In this very time, in this very galaxy, someone is usually on a screen somewhere talking about the force. It might've been three years now since a Star Wars movie hit cinemas — 2019's Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker, to be exact — but Disney+ has been filling the gap with The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. And if you still need more intergalactic drama in your streaming queue, Obi-Wan Kenobi will soon be here to help. Your new hope for another step into the Star Wars realm, the six-part series hits Disney+ from Friday, May 27, with Ewan McGregor (Halston) once again donning the iconic Jedi master's robes. As both the original Star Wars trilogy and the prequel films showed, however, it's impossible to tell Obi-Wan's story without also stepping into the tale of a certain padawan-turned-sith — and the latest Obi-Wan Kenobi trailer makes that plain in a big way. The fact that Anakin Skywalker-slash-Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen, The Last Man) is a part of the series isn't new news, but it's a key focus of this sneak peek anyway. Initially, Kenobi is reminded about his time training Anakin when he approaches Owen Lars (Joel Edgerton, The Green Knight) about trying to do the same with young Luke. Before the trailer is out, though, the familiar suit and sounds of Darth Vader take centre stage. Disney+ dropped the new sneak peek as part of May the Fourth celebrations. Yes, the force is clearly still with this franchise. It's been 45 years since a little movie called Star Wars — now known as Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope — first hit screens, and the George Lucas-created space-opera franchise has been with us ever since, including through prequels, sequels, spinoffs, theme parks and, as of this week, meditation apps. Timeline-wise, Obi-Wan Kenobi is set ten years after Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith, and bridges the gap in its namesake's narrative between the prequels and the OG Star Wars flicks. So, that means following the fallout after Anakin's turn to the dark side and reinvention as Darth Vader, and also chronicling the fact that Obi-Wan is now being pursued across the galaxy. Following on from the show's initial teaser back in March, the new trailer another glimpse at the Empire's search for Obi-Wan, and also includes Kumail Nanjiani (Eternals) — who, based on appearances here, could be playing a jedi. Also set to pop up in the series: Bonnie Piesse returning as Beru Lars, plus Moses Ingram (Ambulance), Indira Varma (This Way Up), Rupert Friend (The French Dispatch), O'Shea Jackson Jr (Just Mercy), Sung Kang (Fast and Furious 9), Simone Kessell (1%) and Benny Safdie (Licorice Pizza). Check out the full trailer for Obi-Wan Kenobi below: Obi-Wan Kenobi starts streaming via Disney+ on Friday, May 27. Top image: © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
If you managed to nab a ticket to Paul Kelly's Making Gravy tour in Melbourne last year, then you were one of the lucky ones. If you weren't and have been lamenting ever since, you can stop. The songwriting legend has just announced that he'll be performing the show all over again this December, in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. As in 2017, you can expect to hear a stack of songs from Kelly's four-decade long career. Listen out for all the hits, from "Dumb Things", from the album Live, May 1992, to "Love Never Runs On Time" from Wanted Man (1994). The Christmas classic "How To Make Gravy", first released in 1996 on an eponymous EP, is on the menu, too. Chances are, you'll also hear some tunes from Kelly's new album, Nature. Due out on 12 October, it features poems by Dylan Thomas, Walt Whitman, Sylvia Plath, Gerard Manley Hopkins and Phillip Larkin, alongside original poems and songs. Last year, his 23rd studio album, Life is Fine, topped the ARIA Albums Chart, becoming the first of his albums to do so. Kelly won't be hitting the road alone: he's inviting a bunch of special guests. He'll be joined by Angus & Julia Stone, playing tunes from 2017 album Snow, Alex Lahey at all shows, with Angie McMahon and D.D Dumbo joining the lineup in Sydney, and Mojo Juju jumping on board in Melbourne and Brisbane. All three shows are outdoors and all-ages. Paul Kelly Making Gravy presale tickets will be available from 2pm on Monday, August 20. General sales will kick off at 10am on Thursday, August 23. Paul Kelly Making Gravy will hit Sydney's Domain on Saturday, December 15; Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Friday, December 14; and Brisbane's Riverstage on Friday, December 21. Image: Cybele Malinowski
If your idea of a Queensland holiday involves sun, surf, sand and the Gold or Sunshine coasts, we understand. That's been the norm for many a decade. But it's 2019, not 1989, meaning it's high time to expand your northern getaway horizons. If you fancy all of the above, plus exploring an inner-city playground teeming with arts, bars and eateries, then you should tee up a weekend away to Brisbane. While city-based vacations can be more expensive than simply setting up at the beach, Brisbane is a budget traveller's paradise — especially if you book a stay with Brisbane City YHA. Book in for a few nights at the hostel on Upper Roma Street and make one of its premium ensuite rooms your base — or opt for a four-to-six person multi-share suite if you're gathering the gang for a jaunt. [caption id="attachment_728173" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane City YHA rooftop bar.[/caption] The hostel's sustainable ethos will make you feel good about the environmental impact of your trip, and its rooftop pool, bar and games room will make you feel relaxed. Outside of the hostel, you'll surely want to explore, so we've fleshed out the rest of your agenda below. From strolling leisurely by the river to hunting down the best bites around, you'll be set for a highly affordable but jam-packed mini-break. SNACK ON SAVOURY CHURROS — $9 Travellers in the know venture beyond the obvious tourist hotspots. And in Brisbane, you won't have to venture far. A trip down the winding roadway that turns from Caxton Street into Given Terrace into Latrobe Terrace offers up everything from concrete couches with a view, to huge antique centres to peruse and bars and eateries to duck into whenever the urge arises. At the Petrie Terrace end of Paddington, Nota is one of the latter, with a $5–10 snack range that spans beyond the usual. Think savoury churros with honey, tempura fish sandwiches and blinis, to name a few options. And yes, they'll all go down rather well with the venue's cocktail and wine-heavy drinks list. [caption id="attachment_701809" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Greca by Nikki To.[/caption] RIDE THE RIVER TO BRISBANE'S NEWEST PRECINCT — VARIES When any city gains a new culinary precinct, it's a kind of a big deal. And Brisbane's latest spot is by the river in the middle of the CBD, so it's even more cause for excitement. Howard Smith Wharves holds Brissie's only riverside brewery, its only overwater bar, a Greek taverna, a joint serving Shake Shack-style burgers and grassy areas for hangs by the water, plus the precinct will continue to welcome even more restaurants and bars — including a Japanese izakaya and multi-level Cantonese eatery. Adding a visit to your itinerary is also an excuse to use the city's favourite form of public transport: the CityCats. You'll be in for a walk at either end of the journey (from Brisbane City YHA to South Bank Ferry Terminal, and then from Riverside Ferry Terminal to Howard Smith Wharves), but it's all part of the experience. [caption id="attachment_649663" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Atlanta Bell.[/caption] SING KARAOKE AND EAT CHICKEN PARMIGIANA SPRING ROLLS — $16 Many a day has been lazed away at Little Big House, the multi-level pub set in a heritage-listed Queenslander. This party spot has just kept adding reasons to stop by since it opened a few years back. Sometimes, it's boozy bingo; others, it's trivia. No matter when you drop in, you'll find breezy verandahs to sit on and chicken parmigiana spring rolls on the menu. Yes, you read that correctly. Another highlight is the free karaoke room, which is especially ace if you've got the gang in tow. Make sure to book in advance because it's a first-in, best-dressed type of scenario. [caption id="attachment_628008" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Green Jam sessions, QPAC.[/caption] LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC OUTDOORS — FREE Not so eager to belt out a song yourself, but love watching other people do it? South Bank, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Roma Street Parklands regularly host free live music across the weekend, so you're never too far from a tune. It's a case of picking your preferred picturesque setting — do you prefer grooving by the river, relaxing in sprawling parklands or sipping and eating on a nice little green patch? Time your wanders around town just right during your Brisbane stay, and you can probably even fit in all of the above. [caption id="attachment_711839" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Paul Giggle.[/caption] ENJOY A LEISURELY RIVERSIDE BIKE RIDE — FREE Your first stop starts at Brisbane City YHA's doorstep, where just a few you paces away you can hire one of CityCycle bikes (free for the first 30 minutes) and hit the pavement. You couldn't be in a better place to explore Brisbane on two wheels, with the river and its bike paths just a few pedal pushes away. Everyone's favourite destination is South Bank, understandably, where you can bike gently along the shoreline with the water on one side and parklands on the other. But don't be afraid to go slightly further afield, including through West End's hilly expanse, or through Paddington, Red Hill and Milton in Brisbane's inner west. Hot tip: at the latter, you can even see Brisbane's mini Eiffel Tower, should you be keen to spy replica landmarks out of context. TAKE IN THE CITY FROM A ROOFTOP POOL AND BAR — FREE WITH YOUR STAY Sometimes as a visitor to a city, you get the unique advantage of enjoying places that even lifelong locals don't know about if you stay at the right spot. The rooftop pool and bar at Brisbane City YHA is one of them. If you haven't dropped by for a night, you wouldn't even know that it was there. As well as a scenic view over the CBD and beyond, and a great place for a refreshing splash, it's also where you can wind down with a beverage and a bite to eat. Feeling inspired to whip up your own feast and really stick to a budget? There's a supermarket just up the road at Barracks, where you can grab some snags to whack on the poolside barbie. There are kitchen facilities by the pool for your use, too. That's the real Brisbane experience. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH THE MARKETS — VARIES When the weekend hits, South Brisbane and West End come alive with markets. In good news for anyone staying at Brisbane City YHA, they're all just a short stroll away. From Friday to Sunday, mosey over to Stanley Street Plaza to browse the trinkets, fashions and accessories (every holiday needs a unique souvenir, after all). If eating your way through an array of cuisines is more your style, then Boundary Street is your destination with treats from around the globe including Brazil, France, Sri Lanka and Taiwan. Plus, for the vegans among us, the Boundary Street Markets go vegan every second and fourth Sunday of the month with sweet and savoury offerings, as well as a selection of vegan beers and wines. [caption id="attachment_646498" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anwyn Howarth.[/caption] FEAST YOUR EYES ON A CAVALCADE OF ART — FREE For most of the year, Brisbane is blessed with sunny weather; however, if you've caught a few too many rays or if rain is on the horizon, then the Queensland Art Gallery and its sibling spot at the Gallery of Modern Art are your central go-tos. No matter what's gracing the walls of either building on any given day, you'll find a heap of paintings, sculptures and more, as well as an airy, dry space to escape the weather — plus general admission is completely free. At GOMA, you can also head to the gallery's Australian Cinematheque, where free and cheap films hit the big screen every weekend. And don't avoid the Children's Art Centre either; if you like your art with more than a dash of interactivity, you'll find fun for all ages. TAKE A WALKING TOUR OF BRISBANE'S HISTORY — FREE The best way to get to know a city is to delve into its history and Brisbane has plenty to teach you. Strap on your comfiest shoes, then throw a stone in whichever direction you feel like. Wherever that pebble lands, there'll be a heritage trail waiting to be walked. If you're eager to find out more about Brisbane's convict history and big 19th-century fire, then the CBD is your destination. Always wondered what lurks in Fortitude Valley's history? Make a beeline to the Fortitude Valley Post Office to start your tour through the notorious past. If you're keen for a dip, venture through Spring Hill and make sure to stop by the heritage-listed Spring Hill Baths. And the old faithful, of course, is any track by the river. Take a tour through Brisbane's close history with its river or walk along the other side of the river to learn the secrets of South Brisbane. Plus, the hostel offers free walking tours through Brisbane City every Wednesday and Sunday if your keen for more guidance through the city. Let YHA Australia help you explore more of Australia without breaking the bank. Plan a trip to Brisbane (or Sydney or Melbourne) and book a stay right in the middle of the city with YHA Australia. Top image: Greca at Howard Smith Wharves by Nikki To.
Chucking a sickie is as true blue Australian as breaking out an impromptu Nutbush boogie. Now you're being encouraged to mute your office notifications, as Visit Sunshine Coast is giving away all-expenses-paid, two-night escapes designed to clear your head through pristine nature and non-stop warm weather. With applications now open until Thursday, September 11, ten lucky winners will be randomly selected on Thursday, September 18. If you're among the chosen few, you have just 12 hours to pack your bags and organise a friend to join you on this spur-of-the-moment 48-hour adventure. Touching down on the Sunshine Coast, winners get to choose from three relaxing mini-breaks designed for peace, calm and wellness. Think ocean floats, tranquil spa treatments, rainforest walks, long lunches and farm stays — all intended to help with workplace-related burnout. According to Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel, almost two-thirds of Australians have experienced professional burnout. "Whether it's a dip in the sea or a hike through the rainforest, a nature-based break is just the right medicine, and we're inviting Aussies to come and find their own sunshine moment." Top image: Jesse Lindemann.
Seeing the Great Barrier Reef sits on every Australian's bucket list, especially given the thriving underwater expanse is under threat from climate change. And while most of us have been content to simply swim, snorkel or sail through it — or stay in the Whitsundays and gaze out at it from a sandy beach — visitors to Queensland's far north will soon be able to spend a night underwater. Prepare to sleep under the sea at Reefsuites, the Great Barrier Reef's very own underwater hotel. It's not the first space of its type around the world — a resort in the Maldives, submerged villas in Dubai and a room at an African hotel all boast similar experiences — but it will be the first at this Aussie natural wonder. Due to open at a yet-to-be-revealed date this summer and built into a new floating pontoon called Reefword, Reefsuites will feature two underwater rooms that can sleep four in total, with guests able to choose between king double or twin single options. A stay onsite includes all meals and beverages, a night dining experience under the stars, a guided snorkelling tour and a semi-submarine tour. Of course, that's all well and good, but it's the floor-to-ceiling views of the Great Barrier Reef and its marine life that are the real drawcard — not only in the bedrooms, but in the attached private ensuites. Enjoying all of the above will start from $749 per night per person, so it doesn't come cheap — to the surprise of no one. If you'd be happy to sleep above sea level, that's also available on the pontoon's upper deck, catering for 28 people at $595 per night. As for the $8 million Reefworld pontoon itself, it's a partnership between Cruise Whitsundays and the Queensland Government, and will have the capacity to host 300 visitors per day. Measuring 12 metres by 45 metres, it'll be located at Hardy Reef off Airlie Beach, and will feature an underwater observatory. A hub for diving and snorkelling, it'll also offer guests access semi-submersible vessels. Announcing the project, Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones noted that Reefworld and Reefsuites will add something new and unique to the popular tourist hotspot. "This will give more people the chance to see the Great Barrier Reef and will allow tourists to experience this natural wonder in new ways." The aim, of course, is to ramp up tourism, with an extra 60,000 visitors per year expected thanks to the new attraction. For more information about Reefsuites, visit the Cruise Whitsundays website. Images: Cruise Whitsundays.
Tents at the ready: when 2023 ends and 2024 begins, there are few better ways to spend it than dancing and camping at southeast Queensland's Woodford Folk Festival. This isn't just a fest. It's a pop-up Moreton Bay village filled with live music, arts and culture. And it's returning for another year with a heap of well-known Australian — and Brisbane — names. Throwing back to the late 90s and early 00s, Regurgitator, Custard and Resin Dogs will all take to the Woodford stage between Wednesday, December 27, 2023–Monday, January 1, 2024 at Woodfordia on the Sunshine Coast. Also hailing from Brissie, along with plenty of the festival's attendees each year: Kate Miller-Heidke. Woodford 2023–24's roster of talent includes Ben Lee, Gretta Ray, Isaiah Firebrace and Kasey Chambers as well, on a list that spans more than 400 acts and 1834 shows. So, across the fest's 27 performance spaces, there'll be no shortage of things for the expected 120,000 people attending to see at Woodfordia's 500-acre parklands space (which now boasts a lake) — whether they're among the 25,000 folks who can stay onsite or just hitting up the event for the day. Accordingly, whoever piques your interest, or even if you're just keen on a Woodford experience — for the first time, tenth or 36th, because that's how many fests the event has notched up now — prepare to catch a heap of bands, wander between arts performances and get a little muddy, all around 90 minutes north of Brisbane. As always, the fest's lineup also features circus, cabaret, yoga, dance, comedy, spoken word, poetry, comedy, films, workshops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Keen to have a chat while your clothes was at The Blak Laundry? Learn to weave baskets with Kris Martin? Get giggling to talents curated by Sandeep Totlani? Hit up the Queer Ball's third year? They're some of the other standouts. Tickets are already on sale, with more highlights from the 2023–24 lineup below — and you can check out the full list of acts and activities on the Woodford website. WOODFORD 2023–24 LINEUP HIGHLIGHTS: Regurgitator Custard Resin Dogs Ben Lee Kate Miller-Heidke Isaiah Firebrace Kasey Chambers Mo'Ju Gretta Ra Odette Yirrmal A.Girl AFRO DIZZI ACT Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham The East Pointers Haiku Hands Leah Flanagan Borroloola Cultural Songwomen featuring Dr Shellie Morris AO Bumpy FourPlay String Quartet Yirinda Charlie Needs Braces Mitch King DancingWater ALPHAMAMA Jack Davies & the Bush Chooks Charm of Finches Dougie Maclean Assynt Ryan Young Hannah Rarity Dallahan Lisa O'Neill Andy Irvine Making Movies Rizo Božo Vrečo The 2023–24 Woodford Folk Festival runs from Wednesday, December 27, 2023–Monday, January 1, 2024 at Woodfordia on the Sunshine Coast. For more information, head to woodfordfolkfestival.com Images: Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr.
There'll be a fresh tune flowing through the Melbourne CBD, as Murmur on Warburton Lane gets set to relaunch as the city's first dedicated piano bar. Set to start tickling the ivories on the final day of November, Murmur Piano Bar takes its cues from venues in Chicago, New Orleans and New York, and will play host to a rotating roster of local musicians beginning with acclaimed entertainer Matt Ganim. "Melbourne's bar scene has rapidly evolved and a regular bar just doesn't cut it anymore," said venue manager Charlie Haggarty in a statement. "People need a bigger reason to venture out, get off the couch and step away from the Netflix series they're binging on." "Murmur Piano Bar gives people a reason to leave the house again" On the beverage front, Murmur Piano Bar will offer a mix cocktails with a focus on whiskey and gin. The list will feature predominately Australian drops, with a few Spanish numbers thrown in. The Spanish influence can also be seen in the food offerings, with tapas available courtesy of Portello Rosso downstairs. Think fresh charcuterie, ham hock croquettes and sweet, sweet churros. Find Murmur Piano Bar upstairs at 17 Warburton Lane, Melbourne from November 30. For more information visit www.murmur.com.au.
Oh, what a day. What a lovely day! Why? Because the first trailer for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga has just zipped into existence. Get ready for Anya Taylor-Joy (The Super Mario Bros Movie) in the title role, Chris Hemsworth (Thor: Love and Thunder) co-starring and iconic Australian director George Miller steering the show for the fifth instalment in his dystopian Mad Max franchise. When Furiosa hits cinemas in May 2024, it will have been nine years since Mad Max: Fury Road did the same and became the best action movie of this century so far — and the best Australian flick of the same period, too. That delay means nothing given that there was a 30-gap between 1985's not-so-great Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Fury Road's triumphant arrival in 2015, however. More Miller extending his passion project is always worth waiting for. Shot in Australia, Furiosa also arrives after Mad Max: Fury Road proved a six-time Oscar-winning hit, but will add a standalone tale to the saga this time. Yes, it's an origin story. Yes, it dives into the background of the character so memorably played in Fury Road by Charlize Theron (Fast X). Yes, enlisting Taylor-Joy is another casting masterstroke. Furiosa's storyline follows the younger Furiosa as she's taken from the Green Place of Many Mothers, ends up with a biker horde led by Warlord Dementus, and then gets caught in the middle of a war being waged with the Citadel's Immortan Joe — all while trying to escape and get back home. And, as the just-dropped first sneak peek shows, the look and feel is all classic Mad Max. Miller not only directs but co-writes with Mad Max: Fury Road co-scribe Nico Lathouris, while Alyla Browne (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) and Tom Burke (Living) are also among the movie's stars. A heap of Miller's other behind-the-scenes collaborators are back, including production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, sound mixer Ben Osmo, costume designer Jenny Beavan and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt, all Fury Road Oscar-winners. Check out the trailer for Furiosa below: Furiosa releases in cinemas Down Under on May 23, 2024.
As a treat to us for being such good eggs (or so we like to think), the National Gallery of Victoria is hosting a huge exhibition featuring the works of French Impressionist artist Edgar Degas as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces. Degas: A New Vision will run from June 24 to September 18 at the NGV International and is comprised of over 200 works by Degas, from collections the world over. For those of you who don't know, Degas is a pretty big deal in the art world and practiced during the late 1800s-early 1900s. At a time when many artists where still painting posed works, Degas and a sect of bohemian Parisian artists (including Honoré Daumier and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec), were cultivating the first big art movement that focused on candid impressions of subjects en plein air (meaning in 'open air' style, as opposed to in the studio or from memory). A lot of his pieces feature ballerinas and inevitably, this did lead to a lot of lurking around backstage at the ballet and, in Lautrec's case, in a tonne of brothels (for the artistic potential, surely). Degas' work also focused on an infrequently explored subject: the everyman. Blue collar workers in their natural habit where a recurring and novel theme in his work; French Impressionism tapped into that vein of human curiosity that makes reality TV so popular ("They're just like us!"). Degas actually rejected the Impressionist mantle and referred to his style as realism, so intent was he on representing the world around him. In fact, according to art historian Carol Armstrong, Degas said "No art was ever less spontaneous than mine. What I do is the result of reflection and of the study of the great masters; of inspiration, spontaneity, temperament, I know nothing". Well damn. We can't wait to check it out. Image: Edgar Degas, In a café (The Absinthe drinker) 1875–76, oil on canvas, Musée d'Orsay, Paris, Lemoisne 393, © RMN-Grand Palais (musée d'Orsay) / Martine Beck-Coppola.
Earlier this year, Patricia Piccinini's otherworldly pieces filled an entire floor of Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art. In September, one of her most ambitious works will pop up at Sydney's Carriageworks as well. Not to be left out, Victoria's TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville is also following suit, announcing an almost four-month-long showcase of the artist's efforts from November this year — including the return of her unmissable installation work The Skywhale. Called Patricia Piccinini and Joy Hester: Through love…, the exhibition will display from November 24, 2018 to March 11, 2019. It'll not only focus on the woman with an incredibly distinctive view on all things weird and wonderful — and on the thin line between humanity and animal kind that's engrained in her creative portfolio — but on fellow Australian artist Joy Hester. If the latter's name doesn't sound familiar, she was a Melbourne artist who passed away in 1960, favoured brushwork and ink on paper, and is considered one of Piccinini's key influences. This'll be the first time anywhere in the world that a gallery has explored the connection between the pair, with more than 50 pieces on display. With the showcase broadly focused around the theme of love and intimacy as well, visitors will get to see the evolution of Aussie art through the output of the two inimitable figures, with Hester's ink and paper works considered touchstones for Piccinini's sculptures, photographs, videos and drawings. In both camps, attendees will be treated to something either rare or brand new. Much of Hester's work is rarely seen, though her famous couple-focused series Love 1949 and Lovers 1955–56 will be on display. As for Piccinini, she'll be represented by both new and existing large-scale pieces. While the specifics haven't been revealed, Piccinini will unveil a major new sculpture — and if GOMA's The Field or Pneutopia are anything to go by, then expect something special. She'll also bring The Skywhale — her 34-metre-long, animal-shaped hot air balloon — back to Victoria for the first time in five years. It'll float through the sky in the lead up to the exhibition's opening, with further details to be advised closer to the date. Patricia Piccinini and Joy Hester: Through love… will be on display at the TarraWarra Museum of Art, 313 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Healesville, from November 24, 2018 until March 11, 2019. Image: Patricia Piccinini, Kindred (2018), silicone, fibreglass, hair, 103 x 95 x 128 cm, The Michael Buxton Collection, Melbourne. Courtesy the artist, Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney
Thursday night is movie night at Point Park in Yarra's Edge, Docklands, with the return of the popular openair films series Movies Under the Stars. After a successful first season last summer, this year's program once again features a trio of recent favourites, beginning with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes followed by Skyfall and everyone favourite new-Disney guilty pleasure Frozen. Live music will while away the last few hours of daylight, and each movie will also be preceded by a short film from a local director. Dinner-wise, you can choose from a number of food trucks who’ll be cooking on site, or you can choose to BYO picnic. Best of all, unlike most of the city's favourite outdoor cinemas, entry into screenings is absolutely free. They’re even sorting out your transport for you, with a free return ferry service departing from Federation Square’s Riverside Berth at 6.30pm. As the icing on the cake, gold coins collected on the night will be donated to Melbourne-based charity Kids Under Cover. PROGRAM 26 February — Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (MIM short film preview — Miniature Melbourne) 5 March — Skyfall (MIM short film preview – Bless You) 12 March — Frozen (MIM short film preview – The Adventures of Lucy)
A celebration of all things green, The Plant Society is the work of architect and interior designer Jason Chongue, who's passionate about getting younger generations hooked on the joy of indoor gardening. Alongside a nifty online store, you'll find the flagship bricks-and-mortar space, nestled within the Collingwood warehouse it shares with Japanese lifestyle store Cibi. It's brimming with life, boasting a tidy array of indoor plants, along with a considered curation of books, accessories and homewares. The team also hosts a program of workshops and classes, from beginners' tutorials covering the basics to a parent-child session designed to inspire mini green thumbs. Image: Armelle Habib
Twelve fine-diners and casual eateries run by former MasterChef Australia judge George Calombaris have closed their doors as his restaurant group Made Establishment goes into voluntary administration. While Yo-Chi — the group's frozen yoghurt company — will continue trading as usual, seven Jimmy Grants, as well as Hotel Argentina, Gazi, Hellenic Republic Brighton and the newly opened Crofter Dining Room and Elektra have all "stopped trading immediately". The move comes months after Calombaris' restaurants were rocked by wage scandals, with the company admitting employees were underpaid by $7.8 million. While hundreds of workers will be impacted by the closures, Made Establishment's newly appointed administrators, KordaMentha, said in a statement that "employees have been paid all outstanding wages and superannuation up to the date of the appointment". According to KordaMentha, "declining trade across venues" and "difficult trading conditions in the hospitality industry...due to the expansion of the on-demand economy via services such as UberEats and Deliveroo" were also reasons for Made Establishment's voluntary administration. Calombaris himself responded to the appointment and closures via a post on Instagram, in which he said "I truly regret it has come to this". "The last few months have been the most challenging I have ever faced," Calombaris said in the post. "At this time, while personally devastated, I remain thankful to my family, friends, the MADE team, our loyal and regular customers". https://www.instagram.com/p/B8YEzVgFVgR/ All 12 of Made Establishment's restaurants and eateries will remain closed while the administrators seek alternative operators for the venues.
A slice of effortless Scandi cool has landed in Windsor, by way of charming new daytime haunt Oppen. Inspired by the owners' (husband-and-wife duo Zume Pham and Amy Vo) travels through Norway, Denmark and Sweden, it's a champion of elegant simplicity, combining smart Scandinavian design with a palette of dusty pinks and reds. From the kitchen comes an all-day offering of brunch fare and open sandwiches, injecting those classic Scandi sensibilities with a modern Melbourne edge. It's considered and crafty, yet pulled off with minimal fuss. For breakfast, that might mean a bowl of Nordic spelt granola, with skyr (an Icelandic cultured dairy product similar to yoghurt), sour cherry foam and a sprinkling of ymerdrys (a crunchy rye bread topping), or the buckwheat waffle, teaming saffron pear and cacao sauce with buttermilk foam and liquorice. Heartier appetites will appreciate the likes of the Scandi board, loaded with both sweet and savoury options, or the ham hock hash, featuring sauerkraut, leek, poached eggs and a chipotle hollandaise. At lunchtime, it's the lineup of open rye sandwiches that reigns supreme — choose from toppings like rare roast beef with cucumber, watercress and spicy béarnaise sauce, or pork liver pâté matched with lingonberry ketchup, hazelnut and marble egg. And, unlike your standard backstreet cafe, Oppen's booze game is strong. You'll find a healthy selection of cocktails, divided into drinks for 'pre-midday' (we're talking salted caramel espresso martinis, lingonberry bellinis and bloody marys) and post-midday (like the Nordkapp, blending gin, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit bitters and aquavit). See too the lineup of wines and craft brews, primed for those long summer lunches. Find Oppen at 20/2 Maddock Street, Windsor. It's open from 6.30am–4pm Monday–Friday, 7.30am–4pm Saturday and 8am–4pm Sunday.
Keen to deliver on the promise that "good things take time", is new Little Collins Street restaurant Aru. The latest, long-planned venture from the minds behind Sunda — including celebrated chef Khanh Nguyen — opened its doors in June, the best part of 18 months after the concept was originally announced. The 120-seat restaurant will be sticking to its original script, drawing culinary inspiration from those early days of trade between Indonesian seafarers and northern Australia. Aru is named after the cluster of islands on the pre-colonial maritime route that connected this corner of the world, and the restaurant will champion flavours of Southeast Asia, Japan, China and native Australia. Led by Nguyen, the kitchen's been digging back through the history books to inform the techniques that'll guide the menu — from curing and fermentation; to smoking and cooking over flames. There's a wood-fired hearth, and even an onsite dry-aging room, set to turn out the likes of cured pork and Viet-style duck sausage. [caption id="attachment_815926" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Aru's house-cured duck ham, by Kristoffer-Paulsen.[/caption] A creatively-charged menu pushes familiar flavours into innovative new directions, backed by those ancient techniques. The traditional beef jerky is reworked using kangaroo, classic banh mi ingredients become the filling of a house-made pate en croute, and a riff on Peking duck sees house-cured duck ham teamed with hoisin, cucumber and spring onion. Snacks and small plates are in strong supply, running to bites like spiced wagyu tongue, mussels with turmeric mayo, and a duck snag sanga finished with leatherwood honey and peanuts. Deeper in, you'll find plates like a whole John Dory paired with desert lime and seaweed butter, lamb rump done with cashews and river mint, and a clay pot broken rice starring duck fat, sausage and egg yolk. Clever desserts might include kaya and koji waffles, and even a roast potato creme caramel. Sunda's one-time star dish of babi guling (Balinese-style roast pork) is also making a cameo, elevated with fresh herbs and native Australian sambals. You'll want to be quick for this one, though — there are only ten serves available each day. Find Aru at 268 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. It's open 12pm–late, Tuesday to Saturday. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
It was one of the best new shows on television — well, streaming — in 2022. It's the reason that everyone has been exclaiming "yes chef!" for the past six months. It's also the source of your beef sandwich obsession, deliciously so. And, it just picked up star Jeremy Allen White a shiny Golden Globe. That'd be The Bear, the first season of which ranked among the most stressful but stellar ways to spend four hours-ish last winter. Expect the show to repeat the feat when the chilly season hits this year, too, because that's when this dramedy gem will return for its second season. The Bear was renewed for season two before the show even made its way Down Under, after debuting in the US in June, then reaching Australia and New Zealand via Disney+ at the end of August. Whether audiences here will experience a delay again in 2023 is yet to be seen — hopefully not, given that it's now an established success — but either way, the series will return in America during our winter. FX's The Bear S2 premieres early summer, with 10 episodes. Only on @hulu. 🐻🥫#TheBearFX @TheBearFX pic.twitter.com/Y5QUBTlzcj — FX Networks (@FXNetworks) January 13, 2023 US network FX, which screens The Bear stateside, announced the news on social media — confirmed that season two will run for ten episodes. That's two extra servings of chaos surrounding Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto (White, Shameless) and his culinary endeavours. While season one already saddled him more than his fair share of troubles and struggles, there's no way that season two is going to a cruisy dream for the kitchen ace. If you missed the first season, it jumped into the mayhem after Carmy took over The Original Beef of Chicagoland, his family's business, after his brother Mikey's (Jon Bernthal, We Own This City) suicide. Before returning home, the chef's resume spanned Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim. Accordingly, trying to bring that fine-dining level of meticulous to a neighbourhood sandwich shop didn't go smoothly. That's just the beginning of the story, in a series that truly conveyed what it's like to work in the hospitality industry — including navigating a restaurant kitchen's non-stop intensity. Yes, the mood is anxious from the outset, with The Bear's creator Christopher Storer (who also has Ramy, Dickinson and Bo Burnham: Make Happy on his resume) starting the series as he definitely meant to go on, but still expertly managing to balance drama and comedy. Also a crucial part of the show: the rest of the impressive cast, such as Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Dropout) as Richie, aka Cousin, aka Carmy's brother's best friend; Ayo Edebiri (Dickinson) as new sous chef Sydney; Abby Elliott (Indebted) as Carmy's sister Natalie, aka Sugar; and Lionel Boyce (Hap and Leonard), Liza Colón-Zayas (In Treatment) and Edwin Lee Gibson (Fargo) among the other Original Beef staff. You've now got a few months to perfect your sandwich-making skills, ready for The Bear's second helping. Check out the trailer for The Bear season one below: The Bear streams via Disney+. We'll update you with an exact season two release date when one is announced. Read our full review of season one.
Whether you're planning a fun day out with mum, or you just fancy spending a Sunday admiring flowers, stocking up on plants and scoffing freshly-baked scones, this one's for you. The National Trust of Victoria's annual Botanica Festival descends on the gorgeous Rippon Lea Estate with a jam-packed program on Sunday, May 14. A lush celebration of nature and gardening, the fest has something for all kinds of punter. There's the openair market where you'll be able to shop a huge range of locally-made wares, as well as roving entertainment running right through the day and an exhibition courtesy of the Bonsai Society of Victoria. Meanwhile, green thumbs can get their kicks browsing the very affordable pre-loved gardening book sale, scoping out stunning floral displays and adding to their foliage collection with a spin through the plant sale. The latter will feature greenery propagated by the estate's own gardeners. Once you've worked up an appetite, you'll find a globe-trotting array of food trucks to tickle your fancy, while Edenvale pours tastings of its alcohol-removed vino. And of course, you can't leave without dropping by the verandah to tuck into some classic CWA scones with lashings of jam and cream.
Studio Ghibli has become a household name for its stunningly delightful, beautiful and moving films, and rightly so; however, it isn't the only source of wonderful Japanese animated cinema. Everyone should know this in general, but fans of Your Name and Weathering with You should feel it in their shimmering hearts, because director Makoto Shinkai's past two movies have been that astonishing — and deservedly proved huge international successes. Shinkai's list of gems doesn't start with that pair of flicks — it also includes The Place Promised in Our Early Days, 5 Centimetres per Second, Children Who Chase Lost Voices and The Garden of Words — and it certainly won't end there, either. Indeed, come November this year in Japan and sometime in 2023 elsewhere around the world, the acclaimed filmmaker's new movie Suzume no Tojimari will start enchanting and entrancing cinemagoers. From the just-dropped latest trailer, which also has an English-subtitled version, Shinkai looks to be in familiar territory. In other words, just the animation and art direction alone is spectacularly and breathtakingly gorgeous. Every detail-filled frame of his films could easily sit on a wall — and from this sneak peek, Suzume no Tojimari continues the trend as it follows the titular high school girl and a mysterious young man, who team up to travel through otherworldly gates as disasters start to strike around Japan. If Weathering with You had you dreaming of a Tokyo getaway — or reminded you of past trips, because its renderings of the city are that realistic yet also bewitching, like capturing a glorious memory in animation — then expect the Suzume no Tojimari trailer to have you yearning to travel further afield in Japan. (Obviously, the swoonworthy scenery in the full film itself is certain to amplify that feeling approximately 75,000 times when the movie hits the big screen.) Also part of the fun, as doors keep opening up in Japan's "lonely areas people have forgotten": talking cats, swirling red clouds and scampering chairs, just to name a few of the trailer's highlights. As they did with Your Name and Weathering with You, Radwimps are providing Suzume no Tojimari's soundtrack. Check out the English-subtitled version of Suzume no Tojimari's trailer below (and the Japanese version, too, if you prefer): New trailer of "Suzume no Tojimari" animated movie by Makoto Shinkai (Your Name), with english subs.https://t.co/PLYHnS4g3t pic.twitter.com/vU0V3usSbN — Catsuka (@catsuka) September 28, 2022 Suzume no Tojimari opens in Japan on November 11, 2022, and is expected to release elsewhere around the world in 2023 — we'll update you with a release date Down Under when one is announced.
Since Studio Ghibli was formed back in 1985, the team behind the Japanese animation powerhouse have been more than a little busy. They've crafted twenty films that have captured the hearts and minds of cinema-going audiences. They've also made 1993 TV movie Ocean Waves, this year's co-production The Red Turtle, and a whole heap of shorts and television commercials. Plus, they worked on a handful of video games, as well as a British stage production of Princess Mononoke. What's missing from that hefty list of enchanting entertainment? An ongoing small screen series, which is something that Studio Ghibli only turned its attention to recently, in fact. Based on the Swedish children's fantasy book of the same name, Ronja the Robber's Daughter (or Sanzoku no Musume Rōnya) is a 26-episode effort co-produced by the studio and directed by Gorō Miyazaki, who also helmed Tales from Earthsea and From Up on Poppy Hill. As his name suggests, yes, he's the son of legendary My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. The show tells the tale of the titular young daughter of a professional thief who grows up exploring a forest filled with mythical creatures. Then Ronja meets Birk, a child from a rival tribe, who forces her to think about her dad's line of work, as well as family, friendship, love and understanding in general. We know what you're thinking: it sounds like classic Ghibli. Ronja the Robber's Daughter actually aired on Japanese TV in late 2014 and early 2015, so the fact that the animation studio has made a television show is kind of old news. But, the Asian Television Award and International Emmy Award-winning series has just been picked up by Amazon, and is finally making its way to broader audiences in an English-language dubbed version released on its Amazon Prime service. On the one hand, even with Gillian Anderson headlining the American voice cast as the show's narrator, dubbed versions of Ghibli films aren't quite the same as the originals. On the other hand, getting to see a Ghibli television series in any form is a reason to rejoice. If their movies can spirit your imagination away, just think what 26 instalments of a TV program can do. There's no word yet as to whether Aussie viewers will get the opportunity to watch Ronja the Robber's Daughter — and if so, how and where — though hopefully this is a step in the right direction. And with Ghibli scaling back their film efforts (and Hayao Miyazaki announcing his retirement, while also working on a computer-animated short and a magical forest park), it's definitely something to look forward to.
Every music festival has its own distinctive traits and drawcards, no matter who happens to be hitting the stage. Held on the banks of the Murray River, Strawberry Fields is no different. Fancy escaping into nature to listen to live and electronic acts, wander through art installations and hit up a bush spa? That's all on this fest's bill. Taking place across the weekend of Friday, November 17–Sunday, November 19 in Tocumwal, New South Wales, this year's Strawberry Fields has just unveiled its lineup, and it's full of impressive names. DJ Seinfeld, Denis Sulta, Todd Terje, Moodymann, Ezra Collective, Booka Shade Moktar and Barkaa are just some of the talents on the list — and yes, it goes on. Fred again's besties and frequent collaborators Joy Anonymous are on the lineup to bring that same brand of euphoric dance music to the regional weekend-long party. Plus, Strawberry Fields' range of extra-curricular activities will be returning. You'll be able to soak away your stresses — not that you should have any at a music fest — at the bush spa. The Moroccan Bedouin lounges and tea ceremonies will be running in the festival's Mirage Motel space, plus the glamping options are back to make your weekend as lavish and as low-maintenance as possible. Also, if you happen to be born on this year's festival dates, you can register to score a free ticket. Happy birthday to you indeed. Strawberry Fields lays claim to being one of the country's most sustainable festivals. It is powered by biodiesel fuel as well as solar power, its rewash revolution system has diverted over 100,000 single-use plastics from landfill, composting toilets are provided and all transport is carbon offset via Treecreds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Zh_5l4SgXk STRAWBERRY FIELDS 2023 LINEUP: DJ Acid Pauli Adam Pits B2b Lisene Baby G Bini Bria b2b Evie Claire Morgan Darcy Justice Dee Diggs Deepa Denis Sulta DJ Bone DJ Fuckoff DJ Mell G DJ Pgz DJ Seinfeld DJ Vm Doppel Eli & Fur Elli Acula Handsdown Hausm8s In2stellar Jamz Supernova Jazmine Nikitta Kerry Wallace Kia Manami Moktar Montana Moodymann Muska Jen Mzrizk Other Worlds Other Sounds Phil Stroud Pretty Girl Roza Terenzi b2b D Tiffany Sam Shure Stüm Todd Terje Uone Wax'o Paradiso b2b Lauren Hansom Yi Lum Yikes Live Amadou Suso Barkaa Big Wett Booka Shade Bricky B Carissa Nyalu Children Of Zeus Cinta Close Counters Denni Ezra Collective First Beige Flewnt Foshe Jesswar Jitwam Joy (Anonymous)) Just Emma Kerala Dust Kyoshi Mindy Meng Wang 王萌 (Solo) Mindy Meng Wang 王萌 & Tim Shiel Minyerra Oden & Fatzo Quarter Street Radhey Gupta Roy Blues Sleep D Slowmango Snow Bros Squid Nebula Sweely The Lahaar Vv Pete Wulumbarra Showcases Still Here @ The Grove Bricky B Dj Vm Denni Flewnt Wulumbarra Minyerra Carissa Nyalu Strawberry Fields takes place at Tocumwal, New South Wales, from Friday, November 17–Sunday, November 19. The final release of tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, July 18. Head to the festival website for further details. Images: Duncographic
Even if you really, really can't stand films/TV/books about self-involved twenty-something-year-old white people trying to figure their lives out, Frances Ha is poised to charm. Its secret? That's not easy to pin down, although it almost certainly has to do with star Greta Gerwig, and the total her-ness that pervades the film. It's full of energy and optimism and is, for a black-and-white arthouse film, utterly devoid of pretentiousness. Gerwig wrote this script together with director (and love friend) Noah Baumbach (Greenberg). Though she didn't necessarily envision herself in the lead role, it fits her perfectly, serving as a vehicle for an actor who doesn't quite fit the Hollywood mould to show off her charms. Goofy, socially awkward and totally "undateable", Gerwig's Frances Halladay is one of the most loveable characters you'll meet this year. Her 28th year ends up being a difficult one, as her best friend Sophie (Mickey Sumner) drifts away and she misses out on a position at the dance company she's been training with. These two challenges — BFF break-ups and self-actualisation — are the ones that matter here, though there's also the peripheral distraction of boys: the one who leaves her when she won't move in with him (Michael Esper), and friends Lev (Girls' Adam Driver) and Benji (Michael Zegen), who end up her (sometimes awkwardly) platonic roomies. Frances Ha is a story about coming of age, the late way we tend to do it now. Our heroine is sorting through which parts of so-called maturity are sensible to leading a good life, and which parts are just bullshit. And she's doing it with a scrappy pluck we can all get behind. It's all wonderfully tangential, sweet and unerringly funny, and it will have you dancing to Bowie's 'Modern Love' for days and days. https://youtube.com/watch?v=cw1euaNtuXM
There comes a time every year when we must officially commence the sad countdown to the end of hot summery days and start preparing for our inevitable winter hibernation spent under a blanket watching Netflix. But fortunately, 2018 has more than proved it has a few sunny weeks left, even if summer is well and truly over. To help you absorb the maximum amount of vitamin D into your body before the sun officially sets on warmer climes, we've teamed up with the summer aficionados at Magnum to provide some inspo for things you can do to make the most out of the handful of sunny days we have left. This year, Magnum collaborated with three incredible Australian designers to take its creamy delights to the next level. The sartorial brains behind Romance Was Born, Bec and Bridge and By Johnny were all invited to co-create their own limited edition ice cream flavours to encapsulate their labels' unique styles — and most importantly, to help us savour summer in a stylish way. Romance was Born swirled tangy raspberry with rich chocolate truffle sauce to create a vibrant nod to its otherworldly fashion. Johnny Schembri of By Johnny created a homage to his simple silhouettes in the form of a hazelnut, slightly salted vanilla number. And Bec and Bridge upped the ante on the classic caramelly dulce de leche as a nod to effortless European style. Here's how to worship the last of those summery vibes — fashionable Magnum in hand. SPEND A LAZY DAY BY THE WATER When summer is officially over, it's those long lazy days spent by the sea that we miss the most. So, pack your towel, a sensible amount of SPF, a selection of fresh fruits and a sneaky box of dulce de leche Magnums by Bec and Bridge in a cooler bag, and make the most of the warm days where you can justify spending an entire day laying in the sun. Be sure you invite that one responsible adult friend who brings a waterproof speaker and an esky full of cool drinks so you can fully honour the sun gods by listening to some sweet beats. Where? Wylie's Baths in Sydney, St Kilda Beach in Melbourne and Stradbroke Island near Brisbane. INDULGE IN A LITTLE ALFRESCO DINING AND A MOVIE While the weather permits, there are plenty of amazing spots to indulge in some outdoor dining — extra points if you support your local food scene by picking an eatery that's cosy and family-owned. Enjoy a hearty meal, but forgo any decadent dessert. Instead, pick up a box of By Johnny hazelnut salted vanilla Magnums so you can have one while you stroll to the cinema to catch one of the many amazing Oscar-nominated films that are still showing. If there's still stomach room, be the envy of your fellow choc-toppers, when you whip out another secret squirrel Magnum during the previews. Where? Hayden Orpheum in Sydney, The Astor Theatre in Melbourne and New Farm Cinemas in Brisbane. PICNIC AMONG THE FLOWERS Savour the remaining warm afternoons by gathering some close friends, finding a sunny spot in the park and summoning all your foodie powers to create the most exquisite picnic to say goodbye to summer once and for all. Think mismatched picnic blankets, wicker baskets filled with a few bottles of rose and a world of delectable treats. Take your spread to the next level by investing in an array of cheeses (you can never have too many), a selection of cold cuts from a local deli, a few punnets of fresh berries and — for something a little wild — an esky full of raspberry chocolate truffle Magnums by the lords of whimsy at Romance was Born. Where? The Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Savour the last days of warmth outside and with a luxe Magnum in hand.
It's true in Baz Luhrmann's beloved movie musical Moulin Rouge!, and it's true about the Tony-winning stage version that's wowed Broadway and first hit Melbourne in 2021: the show must go on. Didn't get a chance to see this film-to-theatre spectacular during its initial Victorian run? Don't fancy making the trip to Sydney from late May to see it sing and dance up a storm then? Thankfully, this gorgeous production has locked in its return to Melbourne in 2023. Mark Sunday, August 20, 2023 in your diary — and start snapping up tickets now, because they're already on sale. Heading back to the Regent Theatre, likely after Shakespeare-meets-pop musical & Juliet unleashes its first-ever Australian shows from February, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is currently slinging seats until mid-September. Yes, it's spectacular (spectacular) news. It's so exciting, you're allowed to stomp and cheer, too. Whether the musical will venture elsewhere in-between its Sydney and return Melbourne gigs — Brisbane perhaps? — hasn't yet been revealed, and neither has how long it'll stay in Melbourne the second time around. Once more, Melbourne will stand in for the Montmartre Quarter of Paris — the backdrop for a heady romance between lovestruck young bohemian Christian and performer Satine, star of the legendary titular cabaret. As Luhrmann's award-winning, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor-starring movie did before it, the stage musical spins their tale, ups, downs, joys, heartbreaks, wins, tragedies and all. Moulin Rouge! The Musical isn't just heavy on star-crossed romance, however. Also like the film it's based on, it comes with a loaded soundtrack that celebrates iconic tunes from across the past five decades. Indeed, Moulin Rouge! The Musical backs up those favourites with even more hit songs that have been released in the two decades since the movie premiered. It has now been six years since, back in 2016 it was first announced that Moulin Rouge! was being turned into a stage musical — and this delight was always going to prove popular. Since then, the lavish production premiered in the US in 2018, then hit Broadway in 2019, and finally made its way Down Under last year — and also became the first-ever Aussie-produced show to win the Tony for Best Musical. Moulin Rouge! The Musical will return to Melbourne's Regent Theatre, at 191 Collins Street, Melbourne from Sunday, August 20, 2023. For further details or to buy tickets, head to the production's website. Images: Michelle Grace Hunder.
When it was announced back in 2016 that Moulin Rouge! was being turned into a stage musical, fans around the world thought the same thing in unison: the show must go on. Since then, the lavish production premiered in the US in 2018, then hit Broadway in 2019, and also announced that it'd head Down Under in 2021 — and if you're an Aussie wondering when the latter would actually happen after all the chaos of the past two years, the same mantra thankfully applies to its upcoming Melbourne season. Originally set to debut in August — a date that was obviously delayed due to lockdown — Moulin Rouge! The Musical will now make its Australian debut at Melbourne's revamped Regent Theatre on Friday, November 12. It'll do so as a newly minted Tony-winner, too, after picking up ten awards earlier in October, and also becoming the first-ever Aussie-produced show to win the Tony for Best Musical. Based on Baz Luhrmann's award-winning, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor-starring movie — which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year — the stage musical brings to life the famed Belle Époque tale of young composer Christian and his heady romance with Satine, actress and star of the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret. Set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris, the film is known for its soundtrack, celebrating iconic tunes from across the past five decades. The stage version carries on the legacy, backing those favourites with even more hit songs that have been released in the two decades since the movie premiered. The musical comes to Melbourne in the hands of production company Global Creatures, along with the Victorian Government. The Government is also a big player behind the Regent's upgrade works, having dropped a cool $14.5 million towards the $19.4 million project. It co-owns the site, along with the City of Melbourne. Moulin Rouge! The Musical's spectacular spectacular Melbourne season is set to stick around for a while, with tickets currently on sale until early April. You might want to get in quickly if you're keen on heading along, though — when pre-sale tickets were put up for grabs back in February for the original August dates, they broke the Regent Theatre's record for the most pre-sale tickets sold in a single day. Moulin Rouge! The Musical will hit The Regent Theatre, at 191 Collins Street, Melbourne from Friday, November 12. For further details or to buy tickets, head to the production's website. Moulin Rouge! The Musical image: Matthew Murphy.
Unstoppable chef and restaurateur Andrew McConnell, whose hospitality empire includes Cutler & Co., Cumulus Inc. and Ricky & Pinky, is embarking on yet another project. This summer, for ten magnificent days, he'll be taking over the Garden Restaurant at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), and transforming it into Supernormal Natsu, a spin-off of Supernormal, his modern Japanese restaurant in Flinders Lane. The pop-up is part of Triennial EXTRA, a 10-day, one-off festival, organised to celebrate the inaugural NGV Triennial, a free exhibition featuring the works of 100 artists from 32 nations, which opens on December 15. Triennial EXTRA and Supernormal Natsu will run from January 19 to 28. Every day, from midday, McConnell's team will be creating dishes inspired by natsu, which is Japanese for summer. Many of them will be emerging from a hibachi grill, to be positioned on the restaurant's terrace. And although the details of specific dishes are yet to be revealed, we can tell you to expect fresh meats and seafood, grilled to perfection, and accompanied by summery ingredients. The dessert menu will include an array of sweet hits based on shaved ice. In addition to Supernormal Natsu, Triennial EXTRA will bring a bunch of free immersive and experiential events to the NGV, covering art, music, dance, live performance, design, fashion and ideas. Images: Ben Swinnerton and Kristoffer Paulsen.
Back in 2006, 11-part documentary series Planet Earth combined stunning high-definition images of this place we all call home with David Attenborough's inimitable narration. Then, in 2016, the show's six-part sequel Planet Earth II arrived, doing the same thing as well. A third program, Planet Earth III, is slated to join them soon — reportedly in 2023, in fact — because no one can ever get enough of the iconic broadcaster and natural historian. But that isn't the only one of his projects that's returning to screens in the near future, and neither is Prehistoric Planet's previously announced second season. The other: Our Planet II, a followup to 2019's Our Planet, which also explores our pale blue dot. Despite the name, it isn't related to BBC's Planet shows — which also include The Blue Planet and Frozen Planet — but it does still feature Attenborough's informative tones. In its first go-around, Our Planet tasked Attenborough with talking viewers through the planet's remaining wilderness areas and their animal inhabitants. The series was made in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund, which meant plenty of astonishing and majestic critters scurrying across the screen. It was filmed in 50 countries across all the continents of the world, heading everywhere from the remote Arctic wilderness to the South American jungles — and to sprawling African landscapes and the depths of the ocean as well. Expect a heap more jaw-dropping imagery — and amazing animals as well — in Our Planet II, which will make its way to Netflix on Wednesday, June 14. This time around, it'll unfurl its wonders across four episodes, highlighting everything from penguins and polar bears to lions and elephants. The just-dropped first teaser trailer also features birds, turtles, seals, whales, fish and insects, because our planet boasts quite the range of species. Fans can also look forward to more nature shows hitting Netflix in the future, as part of a broader series that includes 2022's Morgan Freeman-narrated Our Universe. Also set to arrive in 2023, Life on Our Planet heads back in time, also features Freeman's voiceover and shows dinosaurs just as Attenborough's Prehistoric Planet (which streams via Apple TV+) does. Then, in 2024, Our Oceans will dive into the deep blue sea, while Our Living World is all about earth's life-sustaining natural networks. And, come 2025, Our Water World will hone in on freshwater systems. Check out the first Our Planet II trailer below: Our Planet II streams via on Netflix from Wednesday, June 14. Images: Ed Charles / John Haskew / Netflix
As the end of the year ramps up, the thought of spending your precious free time in the kitchen isn't so appealing. Fortunately, DoorDash is helping out as we close in on the silly season, launching one of its biggest giveaways ever. Running from Wednesday, November 26–Saturday, November 29, you can make more space in your calendar with 60,000 free items up for grabs. Kicking off at 4pm AEST daily, 15,000 burgers, burritos, pizzas and meal deals are available on consecutive days. While the complete list of included restaurants won't be revealed under the promo launches, just know that much-loved local and national brands like Guzman Y Gomez, Betty's Burgers and Grill'd are getting in on the action. Open to both new and existing DoorDash customers via the app, service and delivery fees still apply to orders. However, this time- and money-saving deal is sure to give you the fuel to brave the shops or adorn your lawn with festive decorations.
It's the film that had to happen, honestly. Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero couldn't just give the world the so-bad-it's-amazing gift that is The Room and leave it at that — even if their disasterpiece became the basis for Sestero's ace behind-the-scenes book The Disaster Artist, and then the oh-so spot-on movie adaptation of the same name. No, this cinematic odd couple just had to make a second flick. Really, they had to. All those spoons thrown at cinema screens, all those screams of "you're tearing me apaaaaart!", all those "oh hi, doggy" comments: as The Room became a cult phenomenon over the past 15 years, we've all been praying to the deity that is Wiseau's long, greasy locks, and hoping that the world's most unlikely film star and his best friend would make another movie. Well, they have, and it's called Best F(r)iends. It was written by Sestero but directed by someone other than Wiseau, so it might all make some kind of sense this time. Apparently inspired by a road trip the duo took just after they'd made The Room, it's actually the first volume of a two-part flick, starring Sestero as a drifter and Wiseau as a mortician. We know — the latter couldn't sound like better casting. Maybe he's a vampire, too? Either way, the pair hatch a scheme that comes undone due to greed and jealousy, sparking a road trip as well as an exploration of friendship and loyalty. Switch out a few details, and it sounds a little like our favourite best worst film. If you're so filled with excitement that you feel like storming onto a rooftop and throwing a bottle, don't stress — Best F(r)iends is coming to Melbourne, screening at Cinema Nova at 7pm on Thursday, June 21. Even better, Sestero will be in attendance to answer all of your questions. Just don't ask him how his sex life is, obviously. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTu9N40E_MI
Come November, if you're keen on travelling to a galaxy far, far away, you won't need to visit your local cinema. Disney is getting into the streaming game and, when it launches its new Disney+ platform, it'll do so with the first-ever live-action Star Wars spinoff television series, The Mandalorian. One of the most anticipated shows of the year on this (or any other) planet, The Mandalorian follows a lone gunfighter who hails from the planet Mandalore and roams the outer reaches of the universe. His bullet-slinging antics happen far from the prying eyes of the New Republic, with the series set after the fall of the Empire — that is, after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi but before Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. If the basic premise isn't enough cause for excitement, then the stacked cast will help — it includes Game of Thrones' Pedro Pascal and Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito, plus Nick Nolte, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, Ming-Na Wen, and none other than iconic director and occasional actor Werner Herzog. Behind the scenes, The Mandalorian also boasts plenty of big names, with The Lion King's Jon Favreau calling the shots (as the program's creator, writer, showrunner and executive producer), and Taika Waititi among its series' directors. Waititi will also voice a new droid, called IG-11. After announcing the show last year, Disney has been keeping the details as secret as possible; however, if you've been keener than Han Solo in any cantina in the galaxy to get a glimpse — here's your chance. With the Mouse House holding its huge D23 convention over the past weekend, the company has just dropped its first trailer for the series. You can't include Herzog among your on-screen talent without making use of his inimitable voice, which this initial clip does perfectly, reminding us that bounty hunting is a complicated profession. Of course, that's not all that's in store — check out the initial preview below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOC8E8z_ifw The Mandalorian will hit Disney+ when it launches Down Under on November 19.
By the beard of Zeus, everyone's favourite TV newsman is back — in podcast form. Not content with his regular job at KVWN Channel 4, or with being the star of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Ron Burgundy is giving another medium a whirl. Co-produced by Funny or Die, The Ron Burgundy Podcast is headed to the iHeartRadio platform in 2019, with two 12-episode seasons on their way. The first batch will hit your ears in the first quarter of the year, with Burgundy telling everyone why it's kind of a big deal, we expect. If you want to stay classy with the second season — and likely hear the anchorman chat while sipping scotchy scotch scotch and talking over his beloved dog Baxter — it's due mid-year. Fans can reasonably expect that Will Ferrell will reprise his role as the fictional San Diego newscaster, although that's not actually mentioned in iHeartRadio's announcement. As well as playing the character in two films, Ferrell is one of Funny or Die's co-founders, so it's a safe assumption that the actor will be involved. In true Ron Burgundy style, he had some words about the news. "Listen, I don't know what a podcast is, but I currently have a lot of time on my hands and a lot to talk about. I am also broke. Therefore, I am very excited to do this podcast. It is literally saving my life." If you're now in a glass class of emotion, a trailer for the show will drop in the coming months. The Ron Burgundy Podcast will be released on iHeartRadio in 2019.
Everyone has heard about — or tried to eat their way through — KitKat's famed range of weird and wonderful Japanese flavours. A cough drop version once existed, and it really wasn't great. The sake version, a perennial favourite, is absolutely delicious. But if you're vegan, none of these varieties will have tempted your tastebuds. KitKats in general won't have either, actually. Come July, that'll change for Aussies who follow a plant-based, dairy-free and cruelty free diet, and would also like to sink their teeth into a KitKat. The brand is launching KitKat V, a new vegan KitKat. It's made with a rice-based milk alternative, resulting in a smooth vegan milk chocolate — not dark chocolate — which is then layered over the usual crisp wafers. That means that from Monday, July 26, everyone can now have a break — and a KitKat — with KitKat V joining other plant-based alternatives among Nestle's products. So, if you'd like to crack open a few fingers while tucking into a glass of plant-based Milo, you'll be able to. The 41.5-gram bars will cost $2 and, if you're already keen, they can be pre-ordered from the KitKat Chocolatory website ahead of their supermarket debut at Woolworths Metro stores. When your next sugar craving hits, add them to your list alongside vegan Natural Confectionery Co fruit lollies, vegan choc tops, and vegan Magnums, Cornettos and Weis Bars. KitKat V will hit Woolworths Metro supermarkets on Monday, July 26 — or you can pre-order them now from the KitKat Chocolatory website.
Where else but Sydney Film Festival could host the world premiere of The Pool? The documentary hails from Ian Darling, the Australian director behind The Final Quarter, and sports another supremely Sydney-centric focus: Bondi Icebergs. Think of a pool in the Harbour City, and this frequently photographed place for a dip likely springs to mind. So, Darling has spent a year charting its ins and outs to create this cinematic portrait, which will debut at SFF in 2024. The Pool is one of 17 titles that've been announced by the festival team ahead of dropping the event's full 71st-annual program in early May. Movie lovers will be watching the hundreds of flicks that make the final cut to kick off winter, from Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 16 — and including The Pool on its lineup likely marks the first time that anyone wished that the film fest took place in summer instead. When you're not exploring a Sydney icon at a Sydney icon — because both Bondi Icebergs and SFF are that pivotal to the New South Wales capital — you can watch your way through a carefully curated roster of flicks overseen by long-running Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley. As announced back in January, 2024's event will also boast the world's largest cash prize for Indigenous filmmaking, aka the new $35,000 First Nations Award. One title that'll be competing for the gong in its inaugural year is The Mountain, the directorial debut of New Zealand actor Rachel House, with the Heartbreak High and Hunt for the Wilderpeople star following three kids who set off on an adventure (yes, their destination is right there in the title). Also on the bill so far: horror classic Hellraiser, but not as audiences know it. The movie remains unchanged, but this is a Hear My Eyes screening, which means that it comes with a brand-new live score. Hieroglyphic Being aka Jamal Moss is doing all-new tunes, while visual artist Robin Fox will add a live laser performance — and the event hits Sydney after also being a part of Melbourne's RISING Festival. Suspended Time, the latest from French director Olivier Assayas (Irma Vep), is another big highlight. The drama is about a filmmaker and his brother in COVID-19 lockdown in their childhood home, is drawn from Assayas' own experiences and, although actors play the characters, features the director reading narration that's based on his own diary. Or, there's documentary The Contestant, about an IRL person on a Japanese television show who wasn't aware that his months spent naked in a room were being broadcast. From there, cinephiles can also start looking forward to Frederick Wiseman's (City Hall) Menus-Plaisirs — Les Troisgros, which brings his observational gaze to three-Michelin-star French restaurant; COPA '71, about the 1971 Women's World Cup; Green Border, with Mr Jones' Agnieszka Holland honing in on the refugee experience on the Belarus–Poland border; and In Vitro, an Aussie sci-fi thriller about a couple doing biotech experiments. Keen to see a restaurant-set dramedy starring Rooney Mara (Women Talking) and directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios (A Cop Movie). La Cocina has you covered. Interested in the newest film out of Bhutan by Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom was nominated for an Oscar? That's where The Monk and the Gun comes in. If you're eager for a movie from Norway that features conversations about getting intimate — and dreams about David Bowie — then Sex is the answer. And, for those who've ever wondered about the hippos in Pablo Escobar's illegally imported private zoo, check out Pepe. For now, the list wraps up with Hungarian culture-war satire Explanation for Everything, Korean family drama House of the Seasons and the Kenya-set The Battle for Laikipia — plus The Rye Horn, which is about a midwife and won Best Film at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. "This first look at the 2024 program delves into the profound and the peculiar, from remarkable true stories to works of fiction and ingenious hybrid films that land somewhere in between," said Moodley. "This selection, though diverse in setting and scope, reveals some common themes: resilience foremost amongst them. These films offer a taste of a Festival program rich with discovery and insight, poised to captivate and inspire." Sydney Film Festival 2024 takes place from Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 16 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information, head to the festival's website — and check back here on Wednesday, May 8 for the full 2024 lineup.
When you're not watching movies and TV shows on the big screen at SXSW Sydney 2024, why not step inside a few? That's the Primeville setup, immersing attendees in pop culture-inspired spaces as folks who went to 2023's first-ever SXSW Sydney discovered. Here, Prime Video brings some of its series to life for a few days— and this year, it's doing the same with a number of flicks as well. Fancy sitting at Hannah Howard's desk or hanging out in the Flinley Craddick kitchen, complete with tiramisu to snack on? With the Australian version of The Office hitting streaming the same week that 2024's SXSW Sydney takes place, of course it's a big part of this year's Primeville — which is called Primeville Sweet Spot this time around. The full pop-up runs from Tuesday, October 15–Sunday, October 20, but making a visit on Wednesday, October 16 will mean seeing a heap of well-known faces from the shows featured, including Felicity Ward (Time Bandits), Steen Raskopoulos (The Duchess), Josh Thomson (Young Rock), Jonny Brugh (What We Do in the Shadows) and Zoe Terakes (Talk to Me) from the new The Office. When you're not clocking on and wondering if there's a stapler in jelly hidden somewhere, you can also visit Middle-earth, where The Forge, some costumes from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and something sweet to eat all await. Or, thanks to the guest list, you can celebrate all things Deadloch with Alicia Gardiner (The Clearing) and Nina Oyama (Utopia), and The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart with Leah Purcell (High Country), too. From Paramount+, there'll be a nightclub inspired by Last King of the Cross, plus non-boozy jelly shots to sip and series star Lincoln Younes (Strife) in attendance. And, nodding to the big screen, Despicable Me 4 gets some love thanks to Minions to follow, plus banana macarons to enjoy. It Ends with Us is also scoring some affection via Lily Bloom's (Blake Lively, Deadpool & Wolverine) flower shop and hot cocoa cookies. If you've noticed that there's a dessert on offer with each space, that's because Primeville Sweet Spot is living up to its name. Entry is free no matter whether you're hitting up the rest of SXSW Sydney or not, but badge holders will get express entry. Also part of the pop-up: a reality TV-focused Hayu zone and a chillout space with a spin-to-win wheel — plus The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City's Heather Gay and Whitney Rose, Captain Jason Chambers from Below Deck Down Under and cricketer Meg Lanning making appearances. Primeville Sweet Spot is popping up during SXSW Sydney at Fratelli Fresh Darling Harbour, 2/14 Darling Drive, Sydney from Tuesday, October 15–Sunday, October 20, 2024. Keep an eye on the Prime Video Facebook and Instagram pages for more details.
We all know Bond. Yes, James Bond. Since his introduction into the world in 1953, audiences have fallen in love with 007, whether he's chasing a plane on horseback, sledding down a snowy hill on a cello case (beautiful woman in tow), or performing his famous bridge jump. Perhaps the most iconic images of Bond involve his famous cars that pair ever-so nicely with his high-speed life of covert operations. Car dealership Evans Halshaw has traced 007's most iconic cars to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Bond and in honour of the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall. Here are ten of Concrete Playground's favourite James Bond vehicles. For the full collection of images made by Evans Halshaw check them out here. There's everything from his Aston Martin DB5, which was featured in six Bond films, to his most recent car, the Land Rover Defender which appears in Skyfall.
If finding out when and where Groovin the Moo is taking place in 2024 didn't get you pumped enough, here comes the next piece of exciting news: who'll be taking to the large-scale touring music festival's stages this year. The just-dropped lineup spans a hefty and impressive list of talent, including Wu-Tang Clan's GZA, Spice Girl Melanie C doing a DJ set, The Kooks, The Beaches and Alison Wonderland. Stephen Sanchez, Armani White, Kenya Grace, King Stingray, DMA's, Jet, The Jungle Giants, Mallrat and San Cisco are all also on the bill, alongside Hot Dub Time Machine, Mura Masa, Claire Rosinkranz, Jessie Reyez, Meduza and The Rions — and more. Six states and territories, six locations, six reasons for a road trip: that's the setup. Largely taking tunes beyond Australia's capital cities, Groovin the Moo will traverse the country in April and May, again hitting up South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. In New South Wales, festivalgoers also have a new location to head to, with Groovin the Moo making a major move in 2024. Instead of taking place at its previous site in Maitland, the fest will pop up in Newcastle, with Foreshore Park its new home. The change comes after feedback from attendees, especially regarding transport and accommodation. In all other states and territories, the festival will settle into the same spots as last year — starting at Adelaide Showground, then hitting Exhibition Park in Canberra and Bendigo's Prince of Wales Showgrounds. After the Newcastle spot, Groovin the Moo will move on to Sunshine Coast Stadium Precinct, then Bunbury's Hay Park. Carla From Bankstown and Mowgli May are on hosting duties at Groovin the Moo 2024, and there's still some names to come, with the Triple J Unearthed, Fresh Produce artists and community programs yet to be announced. [caption id="attachment_938500" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gilbert Sanchez[/caption] Groovin the Moo 2024 Lineup: Alison Wonderland Armani White The Beaches Claire Rosinkranz DMA's The Grogans Gza (Wu-Tang) & The Phunky Nomads Hot Dub Time Machine Jacoténe Jessie Reyez Jet The Jungle Giants Kenya Grace King Stingray The Kooks Mallrat Meduza Melanie C DJ set Mura Masa DJ set Nerve & Friends (Ecb & Cloe Terare) The Rions San Cisco Stephen Sanchez Hosts: Carla From Bankstown Mowgli May Triple J Unearthed, Fresh Produce artists and community programs still to be announced Groovin the Moo 2024 Dates and Venues: Thursday, April 25 — Adelaide Showground, Kaurna Country, Wayville, South Australia Friday, April 26 — Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Ngambri and Ngunnawal Country, Mitchell, Australian Capital Territory Saturday, April 27 — Bendigo's Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Dja Dja Wurrung Country, Bendigo, Victoria Saturday, May 4 — Foreshore Park, Awabakal Land, Newcastle, New South Wales Sunday, May 5 — Sunshine Coast Stadium Precinct, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country, Warana, Queensland Saturday, May 11 — Hay Park, Wardandi Noongar Country, Bunbury, Western Australia Groovin the Moo will tour Australia in April and May 2024, with tickets on sale from Tuesday, February 6 at 12pm local time for Newcastle and the Sunshine Coast, 2pm local time for Bendigo, 3pm local time for Wayville, 4pm local time for Bunbury and 5pm local time for Canberra. For more information, head to the festival's website. Groovin the Moo images: Jordan Munns.
In 2008, the famous DKNY mural disappeared. For sixteen years, its re-imagining of the New York City skyline towered over the intersection of Broadway and Houston Street, unofficially marking the entrance to SoHo. Now, the concept has undergone an international revival. In ten cities around the world, artists have come up with works inspired by the original. Retaining the DKNY logo as their framework, they have produced 21st century interpretations, involving sculpture, photography, projections and paint. So, not only New York, but also London, Paris, Milan, Dubai, Kuwait, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul, have become host to their own DKNY creations. According to the DKNYARTWORKS site, 'Each original work captures an artistic expression of the New York City skyline within the frame of the DKNY logo, bringing New York to the world.' Twin brothers, How & Nosm, whose iconic black, white and red murals appear in several major cities, have brought their intricate, graffiti-influenced style to an installation for New York. 'If you look at our artwork, you see an iconic face that keeps popping up in our paintings,' they explain in their DKNY interview. 'We've multiplied that face, so that it can represent all the faces of New York City.' Other artists include Amy Gartrell (New York), Roids (London), Maurizio Galimberti (Milan), Christophe Hamaide-Pierson (Paris), Sasan Nasernia (Dubai), Calvin Ho (Hong Kong), Nod Young (Shanghai), junk house (Seoul) and Yamaguchi Soichi (Tokyo). [Via PSFK]
Cinco de Mayo is the annual May event celebrating Mexican culture and heritage. Although a relatively minor holiday in Mexico (compared with el Día de los Muertos), it has become a huge holiday in the US — and Australia has cottoned-on to the festive day, too. To celebrate, nationwide Mexican chain, Guzman y Gomez, is offering up $5 burritos, bowls and Coronas all day on Sunday, May 5. Taking place in-store at all Guzman y Gomez stores around Australia, the $5 promotion will be limited to either two burritos, breakfast burritos, mini burritos or burrito bowls per person, per visit. The $5 Coronas will be fair game though and available at all of the chain's licensed outposts. [caption id="attachment_718065" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guzman y Gomez burrito bowl[/caption] Historically, the holiday commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. But now Cinco de Mayo has grown into a day that celebrates many facets of Mexican culture, particularly the country's culinary feats. Guzman y Gomez's $5 promotion will be available at all Sydney and Melbourne stores on Sunday, May 5. To find your closest location, head to the website.
There's just something about Merry People boots. Melburnians get it — gumboots are made for this city, and gumboots don't come much cooler than Merry People. Speaking of, the good folks at Merry People are sprouting up in Fitzroy for a two-day pop-up from Saturday, November 4–Sunday, November 5, running from 10am–4pm on both days. Merry People has been warming feet (and keeping them dry) since 2014. Usually, the boots are available via the website, so a bricks-and-mortar pop-up event is a nice treat — providing a golden opportunity for folks to try before they buy, chat with the team and meet founder Danielle Holloway. Plus, buying IRL gives a personal touch that online shopping just can't match. Merry People was born out of a blend of frustration and ambition. Holloway was frustrated with the lack of comfortable, stylish and versatile gumboots available in Melbourne. So, armed with fond memories of farm life in South Gippsland, she set out to bridge the gap between city cool and country comfort. What started with sketches and weekend stalls at farmers markets has blossomed into a Melbourne fave. And now's your chance to try a bunch of them for yourself at Hawker Spaces. But be warned: it's going to be hard to pick just one style.
UPDATE: AUGUST 26, 2020 — You can now order Hakata Gensuke's umami-rich tonoktsu and super-spicy God Fire ramen via Uber Eats from both its CBD and Hawthorn stores. Global ramen chain Hakata Gensuke has legions of Melbourne fans thanks to its long-standing Russell Street digs, and things have only grown since it extended itself to the QV, Doncaster — and Hawthorn. Glenferrie Road might be thick with eateries but Hakata is a welcome and busy stop, opening in 2015 and quickly carving out a reputation for some of the city's best and queues to match the bold claims. Industrial in setting but welcoming in service — and warming in soup — the pick over here is the black tonkotsu ($15). Chockablock with fried garlic, black sesame paste, black fungus, and spring onions, the beauty is in the balance of the garnishes.
It might just be Australia's brightest festival, and it's returning to light up Alice Springs once again. That'd be Parrtjima - A Festival In Light, which will deliver its sixth annual program between Friday, April 9–Sunday, April 18 — returning to the autumn time slot it established in 2019. After a chaotic 2020, which saw the event postponed to September due to lockdowns and restrictions — and offer a virtual tour, too — the fest has big plans for 2021. First revealing last month that it'd be back this April, the event has now unveiled its full lineup. Dazzling light installations feature heavily across the Alice Springs CBD's Alice Springs Todd Mall, as well as at tourism and conservation facility Alice Springs Desert Park Precinct just out of town, anchoring the festival's free ten-day public celebration of Indigenous arts, culture, music and storytelling. This time around, the event is corralling its program around the theme 'future kultcha', with a particular focus on "intergenerational wisdom told through light, interactive workshops, art, music, films, performance and the spoken word". Taking care of the light side of things are 'Landing Kultcha', which'll use light tubes of different lengths, span 20 metres in length and provide quite the entranceway — plus 'Grounded Kultcha', which will project an animated sequence of curated artworks onto the sands of Alice Springs Desert Park. [caption id="attachment_799418" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artist's impression of 'Merging Kutcha'[/caption] There's also 'Merging Kultcha', which features a train of five illuminated camels; 'Tailoring Kultcha', with light and textiles used to transform Todd Mall; and 'Harvesting Kultcha', an interactive game for all ages that's inspired by the constant movement in a honey-ant nest. Or, thanks to 'Revolving Kutcha', there'll be shields, coolamons and skateboards, including one large central piece that'll range between six to eight metres high, plus eight other two-metre-tall sculptures. As it always does, the festival's main attraction will glow far and wide. Once again, a huge artwork will transform a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the majestic, 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges, showering it with light each night of the festival. The installation is being called 'Spirit Kultcha' this year, and it'll include a soundscape by Electric Fields. [caption id="attachment_799417" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Artist's impression of 'Landing Kutcha'[/caption] More than 55 artists are involved with the full Parrtjima program, which spans live music from Electric Fields and Casey Donovan, as well as Miiesha, MusicNT's Divas, Jimblah, Bow and Arrow, Dobby, OKA, Ziggy Ramo and Shellie Morris. If you're keen to listen to a few talks as well, the speaker list includes writer Bruce Pascoe, artists Jungala Kriss and Raymond Walters Japanangka, and Professor Marcia Langton AM — and films such as 50s classic Jedda and musical comedy Bran Nue Dae are on the movie lineup. Attendees can also dine under the stars at the Alice Springs Desert Park Precinct, thanks to a dinner that's a first for the fest. Of course, Parrtjima is just one of Northern Territory's two glowing attractions in 2021, with Australia's Red Centre lighting up in multiple ways. The festival is a nice supplement to Bruce Munro's Field of Light installation, which — after multiple extensions — is now on display indefinitely. If you're keen to start making Parrtjima plans, remember to check out the Northern Territory's COVID-19 border restrictions first. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs from April 9–18, 2021 around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Top images: Rachel Wallace, Greg McAdam, Lachlan Dodds Watson.
When the new year rolls around, we like go all Nostradamus on you and make some predictions. Since January, we've guessed at where you'll be going, what you'll be reading and what you'll be watching. Now, we're going to have a crack at what you'll be putting in your mouth this year — and how you'll be doing it. In 2016, we put our money on inhalable cocktails, algae, goats and veganism, among other developments. This year, our crystal ball is giving us Star Trek-level craft beers, boozing on the sand (legally) and lots of eating naked. Here are ten tasty trends you won't be able to avoid in 2017. SCIENCE-INSPIRED CRAFT BEERS Gastronomers like the inimitable Heston Blumenthal have been infusing fine dining with science for years. And now, brewers are following in his footsteps. In the past few months alone, we've reported on a beer that glows in the dark created by a NASA biologist, a brewery in London that makes bespoke beer based on your DNA and a couple of Danish beer-loving buddies who figured out how to make instant craft beer by freeze-drying their favourite tipples. We're both terrified by, and excited about, what might be next. LEGAL DRINKING IN BARS ON THE BEACH We hope. Look, this one isn't exactly a new trend — it's done daily all over the world. But, here in Australia, despite having 10,685 beaches, we're hard pressed to find a bar where we can simultaneously feel the sand between our toes and knock back a cold one, without getting arrested. However, Fremantle's Bathers Beach House fought the law last year and surfaced with Australia's first liquor license for alfresco beach dining (and drinking). Let this be the beginning of something beautiful and nationwide. WILD FERMENTATION WINE Wild fermentation wine has been around for many, many years and is still a big thing in Europe. But, like many age-old agricultural methods, it's often been replaced in Australia with human intervention, usually for the sake of speed and quantity. Now, though, winemakers are winding back the clock, in the pursuit of better, more interesting flavour profiles. To cut a long story short, the wild fermenting of wine involves allowing the grapes' naturally occurring yeasts and bacteria do the job of breaking down sugars, rather than adding copious amounts of yeast to make it happen more quickly. You can read more about wild fermentation wine over here. CLOTHING-OPTIONAL RESTAURANTS When London's first naked restaurant, The Bunyadi, popped up in London in June, the waiting list for reservations hit 46,000 before you could disrobe. This prompted radio journalists Jo Stanley and Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehmann of Melbourne's Gold 104.3 FM to ask whether Aussies would get nude with the same gusto. After being inundated with willing naturists, the duo hosted a packed-out, clothing-free, pop-up at The Noble Experiment on May 26. While the weather's still warm, why not get some practice in with a picnic at one of Sydney's five best nudist beaches? 3D-PRINTED RESTAURANTS When you're not eating food in the nude, you'll be sitting on 3D-printed chairs at 3D-printed tables, holding 3D-printed cutlery, eating 3D-printed meals. This trend also kicked off in 2016, when Food Ink, the world's first 3D-printed restaurant popped-up in London from July 25-27. In 2017, the eatery is embarking on a world tour and, yes, Australia, is on the itinerary, with a visit to Sydney promised. Expect a multi-course, gourmet experience. [caption id="attachment_567134" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Butter.[/caption] RESTAURANT-STYLE EATING AT HOME Chances are you'll be treating your own home more and more like a restaurant this year. In other words, you'll be sitting at your own dining table, eating chef-prepared meals, without doing any dishes and paying for it. This trend is, of course, partly due to the launch of UberEATS, which happened in Melbourne in February 2016, in Sydney in July and in Brisbane in October. Meanwhile, you can't have missed those BMX champs disguised as Deliveroo cyclists dominating the city streets during the past little while. Mind you, they could well find themselves out of a job before too long, given that Domino's completed its first ever pizza delivery by drone in November. [caption id="attachment_601488" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Saint Peter by Nikki To.[/caption] ALL THE FISHY BITS If all the home delivery options in the world couldn't keep you on your couch and venturing out to proper restaurants is still high on your agenda, then we reckon you should get ready to face all the fishy bits. By that, we mean that more and more chefs are adopting a 'head-to-tail' philosophy. And, because fish, unlike cattle, don't have bits that can be turned into clothing, it'll be down to the customer to eat them more comprehensively. Silvereye (RIP) served up an impressive whiting skeleton, while, at Paddington's Saint Peter, the menu has lately offered salt-baked pumpkin with seeds and scales (yep, fish scales), as well as John Dory liver. PLASTIC-FREE DINING France made headline news in September 2016 when the Government officially announced its plan to ban all plastic plates, cups and utensils from 2020. Given that Australians use about one billion disposable coffee cups per year (and that's only coffee cups), it's probably time we followed suit. However, instead of waiting for legal changes, some venues have been taking matters into their own hands. In November, Brisbane's Crowbar announced its intention to phase out plastic straws, while, in January 2017, Sydney's This Must Be The Place invested in metal spoon-straws, to give drinkers an eco-friendly option. [caption id="attachment_608563" align="alignnone" width="1280"] 4 Pines.[/caption] BARREL-AGED BEERS When you're not drinking beers that could've featured in Star Trek, you'll be lingering over those given the most old-fashioned of treatments: barrel ageing. These brews are made in the usual way, then, for a year or so, popped into a barrel that's contained whiskey or muscat or some other beverage, infusing them with more complex flavours. Manly-based brewers 4 Pines are already onto this trend, having opened Public House — a venue entirely dedicated to barrel-aged brews — in Newport in December. And Young Henrys recently brought us Craic and Barrel, a limited release Irish Red Ale aged in Jameson whiskey barrels. [caption id="attachment_549443" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Project Botanicals.[/caption] MATCHING COCKTAILS WITH MEALS Matching wines with dishes is as old as the hills, of course, but cocktail matching is now becoming a thing. One of the biggest champions of this over the years has been Project Botanicals, which is bringing gin-based matches to Australians via a pop-up in Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden this March. Meanwhile, Sydney's Owl House offers an impressive, cocktail-driven degustation menu, with pairs including Pambula oysters and a cynar spritz (cynar, grapefruit, sparkling wine), as well skirt steak (potato, beer, egg, smoked chilli) and a "Buttered Fashion" (butter-infused Bulleit bourbon, honey, bitters).
Thanks to the global pandemic and international border closures, the humble staycation is trending — hard. And Melburnians keen to jump onboard and enjoy a fancy local travel adventure of their own can now save themselves a few extra dollars in the process. For a short time, 14 of the city's luxury hotels are offering guests a second night's accommodation for free, as part of the new FOMO Hotel Experience program from the City of Melbourne and the Accommodation Association. Fancy a weekend living it up in the Paris end of the city, at the historic Hotel Windsor? Or, perhaps you'd like to indulge in a mini-break at the brand new Quincy Hotel on Flinders Lane? Now you can do so without parting with too much of your hard-earned cash, scoring one night's stay free, as well as various other package extras like free parking, complimentary breakfast and a free drink in the onsite bar. Other participating hotels offering the staycation deal include top-shelf options like the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Lancemore Crossley Street, The Sebel Melbourne Docklands and both Brady Hotels locations. No slumming it here, that's for sure. To access the FOMO offer, jump over to the City of Melbourne website to see your options. Then, click through to book two nights at your hotel of choice. Yes, a reminder: you will need to pay for one night to claim your freebie. You'll need to be quick though, as the deal can only be redeemed on stays during April 2021. And, because a scheme like this was always going to be popular, availability for some venues is already filling up fast. For more details about the City of Melbourne's FOMO Hotel Experience, head to the website. Images: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, by Josie Withers for Visit Victoria
Why should inner-city folk have all the fun? The beachside destination of Mornington has just scored a rollicking new watering hole, that's both a little bit divey and a whole lot rock 'n' roll. Named after an album by legendary US indie-rockers Pavement, Wowee Zowee has landed on Main Street, led by a team of hospitality veterans and Mornington Peninsula locals in the know. At the helm, you'll find Something For Kate drummer and owner of Windsor's Yellow Bird Clint Hyndman, along with Paringa Estate Head Chef Simon Tarlington, Cam Marshall (Garagiste Wines, Balcombe Gin) and Craig Baum (Bar Barons). As the name suggests, there's a focus here on good times and great tunes, so expect a carefully put together soundtrack pumping from the speakers. To match, the bar's pouring a diverse and approachable lineup of drops, with imported brews like Kona's Big Wave and Pabst, alongside homegrown heroes including Young Henrys and Melbourne Bitter. There's also a crop of interesting wines, a dedicated tinnie fridge and a rotation of light cocktails — currently including the likes of the Regal Begal, blending Campari and pink grapefruit ($19). Chef Tarlington's chicken-heavy food menu heroes local Peninsula produce, while embracing both Southern American flavours and modern Aussie flair. Head in for dishes like the Dirty Bird, starring fried chicken, honey soy butter and a crumpet ($13); buffalo wings tossed in Frank's Hot Sauce and teamed with a blue cheese ranch ($14); the Wowee Dog ($12); and popcorn cauliflower ($12) with cauliflower ranch. The daily happy hour (4–6pm) is also packed with gems, from $8 pints and $5 wines to $2 chicken drumsticks.
If the recent spate of announcements is anything to go by, we're going to be spending a good chunk of November grooving to live tunes at openair music fests and al fresco gigs right across the state (we're looking at you, Almost Summer, Boiler Room: Naarm and Luliepalooza). And the latest of these to add to your calendar is Illuminate the River — a free all-ages music festival making its home on the banks of the Maribyrnong River this spring. Descending on a riverside pocket of Aberfeldie on Saturday, November 19, the one-day event will pull together a crowd-pleasing lineup of Aussie musical talent, including dance-floor favourites Art vs Science, legendary alt-rockers Something for Kate and Yolngu hip hop star Baker Boy. [caption id="attachment_872340" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Baker Boy, by Charlie Ashfield[/caption] Bringing more of the riverside vibes to the main stage will be pop darling and Eurovision great Montaigne, Queensland singer-songwriter Mia Wray and the kid-friendly Teeny Tiny Stevies, while two other stages will play host to a roster of yet more fresh local acts. The day's fun is set to extend well beyond the tunes, too, with an inflatables regatta taking place on the water and a Box Wars workshop to unleash your creative side, plus food trucks, a pop-up beer garden and carnival rides. Illuminate the River is the work of Moonee Valley City Council, along with the Victorian State Government's live music reinvigoration program On The Road Again. [caption id="attachment_872342" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Something for Kate[/caption]
Head down to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in the coming colder months and chances are — short of actually falling down a rabbit hole, because there are health and safety measures in place — you'll spend a couple of hours flitting about in Wonderland. Now on display at ACMI until October 7, the new exhibition celebrates Lewis Carroll's timeless Alice in Wonderland stories. Running as part of the Victorian Government's Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, Wonderland casts a wide net over the history and evolution of Alice, both in literature and on our screens. Sailing all the way back into the late 1800s to mark the very first sketches of the character, which led in turn to the first silent, black-and-white film of Alice in 1903, the exhibition leads a strollable path all the way through until Tim Burton's 2010 take. Visitors are handed a 'Lost Map of Wonderland' to navigate their way around: both a physical guide and a digital prop, it unlocks interactive parts of the exhibition — so keep it handy. From getting lost in the Hallway of Doors, perusing old prototypes and ancient scribbles that became Carroll's tangible character, to sitting yourself down at an entirely digitally projected Mad Hatter's Tea Party, there's be something to see here even if you're not an original Alice fan. Here's a list of the best five somethings we stumbled on while walking the wonderland trail — some will make you laugh, some might make children cry, but we think they'll all confirm Alice's role as an adventurous and enduring screen and literary icon of our time. [caption id="attachment_663373" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alice Liddell photographed by Lewis Carroll[/caption] EARLY ALICE SKETCHES THAT PAVED THE WAY FOR WONDERFUL FILMS The first section of the exhibition, Hallway Of Doors, contains — as you can probably imagine — more doors than strictly necessary. The idea here is to open, shut and explore, and you'll find yourself stumbling into rooms containing a plethora of late-1800s preliminary sketches by John Tenniel, who illustrated the original edition. You'll also find photos of the real-life Alice Liddell, who was said to be Lewis Carroll's inspiration for the stories. A couple of things to note: the real Alice had brown hair, so the blonde was a later fictive addition, and don't forget to open the drawers in the walls too — they're also full of interesting nuggets. As part of Alice's development throughout modern times, Tenniel's sketches helped lead to Cecil Hepworth's 1903 silent film Alice in Wonderland. Playing in a movie room you'll find yourself walking into (through, of course, another door), it's a fascinating look back not only at the Alice canon, but at early film as well. [caption id="attachment_663103" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Phoebe Powell[/caption] THE MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY You're beckoned into a white room and sat down at a white table filled with white cups and saucers. Looks like a bit of a beige tea party, really. But then the projections start: a stunning digital display sets up the walls as lurid forestry, and the table as stuffed full of food and treats. It's all projected — a trail of ants across the settings included — and it'll leave your head spinning, especially when you factor in the plates turning into clocks at the end. There was always going to be a tea party at this exhibitio, but this proves weird, wonderful and very clever. [caption id="attachment_647497" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jan Švankmajer's 1988 film Alice[/caption] THE UNSETTLING SIDE OF ALICE Just like some aspects of what Alice has encountered in Wonderland, it's not all sunshine and roses at the exhibition. Next you'll enter the section "The Rabbit Sends in A Little Bill", and any children you're walking through with will probably be hushed. A demonstration of the darker places that filmmakers have taken Alice, the most intriguing pick of the bunch is Jan Švankmajer's take on the tale. The Czech director and his wife Eva collaborated on his Alice in 1988, creating some terrifying imagery including strange skulls, teethy fish in wigs and creepy dolls (nope), as well as giving a whole host of young children with some enduring nightmares. It's fascinating though, and certainly on the darker side of the scale versus the Disney-esque, whimsy laden interpretation of Alice. [caption id="attachment_663372" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Phoebe Powell[/caption] YOUR MAP IS PART OF THE EXHIBITION A guide you will definitely want to hang on to, you scan your map at the very start to see which pal will be accompanying you through the exhibition: mine was the Cheshire Cat, and at particular places I got to match my map up to the checkpoints and see the cool cat projected onto the actual map digitally. It's a cleverly used motif — and it's a pretty nice bonus to see your own character dancing around on a piece of paper. For those wishing there was even more interactivity and the chance to have a bit of a craft throwback, when you get to the Queen's Croquet Ground, you can cut out a character from disembodied parts and stick it onto your map, which then gets digitally fed into a projected screen of rose bushes. Next, your created character — with your real head, photographed and stuck on top — dances across the screen painting roses. It's great fun, and kids and adults alike will have a grand old time. MODERN-DAY ALICE AND THE COOL WOMEN THAT BROUGHT HER TO LIFE There's a lot to be said about the 2010 Alice in Wonderland and 2016 Alice Through the Looking Glass (and none of it about Johnny Depp). Mia Wasikowska was a more than fine Alice, giving the character just enough feyness yet pluck for audiences to still follow her willingly down holes and through doors more than 100 years after the character first appeared on screen. But the cool thing here is the fact that — Tim Burton, the first flick's director and both films' producer, aside — a lot of the work was done by some pretty awesome ladies. The exhibition showcases costume designer Colleen Atwood, whose incredibly intricate outfits for the first movie won an Academy Award — and the armour costume Wasikowska wore is a particular highlight. Then there's the contributions of the woman who gave a voice to these incarnations of the character in the first place: Linda Woolverton. Writing the screenplays for both recent Alice films, she was also the first woman to write an animated feature for Disney back with Beauty and the Beast in 1991. And for Alice? Woolverton was the first woman to be credited as a sole writer on a billion-dollar film. Perhaps Alice, all these years later, has now taken a tumble into the realm of girl power.
Last year, David Walsh, founder of Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) first announced plans for an epic five-star hotel — among other things — on the site of the iconic Hobart gallery. Now, it's one step closer to becoming a reality, with Walsh submitting a development application for approval. The Hotel at MONA — which has changed it's name from HoMo to Motown — has been described as the next phase of growth for the museum, which, since opening in 2011, has become one of Tasmania's biggest draws. So now that the wheels are officially in motion, what exactly can visitors (and locals) expect from the proposed addition to the Berridale site? And what other changes do Walsh and co. have up their sleeves? Well, a lot. The hotel, designed by architect Nonda Katsalidis and Walsh, will be built on the museum's current site in Berridale. With rooms elevated over the Derwent River, it's designed to look like an inverted suspension bridge, though in a statement released by MONA, it's described as "a shopping trolley that looks a bit like an inverted suspension bridge". Motown will consist of 176 rooms, including a number of special 'experience' rooms developed by a selection of internationally renowned artists. Rooms facing the northeast will enjoy a view of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, while rooms facing southeast will look up the river towards Claremont and Otago Bay. It looks nuts. It will also have its own three-storey library to house Walsh's collection of rare books and manuscripts ("a growing nerd fest of bibliophilic paraphernalia") and an indoor theatre with seating for over 1000 people. Most notably, there will also be an outdoor stage and amphitheatre complete with playgrounds designed by textile artist Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam, American sculptor Tom Otterness and design studio Daily tous les jours. Back inside, there'll be a new bar and 180-seat restaurant, and with MONA already home to the acclaimed Faro — which has its own bespoke James Turrell installations — we can expect it to be impressive. Speaking of Turrell, the world-famous artist, who's best known for his artworks combining light, space and psychology, will be designing the hotel's spa alongside Serbian performance artist Marina Abramović. We don't think there are going to be any of your run-of-the-mill hot stone treatments or mani-pedis here. And how do you get to the colossal hotel, which is perched on the edge of the River Derwent? By Venice-style water taxis, of course. With construction hoping to kick off relatively soon the building is expected to be completed by 2024 — although the plans still need to be approved by the Glenorchy City Council. It's an ambitious project with an equally ambitious price tag: around $400 million. We'll be keeping an eye on this one. Motown is slated for completion in 2024. For more information, head to the MONA website.
Dark Mofo, as the Tasmanian winter solstice festival's name might suggest, has a penchant for that which is usually relegated to the shadows. This is now more true than ever with the announcement that Ulver, one of Norway's premier black metal bands, making the crossing to indulge our dark habits come June. Kritstoffer Rygg, lead vocalist of the self proclaimed "pack of Vikings", has called their addition on the line up "a trip extraordinaire and no doubt a once in a lifetime opportunity for Ulver". They'll take the stage at the Odeon Theatre in Hobart on June 15. Ulver are known in their native Norway, and around the world, for their experimental take on an often misunderstood genre. Since their formation in 1993, the group has pushed the boundaries in their music, blending elements of electronica, industrial, and symphonic sonics to create a unique sound. Their 2016 album, ATGCLVLSSCAP, experiments with driving rhythms and binding guitar riffs echoing on the tracks, creating an album that builds a mood rather than simply telling a story. This kind of experimentation makes them the perfect fit for a festival about the darker side of things. Last year's Dark Mofo festival featured the Hymns to the Dead event, which boasted a lineup of international death and black metal bands. The event, which took place a week before the winter solstice, a day that celebrates rebirth cycles, mythologies and mysticism in many ancient cultures, and Ulver's announcement on the 2017 program looks to similarly pull the audience into a hypnotic that promotes a deeper exploration of the more sinister side of our existence. Dark Mofo, taking place between June 8 and June 21 in Hobart, is not only a celebration of art, music, and all things aesthetically pleasing. The festival explores themes of mythology and nature, darkness and light, death and renewal, and takes its audience on a trip that delves into the deeper mysteries of our world. Including Ulver on the bill adds a certain dark, ethereal element to the program. Image: Ingrid Aas.
Melbourne is a city of cyclists. Sure, the bike paths in the CBD could use more work. Sure, tram tracks are basically the enemy of everyone on two wheels. But still, there's no better place to be on a bike. Except maybe Amsterdam. They're so good at it, they don't even have to wear helmets. Urban Bicycles is a store that gives you the best of both worlds — Dutch-made bikes sold in Melbourne's inner suburbs for cheaps. This weekend they're having a one-off warehouse sale where bikes from premier brands Lekker and Vanmoof will be discounted up to 50 percent. As well as helmets, saddles, lights and locks, there will be everything from leisurely single speeds to slick European wheels befitting a pro. Get down to 392 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne between 11am and 5pm on either Saturday or Sunday and barter your way into a slick Dutch ride.
Your home bar game is about to level up a few notches, regardless of wherever your own mixology skills are at. Maybe Sammy —aka the Sydney bar that took out 11th spot in last year's World's 50 Best Bars list — has just dropped a new line of premium signature bottled cocktails that'll basically turn your living room into a world-class drinking destination. Two years in the making, and created by Maybe Sammy's crack team of shakers and stirrers, each of the three new releases comes pre-batched, ready to chill and pour. There's the tequila-based eucalyptus gimlet jazzed up with grapefruit bitters and mango, and a chic take on the negroni that's infused with jasmine. Or, opt for the floral notes — and pepper and cedar, too — of the chamomile martini. Each comes with tailored serving instructions so you can enjoy the drink exactly as the experts intended, whether that's in a frozen martini glass garnished with a lemon twist, or tumbled into a rocks glass with a wedge of orange. The Maybe Sammy crew has taken care of all the hard work for you, experimenting with various plant infusions and testing and fine-tuning its way to some premium top-shelf cocktails. Which, as anyone with a kitchen cupboard full of random, almost-full spirits and liqueurs can agree, is a very handy thing. The new cocktails are all available as 100-millilitre solo serves, as well as by the 500-millilitre bottle. You can also snap up a gift pack featuring small serves of all three drinks. Maybe Sammy's new eucalyptus gimlet, jasmine negroni and chamomile martini cocktails are each available by the single-serve 100-millilitre bottle ($18) or the 500-millilitre share bottle ($69). Head over to the bar's website to order, with home delivery available Australia-wide.
