg, among others) swiftly turn nasty and combative. Her new co-workers, including the kindy and impassioned Esme (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), try to adjust to her calculating ways. Sloane herself, meanwhile, stands in the middle, providing not only a compelling centrepiece in a high stakes political battle, but a meaty example of the treatment that plagues strong women. She's a force to be reckoned with — exceptional at her job, capable of handling whatever comes her way, willing to do whatever it takes to succeed and thoroughly unconcerned about whether or not people like her. As a result, she's always a target. Arriving on screen so soon after America not only visibly rejected a vision of female leadership, but was quick to paint the prospect in highly unflattering terms, it's no wonder that Miss Sloane strikes a chord. That applies equally to the film and to the character — though the latter outshines the former, thanks largely to Chastain. Still, as the dialogue flies thick and fast, Miss Sloane proves a sleek, taut and tense political thriller. The film represents something of a change of pace for director John Madden after helming The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel; still, the veteran filmmaker proves more than up to the task. First-time screenwriter Jonathan Perera also acquits himself well, spinning an engaging narrative about duplicity, deceit, corruption and control. Of course, if you've ever watched a film or TV show about US politics, you've seen tales like this before. Proficient wheeler-and-dealers have weaved their way through shadowy landscapes on screen before, and painting the American capital as an ethical sinkhole is nothing new – as viewers of The West Wing, House of Cards, Scandal and Veep can all attest And yet, Miss Sloane is never less than involving, even when it feels a tad familiar. Plus, for the record, not everything plays out exactly as expected.
We're sure we've said it before, and we know we'll say it again: sitting outside sipping an ice cold beverage really is one of the finer things in life. Combine it with music, food and games, and you've got yourself a garden party going on. Not just any garden party, mind you. On February 25 at The Bench, a Stone & Wood Garden Party will take over the Cleveland hangout. If that's not a reason to head east for a day by the bay, then we don't know what is. The brewery's Garden Ale will be in the spotlight, fittingly, as well the kind of activities that go down well with a beverage or several. Yes, that means lawn games on this particular occasion, so shorts are quite the appropriate attire. And, in good news for everyone who likes boozing outdoors — aka everyone — more shindigs at more places are due to come over the coming months.
Consider the following two scenarios, and think about your answers. What's better than heading to a burger joint to pick up something tasty between two pieces of bread? And what's better than paying for it? A food truck that brings the deliciousness closer to you is the correct response to the first question. Munching away for free is clearly what you're contemplating when it comes to the second. Enter MooFree Burgers, their new meals-on-wheels venture, and a two-hour party to celebrate. Simply head along to Charlie's Fruit Market at Everton Park from 5pm on February 23, and prepare to spoil your tastebuds in the ultimate cruelty-free way. There's a one burger per person limit, with a choice between The Fun Guy or the Chick'n Licken on offer. You can also buy chips, give a donation to Farm Animal Rescue Australia, and drop by anytime between 2pm and 8pm for some merchandise, music and hanging out fun.
If there's one thing that Brisbane music fans love, it's the city's vibrant local scene. And if there's a second thing we love, it's events that showcase the best talent this town of ours has to offer. Add a third one in, and you'd have to add homegrown radio legends 4ZZZ to the mix. If the above list was a recipe, it'd cook up Open House at The Foundry on November 19. We know, we know, it'd also conjure up almost every locally focused gig in Brissie — but, hey, who doesn't want to support up-and-coming bands and the station that helps them? In this specific case, as your funds are going towards keeping the Zed dream alive, your ears will be getting their fill of friendships, Rebel Yell, Tiana Khasi, Jesswar, Sezzo Snot, Baby Mama, Sullivan and Sleep Club. And, don't just gloss over Open House's name. As the moniker suggests, this is an event that's all about making sure gigs are safe and inclusive for everyone.
We all know that exercise is good for us. We all know that it's much more fun when more than just bending and stretching is involved. That's why you've gotta love the current trend of pop music-themed yoga sessions. Just remember: you're not supposed to be tapping your toes. Hip hop yoga studio Yo! Yoga have already mastered the art of getting the blood pumping to a thumping soundtrack, but they really do just want you to shut up and exercise at their latest class. Because there's a difference between a mixtape kind of playlist and a session dedicated to one particular artist, they're asking you to throw some poses together while Rihanna blasts through their stereo. Umbrellas probably won't be used as a prop, but you can expect to work, possibly jump, sweat bright like a diamond, and find fitness in a happening place. And yes, we know what you're thinking. Alongside Harry Potter yoga, silent yoga, silent disco yoga, cat yoga, blindfolded yoga, hip hop yoga, brewhouse yoga, rooftop yoga, Beyonce yoga, Drake yoga and stand-up paddleboard yoga, there really is a type of yoga for everything.
he high priestess of dark rock is coming to Australia — PJ Harvey has announced her first Australian/New Zealand tour since 2012. Hitting epic venues like Sydney's shiny new $1.5 billion International Convention Centre for Sydney Festival, Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Brisbane's Tivoli and Auckland's Logan Campbell Centre, Harvey will be backed by her ten-piece band for a career-spanning set. It's been a while between drinks — Harvey hasn't performed in Australia or NZ since 2012. It's a new live show for the UK indie rock legend, one that's already toured Europe and the US and features all your favourite early classics and newer material. The first Brisbane show is sold out, so best get in quick for the second one.
Stop what you're doing (particularly if what you're doing is re-watching old Seinfeld episodes for the 33rd time), because Jerry Seinfeld, the man himself, is finally coming to Australia. The comedian will be gracing our shores with a five-date national stand-up tour of our capital cities — his first visit Down Under in almost 20 years. Yowsa. The Seinfeld Live tour will visit the Brisbane Entertainment Centre this August 9 for one show only. So hurry up and rewatch seasons one through nine ASAP. It's Seinfeld's first visit to Australia since 1998, when he toured the country just after the show wrapped. On that visit he called Melbourne the "anus" of the world — we'll see what he has to say about it this time round.
Everybody loves a countdown. Watching rage, voting in Triple J's Hottest 100: they're all Australian traditions. In Brisbane, we love all of the above — and we're also very fond of 4ZZZ's Hot 100. It's the poll voted by locals, celebrating locals and brimming with the best of everything that's hit local airwaves throughout the past year, and it's coming to The Triffid. See in the new year with a song (or 100) as the Newstead venue throws their first hangout of 2017. From midday, the first sixty tracks will be blasted through the Triff thanks to the power of radio, as you sit, drink, recover or do whatever it is you need to on January 1. Then, when tune number 40 hits in the race to number one, it's live broadcast time. There'll be beer, banter and the Zed's announcers on site to share the fun. Happy 2017 indeed.
It's the animated burger joint with the best menu listings — aka the place, if you were a two-dimensional drawing rather than flesh and blood, that you'd want to eat at. It's also the family-friendly sitcom giving that well-known, long-running, doughnut-loving cartoon clan a run for their money. Yes, we're talking about Bob's Burgers. Spending time with the Belchers and their Ocean Avenue community in an unnamed seaside town is a TV-watching delight, as is checking out their weekly specials (Let's Give 'Em Something Shiitake 'Bout or Parma Parma Parma Chameleon, anyone?). And, showing just how much burger-flipping goodness you've soaked in at The Brightside's Bob's Burgers Trivia Night can be just as much fun. So, put on a rabbit-eared hat, bust out your keyboard and head to Warner Street from 7pm on February 2. It's one of Man vs Bear's most-requested themes, and it's finally coming to fruition. As always, it's free to play, plus there's prizes and bragging rights on offer. To really make a night of it, drop by Lucky Egg while you're there, order one of their three burgs, and think up your best chicken burger pun.
Cabaret really doesn't get much racier than this — or seductive, subversive, or brand spanking new, either. If you've seen one of the previous two seasons of Boy&Girl, then you know what you're in for. If you haven't, well, prepare to have your musical theatre horizons broadened. Here, there's no rules. Instead, there's just gender-bending stage fun. And singing and dancing from a talented ensemble that knows how to make a whole heap of things pop. In case you're wondering, wine is heartily encouraged. Okay, okay, we'll stop being coy: the show comes with a warning about coarse language, adult themes, nudity, glitter and show tunes. We know that the latter two aren't everyone's thing, but don't let some shininess and songs keep you away from the production everyone in Brissie will be talking about. Again.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, Luke Skywalker, his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi and their nemesis Darth Vader all had quite the thing for trifling with lightsabers. On Saturday night in Brisbane, you can pretend you're one of them — or Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Jabba the Hut or even more decent franchise additions such as Rey, Finn and BB-8 — and play with something just as cool: laser tag. You already know where you're headed, don't you? Of course the Brightside are hosting this Star Wars-centric evening. And, it wouldn't be a Brighty bash without a big batch of other activities. Battling it out to be reigned the universe's trivia wiz is just the beginning. As well as trying to win the best dressed comp (and yes, coming as Liz Lemon dressed for her wedding is totally acceptable), you can line up at the Tattooine parlour for some spray-on art, or just groove like you're out of this world to the sounds of Rolo Tomassi and Belle Haven. Basically, it's all the Star Wars fun you could wish for. Yep, the force is strong at this party.
Like a few beverages? Then, whether you realise it or not, you like barrels. No, not the ones that Donkey Kong throws in the video game you spent too much of your childhood playing. We're talking about the wooden structures that all your favourite tipples are stored in. Beer, cider, wine, whiskey, rum: they've all been in a barrel at one point or another. And, they're all drinks that Bloodhound Bar serves. No wonder the Fortitude Valley joint has turned the timber vessels into a reason to have a party. That'd be Barrel Age, complete with a range of rare, mouth-watering, toe-curling offerings on tap, in-house barrel-aged spirits and cocktails on the menu, and matched cheeses and boilermakers available, too. Add barrel-fermented wines, a bourbon and food pairing showcase, and live Saturday night tunes from The Hi-Boys, and you'll be having a barrel of fun in no time. And yes, constantly telling everyone that you're having a barrel of fun is compulsory. Image: Jonathan Chie.
On any given weekend in Brisbane, there's a festival raring to fill your days and nights with fun. But, even if you collect fests like most people collect Pokemon, you haven't been to an event like this before. For the first time ever, the city will play host to an international celebration of the kind of moving and grooving known as belly dancing. At the Salam Brisbane Middle Eastern Dance Festival from July 29 to 31, you can learn to shimmy and shake, see seasoned professionals do the same, or treat yo'self to a combination of the above. In fact, if making the first steps towards taking to the stage yourself is just what you're after, you'll find more than 24 hours' worth of workshops delivering everything you could hope for. And if watching the masters at work is more your style, then enjoy performances by international star Mercedes Nieto, as well as local talents Jrisi Jusakos, Nayima Hassan, Rose Ottaviano, Virginia Rizkallah, Nasser Masri, Nerissa, Ambyr and Alice Knox as part of Salam Ya Raqs! A Dance Voyage, the fest's centrepiece event on July 31 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Image: Igor Plaza Photography.
It doesn't take much to turn a day at the Regatta into a party — but when the iconic Brissie pub really wants to throw a shindig, they know how to go about it. Enter RegattaFair, the second annual occasion dedicated to three days of riverside food, booze and hanging out. Basically, it's an excuse to eat, drink and be merry at one of the city's favourite haunts, not that you'll hear us complaining about that. Who doesn't want to wander beneath the fairy lights in the venue's laneway, peruse stalls selling all your favourite stomach fillers and thirst quenchers, and listen to DJ sets and live music in the process? Anyone keen on wood-fired pizzas (including a Nutella variety) and slow-cooked lamb rolls won't be disappointed — and neither will those after an Asahi, Mountain Goat, Fat Yak, Peroni or Penfolds tipple. Plus, stopping by the warm Rekordelig station, getting your fortune told while tasting rum in the Walrus Club, and sampling amber spirits in the Whiskey Bar are all a must.
Do you try to indulge in your favourite dairy product at every meal? Do you have an entire shelf in your fridge dedicated to brie, cheddar and camembert? Have you become rather great at convincing yourself that alternating between soft and hard pieces is the same as eating a balanced diet? Don't worry, we all love cheese — and, as a result, we all love the people responsible for its deliciousness. Yes, we're talking about cheesemakers — and yes, they're the folks in the spotlight at just what might be the best event Cheese Therapy and Cloudland could whip up. At Blessed are the Cheesemakers, you'll pay homage to the origins of the edible item everyone finds irresistible, as well as the artisans behind it. You'll also devour plenty of cheese, of course, and enjoy some wine along with it. And, if you're after an indepth dairy experience, you can take part in a blue cheese masterclass. Just remember to get in quick: only three sessions will be held, and each 30-minute class can only accommodate 15 hungry cheese lovers.
If all a horror movie needed was a killer concept, then Lights Out would sit at the top of the spooky cinematic heap. At its core is an idea that's equally obvious, ingenious and universal: the unsettling feeling that springs in children and adults alike when a flick of a switch plunges a room into darkness. In fact, when Swedish filmmaker David F. Sandberg first toyed with the notion in his two-and-a-half-minute short film of the same name, it became a viral sensation, catching the eye of horror producer James Wan in the process. Three years later, Sandberg has fleshed out the attention-grabbing effort into his feature film debut. In Lights Out, stressing about whatever sinister presence just might lurk in the shadows isn't simply a sign of anxiety or an overactive imagination, as Rebecca (Teresa Palmer) and her ten year old brother Martin (Gabriel Bateman) come to realise in the wake of a family tragedy. Initially, Martin isn't overly concerned when his grief-stricken mother, Sophie (Maria Bello), starts speaking to someone who isn't there. But then he spies a ghostly figure that only appears when his lamp turns off. When he flees his dimly lit home to stay in Rebecca's apartment, she starts seeing the apparition too. It's enough to make them jump, run and scream repeatedly, in a movie that knows how to make the most of its unnerving moments. Indeed, although writer Eric Heisserer seems fairly content to keep playing in formulaic territory after penning the recent remakes of both A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Thing, Sandberg perfects the ominous look, uneasy mood and expert sense of timing that a film about things going bump in the dark requires. More specifically, Sandberg's spot-on directorial choices include a focus on the obvious but essential: if you're going to call a film Lights Out, you have to master the many flickers and silhouettes that tend to come with luminous bulbs and the like. From the glow of exterior lighting shining down on an eerie-looking warehouse in the film's opening shot, to the contrast of every high- and low-wattage source of brightness you can think of against gloomy interior surroundings, the movie becomes a striking exercise in setting a specific tone through lighting and cinematography. As a result, what it lacks in narrative surprises, it makes up for in successful scares and inventive imagery. Thankfully, the small but spirited cast follows suit, even though they're largely saddled with cookie-cutter horror roles. No time is wasted on jostling for laughs or taking things too seriously, with the 81-minute feature proving an example of economical yet mostly effective filmmaking. Accordingly, even as Palmer's heroine makes more than a few predictable choices, and Bello's frazzled parent does the same, they're both pitched at just the right, relatable level.
If you've ever been to Bangkok, you might've wandered along one of its most famous streets, stepped inside one of its go-go bars and pondered just where you were in life — or found the spark you needed to start heading in a different direction. Indeed, that's just what Aussie traveller Andy does when she takes a job at one of the busy strip's karaoke bars, meets Thai-American Arisa and starts trekking throughout the country, seeking answers about their role as tourists in a developing nation as much as themselves. Andy's tale sits at the heart of the brand new, Brisbane Powerhouse-commissioned production Soi Cowboy, as created by artists Gillian Cosgriff (music and lyrics), Julia-Rose Lewis (text) and Kat Henry (director). Or, to be more accurate, it will be when it takes to the stage. For now, they're giving audiences a taste with a professional run-through of what's sure to be the city's next musical theatre hit. Tickets are free, but registration is required.
Every Monday night between August 1 and September 26, something unexpected is happening at Dendy Portside. At 6.30pm, the cinema will dim their lights, project a beloved film onto their one of their big screens and encourage you to talk along with it. Yes, you read that correctly. Yes, chatting through the likes of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Fifth Element and The Princess Bride is allowed. In fact, at Quote-Along Films, keeping quiet would be inconceivable. If you know the dialogue from Wayne's World, The Breakfast Club and Step Brothers so well that it just flows out of your mouth, you are worthy of this unique movie-going experience. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Clueless and Mean Girls round out the line-up of cult classics everyone knows, loves and can rattle off more than a few phrases from. Here, no shushing will be tolerated. Instead, prepare to spout your favourite lines until your heart's content.
If circus can be considered a feat of physical magic, then prepare for Casus to do the acrobatic equivalent of pulling a rabbit out of a hat. In their latest show, the Brisbane troupe will transform an empty stage into an active expression of life, love and humanity's innate need for contact. Anyone who has ever tried to turn nothing into something — be it a blank page or an everyday situation — will appreciate the artistry at the heart of this world premiere performance. And with a name like Driftwood, so will anyone who feels like they're just floating through their existence. Indeed, as it explores explosive encounters, hidden looks and humorous discoveries, and tells tales of loved ones, enemies and complete strangers too, Driftwood champions another piece of trickery — aka how everyone we know helps influence the person that we become. That's a significant topic for anyone to examine, let alone a circus show.
Need a boost? A lift in mood? Something to stimulate your senses? Let Elevate try to help. Yep, its name really is telling. Fancy footwork and fluid movement can do that, with this trio of contemporary dance works offering all three. And that's not all, of course. Performed by a fresh group of emerging young dance artists, Elevate also boasts energy and passion that's bound to be contagious. If you're wondering why, it's because Elevate isn't just a dance performance — it's actually a showcase stemming from Metro Arts' Transitions Program. The six-week practical intensive closely replicates the range of activities experienced in a small contemporary company — and boasts the assistance of Sydney-based choreographer Craig Bary, Brisbane's own Prying Eye, and the up-and-coming Sammie Williams — so expect the end result to prove uplifting in a variety of ways.
It was headline news, and it caused exactly the reaction expected, as even those uninterested in fashion will recall. When Stella McCartney designed a line of clothing for Target, eager shoppers flocked to the department store — and we mean flocked. A frenzy ensued, with the shelves mostly bare moments after the fancy threads went on sale. As one disappointed customer explained, "by the time I got to the racks, half of the range was already gone." That might've been six years ago now; however today, it lives on in the hearts and minds of a group of emerging local artists — or in the title of their one-night-only group showcase at Cut Thumb ARI, at least. Combining pre-existing and specifically made new works by Loki Groves, Yannick Blattner, Naomi Blacklock, Sarah Poulgrain, Callum Galletly, Ursula Larin and Hailey Atkins, Stella McCartney for Target reflects the diverse outcomes of innovative art being produced in Brisbane. Yep, a consumerist experiment has sparked a creative response, as well as an exciting array of pieces across a range of media. Sure, it might be making a statement about everything from branding to conformity, but here's hoping the exhibition inspires even part of the frenzy of the couture collection that provides its moniker. Image: Hailey Atkins, SOFT CONCRETE SHARP SPONGE, Webb Gallery QCA, 2016.
You've been to Cloudland. You've probably even been downstairs to the venue's hidden, underground Cellar Bar. But even if it's your regular weekend hangout, we're guessing that you haven't experienced the kind of intrigue and indulgence they're about to start peddling. At a new Friday night popup series spanning June 17 to July 8, end your working week at Enigma Underground, complete with tasty tapas, live entertainment and luxury tipples. Just don't expect any old beverage when it comes to the latter, with the event showcasing the brand new vodka Absolut Elyx. There's a reason that magicians and illusionists will be putting on performances across each evening, after all — the drinks, including the new spirit in the spotlight, boast more than a few tricks up their sleeves. Where else can you grab a couple of espresso martinis on tap, learn how to make them for yourself, and recline in velvet couches? There's decadent Friday nights, and then there's this. Image: Joel Devereux.
When that slice of inner-city, riverside delights known as Teneriffe was officially named a suburb back in 2010, locals threw a party to celebrate. Seen years on and the shindig is still going strong. You know it as the Teneriffe Festival. For its 2016 outing, the event has compiled a wide-ranging lineup. For the first time, it welcomes Green Beacon and LONgTIME for some beer garden fun, for example. Plus, after last year's success, the Brisbane Cheese Market returns to the fold. Chilled riverside hangouts and tasty coagulated cow, goat and sheep secretions are only the beginning, of course. Elsewhere, the Tastes of Teneriffe showcases the area's bars and restaurants, for those after more sustenance than dairy products can give. Then, work off all that food by walking around 100 bespoke market stalls, or sit down and digest on a Magical Mystery History Tour. And in between, check out the packed program of local music.
Without anyone really realising it, low and slow barbecuing has become Brisbane's favourite style of food preparation, and there's a festival to prove it. Come July 2, the Brisbane Showgrounds will be engulfed in the kind of smoky, spicy taste sensations that can only come from taking your time to lock in as much goodness as possible. At the second annual Brisbane BBQ Festival, a convoy of food trucks, burger joints and ore will converge upon Bowen Hills to prove their culinary patience. They'll be starting up their ovens long before their doors open, and you'll get to devour the long-simmering rewards. Between sampling from the likes of Ze Pickle, Bella BBQ, German Sausage Hut and How We Rolls (to name a few), sipping frosty bevs at pop-up bars, and learning up at masterclasses and workshops, you'll also watch teams of professionals battle it out to be crowned the low and slow champions — while scoring free samples of their creations. And if your own gastronomic itches need scratching, you can then browse the boutique marketplace for barbecue-related products to help you whip up a storm at home. The sounds of the John Steel Singers will provide your ultimate barbecue soundtrack, with The Hi Boys and Big Blind Ray among the others on the bill. If that seems like too much fun for just one day, that's because it is. Image: Brent Hofacker.
If movies about sports, music and anything else either competitive or creative have taught us anything, it's this: everyone has a special skill, and everyone gets their time to shine. If your particular talent is shredding, then the next six weeks might just give you your moment in the spotlight. So You Think You Can Shred is exactly what it sounds like, aka a contest of dexterity and artistic integrity of the rockin' kind. Picking up a guitar is actually the easy part. Unleashing the full might of your inner music god, well, that's hard. With the comp a winner-takes-all type of situation, the virtuoso crowned the city's best over the course of the contest will receive $1000 cash, a new guitar and guitar set-up, a private keg party and more. And even if you can't play, we still recommend heading along. Where else are you going to hear these kind of intricate, extended, fret-busting sounds?
Any time is a good time to head to Noosa; however anyone needing an additional excuse will find plenty between July 15 to 24. That's when the Noosa Long Weekend Festival takes over the Sunshine Coast hotspot for ten days of artistic entertainment, delicious meals and all-round enjoyment. Whether it's theatre, literature, music, dance, film, visual arts or cuisine that you're after, you'll find it here in the event's 15th year. And while the fest's name might seem like a tease given that there's no public holiday in sight, we choose to take it another way: as a friendly suggestion to take a couple of days off for an extended trip. The Carnivale Infusion Parade will wander down Hastings Street to get things started — and yes, that's only the beginning. The rest of the schedule includes everything from a cabaret performance by Meow Meow and the latest iteration of the international One-Act Play Festival to a long Italian lunch and a screening of indigenous dance flick Spear. In other words, it's just the kind of program you'd expect at a vacation destination.
When the ancient Sumerians created their own version of the Egyptian Book of the Dead, they can't have known the horrors they'd unleash. First, the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis would accidentally fall into the hands of a group of college kids. Then, it would terrorise a big-chinned guy by the name of Ash, taking his right hand, sending him back to Medieval times, and still stalking him decades later. Now, the whole hellish adventure at the heart of The Evil Dead franchise has inspired yet another terrifying ordeal. No, we don't mean the 2013 remake. Instead, we're talking about The Scratch's artistic tribute to the Bruce Campbell-starring movie series. Featuring pieces by 30 creatively minded fans, Dead by Dawn: An Evil Dead Art Show amasses what we can only assume is the grooviest collection of paintings and drawings of Deadites, boomsticks and chainsaws the world has ever seen. It all kicks off with a boozy shindig on July 13 — complete with Brewtal Brewers' Malt Monster imperial stout, and timed as a precursor to the dive bar's annual Weekend of Darkness drinking festival — and then continues its demonic display until the end of the month.
For the past 23 and a half years, one woman has shaped the musical tastes of Brisbane. And over the past five in particular, she's helped unearth a wealth of talent, including Jeremy Neale, Babaganouj, WAAX and Baskervillain. It should come as little surprise, then, that the quartet of bands are keen to pay tribute to Joc Curran. As the original co-founder and manager of The Zoo, she played no small part in helping their careers, as Farewell to Joc From The Last Five Years recognises. It's the sendoff every beloved venue head deserves, showcasing the music and the vibe that's made the Ann Street mainstay what it is under Curran's reign. And it's not the only goodbye event in her honour, with The Zoo also hosting 23.5 — A Dual Celebration to mark Curran's departure and welcome her replacement Pixie Weyand; however with that all-star homage selling out in record time, it is the only farewell shindig with tickets still available.
If you like your music experimental and artistic, then you probably know all about the Institute of Modern Art's MONO series. Exploring the possibilities of sound is what this regular evening performance is all about — and championing the kind of talents that aren't likely to become household names, too. For MONO 22, John Chantler is in the spotlight in a performance that's also a homecoming. Born in Bundaberg but based everywhere from Japan to London to his most recent home of Stockholm for most of his life, he's one of the state's great synth masters, and he's coming back to Brisbane to prove it. Watch Chantler work with a quadraphonic set up, control voltage to unexpected ends and create sonic treats that are equally beautiful and abstract. He'll be joined by percussionist Vanessa Tomlinson, who'll offer up a brand new solo work for gong. And if you're keen on arriving early, the event will also double as a birthday celebration for composer, artist and curator Lawrence English — because every showcase needs electronic rhythms, vibrating instruments and cake, of course.
Counting down until the second Queensland Film Festival starts? Can't wait to watch your way through their 40-title 2016 lineup? If so, then you'd best head to the Institute of Modern Art at 3pm on July 9, because that's when this year's QFF really kicks off. Dedicating ten days to showcasing the best of international cinema just isn't enough, so QFF is hosting a preview screening before the festival's official opening night. Who doesn't want to spend their Saturday afternoon feasting their eyes on a specially curated selection of experimental shorts? That's what film festivals are all about, after all. Telling the tale of a young anthropologist seeking to push the limits of her discipline, Mathieu Kleyebe Abonnenc's Sector IX B, is the main attraction — as well a film that really should be seen in a darkened room. Add Ben Rivers' meditative A Distant Episode, Shezad Dawood's hallucinatory Towards the Possible Film, and an introduction by Professor Sue Best, and it's the kind of session that cinephiles' dreams are made of.
