Girls to the front — Bikini Kill are coming to Australia. The iconic Kathleen Hanna-fronted, Washington-formed band instigated the riot grrrl movement, and will perform their first Aussie shows in more than 25 years on a seven-date 2023 tour. On top of appearances at Mona Foma, Golden Plains and Perth Festival, the trailblazing trio of Hanna, Kathi Wilcox and Tobi Vail are doing a series of headline shows, including appearing in Brisbane in March. In the Harbour City, Bikini Kill are headed to The Tivoli on Friday, March 3 — and in good news for the next generation of rebel grrrls and underage rockers, it's an all-ages affair. [caption id="attachment_875442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Debi Del Grande[/caption] In preparation, either watching or rewatching the exceptional documentary The Punk Singer, about Hanna, should be on your must-do list right now. Fun fact: when Hanna spray-painted "Kurt smells like Teen Spirit" across her pal Mr Cobain's wall, the name of a certain grunge anthem was born. When they hit Sydney, Bikini Kill are appearing at the Sydney Opera House's All About Women conference on Sunday, March 12, too, which Melburnians can also livestream from home. Top image: Debi Del Grande.
As if it isn't already enough that we live in the best country in the world (I could be easily persuaded otherwise, though), we also live in the best state within said country. Where else gives you a holiday to attend the city's show, but mainly engage in a mass pissup and potentially be paid for it? The Ekka races are renown for their myriad of loose attendees and less for the actual event at hand. Ask anyone who went in past years and they couldn't tell you which horse won a race, let alone how they actually got home. While it may not be everyone's idea of a fun day, there's exclusive 'other' tickets you can purchase if you don't want to rub shoulders with the commoners. The Member for a Day pass gets you a seat in the grandstand and a champers bar, which isn't that much different from the equally highly priced Bundaberg Five Raceday Marquee, except you get a 'free' signature cocktail on arrival. Special guests The Potbelleez are also sure to get the crowd rowdy, as are Busby Marou, Tenzin, and Owl Eyes. Everyone loves to get dressed up and wear cute hats and fascinators, or ties and vests, without the added pressure of being formal despite their attire, and the Ekka races is precisely the place to do that. Why not ditch the lazy day off for a true Brisbane experience that you most likely won't regret, because regret equals remembering. Keep your hat on, ladies and gents.
Kicking off the summer festival season at 128 BPM, Stereosonic will take over the Brisbane Shouwgrounds this December for a heated, fist-pumping day of electro, techno and house music. Maybe 'getting shredded' isn’t your cup of tea, but good techno, dance and house music is — you don't have to be a big ol' douche to enjoy a solid drop. This year's lineup should please unquestioning Stereo devotees and curious newcomers alike, with the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Major Lazer, Diplo and Duke Dumont heading up quite the 2015 lineup. Alongside international big guns like Sweden's Axwell & Ingrosso, French house producer Tchami, Swedish bro Miike Snow's new electro duo Galantis, British electronic foursome Clean Bandit and San Franciscan legend Claude Von Stroke, Stereo has placed an emphasis on local artists this year — and there’s no shortage of genuine talent. Canberran festival favourites Peking Duk will be playing live (they covered 'Sandstorm' at Field Day so expect anything), alongside former Flume duo What So Not (now Emoh Instead's flying solo), Sydney house producer Timmy Trumpet, up-and-coming Sydney lads Carmada, and Perth beatsmiths Slumberjack are all locked in. Sydney's immortal Hot Dub Time Machine is bringing his perpetually popular decade-hopping set to the table (one that overwhelmingly crushed it closing this year's Secret Garden Festival). Stereosonic kicks off at the Sydney Olympic Park on November 28 before heading over to Perth’s Claremont Showgrounds on November 29. Then it's on to both Melbourne Showground and Adelaide’s Bonython Park on December 5 as well, and Brisbane Showgrounds on December 6. Keen to get amongst it? Get a 24-hour headstart on buying Stereosonic thanks to MasterCard — making sure you don't have to watch the festival happen on social media. Pre-register here to get access to the exclusive MasterCard 24-hour presale, starting Monday, July 27. STEREOSONIC 2015 LINEUP: STEREO STAGE Armin Van Buuren Axwell & Ingrosso Major lazer (Live) Showtek Peking Duk (Live) Generik Galantis SONIC STAGE Diplo DJ Snake Duke Dumont (Live) Tchami What So Not Clean Bandit (Live) Carmada Shockone Jauz Slumberjack ATLANTIS STAGE Gareth Emery Andrew Rayel MaRlo Andrew Bayer Emma Hewitt (Live) Mark Sherry Jason Ross Headhunterz THE WOODS STAGE MK Claptone Claude Von Stroke Hannah Wants Patrick Topping Shiba San Cut Snake BEATPORT STAGE Carnage Will Sparks Hot Dub Time Machine Timmy Trumpet Snails Jessie Andrews Tigerlily Image: Stereosonic.
When Table 19 begins, it would have you believe that there's nothing worse than being stuck at the random table at a wedding. There is. It's watching a film about being stuck at the random table at a wedding. Sure, in both situations you're stranded in a place that you mightn't want to be. But at least one has food, drinks and dancing to help pass the time. For those sitting in the cinema, prepare for an experience that's awkward, tedious, cliched and sappy, as the newly single Eloise (Anna Kendrick) heads to her oldest friend's nuptials. She was once slated to be the maid of honour, but dropped out when she was dumped via text message by the bride's brother (Wyatt Russell). Relegated to the worst berth on the seating chart that she helped plan, she's soon sharing a table with a bunch of guests that "should have known to send regrets, but not before sending something nice off the registry". Eloise's fellow undesirables include an ageing former nanny (June Squibb) thrilled to have even been invited, a hormone-fuelled teen (Tony Revolori) whose mother has told him to look for love, the obligatory weird cousin (Stephen Merchant) who's kindly but has a secret, and a bickering couple (Lisa Kudrow and Craig Robinson) who don't know why they're there. Obvious revelations and cheesy life lessons follow, flowing as freely as champagne and hors d'oeuvres. We suppose you could commend director Jeffrey Blitz (Spellbound) and writers Jay and Mark Duplass (Jeff Who Lives at Home) for their effective recreation of an unpleasant situation, right down to the stylistic and structural choices that give the audience the same limited view of the main celebrations as the characters. No one should be rewarded for laziness, though, and if Table 19 excels at anything, it's that. The fact that everyone spends much of the movie arguing about what their table assignment means isn't the least bit amusing or entertaining, nor does it offer any real commentary about America's obsession with status. Instead, it simply feels like an attempt to pad out a by-the-book script that jumps between misfit comedy and rom-com, but doesn't stray from the familiar path with either. It won't come as a surprise that this slice of supposed hilarity peddles a message about the joy that can arise from unexpected connections and making the most of a bad situation. Alas, as great as Kendrick, Merchant, Squibb and company have proven in the past, here they're average at best, and in some cases downright awful. Without any signs of character development, Kendrick's signature persona wears thin; you really have seen her do this all before. She fares better than some of her co-stars, however, who might find themselves wishing they didn't RSVP for their parts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BrKGHl5EXQ
In its entire concept, Sydney Opera House's All About Women has always pushed girls, ladies and women to the front. So, the fact that the 2023 version of its key feminist festival will feature riot grrrl pioneers Bikini Kill couldn't be more perfect. That in-conversation event is just the beginning of the event's program, however, with the complete bill also going big on high-profile guests — such as child actor-turned-I'm Glad My Mom Died author Jennette McCurdy and human rights barrister Jennifer Robinson. Former iCarly star McCurdy will chat through her experiences, including growing up in the spotlight, finding her independence and the events that led to her New York Times best-selling memoir, in an Australian-exclusive conversation. After successfully representing Amber Heard in Johnny Depp's UK libel case, Robinson will feature in a panel called 'The War on Women', about fighting for both rights and lives, alongside Egyptian American journalist Mona Eltahawy, Pakistani author and journalist Fatima Bhutto, and Mununjali Yugambeh and South Sea Islander Professor Chelsea Watego. Running from Saturday, March 11—Monday, March 13, All About Women's 2023 festival marks its 11th, and sees the event held across three days for the first time ever — growing again after it only just expanded to two days in 2022, in fact. And, in another significant change for this year, the event's lineup is guided by four festival co-curators. Doing the honours: author, podcast presenter and gender equality advocate Jamila Rizvi; Gamilaroi academic and Tell Me Again author Dr Amy Thunig; feminist social commentator, novelist and writer Jane Caro AM; and Sydney Opera House's Head of Talks and Ideas Chip Rolley. Their full program includes 25 events featuring 60-plus international and Australian artists, thinkers, and storytellers, starting with an evening of storytelling, poetry, dance and music for the fest's Opening Night Gala, hosted by Clare Bowditch and featuring actor Eryn Jean Norvill (The Picture of Dorian Gray), "mother of African contemporary dance" Germaine Acogny, Iranian Australian singer and instrumentalist Gelareh Pour, and Fatima Bhutto. And, it also spans Cult Classic author Sloane Crosley chatting about modern dating with journalist Maddison Connaughton — and a romance and reality TV-focused discussion between Bachelorette Brooke Blurton, Just The Gist podcaster Rosie Waterland, and Gamilaroi and Torres Strait Islander writer and actor Nakkiah Lui. In a session about neurodivergence in women and gender-diverse people, 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, Heartbreak High's Chloe Hayden, and research psychologist and activist Dr Jac den Houting will talk with Thunig — and a panel examining trying to achieve justice in sexual abuse claims, and the trauma the process can bring, will feature sexual assault law reform advocate Saxon Mullins, criminal lawyer Katrina Marson, Yorta Yorta woman and survivor advocate Amanda Morgan, and lawyer and author Bri Lee. Or, attendees can look forward to Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies scholar Kylie Moore-Gilbert hosting a session on the women-led revolution in Iran, as joined by Pour, scholar and poet Dr Saba Vasefi, and author and journalist Shokoofeh Azar; plus a panel about the body positivity movement's struggles to be genuinely inclusive, featuring Wadjanbarra Yidinji, Jirrbal and African-American former model Sasha Kutabah Sarago, body love activist and podcaster April Hélène-Horton aka The Bodzilla, fashion editor and queer rights activist Deni Todorovič, disability rights campaigner Elly Desmarchelier, and comedian and broadcaster Tanya Hennessy. The list goes on, covering Clementine Ford exploring the history of demonising single women, a session on women's activism through a First Nations lens, diving into starting a family in a modern world, unpacking gendered emotions, and turning Eltahawy's FEMINIST GIANT newsletter into a panel. The Girlboss movement, making tough decisions, the shame often imposed on women and girls, leading movements, a Bikini Kill gig: they all get their time in focus, too. Just like in 2022, the festival will host its sessions in-person for Sydneysiders, and will also live-stream to viewers both around Australia and worldwide — which is ace news if you live outside of the Harbour City. [caption id="attachment_875442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Debi Del Grande[/caption] Top image: Jacquie Manning.
When Quentin Tarantino makes a movie, the acclaimed writer/director fills it with all the things he loves. From Reservoir Dogs to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, his films overflow with nods to his influences. And if you don't want to take our word for it, the latter flick even has a making-of documentary that makes it plain. One place that QT's personal taste always comes through loud and clear: his soundtracks. Just think of Pulp Fiction, and you're instantly thinking of its many great music choices, such as Kool and the Gang's 'Jungle Boogie', Dusty Springfield's 'Son of a Preacher Man' and Urge Overkill's 'Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon'. The same is true for all nine features on his resume. Jackie Brown and Bobby Womack's 'Across 110th Street', Kill Bill and Nancy Sinatra's 'Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)', Inglourious Basterds and David Bowie's 'Cat People (Putting Out Fire)' — the list goes on. On Thursday, February 6, expect to hear all of the above tunes — plus everything else that has made the soundtracks to Tarantino's films so memorable. Black Bear Lodge is going all in, dedicating the evening to songs from and inspired by QT's movies. Entry is free — and yes, there'll be a twist competition.
UPDATE, November 16, 2020: The Peanut Butter Falcon is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Playing a fisherman grieving for his older brother, barely scraping by and unafraid to skirt the law when necessary, Shia LaBeouf is at his soulful best in The Peanut Butter Falcon. Forget Transformers-era, phoning it in LaBeouf, or even his bag-wearing phase — here, he's as dynamic and textured as he was in 2016's American Honey, his last great on-screen role. And yet, LaBeouf isn't this indie comedy's main attraction. He's one of its leads, and he's surrounded by the similarly well-known likes of Dakota Johnson, Bruce Dern, Jon Bernthal, John Hawkes and Thomas Haden Church, but this little film with a big heart actually belongs to first-time performer Zack Gottsagen. In fact, writer/directors Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz created their first feature especially for Gottsagen, in order to showcase his acting talents. After Gottsagen has spent mere seconds on-screen as The Peanut Butter Falcon's wrestling-obsessed Zak, it's obvious why Nilson and Schwartz were determined to make this movie around him. The trio met at a camp for actors with disability, as Gottsagen has Down syndrome — and the way that adults with the genetic disorder are typically treated by society is key to this adventure. This isn't a message-driven feature, but a picture that places a man living with the health condition at its centre, letting his hopes, wants, needs and desires lead the story. Zak's dream couldn't seem more simple, with the 22-year-old so eager to attend his idol's wrestling school that he breaks out of the nursing home he's been forced to live in. But the reality of actually getting to his destination is far more complicated than it should be. As someone with Down syndrome — and someone housed in a care facility for the elderly because there's just nowhere else that caters for him — Zak's dreams, ideas, and general ability to do anything and everything are all constantly overlooked. His primary carer Eleanor (Johnson) treats him like a friend, but it's only after his roommate Carl (Dern) helps him to escape that Zak is really able to make his own decisions. With nothing but the underpants he's wearing to his name, he bunkers down in a boat, only to find himself caught up in its owner's mishaps. That'd be Tyler (LaBeouf), who is soon on the run from local crab trappers. Heading to Florida, he agrees to escort Zak to the only place in the world the runaway wants to go: the North Carolina wrestling academy run by faded icon Salt Water Redneck (Haden Church). Cue a series of Huckleberry Finn-style escapades, as The Peanut Butter Falcon's central duo ry to evade the folks on their tail while trudging through fields, building a raft to help them float along the coast and, eventually, unleashing Zak's wrestling persona — which gives the feature its name. Plot-wise, Zak and Tyler's exploits play out exactly as expected, but there's such a wealth of earnestness, affection, tenderness and charm to this movie that no one should mind that the story follows a predictable path. There's an enormous difference between films that stick to a template lazily, because it's easy and because they have no real reason to exist otherwise, and those that mould familiar parts into their own distinctive creation. Anchored by Gottsagen's effortlessly engaging presence, as well as by a protagonist too rarely given such a spotlight, this highly likeable picture falls into the latter category. Thoughtful, meaningful, realistic and empowering representation matters, which The Peanut Butter Falcon boasts in spades. That said, movies like this shouldn't be such a noteworthy occurrence — however addressing that imbalance is far from the film's only strength. So crucial to this warm-hued, good-natured feature is its breezy attitude and approach. This is a coming-of-age buddy comedy about two adults traversing America's south in often over-the-top circumstances, but every element is treated as though it's the most common thing in the world. A blind preacher shooting at Zak and Tyler, then baptising them, is just one of many components of the pair's journey that's simply part of their adventure. So too is a drunken night by a bonfire, a spirited service station encounter between Tyler and Eleanor and, most importantly, everything about Zak. Indeed, recognising that life's chaos happens to everyone is The Peanut Butter Falcon's remit — and showing that even the most ordinary events and extraordinary developments do as well. It's noticeable that, despite Johnson's efforts, Eleanor isn't afforded as much depth as the film's male characters. Actually, it's the feature's main disappointment. But when The Peanut Butter Falcon focuses on Zak's enthusiastic pilgrimage, the sincere bond he makes with another lonely soul, and the change it inspires in both him and Tyler, it's a warm-hearted hug of a movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkH7KUlInPg
UPDATE: MARCH 18, 2020 — Organisers have announced that all remaining sessions of the 2020 Alliance Francaise French Film Festival have been cancelled from Thursday, March 19 — hopefully to be rescheduled at a later date, but with further details to be decided down the line. The decision comes "following the Australian Government's additional restrictions on non-essential social gatherings". Ticket holders will receive a full refund. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. In one of the films screening at this year's Alliance Française French Film Festival, Oscar-winner Jean Dujardin (The Artist) takes his obsession with a deerskin jacket to quite the extreme. In another of movies on the 2020 program, Eva Green (Penny Dreadful) rockets into space, playing a single mother who's also the only woman in the European Space Agency's astronaut training program. And, in yet another flick showing at the fest, voodoo, a secret literary society and a Haitian teen all combine. In other words: no matter what kind of French film you're looking for, you'll likely find it on the event's 31st lineup. If you're eager to catch the three aforementioned movies, then put Deerskin, Proxima and Zombi Child on your must-see list. There's more where they came from, of course, with the 2020 festival screening 49 new and classic French flicks when it tours the country from March 10. It all begins with Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano's The Extraordinary, which dramatises the real-life efforts of Frenchman Stéphane Benhamou — who runs his own Parisian shelter for autistic youth who aren't cared for by the system otherwise. And, when the fest comes to a close, it'll do so with comedy The Bare Necessities. In the Cannes-premiering title, a radio show agony aunt in a small village is completely unaware that her adult sons have been calling in with their own problems. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIsEZ2tTavU Other highlights: Xavier Dolan's Matthias & Maxime, which stars the acclaimed Mommy filmmaker as one of two friends forced to confront their feelings for each other; Oscar-nominee Les Misérables, about clashes between cops, teens and gangs in Montfermeil; and the 1968-set How to Be a Good Wife, which sees Juliette Binoche run a housekeeping school that prepares teenagers to become housewives. Or, French film lovers can catch Farewell to the Night, where The Truth's Catherine Deneuve is forced to deal with her grandson's radicalisation; Invisibles, a comedy abut an illegal women's shelter; and rom-com Room 212, the latest movie by Sorry Angel's Christophe Honoré. For those particularly interested in How to Be a Good Wife, this year's fest is putting on special bushfire-relief sessions in all capital cities that'll donate 100 percent of the ticket sales to the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal and Rural and Remote Mental Health — so you see a movie and support a good cause. The same will be the case with In the Name of the Land, a drama about French farmers. Elsewhere, French and Russia trade nuclear threats in submarine thriller The Wolf's Call, a secret manuscript sparks a twisty whodunnit in The Translators, and life in 90s Afghanistan gets animated in book-to-screen adaptation The Swallows of Kabul. Because TV is increasingly finding a place on the film festival circuit, small-screen fans can also feast their eyes on the first three episodes of French series Vernon Subutex, which stars Romain Duris as an ex-record store owner trying to work out what to do next with his life. The Alliance Française French Film Festival tours Australia from March 10, screening at Sydney's Chauvel Cinema, Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Palace Central and Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace from March 10–April 8; Melbourne's Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from March 11–April 8; Perth's Palace Raine Square, Cinema Paradiso, Luna on SX, Windsor Cinema and Camelot Outdoor Cinema from March 11–April 8; and Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from March 18–April 14. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the AFFFF website.
The Ryan vs Seth debate incited gang wars (it's all Seth, all the time, people — come on). Marissa made our eye twitch with stiff acting and then tore our hearts out in season three (no spoilers, hey). Summer retrospectively became our life and style guru. And still, no true O.C. fan can hear Imogen Heap's 'Hide and Seek' without tearing up just a little bit. For everyone whose teenage expectations of life and love were shaped by The O.C. and Peter Gallagher's eyebrows, listen up: The Brightside is throwing a huge O.C.-themed party on Saturday, August 4. Cue Youth Group, Death Cab for Cutie, Eels, Jem, The Futureheads, Spoon et al playing on repeat. You'd best cancel all existing plans and start fashioning an outfit with maximum spaghetti straps and low-waist jeans that are neither skinny nor flared.
2020 didn't bring much that sparked joy, but it did let Sydneysiders wander through a large-scale, multi-sensory Vincent van Gogh exhibition that projected Dutch master's works onto walls, columns and floors. In 2021, art lovers will be able to repeat the feat, this time with a heap of French Impressionist masterpieces — because Monet & Friends — Life, Light & Colour is heading to town from March. The idea behind Monet & Friends is the same as its predecessor. It stems from the same team as well. As you wander around the Royal Hall of Industries in Moore Park from Friday, March 12, you'll feast more than just your eyes on huge projections of Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne and Edgar Degas' work. Light, colour, sound and fragrance are also all part of the exhibition, which is designed to make you feel as if you're walking right into the hefty array of paintings. The list of 19th- and early 20th-century artists showcased goes on, too, including Édouard Manet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Berthe Morisot, Alfred Sisley and Mary Cassatt. Also featured are Gustave Caillebotte, Armand Guillaumin and Henri-Edmond Cross, plus Paul Signac and Georges Seurat. Once more, the project is the brainchild of Melbourne-based Grande Exhibitions, which, for the past 16 years, has hosted immersive exhibitions and gallery experiences in over 145 cities around the world. The company also owns and operates Rome's Museo Leonardo da Vinci. For Monet & Friends, it's once again using state-of-the-art technology that combines 40 high-definition projectors to create multi-channel visuals, all while a classical musical score accompanies the vibrant colours in cinema-quality surround sound. When you're peering at pieces by the 15 featured artists, you'll be doing so in a socially distanced setting — with visitor numbers restricted to maintain enough space (which will exceed the one person per four-square-metres required by New South Wales' COVID-19 rules). So, that means that you'll have less company than you'd usually expect at a big exhibition of French Impressionist art. It also means that sessions are probably likely to get booked out quicker than normal, though. Monet & Friends — Life, Light & Colour opens at The Royal Hall of Industries, adjacent to the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park on Friday, March 12 — with tickets available via presales from 12pm on Thursday, January 28 and in general sale from 12 on Monday, February 1.
Throw a stone in Brisbane's inner city, and it'll likely hit a bar. Try to find somewhere that doesn't just pour wine, but makes it, and it's a completely different story. Until now, that is. Thanks to the opening of Brissie's first urban micro-winery, stomping and sipping in the shadow of the CBD now go hand in hand. First announced in late 2018, and freshly opened in Campos Coffee's old 500-square-metre warehouse in Fortitude Valley, City Winery Brisbane clearly doesn't boast its own sprawling vineyard onsite. But, after sourcing grapes from around the country, it is now barrelling, bottling and serving vino in Wandoo Street. Locals can even help with all of the steps in the process — and drink it too, obviously, with the winery open daily for tours and tastings. As well as a barrel room and winery that can double as a function space when each year's vintage is complete, and a cellar that can also be used as a 20-person private dining room, the site features a 70-seat restaurant that's open Wednesday–Sunday for lunch and dinner. Chef Travis Crane heads up the kitchen, whipping up a menu that revolves around an open fire and highlights modern Australian cuisine. Highlights include small plates of smoked mussels, pork and liver terrine and grilled red claw, plus smoked fish rillette and roasted pumpkin with toasted grains. From the large plate selection, diners can choose from pork, sheep, beef, fish or sirloin, then match it with crunchy potato, grilled corn on the cob and cucumber sides. The dessert range features pineapple upside down cake with anise hyssop yoghurt sorbet, as well as baby sweet potatoes glazed with miso and mead, and then served with burnt honey ice cream. With a big fresh produce focus, Crane and his team source their ingredients from the establishment's own market garden in Rosewood. They also butcher and dry-age their own meat, and make all of the bread, butter, yoghurt, cream and charcuterie that patrons will be eating. A collaboration between winemaker Dave Cush and City Winery Brisbane's managing director Adam Penberthy, the venture has been more nearly two years in the making — largely due to the difficulties of finding the right warehouse-style location. And as well as letting Brisbanites visit a winery without leaving the big smoke, the newcomer actually nods to the city's winemaking history. "In the 1800s, there were over 350 acres of grape vines planted throughout the city," Cush explains. "The Lamberts had a vineyard along Lambert Road in Indooroopilly, there was substantial vineyards throughout Mitchelton, and of course Carl Gerler who had a 14 acre vineyard along the Brisbane River where Kingsford Smith Drive is today." In honour of the latter, City Winery Brisbane's own wine label is named Gerler. Find City Winery Brisbane at 11 Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley — open Monday–Wednesday from 10.30am–10pm and Thursday–Sunday from 10.30am–11pm. Images: Grace Elizabeth Images.
Take Takeshi's Castle, Super Mario World, Masters of the Universe and Dragonball Z, mix them all together, then make that glorious combination happen IRL: that's Quest of Chaos, which is set to pop up on the Gold Coast this spring. Taking its cues from retro video games, Japanese game shows and old-school animation, it's an obstacle course that's also a huge interactive art installation, and it's a just-announced highlight of this years' SPRINGTIME. The free Surfers Paradise music festival was initially announced in 2021, then made its debut in 2022 with tunes, a skate park, live art and performance installations. Earlier in 2023, the event revealed that it was returning for three days of entertainment by the beach, with BENEE, Matt Corby and Bag Raiders headlining across Friday, September 1–Sunday, September 3. Now, it has started unveiling its just-as-impressive arts lineup. Doing the honours with Quest of Chaos is Shock Therapy Arts, who also led the festival's arts contingent in 2022 with The Cleaners. The group is swapping flinging paint-filled balloons with a giant slingshot for its brand-new participatory piece, which has been commissioned just for SPRINGTIME. Players will work through obstacle-course challenges to attempt to defeat King Chaos and his crew — aka "interdimensional troublemakers" — on Surfers' famous sand. "It has been a fun, creative experiment to see what the fusion of these things look like as an installation on the beach," said Shock Therapy Arts' Hayden Jones. "At the end of the day, it's all about facilitating a fun experience and making people laugh. We're honoured for Quest of Chaos to be the first ever newly commissioned installation by SPRINGTIME, following on from the success of our work The Cleaners at last year's festival." Also on the arts lineup: Korean Australian artist YEAHYEAHCHLOE, who'll create art in real time for SPRINGTIME's audience, plus Malara Rise, aka Britney and Stefanie Noffke, who'll create a unique mural about their connection to the festival's location just for the event. As previously announced, the live music bill will take over both beachside and streetside spaces around Surfers. There'll be two stages, also hosting Babe Rainbow, Boo Seeka, Eliza & The Delusionals, grentperez, Sunshine & Faith Disco Choir, Sycco and more, while the Vans skate team will be back to get rolling. SPRINGTIME MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023 LINEUP: Bag Raiders BENEE Matt Corby Babe Rainbow Boo Seeka Eliza & The Delusionals grentperez Sunshine & Faith Disco Choir Sycco Austin Mackay Bella Amor Betty Taylor Big Fuzz Bill Durry Chutney Dizzy Days Daste. Girl & Girl Greatest Hits Jason Van Miert Lemaire Matonii Sabio Mitch Santiago N'Jaane Pure Milk Radolescent The Vultures Taleena Tomorrow's Forecast YB. SPRINGTIME Music Festival will take place across the weekend of Friday, September 1–Sunday, September 3. For further information, head to the festival website. SPRINGTIME 20222 images: Bianca Holderness. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Queensland’s iconic Gold Coast has and continues to be a shining jewel in the tourism crown, a ritualistic family retreat, and a location full of vibrance and true Australian life. It was during the 1960s, '70s and '80s that the Gold Coast hit its prime, boasting a prime population of sun-kissed locals indulging in the relaxed everyday. This was an era worth committing to film. To look back, the differences are stark and nostalgia is ever so present. Amateur photographer and social documentarian Graham Burstow, while on annual family holidays from Toowoomba snapped the human scenery in true candid form. His close-up and personal photography, a true account of life on the Goldie, fills the exhibition Flesh: Gold Coast in the '60s, '70s and '80s. Hand-printed images in classic black-and-white display an overlooked goldmine of Australian culture, taking the shine off many recounts while zooming in on the natural gleam of bodgies, widgies, tanning-oiled bikini girls and beer-bellied drongos.
After making the Greenslopes and Stones Corner areas decidedly more delicious with Shady Palms, the team behind the cafe and bar are now spreading the culinary love over to the other side of town. Say hello to Spring Hill's Lonely Boy. Having opened its doors on April 18, it's Mal Gill and Bec Saul's second current venture, but fourth in total — the two also masterminded Lady Marmalade and Milk Factory Kitchen, before selling them to focus on Shady Palms. The cute, small space on the corner Water and Kennigo Streets serves up counter breakfasts and lunches from Wednesday to Monday, complete with coffee from Open House Coffee Roasters and an all-day brekkie menu. Because chicken and waffles is the dish that keeps on giving — and because Lonely Boy really is trying to spice things up — prepare to feast on jalapeño waffles with creamed corn and chicken nuggets, plus bacon and haloumi burgers, as well as an array of sandwiches. And while the shop shuts at 2pm daily, those after a later snack can hit them up for delivery via the usual online services. As for the name, even if you now have The Black Keys stuck in your head, that's not where the cafe's moniker came from. The Courier-Mail reports that co-owner Gill was once told he'd end up a lonely boy if he pursued his dream of becoming a chef. Well, doing well — and naming your own place after those words of warning — truly is the best revenge. Lonely Boy is now open at 97 Kennigo St, Spring Hill. Head to their website and Facebook page for further details. Via The Courier-Mail.
The espionage antics. The shaken-not-stirred martinis. The suits. The theme song. Think James Bond, and all four come to mind. Indeed, they've all played a part in the long-running franchise, which first started back in 1962 — and they're all now coming to the Sydney Opera House with a live score. Following in the footsteps of the Star Wars and Harry Potter films, Bond is bringing one of its spy instalments back to the big screen with help from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It's the first time in Australia that the franchise has been shown in this way, and it'll hit Sydney on Thursday, February 28 and Friday, March 1 in 2019. Audiences will relive Daniel Craig's 007 debut while hearing the music behind as they've never heard it before, all as part of Casino Royale in Concert. For those in need of a refresher on the 2006 flick, it takes the franchise back to the beginning of Bond's career. He's newly licensed to kill, and he's soon falling in love with Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) while trying to hunt down terrorist financier Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). Directed by Martin Campbell, it was a huge hit — the biggest Bond film, box office-wise, ever released at the time, a mantle that was later overtaken by 2012's Skyfall. As the film hops from the Bahamas, to Montenegro to Venice's Grand Canal, the SSO will perform composer David Arnold's music. Yes, the classic theme track that's served the franchise so well for more than half a century now also features. Casino Royale in Concert plays the Sydney Opera House on Thursday, February 28 and Friday, March 1 in 2019. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the SSO website.
When it premiered at Sundance in January this year, Spaceship Earth wouldn't and couldn't have seemed as topical as it does at present. The documentary's subject: Biosphere 2. If the name isn't familiar, it refers to a biodome in the Arizona desert that played host to eight inhabitants for two years in the early 90s — all isolating themselves from the world by choice, in the name of silence, to see if a closed-off, fully self-sustaining vivarium could work. Yes, it sounds like pure sci-fi. We can guarantee that this is 100-percent reality, however. Exploring a tale that has to be seen to be believed, filmmaker Matt Wolf takes viewers through the unusual and fascinating experiment — wth the help of a treasure trove of archival material, as well as present-day interviews from many of the folks involved at the time. While it would've been very easy to play up the outlandishness of the whole project (indeed, as seen in media clips from the era, many an onlooker did), this doco approaches Biosphere 2 and the passionate people who made it happen with thoughtfulness and appreciation, in what proves a supremely interesting and engaging film. And, if you'd like to check it out, you can do so for without paying a cent as part of the new Visions, Speculations and Dystopias: A Deep Dive Into Spaceship Earth event hosted by The Capitol in Melbourne. There are multiple components, all free and all online — and streaming the movie is one of them. You'll need to RSVP to get sent the details, and then you can view it at your leisure in the lead up to three virtual events. The first, a watch party, takes place at 7.30pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 4. After that, you can catch a panel about whether humanity should leave earth, as held at 5.30pm AEDT on Thursday, November 5, and then check out a masterclass with Spaceship Earth's director Matt Wolf at 10am AEDT on Friday, November 6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGvYFB6GHRY
This summer, you'll have another excuse to enjoy a G&T as a heap of gin and tonic gardens pop up across the country. Taking over outdoor spaces, they'll be setting up shop not only in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, but in Canberra, on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, and in Cairns too — so whether you're eager for a drink close to home or you'll be holidaying in a sunny spot, cocktails laden with juniper spirits await. Settling into the outside areas at pubs and bars in each locale, the gardens will feature plenty of gin and tonic (obviously), as well as DIY garnish stations. The idea is that you can learn more about different botanicals, then mix, match and experiment to find your ideal G&T combination. That sounds like a task that we'd all gladly accept; however there'll be tonic pairing menus on hand should you need some pointers. At the time of writing, Sydneysiders can scratch their G&T itch at the Woolhara Hotel and the Shelbourne Hotel in the CBD, plus Newtown's Union Hotel — while Melburnians can make a date with Ciao Cucina in Port Melbourne, as well as Richmond Social, the Notting Hill Hotel and the Lower Plenty Hotel in their respective suburbs. Brisbanites can head to Covent Garden in West End, Blind Tiger in The Gap and Sandstone Point Hotel on Bribie Island; mosey down to the Goldie to the Surfers Paradise Beer Garden, the Burleigh Heads Hotel, Baskk in Coolangatta; or venture north to Circa Rooftop Bar in Maroochydore. More locations will pop up across the country over the summer, with a handy interactive map tracking new venues. The gardens are the work of Fever-Tree, so the company's tonics will be splashing in your glass. It's the outfit's latest G&T-focused venture after putting on a gin and tonic festival in Sydney back in September. Fever-Tree's Gin and Tonic Gardens are popping up around the country between now and March. To find your closest spot, visit the brand's website.
Is your response to February 14 more about drinking and less about roses and chocolates? If so, Cobbler's Anti-Valentine's Day party is your ultimate destination, particularly if you like a certain animated espionage agent. Yes, all things Archer are in flavour at the West End bar — which basically means lots of booze, possibly someone wearing a turtleneck, and perhaps a few conversations about the glory of Magnum PI. The theme is hardly surprising, and not just because this is an annual event; Cobbler does also currently boast a Top Gun-focused cocktail menu, complete with its very own Danger Zone drink, remember? Knocking back one of those is a must, of course — but other than that, how you choose to hang out is up to you. We recommend gathering up a group of your pals, speaking only in Archer quotes and completely ignoring the commercialised celebration of romance otherwise overtaking the city.
The silver-screen experience is always worth celebrating. A darkened haven dedicated to watching movie magic? Films projected big enough to span entire walls? Ideally no phones or other distractions? No matter how many times you've seen a flick in a picture palace, it's pure bliss. And, like everything, there's a day to mark it: National Cinema Day. In 2024, make that two days at Reading Cinemas, with the chain expanding the celebrations across an entire weekend. Of course, every single day is a great day to hit up your favourite theatre, but Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1 come with a bonus at Reading sites across Australia: $5 tickets. That's all you'll pay for a standard session all day for two days only. Fancy a premium, Titan Luxe or Titan XC movie instead? That'll only set you back $10. Keen for the chain's Gold Lounge and SoHo Lounge theatres instead? That's $15. Reading operates six cinemas across Queensland, including Newmarket, Jindalee and the Angelika Film Centre in Woolloongabba, if you're wondering where to go to see a cheap flick. And your viewing options? They vary per cinema, but include Deadpool & Wolverine, It Ends with Us, Alien: Romulus and Blink Twice. Two caveats: the deals aren't available for event screenings, and there's still a booking fee if you're getting your tickets online.
This time next week sees the culmination of the silly season for many of us, Christmas day. This equals presents, family gatherings and friends, but most importantly, it means food - good food. No doubt many of you will either be hosting your own event, or attending an event at somebodies house. Whether you're tasked with baking a ham or bringing dessert, it's always comforting to know that you are bringing the best produce you can find, which is why we've highlighted Brisbane's top five food markets to pick up a last minute treat and some good grub to keep everyone happy and content on Christmas day, Black Pearl Epicure If you have champagne tastes and a champagne budget then Black Pearl Epicure is the place for you to go. They are one of the leading distributors in fine food and are also Australia's largest importer of caviar and saffron (the most expensive spice in the world!). To ritz up your Christmas day why not enjoy some of their incredible caviar? They stock Simon Johnson's delicious products as well which could be used to make up a decadent Christmas hamper. 36 Baxter Street, Fortitude Valley; 07 3851 8517; http://blackpearl.com.au/ Dan and Andy's Hawthorne Garage New this year, the Hawthorne Garage has been a joy to locals, providing a one stop shop for fresh fruit and veg, Leavain bread, specialty items and even Sunday afternoon entertainment. For a fun and laid back experience, pop in to see Dan and Andy who can enthusiastically help you pick out some goodies for Christmas day. 285 Hawthorne Road, Hawthorne; 07 3899 5511; http://www.hawthornegarage.com.au/ Fruity Capers Toowong Westsiders are all too familiar with the delightful treats that Fruity Capers deli has on offer. Located next door to their beautiful fruit and veg store, the deli houses their large cheese selection such as the decadent truffle brie and fresh ricotta. There are plenty of items to make up a delicious antipasto plate for a mediterranean start to your Christmas feast. Ground Floor, Toowong Village; 07 3870 1801 Rosalie Gourmet Markets In the heart of Rosalie Village is the gourmet market which stocks a wide range of fine foods. The market also sells beautiful flowers, unique chocolates and also kitchenware. They have a wide range of Christmas products including cakes, mince pies and glazed ham or some turkey so make sure you head in and get what you need for a traditional Christmas lunch. 1/164 Baroona Road; 07 3876 6222; www.rosaliegourmet.com.au James Street Market James Street Market not only has all the appropriate groceries that you might be after, but amongst all of the stockists in the market is the James Street Fresh Fish Co, perfect for those of you who like to celebrate your Queensland Christmas with seafood. You can pick up some delicious crusty breads to accompany your seafood from French Twist, and for some sweet snacks pop into the Nut Market. 22 James Street, Fortitude Valley; www.jamesstmarket.com.au/changetheessence.shtml
Those Wachowski siblings certainly know what they like. Building intricate worlds, diving into stylised sci-fi, and exploring capitalism and control are at the top of their list, served up with dashes of action and a sense of humour. The Matrix trilogy, their Speed Racer manga-to-TV-to-film adaptation and the period-spanning Cloud Atlas all followed this pattern. Now, with their passion at its most dazzling, it’s Jupiter Ascending’s turn. Once more, Andy and Lana Wachowski write and direct a tale of an innocent learning that life isn’t quite what they think. Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) is a house cleaner unhappy with her lot yet unprepared for her destiny, particularly when a medical procedure for cash is interrupted by an attack by otherworldly creatures. Ex-military fighter and human-wolf hybrid Caine Wise (Channing Tatum) saves the day but also delivers strange news. It seems Jupiter is the key to a family feud over property and resources between wealthy, greedy, wannabe-immortal alien beings, courtesy of genetic reincarnation. That can’t be good. If the narrative sounds a bit messy, that’s because it is. Storytelling is far from Jupiter Ascending’s strong point, despite relying upon staple themes and familiar plot points. Though they remain masters of their own universe, the Wachowskis aren’t afraid to nod to other movies and classic tales, mashing up The Fifth Element, Star Wars, Dune, Brazil, Cinderella and more. It’s an awkward mix of imitation and originality, and it shows. The filmmakers certainly don’t take the most direct route in making everything plain, either, clearly relishing the chance to spend as much time in their brightly coloured realm as possible. In keeping with their back catalogue, they throw everything they can into Jupiter Ascending: bees that can detect royalty, an extended bureaucracy gag, an over-the-top wedding and an unrelated — but no less goofy — romance included. Narrative coherence be damned. Of course, part of the joy of watching a Wachowski-made movie comes from seeing them run with their particular brand of indulgent, existential fantasy on a grand scale, which they do here with aplomb. Marvelling at the scenery and the style is a given, and while spectacular special effects-driven sights, chaotic choreography and more than a few frenetic flights and fights can’t patch over the clumsiness of the story, they certainly help. Luckily, the cast knows exactly what kind of film they are in, and play their parts perfectly in tone, if not polish. Content to drift around a space soap opera, Eddie Redmayne is worlds away from Oscar nominations, but he’s clearly having fun as the pouting, sneering bad guy. Tatum does his usual beefy, brooding but slightly comic thing (sometimes without his shirt off), and though Kunis has to play it blank and straight in contrast, her transformation from doe-eyed to determined works. Even a stern-faced Sean Bean looks like he’s having a good time — and if you’ve seen how his film and TV appearances tend to turn out, you’ll know that’s rare. Perhaps, just like the audience should be, he’s just happy going with the Wachowskis' sometimes silly, always fascinating flow.
The year is 2017, and sadly, Back to the Future lied to us — time travel has not yet become a reality. Thankfully, nostalgia is such a dominant force that sometimes, it's almost like we can head back several decades whenever we like. Between remakes, reboots, long-awaited sequels, reviving TV shows from the dead, reunion tours, tribute nights and wheeling out artists long past their heyday, it's a great time to live in the past. Come February 24, a very specific step back in time is coming Brisbane's way for one evening only at the Brisbane '90s Club Reunion. In case you were wondering, yes, it's an event celebrating the hangouts and the talent that made hitting the club so fun in the period that gave us plenty to remember. Don't worry if you weren't around to enjoy it the first time — this is an event for everyone that lived through it, and everyone that wishes they did. Anyone looking to extend the blast from the past can also hop onboard the pre-party boat cruise, or have a warm up drink or two on land at '90s prices.
Aiming to evoke the feeling of carefree summer nights and overseas adventures, The Terrace by E'cco is the latest offering from Philip Johnson and Mary Randles — sibling and next door neighbour to the acclaimed E'cco Bistro. The all-weather al fresco space is set to be a go-to for casual, Southeast Asian share feasts, cocktail-matched snack sessions and plenty in between. On the menu, you'll find plates such as steamed BBQ pork buns ($8 for two), coconut-infused massaman beef curry ($28), pork san choy bow ($16) and a green papaya salad laced with mint and nahm jim ($9). Choose your own pan-Asian grazing adventure, or put yourself in expert hands with one of two affordable 'feed me' chef's selections ($40 and $55). Meanwhile, the bar's showing off strong tropical leanings of its own, with upbeat signature cocktails like the Sleeping Tiger ($20)— a blend of vodka, elderflower, bitters, mandarin and egg white — and the Beijing Bellini ($16), teaming lychee liqueur with prosecco. And, just like on holidays, you'll find plenty of excuses here to treat yourself without breaking the bank — a 4–6pm happy hour (Tuesday through Sunday) promises $1 oysters (with drink purchase), $10 cocktails and a selection of beers, ciders and spirits at just $6 a pop.
If you're a long-term fan of Veronica Mars, you can be forgiven for taking an 'I'll believe it when I see it' attitude to news of the show's resurrection. It eventually worked for the Veronica Mars movie, however, and it also seems to be working for the series' small-screen comeback, with a teaser dropping for the long-awaited fourth season. Veronica Mars initially lasted three seasons across 2004–2007, then set a crowdfunding record to get a film off the ground in 2014, and even spawned two novels and a web series spin-off after that. Now, as confirmed in September last year, an eight-episode revival is slated to hit television screens in 2019. The teenage private eye drama is getting a similar treatment to Twin Peaks — it's a revival featuring original cast members, rather than a new effort that remakes the same concept with different folks and starts all over again with its narrative. And yes, crucially, Ms Mars herself is back, with Kristen Bell resuming the role that brought her to fame. Bell is also the star of Veronica Mars' first fourth-season sneak peek, with her character sat at her desk and listing everything that's in store during spring break in her home town of Neptune — "drunks, derelicts, flashers, frat boys, sorority vomit, pickpockets, bottomless drinks and topless dancers" all included. Crucially, the teaser also delivers an important piece of information: a US air date of July 26. https://twitter.com/veronicamars/status/1116744093646905344 Hulu, the streaming platform that turned The Handmaid's Tale into the phenomenon that it is, is behind the new season. As reported by Variety last year, Veronica Mars creator and writer Rob Thomas (no, not that one) has also returned — and is executive producing and writing the first episode. Bell also executive produces alongside Diane Ruggiero-Wright and Dan Etheridge, who were both involved in the original seasons and film. The new season will see Neptune's favourite blonde-haired, pint-sized sleuth again solving mysteries in the seaside town. This time, she has been hired by the parents of a dead spring breaker to investigate a string of murders and is drawn into a power struggle between the town's wealthy elite and its working class. Familiar faces such as Enrico Colantoni, Percy Daggs III, Jason Dohring, Ryan Hansen, Francis Capra and Max Greenfield are all returning, along with new inclusions such as Patton Oswalt, Clifton Collins Jr and Bell's The Good Place co-star Kirby Howell-Baptiste. There's no word yet on whether any other big names have been signed on for the show — or if any of Veronica's other ex-boyfriends will re-emerge — but, given that the original show featured appearances from Amanda Seyfried, Arrested Development's Alia Shawkat and Michael Cera, Buffy's Alyson Hannigan and Charisma Carpenter, Thor: Ragnarok's Tessa Thompson and more, you can probably expect a few familiar faces to pop up. With Hulu airing the revival, we're not sure when Veronica Mars 2.0 will be hitting Aussie and NZ TV screens — or where it'll air. Here's hoping it won't take long to head down under. We'll update you as soon as we know more.
Things are looking buoyant in southeast Queensland this spring, at least where art and leisure is concerned. A boat decked out with giant inflatable installations has been floating down the river during Brisbane Festival, a giant inflatable humanoid is peering over Portside, inflatable flowers have popped up in West End, and a multi-sensory inflatable playground has set up shop until the end of the season. Also, for two weekends, the world's largest inflatable theme park for adults is making a Brisbane comeback. Yes, the word 'inflatable' has been used a lot so far. It also applies to the next big, interactive and free installation that's set to make an appearance, this time at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast. Get ready to meet Lost Dogs Disco, the adorably named new project from Melbourne-based art studio ENESS — aka the folks behind Sky Castle and Airship Orchestra, which've been part of the aforementioned Brisbane Festival program during September. As its moniker suggests, dogs are involved in this towering inflatable work. Sixteen large-scale dog characters feature, with some measuring up to 4.6-metres tall. They'll be set up on the forecourt of HOTA's Outdoor Stage, and audiences will be able to not only walk among them, but play with them. And if you're wondering what that entails, each of the individually named dog characters will light up as you get near them thanks to proximity sensors and LED lights. They'll also unleash a soundscape that includes howls, barks and growls, as well as electronic music. If that makes your eyes light up in delight, Lost Dogs Disco forms part of HOTA's Wonder program from Friday, October 29–Sunday, November 7. You'll be able to frolic with these giant puppers from 10am–7pm Monday–Saturday and 7am–7pm on Sundays, all with the Surfers Paradise skyline as a backdrop. The Wonder lineup also includes a Gold Coast stopover for doggo theatre show Let's Be Friends Furever, as well as pooch-friendly drinks sessions with live music on Friday, October 29 and Friday, November 4. Lost Dogs Disco will be on display at HOTA, Home of the Arts, from Friday, October 29–Sunday, November 7 as part of the venue's Wonder program. Head to the HOTA website for further details.
If you've ever sipped lamington vodka, eaten a baklava croissant or tucked into a cookie pie, you'll know that mashing up two different types of foods and/or drinks is a gift to indecisive stomachs. Sometimes your tummy just doesn't know what it's hankering for — or it does, but it wants too many things at once to make a choice. The next culinary hybrid that's certain to help the next time you can't pick between multiple options: Latina and Old El Paso's new taco-flavoured ravioli. The two supermarket staple brands have teamed up on the limited-edition dinner offering and, yes, the result is exactly what it sounds like. You'll be tucking into Latina's beef ravioli, but made with Old El Paso's taco spice mix. And if you're not that fond of zesty dishes, you'll be pleased to know that this one is mild. The new ravioli is only available in Woolworths supermarkets for a short time, for RRP$8 a packet — and if you're wondering how to serve it, the two brands suggest pairing it with beans, corn kernels and a pasta sauce, popping it in the oven with cheese on top and turning it into a pasta bake. Obviously, just cooking it like you normally would Latina's pasta, slathering it with sauce and sticking a fork in is also an option. But you won't have to decide whether your tastebuds are screaming for Italian or Mexican — because you can have both. Latina and Old El Paso's taco-flavoured ravioli is available now at Woolworths supermarkets for RRP$8 a packet.
Australia's annual Alliance Francaise French Film Festival marked its 30th year back in 2019, and celebrated the big occasion with no troubles at all. Proving that no one loves entering their 30s, however, the event hit a few struggles when it turned 31. That happened in March 2020, when Australia started to go into lockdown. The fest was already underway, so AFFFF had to stop screening, postpone its plans, then pick things up again in July and August after cinemas started reopening. Here's hoping that 2021, the fest's 32nd year, all runs smoothly. AFFFF has 37 films on its hefty lineup this time around, and it's touring them around the country. The event will be making its usual capital city stops, so French movie fans in Brisbane can expect to spend plenty of time at Palace Barracks and Palace James Street between March 17–April 13 — and there'll also be a season playing in Byron Bay as well. As for what you'll be seeing, AFFFF will open its 2021 lineup with Eiffel, a new biopic starring Romain Duris (All the Money in the World) as the civil engineer who gave Paris' most famous attraction its name. At the other end of its program, the fest will close out with rom-com #Iamhere, which follows a French chef who falls in love via Instagram. And, in-between its two big bookending events, viewers can look forward to a heap of movies starring recognisable faces — including Monica Bellucci, Lupin's charming Omar Sy, the incomparable Isabelle Huppert and Kristin Scott Thomas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXVezkYnDL0 Highlights include The Man Who Sold His Skin, a twisty tale about a Syrian refugee, a tattoo artist and an unusual bargain; Summer of 85, the latest film from acclaimed director François Ozon; and police drama Night Shift, which dives deep into not only law enforcement, but also its handling of immigration matters. Or, there's Fahim, the Little Chess Prince, about the Bangladeshi refugee who became a national French chess champion; The Godmother, which sees Huppert tussle with the drug game; and Aline, which is inspired by the life of Céline Dion. Elsewhere, the story of France's first restaurant hits the screen via 18th-century-set period drama, Delicious; Final Set sees an ageing tennis player try to win the French Open; Miss follows a boy who'd like to enter the Miss France beauty pageant; and delightful animated feature Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary imagines Calamity Jane's early years. Fans of Deerskin filmmaker Quentin Dupieux can also check out his latest, Mandibles — and, because AFFF always shows at least one absolute classic French flick, this year it's screening Jean-Luc Godard's 1959 masterpiece Breathless.
If it seems like only yesterday that Regurgitator, Custard, Butterfingers, Resin Dogs and Screamfeeder were playing every venue around Brisbane every night, then you obviously have strong recollections of the city's 90s and 00s music scene. It was only a few months back that most of the above names teamed up to help celebrate The Zoo's 30th birthday, in fact, so your thoughts don't need to span back too far. Come March, you can also cement new memories at Units, aka what just might be the most Brisbane music festival ever. Described as "25 years of Unit in one electric stream of sound and colour", this new one-day event nabs its name from Regurgitator's 1997 album Unit, its second record and the source of synth pop-meets-alt rock bangers like '! (The Song Formerly Known As)', 'Polyester Girl' and 'I Like Your Old Stuff Better Than Your New Stuff'. In fact, this fest is completely based around celebrating Unit's big anniversary — with more than a little help from some other huge Brisbane music names. So, that's where Custard, Butterfingers, Resin Dogs and Screamfeeder all come in, all as part of a fest that'll take over Eatons Hill Hotel's ballroom and outdoor gig space. It's a two-stage, no-clash affair, so you'll be able to see everyone on the bill. And yes, the Gurge is playing Unit in full. Dance to the band's 90s hits, with the Brissie legends also working through plenty else from their hefty catalogue — then enjoy the fellow acts that've been making Brisbane the music-filled city it is for decades. DZ Deathrays weren't releasing tunes back when Unit first released, of course, but they're also on the bill. The rest of Units' roster of talent includes Models, Flangipanis, Glitoris, Mitch, Please, The Stress of Leisure and Platonic Sex, in what's set to be a helluva day. Things don't get no better, better than you and this lineup, clearly. UNITS LINEUP: Regurgitator performing UNIT in full (and more) DZ Deathrays Custard Models Butterfingers Screamfeeder Resin Dogs Flangipanis Glitoris Mitch, Please The Stress of Leisure Platonic Sex Units takes place on Saturday, March 25 at Eatons Hill Hotel, 646 S Pine Rd, Eatons Hill — with early-bird pre sales from 9am on Thursday, February 9 and general ticket sales from 9am on Friday, February 10. Top image: Stephen Booth.
Apologies to your couch, your favourite streaming platform and that pile of old DVDs sitting on your shelves, but when it comes to watching a movie, there's nothing like seeing it on the big screen. And while heading out to the flicks is a year-round activity, it's even better when the weather's warm and outdoor cinema season is in full swing. Getting comfy on a beanbag, sipping brews and bubbles in the open air, staring up at the silver screen as the sun goes down — that's what catching a film at this time of year is all about. In fact, that's exactly what's on the agenda at Sunset Cinema, which returns to Mt Coot-tha from Thursday, February 28 to Saturday, April 13. Taking over the Botanic Gardens for a month and a half of movies under the stars, this year's season is made for cosy date nights and stress-free hangouts with your mates. And if you're wondering what to watch, here are five blockbusters to feast your eyeballs upon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14ZHRBfpeNg CRAZY RICH ASIANS A word of warning, movie-goers: watching Crazy Rich Asians will make you want to do two things. Firstly, you'll start craving plates upon plates of delicious Asian food. Secondly, you'll have a hankering for a Singapore getaway — so maybe invite your favourite travel buddy to come along for the show. Bringing Kevin Kwan's book of the same name to the screen, this feel-good charmer follows Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) when they jet to the bustling island country for a wedding that doubles as a meet-the-parents visit. It's a rom-com, a drama about being yourself, a Singaporean travelogue and a hangout flick — the latter coming courtesy of the movie's hilarious scenes between Rachel and her college bestie (a film-stealing Awkwafina). Showing: Thursday, February 28 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S9c5nnDd_s BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Fresh from rocking the Golden Globes, where it picked up Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody is here to rock Sunset Cinema. And if you've already seen this immensely popular Freddie Mercury biopic and had to stop yourself from singing along, you're in luck — that's on the agenda here on Saturday, March 30. The sounds of Queen will echo through the outdoor screening, charting the band's formation, its rise to fame, Mercury's private life and the group's memorable music. Just remember to stay in your seats during the fantastic Live Aid concert scenes — you'll be tempted to jump up, sing and scream, but you won't want to block the view of the fellow film fans behind you. Showing: Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dKzet0o4i0 AQUAMAN Back in 2016, the DC Comics Extended Universe pitted Batman and Superman against each other to see who'd emerge victorious; however, the film series was clearly asking the wrong question. If a battle between Justice League superheroes did arise, Aquaman would obviously come out on top. He has at the global box office, at least, with the Australian-shot blockbuster now the highest grossing flick in the franchise. It's easy to see why, with Aussie director James Wan (The Conjuring, Fast & Furious 7) helming a comic book effort that isn't afraid to be over-the-top — in its eye-popping visuals, its action both above and below the water and its use of charming star Jason Momoa. Showing: Wednesday, March 6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywkF1lj5wyI A STAR IS BORN Just when you thought that Lady Gaga had done everything that she possibly could, she sheds her over-the-top persona and becomes a star — again. Playing a waitress who's thrust into stardom after a chance encounter with Bradley Cooper's booze-soaked rocker, her performance in A Star Is Born remains a revelation. It's not her first stint in front of the camera by any means, but it is her most powerful and affecting. Those two words also describe this tale of love, fame and the cost of both, which marks the fourth time a flick of this name has told this story. As for Cooper, he turns in his best work in years in front of the camera, while also stepping behind it to make his directorial debut. Be prepared to belt out Shallow with your mates for the rest of summer. Showing: Saturday, March 16 and Wednesday, April 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-j4tA8V2ac THE GREATEST SHOWMAN It's difficult to pick which makes a bigger impact in The Greatest Showman — the film's enormous all-star cast or the music they're charged with belting out. When you've got the likes of Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya and Michelle Williams singing up a storm in a story about entertainment entrepreneur P.T. Barnum and the spectacle he created, the answer is both. When the rousing musical originally hit cinemas back at the end of 2017, it became a monster hit and so did its soundtrack, with the latter becoming the best-selling album of 2018. And sure, you've seen it before, you bought the record and you know every single word, but have you sat under the stars and sung along, all while surrounded by fellow fans doing the same? Showing: Thursday, April 11 Sunset Cinema will take over Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens from Thursday, February 28 to Saturday, April 13. Check out the full film program and book tickets here.
Back in May 2001, Brisbanites first started hopping on the Airtrain to get to the airport. Two decades later, you can now jump on a bus as well. If you've ever flown into Melbourne and then made your way into the CBD, you'll be familiar with Sky Bus — because, unlike Brissie, the Victorian capital doesn't yet have a rail option. The company also ran a shuttle service on the Gold Coast until 2020, and currently operates in Byron Bay, Hobart and Auckland, with driving around Brisbane its latest venture. Sky Bus' bright red vehicles first hit the streets this week, on Monday, May 10, servicing both the domestic and international airports. Whether you're heading away or coming home, you can travel between the Brissie CBD and whichever airport you're jetting out of, with the service making 11 pick-up and drop-off stops along the way. If you're wondering whether to switch from the Airtrain, the route might be the deciding factor, with Sky Bus' inbound leg first stopping in Hamilton, then in Newstead, and then following Ann Street to Anzac Square in the city. After that, it ventures down Margaret Street, along Eagle Street and onto Wickham Street, finishing up near East Street. Going outbound, it simply reverses the route. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SkyBus (@skybus_aus) Times-wise, you can jump onboard between 6am–1am on weekdays and 6am–9pm on weekends. A ticket will cost you $15 one-way, regardless of where you're hopping on or getting off — for an approximately 65-minute journey from the CBD to the domestic terminal, and a 62-minute run to the international airport. Unlike the Airtrain, the Sky Bus is at the mercy of traffic, so those times could vary. For more information about Sky Bus' Brisbane service, head to the company's website. Top image: Liam Davies via Wikimedia Commons.
"We all deserve better". "Change never comes easy." "Blessed be the squad." If the latter quote didn't already give it away, they're all lines that are uttered in the first trailer for the fourth season of The Handmaid's Tale. And, as usually proves the case with the show's dialogue, they all feel like they could be said today, in reality, in everyday life. Using a deeply dystopian scenario to reflect the modern world has always been one of the acclaimed, award-winning series' strengths. It was true of Margaret Atwood's 1985 book that started it all, too. So, with the TV adaptation of the acclaimed novel now reaching its fourth season, it's no wonder that it's continuing what it has always done best — and that the first glimpse of the new season feels even more timely at present. First, some bad news, though: due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Handmaid's Tale won't return to our screens in 2020. Instead, viewers will have to wait until a yet-to-be-revealed date in 2021 to find out what happens next in Gilead (no, not the masterplanned Sydney community with the same name), and what the future has in store for the show's protagonist, June (Elisabeth Moss) after season three's cliffhanger ending. The good news, of course, is that this tale of rebellion and revolution isn't anywhere near done yet. Toppling a totalitarian society that's taken over the former United States, tearing down its oppression of women under the guise of 'traditional values', and fighting for freedom and equality doesn't happen quickly, after all. The first sneak peek of the ten-episode fourth season doesn't reveal too much; however fans should prepare for not just an uprising, but a war — and for the return of Bradley Whitford's Commander Joseph Lawrence and Ann Dowd's Aunt Lydia, too. Check out the teaser trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WLqBUi4r6o The fourth season of The Handmaid's Tale will hit screens sometime in 2021 — we'll update you with further details when they're announced.
Summer's well and truly kicked into gear, and we've been busy making the most of it with catch-ups with mates, family dinners and backyard barbies with the crew. But not all summer hangs are created equal. First, the set-up needs to suit the occasion, whether that's on an airy rooftop for sundowners or comfy garden seats for your crew to chill out on while basking in sunshine. What you're drinking is also key — and you can't go run with gin in the warmer months. And, if you're hosting an at-home do, you need the quintessential Aussie tool: a barbecue. To help take the fuss out of summer events (which should always be laidback), we've teamed up with UK distillery Whitley Neill Gin to bring you everything you need for lazy days in the sun. One lucky winner in Australia will score four bottles of Whitley Neill gin — namely, two bottles of its Original London Dry and one bottle of both its raspberry and blood orange-flavoured gins. To serve up your summery sips, you'll also score a Whitley Neill Gin carafe and four balloon glasses. And because every backyard event needs a barbie, we're also throwing in a Weber Family Q barbecue. Whether you've been meaning to get one since you moved house or need to upgrade, this top-quality grill is a big drawcard. Finally, to deck out your garden, courtyard or balcony, the prize pack comes with four branded deck chairs, too. Keen to win this epic prize? Enter your details below to go in the running. [competition]837183[/competition]
When the Queensland Symphony Orchestra turned 75 in 2022, it put on a huge free concert to celebrate, taking over QPAC's Concert Hall for an evening. It doesn't have a milestone birthday to mark in 2023, but it is hosting another free gig anyway — this time outdoors as part of a new annual tradition. Taking place at Roma Street Parklands, Queensland Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Under the Stars will enjoy its debut hour-long outing on Saturday, March 25, in what's set to launch a yearly show. "Queensland Symphony Orchestra is a wonderful cultural asset of this state and, importantly, it is accessible. We belong to all Queenslanders, and we are thrilled to be able to share the gift of music through this live, free outdoor event," said QSO Chief Executive Yarmila Alfonzetti, announcing the gig. "This is the beginning of what will be an annual outdoor orchestral concert, and we invite you, your family and your friends to enjoy." During its lengthy run, QSO has played many things, of course — including all of the classical greats, beloved film scores live as the movies screen, tunes for sweeping operas and teaming up with musicians well outside the classical realm. That longevity and adaptability is something worth not just celebrating, but continuing. While Roma Street Parklands show will stick with classical faves, it will still showcase plenty of variety. Attendees will hear 'Fanfare for the Common Man' by Copland to begin, followed by Tower's 'Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman'. Also on the list Dvořák's 'Carnival Overture', Delius' 'Summer Evening', Dohnányi's 'Symphonic Minutes', Tchaikovsky's 'Capriccio Italien' and Glinka's 'Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila'. Given how popular last year's 75th-birthday show was, expect the maiden Symphony Under the Stars to prove the same. Although attendance is free, registration from 9am on Sunday, February 26 via the QSO website is recommended. Bringing picnic baskets is encouraged, too, and there'll be food options available onsite. If you're wondering about the history of the QSO, it made its debut on March 26, 1947, with 45 members playing to a crowd of 2500 people at Brisbane City Hall. It now boasts 74 musicians, and is the state's largest performing arts organisation. Queensland Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Under the Stars will take place from 6.30pm on Saturday, March 25 at Roma Street Parklands. Entry is free but registration from 9am on Sunday, February 26 via the QSO website is recommended. Images: Peter Wallis.
What's a Brisbanite to do when they want to go slipping and sliding in a big way? Head to Wet 'n' Wild on the coast? Fashion their own in the backyard? Trek further down south? With previous attempts to bring this type of giant, watery, inflatable attraction to town falling short, they've been the options so far. That was before Slideapalooza was born. Part fundraising effort to raise cash for cancer organisation Tour de Cure, part excuse for everyone in the city to unleash their inner child, the slip 'n' slide to end all slip 'n' slides is due to roll out its plastic on November 18 and 19. Other particulars — where and how much, specifically — haven't yet been announced, but keen parties can register their interest to find out more when the details drop. At 400-metres-long, Slideapaloooza's website claims its slide is largest of its type in the world. However, a quick Google shows that the current Guinness World Record is held by this waterslide in New Jersey at 600 metres. So not quite the longest on Earth — but it's probably the longest in Australia. Brisbane will be the second place in Australia to experience sliding after the Hunter Valley became the first last weekend. The event's website also lists Canberra, Townsville, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and the Gold Coast as future locations. Slideapalooza is due in Brisbane on November 18 and 19. For more information, keep an eye on the event Facebook page and website.
Imagine a room filled with pinot noir, with red drops after red drops from wineries around the country poured for your sipping pleasure for hours. If that's your preferred type of vino, it likely sounds like your idea of boozy heaven. There's no need to just dream up the concept, however. Thanks to Pinot Palooza, it already exists, has been doing the rounds in Australia for more than a decade, and has locked in its return for 2024. A guiding principle here: that being spoilt for choice can be overrated when it comes to deciding which wine varieties you feel like at any given moment. So, let this event do the picking for you. Pinot Palooza celebrates exactly the type of vino that's in its name, and makes the sound of a light- to medium-bodied red wine sloshing around a glass its standard soundtrack, including in Brisbane in spring. Expect to hear that noise a whole heap — before the pandemic, the Melbourne-born wine-tasting festival had notched up an estimated 65,000 tickets sold globally. In 2024, Pinot Palooza is hitting up the Exhibition Building at Brisbane Showgrounds for a two-day stint across Friday, November 15–Saturday, November 16. The Pinot Palooza team has also revealed that up to 100 wineries will be taking part in 2024, up from more than 50 winemakers last year, and surveying everything from organic and vegan to biodynamic and low-intervention drops. The full list of producers hasn't been unveiled, but Tasmania's Meadowbank, Oakdene from Geelong, Murdoch Hill and Vinteloper from the Adelaide Hills and New South Wales' M&J Becker are among the names that'll be involved from Australia. New Zealand tipples will be showcased by Two Paddocks, Burn Cottage, Mt Difficulty, Te Whare Ra, Greystone and others. As always, attendees will spend their session swirling and sampling that huge array of pinot noir, and making the most of up pop-up bars and food stalls between drinks. In Brisbane, though, a cheesy time also awaits. While dairy fest Mould has already taken place in the River City in 2024, it's teaming up with Pinot Palooza in October to give the Queensland capital a hybrid Pinot Palooza x Mould fest.
Four months after it first hit Australian cinemas, Bohemian Rhapsody is still showing on the big screen — and on DVD, pay television and on planes too. Basically, it's everywhere, with the Freddie Mercury and Queen biopic proving an enormous success. It's nominated for five Oscars, and it has rocketed up the Australian all-time box office charts, currently sitting in sixth place just shy of Titanic, and only behind Avatar, Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, Avengers: Infinity War and Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi otherwise. Clearly filmgoers love seeing the origin stories of iconic musicians played out on screen, a trend that Rocketman looks set to continue. This time around, Elton John gets the movie treatment, with Kingsman's Taron Egerton stepping into his winged shoes, oversized glasses and over-the-top outfits to relive the singer's early years. Egerton both stars and sings all of the expected tunes in the Dexter Fletcher-directed movie, which also features Jamie Bell as Elton's lyricist and writing partner Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as his first manager John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard as his mother. And John himself is one of the executive producers, so expect this tale of 70s excess to be of the officially sanctioned variety. The film's timing couldn't be better, with the muso himself set to play a slate of Australian gigs late in 2019 through until early 2020, all as part of his huge worldwide farewell tour. If you think it's gonna be a long, long time until then, check out Rocketman's latest trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTm5DWgL-MU&feature=youtu.be Rocketman opens in Australian cinemas on Thursday, May 30. Image: David Appleby / © 2018 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
If you liked choosing your way through Black Mirror: Bandersnatch — or telling Bear Grylls what to do in interactive series You vs. Wild — then Netflix has more where that came from. Come Tuesday, May 12, you'll be able to decide what happens to everyone's favourite kidnapping victim turned wide-eyed New Yorker in a one-off Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt special. While the Tina Fey co-created, 18-time Emmy-nominated comedy finished up its regular run with 2019's batch of episodes, which closed out the show's fourth season, it's coming back this year to put viewers in control. Netflix has actually been in the interactive game for a couple of years thanks to its children's shows like Puss in Boots, Buddy Thunderstruck and Stretch Armstrong; however this'll mark the streamer's first interactive comedy. Always wanted to curb Kimmy's (Ellie Kemper) ample enthusiasm? Keen to steer ex-socialite Jacqueline White (Jane Krakowski) towards a few sensible decisions? Think that landlord Lillian (Carol Kane) could be more eccentric and misanthropic? Just love everything that aspiring actor and singer Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess) does? Then this is for you, obviously. If you're fond of Jon Hamm's Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne, too, you're also in luck — this interactive episode is called Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, after all. A whole heap of other famous faces co-star as well, including Daniel Radcliffe, Amy Sedaris, Fred Armisen, Chris Parnell, Jack McBrayer and Johnny Knoxville. Story-wise, few details have been announced, other than a wedding, a journey across three US states, explosions, an evil plan and potentially starting a war against robots. Announcing the special last year, Tina Fey explained that "fans will be able to make choices on behalf of our characters, taking different story paths with, of course, different jokes," in a Netflix statement. Check out a sneak peak below: https://twitter.com/KimmySchmidt/status/1250446252786847745 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend will hit Netflix on Tuesday, May 12. Image: Netflix.
Sometimes, you're eager to spend your spare hours binging your way through serious dramas. At other times, only clever comedies will do. But, there also comes a time when you just want to feel nostalgic — including by revisiting the local TV show that absolutely every Aussie kid watched in the 90s and 00s, and more than once. For two seasons between 1990–93, then another two from 2000–01, Round the Twist adapted Paul Jennings' popular books into an offbeat fantasy series. If you were the right age, it was must-see TV. It's the source of plenty of lighthouse obsessions, given that's where the Twist family lived. And, it's also a show that knew how to balance humour, strangeness and scares. All four seasons of the show are headed to Netflix, so you'll be able to binge your way through them from Saturday, May 1. They're also currently available on Amazon Prime Video, because that's what tends to happen with older TV programs on streaming these days — one day, they're on one platform; the next, they're elsewhere. Yes, the latter two seasons of Round the Twist really aren't as great as the first two, but we're betting they're still baked into your childhood memories anyway. And, we're certain that you'll now have the show's theme tune stuck in your head for at least the rest of the day, likely until the series hits Netflix over a week away, and probably for plenty of time afterwards as well. Check out the trailer for Round the Twist's first season below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjuXTD0m9Lc All four seasons of Round the Twist will be available to stream via Netflix from Saturday, May 1. Top image: Round the Twist filming location Split Point lighthouse, Natalie Maguire via Wikimedia Commons.
Ah, gluten. Scourge of coeliacs, this humble wheat protein has been making life difficult for as long as we've been eating sliced bread. But fortunately for all the folks out there with gluten intolerances, VEND Marketplace in Virginia will be a gluten-free zone for two days. Running from 8am–2pm on both Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19, this Gluten-Free Festival will feature a couple of dozen mobile food vendors setting up their stalls and rolling in their trucks to sling tasty treats without a single bit of wheat, rye or barley in sight. SoCal Tacos, The Dagwood Dog Guy, King of the Wings and Big J Woodfired Pizza are but a few of the eateries who'll make an appearance, alongside OMG Donuts, Roll It Ice Cream, Golden Churros and Mama Mac's Macarons — and others. There'll also be a number of stalls selling a variety of gluten-free products to take home, so you can stock your pantry as well. The dog-friendly event will let you take advantage of VEND's usual 130-plus small businesses, too, for a stint of shopping with your gluten-free eats. Entry is free, but reserving a spot online is recommended.
By now, the fact that almost every beloved TV show arises from the dead at some point is hardly new news. From Gossip Girl and Saved By the Bell to Twin Peaks and the upcoming Sex and the City small-screen sequel series, plenty of programs have been doing it. The next former hit set to make a comeback: Dexter. Yes, that means that television's mild-mannered blood-splatter expert by day, serial killer by night is returning — so if you didn't like how the original series wrapped up back in 2013, that's no longer the end of Dexter Morgan's (Michael C Hall, Shadowplay) story. Eight years have passed when Dexter: New Blood kicks off, just as they have for audiences. As the just-dropped first trailer for the revival demonstrates, Dexter is now living a quiet life in the small town of Iron Lake, New York, and trying to forgo his murderous urges. He's also going by the name Jim Lindsay, which nods to author Jeff Lindsay, who penned the series of novels the show was initially based on. But, as fans saw again and again in Dexter's original eight-season run, resisting picking up a knife isn't all that easy for the program's protagonist. In fact, the trailer features plenty of blades — and all within its namesake's vicinity. In the sneak peek — the first look we've been given of the upcoming ten-episode limited series — Dexter finds his old ways calling after his new hometown is rocked by unexpected events. US network Showtime, which'll air the series in the US, obviously wants to keep the bulk of the plot up its sleeves for now; however, Julia Jones (The Mandalorian), Alano Miller (Sylvie's Love), Johnny Sequoyah (Believe), Jack Alcott (The Good Lord Bird) and Clancy Brown (Promising Young Woman) are all joining the cast. And, Jennifer Carpenter (Dragged Across Concrete) is set to return as Dexter's sister Debra, as is John Lithgow (Perry Mason) as the Trinity Killer — presumably in flashbacks, given the characters' fates in the OG series. Australian viewers will be able to check out Dexter: New Blood via new streaming platform Paramount+, which launches locally on Wednesday, August 11. The new show itself doesn't start airing in the US until Sunday, November 7, and just when it'll hit Down Under hasn't been announced — but fingers crossed that it'll be around the same time. Check out the Dexter: New Blood trailer below: Dexter: New Blood is set to stream in Australia via new streaming platform Paramount+, which will launch on Wednesday, August 11. The new series will start airing in the US from Sunday, November 7; however, an exact stream date for Australia hasn't been announced as yet — we'll update you when it is.
After the work-week marathon, holing up at home all weekend can be mighty tempting, especially in 2020. And while technology has gifted us with the amazing ability to get both food and entertainment without changing out of our PJs, you might still feel like sunshine and socialising. So, swap the hermit life for an outside hangout. The Sound Society is an initiative that fills Roma Street Parkland with music once a month — and, now, it's hosting biweekly jam sessions in South Bank Parklands. If ending the work week with smooth live tunes or kicking back in the sun on a Saturday is your style, meander down to River Quay from 4–6pm on Fridays and Rainforest Green from 2–5pm on Saturdays — picnic blanket in hand. Of course, you can BYO picnic and, if you're heading to the River Quay gig, you can even BYO booze. The lineup is eclectic, showcasing different local artists covering genres from jazz to acoustic pop. The Sound Society takes place at South Bank Parklands' River Quay from 4–6pm on Fridays and Rainforest Green from 2–5pm on Saturdays.
UPDATE, April 21, 2021: A Simple Favour is available to stream via Netflix, Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies and Amazon Video. A Simple Favour is an unashamed delight: a deliciously twisty mystery with the zest and kick of a strong gin martini (and the visible gloss and sparkle of one too). Based on Darcey Bell's 2017 novel of the same name, the film slings its thrills with an upbeat vibe from director Paul Feig, dynamic performances from Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, plus a knowing but never mocking tone. It's the fun, fierce movie that Gone Girl might've become had it been vastly more playful, and boasts the flair that The Girl on the Train desperately needed. That's not a criticism of the former film, although it definitely is about the latter. If there's one thing that A Simple Favour knows above all else, it's how to turn a pulpy airplane read into an irresistible big-screen experience. Kendrick plays the widowed Stephanie, a perky, perennially helpful mum who lives for her young son. From overzealously signing up for every school activity that she can, to dispensing mothering tips on her vlog, she's a maternal wind-up bunny, to the point of ridicule by other parents (including Andrew Rannells as a snarky, scene-stealing dad). No one, including Stephanie, would've expected fashion executive Emily (Lively) to pay her any attention. The duo only start spending afternoons together downing cocktails and listening to jazzy French pop because their kids beg for a playdate. It's a chalk and cheese relationship, with Stephanie awed by her new pal's glamorous home, life and husband (Henry Golding), while Emily maintains an air of aloof, self-involved intrigue. Then Emily asks Stephanie to do her a simple favour, and nothing is ever simple again. One of Stephanie's video blogs kickstarts A Simple Favour, instantly revealing that Emily has disappeared. That's the film's basic premise — and when the movie fills in the gaps via flashback, it sets up one of its recurring motifs. As this sleuthing story slinks and snakes along a trail of gloriously unhinged developments, the truth proves slippery. Any good thriller involves duplicity, and all notable detective tales have their fair share of zigzags. Feig frequently serves up both while simultaneously fracturing the flimsy facade of suburban bliss, letting his characters spin their stories as his images expose the reality behind them. It's a technique that the filmmaker has cause to use often, and it adds to an enjoyably devilish atmosphere. Indeed, the director of Bridesmaids, The Heat, Spy and Ghostbusters might be in less overtly jokey territory than usual, but Feig's trademarks are all still on show. His latest female-focused flick throws women into a realm often populated by men, yet firmly retains its own personality. As the movie charts a knotty whodunnit narrative, it also follows its protagonists as they realise just what they're really capable of — be it nice or nasty. Furthermore, A Simple Favour brandishes a cutting, subversive sense of humour, while ensuring that viewers are always laughing with rather than at his on-screen ladies. Even when Kendrick is at her peppiest, and Lively at her most gleefully cunning, siding with the two is consistently on the cards. Whatever Stephanie and Emily get up to — and this is a film with a body count, oh-so-many deep secrets and more than 50 shades of darkness — the actors behind them are flawless. Kendrick nabbed an Oscar nomination for Up in the Air almost a decade ago, and Lively ruled New York's Upper East Side for six seasons on Gossip Girl, but here they're both given roles that are intricately attuned to their individual talents. That remains true emotionally as well as physically, with Stephanie a pocket livewire who's enthusiastic, awkward but never out of her element, and Emily seductive yet savage whether she's decisively making the perfect drink or devastating everyone around her with the sharpest of dialogue. Screenwriter Jessica Sharzer is in her element, too, even if a A Simple Favour doesn't initially seem an obvious companion to 2016's tech-savvy Nerve, her previous screenplay. Both movies share a knack for finding the sweet spot between the silly and sublime as their warped plots turns themselves inside out, A Simple Favour more successfully so. Sharzer's scripts veer into ridiculousness but float above B-grade schlock, and throw winks at the audience yet never act like the whole thing is just an ironic gag — although the source material assists considerably in this case. With help from Feig, Kendrick and Lively, the end result is slick, smart, slightly sleazy and ruthlessly entertaining, and remains thoroughly committed to making viewers eat up every moment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqsdrYBPjv8
Dry Gulch is the latest show from the unsettling, dark humour-loving artist Mark Shorter. In a work specifically created for Boxcopy, he'll be blocking off the space from all natural light, inviting you inside, and darting around in the dark. In a surreal and unique process, audience members will spend the time catching fleeting glimpses of Shorter and wildly trying to keep their nerves in check. Strangely enough, this isn’t a concept new to the artist — his 2012 performance Dark Contact put him in a dingy hotel room for a day-long exhibition, and we're guessing he read a lot of RL Stine as a kid. Dry Gulch revisits the complexity of the historical relationships between two entities, as the artist's body exists within the gallery during each show. Spooky right? The term 'dry gulch' itself means to sinisterly ambush, derived from the American West where outlaws would attack passer byers in dried up ravines and canyons. Think Red Redemption, Dances with Wolves, The Searchers etc. Therefore, it's safe to say this showing will be met with a bit of dry mouth and heavy sweats. Probably best to avoid it if you have a pacemaker. Dry Gulch runs from 20 to 29 November with an artist conversation and drinks on November 30 at 4pm.
As cinephiles of Melbourne well and truly know, August always marks the arrival of the Melbourne International Film Festival. That even remained the case in 2020, when the event was forced to go digital due to the pandemic. And, although the 2021 fest has had to go through a few changes itself and will now only play online, too, it is still showering film buffs with movies from Thursday, August 5–Sunday, August 22 this year. Initially, in-person sessions were set to span the festival's first week or so, before the event closed up online; however, just days before this year's MIFF kicked off on Thursday, August 5, the fest flipped that order and expanded its virtual component. It was due to then add in-person sessions from Thursday, August 12, but that'll no longer be happening. So, via its digital platform MIFF Play, the festival is screening more than 90 features for film lovers to watch from the comfort of their couches. The lineup has been growing, too, with exisiting highlights including college-set rom-com Freshman Year, Spanish influencer satire La Verónica, New Zealand thriller Coming Home in the Dark and Norwegian comedy Ninjababy. The Mads Mikkelsen-starring Riders of Justice and psycho-thriller music mockumentary The Nowhere Inn — featuring Carrie Brownstein and St Vincent — sit among the recent newcomers. More films are set to become available on Saturday, August 14 as well, such as documentary Hopper/Welles, which sees Dennis Hopper and Orson Welles meet and chat back in 1970; Night of the Kings, a prison thriller set on the outskirts of Abidjan; and Stray, a doco about the 100,000-plus stray dogs that rove freely around Istanbul. And, other titles will drop later in the fest, like Australian drama Little Tornadoes, which is co-written by The Slap's Christos Tsiolkas; Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror, a documentary exploring the folk horror genre; and closing night's Language Lessons, which takes place via video calls. MIFF's digital platform is available Australia-wide, ensuring that cinephiles around the country — including those in lockdown elsewhere, like in Greater Sydney — can enjoy its lineup, too. That facet of the online program proved popular last year, unsurprisingly, with 2020's virtual festival resulting in MIFF's biggest fest yet, audience-wise. Updated August 11.
How can we streamline our thoughts, ambitions and life away from the objects that tend to drive them? Is meditation the answer? Or pained focus? Or even street-grade Ritalin. Marnie Edmiston, a visual artist based in Melbourne, aims to explore this question the best she can in her exhibition Everything Is a Distraction. Her practice tends to include the overlap and envelopment of language, text and image, with this work including sculpture, video, photography and drawing to explore this theme in as many means as possible. Through appropriation and editing, refocusing and repetition of styles, genres, gestures and distortions, the pieces in this exhibition send out a mixed message of infinite meanings and tangents. This showcase opens at Metro Arts on March 19, with the artist talk on April 4. Make a focused goal of going.
If you're going to watch a romantic film with your other half this Valentine's Day, you may as well do so while you're splashing around in a pool — especially if that's the kind of watery movie date that you've never had before. That's what's on the bill at Brisbane's returning outdoor cinema pop-up, aka the fittingly called Float-In Cinema. Once again setting up at W Brisbane, it's taking over the riverside hotel's WET Deck for three nights in February to pair swim-in flicks with food and cocktails. Screening from Sunday, February 12–Tuesday, February 14 — with a 6.30pm seating time for a 7.15pm start — Float-In Cinema costs $109 per person. For that price, you'll float on the water in an inflatable lounger, watch the movie (obviously), tuck into your choice of three grazing boxes, and sip a glass of bubbles or a I Heart You cocktail upon arrival. Those food options include a cheese box packed with aged cheddar, double brie, blue cheese, prosciutto, salami and stuffed olives; a savoury box with vegetarian sliders, flank steak skewers, corn ribs and fried plantain with guacamole; and a sweet box with macaroons, mini tarts, mini cakes and caramelised mixed nuts. Whichever you select, you'll need to email the venue in advance to make your pick. If you're keen, you might want to get in quick, as seats are limited per session. And as for what you'll be watching, romance is the natural theme. So, that means The Other Woman, Focus and — yes, on the day itself — Valentine's Day.
Step inside Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art this summer and you'll be whisked away to another world where forests sprawl, mirrors beckon and otherworldly creatures linger, all thanks to the South Brisbane venue's entrancing Fairy Tales exhibition. Head along specifically across Friday, January 19–Sunday, January 21, however, and you'll find a Fairy Tales Festival taking over the site — making an already-magical way to spend a few hours even more entrancing. Like the exhibition — plus much in its accompanying movie program — the three-day fest is an all-ages affair. Catering to attendees big and small, it spans pop-up performances, drop-in drawing sessions, storytelling and other activities over one big weekend. The centrepiece is still the items and art lining the gallery's walls, including pieces by Yayoi Kusama and Patricia Piccinini, as well as a costume that David Bowie wore in Labyrinth, but you can pair your wander through the halls with getting interactive. [caption id="attachment_936493" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Henrique Oliveira, Brazil b.1973 / Corupira 2023, commissioned for 'Fairy Tales', installation (detail), Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) Brisbane 2023 / Plywood, tapumes veneer and tree branches / Courtesy: Henrique Oliveira / © Henrique Oliveira / Photograph: C Callistemon © QAGOMA[/caption] Once Upon a Chime, aka Patience Hodgson, Joel Woods and Lake Kelly, will be singing fairy tale-inspired tunes on the Maiwar Green Stage twice daily. A Villain's Tale will also hit up the same spot, with the performance told by a misunderstood villain. They're both free to attend, and you don't need a ticket to Fairy Tales itself to enjoy them. The same is true of watching Jim Henson's The StoryTeller television series at GOMA's Australian Cinematheque. That said, some parts of the fest do require an entry pass for the exhibition, such as hearing Brisbane Fairy Tale Ring reimagine classic fairy tales in the River Room — and picking up a pencil. [caption id="attachment_936492" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Costumes (costumier) / 'Yellow dress with hood' costume from Mirror Mirror 2012, installed in 'Fairy Tales', Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane 2023 / Silk taffeta, polyester, nylon tulle, synthetic taffeta / Collection: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Los Angeles / Photograph: C Callistemon © QAGOMA[/caption] Top image: Anish Kapoor, India/England b.1954 / Red and Black Mist Magenta 2018, installed in 'Fairy Tales', Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane 2023 / Stainless steel, lacquer / Collection: The artist / © Anish Kapoor. DACS/Copyright Agency, 2023 / Photograph: C Callistemon © QAGOMA.
If you're a fan of plant sales, Christmas markets — including in July — and stalls dedicated to dogs, then you might've made a trip to VEND Marketplace in Virginia over the past few years. Since opening back in 2018, the northside shopping space has hosted all of the above, and operated as a haven for small local businesses day in, day out. But, come Saturday, April 8, enjoying this browsing and buying experience won't involve crossing the river from Brisbane's south. On that date, VEND Annerley will officially open its doors, and it's marking the occasion with a grand opening party. This permanent indoor market, which also boasts a cafe and outdoor lawn area, is expanding — and making its second home on Annerley Road. Yes, the new site is still dog-friendly. Yes, it operates seven days a week, hosting 120-plus local businesses and creatives in one spot. VEND will make its Annerley debut with festivities from 8am–4pm, and plenty of shops to peruse. There'll also be an ice cream van selling frosty treats, facepainting for kids and prize giveaways. New to VEND? It features local vendors all in one spot — slinging everything from clothing, homewares and furniture through to art, records and vintage collectables.
