Fans of a certain time-travelling film trilogy are probably more than a little excited this week. Anyone who has watched Back to the Future Part II (and the first and third movies as well, of course) would know that October 21, 2015 holds special significance, because that's the date Marty McFly zoomed forward to in Doc Brown's flying DeLorean. Of course there's an event to honour such a historic pop culture moment, and of course it's being held by the brewery with the best name for it. That'd be Bacchus Brewing Co, and we can even forgive them for throwing their Bacchus to the Future Party two days late because it means the shenanigans are of the weekend rather than mid-week variety. You'll likely need some time to recover from imbibing their 14 themed beers, particularly given that they come with names such as Biff’s Ruddy Bitter, Hops Capacitor Pale Ale, Marty McRye, Doc Brown's Some Serious S**t and Johnny Be Gose. And yes, Back to the Future will be playing on Bacchus' big screen. Now you just need to use a time machine to score yourself the afternoon off work, because the fun starts at midday on Friday.
Despite the tiny area of its two main islands, New Zealand is a nation of dramatically diverse geographical features and landscapes — so much so that it was able to serve as both the pleasantly rural The Shire and barren, rocky Mordor in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Travelling across its volcanic surfaces, snow-covered alps and glassy lakes quickly becomes a series of moments where you can’t help but pause and take in the epic scale of the country. Over four years, photographer and self-described “purist and admirer” Honza captured these moments on 35mm film, collating them into an exhibition that conveys all the energy and mystery of both the North and South Islands. In a seismically active country, where earthquakes rupture the ground, snow falls and melts and glaciers rise and crack, the act of photography freezes an ever-changing landscape in a moment in time, allowing the audience to experience that moment through the photographer’s eyes. In Between Moments exhibits at Maud Creative from October 21 to November 14, with an opening night event taking place on October 23.
'Tis the season for lousy Christmas parties, and while your own at Strike Bowling might be an enticing offer, there’s one we think might deliver far more cheer. Fans Group’s Christmas Party is taking over Brightside this Sunday night and promises an exciting evening of music, drinks and mistletoe, minus the schmoozing. Fans Group know their music, so the band lineup offers the cream of Brisbane’s live music crop. Members of John Steel Singers, Rolls Bayce, Major Leagues, Yves Klein Blue, Love Signs and a couple of other Brissie bands will be collaborating to make one massive, festive ‘Super Christmas Asshole Band’. They’ll be playing all your favourite Christmas hits (read: Mariah Carey’s 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' repeated in as many different octaves as the set takes). Best of all, this Christmas Party is absolutely free! And ain’t that the best present of all?
It feels like only yesterday we were pinching Trainspotters' cheeks and cooing over their adorable lineups. It’s hard to imagine it’s been two years since the Central Hotel decided to dedicate every Saturday to showing off Brisbane’s best music and giving local audiences a dance floor to boot. Now, in honour of the two-year mark, they’re throwing together a massive party with an even bigger lineup — there’s a hell of a lot to celebrate after all. It wouldn’t be a killer birthday bash without some great tunes, and Trainspotters have collaborated with Smack Face Records to go above and beyond with the stereo. They’re importing TONSTARTSSBANDHT from the States (Mac Demarco’s guitarist, very big deal) and local favourites Morning Harvey, Tempura Nights, and Twin Haus will be partying right along by their side. Drinks will be flowing and the music will be inducing moves that would have Prince in pure awe. Grab your tickets, and don’t stress too much about the present — it’s a party!
There's no such thing as an ordinary trip to the circus. Heading to the big top might've once meant juggling clowns, contorting acrobats and other feats of strength; however that's no longer the case now. Both still feature, but today's ringside action is likely a little more on the artistic side, as seen at Cirque du Soleil — or a bit more extreme, like at Cirque Adrenaline. Indeed, the latter has taken their cues from the former (and some of their performers, too). They've also added the kind of stunts more commonly associated with the likes of the Crusty Demons. With the Wheel of Death and the Sphere of Fear all part of their show, there's no doubting their heart-pounding credentials, with trapeze work and daredevil motorcyclists sharing the same arena. Cirque Adrenaline claims to boast the world's most dangerous and death defying acts, and we're happy to believe them.
Like your creative endeavours with a splash of political commentary? Then Brutal Truths is for you. As the name indicates, there's nothing nice or easy about the works on display. They're designed not only to make a statement, but to provoke discussion. Vernon Ah Kee, the late Gordon Bennett, and collaborators Destiny Deacon and Virginia Fraser are no strangers to encouraging debate, of course. Here, Ah Kee's brutalities series interrogates racism, Bennett's Performance with Object for the Expiation of Guilt (Apple Premiere Mix) from 1995 sees the artist take on the role of the oppressor, and Deacon and Fraser’s Snap out of it focuses on floor-to-ceiling images of towering public housing flats in Melbourne. All three major installations delve into the topic of Australia’s indigenous history, as dissected by of some of the most prominent voices in the nation's contemporary art scene. And while local circumstances provided the inspiration for each piece, they also link in to displacement and oppression in a global context. Image: Vernon Ah Kee, Brutalities, Milani Gallery.
Earlier in the year, Brooklyn Standard made the Eagle Street side of the CBD fun again by throwing a fortnightly series of end-of-week laneway parties. Trust them to do it all over again — but on a grander scale — to celebrate the end of 2015. At their NYE15 Block Party, you can get funky on the pavement to the live sounds of LS Philosophy and Pocketlove, or show your fancy footwork in the basement with some '70s disco tunes spun by Kieron C and DJ Katch. You can also enjoy a meal from Pizzantica and Red Hook, along with a beer, cocktail, basic spirit or sparkling wine. Yes, that's all included in the price of the ticket.
Some films are long, slow and serious. Others are brief, quick and fun. There's a place for the former, of course; however Radical Reels champions the latter category, combining the most action-packed mountain movies it can find into a compilation of high-octane shorts. Radical Reels is the adrenaline-loving little brother of the Banff Mountain Film Festival, the most prestigious international film competition and annual presentation of short films and documentaries about mountain culture, sports, and environment. From the most recent festival’s 300-strong submissions, a subset of daring displays have been singled out for their own showcase. Over a three-hour session, nine shorts approach the very edge of action sports and natural highs: the wild rides, long lines, steep jumps, and skilful stunts, as well as the rugged playgrounds thrill-seekers explore on their mountain bikes, paddles, ropes, skis, snowboards and wingsuits. Expect the world's best extreme athletes getting fast and furious when the Radical Reels Tour 2015 stops in at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Like beer? Like trying local boutique brews? Ever feel a little overwhelmed by the number of options available? While no one should complain about the wide variety of beverages those fond of a tipple can now access, attempting to try them all can prove overwhelming. That's where Five Flavours comes in. Changing its microbrewery of the moment at each event, the festival showcases different varieties to give beer lovers a taste of the options they might be missing. On March 5, Green Beacon and Fortitude Brewing will be competing for the limelight, serving up their finest beers. Yes, it's a brew off — but drinks aren't the only thing on offer at Five Flavours, with the festival also featuring a menu of contemporary morsels ranging from banh mi to kangaroo plum pies. And, the music lineup will keep patrons in the boozing, grazing mood, courtesy of live acoustic sets fromMaddie McHugh, Andy Ellem, Ty Fader, Alex Mather and Emma Rumble.
When it comes to spending time with someone you're fond of, dinner and drinks is an old favourite for a reason. There's nothing quite as simple yet special as great food, a tasty tipple, lively conversation and locking eyes across the table — particularly with the right person at the right restaurant. This Valentine's Day, Vintaged Bar + Grill has the latter part of the equation covered, and the delicious meal and accompanying beverage as well. That just leaves you to usher your date up to level six of the Hilton Brisbane, enjoy a three-course dinner and a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne upon arrival, and soak up the romantic mood. Plus, Vintaged is sharing the affection when it comes to marking the most amorous occasion of the year, because love refuses to be contained to a single 24-hour period. Their Valentine's special is available on February 13 and well as the day itself. Just remember to make your reservation in advance, with full pre-payment required at the time of booking. Want to make the whole night into a little staycation? Hilton Brisbane is also offering 10 percent off accommodation rates, with a buffet breakfast for two included. To make a booking, head to the Hilton website.
There's something about the mix of music and comedy that's particularly alluring. Perhaps everyone likes jokes accompanied by a melody, or wants to laugh while tapping their toes? Maybe it's not just the fusion of gags and tunes, but the underlying creativity? Either way, as everything from This is Spinal Tap to Tenacious D to Flight of the Conchords has demonstrated, musical comedy is a certain hit. The folks at The Foundry obviously agree, which is why they're launching a regular evening dedicated to the idea. From December 6, the first Sunday of every month will be dedicated to Haha Singsong — aka a night that promises to satisfy your musical and comedic cravings in one neat package. A packed lineup of Damien Power, Dan Rath, Jackie Morgan, Reuben Brown, Emerson Snowe, Corporate Vibes and Cool Music World will christen the concept, so expect flailing limbs and giggle fits aplenty. And, if this gets you grooving and tickles your funny bone, you should also expect to carve out a regular spot on your calendar for a repeat visit.
Every year since 2013, QPAC has spent a week celebrating the cultural practices of the world’s first inhabitants. Via a lineup of performances, workshops and conversations, Clancestry delves into traditional and contemporary creative endeavours, with a particular focus on the works of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Whether you’re keen to appreciate art or analyse issues, the 2015 festival promises another diverse lineup of free events. Indeed, the bulk of the program does both. Discussions about identity, activism and sovereignty are a highlight, as is an installation that provides a visual and oral history of the South Brisbane area, as well as a screen showcase highlighting Australian indigenous tales and filmmakers. To sample a little bit of everything that Clancestry has to offer, stopping by on community day on December 5 is recommended. That's when you can enjoy performances from choirs, dance groups, musicians and poets, browse the markets for art, craft and design, and take part in activities and workshops — aka become truly immersed in indigenous culture.
More than a month has passed since the death of David Bowie; however his isn't a loss the world can just get over. Arcade Fire and Ewan McGregor are among those who have paid tribute to the iconic performer in recent weeks, and now it's The John Steel Singers, WAAX, Born Joy Dead, MKO Sun and Inigo's turn. They'll all be taking to the stage at Ziggy Played Guitar, aka the Foundry's aptly titled celebration of one of music's enduring heroes. And they'll be joined by Dean McGrath from Rolls Bayce, Spencer White from Morning Harvey and Orphans Orphans, Joe White and Nathan Kendall from The Jensens, Jonathan Boulet, Emma Dean and more. Yes, there's an ever-growing list of talent keen to recognise the life and influence of an artist like no other. Watch this cast of local greats belt out classic Bowie tracks and do their best to channel the spirit of Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane and the Thin White Duke — and know that you're doing your part to help, too. Proceeds from the evening will be donated towards helping cancer charities, in an effort to not only assist others suffering from the disease, but to mirror the great man's passion for addressing the world's many problems.
So, you're looking for love — and you've tried hanging out in bars, swiping through online apps and enduring awkward set-ups, all to no avail. We're betting that you haven't taken your search to a muddy obstacle course. Yes, sparks really can fly in the unlikeliest of places. At Tough Mudder's first ever singles start wave, the globally renowned 18-20 kilometre trek won't just be testing your teamwork, strength and mental grit. The May 7 outing will also challenge you to connect with other singles — helping each other through the ordeal, and then hopefully hanging out afterwards. Given that the event has previously seen a few engagements and even a wedding take place on its muddy fields, perhaps this different twist on speed dating isn't that much of a stretch after all. Finding a like-minded companion in one of the most unusual of ways isn't the only attraction at Tough Mudder's south-east Queensland outing for 2016, however, with the event also introducing two new obstacles. The Block Ness Monster involves water, of course, while the Pyramid Scheme is all about scrambling up a slippery incline. Doesn't that sound romantic?
It’s film festival time in Brisbane, and yes, a busy calendar of cultural-orientated movie offerings means that could be true on any given weekend; however the period spanning November 19 to 29 stands out. It belongs to the city’s major cinema celebration — and while the Brisbane International Film Festival is no more, the replacement that is the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival has been trying to pick up some of the slack since 2014, at least when it comes to movies from its area of interest. In its second year, the 11-day event presents an 83-feature program from a lineup of 102 films in total, complete with 33 Australian premieres and 23 Queensland premieres. Highlighting the movie-making prowess of the Asia Pacific region is its focus, covering 42 countries and showcasing 34 movies that have earned nominations at the forthcoming Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Indeed, from festival circuit hits to retrospective screenings of restored classics feature — and including a program of virtual reality shorts, too — BAPFF's 2015 selection serves up a bustling bunch of screen fare for cinema fans. As always, the most difficult part isn't rushing between the event's five venues (Palace Barracks, GOMA, New Farm Cinemas, Griffith Film School and The Courier-Mail Piazza), or fighting film festival fatigue when you're in the thick of BAPFF craziness, but trying to pick which flicks to go along to.
Reimagining fairy tales: in film and on television, everybody’s doing it. You can be excused for thinking every conceivable variation has been done before; however, ImproMafia is set to prove you wrong. Combining the art of improvisation with the bedtime stories you know and love, Grimm twists familiar tales in directions even the players on stage can’t anticipate. Every show and every night, anything can happen — and as an audience member, your suggestions could be incorporated into the performance. After wowing audiences at the Brisbane Fringe Festival, Grimm returns to swing once more from the grisly to the absurd. Grimm is part of Wonderland at the Powerhouse. Check out our top five picks of the festival.
With what feels like a new food truck popping up on Brisbane roads every week, it's due time to show them off in one, massive festival. Hosted by the Brisbane Powerhouse and put on by their Wonderland festival, the World Food Markets bring together everything delicious Brisbane has to offer, and it's sure to have tastebuds going off. More than 20 food trucks will be lined up at the Powerhouse, and there will be a hive of cabaret, live circus, music, burlesque and comedy to pair your feed with. The Bun Mobile, Juan More Taco, Little Back and King of The Wings are just a few Brisbane favourites who will be parking at the Powerhouse Plaza over the weekend. You can check out the full lineup here. The World Food Markets kick off this Friday, December 5, and will take place each Friday, Saturday and Sunday across the first two weeks of December from 5pm–10pm.
The line between visual and performing arts isn’t just blurring; it has well and truly blurred. One inspires the other and back again, as live works inform the efforts of artists and vice versa. It is in this space that Performance Now explores what has become an intriguing and established continuum of creativity. If you’ve ever wondered how the transitory nature of live performance is captured and transformed into new works that still manage to contain the power and content of the original, then this exhibition adds further fuel to your ponderings. Compiling the output of artists such as Marina Abramovic, William Kentridge, Clifford Owens, Santiago Sierra, Marvin Gaye Chetwynd, and Jerome Bel, the collection of pieces show how the visual realm can be enlivened by performance. The exhibition also aims to demonstrate the impact on an individual level in its array of objects, installations, video and photography.
Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and a panther circle around a film, and each other. Who will come out alive? That’s the crux of Serena, a romantic melodrama tantalisingly bleak, though too beholden to its too-obvious symbolism. It strives for the emotional complexity of times and films long since passed, but can only offer a shaky — albeit pretty — approximation. Starting in North Carolina’s golden-hued Smoky Mountains in 1929, a wilful woman and a wild cat enter the life of a Depression-era logger; of course, for all their sleek allure, they’re both omens of worsening times. She is the titular Serena, determined to become involved in a waning timber empire beyond the bounds normally expected of her gender. He is George Pemberton, in love not only with his new wife but with making as much money from his woodland as he can. The feline threatens their livelihood, but no more so than their own vices. Adapting Ron Rash’s 2008 novel of the same name, Serena charts the troubles and tragedies that spring in their wake: feuds, premonitions, medical emergencies and illegitimate children among them. Tangled up in the drama are a jealous business partner (David Dencik), interfering sheriff (Toby Jones), single mother (Ana Ularu), and loyal enforcer (Rhys Ifans). If that sounds over the top and outlandish, that’s because it is. A host of problems and people test the lovers’ fates well into the realm of contrivance and convenience. Serena aims to hark back to features of the Golden Age, where spirited femmes headlined tales of moral corruption as fully realised figures. Here, as the catalyst for drama, the central sultry dame is only ever painted as brash or unhinged. As a love interest, she is only ever idolised or maligned. Starkly absent is the nuance needed to render the film a throwback in anything more than superficial terms — and the insistence upon linking Serena’s untamed nature with the creature stalking through the trees certainly doesn’t help matters. With 2010 foreign-language Oscar winner In a Better World among her output, director Susanne Bier is no stranger to heightened circumstances and the quandaries that arise as a result, though her pedigree amounts for little. A clumsy script proves her undoing, alongside an approach favouring slow reveals at the expense of tension. Plot machinations aplenty aren’t the same as a genuinely involving narrative. Reunited after Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle, both Lawrence and Cooper are effective, suffering as they are from the same over-stretched material. Too often, they are reduced to smouldering separately or sliding through a series of sex scenes, always looking the part but never really fitting in. Alas, that’s the attractively shot and staged Serena from start to finish, lumbering along and constantly felling any source of interest. As everything builds towards the inevitable finale, audiences will strain to care just who lasts the length of the feature’s running time.
Melbourne four-piece The Harpoons have just released their debut album Falling For You, which features singles such as the utterly gorgeous 'Unforgettable' and slightly more chilled gem 'Can We Work This Out'. To celebrate this long-awaited LP, they’ll be playing shows in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. The Harpoons consist of brothers Jack and Henry Madin, stunning vocals from Bec Rigby and man about town Martin King (you might remember him from the likes of Oscar and Martin) Sweet one moment, breathtakingly soulful the next, get ready to go through a kaleidoscope of emotions and feel all the feels. The Harpoons pair flawless vocals with hypnotic beats and Aunty aptly described them as the R'n'B of both today and yesteryear. Their album launch at The Brightside will include other favourites like The Jensens and The Delicates.
Music curators A Love Supreme, have done it again, and brought to a Brisbane stage an international act we’ve long been hungry to hear. From the Jazzy Sport crew out of Tokyo, DJ Mitsu the Beats is an ex-hip hop battle DJ, studio savant and one of the world’s most praised beat makers. He’s had years to fine tune his sound, and is known for a technique that filters through the best beats and plays them with symphony perfection. If you want a real taste for his sound, and have some time up your sleeve, check out his Boiler Room performance. For the first time, A Love Supreme will take place at the newly opened Ben's Burgers in Winn Lane. You can catch the soulful beats of DJ Mitsu, pair it with a tasty burger, and ride the afternoon out in a super cruisey, musically-happening atmosphere. Tickets are $15 and you can grab them in store at Apartment in the city, or online here.
Billy Bragg has had 36 years in the music biz and he's showing no signs of slowing down. Bringing a full band along to perform his signature politically charged folk rock, Bragg is touring the entire country with his latest album, Tooth & Nail — his first in five years. Incredibly the album only took five days to make and has been met with great critical acclaim, highlighting the fact that this is a man and a musician fully revitalised. For those who are after the old stuff you can be assured that Bragg will be digging around in his war chest of songs to give the people what they want. Songs like ‘A New England’, ‘There is Power in a Union’, ’Take Down the Union Jack’ and ‘You Woke Up My Neighbourhood' are looking like distinct possibilities, so get excited.
Where would Brisbane be without Lost Movements – in a void of musical isolation probably. They’ve thrown some of our biggest names into the musical spotlight, and done in a way that’s been fun, frenzy filled hella cool. So if you haven’t been dancing along and clapping furiously to the success of Lost Movements, then you’ve really and truly messed up – shame on you. But don’t be so quick to tilt your head in shame – lift it, and bop it along to the sounds of Lost Movements IX – 9 for those not fluent in Roman numerals. Here’s the list of bands playing: Jekks and The Priests of Heka Rivermouth Super Black And even more or less importantly, depending on your preferred sense, there will be a bunch of great artists doing their stuff. Go join in and have fun – for once in your darn life.
Uni sucks. But if you add the suffix palooza to it, it doesn’t suck at all. In fact, it kind of rocks. Here’s a Simpsons clip to explain why. Here are some words to explain why even further: Trainspotter’s – you know, the guys who host one of the best weekly nights of gigs and ferociously fun bands in the city – are stretching their fingertips and curating a week of rock at QUT Gardens Point, with some roll at Kelvin Grove. It’s Unipalooza! The Good Sports and Babaganouj (pictured) will be doing some silly things on stage – if you enjoy your music silly. And Hound and the Bacchanales will also be there, doing some guitar stuff. There will also be free fairy bread – linger on that for a moment. Fairy bread! Doesn’t matter if you don’t go to QUT, or if you have diabetes, or if you find rock music the audible aphrodisiac of the devil – it’s a party, and you’d be a real narc not to go.
Some of the greatest – and most dance worthy - songs of our time, and the times before us, are about dreaming. From Mac Demarco to Fleetwood Mac, the best musical minds take dreamscapes over landscapes in a heartbeat, and run wild with it like they’ve never been to sleep. Brisbane’s newest musical adventure, Daydream Festival, can’t be anything short of high flying and free then – because life is the best in dreams after all. The day kicks off with a buffet of drinks from 3pm to 5pm plus market stalls, fresh food and even fresher music pumping the day along. The line up of music is just as fabulous, with Young Franco ( and his seemingly amazing resemblance to James), Little Casino, Brat Camp and about a dozen more – all of equal talent, taking the stage through various parts of the evening. There’s a strict dress code for Daydream Festival – white t-shirt that you could throw out in a heartbeat, and stretchy shorts because you’ll be doing a lot of dancing and twice as much Dreaming.
If you’re kind of skeptical about an event that’s title is succeeded with expo, then don’t feel alone. With years of Sex Expo advertising divulging our billboards, and the even worse Psychic Expo commercial causing manic anxiety to anyone who watched 5 seconds of it, the term 'expo' doesn’t come along with the nicest of connotations - unless it’s the expo in Travel Expo! No matter where your long or short term plans lie, you’re bound to be travelling in the near future, and the Travel Expo has everything to make it all just a little bit easier, and twice as exciting. There will be stalls from all the big travel names, and even the smaller ones, if you’d prefer the cosy hospitality that comes with ‘boutique’. Have a peruse, or jump right in and book into something out of this world – I hear Chad is great this time of the year. Because let’s face it, going to the Gold Coast or Bali isn’t really travelling – let the Travel Expo show you what is!
As far as print publishing goes, zines are always going to be the rage. They’re the one stop, budget preserving method of getting work into circulation, and heaps cool at the same time. So whether you’re an artist, writer or just love using a stapler, you should be making zines like there’s no tomorrow – and Southside Tea Room can help. With the help of Lovecraft and Nancy Zine, they’re hosting a 1.5 hour workshop on zine making. You’ll learn to design, write and produce your own zine, as well as picking up on the tricks of the trade. Everyone who rocks on up and has a go will also receive a free copy of Nancy Zine – one of the best zines on Brisbane streets. It’s only $5, so pop along with your craziest ideas and have them put into print. Check out our list of Brisbane's best zine's here.
The View is a series of conceptual paintings by Sydneysider Sebastian Moody. It focuses on the two-way process of perspective. At the core of this exhibition is “thinking about looking” and “looking at thinking”. Moody is originally from Sydney, but completed his Bachelor of Visual Arts at the Queensland University of Technology and a Master of Museum Studies at The University of Queensland. So obviously, Brisbane has claimed him as one of our own. He has a diverse range of artistic skills and his text pieces have been featured in everything from swimming pools to kitchen splashbacks and hang gliders. Moody has had his pieces featured in spaces including Splendour in the Grass, Queensland Art Gallery, The Goodwill Bridge and Southbank Parklands. You have probably seen some of Moody's artwork just by wandering around the city. Visit k.o.m.a before 23 February to catch The View. You'll view the process of gaining perspective in a whole different light.
Sisters Maia and Serena have joined together to pay tribute to the iconic personalities that have influenced and inspired them. The exhibition Abstract The Realest is a series of 19 portraits that walk the line between the real and the hyperreal. The accurate yet interpretive artworks feature identities from music and art, individuals from the streets and friends of the pair. The aim is to not only make the subject identifiable but represent their general aura, their “vibe”. Multicoloured impressionistic linear marks dive in and around the subject, bringing their inside inspiration to the fore. Head along to this special event to experience the startling talents of the pair, plus the sonic talents of artists/musicians 8M?N and New Klear Sounds.
Long ago, Stu Larsen made the decision to leave the sturdy monotony of everyday normality to be a resident of the world. A worldly traveller, storyteller, gypsy-of-sorts, Stu has found himself continually on the road - a state of being he finds most comfort in - visiting such terrains as New Zealand, Japan, the UK and Europe, as well as across his home soil of Australia. After some acclaimed releases from Stu, as well as a supporting gig alongside the revered folksy Passenger, he’s back in town for a string of rarely-seen intimate shows. He has an album in the works, which he will be debuting at the shows, as well as playing the better known songs that have garnered him an adoring following. You have the opportunity to get your tickets early, so grab it with both hands; this is an opportunity you might not see again, to see a talent on the rise.
After a critically-acclaimed debut album, a hugely successful tour on home soil and overseas with Cut Copy and Bloc Party and an appearance at Meredith Music Festival, World’s End Press are ready to explode in 2014, and are kicking things off with a sweet set at Brisbane’s Black Bear Lodge. Their self-titled debut release has been described as “anthemic” and “ambitious”, making unprecedented strides with their indie-electro goodness. Catch these mega-talented lads before they busy themselves with their supporting slot for Phoenix next month; World’s End Press will be joined by special guests Young Franco and Palindromes for this headlining show of their own right. Now is your chance to see what has been making serious ripples in the Australian talent pool. Black Bear Lodge is a beautiful venue for live music, but also for making your night out complete. Catch their infamous “hunting hour” between 5-7, then the resident DJs after the live show until late.
The Operatives have teamed up with Earth Frequency Festival, Silo Arts, DRTY SHDWS PRJKT and Dank Morass to present their rad Espionage Series in Brisbane. Comprising of DJ's, producers, singers, songwriters, audio engineers, writers, photographers and more, The Operatives consist of basically anyone involved in the music scene who is doing cool things and is immensely talented. The team are right behind Australian music and to have their famed Espionage Series stop in at The Hi-Fi is a pretty big deal. The night will include sets by the headline act Flying Lotus along with Om unit, Operatives JPS and Silent Jay. Californian music producer and rapper, Steven Ellison, is the man behind Flying Lotus. Over the past few years he has developed a loyal following especially in the wake of his successful and downright epic audio-visual gig, Layer 3. He has performed Layer 3 across Australia at venues including the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne's Forum. Now it's out turn to see (and hear) what all of the fuss is about! Get amongst it or regret missing out!
Caroline Mudge has made her very unique stamp on the art world, and now her one-of-a-kind pieces are visiting Brisbane. Caroline takes a pre-loved or otherwise-intended surface, such as an old painting or a road sign, and makes it into a work of art. Her palette of pastels - cutesy colours of candy, distinctly beautiful and delicate - create overlays to cover drab or industrial intent. The result is a juxtaposition of imagery, a new perspective of both intention and result. The images Carolyn has carefully and masterfully hand-painted onto the makeshift canvas are highlighted by the lacklustre of the background, and perhaps given a more individual meaning by design. Head along to Poly Gone Cowboy for the opening night of Caroline’s exhibition to celebrate the artistry of her works on Friday, July 18th from 5pm; otherwise the exhibition runs until August 15th. Don’t miss out!
You are invited to step inside a mysterious world created by artists Glen Skien and Tachika Yokota. Held at The Hold Artspace, Ash, needle, pencil, match is a creative exhibition that explores the process of hand-made objects. Skien and Yokota have focused on the artistic process of creating and transforming every day objects into something special. Each artist has retained the history that is wrapped up within familiar household objects as they breathe new life into their meaning and form. Both Skien and Yokota use a variety of media to express their artistic vision. Both artists have impressive resumes. Skien is an associate lecturer in printmaking at Griffith University Queensland College of Art where he is also competing his Doctorate in Visual Arts. Yokota has recently returned to Australia after travelling Europe for six months. Before she set off on her adventures, she completed her Honours Degree in Photography. The opening evening will be held on Friday 8 August from 6-9pm.
Get ready to feel insecure about your age. That dynamo 17-year-old with the Grammys and the dance moves and the best friend named David Bowie is set to finally hit our shores in July. Lorde will play eight massive shows across the country including Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane. After a heartbreaking cancellation and an illness postponement earlier in the year, this will be Lorde's first Australian stadium tour after playing smaller clubs and the Laneway circuit. Ever the social media savvy teenager, Lorde announced the rescheduled tour dates with a Twitter pic, sprinkled with crystal ball and lightning bolt Emojis. While we're sure to get the full Royal(s) treatment from her 2013 breakthrough album Pure Heroine, the highly-anticipated tour is said to have some big surprises in store. It's been announced there will be a large-scale light show component, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for a cameo from Ziggy Stardust. In good news for wunderkinds nationwide, every show on the tour will also be all ages. Stands to reason, really — if the main act is underage why should you have to flash ID? https://youtube.com/watch?v=f2JuxM-snGc
The selections for your BIGSOUND eve will leave you spoilt for choice - as will the line up for this banger of a pre-conference shindig! Title Track are kicking things off in raucous fashion with a party to end all parties (not literally, hopefully). Brisbane wildcats and groove-makers Velociraptor lead the charge, alongside pop-rock gems Deep Sea Arcade; they’re joined by The Love Junkies, Moses Gunn Collective, Babaganoüj and Peter Bibby for what’s sure to be an all-out riot, carrying you through to the annual mid-week double-date party that is BIGSOUND. This event is brought into your life and heart by Bris PR wow group Title Track, at the new hub of alternative tunes, The Brightside. An unbeatable combination, presenting an unbelievable show. Like all good things in life, this bad boy of a show is free. Like all GREAT things in life, this is also a high-in-demand event, so be sure to rock up unfashionably early to secure your place inside the mad house.
Talented Australian artists from varying background have joined forced to create Platform 2014. Held at the Metro Arts Gallery, Platform 2014 features artists such as Stephen Hart, Michael Doolan, Merete Megarrity and Gabrielle Courtenay. Each diverse artist adopts a unique style to create extraordinary pieces. Stephen Hart uses art to explore the complex relationship between humans and the built environment through the use of sculpture and photography. Another Brisbane based artist, Merete Megarrity, is a master of sculpture and employs interesting textures and materials such as wood, wire, rubber, felt and organic found objects to create gorgeous works. Michael Doolan brings fairy-tales to life with his use of ceramic and enamel sculptures and intriguing interpretations. The final artist included in Platform 2014, Gabrielle Courtney, creates acrylic paintings and pumice stone scultpures on a large-scale. Opening night is on 14 August but you will be able to view the artwork until 30 August.
Short+Sweet: the collection of little acts, with big surprises! The Short+Sweet Festival celebrates the quick thinkers, the big action that comes in small packages, but most of all, the local talents that make it all possible. Featuring over 40 works of theatre and cabaret, Short+Sweet is made up of a series of ten minute acts. See up to ten party-sized plays or six mini cabarets all at once, then vote for the best selection to go through to the finals. Select your date and your dish of choice - theatre or cabaret. There are weekend double passes up for grabs, plus don’t forget to nab your tickets to the finals! The Short+Sweet Festival has everything you could want from a menu of theatre, in bite-sized pieces. Whet your appetite with all of the lip-smacking delights available, and be spoiled for choice but always wanting more.
¡Viva el cine español! Australia's carnival of Spanish-language cinema is on the verge of adulthood and is celebrating the occasion in style. Commemorating its 17th birthday in 2014, the Spanish Film Festival will once again showcase the best of the Spanish and Latin American film industry, from twisting crime tales to slick ensemble love stories, heart-warming comedies and searing social dramas. This year's festivities will be bookended by two big favourites from Spain's prestigious Goya awards. Opening night features the sixties-set road-trip movie Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed, winner of six statues including Best Picture, Director and Actor. Two-a-half-weeks later, the macabre comic fantasy Witching and Bitching, featuring Best Supporting Actress Terele Pávez, will bring the festival to a close. Other highlights on the 30-film program include The Golden Cage, which won Best Cast at the Cannes Film Festival, and Scorpion in Love, a boxing drama in which Javier Bardem plays a neo-Nazi gang leader. (Not such a heartthrob now, is he ladies?) For the full Spanish Film Festival lineup, visit the festival website Image: Still from Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed. https://youtube.com/watch?v=xAPS2uPFNkY
The art of writing letters is a vintage rarity indeed; as time marches on, the treasures created when pen was put to paper are insights into the past, capsules and moments and memories inscribed in beautiful cursive which leaves any status update or text message in shameful shadow. Women Of Letters is home after it’s international fling abroad, ready for its sixth year of wooing the women of Brisbane with stunning literary performances from some of the nation’s favourite women. It should come as no surprise that the line up is star-studded as it is diverse, with award-winning journalist Madonna King, beloved singer Katie Noonan, winner of the Grant McLennan Fellowship, McKisko, lady of laughs Becky Lucas, radio personality Rhianna Patrick and Eleanor Jackson, poet, performer and arts producer bringing their talents to the fore. For the price of admission you will be dined with wine and cheese plates, while doing your part to support beautiful female talents, with proceeds going towards Edgar’s Mission, the Victorian animal rescue shelter. Consider your next girls’ night out sorted.
Talent-wise we’ve nicked a fair few big names from our off-shore neighbours New Zealand, so one more surely couldn’t hurt. Peter Madden is an Auckland based collage artist who meshes the surreal with the inanimate, to create pieces that a heavily detailed to the very finest of detail. They burst at the seems with colour and content, and combine a light enchantment with objects that are strangely familiar. Think Alice in Wonderland meets Willy Wonka meets Mark Ryden. Now, Madden is jetting over to Brisbane with his work for a month long exhibit at Ryan Renshaw Gallery – From Everywhere Else. Abundant with collages, dimensions, papercut risks, and colour, cramming in a healthy dose of life, death, proliferation of imagery, and decay, this collection of work promises a 3D experience better than Shrek Forever After. The exhibition runs until May 10th, so make sure you jump into Madden’s spirited fantasies, but only touch with your eyes.
Love in all its heart-fluttering delight can easily be turned into a burning hurt of loss and betrayal. Such is the inspiration behind Danse Noir: the story of strangers within an apartment block, each with their own story to tell. Brought to light by the voyeuristic landlord (played by Brian Lucas) who opens the windows to the souls of the residents, full of yearning and lust, broken hearts, and dreams of romantic souls. Choreographer Penelope Mullen is known for her stage works that tug at trodden heartstrings. After the sell-out Blaque Bordelloin2013, she is back with a vengeance, and Brisbane has the luck of seeing the results in person. She has travelled the world with her talents, and may be best recognised by fans of Channel 10’s So You Think You Can Dance, if not from the fortune of having seen one of her performances before. You are welcomed to join mesmerised audiences for this artistic look into the human condition and the way love triumphs and trundles through a single soul.
For ten action-packed days, you can immerse yourself in the Anywhere Theatre Festival and reconnect with your love of the theatrical arts. Rather than calling out to audiences from a stage in a performance hall, these snapshots of theatre will be popping up, as the title explains, pretty much anywhere: a community park, a stranger’s bedroom, the middle of the street, via social media — anywhere. Not only is there a venue to suit practically anyone, there is sure to be a show to tickle your theatrical fancy. You can catch Get Lucky, the tale of a downtrodden twenty-something who has just been flung back onto the dating scene. There’s Holepunch, the cabaret for the water cooler, a circus of the office, bound to add a spring to the step of any office worker. Pick your day, pick your location, and experience theatre like you never have before. Read our top ten picks of the Anywhere Theatre Festival.
Making its debut onto the stage of the 2012 La Boite indie season and winning hearts ever since, A Tribute of Sorts is the play of macabre hilarity that you didn’t realise you were itching for. Teenaged cousins Ivan and Juniper Plank are a little odd, as is the way they like to spend their time. Their latest imbalanced endeavour, however, is particularly heartfelt—they have decided to celebrate the lives of those who don’t get to grow up, those little ones whose time with us is cut short. What they want is to pay tribute to them. Well, sort of. Don’t get them wrong, this isn’t going to be a sombre event, that’s not what the Planks are about. The brightness of the theatre and the stylistics of the stage lend themselves perfectly to the quirks of the cousins, and so what they are left with is a quite unexpected turn of events, a warped telling of misfortunes made devilishly hilarious and intelligent aplenty. It has been likened to the dark humour of Tim Burton, with the aesthetic appeals of a Wes Anderson flick — the perfect balance to showcase the quick wit of director Benjamin Schostakowski.
Wood, with its intricate beauty paired with its dynamic adaptability, is being celebrated by way of an exhibition at the Art Museum of QUT. A house can be constructed, furnished, embellished and decorated with wood. It is as vital to our daily lives as it is enriching though beauty and reliability. Architecture, design, and art across many planes are represented in the exhibition; the ways in which creatives engage with wood itself is a unique relationship, yielding one-of-a-kind creations. Not only are the physical creations on display, but represented are the attitudes and perspectives of the all-encompassing material, how we think about our consumption and production as users and creators. The exhibition is made possible by the collaboration of JamFactory and the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, both iconic South Australian companies. It is supported by Wood: Naturally Better as well as the Contemporary Touring Initiative.
Burlesque – it’s a timeless act that with age has grown finer in technique and established in execution. But rest assured, it’s not all Boardwalk Empire and corsets – there’s a ageless grace to this art and the men and women who bring it to life. To celebrate burlesque and emerging Brisbane artists who’ve found themselves invested in it, The Bird Gallery will be hosting a night that’ll be sure to have a few feather’s ruffled. And to keep the puns alive, they’ve aptly named it Birdlesque – reason alone to go. If you fancy yourself a burlesque performer, with less than 2 years experience under your belt, sign on up. If you’re more into the appreciation of this art, then grab a ticket and prepare to be wowed by six burlesque performers, accompanied by the musical stylings of The Bawdy Dicks – it’s the event they were put on earth to play at. Keep your Saturday night clear, and creepy uncle at bay, and experience first hand Birdlesque.
Lust For Life is turning two and will be celebrating with a charity auction exhibition entitled, Terra Australis. The aim of the showcase is to promote the wonderful work of the Foundation for Australia's Most Endangered Species (FAME) and to raise money for this crucial charity. The list of endangered species in Australia is rapidly growing. Our gorgeous and unique native fauna have been threatened by introduced species such as cane toads, changing climate conditions, habitat destruction, amongst other factors. Our sunshine state's pool of threatened species includes the Water Mouse, Bridled Nailtail Wallaby, Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat, Greater Bilby and Southern Spotted-tailed Quoll. Visit Lust for Life to view artworks by various Australian artists, all of which are up for auction. The money raised from the exhibition launch will go to FAME. So why not pick up some artwork and help save wildlife all in the same evening? The showcase will be on display from 3 November – 1 December.
Brisbane favourite, Jeremy Neale, is bringing his gentleman pop croons to Brisbane alongside a host of local darlings for a night that The Zoo is sure not to forget. In Stranger Times is the latest EP from Jeremy Neale and the cause for the tour, though the man needs no reason to boogie on down with those who love a beat. You’ll be catching him on his final show and, with Brisbane being his native stomping ground, you'd best bring your dancing shoes. First recognised as the frontman of garage explosion, Velociraptor, Jeremy Neale has stretched his musical legs, verging into tunes that are wholly infused in classic pop and swing sounds, yet maintain an unrelenting energy and excitement that’s always contagious. Joining him will be Major Leagues, Rolls Bayce and Eves. Individually, these acts are forces of indie pop that stand unparalleled. Together, well, you better grab your tickets early so to not miss the magic.
Let’s face it, sometimes Christmas parties just aren't that fun and can become a necessary evil. You don’t have to be a total Grinch to realise that receiving crappy gifts from distant relatives and forcing conversation with Bob from Accounts is only made bearable by consuming copious amounts of alcoholic punch. However, there is one Xmas party that’s guaranteed to please. Kick off this year’s silly season in style by heading to Collectibles III at SGAR. The team at Spiro Grace Art Rooms have decided to host a twilight party with Christmas cocktails for a summer celebration. The evening will also act as an exhibition launch as the final exhibition of 2013 for Collectibles III. All artwork will be available for purchase and will range from $120-$550. Features artists include Nicola Moss, Rebecca Ross, Kamal Swami, Catherine Parker, Simone Eisler, and Chantal Fraser and Tiffany Shafran. Pencil this one in as nothing beats the combo of fabulous artwork and tasty cocktails on a balmy summer’s night.
Shut your eyes and let your mind take you to somewhere you'd rather be. Maybe you're knee-deep in turquoise waters, or in a mountain scene surrounded by tall trees, or even at your childhood home that's filled with happy memories. 2Scapes is an art exhibition created by two talented local artists, Brett Star and Juni Halatutavaha, which aims to allow the viewer to get lost in the gorgeous landscapes and escape reality. One environment that 2Scapes focuses on is our familiar everyday surroundings. However, it also displays those serene scenes in which we escape to in our daydreams. Brett is a photographer and his stunning images taken around Brisbane will be showcased. Contrastingly, Juni has created scenes that share landscapes created from her memory and mythology of her Niuean ancesty. Let 2Scapes take you on a journey without every leaving the Substation Gallery and Studio (pictured). Make sure you head along to opening night this Friday from 6-8.30pm.
