Questionable reality television programs might try to claim otherwise; however beauties and geeks aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, at the latest exhibition to grace The Block at Queensland University of Technology's Creative Industries Precinct, they're the same thing. Geek Girls pays tribute to the lovely ladies at the forefront of art, technology, new media and anything else that could earn the nerdy tag. With a lineup that includes Antoinette J. Citizen, Meagan Streader, Michaela Gleave, Tega Brain, Georgie Roxby Smith, Lauren McCarthy, Soda Jerk, Sarah van Sonsbeeck and Chicks on Speed's Alexandra Murray-Leslie, the showcase's savvy bunch of female creative practitioners are certain to bust all stereotypes and labels. Their experimental and cutting-edge works don't just show off more than a few exciting and inventive individual pieces — they highlight the integral role women play in innovative and artistic endeavours, too. If you thought being called a "geek" was an insult, you'll change your mind here. That's what girl power combined with smart thinking does, after all. Image: Michaela Gleave, Eclipse Machine (Retrograde Motion), 2015, projection lamp, motors, prisms, timber, stand, 70 x 70 x 140cm.
If you live in New York and like fashion, the first Monday in May is kind of a big deal. That's when the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts the biggest event on the fashion calendar. Yep, it's the evening that the Met Gala takes place, marking not only the opening night of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibition, but the be all and end all of all parties. Filmmaker Andrew Rossi (Page One: Inside the New York Times) was lucky enough to peek behind the scenes at the 2015 event, sparking a rather appropriately named doco. Boasting intimate access to costume curator Andrew Bolton and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour as they put together the Met Gala's most attended fashion exhibition in history, The First Monday in May is the end result. It's a star-studded affair, with everyone from Wong Kar-wai and Baz Luhrmann to Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and Rihanna popping up. Alas, the film itself doesn't reach Aussie movie theatres until May 12, but the smart folks at Palace couldn't let the titular date pass by without doing something special to mark the occasion. As preparations for the 2016 Met Gala reach fever pitch on the other side of the globe, they'll be offering up first-look preview screenings around the country. You'll enjoy a glass of prosecco on arrival, step into a world of unparalleled couture-based artistry, and truly feast on cinema at its most stylish.
It's the typical culinary conundrum: sometimes, your taste buds are just screaming out for dishes from a few different restaurants. If you're in Brisbane, perhaps you feel like some French-leaning fare from Restaurant Two followed by a taste of Japan's best from Saké? Or maybe you want to munch on the much awarded and applauded goodness that is Esquire and Urbane's respective menus, one after the other? Thanks to a trio of local foodies, now you can. In fact, you can enjoy meals from all four — aka some of the city's best degustation places — at one event. The first-of-its-kind eating experience is called Bite Sip Stroll after the European style of dining out. There, indulging in a plate at one place and then a drink at another, and just wandering between eateries in general, is a common occurrence. Basically, it's a moving feast of cuisine and wine pairings, as well as a brief walking tour of Brissie's best inner-city, river-adjacent spots. You'll pay $119 per head for the privilege, but when are you ever going to have a lunch like this again? Tickets are limited to 320 people in total, so we suggest getting yours as quick as you can.
World Whiskey Day might fall on the third Saturday of each May; however for the folks at Kerbside, one 24-hour period in every year isn't enough. They're celebrating the occasion, of course, but they're turning the festivities into five days of drinking fun. Can you blame them? No; but you should join them. Yes, whiskey lovers, that means that you can sip on your favourite fermented grain mash for even longer. Sure, you can actually do that whenever you like. You can't drink Kerbside's special cocktails after May 18 to 22, though. Once you've tasted the vanilla and chocolate-flavoured Gentleman's Mocha, cinnamon-infused Brother Jack and minty, sugary Julep Pie, you'll understand why the Fortitude Valley bar has extended the revelry. And if you think whiskey isn't for you, we heartily encourage you to give them a try — this heavenly spirit isn't just delicious; it's also versatile.
In 1999, video games changed forever. It was one of those moments that split history in two: before Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and after. If you can't remember the momentous occasion, let us enlighten you. No, Pro Skater wasn't just a way get your skateboarding fix without actually doing real kick-flips and tricks. It was a way of life. Think we're overstating things a little? Then you just haven't experienced the true button-smashing bliss that is Hawk's first video game title. But don't worry — thanks to The Foundry's Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Tribute Night, you won't remain in the dark for long. Not only will the venue be decked out like it's the kind of warehouse space you could get your deck out in (aka a familiar sight to game aficionados), but it'll be filled with consoles and primed for a night of online ollying nostalgia. Local bands Hound., DELUSO and DEEDS will also be getting into the spirit by cranking out covers of in-game tracks. Yes, this is what Pro Skater heaven looks and sounds like.
If Tubular Bells sounds familiar, that's because Mike Oldfield's 1973 album provides the answer to many a trivia question. Which Celtic folk-rock record became a surprise hit, helped Richard Branson start his Virgin brand, pops up in The Exorcist, was once released as an interactive Commodore 64 computer game, and features its composer playing 17 different instruments? Yep, it's this one. Indeed, the legend of Tubular Bells has only grown over the years — although Aussie musicians Aidan Roberts and Daniel Holdsworth have had a little something to do with that in recent times. After listening to the album around a fire, as you do, they decided to do the impossible: recreate the whole thing, play it live, and do so without any other on-stage assistance. Since 2009, they've been showcasing Tubular Bells for Two to the world, and earning Fringe Festival awards around the globe for their troubles. Now they're treating Brisbane to the choreographed chaos that is two men playing everything from Spanish guitars to synthesizers, and paying tribute to an unlikely enduring classic in the process.
Ever feel like your life is going in circles? Ever wondered if that could be a good thing? Don't go accepting your quarter-life malaise just yet, because we're actually talking about giving your hips a big ol' swing. At Work-Shop's monthly Hoop Dreams classes, you'll forget all your troubles and embrace all things circular thanks to a toy you probably haven't thought about in years. Yep, that'd be the hula-hoop. You'll step into its round confines, start moving your core, and then try to holdback the smiles and giggles. Plus, circus wiz Emma Shepherd will be on hand to help, just in case hula-hooping doesn't come naturally. Shepherd joined Flipside Circus at the age of nine, and has performed everywhere from the London Olympics to the sea-faring Pacific Cirque since — so if she can hula-hoop on a moving ship, then she can teach you to get gyrating on dry land for 90 minutes. Image: via S. Pakhrin.
If chanteuses set your music-loving heart a-flutter, then Women in Voice is your kind of thing. You probably already know this. Over more than two decades, the celebration of female artists has become a Brisbane institution. Since starting out in a West End cafe back in 1993 and then journeying through a number of venues around the city and beyond, Women in Voice has become one of the nation's longest running performances. Showcasing talented lady vocalists in an up-front, uncomplicated manner, the show has featured the likes of Chrissie Amphlett, Deborah Conway, Jenny Morris, Katie Noonan and Kate Miller-Heidke on the bill at some point. As always, the latest iteration of Women in Voice boasts quite the lineup — newcomers and experienced veterans alike. From the former camp, prepare your ears for the award-winning Sahara Beck, Little Black Dress Creatives' Alicia Cush and emcee Judy Hainsworth from #FirstWorldWhiteGirls. And in the latter, Leah Cotterell and Alison St Ledger know the drill, and have your evening of fabulous cabaret well and truly covered. Image: Dane Beesley.
People dream of finding someone who looks at them they way that Michael Fassbender looks at Alicia Vikander in The Light Between Oceans. A World War I soldier turned lighthouse keeper, Tom Sherbourne (Fassbender) has swapped the horrors of combat for the routine and simplicity of his new life — and he never glances anything less than adoringly at Isabel Graysmark (Vikander), the woman who'll become his wife. In a film that is unashamedly a weepie, his stare tells a sometimes heart-swelling, sometimes heartbreaking story, and silently speaks of the ups and downs of life that everyone wants to weather with someone by their side. An intimate tale working with big, sweeping feelings as well as notions of guilt and forgiveness, The Light Between Oceans is a melodrama through and through. Not that that's a bad thing, necessarily. This adaptation of Australian author M. L. Stedman's 2012 novel is not what might derisively be labelled merely a chick flick. Yes, it may tug at the heartstrings, and focus its plot around marital life and motherhood, but the sentiments this period-set romantic drama stirs up remain unflinchingly real. The aforementioned couple meet, wed and forge a life together in and around Janus Rock off the coast of Western Australia. They're the only inhabitants living off the mainland, though it seems they'll be joined by the pitter-patter of tiny feet until tragedy strikes on multiple occasions. Then, a lifeboat — or a rowboat, to be exact — brings them a lost baby girl. Keeping her will help them become a family. But unbeknownst to them, it will also tear the child's real mother (Rachel Weisz) apart. After exploring the complications of romance in the raw and resonant Blue Valentine, and pondering the ties between parents and children in The Place Beyond the Pines, writer-director Derek Cianfrance combines the two in The Light Between Oceans, as though he's been building up to this all along. It may not be the strongest of the three features, but it's as astute in matters of the heart as it is picturesque. Indeed, as far as the latter is concerned, Australian cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, who gave the recent version of Macbeth such an icy, compelling gleam, will have you gazing at the soft, glowing, frequently pink-lit images in the same way that the film's characters gaze at each other. Cianfrance provides ample space for Fassbender and Vikander to flesh out their loving but troubled characters. There's no mistaking the actors' chemistry, or the hard-earned range of emotions they cultivate, often in no more than their expressions. He conveys Tom's doting affection as well as the war-inspired melancholy he can't quite hide, while she paints Isabel as vibrant and determined, both in happiness and in pain. Even when the film's efforts to evoke tears are a little too evident, Fassbender and Vikander ensure that everything feels, and looks, utterly genuine.
Love community radio? Can't stop playing Pokemon Go? Or maybe you fall into the former category, and your bestie is in the latter camp. Don't worry — local music fiends and poke-addicts alike can band together at 4ZZZ's latest event. Consider it the best of both worlds. Actually, it's a very savvy way to get more than the usual listeners interested in the 41-year-old station's annual radiothon — and one that deserves to be rewarded. They'll throw open the doors to their Barry Parade digs for a People Powered Open Day, and pair it with a Pokemon Go party, too. The least you can do is throw open your wallet. Those keen on getting a tour of the place responsible for broadcasting many a Brisbane band can check out the new studios, meet station announcers and enjoy a barbecue in the carpark. And those wanting to hit the Valley's best pokestops can follow 4ZZZ volunteers on a 2.5 kilometre walk around the area before joining the rest of the fun.
When it comes to pizza boxes, it's not just what's on the inside that counts. We love a stacked slice of everyone's go-to Italian dish as much as the next person, but we also love seeing talented people showcase their work — and at Crowbar's 2016 Artist Pizza Box Series, a heap of local artists are using the containers that usually house your favourite fast food to do just that. And we mean a heap. No fewer than 50 talented Brisbanites have worked their magic, in fact. They were each given the challenge of making their own illustrated pizza box, with no design limitations whatsoever. For their efforts, the creation deemed the winner will be placed on a limited run pizza box by Alfredo's Pizzeria. That's the good news for those involved; however there's great news for anyone who just wants to see some ace artwork, eat some pizza and have a few drinks, too. The entire collection will be unveiled from 6pm on August 27, with Crowbar going into party mode for the evening. Sounds creative, tasty and fun. Image: Alfredo's Brisbane.
First there was Bigsound. Now, there's Little Sound as well. Nope, that's not a typo — it's Jet Black Cat Music's way of ushering a heap of the artists they know and love over to the West End record shop for a series of in-store gigs. Their addition to fold might be little in name, but it isn't in nature, with the program spanning two days. Wednesday sees Gabriella Cohen, Jarrow and more kick things off, while Thursday brings Ainslie Willis and Clea through the doors — and, with a lineup like that, and JBCM's usual vinyl racks to rifle through while you're there, you as well.
All the best things start late — and while Bigsound might include a few gigs that don't kick off the moment they're schedule to, that's not what we're talking about. Instead, as we tell you about Mammoth Midnight, you'll know what mean. No prizes for guessing when this show commences. Dinosaur City Records and New Farm Records clearly know this, and so do Loose Tooth, Jack T Wotton and The Wunderz, Cody Munro Moore, FeelsClub and sweater curse as well. Join them all for a late night to remember — or an early morning, depending on how you choose to look at it. Image: sweater curse.
'Twas the night before Bigsound, and all through The Foundry not a creature wasn't dancing. Fun twists on seasonal poems aside, if there's one pre-Bigsound party you don't want to miss, it's this one. Presented by Mucho-Bravado, Amplifire Music, Track and Field, Young Henrys and Sailor Jerry, The Night Before promises what these kinds of shindigs should: bands, bands and more bands. Did we mention that there'll be bands? Okay, we know we did, however when ADKOB, Born Joy Dead, Confidence Man, Mid Ayr, WAAX and Woodes are on the bill — as well as DJ sets by The Jungle Giants and Last Dinosaurs — and the whole thing is free, we're allowed to be excited.
Nina Eva Vida Jones, Alice Nicklin, Leila Perry and Catherine Helen Spence aren't household names, but they should be. The quartet of Australian women were born during the 19th century, and lived fascinating lives. Jones was a racing motorist, Nicklin survived a sinking ship, Perry was a socialite and Spence became Australia's first female political candidate. These descriptions only tell snippets of their stories — and if you're interested in more, then you're in luck. In her latest exhibition at Spiro Grace Art Rooms, Brisbane artist Camille Serisier takes an artistic look at accessing their largely untold histories in Ladies of Oz. Here, contemporary portraiture and the language of theatre combine to create fantastical combinations of still and moving images that engage with the intersection of art history and women's history. The interesting and important showcase kicks off on September 10 with an opening night event, complete with the premiere of Serisier's short films, before running through until September 22.
Feel like being inspired? In need of a positive evening out? Trust Peppermint Magazine, Australia's own eco fashion and lifestyle quarterly, to come up with an event that fits the bill: their PepTalks series. Hosting its fourth event on September 20 at Wandering Cooks, PepTalks embraces both interpretations of its name. Yes, fab folks featured in the magazine's pages will chat about their work, lives and efforts to make a difference. Yes, their discussion will pep you right up. John Elliott, Kylie Johnson and Kelly Elkin are the latest inspiring figures in the PepTalks hot seat, sharing their experiences selling shoes and giving just as many to children in need; creating a shop front, gallery space and studio house all in one; and fashioning organic sleep and loungewear. Plus, talk isn't the only thing on the menu, with food truck For The Pickles on site from 5pm, and everyone receiving a drink on arrival.
In the summertime, when the weather is fine, you're probably doing two things. You're heading to the beach (this is Queensland, after all), and you're taking photos of your sun, surf and sand adventure. You're only human. Growing up in Byron Bay, photographer and filmmaker Alana Potts is no stranger to this process; indeed, her coastal shots comprise Salty, her appropriately-named analogue exhibition. Expect raw, grainy pics of barren beaches and windy headlands that look like they were taken in the '60s and '70s, plus an original surf film that documents her happy-snapping travels. And yes, with all things digital taking over, we are at a stage when knowing that these photos are all analogue creations is a definite drawcard. Pretend summer is here early by heading to This Must Be The Place for Salty's opening night shindig from 5pm on September 23, or drop by any time between then and October 21.
When it comes to the works of the man known as the Bard of Avon, there's really only one way to get the real Shakespeare experience. Sure, you probably studied his plays at school, and likely watched one or two that have been turned into films — but have you witnessed his lines read live in a theatre production? That's how good ol' William intended his efforts to be consumed, after all, so one event is offering that chance to the masses. In its tenth iteration, the Brisbane Shakespeare Festival is back with another bustling program filled with flowery prose read aloud. Now that's how you commemorate 400 years since his passing. See As You Like It — aka one of the Bard's liveliest — performed for free across the city's outdoor spaces, and arrive early to enjoy the clash and clatter that comes with a demonstration of swordplay beforehand. Live music and abridged play readings of A Mid Summer Night's Dream, Macbeth and more feature too, and for those who can't tear themselves away from the movie realm, watching big screen productions of classics such as The Tempest and Twelfth Night is also on the line-up.
If you've been paying attention to recent bar, restaurant and cafe openings in Brisbane, you might've noticed a whole heap of activity happening in Nundah. Fitz + Potts, The Village Social and Blockhouse Nundah have all opened their doors in the suburb in the last year. And, only recently, so did Australia's first-ever tapioca-focused establishment. Sounds like things are happening on the city's northside, which is as good a reason as any to drop by. Here's another: from September 9 to 11, Nundah is hosting its annual Village Street Festival and Art Show. Because there ain't no party like a suburb party, expect everything from a film screening to the best art the area can offer to a day-long feast of music, performances, stalls and food. Yep, it's well and truly a community event. If you head along on the fest's last day — aka when the bulk of the festivities take place — it's also a great way to spend a Sunday eating, drinking and being entertained.
It has been almost 20 years since Harry Potter first cast a spell on millions of eager readers, and 15 years since the film adaptations of JK Rowling's beloved books became everyone's favourite movie franchise. And yet, Pottermania shows no sign of letting up. If you pre-ordered a copy of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or are counting down the days until spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them reaches cinema screens, then you know what we're talking about. And, if you fall into either of the above categories, you'll also want to spirit yourself over to the Jubilee Hotel on August 19. Yep, the Valley venue is throwing a Harry Potter Party. The name says it all really. It's the number one event on the wizarding calendar — and if the chance to don your best cloak and give your broom a workout doesn't convince you of that fact, then free-flowing Butterbeer, Polyjuice Potion and Firewhisky should. Anyone wearing a costume could take out the best dressed prize, and anyone keen on a beverage should purchase a souvenir glass in advance. Sounds pretty magical, doesn't it?
One bar. Seven bands. A whole evening of rockin' wonder. That's what's on the bill at Woolly Mammoth's rock-filled Friday evening — and if you're sensitive to guitar-heavy tracks cranked out rather loudly, then you'd best bring some earplugs with you. Yes, Mammoth Rock's favoured style of music is right there in the event's title, but don't go thinking that you'll only find the same kind of thing on the lineup. The varied bunch that is Alastyn, TrashQueen, Flynn Effect, Versus Fate, Love Hate Rebellion, Snake Bite Whisky and Young Lions certainly don't sound the same. Trust us. And, there's an added bonus for anyone who looks closely at Mammoth Rock's marketing materials. That number one you've spotted at the end of the event's moniker certainly does seem to indicate that this isn't a once-off, with more rock-focused nights expected to pop up in the future. Image: Gethin Hill Photography.
Botero, the Adelaide Street espresso bar offshoot of one of regional New South Wales' best roasteries, is at it again. Not content with serving up mighty fine coffee and food during the day, it's hosting an after-hours meal to usher more mouth-watering morsels into your stomach. In the second in the eatery's special dinner series, all things Italian are on the menu — all four courses of it. Inspired by the heritage of their chefs, Botero will put on its version of a big family feast. A tip: bring your loved ones. At Botero Brisbane's Italian Affair, everyone will start with a traditional spuntino of tuna crudo, followed by a primi featuring charcuteries, and then a grand secondi with a choice of seafood, beef or vegetarian mains. Top it all off with a light dolci and an espresso, and you'll be exclaiming "delizioso!" in no time.
The LEGO Movie, everyone's animated film of 2014, taught us quite a few things. Embracing your creativity and not being too rigid were among its chief lessons; however it also reminded us that everything is awesome — particularly the Danish-made interconnecting bricks that gave the feature its name. The folks at BrisBricks certainly think so, as do the masses that are certain to flock to their annual fan expo event. Yes, it really is exactly what it sounds like. Yes, it's a three-day extravaganza dedicated to the toys everyone still knows and loves, at every age. Marvelling at the LEGO creations the experts have conjured up is part of the fun, and buying new sets from specialist retailers too. If you've taken a fancy to the many pop culture-themed sets released in recent years, such as The Simpsons, Ghostbusters and Back to the Future, prepare for your wallet to get a workout. Of course, you'll also have the chance to do what every kid — young and old — wants, i.e. make interlocked creations until your heart is content. Here, if you're a LEGO lover, everything really is cool, and you'll be living your dream. Image via Alan Chia.
Keen for a Saturday filled with super sounds? You're in luck. Hop on over to Club Greenslopes for the aptly named SlopesFest, which community radio station 4ZZZ also have a hand in. On October 22, 30 local bands will strut their stuff across three stages — but the likes of Dr Peppernickle's Orphanarium of Obese Aristocrats, Dance To Blackout, The Bear Hunt and Soupy LaRue aren't the only attractions here. For an entry fee of $12 (pre-sold) t0 $15 (at the door), you'll also watch fire-twirling, browse market stalls, and enjoy a free game barefoot bowls. Plus, the Club's head chef will be cooking up a storm, though that's not included in the ticket price. Image: Dance To Blackout.
Tabloid headlines aside, Allied reaches screens with a dose of deja vu. After all, this isn't the first film where we've seen Brad Pitt discover that marriage and espionage don't make for a good mix. The good news: his latest vehicle is nothing like Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Actually, that's great news. Proving far more engaging than that mediocre 2005 action-comedy isn't a big challenge, but it's one that Allied is up to— even if the end result: a war-torn, spy-centric drama doesn't always hit the mark. Partially styled after (and sharing its initial setting with) classic World War II romance Casablanca, Allied poses an age-old question in a specific context: how well does anyone actually know the people that they love? Faced with this dilemma are Canadian intelligence officer Max Vatan (Pitt) and French resistance fighter Marianne Beauséjour (Marion Cotillard), who play husband and wife in an undercover mission to dispatch with a German ambassador, only to find their faux affection becoming real. Returning from Morocco to London, wedded bliss beckons, though the combat continues to rage. Then Max receives a startling briefing, with Marianne accused of working for Germany and sharing information about the efforts of the Allies. Accordingly, Allied becomes a film of two distinctive halves — and while both could've made for intriguing viewing if they'd been individually fleshed out to feature length, they prove slight and predictable when paired together. Making audiences want more is what all movies aim for, but here it's a case of wanting one or the other. Trying to offer a tale of spies falling in love out in the field, as well as an account of one partner investigating the other's possible betrayal, Allied flirts with more feeling, depth and interest than it shows, but remains trapped by linking the two into one narrative. Thankfully, though surprises are largely absent, saving graces are plentiful. Pitt and Cotillard mightn't boast overwhelmingly convincing chemistry together, but each turn in fine performances in both the romantic and dramatic parts of the feature. The former plays charming but conflicted with ease, and there's a reason that the latter keeps being cast in complex, potentially duplicitous roles. They're also ably supported by Jared Harris (The Crown) as the man tasked with making Max peer deeper into the affairs of his wife, despite the obvious pain it causes. Director Robert Zemeckis, a veteran of everything from Back to the Future to Forrest Gump, performs his duties ably, mainly in making the movie look the part. Allied is an elegant affair that seems like a response to the complaint that they just don't make them like they used to. That includes giving the feature a glossy sheen, as though it might've been shot on a studio lot seven decades ago, and inexplicably rendering the end credits text in the largest font you've probably ever seen in a closing crawl. Perhaps over-statement is the key — or perhaps it just gives an indication of the age of the intended audience of this passable period throwback.
One party is great. Two is ace. Three? That's a merry, jolly, happy, hearty way to celebrate the holidays. Of course, the folks at The Brightside don't do things by halves. From December 23 to 26, they're channelling the spirit — and no doubt serving plenty of spirits — of the occasion. On December 23 from 8pm, get darkly festive at 666mas!, where pop punk covers will give your ears a reprieve from the sound of Christmas carols. Stateside, A Somerset Parade and Pentagram Candycane DJs will take care of the tunes, while someone that the Brighty is dubbing "Brisbane's worst person" will give out terrible presents and become the venue's very own Bad Santa. Then, head back on Christmas eve from 7pm for The Brightside's Christmas Celebration. That's when the candy cane cocktail buckets will be flowing, and the place will resemble a scene out of your favourite xmas movie. Finally, from 8pm on Boxing Day, it's post-Christmas shindig time. Take awkward family photos with people who aren't related to you, listen to Deadlights, VAELA and Dealbreakers, and get the last festive hijinks out of your system.
Everyone has a story — but, sometimes, they just don't know how to share it. Maybe they don't have a platform or anyone to listen. Maybe they can't tell anyone they know, and would feel more comfortable talking to a room full of people they don't know. It's that kind of thinking that inspired So, What's Your Story, Brisbane's regular evening of chatter. At each event, seven folks take to the stage and let the words flow freely — and with magicians, comedians, teachers, uni students, entrepreneurs, businessmen and everyday folks taking part, everyone really can join in. In 2017, a New York show is even planned. That's then — this is now, with So, What's Your Story celebrating the best yarns of 2016. On December 21 at The New Globe Theatre, hear accounts of escaping the mundane, coping with a stutter, changing perceptions and more, and enjoy real-life warmth, wisdom and insights from strangers.
Christmas means many things: chaos in the shops, carols invading your brain, and a focus on all things red and green. In Brisbane, it also means Queensland Ballet's final production for the season, with The Nutcracker brightening up the QPAC stage every year. Whether you've experienced the Tchaikovsky-scored two-act performance about sentient toys, dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy before, or you're joining little Clara on her Christmas Eve journey for the first time, you're certain to get swept up in the show's magic. And if you don't already have a ticket, don't delay — selling out is also an annual tradition. Image: David Kelly.
When you're watching Max, Furiosa and company race across a parched desert in search of water in Mad Max: Fury Road, Icelandic brothers fight over livestock in Rams, and a robot sort through trash in Wall-E, you're not only becoming immersed in their stories — you're becoming immersed in their environment as well. As Chris Evans works his way up a packed locomotive in Snowpiercer, Reese Witherspoon goes on quite the trek in Wild, and Matt Damon and Casey Affleck get lost in Gerry, you're doing the same as well. The Gallery of Modern Art's latest film program — This Land is Mine | This Land is Me — wants you to think about this. And, honestly, when you're getting cinematic glimpses of indigenous dance in Spear, snowy peril in Sherpa, animated oceans in Song of the Sea and island-logged people in Studio Ghibli co-production The Red Turtle, how can you think about anything else? From a trio of Terrence Malick's looks at man and the world around him (aka The Tree of Life, The New World and Days of Heaven) to iconic classics such as Baraka, Stalker and Zabriskie Point, the list goes on. And, not only does all of this movie-inspired musing take over GOMA's Australian Cinematheque from December 3, 2016 to February 26, 2017, but it's free as well.
How do you mark the official start of the season that Brisbane seems to experience for at least eight months of the year? Or, how do you say goodbye to any semblance of cool, mild or temperate weather for the foreseeable future? At Cloudland, it's simple: you throw a weekend-long party, obviously. Welcome to Summer is all about the good stuff that accompanies warmer, brighter days: food, drinks, hanging out, listening to live tunes and basking in the sunshine, for starters. It's as simple as that — and as fun. Expect music and cocktails from December 2 to 4, including the sonic stylings of The Groove Academy, Cloudland's resident band La bOum, plus Benn Hopkins and Sharif D on sax. All you really need to do is turn up, grab a comfy seat and ponder which boozy swill you're doing to sip. Yep, this is the life.
Dinner, drinks, dessert and a delightful view: it's a dating staple, and has been since humans first figured out that wining and dining was one of the keys to relationships. Combining all four isn't too hard in Brissie — we have many great restaurants, bars and scenic sights. We can guarantee that you haven't done so quite like this though. Because it's that time of year, the event in question is called The Wheel of Love, and it's a joint venture between The Charming Squire and The Wheel of Brisbane. That gives away plenty. Yes, you'll enjoy a two-course meal at the South Bank restaurant, complete with sparkling. Then, you'll head over to the giant tourist attraction to eat something sweet (and keep sipping as well). A word of warning, though: an experience like this doesn't come cheap, with tickets starting at $244. Still, if you're feeling the romance in the air, it's a good excuse to splurge — and to do something you've never done before. Image: Stephen Dann via Flickr.
Fancy a night at the movies — and at the theatre? You've heard of film adaptations of hit plays. You've heard of stage musicals taking inspiration from the screen. The Flick is neither; but it does offer cinephiles and stage buffs the best of their preferred forms of entertainment. A Queensland Theatre staging of a Red Stitch production — of an international hit that won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, just to keep adding to its list of credentials — The Flick tells the tale of a movie fan working in a cinema during a break from college, but dreaming of something more. "Same old, same old," you're thinking, right? Yes, there's a love story thanks to a long-time employee and a free-spirited projectionist; however this isn't just the same old tale that's driven many a cliched movie. Directed by Nadia Tass — who has worked on both the stage (Disgraced) and screen (The Big Steal) — the play brings together the usual dramas, while also pondering how life is made up of just that: tiny, minuscule, relatable, repetitive yet still revelatory dramas. Expect to navigate a range of emotions, get a healthy dose of movie trivia, and catch the production before the inevitable happens (i.e., it is turned into a film).
Forget cat videos. Okay, don't forget them — they're cute, addictive and a great way to procrastinate — but they're not the only cute representation of animals that you should be placing in front of your eyes. Made with watercolours and pencils rather than cameras and pixels, Spectrum has plenty, thanks to Gold Coast artist Anika Kirk. Kirk's critter-centric pieces sometimes combine the real and the surreal into one package: life-like sketches of expressive faces, but wearing human clothes, for example. At other times, they make you stare into a deer's face, or appreciate the glory of a cockatoo. Peering at decorative landscapes and looking at a skull with flowers are also part of her portfolio. Expect all of that and more as she takes over the Southside Tea Room with a one-night-only exhibition of her latest and greatest, spanning installations, canvases, drawings and more. Taking place from 6pm on February 10, the collection is certain to brighten up your Friday night. Plus, given the venue, more than a few drinks will also be in order. Image: Anika Kirk.
Brunch isn't just something you eat after you've enjoyed a weekend sleep in. And it's not just an excuse to gorge on breakfast, lunch and a few cheeky mid-morning beverages all at once. It's both, as well as an occasion that's always worth celebrating. That's why, after introducing their series of brunch-themed shindigs in 2016, Cloudland is doing it all over again. It's a concept that has been happening in New York and London for a while now, and now it's Brisbane's turn. The Brunch Club really does combining everyone's favourite meal with a party vibe; think live entertainment, garden games and a 3.5 hour food and beverage package. That's what you'll find from 11.30am Sunday — and yes, if it kicks off before midday, it still counts as brunch. Tickets cost $75 per person for the most indulgent before-noon boozy spread you're likely to ever enjoy. And it's certain to be popular, so we'd recommend booking in advance.
A best-selling novel becomes a world premiere play, and Queensland Theatre Company transforms QPAC's Playhouse into a Sydney department store in the '50s and '60s. That's what happens when Ladies in Black transitions from the page to the stage, but that's not all. The show follows Lisa, a school leaver turned shop employee, who warms to the wondrous world of the women's frocks department. There, she meets her new mentor in the form of Magda, the mysterious mistress of the gowns. If it sounds like a modern musical theatre fairytale, that's because it is supposed to — and yes, Ladies in Black overflows with glitz and glamour, of course. Throw internationally acclaimed musical theatre director Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Love Never Dies) into the mix, plus original music by Split Enz and Crowded House's Tim Finn, and you have a bright, breezy production that will transport audiences into a song-filled onslaught of style and delicate comedy.
Roaming your eyes over the exciting artistic works crafted by talented local folks is a mighty fine pastime. So is enjoying a few beverages, some snags and veggie skewers. Doing all of the above while helping to ensure such pieces, creatives and events keep on keeping on — well, that's even better. Yes, drinks, food, art and fundraising combine at Cut Thumb Laundry: Gimme Gimme More! And yes, the evening is named after a Britney Spears song. Something much, much more important than the pop singer is on the agenda, though: helping the artist-run initiative gather up enough cash for the next big venture as Metro Arts' 2017 ARI in residence. Artworks from Cut Thumb Laundry's Whynot and Ashfield street exhibitions will be on display, with pieces on sale via silent auction from 4pm til 8pm. Bringing your wallet is a must, given that every penny you spend on eating, drinking and art will go to a good cause — including the people making the excellent creations you'll be soaking in, with 60 percent of the final bid finding its way directly to the artists.
If Flying Arts Alliance Inc have their way, a shift will take place in the art world. As part of their curators development program, the organisation has been nuturing the next group of folks that'll decide just how galleries will be decked out. Curators in Space is the next step. From December 9 until January 20, the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts will showcase pieces selected by Zoe Blandford, Gillian Jones, Jo Kaspari and Emma McLean. And yes, the artists are important too, with the efforts of Duke Albada, Chris Bennie, Joachim Froese, Sharmila Nezovic and Jude Roberts on display. What this combination of emerging talent offer is a shift in many ways, including in perspective. With change a constant in our lives, this collection attempts to understand the thrills, dread, adaptability and more it can inspire — and even sparks some of its own. Image: When Will We Ever Be Together Forever 2015, Still from video with audio by Chris Bennie
If you didn't already have plans for November 19, you do now. And if you did, change them — or factor sending a whole lotta love Queen Bey's way into your schedule. Reacting promptly, impulsively and passionately is just something Beyoncé inspires, and has been doing so for almost two decades. You probably don't even remember a time before Bey ruled our airwaves and screens. Thanks to Bistrotheque's Crazy In Love: Beyoncé Appreciation Night, you won't have to. Expect all of the hits, both solo and from her Destiny's Child days — and all the epic dance moves that go with them. No, it's not Bey's b'day, but we're guessing you'll be feeling like Sasha Fierce, as well as both crazy in love and drunk in love with the pop idol in the spotlight. The joint will be jumpin' jumpin', and we're not telling you what to drink to celebrate the occasion; however you might want to mix it with lemonade.
It's one of the best phrases in the English language: breakfast for dinner. As a kid, it meant that your parents were cooking up pancakes as an evening meal. As a teenager, it meant eating cereal whenever you wanted to. At Little Clive on November 26, it means a whole night dedicated to the kinds of food you're supposed to start the day with. And no, you won't just be eating cornflakes at the Annerley eatery's Pop-Up Brinner Night. Instead, think chevre and caramelised onion tarts, pork sausage scotch eggs with whipped avocado and pickled apple, steak with poached eggs, hollandaise and crispy potatoes, cinnamon doughnut waffle sundaes and maple candy bacon cheesecake. As it's an alternative drop menu — with your choice of mains — you won't get to eat all of the above; however whatever you do get is certain to be tasty. You'll never look at breakfast for dinner the same way (but it's okay, you can still enjoy a bowl of coco pops whenever the urge hits — no judgement here).
Low. Slow. When it comes to meat, they're two of the best words in the English language. They're also what Hawthorne-based outfit Barbecue Mafia is all about — and they're putting on the event to prove it. Welcome to the latest in their Smokehouse Saturdays series. There's one thing on offer here, and lots of it, as smoked on two pits. Expect meat literally by the platter, because that's what Barbecue Mafia is selling from 6pm until 10pm — or until sold out. And, it'll all be cooked for at least ten hours, and benefit from the crew's recent trip to the barbecue heartland that is Austin, Texas. Hungry? Of course you are — and knowing exactly what's in store is only going to make that worse. Expect 14-hour smoked beef brisket, ten-hour smoked pulled pork shoulder, jalapeno and cheddar hotlink sausage, smoked moisture-infused turkey breast, two side salads, dill pickles, sliced white onion, fresh white bread and Mafia BBQ sauce, all for $31 + booking fee in advance and $35 on the night. Expect to be mighty satisfied after getting through all of that, too.
Emotional luggage, the cargo of life, a metaphorical suitcase full of feelings: whatever you want to call it, we all have baggage. Yep, every single one of us. And, at some point, we all share the stories that go with it. That's what Cargo Club — Transcultural Underground for Thoroughly Good Social Intercourse is all about. At the cultural cabaret gracing the Metro Arts stage from January 31 to February 18, a group of performers from the Centre for Australasian Theatre in Cairns and DarahRouge in West Java, Indonesia will unpack the tales they carry with them. In doing so, they'll not only provide a lively addition to the BrisAsia 2017 program. They'll also offer up a blend of styles and sentiments in more ways than one. Here, tunes, words and ancient rituals combine. Live art, performance and technology does too. Want more? How about villages and cities, and eight different languages? They all come together as the diverse group contemplates the intergenerational impacts of colonisation, migration and globalisation in their first production as 2017's artists-in-residence. And while they're doing that, you can also snack and drink while you watch, listen and experience their efforts, with a bar located inside the theatre.
Poor Will Smith. The former Fresh Prince of Bel Air star jumped from television to rap to film superstardom decades ago, but he just can't kick his habit of maudlin motion pictures. In The Pursuit of Happyness and Seven Pounds, he played sad and struggling. In I Am Legend and Hancock, he was lonely and misunderstood. In Winter's Tale, he made a brief appearance as part of the film's romantic fantasy about angels and fate. But combine all of that together, and it still won't prepare you for the nauseating disaster that is Collateral Beauty. Here, Smith plays advertising executive Howard Inlet, who falls into a deep depression in the wake of a personal tragedy. But with a takeover deal in the works, his colleagues Claire (Kate Winslet), Whit (Edward Norton) and Simon (Michael Peña) are worried that he'll jeopardise their big payday. So, they hatch a plan to capture his erratic behaviour on video. Enter three theatre actors (played by Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren and Jacob Latimore), who his friends pay to interact with Howard while pretending that they're the physical embodiments of love, death and time. Naturally. In a nutshell, the main thrust of Collateral Beauty involves gaslighting a bereaved man so that his work pals can cash in. Winslet, Norton and Peña's characters each have their own sob stories to justify their actions, but there's no escaping the underlying nastiness driving this supposedly upbeat tale, which is also set at Christmas to add even more cheer. Elsewhere, Naomie Harris plays a grief counsellor who helps flesh out the main backstory, but just ends up being saddled with terrible lines that attempt to explain the movie's title. Don't assume that director David Frankel or writer Allan Loeb haven't thought twice about the narrative, though. The filmmaker behind Marley and Me and the scribe responsible for the Kevin James vehicle Here Comes the Boom know exactly what they're trying to do. Bathed in warm shades, Collateral Beauty is happily packaged as comfortable, contemplative, festive fluff that will make audiences feel rather than think. Alas, it's pretty hard to be overcome with emotion when you're groaning at each calculated, predictable and downright unpleasant turn. A modern-day A Christmas Carol this most certainly is not, as much as the film tries to convince you otherwise. And if you're wondering if the onscreen talent can salvage the film, we'll save you the trouble: they can't. Almost all of the starry players, including sombre-looking Big Willie himself, sleepwalk through an effort that really doesn't demand much else of them. In fact, The Maze Runner's Latimore is the only actor who seems invested in what he's doing, and he offers Collateral Beauty's best performance as a result. Not that you can blame his co-stars for checking out. Viewers will almost certainly do the same.
Tucking into some seafood, fried potatoes and a cold brew: if that's not a summer tradition, then we don't know what is. To be fair, given the sunshine and heat Brisbane is blessed with for most of the year, it's an all-the-time tradition really. A fancy version of fish, chips and beer, though? Well, that's something special. Trust Newstead Brewing to give an old favourite a new twist at Surf, Suds & Sumptuous. Following in the footsteps of their previous seasonal food-and-booze pairings — aka Weird, Wild & Wonderful and Dank, Dark & Delicious — they're making the most of the hot, hot, hot climate and giving us what we're all craving. Tickets cost $80, making it the most expensive fish and chips you've ever had in your life; however once the eating and drinking extravaganza kicks off at 6pm on January 17, we're guessing that you'll think it is worth it. Diners will be treated to four dishes featuring fresh local catches, including crab and ocean trout. And, in yet another tradition, each round will be paired with Newstead Brewing Co beers, with a first taste of their brand new beverage The Nundah also on the agenda.
What does it take to thrust an art form forward? In the world of dance, four emerging choreographers, an urge to experiment, a group of talented performers and a stage to unleash their creations all provide a great start. That's Propel in a nutshell. The latest effort from Expressions Dance Company, which runs from March 3 to 11, toys with the form to create something new and bold. Well, as the number of creative driving forces indicates, make that four new and bold pieces in fact. Lisa Wilson's Hollow Lands draws upon the feelings that lurk beneath the surface, while Amy Hollingsworth's Deeper Than Ink captures the emotional intensity of human relationships — and that's only half of the program. Elsewhere, Xu Yiming comes to Brisbane from Beijing's LDTX Dance Company to offer up the Australian premiere of his solo Waiting Alone. And, then there's Elise May's Written on the Body, which ponders physicality and privacy. Image: Samara Jamel.
Video might've killed the radio star, as the song goes, but it helped unleash a brand new wave of Australian art. We all know that there's more to moving images than films and TV show; however, we're just not exposed to video art quite as often. Consider Griffith University Art Gallery's latest exhibition a trip through the past, a primer on why experimental sound and vision is so great, and the motivation you need to seek out more. From March 30 to July 8, Griffith is dedicating its space to video art practice in a program curated by Matthew Perkins. Boasting around 70 artists, Red Green Blue: A History of Australian Video Art is split into three colour-coded sections, each spanning different themes. Until April 29, delve into all things political. Then, from May 3 to June 3, contemplation the intersection of bodies, technology and action. The last segment, running from June 6 to July 8, toils with the topic of perception and encounter.
Easter means different things to different people. For some, the religious significance of the occasion shines brightest. For others, it's the longest weekend of the year. Let worshipping and partying come together at The Brightside's public holiday eve shindig. It's dedicated to a pop deity after all. Love Beyoncé? Here's your chance to show it. There's no prizes for guessing just who'll be monopolising Brighty's stereo from 7pm on April 13, though. There are prizes for playing a round or two of trivia and musical bingo, of course. Play all night, don't say sorry, and show your fellow fans who runs the Beyoncé-loving world. Getting in on the action is free, but anyone eager to play must register in advance. Now, go back to scouring the pop star in question's social media feed for clues about her impending new arrivals. Hey, you can call it pre-trivia research.
Music is best when it is live and loud, and Brisbane has the event to prove it. That'd be the aptly named Brisbane Live Music Week, a seven-day celebration of the city's sonic shenanigans presented by community radio station 4ZZZ. Sure, any and all gigs taking place in Brisbane from March 19 to 25 technically fit the bill, but it wouldn't be BLMW without something special joining the fold. This year, 4ZZZ are bringing the party home via a series of live gigs in their car park, which will all be broadcast live on air. Yes, that means you can still listen if you can't make it along, but you know that being there will be oh-so-much better than tuning in. Catch Bad Bangers on Monday, Some Jerks on Tuesday, Nice Biscuit on Wednesday, GO VAN GO on Thursday and Dirty Liars on Friday, with each gig kicking off at 5pm. Then, head on down at 3pm on Saturday for the pièce de résistance that is Biscotti, Orlando Furious, Julia R. Anderson and Amaringoo all rocking out to bring the week-long live music showcase to a close. Image: Some Jerks.
First things first: no, Brooklyn Standard isn't being taken over by a certain fried chicken fast food joint. Phew. Now that you've all exhaled that huge sigh of relief, you can get excited about what's actually happening. Think sipping and eating the finest bevs and bites from the US state in question. Sampling, dining and tapping your toes are all on the menu at Kentucky Kitchen Takeover, with the CBD bar getting into the southern spirit. For $75, attendees can enjoy all of the above, plus raffles and giveaways. Booze-wise, that means whisky tastings and cocktails. Food-wise, think exactly the kind of hearty cuisine you're now craving. Tunes-wise, the Mojo Webb band will be churning out the blues. With all of this on offer, don't worry — you'll just be listening to them, not sharing the same feeling.
The love of melted dairy between two slices of toasted bread truly knows no bounds. And why should it? Whatever ingredients you prefer, and whichever extra fillings you add in as well, it's the kind of warm, creamy, hearty comfort food no one ever gets sick of. There's even a day dedicated to the oozing snack — International Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, of course. Trust Brisbane's melted cheese haven to celebrate the occasion, and trust them to do so by giving everyone what we love. At Melt Brothers' Free Grilled Cheese Day on April 8, free grilled cheese toasties will be falling from the heavens. Well, actually they'll be handed out over the counter between 10am and midday to anyone who has liked their Facebook page and followed them on Instagram, but the basic concept of giving away free cheese toasties remains. Four different melt-in-your-mouth options from their cheese-tastic menu will be on offer: the triple cheese-laden Mouse Trap; the smoked ham, tomato chutney and aged cheddar marvel that is the Holy Cheezus; Hippy Cheese's stack of basil pesto, grilled eggplant, roast capsicum, rocket, tomato and mozzarella; and M.C. Cheesy's mac and cheese, maple bacon, chipotle mayo and cheddar blend. If that's not festive enough, a DJ will be spinning tracks while you stuff your face. Arrive early, and arrive hungry. — it's a one-free-sandwich-per-person type of deal, but you can also buy tater tots seasoned or loaded with cheese, beer and wine, plus vanilla ice cream, Nutella, hundreds and thousands on a toasted sweet bun for dessert.
In Denial, a man downplays the atrocities committed by Adolf Hitler during the Second World War. No, it doesn't tell the tale of the current White House Press Secretary — but it does sound unnervingly familiar, doesn't it? Filmed before the rise of Trump, no one could've guessed just how relevant this movie would feel when it finally hit screens here in Australia. Sadly, fake news, racism and idiots with microphones aren't particularly new. We have long lived in a world filled with people willing to champion inaccurate takes on past events as fact. That's the truth at the heart of Denial, which recounts Deborah Lipstadt's (Rachel Weisz) courtroom battle with David Irving (Timothy Spall). In 1996, she was an American professor who had published a book about the Holocaust denial movement. He was a British historian named and shamed as a denier in her pages – and despite eagerly sharing his views whenever he could, he wasn't happy about it. So Irving sued Lipstadt for libel, taking advantage of the UK legal system, which placed the onus on her to prove that he was falsifying history. Adapted from Lipstadt's book "History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier", Denial is an understandably serious and sombre affair. Restrained in its emotion, which is no easy feat considering the subject matter and its mid-movie trip to Auschwitz, the film lets the reality of the situation do the talking. Watching just how Lipstadt's defence team — including no-nonsense solicitor Anthony Julius (Andrew Scott) and dedicated barrister Richard Rampton (Tom Wilkinson) — tackles the task of exposing Irving's lies without giving him a platform to put the Holocaust on trial makes for fascinating viewing. Director Mick Jackson might be worlds away from his '90s hit The Bodyguard, but his film still sings with drama, albeit it in a completely different way. Screenwriter David Hare remains in more familiar territory given that the Oscar-nominated script for The Reader is also on his resume. Together, the two carefully but commandingly step through the weighty material, giving the story the clear-headed retelling it deserves. It takes immense strength and poise to play a woman forced to fight to ensure that history doesn't become a matter of opinion, but Weisz proves more than up to the challenge. It takes just the same, of course, to play a man with despicable beliefs without ever judging him; as a result, it's hard to tear your eyes away from Spall. Sadly, it's also hard to deny how scarily timely his portrayal feels, as indeed does the film as a whole. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7k7Z6S39Zc
