With a weekly listenership of 1.7 million and a strong following since 1995, the popular weekly hour-long radio program This American Life is due to make its debut in Australian cinemas. Filmed on a stage in New York City, This American Life — Live! is a packed show featuring stories by host Ira Glass, writers David Sedaris and David Rakoff, comic Tig Notaro and Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington, plus live music by OK Go. This live experience will encompass things you could never do on the radio, such as a new short film by Mike Birbiglia, dance by Monica Bill Barnes & Company, original animation, projected illustration and more. Glass is excited to see how it turns out: “We've built this line-up of stories mixed with super visual things," he says. "It's going to feel like the radio show but also totally unlike anything we've done before." A must-see event to be permanent-markered in, This American Life — Live! will screen in select cinemas around Australia.
He likes the way you move, apologising to Mrs Jackson, ghetto musik, people following him and shaking it like a Polaroid picture. He may be half of Outkast, but Big Boi is now a star in his own right with his debut album becoming one of 2010's hits and his popularity is only set to grow more. After teasing us last year with his brief visit to Australia for festivals, he’s finally bringing his whole show to the southern hemisphere; special guests, live band and AV/Show included. Joining him is New York’s Theophilus London, and apparently their show is one not to miss. With his own hits plus Outkast’s back catalogue to draw from, the show will be BIG.
Sydney siblings Angus and Julia Stone have some pretty talented blood pulsing through their veins. Hitting the road once again off the back of their third, self-titled album, the pair's Summer 2015 Tour comes as a welcome surprise after rumours the duo had called it quits in favour of their highly successful solo projects. Fans would be familiar with their long-time success; sparked by their ARIA #1 2010 album release Down The Way featuring the triple j Hottest 100 winner 'Big Jet Plane'. Fast-forward nearly five years, and their reach has gone global, playing sell-out shows across the States and a thirty-date headline tour of the UK and Europe cementing the pair's place as triple-platinum artists. So what inspired these two to turn away from pursuing their own stuff? Legendary producer Rick Rubin (Beastie Boys, Jay Z) was keen to join the Stone family and work on their latest album, but refused to jump on board unless these kids came back together. So naturally, family reunions flowed. Supported by the likes of Cloud Control, Little May and Jarryd James, Angus and Julia Stone are back on the Australian live circuit with the nicest bunch you could ask for in a return tour. Secure your stubs early, this one's going to sell out.
For Queenslanders, cricket is as synonymous with summer as beaches and barbeques are. Equally so, rugby league is a clear indicator that winter has well and truly arrived. And although regular fixtures keep many enthralled, it can be said with 95% authority that the annual State of Origin games have a special place in most maroon hearts. For ‘grown ups’ who enjoy the game however, finding sophisticated ways to enjoy a primarily rough and tumble game can be hard. This year, Cloudland has made the hunt easy, playing host to those who enjoy their sport on large screens with good company, cocktails and shared antipasto as accompaniment. This year’s final game is set to be a tough decider, but choosing where to view it is not.
"And now you want to be my friend on Facebook? Are you fucking kidding me?" The gal who brought us the anthem to sing at exes attempting to Facebook stalk us is releasing her latest album (album number four) on March 14 and heading on tour. She'll be singing 'Lose my shit', 'Ghost' (featuring Megan Washington) and other new tunes and hitting notes that most of us could only ever dream of. O Vertigo is Kate Miller-Heidke's first independently released album. And how did she make it happen? Crowdfunding. That's one way of getting around it. She hit her target three days after launching the campaign, and some of the lucky donators will be getting a Happy Birthday phone call from Ms Triple-Octave Pipes. The rest of us will attempt to suppress our jealousy. This is one worth heading to. https://youtube.com/watch?v=X0FdR7dEAYU
This year the Queensland Government are trying something a little bit different and it looks exciting! 2013 marks the first ever Queensland Multicultural Week from 31 August to 8 September. Across the state you will find a variety of activities to partake in to celebrate the diversity of our Sunshine State. The week long celebration acknowledges the positives of a multicultural state and looks at what we can learn through the sharing of traditions and cultures in a respectful manner. Some of the events in this year's program include the Transcultural Dance Festival, Community Shield Football Tournament and Ethno of the Road Music Tour amongst plenty others. The theatre production I Am Here, performed by six Brisbane actors from African refugee backgrounds, is a standout of Queensland Multicultural Week. Head to the website to catch an event near you and get involved in this wonderful new weeklong celebration.
We bet you've at least got one Jamie Oliver cookbook in your cupboard — and, with all this home time lately, you've probably nailed most of the recipes. So, you'll need some new material. Thankfully, the affable UK chef is using his time at home to bring you a new cooking series: Keep Cooking and Carry On. How very British. The series covers everything from eggless chocolate cake to homemade bread, cauliflower mac 'n' cheese, dumplings and carbonara. Each is relatively quick and super-simple to make. It's heartwarming cooking, which is perfect as the weather's getting colder — plus aren't all need a little comfort right now? Keep Cooking and Carry On features the cooking whiz whipping up dishes in his home kitchen, offering up a bunch of handy tips and tricks along the way. While it airs on UK television, clips are also posted on the culinary legend's Facebook page. And, if you'd rather skip the preamble, you can access all the recipes in the series here. https://www.facebook.com/jamieoliver/videos/2623850727724925/
In an unassuming area of Bowen Hills, Fireworks Gallery is an Aboriginal art paradise housed in a spacious, concrete warehouse. Established in 1993, the gallery was born out of the desire to present Indigenous artworks and non-Indigenous artworks side by side to connect and build a community through contemporary art. Since then, heaps of leading artists have exhibited their works in the two-storey building, making this gallery a must-visit for art lovers. Images: Kiel Wode
Show me a dancer who doesn’t have fun at Coniston Lane, and I will show you a liar. The Coniston Lane sound is something pretty special, that exceeds the tainted ‘Valley’ expectations. It provides a dance floor so large, you’ll never dance in the same place once, and so populous you’ll be stared at from every angle. And there’s no better match to Coniston Lane then groovy-dooby event curators FWD THINKING – it’s a marriage made in d-floor heaven, and they’ve got the stairs to match. FWD THINKING No. 1 cemented this Brisbane team as flawless creators of beats, bopping and breakdancing – breakdancing not guaranteed, and their second event promises to be just as FUN. Apu, Herts, Yumo, Provis and Samson Dynamite will be standing up at a table of decks, press bee-bop buttons, and making sounds that will have you jittering with excitement. Entry is free, so you’ve really got no excuse. Unless you have two broken legs. Two broken legs is a fine excuse.
The Hump Day Project is the kind of name you decide on when you want to sustain a air of mystery but also stay 'relevant' to the cool kids. Could it be something to do with a big party on Wednesdays? Maybe a day dedicated to worshiping camels? Or perhaps it’s referring to some cheeky fun? If however you’re referring to the Sydney DJ outfit that’s playing Oh Hello on Friday, you’ll get all of the above - just not how you expect it. Although there won’t specifically be any camels to ride or Wednesday celebrations, the music these boys are renowned for mixing will make you think anything’s possible. Even after many years in the music and nightclub scene, The Hump Day Project have only experienced constant high periods. Kinda huge highlights include being played by Pete Tong on BBC’s Essential Selections and The Potbellez using a THDP remix in numerous sets, however their praise has been career long and constant. As they are only in Brisbane for one night this show is sure to sell out as THDP’s renowned mix of mainstream and underground music draws in big crowds for a very good reason. So hurry up and buy a ticket! BYO imaginary exotic animals though.
Kimbra has been everywhere as of late. From Splendour in the Grass to the Nova airwaves it seems you can’t miss her, especially when she’s wearing one of her crazy prom-like dresses she oft performs in. And as she’s part of the 2011 Brisbane Festival you’ll be able to catch her there too. Performing for one night only, she’ll be singing her whimsical tunes in the magical Courier-Mail Spiegeltent. And I must say, I think it would be hard to find a venue more suited to her beautiful aesthetic. Joining her on the night will be Mosman Alder, an up and coming band with great musical comparisons and even greater tunes. Unfortunately this show has sold out already, so feel lucky if you already have tickets and enjoy!
Elizabeth Rose could have ‘Watch This Space’ tattooed on her forehead in fat Comic Sans font and would still radiate perfection. She’s a musician who's risen in the ranks faster than many of her pop predecessors, and is the voice behind a sound that swelters out sweetness and get can make even the most arthritic hips swing. She’s worked with Flight Facilities, established herself as a solo artist, and worked rinks, circuits and stages with the confidence and velour of any performer twice her age. Now, with new Crystallise EP in hand, and a microphone in the other, she’ll be visiting Alhambra Lounge for one night of dream dancing and musical allure. She’ll be belting out her grounding classics, like 'The Good Life' and 'Ready', as well as her latest, and absolutely stunning track 'Sensibility', looking just mystic as she sounds. Don’t leave this gig to chance – clear your Saturday night, and grab tickets, to Elizabeth Rose, before she’s performing on a stage to crowds far cooler than you.
Are you a budding artist? Keen to hone your skills and meet other artists and cultural practitioners? Then come along to the Backbone 2High Festival at the Powerhouse. The 2High festival is all about celebrating the incredible efforts of young Australians as artists and produces. Each year a team is selected to organise and coordinate the event, so it really is a festival for artists, by artists. Whether you come for the whole day, or just a portion, you'll be pleased by the raw talent onstage as 2High shines the spotlight on the stars of tomorrow. The program is filled to the brim with exciting bands, inspiring actors, visual artists, circus performers and many more talented youngsters. For more information, check out the promo video.
Cashed up Aussie musicians do the strangest things. Some join politics like Peter Garrett or The Basics. Their significant others make their way to Real Housewives of Melbourne. And others, namely Powderfinger bassist John Collins, go and establish new music venues that promise to reshape the Brisbane music scene. Introducing, The Triffid. This new place of musical worship is launching itself this Saturday night, with Saskwatch, The Creases and Mt Warning set to baptise the stage. Melbourne bands don't get much more exciting than Saskwatch — this nine-piece dance explosion pull out all the stops to create a live music experience that effortlessly marries rock with soul. Brisbane boys The Creases have been doing our scene proud with their international tours, daggy video clips and happy-go-lucky songs, and Mt Warning show off a captivating pysch-folk talent that has to be seen and heard to be believed. If The Triffid can pull together this kind of quality for their first gig, great things must be in store. Tickets are $23.80 and, unless it sells out beforehand, you can grab them at the freshly painted door. Be a part of Brisbane history and check it out!
After the first Brisbane Collective Pop-Up Exhibition was so well received, the team decided to organise another night to showcase the exciting and new talent that Brisbane has to offer. It will be a night packed full of creative local artists such as Lucinda Wolder, Jeff Paton, Kimberley Clifford and Rita Rose, doing what they do best. The live tasty tunes on the night will be supplied by local bands including Rack N Stack, Bright Lights, Green Nose, Beez Neez and heaps more. The exhibition is BYO and held at Via Studios. This rehearsing space has been decked out with its own video and board games room and is bursting at the seams with creative and colourful artwork. Celebrate Brisbane's next crop of up and comer's this Saturday night. In the mean time, check out one of the featured musicians, Emma Bosworth here.
Bring back, bring back the BIFF. Thankfully, the time has come again for the best kind of BIFF – the Brisbane International Film Festival. I was exposed to the magic of international film during my last year of uni, but before that I was worried that the content and the context would be skewed because of language differences. How wrong I was! International films are so rewarding and teach you so much about other cultures you may not have been exposed to, not to mention allowing you to have one over all your mainstream movie-loving friends. This year BIFF will be using the Tribal Theatre as a venue for the last time due to its imminent closure, as well as the Palace Cinemas, so there's no escaping the incredible films that are on the program. There are 11 days of local and world cinema as well as retrospectives, experimental work, animation, short films and documentaries, and some have even been screened at the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals. And if you miss the old school drive-ins that Brisbane had so many of, you're in luck because BIFF have a drive-in movie theatre that is screening movies over 3 nights. Check out the massive and impressive program at the BIFF website, and make personal note of the tonne of movies you'll no doubt be dying to see.
"Faster, steeper, higher, deeper" – the Banff Mountain Film Festival's Radical Reels tour is coming to Australia, presented by Volkswagen Amarok. Hurtle down steep untouched powdered snow, or tag along with the world's wildest BASE jumpers, even feel the cold spray of the first stomach-churning descent of rapid kayaks. There's something for every kind of thrill junkie, brought to life on the big screen. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour has grown to be the largest and most prestigious mountain film festival, and the latest offering Radical Reels presents the most dynamic, audience-tested, maximum-excitement action sports films. They have group discounts available – to confirm these prices, call the Powerhouse box office on (07) 3358 8600. https://youtube.com/watch?v=KAzru0R6rTM
If you liked alternative and indie rock in the late '00s, then Common People probably means something to you. We're not talking about the ace Pulp song, though you should think highly of that as well. We're talking about the club night that used to play all the best tunes. If you ever went along, you'll be keen for another Common People experience. If you didn't but it sounds like your thing, you probably are as well. Either way, you're in luck, with The Foundry teaming up with Greaser Bar to host what's becoming an annual New Year's Eve reunion. Put on some comfy shoes, flit between venues, and prepare to dance the night away to everything from LCD Soundsystem to Dizzee Rascal and Arcade Fire to Missy Elliott — and Prince, of course. So. Much. Prince.
Those who go out on Thursday nights in the Valley can be called many things. But when the venue is Alhambra Lounge, the crowd is more than likely to be a combination of slightly alcoholic students who are dedicated to their music – or more specifically, local indie music. Fulfilling that brief and fronting this week’s Lambda will be Melbourne favourites World’s End Press. Performing their first headline gig for about a year, the quartet of attractive musicians are guaranteed to be very fresh and on game. Recent opening performances for Cut Copy and !!!, as well as jaunts to Splendour in the Grass and Laneway (amongst others), World's End Press are flush on talent. With their live shows renowned for electrifying music and infectious beats, this Thursday will be a good night for those looking to dance.
Cigarettes and Soda Pop. Art and fashion. Shooting Gallery and Emma Bertoldi. Friends and portraits. Are these not the most charming double acts you’ve heard recently? Can you in all honesty say they’re not even slightly intriguing and/or appealing to you? As Brisbane based Emma Bertoldi’s first solo exhibition, Cigarettes and Soda Pop is a showcase of both her talent and group of friends. Created in her unique style that combines graffiti, stencil and illustration, Emma has captured her relationships in art and invited us to peruse them with her. Meant partly as a way to highlight the close friendships she has, it’s also intended to illustrate the voyeuristic nature of humans who love getting sneak peeks into other people’s lives (Facebook stalking anyone?). Opening night falls this Friday and also doubles as a launch for her new clothing label Donnie Danger. Similar to her art, she has used this medium to emphasize her passions i.e. old school comics and tattoos. As a great advocate of online stalking, I feel attending Cigarettes and Soda Pop would be the next step up. Would could be more invigorating then stalking the lives of people who are right next to you!
Games of Thrones is the world’s most pirated TV show, The Avengers made more than $1.5 billion at the box office and even the President of the United States once collected Spider Man comics. In other words, it’s pretty cool to be a nerd these days. Just ask avid Dungeons and Dragons player Vin Diesel. The ultimate celebration of everything geeky, the Supanova Pop Culture Expo hits the Brisbane Convention Centre on November 27-29. From cosplay comps to comic book signings and photo opportunities with sci-fi and fantasy icons, it’s a three-day mecca of uninhibited, unironic nerdiness that attracts thousands of eager pilgrims every year. Of course such an event can seem overwhelming, especially to the uninitiated. So, whether you’ll be attending in your fully functioning Iron Man costume, or experiencing the convention for the very first time, check out our recommendations before you go.
Ahh, September in Brisbane. The days are getting warmer, the sun has made its glorious return, and it marks one of the most exciting months on the local calendar. The Brisbane Festival is back for 2014, boasting a bigger lineup of events than ever before. There is bound to be something for all tastes and temperaments — from the loud and raucous to immersive artistic experiences that tingle the senses. The hardest part is simply choosing which sight, sound or sensation to indulge in next. Never fear, the overwhelming task is made easy, courtesy of your friends at Concrete Playground. Here are our picks for the Brisbane Festival season. Juana Molina Heralding from Argentina, the enigmatic Juana Molina makes her Brisbane Festival debut in 2014 for a one-night-only performance guaranteed to dazzle. Described as “Spanish-sung folktronica”, Juana’s performances are as unique as they are playful, full to the brim with experimentation and honest passion in song. Continuing soundscapes full of surprises, never dull or anticipated. Some have attempted to pigeonhole Juana, tried to fit her into a niche genre or have compared her to other songstresses such as Beth Orton or Bjork while trying to describe her sound; one of the most admirable characteristics of Juana is her very selfness, her unique sensibilities and authentic original sound. September 25, Spiegeltent Prehistoric Cast your mind back to Brisbane in the 1970s. We had the first round of flooding, a tumultuous political climate, the fashions were fantastic and the music still as good today as it was some 40 years ago. Prehistoric looks at Brisbane’s flowering music industry during the ‘70s, following the lives of four young adults as they learn what it means to express themselves under an intolerant government. This is a tribute to the sparks of creativity, those who had their time in the spotlight who gave it their all but perhaps were not to be heard from again. September 23-27, The Loft (QUT Creative Industries Precinct) Com Truise Seth Haley, known to fans as Com Truise, will make the air in the Spiegeltent a little harder to breathe. Heavy, silky synths meet funk in its minute, trudging detail; Com Truise slows down the beat, bringing to mind gems from the ‘80s, but with a twist on a darker, seductive side. New Order meets Knight Rider as heard through a pounding crowd, a Sega standalone arcade game that has had a grape-flavoured Slush Puppy poured over its controls. Punchy, confident, eerily familiar but not as you remember it… Com Truise is your hero of parachute pants with a suit jacket. September 11, Spiegeltent Squidboy What happens when you combine the imagination of a squid and a sailor’s stories of a long, lost love? Well… nothing immediately comes to mind. Thankfully, the creative genius of Gaulier-trained clown Trygve Wakenshaw can, and will, connect the dots. This award-winning, critically acclaimed one-man-show is leaving audiences in stitches from Melbourne all the way to the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s as innovative as it is outrageous and, considering the singular mind it comes from, has to be seen to be believed. Trygve is also (thankfully) responsible for the parallel production of mime and mouthsound masterpiece, Kraken – a side-splitting tale that takes place on the ocean floor, of course. Join in the fun that will take you to the deepest depths of your imagination. September 16-20, La Boite Studio Bombay Royale The most exotic and exciting corners of the globe converge for Bombay Royale, a pop-culture fan’s dream. Taking the best from modern day cinema, classic theatre, traditional performance and all taken a little tongue-in-cheek, Bombay Royale have been celebrated the world over, finding homes and fans wherever they go. Think the drama of Quentin Tarantino, the thrills of Indiana Jones, the spectacle of Bollywood and the fun of Goldfinger, and you’re halfway there. This is a must-see for the entire family, or perhaps a group of friends looking to let their hair down. September 24, Spiegeltent Scotch and Soda The whimsy of daring acrobatics clashes in the most spectacular way with the rambunctious sounds of inspired music-makers to bring us Scotch and Soda. The stars of circus acts ‘Cantina’ and ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ are the misfits who bring the trouble to the hazy music hall of madness. They’re joined by The Crusty Suitcase Band, aptly named for their nomadic nature, taking big, brassy and boisterous sounds wherever they wander. This production has received rave reviews from the Sydney Festival, and it’s no mystery as to why. With character a-plenty, this is not your typical circus ring, but a dirty, raw show that will leave you sweating in your seat and wanting more. September 23-27, Judith Wright Centre Tawdry Heartburn's Manic Cures Have you got something to get off your chest? Visit Tawdry, the six-foot-five “manic-curist” who is here to prep your pinkies and settle your nerves, ready to share those secrets that keep weighing you down. Tawdry will professionally paint and polish your nails and read your palm before placing in front of you a typewriter, or “gossip machine”. Here you are invited to share your secret, something that has worried you, held you back, something you no longer need to hold on to. The anonymous secrets are locked away, and posted later on on Tawdry’s web wall in the hopes to lift the burden off the millions and heal the consternation of millions, one set of hands at a time. This is a free, interactive art exhibition, one which will be a one-of-a-kind experience as well as a wonderful work in progress to view throughout the festival. September 9-27, Theatre Republic The Shadow King Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, King Lear, is given a hard-hitting facelift by way of The Shadow King. Provocative, and enduring, the tale of two Indigenous families in Australia’s north is one of nation and of family, questioning what we know about the notions of country and loyalty, interlinking itself with the history of our nation. The Shadow King boasts a live rock score, a star-studded cast and a story that is told through modern English and Kriol languages. Premiering in late 2013, The Shadow King has since been nominated for Best Play at the Helpmann Awards, and won Best Director. A play that asks more questions than it answers and cuts to the core of the founding priorities of community, this is a rare chance to see a play worth talking about. September 9-13, Brisbane Powerhouse Spiegeltent Garden Bar In amongst the festivities of this gem of an event, you’ll possibly want to take a load off, maybe catch up with friends, grab a nibble or a bubbly beverage of some sort and soak up the atmosphere of the heart of the Brisbane Festival - the Spiegeltent Garden Bar is just the place that ticks all of these boxes. Not only is this an open-air bar, it’s an eatery, a venue for live entertainment throughout the month with river views and overflowing attraction. Each year there is a different art installation to walk or wade through, lights lacing every possible direction and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to ordering from the menus. Even if you are keeping your festival itinerary light and casual, this is a must-see stop on every festival experience. September 5-27, South Bank Cultural Forecourt Santos GLNG Twilight Music Series As the Brisbane Festival continues to evolve, so too does the scope of possibilities presented by lounging on the river front, sipping on a glass of wine at dusk. This year, there are a host of performances designed to accommodate just that, and they are as varied and exciting as the rest of the festival’s offerings. Pack the picnic blanket and basket, your snacks and drinks of choice and head to the green grassy area just over from the Spiegeltent area, and you will find a live act to perfectly complement your evening. The likes of Steve Smyth, Sophie Hutchings and rising star Japanese Wallpaper are just some of the selections of artists who will take to the alfresco stage throughout the month. Be sure to check the schedule, as well as what you can and cannot take into the picnic area. September 6-26, River Quay Green And also… There are a number of familiar faces gracing stages throughout the Brisbane Festival. The likes of Andy Bull, Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon), Miami Horror and Brisbane’s own The Kite String Tangle are making a special pit-stop at the Spiegeltent on their way around the country. Sessions designed to inform as well as entertain will take place throughout the month, with the folks from the ABC sharing their stories, along with creatives opening up their minds and sources of inspiration - Festival Conversations and the Creative Forum might be worth a look whether you are business- or creatively-minded. And don’t forget, September 27 is the night the Brisbane River ignites for the Sunsuper Riverfire!
The Australian film world has a striking new talent. Scooping up a best director gong at the Sundance Film Festival in January and winning the prestigious Crystal Bear in Berlin the following month, Adelaide's Sophie Hyde has with her debut feature, 52 Tuesdays, produced a powerful and progressive piece of cinema that defies formal, social and narrative expectations. With memorable characters and exceptional performances helping to shore up an intriguing structural gimmick, it's a bold and original coming-of-age drama that discerning local audiences should hurry to the cinema to see. Newcomer Tilda Cobham-Hervey plays Billie, a 16-year-old high-school girl struggling to find her footing after her lesbian mother Jane (Del Herbert-Jane) announces her intention to become a man. The transition, which involves a regimen of testosterone along with surgery, will take a year, during which time Jane — now going by James — requests that Billie go and live with her father (Beau Travis Williams). Billie agrees, on the condition that she can still visit every Tuesday after school. Honest, insightful and bravely against the grain, 52 Tuesdays is a magnificent debut for cast and filmmaker alike. Expect big things going forward. Read our full review of 52 Tuesdays here. 52 Tuesdays is in cinemas on Thursday, May 1, and thanks to Vendetta Films, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y5WcMzEYRGU
If you live in Brisbane, you likely love a burger, given that there seems to be a new joint slinging the savoury meat-and-bun combination on every corner. And if you live in Brisbane and love burgers, you're probably more than a little fond of Ben's. It didn't become the city's favourite laneway hangout in just over a year of operation without good reason. Prepare to be excited then, Winn Lane-venturing American-style burger fans, about West End's newest eatery. Though every addition to the vibrant area (and fresh excuse to eat, drink and be merry) provides ample cause for celebration, only The Bleachers comes with Ben's menu — plus a few extra additions. On the burger front, expect to find their small in number but big in taste offerings on Boundary Street, including the three regular choices that comprise their lunch and dinner lineup. Whether the classic, the special or the mushroom-focused vegetarian burger gets your tastebuds tingling, or perhaps the chilli fries as a sizeable accompaniment, you'll now be able to devour them on the other side of the inner city. When it comes to finding the cherry on top of what already sounds like a certain West End hotspot, look no further than the broader seasonal menu. Well, actually, look to The Bleachers' option for dessert, because it's certain to satisfy your sweet tooth. Who doesn't want to pair their burger or other scrumptious meal with the cold, swirled, sugary goodness that is soft serve ice cream fresh out of the machine? The Bleachers is coming soon to Boundary Street, West End. Keep an eye on their website for more information, or check out Ben's Burgers on Facebook.
Ricky Gervais isn't one to do things by any ol' book, especially advertising endorsements. The creator of award-winning, shame tingle-inducing comedy The Office, professional Golden Globe crasher and 'World President of Entertainment' has created two videos to advertise the new partnership with Netflix, available in Australia today. The global communications giant has recruited Ricky Gervais to star in a Netflix advertising campaign that unveils the tie-up. In classic zero phucks Gervaisian style, the comedian has provided his own take on Optus's 'Yes' campaign, which is more like an 'Okay' campaign. Here he is accepting the sweet, sweet cash from a company he's "never heard of". With Netflix launching in Australia today, Optus customers can get among the streaming service filling your news feed right now — for free. Whut? Yep, new and returning Optus customers get a six-month subscription for free when they sign up to one of several eligible packages (before July 5). You'll be able to catch up on House of Cards in commute on your smartphone, sick out on the back verandah with some Orange Is the New Black on your laptop, and then retreat for some quality Derek time in bed on your tablet. For more information on how to get the free Netflix hook-up happening for you, visit the Optus website.
I like a beard as much as the next person. And Star Wars even more. But there’s one thing that trumps both, and that’s beer. Combine the three, add some nana style seating, and you’ve got for yourself Cartel – the only bar on Caxton Street that delivers in hops, Han Solo and hair. Propped just across from Lefty’s, a dozen steps from Barracks, and equal distance between Casablanca and Oz Kebab (convenient) Cartel isn’t as hidden as it sounds, but is a gem none-the-less. Predating the recent Caxton facelift that saw Brewski, Statler and Waldorf and Lefty's set up shop, this homely bar sells itself on more than just comfy couches and craft beer – it’s got service as well. Brace yourself. On ordering you’ll probably get asked how you are? If you like the beer? What’s in store for the evening? And it won’t sound forced either. The guys here have legitimate, non-snobbish sincerity about them which is often lost in the new, boutique, prim-proper-and-proud bar scene. Relish this. Notably, Cartel has a finely curated collection of all the best craft beer behind the bar, and crisply refrigerated like a good beer should be. They stock a healthy range of Little Creatures, Holgates, Mountains Goats, Brooklyn Breweries and the palest of ales. If you haven’t had a Whale Ale before – here’s the place to have it. Or if you’d rather something less… beery? opt for a Twisted Tea or Lick Pier. In absence of food service at Cartel, comes freedom – if you want food, you go get it, bring it back and politely share (this isn’t a Cartel rule, but didn’t your mum teach you manners?). There’s Caxton Thai down the road, a Crust that will deliver and a Coles at Barracks that has a pretty great dip selection - even the ones with two dips in one container. Whether you’re craving the comfort that comes in having a ‘local’, need a quiet joint to predrink, or haven’t watched Back to the Future for a while, Cartel is your more-than-one-stop shop. Hike on over, give them a hey, grab a beer and sit back, and relax in the grog loving geek’s Mecca.
If you've got a penchant for parchment, Pepe's Paperie is the perfect place to indulge in all your stationery needs. Pens, notebooks, journals, leather goods, and decadent gift wrap are in abundance in the Paddington store. Inspired by a love of fine Italian stationary, Pepe's Paperie prides itself on the quality, luxury and stylish nature of the products sourced and stocked from Australia and around the world. The Paddington store is housed in an old Queenslander, that oozes charm and inspires letter-sending.
There is no better feeling then rolling into a deliciously comfortable bed at the end of the day. Sheets on the Line is committed to helping Brisbane have the best night's sleep. Sheets, cushions and quilts galore, all products are designed in Australia and produced with the highest quality, certified organic cotton from India. But it doesn't stop at the bedroom, Sheets on the Line also stock towels and homewares to help customers achieve the comforable, home lifestyle they desire.
If you want to devour something a little different, be sure to check out Scrumptious Reads. Born out of a passion for food and books it is the perfect place to fuel your cookbook obsession and inpsire an appetite for the kitchen. A visit to this specialty culinary bookstore is sure to satisfy any hunger for gastronomical literature. Beyond the books, the store acts as a hub for the Brisbane foodie community, hosting culinary events such as wine master classes, and food and beverage pairing dinners.
Whether you're a city slicker or certified survivalist, enjoying life on an outback station is an unforgettable experience. Fortunately, the areas surrounding Cunnamulla are home to a number of historic farmlands that welcome visitors for outdoor adventures and backcountry camping. One such example is Franc Villers Station, which features serene unpowered camping sites alongside a picturesque dam. Here, you're welcome to fish, swim or just relax in the country air. Meanwhile, Nulla Station offers camping along the Warrego River right beside a wildlife reserve, with a network of tributaries and rocky outcrops offering self-guided explorations. Head to the website to choose from a variety of accomodation options. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
The Single Guys: not the latest dating app, but rather a local specialty coffee roasting company and cafe in Kenmore. The boys behind the business are dedicated to all things coffee and seek to supply the finest single-origin beans in Brisbane. You can purchase their products online or stop by their suburban cafe and let them do the brewing for you. If you find yourself in the 'hood, be sure to indulge in a frothy flat white, lavish latte or creamy cappuccino topped with real chocolate shavings. The Single Guys prove their place is in the kitchen. The menu is full of all-day fare, from humble sourdough toast with spreads ($6 for two slices) to a brilliant Bircher muesli with quinoa, chia seeds, coconut yoghurt, honey and nuts ($13). If there's one reason to keep coming back to the Single Guys, it's got to be the Fruity French Toast with rosewater rhubarb, pistachios, creme anglais and Persian floss. There's also a winning B 'HAL' T — a take on the classic BLT but with the very welcome additions of grilled haloumi and rocket pesto ($13.5). A selection of cakes and pastries adorn the countertop — sometimes including gluten-free, cake-like nodo donuts — which are as eye-catching as the men in aprons behind it.
When visiting East Brisbane's The Smug Fig, you might place your order in a shipping container; however the bright blue gateway to the cafe isn't a sign of stripped-back things to come. For those looking to grab a coffee and go, the counter doubles as an easy exterior access point. For those wanting to stick around for a meal, it's just the beginning of your breakfast experience. A spacious interior, set over a wooden deck and gazing upon walls painted with blue and white flora and fauna, greets those who venture inside for the latter. A small but delicious menu does as well. Here, it's the taste — not the size — that matters. Substantial lunchtime offerings will join the selection of taste bud-tempting cakes and other offerings later in September, though the brekkie lineup could easily satisfy stomachs hungry around midday for the moment. They include a brie and double smoked ham omelette, the Smug Bennie that adds asparagus to the usual mix, and the aptly titled BAE — because who doesn't love bacon, balsamic tomato and sourdough multigrain with your chosen style of eggs? Find The Smug Fig at 999 Stanley Street East, East Brisbane. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Get ready to chow down on mouthwatering Neil Perry hamburgers. Since opening in Sydney's World Square in October 2014, the celebrity chef's high-end fast food joint Burger Project has become a favourite with Sydney foodies, serving up a variation of his iconic Rockpool beef burger at a fraction of the price. The burger joint has since expanded to Melbourne and, after announcing back in May last year that Burger Project will be coming to Brisbane, Perry has finally opened the doors. You can find the new store on ground level at the new Southport precinct in South Bank. The venue, which boasts big floor-to-ceiling windows, has room for 60 burger fiends inside and another 30 outside. So, what exactly do they serve at The Burger Project, anyway? Well, Perry is sticking closely to the winning World Square formula, so you can expect a variety of tried-and-tested tasty burgers including the Magic Mushroom, the spicy fried chicken katsu and of course the classic American cheeseburger. For dessert, dive into one of their decadent ice cream creations such as the Blueberry Pie or The Bounty Hunter with vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate sauce, toasted coconut and crushed meringue. The Brisbane Burger Project will also be the first outlet to offer breakfast. They'll switch out their regular menu for bacon and egg (and mushroom and egg) burgers, BLTs, potato gems and coffee from Melbourne's Market Lane from 8–11am daily. The South Bank store is the eighth Burger Project to open around the country, and the first in Brisbane. Neil Perry's Rockpool Group was acquired by the Urban Purveyor Group last year, and, as the newly formed Rockpool Dining Group, they plan to open more stores here this year. By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
No one has ever just wanted to eat one lonely little chicken wing. Few among us have ever stopped at two, three or less than half a dozen, for that matter. One of the easiest dishes to consume copious amounts of, wings have inspired many a dedicated eatery — and all-you-can-eat joint Chook Wings and Beer is Brisbane's latest such establishment. The newest eatery from the folks behind Phat Elephant, Phat Boy, Chapter IV, Asian Republic and Brisbane Chai Thai, this chicken haven is the city's new go-to for endless piles of its eponymous food. Now open in The Hamptons' former site on Gerler Road at Hendra, it serves up all the pieces you can handle (and, let's be honest, probably more pieces than you should) for $21.90. You'll also be feasting on unlimited sides as part of the buffet, which includes fries, fried rice and salads. And for covering and dipping those wings, eight sauces will be available, with buffalo, barbecue, and sour cream and chive all on the lineup. Fancy something other than wings? Both beef and chicken burgers are available, as well as teriyaki chicken and Japanese curry with chicken. And, with beer also part of Chook Wings and Beer's name, it's serving up a hefty selection of brews — think James Squire, VB, Corona and more, plus a selection of ciders.
When Sydney Film Festival looks backwards in 2025, as it does every year with a featured retrospective, it'll be following in its own footsteps several times over. The work of Iranian director Jafar Panahi has graced its screens again and again over the fest's history. More than a decade ago, in 2011, a retrospective just like this also highlighted some of his movies alongside those of his compatriot Mohammad Rasoulof, in fact. Long may this trend continue; a filmmaker this bold and daring should always be in the spotlight. Panahi's body work speaks for itself — and also speaks to his ongoing fight to chronicle contemporary Iran and the reality of life for its people, a battle that he's kept waging despite repercussions regularly coming his way. By his nation's ruling regime, the writer/director has been banned from filmmaking, and also from travel. He's been arrested and imprisoned as well. Indeed, it isn't just his movies that send a message of resistance; his quest to make them, to retain the right to do so, and the pursuit of freedom that goes with that ceaseless campaign, is also a statement. SFF's 2025 Jafar Panahi: Cinema in Rebellion program is celebrating its namesake with a program of all ten of his features, all screening across the festival's dates of Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15. From 1995's The White Balloon to 2022's No Bears, audiences can witness Panahi's progression as a filmmaker — and how his exploration of existence in Iran, especially for women and others suffering oppression and censorship (including himself), has evolved and solidified over almost three decades. With every one of his titles, SFF attendees will also watching be award-winning pictures. The White Balloon gave Panahi his first Cannes accolade, for best first film. Then 1997's The Mirror took home the Locarno International Film Festival's Golden Leopard, 2000's The Circle nabbed Venice's Golden Lion, 2003's Crimson Gold earned an Un Certain Regard prize back at Cannes and 2006's Offside collected a Silver Bear in Berlin. More Cannes love came for 2011's This Is Not a Film (the Carrosse d'Or at the Director's Fortnight) and 2018's Three Faces (for best screenplay), plus more Berlin recognition for 2013's Closed Curtain (another Silver Bear) and 2015's Tehran Taxi (the Golden Bear), and more again from Venice for No Bears (a Special Jury Prize).
There's something oh-so-relaxing about staring at the sea, even if you're feasting your eyes on the water via the big screen. That's the concept behind the Ocean Film Festival Australia. You can't always spend all your time at the beach, by the river or in a pool — but you can spend an evening peering at the next best thing in a cinema. For four nights in April, the festival will unleash a cinematic feast of water-focused wonders onto the silver screen at Brisbane Powerhouse. This is the event's 12th year, and it's heading by from Wednesday, April 2–Saturday, April 5. Sessions screen at 7pm each night, and there's also a 2pm session on the Saturday. Film-wise, viewers will spend time both above and below the ocean's surface thanks to a compilation of shorts from around the world. You can normally expect to chase big waves, explore a range of sea life and get a hefty ocean rush, plus a heap of other sea adventures. The full program is united by a love of the ocean, an appreciation of the creatures who dwell in its waters and a curiosity to explore the substance that comprises more than two-thirds of the earth. It's the next best thing to diving in, all without getting wet.
Consider Dine BNE City the festival that does both: kicking off winter, it gets Brisbanites eating and sipping out of the house, patronising the River City's restaurants and bars; it also serves up wallet-friendly deals that let you wine and dine without busting your budget. Luxe experiences are equally on the menu at this month-long event, but snapping up a special for lunch, dinner or drinks is the main attraction. For 2025, it's back for the entirety of June again, although it officially starts on Friday, May 30 with annual outdoor feast Fireside at St Stephen's Cathedral. This year's launch event will again combine openair dining — with dishes on offer from Dark Shepherd, Naldham House's The Brasserie and The Fifty Six, plus Doughcraft and Walter's Steakhouse; the drinks come courtesy of Club Felix — with entertainment under the stars. Expect to tuck into prawn saganaki, lamb souvlaki, baked Queensland blue swimmer crab and sweet treats from the crumble station, as soundtracked by DJs and live music. That's how Dine BNE City is beginning for 2025. Returning for the fifth time after initially starting in 2021 when Brisbane's dining scene was struggling through the early part of the pandemic, the festival's latest lineup spans more special events, plus reasons to make plans for every lunchtime, after-work drinks and dinner across the month. In the first category, the Urban Wine Walk is strolling around the CBD, Tillerman is doing banquet lunches, Gather Bistro is putting on Friday-night parties, and Naldham House has everything from five-course truffle dinners to high tea and bubbles on its itinerary. If lunch is your favourite meal of the day, the Let's Do Lunch program features specials for $25 and $35. The first price point includes two courses with a drink at Cheeky Poke, a BLT and a beer at Santa Monica, pinza and beer at Doughcraft, a burger and beer at Gather Bistro, and either slow-braised pork belly or golden skin chicken at New Shanghai, among other options. The second expands your picks to gnocchi at overwater restaurant Stilts, a Japanese set menu at Tenya, one of three mains choices at Brisbane Phoenix, the same with French-inspired Vietnamese at Longwang, chicken or beef shawarma at Little Miss Sunshine, and steak and salad at The Walnut, to name just a few deals. For dinner, prices vary — but you could be sharing paella at Mulga Bill's, also getting communal at Babylon Brisbane, tucking into a Donna Chang mini banquet, enjoying Boom Boom Room's yakitori showcase, digging into Harajuku Gyoza's salaryman banquet and seeing how much you can handle at Navala Churrascaria's all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ experience. A tasting menu at The Lex, Matt Moran's slow-roast lamb shoulder at Riverbar & Kitchen, $30 lobster brioche with bubbles at Hibiscus Bar & Terrace: add them to your list as well. Or, make the most of the city's after-work bar scene, including for bao and beverages at Luc Lac, wagyu beef sandos with Moscow mules at The Charles, skewer platters and umeshu at Bar 1603, a French spread with bubbles at Pompette, oysters and champagne at Rothwell's, and spritzes and charcuterie at Blackbird.
Maybe you really love Patrick Swayze. Perhaps you just need some more terracotta or ceramics in your life. Or, the idea of pottering around a clay-based showcase and finding pottery pieces — for yourself or as gifts — could just be your idea of a great Saturday. Whichever category you fall into, head on over to Clayschool's Summer Show for 2024. Browse, buy, support local artists — it's the ultimate exhibition-slash-market. In fact, the event's organisers have dubbed it "Brisbane's biggest day of pottery". While we're talking multi-tasking, Clayschool's students are hoping to show off their unique, handcrafted designs, and sell some as ace one-off wares. Christmas is less than a month away, so this timing is mighty handy for you to pick up something special for someone special (yes, that includes for yourself). It's all taking place at Vacant Assembly on Montague Road in West End from 8am–4pm on Saturday, November 30. Images: Jennifer Hillhouse.
When there's an occasion worth celebrating, Brisbane Quarter joins in. So, now that Lunar New Year is upon us for 2025, the inner-city precinct is doing just that. The CBD spot is marking the Year of the Snake with a day of roving lion dances and — in great news for your stomach — special menu options for a couple of weeks. For the dances, you'll need to make a date on Wednesday, January 29. The performance is free, taking place at 7pm. Between Tuesday, January 28–Monday, February 10, gathering the gang is recommended at Brisbane Phoenix. The restaurant is doing indulgent group feasts across the two weeks, including a ten-course version for six or ten people — for $1688 and $2288 respectively. On the menu: flaming lobster, salmon sashimi salad with flying fish caviar, steamed scampi, black moss dried scallop and oyster, slow-cooked pork hock with truffle oil and more. Fancy an a la carte selection instead? That's also an option. [caption id="attachment_939762" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Claudia Baxter[/caption]
It doesn't matter whether you’re a high school student and learning the ropes of Shakespeare, a connoisseur who reads him religiously in your past time, or simply someone with an affinity for charming prose - everyone can recognise Will’s signature words. If the quotes “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?”, “Out damn spot!” and “All the world’s a stage” pique your interest, how does a production of As You Like It sound? La Boite Theatre Company are putting on their third Shakespearean installment in as many years, and it's going to be a big one. For those who need a brush up on the storyline, As You Like It sees characters Rosalind, Cecelia and Touchstone the Jester flee into the Forest of Arden where love and lust, cross-dressing and mischievous activities occur. The cast chosen to bring this particular production to life are a mixture of professional actors such as leads Helen Howard and Thomas Larkin, plus the best QUT and SIT have to offer. Artistic Director David Berthold has said this is La Boite’s biggest production to date and many also regard As You Like It as Shakespeare’s most humorous work, so disregard Shakespeare’s cry about 'too much of a good thing' and pick up your tickets quick sticks.
Darlings, everyone knows fashion week parties are more important than the actual runway shows. The whole point of these annual get-togethers is to see who’s had plastic surgery recently and who is sleeping with whom. Just because Brisbane may not be on the same scale as New York doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the bitchy fun - this Friday night, Alhambra will come alive with champagne drinking, fashionably clad cliques for Just Another Fashion Weak Pardy. As with any good soiree, entertainment is a must and the organisers of this event have pulled through and booked some great local talent. The Jungle Giants will be launching their EP, with Tiger Beams and Galaxy supporting them. DJ sets from the John Steel Singers DJs, Lambda DJs and LL Cool James will ensure that lots of awkward dancing from people in high heels will ensue. Seeing as this event only happens once a year, do you really want to miss out on air kissing (and then silently judging people for wearing last season’s clothes)? Certainly not. Skip to it – fashion week’s not the same without it.
After a hugely successful season in 2010, Ursula Martinez invites you to meet the ordinary and extraordinary characters of her life and her inbox. After her infamous magic striptease act Hanky Panky found its way to the illicit realms of cyberspace, Martinez started receiving some unbelievable emails from perfect strangers. A combination of stand-up, live art and character comedy, this tale of confessions, obsessions, miscommunications, relationships, loneliness, sex and identity provide the framework for what happens when your privates go public. “Martinez’s stage performances look deceptively simple; but this is a contrivance that allows Martinez to undertake highly complex investigations into reality and fiction, autobiography and lies, and the nature of identity itself, her own most of all” – The Guardian. Please note: recommended for those over 18 years. May contain really boring nudity.
Darren Hanlon has been around awhile now. I remember seeing him play at the Paddington Workers Club (which isn’t there anymore) when I was twenty (which I'm not any more), and he was top notch then. I have changed significantly since I saw Darren play all those years ago, and it seems he has too. He is no longer playing small rooms at smaller bowls clubs – he's now rocking it at the Brisbane Powerhouse. On top of this, he has supported world renowned acts, including the glorious Bright Eyes, and toured the world, jet-setting as far as Latvia, Estonia and Broken Hill! Darren is a gifted storyteller, and wins over large and small audiences alike with his particular brand of gentle folk. He has released in excess of ten albums (including EPs), and this stripped back Christmas tour will see him playing a mix of songs from all of them. For this performance is he sans band, adding a little more intimacy to the gig as he serenades audiences solo. This will be the perfect little Christmas treat, relaxing with the lovely Darren, listening to his beautiful and funny stories, and sharing a little Christmas cheer. Enjoy!
Women do a multitude of things – they make up half the world’s population, carry babies until their ready to pop out into the world, and generally get a lot of good shit done. So you’d think then that they would be equally represented across all industries, especially now by the 21st century. Alas as we all know, that dream is still a tad further away but what’s helping ease the pain is GOMA’s new exhibition Contemporary Australia: Women. Celebrating the wide range of female artists, these collected works span diverse, energetic and innovative topics, and are sure to inspire all whom visit – male and female alike. It’s taking up the entire ground floor of GOMA, which for those who’ve been there can appreciate the enormity of the collection, but for those who haven’t – expect great, large things. It’s the second in the Gallery’s Australia triennial series, which has an overall aim to present a clear and coherent section of works that highlight how modern art has shaped and is continuing to shape our country. So what better opportunity to showcase and educate just how important women are in society, than by highlighting everything they’ve done so far.
If your pup has its own Instagram account and you refer to yourself as a 'fur parent', we're fairly certain you'll want in on this competition. Local pet food brand Ivory Coat wants to put your dog on the small screen. The luxe brand is currently running a Dog Search, which will see 20 lucky pooches featured in Ivory Coat's next TV commercial. All you have to do is enter your details here, along with a recent, personality-filled photo of your fur baby. All breeds and cross-breeds of all ages are welcome. Along with being featured on TV, your pup could win a portrait by a professional photographer, a pet profile on the Ivory Coat website and social media pages, and a one-year supply of Ivory Coat food. There is one catch, though: your dog needs to be an Ivory Coat consumer. So, if they've never tried the stuff, it's time to grab a bag online or head to one of your local stockists. If your pooch is a little hesitant about changing brands, Ivory Coat is made in Australia using locally sourced meat with no additives or fillers. Plus superfoods, fruits, veggies and wholegrains are mixed in or there's a grain-free option if you prefer. The pet food brand also has options for dogs (and cats) of every breed, size and age. The 20 lucky winners (humans and pooches) will need to be in Sydney for shoot between July 17–19. While NSW's borders are currently open to all domestic tourists, we suggest checking the Australian Government website before booking flights or locking in a road trip. Your doggo should be well-behaved and friendly, but it doesn't need to be dog show-level trained — understanding simple commands like 'sit' and 'stay' will do. If this sounds like your pup, now's the time to make 'em a star. Head to the Ivory Coat website for entry guidelines and T&Cs. 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.
As well as having a catchy name, Kangaroo Point's One Fish Two Fish always serves up a decent catch. And if you're fond of shellfish, you'll particularly agree with that statement this autumn. Throughout March, the seafood eatery is focusing on crab and crayfish. It's plating up its fancy feast for dinner on Wednesdays–Fridays and lunch on Fridays–Sundays, in fact — so get ready to treat yo'self with a five-course meal. This year's Crab and Cray Cray costs $95 per person. Tempting your tastebuds: Fraser Isle crab bruschetta (with fennel, lemon, caviar, olive oil and dill), mornay pastry triangles with crab and crayfish (served with house-made chilli jam), and grilled baby whiting stuffed with sand crab (plus pan-fried potatoes, pancetta and caramelised onion). There's also a palette cleanser of granita with blueberries and lemon between the pastries and whiting — and, for dessert warm chocolate fondant served with orange sorbet is on the menu. No, those two courses don't include crayfish or crab. Bookings are essential by contacting the venue — and drinks will cost you extra.
Heralding from Argentina, the enigmatic Juana Molina makes her Brisbane Festival debut in 2014 for a one-night-only performance guaranteed to dazzle. Described as "Spanish-sung folktronica", Molina's performances are as unique as they are playful; full to the brim with experimentation and honest passion in song. Continuing soundscapes full of surprises, never dull or anticipated. Some have attempted to pigeonhole Molina, tried to fit her into a niche genre or have compared her to other songstresses such as Beth Orton or Bjork while trying to describe her sound; one of the most admirable characteristics of Juana is her very selfness, her unique sensibilities and authentic original sound. Juana Molina is appearing in the Spielgeltent as part of Brisbane Festival 2015. Check out our wrap up of the ten best things to see at this year's festival over here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UC2lFttTOIM
McDonald's has been serving up Big Macs and soft serve cones to Australians for 50 years, and it's been celebrating that fact throughout 2021. That's why the chain gave our tastebuds a Birthday McFlurry earlier this year, among other specials — and now the fast food giant is one-upping that limited-edition treat with a new Caramilk McFlurry. Macca's is no stranger to one-off McFlurry flavours, of course. So, you've probably tried both the good (apple pie) and the bad (bubblegum) varieties before. But Caramilk dessert mashups always take things up a few notches. That's why you've probably already sipped Caramilk cocktails, and eaten the Caramilk dessert jaffles and Caramilk Krispy Kreme doughnuts — and why you've now mentally scheduled in a date with a Caramilk McFlurry (or several). Obviously, this new sweet treat's ingredients are immensely straightforward. We all know what a McFlurry is. We all know what Caramilk is. Combine the two and voila! When it comes to this cult-favourite caramelised white chocolate, there's absolutely no need to overcomplicate things. You'll find the Caramilk McFlurry on the menu at all Australian Macca's outlets from Wednesday, October 13 — and for delivery, too. That said, it really is a limited-edition special, so it's only on offer while stocks last. McDonald's Caramilk McFlurries are available in stores Australia-wide from Wednesday, October 13 while stocks last.
If going to a theme park by day is your idea of fun and excitement, then prepare to experience your favourite pastime notched up a few levels. At Screamworld, you won't just visit Dreamworld by night, but enter a version of the famous destination overrun with zombies. Yes, the park's nine thrill rides — yes, nine — aren't the only things that will be giving your lungs a workout. Prepare to yell on the WipeOut, Giant Drop, Tower of Terror II, BuzzSaw, Cyclone, The Claw, Pandamonium, Motocoaster and TailSpin, of course. Then prepare to unleash a blood-curdling squeal as you walk through scare attraction Zombie Evilution. There, you'll wander through the town of Kevil Hill, which just happens to be teeming with undead nasties. For those less fond of such horrors, Screamworld also offers an illuminating laser show spectacular, plus music for you to dance the night away to. Yes, there really is something for everyone.
Ballet is one of those things I think every girl (and every second boy) starts when they’re little but only a few continue on once it gets hard. Luckily for us, the Queensland Ballet Company appears to have rounded up everyone who kept at it and bundled them all into their annual International Gala. This year as well as having all the homegrown talent on display, the company has hired Dutch choreographer Nils Christe to create a brand new program sure to thrill and astound fans. Of course, as usual the Artistic Director François Klaus has written an entire score that perfectly accompanies the night. There will also be guest dancers from China, Berlin, England and Singapore. Plus, you know, really pretty outfits. So if you always dreamed of being a ballet dancer, or, on the opposite end of the scale, you’re not the greatest fan of the genre, the International Gala is a great way to be introduced to what ballet can be like when it’s done well.
