If eating your way through plenty of creative and tasty desserts is your current pandemic coping strategy, Gelato Messina has been more than willing to help over the past few months. This year alone, it has released cookie pies in choc chip, red velvet, choc-hazelnut, and peanut butter and jelly varieties; 40 of its best flavours; and full tubs of Iced VoVo gelato, Messina's own take on the classic Viennetta ice cream cake and a gelato based on Italy's famed cremino dessert. Oh, and it even whipped up a batch of sticky lamington-scroll hybrids as well. For Messina's next tastebud-tempter, it's answering a question you've probably never, ever thought of asking yourself: what would gelato inspired by fashion labels Rag & Bone, Café Kitsuné, State of Escape, Paloma Wool and Patagonia taste like? Well, although this query has likely never popped into your brain before, now you can find out. Dropping across five days from Tuesday, October 20–Saturday, October 24, the new flavours are part of a collaboration with lifestyle and streetwear hub Incu, to help it celebrate its 18th birthday. A different variety will become available each day, so if you want to try the full set, you'll either need to plan multiple desserts or head by — or order delivery via Deliveroo — at the end of the week. Arriving first is the Paloma Wool-inspired 'Island Souvenir', which is based on ensaïmadas from Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, uses brioche-like pastry as the gelato's base and then layers in chocolate custard. Next, you can lick your way through Café Kitsuné's 'Tea-ramisu', a take on tiramisu with Japanese matcha gelato and coffee-soaked biscuits. Also on offer: the State of Escape-influenced 'Wanderlust', combining mango, sherbet, coconut and lime; Patagonia's dark chocolate and honey sorbet 'Save takayna', which is named to raise awareness about Tasmania's takayna/Tarkine; and the Rag & Bone-inspired 'A Piece of Cake', as made with clotted cream gelato, layers of sponge cake and swirls of strawberry jam. If you're in Melbourne, remember that you can only venture to shops within five kilometres of your house — to get essentials, including food. The Incu x Messina range of flavours will be available for a week from Tuesday, October 20, in-store and via Deliveroo, with a new flavour dropping each day. Keep an eye on the Messina website for further details.
Strip the cash, labels and cheap tricks from rock'n'roll, restore the reckless danger and what you're left with is the pulverising, barraging band that is Drunk Mums. Since the release of their debut thumper, 'Eventual Ghost', they've been placed at the forefront of an important musical plight — bringing pub rock back to the people. They hold the prodigious ability, through sporadic riffs and rock-heavy tunes, to create a sound so rough and rampant it can only be played in venues that serve 'tinnies' or 'tallies'. With part Braithwaite, part Billy Thorpe, Jake Doyle on vocals, Dean Whitby on guitar, Adam Ritchie on bass, Johnny Badlove on drums and Isaac Forsyth on tambourine, the dynamics of Drunk Mums are quite extraordinary. They sweat VB, sport stubbies and singlets, and look like they've been been plucked from the pokies of the Cunnamulla Hotel. Look at them, and you'll either hold no expectations, or ones too wild to function. Listen to them, and you'll be blown away by the crunches, crazed riffs and corruptive melodies that transcend rum-pig-pub-rock, to something quite Bon Scott-esque. Now, with a self-titled album under their belts, performance slots in just about every Melbourne watering hole and mullets to match, Drunk Mum's have a ripper new single out and a tour to complement. We chatted to Adam about what we can expect from Plastic, the tour and their visit to the home of the XXXX Bitter Angels (Queensland, obviously). 2014 - new single, new clip, same hairdos. How have things changed from the days of house gigs in Cairns to riding the high life in Melbourne? First of all, Isaac shaved his head, so the hair is different. Can we move this along please (and stop talking about Cairns)? Height is the measurement of vertical distance and though our legs have grown from rigorous rock climbing, our outlook has yet to change. But the lack of Mi goreng is close to a blessing, acid shits are for the foolish and we moved on to well better sustenance. Tell us a bit about how new tune 'Plastic' came about? It's about Adam being drunk and thinking he was hearing something then finding out that the sound was coming from the little bit of plastic in a birthday card. It's pretty simple but we're sick of hearing people's problems in songs, tell me a story would ya? Can you describe the crux of your sound? If I were to repeatedly call you a 'garage surf pop band' how strongly would you hit me? 'Garage surf pop' is not really something that describes us. We're just playing what we like, putting in the energy is what we want to see come alive with our music. A lot of people seem to try make music thinking about what an audience wants to hear and we have no time for that. We are definitely influenced by classic Oz rock, but we make our music. What are the plans for the Queensland leg of the tour? A return to Cairns? Nah, just Brisbane on Saturday, June 7. The only people that would probably watch us in Cairns are our parents and respective family members. We'll go there on a later date when we can arrive in separate helicopters. Your sound is something pretty incredible on its own, but combine it with your live performance and you guys really become something else - stage convulsions, spitting, crowd surfing. How out of control can we expect this tour to be? It doesn't just depend on us! Everybody has to get involved. We wanna see homemade fireworks, beer bongs, naked people, frothing at the mouth. We're too busy playing rock songs, I mean c'mon! Help us out would ya? Any post-Plastic tour plans? More kids, more Ceno payments. Get the kids to go undercover and play our shows for us while we sit on the patio drinking shandies and reciting episodes of Neighbours. Kylie era. Finally, Drunk Mums the name? Is it so all those who Pirate Bay you get inundated with freaky, alcohol-fuelled, maternal-based pornography? We are all actually middle-aged women with kids we don't want. We replace the baby with the bottle. Wine bottle that is. Drunk Mum's are playing following dates at these fine pubs and drinking establishments for their Plastic Tour: 10/05 - GEELONG: The Barwon Club Hotel 17/05 - MELBOURNE: The Tote 24/05 - BALLARAT: Karova Lounve 25/05 - MELBOURNE: Cherry Bar 29/05 - SYDNEY: Frankie's Pizza By The Slice 30/05 - NEWCASTLE: The Small Ballroom 31/05 - SYDNEY: @ Tokio Sing Song / Live performance + Dj set till 4am 06/06 - BRISBANE: HOUSE SHOW (details posted closer to date) 07/06 - BRISBANE: Trainspotters 13/06 - WARNAMBOOL: The Loft 14/06 - ADELAIDE: The Edinburgh Castle Hotel
Master sommelier Madeline Triffon describes pinot noir as 'sex in a glass'. Winemaker Randy Ullom calls it 'the ultimate nirvana'. Broadway wannabe Titus Andromedon loved it so much he compares it to 'caviar, Myanmar, mid-size car' (see below). No wonder the good folk at Revel — who bring Game of Rhones our way each year — are coming back to town with Pinot Palooza, an epic travelling wine festival celebrating all things peeeno noir. For just one day, Brisbane wine connoisseurs will have the chance to sample more than 150 drops, direct from Australia and New Zealand's best producers. Expect drops from more than 40 wineries, plus a lineup of beer as well. Whether you're a newbie who wants to start with something light and inviting, or a pinot pro ready for the biggest, most complex mouthful on the menu, there'll be an abundance of selections at either end — and plenty along the spectrum, too. If, at any point, you need to take a pause in your tasting adventures, you'll be catered for. Food vendors have yet to be announced, but the calibre of previous years leads us to believe you won't be disappointed. Pinot Palooza will hit Brisbane Showgrounds from 1–6pm on Sunday, October 13. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $65 — and include all tastings and a take-home crystal Plumm RedB glass. What's more, those keen to fuel their brains (as well as their tastebuds) can spot $95 for a VIP pass. For that you'll get access to the VIP area, a glass of bubbles on arrival, entry into wine talks and some one-on-one with one of the event's sommeliers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6yttOfIvOw
Aunty, you’ve done it again; the Meredith Music Festival has announced both its 2014 lineup and declared this year's lucky ballot winners. But you'll have to leave your offensive headdress at home this time, there'll be none of that at Aunty's place. While the just-announced ticket ballot only affects a lucky few this morning, the finally-revealed lineup makes some big decisions for everyone thinking of heading down to the Golden Plains Shire this December. Joining the already revealed headliners, The War On Drugs, will be Californian fuzz-fuelled rocker Ty Segall, hip hop legends De La Soul, masters of ska the Skatalites, ex-Wu-Tang rapper Ghostface Killah, the unmistakable vocals of Mark Lanegan, Melbourne sweethearts Augie March, stoner rock pioneers Sleep and electronic maestro James Holden are just the tip of the iceberg. Ohio's Cloud Nothings are joining the party as well as US total legends The Lemonheads. Like last year, there'll be 500 less tickets available than previous years; so if you’re considering going this year don’t think, just do. All the good bits are staying the same: BYO alcohol and the beloved No Dickhead Policy are firmly in place. Furthermore, offensive costumes are banned. BANNED. Looking at you headdress-wearers. They're part of Aunty's banned things list: No offensive signage, slogans, clothing, costumes. Those lucky enough to be a ballot winner first time around have until 10pm Wednesday, August 20 to snap up tickets. Second round ballot will be shortly after that, so don’t give up hope just yet if you didn't get good news this morning. Anything else you need to know can be found out at their website, or you can even e-mail Aunty if need be. Meredith Music Festival Lineup (so far): THE WAR ON DRUGS TY SEGALL THE SKATALITES MARK LANEGAN DE LA SOUL AUGIE MARCH SLEEP JAMES HOLDEN LIVE CLOUD NOTHINGS THE LEMONHEADS GHOSTFACE KILLAH PHOSPHORESCENT THE BOMBAY ROYALE FACTORY FLOOR PAINTERS AND DOCKERS MIA DYSON TINY RUINS THE PUBLIC OPINION AFRO ORCHESTRA BLANK REALM MISTY NIGHTS TEETH & TONGUE VAKULA MARLON WILLIAMS DR PHIL SMITH HARD-ONS And more to be announced. The 24th annual Meredith Music Festival will be held from December 12-14. Tickets are $318.80 + $10 booking fee, which covers three days and two nights of music in the Supernatural Amphitheatre. More details here. Image: Ben Loveridge.
No need for the neuralisers, folks. This is one you'll forget about all on your own. In what's proving a particularly rough patch for blockbuster franchises (thanks chiefly to the hugely disappointing Godzilla II and X-Men: Dark Phoenix), Men In Black: International represents the latest casualty, offering a dull, generic and largely pointless extension of the popular sci-fi series. With the departure of original stars Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, it falls to franchise newcomers Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson to keep the ball rolling. Sadly, whatever chemistry they had in Thor: Ragnarok is noticeably absent. The dialogue is stilted and the tension forced, while the acerbic sparring that defined the Jones/Smith relationship plays here like a clumsy copy-and-paste job. Hemsworth's comedic touch is well established, but it's best served in small doses, either via bit-parts as per Ghostbusters, or as flourishes in otherwise serious roles, as seen in all but the last Avengers. When comedy becomes his character's main task, the result is less satisfying. His portly, traumatised Thor in Avengers: Endgame robbed both him and audiences of everything that made his character so appealing, and here again in Men in Black the role plays to few of his strengths. Hemsworth constantly flicks back and forth between hammy clowning on the one hand, and pouting like he's in a Hugo Boss commercial on the other. Only the latter works for him. Thompson fares a little better. Her character's motivation is neatly established via a cute intro sequence that defines her as a driven, intelligent and highly capable individual. In a refreshing twist, she essentially recruits herself into MiB, having pursued the mysterious agency ever since a chance encounter with its agents and a furry little alien back when she was just a child. Once inside the agency, though, her reactions feel far too indifferent for someone only hours into life behind the proverbial curtain. Just because you believe in aliens doesn't mean you wouldn't balk, stop and stare at each and every new encounter of the weird and wonderful, but Thompson's Agent M takes it all in her stride. It's as if she's sharing in the audience's experience of yeah yeah yeah, we've seen all this before. Where Men In Black: International works best is in its secondary characters. The villains this time round are a pair of intergalactic assassins played by French brothers Laurent and Larry Nicolas Bourgeois, otherwise known as Les Twins. The shape-shifting, time-jumping killers are delightfully menacing and beautifully imagined on the special effects front. Reminscent of the Twins from the second Matrix movie, this duo pulls focus in every scene, especially when they're dancing so extraordinarily you're convinced it has to be computer-generated (it's not). Equally appealing is the arms dealer Riza, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Ferguson's recent turns in the last two Mission: Impossible films were amongst their best features, and here again she delivers a sumptuous blend of sensual and sinister. Then there's comedian Kumail Nanjiani, whose tiny chessboard alien Pawny serves up almost every good laugh in the film. If the producers are scratching their heads as to what to do with this franchise in the wake of such a poor initial reception, they could do worse than giving Pawny his own spin-off. If nothing else, at least Men In Black: International has a fitting title. It's a film that feels purposefully generic and inoffensive so as to appeal to the broadest possible market. As a result, it ends up being nothing much to anyone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV-WEb2oxLk
Brisbanites, it's time for a night at the museum. It's time for several, actually. You won't find Ben Stiller roaming the halls here; however, Queensland Museum will be filled with almost a century of Mouse House magic, all thanks to spectacular exhibition Disney: The Magic of Animation. Clearly, these after-hours evenings will still feel rather adventurous — and, if you're a big Disney animation fan, dazzling as well. Queensland Museum has held these types of events before for past exhibitions, and just in general, but pairing it with more than 500 original sketches and artworks from Disney's beloved animated flicks takes things up several notches. While you're being the South Bank spot's guest at Disney: The Magic of Animation After Dark — which is completely adults-only — you'll walk, talk, drink take a tour of the exhibition and party while surrounded by all those Disney treasures. There'll be live tunes, too, and the rest of QM will be open as well, so expect to check out SparkLab and Sciencentre's wonders, and even meet native wombats, crocodiles and birds. A word of warning: these shindigs often sell out even when everything from Steamboat Willie — the first talkie to feature Mickey Mouse — through to last year's Raya and the Last Dragon aren't involved. So, you'll want to nab a $40 ticket quickly (and note that that price doesn't include food and drinks). Disney: The Magic of Animation After Dark takes place from 5.30–8.30pm on Friday, June 24; Friday, August 5; Friday, September 2; Saturday, October 29; Friday, December 2; and Thursday, January 19. Top image: Phoebe Powell, ACMI.
As filmgoers, it would seem that we have a unique fascination with anthropomorphised machines. From WALL-E to Blade Runner to Spike Jonze’s recent Her, movies are full of artificially intelligent creations who have captured the imagination of audiences, and in doing so blurred the line of what it truly means to be human. The most recent robot to achieve sentience on screen is the title character in Chappie, the latest film from writer-director Neill Blomkamp. A member of Johannesburg’s robotic police force, Chappie (voiced and motion captured by Sharlto Copley) is earmarked for decommission after being damaged during a drug raid. Instead, his designer Deon Wilson (Dev Patel) decides to use him as a guinea pig for a radical new form of AI, one that more closely resembles human consciousness. But Deon’s success is soured after Chappie is stolen by a group of gangsters (South African rap group Die Antwoord playing fictionalised versions of themselves), who plan on using the impressionable robot to execute a heist. Three films into his career, Blomkamp has proven himself as a storyteller with a lot on his mind. His hit debut District 9 used an outlandish sci-fi premise as an allegory for racial prejudice and discrimination, while his big-budget follow-up Elysium touched on notions of immigration and class divide. In Chappie his ideas get even bigger, hitting everything from police militarisation to the nature of consciousness, loss of faith and even alternate modes of parenting. If anything, Blomkamp maybe tackles too much, packing his movie with a litany of different concepts at the expense of covering any of them in depth. There’s an argument to be made for quality over quantity, yet it’s hard to fault the director for his ambition. Nor can you ignore the amount of food for thought the film provides — brains being an increasingly rare commodity in Hollywood blockbusters, after all. And to its credit, Chappie succeeds as more than just a think piece. Possessing the innocence and excitability of a child, Chappie makes for a wonderful protagonist, with Copley’s mo-cap and vocal performance comparable to the work of Andy Serkis. As Chappie slowly matures, viewers will find themselves caught up in his emotional journey; particularly moving is the dynamic between Chappie and his surrogate mother Yolandi, who helps the robot attune his moral compass. Chappie does unfortunately suffer from one major flaw, and it comes in the form of its villain. Sporting his natural accent in one of the most poorly written parts of his career, Hugh Jackman plays the brutish Vincent Moore, a former soldier who plans on sabotaging Deon’s police robots — including Chappie — so that the force might invest in his more heavily armoured, remotely piloted drones. Even if you can ignore his cringeworthy Australian slang and unintentionally hilarious Steve Irwin-style khakis, Moore’s motivations remain excruciatingly one-dimensional. His only purpose is to manufacture conflict, and he basically derails the movie whenever he appears on screen. Luckily, Chappie is always there to get the story back on track. And perhaps it’s only fitting that, in a story about artificial humanity, the most emotionally intricate character isn’t a human at all.
If there's an occasion worth celebrating, including Christmas, spring and winter, Woolloongabba's South City Square sure does like marking it with markets. The inner-east precinct can still roll out the stalls just because, however — such as on Friday, April 14 at its Market Stall Carnival. Running from 5–8pm, this after-work pop-up features all the staples, food trucks and cocktails included. One will help line your stomach, the other will be served from a drink cart that's only for big kids — aka adults — at this family-friendly affair. Also on the agenda: live tunes and, of course, market stalls aplenty. Back to the food, in keeping with the theme there'll be popcorn, fairy floss and snow cone stands. Attendees can also check out dance performances, while kids can hit the jumping castle, get their faces painted and nab a twisted balloon. Plus, it all tales place in and around a brick-lined, industrial-style space, which tends to make you feel like you're wandering around a European-style market. Top image: Markus Ravik.
“Film in the hands of a great filmmaker has the power to change lives; the power to bridge cultural divides; the courage to explore and tell our stories; to inform and entertain; to deliver better understanding into hearts and minds.” The Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSAs) are back for 2012 in all their diversity and richness. This year the QPAC playhouse will play host to filmmakers from over 30 countries in attendance for what is regarded as one of the region’s highest honours in film. Over the past five years, 180 films have been nominated for a prestigious APSA, all of which have and have been expected to exhibit its own unique story in its own way, based in its country of origin. To catch the APSAs, tune into the live webcast from 7pm.
They're taking the hobbits to Isengard at Dendy Cinemas this winter, with one movie marathon to rule them all. Round up the Fellowship, stock up on lembas bread for sustenance and hide your finest pipe-weed from the Southfarthing for one sitting of all three of Peter Jackson's beloved OG Tolkien film adaptations. Kicking off with The Fellowship of the Ring and ending with The Return of the King (with The Two Towers in the middle, of course), this cave troll of a marathon clocks in at over nine hours plus intermissions — with the journey starting at 10.30am on Sunday, August 28 at Dendy Coorparoo, Portside and Southport. If you make it through breakfast and second breakfast to the final handful of endings, you can pat yourself on the back and smash a ringwraith screech at the nearest person on your way home (note: do not actually screech at people). Tickets are the precious and come in at $30 for the whole ordeal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_WZxJpHzEE
Just a 30-minute drive out of Brisbane's CBD, Wynnum is well worth a day trip — for a splash and for some fish and chips. As far as the former is concerned, the shorefront pool fills with sea water, making it the perfect spot to dip your toes. And when it comes to the latter, you could easily enjoy a fish 'n' chip crawl of the area's abundance of greasy spoons. Pick from Cooper's, Baywatch Café, Pelican's Nest and Barramundi Boys, or order something from each place you pass as you walk along the Esplanade. Image: Brisbane City Council via Flickr.
Brisbanites love a market — especially one that specialises in top-notch pre-loved clothing. There's nothing like finding a quality item at a clothing market. There's the thrill of searching through the racks to stumble upon the piece, plus shopping secondhand and upcycled clothing is more sustainable than buying your clothes new. If this all sounds entirely relatable to you, head to the Second Life Markets when it hits Brisbane for winter on Sunday, July 16. The event will host 80-plus pop-up stores boasting vintage, secondhand and upcycled clothing. The stalls will span all ranges of clothing, including masculine, feminine and unisex pieces. The Second Life Markets run successful quarterly events across Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, London and, as of May, Brisbane. The seasonal events bring together local sellers and independent designers, as well as a heavy dose of good vibes. Brisbane's winter market will run from 11am–4pm. Entry is $10 and, in the sustainable spirit of the market, it's asked that you bring your own reusable shopping bag(s) with you on the day.
Some days you wake up, go for a quick run, make yourself a cheeky bowl of Cornflakes. Others, you rise knowing today's the day, the glorious moment when you can shape squid ink-coloured cuttlefish into a ball, painstakingly sculpt it to look like a penguin and viciously mount it on a kebab stick for the masses to enjoy. This is that day for Hong Kong gamechangers The Drunken Pot, who have created one heck of an adorable offering for the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, now running on HK's Central Harbourfront until October 30. Dubbed the 'Happy Penguin Cuttlefish Ball', this little Instagrammable delight is one of the festival's so-called 'Adorable Eats', which is legitimately a series of highly cute dishes on offer at the event. While jumping a flight across to Honkers to inhale these staked Pengus isn't on the cards for everyone, sitting back and marvelling at them from your chair and knowing you won't have to eat cuttlefish should suffice. Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival runs until October 30.
Flow Athletica's super-popular silent disco yoga classes have, in the past, seen up to 800 yogis shavasana-ing together. This time, it's aiming for 10,000. Obviously, in the current COVID-19 climate, this won't feature people in one physical room, but thousands of people all logging on together for a virtual version of the class. First up, taking place at 7pm AEST on Thursday, April 9, the 90-minute all-level vinyasa class will be hosted by Flow Athletic co-founder Kate Kendall — and beamed across the world to Hong Kong, London, Singapore and New York. In true Flow style, there'll be beats from Sydney DJ James Mack. And lots of neon. Then, at 7pm AEST on Wednesday, May 6, there'll be a slower vinyasa class, focusing more on relieving stress and tension and accompanied by mellow tunes. Expect 40 minutes of flowing movement, followed by 20 minutes guided rest. Tickets are only $10, which is a bargain considering physical classes usually set you back $50. You will, however, need to BYO yoga mat.
When the festive season hit last year, Brisbane Quarter lit up in celebration. Now that lunar new year is approaching, the inner-city precinct is doing the same. You won't miss the CBD spot's glowing tribute to the year of the tiger, all courtesy of a vibrant red and gold LED installation. But that's not all that the place has to offer. As well as checking out the nightly light show, you can wander through a cherry tree installation on Podium 1 — where you'll find cherry blossoms, red lanterns and red envelopes, with the latter symbolising good fortune to start off your lunar new year with the best possible luck. At 12.30pm and 6.30pm on Monday, January 31, there'll be lion dances as well. And, with Brisbane Phoenix located at Brisbane Quarter, you can tuck into a feast as well. That part isn't free — or cheap, as you'll need at least six people for the $888 option — but we're sure that the restaurant's garlic king prawns, braised lobster, steamed coral trout, sauteed scallops and cultural cookies will tempt you between Monday, January 31–Sunday, February 6 anyway. On Monday, January 31 only, you can also tuck into a number of the above dishes — and a heap of others — via an a la carte menu that starts at $28.
If on a Friday night you want to escape the mainstream and go a little crazy on the dance floor, Yon Plume’s first birthday might just be your ticket to bliss. These hard working guys and gals started this entertainment organisation 12 months ago, and now it’s time to celebrate, let loose and party party party. Yon Plume’s specialty has long – well, for a year – been uncovering little known bands, giving them a hearty slap on the back and pushing them into a flaming hot spotlight. As such, they’ve snatched three of Brisbane’s hottest acts, Babaganouj, Johnny and the Fembots and The Good Sports to host some grooves and let fun ensue at Southside Tea Room. Don’t be lazy – go see three of Brisbane’s brightest up and coming bands and give the team at Yon Plume a celebratory high-five for their year long success.
Please allow us to introduce Australia's next big pop culture exhibition: Exhibitionism: The Rolling Stones Exhibit. Firmly focused on the British rockers that are still starting things up 56 years after first forming, the touring showcase makes its Aussie debut at the Sydney International Convention Centre. After premiering in London, then heading to New York and Nashville, it'll bring more than 500 Stones items to our shores between November 17, 2018 to February 3, 2019. Attendees will be able to get some satisfaction thanks to an enormous array of objects and memorabilia, including a vintage guitar gallery, a number of rare instruments, the band's lyric books, plus all kinds of backstage and touring paraphernalia, album art. If you've ever wanted to read Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and company's personal diaries and letters, they'll feature as well, alongside Stones photography and examples of their stage design. Given the group's considerable longevity, one section of the exhibition will focus on five decades of their outfits — and yes, you can expect more than just Jagger's leather pants. On display will be articles from designers such as Alexander McQueen, Prada, Dior, Gucci, Hedi Slimane, Ossie Clark and L'Wren Scott, not only charting Stones history but fashion over the same period. Exhibitionism: The Rolling Stones Exhibit also includes 190 original artworks, with everyone from Andy Warhol to Shepard Fairey to Robert Frank involved with or taking inspiration from the band over the years — and doing more than just painting things black. Because no huge music exhibition is complete unless it makes you feel like you're at a gig in some way, Stones aficionados will get what they want (and what they need as well) thanks to interactive sound mixing decks and a recording studio, videos throughout the displays and a screening cinema with narration by Martin Scorsese. Also featured is an immersive backstage recreation, which leads visitors to a 3D concert finale. If you're a fan of the band, wild horses probably wouldn't drag you away from a showcase that Jagger describes as both an event and an experience. "It's about a sense of The Rolling Stones — it's something we want people to go away talking about it," he explains. For Richards, "while this is about The Rolling Stones, it's not necessarily only just about us. It's also about all the paraphernalia and technology associated with a group like us". Exhibitionism: The Rolling Stones Exhibit displays at the Sydney International Convention Centre (ICC) from November 17, 2018 to February 3, 2019. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.stonesexhibitionism.com.
If you and your partner have a little (or a lot) of pent-up energy, and you're looking for a different outlet to help ease it, here's an option: Brisbane's axe-throwing joint Maniax is hosting Valentine's date-night sessions from Friday, February 11–Friday, February 18. The Newstead joint is doing two-hour public sessions that'll cost you and your other half $100 in total to hurl hatchets — and will let you do something different to mark the occasion. Also, that price also includes a beer, wine or canned spirit each afterwards to celebrate. For the uninitiated, Maniax gives you the chance to very safely throw a hunk of sharpened steel attached to a flimsy handle, and compete with your partner and/or friends to see who has the most Viking blood coursing through them. Chuck those axes, sink a bullseye, and then calm down after all the hatchet-lobbing excitement with a drink with your significant other.
You shouldn’t really need an excuse to get behind the empowerment of women – but a panel discussion is a panel discussion and we’ll take any reason to see some pretty magnificent people sharing their know-how. Luckily for us, the Ladyfest movement is back and bigger and better than ever in 2013, and to celebrate they’re hosting an evening of discussion with some pretty incredible faces to match. Ladyfest have foraged for some of Brisbane’s most marvellous creative women – we can assume without too much trouble – and gathered some real gems. Musician Seja Vogel, author Krissy Kneen, Greens candidate Rachael Jacobs, tattoo-artist Aureole McAlpine, founder and creator of Spare Parts, Priscilla Sutton, and writer Michelle Law will be at the forefront of the discussion. Engaging in conversation, and possibly debate about their challenges and experiences in the Brisbane arts scene, this is an event not to be missed by budding artists, fans or anyone in need of a healthy dose of motivation. Join these wonderful ladies at The Zoo in what will be an exciting and inspiring afternoon.
Ever heard of pasta from a cheese wheel? It's a thing at Il Verde. And it's a thing that you probably want to find out more about. Located in the heart of Fortitude Valley on King Street, Il Verde offers the full gamut of Italian cuisine in an upmarket yet relaxed (and cheese wheel-wielding) setting. You might want to have your next date night here. Make an advance booking and you and your beloved (or fellow pasta fiend) can have your pasta or gnocchi stirred up in a big melty wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano, and dished up onto your plate. Yep. Dinner also includes a glass of wine and a dessert too, so wear your stretchy pants.
Painting a plaster figurine isn't just for kids. Sure, Carina's Plaster Fun House usually caters for bright and creative young minds — but, from 5.30–9pm on Saturday, December 12, it's hosting a Christmas-themed Adult Plaster Painting Night. On the agenda: an evening where you and your mates can get crafty, make something you can treasure and likely feel mighty nostalgic. Pick from over 100 pieces on offer, get into the arty spirit and see what you can whip up. You'll have your own multi-coloured animal, cartoon character or motivational plaque in no time. Looking for a handmade gift idea? You can even take care of that with your painted creation. Also, when else will you get to paint a plaster figurine with glitter? You'll also tuck into snacks, pizza, dessert and a non-alcoholic drink — all of which are included in your $20 ticket. [caption id="attachment_648988" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Plaster Fun House in Belmont Brisbane[/caption]
When a Gossip Girl leaves the world of backstabbing teen chatter behind, she becomes an ageless woman. Well, at least, that's the path Blake Lively has taken. After flirting with a few supporting film roles around the television series that made her famous, she has found a star vehicle. It feels fitting that Lively plays Adaline Bowman, a character most notable for continuing to look strikingly youthful even as the years pass. That's the type of obvious film The Age of Adaline is as it tells a lovesick tale of a long life half lived. Even when heavy-handed narration is explaining the movie's gimmick through cosmic forces and lightning strikes (yes, really), it takes the most earnest path. Adaline was born in 1908, growing from a child into an adult in an unremarkable fashion. She marries, becomes a mother and then a widow, before an unusually snowy evening sees her car veer off the road. After the accident, she's inexplicably trapped at the age of 29 and immune to the ravages of time. As the decades roll by, Adaline changes her identity and moves around to avoid arousing suspicion, with only her daughter, Flemming (first played by Cate Richardson, and then by Ellen Burstyn), aware of her secret. A celebration of eternal youth, this is not, with the film taking a more dramatic approach to remaining young in appearance but getting older in the heart. The Age of Adaline is a gentle story of sacrifice and yearning told as such, gliding slowly by as it recounts Adaline's fate. It's also a sentimental account of the power and necessity of love, as her lonely life is changed on the eve of her 107th birthday. That's when she meets philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman), his instantly smitten perseverance threatening to crack through her time-hardened shell. Cue the kind of sweeping, star-crossed romance typically relegated to the cheesiest, sappiest movies, though much better made, more genuine in its emotions, and with stronger-written characters here. The usual suspension of disbelief is required, and the standard complications arise, involving reconciling the past with the future. It's a considerable change of pace for director Lee Toland Krieger, making his first feature after his breakout hit Celeste & Jesse Forever; however, he never flounders in such drastically different territory. Indeed, he takes to telling a leisurely love story with elegance and enthusiasm, never more so than in his affectionate eye for period details. From the costumes to the sets, this is a movie as handsome as it is unashamedly heartfelt. As for Lively, she may be the star of The Age of Adaline, looking the part and acting suitably restrained, but she's far from the film's shining light. Instead, that honour goes to Huisman, ramping up his Game of Thrones charm to maximum levels. Though he shows up late in the game, Harrison Ford also does well as a blast from Adaline's past. They're exactly the kind of modest highlights that help the movie stick together so well, making something that could've been silly surprisingly sincere from start to finish — and somewhat timeless, too, as far as old-fashioned fantasies are concerned.
For the 29th time, the Mardi Gras Film Festival is back — and just like in 2021, that's great news for more than just cinema-going Sydneysiders. If you feel more comfortable watching from home during the current Omicron outbreak, attending a film festival isn't always accessible to you for health or work reasons or you're a fan of LGBTQIA+ movies located elsewhere in Australia, you'll also be able to enjoy this year's MGFF digitally as well. Yes, that means if you're in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or elsewhere across the country, you now have a feast of queer cinema coming your way. More titles are available at the fest's in-person event compared to its digital lineup, but more than half of the program will be screening online for those playing along at home and interstate. You'll want to watch from Thursday, February 17–Thursday, March 3, and highlights include horror film The Retreat, which combines a cabin-in-the-woods setup with planning a queer wedding; Cannes-selected Taiwanese drama Moneyboys; the relationship-focused Ma Belle, My Beauty, about a long-term couple living in a scenic villa in the south of France; and Estonia's Firebird, which charts a romance against the backdrop of the Cold War. There's also documentary Coming to You, following two mothers fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in Korea; and As We Like It, an all-female version of Shakespeare's comedy As You Like It.
The weather might be heating up in sunny Queensland, but that doesn't mean you can't all spend a day pretending you're somewhere much, much cooler. How does an imaginary visit to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia and Iceland sound? All you need to do is head along to the Scandinavian Festival Brisbane. Now in its seventh year, the annual showcase of countries with colder climates offers a smorgasbord of authentic food, entertainment and shopping that'll make you think you're on the other side of the world. Yes, the festival does include two of the things Scandinavian nations are best known for: Ikea and Lego. Taking place at Bowen Hills' Perry Park from 10am on Sunday, September 9, it also includes stalls serving up Swedish pastries, Finnish recycled products, Nordic homewares and other goodies, plus traditional folk dancing and music. 15,000 people attend each year, so arriving early is recommended — more Norwegian waffles, Swedish meatballs and Finnish beer for you.
Exploring a city while staring at your phone might seem counter-intuitive, but it's how most of us wander through the world these days. If you're a Melburnian looking to play tourist in your own town or a visitor to the Victorian capital trying to find your way around, you'll soon have an excuse to keep checking the screen that's always glued your hand: a guide to the city that's also a game. Announced this week by the Victorian Government, 64 Ways of Being is an app that helps users see the sights of Melbourne, with a focus not only on the CBD, but on the surrounding suburbs out to Braybrook in the west to Elwood in the south. While you're spotting things around you, the free app will combine augmented reality, public art and games design to show exclusively commissioned artworks on your screen. Expect rotating live theatre performances, street art and digital AR elements to pop up on your phone. More than that, 64 Ways of Being has a playable component. It's not just about letting users spy special artworks via the app — it's about encouraging you to catch 'em all. If you've long had enough of Pokemon Go, consider this the touristy alternative. The aim is to get everyone exploring as much of the city as possible, obviously, but we all know that the lure to keep upping your tally will be hard to ignore. https://www.instagram.com/p/BrW3lMLF3Hx/ The Victoria Government will invest $950,000 in the app, which is expected to launch in 2020. A collaborative effort by Dr Troy Innocent, a Victorian artist, educator and coder; games studio Millipede; and 'one step at a time like this', a performance collective, 64 Ways of Being will be designed to allow new artworks and locations to be added in the future — including the possibility of rolling out the app to other cities. For further information about 64 Ways of Being, check out the project's Instagram feed. Images: Visit Victoria, Roberto Seba / 64 Ways of Being.
You've crooned your way through sing-along screenings of Spice World, wished you could visit the huge memorabilia exhibition in Britain and just generally been following Spice Girls news since the English pop stars unleashed their brand of girl power on the world back in the 90s. Now, come 2020, Australians just might be able to spice up their lives with the group itself — according to Melanie Brown, aka Mel B, they're coming our way. As part of their Spice World reunion tour, Mel B and her bandmates Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell have been playing gigs across the British Isles, bringing their zigazig-ah back to stadiums. They just played their last concert in London on Saturday, June 15 UK time, during which Mel B concluded the proceedings by saying "we'll see you in February in Australia". https://twitter.com/HalinaWatts86/status/1140009527129137152 No further details have been revealed, and nor has an official tour announcement at this stage — but here's hoping that if anyone is in the know about the Spice Girls' plans, it's one of the Spice Girls themselves while the group is on stage. If you're a fan, you'll wannabe hollering about the chance to see Scary, Sporty, Baby and Ginger perform in Australia for the first time — in a huge light and costume-filled performance, no less. Victoria Beckham, aka Posh, isn't part of the current shows, so this won't be the full Spice experience. Still, four out of five Spice Girls is better than none. It has been a big week for Spice news, with an animated Spice Girls movie also just announced, targeting a 2020 release. Unlike the live shows, it'll feature the whole Spice gang, according to The Hollywood Reporter. And, it'll include both new and old songs as well. The Spice Girls look set to tour Australia in February 2020, with dates and venues yet to be revealed. We'll keep you posted with further details as they come to hand.
Know what's brilliant? Extending a work trip into a long, playful weekend in Sydney, full of food, wine, culture and revels. In this case, you might want to stay in Darling Harbour, because it's home to the Sydney Convention Centre — but it also makes a great jumping-off point for exploring the city. You've got some of Sydney's best restaurateurs working their magic right in front of you, the new cultural precincts of Barangaroo and Darling Square to explore, water views everywhere you turn, and the ferry wharf enabling easy day trips across the harbour. Here's how to get a luxury winter weekender out of Darling Harbour. EAT AND DRINK To experience some of the most exciting cooking being done in Sydney, you'll want to follow the waterfront around to Barangaroo. The precinct only began opening its first completed sections in 2015, and already there's more life here than you might expect from a masterplanned development. Mainly, people come for the food and drink. At the fancier end of the spectrum, there's seafood-focused Cirrus Dining, the new offering from local food scene celebs Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt of Bentley. It's the spot for a quintessential Sydney blow-out lunch of oysters, trevally tartare and roasted king prawns with koji butter. Lotus Dumpling Bar and Turkish joint Anason are two more casual options that still wow. Alternatively (or afterwards), head to 12-Micron, a contemporary-Oz affair that stands out for its focus on dessert. They even offer a three- or five-course dessert degustation, with flavour combinations like Pyengana Cheddar, milk chocolate, plum and honeycomb all bundled together into one dish. Also note their use of native ingredients on every plate — it's something you don't see often enough in Australia. Follow all this up with some appropriately refined drinking. One luxe spot in this area is small bar Solera, with it's lush decor (think green velvet couches and flashes of marbles). Another good option is Banksii, where the specialty is vermouth and everything just sings. Back in Darling Harbour proper, Sofitel Darling Harbour's Champagne Bar is perfect for an indulgent nightcap after a long day of exploring. Over 20 different types of Champagne are on offer, from Carnard-Duchene and Pol Roger to a 2009 Louis Roederer vintage in collaboration with artist Philippe Starck. If you prefer brews over bubbles, Pumphouse has one of the best beer selections in the city, from easy-drinking lagers to heavy-going stouts. In this area, you'll also find one of Sydney's most well-known fine-diners, Sepia. This is still a great special-occasion spot, where your dinner looks like a procession of miniature landscapes and sculptures. A more casual option in this area is the Ternary at the Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, a crowd-pleasing bar and restaurant with three distinct offerings: Grill Kitchen, Asian Kitchen and Wine Bar. They know how to do winter too — they've scheduled a five-course, whisky-paired degustation on Thursday, August 30 for $189 per head. If dining isn't the headline act for this evening, drop by the newly launched Pier St Kitchen at the Novotel Sydney Darling Square. They offer a pre-theatre menu of one or two courses with matching wines from $30 — a good call given major venues like the International Convention Centre and The Capitol and State Theatres are a short stroll away. Or, take a stroll along The Goods Line to the new Darling Square food precinct Steam Mill Lane — here, you'll find a bevy of casual food options including famed Melbourne burger joint 8bit and poké place Fishbowl. DO You're in Sydney's theatre district right now, so you might as well make the most of it. The critically acclaimed and audience-adored British touring production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is on at the Roslyn Packer Theatre, just up from Barangaroo, until the end of July. After that there's Ruth Park's great Australian novel The Harp in the South, given a new adaptation by Kate Mulvany. Meanwhile, Capitol Theatre down in Haymarket begins its run of Jersey Boys at the end of August. Or, head in the other direction and into Pyrmont, where big musicals land at the Lyric Theatre. This winter, that's The Book of Mormon — the Broadway hit that also manages to be hugely offensive to just about everyone. There's a treat for lovers of high fashion in this part of town too. The Powerhouse Museum is hosting Reigning Men, the world's biggest exhibition of men's fashion, with garments pulled from aristocrats of the 18th century as well as the runways of today. Divine. If you don't mind doing a little learning on your mini break, stop by the Australian National Maritime Museum, which is currently hosting James Cameron: Challenging the Deep. This immersive exhibition centres on the filmmaker's oceanic explorations. You will be able to virtually explore the Titanic and Bismarck shipwrecks and see props from Cameron's films, including the Heart of the Ocean diamond. Your final foray in Darling Harbour should be to Barangaroo wharf, where you can catch a ride on the F3 ferry to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island. It used to be a penal colony, then a dockyard, and the mix of natural beauty and industrial ruin here is quite special and poetic. It's a great spot to just wander around and photograph — though there's also a haunted night tour if you just have to get intense about it. SLEEP Back to the mainland, where you've been smart enough to book yourself more deluxe lodgings. The Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is pure 5-star indulgence, with an infinity pool infinity pool offering stunning views of the Sydney skyline and the aforementioned Champagne Bar. If you're celebrating on this trip, get a Luxury Room with Darling Harbour view, where you can enjoy harbour views from your freestanding bathtub through floor-to-ceiling windows. Another option is the home of the aforementioned Ternary restaurant, the 4.5-star Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour. Its rooms have just been refreshed, with dark feature walls, light wood accents and oversized art creating a contemporary yet cosy feel. Go for the executive rooms and suites if you want to bask in those city panoramas. The 4.5-star Novotel Sydney Darling Square, meanwhile, is comfortably situated equidistant from the ICC and Chinatown, making it a good option if you're partial to a mid-afternoon nap before heading out into the action again. Go to the AccorHotels website to book your stay in Darling Harbour, and to discover more of NSW, check out Visit NSW.
If you're watching a film in a darkened theatre without some sort of snack in your hand, are you really at the cinema? Lovers of popcorn and choc tops certainly don't think so. And while whipping up a bowl of popped corn kernels in the microwave is a rather easy way to help recreate that movie magic at home at the moment, enjoying a choc top — a proper cinema-quality choc top, not just your own attempt — isn't quite that simple while Australian picture palaces are temporarily closed. To help satisfy Australia's choc top cravings during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hoyts has been delivering them (and popcorn and other movie snacks as well). Other cinemas have been selling the desserts, too, such as Melbourne's Cinema Nova and Sydney's Golden Age Cinema and Bar. But if you'd just like to grab a few from the supermarket, you'll now find Bulla's choc tops in Coles' freezer aisle for a limited period. It's the first time that Bulla's choc tops have been available outside of movie theatres, with different flavours on offer in different states. Ice cream fiends in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania can lick their way through mint, vanilla, salted caramel, and cookies and cream varieties, while Queenslanders, Western Australians and South Australians can opt for mint, vanilla, choc fudge and boysenberry. https://www.instagram.com/p/CArIHWhgWUg/ Bulla and Coles haven't revealed just how long the choc tops will be on the freezer shelves; however the fact that the majority of cinemas aren't aiming to reopen in Australia until mid-July might be a good guide. Find Bulla's choc tops in the Coles freezer aisle for a limited time. For further details, visit the Bulla or Coles websites.
When the COVID-19 pandemic spread to Australia, both national and state borders began closing, and stay-at-home restrictions were implemented, the world suddenly started to feel a whole lot smaller. Hopping on a plane for a holiday was, and still is, off limits — and, for the past few months, even stepping beyond our own backyards has been forbidden. As part of Queensland's next easing of coronavirus limits, Brisbanites will soon be able to venture a little further afield. From 11.59pm on Friday, May 15, day trips within 150 kilometres of your primary residence are back on the cards. And, for most locals, they're the best kinds of getaways. If you've lived in Brisbane for more than a few months, plenty of your memories will likely involve hopping in the car, driving to the beach or mountains for a mighty fine day out, then heading home that night exhausted but happy. Here are ten places where you can do just that — all within 150 kilometres of Brisbane. SCENIC RIM Tucked between Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Ipswich, and sprawling around the towns of Beaudesert and Boonah, the Scenic Rim region is home to scenic sights, mountains and plenty of other reasons to head outdoors. If you're keen on a walk — either of the leisurely or more challenging kind — then you'll find both short and lengthier treks in the Mt Barney, Moogerah Peaks and Main Range national parks. The area is also perfect for an extremely crucial part of every day trip: driving. Sitting in the car, winding around the roads and soaking in the gorgeous scenery is what venturing to the Scenic Rim is all about. Add a detour to Canungra to your visit, too, with the spot originally starting out as a timber town in the 1800s. And, if you make a stop at Canungra Creek, if you're lucky you might spot a platypus. [caption id="attachment_574381" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Tatters via Flickr[/caption] TOOWOOMBA For years, Toowoomba was hardly at the top of any Brisbanite's must-visit list. Over the last decade or so, though, it's done a complete 360. The town has embraced the fact it's beautiful, it's also a viable tourist hotspot, and it's home to some of the richest people in Queensland who don't mind putting a bit of coin back into the place. With Toowoomba particularly known for its gardens and flowers, be sure to check out all the parks in the area — with Laurel Bank, Queens Park and Picnic Point the top three. At the latter, you'll score views out over the Great Dividing Range and the Lockyer Valley, too. Or, if you fancy looking back in time, the town also boasts a selection of impressive heritage walks. COOLANGATTA Crossing the border between Queensland and New South Wales is currently restricted to certain circumstances — well, heading out of the state is fine, but limits apply when you want to come back. You can still enjoy everything Coolangatta has to offer, though, including one of the nicest stretches of beach along the Gold Coast. Splash, sunbathe, surf or play around on the sand. If you're feeling extra adventurous and the conditions are right, swim your way around the headland to Rainbow Bay. Fancy a sweet treat? There's a Gelato Messina by the shore, too. Or, you can simply feel the ocean breeze while you walk along the coastline, whether you start at Kirra and end at Greenmount or vice versa. Spotting a whale or two isn't uncommon while you stroll, either. MALENY Perched at 436 metres above sea level, Maleny offers magnificent views of the Glasshouse Mountains, as anyone who has ever ventured to the Sunshine Coast hinterland spot knows. Since the 80s, it has also been a magnet for artists, craftspeople, writers and musicians, who all find inspiration in the dreamy landscapes. And, it's peppered with creeks, falls, gardens, reserves, dams and other natural highlights — which means that there's never a shortage of things to do. Our tip: stop by the 55-hectare Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, where you can take in a rainforest walk, spot birds and peer out over the landscape. Also, its Mountain View Cafe is open for takeaways. [caption id="attachment_682545" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN A word of warning: Tamborine Mountain, which is 530 metres above sea level, is noticeably cooler than in Brisbane. That means that packing a scarf is recommended, especially as the weather gradually starts to pick up a chill across southeast Queensland (well, get frostier than the state's usual balmy climes, at least). Of course, there's another excellent way to keep warm while you're visiting this picturesque spot. When you're surrounded by walks, waterfalls and gardens, you naturally want to make the most of every trail, patch of greenery and stunning sight. Check out glow worm caves, venture along the famous skywalk, soak in the sounds and sights of falling water, and pick between a hefty array of hiking trails. Bring a picnic with you, and you can enjoy a lunch with view, too. [caption id="attachment_580697" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Daisy R via Flickr[/caption] NOOSA Every southeast Queenslander has heard someone wax lyrical about their last trip to Noosa. Most southeast Queenslanders have been guilty of doing the gushing, too. The Sunshine Coast may be filled with coastal towns and suburbs perfect for short and long visits, but there's just something about the region around the Noosa River and Noosa National Park that continues to lure visitors in. Perhaps it's the siren's song that is Hastings Street, with its strip of shops and cafes located just a stone's throw from the beach (and no, we're not exaggerating). Perhaps it's North Shore's sand dunes and bushland, or the sleepy feel on the other side of the river. Perhaps its the fact that you could spend the day hopping between surfing, fishing in a boat while pottering along the water, then spotting pods of dolphins or whales — all just 138 kilometres north of Brisbane. [caption id="attachment_702576" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK Going beachy is one way to have a wet and wild day trip in the driving vicinity of Brisbane. Another: visiting Springbrook National Park. You won't actually get your feet damp; however you'll remain perfectly happy about it. Revelling in the great outdoors, you'll be distracted by the many rainforest-set walking tracks and lookouts, and by feasting on the picnic you thought to bring along, not to mention waiting until dark to spy a peek at glow worms. If you want a splash of H2O, however, the rock bridge, plunging waterfall and arched cave that comprises the Natural Arch is the place to head to. You can't swim there, but you can marvel at its crisp air and overall coolness. [caption id="attachment_702575" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] MONTVILLE Sometimes, the best thing about a day trip is the change of scenery. When you've just spent months and months at home, barely venturing outside, that's particularly true. And while there's so much to do and see at Montville that the landscape is just one highlight, those mountainous sights really are something to behold — and offer something vastly different from Brisbane as well. When you're not soaking in the view, wandering along the main gallery, shop and cafe-filled strip is recommended. The pace: leisurely, especially when you're strolling up the hill. To make a real day of it, go the long way round to get there, stop by Kondalilla Falls for a refreshing dip on the way into town, then drop into one of the vineyards on your way home. Yes, you do need wine as a souvenir. [caption id="attachment_702564" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] LAKE WIVENHOE If your only experience with Wivenhoe Dam is hearing about its levels in times of drought and restrictions, then prepare to visit somewhere both peaceful and practical. The water reserve one hour northwest of Brisbane is the kind of spot you can easily spend a day in doing little but relaxing — ie the ideal way to while away part of a weekend. Swim or potter around in your non-fuel-powered boat (if you happen to know someone who has one), fish (though you'll need a permit), or simply laze around in the fresh air. Don't forget to bring a stock of food that you can grill on the barbecue, too, to complete what we have to call a damn good outdoor experience. MOUNT NEBO If you don't feel like driving too far, but you still want to venture away from home — and you desperately need a shot of fresh air to take you out of your isolation stupor — then journey to Mount Nebo. This super-cute village lies just 45 minutes' drive west of Brisbane, at the southern end of the d'Aguilar Range. On the way, stop at Samford for brekkie at The Flying Nun Cafe, where you can pick up a takeaway snack and some caffeine. Then, when you hit the actual Mount Nebo, put one foot in front of the other on a rainforest walk, such as the one-kilometre Pitta Circuit or the eight-kilometre adventure taking in Jollys Lookout. Top image: Flickr
On TV screens over the past eight years, the residents of the Seven Kingdoms have fought many a fight over a single piece of furniture. But just as Game of Thrones isn't any old fantasy series, the Iron Throne isn't any old chair. As fans of the epic HBO show know — and readers of George RR Martin's books, too — it's the seat reserved for the realm's ruler. It's also the term used to refer to GoT's monarchy overall. Plenty of folks have sat on the Iron Throne. Plenty have died trying. Dragons, zombies and giants have all been used in the ongoing battle for the famous seat, and that's before the popular series airs its eighth and final season. Just who'll end up perched upon the grey, pointy item won't be unveiled until GoT returns in April; however GoT aficionados can plonk themselves down on one first thanks to HBO's For the Throne scavenger hunt. Since March 19, the US network has been scattering Iron Thrones at various locations around the world and asking the general public to find them. There's six in total, but other than enticing GoT diehards to discover the chairs' whereabouts, details about the overall quest are being kept suitably secret. Indeed, whether the winners receive anything other than the glory of sitting in the iron throne — and a shiny crown, as based on social media photos — is yet to be revealed. https://twitter.com/GameOfThrones/status/1107642891252436993 At the time of writing, the hunt runs for another 11 days, wrapping up on Wednesday, April 3 unless all of the Iron Thrones have been found before then. Clues for the Throne of the Forest, Throne of the North, Throne of Joy and Throne of Valyria have been revealed so far, comprised of hour-long 360-degree YouTube videos of each in their current surroundings at different times of the day. Three have been located — one in the forest at Puzzlewood in England, another surrounded by snow in Björkliden in Sweden and the third near the Castle of Atienza in Spain. If you've been counting down the days until the series airs its final episodes — starting on Monday, April 15, Australian time — this could be just what you need to fill your time. The new season arrives nearly two years after its predecessor, which premiered in July 2017. And, let's be honest, you've probably already rewatched the first seven seasons so often over that period that you can now recite every line. You've probably also watched and rewatched season eight's full trailer, which only dropped earlier this month. And the other season eight teasers — yes, there's more than one — as well. Check out one of the scavenger hunt clues below, and keep an eye on the For the Throne website and the Game of Thrones YouTube channel for further details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keFHw-VhTjg The first episode of Game of Thrones Season 8 will air on HBO on Monday, April 15, AEST.
It's always a bittersweet moment when you leave a hairdresser or barbershop. On one hand, you're feeling sharp. On the other, you know it's only a matter of time before all the stylist's hard work comes undone. To give your new look the best chance of surviving you're going to need some swag, and Esq Male Grooming Barber and Supplies has it in spades. With British barber Mark Rabone at the helm, this Milton barbershop is dedicated to providing a luxury grooming experience — from a beer or coffee on arrival to the vast range of aftercare products available for purchase. After your luxury face shave ($60, or $100 if you pair with a haircut), stock up on aftershave balm, facial scrub and a super-swish double-sided chrome razor, all by Baxters of California, to keep things looking sharp until your next visit.
You've heard the tales. Those mystical, weird-as-blazes stories of entire restaurants manned by robots in Japan, surrounded by glow sticks, frantic lasers, bejewelled dancers and robot battles. The rumours are straight-up true. But don't even think about breaking that piggy bank open for an airfare, the world-renowed Japanese Robot Restaurant from Shinjuku, Tokyo is coming to Sydney for two nights only. This is not a drill. As part of the launch of Contiki’s new 'Japan Unrivalled' itinerary kicking off in March 2015, the travel-lovin' team are bringing one of Japan's major kitschy attractions to you — battling robots included. Set to pop up in a yet-to-be-announced location, the Japanese Robot Restaurant is the sum of your wildest, weirdest and wackiest Japanese-inspired dreams — big ol' J-pop beats, choreographed dancers, fluorescent fitout and tasty Japanese food and bevs — and LASERS. So very many lasers. The kicker? The pop-up will see giant futuristic robots doing battle while you nosh. That's right, bigass robots battling. Just, just look at this: Classic weird, wonderful Japan. This is going to be nuts. Robots Unrivalled will perform from February 23 -24 at the pop-up, location TBA. For more information or to register for tickets head to www.contiki.com/robotsunrivalled. Image: Lindsay Clark, THINK Global School.
When one door closes, another one opens, or so the cliche goes — but that's proving true at 35 Peel Street in South Brisbane. Peel St Kitchen is packing up to make way for newcomer 35 Bar & Bistro. The name and menu might be changing, however, the love of location-based monikers just can't be beaten. At the revamped eatery overseen by executive chef Sean Calliste, casual Mediterranean-inspired dining is on the menu whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. Calliste has quite the resume, including his previous role as head chef at Jellyfish, and being mentored by Gordon Ramsay early in his career. As for just what he'll be whipping up, expect familiar dishes with a few twists. Yes, that's what every restaurant claims, sure, but with breakfast selections that include spiced roast plum and almond French toast, plus signature pancakes with mixed berry compote and Tim Tam dust, 35 Bar & Bistro is aiming to please. Come lunch and dinner, expect to snack on savoury goat's cheese cheesecake (say that ten times fast) and antipasto platters. A selection of pizzas, wraps and sandwiches are also available in the middle of the day, while desserts include lavender and vanilla crème brûlée, and the most Queensland option imaginable. Who doesn't want a trio of mango, with parfait, sorbet and carpaccio? Find 35 Bar & Bistro at 35 Peel Street, South Brisbane. For more information, check out their website and Facebook page.
If the team behind Lost Movements, Scribble Slam and Jungle Love Festival know anything, it's how to dare big and get away with. Their latest project, Concrete Jungle, is no exception. Not only is it taking place at a huge metalworks warehouse only a stone's throw from the Brisbane CBD, it's showing off some of Brisbane's best musicians, artists and performance acts at a sweet price. And that's no easy feat. Concrete Jungle kicks off at 4pm on Saturday, April 11, at Serafini Chains in Bowen Hill (just a short walk from the train station). Live bands include Rhythm Hunters (NSW), Bullhorn, Michelle Xen & the Neon Wild, Tin Can Radio plus a heap more will be playing from get go. Paired with live painting from SFP CREW, Blu Art Xinja, Kel Edso, Kira Crees and Leah & Kirsty, plus alternative and a little freaky dance act Pent Upglamour, this festival isn't one for the faint hearted.
Iggy Pop has been hitting the stage — mostly topless — for nigh on 50 years, both as the frontman of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Stooges and as a solo artist. Now, the 'Godfather of Punk' is heading back to Australia in April, 2019. As well as his debut performance at the Sydney Opera House, Iggy Pop will be performing at Melbourne's Festival Hall and at Byron Bay's Bluesfest — where he'll take to the stage alongside the likes of Paul Kelly, Hozier, Jack Johnson and Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals. Iggy Pop may be almost 72 (his birthday on the night of the Melbourne show), but his shows aren't getting any less raucous. And the legendary singer only two years ago released his 17th solo album, Post Pop Depression. If you are, in any way, doubting his virility, please watch this video of Iggy performing 'The Passenger' at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2016. Yep, still shirtless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9srgtTTVwk IGGY POP 2019 DATES Sydney — Sydney Opera House, April 15 and 17 Byron Bay — Bluesfest, April 19 Melbourne — Festival Hall, April 21 Bluesfest tickets are on sale now. Melbourne and Sydney pre-sale tickets will be released at 12pm on Wednesday, December 12, with general sale following at 12pm on Friday, December 14. Sydney Opera House shows can be purchased here and Melbourne shows through the Bluesfest Touring website. Image: Ross Halfin.
Bright lights, fame and the chance to become something special all beckon in The Neon Demon. For small-town teen and aspiring model Jesse (Elle Fanning), they're intoxicating — and to the others she meets in her quest for success, so is her innocence and youth. Still, there's a reason that, when Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn first introduces his wide-eyed protagonist, she's splattered in blood and looking not long for this world. She's posing for a photo, but it's immediately apparent that she has wandered into an oh-so-vicious realm. Refn isn't known for being the subtlest of filmmakers, as the manic intensity of Bronson and the detached violence of Only God Forgives both show. He's also a man fond of ensuring that everything audiences see and hear — every colour choice, camera angle, throbbing beat, telling line and moment of silence — is both powerful and entrancing. Combine that with his fondness for dallying with dark tales of human behaviour, and his output tends to be quite polarising. The Neon Demon certainly fits that mould. In fact, it feels like the movie he's been building towards his entire career. Take that as cause for celebration, or a word of warning, depending on how you've felt about his work so far. It's with a parade of suitably neon-saturated images — and with opening credits emblazoned with his own initials — that Refn recounts Jesse's twisted, violent fairytale excursion to Los Angeles. When she meets makeup artist Ruby (Jena Malone), she's plunged deeper into an industry and a city that seems gorgeous and glamorous on the outside, yet remains shallow, false and all-consuming underneath. More experienced, older, surgically enhanced models Gigi (Bella Heathcote) and Sarah (Abbey Lee) don't quite befriend the fresh-faced wannabe, but they do take an envious interest. The competitive edge to their interactions only grows the more that the eager Jesse attracts attention. Skewering the superficiality of society's obsession with appearances is hardly new or novel. But it's not what Refn is saying in The Neon Demon that makes it so seductive. Rather, it's how he says it. In turning a stars-in-their-eyes story into a moody, psychological horror film, his scathing satirical edge is always evident. Every stylistic choice draws audiences in, then slowly reveals that they should have kept their distance. He's aided by a pulsating score from regular collaborator Cliff Martinez that's both melodic and just the slightest bit unnerving. Likewise the film's images, which could have been ripped from the front page of a fashion mag, yet retain an insidious air. Everything looks pretty, even when the movie's true nature proves otherwise. To put it simply, Refn wants to both lure people in while threatening all the while to spit them out — and he does so in eye-popping fashion, as does his entire cast. Fanning plays the seeming ingenue with pinpoint precision, and, though there's a stilted air to Aussies Heathcote and Lee, that's clearly by design. Keanu Reeves and Christina Hendricks are both memorable in small, well-used parts as a seedy landlord and a no-nonsense agent, but if there's a supporting player that the film belongs to, it's Malone. In The Neon Demon's most subtle performance, she's caught in the middle of the many extremes swirling around her, and she knows it. Viewers will relate, even if they're too busy either loving or hating Refn's latest big-screen effort to appreciate it. For the record, we're well and truly in the former camp.
In 2011's The Raid, a squad of 20 elite police officers took on a tower block ruled by a crime lord, making their way up the 30 floors through a mixture of gunplay and extreme martial arts. The film was a thrilling surprise, a fun and visceral action ride that we hadn't seen in some time. In the end of that film, our lead, Rama, limps off, after encountering his estranged brother — one of the criminals! — in a tantalising promise of a story that would continue later. That story does not actually continue in The Raid 2. Though it picks up immediately after the events of its predecessor, it tells a whole new story about criminals and corruption. In fact, this film was written before The Raid, and it was only later that writer/director Gareth Evans decided to create a link. It might not have been the wisest idea. Part of the joy of The Raid lies in its almost video game-like simplicity. A bunch of cops making their way up a building, defeating nefarious figures, until they finally reach the big boss. Easily digestible. The appeal of creating a story like Infernal Affairs (or, if you prefer, The Departed) is obvious, and there's certainly nothing wrong with Evans wanting to delve deeper into the world of gangs, corruption, loyalty, double-crosses and general intrigue. The problem is that action films such as these are essentially delivery systems for the action sequences, and so the convolution in this film after the relative simplicity of The Raid is a bit jarring. I'm not one to shy away from a complex plot, but it feels tonally wrong in this film, like someone crowbarred it in, amongst the scenes of actual crowbarring. Whether or not you like The Raid 2: Berandal will depend on which direction you're approaching it from. If you're looking for a crime epic in the vein of Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather or Kinji Fukasaku's Battles Without Honour or Humanity, you might find it a fairly unoriginal exercise. But if you're after an action film full of the visceral fight scenes that have been lacking in the recent spate of CGI spectacle, you'll get a lot of out this. Some of the sequences are truly awe-inspiring, particularly a martial arts-filled car chase. Some moments of reflective beauty demonstrate that Evans can go quiet when he needs to, and there's certainly no denying his ability to create memorable, distinctive characters. It may be missing the refreshing simplicity of The Raid, but The Raid 2: Berandal is a thrilling film that revives the visceral, tangible hand-on-hand tradition of action cinema. Get past the serpentine plot contortions and you'll have an absolute blast. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MG9uFX3uYq4
Fancy seeing one of Brisbane's most popular spaces in a completely new light? Or, to be more accurate, with more than 8000 square metres of lights flickering over the top of its lush greenery? As every home renovation-focused TV show has told us time and time again, a splash of colour can make a world of difference — and, at Roma Street Parklands' returning Enchanted Garden, it can turn an already picturesque space into a glorious festive wonderland. This is a family-friendly affair, and it's back from previous years. That said, there's a big difference in 2021: it's no longer free. You'll pay $7 to head along and stare up at all that dazzling brightness — all between Wednesday, December 1–Thursday, December 23. And, once you're in, you can soak up the luminousness for as long as you like. Attendees shouldn't go expecting the kind of setup that you've been ignoring on every street corner in Brissie's suburbs. Lights will twinkle and decorations will sparkle; however, this isn't a tacky DIY display. Nope, not at all. Instead, there'll be a lighting trail that uses LED fields, holograms and 3D-printed birds, all spread across 11 different activations. That said, a word of warning: people love all things glittery, so prepare to have as much company as is permitted in these chaotic times. If you're organised enough, you can always pack a picnic, arrive early and enjoy dinner beforehand. Plus, you can BYO drinks to one of the few public places that allows them in our fair town — although Roma Street Parklands' licensed areas are only licensed until 8pm. Food trucks will also be onsite at the Celebration Lawn and Lakeside Lawn from 4pm daily if you don't get around to taking care of your own nosh, and The Garden Room will also be doing meal options. Tickets go on sale at 11.30am AEST on Thursday, November 4.
When Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi invited the world to experience the vampire sharehouse mockumentary genre, one of the best comedies of the decade wasn't the only result. Every film seems to spawn sequels, remakes, spinoffs and the like these days, but no one's complaining about spending more time in the What We Do in the Shadows universe. A follow-up, We're Wolves, is in the works, focusing on the undead bloodsuckers' Rhys Darby-led lycanthrope enemies. And television spinoff Wellington Paranormal, following the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they keep investigating the supernatural, debuted its first season last year and has a second season in the works. Add a US TV remake of the original flick to the pile as well, but withhold any "do we really need a remake?" judgement. First revealed by Waititi in 2017, given a pilot order earlier in 2018 and now set to air a ten-episode first season in the US this March, the American version has been written by Clement and directed by Waititi, The Hollywood Reporter notes — and sees a documentary crew follow three vampire flatmates living in New York City, according to Variety. The series stars Toast of London's Matt Berry, Four Lions' Kayvan Novak, British stand-up comedian Natasia Demetriou and The Magicians' Harvey Guillen. It's unknown whether Clement and Waititi will reprise their on-screen roles in a guest capacity, but Australian viewers will get to see the series — according to ads aired frequently during Foxtel's Golden Globes broadcast this week, the show is headed to the pay TV network's Fox Showcase channel at a yet-to-be-revealed date. Two very brief teasers were released late in 2018, and another has just dropped — and while it's still very short, it does give viewers a look at the whole main gang: https://twitter.com/theshadowsfx/status/1083072161051541504 With What We Do in the Shadows actually starting its life as a short back in 2005, the concept of flatting members of the undead arguing about bloody dishes has taken quite the journey since those early beginnings. If any idea was going to come back in multiple guises, it's this one. Of course, so have Clement and Waititi. Clement's latest Flight of the Conchords TV special aired late last year, while Waititi two post-Thor: Ragnarok flicks in the works — a stop-motion animated effort called Bubbles, about Michael Jackson's chimp, and another by the name of Jojo Rabbit, set during World War II and starring Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell. Via The Hollywood Reporter / Variety. Image: Kane Skennar.
If GOMA's Harvest has taught us anything, it's that food and art pair better than nutella and waffles. From Momento Mori to Vines of dogs eating icecream, we tend to react most strongly to images of the edible, and there's one artist whose been utilising this in his art for over 20 years. Franz Ehmann is an internationality renowned artist and master of installation, video and turning just about anything in the fridge into gallery-worthy craft. Now, Ehmann is bringing his latest exhibition Many Things (it's a colourful world) to Spiro Grace Art Gallery. Displaying everyday objects in ways that simultaneously confront and resolve humanistic concerns, Ehman explores the meaning of the language, material and imagery we tend to take for granted. Unique theatrical language and metaphorical significance play core to the objects she uses in her unique translation of the everyday. Many Things (it's a colourful world) shows from September 11 to 27.
Head along to The Hold Artspace for an exhibition that is all-too familiar, but perhaps not as you’d think. Artists Carolyn McKenzie-Craig and Heidi Stevens present together their new works, considering and exploring the experience of the human body within contemporary society, how one constructs itself in relation to its surroundings. McKenzie-Craig deconstructs the idea of gender and the perceived norms of reality that are placed upon an individual, as well as that which an individual must navigate through the human experience. Through performance, McKenzie-Craig looks to examine stereotyping - how it originated, and how it affixes itself to an individual by means of behaviour. While McKenzie-Craig looks at the outward performance, Stevens delves within, looking at female-specific subdued and silenced sexual psychology. By inverting the norms and examining the inner dialogue, it’s surprising how much can be revealed, leading to more questions rather than answering them. No matter the focus, the works of these two inspired artists is something of excitement, and should be seen while the chance presents itself.
You don't have to veer off the beaten path to find Woolloongabba's Detour — physically, at least. Diving into its menu? That's another thing entirely. When was the last time you ate emu tartare, gunpowdered wagyu brisket, salmon with black ants, and fossilised carrots with dukkha and curry? Or Kentucky Fried Duck with jalapeño cornbread, the restaurant's signature dish? They're just some of the highlights from the ever-evolving menu offered by the Detour kitchen since it started wowing east-side diners — and luring hungry folks from the rest of the city — since 2017. Nestled into the energetic Logan Road precinct, the eatery aims to serve up a meal you'll remember from its selection of dishes split into 'omnivore' and 'herbivore' dishes. When we say serve up, we mean it — and not just because Detour's plating game is visually stellar. Here, you'll see everything happen while you relax under the former tyre factory's lofty ceilings. The open kitchen sits in full view of patrons, adding some glistening chrome to the space, and making watching your meal get made all part of the experience. Other culinary highlights include wagyu brisket (with optional 'do not order hot sauce' for the brave) and nitro meringue with basil and raspberries, plus salt and vinegar fries as a side. Or pull up a stool at the bar for a beverage from the wine list and a cocktail menu filled with twists (capsicum margarita, anyone?) are also available. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Brisbane
If you're a fan of musical theatre, then you'll know who Stephen Sondheim is. And even if you're not, you still will — even if you don't know it. The American composer and lyricist has played a hand in everything from West Side Story to Sweeney Todd to Into the Woods, both on the stage and screen. There's more to his talents and impact, of course, as Boys of Sondheim explores at MELT Festival. The intimate cabaret celebrates the Pulitzer Prize and Oscar, Tony and Grammy Award-winner as one of the most significant gay artists of the 20th century, as well as the men his works have brought to life.
The MCA's Anna Davis has curated this survey exhibition of leading Australian artist Jenny Watson, which features works from the 1970s up to the present day ranging from her early realist drawings and paintings to several series of works on fabric. Evidencing Watson's naive, unaffected style, The Fabric of Fantasy showcases her special ability to blend autobiography and psychology with imagination, wit and deadpan delivery to explore her dreams and desires. Based in Brisbane but an avid traveller, Watson often incorporates textiles purloined during her adventures into the surface for several of her paintings — which could be anything from sequins to horsehair to magazines. Influenced by punk and the feminist movement, a significant part of Watson's work involves self-portraits or alter egos — think longhaired Alice in Wonderland-like figures in dresses, ballerinas, rock guitarists, plus the odd horse or cat — and often uses hand painted text alongside distilled imagery to bring to life an unusual interior world. Whether you're a fan or not, don't miss this chance to see over four decades of work from a truly fascinating conceptual painter. Image: Jenny Watson, 'The Pretty Face of Domesticity' (2014).
Name an act that brings you the most happiness — and it's okay if you go with the obvious one. Looking at Mik Shida's latest series of images, you're supposed to think of it. Rites of Joy reflects upon how love and sexuality evoke the titular feeling, and how they both tie into our rituals. That's why the Brisbane-based artist's pieces look like psychedelic entities entwined in a ceremonial act transcending the bounds of known reality. That's the official description, in fact. Shida is searching for, exploring and depicting commonality and contentment in a time when differentiation, division and defined identities are prevalent, all through the invocation at its most energetic. The exhibition kicks off on October 28 with an opening night shindig, complete with beverages from Young Henrys and a fundraising component to help Queensland Writers Centre, too. After that, drop by until November 11 to see Shida's range of smile-inducing mixed media works. Image: Mik Shida.
Winter is coming, as Game of Thrones has been telling us for years — and if the idea hasn't quite sunk in, the show's latest trailer is here to help. After announcing that the series would return in April for its final season with a very brief clip, HBO has dropped another short teaser. Expect snow and dragons, obviously. While we're still hanging out for a proper trailer, the latest sneak peek features the series' Dragonstone table map, aka a painted depiction of Westeros. Sadly, there's no footage from the new season — but there is enough icy intrigue to whet fans' appetites. After leaving everyone hanging for the entirety of 2018, Game of Thrones' eighth and final season will hit the small screen in April 2019, nearly two years after season seven premiered in July 2017. The US network hasn't announced an exact premiere date as yet, but even knowing which month to look forward to is good news. If you're eager to get your fix of the series' staples — that is, battles, bloodshed, betrayal, bare chests, family bickering, Jon Snow knowing nothing (including about his long-lost aunt) and plenty of dragons — then you can almost start counting down the days. Of course, we all know that this isn't really the end of the world created by author George RR Martin — and no, we're not talking about the now seven-year wait for his next book in the literary franchise, The Winds of Winter. A prequel TV series to Game of Thrones is in the works, set thousands of years before the events we've all be watching since 2011, with Naomi Watts set to star. Come next year, you'll also be able to tour original GoT filming locations in Northern Ireland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NspqGM0DbbQ Game of Thrones season eight will arrive on HBO in April, 2019.
Feel like getting fast and furious? Got the need for speed? Want to live out your Mario Kart fantasies? Slideways has you covered. Whether you choose to channel your inner Vin Diesel or simply don some overalls and a red cap (or neither), motoring fun is on the agenda in the multi-coloured Eagle Farm space — a 425-metre, two-level indoor track, complete with a bridge, tunnel and loop of the carpark. It's the best kind of car-related activity the area has to offer, because getting stuck in traffic on Kingsford Smith Drive doesn't count. Afterwards, keep the revving revelry going by hopping in one of the site's new full-motion race car simulators.
Like commemorating the birth and life of famous figures? Like multicultural festivities that shed a light on diversity and harmony? If so, it's party time. Brisbane's annual Buddha Birthday Festival is back for its 23rd year at South Bank — and yes, it is the biggest annual celebration of its kind in the world. Running from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5, the 2019 program certainly aims to prove that claim once again, courtesy of three jam-packed days of tree blessing, candle lighting, lion dances, dragon boat regattas, origami, calligraphy, fireworks and more. In fact, there's so much on the agenda that your best bet might be to head to South Brisbane and settle in for the long haul. 200,000 people are expected to do the same — and with hundreds performers and 180 events on offer, you can't blame them. The festival isn't just about watching other people strut their stuff, though. With an international vegetarian food village serving up culinary delights, tea ceremonies keeping you hydrated, meditation sessions taking care of your mental bliss and more than 2500 red lanterns on display, this isn't just a feast of entertainment; it's a complete mind and body experience as well.
One of Sydney Festival 2017's most Instagrammed events was The Beach, an enormous ball pit inside a human-made cave, as created by Brooklyn-based design studio Snarkitecture. Tonnes of the city's residents spent at least some part of January diving, cannonballing and floating about in a sea of plastic bliss. Understandably. If you've been fretting about whether this kind of fun would ever come to Brisbane, here's your answer. Another ball pit, this time called The Ballpit!, is on its way around the country. It was first slated for Sydney, but now Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth have been added to the agenda. Like The Beach, it'll be a behemoth, made up of one million balls. Rather than filling up just a single space, they'll be arranged across several, creating a kind of playground — but for adults. On top of that, the balls are of the glow-in-the-dark variety, illuminated by LED lights that will pulsate to a soundtrack provided by some of Brisbane's best DJs. There'll also be an onsite cocktail bar, to let you rest and refuel in between dips and dives. Just when and where The Ballpit! will pop up is yet to be revealed, but expect it in early 2018. Entry will be via ticket, available online. Sessions are likely to sell out pretty quickly, so get in early by registering on The Ballpit!'s website. Image: The Beach, Sydney Festival 2017 by Shannon Connellan.
A Sydney institution, White Rabbit Gallery has been running free exhibitions showcasing contemporary Chinese art for over a decade. But visitors to the Chippendale space between now and Sunday, August 1 can expect a particularly luminous experience, with its latest eye-catching multimedia exhibition centred around the wonders of light. Showcasing works from 30 artists, Lumen's lineup stretches from interactive light pieces and frozen copper sculptures to video projections and rooms full of LEDs. As well as grabbing attention, each work on display uses light in a thought-provoking, awe-inspiring or fully immersive fashion. The boundary-pushing Zhang Peili, dubbed the father of video art in China, is displaying 2012 Portraits, a series of 14 portraits in which the both the subject and the viewer are blinded by light. Or, there's Yao Chung-Han's DzDz, which invites the audience to stand under movement-sensitive beams of light and create music by using their bodies. And, thanks to Wu Daxin's Ashley's Heart, you'll see copper tubes suspended in the shape of a heart and gradually frozen over the course of the day, creating a unique ice sculpture. [caption id="attachment_807673" align="alignnone" width="1920"] LUXURYLOGICO, Miniature, 2015, stainless steel, copper rods, LED lights, computer 207 x 576 x 168 cm[/caption] Art collective Luxury Logico is presenting two works as part of the exhibition. The first is Solar, a twinkling representation of the sun created using donated desk lamps — while the second, Miniature, is one of the exhibition's showstoppers. The display of LED lights draws upon images from a video reel, with each LED corresponding to a pixel. Both vivid and architectural in its appearance, the work is designed to remind viewers of celestial bodies in the sky, all while cycling through everything from reality TV and ads to soap operas and Adam Sandler movies. Lumen is running over all four levels of the White Rabbit Gallery. As usual with the site's exhibitions, entry is free and there are no bookings, so folks can just rock up and enjoy the art. And, free guided tours are available at 11am, 1pm and 3pm Wednesday–Sunday. [caption id="attachment_807667" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cong Lingqi, Dust 2, 2008, plastic, paint, metal, spotlights, dimensions variable[/caption] Lumen is on display at White Rabbit Gallery, 20 Balfour Street, Chippendale, until Sunday, August 1 — open from 10am–5pm Wednesday–Sunday. Top image: Miniature by Luxury Logico.
