English composer Clint Mansell has produced some of the most memorable film scores of the past 15 years. Best known for his collaboration with director Darren Aronofsky, and in particular his work on Requiem for a Dream, Mansell's distinctively eerie and grandiose sound helps elevate him above the competition, and has seen him team up with the likes of Trent Reznor, Patti Smith and the Kronos Quartet. As part of this year's Melbourne Festival, Mansell will present a selection of his most iconic film compositions backed by a nine-piece band. This event is one of our top ten picks of the Melbourne Festival. Check out the other nine.
Missed The Preatures on their huge sold-out 'Cruel' tour this spring? How'd you like to catch them live this summer, for free? The Sydney fivesome are gearing up for another national escapade, this time joining forces with Corona Extra for a huge free November tour. Locked in for 20 locations across the country, Corona Sunsets will see the Sydneysiders play unplugged shows everywhere from Bondi Beach's Bucket List to the Portsea Hotel. Kicking off in Yallingup, Western Australia on November 6, the tour will wind through some of The Preatures' favourite bars in WA, NSW and Queensland before finishing up in Victoria on the last weekend in November. Isabella Manfredi, Gideon Bensen, Jack Moffitt, Thomas Champion and Luke Davison will be careening through their 2014 debut album Blue Planet Eyes, from crowd favourite singles like 'Cruel', 'Somebody's Talking' and 'Is This How You Feel?' to lesser known album gems like 'Ordinary' and 'Whatever You Want'. Fingers crossed for a raucous pub singalong to The Preatures' go-to cover, The Angels' 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again'. All shows are free entry, over-18s only and it's first-in, best-dressed. If Corona Extra's previous free Australian tours, like Cloud Control, are anything to go by, you're going to want to get there pretty damn early. For details head to Corona's website. THE PREATURES' CORONA SUNSETS VICTORIA TOUR DATES: November 27 Lambys, Geelong, 9pm November 28 The Deck est 2013, Frankston, 3pm Westernport Hotel, San Remo, 9.30pm November 29 The College Lawn, Prahran, 2.30pm Portsea Hotel, Portsea, 7pm
Ain't no party like a MMW Opening Night Party, and anyone who went along to last year's Total Giovanni and Architecture in Helsinki affair last year can back us up on this one. In exciting musical news, Gypsy & The Cat have abandoned their hiatus for this auspicious occasion, and will be joined by sparkling alt-pop band Dorsal Fins and the joyous R'n'B and pop stylings of The Harpoons. It's also the first night the flagship venue will be open —and while the idea of partying in an old hospital basement may seem a little creepy at first, we can't deny we're aching to check it out.
It's been three years since Florence + The Machine last toured Australia and we were beginning to think it'd be another three years before they toured again. Oh how wrong we were. Not content with just headlining this year's Splendour In The Grass and playing two packed sideshows, the group have announced that they'll be back in November. British powerhouse Florence Welch and her crew will be touring the country with a set list from their third studio album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. Guess they like Australia after all (and if the album's debut at #1 on the ARIA charts is anything to go by, we seem to have a bit of a thing for them too.) 2015 has been a busy year for the group, with performances at Coachella and Glastonbury, plus Austin City Limits this coming October. Now they'll be going solo, performing five dates across Australia. This includes two show at one of the country's most iconic venues: the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, an area reserved for the most popular of acts. You'll be able to enjoy an evening of infectious powerhouse art rock against one of the most perfect backdrops in the nation. Tickets to their Australian tour go on sale from 10 am (AEST) on Monday August 3 – and judging from how popular their Splendour sideshows were, you'll have to be extra quick to get your hands on them. Get ready to get your jive on.
If you're going to fork out an arm and a leg for candy bar concessions, the food may as well be good. That's the thinking behind the Coburg Drive-In Food Truck Festival, which after tantalising our tastebuds in previous seasons is back for a spring run. Sit back in your car and enjoy the latest Hollywood releases while chowing down on delectable offerings from Melbourne's leading mobile food vendors. Look out for the likes of Kurbside Kravings, Beatbox, Happy Camper Pizza, Bibimbap, Those Guys Food, Toasta, Manny's Donut Cafe, Nuoc Mama’s Food, Truck, Greek Street Food, Tasty Taters, Mr Burger, Senor Churros, Pasta Face, A Salted Squid and Manny's Donut Cafe.
Things are getting animated at ACMI in Federation Square, as Melbourne’s largest celebration of local and international animation comes rolling into town. For eight straight days, the Melbourne International Animation Festival will showcase hundreds of shorts from more than 35 countries, giving audiences the chance to get up close and personal with some of the brightest stars of the medium today. The festival begins on Sunday, June 21, with a special Australian Showcase on opening night. There’s more local content in the Australian Panorama and Australian Student Showcase sections, as well as a six-part symposium on the centenary of Australian animation. There are also a number of international streams, including specialised looks at Irish and Slovakian animation, plus the always bizarre late night program that is definitely not suitable for kids. This year’s festival will also see the return of the RENDER Animation Conference, a two-day event featuring an array of presentations from leading local and international animation experts. MIAF 2015 runs June 21 to 28. For the full program, visit www.miaf.net.
Cinema Nova is ramping up its repertory credentials with Nova Iconic, a newly launched lineup of big screen classics. From quintessential sci-fi to one of the greatest gangster films ever made, this fortnightly rotating program will see each title screen multiple times in pristine quality, giving cinephiles the chance to catch some of their all time favourites in the cinema — just as their directors intended. The season begins with Blade Runner: The Final Cut, the definitive version of Ridley Scott’s breathtaking sci-fi noir that returns to the Nova after sold-out sessions in May. Next up is Jim Henson’s puppet-filled family fantasy The Dark Crystal, followed by Lindsay Anderson’s landmark counterculture film If. First-time director Ben Stiller lays the '90s disaffection on thick in late July with Reality Bites, before the season comes to a close in August with Martin Scorsese’s undisputed masterpiece Goodfellas. For more information and session times, visit the Cinema Nova website.
After a successful run in August last year, The Conscious Closet is back with. In support of Fitted for Work, The Conscious Closet offers amazing deals on new and pre-loved designer clothing and accessories from brands such as Carla Zampatti, Jigsaw, Scanlan & Theodore, Perri Cutten, Alannah Hill and Veronika Maine just to name a few. Fitted For Work is an organisation which provides support and assistance to disadvantaged women seeking secure employment. They do so through mentoring, interview preparation, outfitting and support during the transition from unemployment to working life. Since 2005, they've helped a whopping 14,500 women secure employment. It's a great cause to get behind, and really, there's no excuse not to when prices at start off at just $2. On Friday, June 12, these charitable champions are holding a massive sale with nothing over $20. We'll say that again. None of this amazing designer clothing will be over $20. Open your hearts (and your wallets) and grab a cute outfit for a good cause. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Everybody knows that the people of Melbourne love a good beard. But what you maybe didn’t know? We now have an entire festival dedicated to them. Organised by the finely-bearded folks at This Is Beard Season, the first ever Mid Winter Beard Fest is set to go down in Collingwood on the evening of Sunday July 12. We’re talking a full-on warehouse party dedicated to chin fuzz, with music, booze and the most elaborate facial hair you’ll see outside of Middle Earth. And to make things even better, every single dollar is going to a worthy cause — This Is Beard Season's daily quest to get you and your friends and family to book a skincheck for melanoma. Do it. The fun kicks off at 6pm at 73 Cromwell Street, although you’ll probably need to leave most of the afternoon to properly landscape your face. Melbourne bands Sgt York, Immortal Horns and DJ Petty Crimes will crank out a few sets, while Moon Dog Craft Brewery, Kulara Estate, Arktika Vodka and Sailor Jerry will keep you from getting too thirsty. All money from the bar goes to help fight melanoma, as will the proceeds from a charity auction later in the night. For more information, visit Mid Winter Beard Fest on Facebook. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Film lovers of Melbourne, prepare to get square eyes and sore backs. Once you see the entire Melbourne International Film Festival lineup in all its 370-title glory, however, you won't be complaining about the prospect of either. Certain to make fans of Frances Ha squeal with glee, MIFF have slotted in Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach's second co-written collaboration, Mistress America, as their closing night feature. Indeed, American indies are in the spotlight in 2015, with 7 Chinese Brothers and The Overnight starring Jason Schwartzman, Mississippi Grind from Half Nelson's Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, and Sleeping With Other People with Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis also screening. Still looking at the indie scene, MIFF will welcome filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, as well as Chilean director and screenwriter Sebastian Silva, to the festival for retrospectives of their work. After wowing audiences at SXSW, the Safdies' drug drama Heaven Knows What is one of the picks of the fest, while Silva presents his latest effort, Nasty Baby, as well as earlier offerings such as Magic Magic and Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus. All this is in addition to earlier announcements — a sneak peek back in May, a list of Cannes titles in June, and the David Wenham-starring Force of Destiny for opening night — and the program also includes a 12-movie tribute to psychedelic fare, an ode to Australian icon David Gulpilil, a spotlight on true crime cinema, and a special selection of shorts designed to be watched vertically. The problem facing fest-goers isn't what to see, but what they can live with missing. Yes, MIFF 2015 isn't just about film — it's also about FOMO. The Melbourne International Film Festival runs from July 30 to August 16. For more detail on this year's program head over here, or for our top ten things to see head here.
The South Melbourne Night Market is back for its seventh year, with art, craft, fashion, food and live entertainment to brighten up your summer nights. The iconic market will return to Cecil and Coventry Streets every Thursday night through to March 10, with dozens of stalls by local designers and creatives, along with food vendors ready to satisfy your every gastronomic desire. Bargain hunters can peruse the market's huge collection of stalls, where they'll find bags, shoes, clothing, jewellery, homeware, stationery and more. Those looking for deals of the edible variety will be similarly pleased, with the likes of C'est Chick, Crepes for Change, Miss Molly's Cakes and The Snag Society all on-hand to help you fill your stomach. Organisers have also put together an impressive lineup of musicians, including Mighty Duke and the Lords, Kim Salmon, Mangelwurzel and the Sugar Fed Leopards. So hightail it south this Thursday.
A brand new solo dance work from KAGE co-founder Gerard Van Dyck will tackle questions of privilege, creativity and the place of the artist in the contemporary world. Performed by the veteran dancer and theatre-maker at the fortyfivedownstairs gallery and performance space, PICNIC is described as "a surreal physical poem" and "part nightmare, part time capsule, part gift". The world premiere show runs from August 18–30 ahead of a national tour in 2016. Van Dyck's collaborators include writer, producer and arts curator Marieke Hardy and composer Alisdair Macindoe. Together, the trio will offer up an original treatise on our country's frequently rocky relationship with the arts and creative industries in general — fields which according to Van Dyck are too often dismissed as not being worthwhile. Expect a work that's political, intimate and more than a little absurd.
Two of our favourite things — good food and fantastic film — are coming together at Caulfield Racecourse in March. For five consecutive nights starting on Wednesday, March 2, five of Melbourne's top restaurants will serve up a mouth-watering menu, each specially paired with a critically-acclaimed film. Bring your picnic blankets, but leave the baskets at home – at Gourmet Cinema, dinner is taken care of. Each film on the program has been matched to a corresponding restaurant. The Grand Budapest Hotel should go quite nicely with high-end European cuisine from Epocha, while The Big Lebowski seems better paired with Le Bon Ton's Southern-style brisket. Take a decadent trip around Rome in The Great Beauty while munching on pizza from Baby, watch Jon Favreau cook up a storm in Chef with a feast from Mamasita, or journey back to the Belle Epoque with Midnight in Paris as you eat French fare from The European. While each restaurant will present a specific screening, you don't have to worry about picking your favourite, since all five will be operating stalls throughout the entire five-night season. You'll also be able to purchase coffee from St Ali and sweet treats courtesy of LuxBite. Picnic rugs and deck chairs will be available to hire on the night, although patrons are also welcome to bring their own blankets it they prefer. Gates open at 6pm with screenings set to commence at 8.30pm. Tickets are $19.50 (plus booking fee) for adults, and don't include food. You'll have to purchase that separately.
If the change in seasons has left your wardrobe looking a little lacklustre, this is an opportunity you ought to lock in. Australian masters of print, geometry and mixed materials Ginger & Smart are having a studio sale, including new season samples and past season discounts. Founded by Alexandra and Genevieve Smart in 2002, this boutique brand has been accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia, so you can feel reassured that you’re investing in highest quality attire. Rolling champagne and shopping into one evening, there will be a VIP shopping evening on Friday, May 1. But if you can't drag yourself to a night of bubbles, shopping and beats, you can visit the sale from Thursday, April 30 to Sunday May 3. There will be up to 80% off pretty much everything — dresses, skirts, tops, accessories and more. If you want elegant designs at a bargain, you'd better be quick. GINGER AND SMART STUDIO SALE OPENING HOURS: Thursday, April 30: 1-5pm Friday, May 1: 10am-8pm (VIP shopping evening 5-8pm) Saturday, May 2: 10am-5pm Sunday, May 3: 10am-5pm
For one spirited week of libation exploration, Melbourne’s best bars and cocktail specialists are opening their doors for you to learn the ins and outs of cocktail making. For whisky lovers, there’s Whisky Versatility, where you'll navigate the many intricacies of single malt whisky — and the best food to pair with it. Bartenders at the Black Pearl will be joined by ex-Hammer and Tong 412 chef Madeline Watmuff to create the ultimate evening for whisky lovers. For those looking to brush up on the classics, there's the Taste Of The Classics at Eau de Vie. Explore the history of cocktails through eight signature cocktails, each unique and influential in its own right. We should note that this is a tasting session, rather than a how-to class, so you’ll get to sample the goods and understand how these cocktails came to earn their 'classic' status. These are just two of the many cocktail-focused events happening throughout this delicious, delicious week. For more information on where you can gain a deeper appreciation of your favourite Tom Collins or Penicillin (or perhaps you'll find a new go-to), head to the World Class Cocktail Week website for further details.
After blazing through the end of 2014 with sold-out shows in Sydney and Melbourne, Jack Ladder and the Dreamlanders are back. And this time, they're taking on the nation. New album Playmates, released in November, inspired many a rave review from the critics and featured on Double J, FBi, 3RRR and 2SER. It's also been released in the big ol' U.S. of A. by Fat Possum (Black Keys, Spiritualized), which meant that March took Jack to gigs New York, Los Angeles and SXSW, Austin. NPR even named him one of the 'Musicians You'll Tell Your Friends About In 2015'. Plus, he casually recorded a killer duet with Sharon Van Etten, so extra kudos. Catch Jack Ladder and The Dreamlanders at Melbourne's Howler on May 8, Perth's Amplifier on May 9, Brisbane's Brightside May 15 and Sydney's Oxford Art Factory May 16. They'll be supported at every show by Sydney-based singer-songwriter Alex Cameron, who first became known as the percussionist in Seekae but has since been getting attention for his solo adventures.
This Easter weekend marks the end of an era for one of Melbourne’s most beloved institutions. After 75 years of constant operation, the iconic Astor Theatre will finally close its doors. And true to form, they’re going out in style. After a traditional Good Friday screening of the classic biblical epic Ben-Hur, the cinema will celebrate its final weekend with the crown jewel in its catalogue: a rare 70mm film print of 2001: A Space Odyssey. One of the most visually astounding movies ever made, it’s the sort of film that everyone should see on the big screen at least once – and the only fitting way to bid The Astor farewell.
Last year, Jungle’s unique brand of modern soul exploded worldwide, landing them prime positions at international music festivals and a Mercury Prize-nominated debut album to boot. Earworms such as 'Time', 'The Heat', and the triple j Hottest 100 shoe-in 'Busy Earnin' (it reached number #67) made everyone wake up and pay attention. But they're no mere studio cats — Jungle's live set is one of the best excuses to bust out your dancing shoes we've seen in a while. Not content with playing around with their laptops on stage, Tom McFarland and Josh Lloyd-Watson — more commonly known as J and T — will be joined by Jungle's live band, recreating their music in all its harmonic splendour. Opening the show will be Melbourne’s golden boy Oscar Key Sung, so arriving early to this gig has more advantages than just a prime position. If you're not content seeing Jungle in their set at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, get along to their sideshow while they're in town.
Have you found yourself standing in the Australian breeze lately and thought, "Do I feel in this breeze a touch of whimsy; whimsy and the slight lilt of literary references spoken in Glaswegian accents?" You have? Sure sign that Belle and Sebastian are on their way. After four years the ever-enduring Glaswegian collective, who have long held the title of indie-pop royalty, have released their ninth studio album just in time for an Australian tour. Belle and Sebastian are never a band to ignore their roots, so longtime fans can look forward to performances that celebrate everything from indie-pop classics from early albums Tigermilk and If You're Feeling Sinister to their newest dance-y ventures 'The Party Line' and 'Enter Sylvia Plath' off the new album Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance. We caught up with Stuart Murdoch for a chat about B&S's stylistic changes, having cocktails created in one’s honour and putting politics in pop. Check out the interview right here.
After a solid three year stint in Adelaide, Vinteloper Urban Wine Project are bringing their deliciously indulgent events to Melbourne. Total egalitarians, VUWP is all about making the creation of wine an accessible art form for those who might not usually get the chance. That means you, city folk — while there’s plenty of places to drink nice wine in Melbourne, sadly there's nowhere close by to learn how to make it. Grapes are transported to the microwinery's secret urban space — whose location remains a mystery until you buy a ticket. From there, participants will foot crush, ferment, basket press and allow the wine to mature in oak while you sample Vinteloper wines made at previous Urban Winery Project seasons and other drops from their range. The Vinteloper wines will be matched with a feast put on by Pot and Pan culinary tailoring. For those addicted to foodie reality TV shows, this is Sam Gant's business (of Masterchef fame), so you're in excellent hands. Vinteloper will run the event on three separate evenings in March, so there's no excuse to miss out on this feast fit for a king. Winemaking interaction and immersion from 6pm, feast served from 7pm.
This week has more Australian '80s-style synth pop, unforgettable dance moves and enviable hairstylin' than usual, with Sydney duo Client Liaison rolling into town for their national Pretty Lovers tour. Renowned for their infectious '80s synth and '90s pop influences, this pair continues to pack a punch with the release of their debut EP, Queen, last year. If their sold-out Spiegeltent shows at Sydney Festival this year, or their recent confetti cannon-finale at Secret Garden Festival are anything to go by, 170 Russell better fortify their floorboards — furious dancing is mandatory. Extravagant and over-the-top in every way, Harvey Miller and Monte Morgan are well worth checking out, revisiting or continuing your straight-up superfandom for. If a high-energy, synthy dance party sounds like your jam, check out Client Liaison on Wednesday, March 18 and Friday, March 20. Supported by Retiree and Wrooks. Words by Lucinda Starr and Shannon Connellan.
After NorthCider festival whet appetites last weekend, it's pretty clear that Melburnians love to celebrate their cider. Add some delicious, rare, stinky cheese to the table and you’ve got one heck of an afternoon. Setting up shop at the magnificent Werribee Mansion for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Fromage a Trois: Cheese and Cider Festival will showcase Australian boutique cider producers and artisan cheesemakers, who'll be displaying their tasty wares for you to sample and inevitably take home by the wheel-load. For those particularly interested in the process behind the practice, there'll be a demonstration stage where you can get educated on cheese appreciation, as well as some more intimate masterclasses on offer. If you want to get the best tips for your own cider or cheesemaking adventures, we recommend having a chat to the stallholders — they'll undoubtedly talk your ear off about the good stuff. Can't wait until Sunday for your fix? Check out our round-up of Melbourne's best spots to stock up on very, very good cheese right here.
Sick of American BBQ? You're in the minority — but you're also in luck. Countering the other American-style events on the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival program, the B.East is holding an all-Australian bush barbecue and you're invited. On Saturday, March 7 the B.East is swapping their burgers for the likes of 12-hour pulled kangaroo tail, Southern fried crocodile, wild boar and possum empanadas, and Moreton Bay bug po' boys cooked in the spices of the outback. Wash it down with native-infused cocktails, Aussie beers and wine. Food and drinks at bar prices, but it's recommended you make a booking!
If you're already squealing, this is the gig you've been waiting for. Bright Eyes frontman and bonafide dreamboat of your formative years Conor Oberst is returning to Australia to play some very special shows for your fast-beating heart. Since the early '90s, Oberst has spun tales of heartbreak, love, joy, life and serious depression, gradually moving from Bright Eyes to the Mystic Valley Band and Monsters of Folk in recent years. Now he's heading back to Sydney, armed with tracks from his most recent album, 2014's Upside Down Mountain as well as those tunes that made you weep, fall in love and appreciate the little things. Fingers crossed for 'Lua', 'First Day of My Life'; you know the drill. This isn't your regular giggin' in pavilions tour though. As well as hitting up Brisbane's Triffid, Melbourne's Corner Hotel and Sydney's Metro's Theatre, Oberst is set to play a series of unconventional gigs among the giraffes, hitting Sydney's Taronga Zoo and Melbourne Zoo Twilights. Bet even the bilbies have a bit of a tear-up. Conor Oberst will play two Melbourne shows, February 26 at the Corner Hotel (sold out) and February 28 at Melbourne Zoo Twilights. Supported by The Felice Brothers.
If chocolate bunnies and hot cross buns just won't cut it for you, we've found a sweet alternative this Easter season. The team from Doughboys Doughnuts knows when it comes to delicious hol(e)y pastry, the more extravagant the topping the better. Famous for their devilish hand-dipped creations, Doughboys are stopping by the Mercat Cross Hotel in the Queen Vic Markets to dish up their best sellers. Glazing and filling their way into the heart's of hungry Melburnians, Doughboys have got it very right. Swing by their pop-up station for a dose of delicious, sugary goodness. With flavours like maple bacon, key lime pie and passionfruit curd with dark chocolate ganache, you'll be drooling before you reach the queue. Jump on the Doughboys bandwagon quick; these guys are set to sell out quick with these decadent delights. Want more doughnuts? Check out our list of Melbourne's ten best.
Looking for the perfect long weekend? The Heathcote on Show wine festival is back for another year, and the lineup is robust, full-bodied and delicious. If you haven't heard of this one before, it's basically the biggest annual food and wine festival in north-central Victoria. Every year for the past 19 years, local Heathcote wineries get together to showcase the best of the region: cellar doors, distilleries, breweries, restaurants, cheese plates, spirit flights, live entertainment and heaps more. This year there are 25 venues participating and the festival will be running over the King's Birthday long weekend (Saturday, June 10 to Monday, June 12). This is your chance to not only taste the best of Heathcote, but also meet the winemakers and brewers whose products fill the shelves of your local bottle-o. Plenty of venues are also running special events, like the three-course Peking Duck Lunch at Wren Estate, or the Goldfields Cheese and Wine Session at Sanguine Estate. You can browse the full program over here. As this event includes more free-flowing booze than a university study session, Heathcote on Show will be providing a hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus service for $40 per day. That gets you access to all the participating wineries without the need to draw straws for designated driver duties. There are also buses running from Bendigo to Heathcote on Saturday and Sunday. Images: Supplied
Yarraville's favourite gelateria, Gigi's Gelato, is celebrating international Best Friends Day (June 8) with a sweet treat: free scoops for you and a mate. All you have to do is bring your best friend or a confused stranger you recently met on the street into the store on Thursday, June 8. The free scoops will be running all night from 7pm (while tubs last, at least). And speaking of the tubs in question, co-owners Luigi 'Gigi' Pozzoli and Sue Yong will be slinging crowd favourites like salted caramel, peanut butter, stracciatella and Oreo. "Gelato is sweeter when it's shared with someone special – after all, food is a love language," Sue says. "Italians eat gelato all year round and we want to encourage Melburnians to do the same." If you haven't heard of Gigi's before, it popped up in Yarraville in 2022, and quickly became a local favourite. The store recently celebrated its first birthday in March. It's a family business, and the name of the game here is traditional, artisan, Italian gelato. Just like Nonna used to make. "Gelato brings people together," Sue says, "and as a family business we want our customers to know we value the importance of friendship." Now the big question: who are you going to take? Images: Supplied
If you can't stop eating curry, here's one for you: Welcome to Brunswick is hosting a festival dedicated to curry on Saturday, August 12. The Cold Ones & Bold Ones fest will see all your favourite curry vendors assembled to deliver a day of flavour-filled dedication to curry. Expect a vast array of iterations too, with curries promised to start at just $10. On the cards: a 100-spice curry, Japanese chicken katsu curry, beef massaman, spicy red pumpkin and more. The festival announcement follows the reopening of Welcome to Brunswick's next door hall venue, aptly named 'The Hall'. Of course, a wide range of spice-quenching beers will be available to accompany your curry throughout the day, including a coconut curry lager from 4 Pines Brewery. Live music with a live DJ set featuring retro tunes round out the day's lineup. The festival kicks off at midday, bookings are available online — and kids and dogs are welcome. Images: supplied.
Victoria's answer to Dark MOFO is back for another year. From August 25 to 27, WinterWild will once again be taking over Gadubanud Country in Apollo Bay, where the rolling green hills of western Victoria tumble slowly into the sea. Three full days of music, art, food and fire. It's always a cracking good time. This year's programme looks pretty stacked too, with performances from satanic collective Dane Blacklock & the Preacher's Daughter, Jen Cloher, Harvey Sutherland and RidzyRay, as well as a huge lineup of winter feasts, barbecue masterclasses and ice bathing and breath workshops. WinterWild kicks off on the Friday with a Welcome to Country from the Eastern Marr Aboriginal Corporation, followed by free performances from Wemba-Wemba rapper RidzyRay and other First Nations artists. Then it's onto Apollo Bay Mechanic's Institute Hall for more live acts, including a disco-infused space-pop set from Zoë Fox and the Rocket Clocks. Our personal pick this year is MoonGarden at the Apollo Bay Sailing Club. This one's on Saturday night. You can dance under the stars, next to the crashing waves, and lose yourself with electronic sets from Harvey Sutherland, Milo Eastwood and Post Percy. Images: Tyr Explorer.
Ever wanted to swap drizzly Melbourne for the Greek Islands? Harlow in Richmond has the next best thing. From Saturday, May 20, they're hosting Disco Island: a disco-themed drag show with Greek-inspired food, summer vibes and smashing cocktails. Harlow is really pulling out all the stops for this one. They're decking out the venue with Greek native plants, like fuchsia pink Bougainvillea, summer aesthetics and disco balls. Did we mention drag queens belting out ABBA's greatest hits? Food lovers can snack their way around the islands, with grilled flatbread and house-made French onion dip, dolmades stuffed with rice and herbs, chargrilled lamb skewers served with minty tzatziki and crispy chickpeas and even a Greek schnitty. If bacon and egg sangas are more your breakfast speed, there'll be plenty of those too. There's also a killer Disco Island cocktail menu on offer. Try the Lemonopita with vodka, Frangelico, vanilla and citrus, or maybe the Milopita with fireball, spiced rum and a squeeze of lemon. Disco Island will be running as a two-hour bottomless brunch every Saturday (11:30am and 2pm) and Sunday (12pm). The whole thing kicks off from May 20 and runs till Harlow is out of vodka (or all winter, whichever comes first). Get all the details on the event page. Images: Supplied
To celebrate World Gin Day and World Tapas Day, AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank and Patient Wolf Distillery are teaming up for a month-long celebration at Sorolla. And yes, they'll be plenty of gin. It's called La Boqueria, running on Saturdays from May 27 to June 17. So what does this involve? Three words for you: bottomless G&T cart. It's pretty much the ultimate four-course tapas menu, matched with a bottomless G&T cart and specialty cocktails. [caption id="attachment_814621" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Patient Wolf[/caption] To complement the booze, you've got Spanish classics like olives, pickled guindilla peppers and white anchovy, manchego and sweet quince, Catalan salami and Sorolla's signature striploin steak, paired with pickled salsa verde, broccolini and nasturtium leaves. Finish things off with that Spanish hero, the not-so-humble churro. This one comes dipped in chilli-chocolate sauce and salted caramel. Salivating yet? You can book tickets to La Boqueria through the Marriott website. Bottomless brunch and G&Ts start at $79 per person, or you can upgrade to the paired gin cocktail option for $89 per person. Bookings are essential for this one. Images: Supplied
Looking for a decent lunch in Williamstown? Pier Farm have just launched a midweek 'Pasta & Pinot' winter warmer deal that fits the bill nicely. If you haven't checked out Pier Farm yet, it's one of the best restaurants in the west, with incredible seafood and show-stopping views out over the bay. It opened back in 2017 and locals have been quietly digging it ever since. Now, onto the special. $39 gets you a choice of three handmade pastas, plus a matching wine. You can pick from slow-cooked Bolognese and house-made tagliatelle (paired with a Rockford Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet), creamy rigatoni carbonara (matched with Vigna Stefani Chardonnay) or Gnocchi ala Sorrentina (washed down with a fruity Pasque Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie). Views and great service are included in the price. Pretty good value all round, really. Pier Farm's Pasta & Pinot special runs Tuesday to Friday for lunch seatings only throughout winter. You can take advantage of this delicious deal between 12pm and 2:30pm. Bookings are encouraged for this one: they tend to pack out at lunchtime. Images: Supplied
The National Gallery of Victoria has been serving up an art fix you can enjoy from the comfort of home since lockdown 1.0, with a jam-packed digital program of virtual tours and events, essays, interviews and more. And now, kicking off on Monday, July 13, it's hosting an online surrealism art course, to help see your creative mind through these looming weeks of lockdown. Dubbed 'Surrealism — 1920s to Now', the self-guided course will run over eight weeks, delivered by the NGV's expert curators and special guests through a program of videos, quizzes, readings and activities. You can sign up for full access to the intermediate-level study for just $49 (or $44 for NGV members), or go a little deeper with a premium enrolment ($134–149), which'll also get you five virtual study sessions hosted via Webex. Students will dig right into the history of the surrealism movement, kicking off with its origins in 1920s Europe. You'll explore its defining elements and techniques, its arrival into Australia in the 1930s, and its emergence in art and film right up to today. Learn under the likes of acclaimed art critic Dr Andrew Frost and La Trobe University lecturer in Screen Studies Dr Anna Dzenis, while exploring key NGV works like Salvador Dalí's 1946 painting Trilogy of the desert: Mirage. Top image: Trilogy of the Desert: Mirage (1946), Salvador Dali, courtesy of NGV
We already know that Brian Jonestown Massacre and Robert Henke Lumière II will be heading to the sixth Melbourne Music Week, happening 13-20 November. But the rest of the epic programme remained a secret until its official announcement on Tuesday, October 6. Here’s what we’ve learned. For a start, the MMW will be taking over Melbourne’s Former Royal Women’s Hospital for one highly ambitious, music-laced labyrinth. Twelve of the hospital’s forgotten, underground rooms, including its disused basement, are set to host hidden one-off performances. Titled Swell, the event will feature sets by Gypsy & The Cat, Monolake (Germany), Banoffee, Eric Duncan aka Dr Drunks (USA), Public Opinion Six, PVT, Kenton Slash Demon (Denmark), The Harpoons, Cobblestone Jazz (Canada), DZ Deathrays and many others. Meanwhile, in the open air, the hospital grounds will be transformed into a beer garden and food truck zone. Every day, from 1-2pm, there’ll be live ‘Lunch Box Sessions’, with DJs taking care of evening shenanigans between 5pm and 8pm. Scheduled artists include Rat & Co DJs, Edd Fisher, Jim Lawrie, Ella Thompson, Woodes and others. Then, when Saturday, November 14 rolls around, it’ll be time to dust off your roller skates for the Roller Jam and Mz Rizk’s Block Party. On Sunday, November 15, CC:Disco will be dropping in for an arvo DJ set. While the hospital is rocking out, fourteen local venues will team up with local musicians for Live Music Safari, presented by Jack Daniel’s Future Legends. Over the course of the week, more than 50 Melbourne-based acts will be making appearances across the city, including Mesa Cosa, Oddisee, Quarter Street, Terrible Truths, Sleep D, Dan White, Friendships, Kylie Auldist and Wax’o Paradiso. And Self Made is making a comeback. It’s a series of independently-created events, held in unusual places and hosted by Levi’s. A city church will turn into a stage for all-female acts and an interactive art installation. Old Melbourne Gaol’s courtyard will host a two-stage dance party starring emerging artists. Mop and Glow will celebrate the footwork dance scene. Plus there’ll be The Great MMW Bike Ride, New Orleans Street Party, Brunch Gigs and A Club Called Trish. The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is on board again, with a bunch of live performances combining music with film. Both The Orbweavers and New Zealand’s smooth-singing Liam Finn are promised. A stack of other collaborations, blending music with film, art, design and food will take place in various locations, including ACCA, MPavilion, Docklands Library, The Hellenic Museum and Rooftop Cinema. But it’s not all singing and dancing. The business side of music will be taken care of with a two-day industry conference, produced in conjunction with Face The Music, where musicians and music industry workers can advance their knowledge and careers through workshops, keynote presentations and networking opportunities. It’s happening on November 13 and 14. Melbourne Music Week runs November 13-20. Head to the MMW website for more info and tickets.
It's very slowly warming up in Melbourne which heralds the coming of our favourite annual event — Melbourne Music Week. They've just released the 2016 lineup and it's got us collectively buzzing for summer nights, cold beers and sweaty gigs. As usual, the citywide festival has rolled out some unbelievable crispy shows to satisfy all music tastes. Running November 11-19, MMW will open with a bang with an all women lineup at Her Sound, Her Story. The event, appropriately hosted in Queen's Hall in the State Library (the already-announced MMW hub), will feature Julia Stone, Ella Hooper, Mama Kin, Montaigne, Mojo Juju, Ecca Vandal, Elizabeth Rose, Airling and Nyne. Then there's Aunty Donna and the Jungle Giants, who'll be performing on the steps of Parliament House, 1950s pin-up girl group Bobby and the Pins will be giving musical tours of Fitzroy Gardens, The Delta Riggs and Pierce Bothers will front a mini music festival at the MCG, and the Drones will play the grand organ at Melbourne Town Hall. That's not all though. We'll also be treated to performances by the likes of Elliphant (supported by Yeo and Uv Boi), The Harpoons and Tyrannamen at ACCA, Severed Heads, Harvey Sutherland and Bermuda and Young Magic in the State Library, and Zola Jesus and Penny Quartet at the Melbourne Recital Centre to name but a few. As usual, they're also putting on some killer workshops for noobs and musos alike, including how to make your on crystal radio (whatever that turns out to be), a choir singing workshop, make your own synth and speakers workshop and an introduction to Ableton Live. The whole shmozzle will be wrapped with big ol' shindig thrown by party people Good Manners. Now if this laundry list of fine tunes doesn't put you in the mood for summer, there's literally nothing that will. Melbourne Music Week runs November 11-19. Find more info and tickets on the website. Image: MMW.
Hendrick's, the Scottish gin distillers who would have you believe their product is harvested fresh from a Monty Python animation, are embarking on a 'horticultural quest' to make Australia their new veg patch. No longer content to raid Mr. McGregor's garden, the liquidologists and drinkticians at Hendrick's are teaming up with the University of Sydney to create the first truly Australian-grown species of cucumber. Despite the presence of a horticulture professor in their fellowship, Hendrick's are asking the public to head to Facebook and vote on soil ingredients that will produce the most distinctly Australian crop. Day One is a choice between kangaroo and emu poop. There's every reason to believe Day Ten will see Barnesy or Farnesy forced to stand waist-deep in fertiliser for six weeks. Planting begins on October 4 and the harvest will take place in mid-November, with a subsequent soiree for attendees to sample the cucumber from down under. To further celebrate the efforts of their botanical pioneers, Hendrick's are giving a Concrete Playgrounder and ten friends the chance to win a sumptuously provisioned cocktail masterclass valued at $3000. Enter below, and remember, you need to vote for your chosen ingredient on the Hendrick's Gin Facebook page to be eligible to win. [competition]589976[/competition]
For all of us in Melbourne, it’s a wonderful time to be alive. We’re living in golden period of entertainment and what this means, practically, is there’s a tonne of slides (apparently it’s a scientific fact that more slides equal greater happiness). And if you missed out on this waterslide, don’t worry, you’ve got options. Slide the Square is opening in Federation Square from January 9 and we’re so ready for the summer of slides. The slide is a 75-metre run of slippery fun that will be with us for a week in January. Sessions last for 50 minutes and will set you back $20 (plus BF) for adults ($17 for concessions and children). It’s a bit exxy for the opportunity to barrel down a wet piece of plastic but you know it’s going to amazing fun and way better than lying on the couch covered by a wet cloth to avoid the heat. You can even slip and slide in your clothes (no bathers necessary) but unfortunately all jewellery, glasses, buckles, shoes and GoPros must be left in coat check (so as not to damage the precious slide and prevent awkward selfies). And they’re pretty adamant that no naked butts will be going down the slide (sorry everyone, cover those butts). Slide the Square, from January 9-16 in Federation Square. Grab your tickets here. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
For those who haven’t heard, Feast of Merit is a social enterprise restaurant that combines an entrepreneurial spirit with an ethical goal. Operated by non-profit organisation YGAP, all profits from the Middle Eastern restaurant go towards supporting local entrepreneurs in Australia, East Africa, South Africa and the Pacific. Basically, the venue is dead-set awesome. And the Feast of Merit ethos is obviously resonating with the community because they’re expanding their territory, and moving skywards. Yes, the Richmond cafe and restaurant has a new addition: a rooftop bar. Set to open tonight, Tuesday, March 1, the rooftop has been decked out by Richmond and Melbourne locals for an authentic and sustainable fit-out — and with it's laid back vibe and killer menu, it'll top your list of places to visit this weekend. The purpose of the rooftop is clear. With a dedicated snack-sized menu and extensive wine and beer list, the space will cater for the in-betweeners. Groups looking for pre-dinner drinks, colleagues searching for post-work snacks, and those in need of emergency cocktails will fit right in here; the FoM rooftop is good for any occasion too casual for a sit down meal. On the menu you’ll find bites such as cured Tasmanian ocean trout with ras el hanout, spiced organic almonds with chickpeas and merguez sausages with labneh, as well as a strong selection of Australian wineries and craft brewers. The FoM rooftop joins others on the Swan Street strip, including the one above the Corner, the Public House rooftop, and the terrace at Union Dining. And in case you were wondering, the name Feast of Merit comes from a ritual endemic to Nagaland in northeastern India. When a person comes into a position of wealth, the noblest thing they can do is share the fruits of their wealth with their whole community by throwing a huge feast. The feast lasts until all their assets are depleted, then they’re given the highest form of recognition and leave with nothing but the respect and gratitude of the whole village. As the Feast of Merit website says: “We come into this world with nothing. Like the people of Nagaland, we believe merit lies with those that choose to give it away." The Feast of Merit rooftop bar will open on Tuesday, March 1 at 5pm. It will then be open 5pm – late Tuesday to Thursday, and 3pm – late Friday to Sunday. For more info, visit feastofmerit.com. Images: Renee Stamatis
We've got two incredible words for you: waffles and shakes. That's what you'll find on offer from Melbourne's newest food truck, the appropriately named Let's Waffle N' Shake. Rolling around town even as we speak, the bright blue van is the sweet, sugary brainchild of Ben Loke and Ari Tsiokas, two friends who saw a waffle-shaped gap in Melbourne's food-truck convoy and decided to fill it in the most decadent fashion imaginable. Indeed, just because they only serve waffle pops and milkshakes doesn't mean there's anything pedestrian about their operation. Turns out you can do quite a bit with a waffle on a stick, whether that's lathering it with chocolate ganache and nutella before dipping it in a mix of oreo crumbs, coco-pops and milo, or covering it in maple syrup, salted caramel, custard and white chocolate before topping it off with pecans, cinnamon sugar and whipped cream. All in all Let's Waffle N' Shake offer nine different variants at $8 a pop – and trust us, they're all equally as absurd. Alternatively, you're welcome to create your own. As for your milkshake, you can go with a classic option like chocolate, strawberry, banana or blue heaven, or opt for something a little more out there such as salted caramel, cream and popcorn or strawberry, rhubarb, marshmallow and fairy floss. And just in case you want to absolutely guarantee that massive coronary, you can add additional toppings, such as mini M&Ms, crunchy nut cornflakes and a combination of banana lollies and potato chips. Worth it. What a great photo of our Floss the Pink Fairy and Canadian Pie wafflepops @melbournepopups #wafflenshake #wafflepop #dessertporn #foodtruckpark A photo posted by Let's Waffle 'n' Shake (@letswafflenshake) on Mar 13, 2016 at 7:33am PDT Salted Caramel POP! Salted caramel, caramel popcorn, a bit more caramel and cream on top. #WaffleNShake #SaltedCaramelPop #milkshake #foodporn A photo posted by Let's Waffle 'n' Shake (@letswafflenshake) on Feb 24, 2016 at 5:16am PST To find out where Let's Waffle N' Shake will be dolling out their ludicrous treats, follow them on Facebook or check them out on Where The Truck.
They streaked in their Birkenstocks, now they're headed our way. Portlandians Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks are touring Australia this March, hitting Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide and Wollongong, with guest appearances at Perth International Arts Festival and Melbourne Zoo Twilights and Golden Plains. The band describes their 2015 tour plans to be "a rambunctious and raucous bunch of shows", so gear up for one humdinger of a shindig. Fresh off the back of their most recent (and wonderfully-named) album, Wig Out at Jagbags, the Oregon-based crew are bringing their playful, intelligent rock-pop to your town. Jeff Rosenstock from Alternative Press rated the Wig Out album four stars, stating "this album is full of so much life and melody that it stands as a refreshing alternative to the increasingly homogeneous state of indie rock." Letterman thought they were "lovely" after their debut performance. Fresh from living the range life at the Melbourne Zoo on the weekend, the crew have announced two intimate shows in Melbourne this week — The Gasometer on Thursday, March 6, and the following night at Toff In Town on Friday, March 7 March before the band jettison off to the Supernatural Amphitheatre at Golden Plains. The legendary Dan Kelly will join his idol as the support for the Gasometer, with The Ocean Party setting the vibes at Toff In Town.
As the taxi industry and Uber continue to trade blows, a new app targeted exclusively at women and children could prove safer and more comfortable than either. Mum's Taxi is the brainchild of comedian and single mother George McEnroe, and is currently seeking backers via the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe. Assuming it gets over the line, the service would only be available to women and children, while also providing female drivers employment opportunities in an industry dominated by men. Speaking to The Age, McEnroe said she came up with the idea while weighing up the potential dangers of driving for Uber. ""I registered a couple of times and realised I was just too scared, there are too many risks," she said. "I thought of the name Mum's Taxi, which is a bit daggy, but who else do you want to pick you up?" In addition to offering a safe environment for passengers, the service would provide employment opportunities to female drivers. McEnroe points out that only 12 per cent of rideshare drivers are women, despite the fact that women make up more than half of the casual workforce. The plan is to launch the service in Sydney in October, before eventually rolling-out nationwide. Drivers would be expected to complete police and working with children checks, and in return get to keep 85 per cent of each fare. Once Mum's Taxi is national, McEnroe intends to donate a further one per cent of every fare to a charity that improves the lives of women and children. For more information or to donate to Mum's Taxi, check out their GoFundMe campaign. Via The Age. Image: Splitshire.
Step into one of Australia's most iconic modern horror stories. To mark the launch of their new six-part Wolf Creek miniseries, streaming service Stan is opening a pair of roadhouse pop-up bars in Sydney and Melbourne. Sounds... fun? Maybe our April Fools' joke about that Making a Murderer bar wasn't as ridiculous as it seemed at the time. Opening in Federation Square from May 5-8 and Martin Place from May 11-14, the pop-ups were designed with the aid of the show's set designers, and promise to deliver a "fully immersive" experience. That last part may read as a little unsettling to anyone who has seen the original movie — or, y'know, knows anything about the actual murders that inspired it. But we guess you have to give them credit for really committing to the theme. The bars will serve limited edition beers by Two Birds Brewing, Mick's Bitter and Eve-ning Ale, along with non-alcoholic drinks and an outback-inspired menu. Those who attend on opening night will also get the chance to meet with the stars of the show, including John Jarratt, aka Mick Taylor — if you're game. Visit the Wolf Creek Roadhouse Bar in Federation Square, Melbourne from May 5-8 and Martin Place, Sydney from May 11-14. All six episodes of Wolf Creek will premiere on Stan on May 12.
Inner city Melburnians won't be the only Victorian residents diving into a massive all-night arts bash next year. White Night is expanding in 2017, with the regional town of Ballarat joining the likes of Melbourne, Paris, Toronto and São Paulo as hosts for the one-night festival of dazzling light projections, interactive art, live music, performance and film. Set to happen two weeks after the Melbourne instalment in February, White Night Ballarat will see artists taking over the town's city centre, public spaces, laneways, building facades, live music venues and parks for March 4, 2017. Of course, the event's globally famous use of light art will be the main focus, with large-scale projections set to give Vivid Sydney a run for its money. It's the trademark of the world-renowned Nuit Blanche project (of which White Night is a part), which turns cities around the world into glittering galleries for one night only. The huge news was announced by tourism and major events minister John Eren on Friday, along with the reveal of White Night Melbourne and Ballarat's new artistic director — Australian dancer, choreographer, director and producer David Atkins. He produced the opening and closing ceremonies for the Sydney Olympic Games, so you could say it's not his first time at the large-scale, high-production event rodeo. Watch this space for White Night Ballarat's nitty gritty program details. White Night Ballarat is happening on March 4 2017. White Night Melbourne is locked in for February 18, 2017. Via The Age.
Experience the very best that the city’s fine dining scene has to offer at Taste of Melbourne in partnership with Electrolux. Taking over Albert Park this Thursday to Sunday, this four-day culinary cornucopia offers foodies the chance to mingle with chefs, pick up new recipes and sample dishes from some of the top restaurants in town. Bon appetit! Taste of Melbourne is split into six sessions, each one lasting roughly four hours. During their allotted time, ticketholders will be able to purchase tapas-style tasting plates prepared by the teams from Circa, Gazi, Luxembourg, Mamasita, MoVida, Pastuso, Pei Modern, Royal Mail Hotel, San Telmo, South Africa’s Five Hundred, Supernormal, Gladioli, Milk the Cow and Saké Restaurant & Bar. Once guests have eaten their fill, other attractions on the Taste of Melbourne program worth checking out include live cooking demonstrations in the Electrolux Taste Theatre, a showcase of South African wine and cuisine in the South African Garden and masterclasses on everything from creating your own gin with Bass & Flinders to going freestyle with Lurpak. You can also swing by the Artisan Producers Market and pick up a few goodies for your pantry, or kick back and relax in the Audi Brighton Platinum Lounge presented by Riedel with live music and an open bar. Taste of Melbourne is happening November 12 to 15 at Albert Park. Tickets cost between $25–140, but thanks to Taste of Melbourne, we have 20 pairs of any day passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter and then email us at win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Ah, the humble pie. It's the quintessential Aussie dish that's stuck by you through footy games, birthday parties and family dinners. And now, it's getting top billing at a brand new venture from chefs Matt Wilkinson (Pope Joan) and Steve Rogers (ex-Movida, Circa), as they open the doors to The Pie Shop today. Taking over the Brunswick East space next door to Pope Joan and most recently home to Wilkinson's Hams & Bacon produce store, The Pie Shop is a veritable pastry wonderland. Located on Nicholson Street, they're offering covering the sweet, the savoury, and plenty of milkbar-style extras like dim sims and hot chips. The pie lineup sounds almost as Aussie as The Castle's cast list, featuring produce-driven creations like The Shazza, with its filling of cauliflower cheese and caramelised onion, a chunky beef and veg number named The Allen, and The Bruce, which encases spag bol in pastry. Little tykes are sure to delight in their own miniature Bruce pie, while sweet tooths will go nuts for the two seasonal sweet pies, available by the slice. Right now, there's a strawberry balsamic beauty, and another teaming Alphington Rooftop Honey with buttermilk. You can even grab a family-sized version of The Shazza or The Allen to take home for later. You can nab a sweet one too — they'll just need 24 hours notice. You'll find The Pie Shop at 75 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East, from 11am-3pm, Monday through Saturday. For more info, visit thepieshop.com.au. Images: Annika Kafcaloudis.
The NGV is throwing a party. Actually, they're throwing several. Back for its second year, think of the Summer Sundays program as a series of mini music festivals, complete with live acts, DJs, barbecued goods and a pop-up bar in the NGV Garden. Running from 1pm to 6pm every Sunday throughout February, the first event will be headlined by post-punk four-piece Gold Glass, along with DJ Annaliese Redlich. Singer Ella Thompson and DJ Planète will take the stage in week two, followed by Ainslie Wills and Rat & Co DJs on February 21. The season wraps up on February 28 with Dan Kelly's Dream Band plus DJ Fee B-Squared. In between sets, you can also explore the current Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei exhibition, which will remain open until 6pm on Sundays. See the full program here.
Melbourne's Sandridge Bridge could be in for a makeover in the style of New York's High Line. A proposal backed by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle would see the 178-metre pedestrian bridge transformed into a lush aerial garden, providing a green walkway across the Yarra connecting Southbank and Flinders Street Station. However, the plan will rely on funding from the State Government — so don’t start planning your picnic just yet. "The bridge at the moment is a beautiful structure, but it's not at all pleasant to walk across," Doyle told The Age. "Imagine if we gave it a treatment like the famous High Line in New York, which would make it a green bridge and something very pleasant to link the north and the south of our city." Under current plans, the Sandridge Bridge would be widened to accommodate trees and other plants. According to The Age, Doyle is currently attempting to secure funding from both the council and the Andrews governments, although he concedes that he is unsure of the amount of money that will be needed. The bridge would have to be reinforced to support the weight of the garden – not to mention the additional foot-traffic it would presumably draw in. Originally part of the Port Melbourne rail line, the Sandridge Bridge was reopened as a footbridge back in 2006. Plans for a refurbishment were put on hold when Premier Andrews ditched the $1 billion Flinders Street Station redesign proposed by his predecessor Denis Napthine. In February, Andrews allocated $100 million to restoration work on the station, sparking new hope for the bridge project as well. Located on the west side of Manhattan, the High Line Garden saw a disused section of the raised railway line converted into a green aerial walkway. It now attracts more than 5 million visitors a year, and is credited with helping to breathe new life into the surrounding area. Via The Age. Images: Wikimedia Commons, Trav Nikov Studio.
Some of the biggest names in jazz are blowing into town as part of the latest edition of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. This year’s lineup is stacked with unmissable performances, as well as film screenings, walking tours and more. Jazz pioneers Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock kick off the festival on May 28 before an encore performance on June 2. Also from the US, the Glenn Miller Orchestra will play a medley of songs made famous during WWII, while the Tord Gustavsen Quartet from Norway will explore the limits of improvisation. The Harry James Angus Band and Monash University Jazz Ensemble head a strong contingent of local musicians, before the festival is wrapped up on Sunday June 7 by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. Supplemental events include free evening 'soundwalks', forums and artist workshops, as well as the Jazz on Film sessions at ACMI. For the full MIJF program, visit www.melbournejazz.com Image: Pharoah Sanders by Jamie Williams
Once the realms of Dahl-created Wonkahood, entire rooms dedicated to drinking chocolate are now a reality in our humble non-fiction lives. Melbourne-based drinking chocolate producer Mörk Chocolate have opened the doors on their new store — an entire liquid chocolate brew house, just in time for autumn. Founded in 2012, Mörk is run by Kiril Shaginov and Josefin Zernell. According to Good Food, the two were workmates at a Swedish coffee roastery back in 2009, bonding over the often underrated, non-coffee bev of dreams: the hot chocolate. Shaginov and Zernell decided to take it upon themselves to perfect the art of drinking chocolate with a bang-on recipe, high-quality ingredients and handmade integrity. They've now sold their secret recipe chocolate to the likes of Melbourne institutions such as Proud Mary, Long Shot, Bluebird Espresso, Seven Seeds and St Ali; Sydney's Reuben Hills and Harry's Espresso Bar; and Brisbane's Two Trees. Enough history, what of this magic chocolate dream palace that is the Mork Chocolate Brew House? Shaginov and Zernell found a '50s bakery warehouse on Errol Street in North Melbourne, and have converted the whole thing into a 16-seater chocoholic's dream. There are multiple blends to try, including the one we're all squealish about: Campfire Chocolate (smoked dark hot chocolate with smoked salt and served with marshmallow skewers, oh god). There'll likely be tastings, so make sure you're all over their Facebook page to stay on top of your addiction. Find Mörk Chocolate Brew House at 150 Errol Street, North Melbourne. Open Tues–Sat 8am–5pm; Sun 9am-5pm. For bookings or more info, ring 9328 1386 or head to morkchocolate.com.au. Via Good Food.
Stuff yourself full of the tastiest donuts in town, at Day of the Donut in Brunswick this Saturday, June 13. Presented by the baking aficionados at Flour Market, this sugar-glazed, jam filled, coronary-inducing extravaganza will unite some of the best and most ambitious bakers in Melbourne under a single, sprinkle coated roof. BYO wheelbarrow. Flour Market haven’t actually released a full list of doughnuts on sale, but based on the lineup (Aunty Peg's, All Day Donuts, Cobb Lane, Candied Bakery, Everyday Coffee, Lady Donut, Krumbs Pop Up, Sweet Evelyn, 5 & Dime) we’ve got plenty of recommendations. The pavlova doughnuts from Candied Bakery made our recent list of the Ten Best Donuts in Melbourne, as did the jaffa variety from host venue All Day Donuts. Lady Doughnut, meanwhile, should have salted caramel lovers covered, while Cobb Lane makes an amazing cherry jam and custard. Day of the Donut will be hosted at All Day Donuts, located at 12 Edward St, Brunswick. Doors open 9am sharp and close when there are no donuts left. For more information, head to Facebook.
