Winner of the 2011 Lord Mayor's Photographic Awards, Amy Carkeek, brings to the Brisbane Powerhouse her latest project, Even our Dreams are Fake. In a world where image is a dominant form of communication and value, this exhibit aims to highlight why such imagery presents a fragmented representation of society. As members of the western world, we are the greatest witnesses to the dominant nature of the image in popular culture, and Carkeek's exhibit aims to challenge such influence. The exhibit features a number of photographs that confront hyperreal imagery used in our contemporary consumer society. By juxtaposing them against the weird and uncanny, Carkeek's showcase is a unique collection of art that challenges our existing western values, to expose what lies beneath such artificial perceptions. This free exhibit will be at the Brisbane Powerhouse for two weeks, and promises a unique insight into the perception of the images we witness everyday.
If it takes a fascinating person to write fascinating characters, then consider Patricia Highsmith absolutely enthralling. Her work really does speak for itself. Any author would dream to have her books — including Strangers on a Train, Carol, The Talented Mr Ripley and The Two Faces of January — on their resumes. And while all of the above titles have been turned into films, playwright Joanna Murray Smith has done something different with Highsmith's own story. In Switzerland, she hypothesises about the last night in the writer's life. What if the scribe, then a recluse, had been convinced to write one more Ripley tale? In the hands of a talented cast and crew, including director Paige Rattray and actors Andrea Moor and Matthew Backer, the Queensland Theatre Company ponders that very question. If you've ripped through any of Highsmith's printed tomes or watched the movies that followed, you'll be as keen as we are to find out the answer.
How do you hear what you see and feel? That's a question that most of us haven't thought much about — but Australian audiovisual artist Robin Fox has. A favourite at Aussie art events, including busting out beams of light at RISING and Mona Foma, he blends light and sound in laser works that are all about turning what our eyes perceive, ears hear and skin senses into a three-dimensional show. His latest: Brisbane Constellation at Brisbane Powerhouse's new Night Feast. One of two of Fox's projects in Brisbane in March — the other: being part of Powerhouse's also-debuting "festival of other music" ΩHM — his site-specific Brisbane Constellation is all tones and rays, unsurprisingly. Here, he's using a matrix of crystal refractors to put on a spectacle, complete with colour explosions that look out of this world. [caption id="attachment_893492" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bryony Jackson[/caption] It's one of the arts events as part of the Night Feast lineup, alongside plenty of food and drinks by the river across the neon-lit market's March debut. Head along from 4.30–9.30pm Wednesday–Sunday between Wednesday, March 1–Sunday, March 26 — for its first two weeks, then starting at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, March 18 — for an audiovisual journey, in what marks Fox's latest piece in his latest city. All up, his work has graced 60 spots worldwide and counting. [caption id="attachment_893490" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] Top image: Lachlan Douglas.
First, Australian supermarkets introduced restrictions on the amount of toilet paper that customers could purchase. Next, as COVID-19-related panic-buying ramped up, Aussie chains also announced dedicated shopping times for the elderly and people with disability and implemented limits on a wide range of everyday items. Now, in their latest attempt to help combat the spread of the coronavirus, local stores are putting a cap on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time. Coles, Woolworths and Aldi have each announced plans to restrict the number people who can shop for groceries at once, marking the supermarket chains' next tactic to enforce social-distancing measures. The move comes after stores have already implemented a range of other initiatives in recent weeks, including rolling out plexiglass screens to separate checkout clerks from customers, placing stickers on the floor 1.5 metres apart at checkouts and encouraging shoppers to use the length of their trolleys as a distancing guide. Coming into force from this Monday, April 6, the restrictions will vary store by store, depending on each shop's size. Overall, though, each chain is taking a similar approach — enlisting staff and security to enforce limits, decide how many customers are allowed in every store at any one time, and make sure that queues outside each shop also adhere to the 1.5-metre social distancing requirements. Outside Woolies stores, for example, there'll be signage and a coned area, showing customers where to queue. The chain will also employ a one in, one out policy in terms of letting customers inside its stores. Coles advises that shoppers will be assisted at the entrance to each store, and may be asked to queue to get in where necessary. And it's worth remembering that Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA have all also released a collective plea for consideration, stressing the need to stick to new restrictions — and reminding shoppers something that should just be a given, aka that hardworking supermarket staff should be treated with courtesy and respect. For more details on Australian supermarket customer limits, keep an eye on Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA's websites. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image might be all about celebrating screen art — peering at films and TV shows, stepping into virtual reality and showcasing the talents that've made such a huge impact, for instance — but that doesn't mean that the Melbourne-based venue doesn't appreciate nature. The world around us can look stunning projected as large as a cinema can allow. David Attenborough has turned his documentaries about the planet into their own spectacular genre, too. And the natural realm can provide experimental artists with quite the playground to ponder, as Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature is exploring. This world-premiere exhibition sees art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast unveil a showcase of works that muse on trees, black holes, cells, breathing, space, science and more. Hitting ACMI from Thursday November 23, 2023–Sunday, April 14, 2024, Works of Nature spans five major pieces that aim to deeply contemplate and appreciate humanity's role in nature, and just nature overall. And, these aren't tiny pieces — these large digital works aim to inspire awe in both their size and content. This is the London-based MLF's first major showcase in Australia, adding a stint Down Under to appearances at the Sundance and Tribeca film festivals, the Istanbul Design Biennial, Lisbon Triennial and the V&A and Design Museum in their hometown. [caption id="attachment_917014" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marshmallow Laser Feast, 'Distortions in Spacetime', 2018, courtesy of the artists[/caption] That impressive history is matched by a significant lineup of names involved with MLF's immersive Works of Nature pieces. Cate Blanchett (The New Boy) lends her narration, director Terrence Malick (A Hidden Life) executive produces, while Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood (Licorice Pizza) and fellow acclaimed composer Jóhann Jóhannsson (Last and First Men) are among the talents providing music — the latter's work continuing to entrance after his passing in 2018. Daisy Lafarge provides poetry, while Jon Hopkins, Meredith Monk and Howard Skempton also contribute tunes. Whether you're a Melburnian or have a trip to the Victoria capital in your future, you'll be able to see the meditative Evolver, which uses Blanchett's voice to journey through the human body, breath, the origins of cells and the cosmos — and Distortions in Spacetime, which heads to a black hole's edge. Or, there's the large-scale Sanctuary of the Unseen Forest, a video installation about the Amazon's kapok trees. Thanks to The Tides Within Us, oxygen is in focus again via six static pictures. And with We Live in an Ocean of Air, MLF examine how that last word in the piece's moniker connects life on earth. [caption id="attachment_917018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marshmallow Laser Feast, 'We Live in an Ocean of Air', courtesy of the artists.[/caption] Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature is running at the Australian Centre of the Moving Image until Sunday, April 14. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website. Top image: Marshmallow Laser Feast, 'Distortions in Spacetime', 2018, courtesy of the artists.
You Won't Be Alone isn't just the name of Macedonian Australian writer/director Goran Stolevski's debut feature, which hit cinemas in 2022. It's also a phrase that applies now that his second film is here. Of an Age initially premiered in the same year as well, bowing in Melbourne International Film Festival's opening-night slot — and, while it tells of growing up queer in 90s Melbourne, falling in love for the first time, then sifting through the aftermath a decade later, it's a glorious companion piece to its predecessor. No one is chosen by a sorceress here. The place isn't Macedonia, the period isn't the 19th century and supernatural shapeshifting isn't part of the narrative. But even just a mere duo of movies into his helming career, Stolevski makes pictures that profoundly ruminate upon two of life's purest truths: that absolutely everything changes and, consequently, nothing completely lasts forever. Neither You Won't Be Alone nor Of an Age fly solo in their moods of yearning, either, or in piecing themselves together from familiar elements that still feel fresh — more than that, that feel immediate and hauntingly immersive — in Stolevski's hands. Where his last flick played like a sibling to Robert Eggers' The Witch by way of The Tree of Life and A Hidden Life's Terrence Malick, his latest rich and poetic effort earns the same sensation with 2011's Weekend and 2017's Call Me By Your Name. This too is a tender love story, as both of those recent greats of LGBTQIA+ cinema are. A clock ticks inescapably, this time a single day rather than the respite at the end of the working week or a whole summer. And, in a keenly felt romance that swells and swirls with lingering emotions, two men find their lives eternally altered, while also facing the unshakeable fact that their bliss will be fleeting. 1999 is inching towards becoming Y2K when Of an Age begins, and 17-year-old Nikola aka Kol (Elias Anton, Australia Day) is only hours from taking to the floor at a Melbourne dance championship. That's how his day is meant to pan out, at least, and what he's preparing for when the film meets him practising his smooth ballroom moves in his suburban garage — conjuring up visions of John Travolta in a flick made famous two decades prior, in fact. Kol's ordinary morning fever breaks, however, thanks to friend and dance partner Ebony (Hattie Hook, Savage River) and her bender of an evening. She's awoken on the beach in Altona with no idea where she is, scrounging up change for the payphone call to say she thinks she'll miss the recital unless Kol can pick her up. Stolevski hones in on Ebony early, not because this is primarily her story — it isn't — but to commence his coming-of-age and coming-out tale with compulsive urgency. Anything can happen in the whirlwind from adolescence to maturity when your entire adult future is ahead of you. Anything can occur when you've just finished high school, as Kol and Ebony have, and the days, months and years to come seem endless and brimming with possibility. Any day can be a shock and a surprise as well, as the jittery young woman conveys while scrambling to work out what's going on, where her belongings are, what happened last night and how she'll get home. With cinematographer Matthew Chuang (another You Won't Be Alone alum), and while editing himself, Stolevski's infuses the scene with a freneticism and nerviness that could've barrelled straight out of Good Time or Uncut Gems, adding the Safdies to the picture's influences. That frenzied energy thrums when Kol dons his dance attire, rushes through the streets and looks like a Serbian Elvis all shook up as the Victorian capital wakes up. To attempt to make his big performance, he has to convince Ebony's older brother Adam (Thom Green, Eden) to play taxi — and he's still all aflutter with anxiety, and just the inertia of being so keyed up from endeavouring to sort things out, when he slides into the twentysomething's brown car. They remain in that race against time, although the reality of missing the contest slowly sinks in. Cue the aforementioned other battle with the clock, as what starts as a panicked drive between virtual strangers becomes a leisurely on-the-road chat between kindred spirits warming up. When Ebony hops in the backseat, Adam and Kol only have eyes for each other (plus mentions of music, books and movies traded as tentatively flirtatious currency, all while listening to the soundtrack to Wong Kar-wai's 1997 queer romance Happy Together). An awakening is at the centre of Of an Age, which Stolevski brings to the screen with electrifying specificity and universality in tandem. He achieves an always-sought-after but never-assured feat, making Kol's discovery that he's attracted to Adam and their blossoming bond from there feel so sincere and lived in that it could've only happened for these two characters — as thoughtfully and compellingly performed by the charismatically matched Anton and Green, too — and yet ensuring that it also feels as if it has been ripped from everyone's formative experiences, or near enough. 90s teens of Australia, prepare for a time capsule in the movie's sounds, sights and slang, plus its costuming and vibe, across the feature's first section. This isn't quite a picture of two halves but, after Kol and Adam spend an intense 24 hours in each other's orbit (including at a 21st-birthday party that leads to the moment they've been building towards), it comes with a coda in 2010. Embracing its debt to Weekend and Call Me By Your Name, Of an Age could've stayed in 1999 for its entire duration and still proven a gorgeous, heartfelt and affecting film. It cuts deeper and hits harder courtesy of its final chapter, though — and the dreamy visual sheen of its sequences in 1999, which have the intimacy and glow of fond recollections even when they're at their most fraught (with help from boxed-in Academy framing, and reminiscent of Chuang's work on Blue Bayou), is all the more powerful due to what comes next. When Kol and Adam cross paths again, both returning to Melbourne from abroad, much has shifted and transformed. That spark between them still burns bright, but confronting what it now means and how it too has evolved is another stop in Kol's coming-of-age journey. How moving and entrancing it is to tag along for the ride, and for a Melbourne-set, distinctively Aussie tour through following your heart, trying not to be alone, and understanding that perfect memories and existence-shaping delights quiver and sway just like everything else.
When Da Biuso first hit Brisbane's streets back in March, it took the meals-on-wheels concept up another level. The River City's only fine-diner on a bus, it plates up decadent degustations in luxe style, in a coach decked out to give the fanciest bricks-and-mortar restaurants a run for their money. That's a unique concept and experience, but how do you make it even more of a must-attend event? Put on a pasta degustation. One bus, seven courses of pasta and four days only: that's the maths behind this culinary feast, which runs from Thursday, June 29–Sunday, July 2. Already taking cues from Mediterranean cuisine in its regular menu, Da Biuso is going all in on Italian fare for this limited-time offering, which includes tagliolini scampi and caviar, lobster raviolo, pappardelle with rabbit and mushroom ragu, all for $140 per person. And for dessert, it's doing a sweet version of lasagne: lasagne dolce, which encases lemoncello custard in pasta sheets, and adds white chocolate and vanilla ganache with strawberries.
UPDATE, December 24, 2020: The Night Before is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Seth Rogen on drugs. It's as predictable a filmic theme these days as lens flares from J.J. or bleeding penises from Lars Von Trier. Good news is, if you're into that sort of thing (Rogen, not the…blood), then his latest flick The Night Before should keep you sufficiently chuckling from go to woe. Rogen's in wildly familiar territory here, spending almost the entirety of the movie completely off his nut. Joined by his 50/50 co-star Joseph Gordon-Levitt and The Avengers' Anthony Mackie, The Night Before is like a prequel to The Hangover; a tale of three friends embarking upon the final run of their decade-long Christmas Eve partying tradition. Heavy drinking, karaoke, Chinese food and a search for the infamous yet illusive 'Nutcracker Ball' form the chapters of this quirky, crass film by director Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies), and while there's very little new material here, those 'under the influence' staples are handled with an assured touch. The Night Before also boasts an extensive supporting cast, with amusing appearances from Mindy Kaling, Lizzy Caplan, Tracey Morgan, Jillian Bell, James Franco, Iliana Glazer, Miley Cyrus and – best of all – Michael Shannon as the philosophical drug dealer Mr Green. Shannon's character is as trippy as the visions he facilitates for his customers, but it's a fine performance that lends the film a touch of otherwise absent class. Predictably, there's not much of a plot to speak of, and what little there is suffers from more than a few glaring inconsistencies – most notably Rogen's heavily pregnant wife (Bell) playing both facilitator and chief critic of his yuletide drug binge. Still, story is rarely what beckons audiences to this genre, and the over-the-top set pieces do deliver a solid stream of pop culture nostalgia, stoner gags and crude one-liners to keep you chuckling throughout. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As1zja2shsA
Every gig should be its own distinctive experience, even if a band is hitting city after city on a massive national or international tour. But there's unique concerts and then there's Sigur Rós' latest run of shows. While there's nothing quite like seeing the Icelandic band live in general, they'll be doing something different on their next trip to Australia: taking to the stage with live orchestras. Jónsi Birgisson, Georg Hólm and Kjartan Sveinsson will play with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra when Sigur Rós' current orchestral tour makes its way to the River City. Across the rest of 2024, fans across the US and Nordic countries can catch the group joining forces with a 41-piece orchestra. Then, come Tuesday, May 27 at QPAC Concert Hall, it's Brisbane's turn to witness quite a few new members temporarily join the band. ÁTTA, their 2023 album, will be in the spotlight, as the last time they toured Down Under was in 2022, before it was released — and it was was recorded with arrangements featuring a 32-piece orchestra. [caption id="attachment_974240" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kathryn Parson Photography via Flickr.[/caption] Fans can expect tracks from their 1997 debut Von onwards, however, spanning tunes from fellow records Ágætis byrjun, ( ), Takk..., Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, Valtari and Kveikur. That last — and soldout — trip this way was part of the group's first tour in five years, but clearly they haven't left the same gap go by between then and their next tour. Sigur Rós first started doing the rounds with an orchestra in 2023, playing a limited number of gigs, before expanding the experience further. Next stop: Australia. [caption id="attachment_974235" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alive87 via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Top image: Goatling via Flickr.
Secret Sounds, the organisation behind some of the country's most beloved festivals and memorable tours including Splendour in the Grass, has announced a huge tour of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales to raise money for flood-affected communities. The tour promoter hopes to raise $1 million over a one-month period, with those funds donated to organisations such as Lifeline, GIVIT, Koori Mail Bundjalung Community Flood Relief and Northern Rivers Community Foundation. The Flood Aid tour will take place over three separate gigs, kicking off with a dance-heavy lineup at the Kingscliff Hotel on Saturday, March 19. Heading up the bill is a DJ set from arguably Australia's biggest dance music export, Flume, alongside Sweden's DJ Seinfeld, Pure Space's Andy Gavey, Jono Ma, Rona and Dameeeela — who's fresh off becoming the first Indigenous Australian to perform a Boiler Room set. The other two shows will take place on the next Saturday, on March 26, at Fortitude Valley Music Hall and Byron Beach Hotel. Brisbane will be treated to sets from Bernard Fanning, The Rubens, Cub Sport (doing a DJ set), Last Dinosaurs, Stevan and Hanni, while Byron Bay will play host to Wolfmother, Dune Rats, Tex Perkins, Jez Mead, Waax, Kobie Dee and Mylee Grace. In addition to these gigs, Flight Facilities have also allocated 100 of the tickets to their huge Airfields show at Sydney's Victoria Park this Saturday, March 19 for the flood relief appeal. The hometown show will feature sets from the headlining duo, Grammy-nominated Canadian DJ Jayda G, as well as Cosmo's Midnight, CC:DISCO!, Sycco, Merci, Mercy and Mel Blue. Another way you can get involved is by buying merch from Secret Sounds. A special line of tongue-in-cheek 'Where the Muddy Hell Are You?' t-shirts and hats has been created, and a flood aid auction is also in the works. [caption id="attachment_846570" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick Green[/caption] SECRET SOUNDS FLOOD AID 2022: Saturday, March 19 at Kingscliff Hotel, Kingscliff — Andy Garvey, Dameeeela, DJ Seinfeld, Flume (DJ set), Jono Ma and Rona Saturday, March 26 at Fortitude Valley Music Hall, Brisbane — Bernard Fanning, The Rubens, Cub Sport (DJ set), Last Dinosaurs, Stevan and Hanni Saturday, March 26 at Byron Bay Hotel, Byron Bay — Wolfmother, Dune Rats, Tex Perkins and Jez Mead, Waax, Kobie Dee and Mylee Grace Tickets for Secret Sounds Flood Aid gigs are on sale from midday Thursday, March 17. Head to the Secret Sounds website for all the information
ANZAC Day commemorations are set to take shape a little differently this year, thanks to those now very familiar restrictions in place to help curb the spread of COVID-19. With group gatherings off-limits, tradition is taking a bit of a backseat, and the usual parades and dawn services honouring our soldiers have had to be cancelled. But there are still plenty of ways you can show your support for the ANZACs, while sticking to social-distancing directives. From driveway memorials, to ANZAC bickie baking sessions, here are some top ideas for getting involved with ANZAC Day 2020, virtually. [caption id="attachment_665411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance via Flickr[/caption] PAY YOUR RESPECTS WITH A LIVE-STREAMED DAWN SERVICE While ANZAC Day services across the country usually involve hundreds of punters gathered at dawn to pay their respects, social-distancing measures mean things will be drastically downsized this year. But even without the crowds, you'll still be able to tap into that sense of solidarity, as many of Australia's landmark sites take their regular ANZAC commemorative services online. Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance is set to live-stream its Dawn Service for all to watch on Facebook, kicking off at 6am on Saturday, April 25. Meanwhile, the ABC will have all the proceedings from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra streamed live from 5am, across its radio, TV and online channels. Expect to hear The Last Post played at around 6am. If you can't make it to a screen for one of these dawn sessions, RSL NSW is also streaming a closed service at 10am, hosted in Sydney and available to watch live via its Facebook page. And RSL Queensland has created a short ANZAC service of its own — download the audio from the website and tune in whenever suits. The organisers of the annual Coloured Diggers March, Babana Aboriginal Mens Group will also be hosting Zoom gathering at 11am to remember the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who served. 'LIGHT UP THE DAWN' FROM YOUR DRIVEWAY Social gatherings are currently a no-go, but on April 25, Aussies across the country will be bringing the ANZAC spirit to the end of their driveways — or balconies, front porches or living rooms — instead. RSL clubs nationwide are encouraging locals to mark the occasion with an at-home show of respect, inviting us all to 'light up the dawn' from 6am on ANZAC Day. You can pledge your support to the initiative online, then honour the ANZACs from wherever you call home, taking a moment to remember those who've served our country, perhaps while streaming a live service on your device. Many folks will light candles, others will have shrines and wreaths on display, and there's sure to be plenty of red poppies around, all in tribute to our armed services personnel. Share your personal ANZAC service with the tags #StandTo #ANZACspirit and #lightupthedawn [caption id="attachment_768400" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Australian War Memorial via Travis/Flickr[/caption] CREATE YOUR OWN ONLINE TRIBUTE The Australian War Memorial is drumming up some virtual support for our ANZACs by inviting Aussies to create their own online tribute, as part of its new #ForTheFallen initiative. To get involved, simply record a video of yourself reciting the 'Ode if Remembrance', or document your own ANZAC project, then pop it on social media tagged with #ForTheFallen. If you need a little memory boost, the lines to the section of Laurence Binyon's classic poem For the Fallen go like this: "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them." DONATE TO THE ANZAC APPEAL The RSL's long-running ANZAC Appeal will still go ahead this year, though it's had to face a few logistical changes given the current pandemic situation. There won't be any of the usual streetside collections — instead, most of the fundraising efforts will take place online, inviting financial donations to be used to support veterans and their families. You can help provide servicemen past and present with much-needed things like crisis accommodation, emergency financial help, and physical and mental health support, by donating via the website. This year's appeal is running right through the month, up until April 30. GET INVOLVED IN THE WORLD'S BIGGEST MEAT TRAY RAFFLE This ANZAC Day, you can give back to Aussie veterans, support a bunch of local businesses and be in with a shot at winning the ultimate meat tray prize — all at the same time. Kicking off this week across Australia, the inaugural World's Biggest Meat Raffle is out to beat the Guinness World Record for the greatest amount of meat-trays ever won in a single competition. This meaty movement's being headlined, of course, by legendary 'lambassador' Sam Kekovich, and will raise much-needed funds for Swiss 8: a veteran-founded non-profit focused on mental health support. The charity's work is especially important during these uncertain times we're all facing. Organiser The Village Co has joined forces with local butchers all over the country to create the mega prize haul of 10,000 meat trays, which equates to a whopping 2000 kilograms of snags, steaks, burgers and more. The major winner will score a whole year's worth of weekly meat trays, both for themselves and eight lucky mates. Grab your tickets here. JOIN AN ONLINE ANZAC BISCUIT BAKING SESSION There's no doubt the tastiest part of any ANZAC Day commemoration is the bickies. And those oat biscuits are set to get just as big a workout this year as ever before, thanks to all the new-found kitchen skills that have been honed in isolation. If you're keen to spread the ANZAC message via a few homemade baked goods, you can even join others from across Australia and New Zealand for a huge online ANZAC biscuit bake-off. Hitting Zoom at 2pm AEST on April 23, you'll find the Bake Together: ANZAC Biscuits Live baking session hosted by culinary historian and cookbook author Allison Reynolds. You can follow along with Reynolds as she guides you through her method, or simply tune in while using your own go-to recipe. And you'd better have the kettle on standby as there'll be plenty of time for questions and conversation. [caption id="attachment_683489" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cybele Malinowski[/caption] TUNE INTO AN ANZAC DAY CONCERT WITH SOME AUSSIE MUSIC LEGENDS Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, Delta Goodrem and The Wiggles are just some of the artists coming together (virtually) for this year's ANZAC Day concert Music from the Home Front. Screening on channel Nine from 7.30pm, the concert will see 16 music legends from Australia and New Zealand come together to celebrate the two countries, pay respects to those who've served and also thank front-line workers during COVID-19. Also on the lineup: Courtney Barnett, Marlon Williams, Kevin Parker from Tame Impala, Missy Higgins, The Rubens and Vance Joy. Top image: Dee Why RSL
The salon is back. Not the hair salon (although that is very much back too, thank god), I'm talking Paris in the 18th century. Social gatherings where artists, writers and other enlightened folk could discuss big ideas without needing to stick within the guardrails of polite society. Admittedly, this could describe your last afternoon hit out at the pub. But a couple of Sydney-based curators and culture aficionados are bringing back the concept of the artist salon as it was originally intended — and to be a fly on the wall would be a pretty killer ticket. Susan Armstrong and Michelle Grey are the duo behind Arts-Matter. They curate events that bring together artists from various mediums — from painters to product designers to hip hop artists — and host them in intimate settings to spark conversations around society, creativity and cultural values. It all started in the first of Australia's lengthy lockdowns when restrictions were preventing people from accessing art in the usual means via tangible exhibitions, galleries and shows. So Armstrong and Grey took the unprecedented circumstances as an opportunity to try something a little different. "While there's always been incredible programming offered at our favourite museums, galleries and institutions, their events can sometimes be genre-specific — an artist talk at a gallery, or a music performance at a concert hall," explains Armstrong. "We wanted to provide people with a broader cross-section of the cultural arts." "Creativity thrives when silos collide, and many of us are interested in hearing interdisciplinary discussions with thought-leaders across the cultural gamut, from fine art to music, theatre, fashion, architecture, literature and film. We've also found that by hosting small salon-style events in private homes, guests open up and connect in a way that's not always possible in a public venue. Plus, you were allowed to drink while standing up, which was a big bonus!" Excellent point. In the year since Arts-Matter was conceived, Michelle and Susan have brought together an impressive lineup of Australia's most fascinating creative talent to speak and perform, including Genesis Owusu, Ben Quilty, Ngaiire, Tony Albert, Dinosaur Designs founder Louise Olsen, Ramesh Mario Nithyendran, and Rafael Bonachela. The pandemic has in many ways changed the way we experience art, from the emergence of virtual galleries that can get you a front row look at the great masterpieces to the increasing popularity of NFTs. But is digital the future for artist and art lovers alike? In a word: nah. Says Armstrong and Grey: "We've seen an explosion of promotion on social media — which gives viewers an intimate peek into both the professional and personal lives of the artists we love — and a whole host of digital and virtual shows and art fairs, but nothing beats human connection so we know everyone is excited to get back in touch with the physical world!" "In these troubled times art has the power to heal and unite, and at the same time it's also an important marker of history. Humans need art to express their individual and shared stories. Art and creativity can provide great catharsis for communities, and after almost two years of a global pandemic, we're all in need of a bit of emotional release." You can follow the future projects of Arts-Matter here.
Making a winter date with Dark Mofo always feels like crawling into another world — and, based on the Tasmanian festival's programs over the years, that's the active aim. The Apple Isle's moody and brooding music and arts event takes its cues from its host and organisers, the Museum of Old and New Art, of course, which results in a lineup filled with the surreal, strange, sublime and surprising. In a 2022 bill that includes everything from rainbows to the Chernobyl score played live in an immersive industrial setting, that trend is naturally set to continue. After announcing the first highlights for this year's fest back in March — and revealing that it'll run over two weeks as well — Dark Mofo has dropped its full 2022 program. If a trip south between Wednesday, June 8–Wednesday, June 22 wasn't already on your agenda, it should be now. All up, Dark Mofo 2022 will feature more than 100 artists from 30 countries, and span everything from acclaimed local names hitting the stage to a life-sized doll house that attendees can wander through, all to celebrate the theme 'resurrection'. [caption id="attachment_849626" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lingua Ignota video still, courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] First, the tunes. The Kid LAROI, Japanese cult-favourites Boris and English indie muso Baxter Dury will be doing their thing on the fest's first weekend — with the latter intriguingly described as "comedown disco". Then, the following week, Chelsea Wolfe and Emma Ruth Rundle join the bill, as do the return of Hymns to the Dead, Swiss metal band Triptykon doing an Aussie exclusive show, Perfume Genius, and four-day experimental and electronic music microfestival Borderlands. Yes, there's truly something here for everyone. Two big music highlights spring from the realm of film and television: live performances of the scores to 2021's excellent new Candyman and 2019's haunting HBO miniseries Chernobyl. With the first, Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe will be playing the sounds that helped make the movie so unnerving. At the second, Emmy-winner Hildur Guðnadóttir (also an Oscar-winner for her Joker score) will team up with Chris Watson and Sam Slater, and all proceeds from the show will be donated to Voices of Children to help Ukrainian children and families. All of the above joins the previously announced Kim Gordon, who'll bust out songs from her 2019 solo release No Home Record, plus Berlin-based composer and producer Nils Frahm playing Music For Hobart. And, Spiritualized, Deafheaven and American multi-instrumentalist Lingua Ignota are already on the lineup, too. [caption id="attachment_849627" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sabio / Dark Mofo. Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] That's your ears well and truly taken care of — but Dark Mofo's visual lineup is just as impressive. Lovers of engaging art will want to check out Japanese Australian artist Hiromi Tango's Rainbow Dream: Moon Rainbow, which will feature a healing colour palette to put viewers in a joyous mood. Also a must-see is Hobart-based Sabio's Holy Mother of God: Emergency Doll House, which'll use projection mapping, sculpture and animation to turn a three-storey building into a carnival-style trip through the subconscious. Jónsi from Sigur Rós is on the bill as well, thanks to a multi-channel immersive experience inspired by the recent eruption of Iceland's Fagradalsfjall volcano. And, so is Anger, a performance dedicated to Kenneth Anger's life and work in occult cinema. And, as revealed last month, there'll be pieces by new video media artist Bill Viola and multi-channel video artist Doug Aitken — plus exhibitions focusing on Jeremy Shaw, Fiona Hall and AJ King, and Robert Andrew, which'll all launch at a music, fire and art-filled Mona Up Late shindig. [caption id="attachment_849628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Blue Rose Ball. Photo Credit: Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford, 2018. Image of Société Anonyme Costume Ball Hadley's Orient Hotel. Image courtesy: Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] Throw in a heap of Dark Mofo's signature festivities — such as the return of The Blue Rose Ball and its costumed debauchery, the Nude Solstice Swim (because it wouldn't be Dark Mofo without it), the City of Hobart Winter Feast on the waterfront, Night Mass: Transcendence in the In The Hanging Garden precinct and the Reclamation Walk — and yes, this is a huge program. Also popping up again is Memorial, too, which sees people provide the ashes of their loved ones to be placed inside a handcrafted firework that then explodes for everyone to watch. Dark Mofo will run from Wednesday, June 8–Wednesday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania. For more information or to buy tickets — with subscriber tix on-sale at 10am on Monday, April 11 and general tix at 12pm on Monday, April 11 — head to the festival website. Top images: Winter Feast, Dark Mofo 2021. Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford, 2021. // 3.2, 404.zero, Dark Downtown, Dark Mofo 2021. Dark Mofo/Remi Chauvin, 2021 // Courtesy: Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
As a food writer and critic based in Western Australia, Max Brearley lives a life of truffle hunting, native-food foraging and long, wine-led lunches across Margaret River's rolling estates. The southwest lifestyle is what lured him over from the UK, and his work is now regularly published in The Australian, delicious., The Guardian and Halliday. In partnership with Pullman Hotels and Resorts, we're helping you explore more on your next holiday and make sure you get those experiences that the area's most switched-on residents wouldn't want their visitors to miss. In Margaret River, we've called in Max, whose favourite spots range from the region's best winery restaurant to a burger truck run by a street-food doyen he's followed around the world. A stay at Pullman Bunker Bay in the Margaret River region will not only put you in the thick of all this action, it will let you rest and digest in five-star luxury at the end of the day. Read on for Max's top food hot spots in his own words, and check out the rest of our Explore More content series to hone your itinerary for some of Australia's best holiday destinations. CULLEN WINES A founding winery of the region, Cullen has an international reputation for their wines and the manner in which they're produced. Chief winemaker Vanya Cullen has a commitment to the land, seeing herself and her team as custodians. It shows in the wine, which is certified both organic and biodynamic, and it's always a stop when I'm introducing people to the region. A taste of the Kevin John (Chardonnay) and the Diana Madeline (predominantly Cabernet) — both named after Vanya's parents, the winery's founders — is non-negotiable at cellar door. Also high on the must-taste list is the Amber, a Semillon Sauvignon Blanc that is an expression of low-intervention technique. The grapes are fermented in different vessels, including amphora and open fermenters, with extended skin contact. Some describe it as a white, made like a red. MIKI'S OPEN KITCHEN Mikihito Nagai's handle on tempura is masterful. While it may not seem like an obvious dining destination to showcase the region, Miki's Open Kitchen is the essence of what makes the Margaret River region so dynamic; it is a place where winemakers, chefs, artists, photographers, writers and other creative souls are drawn by the ocean, the land, the wine, food and lifestyle. Miki is no exception, and in a matter of years has built a fervent local following for his skill, use of the region's best produce and, well, just being Miki. A seat at the counter for the second sitting ensures plenty of time to watch the master at work. It's fully licensed, though you can also BYO wine, and they serve two sittings an evening. BURGER BONES I first met cook come raconteur Cooper in a south London pub. Then, he was at the forefront of the street food movement and known for making the city's best loaded dogs, with an eye on raising the quality of his ingredients. I didn't think that conversation would lead to a friendship on the other side of the world. Returning home to the southwest after twenty years, he flipped to burgers but is no less fastidious about the meat, the grind, the bread and his technique. Made to order in his customised food truck, Burger Bones isn't fast food, so expect a short wait as he shapes the patty and steams each bun. I favour the Filthy Dirty Burger — a double patty with black cherry barbecue sauce, onions and cheese — but I'm always open to off-menu suggestions. EAGLE BAY BREWING CO The beer community is strong between the capes, and for those with an interest in grain as well as grape, Eagle Bay Brewing Co is a must-try. It's available at bars and bottle shops throughout the region, but there's no better place to drink it than at the source. The d'Espeissis family have been on their Eagle Bay property since 1950, and while the previous generations were more concerned with farming than brewing, it was the younger d'Espeissises who built the brewery and restaurant back in 2010. I'm a fan of their robust Pale Ale, but look out for the Brewer's or Single Series drops. A solid food offering makes it a popular lunch spot, with an atmosphere that is pure southwest; you could be sat next to a mining magnate, a pro-surfer or a jobbing food writer. VASSE FELIX It's a difficult call to name just one winery restaurant, but Vasse Felix never disappoints. It's the perfect spot to enjoy the wares of chief winemaker Virginia Willcock and her team, with an elevated view over some of the estate's original vines. Chef Brendan Pratt took the reins in September 2017 from local legend Aaron Carr (to be found at Yarri, in Dunsborough from early 2018) and he's immediately proven his talent. Asian and European techniques meet, with Pratt celebrating the best of each season. If you've time in the region, Will's Domain in Yallingup) and Knee Deep in Wilyabrup are also home to two of the regions youngest, and most accomplished chefs. YALLINGUP WOODFIRED BREAD Gotthard Bauer, the German baker behind the region's best bread, is modest in a world of hyperbole. He takes an all together slower approach to his craft, using certified biodynamic flour, proper fermentation and resting, and woodfired ovens — a process that is the antithesis of the factory-scale bakeries many have become used to. As well as baking your daily bread, the Bauers also have the Gugelhupf, a candy-striped shack at 18 Yallingup Beach Road, selling the sweet and savoury cake of the same name. I've bought many of these savarin baked treats as intended presents over the years, but strangely they never quite make it to their intended recipient. There is now a Woodfired Bread outpost in Margaret River (Unit 2/2 Boodjidup Road) and at the weekly Margaret River Farmers Market. WHITE ELEPHANT CAFE This is the place to come to understand what Margaret River life is all about, with an Indian Ocean view over Gnarabup Beach. Take a coffee from the kiosk and have a walk on the boardwalk or down on the sand, or sit up on the deck and take breakfast or lunch. White Elephant is a year-round haunt for locals. Beyond just a standard beach cafe, it has great hospitality pedigree, alongside sister venues Morries (Margaret River) and The Common (minutes away, at Gnarabup). While it seems blasé to ignore the view, I'm partial to a spot by the fire in cooler months with a newspaper and the pick of the menu. I've been known to file copy from here. THE COLOURPATCH CAFE At the southern end of the capes, Augusta has no shortage of spectacular views and places to find fish and chips (at least five at last count). The Colourpatch Cafe has in recent years been slowly refurbished, retaining its coastal town charm, with river views from the cafe and terrace. Local fish is chalked up, with Augusta whiting from the Blackwood River a sustainable favourite. While eating in is always an option, my ritual is finding a spot down towards Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse with a view over the Southern Ocean and the possibility, in season, of a whale sighting. SETTLERS TAVERN A Margaret River institution, Settlers Tavern has one of the best wine cellars in Australia. While on the surface it is a traditional pub, owners Karen and Rob Gough have a passion for wine built through years in the industry; Rob was a one-time San Francisco sommelier and Karen worked to import Australian wines to the States. With many labels not having a cellar door presence, this is the perfect place to discover the region's smaller and often most interesting producers. Added to this, the Goughs aren't parochial in their outlook, and you'll find a good representation of premium Aussie wine from across the country. That's why this is a hub for winemakers, both resident and visiting. RIVERSMITH One-time winemaker Lachlan MacDonald is a familiar face at Riversmith, his cafe and retail space. The whitewashed walls, art deco frontage and sleek design give little hint to its former life as a garage and petrol station. At one time I'd fill the tank here, but I'm much happier filling up on coffee and diving into their menu, which has a focus on good local produce. Licensed, they've got a small selection of local wine and beer available. Homewares, books and design items are available in the rear retail area — a lifesaver on a number of occasions for forgotten birthdays and the odd Christmas present. Explore more with Pullman. Book your next hotel stay with Pullman and enjoy a great breakfast for just $1.
If you've been battling with the idea of deactivating your Facebook account but decided against it because it would 'disconnect' you from a considerable amount of social happenings, then news of Facebook Messenger, a standalone SMS app that was launched yesterday, might just clench this reality. Competing against Google+ and its accompanying mobile app, Facebook Messenger allows you to communicate with other Facebook users (not necessarily your Facebook friends) via SMS. According to Wired, the app "wrangles all private communication" between Facebook users into one thread. The app also features group chats, picture distribution and location services so you can continue to keep in touch even if you aren't logged onto Facebook - all communication is delivered by either notifications or texts. The app is available through iTunes and the Android Store for free, and if this is Facebook's attempt to do away with SMS by providing the same service at no cost, then deactivating your account might be just a tad bit harder to do. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wcRipEHsA64 Image: cydiaiphoneblog.com
Some events are worth locking into your diary regardless of who's playing and what's brightening up the place, and Parrtjima — A Festival In Light is one of them. An annual favourite in Alice Springs, the Indigenous arts, culture and storytelling festival just might be Australia's most luminous event, as attendees will learn when it returns from Friday, April 7–Sunday, April 16. Parrtjima announced its 2023 dates last year, and also outlined its theme — 'Listening with Heart' — plus some of the light-heavy artworks that folks can look forward to. Now, it has dropped two further details: the list of musicians taking to its stages, as well as a sneak peek at what this year's installations will look like. The music bill overflows with First Nations talent, including Docker River Band, Eastern Reggae Band, Emily Wurramara, JK-47, KAIIT, Karnage and Paul Ah Chee. They'll be joined by Radical Son, Richard J Frankland, Discovering Leerpeen Mara, Rowdy Birds, The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band and The Merindas across the ten days — and with a range of dazzling backdrops. "Parrtjima is a unique experience of large-scale light installations combined with a fascinating program of not just music but also talks, workshops and film," said Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Suzana Bishop, with the organisation delivering the event on behalf of the Northern Territory Government. "As well as being visually stunning, Parrtjima offers so many other experiences, and the chance to see some of Australia's leading Indigenous artists perform. Combined with the unique tourism offerings available in the Red Centre, Parrtjima is not to be missed." Parrtjima's 2023 theme is inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart. That piece depicts Uluru-Ku Tjukurrpa, the Uluru story of connection, and was created by a group of artists from Multijulu as led by Maruku artist Rene Kulitja. So, Kulitja will work with other of artists for Parrtjima to turn the Statement from the Heart artwork into a large-scale immersive light and sound installation. That means that Parrtjima attendees will find themselves plunged in the world of the Aṉangu people of the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands surrounding Uluru. The idea is to feature ancient songlines, plus Indigenous viewpoints on Country, as well as connecting to First Peoples' strong links with the land, water and sky. Two things that'll also be on the bill: two of the festival's regular annual attraction, aka a huge artwork that transforms a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the majestic, 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges, showering it with light each night of the festival; and Grounded, the installation projected over the red dirt at tourism and conservation facility Alice Springs Desert Park. Free to attend, Parrtjima is just one of Northern Territory's two glowing attractions in 2023, with Australia's Red Centre lighting up in multiple ways. The festival is a nice supplement to Bruce Munro's Field of Light installation, which — after multiple extensions — is now on display indefinitely. PARRTJIMA — A FESTIVAL IN LIGHT 2023 MUSIC LINEUP: Docker River Band Eastern Reggae Band, Emily Wurramara JK-47 KAIIT Karnage (DJ) Karnage n Darknis Paul Ah Chee Radical Son Richard J Frankland Discovering Leerpeen Mara Rowdy Birds (DJ) The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band The Merindas Parrtjima – A Festival in Light will run from Friday, April 7–Sunday, April 16, 2023 around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Since arriving in town a few years back, Salt Meats Cheese has been giving Brisbanites a pizza-filled treat. And, as part of its lineup of Italian eats, it's been known to give the city's residents plenty of specials in its time — including its $29 all-you-can-eat pizza nights every Monday at its Newstead store. "Does this look like someone who's had all they can eat?" isn't something you'll be saying when you devour as many slices as your stomach can handle in 90 minutes, so calm your inner Homer Simpson. The main catch is that you'll have to buy a drink as well, but you can choose from both boozy and non-alcoholic options. Available from 5pm, this hefty feast serves up multiple options, too. You can stick with the $29 pizza-focused option, or add any pasta from the menu to your all-you-can-eat dinner for an extra $5. And if you're vegan or eat a gluten free diet, those can also be catered for for another $6. You do need to finish each serving of pizza or pasta before ordering your next — and everyone at your table must be taking part — but they're hardly tough rules. On the menu: margherita, meat lovers and prosciutto pizzas, plus salami and olives, truffle, prawns, a ham and mushroom calzone, and more.
If you like dudes, nudes or a bit of both — or neither, but can at least just appreciate some good art — then Bean's latest exhibition might be right up your alley. Dudes and Nudes showcases the work of Brisbane based creative duo Shani Finch and Jarad Danby. Finch is an emerging Brisbane artist, playing about with abstract realism and manipulating contemporary art techniques to create pieces that are both haunting and fascinating. Her art ranges from simple black and white sketches to ink drenched canvases that capture people, faces and stories unbeknown to the real world. Danby is an artist who uses ink pens in a monochromatic medium to breathe life into his self-made subjects. Dudes and Nudes launches on Friday 12 February with an opening night event from 7.30pm. The exhibition will grace Bean's walls until the middle of March.
Whether you're a Melburnian or an upcoming visitor to the city, if your early winter plans involve heading out for a meal, the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne want to give you an extra incentive. As initially announced at the beginning of May, the two government bodies have teamed up on a new dining scheme that'll offer 20-percent rebates for eating out in the CBD, Chinatown, Lygon Street, Docklands, North Melbourne, Kensington and Southbank. Originally called the CBD Dining Experiences Scheme, and now dubbed 'Melbourne Money', the initiative will kick off on Friday, June 11. It'll cover food and drink purchases in-store at restaurants, cafes and pubs, as well as bars, clubs, breweries and distilleries. The rebate applies to transactions between $50–500 (including GST), meaning that you'll get as little as $10 and as much as $100 back. The big caveat: you do have to purchase something to eat, with your drinks only covered if you're buying food. Another important thing to take into consideration: it works on a first in, first served basis. So, heading out as soon as the scheme starts — which happens to be on the Queen's Birthday long weekend — and submitting your claim for a rebate immediately afterwards is recommended. Both residents of and visitors to the City of Melbourne can get their cash back after they've been to a hospitality venue, received an itemised receipt at the time of payment, then taken a photo of it and uploaded it to the Melbourne Money website. Within five working days, you'll then score 20 percent of the bill's total via a transfer to your bank account. Melbourne Money forms part of the Victorian Government's next $107.4 million million in spending to revitalise the city, which is included in the 2021–22 Victorian Budget. The Victorian Government is providing $7.4 million towards the scheme, with the City of Melbourne kicking in another $1 million. The dining initiative is the latest scheme to help the state recover from the pandemic, following vouchers for travel to both regional areas and the CBD — and it adapts an idea that's already been rolled out in New South Wales (and, before that, in the UK as well). The Melbourne Money scheme kicks off on Friday, June 11. For more information, head to the City of Melbourne website. Top image: Josie Withers, Visit Victoria.
Being an adult Disney fan in southeast Queensland is easy right now. The Mouse House's movies can be watched and rewatched (then rewatched again) thanks to the company's very own streaming service, and there's no shortage of other events — outdoor cinemas, musicals, exhibitions and more — around the place. But if you're looking for something special to celebrate a whole century of the company's wares, and you're particularly fond of all the earworm songs its flicks have gotten stuck in your head over the years, then a big 100th-anniversary Disney concert is just the ticket. Disney 100: The Concert hops on a trend that's been popular for a few years now, pairing beloved movies with a live orchestra playing the soundtrack as you watch. This time, though, you'll be seeing clips of the Mouse House's musical hits rather than watching an entire feature. There's just that much to get through, given the company's massive film catalogue. Making its Queensland stopover at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast over two shows across Friday, March 31–Saturday, April 1, 2023, the concert will bust out tracks from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Moana and Encanto, as well as Pocahontas, Aladdin, Tangled, Hercules and Frozen. At the venue's outdoor stage, an orchestra will be in charge of the tunes, with exact details to be revealed — and a yet-to-be-announced a lineup of Australian musical theatre stars will be lending their voices to the production, which focuses on Disney's animated favourites. Also featuring: performers Genevieve McCarthy (Mythic, Les Misérables) and Amy Manford (The Phantom of the Opera) from MM Creative Productions, which is behind the production. If Disney's music soundtracked your childhood — and still does your adulthood — being this show's guest is a delightfully easy decision. Images: Jarrad Seng.
Omar Rodriguez Lopez is a man of many talents. He first made his musical mark in the early ‘90s as a guitarist in prolific post-hardcore band At The Drive In, followed by his work as guitarist and producer for the Grammy Award-winning progressive psych-rock ensemble The Mars Volta in the early naughties. Ten years on, Omar has established himself as a solo artist, as well as successful label manager, actor, producer and film director, having received cinematic acclaim for his first feature-length film “The Sentimental Engine Slayer” which appeared in film festivals the world over. Now, Omar Rodriguez Lopez is bringing his group to all major Australian cities, as well as co-headlining the Cherry Rock Festival in Melbourne. Brisbane will be catching the Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group fresh from the festival excitement, and excitement there will be; be sure to take the rare opportunity to see such a well-established and multi-talented musical force in person.
Sweet news: if nothing says Easter to you like tap, tap, tapping your way around a mini-golf course that'll get you hankering for dessert, Victoria Park's Candyland setup is returning. The Herston site has been known to give its greens a makeover for special occasions, including Christmas, Halloween and Valentine's Day in the past. Candy-themed holes aren't new to the rotation, but they're back in 2025, taking cues from Easter eggs, ice creams, cakes, gumballs and popcorn and more. From Friday, March 28–Monday, May 5, a trip to Herston Road means trying your luck on greens with names like 'Candy Corner', 'Ice Cream Lane', 'Bakery Bunker, 'Popcorn Party', 'Gumball Green', 'Bunny Hop' and 'Candy Workshop'. In previous years, rabbits have featured heavily, unsurprisingly — plus giant ice creams, gummy bears, candy necklaces, Easter eggs, cupcakes, doughnuts, lollipops and other sweet treats. Basically, if it's sweet and can somehow be worked into a themed mini golf course, you'll find it here. While there's obviously nothing edible among the decorations, you can order drinks and snacks to the green as you play, including lollies and ice creams. Bookings are recommended, with the course open from 6am–11pm Monday–Thursday, and 6am–12am Friday–Saturday and 6am–10am Sunday. Fancy a few holes before work? Want to add some fun to your lunch break? Need something to look forward to come quitting time? They're all options. Candyland's run covers not just the Easter public holidays, but the ANZAC Day and Labour Day long weekends, should you need a few days off as motivation to head by. Images: Stephanie Adams Photography.
If you're a music, theatre or comedy fan and you live in Brisbane, then you've probably become accustomed to missing out. Whether it's a band touring the country but leaving our fair city off of its itinerary, a comedian skipping straight to Sydney and Melbourne, or the latest acclaimed stage production bypassing our venues, plenty of big names don't make it to town — or if they do, like The Book of Mormon, it's after a hefty wait. For years, the city's lack of theatres has been highlighted as an issue, and calls for a new venue date back just as far. In 2018, the Queensland Government announced a solution: a new 1500-plus seat addition to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, upping the South Bank site's spread to five theatres. Now, the first designs have been released. Architecture firm Blight Rayner + Snøhetta has won the tender for the new theatre, which has been dubbed the New Performing Arts Venue (NPAV) for now. Replacing the grassed area currently known as the Playhouse Green, glass features heavily in the external design, letting Brisbanites see into the transparent foyer from the corner of Grey and Russell streets. The overall look takes inspiration from the nearby Brisbane River and ties into QPAC's original heritage-listed decor, but still makes its own impression. Costing $150 million to build, with the State Government committing $125 million to the project, the NPAV will also boast two new studio spaces below street level, which'll also be visible from the outside spaces. As far as the main space goes, it'll include a single-balcony auditorium. Expect it to be busy, hosting around 260 performances and welcoming approximately 300,000 per year. Just when construction will start hasn't been set as yet, with shortlisted contractors still being considered after a tender process — however, a rough date of 2020 has been floated. If you're eager to walk through the gleaming doors, take a seat and see a show that might've passed Brissie by otherwise, NPAV is working towards a 2022 opening. When it does lift the curtain, NPAV will herald a huge change to the South Bank spot. QPAC first launched to Brisbanites in 1985 after ten years of development, and more than 26,000 performances have graced its stages and spaces in the 34 years since then. The New Performing Arts Venue is set to open at QPAC, on the corner of Grey and Russell streets, in 2022. For further details, visit the project website.
Already in 2022, Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort have given Brisbane a 90-seat venue for meals and drinks that heroes seasonal Australian produce, revamping Paddington's Nota to add a wine bar and turn the whole setup into a neighbourhood-style go-to. But why just have one such joint to your name when you can have two? That mightn't have been the motivation behind Allonda in Newstead, but it's the result all the same. Now open in a laneway space off Longland Street, Allonda also seats 90. Its menu favours modern European-style, designed-to-share dishes as well. It's firmly a sibling venue to Nota, and the pair of restaurants will celebrate each other (there's even a Nota sour made with Frangelico and hazelnut on Allonda's cocktail menu). But as well as sitting on the other side of the CBD, this newcomer is carving out its own look and feel. Think: modern and casual compared to Nota's rustic heritage decor. Think: neutral colours, stone, polished concrete aplenty and textured finishes, also. That's what patrons will find when tucking into a bite in the main dining room or knocking back beverages at the bar — or, you can go al fresco in the laneway. A big point of difference stems from Allonda's mezzanine level that can be used for private functions, and its raw seafood and burrata bar. For those keen on the ocean's finest, the raw options are sourced locally, while cheese fiends will find different flavour pairings tempting tastebuds. If you only try one dish, make it the signature risotto all'onda, aka the eatery's namesake option. It's a Venetian risotto that chases the perfect combination — not too dry or too brothy — with Docherty and de Kort taking inspiration from that pursuit of balance, which all risottos need in their blend of butter, parmesan, stock and temperature, for the restaurant's overall philosophy. Other standout menu items include Western Australian scampi with roasted tomato butter, freshly made pasta paired with Nonna's secret-recipe ragu, an 800-gram black onyx rib eye on the bone from Ranger Valley, and fried black pudding with brown butter mayo. Or, there's chicken liver parfait with pear gel, tempura fish sandos, and Eton mess and honey parfait among the desserts. The group's sommelier Yanika Sittisuntorn is overseeing an evolving 90-bottle wine list, including focusing on lesser-known and experimental varieties — just as at Nota. There's a special Coravin menu as well, and a cocktail menu designed by bar manager Ben Horswell. On the latter, choices span chilli and basil spritzes, burnt orange and bourbon sours, and white chocolate negronis, as well as three non-boozy concoctions. Find Allonda at 17–21 Longland Street, Newstead — open Tuesday–Wednesday from 4pm and Thursday–Saturday from 12pm.
Meeting at 10am at Parliament House, Brisbane's Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WARA) will be rallying to draw attention to the many legitimate concerns that come with Australia's national day of celebration. After speeches on George Street, the rally will march to Musgrave Park in West End to light the sacred fire, and enjoy food and live music. Everyone is welcome. The WARA Invasion Day March is one of several happening around the country on January 26. The gatherings aim to address not only the date of the country's festivities and their painful historical basis for Indigenous Australians, but also wider issues faced by the community.
Constantly thinking about your next getaway, especially now that travel has been returning to normal? We all are. Always trying to plan your next trip, but keen to make the most of your budget — or make your holiday dollars stretch across as many vacations as possible? Yep, we're all doing that, too, and that's what flight sales are for. With that in mind, Jetstar and Qantas have dropped yet another batch of cheap fares, in Qantas Group's biggest combined domestic flights sale of 2022. Over a million seats are on offer, and routes with discounted fares are within Australia — so get ready to explore your own backyard. If you're keen on a cheap Jetstar flight, with one-way prices starting at $35, you need to get in quickly — come 8pm AEDT today, Thursday, October 13 (or earlier if sold out), it'll all be over. With Qantas, the sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Thursday, October 20 (but, again, earlier if sold out), with one-way fares starting at $99. Actually, 70 percent of Jetstar's sale fares are under $100, too — while more than a quarter of Qantas' deals are under $200. Expect to be spoiled for choice destination-wise; between Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar, the sale spans 67 destinations around Australia, capital cities and regional towns both included. On the list via Jetstar: Sydney to Melbourne (Avalon) for $35, Adelaide to Melbourne (Tullamarine) for $45, Canberra to Brisbane for $75, Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Cairns for $90 and Sydney to Uluru for $90 as well. Qantas' cheap flights include Sydney to Byron Bay for $99, Melbourne to Launceston for the same price and Brisbane to Cairns for $149. Jetstar's sale runs until 8pm AEDT on Thursday, October 13, while Qantas' sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on Thursday, October 20 — or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Ahead of World Whisky Day this Saturday, May 20, The Bottle-O is here to ensure you have all the fun facts needed to bluff your way to being a whisky connoisseur — even if you've yet to take a sip. Whisky can be intimidating for some, but it's a versatile spirit with a style that's guaranteed to suit anyone and everyone. You could enjoy a bourbon on the rocks or a scotch neat, a ready-to drink flavour-laden can or a shot topping up a citrusy highball (which we have a standout recipe for). Or, maybe you'll like it sweet and cinnamon-spicy. Guaranteed: there's a dram for you. Now, where should your explorations start? What's with the barrels? Why are ice cubes called 'rocks'? And why, oh why, is it somehow correctly spelled both whiskey and whisky at the same time? Let's dive in. WHISKY 101 Let's start with the basics. Whisky is a spirit made with grain, water and yeast that's distilled in massive copper stills (essentially kettles) and then aged in barrels. But you can't just use any grain. You'd be hard-pressed to find a tipple made with oats, for instance. In Scotland, whisky is made from malted barley, whereas in the United States, they use a combination of corn, rye, wheat and barley. WOOD GIVES WHISKY ITS COLOUR AND FLAVOUR Did you know that when whisky comes out of the still it's totally clear and colourless? The colour of whisky comes from the oak barrels it's aged in. Oak barrels contain vanillin, which (as its name suggests) gives a vanilla flavour, but when toasted (literally charred on the inside with fire) the wood gives more caramel notes. As the temperature in the storeroom fluctuates — warmer in summer and cooler in winter — the spirit seeps into the wooden grain taking on the colours and flavours. American bourbon distillers use virgin barrels (read: never been used before), while Irish whiskey and other producers use secondhand bourbon or wine barrels to age their spirit. The longer a whisky spends in a barrel the more flavour it gains. This is why you might get cherry notes on an Irish whiskey, after being aged in a barrel that used to have sherry in it, and more honeycomb flavours from a bourbon like Jim Beam. The year on a whisky label tells you the number of years it's spent in a barrel. So, Glenfiddich 12 Year has spent, yep, 12 years in a barrel before being bottled and sent to the shelves of your local The Bottle-O. IT IS SPELLED BOTH WHISKY AND WHISKEY It's fairly common knowledge that whisk(e)y originated in Ireland and Scotland. The original Gaelic term — uisce beatha, pronounced ish-kah va-ha — was anglicised when the Brits took over, which resulted in the two different spellings. Simplified, Irish whiskey is spelled with the 'e' and Scottish without. This little trivia tip will help you work out where a whisky's distilling method or style originated from. For example, we've got our exceptional drops Down Under usually missing the 'e', indicating we learned our trade from the Scots. The Yanks, however, were trading with the Irish — so whiskey it is (as is seen on classic bourbons from Kentucky). 'ON THE ROCKS' MEANS EXACTLY THAT Fun fact: freezers weren't always around, making it easy for you to grab a few ice cubes to both keep your sip cool and take the bite out of the booze. So, what did the highlanders do to make their scotch more palatable? Simple, they would take cold rocks (like stones from a clear stream or spring) and put them in their cup before adding their whisky and diving in. Nowadays, we've moved on from actual rocks — although you can find fancy fake ice cubes made from rock if you want to be clever about it — but the phrase has lived on. WHISKY LIQUEURS AREN'T FLAVOURED WHISKIES Essentially, a whisky liqueur is a combination of a base whisky and other ingredients like herbs or spices. And flavoured whisky? It's made by adding ingredients to whisky during the ageing process. If you're in the mood for a sweet and spicy twist on whisky, one liqueur that fits the bill is Fireball. This Canadian spirit blends cinnamon and whisky for a fiery and flavourful drink that's perfect for sipping or mixing into cocktails. Whether you're a whisky fanatic searching for your next favourite dram, or you've only admired from afar up until now, now you've got five fun facts in your pocket to bluff your way through celebrating on World Whisky Day, Saturday, May 20. Now's the time to pick a bottle from your local The Bottle-O and discover its deliciousness. The Bottle-O is the independent store slinging your favourite boozy sips all over Australia — and a standout spot to nab your whisk(e)y of choice. Ready to dive in? Head to the website. Top image: Choochart Choochaikupt (first)
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia will be transformed next week when the Games of Thrones Exhibition hits Sydney. With over 100 real artefacts, props and costumes (no replicas) the free exhibition will keep fans from gnashing their teeth as they await season five. The exhibition features a virtual experience that simulates life on top of the wall, where fans can catch a 360 degree panoramic view over Castle Black, as well as the opportunity to snap a selfie atop the Iron Throne. Liam Cunningham, who plays Davos Seaworth on the most downloaded program in history, is in town to launch the show. On a sunny winter morning outside Three Williams cafe, we caught up with the Irish engineer-turned-actor to talk finger puppets, potatoes and patricide. So thanks for chatting to us after no doubt a long flight. It's wonderful. I've a mate here who I've been threatening to come and see forever and I just haven't had the opportunity and when this came up they didn't have to ask me twice. This exhibition has gone all over hasn't it? Toronto, Amsterdam, Belfast, London. It's a real treat. What's really cool about it now is that HBO aren't trying to make a quick buck out of it. It's free. It's a little thank you to the fans for, you know, making it as big as it is. But it needs to finish real soon, otherwise I'll be naked in the next show, which would be unheard of. All my costumes are in this exhibition. For the fans, it's just a real treat. There are some fans, aren't there? Nobody knew it was going to be such a phenomenon. It's just this really expansive backdrop to an incredible story of family and paranoia and jealousy and power and how power corrupts and how the powerful, generally speaking, are just taking care of themselves. Our first female PM loved the show. Yeah she's a fan, a big fan! And Barack Obama. He insisted on getting season four before the public got it. So power does corrupt. That's how you know you've got power. He's a big fan. Jack Nicholson is a fan. Martin Scorsese. Who else? It's extraordinary the amount of people who love this show. You see it at the exhibition. You've got the emos and the goths and those people coming along who are kind of hardcore but generally speaking it's kids from sixteen to one hundred and sixteen watching it. It's not a niche program at all because it's unpredictable. Right from when our leading man Ned Stark got chopped it was a game-changer, because it broke, especially for the States, where your leading man gets in trouble, overcomes, gets the girl and disappears, boring boring boring. People went, 'What? Hold on, we need to watch this thing properly, because this is just messing with our heads.' If Davos suddenly turned around and told Stannis to shove it I don't think we'd see that coming. It's not in his nature. He's the kind of guy, if you were in trouble you'd want him in your corner. His loyalty and decency is unquestionable. Listen, he's treated well apart from having his hand chopped off. Is it a glove you use? Sometimes it's a glove. Sometimes it's little green puppets on my fingers that then get digitally removed. Pop quiz: If Davos was going to be killed off would you prefer his head was chopped off, his skull was popped or torture? Torture's always good 'cause you have the audience on your side. You're sort of a veteran but you started late as an actor. You worked as an engineer, lived in Africa and got married all before taking up the game. Your career before GoT is pretty accomplished but has your life changed in a big way since – I've been outed. I feel like I've been gay and kept it quiet and now people know. But you're coping. But I'm in front of the pride march with a stick. There is a bit of that. Listen, people's memories are really short. What's good about it is I have to wear this [gestures to beard], my pubic balaclava, when filming and when I finish filming off it comes and nobody knows who I am. Luckily I started late enough not to be impressed by myself. But you're Ireland's pin-up boy… There's a very healthy begrudgery in Ireland. No one gives a fuck who I am. You're not allowed to get on any sort of pedestal. It's kind of healthy. My ego's enormous anyway. I don't need it massaged. I can do that myself. You've brought your youngest along. Are you the coolest dad ever? Of course. Isn't that obvious. No, yeah, he's my travelling companion. He keeps me out of trouble. He keeps me out of the pip. I think he had a book. I'm impressed. A kid with a book. Yeah, but it's a book about guns. I'm raising a small serial killer. At the moment he's choosing which weapon to end my life with. He's probably looking at me through the window and saying I'm gonna pop a cap in your arse, Dad. No, he's cool. He's a sixty-year-old man trapped in a thirteen-year-old body. He's the kind of dude I got to for advice. He's an extraordinary little fella, my boy. In my last 35 seconds I have to ask, for my editor, reflections on The Little Princess? She's a fan! Quite a few tweets come through — OMFG Davos Seaworth is the dad from The Little Princess. The Little Princess was nineteen years ago so a lot of those eight-year-old girls are now watching me as Davos. And now they're hugely attractive, gorgeous-looking women, and I'm close to death at this stage, but at least I've kept these ladies very happy when they were kids and I'm keeping them happy when they're grown-ups. I love my job. There's not many movies for daddies and little girls. Can you think of any other ones for fathers and daughters? Oh man, the The Shiralee. It's this Australian one … It's got Bryan Brown in it. I used to look like Bryan Brown. Just quickly, I'm working on a story and I want to list all the things you can do with potatoes. Because you're Irish, and I don't mean to be racist, but I was wondering if you could add anything to my list. So far I've got mashed potato, fried potato, boiled potatoes, potato bake, potato soup... Mashed potato sandwiches. Keith Lemon's favourite dish. If you had to give up onions or potatoes? Well this is not an option. No. I cook. You have to give up one. Shit. Onions or potatoes? Onions are so incredibly important but listen, we'd die without potatoes. Now you're going to remember The Shiralee or will you forget? It's S-h-i-r-a – [A lady walks past and tells us to shut up our very female-specific body parts several times before moving on.] ...Welcome to Australia! That's fantastic. I wonder if she arranges flowers for a living. When do you head home? I leave Tuesday. We're going to open the exhibition. I couldn't wait to get down here. Does Australia really feel as far away as everybody – It's the moon. It's the moon. Next stop, the Sea of Tranquillity. Game of Thrones: Season 4 is now available on Google Play. The Game of Thrones Exhibition is at the MCA from July 1-5.
It's been a rocky few years for Jamie's Italian in Australia, having relaunched with full ownership in 2017 only to lose ownership again just one year later. Luckily, the Brisbane-based Hallmark Group took over the management of the Australian restaurants, but not without some casualties — the Canberra and Parramatta outposts (the latter of which is set to become a steakhouse) quickly closed. But now, perhaps in an attempt to help us put our faith back in the brand, Jamie's Italian venues across Australia will launch a series of bottomless prosecco lunches for a very reasonable $50 per person. The one-month deal will run every Saturday from September 8 through to October 7 — and it includes a lot more than just an endless supply of sparkling wine. Each table will be served small bites to share (including those crispy polenta chips), and everyone will get a big bowl of pasta. You'll be be able to choose which one you want, too — think classics like prawn linguine and carbonara, and signatures including the truffle tagliatelle and fresh crab spaghetti. Plus, it'll all be topped off with panna cotta for dessert. If we know anything, it's that people really love Jamie's Italian. As such, these lunches are sure book out fast, so front a pineapple and book it already. The bottomless prosecco lunches will be available at Jamie's Italian Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. They'll run each Saturday from from 12–4pm from September 8 until October 7. You can book here.
Live music and big festivals might be back after a pandemic-enforced hiatus, and in a huge way, but that doesn't mean that the days of cancellations are over. After already hosting fests in Newcastle and Brisbane earlier this year, This That has scrapped its plans to return for a second round of 2022 events in spring. The festival announced its October and November lineup back in June, with Earl Sweatshirt and Flight Facilities leading the bill — and What So Not joining them in Brissie only, The Presets in NSW, plus Vera Blue, Winston Surfshirt, DMA's, Chillinit, Skeggs, Hockey Dad, Jesswar and more on the full roster across both locations. But now none of the above will take to the stage, with This That focusing on coming back in October and November 2023 instead. As posted to the event's website and social media channels, organisers said that "it's with huge disappointment that we must announce This That's October and November 2022 festivals won't be going ahead at Sandstone Point (QLD) and Newcastle (NSW)". "This is due to a combination of issues, including the current level of market saturation resulting in supply chain issues and labour shortages, difficult economic conditions including ballooning insurance premiums and infrastructure costs, and the forecast of ongoing extreme weather patterns — so many factors that have the potential to lessen the experience we want to always deliver," the statement continued. "We were really looking forward to backing up our two huge events from earlier this year where it was so great to party with everyone back in February and March. For now, the team feels the smartest thing is to take a rest and be fresh and ready for This That again in November 2023." View this post on Instagram A post shared by THIS THAT (@thisxxthat) This That was scheduled to return to the Sandstone Point Hotel in Queensland on Saturday, October 29, then make its way to Newcastle on Saturday, November 5. Instead, you can lock new 2023 dates in your diary: Saturday, October 28 in the Sunshine State and Saturday, November 4 in NSW. There's no word yet who'll lead the bill next year, obviously, but watch this space. And if you had tickets for this spring's now-shuttered events, you'll be hearing from Oztix, and will receive your refund automatically within seven to 15 business days. THIS THAT OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2023 DATES: Saturday, October 28: Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point, Queensland Saturday, November 4: Newcastle, New South Wales This That will no longer take place in October and November 2022, and will instead return to Sandstone Point and Newcastle at the same time in 2023. Tickets for the 2022 events will be refunded automatically — for more information, head to the festival's website. Images: Mitch Lowe / Jordan Munns.
Forget Emily in Paris — the best Netflix series set in the French capital focuses on a light-fingered smooth mover who is as adept at stealing hearts as he is at pilfering jewels and art. The streaming service's Lupin isn't the first screen outing based on the Maurice Leblanc-penned master of disguise, with the author's famous character first popping up on the big screen over a century ago, then appearing in both movies and TV not just in his homeland but also in the US and Japan since. Centred on a gentleman thief who takes his cues from the fictional figure, however, Netflix's take on all things Arsène Lupin is equally creative, riveting, twisty and entertaining. With the charismatic Omar Sy (Jurassic World Dominion) as its lead, it also couldn't be better cast. Viewers initially discovered this Lupin's delights in January 2021, when Sy's Arsène superfan Assane Diop started showing off his larceny skills in the series' instantly engaging five-episode first part. The angle proved savvy. The central casting is sparkling. Creators George Kay (who has since made the Idris Elba-led Hijack) and François Uzan (Family Business) perfected the rollicking vibe, while director Louis Leterrier (Fast X) turned in some of his best work helming the debut three instalments. It's no wonder that the show became the most-watched series in a language other than English on Netflix at the pre-Squid Game time. A second five-chapter part arrived in June the same year, but audiences have had to wait until now for a third. Streaming its seven new entries from Thursday, October 5, Lupin's third part dazzles again. Crime capers don't much more charming — and bingeable — than this page-to-screen heist affair. Leblanc introduced the world to Lupin in short stories in 1905, with 17 novels and 39 novellas following. In some, Herlock Sholmes pops up — and yes, the reference to Arthur Conan Doyle's detective is clearly on purpose. Although Sherlock Holmes isn't quite Arsène Lupin's English equivalent, the two characters give readers and viewers alike the same thrills. If spending time with smart figures with silky skills in can't-put-down and can't-look-away mysteries is what you're after, both deliver. Netflix's Lupin gives the French favourite a modern-day Sherlock-esque spin, but with another pivot to put the suave Senegal-born Diop and his various quests in the spotlight. When Diop first sashayed across streaming queues, he was on a mission to avenge the incarceration and death of his father Babakar (Fargass Assandé, Represent), who was imprisoned back when Assane was a kid for stealing a diamond necklace once owned by Marie Antoinette. Lupin's striking debut heist involved burgling the jewellery again — and from the Louvre no less — as Diop kept trying to establish his dad's innocence. In season two as well, Babakar's wealthy former boss Hubert Pellegrini (Hervé Pierre, Benedetta), who owned the necklace it was initially taken, is chief among Diop's targets. Just like everything from Squid Game to Succession, there's an eat-the-rich angle to Lupin; perhaps more than Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood comes to mind. Season three tasks the ever-resourceful Diop with coping with becoming headline fodder for his efforts with Pellegrini. He's long been in hiding since, which is having an impact upon his childhood sweetheart-turned-estranged wife Claire (Ludivine Sagnier, The Serpent Queen) and their teenage son Raoul (Etan Simon, Jeune et golri). Cue a new big scheme — with trusty assistance from his gadget-making best friend Benjamin Feel (Antoine Gouy, Gold Brick), another mainstay from his school days — to abscond with a priceless black pearl, fund a new life and start afresh with his family. But it isn't just police detectives Youssef Guédira (Soufiane Guerrab, Visions) and Sofia Belkacem (Shirine Boutella, Christmas Flow), one a massive Lupin aficionado himself and the other slowly being convinced of the books' relevance, who boast a keen interest in anything that possibly involves Assane. Flashbacks to the 90s, to Diop (Mamadou Haidara, La vie de ma mère) and Claire (Ludmilla Makowski, Bardot) as high schoolers, remain in Lupin's return, with the series as concerned as ever with cause, effect and actions having consequences. Kay and his writing team not only adore layering in references to their source material as heftily as their protagonist, who bases his exploits around his inspiration, but piling in multiple mysteries. This is a show to sleuth along with, including puzzling through the same whodunnits that catch Assane's attention and pondering any heist series' main question: how'd they do it? Lupin always eventually explains the steps behind Diop's trickery, whether he's donning a luxe purple suit and ageing himself up to blend in by standing out or rushing through Paris' catacombs — and the reveals never disappoint. As tautly scripted and stylishly shot as Lupin is, and as enjoyably OTT as many of its robberies prove, there's no doubting that this wouldn't be the gem it is without the perfectly cast Sy. While it was his César Best Actor Award-winning role in 2011's The Intouchables that first brought him to worldwide fame, leading to parts in X-Men: Days of Future Past and Jurassic World, it's Lupin that has cemented the Micmacs, Mood Indigo, Monsieur Chocolat and Night Shift actor as a global star. Enlisting him as Diop is a Daniel Craig-in-Bond, Tom Cruise-in-Mission: Impossible stroke of genius — and he's just as debonair, and adept at donning disguises. There are plenty of reasons that Assane has become a hero to the French masses in Lupin's latest go-around, but Sy's magnetic performance couldn't be more essential for at-home audiences. Also pivotal: that Lupin isn't merely sleek action fodder with an excellent lead, plus gripping ups and downs. Emotional stakes have always been crucial to the show, as has unpacking traumas both now and across generations, the chasm between the one percent and everyone else, and interrogating racial divides as well as class clashes. It works as a Parisian travelogue, too, upping the thrills by getting Diop sneaking around — and often flatout waltzing into — well-known sights. John Wick: Chapter 4 isn't the only 2023 must-see to make excellent use of the Arc de Triomphe, for instance. In Lupin part three, the Place Vendôme, Père Lachaise Cemetery and Château de Thoiry also feature prominently. Lupin tours already exist, of course, but now they have a few more stops. Check out the trailer for Lupin part three below: Lupin part three streams via Netflix from Thursday, October 5.
It's only May but so far 2015 has dealt Melbourne indie rock four-piece British India a pretty good hand. The lads released their fifth album Nothing Touches Me in March, triple j has had their singles (like the makes-you-want-to-move 'Suddenly') on high rotation ever since, and they put in a stellar big-shoe-filling performance at Bluesfest, when they stepped in for The Black Keys. In support of the new record, the band is currently travelling the country on a mammoth tour, selling out shows, adding some more and then selling them out again. Basically, they aim to play wherever ABC broadcasts. Catch them at The Zoo on 12 June with Grenadiers and Tired Lion. Expect a solid dose of material from Nothing Touches Me, as well as all the old favourites — get ready to bring back 2008 with the inevitable ‘I Said I’m Sorry’ belt-out sesh. Quick sticks, snap up your tickets first here — word on the street is they won’t last much longer.
Prolific Japanese sludge-psychedelic noisemakers Boris are well acquainted with sounds of every type. They've released 19 albums full of them in the past 20 years — spanning from doom-laden metal to feedback-heavy acid rock — culminating in last year's release, with the you-can’t-say-they-didn’t-warn-you of a title Noise. It's a far cry from J-pop (though the trio have been known to dabble in it), but still a sound inspired by Japan. "Every street in every city is flooded with massive noise, from people talking, the constant playing of uncomfortable commercial music, so many conflicting sounds in one space," bassist/guitarist/vocalist Takeshi told the SMH. Last time Boris made it to Australia they played their 2002 cult classic record Flood in its entirety. If you manage to bag a ticket to their Crowbar show this month, come prepared for eardrum-popping experimental soundscapes as dense as their discography is in releases. Don't forget your earplugs. Supported by Dreamtime + Grieg.
You've forsaken smashed avocados, saved all your cash and somehow have enough money to purchase your own property — and, naturally, you want to make the transaction count. May we suggest a 16th-century British cottage that's been dubbed the most haunted house in the UK? Anyone can buy an apartment in the suburbs, but only one person can nab a notorious spot that was once a medieval witch prison. Located in St Osyth in Essex, the property in question is known as The Cage. Back in the late 1500s, it was used to house 13 women accused of witchcraft while they were awaiting trial. Three were ultimately sentenced to death by hanging, including the infamous Ursula Kemp — a midwife and healer who came under suspicion after people in her neighbourhood, including children, became sick and died. That's not the end of The Cage's unnerving story. In the years until 1908, the house was also used to detain men, women, and children. Unsurprisingly, the spot has featured on local ghost tours and as the subject of a television docudrama, with current owner Vanessa Mitchell even co-writing a book about her spooky experiences living in the property. [caption id="attachment_726177" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Right Move[/caption] Mitchell's time onsite was short-lived — she moved out "because of the relentless paranormal activity" according to Home Domus, who've listed the house for sale — however she has owned the spot since 2004. If you're keen to follow in her footsteps and you have £240,000 or more to spare, the two-level house features three reception rooms, a kitchen, a ground floor cloakroom, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside, a walled courtyard comes complete with a door to a walkway known as "Coffin Alley", where dead bodies were once transported on the way to the local cemetery. Top image: Home Domus 360.
Pairing movies with music is no longer new news, but the latest returning event that's serving up that combo is hoping for two things. Firstly, it's betting on a whole lot of love for Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey dancing up a storm in a classic 1987 romantic drama. Secondly, when it comes to getting excited about seeing that now 36-year-old flick on a big screen with its soundtrack performed live, it's hoping that you've never felt like this before (or, not since 2022's shows). Obviously, Dirty Dancing in Concert wants to give you the time of your life as well — and to not only let you celebrate one of Swayze's biggest and most charming film roles, but to immerse you in the movie from the moment you take your seat. No one will be carrying watermelons or checking into Kellerman's Mountain House in the Catskills, but the digitally remastered feature will grace the big screen, and a live band and singers will perform its iconic songs as it plays. Just as swoon-worthy: the fact that those musicians will stick around afterwards to headline a party that'll naturally have you singing and dancing. If you're feeling adventurous and inspired by the movie, you might even want to try to recreate the famous lift. Here, nobody will put you or Francis 'Baby' Houseman in a corner — and you'd be just a fool to believe otherwise. Your hungry eyes will soak in Baby's first taste of dirty dancing, her eager rehearsals and her growing infatuation with Johnny Castle, as well as her parents' bitter unhappiness about the entire situation. This blast-from-the-past affair is touring Australia and New Zealand across September and October, with dates locked in for Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, the Gold Coast, Auckland and Christchurch. And yes, because Dirty Dancing in Concert is certain to be popular, it's bringing its 80s-themed fun to sizeable venues, so you'll be having the time of your Dirty Dancing-loving life with plenty of people. DIRTY DANCING IN CONCERT 2023 AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR: Friday, September 1 — Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne Saturday, September 2 — Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney Friday, September 22 — Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Saturday, September 23 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena, Adelaide Sunday, September 24 — Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Perth Thursday, September 28 — The Star Gold Coast, Gold Coast Saturday, September 30 — Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland Sunday, October 1 — Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch Dirty Dancing in Concert will tour Australia and NZ in September and October 2023 — head to the show's website for tickets and further details.
When it comes to soaking in the splendour of neon signage, the Paradise Centre on the Gold Coast is embracing the idea in a big way. Thanks to a new pop-up called Neon Paradise, the Surfers Paradise spot is positively glowing until Monday, October 5, with 18 custom neon lights brightening up the place. Because this is on the Goldie, these neon signs feature a melted ice cream, ocean waves, a pair of thongs and a surf lifesaving flag — as well as a koala and a Cavill Avenue street sign. Like most of these types of pop-ups, it's tailor-made not just for gazing at, but for snapping as well. The free pop-up runs from 9am–9pm daily; however if you'd like some DJ-spun tunes with your bright lights, you'll want to head by from 5–8pm on a Friday or Saturday evening. It's a family-friendly affair, too — as you'd expect given the location and the fact that it's on during school holidays — so expect to have company. Neon Paradise is on display until Monday, October 5 from 9am–9pm daily.
I've sung in lots of choirs in my time. The Australian Youth Choir, for example (is it just me, or was that just so incredibly nineties?) My high school choir, the NSW School's Spectacular combined choir, the Newtown Community Choir, to name a few more. Sure, singing in choirs is one of the many nerdy things I have done in my life so far. But there's nothing quite like the buzz you get from uniting together with other singers as one voice. It gets me through my one obligatory visit to church at Christmas time: I'm a carol-singing tragic. Composer Eric Whitacre believes singing in unison to be a fundamental part of human experience. His Virtual Choir project uses technology to bring people together from around the globe to sing his compositions. The first experiment in 2010 saw 185 singers from 12 countries posting videos of themselves to YouTube singing one of the 4-part harmonies from Whitacre's piece Lux Arumque. Whitacre had previously uploaded a video of himself conducting the piece in silence which participants could watch as they sang their parts. The next installment of the project is a performance of Whitacre's Sleep, and is set to be unveiled on April 7 2011. The choir has increased 100 fold, with over 2000 voices from 58 different countries now taking part. Part of the beauty of it all is the prospect of so many individuals alone at their computer screens, who are nevertheless together as part of a bigger picture, sound and purpose. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zyLX2cke-Lw https://youtube.com/watch?v=D7o7BrlbaDs [Via TedEX]
UPDATE, February 3, 2021: Pixar Putt has extended its stay at South Bank until Sunday, February 28, 2021. The below details have been updated to reflect that change. Summer is in full swing — and, while 2020 hasn't been a big year for celebrations, the part-tee is just about to begin at South Bank. Our favourite Pixar characters are popping up in Brisbane at a new mini golf course inspired by some of our favourite Disney films. After hitting up King George Square back in 2019, the kidult-friendly course is now heading to South Bank from Thursday, December 31–Sunday, February 7. Designed to challenge both eight-year olds and adults, Pixar Putt features nine- and 18-hole courses that take you past childhood heroes like Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody and Elastigirl. Hit a few balls with Darla and Marlin from Finding Nemo, and flick one past Princess Atta from A Bug's Life. There's no need for a trip to Disneyland — and this year's course features five brand new holes, as inspired by the likes of new film Soul, fellow 2020 release Onward and last year's Toy Story 4. So, if you're not going to beat your cousin at backyard cricket over the holidays, challenge them to a match at South Bank from New Year's Eve. All you need is your hat and A-game (and no pressure if you remain defeated, there's always the nineteenth hole nearby). Pixar Putt is also open for after-dark sessions every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night — and they're only for adults. Running from 7–10pm, the post-work putt-putt hours are perfect for those date nights when you want to do more than just have dinner and see a movie. In general, you can head by from 10am–8pm Sunday–Wednesday, and 10am–10pm Thursday–Saturday.
Frontmen rarely come as charismatic as Henry Wagons. A storytelling character and a half, the Melburnian native has returned from the dark desert highways of the US to reunite with his band and bring Wagons' shiny new album to the townspeople. Seeing music as a joyous occasion rather than a moment to wallow in your sorrows, Wagons' shows are downright shindiggerous in their approach. "'Music is a public activity — the very birth of music was designed to be joined in on,'' Wagons told SMH. ''The first music was played at celebrations. The insular emo songwriter in the bedroom is this recent offshoot of what music is at its core. Music for me is for other people. I write it alone, but with the idea of playing it for other people.'' These "other people" make up the remaining five members of Wagons, one of Australia's best and most underrated live bands. Wagons have just released their latest single 'Beer Barrel Bar', taken from brand new, sixth studio album Acid Rain and Sugar Cane and nabbing a four-star rating from Rolling Stone. Landing feature album at 2ser and RTR, Wagons' new release heralds the end of a long period between drinks for the band — Henry Wagons released his own lovelorn ballad-filled solo album in 2013 and spent many months on the dusty highways of America touring his wares. With Mick Harvey (The Birthday Party/Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds) behind the mixing desk and Wagons himself bringing his US-inspired country stomping style to the plate, Acid Rain and Sugar Cane has quite the Nashville twang to it. Best enjoyed with a whiskey in hand and a soulmate far away, the LP is a natural evolution of Wagons' indie country blues into an Ameristralian tavern hootenanny. Kicking off their national tour in Adelaide on May 22, Wagons will make their way through major cities and regional centres, hopping from Fremantle to Hobart, back up to Geelong, Melbourne and Ballarat, up to the Canberran capital, east to Wollongong, Sydney and Newcastle before heading north to Brisbane and finishing up at Darwin's Railway Hotel on June 21. Warming up the stage at The Zoo for Wagons is Nashville singer-songwriter Jonny Fritz, known for his wise-cracking, storytelling onstage persona and his former moniker of Jonny Corndawg. Fritz signed his contract with ATO Records in gravy at Nashville landmark Arnold's Country Kitchen. Yee-ha. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WXoiX2bFPDY
Sydney yacht rock dudes The Holidays will play a string of huge shows around Australia, following on from their wildly successful album release tour in March. Filling out venues from Brisbane's Alhambra Lounge to Sydney's Metro Theatre and Melbourne's Hi-Fi with hyped up Sydney electronic producer Thief, the threesome will also stop by Newcastle's Bar on the Hill on campus with indie pop maestro Pluto Jonze, Wollongong's Uni Bar with Sydney garage ratbags Step-Panther. The new Groupie Magazine-presented dates coincide with the release of third single 'Tongue Talk', taken from the outfit's super pop-fuelled second album Real Feel. Tickets on sale Wednesday 14 May, with more details on The Holidays' Facebook page. https://youtube.com/watch?v=aiHQLvAu2lg
Fuzzy's national electronic-meets-hip hop festival Listen Out is back for another round and this year's lineup is a humdinger, topped by California's inimitable Anderson .Paak, with his live band The Free Nationals. He's joined by UK beatsmiths Gorgon City, big trap fiend Baauer, AV-happy producer Claptone live, Harlem Trap Lord A$AP Ferg, LA young gun Jauz, grime newcomer Stormzy, Swedish rap phenomenon Yung Lean and more. There's plenty of homegrown love on the bill this year, as always, with festival favourites Rüfüs marking their final Aussie shows of 2016, alongside the likes of Cosmo's Midnight, Ngaiire, L D R U, JOY, Sui Zhen and Willow Beats. Listen Out tours nationally to four of Australia's capitals, and will make its way to Victoria Park on Sunday, October 2. See the full slam dunk of a lineup below. LISTEN OUT 2016 LINEUP Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals A$AP Ferg Claptone Immortal Live Cosmo's Midnight Gorgon City DJ Set Baauer JAUZ JOY. L D R U Ngaiire Rüfüs Stormzy Sui Zhen DJ Set Tash Sultana Tchami Willow Beats Yung Lean Image: Listen Out.
Australia has been wandering merrily down the psychedelic rabbit hole more fervently than usual over the last couple of years. Big breakthrough names like Tame Impala, Jagwar Ma and Jinja Safari enchanted festival crowd after festival crowd, making it easy for newcomers like Richard In Your Mind, The Frowning Clouds, The Otchkies and everyone involved with the Nuggets compilation to find solid audiences for their whimsical, sitar-fuelled jams. So, when British psychedelic newcomers Temples announced their first Australian tour, slow nods of heartfelt approval spread through the states and territories. Hailing from Kettering, Northamptonshire and lead by the unbelievably British-named James Edward Bagshaw, Temples found traction in Australia after their heroes Johnny Marr and Noel Gallagher gave them ups for their debut single 'Shelter Song'. Soon followed their debut studio album Sun Structures via Heavenly Records, featured on triple j and praised for its neo-psychedelic prowess. Temples will journey south down the East Coast with Sydney psych-pop favourites Deep Sea Arcade, headed for The Zoo on Thursday May 8. Ticketholders are advised to turn off their minds, relax and float downstream on arrival. https://youtube.com/watch?v=vs4i41cOv0s Image by Dave Lichterman.
Yass, a small NSW town near Canberra received the signature Queer Eye makeover when the Fab Five descended on the town earlier in June. Well, the whole town didn't, but George — a cattle farmer and former rodeo cowboy — did. As did the local pub. A rundown of the show, for the uninitiated, the original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy show hit screens a whopping 15 years ago — running from 2003 to 2007 — and the reboot Queer Eye returned to Netflix this year. The general premise is that the Fab Five give less-fashion-savvy men (and it seems, establishments) much-needed makeovers. In Yass, while three of the Fab Five, Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France and Karamo Brown, were looking after George the cattle farmer, the remaining two — Antoni Porowsi and Bobby Berk — renovated the local pub's bistro and introduced a new signature dish to the menu. Fittingly, the five were also crowned — by Yass Mayor Rowena Abbey — Yass Queens. Yas, queen. If this reference is lost on you, it's a term said to have originated in the 80s ballroom community, but recently surged to popularity thanks to this YouTube video. The Australian mini-episode of Queer Eye will is now available to watch, with Queer Eye's second season also streaming on Netflix since June 15. Check out Yass, Australia! below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM2zD5FtrkQ&feature=youtu.be
If you've been looking for a reason to finally book that trip to Tasmania, here it is. Beaker Street Festival is returning from Tuesday, August 12 to Tuesday, August 19 and it's bringing a full week of death, pleasure, humanity and connection to Hobart and beyond. Don't be fooled, this isn't your average science festival. Now in its ninth year, Beaker Street is where art meets ideas and curious minds come together to explore what it means to live well, die better and stay curious along the way. There's over 70 events to look forward to across the week, including museum takeovers, field trips, speakeasy-style science salons, plunge pools, live music, pub nights, expert talks and experimentation. [caption id="attachment_1007080" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Oi Studio[/caption] The festival's main stage at Hobart City Hall is returning this year with a jam-packed schedule of headline talks, performances and debates. It's the kind of festival that makes you feel like a local, with something new and weird to discover around every corner. "We want to remind people that science isn't just learning facts – it's about feeling, experiencing, and connecting. It invites us to explore big ideas, expand our perspective, and share moments that bring people together," says Festival Founder and Creative Director Dr Margo Adler. [caption id="attachment_1007079" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Rosie Hastie[/caption] So whether you're a science nerd, a live music fan or just someone who wants a reason to visit Tassie this winter, this festival is for you. Beaker Street Festival runs from Tuesday, August 12 to Tuesday, August 19 across Hobart and regional Lutruwita/Tasmania. See a full festival guide and book your tickets now on the Beaker Street Festival website. By Jacque Kennedy
Do you sometimes lack confidence, or luck? Do you feel like you try more than you succeed? Do you seesaw between hoping things will go well and avoiding anything that could turn out badly? Of course you do — and so does Charlie Brown. For 65 years, the main character in Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts comic strip has captured the routine struggles of everyday life, acting as everyone's cartoon surrogate through life's eternal ups and downs. His troubles often involve kicking a football and flying a kite, but they're the kind of average antics anyone can relate to. That's one of the reasons why Peanuts has remained a comic strip favourite — and why a new big-screen outing has been eagerly anticipated. The makers of Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie know this, and they've acted accordingly. Their film might bring this ordinary boy, his beagle and their buddies into the 21st century, but it doesn't stray far from all the things that have made Peanuts such a cherished property for decades. Story-wise, that means a raft of scenarios fans will instantly recognise, and even the most casual of Peanuts readers or viewers probably will as well. Charlie Brown doesn't just tussle with his preferred outdoor activities, but with getting the attention of the Little Red-Haired Girl. His pals all continue to hang around, including his little sister Sally, best buddy Linus, the opinionated Lucy and tomboy Peppermint Patty. Back at home, mischievous pooch Snoopy dreams up a novel involving his World War I pilot alter ego, his girlfriend and his nemesis. If you're buzzing with not only nostalgia, but déjà vu, that's understandable. With Schulz's son Craig and grandson Bryan among the film's writers, The Peanuts Movie was always going to tread gently in its predecessors' footsteps. In what amounts to a series of interlinked vignettes, the film tells fond and familiar tales about beloved characters, with a tone of adoration more important than offering up any surprises. Indeed, consider the first Peanuts flick in 35 years a best-of compilation or a greatest hits package. The affectionate tribute that results comes complete with gorgeous 3D CGI animation that mimics pen strokes, a score that's appropriately jaunty, and the smart use of children instead of famous actors as voice talent. And while the movie's episodic nature means that some segments soar above others, when they do, they're something special. Charlie Brown's attempts to read War and Peace and his reaction when his classmates brand him a genius aren't just earnest and endearing — they're easily the film's highlights. Director Steve Martino (Ice Age: Continental Drift) might not be able to sustain the Peanuts magic for 88 minutes, but he certainly whips up a couple of memorable chapters. Of course, adapting comic strips into movies is a tricky task, even with ample material to call upon. Gags that work so well over four illustrations don't always translate to the cinema, particularly when pieced together and stretched out to feature film length. Accordingly, The Peanuts Movie is as slight and patchy as it is sweet, charming and amusing. When it all comes together though, it fittingly serves up another lesson about taking the good with the bad.
If you've seen a man in the moon, the Virgin Mary in a grilled cheese sandwich or a monkey in the callus of a tree, do you know there's a word for what you've been experiencing? It's 'pareidolia', which the Collins Dictionary defines as "the imagined perception of a pattern or meaning where it does not actually exist". In his notebooks, Leonardo da Vinci wrote that the phenomenon inspired great art: "If you look at any walls spotted with various stains or with a mixture of different kinds of stones ... you will be able to see an infinite number of things which you can then reduce into separate and well-conceived forms." Google is now taking pareidolia to a whole new level. Combining facial recognition software and Google Maps, Google Faces can identify human features on the Earth's surface. Given that the aforementioned cheese sandwich sold for $US28,000, we can only begin to imagine what the discovery of Jesus's visage in someone's backyard might do for property values. Google Faces is the brainchild of Onformative, 'a studio for regenerative design', based in Berlin. They have created an algorithm that, in combination with Facetracker, scans the satellite images provided by Google Maps, honing in on geographical elements that resemble an eye, nose, mouth or forehead. So far, the programme has circumnavigated the world twice, and it'll continue its journey over the next few months, gradually zooming in on the Earth to access new perspectives. Via io9.
When the FIFA Women's World Cup arrived in Australia in 2023, anyone in Brisbane who didn't score a ticket to the local games was able to watch along on the big screen at South Bank. When both Brisbane Lions teams — the men and the women — made their respective 2023 AFL grand finals, the inner-city site also broadcast the action. Next up: checking out both the Olympics and Paralympics, with the South Brisbane precinct again turning into a viewing site for the Paris 2024 games. South Bank's cultural forecourt in front of QPAC — and next to the BRISBANE sign — will turn into a sports-watching hub from Saturday, July 27–Monday, August 12 for the Olympics, then from Thursday, August 29–Monday, September 9 for the Paralympics. Across both periods, attendees will be able to catch the games from 6am–midnight daily, featuring a mix of both live broadcasts and replays. [caption id="attachment_801246" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Department for Culture Media and Sport, Wikimedia Commons[/caption] As well as cheering on the competing athletes — including the Matildas — Brisbanites will be able to make the most of pop-ups such as community sporting demonstrations and challenges, other entertainment, plus food trucks providing a bite to eat. Although the telecast will show 18 hours a day every day across the two periods, you'll need to head along between 4–7pm on Fridays and 11am–7pm for the activations. Expect the initial Matildas games to be among the replays, given their first three matches are all scheduled for 3am Brisbane time. First, the squad takes on Germany on Friday, July 26. Next up is Zambia on Monday, July 29, then the USA on Thursday, August 1. Not that getting into the Olympics and Paralympics spirit every four years is new in Brisbane, but 2024 sees the Queensland capital embrace the games eight years before hosting them in 2032. [caption id="attachment_956385" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tiffany Williams[/caption] South Bank Olympics and Paralympics Viewing Site Dates: Saturday, July 27–Monday, August 12 — for the Olympics Thursday, August 29–Monday, September 9 — for the Paralympics [caption id="attachment_820189" align="alignnone" width="1920"] IOC, Christophe-Moratal[/caption] [caption id="attachment_956383" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tiffany Williams[/caption] South Bank's Paris 2024 Olympics viewing site will run from Saturday, July 27–Monday, August 12, and the Paralympics viewing site from Thursday, August 29–Monday, September 9. For more details, head to the South Bank website.
When was the last time you jumped on a trampoline? How about fiftyish connected floor trampolines, with vertical wall trampolines surrounding the whole thing? The answer to the former is likely years and the answer to the latter never, but Sky Zone — the world's first indoor trampoline park — will have you jumping back to your childhood in a bounce. Sky Zone's newly-opened Brisbane facility brings the backyard staple indoors, unleashing the inner child in all punters. In hour-long sessions, patrons get the run of the 3000 square metre park to bounce to their heart's content. You can jump while slam-dunking a basketball. You can jump away from incoming dodgeballs. You can jump facefirst into a giant pit of foam cubes. And you can literally bounce off of the walls. After obtaining a special pair of trampoline socks upon arrival (that are then yours to keep), jumpers can make their way to through bright blue and orange decor to the different sections as they see fit. For those after entertainment of the more organised variety, three specifically-designed dodgeball zones await. Future Slamball players can jump and dunk baskets at the sky slam, with separate hoops for the tall and small. If flipping, falling and faceplanting is your thing, the pit is the place to be. If you want test your parkour skills, head to the wall. Jumping purist? Find your regular jumping hub (on one trampoline, or between many) at the stratosphere. There’s more to Sky Zone than just jumping, including a three-storey laser tag arena that holds up to 40 combatants at a time. With a subtle Alice in Wonderland spin, gun-toting participants hide behind giant chess pieces, run past playing cards and dice, try not to be spotted in mirrors and peer down from above in the structure’s cloud-themed heights. Attempting to fell your foes while avoiding the same fate is, of course, the aim of the game. Kids will undoubtedly flock to what’s certain to become the next big birthday party location, however the young at heart are equally catered for (there's even beer). Every activity suits all ages, even if older patrons might find the soundtrack lacking — sadly, Van Halen, House of Pain, Kris Kross and Destiny’s Child’s thematically-fitting hits don’t seem to feature on the park’s playlist. For those more serious about the park’s weekly sport offerings, refereed dodgeball leagues will run every Tuesday and Wednesday night from late July, with winning teams receiving the not-so-shabby prize of $500. From August, the facility will also offer a range of fitness classes, spanning cardio, cross training and using suspension ropes. Visit Sky Zone at 544 Kessels Road, Macgregor. Find more info over here. For now, scroll through the palace of your childhood dreams:
That soothing feeling that sweeps over you when you spy a cute canine, spend too much time watching internet cat videos or even just spot a picture of a newborn animal — that's the feeling at the heart of these out-of-the-ordinary wellness sessions. Sure, you've been to kitten yoga and puppy pilates, and they're both great. But we're guessing that you mightn't have tried meditating with baby goats or getting mindful with soft, cuddly lambs. After launching in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast a few years back, Karmably's cuddly classes are now a regular fixture. During them, you'll attempt to find inner bliss while surrounded by rescued baby farm animals. In short, it's the best way to de-stress when life's got your goat. After all, who can remain overwhelmed, exhausted or annoyed when they're sharing their chill-out session with actual goats? Back for 2023, Karmably's Goat Yoga classes focus on relaxation techniques. Those heading along can expect three parts to the session: mindful stretching, meditation and snuggling the four-legged participants. If you're wondering where the concept came from, it was inspired by organiser Berenice Tan's own experiences trying to find something other than the usual mindfulness classes within Australia. Tan began to research animal therapy and, after learning of the benefits (and realising that everyone loves cute critters), her sessions with goats, lambs and even piglets were born. The bliss goes both ways, too — with Karmably not only helping humans to relax in a fun manner, but also assisting animals in need. Tan works with sanctuaries, rescue centres, and organisations such as Harmony Hooves Healing Hearts and ABC Animal Farm. They both raise baby creatures who have either been rejected by their mothers or lost their mums in other ways, and hand-rear them until they can be adopted out as pets to families who live on suitable properties. The 2023 Brisbane sessions take place on Saturdays — on January 14, March 11, May 13, July 15, September 9 and November 11 — at The Station Brisbane in Fortitude Valley, with session times at 8.30am, 10am and 11.30am. Tickets usually get snapped up fast, so you'll want to book yours ASAP.
Since the beginning of 2024, W Brisbane has been hosting the Ever After High Tea, which takes inspiration from the Fairy Tales exhibition currently on display at the Gallery of Modern Art across the river. For bunny and chocolate season this year, the spread isn't going away — but it is getting a few apt additions, as part of the high tea's easter edition from Friday, March 22–Sunday, April 7. Two particularly big changes are on offer from Friday–Sunday across the three weeks. They both give the two jewels in the high tea's crown an Easter makeover. So, that's great news for fans of food that you can play with before you eat and, for adults only, cocktails. The fairy tale cookie cake book that you can paint before you devour will now feature Easter imagery, while the Crème Eggstraordinate is taking over as the high tea's signature boozy sip. What it's trying to recreate is right there in its name, as made with Bacardi Superior, Malibu, mango nectar, coconut cream, pineapple juice, lime juice and, of course, a crème egg. Running from 11am–3pm at Living Room Bar, the high tea also includes hot cross buns with whipped butter and strawberry jam as part of its culinary spread, as well as a chocolate Easter egg surprise that you crack open with a tiny hammer. From the regular menu, the strawberry macaron clocks, Queen of Hearts chocolate and hazelnut cakes, Snow White's Bittersweet Poisoned Apple Mousse, forest mushrooms, cured salmon crostini, chicken pies, cheese and herb bites, and pumpkin tarts with freeze-dried goats cheese are also on offer. You'll still pay $79 per person for the food, plus endless tea and barista-made coffee. Add in the cocktail and the price is $99. For a glass of champers instead, it's $109. And there's a $45 version for kids, which features bottomless juice, tea, babycinos and hot chocolates.
