At some point during my hardcore So You Think You Can Dance addiction during my first year of uni, I became inspired. These were kids like you and me, carving up the floor week in and week out, in dance styles I’d never heard of, let alone seen! I was convinced I could do a little swing, a little jazz ballet… but what I didn’t take into account was that these people were talented, and spent hours upon hours per week perfecting their craft. All I was willing to do was swirl around my bedroom after each episode, for about ten minutes (after that I got bored and gave up). I guess on TV you don’t really see the slight nuances that create the barrier of difference between these expert movers (them) and novice shakers (me). For example, not everyone can flamenco. It’s an artform unto itself, fusing music, dance and performance all in one. There’s an energy that seeps out of flamenco dancers that is incomparable to veging out on the couch, watching the SYTYCD eliminations. Here in white-bread Brisbane, you can catch that Spanish sizzle at Flamenco sin Fronteras, but it’s for one night only. After that, the only flamenco sin fronteras you’ll be able to catch is through your TV screen, or, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch me trying to make my break in dancing after a couple of sangrias (do yourself a favour and go see the real thing).
UPDATE, July 10, 2023: On Monday, July 10, KFC is serving up $1 Zinger crunch twisters — and original crunch twisters. And on Tuesday, July 11, the $1 Zinger burger special is back for one day only. Who doesn't love to gift themselves a little treat meal on the weekend? Think: a pizza, a couple of scoops of gelato or a fried chicken burger. Well, KFC is here to facilitate just that last one with its ever-popular Zinger burgers available for just $1 for two hours on Saturday, July 1. The promotion is part of the chicken chain's 11 Days of Christmas, which will see it serve up a different finger-licking deal for the first week and a half of July. Kicking things off is the Colonel's classic burger for just a buck. If you want to claim your dollar Zinger Burger, just head to the KFC app and place your order between 3–5pm on July 1. So, what's in store for the rest of the month? $1 Twisters, 30 nuggets for $10 and a Double Zinger Feast featuring two burgers, ten nuggets and sauce for just $12. To check out each day's deal, just hit up the KFC app. Plus, the fast food chain's Christmas in July merch is also making a comeback. The viral ugly Christmas sweater, a KFC Christmas t-shirt, a corduroy bucket hat, socks, fingerless gloves and the line of matching pet sweaters — they're all available to purchase. Head to the KFC website to place an order.
If a fresh bread roll, an expertly grilled patty and a slice of melted cheese is your idea of a perfect meal — or some variation of the above — then you probably have May 28 permanently marked in your diary. Each and every year, that's when the world's burger-lovers celebrate their favourite food. We're not saying that burgs will taste better on that date, but if you just can't get enough of the trusty dish, it's definitely time to celebrate. This year, to mark the occasion, 100 restaurants across Australia are offering up to 50 percent off burgers for two days via Deliveroo. On Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, you can get burgs delivered straight to your home or office — or home office — for cheap. Lunch, sorted. Melburnians have 35 burger joints to choose from, including Royal Stacks, Hello Sam, Egg Fix's four locations, Chew Burger, LA Burgers and Carl's Jr, while Sydneysiders have 21, with the likes of Johnny Bird, Belly Bao, Moo Gourmet, Bondi Relish and Outback Steakhouse all getting on board. Brisbanites have eight options for their half-price burger fix: Hashtag, Moo Free, Big Roddy's in Fish Lane and The Valley, Brunchbox, The Burger Joint, Seoul Bistro and The Columbian Coffee Dealer. You can check out the full list here. To get your fix, all you need to do is jump on to Deliveroo and find your closest burg favourite and order. [caption id="attachment_556040" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Royal Stacks[/caption] Top image: Johnny Bird by Parker Blain
There's a reason that the Ekka comes with its own public holiday. Brisbanites are set free from work to rush to the Royal Queensland Show, fill themselves up with fried and sugary goodness, then brave the rides and gaze at the fireworks. In 2018, the annual exhibition runs from Friday, August 10 to Sunday, August 19 — and, as always, that means ten days of sideshows, show bags and more. Of course, there's much more going on than that, with everything from animal competitions to cooking demonstrations on the bill. Where else are you going to see a giant pumpkin, pat a pig, eat a strawberry sundae, listen to live music, crash dodgems, throw a ball in a clown's mouth for a prize and take home all the Bertie Beetles you can eat? Tickets cost $35 for adults, but if you're keen to head by at night, nab a $20 twilight pass — it gets you in from 6pm onwards.
Everyone has fond memories of playing Uno. If you didn't start a fight by whipping out a draw four just as someone was down to their last card, then you didn't really have a childhood. Yes, it really is the game of champions. It's also a game that Saccharomyces Beer Cafe is rather fond of — so much so that they hold a monthly competition. A word of warning: this isn't for the faint of heart. It is called the Uno Tournament of Death, after all. So flex those fingers, prepare to show off your number- and colour-matching skills, and get geared up to sledge, taunt and distract your opponents. All's fair in love and Uno, with prizes on offer for player that emerges victorious. If someone brings a themed deck (and everything from N*Sync cards to a special Sydney 2000 Olympics version really do exist), then we think everyone will be a winner.
If you're a fan of Nutella, then you likely live by one rule: when it comes to the chocolate-hazelnut spread, you can never have enough. Of course, just how you interpret that idea is up to you. Maybe you slather your bread with it every morning for breakfast. Perhaps you always opt for whichever Nutella dessert is on any given restaurant menu. Or, you could head up the highway for a dedicated Nutella Festival. The Sunshine Coast's Nightquarter is throwing the latter from 4–10pm on Saturday, July 23. We recommend arriving hungry. Entry costs $3, and you'll need to pay for whatever Nutella creations you'd like to eat or drink — but this fest is rather devoted to combining its favourite ingredient with, well, everything. The food menu includes Nutella doughnuts and cronuts, as well as Nutella pancakes. Think Nutella can only be added to traditional dessert-style foods? The fest's Nutella pizza and Nutella bao will change that opinion. Nutella brownies, churros, milkshakes, bubble waffles and funnel cakes are on the menu, too. And, there'll apparently be some legit Nutella savoury options. Basically, if you're wondering what could possibly be tempting your tastebuds, just think of a dish and imagine adding Nutella to it. The spread will even be worked into the entertainment lineup, including Nutella juggling, Nutella-eating competitions, a Nutella variety show and a magician doing what no one at this event will want (other than when they're devouring the stuff): making Nutella disappear.
When it comes to all things gaming, Brisbane has been levelling up over the past few months. First came Netherworld, the city's first arcade game bar. Then Super Combo arrived with its Street Fighter-themed burgers. Now, add 1UP Arcade's retro-style freeplay gaming to the mix. Setting up shop on the basement level of 230 Lytton Road, Morningside, 1UP opens its doors at 2pm on May 13, operating from 2pm to 10pm Wednesday to Sunday from then on. Once patrons step inside to mash buttons on usual suspects such as NBA Jam, multiple versions of Street Fighter and rarer finds like Garou: Mark of the Wolves, however, it has more than just pumping coins into machines in mind. In fact, the 80-machine joint wants you to play all of the above, plus the likes of Tekken, Cyber Sled, Puzzle Bobble, Bad Dudes Vs DragonNinja, and Aliens, The Simpsons and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles tie-ins too, without needing to continually reach for your wallet. Patrons will pay a flat $15 daily entry fee, or opt for a weekly ($29), monthly ($79) or quarterly ($129) membership, and then play to their heart's content. If you've been having Timezone lock-in withdrawals, you'd best start stretching your fingers now because you'll be in your element. We want to attract players of all ages and skill levels, and that means removing all roadblocks to enjoyment," says owner and founder Stephen Holmes. "Usually you have to feed a machine dollar after dollar to get enough playtime to improve — but not at 1UP." Yes, gaming is firmly in the spotlight — and, in a departure from the current trend, drinking and eating at the same venue isn't. While a selection of suitably retro snacks is on offer, including drinks such as TAB, Minute Maid and Cherry Coke, 1UP proudly stands alone as dedicated arcade, rather than falling within a bar or cafe. Staying true to old-school parts is also on the agenda, with Holmes focusing on authenticity, both among the machines he has in place, and in his forthcoming additions. Prepare to stare at arcade-standard CRT monitors in original cabinets for hours on end, with anything needing a bit of love being rebuilt from original bits and pieces. Game on. Find 1UP Arcade at 230 Lytton Road, Morningside from 2pm on May 13. For more information, head to their website.
Swapping sketch comedy for horror movies has turned out pretty well for Jordan Peele so far. When the Key & Peele star made his first leap behind the camera, Oscar-winner Get Out was the excellent and unnerving end result — and the comedian turned writer/director isn't done terrifying cinema audiences just yet. To add a fright or two to your festive season, the first trailer for Peele's second directorial effort has arrived. If you scare easily, consider yourself warned. In Us, the filmmaker follows a family (Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Evan Alex and Shahadi Wright-Joseph) holidaying by the beach with friends (Elisabeth Moss and Tim Heidecker), which all sounds very normal. Then things go awry, in a flick that promises to make you feel just as uneasy about your own reflection as you felt about stirring cups of tea after Get Out. In preparation for her role, Peele tasked Nyong'o with watching a heap of classic horror movies — films such as The Shining, The Babadook, It Follows, The Birds, Funny Games, Martyrs, Let the Right One In, The Sixth Sense, Dead Again and A Tale of Two Sisters, Nyong'o told EW. If that list of creepy flicks doesn't give you an idea of what's in store in Us, then the suitably unsettling trailer will. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNCmb-4oXJA Us releases in Australian cinemas on March 14, 2019.
Three friends, a huge music festival worth making a mega mission to get to and an essential bag of goon: if you didn't experience that exact combination growing up in Australia, did you really grow up in Australia? That's the mix that starts 6 Festivals, too, with the Aussie feature throwing in a few other instantly familiar inclusions to set the scene. Powderfinger sing-alongs, scenic surroundings and sun-dappled moments have all filled plenty of teenage fest trips, and so has an anything-it-takes mentality — and for the film's central trio of Maxie (Rasmus King, Barons), Summer (Yasmin Honeychurch, Back of the Net) and James (Rory Potter, Ruby's Choice), they're part of their trip to Utopia Valley. But amid dancing to Lime Cordiale and Running Touch, then missing out on Peking Duk's stroke-of-midnight New Year's Eve set after a run-in with security, a shattering piece of news drops. Suddenly these festival-loving friends have a new quest: catching as much live music as they can to help James cope with cancer. The first narrative feature by Bra Boys and Fighting Fear director Macario De Souza, 6 Festivals follows Maxie, Summer and James' efforts to tour their way along the east coast festival circuit. No, there are no prizes for guessing how many gigs are on their list, with the Big Pineapple Music Festival, Yours and Owls and Lunar Electric among the events on their itinerary. Largely road-tripping between real fests, and also showcasing real sets by artists spanning Dune Rats, Bliss n Eso, G Flip, B Wise, Ruby Fields, Dope Lemon, Stace Cadet and more, 6 Festivals dances into the mud, sweat and buzz — the crowds, cheeky beers and dalliances with other substances that help form this coming-of-age rite-of-passage, aka cramming in as many festivals as you possibly can from the moment your parents will let you, as well. This is also a cancer drama, however, which makes for an unsurprisingly tricky balancing act, especially after fellow Aussie movie Babyteeth tackled the latter so devastatingly well so recently. Take that deservedly award-winning film, throw in whichever music festival documentary takes your fancy, then add The Bucket List but with teens — that's 6 Festivals. There's a touch of the concert-set 9 Songs as well, obviously sans sex scenes. Spotting the dots connected by De Souza and Sean Nash's (a Home and Away and Neighbours alum) script isn't difficult. That said, neither is spying the movie's well-intentioned aim. Riding the ecstatically bustling festival vibe, and surveying everything from the anticipation-laden pre-fest excitement through to the back-to-reality crash afterwards, 6 Festivals is an attempt to capture and celebrate the fest experience, as well as a concerted effort to face a crucial fact: that, as much as a day in the mosh pit feels like an escape and is always worth cherishing, it only sweeps away life's stark truths momentarily. The film's core threesome have their fair share of stresses; pivotally, 6 Festivals sticks with believable dramas. James faces his diagnosis, treatment and his mother's (Briony Williams, Total Control) worries, all while trying to recruit the feature's array of musical acts for his own dream event. Scoring backstage access comes courtesy of up-and-coming Indigenous muso Marley (debutant Guyala Bayles), who graces most of the lineups and shared a childhood with Summer, united by their respective mothers' struggles with addiction — and, now they've crossed paths again, offers to mentor her pal's own singing career. As for Maxie, his drug-dealing older brother Kane (Kyuss King, also from Barons) is usually at the same fests pressuring him into carrying his stash. They're the only family each other has, so saying no doesn't seem an option. Cemented friendships, last hurrahs, big dreams, substance-addled chaos: all festivals boast these tales, whichever one, six or 1000 anyone happens to pick. Again, it's easy to see how De Souza and Nash have chosen not only their overall plot, but its narrative beats — and it's just as easy to understand why, what they're striving for and how it's hoped that viewers will respond. 6 Festivals' live footage is vivid and authentic in its look, texture and tone, and the story sticks to the same relatable terrain. Of course, the line between clichéd and being predictable because that's simply how life is can be incredibly thin, not to mention subjective. Sometimes, 6 Festivals falls on the raw and immersive side of the been-there-done-that equation, and sometimes on the forced and well-worn — like a well-known song either given a definitive new live spin, or sounding exactly as it does whenever and wherever it's played. Always fresh and lived-in, and never just doing what's done, is the film's impressive young cast — even when the dialogue they're uttering is more than a little clunky. It isn't merely Potter who gets saddled with awkward lines, thankfully, as the worst pictures about ailing characters tend to do. 6 Festivals doesn't push its cancer-stricken character to the side and, with all five of its key figures wading through woes, it smartly doesn't use his deteriorating health solely to gift his pals with life-changing lessons, either. Still, whenever the movie gleans an opportunity to spell out its weighty emotions as overtly as it can, it takes it. It needn't; Potter sells James' plight in his yearning eyes and anxious energy, including when getting drunk feels like the only thing to do, while Honeychurch, Bayles and the IRL King brothers all leave their own imprints. Every festival thrives or falters based on its lineup, and this film that flits between six of them is no different — including via the real-life bands and artists that fill its frames. Some get worked into the narrative in those aforementioned behind-the-action chats, others solely bust out their onstage best, but the full roster provides a stelar snapshot of Australia's music and fest scenes. With the live performances, as well as the general on-the-ground atmosphere, cinematographer Hugh Miller (June Again) and editor Ahmad Halimi (The Bureau of Magical Things) achieve the most vital task 6 Festivals has: making feeling like you're there the easiest feeling in the world. The movie overall is a mixed bag, but wanting to rush out of the cinema — or hop up from your couch, with the film hitting streaming on August 25, a fortnight after its big-screen debut — and into the first festival near you is an instant reaction.
There's more to going to the movies than just seeing the flicks that fill megaplexes, as Australia's thriving film festival scene demonstrates. As far as Hollywood's addition to the movie-making fold is concerned, that's where the American Essentials Film Festival comes in. Founded in 2016 as a way to fill select Aussie cinemas with the kind of US titles that don't usually make it to our shores, the touring festival returns for its second run with another lineup of noteworthy inclusions — 31 films and 20 Aussie premieres, in fact. Have pre-film drinks at Brisbane go-to Gerard's Bar — or post-film if you have plenty to say.
It's the news beer and bar food loving Brisbanites have been waiting for — well, since the news that one of the city's favourite hangouts was moving across town, that is. Today, January 19, is the day that Tippler's Tap unveils their new digs at South Bank, and they're marking the occasion as only they can. Two words: free wings. Yes, you read that correctly. From the moment their doors swing open at midday, Tippler's famous crispy, juicy morsels of poultry will be yours for the taking — for the sum total of zilch. If you're heading along, we suggest you wear something comfortable and stretchy. When it comes to free wings, any sense of restraint is sure to go out the window. After 5pm, $2 tacos will also be added to the mix, keeping their much-loved Tuesday tradition going. Phew. And, if you need something other than a couple of beverages to help you fill in the gap between feasts of chicken pieces and Mexican bites, ask the friendly staff if you can borrow a copy of Cards Against Humanity. Who doesn't want to sink a few brews, devour some tasty treats and play everyone's favourite game, all while celebrating Tippler's grand opening? Visit Tippler's Tap at 5/182 Grey Street, South Brisbane, or check out their website and Facebook page for more information.
The timeless American play and award-winning film, Driving Miss Daisy, is gracing the stage of QPAC’s Playhouse for 3 weeks in February. It tells the heartwarming story of the long spanning relationship between an elderly Southern Jewish woman, Daisy Werthan, and her compassionate African-American chauffer, Hoke Colburn. The iconic tale is one of pride, the changing times, and the transformative power of friendship. To add to this eagerly-awaited event are the talents who will be bringing the story to life. Angela Lansbury will be playing Miss Daisy, alongside James Earl Jones as Hoke. This is to be a strictly limited season, though there are still a host of showings with tickets still available. There are also worthwhile discounts available for groups for select matinees and weeknights. It is a rarity to see such highly regarded actors coming together to present a classic such as Driving Miss Daisy – not to be missed.
The winner of this year's Cannes Film Fest Palm d'Or is an exercise in movie-going endurance. Written and directed by celebrated Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Winter Sleep clocks in at a gruelling 196 minutes long, a figure that makes the most recent Hobbit flick look positively breezy by comparison. Frankly, only the most committed of arthouse nerds should even attempt Ceylan's latest — and even they may find themselves struggling with the picture's slow-as-molasses pace. Indeed, despite his film's epic run time, Ceylan appears committed to keeping actual dramatic incident to a minimum. Concerned, at its core, with the erosion of the marriage between a conceited old hotel owner (Haluk Bilgine) and his miserable young wife (Melisa Sozen), Winter Sleep at times feels more like a stage play than a movie. Characters argue at inordinate lengths about marriage, money, philanthropy, class and the nature of good and evil. Then they argue some more. The topics that Ceylan sets out to explore are certainly intriguing. In its best moments, Winter Sleep calls to mind the likes of A Separation and Two Days, One Night — films in which the dialogue cuts not just to the hearts of the characters, but to the issues facing the society in which those characters live. At other points, however, Ceylan's writing becomes strained, laying out his themes in painfully literal language, as if we can't be trusted to understand them on our own. On a more unequivocally positive note, Gokhan Tiryaki's cinematography is genuinely stunning. Under the harsh, grey-white light of foreboding winter skies, the Anatolian landscape seems almost otherworldly. Equally beautiful are several night-time interior scenes, the flickering glow from the fireplace casting shadows across the walls. Even so, it's difficult to get past that ridiculous three-hour run time, which drags behind the film like a ball and chain. Ironically, most of the truly compelling content can be found in the movie's second half. The problem is that, by the time you get there, there's a good chance that your brain will have already checked out. https://youtube.com/watch?v=P1nQbYtTPQg
So, you want to get a glimpse into life in another country, but you can't actually afford to travel anywhere? That's where film festivals come in, taking audiences on a cinematic journey without anyone needing to leave their comfy, movie theatre seats. This month, it's Germany's turn in the spotlight. Making its way around Australia from May 13–31, the Audi Festival of German Films delves into everything the country has to offer in the movie realm. That includes 50 new German-language films, spanning efforts as varied as action comedy Not My Day and twisted fairy tale The Bunker. It also includes an interesting schedule of panel discussions and themed evenings, if you want to do more than watch. Whatever your tastes or interests, there's certain to be something to tickle your fancy. Want to take a peek at an Alps-set western, laugh along with a hitman comedy or strap in for a time-travelling romance? Well, here you can. You can also delve into the history of cinema, and into a key figure in East Berlin's radical underground art world. For the full Audi Festival of German Films lineup, visit the festival website.
Inspiration comes from a number of places. For some, it’s family. Others, caffeine and a good vanilla slice. For most, it’s pure self-motivation. And for Brisbane music producer Omegachild it was an escape from the monotonous habits of the everyday. When Omegachild (Daniel Newstead) went to India with award-winning filmmaker and pal Danny McShane, he never anticipated the deep ends they’d be thrown into, and the incredible film and music that would be the by-product. From the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas, to the dry Rajasthani desert near the Pakistan border, both Dans embarked on an amazing musical journey across wild and strangely rich India. As expected, the film Waiting for Postcards is as visually stunning as it is musically – check the trailer here. Make sure you pop along to the free premiere this Tuesday at 7pm at The New Globe Theatre, to witness firsthand the film and photographs that came about from one man’s search for inspiration.
Whether you think you can dance or know for a fact that you can't, we have got a hell of a weekly event for you. Held each and every Monday evening at The Latvian Hall in Woolloongabba, Groove Therapy is a relaxed, hour-long dance class for the aspiring street dancer in all of us. And if it sounds familiar, that's because GT held a launch party earlier in the year — but now they're here for good. There's no pressure, no recitals and — most importantly — no mirrors. Indeed, the workshops are designed for beginner students who might feel intimidated by a more professional environment. Don't let that fool you though, because the instructors are legit, and will have you popping and locking in no time. It's perfect for those of us who dream of burning up the dance floor, but have never had the moves to back it up. Image: Kurt Davies
Cooking kick-ass vegan food with Smith & Daughters' Shannon Martinez, a behind-the-scenes tour of Lune Croissanterie and verbally deconstructing lasagne with Massimo Bottura. It sounds like regular programming for Melbourne's annual celebration of food — but it's not quite. Forced to postpone its physical March festival because of COVID-19, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has just launched The Online Edition, allowing avid home bakers and food fanatics around the country to dial into chats, masterclasses and trivia sessions with some of the world's best chefs from the comfort of their kitchens. And for lucky Melburnians, there are some IRL food specials available to order every day, too. Running from Monday, May 25–Saturday, May 30, MFWF: The Online Edition is taking place entirely on Zoom and Instagram Live. Those who've spent lockdown with a Sméagol-like obsession for sourdough can get their fix with Baker Bleu's Mike Russell, while those who prefer their carbs flaky and filled with butter will want to log on for chats with Helen Goh — who's worked alongside Yotam Ottolenghi for over a decade and co-authored Sweet — and Australia's Queen of Tarts Philippa Sibley, as well as the aforementioned tour of Lune with the inimitable Kate Reid. On the topic of Lune — look away now, if you're not in Melbourne — the croissanterie is recreating some of its biggest hits for the festival, including the Lune Reuben croissant, which you can pre-order for pick-up or delivery via the Lune website. Elsewhere on the IRL menu: foie gras ice cream from Leonardo's Pizza Palace and Black Axe Mangal's Lee Tiernan, a one-off six-dish menu from Bar Saracen, an oyster and champagne pairing, and a menu of Torino-style dishes from Mister Bianco designed to eat while watching the classic 60s flick The Italian Job. [caption id="attachment_697090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lune by Marcie Raw[/caption] Back on the virtual program, expect a lineup of talks with international talent, including René Redzepi — who's just (temporarily) transformed his world-renowned Copenhagen fine-diner into a burger and wine bar — former co-editor of famed food magazine Lucky Peach Chris Ying and Lee Tiernan of London's Black Axe Mangal. More locally, The Everleigh's Michael Madrusan will teach us how to drink better, culinary idol Tony Tan will take us on a tour of his new cooking school and author Julia Busuttil Nishimura will show us the art of the one-pan dish. While The Online Edition has less hot chip parties and Queen Victoria Market takeovers than its scheduled predecessor, it's certainly not short on talent. The program has been pulled together by MFWF CEO Anthea Loucas Bosha and Creative Director Pat Nourse, who both have decades of experience in the food industry and will be hosting many of the virtual talks.
Two Australian music legends. Decades of collaboration. One long-awaited album. One big night. That's the maths behind the Brisbane leg of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' Carnage tour, which heads to the Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, December 9. Yes, this is some news to come sail your ships around — as part of an array of gigs in five states and one territory, on a tour that kicked off in mid-November and runs through to mid-December. The pair is doing the rounds to support the 2021 album that shares the tour's name, which actually marks Cave and Ellis' first studio album as a duo. [caption id="attachment_862516" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Megan Cullen[/caption] Bandmates across several projects since the 90s — including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Grinderman — Cave and Ellis are Aussie icons, with careers spanning back decades. Together, they also boast more than a few phenomenal film scores to their names as well, including for The Proposition, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Road, West of Memphis, Far From Men, Hell or High Water and Wind River.Cave and Ellis have headed home after an American Carnage tour, and following Cave's subsequent tour with the Bad Seeds in Europe. [caption id="attachment_845538" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Laurine Payet[/caption] Top image: Palma Sabina.
In need of some new procrastination material? Well, you're in luck. Google image search 'Banff' and spend a few minutes (or half an hour) taking in the gorgeous pictures of snow-capped mountains, aqua water and towering pines. It's impossible to not daydream about holidaying somewhere far-flung and exciting while ogling these picture-perfect views, as we're sure you'll agree. Thankfully, you'll have the opportunity to slip into this magical world without ever leaving Brisbane. The River City's Brisbane Powerhouse is hosting Banff Mountain Film Festival's 2023 tour — the event's latest stopover, after beginning back in 1976. Its stunning cinematography attracts film buffs and adventurers alike, making the festival mighty popular across the world today. Every November, hundreds of films enter the competition with the cream of the crop chosen to entertain and amaze festival goers. Some of the featured flicks battled it out in categories including Best Film on Mountain Sport, Best Film on Mountain Environment, Best Film on Mountain Culture, Best Film on Exploration and Adventure, People's Choice Award and more. Check out eight of them from Wednesday, June 21–Saturday, June 24, in a two-hour-plus package featuring shorts about creative freeskiers, saving glaciers, waterfall kayaking, bridge climbing, doing wheelies and more.
Eager to devour some of the best food the world has to offer, but can't afford a trip to one of the usual culinary hotspots? Stop feeling envious and start eating in your own backyard. No, not literally — but TripAdvisor has just released a rundown of the world's ten best emerging foodie destinations, with Australia claiming three places on the list. While Quebec City in Canada took out top spot and Savannah in the US came in second, Sydney ranked third, Queenstown in Tasmania came fourth and Brisbane ninth. The selection is based on tour bookings via the site, and highlights cities where reservations are on the rise. The list also reveals the most-booked experiences in each location — although, unsurprisingly, the top picks are all tourist favourites rather than local go-tos. A trip to Sydney Tower's 360 Bar and Dining unsurprisingly proves the most popular in New South Wales, while a lunchtime cruise along the Brisbane River on the Kookaburra Queen emerged victorious in Queensland. Other cities named 'foodie destinations to watch' include San Juan in Puerto Rico, Miami and Charleston in the US, Cabo San Lucas in Mexico and Vienna in Austria. For travellers looking for an overseas jaunt to an existing culinary mecca, the site also named the best overall food cities in the world, running through the thoroughly usual suspects from Rome, Florence and Paris to Madrid, Tokyo and Bangkok.
“Two part human, one part machine” Civil Civic are enigmatic, noisy, fizzy, melodic and are causing quite the stir. This duo have been touring relentlessly across Europe, hitting up festivals, performing alongside the likes of Spiritualized and The XX, all the while a hot topic of the UK press. To add to their charm, it is often left unknown the origins of the CC creators; one half lives in Barcelona, the other in London, both born in Australia but have never performed in their home towns. Now, for the first time, and in the wake of their latest album Rules, Civil Civic are touring the land of Oz, bringing their oversized sound to the cozy dwellings of Black Bear Lodge. To get a taste of what’s to come, you can preview their LP, released on February 1, at www.civilcivic.com.
Alejandro G. Inarritu follows his Oscar-winning Birdman with a down-and-dirty western inspired by true events. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the role that many believe will finally win him his Oscar, The Revenant is a violent, unrelenting slog through the mud and snow of the untamed American frontier. It's raw and elemental and masterfully shot, capturing bloody, frenzied action with astounding fluidity and grace. Sounds incredible, right? Actually, that's where you'd be wrong. For all its viscera, and despite its technical merits, this over-hyped backwoods adventure left us feeling bored. Now admittedly, that boredom took a while to set in. For much of the first hour of the film's two and a half hour running time, it's hard not to be floored by what Inarritu and his long-time cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki have achieved. When a hunting party comes under attack by a Native American tribe, the camera weaves and pivots in and out of the action, dodging extras and arrows in a series of long, unbroken takes. Later, DiCaprio's character Hugh Glass is almost mauled to death by a grizzly bear, in another bravura one-shot sequence that will leave audiences wondering how Innaritu pulled it off. Like Birdman, this is bold, ambitious filmmaking, and we'd be lying if we said we weren't initially impressed. But the comparison to Inarritu's previous film is an importance one to make, for the reason that Birdman feels like more than just a technical exercise. Strip away the showy camerawork, and you still have characters and ideas that are actually worth caring about. The Revenant, on the other hand, has neither. With Glass on the edge of death, Captain Henry (Domhnall Gleeson) has the villainous Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) stay behind so that the dying man might receive a proper burial. Fitzgerald promptly buries Glass alive, and murders his teenage son Hawk (Forrest Goodluck) for good measure. But of course Glass doesn't die, and instead hauls his wounded backside through the unforgiving wilderness so he might get his chance at revenge. As you might have gathered, the narrative is pretty thin – but that wouldn't be an issue if we could get behind the characters. DiCaprio, to his credit, gives it everything he's got, wheezing, snarling, screaming and putting his body through the ringer. It's exactly the kind of performance that Academy voters love, and to a certain extent it's easy to see why. But again, there's a difference between what's bold and what's actually interesting. As hard as DiCaprio tries, he never succeeds in making Glass anything other than a one-dimensional protagonist, who we're meant to root for simply because the screenwriters put him through hell. The borderline insane Fitzgerald proves a little more interesting – and like DiCaprio, Hardy commits fully to the role, reaching yet again into his seemingly bottomless bag of absolutely baffling accents. In the end though, Glass and Fitzgerald are just archetypes – a goody and a baddy destined to hack one another to pieces. Because the duality of man. Or something. There are times when style alone is enough to carry a movie. Unfortunately, this isn't one of them. Without characters to latch on to, or much in the way of deeper thematic content, the novelty of Inarritu's formal work eventually begins to wear off. Strange as it may seem given their disparate settings, but the recent film to which The Revenant suffers most by comparison is Mad Max: Fury Road. Both movies deliver immersive action and stylish cinematography, but only one manages to couple it with awesome characters and a modicum of brains. Plus, y'know, Mad Max had female characters with actual lines of dialogue. So there's that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRfj1VCg16Y
In accomplished The Box style, this creative little art-space brings together a cross-pollination of talent that have long been riddling Brisbane but in only the humblest of manners. Bloody Oath gives the long awaited recognition to a set of artists who encompass work expressing diverse cultural heritage, and a play on stereotypical Australian culture This string of artist's projects and designs are recognised as some of our best local exports, from Holly Ryan's coneptual yet classic jewellery to Frank+Mimi's signage which is taking over almost every Brisbane street. From design to detail, the art of Ellie Anderson is as intricate as the environment she paints. Exploring patterns, print-making and flaura and fauna, her art has featured in Brisbane's very own Bleeding Hearts Gallery, Oh Hello and Brew as well as being collected locally and abroad in the UK and Canada. Be it a strong use of Australian iconography, symbolism, or artwork derived directly from a culture, ‘Bloody Oath’ presents a visual snapshot of the modern Australian identity through the works of these local creatives.
Another year has rolled by too quickly and with Halloween creeping around the corner, along with it comes one of Brisbane’s favourite traditions: The Zombie Walk. Just in case you somehow missed it last year, Zombie Walk is an organised public march of people dressed up in costumes to raise money for the Brain Foundation. It’s freaky and for a good cause! Looking like they just stepped off the set of Shaun of the Dead, the swarm of zombies drag their limbs around the city in a somewhat orderly fashion before finishing up at Centenary Place then doing the Thriller dance to the official after party. This year the aim is set a world record for the largest gathering of zombies, so if you are attending please register your details online here and be part of zombie history. Although it's free to join in the festivities, you can get a group together and raise money here. Think of it like a fun run with a twist! The top zombie team - Pickled Brains - has so far raised $4696 and the total fundraising isn’t far off reaching their goal of $10, 000. Everyone can do their bit to help. If you’re not into ripping up your clothing and covering your body in fake blood, why not be a stylish zombie representing local fashion in one of Lauren Carney’s ‘I like your brain’ tees? There is a limited edition of fifty made, with fifty per cent of all profits donated to the Brain Foundation. There are plenty of ways to show your support this Zombie Walk. Great minds taste alike.
In recent years, secondhand shopping has become somewhat of a sport. Sorting through endless racks of clothes at your local op shops can take hours before you find just the right piece. However, the solution may be secondhand markets, which lean towards curated racks that are easier to sift through and almost always guarantee a bargain. Brisbane's Love Me Again Markets are a goldmine for the best second-hand finds, with proceeds being donated to worthy charities, on top of benefiting Brisbane locals. One standout at the Love Me Again Markets is the charity rack, which offers $10 designer pieces donated by past stallholders, including brands like Zimmerman, Alemais and Camilla. You can also expect to find reasonably priced secondhand gems from the many local stallholders on the day, who offer a range of items from cocktail dresses and accessories to baby clothes and designer handbags. Not only can you find designer clothes for a fraction of the price, but 100 per cent of the proceeds from the charity rack go towards causes like Beyond DV. In the past year alone, Love Me Again Markets has raised $18,765, funded advocacy training for survivors, education support for kids, and the development of a youth-focused safety app —that's all while rescuing over 1600 pieces of clothing from landfill. The initiative has been so popular that it has now expanded to the Morningside markets, also helping restore the historic Morningside Hall. "We're absolutely thrilled with the impact the Charity Rack is having – not only in keeping fashion out of landfill, but in directly funding services that change lives," says Love Me Again Markets co-founders Lana Sciasci and Isobel Dear. "We've had shoppers find dresses on the $10 rack that retail for over $1,000, from the likes of Zimmermann, Alemais, Camilla and more. Our seller community is so incredibly generous, and our buyers get to reap the rewards." For feel-good shopping, head to Love Me Again Markets in Milton and Morningside every Sunday. Or, sign up to become a stallholder via the website.
Brisbane quartet Mitzi are continually making strides with their musical endeavours, dabbling in niche sounds and creating an overall unique deliverance. After blowing away audiences with their debut EP All I Heard, Mitzi is back with the first single from their forthcoming album Truly Alive, set to be released next year. Showcasing their own take on garage disco, NY indie and Aussie pop, the group’s new track “Who Will Love You Now” will be celebrated by way of a performance at Black Bear Lodge. With their building success, Mitzi are playing bigger arenas and festivals, and so this intimate performance should be caught before it’s too late.
Ever since Freddie Mercury teamed up with Brian May and company back in the 70s, Queen has never been out of fashion. And, thanks to Bohemian Rhapsody and the band's current members touring Down Under, the UK group has been grabbing plenty of attention again in recent years. You could call it a kind of magic. You could say that their songs must go on. Either way, if you're happy to let the British band keep rocking you, then you'll want to catch London's Queen by Candlelight when it debuts in Australia. While Queen tribute nights aren't rare — and neither are ones lit by flickering flames — this is the OG West End production, which features a live rock band and a cast of singers from London busting out the group's famous tracks. Been feeling a crazy little thing called love for Freddie and his bandmates? Then you'll clearly be in the right spot, with Queen by Candlelight playing the QPAC Concert Hall at 8pm on Wednesday, February 1. If your approach to the group's music is "I want it all!", that's what you'll hear. For one night, the event will break free so that Queen lovers can celebrate with their fellow champions. The aim: to make you feel like you're hearing the real thing, in a venue glowing with candles. In the UK, the gigs — which feature more than 20 Queen tracks — have proven sellouts.
"It's been raining for so long" isn't just a lyric from an 80s hit by Australian-New Zealand rockers Dragon. It's also how Brisbanites feel about 2022 so far. And, just last weekend, that wet weather spelled the end for this year's Regional Flavours festival — but the event still wants you to show some love to all the local culinary folks who were set to take part. While Regional Flavours' hefty lineup of food and drink businesses — and star chefs and other figures in the industry — weren't able to converge upon South Bank between Friday, May 13–Sunday, May 15, they are all being thrust into the spotlight via the fest's new online directory. Available via the event's website, it's designed to help you shop at and support the stores, stalls, eateries and talent you would've been enjoying if things hadn't gotten soggy, cancelling the fest at the last minute. In total, 62 vendors who'd prepared for the event are featured, as well as 25 chefs and musicians who were slated to perform or present. The site links you through to their online stores or websites, acting as a handy portal to a heap of Brisbane talent. Here, you'll find musicians selling merch; links through to chefs such as Ben Williamson from Agnes, Phil Marchant from Essa, Louis Tikaram from Stanley and Katrina Ryan from Golden Pig Restaurant and Cooking School; and plenty of food and booze options. Hankering for brews, gin, Portuguese custard tarts, pastries, cheese, gnocchi and vino? Thanks to listings for everywhere from Easy Times Brewing Co, Winston Quinn Gin and Lisboa Caffe to German Bakehouse, Bunya Cheese, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers and Sirromet Winery, you have choices. It's been a rough few years for the hospitality and entertainment industries in Queensland, not only due to 2022's chaotic weather but also the pandemic, so helping local producers and musos out is a particularly worthy cause. To check out the Regional Flavours directory, head to the event's website.
"Siri — write my Her review". "[da-dup]…I'm not sure I understand". Yeah, okay. So, it's not perfect, but the fact is, I just had a conversation with my phone. What's more, I didn't feel weird about it, and — most crucially — neither did the people around me. It's for this reason that Spike Jonze's new movie Her feels eerily and uncomfortably plausible. Familiar, even. In fact, inevitable. Set in the almost certainly near future, Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly — a gentle, retiring man who works at BeautifulHandwrittenLetters.com penning heartfelt correspondence between people he's never met. In his personal life, his wife (Rooney Mara) has left him and now communicates exclusively via their lawyers. In short, nobody really talks anymore. Then one day he buys and installs a new operating system called 'OS1' — an artificially intelligent construct that names herself, or rather itself, 'Samantha' (voiced to perfection by Scarlett Johansson). At first Samantha simply streamlines Theodore's life, triaging his emails and encouraging him to get out more, but gradually, as she evolves and learns more from their interactions, they begin to fall in love. It seems ridiculous, yes, but thanks to Jonze's masterful script and direction, it never really feels it, and that's what makes HER the first must-see film of 2014. "Is it a real relationship?" Theodore asks his best friend (a game designer played by Amy Adams), to which she replies: "Well… what is real?" It sounds like hack freshman philosophy but actually cuts to the core of the film, because — in essence — Theodore's relationship is largely indistinguishable from every real-world, long-distance one. In this increasingly international age where overseas employment and study opportunities beckon with greater frequency and ease, it often feels like the number one obstacle for couples to overcome is mere geography. Hence, nobody bats an eyelid when two people attempt to sustain a relationship exclusively and indefinitely via phone calls, meaning — to the outside world — Theodore's interactions with Samantha are just as commonplace and unremarkable. And ultimately, who's to say they're not? Look around you right now. How many people are on their phones — talking, listening, scrolling, reading or playing? The loneliness and isolation of an increasingly interconnected world is a pervasive and fascinating phenomenon, but few have yet explored how humanity's growing fusion with technology might lead to actual relationships with it. Well, except maybe for the Japanese. To say much more is to risk giving away precious moments and quiet surprises (of which there are many), though it's worth noting Her pleasantly avoids a lot of tech in-jokes and future gags that could easily have rendered it a far more pedestrian affair. Ultimately, it is a beautiful, imaginative and provocative offering by Jonze that asks some fascinating questions about the direction love is taking in the technological age. Could we love an operating system, and — more importantly — could it love us back? "Siri - do you love me?" "[da-dup] Look…a puppy!" Man, love is hard. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ne6p6MfLBxc
Whether you think you can dance or know for a fact that you can't, we have got a hell of an at-home activity for you. Groove Therapy has brought its judgement-free classes online and is charging just $8 a pop. The relaxed, 35-minute live streamed classes for the aspiring street dancer in all of us run most nights at 6 or 6.30pm AEST via Zoom. From Sunday–Thursday, you can partake in a Sweats in Sweats class — where you'll stretch it out and learn a mini-choreography — then on Friday the founder of Mission Stiletto Cassandra Merwood will run you through a playful class in stilettos (if you want, otherwise barefoot is just fine). Indeed, the classes are designed for beginner students who might feel intimidated by a more professional environment. Don't let that fool you though, because the instructors are legit, and will have you popping and locking in no time. It's perfect for those of us who dream of burning up the dance floor, but have never had the moves to back it up. If you'd like to sink your teeth into a longer dance program, Groove Therapy also offers four online dance courses, which you can progress through at your own rate. Kick things off with the 16-class Beginner 1: Grooves (for $69); level up with Party Dances ($89), which'll teach you everything from the moonwalk to the running man, then complete your education with House 1 ($89) and 11 ($69). You'll be ready to rip up the disco dance floor in no time. Images: Gracie Steindl
The world was only lucky enough to receive 20 episodes of the surrealist wonder that is The Mighty Boosh, but, like a talking moon and drinking Baileys from a shoe, it made an impact. If you know what we're talking about, then break out your best blazer with elbow patches and make like a part-man, part-fish to Blute's Bar at 7pm on Wednesday, December 12. With more flair than Noel Fielding's wardrobe, and more attitude than Julian Barratt's disaffected gaze, the Fortitude Valley watering hole is taking on the cult British show by doing it does every now and then — asking trivia questions, waiting for your answers and handing out prizes. To be honest, wondering just what themed rewards could possibly be on offer is a huge drawcard. It promises to be the kind of night where anything could happen. And, the kind of journey through space and time as well. As always, entry is free but rocking up to Mighty Boosh Trivia early enough to nab a table is highly recommended.
Wednesday is my favourite day of the week. “But Emma, clearly Friday/Saturday/Sunday is the best day!” Say what you will about the Big W, I will not be swayed. I dare you to be challenged by the wonders of Wednesdays: it's the middle of the week, there's only two more days until the weekend, it's a perfect day to call in sick, and it's the only day you have auto-spell out in your head. Oh, and there's Hump Day beer tasting at Kerbside. Judging by the pictures of June's event, there were many attractive, bespectacled, bearded men in attendance. Attendees need obviously have good taste in appearance AND in beer. That's not to say this alliance of well-groomed citizens could do without some other beer-loving friends. Hump Day tastings are all about bringing together beer-dies (see what I did there?) to try the newest beer imported to Brisbane. On the menu are 5 of the latest brews straight from Belgium (the makers of the finest beers in the world) via the Viven range from Brouwerij Van Viven, and you can sample them all! As if that isn't enough, there's also light snacks supplied, all for $35. If you also have a luscious face-fro/glasses or enjoy those with them and a fine palette for the very best, you should join the crew at Kerbside this Wednesday. It'll be your favourite day soon, too.
No one likes Mondays; however, everyone loves a bargain. Combine the two — and throw in vegan and vegetarian eats as well — and you have BrewDog's regular special. On Vegan Mondays, anyone who's keen to tuck into the Scottish brewery's meat-free menu at its riverside Australian base in Murarrie and new beer bar in Fortitude Valley will score two dishes for the price of one. Yes, that's just the kind of news both your stomach and your wallet need to start off the week — and it happens all day every single Monday. [caption id="attachment_877690" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] Four types of burgers are on offer, so you can pick between two made with chicken-style patties ($24.95), a beef-style variety ($24.95) and a plant-based reuben ($25.95) — all with fries. Depending on which venue you head to, other choices include three types of pizza ($22.95–24.95), cauliflower wings ($12.95–34.95), mixed bean tacos ($23.95), a tomato and baby mozzarella salad ($24.95). You'll pay extra for your brews, of course — and the offer is only available if you're eating in. Images: Pandora Photography.
Music venues across Melbourne and regional Victoria are set to take part in a pilot anti-sexual harassment and assault program, launched by the State Government this week. To begin, staff members in nine venues will receive training in identifying and responding to incidents. This will be followed in late April with the distribution of posters and related materials. Officially titled the Sexual Harassment and Assault in Licensed Live Music Venues Pilot Program, the initiative was created by a taskforce and working group convened in mid-2015. Members include representatives of LISTEN, SLAM (Save Live Australian Music), Music Victoria, Live Music Office and Victorian Police. The Victorian Government, under Labor Premier Daniel Andrews, provided funding. Venues taking part in the pilot, which will run for twelve weeks, are Corner Hotel, Richmond; Howler, Brunswick; Revolver Upstairs, Prahran; The Toff in Town, Melbourne CBD; The Gasometer, Collingwood; The Croxton Bandroom, Thornbury; The Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights; The Workers Club, Geelong and Karova Lounge, Ballarat. "This ground-breaking program will enable staff and patrons to step in and better respond to sexual harassment when it happens, and to prevent it from happening in the first place," said Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz. In 2012, UNSW researcher Dr Bianca Fileborn surveyed 230 women and found that 96 percent "thought harassment happened in bars and clubs", with 80 percent describing it as common.
Can't pick a theme for New Year's Eve? Or a costume? Or a price range? Well, who says you have to? Not the Story Bridge Hotel, given that they're clearly quite indecisive themselves. That's why they're throwing not one, not two, but three parties. In the Shelter Bar and Outback Bar, patrons can wander into wonderland for the Mad Hatters NYE Garden Party. If you don't have appropriate headwear but you do have a tux, then you can revel in Bond in the Martini and Heritage Rooms. Or, if you just want a classy, theme-free evening, The Piano Room's classy night out is probably your best bet. Wearing a suit and hat will get you into all three, but that will prove a little expensive.
Because you’re reading this, we know you’re not someone who received a pet for Christmas, only to decide it wasn't for you. We know you're one of the good folks. You're probably wishing that you did receive a loveable animal as a gift, even if you already have one — or several — that you adore. We understand your yearning, and so does RSPCA Queensland. In trying to find permanent homes for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens surrendered into their care from all over the state, they’re bringing all those cuddly creatures to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday 16 January for their second pop-up adoption event. Entry is free, and includes demonstrations, entertainment, food, and activities, as well as RSPCA stalls and information. And then there’s the hundreds of animals waiting for your affection — and for you to take them home with you. Although you can't put a price on the happiness a new four-legged friend will bring, discounted rates do apply on the day for those willing to adopt an older cat or dog. Kittens and puppies aged under four months will also be looking for someone to love them. The time and place is perfect for many a Brisbane resident, coinciding with the first day of the biannual secondhand free-for-all that is Lifeline Bookfest. Who doesn’t want to go out for a day of book browsing, puppy perusing and cat patting? You might just come home with six month's worth of reading, and a new pal to keep you company. There's more to pet adoption than overdosing on cuteness, of course, with making the commitment to care for an animal serious business. For further information, read RSPCA Queensland’s FAQs.
In 2011, in this very country and galaxy, a pop culture favourite gained a singing, stripping burlesque parody. It's the mash-up that was bound to happen. Who hasn't looked at George Lucas' space opera, its sprawling drama and ample spectacle, and wondered what a steamier, funnier version with more visible butt cheeks would look like? Russall S. Beattie clearly did, and had a good feeling that other people would give it a shot. The Empire Strips Back was the end result. It became a hit around Australia, then took itself overseas to much acclaim. Now it's returning home for a 2019 tour — once again showing local audiences that lightsabers aren't the hottest thing in the Star Wars galaxy. The saucy show promises "seriously sexy stormtroopers, a dangerously seductive Boba Fett, some tantalising Twi'leks, a delightfully lukewarm Taun Taun, a lady-like Skywalker [and] the droids you are looking for", according to its website. Apparently Yoda doesn't get the sexed-up treatment, but there is plenty of song, dance, acrobatics and — because it's burlesque — the removal of clothing. A dancing Chewie and Han is just the beginning of this cheeky take on Star Wars cosplay. Given that it's got an upbeat soundtrack, the costumes are extremely detailed and the show throws out lots of references to George Lucas' original plot, it's not surprising that local audiences — presumably the same ones that pack out Star Wars parties and large-scale screenings with a live orchestra — have latched onto the production. Heading to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, The Empire Strips Back sits alongside Dame of Thrones in Beattie's pop culture parody stable — so if you've already seen one of your fantastical screen obsessions get the burlesque treatment, then you know what you're in for. If you're super keen, you can also nab a Wookieerotica magazine online: a 116-page, 70s-style men's mag, just casually featuring all of your favourite jedis, siths, ewoks and other Star Wars characters. Either way, it could be a great introduction to burlesque or Star Wars, depending on which way you're coming at it. The Empire Strips Back tours Australia early 2019. It will be at Perth's Regal Theatre on January 11–12, Melbourne's Palais Theatre on January 18, Brisbane's The Tivoli from January 31 to February 2 and Sydney's Enmore Theatre on February 15–16. Ticket pre-sales commence at 9am on Thursday, September 13 — visit the show's website for further details. Images: Jon Bauer, Leslie Liu and Josh Groom.
Things are looking bright in the centre of Australia — not only thanks to Uluru's stunning Field of Light installation, which has been illuminating the Red Centre for the past two years, but also courtesy of the annual Parrtjima – A Festival In Light. When the latter first kicked off back in 2016, it became the nation's first Indigenous festival of its kind and unveiled the country's biggest-ever light installation. Now it's back for another luminous outing in 2018. Taking place between September 28 and October 7 at the Alice Springs Desert Park, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light returns with its another big feat: its biggest program yet. The focal point is the fest's ten nights of light installations, all crafted by Aboriginal artists and set against the MacDonnell Ranges. Attendees can feast their eyes on a light show that spans along more than two kilometres of the land mass, with this year's theme "from sunset to sunrise" — or walk across projections on the desert sands, wander among large-scale sculptures and mosey through a tunnel of light. An interactive experience also allows visitors to select a series of colours, then see their choices brighten up the bush using more than 500 LEDs. In addition, this year's event will also feature a second showcase of light in the Todd Mall, complete with a new installation about the area's caterpillar dreaming stories. It forms part of the festival's second hub, with curator Rhoda Roberts' program of music, film, dance performances and talks spread across the festival's two sites. Music-wise, that includes headliners Electric Fields, who'll play against the stunning scenic backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges. The Tinkerbee Dancers lead the dance component, while a nightly cinema program will showcase local and national filmmakers. And for those so entranced by the lights — understandably — that they want to know more, Parrtjima's Behind the Lights session will feature Roberts, the festival's lighting designer Richard Neville and AGB Events project director Rodney Cambridge chatting about their glowing creations. The 2018 event marks Parrtjima's third instalment — and while it'll be back for a fourth in 2019, it's heading to a new timeslot. If you're planning a trip next year rather than this year, mark April 5–14 in your calendars. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs from September 28 to October 7 in the Alice Springs Desert Park, Alice Springs, Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website.
For plenty of Australians, a piece of toast isn't complete unless it's slathered with Vegemite. For others, musk sticks are a go-to sweet treat and always have been. Of course, what one person eats for breakfast or dessert, another considers gross, with both Aussie favourites earning a place in Sweden's new Disgusting Food Museum. Now open in Malmö, the museum does indeed feature Vegemite and musk sticks, as well as a third Australian item: witchetty grubs. Beyond much-loved but highly polarising Australian spreads and sweets, everything within the site's walls is considered food somewhere. Think Sweden's own surstömming, aka fermented herring; cuy, the Peruvian roasted guinea pigs; casu marzu, a maggot-infested cheese from Sardinia; hákarl, the Icelandic dish comprised of well-aged shark; and Thailand's notoriously pungent durian. In total, 80 foods from around the world are on display until January 27, with liquorice, jell-o salad, fruit bat and bull's penis among the other exhibits. For an entry fee of 185 Swedish krona (approximately AU$29), visitors can also smell and taste selected items. Plus, the museum holds 'taste one for the team' sessions for groups of six or more, where you can challenge your friends to the kinds of tastings that you don't get every day. If you're currently asking yourself the obvious question — not 'what's wrong with Vegemite?', but rather 'what would inspire someone to open this kind of place?' — the Disgusting Food Museum is all about challenging accepted ideas of what's edible and tasty. It recognises that what one person finds delicious, another might find revolting and vice-versa. Speaking to Vox, curator and 'chief disgustologist' Samuel West specifically uses Vegemite as an example, explaining that it initially tastes awful, but you can learn to like it. Find the Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö, Sweden from October 29. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the museum's website or Facebook page. Via ABC.
If you'd like to pull up a seat and spend a couple of hours watching the best short films the world has to offer, you'll love Flickerfest Short Film Festival. Australia's most respected (and oldest) short film festival is celebrating 26 years and appearing at Palace Centro Cinemas from February 10-11. This year, the hardworking peeps behind the festival have watched over 2,400 entries from around the globe and whittled the options down to a select few that you can feast your eyes on. Australia's only Academy-accredited and BAFTA-recognised short film festival is the best spot to see the freshest and most innovative film talent from around the world. Among the full programme is Timecode — a Spanish film about a dancing security guard which has been nominated for an Academy Award. Other highlights include Messiah — a hapless Irishman and his Parisian girlfriend encounter a mischievous stranger in the Australian wilderness — and My Best Friend Is Stuck On The Ceiling — the story of Connor, who is secretly in love with his best friend and wishes he bought her a gift voucher instead of the extravagant gift he ended up getting. On Friday February 10 it's the 'Best of Australian Shorts' programme, a specially-curated selection of Australian short films including shorts from Queensland filmmakers. The exclusive after-party gives you the chance to mingle with the next wave of Aussie filmmakers over catered food and drinks. On Saturday February 11 the first 'Best of International' programme is on — a selection of the best short films from around the world. After spending ten days at Bondi Beach in New South Wales, the festival has ventured on to a 52-date national tour, spreading the Flickerfest love Australia-wide. [competition]608010[/competition]
No drink gets the party started quite like an espresso martini. So, next time you want to kick on past 10pm, put that vodka Red Bull down and get yourself this cocktail stat. Not many know a lot about this boozy beverage — even those who love it. That's why we've partnered with super-popular coffee liqueur label Kahlúa, founded in Mexico back in the mid-30s, to dive into the history of the dance-inducing drink, to bring you fun facts to impress your mates with, and to give you an easy recipe for the classic cocktail to make at home. Because, like any good cocktail, the key to a moreish espresso 'tini is using top-quality ingredients. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ESPRESSO MARTINI While some drinks have been around for centuries, the fun-lovin' espresso martini is fairly new to the bar scene. First created by revolutionary London bartender Dick Bradsell back in the early 80s, the cocktail's birth is attributed to a soon-to-be supermodel asking for a booze-fuelled drink that would simultaneously wake them up. As vodka back then was the spirit a la mode, Bradsell threw a generous shot of it in with a shot of coffee pulled from the barside espresso machine, plus some coffee liqueur (our money's on Kahlúa) and sugar syrup, then shook away before pouring it into a martini glass. That day, Bradsell made history. Now, the espresso martini is one of the best-known contemporary cocktails. Walk into any bar and chances are you'll see someone sipping one or a bartender furtively shaking one up. While the drink features on cocktail lists the world over, Aussies can't get enough of them. Why? Perhaps it's due to our obsession for good coffee — or because we want to relive the good ol' dancing days of the 80s. Either way, you can get it at pretty much any bar, with some even having the super-popular drop on tap these days. FUN FACTS It's rumoured that Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell could be the model behind the birth of the espresso martini. Initially, the drink was simply called a vodka espresso, before coming the Pharmaceutical Stimulant in the late 90s. Now, it's widely known as the espresso martini. While the proper spelling — and pronunciation — is espresso, many dictionaries now cite expresso as a variant. So, if you're guilty of ordering the latter, you're technically off the hook. It's not actually a martini, which consists of gin and vermouth, but rather got its name from being served in a martini glass. Now, the drink is often served in coups and even tumblers. HOW TO SHAKE UP THE PERFECT ESPRESSO MARTINI AT HOME The Classic Espresso Martini serves one This easy, three-ingredient cocktail is one you can master without needing to be a whiz behind the bar. Plus, it's bound to get any at-home party started — even if it's just you. Ingredients 1 shot Kahlúa coffee liqueur 1 shot vodka 1 shot coffee espresso 3 whole coffee beans Ice Method Pour Kahlúa, vodka and espresso into shaker. Add lots of ice. Shake it (like a polaroid picture) for about 30 seconds. With a strainer, pour concoction into a martini glass, coup or whatever vessel pleases you. Garnish with three coffee beans. If you're whipping up drinks for your housemates, you can shake up to three at a time, depending on the size of the cocktail shaker. Just be sure to stick to the ratios. Or, you can save yourself the hassle and get your hands on Kahlúa's Espresso Style Martini ready-to-drink cans. For more Kahlúa cocktail recipes to try shaking up at home, head here. Images: Kitti Gould
Although headlines spout statistics and assumptions about refugees, it's rare that we get insight into an individual's experience. But Melbourne-born doco maker David Fedele is changing that. His 2014 film The Land Between took audiences into the world of asylum seekers living in the mountains of northern Morocco and risking death to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla. Now, he's collaborating with refugee Adama Konate to bring us a unique film, Clandestine Crossing. Konate, who lives in France, will be returning alone to his home country, the Ivory Coast, where he'll re-trace the journey he risked eleven years ago as an asylum seeker. This time, though, he'll be armed with a camera. So, through his eyes, we'll experience his dangerous flight across the Sahara Desert to Morocco, through seven countries and often in the hands of people smugglers. It's a path taken by thousands of asylum seekers every year. "As far as I know, it's never been done before," Fedele said. "When most people leave their country, the last thing they're doing is thinking of making a film… Yet, here is a refugee prepare to take a risk. Why? Why is this so strong for him? He obviously feels strongly about the issues. It's also really interesting, because he wants to tell his own stories. "Adama came up with this idea three years ago and hasn't been able to get it out of his head… Our intention is to start from a place of understanding and empathy. We want to film openly, to understand the reality of why people leave and the reality of the challenges the face." To make Clandestine Crossing happen, Fedele and Konate are running a crowdfunding campaign via Indiegogo. Throw a few bucks their way to score a reward — from a digital download to a Skype chat with the directors.
Sure, you've seen a love story before — but have you seen the love story that launched a thousand others? That'd be Vis and Ramin. Before Tristan fell for Iseult, Lancelot gushed over Guinevere and Romeo courted Juliet, the latter chased after former. In the ancient Persian epic thought to date back to the 1st century AD, the titular young lovers tried to thwart their feuding families — and no, things didn't end happily. In fact, the influential tale is so jam-packed with rebellion, the rejection of social standards and challenges to inherited political structures that it has been banned in Iran since the Islamic Revolution. No wonder newly established Iranian-Australian theatre company Baran has chosen to stage a new take on the story, redeveloping Vis and Ramin as a bilingual, multimedia contemporary performance experience. Nodding to history both past and present, the production analyses misconceptions of Iran and Iranian women, and interrogates the contemporary politics of the Middle Eastern country — and tells a tale as old as time as well.
Food is glorious for a whole heap of reasons. It's tasty and it provides much-needed sustenance, for starters — and nothing brings people together like a good meal. That's the principle behind A Taste of Belonging, the latest event in the State Library of Queensland's Belonging series. On April 22, sitting down for a three-course dinner becomes a meaningful culinary experience, complete with an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Iranian, Chinese and Venezuelan cuisines, and insights into the history and culture behind each dish. Plus, the entire mouthwatering feast will be whipped up by Wandering Cooks and Alphabet Cafe based on recipes shared by the Romero Centre's migrant communities.
There's no shortage of ice cream in Brisbane (especially with Messina opening their doors last week), but there's only one annually-available frosty delight that everyone wishes they could eat all year-round. You know exactly which pink-coloured dessert we're talking about — it's hands-down the best thing about the Ekka. Get excited, strawberry sundae lovers — the revamped King Street precinct will be giving the city an early treat at a one-night-only pop-up. From 5.45pm on Wednesday, April 12, the intersection of Bowen Hills' King Street and Gregory Terrace will become a strawberry sundae wonderland. Folks, there'll be 250 ice creams on offer, and they'll all be free. The only catch is you have to win tickets to head along, so keep your eyes fixed on King Street's social media. Attendees can also get their strawberry fix at King Street's permanent eateries, with the likes of Sushi & Nori, Il Verde, Super Combo and The Lamb Shop whipping up themed dishes and drinks for the occasion. The pop-up is timed to coincide with the unveiling of an installation celebrating the iconic dessert, which was created by students Aimee Watt, Annabelle Cridland, Alexandra Lucey and Bridget Cassidy from Queensland University of Technology's Creative Industries faculty. Sitting at the end of the precinct's old Dairy Hall, their sign will provide "a way for everyone to relive their experience with the strawberry sundae all year around", said project director for the Brisbane Showgrounds, Andrew Hay. King Street's strawberry sundae stall will pop up from 5.45pm on Wednesday, April 12, on the corner of King Street and Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more information.
At some points confronting, yet almost always awe-inspiring, Of the Causes of Wonderful Things is a theatre piece with a premise and execution like no other. While theater has the ability to make us cry, ponder and reavluate our lives, this play by first-time-writer Tayla Rubin will provoke and tease all three of the afore mentioned whilst examining the redemptive power of confronting darkness. The plot alone of Rubin's self written and performed show is evidence enough this isn't a light, feel good romp. The story follows the disappearance of Esther Drewery's five nieces and nephews and her search to find them which leads her underground. Literally. Through one woman alone on stage, five missing children's characters are explored along with the very essence of classic noir tied with far deeper, disturbing themes. Though the audience's emotions and heartstrings will be toyed with in this production, a certain beauty also emerges from the weaves of darkness that emanate from this performance. This thought-provoking piece of theatre is running for four days only at the Brisbane Powerhouse – check it out and you might find yourself appreciating your own human condition.
Vegans tired of being excluded from affordable mainstream menus or, at best, treated as an after-thought, got some cheerful news earlier this month when Domino's Pizza announced it would trial vegan cheese on its pizzas. If you were one of those people that rushed out to order some cheap vegan pizza, we have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that, due to such a huge response, Domino's is quickly running out of the plant-based mozzarella. But the good news is very good: when it's back in stock, it will be on the menu forever more. With the cheese on the menu permanently, you'll be able to turn any pizza on the menu into an animal-free one by asking for vegan mozzarella and parting with an extra $2.95 (which is quite reasonable, really). At the moment Domino's has three all-vegan pizzas on the menu: the vegan avocado veg, the vegan spicy trio and the vegan margherita. "We knew the response was going to be big after the demand we saw for the product on social media but we had no idea it was going to be this big," said Nick Knight, CEO of Domino's Australia and New Zealand. "We're excited that customers love this product as much as we do and that we have been able to source a cheese alternative that vegan customers have given their tick of approval on." The decision to introduce vegan cheese came about as a result of a survey that Domino's conducted via its Facebook page in late 2017. Domino's created the cheese — which is also free of gluten, soy and cholesterol — in its LuvLab, aiming to mimic the taste, texture and melting power of dairy-based cheese. Obviously our fair city has plenty of pizza options that we'd recommend over Domino's, but, nonetheless, a cheap vegan pizza option is a huge win (and convenience) for those who eat a vegan diet. If you're planning on ordering a pizza this week, best to check if your local joint has any vegan cheese left before you get too excited. But, according to Domino's, when it comes back in stock, it'll be on the menu permanently.
The Valley's about to get pretty damn loud. Celebrating its second year, The Blurst of Times festival will see the likes of DZ Deathrays, Dick Diver and Hard Ons creating some bonafide chaos in Brisbane this October. Sporting a kickass Simpsons-lovin' title, the returning festival will see 28 bands take over three venues in the Valley for Saturday, October 18. The Blurst of Times lineup sees Brisbane's thrash pop favourites DZ Deathrays at the top, with Sydney punk rock legends Hard Ons and beloved Melbourne indie foursome Dick Diver. Brisbane's Blank Realm, Orphans Orphans, Major Leagues, Babaganouj and Rolls Bayce will also throw down sets alongside Canberra's TV Colours, Sydney's Day Ravies and Melbourne’s The UV Race and High Tension. Celebrating its second year of tomfoolery this October, The Blurst of Times has already cemented itself as a surefire Good Time on the Brissy calendar. The 2013 edition took over Alhambra Lounge, Coniston Lane and Black Bear Lodge with Violent Soho, Velociraptor, Scott and Charlene's Wedding, Drunk Mums and The Cairos among a solid lineup. This year, the festival will make The Brightside home, as well as the Brightside carpark and The Zoo. The Blurst of Times 2014 Lineup (first announcement): DZ Deathrays Hard-Ons Dick Diver Blank Realm Orphans Orphans The UV Race Major Leagues TV Colours High Tension Babaganouj Rolls Bayce Day Ravies High-Tails I, A Man Dollar Bar Roku Music The Good Sports The Upskirts Born Lion Salvadarlings The second Blurst of Times lineup announcement is due on September 8, with eight more bands to be revealed.
If you fancy getting into the swing of this year's Oktoberfest celebrations a couple of months early, The Bavarian certainly has you sorted. The group is expanding its stable of German-inspired bier halls, opening the doors to its latest venue at Petrie Terrace on Friday, August 2. And to celebrate, it's handing out a whopping 500 free hotdogs from 11am. The hot dogs are made using the Bavarian's traditional German wursts, topped with American-style sauces and garnishes. Given the eatery is just as famous for its sausage offering as it is for its schnitzels and crispy pork knuckles, that's quite the deal. You'll have to head along over lunch, up until 3pm, to get your freebie — although they'll only be available until all 500 have been snapped up. Of course, the German-style fun continues long after giveaway is over, with The Bavarian The Barracks dishing up authentic eats and icy cold steins, all year round.
