In every generation, there is a chosen one, as every Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan knows. And while those famous words from Joss Whedon's cult television show refer to the titular assassin of the undead, we think they're also relevant in another arena: battling it out with other Buffy aficionados in a BtVS trivia quiz. If you think you're the one who can wield the strength and skill to defeat fellow devotees in a high-stakes test of knowledge and tidbits, then you'd best head to Grill'd Wintergarden. There, the folks from Man vs Bear will test your talents, anoint a winner and even hand out prizes for best costumes. If you've ever wanted to copy Buffy's style, Willow's witchy ways or Giles' watcher outfits, now's your chance. Other than something great to wear, all you'll need are your wits and your encyclopaedic knowledge of a seven-season series that started out as a movie, gave its main love interest a detective-focused spin off, and now lives on in comic book form. Well, that and your gang of offsiders, of course. No vampire slayer can defeat the big bad of competing trivia contestants all alone.
Imagine reading a series of letters written to one of the most famous characters ever committed to the page and stage. Now imagine those words turned into songs, telling stories of love, joy, betrayal and death. As jotted down by characters old, young, female and male, everything from love poems to suicide notes to junk mail gets a melody. That's what The Juliet Letters does — and yes, the lady of the title is the same lovesick heroine William Shakespeare wrote about. Back in the '90s, Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet crafted a song cycle inspired by real-life communications sent to the fictional Miss Capulet, as well as the just as genuine responses fashioned by a professor in Verona. To pay tribute to the timeless album, Dean Stevenson and string quartet the Arco Set will perform their own interpretation of this iconic work. Their take is both powerful modern and classically romantic — and it is the type of thing you won't hear often. Image via Jonathan Wherett.
Feeling a little cold this winter? Need something to warm you up? Let Velvet Helmet do the honours at their latest cabaret and variety night, courtesy of a dark and intriguing showcase of Brisbane’s finest artists. A Mid Winter's Dream is their July theme, and with that in mind, they're conjuring up a surrealist, Gothic vision of Shakespearean grandeur. It's the kind of show where you won't feel out of place dressing in your finest laces and satins, for example. It's also a feast of wondrous entertainment designed to lift your spirits and transport you to many altered realities. Of course, that's a big claim, but it is one that curator — and local actor and comedian Genevieve Butler — aims to back up. Her lineup includes object manipulator and contortionist Thomas Stewart as Melon the Human, satirical song and dance Crooners for Spooners, and a ghostly take on Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet. Plus, there's music from James Halloran with Laura Driver, as well as Matt O’Neill and the Whales of Anguish. Now that'll heat things up.
Think you grew out of slumber parties when you were in high school? Think again. It might have blanket forts and a pillow pit, but the Brightside's sleepover isn't quite like the nights you once enjoyed with your BFFs. It's better. Okay, so there'll be a selection of scary movies screening as well, and wearing your pyjamas — or a onesie — is actively encouraged. But did your childhood sleepovers take place in a bar, with live bands and a DJ? Nope, we didn't think so. Yep, this is the kind of evening you probably used to dream about. A Night In Texas, The Name Of A Ghost, Semper Fi and Initiate Jericho will be taking care of the music, with a little help from Brighty's DJs. Expect singalongs to everything from pop punk to hiphop and party metal to cheesy hits, because that's what happens at slumber parties. BYO hairbrush to use as a microphone.
Does watching a '90s action movie starring Nicolas Cage put a grin on your face? And not just any grin, but one just like the kind you might see on Nicolas Cage's face in a '90s action movie? If you answered yes to both of these questions, and you like beer and film-themed art, then the Scratch has a treat for you. For one night only, they're celebrating the wonder that is Con Air — that's right, the flick that thought a plane full of criminals was a good idea. Cage has long, flowing locks, everyone from John Cusack to Steve Buscemi to Dave Chappelle also shows up, and of course there's a crash landing. At Welcome to Con Air, the Milton bar will serve up one off-beers by Brewtal Brewers, Newstead Brewing Co., Croft Brewing Company and Bacchus Brewing Co made especially for the occasion, plus showcase up-and-coming Australian artists in a group exhibition — and yes, both the booze and the paintings are inspired by the movie. Plus, there's a screening of the film, of course. The only thing that's missing is a 'How Do I Live' singalong, but who knows what might happen by the end of the evening.
The LEGO Movie, everyone's animated film of 2014, taught us quite a few things Embracing your creativity and not being too rigid were among its chief lessons; however it also reminded us that everything is awesome — particularly the Danish-made interconnecting bricks that gave the feature its name. The folks at BrisBricks certainly think so, as do the masses that are certain to flock to their annual fan expo event. Yes, it really is exactly what it sounds like. Yes, it's a three-day extravaganza dedicated to the toys everyone still knows and loves, at every age. Marvelling at the LEGO creations the experts have conjured up is part of the fun, and buying new sets from specialist retailers too. If you've taken a fancy to the many pop culture-themed sets released in recent years, such as The Simpsons, Ghostbusters and Back to the Future, prepare for your wallet to get a workout. Of course, you'll also have the chance to do what every kid — young and old — wants, i.e. make interlocked creations until your heart is content. Here, if you're a LEGO lover, everything really is cool, and you'll be living your dream. Image via Alan Chia.
If you've ever had any doubts that there's a festival for everything, then Spruke just might convince you otherwise. The three-day event's focus falls on a certain, small, guitar-like instrument originating in Hawaii and gaining in widespread popularity. Yes, we're talking about the ukulele. Whether you're a dedicated uke fan, a wannabe player or a newcomer, the annual festival has something for you. Performances by ukulele musicians from both Australian and overseas are the obvious drawcards; however this is as much about celebrating the joy of music — be it making it or listening to it — as it is about live shows. Accordingly, the program includes everything from workshops on hot strumming techniques and playing Beatles songs to a plethora of jamming sessions, all taking place at the South Bank campus of TAFE Queensland Brisbane. And for those keen for a sample before committing to the main attraction, a Spruke showcase will also grace the Queen Street Mall at midday on October 2 and 3.
It's the sport we've all tried at least once, regardless of athletic ability. Sylvester Stallone even made a movie about it in the '80s — and while it wasn't his finest moment, he still flexed his muscles in a test of strength everyone can take part in. Yes, we're talking about arm wrestling, aka the thing kids do to settle an argument. Two people sit down, lock hands and grapple for supremacy. You know how it goes. So do the folks at Brewski and their special guest, Rampaging Luke Nicholas. Indeed, there's a reason Epic Beer’s main man and Auckland’s fiercest bicep has come to town: Australia’s first-ever craft beer arm wrestling competition. He'll battle it out in gnarly knockout tournament that pits bars, brewers, reps and beer nerds against each other for pride, booze, bar tabs and to get their hands on the inaugural Armageddon Cup. He'll also ensure Brewski's taps are flowing with Epic's finest — their Awakening Pils, Hop Zombie, Epicurean Stout and Armageddon IPA included — because arm wrestling is thirsty work.
Once a month, the Brightside pays tribute to the movies everyone loves. Not the movies most people like, or can stand, or don't mind watching, or won't complain about if they're showing somewhere near them, but the ones that are universally adored. First it was Mean Girls; now, it's Clueless. Indeed, when it comes to '90s teen flicks loosely based on classic literature, Clueless is the only film that matters. It introduced the world to Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, suck and blow, computerised wardrobes and the wonders of plaid outfits, after all. And it is tailor-made for retro parties. That's exactly what the Brightside is throwing, complete with themed trivia to separate the Bettys and Baldwins from the rest of the crowd. Of course, you can also dance to Far Away Stables, The Comfort, Worse for Wear and Inside the Whale, while drinking bucket cocktails, wearing your best threads to win a copy of the film's soundtrack on vinyl, and watching the movie on repeat, too. Now that's a good night out — and one you won't want to be audi from.
In naming his latest exhibition, Brisbane artist Jonathan Crowther isn't just blowing his own trumpet. The sculptor and painter takes everyday items — a kernel of popped corn, the ring pull from a can of drink, and a twisted piece of Blu-Tack, for example — and makes them look extraordinary. Breathing life into seemingly mundane subject matter by using incredibly skilful photorealism is what he does, after all, and he does it well. It's not just the things he chooses to depict that makes his work interesting, but also the large scale that he works on. How else could he ask audiences to reconsider objects they probably see every day, and barely even notice, let alone offer a second glance to? And how else could he use them to try to bridge the divide between high and low art? To many, a piece of popcorn is something you munch upon at the movies and pay no further attention to. To Crowther, the same thing blown up big is a sight to behold in its own right. Now that really is anything but ordinary.
The arts should be for everyone. And while many artists and audiences might assume that that's always the case, those with disabilities often find otherwise. Presentation opportunities, representation in the industry and involvement in major arts companies can be lacking for performers with disabilities, which is why Access Arts is trying to do something about it. Assisting artists with disabilities is part of their daily remit, but come June 26 and 27, they're really going above and beyond. That's when they're staging the Undercover Artist Festival, the first-ever arts and disability festival of its kind in Queensland. For two days, emerging and professional performers from across Australia will showcase their work — be it theatre, dance, music, installation or something else creative — at an event accessible to all artists and audiences. Here, diversity rules, both in terms of artists and in their efforts. There's satirical cabaret, live body painting, roving cosplay and stand-up comedy without talking on the lineup, so the festival certainly has the program to prove it.
This review was written about the Melbourne run of this production, in March 2015. Bryony Kimmings is well-known to Melbourne audiences. Last year, the daring British performance artist simultaneously toured two critical smash-hits to the city: Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model at the Festival of Live Art, and Sex Idiot at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. In some ways, Fake It 'Til You Make It is a kind of dark sequel to the achingly funny Sex Idiot, in which Kimmings traced her sexual chronology back through time. Now her real-life partner Tim Grayburn has become her co-star and collaborator, as the pair craft a narrative that intertwines his experience of chronic depression with hers as the woman who loves him. More than one moment in the show makes obvious references to the other. At one point the pair spell out an exhaustive, staggering list of the symptoms of depression on cuecards, a moment with traces of Kimmings’ crowdpleasing 'Fanny Song' from Sex Idiot (a song which made its own nod towards Bob Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues'). Here, the artist’s approach to music and sound design is just as eclectic and often surprising, with the 'Love Theme' from Cinema Paradiso taking pride of place alongside infectious earworm 'Let’s Talk About Gender, Baby'. Throughout the show, there are some brilliant scenes that stand as defiant reminders of what theatre alone can do — where the arrangement of competing voices, music and live bodies in space align. In one hugely affecting moment of this kind, a masked Grayburn is delivering a routine speech to colleagues at his advertising firm before he is first interrupted then overwhelmed by burst fragments of his own verbatim recordings with Kimmings. Overall, the combination of all these different elements — the recordings, songs, heartfelt confessions exposed to an audience and spotlight — occasionally risks overbalancing, feeling jumpy and disjointed. But that’s the paradox of representing trauma onstage; it’s a ruptured, messy form that marries content with style, and its messiness ultimately says a lot more about its subject than any conventionally polished play ever could.
Australia's about to embark upon an entire month of parties, gigs and backyard shindigs, all raising sweet, sweet money to fight poverty around the world. Having run successfully in the UK for about ten years, Oxjam is a month-long, nationwide music festival aiming to raise money for Oxfam. Now it's launching in Australia, with goodhearted gigs coming to venues, garages and backyards nationwide. Even you can throw one. One of those star-studded fundraisers which has seen the likes of Hot Chip, Fatboy Slim, Coldplay and T.E.E.D. crank out a set for a good cause, Oxjam has been a long time coming for Australia. Teaming up with MTV Music and MTV Dance, Oxfam are launching the festival in August; with the main events happening across Sydney and Melbourne. Local venues, collectives and labels like I Oh You, Noisey, Goodgod Small Club, One Day, Motorik, UNDR CTRL and more are holding some of the official gigs — where of course, funds raised will go directly to Oxfam. But you don't have to be near a major gig, you can also host your own party wherever you are. Literally anyone can hold their own Oxjam, from existing venues to local bowling clubs, big time clubs to your very own home. So if you're deep house DJ in your crew you could set up the decks in your garage, put a collection tin at the door and throw down one humdinger of a fundraving do. (And if your neighbours complain, give 'em hell until they donate too.) First time at the event-throwing rodeo? MTV Australia are hosting an official event at MTV HQ in Sydney (date TBC), where budding venue managers, club promoters and regular shindig starters can get tips on throwing their own Gig For Good during Oxjam. If you can't make it to the how-to, Oxjam's website has a bunch of handy tips and DIY guides for party planners. Oxjam is happening Australia-wide over August 2015, with the main gigs happening in Melbourne and Sydney. But with one in three people around the world living in poverty, Oxjam's probably one of the best reasons to throw a local backyard gig we've ever heard. Head over here for more info and start planning. Image: Goodgod Small Club.
Step inside the world of aviation's ace fighters, then experience the complexities and complications surrounding their efforts to take to the skies. No, this isn't Top Gun — although the play's nameless pilot protagonist certainly is one. Instead, it's a one-woman play that combines a military setting with a contemplation of the ethics of modern warfare. Grounded's heroine has a need for speed and lives for the squeeze of the trigger, until love and pregnancy send her back to earth. When she rekindles her career, it's in a seat at a base — aka "Chair Force" — rather than above the battlefield. Controlling a drone on the other side of the world, she realises that she can't war wirelessly and then go home pretending it's just like any other job. If it sounds like an emotionally and thematically complex work, that's because it is, with playwright George Brandt soaring both in his story and in his handling of the topic. There's a reason Grounded won the 2012 Smith Prize for works about American politics, after all. In this new staging featuring renowned local actress Libby Munro, you'll probably think it deserves more awards as well.
Excited about going to SplendourIn The Grass? Annoyed and envious that you can't make it? Looking for an evening out to cope with your feelings, be they of the celebratory or commiserating persuasion? Whether you're filled with thrills or FOMO, one place will add to your joys and make you forget all your worries. That'd be the Official Splendour In The Grass Pre-Party. Yes, it's the fun before the music festival frenzy, complete with a healthy taste of the Splendour lineup to get the shenanigans started. Four bands have been dispatched to Brisbane and charged with the task of kicking off the revelry for us Queenslanders, and that's a job they're going to relish. From the swagger of the Dandy Warhols to the infectious indie hooks of Brisbane's Last Dinosaurs — and including Dune Rats and Circa Waves, too — this is the pre-party to end all pre-parties. It's the warm up to the main event, and the next best thing to going to Byron Bay. No, this weekend really can't get any bigger.
No voice resonates more with real-deal Aussie music than that of John Farnham's — and if your mind draws a blank at that name, you should probably skip town. With classics like 'You're the Voice' and 'Sadie (the Cleaning Lady)' and more comeback tours than actual tours, Farnsy is the kind of musician that has transcended the title of singer to become one of Australia's greatest icons. Now, to celebrate her latest book on the one and only, Jane Gazzo talks to Andrew McMillen about the journey she took to discover the legendary performer. In a career spanning almost five decades, the likeable, charismatic star has entertained countless Australians, and Gazzo promises the inside scoop on how Farnham went from Melbourne plumber to the man behind multi-million record sales. Jane Gazzo: On John Farnham kicks off at 7pm this Wednesday. If you can't wait until then for your Farnsy fix, there's nothing wrong with watching YouTube clips to get a gentle reminder of the man with the golden hair.
History is about to be made in Brisbane. Yes, that's a big call, but there's just no other way to describe the meeting of musical minds that will occur for one evening only. Acclaimed Mexican guest Alondra de la Parra will conduct. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra will play. Superstar composer Philip Glass has arranged the work. And it all stems from a piece by electronica wizard Aphex Twin. They're joining forces for the world premiere of ICCT Hedral, and it's kind of a big deal. Your usual orchestral performance, this is not. Expect a high-octane display of rhythm and energy. De la Parra is one of the most sought-after talents around the world, and her stint at the helm will also see her showcase the biggest names in Latin American music. Quite simply, she'll be conducting QSO through a show of the kinds of sounds you never thought you'd hear them play. Now that's a night at the symphony.
Here you are, buying cheese, when you could just be making it at home. Yes, you read that correctly. Those friendly folks at the Makers Club are at it again, bringing their hands-on, DIY approach to everyone's favourite dairy product. They're certain that you already have all the utensils you need to whip up batches of feta, ricotta and mozzarella in your own kitchen. You just need to be shown how to do it. Presented by Green Living Australia's Valerie Pearson, this is their first-ever cheese-making workshop, and it is certain to be popular — so booking early is recommended. If you've ever fantasised about living in a world full of cheese, here's your chance to make that dream a reality. Just think: running out of your favourite food could soon be a thing of the past.
Aaah, that Morrissey: he's never boring. He won legions of fans as the driving force behind one of the '80s biggest alternative rock bands, and has caused plenty of head scratching with the outspoken antics that followed. You know the stories. You've read — or read about — his autobiography. The legendary musician's biggest claim to fame is what the New Globe Theatre is focusing on at their video night, in a belated celebration of the influential artist's birthday. Expect an audiovisual ode to all the things that made the Smiths great, from their iconic singles to their memorable performances. There'll be music videos, of course, featuring everything from the upbeat strains of 'This Charming Man' to the darker guitars of 'How Soon Is Now?' (aka the Charmed theme song, for those fond of bad supernatural TV dramas). There'll be television appearances, interview extracts and concert footage, too. The Smiths Video Night also coincides with Morrissey's trip to Australia for Sydney's Vivid LIVE, but sadly, he won't be in attendance.
Are you still, still recovering from The Red Viper versus The Mountain? Are you feeling a little nostalgic for the days when Tyrion could lay around boozing on vino? Perhaps you should be drinking your sorrows away with some like-minded Thrones fanatics. Confused? We’ll lay it down for you. Game of Rhones is a wine-tasting event that's been touring Australia since 2014. Featuring over 40 producers and 100 wines, it's a one-day, all-out trial by combat to determine the best offering of the grape varieties from the Rhone Valley in France — Shiraz, Grenache, and Viognier among others. But this isn't just a run-of-the-mill wine tasting set-up. To keep that theme solid, the Rhone Bar is where you can taste wines from ‘Beyond the Wall’ (ie: the Rhone Valley). Then, you can sign up for a blindfolded tasting in the 'torture chamber' (a highlight of previous Game of Rhones events). Suffice to say, after a few of these Rhone Valley wines, we'd probably confess to a secret or two. Of course, it wouldn't be Thrones-worthy if there weren't a few extra kickers. To accompany your wine, there will be a selection of feast-able treats available such as suckling pig and venison pie — if you’re a vego or a vegan, you've probably already guessed this is a highly meaty affair.
You've probably heard of the new aesthetic over the last few years. Not the show, but the term. It was coined by artist James Brindle in 2011 to describe the inevitable result of our increasingly online world. That'd be all things virtual bleeding into the physical realm. It's something you experience every day, and so do those in intermedia art circles. That's what the New Aesthetic? (the exhibition this time) is all about as it showcases the work of 16 Queensland, Australian and international practitioners. During the three-week presentation, audiences can step into a place concerned with how our concepts of physical space are evolving in the wake of digital communication and the Internet. As well as reflecting upon the very idea of a new aesthetic, each piece endeavours to identify new ways of understanding the world through technology, and tries to come to terms with what it all means. Think of it as artistic, futuristic food for thought. Image: Michael Candy, BIG DIPPER 2014, Kinetic light sculpture.
If we asked if you wanted to hang out at IRL in IRL, you might think that we're repeating ourselves. We’re not — we’re talking about going to the IRL Digital Festival in real life. That’s Brisbane Powerhouse’s latest event, an interactive art and gaming playground designed to combine the virtual world with a physical experience. Running from May 7–17, IRL is a celebration of technology and creativity in its inaugural year. That means rad things like playing with electronic art works and reliving the history of gaming. It also means these five events that you won’t want to miss.
If you know your alohomoras from your sectumsempras and have read your Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them from cover to cover, Harry Potter Trivia might be your time to shine. There will be glory, giveaways and all-round Harry Potter cred to all those who can trance a boggart, tame a hippogriff and tell the difference between Finch's cat and Fluffy. Harry Potter Trivia will be hosted by the always brilliant Man vs Bear Trivia, and will take place at Grill'd Wintergarden. It may not be the Leaky Cauldron, but they'll be serving up Butterbeer and 'Severus Steak' burgers throughout the evening. The night kicks of at 7pm, Tuesday May 12, with registration a must. Do it at the Man vs Bear website.. This is the type of trivia night that rounds up only the truest of diehard fans and makes them compete with more blood and gusto than a Quidditch Grand Final. Choose your team wisely.
Missed La Soiree last time it played in Brisbane? Heard everyone you know — and everyone they know — talk about it? You'd best redress that gap in your theatre-going this time, or prepare for another year or so of being told how great it is. For ten years, La Soiree has travelled the world showcasing their blend of cabaret, new burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary vaudeville. So far, so standard; however, their efforts really do defy definition, let alone expectation. You've never been to a show quite like it, to put it plainly. Take everything you think you know about acrobats, contortionists and chanteuses, and throw it out the window. Developed by the performers behind La Clique and featuring an ever-changing lineup of performers, La Soiree is spicier, stranger and funnier — and with more glamour and fewer inhibitions — than an average night's entertainment, or an unusual evening's show, come to think of it. You'll not only find out why it has won awards and hearts in tandem, but you'll also get up close and personal to the action. Here, every audience member sits on stage within touching distance of the performers. Yes really. Image by Prudence Upton.
If you're fond of all things French, then you're probably fond of a certain annual event. That'd be So Frenchy So Chic, aka Australia's yearly dose of Francophile heaven. Melbourne and Sydney get a day in the park to celebrate, while Brisbane gets an intimate evening of Gallic crooning. So Frenchy So Chic has been bringing the best of everyone's favourite European country to our shores for a few years now; however their 2016 offering might just blow their previous lineups out of the water. None other than Lou Doillon tops the bill — and if you don't know who the French Grammy award-winner is, then prepare to get excited. Doillon is the daughter of Jane Birkin and half-sister of Charlotte Gainsbourg, which makes her French pop royalty. She's also a talented purveyor of dreamy folk-blues tunes in her own right, and she's keen to celebrate the release of Lay Low, her latest album. Ooh la la.
When it comes to progressive, psychedelic '70s rock of both the mind-expanding and brain-melting variety, no one comes close to Pink Floyd. They took listeners to The Dark Side of the Moon and over The Wall — and those two albums became two of the best-selling records of all time. Yes, Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and company certainly made an impact as they experimented their way through a hallucinogenic soundscape. The Triffid agrees, which is why they're dedicating an evening to all things Pink Floyd. Get excited, because the Newstead venue is throwing another one of their tribute nights. Twin Haus, TSUN, Magenta Voyeur, Lucy Star Satellite and Micropsia will be doing the honours — i.e. giving their respective spins to the Floyd's iconic back catalogue. Each will play four tracks by the British band, plus two of their own, and yes, they'll be simultaneously trying to make audiences overflow with prog-rock bliss and feel comfortably numb.
When artist Charles Blackman made the journey from Sydney to Brisbane in the late 1940s, his work was forever changed. The city gave birth to some of his most famous pieces, and Queensland would continue to be influential in his output for the rest of his career. That makes the Queensland Art Gallery a rather fitting venue for an exhibition of Blackman's Sunshine State-inspired efforts. Amassing more than 50 paintings and works on paper — as sourced from more than 12 private and state collections — Lure of the Sun: Charles Blackman in Queensland explores his development, the connections and friendships he made while living north of the border, and their ongoing impact. Appropriately, it also displays his work alongside the likes of fellow Australian artists Laurence Hope, Laurence Collinson and Jon Molvig, compiling a trip through Blackman's artistic history both on and off the canvas. Think of it as a snapshot not only of one of the nation's most important painters, but of a creative social network. Image: Blackman, Charles. Australia b.1928 / The Blue Alice 1956-57 / Tempera, oil and household enamel on composition board / Purchased 2000. The Queensland Government's special Centenary Fund / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.
All good things must come to an end, but not without a last hurrah. That's the role of the after party, where everyone lets their hair down after a big event, and things get weird and wonderful. Of course, such a task is tricky following something like Wonderland, Brisbane Powerhouse's festival dedicated to all things offbeat and unusual. How do you outdo three weeks of eclectic and eccentric arts programming? With everything from big-name cabaret acts to tiny underground cult artists, of course — and with Velvet Helmet, Ruckus Slam, Brisbane Powerhouse and the New Globe Theatre joining forces. Live street art painting, storytelling boudoirs and a dance floor will also feature across three rooms, multiple performance stages and an all-round frenzy of performance. That's not all, thanks to a bustling bill that includes Lady Longdrop, Kristian Santic, Dani Cabs, Daz Buckley, Anna Straker and BADCLOWN, just to name a few. There's a reason this shindig is called The Best After Party Ever, after all. To find out if it lives up to its name, you'll just have to be there.
We've all done it at some point: drawn or painted a picture of ourselves. You were probably made to in high school, and before that you definitely committed your likeness to paper in primary school. Think of them as the original selfies. Every two years, the University of Queensland invites a selection of artists to craft a new self-portrait — and every two years, one of them wins $50,000 for their troubles. In 2015, that honour went to Fiona McMonagle. She painted a single portrait at 7pm every day over 100 days, then turned it into a 16-second animation. Her piece is currently on display at the National Self-Portrait Prize 2015 exhibition, alongside the introspective offerings of her fellow contenders. Perusing their efforts, you'll be fascinated by the way these creative folks see themselves — and you'll likely be inspired to make your own attempt.
Remember the way you looked at things when you were a kid? Ordinary sights such as suburban streets and houses seemed extraordinary. Your local neighbourhood was a place of wonder. Every trip outside of the house was an adventure. Brisbane artist J Valenzuela Didi doesn't just remember that feeling — he wants to recapture it. His current solo exhibition, Stillness in Transit, is his attempt to view the world with the awe and excitement of a child. Across a series of pieces, he paints familiar scenes as alien landscapes and lone figures as solitary explorers. With evocative names such as Summertime Sadness, One More Saturday and Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day, Didi's latest work does exactly what he intends: examines everyday images in a new light. It's just the latest impressive feat for the emerging creative, who boasts a swag of art show awards and placings on his resume, including the best of show prize at the Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular 2015.
Keen on a trip to the Gold Coast, but short on an excuse to do so? If heading to the beach isn't reason enough, then maybe enjoying a few brews is. That's the aim of the game at Craft Beer Day — The Gold Coast Way, aka the tourist hotspot's take on everyone's favourite drinking trend. The details are simple: converge upon RSL Club Southport, try over 20 different beers from local brewers, and relish the combination of coastal vibes and craft beverages. Okay, there's more to the event than that, with beer appreciation classes also on offer, complete with your own glasses to take home with you. Local legend and triple j Unearthed star Matt Armitage will provide a few afternoon tunes, while the likes of Black Hops, Burleigh Brewing, Byron Bay Brewery, Matilda Bay, Cricketers Arms, Fortitude, Calibre, Holgate and Green Beacon have the booze side of things covered. When it comes to ways to spend a Sunday, this sounds like bliss. Image: Ricky Kharawala, Stocksnap.
Last year, the Brightside welcomed fried chicken joint Lucky Egg to the fold; however that's not the Fortitude Valley venue's only source of edible fun. They also invited some of the city's favourite sources of meals on wheels to stop by for a laneway party, aka Truck-It. And now they're back with a second version, celebrating Brisbane's obsession with street food once more. This time around, The Bun Mobile will be making Warner Street their temporary home yet again, and they'll be joined by a bunch of others that are yet to be announced. Whoever they happen to be, we're sure they'll ensure Truck-It 2 is yet another scrumptious way to end a Friday. As always, we recommend arriving hungry. If you didn't make it along last time but you have been to one of Brighty's regular shindigs, no doubt you're already keen — and no doubt you already know that it's not just your stomach that'll be satisfied. Fun is also on the menu, courtesy of a FIFA comp projected onto the walls of the venue's car park, a round of musical bingo or several, and — what else? — a food challenge. Image via The Bun Mobile.
Another week, another new market — the dream scenario of weekend shoppers across the city, let's be honest. This time around, Metre Market joins the fold. Fashion is their main domain, but you'll also find music, food and arts among their stalls. In fact, with giving Brisbanites an opportunity to sell their pre-loved clothes the main reason the market came to fruition, you can even get in on the action by applying for a metre or two of space. And if all you want to do is browse and buy, there's plenty of that on offer too. The first Metre Market will take place on February 7 at the Morningside School of the Arts, and promises to set quite the precedent for future events. Not only is it free, but it features pretty posies from In Bloom Flower Co., homewares by T-leaf Collections and Axsher, outfits from local labels Evangeline and Jada Blue, and creative prints by Ellamee Art and Illustration — among other stalls, of course. Just where and when they'll pop up next is yet to be announced, so heading along to their inaugural outing is highly recommended. Plus, their first Morningside site is less than a block away from the Southside Tea Room and Death Valley, should you need some pre-market sustenance or post-market beverages. Find Metre Market at the Morningside School of the Arts, on the corner Wynnum Road and Ison Street, from 9am to 2pm on February 7. For more information, check out their website or Facebook page.
If you like your jazz drum-free and heavy on the guitar and violin — aka in the style called hot gypsy — then prepare to spend four days in music heaven. The annual OzManouche Festival of Hot Gypsy Jazz is back for another run, and it's taking over the Brisbane Jazz Club. Actually, OzManouche isn't rolling out just another yearly event — it's celebrating its tenth birthday. With concerts, workshops, masterclasses, film screenings and food on the bill, including Hank Marvin Gypsy Jazz, The Cope Street Parade and Salon de Swing serving up their best jazzy tunes, it seems that they have the perfect program for the occasion. OzManouche belongs to a bustling tradition of similar festivals around the world, including the famed Samois Festival du Django Reinhardt in France. That's why performers flock from all over Australia to take part, and why Brisbanites should rush to enjoy the experience in their own backyard.
Before the internet loved cats, the stage did too. Back in the early '80s, musical maestro Andrew Lloyd Webber took T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, turned it into a tale of feisty felines, and triumphed in West End and on Broadway. Even if you haven't seen it, you've heard of it. Indeed, CATS is one of those productions that always seems to be on in a theatre somewhere; it has played to 73 million people in over 300 cities around the world, after all. In Australia, the latest staging is doing the rounds, with Brisbane its next stopover. The Olivier Award-nominated revival once again follows the Jellicle Cats as they come out to play in a larger-than-life junkyard, with plenty of memories made — and the song 'Memory' sung — in the antics that follow. Even if that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, we know you're fond of the cute creatures at the show's centre. Don't make us check your YouTube history. Image: CATS the Musical.
Laundry: everyone does it, albeit begrudgingly. Washing, drying and folding clothes, towels and sheets isn't really a fun activity — but, if you delve a little deeper, it is an interesting one. Yes, we just said that one of the least liked household chores can be fascinating. Yes, we meant it. It's the history and significance of this routine task, including clothesline aesthetics, gendered labour and environmental sustainability, that intrigues — and forms the basis of Hung Out to Dry: Space, Memory and Domestic Laundry Practices at the UQ Art Museum. More than just a pseudo-celebration of the humble Hills Hoist, although that's included as well, Hung Out to Dry takes a playful look at the act that inspires its name. Sixteen artworks by the likes of Chris Bennie, Bill Henson, Mari Hirata, Adrienne Kneebone, Tracey Moffatt, Georgie Roxby Smith and Arryn Snowball offer their spin, accompanied by an interactive installation charting the oral history of laundry around the world. Washing your clothes might still be a drag, but you'll be thinking about it in a whole new way. Image: Adrienne Kneebone - As rough as grass undies 2006/2015
Everyone knows that music is best when it is live and loud, and Brisbane has the event to prove it. That’d be the aptly named Brisbane Live Music Week, a seven-day showcase of the city’s sonic shenanigans presented by community radio station 4ZZZ. Any and all gigs taking place in Brisbane from March 22 to 28 technically fit the bill, but there’s much more to this celebration of the city’s thriving music scene than that. There’s also one-off shows, album launches and a boutique bohemian festival, championing a variety of acts, styles and venues. Horrorshow, Katie Noonan, Sticky Fingers, Uriah Heap, The Furrs, Kingswood and Megadeth’s David Ellefson all feature on a lineup that any event would dream of having, spanning local legends, home-grown up-and-comers and international stars. Keep checking the BLMW website for the latest additions, and for those who can’t make it in person, there’ll be special live-to-air performances across 4ZZZ and their online outlets.
Coming-of-age tales of teens and dreams may be a cinema staple, but they're common theatre fodder too. In Samson, young hearts run free, but they also weather the ups and downs of life in a Queensland country town. That's where Essie, Beth and Sid are simply trying to get through days filled with too much sun and too little hope. It might sound like a bleak scenario, yet Samson looks like a darkly beautiful story of the resilience of the youth. Think melancholy over melodrama, and a big heart to counteract the brutality, all wrapped up with a sense of humour. This is a world premiere of a new work, plus a Brisbane stage debut. The production stems from the pen of Julia-Rose Lewis, returning to La Boite after holding the position of their playwright-in-residence in 2013. It also marks the first time rising star Ashleigh Cummings of Puberty Blues and Tomorrow When the War Began fame has tread the local boards. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll see something you won't see elsewhere — even at the movies.
This time last year Tkay Maidza received a bunch of international attention for her release of 'Brontosaurus' (ft. Badcop). But to us, she sounded just like any another artist making miscellaneous party noises reminiscent of that act who plays those festivals we try to avoid. That being said, within the year she's developed into something special. Her latest EP Switch Tape offers '90s inspired breaks, with interesting production and confident vocal performances throughout. Adelaide's answer to Azealia Banks, Maidza brings so much energy to her recordings and we can't wait to see her on stage. After touring the UK and US, she's now returning home and hitting the road with a national tour for the new EP. Hitting up Sydeny's Chinese Laundry, Melbourne's Can't Say and Brisbane's Alhambra Lounge, Maidza's sure to bring a pretty big party. Even Adelaide is getting some love — this local kid definitely has definitely done good.
Who hasn't gazed up at the stars above and wanted to know more? Well, here's your chance. Professor Brian Cox, rock star of the particle physics world and an advisor on Danny Boyle's Sunshine, is coming to Brisbane for a four-day celebration of music, film and the wonders of the universe. A series of concerts is the main attraction of Journey Through the Cosmos, focused on the planets in our solar system. Professor Cox's insights accompany a performance of Gustav Holst's The Planets Suite, considered one of the most spectacular works in all symphonic literature. Want to learn more? Lectures and talks round out the busy program. Learn from Professor Cox's discussions on The Physics of Time and Einstein’s Universe, each with a special musical performance. Or find out more about the art of composing for Hollywood movies from Academy and Golden Globe award-winner Dario Marianelli of Atonement fame, who also recently constructed a concerto to represent the journey of the Voyager spacecraft.
Sydney trio Little May could be Australia's answer to folk warblers First Aid Kit. They've certainly been compared to the Swedish duo, and to New Zealand's Tiny Ruins, but at the moment they are carving out their own path. They've recently put out their debut, self-titled EP and just wrapped up an Australian tour with the legendary Rodriguez. But there's no rest for the wicked (or the wickedly charming, in this case). Little May are about to embark on a 12-date national headline tour to promote the EP. They'll be spreading the good vibes around Black Bear Lodge on December 6 supported by Winterbourne. To find out more, check out our interview. We asked them for their best tips for summer road trips.
Class is over, Santa's been and gone, and chances are you’ve got time up your sleeves to kill. Uniform sleeves, that is. Brightside is hosting a hell of a school-themed bash, where uniforms – moth-eaten or not – are the only dress code. Slick your hair and pray your braces will be off before Sunday, December 28, because there’s going to be a photo booth to snap class photos. Math, history, geography, biology and chemistry quizzes will be dotted around the club, so study up – get them right, and you might be in line for a gold star and some treats from the bar. Aversions Crown, A Night in Texas, As Paradise Falls and Sedation will be providing tunes throughout the night, and Alex Crook and Andrew Power will be playing acoustic sets in the beer garden.
Jess, the mastermind behind art/illustration label Winnifred’s Daughter, brings to you the works that are all her own. Inspired by her own upbringing as a child of the outdoors, Jess’ works are laced with nature. She claims her own childhood was spent under the sun, her hands caked with dirt and the vast farming areas of her parents’ livelihoods as her playground. The result in current day’s creative pursuits for Jess are characters who, like her, thrive in the unstructured wonder of outdoors, who revel in flora and dance with the fauna, and find the roots of mankind a homely place to be. Her media are as varied as her inspirations. Humble sketches and watercolours stretch towards the limitless bounds of childhood play and the area in which it took place for Jess. Head along to the opening night of this wonderful exhibition, indulge in drinks and nibbles and immerse yourself in Jess’ creative journey.
Catherine Sagin and Kate Woodcroft are at it again. They’ve taken their relationship to a new level, this time entertaining their audience in the unlikeliest of places. “Catherine or Kate” as a Brisbane-based duo seek out the extremes of performance to entertain (and perhaps challenge the status quo) by any means possible. Their previous conquests (or questionable experiences) include posing as Queensland Maritime Museum chairmen, surveying service station attendants regarding their attractiveness, and having it out in the liveliest of fencing duels. Performance, videography, photography, even sculpture are their modes and “why not” are their means. Now, they are taking stage within a humble White Lady Funeral Home for An Occasion, where they'll be chatting about their experiences studying comedy, as well as their work together in individual interests in the arts. They’ve invited along the talents of Erika Scott, Courtney Coombs, Martin Smith, Joseph Breikers, Tim Kerr and David M. Thomas to create a work that isn't funny. Immerse yourself in the bizarre and absurd; it's for an occasion!
The future Maloufs, Keats and Wintons have to arise from somewhere, and your best bet at catching them is at Yarn: Second Helpings. For two years Yarn has pushed Brisbane’s finest story spinners in front of crowds, with there latest installment showing off the crème de la crème of our local wordsmiths. On the bill will be a few Yarn favourites – Andrew Last is a living legend in Brisbane whose stories tend to induce more laughter than lethargy. He’s as much a spinner of the spoken word as the written, and has long been in high demand on the local story-telling circuit. David Ridley, Daniel Lynch, Alice Elwell, Sam Maguire and Georgina Moserrat will be indulging listeners in some juicy tales, with Jack Vening hosting the evening. If you’ve ears to hear, an open mind, and care for streamers, party poppers and birthday cake, head along to Blackbear Lodge and check out these talented story tellers to what they do best.
Peter Kozak, winner of the Marie Ellis OAM Prize in 2012, presents an exhibition that is alluring and ignites curiosity. Snow is Flesh examines the idea and experience of decay — a concept so vast and involved, brought so eloquently to visual planes by simply putting pencil to paper. The aim is to conceptualise fraying fibres of strands of wool; the result are tangled, heaving bodies on the page, each with a mind and motivation of their own, working together to show the life that remains on the page, while tearing apart in an act of struggle or release. The “inevitable and uncontrollable changes that effect the human body on which we are all precariously dependent” will present a different meaning to each person who views Kozak’s work, and yet each illustration manages to collate the individual into one image. Assess and reflect in your own way; some describe viewing Kozak’s works as sharing in a meditative state, an opportunity to think about shared human experiences as well as the individuality of transience.
Love all things creative? Gather your artsy friends and head along to The Hold Artspace which will be home to Middle Ground 2 until 2 August. This exhibition is a collection of various art forms such as painting, sculpture, installation, printmaking and jewellery. The creative geniuses behind the intriguing pieces are Fine Ars Honours candidates from the Queensland College of Art. These students have been slaving away at their individual research projects for the past year and are excited to share the finished product. After a year of blood, sweat and tears, wandering around the gallery soaking in the creativity is the least you could do for these hard-working students. So why not spend a few hours taking in the work of Brisbane's next crop of artists. We guarantee they are a talented bunch indeed. The artist talk will be held on Thursday 31st July from 6-8pm.
We live in an increasingly digital environment, staring at phone screens, interacting through social media feeds and getting our news, music, movies and more in electronic rather than tangible forms. So do artists, their endeavours also adapting. Many are able to make their works more efficiently. Most can now access a much wider audience. Indeed, everything from costs to curation is changing. Formless to Form explores this transition, and the renaissance that has blossomed in its wake. The show isn’t just about a move towards pixels and away from paper, but contemplates the new technologies, processes and philosophies revolutionising the art world. Hailing from around the globe, renowned artists Ed Granger, Matt Sheridan, Greg MacLaughlin, Keren Paz and Jenny Sharaf help demonstrate the intersection between creating work digitally and exhibiting it physically. The gallery itself also plays a part beyond hosting the show, in the way the pieces are both displayed and made available for sale.
We’ve all been there: in a nightclub bathroom in the darkest hours of the evening, and suddenly privy to the innermost secrets uttered by those in neighbouring stalls, or scrawled on filthy walls. Slurred words turn into whispered confessions, just as scribbled notes turn into offbeat reading. In this cheeky show, they also turn into song. Public Toilets, Private Worlds turns the drunken rants, earnest musings and crude invitations from graffiti into hilarious stories and surprisingly catchy tunes. Who knows, your own experiences might even form a part of this journey into the hidden recesses of human behaviour, coming to Wonderland fresh from its hit season at the 2014 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Public Toilets, Private Worlds is part of Wonderland at the Powerhouse. Check out our top five picks of the festival.
Fresh from Falls and ready to spring into an East Coast tour is Brisbane five-piece Art Of Sleeping. After recently releasing first single ‘Crazy’ from their forthcoming LP (expected to land sometime mid-2015), the band are keen to test out their new material. For those who have been a fan of the band for a while, or really into previous single ‘Empty Hands’, do not despair, they’ll also be playing tracks off their 2012 EP, Like A Thief. Art Of Sleeping have been lauded by some pretty reputable music folks as quite the spectacle to be seen live, and really, who are we to argue? Their engaging brand of indie rock, and strong vocals from lead singer Caleb Hodges, is perhaps why the band has managed to make such a name for themselves despite their enigmatic nature. Either way, we’re pumped.
