It's been four years since Gambaros, the group that's long been synonymous with Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace, brought Black Hide to the Treasury Brisbane in the CBD. Over those four years, that Queen Street spot has served up steaks and lots of them, just as the OG venue has. Don't eat meat? Then it probably hasn't been the place for you — but the newly launched vegan menu might change that. A first for Black Hide at the Treasury, the new meat-free range spans three dishes: smoked beetroot with white bean hummus, paprika, edamame, black garlic and gremolata for an entree; blackened capellini with mushroom, lemon and basil as a main; and coconut parfait with pineapple salsa and Vietnamese mint granita for dessert. It isn't the biggest menu, but it's also a dedicated vegan lineup in a restaurant that's extremely well-known for its marbled wagyu and angus cuts, and for not shying away from animal products. The vegan offering is the work of new Head Chef Simon Palmer, who comes to Black Hide at the Treasury from Urbane, Gerard's Bistro and e'cco bistro, as well as Beach Byron Bay. "Taking the venue to the next level means implementing ways to accommodate all palates and dining preferences by way of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free offerings which have been elegantly considered across all our Black Hide Steakhouses menus," said Palmer. "The focus on produce-driven dishes significantly refines the menu. Our focus has shifted to procuring additional local partnerships with the intention to serve more locally grown and sourced ingredients. In Queensland, we are so fortunate to have incredible suppliers on our doorstep," Palmer continues. Accordingly, the chef's new culinary lineup goes heavy on Queensland produce, and also sees the meat-heavy selections get a makeover. So, if you do tuck into animal products, you'll now also be able to choose from wagyu tartare with pomme pave, crème fraîche and cured egg yolk, as well as grilled scallops sourced from Hervey Bay. And, for dessert, The Black Hide Sundae – which features cherry puree, cherry granita, chocolate sauce and vanilla bean ice cream — also joins the menu. As has been the case since 2018, patrons can still expect river views, a bar overlooking Reddacliff Place, plus a six-room setup that makes the most of the heritage building's features — including a ten-person private dining space filled with timber, brass and marble. Also forming part of the decor at the 154-seat eatery: a library-style knife collection featuring 126 pieces of silverware. Find Black Hide by Gambaro in the Treasury Brisbane, top of the Queen Street Mall, Level 1, Treasury Casino Building — open for lunch from 11.30am Tuesday–Friday and dinner from 5.30pm Tuesday–Saturday. For more information, visit the Treasury website.
'The mormons are coming', posters popping up all around Brisbane started promising last year. Come March, they'll officially be here. If you didn't make it to Melbourne or Sydney to catch The Book of Mormon, don't worry — Trey Parker and Matt Stone's hit musical is bringing its hilariously irreverent self to QPAC's Lyric Theatre. After playing most of the last two years down south, the multi-award-winning production will settle in for a Brisbane season from March 16 until May 31. Given that both Melbourne and Sydney experienced sell-outs, it's certain to prove a hot ticket. Written by South Park and Team America's notoriously puerile creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, together with Robert Lopez of genius grown-up muppet show Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon is probably one of the most lauded comedies ever to have centred on the Church of Latter Day Saints, African missions, AIDS, bum jokes and super ironic racism. If it wasn't so smart and so funny, few would forgive it. But since it is, The Book of Morman has picked up nine Tonys, four Olivier Awards and a Grammy since it debuted in 2011, and has been called "one of the most joyously acidic bundles Broadway has unwrapped in years". If you've been envious of the throngs seeing the musical in New York, Chicago, London or elsewhere in Australia, then you'll be plenty excited that you'll now get the chance to go learn all the idiosyncratic details of Mormonism, meet war criminal General Butt-Fucking Naked and know the true meaning of the hakuna matata-like saying 'Hasa Diga Eebowai'. UPDATE, MARCH 13: The Book of Mormon has announced a $30 ticket lottery throughout its Brisbane season, with a select number of cut-price seats available by ballot for each performance from Saturday, March 16, subject to availability. To nab a ticket, you'll need to enter in person two-and-a-half hours before your chosen show, using the form available that's only available at the box office. Names will be drawn at random two hours prior to curtain, only one entry is allowed per person, and you can only score two tickets. For further details, visit the musical's website. Image: Ryan Bondy, Zahra Newman, Nyk Bielak and company in The Book of Mormon, AUS 1411. (c) Jeff Busby.
Many a place promises a classic-meets-contemporary experience, but when Nickel Kitchen & Bar throws open its doors on April 29, it looks set to actually deliver on that description. Predominantly offering up meals that will take many diners back to their childhoods, the brand new Fortitude Valley restaurant also plans to shake things up with boozy brunches, late-night meals and something they call a 'DIY degustation'. A menu filled with homestyle dishes takes care of the first part of the equation for the new Ann Street addition — think Barossa Valley chicken Kiev with garlic butter, heirloom vegetables and herb crumb (seriously, when was the last time you ate chicken Kiev?), and honey-roasted chicken paired with bacon and chive waffles. As for the latter, the details are still being finalised, but we're interested to see how a 'DIY degustation' differs from 'ordering off the menu'. Nickel is the latest venture from Nantucket Kitchen & Bar and NKB Express owners TJ and Kim Peabody, and endeavours to embody a blend of old and new across the board. Drinks-wise, that means a 250-drop wine library behind the bar boasting all the best tipples from today and times gone by, plus a hefty spirits list and a bespoke cocktail selection. Style-wise, that means anyone from the after work crowd to those keen on a boozy brunch are welcome in Nickel's art deco surroundings. Indeed, when it comes to décor, the cosy spot decks its halls with old-school fixtures, including leather booths, pressed metal and dark timber galore, and a chandelier made entirely of wine glasses. So, we're calling it: nostalgic places always try to hark back to yesteryear while giving things a forward-thinking twist, but Nickel might be the place to nail that combination. Nickel Kitchen & Bar will open on Friday, April 29 on the ground floor of 757 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more details.
Recognised as one of the most exciting film industries in Asia, the Korean cinema scene has been knocking it out of the park for years now — without it, we wouldn't have Bong Joon-ho's Okja and Snowpiercer, or Park Chan-wook's Stoker and The Handmaiden, for example. And the fact that neither directors have made the bill at the 2017 Korean Film Festival in Australia shows just how much talent the country has to choose from. Basically, there's plenty of other filmmaking greats where they came from. This year's KOFFIA, the festival's eighth, features straight-from-Cannes flicks, cinematic masters delivering their newest hits and many a movie in between. Boasting 24 films on its national lineup and bringing seven to Brisbane, the festival will kick off on September 8 with The World of Us, a thoughtful drama about bullying and friendship, before coming to a close on September 10 with crime-thriller The Queen of Crime. Other highlights include animated zombie onslaught Seoul Station, the companion piece to last year's kinetic live-action effort Train to Busan, plus historical crime drama The Age of Shadows. Also on the program is a dose of suspense with murder-mystery The Tooth and the Nail, and some fast-paced action in The Merciless.
"How was trivia tonight? Oh, pretty good. We answered a lot of questions and the team won a lot of prizes." Come March 30, you could be saying these exact words — and channelling your inner Tommy Wiseau after emerging victorious at a night dedicated to his greatest creation. Giving The Room fans the event we didn't know we needed, Southside Tea Room are clearly thinking "anything for my Brisbanites". Anything for their favourite customers, too. At The Room trivia, Man vs Bear will be doing the asking, and everyone else will be throwing the trivia equivalent of spoons — when they're not saying "oh hi, doggy" and asking how your sex life is, naturally. Leaving your stupid comments in your pocket is highly recommended, and if your name is Mark or Lisa, you basically have to go. Expect not only questions about the best worst movie ever made, but some about The Disaster Artist as well. And if you don't win, it'll tear you apart. UPDATE, MARCH 12: Due to March 30 falling on Good Friday, this event will now take place on March 16.
Having said au revoir to the French Film Festival, it's now time to slip over the border into Spain. Returning to Palace Cinemas around the country, this year's Spanish Film Festival will once again showcase some of the biggest and most critically acclaimed Spanish and Latin American films from the past 12 months. How's that for a cinematic siesta? The festival — which will feature at the CBD's Palace Barracks and Palace Centro in Fortitude Valley — begins with the highest grossing film at last year's Spanish box office: rom-com sequel Spanish Affair 2. Other comic standouts include espionage spoof Spy Time, madcap ensemble My Big Night, and dark domestic comedy Happy 140. Of course, not everything on the program is quite so light and breezy. Critically acclaimed drama Much Ado About Nothing confronts legal and political corruption in modern day Chile, while Ma Ma stars Penelope Cruz in one of her most nuanced roles to date, as a put-upon single mother diagnosed with breast cancer. Below, we've put together a list of the five films on the lineup that have caught our eye. For the full program, go here. https://youtu.be/K_NMyRjL8dM THE THIN YELLOW LINE This comedy-drama hybrid, directed by first time writer-director Celso Garcia, is a road movie, but not in the way you'd expect. The Thin Yellow Line follows a misfit group of five cash-strapped men tasked with painting the dashed yellow line along more than 200 kilometres of Mexican highway. You only need to take a brief look at the trailer to appreciate the film's gorgeous cinematography and bittersweet tone. If that's not enough to convince you, consider the fact that it's executive produced by Pan's Labyrinth, Pacific Rim and Crimson Peak director Guillermo del Toro. https://vimeo.com/131531005 THE CLAN Based on a chilling true story, this Argentinean thriller tells the story of the Puccios, a seemingly normal family living in Buenos Aires in the 1980s who made their living kidnapping people and holding them to ransom. The film broke box office records in Argentina, screened in competition at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival, and has scored plenty of positive critical buzz, with Variety comparing it to the movies of John Carpenter, Brian De Palma and Martin Scorsese. Consider our expectations set very, very high. https://vimeo.com/153227513 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Another true story from Latin America, Much Ado About Nothing is a far cry from the light-hearted Shakespearean comedy with which it shares a title. Instead, Alejandro Fernandez Almendras' film takes place in present day Chile, and follows a young man who finds himself framed for a fatal hit-and-run committed by the son of a powerful politician. A grim indictment of corruption in the upper echelon of Chilean society, the film received strong reviews and a Grand Jury Prize nomination at Sundance earlier this year. https://youtu.be/I8TiFAdvqLM EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT This year's closing night film floored audiences at Cannes and scored a 2016 Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Inspired by the journals of two separate Western explorers who travelled to the Amazon decades apart, Embrace of the Serpent is described in the festival program as "a breathtaking cinematic odyssey". With startling, unsettling imagery shot in hypnotic black and white, and dialogue spoken in over ten different languages, the film promises to be like nothing else you'll see at the festival — or indeed, the movies — this year. https://youtu.be/XIwPPoWPlmo NOTHING IN RETURN In Daniel Guzmán's Nothing in Return, 16-year-old Dario finds himself on the search for a surrogate family in the wake of his parents' divorce. Enter his best friend Luismi, a car mechanic named Caralimpia and a sweet little old lady named Antonia. At first glance the film looks like a fairly standard coming-of-age tale, but the fact that it scored a pair of gongs — for Best New Actor and Best New Director at Spain's most recent Goya Awards — has us curious to check it out. And as an added bonus, Guzmán is a guest of the festival this year, and will be on hand at screenings in Sydney and Melbourne for a post-film Q&A. The Spanish Film Festival will run from April 19 until May 8. For more information, visit the festival website.
Gelato Messina have finally made their way to Brisbane, and are attempting to solidify their place in the hearts of the city's ice cream-loving residents. To sweeten their Brisbane arrival, they've created a new limited-edition dessert to celebrate — and they're delivering it for free on June 5. Do you like Piña Bananas? You do now. Behold this suitably tropical-themed creation — a chocolate and passionfruit Italian meringue, filled with banana and miso gelato, with passionfruit mousse and sitting on a bed of chocolate sponge. Oh, and it looks like a pineapple, of course. You don't have to get caught in the rain to grab one, but you do have to rustle up some Messina goodness through Deliveroo. The first 50 customers to place an order on Monday will get this sweet treat as a complimentary gift. And, making great news even better, all Messina orders between June 5 and 11 come with free delivery.
Ever had a hankering for a burger, but couldn't decide which joint to visit? Thanks to Brisbane's hefty array of burg-slinging places, we've been there, and often. Trust The Triffid to come up with a solution, courtesy of a day-long dedicated celebration. From 11am on Saturday, August 25, the Newstead music venue is once again joining forces with Stone & Wood, shutting down Stratton Street and serving up the Brisbane festival we had to have. Plenty of food festivals have come and gone, but Brisbane Burger Fest was always going to be back for another helping — behaviour that you'll likely copy on the day. For those wondering about the festival's burger credentials, Miss Kay's, 5 Boroughs, Lucky Egg, Burger Project, Greaser, MooFree Burgers and The Triffid's own burgers will all be on offer, with each eatery whipping up their usual favourites and coming up with a special Burger Fest creation as well. There'll also be an official burger-eating competition as part of the festivities (of course there will be). If you don't think you can handle taking part, that's okay — everyone at Burger Fest will be seeing how many burgs they can eat in their own way, after all. Making a burger street party even better, The Triffid's beer garden will be showcasing live music all day, and Stone & Wood will be taking care of the brews. Tickets cost $5 plus booking fee — and they're expected to get snapped up quickly. Image: Lucky Egg.
Stay classy, Brisbanites. At the city's newest mini film festival, you won't have a choice. Across four Friday nights in August, Event Cinemas Myer Centre is paying tribute to the funny flicks of Will Ferrell — and, obviously, it all starts with Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. That's the first movie on the bill at Ferrell Fest, and like the scotchy scotchy scotch favoured by San Diego's top newsman, there's more where that came form. After kicking things off with the comedy classic on August 10, you'll want to race into Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby on August 17, then get your skates on for Blades of Glory on August 24. Lastly, on August 31, Step Brothers rounds out the season to celebrate ten years of manchild siblings. Each session kicks off at 7pm, and tickets cost $8 for members and $10 otherwise. The only other thing this festival needs? More cowbell.
You don't need to be Liza Minnelli to think that life is a cabaret, particularly if you're in Brisbane this June. Yes, it's Queensland Cabaret Festival time again, which means that spending your nights watching talented singers tell stories through song is well and truly on the menu. For its third year running, the Brisbane Powerhouse-based festival is back with another jam-packed program of music-fuelled fun, spanning new takes on old classics, repeat tributes to lost icons, and everything from ukuleles to comedic musical therapy in between. In fact, if one of the fest's 13 shows doesn't inspire a prolonged bout of humming, clapping and toe tapping, then you're not looking hard enough. We've picked our five favourites to get you started.
When it comes to being male, middle-class, and white, there are few names bigger than pop icon Ben Folds. Since going on hiatus from his not-so-aptly named trio, Ben Folds Five, the eponymous figure is venturing beyond his traditional classic-pop fusion. He still sings and plays piano, but he's upgrading slightly from his three-man ensemble (bass, drums), to a legitimate New York-style instrumental group in the form yMusic (string trio, flute, clarinet, trumpet). This new ensemble has naturally influenced Fold's sound, one only needs to listen to his solo project released last year So There, heavily featuring the chamber ensemble to hear this. Folds himself testifies to his fraternal connection with the ensemble, and it will be on display all through Australia in the month to come. Starting at QPAC in Brisbane on August 18, Folds and his new band will be playing the Opera House on August 20 and 21, the Perth Concert Hall on August 23, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on August 25, the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on August 26 and 27, and finally the Canberra Theatre on August 28. If you want to see truly canonical pop, bridging the last few decades, you might want to catch these shows.
The Ancient Romans knew how to party. Every winter, they threw a festival dedicated to nighttime feasting, drinking and merriment. You know, the good stuff. Bacchus Brewing Co also knows how to party, and they're resurrecting this age-old ritual. It shouldn't come as a surprise — they are a beer-making company named after the Greco-Roman god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine. And they're taking that history and running with it. That means an event dedicated to the best beverages one could get, although they're focusing on yeasty rather than vine-ripened goodness. To celebrate their fourth birthday, they've invited their brewer friends, both local and interstate, to come along and brew special one-off beers. There'll be 26 in total, plus food trucks and house pizzas to do the important job of lining the stomach. Yes, that means two whole days of all the ale you could ever imagine. Yes, you won't want to miss out.
Swapping the Californian coast for the sweltering Aussie summer, The Growlers are heading our way for a string of nationwide shows. Showcasing tracks fresh from their latest record Chinese Fountain, the Cali-based fivesome will be making their way from Melbourne to Maroochydore for fans this January. Blending garage rock rhythms with spaced-out gravely vocals, The Growlers are no strangers to our shores. Selling out four headline shows in March last year, the band will be putting on 14 ripper gigs in cities and regional spots across the east coast. With five studio albums and countless had-to-be-there shows dotted throughout their career, 2015 is set to be another standout year for The Growlers. Renowned for putting on a smashing live set, the band's beachside upbringing guarantees these to be some psychedelic, high-energy performances. A tad theatrical and a whole lot of fun, gear up for a night of 'beach goth' vibes to get your summer going. Supported by Babe Rainbow + Donny Love.
If you're already squealing, this is the gig you've been waiting for. Bright Eyes frontman and bonafide dreamboat of your formative years Conor Oberst is returning to Australia to play some very special shows for your fast-beating heart. Since the early '90s, Oberst has spun tales of heartbreak, love, joy, life and serious depression, gradually moving from Bright Eyes to the Mystic Valley Band and Monsters of Folk in recent years. Now he's heading back to Sydney, armed with tracks from his most recent album, 2014's Upside Down Mountain as well as those tunes that made you weep, fall in love and appreciate the little things. Fingers crossed for 'Lua', 'First Day of My Life'; you know the drill. This isn't your regular giggin' in pavilions tour though. As well as hitting up Brisbane's Triffid, Melbourne's Corner Hotel and Sydney's Metro's Theatre, Oberst is set to play a series of unconventional gigs among the giraffes, hitting Sydney's Taronga Zoo and Melbourne Zoo Twilights. Bet even the bilbies have a bit of a tear-up. Supported by The Felice Brothers.
He can growl like Tom Waits and wail on melancholic high notes like Jeff Buckley, yet come out of the mix with a sound that's all his very own. If you haven't yet made acquaintance with extraordinary singer-songwriter Steve Smyth, it's high time you tipped your hat. Smyth's been making himself known both within Australia and overseas via the old-school method of extensive touring. In fact, after releasing his debut full-length album, EXITS, mid-last year, he embarked on a seriously epic journey, playing in more than eighty towns across Australia. Steering away from whizz-bang effects and slick marketing, he's kept his focus well and truly on writing and delivering authentic music. So his live performances, accompanied by his band, The Outlaws, are genuinely cracking. You'll find yourself rocking and a-rolling one minute and crying on your best mate's shoulder the next. In March, Steve popped over to Austin to play SXSW, before returning home to play Byron Bay's Bluesfest at Easter. Catch him in Brisbane on May 8, before he packs his bag for a long stretch on the road in Europe.
Get the bacon and whisky ready, and start making your own canoe — Nick Offerman is coming to Brisbane. After last venturing to our shores in 2016, the Parks and Recreation star is headed back for with his all new All Rise show. Yes, Ron effing Swanson will be in the country again on Friday, June 21. All Rise sees Offerman do what he does best, other than star in beloved sitcoms and whip up items in his woodshop. Here, here'll be comedically contemplating life in a show that's described as "an evening of deliberative talking and light dance". If you've just started thinking about drunk Ron Swanson letting loose, that's understandable; however expect plenty of witty, reflective chatter as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrLZgP-OR6s It's been a big few years for the actor and comedian, with Offerman popping up in everything from Fargo, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Curb Your Enthusiasm to The Founder, Hearts Beat Loud and the forthcoming The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part since Parks and Rec ended.
UPDATE, FEBRUARY 15: Moonlight Cinema has now dropped its March program, which'll take the openair cinema through until the end of its 2019–20 season on Sunday, March 29. Highlights include the creepy new version of The Invisible Man, and a couple of chances to see Margot Robbie unleash mayhem in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) and Daniel Craig turn detective in Knives Out. You can also enjoy a blast from the past with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. UPDATE, JANUARY 18: Moonlight Cinema has revealed its February lineup, with a fresh batch of films coming to the outdoor venue. Recent gems such as Little Women and 1917 will screen alongside old-school hits such as Mean Girls, Ghost and a sing-along session of Grease (yes, it's playing on a summer night). You can also head along to a pooch-focused night of movies thanks to a collaboration with Top Dog Film Festival, who'll be presenting a best-of screening. Like all sessions at Moonlight, you can bring your pupper along, too. When Moonlight Cinema returns for its 2019–20 season, hitting Brisbane's Roma Street Parklands from Saturday, December 14–Sunday, March 29, the annual feast of outdoor movies will give film fans exactly what we all want. Sure, we're all keen to roll out our picnic blankets, sit under the stars and stare up at the big screen — but, given that this openair cinema launches at the end of each and every year, we also want Christmas movies. In the week leading up to the big festive day, Moonlight will screen Last Christmas, Die Hard, Home Alone, Love Actually and Elf. Yep, all the basics are covered. They're not the only highlights on the bill, but they sure do twinkle brightly among a heap of other movie standouts. If you're wondering what else will tempt your inner cinephile, it's a lengthy list. With recently or newly released movies a big part of Moonlight's lineup, expect to watch Rocketman, Hustlers, Joker, Ford v Ferrari, Knives Out, Cats, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker and Charlie's Angels. Moonlight also showcases advanced screenings of upcoming films, so add the Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie-starring Bombshell and Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood to your must-see pile. Going retro, the outdoor cinema will revisit last year's A Star Is Born and 90s perennial favourite 10 Things I Hate About You. Dirty Dancing is also on the bill, like every year — it wouldn't be a Moonlight without it. As always, Moonlight will also boast its usual food truck and licensed bar offering, and its reserved bean beds. You can also bring your dog — but you can't BYO.
Called it. When more and more breweries started popping up in Milton, we were pretty sure that a brewery crawl was going to be in order. And while Brewsvegas not only made the idea a reality earlier, but has kept bringing it back, hopping around brew-slinging joints isn't just a once-a-year affair. There's no prizes for guessing what happens on The Milton Good Beer Trail, but there is plenty of beer. Yes indeed. Take a self-paced 1.4-kilometre stroll between The Scratch, Aether, Newstead Brewing, Brewski and Mongrel, snaffle a different schooner at each venue, and just generally be merry. Who's thirsty? Even better — your $30 ticket also gets you a stubby cooler to commemorate your trek. And, you can make the stroll whenever you feel like between Friday, September 13 and Sunday, September 15 from 12–11pm.
Cruising to the coast for the long weekend? That sounds pretty great. Jetting to Singapore for an impromptu overseas jaunt? That sounds even better. How better to celebrate the Queen's Birthday public than travelling abroad, doing something different and treating yourself like a queen — or king, or some other type of royalty? Just think: Singapore is only an 8-and-a-half-hour flight away, which is something you could do in your sleep — literally. In partnership with Mastercard, we've put together a quick things of things to do to convince you to make the most of the weekend with a trip. It'll be worth it. THERE'S SO MUCH SMOKED MEAT TO TRY Meat, glorious meat: if it's your kind of food, then this smoked meat experience at Meat Smith is your kind of meal. American-style meat smoking a fairly new thing in Singapore, and this is your chance to get some one-on-one time with the chef to hear the tricks of the trade. You'd best be a fan of pork, as devouring a suckling pig — or opting for a platter of delicious pork options — is on the agenda. You'll eat, you'll learn, and you'll drink craft beer and barrel-aged cocktails. Arrive hungry. THERE'S A LATE-NIGHT JAPANESE THEMED CLUB Yes, you're in Singapore — but that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a taste of a completely different country while you're there. Club kyō is the city's Japanese-themed late-night hangout in the middle of the CBD. Expect minimalistic yet naturalistic decor heavy on stone, wood and sleek surfaces, as well as sake, Japanese whiskey, and gourmet sashimi and sushi. And, because it's a nightclub, expect to dance the evening away to everything from funk to reggae to nu-disco. THE ARCHITECTURE IS INCREDIBLE Wandering, moseying, roaming: there's no better way to get to know a new city, even if you're only there for a few days. During September and early October, Singapore calls attention to its varied architecture at architectre festival Archifest, which includes walks, talks, activities and more. It's the Architours that you'll want to flock to, featuring a carefully curated mix of designer houses, public institutions, expansive landscape projects and religious buildings. You can also head to Raffles Park for a heap of other fun bits and pieces, including a pop-up inner-city farm and a class on taking kickass architectural photos for Instagram. MANY MANY PARKS Singapore has a heck of a lot of parks. The 156-year-old, 182-acre Singapore Botanic Gardens stay open until midnight and are home to the largest orchid collection in the world. There's even one particularly delicate species named after Margaret Thatcher. At HortPark, in the southwest, you'll wander through 21 themed gardens, including one filled with butterflies. For a longer walk, take on the ten-kilometre Southern Ridges hike – an adventure through coastal panoramas, lush rainforest canopy, a 36-metre high undulating bridge called Henderson Waves and Singapore's second highest peak, Mount Faber. THE FOOD IS WORTH THE TRIP ALONE To get the low-down on where the locals queue for food, jump on the Makan Bus Culinary Tour. You'll sample numerous tasty and eye-opening morsels from a diverse array of tucked-away eateries on this bus tour that's run by locals. Try everything from fried chicken and frogs' legs to soup at the rather charmingly and perhaps too-honestly named Pig Organ, for starters. Somewhat surprisingly, vegetarians can be catered for at every stop. Visit priceless.com to see a Singapore long weekend itinerary from @clairecollected and @mrgumbatron, and more priceless experiences exclusive to Mastercard cardholders.
Both the heartbroken and the heartbreakers should take a lesson from Sharon Van Etten, heading to Australia for her 2015 Are We There tour. Renowned for embracing life's emotionally crippling moments, Van Etten has been putting her heart on a platter since her first offering 'Because I Was In Love' in 2009 — released after TV On the Radio's Kyp Malone gave her a nudge in the right direction. The Brooklyn-based, New Jersey and Tennessee-raised singer/songwriter hasn't stopped since, with four gripping albums under her belt including 2012's Tramp. Headlining Secret Garden (February 27-28) with Parquet Courts and Golden Plains (March 7-9), Van Etten is also playing sideshows for those who missed out on tickets — or don't really want to shell out for the airfare.. Supported by Tiny Ruins (NZ) + Heather Woods Broderick (USA).
If you've been struggling to live in the teenies because you're musically and spiritually stuck in the noughties, we have some news that's going to bring you bolting straight into the present. Ministry of Sound are embarking on a super-niche tour. From mid-November, they'll be paying visits to Australia's capital cities to perform, get this, their greatest clubbing moments from The Annual 2001-2004. And that'll be all, folks. Leading the lineup will be OGs John Course and Mark Dynamix, who, between them, have placed millions of CDs in club-loving hands and ears over the past couple of decades. They're the mighty duo behind Ministry of Sound's annual compilations, on which you probably first heard Roger Sanchez, Basement Jaxx, Tim Deluxe, Cassius and Groove Armada. To each gig, Course and Dynamix will be inviting a bunch of cracking support artists. Sydneysiders will be treated to an extra-special tribute to early noughties break beat at a Clubber's Guide to Breaks Room. You can count on appearances by the UK's Plump DJs, as well as by homegrown breaks guru Kid Kenobi. MINISTRY OF SOUND 2001-2004 REUNION TOUR November 18 — The Prince, Melbourne December 16 — The Metro, Sydney December 20 — HQ, Adelaide January 13 — Discovery, Darwin January 15 — Matisse Beach Club, Perth January 21 — The Met, Brisbane Tickets are over here. In the meantime, to get yourself in the mood, have a listen to this dedicated Reunion Tour play list on Spotify.
Peter Bibby’s debut album, released in November last year, is called Butcher/Hairstylist/Beautician. It’s unclear what this eclectic mix of job titles signifies. Perhaps Bibby is a self-styled jack of all trades, just as at home wielding a carving knife as an eyelash curler? Who knows? It’s a nice image. What we do know is that Perth-born, Melbourne-based Bibby, having recently returned from the USA (seems like Americans have a thing for earnest, self-deprecating Aussie guitarists at the moment — see Courtney Barnett), is about to kick off his first national tour. You can expect a damn fine show from the 'Hates My Boozin' spinner of VB-soaked yarns — not for nothing has he played Sydney Festival, Laneway and SXSW already. A ticket to this show will get you change from a twenty, so what are you doing? Get on it. Supported by The Good Sports + Donny Love.
Venues with standard kitchens: that's so last year. Bars with street food options: that's more like it. Southside Tea Room, Death Valley and Red Robin Supper Truck did it, and now the Brightside and Lucky Egg are too. Yes, it's officially Brisbane's latest trend. From June 25, the Brightside will say goodbye to the toasted sandwich menu punters have come to know and love, and will say hello to fried chicken goodness served from a shipping container. Burgers and wings are the main attraction, of course — all buttermilk coated, free range and locally sourced. That means slabs of chicken topped with American cheddar, garlic pickles and spinach, or with Hellmann’s slaw and honey mustard sauce — whichever takes your fancy. Wings come with a choice of blue cheese, honey mustard, chipotle mayo, Asian style kimchi mayo and ketchup. If they taste as good as they sound, all other fast food poultry places will soon be nothing but a memory. If finger lickin' good food wasn't enough of an attraction, Lucky Egg is also offering two-for-one burgers and wings on their opening day. Whether you devour both yourself, or share with a friend, that's a deal not to miss. Doors open at 5pm, and we suggest arriving early — the early bird gets the cheap chicken, after all. Find Lucky Egg at the Brightside, 27 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley from June 25, or visit their Facebook page for more information.
Imagine a place that caters to your every cheese need, whether stocking up on the best creamy goodness money can buy or enjoying a delectable dairy-oriented dinner takes your fancy. No, this isn't a fantasy fuelled by too many late-night brie eating sessions. Brisbanites, this cheese heaven is about to become a reality. Fromage [The Cow] is the store dreams are made of — it's the city's first-ever licensed fromagerie. Sure, that's just a fancy French term for cheese shop, but it sounds delicious, doesn't it? When the new addition to Milton's Park Road opens its doors in May, it really will grant all your cheese wishes at once. Not only will Fromage [The Cow] boast a full-service, cheese-centric restaurant — complete with a droolworthy walk-in cheese room as the centrepiece of the space — but it'll also include a bar matching all things sharp and gooey with tasty tipples of wine, beer and sake. Plus there'll be a takeaway coffee and (wait for it) cheese toastie window as well. Basically, whatever type of coagulated buffalo, cow, sheep or goat milk protein you like — and whichever way you like it, be it on crackers, paired with a glass of red, oozing out two warm pieces of bread, melted into fondue or smeared through macaroni — it'll be on offer here. Yep, we're calling it: this is about to be everyone's new favourite hangout. Cheese is good for you, isn't it? Find Fromage [The Cow] at 14 Park Road, Milton, from May. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information.
Sadly, we can't all be royalty from an unspecified country seeing the sights of Rome with Gregory Peck; however, as far as eating like you're in Roman Holiday (or on one) is concerned, Brisbanites can do the next best thing. For one day and night, Newstead's Locale is bringing more than their usual taste of Italy to the city outskirts courtesy of their Roman Holiday 'Maritozzi' Pop-up Bar. Whether you're an Audrey Hepburn fan, or fond of sweet brioche, November 10 is about to become your favourite day. Locale's theming will whisk you away to the European jaunt you've always wanted to take, or at least make you feel like you're in the movie. And their menu will introduce the traditional Roman cream bun that is maritozzi to your stomach. The latter will be available in seven flavours: strawberries and cream, Italian bacio, passionfruit chantilly cream, pistachio, ricotta and orange, Galliano, and Amarena and coconut. Pre-ordering is recommended; who doesn't want to try one of these sweet treats, after all?
Returning for its third year, and quickly becoming a canonical part of Brisbane's independent scene, The End of the Line Festival has just dropped its 2016 lineup — and given it was curated by West-End-record-store-owning-musical-and-cultural-powerhouse Shannon Logan of Jet Black Cat Music, no-one will be surprised to see an eclectic range of local and inter-state up-and-comers on the bill. This year, Melbourne acts, Fraser A Gorman, Totally Mild and Christopher Port join beloved locals like Banff, Major Leagues, Good Boy, Mid Ayr and Desmond Cheese to name a few. Despite the colossal pressure associated with curating a festival (and pretty much putting your music taste on stage for Brisbane to see) Logan has committed her locally renowned image as music lover to the festival this year, saying that within the combination of bands playing there "surely will be something for everyone". A big claim, but more than substantiated by the lineup, from the dole-wave sounds of Good Boy, the retro space-chords of the Vulture St Tape Gang, to the Kate-Bush-esque power pop of Feeding Fauna, it's going to be represented in Woolloongabba on November 5. And that means, importantly, it's as much an opportunity for well-deserved local bands to play, as it is audiences to hear a range of sounds they mightn't usually. Taking place in the beautiful inner-city Woolloongabba Village Precinct, The End of the Line is as much about the music as it is about community. In previous festival years, the shut-off street has been occupied by the precinct's local coffeemakers, restaurateurs and shop owners serving festival-themed menus and wares, and this year, their presence will be greater and presumably yummier than ever. On top of the food, drinks, great crowd, inner-city aesthetic, and of course music, there will the addition major artistic contributions from the Queensland College of Art's POP Gallery and the Aboriginal Centre of the Performing Arts through dance, visual and performance art. This year The End of the Line promises to catch the unique taste of Brisbane, an opportunity afforded to people of all ages, free of charge. Starting at 10am, and finishing at 11pm, the festival will be heard and smelt all over Woolloongabba. Alright, alright, here's what you came here for. THE END OF THE LINE FESTIVAL 2016 LINEUP: Fraser A Gorman Totally Mild Christopher Port Banff Major Leagues Good Boy Mid Ayr Desmond Cheese Pool Shop the Vulture St Tape Gang Superfeather Low Dive Francis Wolves In Caves Feeding Fauna The End of the Line Festival is happening November 5 in the Woolloongabba Village Precinct from 10am-11pm. Entry is free. For more info, head to the festival website.
Music festivals and writers festivals have existed for years, but they rarely mix. Sure, you'll hear poetic lyrics at the former, and maybe attend a tunes-inspired session at the latter. A true fusion of the two, though, is an elusive beast. Well, it was, until a few smart-thinking folks decided to organise a rock and roll writers festival. In an Australian first, the weekend-long event will explore the relationship between the literary and musical worlds. It's an idea that's so great, we can't believe that no one has done it locally before. Come April 2016, some of Australia’s finest authors, songwriters, lyricists and music commentators will converge upon Brisbane for two days of discussions, interviews, panels and more. An initial lineup boasting stacks of talented speakers has just been announced, featuring performer Jackie Marshall, previous jMag editor Jenny Valentish, journalist and Australian Music Prize judge Kate Hennessy, former Time Off editor and owner Sean Sennett, Courier Mail music writer Noel Mengel, and Pig City: From The Saints To Savage Garden author Andrew Stafford, among others. They'll all natter on about everything that's great about words, songs and the combination of the two, while trying to surprise, entertain, enlighten and challenge attendees in the process. And they'll do at the Brightside, because if you're going to throw a rock and roll writers festival, you have to do it at a rock and roll venue. The Rock and Roll Writers Festival runs from April 2 – 3, 2016, at the Brightside, 27 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley. For more information, visit their website.
When the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl kicked off in 2016, it did so in simple but great style. Recognising that the key to many a good night out is a multi-venue itinerary, it made hopping between Fortitude Valley's finest hangouts a streamlined, well-organised yet still laidback experience — with brews aplenty and an ace live music soundtrack. That was then. Now, the same idea and aim remain; however everyone's favourite multi-venue mini music and beer festival is even bigger and better in its fourth year. After expanding from four venues in its initial outing to five the second time around, and then to seven after that, 2019's event will see attendees jump between ten spots to see 51 interstate and local artists. The simultaneous sonic fun takes place on Saturday, February 16, at returning spaces The Zoo, The Brightside, The Foundry, Black Bear Lodge, Barbara, The Flying Cock and Crowbar, plus new additions Blutes, Greaser and Sabotage Social. As always, the agenda includes running between each to sip frosty beverages and catch crackin' sets, with the entertainment once again sponsored by a brewery. The whole shindig kicks off at 5pm, so the only thing left for you to do is clear your calendar for an ace day of tunes, brews and hopping around the Valley. Well, that and check out the full lineup — although just who will play where will be revealed closer to the event. MOUNTAIN GOAT VALLEY CRAWL 2019: IV League RAAVE TAPES San Mei Mosquito Coast Sunscreen The Jensens Keeskea Sports Bra sleepclub Between You And Me Cry Club Bloom Parade Pool Shop L. Flora Oh Boy Minor Premiers Inigo LÂLKA Sometime Sonny Felivand STUMPS Flowermouth Gooby Jim & The Goobs Being Jane Lane Ascot Stabber Peach Fur Royal & The Southern Echo Bad Sext Vladik Tiny Castle Rap Kitchen The Bonnie Doons CNT EVN Friend & Me Double Bummer Jumbo Dragon Wildheart Electric Zebra Selfish Sons The Ancient Bloods Georgie Neilson & The Growing Pains Jack Spider Warcries Perve Endings Requin Mantashade Jbox Venice on Fire Bayview Terrace Nightwoods Blood Bank Updated December 3.
Nakkiah Lui's new comedy could be a riff on Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? Charlotte Gibson is a lawyer and going places, fast. Her parents are stoked, but they don't know that Charlotte's also procured herself a fiancée. He's white and unemployed, a composer. His upper-middle-class parents are at the stuffier end of conservative and they're headed over for Christmas dinner. But Lui says the idea came from somewhere else entirely. "I just wanted to write something for Aboriginal actors that didn't have death in it. I wanted to write something that didn't come from a place of sorrow… This was actually something that had hope, that had happiness in it." Director Paige Rattray has the helm for this one with a cast that includes Shari Sebbens, Luke Carroll and Geoff Morrell. After proving a hit in Sydney last year, Black is the New White comes to Queensland Theatre from February 1 to 17.
Returning for its third year, and quickly becoming a canonical part of Brisbane's independent scene, The End of the Line Festival has a huge 2016 lineup — and given it was curated by West-End-record-store-owning-musical-and-cultural-powerhouse Shannon Logan of Jet Black Cat Music, no-one will be surprised to see an eclectic range of local and inter-state up-and-comers on the bill. This year, Melbourne acts, Fraser A Gorman, Totally Mild and Christopher Port join beloved locals like Banff, Major Leagues, Good Boy, Mid Ayr and Desmond Cheese to name a few. Despite the colossal pressure associated with curating a festival (and pretty much putting your music taste on stage for Brisbane to see) Logan has committed her locally renowned image as music lover to the festival this year, saying that within the combination of bands playing there "surely will be something for everyone". A big claim, but more than substantiated by the lineup, from the dole-wave sounds of Good Boy, the retro space-chords of the Vulture St Tape Gang, to the Kate-Bush-esque power pop of Feeding Fauna, it's going to be represented in Woolloongabba on November 5. And that means, importantly, it's as much an opportunity for well-deserved local bands to play, as it is audiences to hear a range of sounds they mightn't usually. Taking place in the beautiful inner-city Woolloongabba Village Precinct, The End of the Line is as much about the music as it is about community. In previous festival years, the shut-off street has been occupied by the precinct's local coffeemakers, restaurateurs and shop owners serving festival-themed menus and wares, and this year, their presence will be greater and presumably yummier than ever. On top of the food, drinks, great crowd, inner-city aesthetic, and of course music, there will the addition major artistic contributions from the Queensland College of Art's POP Gallery and the Aboriginal Centre of the Performing Arts through dance, visual and performance art. This year The End of the Line promises to catch the unique taste of Brisbane, an opportunity afforded to people of all ages, free of charge. Starting at 10am, and finishing at 11pm, the festival will be heard and smelt all over Woolloongabba. THE END OF THE LINE FESTIVAL 2016 LINEUP: Fraser A Gorman Totally Mild Christopher Port Banff Major Leagues Good Boy Mid Ayr Desmond Cheese Pool Shop the Vulture St Tape Gang Superfeather Low Dive Francis Wolves In Caves Feeding Fauna The End of the Line Festival is happening November 5 in the Woolloongabba Village Precinct from 10am-11pm. Entry is free. For more info, head to the festival website.
Turns out eating an entire two sticks of buttery, bready garlic bread from the freezer section doesn't count as an 'appreciation conference', because one Melburnian is making this actual event happen. Garlic bread aficionado and straight-up boss Baxter Kirk is putting on the world's very first Garlic Bread Appreciation Conference in Melbourne. Set to descend upon the MCG (yep, the giant, giant MCG) on Friday, January 15 at the strange time of 3.07am, the conference will "discuss the underrated garlic bread," according to the Facebook event. With 47,000+ people supposedly 'attending' the event, this could be the biggest celebration of garlic breadery the world has ever seen. Whether this conference is real or a beautiful, beautiful troll, we'll be raising a glass of cheap cola to that beloved buttery, buttery side anyway, before, during and after the event. Via Pedestrian. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
It's been three years since Florence + The Machine last toured Australia and we were beginning to think it'd be another three years before they toured again. Oh how wrong we were. Not content with just headlining this year's Splendour In The Grass and playing two packed sideshows, the group have announced that they'll be back in November. British powerhouse Florence Welch and her crew will be touring the country with a set list from their third studio album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. Guess they like Australia after all (and if the album's debut at #1 on the ARIA charts is anything to go by, we seem to have a bit of a thing for them too.) 2015 has been a busy year for the group, with performances at Coachella and Glastonbury, plus Austin City Limits this coming October. Now they'll be going solo, performing five dates across Australia. This includes two show at one of the country's most iconic venues: the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, an area reserved for the most popular of acts. You'll be able to enjoy an evening of infectious powerhouse art rock against one of the most perfect backdrops in the nation. Tickets to their Australian tour go on sale from 10 am (AEST) on Monday August 3 – and judging from how popular their Splendour sideshows were, you'll have to be extra quick to get your hands on them. Get ready to get your jive on.
As far as Henry Miller was concerned, alone time is crucial to creativity. “An artist is always alone,” he wrote, “if he is an artist. What the artist needs is loneliness.” But spending day in, day out, with only your cat for company isn’t always a recipe for inspiration. Luckily, Etsy is well aware of the problem. So, every year, they host an enormous, worldwide Craft Party. Artists and craftspeople all over the planet are encouraged to get together to paint, draw, sculpt, sew and make — with like-minded others. This year, the gathering will be happening on June 6 and the theme is 'Kaleidoscope: Paper taking shape'. It's all about collages and paper cutting techniques this year, so come armed with scissors. Etsy Craft Parties will be held all over Australia. You can organise your own, or to attend one of Brisbane's major bashes, book a spot online. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Australia's about to embark upon an entire month of parties, gigs and backyard shindigs, all raising sweet, sweet money to fight poverty around the world. Having run successfully in the UK for about ten years, Oxjam is a month-long, nationwide music festival aiming to raise money for Oxfam. Now it's launching in Australia, with goodhearted gigs coming to venues, garages and backyards nationwide. Even you can throw one. One of those star-studded fundraisers which has seen the likes of Hot Chip, Fatboy Slim, Coldplay and T.E.E.D. crank out a set for a good cause, Oxjam has been a long time coming for Australia. Teaming up with MTV Music and MTV Dance, Oxfam are launching the festival in August; with the main events happening across Sydney and Melbourne. Local venues, collectives and labels like I Oh You, Noisey, Goodgod Small Club, One Day, Motorik, UNDR CTRL and more are holding some of the official gigs — where of course, funds raised will go directly to Oxfam. Oxjam's major gig lineup will be collectively announced in June. But you don't just have to wait for Noisey's lineup, you can also host your own party wherever you are. Literally anyone can hold their own Oxjam, from existing venues to local bowling clubs, big time clubs to your very own home. So if you're deep house DJ in your crew you could set up the decks in your garage, put a collection tin at the door and throw down one humdinger of a fundraving do. (And if your neighbours complain, give 'em hell until they donate too.) First time at the event-throwing rodeo? MTV Australia are hosting an official event at MTV HQ in Sydney (date TBC), where budding venue managers, club promoters and regular shindig starters can get tips on throwing their own Gig For Good during Oxjam. If you can't make it to the how-to, Oxjam's website has a bunch of handy tips and DIY guides for party planners. Oxjam is happening Australia-wide over August 2015, with the main gigs happening in Melbourne and Sydney. But with one in three people around the world living in poverty, Oxjam's probably one of the best reasons to throw a local backyard gig we've ever heard. Head over here for more info and start planning. Image: Goodgod Small Club.
Bunnings Warehouse is supercharging its usual sausage sizzle, to support a few Aussie communities that are doing it pretty tough. Next Friday, November 22, all of the hardware giant's stores will host a special pre-weekend edition of their legendary snag sessions, raising coin for those impacted by drought and the current bushfires. All of the day's sausage profits will go to to Givit, a national non-profit that works with charities and community groups to connect disadvantaged people with the things that they need. The organisation also works with local councils and state governments to assist communities during disasters and emergencies — of which there are several happening at the moment. Some areas of the country have been struggling with a years-long drought and, this week, bushfires have destroyed hundreds of homes, and displaced thousands of people, across NSW and Queensland. Dangerous fire conditions continue today and into the weekend, too, with out-of-control fires still burning in both states. For updates and advice on Queensland bushfires, head to the Rural Fire Service Queensland website. So, on Friday, grab a snag in bread and show those in need some love. The sausage sizzles will run from 9am–4pm across all Bunnings Warehouses in Queensland.
Because one food-serving, craft beer-peddling ale house is never enough, the fine folks at Yard Bird are adding to their flock. In fact, they’ve already spread their wings, flown to another location, and feathered a second nest. Say hello to Yard Bird Ale House, Paddington. Opening ahead of schedule, the new Given Terrace establishment has served its first tasty meals and fine brews — and the second venue to wear the Yard Bird name comes with a twist. For those who like to start their day with a caffeine kick and a big brekkie — or with waffles done three ways — the new Ale House is open from 7am. Taking over the space that Eurovida Cafe formerly called home, complete with a front-facing courtyard, Yard Bird Paddington also offers the same lunch and dinner meals patrons of the Fortitude Valley hang-out have come to know and love. We’re talking chicken wings, pizzas, burgers and nachos, among other Tex-Mex nibbles, all made to be washed down with one of the eight beer and cider tipples on tap — or thirty or so others in the fridge. Night owls will be able to enjoy a late-night bite and a nightcap, with the Paddington bar trading until midnight seven days a week. Yard Bird’s trademark relaxed vibe also takes flight at a new venue designed to be cool and cosy. Owner Luke Purnell said he wanted “to make sure that there is somewhere for the residents of Paddington to drop in and have a casual drink without feeling the pressure to wear a collared shirt". Launching a second Yard Bird Ale House is just the latest achievement for Purnell, who learned the chef’s life working at Brisbane's Au Cirque, Alibi Room and Rush. He opened Yard Bird’s Fortitude Valley bar in 2011, motivated to create the type of place where anyone was welcome. Now, he brings that friendly atmosphere – as well as scrumptious bar snacks and a range of craft beverages – to the other side of Brisbane’s inner-city suburbs. Yard Bird Ale House is now open at 1/208 Given Terrace, Paddington.
It's something so simple, yet so delicious. Place a slab of meat (or a vegetarian alternative) between two halves of a bread roll, add some sauce, salad and a few other ingredients — and to the delight of your tastebuds, something glorious materialises. That'd be the burger, a culinary creation so mouthwatering that many a person has tried to take credit for inventing it since the 1800s. Two centuries later, the humble bread-centric meal has become a food staple around the world, including Brisbane. Chain restaurants thrive on them — however, anyone who has had to stomach a quick fix in a brightly lit eatery knows that not all burgers are created equal. Forget the junk and fast food varieties, because the city is overflowing with appetizing alternatives. We've rounded up ten of the best for your greasy eating pleasure. Top image: Chur Burger
Brisbane's movie buffs have had quite the eventful few years — festivals have come, gone and been resurrected; cinemas have opened up in New Farm, Elizabeth Street in the CBD, Coorparoo and Newmarket; the Schonell stopped running screenings; and more new theatres have been announced for Red Hill and Woolloongabba. Plus, just last month, the city welcomed its newest seasonal outdoor cinema in the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens — and if you like seeing flicks under the stars, there's more news where that came from. Brisbane City Council is spearheading a plan to build Brisbane's first permanent outdoor cinema, which would form part of the existing McCaskie Park in Kelvin Grove. Unlike Moonlight Cinema in New Farm Park, Openair Cinemas at South Bank and the aforementioned Sunset Cinema in Mt Coot-tha, it'll be a fixed rather than a seasonal pop-up facility. A development application has been lodged, which outlines a proposed space between Kelvin Grove Road and QUT's Creative Industries precinct, featuring a permanent shelter with a drop-down 2.7-metre by 5.4-metre screen, a stage and a speaker set-up. According to the documents submitted, BCC intends for an external party to manage the cinema, which will be operational on weeknights and weekends. Even better — given that it is located in a Council-owned public park, which dates back to 1891 and is freely accessible to everyone, the application notes that the cinema will be free to attend as well. The cinema forms part of BCC's very Leslie Knope-like aim to "enhance Brisbane's public open spaces and encourage and improve user experience", as stated in the submission — that is, to get us all out in the city's parks more often. Speaking with Brisbane Times, the Council's field services chairman Peter Matic advised that it could be used for "family movie events, short film screenings, or as part of twilight community festivals", as well as "for emerging theatre and musical artists, providing a low-cost venue for public performances". As the development application has just been lodged, we can assume that the cinema is still a little way off. But we'll keep you updated on an opening date or any new details.
When the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl kicked off in 2016, it did so in simple but great style. Recognising that the key to many a good night out is a multi-venue itinerary, it made hopping between Fortitude Valley's finest hangouts a streamlined, well-organised yet still laidback experience — with brews aplenty and an ace live music soundtrack. Come 2022, the sprawling music and beer festival will still be going strong — even after the events of the past few years. On Saturday, February 12, attendees can jump between nine Valley spots to see a huge heap of interstate and local artists. The simultaneous sonic fun takes place at The Black Bear Lodge, The Brightside (both indoors and outdoors), Greaser, Kick Ons, O'Skulligans, Ric's Backyard, The Zoo and Suzie Wongs Good Time Bar. As always, the agenda includes running between each to sip frosty beverages and catch crackin' sets, with the entertainment once again sponsored by a brewery. The whole shindig kicks off at 5pm, so the only thing left for you to do is clear your calendar for an ace day of tunes, brews and hopping around the Valley. Well, that and check out the 36-act lineup below: MOUNTAIN GOAT VALLEY CRAWL 2022 LINEUP: ARTISTS: Kwame (a-z) 1300 Adam Newling Bec Sandridge Flowertruck The Lazy Eyes Melaleuca Milan Ring Nyxen RAT!Hammock (a-z) 90Ivy Blue Velvet Bored Shorts The Buzzing Towers Cheap Date CityPiss Cloe Terare Elcid Flores Fomi Fraser Bell Girl and Girl Haliday Hollie Joy Isabel Wood Lucy Francesca Dron Melrose. Monet's Pond Passionfruit Band Radium Dolls Slowrip Square Stage Presence Straight Girls The Tinderboxers Tjaka Willis and the Lovely Ones VENUES: Black Bear Lodge The Brightside The Brightside — Outdoors Greaser O'Skulligans Ric's Backyard Suzie Wongs Good Time Bar Woolly Mammoth Mane Stage The Zoo The 2022 Mountain Goat Valley Crawl takes place from 6pm on Saturday, February 12. Entry is free, but you'll need to RSVP for free tickets online. Images: katexjean / Jared Hinz Photography.
Successful documentaries are often boiled down to a well-worn old adage, with the best films frequently benefiting from filmmakers simply being in the right place at the right time. The saying seems to ring true for Australian Jennifer Peedom, although calling the experienced high-altitude director 'fortunate' isn't quite appropriate. When she went to Nepal in 2014, she was motivated by reported tensions between travellers and their Sherpa guides. With the chasm between the two groups screaming for more attention, Peedom planned to make a movie about one of the local workers, the unassuming Phurba Tashi Sherpa, who was on the cusp of making history. But then nature struck, and the movie had to change. A time capsule of the toughest climbing season imaginable, as well as an exercise in quick-thinking filmmaking at its best, Sherpa is undoubtedly the superior Everest-based movie of the last 12 months. Forget re-enactments, high-profile actors looking frosty, strained accents and 3D special effects. In capturing the blackest day the mountain has ever seen with on-the-ground footage of a tragedy unfolding, as well as the build up to the Khumbu Icefall avalanche and the harrowing, heartbreaking aftermath, the film presents devastating details that could only spring from real life. Phurba's feat — ascending the world's highest peak for a record-breaking 22nd time — would've made a rousing story in its own right, as well as a powerful testament to the largely unrecognised role the Sherpa people play in the mountain's growing tourism industry. The weather had other plans, however. As the ice and snow began to move, his tale became even more emblematic of the broader situation facing Nepalese residents, and brought the appalling labour conditions of the Sherpas, who make wealthy Westerners' treks possible, sharply into focus. With the precision of a master craftsperson and the breathtaking vision to match, Peedom balances the personal plight of one pivotal figure with the anger-inspiring human rights issues that surround the mountain. Viewers will find themselves simultaneously marvelling at the images Peedom and her trio of cameramen have recorded, and wanting to leap out of their seat with frustration at the dangers the Sherpas face just to make a living. In that way, Sherpa is more than just a tale of triumph over adversity. Instead, it's a high-stakes, high-altitude dissection of commercial and financial interests triumphing over a very human cost, as pieced together with an insider's perspective and understanding. Interviewees hail from all sides of the business of climbing, but there's never any doubting the film's allegiances. That's not a consequence of Peedom's lack of balance, but simply a reflection of the galling reality on the mountain. Offering an astonishing account of a just-as-astonishing slice of life, documentary filmmaking doesn't get much better than this.
Forget burgers, Brisbanites — there's a new meat and bread combination in town. If The Yiros Shop has its way, soon everyone in the city will be feasting on their fluffy pitas, stuffed with everything from haloumi and hot chips to pork, chicken and lamb. And we really do mean the city, given that the chain of stores has set up their next shop right in the heart of the CBD. As of earlier this week, they're serving up traditional Greek fare from the corner of Edward and Charlotte streets. That doesn't only include yiros, as tasty as they are. You'll also find Greek salads on offer, plus Greek-topped chips (their take on loaded fries) and a range of home-style desserts. Baklava and loukoumades, anyone? With their number of outlets now totalling four thanks to their existing setups in Cannon Hill, Fortitude Valley and South Bank, The Yiros Shop are well on their way to spreading their Mediterranean delights all around south-east Queensland. For the moment, you can probably remember a time before yiros. At this rate, that won't be the case for much longer. Find The Yiros Shop at 2/120 Edward Street, Brisbane City. Check out their website and Facebook page for further information.
The 35th incarnation of Woodford Folk Festival — a temporary village of alternative lifestyle, music, art and performance — is finally happening this December and January. Over six days and six nights, more than 2,000 performers (and many, many more attendees) will bring this festival to life in the Sunshine Coast hinterland after a two-year pandemic-induced break. The festival will feature music from all over the globe including folk, rock, blues, First Nations performances as well as children's events, comedy, cabaret and talks on everything from social justice to science and innovation. You'll be able to wander through market stalls, encounter installation artworks and take part in workshops and activities at the Bushtime camping experience on Jinibara Country as you see out the year in with thousands of other festival goers. And that's all before the mammoth closing ceremony fire display on New Year's Eve that'll help you welcome in 2023. Keen to head along? The full Woodford Folk Festival program and tickets are yet to be released. For more information, visit the website. Images: Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr.
Undisputed badass, battle hero and SBS newsreader Lee Lin Chin is gearing up to represent Australia on the global stage. Announced on SBS's The Feed last night, Chin will take on the coveted role of Australia's official Eurovision spokesperson. Now that's a Eurovision representative we can get excited about (yeah sorry, ARIAs, charts, vocal range, yadda yadda, but come on). Chin will deliver the famous and vital points from Australia's stash, announcing the final three countries that will receive Australia's eight, ten and twelve points. So while Malta, Demark, perpetual 'London Calling' jokemakers the United Kingdom and more give it their best, most awkward shot in front of the green screen, Australia's modish champion will inevitably deliver the points with poise, urgency and hopefully, in this Logies hat. Given the time difference in Austria, Lin Chin will have to get up pretty early to deliver the goods. But eating, sleeping, raving and repeating is a cakewalk for this party professional. "I’m not worried about being up early, I’ll just have to take a break from the clubs for 20 minutes." *drops mic* As the very first time in Eurovision history Australia has been invited to compete in the contest, and the very first time Chin has dominated the international airwaves, it's all convenient timing for the SBS newsreader — who recently announced her new commitment to campaigning for the 2016 Gold Logie (most popular personality on Australian television, yep she's missing a few decades worth on her shelf). "195 million people watch Eurovision every year and if even just 10 million of those buy TV Week I’ll have it in the bag," she said in a coy and perfectly crafted media statement. "As SBS’s most recognisable personality I couldn’t say no to such an opportunity. I’m the obvious choice — not only have I been to Europe but I also listen to music from time to time." How can you get in on the Eurovision action? SBS will broadcast both semi-finals and the Grand Final live from Vienna on May 20, May 22 and May 24 from 5am. Both semi-finals will be shown in full on SBS ONE on May 22 and May 23 from 7.30pm. The Grand Final featuring Guy Sebastian and Lee Lin Chin's points delivery will screen on Sunday May 24 from 7.30pm. For now, this:
If you love Brisbane as much as the Museum of Brisbane does — and let's face it, their affection is right there in their name — then 2016 might just offer your chance to show it. As part of their calendar of events for next year, the City Hall-based showcase of the Queensland capital's living history is staging a semi-permanent interactive exhibition that uses the people of Brisbane as its basis. Running for three years from July 2016, 100% Brisbane won't just turn the spotlight on the city — it'll deconstruct the population and reflect the real face of the community. Using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it will find 100 everyday folks to represent the entirety of Brisbane. It all begins with one chosen local, who'll then spark a search that spans over 100 days. That resident will then have 24 hours to recruit the next Brisbanite, who will then select the another person and so on, until 100 people are connected. Fans of globally renowned theatre company Rimini Protokoll might recognise the concept, given that the Berlin-based group has rolled out the project all around the world, including in London, San Diego, Paris, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. Their Brisbane stint marks the first time they've ever collaborated with a museum, as well as being one of the biggest undertakings to date by the Museum of Brisbane. As acting director Christopher Salter puts it, 100% Brisbane will "present the story of Brisbane today in an authentic way, through 100 of our city locals. The heart of the experience is real people with real stories and their experiences in our city today.” Those who don't make the final 100 will also have their chance to participate once the exhibition opens, of course. Attendees will be able to share their information and opinions to compare themselves with the participants. In fact, beyond the performance aspect, the project aims to map how attitudes and perceptions change within the city over its three-year run. 100% Brisbane will also feature a documentary covering the history of the city’s population, as written and narrated by author and actor William McInnes, plus Brisbane-focused contemporary art commissions from Australian artists. 100% Brisbane opens at the Museum of Brisbane in July 2016. For more information, keep an eye on their website. Image: Hamish Snow, Laneway Festival, Brisbane 2015 and 100% Berlin
Ever wanted to see your favourite bands kick a few goals, and help support a good cause at the same time? Since 1993, the Reclink Community Cup has been turning musos into footy players for an annual charity Aussie rules match, with the Melbourne game drawing more than 10,000 people and raising over $100,000 each year. Sydney's been going strong for years too, and now, it's coming to Brisbane for the first time ever. Come September 25, the city's music community will descend upon Pine Rivers Showground to put their sporting prowess to the test. Two teams will take to the field: The Rocking Horses, featuring players from an array of Brissie acts, and the Brisbane Lines, filled with a crew of 4ZZZ veterans, other industry insiders, street press staff and general music-related folks. Full lineups are yet to be announced, however the likes of Paul Kelly, Courtney Barnett, Tim Rogers and Tex Perkins have strapped on boots in previous interstate events. A couple of pollies normally join in, with Queensland upper house members Senator Murray Watt and Senator Anthony Chisholm slated to do the honours, the former with the musos and the latter playing with the media. Plus, the Community Cup isn't just about getting a dose of the live AFL action fans have been missing since the state's two teams failed to make the finals, as ace as the prospect of more footy is. Given that rock stars are involved, of course live music is part of the proceedings as well, with the Reclink Choir (featuring Robbie James from GANGgajang), Screaming Steven & The Heathens, 2Dogs and Sydney's Scabz taking care of the tunes. And, food-wise, expect stalls ready to fill your ravenous stomachs. Watching bands play — both music and footy — is hungry work, after all. Tickets cost $10, with every dollar raised going towards Reclink's efforts to improve the lives of Queenslanders suffering from disability, homelessness, substance abuse and economic hardship through participation in sport and the arts. Yep, whoever emerges victorious from the game, a heap of deserving folks will be the real winners. The Reclink Community Cup takes place on September 25 at Pine Rivers Showgrounds, Gympie Road, Lawnton. Tickets cost $10, and are available at the gate. For more information, visit www.communitycup.com.au/brisbane. Image: Rod Hunt.
Who needs to go to a bar or restaurant when you can go to a food and beverage pavilion? Yes, it does sound a little fancier and intimidating, but there's more to it than that. Think of this as the wondrous nucleus where all the dining and drinking options you could want combine in one venue. It's like a permanent mini-food festival, in a sense. The new venue is coming to Newstead thanks to the folks behind Hatch & Co; the eateries everyone has been flocking to at Garden City, Post Office Square and Gasworks Plaza. Soon the latter spot will have a sibling in the same precinct, however it's not just a rehash of their same tasty seasonal food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Set up marketplace-style, it will also play host to a juice station, express coffee window, open-plan kitchen, takeaway service and large, shared dining tables. Plus, the pavilion will feature 12 craft and local beers on tap, plus a sizeable range of wines and curated cocktails. Yep, it really does sound like the kind of spot that's going to be all kinds of excellent, and there's more to the story. This is a place for people to hangout, and it's also a place the owners want the city to feel a sense of ownership for. Thankfully, they've worked out the best way to do just that, throwing open the job of naming the joint to the general public. All is revealed on June 9, and the person behind it will win lifelong glory, of course, as well as a $1000 dining experience. Who knows, you might just have a new favourite spot that's been given its moniker by one of your mates. That's bragging you can get used to. For more information, visit www.wedonthavea.name. Find the new venue at the Gasworks Plaza Precinct, 100 Skyring Terrace, Newstead. Image: Kgbo.
In 2026, a brick hall perched on Wynnum Road in Brisbane's east will turn 100. That place: Morningside School of Arts. The art deco structure is no longer operating as a place to enhance your creative talents, but it has been everything from a library to a market site over the years. Ballet, karate, gymnastics, life drawing, line dancing: classes on each still pop up within its walls, too. A year before it reaches its centenary, Morningside School of Arts is getting celebrating by joining a different party: Brisbane Open House. This is the first time that it'll be on the event's lineup, letting folks head by to peer behind the scenes — which is what this architecture-loving weekend is always all about. [caption id="attachment_1007055" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Riviere by Aria, Cieran Murphy[/caption] Taking place across Saturday, July 19–Sunday, July 20, 2025's Brisbane Open House is embracing its usual agenda to not only let Brisbanites play tourist in their own town, but to take them exploring the River City's key buildings and landmarks. In total, 91 structures and sites are on the itinerary, spanning returning favourites that welcome in sticky beaks every year and newcomers. Among the second group, Morningside School of Arts is joined by Milton House, Rivière by Aria at Kangaroo Point, St Laurence's College and Bradbury Park Playscape in Kedron. Historical and heritage-listed spots, apartment towers, schools, playgrounds: even just Brisbane Open House's brand-new additions for this year give a decent glimpse at the variety of buildings that attendees can meander through. In the returning camp, Newstead House, Brisbane Arcade, ABC Brisbane at South Bank, Queensland Ballet's Thomas Dixon Centre, Centenary Pool and Roma Street Fire Station are just some of the other locations to hit up. Speaking of Roma Street, it's also on the program a second time, but taking visitors underground. Thanks to the Cross River Rail works, you can venture 30 metres beneath the road to where the new station is set to sit. Brisbane Airport is 100 years old this year, so one tour on Brisbane Open House's agenda commemorates that milestone. Still on huge pieces of infrastructure, Wivenhoe Dam and Port of Brisbane are on the itinerary, too. Plus, 2025's lineup marks the first time since 2020 that private homes are back on the program, letting the public into ten architect-designed houses, thanks to a collaboration with the Australian Institute of Architects. As well as tours and guided walks — such as one through Kurilpa — the program also features an exploration of ancient Egypt's architecture at Queensland Museum, Brisbane Open House's photography competition making a comeback, live tunes and performances, film screenings, a PechaKucha night at ARUP and more. "This is a landmark year for Brisbane Open House, not just in the scale of what we're offering, but in the depth of experience we're creating for locals and visitors alike," advised Brisbane Open House Chair Malcolm Middleton, announcing 2025's program. "Architecture is more than just buildings. It's about how we shape the spaces we live, work and gather in. It's about culture, climate and creativity. It's what leaves a lasting impression on our city's visitors, and it's what fills our lives with everyday beauty." [caption id="attachment_1007058" align="alignnone" width="1920"] HOSPITALITY, COMMERCIAL[/caption] Brisbane Open House 2025 runs across Saturday, July 19–Sunday, July 20 at a variety of places around Brisbane. For the full program, head to the event's website.
One of Australia's biggest beats-loving festivals has been canned. Mushroom Group have announced the discontinuation of Future Music Festival today, after reporting low ticket sales for the last two years. Despite attracted huge crowds to this year's March festival nationwide, Future apparently underperformed with ticket sales. This means Future isn't returning for 2016, with Mushroom looking to steer away from large-scale travelling festivals and put more focus on its touring adventures with Frontier Touring, A Day On the Green, Melbourne's Sugar Mountain and under-18s event Good Life. "The decision to discontinue Future Music Festival was not made lightly," says Mushroom Group Chairman Michael Gudinski. "A point came though where it simply no longer made sense to continue. We believe in the festival industry in Australia and plan to announce an exciting new festival concept in the coming months." Mushroom Group are developing a new festival concept, planned for the same time period previously held by Future and set to be announced later this year. Image: Future Music Festival.
