Back in 2014, before he slipped into Black Panther's suit, Chadwick Boseman stepped into James Brown's shoes. Playing the iconic musician in Get On Up, Boseman lit up the screen — and while he'll forever be known for his time in Wakanda, the biopic ranks among his greatest performances. Although Boseman's career was tragically cut short due to his death to cancer in August this year, the actor has one more film set to reach screens — and it too sees him playing music. To be specific, he's playing the blues as an ambitious trumpeter called Levee in the new movie adaptation of August Wilson's play Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. On the stage since 1982, and now in this new Netflix movie version, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom focuses on an afternoon recording session in 1920s Chicago. Ma Rainey, the "Mother of the Blues" (played by Viola Davis), is the star of the session, but she's running late as she fights with her manager over control of her music. As the band waits, Levee and fellow musicians Cutler (Colman Domingo, If Beale Street Could Talk), Toledo (Glynn Turman, Fargo) and Slow Drag (Michael Potts, True Detective) bide their time swapping stories in the rehearsal room. As helmed by Tony-winning playwright and theatre director George C. Wolfe (for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches and Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom hits streaming on December 18 — and, while this time of year brings awards speculation about almost every weighty drama with a high-profile cast, Boseman and Davis in particular have been the subject of plenty of predictions. As well as marking Boseman's final film, it's his second this year — and his second Netflix feature, too — following his potent supporting role in Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods. Check out the trailer for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ord7gP151vk Ma Rainey's Black Bottom will be available to stream via Netflix from December 18. Top image: David Lee, Netflix.
Contemporary jewellery and object biennial Radiant Pavilion will return to Melbourne at the end of August, bringing more Australian and international artists than you can shake a stick at — luckily, you'll have a whole week to try. With 80 events across 62 venues, you'd best start early. Expect to find a lane paved in gold leaf on Crossley Street, drink sake out of handmade cups in Flinders Lane, and peep jewellery in every arty way you can imagine across the streets and venues of the city. Street works, exhibitions, performances and masterclasses will make up the weekend from artists such as Robert Baines, Liv Boyle, Helen Britton and Yutaka Minegishi (and that's just a few). There's also New Colony, a public installation of an imagined swarm of unidentified insects who take up residence in Flinders Lane, and 2483 Melbourne Tailoresses' Union Triptych in which a number of resin pendants represent individual striking female tailors in 1882-83. Past, present and future will converge in the event, so don't miss seeing your old mate Melbourne in a new light from August 26 till September 3.
Australia has scored some pretty high-quality ice creams this summer. First, Peters and Messina teamed up for a limited-edition run of gourmet drumsticks. Now, Streets is getting onboard. It has just dropped a whole heap of vegan ice creams — and all its most-popular brands are involved. Vegan Magnums, Cornettos and Weis Bars, as well as four new dairy-free Ben & Jerry's tubs, have hit the freezer-aisle shelves in supermarkets and convenience stores nationally. The Magnums, available in either dairy-free Classic or Almond, are made using pea protein, which sounds kind of strange, but we're certainly willing to give them a crack. They're $4 each or $7 for a three. The Cornetto can be found exclusively at Woolworths and is made using soy ice cream, hazelnuts and vegan chocolate. They're $9 for a four-pack, but are currently on sale for $6 — so now's the time to try. Dairy-free Weis Bars comes in raspberry and coconut and will set you back $3.20 a pop (or $6.80 for four) while Ben & Jerry's new almond-milk based flavours ($12 for a pint — that's about 475ml) feature fudge brownie, cinnamon buns, peanut butter and cookies and something called the Coconut Seven Layer Bar, which is filled with fudge chunks, walnuts and swirls of graham cracker and caramel. Check out the vegan Almond Magnum and Cornetto in all their dairy-free glory: If you're a Halo Top fan, you'll be happy to know that Ben & Jerry's has also dropped a line of low-cal tubs — chocolate cookies, caramel cookie and peanut butter cookie dough — which clock in at 150–160 cals a pop for 115ml. They're also $12 each and can be found at Coles, petrol stations and convenience stores nationally. There's no word on how long these dairy-free delights are going to hang around for (we're hoping they're in for the long haul) but just in case — run, don't walk. Vegan Magnums, Weis Bars and new Ben & Jerry's tubs can now be found at supermarkets and convenience stores around the country. The Vegan Cornetto is available at Woolworths only.
It's clear that more Londoners want to ride their bikes more often than ever before. In fact, between 2001 and 2011, the number of them cycle commuting to work doubled. The problem is, though, that the city's rabbit warren-like infrastructure doesn't always mean there’s enough room for two-wheelers, taxis and regular vehicles to share the road harmoniously. A $1.4 billion, 24-kilometre cycle super highway, initiated by Lord Mayor Boris Johnson, has made many a journey much smoother. But, to many bicycle-inclined minds, it’s just the beginning. Earlier this year, architect Lord Norman Foster put forward SkyCycle: an elevated, car-free bike path that would see cyclists cruising around above London, E.T.-style (kind of). And now, there’s a new proposal in the works: the Thames Deckway. It’s a 12-kilometre long cycle path that would float on the River Thames. Created by a group of engineers, architects and artists who’ve named themselves the River Cycleway Consortium Ltd, it would start at Battersea in the West and stretch all the way to Canary Wharf in the east, sitting quite close to the river’s south bank. So it would be well out of the way of the barges, ferries, rowers and paddlers who travel along the primary navigation channel. Cyclists would be able to hop on and off the route at various points via embankment ramps, where kiosks would offer refreshments in the way of snacks and beverages. The path would cater, not only to commuters, but also to those out for a leisurely recreational ride, and would be designed to rise and fall according to tidal changes. To minimise potential dangers, an elaborate system of sensors and satellites would alert the land-bound world to threats and hazards. "London needs to think outside the box of conventional solutions to solve its deep-seated traffic and pollution problems," a spokesperson said in a media statement. "The Thames offers vast, untapped potential to ease and improve London's infrastructure problems. What is needed is imagination to unleash it." The Consortium, which was established by London-based artist Anna Hill and architect David Nixon, and includes engineering company Arup and Hugh Broughton Architects, would need to raise 600 million GBP from private investors to put the plan into action. Cyclists would be charged 1.50 GBP per ride, to go towards maintenance. Via Dezeen.
Everyone loves a hero. Some people even hold out for one. So when a bar opens with heroes as its namesake, we're, naturally, interested. And when that bar features three levels of karaoke, barbecue and a rooftop bar, we're making a beeline to its front door. Firstly, you need to find it. Despite it being a very-visible three storeys, you have to ride the elevator from Nitro Lab on Bourke Street — up to the drinking and eating level — to get inside. As soon you step out the elevator, senses are assaulted. Hit the stellar list of cocktails as your first port of call (there's also a decent selection of local and international wines) — all designed to work well with the Asian flavours coming off the dumpling-focused food menu. You can also eat and drink in the rooftop garden, one floor up, with its gaudy coloured fibreglass tables. Karaoke fiends can hit the mic on the floor beneath the bar. You do have to book the karaoke room which will get you two hours of belting out your favourite bangers. Images: Eugene Hyland
In 1963, "muckraking" journalist Jessica Mitford (the staunchly left-wing sister-in-law to the UK's most famous pre-war fascist leader) wrote the seminal expose of the funeral industry: The American Way of Death. Mitford revealed funeral-parlour up-selling, lay-by burial rip-offs and a whole seedy underbelly that would sound pretty familiar to anyone who was scared of the undertaking competitors in Six Feet Under. For Matters of Life and Death, the Performance Space has pulled together a number of productions with a similar urge to pry into our fears of the workings of the unspeakable hereafter. Each ruminates on death and our anxieties about this looming personal apocolpyse. To get a better idea of how the undiscovered country has affected their mindset, Concrete Playground asked some of the people behind this season's productions their views on a few pertinent, eschatological questions. Unsettling Suite Is there a theory of death from life, myth or fiction that appeals most to your work? In Bone Library, which will be presented in Unsettling Suite as only a fragment of a much, much larger work. This work was inspired in its earliest stages by the historic repatriation of burial pouches, full of incinerated bone meal, to the Aboriginal people of Tasmania by the British Museum. Traditional Aboriginal burial rituals are really beautiful, I think, if it were still possible under Commonwealth law, which it isn't, of course, I'd love to meet my end in a traditional way. The body of the person is left out, above ground, inside a cave or a hollow log. The animals and insects feast on the remains, and after the bones have been picked clean, the skeleton is retrieved. The bones are regarded as objects of absolute preciousness, of course, they are the only physical remainder of your loved one. So the bones are distributed among the family, who carry the bone with them. One of the most shocking and irreconcilable things about death is the sudden and absolute absence of the person. Even if a person declines slowly, the moment of death is always sudden and always a shock to us emotionally and spiritually. I really think we have been stripped of whatever tools we once had to deal with this most basic fact of our humanity. I do wish that that I could carry the bones of the people I love, and that they could carry mine, with the knowledge that the rest of me has gone back into the land to nourish the continued cycle of life. Sarah-Jane Norman's Unsettling Suite is on February 23 to March 10. Photo by Penelope Benton. The Last Supper What is your production's view of death? It's odd that the word production is used in the same sentence as death — they don't sit well together. I'd never say that our Last Supper project is about death. It's about a lot of things: life, history, fame, executions, revolution, change, eating too much, eating too little. We serve last meal requests from prisoners who were on death row Texas. It takes the title of an event from a man who was also to be executed 2000 years ago, but we're serving food. And some of that food has meant the death of something else. If I start to get involved in this thought process, I find myself becoming stuck in a repeating cycle. You know the experience of experiencing this performance will die away, eventually. Or it will change. Or it might inspire another performance. I do hope so. Mole Wetherall answered on behalf of Reckless Sleepers. The Last Supper runs February 27 - March 9. NightTime: Live and Let Die Is there a theory of death from life, myth or fiction that appeals most to your work? Albert Brooks' 1991 Defending Your Life is my favourite movie about the afterlife. Purgatory is an LA courtroom where your life is examined to see if you're brave enough to go to heaven. Also Meryl Streep is really good in it. Our edition of Nighttimes will hopefully be a similar. People being as brave and adventurous as they can, while you sit back and judge them. With some death metal thrown in. Eddie Sharp is the guest curator for Matters of Life and Death's Nighttime: Live and Let Die on March 2. Photo by Lucy Parakhina. Mortality talking - Gas Bag What is your production's view of death? If we have an intimate relationship with the fact that our life — all life — will and does end, then this impacts on the choices we make, and the quality of our time in this fleshy envelope. This gasbag. This is why it's imperative to get the social and cultural practices around death (eg the funeral industry) and dying (as a medicalised experience) re-contextualised as the inevitable extension of our birthright. Back into our vocabulary, our thoughts, understanding and — for those who want to — our hands. How to create death literacy? That's what my practice as a death literacy educator, celebrant, artist and counselor is about and those are the ideas that Mortality Talking is playing with. Victoria Spence responded on behalf of Mortality Talking- Gas Bag. It plays on March 9. There's also a questionnaire feeding into the performance. Photo by Heidrun Lohr. Death (cha) Kucha What is your productions' view of death? At the Centre for the History of Emotions we are particularly interested in the emotional aspects of death and dying. One powerful example is suicide. Suicide is hard to talk about. It involves immense psychic pain, both on an individual level and amongst society more broadly. If we can uncover various forms of emotional response to suicide from various cultures across history, then we can begin to place our own understanding of that impulse and its consequences in perspective. This kind of historical understanding has the potential to inform current medical practices. At Death(cha) Kucha we will be discussing suicide, as well as executions, infanticide and other social taboos. Our aim is to critically engage our audience with their own attitude towards death; right before they sit down to Reckless Sleepers' The Last Supper. Gabriel Watts responded on behalf of the death-focused pecha-kucha, Death(cha) Kucha: with the Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions, on March 8. Image of the Dance of Death. Performance Anxiety What is your production's view of death? Some of the characters die, some are killed, some kill, some stare death directly in the face; and some are consumed by the overwhelming sense of loss that the death of a loved one can bring. Performance Anxiety acknowledges that death is inevitable. Alongside this acknowledgement of death, though, it also seeks to embrace life,and especially an approach to life that is not unnecessarily encumbered by fear and anxiety. Brian Lucas's Performance Anxiety is on February 27 - March 8. Photo by Fiona Cullen. Desensitising Death: A Night of Film What culture do you think deals best with death? In comparison to other cultures, the Western World shrouds death in secrecy and still refuses to integrate it into our lives. This cannot be said when it comes to popular culture and the world of entertainment. Since the birth of cinema, death has been exploited on the screen for its entertainment value. Miss Death and Jay Katz's Desensitising Death: A Night of Film plays at the Clubhouse program, March 9. Image from Psycho.
While your newsfeeds have been inundated with restaurant closures, travel bans, and many event cancellations, there has been some uplifting news, too. One of them is Cream Town: an online art shop showcasing works by Australian artists financially impacted by COVID-19. The initiative was sparked by the need to support local creatives in a time where a lot of exhibitions, freelance gigs and general work have dried up. So, if you're in the market for some new art, you can now invest for a good cause. Started by photographer Isaebella Doherty, Cream Town has already sold roughly $4000 worth of prints since launching last week on Thursday, March 19. The project has a very egalitarian ethos, with any out-of-work artist — emerging or well-known — able to put their works up for sale. "We're all in the same situation at the moment," Doherty told Concrete Playground. You won't find the usual art-world elitism here. What you will find is a diverse selection of eye-catching prints, from photography to collage and illustration. Each work is priced at $100, which is a whole let less than what you'd usually spend to adorn your walls. And, seeing as you're spending so much time at home currently, you may as well do a little redecoration and buy yourself one (or a few). If you can't splash that cash right now (or want to contribute more), you can make a donation, which will be evenly distributed between all artists. Works are currently being printed by Melbourne studio Hound & Bone, have a limited run of ten and can be shipped around Australia for a flat postage fee of $12.95. [caption id="attachment_766131" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Maree Downs' by Madi Whyte[/caption] Even though Cream Town came to fruition in these uncertain times, it hopes to continue supporting the arts community — even when the world is back to normal. Head to Cream Town to check it out and buy yourself a piece of $100 art. If you're an artist and would like to get involved, you can express interest via Instagram or the website. Top mages: Brodie Clark, 'Shlurp'; Ella Fitzgerald, 'Gaia'; Quince Frances. 'Riparian ecosystems'; Dani Marano, 'Roman Holiday'; Isaebella Doherty, 'Pretty Things #2'.
A much-loved northside summer pop-up is making its long-awaited return next month, as the Coburg Night Market takes over Coburg Courtyard from Friday, December 9–Sunday, December 11. Whether you're stocking up on prezzies or just want to soak up the start of those long summer nights, the free, dog-friendly market promises three days jam-packed with good stuff. Not least of which are the live tunes, curated by the selectors at Triple R. Pull up a picnic rug and treat your ears to sounds from the likes of Rainbow Chan, Yung Shogun, dj pgz, Simon Winkler, Srirachi, Jaguar, Small Fry and more. Shoppers will also find a tidy curation of market stalls from local creatives and businesses. Expect threads by the likes of Winkie Vintage and Green Ant, accessories from names like Fiona Howes and Polypairs, and artworks by Lawz Drawz, plus homewares, candles, condiments, textiles, whisky, pantry goodies and more. And no one will be going hungry, thanks to a bumper lineup of food and drink pop-ups slinging their wares across all three days. Bring your appetite to feast on dishes from the likes of Bao Melbourne, Brat n Roll, Nohadra's Kitchen, Porcupine Eatery and Real OG Burger, to name a few. Coburg Night Market will run from 5–10pm on December 9, 12–10pm on December 10 and 12–8pm on December 11. Images: Nic Cleary and Coburg Night Market
iFly Melbourne is reopening on Monday, June 22. Always wanted to soar though the air, but never felt the need to jump out of a plane? That's where iFLY comes in. Open on the Gold Coast since 2016 and in Brisbane from last month, the indoor skydiving chain has officially opened the doors to its first Melbourne outpost in late 2019. The $15 million centre is located in a warehouse in Essendon Fields, just off the Calder near DFO. It's hoping to cater to daredevils who like their thrills a little closer to home (and closer to the ground) with a purpose-built vertical wind tunnel that gives you the sensation of free-falling from the sky. (You can also pretend you're reliving whichever skydiving-based movie scene takes your fancy — finding your inner Keanu, Point Break–style, is our pick.) Here's how it works: the vertical wind tunnel whips up wind from above, which is then pushed down the sides of the structure. Next, the air is channelled up out of the floor, into the enclosed glass chamber. Eager adrenaline junkies then float on the kind of cushion that no one can see — while supervised by a certified skydiving instructor, because safety still matters. You'll be fully briefed on what to do beforehand — and you'll end up riding the wind for around a minute, which is approximately one-and-a-half times the usual tandem skydive length according to iFLY. For two flights (and all the training and gear), you'll be paying $79 off-peak. For four flights, it's $119 and family packages start at $365. iFly is open every day of the week from 9am until 10pm, so you can fly after work, too. [caption id="attachment_719318" align="alignnone" width="1920"] iFLY Brisbane[/caption]
It's summertime, which means plenty of days hanging at the beach, or in the park, and relaxing in the sun. And while summer reads are an essential part of any good trip outside, some days we're left either squinting against the glare or fighting that inevitable sunglasses tan. On those days, reach for your headphones and check out one of these podcasts instead. From true tales of murderous doctors to mind-boggling stories of viral Reddit threads, these podcasts will keep you entertained and informed this summer — whether you're relaxing at the beach or commuting on a train. SERIAL SEASON THREE The cult-favourite podcast Serial returned for its third season in September 2018, having been silent since season two aired back in 2015. Season three focuses on the entire criminal justice system in the US — and, more specifically, on the inconsistencies and failures of the courts in Cleveland, Ohio. Host Sarah Koenig (This American Life) and her crew spent one year in the Cleveland courts, where they recorded not only in courtrooms but also in judge's chambers, prosecutors' offices and back hallways, plus outside the courthouse in family members' houses, streets and prisons. Koenig witnessed an onslaught of court offences, including extra charges, pressure to plead guilty, shabby police work, "eleventh hour" evidence and dozing jurors and a judge — all ending with outsized prison sentences. Again, the story unfolds week-by-week, but this time follows different cases each time in the nine-episode season. Listen to Serial Season Three here. SLOW BURN SEASON TWO A Slate Plus production, Slow Burn explores "subplots, strange details, and forgotten characters" of contemporary political history in the United States. While season one focused on Nixon's Watergate scandal of the 1970s, season two (released in August 2018) investigates the 1998 impeachment of President Bill Clinton — during which Clinton was accused of having sexual relations with his intern Monica Lewinksy, and was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice for lying about it under oath. Host Leon Neyfakh explores this story of political and sexual scandal in depth, finding modern-day parallels, including similarities to the #MeToo movement. Whether you remember the scandal or not, the podcast explores it in a new, 2019-appropriate, light. Listen to Slow Burn here. DR. DEATH Dr. Death follows the deeply disturbing true story of Christopher Duntsch, a Texas neurosurgeon who was convicted of gross malpractice and sentenced to life in prison in 2017. A whopping 33 of his patients were left seriously injured from his operations — two of which died on the operating table. Created by Wondery — the network behind another wildly popular podcast, Dirty John — and hosted by the award-winning health and science reporter Laura Beil, the ten-episode season finished this December. It explores a medical system that fails to protect patients and the horrors that can await in the operating room because of it. Listen to Dr. Death here. NO MAN'S LAND No Man's Land dives into stories of some of the most trailblazing and game-changing, yet lesser known, women of history. The first season aired in November, with five episodes out so far. Some of the women featured include mid-1900s poet Sylvia Plath; investigative journalist and civil rights activist from the late 1800s, Ida B Wells; and Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta. The latest episode examines the originators of women's social clubs, and the resulting groups' power and influence. Host Alexis Coe is also the in-house historian for the podcast's creators, The Wing — a networking company that runs community spaces for women. Listen to No Man's Land here. THE TEACHER'S PET A must-listen for fans of murder-mystery, The Australian-created podcast The Teacher's Pet looks into the 1982 disappearance of Lynette Dawson — the wife of rugby league player and teacher Chris Dawson. The podcast unveils large amounts of evidence that had not been previously collected or examined by police, including details of the couple's marriage, Lynette's disappearance and Chris Dawson's affair with a 16-year-old student. Late last year, the podcast was awarded the 2018 Gold Walkley Award, one of Australia's most prestigious journalism awards. Hosted by award-winning Australian journalist Hedley Thomas, the 14-episode podcast aired in May, with two additional episodes added at the end of December following Chris's arrest and release after being granted bail. More episodes are also expected to air as new leads are unearthed, so this is the ideal time to get into this podcast. Listen to Teacher's Pet here. THE WITCH HUNT SEASON TWO As the title indicates, The Witch Hunt investigates famous witch hunts in history, both "literal and metaphorical" — starting, of course, with Salem, Massachusetts in season one. In season two, which aired back in April 2017, the focus is on the 'satanic panic' of the late-1900s, when the imagined existence of satanic ritual abuse in the States led to a pandemic of fear and paranoia. The eight episodes feature interviews with the likes of award-winning investigative journalist Jordan Smith (The Intercept) and Historical Blindness podcast host Nathan Lloyd. The Witch Hunt explores scapegoating of all kinds, too, including topics like child abuse allegations and Dungeons and Dragons (yes, the board game). Listen to The Witch Hunt here. CALIPHATE The New York Times' podcast Caliphate follows reporter Rukmini Callimachi, whose career focuses on Islamic extremism. The investigative podcast centres around the fall of Mosul — when the Iraqi Army was defeated by the Islamic State in 2014. The ten-chapter season asks questions like "who is it that ISIS appeals to, and how?" and "who are we really fighting"? Callimachi speaks with recruits, former and returned ISIS members, and detainees, as well as enslaved victims of the Islamic State. Released in April 2018, the powerful series unveils the reality of being a terrorism reporter on the front line and sheds light on the nature of ISIS violence. Listen to Caliphate here. ENDLESS THREAD While some people like to focus on internet's ability to isolate, WBUR and Reddit have combined forces to explore the ways in which it creates shared experiences and connections between people — on all sides of the globe. Endless Thread digs through Reddit communities to uncover stories that reveal the true potential of the internet, and some of them are fascinating, hilarious and horrifying. The podcast is hosted by Ben Brock Johnson (Marketplace Tech, Codebreaker) and WBUR's producer Amory Sivertson (Modern Love: The Podcast). It launched in January 2018 and continues to air every Friday. It promises to be more than cat videos, but also full of cat videos, and covers everything from miraculous near-misses (including a pilot landing a plane sans windshield) to a viral flyer selling a Soylent sculpture. Whether you love or hate Reddit, this one is worth the listen. Listen to Endless Thread here. LADIES, WE NEED TO TALK Exploring topics of work, health and sexuality, Ladies, We Need To Talk is created by women for women. It's an ABC Radio Podcasts production and was the winner of the 2018 Australian Podcast Awards for Best Lifestyle and Heath Podcast. Hosted by Australian TV presenter Yumi Stynes, the ongoing episodes delve into topics like anxiety, hormones, being judged by looks instead of intelligence and society's obsession with youth. Styne — who's joined on the show by a lineup of influential female Aussies — shares personal stories and discusses the struggle for women to balance work and private life. Ladies, We Need To Talk also encourages listeners to call in and share their own stories. Listen to Ladies We Need To Talk here. HEAVYWEIGHT The award-winning podcast Heavyweight just completed it's third season in December and continues to be a firm favourite amongst audiences and critics alike. It's hosted by comedian and author Jonathan Goldstein (This American Life, WireTap), who considers himself something of a "therapist with a time machine". He presents an usual podcast that tells the stories of ordinary people who have a major regret in life. In each episode, Goldstein guides a different person back to a pivotal crossroad in their life and helps them confront and, hopefully, overcome it. For example, in the first episode, Goldstein attempts to reunite his 80-year-old dad, Buzz, with his older brother. Heavyweight also encourages email submissions for the show. So, if you have a moment in time you want to get back or change, might as well try your luck — who knows, we might be hearing you in a future episode. Listen to Heavyweight here.
Bluesfest has lifted the lid on its second artist announcement for 2019, adding 19 more names to the festival's already hefty 30th anniversary lineup. Heading this latest stampede is music legend Paul Kelly. He'll be hitting the five-day Easter long weekend festival just out of Byron after touring the country for his pre-Christmas show Making Gravy (which has sold out in most cities). More second announcement names include Irish singer Hozier, chart-topping UK artist David Gray and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mavis Staples — who, fittingly, co-wrote and sang on Hozier's last hit single 'Nina Cried Power'. They'll place alongside two huge headliners: Jack Johnson and Ben Harper, who will play with his band The Innocent Criminals. Both artists will be performing exclusively at Bluesfest, with Johnson making his third appearance at the festival after first appearing in 2001 and again in 2014. S Other acts taking to the stage at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm over the weekend include Aussies Kasey Chambers and Richard Clapton, six-piece soul band St. Paul and The Broken Bones and Grammy Award-winning jazz and funk collective Snarky Puppy. American singer and record producer George Clinton will perform one of his last live shows ever, before retiring in May, alongside his funk collective Parliament-Funkadelic. Anyway, here's the full lineup (so far). Better start making Easter plans because tickets are already selling fast. BLUESFEST 2019 LINEUP SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT Paul Kelly Hozier David Gray Julia Stone Gary Clark Jr. Mavis Staples Flogging Molly Meshell Ndegeocello Ruthie Foster Shakey Graves Anderson East Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Samantha Fish The War and Treaty Mojo Juju Caiti Baker Deva Mahal Melody Angel Hussy Hicks FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT Jack Johnson Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals Ray Lamontagne George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic Snarky Puppy Kasey Chambers St Paul and The Broken Bones Nahko and Medicine for the People Tommy Emmanuel Colin Hay Arlo Guthrie Keb' Mo' Tex Perkins Allen Stone Richard Clapton Russell Morris Kurt Vile and The Violators Vintage Trouble The Black Sorrows The California Honeydrops Trevor Hall I'm With Her Larkin Poe Irish Mythen Elephant Sessions Greensky Blugrass Rockwiz Live + more to be announced. Bluesfest 2019 will run April 18 to April 22 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. More details and ticket info here. Image: Cybele Malinowski and Joseph Mayers.
Melbourne Music Week's tenth anniversary deserves a send-off equally as grand as its hefty program, so expect some very big things from the 2019 Closing Party, wrapping things up on Saturday, November 23. An annual favourite and sure-fire crowd-puller, the event will this year unfold amongst the depths of Hamer Hall, transforming the spaces beneath the building's mezzanine level into a music-filled feast for the senses. It's set to be a supremely dance-friendly affair, headlined by none other than electro-house darling Rosa Terenzi. She's hitting Melbourne fresh from a recent global tour, squeezing in just this one MMW appearance before heading off to grace the stage at Strawberry Fields. Terenzi's joined on the bill by Klasse Wrecks label bosses Luca Lozano and Mr Ho, who'll each be bringing their own signature house stylings to the decks. Perth dance music legend and RTRFM presenter Rok Riley rounds out the lineup. Expect underground vibes aplenty as you party late into the night.
Whether you're a big nature nerd or err on the indifferent side to the science of it all, chances are you've seen at least some of Sir David Attenborough's Blue Planet. The BBC nature documentary series — narrated by the man himself and accompanied by an epic score from Hans Zimmer — first aired back in 2001, and its follow-up second season, Blue Planet II, was released just last year. But the bits you've seen on TV or YouTube are sure to be belittled when the BBC brings the live show to Australia this April. Like the performances of Harry Potter and Star Wars we've seen in recent months, Blue Planet II Live in Concert will see the documentary screened in all its glory accompanied by a live orchestra. And it's a big score. The music for Blue Earth II was composed by none other than Hans Zimmer (responsible for epics like The Lion King, Gladiator, The Dark Knight Rises and Inception) alongside Jacob Shea and David Fleming. In Australia, the score will be performed by three of the country's leading orchestras and, in lieu of Attenborough, Ab Fab's Joanna Lumley will be narrating in real time. The show will travel around Australia in March 2019, visiting Sydney on Saturday, March 9. In the meantime, you can watch ehe first season of Blue Planet on Netflix. Image: Hugh Miller, copyright BBC NHU (2016).
Dinner parties always seem like a good idea. But just thinking about the shopping, setting up, cooking and cleaning can be enough to drive you to drink, often at a pricey bar. Never fear, there are some easy tricks to hosting a cracker of a meal that is easy on the wallet and won’t test your sanity. As spring beckons urging us to act on our festive impulses, many of us will brave it. Let us present to you our tips for the time poor and culinary challenged in our bluffer’s guide to hosting the perfect dinner party. Setting Up Alfresco dining is always preferable. As George Michael will tell you, people just have more fun outside. And don’t worry if your backyard is wearing the wounds of less classy occasions. Do a quick sweep-up (no need to be too fussy) and fill the place with random objects, fairy lights and lots of candles – I like to stick them in old booze bottles. Imperfections, somehow, become charming in dim lighting. Light a fire. Cover the table in something black - it’s forgiving - and pour all the wine into carafes. It is an undeniable fact that wine tastes more expensive when poured from a carafe. Vases or glass containers of any description will work also. Once setup, get the tunes going. It’s important that your playlist is tailored to accompany the swim of lady alcohol through your guests. Regardless of your preferred genre, there is a formula I’ve found never fails. Start with something new, slowly move into some cult classics, finally, if the mood is right, get a little bit tragic. Entrée Save the unnecessary effort, and washing up, that comes with preparing individual dishes and simply throw a nice platter together. The key is to know where to pick up some good grub for picking. Thankfully the city is teeming with amazing delis. Throw everything straight on the platter, no little dishes. And you need some bread. This is not the time for Wonder White, though. Try a spelt or a kamut if you want to go gourmet. Rip it up and serve straight on the board with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic for dipping. Discarded jar lids come in handy. Set it beside the table and let the guests graze casually. Main course I opted for a vegetarian risotto. It’s cheap, easy and will keep your vegetarians and gluten haters at bay (you can hold out on the cheese if need be, but it seems lactose intolerance has become a bit passé). Any old Google recipe will do, just toss through your favourite bits and pieces and be sure to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Throw together a simple salad. Rocket, pear, walnut and parmesan is my go-to. The nightcap As the evening curtails, it is nice to introduce a new beverage. Boil some cheap plonk with oranges, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla (or whatever condiments you’ve got!) and voila! Mulled wine. I like to throw some rhubarb in also. And maybe a splash of port if it’s on hand. Whether the night evolves into a political debate or a living room dance-off, you’ve certainly set your guests up for a good one. Sit back, relax and bask in the host’s glory.
UPDATE Friday, June 24: The Lume has added further yoga class dates to its calendar, with both Wednesday and Sunday sessions now running until July 31. See the current program and book tickets here. The following has been updated to reflect the change. Since its launch in November 2021, multi-sensory digital art gallery The Lume has been showcasing the works of Van Gogh via an immersive display of room-sized moving images, aromas and sounds. But this winter, head along to one of the new Wellness Sundays sessions and you'll get to see it in a whole new light. And probably from a few new angles, too. Running Sunday mornings through June and July in conjunction with Happy Melon Studios, the 60-minute guided yoga flow classes will see you getting bendy as immersive large-scale visuals wash gently over you. Curated sounds and a bespoke scent will round out the whole zen experience. Each week is set to feature a differently themed suite of immersive imagery and tunes; and with names like Mesmerising Space, Bhutanese Monastery, Oceanic Drive and Tranquil Rainforest they're sure to have you relaxing to the max.
If you've ever been in that particular headspace where you need to eat immediately lest you snap and entertain serious thoughts of curling into a ball and crying in public, chances are you've been hangry. The short fuse is often accompanied by a growling belly and a pre-caffeine tiredness, and there never seems to be a spot to park your car when you need one. Add children into the mix, and you might be found counting very slowly to ten under your breath, watching a child have a screaming tantrum and straight up wishing you could do the same. Kid-friendly spots for a meal all together aren't so easily found when you need them, so along with our mates at American Express, we thought we'd compile a list for you to bookmark and come back to later when your resources are low and your cravings for eggs, peace and quiet are at alarming levels. Walk on in, get some food in all of you, wave your card and Bob's your uncle: hanger attacked and conquered. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
The Melbourne Ceramics Market is finally returning after a two-year hiatus and will present its biggest lineup ever. The upcoming event will take place at a new location in Brunswick East from Saturday, November 26—Sunday, November 27. Over 50 ceramic artists — both experienced and rising talents – will showcase their individual styles and creations ranging from homewares to jewellery. This will be the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and shop for Christmas presents ahead of the holidays. On top of browsing through the selection of ceramics, you can also hit up the onsite local coffee truck and florist. Visit the Melbourne Ceramics Market at the Mycelium Studios from 10am—4pm on the aforementioned dates. [caption id="attachment_877343" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sally Frawley[/caption] Top images: Sally Frawley
There's an antidote to winter and it's pubs with roaring fires, cosy whisky bars, experimental art galleries and winter dishes whipped up by brilliant chefs. You'll find all these in high concentration in the creative, inner-city Sydney neighbourhoods of Surry Hills, Redfern and Chippendale, just beyond the CBD. With a short break revolving around their famous galleries, bars and restaurants — and a night or two in one of the nearby AccorHotels properties — you'll be welcoming the cold weather rather than wishing it away. Here's your guide to a winter weekender in urban Surry Hills, Redfern and Chippendale. EAT AND DRINK Getting out of bed on a frosty morning is much, much easier when you know that good coffee awaits. You'll get just that – and, on a cloud-free day, a generous dose of sunlight – among the high ceilings of Surry Hills' Paramount Coffee Project. Another cheery spot is nearby Suzie Q, where the morning menu includes Wintertime Love: a brekkie bowl loaded with quinoa, almond hummus, fermented pumpkin, pickled cauliflower, kale, avocado, poached egg and toasted nuts. Alternatively, to warm up with freshly baked goods, swing by Chippendale's Brickfields Bakery or Redfern's extremely popular Donut Papi. Yes, a doughnut for breakfast is the definitive answer to the wintertime blues. Among the area's most tempting lunchtime offerings is fried chicken ramen, which you'll find at Butter, a hybrid eatery-retail space with an impressive rare sneaker collection. The dish was such a hit in 2017 that head chef Julian Cincotta brought it back for another round. Burger fiends, The O.G from Eve's Bar is one to tick off your burger bucket list: a classic beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato and mustard mayo combo topped with a mini cheese burger on top (because one is never enough). Another option is a Japanese-inspired burger at Ume — think crumbed chicken katsu with yuzu kosho mayo and tonkatsu sauce. That's pretty much enough fuel to get you through to spring. If you're ready to indulge at dinnertime, then head to the newish Kensington Street Precinct. The quintessential dining experience here is Automata, a 2015 opening that was named one of the Diners Club World's 50 Best Restaurants and whose head chef, Clayton Wells, has been showered with awards. This is a degustation-only deal where contemporary Australian flavours like romanesco, broccolini, sour cucumber, dory roe emulsion combine in one dish. The cluster of more casual restaurants and stalls around Spice Alley are Jason Atherton's Kensington Street Social also vie for your attention here. Other cosy dinner spots are double-hatted Ester, LP's Quality Meats for smoked and cured delights, Melbourne transplant Chin Chin for spicy Asian, Spice I Am for authentic Thai and Happy D's for dumplings. All wintry evenings should end with a beverage in front of a crackling open fire. In Surry Hills alone, there are three pubs with just that: The Dolphin, the Cricketers Arms and Harpoon Harry. Alternatively, for a cocktail, go to Mjolner, a labyrinthine bar filled with cavernous rooms inspired by Thor, or, for a whisky, the Wild Rover. DO With the lure of beach-going reduced, winter is a great time to catch up on art. And Surry Hills, Redfern and Chippendale are perfect places for it, being absolutely packed with galleries. Get started at Brett Whiteley Studio, where the famous avant-garde artist lived and worked, before heading to White Rabbit, to peruse one of the biggest collections of 21st-century Chinese art in the world. Afterwards, take a wander around Chippendale's back streets, to stumble across stacks of independent and experimental galleries. Look out for Galerie Pompom for shows by emerging artists, Tiny Tailor for designer creations and Goodspace, where, with the support of local pub the Lord Gladstone, artists exhibit commission-free. Come evening, swap art for live performance. There's jazz, blues and funk at Venue 505, rock bands at the Lansdowne Hotel, DJs and various live acts at Freda's and all kinds of sexy – and not-so-sexy – stuff at the Bearded Tit. Meanwhile, for theatre, comedy and talks, check out the Old 505, Giant Dwarf and the Seymour Centre. You'll be so busy, you won't have time to think about the cold. SLEEP To keep up with so many adventures, a super-sound sleep is crucial. The good news is there are a few nearby hotels where you can count on being cosy and warm. To go 4.5-star, book at the Novotel Sydney Central. The sunny, colour-splashed rooms feel happy — on even the chilliest of days. All come with lovely king-sized beds (or two queens, if you so choose) and the Superior rooms with private balconies. Wherever you sleep, you'll be welcome to swim in the heated rooftop pool and hang out in the garden terrace. Also be sure to make a stop at the Field House Bar during happy hour from 5–7pm and enjoy $5 house drinks and two-for-one cocktails, accompanied by live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. An alternative is the 4-star Mercure Sydney, right near Central Station and a short walk from the sizzle of Spice Alley and Kensington Street. Keen to splurge? Reserve a city-view room, with panoramas of the Sydney CBD skyline. There's also a rooftop gym, sauna and indoor heated pool (winter dip, anyone?). For a fortifying meal before you hit the road home, stop by the in-house diner Eve's Bar for an OG Burger — not only does it have the works, it comes skewered with a mini cheeseburger. If you're looking for bang for your buck, then the Ibis Sydney World Square is for you. Located within a stone's throw of Surry Hills, Chippendale, Redfern and the CBD, it's spacious, clean and close to the wildly praised new bars and restaurants you came this way to see. Go to the AccorHotels website to book your stay in Sydney, and to discover more of NSW, check out Visit NSW.
If you'd like to spend the rest of 2022 hopping between music festivals and doing very little else, that's definitely a possibility. Everything from Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival to Woodford Folk Fest, Spilt Milk, Lost Paradise, Festival X, Grapevine Gathering, Beyond The Valley and Jungle Love is making a comeback before the year is out — and, as just-announced, so is The Grass Is Greener. Queenslanders should already be familiar with the music, food and art festival, which made its debut back in 2016. In 2022, it'll return to Cairns and the Gold Coast, spreading the love from one end of the Sunshine State to the other. And in excellent news for festival fans and music lovers down south, it's also branching out further for the first time ever. Your destinations: Canberra and Geelong, with The Grass Is Greener expanding nationally but keeping a focus on bringing tunes to cities beyond the usual state capitals. It'll do the regional rounds across the last two weekends in October, starting on the Goldie, hopping down to the ACT, zipping back up to its Tropical North Queensland birthplace, then wrapping up its 2022 run in Victoria. "With plans to grow The Grass Is Greener into a national festival falling through in 2020, we couldn't be more thrilled to bring regional Australia a truly unique offering they deserve," said organisers Handpicked Group. Each 2022 stop will boast multiple — and themed — stages, other eye-catching activations, and VIP packages. Exactly who'll be on the bill won't be announced till Thursday, June 16; however, given that The Grass Is Greener has played host to Amy Shark, All Day, Hayden James, Ocean Alley and Tyga before, expect a characteristically impressive lineup spanning both international and Aussie artists. [caption id="attachment_856350" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Curdin Photo[/caption] THE GRASS IS GREENER 2022 DATES: Saturday, October 22 — Gold Coast Sunday, October 23 — Canberra Saturday, October 29 — Cairns Sunday, October 30 — Geelong The Grass Is Greener will hit the Gold Coast, Canberra, Cairns and Geelong in October 2022. The full lineup will be announced on Thursday, June 16 — head back here then for further details — with pre-sale tickets going on sale from Wednesday, June 22 and general sales from Thursday, June 23. Head to the festival website for more info and to register for pre-sales. Images: Mitch Lowe and Curdin Photo.
This multi-level Swan Street restaurant is the work of David Abela, Andrew Ryan and Daniel Vid; the same minds behind neighbouring cocktail haunt The Ugly Duckling. Tucked within a three-storey former art store, the 100-seat modern Euro eatery and bar now boasts creatively-charged yet timeless interiors by Flack Studio. It's a warm, eclectic space, featuring lots of rich textures, marble accents and an impressive art collection. In the kitchen, 2015 Young Chef of the Year Tim Martin (The European, Harvest) is delivering a contemporary menu spiked with lots of European influence. The snack game is particularly strong — think, prosciutto paired with a melon escabeche ($24), the pea and ricotta arancini ($12), and oysters with celery heart mignonette ($6). Deeper in, find duck ragu gnocchi finished with saltbush ($35); a seafood spaghetti starring littleneck clams, prawns and calamari ($38); and a pithivier (pie) of gruyere, potato and chard ($32). A grass-fed O'Connor scotch fillet features a madeira jus ($49), and you'll spy a Russian honey cake ($15) leading the dessert offering. The matching wine selection pays homage to Euro drops and varietals, with a healthy spread on offer by the glass. Perch up at the horseshoe bar to sip the Rob Dolan pinot blanc ($15), or head to France with a glass of the Domaine des Espérances gamay out of Touraine ($14). Cocktails stick to the classics with the likes of a negroni ($20) and a dry gin martini ($20), while the aperitif-sipping crowd will be all about the Spritz With No Name ($18) — a refreshing blend of Campari, Pampelle Grapefruit, sparkling wine, orange and olive. [caption id="attachment_842999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anson Smart[/caption] Images: Anson Smart and Untitled
There's a new kid on the bottomless brunch block and it comes courtesy of one of last year's most exciting new restaurants. St Kilda's LOTI has kicked off a series dedicated to everyone's favourite boozy daytime meal — and it's happening not one, not two, but three days a week. From 12–3pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the eatery is putting on a brunch feast to remember, plating up Mediterranean-accented fare infused with the flavours of the Aussie coast. Expect a shared feed featuring the likes of house-baked focaccia with cold-pressed Pyrenees olive oil, blue swimmer crab spaghetti finished with confit tomato and lemon ricotta, sumac-roasted cauliflower paired with crispy kale, a pomegranate-studded ancient grain salad and more. For $95 per person, your brunch feast comes with three hours of free-flowing wine, bubbly and mimosas, though there's a suite of add-ons and upgrades available, too. For example, throw in bottomless beer for an extra $10, opt for free-flowing Pommery Brut Royal for an additional $70 and try LOTI's famed tiramisu — which feeds two to three people — for $20.
If your usual wingman has four legs, furry ears and an often whiffy breath, this one's for you. The Puppy Pub Crawl crew is hosting a new pup-filled event designed especially for dog-loving singles and their best barking buds. Dating With Dogs will take over the Fitzroy Beer Garden on Saturday, October 22 (and again on Saturday, November 26), for a furry and flirtatious afternoon spent mingling with other singles over drinks and snacks. You can bring your pooch along, or just fly solo — but the dogs who do rock up will enjoy puppychinos and treats. There'll be games to help break the ice if you're feeling a little shy, a best-dressed competition for the hounds and a silent auction raising funds for the Malvern-based non-profit, Save-a-Dog Scheme. And hey, even if you don't find true love on the day, at least you got to enjoy bulk pats and make some adorable new four-legged mates. Tickets are $64 and available online. You can even team up with a friend to grab a two-ticket bundle pack for $94 and enjoy a little extra moral support on the day.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you aboard the new luxury superyacht Scenic Eclipse II as it travels all over the world. We've also teamed up with Scenic Eclipse to offer a totally exclusive travel deal that takes guests from Darwin to Broome in 11 days. It includes a free room upgrade, unlimited alcohol, meals at any of the ten dining areas and a heap of unique excursions — plus, we got 20% off the whole experience. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This ultra-luxurious superyacht only finished construction this year, meaning it has stacks of the latest lavish features. Every guest will enjoy relaxing on their own verandah, on-shore excursions, unlimited food and drinks at any of the ten restaurants and bars, use of the spa and pools and a special butler service. Of course, this doesn't come cheap — but if you can afford it, boy is it worth it. THE ROOMS There are 114 suites on this massive yacht, each with separate bedrooms and lounge areas as well as a large private deck. And the bathrooms are next-level luxe. Expect white marble counters and showers with mist settings and colour light therapy. Because why not? Every guest also has access to the on-board butlers. Order a bottle of champagne and a dozen oysters to your deck and get ready for an epic journey. FOOD AND DRINK We know that when joining a trip like this — with all your excursions included — you shouldn't spend every moment of your time on the boat. But, we'll admit, with ten unique dining experiences on board, we could easily spend the entire holiday eating and drinking atop the yacht. Try out a few of the main restaurants or book one of the really special dining experiences. Our favourites? Night Market at Kokos is an eight-person teppanyaki grill inspired by the food markets of Asia, India and the Middle East. And the indulgent chef's table offers guests an alway-changing 11-course degustation. Drinks are also included in the price of your trip — even the top-shelf tipples. Get around aged whiskies, champagne (not simply sparkling wine), award-winning vinos from the regions you are visiting and all the cocktails your boozy heart desires. Every suite even comes with a coffee machine, specialty teas and a fully stocked minibar (that will be quickly refilled should you call the butler). It is all so over the top, and we love it. THE LOCAL AREA There is no single local area for Scenic Eclipse II. It sails all over the world — with tours to Australia's Top End, Antarctica, the Pacific Islands, Scandinavia, The Med and Buenos Aires as a start. But, our exclusive deal takes travellers from Darwin to Broome, stopping off at sites that include King George River, Ashmore Reef, Collier Bay and the Kimberley region. It has got to be the most luxurious way to explore this pristine part of Western Australia. THE EXTRAS You have every extra under the sun when travelling aboard Scenic Eclipse II. After seamless transfers to the vessel, you can head to the lounge and bar for live entertainment or hit up the theatre for its dedicated musical nights. Head to the spa for separate men's and women's spaces — each with steam rooms and saunas. Take a class at the yoga or pilates studio or simply swim in one of the pools located on the deck. Then, jump on the superyacht's own helicopter to discover the area you're in — or go on one of the complimentary tours that are just as luxurious as the boat you're sailing on. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
White Night might not be lighting up the Melbourne CBD this year, with the event's inner-city edition bowing out to make way for the new Rising Festival. But if you're willing — or even eager — to get out of town, you'll still be able to treat your eyeballs to that famously vibrant program of large-scale projections and light installations when White Night makes its much-anticipated return to the streets of Bendigo and Geelong this spring. After the two regional events were postponed last year due to the pandemic, they're now back on the arts calendar. White Night Bendigo firing will fire up on Saturday, October 2, followed by White Night Geelong on Saturday, November 6. As always, the program will see each regional city come alive after dark for one jam-packed night, with a mix of illuminations, projections, music, art, performance, culinary experiences, and interactive artworks from leading local and international talent. Public spaces including laneways, streets and parks will be brought to life with striking installations and audio-visual delights. Even the Geelong foreshore is set to score some extra decoration of its own, playing host to a major hub during the festival's local run. All up, it's set to be as diverse a program as ever — with artists guided by the theme 'everything on the land is reflected in the sky', and globally renowned artist Joseph O'Farrell heading things up as the festival's new creative director. When White Night Geelong made its grand debut back in 2018, the event pulled around 70,000 attendees. The same year, White Night Bendigo also proved a roaring hit, with a crowd of over 60,000. The call is now out for expressions of interest from artists for both events — and stay tuned for more program details to be unveiled in the coming months. White Night Bendigo returns on Saturday, October 2, while White Night Geelong follows on Saturday, November 6. For more information, jump over to the White Night website. Images: White Night Bendigo, Visit Victoria
When the National Gallery of Victoria hosts its annual Architecture Commission, almost anything can grace the venue's Melbourne grounds on St Kilda Road. Sometimes, that means a colourful mini Parthenon. Or, it might herald a bright pink pool to wade through. A bamboo garden with its own deck, the unforgettable pink carwash — they've each popped up, too; however, in the memorable stakes, a giant inflatable sphere that breathes might just have them beat. The 2023 structure, which'll debut on Sunday, December 3, then stick around until June 2024, is called (This is) Air. One of its aims: to make the invisible substance that's there in its name visible. Australian architect Nic Brunsdon has joined forces with ENESS — the art and technology company behind public artworks such as Sky Castle, Airship Orchestra, Cupid's Koi Garden, Lost Dogs' Disco and more — on a work that will expand with air, then release it. So, yes, it will inhale and exhale all day. Based on its concept images alone, (This is) Air is certain to make quite the sight. No one in the vicinity will be able to miss it, either, given that it'll span 14 metres in height when it's fully inflated. To get to that measurement, it'll use air as a building material. And when it breathes out, it'll do so by releasing gusts, forming different cloud-like shapes, then filling back to capacity again. Brunsdon and ENESS also want everyone taking in (This is) Air to think about humanity's need for and relationship to air. While you're peering at the commission, you'll see air in action and notice how essential it is. Also highlighted: how dependent we all are upon the element, how finite it is and how its quality is being impacted. "The idea for this project was conceived by the architect during the global pandemic, when the air we breathed was suddenly at the forefront of everyone's mind. Taking the form of a giant inflatable sphere, this living structure inhales and exhales before our eyes, giving presence to that omnipresent yet invisible element that connects us all," said Ewan McEoin, the NGV's Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture. "Air can be understood as part of our global economic, social and ecological realities. And yet, the quality of air we breathe varies depending on where and how we live. Air is universal, yet clean air is not." As (This is) Air gets viewers pondering, it's also designed to be uplifting. As is always the case with the NGV's yearly commission, it'll provide a place for accompanying performances and other public programs in the NGV Garden, too. When the sphere is unveiled, it'll form part of this year's NGV Triennial exhibition, which will display from Sunday, December 3, 2023–Sunday, April 7, 2024. On the agenda: robot dogs, a room-sized ode to plants, Yoko Ono's work and more, with 75 works set to feature, including more than 25 world-premiere projects. The art showcase will respond to the themes magic, matter and memory, with (This is) Air fitting in with the matter strand. '(This is) Air' will be on display at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne from Sunday, December 3, 2023–June 2024 — head to the NGV website for further details. Images: Renders of (This is) Air by Nic Brunsdon, the 2023 NGV Architecture Commission on display at NGV International, Melbourne from 3 December 2023. Renders courtesy of Nic Brunsdon.
While unscrewing the cap of a bottled cocktail was the closest many of us got to a bar for a large chunk of 2020, some clever Melburnians actually opened a bar this year. And they're an impressive bunch, too. Our fair city is now home to an urban winery in the north, an opulent three-balcony champagne bar in the CBD and a Miami-inspired boozer floating smack bang in the middle of the Yarra. That's just the start. As the storm clouds start to clear and we reach the end of a weird (and sometimes horrific) 12 months, we're taking a moment to celebrate the good that's come from 2020 by rounding up the best new bars to open their doors this year.
Melbourne is traditionally Australia's foodie city. So, chances are when you're hitting one of its many upscale establishments, you'll want to take it slow and really savour the experience — particularly if it's a special occasion. Luckily, there's no shortage of restaurants where you can park yourself for hours, feasting and clinking glass upon glass of celebratory vinos. To make it easy, we've partnered with Citi to narrow down some top Melbourne faves for a leisurely lunch, spanning the spectrum from classic French bistro vibes to intriguing Asian Australian fusion. Plus, there are a few wine pairing suggestions in there, too. All you have to do is make the booking. What's more, if you've got a Citi card, you can kick things off with a complimentary bottle of vino, thanks to the Citibank Dining Program. Sad desk salad, be gone. Book at any participating restaurant, mention the offer upon arrival and settle in for a long lunch complete with a free bottle of wine — just make sure to tap your Citi card at the end.
Actual rain might be a bit of a drag, but this new immersive rainfall-inspired installation is anything but. Random International's famed captivating artwork Rain Room first made the trip Down Under in 2019, hitting St Kilda — and, after a COVID-19-inspired delay, it's returning again for the summer of 2020–21. It's a downright impressive piece of interactive art, too. Imagine the magical feeling of walking through a 100-square-metre field of continuous rainfall, without getting the slightest bit wet. Rain Room's water droplets are guided by responsive technology, ceasing to fall wherever they sense movement. It's a physical, multi-sensory experience that sets out to explore ways in which technology transforms relationships between humans and nature. Off the back of recent stints at Shanghai's YUZ Foundation, the LACMA in Los Angeles and at the Sharjah Art Foundation, Rain Room has hit Australia as a permanent part of the Jackalope Art Collection, presented in collaboration with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). The internationally acclaimed work has made its home in the Jackalope Pavilion, a pop-up purpose-built space on Acland Street designed by March Studio. A ticket will allow you to spend 20 minutes in the Rain Room. When it reopens on Saturday, December 5, you'll be able to head byWednesday–Sunday, with bookings required in advance. Only 12 people will be allowed inside at once, so you'll be socially distancing. You can also book a private session for you and 11 of your mates. First three images: Sharyn Cairns. Updated November 15, 2020.
Moonlight Cinema has returned to the grassy lawns of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens for 2021. And, this year, it's celebrating its 25th birthday by dishing up a program filled with old-school film favourites. Hitting the outdoor big screen from Thursday, January 7–Sunday, April 25, this year's lineup will see you tucking into plenty of well-loved cinematic classics, along with a few of the new release flicks that have flown under the radar in recent months. In the classic camp, a heap of rom-coms will help you feel warm and fuzzy, with Pretty In Pink, Mamma Mia and La La Land on the bill. From 2020 and 2021's new releases, there's a little bit of everything. Irish crime caper Pixie keeps the comedy theme going, the scorching Promising Young Woman will screen in the evening air and new Aussie crime drama The Dry will play surrounded by plenty of grass. There's also Lindsay Lohan wearing pink on Wednesdays in Mean Girls, superhero flick Wonder Woman 1984 doing its thing, and Rami Malek belting out the tunes for Bohemian Rhapsody. It's also worth remembering that the outdoor cinema is BYO — and there'll be food trucks, a bar, snacks and (if you'd like to pay for them) bean bags as well. And, in great news for movie-loving pooches, you can bring them along, too.
It seems those wind turbines you've spied from atop the ridge at Meredith Music Festival could soon have a few new buddies. Victoria's latest wind farm project is one step closer to reality, with the mammoth Golden Plains Wind Farm being granted planning approval by the Victorian Government over the weekend. The decision follows a hefty environmental impacts assessment carried out last year and advice from an expert planning panel, with the project now headed to the federal government for final approval. If given the go-ahead, the $1.5 billion wind farm would cover a huge 17,000 hectares of land, about 60 kilometres northwest of Geelong. It's expected to produce almost 3000 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, or enough to power more than 400,000 homes. To put that in perspective, the project is expected to provide between 8–10 percent of Victoria's energy, according to The Guardian, with greenhouse savings of almost 3.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. One of the farmlands expected to gain wind turbines is the one that hosts the Meredith and Golden Plains Music Festival. But festivalgoers need fret not, with a government spokesperson telling the SMH that is was unlikely the project will have any impact on the festivals. [caption id="attachment_704549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wind turbines on the horizon at Golden Plains by Steve Benn.[/caption] The Golden Plains Wind Farm, which, if approved, is slated for completion by 2023, would join a stack of other Victorian clean energy projects already under way in places like Moorabool, Lal Lal, Bulgana, Murra Warra and Stockyard Hill. It all comes as the government increases Victoria's Renewable Energy Target to 50 percent by 2030. In 2017, wind farms supplied 5.7 percent of Australia's overall electricity, according to the Clean Energy Council. While Victoria is currently home to the nation's largest wind farm, in Macarthur, SA has the most, but Queensland and NSW are also investing in renewable technology — as of December last year, Queensland had 27 wind and solar farm projects under construction and NSW had 23. If the Golden Plains Wind Farm is approved by the federal government, it is slated for completion by 2023. For more information about the project, head to w-wind.com.au/golden-plains-wind-farm.
Just because you're flying solo or you're sans family this festive season, doesn't mean you can't have a Christmas cracker of a good time. Especially since the folks at The B.East are welcoming one and all to their bumper LGBTQIA+ Christmas party on Saturday, December 17. The theme is Homo Alono and, as you might have guessed, that's a nod to everyone's favourite Macaulay Culkin-starring festive film franchise. Kicking off from 8pm, there's a whole swag of fun in store, from Christmas cocktails to karaoke. [caption id="attachment_882531" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Duncographic[/caption] Dance-floor fiends can get down to tunes from the likes of Tiny Text and Dirty Versachi, who'll be spinning until the wee hours. Meanwhile, self-professed foodie queen and drag sensation Aysha Buffet will play hostess with the mostest for both karaoke and an ugly Christmas sweater catwalk competition. Be sure to don your most outrageous festive 'fit so you can join the fun and be in with a shot at first prize. Best of all, entry is free, leaving you a little more dosh to spend on those last-minute Christmas presents next week. Images: Duncographic
Coffee can do many things. It can bring you back to life when you've had a big one and need to drag your ol' bag of bones to the office. And it can keep those tired eyes open after hours of staring at the same screen. Yep, coffee can get you raring, but it won't be what keeps you going. That's food. The wonders of a square meal in your stomach via a very good feed are many so, together with our friends at American Express, we've compiled a list of six places to head to when you need to refuel your empty tank. Haircuts, groceries, taxes: you can power through them all, thanks to food (and your American Express Card). It turns out eating isn't cheating when it comes to getting things done.
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? Been regretting it ever since? Thankfully, this gorgeous production heads back to the Regent Theatre from Sunday, August 20. Yes, it's spectacular (spectacular) news. It's so exciting, you're allowed to stomp and cheer, too. 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 seven 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 — and also became the first-ever Aussie-produced show to win the Tony for Best Musical. Images: Michelle Grace Hunder.
Life is one long list of shindigs. We pop a cork on New Year’s Eve, don a tinsel wig for Mardi Gras, throw confetti all over our houses to warm them properly; each a shining story to embellish and revel in down the track. Immortalising these chapters of celebration in the visual equivalent of being blasted in the face with a confetti cannon, Sydney designers Romance Was Born have launched their very first exhibition, Reflected Glory, teaming up with kinetic sculptor and installation artist Rebecca Baumann. Launching in time for Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week Australia, Reflected Glory sees designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales veer off the runway and make a temporary, kaleidoscopic home within the industrial walls of Carriageworks. Rather than staring out the window and sobbing all over the past, RWB and Baumann seize the party blowers and celebrate the milestones that make our lives that extra bit spesh. Life, Death, It’s One Big RSVP Each piece in the collection represents a unique celebration, rite of passage or circled calendar date, from Mardi Gras to white weddings to that unavoidable final soiree, the wake. A sherbet-paletted, butterfly-beaded sweet sixteenth descends Baumann’s candy-coloured staircase, a Picnic at Hanging Rock-meets-Christina Ricci in Casper wedding dress hovers in a fairy floss pink haze, while a slowly revolving, truly magnificent mirrorball of a silver jacket triggers hazy New Year’s Eve memories. There's a metaphoric reflectiveness to the garments, as well as literal. “[I] really like the idea of reflecting back on the past,” says Sales. “The way we celebrate different milestones and the memory that can bring back.” Sales likened the process to a big night out, forgotten the morning after but slowly and (for the most part) fondly pieced back together over time. Sales points to one of the most striking pieces in the collection, an ode to Mardi Gras, a reflective hootenanny of a party dress. Shingled with the same multicoloured plastic making up Baumann’s kaleidoscopic disco floor nearby, the piece is fringed by a shaggy, shiny rainbow skirt that looks suspiciously like… wigs? “Yeah, tinsel wigs,” he triumphantly confirms. “And that’s New Year’s Eve, so it’s meant to be like a mirror ball. This is a house party, with the curtains and that t-shirt I was wearing the first time I met Anna at a house party.” The pair met at said house party in 2005 while students at East Sydney Technical College. Plunkett and Sales have since gained an international reputation for their unmistakable RWB swag. The T-shirt in question sports a nautical Madonna, a sentimental relic found in the back of Sales’ wardrobe now emblazoned with the pair’s thematic, tightly packed sequins. Plunkett sees the garment as a perfect representation of the pair’s fused ideology, “We embellished the garment in clear sequins and now this piece embodies the creative spirit between the both of us,” she says. Fashion, Meet Art. Art, Fashion. Regularly blurring distinctions between fashion and art, Sales and Plunkett are no strangers to the spoils of influence and collaboration. Before paying tribute to legendary Marvel Comics artist Jack Kirby in their hugely popular Summer 2012 collection, Berserkergang, Plunkett and Sales celebrated the treasured memories of a small-town Australian childhood with Archibald Prize winner Del Kathryn Barton, employing her exclusive digital ‘eye’ and ‘magic’ prints for their Spring/Summer ‘06/07 collection Regional Australia. It was in their Summer 2014 collection, Mushroom Magic, that the pair used a print from Rebecca Baumann’s work ‘Improvised Smoke Devise’. Scales and Plunkett met up with Baumann after the show and checked out some snaps of her installation works. Carriageworks had already commissioned RWB to create a work for their 2014 artistic program, timing the launch for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, thus the perfect opportunity to let their palettes blend. Reflected Glory is a fusion of Baumann’s celebratory installation style and RWB’s whimsical experimentation with detail. Where an RWB embellished T-shirt starts, Baumann’s signature gold tinsel ends, her 2010 work ‘Untitled Cascade’, playfully making a cameo in an epic train to the ‘House Party’ piece. Baumann’s popping candy-like projections set a prom-night stage for RWB’s sparkling moments of nostalgia, a fusion RWB embraced within their designs. “It’s very collaborative, like, super organic. Elements just kind of fell into place and we went with it,” says Plunkett. “[It’s fun] to use an artist’s influence, like, directly influencing our prints. We’ve reinterpreted her artwork too, so it’s a lot more interactive.” Every print in the exhibition comes from the Reflected Glory ready to wear collection, to be unleashed down the track. If there weren’t enough actual sequins sewed meticulously into each sleeve and bodice, the prints are magnified, saturated fields of photographic sequins. Each print was shot in direct sunlight for “maximum reflection” as Sales puts it. Leave The Models Out Of This Models have been left at the Carriageworks door for this exhibition. Working with mannequins instead of models, you’re working with a few advantages — the pieces aren’t bound by human restrictions like walking ability, plus mannequins don’t have homes to go to. In Reflected Glory viewers aren’t bound by their runwayside seats; instead, they are able to wander through the space and let the mirrorball motors unveil every last garment inch. Plunkett says working in an exhibition space as opposed to sending pieces down a runway can be a welcome change. “It’s kind of refreshing. It’s fun to be able to explore clothing but spatially, with light and through texture and kinetics.” But Sales and Plunkett insist the design process would be the same, models or not. “In the beginning I thought we wouldn’t design dresses so much — it would be more like objects with bigger shapes, more sculptural. But I feel like that’s not really who we are,” says Sales. “We’re designers not artists, we’re not trying to make sculpture.” A kinetic sculptor by trade, Baumann was a perfect partner in the duo’s quest to keep things moving. Baumann’s kaleidoscopic projections, bold geometric installations and carefully aimed lighting give each handsewn sequin, elaborate ruffled collar and tinsel-woven bodice its own glinting moment. “We didn’t just want to put mannequins in amongst some art and call that the exhibition,” says Sales, backed up by Plunkett. “We’re really interested in it not being a static thing,” she says. “The whole idea of suspending the garments with mannequins … We really wanted to be able to interact with the space, light and the eye.” Don't Design For The Industry With mirrorball outfits, oversized white sequins and embellished Madonna T-shirts supported by '80s love songs and candy store lighting, RWB definitely don’t create to please the fashion crowd. Both Sales and Plunkett see the shortcomings of an industry that can often suck the fun out of an essentially playful medium. “I guess we kind of have a bit of a sense of humour with what we do,” says Sales. “We don’t try and get too serious with fashion and I think, for me, fashion’s not about that. Fashion’s about expressing yourself and being fun and having fun with who you are and trying to communicate who you are to people.” “In a way, it feels like we’ve kind of gone back to our roots a bit more, working together, hand-sewing the garments together, draping it on the dummy and stitching it together,” he says. “It’s a bit more organic.” “I hope that people do take away that it is as uplifting as our usual runway show,” says Plunkett, pausing for a moment to consider the crowd attending. “Hopefully, but the fashion crowd can be very critical… Actually, bring it on.” Reflected Glory runs April 9 to May 11 at Carriageworks. Images by Zan Wembley and Lindsay Smith.
UPDATE MONDAY, MARCH 15: For the Love Melbourne has been postponed due to current gathering restrictions. It will now take place on Saturday, September 18. The below article has been updated to reflect this. By this stage, there's every chance you've forgotten what a dance floor even looks like. But the folks at Untitled Group — the same minds behind Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music & Arts and Ability Fest — are here to get you reacquainted. They've just revealed a huge all-Aussie lineup for the 2021 edition of their live music series For The Love, which is headed to Perth, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Across three dates, legendary acts including electronic duo Flight Facilities, dance floor darlings Cosmo's Midnight and Brisbane alt-pop sensation Mallrat will help you dust off the cobwebs and rediscover that groove. The party kicks off at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast on Saturday, August 7 before continuing on to Perth's McCallum Park on Saturday, September 4 and Birrarung Marr in Melbourne on Saturday, September 18. These three waterfront venues are set to be transformed into blissful dance destinations, heaving to live sounds from favourites like singer-songwriter Running Touch and brother-sister duo Lastlings, along with London Topaz, Boo Seeka, George Maple and Elizabeth Cambage. Punters will also have the opportunity to kick back in style in one of For The Love's VIP lounges, presented by Aussie streetwear label Nana Judy. If an evening spent cutting shapes by the water sounds like a much-needed addition to your calendar, you can purchase tickets online for the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth editions of the festival.
Last year's lockdowns left little opportunity for scouting out fresh, exciting local booze. But there's a new campaign that promises to help rekindle your appreciation for homegrown tipples, and get your 2022 drinking habits off to a much more adventurous start. Brainchild of the Victorian Drinks Alliance (VDA), Drink Victorian launched last month as a six-month pilot program, aimed at celebrating — and improving access to — the state's finest booze creations. Supported by the Victorian Government, the initiative has seen the VDA team up with 100 leading Melbourne restaurants, bars and pubs, shaking up their drinks lists to showcase even more great Victorian wine, beer, cider and spirits. And in the process, to give customers more opportunity to get acquainted with top-notch local drinks talent. Drink Victorian's aim is to remind drinkers of the diversity of world-class drops being made here in our own backyard, and to encourage the city's drinks lists to champion locality as much as its food menus currently do. [caption id="attachment_839210" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Blackhearts & Sparrows' Smith Street store[/caption] To that end, prepare to see a wealth of fresh local talent heroed on the menu next time you visit any of the participating venues — whether it's for memorable cocktails at Byrdi, Ugly Duckling or Capitano; some tasty brews at Beer Deluxe or Hopscotch; or a wine-sipping session at the likes of The Moon, Marion or Congress. Also onboard is Melbourne-born indie drinks retailer Blackhearts & Sparrows, which is leading its own push to encourage customers to buy local when it comes to wine, beer, cider and spirits. Drink Victorian will also run a series of industry events and tastings aimed at growing the relationships between local drinks producers and the venues pouring them. The program will run on a trial basis until May this year, when it'll wrap up with a huge two-day drinks showcase held as part of the 2022 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. More on that to come. Drink Victorian started in December 2021 and runs until May 2022, involving 100 participating venues across the city. For more details and to see which venues are taking part, head to the initiative's website. Top image: Carmen Zammit.
After five months of deliberation, Nestlé has announced the new names for two of its classic lollies. Those chewy red lollies FKA Redskins are now Red Ripper and the brand's chocolate-flavoured, people-shaped Chicos are now called Cheekies. The names may not seem dramatically different at first glance, but they no longer have the racist overtones the company says are "out of step" with its values. "Nestle has an unwavering commitment to upholding respect for our friends, neighbours and colleagues," General Manager Confectionery Chris O'Donnell said in a statement about the name changes. Redskins is an antiquated and derogatory term for Native Americans, while Chicos means 'children' in Spanish and is considered offensive to people of Latin American descent. The lolly monolith first announced the decision to change the Allen's brand lollies' names back in June, when discussions around race and discrimination were thrust to the fore due to the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, and protests over the death of American George Floyd at the hands of a police officer — as well as, at the local level, the ongoing fight to end the systemic mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori by law enforcement. Calls for Nestlé to change the names of its two products aren't new, however — with the debate raging when they were featured in a 2013 episode of MasterChef Australia — and they're not the only controversially named product on Australia supermarket shelves, either. Cheese brand Coon also recently announced it will change its name. A similar long-running debate about the offensiveness of the Washington Redskins NFL ramped up in the US this year, too, and led to the team removing its logo and temporarily changing its name to Washington Football Team for at least the 2020 season, before deciding on a new permanent name. While the Nestlé lollies will have different names when the new packaging lands on supermarket shelves in 2021, the company promises the lollies themselves "remain unchanged". Red Ripper and Cheekies will hit supermarket shelves in early 2021.
Melbourne's South Wharf has an all-day Japanese bar serving up freezing cold brews, creative cocktails, share plates and even breakfast seven days a week. Citizen's major draw here is its cocktail menu ($18-20), which offers Japanese sake, umeshu, gin and whisky concoctions. Fans of sours will be happy to find a matcha version — mixed with Nikka gin, ginger syrup and egg white — or the Jasmine Yuzu, combining yuzu gin, jasmine tea, honey and egg white. There's also the Canteen Spritz (Nikka whisky, prosecco and elderflower syrup) and the Bubble T (souchong tea, amaro, Cointreau, lime and milk) to choose from, among others. The bar has also partnered with Asahi to bring Melburnians sub-zero beers, which have been chilled to -2.2 degrees. A succinct wine menu is also on offer. As to be expected, Japanese-inspired snacks are available alongside the drinks menu. There are miso eggplant chips ($12), prawn and chicken chilli dumplings ($16) and crispy barramundi wings with seaweed mayo ($16). For more substantial eats, go for the pork tonkatsu sando ($17) or one of three brown rice bowls, including a beef short rib number with kimchi and miso barbecue sauce ($26) and the grilled koji tofu with asparagus and yuzu ($21). For dessert, there's a matcha ice cream sandwich ($11) and a miso chocolate brownie ($11). Open from 7am weekdays and 8am on weekends, diners can also nab coffees and typical Aussie brekkies here — think Dr Marty's crumpets with miso honey ($10), along with ham and cheese croissants ($9), baked eggs ($14) and BLTs ($12). But this daytime vibe quickly disappears come evening, when the neon-lit bar comes alive to transport punters to Tokyo for a night.
It's the home stretch. Winter is almost over, which is a good thing depending on who you ask — but whether you love the cold or loathe it, there's no denying a hearty soup makes cold Melbourne nights so much more enjoyable (and bearable). So it's wonderful news that Hanoi Hannah's Winter Soup Series has kicked off for another year. Running until Tuesday, 12 September, diners will be able to enjoy a rotating selection of six mouthwatering soups. Highlights include Banh Canh Cua — crab and tomato broth, banh canh noodles, soft shell crab and quail egg ($28), Hu Tieu Noodles — pork loin broth, tapioca noodles, prawns and fried shallots ($28), and Crispy Chicken With Dry Egg Noodles — master stock crispy chicken, sweet soy egg noodle, garlic chives and choi sum ($26). That's not where the good times end though. If you fancy yourself something of a soup whisperer, Hanoi Hannah is inviting diners to jump onto its website to submit their very own soup recipe. But you won't be sharing your genius for free, as the winning entry will appear on the official menu — not a bad addition to any resume. It's not just bragging rights on offer either, with the winner also scoring a $1000 voucher to use at any Commune venue. Images: supplied.
If it feels like you've been seeing a lot of Benedict Cumberbatch lately, there's a reason for that. On screens big and small, the British actor has featured in no fewer than five movies in 2021. Thanks to The Power of the Dog, he even looks poised to collect an Oscar for the best of them — and, with Spider-Man: No Way Home, he's also a significant part of the flick that's certain to be crowned the biggest box office hit of the entire year. Cumberbatch popped his Doctor Strange cloak back on in the hit web-slinging movie and, as anyone with an interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will know — anyone who watched No Way Home, too — he's set to reprise the role next May. That's when Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will reach cinemas, in what's both a sequel to 2016's Doctor Strange and the 28th movie in the MCU. As the just-dropped first trailer shows, this new dive into the mystic arts promises to live up to its name. In No Way Home, Doctor Strange was asked to cast a spell to make the world forget it knew Spider-Man's true identity — and that had big repercussions in that film, exposing the MCU to the multiverse. Those consequences will flow over to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, as will trippy Inception-style imagery, Strange's brooding demeanour and Marvel's usual world-in-peril shenanigans. Few MCU movies ever just feature one of the franchise's superheroes, so a post-WandaVision Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) also pops up — alongside Benedict Wong (Nine Days) as Wong, Rachel McAdams (Game Night) as Strange's ex Dr Christine Palmer and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Locked Down) as fellow Master of the Mystic Arts Mordo. In one of Marvel's nice pieces of symmetry, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness marks the MCU filmmaking debut of acclaimed Evil Dead franchise director Sam Raimi — the man who helmed the original three Spider-Man movies in the 00s, way back before the Marvel Cinematic Universe was even a glimmer in the comic book company's eye, and obviously long before Doctor Strange and Tom Holland's Spider-Man became pals. Check out the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness trailer below: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness releases in cinemas Down Under on May 5, 2022. Images: Photos courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
Having enough clean drinking water may not be an issue that plagues you day-to-day. But it is an issue that plagues billions of people around the world and has been at the forefront of news with Cape Town, South Africa, reaching its final 90 days of water. In a scientific breakthrough, Australian scientists have just discovered a way to easily purify water using an ingredient found in vegetable oil — and they tested it using the iconic Sydney Harbour. CSIRO scientists created a small filtration device, a tiny membrane dubbed Graphair, that can quickly purify water in a single step. As it's made from soybean oil, it's also cheap to make. To test the effectiveness of the device, the group of scientists purified water from the Sydney Harbour (which, while known for its beauty, certainly isn't known for its cleanliness). And it worked so well, the resulting water was safe to drink. The scientists published their results overnight in Nature Communications, an open-access journal, and plan to take the product overseas to developing countries next year. Source and image: CSIRO
OVERVIEW Are you an authority on pop culture, music, food, drink, events and city life? Are you adept at putting your thoughts on those things into words that people can’t help but read? Are you a total pro at all things digital? Concrete Playground is currently seeking a skilled, experienced journalist/editor to join its Sydney team as deputy editor, and if you answered in the affirmative to all of the above, you may just be the person we’re looking for. RESPONSIBILITIES Working closely with the editor-in-chief from our Redfern, Sydney office, you'll come up with story ideas, write articles and commission work from a team of freelancers. Fastidious subediting will be a pillar of your day, as will making images, text, video and links work together as a happy whole. Your primary responsibilities will include: Leading Concrete Playground's news and features content across Australia and New Zealand.Management and growth of Concrete Playground’s various social media channels.Assisting with the planning and execution of Concrete Playground’s editorial strategy.Creation of varied written and multimedia content.Management of freelance news contributors across five cities. REQUIREMENTS A university degreeAt least one year's experience in the online media environment.A demonstrated ability to write smart, funny, popular articles quickly, and to come up with even more ideas than you can write.Solid subediting skills and ability to work with a style guide.Experience with social media management and strategy.Knowledge of SEO and basic HTML.Experience working with a content management system (preferably Wordpress).A good eye for images and skills with image production (preferably Photoshop).Expertise on the topics of music and pop culture, though you might also be strong in: technology, design, sustainability, current affairs, fashion, lifestyle, travel, food & drink, film, the arts and local cultural life.Some photography or videography skills. HOW TO APPLY Please send your cover letter, CV and links to 3-4 relevant online writing samples to Concrete Playground’s editor-in-chief, Rima Sabina Aouf, at contribute@concreteplayground.com.au WHO WE ARE Concrete Playground is an online weather vane pointing readers to the cultural tornadoes that are just about to hit. Our writers, editors and contributors have a constant ear to the under and above (but never middle) ground of the creative worlds of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and Wellington. Ideally, applicants will be pretty familiar with us and what we're about.
As we've all been told for centuries on the page, then on the stage, and also on the screen since the birth of film, vampires can live forever. Here's another undead fact: stories about the horror favourites definitely seem to. And, as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and What We Do in the Shadows have shown, such tales are mighty skilled at prolonging their lives. In both of the above instances, movies became TV shows — and fantastic ones at that. On the big screen, What We Do in the Shadows was delightful and hilarious. A New Zealand-shot and -set vampire sharehouse mockumentary made by and starring Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi was always going to be. On the small screen since 2019, the American TV version of What We Do in the Shadows has also proven the same. In fact, with fellow spinoff Wellington Paranormal — the NZ television show that stuck with the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they keep investigating the supernatural — it's part of the best on-screen universe there is. Thankfully, the small-screen take on What We Do in the Shadows shows no signs of slowing down. Come mid-July, its fourth season will hit Australia via Binge and New Zealand via Neon, in fact. Even better: based on the two trailers so far — one dropping in early June, and the other to round out the month — fans are set for another wonderfully amusing bloodsuckers gem. For the uninitiated, this iteration of What We Do in the Shadows is set in Staten Island. No, Pete Davidson doesn't show up. Instead, the series focuses on a household where vamps Nandor (Kayvan Novak, Cruella), Laszlo (Matt Berry, Toast of London and Toast of Tinseltown) and Nadja (Natasia Demetriou, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga) all live. Energy vampire Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch, The Office) and Nandor's familiar Guillermo (Harvey Guillen, Werewolves Within), slayers have also staked a claim in the story. There's much, much more to the Shadows television spinoff than that — and plenty to laugh at as well. This time around, there'll also be a vampire nightclub, undead dance-offs, a vamp freestyle rap, a genie's lamp, polyamory, multiple dead wives returning at the same time, and a baby version of Colin. Given that two 'Rasputin'-soundtracked trailers can't tell the full story, as wonderful as both sneak peeks are, expect plenty more where all of that came from. Check out the latest trailer for What We Do in the Shadows season four below: What We Do in the Shadows' fourth season starts streaming in the Australia via Binge on Wednesday, July 13 and New Zealand via Neon on Thursday, July 14.
You probably already know about New York's reputation for top-quality digs, so you'll be pleased to learn these high standards extend well beyond the city limits. If you're considering venturing upstate — which you absolutely should be — idyllic retreats abound. Not only will the New York holiday of your dreams have the fabulous accommodation to match, but you'll also have direct access to some of the state's underrated gems: its charming small-town communities and boundless outdoor and cultural adventures. We've teamed up with New York State to present some of the most stellar accommodation throughout the state. From scenic summer camps to beachfront escapes, here are our picks to make your next New York adventure even more special. [caption id="attachment_851092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooke O'Neil - Courtesy of Franklin County[/caption] WHITE PINE CAMP, PAUL SMITHS If it's good enough for a president then it's good enough for you. Set in Paul Smiths, in the heart of the Adirondacks region, White Pine Camp is the former holiday home of President Calvin Coolidge. Nowadays, it's a year-round getaway that places you right in nature's beauty. You'll have 13 stately cabins and cottages to choose from, each featuring handcrafted furnishings, stone fireplaces and stunning views. This provincial wonderland is one of the region's 'Great Camps' — a label reserved for the remarkable lakeside homes built by wealthy 19th-century families. There are endless activities to experience during your stay. You can enjoy boating, hiking, fishing and bowling. Then, when you're ready to unwind, head to the camp's Japanese tea house for a cocktail. [caption id="attachment_851090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Buffalo Niagara, Kim Smith,[/caption] THE MANSION ON DELAWARE AVENUE, BUFFALO Buffalo is one of the most captivating cities in the United States. From the recently restored 19th- and early 20th-century architectural gems and picturesque gardens to the thriving entertainment and nightlife scenes, there are many things that make the city well worth a visit. Located in the heart of the city, The Mansion on Delaware offers an up-close glimpse of the aforementioned 19th-century grandeur. The elegance of the property is undeniable from the moment you step inside, with 15-foot ceilings and handcrafted details that ooze class. You can live out all your upper-class fantasies here, too. To complement the venue's grand allure, a team of "new-fashioned butlers" are waiting at your beck and call, whether you need the ideal restaurant reservation, day-trip suggestions or even a personal driver to whisk you to a nearby landmark. [caption id="attachment_844998" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Phillip Ennis, Courtesy of Oheka Castle[/caption] OHEKA CASTLE, HUNTINGTON Oheka Castle is believed to have inspired The Great Gatsby, so booking a stay in this sprawling mansion ensures you get the chance to live out your Roaring Twenties fantasies. Here, at the highest point of Long Island, luxury is the name of the game, with a selection of sophisticated suites offering opulent decor alongside views stretching across the pristine grounds. Downstairs, the OHK Bar and Restaurant is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, and has a distinctly European atmosphere. You're also welcome to explore the gardens, order an in-room massage, hit the gym or even attend a daily tour of this storied mansion. [caption id="attachment_851095" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Dutchess Tourism[/caption] THE ROUNDHOUSE, BEACON The charming town of Beacon makes for the ideal artsy escape, as this former industrial hub has evolved into a cultural destination over the last 20 years. The Roundhouse embodies this rejuvenation perfectly. The historic mill was transformed into a boutique hotel and restaurant in 2010, but many of the property's refined architectural details were preserved. The Roundhouse is perched on the edge of the fast-flowing Fishkill Creek, offering views of the adjacent Beacon Falls. This easy-on-the-eye spot has 51 guestrooms decked out with mid-century decor. Meanwhile, the acclaimed restaurant showcases goods from local farms, wineries and distilleries. [caption id="attachment_844992" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE, NEW PALTZ Mohonk Mountain House is another majestic stay that'll see you surrounded by the Hudson Valley's incredible scenery. This early 20th-century estate is based on the edge of Lake Mohonk and is surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest. You won't be left looking for ways to fill your time either. First of all, there are some 85 miles of hiking trails to explore. You can also go kayaking and fly fishing on the lake that sits next to the estate, or make the most of the estate's award-winning spa and top-notch recreational facilities, including tennis courts, an indoor pool, a golf course and more. Mohonk Mountain House is also known for its farm-to-table cuisine, which is served throughout its many venues. [caption id="attachment_851104" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Greene County Tourism & Film Office[/caption] EASTWIND HOTEL AND BAR, WINDHAM When your main priority is reconnecting with nature, eco-conscious glamping in the rugged countryside is bound to fit the bill. Eastwind Hotel and Bar, overlooking the Catskill Mountains, is a fantastic choice. The property's A-frame glamping tents and cabins will level up your outdoor encounters with their Scandinavian-style architecture and amenities. Here, you don't need to forgo the creature comforts during your stay — even the basic offering comes with wifi, lush robes and private bathrooms. Opting for an upgraded hut, meanwhile, will score you a cosy lounge area, writing nook, outdoor fire pit and shower, and a private deck to appreciate the views. Throw in a visit to the hotel's trendy cocktail bar and a sweat sesh in the wood-barrelled sauna, and this out-of-town haunt won't disappoint. THE LAKE HOUSE ON CANANDAIGUA, CANANDAIGUA The Finger Lakes is one of upstate New York's top destinations, known for its picturesque lakes, wineries and top-class recreational facilities. Sound like your sort of place? The Lake House on Canandaigua is where you should stay. Modern yet flourished with old-world charm, this peaceful location is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring the surrounding landscapes. Alongside the 125 picture-perfect rooms, dining is a clear focus at the hotel. The Sand Bar offers a laidback atmosphere and colourful cocktails overlooking the water, while Rose Tavern levels up the class with rustic decor and hearth-cooked cuisine. For activities, there's a fully kitted day spa, ice skating in winter, morning meditation sessions and much more. STARLITE MOTEL, KERHONKSON The Starlite Motel is a 1960s motor lodge that has been lovingly restored to its former glory through modern updates and fashionable touches, ranging from a kitschy pink exterior and retro tiling to vintage appliances that instantly transport you to a bygone age. When you're not exploring the many nearby hiking, biking and climbing locations, you're invited to make the most of an outdoor pool and communal firepits. There's also a lo-fi canteen serving local drinks and snacks, while a selection of barbecue grills means you can whip up your own feast beneath the stars. [caption id="attachment_851100" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Ulster County Tourism/Film[/caption] WOODSTOCK WAY HOTEL, WOODSTOCK Inspired by the music and counterculture that made its namesake community so famous, Woodstock Way Hotel invites guests to experience this history through rustic-chic architecture and enchanting gardens. The rooms, suites and cottages are adorned with vintage decor and artwork, so expect to feel immersed in the lush outdoors through balconies and private gardens. Although there's no on-site restaurant, the communal area offers snacks and drinks. You're also just a quick walk from the centre of town, meaning you can experience Woodstock's wealth of stylish restaurants, bars and fashion boutiques with ease. To start planning your trip to New York State, head to iloveny.com. Also, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best food and drink stops, cultural experiences, outdoor adventures and day trips from NYC. Top image: Courtesy of Oheka Castle
The multicultural food paradise that is Preston Market is launching into the Year of the Rabbit with a jam-packed day of traditional Chinese festivities. Head along from 10am on Sunday, January 29, to immerse yourself in the dazzling Lunar New Year celebrations, featuring dancers, art and crafts, and of course, a whole lot of feasting. It'll all kick off with a store blessing and lion dance by the CMS Lion Dance Team, followed by a bunch of themed, family-friendly creative workshops and pop-ups. Meanwhile, Jinli Wushu-Tai Chi will be taking punters through guided 20-minute tai chi classes, and there'll be stacks of entertainment thanks to the likes of Melbourne Chinese Performing Arts, magician Johnson Hsu and songstress Sabrina Chou. From 11am, you can level up your dinner game at a dumpling workshop led by MasterChef alum Chris Tran. Get in quick for free fortune cookies and complimentary tastings, too. You'll also be able to sink your teeth into a slew of other classic Asian dishes visiting resident stalls like 888 Street Food, T's Vietnamese Classics and South Melbourne Dim Sims. With more than 30 Asian food traders on Preston Market's roster, there's absolutely no shortage of LNY options here.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the Manly Pacific on Sydney's Northern Beaches. We partnered with this lush hotel to give CP readers a special deal — a luxurious one-night stay — that can only be found on Concrete Playground Trips. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This boutique hotel serves up top luxury features alongside uninterrupted beach views, creating a relaxing city escape just 20 minutes from Sydney's CBD. THE ROOMS There are stacks of room and suite options at Manly Pacific. Some look out over the town and are minimal on inclusions — but still have that luxe calm feel thanks to the soft and neutral colour pallette used throughout. Then you have the ocean view rooms and suites that scream 'treat yourself'. The Sun Lounger rooms (where you'll stay when booking our luxury one-night stay) comes with a huge 100-square-metre sun terrace looking over the beach. The Coastal Suites come with a large living area, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and sliding doors that lead out onto a private balcony. And then there's The Infinity Residence. The 177-square-metre suite has one bedroom, large bathroom, living area, kitchen and a 100-square-metre terrace. Renowned Sydney design firm Coco Republic also gave this suite some extra love, featuring opulent marble surfaces throughout — elegantly complementing the striking black and white beach palette. FOOD AND DRINK Manly Pacific has three main drinking and dining spots. First, there's Bistro Manly. The French-inspired menu focuses on local seafood, bistro classics and seasonal produce — of course, paired with Australian and French wines. Tokyo Joe is Manly's latest Japanese restaurant helmed by ex-Nobu Sydney Chef, Marcelino Elamparo Papio Jr. It focuses on sushi, delicately cut sashimi, steamed buns and more traditional mains. You've also got to grab some cocktails from 55 North during your stay. Bartenders serve up all the classics as well as some of their own creations throughout the day and night. [caption id="attachment_892193" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fabio Santo (Unsplash)[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA There are heaps of things to see and do in Sydney's beachside burb of Manly. You can either follow our extensive guide or just hit up some of the top spots. Walking along the Manly Scenic Walkway should be at the top of your agenda, heading in the direction of North Head to sneak in a swim at Shelly Beach. We also recommend grabbing some brekkie from Belgrave Cartel, downing afternoon drinks at Manly Wharf Hotel, having a spa and sauna sesh at Rimba Sweat and treating yourself to a few cocktails at The Steyne's hidden whisky bar. THE EXTRAS When you book The Infinity Residence, you'll get one totally unnecessary — but brilliantly extravagant — addition. A personal Beach Butler will be all yours for the entire duration of your stay. They'll do all the heavy lifting to and from the beach, even setting up umbrellas and towels before packing them up when you're done. Feeling hungry? The butler will set up the outdoor dining table on your massive balcony for a glam dinner or organise a luxurious picnic on one of the nearby beaches. It's over the top. But we are all for it. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
For everyone who has ever had a cringeworthy boss, annoying co-worker or soul-crushing office job, one sitcom franchise has understood for more than two decades now. It was back in 2001 that the original UK version of The Office arrived, introducing the world to the literally paper-pushing David Brent. And, in 2005, an American series featuring the also-awkward Michael Scott hit the small screen as well. More international takes on the show have followed, including an in-the-works Australian series that'll mark the 13th iteration beyond Britain to-date. Next, so might a big return, with the US version reportedly set to score a reboot. Might, could, apparently, rumoured, possibly, hopefully: they all fit this news, which Puck dropped in the wake of Hollywood's current writers' strike looking like it is nearing its end. "Greg Daniels is set to do a reboot of The Office," the publication noted in its wrap-up of where things stand now that the Writers Guild of America has reached a provisional deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. That sentence, naming the US version of The Office's creator (who has also been behind Space Force and Upload), is all there is to go on for now; however, it hails from an outlet that's all about insider conversation in Hollywood, Silicon Valley, Wall Street and Washington. As for how a restocked take on the Dunder Mifflin-set The Office might work, who'd star, if any of the OG cast will return, if it'll still feature Scranton in Pennsylvania, how many desk supplies might get put in jelly and all the other burning questions that everyone has right now, there's no answers as yet. On its first go-around, the American The Office proved one of the rare instances where a TV remake is better than the original. It was also immensely easy to just keep rewatching, as fans have known since the 2005–13 show finished its run. Of course, that's what you get when you round up Steve Carell (Asteroid City), John Krasinski (Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan), Jenna Fischer (Splitting Up Together), Rainn Wilson (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story), Mindy Kaling (Velma), Ed Helms (Rutherford Falls), Ellie Kemper (Happiness for Beginners), Craig Robinson (Killing It) and more in the same show, and let all of them break out their comedic best. As for The Office Australia — which comes after everywhere from Canada, France and Germany to Israel, India and Poland have similarly given the idea a go — it's on its way in 2024 thanks to Prime Video. In the Aussie series, it will be Hannah Howard's turn to become the manager that no one wants but everyone has worked for. Played by actor and comedian Felicity Ward (Wakefield), she'll oversee a packaging company called Flinley Craddick. And, when she receives news that head office is shutting down her branch — with everyone working from home instead — she's determined to keep her team together. Obviously that won't go smoothly, or there'd be no sitcom antics to be had in The Office Australia. Joining Ward is a hefty cast spanning Edith Poor (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Steen Raskopoulos (The Duchess), Shari Sebbens (Preppers), Josh Thomson (Young Rock), Jonny Brugh (What We Do in the Shadows), Pallavi Sharda (The Twelve), Susan Ling Young (Barons), Raj Labade (Back of the Net), Lucy Schmit and Firass Dirani (House Husbands). There's no sneak peek yet at whatever the US reboot of The Office pans out to be, and no trailer yet for The Office Australia, either. But, in the interim, you can check out a couple clips from the US version below: The rumoured reboot of the US version of The Office doesn't have a release date yet — we'll update you with more information when it is announced. The Office Australia will stream via Prime Video sometime in 2024 — we'll update you with an exact launch date when one is announced.
Wander down a Melbourne laneway and you'll find a shortcut to Spain in the form of Crossley St Cantina, a late-night tapas restaurant and cocktail bar. The brainchild of Geoff Machirus (Bodega Underground), Crossley St Cantina merges the bustling vibes of Spanish culture with the finest local Australian produce. The kitchen crafts a fully gluten-free sharing menu that features delectable tapas like chicken skin crackling with whipped goat cheese, truffle honey, pomegranate and saltbush, baked scallops with garlic mornay, finger lime and karkalla, and fan favourite crispy brussels sprouts with chilli-maple dressing. If you are after a larger plate, the Basque-style grilled 400g porterhouse steak with roasted bone marrow and pepperberry veal jus is a must. Round out the menu with the classic Basque burnt cheesecake with dulce de leche, housemade honeycomb and berry coulis. The drinks list is equally impressive, with a designated gin tonica menu, vermouth spritzes and an extensive wine list that includes plenty of Spanish varietals (and local drops), including sherry wines — Oloroso and Pedro Ximinez make appearances. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 12–5pm, the cantina hosts a Bottomless Brunch. For $79 per person, guests can enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing G&Ts, sangria, cocktails, beer, and wine, all paired with a curated five-plate selection of the chef's favourite dishes. A vegan-friendly menu is also available, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Was it invented in Belgium or France? Can you eat it and still call yourself left-wing? Which potatoes should you use? The steak frites might have inspired many debates over the years. But one thing is clear: we can't get enough of it. The folks at Dolly in Le Meridien Melbourne are well aware of this fact. And that's why they've launched Wednesday steak frites nights. That's right, you can now end hump day with a hearty plate of meat and potatoes, cooked French-style. Executive Chef Hervé Borghini has taken a refined approach to the classic dish. His steak is a 250-gram, MB2-grade porterhouse sourced from Victorian grass-fed cattle, topped with a disc of traditional Cafe de Paris butter. On the side comes a generous pile of golden, double-cooked frites. Usually $44, Borghini's steak frites is $32 on Wednesday nights. Plus, you can order matching wines at just $10 a glass. Bon appetit!
If you're on the hunt for the perfect activity for a cold, grim day, we have five right here — and they'll make you forget all about the fact that it's winter. That's because all of these art experiences are designed to take you out of your every day and into another reality of bright colours, lights and falling water. You can see the city transformed under projections (in both the north and the west), walk through a rain installation without getting wet, or sit down to an immersive dinner in a bunker underneath Fed Square.
