After a shitty, watery start to Brisbane’s year, the punk and hardcore scene kids have lifted themselves off inner-city benches and combined their musical talents to cause a ruckus. The Flood is happening August 13 and aims to raise much-needed funds whilst also providing attendees with a ‘flooding’ great time (heh). Organised by Kill The Music, the day includes a marathon bill to see punk lovers go all afternoon and night, plus there will be stalls selling zines and promoting good causes. The heavy lineup includes Quiet Steps, Fires Of Waco, Headaches, Thickskin, We Set Sail, Marathon, Inside The Whale, Waiting Room, Done For, and The Open Sea. As all money raised is going towards producing a compilation LP that features all these local bands, so you should probably attend because it’s not often you are given the opportunity to party for a good cause and a good time.
I am not A Nihilist is not just a statement of philosophical views, it’s also one of the personalities of Mark Zian, the one with which he has created a new album, ‘No Ooo’s No Ahh’s No Audience’. Zian has decided he is not a two-dimensional character, thus has created several alter egos to distribute his creative input into, so that listeners can view each project in its own context. As well as I am not a Nihilist, Mark is also Scruples and Curlew. In celebration of I am not a Nihilist’s album release, Zian is holding a launch with a cross section of his favourite artists, creating a night of varying performances – ambient electronic music, spoken word and film – culminating in a live performance of songs from the album by I am not a Nihilist himself. Nihilist or not, the ‘No Ooo’s No Ahh’s No Audience’ launch promises a night of audiovisual delight, and at the low price of ten bucks for entry, it pays itself off. Image credit: Ricky Tang
I was first acquainted with Owl City when I listened to one of Triple J's best programs, the A-Z of Shit Music, and oh how I laughed. It appears that you don't have to listen to Owl City's records to form an immediate opinion, you just have to hear the lyrics. Why don't I treat you to some now? 'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs, from 10, 000 lightning bugs, as they tried to teach me how to dance.' Wait, hold on? What? What's a lightning bug, Owl City man, aka Adam Young? From what I can gather from YouTube videos, he sits behind a MacBook and speaks through a magical microphone with 500 voice filters built in. If that's not got you buying tickets for you and all your friends, he also has over 25 million hits on his MySpace, an amazing achievement... in 2007. Maybe Owl City is all about going back in time and making things cool again, like racing back to 2003 to steal The Postal Service's sound? As Max Lavergne put it, “it's excruciatingly emo and not easy to listen to, but the truth rarely is”. And there you have it - I double dare you to attend the gig of the year, it will reignite your closet emo side, and most likely your hatred for them and the music they “create”.
I'm the first to admit that my uni course was a walk in the park. I am also happy to admit that I found out about a lot of cool things during my time as an Arts student, including the hilarious, now defunct, comedy sitcom Black Books. The star was Dylan Moran, an Irishman with a sharp wit and an even sharper dress sense. Not only is he an actor, starring in Shaun of the Dead and Run, Fat Boy Run, he is also an esteemed comedian, ranked #14 in the world - because apparently such accolades exist. Anyway, he is like, totally (that's the name of one of his past tours... and now you know) an amazing performer and has garnered much adoration for his deadpan humour and spot-on observations. He kind of looks like he just got out of bed, which is not only lovable, it's actually kind of attractive. Don't doubt him though, Dylan isn't just some scruffy old man, he's a legit comedy institution, having already sold out shows internationally and two here in Brisbane already. Make sure you skip uni to see the legend that is Dylan Moran when he's in town for his third and final show.
Australia’s relationship with water is a difficult one – jumping between extremes, we’re either in a time of drought or flood, and communities can buckle and disappear under the pressure. It’s often not until its too late that we finally ask ourselves how we need to develop new ways of understanding a constantly changing environment that we cannot control. In La Boite’s latest production Water Wars Cal, a seven-year-old boy, and his dog Freddo, are trying to understand this concept in their town. Cal observes as his friends and neighbours try to solve their problems but instead slowly descend into madness. There’s a delicate balance between two human instincts in times of disaster – the instinct to save yourself, and the instinct to help others – so what happens next? And how will Cal deal with everything that is happening around him? The indie production from La Boite is timely and full of dark humour weaved within the relatable plot. With only a short season, it’s an unmissable production.
‘Drawing is the honesty of the art. There is no possibility of cheating. It is either good or bad,’ said Salvadore Dali. Most visual artists would agree, there is no escaping with a drawing, no blending and bright colours to distract the viewer; it is complete honesty on a page. Jugglers’ Art Space is paying homage to the art of drawing with the Marie Ellis OAM Prize for Drawing. Open to artists from around Australia, this prize invites entrants to test the boundaries of drawing; moving beyond the conventions of illustration and sketching, to unleash their passion on the page. The artist who does this most effectively will be solidly rewarded with a $4000 prize for their efforts. The Marie Ellis OAM was established to recognise the contribution of Marie Ellis, a long-term resident and dressmaker in Fortitude Valley, located in the exact spot where Jugglers now sits. Marie contributed to the arts, craft and design scene in Brisbane, and worked with disabled children through the Girl Guide movement in Australia. For her service she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal, and Jugglers’ continue to keep her memory alive through this prize for drawing each year.
I was sitting at home a few Sundays ago watching Great Migrations, feeling indolent and pointless. I thought, it’s bloody cool that animals have to undertake amazing feats just for the survival of themselves and their species. Disgustingly divergent, I sat with my microwave dinner in complete comfort, observing the incredible behavior of fauna, and it was that moment when I got up and decided to quit wasting away and get up and do something - perhaps even something beneficial to the survival of my species. So I turned my iTunes to shuffle and some classic punk came on - I was listening to The Get Up Kids and my disposition turned around. It was one small step that led to a chain of good events throughout my week. I guess you wouldn’t understand unless you experience it for yourself, so how do you remedy this? First step: get off your MacBook Pro. The Get Up Kids are playing at the Hi-Fi and if you don’t know what’s good for you, I do! Skate to your friends house, take them to drink some White Rabbit dark ale at Archive then cross the road, go and see them play and feel alive.
At night, the public parks of Tokyo’s Shinjuki, Yoyogi and Aoyama districts are to Tokyo as Mt Coot-tha is to Brisbane – the city’s best place to get down with your bad self, at least in the 70s anyway. Photographer Kohei Yoshiyuki would frequent these Japanese parks, equipped with a 35mm camera, infrared film and a flash; with his gear he’d document the clandestine trysts happening behind each bush and bench, as well as the voyeurs who would not only watch, but sometimes participate in the couple’s lewd acts. The images of the exhibition are raw and candid, exposing a side of Japan that is rarely seen. In its original showing in 1979, the lights of the gallery were turned off and visitors were given flashlights to view the life-size images, giving the viewer a similar experience to what Yoshiyuki had during the time of his project. The Park is a thought-provoking documentation into a world that exists not only in Tokyo, but in many cities around the world, but is so taboo it is rarely ever discussed, much less documented in a permanent format. Image credit: Kohei Yoshiyuki
Brisbane’s favourite easy-speakin’ event has arrived! You no longer have to spend your Friday night lingering on random's Facebook profiles or Youtube-ing funny cats. Speakeasy has swept into town, bringing together a bunch of creative talent set to satisfy your curious mind. Teaming up with the Frankie&bs collective crew, Speakeasy will host an evening of inspiring art at creative studio, The Thought Fort. There is nothing better than a cheeky BYO event to bring together the finest of Brisbane’s art scene, especially when everyone is invited to share in the fun. This Friday will feature some interactive wall-art from Jackpot, found footage from Deerhouse Pictures, and special guest Viva Maria taking the stage to bring you the best of in-house entertainment. Get off Youtube, but don't forget one of it's best lines, 'gotta get down on Friday'! Which seat will you take? One at Speakeasy, I hope!
Remember watching the skaters and thinking you could compete with the cool kids? It seems you may have a chance when I Used to Skate Once returns for 2 nights starting June 23. With a sweet new lineup of artists including big names Anthony Lister, Courtney Brims, Jude Robinson, Liam Bhats, you'll be in the gang in no time. The Outpost’s modest art/music show has developed quite nicely over the years, and become an annual exhibition for all sorts of talent. With each artists' skate decks up for grabs, you better wear your toughest shoes, as things might get nasty 'cause these babies are limited edition. Tunes will be pumping, with The Royal Headaches, Martyr Pirates, The Chokes and McKisko rocking the night. You better 360 flip that shit into The Zoo this Thursday. Skaters gon’ skate.
Once a month, Wednesday nights have officially been revolutionised into a cinema-screening gala for those who like things a little bit kooky. Showcasing many of the world’s strangest, surprising, outlandish, cult and frowned upon films, Weird Wednesdays is an offbeat movie night not for the faint hearted. This month sees the screening of two freaky films, Andy Warhol’s Bad (1977), and Forbidden Planet (1956). I have never either films (in full) but I do have a distant memory of walking into a screening of Bad at GoMA as a child and running away in fear and confusion. Means it must be good right? And don’t worry about missing Angry Boys, the re-runs always show the following week. So, with that in mind, you’re all set for a night of freakish fun. Did I mention the venue is BYO? What better way to spend the night than observing the films they tried to shun away in the cinema volt forever - fill up your esky and catch a bus down to Tribal Theatre on Wednesday.
Clothes: whether it’s your overworn and almost outdated Wranglers, or the broached and revived polka-dot dress from the 70s you embezzled from your mother, they separate us from the animals. On the contrary, in the case of those flamboyantly antiquated, painfully hip individuals that we all know too many of, clothes can also make us look like animals. Regardless, everybody’s just looking for something different. Everyone wants to stand out, be noticed, be admired, which is why there is such a demand at the moment for unique designers and an escalating number of home mod enthusiasts. However, if you’ve been looking for something really out there, something that might even overshadow Gaga, then ThreadTech 3 is for you. If you haven’t heard of ThreadTech before, what they do is take a very literal approach to brightening up of your wardrobe. Previous workshops have employed the use of conductible thread, matched with LED lights to weave some dazzle into your chosen piece of clothing. In ThreadTech 3, this more advanced workshop will exercise sensors such as light and motion sensors to even further vitalise and customise your outfit. So if you’re free this Saturday, take a walk along the river to the Edge - just watch out for paparazzi when you’re done.
The tenth BIGSOUND conference has sold out this year, and for good reason – it’s three jam-packed days of talks, presentations, workshops, parties, and other general good times for anyone who has anything to do with the music industry. Don’t fret if you missed out on a ticket though, all is not lost! BIGSOUND Live still has tickets available, and if you ask me it’s probably the best part of the entire event anyway – I’m not one for listening to people make noise with their talky-hole unless there’s some shred in the background. BIGSOUND Live will bring the shred and a whole lot more when it takes over eight venues throughout Fortitude Valley this week. The Getaway Plan, Bleeding Knees Club, Street Chant, Calling All Cars, Ball Park Music, SEALS, The Sheepdogs and more make up the 80-act-strong cohort. What’s the price of a good time? The BIGSOUND dudes are generous, giving one night of aural delight for just $33, or both nights for $55. Pleasant numbers, pleasant results.
Sampology isn't something you can just learn at school, though sometimes I wish it were on the curriculum. Sam Poggioli aka Sampology has moved Peaches to breakdance and has enjoyed success with his remix of PNAU's Baby back in 2008. Of late, the self-named audio visual disc jockey (AVDJ) has been scratching his way to the surface with Super Audio Smashdowns (as awesome as they sound). He madly manipulates video and sound, with excerpts from TV shows, YouTube clips and VHS finds and throws it all together with heavy beats and a cheeky sense of humour. His presence at Surrealism: Up Late will be pretty significant, as he is prime real estate at the mo', I mean, he just finished his US tour, which saw him playing at Texas’ SXSW, and also in New York and LA. As if that wasn't enough, did I mention he's the infamous Jaydos' favourite AVDJ? As the 'Dos said, “you gotta face facts, he's a little wizard. He mixes s-s-s-sound and v-v-v-video. I effing hate most wizards, but he's a top bloke". Can't argue with that kind of logic.
Come one, come all to see The Illusionists! A team of some of the world’s greatest magicians have assembled to wow and amaze with an unforgettable and dazzling display of magic that will have everyone on the edge of their seat. Each individual Illusionist will perform their own special brand of magic, along with their own assistants and sophisticated array of tricks and talents. Forget your typical children’s party magician; this is not just a display of card tricks and slight of hand pranks. Come to witness mind boggling displays of levitation, and daring escapes that will leave you breathless. The Illusionists have sold out shows around the world and they mean to do the same in Brisbane. Come and see the greatest display of super-talent this side of The Avengers, and prepare to suspend belief in the face of pure magic.
If the music world is lacking one thing at the moment it's 'ska' bands - those saxophone infused ballads, acoustic Caribbean sounds and sickly sweet guitar riffs. But to those who thought that 70s rockers Madness left us high and dry with their abundance of ska hits, think again. Strange Tenants are Australian 'ska' legends. Formed and led by duel vocalists and prolific song writers Ian and Bruce Hearn, their music was often infused with political and social commentary, best evidenced by their alternative hits Soldier Boy, Hard Times and Grey Skies. As one of the biggest bands in the 80s, these boys toured with the likes of Style Council, UB40 and U2, and performed an incredible 1200 gigs between 1982 and 1986. While other bands 'lost themselves' to the growing trends and fads of the music industry, Strange Tenants have stayed strong with their striding independence and uncompromising commitment to mixing their own ska-reggae sound. After an amazing 32 years, Strange Tenants will be hitting The Zoo stage for one night of live performance. Whether you were there in the Strange Tenant's prime, or just want to rediscover this great era of music, this legendary band are a must see. Strange Tenant's classic 'Two Steps Back'
Here is something that everyone can get involved in! The Schoolbag, a youth education project, is dedicated to providing the proper tools and materials to the world's underprivileged and undereducated children. The organisation provides essential supplies around the world so young children can persue a proper education. To raise awareness and funds, The Schoolbag is organising a world record attempt for the largeset chalk drawing ever created, and the best part is they want help from everyone. Bringing together established artists and members of the community, The Schoolbag Record Attempt will aim to cover the pavement surrounding GOMA, The State Library and The Edge in chalk art. Registration stalls will be located in this area as well as locations opportunities for people donate directly to the cause by purchasing a schoolbag for a child in need, each bag containing a years supply of basic school supplies. There will also be live performances from local bands such as Lita and the Bird with additional proceeds from the event being put towards The Schoolbag’s upcoming trip to Timor-Leste to deliver the much-needed schoolbags.
The Mystery Jets have landed in Australia for a string of shows supporting their new album. Hailing from the home of English Rugby, The Mystery Jets released their fifth studio album at the end of April this year, the title being a reference to Terrence Malick’s 1973 film “Badlands” and Rolling Stone Keith Richard’s Sussex home, Redlands. With vocalist and bassist Kai Fish out the band, replaced by touring member Peter Cochrane, The Mystery Jets will play new tracks from “Radlands”, including “Sister Everett” and “Greatest Hits”, along with fan favourites like “Young Love”, “Diamonds In The Dark” and “Two Doors Down”. Support for The Mystery Jets’s show at Brisbane’s The Hi-Fi will be provided by our city’s own Young Men Dead, an act with charisma, cheek and raw talent that have previously supported Kate Nash, The Holidays and Yuksek.
Since its inception, triple J Unearthed has helped jumpstart the career of several young bands from all corners of Australia. After recently announcing the winner of the 2012 Unearthed High competition, several favourites from the competiton and a previous winner will be performing an exclusive show at the Brisbane Powerhouse. 2009 winners, Hunting Grounds (pictured), will perform a selection of powerful rock tunes and will show why they were deserved winners of their competition. 2012 winners ASTA and 2012 finalists Jessica Cerro & Tyler Touche will also perform. This rewarding competition has given many musicians the support they needed to begin their musical career; come along and see how far they have progressed.
In seventeenth century Italy, beneath the mountains surrounding Lake Como, a young couple on the eve of their wedding discover, to their horror, that the local tyrant has his sights, and loins, set on the bride. With an already exploited, oppressed people suffering from famine and plague their story takes on Shakespearean overtones. Soon Lucia and Renzo see their lives crash around them as the groom faces the axe and the bride abduction. Whatever their fate, their story inspired a nation. A blend of words, dance and music this production of I Promessi Sposi teases out the golden thread of Manzoni’s novel, and reveals the story of all us.
Welcome to Rekall, where dreams become memories. Eager to escape his fine but not quite good enough life with wife Lori (Kate Beckinsale) factory worker Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell) decides to take a bit of a limbic vacation, swapping real memories for the adventure-filled world of a super spy. But, when fates collide, and the procedure goes horribly wrong, he finds himself a wanted man - on the run from a particularly trigger happy police force under the control of Chancellor Cohaagen, and must join up with rebel fighter Melina (Jessica Biel) in a last ditch shot at survival. Worth watching? Len Wiseman’s remake of the Arnie led original has a lot to live up to, but with up-dated special effects and some tasty looking cinematography it might just come out on top, and will surely look incredible on the big screen.
A collection of Australia and beyond’s finest DJs descend upon The Family Club for a night of progressive, pumping and electro house. The Potbellee DJs, Jonny Sonic and Blue MC, are back where they belong, ripping dance halls and dance floors apart, having just emerged from the studio where they’ve been writing their second album, Destination Now. Benibee comes to each gig with a flexible feel for the music he creates, breaking each layer down into a separate, deconstructable piece. Beautifully arranged with shades of big room, progressive and electro house his sound has seen this British artist win a host of awards. You’ll see why. Jeremy Iliev creates an atmosphere that taps into the real music that lies beneath all the tracks he plays. With a sound that somehow comes across as a blend of strictly danceable chunky and jackin’, quirky electro, big room and club vibes Jeremy’s sound carries influence from artists like Dirty South, Micky Slim and Paolo Mojo. Other DJs on the bill include Fid Frantic and Tim Plunkett.
Songstress Katie Noonan returns to the Powerhouse with classical guitarist Karin Shaupp, for what will inevitably be an evening of delicate, emotive sound. Having finished a nation-wide tour last year, Noonan and Shaupp will be serving up a feast for music lovers, which will include classical, folk, jazz and pop songs from the Finn Brothers, Nick Cave, Bic Runga, The Easybeats and Gotye. Noonan is a nation-wide accalaimed artist with four Arias and six platinum sales to her credit. Her counterpart, Karin Schaupp, is a German-born Australian classical guitarist, described as one of the best in the world. The combination of her faultless music and Noonan's powerful yet haunting voice is an enigma not to be missed. Performing for two nights only at the Powerhouse Theatre, this night promises a shared experience between the two musicians, allowing both to present their love and talent for music together.
Returning after a successful launch in 2011, the Brisbane Fitness and Health Expo is back better than ever, for two days at the convention and exhibition centre. With Michelle Bridges, best known for her role on Channel Ten’s hugely successful weight-loss show; The Biggest Loser and her renowned fitness program, on board as a guest speaker and Natalie Cook, Ky Hurst and Ellie Gonsalves being interviewed, fitness freaks are in for a real (calorie-free) treat. With activities and events including yoga, boxing and strongman demonstrations, bikini runway shows, model searches, nutritional seminars and fashion parades, visitors will be hard pressed to decide what to do with themselves. Exhibitors like the Supplement Den, Polar and On Running will be returning for the second time, along with exciting new comers like SlimPasta, Lorna Jane and PURE Health Clubs.
Mitch Jones, aka Captain Ruin of Caravan of Doom, brings to Brisbane his playful new show, One Night Stand. Having recently escaped incarceration in a Turkish jail, Ruin's stories of tragedy and misfortune provide a stepping stone for the audience into his world of thrill seeking and living life on the edge. Seductively combining song, strip tease, circus, and comedy, the show leads the audience on a journey through Ruins' experiences and adventures from around the world. Amongst this playful performer's textured web of humorous stories, eccentricity and satire, there is a deep and clear message of prevailing against the impossible. Filled with dry social commentary, satirical wit and a healthy dose of physical humour, this exuberant evening will be a mixture of both excitement and reflection. Described as raunchy, raw and a little bit dirty Ruin's performance sounds like the perfect One Night Stand.
Lather up! All the way from Germany, directors Markus Pabst and Maximilian Rambaek bring their world renowned performance SOAP to Brisbane. As a performance described by our very own Daily Telegraph as being “Sizzlingly Sexy”, this show is sure to wow crowds with its acrobatic, design and artistic feats. As the name suggests, SOAP combines on-stage acrobatics and bath time. The perfomance contains seven bath tubs as a platform for splash-filled, water-soaked acts, ranging from a mop-ballet to a rain-filled finale. The show contains breathtaking acts ranging from dance trapeze to contortion and SOAP even has its own live opera singer, Diva. Having captivated the hearts of over one and a half a million spectators, SOAP promises a vibrant performance that will have you bubbling over with awe.
Gomez are on their way back to Australia. Their seventh studio album since they formed in 1997, Whatever’s On Your Mind, maintains the strongest aspects of Gomez’s sound. With gritty vocals that tear through carefully arranged background harmonies and electronic-dance sounds, the album has a spirit that is overwhelming and free-spirited but at the same time shows the maturity that the band have gained over their nearly two decade long career. Chunky guitar and beautifully lush dynamics bring an ever changing pace to the record, and keep it constantly fresh, with a thrusting drive that keeps the listener on the edge. Gomez’s sound incorporates a wide range of musical elements. With flavours of blues, psychedelia and krautrock, and influence from the likes of Beck, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell and Marvin Gaye.
Australia’s premier illusionist Consentino is continually defying the odds. He is known for his incredible dexterity, intimate magic mysteries, his intense escapes and his ability to distort your perception of reality. This “daredevil performer” has won awards for his talents, including the Merlin Award for 2012. He is a Guinness World Record Holder, a Helpmann Award nominee, runner up for 2011 on Australia’s Got Talent and recently performed a sold-out show at the Regent Theatre for Channel 7. Now, you can see the man himself doing what he does best. Consentino’s original and innovative presentations have garnered prestige and respect amongst his peers and clients alike. A showman first and foremost, Consentino will prove why his performances are among the most powerful, riveting and sought-after in the industry today. Tickets to the VIP Experience have already sold out, so be sure to claim your own seats for the show before these magically disappear.
The team at Switchboard Arts present their latest play, The Choir. This performance focuses on a state choir competition in which a group of orphanage boys take part. The seven choirboys are aged between 12-16 but are in fact played by adult actors. After facing various up's and down's throughout the lead up to the competition, the young boys discover that not everyone is worthy of their trust. Themes of friendship and betrayal tie this story together and humour provides a charming undercurrent to the play. In addition, the fantastic musical pieces colour the drama and it's no wonder why Errol Bray's, The Choir, has received international acclaim. The Washington Post has described it as 'touching', London's Stage has stated that it 'packs a punch' and our own The Australian believes The Choir is 'beautifully shocking and funny'. Catch this special performance by Switchboard Arts at The Powerhouse from Tuesday to Saturday.
In Dan Bradley’s Red Dawn, a surprising remake of the 1984 classic starring Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen, a city wakes to the alarming sight of foreign parachuting shocktroops dropping from the sky. The USA has been invaded by North Korea and Spokena, Washington, is their initial target. Determined to fight back rather than surrender, a group of young teenagers, including US Marine on leave, Jed (Chris Hemsworth) and his football player brother, Matt (Josh Peck), take refuge in nearby woodland; training and organizing themselves into a tactical, guerrilla group. Taking influence from their high school mascot they become the Wolverines, and hope to band together to take down their captors. Used to parties and nights in playing Call Of Duty, the teenagers must live the virtual lives they live from the comfort of their sofas, with real bullets, and enemies that fire back. Red Dawn is in cinemas now and also stars Josh Hutcherson from The Hunger Games and our own Isabel Lucas.
The teachers and dancers of Brisbane's Mad Dance House have prepared a show that will both entertain and impress you. Their passion for dance and pure talent will be showcased on Saturday night in the performance, Hype – A Dancer's Voice. Join the fun as Mad Dance House celebrates its 10th birthday. Hype is an annual show that features Hip Hop, Jazz and Contemporary styles with over 70 performers busting a move and breaking a sweat. Mad Dance House boasts a bevy of talented teachers such as the gifted Jasmine Meakin. This masterful Hip Hop dancer and teacher has become a Youtube sensation as her tutorials and dance videos have been watched by millions of people. Be inspired by amazing and passionate dancers this Thursday night. For an hour and ten minutes the performers will be giving it their all to celebrate a year of hard work.
Tex Perkins is a man of many faces. He has fronted The Cruel Sea with their ethereal soundscapes, he has lead the charge of hardened pub rock with The Beasts of Bourbon. He has collaborated on the Tex, Don and Charlie shows, he has accompanied Tim Rogers for the TnT Project. He has even channelled his wears for the Johnny Cash musical The Man In Black. Now, with a yet-to-be-titled album in circulation, Tex will be touring the country stylings with Dark Horses throughout November. The new offerings from the group show an altogether new direction for Tex, while maintaining his signature gravelly vocals and poetic songwriting. It promises to be a mature follow-up to the self-titled album released in 2011. On the live stage, Perkins’ world-weary growl is best showcased. Their set promises to be an enlightenment of newer material as well as a celebration of old gems. Tex Perkins alongside his fellow Dark Horses is a show that’s not to be missed.
During a routine traffic stop, Officer Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Officer Zavala (Michael Peña) confiscate a small cache of money and firearms from what turns out to be a notorious cartel. A regular day on the job soon escalates into a thrilling chase after the young officers uncover a secret that puts them on the wrong side of the country’s most dangerous drug operation. End Of Watch is already being heralded a must-see by critics for its high energy and cinematography that puts the audience in the firing line. This film is sure to be a hit with fans of the LAPD-thriller genre, however its added grit and harsh honesty promises more than just your average buddy-cop flick. Catch it while you can at a cinema near you.
Attention all gamers: Start warming up your thumbs as you are in for a treat. Head to the State Library of Queensland and play some of the Sunshine State's best video and mobile games. Workshops, films, trivia, and special events such as after-hours games nights and talks are all a part of this exciting exhibition. All you need to bring is yourself, as iPads, PCs and a Big Play screen are all provided. At each station you'll find the latest and greatest games available. Over the duration of the exhibition these platforms will be updated with the latest releases. Another feature of the event is the launch of the world's first ever video game musical, 7bit Hero. Meet like-minded people, sharpen your gaming skills, and share your passion at Garage Gamer.
International rock god's, The Hives, are back in Brisbane this Wednesday night. The globetrotters have returned to Australian soil after playing at the Mecca of music festivals, Coachella and blowing people's mind's across the UK. Their Brisbane fans are ready to welcome them back with open arms and rock out. The Swedish garage rock band are best known for their single, 'Hate to Say I Told You So' and their onstage wardrobe choices which sees the boys don black and white outfits. After forming in 1993, the Swedes have released five studio albums and a string of successful singles. Extend your New Year's celebrations by heading to The Tivoli on the 2 nd January to rock out with The Hives. We can't think of a better way to welcome in the New Year!
To celebrate the founder and Director of Music of the Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO), John Curro's 80th Birthday, QYO is putting on a spectacular show at QPAC's Concert Hall. On Saturday night, the QYO is showcasing their 150 member Alumni Orchestra who will perform Richard Strauss's masterpiece, the Alpine Symphony. The Alpine Symphony is a musical representation of a majestic mountain climb in the Bavarian Alps. The symphony follows as the adventurers ascend the mountain just after sunrise and musically depicts their journey through forests and alpine pastures. Be swept up in the magical music by the QYO as their imaginative representation of stunning scenery through the use of music will transport you to a faraway land. After the performance, the audience are invited to celebrate with John Curro, soloist Stephen Emerson and the orchestra members.
2012 has been a wild ride for the artisans of Drawn From Bees. From the release of their eagerly-awaited second album The May King and His Paper Crown to their national tour, to their grand performance as a 12-piece orchestra at the Brisbane Powerhouse, they have been busy Bees indeed. Drawn From Bees will be rounding out the year by way of a special set at Black Bear Lodge, and for those who missed their Powerhouse spectacular, they will be doing an orchestral encore, which is sure to be quite the sight. Joining them will be local psych-rock delights Grand Atlantic, alt-country shakers Rattlehand and the melancholic Slow Push. This is the shindig of choice to see out the year, and you’ll be in good hands should the world in fact end the following day. Tickets are moving swiftly, so don’t leave your apocalyptic plans to chance.
Brisbane boys, Hey Geronimo, are wrapping up a successful year by throwing a 60s themed Christmas party at The Zoo. The local lads sure do have a lot to celebrate as 2012 saw them achieve two hit singles,'Why Don't We Do Something?' and 'Carbon Affair'. Also, Hey Geronimo have only recently finished their national Special Best EP Tour and during the year they scored spots on the lineup at festivals such as Bigsound and Fat As Butter. Hey Geronimo are known for their colourful and energetic shows and their end of year celebration will be no exception. The fun and infectious music these guys make is sure to get you in a party mood, so bring your dancing shoes! Warming the stage for Hey Gernonimo are Babaganouj and Little Odessa. Head along to The Zoo for a night of fun, frivolity and festive cheer. Don't forget to don your retro 6os gear!
From the team behind the massively successful production of Hairspray comes the classical Broadway musical, Bye Bye Birdy. Bye Bye Birdy is the 1960s rock 'n' roll inspired parody of what happens to a typical, small Midwestern community when a musician more than a little like Elvis Presley comes rolling through town looking for one last kiss before being shipped off into the army. Women love him, men want to be him and teenage girls across the country scream his name until they’re blue in the face at the mere mention of his name. Rock Star Conrad Birdie is the biggest thing to top the charts - until he gets drafted into the US military. Conrad’s long suffering agent, Albert, panics as he sees his cash cow packed off to very different pastures new, and plans one last big stunt for the rock’n’roll sex symbol.
Circa, Australia’s finest contemporary circus company, returns to its spiritual home with the Helpmann Award winning production that dazzled and delighted audiences throughout the world. Described as beautiful, sexy and moving by worldwide press, Circa is a circus like no other. It features an outstanding array of astonishing feats of physical mastery that leave audiences aghast with astonishment. Circa sets itself apartt by bringing artistic inventiveness to all aspects of their art. Gone are cheap thrills and tacky makeup, instead, director Yaron Lifschitz’s masterpiece melds modern circus, acrobatic dance and multimedia into a very human experience of sophisticated sensibility.
Natalie Portly has dysmorphia, a mental illness that creates and unhealthy fixation on body image and a preoccupation with perceived unwanted physical defects. This is a pretty hard condition for an aspiring ballet dancer to have, right? Fat Swan is a production starring Trevor Ashley, a Helpmann Award nominated performer. The show follows Trevor’s character, Natalie, as she struggles with her overbearing mother, her psychotic choreographer and her rival. Playing for a short time at The Powerhouse, Fat Swan is a reportedly hilarious and touching story about a ballerina’s attempts to become a star. It features a cast of well-known Australian performers, ‘fleshing’-out the Phil Scott written script. This is an 18+ performance due to the mature themes within the story.
There’s nothing like a good old Sunday barbecue. Especially if the sun is out (rare in Brisbane these days) and the beers are cold. Building on the much-loved event is the Sunday Rock-N-Roll BBQ, a live gig series with a true-blue twist. If you are after some of the best lo-fi rock, riotous punk, scuzzy noise pop or sweet melody Brisbane has to offer, look no further. This week sees dreamy, psych-surf band Tiny Migrants headline with able help from the Madisons (pictured), White Girl, and the Barbiturates. The Sunday RNR BBQ series is a great excuse to get out of the house. While you might not be outside enjoying backyard cricket, there are plenty of snags on offer, great live music to watch and the beer is cold, as always. Oh, and best of all: it’s free.
It’s party time people! The crafty folk at Etsy are throwing their second annual global craft party and you’re invited! If you're a painter, sculptor, photographer, designer, illustrator, jewelry maker, vintage lover or just great with a glue gun, Etsy are rejoicing your creativity and hosting the craftiest celebration of the year in your honor. There is just one condition upon your entry to this party: every guest must bring a plate of delicious homemade food – this means if you bring a cake you bought from the Woolies reduced section, they won’t let you in! There are some amazing prizes to be won on the night including Bris-Style goodie bags, Etsy bits and bobs, vouchers, one month’s free rent at In.Cube8r gallery AND a one hour photo shoot with you and your hand made wares with Salt Image. Last year over five thousand people attended the party from across the globe! RSVP here and get baking. Don't show them up or they’ll be after you with their staplers. Image credit: The Craft Revival
I fear soon Brisbane will reach a point where the beloved attires so many of us covet - the wardrobes of eras and people past, second hand and vintage fashion - will begin to hit a serious stock shortage. There are only so many lovely stylish ladies who have saved their outfits from the last few decades – and I think at least a few of their collections are filling up the hangers in my wardrobe. There’s just something about our generations range clothing that can never going be as cool as the fashions of the 40s and 50s. It's time to stock up before all the good stuff is gone! The monthly Vintage and Designer Markets are on again this Saturday housed at their new venue, Rumpus Room. There is sure to be something to suit your budget and need. I mean come on, there’s gotta be room in your wardrobe for an extra trendy coat this winter! There's always room! Get your mitts on the best of Brisbane’s vintage before it’s all snatched up!
Krump until you slump is the party persons answer to exercise. Forget a run around the block or a boring session at the gym, get fit the fun way with a productive boogie to some funky beats. Based on Melbourne's popular night 'No Light, No Lycra,' Krump until you slump is out to help us Brisbane kids get into shape through the power of dance. There are no routine dance moves or teacher instructions, just old school dancing. Whip your hair, break ya neck, do the robot or the Macarena - as long as you can keep up your heart rate, you're onto a winning move. You'll be mid shaking your bon bon and before you know it, you're dancercise-ing baby. It's that easy! Oh and if your a little bit shy to cut a rug, the lights will be turned down low so no need to hold back those hip shakes.
Brisbane’s (nay, Australia’s!) undisputed queen of boutiques, Blonde Venus, is turning 21 this year and she wants everyone to know she’s coming of age. No, this doesn’t mean that she’s going to don a fluro pink sash with flashing lights on it while strutting down Brunswick Street, come on now – you know she’s better than that. Instead, she’s going to host and present various events throughout the year in celebration of her debut, the latest of which is Boomgates + Super Wild Horses (+ guests)! Boomgates is the Melbourne supergroup consisting of members of Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Dick Diver, Teen Archer and The Twerps; Super Wild Horses are the girl-duo who recently took out the HEAR category in the Thousands Awards. Together, they’re launching their split 7”, and it’s all happening at Woodland. Forget the novelty 21st keys and personalised yard glasses – the only present Blonde Venus wants is your presence. Limited tickets are $10 – get in quick!
For many of us, an average quiet morning means eating cereal in pyjamas while making sarcastic jokes about morning TV, but for Tim and Jean, it can mean creating and recording a hit song. This was the case for their track 'Come Around,' recorded in an early morning session at their home which later lead to them being 'unearthed' by triple j. Thanks to that one track the Perth boys have since been answering the calls of major record labels and touring the country with much love, hype and praise. More recently the young-gun duo toured with this year's Laneway Festival, Falls Festival and Good Vibrations and released another track 'Like What' which is also the title of their debut album. To celebrate the official debut Tim and Jean are now set for a tour of their own, bringing their upbeat, synth saturated dance music to Adelaide, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sydney, before jetting off to the UK and North America. Catch them while you can.
Brisbane chocoholics unite! Once again The Sebel & Citigate is hosting their famous Easter Chocolate Buffet to soothe all your cravings. Located in the wonderfully central King George Square, it is situated in the perfect place to meet up with friends and indulge in some heavenly cuisine before continuing on to partake in some Easter shopping. With their selection of chocolate spanning cakes, slices, tarts, cheesecakes, puddings, numerous pleasures to be dipped in delightful sauces and many more varieties of cocoa happiness it is sure to make even the most fussy eater content. And the best part is, you can eat until your heart’s content or your stomach is groaning. Running from 18 April to 2 May there are plenty of opportunities to visit (and revisit). With the buffet running both lunch and dinner sessions you really have no excuses. Bookings are a must though and can be made via phone on 07 3222 1128 or email tsckgsb_bistroallure@mirvac.com.
A murderous barber, a lustful judge, and some seriously suspicious tasting pies. Come one, come all, to attend the tale of Sweeney Todd. Following last years critically acclaimed production of RENT, Ignatians Musical Society and director John Peek are joining forces again to kick off 2012 on a slightly sinister note, with the hit musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. From sell out seasons on Broadway, to critical acclaim on the silver screen, this musical is sure to thrill and delight audiences of all ages. But beware, this dark tale is not for the faint-hearted or hemophobic. Emerging from the dank and foggy streets of Victorian London is Benjamin Barker (Sweeney Todd), who seeks revenge on the powerful judge who wrongfully deported him fifteen years earlier. When he learns of the ill fate of his wife and child from pie shop owner Mrs Lovett, he swears vengeance and the pair begin to work together. This musical is celebrated for its flawless fusion of the whimsical and the macabre. Its songs, cleverly crafted by writer Stephen Sondheim, black humour and tragic story are sure to leave its audiences unsettled, without appetite, and still longing for second helpings. Don't miss out, go along and take a bite!
Chances are you're reading this article thinking it has something to do with Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg or Jesse Eisenberg. Unfortunately it's not going to be about any of these people, but more fortunately it is about something interesting that will both educate and entertain you. Believe it or not the concept of social networking was utilised well before the introduction of the online social media giant. Just incase you forgot how personal (as in face to face) contact is utilised in the creative, professional world, GoMA gives you the Social Networking exhibition. Addressing themes such as human rights, sustainability and cultural exchange, the exhibition reflects on the ways that individuals shape, and are shaped by, their social networks by exposing how contemporary artists seek social contact with their subjects and audiences. Featuring the work of many acclaimed artists such as Destiny Deacon and Virginia Fraser (Australia), Pat Hoffie (Australia), Sutee Kunavichayanont (Thailand), Jompet Kuswidananto (Indonesia), Raquel Ormella (Australia), Tsuyoshi Ozawa (Japan), You Are Here (Australia) and Zhang Huan (China) there is sure to be something interesting to suit every artistic taste.
