When the end of year rolls around, a heavy dose of nostalgia comes with it. And so, the questions start flowing. Where did the time go? Is it really nearly another year? What was I doing 12 months ago? Has it been that long since that wild New Year's Eve? Whatever you're asking yourself, The Foundry's Limewire Party might just have some answers — or some old-school distractions. Yes, it's dedicated to the playlist you probably made yourself sometime in the aughties, with the entire night all about your 2000–2010 faves. Think Arcade Fire, Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, Daft Punk, Interpol, MGMT, M.I.A, Phoenix, The Killers, The Strokes, Vampire Weekend and more, with guest DJs hitting the decks to give this retro soundtrack a spin. Head along to the Wickham Street venue on Friday, November 30, with the party starting at 9pm. Entry is free — and if you arrive early, you might even score yourself a giveaway. Image: Zoe Russell.
It's been twelve movie-filled months since Dendy opened its Coorparoo digs, and it's marking the occasion in everyone's favourite way. Celebrate at the cinema, party while watching a picture, get merry while a movie rolls — and, if you're feeling less than financial at this time of year, your wallet can still play ball. From Friday, November 30 to Sunday, December 2, Dendy Coorparoo is slinging discount tickets in honour of its birthday. Regardless of whether you purchase online or in person, you'll only pay $5 for your movie of choice — and $10 if you'd like to get cosy catching a flick in the chain's premium lounge. Or flicks. With everything from Widows and Bohemian Rhapsody to A Star Is Born and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald currently screening — plus brand new releases Creed II, Lean on Pete, The Grinch and Anna and the Apocalypse opening on November 29, too — there's plenty to watch if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible. The special isn't available for special events, Dendy Arts sessions or preview screenings, but you're certain to find something to watch regardless. And, with the entire Coorparoo Square precinct getting into the birthday festivities (it's been open for a year as well), there's much to do before and after the movie. Check out some free live music, or spend $15 in the centre to pick up a free gelato from La Macelleria. Image: Coorparoo Square.
How will your pet pooch know you love it if you don't take him or her to an art class, pick up a pencil and draw a portrait of the four-legged ball of fluff? Whether you're looking for a piece of homemade art for your wall, or just want to pay tribute to your loyal canine companion, Draw Your Dog is the sketching session you're looking for — you bring your doggo and pay $15, and the class will help you whip up a masterpiece. Happening from 6pm on Thursday, December 6 at Welcome to Bowen Hills, the one-night event will set you up with art materials and expert guidance, and put you on your way to creative glory. It'll also supply nibbles and wine, in case you can't do your best on an empty stomach or you need some liquid inspiration. Image: King Street.
It's that time of year. Time for decking your halls with boughs of holly, or something else floral, creative and/or wreath-like — and time for sipping something boozy to celebrate the season as well. At The Barracks' Christmas Workshops, the two are combining, because that's how you make and spread some festive cheer. Separate sessions will cover floral centrepieces and Xmas wreaths, and they both come with bubbles on arrival. For $59 + booking fee, you'll also receive everything you need to make something eye-catching to decorate your home, guidance from the folks at My Little Flower Shoppe and lucky door prizes. The classes take place at Palace Barracks Cinemas from 10am–12pm on Saturday, December 15 and Saturday, December 22, as well as from 6–8pm on Thursday, December 20 — and you'll also be able to buy extra drinks and a bite to eat. And if whipping up your own Christmas decorations while sipping sparkling doesn't make you feel merry, nothing will. Updated December 13.
Most days of the year, there ain't no party like a Brightside party, and that proves true as Halloween approaches as well. They're not calling this year's annual shindig The Brightside Haunted House without good reason, even if it's happening a few days before the actual occasion. Demonstrating the enthusiastic flair that regulars know and love, the Brighty folks will be transforming the entire venue into an unsettling heaven (or hell, if you prefer) from 9pm on Saturday, October 27. And if they're going out, then you should too — costumes are not only welcome, but will be rewarded by treats... or maybe some tricks. Entry costs $12.75, DJs will be spinning spooky tunes all night — and for the rest of the evening's agenda, prepare to jump. We mean that in both the tapping your toes and getting more than a few surprises kinds of way, so don't say we didn't warn you.
There's Sunday sessions, and then there's Sunday sessions. As varied as your state of mind on the last day of the weekend, some call for boozy brunches, others for chilled evenings — and as Vieille Branche is happy to demonstrate, some just need a relaxed bit of jazz. That's what Sunday Hot Club has been all about for the last few: hanging out, soaking in great sounds, and enjoying some cheese and wine. And it's been doing just that in a warehouse space that used to be a French cafe. After an excellent run at its current spot, the weekly event is making a move over to Wandering Cooks, which means that it's also throwing a closing party in Albion. Head to Vieille Branche one last time on Sunday, October 28 for one huge farewell, with six singers and a four-piece band leading the charge. As always, making the shindig even better is Emile & Solange cheeseboards, plus French wine and craft beers on tap. Fabuleux! Tickets cost $10, doors open at 1pm, and while the music doesn't kick off until 2pm, arriving early to score a good seat is recommended.
Reading all seven of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books in 70 minutes? Not even Dumbledore himself could conjure up that kind of magic. Seeing the entire saga play out on stage in the same amount of time, with room for a quidditch match too? Well, thanks to Potted Potter: The Unauthorised Harry Experience, that's another matter entirely. If you don't have the time to reread your favourite novels, are looking for a quick refresher before the new Fantastic Beasts film hits cinemas or would just like a brief wander through the entire story for the fun of it, then this comedic production has you covered. As created by double Olivier Award Best Entertainment nominees Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, you'll watch two performers relive the wonder of the boy who lived and recreate the terror of he who must not be named — and whiz through it faster than you can say "accio books!" (or almost that fast). And, if you somehow still have no idea what all the Harry Potter fuss is about, consider this the ultimate primer. Of course, Potted Potter: The Unauthorised Harry Experience is a parody, so it comes with plenty of laughs when it plays QPAC's Playhouse from Tuesday, October 2 to Sunday, October 7.
A gin and tonic is like a pair of jeans: great in its classic form, but capable of many, many inventive and excellent variations. And when it comes to everyone's favourite type of juniper spirits, the possibilities are endless. If you can dream it up, you can drink it. That's the idea behind Ginside Out, which invites gin-loving Brisbanites to Petrie Terrace's Libertine for an afternoon of conjuring up your own takes on the beloved beverage. Yes, it's a make-your-own G&T party, with a heap of boutique gins, Fever Tree tonics, fruits and botanicals on hand so that you can create the ultimate cocktail. Taking place from 2–6pm on Sunday, October 21, all you need to do is head to the Libertine garden and get busy. DJ PopShelf will also be spinning tunes to give your mixology session a soundtrack — and cost-wise, it's a pay for what you drink affair.
October has reached its mid-point, which means one thing: Oktoberfest is well and truly underway. Plenty of places around town have been getting into the German spirit, and Bowen Hills' Bavarian Beerhaus is no different — except for the fact that it's also throwing its own Bier-lympics. Only the finest, most important, highly competitive endeavours feature in the one-day lineup, such as the stein hoist and hold, toss the saus(age), apple bobbing, nail hammering, yodelling, bier pong, and lederhosen and dirndl speed-dressing. The day's competitions are also open to canines thanks to a Dogs of Oktoberfest Costume Contest, which will see adorable doggos strut their stuff from 2pm. The shenanigans take place on Saturday, October 20 between the King Street venue's opening and closing times, and also include the official tapping of the Bavarian Beerhaus' Oktoberfest beer at midday — a somewhat bitter brew laced with malt caramel and citrus flavours. And, as always, there's free snacks between 4–6pm, just as there is here every day.
It has been five decades since zombies infested rural America in George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead. That's five decades of films and filmmakers tipping their gore-covered caps to the iconic movie, which has defined on-screen depictions of the shuffling undead masses ever since it first hit screens. While Lawrence English's The Visitors is the latest effort to follow in the classic horror flick's footsteps, it isn't like any of the others. It's an audio-visual tribute that combines images from the film with a vibrating, harmonic score. See the end results at the Gallery of Modern Art's Australian Cinémathèque from 6pm on Friday, October 26. As well as a homage, English's piece is a meditation on zombies, their popularity and the messages in Romero's work. You'll stare at the undead across a 45-minute piece that holds it gaze on specific frames for longer than you'd expect — but that's the point. Afterwards, at 7.30pm, Night of the Living Dead will also screen in all of its glory. The Visitors is ticketed, ranging from $12–15, while the follow-up feature is free.
When Best F(r)iends: Volume One hit screens earlier this year, it was the film that had to happen. Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero couldn't just give the world the so-bad-it's-amazing gift that is The Room and leave it at that, after all. And thanks to the surprisingly watchable flick's name, we all knew what would be coming next: Best F(r)iends: Volume Two. Yep, the duo's first disasterpiece became the basis for Sestero's ace behind-the-scenes book The Disaster Artist, and then the oh-so spot-on movie adaptation of the same name — and now their second effort is wrapping up with its second part. Prepare to throw plastic gold teeth rather than plastic spoons at the screen, or just show up wearing a bloody shirt. If you want to say "oh hi" to someone, that's obviously allowed. For those that missed the return of Wiseau's long, greasy locks in Best F(r)iends: Volume One, it sees the world's most distinctive actor play a mortician, with Sestero also starring as a drifter who starts selling off gold teeth extracted from dead bodies. It's somewhat inspired by a true story, with Sestero writing the script based on a road trip he really took with Wiseau. The man forever known as The Room's Mark also says that Best F(r)iends: Volume Two his favourite thing he's ever done. If you're so filled with excitement that you feel like storming onto a rooftop and throwing a bottle, don't stress — just like the first part, the second film is coming to Brisbane. It'll screen at Dendy Coorparoo at 6.30pm on Tuesday, December 4. Even better, Sestero will be in attendance to answer all of your questions. Just don't ask him how his sex life is, obviously. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTu9N40E_MI
These days, you pretty much know what you're getting going into a Michael Moore film: snappy (if also convenient) editing, some cringeworthy stunts, and a broad comparison of America's woes compared to all those other countries doing it better. You watch Sicko and you leave feeling a little bit glum, a little bit entertained, and convinced universal healthcare would be better for the United States, but that it's probably never going to happen because of big business and dirty politics. Then you watch Where To Invade Next and you leave feeling a little bit glum, a little bit entertained, and convinced that US drug and prison policy would be worth overhauling, but that it's probably never going to happen because of big business and dirty politics. Fahrenheit 11/9 kicks off in exactly the same fashion, but oh man does it shift gears and deliver something unexpected by the end. You leave feeling a little bit entertained, a whole lot glum, and entirely convinced that nothing short of democracy itself (to the extent it exists at all within the United States) is at risk of collapse because of, yes, big business and dirty politics. And no, that's not even close to hyperbole. This is a fine return to form for Moore, pulling a remarkable bait and switch such that his ultimate point comes at you just as you're beginning to question if he even has one. He achieves this by constantly changing Fahrenheit 11/9's subject matter and tone, beginning with an amusing recap on the smug and almost jovial certainty with which everyone from the Democratic National Committee to the Republican Party to the media (including Fox) and even the Trump camp itself assumed Hilary Clinton had the 2016 election in the bag. Like Showtime's excellent The Circus, this section of the film carries with it an uncomfortable blend of dramatic irony, on account of us knowing how it all ended up, coupled with an ongoing dismay that, well, that's actually how it all ended up. But then it changes tact and jumps to Flint, Michigan, where the contamination of the city's water supply led to an ongoing lead poisoning crisis. And then it jumps again, this time to school shootings. Then it's Ivanka Trump. Then Bernie Sanders and Hitler, and you find yourself wondering what the hell is this guy doing? What he's doing is establishing a pattern, using small-scale examples examined with deep journalistic scrutiny, and then stepping back and applying that insight to national, global and even historical events. The litany of unfathomable scandals in Flint are used not only to shock us, but to reveal how Governor Rick Snyder's corporate influences first emboldened, then enabled, his wholesale suspension of democracy in the state (effectively a coup d'état in Moore's opinion). That it's unfathomable is the point: these successions of outrages, whilst shocking, do not in isolation feel like a crisis point to anyone other than those hapless few affected. Combined, though, they serve to steadily erode matters of far-reaching significance like voter confidence and trust in the three branches of government. The takeaway is, if it can happen in a town like Flint with the world watching on and still nobody does anything, then it can happen in your town, too. And then your state. And then your country. But back to the whole Hitler thing. Ordinarily, thanks to Godwin's Law, you'd assume it's at that precise moment when Moore's point, however salient, loses all credibility. Instead, courtesy of some unsettlingly frank interviews with experts like Yale History Professor Timothy Snyder, we realise Moore isn't saying Trump is Hitler 2.0. Rather, he's showing that the current apathy and perhaps even amusement with which everyone from the experts to the press to the voting public dismisses or downplays each of Trump's outrageous comments and racist, bigoted, sexist or protectionist policies, is precisely what happened in Weimar Germany. It's just puffery until it's not. Just a weather balloon until it's not. Just a joke, until there's nothing funny about it at all. And that's the same for Fahrenheit 11/9. It starts out quite amusing, but by its conclusion there are no more cheeky edits from Moore, nor any sniggers from the audience. It's a straight-up slap in the face, softened only by buying into Moore's unbridled enthusiasm for the activist youth movement in America (led by the likes of the survivors of the Parkland school shooting) and the surge of independent candidates and representatives poised to shake the foundations of the DNC. There are still some unnecessary stunts from Moore, along with some broader-than-usual bows drawn, but they're fleeting enough to have no impact on his broader message. The Flint section alone makes Fahrenheit 11/9 a film worthy of your time, but it's the whole that makes it so affecting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZeLvaflLLc
It's that time, Brisbanites — time to discard your woolly winter wares, embrace the sunshine and have brunch in beer gardens. We're well aware that you can basically do that all year round in our fair city; however when both spring and The Osbourne Hotel's first birthday roll around, you might as well celebrate in the appropriate fashion. The venue's Birthday Bubbles and Brunch is definitely approaching the occasion with the right spirit, with the Fortitude Valley venue rolling out quite the shindig from 10.30am–12.30pm on Saturday, October 27. For $39, attendees can choose from a range of luxe dishes, and pair them with bottomless mimosas and bloody marys. Or, for $65, you can knock back bottomless GH Mumm Champagne as well. Whichever option you choose, the drinks part of the event is unlimited, so prepare to sip your way to a merry spring morning. Food-wise, options include from truffle scrambled eggs, waffles with berries, a smoked salmon and poached egg bagel, maple-smoked bacon and haloumi on sourdough, an acai bowl and good ol' smashed avo.
Feel like you've experienced every date option that Brisbane has to offer? Run out of new ways to spend an ace night with your mates? Don't want to celebrate the festive season in the usual manner? If glitz, glamour, drinks, dinner and feeling like you're in a speakeasy several decades ago amount to your idea of a good — and novel — time, then make a beeline to Cloudland's Big Band Cabaret. This time, it's Christmas-themed. Taking place in the Valley venue's Rainbow Room on Thursday, December 6, the decadent shindig will have you and your loved one dancing to the Swing Central Big Band and lapping up performances by Jacqueline Furey's Burlesque Ensemble, all while eating your way through a three-course meal and enjoying a three-hour package of beer, wine and sparkling. It has been such a hit on previous occasions that it's no wonder that Cloudland have brought it back for one particularly merry night occasion. Tickets aren't cheap at $110 per person, but it's certain to liven up your pre-Xmas routine with something more than a little different.
When Sunday afternoon rolls around, so does the need to kick back and soak up the last few hours of the weekend. Throw in some drinks, tunes and outdoor vibes, and you'll be thinking about anything but going back to work the next day. Until the end of summer, you'll also be relaxing at The Elephant thanks to their new Sunday Sets. Recognising that the best cruisy arvos are often the easiest, the Wickham Street pub is keeping things simple. Beverage-wise, expect buckets of beer, margaritas and frosé cocktails. When it comes to tunes, there'll be live sets from 4pm. And, as for the vibe, it'll be the usual chilled beer garden mood. There'll also be pizza. From 5pm, grab a wood-fired bite for $10. The series runs throughout summer, so it's also a good excuse to make the most of the season.
What do Horrorshow, electronic producer The Kite String Tangle and poet Luka Lesson all have in common? They're not usually on the Queensland Symphony Orchestra bill. Of course, that's what makes QSO's new WAVE Festival so exciting — as unexpected musical collaborations always are. Taking place over April 20 and 21, WAVE will see Brisbane Powerhouse echoing with the sound of cutting-edge music, with the festival blending classical sounds with something that's anything but. As QSO music director Alondra de la Parra explains, "our music sound-world is infinite, and we want to share the exhilaration of live orchestral music in all its shape-shifting glory." Luka Lesson, composers Heather Shannon (The Jezabels) and Gordon Hamilton, and conductor Sarah-Grace Williams join forces to kick things off, taking chamber orchestra to new places. They're followed by Horrorshow's turn in front of the instruments — but if you don't already have a ticket, you'll have to cross your fingers that their sold-out gig releases more. Last but not least, Brissie's own Danny Harley — better known as The Kite String Tangle — will perform his first-ever orchestral show. Whichever session you head along to, one thing is certain: you haven't been to a festival like this.
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, which have become a New Year's Eve staple over the past two years. This time around, it's back and going by another moniker — Take Me Out — but the same tunes and fun are on the agenda. Put on some comfy shoes and prepare to dance the night away to three decades of indie tracks, spanning everything from The Pixies, Blur and Arctic Monkeys to Joy Division, Beastie Boys and The Killers — and Franz Ferdinand, obviously.
Food, glorious food — it's more than just the cry of the orphans from Oliver! It's also the way almost everyone feels about our energy supply, but how many of us have thought about source of sustenance further? Elizabeth Willing has, with her artistic practice examining gastronomy and the collective experience of eating. In Between Courses, she continues her fascination with the accessibility and all-encompassing nature of food, not only exploring the tools and objects commonly associated dining, but deconstructing and reassembling them to give these implements a new logic and purpose. And, if the free exhibition is an all-you-can-eat buffet of contemplating cuisine, then the one-night-only event that is Dessert III is its centrepiece. Attendees will take part in an intimate participatory artwork of degustation desserts set at the dining table. You'll subtly reposition your physical and psychological relationship to what you're consuming, but be warned – you'll also need to have a spare $380 for the experience.
Keen to celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of Thailand, but can't make the trip abroad at the moment? The annual Brisbane Thai Festival has you covered, whether you're lamenting your inability to head to southeast Asia, getting your fix in-between sight-seeing visits, or simply a fan of Thai culture, cuisine and traditions. The event is expected to attract more than 15,000 patrons, so you certainly won't be alone. Don't worry — with food, performances, Muay Thai demonstrations and a Singha beer garden on offer, there's plenty for everyone at Brisbane's largest Thai-focused event. Indulging in all the Massaman curries you can eat, iced teas you can drink and traditional dances you can watch is only part of the equation, of course. As run by the Thai-Australian Association of Queensland Inc, the festival aims to promote and strengthen ties and harmony between the Thai and Australian communities. By heading along, you'll not only get a feast of food and entertainment — you'll be doing your cross-cultural part.
Christmas is coming up and there’s only one way to bypass the mad Queen Street Mall rushes and giving all your hard earned cash to Mr David Jones — shop local. Karen White Gallery and New Farm Cinemas are hosting the Artisan Market at the Movies, and it’s just in the nick of time for all your Chrissie shopping needs. On the market will be a everything from jewellery to locally made fashion, art and food, all crafted by the hands of indie makers, small business owners and local artisans of our Brisbane community. There will also be food and drinks for sale, plus the biggest bonus of all — air con. The markets kick off at 12pm, and will round up around 6pm. Take a Christmas list, a wad of cash, and your festive spirit, because this might just be your one-stop shop for everything that needs to go under this year’s tree.
If you think theatre companies are just about putting on new productions, think again. Take Shake & Stir Theatre Co., for example. Every year, they devote their time and resources to not only staging fresh shows, but nurturing the next generation of performers. Their latest effort, a version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, provides the perfect example. Here, what may be Shakespeare’s most famous rom-com comes alive courtesy of the efforts of 35 of the state's up-and-comers. You know they're good, because they've been handpicked from the 2015 QLD Youth Shake Fest. It all makes for an evening of unexpected delights, even if you already know the play back to front, have seen many a version over many a year, or watched the film adaptation. Sure, you might be familiar with the Bard's comic tale of family, friendship, foils and fairies — but you haven't seen its dream-like charms tackled by the stars of tomorrow. Image: Marshall Stay.
Emma Le Strange isn't just an artist — she's an aspiring creative polymath. Her work aims to combine styles and forms, the past and the future, and the old and the new. Think costuming, photography, realist drawing, etching, music and cabaret, all in one presentation. Think a Victorian-inspired corset and faux peacock tail crocheted from fibre optic cable. Indeed, that's exactly what Optical Awakening — her latest exhibition — offers. Le Strange forces the age-old endeavours of drawing and crochet into contemporary times, and blends performance and art in the culmination of a yearlong project. The opening night event on December 4 perhaps illustrates this combination best, featuring performances from Le Strange's muse CeCe Shabam, cabaret aficionado Melissa Cloake, and Le Strange herself making her stage debut as Delta de Milo. If you can't make it along then, don't despair — the magical mix of cabaret illumination and artistic manifestation will also brighten up Jugglers Art Space for a two-week season.
First, there was the Weekend of Darkness. Now, get ready for the Weekend of Tartness — the sister festival The Scratch just had to have. Where the former has celebrated ales, porters, stouts and other tipples at the dark end of the spectrum since 2013, the latter cartwheels to the opposite end of the extreme spectrum of beer styles. If it is tart and tangy, it is likely to be on the menu. Over two days, the funkiest, sourest, most refreshing beers being produced in Australia and around the world will take over the taps of the Milton hangout. It might sound like a gimmick, but these biting brews have been around longer than you might think. In fact, historically, all beers used to be sour. Drinking is only part of the fun, with tasty food and a pumping soundtrack adding to the atmosphere. The event also doubles as a fourth birthday party for one of the coolest dive bars around, so prepare for double the fun.
Brisbane, welcome to barbecue season. The sun is shining, the weather has warmed up, and there's almost nothing better to do on a hot day than revel in the combination of beer and sausages. The folks at the Mill on Constance certainly think so, and they don't just like to chase the former with the latter, as delicious as that always proves. Here, they like their beverages soaked within their grilled bangers. They also want to find the city's best from a lineup of local bars, breweries and butchers. Eight contenders will vie for supremacy over four knockout rounds, but of course, only one can emerge victorious. Actually, when something as tasty as alcohol-infused sausages are at stake, that may not be the case. Regardless of whoever claims the title of Brisbane's best beer banger, everyone who gets to try such tasty morsels can rightfully consider themselves among the winners.
Handball isn't just something kids play in the schoolyard. Well, it is for the most part, but that doesn't mean running around a slab of concrete while attempting to slap a tennis ball with your hand isn't something anyone at any age can't enjoy. In fact, if you haven’t outgrown the game that filled many of your youthful lunchtimes — or if you want to relive those past glories — then the New Farm Bouncing Back Handball Festival is the event for you. The free all-ages event invites everyone to have some fun in the sun while competing in their favourite childhood pastime. Last time the festival was held back in 2012, 500 people took part. The New Farm Neighbourhood Centre is guiding the show, which means it's a community affair complete with food and drinks for those working up an appetite and a thirst. Bringing the suburb together is of its aims, as is promoting a positive mindset, with the event running as part of Mental Health Week.
All hail the Keanaissance — for bringing him back to our screens, and for making it acceptable to love his past hits as well. Before he was Neo and John Wick, he wasn’t just one half of Bill and Ted and surfing FBI agent Johnny Utah but also a guy trying to stop the bus that couldn’t slow down. We know you’re a fan, and we know you’ve always wanted to relive the action movie magic that was Speed — so here’s your chance. Step on board a vintage B59 Volvo, and prepare for the ride of your life. After thrilling fans and making plenty of new ones during Brisbane Comedy Festival 2015, Speed: The Movie, The Play returns for a high-octane encore. This is one stint of public transport chaos you should willingly sign up for.
You might not recognise the names Inspired Insomniac, Jaycee and Yukon Snakes now, but in time, we think you probably will. They're three of Brisbane's best up-and-coming hip hop and electronic acts, and they have an extra advantage at their latest show. We're not just talking about their versatility, although that will definitely be on display. Inspired Insomniac plays everything from deep dubstep to experimental hip hop, while Jaycee's lyrics and Yukon Snakes' beats are the driving forces behind their respective claims to fame. No, their push to prominence comes in the form of the force supporting their combined showcase at The Milk Factory. The talented trio are all on the lineup for the latest 4ZZZ gig, which is quite the stamp of approval, as alternative and independent music lovers will know. When it comes to championing local talent, no one does it better than the city's favourite community radio station.
If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then surely a cider does too? If you're willing to believe that that's the case, you can get a head start on the next week or so at the Scratch's ode to fruity alcoholic beverages. At Tastes Like Fruit, the Milton bar is paying tribute to drinks that owe quite a debt to orchard-grown produce. Officially, the evening is a celebration of Beard and Brau Farmhouse Brewery and Batlow Cider, who teamed up to create apple farmhouse ale Bon Pommes — but all things apple are in the spotlight. That includes more cider than you could possible consume, be it traditional, mulled or otherwise. Yes, warm alcoholic concoctions are on the menu; 'tis the season for it, and all that. With winter in mind, patrons are encouraged to don their warmest knitted jumpers and bring a rug to snuggle up in. Just be prepared to get both covered in crumbs from the Alphabet Cafe's tasty snacks, because there'll be plenty of those on offer, too.
So, you're the eager kind of bastard (not the Snow type mind you) who likes to throw spoilers in the face of your lessers? Lucky for you, the Game of Thrones edition of Flying Cock & Man vs Bear Trivia is here, so you'll be able to use that smug mouth to win. Or die. Costume is not mandatory, but greatly rewarded. White walkers, maesters, red priests, naked extras and dung-faced peasants will also most likely be in abundance, so if you really want to impress you'll need to think outside the boxset (someone had better turn up as the animated map of the opening credits, is what we're saying here). A host of prizes are on offer. Team registration via the Man Vs Bear website is necessary. And don't delay, because it's winter soon. Game of Thrones will also be on at Wintergarden Grilld on July 14.
Anyone can drink a lager, pilsner or pale ale. Not everyone can knock back a stout or porter. And while the former are available everywhere, you won’t find a celebration of the latter just anywhere. That's why Milton's favourite dive bar started the Weekend of Darkness. Since 2013, the Scratch has dedicated two days each year to showing their love for brews on the blacker end of the beer spectrum — and offering a home for those who feel the same way, of course. If it's yeasty, liquid and overflowing with smoky, coffee, chocolate, spiced and even bourbon flavours, you'll find it here. You'll also find snacks, offbeat vibes and strange happenings galore. Expect this dalliance with the dark side to include a 35-beer lineup, a smorgasbord of smoked meats and more from local BBQ legends the Shank Bros, and delicious treats by Beerkary Bakery. Expect everything, be it food, drink or atmosphere, to warm up your insides too. There's a reason this takes place in winter, after all.
If you're a Brisbanite with a healthy appetite, there's only one place to be this week. Take your rumbling stomach and its yearning for something scrumptious down to James Street, and fill it with tasty treats. From July 30 to August 1, the New Farm precinct becomes a foodie wonderland for the fourth year running, once again highlighting the gastronomic delights of the area. That includes devouring delicious dishes and drinks, of course, regardless of what kind of food, beverage or event takes your fancy. Whether you want to learn to whip up Thai or Italian meals like the masters, shop for edible artisanal creations, or let some cinema cookery wash over you, all your culinary dreams are catered for. You an also sample the street's signature concoctions, enjoy some beer, burgers and beats, or get into the swing of things at a laneway party. If you like your epicurean fun on the chilled side, then head to the urban picnic or enjoy a tipple in the beer garden. Just because it's a food and wine trail doesn't mean you have to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. In fact, we recommend the same approach to eating, drinking and being merry: savouring the moment.
It's Friday night and you're eager to head to the flicks, but you're keen on an old favourite rather than the latest blockbuster. Enter In the House, Event Cinemas Myer Centre's regular celebration of all your favourite films — plus those cult classics you've always been meaning to get around to. Their latest program kicks off with Predator, so you know they're serious about old school cinema fun. If Arnie running away from aliens isn't your thing, one of the next movies is sure to be. The lineup boasts everything from Martin Scorsese's gangster epic Goodfellas to iconic '80s effort The Breakfast Club, after all. Highlander, Blade Runner and a chance to revisit the original Ghostbusters before the remake hits later this year also feature on the schedule, because every retro film feast values its variety. And while Brisbane might be overflowing with cinema blasts from the past at the moment, you'll never hear us complaining. Who doesn't want to be able to see more movies more often?
A great concert photo doesn't just record a moment in time, but makes you feel like you were there — even if you weren't. Mitch Lowe knows this. He's been snapping music gigs since he was 17, and he knows how to take a fantastic shot. Don't just take our word for it, though. Check his pics out for yourself at his exhibition, and maybe even take one home with you. Given that he's worked as an official photographer for festivals such as Splendour In The Grass, Listen Out, and Future Music Festival, he's probably captured a show that you were at. A selection of his efforts will line Beach Burrito Company's Fortitude Valley store on January 8 — aka their most fitting locale, nestled right in the heart of Brisbane's music hub. It's the eatery's latest artist showcase, as they continue to give the people what they want. Yep, if there's one thing everyone likes more than tacos and tequila, it's tacos and tequila served against an eye-catching backdrop. Image: Mitch Lowe.
Who said music fests had to involve thriving masses, multiple stages, trampled grass and mud in all the wrong places? If jazz, folk, classical and world music floats your boat, then prepare for a different kind of festival experience. Firstly, the sea will be close by. More importantly, you can sit in comfort. All that is on offer at Music By the Sea 2016, aka Sandgate's 14th annual celebration of soaring sounds. Local and international talent will converge on the oceanside spot to showcase a variety of musical styles. Yes, it's one of those "something for everyone" events, combining a bit of everything, including roots ballads, percussion, strings, modern art music and more. If you'd rather drop by instead of devoting a whole day or weekend to smooth tunes, that's also an option. Soak up the laidback atmosphere and sample some songs without actually buying a ticket, courtesy of the free performance program. You'll also get to hang out in local cafes and bars — and who doesn't want to do that?
We've all wished for a little peace and quiet — but while we're yearning for such a blissful state, we're probably not thinking about what that really means. Peace is a term with personal, social and political importance, particularly in relation to war and combat. As part of the State Library of Queensland's Q ANZAC 100: Memories for a New Generation project, they're turning their attention to the concept of harmony via a community-generated exhibition. Artists Elizabeth Woods and Kevin Leong have collected the thoughts and gestures of contemporary Queenslanders during peacetime. Of course, everything comes together against the ever-present and inescapable backdrop of growing international political conflict. As well as admiring the resulting artworks, attendees can do their part, with the exhibition an interactive affair. Learn to craft something wearable to add to the gallery, or get a peaceful makeover, then take a selfie and contribute that. Or, share the peace around by making a gift for a loved one.
Going out on New Year's Eve, but spending the night sensible and sober — or just choosing not to stump up for an all-you-can-drink package — is much, much harder than it sounds. Most parties build the beverages into the ticket price; however the smart folks at Black Bear Lodge are offering up two options. You can ensure your brews are taken care of as part of the VIP package ($95), or you can just pay for an evening's worth of great music ($20). Of course, with The Gooch Palms, Skegss and Rolls Bayce on the lineup, the latter is guaranteed anyway. Image: Tony Mott.
When George Lucas unleashed his sci-fi space opera upon cinema-goers back in 1977, he couldn't have predicted the pop culture frenzy that would follow. 38 years later, the franchise is still going strong. And while the release of Star Wars – Episode VII: The Force Awakens this week certainly proves the series' popularity and longevity, it's not the only event fans should be excited about. Indeed, 25 aficionados have turned their obsession into works of art, and The Scratch has turned those creations into a Star Wars-themed exhibition. Yep, Short For A Stormtrooper delves into a galaxy far, far away as you've never seen it before, aka in painting form. Of course, the Milton dive bar has a few other tricks up their sleeves for the unofficial pre-party before The Force Awakens' midnight screenings. The Cantina theme on the stereo, and thanks to Noisy Minor Brewing Company, Brewtal Brewers and Bacchus Brewing Co, Star Wars beers will be on the menu. All that's left is for you to dress up — but let's face it, you were probably going to do that anyway.
"Luke, I am your father" might just be one of the most famous line ever uttered in a movie — except, of course, that's not actually what Darth Vader said. If you're pedantic about the exact phrasing of iconic Star Wars dialogue, or just brimming with Jedi-focused tidbits, then here's your chance to put those skills to the test. With Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens about to hit cinemas, it's the trivia night that had to happen — and an evening of fun that no one can have a bad feeling about. Yes, Man vs Bear are delving into the series that has spanned six films to date and inspired a host of new instalments to come. If you have a Chewbacca costume in your wardrobe, you're destined to be there. As always, dressing up is heartily encouraged, with prizes on offer for your outfits as well as your mastery of Star Wars info. And, because it's all taking place at The Flying Cock, themed drinks are on the menu. Sure, it's not quite the Mos Eisley Cantina, but with Jam Jar Jars, Boba Wetts and Jabba the Shotts on offer, you can pretend.
In 2015, 4ZZZ has achieved something that most people can only dream of. We don't just mean staying on the air for four decades, although we can't stress how fantastic that is. As the community radio station has been revelling in their longevity, they've also managed another impressive feat: making their birthday shenanigans last most of the year. First, there was a Radiothon celebration. Then, the beloved Market Day returned for a once-off, nighttime outing. Now, another 4ZZZ tradition gets its time to shine to mark the occasion. We're talking about the rock 'n' roll barbecue. It's the perfect way to keep the anniversary party going, and an excellent Sunday afternoon activity, too. Plus, the event keeps the focus on great local music — aka exactly what listeners love about the station. There'll be plenty of that on offer, of course, especially with We All Want To, El Gordo, The Steady As She Goes, Lovecraft and The Bear Hunt taking care of the tunes.
Does your festive season need a little extra cheer, or perhaps some cheerleading? The Brightside clearly thinks so. Why else would they encourage you to wave around some pom poms to show some seasonal spirit? Okay, perhaps because spending the night after Christmas reliving a teen movie classic is bound to be bundles of fun, regardless of whether chanting in groups and shaking your spirit fingers is usually your thing. Don't worry — if you don't want to dress up with the rest of your squad, you can always go along as a coach (BYO feisty attitude, but perhaps leave the whistle at home). Whatever attire you choose, you'll have a chance of winning a prize for the best costume, though there's more to the party that that. Dance along to Deadlights, The Brave and Boston Blackout, grab a themed cocktail and remember pay tribute to a flick that ruled the cinema back in 2000. And, grab your attitude from the film's title. Go on, bring it on.
Ask a comedy fan what they'd do if they could make any of their dreams come true, and they might well wish for a new movie with a Monty Python pedigree. Perhaps Terry Jones, who helmed Holy Grail, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life could write and direct. Perhaps he could recruit the rest of the Python alum — aka Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese and Eric Idle — to voice some aliens? Perhaps Simon Pegg could star, and the film could ponder the very topic of being able to fulfil one's desires with just the wave of a hand? Absolutely Anything delivers all that — and offers up Robin Williams' last movie role, albeit as a talking dog — yet it's hardly a feature that anyone might hope for. Alas, it's an effort that does little more than bring in some beloved talent, play with a fantastical concept and let silliness ensue. The result? Ample silence where audiences can only assume Jones intended to inspire laughter. An unhappy schoolteacher by day and aspiring writer by night, Neil Clarke (Pegg) is the recipient of the extraordinary ability that gives the movie its moniker. What he doesn't know is that he's merely part of a test, with a council of extraterrestrials using him to decide whether humanity should be saved or annihilated. Rather than carry out great acts of good or evil, he takes the largely selfish, mostly harmless approach. Helping his best pal (Sanjeev Bhaskar) with his love life, giving his pet pooch (Williams) the gift of speech, and increasing his manhood comprise his early demands. Yes, Neil messes about his new skill, the intergalactic beings observe and comment from above, and that's all there really is to Absolutely Anything. A love interest pops up in the form of his neighbour, Catherine (Kate Beckinsale), complete with an obsessed American ex (Rob Riggle) in tow, but all either do is add to the parade of over-the-top, immature antics. Neil is supposed to learn that there's more to life than wish fulfillment, but Jones clearly hasn't heeded the same lesson. Instead, he's caught up in making anything he can happen on screen, mainly through unconvincing CGI, and with little care for coherence. Jones and co-writer Gavin Scott (Small Soldiers) beef up the script with more than a few jokes that could've been ripped from the pages of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy – which gives an indication of how not-so-fresh they feel. Indeed, the screenplay for Absolutely Anything has been floating around for 20 years, and Douglas Adams apparently perused it before his death in 2001. Sadly, a long-gestating project results in a final product that squanders any potential it might've once had, including its main cast, both seen and heard, and the involvement of the likes of Eddie Izzard and Joanna Lumley. In fact, a song could do better than Absolutely Anything's clumsy, contrived and hardly comic contemplation of how someone would cope if they had all the power in the world — and did, when The Flaming Lips sang about it in their 2006 single, ' The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song'.
If any month could be crowned as one of wonder, it'd have to be December. The festive season has us all pondering what Santa will bring, and what the new year might hold. Plus, we're all rewatching It's A Wonderful Life as Christmas approaches. At the Brisbane Powerhouse, though, that's not where the end-of-year festival of wonder ends, but where it begins. Since 2014, the venue has been adding to the onslaught of amazement and cavalcade of celebration with an event designed for the astounding, joyful and curious. That'd be the aptly named Wonderland, which unleashes its second serving of burlesque, circus, cabaret, music, comedy, poetry, theatre and variety shows from December 3 to 20. Your jaw will be agape, your mind alive with happiness and possibility, and you'll be feeling truly wonderful — particularly if you head along to our ten picks of the festival. Image: Studio Impressions.
The Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival celebrates the best movies from the region from November 19 to 29; however it seems the folks behind the city-funded showcase just can't wait to share their 2015 brood of cinema treasures. In the lead up to their second year, they're breaking out a few highlights early via a series of screenings prior to the main event. From August 28 to November 6, Brisbane cinephiles can spend four Friday evenings immersing themselves in everything from an insightful statement on modern-day Iran to a glimpse inside short-stay Japanese hotels. Yes, like any good festival program or sneak peek, the films on offer are an eclectic bunch. Tales, directed by Iran's premier female director Rakhshan Banietemad, kicks off the pre-fest season, plunging audiences into the stark reality of the filmmaker's homeland through a series of interconnected vignettes. Next up — and fresh from the Melbourne International Film Festival's opening night — Force of Destiny stays personal in offering a moving take on terminal illness and transplants, with David Wenham in the lead role. They're joined by the affectionate portrait of an eccentric community that is The Postman's White Nights, plus a look at intimacy in the confines of a Tokyo establishment frequented for physical fun in the aptly named Kabukicho Love Hotel. And remember, these are just the precursors to the whole festival. If these four films offer any indication, lovers of diverse, interesting Asia Pacific cinema just might be overwhelmed with excitement when the full BAPFF lineup is revealed in October. The Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival pre-festival screenings run from August 28 to November 6. For more information, visit the event's website.
Whether it is through the depiction of a light source in a painting, the illumination of an artwork or the application of lighting technology, light has always been an important element of art throughout history. Light Play: Ideas, Optics, Atmosphere, curated by Samantha Littley, brings together contemporary artists who use light as a medium itself, and who exploit lighting technology to explore themes in innovative ways. The exhibition is a celebration of the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015), a UNESCO initiative. Photographs, neon, light-emitting sculptures, light boxes, light-inflected paintings and a digital hologram are featured amongst the 27 artworks on display. The exhibition officially opens on 14 August and continues to 15 November. A public event on 14 August features an exhibition tour by the curator, followed by a live soundscape performance by Ben Heim. Image: Brook Andrew, Flow chart 2011. Rare postcards, sapele and neon, overall 283.0 x 449.5 x 8.5 cm. Reproduced courtesy of the artist and Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne.
Hitting the big four-oh is something to celebrate. Making such a milestone in the community broadcasting world is nothing short of amazing. It's no wonder, then, that Brisbane's favourite alternative radio station is throwing a party to commemorate forty years of radiothon. 4ZZZ isn't just highlighting four decades of asking for your support — they're revelling in keeping running for that long. They're also setting a relaxed mood for the ten-day annual membership drive to come by having a pleasant afternoon at the Triffid. There's a reason the event is called Pleasant Valley Sunday, after all — that's the state and place you'll firmly be in. First, an all-local lineup of indie-pop infused tunes will keep the mood chilled and fun, thanks to Mosman Alder, Tempura Nights, Zefereli, The Phoncurves and The Ninjas, plus a few special guest DJs still to be announced. Then, the general joy and goodwill of cultivating new music and fostering the live scene — i.e. what 4ZZZ do all year, every year — will take care of the rest of the merriment, as will signing up for a subscription and showing your support.
One day of the year, adding "arr!" to the end of your sentences and calling everyone matey is acceptable. That'd be International Talk Like A Pirate Day, aka September 19th — and of course there's a Brisbane-based event to commemorate such an occasion. Say ahoy to Pirate Fest 2015, Club Greenslopes' afternoon of themed shenanigans. As well as ample grog in the form of tankards of rum, there'll be a 13-band line-up live music, burlesque beauties, roving vagabonds, treasure giveaways, barefoot “cannon-bowls”, a trader’s bazaar, retro gaming and some mighty fine grub. There'll also be prizes for best costumes, too, because you can't go to something called Pirate Fest without donning an eye patch, ruffled shirt, hat or arriving with a talking parrot on your shoulder. Those getting into the full swing of things won’t be the only ones who win, either, with the $10 per person entry fee going towards charities supporting depression research.
Want to be surrounded by cute critters, and potentially give one a good home? Want to support the rescue groups and welfare organisations that help look after creatures with nowhere else to go? The RSPCA's annual Big Adopt-Out offers all this, plus that great feeling you get when you're helping a good cause. Basically, it's the nicest way an animal lover could spend a Saturday. The 2015 iteration also comes with an added bonus, particularly for everyone fond of furry friends of the feline variety. For the first time in the event's three-year run, cats as well as dogs are available for adoption. Over 150 mousers and pooches of all ages will promise to make your heart melt; however kittens and puppies aren't the only drawcard. Expect food stalls and live entertainment, aka perfect ways to help pass the time while you're deciding which new pet to take with you. Expect vet advice and products to purchase too, ideally for the fresh addition to your family.
Foodies and local food lovers, prepare to earn those labels. The Sunshine Coast Real Food Festival is back for another year of celebrating, indulging and enhancing everything that drives your culinary fascination. In the frenzy of demonstrations, conversations, workshops, stalls and hands-on activities that comprise the bustling event, you won't just wander through 100 food and food-related exhibits. You won't just experience 88 sessions with chefs, experts and more — all sharing their thoughts and gastronomy skills on everything from making a bush food banquet and French country cooking to keeping hens in your backyard and surviving restaurant-based reality television — either. Across the festival's seven venues and two days, you'll also connect with food producers as you contemplate the issues of ethics, sustainability and nutrition of importance to every mouthful of deliciousness you taste. You'll eat, you'll learn, and you'll ponder all things nourishing — and if that isn't real food for thought, then we don't know what is.
Forget festivals focused on art, music and film, there's a new event in town. Warning: you must love dogs. And another warning: you also need to be up for a visit to Manly's fortnightly markets. At the first September shopping bonanza by the waterfront at Manly Harbour Village for 2015, all things canine are taking over. There's even a fitting name for this frenzy of four-legged friends — Woofstock. Yes, the event is exactly what it sounds like, seeing as though it sounds like a festival focused on pet pooches. Expect competitions designed to anoint the critter with the waggiest tail, as well as those wearing the best fashions on the field. A test of athletic ability is also on offer, plus sessions with an animal communicator. Want more? Why not check out Doggy's Got Talent and Next K9 Top Model, where a few reality TV staples get a dogcentric spin. Shopping-wise, 80 stalls will try to tempt you to treat your furry BFF to food, toys, clothes, furniture and anything else they might need. Or, lets be honest, anything you might want to buy them — because although the day is supposed to be all about hounds and mutts, it's really all about the humans that are fond of them. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Like your browsing and shopping with more film and television merchandise and less vintage fashion and retro homewares? Well, you're about to be in luck. Come September 6, Brisbane will welcome the city's first-ever pop culture market. Whether brand new or pre-loved, all things anime, comics, manga, movies, gaming and just generally geeky will be on offer at the Cosplay Collective Pop Culture Markets, ready for you to purchase and then wear, display, play with or do whatever else takes your fancy. And, the bulk of stallholders will be local businesses, so not only will you be buying things you love, but you'll be supporting homegrown merchants. It probably hasn't escaped your attention that another word lurks in the event's title: cosplay. Yes, dressing up is encouraged. Yes, that applies not just to those hawking their awesome wares, or to dance crew Neko DC who'll be dancing to J-pop songs as entertainment, but to everyone in attendance. Image via Framed Superheroes.
