Between Saturday, January 19 and Monday, January 28, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is hosting a sales event of most peculiar stock. Strange things they are, full of pages, rampant with words and with covers of the most beautiful colours. You can't charge them, they don't run out of battery, their brightness is unalterable, and they won't smash when you drop them and have them lost forever. Lifeline Bookfest is back for another round of vintage bargains and startling ranges of everything from Australian Women's Weekly Cookbooks to a bit of cheeky erotica. If you're been before, you'll know there are warehouse quantities of books for sale – your grade five diary is probably hidden under a copy of Shantaram, and you'll come across at least three copies of Cooking with Days of Our Lives. Prices range from cents to the big bucks — bring a trolley and your glasses and absorb yourself in books. Bookfest runs from 7.30am–6pm on its opening day, from 8.30am–9pm on Friday, January 25, and from 8.30am–6pm every other day throughout its run.
Milton might be the unofficial beer capital of Brisbane, but in the shadow of the giant XXXX factory and just up the road from Newstead Brewing Co, another type of tipple is fermenting. That'd be rum, courtesy of new Castlemaine Street watering hole The Malecón. As well as serving up plenty of it thanks to the 100-plus bottles lining its walls, the craft spirit and cocktail bar also turns sugarcane byproducts into booze onsite. "We're the only microdistillery in inner-city Brisbane," says manager Jim O'Sullivan of the intimate venue, which is owned by The Bearded Chap's Luke Swenson with Kettle & Tin's Aaron Boardman and Jason Harrison. The Malecón isn't pumping out its own alcoholic concoctions just yet; however, rum-lovers can expect to drop by for a few custom spirits from around late May, pending the appropriate approvals. At present, patrons will be greeted by 105 different types of rum on the bar's shelves — showcasing international varieties, types that you don't always see in Australia and brands that are hard to find — but eventually that number will get closer to 150 or even 200. Rum cocktails are also on offer, think daiquiris, piña coladas, the Malecón Treacle (with rum, some more rum and apple) and the Malecón Zombie (a house rum-blend with citrus, passionfruit, pineapple, orgeat spice and grenadine). And, a small selection of beer and wine is available as well. What visitors won't find on the menu is something to eat, with this a beverage-only establishment. That said, you can order UberEats to the venue, and regular Sunday-afternoon special events will bring food trucks to The Malecón's door. Overall, it's the kind of place that folks can head to dressed up to the nines on a Saturday night or drop by mid-week for a few drinks over a live jazz soundtrack. That relaxed atmosphere is by design, with The Malecón aiming to give Brisbane a cruisy, boozy hangout dedicated to a spirit that doesn't always get its time to shine. As for the name, it comes from an seven-kilometre esplanade, roadway and seawall in Havana. If you saw last year's The Fate and the Furious, you would've spotted it, actually. "The guys took inspiration from Havana in terms of the decor and vibe," explains O'Sullivan, which can be seen in its Cuban-style old world-style furnishings, filling out a space that can fit 100 people standing but better caters to 65 to 70. "But primarily we're a craft spirit and cocktail bar with a microdistillery attached." The Malecón is at 1/47 Castlemaine Street, Milton, and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm to midnight. Visit the bar's website and Facebook page for further details. Images: Grace Smith
It has been a big week for The Doughnut Bar. They not only opened their brand new permanent digs in the Wintergarden, but made us rethink everything we ever knew about ice cream. Who knew that cold, creamy goodness doesn't just come in scoops, but in scrolls? Not ones to rest on their laurels, they're keeping the fun going with an afternoon that's certain to please both your taste buds and your wallets. Whether you've tried their new frosty creations several times over the last few days, or are still coming to terms with the concept, you're going to want to stop by their store between 3pm and 6pm on March 3. Three words: free ice cream. Zip, zilch, nada, nothing: that's how much your tub of handmade deliciousness will cost you. The generous gesture marks Doughnut Bar's first birthday, because that's how one of Brisbane's favourite purveyors of sweet treats celebrates a whole year of filling our stomachs with yumminess. New ice cream flavours will be unveiled for the occasion, should you want to try Doritos, matcha, Nutella, Cadbury chocolate, salted caramel, vanilla bean, Milo malt, strawberry Quik, real banana and peanut butter ice cream concoctions. Or, design your own using everything from Tim Tam dust and candy bacon to mini M&Ms and musk sticks. Plus, there's doughnuts, of course — aka their original claim to fame. Find The Doughnut Bar at Shop K3 in the Wintergarden, 185 Queen Street, Brisbane. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.
Everyone has tried their hand at a still-life drawing or painting. It's an art-class mainstay, whether you only did the subject at school, you're a keen student of all things creative or you consider yourself an artist. But still-life pieces aren't just about bowls of fruit — or bouquets of flowers — as Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art is exploring until Sunday, February 19, 2023. A free exhibition, Still Life Now contemplates the still-life tradition, its evolution and its reflections on existence. Given that it's a practise mostly focused on inanimate objects, the types of items pushed to the fore in still-life pieces say plenty about the times, society, the thinking of the period, and cultural and political issues. That's what you'll ponder while perusing this thoughtful showcase. Still Life Now also throws some love towards memento mori and the vanitas still life, both of ruminate upon death, its inevitability and how fleeting life is in their own ways. Art lovers can expect an array of paintings, sculptures and time-based media, too — and, to keep the train of thought going, there's also a free film program, Still Lives, showing on Sundays during the exhibition. Images: Installation views of 'Still Life Now', Gallery of Modern Art, 2022, including works by Marc Quinn, Damien Hirst, Kozo Miyoshi, Shirana Shahbazi, Justine Cooper and Deborah Kelly / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © The artists / Photograph: Chloë Callistemon © QAGOMA.
Thanks to an unfortunately timed COVID-19 outbreak, this year's edition of the Emerging Writers' Festival will take place entirely online. But if you're a devourer of books, you can rest assured it's still set to deliver a hefty lineup of talks, workshops, panels and more. Running from June 16–June 26, the all-digital program has events for all varieties of lit-lover — from After Dark, a night of live-streamed performance headlined by emerging stars like Wai-Mun Mah, Christy Tan, Jesse Oliver and Penny Smits, to a short story masterclass led by the award-winning Alice Bishop. Streamed via YouTube, Next Big Thing will feature readings from some of the country's hottest up-and-coming talent, while Littlefoot & Co heads up a night of spoken word on June 24. Plus, EWF favourite Amazing Babes will see a cast of familiar faces sharing stories about the women, real and imagined, who've helped shape their lives. The National Writers' Conference will also run as planned, with a full-day online program of panels, talks, workshops and pitching sessions. It's also your chance to hear from EWF's 2021 ambassadors, including poet and editor Elena Gomez (Body of Work), activist and novelist Tony Birch (Ghost River), and non-fiction star Sisonke Msimang (Always Another Country: A Memoir of Exile and Home). [caption id="attachment_811529" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sisonke Msimang[/caption]
It's not often we're told our public transport costs are going to decrease. In fact, this will be the first time it has ever happened in Queensland at all. From November 3 this year, the state government will use its $30 million savings from the abolished carbon tax to drop the cost of all trains, buses and ferries by five per cent. The decision to drop public transport costs comes as a result of a government survey of 22,000 people. When asked whether they would prefer the money to fund fare cuts or create additional services, 74 per cent of participants opted for the cuts. With the changes in place peak Zone 1 travel will cost $3.35 instead of $3.53, and off-peak will be $2.69 from $2.83. However those with long commutes will see the biggest savings. Those regularly travelling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane's CBD will save nearly $300 per year. "Under the LNP, families now have more money in their back pocket, compared to Labor's record of ongoing 15 per cent fare hikes," Premier Campbell Newman told the ABC. The new prices will be frozen for the entirety of 2015, but some remain sceptical of the sustainability of the changes. The state Opposition claim the LNP plan to privatise the public transport network in the long term and ultimately commuters will be suffering much worse. Similar concerns have been echoed by those in public transport advocacy groups. While we're a big fan of cheaper public transport, it's also important to remember where that money came from. Following the repeal of the carbon tax, 30,000 people are currently marching the city streets for new action on climate change, and the UN Climate Summit is about to go ahead in New York without Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Will we still get cheap trains if the tracks warp from global warming? With the new prices to go ahead from November 3, here's how our major cities full-priced fares compare: Brisbane GoCard Zone 1: $3.35 peak, $2.69 off-peak Zone 2: $3.93 peak, $3.15 off-peak Melbourne Myki 2 hour Zone 1: $3.58 2 hour Zone 2: $2.48 2 hour Zone 1 and 2: $6.06 Sydney Opal Zone 1: $3.30 peak, $2.31 off-peak Zone 2: $4.10 peak, $2.87 off-peak Via Brisbane Times and ABC. Photo credits: AlanFisher Imagery and wiccked via photopin cc
UPDATE, NOVEMBER 25: Four Pillars Christmas (Gin) Revue will no longer be heading to Brisbane in 2019. As gin lovers may (or maybe don't) know, Four Pillars has been hosting a Christmas (Gin) Revue for the last couple of years. For one giddy night in 2017 and 2018, Four Pillars aficionados — and newbies — drank in the festive season with an extravaganza of gin-inspired madness, from comedy, dancing and sing-alongs to gin tastings, cocktails and canapés. Well, folks, it's back in 2019 — and this time, for the first time, it's coming to Brisbane. Taking over Brooklyn Standard from 6.30pm on Thursday, November 28, the Four Pillars Christmas (Gin) Revue 2019 will feature Maeve Marsden and Liz Wood, the duo behind gin cabaret Mother's Ruin. Four Pillars' own Stu and Cam will also hit the stage, with their shenanigans spanning slapstick, power ballads and gin nerd-ism. In between soaking up the action, you'll be sipping on Four Pillars' finest gins of 2019, transformed into cocktails by master mixologist Jimmy Irvine, and feasting on canapés. Your $250 ticket also includes a doggy bag, packed with a 700mL bottle of the 2019 Australian Christmas Gin, a jar of marmalade, a set of cocktail books, Four Pillars' new gin relish and more.
Anyone who went to school in Queensland and sweltered through the state's summers in sticky, sweaty classrooms has heard a persistent rumour: if the temperature reaches 40 degrees, you get to go home. You've outgrown that dream notion now, obviously, but Ben & Jerry's is spinning its own version by handing out free ice cream when the mercury next hits 31 degrees. First, the obvious — and glorious — part of that news: 31 degrees in southeast Queensland in summer is a frequent occurrence. Now, the caveat: it'll need to reach 31 degrees at Burleigh Heads, because those freebies will be handed out from Ben & Jerry's just-launched new store on the ground floor of the Surf Living Saving Club on Burleigh Heads beach. Whenever the 31-degree temperature next arrives at that exact location, the new shop will hand out free scoops from 1–6pm that day. Ben & Jerry's is leaving the giveaway open throughout February — so if we get a few under-30 days for a while and it doesn't get to 31 degrees or over again for a few weeks, those freebies could still be on their way. So that you don't have to keep checking forecasts for the area, the ice cream chain will take to the Burleigh Heads Surf Life Saving Club's social channels when the 31-degree mark is hit — and it'll be basing it off of a thermometer outside the store. Because we know you're know wondering, the current Bureau of Meteorology forecasts for Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta — so, in the vicinity of Burleigh — predict 30-degree days on Thursday and Friday, but nothing over that for at least the next week. Ben & Jerry's will give away free scoops from 1–6pm on the next day in February that the temperature reaches 31 degrees or over. Keep an eye on the Burleigh Heads Surf Life Saving Club's social channels, as that's where the chain will confirm the temperature when it's reached — and the giveaway.
Forget about the traditional boy-meets-girl formula. Boy and girl already know each other. In fact they're best friends who are living together. And while you're at it, forget about the happy-ever-after ending because in this story, there's more reality in it than fantastical taglines. This story, Not Suitable For Children, is a modern take on the rules of love and family. Jonah Reid (Ryan Kwanetn) is a carefree guy, living in the prime of his life, squeezing out all the fun these years have to offer. Living with his two best mates, Gus (Ryan Corr) and Stevie (Sarah Snook), they host weekly parties in their crumbling inner-city share-house. Massive, anarchic house-parties, which start to rake in some considerable profits. On one such night Jonah's, ah, lady friend, points out that he has "a lump sorta thing" on his left testicle. Cut to the main thrust of the film. Diagnosed with testicular cancer, a four-week deadline until his manhood gets the chop, and his sperm's inability to freeze, Jonah has only one option left: to impregnate someone before he's rendered infertile. Shifting his priorities from being a party maestro to becoming a father, Jonah embarks on a 30-day mission to find the one, or anyone, who wants to cook his bun. From ex-girlfriends to acquaintances, to lesbians and older women, the mission starts to look dire. That's until the perfect candidate is reveals herself, having been under his nose the whole time. Written by Michael Lucas and directed by Academy Award nominated Peter Templeman (The Saviour) the narrative trajectory is wonderfully composed and projected. Tightly composed, keeping you guessing, without prediction or cliché. Performances by Ryan Kwanten, Sarah Snook, Ryan Corr and Bojana Novakovic were consistently strong and wonderfully showcased Australian talent. Shot in Sydney over seven weeks during the winter of 2011, the film shows off Sydney's inner west, with shots of Oxford and King St with its offerings of sweet small bars and cafes. Overall the musical palette swings from raw, blues-rock of The Black Keys to '70s funk with Funkedelic and The Bamboos. Other highlights included Mammals' 'Carrieed' and the sweet tune 'Teething' by Megastick Fanfare. Not Suitable For Children is a great film – go see it for sure. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qwHmZ-ARVg4
There's no words to describe how equally excited and intrigued I am to see the stage production of beloved childhood haystack Grug. Grug is a delightful little dude who fell off the top of a Burrawang tree and has been trekking on ever since. Ted Prior's creation Grug enjoyed a sell-out season at Out of the Box 2010, but being the gentlemen and scholar he is, he has waddled his little stripey body back to Brisbane for a series of shows before he jets off around the world, no doubt to solve world problems without the least bit of fuss. His carefree nature has been delighting audiences for over 30 years, so it's no surprise he has been drawing audiences of all ages. Looking over Grug's previous experiences, it appears he's a little bit indie? He's had a non-descript birthday (playing the secretive card, nice), played with green paint, rode his bicycle, listened to 'his' music and even had a crazy time with a rainbow... hey, we've all been to Nimbin. See, Grug is just like you and I: young and trying to find his place in this crazy world, even after suffering such massive blows like falling off trees, but whatevz, Grug's aiight. Well, what are you waiting for? Grug's stories are positively begging for you to watch and admire, not to mention the show is like puppetry, but a million times cooler. Hey, and you can say you knew Grug before he was internationally famous, you hipster, you.
Parachute Youth present their Count To Ten Tour! This duo have become one of Australia’s most sought-after acts, with their debut single Can’t Get Better Than This shooting to the coveted #1 spot as most played and requested on Triple J, while taking over the AIR charts. They’ve now got the award for Best New Act under their belts as presented by In The Mix, and have been nominated for Best New Act and Best Australian Single by AIR. The flattery isn’t restricted to their homeland of Oz, with the UK and US signing the boys, as well as Europe proving to be a solid fan base. As such, this could be the last opportunity to see Parachute Youth in an intimate environment, and where better than the Hi-Fi? Supported by Clubfeet, this is a show that will prove an absolute treat. The early bird tickets have already flown the coop, so get in quick for the remaining General Admissions!
Take one of popular culture's biggest supervillains, throw in one of today's very best actors and add the director of The Hangover trilogy. Only a few years ago, the above sentence might've seemed like a joke. Today, it's the reality we're living in — the reality that sees a standalone Joker movie cackling its way towards cinema screens, starring Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role. Move over Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger and Jared Leto — it's Phoenix's time to don exaggerated clown makeup, wield a killer smile and wreak havoc on Gotham City. The just-released first trailer for Joker promises plenty of all three, as failed standup comedian Arthur Fleck turns to a life of facepaint-wearing crime (and eventually obsessing over Batman, we're guessing). As directed and co-written by Todd Phillips (Old School, Starsky & Hutch, Due Date), Joker also comes with a suitably unhinged vibe, as if Phoenix's You Were Never Really Here character stumbled into Martin Scorsese's The King of Comedy. (Fittingly, the latter film plus Taxi Driver and Raging Bull have been cited as inspirations for the new DC Comics flick, and Scorsese is one of Joker's executive producers.) It also looks certain to help everyone forget that the last take on the famous villain only arrived three years ago, because who wants to remember Leto's green-haired turn in Suicide Squad? Here's hoping Phoenix will follow in the footsteps of Nicholson and Oscar-winner Ledger instead, which looks likely based on the footage so far. And, of course, his excellent body of work in general. Robert De Niro, Atlanta's Zazie Beetz and Brian Tyree Henry, and Marc Maron also feature in Joker, with the film hitting cinemas in October. Check out the first trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t433PEQGErc Joker releases in Australian cinemas on October 3, 2019.
THE Rodriguez is coming back to Australia. Touring nationally this October and November, the 72-year-old enigmatic legend was last here in 1981 playing with Midnight Oil, after touring in the late '70s to small success. Now he's riding a wave of newfound support back to our biggest venues, thanks in part to two South African fans. Most people had no idea who Sixto Rodriguez was until the Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man dropped in 2012, prompting longtime fans to shake a fist and spin a bitter "I told you so." A self-taught guitarist, Rodriguez played around the traps in Detroit during the '60s but saw no real success in the States with his two albums Cold Fact (1969) and Coming from Reality (1971). Different story in South Africa, where he was pretty much bigger than Elvis — inspiring South African anti-Apartheid activists and musicians alike (unbeknownst to Rodriguez himself). One of music's most mysterious heroes, Rodriguez was even thought to have died until two Cape Town fans in the late 1990s, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman and Craig Bartholomew Strydom went to find out if the rumours were true (cue Oscar-winning doco). The man also has a cheeky bachelor's degree in philosophy from Wayne State University, he ran for political office and he's had to work construction jobs to support his family. Undeniable and relatively unknown legend. Rodriguez will play Brisbane Convention Centre, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne's Palais Theatre, Adelaide's AEC Theatre and Perth's Kings Park and Botanic Garden. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qyE9vFGKogs
Here's the exceptional thing about being a movie lover: you're never short on stuff to watch. And, because where you see something can have a big imprint on your viewing experience, you're rarely lacking great places to get your cinema fix. Brisbane's latest: the city's riverside CBD brewery. On Monday nights, Felons Brewing Co is turning its Barrel Hall into a cinema and showing classic flicks — for free. From 7pm, you'll get comfy on a bean bag, lock your eyes on the big screen and enjoy a movie fave, all without paying a cent. You'll also drink brews, but that part will cost you. There'll be cinema snacks on offer as well and, again, that's when you'll need your wallet. On the agenda: Napoleon Dynamite (on November 29), Blades of Glory (December 6), Gravity (December 13), Elf (December 20) and The Dark Knight (January 10), so you have options in terms of genre. The festive screening — made all the more merry with brews — will definitely have you feeling jolly heading into Christmas.
For the past few years, the One Day crew has been hitting the road, bringing its famous daytime block parties to live music venues around Australia. Now it's time for another round, with DJs from the beloved Sydney hip hop collective bouncing back to Brisbane for a One Day Sundays session on March 17. Taking place in a new Brissie spot — aka taking over X Cargo — One Day Sundays will see the One Day crew team up with local DJs and artists as they roll through the Fortitude Valley shipping container hangout. Expect food, booze, live graffiti and a whole bunch of hip hop, with Nick Lupi, Klasik, Dzyr, Sir Likwish, Cheq and Josef Mack on the bill. Even better — this day-long shindig is free, because the best things are as the song goes. Bring your wallet to grab a few drinks, as well as a bite to eat. Making shapes is hungry and thirsty work, after all.
Bangarra Dance Theatre's new work Dark Emu is an exploration of the relationship between Australia's Aboriginal people and the land — and their extraordinary knowledge of Australia's plants, animals, landforms and climate. It's also a portrait of the harrowing impact European settlement had on this bond. The show takes inspiration from Bruce Pascoe's nonfiction book of the same name, which covers the complexities of indigenous farming, fishing and landcare techniques. "Before colonisation, Aboriginal people were one with the land and respect for earth, sky and ocean was central to life," says director Stephen Page. "We want to make people aware of the strength and resilience of Aboriginal people and celebrate their profound knowledge of agriculture and aquiculture, which belongs at the epicentre of Australian history." Coming to the QPAC Playhouse from August 24 to September 1, Dark Emu is Page's 25th project for Bangarra. In putting together the 70-minute, four-part show, he worked closely with dancers and collaborators Yolande Brown and Daniel Riley, as well as the Bangarra troupe. Image: Daniel Boud.
In the middle of the year, Melbourne received one of the city's rare pieces of good news for 2020, all thanks to the opening of Cannoleria's huge dedicated cannoli factory. If you love Sicilian sweet treats but you live elsewhere around the country, the dessert joint is now sharing the love your way, too — delivering its DIY cannoli kits around Australia. Fans of crunchy pastry tubes piped full of fresh ricotta, rejoice. The nationwide expansion is a collaboration with Co-Lab Pantry, and sees the kits available in New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. And, you have two options: a 12-cannoli kit, using mini shells, or a six-cannoli kit with full-sized shells. Whichever you choose, you'll be paying $24 — and you'll receive your chosen type of shell, a 450-gram piping bag of ricotta filling from Cannoleria's sibling venue That's Amore Cheese, and crushed pistachio and icing sugar as a garnish. Extra shells, in the large size, are also available to purchase for $9 (because no one can eat just a couple of cannoli). Also, because there's never a bad time to pick up new skills — but 2020 has certainly been the year for it — Cannoleria is also hosting a virtual cannoli class. Run by chef and co-owner Dario Di Clerico, the Zoom session will teach you how to make the traditional Sicilian dessert, from whipping up the dough and turning it into tubes to filling it with sweet ricotta, at 11am on Saturday, October 17. Tickets cost $65, which includes a Cannoleria school bag filled with cannoli-making ingredients delivered to your door. To order Cannoleria's DIY cannoli kits, visit the store's website.
First, it turned Speed into a play. Then, it gave Titanic the same treatment. They're not the only two classic flicks that've earned Act/React's attention, however — so get ready to say "yippee-ki-yay" to its version of the mother of all Christmas-set action films. Break out the white singlets, get festive and prepare to spend plenty of time watching someone crawl around in vents, because that's what happens with Die Hard hits the stage. This comedic theatre performance will transform the Brisbane Powerhouse's Turbine Platform into Los Angeles' Nakatomi Plaza, let European terrorist Hans Gruber do his worst and task New York cop John McClane with saving the day — with help from the dad from 80s and 90s sitcom Family Matters. Throw in more than a few one-liners, incredibly low-fi special effects and an all-round comic atmosphere, and that's Die Hard: The Movie, The Play, which'll unleash its mayhem from Sunday, December 12–Thursday, December 23. Yes, this is one hijacking that you'll want to witness.
One of the best known and most important figures in Australian history is Woollarawarre Bennelong, a senior Eora man who was captured by Governor Phillip in 1789, but then escaped, later becoming an interlocutor between Indigenous Australians and European settlers. His curiosity, diplomacy and humour were legendary, and played a major role in ensuring his community survived the trauma of invasion. Now Stephen Page, Bangarra's artistic director, has put Bennelong's story into an epic new dance piece that's about to tour the nation. Expect to be immersed in powerful soundscapes, stunning design and extraordinary movement. Bennelong will premiere at the Sydney Opera House in June before heading to Brisbane from August 25 till September 2. Check out the trailer below. Image: Vishal Pandey.
Perhaps your 2023 is off to a gorgeous start. Maybe you've broken your resolutions already. Whichever fits, a ray of sunshine is coming your way if you like Gelato Messina's decadent specials, the chain's frosty treats in general and all things red velvet. Behold Messina's new red velvet hot tub, aka its latest OTT creation — which is arriving just in time to add something sweet to your Valentine's Day. Messina's hot tubs are the brand's extra-special, always limited-edition treats. No, the word 'hot' doesn't reflect the required temperature. Indeed, in this case, the tub comes with layers of cream cheese gelato with red velvet cake and red velvet fudge, all to be eaten cold. On top: toasted red velvet cake crumbs, plus piped cream cheese chantilly. While the dessert is timed for the supposedly most romantic day of the year, who you share it and your Messina love with is up to you. Grab a spoon with your significant other, go all in for Galentine's Day instead, or treat yo'self to multiple days of pink- and red-hued gelato, cake and fudge — the choice is obviously yours. Tubs cost $40 each, and you'll need to place your order online on Monday, January 30. Because Messina's specials always prove popular, the brand now staggers its on-sale times — so folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am, Victorians at 9.15am, and New South Wales customers are split across three times depending on the store (with tubs from Bondi, Miranda, Randwick, Circular Quay and Surry Hills on sale at 9.30am; Darlinghurst, Brighton Le Sands, Parramatta, Tramsheds and Manly at 9.45am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Norwest, Rosebery and Penrith at 10am). Wherever you live, you can then pick up the red velvet hot tubs between Saturday, February 11–Tuesday, February 14. Fans of Messina will know that the gelato fiends are quite fond of making these kinds of indulgent — and supremely tasty — specials, after previously serving up everything from its the chain's take on the Viennetta, Iced Vovo gelato and lamington sticky scrolls to a scoopable Ferrero Rocher flavour, Basque cheesecake gelato and fairy bread cookie pies. Gelato Messina's red velvet hot tub will be available to order from on Monday, January 30, from 9am local time in Queensland and the ACT, 9.15am in Victoria and between 9.30–10am in New South Wales.
When Australia's annual Spanish Film Festival returns this year, it'll offer cinephiles a two-for-one affair. Fancy seeing the latest and greatest movies from the European country? Keen to watch fresh flicks from Spanish-speaking Latin America too? They're both on the lineup. While Latin American cinema has received its own dedicated Aussie fest over the past three years, in 2019 the Cine Latino Film Festival will form part of the Moro Spanish Film Festival. In short: this year's April–May fest presents the best of both worlds across a 32-title program. In Brisbane, it kicks off on Wednesday, April 24, with the Aussie premiere of applauded and acclaimed Spanish comedy Champions, which picked up this year's Goya award for best film, as well as the best new actor prize for star Jesús Vidal. The feel-good flick follows an amateur Spanish basketball team comprised of players with mental disabilities and an arrogant coach who's sentenced to community service to help them bounce their way to glory. At the other end of the event is a bona fide classic: Pedro Almodóvar's Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, the 1988 black comedy is one of the movies that first helped bring Antonio Banderas to fame. Other program highlights include action-packed bank robbery drama 70 Big Ones and comedy Super Crazy, which focuses on a woman who suddenly can't stop speaking her mind. If you've ever wanted to know all there is to know about olive oil, there's also a documentary on the topic: Virgin & Extra: Jaén, The Land of the Olive Oil. And from the Cine Latino contingent, Argentinian title Rojo delves into corruption before the country's mid-70s coup, while Tremors explores a Guatemalan family's secrets. Across its full slate, the Spanish Film Festival also showcases 11 titles by female filmmakers, ranging from established talents to up-and-comers. Watch out for romance Carmen & Lola, which has proven a hit on the queer circuit; star-studded comedy-thriller Crime Wave, which stars Maribel Verdú, Javier Cámara and Luis Tosar; and the 1982-set The Good Girls, which follows the wives of wealthy Mexican men. The Moro Spanish Film Festival will screen at Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from April 24 to May 15. For more information and to book tickets, visit the website.
After being unearthed by Triple J just over a year ago, Brisbane locals Ball Park Music have experienced a flurry of successes and are showing no signs of slowing down. Returning home for their most ambitious national tour yet, The 180 Degree Tour finds our creative crew gallivanting across the nation playing their collection of colourful and catchy tracks such as iFly, Sad Rude Future Dude and Rich People Are Stupid from their debut album, Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs. The six piece are notorious for their energetic performances and will be back at the Hi-Fi on March 24. Our local indie sextuple sure are something to be proud of. Having toured with a wide array of acts such as Hungry Kids of Hungary, Boy & Bear, DZ and international giants Radiohead, it's been a fast journey up the road to success. As the band said themselves, they can't wait to make love to their fan's ears. So put on your dancing shoes and join the party.
This post is presented by the All New Toyota Corolla Sedan. There's plenty of fun to be had in this city each week, but there's only a small handful of truly fresh urban adventures to be had. We've partnered with Toyota to bring you a series showcasing the very best of these shiny-new experiences in Brisbane. Presented by the All New Toyota Corolla Sedan, these are our picks to put you on the road to a lifetime of goodtimes. Now your only challenge is getting to them all. This week, we recommend you tinkle the ivories at cafe with a dark side, tick parkour off your bucket list and get tactile with all the magazines you've been missing. Eat: Samson and Sophie A mere two weeks old, it’s easy to fall in love with Samson and Sophie Cafe. In what is perhaps a Brisbane trend of naming cafes after dogs, Teneriffe’s new sweetheart is treading a path already carved by older siblings Alcove and Esther St Cafe Deli. The owners used their tried and tested cafe and deli experience with Samson and Sophie offering a cafe menu, small selection of produce and even small potted plants to buy. Cute decor is the cherry on top, with recycled furniture and living coffee tables making a feature. Part-grass, part-wooden table, these turfed tops are a novel place to sit and chow down bircher or a toastie. Shop 1, 2 Macquarie Street, Teneriffe Drink: John Mills Himself Brisbane is currently enjoying a trend of cafes with a darker side. Come the afternoon, these newbies keep their doors open past COB and twist the tops off a range of fine brews and bottles. One of those is John Mills Himself. With a classic yesteryear look, dark wooden beams and a marble bar, John Mills harks back to old days serving local beers on tap on a five-ounce glass. It has a focus on local, with wines sourced from the south-east corner, spirits from across the nation and organic spiced peanuts from Kingaroy. The narrow space even has piano, and you’re always welcome to tinkle the ivories. See: cool stuff at URBNE Festival The URBNE Festival is all about unleashing Brisbane's creative side and enjoying our gorgeous city by using all of its nooks and crannies. The team behind this ingenious idea are a bunch of young creatives from a kaleidoscope of creative backgrounds joined by the common goal of making Brisbane both more creative and accessible. This weekend, March 28-30, join Brisbane’s Biggest Clothes Swap, join a Scavenger Hunt or form part of an art attack. Carve up the streets in Street Skate Jam, tick parkour off your bucket list and wind down with a film at the State Library, entitled City Dark. Do: Visit Kunstler Magazines Despite CP living wholly in the digital world, we’re firm believers that print is not dead. Enter Kunstler Magazines and Books, a new little shop that popped up in Winn Lane last Saturday. The independent store stocks publications on everything from art and architecture to fashion and design, and, of course, food literature. The store is a coop for Brisbane’s small and specialty magazine scene and is great fun to peruse. Take a look yourself; on Sunday afternoon Kunstler (German for ‘the artist’) are having a neighbourhood shindig to welcome you to its new digs.
Brisbane's new permanent food truck hangout has been home to all kinds of things since it set up shop earlier this year — festivals dedicated to all kinds of foods mainly — but, come May 20, it'll welcome something different through its doors. While there's always some sort of party going at Welcome to Bowen Hills, and doggos are always welcome, the venue's Big Dog Festival see the space swarmed by puppers of the super-sized variety. If it sounds familiar, that's because the venue is following in its own paw prints and taking its other pooch party — the Tiny Dog Festival — to the opposite extreme. Taking place the day after all things small and cute scurry through, this one will focus on massive mutts, so bring your own or prepare to pat plenty of others. In addition to bites to eat from the site's food trucks, and just celebrating big dogs over a few beers, the fest will also feature a big dog race and a best dressed giant dog competition. If your pupper is speedy or has great style, then you'll want to take part. Plus, Welcome to Bowen Hills also wants to find Brissy's biggest adult dog, so prepare to spend a day staring at huge hounds that look like they need their own human-sized houses and saying "awwwwwww".
It seems like we've been talking about the live action remake of Ghost in the Shell for a really long time. Now that it's finally here, we're not going to waste time weighing up the quality of the source material. It's proven itself in the manga iteration, as well as the cult anime film that followed. Instead, the question is this: does the remake add anything to the discourse? And as such, should you bother paying to see it or should you give it a miss? Ghost in the Shell, in case you're not familiar, is based on a 1989 manga by Masamune Shirow. Protagonist Major Mira Killian (played here by Scarlett Johansson) is a member of Section 9, a unit of elite officers tasked with fighting cyber criminals. Major has a human brain and consciousness (a 'ghost') inside a fully cybernetic body. Her previous life is a mystery, even to herself. But when a delinquent hacker known only as Kuze (Michael Pitt) starts to infiltrate the network to which all humans are connected, a series of events are set in motion that lead Major on a classic origin chase, punctuated with shadowy memories ('glitches') from her past. Let's start with the good: the visuals in this new version of Shirow's story are stunning. Director Rupert Sanders has crafted a really good looking film, with many rich scenes and compositions. It's literally a smorgasbord of sci-fi aesthetics. But, like the model children of celebrities, it was always going to look great, because the source material is spectacular. Many of the film's most memorable images are taken almost shot for shot from the original. It's great to look at, sure, but no points for originality here. Moreover, this Americanised take on Ghost in the Shell feels decidedly more commercial (read: dumber) than its Japanese counterpart. Many of the same philosophical ideas are present, but you can't help but feel as though they're being fed to you with a spoon. Likewise, the mood here is less melancholy, less isolating. The eerie, disconcerting quality of the anime has been diluted, and the film feels weaker for it. The filmmakers have woven in extra content from the manga, shed a few of the more ambiguous scenes to resolve the narrative, and maximised Johansson's screen time. On the plus side, the score absolutely holds up, with composer Clint Mansell building on what came before while also bringing something fresh to the table. Finally, let's get to the big white elephant in the room: why was Scarlett Johansson, a Caucasian woman, cast in a role that many have said should have gone to an Asian or Asian-American actor? Sadly, whitewashing is a very real problem in the film industry, where cultural whiteness (and often white actors) is inserted into films where it simply doesn't belong. Did Scarjo bring something that a Japanese actor couldn't? Quite simply, the answer is no. Still, the sad truth is that all the controversy and talk of whitewashing in the lead up to the film may well be the most interesting about it. It may look pretty, but look any deeper and Ghost in the Shell is a bit of a fizzer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4VmJcZR0Yg
It's been impossible to get your hands on tickets to see Courtney Barnett these past few weeks. On her first headline national tour, this charming singer-songwriter has been selling out huge strings of shows in the best venues of our major cities. But don't worry if you missed out on tickets to The Zoo tonight. Barnett's hitting up Southside Tea Room tomorrow afternoon for a free solo surprise show. All the hype surrounding this folksy Melbournian is well and truly deserved. Barnett has received a tonne of press since last year's release of her double EP A Sea of Split Peas, on which 'Avant Gardener' was the lead single. She's been compared to Bob Dylan by Rolling Stone, debuted in the US on Jimmy Fallon, and had the privilege of performing at Glastonbury and Coachella this year. Just this week, she also picked up Best Independent Single/EP at the AIR Independent Music Awards. Basically, she's killing it. Her show at The Zoo tonight kicks off at 8pm supported by Victorian multi-instrumentalist D.D. Dumbo. But if you want to catch her up close and personal, Sunday's gig at Southside will be from 4.30pm. Bar owner and Grates singer Patience Hodgson is set to be the "best merch bitch ever", so that's something to see in itself.
A recent survey showed that satisfaction with festivals are at an all time low, and ticket holders are saying that douchebags without shirts on are ruining it for the rest of us. I may be wrong, but I have an inkling that Parklife's organisers have known about this for years, and have just started to take it on board. Parklife has gone from an all-out fluoro fest to an actual legit event with some actual legit names. This combo equals less douches - because we all know douches don't like good music - and less douches means more satisfaction! There's something for everyone this year: for real music lovers, the lineup includes Gossip, Lykke Li, Death From Above 1979, Kimbra, Santigold and The Streets, and for all of you who like to get drunk and listen to music, there's something for you too! Listen to the one song you know by Adrian Lux, The Naked and Famous, and Duck Sauce! Oh, and never fear, rich kids, there is also the Ridiculously Expensive Ticket still up for grabs. You get a slip and slide entry, a personal rider, a ‘Coming to America’ style chair as transport, side of stage views, and a drinks caddie, all for the low low price of seven thousand big ones! It's time to get your Barbra Streisand face on and get down to the Botanical Gardens this weekend, even if it is to see if anyone does buy that ridiculously expensive ticket.
A skating session that's all about exercise — and sometimes rolling freely — Rollerfit finally arrived in Brisbane a few years back. It's still going strong in 2023, and it still wants you to go for a spin. Two days a week, you can hit the rink at the PCYC Lang Park in Milton, with separate one-hour sessions for beginners just learning to skate and intermediate-to-advanced speedsters. Yep, if this is the first time you've ever even thought about living out your Whip It or Xanadu dreams, don't worry — you're covered. The novice classes take place on Fridays from 6.30–7.30pm and Sundays from 3.30–4.30pm, while the more experienced skaters lace up on Friday nights from 7.30–8.30pm. And if you do just fancy rolling around openly, without instructors giving you tips, that's also on the agenda during disco hour from 8.30–9.30pm on Friday evenings. Dropping in costs $25, or you can take that down to $20 if you plan to visit regularly and sign up for a $25 membership. Five, ten and 20-class passes are also on offer, which can bring your per-session fee down to $14. If you don't have your own wheels, you can also rent them for an extra $5 per session. Rental covers sizes 5–13, and it's a first-come, first-served kind of deal. Images: Susie Yang.
Before 2021 is out, Australian will finally get to see the Tony Award-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical, with the stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's beloved 2001 film set to hit Melbourne once the city's lockdown ends. Also happening this year — and also spreading the movie-inspired love — is a big Brisbane gig called Spectacular Spectacular, which'll turn the Fortitude Music Hall into a Parisian club to celebrate Moulin Rouge!'s 20th anniversary. It's news so exciting, the audience will stomp and cheer. That said, despite the song lyrics that you now have stuck in your head, Spectacular Spectacular will only play for one evening. Still, this event is going to make the most of its single night, serving up what's being dubbed a '20th anniversary live music show'. Think: a heap of Brisbane musos hopping on stage to play through Moulin Rouge!'s iconic soundtrack, all backed by a 15-piece band, accompanied by dancers and decked out in costumes. Powderfinger's Darren Middleton, The Grates' Patience Hodgson and Superjesus' Sarah McLeod will all take to the stage, the latter pair sharing the songs of Satine — the character played by Nicole Kidman in the film. The show's lineup also includes Sahara Beck, Hope D and Tia Gostelow, as well as actor Eddie Baroo playing Harold Zidler. And, Anji Greenwood VOIID, Zach Britt from Dream on Dreamer and Pauline Maudy from MZAZA are all on the bill, too, alongside opera aficionado Bradley Daley, theatrical art collective Boss Moxi and the award-winning Phluxus2 Dance Collective. If you're now thinking "come what may" — or planning to break out your best can-can — you'll want to block out Friday, December 10 in your diary. Pre-sale tickets go on sale from 9am AEST on Wednesday, October 20, and general tickets from 9am Thursday, October 21, with VIP packages that include champagne upon arrival and table service afterwards also available. And if you just can't wait for this celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and love — and a 2001 classic, obviously — you can check out the trailer for the film below: The Spectacular Spectacular 20th Anniversary Moulin Rouge Live Music Show takes place on Friday, December 10 at Fortitude Music Hall, Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley. For further information — or to buy pre-sale tickets from 9am AEST on Wednesday, October 20, or general tickets from 9am Thursday, October 21 — head to the event website.
Brisbane's midweek public holiday is upon us, you'd prefer sitting in a cinema to walking around the Ekka, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball. Call Dendy Cinemas' latest special a case of great timing, then, with the chain offering up discount tickets that'll solve your problem. All day on Wednesday, August 15, regardless of whether you purchase online or in person, you'll only pay $5 for your movie of choice at Portside and Coorparoo. Or movies. With everything from The Breaker Upperers and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again to RBG and Whitney currently screening — plus Mission: Impossible — Fallout and Ant-Man and the Wasp, too — there's plenty to watch if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible. The special isn't available for special events, Dendy Arts sessions or preview screenings, but you're certain to find something to watch regardless. Plus, if you haven't had a chance to drop by the chain's still new-ish digs in Coorparoo, here's your excuse.
Lofly Hangar’s still kicking about – we can’t let The Normanby take over Red Hill, now, can we? Just kidding, Norms will be the last one standing even after The Rapture actually happens, pumping Guetta and Gaga forevermore. But I digress. So, Toy Balloon are making a new album, right? But they need to raise some dosh to get them into the studio – this is where Lofly comes in. They’re hosting a fundraising party there – Toy Balloon’s Throwback Cosmic Shakedown. They’ll be playing all new tracks, joined by Melbourne’s Super Melody (formally of Architecture in Helsinki and now performing solo under this new moniker) who’ll be playing in Brisbane for the first time. There’ll be no strange silences between sets, thanks to DJ sets throughout the night from Dominic Stephens (Oh Ye Denver Birds), Benjamin Thompson (The Rational Academy) as well as the Toy Balloon dudes as well. What’s the cost of a Throwback Cosmic Shakedown? Just ten bones, but if you like these guys, give them more. It's all for a good cause.
Award-winning Brisbane author Ellen van Neerven brings together a panel of distinguished indigenous writers for an evening of discussion. At Indigenous Women Writing Their Stories, Mullumbimby author Melissa Lucashenko, Not Just Black and White's Tammy and Lesley Williams, and black&write editing intern Yasmin Smith will be sharing their experiences and views of the current state of indigenous women's writing. The evening has been organised in association with The Stella Prize and Black&write Indigenous Writing and Editing Project. Black&write is a first of its kind, national project developed to foster a significant indigenous writing community. The Stella Prize is a major literary award celebrating Australian women’s writing, and championing diversity and cultural change. Indigenous Women Writing Their Stories kicks of at Avid Reader this Wednesday at 6pm. Tickets are only $7.50 and can be purchased online.
Where would we be without movies during the pandemic? Even when cinemas were closed during lockdowns, we all still sought out the joy and escapism of watching a flick — and truly appreciated how cathartic it is. Still keen to queue up a big heap of movies, and a hefty dose of couch time, even though heading to the big screen is well and truly back on the agenda? Enter Movie Frenzy, the returning week-long online film rental sale. From Friday, February 10–Thursday, February 16, it's serving up a sizeable lineup of popular flicks from the past year, all from $3 per movie onwards. On the lineup: Jordan Peele's latest standout horror effort Nope, Tom Cruise indulging a new (and better) need for speed in Top Gun: Maverick, Baz Luhrmann's hip-shaking bio Elvis and star-studded rom-com Ticket to Paradise. Or, if you like scares, you'll find plenty in Smile, Bodies Bodies Bodies and Orphan: First Kill. The action-packed Bullet Train, adventure-romance The Lost City and game-to-screen sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 2 are also on the list — and while some of these flicks are more worth your attention than others, we'll let you do the choosing. You can nab the cheap movies via your digital rental platform of choice, including Apple TV, iTunes, Fetch, Google Play, the Microsoft Store, Prime Video, Fetch and YouTube Movies — although just what's available, and the price, will vary depending on the service. And you won't need a subscription, unless you decide to join in the fun via the Foxtel Store.
Ezekiel Ox is one talented man. He is best know for his rock and roll music and being the frontman of hardcore Aussie group Mammal, but this only scratches the surface. Ox has worked both at home and abroad, captivating audiences across the world with his impressive resume list of skills such as singing, acting, dancing, writing, voice over artist, filmmaking and poetry. Stop it Ezekiel, you're making us look lazy. If you're a musical theatre buff you may recall that he appeared in Mamma Mia and he was also invited by Eddie Perfect to help workshop the original script of Shane Warne: The Musical! But enough about the past. This Friday and Saturday night Ox will be in town performing his 2014 spoken word performance, River Mouth. Why not spend the evening transfixed by his tales and intermittent music performances. There's also an open mic soapbox if you're eager to get involved.
"They're more scared of us than we are of them," many mothers have told their offspring, soothing fears of monsters, spiders and other scary forces — and in The Boxtrolls, the adage proves accurate. The village of Cheesebridge is intent on exterminating the cardboard-wearing, subterranean-dwelling titular creatures, driven by tales of child stealing, people eating, and rivers of blood. All the benevolent grey critters want, however, is to play with junk and tinker with machines. A lost baby is the source of the boxtrolls' bad reputation, after the villainous Archibald Snatcher (Ben Kingsley) convinces the townsfolk of their involvement. A decade later, the missing boy has been raised by his new pals and christened Eggs (Isaac Hempstead Wright), happy in his existence beneath the streets. Then Winifred (Elle Fanning) spots him, her morbid curiosity soon turning to affinity. Alas, Snatcher's pursuit continues, with the rest of the populace ambivalent to the girl's protests. From animators Laika, The Boxtrolls is steeped in the offbeat and styled in the eccentric; this is the stop-motion studio that brought Coraline and ParaNorman to life, after all. Adapted from Alan Snow's novel Here Be Monsters!, the film shares many aspects with their previous hits: gorgeously grotesque imagery, smart gags slipped amongst endearing detail, a winning blend of the sweet and surreal, and intelligent messages for young and old. With a steampunk aesthetic, directors Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi lovingly revel in their intricate world, complete with rusting metal, slops of mud, unattractive adults and more. They remain unafraid of letting the harshness of life manifest in the gothic look, albeit lightened by the sense of adventure, the cuteness of the boxtrolls, a celebration of cheese (food, not corniness) and a story concerned with acceptance outside the norm. The weighty themes don't stop there, nor does the studio's penchant for a specific type of material. Outcast children find fondness in things typically considered strange, looking beyond accepted bounds to discover their identities and values. Open-mindedness is championed, just as the blinkered view of most — Snatcher's coveting of social-climbing grandeur, and Winifred's father's (Jared Harris) preference for dairy over his daughter — is skewered. The thoughtful feature even contemplates self-determination and the outsourcing of immoral deeds to the poor through the comic conversations of Snatcher's employees, voiced by Richard Ayoade, Nick Frost and Tracy Morgan. Such high-profile casting tops the delightfully dark film, its talent deepening the characters rather than merely inciting the usual celebrity spotting (although Ayoade and Frost's banter is always a treat). Stitching together the sensibilities of Tim Burton and Roald Dahl, The Boxtrolls is a warm and witty excursion through the weird and wonderful, as well as a true slice of cinematic enjoyment for all ages. https://youtube.com/watch?v=uHfkJMILG4U
Do you love seeing a movie on the big screen, ending your day with a new film and getting a bargain? Dendy Portside is ticking all three boxes with its returning special. As it has done in the past, the Hamilton cinema is offering up discounted tickets — and yes, you will get change from $10. Every night of the week between Thursday, May 29–Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as long as you head to the flicks from 8pm onwards, you'll only pay $8 for your movie of choice — again, only at Dendy Portside. Whether you online or buy at the box office, either way you'll nab a bargain. The one big caveat: there is still a booking fee if you get your tickets via the Dendy website, but your 8pm moviegoing will remain at a discount — just with that fee on top. With everything from Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning and Final Destination Bloodlines to Lilo & Stitch and Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme screening when the $8 deal kicks off, there's a heap to watch if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible. Plus, Karate Kid: Legends, Ballerina and Materialists are all on the way in early June. The offer isn't available for special events, previews, film festivals or Dendy Arts sessions, but remains valid for everything else. And if the flick you want to see is in 3D, that'll cost an extra $1.
After introducing its cookie pies to the world last week, Gelato Messina is bringing the OTT dessert back for a second round. This time, the pie in question is red velvet and it looks just as decadent as it sounds. Hang on, a cookie pie? Yes, it's a pie, but a pie made of red velvet cookie dough with white chocolate chips. And it serves two–six people — or just you. You bake it yourself, too, so you get to enjoy that oh-so-amazing smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. While no longer free, these pies are now available for preorder — so if you missed out last week, here's your chance to get yourself a piece of the pie. On its own, the red velvet dessert will cost $20. But to sweeten the deal, the cult ice creamery has created a few bundle options, should you want some of its famed gelato atop it. For $28, you'll get the pie and a 500-millilitre tub, while with a one-litre tub or a 1.5-litre tub, it'll cost $34 and $39 respectively. A handful of the bake-at-home goods will be available via Deliveroo from Wednesday, April 29 for those who can't or don't want to leave the house. But your best bet of getting your hands on one is by peeling yourself off the couch and picking it up from your local Messina store. You can place your preorder now via Bopple, with pick up times available between Wednesday, April 29 and Sunday, May 3. You can preorder a Messina cookie pie via Bopple to pick up from all NSW, Vic and Queensland Gelato Messina stores (except The Star) from April 29–May 3 or you can order delivery via Deliveroo on April 29.
Arguably, winter is one of the best times to explore Sydney. As well as boasting picturesque coastal walks, a bevy of exceptional dining destinations and a buzzing live music scene, for a whole month the harbourside locale is transformed with beams of light, bundles of creativity and larger-than-life installations as Vivid Sydney ignites the city. After a two-year hiatus (for obvious reasons), the boundary-pushing festival is back — and it's set to be bigger than ever. Sites across the city are charging up to host international and homegrown musos, conversations among industry greats and masterpieces from some of the most creative minds. If you're an out-of-towner, Marriott Bonvoy have a suite of spots to rest that head of yours (ensuring you can make the most out of your after-dark adventuring). Pier One Sydney is the obvious choice if you're looking to be fully immersed in the festivities. Vivid Light Walk — which brings bubbles of magic with Atelier Sisu's Ephemeral Oceanic — is on your doorstep, as is the hotel's pontoon, so you can easily hop aboard a vessel and enjoy the lights from an aquatic vantage point. If dining under the lights is more your thing, schedule some time at the onsite Vivid Marquee Bar, where a $90pp food and drinks package will fuel you up over two hours. The fine people at Sydney Harbour Marriott have everything ready to truly indulge interstate guests. Dig into a Vivid Sydney-inspired goodie bag after check-in (who doesn't love a good freebie?) and get set for seriously good eating with a $100 dining credit. The on-theme offering doesn't stop with the hospitalities, with the pop-up Vivid Laneway Bar bringing an exclusive spot to sip. Thinking about an upgrade? Pick a Vivid Sydney View Room to score complimentary brekkie. If you're after a stay that has all the trimmings, Sheraton Grand Sydney is the weekend spot for you. Along with a divine room to hit the hay, your booking comes with the Vivid Sydney Lights and Colours High Tea for two, breakfast in the morning and parking (a truly fantastic feature when visiting the city). Plus, you're only minutes from all the Vivid Sydney action — there's even an exhibit in the lobby. Marriott Bonvoy has truly left Vivid Sydney visitors spoilt for choice, as there are also amazing stays — with lots of perks — available at Four Points by Sheraton Sydney Central Park and Courtyard by Marriott North Ryde (which is only a short train ride from all the illuminated excitement in the city). Don't miss the 2022 Vivid Sydney event highlights, and ensure your itinerary includes these bright installations. For more information and to book a premium Vivid Sydney stay at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, head to the website.
Occupying a cosy nook next to a rustic barbershop on the corner of Pashen Street and leafy Riding Road in Hawthorne, Hunna Bunna is a new addition to the suburb's fine crop of cafes. The cottage-style cafe opened in May and has been enjoying popularity in the precinct with a number of social events, great coffee and a possible love affair with synthetic grass — the outdoor seating area's floor is covered with it, as are several toy bunnies scattered throughout the venue, adding a lush, green whimsy to the place. Flavoursome, fair-trade BlackStar coffee ($3.50), of West End fame, is Hunna Bunna's bean of choice and it packs a rejuvenating punch. If you're pressed for time, you can order your morning cuppa online in advance so it's ready and waiting. There is a selection of sweet treats, including paleo and gluten-free varieties. In addition to coffee, Hunna Bunna's friendly staff knock up a mean hot chocolate and there is also a variety of juices and iced coffees available. The alfresco area has a warm, rustic, backyard (well, side-yard, to be specific) feel and is the perfect setting for a morning or afternoon coffee and/or cake. Did we mention pop-up creperie La French Attitude are there on Fridays to make delicious sweet and savoury crepes for all you crepe-lovers? Well, they do just that. Further adding to Hunna Bunna's uniqueness is their hosting of an alternative comedy night, Comedy @ the Cafe, on the second Friday evening of each month (the venue stays open later on these occasions. And, brilliantly, so does the crepe stall). So if you're looking for something a little bit different for a top-notch cup o' Joe and snack, then stop in at the hallowed (Astro)turf of Hunna Bunna.
It's been a rocky few years for Jamie's Italian in Australia, having relaunched with full ownership in 2017 only to lose ownership again just one year later. Luckily, the Brisbane-based Hallmark Group took over the management of the Australian restaurants, but not without some casualties — the Canberra and Parramatta outposts (the latter of which is set to become a steakhouse) quickly closed. But now, perhaps in an attempt to help us put our faith back in the brand, Jamie's Italian on Edward Street will launch a series of bottomless prosecco lunches for a very reasonable $50 per person. The one-month deal will run every Saturday from September 8 through to October 6 — and it includes a lot more than just an endless supply of sparkling wine. Each table will be served small bites to share (including those crispy polenta chips), and everyone will get a big bowl of pasta. You'll be be able to choose which one you want, too — think classics like prawn linguine and carbonara, and signatures including the truffle tagliatelle and fresh crab spaghetti. Plus, it'll all be topped off with panna cotta for dessert. If we know anything, it's that people really love Jamie's Italian. As such, these lunches are sure book out fast, so front a pineapple and book it already.
Calling all sleuths of Brisbane — again. If you haven't fulfilled your murder-mystery fix on the big and small screens over the past few years, and if you missed a whodunnit play hailing from the one and only Agatha Christie back in 2022, then you'd best make a new date with The Mousetrap. Here are two questions for you to solve before you get there: why is it a big deal when is it coming your way once more? The answers: as well as being penned by Christie, it's the world's longest-running play; and after last year's season proved such a hit — and a sellout — it's returning to Brisbane's QPAC Playhouse from Friday, May 26–Sunday, June 11. Initially premiering in London's West End in 1952, The Mousetrap has been treading the boards in the UK ever since, only pausing during to pandemic venue closures. When theatres reopened in Britain, so did the show. Indeed, when it arrived in Australia last year, The Mousetrap did so 70 years to the month that it first debuted. Unsurprisingly, that hefty run means that the show has enjoyed the longest stint for any West End production, and for any play anywhere in the world. So far, there's been more than 28,500 London performances. To answer the other obvious question, yes, it's all about an unexpected death. The murder-mystery starts with news of a killing in London — and with seven people snowed in at a guest house in the country. They're strangers, which is classic Christie. When a police sergeant arrives on skis, they're told that the murderer is among them (which, again, is vintage Christie). They all have wild pasts, too, and all those details are spilled as they're interrogated, and also try to work out who among them is the killer. Those guests at Monkswell Manor include a pair of newlyweds who run the house, a spinster, an architect who is handy in the kitchen, a retired Army major, a man who says his car has overturned in a drift, and a jurist. Naturally, there's another death as they're all puzzling it over — and a twist conclusion, which audiences have been requested not to reveal after leaving the theatre for seven decades now. Images: Brian Gleach.
Sometimes it's just too much effort to get up and go to the markets. Who wants to get up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday to look at the same stuff? It's far too early to fully comprehend all the bargains on offer anyway. Thank the stars though that we now have the BrisStyle indie twilight markets. Markets at night? What a simple but oh so clever idea. For those of you out of the loop, etsy.com is the online crux of handmade knick-knacks and BrisStyle is the site's on the ground team, promoting the local independent art, craft, and design featured on the website. At the twilight markets, the team aims to offer an organic lantern-lit experience that combines the buzz of the CBD with our laid back south-east Queensland nature. Over 60 emerging and established locals have their wares on display; all handmade and one-of-a-kind. There is also a cafe, restaurant, and bar on site – does your local early morning market have that? So it's settled then. You're going to get down to King George Square and support your community aren't you? You'll feel good about it and you'll get to shop under the stars too (and not because it's 4am!).
Though the days of hypno-duo Oscar+Martin may be over, one half of the entity remains - stronger and dreamier than ever. Oscar Key Sung has quickly gained a reputation as one of Australia’s most vibrant new talents and proved he don’t need no man by his side to hit the charts. Already seasoned with a string of performances, 23-year-old Key Sung has been encapsulating an audience beyond just fans with his refreshing sounds and sumptuous voice. Most notably, he was handpicked by Ghostpoet to join his Australian tour, truly cementing Oscar as an rnb-pop alchemist worth keeping an eye on. Now, with a hearty collection of new material, Key Sung will be gracing Black Bear Lodge, introducing Brisbane to his new singles 'It’s Coming' and 'Sure Thing'. Don’t miss out on what will be a truly buoyant performance by a real, heart-on-sleeve talent. Check out Oscar Key Sung's 'It's Coming'
First, it was Taco Bell. Now, another big American food brand is coming to southeast Queensland: TGI Fridays. In fact, if you head to Robina on the Gold Coast from mid-December, you'll be able to choose between the two — because that's where TGI Fridays is opening its first eatery in the state. While the US-based chain of bar and grill-style restaurants already has 13 other locations around Australia, it hasn't made the jump up north until now. That'll change from Monday, December 9, when Queenslanders will be able to tuck into its array of steaks, ribs, wings and burgers while sipping a hefty array of cocktails. Exactly what'll be on the Robina Town Centre store's menu hasn't been revealed as yet; however, at its interstate eateries, it serves up 30 types of cocktails and seven kinds of mocktails. So, yes, it takes its drinks lineup seriously. Wine, beer by the bottle and on tap, and both boozy and non-alcoholic shakes are also on offer. And, so is TGI Friday's famed daily happy hour. Food-wise, the general range also includes wraps, salads, starters such as mozzarella sticks and mac 'n' cheese-loaded potato twisters, and mains that span chicken tenders, cracked pepper calamari with fries, and cajun chicken and prawn fettuccine. The dessert selection goes heavy on American favourites; think brownies, sundaes and apple crumble. Patrons can expect to enjoy their meals and beverages on the Robina Town Centre Promenade, with the store featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, a central bar, TV screens playing sports and an open kitchen. The fitout will keep the signature TGI Fridays look, which includes timber accents and industrial-style lighting installations. As for the vibe, TGI Fridays pitches itself as part-way between a restaurant and a hangout spot. When the brand launched in the 60s, it was actually a singles bar; but these days it's focused on casual, novelty-based American dining. Find TGI Fridays at Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina from Monday, December 9.
The premise of Between Two Ferns couldn't be more simple. Zach Galifianakis interviews other famous folks, all while sitting in the middle of two leafy plants. Staged to look like a no-budget community television show, it's purposefully silly and surreal, whether Galifianakis is nattering with Natalie Portman, Brad Pitt, Justin Bieber, Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. Starting off as a short film, then becoming one of Funny or Die's hit webseries over the past decade, the wholly improvised show satirises the Hollywood publicity machine by making fun of the polished promotional chats that are so common whenever a big star has a new movie or TV series to plug. In its latest incarnation, Between Two Ferns will jump on another trend, turning its anarchic antics into a Netflix film. If you're wondering just how the Between Two Ferns concept can sustain a whole movie, there's a story to go with it. Embarrassed by the viral mockery he received when Will Ferrell uploaded his original series, Galifianakis — well, the show's version of Galifianakis — tries to track down a heap of celebrities in attempt to restore his reputation. That involves hitting the road, sitting down with everyone from Paul Rudd to Keanu Reeves and Tessa Thompson, and even momentarily killing Matthew McConaughey. Calling Jon Hamm an idiot and getting propositioned by Chrissy Teigen are also on the agenda. The list of high-profile figures making an appearance goes on — and includes Brie Larson, Peter Dinklage, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Letterman, Adam Scott, John Cho, Chance the Rapper and Rashida Jones. Based on the just-dropped trailer, all of the above folks are in for a rather ridiculous experience — as are Netflix viewers, too. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjljgkCQv5c&feature=youtu.be Between Two Ferns: The Movie hits Netflix on September 20. Image: Adam Rose.
Next time you stock up your wardrobe with new and pre-loved high-end fashion, you'll be doing so for a good cause. To raise money for the bushfire crisis, Brisbane's super-stylish sartorial community has sifted through its cupboards, and found a heap of upscale and designer pieces to donate, with everything up for sale at the day-long Ltd. Edition Fashion Fun-Raiser. All the proceeds will be donated to communities rocked by the blazes — so if you needed an excuse to get shopping, you've got one. As you're browsing the racks, you can also tap your toes to live music and DJ sets, grab a bite to eat from the onsite food trucks and nab a sneaky drink at the pop-up bar. Block out Sunday, January 19 in your diary — and make plans to head to The Station on Barry Parade in Fortitude Valley between 10am–5pm. If you have your own clothes to donate, you can also do so in advance and help those in need in another fashion — with fashion, too.
There's no one quite like Frank, the person, and there's nothing quite like Frank, the film. The former, as played by Michael Fassbender while wearing a papier mache mask, is a soul seemingly eccentric but really just looking for the essence of creation and contentment. The latter is quirky by design but beautifully bittersweet by execution, revelling in all life's failures and flaws. Frank leads an experimental rock band with the fittingly unpronounceable name of The Soronprfbs, and that's exactly where Jon (Domhnall Gleeson) finds him. Downtrodden in his dismal everyday routine, Jon wants desperately to be a musician but lacks the opportunity and the ability to extend himself. His unlikely encounter with his new friend with the obscured face brings both, one fruitful, the other less so. As the reconfigured group ventures from the Irish wilderness to the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas in search of musical fulfilment, the solace they find comes from internal, not external, forces. Journalist turned screenwriter Jon Ronson, of The Men Who Stare at Goats fame, turns fact into fiction in Frank, taking his characters and narrative from his own experiences. With co-scribe Peter Straughan and director Lenny Abrahamson, he spins a story inspired by Frank Sidebottom, the comic persona of musician Chris Sievey, as fine-tuned and fleshed out where necessary. The basics remain, including the large and unusual headwear that demands attention in every scene that it appears in. Added in the tinkering with the tale is thoughtfulness that resonates like a homage while investing a layer of universality. That relatable spirit weaves through a film that ponders the oft-contemplated contrast between reality and perception in an interesting and endearing fashion. While Frank must resort to announcing his emotions on screen for the benefit of Jon, and to the disdain of his other avant garde band mates — Hysteria's Maggie Gyllenhaal and The Rover's Scoot McNairy among them — the sentiment of his every sentence is always clear, heightening the feature's commentary on communication and identity. Of course, much of the success stems from casting, including Fassbender in the titular role. Gleeson is wonderfully uncertain, Gyllenhaal convincingly curt and McNairy ever eclectic; however, it is the hidden figure that combines all their traits and more into a singular yet complex package. Again, it is his words that do all the talking, offbeat charm oozing from every wide-ranging conversation and progressive tune. Indeed, whilst shot with the same anarchic energy that adjusts to the mood of the story, Frank is a film to listen to as keenly as to watch — from every inflection in Fassbender's sometimes strange, sometimes touching dialogue to the diverse array of noisy, catchy, cute and unconventional songs. https://youtube.com/watch?v=IblHV2x64f8
Chosen by a panel of leaders in the fields of curation and editing, the works in this exhibition are those shortlisted for the FotoVisura Spotlight Grant, awarded to an outstanding student of photography. The recipient of the grant will be one who has demonstrated great commitment to the cause, as they are willing to go to great lengths for the sake of the priceless shot. They have also shown mastery of the visual story or the development of a unique concept. All in all, theirs is to be an image that shows the potential for positive societal change—an aspect worth celebrating all on its own. Since 2010, the FotoVisura Grant has aimed to promote and foster photography in a individual sense; telling a personal story rather than promoting for a commercial sense demonstrates a unique and unconditional love for the art. Come and see the works of artists whose love stretches as far as their imagination will take them, who have worked harder and gone further than their competitors to bring to you an image full of care and passion.
