Atlanta born musician Raury has just turned 18 and is brimming with what seems to be an obscene amount of charisma for a teenager. Having earned enough attention to see him collaborating with SBTRKT, opening for OutKast and getting flown to recording studios by Kanye West (before he had released a single album), the youthful champion of hippie swagger will be touring Australia for Laneway Festival and doing sideshows across the country. His debut album Indigo Child is full of impassioned and erratic messages and crosses haphazardly between folk, rap, soul and indie rock earning him comparisons to Lorde — not only for his age, but for his seamless ability to take on different genres. While his sound is hard to pin down, his fresh energy, earnestness on stage and the real feverish soar he can bring to songs like 'God's Whisper' (the ultimate bang-your-drum, revolution round the campfire song) make him an artist you should catch from the beginning.
Riding on the back of his last success, Tremors, multitalented Vienna-based singer and producer, SOHN (aka Christopher Taylor) is returning to Australian shores. You've probably heard his raw electronic renditions of traditional R&B before, influenced by the moody vocals of James Blake and How to Dress Well. Recorded entirely at night, Tremors is an immaculately crafted album; drawing together tales of Taylor's relationship-induced emotional melancholy. A London expat now living in Vienna, his music is enamoured with his newfound geographies — with hit tracks like 'Artifice' and 'Lessons' embracing a kind of laidback European pastoralism. If you missed out on last year's sell-out shows, hopefully you'll catch some better luck this time. Grab 'em quick.
When it comes to fashion, staying ahead of the pack can be a mighty tough feat. But if you’re keen to kick monochromic minimalism to the curb, while giving a little back to your global community, we’ve found just the bold West African label to help you do it. YEVU, which means 'foreigner' in the local Ewe language, is a socially responsible clothing line bringing the wild traditional wax prints of Ghana to Aussie shores. Linking local African tailors with style-conscious global customers, founder Anna Robertson is creating serious change for Ghanaian seamstresses living on the poverty line. After launching their sell-out debut range in October 2013, YEVU returns this month with a fresh selection of awesome new threads (we actually can't get enough of these prints). From late November, Sydney and Melbourne will both house YEVU’s latest pop-up stores. Stocked with everything from daring jumpsuits to bold bomber jackets for both ladies and gents, these vibrant designs won’t go unnoticed in your wardrobe. Give back, shop ethically and nab a new look with some of the sweetest prints you’ll see all season. Head along to the launch of YEVU's pop up locations in Sydney (636 Crown Street, Surry Hills) on November 26 and Melbourne (27-29 Johnston Street, Collingwood) on December 3 from 6 to 9pm. YEVU POP-UP OPENING HOURS Sydney — November 27 to January 24 (10am to 7pm daily) Melbourne — December 4 to January 31 (10am to 7pm Daily) Both stores closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Image: YEVU.
If your 2021 New Year's resolution is to make up for last year's lack of live music, then you've probably already started off strong. But now, that gig calendar's about to get even fuller, thanks to this brand-new two-week music festival taking over St Kilda. April Sun is here to brighten up your autumn in a big way, dishing up a swag of live tunes from G-Flip, Touch Sensitive, Hiatus Kaiyote, You Am I and more. Gracing the St Kilda Triangle (beside the Palais Theatre) from Friday, April 16–Sunday, May 2, the new outing is delivering a diverse program of day parties, headline shows, mini-festivals and family-friendly fun, assembled by some of the country's best-loved curators and tastemakers. It's a COVID-safe, outdoor affair, with tickets available for four different audience zones, ranging from grand stand seats,to an open lawn area smack bang in front of the stage. Indie label Future Classic kicks off the fun on Friday, April 16, with a lush evening soundtracked by internationally-acclaimed multi-instrumentalist G-Flip, self-confessed synth-freak Touch Sensitive, Brisbane favourite Sycco and rising indie-pop star Thomas Headon. Elsewhere in the program, settle in for a sweet serve of neo-soul headlined by jazz-funk heroes Hiatus Kaiyote, funk synthesist Harvey Sutherland and Perth five-piece Grievous Bodily Calm. There'll be a rock-heavy night of sounds from You Am I, Geelong's Magic Dirt and Dallas Crane and some anthemic indie-rock ballads courtesy of The Church and Bob Evans Throw in a big dose of house and techno curated by Thick As Thieves, and a couple of shows from Sydney grime-rap hero Chillinit, and those ears of yours are in for a very busy autumn.
UPDATE, August 19, 2021: After Bluesfest was originally cancelled just days out from its usual Easter slot, and then later postponed to October, the long-running fest has now announced that it's abandoning plans to go ahead this year — and will return for Easter 2022 instead. For more information head to the Bluesfest website. Mid last year, after its 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic, Bluesfest announced the first 50 acts for its 2021 festival. That lineup has changed in the months since, with an all-Aussie roster now set to hit the fest's stages — headlined by Aussie icon and the human scream Jimmy Barnes, Tash Sultana, Ocean Alley, Ziggy Alberts and The Teskey Brothers. Also on the bill: John Butler, Xavier Rudd, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers, The Church, The Waifs, Jon Stevens and John Williamson, plus Ian Moss, The Angels, The Living End and Tex Perkins. The list goes on, and includes new additions Pete Murray, Kate Ceberano, Electrik Lemonade and Palm Valley. In good news after a year lacking in large-scale music festivals, the event has been given a provisional green light, with organisers announcing that they've received NSW Government approval to run the festival at 50 percent capacity this April — as long as no outbreaks occur beforehand. The festival is set to return to Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm — just outside Byron Bay — for its usual Easter time slot, from Thursday, April 1 to Monday, April 5. When the festival was cancelled last year, it was the first time in 30 years it had not run, but the second year in a row it had come under threat. In 2019, the Festival Director threatened to move the festival to a spot outside of NSW because of the State Government's strict music festival licensing regime. Here's hoping that it does go ahead as planned in 2021 — with tickets on sale now. BLUESFEST 2021 LINEUP Pete Murray Mark Seymour and The Undertow Kate Ceberano Fiona Boyes and The Fortune Tellers Lambros The Regime Round Mountain Girls Electrik Lemonade Palm Valley Ocean Alley John Williamson Tex Perkins The Man in Black Jon Stevens Ash Grunwald and Josh Teskey Vika and Linda Garrett Kato Mia Dyson The Church Kate Miller-Heidke The Living End The Angels Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks Blue King Brown Jeff Lang Kara Grainger Tash Sultana Ziggy Alberts Kev Carmody Ian Moss Hiatus Kaiyote Russell Morris Briggs Kim Churchill Mama Kin Spender All Our Exes Live In Texas Jimmy Barnes The Teskey Brothers John Butler Xavier Rudd The Cat Empire Kasey Chambers The Waifs Troy Cassar-Daley The Black Sorrows Melbourne Ska Orchestra Chain Backsliders Harts Plays Hendrix Ash Grunwald The Bamboos Mick Thomas' Roving Commission Dami Im Pierce Brothers Emily Wurramara Roshani Ray Beadle Henry Wagons Hussy Hicks Pacey, King and Doley Daniel Champagne Nathan Cavaleri Little Georgia Bluesfest Busking Competition and Winners The Australian Americana Music Honours Bluesfest 2021 will run Thursday, April 1–Monday, April 5 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. Tickets are on sale now via Moshtix. Image: Joseph Mayers.
From roaming food trucks to a secret In-And-Out pop-up, Melbourne’s love affair with the humble hamburger is showing no sign of cooling off. And no one’s happier than the folks at Brother Burger and the Marvellous Brew. After a couple of years exclusive to Fitzroy, the much-loved burger joint has opened a second store in South Yarra, with room for up to 200 hungry customers to chow down. The new Chapel Street location will stick to the same basic menu as they do on the Northside, albeit with a couple of tweaks. Expect old favourites like The Royal Blue (wagyu beef, bacon, onion jam, blue cheese, pickles and ketchup) and the vegetarian-friendly Magic Mushie (crumbed field mushroom, peppers, spinach, goats cheese, onion jam and mustard mayo), as well as pulled pork buns, a 'South Yarra-style' Reuben sandwich and even their own take on fish and chips. Living up to the second half of their name, the restaurant will also have a selection of 15 beers and ciders on tap — all of which are sourced from independently owned local breweries and cider houses. Permanent fixtures include Hawkers Beer Pilsner and Napoleone & Co. Pear Cider, while others specialty options will rotate through. Located at 560 Chapel Street, South Yarra (the former location of Cafe Greco), Brother Burger and the Marvellous Brew South Yarra boasts a small courtyard out front, and an interior decorated with an eclectic mix of pre-loved items including more than 800 antique meat grinders. Everyone's got their niche. For more info about Brother Burger and the Marvellous Brew South Yarra, including operating hours, visit their website.
The Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular returns to Melbourne for its sixth year in 2016. After humble beginnings, it's now expanded to cover three cities; it's going to Sydney for the second time this year, and is making its first appearance in Auckland. Melbourne continues to distinguish itself, though. This year, the Australian Beer Co. and Yenda have joined forces with do-gooders Brewmanity to construct a giant Ferris wheel, with proceeds going to motor neurone disease research. This mouthful of a festival — which is now considered one of the best beer festivals in the world — doesn't just bring you the best in craft beer anymore, either. Creators Steve Jeffares and Guy Greenstone (The Local Taphouse, Stomping Ground Brewing Co.) are now representing cider and food at this behemoth as well. GABS is best known for its 120 'festival beers': specialty brews created just for the event. It gives attendees the rare chance to try brand spanking new beers while meeting the teams behind them. Really loving one brew or brewer? The People's Choice Awards allow you to have a say. In previous years, this segment has been known to launch some of the best and brightest into the craft beer scene.
From the same minds behind The B.East, Globe Alley is an inclusive dive bar with a rock 'n' roll edge, free live music, good times till late and a solid spread of vegan eats across its menu. And, suitably, it's celebrating its first birthday with a lot of all three. After 365 days in the Chinatown space, the venue is throwing a huge free party on Friday, February 28. Expect tunes from the likes of Byron Bay's Dicklord, trio Bitch Diesel, pop glamers Smooth and heavy metal band Atomic Riot. There'll be DJ sets from Joegia Maq and DJ Ruari, too. If you get there early, and we suggest you do, you'll find $2 sliders and $5 Jack Daniel's and cokes, frozen margaritas and pots from 4–6pm. Oh, and free burgers, too. Yep, 100 free vegan and meat burgers will be available from 4pm — so, rock up early if you want one. Updated February 28, 2020
The toastie has really come into its own in the last few years — it's increasingly becoming the star and namesake of countless pop-ups, permanent venues and even drive-throughs. What can we say? Ain't nothin' wrong with bread, cheese and meat. So we're happy to announce that The Bridge Hotel agrees with the toastie life too. So much so that they're launching their own toasted sandwich pop-up that'll serve fat stacks of toasties to satisfy your midday cheese cravings. From Monday, February 27, the Richmond pub will set up Toast'd. The menu will consist of four types of toasties: sticky chicken (with red onion and American cheese), pulled beef (with American cheese), three cheese (the cheese lineup includes parmesan, brie and mozzarella) and veggie patch (in-season veggie mix with goats' cheese). So hope you like cheese. Either way, they'll be served with a side of pickles to cut through the cheese if it's too much for you. The toasties will be available for ten bucks a pop between noon and 3pm, five days a week from the pub's internal laneway. Toast'd will pop-up from February 27 at The Bridge Hotel, 642 Bridge Road, Richmond.
Move over, Dark Mofo. Victoria's Apollo Bay is getting an after dark arts festival of its very own. Creeping into the coastal shire on the eastern side of Cape Otway, WinterWild will take place on select Saturday nights in July and early August. Each evening will begin with a ceremonial bonfire on the beach, before branching out to the Mechanics Hall and beyond. Standout events on the program include a performance of Tosca by local opera company Cut Opera, a screening of the '90s cult surf film Litmus, sets by Sand Pebbles and Dirty Three's Mick Turner, and talks by Michael Leunig, Clementine Ford and Arnold Zable. Local cafes and restaurants will also get involved with the festival. Steve Earl's acclaimed La Bimba will devise a special festival menu, and provide a place for revellers to recover as the sun rises on Sunday morning. "This festival won't be for the faint-hearted," said festival director Roderick Poole. "It is very much aimed at adventurous spirits ready to take on a challenge; to embrace the harsh environment and celebrate the beauty of the elements at their extremes. WINTERWILD 2017 DATES: Water (July 1-2): Mick Turner (Dirty Three), Sand Pebbles, screening of Litmus with soundtrack performance by director Andrew Kidman. Earth (July 15-16): Butoh performer Yumi Umiumare, Tek Tek Ensemble, Tosca by Cut Opera. Air (July 29-30): Programmed by the Apollo Bay Writer's Festival, including Michael Leunig, Clementine Ford, Arnold Zable and Emilie Zoey Baker. Fire (Aug 12-13): Massed choir of 100 singers, ritual burning of festival sculpture, live music.
It's a longstanding qualm some people have with female comedians that they're always talking about their genitalia. Those people might not enjoy this show. Returning to Australia for one-night-only after sold-out performances and seriously high praise, US comedian, performance artist and one half of the Wau Wau Sisters Adrienne Truscott is quite literally baring all in her critically-acclaimed, one-woman show about rape culture. Dressed only from the waist up, Truscott is taking aim at the likes of Daniel Tosh and his controversial comments of last year, and is dragging the art of the 'rape joke' to breaking point. After five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe, Adrienne Truscott's Asking for It is one the most-talked about shows of the past year (for better or worse).
The NGV is pretty practiced in juxtaposing the classical and the contemporary, and the gallery is set to do it again with its summer exhibition celebrating Dutch artist M.C. Escher and Japanese design studio Nendo. And, as is now custom, with a seasonal blockbuster, so comes a brand new season of NGV Friday Nights. The gig series is now a quintessential way to end a steamy summer week in Melbourne. And, thanks to a partnership with Bombay Sapphire, you'll get to enjoy this after-dark art excursion with a suitably quirky cocktail in hand. It'll kick off on December 7 with a set from Andy Bull and run all the way through to a Friday-Saturday finale with infectious duo Confidence Man on April 5 and a Saturday party with San Cisco on April 6. As always, you'll get after-hours access to the gallery as well as the gigs. Rove between the current exhibitions, Between Two Worlds and Julian Opie, and, out in the garden, explore this year's NGV Architecture Commission to the soundtrack of local DJs, who will rotate on a monthly basis. There'll also be an aural installation called Bach x Reimagined, a piece that references the influence that Bach's compositions had on Escher's art, as well as the lots of food and a couple of pop-up bars from Bombay Sapphire. The bars will be slinging Bombay Twists, a summery spritz-like cocktail, for you to sip before you roam the gallery's many goings on — take your pick between a classic gin and tonic, raspberry and basil, lemon and thyme or mint and ginger. NGV FRIDAY NIGHTS SUMMER 2018 LINEUP December 7 — Andy Bull (DJ Set) December 14 — Hoodlem (DJ Set) December 21 — Fantastic Man (DJ Set) December 28 — Nicole Millar (DJ Set) January 4 — Andy Hart January 11 — KLP (DJ Set) January 18 — Film School Collective January 25 — Zuri Akoko February 1 — Chela (DJ Set) February 8 — Harvey Sutherland (DJ Set) February 15 — Alice Ivy (DJ Set) February 22 — OJ KUSH March 1 —Gold Fields (DJ Set) March 8 — Dappled Cities (DJ Set) March 15 (Melbourne Art Book Fair X Design Week Edition) — Jonti (DJ Set) March 22 — Japanese Wallpaper (DJ Set) March 29 — Woodes (DJ Set) April 5 — Confidence Man (DJ Set) April 6 (special Saturday event) — San Cisco (DJ Set)
You can walk to the shops. You can walk to work. But no walk will feed your soul like a walk by the water. And if you're travelling to Sydney soon, your soul should be pizza-party-level full with the number of walks around town featuring stellar water views. These ten coastal walks have it all — wild scrub, picturesque paths, yacht clubs and war ruins. Bar stops right where you need them. Parts of the Bondi to Coogee you can blitz in an hour, while the Bundeena to Otford track is an overnighter. Here's your next ten weekends' worth of active leisure. BEST HARBOUR VIEWS: BRADLEY'S HEAD TO CHOWDER BAY WALK For the yoga-posing enthusiast, this leisurely five-kilometre walk begins over the bridge from the CBD at Taronga Zoo and extends to the deliciously charming Chowder Bay. The trail hugs the coast tightly and its proximity to Sydney Harbour allows for completely unobstructed views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and city skyline. Once you work up an appetite, plan to have a well-deserved lunch at one of the bay's many seafood restaurants. BEST FOR YACHT-WATCHING: CHINAMANS BEACH TO BALMORAL BEACH While this trek can be walked in either direction, the best course is down through the overgrown Parriwi Lighthouse Walking Track. The steep steps lead to sudden views of Middle Harbour, and the trek becomes an unexpectedly rocky adventure as the path to Chinamans Beach is only available at low tide. Once arriving at the tiny and peaceful Chinamans, the short one-kilometre walk to Balmoral includes exquisite beachfront properties that line the shores and views of the yachts that often dock along the way. MOST CHALLENGING TREK: BUNDEENA TO OTFORD COASTAL TRACK If you're looking for more than a day trip, this 26-kilometre track around the Royal National Park boasts a combination of rugged bushwalks with Cliffs of Moher-type views across the Tasman Sea. For those who are not incredibly fit, it is best to spend a night camping at North Era campground, but make sure to wake up in time for the stunning sunrise over the ocean. BEST COASTAL BUSHWALK: NORTH HEAD While this historical, 9.5-kilometre walk does contain a driving path, the true beauty of this trail is seen through the dirt road bushwalk. Take the ferry from Circular Quay towards Manly and begin this trek at North Head Sanctuary. Walk through the former North Head Army Barracks before heading out to the bush to potentially spot an echidna or bandicoot lurking in the burnt orange and yellow brush. The wild path then opens suddenly to a mix of coastal views; the best are located at the Third Quarantine Station Cemetery, which looks across to Middle Head and Manly, and the Fairfax Walk, which looks far out over the Tasman Sea. From here, it's easy to end your afternoon at Manly Beach, stopping at the petite Collins and Little Manly beaches along the way. BEST TREK TO THE CBD: ANZAC BRIDGE TO PYRMONT BRIDGE This seafood frenzy of a walk is the most scenic way to head into the CBD from the city's inner west. Begin by crossing the austere-looking Anzac Bridge over to Blackwattle Bay, where you should settle in for a bayside lunch at the iconic Sydney Fish Market. Continue on through Darling Harbour and cross into the CBD over the Pyrmont Bridge, which offers the best views of Cockle Bay. This four-kilometre bridge hike merits a cocktail and some nibbles at one of the restaurants and bars at nearby Barangaroo. MOST ICONIC STROLL: MANLY TO SPIT BRIDGE SCENIC WALK This ten-kilometre walk, combined with the ferry ride to Manly Beach, is one of the best and most easily accessible treks in Sydney — and comes highly endorsed for a reason. This varying coastal walk of bush, ocean views and even rock engravings by the Gai-mariagal people make the entire trip compelling and a true Sydney experience that shouldn't be missed by even the most seasoned veterans. BEST PANORAMIC VIEWS: MIDDLE HEAD While the multiple WWII batteries located at Middle Head certainly set this walk apart, it is the expansive views of the eastern suburbs, Middle Harbour and Manly that really make this trek worthwhile. Still, climbing through underground tunnels and gun pits on the edge of the coast is a big part of the thrill. Don't miss the Vietnamese 'Tiger Cages', where trained military men simulated prisoner of war conditions. You'll find these ruins throughout the Middle Head Fortifications, but the surrounding sheer cliffs are what give the remnants their eerie and significant effect. BEST HISTORIC SIGHTS: COCKATOO ISLAND A UNESCO world heritage site, Cockatoo Island has an illustrious history. Once a convict colony and industrial island, it has 360-degree views of the water, including the surrounding bays and the Parramatta River. Tours, events and daily talks focus on environmental and historical issues related to the island, and regular art exhibitions run throughout the year. Spend a leisurely afternoon playing tennis on some of Sydney's most scenic courts then hire a barbecue and show off your grill-skills. If you still want more, Cockatoo can easily be turned into a getaway for your getaway with campgrounds and holiday houses available. BEST FOR PICNICKING: BALLS HEAD RESERVE The reserve affords exceptional views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the north and is a great place to have a short walk and picnic on the rocks overlooking the CBD. The bushwalk tracks open up to a secluded park where barbecues stand at the ready. Once you finish grilling up your sausages, head back over to the rocky area to have your picnic while watching the harbour boats mosey by. This is a proper lazy man's trek and should be enjoyed at a slow pace. MOST QUINTESSENTIALLY SYDNEY: BONDI TO COOGEE No list is complete without including this six-kilometre trail, which gives visitors and locals alike a true sense of Sydney's coastal beauty. The trek's steep gradients are well spaced between the city's most loved beaches, making this trip part-workout, part-beach bum afternoon. While the walk could be completed in as little as two hours, it's best enjoyed with long breaks by the ocean. Come in the spring and parts of the trail become extra majestic (and extra crowded) for iconic art event Sculpture by the Sea. Ready to get away and experience Sydney? Book with Qantas for great fares to Sydney and NSW until 24 September. Terms and conditions apply. Images: Marissa Ciampi and Grant Bates.
Lately we feel like we've been the bearer of bad news when it comes to the fate of festivals, but this time we've got the complete opposite. The cats behind Falls Festival have created a brand new two-day festival over the Melbourne Cup long weekend. They're calling it The Lost Lands, a name which has enough mystery (and a vague enough reference to Jurassic Park) to have us very intrigued. The two-day camping festival will not only feature heaps of music, but will centre around art, theatre, comedy and outdoor activities as well. It'll be held over the Saturday and Sunday of the October long weekend just outside of Melbourne at Werribee Mansion, the luxe AF mansion and grounds that has played host to So Frenchy So Chic and the late Harvest Festival (RIP). But the real point of difference for The Lost Lands is that it's designed to be hella family friendly. Festival organiser and Falls founder Simon Daly has a family of five, and he recognised the need for a more European style of festival in Australia that not only lets kids attend, but actually involves them in the festival's activities. "The Lost Lands will give parents the chance to reconnect with the festival experience while instilling in kids a love and appreciation of music, arts and adventure," said Daly. "I think there's an appetite for more experiences crafted with parents and kids in mind and it's exciting for the industry." The festival will be focused around "shared experiences" that can be enjoyed by everyone — be that parents, kids, friends, and anyone who rocks up — and it looks set to incorporate so many activities, such as bushwalks, bike rides and even day trips to the Werribee Open Range Zoo. They're also offering a range of workshops to expand the mind (such as cooking and songwriting) or lengthen the legs (like circus play and yoga). Um, sign us up for everything. But just because there's kids around doesn't mean that the menu is limited to chicken nuggets and juice boxes. The Lost Lands is promising a huge range of festival eats and drinks, including a curated range of Mummy and Daddy drinks such as craft beer, wine, organic spirits and even an on-site distillery. All this will be happening with a backdrop of classic Italianate-style architecture amongst the sprawling formal mansion gardens (designed by W.R. Guilfoyle, the man behind the Royal Botanic Gardens) and a chill but fun musical line-up. Expect to be swaying along to The Waifs, Harts, The Grates, Ozomatli, Missy Higgins, CW Stoneking, Architecture in Helsinki, The Bamboos with Tim Rogers, Mariachi El Bronx, Tash Sultana, Olympia, Ali Barter, The Little Stevies, Pounded By The Surf, The Royal Jellies, Nicky Bonba, Ainslie Wills, and Alex Lahey. As it's a three-day, two-night festival, camping (and glamping) will be available, but with Melbourne only half an hour away by car or train, it's not a necessity like most festivals. However, if you want to feel like Marie Antoinette for a weekend, you can even rent accommodation in the actual mansion and live like damn kings.
Andrew McConnell is a busy, busy man who apparently wants to feed the entirety of Melbourne city. At the same time as bringing fancy meats and cheeses to the good people of Smith Street with his new speciality deli Meatsmith, he’s also been orchestrating a new wine bar on Gertrude Street. All hail McConnell, bringer of glorious meats, wine and cheeses to Fitzroy. The wine bar, named Marion, is slated to open to the public on October 23, right next door to its accomplished culinary big brother Cutler & Co. The two have been designed to work in tandem, with Marion as the perfect destination for post-dinner kick-ons or pre-dinner aperitifs. If you just want to skip dinner and guzzle wine, Marion is as a self-contained dinner venue in its own right. Marion is a little less formal than Cutler & Co. however the two establishments share a wine cellar and sommelier, Liam O’Brien, for maximum synergy points and wine expertise rolled into one. We’re expecting amazing things from this place, as it’s the product of years and years of experimenting and expertise. Most of the team have been working with McConnell in his various establishments for decades so know they know a thing or two about hospitality — and of course, wine. And McConnell himself is an old hand in the restaurant game, with the likes of Cumulus Inc., Supernormal and Moon Under Water all under his belt. It goes without saying, the bar is set pretty high. Bring it on. Marion opens 23 October at 51-53 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
Sydney's multi-faceted arts precinct Carriageworks has released their 2017 program — and, as we've come to expect by now, it's killer. Director Lisa Havilah last night revealed the line-up at the Eveleigh space, saying "the stories we tell through our collaborations and our programs is the story of contemporary life, contemporary urban Sydney of an imagined future driven by always remembering and acknowledging our shared histories". It's a poetic summary of the 2017 program, which is an interesting mix of 67 forward thinking and retrospective pieces. The big ticket item is the inaugural year of the huge citywide The National: New Australian Art, which will launch on March 30. It's the first exhibition of the six-year partnership between Carriageworks, the Art Gallery of NSW and the MCA that was announced earlier this year. Aussie artists included in next year's exhibit include Archie Moore, Justene Williams and Richard Lewer, but about the structure and content of the exhibition, they're remaining tight-lipped. Carriageworks is also collaborating with the City of Sydney to present a show based on the industrial strike in 1917, which happened on the current site of the precinct. With a mix of historical objects and new commissions to be included in the exhibition, artists include are Sarah Contos, Franck Gohier, Will French, Tom Nicholson and Raquel Ormella. They'll also continue their commitment to indigenous projects, bringing back Klub Koori and extending their Solid Ground partnership with Blacktown Arts Centre. For January's Sydney Festival events (of which they are hosting 12), they'll once again bringing the wildly successful Night Market back, this time in collaboration with chef Kylie Kwong. As it will coincide with the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival, this one will be inspired by the streets of Harajuku in Tokyo, Hongdae in Seoul, and AnFu Lu in Shanghai. Other shows include large-scale performance Lady Eats Apple from Back to Back Theatre, a Bangarra triple-bill called Ones Country – the Spine of our Stories, and MDLSX, a show that's part performance art, part DJ set from Italian company Motus. The space will once again host Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and Semi Permanent in May. Music events include Open Frame — curated by Lawrence English and featuring Xiu Xiu Plays the Music of Twin Peaks, Elysia Crampton, Klara Lewis and Alessandro Cortini — and an operatic performance of The Rape of Lucretia by Sydney Chamber Opera under the direction of new artistic director Kip Williams. We could go on. But in the interest of keeping this short, we'll just point you to the full program and let you get excited for 2017. Image: MDLSX, by Diane Ilariascarpa.
Di and Will Keser are the proud owners of four very excellent things: two beagles, Moesley and Snoopy and two Melbourne cafes, Hardware Societe and Bowery to Williamsburg. And they’re soon to be adding another excellent thing to their rapidly growing set: a 50-seat restaurant at the steps of the Sacre Coeur cathedral in the beating heart of Paris. The Kesers have only recently arrived in Paris and are setting up shop in the suburb of Montmartre, the artists’ quarter, an appropriate choice for the prolific cafe mogul pair. Hardware Societe Paris is set to open in January 2016, so adjust your flights accordingly. We had a chat with Di about the practicalities of moving two beagles and a business to a bureaucratic country and the challenges that come with living between well-loved two places. While a lot of Aussie cafes head over to the US to make their international debut, you guys have chosen Paris. What inspired the choice? Actually, it was simply a personal decision. We own an apartment in the second arrondissement and really wanted an excuse to spend more time here, which is difficult when we have our roots truly planted in Melbourne with family, businesses and dogs (they come over early next year). But we adore Paris. The city has such life, no matter what time of the year it is. We just wanted to be part of that more permanently, rather than hoping off a plane every few months and living like tourists in our home here. I think we possibly picked the most difficult and bureaucratic country to open in. Nothing is easy, but I guess that is all part of the challenge right? Once we’ve pulled this off, I am pretty sure opening a cafe on the moon would be easier. Are you and Will living over in Paris to look after the cafe? Yes, we are here now. There is a lot to organise, particularly for a girl that speaks little French — partially because I am so embarrassed when I open my mouth, partially because I talk to Will all the time in English and partially because most people speak English. Our intention is to spend the next 12 months over here after opening, and then reassess things after that. Whether that is three months here, three months in Melbourne, time will tell. But it is difficult with our beagles, as Moesley and Snoopy are the main priority when it comes to returning home more permanently. I mean imagine if they prefer it here, then I guess we stay. Coffee, come to me #hardwaresocieteparis #parislife #obladi A photo posted by The Hardware Societe (@hardwaresociete) on Aug 26, 2015 at 12:57am PDT How do you think the Aussie flat white will land with espresso lovin’ Parisians? I think Parisians are very open to new things but why can’t they have a short black, if that’s what they want? It will just be a Melbourne bean on offer [Padre Coffee]. We’ll be appealing to a few different markets: Parisians seeking out brunch, the Australian tourist yearning for something beyond a humble but delicious croissant for breakfast, and of course, the expat community (I am one now, after all), and a surprisingly global Hardware Societe following. Would you believe I have had people say they will take the Eurostar over to Paris for brunch? That absolutely astounded me. Are you taking any other Aussie standards over with you or sticking with the French fusion fare? We are so excited to be bring Padre Coffee along for the ride, they are a huge part of who we are and it wouldn't have been the same if we couldn't offer Padre here. But apart from Padre coffee, no. Everyone knows Hardware Societe and knows what we do. What is interesting is that we are bringing our interpretation of a French brunch to Paris — think eggs en cocotte (our baked eggs), breakfast cassoulet (traditional bean stew with lyonnaise sausage, confit duck and pork belly), riz au lait (rice pudding), our infamous fried brioche (French toast) and of course our lobster benedict. Hardware Societe Paris will be no different to Melbourne, save for the staff. What's to become of Melbourne’s Hardware Societe and Bowery to Williamsburg while you’re away? Truthfully, apart from the friendships we have formed through running Hardware, most customers don’t know who we are and the Hardware team have been with us a very long time. The smiling and dedicated team crew are Hardware Societe, so nothing will change. As for Bowery, we have two awesome business partners, Shaun Williams and Gary Xue, (who is also our head chef at Hardware). They have been very generous, allowing us to take time out, and do this. Is this possibly the street that Hardware Societe Paris will call home? #parislife #hardwaresocieteparis A photo posted by The Hardware Societe (@hardwaresociete) on Aug 26, 2015 at 7:57am PDT Hardware Societe Paris will open in 2016, opposite Sacre Coeur, Montmartre. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
If molecular fine dining is your thing, add this one to the diary. Spice-based legends AANYA from The Hotel Windsor are running a very exclusive pop-up series at Ray Capaldi's Chef's Table at Wonder Pies. Tickets will set you back $285 per person, which is on the pricey side, but AANYA chefs Nishant Arora and Janos Roman aren't serving up ordinary food. The AANYA kitchen specialises in spice-based, experimental molecular gastronomy and their meticulously crafted dishes resemble abstract works of art. The meal also includes matched cocktails curated by Lynden Barnes of Little Lon Distilling Co. If you've been looking for a special occasion meal, this might be the ticket. It's certainly unlike anything you'll find elsewhere in the city. There are only three seatings with a strict cap of 12 diners per event: Friday July 28, Saturday July 29, and a special lunch event on Sunday July 30. That's it. Once it's gone, it's gone for good. Book your spot here or follow AANYA's socials for more information. Images: Supplied
The freaking fabulous lot at Hessian Magazine not only produce a fine publication, but the ladies know how to throw down an excellent party. The purpose of the shindig is to raise funds for their second issue, and as you can see from the first, they are doing some pretty great work. As if you wouldn't want to get down with these conscientious folk, especially when it’s all happening at The Shadow Electric. Musical stylings for the night is a brilliant mix of Melbourne artists, including The Harpoons (DJ set), HABITS, HTML Flowers and Young Hysteria. To sweeten the deal further, there's going to be plenty of excellent giveaways — largely in the form of movie passes — for those who snag a ticket early. Tickets are only $8 for presale, or nab a ticket and copy of Hessian's first issue for $15. Learn five lessons in sustainable fashion with Hessian Magazine over here.
OK Go, that band whose music videos consistently outperform their music, would find it hard not to be impressed by Birdman. That's because the film features one remarkable, continuous shot that goes for 119 minutes and is called Birdman. It's a cheat, of course. Like Timecode before it, there are cuts amid the long takes, but much of director Alejandro González Iñárritu and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki's remarkable achievement is how seamlessly they’re all pieced together. Filmed like a play but choreographed like a dance, Birdman is cinematic ballet where the way the story is presented is just as critical to its telling as the story itself. And what of that story? It’s a simple one, but like all good tales, the simplicity of plot is offset by characters possessed of deep complexity. None more so than Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), a washed-up movie star whose career faded into obscurity after turning down the lead in ‘Birdman 3’ (allusions to Keaton’s career post Batmans 1 and 2 are clearly — and gleefully — embraced by all). Thomson has gambled everything on one final shot at restoring his credibility: a Broadway adaptation of a Raymond Carver story that he has singlehandedly adapted, directed and is starring in. There's a matryoshka doll feeling to it all: the movie, filmed like a play, about the movie star putting on a play. The effect is at once mesmerising and unbalanced, neatly reflecting Thomson’s own tortured subconscious. When narration sporadically occurs, it is not in the voice of Thomson, but Thomson ‘doing’ Birdman — the same gravelly exercise in duality that defines the Bruce Wayne/Batman dichotomy. Then there’s the supporting cast, albeit one where ‘support’ is a giant misnomer since Keaton needs no assistance and each of the supporting actors puts in a lead-worthy performance of their own. As Thomson’s friend and agent, Zach Galifianakis shows remarkable, understated reserve, while Emma Stone is refreshingly dark as Thomson’s recovering drug addict daughter Sam. Naomi Watts and Andrea Riseborough both demonstrate incredible depth as Thomson’s on-stage co-stars, but the standout is unquestionably Edward Norton. He plays Mike Shiner, an unspeakable egotist and critical darling whose dedication to method seemingly knows no bounds. Norton's scenes with Keaton showcase two of the finest performances of the year, and are spectacularly — most notably in their self-aware jibes at actors and critics. This is a film that almost commands repeat viewings, if only to marvel at its mechanics. Yet Birdman offers so much more than form. Darkly comedic, intellectually challenging and emotionally confronting, Iñárritu's film is a tantalisingly original piece of cinema that belongs on everyone’s must-see list for 2015.
On September 23 and November 4, The Astor Theatre will become the most magical place in Melbourne, as all nine films grace the St Kilda cinema's screens for 20 hours of wizarding wonder. BYO time-turner if you don't think you'll be able to stay awake. Nine films, you say? Yep, this really is a celebration of every Potter-related flick there is, which means the eight movie versions of J.K. Rowling's original seven books, plus the film adaptation of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them as well. Watch Harry, Hermione, Ron and co. spend their first day at Hogwarts, play quidditch, search for the deathly hallows and battle He Who Must Not Be Named. And, then jump back several decades earlier to explore the exploits behind one of their textbooks — as presented in glorious 70mm, too. With no new Potter-related films due until the Fantastic Beasts sequel next year, this will help you get your big screen spellbinding fix — and, let's face it, you've already watched your DVDs hundreds of times. Kicking off at 11am and screening through until the following morning, Potterfest — A Harry Potter Marathon will also include plenty of other Potter fun, with dressing up in costume as highly recommended as a pint of butterbeer.
Looking for a little bit of renovation inspiration? In that case, you've come to the right place. Bestowed this week by a jury of respected Australian architects and designers, the House Awards celebrate the latest innovations in contemporary architecture. Reckon if we all pooled our money we could buy one of these? The top prize, Australian House of the Year, went to a wood-paneled apartment in Darling Point, Sydney – the very same apartment that took home the Premier Award for Australian Interior Design at the Australian Interior Design Awards just last month. It also won the House Awards' gong for Best Apartment or Unit, with the jury commending the "refined and surprising design" that contrasted "floating American oak and painted white steel joinery." The awards for Best New House Over and Under 200m² went to houses in NSW and Queensland, respectively, while a property on the banks of Melbourne's Yarra won prizes for Sustainability and Best Outdoor Design. Check out the full list of House Award winners, below. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE OF THE YEAR – Darling Point Apartment by Chenchow Little NEW HOUSE UNDER 200m² – Naranga Avenue House by James Russel Architect NEW HOUSE OVER 200m² – Deepwater by Tobias Partners HOUSE ALTERATION AND ADDITION UNDER 200m² – Baffle House by Claire Cousins Architects HOUSE ALTERATION AND ADDITION OVER 200m² – Project Zero by BVN APARTMENT OR UNIT – Darling Point Apartment by Chenchow Little OUTDOOR – Fairfield House by Kennedy Nolan HOUSE IN A HERITAGE CONTEXT – Bayside Fire Station by Owen Architecture SUSTAINABILITY – Fairfield House by Kennedy Nolan EMERGING ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE – Rob Kennon Architects
Summing up the year is always reflective. But summing up a year of food? It's stomach rumbling stuff. In the last 365 days we've seen scores of restaurant openings, new seasonal menus and pop-ups, eaten around 1,095 square meals and squeezed in approximately 1 billion snacks. It's a lot to consider. But when we threw the question open to the Concrete Playground team, we got some swift responses. Because that's what it's all about, right? It's about those meals that stick in your sensory memory all year-round. The moment that melt-in-your mouth wagyu touched your tongue; the crack of a perfect creme brulee. So here they are, the tastes we've been thinking about all year and the dishes we dream about ordering again: our favourite meals of 2014. PEANUT BUTTER TOFU BAO AT KONG Did they say 2014 the year of the burger? Or the bibimbap? If you ask us, it was all about the bao. No matter what you wedge between those sweet fluffy bun pillows, with a little hoisin and coriander, it always tastes good. There are plenty of places to get them, but the best we've had this year would have to be at Kong. Taking leave from more traditional pork belly and brisket buns, these peanut butter crusted salt and pepper tofu buns take tofu out of bland territory and into the land of holy wow. These aren't cheap at $6 a pop and you'll have burnt chilli mayo running down to your elbows, but you'll still want a few more once you're done. GRADE 7 WAGYU BEEF AT LUCY LIU This dish is the not-so-silent hero of Melbourne CBD's new modern Asian eatery. Whispers of this succulent meat dish have been heard whistling through the wind since Lucy Liu opened its doors. Strips of juicy wagyu are accompanied by a delicious honey-soy BBQ dipping sauce (yakiniku) and fluffy, clear-your-nostrils mustard horseradish (which, if you're not careful, you might mistake for a perfect scoop of vanilla ice cream, it looks so smooth and creamy). The textures and flavours come together in such beauty and balance it's like a sophisticated BBQ-slash-wild party-slash-yoga session in your mouth. If such a thing was possible. CRAB SPAGHETTINI AT FATTO Arriving at your table perfectly twirled and perched in the centre of the plate, this spaghettini is that perfectly balanced dish that will win you over from the first mouthful. The sweetness of the crab is offset by a lemony tang and finishes with a touch of fresh chilli. Fatto Bar & Cantina is the cibarious diamond in the rough of Melbourne's theatre precinct, and this dish makes a perfect encore to a show or holds its own as the main event. CREMA CATALANA AT BOMBA A creme brulee is a creme brulee right? Nothing too fancy about it — not worth the hype? Wrong. A creme brulee can be done one of two ways: badly, or well. Like most things really. Bomba does it well. Very well. They also call it a Crema Catalana as they're using Spanish influences. Cream, milk, sugar, and egg yolks are a good start. The cinnamon, orange, and lemon really make it. Perfectly crisp on top and light, fluffy, sweet, and slightly tangy underneath. We'd be lying if we said we were able to hold a real conversation while eating this. TRUFFLED POLENTA AT STAGGER LEES We never thought polenta would make it onto a 'best-of' list, but here we are. In 2014 Melbourne, European peasant food is on the menu — and it's good. In fact, one of our favourite breakfasts this year was all about polenta: Stagger Lee's Shrooms 'n' Truffles. A big bowl of creamy, rich polenta, served with pine mushrooms, pecorino and topped with an egg yolk is the ultimate remedy for a chilly morning. We don't quite know how they get polenta to taste this good — all we know is we want to lick the bowl clean. WHIPPED COD ROE AT CUTLER & CO. Classified more as an appetiser but no less a memorable piece amongst the varied magic of Andrew McConnell, the whipped cod roe at Cutler & Co. lingers in our minds for its elusive flavour and moreish texture. Perfect slathered over crudites and bread, yet not too overpowering that it ruins the palette. We'd take it home with us if we could. Image credit: Delanie at And So I Don't Forget... SOUTHERN STYLE PORK BELLY CHOPS AT NIEUW AMSTERDAM It felt like Melbourne was moving on from their obsession with pork belly but, luckily, Nieuw Amsterdam kept the train rolling — and we guarantee this’ll be one of the most memorable dishes you'll eat. The Southern Style Pork Belly Chops are put together in a slightly deconstructed way with the melt in your mouth pork belly sitting beneath perfectly-crisped sheets of crackling. The dish is also served with a fresh sauerkraut that alleviates the all too common heaviness that can come with pork belly dishes. Nieuw Amsterdam has the 'wow' factor but is grounded in honest and comforting dishes like this one. Combined with the ambience of their Hardware Lane digs, it's definitely worth the trip. DUCK IN CHOCOLATE AT DUNORD On our visit to DuNord this year, the duck in chocolate had us immediately intrigued, as did the potato 'stones' that came with it. What we got was a large piece of juicy duck in chocolate covered with lingonberry and blood jus, and accompanied with boiled potatoes covered in a grey substance, making them look like little boulders — the presentation was gorgeous and incredibly detailed. Everything about this meal was magnificent: the flavour, the presentation, and the generous size. SLOW COOKED LAMB SHOULDER BASTILLA AT TALL TIMBER When it comes to a lunch break, Tall Timber is an oasis from the slim pickings on St. Kilda Road. The slow cooked lamb shoulder and caramelised onion parcel is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The pomegranate yogurt dressing rounds the juicy flavours of the lamb out with a refreshing finish, making this dish a perfect selection for an autumn or spring day alike. Coffee isn't the most obvious beverage to complement, but we'd suggest you go for it anyway. It's the perfect meal to savour through the long afternoon of meetings ahead. Image credit: chefryan85 via Instagram. PEANUT BUTTER PARFAIT AT SUPERNORMAL This one's been around for a while. It's Andrew McConnell's Eureka moment. Well, it certainly was when Golden Fields was still sitting in St Kilda. But since moving the operation to the city and calling it Supernormal, he's had a few more of those moments. Admittedly, dessert is our preferred course of choice here — the miso and Pink Lady soft serve came extremely close to making this list — and you absolutely cannot go past the infamous peanut butter parfait. Topped with salted caramel, peanuts and a ball of soft chocolate ganache, this is the sweet course of choice for anyone that loves a rich finish. It's so good that, even after ordering it for the third time, it still sticks out as one of the best. Just like this list, it's the note you want to end on. Tried, tested and compiled by the Concrete Playground team.
Don't you love it when neighbours get along? On Sunday, May 28, Richmond-based Japanese diner Future Future — home to the best darn yakitori in Melbourne — is joining forces with the latest neighbourhood sensation, Clover, to host an absolutely killer block party. The aptly named occasion, Over The Fence, will kick off at 12pm and run until 4pm, with tickets dividing guests to start their meal at either Future Future or Clover. Halfway through the event, everyone will switch and jump over the fence (figuratively speaking) to the next door venue. At each restaurant, you'll get a signature boozy beverage and three delicious plates of food. And if you've ever eaten at Future Future before, you'll know we're talking about some seriously good Japanese nosh. Think hibachi grilled cabbage and burnt shiso miso butter, smoked pork scotch with quince and hot mustard, the classic prawn kakiage sando and a seasonal nigiri plate. The event will conclude with all guests partying in the shared courtyard at the back. There'll be resident DJs spinning the decks all afternoon, an open firepit (it's May, after all) and a sweet afternoon snack: caramelised white chocolate and burnt vanilla cookies. Tickets start at $110 per person, and you can whack on another $50 if you want the optional drink matching. Images: Supplied.
More than 20 spectacular productions — including 12 world premieres — will make up the program at Dance Massive 2017, the fifth edition of Melbourne's explosive festival of contemporary dance. Co-presented by Arts House, Dancehouse and Malthouse Theatre in association with Ausdance Victoria, Dance Massive V will run from March 14 to 26 at the above venues, and feature brand new works from acclaimed companies and choreographers, including Chunky Move, Lucy Guerin, James Batchelor and Nicola Gunn. In addition to the shows themselves, the festival will play host to a series of workshops, panel discussions and supplemental events, including a writing workshop for professional writers and dancers, and a wide-ranging conversation series that will explore questions of financing, criticism and collaboration as it relates to the medium of dance today. For more information about Dance Massive V including the full program visit www.dancemassive.com.au. Image: Between Tiny Cities, shot by Thoeun Veassna.
Need an escape from the the winter weather? Then escape from the chill to a warm, dark cinema, where you can watch movies from places even colder than here. Returning to Palace Cinemas in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart, the Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival will once again showcase the best of Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Icelandic cinema, from award-winning dramas to esoteric comedies and the very best of Nordic Noir. While the 2017 program is yet to be announced, to give you an idea of what to expect, one of the big highlights from last year's program was the Golden Globe-nominated The Fencer, a Finnish-German-Estonian co-production — dubbed by Finland Today as "the best Finnish film in a decade" — about a fencing instructor hiding from Soviet forces in Estonia in the years after the war. This played alongside oddball Icelandic rom-com The Together Project which took home a screenplay prize at Cannes, and the excruciatingly tense Danish drama Land of Mine.
If you've caught Tkay Maidza's singles 'Switch Lanes', 'U-Huh' or 'M.O.B.' (that's 'Money Over Bitches') on radio of late, you'll know that the 19-year-old is all about putting in the hard yards. The Adelaidean youngster's touring schedule is evidence that she means what she sings. Maidza spent last summer rapping her way from one festival to another, appearing at Falls, Southbound, Beat the Drum and St. Jeromes Laneway. And now she's kicking off a national tour, which has almost sold out, and includes gigs at Mountain Sounds and Groovin' the Moo, as well as supports for Charli XCX. Since Maidza released her huge breakthrough hit 'Brontosaurus' in 2014, Australian music fans can't stop jibbering about the young artist. International booking company The Agency Group were immediately smitten and signed the teenager before launching her on an epic tour through the UK and the US. Maidza will be supported at every gig by two fellow bright young things from Brisbane — 19-year-old producer UV boi, and 17-year-old classically trained multi-instrumentalist JOY.
Every so often I find myself staring at my rug and thinking of Lebowski. Rugs really do tie a room together, and their absence can very easily render something like a living room nothing more than a collection of 'things' with no real connective tissue. In The Big Lebowski, of course, Jeff Bridges was that rug: a slovenly yet cohesive force of White Russian-fuelled lethargy who kept an otherwise sprawling and surreal piece of cinema from descending into incoherent nonsense. Central characters are always important, yes, but in specifically psychedelic cinema where style is often in equal or greater measures than substance, a well-defined, well-performed protagonist can be the single determinative factor between success and failure. Inherent Vice — the seventh film by Paul Thomas Anderson — is one such example. Based on the Thomas Pynchon novel, it is confusing and bewildering cinema at its absolute best, guided through the haze courtesy of Anderson's deft hand and another exceptional performance by Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix plays Larry 'Doc' Sportello, a perennially stoned private investigator in 1970 California who's hired by his ex-girlfriend Shasta (Katherine Waterston) to track down her missing lover (Eric Roberts). In principle it seems largely straightforward, but the set-up alone contains so many twists, double crosses and tawdry affairs that within five minutes of the opening titles there's a sense of being overwhelmed in a manner that doesn't improve over the remaining 147 minutes. Though Doc shares your confusion, he never shows it. Instead, he cruises unflappably through every conversation and encounter, pausing only occasionally to jot down irrelevant one word notes in his flipbook. Imagine the Dude, only without the hobby or mantra to guide him: an underestimated sleuth combining the substance abuse of The Rum Diary's Paul Kemp with the quirky intuition of Columbo. Surrounding him, the list of cameos is both enormous and divergent, contributing in no small way to the film's labyrinthine plot. There's the strait-laced assistant DA with a secret, Penny Kimble (Reese Witherspoon); the tell-all nurse's secretary, Penny Leeway (Maya Rudolph); the drug-addicted dentist Dr Rudy Blatnoyd (an entirely lecherous Martin Short); Doc's mysterious lawyer, Sauncho Smilax (Benicio Del Toro); and Owen Wilson's Coy Harligen — a musician/heroin addict/missing person/cult spokesperson/political renegade. Even he doesn't quite know who he is. Finally, there's Josh Brolin as Lt. Detective Christian F. 'Bigfoot' Bjornsen — a hard-nosed, hippie-hating cop sporting a Dragnet crew cut and a penchant for sucking down chocolate-covered bananas on a stick. He and Phoenix put in the film's best performances, and it's their shared scenes that boast the most engaging screen time. "A hidden defect (or the very nature of a good or property) which of itself is the cause of (or contributes to) its deterioration, damage or wastage". That's the legal definition of 'Inherent Vice', and for Pynchon it represented the uncomfortable truth about America's decline. In the wake of the Charles Manson killings, the failings of the American Dream were to be found within the dream itself: corrupt, flawed and prey to the darker nature of man. That's what's at the core of this film (however difficult it might be locating it), and while it won't be to everyone's taste, Inherent Vice is an impressive piece of filmmaking that warrants your time and attention.
If you're planning on spending this gig mildly toe-tapping, you might want to wait in the car. Sydney's long-labouring beatsmiths Hermitude are back with a brand new album already sitting pretty on winter playlists Australia-wide — and a national tour ready to bust a few hard-dancing ligaments. Start stretching y'all. Hermitude's new album Dark Night Sweet Light takes the lads' unmistakeable blend of heartfelt hip hop, majestic build-ups and big bass drops to a new level; standing firm on a #1 ARIA chart spot and one hell of a rapidly expanding fan base. Luke Dubber (Luke Dubs) and Angus Stuart (El Gusto) have plenty to celebrate on this national tour. After nabbing the Australian Music Prize in 2012 for their straight-up killer album HyperParadise, they're riding a sweet wave of toastworthy accolades surrounding their new album Dark Night Sweet Light. The LP debuted at #1 on the ARIA chart (a first for Hermitude's label Elefant Traks) and has been featured as album of the week on FBi and triple j, alongside serious airplay for lead single 'The Buzz'. So it goes without saying, you're going to have to get in quick for a ticket to this show. The lads have come a long way from their early days of performing entire shows dressed as neanderthals with their decks covered in vines (actual thing), but the bombastic energy and unpredictable live instrumentation of Hermitude's live shows remains an unmissable combination for longtime fans and newcomers like. Do yourself a favour and don't read the tweets the next day, get to this show. Supported by Basenji + Jayteehazard.
Get lost in a maze of mirrors at NGV International where a brand new installation work is now installed. Semicircular Space is a new piece by Berlin-based Danish artist Jeppe Hein, and consists of dozens of polished steel pillars more than 2.5 metres tall. Erected in a labyrinthine pattern, the work aims to distort the observer's perception of reality and call into question the way they view the world. The maze-like sculpture has been installed in Federation Court in the foyer of the NGV building, where it can be accessed by the public without charge. Point is, if you've ever wanted to run through a hall of mirrors like the hero and/or villain in a Saturday morning cartoon, this is your chance. You can visit Semicircular Space at NGV International until Friday, September 16. It's the latest in a series of contemporary art commissions for Federation Court, made possible by the support of the Loti & Victor Smorgon Fund.
If Black Swan didn't make the ballet world look tough enough, the boys from The Dream are sure to fix that. The Australian Ballet put its dancers through their paces ahead of the production's premiere in Sydney in April. A fascinating rendition of Shakespeare's iconic A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Dream is part of a triple bill of works by leading 20th-century choreographer Frederick Ashton at his spectacular best. Expect magic and musicality, and did we mention men en pointe? That's right, forget boys in tutus: these guys will be dancing on the very tips of their toes, using the notoriously difficult technique normally only practised by female dancers. And they're mastering the brutal art in just 12 short weeks. It's all part of how Ashton envisaged the hapless actor-turned-ass, Bottom. Coryphée Christopher Rodgers-Wilson gives the warts-and-all goss on what it takes to transform into this loveable, eccentric donkey. TURNING THE TABLES A hulking pair of hairy legs en pointe is a rarity in ballet, where the technique is usually reserved for female dancers. There is a bit of history of men taking part in the practice — specialised companies, such as the American all-male drag parody group Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, do it regularly, while unorthodox roles have seen guys slip into these satin numbers on a variety of occasions. "There has been a previous production of Cinderella with the Australian Ballet with Stanton Welch which had the stepsisters played by males en pointe," tells Rodgers-Wilson. So The Dream is not the first to ask this of its males, but for audiences, the sight is still a novelty. A wonderful, muscly-calved novelty. THE BALLET MISTRESS, PILATES AND GETTING STARTED EN POINTE Professional ballerinas make tiptoe twirling look like a walk in the park, but years of gruelling training goes into perfecting the positions of their satin-wrapped trotters. Despite a lifetime of stage experience, Rodgers-Wilson had to go back to the barre to tackle the fundamentals with the help of conditioning coaches and London's Royal Ballet heavyweight Christopher Carr to pull this off. "We actually learnt a lot of the ballet, the steps, late last year in December ... just in our normal, flat shoes to get a feel for what we actually needed to do," says Rodgers-Wilson. With two decades of pointe expertise from the company's (amazingly titled) ballet mistress and rehabilitation specialist Megan Connelly at the ready, the guys were then taken through their paces lying down on a humble Pilates reformer to learn "how to manipulate the shoes without your full body weight". MAKING THE SLIPPER FIT The next step towards the stage saw these boys head off for a spot of shopping (of the less conventional variety). Acquiring the all-important shoes proved to be no mean feat. "[There] can be slight little discrepancies in the shape," says Rodgers-Wilson. "You do find some pairs that you pop on and you find that they’re really great straight away and there are other pairs that are just not going to work". Then it's time to really strap in. Many hours of sewing, scraping and softening later, and each dancer's perfect pair was born. These adjustments can have more of an impact than you'd think. "That’s been one of the biggest challenges for me," says Rodgers-Wilson, "working out how best to prepare the shoes before you actually get en pointe, because being comfortable and feeling like you can work your feet and manipulate the shoe is really important. Sometimes the way the shoe breaks down, it can end up pulling you off pointe ... like you’re working extra hard just to stay up." And the bloody battle scars? A veteran in the way of bumps and blisters, Rodgers-Wilson says "I think we’ve all found that our feet are stronger for [dancing en pointe], aside from the odd sore toenail or odd bruise here and there." AND JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU'D SEEN IT ALL: A GIANT HEAD The Australian Ballet doesn't do things by halves. Those learning the role of Bottom have been dealt the short straw in terms of challenging costuming. Not only will they be dancing en pointe, they'll be doing it from inside a life-size donkey mask. "The first time," Rodgers-Wilson says, "it’s like shutting your eyes and standing on one leg a little bit." With vision blocked to the point of obscurity, dancers can "sort of see out the donkey’s nostrils", making mastering this new skill about as challenging as it gets. But for these guys, obstacles like this are de rigueur. "Gradually it feels more and more normal ... and obviously, practice makes perfect". BALLET FOR THE NON-BELIEVER Aside from the novelty of boys en pointe, The Dream packs a serious punch in the way of performances. Bringing Shakespeare's most magical work to contemporary audiences, think of this as the perfect first-taste of ballet for anyone who's never dared step foot inside the Opera Theatre. "It’s got a beautiful variety," says Rodgers-Wilson. "It’s dramatic and funny and there’s magic and it's got all these beautiful elements." Throw in compositions by Felix Mendelssohn, plus a choir of singers tucked away beneath the stage, and this show guarantees a seriously surreal theatre experience that will say with you long after you've left your seat. The Dream opens on Thursday, June 4, at the Arts Centre Melbourne. Tickets can be purchased online from the Arts Centre website.
Okay, Melbourne. Slidestreet gave you a trial run, now you're ready for the big time. This local startup, Slide Melbourne, is promising you the biggest street slide in the entire world. Just like its predecessor, this blissful creation will be lining Lansdowne Street alongside Fitzroy Gardens. Unlike its predecessor, it measures up at a whopping 400-metres in length. Though there were initial concerns about the group obtaining a permit from Melbourne City Council, with less than a week to go, it looks like all systems are now go. The three-lane slide is due to be christened on Sunday, February 15 with a second session already scheduled for Monday, March 9. For $40 you can guarantee yourself a two-hour session of fun from either 10am, 12pm, 2pm or 4pm. Even better, Sunday's weather is forecast as a slide-worthy 32 degrees. If you've missed out on tickets for this one, get ready for a road trip; Slide Melbourne will be taking on Ballarat on March 1 and tickets have only just gone on sale.
The team behind South Yarra's A25 pizzeria in South Yarra has made their way to the centre of town, opening a new offshoot in the middle of the CBD. Set to start service at 7.30am on Thursday, May 12 on the corner of Lonsdale Street and Hardware Lane, A25 City will focus on Italian coffee and on-the-go breakfasts as well as their lauded pizzas, with owner Remo Nicolini promising "some interesting surprises." Obviously, you can expect quite the Italian focus at their newbie. Working with chef Raymond Capaldi, the veteran restaurateur described the A25 spinoff as "an all-day Italian eatery" that will bring "a bigger focus towards healthy, easy-to-digest pizza dough and authentic homemade pasta". They won't just be sticking to the tried-and-tested methods either — the duo plan to experiment with different flours each week to create a range of pizza bases. "I feel at home in the CBD," said Nicolini of the new location, which will reportedly seat 50 people indoors with room for another 50 outside. "It is amazing to have acquired such a prominent site on Hardware Lane." The A25 menu will have some of the South Yarra faves, like the Bim Bum Bam pizza — which is epically topped with prawns, pancetta, truffle porcini, broccolini, truffle aioli and parmesan 'snow' (that is, grated parmesan) — as well as new ones like a Black Forest dessert pizza. They'll also have a cake cabinet packed with Italian pastries and custard bombolonis (yes!) and something that looks very much like a rocky road ice cream panini. A photo posted by A25PIZZA (@a25pizza) on May 4, 2016 at 7:27pm PDT In addition to A25's two locations, Nicolini's resume includes +39 Pizzeria on Little Bourke Street, Espressino on King Street and Non Solo Pasta in the Docklands. His brother Tony, meanwhile, runs the show over at Carlton's D.O.C. Point is, when it comes to Italian dining, this guy is no slouch. A25 City will open on Thursday, May 12 at 399 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. It will be open 7.30am till 10pm Monday to Friday and 8am till 10pm on Saturdays. For more info, visit a25.com.au. By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
A man walks into a bar. Ouch. When it comes to comedy, some people have it and others simply do not. The good news is you'll only (mostly) find the first kind on the jam-packed program at this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Striding into its third decade with all the energy of a clown on their first day of college, MICF is one of the largest annual collections of jokesters, satirists and goofballs on the face of the earth. Running for three and a half weeks from March 23 to April 17, this year's program is once again packed with a plethora of talent from both home and abroad. You've got returning favourites like Rich Hall and Ross Noble, festival debutants such as Hal Cruttenden and Penny Arcade, and local legends like Hannah Gadsby and Celia Pacquola, all of whom will be trotting out their best material in an attempt to bring some laughter into our cold, miserable lives. Also, Dave Hughes will be there. If you don't want to get stuck seeing Hughesy, pop these then shows into your comedy calendar.
You'll be simultaneously throwing shapes and ramen in your mouth this spring, as Melbourne's Supernormal prepares to host Melbourne's first ever Ramen Rave with New York’s new-wave ramen guru Ivan Orkin on October 28, as part of this year's Good Food Month, with the 2015 program announced today. Now the world’s largest food festival, GFM will see more than 240 events, masterclasses, tastings and one-off indulgences taking place across the city and regional Victoria from November 1-30, including the highly-anticipated Ramen Rave. For one night only, Orkin will be serving up his signature shio ramen alongside Supernormal's Andrew McConnell, who'll be matching his favourite in-house snacks — including matcha soft serve. There'll be highballs and sake aplenty, karaoke in the basement, while local DJs Andras Fox and Zach PM get the actual rave going. Sweets, lollies, cakes, dessert and all things sugary run the show at this year’s Good Food Month. The toothache begins with Sweetfest, a mini-festival of sugary delights at North Melbourne's Meat Market on November 28-29, featuring Instagram-happy cake monarch Katherine Sabbath, dessert queen Philippa Sibley, confection wizard Pierre Roelofs and more. Plus, during GFM, there are no less than eight hectic high teas to choose from. Hardcore sweet tooths, prepare to meet New York City's Big Gay Ice Cream legends and dulce de leche injectors Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff, as they launch two new books with an Ice Cream Social and make the ultimate fairy bread ice cream sandwiches with Melbourne food truck My Two Mums at the ever-popular Night Noodle Markets. Due to popular demand, the Birrarung Marr markets have been extended to a whopping 18 nights across November 12-29. Expect old favourites such as Chin Chin, Bao Stop and Hoy Pinoy with newbies. Good Food Month tends to attract some pretty big chef hats, and this year you'll be able to feast on expertly smoked mussels from top chefs David Moyle of Franklin Restaurant and French chef Florent Geradin in Eclade de Moyle. Learn the Peruvian ropes with Diego Muñoz, watch Melbourne's top chefs make their mentors' specialties into Cinema Nova movie snacks, then watch the bigwigs of the culinary industry debate The Future of Food, in a lively panel between editor-in-chief of Lucky Peach Chris Ying, Pulitzer prize-winning LA Times food critic Jonathan Gold and award-winning Attica head chef Ben Shewry. GFM's ever-popular returning event series will be back with plenty of citywide feasting experiences, from Hats Off Dinners to the Eat Art series. Take a culinary tour of the graffiti capitals of the world with Easey's, take an American 'Dude Food' Walking Tour, learn how to make bagels at home with 5 & Dime, see Huxtable take on Ms Collins, see Saint Crispin take on Gelato Messina, then find the very best in food goodness at Australia’s largest charity kitchen in Abbotsford, by FareShare — where you can volunteer. Because GFM knows you can't wait that long for a taste, they've invited king of dessert-for-dinner degustations Pierre Roelofs to hand out 200 free ice creams at a pop-up in Queensbridge Square today from 12-1pm, to launch the program. Get. There. Early. Good Food Month runs November 1-30 across the city and regional Victoria. For more info, head to the website.
With the working year back in full swing and winter fast approaching, you're probably already nostalgic for summer nights sipping brewskis or soaking up the heat at your favourite beach. But with temperatures set to stay higher than average for autumn, you don't have to retire your summer wardrobe just yet. Plus, there are still plenty of ways to take advantage of the warm weather and have a blast. We've compiled six ideas to keep the summer vibes going for a little while longer. [caption id="attachment_704319" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] HEAD UNDERWATER Warm weather means warm waters — even in Melbourne. So why not pack your towel and swimmers and plan your next beach adventure? Water temperatures are currently sitting around 19 degrees, so now is the perfect time to grab some mates or enjoy some you time by the water. Whether you're a fish in disguise or more of a landlubber, there are plenty of swimming holes and beaches, and pools where you can swim some laps or sprawl out with a good book. Or if you're planning to explore the depths, you can even do a day trip to these top-notch snorkelling spots like at Half Moon Bay or off the St Leondards Pier. CAMP OUT ON THE SAND This one is fuelled by 100-percent bonafide seasonal denial. Hit the road, find that temporary piece of paradisiac real estate and wake up in on own little patch of beach. Australia's end of summer is the best time to beach camp, with clear days, cool nights and warmer water temperatures all round. Whether you're looking for a spot close to home or planning a road trip, it will be tough to choose from these tent-friendly beaches scattered across Victoria. If you're wanting to make a longer road trip, make tracks to one of the best beach camping spots around the country. Doze off to the sound of crashing waves and wake up with a morning dip in the ocean. Plus, you can wow your mates with these campside food hacks and all it takes is a bit of planning and a few handy tools. WATCH THE SUNSET (AND A MOVIE) Outdoor cinemas are a staple of summer and there's still time to take a date or your mates to catch the latest flicks under the stars. Plus, you can bring along a picnic of your favourite treats and drinks or enjoy what's on offer on-site. While some have already packed up for the year, there's still time to head down to the Botanic Gardens' Moonlight Cinema or Cameo's outdoor season down in Belgrave. If you'd rather stick to the CBD, Rooftop Cinema will run its stellar program right through until the end of March. [caption id="attachment_695540" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Annika Kafcaloudis[/caption] COOL DOWN WITH AN ICE CREAM Summer days and ice cream go hand in hand, and escaping from the office to pick up a cone of classic pistachio or untraditional Aperol Spritz gelato is a great way to enjoy the final days of summery sunshine. Melburnians are spoilt for choice, too, so pick up a scoop (or two) from one of our top 11 ice-cream and gelato joints around the city. For those looking for something traditional, take a trip to the Compá or Gelateria Primavera. If you're looking for smore unusual, you'll find some unique treats at Aqua S and Milkcow. Plus, if you're around this Saturday, Lavezzi in Carlton is celebrating its first birthday by giving away scoops for free. EAT AND DRINK BY THE WATER What's not to love about sipping a refreshing cocktail while you soak up stunning views of beaches, harbours or rivers? Whether you're planning your next date night or an outing with friends, there are a bunch of spots where you can spend your final summer nights. And there's somewhere for every occasion, from Williamstown's Spanish diner on the sand and St Kilda's beachside spot to the Yarra's long river bar. Bring your togs and relax with a cocktail at the newly opened Reunion Island Pool Club on top of Melbourne Central, or get a bunch of mates together for drinks at these waterside bars. Or, if you want a dose of salty air, head to one of these restaurants by the beach. [caption id="attachment_650215" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Great Ocean Walk, Visit Victoria[/caption] GO DAY TRIPPING If you're missing the excitement that comes with travelling, or you've been meaning to hit the road all summer, there's still time to explore somewhere new for a day. So grab the car snacks, make a jamming Spotify playlist and pick one of these summer day trips. Head down the Mornington Peninsula and you can stop off at a winery on your way to one of the area's many beaches, or go the other way to the Great Ocean Road for some surf and a ride on a zip line. For those looking for a cooler climate getaway, hideaway at Hepburn Bathhouse in Daylesford. If you still need guidance, check out our handy road trip guide.
The NGV is pretty practiced in juxtaposing the classical and the contemporary, and the gallery is set to do it again with its winter exhibition celebrating acclaimed Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang and one of the world's most important ancient artworks: The Terracotta Army. And, as is now custom, with a seasonal blockbuster, so comes a brand new season of NGV Friday Nights. The gig series is now a quintessential way to end a chilly winter week in Melbourne. And, thanks to a slew of pop-up bars, you'll get to enjoy this after-dark art excursion with a cocktail in hand. It'll kick off on May 31 with a set from local indie folk band Husky and run all the way through to a Friday-Saturday finale with NZ's alternative pop band Yumi Zouma on October 11 and a Saturday party with Young Franco on October 12. As always, you'll get after-hours access to the gallery as well as the gigs. Rove between the current exhibitions and out in the garden to the soundtrack of local DJs and bands, who'll change every week. There'll also be lots of great food courtesy of Hutong Dumpling Bar, who'll be taking over the NGV's Gallery Kitchen and transforming it into a Shanghai-inspired dumpling bar. Expect all the bar's signatures — xiao long bao, spicy wontons, crab dim sums — as well as weekly specials. NGV FRIDAY NIGHTS WINTER 2019 LINEUP May 31 — Husky June 7 — Amaya Laucirica June 14 — NGAIIRE June 21 — Approachable Members of Your Local Community June 28 — Sloan Peterson July 5 — I Know Leopard July 12 — Sui Zhen July 19 — Adrian Eagle July 26 — Rainbow Chan August 2 — Kira Puru August 9 — Hobsons Bay Coast Guard August 16 — CLYPSO August 30 — Slum Sociable September 6 — The Audreys September 13 — Maribelle September 20 — LALKA September 27 — GRAACE October 4 — Thandi Phoenix October 11 — Yumi Zouma October 12 (special Saturday event) — Young Franco NGV Friday Nights run from 6–10pm.
Care for a cheeky cocktail looking out over Melbourne's pretty, pretty skyline? Melbourne has a shiny new rooftop bar. Opening at the just-opened QT Melbourne, this new addition to the CBD promises to serve up openair cocktails and brewskis from 4.30pm today. Details on the rooftop bar have been selectively hush hush over the last few weeks since the hotel's opening, but from 4.30pm today, the rooftop bar's secret will be out. To get to this high flying, just head to the hotel's front door and you'll be directed to the roof by staff — and there's no door charge. It's the cherry atop the hotel's cornucopia of food and drink offerings — check out our roundup of what you can inhale. Find QT Melbourne's rooftop bar at 133 Russell St, Melbourne, open seven days a week from 4.30pm to 1am. By Shannon Connellan with Kelly Pigram.
Summer is usually the time when we let go of our culinary pretension. Dirty fish and chips on the beach? Why not. Eat nothing but overripe mangoes all day? Sounds good. But this year, you won't have to sacrifice any of that trademark Melburnian foodie love. The guys behind Huxtable and Huxtaburger have teamed up for a mouth-watering new venture on Smith Street, and they'll be serving up cheap lobster rolls all summer long. That's right — not flake, not prawns, but lobster. Running next to the group's ever-popular Collingwood burger joint, Mr Claws will be slingin' rolls stuffed with pieces of lobster meat and dripping with your choice of three sauces: miso and wasabi, Sriracha spiced mayonnaise or buttermilk ranch. A single roll will set you back just $12, or $15 if you feel like adding straw potato chips and pickles. While the organisers say it's an idea they got while in London, we've seen a bunch of places take an interest in these small kinds of luxuries. It's no longer unusual for lobster to pop up on your local pub menu occasionally and restaurants in Sydney are all over it. It's definitely a trend we can get behind. Just like Huxtaburger there will be limited seating available in store, but if you do find the space they'll be serving a bunch of tasty drinks to wash down all that decadent goodness. We're talking craft beers, Pimms and Gordon's Elderflower Spritz. Proper lush stuff. Mr Claws was first tested out at Taste of Melbourne earlier this month and punters predictably loved it. In a press release this week they've stated the Smith Street store will be open "indefinitely", but "updates on the duration of the pop up can be found on the Mr Claws Facebook page". They're also scouting out permanent sites for 2015. But all that's besides the point — the sun is out and the smell of cheap lobster and Sriracha is in the air. Get down to Smith Street ASAP. Mr Claws is located at 104 Smith Street. It's currently open Monday-Friday 12pm-3pm and 5pm-9pm.
It might be based on a book by New Zealand author Barry Crump; however Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a film only Taika Waititi could've made. If you enjoyed the writer/director's quirky brand of humour in Boy and What We Do in the Shadows, you'll know exactly what you're in for. Here, hiding out in the wild, dreaming about being a gangster and arguing about which Terminator you'd rather be go hand in hand. Indeed, that's Ricky Baker's (Julian Dennison) story — or, it is after the 13-year-old is taken in by the kindly Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and the cranky Hec (Sam Neill). When tragedy strikes, he absconds to the surrounding wilderness to avoid the controlling plans of an over-eager social worker (Rachel House). A national manhunt ensues, as does plenty of mayhem; think nods to '80s classics, over-the-top car chases, plus Rhys Darby popping up as an eccentric conspiracy theorist. Part coming-of-age adventure, part comedic trek through the New Zealand bush, if the end result sounds both hilarious and heartwarming, that's because it is. And, it's also Waititi's last indie effort before he takes on a rather mammoth task: directing Thor: Ragnarok, and bringing his distinctive sensibilities to the superhero realm. [competition]572050[/competition]
Melbourne Music Week will take over the city from Friday, November 15, to Saturday, November 23 — and, this year's retrospective program is paying tribute to some of the highlights of its first decade. The festival is known for transforming unlikely spaces across the city into rollicking live music venues and, in the ultimate throwback move, MMW will bring back its immersive pop-up venue Kubik as the festival hub. After first appearing at the 2011 festival, it will this time make its home at Alexandra Gardens, delivering a nightly program of local and international sounds. Designed by Germany's Balestra Berlin, the outdoor structure offers up a feast for the senses, featuring technology that allows it to light up in time with the music. Headline acts including Melbourne dance legend CC:Disco!, German electronic act Monolake, and French natives Kittin and Raphaël Top-Secret promise to give Kubik a serious workout this year. Image: Kubik 2011.
The Fat Duck may have migrated back to the UK, but Heston Blumenthal isn't finished with us by a long shot. The celebrity chef and collector of Michelin stars revealed in July that the old Fat Duck site at Melbourne's Crown Casino would be reinvented as Dinner, an offshoot of his London restaurant of the same name. The venue is set to open on October 20, but don't bother marking your calendar just yet. Within hours of priority booking opening on Thursday, the first few weeks of service had already been locked up. According to Good Food, the priority booking option is currently only available to people who unsuccessfully attempted to secure a table at Fat Duck last year. That's about 75,000 potential diners, so don't be surprised if the rest of us are waiting for a table for quite some time. Dinner is yet to confirm when bookings will be open to the general public, although Good Food believes it will be around September 17. Like its English counterpart, the menu at Dinner in Melbourne is supposedly inspired by "the fanciful dramatic dishes of the Royal courts of King Henry VII," offering modern interpretations of historical British cuisine. Dishes may include powdered duck breast with smoked confit fennel, spiced blood pudding and umbles; Earl Grey Tea cured salmon with lemon salad, gentleman’s relish, wood sorrel and smoked roe; as well as Heston's notorious 'meat fruit,' comprised of chicken liver parfait within a mandarin jelly skin. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal opens on October 20 at Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank. Open for lunch Friday and Saturday, and dinner daily. For updated booking information, keep an eye on www.dinnerbyheston.com.au. Via Good Food.
It's not just a case of the show needing to go on for the folks at the Moulin Rouge. It must, and it is. 17 years after the big-screen release of Baz Luhrmann's smash-hit movie musical, the story of doomed lovers Christian and Satine has made its way to the stage in an expectedly spectacular fashion — and now it's headed to Broadway. The lavish adaptation premiered in Boston in July, and will bow on Broadway bow from June 28, 2019. If you're planning a New York visit next year, the official opening night will take place on July 25, 2019. Moulin Rouge! the Musical follows the tale film fans fell in love with, as well as the music, with the addition of new pop tracks that have hit the airwaves in the nearly two decades since the movie's original release. It's directed by two-time Tony nominee Alex Timbers — who also has a Golden Globe to his name for co-created TV series Mozart in the Jungle — with music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by his frequent collaborator Justin Levine. Aaron Tveit (TV's Gossip Girl; stage productions of Wicked, Rent and Catch Me If You Can) will continue in the role of Christian, as played by Ewan McGregor in the movie, while Tony-winner Karen Olivo (the revival of West Side Story, In the Heights, Hamilton) keeps stepping into Nicole Kidman's shoes as Satine. "I first encountered Alex Timbers through the remarkable and inventive production of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and the brilliance of Here Lies Love," said Luhrmann in a statement when the state adaptation was first announced in 2016. "I immediately recognised the young director's creative spirit and felt we shared similar sensibilities and instincts." Continuing the show's list of talent, writing duties fell upon acclaimed playwright and screenwriter John Logan, whose resume includes Skyfall, Spectre and Alien: Covenant as well as the Tony Award-winning play Red. "It's immensely gratifying to know that a new wave of artists will be leading Moulin Rouge! into its rightful theatrical realm," said Luhrmann. Tickets for the Broadway run go on sale at 10am on Monday, December 3 (US time), and you can sign up for updates now. If a trip to NY isn't on your agenda any time soon, fingers crossed that the production will make its way down under. Come what may, and all that. Image: Moulin Rouge the Musical/Matthew Murphy.
Meredith is a festival where you're guaranteed to have a good time, no matter what. But whatever your reasons for heading to the three-day December festival in central Victoria, you won't be disappointed with the acts Aunty Meredith has announced for this year's lineup. If you've seen their Letterman set (and who hasn't by now), you'll be chest-beatingly happy to know that Future Islands will be headlining the bill, bringing their empassioned live show to The Sup. Todd Terje will be bringing his space disco all the way from Norway to head up vibes on Saturday night, as Chicago's Noname — both are coming to Australia for the first time. Warpaint, Total Control, ESG and !!! are among acts to join NZ's already-announced Aldous Harding. And that's not even a half of it. Aunty has really covered all bases here. You're wondering how you can get tickets to this aren't you? Meredith tickets are only available by entering the ballot. You can still do so at here up until 10.27pm on Tuesday, August 15. Fingers crossed that we can all hang out in The Sup on December 8, 9 and 10. But we know what you're really here for. We'll cut to the chase. Here's the lineup — and we're promised a few more are still to be announced. MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 LINEUP Todd Terje & The Olsens Noname ESG Total Control !!! Future Islands Warpaint Downtown Boys Mark Seymour and The Undertow Aldous Harding Harvey Sutherland & Bermuda Amyl and The Sniffers Big Thief Pissed Jeans Various Asses Japanese Breakfast RVG The Teskey Brothers DJ Jnett The Senegambian Jazz Band Rings Around Saturn Kikagaku Moyo
You know summer's just around the corner when your social calendar and budget spreadsheet start filling up with must-attend festival lineups and your FOMO rages out of control. There are so many new and returning festivals coming up, we are truly spoilt for choice. But how do you decide which horse to bet on? Happy Wanderer is an off-the-beaten-track festival option, running October 31 to November 2 on an organic farm in Benalla, Victoria. They announced their headliners today and it’s a cornucopia of delight for fans of more laidback tunes and old-school Americana, with Jess Ribeiro, The Eastern, Sal Kimber and the Rollin’ Wheel, Archer, The Eighty 88s, James Kenyon, That Gold Street Sound, Nigel Wearne, Harry Jakamarra, Emilee South and Jane Sea. But the Happy Wanderer crew earn extra brownie points for letting you try before you buy, with an ongoing residency at The Gasometer Hotel that showcases what the festival will offer. The final instalment of the preview is on this Thursday, September 27, and features Melbourne reggae band El Moth, supported by The Electric I and Emi. Like many festival these days, the Happy Wanderer is a lifestyle choice as well as a sweet lineup. The HW ethos revolves around volunteerism — in fact, the festival began as a working bee on an organic farm. In its third year now, the festival has grown in scope to include three stages, a Discovery Dome for workshops, bars, food tents and trucks, coffee stations, camping and most importantly a rubber duck race on Broken River. Though it continues to expand, HW still holds onto their original purpose: a gathering of kin on a beautiful farm (and rubber duck racing, always). Happy Wanderer is happening at Yin Barun, Benalla, from October 31 to November 2. Tickets $160pp (camping and three-day admission included), available here.
The Melbourne International Film Festival has teased some of the highlights of its 2015 program fresh off the hype train from Cannes. With less than six weeks to go until Australia’s oldest and largest film festival gets underway for another year, the programmers have spilled the beans on 26 titles from the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, including new films by some of the biggest names in international cinema. Standouts include multiple Cannes award-winners. Acclaimed Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos won the Jury Prize for his English language debut, The Lobster, an absurdist rom-com starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Ben Whishaw and John C. Reilly about single people under threat of being turned into animals. Low-key medical drama Chronic won Best Screenplay and also earned major plaudits for leading man Tim Roth, while Taiwanese filmmaker Hou Hsiao-hsien took home Best Director for his sumptuous martial arts picture The Assassin. Hou’s film is one of a number of exciting Asian titles in the mix, alongside Jia Zhang-ke’s Chinese migrant drama Mountains May Depart, Takashi Miike’s slapstick gangster/monster movie Yakuza Apocalypse: The Great War of the Underworld and Hirokazu Kore-eda’s low-key domestic drama Our Little Sister, as well as the latest dreamlike rumination from Thai master Apichatpong Weerasethakul entitled Cemetery of Splendour. Other hot tickets include Love, the new film from Irreversible director Gaspar Noe featuring several explicit 3D sex scenes, as well as all three parts of Miguel Gomez’s ambitious Arabian Nights trilogy, a scathing critique of modern-day Portuguese society which, despite missing out on a prize at Cannes, took home the top honours at the Sydney Film Festival this past Sunday. Notable Cannes titles not featured in the MIFF announcement include Jacques Audiard’s Palm d’Or winning Dheepan, Todd Haynes’ widely acclaimed Carol starring Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett, and the hotly anticipated Macbeth adaptation led by Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard. The latter omission is particularly disappointing since director Justin Kurzel is Australian. The good news is that all three films already have domestic distribution deals in place, so hopefully we’ll get to see them before too long. The 26 Cannes titles join a number of films already revealed in a sneak peak last month, including Alex Ross Perry’s psychological drama Queen of Earth, David Foster Wallace biopic The End of the Tour starring Jason Segel, and Sean Baker’s outrageous transgender comedy Tangerine ,shot entirely on an iPhone. The Melbourne International Film Festival runs from July 30 to August 16, with the full program set to drop on July 7. For more information, visit the MIFF website. Image: The Lobster
Aunty's done it again; inviting the whole country round for a cup o' chai and a grand ol' hootenanny — the 2015 lineup for Meredith Music Festival is here. Returning to beloved Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, near Golden Plains over December 11-13, Meredith's more eclectic than ever — it's the Silver Jubilee 25th anniversary after all. Following the recent major announcement of Ex-Fleet Foxes minstrel Father John Misty as this year's top headliner, Aunty's added the likes of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Ratatat, The Thurston Moore Band, Tkay Maidza, Neon Indian, Big Daddy Kane, Shellac, Fatback Band, Jessica Pratt, Briggs, and many more to the bill. As always, Meredith's a BYO paradise, and of course, the 'No Dickhead Policy' stands stronger than ever. There's just one ticket type (none of this fancy schmancy VIP tiered business) and it'll set you back $338.70 + $10BF + $7.50 post. Like every year, it's a ballot system and first round ticket offers will be made today, the second on August 20. Enter over here. But enough chatskies, here's who's ringing in 25 years of glorious Meredith fun with Aunty this year. MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 LINEUP Big Daddy Kane Bully Father John Misty Floating Points Fatback Band GL Goat Harvey Sutherland Jessica Pratt Julia Holter Levins Lucy Cliche The Peep Tempel Master Khalil Gudaz MC Jane Clifton Mighty Duke and The Lords Briggs Moon Duo Neon Indian Optimo Pearls Power Ratatat Shellac Steve Miller Band The Thurston Moore Band Tkay Maidza Totally Mild Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats Unknown Mortal Orchestra Meredith Music Festival is happening December 11 to 13 in the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, Meredith. Enter the ballot here. Image: Meredith Music Festival.
