Since Samson & Delilah arrived in 2009, earned the Cannes Film Festival's prestigious Caméra d'Or for Best First Feature and proved an instant great of Australian cinema, every project from filmmaker Warwick Thornton has been a must-see. He got spooky with ghost-story anthology The Darkside, pondered the nation's relationship with the Southern Cross in documentary We Don't Need a Map and explored the country's race relations in blistering historical drama Sweet Country. Then, he co-directed the second season of the Mystery Road TV series, turned the camera on himself in meditative small-screen doco The Beach and was also behind vampires-in-the-outback show Firebite. Thornton is an Aussie icon. With his latest project, he has also joined forces with a fellow Aussie icon: Cate Blanchett. The Oscar-winning actor is following up her award-nominated role in Tár earlier in 2023 with Thornton's new film The New Boy — and playing a renegade nun in 1940s Australia, no less. As the just-dropped trailer shows, The New Boy heads to a remote monastery with a mission for Indigenous children, where Sister Eileen (Blanchett) is in charge. In a sneak peek filled with golden hues and bubbling with a thoughtful mood, her faith is tested when the titular child (newcomer Aswan Reid), a nine-year-old orphan, arrives and has his own experience with religion, which clashes with the mission's take on Christianity. Thornton writes and directs The New Boy, as he did with with Samson and Delilah and We Don't Need a Map. He also does triple duty as his own cinematographer, as he also has with the bulk of his filmography. And, on-screen, Deborah Mailman (Total Control) and Wayne Blair (Seriously Red) feature alongside Blanchett and Reid. Unsurprisingly given its helmer, star and the former's Cannes history, The New Boy premiered at the prestigious French film festival in May, and enjoys its first Aussie screening as the opening-night film at the Sydney Film Festival. After that, audiences Australia-wide will be able to check out the dream pairing of Thornton and Blanchett — and the movie debut of Reid — when The New Boy hits cinemas in general release on Thursday, July 6. Check out the trailer for The New Boy below: The New Boy opens in Australian cinemas on July 6.
IKEA and Ideabox, a U.S. architectural firm, have teamed up to create a line of fully furnished, prefabricated houses. The new homes, called Aktiv, are one-bedroom dwellings filled with space saving furniture and the usual Ikea fare, including Tundra maple flooring, Pax wardrobes and Abstrakt cabinets. Designed to be eco-friendly, the outside of the home will be made from a combination of fibre cement, corrugated metal and a standing seam metal roof. The Aktiv house is equipped with a dual-flush toilet and energy-star electronics to ensure it is more environmentally sound too. The house will incorporate the fun and design of Ideabox houses together with the functionality, design and personality of IKEA. The Aktiv is set to be priced from US$86,500. Prefab homes have already taken off overseas, and are set to provide Australians with an increasingly attractive construction option in the years to come. Check out ten incredible prefab home designs here. [via PSFK]
Picture this: a perfectly portioned entree of beautiful flavour combinations followed by a deliciously tasty main course and a light and sweet dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Got it? Now picture this: it's only $30. Yes, you read correctly. The Eatery (the in-house restaurant at Brisbane's newly constructed CBD hotel Four Points by Sheraton) is ticking all the boxes when it comes to weekday dining options. This hidden gem, situated on level two of the hotel on Mary Street, is seriously worth stepping off the main road for. Patrons are treated to a three-course Market Express Lunch for only $30 or two courses for $24.95, the usual all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets and, on Friday and Saturday nights, a fresh seafood buffet for only $55. The menu showcases wonderful fresh and seasonal Queensland produce but takes your tastebuds around the world, drawing inspiration from Asia, America and Italy. Think entrees of wild mushroom risotto with portobellos, mascarpone, preserved lemon and shaved pecorino or five-hour slow-roasted pork belly with cauliflower puree, sous vide mustard apple balls and a sticky Cumberland sauce. For mains, diners have the choice of dishes like the chef-made saffron fettuccine, Thai green curry, pan-fried prawns in Napoli sauce or spice rub chicken with house-made corn bread and mint and coriander relish. If you have enough room for dessert (it's highly recommended that you do), you'll have the choice of light and fruity — a vacherin of fresh fruit with meringue, ice cream and smoked apple jelly — or something a bit more decadent, tiramisu with a shot of espresso and chocolate soil. For the savoury fans, there is also the cheese plate of epic proportions that could easily be shared between three. The Eatery is a perfect venue for a city business lunch or grazing for a few hours catching up with friends. With three courses for only $30, you really can't put a foot wrong.
Western Sydney could use a love letter right now, and that tribute arrives in Here Out West. The product of eight up-and-coming screenwriters from the area, it celebrates a place that has spent much of the past year garnering attention for a reason no one wanted: thanks to the tighter rules applied to the region during Sydney's four-month stretch of stay-at-home conditions in 2021, it was home to New South Wales' strictest lockdown of the pandemic to-date. Thankfully, COVID-19 isn't this movie's focus. Instead, as told in nine languages — Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Kurdish, Tagalog, Turkish, Vietnamese, Spanish and English — and helmed by five female filmmakers, Here Out West dwells in everyday lives. It champions by seeing and recognising, and by trumpeting voices that have always been there but are infrequently given a microphone. Of course, as thoughtful and meaningful as Here Out West is — and as welcome a move it makes with sincere multicultural representation in Australia — it really shouldn't stand out as much as it does. There shouldn't have needed to be a concerted effort to champion western Sydney voices to make a film like this. It shouldn't grab attention as a rarity, either, and it shouldn't feel so timely because of the events of the last 12 months. Here Out West does all of these things because it's an outlier in Australia's homegrown filmic output, but it also clearly makes a case that's already apparent and inherent anyway: that presenting more than just the stereotypical image of Australia, and opting for a genuine picture of the country as it actually is instead, should always be the baseline and status quo. Opening shots of suburban houses and looping highways set the scene: viewers aren't journeying to an Aussie beach or the nation's parched outback expanse, aka two of the prevailing visions of this sunburnt, sea-girt continent on-screen. Rather, Here Out West unfurls its octet of intertwined vignettes in spaces far more ordinary — not to downplay the importance of surveying western Sydney, but to clearly note that these are its daily playgrounds. It's here that mothers have babies, neighbours look after the kids next door, grandmothers worry about their grandchildren, dads struggle to connect with their sons, and sport and food are among the ways that people come together. It's here that adults bicker among themselves over love, and with their parents about their futures. It's where lives begin and end, and where folks with dreams both big and modest also try to start anew. And yes, all of these scenarios are covered by the film's narrative. Initially, Here Out West spends time with Nancy (Geneviève Lemon, The Tourist), who takes care of her eight-year-old neighbour Amirah (debutant Mia-Lore Bayeh), but wasn't actually planning to help out today. She has a newborn granddaughter to meet — one that the authorities are planning to take away, so Nancy makes a drastic decision that'll ripple throughout the community across the movie's one-day timeframe. In the film's second segment, hospital carpark security guard Jorge (fellow first-timer Christian Ravello) is brought into the wider story, and also gets a snapshot chapter of his own. His instalment then intersects with friends Rashid (Rahel Romahn, Moon Rock for Monday), Dino (Thuso Lekwape, Book Week) and Robi (Arka Das, Babyteeth), who run through the streets arguing about Rashid's cousin. Next, their section links in with Ashmita (Leah Vandenberg, The Hunting) and her dying Bengali-speaking father back at the local hospital. Returning to specific spots comes with territory, because it comes with living anywhere; paths cross, people are drawn to the same busy and central locations, and some facilities — such as Here Out West's pivotal hospital — are always a hive of activity in any community. That truth continues to drive the film as it meets Kurdish refugees Keko (De Lovan Zandy) and Xoxe (Befrin Axtjärn Jackson), who are hoping to make a new beginning that still involves his penchant for music and her skills hand-weaving carpets, before jumping to Tuan (Khoi Trinh) and his brother Andy (Brandon Nguyen), who possess varying ideas about what it means to be Vietnamese Australian. Then comes a glimpse at nurse Roxanne's (Christine Milo, It's a Cult!) day as she works a double shift and misses her family in The Philippines. And, there's also Winnie (Gabrielle Chan, Hungry Ghosts) and Angel (Jing-Xuan Chan, Neighbours) as the mother and daughter close their Chinese restaurant for the last time. The common threads linking Here Out West's chapters are the ties that bind everyone: family, place and hope. But writers Nisrine Amine, Das (who acts as well as pens his section of the film), Bina Bhattacharya, Matias Bolla, Claire Cao, Dee Dogan, Vonne Patiag and Tien Tran find their own takes on the movie's common elements, sometimes by drawing from experience — and, unsurprisingly, the feature frequently feels personal. That sensation connects each of the picture's segments, too, with every section peering intimately at western Sydney residents, their lives and their emotions, and showing both the specific and the universal in the process. That isn't a revolutionary overall approach, and has long made so many stories strike a chord on pages, stages and screens, but the way that Here Out West uses such sparks of recognition is equally astute and moving. As directed by feature first-timers Fadia Abboud, Lucy Gaffy and Julie Kalceff, as well as the more seasoned Ana Kokkinos (Blessed) and Leah Purcell (The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson), Here Out West also charts a route that most anthologies do — because not every part matches the last or next. Each of its eight vignettes bring engaging people to the screen, and function as perceptively drawn character studies, but there's more to some than others. That's as fitting as the movie's naturalistically shot look, however, because that too reflects the reality that Here Out West so determinedly channels. Some tales are slight, others are immense and plenty sit in-between, but in this powerful, authentic, diversity-celebrating ode to western Sydney, they're all worth telling and sharing.
In a year that's already seen The Zoo say goodbye (ahead of its space reopening as the new Crowbar), another go-to for Brisbane's music fans is also bidding farewell. A West End favourite for over a decade, record store Jet Black Cat Music is shutting up shop before 2024 is out. More than just a place to buy tunes, the Vulture Street venue has also hosted gigs and parties — and held its own music festival over at The Tivoli. Your last day to head by: Saturday, December 28, 2024, which gives you somewhere to splash your Christmas cash to send off this inner-city haunt. While its physical digs are closing, Jet Black Cat Music will live on, however, thankfully keeping its website up and running. The JBCM team announced the news on social media, noting that "we are shape-shifting, moving on from our bricks-and-mortar shop in West End, and taking on a few form as we continue to grow into our new life which is all about bringing great music and people together through touring and events". The statement continued: "Jet Black Cat Music on the corner of Thomas and Vulture streets in downtown West End has been the most wonderful and lengthy chapter of my life so far, WOW! The store has been a magical portal, we have hosted so many of my favourite artists such as Aldous Harding, Julia Jacklin, Angie McMahon, Dick Diver, Twerps, Courtney Barnett, Jen Cloher, Haley Heyndrickx, The Beth's, M Ward, Weyes Blood, Sharon Van Etten, Frankie Cosmos, Sampa The Great, Marlon Williams, Phantastic Ferniture, Toro Y Moi, Dry Cleaning, Charli xcx, Marina Allen, Christian Lee Hutson, Big Scary, Floodlights ... and opened up a pathway into promoting tours and presenting great shows in far and wide locations". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jet Black Cat Music (@jetblackcatmusic) Before settling into its current home, Jet Black Cat Music began its life at Davies Park Markets. It plans not only to remain online, but to also be part of "pop-ups, markets, festivals, listening parties and things that haven't even been dreamt up yet", the crew also revealed. January 2025 would've marked 14 years of JBCM on Vulture Street — and just as long of lengthy lines around the corner on Record Store Day, as well as spotting the store's black tote bags around town. Find Jet Black Cat Music at 72 Vulture Street, West End — open 9am–4pm Thursday–Saturday — until Saturday, December 28, 2024. The store will live on online; head to the Jet Black Cat Music website for more details. Top image: Google Maps.
These days it seems like just about anywhere can be a cinema. Rooftop viewing is all the rage, drive-ins are popping up all over the place, and even local bars is getting in on the action. But that's only the beginning. Come April in Brisbane, film buffs will be getting locked up for their movie fix. No, going to the movies isn't being outlawed. Instead, cult film guru Kristian Fletcher has put together yet another must-attend event. This time, he's hosting a brand new movie night at Boggo Road Gaol. With a "when in Rome" attitude, Fletcher's regular program will serve up prison films in a prison setting – because flicks about roaming free in wide open spaces really wouldn't work, would they? First cab off the rank is The Great Escape on April 29, followed by 80's classic Brubaker and the Coen brothers' Miller's Crossing. And if you're wondering why we haven't mentioned The Shawshank Redemption yet, don't worry. Of course it will also grace Boggo Road's big screen. Each movie will start at 7:30pm, although anyone after more than just a film is encouraged to arrive an hour earlier. That way you can take an ex-prisoner tour, browse the markets, and peruse the jail art show. Our tip: BYO Rita Hayworth poster if you think you might want to tunnel out of there during the evening. Prison Movie Nights at Boggo Road Gaol kick off on April 29. Tickets will be $15 per film, or $35 for a film and tour combo. For more information keep your eyes on the Boggo Road Gaol website.
The Nice Guys mightn't have scored a sequel, but The Fall Guy does nicely instead. Getting a hearty workout: Ryan Gosling's charm, comedic talent that just earned an Oscar-nominated showcase in Barbie and action skills as last seen in The Gray Man. He's back in stunts, too, as Drive first gifted the world so mesmerisingly. A loose remake of the 80s television series of the same name, The Fall Guy is a take-it-and-run-with-it kind of film, then. Not only does it grasp hold of what Gosling does best and sprint, but the same applies for co-lead Emily Blunt (Pain Hustlers) — and, of course, for director David Leitch (Bullet Train), who first took the journey from stunt performer to filmmaker with John Wick, has kept filling his resume with action fare since (see: Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw and Bullet Train) and now virtually comes full circle in helming a flick where his protagonist does the same gig that he once did. Gosling's Colt Seavers is also taking it and running with it — in a profession where it's his job to help bring whatever impossible physical endeavour is required to the screen, as well as on the gig that gets him to Sydney. The Fall Guy starts 18 months prior to his trip Down Under, however, but still with him doubling for Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bullet Train), one of the world's biggest actors. Seavers has a career that he loves and steady work at it thanks to Ryder's fame. He's also happily romancing Jody Moreno (Blunt), a camera operator with dreams of doing more. Then a stunt goes wrong, leaving him badly injured, battered and bruised emotionally and psychologically, and inspiring him to quit the business. Only a call from Ryder-loving producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso) sparks his return to the industry — he makes a crust as a valet once he's fit and able in-between — and, even then, it's only really the fact that Moreno is helming Ryder's latest movie as her directorial debut that nudges him onto the plane. Upon his arrival in Australia, Seavers soon discovers that the situation isn't exactly what he's been told. Ryder is missing from the Metalstorm set, putting the future of the production at risk. Shady folks keep popping up whenever anyone — well, Seavers — goes looking for the absent star. And Moreno had zero advance idea that the man who ghosted her had been enlisted on the shoot, and is far from thrilled about it or the way that their relationship ended. Trying to win her back, getting emotional fortification from Taylor Swift tunes The Bear-style, attempting to track down Ryder, evading the unsavoury figures on this trail, bouncing around Sydney: sometimes while fending off sword-swinging foes, sometimes while wearing fluoro, sometimes while paired with an acting dog who'll chomp on command, that's all on Seavers' plate in Drew Pearce's (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw) zippy screenplay. There's an easy, breezy vibe to The Fall Guy, the kind that comes from knowing wholeheartedly that you're capitalising upon the strengths of your key players. Although Seavers dates back to the television iteration and there was a Jody on the small screen, too (Banks, not Moreno), the film's main pair were moulded around Gosling and Blunt — and it always shows. For him, it's a charisma-forward performance whether he's getting goofy, earnest or thrust into a fray. His Kenergy-fuelled comic timing is impeccable, as is his ability to sell Seavers' soul-searching stint after a career that requires him to be invincible reminds him that no one is. For her, joining a resume that also includes excellent action turns in Looper and Edge of Tomorrow, it's a portrayal built on pluck. When Gosling and Blunt are together, the film boasts as much crackling chemistry — often of the screwball type — as it does dynamic fights, explosions, shootouts and car chases (one of the latter famously on the Sydney Harbour Bridge). And there are fights, explosions, shootouts and car chases (and boat jumps, helicopter battles and vehicular cannon rolls). You don't make a movie about a stunt performer on a mystery-caper adventure while working on a mega-budget alien sci-fi war romance flick — a film that turns the Sydney Opera House into a backdrop while it's at it — without highlighting stunts, stunts and more stunts. You definitely don't hold back if this was once your life as well. The action doesn't disappoint, nor does the commitment to weaving how such action comes to fruition into The Fall Guy's action sequences, complete with underscoring the importance of practical effects in the broader feature and the picture within it. This is a winking-and-nodding movie to its primary genre, lovingly so, right down to references built into the film. With stunt coordinator Dan Tucker (Winston Duke, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Seavers swaps references to other films (The Last of the Mohicans and Rocky III, for instance). One of his prized possessions: a Miami Vice jacket. The words of 'Unknown Stuntman', the theme to TV's The Fall Guy which gets a new cover here, are clearly a guiding light for Leitch on this movie: "I might fall from a tall building, I might roll a brand-new car, 'cause I'm the unknown stuntman that made Redford such a star" is one memorable line. Accordingly, though the very basis of filmmaking's stunt performer-actor setup is that the former are meant to convince the audience that it's the latter risking their lives, revelling in everything that The Fall Guy throws Gosling's way as Seavers means relishing the work of his doubles Ben Jenkin (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts) and Justin Eaton (The Killer). The campaign for the stunts game to be given the credit it deserves — aka an Oscar category — couldn't earn a more persuasive push, then. Leitch's feature manages something that most flicks would kill for, because action deployed for the sake of it, then shot frantically and edited messily, gets repetitive; The Fall Guy is the lively, passionate and meticulously crafted antithesis of routine smashing and bashing. Back-and-forth rom-com bantering can similarly fall flat if the stars and the vibe aren't right. There's something about Sydney of late: in Anyone But You, Sydney Sweeney (Immaculate) and Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) made it work in the Harbour City, as Gosling and Blunt do in the same place in The Fall Guy. So, while The Nice Guys mightn't have received a follow-up, it's easy to see The Fall Guy becoming a big-screen franchise, and welcomely. At the very least for its magnetic leads, it should set a new repeat double act in motion. Gosling teamed up with Emma Stone (Poor Things) three times on Crazy, Stupid, Love, Gangster Squad and La La Land, and makes an equally delightful duo with his current co-star. Just as there should be no underestimating stunt feats in general or in this flick, as Leitch stresses again and again, there should be no downplaying the ride that Gosling and Blunt take their characters on in this fun film, either — from doing the hard work while others win the glory to finally getting their time to shine.
It's hard to miss Tibetan Kitchen. The bright yellow and blue building right on Petrie Terrace is the sort of place you've probably driven past a hundred times and never actually been inside. But you should. The restaurant specialises in authentic Tibetan cuisine, including momos — steamed and fried dumplings, filled with meat or veggies, coriander, ginger and garlic, served with house-made chutney. For the vegetarians, Tibetan Kitchen in Brisbane City has veg kofta with mashed potato, chickpeas, capsicum and coriander rolled into balls that are deep-fried, then cooked in a spicy sauce. We also love the veg shapka, which has potatoes, mixed vegetables and tomatoes cooked in a curry sauce loaded with ginger, garlic and coriander. Round out your meal with some starters — we suggest the aloo chop (curried potato patties with homemade chutney) or spinach dhal soup — and the staple rice, bread and khir for dessert, a Nepalese pudding topped with caramel. Image: Hennessy Trill
Goodbye Henry Cavill, hello Liam Hemsworth: when The Witcher returns for season four, that's the first big talking point. The change is old news, given that it was announced back in 2022, but seeing it in action isn't. And while Netflix hasn't yet revealed when it is bringing its hit fantasy series back, it has just dropped the first teaser for the new episodes — including the first look at Hemsworth (Land of Bad) as Geralt of Rivia. The icy long locks and the firm gaze are all accounted for in the brief debut glimpse at The Witcher season four, in what'll be the first season without Argylle's Cavill. Hemsworth takes over the part for not just season four but also season five, after the show was renewed for a fifth and final season in April 2024 before its fourth even airs. They're both currently being filmed back to back. So, get ready to toss a coin to your new witcher, and then one more time — but that'll be it. "As a Witcher fan I'm over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia," Hemsworth said when the casting change was initially announced. "Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I'm honoured that he's handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf's blades for the next chapter of his adventure. Henry, I've been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I'm truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world," he continued. [caption id="attachment_748890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Henry Cavill in The Witcher[/caption] If you haven't watched the first three seasons yet but the name sounds familiar from elsewhere, that's because The Witcher is based on the short stories and novels of writer Andrzej Sapkowski — and, as well as being turned into comics, it was adapted the video game series of the same name. A Polish film and TV show also reached screens in the early 2000s, although they were poorly received. Sapkowski's last three Witcher books, aka Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow and Lady of the Lake, will form the basis of the Netflix series' final two seasons. In the Netflix effort, Cavill and now Hemsworth play the witcher of the title. Geralt of Rivia prefers to work — aka slay beasts — alone in a realm called The Continent. But life has other plans for the lone wolf, forcing him to cross paths with powerful sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra, The Cypher) and young princess Ciri (Freya Allan, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes). Alongside Hemsworth, season four will also welcome Laurence Fishburne (John Wick: Chapter 4), Sharlto Copley (Boy Kills World), James Purefoy (The Veil) and Danny Woodburn (Bookie) to the cast. Check out the first teaser for The Witcher season four below: The Witcher's fourth season doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. The show's first three seasons are currently available to stream via Netflix.
Fantastic shows and performances are one part of MELT. Vibrant, diverse art is another. Simply take a look at the Brisbane Powerhouse's walls, and you'll understand, with the venue decking out its foyers with a host of MELT creativity. No fewer than six works and exhibitions are on display until Sunday, July 7. As you'd expect, it's an inclusive and lively bunch. You'll spot the first, Tim Glorious' Tethered Together, as you approach the venue, because you can't miss this multi-coloured projection — and that's just the starting point. From there, the annual MELT Portrait Prize celebrates LGBTIQ+ heroes, Dr Heather Faulkner's A Matter of Time looks into the lesbian experience during Queensland's more conservative days, and Matthew Taylor Thomas' Stygian Stones examines intolerance by taking inspiration from Greek mythology. There's also Talking Can Make Things Better, which focuses on conversations to reduce self-harm and suicide, plus Sophie Reid-Singer's Brood, which uses video, satire and cats to comment on the way society treats people with disabilities.
OVERVIEW Are you an authority on pop culture, music, food, drink, events and city life? Are you adept at putting your thoughts on those things into words that people can’t help but read? Are you a total pro at all things digital? Concrete Playground is currently seeking a skilled, experienced journalist/editor to join its Sydney team as deputy editor, and if you answered in the affirmative to all of the above, you may just be the person we’re looking for. RESPONSIBILITIES Working closely with the editor-in-chief from our Redfern, Sydney office, you'll come up with story ideas, write articles and commission work from a team of freelancers. Fastidious subediting will be a pillar of your day, as will making images, text, video and links work together as a happy whole. Your primary responsibilities will include: Leading Concrete Playground's news and features content across Australia and New Zealand.Management and growth of Concrete Playground’s various social media channels.Assisting with the planning and execution of Concrete Playground’s editorial strategy.Creation of varied written and multimedia content.Management of freelance news contributors across five cities. REQUIREMENTS A university degreeAt least one year's experience in the online media environment.A demonstrated ability to write smart, funny, popular articles quickly, and to come up with even more ideas than you can write.Solid subediting skills and ability to work with a style guide.Experience with social media management and strategy.Knowledge of SEO and basic HTML.Experience working with a content management system (preferably Wordpress).A good eye for images and skills with image production (preferably Photoshop).Expertise on the topics of music and pop culture, though you might also be strong in: technology, design, sustainability, current affairs, fashion, lifestyle, travel, food & drink, film, the arts and local cultural life.Some photography or videography skills. HOW TO APPLY Please send your cover letter, CV and links to 3-4 relevant online writing samples to Concrete Playground’s editor-in-chief, Rima Sabina Aouf, at contribute@concreteplayground.com.au WHO WE ARE Concrete Playground is an online weather vane pointing readers to the cultural tornadoes that are just about to hit. Our writers, editors and contributors have a constant ear to the under and above (but never middle) ground of the creative worlds of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and Wellington. Ideally, applicants will be pretty familiar with us and what we're about.
Is there a better name for a reggae festival than Jammin, which instantly gets the sounds of Bob Marley stuck in your head? Probably not. And at 2024's Jammin, the event is living up to that moniker by featuring Julian Marley, one of the Jamaican icon's sons, on its lineup. His set list is known to feature his dad's songs — 'Jamming' among them. Marley will take to the stage in Brisbane when the festival plays the Riverstage for two days across Saturday, February 3–Sunday, February 4. He has plenty of big-name reggae company, starting with Sean Paul, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Shaggy — yes, Mr Boombastic himself. From there, the roster of talent includes Stefflon Don, Fiji, Oxlade, J Boog, Third World and Common Kings, as well as Maoli, Spawnbreezie, The Green, Pia Mia, Latasha Lee, Josh Wawa, Eli Mac and Sione Toki. Plus, Sons of Zion, Sammy J, Nesian Mystik, House of Shem, 1814 and Three Houses Down are hopping across the ditch from New Zealand's reggae scene. In Brisbane, Shaggy headlines the Saturday, while Sean Paul and UB40 featuring Al Campbell do the honours on Sunday. Top image: Bieniecki Piotr via Wikimedia Commons.
It's the winding brown snake that Brisbanites see every day. We drive over it, we speed along it in CityCats, and we stare at it from bars and restaurants. Fancy paddling your way through it, too? Even better — fancy hitting the water for $5? With New Farm Park now home to the New Farm Park River Hub, cruising the river recreationally has become a whole lot easier. That's one of the main ideas behind the new addition — aka encouraging folks to kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard their way along the waterway. And to celebrate that fact, Brisbane City Council is joining forces with Vertec Adventure to host 90-minute-long Kayak Eco Adventure tours that won't drain your wallet. Bookings are essential; however for $5 per person, you can get paddling in a two-seat kayak as part of a guided experience. All kayaking and safety equipment is provided. Sessions run at 8am and 9.30am on Sunday, December 8. If you're feeling hungry afterwards, Mary Mae's beneath Brisbane Powerhouse is doing hampers from $25 filled with fruit, cured meats, cheese and crackers. BCC is hosting other sessions up and down the river between now and April, too — keep an eye on the website for further details.
Fish Lane's Town Square is putting its patch of pavement to good use, with markets now popping up in the South Brisbane spot. While bars and eateries line the laneway, and festivals have taken it over as well, Fish Lane has only hosted its own stalls for two years now — and given you a reason to head by to browse and buy locally made art, ceramics and other goods. In 2022, that also includes the return of Fish Lane's Christmas markets. Running from 9am–1pm on Sunday, December 18, it'll span a heap of stalls filled with everything from fashion, plants, art and jewellery to natural skincare and accessories for your dog. In fact, the road between Hope and Grey streets will be closed down for the day to accommodate the market — and you can obviously bring your four-legged friend with you as you browse. Food-wise, Fish Lane's existing cafes and eateries will keep you feed and caffeinated while you shop.
Think Taps, the Brunswick Street bar that lets you pour your own beers, is just about the beverages? Think again. On Australia Day, they're also about combining a pint with a few friendly competitions. If ever there was an occasion for drinking games, it's this one. Given they're calling the event the Taps Olympics, you can safely expect more than a few rounds of shenanigans. Plus, there's something fitting about celebrating our great multicultural nation by embracing a sporting contest first started in Ancient Greece many, many centuries ago.
Sick of searching for that one last kebab joint on your weekend walks home? Say hello to our city's new food trucks, ten mobile restaurants which will deliver snacks to the streets of Sydney. The ten trucks will offer a diverse range of gourmet tastes for patrons, with everything from tacos to steamed dumplings. Furthermore, there will even be a take on modern Australian cuisine from Stuart McGill, former sous chef at the globally acclaimed restaurant Tetsuya's. Vegetarians will also be pleased with one truck, Veggie Patch, that will serve up veggie burgers and veggie chips, while the truck itself runs on vegetable oil and proudly displays a herb garden on its roof. City of Sydney's Late Night Economy Manager, Suzie Matthews, says that the trucks will serve food "at random places and at random times." There will also be the development of an online app, as well as social media pages to let people know when and where the trucks will be appearing. Food trucks applicants to took their ideas to the City of Sydney last year, where they underwent a Masterchef-esque testing process that included a one hour cook-off. They also presented their business plans and backgrounds, and ten successful applicants were eventually chosen. This is one government initiative that all Sydneysiders will welcome with open arms and open mouths. Stop salivating and check out the video below for a sneak preview, with the real trucks expected to arrive in the next few weeks. The ten new Sydney food trucks are: • Agape • Al Carbon • Bite Sized Delights • Burger Theory • Cantina Mobil • Eat Art Truck • Let's Do Yum Cha • Taco Truck • Tsuru • Veggie Patch https://youtube.com/watch?v=jwuhf9J6lHs
UPDATE, September 20, 2020: Boho Luxe Market has changed the date for its next Brisbane event — instead of taking place from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 , it'll now be held from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29. The below information has been updated to reflect these changes. At Boho Luxe Market (their words, not ours), Byron Bay comes to Brisbane. Well, the beachy New South Wales spot's general vibe does at least. Forgoing the trappings of the city for bohemian fashion, jewellery, homewares and the like is on the market's agenda, and has been since it made the jump from Melbourne to Brisbane in 2019. Clearly we responded well to three days of dreamcatchers and flower crowns, because it's coming back again in 2020. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then block out Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29 in your diary for the market's rescheduled (from April) dates. The Boho Luxe Market will head to The Old Museum for a weekend of browsing and buying, food trucks, live music and more. Usually there's also be a dedicated vegan section, plus a kombi display and glamping providers tempting you into booking your next holiday — so fingers crossed they'll return. Entry costs $5, with kids under 12 allowed in for free. Drop by and pretend you're somewhere quiet and coastal on Friday from 5pm–9pm, Saturday from 9am–5pm, and Sunday from 9am–3pm. Boho Luxe Market will take over The Old Museum from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29.
Stripping back the Big Macs, McDonalds is set to reveal its latest campaign in Paris — with no staged food styling in sight. Developed by TBWA Paris as a 'Pictogram' campaign, McDonalds' new billboards see paired down classics like chicken nuggets, fries and Big Macs (which all look undeniably stylin'). One of the world's most easily identifiable brands, McDonalds' minimalist campaign exposes how ingrained their products are in consumer consciousness. Creative director Jean-François Goize, copywriter Frank Marinus, and art director/illustrator Michael Mikiels are capitalising on your nomming muscle memory to fill in the gaps. TBWA London paved the way with this type of advertising campaign with their No Logo strategy for FCUK, with Lego picking up the logo-less brand identification technique for their 2012 ads. Imagination is the key. Business Insider pointed out that "most men, women, and children in the world know the Mickey D's staples like they know their own names." ABC found that kids were learning to identify logos before their alphabet. Check out the campaign below, alongside TBWA's Azealia Banks-fuelled ad, full of highly attractive, youthful 'street artists'. https://youtube.com/watch?v=OFu4cN7Df-8 Via Business Insider.
Once you've given Woolloongabba a stylish neighbourhood-style Italian trattoria, what comes next? If you're Vincent Lombino and Jared Thibault, you branch out with a new Chinese Peruvian restaurant and bar in the same precinct. Come Wednesday, July 27, Casa Chow will follow in Sasso Italiano's footsteps, joining the inner-east suburb's South City Square. The former Ovolo and QT Food and Beverage Directors are heroing Chino Latino cuisine, aka Chifa, in their latest 100-seat venture — a culinary style that matches Cantonese flavours with Peruvian staples. On the menu: dishes such as lomo saltado, a stir fry made with marinated wagyu, onions and aji amarillo chilli, and served over fries, as well as anticucho marinated skewers, plus a blend of dim sum and ceviche. The full food range hasn't yet been revealed, but Executive Chef Gabriele Di Landri will focus on Chifa dishes that are designed to share. Patrons will tuck in while listening to Latin tunes spun at the venue's DJ booth, and sitting within a pastel-hued space with blue and pink walls, flowing curtains, booth seating and an open-style bar. To wash Casa Chow's bites down with, Thibault and Bar Manager Shawn Brown are going big on pisco, the brandy made in Peru and Chile's winemaking regions. You'll also be able to sip Scorpion bowl cocktails, pick from a hefty rum list and enjoy the best vinos that South America has to offer. In collaboration with Aether Brewing, there'll also be a bespoke rice lager, which'll feature hints of Peruvian purple corn. "Casa Chow brings a sense of escapism, and we can't wait to open our doors to bring Peru's most inspirational cuisine, Chifa, to Australia. We've poured our hearts into this place and space, to bring an energetic new dining experience to town," said Lombino. Lombino and Thibault aren't done adding to South City Square yet, either, with more venues in the works — joining a precinct that's also set to score a cinema, beer hall, martini bar, and market filled with its own butcher, baker, deli and florist. Find Casa Chow at South City Square, 148 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba, from Wednesday, July 27 — open from 5–10.30pm Wednesday–Sunday.
A team of London-based designers have come up with a solution to the information overload suffered by most of us in this digital age. It's called Little Printer, created by BERG. Saving its users from wading through the endless content in the online information jungle, this itty bitty printer navigates the web on their behalf. It turns select content from its partners Arup, foursquare, Google, the Guardian, and Nike into miniature newspapers, delivered multiple times each day and ready to be popped into a wallet and read on the go. The little guy operates with a zero-configuration wireless connection to the web, and produces inkless thermal prints. The printer is also configured to your phone, to produce customised to-do lists that are just the right size for your back pocket. It will also print your friends' check-ins, plus cross word puzzles and word games - just make sure there's a pen in your other pocket. While there are obviously much more practical ways to catch up on your reading, this itty bitty printer has a face. A face! If nothing else, the BERG design is bound for success based purely on the cuteness factor. And as more and more publications go digital, there's something special about getting your news in physical form. Pre-orders for Little Printer open in 2012, and you can sign up for the mailing list here.
Think you've seen all the beaches Australia has to offer? Maybe you have, but never like this (unless you're an Aquabumps fan). Shot from doorless helicopters, American photographer Gray Malin has captured your weekend days on the beach, from above. Feast your eyes upon the white sand dotted with colourful towels and big umbrellas. Malin has combined the beauty of Australian people, Australian beaches, culture and even ocean pools to make creative and interesting shots of a relatively ordinary day. These photos represent the perfect Australian summer day at the beach. Bondi Beach Swimmers Bondi Beach Bronte Beach Pool Gordons Bay Maroubra Beach Surfers
Whether you like them filled with jam and cream, or prefer plain cake all the way, the lamington is a perfect dessert. It's a piece of sponge cake covered in chocolate sauce and desiccated coconut — what's not to love? And, as excellent as it is on its own, it also fares exceptionally well when it's combined with other foods. Everything from lamington gelato to lamington milkshakes have already proven this fact, as has lamington-flavoured vodka, too. The latest creative take on this Australian favourite? A lamington-cruffin hybrid — which turns one food mashup into a bigger food mashup like the baked goods version of Inception. Sorry, lamington purists, it definitely isn't cube-shaped. But it now exists thanks to Lune Croissanterie. The bakery fills its Frankenstein's monster of a lamington-croissant-muffin with raspberry jam and whipped cream, then dips it in chocolate ganache and desiccated coconut. Without the latter, it just wouldn't be a lamington. And if that description has got your tastebuds in a tizzy, you can nab one — or several — in South Brisbane until Monday, January 31. The lamington cruffins lead Lune's January specials menu, which also includes coffee hazelnut twice-baked croissants, cinnamon buns, white nectarine and honey danishes, tomato tarts and the 'cherry ripe twice-baked' — which gives a pain au chocolat a cherry ripe-inspired twist. You'll find all those limited-edition treats at South Brisbane, too, and they can be pre-ordered online. That said, if you head to either the QAG Cafe and GOMA Bistro, Lune's Japanese cheesecake and lychee jelly croissants — inspired by the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery's 10th Asia Pacific Triennial — is also available until the end of January. Lune's lamington cruffins are available from 15 Manning Street, South Brisbane, until Monday, January 31 — with pre-orders taken online.
There's always something unique and cutting edge rearing its head at the Brisbane Judith Wright Centre, and this coming week is no exception. In fact, An End To Dreaming promises to be a warped fairytale so fantastically unnatural it will leave you in a spell long after the stage is cold. This pop cabaret fairytale is a unique showcase of Queensland talent. It has brought together Matilda Award nominee, Emma Dean and Green Room Award winner, Jake Diefenbach, fusing their musical flair into an eerie masterpiece. The uncanny duo sway, sing and step through ten Brothers Grimm inspired short stories, each complimented with their often ambiguous and haunty musical creations. Dean and Diefenbach's vocal and piano arrangments are sure to make the hairs on the back of your neck creep up! An End To Dreaming will journey through the dark and treacherous world of fiction bringing fairy tales to light. In other words, be prepared for at least a little of the warm and fuzzies. This cabaret will introduce you to a hurly-burly of whimsical tunes and twisted characters. This show is one night only so be quick and get your tickets fast!
Brisbane has already welcomed in 2025, but that's not the only new year that demands celebrating. Before January is out, Lunar New Year will hit, kicking off the Year of the Snake. Fancy marking the occasion with street food in South Brisbane's Fish Lane, a rooftop party in Sunnybank, watching the Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens light up, listening to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, dancing to K-pop, giggling to stand-up comedy or enjoying a DJ-spun soundtrack? At BrisAsia Festival, you can. For 13 years now, the River City has commemorated Lunar New Year with a citywide fest, and that isn't changing in 2025. This year's lineup includes 25 events around town, all designed to get you in celebration mode. The Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art forms part of 2025's program, if you need another excuse to head to Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art to check it out between now and April, but the bulk of the BrisAsia fun takes place across ten days from Friday, January 31–Sunday, February 9. After debuting in 2024, Asian street festival Lush is back again this year, with Southside Restaurant, Hello Please, Chu the Phat and Bird's Nest set to serve up bites to eat. That's just one of BrisAsia 2025's fests within the broader fest. While the Hội chợ Tết (TET Festival) is taking place in advance, on Friday, January 24, the Vietnamese festivities in Richlands are still included on the lineup. And, Southside by Night is back, once more combining street food with a car meet in Willawong. The Sunnybank Lunar New Year Rooftop Party is always a highlight, showcasing Sunnybank Plaza's eateries, busting out lion and dragon dance performances, and capping the night off with fireworks. Consider it the perfect way to help close out BrisAsia 2025, with the shindig happening on Saturday, February 8. New in 2025 is Lunar New Year in the Gardens at Mt Coot-tha, complete with sitar tunes, martial-arts displays, street food and K-pop. For more of the latter, the Thomas Dixon Centre is hosting a showcase. Other events for your calendar include BrisAsia Stands Up, enlisting Brisbane's Asian Australian comedians; a special presentation at Brisbane Planetarium; Longwang featuring Korean dishes across a Seoul-themed weekend; and Warehouse 25's BEAT STREET party in Milton. Or, albeit just after the fest's official dates — on Sunday, February 16 — you can catch the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at QPAC. Whichever part of the festival piques your interest, expect plenty of company, with more than 25,000 people attending BrisAsia in 2024. "It's such a privilege to curate one of the most innovative and diverse festivals in Australia with an exciting program of events combining elements of traditional and contemporary Asian culture," said BrisAsia Festival Executive Producer Anthony Garcia. "The festival is brought to life by more than 200 artists, producers and creatives whose work allows us to celebrate life and art in a way that brings together people from all walks of life, offering artists opportunities to experiment, collaborate and evolve their practice whilst giving audiences the chance to experience world-class entertainment." BrisAsia 2025 runs from Friday, January 31–Sunday, February 9. For further details, head to the Brisbane City Council website.
Local brothers Dan and Andy have opened a one-stop shop in Hawthorne for all of your grocery needs (and more). Stocked full of market fresh produce daily, the Hawthorne Garage also offers customers a range of high quality foods. Fresh bread, top meats, deli goods and unique fine foods are available, as well as a range of gluten-free and organic foods to satisfy all customers needs. This includes the need for a fresh coffee or a beautiful bunch of flowers. Working out of the old garage building on Hawthorne Road the brothers have honoured the history of the place by keeping classic aspects of the garage such as the service list at the front of the building. The rest has been impeccably restored creating an impressive space that is focused on providing top quality foods and customer service. Dan and Andy's Hawthorne Garage285 Hawthorne Rd (Cnr Orchard St), Hawthorne (Map)www.hawthornegarage.com.au6am-8pm daily
Been working so hard loving films from four decades back? When it comes to watching and rewatching blasts from the past, there are worse flicks to punch your card with. So, maybe you know all the words to and dance moves from Footloose, and will always see Kevin Bacon as the teenager who brought fancy footwork back to a small American town. Perhaps you have hungry eyes for Dirty Dancing, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. You might be a brain, an athlete, a basket case or a princess, The Breakfast Club-style, too. Whichever fits, Dirty Fame Flash Candles Club sees you and understands your love of VHS-era favourites such Fame, Flashdance and Sixteen Candles as well. Taking to the Brisbane Powerhouse stage during the 2023 Brisbane Comedy Festival, but actually kicking off earlier on Thursday, April 20 — with shows Thursday–Saturday until Saturday, April 29 — this cabaret comedy musical is made by 80s movie fans for 80s movie fans. Expect dance numbers, some mighty familiar songs and to have the time of your life revelling in film references, all as Helen Cassidy, Lizzie Moore, Neridah Waters and Melissa Western crimp their hair kick off their Sunday shoes. Story-wise, the show follows four southeast Queensland women hitting middle age, dealing with everything that throws their way and coming together to find solace in adoring those 80s flicks.
If there's anything freakier than trying to make your way across the Toowong Roundabout in peak hour, it's the heritage-listed necropolis next door. Ladies and gents, guys and ghouls — it's ghost tour time. Toowong Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Queensland and the burial place of 120,000 people. Give yourself a fright and learn some history at the same time as you tour the massive graveyard. On the Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour you'll hear 13 tales of real haunted graves – think dead governors, murderers and black widows. Image: Commander Keane via Wikimedia Commons.
No one should spend their lunch break eating at their desk, but breaking that habit isn't always easy. From Monday, March 7–Friday, April 8, the Howard Smith Wharves precinct is giving you plenty of motivation to step away from the computer. Head to the riverside precinct from Monday–Friday for a middle-of-the-day meal, and your lunch will start at $20 — and that includes a drink as well. Eight HSW venues are getting in on the deal, so you can pick between Stanley, Yoko, Greca, Mr Percival's, Felons Brewing Co, Felons Barrel Hall, Fiume and Ciao Papi. Or, you can work your way through them all (and stare at their slightly different views of the water) across the five-week period. You'll just need to keep an eye on each eatery's opening hours — and, while you can just rock up, bookings are recommended. As for what you'll be eating during the month-long Let's Lunch festivities, each place has its own special. Soy-poached Brisbane Valley quail and a glass of red, wine or Felons beer are on the menu at Stanley; Yoko is serving up chicken ramen with a choice of drinks; and Greca is doing lamb souvlaki with house spritzes, beers of bubbles for instance. There are three different dishes on offer at each of Mr Percival's, Felons and Felons Barrel Hall, too, giving you even more options. Most meals will cost you just $20, while some kick in at $25 and Stanley's deal will set you back $45.
Let's be honest, Apple has taken over the world. They've changed the way we listen to music, the way we use computers, the way a phone operates. Sure there is always talk about how it's not the best technology and that other things work better, faster and more reliably but there's nothing that can match the simple cool of the famous white headphones. But how does any of that explain the design for the new Apple HQ in California? Resembling an alien mothership, the completely circular building is built on an old Hewlett Packard site. Mimicking the glass aesthetic of Apple Stores worldwide, there is not a single straight piece of glass in the entire building. The plans include 6,000 trees in the landscaped central courtyard, as well as a natural-gas power generation facility so that they don't have to rely on the fickle Californian grid. The futuristic feat of engineering is yet to pass the local council's approval, so this mothership may never take off. See the video below for Steve Jobs' personal appeal to the council. https://youtube.com/watch?v=gtuz5OmOh_M [Via Geekologie]
No, not a bird. Not a plane, but quite close to it. Aero-Train is a new prototype that would eliminate the problem of friction between a train and its tracks by flying extremely close to the ground. A paper given at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation discussed the high-speed, high-efficiency possibilities of the use of levitation in train transport, and sparked the development of the Aero Train concept. This video demonstrates the first version of Aero Train in action. The vehicle would be complex to control, requiring a highly skilled driver or even computer. But so efficient is the design that wind turbines or solar panels could power it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=EaN7Kxk1_e8 [Via Fast Company]
There's no shortage of venues around Brisbane that aim to make their patrons feel like they're somewhere beyond the River City, whether spiriting your tastebuds to France via bites to eat, to Japan at an izakaya or to Bora Bora thanks to themed mini golf. The next with that mission: Enigma. There's no mystery around its influences, with the new Fortitude Valley nightclub taking inspiration from Ibiza, Miami and Las Vegas — all in a spot on Brunswick Street that boasts a $9.3-million fitout. Opening on Friday, August 2, 2024, then operating on Friday and Saturday nights onwards, Enigma wants to wow Brisbanites before they even step foot through the door — and as soon as they do as well. Befitting the Vegas nods, it features an LED walkway that will get the entrance glowing, then clubgoers once you get inside. Visuals also accompany the beats inside, in a space that adds to the Hallmark Hospitality Group's stable of sites around southeast Queensland. Maggie May, Lefty's Music Hall, The Lord Alfred and Hey Chica! are among the company's fellow venues in Brisbane. Retro's and Finn McCool's have locations both here and on the Gold Coast. And the latter is also home to The Cavill Hotel, Sandbar, Lost Kingdom and Asylum — while Hallmark is also behind The Spotted Cow in Toowoomba. "It targets those seeking an escape, blending music, performances and technology to craft a dynamic, unforgettable night," said the organisation's Cade Hopman of Enigma. "We have seen Fortitude Valley go from strength to strength in recent years. There is a strong appetite for those clubbing experiences locals travel far and wide to take part in. The time is right and we are going all out to elevate the Brisbane club scene." Enigma's resident tune-spinners include Tasha Lee, Curdin, SF Fudge, Sophie Bridges, Nestor Vargas and Apolloco, setting the mood whether you're hitting the dance floor or hanging out in the seven booths surrounding the DJ in the VIP area. As for the drinks options, classics such as margaritas, Long Island iced teas, Aperol spritzes and espresso martinis sit alongside the club's signature sip. Opt for The Enigma and you'll be drinking vodka, white rum, gin, blue curacao and raspberry, plus Red Bull. Find Engima at 299 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, from Friday, August 2, 2024 — open from 9pm–4am Friday–Saturday. Head to the venue's website for more details.
For those who haven't been there, there's much that's simply unimaginable about war, including fighting on the front lines and being left behind. It's the latter that Merge Dance Theatre explores in their latest work. Through the medium of dance, they'll bring to life the untold tales of women waiting for their loved ones to return. It's a different kind of ANZAC story, staged by a different kind of dance group, with Merge endeavouring to bridge the gap between dance schools and professional companies. And, at a time when everyone's enjoying a break from work, it's a reminder of the sacrifices behind our way of living.
For those who haven't managed to taste hail despite Brisbane's freak weather transitioning can come and skate on the ice rather than have it pelted towards you from the sky. Safer and far more family-friendly, Brisbane locals are all welcome to experience one of the country's largest outdoor ice skating rinks and plenty of frosty pleasures at the 2011 Brisbane Winter Festival. I'm not exaggerating about the ice rink. This baby measures a very decent size of 900m². Perfect to bring your family, friends, even your dog! There will be dishes from over 20 winter-prone countries to sample, and plenty of ice skating action to watch. From amateur to pro shows and some Ice Blitz Championships. Come and watch some winter talents tear up the ice. You'll have plenty of time to hone on your skills and shine your shoe blades as the Winter Fest will be around for a good three weeks. Feeling too cool for any of the outdoor activities? Don't stress. Warm up to some traditional Glühwein (authentic mulled wine) or enjoy some steaming chai in the Lipton Chai Latte Lodge. So come celebrate the official arrival of winter in Brisbane. It'll melt your heart.
The grilled calamari comes seasoned with lemon myrtle. Warrigal green gnocchi is its pasta of choice. Peppermint gum lamb is one of its signature mains, jaffa mousse with eucalyptus honeycomb sits on the dessert menu, and a beer that pays tribute to mango and macadamia Weis bars is on the drinks lineup. They're some of the highlights at Brisbane's Dapl, which serves up modern Australian cuisine with a focus on native Aussie ingredients, and sits inside Creek Street's Amora Hotel. The revamped five-star site was formerly known as the Novotel, then underwent a hefty revamp to the tune of $30 million, with the hotel itself relaunching at the end of 2023. At the time, it officially unveiled its new guise with a rooftop pool deck with skyline views, a lobby bar pouring cocktails and 296 rooms located over 14 floors. The next step: Dapl welcoming in diners from early 2024. Executive Chef Jamie Renfrey oversees the kitchen, with more than 30 native ingredients taking pride of place in his menu, which is available as à la carte dinner dishes and either two- or three-course set menus. The beverage selection includes that Mango Mac kettle sour beer from Revel Brewing Co, gin and whisky from 23rd Street Distillery, and a range of wine and cocktails. Among the latter, the Tropical Punch combines tropical gin with seasonal tropical fruits, triple sec, prosecco and sugar syrup — and the Citrus Sparkler is made with red citrus gin, limoncello, rosemary and tonic. Dapl's nature and botanical themes aren't just on display in its dishes and drinks. They're literally on display in the decor, too, with designers Cottee Parker overseeing the fitout. Think: a feature wall painted with a leafy scene, earthy hues all round and foliage watermarks elsewhere.
Style over Speed is a great way to get some exercise and meet new friends. No matter who you are or how seriously your take your bike-riding, you're welcome to join in the fun. This regulalry held event will be occurring on Friday, where riders are invited to meet at King George Square at 5.45pm before riding through the city to West End. Once at West End, you're invited to check out the Twilight Markets with the gang. The tagline for Style over Speed is “dress to impress”. You can don your finest or something a little more comfortable but there is one rule at this event, strictly no lycra please. We at Concrete Playground think this is a wonderful idea! For more information, check out the Brisbane Style over Speed Facebook page. Bring your bike and your friends for some Friday night fun.
Take a seat. Please, I insist, just so that you can jump out of it and celebrate in true headbanging style at the news that Nine Inch Nails and Queens of the Stone Age are heading Down Under in 2014 for a co-headline tour. Okay, now take a seat again and continue to read on. Two of the biggest acts in alternative rock are set to arrive on our shores in March next year. This is glorious news to Oceania fans who haven't seen Nine Inch Nails since 2009 and Queens of the Stone Age since 2011. Both bands have teased since May about heading this way, when Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme told triple j's Tom and Alex, "Everybody who knows me knows that Australia is my home away from home. I also think it's time that we come and tell our own stories, so we're gonna skip the round of festivals and see you in your fall." Nine Inch Nails lead Trent Reznor then revealed his band's intentions to head down under when they turned down Soundwave in favour of a "better scenario" for fans. Well, there is no better scenario than seeing them combine with QOTSA for a tour that is sure to go down in legend. Australia: we love you and we're coming. Didn't feel Soundwave was the right vibe for us or our fans - working on a better scenario.— Trent Reznor (@trent_reznor) August 23, 2013 The tour comes on the back of Nine Inch Nails' and QOTSA's recent respective releases, the much-heralded Hesitation Marks and ...Like Clockwork, and they will be joined on stage by Australian-born Brody Dalle, Mrs Josh Homme, of The Distillers and Spinnerette fame. Which one of the two bands will play first each night? That will be left to a flip of the coin. Seriously. The full list of tour dates and venues are below. Tickets start from $105 and will be available through a Frontier Members pre-sale from noon on Tuesday, October 22, and available to the general public from 9am on Thursday, November 24. Nine Inch Nails Queens Of The Stone Age Co-Headline Tour Dates Thursday March 6, 2014 Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney – All Ages Saturday March 8, 2014 Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle – All Ages Tuesday March 11, 2014 Perth Arena, Perth – All Ages Thursday March 13, 2014 Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena, Adelaide – All Ages Friday March 14, 2014 Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – All Ages Monday March 17, 2014 Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane – All Ages Wednesday March 19, 2014 Vector Arena, Auckland - All Ages Saturday March 22, 2014 CBS Canterbury Arena, Christchurch - All Ages
It's time to meet the folks who grow and make the things you love — at Milton Markets. The markets take place inside the Milton Green complex on Cribb Street every Sunday, from 6am to midday. With over 140 stalls dedicated to food, produce, arts and crafts, it's for all those who want to shop for a lifestyle, not just groceries. Expect fruit and veg direct from the farmers, market delis for cheeses and handmade smallgoods, artisanal bread and pastries baked that very morning, farm eggs from the happiest chooks and honey from local bees. Skipped breakfast? Hit up the baristas or juice stalls to refuel, or grab brunch from one of the food stalls, with gourmet flavours from around the world available and hot pies to-go. But there's more to these markets than damn good food. Shop small for fashion, jewellery, designer tableware, plants and flowers. It's a great spot for rare finds to elevate your gift-giving. There's live music, kids' activities, doggy water stations and plenty of parking available, making it a fun and stress-free morning out for the whole family.
Brisbane's already-hefty list of burger joints is scoring a new addition thanks to the 50s- and 60s-inspired Slim's Quality Burger. The chain initially opened in New South Wales back in 2022, serving up a classic-style and retro-influenced menu like it's operating in America seven decades back. At the time, if promised more stores around the country, too. Come September, the brand is following through on those national plans, making the leap to the Sunshine State with two stores. Slim's debut in the River City will also see the chain notch up a few firsts: its first drive-in and drive-thru diners, and its first to offer a breakfast menu. Adding a meals-on-wheels component is the latest step in Slim's ode to Americana, as already splashed through its vintage-leaning aesthetic. Think: banquettes in cherry read, neon signage, chequerboard flooring and classic light fixtures. Queenslanders will need to head to Kippa-Ring and Slacks Creek at a yet-to-be-announced spring date to satisfy their burg urges at stores with nose-in parking surrounding the eateries — and views into the open kitchen from your vehicle, too. You'll also be able to order from behind the wheel via QR code. Hanging out in the carpark afterwards like this is Grease? That's up to you. Slim's hails from a trio with knowledge of the burger business, with Michael Tripp, Nik Rollison and David Hales all boasting past ties to the Noosa-born Betty's Burgers and Concrete Co. On this venture, they're pairing burgs with old-school ice cream sundaes, and the whole old-school vibe. This chain is all about a lean menu of options made with simple but quality ingredients. Burger-wise, customers can choose between original, cheeseburger, a double and a triple, plus 'the works' burgs, all made with angus beef — and variations of the above with bacon. There's also four different chicken varieties, including with crispy fried or grilled chook, and a veggie option using a plant-based patty. Sides focus on fries either with sea salt, loaded with cheese and grilled onion, or also featuring maple-smoked bacon. As for those sundaes, they come in hot fudge, salted caramel and strawberry flavours. And to wash it all down, there are spiders — because plonking a scoop of ice cream in some soft drink never gets old — plus post-mix soda from the fountain, and chocolate, vanilla and strawberry thickshakes. For those keen on an early-morning Slim's fix, the breakfast offering will span bacon and sausage burgs, steak and egg burgs, works burgs, veggie egg and cheese burgs, hash browns, chia pudding with strawberries and nut-free granola, a full coffee lineup, freshly squeezed orange juice and more. "Our breakfast menu is designed to offer a great start to the day the Slim's way. We believe Queenslanders will love our unique take on these classics," says Slim's chef Greg Engelhardt. Slim's Quality Burger will open at 2/407 Elizabeth Avenue, Kippa-Ring, and also in Slacks Creek, sometime in September — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.
Prepare to say "accio remote!" and get comfier than Hermione Granger in a library. In the latest news that'll keep you glued to your couch this summer — and your latest fodder for an at-home movie marathon — everyone's favourite boy wizard will soon be working his magic on Netflix. You won't need the Marauder's Map to find these enchanting flicks. Come Tuesday, January 15, all eight movies in the Harry Potter series will hit the streaming platform, bringing their Hogwarts-set adventures to both Australian and New Zealand audiences. If you've watched your DVD copies from the 2000s so many times that they're showing a little wear and tear — or your laptop no longer has a disc drive — this is butterbeer-worthy news. Yes, everything from Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) first visit to Platform 9 and 3/4, the Yule Ball, the Triwizard Tournament, many a fluttering snitch and He Who Must Not Be Named will be at your fingertips. Prime viewing for wizards, witches and muggles alike — all 19 hours and 39 minutes of it. The Fantastic Beasts films won't be joining them, with this journey through JK Rowling's wizarding world keeping its focus on the original franchise. The news comes hot on the heels of Stan's announcement that it's now home to a hefty batch of Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and Disney movies and TV shows. If you're thinking that a time-turner might come in handy over the next few months, we completely understand. Find Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2 on Netflix from Tuesday, January 15.
We all need some time off with a poolside cocktail every now and then. Or just to hold on to the dream of getting it one day. But in reality, do we want to pass our whole holidays like that, while our children are off making a completely different set of memories? Not so much. A lot of family holidays aim for segregation: massages and mud baths for the big people; predictable 'kids clubs' for their offspring. But for those who are in the mood to get imaginative and adventurous, we've teamed up with Holden Equinox, the SUV for parents with nothing to prove, to round up five getaways to gratify you. If you want to share memorable — and, quite possibly, educational — experiences with your kids, then read on to find five of the best contemporary regional holiday ideas for families wanting to clear out of the city and have fun. Together. COURAN COVE Want a private beach and more water activities than you can poke a paddle at? Head to Couran Cove, which is not your typical island resort. Set yourself up in one of their self-contained eco-cabins, load up on essentials at the general store and take advantage of a crazy range of on-site facilities, including a lap pool, children's pool, playground, beach volleyball, basketball, tennis and mini-golf. While on paper this may seem like any other beach holiday, the resort has a very independent vibe, allowing you to build your own perfect escape on the island, without the run-of-the-mill structured activities. Hit the water via kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, trampolines and water slides, or take advantage of the long boardwalk by foot or bike to explore the rainforest trails. 2 hours' drive south of Brisbane via the Pacific Motorway MURPHY'S CREEK ESCAPE Leaving the iPad at home and going completely off the grid may induce a slight state of panic, but we promise once you arrive at Murphy's Creek Escape campgrounds, you won't look back. Aptly named, it is your chance to completely escape the hustle and grind, and have the whole family connect with nature at a leisurely pace. Thrill-seekers are catered for with a medium ropes course and flying fox on site, while chill-seekers can relax on the banks of Murphy's Creek. Those with little experience camping may want to opt for the army tent accommodation. The dorms come with timber floors, lighting and power, and can be pimped with stretchers for sleeping. 1.5 hours' drive east of Brisbane via the Warrego Highway TANGALOOMA Give Little Johnny plenty of material for Monday's show and tell with a trip to Tangalooma on Moreton Island. His tales of hand-feeding the wild dolphins there will impress even the most critical audience of five-year-olds. Boasting an unpretentious island resort, uncrowded beaches and a vast array of wildlife, Tangalooma is a great balance between creatures and creature comforts. Sign up the fambam for ATV quad biking, sand tobogganing, kayaking, fishing and snorkelling over shipwrecks. A 75-minute catamaran cruise northwest from Brisbane BINNA BURRA LODGE Binna Burra Lodge in the Gold Coast Hinterland prides itself on having plenty of options, so for those who want a break from the kids as well as some proper family bonding time, this is your place. It's located in the thick of Lamington National Park, in a world that channels strong 'Lost Boys running amok in the forests of Neverland' vibes. Gather the tribe for archery, wild walks and a ride on the 165-metre flying fox (or the mini version in the Adventure Playground if one/all of you chicken out). 1.5 hours' drive south of Brisbane via the Pacific Motorway BESTBROOK MOUNTAIN RESORT Cracking the whip will have a whole new meaning once you've stayed at Bestbrook. Here, you can lead your progeny around on horseback, and expose them to wagon rides, boomerang throwing, whip cracking and yabby fishing in Gap Creek. This is a hands-on farmstay holiday. Feeding the animals is not so much encouraged as it is essential. See the process from start to finish as you participate in cow milking and butter churning to go with the homemade damper — best enjoyed with billy tea by the fire. 1.5 hours southeast of Brisbane via the Cunningham Highway Drive your family on adventures in and outside of town in the Holden Equinox, the SUV for parents with nothing to prove. Find out more on the Holden website.
Fast forward to the end of December and we all know we're going to be committing to staying fit come 2021 for our New Year's resolution. We may not follow through, but a fresh sportswear outfit can be some good motivation. If you're looking to get in early, LSKD is lending a helping hand by taking up to 70 percent off its sportswear in its huge Black Friday sale. Formed in 2007, LSKD (pronounced loose kid) is an Australian-owned and operated clothing company specialising in sportswear, streetwear and accessories. The company produces high-quality, stylish clothes for both men and women ready for a trip to the beach, gym or a night out. From 6pm Tuesday, November 24 until Thursday, December 3, LSKD will be offering a heap of its threads wildly low prices, from women's tights, tanks and sports bras to men's tees, hoodies and shorts. This is the brand's only sale of the year so check out the store and maybe save a few bucks. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Gold Coast favourite I Like Ramen has set up shop in Brisbane, slinging its brothy vegan noodle bowls out of The Flying Cock. It's a case of one door closing and another one opening, with the Fortitude Valley watering hole saying goodbye to chicken-focused eatery The Coop in mid-October. I Like Ramen now takes its place in the freshly revamped space, following a number of pop-ups onsite in late August and early September. It's a permanent arrangement, so punters can slurp their way through a range of meat-free dishes from Wednesday to Saturday each week. I Like Ramen will open for dinner every night, and for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays too, slinging seven types of ramen and a smattering of other options. It's a mix of old classics from the Gold Coast menu, plus a few additions. When it comes to the main dish, Brisbanites can choose from chick'n white miso, mushroom in an earthy shiitake and soy soup, kimchi with plenty of spice, 'mean green' with spinach, bok choy and wakame, and cauliflower and onion with crispy beetroot and charred corn. If you can't decide, you can nab a combination of two flavours — and if you're extra hungry, the loaded option includes almost everything. Those after a more adventurous type of noodle can also opt for activated charcoal ramen. Among the non-ramen highlights sits the panko mushroom po'boy, which is made with panko-crumbed mushrooms that are flavoured to taste like sour cream and onion. And as for sides and small plates, the range spans panko mushroom and kimchi bao, shiitake mushroom croquettes and agedashi tofu with shiitake dashi, as well as garlic soy Asian greens, kimchi potatoes and panko mushrooms on their own.
Delayed and recut in the wake of the Aurora theatre shooting on July 20th, Ruben Fleischer’s much anticipated, star-studded crime flick Gangster Squad finally hits the big screen. In a post-war Los Angeles, prolific gangster Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) has become the most feared and respected figure in a shady and violent criminal underworld. Determined to halt his relentless rise to power, police chief Bill Parker (Nick Nolte) and his wife, Connie (Mireille Enos) recruit a team of crack detectives to take him down. Calling themselves the Gangster Squad, Parker, Sergeant Wooker (Ryan Gosling) and detectives Harris (Anthony Mackie), Keeler (Giovanni Ribisis), Ramirez (Michael Pena) and Kennard (Robert Patrick) vow to stop Mickey Cohen, or die trying. With filming wrapped in December 2011 the release of Gangster Squad has been a long time coming, and the controversy surrounding its trailer’s similarities to the tragic events in Colorado have only added to its anticipation. One to watch.
It wouldn't be the end of October without Fortitude Valley's favourite tattoo studio, art gallery and espresso bar boasting an exhibition to mark the occasion. As they have every year since they opened in 2011, Lust for Life is hosting an annual horror show with a name as apt as its theme: Dead Scary. Specifically contemplating the notion of bringing out your dead, the creepy concoctions of more than 30 Brisbane and interstate creative will delve into the fearful and frightening side of the artistic spectrum. Expect axe-wielding animals, masked faces, contorted bodies, broken bones and burning flesh, plus ideas and images even more potentially twisted and terrifying. An event for the easily afraid, this is not, so consider yourself warned. If you're not scared off, attending the opening night festivities on October 29 is recommended. Dress in your eeriest outfit to go in the running to win a tattoo voucher, or just come prepared to soak up the spooky atmosphere.
Usually when August rolls around, the Ekka takes over Brisbane. And, to encourage everyone to get their fix of rides, sideshows and showbags, the city scores a midweek public holiday to celebrate. But in 2020, the annual exhibition has been cancelled due to COVID-19, which means enjoying a Wednesday without work doesn't seem as appealing — so the Queensland Government is moving the day off to the end of the week. If you had plans for Wednesday, August 12, you'll need to cancel them (or request a day off work). Instead, prepare to sleep in, kick back and even head out of town on Friday, August 14. 'People's Day' is becoming 'People's Long Weekend', and yes, that means that Brisbanites will receive a bonus three-day work-free span. And, with regional travel back on the cards from mid-June, everyone is being encouraged to make the most of it. Announcing the change of date — which is in effect for 2020 and 2020 only — Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said: "everyone knows the Ekka is when the bush meets the city. Since that can't happen this year, this gives the city the chance to go to bush — or the beach — have break and let Queenslanders support Queenslanders in our wonderful tourism industry." https://www.facebook.com/annastaciamp/photos/a.523591701005345/3178640332167122/?type=3&theater After confirming today, Thursday, May 21, that Queenslanders will be able to travel within 250 kilometres of home, and stay overnight, once stage two of the state's relaxed restrictions come into effect next month, the Premier also noted that further easing of restrictions are expected in August. While no additional details were offered — and the current timeline in Queensland's previously revealed "step-down approach to COVID-19" only runs until mid-July — that means you might be able to venture even further away for your unexpected long weekend getaway. The change of date only applies to Brisbane council areas that receive the Brisbane Show Holiday; however, the Queensland Government has advised that other councils can apply to similarly change their show holidays to a later date due to COVID-19. Brisbane's 'People's Day' public holiday will now take place on Friday, August 14. For further details, read the Queensland Government's announcement. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Named one of the best places in the world to visit in 2022, southeast Queensland's Scenic Rim region isn't short on highlights, whether it's gorgeous scenery or farm-fresh produce you're after. Keen on the latter but can't make the trip south from Brisbane on Saturday, December 3? Don't worry — Scenic Rim Brewery, Towri Sheep Cheeses, Tommerup's Dairy Farm, Valley Pride Produce, Bee All Natural, Tamborine Mountain Distillery, The Overflow Estate 1895 and more are coming to you. Save the road trip for another weekend — instead, head to the Farm Gate to City Door Christmas Market at the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct. It'll operate from 8am–12pm, serving up everything from fruit and vegetables, salted cultured butter and cheese through to craft beer, boutique spirits and honey straight from the hive. You can also nab handmade bath and body products, as well as some seedlings to help start your own garden. It's the second time that the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct has hosted this country-meets-city event, after an earlier event back in September — and, if it gets you thinking about holidaying in the Scenic Rim, there's a stall for planning that as well. Live music will provide a soundtrack, plus Mica Brasserie will be doing coffees. Feel like hitting the river afterwards, and tucking into some of the produce you've just bought? GoBoat and its picnic boats is also right there. Also, because it's the season for it, Santa will make an appearance. [caption id="attachment_874978" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption]
There's nothing like a flight sale to spark holiday plans, but the offer that Cathay Pacific is about to drop isn't your regular airfare special. Fancy a Hong Kong holiday without paying to get there and back? That's what's available for 6020 round-trip getaways. The caveat: the airline and the Airport Authority Hong Kong will cover the cost of your base fares, but you need to pay taxes and surcharges. The drastically discounted airfares form part of the Hello Hong Kong campaign, which was announced back in February with an aim to help the Asian destination kickstart its pandemic-era tourism industry. It was originally revealed as a massive flights giveaway, with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Airport Authority Hong Kong joining forces with local airlines Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Express and Hong Kong Airlines; however, it operates slightly differently in various parts of the world. In March, the focus was on tourists heading to Hong Kong from southeast Asia. Then, in April, attention shifted to travellers from mainland China in April. Now it's the rest of the globe's turn — and for Australians, that means this once-in-a-lifetime arrangement for trips out of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth to the busy city. From 12pm AEST on Monday, May 29, you'll be able to head over to Cathay Pacific's campaign website to score your fares. There are a few more rules, though, including the fact that you'll need to be a Cathay member — which you can sign up for online for free — and be logged in when the crucial time hits. There's also only one adult Economy Class fare per person for the 6020 lucky folks, offered on a first-come, first-served basis until they're all booked out. And, again, you do still need to pay those taxes and surcharges. Still on terms and conditions, you must be an Australian resident aged 18 or over to take up the deal. Once you've nabbed a ticket, they're non-transferable, non-reroutable and non-exchangeable. You'll be able to travel between Monday, May 29, 2023–Wednesday, February 28, 2024, staying for at least two days and at most a month. There are blackout periods, however, which'll limit your travel periods. Free flights are just one aspect of the overall Hello Hong Kong promotion. Another: free drink, dining, shopping and transport vouchers, with at least a million up for grabs from 16,000-plus outlets. Dubbed 'Hong Kong Goodies', these freebies will be available to folks visiting Hong Kong for 90 days or less — and you'll have to pick just one offer. So, you can choose between a welcome drink valued at more than HK$100 at one of more than 100 bars, restaurants and hotels; a HK$100 cash voucher to use at 140-plus restaurants, shops or attractions; or a gift worth more than HK$100 at a heap of Hong Kong attractions and museums. With the current exchange rate, whichever of these three goodies you pick equates to around AU$18 / NZ$20 — but it's still a freebie. [caption id="attachment_887783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hong Kong Tourism Board[/caption] There are caveats for these vouchers, too. First, you have have to have a non-Hong Kong mobile number to obtain them. Also, there are rules about collecting and redeeming them. Visitors to Hong Kong have until December 31, 2023 to enjoy their goodies — and once you have chosen your coupon, you can't swap it. Cathay Pacific's discounted Hong Kong flights in conjunction with the Airport Authority Hong Kong are available from 12pm AEST on Monday, May 29 until sold out from Cathay Pacific's campaign website. Top image: Hong Kong Tourism Board. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Do you remember the first time that you saw a pastel-hued facade, ornate interior detailing, or something gloriously symmetrical indoors or out, then thought "that looks like something out of a Wes Anderson film"? For almost three decades now, we've all done it. Since his feature debut Bottle Rocket, the Asteroid City and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar director has firmly established his stylistic trademarks, ensuring that a Wes Anderson movie is always immediately recognisable as a Wes Anderson movie no matter which of the filmmaker's regular actors is in front of the camera. Brooklyn-based husband and wife Wally and Amanda Koval shared this line of thinking to the point of creating an Instagram account around it in 2017. Accidentally Wes Anderson now has 1.9-million followers. The social media feed is a curated selection of images from real life that look like Anderson has staged, styled and shot them, but hasn't — and after taking films as inspiration for an online compilation of images, Accidentally Wes Anderson has taken the IRL route itself via an exhibition. At Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, 200-plus images await — and they're all coming to Australia for the first time. Following past runs in Tokyo and Seoul, and present seasons in London and Los Angeles, the immersive art experience will make its Down Under debut in Melbourne from Wednesday, September 18, 2024, complete with ten rooms. Some of the exhibition's walls feature facades that Anderson must covet, others find landscape that'd make the perfect Anderson backdrop, and plenty highlight either vintage vehicles or enchanting hotels. Yes, pastel tones pop up frequently. So does symmetry, including in the exhibition's presentation. The idea is to make you feel like you're stepping into Anderson's flicks by showing how the world beyond his frames often conjures up that sensation anyway. To borrow from a different filmmaker, is this the Wes Anderson version of Inception? Attendees enter an exhibition of real-life pictures inspired by an Instagram account that's inspired by Anderson's moving pictures, particularly his aesthetic within them that takes cues from real life. Accidentally Wes Anderson has also been turned into a book, too, plus a website with a map spanning almost 2000 spots across the planet that fit the theme. At Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, patrons arrive via the lobby, then explore a space dedicated to portals, then embrace an array of facades. Checking out sections devoted to coastal scenes, planes and trains (and automobiles, of course), sports, accommodation and nature is also on the agenda. There's a space that'll get you watching big-screen travel adventures, too — and, just for Australia, one about Aussie spots that evoke Anderson. For souvenirs, you'll exit through the Accidentally Wes Anderson shop.
A thousand monkeys working at a thousand typewriters couldn’t create as great a masterpiece as the Blurst of Times lineup. Last year, the fresh face arrived on the Brisbane scene and blew festival-goers away with its immaculately curated bill. A pre-'Covered in Chrome' Violent Soho headlined, and every band that preceded them were just as impressive. Now, with a year of fine-tuning under their belts, Blurst of Times has pulled out just as stellar a lineup crammed full of the creme de la creme of Australian music. This year's headliners, trash rock duo DZ Deathrays, are selling point enough. They’ve built up a reputation for their stage antics and being ‘one of those bands’ that’s radically better live than on mp3 (their continually sold out tours are a testament to that). Lazy-listening Dick Diver will be jetting up from Melbourne, and Aussie punk legends The Hard Ons will be making a much anticipated appearance. And from the local circuit you can catch Salvadarlings, Major Leagues, The Good Sports, Babaganouj and a heap more of our musical do-gooders. Check out the full lineup here. Venue wise, the festival hops between Brightside, its carpark and The Zoo. Tickets for The Blurst of Times can be purchased at Outpost, Jet Black Cat or online. Don’t be a silly monkey, and grab your tickets asap.
