Forget sushi, forget anime, forget skiing, forget every single one of those cheap, superficial associations you match with Japan. It’s a country that offers ideas, trinkets of stories and themes that beg to be captured and crafted by the most talented of artistic minds. Beg no more. The Hold Artspace is hosting two concurrent, cross-cultural events for half this month, and each is just about as exciting as the other. A Knife and a Torch is a collection created and curated by Kay Lawrence, Kat Sawyer and Vanessa Stanley at Sanda Sution, Aimoto, Japan. It combines the local culture and terrain, with the ‘tourist’ exerpience, drawing on themes of familiarly, home, the natural world and transformation. The second exhibition, Translations, draws on the similar theme of cross-cultural experience, all at the hands of Bridie Gillman. Drawing from her experiences of both Australia and Indonesia, her work will look into the awkwardness of the unknown, through partial constructions. As an added bonus, the artists will be speaking at the venue on March 12 from 6-8pm. That’s two for one, for free!
Named one of the best places in the world to visit in 2022, southeast Queensland's Scenic Rim region isn't short on highlights, whether it's gorgeous scenery or farm-fresh produce you're after. Keen on the latter but can't make the trip south from Brisbane on Saturday, May 24? Don't worry — Tommerup's Dairy Farm, Valley Pride Produce, Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Cauldron Distillery, Olive View Estate and more are coming to you. Save the road trip for another weekend — instead, head to the Farm Gate to City Door Markets at the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct. It'll operate from 8am–12pm, serving up everything from fruit and vegetables, salted cultured butter and cheese through to boutique spirits, local wines and honey straight from the hive. You can also nab handmade bath and body products, such as goat milk soaps. Since 2022, the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct has regularly hosted this country-meets-city event — and, if it gets you thinking about holidaying in the Scenic Rim, that's understandable. For a caffeine fix, Rise Bakery will be doing coffees. Feel like hitting the river afterwards, and tucking into some of the produce you've just bought? GoBoat and its picnic boats is also right there. Images: Pixel Punk.
Legendary vocal-happy label 4AD (Bon Iver, Grimes, The National) has picked up its fourth ever Australian artist. Castlemaine's D.D Dumbo has just signed a big ol' deal to become one of the 4AD family. Celebrated for his minimalist style, mesmerising vocals and ridiculous ability with a 12-string guitar, D.D Dumbo has pricked the ears of the likes of Warpaint, St Vincent and Iron & Wine — picking up invitations for support slots along the way. The Victorian native has landed more support gigs for Daughter and Tame Impala in the UK, along with a debut headline show in London and a highly coveted slot at Latitude Festival. The Castlemaine local will return home in July to support the ever eclectic and straight-up magical Tune-Yards for her Splendour sideshows, working his way from Melbourne's Howler to North Byron Parklands and back to Oxford Art Factory. Jump wholeheartedly on the bandwagon this time around, this kid's going to get expensive. D.D DUMBO AUSTRALIAN DATES: 24 July - Howler, Melbourne (supporting Tune-Yards) SOLD OUT 25 July - Howler, Melbourne (supporting Tune-Yards) 27 July - Splendour in The Grass SOLD OUT 28 July - Oxford Art Factory (supporting Tune-Yards) https://youtube.com/watch?v=qG4DLc9Kotg
It's been 13 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes in 2005. Thankfully, Laneway Festival has just confirmed it will be heading back to its collection of unconventional venues for another year, revealing it's 2018 dates and first two headliners. Returning to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle, Auckland and Singapore next January and February, Laneway will raise a plastic cup to the middle of summer with what looks to be one heck of a lineup. Following on from the announcement of two of 2018's headliners — California's inimitable Anderson .Paak with his live band The Free Nationals, and Canada's Mac DeMarco — the festival has dropped the full lineup. On it is a slew of exclusive sets, which will see you get down to BABADNOTGOOD, Odesza, The Internet, and sway along to The War on Drugs and Father John Misty. The full lineup was initially slated to be announced tomorrow, but has been brought forward after it was leaked online this morning. Visa pre-sale tickets go on-sale this Thursday, September 14 and the rest of the tickets going on sale at 9am on September 18. But, enough chit-chat — here's the full 2018 lineup. LANEWAY 2018 LINEUP Aldous Harding Alex Cameron Amy Shark Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals BABADNOTGOOD (exclusive to Laneway) Billie Eilish Bonobo (exclusive to Laneway) Cable Ties City Calm Down Dream Wife Father John Misty KLLO** Loyle Carner Mac DeMarco Miss Blanks Moses Sumney ODESZA (exclusive to Laneway) Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever (Sandy) Alex G Shame Slowdive Sylvan Esso The Babe Rainbow The Internet (exclusive to Laneway) The War On Drugs TOKiMONSTA Wolf Alice (exclusive to Laneway) Image: Andy Fraser.
When you're wandering around the foyer of an arts venue, it can get a little noisy. You're probably there to see a gig, exhibition or show — and you're likely chatting to your mates while you look at art, grab a drink or wait to be seated. Brisbane Powerhouse doesn't want you to stop that. In fact, its latest installation wants more of it. And, the long-term piece will change and react to the sounds echoing within its walls. That's Nathen Street's Space Pixels, which is comprised of hanging sculptures made of mirrored stainless steel and light. They're shaped like something out of Space Invaders, and they fire off different shapes and patterns depending on the transient noise picked up by nearby microphones. Yes, your chatter will influence the installation's kaleidoscopic images and intensity, so expect Space Pixels to light up next time you're in the vicinity. The interactive artwork is on display until April 1, 2021, and takes inspiration from Atari 2600 computer games, specifically the coloured pixel explosions that occur in titles like Asteroids.
Less than six months after Suki set up shop in South Bank, and two months since spreading their wings to Bulimba, Brisbane's first specialty sushi burrito and poke bowl eatery just keeps expanding. Everyone fond giant versions of a Japanese staple or a Hawaiian salad now have a third site to visit, with a new store launching in Newstead. Bringing its make-your-own meals to the Gasworks, Suki is offering up the same great foods on the north side of town, with the eatery opening its doors on September 12. It's also throwing a few fresh additions into the mix, increasing their wares in more ways than one. For those who haven't stopped by yet, don't be fooled by the mere two options on Suki's menu — that duo of dishes can be made many, many ways. Pick your choice of burrito or bowl, then keep working through the six-step process to select your base, hot or cold proteins, sauce, salad fillings and toppers. If that's too much variety, their favourite combos include The Fighter (kingfish, coriander, avocado, fresh chilli, orange, cucumber, suki sauce and wasabi peas), 3 Amigos (snapper, salmon, tuna, cabbage, cucumber, red onions, ponzu, sesame oil, surimi crab and fried shallots), and Angry Bird (katsu chicken, wasabi mayo, spinach, cabbage, coriander, pickled ginger and daikon, and soy egg). New menu items include tempeh and whiting, as well as the brightly coloured likes of beetroot and broccoli. Plus, with the weather warming up, seasonal summer fruits such as watermelon, mango, passionfruit, starfruit and pineapple are also on offer. Every time Suki sets up a new shop, more aren't far behind — and this time they're heading south. Next on the agenda is Robina and Broadbeach, bringing their blend of Hawaiian, Mexican and Japanese cuisines to the Gold Coast. Find Suki at Shop 2, 161 Oxford Street, Bulimba from July 18. Check out their website and Facebook page for further information.
Fresh from rocking the Stones Corner Festival last month, Regurgitator's Ben Ely is taking over another Brisbane icon — and not in the way you might expect. An artist as well as a musician, music producer and sound designer, Ely is showing off his visual creations at Everything Must Go. No, it's not a sale, but you might feel like buying a few products that don't exist. In this venue-wide glimpse into another side of his creativity, fictitious items are in the spotlight from May 16 to June 25. To find out what he's come up with, you'll have to go along. We could throw plenty of marketing spiel at you (or some steak knives), but that's the whole point of the exhibition. It's free, so there's no need to dangle try now, pay later deals to entice you along — or offer up gifts. Expect colour, slogans and plenty of satire. If you've heard his music, you know what you're in for.
Gin has seen a serious resurgence in the past couple of years, with new craft gins and distilleries launching almost weekly. But no one in the city quite does gin like the experts over at Covent Garden. The leafy two-storey oasis located in the West End houses over 100 juniper-led spirits that are served with creative syrups and native botanicals — so you can expand beyond the usual G&T. It has an exciting selection of Mediterranean eats and a fancy high tea, too. The palatial bar is one of the restaurants featured in our New in Town series, where we uncover the newest and most anticipated restaurant openings around Brisbane in partnership with Zantac. To celebrate its launch, we threw a gin-fuelled soirée. And we want you and three of your closest to come along. It featured a gin cocktail on arrival, Aperol spritz and Pimms on tap, all matched with a feast of salty, sweet and spicy snacks. It got rowdy. Here are the photos. Images: Atlanta Bell. Keen to check out more newbies? Have a sift through the newest crop of Brisbane openings. To find out more about Zantac, visit the website. Zantac relieves heartburn. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your health professional.
Nowhere does summer quite like subtropical Brissie. It's the steady sunshine you can rely on day-in and day-out and the warm, fragrant nights. Apart from an afternoon storm here or there, you're basically guaranteed a good few months of heat, humidity and glorious blue skies, making it the perfect city for spontaneous adventures all summer long. The only problem is figuring out what you and your gang want to do with all those days of splendid weather. Luckily, this town is full to the brim with last-minute activities. Whether you and your mates are the outdoorsy types, adventurous daytrippers, picnickers or lovers of low-key, low-stress suburban sport, in partnership with Jacob's Creek, we're making sure you all have a summer to remember. So throw on your finest tropical shirt, gather the crew and get ready to make the most of every golden hour. [caption id="attachment_784308" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane Marketing[/caption] TRY BIRDSPOTTING AT ROMA STREET PARKLANDS Love nature, but don't have time to head to the bush? Jump on the urban birdwatching bandwagon with the Big City Birds app. Researchers are calling on 'citizen scientists' to track sightings of key species, including the infamous white ibis. Gather your fellow bird-nerds and head into Roma Street Parklands for a bit of twitching in this 16-hectare city oasis. If your crew has a competitive streak, you could even make it a contest — the loser pays for the wine. When you're twitched out, set up camp (aka a picnic) on the Celebration Lawn. Kick back sundowner-safari-style and toast a glass of Jacob's Creek Better by Half Sparkling to a job well done. [caption id="attachment_796727" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] RIDE THE FERRY TO NEW FARM PARK If you ask us, ferries are always the most fun way to get around town, and a city view from the water never gets old. Top up your Go Card and bounce around the Citycat route before jumping off at New Farm Park Ferry Terminal. Tucked away from the city, New Farm Park is the perfect spot to take in the sunshine and river breeze with a BYO picnic. You don't even have to pack the food yourself — just pop a bottle of vino in your bag, then nip to nearby New Farm Deli for some supplies. Just picture it: a bottle of Jacob's Creek Le Petit Rosé, a loaf of bread, fancy charcuterie and your best mates. And, no dramas if you miss the ferry. Just take the scenic Riverwalk back to town. [caption id="attachment_614807" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Boo[/caption] ENJOY A GAME OF GOOD OL' FASHIONED BAREFOOT BOWLS Day for it? You bet. If by it, you mean barefoot bowls, the ultimate last-minute plan for a summer afternoon. Leave hipster irony at the door: this pensioner's pastime is pure ol' fashioned fun. We're talking cold beer, your mates and a low-stakes sport so casual you don't even need footwear. The rules are simple enough to pick up on the fly, making this less stressful than your average board game night. Best of all, you can find a local venue pretty much anywhere in Brissie — some of our favourites can be found here. Some have barbecues or full club bistro feeds on offer, too, and booking a session is easy peasy. Matching white uniforms are optional, but don't forget to bring along sunscreen, a hat and sunnies. RIDE THE MORETON BAY CYCLEWAY AND FINISH AT THIS SEASIDE PUB Keen to fit as much seaside into one day as possible? Bike it. Running from Clontarf Beach to Scarborough via Redcliffe, this cycle trail will give your crew a coastline tour of northern Moreton Bay. It's a long ride, but there's no rush. Cruise along by the sea, hop off when a sandy beach or local market calls and check out the odd curio that is Bee Gees Way. This 70-metre openair museum commemorates the proud local history of these disco bros — complete with life-size bronze statues. Make your cycle journey into a round trip finishing up at The Belvedere for a cocktail and bite to eat. Bookings are recommended for groups of seven or more. Reconnect with your friends and family this summer with a bottle of Jacob's Creek. Discover the Jacob's Creek range and purchase a bottle today from all good liquor retailers. Top image: Norman Park Bowls Club Please drink responsibly.
Do you live in a dog-friendly house? Do you have some spare time on your hands? Do you fantasise about hanging around at dog parks with an actual dog? The good folk at Seeing Eye Dogs Dogs Australia need you. They have 50 puppies running around the place at the moment, and they're in need of volunteers to raise them. In other words, they're giving away puppies — but you will need to give them back. If you put up your hand to become a puppy carer, you'll get a puppy for about a year — from around its eight-week birthday to when it turns turns between 12–15 months old. During that time, you'll be responsible for introducing the sights, sounds and smells it'll meet when it starts working as a seeing eye dog (and giving your new friend heaps of cuddles). Of course, it's not all just fun, games and cuteness. You'll have to be responsible enough to take care of regular grooming, house training and exercise, and be available for regular visits. A fenced-in backyard is mandatory, too. In return, the organisation provides a strong support network, and all food, training equipment and vet care. You'll also need to be home most of the time — so you won't be leaving the puppy alone for more than three hours a day — and to be able to put effort into training and socialising the pup. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Seeing Eye Dogs Australia (@seeingeyedogsaustralia) Seeing Eye Dogs Australia is looking for people in several Melbourne areas: in Kensington, Flemington, North Melbourne, Ascot Vale and West Melbourne; in the east to the Yarra Ranges (anywhere south of the eastern freeway); and southeast to Portsea (anywhere south of the eastern freeway). They're also looking in the Bendigo region and surrounding suburbs, too. In Queensland, the Sunshine Coast and north Brisbane are the priority areas. Once the pups reach 12-15 months old, they'll return to Seeing Eye Dogs Australia — and complete their journey to become four-legged companions for people who are blind or have low vision. Keen? You can apply online — and, at 10.30am on Friday, April 23, you can also virtually peek behind the scenes at one of Seeing Eye Dogs Australia's puppy centres. For more information about Seeing Eye Dogs Australia's puppy carers, and to apply for the volunteer roles, head to the organisation's website.
Welcome to the Crush City Exhibition, a one-night-only celebration featuring a wide array of artists with one key passion. John Lupo Avanti, an illustrationist by many trades, works for business and pleasure. He does brightly-coloured, semi-traditional tattoos, as well as hyper-real acrylic illustrations of dreamscapes brought to intriguing reality. Eric Bruckner’s realistic tattoos are comic book look-a-likes to the point of unreal. Pop culture is his game, which he plays with finesse and imagination; from Halo to Marilyn Monroe, there is no sphere he won’t cross with great ease. Street art talents meets tattoo refinery with Sam Hillcoat. His bold, colourful works have graced the walls of buildings around Brisbane, as his designs grace the skin of fans throughout the city. This is not the first exhibition for Hillcoat; his works have been widely praised for some time now in art circles as well as business frontiers. Other Crush City artists you’ll find at this exhibition include JB Diz, Sam Hillcoat, Mechso, NITE, Reals, Blex and Jay Christensen. Get in early!
When you're standing in a room filled with butterflies with your special someone — a cavernous white space with its bright walls covered in tiny, intricate, black-hued paper critters swarming all around you — it's a truly wondrous feeling. That's one of the highlights of the Gallery of Modern Art's Air exhibition, alongside volcanic mounds, floating spheres, glowing red lights and smoky darkened spaces. And, it's the perfect place to visit come Valentine's Day. Taking advantage of the ideal name for a romantic event, GOMA is putting on a one-night-only Love Is in the Air session from 5.30–8.30pm on Tuesday, February 14. Usually, hitting up the South Brisbane gallery's exhibitions after hours is limited to its Up Late parties, and they're coming for this stunning showcase — but you can get swooning with your significant other first. Attendees will get the run of all things Air, wandering through pipes, seeing plants, marvelling at giant sculptures and staring at hanging pieces — and more — across the three-hour session. You'll also receive a Valentine's Day gift upon arrival: a conversation prompt card printed on plantable seed paper. [caption id="attachment_888732" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dora Budor / Croatia b.1984 / Origin I (A Stag Drinking) (installation view) 2019 / Custom environmental chamber (reactive electronic system, compressor, valves, 3D-printed elements, aluminium, acrylic, LED light, glass, wood, paint), organic and synthetic pigments, diatomaceous earth, FX dust, felt, ed. 3/3 / Purchased 2021. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: QAGOMA / © Dora Budor / Photograph: Claudia Baxter © QAGOMA.[/caption] There'll be workshops and pop-up talks as well, plus immersive art experiences. And would it be a date-night gallery visit without a pop-up bar doing drinks and bites to eat? Of course it wouldn't. Fancy a memento of the night, other than all the pictures that you and your plus one will take yourselves? The Love Snap photobooth has you covered, with local artist Clo Love coming up with a photoset described as "pop art meets an Italian pizzeria in the sky". Prefer to head along with one of your mate instead of a date? That's heartily encouraged as well. [caption id="attachment_888731" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Patrick Pound / New Zealand / Australia b.1962 / The air lock 2022 (installation view) / Photographs and objects from the artist's collection and the QAGOMA Collection / Courtesy: The artist, Darren Knight Gallery, Sydney, and STATION, Melbourne / © Patrick Pound / Photograph: Claudia Baxter © QAGOMA.[/caption] Top image: Carlos Amorales / Mexico b.1970 / Black Cloud (installation view) 2007/2018 / 30 000 black laser-cut and handfolded paper butterflies (30 different butterfly and moth species in five sizes with a wave wing pattern), ed. 1/3 (+ 1 A.P.) / Purchased 2022 with funds from Tim Fairfax AC through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: QAGOMA / © Carlos Amorales / Photograph: Claudia Baxter © QAGOMA.
Slipping, sliding, splashing and slurping up ice cream — it was a great way to spend a summery day when you were a kid, and the same is true now that you're an adult. It's also exactly what's on the agenda at the Burpengary Big Splash, which'll let you get more than your toes wet at the Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre on Saturday, December 7. From 10am–1pm, the northside spot will be filled with giant inflatables, plenty of in-pool activities and a mini ice cream festival. The forecast for the day 34 degrees and mostly sunny, so even just thinking about the heat probably has you dreaming of a body of water. [caption id="attachment_753331" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre[/caption] To help you cool off on what's bound to be a toasty day, entry is via gold coin donation. And yes, this is a family friendly event, so it will be filled with littlies — but that's all part of a summery trip to the pool Top image: Moreton Bay Regional Council
Wesley Enoch directs Black Diggers, a new play written by Tom Wright that uncovers the contribution of Aboriginal Diggers to Australia’s First World War effort. Featuring an all-male, all-Indigenous cast, the play draws upon extensive consultation and recent research to bring to light some truly exceptional stories of heroism forged out on the battlefields of Gallipoli, Palestine and Flanders. Marking the eve of the centenary of WWI, the piece aims to share an overlooked moment in Australian history. Following its acclaimed world premiere at the Sydney Festival, Black Diggers is presented here by the Brisbane Festival and Queensland Theatre Company, of which Enoch is the artistic director. It's a powerful piece of theatre that was nominated in the recent Helpmann Awards for Best New Australian Work.
Valentine's Day is coming up, and despite mounting partner pressure, serious self-doubt and a blank canvas, you've got this — but only if you take our help. Whether you want to keep it cheap yet classy or blow the budget and go all-out blockbuster style, Brisbane’s got a fair few options that can easily have the ladies swooning and lads doing just the same. RITZ AND ROMANCE Watt is love? I sure don’t know, but The Powerhouse’s Watt Restaurant are cupids at this stuff. They’re offering a two-course dinner, a river view and a glass of sparkling wine at the not so ridiculous price of $59 for the special day. Bacchus is presenting a Valentines Day degustation with an exceptional menu that will have your stomach falling in love with food all over again– check it. Spring have just done just about the same, in their own fresh and free reigned style, with a four-course menu that boasts gnocchi, chocolate, kingfish, chocolate, eye fillet, quail and chocolate. Foxy Bean can transform your day into a vintage affair, with their three-course dinner and live cabaret show. Don’t ruin the day - and probably the rest of your love life - by not booking – that’s far too textbook. DRUNK IN LOVE If you’ve got the type of partner who is unbearable without a little chemical stimulant, then why not add some alcohol to the Valentine's picture and drink the night away. Jetty Southbank is so excited for the big V they’ve gone ahead and whipped up a special cocktail for it - The Scarlett Darling, a vibrant red cocktail with a mix of gin, fresh watermelon, Chambord, cucumber, mint and lime. Canvas Club in Wooloongabba is forever courteous and classy, and ready at hand with fine drinks in a finer atmosphere. If you want to head West, venture to The End and share a cocktail jug – and if you’re not at the sharing stage yet, just stick to a jug each. CHEAP AND CHIPPER Just because it's “Valentine's Day” it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to show your partner how to have a good time. Dollars and Cents have some great $2 Valentines cards, produced by the hands of this world's finest photoshoppers. Food and entertainment wise, nothing beats fish and chips by the river. Swampdog’s meal for two is more than enough food for the most romanced of couples - fish and chips for him, calamari and prawns for her. The one thing better than being in love is haloumi, and Little Greek know how to fry it up just right. And if all that’s a tad too pricey, Milton Maccas is pretty nice as well. LOVE ON THE LAWN Grass is great, especially when you have someone to share it with. So why not pack a basket with exotic cheeses, discount crackers, and a couple of bottles of apple cider and waste away Valentine's Day fending off green ants. Highgate Hill Park on Dornoch Terrace has a fantastic gradient for sitting and rolling down, and has a better view of the city than Stefan’s tower. New Farm park is a safe space, that offers views of everything from the river, flowers to that strange pink Barbie mansion in East Brisbane. Or better still, have a picnic in your back yard – cute, convenient and your mum can come. ADRENALINE APHRODISIAC Nothing says “I love you”, quite like “I’m willing to die for you”. So why not face death in the face with these not too unsafe activities right here in Brisbane. Hot air ballooning comes at a pretty steep price, but is sure to be a winner, or why not a helicopter flight over the city, all the while pretending you’re in Top Gun – Maverick and Goose were quite the star studded couple after all. Sky diving is a wonderful, fun, safe, cool and by not means not cliche option – a couple that sky dive tandem, grow old tandem. PAINT HER LIKE YOUR FRENCH GIRLS Girls love to be painted. Rose loved it, Napoleon Dynamite’s crush loved it, and the Girl with The Pearl Earing went CRAZY for it. So why not pull a Leo and paint her/be painted for Valentines Day. Cork and Chroma are hosting an evening of wine, Picasso flare, and intense staring, and at the end of the evening you’ll have a 40cmx50cm canvas of your significant other. You'll also be fed - yum, and get to meet other couples, who you can then talk to about The Mentalist. Because that's what couples do. ALL BY YOURSELF If you've conquered this whole article, in hope this Valentines Day will be different - no Tim Tams, no The Notebook and no Celine, then good for you. But that's probably wishful thinking, so you'd best prepare to tackle this day solo - why not do it in 21st century tech-style. Limes Hotel is hosting a Tinder Rooftop Party, and chances are your Joaquin Phoenix will be perched at the bar, waiting for Her (you) to just swipe right. Valentines Day will be a Friday night, so head to the Fortitude Valley after, with a trail of Tinderers at toe and dance the rest of this joy filled holiday away to the sounds of Bromance Records at Oh Hello. Alternatively, most Cold Rocks are open till 10.30pm, and the brownie mix-in can replace the warmth of any man. Roses and romance aside, don’t forget that Saint Valentine himself went through life a lone soldier. And that’s okay. Sometimes you don’t need a partner, or friends or even people to remember your name to be happy. Because it's you who gets to venture through Valentine's Day, and life, and if you want do it alone, then good on you. Call me, Molly Glassey: 0418 660 783.
In Nosedive, the first episode of the third season of Black Mirror, life's ups and downs are dictated by social media. Everything Lacie (Bryce Dallas Howard) does is rated by those around her, and she rates them in turn. Those rankings contribute to an overall score, out of five, which influences where she can live, hang out, travel, shop and more. Being Black Mirror, it's both a bleak and creepy vision of the future, and an idea that's not all that far removed from reality. If you watched the episode and thought "wouldn't that make a great game?", then you're not the only one. Five stars to you and to American game publisher Asmodee Group, we guess. The latter has turned Nosedive into a game that requires players to "create a 'perfect' life by collecting Lifestyle cards, while avoiding any dings to your Social Score that could cause everything you've worked for to come crashing down," according to its sale listing on the US version of Target's website. The strategy game is designed to be played by three to six people, and also has an app component. Each person's Social Score is based on how much other players like the experiences you give them via the app, with more than 1000 available. Nosedive will cost US$19.99, and whether it'll make the jump to Australia is yet to be seen. It's not the first off-screen chance that Black Mirror fans have had to feel like they're in one of the anthology series' episodes, thanks to an immersive London exhibition dedicated to the show last year. Via The Wrap.
Mortality is a topic most people would rather not face, but Margi Brown Ash has turned the transience of existence into theatre. In He Dreamed a Train, a writer and her entrepreneur brother face his premature death, their reactions informing an emotional roller-coaster ride. Brisbane stalwart Brown Ash takes inspiration from the book of same name by her brother, David A. Brown, and performs alongside her son, Travis Ash. The compelling and beautiful show is as much a family affair as it is a look at life’s joy’s and challenges, conveyed through a combination of digital projection and old-fashioned storytelling under the direction of Circa’s Ben Knapton. He Dreamed a Train is the first performance to be presented as part of Brisbane Powerhouse’s inaugural SWEET creative development program. Flaunt by Claire Marshall will premiere in November, followed by De Profundis by David Fenton and Brian Lucas in April 2015.
Forget watching your way through the Step Up franchise — if you want to see top-notch street dancing, you just need to make your way to the Mad Dance Festival. For ten days between Wednesday, June 8–Saturday, June 18, it's bringing a feast of fancy footwork to Metro Arts in West End, complete with performances, talks and classes. If you're keen on checking out a heap of talented performers and their smooth moves, you have options. In fact, there's over 35 events on offer across the whole fest. That includes Betwixt by Pink Matter and Sam Evans' This Time It's Personal, plus Rhythmology — which focuses on urban music and the creatives behind it. Also on the bill: dance battles and DJ sets aplenty, as well as a vogueing night. And, from Monday, June 13–Friday, June 17, there's a free daily dusk dancing session that wants to get everyone cutting shapes around the West Village precinct. Or, you ca drop into a range of community dance classes, also for free, across the entire fest. Images: Betwixt by Moonstrikken/Sinead O'Brien.
To celebrate the latest drop in its Bonded series, Triple Mash, Jack Daniel's is hosting a series of immersive whiskey tastings dubbed Triple Mash Medley. It promises to be a sensory session like no other, featuring whiskey (of course), country music compositions crafted for the tasting, cocktails and canapes. It's landing in Brisbane at the luxe underground bar Boom Boom Room on October 9. The Bonded Series is named for The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, which stipulates that the whiskey must be from a single distillery, a blend of whiskies from a single distilling season, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof (American parlance for 50 percent ABV). The Triple Mash meets these requirements as a blend of three straight bottled-in-bond whiskies made in Lynchburg, Tennessee. It is 60 percent Jack Daniel's Straight Rye Whiskey, 20 percent Jack Daniel's American Malt Whiskey and 20 percent Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. Triple Mash is a bold whiskey ideal for sipping. Its dried fruit aromas, warm, rounded mouthfeel, and honeyed sweetness are balanced by subtle grain spice and a spicy finish. It also serves as a rich base for complex whiskey cocktails. Triple Mash is best enjoyed with soothing country music, which is exactly why the Jack Daniel's crew is curating a series of sonically immersive tastings in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. The Brisbane event will be held at the Boom Boom Room, a luxe underground bar and restaurant in a heritage-listed art deco building. The former bank is now decked out in deep reds, blues and blacks with old-school furniture, recess lighting and private rooms in what were once bank vaults. Music is big game here with 80s tunes and disco beats dominating the DJ nights. Now, Jack Daniel's is bringing a country element. At the tasting, guests will be invited to put on headphones — but rest assured, this isn't a silent disco. They'll be guided through a one-of-a-kind sensory journey, listening to tracks created by Professor Charles Spence, a leading sensory expert from the University of Oxford, alongside award-winning musicians from String Musicians Australia. These tracks pair classic country sounds — acoustic guitar, fiddle and double bass — with the whiskey tasting and experience how the music can bring out tasting notes like grassy herbs, peppery spice, rich toasted oak and deep caramel to enhance the whiskey's flavours. If you're a whiskey lover, get yourself to the Boom Boom Room. Book your spot via the link. Please drink responsibly.
Playing fictional movie star Vincent Chase in eight seasons of Entourage — and in the forgettable Entourage movie, too — Adrian Grenier got pretty comfortable playing someone who was constantly in front of the camera. That trait remains in his latest project, twisty new Netflix thriller series Clickbait. This time, Grenier steps into the shoes of a man who disappears suddenly, leaving his loved ones distraught. Then, when he pops up afterwards, it's in an online video that makes a shocking claim. In the clip, Nick Brewer (Grenier, Stage Mother) holds a card that says "I abuse women. At 5 million views, I die." His sister (Zoe Kazan, The Big Sick) and wife (Betty Gabriel, Get Out) are already distressed, but their nightmare only worsens once the video starts doing the rounds — unsurprisingly. Across eight episodes, the show then follows their efforts to find and save him, as well as the information they uncover along the way about the man they thought they knew. Swapping between different perspectives throughout its run, and stepping up the stakes in the process as well, Clickbait ponders the big, broad, important and constantly relevant intersection between our identities and our increasing use of social media. Just how our online and real-life selves can differ — and what types of behaviours we might indulge virtually that we wouldn't IRL — is only going to continue to garner the world's attention, which this Melbourne-shot series clearly attempts to tap into. Yes, if you spot any familiar sights while you're binging Clickbait from Wednesday, August 25 — or while you're watching the suitably tense just-dropped first trailer for the series — that's because it was filmed in the Victorian capital. It's a big month for high-profile shows that were made in Australia and are now hitting streaming, actually, with Amazon Prime Video dropping the Byron Bay-shot, Nicole Kidman-starring Nine Perfect Strangers as well. Check out the trailer below: Clickbait will be available to stream via Netflix from Wednesday, August 25. Top image: Ben King/Netflix.
Think bright sights in Brisbane, and Riverfire probably springs to mind. Or, if you're fond of all things festive, any one of the city's Christmas displays might, too. But the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens plays host to another must-see luminous attraction each year: Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside, which turns the riverside CBD spot into a dazzling outdoor art gallery — after dark as well. The 2022 event has just been locked in, so mark Friday, May 20–Sunday, May 29 in your diary. For ten days, from 5–10pm daily, the gardens will come alive with artworks, installations and projections, with nine pieces set to liven up the already-scenic inner-city spot. The full artist lineup hasn't yet been unveiled, but Leila Honari, Julie Monro-Allison and Tim Gruchy will all have works on display. And if previous years' pieces are anything to go by, expect everything from the gardens' plant life to its furniture and buildings to get quite the vibrant makeover. "Each artwork has been carefully selected to create an experience that melds art, science, and technology to reflect the history of our city and explore contemporary themes of sustainability and innovation," explains Botanica producer Bella Ford. Plus, all those shimmering sights will be paired with twilight walks, interactive workshops and talks, as well as a discovery trail for children. You'll be able to watch artworks created live, too — and contribute to them — and also hit up food trucks and an outdoor bar from Friday–Sunday. [caption id="attachment_812086" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Museum of our lost world' (2021) by Simone Eisler[/caption] Of course, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens has always been more than just that patch of grass and trees at the edge of the CBD thanks to its gorgeous greenery, ponds filled with cute turtles, free exercise classes and more — but it's never more alluring than during this fest. And if you missed the first three events in 2018, 2019 and 2021 — or if you went along and loved it — 2022's event promises a whole heap of new garden wonders. Either way, prepare to roam through the centre of Brisbane and see its natural splendour in a whole new way. Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside will display at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens from Friday, May 20–Sunday, May 29. For more information, head to the Brisbane City Council website.
Film fans — pack your picnics, pillows and insect repellent, and prepare to spend your summer evenings watching the big screen under the stars. From December 7, Moonlight Cinema returns to Brisbane for another season of great viewing, great weather (hopefully) and great food. Yep — here, all three go hand-in-hand. The first part of this year's program — covering December and January — features advanced screenings of movies yet to hit cinemas, new releases and a heap of old favourites. The February and March lineup will be revealed early next year, but rest assured, there's something for all tastes on the current bill. If you're after an early glimpse at an exciting upcoming flick, then Guillermo del Toro's gorgeous monster romance The Shape of Water, the Greta Gerwig-directed Lady Bird and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, the latest movie by In Bruges filmmaker Martin McDonagh, should all do nicely. Those who'd like to catch an openair session of efforts already screening in cinemas can pick from the likes of Justice League, Murder on the Orient Express, Detroit, Thor: Ragnarok, The Mountain Between Us and Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi (once it's released on December 14). And, if you've got the urge for something retro, make a date with Love Actually, Dirty Dancing, The Breakfast Club or Back to the Future. Also featured are sneak peeks of everything from Pitch Perfect 3, to new Pixar animation Coco, to Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in Steven Spielberg's The Post. Or, if you're a fan of Australian cinema, check out Kylie Minogue and Guy Pearce reuniting post-Neighbours for Swinging Safari; the absolutely stunning new outback western Sweet Country; and what sounds like an Aussie-as comedy, The BBQ. Pairing your movie choice with something to eat and drink is all part of the fun, so BYO supplies (although bringing your own booze isn't allowed in Brisbane) or grab something tasty onsite.
New music festivals aren't the first thing that springs to mind when anyone thinks about the pandemic, but Brisbane did indeed score one back in 2021. To encourage River City residents to get out and support the city's live music scene, which needed the love during a tough period, Brisbane Winter Sessions was born — and it's now back for 2023. During its first run, the fest ran for six days, held 30-plus gigs and took over 16 venues. The numbers are a bit different in 2023; however, the same aim and spirit remains. So, Brisbanites will have ten days between Friday, July 28–Sunday, August 6 to hit the dance floor around Fortitude Valley, Newstead and Woolloongabba, including at both free and ticketed events. The highlights start with two days of blues, roots and soul tunes at The Triffid, where the Newstead Roots Weekender will take over with two stages, more than 25 musicians getting behind the microphone, DJs spinning tunes till late and the venue's kitchen pumping out snacks. Or, over at The Princess Theatre, a pair of big ticketed events will make the most of the revamped 130-plus-year-old space: Ngaiire teaming up with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, which also falls under this year's Open Season program; and Set Roulette, another Open Season inclusion, this time featuring Kwame, Hatchie, Jesswar, RVG, BIG WETT, Andy Golledge, Party Dozen and Safety Club. At the latter, a giant wheel will be spun onstage to decide who plays when. Brisbane Winter Sessions will also include a street party-inspired DJ night at Hey Chica!, Dizzy Days at Finn McCool's and Fluffy All Stars at Cloudland. The Tyrone Noonan Trio is headed to Black Bear Lodge, as is Some Folk Event feauturing Alivan Blu, Myki Jay and Milk Buttons. [caption id="attachment_870966" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitch Lowe[/caption] Top image: katexjean.
In February, Brisbane Powerhouse launched a brand-new festival dedicated to boundary-pushing performances. In March, the New Farm site hosted its first-ever Night Feast food market. Across April and May, the venue let laughter echo in every space it could thanks to its annual Brisbane Comedy Festival. And, now that winter is upon the River City, it's launching into June with some else just as impressive: a killer music lineup. Where can you dance to a French disco king, and also check out a supremely talented Icelandic singer-songwriter? At the Lamington Street spot, which is welcoming in Cerrone and Ásgeir. The former is a legend, selling over 30-million records worldwide; being sampled by everyone from Public Enemy, Jamie XX and Daft Punk to Run DMC and Paul McCartney; and known for 70s tracks 'Love in C Minor', 'Supernature' and 'Give Me Love'. The latter is a folk-pop star that's up there with Iceland's best-known talents, and will be playing through his decade-long discography. If that sounds like an eclectic duo, hitting Powerhouse's stage one night after the other, that's because it is. Pinballing between vastly different sounds, vibes and shows has always been a driving force behind the venue's lineups, and this wintry music season is no different. Here's two more cases in point: Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, who'll kick off the program, plus Desire Marea. The Melbourne-based Savage and her band head north fresh from releasing their new album So This Is Love, as well as singles Keep Working At Your Job' and '$600 Short On The Rent'. As for Marea, the South African-based artist also arrives with a recent release, On the Romance of Being, a blend of post-gospel, spiritual jazz, and the ancient music of the Nguni and Ndau peoples which was recorded live with a 13-musician ensemble. WINTER SOUNDS AT BRISBANE POWERHOUSE: Thursday, June 1 — Cash Savage and The Last Drinks Friday, June 2 — Cerrone by Cerrone Saturday, June 3 — Ásgeir Thursday, June 15 — Desire Marea Brisbane Powerhouse's winter music program kicks off on Thursday, June 1 — for more information, head to the venue's website.
Birds chirp, rainbows form and the sun shines a little brighter over Brisbane when the Dog Lovers Show comes around. And it's returning to the Brisbane Showgrounds for a second year of pats, licks and parades on the weekend of November 3 and 4. Yes, the dedicated puppy cuddle zone is returning — and in 2018, the first Brisbane Common Woof Games will also join the program. The Brisbane Dog Lovers Show will see thousands of dedicated pooch fans celebrating the noble four-legged monarch of human companionship. There'll be dozens of furry friends available for adoption from dozens rescue groups across Queensland in the adoption zone, where you can learn up on what's actually involved with the process. But hold up, you came here to cuddle pooches. We're getting there. Punters can make their way to the Pat-a-Pooch zone, where you can cuddle up to a wide range of Australia's most loveable and popular breeds from puppy to adult dogs — we're talking uppity dachshunds to fluffball samoyeds, all up in your grill. This was undeniably the main attraction of last year's event, and gives kitten cafes a run for their money. There's plenty more happening over the two days of furry friended fun. Not sure which type of schnoochie is perfect for you? Sign up for a Perfect Match session where you'll be paired with your ultimate dog breed. Already found your tail-waggin' soulmate? Get some expert tips on training, behaviour, first-aid and nutrition in seminars by some of Australia's big name vets. And if you're interested in watching doggos be adorable in events such as 'dog socca', mini-dog hurdles, barrel racing and javelin weave — plus canine versions of basketball, vault and discus as well — then make a date with the Common Woof Games . There'll also be aquatic events, with plenty of pooches making a splash. Tickets are $20. Everything is free (including cuddles) once you have purchased your ticket, obviously excepting food and drink. Updated September 21.
Think of all the best things in life: the beach, beats and booze. They're all essential to a pre-game beach party (and, coincidentally, all start with B for some reason). So last weekend we teamed up with Sonos and got a pretty little beach house in Byron, loaded up on Stone & Wood beers, set up Banoffee on the balcony and got her to sing out towards the bay. It was Concrete Playground's own Beach Break. Duo-to-watch Kllo were there too, and we got to listen to their sweet electronic tunes with the Saturday arvo sun sky-high over Byron Bay. While Banoffee played 'Let's Go to the Beach' — and we basked in the glory of the fact that we were indeed already at the beach — we sipped on wines from Jacob's Creek and Stoneleigh Wild Valley and G&Tea cocktails made with Four Pillars gin, Earl Grey tea and Fever Tree soda. Also being shaken and stirred was Baron Samedi spiced rum punch and an Aperol and watermelon concoction that made it feel like summer all over again. Here's some snaps we took of the festivities. We're keeping these on-hand for gloomy days stuck in the office. Video: Andy Fraser.
Being an adult Disney fan in southeast Queensland is easy right now. The Mouse House's movies can be watched and rewatched (then rewatched again) thanks to the company's very own streaming service, and there's no shortage of other events — outdoor cinemas, musicals, exhibitions and more — around the place. But if you're looking for something special to celebrate a whole century of the company's wares, and you're particularly fond of all the earworm songs its flicks have gotten stuck in your head over the years, then a big 100th-anniversary Disney concert is just the ticket. Disney 100: The Concert hops on a trend that's been popular for a few years now, pairing beloved movies with a live orchestra playing the soundtrack as you watch. This time, though, you'll be seeing clips of the Mouse House's musical hits rather than watching an entire feature. There's just that much to get through, given the company's massive film catalogue. Making its Queensland stopover at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast over two shows across Friday, March 31–Saturday, April 1, 2023, the concert will bust out tracks from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Moana and Encanto, as well as Pocahontas, Aladdin, Tangled, Hercules and Frozen. At the venue's outdoor stage, an orchestra will be in charge of the tunes, with exact details to be revealed — and a yet-to-be-announced a lineup of Australian musical theatre stars will be lending their voices to the production, which focuses on Disney's animated favourites. Also featuring: performers Genevieve McCarthy (Mythic, Les Misérables) and Amy Manford (The Phantom of the Opera) from MM Creative Productions, which is behind the production. If Disney's music soundtracked your childhood — and still does your adulthood — being this show's guest is a delightfully easy decision. Disney 100: The Concert will play HOTA, Home of the Arts on Friday, March 31–Saturday, April 1, 2023. Pre-sale tickets are available now, with general public tickets on sale from 9am AEST on Thursday, October 20. Images: Jarrad Seng.
If you know Brisbane fashion, you've definitely stumbled across Frock Paper Scissors at some point. This annual fashion and lifestyle publication from QUT features the best content from its creative industry students. Every year, the magazine becomes a fashionista bookshelf staple, and their 2014 edition is proving no different. Frock Paper Scissors 2014 Launch Party kicks off on November 20 at The Glasshouse at QUT. Join in celebrating the dedicated work of the creative minds who've been slaving tireless for four months to show off Brisbane’s most inspiring and innovative happenings in the fashion world. Tickets are $25, and that include drinks, food, entertainment, and of course, the star of the evening — a copy of the ninth edition of Frock Paper Scissors. Meet and mingle with some of Brisbane's most promising up and comers, with a glass of champagne in one hand and one of Brisbane's hottest mags in the other.
They started as an opening act for the Beastie Boys. They've been fighting the power for almost four decades. They're no strangers to big hats and giant clocks, or for fighting for a worthy cause. They've been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2013. They'll forever come to mind whenever Def Jam and Long Island come up. They're Public Enemy, of course, and they're about to get Australia believing the hype when they bring the noise — and their latest tour — Down Under in October 2024. Chuck D, Flavor Flav and company are playing Eatons Hill in Brisbane on Saturday, October 12. Audiences, you're gonna get yours when the icons take to the stage to play through 37 years of tunes that began with 1987 singles 'Public Enemy No 1' and, yes, 'You're Gonna Get Yours', all from their debut studio album Yo! Bum Rush the Show. Expect tracks from 1988's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and 1990's Fear of a Black Planet — two of the most-influential records of the period, and home to 'Bring the Noise', 'Don't Believe the Hype', 'Rebel Without a Pause', '911 Is a Joke' and 'Fight the Power' — as well, through to songs from 2020's What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?, their most-recent album. For company, Public Enemy have AB Original in support, pairing one classic duo with another in Briggs and Trials — and matching the US group's commitment to social rights activism with an Australian act just as devoted to standing up against injustice. Public Enemy last played in Australia a decade ago, on a 2014 tour that included Golden Plains, plus gigs in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Launceston.
If one man's trash is another man's treasure, then a trunk full of junk may as well be a treasure chest. Suitcase Rummage gets that when it comes to shopping, second-hand reaps the best bang for your buck. For years they've been hosting regular events at Brisbane Square, but now they're upgrading and upsizing to the Powerhouse and adding a craft workshop to the mix. The Suitcase Rummage and Crafternoon takes place from 11am to 4pm, and will feature a crowd of open suitcases filled with the type of clothes, knick-knacks and craft you probably don't need but definitely deserve. Plus, join Naomi Huntsman for a workshop on rag rugs, where you'll learn the basics of making floor and wall coverings from upcycled bed linen, old clothing and pieces of fabric you have hanging around. You can have your own shot at crafting something beautiful, and if you really know how to take advantage of a situation, pop it in an open suitcase and smack a $20 pricetag on it. Entry for Suitcase Rummage and Crafternoon is free, and if you're interested in running a stall, register here.
Culinary puns, food-themed songs, and the delightful adventures of a burger-slinging family: on the small screen, that's what Bob's Burgers has been serving up since 2011. Just like the dish that's right there in the title, there's more than one way to enjoy this animated gem, however, with The Bob's Burgers Movie set to hit cinemas in May this year. The film has been a long time coming — and not just because the series it springs from has been on the air for a whopping 12 seasons now. The Bob's Burgers Movie was originally due to reach the big screen back in mid-2020, but the pandemic got in the way. Think of it as the movie version of IRL supermarket shortages. Thankfully, 2022 is here with the promise that The Bob's Burgers Movie will be a real thing that we'll all get to feast our eyeballs on — and soon. And if your appetite for a movie-length musical comedy-mystery-adventure flick about Bob Belcher (H Jon Benjamin, Archer) and his nearest and dearest isn't already ravenous, the film's just-dropped trailer is here to help. Sexy burgers, a big summer for Tina and trying to keep Bob's Burgers afloat after a ruptured water main causes a huge sinkhole right in front of the store: they're all on the movie's menu, as is a mystery that only Belcher kids Tina (Dan Mintz, Veep), Gene (Eugene Mirman, Archer) and Louise (Kristen Schaal, What We Do in the Shadows) can solve. And yes, The Bob's Burgers Movie does offer a solution to the feeling that every Bob's Burgers' fan has felt more than once: not wanting this colourful, hilarious and engaging animated meal to end when you're binging through it in 20-minute episode blocks. Check out the trailer for The Bob's Burgers Movie below: The Bob's Burgers Movie will open in cinemas Down Under on May 26, 2022. Images: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Ever been to New York? Well now you never have to, because earlier this year 24 students from QCA jetted over, and now they’re showing off this great city at The Hold Artspace. West 35th and 8th is a multimedia exhibition that showcases the individual projects that articulate the students' experiences as the discovered the city that never sleeps. The group were based on West 35th and 8th, though their experiences spill into all gaps and crevices of this vast and exciting city. The group itself is a diverse one, with the students coming from creative advertising, social documentary and art practices.
You answer a knock at the door, thinking you’ll find a familiar face only to be met with an impromptu party. Sure, that doesn’t sound too bad — but when your expected visitor is a teenager you met in a train station the day before, arriving with his hustler friends in tow, it doesn’t sound too good, either. This is where mild-mannered, middle-aged Daniel (Olivier Rabourdin) finds himself in Eastern Boys — and where cinema finds one of its most striking scenes in years. Shy-looking Ukrainian immigrant Marek (Kirill Emelyanov) arrives at Daniel’s apartment after accepting money for sex, his pals barging in, stealing stuff and trashing the place. Unravelling against an electronic soundtrack, it’s a sight that’s both unsettling and unforgettable. The movie takes its time in showing every detail of the home invasion, not only forcing Daniel to linger, but making the audience do the same. Prepare to feel stunned and awkward. Prepare to keep watching, too, and not just taking in the visuals and following the storyline. Eastern Boys is a film of observation, making you look close and then closer, and then even closer again. You’d best be scrutinising everything you can see, from the long shots of Paris's crowded Gare du Nord and the dialogue-free glances that fill the feature’s first frames. The movie demands that you gaze from afar while trying to delve beneath the surface, which is also what it offers in its complicated character studies. Never going where anyone might predict, this isn’t a tale about trouble and revenge, but a film that’s part love story, part thriller — and neither of those sticks with convention or worries about leaps in logic. Chapters signal shifts in the story, involving Daniel, Marek and Boss (Daniil Vorobyov), the volatile but charming Russian leader of the pack, as well. Power, survival, identity, affection and belonging are all wrapped up in a movie equally personal and topical. It manages to combine the attempts of men trying to carve out a different life however they can with a broader contemplation of class and immigration, and it does so with moments of horror, hope and heartbreak. Anyone familiar with French TV series The Returned will know the kind of style writer/director/editor Robin Campillo’s favours in only his second effort as a filmmaker: slow-moving, atmospheric, precise and always showing rather than telling. Here, it’s an ideal fit for a narrative that doesn’t try to justify what is going on but instead wants viewers to witness the actions, reactions, interactions and transactions that make up its reality and draw their own conclusions. Kudos also must go to his excellent cast for their naturalistic performances, specifically veteran Rabourdin and relative newcomers Emelyanov and Vorobyov. Making a movie feel intense, involving and intimate at the same time isn’t easy, but they ensure we’re always watching. Not that you have a choice — with a tale this simultaneously tense and tender, just try to look away.
Strewth isn't just the most Aussie thing you can exclaim when you're surprised, although is certainly that. At The Elephant, it's also an annual pre-Australia Day party. As the Fortitude Valley pub clearly knows, the nation's big public holiday deserves a shindig boasting some local slang, after all. That's not all the free event boasts in its second year, with an array of tunes the real drawcard. Brisbane favourites Velociraptor top the bill, alongside Babaganouj, Waax, Deluso and Deeds. If you hadn't already guessed, an afternoon of rock 'n' roll is on the menu. If the music lineup isn't enough (or you just know that you'll be sporting a sizeable thirst and a hefty appetite), The Elephant's usual combination of beer and barbecued food will certainly hit the spot. Basically, you can pretend you're in your own backyard — but no one has to cook, and your soundtrack is being played live.
If pastel wasn't already part of your gig-going wardrobe, it will be at Client Liaison's Expo Liaison, which will be touring the country in August. Announced back in May, the seven-hour event will hit Victoria Park on across August 26, and the headlining duo will have quite the company. Alongside a roster of eight other acts, the duo's own set will also feature The Voice himself, John Farnham. Alice Ivy, Ken Davis, Kon, Luke Million featuring KLP, No Zu, Rainbow Chan and Total Giovanni are all on the bill, plus John Howard doing a DJ set. Whether that's John Howard the former prime minister, John Howard the Aussie actor or just some other guy called John Howard, well, your guess is as good as ours — but Triple J is entertaining the fact that it could be the former. As for the kind of vibe that's in store, the curated event has fest badged "a multimedia, multi-city, multiversal experience" in its promotional material, as well as a "once-in-a-lifetime event". They're the kind of descriptions that plenty of gigs and fests throw around, but, even though the band's being overly hyperbolic, Client Liaison has a track record of delivering more than just the usual shows — or fashion lines or music videos, for that matter.
Put down your So Fresh CD. Crack open your teenage piggy bank. Keep practising your Janet Jackson shimmy. Because a full-blown R&B frenzy is set to sweep the nation this November as live party tour RNB Fridays returns for five mammoth shows. Descending on Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday, November 15, the event has managed to pull a pretty serious lineup of international music legends straight from the 90s and early 2000s. Last year, the event saw tens of thousands of people snap up tickets to see Usher, Salt-N-Pepa and T-Pain. Heading the bill this time around is none other than singing, songwriting, dancing royalty Janet Jackson, in what will be the 30th anniversary of her award-winning album Rhythm Nation. Expect to hear bangers such as 'That's The Way Love Goes' and 'Got 'Til It's Gone'. She'll be joined by Brandy, who will be belting out 90s and 00s hits such as 'Never Say Never', 'Wanna Be Down' and, of course, 'The Boy Is Mine'. Then there's Grammy Award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas, 'In da Club' rapper 50 Cent, plus Jason Derulo, Keri Hilson, J-Kwon, Fatman Scoop and Sisqo — who will be performing his 90s smash hit 'Thong Song'. All of them. Together. In one show. RNB FRIDAYS 2019 LINEUP Janet Jackson Brandy The Black Eyes Peas 50 Cent Jason Derulo Keri Hilson Sisqo J-Kwon Hosted by Fatman Scoop Image: Mushroom Creative House.
If you can recall a time when going on holiday meant sending postcards rather than uploading photos, then you've probably seen quite a few weird and wonderful images stuck to your fridge. Keep those memories in your mind when you peruse Gerwyn Davies' exhibition Subtropics. We guarantee you'll be thinking about fastening them to your biggest kitchen appliance with a magnet in no time. In fact, the specific sights and scenery that adorn Aussie postcards are meant to pop into your brain while you look at Davies' photographs, because they were part of his inspiration. Expect bright colours, familiar scenery and an overall mood of camp — and a narrative about our country in the process. They're the kind of images that obviously aren't real, particularly given that they use a combination of costumes and photos to fabricate elaborate constructions out of everyday materials. Still, with their vivid tones and eye-catching content — and their obvious attempt to toy with cultural cringe — you'll be drawn to them all the same.
Call it the SNL effect: in two of their past three films, Julie Cohen and Betsy West have celebrated pioneering women who've been parodied on Saturday Night Live. They've referenced those famous skits in RBG and now Julia, in fact, including their subjects' reactions; Ruth Bader Ginsburg was seen howling with laughter when she first saw Kate McKinnon slip into her robes, and Julia Child reportedly played Dan Aykroyd's blood-soaked 1978 impersonation to friends at parties. Cohen and West clearly aren't basing their documentaries on their own sketch-comedy viewing, though. Instead, they've been eagerly unpacking exactly why a US Supreme Court Justice and a French cuisine-loving TV chef made such a strong impact, and not only in their own fields. Julia makes an exceptional companion piece with the Oscar-nominated RBG, unsurprisingly; call it a great doco double helping. Julia arrives nearly two decades after its namesake's passing, and 12 years since Meryl Streep earned an Oscar nomination for mimicking Julia in Julie & Julia. If you've seen the latter but still wondered why Julie Powell (played by The Woman in the Window's Amy Adams) was so determined to work her way through Julia's most famous cookbook — first published in 1961, Mastering the Art of French Cooking completely changed America's perception of printed recipe collections — let this easy-to-consume doco fill in the gaps when it comes to the culinary wiz's mastery and achievements. Let it spark two instinctual, inescapable and overwhelming reactions, too: hunger, due to all the clips of Julia cooking and other lingering shots of food; and inspiration, because wanting to whip up the same dishes afterwards is equally understandable. In their second film of 2021 — after My Name Is Pauli Murray, another portrait of a woman thoroughly deserving the spotlight — Cohen and West take a chronological approach to Julia's life. The two filmmakers like borrowing cues from their subjects, so here they go with a classic recipe that's been given slight tweaks, but always appreciates that magic can be made if you pair a tried-and-tested formula with outstanding technique. Julia's entire cooking career, including her leap to television in her 50s, stirred up the same idea. Her take on French dining was all about making delectable meals by sticking to the right steps, even while using supermarket-variety ingredients, after all. Julia boasts a delightful serving of archival footage, as well as lingering new food porn-esque sequences that double as how-tos (as deliciously lensed by cinematographer and fellow RBG alum Claudia Raschke), but it still embodies the same ethos. Born to a well-off Pasadena family in 1912, Julia's early relationship with food is painted as functional: the household's cooks prepared the meals, and wanting to step into the kitchen herself was hardly a dream. In pre-World War II America, the expectation was that she'd simply marry and become a housewife, however, but a hunger for more out of life first took her to the Office of Strategic Services — the US organisation that gave way to the CIA — and overseas postings. While stationed in the Far East, she met State Department official Paul Child. After a berth in China, he was sent to France, where the acclaimed Cordon Bleu culinary school eventually beckoned for Julia. From there, she started her own cooking classes in Paris, co-penned the book that made her famous, turned a TV interview into a pitch for her own show and became an icon. There's more to each ingredient in Julia, of course, and to the dish that is its towering central figure (alongside her two siblings, Julia measured over six feet tall, causing their mother to joke that she'd given birth to 18 feet of children). This is an affectionate film that's as light and fluffy in tone as a souffle, but it still packs its menu with the bio-doc equivalent of a full meal. The use of text from Julia and Paul's letters — both to and about each other — seasons its collage of photographs and cooking show snippets with personality. Weaving in sensual shots of cooking in action speaks to the depth of the Childs' marriage, too; in Paris, she'd fashion him up a lavish lunch followed by a sojourn to the bedroom, the movie informs. That said, many of Julia's highlights come from simply watching Julia on TV, including when things didn't always go as planned. Talking head interviews from colleagues, friends, relatives, and other big cooking names such as José Andrés, Ina Garten, and Marcus Samuelsson help flesh out all the necessary biographical minutiae, but viewing Julia in action is the film's version of a main course and dessert all in one. She's unflappable, earthy, humorous and informative, her distinctive voice booming away as she talks through making everything from boeuf bourguignon to roast chicken — and it's easy to glean why America warmed to her as much as the butter-fuelled French fare she taught them to make. Why she sparked an entire genre of cuisine-focused television is just as plain to see, as is her trailblazing status as a female in the industry and a harbinger of better American dinners. The leap from jell-o salads to French omelettes and bouillabaisse was sizeable — and necessary. Julia does come with one spot at the table that's missing a dish. When it trifles with thornier topics than its eponymous cook's career, upbringing, marriage and influence, such as her contentment with being a homemaker pre-TV stardom, her tricky relationship with feminism despite her pro-choice views, and her early homophobia before becoming an AIDS activist, it can feel like it's snacking quickly and moving on. The film savours the good, the great and the extraordinary, but these brief notes still leave a taste. In general, though, it's still the kind of appetising movie that'd have Julia herself exclaiming "bon appétit!". Top image: Photo by Fairchild Archive/Penske Media/Shutterstock (6906383b) Julia Child on the set of her cooking show, 'The French Chef Julia Child, Boston.
If you're a part of Brisbane's art scene there is no doubt you would have heard about a talented artist by the name of Anastasia Booth. Her current exhibition, Means are the Ends: The Command Issue, is as thought-provoking as her long list of other showcases. In her latest exhibition Booth focuses on the relationship between feminine desire and divergent sexual practice. Booth has researched into rituals, materials and iconographies related to particular subcultures and has has developed sculptures and video works to explore to explore this area of interest. If you are interested in this topic you are more than welcome to get involved in the exhibition. Why not attend the group poetry-reading event which Booth is hosting? The session will explore the sensuality of text and the process of personal interpretation. The concept of sexuality is a particularly personal one and is open to interpretation. Be immersed in Booth's perspective and take the opportunity to broaden your own definitions.
Whether you know Highgate Hill as the best viewing point for Stefan's tower, or couldn't point it out on a map, Stephen Nothling's paintings can resonate with any Brisbane local. His latest exhibition showcases an artist's view of his endearing, colourful, South Brisbane neighbourhood in a series that documents Louisa Street, where the artist has lived for 14 years. In The last street in Highgate Hill, Nothling captures 38 Australian dreams, as housed in each of the homes that line his street. His paintings contain a cheery appreciation of the locale, all incorporated with lashings of humour, collage and some really great birds. Beyond capturing their tropical colours, tripartite levels and verandah after verandah, Nothling imagines the life behind the Queenslander's facades, showcasing the incremental and drastic changes he's witnessed on his daily walks. The last street in Highgate Hill exhibits at the Clem Jones Gallery in the Museum of Brisbane until January 31.
If the last 12 months hadn't been affected by COVID-19, the Australian Museum in Sydney would currently be playing host to Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh, a blockbuster exhibition of more than 150 objects from the ancient boy king's tomb. That isn't the case due to the pandemic — and, in bad news for anyone interested in history or eager to find out more about one of its most famous figures, the huge showcase will now no longer be displaying at the venue at all. Today, Thursday, March 18, the Australian Museum announced the exhibition's cancellation, advising that it has been informed by IMG, the company responsible for staging the exhibition, that Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh would no longer be coming to the venue. Originally, the tour had just been postponed; however, now it has been completely shuttered. If it had gone ahead — with an original launch date of February 2021 — the hefty showcase would've been on display for six months, and featured golden jewellery, elaborate carvings, sculptures and ritual antiquities from King Tut's treasure-laden resting place. And, it would've been available for Australians to see just shy of a century after the tomb was first discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter back in 1922. Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh was also set to include 60 pieces that had never previously left Egypt. Revealing the cancellation, Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay said that "the Australian Museum is saddened that the Tutankhamun exhibition has been cancelled due to the pandemic", but noted that the venue is working on a replacement. "We are already negotiating for a new touring Egyptian exhibition and hope to announce details soon. We know our visitors are fascinated by ancient Egypt and in the next three years, the Australian Museum will open its first-ever permanent Egypt Gallery to display our remarkable collection of historical artefacts," McKay said. Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh's was set to display in the Australian Museum's newly revamped space, with the venue reopening in November 2020 after a $57.5 million makeover. As part of its renovations, the site added more than 3000 square metres of public space to its layout, to provide more room to host blockbuster exhibitions. Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh is no longer set to display at the Australian Museum. To see the venue's current exhibitions, head to the Australian Museum website. Images: AP Images / King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh at the California Science Centre.
Is buying records part of your Christmas shopping plans? Whether you're scouring the racks for something specific for a special someone, or just generally looking for some vinyl inspiration (and a bargain), make a beeline to King George Square. After a successful first run at the end of 2019, the CBD spot is hosting another festive record fair — and you can bet there'll be plenty of tunes waiting to be gifted to your loved ones (and yourself). It all takes place from 9am–2pm on Saturday, December 19 — and in quite the striking CBD location. Expect a whole range of sellers at the King George Square Record Fair, including shipments sent up from Sydney to offload vinyl to avid shoppers and collectors. Entry is free, although you'll want to bring your wallet if you're eager to boost your record collection — or someone else's. You can find all manner of delights at a fair like this, including old classics, retro wonders and albums you never even knew existed. Top image: Brisbane City Council.
When it comes to exercise, we all need motivation. Making sure you're healthy works, but sometimes even the best among us need a bit more of a nudge — like a great view, for example. Leafy greenery does the trick. Water, too. If you're an early bird who starts their weekend the absolute first second they can, so does soaking in the morning sunshine. Grass, the river, the sun — yep, they're all on the agenda at Newstead's Yoga in the Park by the waterfront. Taking place from 8am on Saturday mornings, it's a reason to roll out of bed with the sparrows. And, to pump up your energy, make the most of Brisbane's sunny winter weather, and feel fighting fit for spring and summer. Sessions are free, but bookings are required to secure your spot. You will need to bring your own mat, and you'll want to bring a water bottle as well — all those sun salutations are bound to make you thirsty. Yoga in the Park runs from 8am on Saturdays at Newstead's Waterfront Park. Images: Enriching Communities Newstead.
Add satay skewers to the list of things that no one has ever eaten just one of. There's something about those meat pieces on a stick that screams "eat more now!" — and your tastebuds know it. Also well aware: South Bank's Ma Pa Me, which is doing bottomless satay evenings once a month. Your destination: Little Stanley Street. What you'll be eating: non-stop satay skewers for two hours. Those sticks will come filled with chicken, pork, squid and tofu, as finished over charcoal on a traditional hibachi grill — and they won't stop hitting your plate until your session is up. The full all-you-can-eat lineup spans chicken satay with peanut sauce, pork satay with spicy tamarind sauce, squid satay with sambal ulek and tofu satay with sweet chilli sauce, plus fried rice, acar, garlic crackers and stir-fried kailan as sides. The dates to lock in your diary: the first Tuesday of every month, starting at 5pm (so, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6 and October 4, with the event then returning in 2023). And all that satay will only cost you $30. If you're keen on drinks, too, that's extra — with yuzu sours, Thai-style margaritas and Asian craft beers on the menu.
Does scouring the city for secondhand threads get you out of bed in the morning? If so, come Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20, you'd best put on your comfiest shoes and make a beeline to Geebung. That's when you'll be hitting up Lifeline's Brisbane clothes warehouse for quite the sale — with every item of clothing up for grabs for just $2 a piece. There'll be thousands of threads on offer, spanning women's clothes, men's outfits and even kids' attire if you have some little ones in your life to browse and buy for. Summer garments, winter garb: that's all covered, too. Well-known brands, vintage gems: expect them as well. Yes, your stash of gold coins is about to come in handy (although EFTPOS is preferred). The bargain-filled weekend will kick off at 7am each day, and getting in early is recommended. On Saturday, you'll have till 4pm to head by, while it'll all wrap up at 2pm on Sunday. Entry is free, there'll be shopping trolleys available to stuff full of all those clothes you'll be buying, and you can bring more money to hit up the sausage sizzle, or grab a drink or coffee. And, there'll also be lucky door prizes on offer as well. And, the sale will also include electrical items, toys and manchester, if cheap clothes isn't enough.
Next time that you slurp down some oysters, you needn't solely opt for natural molluscs served with lemon and Tabasco. There's nothing wrong with that old favourite; however, it has company among the oyster dishes at One Fish Two Fish's returning Oyster Frenzy. Between Wednesday, January 22–Sunday, January 26 the Kangaroo Point eatery is serving up 2025's six-course oyster feast, taking seafood lovers through six different flavours. Start with the tried, tested and aforementioned combination, then move onto oysters with apple, cucumber and dill; served with tarragon butter gratin; and paired with native pepper berry and oak-aged chardonnay mignonette You'll also be snacking on a cheesy barbecue mornay variety, plus oysters with limoncello, macerated lemon and caviar. A sitting will cost you $95 per person. Because oysters are always popular, bookings are essential — with Oyster Frenzy running at 6.30pm Wednesday–Friday for dinner, plus 12.30pm for lunch Friday–Sunday.
Every year, when Lunar New Year hits, Brisbane's Multicultural Community Centre celebrates with its annual Technicolour Chinese New Year Night Market. The highlight: food and plenty of it, with a packed lineup of vendors and food trucks serving up everything you could want to feast on for the occasion. Arriving hungry is just sensible, really. In addition to satisfying your stomach, the market will feature live performances — including lion dances — as well as a firecracker show. And, among the stalls, you'll also find handmade goods whipped up by local crafty folks. Eat, be entertained and take home some goodies. 2020's market takes place on Saturday, February 1 from 4–9pm at the Multicultural Community Centre in Newmarket. Entry is free, and you can even take home a few prizes. Hope the Year of the Rat has you feeling lucky.
With winter fast approaching, we've realised (yet another) thing we're missing out on this year: those change-of-season warehouse sales where you can nab high-end designer threads and accessories at insanely discounted prices. Luckily, Bondi eyewear favourite Local Supply is taking its annual warehouse sale online this year — and offering up to 70 percent off to boot. The brand's prices are hard to beat on a regular day, but from Wednesday, May 27 until midnight on Monday, June 1, you'll be getting Local Supply goods for a serious bargain. A whopping 70 styles are up for grabs at ridiculously reduced prices — that's sunnies starting at just $24 dollarydoos. Want to see the world through rose coloured lenses during these especially difficult times? You can nab a pair of Arena PMP20s with plum coloured lenses for $26.99. Or, for those long hours sitting in front of your laptop, some blue light protective lenses for about $45 bucks. Polarised lens are also on the docket from around $60. As the name suggests, the independently owned brand is all about keeping it local — and keeping prices attainable, too. Opened in 2013, it's run by former Dior eyewear designer Petra Ekborn, so you know you're getting some seriously schmick sunnies. Plus the brand uses zero waste manufacturing techniques and the frames are BPA-free and hypoallergenic, too. Local Supply is currently offering free delivery across Australia on all orders over $100, and a flat rate of just $5 for smaller purchases. The Local Supply online warehouse sale will run from Wednesday, May 27 until midnight on Sunday, May 31, with 70 percent off select styles. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
If you didn't know it was there, you could easy spend time at the Regatta without ever venturing downstairs to its underground speakeasy-style bar. But, once you've become acquainted with The Walrus Club, you'll want to add it to your cocktail-slinging go-tos. Heading by from 5–10pm on Sunday, March 5 is particularly recommended, because that's when the venue is celebrating International Women's Day early. At the annual Women in Walrus event, an all-female bar takeover is on the cards, with the establishment's ladies mixing up the best beverages they can — featuring gin heavily. If you need something else to say cheers to, Anti Music Club are on music duties. Entry is free, you'll pay for whatever you drink and eat as the afternoon and evening roll by, with the food menu for the evening going heavy on meat and cheese options. While women will be in the spotlight, anyone can attend and mark the occasion. And, reservations aren't necessary. Images: Markus Ravik.
Let the fun times be-gin at Cloudland's latest shindig celebrating all things gin: Gin Fling. The festivities are happening every Thursday and Friday during the month of June in the stylish Cloudland Garden. Every ticket holder will receive four mini gin cocktails plus a full-sized serving of their favourite cocktail. Three tipples are made with Malfy Gin Originale, distilled at Torino Distillati in Moncalieri, Italy. This classic dry-style gin's botanicals include handpicked juniper berries and Italian lemons. It is distilled with water from the Piedmont region for a true reflection of its origins. The cocktails include a fruity mango gin basil smash (Malfy Originale, mango, lemon, basil), a Jammy Bramble (Malfy Originale, black raspberry, lemon, sugar), classic southside (Malfy Originale, lime, mint, sugar) and new creation Clockwork Orange (Beefeater Gin, Aperol, peach, lemon, passion fruit, sugar). Elevate your evening with a sharing menu for an additional $35 per person, which features dishes like smoked aubergine with woodfired bread, cured meats with pickled chilli, local burrata and candied olives and wild mushrooms and taleggio arancini with truffle mayo. And the fun doesn't stop there — ticket holders will be entered into a draw to win a $500 Malfy Gin Picnic hamper. Gin Fling will take place from 5.30–7.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays from Friday June, 7 until Friday, June 28. To book your tickets, check out the website. All guests within the same group must be on the same package, with or without the grazing-style menu add-on. Minimum of two people on the dining menu. Total hamper prize value $500. The winner will be notified on the Monday after the event. Supported by Malfy Gin.
