The 21st-century has not been kind to the vampire. Between Stephenie Meyer's sparkling high schoolers, the leather-clad killers of the Underworld series and whatever the hell those things in I Am Legend were meant to be, the once noble creatures of the night have been reduced by pop-culture to cringeworthy caricatures. Bela Lugosi must be turning in his grave. Enter Jim Jarmusch, director of Dead Man, Ghost Dog and Broken Flowers, to name just a few. One of the enduring figures of the American indie film movement, Jarmusch has made a career out of minimally plotted, post-modern genre subversions, and his latest work is no exception. Mixing traditional vampire mythology with the director's distinctively aloof brand of cool, Only Lovers Left Alive is a handsome, compelling, meditative take on the lives of the eternal undead. An appropriately gaunt and pasty Tom Hiddleston plays Adam, a centuries-old bloodsucker living on the outskirts of Detroit. A reclusive figure, Adam's only human contacts are a crooked hospital doctor (Jeffrey Wright) who provides him with fresh batches of O-negative, and a wide-eyed rock 'n' roll fan (Anton Yelchin) from whom the vampire buys vintage guitars. Aside from his music, the one thing Adam cares about is his wife, Eve (Tilda Swinton), with whom he is reunited not long after the movie begins. For a while, the immortal lovers live in peace, but their solitary existence is shattered by the arrival of Eve's impulsive younger sister (Mia Wasikowska). Read our full review of Only Lovers Left Alive here. Only Lovers Left Alive is in cinemas on Thursday, April 17, and thanks to Madman, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=ycOKvWrwYFo
What do you get the Gelato Messina fan who has everything, including a freezer filled with ice cream, plus gelato-inspired candles, lip balm, lube and body wash, too? The perfect kicks to don while eating gelato, thinking about gelato, going out to get gelato and wishing they had more gelato, of course. While Messina already has its own clothing line, now the sweet-treat brand is launching its first-ever range of sneakers. And, like chain's wild and wonderful gelato flavours, these shoes are a limited-edition special. After fellow Sydney-born dessert chain Tokyo Lamington teamed up with the artists at Customs Den on its own footwear earlier in 2023, Messina has now gone and done the same. This time, pairs of Nike Dunk Highs have been given a handpainted makeover, which is never a small feat. With these gelato-hued shoes, each set took between eight and ten hours' work. Gelato is obviously a wide-ranging theme — as Messina fans know, the variety of flavours that the chain scoops up is limited only by its team's imaginations — so these sneakers hone in on one of its favourites. If you adore the brand's dulce de leche gelato, as everyone who tastes it does, then you'll spot why these new shoes feature caramel and cream tones. Yes, Messina's Argentinean caramelised milk, which it makes in-house, is the colour inspiration for these multi-tone kicks. Also featured on the shoes: Messina cartoons and the company's name, so everyone will know why you're sporting some truly rare footwear. Only 100 pairs are available, all numbered from one to 100, and they unsurprisingly don't come cheap. You'll pay $700 to show your love for Messina, gelato and dulce de leche on your feet — and every one will be made bespoke for each customer. Custom Den is taking pre-sale orders now until Wednesday, May 31, unless they sell out earlier. Once you've nabbed yourself a pair, you can expect them to be delivered within six-to-eight weeks. For more information about Gelato Messina's sneakers, or to buy a pair, hit up the brand's website.
When Death and Taxes started slinging whisky in Burnett Lane, it set up shop in a heritage-listed building that dates back to the 19th century. So, when the team behind it decided to open another CBD spot, they followed a tried-and-tested pattern. Dr Gimlette sits on the opposite side of the mall, and goes heavy on cocktails and spirits in general, but it too has nestled into a location with a significant past. That address: 109 Edward Street, which was home to Metro Arts before it made the move over to West Village in West End. In the arts centre's former base — a building that also dates back to the 19th century, and is considered one of Brisbane's oldest — Dr Gimlette has turned the ground floor into a luxe and cosy cocktail bar with a big focus on table service. Here, Martin Lange, Wiebke Lange, Blake Ward and Belle Ward want you to take a seat, get comfortable and enjoy having your drinks brought to you. The team has taken inspiration from top bars elsewhere, such as The Savoy in London, The Dead Rabbit in New York and Black Pearl in Melbourne, to bring Brissie a sit-down drinking experience. Opt for a martini, and it'll be made right in front of you, too — shaken, stirred, thrown or nitro frozen, and with your choice of garnishes and gin — all thanks to the venue's two martini carts. The 30-beverage cocktail menu covers all the classics, and favours ingredients from local suppliers. Or, you can opt for a spritz on tap, which'll rotate its selection. And, as you'll notice upon walking in, Dr Gimlette isn't short on spirits if you'd prefer the hard stuff by itself. Its eye-catching bar boasts more than 800 bottles, or you can pick from the beer and wine range as well. Decked out with a nine-metre-long marble bar, leather booths, timber aplenty and dim lighting, the venue takes its old-school feel and its sense of cosiness seriously. At the time of writing, due to pandemic restrictions, it caters to 50 patrons — but will only double that number to 100 when there's no COVID-19 rules in place. And if you're wondering about the name, it harks back to surgeon Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette, who is credited with being the first to add lime cordial to gin, creating a combination that'd go on to become the gimlet. Find Dr Gimlette at 109 Edward Street, Brisbane — open 3pm–1am Sunday–Thursday and 3pm–2am Friday–Saturday. Images: Grace Elizabeth Images.
As far as summer food/drink combos go, beer with guac and chips is definitely up there. But one brewery's just found a way to combine the two in one unusual but very intriguing beverage. The LA-based Angel City Brewery recently introduced Avocado Ale as part of their inaugural Avocado Festival on August 24, which celebrated the beginning of avocado season in California. The beer contains avocados harvested straight from brewmaster Dieter Foerstner's grandmother's farm, as well as other ingredients you'd normally find in guacamole, like crushed red pepper, garlic, lime and coriander. Angel City is no stranger to experimental brews — their previous creations include the Pickle Weiss and the less weird-sounding White Nite, a golden, chocolate- and espresso-flavoured ale. It looks like Avocado Ale's just a one-off local thing, but they're not the first brewers to take the 'Why can't we have both?' approach to beer and food. Sydney's own 4 Pines Brewery recently held a series of Beer Mimics Food events, featuring beer infused with HP sauce, apple and blackcurrant crumble and, even more bizarrely, a bento box lager. Foerstner, the man behind Avocado Ale, described it to LAist as a "love or hate kind of thing. It's not what traditionalists would expect a beer to taste like. It does have a well-pronounced avocado flavour, so people who don't care for the fruit to begin with might not enjoy it. But being an avocado lover, I love it." Via PSFK.
There's the truth, and then there's the tale that is told, a divide Kill the Messenger acknowledges. Driven by journalistic duty, Gary Webb (Jeremy Renner) unearths a scandal, though once his report is published, the press turns their attention to him over the facts. The surrounding film falls prey to the same trick, presenting an intriguing character study but skirting over the damage done. Webb is a small-time player for a small-time paper, yet unafraid of turning big leads into big headlines. In California in 1996, he receives a tip about a deal involving the nation's intelligence agency and crack dealers in South Central Los Angeles. Covertly supporting the Nicaraguan Contras in their fight against their country's socialist rulers, the CIA is accused of assisting their US drug racket. Webb scours through sources from South America to Washington to substantiate his story, all ignored when governmental denial thrusts him into the spotlight. With Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Oliver Platt as Webb's editors, Rosemarie DeWitt as his wife, and Michael Sheen, Andy Garcia and Ray Liotta as furtive figures, a competent cast fills in the details, in what remains a portrait of Webb's rise and fall. As compelling as he has ever been, Renner retains focus, matching his physicality to the transformative plight of a determined crusader victimised for doing the right thing. Often framed from afar or shown in hand-held close-ups, his recreation of Webb constantly looks over his shoulder with good reason. "We would never threaten your children," he is told in his only official face-to-face meeting with the CIA, and the feature's best display of tension. Based on Nick Schou's 2006 book of the same name, alongside Webb's own 1998 manifesto Dark Alliance, Kill the Messenger harks back to a host of conspiracy thrillers and whistleblower dramas in its newsreel compiles offering background information and incendiary montages setting the emotional tone. Better known for helming episodes of Dexter and Homeland, director Michael Cuesta sticks to the standard in evoking an air of unease and flitting between episodic jaunts in a quest for justice, his feature fervent in sentiment but fleeting in impact. All eyes stay on Renner's rising rage in his potent portrayal; however, the feature's message remains murky, swelling in telling of personal conflict but fading in spanning the extent of the scenario. That the most damning revelations are told as a post-script may indicate the difficulty of condensing the complicated true tale, but it also speaks to the same selectivity the film ostensibly rallies against. Kill the Messenger shouts the story of someone who refused to be silenced, yet favours an impassioned underdog account over a thorough consideration of its central media machinations. https://youtube.com/watch?v=14tFIJIp1bs
If you, like us, have been cooking at home much more frequently since the pandemic hit, you've probably also become more aware of your food-related waste. Luckily for us — and the environment — though, more and more companies are focusing on sustainability in the kitchen. Next on that list: Great Wrap, a compostable alternative to cling wrap that's made from 100 percent plant-based material. The Australian-owned, family-run business was co-founded by Julia and Jordy Kay, who spent 18 months developing the Great Wrap formula. While many compostable plastics can take ages to decompose, Great Wrap is made from plants and breaks down into non-toxic molecules in less than 180 days — faster than an orange peel. If you're already a sustainability warrior, you know that's an impressive feat. The cling wrap is (of course) food safe and durable as well. Each roll is 30-metres long and perforated in 30-centimetre intervals for easy tearing. And, most importantly, it's another way for home chefs to enjoy cooking while minimising their environmental impact. Apart from the cling wrap, the company also produces pallet wrap for businesses — something that's especially useful in breweries, bottle shops and other venues. It's currently out of stock, but will be back in September, so keep an eye out. For domestic use, you can buy three rolls for $29.90 or six rolls for $49.90, with free shipping on all orders — and a ten percent discount currently on offer for all new accounts too. Great Wrap has also garnered the support of online natural wine shop Drnks. If you're interested in trying the product out on a smaller scale, you can grab a single-roll order on the Drnks website for a tenner. To find out more about Great Wrap and order a three- or six-pack, head over to greatwrap.co.
Who knew that the next great Australian film would actually be a constellation of 17 smaller ones? The term 'producer' seems insufficient for Robert Connolly, the driver of this daring and innovative cinema project. He has pulled together the most visionary creative artists, filmmakers, cinematographers, choreographers and theatre-makers to bring Tim Winton's The Turning to the screen. Connolly's brief to his collaborators was simple: choose a short story from Winton's book and develop it in any style you wish. It's a bold and crazy concept. A curated, anthology film shouldn't work, but here it is. This film is about the crossroads, the moments when we turn to face ourselves and force ourselves to change track. The returning patterns of self-realisation are alcoholism, Christianity, Indigenous culture and identity, our relationship with the land and air and water, and the inability to put the past to rest. Video artist Shaun Gladwell and actors Mia Wasikowska and David Wenham make their directorial debuts. Justin Kurzel (Snowtown) directs an especially creepy episode. And every story turns on sharp moments of awakening: Rose Byrne's battered, trailer-park wife encounters God, Hugo Weaving's alcoholic hermit reunites with his estranged son, Cate Blanchett's suburban everywoman finally clicks with her mother-in-law. Until these moments, our characters are moving forward, but still in the past, and they all come together with unexpected narrative unity that balances open-endedness with diamond-cut clarity. In these plaited stories, I found a film of rare adult complexity, and strands of hope and trauma woven together with a compassionate, humane thread. I found moments of astonishingly troubling beauty. And with a sensitive touch, The Turning does all this without overdosing on dark-night-of-the-soul melodrama. Rarely do we see a film with such a startlingly singular and confident mandate, and this is all the more courageous given the pressure on Australian filmmakers to dedicate themselves to producing more 'entertaining' commercial product. Some viewers will feel The Turning's three-hour length. I did at times, and I thought some of the early chapters could have been omitted with little impact. But what the hell, go with it. It's not easy viewing but it is beautiful viewing. While you're watching it, this is a film to zoom in and zone out to. After you're finished, it's a film to dissect and discuss and linger on. Yes, this is an art film, but it's not the one you think it will be. So bold is Connolly's vision, he's designed a new distribution strategy to accommodate it: The Turning will play for only two weeks in special-event screenings — some with Q&As with the creative contributors — and audiences receive a luxe little full-colour booklet to help make sense of the braided narrative structure. The Turning will probably make you cry and you probably won't know why. It will stay with you. And I think it will claim a place in cinema history — for the innovation of its style, and the frankness of its substance. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rGVweOZA2zg
If this year has taught us anything, it's that reality doesn't always run smoothly and to plan. But, also, that you won't find a much better antidote to life's mess and uncertainties than to focus on the beauty of those small, everyday rituals. A hot cuppa served in your favourite floral mug, an after-work cheese board shared with your bestie, or maybe that homemade dinnertime feast being pulled from the oven, delightful aromas and all. Whatever minutiae you're into celebrating, Finnish design house Marimekko has just unveiled a new collection of vibrant homewares that'll make those daily rituals feel as beautiful as ever. As with all the brand's creations, these kitchen and dining products offer a joyful nod to the art of printmaking, splashed in a range of striking original prints and awash with plenty of bold hues. And there's something here for every home, taste and colour palette. You can always bank on Marimekko delivering a diverse array of designs, as each of its artists gets free rein to express themselves through their prints, tasked simply with creating products that have soul. True to form, the new pieces are functional enough to fit your everyday life, but also have a stylish flair that's sure to add a little something special, too. You'll find the latest abstract florals, watercolour-style prints and charming woodland scenes adorning everything from kitchen towels and aprons, to oven mitts and tote bags. Pick up some matching ceramics, with a range of printed mugs, serving platters, plates and other tableware, that'll either inject some joy into your morning coffee routine, or liven up that next dinner party. Check out Marimekko's latest collection of homewares online now. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
The pandemic isn't something to giggle about, including when it's interrupting the Brisbane Comedy Festival two years in a row. After 2020's event didn't quite go as planned, the annual fest returned to Brisbane Powerhouse this past July, only to be impacted by lockdowns and changing restrictions. So, the event is coming back again in 2021 — this time, to unleash a heap of shows that were affected by the tightened rules and conditions. Welcome to the Brisbane Comedy Festival 2021 Take 2, which'll kick off on Friday, October 29 and pop up on intermittent dates all the way through until the end of May 2022. Big names, local talent, excuses to get chuckling again and again — they're all on the bill. Highlights include sets by Ross Noble, Tom Ballard, Judith Lucy, Jude Perl, Josh Earl and Lizzy Hoo, plus an Aboriginal Comedy Allstars gig, Nat's What I Reckon and sketch comedy show Brisburned. What's better than a month-long comedy festival? A comedy festival that makes a triumphant comeback, then runs covers another seven-month period — obviously.
He might hail from the UK, but internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro is leaving quite the impression Down Under. He's the creative mind behind Uluru's stunning Field of Light installation – which has pulled over 450,000 visitors and been extended three times since launching in mid-2016 – and, more recently, he illuminated Albany's tree-lined Avenue of Honour for ANZAC-inspired work Field of Light: Avenue of Honour. Now, the artist has taken on the Top End for Bruce Munro: Tropical Light, his third Australian installation and first-ever city-wide exhibition, which opened in Darwin last week. Free to visit and running until April 2020, the Northern Territory installation features eight large-scale illuminated sculptural works, inspired by Munro's own travels across the region. Peppered through the CBD and Darwin's waterfront precincts, they make up a self-guided 2.5-kilometre sculpture trail audiences can enjoy at their leisure. Bruce Munro, Pukul Lima Expect to find plenty of pieces referencing the Top End's vivid sunsets and native creatures, along with many an ode to Mother Nature, all showcasing Munro's strong affinity for light. There's Light Shower, Wave Lagoon Canopies, which features 3000 drops of light; the spherical Green Flash in the Old Town Hall Ruins; and Time and Again, Palm Tree Grove — a waterfront piece made up of 37 radiant, stainless steel lilies. Munro's sculpture trail is accompanied by works from five local artists, including acclaimed aerial photographer Paul Arnold and a series of solar jellyfish lights by Bev Garside. Bruce Munro: Tropical Light runs until April 30, 2020, across Darwin. It's illuminate from 7–10.30pm every night.
If you live in the Brisbane City Council, Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim Local Government Areas, it has been some time since you've been able to flash your smile at people outside of your own home. Since the end of June, in an effort to stop the region's recent COVID-19 cases from spreading, wearing masks has been compulsory across the region — but that mandate is relaxing slightly from 4pm on Friday, August 20. Masks were compulsory under lockdown conditions, obviously, and that requirement remained in place when Brisbane's latest lockdown ended. Come Friday, though, the rules are changing. The big shift: if you're outdoors, you'll only need to mask up if you can't socially distance. Announcing the change — which will be accompanied by relaxed rules regarding gatherings and venues — Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said "face masks have played a big part in our ability to contain the latest clusters. A mask is a simple weapon against a complex virus." She continued: "you must wear it indoors — places like shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets, hospitals and aged care facilities — or if you are outside and unable to physically distance." So, you'll now only be required to cover your face in indoor spaces, while waiting for or using public transport or ride share services, at schools, and if you're outdoors and can't socially distance. Also, Queensland has a standing mask mandate for flights, airports and stadiums, so you'll always need to mask up there. And, you'll still always need to carry a mask with you. Indoor and outdoor events and stadiums can have 75% ticketed and allocated seating capacity. People in these local government areas must still carry a mask at all times and wear it when you are indoors, or when you are outside and unable to physically distance. — Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) August 18, 2021 At this stage, the new mask rules will apply until 4pm on Friday, August 27. Queensland currently has 97 active COVID-19 cases, with zero new locally acquired cases reported in the past 24 hours. As always, the usual requests regarding social distancing, hygiene and getting tested if you're feeling even the slightest possible COVID-19 symptoms also still apply — as they have since March last year. Southeast Queensland's COVID-19 restrictions will relax further from 4pm on Friday, August 20, including regarding masks. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.
Tasmania is famous for its heritage-listed wilderness, exquisite pinot noir, epic art festivals and, of course, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). But, are you sure you know everything there is to know about the little island off the big island — also known as the Apple Isle? Beyond the magnificent snow-capped mountains, wild rivers, wineries and landmarks, there's a stack of unexpected adventures to be had — and Tassie's wintry sights make them all the more special. Are you aware that Tassie is home to a museum devoted to poo or a farm devoted to sea horses? Or that there's a village that's precisely like one you'd find in Switzerland? Strap in and get yourself to Tassie this winter. There's a whole slew of curiosities to discover. [caption id="attachment_718931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whisky tasting at Old Kempton Distillery by Samuel Shelley.[/caption] IMBIBE AT A WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO WHISKY Every August, in the dark depths of winter, Tasmanians warm themselves up during Tasmanian Whisky Week. Running from August 12-18 this year, the celebration of local drops takes over the entire state with tours, tastings and special events, like film screenings, cocktail parties and chef feasts — all whisky-inspired, of course. Among the highlights are bus tours of Tasmania's remote distilleries, a progressive dinner across four of Hobart's top restaurants, a whisky-fuelled twilight sail down the River Derwent and Shene Estate's 200th birthday party. Check out the rest of the program over here. [caption id="attachment_722067" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Aurora Australis from Strahan by Dietmar Kahles.[/caption] SEE THE SOUTHERN LIGHTS Stargazers, great news — there's no need to travel all the way to Iceland or Norway if you're keen to view one of the sky's technicolour ballets. Australia has our own, and Tassie is the best place to see it. The Aurora Australis, aka the Southern Lights, might not get as much press as its northern counterpart but it certainly is just as beautiful. There's no telling when the stunning spectrum of light is likely to appear, but your safest bet is to head as far south as possible. There's also a handy Facebook group that reports on possible activity, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on that, too. [caption id="attachment_718929" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Graham Freeman.[/caption] FOLLOW AN UNDERGROUND RIVER (AND SEEK OUT GLOW WORMS) Deep in Mole Creek Karst National Park in Tasmania's central north are more than 300 limestone caves, caverns and sinkholes. However, just two are easily accessible, one of which being the Marakoopa Cave, an underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, crystals, serene pools, babbling rivers — and the biggest glow worm population found in a publicly accessible cave in Australia. Also, look out for the Tasmanian cave spider, a special type of creepy crawly that's learned to live without light. Tours of the cave go for 45 minutes and depart several times a day. [caption id="attachment_717924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Seahorse World.[/caption] VISIT A SEAHORSE FARM You'd have to spend a lot of time snorkelling to get up-close to a seahorse. But, at Beauty Point on Tassie's north coast, there's Seahorse World, a farm where you can meet loads without even getting wet. From big-bellied ones to bright orange pacific seahorses (also known as giant seahorses), you'll wander through the mysterious Cave of the Seahorse, find out how such a farm operates and stroll through the Wonders of the Southern Ocean Aquarium. While here, you can also catch a glimpse of teeny-tiny baby seahorses — which are about the size of a thumbnail — and hold a fully grown one in the palm of your hand. [caption id="attachment_722075" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thalia Haven.[/caption] TAKE THE MOST SCENIC BATH OF YOUR LIFE This tub takes scenic bathing to a whole new level. Perched on a private deck at Thalia Haven, it overlooks incredible views of Great Oyster Bay on Tasmania's charming east coast. Even in the nippy winter air, not much can beat soaking in a bubble bath with such views and a glass of wine in hand. Sink into the steaming depths of this tub and lose yourself in a dreamy sunrise or, by night, endless stars. To try it out, you'll need to book a stay at Thalia Haven, an ancient stone dwelling set on 130 acres of woodland on its own private peninsula — with its own private beach. There's room for up to eight guests, so you can take a bunch of friends with you, too. [caption id="attachment_717921" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grindelwald Swiss Village.[/caption] STROLL THROUGH A SWISS VILLAGE Head to this magical spot and you could easily believe that you're in Switzerland — particularly when you're in the depths of Tassie winter. Found within Tamar Valley Resort, Grindelwald village, built in the 1980s, is a replica of a Swiss original — think enchanting houses with oversized eaves, window shutters and bright flower boxes. In between admiring the uber-kitsch town, its architecture and manicured gardens, warm up in the chocolate cafe where you can feast on handmade truffles, or take a stroll around the village's sparkling lakes and take in the crisp country air. This wonderland lies a 20 minutes' drive northwest of Launceston and is the perfect pitstop before heading to Tamar Valley's many vineyards. [caption id="attachment_717910" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pooseum.[/caption] TALK FREELY ABOUT POO AT A POOSEUM Anything you've ever thought, questioned or wanted to say about poo is fair game at the Pooseum, "where talking about poo is not taboo". You'll find this paean to the mighty number two in Richmond, a village 30 minutes' drive northeast of Hobart. The exhibition covers poo of all shapes, sizes and types. And you're bound to discover a few things that'll come in handy at your next trivia night — from the poo cheese that Sardinians consider a delicacy to the rising popularity of poo facials in Australia. Top image: Shene Estate by Samuel Shelley.
Each year when winter hits Melbourne, there is an energy to the city as it comes to life with the annual festival of music, arts and performance, RISING. Running from Wednesday, June 4 to Sunday, June 15, RISING's exciting lineup fills the streets, galleries and hidden corners with 65 events featuring work from over 300 boundary-pushing artists. The exhibits and installations happen nonstop throughout each day, but once night falls, Melbourne is truly invigorated, with a whole new side of the city to uncover. Whether you're a local or just visiting, the festival is an invitation to get out, stay up late, and explore Melbourne at its most vibrant and delightfully unpredictable. Planning a trip? Here's our pick of unmissable experiences to make your Melbourne sojourn an unforgettable one. 'Intangible #form' at The Capitol If you're looking for something fun (and free) to do after dark, Shohei Fujimoto's immersive installation, Intangible #form, at The Capitol is a standout in this year's RISING lineup. Entering the space feels like stepping into a sci-fi dream, with glowing red laser beams shifting and responding to your movements, pulling you into an almost hypnotic state. Open from 4.30pm to 10.30pm daily during the festival, it's one you can't miss. Reed House A good RISING itinerary deserves meals as memorable as the art you'll see. Reed House delivers just that. This Lonsdale Street restaurant sits within a landmark heritage building in the heart of the city, and features a humble menu inspired by British brasseries, which is exactly what you want on a cool Melbourne night. It's the perfect spot to fuel up before a night of performances, or to debrief on your day's discoveries over dinner and drinks. 'Kill Me' — Marina Otero RISING consistently delivers performances that push boundaries, and this year is no exception. This year's must-see is Kill Me, a provocative new performance by Argentine choreographer Marina Otero that (literally) bares all. It's exactly the kind of thoughtful, unapologetic work RISING champions, guaranteed to keep you talking long after the show ends. Night Trade A festival favourite during past years, RISING's Night Trade transforms Melbourne's Howey Place and surrounding laneways into a nocturnal playground. Wander around to discover a mix of music, art, and food, including late-night bites and micro cocktail bars, and experience performance art from artists like Saeborg and Nyege Nyege up close and personal. There's plenty to see — all for free — and it's all set against the backdrop of Melbourne's famous laneways. Apollo Inn Tucked discreetly off Flinders Lane and by the team behind famed restaurant Gimlet, Apollo Inn captures Melbourne's late-night charm with cocktails to match. Dimly lit and always (quietly) buzzing, it's the kind of place you want to end up after an evening of exhibition-hopping, to plan tomorrow's adventures or just soak in the city's after-hours energy. [caption id="attachment_1000969" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] 'Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf' For a little extra rebelliousness, head to the Flinders Street Station Ballroom for Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf – a one-of-a-kind playable art exhibition. This nine-hole mini-golf course is no ordinary game, because each hole is an artwork created by female artists, including Miranda July, Kaylene Whiskey, and Saeborg. The concept is a nod to the rule-breaking 19th century women who invented the game after being refused access to the real course. Open from Wednesday, June 4 to Sunday, August 31, go for a late-night slot and experience the surreal, interactive installations that challenge traditional notions of mini golf. 'Frida Kahlo: In her own Image' at Bendigo Art Gallery If you're keen to keep the cultural exploration going after RISING, you can take a short road trip out of town to Bendigo for Frida Kahlo: In her own image, exclusive to the Bendigo Art Gallery, and make a day of it by exploring the township. Just two hours away from Melbourne CBD, the exhibition offers an intimate look at the iconic Mexican artist's revolutionary life and art. It's the perfect complement to Melbourne's RISING, rounding out your weekend of new experiences. So pick your favourite spots, embrace after-dark adventures, and discover why a winter in Melbourne is genuinely unforgettable. Head to visitmelbourne.com.au to discover more of what makes Melbourne every bit different. Images courtesy of Melbourne. Every bit different. By Jacque Kennedy
How does Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega, Death of a Unicorn) fare against airport security screenings? Why is she willingly returning to a school for the first time ever? What happens when she plays with dolls? How has Tim Burton (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) worked Joanna Lumley (Amandaland), Steve Buscemi (The Studio), Billie Piper (Kaos) and Thandiwe Newton (Mufasa: The Lion King) into Wednesday's cast for the series' second season? Some of that has been revealed in the just-dropped teaser trailer for the Netflix hit show's long-awaited comeback — and any other questions you have will begin receiving answers soon. Wednesday has not only unveiled its first season two sneak peek, but also announced its return dates. There's two, because the streaming platform is going with a split release this time around. Part one arrives on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, then part two on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Conjuring up another spot in your streaming queue three years after its first season released, Wednesday again follows its namesake to Nevermore Academy in its second season — and again features a fresh mystery for her to solve, amid navigating a new round of other woes. The initial trailer also spans her reunion with roommate Enid (Emma Myers, A Minecraft Movie), Wednesday likening her second trip to Nevermore to "returning to the scene of the crime", bees, pink mist, creepy and kooky playthings, swinging axes and a few truths. "Wherever there's murder and mayhem, you will always find an Addams," Wednesday notes — followed by "I do my best work in the dark". Season two will also feature more of Catherine Zeta-Jones (National Treasure: Edge of History) as Morticia, Luis Guzmán (Justified: City Primeval) as Gomez, Isaac Ordonez (Color Box) as Pugsley and Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo (Dreamers) as Deputy Ritchie Santiago, all getting meatier parts than in season one. Among its new cast members, not only Lumley, Buscemi, Piper and Newton are onboard, but also Evie Templeton (Criminal Record), Owen Painter (Tiny Beautiful Things), Noah B Taylor (Law & Order: Organised Crime), Frances O'Connor (The Twelve), Haley Joel Osment (Blink Twice), Heather Matarazzo (Paint) and Joonas Suotamo (The Acolyte) — plus Christopher Lloyd (Hacks), following Christina Ricci (Yellowjackets) among the stars of the 90s Addams Family films popping up in Wednesday. Fred Armisen (Fallout) remains Wednesday's take on Uncle Fester, however — one that Netflix is so keen on that there's talk of a spinoff about the character. In its first season, Wednesday unsurprisingly proved a smash, breaking the Netflix record for most hours viewed in a single week, then doing so again — notching up 341.23-million hours viewed in its first week, then 411.29-million hours viewed in its second. All things Addams Family have always found an audience, with the Ricci-led 90s films beloved for decades for good reason, and the 1960s TV show and 1930s The New Yorker comics before that. Check out the first teaser trailer for Wednesday season two below: Wednesday season two arrives in two parts, with part one dropping on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 and part two on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, both via Netflix. Read our full review of Wednesday season one. Images: Helen Sloan/Netflix © 2025.
It's been one heck of a tough year for the country's bar industry, as venues spent months navigating lockdowns, restrictions and, more recently, capacity limits. But despite all the craziness, Australia has still managed to make a splash at this year's edition of the World's 50 Best Bars Awards. Four local drinking establishments each nabbed themselves a spot among the 51–100 top bars in the world, as announced last week. Those voted in the top 50 will be revealed at a separate virtual awards ceremony held on Thursday, November 5. All four Aussie bars to make the 51–100 list are located in Melbourne, which has just lived through some of the world's toughest COVID-19 restrictions as part of its second-wave lockdown. Fitzroy bar The Everleigh snagged the 73 spot, while newer CBD haunt Byrdi came in at 80. Petite Collingwood bar Above Board followed not too far behind at number 84 and the long-running Black Pearl — which has scooped a spot in the Top 50 list numerous times throughout the award's 12-year history — was voted in at 98. [caption id="attachment_748362" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Byrdi by Kate Shanasy[/caption] Elsewhere on the list, London's Scout (by the now Sydney-based bartender Matt Whiley) came in at 51, while the USA had seven bars in the lineup, including The Dead Rabbit in NY and San Francisco's Trick Dog. The annual awards are voted on by over 540 bar industry experts from around the world, including bartenders, consultants, drinks writers and cocktail specialists. Australia will now wait to see if any more local venues make it into the World's 50 Best Bars list later this week. Last year's one–50 lineup featured just one Aussie bar, with Sydney's Maybe Sammy taking out position 43. Check out the full World's 50 Best Bars Awards 51–100 list at the website. The one–50 list will be revealed at 3pm UK time on Thursday, November 5, via Facebook and YouTube. Top image: The Everleigh by Gareth Sobey
Finding an effective way to cope with the ever-growing issue of urban density isn't easy. The more that big cities expand, the more crowded that they become. In a place like Tokyo that crams more than 37 million people into its metro area, it requires savvy thinking — such as a building that's also a vending machine, printing out the homes within its walls onsite and to order, perhaps? Designed by architecture student Haseef Rafiei, the pod vending machine house-dispensing skyscraper dispatches new, customisable, affordable pods that are chosen by its residents. After deciding upon size and inclusions — if you don't want a kitchen, you don't need to get one, for example — each modular dwelling is made there and then, and then added to the building. The printer sits on top, and will get higher it adds more apartments to the structure; aka, it grows as the need for more housing grows. It's just a proposal at this stage, but it sounds impressive. Expanding your home, or using the pods for offices, is also mooted. Basically, Rafiei has taken a busy city, 3D printing and tiny apartments, and thrown them into a futuristic blender to conceive the ultimate mashup. Taking inspiration from the avant-garde capsule structures proposed by Japan's Metabolist Movement in the '60s, his concept earned an honourable mention in architecture and design journal eVolo's 2017 Skyscraper Competition. The innovative skyscraper offers an addition to Tokyo's skyline, provides a potential solution to the city's cramped housing situation and reflects its penchant for robotics and technology; however if you've ever been to the Japanese capital, you'll recognise that it nods to another important facet of everyday living in the bustling locale. That'd be its love of vending machines. Spotting them on every corner, even in residential areas, is just part of walking through the city. Maybe one day, spotting buildings that double as apartment-printing vending machines will be as well. Image: eVolo.
Sundays are all about rounding out your weekend the right way. Coast into the week-to-come with lasting good vibes from the most cruisy activities possible — meaning an afternoon of free live music at Livespark, hosted by independent Brisbane music company SUGARRUSH Music at the Powerhouse Turbine Platform. Slide into a seat in this cathedral-like space, and kick back to live sounds before the working week begins again. Image: Brisbane Powerhouse.
Behold, the event that'll separate the pinball wizards from the pinball muggles, and those talented as mashing buttons from the folks that are happy when they get flipping lucky. That's what happens when Netherworld closes its doors to everyone except the devoted few — those eager to play pinball for 18 hours straight. No wonder they've called the arcade marathon Death by Pinball. No sleep till pinball also would've worked. Those brave enough to attend will battle it out in matches over many rounds, fit in a few fun games from the bar's array of machines in between, and get a prize if they survive the night.
Think you're great at pushing buttons? Okay, not just mashing and smashing them, but timing your touches so perfectly that you manoeuvre pinball flippers like a wizard, and send shiny chrome balls rolling, roaming and sprawling around the machine of your choice? Think your talents could stand up to scrutiny? Want to find out? Now that Brisbane has its own arcade game bar, Netherworld, we're guessing that events like Flip Frenzy are about to become a whole lot more frequent. One of the venue's owners fancies himself as quite the pinball player, after all — and you can try to follow in his footsteps. Here how it works: book in advance, pay $20, arrive at 9.30am, and then prepare to strut your stuff until 1pm. Only 50 competitors are allowed, and they'll be paired up at random, vie for supremacy, and then move on to the next opponent and machine. The games will be fast, but they'll also be fun — and all players of all skill levels are welcome.
Can you do the polka? Do you know how to swing? Or are Bollywood and Bhangra moves more your style? Perhaps you're mighty fine at bouncing along to reggae, or maybe you can boot scoot, salsa or jive. Whatever style of fancy footwork you favour, the name of Brisbane Festival's pop-up inner-city dance floor says it all: You Should Be Dancing. Over eight nights at Queens Park outside of the Treasury Casino, you'll have the chance to learn the requisite steps, watch the experts do their thing and kick up your own heels. Now that's what we call a party. Image: Gregory Lorenzutti.
You can tell a whole lot about this globe of ours from the movies. You probably shouldn't, though — or you shouldn't take it too seriously, at least. The Feed's Marc Fennell both does and doesn't — sure, he's written an armchair guide to Earth as projected on cinema screens, but he's obviously done so with a sense of humour. Questions such as "which nation is best equipped to survive an apocalypse?" and "which fictional country links Predator, Commando and Die Hard?" give that away, and we expect that hearing Fennell offer up the answers will be just as amusing. This event is one of our five picks for Brisbane Writers Festival. Check out the whole list. Image: SBS.
Brisbane Writers Festival slots into the State Library of Queensland like a book being put back in its place on a shelf, however, the city's biggest, most central repository of the written word isn't the only place to have some fest fun. Yep, BWF in the 'Burbs is exactly what it sounds like. From Indooroopilly to Carina and Wynnum to Michelton, a selection of festival guests will grace suburban libraries to tell the stories behind writing stories. Speakers include journalist Caroline Overton and Irish author Michael Collins — and they're just two of the 14 talented folks popping up around town. This event is one of our five picks for Brisbane Writers Festival. Check out the whole list.
Okay, so this July-wide eating extravaganza has been officially dubbed Good Food Month, but we think it could count as Good Wine Month too. There's more than a little grape-centric goodness on offer, including a booze-soaked chat about making Plonk, the Australian comedy television series all about wine. Join Yalumba winemaker and storyteller Jane Ferrari as she tells the tales of making the television program, and serves up her preferred tipples as well. Don't worry, something to eat is also part of the equation, with $65 per person getting you a winning food and drink combo.
Good Food Month isn't just about sit-down meals and special events — it's also about jumping between happening joints and grabbing a few drinks. Enter Bar Hop. Yes, the name says just about everything. Every evening in July, you can stop by Bucci Restaurant, Kerbside, Public Bar and Restaurant and Canvas for a $20 cocktail and a perfectly matched bar snack — or, as the title suggests, hop between all four. And if you're wondering what's on offer, that'd be Tanqueray gin concoctions, the perfect, light libation for a multi-venue escapade.
Since the release of their dazzling 2011 album Civilian, Baltimore-based duo Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack aka Wye Oak have become one of the most loved modern folk artists of recent times. From their distorted, guitar-heavy brand of melancholic pop to their recent dabblings in synth-drenched, intricate melody stylings, this duo show off as much emotion as skill in their soaring tunes. Now, off the back of their 2014 album Shriek, and two years of nonstop touring, they're arriving in Australia for a handful of shows — primarily stemming from their appearance at Sydney Festival. Widely known and esteemed for their exuberant and thunderous live shows, Wye Oak take that extra mile on stage to let the infiniteness of their melodies and rhythmic innovations flourish. Shriek saw Wasner swap out her domineering guitar for galloping, layered synths, bringing the band to a sound that transcends disorientation and loss to a hopeful, trance-heavy, rhythmic sense of renewal and empowerment. Supported by Major Leagues.
Last year, everyone’s favourite musicians turned bar proprietors looked back to 2003 for their end of year celebration. Never doing the same thing twice, this year they’re advancing onwards and then some. For New Year’s Eve, the Southside Tea Room is going forward – not back – to the future. Great Scott! That should be Nu Year’s Eve, actually, befitting the ultramodern theme. No one knows what the year 3015 holds, but the Morningside establishment is going to give it their best guess. Everyone’s favourite sci-fi pop culture obsessions will be a major influence, and one thing is certain: Beyoncé, a future Master of the Universe, will feature on the playlist. Think alien babes, space cuties and more — possibly including foil, that shiny staple of all things forward-looking. It wouldn’t be a Southside party without prizes for the best costumes, delicious snacks, cheap drinks, themed cocktails, giveaways, and bodacious party tunes for this most excellent adventure. There’s also a pre-paid $70 food and drink package for those thinking about the not-too-distant future of their bank account.
You've obsessed over the series, watched the movie that followed, thought about buying Laura Palmer's house and even read The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer (yes, it really exists). You know that the pattern on the floor inside the Black Lodge also pops up in David Lynch's Eraserhead, and that the actress who played Double R Diner owner Norma, Peggy Lipton, is the real-life mother of Parks and Recreation's Rashida Jones. If you know all this, you're ready for the Twin Peaks Trivia Night — and even if you don't, you should still try your luck. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the TV series like no other, the folks at Man vs Bear have compiled a very special challenge, covering everything from cherry pie to the Log Lady. Think clues, coffee and a damn fine night of fun, in the latest event to accompany the Gallery of Modern Art's David Lynch: Between Two Worlds exhibition. Teams of two to eight people can enter, and bookings are essential. Note: you can dress up as Agent Dale Cooper if you like, but you can't ask your friend Diane for help with the answers.
What’s your favourite thing about Twin Peaks? Other than the fact that it's coming back in 2016, of course. We know, we know, there’s just too many to choose from. Any list would have to include Kyle MacLachlan as Agent Dale Cooper, cherry pie and damn fine coffee, and David Lynch’s zaniness on screen and off — as well as the haunting music. From those first distinctive notes of composer Angelo Badalamenti’s theme tune, to the ethereal sounds of Julee Cruise’s Falling — a number one hit in Australia at the time — it is the show’s soundtrack that still echoes through our minds. Courtesy of GOMA’s David Lynch: Between Two Worlds exhibition, that isn’t going to change any time soon. In fact, Xiu Xiu will ensure the series’ score gets permanently lodged in your brain. For two nights only, the American experimental group will appear live to interpret the iconic music through their mix of post punk and synth pop. Prepare to amazed, delighted and perhaps even disturbed by this new take on Twin Peaks’ chaos, drama, fear, noise and sidelong leering glances. The performance also comes with a serious warning: BOB will be conducting.
Get the bacon and whisky ready, and prepare your ears for some high-pitched laughter. They're the only things you can do — other than start making your own canoe, and generally squealing with glee — upon hearing the news that Nick Offerman is coming to Australia this week. Although initially slated to appear with partner in crime Megan Mullally to perform their Summer of 69: No Apostrophe, an unforeseen scheduling conflict has seen the show replaced with Offerman's solo show Full Bush. Mullally is no longer able to tour early next year as she starts a major film production overlapping directly with her Australian dates — but, luckily, Offerman is still able to make it. Just take a moment to let that sink in. Ron effing Swanson will be in the country. Described as a veritable smorgasbord of cautionary tales, tunes, and tips for prosperity, Full Bush looks set to make all your dreams come true: you'll get to sing a tune with Offerman while taking in his natural beefy musk. He'll be up on stage at QPAC on Friday, February 5, and for two shows the following night on Saturday, February 6 (at 8pm and 10.30pm). NICK OFFERMAN: FULL BUSH DATES January 28-29 — State Theatre, Sydney January 30 — Theatre Royal, Hobart January 31 & February 9 — Hamer Hall, Melbourne February 2-3 — Astor Theatre, Perth February 4 — Festival Theatre, Adelaide February 5-6 — QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
Despite Brisbane being one of Australia's most vibrant art and culture hubs, world music isn't the first thing people seek out on a Friday evening. That's a little shocking, so the Triffid is about to change the situation. A Night of World Music features three of Australia's most exciting, up-and-coming bands who all fall under that super-broad genre of world music, i.e. music produced in developing countries, with occasional western influence. If 'Graceland' just popped into your head, then you're kind of on the right track. The night will be headlined by MZAZA, one of Australia's most individual bands, as lead by acclaimed French-Sephardic vocalist Pauline Maudy and made up of cultural refugees from Bosnia, Latvia, Greece, Turkey, France, Sephardic Spain and Australia. They'll be joined 25-piece street band Unusual Suspects as well as Brazilian bossa nova act Coisa Linda. Get into the spirit of world music and head along to this unique and diverse night at The Triffid. Tickets cost $18.70 and the evening kicks off at 7.30pm.
Settling in for The Martian, you could be forgiven for feeling a little deja vu. Interstellar might be flooding your memory, given that Jessica Chastain and Matt Damon grapple with space again. Alien and Prometheus could also pop into your head, seeing that director Ridley Scott seemingly heads into familiar territory too. Thankfully, their resumes aside, the rehash largely stops there. That’s not to say that The Martian doesn’t recall many other intergalactic efforts such as Gravity, Moon, Sunshine, Contact and Apollo 13, nor that it doesn’t work with themes and narrative components recognisable to anyone who has seen a survivalist film like Castaway or All Is Lost. What this adaptation of Andy Weir's 2011 novel of the same name does do, though, is soar forward with two things in mind: optimism and practicality. Botanist Mark Watney (Damon) is the key. He's residing among a group of astronauts manning the latest mission on Mars — until a storm strikes, he gets knocked out and blown away from his colleagues, and they head back home. When he wakes up to discover he's now the only human left on the planet, he focuses on attempting to remedy his predicament. Finding a way to grow food in the inhospitable environment is his first priority, followed by trying to communicate to NASA that he's alive and ready to return to Earth. Solving problems rather than wallowing in sentiment is the approach Watney takes, as does Scott and screenwriter Drew Goddard (The Cabin in the Woods). As the repercussions of the Watney's situation ripple through those trying to rescue him — be they space agency head (Jeff Daniels), other members of the ground-based team (including Kristen Wiig, Sean Bean, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong and Donald Glover), or Watney's departed crewmates (Chastain, Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan and Aksel Hennie) — action rather than emotion sits at the film's fore. Accordingly, The Martian favours procedure and process over psychology. It traces the steps needed to bring the stranded man home. It springs from a position of simply believing that resolution is possible. It presents characters using science (or sciencing the shit out of things, as the MacGyver-like Watney puts it in the video logs that comprise much of the storytelling) to make things happen. People, teamwork and ingenuity reign supreme, even over the capably rendered 3D spectacle. Anyone fearing a lack of wonder or feeling in the film can rest assured; they are there, and they spring from the way the cast subtly handle their roles (particularly an empathetic Damon) rather than the script hitting audiences over the head with horror or sappiness. A keen sense of humour is also evident in perhaps the most upbeat survivalist offering for some time, with Lord of the Rings fans likely to have the biggest laugh. There's also the endearing soundtrack, which includes moments of dancing along to disco hits or letting a classic, perfectly chosen David Bowie track (though not the one you think) play out in full. That it all adds up to one of the most enjoyably pragmatic sci-fi stints seen in the cinema is refreshing and perhaps surprising, even given its pedigree. In fact, The Martian doesn't just solidly engage from start to finish — it entertainingly and convincingly colonises its own patch of space movie territory.
Returning to the Tyagarah Tea Farm over the Easter long weekend, Bluesfest is set to gumboot-stomp its well-worn spot in the Australian festival game as one of the tightest productions on the calendar. This year's lineup has generated more buzz than usual, landing one of the most awaited Australian returns of the last year — Kendrick Lamar. Alongside the multi-Grammy-winning artist and The Blacker the Berry maestro comes Bluesfest's usual, eclectic, heavily star-studded lineup. 'The Voice' is coming. Not the Delta kind, the only kind. Living legend and eternal 'Sexbomb' Tom Jones sits at the top of the bill, alongside The National, D'Angelo, Modest Mouse, City and Colour, Eagles Of Death Metal, UB40, Haitus Kaiyote, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and more. Things are going to get real Byron when The Wailers perform all four of Bob Marley's albums Exodus, Survival, Uprising and Legend in their entirety. Memories will be flooding (along with Bluesfest, if it rains again) with the appearance of Jackson Browne, alongside the The Decemberists. Returning Bluesfester Steve Earle is back with The Dukes, and we'll be front and centre for The 'Original' Blues Brothers Band. Add to this some of the best festival food in the game? You've got yourself a humdinger of a muddy, muddy weekend. BLUESFEST 2016 LINEUP: In alphabetical order... Allen Stone Archie Roach Ash Grunwald Backsliders Blackberry Smoke Blind Boy Paxton Chain City And Colour Cold War Kids Con Brio Digging Roots Dustin Thomas D'Angelo And The Vanguard Eagles Of Death Metal East Journey Elle King Emdee Emma Donovan & The Putbacks Eugene Hideaway Bridges Fantastic Negrito Frazey Ford Grace Potter Graham Nash Harts Hiatus Kaiyote Houndmouth Hussy Hicks Irish Mythen Janiva Magness Jason Isbell Jeff Martin (The Tea Party) Joe Bonamassa – Bluesfest exclusive Kaleo Kamasi Washington Kendrick Lamar Kim Churchill Lord Huron Lucky Peterson Lukas Nelson & The Promise Of The Real Marshall Okell Melissa Etheridge Mike Love Modest Mouse Mojo Juju Nahko and Medicine For The People Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds Pierce Brothers Playing For Change Band Raw Earth. Rhiannon Giddens Richard Clapton Russell Morris Sahara Beck Shakey Graves Songhoy Blues St. Paul & The Broken Bones Steve Earle and The Dukes Steve Smyth Sturgill Simpson Tedeschi Trucks Band Tex Perkins & The Ape The Blind Boys Of Alabama The Bros. Landreth The Cat Empire The Decemberists The Mastersons The Mick Fleetwood Band The National – Bluesfest exclusive The Selecter The Wailers The Word The "Original" Blues Brothers Band Tom Jones Tweedy UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell, Astro & Mickey Virtue – Bluesfest exclusive Vintage Trouble Wards Xpress + more Bluesfest runs Thursday, March 24 – Monday, March 28 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. Tickets from Byron Bay Bluesfest. Image: Andy Fraser.
It happens at every live gig: the band stop singing, but the crowd keep belting out their favourite tune. You've been in the audience. You've wanted to continue screaming your lungs out. In fact, you've wished you could even jump on stage to do so. Well, now you can at The Foundry Karaoke Extravanza. It's the kind of evening of music-focused fun that can only happen when a couple of local artists and a karaoke machine combine. The Good Sports, Max Chillen and the Kerbside Collective, Emerson Snowe and Simi Lacroix will all be showing off their best cover versions from the stacked list of hits, and you can join them. Just check out the event Facebook page, pick your song and email The Foundry in advance to reserve your place — and you'll be showing off your finest rendition of Daryl Braithwaite's 'The Horses' in no time. Image: The Foundry.
You can't help but conjure up images of the romanticised '60s Woodstock era while listening to Richard In Your Mind. Putting forward a Beatles-ish pop sound swathed with psychedelic and krautrock rythyms, the Sydney five-piece released their fourth album, Ponderosa in August last year via Rice Is Nice, the local record label boasting a host of Sydney talent such as Donny Benet and SPOD. Now they're celebrating the release of the album on vinyl, with the 'Give Me a High Five' east coast tour. RIYM's tunes are a fun and light-hearted affair, exploring overarching themes of things like nature, exploration and escapism — no doubt influenced by the band's hours spent in the Blue Mountains, where they recorded the tracks. It might not be the 1960s anymore, but these guys are definitely making sure the crazy psychedelia still lives on. Supported by Baskervillain + Shady Bliss. And if you haven't seen the video for latest single 'Hammered in the Daytime', do yourself a favour and click the tab above. It's the family TV show we truly wish existed. https://youtube.com/watch?v=kMyxjFAyLMU
If you care about what you wear, you probably don't just care about how you look. Interested in the future of fashion? Eager to think locally and sustainably about the industry? Keen to pick up a few new textile tricks, meet makers putting the environment and ethical production first, and shop for new and vintage threads? Then you'll care about heading to Fashion Revolution. Held across the three days, this new event brings together a heap of fashion-minded folks for talks, workshops and markets, diving into the sartorial folds in many ways. It all kicks off between 5–9pm on Friday, April 26 with homegrown wares (and drinks and nibbles), then offers the same plus classes and discussions between 9am–4pm on Saturday, April 27, before getting into the pre-loved game between 9am–3pm on Sunday, April 28. Artists Alike in Albion is the place to head, and the list of topics is as hefty. Explore the other side of fast fashion, hear all about the sewing renaissance, get stylist tips, learn how to be sustainable with your outfits and up your mending skills. You can also chat with 12 local creatives, and tuck into Holistic Wholefoods' vegan and gluten-free dishes. Entry is via gold coin donation.
Australia's boutique camping festival descends on the small NSW town of Berry each December, taking over the local showgrounds with two days of stellar global and local musicians. The annual music, food and art festival somehow feels like a country weekend fete, but it's also where you'll catch a surprising number of big-name acts. This year one of Brit Pop's leading troublemakers, Liam Gallagher, sits at the top of the bill, followed by Triple J faves DMA's, Meg Mac, Hatchie, Dope Lemon and Julia Jacklin. But Fairgrounds isn't just about the tunes. Sydney-based vintage market host Dear Pluto has brought together over 20 different stalls of makers and collectors on the Saturday (11am–10.30pm), there's a vinyl record fair (also on Saturday) and Games on the Green with tug-of-war and egg-and-spoon races. Plus, the festival arranges for free use of the local swimming pool every evening until 7pm. And Jervis Bay's award-winning Paperbark restaurant is back with its popular pop-up — expect housemade ice creams, locally sourced seafood, flatbreads and dips, as well as spiced berries. See the full music lineup below. FAIRGROUNDS 2019 LINEUP Liam Gallagher Dope Lemon Meg Mac DMA's Julia Jacklin Kasey Chambers Hatchie The Babe Rainbow Fritz The Lazy Eyes The Buoys Nilüfer Yanya 100 Clews The Lemonheads Stevan Images: Ian Laidlaw and Gabriel Vallido.
Sun, surf and sand aren't the only things the beach has to offer. If you're Courtney Norris, founder of new Newstead co-working hub The Cove, it might also inspire a new business idea. Running past the Sunshine Coast's Little Cove while training for a half-marathon, the word and its meaning stuck in her head. As did the drive to create a hub for Brisbane entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Cove's seaside inspiration doesn't mean working in beach-like surroundings (sorry), but members will find a relaxed space designed to foster collaboration and creativity. And while that might all sound like a standard co-work space spiel — it comes with the usual inclusions like collective and dedicated desks, offices, break-out areas and a communal kitchen — it also has a few ace additions sparked by Norris's time touring similar sites in Europe and Asia. As well as an event space hosting cocktail functions and masterclasses, The Cove boasts its own curated mentoring program, holds wellness sessions, offers a business concierge and provides access to an electric BMW i3 vehicle. Since opening its doors in September, it has formed partnerships with Institute of Modern Art and The Design Conference, held rooftop public exercise classes at Eleven Rooftop Bar and started planning an entrepreneurship retreat for this coming September/October. Norris says the aim is "to create a work environment that is welcoming, warm and modern — taking inspiration from a well-executed boutique hotel or private members club, where every detail has been thought through from the best in high-end finishes, custom-designed furniture, high speed wifi throughout, custom lighting and excellent customer service." The Cove also features a coastal-inspired aesthetic, created by Norris and Brisbane's Collectivus interior team with assistance from local and national designers. Membership options include premium office suites, collaborative desks for teams and dedicated desks in an open-plan environment. Find The Cove at 59 Doggett Street, Newstead. For further details, head to covecowork.com.au/cove.
Need an excuse to attend Cloudland's latest themed shindig? We have one for you — because you can can can. With the Fortitude Valley venue paying tribute to all things Moulin Rouge over one decadent night, the end result promises to be spectacular spectacular. From 8pm on Friday, September 28, the Ann Street spot will turn its already decadent digs into the closest approximation of a Parisian music hall that it can manage — complete with live entertainment, burlesque dancers and roaming performers. And, the Moulin Rouge party will span across two levels, taking over both Madame Hedges and the Crystal Palais. No word yet if someone will be swinging from the ceiling and singing 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend' like Nicole Kidman's Satine. With two levels comes two types of ticket. The good news is that general admission is free and gets you into the ground floor glitz, although tickets are still required. Or go all out for $75, and you'll get access to the upper reaches plus a three-hour drinks package. Come what may, indeed.
Next time you head to Blackbird Bar and Grill, you'd best prepare for the Eagle Street Pier eatery to look a little different. You can breathe a sigh of relief, because their current drinks and steaks offerings aren't changing. Instead, they're taking a great place and making it even bigger and better. Say hello to Blackbird Private Dining and Events, aka the restaurant's expanded setup on the floor below their current digs. Come April 27, their new operations will be in full swing, complete with a dedicated second kitchen run by Lyndon Tyres, the former head chef at Melbourne's Circa, The Prince. Basically, if you're looking for a party, reception or meeting space that can cater for up to 400 people, and boasts riverside views spanning from the Story Bridge to the Kangaroo Point cliffs, then you're in luck. Blackbird 2.0 is now a one-stop shop for all your fine dining needs, whether having a quiet dinner and a few beverages in the main area takes your fancy, or celebrating something special with everyone that you know is in order. Just don't expect to always eat upstairs and hold your functions downstairs, because with more room comes more options. Reversing the spaces for the right event isn't out of the question. Yep, we know where we want to hold our next fancy occasion. Find Blackbird Bar & Grill at 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane, or check out the Blackbird Private Dining & Events website for more information.
Ever had a hankering for a burger, but couldn't decide which joint to visit? Thanks to Brisbane's hefty array of burg-slinging places, we've been there, and often. Trust The Triffid to come up with a solution, courtesy of a day-long dedicated celebration. On October 21, the Newstead music venue is joining forces with Stone & Wood, shutting down Stratton Street and serving up Brisbane's most delayed trend festival: the Brisbane Burger Fest. That's a big call in a year that has seen ice cream, mussels, Japanese culture, espresso martinis and specialty coffee all get their own shindigs. For those wondering about the festival's burger credentials, Ze Pickle, Miss Kay's, Ben's Burgers, Mr Burger, 5 Boroughs, Red Hook, Lucky Egg and The Triffid's own burgers will all be on offer, with each eatery whipping up their usual favourites and coming up with a special Burger Fest creation as well. There'll also be an official burger-eating competition as part of the festivities (of course there will be). If you don't think you can handle taking part, that's okay — everyone at Burger Fest will be seeing how many burgs they can eat in their own way, after all. Making a free burger street party even better, The Triffid's beer garden will be showcasing live music all day, and Stone & Wood will be taking care of the brews. Brisbane Burger Fest takes place from 11am on October 21 at The Triffid, 7-9 Stratton Street, Newstead. For more information, visit the event Facebook page. Image: Lucky Egg.
Things are looking up in the middle of the Brisbane CBD, particularly if you like drinking at a sky-high bar underneath a Queensland sky. Add Sixteen Antlers to the city's list of rooftop hotspots — and add peering out over King George Square and the City Hall clock tower, sipping craft beer and cocktails, and snacking on small plates to your spring and summer must-do list. Quietly welcoming patrons from September 29 before officially launching in mid-October, the new hangout is perched 16 stories above the ground, in case you hadn't already guessed from the name. Taking over the top level at Pullman and Mercure Brisbane on the corner of Ann and Roma streets, it might just boast one of the best inner city views in Brissie. As for the other part of the venue's name, that stems from what they're calling roof 'branches', with the space as leafy in decor as it is lofty in location. While you'll find eye-popping views aplenty, don't go expecting Sixteen Antlers to match its vast vistas with big crowds — instead, it's a relatively intimate 120-person bar. That won't stop it from hosting DJ sets on Friday nights, offering up a hefty drinks list, serving the likes of mini brioche sliders and mozzarella and jalapeno croquettes, or letting patrons dine from the hotel's menu, though. Expect to eat, knock back beverages and enjoy Brisbane from a new perspective after 3pm from Tuesday to Saturday each week. Find Sixteen Antlers at Pullman and Mercure Brisbane on the corner of Ann and Roma streets. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Charismatic little brother to Gerard's Bistro, Gerard's Bar is no stranger to pairing crisp, tasty brews with seasonal nosh. Hidden behind its sibling in the James Street precinct, Gerard's Bar is home to insanely talented Brisbane chef Ben Williamson, curating quite the culinary experience from the charcuterie cabinet to the magnificent kitchen. Say, how would you like to experience a one-off Gerard's menu, exploring fresh winter produce with some of Australia's favourite craft beers? For an opportunity to experience Williamson's produce first hand, James Squire and Concrete Playground are creating a special Winter Banquet at Gerard's Bistro on Monday, August 8, and we're giving a group of lucky people a seat at the table. You'll sit down to a five-course meal custom-made by Ben, each dish paired with a specific James Squire tipple, and hear from Ben and James Squire brand ambassadors on the night. If you're not already sending this to all your mates to enter, check out the Summer Banquet we held this year in Sydney. We teamed up with chef Richie Dolan from CHISWICK for one heck of a feast in February. To go in the running to win tickets for you and a friend, ENTER HERE. Entries close at midnight Wednesday, July 27.
It's been a big year or so for Delfina's Bistro. First, they set up shop at Emporium, and started serving up hearty meals with a gourmet twist. Then, when their mouthwatering mix of modern Australian and European cuisines proved a hit, they expanded their menu and operating hours, adding weekend brunch to the mix. Onwards and upwards must be the restaurant's motto, because they're not stopping there. In fact, they're not staying at 1000 Ann Street in Fortitude Valley at all. Come the end of July, they're shutting up their existing location, and shifting their entire operations up the road. Well, not just up the road to 959 Ann Street, but to the Alex Perry Hotel and Apartments. And part of the fun of getting into bed with a luxury accommodation provider is that anyone staying on the premises overnight will soon be able to enjoy their delicious dishes in their rooms, on their rooftop bar and in their plush beds as well. Indeed, the new setup will include in-room gourmet hampers of house-made breads, relishes, jams, butters and cheeses, plus the ability to order a barbecue dinner and have a chef cook for them on the rooftop — or arrange for the ingredients to be delivered to you so you can cook it yourself. Drinks-wise, Delfina's will be making the hotel's flavoured sparkling waters, syrups, soft drinks and cocktails, too. And whether you're checking in for a night, or just dropping by for a tasty bite or beverage, you'll also be able to actually sit in the kitchen while you tuck into whatever takes your fancy. Now that really is home-style eating. Find Delfina's Bistro at the Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments, 959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, from the end of July. Check out their website and Facebook page for more information.
Been hankering for one of Pizza Emporium's four-cheese slices since their Stafford store closed its doors in May? So have we. Thankfully, those cravings will soon fulfilled, but in a different suburb. Yep, you'd better start heading to West End to get your pizza fix. Opening in the Glass Factory on Vulture Street on September 9, the new Pizza Emporium will feature all the topping combinations regulars know and love, just in a new setting. And if you're not already acquainted with the former northside mainstay, perusing a few items from their West End menu should get your stomach grumbling. A pesto and goat's cheese starter pizza, Aussie concoction with bacon and egg, prosciutto and fig combo (depending on the season) or 'prawn fiesta' offering, anyone? The new eatery will also boast a liquor license, which means pairing your pizza with a cheeky beverage will now be an option — as well as the perfect way to celebrate having a slice in the store's fresh digs. And if you were wondering what had happened to their previously announced Ashgrove shop, which was rumoured to open in June, here's your answer. A new Pizza Emporium is good news, regardless of where it's located. Find Pizza Emporium at The Glass Factory, 1/57 Vulture Street, West End from September 9. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.
What's better than one Brisbane store dedicated to all the cakes, pastries, pies and other sweet and savoury baked products your stomach can handle? Two, of course. Yes, Jocelyn's Provisions is finally spreading their delicious wares around town and opening up a second shop. The sibling location will be called Albion Provisions — and, as the name suggests, it'll serve up all the handmade goodies Jocelyn's fans know and love in the northside suburb. Come October, Sandgate Road will be abuzz with Turkish delight cheesecakes, triple choc brownies and poached fruit and almond tarts, plus beef and red wine pies and Cornish pasties. The latest news comes hot on the heels of a few recent changes, including Jocelyn's move just up the road from its original Fortitude Valley site, and the introduction of chocolate and chilli mini bars, four new types of savoury tart and two new sausage roll flavours to their menu. We hope you're hungry, because additional dishes are just going to keep on popping up. With another venue will come even more biscuits, chocolates, nougat, panforte and preserves, just to name a few of their delectable offerings. That's quite the way to mark Jocelyn's twentieth birthday, with Albion's purpose-built bakery certain to be pumping out mouth-watering concoctions in no time, and its test kitchen also opening its doors to on-site cooking classes. It's also the best news we've heard since the woman who initially started the whole endeavour opened up a different venture. Let's be honest, you really can't have too many of these tasty treats. Find Albion Provisions at Sandgate Road, Albion from October. Keep an eye on the Jocelyn's Provisions website and Facebook page for further details.
Authentic Nordic cuisine isn't easy to come by in Brisbane; however the city's first Norwegian-inspired eatery wants to put an end to that. In fact, Lokal + Co has the market cornered. No, Ikea's Swedish cafeteria food doesn't count as competition. Of course, a sunny spot in West End probably isn't the kind of location you'd expect to serve up gingerbread waffles with chocolate hazelnut sauce, house-cured gravlax with rye soldiers, or Danish open rye sandwiches with sardines. Closing your eyes, biting into anything on the menu, and pretending you're on the other side of the globe is completely acceptable. So is soaking up the minimalist vibe, which brings a Scandinavian look to an airy split Queenslander. Well, that's what the inside looks like, at least. If you're pulling up a chair outdoors on the deck, expect the next best thing to the traditional Aussie backyard (yep, we're talking about astroturf aplenty). The mix of Norwegian and Australian elements stems from the venue's owners, with Helge Olsen hailing from the former, Corey Thom calling the latter home. The chef duo boast seven years cooking up a storm at Cicada before branching out on their own. And when their liquor license is approved, the cafe intends to extend that blend to their booze lineup too. Nordic beer, anyone? Find Lokal + Co at 6 O'Connell Street, West End. Visit their website and Facebook page for more information.
Ever had a hankering for a burger, but couldn't decide which joint to visit? Thanks to Brisbane's hefty array of burg-slinging places, we've all been there — and often. Thankfully, The Triffid came up with a solution a few years back. That'd be the Brisbane Burger Fest, which is returning again in 2023 to the delight of the entire city's tastebuds. From 11am on Saturday, June 24, the Newstead music venue is once again serving up the River City food event that we had to have. Plenty of culinary festivals have come and gone over the years, but Brisbane Burger Fest was always going to be back for another helping — behaviour that you'll likely copy on the day. [caption id="attachment_627701" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ze Pickle[/caption] Wondering about the festival's burger credentials? Ze Pickle, Fritzenberger, Brooklyn Depot, Hashtag Burgers & Waffles and Remy's will all whip up their usual favourites. Embracing the occasion in the tastiest way possible, they'll be making a few special and exclusive Burger Fest creations as well. There'll also be an official burger-eating competition as part of the festivities (of course there will be), which pits regular burger-lovers up against the pros. If you don't think you can handle taking part in the contest, that's okay — everyone at Burger Fest will be seeing how many burgs they can eat in their own way, after all. And, attendees can look forward to plenty more to keep you entertained beyond eating burgers, including a beer pong tournament. [caption id="attachment_897662" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooklyn Depot[/caption] Making a burger party even better, the event will be showcasing live music from Melaleuca, Radium Dolls, The Dandys, Lucid Safari, Pipin and Bean Magazine, as well as Echo Wave, Fleur Fatale, Demi Casha and Huxley & Friel. Drinks-wise, Stone & Wood and Heaps Normal will be taking care of the beers — boozy and not-so — and Burger Festival cocktails are also on the menu, including a Bundy dark and stormy. Tickets cost $15 — and if past years are any guide, they're expected to get snapped up quickly. Brisbane Burger Fest 2023 takes place from 11am on Saturday, June 24 at The Triffid, 7-9 Stratton Street, Newstead. For more information and tickets, visit the event's website. Top image: Fritzenberger.
In case you needed more proof that Hollywood is scraping the bottom of the barrel, audiences will soon be getting not one but two Uber-themed comedies. Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox will be racing to see who can get their flick into theatres first, after both studios unknowingly purchased Uber-centric scripts within 24 hours of each other. Honestly, this is just like Antz and A Bug's Life all over again. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures threw down a seven figure sum on an untitled pitch from Bad Neighbours screenwriter Brendan O'Brien, with Will Ferrell set to produce and star. The script isn't actually finished yet, but sources say it will concern an unfortunate Uber driver (Ferrell) whose fare turns out to be an escaped convict. Fox, meanwhile, purchased Tripper Clancy's completed script Stuber, which in an amusing twist of fate follows an Uber driver whose passenger is a cop, working what THR calls "the most dangerous case of his career." Is it just us, or does it sound like these two films are ripe for an Avengers-style crossover? No word yet on when either film will be released. It does make you wonder whether movies based on apps could be the next big thing, especially with The Angry Birds Movie hitting cinemas in the next few weeks. Surely it's only a matter of time before we get a romantic comedy and/or serial killer film based on Tinder. Via THR.
The World Press Photo Foundation is a global platform connecting professionals and audiences through raw visual journalism and storytelling. The organisation was founded in 1955 when a group of Dutch photographers organised a contest to expose their work to an international audience. Since then the contest has grown into the world's most prestigious photography competition and global travelling exhibition. The 61st edition of the World Press Photo Exhibition will touch down in Brisbane next month and will be on display at the Powerhouse from June 30 until July 22. The winners from this year's contest were chosen by an independent jury that reviewed more than 73,000 photographs by 4548 photographers from 125 countries. The one that took top honours for 2018 is Ronaldo Schemidt's frightening image of José Víctor Salazar Balza who was set alight at a protest in Caracas, Venezuela when the gas tank of a motorbike exploded. This will be on display alongside other finalists, including Adam Ferguson's portrait of a 14-year-old Boko Haram suicide bomber and Patrick Brown's devastating shot of Rohingya refugees after the boat in which they were attempting to flee Myanmar capsized. Further categories on show will include contemporary issues, environment, general news, long-term projects, nature, people, sports and spot news. Image: 'Venezuela Crisis' by Ronaldo Schemidt (cropped).
Gear up for one of the year's most anticipated (and inevitably raved about) national tours. The ever-impressive, ever-epic musical mastermind Ty Segall is currently on Australian shores to kick around on our stages for his biggest headliner tour yet — and set to show Brisbane what San Fran sludge rock is all about. Segall is probably best known for his insane levels of productivity and painstakingly thought-out approach to his garage-rock jams. This year, the 27-year-old Californian released one of the great albums of 2014, glam-rock grail, Manipulator. Over the years, Segall already made significant waves with Sleeper, Twins, Hair, Melted, and Lemons. More EP vending machine than an album-a-year kinda guy, he's already racked up eight albums under his belt, and has a four song EP called Mr Face due out in January. Segall has already hit Melbourne and Meredith Music Festival with full force to rave reviews, selling out his first sideshow and adding another date to keep the people happy. Brisbanites, if you see one show this year, catch this rock savant at The Zoo and thank us later. Supported by The Babe Rainbow and Thigh Master. Image credit: Denee Petracek.
