Before Rhys Pike and Sean Astill opened Future Magic Brewing Co, Manilla Street in East Brisbane was already home to a brewery thanks to the Gold Coast-born Black Hops' Brisbane taproom. For many, setting up shop opposite another beer joint might've been cause for second thoughts, but not for this duo. Valuing community — cultivating Future Magic's own via crowdfunding, and celebrating the community it has joined in its new abode — is one of their guiding principles. Pike and Astill did hear the obvious doubts, however. "We've had quite a few people ask us in really direct terms 'don't you think it's silly to open a brewery within 100 metres of another brewery?'," Pike says. "And our rationale is that, it's a weird concept but the rising tide will lift all ships. If there's a great brewery in an area, it will then change the way another brewery will operate, and make them make their processes better — and it means that the local offerings for beer and food and wine, and craft concepts like gin and so forth, will become better for everyone." The pair met about seven or eight years ago, with Astill dabbling with home brewing and Pike running a craft beer blog and Instagram account, and both working for a technology business. "Sean presented me with a couple of home brew beers he had made, and I told him they were of very high quality and he should consider submitting them to some awards," Pike explains. Astill followed his advice, placed second in the state in the Queensland Amateur Brewers Association awards, and then fourth in the country. He'd next work for Ballistic Beer Co. Bringing Future Magic to fruition sprang from there, with monthly catchups to work through the duo's plans, research into ideal locations and a 12–18-month search for the perfect property, which involved inspecting 40–50 properties. Pike and Astill went with the industrial brick Manilla Street warehouse — the home of a former packaging supplies company — for its feature wall, its capacity to host both a taproom and the brewing operations, and its room for growth. "It's kind of cool and funny in its full-circle nature that the building has gone from a place that has housed boxes of pizza to serving boxes of pizza," Pike says. "We still get people coming in every week asking to buy pizza boxes and cake boxes." Future Magic's pizza range is made in-house, with seven types available — plus two for kids — alongside mushroom arancini and bruschetta. The main drawcard, of course, is the beer pumping through 12 taps. That includes its own brews, complete with a mango and passionfruit sour; a Thriller in Manilla Hazy IPA collaboration with Black Hops; and two ciders and a wine list from Witches Falls Winery well. Images: Rhys Pike.
We knew it. We knew it. They'd never leave us. They'd never just go. James Murphy is dancing himself clean and reuniting All His Friends, LCD Soundsystem, to headline this year's whizzbanger of a Coachella festival. Oh, and Guns N' Roses. Yeah, they're playing too. Take a big ol' breath and let them squeals out. Every last trilby-wearing tween celebrity, President’s daughter and your smug, smug US-based friends will be rubbing their paws together after Coachella festival lineup, tweeted today. Running over two weekends from April 15 to 24, the Californian festival has delivered their usual jaw-dropper of a lineup. Where do we start? Ready to break hearts and take names, Sufjan Stevens is hitting the big stage with the loud, loud likes of M83, Sia, A$AP Rocky, Ice Cube (!), Calvin Harris, Disclosure, Ellie Goulding, Purity Ring, Run the Jewels, RL Grime, Rae Sremmurd et al. Homegrown folks like Flume (whose name is at least three font sizes bigger than Hudson Mohawke) and Courtney Barnett will be reppin' the motherland. Anyway, let’s be honest, you haven’t truly read any of those words — you’ll be wanting this.
Brightside proved itself in 2014 to be incapable of doing wrong when it comes to live performance. True testament to this is their Australia Day Eve lineup, which rivals that of any major music festival on our horizon, and at a good price to boot. The party includes sets by dream-spinning, rock demigod Ariel Pink, New Zealand indie-rock pioneers The Clean, our mate American singer/songwriter How to Dress Well and eletro-wizard Dan Deacon. From the local circuit, Tincture, Primitive Motion and Thigh Master will also welcome in the public holiday. Tickets online are $56.10, but a few boutique outlets, such as one on Winn lane that rhymes with ScoutMost, may be selling them a little cheaper. You didn't hear it from us.
Earlier this year, over a frosty July weekend, Spencer Tunick staged his latest mass nude photography work. After months of controversy, the New York artist snapped 860 naked Melburnians on Chapel Street, as well as in the rooftop car park of the Prahran Woolworths — with a brightly coloured series of images entitled Return of the Nude the end result. If you've been wondering what the finished product looked like, Tunick has now revealed the final four photographs. The Return of the Nude installations feature participants donning pink and red sheer sheets for separate shots — and, in another, wearing a vibrant palette of body paint. That's not all that Tunick has in store. Art fans will also be able to experience the installation via virtual reality, thanks to the release of a location-triggered VR app. Available from this weekend from the Apple and Google stores, it'll enable anyone visiting Artists Lane in Windsor — aka where some of the photos were taken — to not only feel like they're in the image, but like they're surrounded by 550 nude people covered in paint. Explaining Return of the Nude, Tunick notes that "my work has long brought out the common themes of community, individual identity, and the challenges of making the arts an inclusive experience rather than an exclusive experience. Working within the Chapel Street Precinct provides an amazing opportunity to let the citizens of Melbourne become the artist themselves. I believe these final images have captured an extraordinary moment in the timeline of Melbourne." The images and app come after after Tunick experienced quite the tumultuous journey in his efforts to stage the piece. First he was given permission to hold a mass nude photoshoot on top of the Prahran Woolworths car park as part of Chapel Street Precinct's Provocaré Festival of the Arts. But then the store said that it wouldn't like to participate. The supermarket then reversed its decision a week later after a petition spearheaded by the Chapel Street Precinct Association (CSPA), the festival's host organisation, gained some momentum in the community. Return of the Nude arrives 17 years after Tunick assembled 4500 naked volunteers for a snap near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival. It also comes eight years after he photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras. Images: Return of the Nude by Spencer Tunick.
Sandra Oh taking on co-hosting duties with Andy Samberg and taking home a trophy of her own. Maya Rudolph proposing to Amy Poehler. Olivia Colman proving a worldwide treasure yet again. Christian Bale not only reminding everyone that he's British, but thanking Satan in his acceptance speech. They're just some of the highlights of this year's Golden Globes, and the list only continues. Carol Burnett and Jeff Bridges picked up lifetime achievement awards, and Regina King vowed to only work on productions that achieve gender parity for the next two years. Elsewhere, Willem Dafoe got a flu shot, and Jim Carrey was forced to move from the film to the TV section now that he's made the leap to the small screen in Kidding. That's the ceremony side of proceedings. When it comes to the Globes' winners, plenty of 2018's blockbusters took home awards — Bohemian Rhapsody snagged the big one, Best Motion Picture — Drama, beating out A Star Is Born (which was nonetheless awarded Best Original Song — Motion Picture for the banger 'Shallow'). The forthcoming Green Book also got a movie accolade, and comedies The Marvellous Mrs Maisel and The Kominsky Method won out in the television realm. But now that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association have made anointed their best flicks and shows productions of 2018, we've chosen our top picks of their picks. Some you'll find at the cinema or on your streaming platform of choice right now. Some are coming soon. All of them should be added to your must-watch list. MOVIE MUST-SEES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp_i7cnOgbQ ROMA With Roma, Gravity's Alfonso Cuarón makes his most personal effort yet, with this tale of a Mexican housekeeper partly drawn from his own upbringing. That said, the filmmaker's gorgeously shot black-and-white feature doesn't just feel like a window into the 70s neighbourhood where he grew up, or an intimate account of the political reality of the time. Rather, it feels like a personal story for everyone that the world doesn't usually see. One of the best efforts of 2018, this stunner also benefits from a quietly expressive lead performance from Yalitza Aparicio, who puts in her first ever on-screen performance. The empathetic star deserves the same kind of free-flowing acclaim that writer/director/cinematographer Cuarón has been getting — although Cuarón thoroughly deserves his accolades as well. GLOBES Won: Best Motion Picture — Foreign Language, Best Director — Motion Picture (Alfonso Cuarón). Nominated: Best Screenplay — Motion Picture (Alfonso Cuarón). Now streaming on Netflix — read our review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbfIIGRfRJg SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE "We're in an alternate universe," said writer/producer Phil Lord as he accepted Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse's award. Whichever world we're in, thankfully it includes this enthralling animated feature. Into the Spider-Verse is the perfect antidote for anyone suffering from spider-fatigue — aka a condition we've all been experiencing after seeing three different actors become the web-slinger over the past two decades. With kaleidoscopic visuals that look strikingly cinematic while nodding to Spidey's comic book days, the film doesn't just focus on the antics of Brooklyn high-schooler Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) after he's bitten by a radioactive arachnid. This smart, heartfelt coming-of-age effort lets audiences enjoy many, many spider-folk, including Peter Porker, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, and Peni Parker and her mechanical offsider SP//dr. GLOBES Won: Best Motion Picture — Animated. In cinemas now — read our review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYb-wkehT1g THE FAVOURITE An awards season favourite, this period drama might've only picked up one gong at the Globes, but it's certain to keep featuring as the BAFTAs and Oscars roll around. It's such a delicious, comedic take on genre that's often anything but those two things — although when The Lobster's Yorgos Lanthimos tries his hand at British regal history, that's probably to be expected. Best actress in a drama recipient Olivia Colman steps into the shoes of real-life English monarch Queen Anne, while Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone also dazzle as the women vying for her attention and affection. In her acceptance speech, Colman made it clear just how much fun she had making the movie, and it shows in every frame of the finished product. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy (Olivia Colman). Nominated: Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture (Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone), Best Screenplay — Motion Picture (Deborah Davis, Tony McNamara). In cinemas now — read our review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfxerpiKGsk THE WIFE It happens every year. Sometimes it's an actor, sometimes it's someone working behind the lens — but whoever it is, they're not only earning acclaim for their latest great effort, but for their great career in general. Consider it a body of work award or a catch-up trophy, rewarding a talent who hasn't perhaps received the recognition that they've always deserved. In 2019, Glenn Close fits the bill with The Wife, where she plays the woman who's always stood behind her successful author husband. Still, hers truly a fantastic performance and one deserving of glistening accolades, all in a movie that couldn't be more timely thematically. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama (Glenn Close). Now available on DVD and Google Play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8qbq6Z6HYk IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK Two years after Moonlight's Oscar win over La La Land, Barry Jenkins returns with another intimate and affecting film. This time around, the supremely talented writer/director adapts James Baldwin's novel If Beale Street Could Talk — and if you've seen the documentary I Am Not Your Negro, which also found its basis in Baldwin's work, then you know you're in for a complex and passionate effort. Narrative-wise, the romantic drama follows couple Tish (KiKi Layne) and Fonny (Stephan James). It's the 70s, and they're expecting their first child when Fonny is falsely accused of rape. As he did with Moonlight, Baldwin excels not only in his emotional and visual storytelling, but in bringing together an exceptional cast, including Globe winner Regina King as Tish's mother. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture (Regina King). Nominated: Best Motion Picture — Drama, Best Screenplay — Motion Picture (Barry Jenkins). In Australian cinemas February 14, New Zealand cinemas March 7. SMALL SCREEN BINGES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLfLU6-9lxY BODYGUARD There's no shortage of British TV shows about cops, politics and both, but that doesn't mean that they're all alike. In fact, there's nothing standard or routine about this recent addition to the fold. In Bodyguard, Game of Thrones' Richard Madden is a post traumatic stress-afflicted ex-soldier turned police protection officer — and one who's assigned to guard a controversial politician (Keeley Hawes) that he strong disagrees with. As well as proving gripping and tense from start to finish, this six-part psychological thriller shows that newly-minted Globe winner Madden boasts talents far, far beyond attending GoT's infamous Red Wedding. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Drama (Richard Madden). Nominated: Best Television Series — Drama. Now streaming on Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MBjBavIC9U KILLING EVE This year's ceremony belonged to Sandra Oh, and that really shouldn't come as a surprise. Three decades after her first screen appearances, the hard-working actor has turned in the standout performance of her incredibly consistent career in Killing Eve, and she has been duly rewarded for it. Playing the titular MI5 officer, Oh immerses herself in a role that segues from bored spy to determined obsessive as she tracks the path of an alluring international assassin (Jodie Comer). Developed by Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge based on the Codename Villanelle novellas by Luke Jennings, the end result is a thrillingly twisty espionage effort that never does what you expect. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Drama (Sandra Oh). Nominated: Best Television Series — Drama. Now streaming on ABC iView in Australia and TVNZ in New Zealand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggDTJc470Co A VERY ENGLISH SCANDAL Last time that Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw worked on the same project, it was in one of the most delightful films of this decade — and in a heartwarming family affair too. Now, the duo have leapt from Paddington 2's charms to a political controversy, or from one extreme to another. The pair take on the roles of British Member of Parliament Jeremy Thorpe and his ex-lover Norman Scott, and if you're unaware of the very English real-life scandal that arose in the late 70s, the details are best discovered by watching. Based on a true-crime novel of the same name, the three-part effort also benefits from excellent writing and direction, the former from Queer as Folk and Doctor Who's Russell T Davies and the latter from High Fidelity and The Queen's Stephen Frears. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Ben Whishaw). Nominated: Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Hugh Grant). Screening on Foxtel in Australia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8T__5EjhYs ESCAPE AT DANNEMORA If you've missed seeing Ben Stiller on your screens of late, that's because he's been busy stepping behind the camera. The actor's directorial credits already include Reality Bites, Tropic Thunder and the Zoolander flicks, but now he's added TV show Escape at Dannemora to his resume. Starring Golden Globe-winner Patricia Arquette alongside Benicio del Toro and Paul Dano, the limited series does what so many crime-focused efforts do, finding its basis in a tale that can only be true. Back in 2015 in upstate New York, two convicted murderers made a daring escape from prison, as assisted by a female employee — and how and why the whole situation came about fuels the program's seven episodes. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Patricia Arquette). Nominated: Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. Now streaming on Stan in Australia, and screening on SOHO in New Zealand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s64PUUHD6UQ SHARP OBJECTS When it comes to big names, Sharp Objects has plenty. Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson star, Big Little Lies' Jean-Marc Vallée directs and the whole project is based on a book by Gone Girl's Gillian Flynn. When it comes to big-impact thrills, this four-part series also ticks all of the boxes. Indeed, the show's main performers are as exceptional as they've both always been — which is no easy feat given both Adams and Clarkson's careers. The former plays a troubled crime reporter chasing a story that takes her back to her home town, while the latter plays her socialite mother. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Patricia Clarkson). Nominated: Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Amy Adams). Now streaming on Foxtel Now in Australia, and NEON in New Zealand.
Sydney foodies, we're spoilt for choice at every turn. New top-notch eateries are cropping up faster than ever before. If you're struggling to keep up — and who isn't? — never fear Taste of Sydney 2016 is the four-day foodie festival to get to up to speed on the cream of the culinary crop. Setting up residence in Centennial Park from March 10 to 13, Taste of Sydney in partnership with Electrolux is all about bringing diners and chefs together. Ticketholders will be treated with nosh from some of Sydney's top restaurants, including treats from beloved man-on-the-move Mike McEnearney (Kitchen by Mike), Biota Dining's sustainable modern Australian dishes, fire-cooked noms fromFiredoor, nel.'s fine dining dishes, plus Middle Eastern street food from the crew at Glebe's Thievery. Also joining the deliciousness will be Porteno, MoVida, Sake, and the newly opened Kensington Street Social, among others. But we can't wait until then. We annoyed Mike McEnearney to give us a recipe, NOW. NOOOOOOW. So Mike relented and told us how make his fresh, crunchy cucumber, mirin and sesame salad. You can make it too! Mike McEnearney's Cucumber, Mirin and Sesame Salad Ingredients: 800g cucumber 1 whole long red chill, thinly sliced 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil 1 pinch good quality salt ½ bunch fresh coriander 2 tsp toasted black sesame seeds 2 tsp toasted Japanese sesame seeds 120 ml Mirin and ginger dipping sauce Method: Slice the cucumber lengthways discarding the seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, toss and serve. Mirin and ginger dipping sauce Ingredients: 350 ml mirin 250 ml rice wine vinegar 100 ml raw soy sauce 50 g ginger 50 g eshallots, peeled Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and let sit for at least one hour before serving.
Sick of being turfed out of rentals, but no idea how you'll ever afford your own home in Sydney? Let Big World Homes architect Alexander Symes come to your rescue — he's created Australia's first flat-packed 'tiny home' that's entirely off-grid. You heard us. Flat-packed homes. And they're going for a cheeky $65K each. Big World Homes are self-described as "a transitional housing product that offers a solution to people currently unable to get into home ownership" — that means most of us living in Australia's capital cities. To check out this highly unique housing solution for yourself, get along to the 2016 Sydney Architecture Festival. On Thursday, September 29, Symes and a bunch of vollies will put the house together in just 2.5 hours, using only a hammer and a drill. Then, they'll drive it to the Festival Hub in Central Park, where it'll stay on display until October 3. Never been in a tiny home? You'll be able to explore the structure's many mod cons, including running water, electricity, a bathroom with plumbing, a living room and a comfy bed. Power comes from solar panels, while water is sourced via inbuilt rainwater tanks. "Big World Homes seeks to bridge the gap between renting and home ownership, offering a transitional housing product that is affordable and also rethinks the way people live," said Symes. "We're excited to be launching at the Sydney Architecture Festival one of the most progressive, socially oriented, community driven housing projects that Australia has ever seen. This comes at a time when the need for new options in affordable housing has never been greater." You can buy your very own tiny home for $65,000, which is a significant improvement on the cost of a studio apartment in Sydney right now. Get together with a group of mates and start your own, eco-friendly community. For more small house inspiration, take a wander over here. Check out Big World Homes at the Sydney Architecture Festival Hub at Central Park, Chippendale from September 29 to October 3.
For Brisbanites fond of burying their nose in good books, September might as well be Christmas. That's when the annual Brisbane Writers Festival rolls around, brandishing literary love aplenty and bringing a plethora of writers and wordsmiths with it — and its 2017 program is no exception. More than 100 authors will descend upon the city for five days of word-based fun from September 6 to 10, with the bulk of BWF taking place at — where else? — the State Library of Queensland. This year's event kicks off with an opening address about writing and Indigenous knowledge creation from Aboriginal activist Alec Doomadgee, closes with a session on transcending standard world views thanks to Indian-Canadian novelist Anosh Irani. In between, you'll find an ode to gossip, a discussion about touching upon taboo topics and scribes telling stories in outrageous costumes — and that's just a taste. Indeed, the rest of the lineup features a large-scale interpretive artwork, Angel's Palace, to mark the tenth anniversary of Alexis Wright's Carpentaria; British journalist and documentary producer Adrian Levy giving behind-the-scenes accounts of covering Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda, and a day dedicated to the superheroes, vampires, werewolves and more of Young Adult literature, just to name a few. Other highlights include John Safran chatting about the rise of extremism, Nakkiah Lui on writing for performance, Tracey Spicer throwing away outmoded expectations on how women should present themselves, and Benjamin Law helping dissect just why the news affects our psyche — and sharing his thoughts on humour as tool to reflect the world around him as well. It's an eclectic lineup, one designed to delight, challenge and inform in equal measure. As always, the festival will also be holding BWF satellite sessions in suburban libraries, helping word nerds get their fix closer to home. Whichever book nook you're headed to, BYO between-panel reading material. The Brisbane Writers Festival runs from September 6 to 10. To check out the full program and purchase tickets, check out the festival's website.
Hot on the heels of the NGV's exciting announcement of a new gallery dedicated to contemporary art, the Melbourne gallery has launched its latest blockbuster: a collaborative exhibition with New York's revered Museum of Modern Art. MoMA at NGV: 130 Years of Modern and Contemporary Art takes a chronological look at art and design over the past century, from the late 1900s through to modern masterpieces. MoMA at NGV features more than 200 works from all six of MoMA's curatorial departments: Photography, Film, Architecture and Design, Painting and Sculpture, Drawings and Prints, and Media and Performance Art. The exhibition might be one of your only chances to see some of these works outside of New York with 127 of the showcased artworks having never left MoMA's walls before. You'll find masterful paintings that signalled a modern age with works from Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin; art based on emerging technology with Cubism pioneers Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque; collections of post-war American culture that are "bursting with energy"; as well as participatory artworks, pop-art icons, Space Invaders, and many more. The works are spread across eight expansive themed sections at NGV International, which, MoMA director Glenn Lowry calls 'mini villages'. "The spaces between them are alleyways and streets, so movement in this exhibition is always experiential," he said at the exhibition launch. "You go from one town to the next town and along the way you'll discover something." While all the works on display are must-sees, below we've selected five works that you absolutely shouldn't miss. SALVADOR DALI: THE PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY (1931) One of the most admired Salvador Dali paintings is The Persistence of Memory, which is based on the seaside landscape close to Dali's home in Catalonia, Spain. A master of warping time and space with his dream-like style, the painting can be found at the entrance to the Inner and Outer Worlds section of the exhibition. The painting is one of MoMA's most prized possessions, and even Lowry seemed surprised that it had been loaned out to the NGV's ("What? We lent that one?"). Like the Mona Lisa, The Persistence of Memory proves that sometimes artworks big in stature come in small packages — the work is only 24 by 33 centimetres big. So get in early (or make use of your elbows) to get up close and take in all the magnificent details found throughout Dali's work. EL ANATSUI: BLEEDING TAKARI II (2007) Using thousands of bottle caps that have been crushed and reshaped in many ways, Bleeding Takari II is made from materials collected by the Ghanaian artist El Anatsui. Linked together with carefully formed copper wiring, this large-scale work flexes and wrinkles in a different way each time it's installed. The work considers the trade of goods, and peoples, from West Africa to Europe. NGV director Tony Ellwood is particularly excited about this work, which demonstrates the type of diverse global works that the NGV and MoMA hope to continue to champion. "This a beautiful example of El Anatsui's work, and I think, in many ways, it heralds the future of contemporary art collecting for major institutions," says Ellwood. ANDY WARHOL: MARILYN MONROE (1967) One of the quintessential works of pop art and a distillation of American culture, the NGV showcases Andy Warhol's famed Marilyn Monroe series. Throughout his career, Warhol would create more than 800 printed images, although almost none more famous than this one. Produced five years after the famous actress's death in 1962, this collection of ten vibrant prints, while colourful in nature, peel back the complexities of fame suggesting a darker perspective on celebrity culture. JOHN BALDESSARI: WHAT IS PAINTING (1968) Displayed next to Warhol's prints, you'll find a vastly different kind of work in John Baldessari's What is painting. It's a self-referential question of genre — for this work, Baldessari hired a sign-painter to produce the lettering in careful detail. Exploring the definitions of art and painting, this 1968 work draws on a strong sense of irony as although this work fits the definition of paint on canvas, it defies our typical understanding of the format. "This fantastic Baldessari is one of my favourite works of art," says MoMA's Lowry. "The painting is about painting — and it challenges us to think about the very act of art making." ROMAN ONDÁK: MEASURING THE UNIVERSE (2007) Slovakian conceptual artist Roman Ondák is known for his large-scale works that often blur the boundaries between art and everyday life. Taking up an entire room of the NGV, Measuring the Universe is an artwork that relies on public participation to fill out what begins as an entirely blank space. Recalling parents measuring their children's height as they grow taller, participants have their height, names and the birthdate scrawled around the room. Over the three months of MoMA at NGV, these engravings will become layered, eventually forming a whirling galaxy-like mass of names. "It isn't art until you participate," explains Lowry. "In the end this work of art is about inscribing ourselves into the history of this institution." MoMA at NGV: 130 Years of Modern and Contemporary Art is on display at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne until October 7. You can grab tickets here. Images: NGV/Tom Ross.
The 62nd Sydney Film Festival closed on Sunday, June 14, having unleashed a number of great and good films upon the city. But 'great' isn't all we go to the festival for — we come looking for the stuff that challenges us, for the weirdest concoctions that will never get a cinema release, for the wild artistic risks that might not even work as a motion picture and, yes, for the failures that went down swinging. So with that appetite guiding our cinematic feast, here are our critics' highlights of the festival. THE BEST THE CLUB If there's one club no one wants to be a member of, it's the one at the centre of Pablo Larrain's latest film. The director of 2012's No keeps his voice political and his eyes focused on his Chilean homeland, with the injustices committed by the Catholic Church his new point of focus. That his chilling and complex tale takes place within a coastal retirement home for disgraced priests should give an indication of the dark psychological territory he traverses, though Larrain spares his judgment for the system rather than his subjects. There, he's scathing about the culture of covering up scandals, as demonstrated by a final act that just might render viewers speechless. He's also likely to cause another club to form: those of avid fans of the atmospheric feature, and of his continued contemplation of corruption. -Sarah Ward TEHRAN TAXI Road movies often take characters on a literal and emotional journey from point A to B. You know the ones. Jafar Panahi interprets driving, talking, growing and learning a bit differently; the director turns on-screen cabbie in Tehran in an effort that merges art and life on several levels. Panahi is currently banned from filmmaking, yet once again uses his limitations as inspiration — including in setting and staging his latest feature in a taxi, and in combining fact and fiction. In this year's Berlin Film Festival Golden Bear winner, he makes a statement about his own predicament while drawing attention to the restrictions prevalent in modern-day Iran. Forget heading off on holiday; his road trip takes audiences through his and his nation's everyday existence. -SW THE HUNTING GROUND It was a fantastic festival for documentary filmmaking, with titles like Going Clear and Sherpa taking on pressing real world issues with empathy and determination. But of all the docos in the program, Kirby Dick’s The Hunting Ground stands out as perhaps the most important. Over 103 devastating minutes, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker exposes the endemic rates of rape on American college campuses — crimes that administrators at many of the country’s leading universities have a shameful history of trying to sweep under the rug. It’s a grim and confronting story, but one that needs all the attention that it can get. -Tom Clift VICTORIA If you thought the long takes in Gravity and Birdman were impressive, then have we got a recommendation for you. Filmed in a single real-time take, Sebastian Schipper’s Victoria follows a young Spanish expat living in Berlin, who after a big night out finds herself the unlikely participant in an early morning bank heist. Schipper’s audacious shooting style adds a sense of immediacy to the tale, taking viewers through the city’s famous club scene and into its seedy criminal underworld on the same emotional rollercoaster as Victoria herself. Gripping and empathetic, this is experiential cinema at its finest. -TC THE WORST SHE'S FUNNY THAT WAY Screwball comedies can be a love 'em or hate 'em affair. Sometimes their fast-talking banter charms. Sometimes their reliance upon too many conveniences grates. Sometimes, like in She's Funny That Way, the latter outweighs the former. In his first film in more than a decade, writer/director Peter Bogdanovich brings together a likeable cast of Owen Wilson, Imogen Poots, Rhys Ifans, Will Forte and Kathryn Hahn, yet pushes them past the point of farce and into tiring territory. There are a few giggles to be had, alongside obvious love for genre, but it's the late-stage cameo that most will remember this movie for, and that's never a good thing. -SW AMONG THE BELIEVERS Among the Believers isn’t so much a bad film as it is a disappointing one. Documentarians Hemal Trivedi and Mohammed Ali Naqvi were allowed unprecedented access to Abdul Aziz Ghazi, the leader of the notorious Red Mosque network which is widely viewed as a breeding ground of religious extremism in Pakistan. Yet we can’t help feel that they squandered the opportunity, with the resulting documentary offering little real insight into the minds of the would-be terrorists or the social and political factors that create them. With so much media attention given to the threat of Islamic terrorism, Among the Believers needed to bring a lot more to the table to rise above the noise. -TC THE BOLDEST EXPERIMENTS ARABIAN NIGHTS Making a three-volume, 383-minute feature is a bold choice, but the length of Miguel Gomes' Sydney Film Festival competition-winning effort is actually one of the least bold things about it. Yes, he's made his movie an endurance test; however, it's his choice of content and the way he splices it together that's audacious. Often involving trials and other forms of judgment, frequently featuring animals (bees, a talking cockerel, the canine winner of Cannes' coveted Palm Dog Award, and too many chaffinches), and flitting between surreal segments and documentary-style observation, the thematically connected chapters try to achieve a feat the director himself acknowledges as impossible. That'd be seducing in narrative while acknowledging the misery of Portugal's harsh economic reality — and if it sounds like courageous, challenging work, that's because it is. -SW TANGERINE Loud, gaudy and unapologetically crass, Sean Baker’s Tangerine is a far cry from a stereotypical festival film, and honestly, that’s a big part of why we loved it. Shot on the streets of Los Angeles using tricked-out iPhone 5s, the film follows a transgender prostitute named Sin-Dee as she blazes through the city with her best friend Alexandra in tow, on the hunt for her pimp boyfriend who she’s learnt has been unfaithful. The hyper-raw cinematography suits the plot and characters to perfection: tacky and stylish and outrageously funny all at once. And beneath all the humour lies surprising emotional depth. -TC THE MOST WTF THE FORBIDDEN ROOM Guy Maddin's latest effort, as co-directed with Evan Johnson, is the kind of movies cinephiles dream of. No, it's not your usual, stereotypical serious movie fare — this really is something that feels it has been ripped out of someone's head mid-slumber, or perhaps mid-hallucination. Think tripping through cinema history, complete with mind-altering substances, and you're still nowhere close to the ride this takes through layers of stories, colours, genres, tropes and film stocks. The Forbidden Room is a movie that teaches you how to take a bath, has a wolf hunter as its hero, and relays the thoughts of a volcano and a moustache. We're not kidding. Yes, it really is that offbeat and glorious. -SW A PIGEON SAT ON A BRANCH REFLECTING ON EXISTENCE The title of this film is probably the least strange thing about it, hence its place in our coveted WTF section. The third part of a thematic trilogy by Swedish filmmaker Roy Andersson 15 years in the making, A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence consists of a series of deadpan tragicomic vignettes ostensibly ‘about being a human being’. Sexually aggressive dance instructors, a pair of morose travelling salesman and the long dead King Charles XII are just a few of the bizarre characters who inhabit this esoteric comedy, one that had us scratching our head in bafflement as often as it had us laughing. -TC
As a city with numerous universities, multi-storey libraries, top of the range bookstores and Nick Earls, it's no surprise Brisbane residents have dozens of options when it comes to book clubs. There are those that cater to certain demographics and genres, and others who'll have anyone that's up for a read and a chat. If you've a weeknight to spare, need to voice some Game of Thrones angst or simply love free snacks, we've got a book club for you. AVID READER'S BOOK CLUBS Between hosting author talks, signings and running a cafe, we have no idea where Avid Reader finds the time to host a menagerie of book clubs. But we're sure happy they somehow do — and we're hardly surprised that they happen to be the most fierce and entertaining in Brisbane. This cherished West End store hosts a range of clubs, including 'Young and Restless', 'Bloody crime', sex, Australian, and open book clubs. If you're new to the book club scene, we recommend Fiona's Open Book Club. It takes place the first Wednesday evening and Thursday morning of each month. So take your pick, or check out Avid Reader's Book Club Guide here. Avid Reader, 193 Boundary Street, West End JUNKY COMICS WOMEN'S BOOK CLUB If you know your Alan Moore from your Alan Martin then the book club at Junky Comics might be your type of scene. West End's newest resident may be a fresh face in the Brisbane bookselling game, but they're already making their mark with this fresh and exciting get together. This book club takes place the first Thursday of every month at 6.30pm in-store. As interest in this club grows, and the venue gets a little too cosy, they'll most likely upsize — keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates. Junky Comics, 93 Vulture Street, West End QAGOMA BOOK CLUB The members-only QAGOMA book club selection reflects some of Queensland's best contemporary writing — and often the exhibitions that are taking place. So far they've read and discussed Robert Henri's The Art Spirit, and in months to come will be reading Hwang Sok-yong's Princess Bari and Maxine Beneba Clarke's Foreign Soil. The book club takes place at three different sessions each month — you can have a look at them here. Just make sure to call ahead and book your spot, and don't forget to suss out the 20% discount available on book club books at the QAGOMA bookstore. QAGOMA, Stanley Place, South Brisbane QUEER READERS Queer Readers takes place at New Farm library on the third Monday of each month. Meetings are divided into two parts: books from the reading list are discussed around the table, then — after a tea break that often includes wine and cheese — members discuss anything else they may have read over the past month. Check out their blog for the latest book reviews and information on their next event. New Farm Library, 135 Sydney Street, New Farm 4ZZZ BOOK CLUB Whoever said you need to leave the house to join a book club has obviously never tuned into 4ZZZ. Every Thursday at 7pm Sky, Grace, Amy and Samuel catch up on what's new and exciting in the literary world. They offer reviews, author interviews and, on the first Thursday of every month, discuss their book of the month. Check out their book reviews, and their podcasts. 4ZZFM can be tuned into at Brisbane 102.1FM BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LIBRARY BOOK CLUBS What would a library be without a monthly book club? If you're stuck in the suburbs, then chances are your local library is the best and most convenient spot to sign up to one. The Brisbane City Council libraries exist everywhere from Zilmere to Eight Mile Plains, with most hosting book clubs on a regular basis. These clubs tend to me managed by individual libraries, so give your local library a call and they'll be able to give you all the details. You can find the full list of libraries that host book clubs here. Various libraries around Brisbane Top image: Dollar Photo Club.
Movie fans, prepare for your first wave of film envy for 2016. On January 21, the Sundance Film Festival kicks off its annual celebration of cinema in the snow — and that means a host of celebrities are headed to Utah to party with Robert Redford, and a new batch of indie titles are about to premiere. Last year, we were so consumed with excitement about the program that we outlined the ten flicks we desperately wanted to see on Australian screens — and with Mistress America, The End of the Tour, Dope, Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck and Sleeping With Other People on our list, we had a pretty good hit rate (if we do say so ourselves). So, what's got us buzzing this time around? Well, theres a few documentaries, a mermaid thriller and an all-star cast in a film named Wiener-Dog, to name a few standouts. Here's our picks of the films we hope Aussie audiences will get the chance to watch, either courtesy of a local release or a festival — plus a few more we've got our eye on. HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE There's plenty about this flick that appeals: its manhunt for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle storyline, and Sam Neil and Rhys Darby featuring among the cast, to name a few. However, most of our enthusiasm for Hunt for the Wilderpeople stems from the involvement of Taika Waititi. To date, the New Zealand filmmaker has brought us the charming Boy, directed episodes of Flight of the Conchords, and co-starred and co-directed one of the funniest flicks of the past few years, the vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows. With Marvel sequel Thor: Ragnarok coming up next, he's clearly bound for bigger things, but this eccentric comedy sounds like vintage Waititi. Also watch out for: Sing Street, another music-focused flick from Begin Again director John Carney — this time about an Irish teen in a glam-ish band. LO AND BEHOLD, REVERIES OF THE CONNECTED WORLD More and more documentaries keep touching upon the topic of the technology we're all now unable to live without. The latest comes from none other than the great Werner Herzog, which marks his first factual effort since Into the Abyss five years ago. History and horror stories combine as he interviews a wealth of experts and tries to look at both the good and the bad of the online environment. And yes, the filmmaker provides the narration — because hearing his distinctive tones wax philosophical is all part of the Herzog doco experience. Also watch out for: Under the Gun, a dissection of the firearms debate that continues to divide America. WIENER-DOG When is a sequel not quite a sequel? When it takes one figure from a film and inserts them into a compilation of tales. That's the case with Todd Solondz's Wiener-Dog, with its title referring to the as dachshund at the centre of its stories, as well as the Welcome to the Dollhouse character of Dawn Wiener (then played by Heather Matarazzo, now by Greta Gerwig) it crosses paths with. If you're a fan of the director or the 1995 feature, this is all good news. Plus, there's the cast, with the ever-luminous Gerwig joined by everyone from Kieran Culkin and Girls' Zosia Mamet to Julie Delpy and Danny DeVito. Also watch out for: Maggie's Plan, also starring continued Sundance fave Gerwig, but this time contemplating marriage and children alongside Ethan Hawke and Julianne Moore. CERTAIN WOMEN Another film, another set of intersecting stories — however, don't let the format deter you from Certain Women. In one tale, Laura Dern is immersed in a hostage situation. In another, Michelle Williams copes with marital problems in her new home. In the next, Kristen Stewart plays a lawyer-turned-teacher. All three segments are tied to a vision of America's midwest that sees the women forge paths forward. If you're not already sold, knowing that the movie is directed by Kelly Reichardt — who previously worked with Williams on Wendy and Lucy and Meek’s Cutoff, and most recently helmed Night Moves — should take care of that. Also watch out for: Love and Friendship, which sees Whit Stillman reuniting with his The Last Days of Disco stars Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny for an adaptation of an unpublished Jane Austen novella. THE LURE If you think there's just not enough mermaid-related horror flicks, then The Lure should catch your attention. Aquatic sirens feature quite prominently in the feature debut of Polish director Agnieszka Smoczyńska, as does a tale of romance, some bloodlust and a neon-lit dance club. Yep, this is a musical affair as well as a scary one, coming together with what Sundance describes as "a knack for both burlesque and the grotesque". If it can live up to that description, consider us pumped. And even if it can't, it has to be better than one of the last films to chart this territory: the exactly-as-bad-as-it-sounds Killer Mermaid. Also watch out for: Convenience store clerks, Johnny Depp playing his character from Tusk, and plenty of silliness in the next Kevin Smith effort, Yoga Hosers. MANCHESTER BY THE SEA In 2012, Kenneth Lonergan's Margaret finally found its way to Australian cinemas. Problems and delays had plagued the film for years — the Anna Paquin-starring effort was actually made in 2007 — however if ever a film was worth the wait, it was this one. Thankfully, Lonergan's latest doesn't seem to be suffering the same fate — we're just hopeful that it will deliver. Here, a loner handyman has to take care of his teenage nephew and face a past tragedy. The underrated Affleck brother, Casey, leads a cast that also includes Kyle Chandler and Michelle Williams. Also watch out for: Belgica, the new bar-set, Soulwax-scored film from Belgian writer and director Felix van Groeningen, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his polarising The Broken Circle Breakdown. THE BIRTH OF A NATION If you know your film history, you should've already heard of a film with this title. Back in 1915, filmmaker D. W. Griffith made a silent, black and white chronicle of the American Civil War. The film is still considered ahead of its time in a technical sense, but was courted for its stance on race and depiction of the Klu Klux Klan. Now, actor-turned-director Nate Parker (Beyond the Lights) uses the same name for an effort charting a real-life slave rebellion in 1831 — and there's a statement in his choice of moniker, of course. He also stars on screen, alongside Armie Hammer as a slave owner. Also watch out for: The Office's John Krasinski steps behind the camera as director for The Hollars, a family comedy featuring Anna Kendrick, Margo Martindale, Charlie Day and Sharlto Copley. ALI & NINO He might be known for delving into the life and death of both Amy Winehouse and Ayrton Senna in two of the last decade's most powerful docos — that'd be Amy and Senna — however, Asif Kapadia also has a few narrative features on his resume. Ali & Nino marks his return to non-factual storytelling, adapting the novel of the same name. This time, he examines a clash of cultures in Baku between 1918 and 1920. Given that the film explores a romance that springs up between a Muslim Azerbaijani boy and Christian Georgian girl, expect plenty of tension between traditional and modern ways in this politically-charged love story. Also watch out for: Southside With You, a romance about a guy called Barack and a girl called Michelle. We know who you're thinking of — and yes, we mean those ones. HOLY HELL When Holy Hell was first announced in the Sundance lineup, it didn't list the director. Filmmaker Will Allen initially kept his identity a secret — which, considering the subject of his documentary, is more than a little understandable. For 20 years he lived inside a secretive spiritualist community led by a charismatic guru, filming everything that went on. That footage forms the basis of the doco, however Allen also shares his own recollections, and interviews fellow former members of the community. He ponders not only the organisation he devoted two decades of his life to, but the lengths people are willing to go to in search of happiness. Also watch out for: NUTS!, a doco that tells the so-crazy-it-must-be-true tale of the small-town doctor who tried to cure impotence by transplanting goat testicles into men. We're serious. THE INTERVENTION You've seen Clea DuVall in the likes of The Faculty, Girl Interrupted, Argo and TV's Carnivale — and now you can watch her directorial debut. In The Intervention, she stars as well as guides Cobie Smulders, Alia Shawkat, Natasha Lyonne, Melanie Lynskey, Jason Ritter and Ben Schwartz through a weekend trip that doesn't quite turn out the way everyone thinks it will. Four couples head away for what seems like the usual booze-soaked holiday, however, the apparently jolly jaunt also doubles as an intervention. Yep, this one is a dramedy, making the most of the dramatic and comic talents of its ensemble of performers. Also watch out for: Other People, which corrals Jesse Plemons, Molly Shannon, Bradley Whitford, June Squibb and Parks and Recreation's Retta into the big screen, feature-length debut of Saturday Night Live writing supervisor Chris Kelly.
When it comes to making your first movie, there are easier ways to go about it than not just following in but recreating your father's footsteps. That's what O'Shea Jackson Jr experienced in taking on the role he was perhaps born to play — that of Ice Cube, who he normally just calls Dad, in the NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton. Alongside Corey Hawkins as Dr Dre, Jason Mitchell as Eazy-E, Aldis Hodge as MC Ren and Neil Brown Jr as DJ Yella, Jackson tackles the formation, fame and split of the influential hip hop group across the '80s and '90s. Starting on the streets of Compton in South Central LA, NWA created anthems that reflected their reality of difficult race relations and altercations with law enforcement, and went on to change the course of music history. The film that results is a slick, stirring, entertaining and engrossing music biopic that captures the spirit and circumstances of the songs and figures it focuses on. We chat to Jackson about making his acting debut by playing his father and doing justice to his family's legacy. You play your dad in this movie. I imagine this role is more important to you than any ordinary film role could be? Yeah, this is my family's legacy. It is bigger than NWA to me. I know that a lot of the people who may not even like the genre, a lot of the people who may not have grown up with NWA, there's a few people who know Ice Cube as only a movie star — I know that those people are going to take this movie as law, as exactly what happened. I couldn't risk somebody's portrayal of my father not being in the same light as I see him in. I knew the importance of this, so it had to be in my hands. Was taking on your family's legacy daunting? Of course. It takes a lot, but the sacrifices that had to be made were for my family. I'd run through a wall for them. Extreme bootcamps at times — I was twenty-two at the time, trying to look seventeen, so I had to go through a bit of a bootcamp, and I lost fifteen pounds in twenty-four days eating nothing but grass, dirt and diet water. It was a lot, but pressure makes diamonds, and if you run away from it you'll never know what you can do. Going into the film, how much of Ice Cube and NWA's complete story did you know? My father has been telling me these stories my whole life, and that was something I used to my advantage. I knew how things really went, and I knew that the authenticity of this film was what was going to make it stand out. I'm not going to say I knew about the guns in the hotel, but there were things I was comfortable with, stories that I knew, stories that knew I could talk to the source about to make sure we get it correct on film. It was just about re-enacting things I've heard since I was a child. You’ve been rapping for a few years now, touring with your father. Was that the easier part of the film for you? That's what made him believe that I could do it. Him taking me on stage, him seeing how I am on stage, is what led to him feeling like I could play him. That's such an important aspect. And my father was the young one of the group — he has the most energy on stage, he's the one rocking the crowd, waving his hands, bouncing up and down — so you know you have to bring that. When it came to those scenes, my guys — Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Aldis Hodge and Neil Brown Jr — they knew that I had that experience under my belt, so they let me quarterback those scenes a little. They know that that's me in my element, and I'm forever thankful to those guys for making me feel comfortable. Those scenes that you see are really what NWA did. The Detroit scene, them looking at each other, making sure "are we all down to do this, to drop 'Fuck Tha Police'", that's something that really happened. The film’s director, F. Gary Gray, has ties to both Ice Cube and Dr. Dre going back to making music videos in the '90s. Do you think that helped the film’s feeling of authenticity? Oh my god yes. That was one of the aspects of him getting the job, that my father saw that Gary got it. He got what it meant. My father knew he wouldn't have to explain the power or just the aspects of NWA to Gary. He also really let me really spread my creative wings. I know I won't deal with a lot of directors who are willing to let an artist be an artist the way that Gary Gray does. If you do it by the book, get it by the script the couple of times, he lets you do what's called an 'eat take' and go ahead and just be you. And if it works, it works, you know. And I thank Gary, because I know how meticulous he is, and if it is not right he won't do it. And as a young actor, as a rookie actor, you want someone in your corner that's going to make sure you don't look stupid. Straight Outta Compton is in cinemas now. Read our review.
What would you do if you were a little less freaked out by consequences? Would you talk to more new people, fear a bit less, dance a little more like FKA Twigs, quit your desk job and start that business you've always wanted to give a red hot go? Some sparkling young Australians are already flinging their inhibitions into a ziplock bag and seizing this little ol' life with both hands. Concrete Playground has teamed up with the Jameson crew to give you a sneak peek into the lives of bold characters who took a big chance on themselves. They've gone out on a limb and rewritten their path, encapsulating 'Sine Metu', the Jameson family motto which translates to 'without fear' — getting outside your comfort zone and trying something new. After all, we only get one shot at this. Take notes. Dreaming big is easy. Following through on that dream — that's where the hard work begins. Junky Comics' owner Vlada Edirippulige knows this, but a year after opening her own store, she wouldn't have it any other way. Also known as illustrator Junky and as a member of local band Major Leagues, her commitment to boosting Brisbane's arts scene shows just what can happen when you embody 'Sine Metu', set your mind to something and throw caution to the wind. As a result, not only does she get to hang out in her ideal bookshop all day, Vlada also celebrates artists and work that isn't available elsewhere, she helps make the city the place she wants it to be and nurtures fellow creative Brisbanites through Junky's growing events program. DON'T OVERTHINK IT, JUST DO IT Anyone fresh out of university knows the feeling of spending three years studying, graduating with a shiny piece of paper, and then facing a wave of uncertainty about the future. In 2012, that was Vlada, who boasted a music degree, a hankering for creativity, and an avid interest in comics and art in general. At that time, she came to a realisation. "A lot of the work I was interested in, a lot of the female writers and artists that I was following online — it was tough to find their stuff physically in Brisbane." Enter Junky Comics — or, the first seeds of an idea that would sprout into the vibrant addition to West End's Vulture Street the city now knows and loves. "I was buying a lot of stuff online, and I had a lot of friends who were doing the same. And I also had a bunch of really talented female friends that were doing incredible things. I thought that it was time that there was a place in Brisbane that could house all that kind of stuff. And I thought that I'd just give it a crack," she continues. Armed with a little 'Sine Metu' attitude, Vlada jumped into action, first testing the waters with an online store. Its success bolstered her confidence, and the bricks-and-mortar business was born. Many people in her situation would've spent months and even years deliberating and preparing; however Vlada is honest about her thought processes, or lack thereof. "Not a lot of thought went into it. I was just like, 'I'm just going to do it.' It was very much a leap of faith, but I thought I should just give it a go while I hadn't settled down to do anything yet." EMBRACE YOUR COMMUNITY Vlada's own tastes might've provided her initial motivation, but her faith in Brisbane as a place that should have a store like Junky was also a strong driving force. It's a situation everyone can relate to; all Brisbanites have watched their fair share of friends head to Sydney and Melbourne to chase their dreams, but that wasn't the path Vlada wanted to follow. "I have a really strong belief in Brisbane as a place and as an artistic community," she says. "I think it gets a bit of a bad rap sometimes. I think that we've got so much blank space that we can fill in with music and art." Given the buzz Junky has generated since it launched in April 2015, her customers clearly agree, enabling Vlada to run her own store in her hometown. "That's the dream, right?" she says. "I think in order for Brisbane to be put on the map like Sydney and Melbourne , we need to really cultivate that community that's here. There are so many people doing [great things], and it is exciting to be a part of it." PAY IT FORWARD Indeed, selling great comics and books to the citizens of Brisbane isn't Vlada's only passion or Junky's sole purpose, as anyone who has caught an exhibition, been to a book launch or indulged their own artistic side within the store's walls knows. More than just a shopfront, Junky has become a gallery, hangout space and all-round hive of activity. That's all by design — and it's just the beginning, with expanding the calendar of events being part of Vlada's future plans. "I really want to focus on doing gallery stuff, because it is really fun to tack someone's art on the walls and have them super excited about it — and be able to invite all their pals and celebrate each other's work," she points out. And, in the process, Vlada is not only helping Junky fulfil its potential; she's also doing her bit to assist other creative folks follow in her footsteps. "I think that's where a lot of the joy comes from; seeing people talk about producing something, then producing something, putting on a show and getting all their pals to come in and experience it with them." KEEP YOUR CHIN UP (AND LISTEN TO BEYONCÉ IF IT'S DOWN) Of course, opening her own store from scratch and building Junky into the thriving hub it is today wasn't all smooth sailing, even if it appears that way on the outside. Junky might be gearing up to celebrate its first birthday in April, all while filling its shelves with eclectic wares and playing host to everything from art shows to zine launches, but, like everyone, Vlada has her good days and her bad. So how does she weather those ups and downs, and what advice does she have for anyone keen to rewrite their own path? "The thing I wish I had thought of or knew when I'd started is just don't be knocked down or persuaded that you're anything less than you think you are by anybody," Vlada says. "When you start something, you're already feeling super vulnerable. The way I did it was just by listening to a lot of Beyoncé — but you've got to have something that you can look at or think about every day that reminds you why you're doing it, and that you can do it. Because there's going to be shitty days, and days where you're like 'oh man, this is not worth it'. But then you'll have the really great days that even it out." Want to experience a little bit of 'Sine Metu' yourself? Thanks to Jameson and The Rewriters, one extremely fortunate Concrete Playground reader (and their even more fortunate mate) will get the chance to 'fear less' and go on a big ol' adventure to Ireland. In addition to two return flights departing from your choice of Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, this epic giveaway comes with five night's accommodation and $500 spending money you can use to paint the Emerald Isle red. ENTER HERE. For more about how 'Sine Metu' influenced John Jameson's journey visit Jameson's website.
Whether it's in the name of bread or pastries, Brisbane's bakers rise early in the morning to produce some damn fine offerings for your daily delights. So it's only fair you put down that $2 generic brand bread and get yourself a hearty, handmade loaf of artisan dough. You can thank us when your gob is full of gluteny goodness. FLOUR & CHOCOLATE What's in a name? When it comes to Flour & Chocolate, there is no denying the main ingredients to be found in the Morningside kitchen. Lachlan Scott is the man behind the magic, and has found a well-earned spot as one of Brisbane's best bakers. The lines of locals that snake out the door of a weekend morning simply affirm this. As at any good bakery, bread is in abundance, with traditional and specialty sourdoughs (think fruit and walnut, caraway and rock salt, and chocolate on special occasions) filling the baskets alongside Vienna, country rye and French baguettes. Cakes, tarts, savoury treats, brownies, croissants and pastries round out the rest of the store. If, like us, you have a penchant for pastry, you may already know about Flour & Chocolate's dedicated days for specialty products. If not, grab your diary and make note: Wednesdays are for doughnuts, Thursdays are for gonuts, Friday's are for bagels and brownies, and the weekends are for focaccia and flaky, fresh pastries. 4/621 Wynnum Road, Morningside JOCELYN'S PROVISIONS If you've had the pleasure of devouring one of Jocelyn's Provisions' iconic bar cakes, it should be no surprise that the establishment makes the cut as one of Brisbane's best bakeries. Beyond the cakes, loaves of sourdough, baguettes, and ciabatta are baked using organic flour and a long fermentation process, which means a tender crumb and complex flavour. Depending on the day, seeded sourdough and seeded baguettes are available alongside the traditional loaves, as well as a specialty fig, fennel and aniseed sourdough on Friday and Saturday. Stop by in the morning while they're still warm. A variety of, pies, sausage rolls and savoury tarts, as well as individual sweet treats (there are too many to name but watch out for the salted malted chocolate cupcakes) are available, with exact offerings varying depending on the day. Shop 11, Centro on James, 46 James Street, Fortitude Valley BANNETON The beautiful minds behind Banneton Bakery have mastered the art of woodfired baking and stolen the hearts of Brisbane bread fiends across the city. The philosophy behind the delicious dough at Banneton is grounded in a belief in using natural ingredients and traditional baking methods to craft textured crusts and aromatic insides. Although it is hard to look past the signature 'Banneton' loaf (100% sourdough), choices such as French baguette, New York deli rye, multigrain, gluten-free corn bread or even the gourmet potato and cracked pepper loaf are sure to liven up your lunchtime sandwiches. Grab a loaf from one of the two cafes in Woollongabba or Ashgrove, or find the stall at Kelvin Grove Market on Saturdays and Boggo Road Market on Sundays. 25 Balaclava Street, Woolloongabba and Shop 3, 584 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove THE BAKER'S ARMS The Baker's Arms offers Brisbane the best of both worlds as a specialty bakehouse and cafe. If you don't have the time to sit down and enjoy the changing specials menu, we're begging you, please make time to grab a French baguette, beef sausage roll or slice of pumpkin pie to go. It won't be easy to pass up the opportunity, as the cabinet and the countertop are brimming with all things baked, from traditional pain au chocolat to inventive cheesecakes (we've seen honeycomb, banana butterscotch and rocky road). Embrace The Baker's Arms with arms wide open and stomach empty. 29 Logan Road, Woollongabba LE BON CHOIX Le Bon Choix now bring French Renaissance-style sweets and savouries to four locations across Brisbane — Queen Street, Edward Street, Paddington and Racecourse Road. Silky macarons, glossy eclairs and a range of gateaux that would make Marie Antoinette proud steal the show on the menu. But it's not all about the sweet; the croque monsieur is pleasingly cheesy. Various locations. BREWBAKERS Brewbakers in Albion are all about baking bread, bagels and sourdough doughnuts, and we are all about devouring them until our heart's content. Bread comes in the form of the high-top como, French baguette and sourdough fruit loaf to name but a few. The bakers like to experiment, so don't be surprised to see any number of fusion baked goods (think: bagel dog). Still, they don't forget much-adored favourites like drool-inducing jam, chocolate and butterscotch sourdough doughnuts. 337 Sandgate Road, Albion BOTANICA Botanica might be famed for their wholesome, hearty and damn delicious takeaway salads, but one look at the homemade sweets in the window will confirm that we are definitely not dealing with a one-trick pony. All the sweets are gluten-free and baked fresh each morning. You heard right, Brisbane, baked goods minus the gluten for all stomachs to enjoy. Vegan brownies, cinnamon bundt doughnuts, cherry white chocolate and sour cream muffins. So, coeliac friends, run, don't walk. 1 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill BEERKARY BAKERY Beerkary is not your standard bakery; it seeks to combine some of life's greatest pleasures — beer and baked goods. When you stop and think about it, you quickly realise that brewing and baking stem from a similar science, and the combination is not quite as wacky as you first thought. It's a pop-up venture, but we'll take beerclairs, beercarons and malted brioche from masterminds Ben Devlin and Yen Trinh when and where we can get them. Popping up at events around Brisbane. CRUST & CO The success of Crust & Co stems from the French and Italian heritage of owner-baker Sebastien Pisasale, who has brought joy, happiness and authentic crusty French bread to the welcoming mouths of Brisbane bread lovers. From baguette to batard, or sourdough to ciabatta, all loaves are baked according to traditional, long-fermentation methods and liquid sourdough, which produces the irresistibly crunchy crust we covet. Perfect pastries and tempting treats will catch you at the counter as you tuck your baguette under your arm like a true Frenchperson would. 140 Edmondstone Street, Newmarket CHOUQUETTE Sister company to Crust & Co, Choquette will have you thinking you've stepped into a Parisian patisserie as you 'ooh la la' and indulge your inner Francophile in buttery and flaky croissants, pain au chocolat, pain aux raisins, torsades, brioche, macarons, eclairs and millefeuille. All breads are baked by Crust & Co. 19 Barker Street, New Farm
We're looking to learn more about our readers — what do you do? Where do you go? What do you like? How much cheese coverage is too much cheese coverage? We would say there isn't such thing, but just to make sure, we've developed a little survey we'd like you to take. A Concrete Playground census, if you will. Now, we know the whole 2016 #censusfail was a bit of a bummer, but we've made this one fun. First of all, we won't invade your privacy — we just want to know about the stuff you love. And if you stick around till the end, you'll go in the running to win a table for yourself and a mate at Messina's Creative Department pop-up for their very first Brisbane degustation. The degustation serves up seven delectable courses — bordering the realm of dessert yet incorporating savoury flavours — for a culinary experience that tempts and challenges your palate. Bet you never thought you'd have an entire multi-course meal dedicated to ice cream. Here's the gist: let us get to know you, fill out the full survey and potentially win an epic dinner for you and a mate. We have two double passes to give away for the night of Wednesday, September 6, so you may want to start figuring out which lucky someone you'll take to dinner. Help us out and tell us a bit about yourself. Take the Concrete Playground 2017 survey here.
If you see one film over the next few months, make it Berlin Syndrome. Based on a novel of the same name, the film follows Australian photojournalist Clare (played by Teresa Palmer) as she embarks on her first solo trip to Berlin. While travelling, she meets and begins a passionate romance with charismatic local man Andi. Their relationship soon takes an unexpected and sinister turn—she wakes one morning to discover that Andi has left for work and locked her inside his apartment, with no intention of ever letting her leave. Filmed on location in Berlin and Melbourne, the film is a thoughtful, psychological thriller directed by Australian Cate Shortland (who also directed the critically acclaimed Somersault). It examines tough topics such as emotional manipulation, gaslighting and Stockholm syndrome in a provocative fashion, leaving the audience with a new outlook on the relationship that can occur between captor and captive. The film is released nationally on April 20. To celebrate, we're hosting an advanced screening of Berlin Syndrome at Palace Centro in Brisbane on Thursday, April 13 at 6.30pm. Register your details below to go into the draw to win one of 80 double passes, and subscribe to Palace Cinemas if you're keen to receive session times in your inbox. [competition]616347[/competition]
Whether you have a permanent sweet tooth, or just an occasional hankering for a rich, creamy treat, the opening of a new chocolate store is always cause for celebration. And when one of the city's favourite internet choccie shops makes the jump into a bricks-and-mortar establishment — and boosts their range with a few new additions, while also adding tea and coffee to their repertoire — well, we're pretty psyched. 31 Degrees is the chocolate haven in question, with owner Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick embarking upon the next step in her chocolate-focused adventure. After starting out in the online realm, popping up at markets and festivals, and cooking up a storm at Wandering Cooks, she'll soon be making and selling her artisan, handmade truffles and pralines in the new Eden Lane precinct in Woolloongabba. You'll find all of the above at 4 Hubert Street come June 30, to be exact, which is where and when 31 Degrees will throw open its doors. You'll also find all their old favourites, such as dark, milk and white chocolate bites flavoured with coffee, strawberry, raspberry, passionfruit, baileys, whiskey, Nutella, port, caramel, mint and peanut butter — plus salted caramel bars, honeycomb and dark chocolate rocky road. Yum. Of course, as everyone who has read Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or seen either the 1971 or 2005 film adaptations knows, eating the end products isn't the only great part about visiting a chocolate store — seeing how the mouth-watering morsels are made is all part of the fun, too. Chocoholics will also be able to do that at 31 Degrees, thanks to a window from the shop into the kitchen. It's not quite the same as a magic ticket, but we'll take it (and salivate over European-style delights in the process). Find 31 Degrees at Eden Lane, 4 Hubert Street, Woolloongabba from June 30. Check out their website or Facebook page for further info.
James Street's number one food-focused bookshop, Scrumptious Reads, has never been content with simply selling printed volumes about delicious meals. Adding to their frequent lineup of gourmet events, they’re taking their love of all things tasty a step further with the opening of Sinmei Tea Room. Owned and run by the lovely lady that gives the space its name, the petite cafe tucked within the tiny store celebrates its titular beverage. It couldn't be in better hands, given that Sinmei Cheung is no stranger to the tea game. The tea artist started her first tea house in London six years ago, then branched out to Hong Kong and Shanghai. Serving up long cool summer drinks and warm winter beverages is Sinmei's speciality — and serving up matcha, too. The finely ground powdered green tea has been a staple of Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, and forms the basis of much of Sinmei's classic-meets-fusion food and drink menu. The tea room's green-tinged selection includes a non-alcoholic matcha mojito, a matcha yin yang with coffee, plus matcha twists on everything from lamingtons and brownies to molten cake and chocolate fondant. Traditional Chinese and herbal teas are also available, as are sandwiches and rice paper rolls; however the magic of matcha is what everyone will be clamouring for. Find Sinmei Tea Room at Scrumptious Reads, Shop 5 & 6, 19 James St, Fortitude Valley, or visit their Facebook page for more information. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Think you're great at pushing buttons? Okay, not just mashing and smashing them, but timing your touches so perfectly that you manoeuvre pinball flippers like a wizard, and send shiny chrome balls rolling, roaming and sprawling around the machine of your choice? Think your talents could stand up to scrutiny? Want to find out? Fortitude Valley arcade game bar Netherworld wants you to find out too, which is why it's putting on a Xmas Arcade Frenzy . And it's not just limited to pinball as previous events have been. This time, arcade games are part of the action. Here how it works: book in advance, pay $20, arrive at 8.30am, and then prepare to strut your stuff until 12pm. Competitors will be paired up at random, vie for supremacy, and then move on to the next opponent and machine. The games will be fast, but they'll also be fun — and all players of all skill levels are welcome. [caption id="attachment_622335" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sarah Ward[/caption] An added bonus: even though this is a Saturday morning affair happening on December 21, your ticket price also includes your first drink. Top image: Cole Bennetts.
Feel a hankering for some chortles at this year's Brisbane Comedy Festival, but don't have the funds to fork out for any of the event's international acts? Trying to squeeze in as many laughs as possible into your life in general? Keen to finish your working week with some laughs? All of the above situations are catered for at BCF's Knockoff in the City, — aka Brisbane Powerhouse's regular free Friday night comedy gigs, but souped up for the fest and held in a different location. This free Friday night comedy show runs from 6pm each week between February 22–March 22, and will play host to some of the biggest up-and-comers in comedy, as well as live music. Just head on down to Brisbane City Hall and prepare to get your funny bone tickled.
First, the bad news: Brewsvegas, Brisbane's annual celebration of beverages, doesn't take place until March. Now, the good news: once again, the festival is getting into the early swing of things. Say hello to the Great Brewsvegas Pool Party, aka the ideal summer event for those who like to cool off with both a beer and a swim. Taking place from 6pm on Saturday, February 9, it's also the get-together that'll amp up your excitement for this year's beer celebration not once, but twice. The festival's 2019 lineup has already been revealed, but there's plenty to celebrate — and descending upon Ithaca Pool ready for an evening of splashing about is certain to get you pumped as well. Tickets to the pre-fest shindig cost $10, which includes a glass of the official Slipstream Brewing Co Brewsvegas beer for the year. For added merriment, surf rock band The Wet Fish will crank out the on-theme tunes, there'll be an onsite food truck serving up festive eats and extra brews will be on tap.
The World Press Photo Foundation is a global platform connecting professionals and audiences through raw visual journalism and storytelling. The organisation was founded in 1955, when a group of Dutch photographers organised a contest to expose their work to an international audience. Since then the contest has grown into the world's most prestigious photography competition and global travelling exhibition. The 62nd edition of the World Press Photo Exhibition will touch down in Brisbane this year and will be on display at the Brisbane Powerhouse from Friday, July 12 until Sunday, August 4. The winners from this year's contest were chosen by an independent jury that reviewed more than 78,000 photographs by 4738 photographers from 129 countries. The one that took top honours for 2019 is John Moore's Crying Girl on the Border. The image, which also won first prize in the spot news category, shows Honduran toddler Yanela Sanchez crying as her mother is taken into custody at the US border. This will be on display alongside other finalists, including Pieter Ten Hoopen's series which documents a migrant caravan who were fleeing violence and harsh economic conditions, Nadia Shira Cohen's shot of beekeepers tending their hives in Yucatán, Mexico, and Enayat Asadi's striking image of an Afghan refugee comforting his companion. Further categories on show will include contemporary issues, environment, general news, long-term projects, nature, people, sports and spot news. Image: John Moore, Getty Images, 'Crying Girl on the Border' (cropped).
Things are getting frostier in Brisbane — well, as frosty as Brisbane gets — so the team at Welcome to Bowen Hills is hosting one of their most intuitive event ideas to help warm your winter. On the agenda: a mini festival dedicated to mulled wine and hot cheese. The party takes over the King Street truck park from noon, Saturday, June 30 through until close, Sunday, July 1, pulling together a selection of hot, gooey creations from some of the city's favourite cheese-slinging vendors. This is where all your cheesiest dreams come true, chowing down on lush cheese dishes from Bunya Cheese, Mr Burger, Cheeselane, Salts Meats Cheese, Spud the Food Truck, Greek St Kantina and more. Down at WtBH's sister site in Melbourne, events have served up mulled wine doughnuts and raclette burgers, so expect more than a few creative dishes. Of course, you won't find a better drink match to all that rich, melty dairy than some hot, spiced booze, so the bar will be rounding out its usual offerings with mulled wine aplenty. A variety of different flavours will be available, served up all day long.
Sydney bass-boy and nationally-recognised cool guy Hayden James is bringing his massively popular techno musings to venues all over Australia. James only appeared on the scene in 2013, cropping up like most modern beat artists on exclusively online mediums like Soundcloud and YouTube, however it wasn't very long before he garnered quite the hefty fanbase. International touring schedules ensued, landing his precise, near-minimalistic take on hard hitting beats, summery harmonies and techno bass in front of thousands of dancing fans. James has spent the formative portion of the last few months touring the US and Europe, and following a brief stop over in Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Bali will be bringing his Just a Lover tour to Aussie shores. Starting at Brisbane's Triffid on August 26, then onto Max Watts in Melbourne for August 27, he'll spend September 2 at Perth's Villa Nightclub, September 10 at the Fat Controller in Adelaide, before a final blowout in his hometown Sydney, at the Metro Theatre. Supported by Dena Amy.
Fancy some new threads adorned with specifically Queensland-happy illustrations? Phoebe Paradise has you covered. Since 2014, the brand has been brightening up wardrobes with colourful, fun prints that nod to this state we call home, spanning the grimy, the naturally beautiful and everything in between. Indeed, the label's Hot Mess collection draws upon Brisbane's balmy evenings and the region's sporting dreams. 'Tis the season and all that. It's inspired by a truly Brisbane summer — according to designer Phoebe Sheehy's schpiel, "We can enjoy what it means to be a humid-heatstroked-Alex-Mack-puddle-of-goo, to prove that you can look hot while being hot, as long as you embrace being a HOT MESS." If Phoebe Paradise's range sounds like the kind of printed textiles you'd like to both wear and gaze at, why not do both at their Junky Comics pop-up? On March 25 and 26, they'll be taking over the West End store. Check out the accompanying painted mural and art installations, and don't forget to nab yourself some ashtray socks.
Georgia O'Keeffe, the artist often described as the mother of American Modernism, along with her Australian contemporaries Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith, will be the subject of a four-month exhibition at the Queensland Art Gallery. Running from Saturday, March 11 through to June 11 at the gallery in Stanley Place, O'Keeffe, Preston, Cossington Smith: Making Modernism has been curated by the team at Queensland Art Gallery along with Santa Fe's Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, Melbourne's Heide, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and will feature more than 30 works by each of the three women created across the length of their respective careers. In doing so, it will showcase both the distinctive styles developed by the artists, as well as the similarities in their subject matter, technique and the ways in which they viewed the world.
It's hard to believe that it's only been six months since George Maple (aka Jessica Higgs) released her debut single. At the time, Higgs had been living in London for eighteen months, so the slinky 'Talk Talk', from her Vacant Space EP, first hit airwaves on Annie Mac's show on BBC Radio 1. Meanwhile, the New York Times had dibs on unveiling the video clip. Since then, Higgs, who's from Sydney originally, has played CMJ, SXSW, Annie Mac's AMP Collected in London and a couple of headline shows in Australia, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and Future Classic’s Christmas Weekend. So she's in prime position for taking on her first proper national tour. Three gigs are already sold out — Sydney's Oxford Art Factory on April 24 and 30, and Melbourne's The Howler on 25 April. There's still time, however, to grab tickets to the Black Bear Lodge in Brisbane on April 23, The Bakery in Perth on May 1 and The Rocket Bar in Adelaide on May 2. Meanwhile, Higgs's new tune, 'Where You End And I Begin', recorded with Philadelphian rapper Grande Marshall, is starting to rack up hits. Where You End And I Begin feat. Grande Marshall by George Maple, Grande Marshall
After closing Vivid Sydney at the Sydney Opera House, art-rock legends TV on the Radio are heading to our fine city, ready to smash out a huge concert at the Tivoli. Since forming in Brooklyn 14 years ago, the four-piece has created six albums. These shows will cover the entire songbook, from Staring at the Sun (2004) to Seeds (2014). Chronologically, theses releases cover a decade, but the music represents hundreds of years of history; drawing together gospel, post-punk and everything in between.
When the working week is done, what do you want to do? We know girls just wanna have fun, but we’re pretty sure everyone wants to kick back, enjoy a few drinks, and get into some serious snacks. Well, we know we do. So does Wandering Cooks’ Ben Devlin, general chef about town and their Snack Maker-in-Residence. Every Friday, he'll be serving up a storm of drinks sourced from artisan fermenters, brewers and winemakers, as well as interesting bites to eat. And we do mean interesting. Each week, two culinary themes do battle, and not the usual kinds. First up, Devlin pits samurai-style food against the type of mini-meals Vikings might’ve eaten. In reality, that’s Japanese versus Danish street food, but that doesn’t sound anywhere near as cool. Snackers pay $4 per token to exchange for tasty treats. Then it's time to vote for your favourite, which will play on for another week. But let's be honest here, whichever themed snacks emerge victorious, the real winner is your taste buds.
This week has more Australian '80s-style synth pop, unforgettable dance moves and enviable hairstylin' than usual, with Sydney duo Client Liaison rolling into town for their national Pretty Lovers tour. Renowned for their infectious '80s synth and '90s pop influences, this pair continues to pack a punch with the release of their debut EP, Queen, last year. If their sold-out Spiegeltent shows at Sydney Festival this year, or their recent confetti cannon-finale at Secret Garden Festival are anything to go by, Black Bear Lodge better fortify their floorboards — furious dancing is mandatory. Extravagant and over-the-top in every way, Harvey Miller and Monte Morgan are well worth checking out, revisiting or continuing your straight-up superfandom for. If a high-energy midweek dance party sounds like your jam, check out Client Liaison on March 4 and 5 (SOLD OUT) at Black Bear Lodge, supported by Retiree and Wrooks. Words by Lucinda Starr and Shannon Connellan.
Meet Iris Apfel, the kind of stylish, straight-talking, bespectacled nonagenarian everyone wishes was their grandmother. The New York cult figure has stood out from the crowd across decades of trends, and dabbled in everything from art to interior design. If she sounds much cooler than most people a quarter of her age, well, that's because she is. The 93-year-old's resume speaks for itself, given that she has spent over 75 years in fashion traversing everything from working at Women's Wear Daily to setting up her own textile design firm with her husband to still lecturing about style today; however, it is her personality and outlook, rather than her achievements, that shine brightest. That she says she was probably the first woman to wear jeans speaks to her pioneering spirit. That she notes that she's more excited about dressing up for parties than actually going to parties does as well. Indeed, the ever-flamboyant Apfel remains an individual at a time when such a term has started to lose its meaning, as she herself observes when musing over the common correlation between black attire and fashion. Always decked out in rows of couture costume jewellery and never seen in an outfit that could be classed as boring or bland, she advises that she approaches dressing a bit like jazz — with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. It shows. So bounces forward a loving portrait of blazing your own path — and never compromising for or caring about the opinions of others — as given perhaps the strongest living example. From the moment Apfel graces the screen and thrusts her oversized pearls of wisdom upon the audience, it is immediately apparent why she's the subject of the documentary that shares her name. From the moment the film displays its frame, the affection, energy and insight filmmaker Albert Maysles channels is also evident, as is his making of the movie in the style befitting his subject. Alas, there is a lone sad note to the engaging ode, despite the slight but sweet exploration that comprises the documentary's running time. The joy and vivacity that Apfel exudes on screen, fierce and frank until the last moment, is balanced by the knowledge of the film's director. The great Maysles, noted for crafting the iconic Grey Gardens and Gimme Shelter, passed away at the age of 88 in early 2015, with this his penultimate effort. Accordingly, Iris actually pays tribute to two great trailblazers and showcases what both do best: pave their own way and create their own stories through their chosen mediums of fashion and film.
If you've ever been to South Brisbane's Hoo Ha Bar, knocked back a coffee or beer and thought "this joint needs more food", you're in luck. The folks behind the happening Tribune Street spot share your line of thinking, and are parlaying it into a new venue on the other side of the inner city: Gaslight Bistro. Making its home in a renovated old Queenslander in New Farm, Gaslight Bistro will be all about fresh ingredients and flavourful meals. The name gives away its focus on eating rather than drinking, though thanks to a curated beverage list of craft brews, local wines and cocktail concoctions, the latter is certain to be a feature, too. Casual but tasty dining is its niche — aka the kind of informal place where you can drop in for a delicious bite and hang around for some good times if that's what takes your fancy. The full menu is yet to be revealed, but will focus on seasonal delights. Given its winter launch, that means the likes of slow cooked ham hock and beef shank for breakfast, wagyu pastrami and pickles for a snack, and braised octopus for dinner, first up. Come the end of the month, you can sample their wares for yourself — and then probably add it to your list of favourite hangouts, based on their previous endeavours. Doors open on June 26, and if you want to be one of their first customers, we suggest you get in quick. This new addition to Brunswick Street is certain to be popular. Find Gaslight Bistro at 726 Brunswick St, New Farm from June 26, or visit their website for more information.
Ice cream fans of Brisbane: whatever you're doing between 11am and 3pm today, you'd best make a visit to the Wintergarden part of your plans. For one day only, the inner-city shopping centre will play host to epic combinations of flavoured soft serve topped with everything from fairy floss to popcorn to toasted marshmallows. Yep, Aqua S popping up in the centre — and they're handing out free sweet treats to mark the occasion. We'll let that sink in for a minute, because scoring a free ice cream as delectable as this (and as Instagrammable) isn't the kind of thing that happens every day. And if you haven't visited Aqua S in Sydney and Melbourne — and therefore don't know why you should be salivating at the thought of it, or why there's usually a line way out the door at their stores — then let us enlighten you. Aqua S keeps things simple but scrumptious, with sea salt-flavoured, bright aqua-coloured frozen confectionery inspired by the famous ice creams of Okinawa their staple offering. They also serve up two other varieties each fortnight from a rotating range. Down south, strawberry and maple syrup are the current choices, with rose and English breakfast tea flavours available before that. And if that's not enough, why not add a few of the aforementioned toppings? We know, we know — you're headed out the door right now to treat yo'self to this frosty goodness, and all without spending a cent for such a delicious pleasure. The pop-up is part of the Wintergarden's Shop the City event, which showcases everything on offer within the centre's walls. Here's hoping it's the first step towards Aqua S bringing their creative creations to Brissie on a more regular, or even permanent basis. Grab a free Aqua S ice cream in the Wintergarden, Queen Street, Brisbane, between 11am to 3pm on September 1. Visit the Shop the City website for more information.
Like spending your nights having a drink with your mates or watching live bands in Brisbane's bars? Keen to kick on into the early hours and be able to move between venues? Come July 1, heading out for an evening of fun is about to get a whole lot tougher. You've probably been dreading the date for months — but there's at least something you can do about it. The folks at Keep Queensland Open have organised one last rally to protest the new lockout laws that the State Government are particularly keen to see implemented. From 2pm on Sunday, June 26 at Reddacliff Place in the CBD, you can join in the chorus of dissent. And yes, you'll be doing so in the cement space adjacent to the Treasury Casino for a reason. While stopping re-entry at 1pm, serving last drinks at 2am (or 3am in designated entertainment precincts), banning shots after midnight and making new bottle shops close at 10pm were never going to be popular moves, the furore surrounding the new rules doesn't just focus on when everyone can consume alcohol. Sydney's lockout laws have seen almost half the revenue from live music venues in the designated zones disappear. Half. The question of where the laws apply is also controversial, with casinos across Queensland exempt from the new restrictions (the same situation Sydney's in). Given that the legislation is designed to curb anti-social behaviour following too many violent, late-night altercations in these areas, that's certainly a questionable move — and something worth joining fellow revellers to shout about. The Keep Queensland Open Rally starts at 2pm on Sunday. June 26 at Reddacliff Place in the CBD. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.
Need an escape from the the winter weather? Then escape from the chill to a warm, dark cinema, where you can watch movies from places even colder than here. Returning to Palace Cinemas in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart, the Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival will once again showcase the best of Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Icelandic cinema, from award-winning dramas to esoteric comedies and the very best of Nordic Noir. While the 2017 program is yet to be announced, to give you an idea of what to expect, one of the big highlights from last year's program was the Golden Globe-nominated The Fencer, a Finnish-German-Estonian co-production — dubbed by Finland Today as "the best Finnish film in a decade" — about a fencing instructor hiding from Soviet forces in Estonia in the years after the war. This played alongside oddball Icelandic rom-com The Together Project which took home a screenplay prize at Cannes, and the excruciatingly tense Danish drama Land of Mine.
Eeeep. Looks like Spotify playlisters for Splendour in the Grass jumped the gun, and it appears that the 2015 Splendour lineup has been leaked as a result. Set to be announced by Matt and Alex on triple j next Wednesday as usual, the Splendour lineup could possibly have been revealed by a playlist called 'Splendour 2015 Line-up' which appeared earlier today. Noticed by eagle-eyed Geelong Advertiser reporter Paddy Naughtin, the now-deleted playlist contained some huge, we-hope-it's-real names. We're talking Blur, Mark Ronson, Florence + The Machine, Death Cab For Cutie, The Wombats, Tame Impala and Of Monsters And Men, alongside Pond, Royal Blood and the Dandy Warhols. WAHOOLIE. Here's the screengrab posted by Naughtin on Twitter — he also posted on Splendour's Facebook page to confirm and they deleted the post. So there's a little confirmation for you. Yeesh. Probably going to be some stern words between Splendour and triple j. Here's hoping it's the real thing. Via triple j.
Won't be rolling in the grass this July? Missed out on yesterday's ticket blitz? Never fear, there's plenty of Splendour in the Grass shindiggery to be had in your own city. Splendour has announced its official 2015 sideshows this morning (as have many unofficial venues). From Blur's epic arena shows to the rowdy British garage pop team-up of The Vaccines and Palma Violets, to more niche hypecard gigs like MØ and Elliphant or Years and Years, here's your rundown of the official Splendour sideshows. Exclusive Secret Sounds presale tickets are on sale 10am local time on Tuesday, April 28, while general public tickets on sale 10am local time, Wednesday, April 29. But if you're keen to nab tickets to the Blur sideshows, tickets are on sale 10am local venue time on Friday, May 1. Visit secret-sounds.com.au for more details. SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS OFFICIAL 2015 SIDESHOWS: BLUR With Jamie T Presented by Secret Sounds, supported by Spotify, Rolling Stone, The Music, Fasterlouder All tickets on sale 10am local venue time, Friday May 1 Sat 25 Jul — Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney Sun 26 Jul — Splendour In the Grass (SOLD OUT), Byron Bay Tue 28 Jul — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Thu 30 Jul — Perth Arena, Perth THE WOMBATS With Circa Waves *exc Perth Presented by triple J, The Music, Channel [V], Spotify Thu Jul 23 — Metro City*, Perth Mon Jul 27 — Enmore Theatre, Sydney Tue Jul 28 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne Thu Jul 30 — Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (*Circa Waves not supporting in Perth) THE VACCINES With Palma Violets Presented by Tone Deaf, The Music, Spotify Mon Jul 27 — Corner Hotel, Melbourne Tue Jul 28 — Metro Theatre, Sydney PORTER ROBINSON [live] With Wave Racer and Cosmo's Midnight Presented by triple j, Channel [V], inthemix, Spotify Wed 22 July — Enmore Theatre, Sydney Thu 23 July — The Forum, Melbourne AZEALIA BANKS Presented by Channel [V], Music Feeds, Beat & Brag, Spotify Fri 24 July — Metro Theatre, Sydney Sun 26 July — Prince Bandroom, Melbourne EVERYTHING EVERYTHING With Urban Cone Presented by triple j, Channel [V], Fasterlouder, The Music, Spotify Thu 23 July — Metro Theatre, Sydney Sat 25 July — The Corner, Melbourne KITTY DAISY & LEWIS Presented by Fasterlouder, The Music, Spotify Sat 1 Aug — Metro Theatre, Sydney Sun 2 Aug — 170 Russell, Melbourne Tue 4 Aug — Governor Hotel, Adelaide Wed 5 Aug — Rosemount Hotel, Perth MØ & ELLIPHANT Presented by triple j, Channel [V], Oyster, Spotify Tue 28 July — The Corner, Melbourne Wed 29 July — Oxford Art Factory, Sydney MARMOZETS Presented by Musicfeeds, Blunt Magazine, Beat, Brag, Spotify Thu 23 July — Newtown Social Club, Sydney Sat 25 July — Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne MS MR Presented by triple j, Channel [V], Spotify, Pages Digital Wed Jul 22 — 170 Russell, Melbourne Sat Jul 25 — Metro Theatre, Sydney YEARS & YEARS Presented by Channel [V], The Brag, Beat, Spotify, Pages Digital Sun Jul 26 — Oxford Art Factory, Sydney Thu Jul 30 — Howler, Melbourne WOLF ALICE Presented by triple j, Tone Deaf, The Brag, Beat, Spotify Thu Jul 23 — Corner Hotel, Melbourne Fri Jul 24 — Oxford Art Factory, Sydney THE DISTRICTS Presented by Music Feeds, Spotify, The Music Mon Jul 27 — Northcote Social Club, Melbourne Tue Jul 28 — Newtown Social Club, Sydney Visit Secret Sounds for more details. Image: Linda Brownlee.
Like a monkey with a miniature cymbal, get ready to dance over and over and over and over and over. This January, Hot Chip's adding to their Sugar Mountain appearance with headline shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. Since their second album The Warning ignited floors worldwide in 2006, the British electropop five-piece have delivered one killer LP after another. In 2008 came the velvety Made in the Dark; then, in 2010, One Life Stand brought us yet more flawlessly smooth anthems, followed up by the more-ecstatic-than-Pharrell In Our Heads. When are these guys ever going to mess up? Keep waitin'. True career artists to the end (as opposed to the wave after wave of 'next big things' often flooding our radio stations), Hot Chip don't release till they're ready. So, Why Make Sense (currently out via Domino) is another cracker, with its blend of funk, punk and bittersweet lyrics.
Brisbane bar lovers, things are looking up — and we mean that literally. If you're standing in the CBD, you'll be craning your neck to see the city's new lounge bar. And if you're enjoying a drink at what's certain to be the next big hotspot, you'll be looking down on the world. Meet Sazerac, Brisbane's new sky-high watering hole and the place that's about to make Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at 99 Mary Street the topic of conversation for this month and next, and probably several more after that too. When it opens on April 13, patrons will climb 30 storeys above street level to sip cocktails, including the New Orleans-originated combination of cognac, absinthe, Peychaud's Bitters and sugar it's named for. Now, calling a hotel bar after a specific beverage might seem unusual, but cocktails — and the evolution of cocktails, specifically — will be Sazerac's main focus. Whiskey, wine and beer will also feature; however when you're in a place that boasts the likes of a salted caramel martini and peach mint julep, as well as head bartenders from Melbourne's Candela Nuevo and the Gold Coast's Stingray bar at QT Surfers Paradise mixing them up, you're going to want to try one. They'll go down nicely with panoramic city skyline views, and with the share plate-heavy food menu by executive chef Ambrose Andrews. With all that to indulge in, you'll quickly forget the 120-150 seat site's former life. Before the space became the bar everyone's going to be busting to go to, it was a gym. Find Sazerac at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at 99 Mary Street, Brisbane from April 13. For more information, keep an eye on the hotel's website. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Brisbanites, prepare to spend September immersed in arts, entertainment and culture. Other than fireworks, that's what the city's annual Brisbane Festival always brings, but this year is bigger than ever. Under new artistic director David Berthold, the festival will host a whopping 456 shows. For an event that runs for just three weeks from September 5 to 26, that's quite a significant number — and it also boasts seven world and 13 Australian premieres, including four new works specifically commissioned for the festival. You won't be able to say you don't have anything to do that month. In fact, whether dance, theatre, circus, cabaret, opera, hip hop, film or visual arts piques your interest, there's something in the program for you. The same goes for topics and countries, with Berthold contemplating everything from politics to sexuality to violence, and spanning everywhere from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Singapore, as well as touching upon homegrown stories and issues, too. The jam-packed slate includes a South African retelling of Macbeth, an all-male version of The Importance of Being Earnest, a take on Shakespeare’s Richard II inspired in part by the Rudd/Gillard years, and a documentary theatre production looking at the 2004 death of Mulrunji Doomadgee while in police custody. Flexn already looks like a standout, musing on the state of race relations in America in a piece that's part protest, part dance party, part collective autobiography. Music-wise, Martha Wainwright joins a group of local artists paying tribute to the brilliant yet complicated lives of rock legends Tim and Jeff Buckley, while Bernard Fanning and Katie Noonan join forces with Tim Winton and Jessica Watson for a multimedia celebration of the Great Barrier Reef. The beloved Spiegeltent returns, of course, complete with a busy program that includes Megan Washington and Spanish surf rock band Los Coronas, among others. Because more movies is never a bad thing, cinephiles can also join in the fun. Backyard Cinema turns homes across the city into a film festival, live-streaming a yet-to-be-selected movie for everyone to enjoy. For those keen on venturing to an actual cinema, The Female Gaze collates a collection of indie female-focused features that explore the nuances of film through female eyes. Of course, it wouldn't be Brisbane Festival a bright, free, public display of colourful, flashing illuminations. That comes in the form of Treasury Lights, from the folks behind Vivid Sydney — so you know it is going to be something special and entirely Instagramable. Apart from seeing as many shows and staring at as many pretty lights as you possibly can, a huge part of Brisbane Festival is soaking up the atmosphere. The event knows this, which is why a new festival village is also part of the 2015 lineup. A space named Arcadia will take over South Bank, occupying a site five times the size of previous years, and featuring two performance tents, four bars, food options, games, 3D chalk installations and more. For three weeks only, think of it as the ultimate hangout spot. Brisbane Festival runs from September 5 – 26 across Brisbane. For more the full 2015 program, or to book tickets, visit the festival website.
At the rate burger joints keep popping up across Brisbane, the meat-and-bun combo really should be the city's official meal. Hello Harry is the latest place keeping the dream alive, but they're not just another greasy spoon. If their name sounds familiar, that might because you've already visited their Maroochydore or Caloundra stores. From the end of March, Brisbanites can head to Forest Lake to get their fix. Additional outlets in Milton and at Portside will open in May — and if all goes well, more will follow. That might sound like an ambitious plan for a chain selling the city's favourite dish, but if anyone knows how to capitalize upon a food frenzy, it's Hello Harry's Tony Kelly and Scott Hoskins. They're the folks that also brought Donut Boyz down south, and that's worked out pretty well. With a menu bursting with pulled pork, chickpea, barramundi and brisket burgers — plus Nutella, strawberry and salted caramel shakes — working their magic outside of the Sunshine Coast shouldn't be too hard. Here's hoping that the Fat Harry also pops up, because who doesn't want to feast on a maple-glazed doughnut filled with wagyu beef, American cheese, mayonnaise, tomato jam and pickles? For more information about Hello Harry, head to their website and Facebook page.
If you love doughnuts (who doesn't?), but you're wary of just how bad they are for you, you're probably a fan of a certain Brisbane business. And if you're not already a Nododonuts enthusiast, you'll soon have more chances to try their tasty wares and convert to their healthy (well, let's say healthier), organic, gluten-free, baked ways. Yes, the makers of the world's friendliest doughnuts — even if they do say so themselves — are opening their own cafe. In the best Halloween news you're likely to hear this year, Newstead's Ella Street will become the home of the snack can feel less guilty about consuming, from October 31. Their brand new bakery will offer up all the flavours they've been serving at selected markets and cafes across the city, plus a big batch of new concoctions. Given that their existing lines include banana bread and blueberry cheesecake varieties, as well as mouthwatering fresh raspberry, triple coconut and dark chocolate, you're allowed to get excited about what's to come. Given that Nodo has taken the fatty, sugary, deep-fried snack we all know and revamped it as baked, organic, gluten-free gourmet fare, you're allowed to overindulge a little as well. The idea of doughnuts that are actually good for you might sound like a fantasy, but in the two years since Nodo launched, they've tried their best to make things a little less artery-clogging for dessert lovers. At a time when you can find doughnut stores of the not-so-good-for-you variety on almost every corner, it's no wonder that they've found their way into the hearts and stomachs of everyone who can't resist what has become Brisbane's favourite sweet treat. Find Nododonuts at 1 Ella Street, Newstead from October 31. Visit their website and Facebook page for more information.
For Brisbanites fond of burying their nose in good books, September might as well be Christmas. That's when the annual Brisbane Writers Festival rolls around, brandishing literary love aplenty and bringing a plethora of writers and wordsmiths with it — and its 2017 program is no exception. More than 100 authors will descend upon the city for five days of word-based fun from September 6 to 10, with the bulk of BWF taking place at — where else? — the State Library of Queensland. This year's event kicks off with an opening address about writing and Indigenous knowledge creation from Aboriginal activist Alec Doomadgee, closes with a session on transcending standard world views thanks to Indian-Canadian novelist Anosh Irani. In between, you'll find an ode to gossip, a discussion about touching upon taboo topics and scribes telling stories in outrageous costumes — and that's just a taste. Indeed, the rest of the lineup features a large-scale interpretive artwork, Angel's Palace, to mark the tenth anniversary of Alexis Wright's Carpentaria; British journalist and documentary producer Adrian Levy giving behind-the-scenes accounts of covering Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda, and a day dedicated to the superheroes, vampires, werewolves and more of Young Adult literature, just to name a few. Other highlights include John Safran chatting about the rise of extremism, Nakkiah Lui on writing for performance, Tracey Spicer throwing away outmoded expectations on how women should present themselves, and Benjamin Law helping dissect just why the news affects our psyche — and sharing his thoughts on humour as tool to reflect the world around him as well. It's an eclectic lineup, one designed to delight, challenge and inform in equal measure. As always, the festival will also be holding BWF satellite sessions in suburban libraries, helping word nerds get their fix closer to home. Whichever book nook you're headed to, BYO between-panel reading material. The Brisbane Writers Festival runs from September 6 to 10. To check out the full program and purchase tickets, check out the festival's website.
IT'S A GOOD DAY. A very good day. One of the world's most celebrated rappers, Kendrick Lamar, has been added to the Bluesfest lineup and has announced two huge performances in Melbourne and Sydney. Biaaaaaaatch, no way. Hitting Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on March 21 and Sydney’s Allphones Arena on March 23, Lamar will then join The National and Tom Jones to headline Bluesfest in Byron Bay on Thursday, March 24. More dates are expected to be announced, so keep those fingers crossed Brisbane. Lamar's quite the curveball for this year's Bluefest, with the festival already sporting quite the eclectic patchwork of a lineup — from Noel Gallagher to Tom Jones, Jackson Browne to City and Colour. This will be the first time Lamar has toured Australia since 2014's Rapture Festival, and since releasing his wildly critically-acclaimed album To Pimp a Butterfly, so expect tickets to go quicker than you can say 'Kunta'. KENDRICK LAMAR 2016 AUSTRALIAN DATES: MELBOURNE — March 21 (Rod Laver Arena) SYDNEY — March 23 (Allphones Arena) BYRON BAY — March 24 (Bluesfest) Tickets for Kendrick Lamar's Sydney and Melbourne shows will go on sale at 9am Monday, October 19. Telstra pre-sale from 10am Wednesday, October 14 until 10am Friday, October 16, those pre-sale tickets over here.
You have to hand it to the team at I Heart Brownies: they know that people love their mouth-watering chocolate treats, and they're keen to give everyone exactly what they want. Soon, that'll include selling their 100 percent gluten-free creations from their brand new kiosk in the CBD. Just head to the Wintergarden from August 8 to get your heart-shaped fix. You'll find a dozen flavours on offer, including double chocolate, jaffa, cherry, peanut butter, salted caramel and Turkish Delight. Opening first thing in the morning and operating until around 7pm to take care of both pre- and post-work brownie cravings, the kiosk will also serve up a selection of drinks, including drip-filter coffee and the pink lemonade that visitors to the business's Fortitude Valley location already know and love. This is just the beginning of the brownie empire's expansion plans. Next stop: the Gold Coast in early 2017. Basically, it's the best news we've heard since I Heart Brownies started delivering. And with their hand-made artisanal products boasting top quality ingredients, including Belgian black cocoa, couverture chocolate, free-range eggs, Queensland cane sugar and Australian butter, there's no need to feel quite so guilty about indulging in a few brownies...or a few more after that. Find the I Heart Brownies kiosk in the Wintergarden from August 8. Until then visit their website and Facebook page for more information and check out their bakery and cafe at Shop 7 Bakery Lane, 694 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. Via The Courier-Mail.
Greek street food fans have reason to throw down a solid jig today, Sydney's Zeus Street Greek is opening a South Brisbane instalment. The souvlaki specialists will open at South Bank at the Chocolate Pavilion, scheduled to open on Saturday, June 20. Founded by a patriotic team of first-generation Hellenic Australians (a formidable collaboration between the team behind Crust Gourmet Pizza and Pony Dining Group), Zeus is modernising souvlaki for the contemporary Greek food lover. Armed with traditional recipes and cooking methods passed down through five generations, Zeus are set to serve up Mirool Creek lamb cooked ‘kontosouvli' — a traditional skewer-grilled Cypriot method resulting geared for a little tenderness. "The inspiration for Zeus was to give Sydneysiders an innovative food experience that incorporates the founders’ passion for Hellenic food, culture and tradition," say the Zeus team, who unveiled plans to expand to Brisbane last year. "Zeus pays homage to the 'God of hospitality' and the Greek custom of filoxenia or 'showing hospitality to all'. Renowned in Greek culture filoxenia translates to everyone being welcome in a Hellenic house where there is always food and wine to be shared whether it’s with old friends or new." Savoury street-style splendour at Zeus comes dine-in, takeaway or delivered to your doorstep. The eponymous house specialty, The Zeus, is set to be a Greek street food staple worth crossing the city for — slow-cooked lamb with Aegean slaw, smoked eggplant, onion and parsley in fresh pita. There's the Uncle 'Tzimmy' Classic, with chargrilled lamb, pork or chicken with tomato, tzatziki, onion, paprika in pita (with the all-important chips) and ancient grain salads and mezze dishes for vegetarians (think marinated olives, spanakopita and the salty, salty monarch of Greek food — halloumi). Then for dessert, smoosh your face into Zeus' fig and cinnamon rizogalo. Going hungry isn't an option at Zeus. "When a Greek family hosts you, you’re treated like a guest of honour whether they’ve known you your whole life or you’ve just met that day," says the Zeus team. "Greeks welcome everyone with open arms and make sure that you don’t go hungry while you’re a guest of theirs. It’s this feeling of being welcomed in to the extended family that is brought to life when people drop into Zeus." Find Zeus Street Greek at 13-14 Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane. Open daily 11.30am-9.30pm, (07) 3846 0200, zsg.com.au.
