Sydney ambient electro darlings Seekae have just dropped news of their third album and a national tour in August. Luckily they haven't done so silently. They've also gifted us with a new single, 'Test & Recognise'. Picking up the tempo and embracing the power of the synth, it could signal a new direction for the group — from classic chillout sessions to the dancefloor. With past releases, The Sounds of Trees Falling on People and +DOME, Seekae have made a name for themselves in the past few years, playing local festivals like Harvest and Golden Plains. Known for hypnotic electro-pop such as 'Void', 'Crooks' and 'Blood Bank', their name is synonymous with late night drives through the city or relaxed midnight hangs with friends. In the bigger picture, their debut was named one of the albums of the decade by FBi Radio, and their follow-up earned them four nominations at the Australian Independent Music Awards. Since then they've been touring internationally and even took to the stage at this year's SxSW. Seekae's third album, The Worry, is openly described as their most ambitious work to date. Bringing vocals to the fore and losing some of that distinctive ambient haze, it definitely marks a departure from their past sound that may not win over all fans. However, the shift will make for an entertaining live gig. Caught somewhere between blissful oblivion and classic electro these new tracks are sure to get people awkwardly shuffling around the dance floor nationwide. Seekae National Tour Dates: Saturday, August 9 - Darwin Festival, Darwin* Tuesday, August 12 - The Zoo, Brisbane Friday, August 15 - The Gov, Adelaide Saturday, August 16 - The Villa, Perth Friday, August 22 - 170 Russell St, Melbourne Saturday, August 23 - Metro Theatre, Sydney Tickets are on sale this Friday, June 30. *Tickets for Darwin Festival go on sale June 26.
How do some Mooloolaba king prawns with chilli pork floss sound? Or fresh-out-of-the-oven arancini balls? Paired with an Aperol Spritz or Pimms Cup and some sun-struck live music? Sound like your perfect Australia Day? Then why not have a whole weekend of it! River Quay’s finest restaurants – Aquitaine Brasseries, Cove Bar & Dining, Popolo and Jetty — are popping up food stalls in the area across the whole long weekend (Friday to Monday), showing off their finest treats. River Quay is that little, vibrant, riverside hot spot on the Southbank side of the Goodwill Bridge. Check out the line up of music, and prepare your stomach for the best.
It marked the filmmaking debut of Orson Welles, took inspiration from the life of US media tycoon William Randolph Hearst and received nine Academy Award nominations — and, since first hitting screens back in 1941, has long been regarded the greatest movie ever made. That feature, of course, is Citizen Kane. And while David Fincher isn't daring to remake it, his new film will take audiences behind the scenes of the famed production. Called Mank, Fincher's 11th directorial effort is named after screenwriter Herman J Mankiewicz — a drama critic for The New York Times and The New Yorker who is co-credited with writing Citizen Kane with Welles. As shot in inky, evocative black and white, Mank spends time with its titular figure as he's trying to finish penning the iconic script, and follows not only his clashes with Welles over the material, but the general ups and downs of 1930s Hollywood. Gary Oldman plays Mankiewicz, while the rest of the star-studded cast includes Amanda Seyfried as actor and Hearst mistress Marion Davies, Lily Collins as Mank's secretary Rita Alexander, Game of Thrones' alum Charles Dance as Hearst himself and The Souvenir's Tom Burke as Welles. Also adding to the movie's high-profile names, Fincher has recruited The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl's Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor (yes, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor) to compose the score. As the just-dropped first full trailer for Mank shows, Fincher has set himself quite the task; "you cannot capture a man's entire life in two hours — all you can hope is to leave the impression of one," the clip itself tells viewers. But this is clearly a passion project for the acclaimed Fight Club and Zodiac filmmaker, as it's based on a script by his late father, Jack Fincher. In fact, the younger Fincher was originally slated to make the film back in the 90s, but it didn't come to fruition until now. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSfX-nrg-lI&feature=youtu.be Mank will release in select cinemas from November 19, before hitting Netflix on December 4.
Car sharing service Uber has been making waves of late, but their latest offering is unreservedly tidal. Ahead of the US premiere of Transformers: Age of Extinction on June 27, Uber is giving app users in three American cities the opportunity to ride with Optimus Prime. Though we are unsure whether this Optimus is the talking type, from the image posted by Uber it seems to be the real deal. With an initial roll out yesterday in Dallas, Optimus will soon continue onto Phoenix before a final tour of Los Angeles this weekend. Uber users just open their app and select the ‘Autobots’ option to try their luck at summoning this legendary leader for a 15-minute joyride with the machine of your childhood dreams. This brings to mind local Sydney legend Zac Mihajlovic's recent Batmobile endeavour, in which Sydneysiders can buy joyrides in the Dark Knight's highly coveted date-impressing vehicle. Uber announced their Transformers fantasy come true to users via their blog yesterday, opening with "Get ready for the ride of your life." Hardly an understatement, but it sadly looks as though this ride won’t quite make it to Australian shores for the meantime. As Sam once courageously said to Optimus, "No sacrifice, no victory." Autobots, roll out. Via Mashable and USA Today.
Once you’ve been spoilt by the delights of The Brisbane Finders Keepers Markets, you’ll never shop the same again - nothing will be cheap, quirky or unique enough once you’ve had a taste of what these markets have on offer. Unsurprisingly then, Finders Keepers and their almost-too-affordable art, designs and knick-knacks have long been a collector’s dream and a starving uni student’s worst nightmare. Now, for the Autumn and Winter seasons, the markets will be back in full swing with over 65 stalls and three studios housing all things wonderful. From new contemporary independent artists and designers to live music, garden bar and food, this season promises an aromatic atmosphere of beautiful wares and displays for a kind entry of only $2. Break the piggy bank, search the car console or dare the haunting hideaways of the sofa – do whatever it takes to rack up enough coinage for a day at The Brisbane Finders Keepers Markets.
Sometimes you've just got to be in the right place, at the right time. Singer/songwriter Timothy Carroll first struck up a musical friendship with guitarist and composer Oscar Dawson in South East Asia and again, a few years later, in Stockholm where a stint of recording culminated in a demo for what would be a future Holy Holy song. Since then, the inter-city-loving duo have returned to Australia and, working with Hungry Kids of Hungary drummer Ryan Strathie, have produced insanely infectious singles like 'Impossible Like You' and 'House of Cards'. Support performances for Emma Louise and The Trouble With Templeton last year have impressed Australian audiences while their debut album, The Pacific EP, released earlier this year and recorded with local superstar producer Matt Redlich, has attracted Midlake comparisons. Now with a third single, 'History', up their sleeves, Holy Holy are embarking on a national headline tour. Expect gripping chorus builds and impassioned vocals as the band transports their rich production sounds from the studio onto the stage. https://youtube.com/watch?v=oLu-DNXrs04
Welcome to the new breed of combat movies. In Eye in the Sky, soldiers fight terrorists from the comfort of their desks, while the bulk of the people debating which course of action to take, and even those actually carrying out the strike, aren't on the front lines, but watching on from other continents. Their task is seemingly simple: apprehend two extremist ringleaders in Kenya. In the UK, Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) oversees operations, with her mission changing from a capture to a kill when she discovers a suicide attack may be imminent. On the ground in Nairobi, undercover agent Jama Farah (Barkhad Abdi) spies on the culprits, manoeuvring an insect-sized camera into their safe house. His aren't the only images of the scene, with two Las Vegas-based drone pilots (Aaron Paul and Phoebe Fox) looking on with their fingers on the trigger. But when a nine-year-old girl (Aisha Takow) wanders into the target zone, Powell is forced to seek advice from her superiors, including the supportive Lieutenant General Frank Benson (Alan Rickman) and a raft of indecisive politicians worried about the potential ramifications. The mechanics and morality of war are the movie's main concerns — and while many a cinematic dissection of conflict has probed the same topic, director Gavin Hood (Ender's Game) has crafted a film that's purely a product of its time. Technology is key, both in the way the story unfolds for the characters, and the way it is presented to the audience. Powell and the majority of her colleagues observe matters from the safety of their own countries, yet can take lives at the press of a button. Viewers share the same position, and see the same intercut spy cam, drone and satellite footage — though they can only watch on with a combination of horror, anxiety and flabbergasted amusement, unable to intervene or do more. Indeed, Eye in the Sky is designed to inspire many a question, and leave everyone pondering the various troubling answers. That it succeeds isn't simply a result of the film's intelligent approach to its subject, but of its tone: part military thriller, part bureaucratic farce. Viewers will find themselves inching towards the edge of their seats, even as they chuckle grimly as yet another person in power tries to avoid making a hard decision. There's no ducking the films more heavy-handed elements, including an intrusive score, conveniently increasing stakes, and the blatant attempt to evoke an emotional reaction by placing a child in peril. But there's also no avoiding its effectiveness, both in contemplating a difficult subject and constructing an exercise in tension. The considered mood Mirren brings to her pivotal role proves the perfect weathervane for the film's fortunes, and of the way in which it achieves its aims. She's the movie's robust centre, brimming with as much texture as toughness. Among the rest of the cast, Paul plays his part with the right amount of worry and uncertainty, while the late Rickman's trademark wry charm gets a fitting final outing. Given the intensity of the situation that surrounds them, that they provide the complex feature with convincing portrayals is no small feat.
When blissed out, soon-to-be-married American couple Nica (Hani Furstenberg) and Alex (Gael Garcia Bernal), set off on a hiking adventure in Georgia's remote Caucasus Mountains, they have little idea that their seemingly idealistic world is about to be profoundly challenged. To all appearances, the two share an unshakeable connection — spiritually at ease yet sexually charged. Nica is spirited and independent, and Alex adores her. They toy with language games, compete playfully over who is fastest or strongest, and are in free pursuit of their mutual wanderlust. Local guide Dato (Georgian actor and real-life expert mountaineer Bidzina Gujabidze) leads them through one breathtaking scene after another. Then, halfway through the film, a single event (not to be delineated here, for fear of giving too much away), corrupts the couple's bond, raising questions of trust, betrayal, and guilt. The Loneliest Planet, loosely based on Tom Bissell's short story Expensive Trips Nowhere, continues the minimalist style established in Russian-born, American-raised director Julia Loktev's second feature, Day Night Day Night(2006). Dialogue is sparse and we learn next to nothing of the specific details that conventionally define character — history, family, education, career, values and so forth. Nearly everything that we do know, we discover through action and we interpret through the camera's positioning. Loktev is a big fan of the long shot. Numerous scenes portray Nica, Alex and Dato "together alone", united by their common journey yet divided, both spatially and emotionally. The deeper the trio move into Georgia's rugged, unpredictable wilderness, the more vulnerable and exposed they appear. Cinematographer Inti Briones successfully captures the striking undulations of the landscape, contrasting shadowy valleys with verdant grassy hills and creating ominous campfire scenes through single source lighting. Loktev's intention is to carry us into the film's mental and physical world, one in which time seems to stretch on forever and all conviction has been thrown into doubt. We identify Nica and Alex as representative of a 'type' — the earnest backpacker, keen to escape insular Western existence but overwhelmed when 'the wild' presents them with more than they'd bargained for. Nica demonstrates the behaviour of a self-sufficient, modern woman, yet Alex's failure to meet her expectations causes bitter disappointment. The film explores some of the grey areas arising from the breakdown of traditional dichotomies: West versus Other, male versus female, impulse versus duty. However, while Loktev's aims are admirable, her approach is risky. The limited development of the characters threatens to undermine our emotional engagement and the snail-paced tempo can seem laboured at times. Just as lovers ensconced in a romantic affair might potentially struggle with the vagaries of reality, a filmmaker engrossed in a concept may run the risk of occasionally losing sight of the viewer's experience at the point of reception. https://youtube.com/watch?v=SIIMFHcC1Fc
Once you've self-proclaimed your next album as the "album of the life" (see tweet), the next logical step is to create an epic, worldwide premiere party for its release. Well, it is if you're Kanye West (and, really, Kanye is the only person who could pull this off). So for the release of his upcoming album Waves — which was, up until a few hours ago named Swish — he'll be debuting it with a show at Madison Square Garden in NYC on February 11. And he'll be broadcasting the performance live in cinemas around the world. Yep, Kanye is literally going cinematic — and if you're in Melbourne or Sydney, you can get in on the action. Sydney's Hoyts Broadway and Hoyts Melbourne Central have both added listings for Kanye West / Season 3 / Waves which, according Hoyts' synopsis, will feature the "world premiere of the album Waves in its entirety, live from Madison Square Garden". He's also expected to present his new fashion line, Yeezy Season 3 at the show. Both screenings will take place at 8am on Friday, February 12. On Monday, Kanye tweeted a handwritten page detailing the tracklist for the then-Swish, now-Waves album. It's set to be broken into three acts and include collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Sia, Ty Dolla $ign, Vic Mensa and Post Malone. Amazingly, there are still a few tickets left to the screenings, so head over to the Hoyts website to snap some up. This is the greatest album of your whole life, after all.
No matter how gorgeous the surroundings, how lavish the place you're staying and how blissful everyone wants things to be, life's chaos doesn't magically disappear just because you're on holidays. That's one of The White Lotus' key ideas, which it played out to spectacular results in the show's Hawaii-set first season — making it the best new show on TV in 2021, in fact — and which it is currently unpacking again in its Sicily-set second season. Get ready for that concept to get a third go-around as well. In unsurprising but still extremely welcome news, HBO has just announced that it is bringing The White Lotus back for season three — news it revealed just three episodes into season two. Once again, it'll be a case of new year, new vacation season, new gorgeous destination, new cast, keeping the series' anthology format. "Reflecting on The White Lotus' humble, run-and-gun origin as a contained pandemic production, it's impossible not to be awestruck by how Mike [White, the series' creator] orchestrated one of the buzziest and most critically acclaimed shows," said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, announcing the series' season-three renewal. "And yet, he's only continued to reach new heights in season two, which is the ultimate testament to Mike's raw, unparalleled vision. His courage to explore the uncharted waters of the human psyche, paired with his signature irreverent humor and buoyant directing style, have us all dreaming of more vacation days at the resort we've come to adore. We couldn't be more thrilled to get the chance to collaborate on a third season together." The news comes after The White Lotus hit an all-time ratings high in the US with its third episode of season three — although, given how ace the series is, and how widely loved by both viewers and critics (season one picked up a swag of Emmys just a month before season two premiered), bringing it back for more was always highly likely. HBO and creator/writer/director Mike White (Brad's Status) haven't announced if any of the current characters — or season one's — might return in season three, as Jennifer Coolidge's Tanya McQuoid-Hunt has across its first two batches of episodes. Obviously, before any familiar faces can check into another White Lotus property somewhere else in the world (the location of which also hasn't yet been unveiled), we'll need to see who survives season two first. The show's second season is currently diving into plenty of drama in a stunning setting, with Tanya travelling to the White Lotus hotel in Sicily with her husband Greg (Jon Gries, Dream Corp LLC) and assistant Portia (Haley Lu Richardson, After Yang) — however the former isn't happy that the latter is with them. Plus, Tanya thinks that Greg might be cheating. Also checking in for season two's biting satire of the one percent and class divides: F Murray Abraham (Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities), Michael Imperioli (The Many Saints of Newark) and Adam DiMarco (The Order) as three generations of Di Grasso men, who are on a family holiday to connect with their roots; Aubrey Plaza (Best Sellers) and Will Sharpe (Defending the Guilty) as newly wealthy couple Harper and Ethan, who are vacationing with pals Cameron (Theo James, The Time Traveller's Wife) and Daphne (Meghann Fahy, The Bold Type); and Tom Hollander (The King's Man) as English expat Quentin, who's away with his nephew Jack (Leo Woodall, Cherry). And, there's also Beatrice Grannò (Security) and Simona Tabasco (The Ties) as locals Mia and Lucia; plus Sabrina Impacciatore (Across the River and Into the Trees) as this White Lotus' manager Valentina. There's obviously no trailer yet for The White Lotus season three, but you can check out the trailer for season two below: The White Lotus' third season doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. The second season of The White Lotus is currently streaming via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand, dropping new episodes weekly. Read our full review.
We all know that solid dose of 'the good feels' you get after you've done something nice for yourself/your body (like exercise). And throughout the months of October and November, along with a much-needed increase in temperature, you can expect those feelings to increase two-fold. Thanks to the return of Brisbane's Feel Good Program, the city will welcome a series of outdoor fitness classes — and, unlike that fancy new yoga studio in your neighbourhood that smells like acai berries and only serves charcoal tea, these classes are all entirely free. Ranging from sessions to get your blood pumping (Zumba) to classes to get your zen flowing freely (yoga, tai chi), plus aqua classes held at the Boat Pool, the Feel Good Program is an initiative designed to suit any and all fitness levels. Classes are held at both South Bank Parklands and in the city at Queens Park. BYO water bottle, towel and, where required, a yoga mat — the ones provided are subject to availability. Classes happen every day except Fridays and Sundays, booking isn't required and they all run for 45 minutes. Get started early and face the day with a 7am bootcamp session, or finish it with pilates from 5.30pm. Either way, it'll have you embracing the warm outdoors and feeling good — check out the timetable online.
First, some news that really isn't: the summer of 2020–21 is over, and has been for almost a month. But, inspired by the fact that it's almost time for warm weather in Europe, W Brisbane is partying like it's still the toastiest part of the year. From Thursday–Sunday each week until May 3, the CBD spot is hosting a new event series it's calling Endless Summer. The venue's level four Wet Deck area has been kitted out with umbrellas, sun lounges, olive trees, and baskets of lemons and oranges, so you can trick your senses into thinking you're in Italy. You'll be looking out over the Brisbane river, though, but you can still put your imagination to work. On the menu: spritzes and cocktails, plus bites curated by ex-Masterchef contestant Laura Sharrad. Think hand-pickled mud crab and pickled cucumber fingers, gnocco fritto with whipped cod roe and plenty of seafood all round. There'll also be Campari and blood orange granita and yoghurt gelato if you're after something sweet.
What's more spectacular than spending time in Brisbane's great outdoors? Heading outside for an event dedicated to the city's multicultural community. Taking place at Roma Street Parklands from 10am–5pm on Sunday, September 18, that's the MOSAIC Festival through and through — and in 2022, it's part of Brisbane Festival, too. The returning event will unleash a storm of world music, dance and food — aka the type of storm that brightens things up, rather than darkens clouds. Multiple stages will showcase performances, songs and cultural storytelling, including a Welcome to Country to kick off proceedings, a calypso and reggae set by Bustamento, and an international drumming workshop and performance. When you're not paying your respects, listening to live tunes or learning a new skill, hit up the Rock Around the Wok cooking demonstration — it'll see refugee and migrant community cooks whipping up a traditional dish while sharing their settlement stories. Markets will be selling handmade wares, and an array of international cuisine will also be on offer. So, in-between checking out the stages and demos, you can eat and drink your way through a range of food stalls. Entry is free, but bring your wallet for the markets and culinary offerings.
Were you the type of kid who spent too much time trying to win prizes from claw machines? Are you now the kind of adult who likes your spirits with an amber hue? In great news for everyone who falls into both categories, Whisky Whisky combines the two — because who said that sipping drams and testing your hand-eye coordination to win whisky-themed prizes can't go hand in hand? Taking place across two sessions, from 12.30–3pm and 4–6.30pm on Saturday, September 24 at Fish Lane, Whisky Whisky comes from the folks behind Supping Club. As the event's name makes plain, this afternoon is all about whisky appreciation. For your $109–129 ticket — depending on how early you purchase — you'll be able to taste your way through more than 80 different local and international whiskies from 30-plus brands, including varieties from Bladnoch, Coastal Stone, Archie Rose, Starward and Kilchoman. That's plenty to say cheers to, clearly. You'll also get your own glass to keep, and a lunchbox of pan-Asian-inspired eats from Hello Please to line your stomach. And, you'll score a token for one top-shelf dram of your choosing as well. When you're not sampling whisky — or vying for prizes at the claw machine — you can opt for frozen whisky sours, Sea Legs Brewing Co's beers and non-boozy beverages, although they'll all cost you extra. Top image: Peter Sexty.
Whether you're an avid fan of William Yang, you've heard his name pop up now and then, or you're newly discovering his photography and performance pieces, the Queensland Art Gallery has plenty for you to look at until Sunday, August 22. More than 250 of his works are on display as part of a huge exhibition at the South Bank site. And, it's the first major showcase dedicated to the artist to ever be held at a state gallery. William Yang: Seeing and Being Seen features pieces from across his five-decade career, with a particular focus on how he has viewed the world through his camera lens. He's snapped celebrities and ordinary folks, roved his eye over subcultures and marginalised groups, and peered at landscapes — so you'll be looking at a plethora of familiar and everyday sights and faces. As well as Yang's social portraiture, Seeing and Being Seen also includes images that explore his family, his Chinese Australian identity and his childhood growing up in Queensland's north. Entry is free, and conversations, workshops and tours are part of the program, too. Plus, pop into the QAG lecture theatre if you're onsite on a weekend and you can see four films based on Yang's monologue performances. [caption id="attachment_807029" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] William Yang. Australia, 1943–. Cate Blanchett: The star in her dressing room. After Hedda Gabler. Wharf Theatre. Sydney. 2004. Inkjet print on solid substrate Kapaplast. 54 x 80cm. © William Yang. Collection: The artist.[/caption] Top image: William Yang. Australia, 1943–. Production still from Sadness, 1999. Director: Tony Ayres. Image courtesy: National Film and Sound Archive, Australia and William Yang.
We all love to daydream. Don't deny it. It is a valuable skill we learned during our formative years (for me it was during maths class) to let our imagination run wild. In our minds we could do anything, be anything, have anything, but over the years we all stopped daydreaming. Reality set in and our lives became full of deadlines, rush hour commutes and family commitments — you know, life stuff. Lucid is a collective of creative minds that never stopped daydreaming, and they do their darndest to remind everyone in Brisbane how great our imaginations are and what they can actually do for our city's culture. This weekend, Lucid are hosting the Daydream Festival in Acland Lane, a massive street party with amazing art, food and music for everyone to enjoy (as well as a whole bunch of holi powder!). It is a remarkable idea, one that combines our love for a good party with the thriving elements of Brisbane's culture. We spoke to Ruben Laukkonen, the executive director of Lucid and one of the founding members of the collective, about what Lucid is trying to do for Brisbane and what we can expect from the Daydream Festival on February 15. Thanks for talking to us Ruben! First of all, tell us how Lucid started. We were just a couple of reckless youths with some miscellaneous skills. The original idea was to bring creative young people together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. We started out by offering our artists and ourselves out for hire. In the back of our minds, we knew we wanted to engage a broader population, and so the concept evolved, and so did our projects. What did you want to achieve with Lucid in the beginning? In other words, what did you think Brisbane was missing that you think you provide? To be completely honest, Lucid has a message, and this particular message is difficult to communicate. We needed to find a way to share our ideas and our philosophy with the general public, so we had to be creative. We think Brisbane is missing a meaningful cultural narrative that defines our young people in a positive way. A big part of our intention is to bring people together to celebrate the positive aspects of our community. Our young people love to party, we have a lot of underground talent in music and art, and Lucid is aiming to create a space where nobody is an audience and everyone participates in creating something meaningful and transformative. Generally speaking, we value many of the same concepts as our '60s and '70s festival predecessors: creativity, freedom, unity, community, self expression, and music. How has the group grown since the beginning? We started out as two mates, one psychology student, and one professional rugby player (and DJ), who by some happenstance had the drive to create what I just described. This was back in 2011; today our team includes several producers, DJs, photographers, graphic designers, painters, bands, film and visual effects students. Our strength comes from our diversity. What are some of the great things about the Brisbane cultural scene as it stands now? There are a bunch of local venues around Brisbane that promote art openly and without constraints. I think our young locals sometimes underestimate themselves, we're a pretty clever and creative bunch of people who know how to have a good time, and there are a number of places and events that are uncovering this positive side in Brisbane's cultural scene. How did the idea for the Daydream Festival come about? This really comes back to Lucid's message. Here's a few paragraphs from the 'Daydream Manifesto' that might give you an idea: 'Be a part, not apart, in celebrating local music and art' ... Imagine a colourful place, with art, food, and bass. Picture a Brisbane alleyway, not looking quite as grey. A place where bands and 'bangers' mash, and 'holi' colours pave the way. .... Become a part, of something great, express yourself without restraint, for one day, let's not draw lines, let's daydream together, and forget our divides. Was there anything in particular that you wanted to do with Daydream Festival to make it stand out? The Daydream Festival is intended to be half party, half movement. We're hoping that it stands out because there's a little less ego, there's a little more sharing, a little less fighting, and a little more freedom to express yourself. What are some individuals or organisations in Brisbane that you think are doing great things and are 'thinking outside the box' creatively? Coniston Lane has had a few killer events recently and The Fort before it closed down. But we particularly like what the crew from 'Lost Movements' has been doing. I don't know about you, but that is a kind of movement I can get behind. Daydream Festival takes place in Acland Lane, Fortitude Valley and will feature live performances from Tyler Touche, Jordan Rakei, Young Franco, Brat Camp, Chanel Van Tovier, Little Casino and heaps more. Get your tickets here.
Since mid-October 2020, New Zealanders have been able to visit some Australian states as part of a one-way travel bubble. The arrangement has been paused a few times due to COVID-19 case numbers in NZ, but it has remained broadly in place. In the coming months, Australians might also be able to hop across the Tasman as well — something that has been floated and discussed plenty of times over the past year, but now looks like it could soon come to fruition. Speaking with the media separately today, Thursday, March 18, both New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and NZ Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson advised that the NZ Government is progressing towards a trans-Tasman bubble. On Radio New Zealand, Robertson said that the country had been "working towards a joint framework, a joint set of protocols" with Australia, which didn't come into effect. Now, though, he doesn't think things are "too far off being able to create the New Zealand version to match up with the Australian version". "There's a few issues still to talk through there, including what we do in the event there is an outbreak — how we manage people who aren't in their home country at that time. But I'm very optimistic that we'll sort that out in reasonable short order, and we can move towards having our unilateral bubble alongside the Australian unilateral bubble," he advised. Speaking at a press conference to launch NZ's involvement in Expo 2020 (which is taking place in the United Arab Emirates from October 2021, after being postponed from 2020), NZ Prime Minister Ardern also discussed the potential travel bubble. "I haven't put firm dates because I don't want there to be moving goalposts. I want to present people with some definitive dates they can plan around — but we have said we'd like to see it soon," Ardern said. "Our goal, though, is that once we open, to be able to do it safely — to do it in a way that people understand the basis on which we may see short term closures, and to enable us to have a bubble that essentially sticks," she continued. At present, New Zealand travellers are allowed to visit all Australian states and territories, apart from Western Australia, without quarantining on arrival — but, because the bubble is only one way at present, they must enter 14 days of managed isolation on return to NZ and pay for it. New Zealand does currently have a travel bubble in place with the Cook Islands, but only one-way as well — from the Cook Islands to NZ. While the details of the quarantine-free arrangements for Australians travelling to NZ are yet to be finalised, it is great news for those who've been dreaming of overseas holidays since the pandemic began. And, it could possibly be in place while Australia's international border still remains shut to most global travel — and before a similar travel bubble could be put in place with Singapore. You can start slowly planning your NZ jaunt, too — we've rounded up some of our favourite glamping sites, wineries, sights and restaurants in NZ over here. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. To find out more about the virus and travel restrictions in New Zealand, head over to the NZ Government's COVID-19 hub.
In great news for cat-loving cinephiles, 2019 is shaping up to be a huge year for felines on film. Photorealistic big cats prowled around the remake of The Lion King, and they'll soon be joined by a bunch of singing, scurrying street mousers in the silver-screen adaptation of stage musical Cats. For nearly four decades, Andrew Lloyd Webber's acclaimed production has pranced across stages everywhere, turning a tale inspired by poems from T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats into an award-winning theatre hit. But, while plenty of other popular musicals have made the leap to cinemas, this one hasn't until now. The trailers for the new flick might just explain why. The first trailer dropped back in July and inspired much talk about its strange CGI decision to combine cats with human faces. Terrifying? Maybe. Entertaining? Definitely. If you've recovered from the first 2.23 mins of Cats madness, you'll be happy to know a second, equally bizarre, trailer has just dropped. [caption id="attachment_751620" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Judi Dench as a cat[/caption] Ever wanted to see Taylor Swift pouring cat nip on a crowd of cats from a suspended gold moon? Keen to soothe your disappointment over the fact that Idris Elba isn't James Bond by spotting him with whiskers, fur and a tail? Perhaps you've always dreamed of watching accomplished actors such as Judi Dench and Ian McKellen channel their inner feline? Have you ever hoped for all of the above, and for the actors to all play cat-sized cats? That's what's on offer in the just-dropped second trailer, as well as a heap of dancing and singing. In terms of story, Cats zaps Swift, Elba and company down to feline height to spin a narrative about the Jellicle cat tribe, who spend a night deciding just which four-legged moggy will get to leave their group, ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life. The movie comes with a significant pedigree, with Les Miserables' Tom Hooper in the director's chair, Webber on music duties, Hamilton's Andy Blankenbuehler doing the choreography, and the cast also spanning James Cordon, Jennifer Hudson, Jason Derulo, Ray Winstone and Rebel Wilson. And yet, it all looks a little odd. But we'll let you decide for yourself. You check out the second Cats trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNTDoOmc1OQ Cats opens in Australian cinemas on December 26.
In 1992, the Brisbane music landscape was changed for the better when the small inner city venue, The Zoo, opened its doors for the first time. Since opening, The Zoo has played host to massive international acts and countless local shows to become a central, iconic landmark in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct. Now, The Zoo is turning 20 and to celebrate, they are doing what they do best by putting on a great night of live music. With a night of music by great talents such as Danny Widdicombe, Founds (pictured), Isis and The Predators (plus much more!), this birthday celebration could go down in the history books as one of the best shows ever put on at The Zoo. Be a part of history and get a ticket now before they sell out!
The pandemic has changed much about travel over the past year and a half, including the way that Australians approach roaming throughout our own country. Booking a ticket to another state or territory is no longer something we all just do whenever we feel like without checking the rules, restrictions and requirements first — because closed domestic borders will do that. But with New South Wales and Victoria both progressing through their roadmaps for reopening following both states' respective (and lengthy) lockdowns, venturing a bit further around the country might soon become a little easier. Exactly what domestic border limits will remain in place, and where, hasn't yet been revealed; however, Qantas and Jetstar have announced that they'll start ramping up their flights around the country anyway. Firstly, the two airlines will increase flights regionally within NSW, starting from Monday, October 25. That's around when the state is expected to hit the 80-percent double-dose vaccination mark, which is when travel throughout NSW will be permitted again. Next, Qantas and Jetstar have brought forward the start date for trips between NSW and Victoria. Instead of recommencing in December, these flights will now resume on Friday, November 5. [caption id="attachment_823330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brent Winstone[/caption] So, if you're a Sydneysider eager to escape the city — either within NSW or to Victoria, you're about to have options. For Melburnians, heading north will be possible as well. Obviously, this all depends on the rules both states put in place regarding travel between them, because that's the world we now live in. The airlines haven't changed their flights between Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and South Australia just yet, though, with trips to WA still remaining sparse for the foreseeable future due to its strict border arrangements all throughout the pandemic. The two carriers won't restart legs from WA to Victoria and NSW (and vice versa) until at least February 1, 2022 for that reason, other than the five return flights it's doing from Perth to both Sydney and Melbourne at the moment for folks with permits — but it's hoping to increase flights between Queensland and WA in the coming weeks. No matter where you live, expect to see a few incentives popping up trying to tempt you to holiday in certain parts of the country. The Northern Territory is doing discounts of up to $1000 for fully vaxxed folks who head to the NT from spots that aren't deemed hotspots, for instance, and there's also $250 tour vouchers up for grabs in Queensland's tropical north. For more information about Qantas and Jetstar's increased domestic flights as NSW and Victoria reopen, head to the Qantas and Jetstar websites.
Books, books, books are a many splendid thing, books lift you up where you belong, all you need are books - but also maybe board games, magazines, CDs and DVDs. So it's pretty convenient that the 2012 Lifeline Bookfest will have all of these items in abundance and it’s happening next week. Never has stocking up on your favourite entertainment material been so easy and so cheap. Held annually at the Brisbane Convention Centre, the mammoth room will, as usual, be at capacity: full of tables piled high with the aforementioned books and other enlightening paraphernalia. You’re able to bring whatever carrier you so desire, but I highly suggest you go with some sturdy bags and/or boxes. Prices begin at 20 cents (hello, bargain!) and go up to a shocking $10, so really a lack of money is not an excuse. Also, the variety of materials they have there is astonishing, making it a 99.999% surety you will walk out with something you like. As with all of their events, the proceeds go to Lifeline’s counselling services, so as well as getting a bargain and increasing your cultural capacity, you’re doing your good deed for the day. Trifecta!
Since the first Fast & Furious film back in 2001, cars that can cover a quarter mile in a mere ten seconds have been Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special) and his crew's holy grail. Well, that and Coronas — and family. So of course the just-dropped first trailer for Fast X, the tenth instalment in the Point Break-inspired saga, starts with Toretto's chosen brood sitting around a table drinking the series' favourite beer and listening to Dom's grandmother (Rita Moreno, West Side Story) talk about the franchise's most-beloved F-word. It takes a mere 11 seconds for the Toretto matriarch to say "family", in fact — and it isn't the last time it gets a mention in the near four-minute debut sneak peek. As the series has done since film one, Fast X's plot revolves around Dom, his relatives and the friends that he's welcomed into his family, with new nemesis Dante (Jason Momoa, Dune) going after them to avenge his own blood. Something else that all things F&F loves: new ride-or-die chaos that disrupts the Toretto crew's idyll, can only be solved by high-action stunts and ties back to past movies in this pedal-to-the-metal saga. As the Fast X trailer explains, Momoa's Dante is on a quest for revenge because he's the son of Fast Five's drug kingpin Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida, Warrior Nun). Also, as the whole Shaw-family antics have shown — aka the crusade for vengeance involving Jason Statham's (Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre) Deckard Shaw — threatening the F&F's main family as payback for slights against other families is also a series go-to. Accordingly, Dom faces off against Dante — but no one actually swaps faces Face/Off-style, at least in the trailer, although F&F should definitely work that in at a later date — and Statham does indeed make an appearance, as he's done since Fast & Furious 6 and in spinoff Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. Also featured are a whole heap of franchise regulars, such as Michelle Rodriguez (Crisis), Jordana Brewster (Who Invited Charlie?), Ludacris (End of the Road), Tyrese Gibson (Morbius) and Sung Kang (Obi-Wan Kenobi) as Dom's wife Lottie, sister Mia, and pals Tej, Roman and Han. And, Nathalie Emmanuel (The Invitation) returns as Ramsey, Scott Eastwood (I Want You Back) as government operative Little Nobody, John Cena (Peacemaker) as Dom's brother Jakob (see: Fast and Furious 9), Helen Mirren (1923) as Deckard's mother Queenie and Charlize Theron (The School for Good and Evil) as criminal mastermind Cypher. Every F&F flick also throws new famous folks onto its road — and while Nicolas Cage hasn't popped up yet to really help nudge the saga in Face/Off's direction, or Keanu Reeves to cement the Point Break ties, or Channing Tatum in a Magic Mike/F&F mashup that'd be a ridiculous dream, Fast X adds Momoa, Moreno and Brie Larson (Just Mercy). And, while not a household name by any means, Leo Abelo Perry (Cheaper by the Dozen) joins the series as Brian Marcos, Dom's young son. You'd better believe that the Fast X trailer also finds room for footage from past flicks featuring the late Paul Walker as the OG Brian, too. As for how it'll all turn out when Fast X hits cinemas in mid-May — in what's meant to be the first film in a two-part finale for the franchise, and what feels like it'll have to be a five-hour movie itself just to fit the entire cast in — the preview is filled with OTT chases and aerial feats, all those mentions of family, twist reveals and glorious F&F vehicular mayhem in general. Now You See Me and Grimsby filmmaker Louis Leterrier directs, fresh from helping make TV series Lupin such a hit, and also reteaming with Statham after The Transporter and The Transporter 2 back in the 00s. Yes, we'll count that as another F&F instance of family ties. Check out the first Fast X trailer below: Fast X releases in cinemas Down Under on May 18, 2023.
Ever wondered what it'd be like to play mini golf in the snow? No, you probably haven't — but you can find out now anyway. Redcliffe's Undersea Putt & Play is getting wintry from 5–9pm every day between Friday, June 24–Sunday, July 10, which means showering its greens with that glorious falling white stuff. No, you don't need to rug up, which is another ace part of the faux snow fun. You're also getting two themes for the price of one at Snowland Putt Putt, actually, because Undersea is usually decked out with ocean-inspired decor; think: sharks and fish hanging above the course, turtles and pirates scattered among the greens, entering through the jaws of a dunkleosteus, an extinct ancient fish that grew up to eight metres long; and also spotting squid, jellyfish, whales, stingrays, mermaids and treasure chests. The venue has now added its nightly white Christmas setup on top of its usual theming, spanning that fake snow and festive decorations. No, this isn't the kind of putt putt you see every day. Yes, Christmas tunes are pumping through the stereo, too. It's all family friendly, as the venue always is, so expect to have company of all ages. That's the type of game that mini golf is, after all. Tickets cost $60, which covers four people. Because Undersea Putt & Play also has a cafe and bar onsite for pre-golf snacks and post-match celebrations, you can sip frozen cocktails after you've tapped you way around the 18 wintry holes, too — although that's extra. And, there's also an arcade room with video games, air hockey tables and a pinball parlour. Brisbane does love a themed mini golf course. By now, you've already putted your way around Holey Moley's neon-lit themed mini golf greens at its two Brisbane venues. When it decks out its course for Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Valentine's Day, you've tap, tap, tapped through Victoria Park's site, too. And, when it comes to town, you've also swung a club at Pixar Putt. But channelling your inner Happy Gilmore on a snow-meets-underwater 18-hole course is definitely something new.
Life. Love. Losing your mum. Becoming a husband and father. Grappling with society's expectations of masculinity. As Peep Show fans know, they're not the kind of topics you'd expect to get any sensible answers on from the hapless Jeremy — but Robert Webb, the actor behind the character, is obviously a completely different matter. The British comedian, writer and That Mitchell and Webb Look star heads to MELT on May 20 to chat with Benjamin Law about his new book, How Not to Be a Boy. Expect a personal discussion filled with insightful anecdotes about becoming a man, finding comedy and navigating existence — and laughs, of course. Image: Matt+Crockett.
After beginning the year with a devastating bushfire season, then following it up with a global pandemic that rid the area of tourism, the Blue Mountains, it's fair to say, has has a tough 12 months. In response, Mount Tomah's Blue Mountains Botanic Garden has turned to an unlikely partner on its road towards bushfire recovery: gin. In collaboration with Sydney-based gin brand Grown Spirits, the Botanic Garden has released the Blue Mountains Grown Gin in a limited run of just 1000 bottles. All profits from the gin go to supporting the garden's horticultural and scientific staff in their efforts to restore hundreds of specimens and areas of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden destroyed in the bushfires earlier this year. The Blue Mountains Grown Gin was created by Grown Spirits and Master Distiller Philip Moore at Distillery Botanica in Erina. It combines local eucalypt plant the silver-leaved mountain gum with juniper, valencia orange and liquorice root for a textural gin with a hint of spice. "In creating a gin homage to the Blue Mountains and the Garden, there was one botanical I was immediately drawn to, eucalyptus pulverulenta, or "Baby Blue" as some people call it," Moore said in a statement. "It brings fresh, cooling qualities to the gin much like the mountains themselves." The team recommends serving it in a G&T or a martini with a lime zest. You can also try it at Dead Ringer in Surry Hills, shaken into a cocktail called Evergreen. If you're looking for ethical holiday gifts this time of year, the Blue Mountains Grown Gin fits snuggly into a Christmas stocking. Not a gin enthusiast, but still keen to support the area? You can take a trip to the Blue Mountains — and the Garden — and spend liberally on local businesses. To start planning your adventure, check out our guide to the upper Blue Mountains and these enchanting local stays. The Blue Mountains Grown Gin is now available now for $129 at the Garden Grown Gin website or at select bottle shops across Australia.
Each year we anticipate the arrival of December 25. Because of the day off, the promise of an afternoon spent dozing in a hammock — and the arrival of Gelato Messina's annual Christmas cake. This year, the gelato chain is bringing back its version of the quintessential Australian dessert: the trifle. Yes, we're talking Christmas desserts already. The Christmas Coma will return for its third year running — and this time it's more fruity than overly decadent. The epic ice cream creation will feature layer upon layer of everything that is good about Christmas — but instead of being soggy and slightly regrettable, this one will have you licking the glass bowl. So what's in it? Well, Messina has switched out the vanilla gelato for a mango sorbet, and will be slathering it with its house-made passionfruit mousse. Then it will be layered with — here we go — whipped guava jelly, coconut cream, sponge soaked in mango and macadamia crunch. Oh, and garnished with a chocolate coconut. Plus, it'll come with some Messina rum custard to douse all over the mess and a box of Christmas crackers for the table. The trifle, which serves 20–30 (or less if you really commit), costs $170 and can be pre-ordered from October 28. You can pick up your Christmas Coma between midday on Friday, December 20 and 6pm on Christmas Eve, from all Gelato Messina stores across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane except The Star, Surry Hills, Richmond and Coolangatta. It comes in a Messina cooler bag and, if you keep it in there sealed, can survive for up to two hours. Last year, the trifle sold out super fast, too, so we suggest you don't wait on this one. The Christmas Coma available to order from Tuesday, October 29. Updated October 29, 2019.
Dust off your lederhosen or dirndl — Oktoberfest is returning to the Brisbane Showgrounds in 2022. Extending over two weekends, Australia's largest German culture festival will span traditional live music tents, Munich-style biergartens and carnival rides, all between Friday, October 7–Sunday, October 9 and Friday, October 14–Sunday, October 16. An all-day lineup of live music — including an Oompah band, yodelling and dance — will keep visitors entertained while they eat, drink and celebrate all things Bavaria. A handful of stalls peddling Christmas merch, traditional clothing and toys will also be on-site. There'll be plenty of food stalls offering hearty German cuisine when hunger strikes, including gravy-doused schnitties, candied apples, pork knuckle with sauerkraut and pretzels. And, when it comes to beer, the festival likes to keep things traditional: all beer served on-site has been brewed specifically for the event, following the Bavarian Purity Law, and all brews are served in steins. Not a big beer-lover? There'll be classic German wines and non-alcoholic drinks available, too. Because organisers are expecting crowds, this year's Friday sessions will kick off at 12pm for the first time — giving you an excuse to ditch work early. And, on Sundays, there'll be $25 tickets that include unlimited free rides. Perhaps don't take advantage of that after a few steins, though.
Prince doesn't have time to muck around. He announced his Australian tour merely a month ago and is going to be here, uh, this week. He ain't no One Direction, that's for sure, i.e. selling tickets 18 months in advance. Pfft. Those kids haven't seen anything yet if they think the coolest people on the planet have landed already. He conjures purple rain and has the odd ability to make doves cry, but somehow he hasn't made touring Australia his number 1 priority. He hasn't been on our soil since 2003 and is now as old as our dads. That doesn't matter though, because this absolute, ultimate musician is going to be in this very city this week and next. Prince has sold over 80 million records and stands to be one of the most influential music acts of all time. Not only that, he can play over 11 instruments, an accomplishment that has made his songs that much more iconic He is funky and still sexy and his 360 degree show is set to blow our faces off. The artist formerly known as Prince, now known as Prince, is a musical powerhouse that made us party like it was 1999 before and after the fact. He has a symbol made especially for him. He has won an Oscar. His real name is Prince. I don't know how we can spell it out to you any more than this: you need to see Prince before you die. He's going to play all of his hits and goddamnit, you better saddle up for the ride of your life in your Little Red Corvette.
Just a few short months ago, no one could've predicted that the Queensland border would become one of 2020's most debated topics. It's a subject that has inspired plenty of comments, especially among interstate and federal politicians calling for Queensland to open back up — with the state closing its border to help stem the spread of COVID-19, then keeping it shut while other restrictions have been easing. Come mid-July, all that chatter could finally stop, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirming Friday, July 10 as Queensland's target date for reopening to interstate visitors. As initially outlined in Queensland's COVID-19 roadmap, that's the date that the state's third stage of loosened coronavirus limits is due to come into effect. Included at that step: allowing interstate travel, which means opening up the border. While this isn't new news, just whether Queensland would forge ahead with — or consider — reopening the border in its next phase of eased restrictions has been far from certain over the past month. Premier Palaszczuk even suggested that the border could remain closed until September. After the last national cabinet meeting on Friday, June 12, however, Queensland officials have been quoting July 10 as the date the state is aiming for. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, June 15, Premier Palaszczuk said that "our roadmap clearly says July 10". She confirmed that the state government "will review at the end of the month, but it is our clear intention that July 10 would be the date for consideration". [caption id="attachment_743610" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] A day earlier, at a press conference on Sunday, June 14, Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young also stated July 10 as the target date, as dependent upon a review at the end of June. "At the end of this month, we will review all of that epidemiology — not only us here in Queensland, but across the country — to make those decisions about our border," she said. Young explained that just when Queensland opens back up depends on a number of factors, including the ongoing levels of community transmission in southern states, while advising that the target date would only change if "something was very different either way". Expanding upon that further, Young noted that "if something were to happen interstate, I'm sure everyone would expect that we then push that date out". In good news, she also advised that "if things were a lot better, then of course we could bring that date forward, as did happen for this month's stage two." Initially, Queensland's second stage of eased COVID-19 restrictions was due to kick off on June 12, but was then brought forward to June 1. At the same Sunday press conference, Deputy Premier Steven Miles also said that opening up to New South Wales but not Victoria is a possibility — depending on community transmission levels — and that some work had been done in exploring the logistics, although it's not a favoured option. "Our preference would be to lift the borders all at once, hopefully on the 10th of July," he noted. If you're a Queenslander hoping to hop over the border for a mid-year holiday — and come back home without any hassle — the confirmation of July 10 as the target border reopening date will be a welcome development. If you're a resident of the rest of the country eager to soak in the Sunshine State's splendours during winter, it will be as well. At the federal level, the Australian government has also been aiming for July as the date the country's internal borders are lifted, as noted in the national three-step roadmap out of COVID-19 lockdown announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in May. But, like all coronavirus restrictions — whether being implemented or eased — each step has to be put in place by every state individually. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland
For the second year in a row, North Byron Bay Parkland won't be welcoming in bands and music lovers this July, with Splendour in the Grass' 2021 festival already rescheduled to November. But if enjoying a jam-packed lineup of tunes is a cherished part of your winter routine, that's still on the cards, with the fest's organisers announcing that a new virtual Splendour event will take place in its usual midyear times slot. Called Splendour XR, the mud-free two-stage event will pop up across the weekend of Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25 — but you'll be watching along from home. Or, from wherever you choose to tune in via your mobile, tablet, browser, desktop or VR headset, all to watch more than 50 acts take to the virtual stage over two days. Leading the charge are headliners Khalid and The Killers. The former will do the honours on Saturday, while the latter will take over on Sunday. They'll be joined by a hefty list of talent, including Chvrches, Denzel Curry, Duke Dumont, Tash Sultana, Violent Soho, Phoebe Bridgers and Band of Horses on the first day, plus Charlie XCX, Vance Joy, The Avalanches, Of Monsters and Men, The Jungle Giants and Ocean Alley on the second. If you're wondering how Splendour XR will work, that's understandable — and no, you won't just be watching old gig footage or clips from past Splendours. Instead, the fest will feature new, never-before-seen live sets that have been created especially for the virtual event. And, while they'll be available to watch worldwide, the fest will operate on Australian time — running from 12pm–2am AEST each day, with tunes starting from 2pm. You'll also be able to view the performances for seven days afterwards. Splendour organisers are also aiming to take as much of the IRL festival experience with them into the virtual realm, too, with attendees set to access "an imaginatively embellished but faithful recreation of Splendour's Byron Bay venue", according to the festival announcement. You'll also create your own schedule so that you can hop between stages to see whoever you like, and you'll be able to virtually meet up with your mates in the process as well. Also part of the fest: raising funds for live music industry workers, mental health and wellbeing, and sustainability. There'll also be an online medical centre designed to help anyone that's struggling with their mental health after the chaos of the past 15 months or so. Obviously, attending Splendour XR will be much, much kinder to your bank balance than going to the real thing. Tickets start at $17.49 for one day for existing Splendour IRL ticketholders during early bird sales, which are open now — and max out at $49.99 for both days when it gets down to final release tickets (just a couple of days out from the event). SPLENDOUR XR LINEUP: DAY 1 Khalid Chvrches Denzel Curry Duke Dumont Tash Sultana Masked Wolf Russ Millions Band Of Horses Little Simz Violent Soho Aurora Phoebe Bridgers Vera Blue Pink Sweat$ Client Liaison Griff Pond Tayla Parx Dune Rats Methyl Ethel The Chats Triple One Cat & Calmell King Stingray The Southern River Band DAY 2 The Killers Charli XCX Vance Joy Grimes Metaverse (Super Beta) The Avalanches Of Monsters and Men Kaytranada Black Pumas Hot Dub Time Machine Millennium Parade The Jungle Giants Ocean Alley Jungle What So Not King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Sinéad Harnett Holly Humberstone Spacey Jane Crooked Colours Amyl and The Sniffers Wafia Aviva The Snuts Band-Maid Ziggy Ramo Gretta Ray Splendour XR will take place on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25. For further details or to buy tickets, head to the festival website. Top image: Mitch Lowe.
If you have dreams bubbling away of swanning about on the French Riviera and downing cocktails as a gentle wind caresses you, and then an irresistible French person arrives and sweeps you off your feet, we've got good news for you. Well, on the first bit — we can't control the weather or your love life, unfortunately. Grey Goose, purveyors of very fine vodka, have whipped up a very European-style summer pop-up for you: the Fountain of Goose. For five days this October, a white marble fountain will be set up in Broadbeach's Pacific Fair Resort Area and it's going to be offering more than just a beautiful summer aesthetic. It'll be serving up complimentary vodka, lime and soda mini-cocktails — a classic, summery and simple concoction that requires the best quality ingredients, starting with the vodka. At the bar, you can also catch a glimpse at Grey Goose's collaboration with French fashion label Maison Labiche for its limited-edition 'Riviera' bottle. Plus, at the pop-up, you'll enjoy spontaneous entertainment and other experiences. Better yet? You'll also be able to pick up a specialty cocktail coupon which you can redeem at Nineteen at the Star Casino or Hideaway Bar to keep the good summer vibes going. The Fountain of Goose pop-up bar will be open from Wednesday, October 9 through Sunday, October 13. It'll be open from 1–5pm on Wednesday; from 4–8pm on Thursday; from 2–6pm on Friday; and from 1–5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Coronavirus restrictions are beginning to ease and you're allowed to have more visitors in your home, which is very welcome news as we move into the season of festive catch-ups, backyard barbecues, pool hangs and picnics. We're sure seeing your family and friends in the flesh is exciting enough. But if you want to put a worthy spin on your next catch-up, you can also use it to raise money for Movember. While the charity is best known for encouraging blokes to grow silly mos throughout the month of November to raise money for men's health, it also has an option to host an in-person or virtual event. And this weekend will be the perfect opportunity to get involved with its Shit Shirt Saturday party. This Saturday, November 28, Movember is encouraging you to invite your mates around to your place (or to your local park). Everyone will need to pay $20 entry (for charity, obvs) and wear the best worst shirt for a bit of fun. Movember is providing the entertainment with a lineup of 45-minute DJ sets to stream throughout the afternoon and evening. The tunes will kick off at 2pm with Eric Sidey, followed by Matt Jones, Nick Kennedy and Spacey Space. At 5pm, Airwolf will perform and Torren Foot will wrap things up at 5.45pm. To get involved, sign up to be a host at Movember's website and then, on the day, head here for the live-stream. Just remember to keep your shit shirt socially distanced from others.
Bernie Tierde is a kind-hearted and compassionate assistant funeral director from a small town community. He wouldn't hurt a fly, so how would he be able to murder a woman? Everyone in the town of Carthage, Texas has a very special fondness for Bernie (Jack Black), who spends his days comforting widows, bestowing gifts and singing at services. The townsfolk are shocked, however, when Bernie strikes up an unlikely connection with the richest, meanest old widow in town, Marjorie Nugent (Shirley Maclaine). The two travel the world together, shop, and gossip, until one day Marjorie goes missing and Bernie is the prime suspect for her murder. Based on events which really did occur about 15 years ago, much of the film is presented in documentary style, with interviews of the townsfolk and their comedic takes on the turn of events inserted into the film's narrative. Black gives an authentic performance as the complex character of Bernie, and Maclaine puts in a similarly strong showing as the impatient, overbearing old hag that everyone loves to hate. Concrete Playground has ten double passes to giveaway to see Bernie. To go in the running, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email your name and postal address to us at hello@concreteplayground.com.au
Who said NYE had to cost a fortune? Not Brisbane Brewing Co. And who said the last night of the year had to be a one-size-fits-all kind of occasion? You guessed it — not the West End watering hole. Here, $49 is all you'll pay for flexible food and drink package that you can tailor to suit your needs, and for a more pretty relaxed evening. You choose when you arrive, whether you want to eat more, booze more, or balance both, and they'll take care of the rest. Go forth and actually have an easy NYE.
When you're a bar that nods to all things spooky in your name, and you boast more than a couple of monster-themed pinball and arcade machines, then you're going to like the end of October. Netherworld does, of course. Indeed, the Valley pub celebrates Halloween in the expected style each and every year. So, what's on the agenda? Reflecting the kind of year 2021 has served up, Netherworld is hosting a couple of different Halloween events. Some of us want to mark the occasion on the actual date, and some of us want to have some themed fun across the days leading up to it. Here, you can do both. From 7.30pm on Thursday, October 28, the Doomed Sideshow will get the spooky spirit flowing. It's also part of the Valley Fiesta, so expect off-kilter performances to kick things off with a scare. Then, from the same time on Saturday, October 30, it's The Night Before Halloween. It's the party before the party, complete with costumes, cocktails, themed food and appropriate tunes. Yes, it'll be a monster mash — whether or not you mash some buttons. Dress up, however, and you'll get five free gaming tokens. Finally, from 6pm on Sunday, October 31, A Netherworld Halloween reaches its climax. The same token giveaway applies, so find your most frightening threads. Then, you can simply hang out, drink, hit up the horror-themed pinball tables, check out the carved pumpkins and eat food to suit the occasion. [caption id="attachment_669756" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption]
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 14, this time as part of the also-returning Dine BNE City, you'll saunter around the CBD — and between the likes of Banc, Coppa Sputino, Walter's Steakhouse, Boom Boom Room, The Gresham, City Winery, Super Whatnot and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. As for the tipples at each of the 11 spots, they'll be taken care of by a heap of top wineries such as Konpira Maru, Jericho Wines, Witches Falls and Gerler, so prepare to get sipping. Tickets cost $79.99, and are on sale now, with places limited. This moving cellar door will not only serve up more than 30 wine tastings, but also your own tasting glass — plus a voucher for some food.
Normally the only place you can see wombats is in a zoo or the wild. However, that’s merely for Australian wombats. You see, English wombats live life in a different way and are often easy to be found whilst they tear up gigs with their trademark tunes and antics. Luckily for Brisbane, The Wombats will be in town on Tuesday May 3 ready to play their signature, overly catchy dance songs that get everyone bouncing around and singing. Unluckily for those of you who are reading about this for the first time now, it has already sold out. Sad faces for you. If you are one of those super organised people with tickets you have a wonderful night ahead of you. Playing at The Tivoli, The Wombats will be showcasing hits from their soon to be released album The Modern Glitch as well as crowd favourites from their debut album A Guide to Love Loss and Desperation. Supporting them are Tortoiseshell.
Locals to Brisbane understand the significance of the river that flows throughout our city. While the overflow of the river can be brutal every few decades, Brisbanites cannot get enough of the heart of our city and admiring it from absolute waterfront vantage points. Heading into the summer months there are many reasons to celebrate, Christmas (and bonuses), weddings, birthdays, babies... and there's no place better to celebrate in true Brisbane style than down on the river enjoying a meal and a drink. So we have narrowed down our Concrete Playground top five riverfront spots in Brisbane. Watt Restaurant + Bar Watt is perfect for a long lunch, or lazy afternoon drinks with friends. The food is beautiful and the service is consistently great. Sundays at Watt are always atmospheric with live music and a great casual vibe. If you're after a serious treat, why not indulge in the chilli crab for two and eat until you are deliriously full on delicious crab. Overlooking the New Farm stretch of the river, there is plenty of people watching to do as joggers and casual strollers move along the boardwalk. For a wonderful and relaxing treat, Watt is the place to go. 119 Lamington Street, New Farm; 07 3358 5464; www.trippaswhitegroup.com.au Sono For a special lunch or dinner occasion it's hard to beat an exquisite Japanese meal. Whether you want to go for the extravagant tasting course option or keep it simple with sushi or dumplings, Sono has it all. Located at Portside in Hamilton, your waterfront view overlooks the wide stretch of river (unless of course there is a P&O cruiser) and then you can just check out all of the intriguing passengers. 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton; 07 3268 6655; www.sonorestaurant.com.au Riverbar & Kitchen The brains trust behind Aria have opened their second restaurant in Brisbane just this week, and we can tell it's going to be a winner. Right down on the boardwalk at Eagle St Pier, Riverbar and Kitchen has the nautical feel of a sailing club. With beautiful fresh prawns (and many other delicious items on the menu), jugs of refreshing summer cocktails and plenty of seating, this new venue will no doubt be housing many post-work revelers as well as families on weekends. The relaxed vibe and good food is sure to create many loyal customers. Promenade level, 71 Eagle Street, Brisbane City; Open Mon-Fri 7am to late, Sat-Sun 8am to late Cove Bar and Dining Enjoy relaxed alfresco dining at its best at Cove. Down on the river at South Bank, Cove is the perfect place to enjoy sumptuous food, ice cold drinks and the sun setting over the Brisbane river. Their oysters are fresh from Coffin Bay; the menu is unique and delicious; the drinks list impressive. Start with the chicken crackling and duck spring rolls and you will be starting off a night of unbridled joy. River Quay, Sidon Street, South Bank; 07 3844 3993; www.covebardining.com.au Stokehouse For a meal that will leave you totally stoked, look no further than Stokehouse. Exquisite river frontage and an exquisite menu will guarantee a happy experience. Stokehouse has a stylish but relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy the mediterranean inspired food, wine and views of beautiful Brisbane city. If you're after a more casual drink and a snack then just pop in to the Stoke Bar where you can get something as simple (but deliciously done) as a cheeseburger. You'll be stoked, mate. Sidon Street, South Bank; 07 3013 0333; www.stokehousebrisbane.com.au
What's better than one party? Two. The answer is always two. You know it, we know it, and the folks at both Green Beacon Brewing Co and the Teneriffe Festival know it. Just like last year, the former joining isn't just joining in the fun of the latter — from 1pm on Saturday, July 7, it's shutting off the street and throwing its shindig as well. Yep, it's a good ol' fashioned Green Beacon Block Party (and yep, something can still be classed as old fashioned even if it's only the second time it has ever happened). Expect everything a brewery get-together should have, aka multiple beers and bars, a feast of food trucks and plenty of live music. Plus, as well as GB's usual tipples, there'll be apple cider on tap and wines — in case beer isn't your thing, or you need to alternate your tipples. Mr Burger and King of the Wings will be on culinary duties, so expect burgs and wings galore. And because it's often sunny in Brisbane, even in the middle of winter, there'll be shady seating so you can get comfy.
Carrie Fisher is bringing back those famous bagel buns and reprising her role as Princess Leia in the upcoming Star Wars trilogy. Or at least, so says Carrie Fisher. Since Disney and LucasFilm confirmed the new Star Wars trilogy scheduled for release from 2015 would concern the post-Return of the Jedi era, the casting rumour mill has gone into hyperdrive. However, when asked by Palm Beach Illustrated if she would be back for the new saga, Fisher confidently declared "yes". She ventured that an older Leia "would be just like she was before, only slower and less inclined to be up for the big battle." Whilst Mark Hammil, the original Luke Skywalker, has said he is keen and Harrison Ford has not dismissed the notion of playing Han Solo, neither have been as definitive as Fisher. When contacted by Entertainment Weekly, LucasFilm representatives stated that "we haven’t made any announcements about casting". We hope Fisher is telling the truth though, else we are looking for casting information in Alde-wrong places. In the meantime, with no script written, fans can only speculate over what her role may be, but we reckon that bikini will be staying in the wardrobe this time round.
Every Sunday since early June, Gerard's Bar has been throwing shawarma parties. From the name, you obviously know what's on the menu. For Brisbane Good Food Month, the James Street spot is giving the concept a tiny tweak — because, from 2pm on Sunday, July 25 only, you'll get something to eat and a cocktail for $30. On the food side of things, you'll be tucking into whichever type of shawarma takes the venue's fancy on the day. It has been rotating through brisket, Hawaii chicken, harissa pork neck and machoui lamb neck, if you're wondering what might be in store. Also included: sumac spiced chips with tahini mayo, because every shawarma needs a side dish. As for a beverage, Gerard's signature Beirut punch will help you wash down your meal. [caption id="attachment_584695" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Emily Jane Davies[/caption]
Airbnb have a habit of coming up with wacky, adrenaline-inducing places to stay the night — like this shark tank, the end of a ski jump, or the Catacombs of Paris. Their latest listing is no less exciting, though it may have your heart pounding for an entirely different reason. On October 15, Airbnb is giving one lucky chump and three of your best (and most musical) mates the opportunity to spend a night in Studio 3 of Abbey Road Studios. And on top of that, you'll be hosted by legendary DJ, singer, songwriter, producer and all-round super musician Mark Ronson. Yep, imagine snoozing in the same studio where Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon was recorded. The last time anyone slept in Abbey Road Studios was in June, 1969, when an artist requested it. Thanks to Airbnb, the next person could be you (and Ronson will be your tour guide). Ronson grew up just around the corner from the studios and will greet the four lucky guests before they explore the entire building. They will have access to everything the historic studios have to offer, from the Beatles' cigarette-burned piano to the world's largest mixing board, and will be immersed in the rich musical history of the iconic building. Later in the evening, after hearing some of Mark's tips and stories about the building, they will even have the opportunity to pick up an instrument and record their own song. All you have to do to enter is click here and tell Airbnb a bit about yourself, which song you wish you'd been at the studios to see recorded and why. And the best bit? They'll even fly you to London from anywhere in the world. The house rules are pretty simple. Among a few other directions, you can crank up the volume (they have good sound proofing, as you'd expect) and answer the phone with a simple "Hello, it's me." They also ask that you "Don't go chasing pavements," although we think they might offer an exception if it's the zebra crossing out the front. And the last rule? "Leave your mark." Don't mind if we do.
One of the biggest questions in Brisbane now has an answer. That query: where will the sports that are usually played at the Gabba move to when the stadium is completely demolished and rebuilt for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics? The response, as announced by the Queensland Government on Friday, December 1, 2023: the RNA Showgrounds. The Bowen Hills location's main arena has been earmarked as the site for a temporary 20,000-person stadium for both AFL and cricket to use from the start of the 2025–26 cricket season, as tearing the Brisbane Cricket Ground down and building the Gabba 2.0 will begin in 2026. This will require a $137-million upgrade, including a temporary grandstand at Machinery Hill and a permanent seating bowl, the latter of which will also benefit the Ekka. [caption id="attachment_929048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The RNA Showgrounds, JRA_WestyQld2 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] "The Palaszczuk Government has worked closely with cricket and the AFL to find the best alternative venue for teams, spectators and the community while the Gabba is out of action. Upgrading the RNA main arena means keeping the big games in Brisbane and supporting the visitor economy while delivering an Ekka legacy for uniting city and country," said Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe. "I want to thank the Lord Mayor for his public backing of an upgrade to the historic main arena at the RNA Showgrounds to retain the economic benefits of sport and jobs here in Brisbane." [caption id="attachment_782238" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Gabba, Your Next Kid via Wikipedia Commons[/caption] The RNA Showgrounds plan has been chosen after a review of options in southeast Queensland, given that the Gabba will be out of action until 2030. The Queensland Government's announcement also mentions that it was cost-effective choice; however, only $45.7 million of that funding is set to come from the government. It is asking for the rest of the $91 million to be provided by not only the Brisbane City Council and the RNA, but the primary tenants, who'll be forced to make the move, even though teams such as the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls will only berelocating because there'll be no Gabba to play at due to the Olympics-focused rebuild. Work on the RNA Showgrounds will need to begin in 2024 to meet the timeline. After the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the venue's seating will sit at 12,000. As for the new Gabba, it'll be part of a new Woolloongabba precinct that the Queensland Government hopes that people will enjoy regardless of whether there's a game on, complete with more dining and retail options, plus open spaces to hang out in. [caption id="attachment_927842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artists' impression of the redeveloped Gabba[/caption] For more information about the plans for RNA Showgrounds, head to the Queensland Government website. Top image: Queensland Government.
Before 'indie' meant more than 'independently signed', Neutral Milk Hotel fit the term by all accounts. Reaching cult status only after their 1999 breakup, the American outfit have since inspired Tumblr posts the world over with angst-soaked lyrics such as "How strange it is to be anything at all." As part of their reunion tour, Neutral Milk Hotel were set to headline the dust-biting Harvest Festival, but made sure to remember their generation-spanning fans here in Aus. Yep, for their first Aussie shows ever, the full lineup from everyone's favourite record — 1998's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea — will be brought to The Tivoli on November 12. The once-in-a-lifetime shows will see NMH joined by M. Ward and Superchunk. So c'mon fanboys and girls, grab the last of the tickets that went on sale Friday October 11; they mightn't last much longer.
Beirut have a gift. Within their own distinct sound they capture the music of the world. ‘Nantes’ has us shaking our hips and doing salsa moves, ‘Elephant Gun’ has us reminiscing about Serge Gainsbourg and imagining ourselves dancing slow and close in Paris, and listening to ‘Postcards from Italy’, it feels as if a mariachi band has entered the building and has you stomping your feet in time. Amongst all of this, Zach Condon’s gorgeous soulful, but lilting, voice guides us on stories of life, love and friendship. At their essence Beirut play indie pop music, but the truth is they play so much more and have re-engaged with the idea of world music in a genuinely exciting way, opening it up to new audiences and new possibilities. In fact, in Brazil there is a music movement called ‘Beirutando’ where Brazilian musicians get together to play Beirut’s songs, but they add a Brazilian beat and styling to the sound! This week they grace Brisbane with their beautiful music presence and play the Hi Fi. I don’t want to build your expectations too much, but apparently on top of being glorious musicians generally, they are even better live!
Fear, dread, tension, apprehension, just being creeped out — they're all strong emotions. They're also exactly the types of reactions that Darkfield and Realscape Productions trade in. The two companies have been teaming up for a couple of years now, with UK creators Darkfield first collaborating with the Melbourne-based Realscape Productions on Seance, Coma and Flight, those eerie shipping container installations that have popped up around the country. Then, when the pandemic hit, the pair pivoted to at-home audio experiences. If you've listed along to Double, Visitors and Eternal as part of the Darkfield Radio series — all of which are back streaming again now — you'll know that putting people on edge is firmly on the agenda here. Announcing their latest Darkfield Radio project, Darkfield and Realscape aren't messing with their successful formula — so audiences can expect another unsettling experience designed to be listened to at home. But this duo never serve up the same thing twice, even if their current works all spin nerve-jangling tales and unfurl creepy audio experiences. With Knot, which'll make its Australian premiere on Friday, June 25, you won't just sit in one place, don your headphones and listen attentively, for instance. You'll initially head to a park bench to listen in — still wearing those headphones, of course — and then you'll need to sit in a car. For the last section of this three-part experience, you'll then get comfy in a room in your house. To get the full experience, you need to work through all three of Knot's sections in one evening — untangling them in your head, naturally. Darkfield and Realscape always keep the minutiae of their shows close to their chests, so that audiences experience them for themselves while listening, but they have released one clue for Knot: "Here I am, I have come from nothing, created in this moment, as your brain improvises me into existence, improvised into existence... but with no hidden depths." "Season one exposed audiences to the mysterious and supernatural inside their homes, magnified by Darkfield's signature 360 degree binaural sound,", said Realscape Productions Amy Johnson. "We're looking forward to getting audiences outside of their homes for Season two — in COVID-safe settings of course — and pushing them out of their comfort zones even more." Leading Darkfield Radio's second season, Knot will arrive in Australia fresh from playing as part of the Tribeca Film Festival's 2021 immersive lineup. The company's shows have been earning that kind of attention over the past year, with season one becoming the first audio-only experience to ever be a part of Venice International Film Festival last year. Knot will be available to listen to every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between Friday, June 25–Sunday, September 30. For further details or to buy tickets, head to the Darkfield website. Images: Empty Bottles Media.
Before Succession first graced TV screens back in 2018, you mightn't have quite realised exactly how entertaining it is to watch people squabbling. Not just everyday characters, either, but the constantly bickering — and ridiculously wealthy and privileged — family of a global media baron. It's not just the arguing and power plays that make this hit HBO series compulsively watchable, however, but the witty words flung about, the scathing insults shot back and forth, and the pitch-perfect performances that deliver every verbal blow. The result: one of the best shows currently airing on television. Of course, Succession hasn't actually been on our screens for a couple of years now, with the series' last season dropping back in 2019. Now, after a pandemic delay, the show is set to return sometime this spring. Neither HBO nor Foxtel, who airs the series in Australia, has announced an exact date, but they have just dropped a welcome new trailer. Yes, it's time to soak up your latest glimpse of the fictional Roy family, including the always-formidable Brian Cox (Super Troopers 2) as patriarch Logan, and Jeremy Strong (The Trial of the Chicago 7), Kieran Culkin (Infinity Baby), Alan Ruck (Gringo) and Australian actor Sarah Snook (Pieces of a Woman) as his four adult children. If you've seen the past two seasons, you'll know that this brood's tenuous and tempestuous relationship has only gotten thornier as we've all watched. Based on the heated words swapped in this new teaser, that obviously won't change any time soon. For Succession newcomers, the series follows the Roys as Logan's offsprings try to position themselves as next in line to his empire. It's clearly set among the one percent, in lives that most folks will never know — but the idea that depiction doesn't equal endorsement is as rich in Succession as its always-disagreeing characters. Created by Peep Show's Jesse Armstrong — someone who knows more than a thing or two about black comedy — this Emmy, Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics' Choice, Writers Guild and Directors Guild Award-winner is savagely smart, darkly biting and often laugh-out-loud funny about its chosen milieu. And in the words of cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun, Zola) in this new sneak peek, yes, that sounds kinda dramatic. Check out the Succession season three trailer below: Succession's third season is set to air on Foxtel in Australia sometime this spring — we'll update you with exact details when they're announced.
Don't give a shit about what Justin Bieber is tweeting these days? Stick it to social media by ordering toilet paper rolls printed with your Twitter feed. Matt Delprado, a creative director at Profero Sydney, along with David Gillespie, created Shitter. The company's motto, "Social media has never been so disposable", says it all. Place your online order and have four rolls delivered to your doorstep so you can literally flush all the hashtagging and online ranting down the loo. It's much better revenge for an obnoxious tweeter than an 'unfollow'. #dontgiveashit [via Lost at E Minor]
You don't need an excuse to visit the Adelaide Hills and spend the weekend sampling local wines and regional food — but this free three-day festival makes a convincing case for planning a trip over the January long weekend. Crush is a family-friendly event that features long lunches in the sun, wine-matched degustation dinners, live music from local bands and DJs, plus kids' entertainment, art and theatre. It all takes place in Adelaide Hills — and the festival runs shuttle services from Adelaide CBD from $32–43 per person if you don't want to be designated driver. The 2020 festival program features lots of cool climate wines to taste at more than 30 wineries, a 'Friday Knockoffs' event that's all about lounging on the grass with live music and lawn games. On Saturday and Sunday (11am–6pm), food truck Syrian Mobile Disco will be serving up Syrian-inspired street snacks as you sample local wines and beers. The Lane Vineyard is hosting 'Hamptons in the Hills' (Sat, Sun 10am–5pm), which is a chance to enjoy frosés on the terrace with food by the hatted restaurant on site. Plus, the biggie — Alfresco Tomato Crushing — is when you get to squelch your way to fresh pasta sauce in advance of a long lunch on Saturday or Sunday. General entry is free, but you'll want to pick up a Spiegelau or Riedel wine glass for $10 to make the most of the ample wine pours. Some events are ticketed, so check the festival's website for the full program closer to January. Images: Nick Lawrence.
