No Art, the hypnotic and experimental group from Sydney, will be celebrating their atmospheric strand of music at Black Bear Lodge on September 14. Their debut EP “Exotica”, produced by Patrick Santamaria (Lost Valentinos), is an exploration of the ritual, the symbolic and unexplored territories. They’re known for interweaving familiar melodies with stark minimalism and emotive harmonies, the result being ambient sound and unbridled energy. They will be supported by Nite fields, the local electronica, post-punk and overall experimental rock group that has garnered attention through their live shows, as well as their self-recorded and released single. Also on the bill are Kids Cryptic, the duo who are often described as “slope rock” with their fast build-ups, abrupt descents and Nordic influences. They’ll be stopping by Black Bear Lodge before taking their live show on the road.
A-CH architects are credited with designing some of Brisbane's funkiest and fascinating stores, notably Scumptious Reads on James Street. In partnership withThe Wandering Room, with the intent of showing how architecture and art can combine, the idea of Caravan was born. Stationed in the Labyrinth section of the Brisbane Powerhouse, this interactive art exhibition aims to showcase a number of contemporary works, as well as providing artist led workshops and talks.The concept alone is not the most intriguing part of this new initiative. The structural set up of the event is one which is completely new to the Powerhouse; that of being built in and around a shipping container and crates. Focusing on the use of recycled materials, under-used public space, and provided interaction for unknowing passers-by, Caravan is expected to grow and evolve throughout the Brisbane festival, crafted by the people who pass through it's space.
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a wordsmith or just love to read, make sure you catch the Brisbane Writers Festival. It is a wonderful showcase of Queensland writers as they share their ideas, inspirations and insight regarding the world of words. Held once a year, the festival caters for writers, readers, students and children. Brush up on your writing skills and participate in one of the many interactive workshops held in locations such as the State Library, Brisbane Powerhouse and The Gallery of Modern Art. Hosts include successful writers such as Benjamin Law, Andy Griffiths and Belinda Jeffrey. The Brisbane Writers Festival celebrates the written word. From hard hitting journalism to storytelling, there are interactive workshops for every avenue of writing. Get your creative juices flowing and visit the Brisbane Writers Festival website for information regarding tickets.
On the eve of his fifth album and double-album release “Sundark and Riverlight” which is set to be released later this month, Patrick Wolf will be bringing infectious energy and charismatic live show to The Tivoli when his intimate Australian kicks off in Brisbane this Friday. Only one other musician will join the British singer and multi-instrumentalist on the stage as he strips back his usually grand and flamboyant performances for a more retrospective and cosy affair. After an exciting and diverging decade in the music industry, he will be performing songs from all of his five albums, creating a new set list for each of his Australian shows. Surprises aplenty, but a guaranteed joyous evening. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8:00pm.
Calling all artists, art-lovers, philanthropists and inspiration-seekers! This Brisbane Festival, Art from the Margins (AFTM) will launch its fifth consecutive exhibition in the river city, in a mega showcase spanning two weeks. AFTM is an artistic initiative created by the Wesley Mission designed to showcase artwork in a safe space for artists who are disadvantaged by homelessness, disability or other obstacles. Successful entrants in AFTM have their work presented to the public and are able to retain one hundred per cent of the money from any of their artwork that is sold. There’s been a record interest in AFTM this year, and 2012 promises to showcase first time entrants as well as old favourites. Held at Albert Street Uniting Church, AFTM will once again put up powerful, honest, evocative and completely original work by Brisbane’s unsung artists. The exhibition is free, purchasing artwork is optional, and supporting local talent is just a happy plus.
The 2013 season for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) will be launched in style in the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Concert Hall on September 10. Hosted by Chief Conductor Johannes Fritzsch, it is set to be a night of unveilings, as the repertoire, soloists and conductors for the coming year are revealed. Among the developments will be updates on the Orchestra’s move to the new ABC headquarters in the Cultural Precinct of Southbank, just next to QPAC. To celebrate, the QSO Brass Ensemble will perform a number of pieces, including Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition “Great Gate of Kiev”, as well as excerpts from Mozart’s Haffner Symphony No. 35, Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6. The Orchestra will also perform Rachmaninov’s Vocalise, accompanied by local soprano Milica Ilic. All tickets to this free event have been snavelled up, however, for the first time, the Orchestra will be streaming the Launch live online. It can even be viewed via Smart Phone, Tablet or computer here, so don't miss out.
Following the success of their debut at the prestigious Woodford Festival, Nicholas Ng, Julian Wong and Anna Yen present a fusion of traditional and contemporary Chinese music and movement. Nicholas, a composer, performer, researcher and artistic advisor to the BrisAsia Festival has performed alongside ensembles such as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and in venues such as the Merkin Concert Hall in New York. Julian is a Perth-based physical performer and musician, and was part of the band Sirocco, while currently participates in the duo Rahu and is a member of Shaun Parker & Company. They join Anna, a performer, movement teacher and theatre maker and director. Her acclaimed one-woman show “Chinese Take Away” has toured to festivals in Asia, Europe, Australia and the US and has since been adapted to screen. Together, they present an evening of traditional and contemporary movement and music. Tickets are available on the door for this one-time-only performance.
Networking can often be painful and/or anxiety inducing – it’s a strange and un-natural mating ritual, complete with uncomfortable silences over swilling drinks, maybe with some ambient music filling the gaps if you’re lucky. But if you know your way around a pen and paper added with the comfort of Kerbside, you might be saved. Dr. INK & Draw is a networking event - with a difference!: armed with a sketchpad in one hand and a beer/cocktail in the other (if you so desire), participants test out or develop their skills in drawing in a supportive and collaborative environment. Digital artist? Bring your tablet down. Don’t have anything to draw with? No problemo, there are sketchpads supplied or you can join in the communal drawing table. Whether you can draw intricate landscapes or are just finally getting the hang of the stick man, Dr. INK & Draw is a supportive and inclusive environment of all skill levels, while providing a hub for people to meet friends (old and new) and let their creativity flow naturally. Who knows who you’ll meet while polishing off the finer details of your lastest masterpiece? Image Credit: Stacey Lia Photography
Hip-hop doesn’t have to be straight outta’ Compton. Brisbane is representing its hood, bringing together the best of the local hip-hop scene with the freshest festival out, Sprung. Clockwork Entertainment, in association with Triple J and Scene Magazine have brewed up the largest, all Aussie hip-hop lineup to ever hit Brisbane. One ticket gets you entry into the all day festival featuring the cream of the Aussie hip hop crop. Headlining the bill are Drapht, The Funkoars, Illy, Pez & 360, Phrase and M-Phases, as well as Resin Dogs, Joelistics, Lowrider, Mantra, Diafrix, Lazy Grey and Pure Product. As well as the big names, Sprung Fest features heaps of local acts selected from the national Real Talk Battle League hosted by Brisbane’s home of hip-hop, the Step Inn. Straight outta’ the burbs of Brisbane, Sprung is running as an all ages event. Tickets are set at a low sixty-six bucks, boldly bringing the price back to what people would have been paying for a ticket to a music festival in the 90s. None of this expensive shiznit. Strung Fest is in da house. R.E.S.T.E.C.P! Do ya even know wha it spellz?
I haven’t been in Brisbane for quite a while and upon my ungracious return to my hometown I performed the standard catch-up-with-your-friends-and-have-too-many-Jagers thing. After feeling that last sweet aniseed sear down my esophagus, my rowdy delinquent associates and myself made our way down town to the cliché yet satisfying bearing of the Valley. A short train ride and brisk walk sobered me up enough to stop worrying about standing and enquire as to where the hell we were going. “Oh Hello,” I was told. “It’s a new club, where Mono used to be.” “Right,” I responded. “Don’t I need fluro shorts and a lousy singlet to get in there?” To my pleasant surprise, I didn’t and my first Oh Hello experience was great. The place is better, the people are better, the music is better and god damn the bar tenders are SMOKIN’! Which brings me to this coming Friday night. I don’t know about you, but when I was 14 I was pretty excited that I saved up enough money to purchase Burnout 4. I tell you what, that game had a sick sound track. One incredibly memorable song was a track by Bloc Party and since that era I’ve always admired that band. So when I found out there’s a Bloc Party DJ set this weekend at Oh Hello, BAM! I sold Burnout 4 to sponsor myself getting boozy and wild. See you there!
Oh Ball Park Music, when I think of you a smile spreads across my face. You are a happy bunch of little hipsters that make beautiful music together! It’s infinitely exciting when a Brisbane band makes good, and these kids have. They are totally The Next Big Thing (a la Custard, Regurgitator and Powderfinger) and oh, it is so wonderful to watch this happen. So, a quick run down on the back story: in early 2009 BPM released their first EP and received airplay on Triple J, and lots of positive attention. In late 2009 they released their second EP and the love continued, they got even more airplay and began touring around Queensland and then interstate with lots of great Aussie bands. They did this throughout 2010 and into 2011 and now those clever chickens have released their first album ‘Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs’, yay! This is happy, lovely, laugh inducing music, and you should all listen to it! Now, BPM are headlining their own tours on the back of their first album, and are playing at the Zoo this week. Sometimes, to be nice, I’ll say that ‘you really must see this band before they hit it big, like, Bon Iver big’ but this time it’s true. You must go and see BPM now or you’ll be kicking yourself when all their shows sell out in half an hour and even Yeezy’s gotta wait to sample them on his next record.
Let's face it: DJs sometimes aren't very attractive – they have faces suited for radio. This is not the case for NERVO. They are both stunningly beautiful DJ sisters and they have been making waves the world over. The mesmerising duo are songwriters, producers and artists, and you might have heard their skillz in David Guetta and Kelly Rowland's hit song 'When Love Takes Over', as well as their mixes in the club scene, if you're into that sorta thing. Their resident sound is electro-house and they have wowed audiences with their tag-team style disk jockey art. The list of people the blondes have collaborated with is staggering: everyone from Steve Aoki to Armen Van Buuren, at clubs and festivals across the globe, including Lollapalooza. They've also penned songs for Ke$ha, The Pussycat Dolls and our very own Kylie Minogue, and aren't showing any signs of slowing down. Sound like your cup of tea? This very exclusive party will showcase the skills of the hottest people you've ever seen spin a track and it's set to be a night of sweaty, jolly fun.
For those still looking to capture the magic of Christmas just before the big day arrives, you’re in luck as you don’t have to seek further than Woodland on Friday night. Hidden around a quiet corner and up secret stairs like Brisbane’s very own Santa’s workshop, Woodland will be bursting with elves full of Christmas cheer and ready to pass it on. The venue is practically made for an enchanting evening full of mystical music and good times so it is fitting that it will be playing host to Magic Spells with support by Dario West. Magic Spells are a Brisbane-based quintet renowned for their love of folklore, mystic activity and ghost hunting, as well as putting on a great show. Celebrating their last performance before February 2012, the band will be out in force reminiscing on the year, as well as encouraging the use of magic potions. As their influences are Black Angels, Simon and Garfunkel, and Fleetwood Mac, this won’t be your usual Christmas event, but really, who wants that anyway? Boring carols and family time? No thank you, I’ll take a night with Magic Spells.
Don't you hate being the third wheel to a wall? This must be a never-ending predicament for boy girl wall, seeing as they had a sell-out season in April and are back for another spin this month for an eleven show encore. boy girl wall is just that: a boy, a girl and a wall. Well, minus an actual girl, and an actual wall. Everything in this play is executed by the incredibly talented and flexible actor Lucas Stibbard who plays all roles: from the next-door neighbours Thom and Alethea, to magpies and days of the week. What seems incomprehensible and frankly just a little bit too far-fetched, is actually a winner on stage, and has delighted audiences with its simplicity, but also its depth. boy girl wall is the story of two neighbours living in West End, who are essentially convinced into falling in love by the wall that separates their apartments. Mix razor sharp wit and a matchmaking room divider and you have a recipe for a unique performance straight from the minds of The Escapists – a team of creatives who have taken theatre to the next level. The only problem with boy girl wall is that it doesn't go for long enough! You become so entranced by the whimsical stage production that it almost seems like anything but a piece of chalk and an overhead projector are overdoing it. Make sure you destruct any other plans you have and see boy girl wall before the wall comes down on you.
With Parklife having been and gone, you’d think Brisbane would be sick of dance music festivals (and the things that go with it – over-roided male shirtlessness, denim underwear, enough fake tan to orange the entire world thrice) by now. Sadly it is not, and Parklife was just the beginning. Every day we’re shuffling, apparently. Surprisingly, not everyone loves dance music as much as these festival fiends would have us believe. South of the Riverstage there’s a little bit of musical love that doesn’t go at 180bpm, and instead rolls along the gentler post-rock line. Who is this act, you may ask, and do they know that they’re in Brisbane? The answers to those questions are: Mono, and probably not. The Japanese four piece will be taking to the Hi-Fi this Wednesday, and it might be one of the only gigs for the rest of the year sans bros and overpriced drinks (just kidding, it’s a joke! It’s just that it’s festival season, and festivals suck 99% of the time. But Mono rule).
For some bands fame, fortune, adoration and all the rest happens in the blink of an eye; for others it is a slow burn. This was the case for Melbourne band The Panics - after four EPs and two albums they released the album Cruel Guards in 2007, and things took off from there - They won Triple J’s coveted J Award and had a top 10 track in the Triple J Hottest 100 in the same year. Following the success of Cruel Guards, The Panics spent almost two years touring far and wide before finally settling down and basing themselves in the iconic music hub of Manchester to write a new album, then heading to New York City to record it. Finally in 2011 the fruit of this transnational music making process was released in the form of Rain on a Humming Wire and like the last album, this has received rave reviews. Once again the band are hitting the road to perform and share their new selection of beautiful music across the country - they’ll be in Brisbane for one night only. Brisbane fans need not panic, just get your butts down to the Hi-Fi and see this homegrown class act before they disappear off the Australian map again.
If you’re anything like me, the thought of improvised theatre makes your palms sweat, your throat restrict and your knees shake. This is entirely unsurprising given most of my history with theatre involves high school speech and drama subjects, and me doing the aforementioned. Crazily enough there are a whole bunch of people who actually enjoy this kind of activity and specifically go out of their way to do improv. Bringing these people to town as part of the 2011 Brisbane Festival, the Off The Cuff: Festival of Improvised Theatre is taking place over the last weekend of September. Some of the top funny people from around Australia will be heading to the Sunshine State to perform alongside Brisbane’s own ImproMafia and with different performances on each night, you are guaranteed some improvised craziness that hasn’t been practised beforehand. Ending the insanity will be the 2011 Theatresports Nationals, with the comedians trying to prove who’s the funniest. So whether you consider yourself a small time comedian, or need to observe improv as part of your high school speech and drama recovery, there is plenty to choose from.
When it comes to people born on significant holidays, I’m never too sure whether to be jealous or show sympathy towards them. You’re meant to be celebrating your birth, the birth of someone amazing, and not something like Christmas or New Years. Besides, if you’re born on Christmas then people think that’s an excellent excuse to buy you one ‘combined’ present instead of two (cheapskates). I hate those people (on a related note: I am still a child). I guess Eleanor Logan doesn’t share the same sentiments about holiday-cum-birthdays that I do – born on December 31, she’s the Happiest of New Years, adopting the holiday as her stage name. Born in Australia but based in Brooklyn, Logan’s back in the motherland for the summer and is playing a show at X & Y to celebrate. Happy New Year’s supported by only the most babing of babe four-piece outfits, Go Violets. According to their bio they’re “all summer pop, slipped beats, bad guitar jacks and legs”. Saturday needs to get here faster.
I remember the first time I heard Emma Louise sing – the soothing lyrics to her debut single Jungle seemed to so perfectly match my then current situation that it astounded me and I needed to download it immediately for my collection of ‘thinking’ songs. Many thanks must indeed go to Triple J for having it for available for free back then. I’ve since played that song many, many times, which obviously brings me much joy, however it simultaneously pains me that I am yet to hear it live. From all available accounts, an Emma Louise show is something to marvel at and I can imagine why. Her lyrics and voice are so powerful through the radio alone, that I think a live show would be something to marvel at and close to a religious experience. Lucky Brisbanites can catch her at The Zoo this Saturday, as she tours around the country in her first headlining national tour. Joining her as support are the equally as melodic band Charlie Mayfair. She has previously launched her EP Full Hearts and Empty Rooms and is currently working on her second, so she is sure to have plenty of material to preach to her lucky audience.
Earlier this year I was in Melbourne and saw Nick Cave in a cafe/bar one lunch time. He strode in sporting his classic look of tight black jeans, pointy boots, a western inspired shirt (slightly open) and aviators. I melted. It seems Nick Cave has had this effect on most of Australia, and now in the style of previous tributes to AccaDacca, The Go-Betweens and Paul Kelly, Triple J have coordinated a tribute to Cave. A posse of musicians including Dan Sultan, Kram, Abbe May, Lisa Mitchell and Tim Rodgers, are performing their favourite Nick Cave songs for his and their fans at the Tivoli, and you should go, everyone should. Why? Cave is the Australian music star, who has never sold out. He has traversed genres and cutting-edge musical terrain without fear or trepidation. Because of this he has created some of the most formidable and inimitable music of the last 30+ years. His acts have included The Boys Next Door, The Birthday Party, The Bad Seeds and now Grinderman. He has created the sound for multiple generations, and thus it’s only fitting that a tribute tour be made for this brilliant man.
My knowledge of life in Korea is limited, but I have heard the Seoul is incredible: filled with unique youth culture, and an amazing nightlife. And for just a short time, without having to board a plane or even leave the city, Brisbane audiences can get a taste of Seoul through the new production Underground. The last piece in the Metro Arts' The Independents 2011 program, Underground is a journey into a hidden ‘speakeasy’ in Seoul. Underground is actually a Korean junk bar that has been transported to Brisbane. The décor is kitsch with lamps, party lights and televisions looping 70s Korean TV dramas. There is a ragtag band of musicians performing island style tunes, and setting the scene for a floor show of epic and exciting proportions. Mixing live music, storytelling and amazing visuals, it will be a night of delights, exploring the underground, if you will, culture of one special city.
Imagine you only see one film this year (because of e.g. extreme electricity rationing, extreme ADHD, etc). You'd want to make it one that would blow your freaking mind. So take some advice from sad parallel universe you and, in a year where you'll probably see many films, make one of them Upstream Color, the dreamy feature that emphatically puts paid to the idea that there are only seven (or nine, or twelve) stories in fiction. Upstream Color is only the second movie from writer/director Shane Carruth, whose indie time travel headspin Primer won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in 2004 and a cult following soon after. The many fans of that film have since been hankering for another dose of Carruth's signature style. (If it seems unlikely a one-film wonder could have a 'signature style', you have not seen Primer.) However, it turns out festival success does not a Hollywood career ensure, and after some upsets (his much-talked-about feature A Topiary never came to fruition), Upstream Color finally exists in the world, having been written, directed, produced, shot, scored, edited and acted in by Carruth himself. The guy is a lesson in self-sufficiency. This gorgeous, unknowable, deeply affecting film makes Primer look almost conventional, given time travel is a genre filmgoers know a little something of. If Upstream Color had a genre, it'd be something like 'biological art sci-fi'. It starts with a worm. A worm found in the roots of a rare orchid stocked at an ordinary nursery. One of the nursery's customers (Thiago Martins) distills the worm into a drug, which we see, taken recreationally, allows its users to connect telepathically. This man, however, uses it to drug young professional Kris (Amy Seimetz) at a club, and through a complex process of manipulation lasting a week, rob her of her tangible assets. When Kris comes to, the worm is still in her body, wriggling about. Soon enough, a man (Andrew Sensenig) using infrasound lures her to a field, where he removes the worm from her body — and transfers it into a pig. In this world, or any other, a person does not bounce back from the experience lightly. Years later and convinced she's suffering a mental illness, Kris is still trying to piece her life back together. A man she connects with on the train, Jeff (Carruth), might be her shot at a real relationship. Meanwhile, Kris's pig goes back to life in its sty under the watch of the infrasound/surgery man, who also seems to indulge a sideline in field recording. Upstream Color is all this, but it's also not this. The effect is all in the way the story is layered, the way it cuts between these seemingly separate ecosystems, and the sensuous, organic cinematography throughout. It's not abstract — it is meticulously, concretely plotted — and yet the telling of it is open-ended and deliberately foggy as remnants of a dream. It moves like poetry but has the shape of quantum physics, conveying the beauty and pain of fate, as shaped by chance. It's a film you desperately want to piece together, and yet you know that piecing it together is not the point. (Though Carruth will spell it out for you if you want, and it won't disappoint a la Richard Kelly on Donnie Darko.) Sam Adams of the AV Club argues that we're mistaken in holding up puzzle-box movies with that perfect twist, like Memento or The Usual Suspects, as a cinematic holy grail when the rewards of a film like Upstream Color are greater, and he's right. You might solve the puzzle but it will open to reveal another. You might solve the puzzle but find the value was in the pieces. https://youtube.com/watch?v=SilYsr_3vrA
At most, I expected to tolerate I'm Your Man. It is, after all, about boxing, for which I (and, let's generalise, most theatregoing folk) care not. So it came as a surprise when I loved I'm Your Man, and if you allow yourself to be transported through the doors of Belvoir Downstairs into a so-real-seeming boxing gym, creator/director Roslyn Oades and her multitalented, impressively athletic cast ensure you will, too. My (self-appointed) job is to convince you to take that first step and turn up. I'm Your Man spends time with the fighters, trainers and aspirants at a Sydney gym, and one in particular, Billy Dib, as he gears up for his world title fight. Oades spent 18 months observing and gathering interviews with these athletes, scratching at the psychology and culture that makes them. Her little bit journalistic, little bit anthropological documentation is distilled through a technique she's pioneered called headphone-verbatim, last seen in her Stories of Love and Hate. Rather than memorising the lines, the actors have the recorded audio from these interviews fed to them onstage through headsets and focus on wholly and accurately replicating the subtleties of speech. It might sound awkward, but it really works. We're used to theatre speech being worlds removed from everyday speech, and there are some great verbal quirks — fast-talking, stumbling, on-the-run grammar — that would normally never survive the flattening of the rehearsal process. These rediscovered idiosyncrasies of voice prove totally bewitching, and it's a neat antidote to theatrey declamation. (Plus, no complaints about dodgy accents here.) But more than just document, I'm Your Man immerses you in its characters' world. Even before you see your seats, the walk down the corridor carries you into another, intoxicating world — one where whitewashed walls brandish fight posters, articles, autographs and inspirational quotes; one that sounds of fists hitting vinyl and sneakers squealing against the lino. It smells thankfully not of sweat but of Deep Heat. It's powerful. You soon get a sense for just how this milieu might become a clubhouse, and a comfort. The sharp observation extends to the gym-bright but cleverly flexible fluorescent lighting (Neil Simpson), evocatively ringside sound (Bob Scott), and host of behaviours, exercises and rituals enacted by the performers (Mohammed Ahmad, Billy McPherson, Katia Molino, Justin Rosniak and John Shrimpton). The wrapping of wrists is hypnotic. In place of the usual dramatic climaxes, you want to clap feats of core strength and skipping. These actors may not have memorised lines, but they've been doing some hardcore practice. Often Billy Dib and his team seem to make boxing bear the weight of dreams and ideals bigger than it could possibly contain. Their stories of struggle, migration, self-improvement and community admiration come together to produce insight into the motivations of people who pursue something that most of us don't understand, and in some cases, can't abide. I'm Your Man acknowledges that real-life violence and the competitive violence of sport are not wholly disentwined; it just won't let the violence be the whole story. After earning their trust over many months, Oades clearly had her subjects open up to her, and she's honoured that trust by using their words with warmth, empathy and unflinching honesty. This review was written about the January 2012 run of this production at Belvoir St Theatre - catch the current production at the Brisbane Powerhouse this week.
The first half of Before Midnight made me excited for my early forties. Mediterranean holiday tans, wild-haired children running barefoot in another room, expansive dinner table conversation with a circle of worldly friends — it's a dream for a more carefree age. But then comes the second half of the movie, an epic, exhausting fight that will either be the end of the couple's relationship or just one of several milestone feuds that mark a long commitment. That's when the rare quality of Before Midnight emerges; this is not a film about idyllic love, this is a film about real love. This is the tarnished ever after. The couple is one we know oddly well, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy), who, in a typically Gen X act of slacker romanticism, spent one night walking and talking around Vienna in 1995's Before Sunrise and were finally reunited for a further afternoon in Paris in 2004's Before Sunset. In the nine years since, it turns out they've stuck with each other, but the insouciance of those early encounters has gone. "When was the last time we just walked around bullshitting?" Jesse says in one beautifully self-aware moment, as they rediscover the pastime on holiday in Greece. Instead, they've both been learning to deal with each other's crazy while simultaneously pushing a few years' worth of upset under the carpet. Jesse hates having to be separated from his pre-teen son, who's in the custody of Jesse's estranged ex in the US. Celine feels Jesse neglected her and their daughters while on his book tour and resents his general man-childness. Celine picks fights; Jesse papers over them. They might not ever resolve these deadlocks, but they have to move past them. With this series of films, dialogue is everything. In Before Midnight, it sparkles, dances and defies the bounds we expect of film. All three instalments are the product of a unique collaborative partnership between director Richard Linklater, Hawke and Delpy; from the start the actors have written parts of their own selves into the characters, and the possibility for honest exploration seems to have deepened with the passing of time. With nine years so far separating each film, the release of a sequel is becoming an event, so it's particularly great to see Before Midnight not only meeting expectations but raising the bar. People love Jesse and Celine with the intensity normally reserved for several-season TV characters (or real people, even). If we see fifty-something Celine and Jesse next decade — 'Before Noon', I imagine they'll call it — we'll be a very lucky audience.
From the writing team behind Fat Swan comes this performance that exponentially raises the calibre of things set in the Sutherland Shire. Little Orphan TrAshley is the latest adults-only panto to verify the genius of Sydney drag artist Trevor Ashley, who this time plays a ten-year-old orphan seeking her birth parents so they can give permission for gender-reassignment surgery. The performance is much in the same vein of Fat Swan. A good portion of the humour is due to the fact that Ashley is a slightly overweight man and hence looks funny dressed as a girl, but most of it is due to the fact that he’s an extraordinary actor with impeccable comic timing. The rest of the characters are no less ingenius — a photographer/multi-millionaire named Daddy Warhorse (Gary Sweet), the boozy matron Miss Trannigan (Rhonda Burchmore), and Fannie’s ex-sniffer dog Bullshit (Rhys Bobridge). You'll never look at that cutesy orange mop the same way again, but it will be worth it.
The biggest and most boisterous acts of the Sydney Comedy Festival are road-tripping to sunny Queensland to deliver the hilarity straight to you. For one night only, you can catch the best international and local comedians who cannot be contained by stages south of the border. The 2013 line up features the hilarity of Damien Power (straight from his tour with Tenacious D), El Jaguar (of Mexico), Nick Cody, Rhys Nicholson, Steen Raskopoulos, Bruce Griffiths and Oliver Phommavanh. Be warned, the crack-ups are not for all ages (15+ due to coarse language), however the full ticket prices are. You’ll want to get in quick to catch this annual event, which is proving bigger and better than ever. Here’s a taste of what you can expect, which isn’t for the faint of heart. watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CQcsVQohw9A
It’s time to give up your lousy attempt at the Dukan diet and chow down at this year’s Southbank’s Regional Flavours! Boasting a line-up of Masterchef stars, celebrity chefs, food stalls and activities, this year’s festival promises to be bigger, better and more scrumptious than ever before. Stretching from River Quay on Sidon Street, through the length of Little Stanley Street and into the Courier Mail Piazza you best plan to spend the whole day savouring the sights and tastes of this unique festival that best typifies what Brisbane food is all about. Featuring more food demonstrations than you can count on your fingers and toes and food stalls that would have Gordon Ramsay crying with pride, it might be a good idea to swap your skinny jeans for some comfortable sweats to tackle this two-day event. See how different Gary Mehigan looks off the TV screen, swoon over Poh and most importantly, treat yo' self at this year's Regional Flavours.
The simplicity of the unpopulated, the pristine beauty of nature. This forms the basis of both artistic inspiration and personal reflections that are the subject of Justin Lee Williams’ latest collection, “Night Mountain I Miss You”. Justin spent recent years living in the isolated mountainous Dandenong Ranges in Victoria. This is a collection of works that celebrates and reflects upon the most memorable characteristics of the mountains—from its people, folklore and ways of life—while also grieves for the losses of the lifestyle and identity that was formed, which so greatly differs from his new city-centre surrounds. Presented by Mild Manners, the exhibition is comprised of painting and sculpture works, and is sure to be a welcome combination of the generally familiar and of personal seclusion. watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6utk0czsb0I#at=136
Fat Freddy's Drop are no strangers to our shores. In fact they were here just last year performing one of the gigs of 2012, the jaw-dropping audiovisual album preview at the Sydney Opera House as part of
Folk-inspired indie rock with a whole lotta soul. That is what you will get on the Brisbane leg of Bears With Guns’ east coast tour in support of their new EP, Only The Quick And The Hungry. It was only a year ago that the Sydney outfit made their recording debut, and have since created an irrefutable reputation for live performance. They’ve been described as wise beyond their years, playful on mandolin, ukulele and keyboards, with a dash of the gut-wrenching melodies that give true depth to songs. The lads will be supported by Brisbane's own Brother Fox and Andrew Markwell. Make a point of catching this five-piece in an intimate, local setting while you still have the chance – these guys are set for bigger things, and bigger arenas to contain their sound.Also be sure to arrive early for door tickets, they'll sell quick!
Boys and Their Toys shines the spotlight well and truly on those Brisbane boys who are driving the thriving artistic scene. Join Artisan as they celebrate the efforts of some talented fellas and embark on a tour to visit the studios of some of the city's leading male creatives. The pitstops along the way include the work stations of photographer Toby Scott, architect Nick Flutter, the team from eyewear design label Holloway, custom bike partners Steve Barry and Leo Yip from Ellaspede and Alexander Lotersztain and Erik van Genderen from delish West End restaurant, Depo. Step into each of these artists' creative bubbles and pick their brains regarding their inspiration, stories and passions. While this event celebrates local lads, likeminded ladies are more than welcome. Tickets for this exciting event are $80.00, including travel and refreshments. Meet at 1pm at Artisan gallery in Fortitude Valley where the afternoon will begin with Japanese architecture exhibition, Parallel Nippon.
As part of the Mono15 Exhibition, the artists themselves will be taking you into their own work that examines the ever-changing landscape of sound by way of Open Frame, an annual celebration of music and media. The first concert in the this year’s program, featuring two international sound artists, Akio Suzuki (Japan) and David Toop (United Kingdom) will be free to attend. This is a joint project with Room 40. On August 22 you can also attend the Mono Panel, hosted by Amelia Barkin and Greg Hainge (both from the University of Queensland) alongside David Toop to discuss this year’s Open Frame theme, and also celebrating the launch of Hainge’s book “Noise Matters: Towards an Ontology of Noise”. This year’s Open Frame theme is “The Future is Noise”; the performers and speakers, who are linked through their own interpretations of the varying qualities of sound, will be responding to Italian futurist Luigi Russolo’s 1913 manifesto L’Arte dei Rumori (The Art of Noises). Immerse yourself in an art to be felt, rather than just seen, and gain a new appreciation of sound.
Sometimes all you want in life is a little bundle of joy to play with and look after. No, we’re not talking about children here – we’re talking pets. No, not real, living pets (that’s a lot of effort and mess and pet food is pretty expensive), for the 21st century person you need a 21st century pet to go along with it. We’re talking electronics here, but forget Pleo – how’s about you make your own? Firstly, it’s less expensive. Secondly, you get to play Frankenstein for a little while, which allows you to tick that off the bucket list. The Edge is bringing artists Priscilla Bracks and Gavin Sade in to teach you how to make an interactive ‘pet’ – no prior experience required! Over four sessions, Priscilla and Gavin teach you how to design your character and bring it to life (well, figuratively), incorporating mechanisms and determining your toy’s level of intelligence. By the end of the workshop you’ll have a toy pet to call your very own – no clean up required.
For some, it can be hard to believe that the Queensland floods were over a year ago now. Our community was brought together so quickly to repair the damages that our broken riverbank that within a week following the floods, Brisbane was almost back to how it was before the rain began. Almost. While a lot of the city is back to its original state, there are still many reminders of what happened last January. The Queensland Museum was one of the buildings heavily affected by floods. Closed for much of last year, it has recently reopened to be even better than before. In memorandum of past events, the Museum, in partnership with ABC Open, have curated Bouncing Back From Disaster, a display of artifacts and stories from Queenslanders discussing the impacts of the floods. It’s an honest, hard-hitting exhibition that resonates and relates to everyone in our river city.
Coulrophobia affects many people. If the fear of clowns is a common cause of apprehension and panic in your mind, this is definitely not the show for you. If you're the type of person that has balls of steel, can laugh in the face of Pennywise and actually enjoys the circus, than chances are this is your type of entertainment. And the Birds Fell From the Sky is a twenty minute sound and video experience taking you on a trip through a parallel world populated with Faruk clowns. Combining cinema and theatre, this performance takes extra precautions to make you feel detached from reality equipping viewers with video goggles and headphones to create an intense and intimate journey. Actually, intimate may be the wrong word to describe the content of this performance as there is really nothing sexual or cozy about a world colonised by clowns. Finding your eyes and ears hijacked and thrown into the realm of the Faruk clown it's easy to get lost in this wild, anarchic, fictional world. Live interactions are also incorporated into the experience just in case you didn't feel involved enough already. Be ready for a conscious nightmare.
If you happen to be back at uni this year, join the club. It seems like everyone is either starting their degree this year, finishing up one, or going back because they can't bear the 'real world'. And why would you want to give up all the perks of being a student? Student nights, endless happy hours, tardiness without reprimand, cheap movies and transport, Oh Hello! Uni Socials... Try as you might, you may never be able to give up the glory days, so thank your lucky stars that Oh Hello! has got you covered pre-semester. Before you head back to the books/bludging, why not indulge yourself in the cheapest student night in town? The popular kids, YouTube sensation Hey Geronimo!, will be there to get the party started and as usual, the Cobra Kai DJs are in the house, making this social better than any lame school disco. Did I mention Oh Hello! have added Rekorderlig to their list of tasty drops? Oh yes they have. Paying off your HECS debt is not an option, so make sure you're on Cobra Kai's roll.
A frazzled mother, a bride to be, a cactus-loving wife, a widow, a teenage wannabe star, and a fading singer. If you've ever had a sister, wife, girlfriend, mother or daughter, chances are you know one of these women. If you've ever blitzed through the morning rush of a school day, suffered the loss of a loved one or felt the nervous excitement of 'the big day', chances are you are one of these women. They are theatrical characters drawn from the everyday of modern life. Queensland Theatre Company's Bombshells presents six monologues about women on the brink of falling apart. The play was written by Joanna Murray-Smith, one of Australia's most prominent female writers. Having plays performed on both local and international stages, her honest and truthful words always find a receptive audience. The play features the strikingly talented Christen O'Leary gracing us with her cheeky and vivacious presence on the Cremorne Theatre stage. This production marks O'Leary's brilliant return to QTC since 2006, and Wesley Enoch's first directed work for QTC since becoming its Artistic Director in late 2010. Bombshells is insightful and salacious entertainment and should not be missed.
It's time to shine up those shoes Brisbane because the prodigal son of stand up comedy has returned! Ross Noble will grace the not-so-quaint stage of QPAC theatre with his new show Nonesensory Overload for four highly anticipated nights from the 21st - 24th of March. Following a string of successful Australian tours, countless festival and television appearances, and pockets full of awards that have earned the loveable Englishmen the honorary Aussie title, Nobel is back in Brisbane bringing back his gift of giggles. The appropriately named show promises everything we've come to expect from Noble - illogical and uncontainable hilarity. His unique performance style is almost hard to keep up with as he whimsically bounds about the stage spouting streams of improvisation, and encouraging his audiences to participate in everything from light heckling to conga lines. There's no denying Noble knows best when it comes to comedy. Don't miss the great improvisor in all his glory. Enjoy an evening of unpredictability and uncontrollable laughter.
Richard Phillips was born in 1962 in Massachusetts during a socially and politcally turbulent time. His work as an artist is world renowned, iconic and largely recognisable. The popular large scale and hyper realistic paintings have been shown in numerous galleries including Le Consortium in Dijon, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Tate Modern in London. In short - he's big news. Lindsay Lohan, y'all know and definitely does not need much of an introduction. She's big, big celebrity news. Richard Phillips and Lindsay Lohan may sound like an unlikely artistic pair, but the more you think about what they collectively represent, you realise it makes sense. Richard predominately features women from popular culture in his work and especially loves 'wasted beauty'. And well, what a succinct way to describe Lindsay and her career? For those intrigued, the Institute of Modern Art is currently screening Richard Phillips’ Lindsay Lohan, which incredibly makes her seem almost sane and talented.
This week is host to a number of promiscuous events. So, in the spirit of all things sexual, the Ghostboy with Golden Virtues show should also make it onto your to do list for this week. The Berlin style rock 'n' roll cabaret group have been (dis) gracing stages across the country at the likes of Melbourne Fringe Festival and Bohemian Ball. But as Ghostboy with Golden Virtues strut their critically acclaimed stuff back to the Judy this week they bring with them an all-new hybrid rock cabaret extravaganza. Infamous for their explosive live shows, the band really sets the bar high for live entertainment. And just in case there wasn't enough enjoyment for the evening GWGV will be supported by Avaberee and the cocktail-pop-circus that is Emma Dean. Boo ya! Don't get your knickers in a twist over this exciting event. Just get ya' but down to the Judy this Friday.
It’s that time of year again: the sun is out – oh, wait, hang on, no it’s not, we’ve had torrential rain for most of the past month. Well, it’s still time that time of the year for alternating and interchanging between the three Bs: the beach, beers and bands. Our favourite saint, St. Jerome, is delivering the last B with gusto this Saturday – taking place once again at the RNA Showgrounds, this year’s Laneway Festival is sure to impress. The impressive lineup boasts Active Child, Feist, Jonti, Toro Y Moi, Yuck and more. In addition to a ridiculously amazing lineup over three stages, there are markets and foodstalls to make sure you’re well-clad and well-satiated throughout the day. Rain, hail, or shine, St. Jerome will ensure that his Laneway Festival will be an unforgettable day – and, if there does happen to be rain/hail, well, the RNA Showgrounds are covered (for the most part). You're all set to get down.
Want to go on a journey to the Mediterranean without having to depart from the port of Brisbane? Look no further than the Powerhouse this Friday, when worldly Mzaza take to the stage and transport you to another continent with their range of sounds. Singing in French, Spanish and Turkish, Moroccan-born Pauline Maudy is the crooning, multi-lingual frontwoman of a band that includes the violin, bendie, kaval, darabuka, guitar, kamanche tarhu, the accordion and more familiar and not-so-familiar elements in their instrumental arsenal, which, in writing, looks like it would sound terrible; a strange multi-cultural mix. It's not - in fact, it's the complete opposite. Mzaza’s latest release Journey Over Skin has seen the band sell out venues (including a previous Powerhouse performance) and dominate stages at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. Fresh out of a string of gigs in Tasmania, Mzaza will see that all who enter the Visy Theatre of the Powerhouse can aurally stamp all the pages in their passport this Friday.
I think all Brisbane foodies should say a big hooray for Jan Power and her farmer’s markets. When she began the fresh food markets outside the Brisbane Powerhouse all those years ago she definitely changed the face of the Brisbane food scene for the better - instead of having to traverse all over Brisbane to find the best fruit and vegetables, quality cakes, baked goods, delicious cuts of meat, fresh bread, gorgeous flowers and more, Jan put all of this in the one place and the crowds came in droves. In 2010 she added a new dimension to her market empire and brought the farm to the CBD, with farmer’s markets each Wednesday from 9am til 6pm at Reddacliff Place in the city. This wonderful idea brought fresh food to the busy office folk of Brisbane, allowing them to have a delicious, special lunch on a Wednesday, stroll through the markets for a nice little break, and get their food shopping sorted for the week! Jan and the farmers had a rest over the Christmas/New Year period, but are returning next week with gusto. Once again bringing quality, delicious and diverse food to the masses of Brisbane each Wednesday in the city.
There was once a shop not far from where Percolator Gallery now stands, in which I had an experience that simultaneously confirmed everything my parents have ever taught me about stranger danger, and increased my secret and rather silly adulthood sense of trepidation in entering unfamiliar stores on the Paddington strip. Imagine Hansel and Gretel meets high-end vintage dress shop and you’ll have an idea of the traumatic experience that I underwent (I was actually locked in a shop by a cranky op-shop lady while she berated me and shoppers like me who come in to browse but not buy). Rest assured that particular store is no longer there, and gone with it, the idea that browsing is not allowed. Despite popular opinion, commercial art galleries are among the best places to browse and Percolator Gallery is no exception. Percolator is a rental art space available for hire to emerging and established artists, and this month Mark Thomas’ beautiful photographs provide the drawcard to passing shoppers and foodies. Although Thomas’ photographs themselves are well worth a special trip into Paddington, I won’t tell anyone if you also take the opportunity to pop into Sassafras for some ricotta hotcakes afterwards.
Two strangers. Two days. One ridiculously large wad of money. This is the unmissable Midsummer! After it's sell out debut in Edinburgh on the Traverse Theatre stage in 2009, David Greig and Gordon McIntyre's story about love and lack of it has left a trail of laughter through the Uk, USA and now Australia. La Boite Theatre is proud to introduce this smash hit to Brisbane with the original Edinburgh cast in tow. The play follows Bob and Helena through two hangover fuelled days of rebellion and hedonism. The two are plagued by the discontents of life and love, and see only one sure fire way of escaping the drown of day to day life for an evening: by jumping into bed with each other. Little do they realised that once the shoes are back on, they will be thrown into an adventure filled with car chases, vengeful gangsters, Japanese rope bondage and song sining . If you are not a Broadway fan, do not fear. The songs, written by McIntyre, lead guitarist of the Scottish band Ballboy, are each modern, whimsical and quirky acoustic masterpieces that accompany the story momentarily to offer a treat for the ears and even more laughter. The Roundhouse Theatre is a perfect performance space for this play, as it's size and structure allows the audience an intimate view into Bob and Helena's world, whether they are prepared to be pulled in or not. Don't miss this play on love. It's sure to sell fast. Grab your tickets fast!
Known for their explosive sound and film clip spews, DZ Deathrays have gone from dirty Brisbane garage duo to playing some of the most lucrative high profile support and festival slots both in Australia and overseas. They’ve even been named the 4th most exciting new act of 2012 by NME, an incredible tick of approval from the music makers and breakers. Returning home to Australia in early November 2011 after a gruelling touring schedule, the pair ventured into the studio to record their debut LP with Richard Pike (PVT) and Neil Coombe at the White Room Studios in Mt Nebo. The 13 track Bloodstreams LP has now been released to the masses and the guys are taking it on the road. As part of the tour DZ Deathrays head home to Brisbane to headline The Zoo. Supported by local party collective, Velociraptor. This 12-piece group not only play infectious pop, but actually also feature DZ’s Shane and Simon as part of their gang. Apparently DZ are moving abroad for good, so don't miss this chance to see them on local soil becuase they may not be back for a while. You wont regret partying with this insanely high-energy duo.
Very occasionally you hear just a few chords of a song and know it's going to be a hit. When this reaction is stemmed from the tracks of local Gold Coast band Bleeding Knees Club, it's a sound to get excited about. These lads may look about 12 years old, but their experience far exceeds their apparent age. Their music is hard to define. A bit punk, a bit garage pop, a bit indie/alt, but a whole lotta of something excellent. It's music you can shake your hair and stomp your feet to. Their songs ‘Have Fun’ and ‘Bad Guys’ have attracted thousands of hits, they’ve been flooded with record deals, and the duo have just hit the US to strut their stuff at South By South West in Texas. Quite an amazing journey for two local boys. They're now returning home to hit up the Australian venues, gigging right the way up from Hobart to Brisbane and across to Freo. Tickets for this tour are currently around the $15 mark and it’s very likely that next tour it will be double that. Get in and see Bleeding Knees while you can actually afford it.
Lust For Life Tattoo is a venue showcasing huge potential. What a combination of goodness – a tattoo parlour, a gallery and espresso bar (which includes a micro bakery, producing tasty bagels and sweet treats) all in the one spot! On top of all this an amazing new exhibition of local artist, Glenn Brady’s work. Titled ‘Faktorei’ the exhibition explores the underbelly of suburban Australian life. It explores the juxtapositions that exist on the outskirts of Brisbane, where fuming factories sit alongside blocks of small wooden houses where children play in the streets. These are not paintings of grand places. Brady's work instead focuses on the often unnoticed local locations such as main roads, car yards, video shops and fast food joints of Brisbane. Through his work Brady often finds the story beyond the banal. Having been practicing art since 1993, Brady has had quite the journey. His career to date features his creative involvement in over twenty local and national exhibitions. Faktorei is the next major instalment in his journey. Catch him exploring strong themes in a bold style with his latest exhibition. Plus, you can grab an expresso while you're at it!
Get ready Brisbane, it's time to shine those shoes and head on down to Easy Street! One of the most adored musicals of all time is returning to the Brisbane stage this April and is sure to delight eagerly awaiting audiences. The Tony award winning musical Annie has wowed fans of all ages and from all parts of the world for the past thirty-five years. The smash hit takes us to New York City through the eyes of young orphan Annie as she searches for her family. After escaping the neglectful orphanage supervisor Miss Hannigan and her cunning crew, luck drops Annie into the care of zillionaire Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks and her world begins to spin. After bringing Annie to life over twelve years ago, producer John Frost is eager to do it all over again with a stand out Australian cast, lead by theatre icons Anthony Warlow and Nancye Hayes. Whether you're a stranger to Annie's exciting world, have seen a live production or watched any of the countless film adaptations, this treasured musical is sure to have you humming and tapping for days. With it's loyal fan base and limited season, tickets are sure to sell fast!
The concept of The Beards is a simple one - A folk-rock band that perform songs exclusively about one subject: Beards. The four men from Adelaide whose lives are solely dedicated to the perseveration, care and up keep of their fabulous facial hair are back and beardier than ever. They love their beards so fondly they have recorded three studio albums in their honour. Their latest debacle, The Having a Beard is the New Not Having a Beard Australian tour will take place across the nation with flocks of facial hair fans gathering to celebrate The Beards return. In celebration of their latest album, The Beards will return to the Zoo once more. There is definitely no denying the expectations of this show. If you're a newbie to The Beards community here it is one more time for you. No matter what age or gender you are, you must bear a beard to this gig. Girls don't even begin to believe that a beard won't go with that new dress you purchased for your next Valley outing - you will be sorry if you don't wear one. Get growing!
