World champion athletes, renowned dancers and acclaimed musicians come together to create the 360 Allstars, what has been described as an “urban circus”, coming to the Brisbane Powerhouse. A reimagining of the conventional circus, the 360 Allstars inject breakdancers, basketball freestylers, BMX flatlanders and a roue Cyr to give the arena a whole new colour and shape. Because why not? The circus is where anything can happen and, in this case, it very well might. The international stage has already given their approval, with Theatermania in New York describing it as a “supercharged show" where "heart-pumping music, dazzling lights and video, and incredibly talented athletes and musicians come together”. Featuring artists from UK, Europe, America, Australia and NZ, 360 Allstars is a fun night out for thrill-seekers young and old.
Partying, dancing and celebrating all things LGBTQI doesn’t just happen in Sydney. Sure, Brisbane might not have Mardi Gras, but for 15 years, it has played host to the Big Gay Day. Yes, 2015 commemorates a decade and a half of annual summer street parties at The Wickham — and it has the lineup to prove it. Sneaky Sound System returns to headline the event, but as always, there’s more acts on hand to get Brunswick Street pumping. Paul Mac, Bimbo Jones and Crazibiza DJs will be joining in the fun, plus Sarah McLeod, Reigan Derry, Pam Ann, Kira Pura and Shaun J. Wright. We could keep going, but we’re sure you’ve realised by now that this isn’t just any Big Gay Day — it’s going to be the biggest Big Gay Day ever. Indeed, the Big Gay Day Facebook page warns that tickets are selling fast and may not be available at the door, with buying in advance recommended to guarantee entry. Those after the VIP experience can also pay extra to venture to the dance bar upstairs, as hosted by Courtney Act, and with its own party-within-a-party.
Singer, songwriter and all round rock demigod J Mascis is one of the most crucial figures in the international rock scene. He's also the definition of hair envy, the lead guitarist of Dinosaur Jr and pretty rad skater. Now, as one of the most in-demand musicians of our time, he’s heading to our neck of the woods to show off some crazy good guitar and swish his hair around like it’s nobody’s business. J Mascis is to Dinosaur Jr what Sting is to The Police, The Slash is to Guns N' Roses and George Michael is to Wham (yep, Wham comparison, right there). As a separate entity, he rocks a unique sound that ranges from the loud and riff-heavy, to something far more fine-lined and docile. This 2015 tour comes off the back of his second and latest solo album, Tied to a Star. He'll be fittingly supported by longtime Aussie rocker Adalita for the Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Sydney legs of his Australian tour.
If walking and looking rather than sitting and watching is more your thing, don’t worry, there’s still something at MELT festival for you. As part of the accompanying visual art exhibition, three artists will transform the interior walls of the venue in the MELT group show. Hillary Green’s Black by Popular Demand examines where the performance ends and the 'real' person starts via a selection of hyperreal portrait photographs; Dan Webb’s Boys of Summer draws upon beach iconography and the beauty of boys in (and out of) Speedos; and Jennifer Leonforte’s Middle Sex explores the grey area of the gender spectrum. In more good news, it’s free, and keeps running for a week after the rest of the festival comes to a close. This exhibition is one of our top six picks of MELT Festival. See the other five here.
If their style of performance isn’t your thing, you probably haven’t dropped by Opera Queensland’s headquarters. In fact, you might not even know that they dwell underneath the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University steps at South Bank. But this weekend, they’re hosting two evenings’ worth of pop-up events so that you’ll pop in. Studio 4101 is a joint effort between OperaQ, QCGU and West End creatives Hub 4101. On the lawn outside, pop-up food stalls and bars will ensure no one is hungry or thirsty. Inside, three different shows will take over OperaQ’s rehearsal room. Come along for one, or stay for an entire night of entertainment. The Con’s emerging music technology artists get things started, including The Tremors, Barega Saxophone Quartet and vocalist Petah Chapman with guitarist Joel Woods. Next, watch Stravinsky’s sinister music theatre work The Soldier’s Tale. Those staying longer can catch pianist, composer and arranger Steve Newcomb in a cool late-night jazz session.
Those movie stars and directors we all know and love — they had to start somewhere. Many toiled their way to fame from humble beginnings, including that tried and tested path for emerging talent: short films. Yes, tomorrow’s cinema superstars are today’s short filmmakers, and thanks to Flickerfest, you can get a glimpse of the next batch of movie magicians. Now in its 24th year, the nation’s leading Academy® accredited and BAFTA recognised short film festival is once again showcasing all things brief — and beautiful, bizarre, brutal and downright bonkers — nationwide. For Flickerfest’s Brisbane stopover, audiences are being treated to three evenings of shorts, starting with the best Australian fare on opening night. Next up, check out some fine work from around the globe in two international packages. Five locally made flicks — A New You, The Duck, You Cut I Choose, Fell and Skin — have even made the mix, an amazing feat given that over 2,300 entries were submitted for 2015.
Margaret Thatcher described Francis Bacon – the 20th century artist, not the 16th/17th century philosopher and scientist — as “that man who paints those dreadful pictures.” That’s a rather high-profile dressing down, or a compliment, depending on how you look at it. Of course, there was a person at the other end of such a slamming. Inciting the ire of prime ministers aside, what made him tick? That’s what Pope Head – The Secret Life of Francis Bacon asks in a darkly comedic drama based on his life and work. Publicly, Bacon was an enigma and a maverick, both loved and hated. Privately, with success came tragedy and trouble. That the famous phrase “Champagne for my real friends. Real pain for my sham friends!” is often attributed to him probably says it all. Written and performed by English actor Garry Roost (from EastEnders, The Bill, and Black Books), Pope Head jumps into Bacon’s inspiring and intriguing journey, one of creative highs and personal lows. The one-man play was the toast of the UK, and now it’s Brisbane’s turn to charge their glasses and find out why.
If your idea of a Mexican food experience is a little less ‘overstuffed burritos washed down with tequila while waiting for your turn at the pinata' and a little more gourmet, this Cinco de Mayo celebration might be more up your alley. Acland St Cantina is known for its wholesome and authentic Mexican fare, not to mention the cognitive dissonance you experience when you’re able to order pretty-sure-they-don’t-have-that-in-Mexico salted-caramel ice-cream churros tacos for dessert. For Cinco de Mayo, the folk from Acland St are teaming up with Corona for a night of eats, beats and a sweet drink special called Cinco de Drinko. Get together with your amigos for that one; cinco means five in Spanish, so that’s five drinks at $5 a pop. We’ll let them slide on the lack of a mariachi band, because there’ll also be a DJ pumping out tunes from 7pm onwards.
To many, playwright and poet Oscar Wilde is the man who realised the importance of being earnest and showed the world the picture of Dorian Gray. But he was also the author of a particularly scandalous letter, telling a former lover of his pains and regrets from his jail cell. Wilde's famous correspondence was named De Profundis, which, aptly, is Latin for "from the depths". That's where his uncompromising account of his suffering and sexuality sprang from, and that's where Brian Lucas's brand new one-man adaption is certain to as well. Such raw material can only inspire an equally explicit performance, in a contemporary theatre adaption of a classic literary work never before seen on stage. It may be based on Wilde's torment in 1897, delving into the ultimate tabloid fodder of the time; however, this bold and powerful piece speaks to issues of discrimination, inequality and public humiliation that remain strikingly relevant today.
Everyone shops for new homewares at IKEA, but not everyone takes their IKEA shopping and turns it into something new. If you've always wanted to be one of those people — and who hasn't? — now you can. Just let the folks at Laneway Learning show you what to do. Their IKEA Hack class is exactly what you think it is: a lesson in transforming an off-the-shelf item into a one-off treasure. You'll be converting an ordinary, everyday lampshade into an original and creative decorative piece, and brightening up your house in more ways than one. You'll also be jumping into a world of IKEA fun, with reconfiguring and revamping the Swedish retail giant's bit and pieces — and working with recycled materials and found objects — quite the popular endeavour. This could be the start of a whole new way of looking at furniture, and a new pastime. Image: Teste di Legno.
Not everyone can road trip around the United States, surveying its natural monuments and snapping the results; however, everyone can share in the aftermath of Holly Riding's scenic journey. Exactly a year ago, she was photographing grand American sights. Now, her unedited images form the basis of her own show. As shot on 35mm, Desert Dreams attempts to capture the raw aesthetic of the vast and varied landscape that is often ignored in favour of US clichés. This isn't about the busy cities the rest of the world tends to imagine when they think about America. This is about the remote locations off the beaten path, where beauty is found in simplicity. Riding's A2 photo prints display the spirit of rural USA in all its glory, as does the accompanying hardcover zine. Anyone wanting their own slice of American desert life best head along to Desert Dreams' opening night on May 15, though. They'll be hot off the press, and in limited supply — plus you'll be among the first to revel in the earthy splendour of the exhibition.
Thanks to the internet, cats might be the animal kingdom's reigning rulers when it comes to art; however, man's best friend shouldn't be overlooked. Dogs may not be viral video sensations, but they're no strangers to the spotlight, either. In fact, the tail-wagging canines have a long history in storytelling and mythology. Dog Show dives into the many depictions and interpretations of these four-legged critters, as well as the relationship between people and pooches, for those interested in the intellectual side of things. And when we say many, we mean many. Twenty-five artists have offered their contemporary spin on hounds and puppies. The exhibition also assembles an array of dog-centric drawings, paintings, sculptures and more into one place, in the kind of show that sounds like heaven to anyone who's not a cat person. Here, every dog really will have its day.
After years of wielding brass instruments, eccentric outfits and outrageous headpieces, one of Brisbane's most cherished bands are hanging up their sailor's caps and anchoring for good. The Good Ship was started by songwriters John Meyer and Daz Gray as a side project from their various bands. Since then they've played over 150 shows, produced three albums and 10 singles, had up to 14 band members at various times, and seen countless guests as part of their act. In 2010 their lineup settled, and they explored foreign seas by producing stage show The Seven Seas, and by then had managed to transform from a small, cafe-playing band to one of Brisbane's greatest musical broods. Now, after years of perfecting and showing off their unique PoCoFoCa music (porno country folk cabaret) The Good Ship are playing their final show in Brisbane. The Zoo will host La Petite Mort (French for 'the little death', i.e. orgasm). The Bon Scotts will be supporting The Good Ship as they bid adieu in their token eccentric fashion. Expect wild times, a couple of tears and waves of awe at what may be the last live performance of PoCoFoCa and the local band that invented it.
You've been there plenty of times to see a show, have a meal, or enjoy some free Friday night comedy, but you might not realise that Brisbane Powerhouse is one of the city's most interesting places. We're not talking about its lineup of performances and events; instead, we're looking at its architecture. The multipurpose arts centre was once an electricity station, then spent decades abandoned and derelict, and was even used as a site for target practice for the army. There's simply nowhere else like it in Brisbane, and the artists behind Made with Light clearly feel the same way. Each of the exhibition's six pieces shines a light — literally — on their heritage-listed, riverside, brick-and-concrete canvas. Audiences are invited to interact, observe and appreciate the familiar venue in its shiny new get-up. Works come from artists Sarah Oxenham, Jonathon Istria, Alinta Krauth, Kellie Williams, Sophie O‘Rourke and Jen Seevinck.
Heading to one of the many markets around Brisbane is a weekend tradition, especially for those keen to stock up on fresh, tasty treats for the week ahead. For residents of the inner west, it's now something they can do closer to home, courtesy of the brand new Red Hill Farmers Markets. Every Sunday morning from May 31, Ithaca Tafe will turn into market central, foodie heaven and all things in between. Featuring produce supplied by farmers and sourced locally, with a strong focus on all things spray-free, this is where everyone serious about their meals is going to want to be. For culinary wizards, gourmet goodies including deli lines, fresh seafood and premium meats are the drawcard, though those fonder of eating than cooking will find plenty to devour on the spot. Those more interested in the non-edible things in life can survey the arts and crafts stalls, or browse for fashion, jewellery and gifts. Shopping is only part of the fun, of course, with live music and other activities also on offer. It's a dog-friendly event, too, so you can take your pet pooch along. This is the fourth venue run by Mark Power, a veteran of the farmers markets game. Regulars at Carseldine, Nundah and Kuraby know just the kind of goodness they're in for. Everyone else: prepare for an artisanal explosion. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
It has only taken a year or so, but Brisbanites have a new tradition: flocking to food trucks and feasting on their delicious treats. It's easy, tasty and can be put into practice any old time. Indeed, barely a day goes by without cuisine-cooking vans converging on a park, corner or street. This week, a certain Swedish retailer becomes the latest place to satisfy your appetite — and yes, there's more than meatballs on the menu. Taking over the Ikea Logan Forecourt, Eats and Beats turns a pop-up event into a party, with a little help from all the mobile eateries you know and love. That'd be King of the Wings, Little Back, Sushi Neko Food Van, Fiery Deli, Vira Lata Food Truck, Viva Paella, Pizzantica, Puerto Taco, Yummi Fruit Ice-Creamery and Grandmas Kiwi Kitchen, just to name a few. Dave Power, Neighbour, Inigo and PocketLove will provide the mood-setting music, so all you need to do is turn up. Who knew heading to Ikea could be so enticing? Image: Pizzantica.
Another year, another multi-part concert by new music ensemble Kupka's Piano, but don't go thinking the Brisbane-based group is simply repeating themselves. The youthful collective profiles the best and latest from European, Australian and international modern art music — and they really do mean that. Indeed, supporting emerging creatives and showcasing first-time works is all part and parcel of the Kupka's Piano experience, truly offering performances of the never-seen — or heard — before variety. In Shivering, Confined, Expiring, the first show in the Extra Mural season, four world premiere pieces feature, each by a young local composer. The concert is a preview of a collaborative project with MakeShift Dance Collective, interspersed with conversations with the musicians, dancers and composers about its evolution. The full version will be unveiled in October, another component of a series that endeavours to step beyond the ensemble's usual boundaries, taking a good look at themselves, their world, and their place in all of space and time.
Brewing and breakfast? This place knows our weak spot. Get up and out bright and early to the region’s newest brewery – The Pumpyard. Only opening the doors last week, Four Hearts Brewing Company is inviting you to come and watch them get their hands dirty making a specialty beer at Pumpyard, all while explaining the brewing process. Then tuck into a breakfast fit for a head brewer. Perfect.
The Beatles versus The Rolling Stones. Blur versus Oasis. Biggie versus 2Pac. The bands and artists may change, but the rivalry of music always continues. At the New Globe Theatre, scores will be settled and winners decided. The showdown comes courtesy of the venue's Choose Your Weapon series. First up is the height of decadent '80s rock and roll versus the biggest act to come out of the '90s grunge revolution, or, Guns N Roses versus Nirvana. A selection of their classic tracks will be interpreted by three Brisbane bands, with themed burlesque performances contributing to the party. In the Gunners corner sits Bertie Page Clinic, taking you down to Paradise City and helping fend off that cold November rain. Junkyard Diamonds and Walken will smell some teen spirit and come as they are. You don't have to choose sides, but it is all part of the fun.
Melbourne's shindig-instigators Northeast Party House will be dominating Alhambra Lounge with a downright hootenanny to launch their highly anticipated debut album. Any Given Weekend features dancefloor fillers such as 'Youth Allowance' and 'Fake Friends', which are sure to stir a rambunctious crowd. Latest single off the album, 'The Haunted', is a great example of the strong songwriting chops and poppy hooks you can expect from NPH's debut record as a whole. Forming in 2010, these six Melbourne lads began by throwing down sets at warehouse parties, and their reputation for delivering high-energy live performances has stayed strong. Northeast Party House's alternative dance rock is chaotic but never sloppy, and always wildly fun. So don your most easily-danceable outfit and gather the party fiends in your crew, these shows are set for serious shindiggery. https://youtube.com/watch?v=yU63Pertfk8
Vibrant colours, beautiful patterns and exquisite forays into symmetry, Looking Thrice is a brilliant and eye catching series of works from rising Australian artist, Natalya Hughes. Since showcasing her work at notable exhibition spaces (GOMA, Queensland University Art Museum, Artbank), Natalya has been working on the paintings that will be featured in Looking Thrice, with a series that draws inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints, helping her create deftly patterned abstractions. The works vary from paintings to sculpture, many of which are fresh from being showcased at Beam Contemporary in Melbourne. The exhibition will be running until the 14th of June. Looking Thrice is highly recommended to those looking for highly stylised and visually stimulating work.
Sydney boys DMA's really just popped out of nowhere with some a-grade jams, Gallagher-esque vocals and the kind of talent that’s had critics and fans alike screaming, “Where have you been all my life?” Their debut song 'Delete' swept across social media, and radio waves like the bubonic plague, and pushed listeners into feverish chills, but only for all the right reasons. With soft and comfortably breezy tunes that could rival Alex Turner’s solo work, DMA's are Australia’s answer to Brit-rock, and they have the wardrobe of Adidas to match. They’ve already been secured on this year’s Splendour in the Grass bill, and have a bunch of other ballads like 'Feels like 37' and 'The Plan', you can bet your bottom dollar will be turning heads in weeks to come. Now, under band management demi-gods I Oh You (DZ Deathrays, Violent Soho), and with a self-titled EP already on record store shelves, DMA's are doing the East Coast circuit to show off the stuff that’s had everyone on every scene raving. Brisbane buddies Major Leagues and The Furrs will be sharing the spotlight – prepare to be stunned by the musical talent that will treacle through each slot set. All Sydney and Melbourne shows have already sold out, and its likely Brisbane’s Black Bear show will follow suit. You should grab some tickets right now, before they’re bigger than Oasis.
One minute Sydney's Johnny Took, Matt Mason and Tommy O'Dell were writing nostalgic garage pop in a Newtown bedroom. The next, they were on high rotation on triple j and basking in Channel V praise along the lines of "terminally infectious" and "the next big thing". The trio's sweet acoustic sound first hit the ears of influential label I OH YOU (Violent Soho, DZ Deathrays) in September 2013. "A good friend (who I guess I owe a beer to now) called me up and began barking down my phone about an amazing young band from Newtown," explains I OH YOU director Johann Ponniah. After signing up, the lads released their self-titled debut EP on March 28, swanning into the iTunes Australian Charts at #7. Their single 'Delete' was heard on airwaves around the nation and spent some time hanging about the upper reaches of the ARIA Australian Artists Singles Chart. So this month, DMA's are embarking on their very first East Coast tour. https://youtube.com/watch?v=vKSWC5r1tYg
Collaboration is the name of the game when it comes to exhibitions at Artisan. This gallery is notorious for putting minds together to create unique and thoughtful art works and their latest exhibition is no exception. Greensmith is a collaborative effort between designers from Queensland and San Francisco. Jewellery is the focus here, as environmental issues are forcing jewellers around the world to rethink their practices and look for greener ways to produce goods. The latest in green design will be on display, with work from both Queensland and San Francisco adorning the Artisan gallery space. This exhibition looks deep into the issues at hand, with environmentally friendly studio practices and the use of recycled and reclaimed materials adhered to strongly. Check out the exhibition and see a jeweller at work at the pop-up studio in the heart of the exhibition. Greensmith was created by Jewellers & Metalsmiths Group of Queensland (JMGQ) and Metal Arts Guild San Francisco (MAGSF).
Man, these guys are slaying alternative rock in Australia right now — and for all the right reasons. After a bout of intense national touring with Groovin The Moo and an unforgettable One Night Stand set earlier this year, it's clear that Australian audiences can't seem to get enough of these four guys from Mansfield, Queensland. Violent Soho's latest album, Hungry Ghost, was welcomed with open arms last year by those looking to thrash around in damp mosh pits. With anthemic tracks such as 'Covered in Chrome', 'In the Aisle' and 'Saramona Said', this headliner gig is sure to be an epic evening of sweaty enthusiasm. Over a whopping 14-date national tour (plus Splendour), Violent Soho will be joined by brothers-in-arms The Smith Street Band and Luca Brasi for various shows — either way, it's going to be well worth rocking up for the support band ahead of the main event. Just don't wear precious threads and make sure you come to The Hi-Fi ready to burl out a gravelly singalong. https://youtube.com/watch?v=RN9NC4iQcsA
I’m that person that constantly mentions and complains about how inflexible they are. I can barely touch my toes; don’t even get me started about my hamstrings. I always say that I should start yoga, as all my friends (and even my mum) are doing it and enjoying it. Are you like me? Do you crave a bit of extra flexibility? Do you need to relax and unwind? Do you need to ease yourself into some form of exercise? It’s our chance to make a change: Yoga Fest 2014. Trust me, I know that a festival of yoga sounds like a tame affair, but it isn’t. Get this: market stalls, dance workshops, food stalls, natural medicine demonstrations are all happening throughout the two days as well as heaps and heaps of yoga. Head over to the Old Museum where there will be five halls of yoga. Tickets are on sale now, so make sure you buy ahead as they will be more expensive on the day.
After a string of supports, many an appearance at big-time music festivals, and a speedy recording of their debut album, Little Bastard are ready to take on some of the nation’s best live music venues on their first headlining tour. And it’s about time. The key to surviving a Little Bastard show is to swig back a few during happy hour, warm up your limbs and be ready in mind and body to let loose. Their stage presence is a whirl of chaos, a ride that should be taken as often as possible, though with great caution and awareness. Hot, breathless, and unrelenting punk anthems will make it difficult to stay, even harder to turn away. Little Bastard never fail to get the party going, and their Brisbane show at Black Bear Lodge will prove no exception. Come along to see the intimate stage try to contain the seven Sydneysiders plus their explosive set.
There's a slight fuzz in the air on the East Coast. Twangy surf pop and singalong garage punk are teaming up in a predicted humdinger of a co-headlining tour — Brisbane charmers Major Leagues and Sydney's rascally trio Bloods have joined forces for one rambunctious escapade. Offering up gems from their Weird Season EP as well as snippets from their upcoming debut album, Brisbane's own Major Leagues have had major deal signings and huge festival appearances on their plate over the last year — prompting many a homegrown high-five and unashamed Brissy bragging rights. Bloods have their own reason to celebrate. Their latest single 'Want It' (to be officially launched on the tour) offers the sneakiest peek into their upcoming debut album, a hotly-anticipated LP set for release through brand new independent label Tiny Galaxy. Meandering into Black Bear Lodge on July 13, the local legends of fuzz, feedback and fun will throw down fast and furious sets one after the other. So gear up in your most easily toe-tappable, hair-thrashable threads and get a healthy dose of fuzz in your earholes, this one's going to be a right royal shindig. https://youtube.com/watch?v=n3NJc5ugGms
Melbourne’s own Oscar Key Sung is fast becoming one of Australia’s prized indie artists. It is his storytelling styles mixed with his electro jams and slow and spacious sonic atmospheres that are being heralded the “new” RnB. Now, to mark the occasion of his debut EP release, Oscar is coming to Alhambra to do what he does best—woo the masses with his velvet vocals, full of control, yet colouring outside the lines with unique mastery of the live performance. Oscar has been receiving notable praise since his introduction to the scene back in 2010; from Pitchfork reviews to his peers, Ghostpoet and MeLo-X, to being handpicked for some of the nation’s most revered festivals, there has been no sign of slowing down for Oscar. Catch him alongside local supports Tincture and Motion Picture Actress for what is sure to be the last opportunity to see such a major act in an intimate setting.
In How To Be Single, paralegal Alice (Dakota Johnson) complains about all the things she said she'd do but hasn't. Everyone in the audience can surely relate; actually, as they're watching her dating exploits, they're witnessing that very idea in action. At the outset, the screen adaptation of Liz Tuccillo's novel declares that it won't tell the usual relationship-focused story. That statement proves more aspirational than accurate, with the author's background — co-writing self-help book He's Just Not That into You, as well as penning episodes of Sex and the City — giving you a hint of what to expect. While this Christian Ditter-directed effort might not focus on a typical boy-meets-girl narrative, that doesn't keep the feature out of predictable territory. Following in the footsteps of every other film and TV show about being uncoupled, How To Be Single delves into the moments in-between the love, lust and living happily ever after. More than one woman attempts to accept their amorous lot in life, and learns a few lessons in the process. The idea of forging an identity without a partner is championed, all while the movie's characters keep talking about the guys — or lack thereof — that they're chasing. Cue a New York tale about Alice, her doctor sister Meg (Leslie Mann) and new best friend Robin (Rebel Wilson) — as well as the marriage-obsessed Lucy (Alison Brie), who frequents the same bar. Alice is on a break from her long-term boyfriend, though the heavy-partying Robin encourages her to make the most of her unattached time, particularly when that hiatus becomes permanent. After spending years delivering other people’s babies, Meg finally realises that she wants one of her own. Lucy, meanwhile, has dedicated the last six months to devising an algorithm to help her get the most out of online dating, with little success so far. The journey each character goes on — espousing the joys of going solo while traversing casual flings and potential serious connections — is far from surprising. Nor is the long list of men — a commitment-phobic bartender (Anders Holm) and protective single dad (Damon Wayans Jr.) among them — that pop up along the way. Indeed, when it comes to chronicling the trials and tribulations of modern dating, How To Be Single thinks that saying it is different is enough. And yet while it fails to follow through on that promise, it approaches the typical clichés of its genre with the energy needed to make them entertaining. In fact, packaging up been-there, seen-that stories and passing them off as a twist on standard chick flick fare proves less trying than it sounds, largely thanks to the film's cast. As he did with the less successful Love, Rosie, director Ditter not only shows an affinity for romantic comedy conventions, but for getting the most out of his actors. If the film's biggest downfall is its false assertion that it doesn't fit the expected formula, then its biggest asset is how its talent weathers the routine material they're saddled with. Yes, you've seen all this before, and no, none of it is particularly memorable. But at least Johnson, Wilson, Mann, Brie and company use their charms to keep things lively.
Budding Australian Artists Britta Gudd, Alexandra Chica, Lisa Hundt and Yvie Klysv come together in Jugglers' latest exhibition, In Retrospect. Instead of showing off the creme da la creme of each artists' collection, In Retrospect provides a full spectrum of their work from the 'is this just a hobby?' phase, through to their first exhibitions, to now. In this timeline of artistic progress and awareness, In Retrospect showcases work dating back to 2000, as well as pieces that have been created especially for the exhibition. Opening night for In Retrospect is Friday, 19 February at 6pm. Alongside the exhibition, Brisbane singer-songwriter Meece will be performing a collection of her retro songs. Meece went from coming second in the Caboolture State High School 1987 Talent Quest to having a string of gigs and an EP to her name, so she knows a bit about the theme of the evening. Make sure to hop along and check out the humble, artistic beginnings of some homegrown artists with very bright futures.
All good things must come to an end — and all great things must bid farewell in style. When it comes to Cheated Hearts, both ring true. Yes, the beloved queer-friendly night is saying goodbye to its Brisbane shenanigans to focus on its Melbourne launch, but it's not going away without throwing an enormous get-together. How else could they mark three-and-a-half years of dancing, booze, beats, babes, photos, videos and fun, after all? All these things combine for one last hurrah at The Brightside. They're not calling it the mother of all parties for no good reason. So, prepare for all the usual shenanigans to brighten up a finale to end all finales, including decorations as far as the eye can see, drinks specials, giveaways and trap, hip hop, RnB and other remixed tunes spun by the Cheated Hearts DJs and their special guests. Plus, there'll be a ball pit. We told you it was going to be epic.
Like commemorating the birth and life of famous figures? Like multicultural festivities that shed a light on diversity and harmony? If so, it's party time. Brisbane's annual Buddha Birthday Festival is back for its 20th year at South Bank — and yes, it is the biggest annual celebration of its kind in the world. The 2016 program certainly aims to prove that claim, courtesy of three jam-packed days of candle lighting, lion dances, dragon boat regattas, origami, calligraphy, fireworks and more. In fact, there's so much on the agenda that your best bet might be to head to South Brisbane and settle in for the long haul. 200,000 people are expected to do the same — and with more than 350 performers and 180 events on offer, you can't blame them. The festival isn't just about watching other people strut their stuff, though. With international food markets serving up culinary delights, tea ceremonies keeping you hydrated and meditation sessions taking care of your mental bliss, this isn't just a feast of fun and entertainment; it's a complete mind and body experience as well.
Dig out your finest lilac-coloured threads — and your raspberry beret, too — and get ready to party like it's 1999. Yes, the man and music icon that was Prince has left this life like a cloud of purple rain; however now that the doves have cried, it's time to celebrate. That's why Kristian Fletcher and the New Globe Theatre are hosting a Prince Video Tribute Night, after all. Courtesy of a compilation of live footage and music videos, all projected onto the venue's big screen, they'll run through the pint-sized performer's greatest hits. That means everything from 'Kiss' and 'Sign o' the Times' to 'Gett Off' and 'The Most Beautiful Girl in the World', but remember to enjoy it — baby, it'll go much too fast. If there's a better way to show your appreciation for an artist that truly was like no other, then we haven't come across it. When it comes to how you should react, his own words sum it up best: let's go crazy. And when it comes to bidding farewell, Prince knows just what to say again: thank you for a funky time.
If 2015's slate of documentaries has taught audiences anything — and filmmakers, too — it's the value of personal recordings, private scribblings and lost tapes. Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, Amy and Listen to Me Marlon all used previously unheard ramblings, unread notes or unseen footage as their basis, all to great effect. Their accounts of famous subjects unfolded in the best manner possible: in their own unguarded words. Sourcing its treasure trove of audio from a shoebox stashed in a basement for decades, Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict endeavours to do the same as it peers back at the achievements of its titular socialite and collector. Indeed, her musings, all immortalised in the late 1970s by her biographer, provide the highlights of an otherwise cursory film. Guggenheim is a fascinating figure who lived a life most can only dream of, and her personality drips through in her voice and recollections. The material assembled around it, while plentiful, can only feel ordinary in comparison. It traces over the same details, rather than filling in the gaps. Meanwhile, Guggenheim's own mutterings and the accompanying chats, clips and images, seem content with offering description rather than depth. They still tell quite the tale, of course. Born into one of New York's wealthiest Jewish families, the daughter of Titanic victim Benjamin and niece of museum namesake Solomon, Peggy eagerly took on the role of rebel and black sheep, with her refusal to conform to expectations one of the strengths of her ventures in the art world. In Paris in the 1920s, she started buying pieces that caught her eye, and continued to do so until her death in Italy in 1979. In between, she befriended many an artist, founded galleries in Europe and the US, saved pieces from the Nazis and unearthed emerging talent such as Jackson Pollock. When director Lisa Immordino Vreeland isn't letting Guggenheim do the talking, she's compiling the usual mix of archival footage and interviews, with Marina Abramovic and Robert De Niro among those featured. It's the same tactic the filmmaker used in her last effort, Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel — but while both movies are straightforward in their approach, there's considerably less energy and personality this time around. Vreeland's struggle with tone — never quite knowing whether to interrogate the gossip that surrounded Guggenheim's personal affairs or to simply recount the rumours — certainly contributes to the film's lack of liveliness, as does its insistence on serving up a standard biographical documentary instead of a true reflection of its subject. It still makes for pleasant-enough viewing, particularly for art addicts themselves, but it never manages to fully do Guggenheim justice. In fact, it's only her vocal presence that stops the movie from amounting to little more than an interesting video of a Wikipedia listing. Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict will screen for a limited number of sessions at New Farm Cinemas during the last two weekends of January. For sessions times, go here.
If checking out brand new games is the stuff your dreams are made of, then Trees Go Ping is offering up a slice of gaming heaven worth getting excited about. Launching on March 31, the event series showcases titles even the most enthusiastic of players mightn't have come across yet, serves up a few drinks, and gives game aficionados a space to chat, chill and hang out. Perth's SK Games are helping run the first evening, which means their wares will be in the spotlight. Prepare to check out Push Me Pull You, Brolly Folly and Panoramical too, as well as browse for zines and other crafty things, and snack on chocolate crackles. If that's not enough to pique your interest — and getting a sneak peek at yet-to-be-released games really should be — then the event's ticketing structure might attract your attention. Pay $10 at the door, $5 if you're broke and zilch if you just want to stick your head in and see if it's for you. At that price, you've got nothing to lose.
There's something very fitting about a circus performance that ponders identity. Both the art form and the subject are often described as fluid, and Vulcana Women's Circus have called their MELT Festival show that for a good reason. In their hands, Fluid is a cabaret of queer artists and friends, as well as a combination of costumes, contemplation and comedy. It's also a journey between extremes — be they she and he, diva and dancer, or any others in the LGBTI realm — and back again. Yes, this production is fluid by name and fluid by nature.
Prepare to forget everything that's traditionally creepy and awkward about beauty pageants, and embrace the sequin-studded, sashaying side of things instead. That's the aim at the MELT Festival Beauty Pageant — which is about as close as Brisbane is ever going to get to having its own version of RuPaul's Drag Race. In a show of diversity and a celebration of drag queens, kings and trans beauties, ten competitors will battle it out to be crowned the city's most fashionable figure. Expect wigs, glitter and many a jaw-dropping outfit, courtesy of categories such as Graceful Glamourzons, Tremendous Talent and Condom Costume.
Life is full of the kind of realisations that can only inspire laughter. You know the type: something has gone wrong (yet again), or just hasn't turned out as planned — and the best way of coping is to giggle and guffaw until you feel better. Christopher Welldon has turned that sort of scenario into something he's chuckling at — and he hopes you will do the same. Having moved house 60 times in 34 years, he's sharing his stories of hopping from one home to another, with the end result a combination of catharsis and comedy as part of this year's MELT Festival.
Like cocktails? Like devouring them at one of the Valley's favourite hangouts? No, they're not trick questions. If you answered yes to both — and we're certain that you did — then you're going to love Dutch Courage Officers' Mess latest boozy masterclasses. Not content with wowing thirsty folks with their drinks list — pavlova sour, anyone? — the Alfred Street hotspot wants to impart their beverage-shaking wisdom to their patrons. Every third Saturday of each month, they'll be enlisting their top-tier bartenders to share the tricks of the trade in themed afternoon sessions. Each class will cover everything from the tools you need to the basics of cocktail structure, as well as the history of alcoholic concoctions and tips for making your own recipes, too. All things fresh and floral will kick things off in February, with liquid desserts, winter warmers and a spice trade sojourn among the future topics. Whatever the subject, we're betting that a certain clear spirit will feature among the ingredients; this is a bar that boasts more than 120 gins on site, after all.
Boys of Summer isn't just the name of an '80s Don Henley song — yes, the track that you probably have stuck in your head right now, even if you didn't previously know who sings it. From February 20, it's also the name of Black Bear Lodge's latest club night. Two things are in focus here, and they're both certain to please. First, there's dance floor-filling classic 80’s rock and pop combined with modern hiphop and R&B. Then, there's a smattering of up-and-coming and veteran DJs. As you've no doubt figured out, the latter will be spinning and mixing the former. As far as music to groove to goes, expect an evening inspired by Countdown reruns, MTV highlights and VEVO playlists. And when it comes to talents behind the decks, expect to be in good hands — veteran selector D.Black of Common People and The Depot fame is in the curator's chair, after all.
There's more to working in a pub than just serving tasty liquids, as many a bartender will tell you. That doesn't stop punters thinking they can pour beers and move kegs — but could they really? If you've ever wanted to put your skills to the test, then Woolly Mammoth has the event for you. And, if you're a hardworking hospitality worker who has always wanted to showcase your finely tuned talents in a public competition, the Fortitude Valley bar has just the thing for you, too. At the first-ever edition of Cellarman Games, willing participants will work through the many challenges of providing thirsty patrons with their favourite tipples. Pulling apart beer taps and making cocktails on the spot are all part of the fun, with entrants competing for vouchers, tickets and Young Henry's goodies. Of course, as is always the case in all booze-related contests, the real prize is bragging rights.
If there's one topic science fiction can't get enough of, it's artificial intelligence. And if there's one situation sci-fi films can't stop contemplating, it's the interplay between humans and technology with consciousness. In The Matrix, people were plugged into a computer program — and in Her, a lonely guy fell in love with an operating system. Existenz played with virtual reality, while Ex Machina tried to tell the difference between a robot and a person. All four became classics of the genre, and now feature in the Mind vs Machine: What Makes Us Human? film program that accompanies the World Science Festival Brisbane. If any subject was destined to have its own mini film fest as part of a science event, it was this one. And of course, they screen alongside the ultimate movie example, aka Blade Runner, because it wouldn't be an exploration of AI in cinema without Ridley Scott's seminal science fiction effort.
When Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) returns to the world of fashion, very few people care. In Zoolander 2, the male model finds that everyone has moved on during his 15-year absence; in fact, upon his arrival at the Rome airport with his rival turned best buddy Hansel (Owen Wilson), the paparazzi barely give him a second glance. The dim-witted character's on-screen comeback appears to subvert the film's off-screen reality, given that audiences have been clamouring for a follow-up to Zoolander ever since the 2001 feature became a cult favourite. Alas, it actually proves a sign of things to come, with the sequel rendering its central figure utterly forgettable. The Derek Zoolander of today might still boast shiny hair and his famous facial expressions, but he's now a recluse who gave up his career and son after a tragedy. Only an invitation to sashay down the runway for superstar seamstress Alexanya Atoz (Kristen Wiig) lures him back into the spotlight, though his trip to Italy also thrusts him into the thick of another conspiracy plot. This time, celebrities are dropping like flies, leaving pouting, blue steel-style selfies behind. Enter Interpol fashion division agent Valentina (Penélope Cruz), who needs Derek's help to put an end to the assassinations. Like many sequels, Zoolander 2 knows that viewers liked the first film, and isn't willing to stray far from that winning formula for its second outing. That means not just a similar story, the same levels of sartorial silliness and ample stupid dialogue, but plenty of overt nods to its predecessor. Indeed, spotting the references, repeats and rehashes — a familiar face here, a recycled line there — is perhaps the most enjoyable part of the movie. If you think that's a bad sign, you'd be right. If you think that everything else feels stretched, with countless twists and gags about obvious pop culture targets, you'd be right there too. That sense of déjà vu you're feeling is by design. What sets the two films apart, other than the sequels bloated narrative, is their respective strike rates. Zoolander might've been little more than a collection of exaggerated sketches and quotable dialogue, but at least its jokes landed more often than they didn't, whether skewering the fashion industry or taking aim at society's obsession with superficiality. Here, the recognisable content raises a smile, but attempts to contemplate loyalty, legacy and longevity come across as cheap and easy. Everything else — taking down hipsters, packing in cameo appearances, literally killing off Justin Bieber, and having Hansel date an orgy — falls flat. At least Stiller, as co-writer, director and star, can't be accused of lacking enthusiasm either in front of or behind the lens. Zoolander 2 is left wanting in the surprise and subtlety departments, however it forges ahead with the same energy he brings to his performance. Acting-wise, he's pulling the same faces and hitting the same beats — as is Wilson and scene-stealing fellow returnee Will Ferrell as devious designer Mugatu — but he doesn't seem as strained as the material he's working with. Ultimately though, Stiller's eagerness isn't enough. Just like there's a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking, there should be more to a long-awaited sequel than blatantly reliving past glories.
Grab a dose of the world's best short films when the 25th Flickerfest International Short Film Festival comes to Brisbane on its national tour. Kicking off Thursday, February 11 at the Judith Wright Centre, Flickerfest will see three jam-packed nights of shorts, including great local Brissie content, inspiring Australian shorts and four short films that have been nominated for an Oscar this year — Ave Maria, Shok, Stutterer and Alles Wird Gut (Everything Will Be Okay). Flickerfest is the only competitive short film festival in Australia to be both Academy®Accredited and BAFTA-recognised, so expect these films to be top tier. Opening night on February 11 will see the 'Best of Australian Shorts' session, which includes The Meek, the story of a very small person trying to quit a very big bad habit, written and directed by Queensland-based Joseph Brumm and produced by Laura DiMaio, narrated by Myf Warhurst and scored by The Cat Empire’s Ollie Mcgill. Join opening night and you'll nab tickets to the post-screening afterparty. Friday and Saturday night, we'll heads overseas for the 'International' programs including four short films up for Academy awards. A not-to-be-missed highlight of Friday, February 12 is Balcony, winner of the Flickerfest Award for Best International Short Film, a powerful story set in a neighbourhood rife with racial tension. Then, on Saturday, February 12, it's the second 'International' program, with Alles Wird Gut (Everything Will Be Okay) which received a special mention from the Flickerfest jury for Best International Short Film, and sweet UK romantic comedy Stutterer — both nominated for Academy awards. Head to the Flickerfest website for more info on the program.
If The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust wasn't already MELT's number one must-see event, it certainly is now. What was first conceived as a celebration has become a tribute to the dearly departed icon, attempting to honour the man known as David Robert Jones, David Bowie, Aladdin Sane, the Thin White Duke and, of course, Ziggy Stardust. It's the latter that's in the spotlight here, with a who's who of Brisbane musicians performing in full the album that brought Bowie's glam-rock persona to the world. Yes, there'll be tears — but there'll also be the joy of timeless tracks such as 'Starman', 'Moonage Daydream', 'Suffragette City', 'Five Years' and 'Rock 'n' Roll Suicide'. Plus, 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.
Brisbanites really don't do anything by halves. If we like a kind of food, then every second corner seems to be selling it — and if we're start getting into a particular pastime, then it just keeps on popping up. Take handball for example, with the sport bouncing back into the city in a big way. Not only is there an annual festival dedicated to it, but now there's a Sunday arvo smackdown at Woolly Mammoth. Yes, those keen for an end of weekend sesh with their mates can add the game we all played at lunchtime to the agenda. Schoolyard rules apply, though points will also be awarded for aces, the best heckle and the best cheer squad. Plus, because the comp is sponsored by Stone & Wood Brewing, the winners will receive a stack of beer as high as their tallest team member. That's as good a reason to jump on the bandwagon of revisiting this childhood activity as any.
Heading to St Jerome's Laneway Festival? Ready for a jam-packed lineup of indie tunes, gourmet grub and all-round urban fest fun? That's just the start of your Saturday. Yes, what you do after your epic outing matters. If you're keen on keeping the official shenanigans going, there's only one place you should run to once the main attraction is over. We suggest shuffling your sneakers on down to The Foundry, because that's where the after party will keep the revelry going into the early hours of Sunday. After live music has filled your ears all day, DJ sets will get you grooving all night. Chvrches, Health, The Smith Street Band and DJ Slymewave from Big Scary will all be working the decks, plus more to be announced. Our second suggestion is to snap up your tickets asap, because this is guaranteed to sell out.
Spotlight is a 'deep breath' movie. The kind that holds you in your seat long after the final frame and leaves you staring at the credits lost in deep, uncomfortable thoughts. You find yourself at once furious and disconsolate, avoiding others’ gaze when possible, and offering mutual half smiles when not. Others simply cry. This is a film about child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, told through the eyes of the Boston Globe journalists who uncovered and exposed it in 2002. The name, Spotlight, refers to the Globe's long-term investigative unit, a four person team whose secretive research and day-to-day operations existed largely outside the newspaper’s conventional structure – a sort of journalistic special forces if you will. Directed by Tom McCarthy (Win Win), Spotlight is, in almost every respect, a masterclass in restraint. From the performances, to the writing, to the direction and, most importantly, to the actions taken by the reporters themselves, it is the definitive anti-clickbait film; an ardent dedication to both an age and institution when the priority of media outlets was not 'first' but 'right'. For the Spotlight team, the mere selection of a story might take months and its final form not see the light of day for more than a year. If something couldn’t be substantiated, the story would be held for a few more months until it could. To imagine that level of patience (and budgetary freedom) in the modern era of twenty-four hour news is all but inconceivable. Of the film's six Academy Award nominations, two are for best supporting performances by Rachel McAdams and Mark Ruffalo, though more could (and perhaps should) have easily been spread across the entire cast. Michael Keaton, Liev Schreiber, Billy Crudup, John Slattery, Brian d’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci all contribute incredibly passionate and complex portrayals of the journalists and lawyers responsible for either exposing or protecting the church’s extraordinarily sordid past and practices. Indeed, there are no weak links in this confident, consummate picture, whose deft touch and understated approach neatly reflect the disciplined reserve of its characters. Powerful, absorbing and deeply moving, Spotlight is almost certainly the best film about journalism, and, specifically, print media, of at least the past decade. Probably more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg5zSVxx9JM
Is your response to February 14 more about drinking and less about roses and chocolates? If so, Cobbler's Anti-Valentine's Day party is your ultimate destination, particularly if you like a certain animated espionage agent. Yes, all things Archer are in flavour at the West End bar — which basically means lots of booze, possibly someone wearing a turtleneck, and perhaps a few conversations about the glory of Magnum PI. The theme is hardly surprising, and not just because this is an annual event; Cobbler does also currently boast a Top Gun-focused cocktail menu, complete with its very own Danger Zone drink, remember? Knocking back one of those is a must, of course — but other than that, how you choose to hang out is up to you. We recommend gathering up a group of your pals, speaking only in Archer quotes and completely ignoring the commercialised celebration of romance otherwise overtaking the city.
