In an art gallery in Ipswich, a magical world exists. And sure, it's designed for children — but you're never too old to feast your eyes on a playground made of sticky tape. At Tapescape, artist Eric Lennartson puts packing tape to its best use yet, making shapes, caves, tunnels, bridges and more by stretching and sticking it between metal frames. It spans two storeys, takes over 20 square metres, and uses 56,000 metres of tape. Want to see more before you see it in person? This behind-the-scenes video will have you heading west immediately. The bad news is that it's a play space for kids; however adults can marvel at its wonder, and who doesn't want to do that, seriously? It forms part of Construction Site, a broader exhibition that's all about building and playing. Our advice: you'd best round up your nieces and nephews.
Aaaah, January. The start of a new year always means one thing: making a whole heap of resolutions that you know you probably won't stick to. And, making the same resolutions. How many years in a row have you promised yourself that you'll eat better, look after yourself and learn something new? At Work-Shop's Good For Ya Gut classes, you can do all of the above by working your way through its fermented food and drinks series. Join fermentation whiz Lucy Galbraith to discover just why you should revive this age-old technique — and how. First cab off the rank is kombucha on January 9, followed by kefir on January 23, and kraut and kimchi on February 13. Perhaps you're already a fan of all four and want to whip up your own. Perhaps you're discovering something different and broadening your palette. Either way, the three evening sessions will add another skill or taste to your repertoire — or both — all while keeping your digestive system feeling oh-so-healthy.
This Christmas, it's not just stockings that'll be getting stuffed, or Christmas turkeys. Add your pantry and your stomach to the list — and prepare to find a whole heap of edible and hand-crafted presents as well. Think of Christmas at Cooks as Wandering Cooks' gift to you — so that you can give to others, and yourself. From December 7 to 14, their South Brisbane premises will become a week-long pop-up market filled your favourite traders. And they're open from 9am to 9pm every day, except December 10, when they close early for a party. Now that you know when you can stop by, you probably want to know exactly what you'll find there. Here's hoping you asked Santa for goodies from Picklehead Pickles, Ugly Duck Preserves, Moore Fudge, The Sauce Man, BNE Soda Co. and Avid Reader. And yes, there's more where they came from.
Every time one of Australia's many cultural film festivals rolls around, viewers are taken on a journey to another country. Celebrating its 20th event, the 2017 Spanish Film Festival is embracing that idea — and they have the perfect movie for it. This year's festival will close with The Trip to Spain, the third instalment in the Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon driving-and-dining series following 2010's The Trip and 2014's The Trip to Italy. Of course, the Spanish Film Festival has put together a hefty program that showcases more than two British comedians trading Michael Caine impressions while seeing gorgeous Spanish sights and ticking off the country's fine dining spots, with the full lineup boasting 38 features. In Brisbane from April 27 until May 14, the festival will kick off with Kiki, Love to Love, which actually has an Australian connection. Telling five comic tales about the passionate lives of Madrid lovers, it's based on Hoges actor Josh Lawson's 2014 directorial debut The Little Death. Elsewhere at Palace Barracks and Palace Centro, expect a vibrant cross-section of Spanish-language cinema, including moving coming-of-age effort Summer 1993, the Penelope Cruz and Cary Elwes-starring The Queen of Spain, and tense dark comedy The Bar, all heading to our shores after screening at the Berlinale. Or, viewers can catch the Goya-winning revenge flick The Fury of a Patient Man, bank robber thriller Escape Plan, secret agent spoof Heroes Wanted, literary-focused Venice Film Festival hit The Distinguished Citizen, or social realist musical At Your Doorstep. Plus, the program also features walk-and-talk romance The Reconquest, Smoke & Mirrors' true tale of corruption from the makers of 2015 festival standout Marshland, and Spain in a Day — the latest crowd-shot time-capsule companion piece to 2011's Life in a Day, joining fellow efforts made in Britain, Japan, Italy and India. This year's festival selections don't stop there, with four films embracing the joys of flamenco, spanning both dance and music. For those keen on looking back as well as catching the latest cinematic fare, three retrospective screenings will showcase the work of actress, singer and filmmaker Ana Belén, who has more than 35 albums, 40 films and 30 theatrical productions on her resume.
If one of your loved ones was about to die, how would you react? It's a grim prospect that no one wants to think about, but it's the basic concept behind Queensland Theatre's Once in Royal David's City. Theatre director Will finds out that his recently-widowed mother is ill, sits by her bedside, and asks himself the important questions: who are we, what are we doing here, what's the point, why does anything happen and all that. Written by playwright and former Queensland Theatre artistic director Michael Gow, it might come as a surprise that the end result isn't bleak and brooding — it's life-affirming. That's just one of the many contrasts that sit at the centre of the production, which marks Queensland Theatre directorial debut of new artistic director Sam Strong. As for the others, expect a play that jumps right through from the 1950s to the present, spends time in West Berlin and in Byron Bay, and spans broad themes and intimate encounters. After getting rave reviews in Perth, the production comes home for a hefty run between April 22 and March 14.
Is there anything better than giving your favourite record a spin, then setting back to take in its sonic glory with a drink in your hand? If you like music and booze, not much, really. If something comes close, though, it'd be shopping for vinyl while taste-testing whiskey. First, you rifle through crates looking for albums to buy or swap — or, you join the more the 20 stalls already locked in and bring your own to trade. Then, you head to the bar to sample some smooth spirits from Jameson. Repeat, reverse and interchange the above at your leisure. It's all happening at Crowbar on January 21, and while getting in early is recommended, this isn't the type of record fair that requires you to get up with the birds. Just drop by the Valley bar from 2pm with a hunger for building your collection and a thirst for brown beverages. That's your Saturday afternoon sorted.
On January 20, wake from your sleep and wander down to The Triffid. There, you'll hail to one of the most influential English bands of the last three decades. Stop daydreaming — there's no surprises who we're talking about. Karma Police: A Tribute to Radiohead will run through Thom Yorke and company's greatest and latest, and won't leave you high and dry as it touches on everything in between. For the paranoid androids worried about just how it'll work, here goes: Tyrone Noonan from George, Inigo, Speedstar, Danny Ross (featuring Ryan and Will from The Cat Empire) and Hannah Rosa will take to the stage, and each belt out for of their favourite Radiohead tracks. Because you're lucky, they won't just be doing that, with two original songs also part of each set. So, where do we go from here? Just hanging around a bar, knowing that something great is going to happen. The band of the evening are so very special, after all. And if you've attended one The Triff's tribute gigs before — honouring Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, The Cure, Pink Floyd, The Clash, Metallica, Iggy Pop and The Go-Betweens — then you know the kind of night you're in for.
Its that time again, Francophiles: time to get your fix of the European nation's best music. Every year, So Frenchy So Chic heads to Brisbane Powerhouse will a stellar act to knock your French-loving socks off. And this year, they've gone big. Consider yourself a fan of all things from the country in question, plus '80s new wave music and bossa nova? Then, consider yourself a fan of Nouvelle Vague. The beloved performers return to Australia to unleash their chilled out covers — and you can return for a dose of Gallic music bliss. If you're keen on French cinema, you might've noticed that the group's name actually means new wave; spanning sources of inspiration of both the screen and sound kind, they're certainly dedicated to their cause. Highlights of their career output to date include their own takes on Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart', Echo & The Bunnymen's 'The Killing Moon', Blondie's 'Heart of Glass' and Violent Femmes' 'Blister in the Sun'.
If 2016 taught us one thing, it's that — at least as far as music icons are concerned — tragedy is always met with a tribute or several. So, with the late, great Leonard Cohen joining the list of artists claimed by the horrible year that just passed, he's also the latest to receive a public outpouring of love in concert form. Dance Me To The End Of Love — A Leonard Cohen Tribute will gather a bunch of Brisbane musicians to honour the influential figure, and invite as much of Brissie as can fit into The Brightside to watch. Everybody knows that it's a must-attend gig. Everybody also knows that 'Hallelujah' will pop up more than once. Here, tonight will be fine — and hey, that is the way to say goodbye. The Duke, Pandora's Karavan, Mel Fraser from We All Want To, Mind & Matches, Peter Fogarty, Mardi Lumsden, Beth Knights and more will help, at what's certain to be a heartfelt evening. Image: Takahiro Kyono.
First, there was the Weekend of Darkness. Now, get ready for the Weekend of Tartness — aka the sister festival The Scratch just had to have. Where the former has celebrated ales, porters, stouts and other tipples at the dark end of the spectrum since 2013, the latter cartwheels to the opposite end of the extreme spectrum of beer styles. If it is tart and tangy, it is likely to be on the menu. Over two days, the funkiest, sourest, most refreshing beers being produced in Australia and around the world will take over the taps of the Milton hangout. It might sound like a gimmick, but these biting brews have been around longer than you might think. In fact, historically, all beers used to be sour. Drinking is only part of the fun, with tasty food and a pumping soundtrack adding to the atmosphere. And if you need some more information to help you work up a thirst, knowing that there'l be tipples on offer from Boatrocker Brewing Co., Feral Brewing Company, Newstead Brewing Co., Brisbane Brewing Co. and more should do it.
There has never been someone quite like Minnie Woolsley, aka KooKoo the Birdgirl. That was the billing the American entertainer received when she starred in iconic 1932 horror film Freaks. Yes, the movie's not-so-subtle title, as well as her distinctive stage name, paint quite the picture. Woolsley suffered from a rare congenital growth skeletal disorder that made her look avian in appearance, which is what brought her to fame; however it's the reality behind the sideshow that motivates the Metro Arts production that shares her adopted moniker. Sarah Houbolt dives into the history of the weird and wonderful part of travelling circuses through the lens of her inspiration, resulting in a bizarre and completely unexpected performance. Across four shows from November 3 to 5, KooKoo the Birdgirl will unleash its unusual delights, though heading to the venue on November 2 is also recommended. That's when Freaks will screen, giving context to Houbolt's show — and gifting audiences the chance to see the classic movie in Metro Arts' cinema.
If you're not already sitting down, you will be once you realise that Brisbane doesn't have a regular vegan market. Or didn't. In news that'll make you leap back up again, the city now has its own monthly gathering dedicated to animal-free products. Brisbane Vegan Markets celebrates ethical eating choices in the best way that anyone can: bringing together all of the stalls selling all of the vegan products. Whatever type of cruelty-free food you're after, there's a very good chance you'll find it here — and it's all happening on the second Sunday of each month. Stallholders change each month, but attendees can expect guilt-free grab bites from a rotating range that has previously included I Should Coco, Tibetan Momo, Kings Indian Fusion, Fire & Dough, Tapioca Traders, Organic Frog Doughnuts, Chai Cart, Vegan Van, Vurger, Green Street Foods, Flour of Life and Popcorn Downunder — and they're just some of the traders selling their animal-free wares. Plus, there'll be clothing and cosmetics on offer too, and live music as well.
So, you know that dia de los muertos hails from Latin America — but did you know that llamas do too? Don't worry, as with everything these days, there's a festival that combines both: the Brisbane Fiesta Latina 2016. This year's Latin American shindig once again commemorates the Day of the Dead, but it also does more than that. You've either been to or heard about the many, many culture-specific festivities that grace Brisbane's public areas on any given weekend, so you know the mix of food, music, markets, dancing, and arts and crafts that we're talking about. The Fiesta celebrates 22 diverse, unique countries when it takes over West End's Russell Street from 3pm on October 29. And, once the main event is over, there's an on-theme after party at Archive Beer Boutique to keep the fun keepin' on. Dress up, win prizes, and drink the Brisbane Brewing Company brown porter with chocolate and chilli that's on offer especially for the night.
That annual occasion to eat, drink and be merry has come around; no, not Christmas, although foodies can forgiven for thinking so. Prepare to sample good food and drink good wine at The Good Food and Wine Show. It's all there in the title. If devouring delicious treats is your thing — and it is, let's be honest — then your tastes are catered for here. Try local and regional produce in the show's themed zones, such as dairy-lover's wonderland Cheese Alley, plus the craft beer heaven that is Brewer's Lane. Or learn from the best, as famed chefs Matt Moran, Miguel Maestre, Silvia Colloca, Gary Mehigan and more cook up a storm in the Good Food Theatre. When it comes to feasting and learning, there really is something for everyone. From coffee to chocolate, and market-style browsing to masterclasses, you can devour meals made by celebrity cooks, brush up on your wine appreciation skills, graze from food truck offerings and conduct a few taste tests — and that's just the beginning.
A season of Serbian cinema will light up the silver screen at the latest edition of Australia's Serbian Film Festival. On offer at select Hoyts Cinemas around the country until early November, this year's program includes a quartet of contemporary Serbian productions that between them showcase the versatility of the nation's under-seen cinematic output. Selected as this year's opening night film, A Stinking Fairytale tells the story of the unlikely romance between Ema and Moma, who live homeless on the streets of Belgrade. Another standout title is Nikola Ljuca's Humidity, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year and has been described by The Hollywood Reporter as "a cryptic thriller about the morally vacant lifestyles of the rich and shameless". On a lighter note, Double Trouble is a comedy about a pair of estranged brothers who find themselves on a collision course. Rounding out the program is The Black Pin, a dark comedy about a misanthropic priest at odds with his superstitious parishioners.
Black cats and witches go hand-in-hand, if many a fictional tale is to be believed. And even if such stories aren't 100 percent accurate, no one is going to complain about combining the cuteness of the former with an occasion oft-associated with the latter. No, they're not, because who doesn't want to go Black Cat Market this Halloween? Thank the clever folks behind Annerley's Lucky Cat Cafe for having a stroke of genius that'll help you stroke more than a couple of cute kitties. Yes, free mingling with the establishment's felines is one of the things on offer on October 29, much to the delight of cat lovers around town. So is a vegan bake sale, a sausage sizzle, designer arts and crafts stalls, a raffle, bargain pet supplies and free cat treats. Image: Mark Richards.
Halloween is an ideal time for watching spooky movies; however whatever viewing you've already got planned, cancel it. There's one movie that's even more perfect for the occasion that usual this year, and it's showing at Dendy Portside for one night only. With the beloved Gene Wilder passing away recently, revisiting his work in the comedy-horror classic Young Frankenstein is a must. You'll laugh, you'll enjoy an all-time great, and you'll get to watch a masterful performer at his absolute best. Plus, dressing up as Wilder from this or any of his other movies is encouraged.
Perky puppies, green grass and a day filled with canine cuddles: is there anything better? On November 19 between 10am and 2pm, there really isn't. That's when Little Legs Rescue takes over New Farm's favourite open space for an event filled with all of the above. Puppy Picnic in the Park is also the event that you'll want to scurry along to whether you already have a four-legged friend to take with you or you're keen on meeting a new barking pal. In fact, if you fall into the latter category, it's a must-attend kind of get-together, giving you the chance to meet dogs that are looking for a new home, grab a foster information pack and chat to the foster coordinator. In addition, there'll be raffles and prizes on offer, with all funds raised going towards helping LLR's rescue animals, and helping the organisation keep doing that they do. Plus, it wouldn't be a picnic without a cruelty-free sausage sizzle, as well as baked treats that both humans and pooches can enjoy, cake just for dogs, and a professional photo booth so you can get the best pet snaps imaginable.
A drama released in 1989 that saw its premiere cut short because of the fall of the Berlin Wall. A tale of corruption in the sporting arena. A documentary about perhaps the greatest German director that ever lived. A lengthy father-daughter comedy that no one can stop talking about (us included). Yes, they're all part of the 2016 German Film Fest's 36-title lineup, which roams around Australia this month. In a nutshell, it's a great year to get your fix of the country's cinematic offerings. In fact, there's so much packed into the festival's heaving program that the aforementioned movies aren't even the only titles on our must-see list — though they provide a great indication of the wealth of choices available. Check some of them out when the festival comes to Brisbane's Palace Barracks between November 25 and 30.
Do you ever find yourself wondering what is inside some of Brisbane's most iconic buildings? Brisbane Open House is here to illuminate the answer. Held on October 8 and 9, this weekend-long, free event invites you inside some of the city's prized buildings to allow the architecturally fascinated and generally curious the opportunity to poke around behind some otherwise closed doors. Some of the buildings set to open their doors to the public include Brisbane's City Hall, Old Government House at QUT, Customs House, QPAC and a host of the stunning churches populating the Brisbane skyline, as 2016's impressive list of locations shows. Get the fully immersive experience by taking part in tours, attending concerts, taking in the photography film competition and all up reacquainting yourself with this city of secret treasures.
What's yellow, able to float, usually spotted in your bath, and about to take over the West End stretch of the Brisbane River? That'd be the good ol' rubber duck, which is the main attraction at the annual Summertime Riverfest. To raise funds to support the fight against cancer, the event hosts the biggest duck race in the nation — and yes, it's quacking good fun. Watching tens of thousands of cute toys bob about in Brissie's main waterway isn't the only thing to see at the free festival, however, with the tenth anniversary program filled with entertainment. You can also watch celebs row along in a giant inflatable duck, to keep on theme. Or you could eat, drink, dance and be merry. As for the food and beverage side of the festivities, the Regatta is helping from the other side of the river courtesy of both a gourmet street bites selection (featuring oysters, skewers and pizzas) and a range of refreshments. Music-wise, Bullhorn, The Hi-Boys, Cheap Fakes, CKNU, Little Billie and His Merry Men will all take to the stage to get your toes tapping. And yes, we know that ducks are the birds of the moment, but you just know someone is going to do the chicken dance.
If you're planning on spending Saturday with a beer in your hand, then one Fortitude Valley establishment has you covered. Admittedly, serving up pints is what Bloodhound Bar does every day of the week; however in honour of Brewsvegas, they're bringing back their beloved beer fest, adding it to the city-wide celebration, and making an extra special occasion of it. At the second Hopfields, they're also making an occasion out of showcasing hops, without which we wouldn't have the brews we know and love. With that in mind, expect all the tasty ales from around the world that you could dream of — and plenty you've likely never heard of, too — including limited releases, launches of new beers and one-offs brewed especially for the event, plus a slew of classics. With names like Get Rich or Die Ryeing and Puff the Magic Flagon on the menu, you're going to want to try them all. Save some room for the cocktails though, with the humble hop flower given its moment to shine in all its forms. Image: Robert Killey Photography.
When it comes to wrapping up the weekend, trust the Triffid to have the right approach. Sunday afternoon sessions have become a staple at pubs and bars across the city; however the Newstead live music venue's take on the trend is a bit more laidback than most. Given that all anyone wants to do is drink, relax and forget that Monday is a-coming much too soon, the Triff has the ideal answer. They're serving up just that with a soundtrack to match, aka their weekly Triffid Stripped beer garden extravaganza. Here, you'll devour stripped-back sounds to cure the end-of-weekend blues, including blues — of course — plus roots, folk, contemporary jazz, soul, reggae and world music. New artists take to the stage every week, so you'll never hear the same tunes twice.
It is often said that a photograph offers a window into another world — but in these snap-happy times of selfie sticks, food pics and constantly updating Instagram feeds, what are we actually seeing? If you have a social media account, you'll be used to viewing your friends' faces, meals and latest purchases. What you're probably not accustomed to is peering much deeper. IN SITU: New Photodocumentary Work aims to reach beyond the use of photos as a casual record of everyday life, and present images that truly capture the greater aspects of human existence. The documentary photographers featured aren't interested in snapshots, but in stories — about tragedy and suffering, rituals and habits, and things most people usually don't notice. Think of their pictures as a statement of what they've actually witnessed, felt and pondered over, rather than quick shots of whatever they're doing, buying or eating. Of course, their intention is all there in the exhibition's name. When you're viewing these photos, you're not just glancing at a happy snap; you're looking through the eyes of the photographer, and simultaneously stepping into the frame with the subject. Image: Cale Searston.
If there was ever a time for a beloved underground music celebration to make its return, it's Easter. Yes, there's more than one resurrection worth talking about this year — particularly if you're a fan of garage, punk, rock and metal. Taking over the New Globe Theatre on March 26 and 27, EarCandy #12: Resurrection features 50 bands playing on three stages over two days, in what just might be Brisbane's biggest underground and alternative event ever. Think of it as a demonstration of the city's musical vibrancy, variety and vitality; if you think the Brissie scene is dying, then you obviously haven't discovered these talented folks yet. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
A year ago, Brisbane's comic book scene got a whole lot brighter. In April 2015, Junky Comics threw open its doors and showered its customers with all the alternative, hard-to-find and all-round weird and wonderful publications, zines and graphics novels they could ask for. As their first birthday approaches, of course they're marking the occasion. This being a Junky shindig, it's not a case of if they're throwing a party, but how. The answer is both simple and not so, because this day of revelry comes in multiple parts. Who needs just one celebratory jamboree when you can have two? First, head to the Vulture Street store at 4pm on April 9 for the usual goodies — i.e. beers, sales and a rockin' raffle that could see you win Junky stock, vouchers and merch, and a little something from across-the-road neighbour Jet Black Cat, too. Then, come 7pm, scoot on over to the afterparty at The End. That's where you'll boogie along to DJ Shannon and stuff your face with Lucky Egg-provided finger food.
56 years ago, an iconic kind of footwear was born. Actually, Doctor Klaus Martens tinkered with his own style of boot from 1945; however it takes some time to perfect the right design when you're creating shoe history. Early prototypes featured soles made out of tires and discarded rubber, for example. If you haven't already guessed, we're talking about good ol' Dr. Martens, aka the trusty boots you probably wouldn't take off when you were in high school. With the first docs going on sale in April 1960, Fortitude Valley's just-as-iconic Downes Shoes is celebrating the occasion, joining forces with Sabotage Social for an afternoon of foot-based fun. From 3pm on April 3, you can use your feet to try a new pair of boots, get a shoeshine, saunter over to the bar for a Bloody Mary, or tap your toes. With Leah Lovelaces and Kirsty Kaos taking care of the tunes, there'll be plenty of the latter — and what better way is there to break in your new prized possessions than to get in the groovin' mood?
The Triffid has inspired a whole heap of reactions over its almost 18 months of operation. Mostly enjoyment, amazement and chilled vibes as anyone who has caught a live gig, feasted on the venue's tasty bites to eat or spent a lazy weekend afternoon in their beer garden would know. Now, the Newstead hangout wants to make you laugh courtesy of the first annual Triffid Comedy session. What better way to celebrate the yearly day dedicated to gags, pranks and general silliness than an evening showcase of four fine folks who tell jokes and cause giggles for a living? Yes, head on down to the Triff this April Fool's Day — or April Fool's Night, to be exact — to see Greg Sullivan, Aaron Gocs, Michelle Azevedo and Velvet Winter burst out their gut-busting material. Given that Sullivan has more than 20 years experience, Gocs had the internet in hysterics by wearing cornrows, eating corn and listening to Korn, Azevedo rocked the Brisbane Fringe Festival and Winter is a Class Clowns national finalist, you'd be an April fool not to turn up.
If anything is can inspire us to resist the urge to hit the snooze button a Saturday morning, it's food, glorious food. You might not expect to head to an Indian restaurant at 7am to get a serving of start-of-the-day deliciousness, though — but if you do, you'll be handsomely rewarded. For one day only, Sultan's Kitchen's Paddington store is hosting a cake pop-up. And, that's just the beginning of the good news. When an event has a name as rad as Ms Fat Booty Bakes, you just know that there's more great stuff to come. If you don't believe us, just run your eyes over the following list of mouthwatering morsels: matcha black sesame marshmallows, salted chocolate buckwheat cookies, salted caramel apple pie, caramel fudge with Malteser topping, and white chocolate peanut butter and jelly cups (and yes, there's more where that came from). Now, try to pretend that you're not hungry. We certainly can't.
Combine The Marriage of Figaro with My Kitchen Rules — and add a bit of worth — and you have Banquet of Secrets. In this new opera meets musical theatre meets fine dining, four old friends gather at their favourite restaurant for their annual dinner. During the course of their meal one asks, "is it possible friends as old as we, might have secrets hidden from each other, from the world?". They all answer no, the play finishes 15 minutes in and everyone applauds, because this is art. No, no, no, not that at all. Playwrights — and TV icon Steve Vizard and jazz legend Paul Grabowsky, aka Banquet of Secrets' creators — work for their buck. The four friends each agree to share their deepest secret while they eat. What emerges is an equally amusing and bittersweet examination of love, friendship, loss, betrayal, joy and the well-known connection between good food and great conversation. After premiering to critical acclaim in Melbourne, Banquet of Secrets performs at the Brisbane Powerhouse from April 7 to 9.
There's nothing like a national holiday commemorating the country's past to get everyone thinking about times gone by. The Brightside are getting into the historic holiday spirit, of course, but they're only jumping back a couple of decades. Yep, they're stepping back to the '90s. If you've been to one of their parties before, you know the drill: We Are Servants and That '90s Show will be cranking out all the covers your ears can handle, a host of cocktail offerings will be keeping up the '90s theme, and getting dressed up is encouraged and then some. And if this is your first Brighty shindig, you're in for a treat. Our tip: BYO parachute pants.
Like chicken? Love your poultry products slathered in spiciness? Think you can eat a whole lot of wings and then a whole heap more? Get your stomach ready and head to the Buffalo Bar. We guarantee that you won't be leaving hungry. Yep, the Mary Street hotspot is asking all brave folks to test their tastebuds at Brisbane's Hottest Wing Easting Comp. This finger lickin' good feast is exactly what it sounds like (and yes, bibs and goggles are provided). The winner will take home a Buffalo Bar voucher and prize pack, as well as bragging rights, while the audience will enjoy an afternoon of competitive eating entertainment.
Feel like treating yo'self this long weekend? Of course you do. How about a trip to the Gold Coast for an afternoon of basking in the sunshine and sipping delicious beverages that'll keep you buzzing well into the evening? That's what's on offer at Sunset Affair Gold Coast — aka the annual event's first trip to the QT Hotel's Stingray Lounge. Wear your best summery cocktail outfit and prepare to make a day of devouring delicious drinks and canapés. Live acoustic music will help get you in the mood, food stands will keep your stomach satisfied, and everyone from animal handlers to magicians to champagne pourers on stilts will make the occasion one to remember.
Following in David Bowie's footsteps is all part of a day's work for Jeff Duff. In fact, he's been doing it for years — first in his smash-hit show Ziggy, and then in his follow-up Bowie Unzipped. It's the latter that thrusts the performer into the spotlight once again, with Duff returning to Brisbane for a one-off encore of the tribute show that's all that and so much more. Channelling the thin white duke has taken on a mournful tone this year, of course; however if anyone can do the difficult task justice, it's the man who has also played Andy Warhol and even popped up in The Great Gatsby. As Bowie's '80s toe-tapper 'Let's Dance' implores, Duff will put on his red shoes and dance the blues, and belt out stunning interpretations of the inimitable artist's classic tracks as well. Hear everything from 'Life on Mars' to 'Fame' echo throughout the Judith Wright Centre, and try to remember that you're not watching the real thing. Yep, Duff's take on the music icon really is that convincing — and magical.
Every few months or so, Hollywood throws a few of its stars into the sea. Whether they're forced to conquer towering swells or left to float and flounder until rescue, the end result is usually the same: men battle nature, treading the very fine line between sinking and surviving in the process. Favouring disaster over drifting, The Finest Hours relates the details of the SS Pendleton. To date, the US Coast Guard's mission to bring the ship's crew to shore remains the greatest small boat rescue operation in history. Like many such stories, the true tale behind the film stems from a combination of bad weather, bravery and luck both good and bad. On the day Massachusetts crewman Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) intends to ask his superior officer (Eric Bana) for permission to marry his sweetheart (Holliday Grainger), a storm strikes. Two tankers are ripped in half by the hurricane-force winds and giant waves. With most of their colleagues tending to one vessel, it's left to Bernie and a tiny band of offsiders (including Ben Foster and Kyle Gallner) to jump onto a modest 36-foot boat to try and aid the other. Sadly, daring and noble deeds don't always inspire films filled with the same spirit, even when they're made with the best of intentions. The Finest Hours is set in 1952 and looks the period part. Unfortunately, the '50s are currently plastered across the screen in everything from Brooklyn to Hail, Caesar!, and frankly those offerings provide richer old-school depictions of the decade, and not just in a visual sense. Here, director Craig Gillespie keeps his tone as flat as his images are dark. Given that he also helmed the tender Lars and the Real Girl as well as the remake of Fright Night, his lack of energy is both surprising and disappointing. What The Finest Hours lacks in liveliness, it attempts to make up for in CGI-enhanced thrills. But while the splashing and crashing spectacle of the second half provide decent entertainment, they can't quite gel with the more intimate, character-based moments. It's never a good sign when the killer storm seems more subtle than the bulk of the people caught in its midst. Thank goodness for the sections devoted to the men on the struggling ship, as anchored by Casey Affleck. In his second impressive outing in as many movies following his turn in Triple 9, he endeavours to save his fellow sailors and keep The Finest Hours coasting along. The on-board drama he's immersed in might cycle through as many cliches as the rest of the film and the wet-and-wild genre in general, but it's the only part of the action presented with any tension or urgency.
Brisladies better get their sewing kits and glue guns at the ready because The Foundry has a treat in store. Grrlz Run the World Crafternoon is a free afternoon of painting, pasting and all round tinkering to the sweet sounds of some of Brisbane's best acts. Sahara Beck and Julia R. Anderson will both perform acoustic sets, and if time allows, you might as well stand up and belt something by Helen Reddy or Beyonce — whatever is in your vocal range. All and all, it's a laidback afternoon of nice chats, glitter and music. You can talk about boiz and nail polish for a bit, then move on to American politics and where to get the best haloumi in West End (i.e. the important stuff). And, it's 100% free, so don't worry about being strapped for cash. Who knows, you might even make a buck selling your craft on Brunswick street to some hapless, intoxicated yuppie.
It all started with a purchase and a push. In the early 1970s, playwright Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings) bought a house in London's Camden Town, and helped the elderly Miss Shepherd (Maggie Smith) move her broken-down vehicle. She was far from the area’s favourite inhabitant, with few others willing to offer such assistance, but little could he know what his one act of kindness would bring. Shepherd wouldn’t just stay in the suburb for nearly two decades: she'd park the van she lived in in Bennett’s driveway. The story of The Lady in the Van might sound like the type of tale that could only be cooked up by a couple of screenwriters, but Nicholas Hytner's film is based on the real-life Bennett’s actual experiences. Well, mostly. The movie version of the award-winning theatre production of the same name has fun with the concept of art capturing life, throwing an extra Bennett — a duplicate to do his writing, while he lives his life — into the mix. Other winking meta-textual nods to Bennett himself, and to Bennett and Hytner's previous stage-to-screen effort, The History Boys, also feature. Accordingly, both Bennetts peer out their window as the eccentric, cantankerous Shepherd yells at recorder-playing children, repeatedly paints her various cars a very distinctive shade of yellow, and generally shakes up the otherwise quiet and friendly neighbourhood over the years. Always complaining about her many illnesses but refusing any help, she’s a force to be reckoned with, as well as a woman with a backstory spanning ambulance driving, time in a nunnery, a musical past and a brush with the law. As her unlikely friendship with Bennett blossoms, she's also the film’s most convincing element. While Bennett has clearly worked with the material before, and Hytner directed the initial stage version, Smith’s interpretation of Shepherd is the main attraction. In fact, the English actress is another Lady in the Van veteran, receiving an Olivier Award nomination for playing the role in the original 1999 theatrical production, and also resuming the part in the 2009 radio adaptation. Like the charming acting treasure she is, she ensures Shepherd is more than just a victim of sympathy or mockery — or a means for changing Bennett's perspective of the world. For an actress with so many iconic performances to her name, including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey in recent years, it's a testament to her efforts that this ranks among her most memorable on-screen work. Smith's prominence does highlight the feature's struggles in other areas, though. TV-style images give the movie a standard, almost bland look, while too-timid pacing makes it seem much longer than its 104-minute running time. That the film began its life as a play is obvious. Never the less, the film's quirky story and Smith's compelling performance more than make up for any minor issues.
Savvy sartorial shoppers, rejoice — Metre Market is back. If you went to their first event back in February, you'll know the drill. Fashion is their main domain, but you'll also find music, food and arts among their stalls. In fact, with giving Brisbanites an opportunity to sell their pre-loved clothes the main reason the market came to fruition, you can even get in on the action by applying for a metre or two of space. And if all you want to do is browse and buy, there's plenty of that on offer too. The second Metre Market will take place on April 24 at the Morningside School of the Arts, and promises to keep the market mania rolling. Not only is it free, but it features the best things money can buy from the likes of White Owl Boutique, Frankie Lou Heath, Oddnuts Apparel, Phoebe Paradise, Emma Louise, Iron Hides, Jada Blue, Axsher candles and Soul Quartz — among other stalls, of course.
Where does a young musician get their start? And what does the Aussie youth scene have to offer? Looking in the direction of 4ZZZ for answers to those questions is a sensible decision for a big bunch of reasons. The community radio legends have had their finger on the sonic pulse for more than four decades now — and they also boast their own annual showcase dedicated to under 25s. That'd be Street Soundzzz, which takes over Zed's headquarters for a Saturday arvo filled with tunes, markets and even a sausage sizzle. If you're an aspiring muso or an avid gig goer and you're in the right age bracket, you'll want to be there. Max Chillen & The Kerbside Collective, Makeout Creek and Regular Band are among the acts making sure everyone gets their groove on, should you need another incentive to attend. You can also win every music fan's dream, aka the chance to program the 4ZZZ Youth Show. If that's not the future of music, we don't know what is.
You might need a thousand monkeys working at a thousand typewriters to come up with the phrase "the blurst of times" — but you don't need them to tell you about how ace the festival of the same name will be. When an event is inspired by a quote from The Simpsons, it already has a fair head start in the awesomeness stakes. A lineup of 24 of the country's best current punk, rock, hardcore and jangly pop acts keeps making that case, as does the event's spread over three Valley venues. Basically, to hear the former, you'll have to head to the latter. So, find Dune Rats, BAD//DREEMS, Methyl Ethel, Kirin J Callinan and The John Steel Singers — plus Polish Club, The Murlocs, Moses Gunn Collective and The Lulu Raes, too — at The Zoo, The Brightside and The Foundry. Seeing them all on one bill is the kind of thing that doesn't happen very often, so you'd best get your ticket quick. It'll be the best of times. Don't say we didn't warn you.
Forget worms — the early bird gets gourmet bites to eat, farm-fresh produce to line the cupboards, and an enjoyable morning of browsing and shopping at Milton Markets. Every Sunday morning from 6am — and 7am in winter — more than 80 stalls descend upon the corner of Cribb and Little Cribb streets in the inner western suburb to sell tasty wares. From whenever you feel like waking up until midday, you can wander through massive fig trees to join them. Returning for their first run of the year on February 5, the Milton Markets know that you probably have a hankering for a few things, and they're set to deliver. If duck egg pasta, Dutch syrup waffles, artisan honey and handmade goats cheese gets your stomach grumbling, you can stock up here. Don't worry if all of the above sounds familiar, too — and not just because you've been to a market around town before. In fact, if you went to the Red Hill Farmers Markets when they were up and running, you know what you're in for. Milton became the new site (and provided the new name) for the local favourites in early 2016.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled their 2017 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off in South Australia before heading to Townsville on Sunday, April 30. This year's lineup sees local talent front and centre with triple j Hottest 100 list-toppers Tash Sultana and Amy Shark (#3 and #2, respectively) taking the stage, along with The Smith Street Band, Montaigne, Hayden James and Methyl Ethel. Most of the international talent comes from the UK this year, with The Darkness, 21-year-old Loyle Carner and The Wombats making their way to the Moo, along with Germans Milky Chance. Here's the full lineup. GROOVIN THE MOO 2017 LINEUP Against Me! (USA) Allday Amy Shark Architects (UK) The Darkness (UK) Dillon Francis (USA) George Maple Hayden James The Jungle Giants K-Flay (USA) L-FRESH The LION Loyle Carner (UK) Methyl Ethel Milky Chance (GER) Montaigne Northeast Party House Slumberjack The Smith Street Band Snakehips (UK) Tash Sultana Thundamentals Violent Soho The Wombats (UK) Image: Tao Jones.
It's not every day that someone is called the modern-day Mark Twain. It's not every day that an American writer wins Britain's Man Booker Prize either. Thanks to his novel The Sellout, Paul Beatty achieved both — and now he's coming to Brisbane to talk about it. It's not every day that you get to hear a critically acclaimed author discuss his work, too. At An Evening with Paul Beatty on May 21, he'll chat about the book that turned the literary world upside down with its purposefully challenging concept: after The Sellout's narrator is forced to weather personal tragedy and a spate of other struggles, he decides to reinstate slavery and segregate the local high school. Only a writer with his smarts could turn the situation into an insightful, intelligent, satirical gem that turns an uncomfortable topic into an absurdist scenario, and raises a plethora of questions in the process. Sydney Festival director Wesley Enoch will host the chat, and, drawing attention to race relations closer to home than The Sellout's Californian setting, spoken word artist Fred Leone will present a new poem inspired by his Tongan and South-Sea Islander heritage. The latest event in UPLIT's in-conversation series, expect a powerful, memorable, thought-provoking evening.
What's better than a weekly stroll around a farmer's market? Pairing your perusing and purchasing with a party. If you help Kuraby Markets celebrate their fourth birthday, they'll help you add more fun to your Saturday. Come May 20, there'll be more than the usual selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, seafood and meat, arts and crafts, homemade items and homewares, and secondhand items on offer on Beenleigh Road. Prepare to stock up your cupboards and wardrobe, and prepare to eat cake as well. While the markets run from 6am until noon, once 9.30am ticks over, there'll be free birthday cake for everyone. It mightn't be your usual breakfast, but it's a great start to the day nonetheless. With themed decorations, a specialty cake and cupcake stall, and a yet-to-be-revealed birthday giveaway part of the shenanigans, it's the shindig that gives all of its guests a gift.
Between May 18 and 21, make the drive to Noosa to do something other than take a swim. Catching some surf, sun and sand will likely be on your agenda anyway — that's what happens on the Sunshine Coast, after all — however the tourist spot will be in the thick of their annual food and wine festival. Eating multiple courses on a golf course, partying while drinking pinot, hanging out at a jazz supper club and enjoying a culinary tour through the hinterland are just some of the events on offer as the town goes gastronomy crazy, and the surrounding area too. Indulge in a feast of Queensland seafood, have a cheeky champagne, learn Indigenous cooking techniques or dine on the waterfront — whatever cuisine-focused celebration takes your fancy, you'll probably find it on the menu. Basically, it's the kind of fun you'll want to make a weekend of. You've heard of eating, drinking and being merry; this is eating, drinking, being merry and being beachy as well.
Among the many gifts that Japan has given the world — ramen, sake, Godzilla, Pokemon, the list goes on — bonsai is perhaps the most relaxing, even if you haven't mastered the art yourself. Cultivating tiny trees certainly sounds soothing, but it's not a skill we all have. Still, regardless of how green your thumbs are (or aren't), we all can enjoy the calming bliss of looking at these small wonders. On May 20 and 21, Brisbane's Royal on the Park hotel is the place where miniature plants come to life, thanks to The Bonsai Society of Queensland and The Association of Australian Bonsai Clubs' bonsai exhibition. It forms part of their National Bonsai Convention, but the important part for us non-bonsai-making folks is that their creations will be on display, looking cute and comforting, for anyone that wants to take a gander. Warning: stare long enough, and you will want to take up bonsai yourself. Don't say we didn't tell you.
Do you remember a time before a certain frozen alcoholic beverage no one can get enough of? Well, before there was was frose, there was rose. It's pink, sweet and everything that's great your drink of choice, just without the slushiness. It's also the main attraction at Jellyfish Restaurant every Sunday from 11am. You know what that means: boozy brunch. For $85 per person, you'll be treated to a glass on arrival; however, you'd best settle in and cancel your plans for the rest of the day. Yes, there's more sipping and some eating to be done. Sitting at the Eagle Street eatery's communal table, you'll share a Mediterranean-inspired meal while trying three or four different varietals of the beverage in the spotlight. Just be warned: once you head along for the first time, you'll probably want to rush back the next week. Why not?
It's a pretty clever move — and one that probably made you think about this event more than you might've otherwise. Rather than just calling the celebration of New Zealand's finest craft beers what it really is (aka a boozefest), the powers that be have labelled it a symposium. That means that you can feel like you're partaking in something scholarly as you're sipping on brews from across the ditch. Given that you'll be able to sample a whole host of beverages you probably haven't come across before, there really is an educational side to it. In Brisbane, three places are getting in on the action: Bloodhound Bar, The Scratch and Tippler's Tap. Each will offer up their own take on the event, plus their own selection of world-class NZ brews, on their own days. Basically, whichever you pick you're in for an afternoon and evening of themed, informative fun. And, while the symposium runs from February 1 to 6, it's time to culmination on Waitangi Day, which really couldn't be any more appropriate.
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.
Who doesn't want to fling some tropical fruit around on a public holiday? It's a strange concept, we know — and one that's exactly as silly and simple as it sounds — however this day seems to not only embrace tradition, but novelty. Of course, when it comes to throwing pineapples, there's only one iconic, 131-year-old venue for it. Head to one of Kangaroo Point's finest, enjoy the other Australia Day merriment (including pub food, brews and the Hottest 100), and then try your luck in the 11th annual competition. The winner won't just receive bragging rights, but $750 for their efforts.
