Usually, when Jungle Collective hosts one of its huge sales in Brisbane, it fills a Coorparoo warehouse with indoor plants — and jungle vibes. But between Wednesday, January 19–Sunday, January 23, it's going virtual with its weird and wonderful pieces of greenery instead. Whether you're after a hanging pot plant, some palms for the garden or a giant Bird of Paradise, chances are you'll find it here. You'll just be doing your shopping online via the Jungle Collective website rather than heading in-store. Generally, more than 170 different species tend to be on offer in-person — so here's hoping that hefty range makes the virtual jump. While this is a 100-percent online event, tickets work in a similar way as Jungle Collective's physical sales. Due to expected demand, it'll be held in multiple sessions — with your ticket specifying when you'll need to hop online and start buying. Virtual shoppers will need to register for free tickets in advance. As for deliveries, your plants will make their way to you over the following week between Tuesday, January 25–Wednesday, February 2, with more details given when you make your purchase. Delivery costs $15–30 depending on your area, with orders within 25 kilometres driving distance nabbing free delivery if you spend $150 — and everyone living further away getting $15 off. Or, if it's easier, Jungle Collective is also doing pick-ups as well. You'll just need to be able to head to its Nundah warehouse at Nundah Street from 4–6pm on Tuesday, January 25.
Everyone has attended at least one dinner party that didn't quite turn out like anyone expected. Perhaps all the guests were a bit awkward, or the host was a little anxious, or maybe everyone just wasn't in the mood. Now imagine that combined with power play, manipulation and accusations. It doesn't sound like a fun thing to experience — but it does sound entertaining to witness. You can do just that at The Host, courtesy of award-winning choreographer Natalie Weir. In her dance theatre take on that dreaded social situation, an influential young man plays games with his dinner companions, offering an expose of society's insatiable desire for control and status. The talented crew at Expressions Dance Company brings the swirling greed, ambition and jealousy to life, accompanied by live music from the Southern Cross Soloists and clothed in costumes by Brisbane-based fashion designer Gail Sorronda. And while scheming, songs and style will certainly hold your attention, with all the talk of dinner that's bound to happen, we also recommend eating first.
If you're on the fence about growing a big mo this November, the Movember crew's free pop-up barber shop might just help sway you towards participating. On Thursday, October 10, Movember's eight-metre silver bullet airstream will park up at Queen Street Mall, giving away free beard trims to anyone who drops by. Keen to clean things up before growing your November moustache? Want to learn how to maintain and care for your mo? Maybe you're just mo-curious and want a professional to carve one out for you. [caption id="attachment_975155" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Sydney pop-up barber shop.[/caption] Whatever the reason, you best consider using this free pop-up barber service, which is open from 7am–9pm. Drop by anytime for a mo consultation or head over at 12pm for a special HIIT session powered by lululemon. And if go after work — from 5pm — you'll even find food trucks, drinks and tunes. You don't have to sign up for this year's Movember, but you'll be encouraged to do so — raising money for men's health.
The adorable doggos of Brisbane live great lives, soaking up our sunny, summery weather almost all year round. But, just like their human companions, the city's four-legged cuties deserve a chance to enjoy a cool change — as well as the snow that Brissie definitely isn't known for. Enter Snow4Dogs. It's an offshoot of the popular Snow4Kids event, except this one is for pupper parents and their pooches. Whether your canine is big or small, they'll be able to frolic in real snow between Friday, July 19 and Sunday, July 21. Taking place at RSPCA Queensland's headquarters in Wacol, the frosty fun will feature separate areas for large and tiny dogs, with furry attendees able to get snowy during a 15-minute session. Fancy building a snowman (or snow pooch) for your barking bestie? Teaching them to chase snowballs? Seeing if they'll make snow angels? That's all up to you. Whichever you choose, you'll be given a bucket of fresh snow upon entry. Bookings are required, with slots available from 5–9pm on Friday, 9am–7pm on Saturday and 9am–4pm on Sunday. The $15 fee not only includes your pooch, but two humans as well — and the latter should wear non-slip shoes. Those heading along will be doing a good thing for their own pupper, as well as animals across the state, with all profits going to the RSPCA.
If 18th birthdays overflow with fun and frenzy, then 19ths have a lot to live up to. Don't worry, that's a feat we're sure one of Brisbane's most beloved events can achieve. The free, all-ages, inner-city, suburb-wide celebration of music, markets, food, art and nightlife that is the Valley Fiesta hits the big one-nine, and you'd better believe that they're celebrating. To start with, more than 60 live music acts will grace the Fiesta's stages over three days, which means the party mood will be in full swing. How could anyone be anything other than pumped with a lineup that features Alpine, Art vs Science, Last Dinosaurs, Gypsy & The Cat, Luke Million and bona fide local legends Resin Dogs? Your ears and feet won't be the only things buzzing though, particularly if you head along to the Fiesta Feast in the Chinatown mall or check out the live street art at the Flying Cock. Plus, there's the bustling program of events enticing you to venture into the Valley's laneways. In Winn Lane, you can shop late or sidle around pop-up bars and food stalls. Over on Bakery Lane, you can dine under the stars. And at Revelry Laneway Fiesta & Outdoor Cinema, you can play life-sized board games while watching a movie. Basically, this is how you throw a killer street festival — and an ace 19th birthday party.
The annual Harvest Festival is back in town this Sunday at the City Botanic Gardens. It’s been heralded one of the “best-curated Australian festivals” with its spoilt-rotten line up and arts showcases. This year you can throw yourself into exhibits, indulge in comedy acts, visual performances and unwind in gardens if the excitement becomes too much, which is a veritable possibility considering the artists who are rolling into town for the occasion. The main and undeniable treat of Harvest is the music. The line up is varied and all-inclusive, boasting old gems and newer acts who Australia rarely get to see. This year punters can catch The Dandy Warhols, Dexy’s (Midnight Runners), The Silversun Pickups, Sigur Ros, Cake, Ben Folds Five and Santigold, among many others. If that wasn’t choice enough, there are DJ sets throughout the day and other yet-to-be-discovered artists that are sure to leave no discernible taste unaccommodated. You may be in luck if you are yet to swipe a ticket, be sure to check out the website for all the details.
Dangerous thinkers, Damn the Man activists and controversial intellectuals will bring their rebellious tales to Sydney Opera House for the sixth year running, with Salman Rushie, Steven Pinkler and Pussy Riot at the fore of this year's Festival of Dangerous Ideas lineup. The annual hootenanny for controversial, groundbreaking and system-shaking thinkers, FODI annually fronts up a killer lineup of the names we consistently include in our opinionated tweets. "This year, we are looking at some of the major threats to life as we know it — mass extinction and existential risk — as well as politics, families and global issues,"says head of talks and ideas at Sydney Opera House and co-curator of Festival of Dangerous Ideas, Ann Mossop. "Our guests are both intellects and activists and this will definitely prove a lively mixture. The Festival gives audiences an opportunity to listen to some of the most important thinkers of our time. Ultimately it is the audiences who have the most interesting part to play at the Festival — the tough and absorbing task of deciding what to do with the dangerous ideas of our era." This year's lineup has drawn out some serious intellectual squeals Sydney-wide. Controversial, Booker Prize-winning Midnight's Children writer, Salman Rushdie, will speak about freedom, sticking to your guns and defiantly standing for untamed expression in his talk Freedom to Write. In one of FODI's most buzzworthy talks, dubbed Russia is a Penal Colony, former members of activist legends Pussy Riot, Nadya Tolonnikova and Masha Alekhina, will tell tales of activism, being jailed for 'hooliganism' and setting up their new not-for-profit charity, Zona Prava, while fighting for their own dangerous ideas. Russian journalist, author, and member of the democratic opposition to the regime of Vladimir Putin, Masha Gessen will delve further into Pussy Riot's activism in a predicted-to-sell-out conversation with the pair. Experimental linguist, psychologist and eternal nature-versus-nurture writer Steven Pinker will unravel the popular notion that violence is an inevitable consequence of human nature in his talk Stop Trying to Fix Human Nature — also arguing we're enjoying the most significant period of peace in our history. Challengers to underlying systems and Damn the Man enthusiasts like fearless journalist, feminist and human rights activist Lydia Cacho uncover some horrible truths in our messed up world. Cacho investigates the alive-and-well slave trade — something we see as a Civil War era past wrongdoing, but is a still a globalised, multi-billion dollar industry by way of the sex trade and international trafficking — in Slavery is Big Buisness. Writer and researcher, Kay Hymowitz will delve into women as breadwinners and the supposed decline of male culture in The Rise of Women Has Turned Men into Boys; and surrogacy as a global industry is put under the microscope in journalist, writer and activist Kajsa Ekis Ekman's talk Surrogacy is Child Trafficking. The full program is available on the website. Multipack tickets go on sale on Monday 30 June at 9am before single tickets on Wednesday 2 July at 9am. Festival of Dangerous Ideas 2014 Lineup: Salman Rushdie Pussy Riot Masha Gessen Steven Pinker Malcolm Fraser Lydia Cacho Bradley Garrett Alissa Nutting John Hewson Bettina Arndt Glenn Robbins John Pilger Jane Caro Elizabeth Kolbert Noelle Janaczewska Anne Manne Elizabeth Pisani Jaan Tallinn Ragip Zarakolu Kajsa Ekis Ekiman Dan Ilic Tim Flannery Kay Hymowitz Francesca Minerva Mark Latham David Baker Rebecca Newberger Goldstein Emily Nussbaum Huw Price A Rational Fear Festival of Dangerous Ideas runs 30 - 31 August at Sydney Opera House. Tickets available here. UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25: Sydney Opera House have decided to remove Uthman Badar's talk 'Honour Killings Are Morally Justified' after a huge collective WTF from the public.
Brisbane's hospitality scene has endured a tough couple of years, cycling through lockdowns, restrictions and stints where almost everyone in town seemed to be in isolation. But for diners keen for restaurant dishes without heading out, Providoor is here with some sweet relief — with the innovative new meal delivery platform arriving in Brisbane on Thursday, February 17, and starting delivering meals on Thursday, February 24. The service is already up and running in both Sydney and Melbourne, and has now made its way north to help quell those dining-out withdrawals. Providoor works with some of the city's best dining institutions, stepping up the takeout game by dropping high-end dishes to your doorstep. The brainchild of Maha Chef-Owner Shane Delia, it's arriving locally to cover Brisbane-based restaurants, but will deliver throughout Brisbane metro, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Noosa and Toowoomba, as well as to Byron Bay and Tweed Heads in northern New South Wales. The lineup of venues taking part is impressive, including Siffredi's, Evita, La Costa, Nota, La Valle, Naïm, Southside, Brisbane Phoenix and City Winery upon launch. Within weeks of starting deliveries in the Sunshine State, Bianca, Same Same, Stanley and Felons Brewing will also join the service. [caption id="attachment_843129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nota[/caption] Providoor delivers its chef-prepared meals via cold-freight within its service area. Then, once the dish is in your kitchen, you'll follow the supplied instructions to add the finishing touches: heating up a red pepper sauce, perhaps, popping some brisket in the oven for its final minutes of cooking or getting crafty with the plating up process. After that, voila! — the end result is a pretty close replica of what might arrive at your restaurant table, hot off the pass. No soggy dumplings or lukewarm potato in sight. "I'm very excited to see the continued growth of Providoor with our Queensland launch," said Delia. "As an industry-led solution, the ongoing success of Providoor in Melbourne and Sydney has done a lot of good for the hospitality sector during hard times, and has also shown the untapped demand for premium restaurant delivery services." "I am so thrilled that we can bring this opportunity to Brisbane restaurants and residents," Delia continued. Providoor launches in Brisbane on Thursday, February 17 for online orders, and will start delivering meals from Thursday, February 24 — throughout Brisbane metro, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Noosa and Toowoomba, as well as to Byron Bay and Tweed Heads in northern New South Wales. Deliveries are made Thursday–Sunday, with a $16.50 flat-rate delivery fee for all orders. Top image: Evita, Markus Ravik.
Brisbane’s finest emerging and established artists are bringing the slime to Southside Tea Room in their upcoming exhibition Mutants: The Grime & The Glow. The opening night festivities featured a bazaar of discards and irresistibles, including zines, badges and other curious bits and pieces, as well as corny monster flicks, a heebie-geebie menu theme, plus a surprise secret show from a Sydney indie act. The general exhibition will feature the talents of such artists as Maddy Young, Plump Oyster, Sam McKenzie, Stef Roselli, Iain Danvers, Ella Mobbs, Devon Smith, Raven Jodgson, to name a few. All proceeds from artwork sales will go directly to the artist, so bring your piggy bank to help the continuation of such great artistic ventures.
Letting the likes of Little May, Aldous Harding and Boy and Bear take the backyard folk reins for a while, Australia's ARIA-dominating folksters Angus and Julia Stone are heading back to the stage to take back the wooden throne. Four years after their huge runaway hit 'Big Jet Plane' and their Everyone Should Just Stay at Home ARIA-blitzer Down the Way, the Sydney Stone siblings have announced a colossal Australian tour to mark their triumphant return. Teaming up with pop production legend Rick Rubin (Jay Z, Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele), the duo have recorded their third studio album at Malibu's Shangri La studios. The pair's self-titled effort is set for release on August 1, timed perfectly for triple j Hottest 100 dominance. Having spent the last couple of years touring internationally and dropping solo material here and there, it seems high time for the Stones to head home for some epic shows — stopping by the Tivoli on September 18 and 19. For their first national tour since 2011, Angus and Julia Stone will be joined by 18-year-old Brisbanite Tim Bettinson, aka super-internet-hyped falsetto wonder Vancouver Sleep Clinic. Fusing synthetic instrumentation with vocals sure to generate All the Feels, VSC will hop on tour with the Stones for all national shows except Canberra. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WTsinsfY6dk
It sounds like something out of a science experiment: combine roasted malt, hops, water and yeast, add a serving of salt-water molluscs, and wait for the magic to happen. If only your school lessons were as fun as this, and as delicious. Yes, stout and oysters are taking over Brewski from midday on May 27, in what promises to be a pearler of an afternoon. Clamour for fresh, succulent seafood shucked to order, then sip on six different types of dark ales. Founders' Imperial Stout and KBS, Evil Twin's Imperial Doughnut Break, Imperial Biscotti Break and Even More Jesus, and AleSmith's Speedway Stout will be on the menu, and you did read that correctly — one of them tastes like doughnuts. Homer Simpson would approve. Watch out, residents of Paddington: you'll be able to hear the sounds of slurping echoing down Caxton Street. It's better than the roar of a football crowd, and tastier.
Portside Wharf's bars, restaurants and resident cinema have competition until the end of spring — and you have something new to look at while you're at the waterside precinct. Yes, the river is right there and makes a picturesque backdrop all-year-round; however, it has competition as well. Until Wednesday, November 30, the Hamilton spot is hosting Sculptures By the Wharf, an exhibition featuring 30-plus pieces of art along the waterfront and the venue's surrounding plaza. Free to see — and also pet-friendly given its location — the showcase includes pieces by big Queensland sculpting names such as multimedia sculptor Perry Wagner-Grouse and Indigenous artist Colleen Lavender. From animals to cars and everything in-between, the exhibition features art in all shapes and sizes, so you can peer at sculpted critters, abstract forms and more on a sunny afternoon. There's also an indoor component, although you'll need to time your visit just right to see it — it's open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am–2pm.
You could be forgiven - and forgive me too - for judging a title by its name. The Radical Reels Film Festival sounded like it was packed full of fully sick fishing movies, but how wrong I was. As if anyone would want to see XTREME fishing, when they could be watching XTREME mountain sports instead! On closer inspection, the Radical Reels title makes sense in a less obvious way - radical because the stuff these film makers and/or their subjects do is literally radical, out of the ordinary, cool shit, and reels because um, yeah, that's what you put film on, Emma. Nevertheless, the Judy is presenting the 35th Annual Banff Mountain Film Festival and the good thing about it is that you don't need to be a thrill seeker to enjoy the experiences of these hardcore folk. You best hang onto your seats and rope yourself in to witness some of this year's best skiing, boarding, kayaking, climbing and biking adventures, all without the actual physical effort. Don't read into it too much.
Fresh from announcing its first titles and revealing its high-profile patrons for the year, the Brisbane International Film Festival has unveiled its complete 2019 program. Thanks to a lineup of fresh international favourites, new local gems and everything in-between, the city's cinephiles will be spending plenty of time in a cinema between Thursday, October 3 and Sunday, October 13 — and plenty of time watching more than 110 features, documentaries and shorts. On the big-name front, BIFF's highlights span sumptuous Queer Palme winner The Portrait of a Lady on Fire from acclaimed French filmmaker Céline Sciamma; Xavier Dolan's emotive exploration of love and friendship in Matthias and Maxime, which he both stars in and directs; The Day Shall Come, Chris Morris' long-awaited sophomore film after Four Lions; and Takashi Miike's latest gangster flick First Love. Then there's Sundance hit Monos, Chinese underworld thriller The Wild Goose Lake, László Nemes' historical drama Sunset, Agnes Varda's joyous Varda by Agnes, and the Dardenne brothers' Cannes best director winner Young Ahmed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejZ75QFesgE The standouts keep coming, including the world premiere of a new documentary about Ben Quilty, coinciding with GOMA's current exhibition of his work. And, BIFF will also play host to the Aussie premieres of the luminous, Berlin-set O Beautiful Night, artificial intelligence doco HI, A.I., feline-friendly documentary The Cat Rescuers, and the Peter Sarsgaard and Rashida Jones-starring The Sound of Silence, about a man who finds harmony in the noise of everyday life. Among the fest's local contingent, audiences can look forward to Lupita Nyong'o fighting zombies in Australian comedy Little Monsters, Indigenous horror anthology Dark Place, Aussie queer drama Sequin in a Blue Room, and a Hugo Weaving double thanks to Hearts and Bones (from Ghosthunter director Ben Lawrence) and Measure for Measure (which transports Shakespeare's play of the same name to a Melbourne block of housing commission units). Meanwhile, fact fans can settle in for eye-opening Scientology chronicle Over the Rainbow, Danish true-crime caper Cold Case Hammarskjöld, and the bee-focused Honeyland — plus two informative and engaging docos about cinema: Memory: The Origins of Alien, about Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic, and Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché, about the medium's first female filmmaking pioneer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY3PJrrK9zU BIFF is also going big with its special events slate, as headlined by three world premiere performances — all pairing films with live scores. The aforementioned Over the Rainbow will screen with its original soundtrack performed live by Australian band HTRK, who composed it in the first place, while 1924 Russian science fiction classic Aelita: Queen of Mars will be accompanied by beatboxing from Tom Thumb. Plus, Harry Houdini will work his magic on the big screen at the 100th anniversary session of The Grim Game, with David Bailey playing the wurlitzer organ. With small strands also dedicated to flicks about the undead, new filmmaking directions, the use of sound, the creative process and life on the urban fringes, the lineup just keeps going. All of the above join the previously announced opening night pic Judy & Punch, starring Mia Wasikowska and Damon Herriman; Pedro Almodovar's Cannes Best Actor-winning Pain and Glory, featuring a sublime performance by Antonio Banderas; Jim Jarmusch's zombie comedy The Dead Don't Die, which boasts everyone from Bill Murray to Adam Driver to Iggy Pop among its cast; and seeing Tilda Swinton act opposite her talented daughter Honor Swinton Byrne in The Souvenir — and a retrospective of BIFF 2019 patron Baz Luhrmann's work, as well as a selection of his favourite films. The 2019 Brisbane International Film Festival runs from Thursday, October 3 to Sunday, October 13 at a variety of Brisbane venues. For further information, and to book tickets, head to the festival website.
Spring is arguably the most exciting season of the year. The days become warm and long; the jacarandas begin to blossom; snakes start revealing themselves in unwanted locations; and the new season of Beauty and the Geek begins. To sustain us through these exciting times we must seek out food locations that we can trust to keep our mood elevated and bodies energised throughout the day. As they say, breakfast is the most important meal, so we have come up with Concrete Playground’s top five breakfast spots to put spring into your step. Little Larder Located on Moray St in New Farm the Little Larder is a great, casual and cool hangout to enjoy breakfast. The folks at Little Larder are very kind – especially if you are recovering from a big night out. If you want to order a fruit salad and a bowl of chips for breakfast to cure your hangover, they will grant your wish with no judgement. If you want to stick to a more traditional breakfast then the savoury mince on toast is a delicious way to start your day. 76 Moray Street, New Farm; 07 3358 2024; www.thelittlelarder.com.au Hampton’s Home Living This is the perfect place to take the parents. Hampton’s is half interiors half restaurant, and is aesthetically beautiful. Sitting on the back deck you get a rare and tree-framed view looking out towards the Brisbane River from Paddington. Their breakfast menu is completely drool-worthy, with the recent addition of a pork belly dish – for breakfast! A Concrete Playground favourite is the smashed avocado, Persian fetta and rocket on sour dough (with a side of bacon). The generous heaps of avocado and fetta are offset with a squeeze of lemon and is a true treat in the morning. 180 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington; 07 3367 2002; www.hamptonshomeliving.com.au Lure on Latrobe You can tell Lure’s popularity by the long line of people waiting out the front. To avoid this just get there earlier. Or be patient. It will be worth it once you sit down. The staff are fun and the food is fab. Sitting out in the garden courtyard is a wonderful way to soak in some Vitamin D while people-watching the Latrobe Terrace pedestrians. The breakfast burger is incredible, and will leave you feeling perfectly content, and perhaps licking some aioli off your wrists. 24 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington; 07 3367 2900; www.facebook.com/Lure-on-Latrobe Sourced Grocer If you’re after a hybrid morning of shopping for food and eating food then Sourced is the place for you. Amongst the fresh produce you can sit and enjoy some continental-style seasonal treats including the croque monsieur with Bangalow ham and gruyere cheese. The seating is casual here, so pull up a milk crate or take a seat on one of the steps and enjoy the communal vibe with the people around you. 11 Florence Street, Newstead; 07 3852 6734; www.sourcedgrocer.com Paw Paw Café For something surprising on your breakfast menu, Paw Paw in Woolloongabba is the place to go. Surprising in a good way, of course. This gem has not been open long in Brisbane but its popularity proves that they are doing things very right. With inspiration from all around the world Paw Paw Café has an incredibly diverse menu. The corn cakes with chipotle sour cream and avocado is such a delicious breakfast that you may as well head home and go back to sleep, as nothing else as great is going to happen to you today. Corner of Potts Street and Stanley Street, Woolloongabba; 07 3891 5000
The term 'ladies night' mightn't always make you want to rush to a bar, but Dolls 'n' Drams should. After a successful event for International Women's Day, The Gresham is once again celebrating a tasty type of amber spirits and the ladies who love it. We'll say cheers to that. Tastings, samples and just all-round tasty beverages: they're all on offer, with the next blend of all of the above taking place on May 2. So is spending time with fellow whiskey aficionados and just generally giving a dram. Admission costs $45, with the fun kicking off at 7pm. As for the exact tipples you'll be drinking, the Michter's range of whiskey will be in the spotlight, so prepare to sip a whole heap of American beverages. It's basically an overseas just for your whiskey-loving tastebuds, and it sounds like a successful evening to us.
We've all been spending more time inside than usual this year. In the process, we've all been looking at our furniture far more often than we usually would. So, if you've suddenly been rocked by the urge to redecorate, rearrange and reorganise, that's hardly surprising — those well-loved cushions, that old couch or your overflowing shelves could probably do with sprucing up. If IKEA is your furniture go-to, then its mid-year clearance sale is here to help, too — offering discounts of up to 50 percent off on some items. Whether you're in need of something big like a bed, chair or desk, or you're eager to fill your walls and surfaces with frames and vases, you'll find slashed prices on a heap of products. The sale runs until Monday, August 10 — and, for Brisbanites, you have multiple options if you're eager to start buying. Head into the Logan or North Lakes stores; browse online, then opt for click-and-collect; or do all your perusing and purchasing on the company's website, before waiting for delivery. IKEA's mid-year clearance sale runs until Monday, August 10 — in-store and online.
The silly season is for cooking, decorating and creating napkin swans for Aunt Julie, who insists on tradition even though it is 40 degrees outside and everyone is already in a punch coma. Yes, DIY Christmases are where it's at. Join those who actually know what they are doing (and buy some gifts with the same amount of love) at this year's Christmas Design Market. Find jewellery, ceramics, textiles and pre-loved fashions for some of your favourite humans (or perhaps as a self-gift, because you're worth it) among the more than 50 stalls. The annual market always compiles a bunch of well-known names in the creative gifts department — and taking the time to peruse the GOMA collection of books and art is always recommended, as is checking out the edible delights to keep you going. Remember: cute design gifts call for cash, as EFTPOS facilities might not be available at all sellers. The QAGOMA Store Christmas Design Market runs from 9am–4pm on Saturday, December 5 on the GOMA forecourt. Merry shopping!
If you only know two things about South Korea's film and television industry, then you likely know that it's been responsible for Parasite and Squid Game over the past couple of years. The nation's big- and small-screen output spans much further than that, of course — and, since 2010, Australia has boasted a film festival dedicated to its cinematic prowess. That'd be the Korean Film Festival in Australia, which returns to Brisbane's Elizabeth Picture Theatre from Thursday, September 8–Sunday, September 11 with eight titles that showcase Korean filmmaking's finest. And while that lineup mightn't be huge numbers-wise, it's still filled with impressive talents and must-sees, starting with opening-night pick Special Delivery, a crime-action film from Park Dae-min that stars Parasite's Park So-dam. Also on the lineup: mystery Hommage, which again features a Parasite alum — this time Lee Jeong-eun — and charts the searching for missing footage from one of the first feature films directed by a South Korean woman; and In Our Prime, with Oldboy's Choi Min-sik as a North Korean defector and mathematical genius working as a school security guard. Or, there's The Roundup with Train to Busan's Don Lee as a cop chasing a killer — and Spiritwalker, about a man who loses his memory and wakes up in a different body every 12 hours. Yes, the list goes on.
No doubt you're ready to a big, fat goodbye to 2020. We agree, it hasn't been the best year and, for many, it's changed up our day-to-days a lot. With a few months left till we can say sayonara, though, we're trying to make the most of the card that's been dealt to us. How? Baby steps, which we reckon starts with the workweek — however you define that these days. Whether you're back in the office or WFH, let's face it, making it to Friday feels like a bigger feat than ever right now. So, it's important to treat yourself along the way — and we reckon planning some top-notch, after-dark activities is a surefire way of doing so. To help you out, we've teamed up with Oporto to bring you a post-work activity for each working day. Go on, test them out and the weekend will roll around in no time. [caption id="attachment_669756" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netherworld, Cole Bennetts[/caption] MONDAY: CATCH UP WITH MATES OVER SOME KIDULT ACTIVITIES Everyone knows Mondays are the hardest. They signify the end to the weekend — and you have a whole five days before the next one. So, understandably, you'll want to plan something epic after the clock strikes 5pm. Why not gather up some friends and catch up over a bevvy? All while indulging your inner big kid, no less. Brisbane has plenty of spots where you can combine your quaffing with some quality activities, from giant Jenga to bowling and arcade games. There's circus-themed bar Archie Brothers Cirque Electric if you're keen to race around on dodgem cars, shoot some hoops and go bowling. For arcade games, head to B. Lucky & Sons or retro-style arcade and board game bar Netherworld, both in Fortitude Valley. Or, do as American frat students do and challenge your mates to a spot of digital beer pong or join in a luminous darts session at Brisbane's neon-lit bar iPONG. TUESDAY: HAVE A SUNSET PICNIC AND KICK BACK WITH A SNACK Brisbanites, we're blessed with warm weather pretty much year-round, so being outside when the sun is shining is basically a rite of passage. Now that it's spring, it's time to roll out the picnic rug and kick back to a stunning sunset with your partner in crime, housemate or anyone you like, really. One top spot is Raby Bay, where you can soak up water views as you feast away, or even go in for a pre-feed dip. The bay is also a well-known spot for dog-walking, with a designated off-leash area, so you can bring Rover along for a jaunt. Or, if you're sans pooch, you can pat some of the good boys running past. Of course, you'll need food to make this affair an actual picnic. Nearby, you'll find Oporto, which has just released a new wrap menu. While there's a bunch of tasty wraps to choose from, we'd suggest the Bondi Rappa, which includes freshly grilled chicken breast fillets, lettuce, cheese, mayo and Oporto's legendary chilli sauce. You can thank us later. [caption id="attachment_701078" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Felons Brewing Co[/caption] WEDNESDAY: GET BENDY AT A BEER-FUELLED YOGA CLASS It's Wednesday. You're half way there. Kudos. This calls for equal parts celebration and self-care, so make tracks to riverside brewery Felons for its weekly Beer Yoga. Yep, you'll be getting bendy while sipping brews and, frankly, it'll get you out of your mid-week slump. Classes take place from 5pm each week under the Story Bridge, where you'll be working up a sweat — and taking care of your thirst — for 45 minutes. You'll also be spoilt with one of the city's best vantage points, too. It's free to attend; however, these beer-fuelled yoga sessions are mighty popular, so you'll have to register for a spot and BYO mat. [caption id="attachment_680674" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Wickham[/caption] THURSDAY: PUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST AT PUB TRIVIA If you're partial to a quiz night at your local, no doubt the global pandemic thew a spanner in the works. But now hospo venues are open once again, with many pubs bringing back their regular trivia nights. So, round up the crew, order a pint and a schnitty, and ready your pens. Fortitude Valley's The Wickham runs trivia every Thursday from 7pm in its leafy beer garden, so you can make it a regular thing — and bring your fur-baby along, too. Otherwise, The Triffid in Newstead lets you put your love for music to the test with its super-popular monthly Not Your Rider event, which occurs on the first Thursday of the month. Be warned, though, getting a spot at this Spicks and Specks-inspired IRL quiz show is not easy, so be sure to book well in advance. FRIDAY: GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY IN A CHOCOLATE MAKING CLASS You've made it and, no doubt, it feels glorious. To celebrate: chocolate. We're not saying stuff your face and be done with it — though we're not not saying it — but rather, why not learn how to make the sweet, decadent treat with your own two hands? Local chocolatier New Farm Confectionary runs a range of cocoa-filled workshops, from a quick 90-minute chocolate bar class to its four-hour intensive masterclass, as well as workshops on how to make caramel, marshmallow and honeycomb. But it's Friday, so we're guessing an hour-and-a-half choc class is enough. For $80, you'll be sipping sparkling wine while learning all the tricks of the trade. Don't worry, you get to take it home afterward, too. Check out Oporto's full Rappa Range here, then make tracks to your closest store — or order online. Top image: Felons Brewing Co
The Ekka may be over but the festive atmosphere is still alive and buzzing in Brisbane. In its third year, the Bulimba Festival promises to be a great day out filled to the brim with exciting things to do and see. Take the time to stroll along Oxford Street and peruse the huge range of unique market stalls. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes that line the street and wander through the gorgeous boutiques. After you've treated your tum and found a one-off piece at the markets, head to the Westpac Main Stage for music and entertainment from artists such as Joe Camilleri, Frankie J Holden and Wilbur Wilde. What's more, you can get your fashion fix at the Style Fashion Stage.
Never one to embrace cliches as an actor or director, Ralph Fiennes avoids the obvious with his latest film. While The White Crow tells the involving tale of Rudolf Nureyev, the biopic doesn't quite dance across the screen. Although it features exceptional sequences of real-life dancer and first-time actor Oleg Ivenko as the Russian ballet great, it doesn't ever let its subject's distinctive talents do the heavy lifting, or explain them away as a product of his difficult existence. There's still a flow and a rhythm to the movie, yet it's never exactly fluid. The film doesn't deny that Nureyev and his skills were influenced by the world around him, or ignore the struggles it caused him, but it doesn't simply connect the clear-cut dots either. All of this is by design, with The White Crow as restless as its central figure. The dancer couldn't ever really be pinned down, so Fiennes daren't waste his third stint behind the camera trying to achieve the impossible. Rather, as he once again highlights a complicated and conflicted man (as he did with Roman general Coriolanus in his adaption of Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name, and then writer Charles Dickens in The Invisible Woman), Fiennes builds his portrait of Nureyev by watching. The White Crow still spins a story, of course, primarily exploring the 1961 defection from the Soviet Union that'll forever remain synonymous with the ballet dancer. However, the movie particularly revels in gaining its sense of Nureyev through more than biographical data. It's clear that such an approach is behind the film's lead casting, specifically Fiennes' choice of a dancer over an actor. In the expressive yet internalised Ivenko, the picture gains a performer accustomed to conveying everything that transcends words, and one who demands an audience's attention with a fierce gaze and unwavering physicality. Making the leap from the Tatar State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre in Kazan to portraying Russia's 'lord of the dance', Ivenko plays Nureyev as determined and dedicated — to his art and to himself. In Rudi's mind, they're both one and the same. Born aboard the Trans-Siberian Express in 1938, he emerges from a bleak childhood to find solace at a St Petersburg dance academy. Under the tutelage of mentor Alexander Pushkin (Fiennes), he's moulded by discipline and structure, though he rankles against the corresponding rules and surveillance. Then, on a visit to Europe while with the Kirov Ballet, Nureyev realises that his art and self will never thrive in his homeland. Parisian lights, sights and parties beckon, as do friendships with French dancer Pierre Lacotte (Raphaël Personnaz) and Chilean-French heiress Clara Saint (Adèle Exarchopoulos). Next comes his decision to flee to the west. Amidst handsomely shot frames, Fiennes tasks Ivenko with a responsibility placed upon all soloists, asking him to be one of the guiding lights without completely carrying the entire production. Despite his on-screen inexperience, the Ukrainian is certainly capable of the latter, but that's not what a ballet recital or a movie is about. And so, his co-stars add texture and detail around his central role, with Fiennes unsurprisingly the standout supporting player in a solely Russian-speaking part. Another real-life dancer, controversial superstar Sergei Polunin, acquits himself well as fellow Kirov troupe member Yuri Soloviev, whose prowess helps spur Rudi to push his own limits. From its defection focus, to its observational feel, to its solid performances, The White Crow boasts much that elevates it beyond the tried-and-tested biopic format. Alas, even though David Hare's script doesn't relay its narrative in a linear fashion, the film is far less engaging when it gets overly bogged down in the minutiae of the Cold War-era story — which can veer towards the routine, even for viewers unfamiliar with Nureyev's entire history. The same can be said of the movie's overt thematic nods, including unnecessary visual reminders of the freedom that's abundant abroad but absent under Soviet rule. That's all too straightforward, which Nureyev definitely wasn't. Although no single scene, on-stage or not, can wholly capture his essence, the ballet legend is better served by The White Crow's contemplative moments; as the title intimates, drawing from a Russian idiom, he's an outsider through and through. Accordingly, when he's seen staring intently at Géricault's painting The Raft of the Medusa and Rembrandt's The Prodigal Son at the Louvre, agonising over their detail and finding an unexpected creative connection in a different type of art, that's when Nureyev's spirit truly leaps off the screen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8M2n8YGFus
First it was the children's book that stunned a generation into awareness. Australia's colonial history was powerfully, simply laid bare by the allegory of The Rabbits — arriving, multiplying and eventually controlling the peaceful native marsupials. Now, it's an Australian-grown opera, dreamed up by John Sheedy, the artistic director of Perth's Barking Gecko Theatre Co. Before its premiere at last year's Perth Festival, Sheedy revealed why he had to make the show. “I was completely inspired, and in awe that, between Shaun Tan’s illustrations and John Marsden’s powerful and economic language, they tackled such huge themes," he told the Australian. "You can spend an hour on each page and make discovery after discovery ... The epic nature of the illustrations just lent itself to an opera.” Two of our brightest female artists were enlisted to create the music and libretto: Kate Miller-Heidke (who also performs as the principal soprano) and Lally Katz, along with set and costume designer Gabriela Tylesova. From the looks of it, the expressively angular animals dwarfed by dusty landscapes look just as magical as Tan's. Indeed, the Perth, Melbourne and Sydney seasons saw The Rabbits applauded as an exceptionally brave, vital and moving work.
The day ‘our’ Kylie – Charlene - locked lips and hearts with the best mullet on Ramsay St - Scott – Australian TV history was made, according to Harold. Since then, we can only assume in their totally hypothetical, fictitious marriage they spawned the band whose taken on mum and dad’s awesome day to be one of Australia’s toppest knotched rock bands. Scott and Charlene’s Wedding is dangerously occa, with enough indie integrity to pull itself back from a full Farnhaming. With the second album, Any Port in a Storm already under their belt, and a fanbase both charmed and confused by the musical antics of this group, Scott and Charlene’s Wedding is a band that pulls threads from a dozen genres to make music that’s rich and strange. Black Bear Lodge will be playing host to this part gig, part ceremony for a bargain price of $13. Give your blessing to Scott & harlene's Wessing and their dazy, dreamfilled tunes. Check out Scott & Charlene’s Wedding’s Footscray Station
With the Gold Coast set to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, south-east Queensland's favourite sun, surf and sand-drenched tourist strip has been starting to look a bit different over the past few years. Light rail, new sports venues, a revamped Pacific Fair, new Jupiter's restaurants and bars — the list goes on, and Australia's largest night market is set to join it. Due to open in early 2018 before all things sporting take over, but destined to become a permanent fixture, The FareGround will transform an empty two-hectare Carrara block into an dining entertainment precinct. Located near Metricon Stadium, four kilometres up the road from the casino, and based around a 250-year-old Moreton Bay fig tree with a branch span of 40 metres, it aims to combine the best of two beloved worlds: fairgrounds, as the name suggests, and food. Think rides and sideshow games, dedicated stations for street performers, buskers, circus acts and theatre performers, and a 750-person live venue for local musicians. And as far as eating and drinking is concerned, think 70 semi-permanent vendors including 40 street food kitchens, plus wine, beer and cocktail bars littered around the fully licensed site. 30 spaces for local arts and crafts stalls will also feature. The project is the brainchild of night market entrepreneurs Michelle Christoe and Ian Van der Woude, who already worked their magic on NightQuarter Helensvale — as well as business identity Terry Morris, who owns the nearby daytime Carrara Markets. Expect it find it up and running from Friday to Sunday once 2018 rolls around (as well as Wednesday and Thursday evenings during school holidays), and expect it to be busy. The FareGround will be able to seat 4000 people, in case you didn't think it sounded massive enough. For more information about The FareGround, visit their website and Facebook page.
It doesn’t take a genius to grow some plants, but it does take one to craft an entire art exhibition out of them. Scott Eady’s The Shit Gardener takes everything you thought you knew about the humble garden and reworks it into a collection of art that intrigues, confuses and creates a pleasant amount of awe. You won’t find shimmering, waxed apples or Coles-quality carrots at this exhibition. Eady’s practices are more mischievous, intertwining a humour and irony that spawn endless interpretations. His collection of cast bronze garden vegetables, quail egg-crusted potatoes and other green creations at a glance might seem banal but quickly take on a duality of their own. Having recently exhibited at the Gwanju Biennale, the Venice Biennale and the Auckland Art Fair Project, the Dunedin artist's work is now going on show at a href="http://smallworksgallery.com.au/">SmallWorks. All in all, Shit Gardener. Good Artist.
Surfing and gig-going have always been two of Australia's best-loved pastimes, and now we've scored a festival celebrating the best of both worlds. Debuting this autumn, The Drop festival will cruise around the country as it follows the Aussie leg of the World Surf League Championship Tour and it's bringing a banging little lineup of musical gold along for the ride. Surfing the festival wave for 2018 are Canberra favourites Safia, Indie pop darlings San Cisco and Brisbane rockers Dune Rats, along with other local legends Holy Holy and Ruby Fields. Held on the first weekend of each area's surfing event, The Drop's set to grace some of the Australia's most iconic surf spots, each outing featuring a locally-focused offering of food, drink and culture, to match the tunes. Catch it at Ebenezer Park in Tweed Heads on March 17.
A stone's throw away from the hubbub of the Valley lies a true gem, The Old Museum. Built in 1891, the building has always been a cultural centre and has played host to numerous gigs, art galleries and concerts. From it's beautiful exterior to its lively atmosphere and cultural events, it's easy to understand why this is a much-loved Brisbane venue. This Sunday, the Old Museum is holding a new project by musical director, Robin Jones and producer, Will Davy. Museum Collective are excited to start their new collaboration with the Old Museum as heaps of exciting music will be showcased in the coming months. Head along for a night of great music in a gorgeous setting. Tickets are free but must be booked through the Old Museum box office. There is a limit of 2 tickets per account.
For Tyza Stewart, the essence of his art lies in personal experience and portrayal. Tyza as a Clown, Tyza Getting Changed, Tyza Trying to be Agile — these paintings may as well be selfies, minus the narcissism because they're art. From self-portraits to self-professions, his pieces play out questions around the human body and gender; confusing just as much as they create conversation. Some pieces play with feminine facial features on masculine bodies, others present armpits unshaven, make-up full fledged, and faces of transparency that could belong to hims, hers or both. It's all a little anti-heteronormative, but mostly resisting our society's narrow values of what it is to look like a person. So while pornography may portray unrealistic ideas of the human body, Tyza takes anatomic-displacement to the next level. You catch his work at Heiser Gallery from the August 5 to 30. If you don't leave Tyza's exhibition a little more open minded, you'll at least walk away asking, "Why doesn't mine look like that?"
If saying goodbye to 2020 has you feeling festive — and feeling like heading out for a drink and a feed with mates, too — we don't blame you. And while we don't doubt you've already hit the town a few times since Queensland's hospo scene started back up again, Australian Venue Co's sites around the city are giving you even more reason to go out for a catch up when January hits. From Friday, January 1–Sunday, January 31, 22 venues are taking 50 percent off your total bistro bill from 5–6pm daily. No joke. It's a short daily window, but a wallet-friendly one. The catch? You'll have to order food with your beverages. To get the deal, you just have to download the AVC app here or use the Mr Yum mobile ordering platform, hit up one of the venues between 5–6pm and claim the 50 percent discount off your bill. And, you can nab the deal multiple times while it's running, if you're keen on a few cheap meals. Australian Venue Co's Queensland's Happy Days promotion is available at the below Brisbane sites (and, although the company has other venues in Brissie, if it's not on the list, the 50-percent-off deal isn't available): Buffalo Bar, Brisbane Bonny View, Bald Hills Darling & Co, Paddington Kingsleys, Brisbane Finnigans Chin, Keperra Carindale Hotel, Carindale Cannon Hill Hotel, Cannon Hill Oxley Hotel, Oxley Jindalee Hotel, Jindalee Newnham Hotel, Mt Gravatt Springlake Hotel, Springfield Lakes Lord Stanley Hotel, East Brisbane Regatta Hotel, Toowong — but not at the Regatta Boatshed Everton Park, Everton Park Kenmore Hotel, Kenmore Salisbury Hotel, Salisbury Cleveland Sand, Cleveland Fitzy's Waterford, Waterford The Royal Nundah, Nundah Waterloo Hotel, Fortitude Valley The Wickham, Fortitude Valley Fridays, CBD
Star-crossed lovers, belonging to warring families in fair Verona, playing out that balcony scene… this could only be Bill Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Is a spoiler warning needed? The ending of this 400+ year old play is legendary for spilling forth many a tear duct, and/or enraging those who would shout “but he could have just waited five more minutes!” Queensland Theatre Company once more brings Brisbane one of the most famous tragedies ever written. The enduring story of two infatuated teenagers shows no sign of becoming out-dated. Romeo Montague meets Juliet Capulet at a party, and they fall in love at first sight. However, their romance is fractured when the conflict between their families reaches its peak when Romeo is driven to kill Juliet’s cousin. The lovers then make plans to reunite in secret, but instead encounter devastating consequences. The classically dramatic play features universal truths of love, justice, human passion and sacrifice, and it is no wonder that audiences throughout history have been enthralled by it. Theatre veteran Jennifer Flowers directs hot young things Thomas Larkin and Melanie Zanetti as the doomed duo. This production boasts a night of theatrical extravagance, performed in the QPAC Playhouse with a cast of twelve.
A neighbourhood dispute turns into all-out suburban warfare in Bad Neighbours, the raunchy, raucous, rapid-fire new comedy from director Nicholas Stoller (The Five-Year Engagement, Forgetting Sarah Marshall). Adding the word 'bad' to its title in Australia in order to avoid confusion with a certain iconic soap opera, the film marks another sure hit for one-man comic industry Seth Rogen, who slots comfortably into another role that basically amounts to playing himself. Yet it's Rogen's co-stars Rose Byrne and Zac Efron who are the movie's biggest standouts. Indeed, while the advertising material sells Bad Neighbours as a strictly Rogen versus Efron affair, the film is very much a triple act, with the more dramatically inclined Byrne clearly relishing the chance to cut loose. With a cast game for just about anything, Bad Neighbours accelerates from one over-the-top set-piece to the next. It's ridiculous, juvenile and very, very funny. Rogen and Byrne play Mac and Kelly Radner, a newlywed couple with a bouncing baby daughter, whose suburban peace is threatened when a college fraternity moves in next door. Chief dude-bro Teddy Sanders (Efron) seems agreeable enough at first, promising to keep the noise to a minimum and even inviting the couple to the frat's inaugural blowout, where a great time is had by all. But when the partying starts up again the following night and continues into the morning, the Radners decide to call the cops. From there, things escalate quickly. Teddy swears vengeance, and soon the two households are exacting increasingly crass and elaborate acts of sabotage in an attempt to bring the other side down. Screenwriters Andrew J. Cohen and Brendan O'Brien pack a staggering number of gags into the film's tight 90-minute runtime, although arguably the more impressive feat is that the vast majority of them land. Stoller allows his cast ample room to improvise, but never to the extent that the movie loses momentum. Frankly, the performances are all the better for it. Byrne, in particular, seems to feed off the film's breakneck energy, the Australian actress frequently stealing the show from her more seasoned on-screen husband. Likewise, Efron exhibits great comedic instincts as the antagonistic Teddy, a villain who you simultaneously love to hate and actually genuinely kind of like. That's the other thing about Bad Neighbours: although the script is incredibly vulgar, it's very rarely mean spirited. As insane as their antics are, these characters feel like real people, and as the story careens towards its climax, a big part of you just wants to see Teddy and the Radners hug it out. The biggest part, however, knows that watching them fight is just too damn funny. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4zEUuzj3a2g
Seriously, how bad is it when you go to Alfred and Constance and the bar tenders don’t know which drinks are and aren’t Paleo? Or when you leave your Jimmy Choos in your Uber ride? And how much do parents suck when they withhold your trust fund all because you got a little scratch on the Audi. Like, how will you pay for Bali now? Being an upper class white girl isn’t all its cracked up to be, and #FirstWorldWhiteGirls is the hilarious, cultural expose that might as well be called Stuartholme the Musical. Delving into the trauma of being a white girl, this cabaret performance provides an insightful and frighteningly accurate portrayal of the shallow nastiness that comes with too much money, and not enough sense. Drawing on their only privileged upbringings, and private school educations, these spoiled songstresses invite you laugh, vent and share in this crippling pain of the privileged. You can catch #FirstWorldWhiteGirls at The Judith Wright Centre, but you better grab tickets quick – there are a lot of rich girls with mummy’s credit card ready to get in before you.
Yabun Festival is an annual event held on January 26 at Victoria Park in Camperdown, on Gadigal Land. It's the largest one-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Australia. This year's festival will be a closed event due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions. Despite this, it'll be more accessible than ever, as it will be live streamed online, allowing people from across Australia and the world to tune in. This year, Yabun (which means "music to a beat" in Gadigal language) is taking place across three venues. The Yabun Stage, located at the Seymour Centre, will host performances from 12–5pm, featuring the likes of Vic Simms, Barkaa, Emma Donovan and Kobie Dee. As well as being live streamed, the event will have a small crowd in attendance — tickets can be won in the lead up to the event via Koori Radio. At its usual home of Victoria Park, Corroboree will feature a Welcome and Smoking Ceremony, as well as dance performances from groups Gawura, Koomurri, Buuja Buuja, Gomeroi Dancers and Ngaran Ngaran. It'll be live streamed from 11am–4pm. The Speak Out stage will be live streamed from the New Law Building at the University of Sydney from 12.30–4.30pm. Speak Out will host three panel discussions on themes of love, justice and success, with panelists including Pastor Ray Minniecon and Lynda June Coe. Another core part of the annual festival is the market stall, which have been taken online, too. Here, you can shop for art, jewellery, food and drink from storeowners that would usually set up within the festival. You can also shop for merchandise from the past three years of Yabun and support the festival and Koori Radio by donating to help ensure both continue to operate for years to come. To access the live-stream, head to yabun.org.au. Top image: Yabun Festival 2017
Mother's Day begins with Sandy (Jennifer Aniston) being told by her ex-husband Henry (Timothy Olyphant) that they need to talk. Instantly, the mother of two becomes convinced that he wants to rekindle their romance. In fact, it turns out that he has actually married the much-younger Tina (Shay Mitchell). As he breaks the news, an expression washes over Aniston's face – a mix of discomfort, dismay and barely concealed disgust. Fittingly, if the actors on screen could gaze back at you in the audience, they'd see the exact same look plastered across your visage too. Mother's Day's pedigree explains part of its troubles, with the feature offering up the latest slice of holiday-oriented schmaltz in the wake of Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve. Director Garry Marshall returns once again to intertwine tales focused around a special occasion, serving up bite-sized snippets of stories that are supposed to embody the meaning and spirit of the date in question. So far, so standard. Unfortunately, the movie's problems far exceed those of its predecessors. Corralling famous talent, giving them very little to do, and even asking one — Aniston again — to shout most of her dialogue at herself, does not fit into the recipe for a successful film. Neither does clichéd scriptwriting straight out of a sub-par sitcom or soap opera, or bland visuals that look like they were made for television as well. As competing narratives unfold, you may find yourself wondering if you've seen all this before in the low-budget TV realm. Frankly, that's charitable. Other vignettes include sisters (Kate Hudson and Sarah Chalke) coping with their redneck parents (Margo Martindale and Robert Pine) as they react with racism and homophobia to their daughters' respective relationships, and a widowed father (Jason Sudeikis) commemorating the titular event a year after the death of his wife Dana (Jennifer Garner). There's also an aspiring comedian (Jack Whitehall) attempting to convince the mother of his daughter (Britt Robertson) to marry him, and a TV shopping entrepreneur (Julia Roberts) plagued by maternal issues of her own. Marshall's filmmaking sensibilities might have waned considerably since his '80s and '90s heyday, but one thing has remained constant: subtlety isn't his strong point. But at least his earlier features put some effort into evoking an emotional reaction, be it weeping at Beaches or indulging in the fantasy of Pretty Woman. Here, a checklist of contrived dramas and coincidences — two surprise reunions, hospital visits and meet-cutes, plus a wedding, a runaway motor home and a man buying tampons — are supposed to do the trick instead. It shouldn't come as a surprise that it all proves as dull and laughter-free as it sounds. Indeed, by the time Mother's Day has devolved to the point of making unnamed bystanders exclaim "I love babies!" and "I can't wait to see what they do for Father's Day", viewers will have spotted that initial look of discomfort not just on Aniston's face, but on the faces of every single cast member as well. Finding love and acceptance might be the main aim for these one-note characters, but the film they're stranded in is never going to inspire that response. If you're looking for a movie to take your mum to this Mother's Day, almost anything else would be better.
After first setting up shop in Brisbane last year, and then announcing plans to open more Australian stores last month, Taco Bell has revealed the location of its second Australian outpost: Robina on the Gold Coast. The US Tex-Mex chain is headed to a spot adjacent to Robina Town Centre later in 2018, with construction currently underway on its new digs. While the exact opening date hasn't yet been revealed, fans of burritos, quesadillas, nachos and, of course, tacos, can expect to start munching away before summer hits. Taco Bell's Queensland expansion will come as no surprise to anyone who's seen the lines at the company's existing Annerley store, and it doesn't look as though the company is done with the region yet — with job listings presently open for not only Robina, but for Brisbane and the surrounding suburbs. In good news for those eager for a Mexican-inspired bite in Sydney and Melbourne, more Australian shops are planned by the end of the year. It'll be a case of out with the old and in with the new, actually, with previous reports indicating that Taco Bell will take over old Sizzler spots. Find Taco Bell at a to-be-confirmed Robina location near Robina Town Centre later this year. We'll keep you updated on the opening.
Holidaying overseas has been off the cards for the past year due to Australia's international border closure. Vacationing interstate hasn't always been easy either, with domestic borders also opening and shutting with frequency. And, if you're a fan of staying local and going camping — or heading elsewhere within Queensland, but still pitching a tent — that's been subject to the state's campsite capacity restrictions, too. With Easter almost upon us, the Queensland Government has just made a handy amendment to the current COVID-19 rules across the state, however — with caps on the number of people at campsites removed. The change came into effect on Saturday, March 13, which is when the state's gathering limits last eased. Clearly, with a long weekend almost upon us, the timing isn't coincidental. Announcing the scrapped camping restrictions, Queensland Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Meaghan Scanlon said that the state's online booking systems are being "updated to reflect the eased restrictions and ensure that as many people as possible can get into the great outdoors". So, if that's on your to-do list in the near future, you should now be able to find more spots to book. Obviously, a fortnight out from the long weekend, some places are already maxed out for that period anyway — such as Teewah Beach and Bribie Island, Scanlon advised. But, that isn't the case across the board. At Inskip Point in the Cooloola Recreation Area, for instance, an additional 500 camping spots became available. [caption id="attachment_746565" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Glastonbury via Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] If you're keen on spending some time on North Stradbroke Island over the break, you mightn't have the same luck, with Minjerribah Camping announcing that Cylinder Beach is already booked to capacity. There's a waitlist for sites at Amity Point, Adder Rock and Home Beach for Easter, with any remaining spots opened to the public on Wednesday, March 17. Looking for somewhere by the water to camp — either at Easter or later in the year? We've rounded up ten beachside spots in Queensland to add to your list. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website. Top image: Nick Boustead via Tourism and Events Queensland.
Emma Russack, the Melbourne-based songstress, is making quite the fuss with her velvet vocals pushing through delicate lyrics. Her second album You Changed Me is taking her on her first national tour to share her very honest, raw music that is sure to be an astounding live performance. She’ll share the intimate stage of Black Bear Lodge with some of Brisbane’s finest. Cured Pink, the hypnotic, teasing experimental outfit will move you like a well-oiled machine while dancing outside the lines, blurring the space between music and fine art. Soda Eaves will take you back to the grime and dim of 90s rock, understated but with all the detail of a performer worth travelling for. DAG cooly groove through some mighty catchy bass lines, easy listening at its finest while engaging the senses. Head along for an evening of varied sounds and atmospheres, stitched together by some of the finest up-and-coming songwriters.
3D imaging has come a long way since the first experiments in the early 1900s. Take James Cameron's Avatar, which used multiple cameras to produce a three-dimensional visual masterpiece. Plus a blue alien race and the beautiful world they inhabit. 3D doesn't just make for larger-than-life films. This innovation in 3D imaging could enhance scientific research. Researchers from Ohio State University have created the first single, stationery lens to create microscopic 3D images by itself. Usually multiple lenses are required to produce a 3D image, making the invention quite incredible. The prototype lens is around the size of a fingernail and was cut by a computer-programmed ultraprecision milling device. The lens will allow more accurate viewing of microscopic objects, Associate Professor of Integrated Systems Engineering at Ohio State University Allen Yi said. "For us, the most attractive part of this project is that we will be able to see the real shape of micro-samples instead of just a 2D projection." [Via Fast Company]
Sit down, get comfy and prepare to gain a whole new appreciation for the emerging local comedy scene at QLD Born and Bread's showcase night. Every comedian has to start somewhere, and if you want to see the Sunshine State's comedy stars of tomorrow today, this is your Brisbane Comedy Festival event. See up-and-comers Danielle Walker, Tim Hewitt, Joe Shaffer, Dan Rath and Cameron Duggan before their tickets are very expensive.
When it comes to the Brightside's latest music-themed party, do believe the hype. They're trawling through the beats and rhymes of hip hop over the past three decades, and they're going to be putting on a mighty good time. In fact, the Fortitude Valley hotspot is promising to pull out every single classic hip hop and party tune from the '90s, '00s and now, and then play them all back to back. That's an enormous feat, but if they can pull it off, then prepare to be in music heaven. Pony Club with Jerry Blam, plus Vijazzle + D-Pain will all be on hand to help get things pumping, while drink specials will set the mood as well. And, Ur Boy Bangs will be in the house, fresh from his war of words with Jimmy Fallon. Yep, there's no other word for it — this is going to be one epic evening.
A trip to Northshore Hamilton usually means taking in the scenery, whether you're staring at the river, the grassy surroundings right there on its banks or both. But for two spring months, there's something else to look at that you won't see at the northside spot all-year-round: sculptures big and small. Presented by Sculptors Queensland, returning exhibition Northshore Sculpture by the River is showcasing works by its members, featuring pieces on display both indoors and out — and in all shapes and sizes, too. Peer at sculpted wildlife, people, abstract forms and more, all for free. There are two parts to the event. The indoor portion runs from Saturday, October 7–Sunday, October 22, open 10am–4pm daily, all in The Shed at the Hamilton precinct. Or, wander around outdoors from Saturday, October 7–Sunday, December 3 to spot sculptures around the Hamilton Northshore walkway — along with the river view, of course — with the outside component open all the time.
Tuesdays mean different things to different people. Another day closer to the weekend, almost hump day, the day you wish you could sleep through — they're all on the list. But, at The Bavarian each week, the day after Monday also means tucking into $9.95 schnitzels. It's one of the tastiest ways to celebrate any day, and to also save your pennies while doing so. There's no occasion, other than just because — but cheap schnitties for the sake of it is what any Schnitzel Tuesday should be about. For a bargain price, The Bavarian will serve you up a chicken schnitzel with fries and lemon, but you do have to also buy a full-priced drink to get the deal. Fancy another schnitty? That's completely fine — just get another drink. Available all day every Tuesday, this is some good schnitz. To get your fix, you can head to The Bavarian venues around Brisbane and southeast Queensland — you'll find the chain at Chermside, The Barracks, Robina, Broadbeach, Coomera, Sunshine Plaza and Toowoomba, so you've got options. You can also level-up your schnits for an extra $10, getting a 'Godfather' (a giant schnitzel, ham, cheese, kielbasa, napoli sauce and cheese) or a 'Matterhorn' (a schnitzel mountain, cheese spätzle, three layers of Alpen cheese and bacon).
Why drink at one watering hole, when you can head to two, three, six or 11? That's always been the motivation behind everyone's favourite boozy journey, aka a pub crawl. And, it's the exact same type of thinking behind the Urban Wine Walk. Taking another wander around Brisbane, it's the bar-hopping excuse every vino lover needs — if you need an excuse, that is. From midday until 4pm on Saturday, May 20, you'll saunter around the city — and between the likes of City Winery, The Gresham, Walter's Steakhouse, The Croft House, Alba Bar and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. Other spots on the list: Banc Brasserie, Before + After, Brew Cafe and Wine Bar, The Embassy, Leonard's Bar and Bistro, and Misdemeanour. [caption id="attachment_795640" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Millie Tang[/caption] As for the tipples at each of the 11 spots, they'll be taken care of by a heap of top wineries such as Pizzini Wines, Mary's Myth, Clandestine Vineyards and Small Things, so prepare to get sipping. Tickets cost $79.68, and are on sale now, with places limited. This moving cellar door will not only serve up a heap of wine tastings, but also your own tasting glass — plus a voucher for some food.
By now, we're all well and truly in the festive mood. The big day is inching closer by the moment, too, and trying to get ready early is no longer an option. That said, even the most organised among us always have a few last-minute things to pick up. It really wouldn't be Christmas otherwise. While the Milton Markets has already hosted its usual festive shindig at the end of November, it isn't done helping you out with your festive shopping just yet. On Friday, December 23 from 7am–12pm, it's hosting a last pop-up pre-Christmas Eve market. Mark your calendars accordingly. Gourmet food, artisanal wares, farm-fresh produce, gift ideas — they'll all be available. It isn't just your final chance to get market goodies before Christmas, but one of your last opportunities to avoid shopping centres, their crowds, and their rush and chaos. As always with markets, arriving early is highly recommended.
He wrote about cats wearing hats, grinches stealing Christmas, ham served with green eggs, and a creature called Sam. He was cartoonist Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr Seuss. He jotted down the humorous rhymes and scribbled the colourful images from the books that were a staple of your childhood. All that, you know — but did you know about his secret art? Beyond the 44 children’s stories, more than 400 World War II political cartoons, hundreds of advertisements and countless editorials that made him an icon, he also painted and sculpted for his own enjoyment. At The Art of Dr Seuss, both sides of his creative endeavours are on display as Mitchell Fine Art delves into 70 years of Seuss’ art history. In the Brisbane leg of a project that has toured the world, you can view rare works and buy prints and reproductions. You're also likely to get more than a few rhymes stuck in your head — that's just how Seuss would liked it, after all.
So, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All. They're commonly known as 'Odd Future' or their acronym, which not only looks like some kind of ultra-new internet abbreviation but doubles as an onomatopoeic rendering of many people's reactions to their lyrics. They have a tumblr, where they release music and videos. People are freaking out about them. A loose affiliation of skaters, filmmakers and rappers they say number somewhere in the sixties, Odd Future's break into public consciousness has come about through viral spread of the music and videos they put up for free and a media frenzy that's seen everyone from Pitchfork and NME to The Village Voice and The Poetry Foundation and The New Yorker finding them irresistibly coverable. It's not a simple case of Next Big Thingness, though: odd Future are almost as likely to be called the beginning of the end. Their lyrics (Rap Genius provides a good repository of these with fan interpretations) are, um, not exactly not problematic: the rhymes of group founder Tyler the Creator (19) and the mysteriously absent Earl Sweatshirt (16 and theorised to be at a reform school in Samoa) and the rest of the Gang are remarkable for their disaffectedness. Not a verse goes by without some kind hypersexualised ultraviolence and/or aggression based on race or sexual orientation, but it doesn't seem to mean that much to them. This is cartoon stuff, like they're trying to see what images they can conjure, and they're not paying any attention to whether or not it's okay to say it — it's authenticity above all else. And whether or not it's fair (and it sure has helped them get big) Odd Future are being judged as a new generation, not on whether they're good creatively but if they're okay human beings. Odd Future are swagging out the Hi-Fi this Sunday, with the official afterparty (featuring Syd the Kid) at Alhambra Lounge. Image: Brook Bobbins, Village Voice
Sleep, who needs it? Not coffee-loving Brisbanites on Saturday, July 27. After a day spent downing coffee and other coffee-filled beverages, and just generally saying the word 'coffee' until it begins to lose all meaning, you'll be buzzed right through the evening. Making these caffeinated dreams come true is Bakery Lane, Winn Lane and California Lane's aptly titled The Lanes Coffee Festival, which will feature as many coffee-themed drinks — and probably bites — as can reasonably be packed into one laneway. There'll be stalls set up throughout the three patches of Fortitude Valley, and the precinct's regular hotspots will also be getting in on the action. With the fest running from 10am–10pm, there'll obviously also be espresso martinis and other coffee-infused cocktails once night hits. You'll sip, sample, buy beans and watch top baristas do their best, while listening to live tunes. For $10, you can take a coffee tour, too. And yes, if you get a little too pumped, there'll be non-caffeinated beverages around. Entry is free, although feeling like you're bathing in coffee — on the inside; sorry, actually soaking in a tub of caffeine isn't on the agenda — will require your wallet.
If Christmas rolls around, and you don't dress up your doggo in its festive finest and take it to see Santa, is it really Christmas? Felons Brewing Co thinks not. Not content with being Brissie's only inner-city riverside brewery, this Howard Smith Wharves-based source of beers with a view is also giving the city's ale-sipping, Christmas-loving pooch owners exactly what they want: the chance to get their pet's portrait taken with the jolliest of figures. Between 3–5pm on Sunday, December 15, the red-suited wonder known as Father Christmas will be outside Felons waiting to get snapped with your adorable four-legged friend. That's it, it's sorted: everyone you know is getting copies of the cute shot in their stocking. Best start looking for the best frames to go with them. The photos are free, although there is one caveat: they're for canines only. No kids, and no adults who think they're kids either. If you fall into the latter category, you can always treat yourself to a cold one afterwards — Felons will also be serving up its latest release, Dark Side Stout, and making it available in gift-friendly two-packs.
Craig Walsh is an immersive artist, one who responds to his surroundings and the people within them. He is the voice of a community, communicating the perspectives of those often without the ability to do so. With the help of Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art Australia alongside mining company Rio Tinto, Walsh has been able to create a body of work to raise awareness of the work of the National Heritage Place with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation in the Murujuga National Park, and the priceless rock art that is protected as a result. Walsh has worked with the traditional custodians of the land, the Circle of Elders, as well as park rangers to create video recaps of the Elders, which are projected onto self-made images of notable landscapes. This also allowed him to create Standing Stone Site (2012), a collection of 96 standing stones, a platform to showcase both the shifting light on the stones as well as the largest collection of standing stones in Australia. Curators Judith Blackall and Robert Leonard pay tribute to Craig Walsh throughout the exhibition, once again illustrating the influence of this national treasure.
