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.
We don't know what you got out of your last road trip, but odds are it wasn't a 432-page cookbook profiling 100 food heroes and shot through with gush-worthy photography. Acclaimed food writers Helen Greenwood and Melissa Leong are different that way. After six months on the road with a production crew, they've emerged with The Great Australian Cookbook, a document that features recipes from leading chefs like Neil Perry, Dan Hong, Kylie Kwong and Anna Polyviou but also from farmers and producers such as Tathra Oysters, Bruny Island Food and the Pyengana Dairy Company — as well as Australia's original cookbook queen, Margaret Fulton. And how do you visually communicate this breadth of Australiana so the book might be judged by its cover? With a specially commissioned illustration from Mambo artist Reg Mombassa, of course. Topping off this love fest, royalties from the book will go to OzHarvest, the Australian charity distributing unwanted food to people in need. It's a pretty special project, one that meant figuring out what constituted Aussie cuisine in the first place — the modern version, not just sausage rolls and prawns on the barbie. For Greenwood and Leong, former collaborators on The Good Food Shopping Guide, it was a natural progression of their work in recent years. After the success of The Great New Zealand Cookbook, the pair were approached to do the same for Australia. They jumped at the chance. "We loved the idea of a cookbook that reaches into many regions of Australia, showcases many different kinds of cooks and presents a snapshot of how Australians eat today," says Helen. It was also an opportunity to present a contemporary and inclusive picture of Australian cuisine. "Australia has a great reputation overseas for its food," she says. "If we have any problem representing Australian cuisine, it’s that we struggle to define it." The pair set out to speak with foodies both familiar and lesser known. Considering the successes of Australia's produce and cooking on the international food scene, whittling down the 100 contributors to include was not easy. "We had to cover a lot of ground [in the road trip] ... and had to ask ourselves a lot of questions," says Helen. "Have we represented the regions and the cities? Have we covered the country and the coast? Do we have classic Aussie dishes? Do we have people who reflect our Indigenous and migrant heritage? Do we have the legends and emerging talents of food? When we’d answered these questions, we’d check and check again, and fine-tune it some more." The end result marries the recipes with personal reflections from each chef and photos taken in their private homes and gardens. While the co-editors are reluctant to name an all-out favourite recipe in the book, their personal highlights include superstar Aussie chefs like David Moyle (Tasmania's Franklin and Peppermint Bay), Nick Holloway (far north Queensland's Nu Nu Restaurant) and Scott Huggins and Emma McCaskill (South Australia's Magill Estate, the home of Penfolds). But Helen is quick to point out The Great Australian Cookbook is not just about chefs. "This book is about Australians who grow, harvest, cook and eat food for a living — chefs, cooks, bakers, fishers, farmers and more," she says. "It’s a snapshot of Australian food culture today." It's also a personal document in some ways, reflecting Helen and Melissa's years of gustatory discovery. "A lot of my first-time experiences as a food writer are in this book. The first time I tasted Jim Mendolia’s sardines and was transported back to a glorious holiday on a beach in Portugal," evokes Helen. "My first visit to Darwin when I ate at Jimmy Shu’s Hanuman restaurant and experienced his fusion Asian cooking ... My experience of being on the receiving end of a fork loaded with great food, and meeting the people who’ve grown or cooked or sold that great food, has shaped The Great Australian Cookbook." The Great Australian Cookbook is published by PQ Blackwell and distributed by The Five Mile Press. It's in bookstores now for RRP$49.95. Get a taste of what's inside by trying out this spring roll recipe from Angie and Dan Hong. ANGIE AND DAN HONG'S VIETNAMESE SPRING ROLLS Makes: 60 | Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 20–30 mins | Skill Level: 2 (Moderate) FILLING INGREDIENTS 500g minced pork neck 1/2 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped 1/2 cup of each of the following, all shredded: -wood ear mushrooms -shiitake mushrooms -carrot? -onion -mung bean thread ?(1cm lengths, softened in cold water) METHOD In a mixing bowl, combine the filling ingredients with the seasonings and mix thoroughly. Carefully pour hot water into a shallow, wide dish along with the soy sauce. Stir to combine. Take a rice paper wrapper and quickly immerse it in the hot water, then place on a clean, dry plate. Spoon a tablespoon of the mixture into the centre of the rice paper in a sausage shape. Fold the top and bottom ends in, then roll the rice paper up like a cigar. Set aside and repeat until all of the mixture has been used up. Heat the oil in a heavy-based pot until it reaches 180°C. In small batches, fry the spring rolls for 7–10 minutes or until the outside is crisp and golden. Drain onto paper towel and serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce. Images by Lottie Hedley Photography.
Somewhere in Los Angeles right now, there’s a pretty good chance that Johnny Depp is getting fitted for an elephant costume. Proving once again that nothing in Hollywood is sacred, Walt Disney Pictures has recently revealed that they’re working on a live action Dumbo remake, with director Tim Burton at the helm. For those of you who didn’t have a childhood, the original Dumbo tells the story of a young circus elephant whose oversized ears made him the subject of ridicule, until it was revealed that they allowed him to fly. Released in 1941 (really), the film was a major hit for the then-fledgling animation studio, and is regularly listed amongst the greatest animated movies of all time. The Burton version will be the latest in a string of Disney reboots, a trend that, fittingly enough, began when Burton’s own Alice in Wonderland grossed more than US$1 billion at the worldwide box office. Since then, the House of the Mouse has scoured its own back catalogue for properties to exploit, with recent releases like Maleficent and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice paving the way for further films including upcoming remakes of Cinderella, The Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast. While we’re pretty sceptical about the idea of a new Dumbo film, we have to admit that if the movie has to happen, the man who made Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice isn’t necessarily the worst choice. Although his recent track record has been somewhat hit-and-miss, Burton certainly knows how to put an interesting spin on otherwise child-friendly material. And let’s not forget that the original cartoon contains some pretty out there stuff, including this amazing scene when Dumbo gets hammered and hallucinates dancing pink elephants. We're also interested to see what Elfman does with Dumbo's long-recognised and controversial racial stereotyping. No news yet on a release date or casting, although we’re willing to bet money that Danny Elfman will work on the score. Burton's most recent film, Big Eyes, hits theatres on March 19. Via WSJ.
Roll up, roll up, Brisbane Festival is in town. For one glorious month of the year, the city overflows with a feast of theatre, music and other creative events to become an arts and culture wonderland. In 2015, the annual hive of activity buzzes from September 5–26, and stretches along the river and across the suburbs to encompass almost anywhere you can think of. Want to gaze at the sky to watch fireworks from wherever you can find the best vantage point? Or watch a film in your own backyard? Or see art made by those on the margins? Or go along to a free lunchtime concert at City Hall? Well, you can — and that's only the beginning of the BrisFest experience. In fact, being spoiled for choice for things to do is a problem no one should complain about. To help whittle down your options, here's our pick of the ten festival events we think you should be flocking to. Image via Atmosphere Photography.
Brisbanites, you’d best start the coffee percolating and put a cherry pie in the oven, because David Lynch is coming to town. Yes, the filmmaker with some of the most strangely sublime sensibilities in the business — and the best hair, too — is making his first trip to Australia, with Brisbane his sole stopover. We know how lucky we are. He’s here to launch the Gallery of Modern Art’s David Lynch: Between Two Worlds exhibition, and though most might know him from his movies and that one certain TV show that some rightfully say is the best thing to ever grace the small screen, this is a whole-of-building affair. You can watch his films, as well as films about his films. You can hear renditions of the music that helped make much of his work so great. You can buy his signature blend coffee from the gift shop. And you can look at paintings, sculptures, carpet and more that only a mind like his could come up with. By now you hopefully have tickets to his sold-out in-conversation event, a busy film viewing schedule mapped out and plans to stare at his artwork more than once. We’ve got a few other things for you to do, too. Let’s call this your David Lynch homework. WATCH TWIN PEAKS We’ve said it before (just above!), and we’ll say it again: Twin Peaks is one of the best shows that has ever been on television. Sadly, GOMA’s program doesn’t currently include the chance to watch its first and second seasons in full, likely due to rights issues, but anyone with even the tiniest bit of interest in Lynch owes it to themselves to do so at home. You can see the pilot as part of the lineup, as well as the scariest horror film ever made — in the form of movie follow-on, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me — but they’re just not enough. Once you enter Twin Peaks’ world of diminutive dancing men and ladies with logs, you won’t want to leave. And if you need any more convincing, consider it preparation for the third season due out next year. LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC Lynch’s movies are inextricably linked with music; what would Blue Velvet be without Bobby Vinton’s title track, Wild at Heart without Chris Isaak’s 'Wicked Game', or Twin Peaks without Julee Cruise’s 'Falling' and composer Angelo Badalamenti’s haunting themes, after all? The director has been instrumental in the creating distinctive soundscapes for his on-screen work, so it should come as no surprise that he has also released his own albums. His 2001 release, BlueBob, was an experimental rock record. His 2011 effort, Crazy Clown Time, featured the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O on one track and favoured experimental electronica. His 2013 album, The Big Dream, was inspired by blues and pop, combining for a dreamy, experimental sound. Noticing a trend here? So are we. And you’ll also notice that listening to his music — much of which can be found on Spotify — feels just like bathing in his film scores. WATCH LOUIE In 2012, Louis CK pulled off what will likely be his best-ever casting feat. Plenty of familiar faces and recognisable names have popped up in his fictionalised TV series, Louie, but when the comedian pursued an arc in season three that saw his on-screen alter ego considered to replace David Letterman as the host of the Late Show, there was only one person to turn to. Well, several actually, because Lynch wasn’t his first choice (Jerry Lewis, Al Pacino and Martin Scorsese all turned him down); however, it is now impossible to see anyone else as the plain-talking Jack Dall, the man who attempts to guide Louie to success over two episodes. It’s as if Twin Peaks’ Gordon Cole left the FBI and got into the television talk show game — and it is just as glorious as that sounds. READ HIS COMIC STRIP From 1983 to 1992, Lynch wrote and illustrated a comic strip. The Angriest Dog in the World appeared in the LA Reader, the Village Voice and other alternative US publications, inspired by a time in the 1970s when Lynch himself was seething with rage. No, we’re not kidding. Yes, Lynch’s life is filled with the kind of stuff that sounds made up, but isn’t. The image in the comic strip never changed, and always featured the same introduction, explaining that the dog is so angry that he cannot move, eat or sleep. Thought bubbles then delivered existential musings as well as puns and jokes, such as “If everything is real… then nothing is real as well.” Only selected strips can be found online, but even a quick glance proves that they’re pure Lynch. WATCH HIS TV COMMERCIALS AND MUSIC VIDEOS When he’s not making films, albums, TV shows, comic strips and artwork, or popping up in ingenious acting roles, Lynch also dabbles in the world of television commercials and music videos. Okay, okay, so do many other filmmakers – but we guarantee Lynch’s creations are unlike anyone else’s. You might have seen the Japanese coffee ads that tie in to Twin Peaks, but he has also spruiked everything from home pregnancy tests to perfume to Playstation, and even made a spooky public service announcement denouncing littering. In the music video realm, among others he directed an alternative video for Chris Isaak’s 'Wicked Game', an animated clip for Moby’s 'Shot in the Back of the Head', and a video for Nine Inch Nails' 'Came Back Haunted' that comes with a seizure warning. David Lynch: Between Two Worlds is on at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art from March 14 to June 7. See the full program of exhibition-related events at the gallery website.
Things got feisty and fearless at the Opera House when the fourth All About Women Festival took over on Sunday, March 6. Leading the prodigious, 30-speaker-strong program? None other than the inimitable Miranda July, Sleater Kinney's Carrie Brownstein, and Orange Is the New Black memoir author Piper Kerman — not to mention one of the best Women of Letters events we've ever been to. Sleater Kinney and Portlandia's legendary Brownstein talked about her October-released book Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl — before Sleater Kinney melted faces the same night at the Opera House. And Anne-Marie Slaughter, who worked as the director of policy planning at the US State Department when Hillary Clinton was running the show, argued that we can't have it all — well, at least not all at once, anyway. Emma Jane, Ruby Hamad, Michelle Arrow and Charlotte Wood unpacked 'The Women We Love to Hate', while Masha Gessen, Crystal Lameman, Mallory Ortberg, Ann Sherry, Anne- Marie Slaughter and Jenny Brockie attempted to change the world overnight. Didn't get a chance to head along to All About Women? You're in luck. Sydney Opera House's Ideas at the House team just released a whole bunch of free podcasts from the day via iTunes. We reckon you should start with 'The Boys Club' if you want to hear total boss Van Badham slam the gender dynamic in the Australian theatre industry and contemporary culture. Phwoar. Download Sydney Opera House's All About Women 2016 podcasts on iTunes for free here. Images: Yaya Stempler and Prudence Upton. By Jasmine Crittenden and Shannon Connellan.
You're at a dinner party. Chats are going strong, your drunk uncle at Thanksgiving has been deconstructed, Australia's latest novelty dessert trend raved about. Then someone brings out a new bottle of red. "Pinot noir?" your host casually offers. Sweat beads form, hearts race, eyes shift. Without warning, the pop culture fiends in the room explode. "CAVIAR." "MID-SIZED CAR." "SMOKE A CIGAR." "MYANMAR." The Kimmy Schmidt fans in the house have been unveiled — and if you're one of those, we've got some solid news for you. Ready? Tituss Burgess, well known as Kimmy's roommate Titus Andromedon in the highly popular series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, stole hearts worldwide with his unforgettable masterpiece of an "ode to black penis", 'Peeno Noir'. Now, Burgess is releasing his own pinot noir, an actual wine called Pinot by Tituss. Announced on Instagram this week, Pinot by Tituss will sell for US$24.99 a bottle online. Unfortunately they're only shipping to the US so far, but if you have American mates who could send it over, you can preorder the pinot noir and smoke a cigar right now. The bottles will be shipped after March 14. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt returns on April 15, and if you're drinking anything else, au revoir. Via Refinery29.
How good at Pictionary would Grimes be? Would Mac Demarco's sketches found in an art gallery? How would Future Islands go in a life drawing class? Sydney's FBi Radio intended to find out, by inviting a list of over 30 musicians to try their hand at a handdrawn masterpiece. Bringing back their wildly successful 'Brush With Fame' art auction, FBi asked a serious banquet of bands, rappers, ARIA-nominees, folksters, singers and beatmakers to create drawings on canvas especially for the station, ready for auction from Thursday 10 March (9pm AEDT) until Sunday 20 March (9pm AEDT). All proceeds raise funds for the independent, not-for-profit, top notch station. Kudos to FBi for one of the best group show lineups around, y'ready? You (YOU) can own a handdrawn work by these guys. FULL ARTIST LIST: Alabama Shakes Albert Hammond Jr (The Strokes) Alison Wonderland Benjamin Booker Best Coast Cosmo’s Midnight Courtney Barnett DIIV Django Django Dune Rats Elliphant & MØ Future Islands Grimes Hot Chip The Internet Little Simz Mac Demarco Matt Huynh Metz Neneh Cherry Parquet Courts Perfect Pussy Perfume Genius Peter Bibby Purity Ring The Rubens Run The Jewels* Rustie Thundercat Total Giovanni TV On The Radio Tycho Vic Mensa * Two individual canvases by Killer Mike and El-P respectively, sold together All works are on display over here. The auction will run on eBay from Thursday 10 March (9pm AEDT) until Sunday 20 March (9pm AEDT). Each piece comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity from FBi. Here's a couple of our favourites in the bunch, that you'll have to furiously outbid us on.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Brisbane is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to celebrate the landmark 40th anniversary of their iconic small cars, and in turn, help you celebrate the little things that bring that sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Brisbane. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week, indulge in pasta from a cheese wheel, have a good chuckle at free Friday comedy and treat yourself to a night out without breaking the bank. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the next few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
The Hunter Valley is the oldest and busiest wine region in Australia. Some of the country's first vineyards were planted there back in the early 1800s, and now, more than 150 wineries are on the wagon. These vary from flashy, famous establishments to more intimate, off-the-typical-wine-trail cellar doors. Semillon is the area's classic variety, but you'll also come across some tip-top chardonnay and shiraz, among others. In between wine tasting, pop into traditional and contemporary art galleries, sample local produce in stellar restaurants and maybe set your alarm clock for a hot air balloon adventure. DRINK With 150 wineries to visit, it's not easy to nut out an itinerary. At the big-name end, Tyrrell's in Pokolbin is the place to try your first drop. It's home to one of the oldest vineyards in the Hunter — the first grapes were planted in 1858 — and, despite its commercial success, remains family-owned, so it's friendly. Next, pop along to Tempus Two, not only for its legendary wines but also for its posh, architect-designed cellar door. The Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop, Oishii Japanese restaurant and The Goldfish cocktail bar are all just a hazy stroll away. To keep things unpredictable, and avoid constant crowds, visit at least a couple of boutique wineries. Krinklewood, located in the Broke-Fordwich subregion, is one of the most interesting, with its certified biodynamic, organic, sustainably run vineyards. It's also incredibly beautiful, backdropped by the Brokenback Range and immersed in Provencal-inspired gardens. Owners Rod and Suzanne Windrim say they're committed to a "hands-on" approach, governed by the philosophy that "what you put in is what you get back". Just down the road, you'll find Ascella Wines, the Hunter's biggest organic vineyard. EAT A premium fine dining experience is to be had at Muse Restaurant in Pokolbin, which is attached to Hungerford Wines. This year, it was awarded two chef's hats. Run by husband-and-wife team Troy and Megan Rhoades-Brown, the restaurant is housed inside a stunning, airy, architect-designed building, and the contemporary Australian menu prioritises fresh, seasonally available ingredients and simple yet innovative combinations. If you're into creative dishes, book yourself a spot at Rothbury's Shakey Tables. Pretty much every plate is an art work, and the interior's designed to match, with bold, fun paintings on the walls and bright suede seating. Even if you're not interested in committing to a full meal, pop in for the desserts — they're extraordinary, in terms of both looks and taste. STAY Accommodation options are incredibly varied - from classic country pubs in tiny villages to simple yet cute cottages on rolling acreages to lush suites. On a wino's weekender, though, it's only fitting that you should spend at least one night deep in the grapes. The fanciest way to do this is at Spicers Vineyard Estate in Pokolbin, a ridiculously luxurious guesthouse set in its own private vineyard, with amazing views of the Brokenback Mountains. Each suite comes with its own fireplace, king-size bed, en suite with spa and complimentary mini bar. If you're envisioning yourself in a secluded cabin, consider the nearby Belford Cottages. A handful of private dwellings are scattered around 15 acres of beautiful, unspoilt bushland. Each has its own private balcony, for sundown wine sipping and kangaroo spotting. There's also a games room and, for hot days, a pool. The property is in a central location, with Pokolbin, Wollombi and Lovedale close by, and there's even a restaurant and a couple of wineries within walking distance. Take your torch. For winos travelling on a tighter budget (or saving bucks for bottles), the Hill Top Country Guest House in Rothbury is good value. Situated on the Molly Morgan Range, affording brilliant views of the Hunter Valley, it's housed in a colonial-style building and dressed with touches of luxury, including king-size beds, spa baths, a sauna and a pool. But with nightly rates starting at $115, it's much more affordable than similar options. DO The Hunter is dotted with art galleries and museums. For traditional Australian landscapes, decorative work and investment opportunities, visit the Morpeth Gallery. While you're there, take a wander around Morpeth's historic buildings, relax on the riverfront and sample some famous Morpeth sourdough. Meanwhile, at the Maitland Regional Gallery, you'll find contemporary exhibitions, with temporary shows changing every six to eight weeks. If you're banking on something more active, there's the Yango Walking Track, a 6 kilometre walk through untouched wilderness in Yengo National Park, which journeys past red cedars, giant stinging trees and spectacular vistas. Keep a lookout for the rare velvet wattle. Alternatively, get your adrenaline kicks with a hot air balloon ride. You'll have to wake up early, because the trip starts before sunrise, but the sun-kissed views are more than worth braving an early hangover for. Top image: Kevin Rheese.
After years of gigging and tireless campaigning from the likes of FBi Radio, Sydney-based foursome Gang of Youths are nationally-appreciated hot stuff right now. They’ve played sold-out shows alongside Vampire Weekend, Frightened Rabbit and Foster the People, done the Aussie festival circuit, toured the States, and been compared to Arcade Fire and Bruce Springsteen — and that was all before their debut album The Position was released last month. Now they’re setting off on a national tour, and the GOY-hungry public can’t seem to get enough of them; lapping up tickets faster than the band can announce new shows. GOY play rock that’s big on catharsis. Frontman David Leaupepe’s inspiration for the band’s raw, guitar-heavy debut was the emotional rollercoaster of his four-year long-distance relationship with a girl who had been diagnosed with stage four cancer. It makes for a sound that seems bound to fill stadiums one day — so consider yourself lucky if you manage to bag a ticket to one of these more intimate gigs.
Clear your calendars for the next three weeks, and then start filling them with Brisbane Festival events. The city's annual artistic celebration is back — and, as proves the case every September, it's absolutely begging for your attention. Basically, if you're seeing a show, wandering around an exhibition, taking to the dancefloor or just having a beverage with a friend from September 3 to 24, then you'd best be doing it at Bris Fest. In his second year as the festival's artistic director, David Berthold has put together quite the list of options for Brissie arts and culture lovers: 70 productions and 540 performances across five key venues, in fact. You'll find a showcase of music cinema, a theatre re-telling of a recent chapter of Brisbane history, Meow Meow's take on The Little Mermaid and a couple of classic film versions of Snow White among the program's many highlights, plus hangout spot Arcadia and the explosive finale that is Riverfire, too. And if you can't decide what to see, we're here to help. In addition to the above, here's our pick of the ten festival events we think you should be flocking to.
No matter which city you live in, it's easy to walk around town and barely notice the buildings that you're passing by day in and day out. Whether we're buried in own phones or thoughts, we all do it. Once a year in Brisbane, Open House offers up the antidote: the chance to wander into and snoop your way through some of the spots that make the Queensland capital what it is. It's a dream for architecture fans, nosy parkers and everyone keen to sneak a behind-the-scenes peek at the Queensland capital's spaces alike. 2024's Brisbane Open House will take place across two days in July, with the doors at everywhere from the Merthyr Croquet Club and Centenary Pool to New Farm Cinemas and Newstead House being thrown open across Saturday, July 13–Sunday, July 14. While this is a citywide celebration, this year's program is focusing on inner-city Brissie in particular, with hubs at Brisbane Powerhouse and Queensland Ballet's Thomas Dixon Centre. Brisbane Open House is also showing New Farm some extra love as its chosen village of Brisbane this time around; if you notice a heap of venues on the list from the riverside suburb, that's why. The New Farm and Districts Historical Society has been enlisted to assist, in what doubles as celebration of the organisation's 30th anniversary. For those eager to get peering, heading along is as simple as choosing where you'd like to explore, and reserving your attendance in advance in some cases. A few always-popular spots have already booked out, such as Brisbane Arcade, Miss Midgley's in New Farm, the Spring Hill Windmill Tower and Service Reservoirs, State Library of Queensland and The Moreton Club; however, given that there's 54 locations taking part, there's still plenty of addresses to hit up. Other highlights include the Spring Hill Baths, ABC Brisbane, Anzac Square, Brisbane City Hall (including the Shingle Inn), Museum of Brisbane and BVN — The Annex on Eagle Street. Or, make a date with Parliament House, Old Government House, Roma Street Fire Station and St John's Cathedral. From the Fish Lane Town Square, Merthyr Village, Port Office at the Port of Brisbane and Patrick Brisbane Autostrad terminal through to QPAC, Wolston Farmhouse and the Svitzer Brisbane Tug Base, the list of places to mosey through goes on. Guided tours are also on the program, giving you expert guidance while you poke around. Talks on subjects such as the past, present and future of New Farm, designing for the future and how to celebrate Earth Day all year feature as well. And on the workshop roster, you can choose between sundown meditations on the Thomas Dixon Centre's rooftop terrace, learning more about the in-the-works Kangaroo Point Green Bridge and building a map of New Farm based on the community's favourite spaces. Brisbane Open House 2024 runs across Saturday, July 13–Sunday, July 14 at a variety of places around Brisbane. For the full program, head to the event's website. Images: courtesy of the venues and Brisbane Open House.
Hey Dad! Steve! Over here! Two of your favourites are playing Bluesfest this year! Let's go! Bluesfest Byron Bay's 2017 lineup came from somewhere back in our long ago, with two big mum and dad-friendly superstars being added to the lineup this morning: The Doobie Brothers and Santana. One of Australia's best festivals, the five-day Easter long weekend event has played to its core audience with their latest lineup additions. First up, the legend himself, groundbreaking, Grammy-nabbing, Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion king, nay, sultan Santana is coming to melt faces and throw down elongated solos like the melodic monarch he is. Expect 'Black Magic Woman'. Then, takin' it to the streets of Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, California's harmonising head honchos The Doobie Brothers will make their triumphant return to Bluesfest. The Doobies have some serious fans at Bluesfest — do not try and push in front of them. This big ol' announcement comes just a week after Bluesfest added superstar Mary J. Blige to already heaving lineup. THE THIRD 2017 BLUESFEST ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT: Santana The Doobie Brothers 2017 ARTISTS ALREADY ANNOUNCED: Zac Brown Band Patti Smith and her band perform Horses Mary J. Blige The Lumineers Buddy Guy (exclusive) Bonnie Raitt Mavis Staples (exclusive) Billy Bragg Jethro Tull Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue Rickie Lee Jones Gregory Porter Snarky Puppy St. Paul and the Broken Bones Corinne Bailey Rae Michael Kiwanuka Nahko and Medicene for the People Gallant Beth Hart (exclusive) Laura Mvula Andrew Bird Booker T. presents The Stax Records Review Roy Ayers Joan Osborne Turin Brakes The Strumbellas Jake Shimabukuro Dumpstaphunk The Suffers Nikki Hill Irish Mythen Bluesfest returns to Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm just outside of Byron Bay over the Easter long weekend (April 13-17, 2017). More info on the Bluesfest website. Image: Andy Fraser.
As the Pineapple Hotel has been in business since 1864, it's fair to say they know what they're doing, and do it damn well. And while its heritage bones have been retained, the interior has been stylishly refurbed — an old classic with a slick new twist. The Glasshouse beer garden catches the rays, while Helsby Ale House pours independent brews in dapper, gentlemanly surrounds. The Park Bar has 15 beers on tap, lunch specials and an all-day menu including salt and pepper calamari, woodfired pizzas and pub grub, while the 5th Quarter Bar is the old-school beer-and-snacks sports joint. The restaurant, recently revamped, is a proper sit-down steakhouse, with a 400-gram rib on the bone from Kimberley Station and a tender 350-gram Grandchester black Angus from Darling Downs. All steaks are served with fries and your choice of sauce. Other meals include a slow cooked lamb shank and sticky barbecue pork ribs. The Pineapple Hotel is always buzzing, with live music each Saturday and monthly trivia sessions. Bright, cheerful and family friendly — with Gabba proximity — it's a smart-casual setting for a cold one on a warm day, a pre-game lunch or a full night out.
One of the most perpetually praised coastal towns in Australia, Byron Bay is home to breathtaking beaches, mountains, rivers and rainforests, as well as a diverse, often experimental, grassroots foodie scene. This North Coast town is more than worth the ten-hour road trip up from Sydney, the easy two hours' flight from Melbourne or a two-hour drive from Brisbane and perfect for a summer adventure with your mates. This is, after all, a town that's best enjoyed together. To help you start planning your trip to Byron, we've teamed up with Jim Beam and mapped out some of the top spots to go to. Take note of the spots you want to hit, so you can detour from your regular routine and inject a little adventure into your life. Here's how to spend your days in Byron Shire — what to eat, drink and do in Byron Bay. STAY One of the best things about staying in Byron is its proximity to the beach. So, you'll want to stay as close to it as possible. Of course, beachside accommodation can get pricey, but luckily there are a few affordable options available close by, including Byron Bay YHA. Located in the centre of town and less than a ten-minute walk to Main Beach, this is not your average backpacker hostel. The facilities include private ensuite rooms, a lush pool courtyard and custom murals by Sydney artist Mulga and renowned artist Robert Moore. Spend the day out biking, surfing or boogie-boarding (which can all be hired from the hostel) and once you've enjoyed that sunset on Main Beach, head back for one of the nightly barbecues. Upstairs, you'll find the kitchen and two sprawling decks overlooking the pool where you can meet fellow travellers, and downstairs, there's a games and reading room where you can book swap and catch up on some holiday reading. Embracing the community vibes of the Byron area, the hostel also offers pancake breakfasts during the week and its large deck is an excellent spot for some BYO sundowner sessions. EAT AND DRINK Byron's serious food scene is plentiful and diverse, offering up everything from casual eateries to fine dining with a sincere focus on sustainable eating. Our favourite shop in town is Orgasmic Food, which hands down offers the best falafel we've ever had. This little Middle Eastern eatery provides some serious bang-for-your-buck eating, with the naked balls only 70 cents a pop and the half pita pocket just $7.50. If you'd prefer some meaty protein, the menu has plenty of Middle Eastern favourites like beef kofta and lamb skewers, too. For another budget option, head to the nearby town of Mullumbimby where Milk and Honey slings artisanal wood-fired pizzas like charred onion, gruyere and rosemary or wood-roasted pork sausage with tomato and mozzarella. Aussie wines and craft brews round out the offering here. If you're looking for some superfoods to start your day, Folk is the way to go — the adorable hut-like cafe focuses on organic, ethical and plant-based dishes that will get your engine going. And of course, there's The Farm, a must-visit spot sitting just outside of town. From the Three Blue Ducks crew, this agricultural playground is dedicated to ethical, collaborative and authentic practices, functioning as an eatery, bakery, shop and, of course, a farm. Take a seat on the terrace and order off the seasonal menu featuring dishes crafted from ingredients fresh from your surrounds. Dig in while breads by The Bread Social are kneaded and baked just next to you and some of the farm animals like chooks and pooches make cameo appearances. After your meal, digest with a walk around the farm and through the on-site macadamia farm. [caption id="attachment_606776" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Cape Byron Distillery.[/caption] A must visit at dinnertime is The Roadhouse. The menu changes daily and the dishes use fresh, locally sourced and sustainably grown produce. Think a pulled pork open sandwich on wood-fired flatbread or organic sweet potato tacos with drinks like house-made kombucha and signature negronis. They also boast the biggest whisky collection on the North Coast, if that's your libation of choice. If beer is more your thing, a trip to Byron isn't complete without a visit to Stone and Wood brewery, one of our ten New South Wales breweries worthy of a road trip. The born-and-bred Byron Bay owners love the region and are a friendly, welcoming bunch. The demand for Stone & Wood led to the 2014 opening of their nearby Murwillumbah brewery, making the Byron shed a place for limited release and experimental batches. For those more into spirits, get a designated driver and head out to Cape Byron Distillery where you can savour Brookie's gin, infused with the flavours of neighbouring rainforest. Order a cocktail and take a seat outside overlooking the tropical rainforest preserved by owners Pam and Martin Brook. DO If you're staying in Byron, a morning trek around the Cape Byron Walking Track is a must-do. The 3.7-kilometre loop takes you through rainforest gullies and cliffs, complete with beach vistas and views of the Byron Bay Lighthouse — which Byron Bay YHA offers guided tours of. It's an ideal walk for spotting whales and dolphins. And on your way back down from the lighthouse, you'll pass by the launch point for Byron Airwaves Hang Gliding. Book in for a tandem flight that'll take you soaring above the Cape Byron Headland cliffs and down to Tallow Beach below. If staying firmly on solid ground is more your thing, watching the take offs is (almost) just as exhilarating. Another outdoorsy experience worth exploring is Tyagarah Nature Reserve. The seven kilometres of protected coastline offer swimming, sunbathing, fishing and birdwatching with not a car in site. Visitors can relax in the picnic area or hike along the bush trails studded with banksias, midgen berries, wallabies and bush turkeys. For those who prefer to skinny dip, the nearby Tyagarah Beach is clothing-optional. Another way to enjoy Byron from the water is on a sea kayaking tour with Cape Byron Kayaks. The three-hour trips will get you up-close-and-personal with bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales and various species of sea turtles. Your guide will also delve into a bit of Byron Bay's history, most notably its Indigenous heritage. The group will pause to refuel mid-tour, too, with snacks and refreshments on the beach. If you prefer to do your own thing, the golden shores and crystal-clear waters of Clarkes Beach and Main Beach are just a stone's throw away from town centre. Plus, Main Beach is an ideal spot to watch the sunset soundtracked by free local music from the talented buskers who frequent the beach. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors.
It gets to a certain point in winter when it doesn't matter which Brisbane bar is trendiest or which has the cheapest drinks. There's a far more important question afoot — which has a fireplace? While most Brisbane venues are more interesting in appealing to the summer crowd (we're looking at you and your rooftop pool, Limes) there are some seriously winter-friendly gems with snug interiors and natural, log-fire heating that make leaving the house an easy feat. Here's our top eight bars in Brisbane boasting a solid fireplace — aka places where you can find yourself with a belly full of pale ale and the warmest tootsies in town. AT SIXES AND SEVENS James Street's go-to bar has style, substance and a fireplace to boot. At Sixes and Sevens is housed in a heritage-listed cottage on the corner of James and Arthur Streets, a bustling pub where you can find the likes of James Squire One Fifty Lashes and White Rabbit Dark Ale on tap and snuggle into a leather armchair at the end of the day. While the building interior has received a bit of modern makeover, the homely feel and exposed brick interiors have been well preserved — that includes the fireplace. While they're a little hesitant to stoke it up, Sixes are not ones to say never — we bet by August it'll be burning 24/7. 67 James Street, Fortitude Valley THE GRESHAM There's only one thing better than a fireplace and that's a heritage-listed one. As Brisbane's only heritage-listed bar, The Gresham fireplace is the kind you'd imagine Branson from Downton Abbey stoking while thinking of his late Lady Sybil, his socialist Irish roots and his rumbling feelings of attraction for the local school teacher. Not that we watch that show. Anyhow, if you're stuck in the CBD with ice cold fingers and the hankering for a brewski, the Gresham is your spot. 308 Queen Street, Brisbane THE CHALET BAR The Chalet Bar is reason alone to be optimistic about the cooler months. Brisbane's first après ski bar is prime grounds to kick back and warm up like you've just had a busy day on the ski field. In case you have to engage in some intense ski talk around the fireplace, we recommend watching Vertical Limit or Snow Dogs before coming here. Other than that, expect a roaring fireplace surrounded by candles, chesterfield lounges and antique ski paraphernalia at this snug little bar. 320 Boundary Street, Spring Hill ALFRED AND CONSTANCE A busy, but a good one. If you can find a path through the hoards of Ralph Lauren shirts and venture inside one of Alfred and Constance's many rooms, you'll find a cracking fireplace and some comfy leather seats to match. To improve an already idyllic winter setting, lash out and order a warm, oozy pudding. That'll be pair nicely with a Nine Tails Amber Ale and a fleece blanket. Corner Alfred and Constance Streets, Fortitude Valley COWCH If you've ever said it's impossible to eat ice cream in winter, then wash your mouth out. South Bank's dessert bar Cowch can satisfy a whole range of cravings, especially one for a warm fireplace. Their super modern, spruced-up fireplace is the kind that would make Grand Designs Kevin McCloud green with envy. Make sure you get in early if you want a seat fireside — Cowch gets busy on the weekends and the easiest way to lose an ice cream appetite is outdoor seating. 2/179 Grey Street, South Brisbane HUNDRED ACRE BAR Hillstone St Lucia's Hundred Acre Bar is as warm and cosy as Piglet's tree cottage. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this bar is perfectly suited to Brisbane's cooler months with it's homestyle cooking, multi-page wine list and huge fireplace that sits elegantly on the dining room wall. Hundred Acre Bar has only just been renovated so this fireplace is a newy — consider this winter a long, long housewarming. Indooroopilly and Carawa Streets, St Lucia TORO BRAVO Fortitude Valley's Toro Bravo specialises in three things: wine, tapas and keeping its patrons nice and warm. With its Old World Spanish wine, beer and Latin cocktails menu, this bar is perfect for everything from a lively night out to a cosy, food-filled one by the fire. There's also plenty of smoking and charring going on here, which is really just a fireplace meets fresh meat. Yeah, we're counting it. 455 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET Okay, so it might be an ornamental fireplace, but sometimes the placebo effect extends to heating. Woolloongabba's Can You Keep A Secret is so warm and jolly that its fireplace doesn't really need to be lit. This vintage store-meets-bar is fitted out like Granny's house with an old piano, humble chandeliers and antique landscape paintings. Grab a warm drink, rub your hands together and play a serious game of pretendsies in front of this antique fireplace. 619 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
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.
Proving that causing the internet to lose its mind by delivering adorable puppies to offices around Australia is simply not enough for them, Uber has moved yet another step closer to total world domination. The ridesharing service will launch UberEATS in Melbourne today, Tuesday, April 19 at 11am. Because who needs multiple apps when you can use one for just about everything? Melbourne is the first city in Australia to be bestowed the food delivery platform, and only the third in the world. It basically allows restaurants to get their food delivered to customers between 11am and 10pm by a wide access of ever-available drivers — much like (and in direct competition to) other food delivery apps like Foodora/Suppertime, Deliveroo and Menulog. The list of Melbourne restaurants exceeds 80, including the likes of Supernormal, Gazi, Pidapipo and Jimmy Grants. Oh, and delivery will be free for the launch. So you only have to pay the cost of your Jimmy Grants feta-covered oregano chips, and not a cent more. UberEATS launched in select US cities last year, allowing users to order lunch or dinner from an ever-shifting menu that includes options from a number of different restaurants. UberX is still technically illegal in Victoria, although that hasn't stopped the service's meteoric success. Assuming UberEATS proves a hit in Melbourne, it's safe to assume it may expand to further cities in the future. You can download the UberEATS app here from 11am. For all the details, visit ubereats.com/melbourne. Updated: April 19, 2016.
Fans of Roald Dahl who find themselves in London are in for a gloriumptious surprise. To mark the release of Steven Spielberg's adaptation of The BFG, giant six foot dream jars are popping up around the city, filled with the hopes and aspirations of famous human beans. The jars will appear at iconic landmarks around the British capital, from Trafalgar Square to St. Paul's Cathedral to the Tower of London. Inside, you'll find the childhood dreams of prominent artists and celebrities, including director Steven Spielberg, paralympian David Weir, Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams and The BFG illustrator Quentin Blake. The jars will be on display from July 8 until August 31, after which time they'll be sold at auction. Proceeds from the sale will go to Save the Children and Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity, which provides specialist nurses to seriously ill children. "I'm excited to join The BFG Dream Jar Trail so we can all share our dreams together," said Spielberg. "The best part of this project is its support of the valuable work that Save the Children does in giving kids across the world their own chances to dream big." For more information about The BFG Dream Jar Trail, go here. The BFG hits cinemas on June 30. https://youtu.be/VG5MtenlP-A
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.
With a sumptuous colour palette, interwoven plot lines, and unexpected humour, writer-director Rian Johnson (Looper) has assuredly marked Star Wars, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi as his own – a new chapter in the Skywalker saga that is at once deeply familiar and unique. Part two in the sequel trilogy picks up right where The Force Awakens left off, with the orphaned heroine Rey (Daisy Ridley) attempting to lure the only remaining Jedi, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), out of self-imposed exile. Meanwhile, the last remnants of the Resistance flee a resurgent New Order. The film opens with as dramatic a sequence as the franchise has ever seen, delivering an exhilarating and poignant battle that introduces a spectacularly menacing new class of space ship known as the Dreadnaught, pits ace pilot Poe (Oscar Isaac) against his superiors, and sets in motion a race against the clock. Unable to escape without detection and with only shallow reserves of fuel remaining until the New Order catches up with them, the depleted Rebel fleet limps through space like the Orca from Jaws – a hapless, crumbling ship pursued by a killer whose only remaining hurdle is time. But as ingenious as this setup may be, it also gives rise to the film's most pointless subplot. After waking from his coma, Finn (John Boyega) contrives a means by which he can disable the New Order's tracking device, albeit one that requires him to sneak off the fleeing vessel, travel to a Monaco-styled casino planet, track down a master codebreaker and infiltrate the enemy's warship undetected. This enormous MacGuffin sees Boyega partnered with the charming Kelly Marie Tran as Rose Tico, a Resistance engineer low in status but high in pluck. The problem is that their side adventure does absolutely nothing to advance the actual story. Finn's reluctant hero arc was already covered off in The Force Awakens, while Rose's belief in (and commitment to) the righteousness of the rebel cause is perfectly encapsulated in her fantastic introductory scene but goes unchallenged thereafter. Benicio Del Toro also pops up, then shortly thereafter departs, in an entirely forgettable cameo. Ultimately they all end up right where they began, having effected no material change except to deliver a heavy-handed critique of war profiteers. The great shame is that in both Boyega and Tran you have oodles of charisma, heart and talent that deserve scenes of equal calibre. Instead, they chew up time in a movie already guilty of using far too much of it. Thankfully the rest of the cast fares better. Hamill, Ridley and Adam Driver's Kylo Ren find themselves entangled in a fascinating and emotionally-driven power struggle, with each grappling with their complicated relationships to one another and their wider place in the universe. In an appropriate analogy to the franchise itself, Skywalker wrestles with his own understanding of legend and mythos, believing himself unworthy of hero status and wracked with the guilt of failing Ren in his training. Ren, in turn, remains conflicted about his place in the First Order and his murder of his father, whilst Rey feels the growing Force within her yet lacks the knowledge or training to understand it. It's in sequences featuring this core trio that The Last Jedi hits its highest notes. The exploration of Jedi lore, too, receives the kind of treatment that will delight the franchise's most ardent fans, including a moment of outstanding visual flair, involving replicated Reys, that reminds us of Johnson's unique style and character. And, of course, there's Carrie Fisher, whose few scenes remind us how affecting and groundbreaking a character Princess Leia is, and how captivating an actor Fisher was. Her departure is treated with all the deftness, restraint and respect that audiences could hope for. Perhaps the biggest departure from tradition, though, especially in the wake of the gritty spinoff Rogue One, is Johnson's use of comedy. With more gags, one-liners and quirky moments than all the other Star Wars films combined, The Last Jedi introduces a levity to the staid franchise in the vein of Roger Moore's turn as post-Connery Bond. At times it works, even to the point of guffaws, but ultimately the humour feels misplaced. In a story where loss abounds and crushing defeat looms large at every turn, the repeated cutaways to doe-eyed porgs purring like extras from a Pixar film distract more than they entertain. So, too, does Domhnall Gleeson, whose character General Hux plays more like a parody of a Star Wars villain. As a result, both the New Order and the film itself are robbed of their most enduring menace: the Empire. After all, pare back any of the previous films in this sprawling space opera and you'll find that, for all their Sith lords and rogue assassins, what truly terrified was a galactic military-industrial complex so vast and overbearing it was capable of repressing not just people but entire planets. Darth Vaders come and go, and individuals can be destroyed, but totalitarian regimes endure for generations. When an oppressed populace has only ever known a life under the iron fist, it cannot even contemplate an alternative. It's that, more than any great, dark mysticism, that provides the Star Wars universe with its most tangible threat. Overly long and consistently clunky, The Last Jedi ultimately proves a bit of a mixed bag. Its battle scenes are nothing short of spectacular, including a five-second shot involving Laura Dern and a hyperspace jump that almost singlehandedly justifies the entire film's existence. As a chronicle of Jedi mythology, too, the film delivers in a way the George Lucas prequels never managed, offering new and engaging insights into the Force and the balance between light and dark. Too often, though, the dialogue is exposition heavy and played for easy laughs. One senses Rian Johnson has in him a greater, more exploratory story to tell, one unburdened by so much expectation and history. The good news? He's set to follow Last Jedi with an entirely new Star Wars trilogy. May the force be with him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0CbN8sfihY
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 17, the Newstead music venue is once again 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, MooFree Burgers, Ben's Burgers, Ze Pickle 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, a beer pong arena is on the agenda, and so are live art installations and a food hall. Drinks-wise, Stone & Wood and Green Beacon Brewing Co will be taking care of the brews. Tickets cost $5 — and they're expected to get snapped up quickly. Image: 5 Boroughs.
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.
Behold, the event that'll separate the pinball wizards from the pinball muggles, and those talented as mashing buttons from the folks that are happy when they get flipping lucky. That's what happens when Netherworld closes its doors to everyone except the devoted few — those eager to play pinball for 24 hours straight. No wonder they've called the arcade marathon Death by Pinball. No sleep till pinball also would've worked. Those brave enough to attend will battle it out in matches over many rounds, fit in a few fun games from the bar's array of machines in-between, and get a prize if they survive the night. Taking place from 9am on Saturday, April 20 until 9am on Sunday, April 21, tickets cost $120, which includes all the pinball fun you can handle, a limited edition pin and t-shirt, three meals and three drinks. The bar will also be serving booze until 3am, and you can BYO snacks. Image: Cole Bennetts.
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.
Sleater-Kinney recorded their first album in Australia. The year was 1994, and the fledgling band from Olympia, Washington knocked out their debut effort in a single day. They've been back several times since, but their latest visit feels extra special. Given that the indie-punk trio went on an indefinite hiatus in 2007, it very well might never have happened. Thankfully, Corin Tucker, Janet Weiss and Carrie Brownstein — yes, Portlandia's Carrie Brownstein — are back for another round of blistering rock tracks infused with the spirit of the riot grrrl movement. Reunions might happen all the time, but this is no ordinary group or return. If you've listened to any of Sleater-Kinney's albums from their Aussie-made 22-minute, self-titled initial outing to their latest release, 2015's No Cities to Love, then no doubt you agree. And if you haven't, don't just take our word for it. TIME called them “America’s best rock band”, and Rolling Stone hailed them as “America’s best punk band ever", after all.
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.
Come July, Brisbanites can knock back cocktails at a gin-soaked high tea, taste creations from the city's next breed of culinary wizards, and dine under the stars at Eagle Street Pier, all thanks to one event. That's right, Good Food Month is back, and it's bigger than ever. Gird your stomachs, and prepare to go gaga over gastronomy. Topping the list of must-do activities is the Tanqueray G & Tea Rooftop Garden, a tea party for grown-ups that not even the Mad Hatter could've conjured up. On top of the Fox, you'll consume traditional high tea fare of cupcakes and sandwiches with a gin twist, and pretend you're Alice in your very own wonderland. Elsewhere, you can check out the cooking skills of the kitchen stars of tomorrow is on offer at the Young Chef's Dinner, and enjoy an evening eating experience al fresco at Dine Under the Stars. Or, learn the secrets of Australian cuisine from culinary maestros such as respected Melbourne master Ben Shewry (whose Attica was just named number 32 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list), and brush up on your blogging at the tastiest Food Writing 101 workshop you'll ever attend. Yes, there really is something in the Good Food Month program for everyone. Of course, everyone's favourite Night Noodle Markets will return, complete with yum cha weekend trading hours to meet the demand. The busiest event of 2014 now boasts more chances to enjoy the hawker-style outdoor market experience, featuring 30 different stalls over 12 days and nights. Is simple dining more your thing, rather than rushing to specific outings and activities? Then you're in luck, because that's what Good Food Month is really all about. Their list of venues spruiking meal deals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks is the kind of thing foodies fantasise about. That includes concoctions crafted from seasonal delights, cheap eats that won't punish your wallet, tours of the best international cuisine Brisbane has to offer, and a showcase of mouth-watering pub fare. One thing is for certain: with all these tasty treats on offer, you'll have no excuse to be hungry at this month-long food fiesta. Good Food Month runs from July 9 to August 9, 2015. Visit the website for more information.
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.
Psych Night has long been the pillar of Brisbane's psychedelic music scene. Now they're hanging up their hat and calling it quits, but not before throwing together a hell of showcase. Psych Night - Finale will take place in Serafini Chains, a warehouse in Bowen Hills that's only a stone's throw from the Valley. As per usual, Psych Night is more of a warehouse party than gig. It's BYO, super noisy and there's a fair chance you'll be immersed in a spectrum of psychedelic flavours from 4pm till early the next morning. So who's on the bill? Expect some Brisbane's best psych-bands including: Acid on Andy Baskervillain Dreamtime House of Giants In Void Magenta Voyeur Omegachild Reud Moo Sacred Shrines This Old Sunn Twin Haus Windrest Tickets are $30, and don't forget to bring your own drinks. The end of Psych Night is a major hit for the Brisbane music scene, so make sure to head along and give them a heartfelt goodbye, psych-style.
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.
When this year's Dark MOFO program dropped, House of Mirrors immediately rocketed to the top of everyone's must-do list. Created by Australian installation artists Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney, it's exactly what it sounds like: a walkthrough space filled with reflective surfaces that will not only strands you in a maze of your own image, but turns your likeness into a kaleidoscope. Is it fun, creepy or both? You be the judge. No, we're not taunting everyone that couldn't make the trip down to Tassie. In fact, eager Brisbanites will soon get the chance to wander through the disorienting, perception-altering, panic-inducing, optical illusion-based labyrinth for themselves. Trust Brisbane Powerhouse's carnival-like end-of-year fest Wonderland to bring the attraction to Queensland. From November 18 to December 11, the installation will take over the area outside of their Stores building for weeks of reflective roaming pleasure, with the modern, minimalist twist on the fairground classic featuring 40 tonnes of steel and 15 tonnes of mirrors — and no added gimmicks, no special effects, no special lighting, no soundtrack or soundscape. It'll be the first time House of Mirrors has popped up since its Hobart debut, and comes to Brisbane before slated seasons in Sydney and Melbourne. Just imagine what all those shiny panes will look like in the brilliant Queensland sun. Our tip: wear sunglasses. Find House of Mirrors at Brisbane Powerhouse from November 18 to December 11 as part of the venue's Wonderland festival. For more information, visit their website.
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.
