Mad Nanna are the kind of band you probably wouldn’t put past leaving the iron on while ducking to Woolies. Or calling you by your fat cousin’s name for the entire Christmas lunch. Or even putting a teaspoon of salt in your cup of tea. They’re wildly sporadic, endearingly sloppy, but you can’t not love them for being just that bit weird. Now, with a bundle of LP's, dozens upon dozens of gigs, and some super new songs under their belts, Mad Nanna are travelling up north to say hello to their friendly Queensland fans. Brisbane’s totally under-appreciated, super cheap, and geographic-dream, Beetle Bar, will be hosting these fellas for a night of grungy head nods, the occasional off beat and a collection of scene-spinners that aren’t too cool for you yet, but soon will be. Brisbane’s own Scraps, Scrabble, Blank Realm – hailed by The Guardian as one of Australia’s best live bands, and spinsters Gravel Samwidge will also be adding their own dash of special something to this night of psychedelic fusion meets the downright dirt. Based on the bands, line up and venue, this gig is probably going to get a little wild – wear closed in shoes and be sure to take a sweater.
We all know that a picture paints a thousand words but some pictures have the ability to not only tell a story but make us feel something. Often movement in pictures is captivating and provokes emotion as it plays with concepts of time and our perceptions of reality. QUT Creative Industries precinct has created an exhibition to explore powerful images that capture movement entitled, Paper Place Urban Screens. The showcased artists work within photography and have created images that capture movement in a single moment. Featured artists include Petrina Hicks, Owen Leong, Jess MacNeil, Murray McKeich and Murray Fredericks. This exhibition is part of Queensland Festival of Photography 5: Photography and Fictions. For more information about the program, check out the website. The festival includes exhibitions, conferences, featured artists and loads more to please any photography fan.
Many people have a complicated relationship with Sunday nights. They mark the last moments of freedom before the working week rolls around, yet often they are used to cram study or work in that somehow slipped off the radar over the weekend. This weekend you can enjoy Sunday in all of it's glory as Monday's public holiday holds the promise of an oh-so-sweet sleep in. There is plenty going on to ensure you make the most of your weekend. One such event is at The Bowler Bar, who are hosting T. Williams and New York Transit Authority this Sunday night. T. Williams wowed the crowd at The Bowler Bar in 2013 and has since released his EP, Feelings Within. Similarly, New York Transit Authority is no stranger to the club and also has new music up his sleeve. Local supporting acts include Cosmo Cater, Xavier Rousset, Taifau and Percy Miracles. Long weekends are few and far between so make sure this one is a cracker.
Whether you’re a Contiki nut or have more Frequent Flyer points than friends, you’ve probably had a bad hotel or hostel experience. Broken lifts, short, foreign hairs on pillows, unflushable toilets, flocks of cockroaches, wafer-thin walls – it’s a traveller’s nightmare, and rarely endearing. Metro Arts’ latest stage show Life Without Me shows that behind all the flaws, faults and dysfunctions hotels can hold, there’s always room for adventure, especially when you’re stuck with a bunch of misfits. Performed by an energetic team from Basement Arts, Life Without Me follows characters, their distresses, and loves, and the discomforts claustrophobia and unfluffed pillows can simultaneously fuel and solve. A widow’s grip loosens on the arid loss of a daughter, lovers find themselves at the hands of insanity, and a stranger lingers, but with little soul to involve himself in the crowd. Life Without Me is a hotel mystery with spin and twists – you’ll be constantly asking yourself, Wotif?
2013 was a major year for Major Leagues, and this year is proving a great cause of momentum for the foursome from Brisbane. Major deal signings, big festival appearances, and a new EP to boot. The next instalment in their fanfare-filled live shows comes Trainspotters, the culmination of Brisbane’s best, where rail-side shenanigans run rampant and the tunes are as sweet as the regular drinks specials. Major Leagues’ indie garage pop fits in quite nicely into the ultimate vibes of the night; they will be supported by the dreamy lads of Bruff Superior, the edgier Tempura Nights (with a few friendly faces thrown in the mix) and new favourites No Sister. Come along to see your favourites, or to indulge in bands you have yet to have the pleasure of meeting; Trainspotters is all about widening your local music loves, exercising your right to good tunes in a no-fuss pub. Free snacks (sometimes) included.
Young Magic's silken, psychedelic sounds originated in New York as the sonic brainchild of Indonesian vocalist Melati Malay and Australian producer Isaac Emmanuel. They recorded their two albums, 2012's Melt and this year's Breathing Statues, whilst traipsing through Morocco, France, the Czech Republic and Iceland, and have performed at Austin Psych Fest, The Brooklyn Museum, and Berghain — the Berlin club capital of cool, techno and decadence. All of that, of course, meaning they're making good progress on their self-proclaimed status as "aspriring planet wanderers." Now, Malay and Emmanuel are bringing their sometimes lush and dreamy, sometimes explosive beats to our little corner of that planet. Take a listen to 'Fall In' or 'Holographic' to get in the heavenly, space-agey mood, and pick out your most mysterious- and ethereal-looking outfit. This'll be a night of floaty dancing and wanderlust.
The Happy is back! Kick off the annual 4ZZZ Radiothon with good tunes and good times; HappyFest is an evening guaranteed to bring the live music joy. Top-notch bands from Brisbane and further reaches are coming together for an all-out night of music. Locals include Martyr Pirates, Mad Boots, Cobwebbs, High Beams, JugaJuga, Sezzo and Munter S Thomson, while interstate ring-ins such as Fatti Frances (Melbourne), Peter Escott (Hobart) and Melt Unit (Sydney) round out the all-star cast. All tickets can be bought on the door; existing 4ZZZ subscribers can treat themselves to a sub discounted entry of $12, while door tickets for non-subscribers are $15. So, why not ask to subscribe on your way through? 4ZZZ is the independent voice of radio, and a long-time supporter of local music. Do what you can to support them, and make the happy times last for a long time!
The next instalment of the MONO series brings to audiences a rare and inspiring treat. David Grubbs is a source of inspiration and mentorship for aspiring artists and musicians, having carved an influential path over 20 years of performance. Twelve solo albums, 150 commercial recordings and a slew of performance groups including Gastr del Sol and Squirrel Bait - Grubbs is a book of knowledge and a respected member of the creative community. His business pursuits rank as highly as his creative endeavours; David Grubbs is a contributing editor for BOMB Magazine, director of the record label Blue Chopsticks and is a board member of the ISSUE Project Room. For the first time in 10 years, Grubbs will be in Australia to treat the ears with his influential performances, and wow the minds with lectures surrounding his new book ‘Records Run the Landscape’. Be sure to not miss this very rare affair, a treat for any fan of music and the workings behind it.
What happens when you throw a rotating roster of 10-15 of Brisbane's biggest shredders and wailers in a studio together and let the music sort itself out? The super slick, self-titled debut from garage-pop powerhouse Velociraptor, an album oozing with snappy beats and boundless swagger (released August 15 via Dot Dash/Remote Control). To celebrate their debut LP — their first release since 2012's The World Warriors — Velociraptor are hitting the road, set to make a pit stop at Northcote Social Club. This is your best chance to get amongst the catchy crooning of frontman Jeremy Neale in the flesh, with lead singles 'Ramona' and 'Sneakers' guaranteed to be crowd favourites on the night. With support from Bloods and special guests, this is one gig you want front and centre on your agenda. https://youtube.com/watch?v=VqtxLk3Co5M
The last time Courtney Love popped by was 1999, when she headlined Big Day Out with Hole. Since then, the 50-year-old has released solo albums America's Sweetheart and You Know My Name/Wedding Day, as well as Hole's fourth record Nobody's Daughter (albeit without Melissa Auf der Maur, Patty Schemel and Eric Erlandson). This month, she's treating us to her very first Antipodean solo tour. Recent appearances in the UK have been triggering rave reviews. One Guardian critic described her as "enjoying her rock resurrection, leaping from vitriolic to vulnerable, often in the same breath", while The Daily Telegraph experienced 75 minutes of "slightly unhinged" and "thoroughly entertaining... raw pop punk". Rumours continue to bubble concerning a possible Hole reunion. In a recent Pitchfork interview, Love revealed that they're not necessarily without foundation. "I'm not going to commit to it happening, because we want an element of surprise," she said. "It's next year's concern, but we've hung out, we've sat down, we've met, we've jammed." https://youtube.com/watch?v=Rg_ECFpSceA
As it is with porn films, the attraction of musicals is rarely 'plot'; instead, it's the music that appeals most (another thing that is, very rarely, a high point in porn). In the musical world there are the dramas (Les Mis), the comedies (Avenue Q, Book of Mormon), the rock operas (Jesus Christ Superstar), the classics (West Side Story, Oklahoma) and whatever the hell Urinetown is. More recently, though, we've seen another type of musical: 'the jukebox', in which the vast majority of songs (if not all) are taken from pre-existing catalogues (i.e. Mamma Mia). In a genre already light on the plot, these 'jukeboxers' tend to be the worst offenders because whichever 'story' is presented is usually just a threadbare device to get you from one toe-tapper to the next. Jersey Boys is something of an exception to that rule, because while it does contain a catalogue of amazing old songs, its plot is based on the true story of 1960s all-boy band Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. It's a familiar enough tale: a fledgling group struggles to establish itself in the notoriously fickle music industry, when suddenly - just as all hope seems lost - the perfect combination of singer, songwriter and song ('Sherry') come together to launch the group into stardom. With success comes fame, and with fame, its many pitfalls: affairs, debts and artistic differences, to name but a few. Jersey Boys is based on the enormously successful Broadway show of the same name, and all but one of its leading men come straight from the stage version (the exception being Vincent Piazza of Boardwalk Empire). It was originally slated to be directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), but in the end the role fell to Clint Eastwood, though to watch to film, you'd scarcely know it. The shots are largely static, the colours heavily desaturated and the drama almost non-existent. Somehow, the genuinely interesting story feels decidedly the opposite thanks to the lacklustre direction, and were it not for the songs, there'd be little reason to watch. Thankfully, the cavalcade of hits in Jersey Boys transforms what would otherwise be a subpar film into one that's a pleasant enough trip down musical memory lane. https://youtube.com/watch?v=DbURfiUWVtg
Everyone's favourite half-giant of few words is coming to Australia to host a series of Game of Thrones-themed rave parties. Kristian Nairn, who plays the simple and loveable Hodor, is a legit house DJ — minds are boggled as to why this sort of party hasn't been thrown sooner. Thankfully touring company Falcona have jumped on the house-loving GoT favourite and we can party like we've finally found the three-eyed raven. As the name suggests, Rave of Thrones will be a series of GoT-themed parties in large-scale Australian venues — and dress ups are mandatory. Break out the faux fur, your finest armour or dye your hair silver-white; just leave your Valerian steel at the door. We're expecting to see Starks dancing with Lannisters, Tyrells and Tullys sharing mead, while Wildlings and White Walkers unite forces in the name of rave. These parties are likely to attract a larger crowd then the Red and the Purple wedding combined (and will presumably be way less murdery), so make sure you snap up some tickets faster than one of Ygritte's arrows heading for Jon Snow's heart. Nairn has recently been in Melbourne for Oz Comic-Con with Daniel Portman (aka Podrick Payne), so we're thanking the Old Gods and the New that he'll be returning to us shortly. Nairn will be joined by audio visual artist Ego who will be cranking out GoT-themed projections, and the night will include "surprise guests and garnishings" — we're not sure exactly what that entails just yet. HODOR! https://youtube.com/watch?v=cxjw-w-V5k4
What is being touted as an unforgettable experience, the Apex Art & Music Festival boasts an incredibly diverse range of creative talents showcasing their work through a variety of media. If you like music, art and film or any combination of the three then you simply must attend and gorge yourself on some of Brisbane’s finest. For the music lovers, there is a killer line-up of local talent. On the bill are talented groups such as Youth Allowance (pictured), Rabbit, Boss Moxi, LSD Ratkings, Horris, The Worriers and heaps more, plus several DJ’s will be on hand to keep the groove going in between sets. Visual Art fans will be able to view work from several up and coming names in the local scene. Visual artists such Daniel Vincent, Jake Stewart and Seb Rumore will share wall space with photographers such as Henry Harbeck and the Stranger And Fiction collective and projection art from Idam and Marisa Georgiou. Also be sure to check out the new skate film, City Bound – presented by Woodfolk. Tickets are $10 pre-sale or $15 on the door - make sure you get in early or you won't be able to get inside.
There's only one thing better than a group of underground, crime-fighting, pizza-addicted ninjas, and that's the anthromorphic kind. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were, are and always will be the four gnarliest, street-fighting turtles that only took a coloured-hockey sock, pair of scissors and washing basket to transform into - thanks mum! Now, you can catch the 1990 - and best - version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at the New Globe Theatre for only 10 bucks this Wednesday. It's for all ages, so perhaps take along that little cousin who argues TNMT aren't as good as Transformers (wrong), or maybe go solo and rekindle that anamorphic crush you started to develop for badboy Raphael. Either way you shouldn't really need an excuse to admire Leonardo's courage, laugh at Michaelangelo's laziness, flail over Raphael's cheek or grow jealous over Donatello's MENSA like intelligence. Catch this mutated quartet on the big screen from 6pm - it will be such Shredder-move if you don't.
In a poor UK village, two school-aged friends realise they can make money by finding discarded metal and selling it to a local scrap dealer. The more obsessed they get with finding valuable materials, the more dangerous their quest becomes. It's almost impossible to describe this film without making it sound like a bleak slog, so now that we're done with the story summary, let's get to the meat of it: The Selfish Giant is one of the best films of the year: captivating, often funny, and filled with the most naturalistic performances you're likely to see. The two kids at the heart of the story are so damn good, it's worth seeing for them alone. But everything in this film works, and we're presented with a view of a tough working class that seems accessible, familiar and genuine, regardless of your own social background. The film is directed by one of the UK's most fascinating filmmakers, Clio Barnard. Her debut feature The Arbor in 2010 was unlike anything you've ever seen before. Not quite a documentary, not quite a dramatised narrative, it challenged the idea of how stories can and should be told. Barnard is one of the few filmmakers working who seems to be reinventing film in a way that feels tremendously exciting. Barnard based the two main characters of The Selfish Giant on children she met while filming The Arbor, so it's a little curious that she named one of the kids 'Arbor'. Is there a deeper meaning there? The story claims to be partly based on Oscar Wilde's short story of the same name, a fantasy about a giant who tries to keep children out of his yard. It looks like it's a million miles away from Barnard's social realist film, but Wilde's fable is key in understanding the depths behind much of the film. It is by no means necessary — on its own, the film is a complete, satisfying experience — but by hinting at a deeper connection to literature beyond the walls of the cinema, Barnard again expands a straightforward story into something more exciting. At a tight 91 minutes, Bernard wastes no time, giving us an incredible character tale that other filmmakers might take twice as long to accomplish. Be sure to see it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qPLRZrMflG4
Miss out on tickets to Splendour? Don't fret, you can get your music fest fix at Kaleidoscope Festival this Saturday. No matter what your music taste, Kaleidoscope Festival will have something to tickle your fancy. Held at the New Globe Theatre, this mini-festival showcases some of Brisbane's finest groups. Music fans are in for a treat as an array of genres have been included in the festival such as electronica, jazz, psych rock, funk metal and loads more. For a full list of the line-up, check out the event page. Some our picks include Mega Ogre (pictured) which is comprised of James, Sam, Mike and Pete. These guys list their number one influence as space and create dreamy psychedelic punctuated by gorgeous harmonies. Pop-psych six-piece, Salvadarlings, are another must-see. Heavy blues rock group, The Royal Artillery will bring the groove with their high-energy tracks and catchy riffs. Other bands on the lineup include LeSuits, Big Dead, Shady Bliss, Cassette Cathedral and more. Morse Code Music DJ's will keep the tunes flowing between sets as well. Grab your tickets now! They are $15 presale or $20 on the door.
The nature of the Brisbane music scene reveals itself to be ever-tangled, with musicians swapping and changing bands, sharing in the love and talents to make supergroups of ultimate power. Such is the Brisbane-born, Melbourne-homed Black Vacation, the dreamy shoegaze pop band with psych inspiration and floating soundscapes. With members from Feathers, Kids Cryptic/Thigh Master, Marl Carx as well as individually recognised artists of great promise, Black Vacation was made and consequently relocated to Melbourne to seek out their musically inclined dreams. Now they’re back, and they’ve been given the ultimate homecoming of the infamous Trainspotters headline spot to treat local ears and indulge in other bands of equal delight. They’re joined by Melbourne friends Ciggie Witch, who will warm your bones with indie pop comforts, as well as Pare Ohm from down south, plus Blonde Tongues and Curlew, both boasting local talents. Trainspotters regularly proves itself as a hub of talent and good times. Get in before the dancing space and free snacks are snapped up!
If you casually visited a swamp at twilight at the full moon, encountered an otherwordly swamp queen who hypnotised you into a state of delirium and tried to coax you into murky waters, she'd probably sing you something like Willow Beats' newest single 'Merewif'. The Sydney duo's latest release features lyrics derived from stories of Hare Krishna folklore which, combined with shore-lapping wave sounds, twisting synth and solid baseline, give the whole thing a disturbed nursery rhyme vibe (in a good way, not a Ring Around the Rosy way). You can get a little closer to this weird futuristic fantasy as the uncle-niece duo set off on a national tour this August. The Aussie dates will be their first live appearances in seven months, long anticipated by the very respectably-sized fanbase the two won with the release of their debut EP Alchemy last year — along with their elemental, naked dancing-inducing sets at Falls and Strawberry Fields. 'Merewif' is the first release from their forthcoming Willow Beats EP (due for release later in the year), which means there's plenty of mystical, lush electronica from this duo to look forward to. For now, catch them at Black Bear Lodge on August 8. https://youtube.com/watch?v=PLKF8b_bpSw
When cabaret and comedy are fuelled in a control-free environment, you know great things are in store. A perfect eye-opener for the over-committed, Confessions of a Control Freak attempts to trade in the frantic with the free-living-lifestyle all in one live performance. What happen’s when the suit up business woman trades corporate wear for yoga pants? When is it okay to switch mergers for margaritas? Confessions of a Control Freak has already had successful runs and sold shows in Melbourne and Adelaide, and now it’s Brisbane’s turn for a little Namaste. The show stars former ballerina and self-confessed control freak Belinda Raisin, as well as pianist Jamie Teh. Whether you’re a soccer mum who needs a reality check, a lawyer who has more suits than sense, or you’ve already discovered what happens when you let go a little, you best trot along to this live-show awakening – it’ll be more motivational than any book, and probably around the same price.
Want to serenade your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, but can’t carry a tune? Let Brisbane’s buskers do it for you while you enjoy the show — or several, and then several more. On the annual day dedicated to love, the Cultural Precinct will become a love-in for all things artistic and musical. At Valentine’s Busk, there’ll be singing, dancing, comedy and magic, across eight stages from the Gallery of Modern Art right across South Bank. There’ll also be an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest busk. Of course, there’s more — and we don’t just mean the activities on offer at the nearby Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the State Library, and the Queensland Museum, all linking in with their current programs. On the street is where the action is, whether checking out the city’s best buskers all afternoon, or enjoying a free, all-ages concert by The Basics once the sun goes down.
The world is grey and there are few absolutes. That slavery is abhorrent, however, is not a matter for debate. It is a black and white issue based on the black and white issue that ought never have been an issue in the first place. For some reason, though, cinema — so often the most effective form of public debate — has either largely steered clear of it or, at best, touched upon it with altogether reckless abandon (Django Unchained). Not so, 12 Years A Slave. In its own right, Steve McQueen's new movie is an extraordinarily accomplished and captivating piece, yet in the wider context of American history, both literary and filmic, it is nothing short of revelatory. Adapted from the 1853 memoir of the same name, it chronicles with undaunting authenticity the story of Solomon Northup, a free man of the north who was abducted under the pretence of observing the Fugitive Slave Act, then secreted across the Mason-Dixie line where he was sold into slavery for the next 12 years. Playing Northup is British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor in an assured and career-defining role. Subjected to countless closeups by McQueen, Ejiofor's every expression speaks volumes, with his near-impercetible parting of lips or minisucle tilt of his shoulders marking the difference between irrepressible joy and despairing submission into subservience. There are no weak links in the packed cast that also boasts Michael Fassbender, Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano and Brad Pitt (who produced the film); however, it is newcomer Lupita Nyong'o who best supports Eijofor as 'Patsey' — his fellow slave and the subject of a violent, destructive infatuation by their master, Epps (Fassbender). This is an unquestionably difficult film to watch; uncomfortable and unsettling for reasons that extend far beyond what transpires on screen. The enslavement of Northup — an educated, respectful and respected family man — feels an affront at every stage: he is conned, drugged, kidnapped, blackmailed, transported in secret, beaten and betrayed — even by those who were smart enough to recognise he was clearly never meant to be there. And therein lies perhaps the most discomforting layer of all, because, of course, no one was meant to be there. Slavery was the affront, and the realisation that Northup's tragedy feels somehow more unjust than (for want of a less despicable expression) those of the 'normal slaves', is at once confronting and embarrassing. This imagined distinction between 'slavery' and 'unfair slavery' is as redundant as Todd Aiken's 2012 reference to 'legitimate rape', yet in 12 Years a Slave the sense that gradations of cruelty exist visits you repeatedly. There are good slavers and bad, you feel; cruel overseers and kinder ones, despicable racists and the just mostly despicable. In his short carrer McQueen has already established himself as a director both prepared and determined to capture honest and unflinching representations of life, no matter how unattractive. Both Shame and Hunger cast their lights upon dark areas of the human condition, yet in 12 Years A Slave McQueen somehow goes even further. One extended scene, for example, involves an uninterrupted and excrutiatingly graphic lashing that was so horrific it momentarily warranted turning away from the screen. As my eyes met those of my neighbour, it was clear we were far from alone in doing so, yet our temporary retreat from the film was in no way an indictment upon it. It should be unbearable to watch, and it is, but you must persist, because in 12 Years A Slave McQueen has crafted an enthralling, thoughtful and necessary modern classic. https://youtube.com/watch?v=z02Ie8wKKRg
The hotly anticipated resurgence of Melbourne MC, Illy, will explode on to Brisbane’s own Zoo Stage this week. Assisted by pals of the highest calibre, Illy will be celebrating the success of his latest album Cinematic by way of an extended tour, which is already proving a sold-out success. The album is the fourth from the hip-hop highroller, this time joined by various cameo appearances from friends Daniel Merriweather, Hilltop Hoods and Drapht, and was produced by heavyweight M-Phazes. Illy has made strides since his first release, proving his own relatable charms, when matched with his admirable determination and finesse for the craft, are unstoppable. He’ll be joined by party favourites Jackie Onassis, as well as the cheeky Remi. Be sure to grab your tickets early - this is sure to be a hotly sought after gig for his ever-growing following, and in such a small arena it’s sure to be a unique experience.
Love vintage and pre-loved outfits? Tired of the hassle of trying to find things online? That's where Her Wardrobe — and its market of clothes, shoes and accessories — comes in. Off-line browsing and buying was a thing long before the days of eBay purchases, and at this shopping get-together, it's here to stay. In what promises to be a fabulous day for fashion, more than 10,000 items will be available to bulk up your clothing choices. You'll not only see them with your own eyes, but you'll also get to meet the folks behind the sartorial gems as you're scouring for bargains. And, if you have your own trove of vintage treasure that you're willing to part with, or if your closet just needs clearing out so that you can fill it with more stylish threads, you can sell your own stuff too. That's right, you can refresh your wardrobe, part with your unwanted attire and make some cash at the same time. That's a fashion trend we can get used to.
Rummaging through someone else's stuff for secondhand bargains is a pretty great way to spend a Sunday morning, but The Scratch have found a way to make it even better. Proving that even if it ain't broke, you can still fix it, they've combined a garage sale with refreshing beverages. Yes, they're geniuses. The Scratch Trash 'N’ Treasure is exactly what it sounds like: a flea market in a dive bar. Trawl through all the junk, toys, bric-a-brac, books, comics and beer memorabilia on offer, haggle your way to a great price and then wash down the taste of victory with your pint of choice. It's the only place where you can walk around drinking a beer while you shop — or while you sell all those trinkets you no longer need. If you've got your own pile of pre-loved goods you're happy to part with for cash, you can also become a stallholder by contacting the bar in advance.
Thirsty? If you're not now, you will be once you've read this. That's the only appropriate reaction to a festival of beer, after all. Just think of all the amber liquids and foamy goodness. Okay, enough drooling; here are the important details every ale lover needs: More than 130 beers and ciders will be on offer, plus an international food court. To set the mood for a full day of booze and food, there'll also be live music and DJs. Eating and drinking might be the main attractions at Brisbane Beer Fest's 2015 outing, but this is also an event for those serious about their beverages. Amid the tasting and the sampling of more tipples than you could dream of, you can also meet the folks behind 20-plus breweries and find out their tricks of the trade. If there's a beer heaven, this is it. Image via Green Beacon Brewing.
Everyone has their own Australia Day traditions. In the country town of Coriole, theirs includes eskies filled with beer, many a snag on many a barbecue, and the biggest party they can possibly throw — and they'll do anything to make sure that it all comes to fruition. Well, they will if the planning committee can first work through a few issues. Their topics of disagreement: what it means to be a true blue Aussie, and what a celebration of that fact should look like. Of course, everyone has a different opinion. Both writing and directing, playwright Jonathan Biggins tackles the country's annual day of days, but he's doing more than slinging a heap of slang-fuelled sayings and inspiring a few love-filled laughs about a beloved public holiday. Both reflecting and dissecting the Australian psyche, he crafts a comedy that channels the continuing debate about our national identity in contemporary times.
Minions: they’re cute, yellow and mostly unintelligible — and they’re everywhere. Off screen, it certainly feels that way, with every store seemingly filled with brightly coloured merchandise. On screen, it definitely feels that way in their first stand-alone film. That's the point, though. Those mumbling, bumbling critters first sighted in Despicable Me and its sequel are inescapable, both in the antics they cause, and to audiences. In fact, minions aren't just prevalent in every frame of the movie that shares their name; as the film makes plain, the overalls-and-goggles-wearing fellows have always been here. An amusing introduction big on revisionist history and narrated by Australia's own Geoffrey Rush charts their evolution from the sea to swarming around a host of bad guys — dinosaurs, pharaohs, Dracula and Napoleon included. Those with short memories might need reminding that the titular figures are the ultimate henchmen, living to serve villainous masters. That's what they seek in 1968, and wreak havoc across several continents to find. After bad luck with their previous horrible bosses, and centuries spent holed up in an icy Antarctic cave as a result, leader Kevin, teddy bear-clutching Bob and guitar-playing Stuart (all voiced by co-director and Despicable Me veteran Pierre Coffin) trundle back to civilisation to find a new scoundrel to trail. At a convention for rogues and rascals, they team up with the scheming Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock), who tasks them with stealing the crown of Queen Elizabeth II (Jennifer Saunders). To say things don't go smoothly is an understatement. Soon, the trio is fleeing from their would-be overlord and her inventor husband (Jon Hamm). Expect slapstick hijinks aplenty, with much of the mayhem designed with the minions' adorable nature in mind and little else. In general, the golden, rounded figures don't make that much sense, so it follows that neither does the madcap movie and its frantic array of gags. Eschewing logic, abandoning emotional awakenings and avoiding imparting a message add to the delight of the film in this day and age of lesson-centric all-ages affairs. As they flit across the screen to a period-appropriate soundtrack of the Rolling Stones, the Doors, the Who and the Beatles, the sidekicks turned stars simply enjoy revelling in silliness and anarchy. That's what Minions is: chaotic, amusing fun, albeit of the slight, sweet and ultimately disposable variety. In what amounts to an origin story, Coffin and his crew never take anything too seriously, including shoehorning in as many nods to other genres as they can — such as superhero flicks, of course, as well as royal comedies and even monster movies. They also never forget that, in their first two big screen outings, the minions were the primary source of comic relief. No doubt they'll be fulfilling that role again in Despicable Me 3, due out in 2017, but for now, they do just fine lapping up the limelight all by themselves.
Since Kwan Brothers opened in Alfred Street last May, it has earned fans by knowing what people want. Yes, everyone wants to grab a bite to eat well into the evening, no one wants to book ahead, and sharing is caring. Kwan Brothers caters for all of this, complete with delivery and pick-up options, as well as cocktails and beer. Now everyone’s favourite Chinese restaurant is at it again, safe in the knowledge that you can’t get too much of a good thing. Why celebrate an occasion just once? Why not revel in happy times again and again? For Chinese New Year, they’re serving up ten days of fun, starting with their delicious banquet. Sure, you can devour their meals any time, but when else can you see lion dancers perform, sing karaoke in the hidden bar and possibly win a trip to Hong Kong just by going along — and then do it all again night after night for over a week?
Ever feel like there’s a new food truck event every week? You’re not alone. Of course, we’re not complaining. If the powers that be keep rounding up Brisbane’s best mobile eateries in one spot, we’ll keep coming along. This time, drop by Roma Street Parklands to devour a delicious meal — or several, plus dessert and snacks. The inaugural Park the Truck event is exactly what it sounds like, with 13 of Brisbane’s well-known food trucks driving on to the Celebration Lawn, parking and getting busy cooking and serving their tasty dishes to the hungry hordes. The Bun Mobile, Goat Pie Guy, Oi! Taco, King of the Wings, Fiery Deli, Fire ‘n’ Dough, Yummi Fruit, Vira Lata, German Hut, Juicy Jungle, Flinders Coffee, Chip Tease and Little Back are all confirmed attendees, if you wanted to know what you’ll have to choose from. Food is the main attraction, but that’s not all there is, with a dash of live music also helping to set the Friday night mood.
Skills like sewing used to be passed down from generation to generation, but the times, they are a-changin’. Well, actually, they’ve already changed. Being handy with a needle and thread is no longer something many of us can boast, as much as we might like to. Those dreaming of becoming a sewing wiz need dream no more, thanks to the folks at Needlefruit and their tailor-made workshop program. If you’ve ever wanted to make your own cute dress or cool skirt, or be able to say that the funky cushion on your couch was just something you stitched together, now you can. Or at least learn how. Everyone from sewing novices to embroidery experts can find a class to cater for their existing talents (or lack thereof) — and everyone in between, too. Check out the website for the latest sessions. And don’t think this is just for the ladies. Sewing for Dudes is exactly what it sounds like — and it sounds awesome.
If you live in Brisbane, you’ve heard all about the city’s connections with Asia; we are the home of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and the new Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival, after all. Since 2013, the BrisAsia Festival has also been on that list, paying homage to the culture of our neighbours. This year’s program features another mix of traditional and contemporary Asian arts, channelled into events across Brisbane. It all kicks off at the Opening Night party on February 6 at Reddacliff Place, as headlined by The Bombay Royale, but the fun really is just beginning. Dance in cosplay to DJs, cook a variety of South-East Asian desserts or learn how to play Mahjong. Hear traditional Japanese music in Mt Coot-tha’s Japanese garden, watch Asian short films in Chinatown for Lunar New Year, or paddle a 12-metre dragon boat from Breakfast Creek. Then there’s our pick: the too-cute-for words world of amigurumi — or knitted and crocheted small stuffed animals — as found in the city’s oldest laneways.
Woolloongabba Art Gallery’s first 2015 installation showcases the practices of intaglio printmaking (that's etching and engraving) in Western Cape York since 2012. The Western Cape Region is well known for its totemic three-dimensional carvings; however, little is known about the printed paper works of the region. As such, the exhibition Ground provides a window into the lesser known aspect of this region’s art, with many of the works on show being displayed for the first time. Featuring artists based in Mapoon, Weipa, Naprunam and Aurukun, Ground derives most of its work and focus from the Num Print School program. The Num Print School was developed by Wei’Num to collate and document the region’s growing printmaking sector, introducing new artists to audiences and buyers. The travelling workshop allowed artists to develop, design and proof ongoing works with reoccurring visits.
Whether you’re digging something special out of the back of your wardrobe or whipping up a new one just for the occasion, one thing’s for certain: you need to be donning your best costume on Saturday night. Cosplay isn’t just for pop culture conventions – it’s also for celebrations of all things gaming. Like an 8-BIT Party, of course. Yes, slip into some spandex and head along to The Motor Room, where the geeks will inherit a patch of West End for the evening. There’ll be night markets, street food, themed art exhibitions by Laneous and Drapyl, an audiovisual extravaganza courtesy of VJ Tesla and live video game music by Boss Fight and Spirit Bunny. Oh, and games. Lots of games. Hopefully Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Frogger, Super Mario Bros. and the like. The shenanigans are open to everyone, young and old — and if you have an old console at home, you can even bring your own fun. Let the gang at Earshot know in advance, and they’ll set you up with a TV and couch. That’s how you level-up not just in the game, but in life.
Remember life without food trucks? Thankfully, that’s no longer an option. These days, all your favourite meals are always wheeling around town, ready to serve scrumptious bites to anyone, anywhere. And sometimes, they all even pop up in the same spot. Downey Park Food Trucks is the latest gathering of mobile eateries, bringing the craze to the green surrounds of Windsor. In the same spirit as the Yarraville Gardens Food Trucks events in Melbourne, there’ll be a convoy of vans serving a variety of cuisines, as well as a comfy patch of lawn to sit on and enjoy your feast. From the finger lickin’ good King of the Wings to the Mexican selection of Oi Taco, all usual suspects will be there, including Chiptease’s sweet potato sensations, Fire’N’Dough’s smokey pizzas, How We Rolls’ barbecue and bread combination, and the Chocolate Komberry Co’s sweet treats as well. You won’t find a tastier way to wind down your weekend. All you need to bring is a picnic rug to sit on, and a healthy appetite.
Over his 17-year tenure as the host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart has become known as one of America’s shrewdest political commentators. From behind his fake news desk, armed with a mix of satire and editorial scorn, the comedian and his team of writers have exposed hypocrisy and corruption, ridiculing dictators, presidents and CEOs alike. You’d imagine, then, that his first foray into filmmaking would be a similarly tongue-in-cheek affair — full of all the snark and cynicism that his viewers have come to expect. Instead, Stewart plays it straight, and in doing so reveals a side of himself that audiences rarely get to see. A powerful true tale told with grace and endless compassion, Rosewater is an outstanding directorial debut. Gael Garcia Bernal plays Maziar Bahari, a Canadian-Iranian journalist detained by Iran’s security forces amid the widespread civil unrest following the country’s 2009 elections. Held for more than four months, Bahari was accused of being an American spy, in part because of a satirical interview he gave on Stewart’s program just a week before his arrest. “Why would a spy have a TV show?” the baffled journalist asks, a question that perfectly encapsulates the absurdity of his situation. For weeks on end, Bahari is beaten and berated, unable to provide the answers that his captors wish to hear. In his moments alone, his memories turn to the plights of his father and sister, both of whom were imprisoned under previous Iranian regimes. Garcia Bernal gives a first-rate performance as Bahari, a man out of his element who discovers a remarkable inner strength. But the standout of the film is Danish actor Kim Bodnia, who plays Bahari’s nameless interrogator. While the man’s actions are often appalling, he’s never depicted as anything less than human. Like Bahari, he’s a person trapped by circumstances; a working stiff with a boss to answer to and a wife who wishes he was home. In humanising Bahari’s captors, Stewart helps us to understand them. The cruelty and stubbornness of those who propagate oppression is not born out of inherent evil, but rather out of fear. Fear of weakness. Fear of change. As the movie progresses, we increasingly come to pity these men, whose desperate attempts to cling to an old way of life seem all but destined to fail.
Loving Fleetwood Mac is the right thing to do, even if their lyrics try to tell us otherwise. The Triffid clearly agrees, so they've put together an evening of song to celebrate. The Newstead venue is calling it a tribute, but we're calling it a rock 'n' roll party. How else can you bask in the glory of a band that has sold over 100 million records, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and still remains popular almost fifty years after they first formed, after all? Five acts will offer their spin on twenty of the Mac's classic tracks, and you can dance, sing and pretend it's the '70s. Expect Mosman Adler, Avaberée, Born Joy Dead,Greg Chiapello and the duo of Jackie Marshall and Melissa Fraser to tackle the likes of 'Landslide', 'Tusk', 'Dreams', 'Seven Wonders' and more — aka some of the biggest singles of the last few decades. Classic rock covers never seemed so cool, and with a night of reimagined hits to look forward to, you won't stop thinking about tomorrow.
There's something about a good food and drink pairing, the flavours of one enhancing the other and vice versa. Wine and cheese is great. So is beer and burgers. Meat and whisky, though — now that's the real deal. The folks at Che Asado & Bar and Cobbler certainly think so, joining forces to share a mix of steak, Scotch and other hearty morsels with the hungry, thirsty masses. To celebrate the mouth-watering matrimony of meat and liquor, they're putting on a three-course meal that showcases premium cuts and unique blends. Hosted by Martin Lange and Simon Gelling, Cobbler's owner and Che Asado's head chef, the tasty feast includes Argentinian-inspired dishes and rare whisky tastings, pus an all-round education about why one matches the other. If it sounds like an expensive night out, that's because it is — but $120 per head really is a small price to pay for the ultimate mingling of meat and malty goodness.
The latest slate of films from the chilly Nordic north is headed to a Palace Cinema near you. Returning for just its second year, the Scandinavian Film Festival will showcase 22 movies from Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Expect kitchen-sink dramas, edge-of-your-seat crime stories and a road movie about a struggling furniture salesman who hatches a plan to kidnap the founder of Ikea. That last one is actually Norwegian, not Swedish, but should make for a fun watch on opening night. Other comedies in the lineup include oddball Icelandic film Rams, which won the Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes earlier this year; as well as the middle-aged rom-com Hello Hello, which proved an audience favourite at festivals in its native Sweden. Those after something a little bit more serious can check out Danish police procedural The Absent One or drug-fuelled Finnish thriller They Have Escaped, among numerous others. The festival comes to a close with a documentary about Ingrid Bergman, the Swedish actress who went on to become one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Image: Young Sophie Bell.
There are music festivals, and then there's the Queensland Music Festival — and never should the two be confused. There's nothing quite like the whole-of-state, 17-day-long music frenzy, with QMF so jam-packed, so extensive in its program and touring schedule, and so logistically intricate, that it only happens once every two years. That means odd-numbered calendars are ones to savour, for those who like all kinds of tunes. Under artistic director James Morrison, the festival does everything it can to showcase the joy of music. In fact, the multi-instrumentalist himself even teams up with Megan Washington and Marian Petrescu for a one-of-a-kind jazz performance. Local icons Topology are also on the QMF bill of course, partnering with the Australian Voices on Unrepresentative Swill: Sing, Prime Minister. Their unique show takes words right out of our former leaders' mouths, sets them to music, and features narration by Adam Spencer. Venturing to different parts of Queensland is all part of the QMF experience, such as attending the Opera at Jimbour. It's the kind of event to make a whole day of, with market stalls taking care of your food and drink needs, plus free waltzing lessons getting you moving and grooving. Those seeking more free fun but wanting to stay closer to home best head to Seed, which champions the very best local independent bands before they’ve hit the mainstream airwaves. Or, there's Logan's Under This Sky premiere production, boasting a cast of 700 singing, dancing and playing on a football field. But wait, there's more — including the interactive fun of Keys to the City. Pods of pianos will pop-up across 40 locations, combining special guest performers with anyone in the vicinity who wants to tickle the ivories. Then, a free outdoor concert brings it to a close. Yes, QMF really does know how to throw a festival.
It's bands like Bloods that make you proud of the Australian music scene. Their crazy addictive fusion of pop and garage punk are just the kind of tunes for letting loose on the dance floor, with their catchy guitar riffs and gritty vocals calling back to an era of Joan Jett bad-assery. After previously supporting bands like the Dum Dum Girls and DZ Deathrays, it's great seeing Bloods embarking on a nationwide headline tour of their own to promote their debut album. While they've released a steady stream of singles and EPs since first coming onto the scene in 2011 – Golden Fang, We Are Bloods, among others — it was only this year that the trio have finally put together their first full-length, Work It Out. It has everything you'd expect from a Bloods record: hook-filled headbangers spliced with a couple of mellow slow burners (just to catch your breath a little). Bloods are one of the most loved local live acts around right now, and for good reason. Catch 'em in these cosy venues before they get snapped up by the big ones. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9QNxOsDeot8
Those masters of dark yet joyful surf rock are back with a one more album and one less band member. After weathering a near-breakup, this newly downsized dup are returning to Australia for a full national tour to usher in the lazy summer months. If one thing's for sure, fans will get something different from what they've seen before. The band's new album Encyclopedia is a blunter, simpler take on their classic sound. The Drums' own brand of misanthropy is more persistent and when paired with their characteristic whistling and hand clapping give the band a new eerie quality. In the face of original member Connor Hanwick's desertion earlier in the year and a fan base that seems to have gradually forgotten their favourite kings of the summer roadtrip soundtrack, The Drums have come back with a new kind of emotion behind the same sound. Get set for a new incarnation of The Drums, clapping their hands and shaking their fists. https://youtube.com/watch?v=nWc4mZoGK2k
What better way to celebrate all that Brisbane has to offer than to offer simply the best? To coincide with the G20 Summit and its accompanying public cultural celebrations, our fair city is offering 24 days of free live music. Artists from the far reaches of Queensland are going to descend on Brisbane to show off their talents, taking to stages across the inner city suburbs to perform one-off treats. Some will be indulging in unforeseen collaborations and special performances. Artists on the bill include Emma Louise, The Medics, Velociraptor and We All Want To, to name a few. Head to the website to check out the full program. As this does take place in conjunction with the Summit, it’s been advised that attendees catch public transport to save themselves the headache of blocked traffic areas.
Imagine the movie Groundhog Day, except that instead of augmenting his knowledge and skill base with each nightly reset, Bill Murray's memory simply resets with it and he spends every day like it was the first: scared, confused and trying to figure out what's going on. Not as interesting, right? Well, therein lies the critical flaw in Before I Go To Sleep, a new 'thriller' starring Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong. Kidman plays Christine, an amnesiac whose memory wipes itself clear every 24 hours, meaning with each new morning she must relearn who she is, what's happened to her and who that man lying next to her is — aka her husband, Ben (Firth). Helping her attempt to break the cycle is neuropsychiatrist Dr Nash (Strong), who compels Christine to leave a video message to herself each night so that she can slowly build upon her own memories the following day. Slowly, the memories begin to linger beyond the nightly reset and with them come growing suspicions that neither man in her life is being completely honest about the source of her condition. The film is based upon S.J. Watson's 2011 bestseller, but its slow-burn plot and predictable twists are far less forgiving on screen, where no amount of Kidman's trademark harrowed stares can engender the kind of tension it purports to have. The closest you come to frights in this film are courtesy of tactless incidental surprises like the sudden horn of a passing truck, and the lack of characters (with a suspects list of two) means the ultimate revelation is far from the scale a true climax deserves. Between the cast and the conceit, Before I Go To Sleep had the potential to explore some genuinely compelling ideas and offer a fresh spin on the Groundhog / Memento / Edge of Tomorrow premise, but instead it flounders in tawdry melodrama and leaves you largely unsatisfied. https://youtube.com/watch?v=L6ckwpaFbBM
The first rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club. Now that we have established the ground rules, I am going to give you some homework. You will leave the house on Wednesday night and you will go see Fight Club at the New Globe Theatre in celebration of the movie’s 15th anniversary. It’s hard to believe that this classic film is 15 years old. Fight Club started as a marvellous piece of transgressive literature and was subsequently turned into one of the most memorable movies of the decade. Brad Pitt and Edward Norton star as two simple men living on the edge of society. Their disdain for life as it stands leads them to discover a primal and visceral form of physical therapy. Featuring a twist that will leave your head spinning and great supporting performances by Jared Leto and Helena Bonham Carter, Fight Club has aged well and is worth a watch whenever you get a chance. Head over to the New Globe Theatre on Wednesday for special screening. No fights though, please.
Detective Robbie Green (Jonathan LaPaglia) is called in to investigate the murder of his former partner, Detective Jason Pearson (Luke Hemsworth). Green and his new partner, Detective Jane Lambert (Viva Bianca), find themselves on the tail of two runaways, ultra-religious cancer-ridden Rachel (Hannah Mangan Lawrence) and her unstable boyfriend, AJ (Alex Williams), who are filming a "documentary" as they seek Biblical retribution for the drug-related death of Rachel's sister. If this sounds like the type of story (and character naming conventions) of an American film circa 1993, you wouldn't be far off. The Reckoning, despite being filmed in Perth and featuring an Australian cast, feels like as if its main concern is ensuring that every element be a facsimile of US thriller tropes. LaPaglia's Green is a short-tempered alcoholic who is trying to be a good father despite being married to the job. Priests wait in candlelit gothic churches to talk wisely to those seeking guidance. High-tech, CSI-style equipment can be used to facially identify anyone spotted on a security camera. And so on. This aping isn't inherently a bad thing. Even the best Australian films are criticised for not even trying to appeal to mass audiences, and the ones that do are so often dismissed as being populist. An industry that produces as few films as ours does cannot afford sub-genres, and so there's little patience for films that are not all things to all people. So with the wider context established, let's pull back before we fall into the trap of reviewing the industry instead of the film. As a gritty crime thriller, The Reckoning is moderately successful. It's diversionary, predictable, derivative and silly, and there's no denying that there's an audience for that. It's slick, too. The kind of slickness that will make it palatable to someone who wants to have something on in the background when it finally does the home video and TV rounds. But there's little in here that would interest a modern audience looking to plonk nearly $20 down for a night out at the cinema. It's not just the story and style that feels dated, but the idea that this possesses anything to distinguish it from a thousand other similarly themed thrillers. Everything in The Reckoning is achingly American, and this would be annoying if it wasn't so obviously deliberate. This is a film with its eye firmly on international sales and goes out of its way to filter out anything that makes it feel Australian. The religious angle, for instance, is weirdly anachronistic, with a priests talking in haughty "my child" this and "the Lord says" that dialogue. Blurry number plates are zoomed in on and enhanced into the sort of clarity that only made sense about twenty years ago when nobody knew how video worked. If all this sounds like nitpicking, well, yes, it is. But it is these details that make or break a film, and with a plot that is as by-the-numbers as this one is, we rely on details to turn it into something more interesting or unique. The Reckoning is a fascinating film for all the wrong reasons. It is out of time, decades too late to be of any interest, and so desperate to cover up its country of origin that its edges are sanded down into something that is ultimately of zero consequence. https://youtube.com/watch?v=gjJgFijldaw
It's not every day that a city gets a new film festival — and yet, in just the last year, Brisbane has opened its doors to two. When the death of the long-running Brisbane International Film Festival saw the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival pop up as a replacement, it also inspired the Queensland Film Festival. In fact, QFF aims to help fill the void left by BIFF's cancellation, and to showcase the kind of international movie gems that no longer make it to Brisbane. The festival's full inaugural program is filled with films that will never, ever show in a multiplex near you. That includes documentaries about land-locked fisherman to comedies about submission and domination. You know the types of flicks we're talking about. Festival co-directors Dr Huw Walmsley-Evans and John Edmond are starting small, with 12 features, two shorts and three free discussion panels — including four Australian premieres — largely concentrated over a three-day period in one venue. Of course, it's quality, not quantity that matters. Given the movies on offer from July 24 to 26 at New Farm Cinemas, there's plenty of the former. Academy Award nominee and Cesar winner Timbuktu opens the festival, kicking things off with a powerful portrait of life under jihadist rule. At the other end of the spectrum, both in terms of QFF's schedule and in tone, the previously announced The Forbidden Room brings everything to a close with a delightfully unhinged love letter to the very medium of film. In between, Brisbane cinephiles can feast on features such as The Strange Colour of Your Body's Tears, a freak-out horror movie that ravishes the senses and then some in its Australian premiere. There's also the Viggo Mortensen-starring colonialist Argentinian western Jauja, minimalist gem The Strange Little Cat, blockbuster French TV miniseries P’tit Quinquin, and a restoration of the landmark The Colour of Pomegranates. For movie fans that just can't wait for QFF to get started, a free screening of the otherworldly The Vanquishing of the Witch Baba Yaga precedes the festival. And for those keen on chatting and contemplating as well as watching, two discussions about film criticism talk the talk about analysing movies. Yes, it sounds like a film festival all right, as well as an ideal way to spend a cold July weekend. That's when BIFF once used to run, those with long memories might recall. Hopefully QFF can follow in its footsteps for years to come. The Queensland Film Festival runs from July 24 to 26 at New Farm Cinemas. Check out the festival website for more details.
If GOMA's Harvest has taught us anything, it's that food and art pair better than nutella and waffles. From Momento Mori to Vines of dogs eating icecream, we tend to react most strongly to images of the edible, and there's one artist whose been utilising this in his art for over 20 years. Franz Ehmann is an internationality renowned artist and master of installation, video and turning just about anything in the fridge into gallery-worthy craft. Now, Ehmann is bringing his latest exhibition Many Things (it's a colourful world) to Spiro Grace Art Gallery. Displaying everyday objects in ways that simultaneously confront and resolve humanistic concerns, Ehman explores the meaning of the language, material and imagery we tend to take for granted. Unique theatrical language and metaphorical significance play core to the objects she uses in her unique translation of the everyday. Many Things (it's a colourful world) shows from September 11 to 27.
My job with Concrete Playground involves a lot of writing. It’s true; you’re reading my work right now. Being a writer is great, but it can be a lot of hard work too. Grammar and sentence structure aside, you have to constantly think on how to make you mind words be good when you think them on paper (See what I mean?!). The Brisbane Writers Festival celebrates those who can convey their thoughts well through the written form. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays, it’s all gravy – everyone featured in the Brisbane Writers Festival Program is pretty savvy around pen and paper, so come see what they have to say about their craft, including famed Brisbane novellist, Nick Earls (pictured). The team behind the festival have done us all a favour and posted their recommended panels to check out. If you are someone who would rather make their own decisions, then hit up the general program and sift through the amazing and informative panels on offer.
Head along to The Hold Artspace for an exhibition that is all-too familiar, but perhaps not as you’d think. Artists Carolyn McKenzie-Craig and Heidi Stevens present together their new works, considering and exploring the experience of the human body within contemporary society, how one constructs itself in relation to its surroundings. McKenzie-Craig deconstructs the idea of gender and the perceived norms of reality that are placed upon an individual, as well as that which an individual must navigate through the human experience. Through performance, McKenzie-Craig looks to examine stereotyping - how it originated, and how it affixes itself to an individual by means of behaviour. While McKenzie-Craig looks at the outward performance, Stevens delves within, looking at female-specific subdued and silenced sexual psychology. By inverting the norms and examining the inner dialogue, it’s surprising how much can be revealed, leading to more questions rather than answering them. No matter the focus, the works of these two inspired artists is something of excitement, and should be seen while the chance presents itself.
Get your fix of guilty pleasure flicks each month at Tragic Tuesdays, the monthly screening of a cult classic, a forgotten favourite or perhaps a movie you’ll never admit to watching on the regular. For the launch of Tragic Tuesdays is perhaps the most dreadful of them all. Head along to see Zardoz, the movie so woeful, starring iconic lad, Sean Connery, who would probably rather forget he donned a loincloth, suspenders and thigh-high boots for the role. And that ponytail… Zardoz, the story of the future and a trained killer finds his humanity in a community of immortals as they seek to preserve humankind’s treasures. Yep… so bad, it’s good. Grab your ticket (popcorn is included) and grab your prime seat in the New Globe Theatre. Then, when it’s all over, mark it in your diary again for next month - you can catch Tragic Tuesdays on the 4th Tuesday of every month!
