It seems we can't get enough Robo-Cop inspired tech. The robot exoskeleton that confers superhuman strength is already out there, and now circuit-laden contact lenses are being developed to beam augmented reality straight to your retina. Researchers at the University of Washington have developed lenses embedded with semi-transparent electronics, which most pundits report as an internet accessible contact lens. The reality, at this stage, is much more modest. So far the team have been able to put an 8 x 8 pixel array on a contact lens, and tested it on rabbits for twenty minutes — think Robo-Rabbit playing a quick game of checkers, rather than Minority Report. This article by the lead researcher Babak A Parviz discusses the difficulties with developing an augmented reality contact lens, but shows that we already have the technology to overcome most of the hurdles. The only question is getting it small enough, and safe enough, to fit on 1.5 square centimetres of polymer that sits on your eye. The piece also suggests uses for the tech other than web surfing — being in constant contact with fluids, it would be an ideal place for sensors to monitor health metrics like glucose levels. Being able to bat your eyelids and check your email might still be a pipe-dream, but perhaps we're not so far from having a health bar in the corner of the 'screen' reminding us when to have our next check up. https://youtube.com/watch?v=h1SlPUkC6Fc [via PSFK]
Since 2016's Suicide Squad, the DC Extended Universe has tasked Viola Davis with corralling super-powered folks, including villains forced to do the state's bidding (as also seen in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker) and regular world-saving superheroes (the just-released Black Adam). In The Woman King, however, she's more formidable, powerful and magnificent than any spandex-wearing character she's ever shared a frame with — or ever will in that comic-to-screen realm. Here, she plays the dedicated and determined General Nanisca, leader of the Agojie circa 1823. This is an "inspired by true events" tale, and the all-female warrior troupe was very much real, protecting the now-defunct west African kingdom of Dahomey during its existence in what's now modern-day Benin. Suddenly thinking about a different superhero domain and its own redoubtable women-only army, aka the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Dora Milaje in Wakanda? Yes, Black Panther took inspiration from the Agojie. If you're thinking about Wonder Woman's Amazons, too, the Agojie obviously pre-dates them as well. Links to two huge franchises in various fashions aren't anywhere near The Woman King's main attraction, of course. Davis and her fellow exceptional cast members, such as Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die), Thuso Mbedu and Sheila Atim (both co-stars in The Underground Railroad); The Old Guard filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood and her grand and kinetic direction, especially in fight scenes; stunningly detailed costumes and production design that's both vibrant and textured; a story that still boasts humour and heart: they all rank far higher among this feature's drawcards. So does the fact that this is a lavish historical epic in the Braveheart and Gladiator mould, but about ass-kicking Black women badged "the bloodiest bitches in Africa". Also, while serving up an empowering vision, The Woman King also openly grapples with many difficulties inherent in Dahomey's IRL history (albeit in a mass consumption-friendly, picking-and-choosing manner). It's under the cover of night that Nanisca and the stealthy, feline-quick Agojie first show The Woman King's audience exactly what they're capable of, as camped-out male slavers from the rival Oyo Empire are swiftly and brutally dispensed with during a mission to free abducted Dahomean women. From that vivid opening, the female-led The Woman King on- and off-screen lets viewers know what it, Davis, Prince-Bythewood and their collaborators are capable of, too. Potent, ferocious, mighty: they all fit. When it comes to the film's protagonist, she's fierceness personified, yet also always nuanced. In a role that'll likely garner her award nominations at the very least, to go along with past Oscar nods for Doubt, The Help and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom — and her win for Fences — Davis is tremendous in the part, in battle and otherwise, exuding world-weariness, raw strength, and the kind of resilience that's only forged by navigating deep horrors. After the film's initial rescue gambit, the Agojie are down in number. Abandoned to Dahomey's King Ghezo (John Boyega, Small Axe) because she won't marry men who beat her, headstrong Nawi (Mbedu) becomes a new recruit. As the teen trains to become permanently accepted among them, including by the resolute and mischievous Izogie (Lynch) and Amenza (Atim), Nanisca endeavours to bend the ruler's ear about future battles and policies. The Oyo will keep attacking, and keep trying to trade Dahomey's populace into slavery. A Portuguese-Brazilian aristocrat (Hero Fiennes Tiffin, After Ever Happy) knows that he can profit off the Dahomey-Oyo tensions, and gain slaves to hawk along the way. Also, Dahomey itself isn't above selling Africans into subservience themselves. Nanisca has other concerns, too: getting revenge over a heartbreaking chapter of her past, the pain and sacrifice she still bears as a result, and instilling the Agojie's brand of sisterhood in Nawi. The Woman King's title isn't just another way to say 'queen'. Rather, it's a label given by Dahomey's male leader to the woman he sees as his equal in their lands. His preferred wife Shante (Jayme Lawson, The Batman) wants the designation in a firmly regal sense, but the conventions of storytelling and filmmaking mean there's zero doubt that Nanisca deserves the status. Bestowing the moniker is hardly the chief concern to her, Prince-Bythewood or screenwriter Dana Stevens (Fatherhood) — who also shares a story credit with actress Maria Bello (NCIS) — though. Nanisca is still the force to be reckoned with either way, and a compelling figure worthy of the movie's appreciation. So, in a feature about striving for freedom, fairness, parity, progress and justice, as well as countering misogyny, colonialism and greed, and also surviving trauma, consider that title a reminder about the fight for equality, and how female power is perceived and treated — two centuries ago and also now. Slavishly devoted to every single fact, Prince-Bythewood, Stevens and their film aren't. First and foremost, they're committed to their aims, themes and ideas — to being a rousing action flick about the Agojie, primarily; to delving into all that represents; to celebrating strong and skilled women; and to making a movie that truly doesn't otherwise exist — so thinking of its take on the truth as akin to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's is wise. The Woman King doesn't hide this, given that it finds time for long-lost family connections that could've sprung straight from a soap opera, and for a romance between Nawi and the often-shirtless half-Dahomey slaver associate Malik (Jordan Bolger, Tom & Jerry). When everything else in the movie is so stirring, getting loose with reality and throwing in pure emotion-swelling Hollywood inclusions never drags The Woman King down. Indeed, not that they have to here, but the phenomenal quartet that is Davis, Lynch, Mbedu and Atim could lift any material. For all the mastery that ripples from Davis, she's in astonishing company, with all three of her key co-stars turning in weighty, resonant and career-cementing portrayals — Lynch with perceptiveness, Mbedu with volatility, and Atim with both wisdom and comfort. Not that they have to either, but Prince-Bythewood, cinematographer Polly Morgan (Where the Crawdads Sing) and the former's regular editor Terilyn A Shropshire (dating right back to 2000's Love & Basketball) could improve any fray-filled picture as well. When it's in full fight mode, with radiant lighting that adores its cast, plus sharp, visceral, muscular and balletic action choreography, The Woman King is not just electrifying but spectacular. That won't be a surprise to fans of The Old Guard, another riveting feature that saw Prince-Bythewood take on a familiar template, give it a female focus and reinvigorate it. That's a warrior's skill, too, and she's terrific at it.
It's never too late to learn something new, and we're not just talking about the ins and outs of superannuation. Rather, turning your brain to studying — and possibly launching yourself into a new career — has never been so easy. Open Universities Australia (OUA) helps you find a degree to fit your goals and study it online. So, no matter your physical proximity to the university running the course, or your life commitments, you can make it happen. Whether you're a first-time student, an aiming-to-finisher, or just looking to extend your career options by adding another notch to your belt, we know that half the battle can be figuring out what you actually want to study. Rather than spending hours trying to nut it out, why not use the time you've already dedicated to your favourite television show? Chances are, your favourite genre might give you a pretty good clue as to what you're into. Read on to discover eight possible careers based on a small-screen hit, then go tell your mum that you weren't wasting time after all. YOU LOVE: THE HANDMAID'S TALE Consider studying: Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology with University of South Australia (UniSA), Bachelor of Behavioural Studies with Swinburne University or Master of Public Policy and Management with Flinders University. Well, things are pretty bleak at the moment in Gilead. And they have been for June (Elisabeth Moss) since the show — an adaptation of Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name — began. An oft-bleak reflection of parts of our world in the modern day, The Handmaid's Tale isn't a happy watch, but it is an important one — and from it arises a wider commentary on policy, oppression and herd mentality. If you really want to unpack everything that's happening to June, or if the eerily familiar (and frustrating) circumstances have lit a fire in your belly, consider studying a degree in policy, social studies or psychology, available online through OUA. YOU LOVE: BROOKLYN NINE-NINE Consider studying: Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice with Griffith University or a Master of Criminology with Macquarie University. You only need to spend a little time on social media to know that Brooklyn Nine-Nine has become a cult TV offering — there are memes everywhere. The comedy has a surprising amount of heart behind Detective Jake Peralta's (Andy Samberg) antics and the joke-a-minute vibe (if you didn't laugh at that Backstreet Boys cold open, then you don't have a sense of humour). Although it's cloaked in fictional comedy, this show covers some seriously diverse crimes. This, plus the backlog of true crime documentaries on your to-watch list, prove that there are seriously interesting stories out there and some wild stuff that happens in the world. If you want to hustle your case-cracking prowess into a career, explore a degree in criminology with Griffith University. Or, if you've already got a bachelor's degree and notched up some work experience in the field of security, you can jump into a masters with Macquarie University. YOU LOVE: GAME OF THRONES Consider studying: Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) with Curtin University, Master of Writing with Swinburne University or Master of Arts (TESOL) at Bond University. Just because it's over doesn't mean it's really over — the characters of Westeros and Jon Snow's immense sadness can live on in your heart long after the final episode. And we've found a way for you to continue your obsession with the epic fantasy series based on George R.R. Martin's books. You can learn to appreciate the intricacies of the world he created or, even better, create your own Westeros (maybe one where slightly less characters die) by taking on a creative writing course online through OUA. You can start from the very beginning with Curtin University's bachelor degree, which allows you to explore different styles including poetry, short fiction and screenwriting. Or, you can hone your already established craft with a masters with Swinburne University of Technology or Bond University. The latter explores the principles of the English language and will grant you a teaching qualification, too. YOU LOVE: CHERNOBYL Consider studying: Diploma in Science with University of New England or Associate Degree in Engineering at University of South Australia. It's the one everyone has been talking about, and it recently rated the best TV show of all time on IMDb. Chernobyl, which explores the catastrophic incident at a Ukrainian power plant in 1986, breaks down a particularly harrowing chapter of history. The disaster had far and long-reaching consequences and the show gets you thinking about what happens when science and human error combine to fail us. If your brain is ticking over with nuclear reactor designs or chemical equations, it might be time to hit up OUA to embark on a new career in science or engineering. YOU LOVE: SEX EDUCATION Consider studying: Bachelor of International Public Health with University of NSW or Master of Public Health with Curtin University. Netflix's very funny, very sweet British show has basically everything you need for a weekend binge show: good writing, a great cast and a storyline tackling critical gender and sexuality issues among young people. Oh, and Gillian Anderson. Sex Education tells the story of Otis (Asa Butterfield) trying to making it through high school while contending with his mother (Anderson), who is a sex therapist working from home. A show that anyone, young or old, can find something to relate to in, Sex Education is a worthy reminder that health and sexual education should be taught comprehensively to young people. If you think you could fill those very important shoes, considering studying a public health degree with a leading uni online through OUA, which could open you up to career opportunities in government agencies, research or community health programs. YOU LOVE: RICK AND MORTY Consider studying: Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Game Design) with Curtin University or Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) in Games Design and Development with Murdoch University. Yeah, we know — it's a silly one. But it's pretty damn funny. Rick and Morty was created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, of Adventure Time and Community respectively, and it's not for the underage (or faint-hearted). Following mad scientist Rick and his grandson Morty as they go on interdimensional adventures, the show is wacky, original, and a little gross. But, it may also get you thinking about the rising popularity of adult cartoons, and the animation teams behind their increased profile. So, if you've always had an artistic streak that you'd like to nurture into a full-blown career, have a search through the online options through OUA for animation and game development. YOU LOVE: THE GOOD PLACE Consider studying: Bachelor of Education (Primary, Secondary or Early Childhood) with Curtin University. One of the most clever shows in recent years has to be Michael Schur's The Good Place. From the man who brought us Parks & Recreation and The Office comes a comedy starring Kristen Bell as Eleanor — an unremarkable person during her life on earth who wakes up in The Good Place, or a heaven-like utopia, being shown around by Michael (Ted Danson). Three seasons of moral questions, philosophical quandaries and people just being human ensue. While a lot of it is silly fun, The Good Place does provide a solid vessel for the discussion of ethics, via creative uses, and exploration of belief. It also hammers home, while we watch Chidi attempt to teach Eleanor moral philosophy, that the world needs more good teachers. Live your dream and explore your own moral questions by becoming one. YOU LOVE: SUITS Consider studying: Bachelor of Laws with University of New England and Juris Doctor with Flinders University. Pre-prince days for Meghan Markle brought us Suits, an Aaron Korsh-created legal drama focusing on Mike Ross and Harvey Specter, lawyers working at a large firm in New York City. While Mike (Patrick J. Adams) goes in entirely untrained and manages to pull off working large cases without a sweat, we don't encourage that — in fact, we'd strongly urge you to look into a law degree, which you can study online through OUA. Combine your interests in watching endless episodes of Suits (there are nine seasons), besting someone in a verbal argument and, if you like Mike, helping the underdog by getting a law degree. The two-piece suits await. Explore hundreds of degrees from leading Australian universities available online through Open Universities Australia. You could have a new skill by the end of the year. Hop to it.
When the conversation turns to acquired tastes, the oyster is a natural example; our first oyster is typically offered up by an uncle-type (who probably introduced you to beer a few years later) getting his Christmas kicks from watching the next generation squirm, and then we hit 25 and suddenly we're knocking them back. But whether mum's reassurance that you'll like them you're older came true or not, many of us are still in the dark when it comes to this most lauded of mollusks. So we sat down with The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room's chef Sean Connolly to take the guesswork out of oyster culture. Oyster basics Let's start with some introductions: there are three different types of oysters grown in Australia: Sydney rock (or estuary), Pacific and Angasi. The last one, a rare goliath, is an Australian native that is attracting a lot of attention for its fleshy consistency — so oyster beginners should work up to this one. It can also command some pretty steep price tags, but according to Sean that isn't putting off the punters. "When you have Angasis [on the menu] they fly out the door." These days most restaurants will at least offer you a choice between Sydney rock or Pacific oysters. Now the simplest way to think of these two is tastier versus creamier. That doesn’t quite cover the full spectrum of differences between them, but it’s a nice launching pad for developing your pallet. If you can, split your order between the two—it gives you an edge of sophistication, and will help you learn the differences. Do you count as an oyster lover if you like toppings? No. Just kidding, the oyster community welcomes one and all, but maybe whisper your Kilpatrick (that's with cheese, Worcester sauce and bacon) requests. In Sean's mind it is simply about respecting the oyster, although he does seem pretty perturbed by oyster mornay (basically grilled cheese oysters). "That is the worst — haven't cooked one in years." What should you be embarrassed to order? Oyster lovers are undoubtedly a touch purist, but Sean insists "to a certain degree it's all good". If you are not quite ready to talk about the taste of the sea and how fresh shucking is paramount to good eating, just have a bit of fun. Order some of them deep-fried, use the juice for a dirty martini or pop an oyster in your shot glass. But remember, never the mornay. For the beer lovers amongst you, it could be time to head over to Young Henry’s Brewery in Newtown and check out their limited release oyster stout — Mother Shucka. The do's and don'ts of oyster shucking Nothing says host with the most like some freshly shucked oysters, so if you are ready to take home entertaining to the next level, buy yourself an oyster knife and get ready for a few cuts along the way. First off, make sure you have a good base (read bread board) and do not attempt doing this in the air, in your hand, or anywhere else that momentarily seems logical. Make sure that the curved side is on the bottom, and hold it down with a tea towel-clad hand. Now, edge your oyster knife into the side of the oyster, then prize it open by running the knife along the join. Once you have traced the entire edge simply flex the knife sideways to move the shells apart. "There is sort of like a 75 percent chance that you will hurt yourself," warns Sean. "Even I hurt myself shucking oysters at Christmas." I would probably add buy some protective gloves and download a how-to-guide. How to eat an oyster Discounting my childhood trauma theory, Sean doesn't see there being any real reason why people wouldn't like oysters — unless you're not eating them properly. So, here is his final word on how to eat an oyster: swirl it around your mouth, chew it twice and swallow. It sounds like something Lauren Bacall would purr in To Have and Have Not ("You know how to eat an oyster, don't you Steve?"), so it is a handy piece of trivia for your next dinner date, and it means you are getting all of the flavour you can out of your oyster. What to wash them down with There is good reason that people are known to enjoy the finer things in life, not the finer thing; well-paired delicacies have a habit of making evenings memorable and this brings us to the wine match. Take your time with the wine list, you do not want to lose all that freshly shucked deliciousness in the depths of a juicy shiraz. When matching wine to oysters some key words are minerality, acidity and flinty. I wouldn’t look further than something white and from Burgundy, but Sean points to a good savvy-b or dry riesling. Remember, if this is all new to you, grabbing the attention of your sommelier is always a good move and chucking in the word 'flinty' is sure to earn you bonus points. The best places in Melbourne to enjoy oysters Just recently, over 18,000 oysters were consumed within a few hours at the Albert Park Hotel's Oyster Frenzy. You may have your doubts about the shells from the sea, but you can’t deny the numbers — Melburnians love to knock back an oyster. Classic seafood venues such as the Albert Park Hotel's Oyster Bar and Grill and The Atlantic go through thousands of them every week, but many smaller venues are shucking oysters around the city, such as Fitzroy’s Panama Dining Room and the newly opened Saint Crispin. Or, why not head down to Oyster Bar at South Melbourne Market and slurp them straight from the sea — standing up, sitting down, or as you order another round. Do they really have an aphrodisiac effect? The standard response to this question is a smirk and some nod to personal experience — the more erudite might even referenceCasanova’s breakfast — but a little research shows this theory has real legs. First of all the high zinc content keeps all of us generally strong and virile, plus it staves off herpes (pop that in the good-to-know basket). But, the science really heats up when you start talking amino acids. These little critters actually house two pretty unusual ones (D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate) that have been shown to boost testosterone in men and women's oestrogen levels. Who knew? The Italians were right all along. Do I need to know where they come from? Waters are to oysters as soil is to wine, so regions can say a lot about what an oyster is going to look and taste like before it gets to the table. It's all a little too involved for this article, but oyster masterclasses are held regularly all around Sydney if you are keen to learn more. But we can give you a few cheats: names to look out for include Coffin Bay (SA), Clyde River (NSW) and St Helens (TAS). Don’t be alarmed if your favourite restaurant starts offering you oysters from different regions; like most produce, the best oyster-producing region depends on the season. Ultimately, as Sean notes, it is about having "trust in the chef, trust in the establishment and then the proof is in the eating". How do Aussie oyster lovers rate internationally? We've had Europe lording it over us for years with their tails of natural sophistication, but Sean disagrees. "It's part of our culture," he insists in a broad Yorkshire accent — stopping to note that after 20 years in the country he has earned the right to say 'our'. It's marginally more than my years of life so I don’t fight him. Plus, he has a point; we have got some of the cleanest waters in the world for growing the things. “When I opened Astra [his first restaurant], about 17 years ago," Sean goes on, "we were shucking oysters to order and the clientele were sending them back because they were salty … But now everyone recognises a good oyster and everyone is look for that taste of the sea."
Sydney WorldPride is now upon us and the Mardi Gras Parade is this weekend. If you've left your preparation to the last minute, we've enlisted the expertise of living legend Carlotta — a trans icon and cabaret performer who knows a thing or two about getting ready for a show. Carlotta is currently featured in a special Sydney WorldPride installation in the QVB which pays tribute to queer Australians who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community. The QVB is temporarily rebranding from the Queen Victoria Building to reflect each of these contemporary queens with a set of fabulous portraits by photographer Dream Syndicator (pictured above). Carlotta is one of the queens in focus, along with queer activist Ken Davis (a member of the original Mardi Gras 78ers), Indigenous drag queen Felicia Foxx, Independent MP Alex Greenwich and Janine Middleton who, together, co-chaired Australian Equality and successfully fought for and helped achieve marriage equality in Australia. Fashion and costume has always played a role in self-expression for queer communities, and when it comes to dressing up Mardi Gras is one of the biggest nights of the year. So Carlotta shared a few tips for any Pride newcomers looking for a bit of a steer. Carlotta, what's the best way to mentally prepare for Pride? It's three weeks of (what seems to be) non-stop parties, so how does one survive? "To prepare for Pride you need to be organised, wear something you're comfortable in (for Carlotta this would now be wearing flat shoes) and make sure you're drinking lots of water." If you were going to Mardi Gras what would you be wearing? "If I were to be going to the celebrations I would be wearing a Camilla Kaftan because it's bright and colourful but also loose, flowy and comfortable. I'd also be wearing flat shoes because my feet are suffering now and I can't wear high heels like I used to." Where are some of the best places in Sydney to stock up on looks for Pride? For me it would be Camilla or House of Priscilla on Oxford Street (it has always been the best place). [caption id="attachment_892528" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Inside of House of Priscilla[/caption] How do you differentiate your day-to-day style versus your on-stage style? - Is your on-stage self an extension of your day-to-day or is it a completely new persona? "My day-to-day persona and on-stage persona are two completely different aspects. Day-to-day I wear more loose and flowy clothing, and on stage I'm more extravagant with lots of sequins and feathers." How do you think fashion plays a role within the queer community in general? Fashion plays a role in the queer community but all the fashion choices and styles are completely different. People can wear what they want to wear and that's what it's all about. What have been your favourite Mardi Gras/Pride looks to date? I've always loved everything I've worn. My favourite look I've ever done is when I did Priscilla Queen Of The Desert — I wore a big white coat and feather collar. Why do you think dressing up is such an important aspect of Pride? It's the excitement of the celebrations in the community. Everyone gets to me themselves and uses their outfits as self expression. For more inspiration for how to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration head to our events guide on the best of Sydney WorldPride.
Keanu Reeves is one of cinema's treasures, and should never be far away from our screens. Since the mid-1980s, across a career that's spanned everything from the Bill & Ted movies and stone-cold masterpiece Point Break through to The Neon Demon and Always Be My Maybe, he thankfully rarely has been. And, seeing him in lean, slick, no-nonsense action-star mode, dispensing with whatever troubles and struggles come his way via impressively choreographed displays, is one of the biggest movie-watching pleasures there is. But only two film franchises have served up just that again and again: The Matrix and John Wick. In the film saga where Keanu knows kung fu, viewers have already been treated to four instalments. In the movies where he plays the hitman that other hitmen fear, the fourth flick is on its way. During San Diego Comic-Con, John Wick: Chapter 4 just dropped its first trailer, in fact. Yes, we're thinking that the assassin is back — again. As all John Wick movies have so far — the first in 2014, John Wick: Chapter 2 in 2017 and John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum all included — this one will follow the formidable killer as he takes on his ever-growing list of adversaries. There's still a huge bounty on his head, and plenty of foes want to collect. That hasn't stopped Wick yet, though, after he got dragged back into the assassin life when a past batch of enemies messed with his dog. If you're thinking that Wick's luck might run out at some point, the new film — which is set to hit cinemas Down Under in March 2023 — understands. "No one, not even you, can kill everyone," Wick is told. But proving that wrong has always been at the heart of this stunt-filled saga. Well, that and increasingly upping the ante on all those action scenes, with Reeves' former stunt double-turned-filmmaker Chad Stahelski at the helm. In the first sneak peek at John Wick: Chapter 4, both Reeves and Stahelski keep doing what they do best, and spectacularly so. That includes hopping around the globe, with Wick seen walking through Paris in winter with the Eiffel Tower looming large, and also getting into sword fights in Japan — and the film also heading to New York and Berlin. On-screen, Reeves is joined by a roster of returning and new John Wick faces. Fellow franchise mainstays Ian McShane (American Gods) and Lance Reddick (Godzilla vs Kong) are back, and so is Reeves' The Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne after appearing in the past two movies. And, Donnie Yen (Mulan), Bill Skarsgård (Eternals), Hiroyuki Sanada (Mortal Kombat), Shamier Anderson (Son of the South), Rina Sawayama (Turn Up Charlie) and Scott Adkins (Triple Threat) are all set to feature as well. In also excellent news, a fifth John Wick movie is already in the works, because more ass-kicking Keanu is always a great thing. Check out the first trailer for John Wick: Chapter 4 below: John Wick: Chapter 4 will release Down Under on March 23, 2023.
Ballarat has long been touted as one of the most significant boomtowns of the gold rush era; history oozes from the cracks of the stately heritage buildings, telling stories of yesteryear. Yep, if you're after a glimpse of Australia's past, you'll find it among the tree-lined streets of Ballarat. But if you dig a little deeper, you'll uncover the city's true treasures — not glistening gold, but brilliant food, drink and culture. Given Ballarat is just over an hour out of the buzzing Melbourne metropolis, the picturesque regional city is perfect for a spontaneous day trip or rejuvenating long weekend. And, to make sure you strike lucky, we've partnered with Visit Ballarat to bring you some top-notch things to eat, see and do on a weekend in Ballarat. So, grab your prospector's cap and get ready to see the best of Ballarat. [caption id="attachment_704070" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hop Temple.[/caption] RAISE A GLASS TO THE INDEPENDENT BREWING GODS Ballarat has become somewhat of a craft beer mecca with a host of new bars and breweries exploding onto the scene. To sip at one of the best, make tracks to Hop Temple, a craft beer and food hall tucked away at the back of Hop Lane. Hop Temple boasts one of the largest ranges of craft beer in Victoria, with 19 taps and 220-plus bottles on offer, so get ready to sample but a few. Keen to try some other local brews? Head to The Mallow to sip from Ballarat's largest range of independent beers on tap, Red Duck Brewery to enjoy its all-natural brews paired with local cheese platters or Cubby Haus Brewing to sample its small-batch beers including stouts, saisons, pilsners and pale, brown and steam ales. [caption id="attachment_704073" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Lost Ones Gallery.[/caption] GET YOUR ART FIX AT THE LOST ONES GALLERY AND BAR If you're like us and love it when art and booze combine, The Lost Ones Gallery is a must-see while in town. Housed in a Masonic hall that was built in the 1870s, the gallery has the work of contemporary artists upstairs and a fine spirits collection downstairs. Spend a couple of hours perusing the exhibitions and getting familiar with the emerging and established local artists, then head to the Basement Bar, sink into a plush couch, order a cocktail — a french 75 or pisco sour, perhaps — and play some Cards Against Humanity. The Lost Ones Basement Bar also runs a range of events, from gin blending workshops to nude drawing, check out the full list here. [caption id="attachment_704074" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yellow Espresso.[/caption] ENJOY A MORNING BREW AND A VINTAGE SHOP Kick off your morning with a nice cup of joe from the bright and bustling Yellow Espresso. Located a the lower end of Stuart Street, this uber-stylish cafe features white and yellow furnishings, hanging plants, rustic timber bench tops and, of course, some of the finest coffee in town. Once you've got your caffeine fix, take a short seven-minute stroll to That Vintage Shop. Here, you'll find all kinds of vintage designer treasures like fur coats, Glomesh bags, 1920s-style hats, pearl necklaces and high-waisted skirts to boot. If that's not enough, hit up The Salvos in Bridge Mall to continue your spree. [caption id="attachment_703945" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Forge Pizzeria.[/caption] GRAB A SLICE THEN DANCE ALL NIGHT If you're a Ballarat local or have been to the city before, there's a good chance you've enjoyed a slice (or several) at The Forge Pizzeria. This carb-filled stalwart is a firm favourite and with good reason: it produces incredible pizza. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant is all about sharing good regional fare with your nearest and dearest. We suggest treating yourself to the $45 Feed Me menu to sample the pick of the woodfired fare. After you're suitably stuffed, waddle to one of Ballarat's leading live music venues to dance off those slices. Karova Lounge hosts incredible local and international musical acts, as well as DJs on the weekends, and is the perfect place to rock out post-pizza. [caption id="attachment_704071" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitchell Harris Wines.[/caption] SAVOUR A GLASS, OR TWO, OF LOCAL VINO It'd be remiss to visit Ballarat and not sample the excellent cool-climate wine from the neighbouring Pyrenees region. There's an array of local wineries about an hour from the city where you can indulge at the cellar door — Summerfield Wines, Warrenmang Vineyard, Grape Farm Winery and Taltarni, to name but a few — but we suggest starting at Blue Pyrenees. Established in 1962, this winery was one of the first in Australia to experiment with cool-climate varietals and has a pretty excellent shiraz to show for it. Alternatively, if you're keen to stay in town, head to Mitchell Harris Wines where you can order off the award-winning wine list. Sip one of the house's own drops or another vino from Victoria and beyond. [caption id="attachment_704187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Jones.[/caption] TREAT YOURSELF TO A HYPER LOCAL FEED When you're ready to take things up a notch and enjoy a sumptuous spread, head to new rustic diner Mr Jones for a fresh feed of local, seasonal fare. This restaurant from partners and chefs Damien and Danielle Jones is run with plenty of Michelin and hatted experience — Damien formerly worked at London's Michelin-starred Bidenbum and the couple's previous restaurant in the same space was a hatted affair. With European influences and seasonal inspiration, the restaurant uses the very best local produce. As the share-plate menu is ever-changing, you won't know what you're going to get, but rest assured, you'll eat very well. Past dishes have featured gougere with creme fraiche, salmon roe and smoked jelly; goat's cheese dumplings with pine nuts, currants and sage; and smoked duck breast with beetroot and blood orange. The menu has also previously listed house-made chorizo served with quince aioli, apple and cider — here's hoping that one makes regular appearances. WATCH A ROYAL JOUST AT KRYAL CASTLE Desperate to live out your Game of Thrones fantasy and see a royal joust in real life? Head to Kryal Castle, a medieval theme park in Leigh Creek, to watch two knights fight tooth and nail for victory. If fighting is not your thing, there are comedic sketches by royal jesters, an expansive concrete maze, archery contests, wizard workshops, potion making schools and even a torture museum where you can learn about the gruesome historic punishments. There's also an Ale House should you need a beverage between battles. Tickets start at $35 and if you're feeling particularly flush, you can even stay the night in a Queen Suite (from $180) and sleep like a Khaleesi. GIVE A DINGO A BELLY RUB AT THE BALLARAT WILDLIFE PARK If you're an animal lover — let's face it, who isn't? — Ballarat Wildlife Park is the place for you. The expansive wildlife park covers more than 16 acres and houses a heap of super-cute native animals, like koalas, snakes, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and echidnas, as well as some foreign beauties, including six sweet new meercats. It also gives you the chance to get up close and personal with some very good dingoes. The family of five — mum Luna, dad Esky and their three pups — all enjoy belly scratches, pats and are as adorable as they sound. Admission to the park costs $35 for adults and tours run daily. Ready to go? Pack your bags and make a full weekend out of your trip to this historic gold rush town. Top image: Yellow Espresso.
Art/Work is a new Concrete Playground series where we take some time to chat with our local creatives in an attempt to unravel the daily grind behind being an artist. This week we speak with Kate Mitchell, a Sydney-based endurance artist represented by Chalk Horse. She is also one half of the paper cut crazy duo, Greedy Hen. Beware, jealousy pangs coming up, no more day job for this lovely lady! Most days you'll find me having some good times working at the Greedy Hen studio in Surry Hills. Greedy Hen is essentially a multi-disciplinary studio functioning partly as an art collective and partly as a design studio, housing the collaborative works of Katherine Brickman and myself. We make artwork, mostly collage/illustration heavy and it ends up in a whole variety of industries. We share our studio with some top notch people like Elke Kramer, Mikie Inglis and Benja Harney. It's non stop action in there! When I am not there I am having good times working/making from my studio at home. Otherwise I'm at the beach or on a bike. For the most part I spend my week bouncing ideas around with Katherine Brickman in Greedy Hen HQ, nutting out plans of attack and then getting them done the best way we can. We never know what will be in our inbox each morning, but usually there is some job waiting patiently for us! From time to time I work from my studio at home, it's quite a good balance. At the moment I am working on a solo Greedy Hen show which opens on May 5th at Lamington Drive in Melbourne. And currently I have some video works in a splendid group show called Social Sculpture on at Anna Schwartz Gallery at Carriage Works. It's on until May 14th. If money wasn't an issue I'd sail around the world, live on an island, climb some mountains, raft some rapids, make travel documentaries, meet some serious locals, learn to tie knots properly, never live through another winter and just wholesomely get out there and get involved. And realise all art dreams! Being an artist in Sydney is delightful and relentless in equal measure. My neighbourhood is Bronte. There's the beach and the RSL, what could possibly go wrong? I'm quite a fan of sneaking in a good body surf at Bronte beach in the mornings, and then I can't resist a dance off at Good God Small Club. It never fails to deliver.
First, hobbits tuck into breakfast. Then, they enjoy second breakfast. In fact, in both JRR Tolkien's books and the movie adaptations that've brought them to the screen so far, they like their meals frequently and with the smallest of gaps between them. That seems to be an approach that Prime Video is taking to The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, its upcoming Middle-earth series, too — at least when it comes to dropping sneak peeks at the long-awaited show. The Rings of Power seems like it has been in the works forever, because it's now been 21 years since the first of The Lord of the Rings movies had everyone rushing to cinemas, obsessing over hobbits and elves, and saying "precious" too many times — and, it's also been five years since it was initially revealed that a TV series was in the works. The show will drop in September, starting on Friday, September 2, but early glimpses have been as rare as a pacifist orc until this month. Now, in the space of just a fortnight, Prime Video has dropped not just one, not two, but three new trailers. The latest arrived during San Diego Comic-Con, aka the reason that other big fantasy titles such as Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon and game-to-screen adaptation Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves have also released trailers this week — and it's the longest look at The Rings of Power yet. It also provides the most complete overview of the show's storyline, which jumps back into Middle-earth's Second Age, bringing that era from the LOTR realm to the screen for the first time. In past trailers — including the initial sneak peek back in February — gorgeous settings, elves, dwarves, harfoots (aka hobbit ancestors), stormy seas, strange skies, cave trolls, raging fires and orc battles have all popped up. This new trailer pieces together more of the plot around them. The focus: the rise of Sauron, how that gave rise to the rings and the impact across Middle-earth. Also seen in the new sneak peek: more orcs, and even a balrog. The Rings of Power features a young Galadriel (Morfydd Clark, Saint Maud) and a young Elrond (Robert Aramayo, The King's Man), too — and, this time, New Zealand's natural splendours stand in for the Elven realms of Lindon and Eregion, the Dwarven realm Khazad-dûm, the Southlands, the Northernmost Wastes, the Sundering Seas and the island kingdom of Númenór. Amazon first announced the show back in 2017, gave it the official go-ahead in mid-2018 and set its premiere date back in 2021. In-between, it confirmed that it wouldn't just remake Peter Jackson's movies. Rather, as per the show's official synopsis, it follows "the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history," with the action set thousands of years before the novels and movies we've all read and watched. If you're a little rusty on your LOTR lore, the Second Age lasted for 3441 years, and saw the initial rise and fall of Sauron, as well as a spate of wars over the coveted rings. Elves feature prominently, and there's plenty to cover, even if Tolkien's works didn't spend that much time on the period — largely outlining the main events in an appendix to the popular trilogy. The series will "take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien's pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness," the synopsis continues. "Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone," it also advises. That's a hefty tale to tell, and The Rings of Power has amassed a hefty cast to tell it — and some impressive talent behind the scenes. Among the other actors traversing Middle-earth are Ismael Cruz Córdova (The Undoing) as Arondir, Nazanin Boniadi (Bombshell) as Bronwyn, Owain Arthur (A Confession) as Prince Durin IV, Charlie Vickers (Palm Beach) as Halbrand and Sophia Nomvete (The Tempest) as Princess Disa. There's also Tom Budge (Judy & Punch), Joseph Mawle (Game of Thrones), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (The Accountant), Maxim Baldry (Years and Years), Peter Mullan (Westworld), Benjamin Walker (The Underground Railroad) and comedian Lenny Henry. And, the series is being overseen by showrunners and executive producers JD Payne and Patrick McKay, while filmmaker JA Bayona (A Monster Calls, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) directs the first two episodes. Check out the latest The Rings of Power trailer below: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will be available to stream via Prime Video from Friday, September 2, 2022. Images: Matt Grace / Ben Rothstein.
Richmond's Future Future is dropping a new menu it like it's hot (because it is). This contemporary Japanese spot will be keeping you toasty this winter with its new midday menu of ramen — perfect for your lunch break. While this little eatery embraces the concept of wabi-sabi, which is exploring the beauty in imperfection, there's not too much that's imperfect about its ramen. Warm up your belly with a vegetarian tan tan men ramen ($17) topped with crispy tofu, shimeji mushrooms, watercress, spring onion and chilli oil — or a hearty pork belly version ($18) with a soy egg, nori and furikake (a umami-heavy Japanese seasoning). If you're doubly hungry, you can add on extra noodles for $3, too. A lunch set is also available, which comes with an otsumami (a side dish) of your choice, such as cucumber with white miso or tuna sashimi salad with wasabi mayo, and a local wine or Japanese lager. If ramen isn't your thing — maybe, because you ate too many 60-cent packs in uni — the menu also features donburi rice dishes, topped with the likes of pork belly ($18), salmon ($19) and mushroom ($17), to tuck into. Grab your colleagues or mates, escape Melbourne's future (future) brisk temperatures and snag a bowl of warming ramen at Future Future this winter. Future Future is located at 191 Swan Street, Richmond and its ramen menu is available throughout winter from May 2 from midday–3pm, Thursday–Saturday.
Not content with hosting the Brisbane Comedy Festival, queer culture fest Melt, and a jam-packed calendar of other events all year every year — and just adding a new outdoor venue, too — Brisbane Powerhouse is gifting music and art fans a brand-new boundary-pushing celebration of sound, tunes and performance. Meet ΩHM (pronounced "ohm"), a fresh venture that's all about getting adventurous. The New Farm venue has dubbed the event a "festival of other music", with a growing lineup that includes Peaches, Future Islands and Hear My Eyes doing Pan's Labyrinth to back up that statement. Across February and March 2023, ΩHM will take over the riverside spot with a program curated by Room40's Lawrence English alongside Brisbane Powerhouse Arts Program Director Brad Spolding, serving up a mix of big-name international headliners and emerging local acts — and gigs, cutting-edge shows and immersive installations. Peaches does the honours while she's in the country for Mona Foma, and Future Islands hits the fest as part of their first Aussie tour since 2017. Those two impressive headliners are part of ΩHM's previously announced first lineup drop, which also spans Monolake + Electric Indigo and The Chills, as well as Kae Tempest, Nakhane and black midi. There's more where that list of acts came from, too, with ΩHM turning its second program announcement into its big launch. Just announced today, Tuesday, November 29, ΩHM is screening Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth like viewers have never seen it before — with a brand-new live score by Sleep D. This premiere performance marks Hear My Eyes' return to Brisbane, and continues its spate of stunning film-and-music combos (see: its take on Chopper in 2022 in Sydney and Melbourne, plus past tours of No Country for Old Men with Tropical F*ck Storm and Suspiria with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard). Also joining the bill are audiovisual artist Robin Fox, Los Angeles-based composer Yann Novak and Iranian sound artist mHz, who'll serve up a triple bill of audiovisual performances. ΩHM will host the Australian premiere of Fox's Triptych straight from UNSOUND KRAKOW, featuring three RGB laser projectors working in synchronicity. If you've seen his past works — Night Sky for Brisbane Festival, Aqua Luma for Mona Foma 2021, BEACON for Mona Foma 2022 and MONOCHORD for Rising Festival 2022, for instance — you'll know you're in for something special. As for Novak, he'll be using sound and light to explore how both can focus one's awareness on their experiences, as informed by his partial colour blindness and dyslexia. And, New Zealand-based Iranian sound artist mHz will take inspiration from material and architecture to hone in on sound and light production. [caption id="attachment_880277" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robin Fox, Single Origin, Diego Figueroa.[/caption] Also, Swiss artist Zimoun will present two installations, both Australian premieres and exclusive to Brisbane. His ΩHM berth marks his debut exhibiting to Aussie audiences in general, and will showcase his work with everyday and industrial materials to mix sound and architecture. "Works like Zimoun's kinetic sound sculptures, Robin Fox's expansive audiovisual laser environments and Hear My Eyes: Pan's Labyrinth x Sleep D exist at a special nexus of sight, sound and space," said English, announcing ΩHM's new additions. "These dynamic pieces capture intensity and energy matched with a fearless sense of focus. The works are simply mind-blowing." ΩHM runs throughout February and March at Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm. For more information and to buy tickets, head to the Powerhouse website. Top image: Hadley Hudson.
Bringing a slice of inner-city cafe cool to Melbourne's northern suburbs, Parkstone is a lush, creative haunt in Pascoe Vale South. From part of the team that first brought you nearby George Jones Eatery and Richmond's Cheeky Monkey, the sunny corner cafe teams modern sensibilities with all the approachability of a tried-and-true local gem. Inside, sage accents, blonde timber and walls of greenery make for a cheery, comfortable setting to match a food offering that straddles the gap between the familiar and the inventive. In the kitchen, Brazilian-born Head Chef Leandro Mello draws on experience from the likes of Longrain and Sake, to deliver a lineup just about everyone can get behind. Traditionalists will take comfort in additions like the smashed avo — here, with whipped feta, fried basil and heirloom tomatoes — and a classic cheeseburger, while more adventure lies in the likes of a baba french toast, the Middle Eastern spiced lamb with house-made flatbread, or a modern riff on eggs benedict, sporting waffled hash browns and apple cider hollandaise. Vegans are in excellent company, with bites like barbecue jackfruit tacos and fluffy carrot cake pancakes teamed with coconut ice cream and walnut maple. To match, there's coffee, smoothies — including a decadent 'lamington' version — and, like all good locals, a tidy selection of beer, wine and breakfast cocktails. Images: Brodie Chan
Four Pillars continues to help push Melbourne's gin scene into exciting new places, flexing its creative muscles even harder with every new release drop. Now, just weeks after the Healesville distillery launched the latest annual edition of its Christmas Gin, it's unveiled another boozy wonder — this time paying homage to legendary local haunt, The Espy. Fittingly dubbed Sticky Carpet Gin, the new creation's been crafted in celebration of the historic pub's much-hyped reopening, infusing all of the venue's big personality and colourful past into one vibrant sip. With this drop, Four Pillars co-founder and distiller Cam Mackenzie set out to capture the spirit of a venue that's meant many different things to different people. To lend an unmistakable pub feel and give a malty edge, the gin uses local Watts River roasted dark stout in its base. On top of that, some roasted barley and Cascade hops push the beer flavour a little further, mingling with other botanicals like juniper, coriander, green pepper, honey and cassia, and a fresh hit of lemon peel and ginger. The result is a little bit deeper and darker than your usual gin of choice, aptly described by Cam as "a gin for beer lovers". Even the Sticky Carpet Gin's packaging gives a firm nod to The Espy, with old band posters recovered from the venue used on the underside of the labels. Unfortunately, the bottle isn't available for purchase, so you can only sample the new collaboration gin exclusively at The Espy, where it's being worked cleverly into a range of signature sips. Find it mingling happily with ginger syrup, lemon juice and a frothy pale ale top for the Hawksmoor Shaky Pete Ginger Brew, or perhaps in the more delicate 500 Days of Summer: a blend of Sticky Carpet Gin, elderflower, strawberries, mint leaves and ginger beer. Images: Lauren Bamford.
It might sound like some sort of lunar identity crisis, but the rare super blue blood moon proved a pretty spectacular addition to last night's skies. Stargazers across Australia had prime position to view the celestial phenomenon, which hasn't occurred anywhere in the world in over 35 years. The event combined the first total lunar eclipse since 2015, with a blue moon, or the second full moon of the calendar month. Clouds might have made for sketchy viewing in some parts of the country, though, as always, social media is chock full of impressive snaps from folks lucky enough to catch the astronomical treat. Here are some of the best shots of 2018's blue blood moon from around the planet. A post shared by Ken Perkes Photography (@perkesken) on Jan 31, 2018 at 11:44am PST A post shared by Jenny Herron (@jenniferherronn) on Jan 31, 2018 at 9:15am PST A post shared by Justin DeLand (@aperture_of_the_soul) on Jan 31, 2018 at 1:15pm PST A post shared by +15⚓🌴🍀🌊 (@cristian_perrone) on Jan 31, 2018 at 1:24pm PST A post shared by Jeff Morris (@itwasthelight) on Jan 31, 2018 at 8:33am PST A post shared by Landscapes-Astro-Cityscapes (@bay.photography) on Jan 31, 2018 at 9:58am PST A post shared by Senai Senna (@sennarelax) on Jan 31, 2018 at 1:13pm PST A post shared by Carlos Sanchez (@officialcarlossanchez) on Jan 31, 2018 at 7:14am PST A post shared by Maria Heni (@henimaria) on Jan 31, 2018 at 5:38am PST A post shared by @harsha_taurus on Jan 31, 2018 at 2:41pm PST
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to anything, we're here to help. We've spent plenty of couch time watching our way through this month's latest batch — and, from the latest and greatest through to old and recent favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from March's haul. Brand-New Stuff You Can Watch From Start to Finish Now Girls5eva One of the funniest TV comedies of the 2020s is back with its third season, and as hilarious as ever. So what are you waiting five? If that question doesn't make any sense, then you clearly haven't yet experienced the wonder that is Girls5eva. It starts with a numerical pun-heavy earworm of a theme tune that no one should ever skip, then bounces along just as catchily and sidesplittingly in every second afterwards. A move to Netflix for season three — after streaming its first and second seasons via Peacock in the US and Stan in Australia — might just see the Tina Fey-executive produced music-industry sitcom switch from being one of the best shows that not enough people are watching to everyone's latest can't-stop-rewatching comedy obsession. In other words, this a series about a comeback and, thanks to its swap to the biggest player in the streaming game, now it's making a comeback itself. If it becomes a Netflix smash, here's hoping that it'll be famous at least one more time. Two years have passed for longterm fans since Girls5eva last checked in with Dawn Solano (Sara Bareilles, Broadway's Waitress), Wickie Roy (Renée Elise Goldsberry, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and also a Hamilton Tony-winner), Summer Dutkowsky (Busy Philipps, Mean Girls) and Gloria McManus (Paula Pell, Big Mouth), but the gap and the change of platforms haven't changed this gem. Consider the switch of streamer in the same way that Dawn and the gang are approaching their leap back into their girl group after two decades: as an all-in, go-hard-or-go-home, whatever-it-takes relaunch. Now firmly reunited, the surviving members of Girls5eva have taken to the road. So far, however, their big Returnity tour has been happy in Fort Worth. In the Texan city, their track 'Tap Into Your Fort Worth' keeps drawing in crowds, even if that's all that concertgoers want to hear. Also, the Marriott Suitelettes for Divorced Dads has become their home away from home, but resident diva Wickie isn't content just playing one place. Always dreaming huge, massive and stratospheric, she sets the band's sights on Radio City Music Hall, booking them in for a gig at a fee of $500,000. Cue a six-month timeline to sell it out — a feat made trickier by the fact that the show is on Thanksgiving — or risk ruin. Girls5eva streams via Netflix. Read our full review. 20 Days in Mariupol Incompatible with life. No one should ever want to hear those three devastating words. No one who is told one of the most distressing phrases there is ever has them uttered their way in positive circumstances, either. Accordingly, when they're spoken by a doctor in 2024 Oscar-winner 20 Days in Mariupol, they're deeply shattering. So is everything in this on-the-ground portrait of the first 20 days in the Ukrainian port city as Russia began its invasion, with the bleak reality of living in a war zone documented in harrowing detail. Located less than 60 kilometres from the border, Mariupol quickly segues from ordinary life to an apocalyptic scene — and this film refuses to look away. Much of its time is spent in and around hospitals, which see an influx of patients injured and killed by the combat, and also become targets as well. Many of in 20 Days in Mariupol's faces are the afflicted, the medics tending to them in horrendous circumstances, and the loves ones that are understandably inconsolable. Too many of the carnage's victims are children and babies, with their parents crushed and heartbroken in the aftermath; sometimes, they're pregnant women. Directed by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Mstyslav Chernov, and narrated by him with the grimness and soberness that can be this movie's only tone, 20 Days in Mariupol even existing is an achievement. What it depicts — what it immerses viewers in with urgency, from shelled hospitals, basements-turned-bomb shelters and more of the city destroyed day after day to families torn apart, looting, struggling to find food and bodies of the dead taken to mass graves — needs to be viewed as widely as possible, and constantly. His footage has also featured in news reports, but it can and must never be forgotten. Doctors mid-surgery demand that Chernov's camera is pointed their way, and that he shows the world the travesties taking place. The Ukrainian reporter, who has also covered Donbas, flight MH17, Syria and the Battle of Mosul for the Associated Press, does exactly that. He's doing more than ensuring that everyone bears witness, though; he makes certain that there's no way to watch 20 Days in Mariupol, which shows the vast civilian impact and casualties, and see anything but ordinary people suffering, or to feel anything other than shock, anger and horror. 20 Days in Mariupol streams via DocPlay. STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces To do justice to Steve Martin's life, career and impact requires more than just one movie. So, the engagingly and entertainingly in-depth, intimate, affectionate and informative STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces explores the comedian and actor's existence in a pair of parts. The first is subtitled 'Then', honing in on his childhood and early stand-up days. The second, aka 'Now', jumps in when he made the leap to movies in the late 70s, which is where The Jerk, Pennies From Heaven, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Parenthood and LA Story comes in — and, of course, includes his tours with his ¡Three Amigos! co-star Martin Short, as well as their murder-mystery-comedy TV hit Only Murders in the Building. The initial half gets Martin narrating, sharing reflections personal and professional as accompanied by archival footage aplenty (and ample tapes of his stints in front of audience). The latter section treats him as an interviewee, with his wife Anne Stringfield, Short, Jerry Seinfeld (who has had Martin as a guest on Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee) and Tina Fey (who also co-starred with Martin in Baby Mama) among the talking heads. Behind it all is documentarian Morgan Neville, an Oscar-winner for 20 Feet From Stardom, as well as a filmmaker who is clearly taking his stylistic cues from his subject. That's noticeable in STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces' moniker, for starters — it throws caution to the winds of grammar and title formats just as Martin has to comedy rules, as the two-part film makes plain again and again. No matter how well-acquainted you are with Martin, insights flow freely in this fascinating way to spend three hours surveying the ways that he's made people laugh over decades upon decades, beginning with doing magic tricks and working at Disneyland on his school holidays in the 50s. Revelations bound through about Martin as a person, too; more than once, he notes that his life has felt as if it has played out backwards, and not just because he only first became a father in his 60s. Clips of his stand-up act, and the response to it in the 60s and 70s, are gold. Hanging out with the man who originally was only going to create Only Murders in the Building, not star in it, when he's bantering with Short are as well. STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces streams via Apple TV+. Spaceman Should astronaut become a dictionary-certified synonym for melancholy? Cinema believes so. Its latest case in point comes via Spaceman, where life temporarily lived above and beyond the earth replaces gravity with loneliness and disconnection for Jakub Prochazka (Adam Sandler, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah). He's six months into a solo trip past Jupiter to investigate an eerie phenomenon in the heavens when this adaptation of Jaroslav Kalfař's 2017 sci-fi novel Spaceman of Bohemia kicks off. His quest is both time-sensitive and celebrated. South Korea is in close pursuit, he's frequently being told by Peter (Kunal Nayyar, Night Court), his contact at ground control — and Commissioner Tuma (Isabella Rossellini, Cat Person) happily keeps dialling him in for PR opportunities. As he soars through a strangely purple sky, however, endeavouring to fulfil his mission while pleading for maintenance approval on his crumbling ship, all that's really on his mind is his wife Lenka (Carey Mulligan, Maestro). Pregnant and left at home alone, she's no longer taking his fast-as-light-speed phone calls. Then Hanus (Paul Dano, Mr & Mrs Smith) scurries in beside Jakub, demanding attention — as a giant spider in space is always going to. For the best part of a decade now, seeing a live-action movie starring Sandler has meant heading to Netflix. In Australia, even Uncut Gems, his greatest-ever performance, arrived via the streaming platform. Alongside The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) and Hustle, add Spaceman to the list of such features that give their star worthy parts and would've made welcome cinema releases. It isn't new news that Sandler is an excellent actor in dramatic and/or weightier roles, or that his career is more than the Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore-style comedies that he first became known for. Spaceman director Johan Renck (Chernobyl) has cast him expertly, in fact, in this tale of isolation, arrested development, otherworldly arachnids and amorous entanglements. Sending Sandler on an Ad Astra-, First Man- and Solaris-esque trip proves contemplative and empathetic — and, amid spider's-eye flashbacks to his complicated childhood in the Czech Republic, time spent with Lenka on the ground and floating around the film's claustrophobic main setting, also brimming with raw and resonant emotion. Spaceman streams via Netflix. The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin Who needs facts when you can have a ball with irreverently riffing on history? It worked for Blackadder, then with The Great and Our Flag Means Death, and now does the same for The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin. It was evident from the concept when it was announced, and the trailer afterwards as well: this series is firmly in the same mode as the pirate comedy that gave streaming two wonderfully funny and heartfelt seasons, then was cancelled. The similarities don't stop being apparent now that Noel Fielding's latest stint of silliness is here with its six-instalment first season. Accordingly, viewers looking for something to help with their Our Flag Means Death heartbreak have somewhere to turn. Everyone who loves The Mighty Boosh's Fielding when he's getting surreal — something that his The Great British Bake Off hosting gig can't quite offer, even with his outfits — is also catered for. Awaiting in The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is an entertaining jaunt that's exactly what anyone should expect given its premise, star, his fondness for whimsy and flamboyant outfits, plus Britain's love of parodying its own past. Fielding co-writes and executive produces, alongside leading — and his brother Michael is among the fellow The Mighty Boosh alum on-screen. Dick jokes abound, because who could pass up the opportunity given its protagonist? A who's who of English comedy also features. The year is 1735. The place is the UK, obviously. The subject is a real-life highwayman. If Dick Turpin isn't familiar, he's the son of a butcher, he was his father's apprentice, but then took on a different career as part of the Essex gang. In reality, he was executed by hanging at the age of 33. In The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, standing on the gallows provides the opening. From there, the series steps through his time as a thief after being a vegan pacifist didn't gel with the family business. The key things that Dick takes with him when he leaves home, when his father John (Mark Heap, Significant Other) quickly replaces him with his cousin Benny (Michael Fielding, Merry Little Batman): eye-catching purple boots and a sewing machine. Soon enough, he has a crew by his side — and an instantly amusing revisionist history about Britain's equivalent of Ned Kelly is the result. The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin streams via Apple TV+. Read our full review. 3 Body Problem How do you follow up Game of Thrones? So asks one of the biggest questions in pop culture over the past decade. HBO's hit adaptation of George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series ended five years ago, but the network behind it, the TV industry in general, and everyone involved in it on- and off-screen has been grappling with that query since the series became a worldwide smash. For the cable station that made it, more Game of Thrones shows is the answer, aka House of the Dragon, the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight and other floated spinoffs. For Hollywood, leaning in on fantasy franchises has been a solution. And for David Benioff and DB Weiss, the showrunners on the Westeros-set phenomenon, bringing another complex book saga to the small screen is the chosen path. Those novels: Liu Cixin's Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy, which arrives as 3 Body Problem, with 2008 book The Three-Body Problem as the basis for its eight-episode first season. Invasions, feuds, jumping timelines, a hefty cast of characters: they're all still in place. So are John Bradley (Marry Me), Liam Cunningham (Dracula: Voyage of the Demeter) and Jonathan Pryce (Slow Horses) among the cast, answering the "what comes next?" question for three Game of Thrones actors. Also, that composer Ramin Djawadi (Jack Ryan) is on music duties again isn't difficult to notice. With 3 Body Problem, which sees Benioff and Weiss team up with True Blood and The Terror's Alexander Woo to bring Cixin's text to the screen, sprawling high fantasy gives away to time- and space-hopping hard sci-fi, however. The danger to global stability still springs from a battle for supremacy, but one where countdowns start dancing in front of some people's eyes, particle accelerators stop functioning properly, other folks can't be seen in security footage, scientists seem to be killing themselves and aliens linger. The series begins with a physics professor being beaten to death in front of a crowd containing his daughter during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Then, it flits to London today to watch the entire sky wink, gleaming helmets spirit whoever dons them into a complicated and intricate virtual-reality game, and what lurks beyond the earth — and who — play a significant part. 3 Body Problem streams via Netflix. Read our full review. Road House It's a brave actor who tries to follow in Patrick Swayze's footsteps. The late, great star was one of a kind, other than the fact that the 80s and 90s screamed out for him to team up with Kurt Russell on-screen. But folks persist in attempting to take his lead, including Diego Luna (Andor) in the also Swayze-starring Dirty Dancing prequel Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, Édgar Ramírez (Dr Death) in the terrible 2015 Point Break remake and now Jake Gyllenhaal (Guy Ritchie's The Covenant) in Road House, another do-over of a Swayze hit. Gyllenhaal fares best in a film that isn't its predecessor in a swathe of ways — there's less sleaze to the titular establishment, and in general; less heat to its central romance; less zen about its protagonist; and no throats being ripped out — but is aided immensely by its key casting. No one needed a Road House remake, let alone one where its cooler is a former UFC fighter who has fallen on troubled times in and out of the octagon. Surely no one wanted to witness a strutting Conor McGregor make his acting debut, and so gratingly, as one of the new Road House's villains. But Gyllenhaal leaning into eccentricity as Dalton works a charm. The plot remains largely the same, albeit shifted to Florida, which sees director Doug Liman (Chaos Walking) also take a few stylistic cues from Miami Vice. In the eponymous venue, Dalton — Elwood, not James — is recruited to take over security by Frankie (Jessica Williams, Shrinking), with her bar suffering from a violence problem. Thugs keep smashing up the place, and patrons. Also, bouncers are constantly leaving the job. There's a cool, calm and collected air to Dalton's quest to clean up the joint, which contrasts with his inner turmoil. Soon, though, he's being threatened in an attempt to run him out of town. Daniela Melchior (Fast X) co-stars as the doctor that becomes his love interest, Billy Magnussen (Lift) as the drug-peddling nepo-baby baddie with designs on The Road House's land, Arturo Castro (The Vince Staples Show) as a motorcycle-gang henchman who genuinely appreciates Dalton's approach and Hannah Love Lanier (Special Ops: Lioness) as a bookshop-running teenager, but Road House circa 2024 is Gyllenhaal's show. This isn't the first attempt to capitalise upon the original Road House's success — even if it was nominated for five Razzies — thanks to 2006's Road House 2. Being better than that is a low bar, but this Road House clears it. Road House streams via Prime Video. Apples Never Fall On the page and on the screen, audiences know what's in store when Sydney-born and -based author Liane Moriarty's name is attached to a book or TV series. Domestic disharmony within comfortable communities fuels her tales, as do twisty mystery storylines. When they hit streaming, the shows adapted from her novels add in starry casts as well. Indeed, after Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, it might come as a shock that Nicole Kidman (Expats) is nowhere to be found in the seven-episode Apples Never Fall. The Australian actor will be back in another version of Moriarty's tomes, also with a three-word title, with The Last Anniversary currently in the works. Fresh from an Oscar nomination for Nyad, Annette Bening is no mere stand-in right now. Also, where Kidman has co-starred with Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show), Laura Dern (The Son) and Alexander Skarsgård (Mr & Mrs Smith), and also Melissa McCarthy (The Little Mermaid), Michael Shannon (The Flash) and Luke Evans (Good Grief), Bening is joined by Sam Neill (The Twelve), Alison Brie (Somebody I Used to Know) and Jake Lacy (A Friend of the Family). If Lacy's involvement brings The White Lotus to mind, he's again at home playing affluent and arrogant — but no one is on holiday in Apples Never Fall. Rather, in West Palm Beach, the tennis-obsessed Delaney family finds their well-off existence shattered when matriarch Joy (Bening) goes missing, leaving just a banged-up and blood-splattered bicycle, a strewn-about basket of apples and her mobile phone behind. Her adult children (Lacy, Brie, Thai Cave Rescue's Conor Merrigan Turner and The Speedway Murders' Essie Randles) are worried, while husband Stan (Neill) first advises that his spouse is merely ill, a choice that does nothing to stop suspicion rocketing his way. In addition to charting the search for Joy, the Queensland-shot Apples Never Fall bounces through ample backstory. After its introductory instalment, each episode focuses on one of the family; across them all, the timeline is split into "then" and "now". It soon becomes apparent that the doting Joy and determined Stan were talented players, then established the Delaney Tennis Academy when his aspirations were cruelled by injury, and she sidelined hers to support him and have their kids. Another person looms large over the narrative, too: Savannah (Georgia Flood, Blacklight), who graces the Delaneys' doorstep in its flashbacks, fleeing from domestic abuse — or so she claims. Apples Never Fall streams via Binge. Read our full review. Breeders Sitcoms about raising a family are almost as common as sitcoms in general, with the antics of being married with children up there with workplace shenanigans as one of the genre's go-to setups. Thanks to the OG UK version of The Office, Martin Freeman knows more than a little about employment-focused TV comedies. Courtesy of The Thick of It and Veep, actor-turned-director Chris Addison and writer Simon Blackwell also fall into that category. But Breeders, which the trio created and thrusts them into the world of mining parenting for laughs, isn't your standard take on its concept. As became immediately evident when the British series began in 2020, and remains the case now that it's wrapping up with its current fourth season — which aired overseas in 2023 but is only hitting Down Under in 2024 — this show does't subscribe to the rosy notion that being a mother or a father (or a son or daughter, or grandmother or grandfather) equals loveable chaos. There's love, of course. There's even more chaos. But there's also clear eyes, plus bleakness; again, this is largely helmed and scripted by alumni of two of the best, sharpest and most-candid political satires of the 21st century, and always feels as such. Season four begins with a time jump, with Breeders' overall path tracking Paul Worsley (Freeman, Secret Invasion) and Ally Grant's (Daisy Haggard, Boat Story) journey from when their two kids were very young — including babies, via flashbacks — to their teenage and young-adult years now. Consequently, five years on in the narrative from season three, another set of actors play Luke (Oscar Kennedy, Wreck) and Ava (debutant Zoë Athena) in this farewell run as the first is moving in with his girlfriend and the second explores her own love life, as well as grappling with the inescapable reality that her elder brother's ups and downs have always monopolised her family's attention. Paul and Ally also have the ailing health of Paul's parents Jim (Alun Armstrong, Tom Jones) and Jackie (Joanna Bacon, Benediction) to manage, in addition to the ebbs and flows of their own often-fraught relationship, plus just dealing with getting through the days, weeks, months and years in general (Ally turning 50 is one of this season's plot points). That this all sounds like standard life is part of the point; watching Breeders is like looking in a mirror, especially in its unvarnished and relatable all-you-can-do-is-laugh perspective. Freeman's knack for swearing will be especially missed. Breeders streams via Disney+. New and Returning Shows to Check Out Week by Week Palm Royale More things in life should remind the world about Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, 2021's wonderfully goofy (and just wonderful) Florida-set comedy starring Kristen Wiig (MacGruber) and Annie Mumolo (Barbie), plus Jamie Dornan (The Tourist) singing to seagulls. The also Wiig-led Palm Royale is one such prompt. Thankfully, watching the page-to-screen dramedy doesn't cause audiences to wish that they were just viewing Barb and Star, though. The two share the same US state as a locale, too, alongside bright colour schemes, a bouncy pace and a willingness to get silly, especially with sea life, but Palm Royale engages all on its own. Adapting Juliet McDaniel's Mr & Mrs American Pie for the small screen, this 60s-set effort also knows how to make gleaming use of its best asset: Saturday Night Live, Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters alum Wiig. In its ten-episode first season, the show's storyline centres on Maxine Simmons. A former beauty-pageant queen out of Chattanooga, Tennessee, she thinks nothing of scaling the wall to the titular country club, then breezing about like she's meant to be there — sipping grasshoppers and endeavouring to eavesdrop her way into a social-climbing friendship with Palm Beach's high-society set — and Wiig sells every second of the character's twist-filled journey. Even better: she heartily and entertainingly conveys the everywoman aspects of someone who has yearning for a better life as her main motivation, and isn't willing to settle for anything less than she thinks that she deserves, even in hardly relatable circumstances. There's no doubting that Maxine is both an underdog and an outsider in the milieu that she so frenziedly covets. When she's not swanning around poolside, idolising self-appointed bigwig Evelyn Rollins (Allison Janney, The Creator) and ambassador's wife Dinah Donahue (Leslie Bibb, About My Father) among the regulars — their clique spans widow Mary Jones Davidsoul (Julia Duffy, Christmas with the Campbells) and mobster spouse Raquel Kimberly-Maco (Claudia Ferri, Arlette) — and ordering her cocktail of choice from bartender Robert (Ricky Martin, American Crime Story), she's staying in a far-from-glamorous motel. Funding for her quest to fit in with the rich and gossip-column famous comes via pawning jewellery owned by her pilot husband Douglas'(Josh Lucas, Yellowstone) comatose aunt Norma Dellacorte (Carol Burnett, Better Call Saul), the plastics and mouthwash heiress who ruled the scene until suffering an embolism. Palm Royale streams via Apple TV+. Read our full review. High Country The role of Andie Whitford, the lead part in High Country, was written for Leah Purcell. It's easy to understand why. There's a quiet resolve to the character — a been-there-seen-that air to weathering tumult, too — that's long been a part of the Indigenous Australian star's acting toolkit across a three-decade career that started in 90s TV shows such as GP, Police Rescue and Water Rats, and has recently added The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and Shayda to her resume (plus much in-between). Andie is a seasoned police detective who takes a job back in uniform overseeing the town of Broken Ridge, which is located in the mountainous Victorian region that gives the mystery series its name. A big reason for the move: stability and work-life balance, aka relocating for the sake of her personal life with spouse Helen (Sara Wiseman, Under the Vines) and daughter Kirra (Pez Warner, making her TV debut). An existence-resetting tree change is meant to be on the cards, then. But her arrival, especially being installed as the new police chief, doesn't earn the sunniest of welcomes. Then there's the missing-person cases that swiftly start piling up, some old, some new, some previously explained by pointing fingers in specific directions. High Country's framework, down to its character types, is easily recognisable. Creators Marcia Gardner and John Ridley, who worked with Purcell on Wentworth, know what everyone does: that a great story can make any whodunnit-driven procedural feel different. So, also part of the series are Andie's retiring predecessor (Ian McElhinney, The Boys in the Boat), who is fixated on a past disappearance; the former teacher (Henry Nixon, The PM's Daughter) he's certain is responsible, who has become the town outcast; a local ranger (Aaron Pedersen, Jack Irish), one of the few other Indigenous faces in town; the financially challenged proprietor (Linda Cropper, How to Stay Married) of a haven for artists; cop colleagues of varying help and loyalty (Romance at the Vineyard's Matt Domingo and Wyrmwood: Apocalypse's Luke McKenzie); and rabble-rousing siblings (Boy Swallows Universe's Nathaniel Dean and The Clearing's Jamie Timony). Crucially, where the show takes them always feels like its own journey. This might also be the second Aussie effort in two months to use this part of the country as a backdrop, following Force of Nature: The Dry 2, but High Country is similarly no mere rehash there. High Country streams via Binge. The Regime After past wins for Mildred Pierce and Mare of Easttown, Kate Winslet might just add another Emmy to her mantle for The Regime. When the British actor turns her attention to TV for HBO, she unveils spectacular performances — something that she does everywhere anyway (see also: the 30-year-old Heavenly Creatures, 20-year-old Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and more-recent Ammonite, for instance), but this working relationship has been going particularly well for her. Winslet's latest small-screen stint for the US network takes her into the realm of satire, and to a Central European country under authoritarian rule. Nothing for the nation's current leadership is quite going to plan, though. This is a place where Chancellor Elena Vernham singing 'If You Leave Me Now' to open an official dinner, keeping her deceased father in a glass coffin, and overhauling the palace that she calls home due to fears of moisture and black mould are all everyday occurrences. Each of the above happens in The Regime's first episode, as does hiring a soldier linked to a scandal involving the deaths of protestors at a cobalt mine — with his new gig initially requiring him to monitor the air quality in every room that the Chancellor enters. Winslet (Avatar: The Way of Water) is mesmerising as Vernham, who takes her cues from a range of IRL world leaders — it's easy to glean which — in a show that's as captivating as its lead performance. She has excellent company, too, spanning the always-ace Matthias Schoenaerts (Amsterdam) as said military man-turned-Vernham's new advisor, Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie) as her regular offsider, plus everyone from Hugh Grant (Wonka) to Martha Plimpton (A Town Called Malice) popping up and making the most of their supporting parts. The Regime's creator Will Tracy wrote The Menu and also episodes of Succession, so he has experience being scathing; his time on the staff of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver also shows its influence. If he'd been watching Armando Iannucci's The Death of Stalin while dreaming up this (including nabbing Riseborough from the cast), that wouldn't come as a surprise, either. With Stephen Frears (The Lost King) and Jessica Hobbs (The Crown) behind the camera, The Regime is a probingly directed effort as well as it works through its six chapters. The Regime streams via Binge. Need a few more streaming recommendations? Check out our picks from January and February this year, and also from January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2023. You can also check out our running list of standout must-stream shows from last year as well — and our best 15 new shows of 2023, 15 newcomers you might've missed, top 15 returning shows of the year, 15 best films, 15 top movies you likely didn't see, 15 best straight-to-streaming flicks and 30 movies worth catching up on over the summer.
Excuse me. Excuse me. You need to get down to The Curtin on Friday night for a party celebrating everybody's favourite '90s MTV show. Or don't. Whatever. Hosted by feminist record label/booking agency Sad Grrrls Club, this Daria-centric shindig will feature local grunge and emo-punk bands Thrasher Jynx and The Football Club. They'll be joined by soul-rock outfit Jackie Brown Jr, and Sad Grrrls Club DJs playing hits from the late '90s and early '00s. Naturally, there'll also be a costume competition – so pull on your black combat boots and tap in to your inner Morgendorffer. Tickets are $12 in presale, or $15 on the door, which opens at 7pm.
Not one, but three, designers have put their two-wheeling brains together to come up with tokyobike's latest offering: the company's first ever Designer Series. It's a trio of bikes that will make you seriously want to shell out (and at this price, you'd be skipping more than a few meals). The first, a schmick golden number, is the work of Everything Elevated, who are based in New York and Oslo. It's a single speed with dropped handle bars that gets its inspiration from early minimalist track racing bikes. The second you'll want with you next time you're in Paris. Calico Wallpaper, a Brooklyn-based company run by couple Nick and Rachel Cope, based their concept on the bikes you see in 1930s French films. It's so comfy you can ride all day. The dreamy blue, white and burnt orange paint job reflects the transition from dawn to dusk. Not good at making decisions? The third in the series is your pick. It's white on one side and grey on the other. Joe Doucet, award-winning Brooklyn-based designer, is behind this third bike, with half-canvas, half-rubber handles, which are handmade in Italy. This kind of design doesn't come cheap. Each limited edition bike will set you back $2,500 a pop. Orders are available online. Images: Tokyobike.
Falls Festival might be gearing up to celebrate a quarter-century, but it feels a bit like we're the ones getting the birthday presents instead. Helping to ring in the art and music festival's 25th year is a pretty buzzworthy gang of musical mates, headlined by Australia's own wunderkind Flume, as he returns to the Falls stage for the first time since wooing the Lorne crowds in 2012. He's joined on the bill by international names like Seattle-based Grammy nominees Fleet Foxes (who were here earlier in the year for Sydney Festival), Oxford four-piece Glass Animals (who were also just here for Laneway), Californian indie-pop darlings Foster The People and The Kooks, who'll be celebrating a milestone of their own, having clocked up ten years since their debut album. If you've had your ear to the ground, you'll already know the part about Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher dropping in for his first-ever Aussie headline shows. True to form, the Falls 2017 local lineup is equally exciting, and every bit as broad. Homegrown acts hitting the stage include the party-ready Peking Duk, Brisbane rockers Dune Rats, Melbourne natives The Smith Street Band and Total Giovanni, and indie duo Angus & Julia Stone, off the back of their soon-to-launch album Snow. And it looks like you can start limbering up those vocal chords for a gutsy rendition of 'The Horses', with the legendary Daryl Braithwaite also slated for an appearance. As always, the tunes are backed by a colourful curation of art events, performances, pop-ups, markets, wellness sessions and gourmet eats. You can, however, say goodbye to the usual drink ticket situation, which has been ditched in favour of paywave and cash-enabled bars. It's all happening over New Years at the usual spots in Tassie's Marion Bay, Lorne in Victoria, and the North Byron Parklands, with WA's 2017 Falls Festival landing itself a new home within the Fremantle Oval precinct. But here's the full lineup. FALLS FESTIVAL 2017 LINEUP Flume (no sideshows) Fleet Foxes Run The Jewels The Kooks Glass Animals (no sideshows) Peking Duk Angus & Julia Stone Foster The People Liam Gallagher Vince Staples Jungle Dune Rats The Smith Street Band D.R.A.M Daryl Braithwaite Everything Everything Allday The Jungle Giants Thundamentals Methyl Ethel Slumberjack D.d Dumbo Anna Lunoe Dz Deathrays Confidence Man Julia Jacklin Bad//dreems Cosmo's Midnight Winston Surfshirt Luca Brasi Alex Lahey Camp Cope Flint Eastwood Ecca Vandal Dave Total Giovanni + More to be announced
Canberra will be filled with all things art, architecture and design between Wednesday, November 2–Sunday, November 20 as Design Canberra makes its grand return with hundreds of events and activations. The festival will present a wide-ranging program across its 19 days, spanning public art, exhibitions, symposiums, workshops, studio tours and a food festival. The symposiums will kick off early with talks centred around public art on Sunday, October 29. From there, there will be a series of discussions on Canberra's role in the worlds of design and art on Friday, November 4, followed by 'Transforming Canberra' on Saturday, November 5, which will explore the future of the city with keynote appearances from Elizabeth Farrelly, author of Killing Sydney, and Canberra Museum and Gallery Senior Curator Virginia Rigney. If you're looking for an immersive hands-on experience at the festival, head to the open studios and workshops. A range of acclaimed Canberra-based artists ranging from glass blowers and cabinetmakers to ceramicists will be opening their personal studios to the public, demonstrating the processes that go into their artistry, and giving the public a sneak peek into what they're currently working on. As for the workshops, there will be both adult- and kid-focused classes, with sessions focusing on the likes of stitch meditation, spoon carving, zine-making and a special multi-day kids workshop based on designing the future of Canberra. A public art trail has popped up around the city. Wander through the City West until Sunday, November 20 and you'll discover an array of free outdoor artworks from six local craftspeople. These artworks range from huge pieces that have overtaken buildings to intimate works hidden among trees. Architecture fans, head out on one of the festival's architecture tours, or some of the most stunning and innovative houses in Canberra with the open homes program. Design Canberra has also come together with The Forage to add a bustling food festival and drink to the festivities. On Saturday, November 5, The Forage Food Festival will be bringing together 20 local vendors including Let's Do Yum Cha, Super Bao, Hungry Brown Cow Burgers, Canberra Distillery and a roving sangria cart from Skeehan Brothers Sangria Cart from 2–7pm in Civic Square. If all of this wasn't enough, there will be a heap more tours, talks, exhibitions and competitions popping up, as well as a festival hub shop selling works from artists involved and a limited-edition grapefruit Designer Gin made by Canberra Distillery. If you're from out of town and you're looking for an excuse to head to the nation's capital, luxury inner-city hotel A by Adina is offering 15-percent off all bookings during the festival. The stunning accommodation is located right among the action and boasts in-room cocktails from Maybe Sammy, two gyms and ARC — one of Canberra's best cafes — in its lobby.
Of all the new TV shows that are heading to streaming in 2023, only one has a groove and a meaning. Well, only one is based on a movie with a theme song that claims that, at least. And yes, you now have that tune stuck in your head — because 'Grease', the track, is that much of a catchy and persistent earworm. The entire Grease soundtrack is, and perhaps the tunes that come with Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies will be as well. This new prequel series steps back into the 70s-made, 50s-set musical rom-com's world, giving its titular girl gang an origin story. Based on both the initial teaser and the just-dropped full trailer, Rise of the Pink Ladies is hopelessly devoted to taking that task seriously. Here, in a ten-episode series set to stream via Paramount+ in Australia from Friday, April 7 — with New Zealand airing details yet to be revealed — it's the 1954–55 school year. It's also when the eponymous young women are given words of warning about appropriate behaviour. "Ladies, you must be careful with whom you associate," Assistant Principal McGee (Jackie Hoffman, Only Murders in the Building) tells them in the first trailer. "A girl's reputation is all that she has." Welcome back to Rydell High, clearly, but before Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) walked its halls. If the OG Grease and its tale about an Australian transfer student falling in love with an American high schooler in California is the one that you want — always — then you'll know that this franchise hasn't ever just been about the hit 1978 movie anyway. Before it became a silver-screen classic, it was a popular stage musical. After the first film's success, it spawned a 1982 Michelle Pfeiffer-starring sequel, too. Pink jackets, T-Birds, dance scenes (including while wearing mechanics' overalls), a new take on a familiar track advising that Grease is indeed the word: they're all included in show's two sneak peeks so far. Cast-wise, Marisa Davila (Love and Baseball), first-timer Cheyenne Isabel Wells, Ari Notartomaso (Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin) and Tricia Fukuhara (Loot) play the four teens who start the Pink Ladies, and are joined on-screen by Shanel Bailey (The Good Fight), Madison Thompson (Emergency), Johnathan Nieves (Penny Dreadful: City of Angels), Jason Schmidt (FBI: Most Wanted) and Maxwell Whittington-Cooper (The Photograph). This isn't the last time that all things Grease will pop up again, either — not including the stage musical and OG movie's enduring popularity, of course — with a Danny and Sandy-focused prequel flick Summer Lovin' also in the works. Check out the full trailer for Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies below: Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies starts streaming via Paramount+ in Australia on Friday, April 7. New Zealand release details haven't yet been revealed — we'll update you when further information comes to hand.
From a field of 52 finalists — including, for the first time in its history, an equal number of works from both male and female artists — the 2021 Archibald Prize has been awarded to Melbourne-based artist Peter Wegner for Portrait of Guy Warren at 100. An unanimous decision by this year's judges, Wegner's portrait of the centenarian and fellow artist won the gong in a fitting year, with the Archibald turning 100 in 2021 as well. "Guy Warren turned 100 in April — he was born the same year the Archibald Prize was first awarded in 1921," Wegner said. "This is not why I painted Guy, but the coincidence is nicely timed." "I have been working on a series of drawings of people who have turned 100, beginning with my Aunty Rita seven years ago. I've gone on to draw more than 90 centenarians," Wegner continued. "I chose to paint Guy Warren because he is one of the most incredible centenarians l have ever met. This portrait honours Guy in the 101st year of his productive and meaningful life." [caption id="attachment_814783" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Winner Archibald Prize 2021. Peter Wegner, Portrait of Guy Warren at 100. © the artist. Photo: AGNSW, Jenni Carter.[/caption] Winning for the first time, Wegner was also a finalist in the 2020, 2016, 2011, 2004 and 2000 Archibalds. Warren won the prize himself in 1985 with a portrait of artist Bert Flugelman — and became an Archibald subject for the seventh time with Portrait of Guy Warren at 100. Wegner's win comes after 2020's history-making recipient Vincent Namatjira, who became the first Indigenous artist to receive the prize. In 2019, when Tony Costa emerged victorious, he did so with the first portrait of an Asian Australian to ever win the award. In 2021's main field, two artists also received high commendations: Sydney artist Jude Rae, who was recognised for her self-portrait Inside out; and Brisbane artist Pat Hoffie, who submitted Visaya in a c-collar, a portrait of her daughter. [caption id="attachment_814782" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Winner Wynne Prize 2021. Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu. Garak – night sky. © the artist. Photo: AGNSW, Mim Stirling.[/caption] The winners of the Wynne and Sir John Sulman prizes were similarly revealed today, Friday, June 4, spanning a number of other pieces. Yolŋu painter and printmaker Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu took out the former — which awards the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figure sculpture — for Garak – night sky. The piece represents Djulpan, the Seven Sisters star clusters that are also known as Pleiades, and marks the second time that Yunupiŋu has been a Wynne finalist. This is also the sixth year in a row that an Indigenous Australian artist has been awarded the Wynne prize. The category also hands out three other gongs, with Tjungkara Ken receiving the 2021 Roberts Family Prize for Seven Sisters, Noel McKenna winning the Trustees' Watercolour Prize for South Coast headland (2), Ottoman rose, and Leah Bullen awarded the John and Elizabeth Newnham Pring Memorial Prize for Arid garden, Wollongong. [caption id="attachment_814779" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Winner Sulman Prize 2021. Georgia Spain, Getting down or falling up. © the artist. Photo: AGNSW, Mim Stirling.[/caption] The Sir John Sulman Prize goes to the best mural, subject or genre painting, and was this year awarded to Georgia Spain for Getting down or falling up. Limbs feature heavily in the piece, which was selected as the winner from 21 finalists by fellow artist Elisabeth Cummings. Across the three prizes, 2144 entries were received this year — the second-highest number ever after 2020. And, the three prizes received the highest-ever number of entries from Indigenous artists. The winning portraits and finalists will be on display at Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW from tomorrow — Saturday, June 4 — up until Sunday, September 26. If you don't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice, which will be announced on Wednesday, September 1. ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2021 DATES Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, NSW — June 4–September 26, 2021 Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale, Victoria — October 8–November 21, 2021 Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Art Centre, Gymea, NSW — December 3–January 16, 2022 Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland, NSW — January 23–March 6, 2022 Cowra Regional Art Gallery, Cowra, NSW — March 18–June 22, 2022 Manning Regional Art Gallery, Taree, NSW — July 8–August 21, 2022 If you can't make it to any of the above dates, you can check out the award winners and finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes on the Art Gallery of NSW website. Top image: Winner Archibald Prize 2021. Peter Wegner, Portrait of Guy Warren at 100. © the artist. Photo: AGNSW, Jenni Carter.
The Northcote Social Club is a veteran of the Melbourne music scene, and like many classic venues of yore, it's had a few little facelifts over the years. Gone is the faded glory of an ageing Aussie pub — though the interior has retained its old-school warmth with polished floorboards and wooden accents, elegant lighting and young, heart-leafed philodendrons curling up sparse metal grates. There's still ample seating for eating, drinking and people-watching available in the front bar and deck, while the gig room is still as large and magnificent as always. Some things may never change, but the menu is not one of them. Northcote Social Club has done what we wish all venues would do, which is ensure the face-stuffing-before-the-cab-ride portion of the evening can happen right after the band finishes without the fuss of leaving the building. Share a bunch of mezzes with your mates — olives, housemade dips and croquettes — before jumping on the extensive burger and sandwich train. Alternatively, get around pub classics like steak and chips, parmas, sausages and mash and a heap of vegetarian and vegan friendly options. Deals also abound at Northcote Social Club —as they should at any good Melbourne pub. Monday nights are cosmo and parma nights. Wednesdays are for pies and pots. Thursdays are all about steaks. And the Sunday roasts are some of the top in town — best paired with a few rounds of Bloody Marys. This haunt still focuses on hosting great live gigs, but it's no longer the only reason to visit. You can easily visit Northcote Social Club for food and booze only, and be a very happy camper. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Melbourne for 2023
The story behind Melbourne folk foursome Husky's new song, 'I'm Not Coming Back', sounds pretty damn cute. It's something to do with looking up at the stars in the night sky, seeing the lights of airplanes gliding under them and the universal need to leave parts of ourselves behind. Swoon. This whimsically starry-eyed vision fits perfectly with the soaring sounds of the track itself. But contrary to the song's title, Husky are indeed coming back — kicking off their first headline tour since 2012 at Northcote Social Club on July 18. The folk-fuelled whiz kids stole hearts back in 2011 with their debut LP Forever So. Husky became the first Aussie band to be signed to Seattle label and arbiters of cool Sub Pop, then toured pretty much non-stop around Australia, the USA and Europe for a couple of years. It's a good thing they stopped and took a break, because now we're privvy to a whole lot of new Husky — as well as promising to play much-loved tracks from Forever So, they've been working on a whole lot of new folky goodness to tour with.
Everything is a multiverse these days, or so it increasingly seems. Marvel has one, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is currently in cinemas to remind us all of that fact if we somehow forgot after Spider-Man: No Way Home. Rick and Morty loves them as well. Even if the term isn't mentioned explicitly, everything from French delight Petite Maman to The Matrix franchise flirts with similar territory. And yes, the list goes on — but nothing else is quite like Everything Everywhere All At Once. Don't know why that's the case? There's a vast array of reasons, including star Michelle Yeoh getting to play multiple versions of the same character, earning a far worthier showcase of her talents than the likes of Boss Level and Gunpowder Milkshake have provided of late, and also working in a nod to her Crazy Rich Asians-era IRL self as well. Plus, there's the wonderful return to cinema by Ke Huy Quan, aka Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom's Short Round and The Goonies' Data, who makes a fantastic double-act with Yeoh. Also a highlight: a world where everyone has hot dogs for fingers; another where Ratatouille is real, but with raccoons; and another still that's a sparse realm where life only exists in sentient rocks. Weird, wild and wonderful from its first frame to its last, Everything Everywhere All At Once stands out in a heap of ways — and, if you haven't seen it yet or you're keen to give it a revisit, you can now watch one of the best films of 2022 so far from your couch via digital platforms from Thursday, May 26. Fast-tracking flicks big and small to digital is our new pandemic-era reality, and this gem is the latest to make the leap — while it's still showing in cinemas, too. It looks fabulous on the big screen, but if the ease of checking it out at home suits you better, that's also now an option, as it also has been with The Batman, West Side Story, Dune, The Matrix Resurrections and more in the past few months. Written and directed by the Daniels, aka Swiss Army Man's Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All At Once really does take its name seriously. Here, almost anything that can happen does, all while laundromat owner Evelyn (Yeoh) just wants to get the tax office off her back, save the family business and make the most of her dad's (James Hong, Turning Red) visit from China. In the middle of a punishing audit by IRS inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdra (Jamie Lee Curtis, Halloween Kills), and already feeling chaotic after her daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) brought her girlfriend Becky (Tallie Medel, The Carnivores) home, Evelyn learns that the fate of the universe is at stake. Of course, only she can save everything — and while that setup might sound familiar, this funhouse of a feature never takes the expected path. Check out the trailer for Everything Everywhere All At Once below: Everything Everywhere All At Once is currently screening in Australian cinemas, and is also available to stream online via video on demand — including via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review.
UPDATE, APRIL 4: Disney has announced a new release date for Mulan, with the film now hitting cinemas on July 23, 2020. UPDATE, MARCH 13: Due to concerns around the coronavirus, Disney has announced that Mulan will no longer release on its initially scheduled date of Thursday, March 26, 2020. At present, a new release date has not been announced — we'll update you when one has been revealed. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. In Chinese history, the legend of Hua Mulan dates back to the sixth century. At the movies, the formidable female warrior first fought her way across the big screen in a 1927 silent film. The character has been no stranger to the page, stage or cinema over the past 92 years, but many folks know the tale thanks to Disney's 1998 animated musical. Now, as it has done with everything from Alice in Wonderland to The Jungle Book to Aladdin, the Mouse House is turning the story into its latest live-action remake. Once again, Mulan (played by Chinese American actor Liu Yifei) will evolve from dutiful daughter to kick-ass combatant, all to protect her family in a time of war. She's originally due to be married off to a husband chosen by a matchmaker, until the Emperor of China issues a decree stating that one man per household must serve the Imperial Army as it endeavours to fend off northern invaders. To save her ailing ex-soldier father from having to fight, Mulan disguises herself as a man, takes on the name Hua Jun and becomes an icon. Forget rousing tunes or a talking dragon voiced by Eddie Murphy. This time, the tale hits the screen without a singing and smart-talking sidekick, but with plenty of sword-swinging, arrow-flinging antics — as both its first teaser and just-dropped full trailer show. In New Zealand director Niki Caro's (Whale Rider, The Zookeeper's Wife) hands, this version of the story goes heavy on the action and empowerment, as shown in the spectacularly choreographed scenes seen so far. As well as Liu (whose resume includes The Forbidden Kingdom and The Assassins), the new Mulan features Jet Li as the Chinese Emperor, Gong Li as a witch, Donnie Yen as the protagonist's mentor, Jason Scott Lee as a villainous army leader, and Yoson An (The Meg, Mortal Engines) as her fellow fighter and love interest. The film hits cinemas next year — check out the first full trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK8FHdFluOQ After being delayed from its original release date of March 28, 2020, Mulan will now open in Australian cinemas on July 23, 2020. Image: © 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Gelato Messina is bringing gourmet to the freezer aisle this month. The gelato mega brand has teamed up with Peters Drumstick to go mainstream — bringing its beloved gelato to supermarkets and convenience stores all over the country. Sure, you've eaten many-a-Drumstick in your day, with the brand launching in Australia all the way back in 1963 — whether it was a childhood favourite or now your late-night go-to, it's a long-standing ice cream staple. But now with the Sydney-based gelateria on board, the humble Drumstick cone of your youth has been spruced up — the Messina way. The new cones feature four classic Messina flavour combos, which were initially created in its Rosebery HQ, before being mass produced in Peters' Drumstick factory. Flavours include mango and salted coconut, made with Aussie produce and topped with mango sauce and coconut flakes; vanilla bean and peanut praline, topped with dark chocolate; roasted hazelnut gelato, made using imported Italian nuts; and, of course, dulce de leche, topped with caramel sauce and chocolate-coated biscuits. All four flavours are available at Coles, Woolworths and independent groceries across Australia. Each comes in pop art-style boxes of four, priced at $9.99 per box. As far as convenience stores and petrol stations go, only the mango and salted coconut and roasted hazelnut flavours are up for grabs as single cones for $4.90 a pop. The collab is limited though, so if you want 'em, come and get 'em. Gelato Messina X Peters Drumstick collaboration ice creams are available at supermarkets, petrol stations and convenience stores for a limited time.
Bored, retired American goth rock star Cheyenne (Sean Penn) is living in an enormous mansion in Dublin with his carefree wife of 35 years, Jane (Frances McDormand). When he learns of the death of his estranged father, Cheyenne returns to America, at which time he begins to find out information about himself and his family that he never knew. When asked about his father things begin to unravel. Cheyenne is told a story of an SS Officer who humiliated his father in Auschwitz, and who may still be living in America. This is where Cheyenne embarks on a journey across his homeland, now foreign to him, on an expedition of reconciliation where encounters with people and situations allow him to find himself. With a nod to The Cure's Robert Smith, Penn plays the complex character of Cheyenne as softly spoken and kind in a convincing and unique performance. The film draws charm and originality to the forefront with a stunning cast and compelling storyline, not to mention a remarkable soundtrack with music and lyrics by David Byrne and Will Oldham. This Must Be The Place is in cinemas April 5. You can read our full review here. To win one of ten double passes to see This Must Be The Place, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
It has been more than a month since Australia's cinema screens stopped flickering, with the nation's picture palaces closing due to social-distancing requirements to help stop the spread of COVID-19. And while movie buffs can still get their film fix online — via the usual streaming options, as well as the big bunch of recent big-screen releases fast-tracked to digital — your tastebuds are probably hankering for some cinema-level snacks to go with your at-home-viewing. Thanks to Hoyts and UberEats, you can now get the cinema chain's popcorn and choc tops delivered to your door. On offer: four sizes of regular salted popcorn, five flavours of gourmet popcorn (including nacho and sea salt caramel) and five types of choc tops (vanilla, boysenberry, mint, cookies and cream, and salted caramel). You can also order a selection of chips, confectionary and drinks. And, if you really want to come as close as you can to recreating the out-of-the-house movie-going experience, you can get your snacks in combos. Three kinds are available, so you'd best decide whether you'd like Malteasers with your popcorn and choc top — and if you're planning to share. For a limited time, Hoyts is also giving away free choc tops — albeit with other purchases, so you will have to splash out some cash. Buy any salted or gourmet popcorn, and you'll score a choc top as well. Or, spend more than $30 in total, and you'll also nab a choc top for free. Delivery is available between 2–9.30pm each day, and you will need to live within the delivery zone of one of Hoyts' 34 physical sites in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. Hoyts' snack range is available via UberEats, with free choc tops on offer for a limited time with any salted or gourmet popcorn purchase, or any order over $30. To order, head to UberEats.
As if the first announcement wasn't kickass enough, OutsideIn have announced the second part of their festival lineup. Locked in to be held over three levels at Manning Bar in the University of Sydney, the boutique music festival cooked up by Sydney touring and management agency Astral People and record label Yes Please returns for its third instalment on Saturday, November 29. Forecast to sell out like its 2012 and 2013 events, OutsideIn will spread its super solid lineup over three stages. Joining an already solid lineup featuring '90s US hip-hop legends The Pharcyde, Sydney's beloved electronic trio Seekae, Germany's Pantha Du Prince, America's Giraffage and Melbourne duo Client Liaison is legendary Chicago house DJ/producer Roy Davis Jr and US R&B/housemaster Brenmar, alongside Melbourne’s Noise In My Head, Adelaide’s Late Nite Tuff Guy, and Sydney's own Collarbones, Chris Barker and Basenji. With a host of both local and international artists yet to be announced, OutsideIn is back for another year of beats-you-may-have-missed and downright shindigging. OUTSIDEIN 2014 SECOND LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT: Roy Davis Jr (US) Basenji Brenmar (US) Late Nite Tuff Guy Collarbones Noise in My Head Chris Barker FULL 2014 LINEUP: The Pharcyde (US) Seekae Pantha Du Prince (GER) Giraffage (US) Roy Davis Jr (US) Client Liaison Basenji Brenmar (US) HNNY (SWE) DJ SPINN (US) Tornado Wallace Collarbones Late Nite Tuff Guy Wookie (UK) Rome Fortune (US) Fishing Jubilee (US) Guerre Black Vanilla Retiree Sui Zhen Noise In My Head Preacha Andy Webb Moriarty Ariane Chris Barker OutsideIn is happening at Manning Bar, University of Sydney on November 29. General admission is $80 +bf. All tickets are available through Oztix. Photo credit: Voena.co
Releasing her debut album, Alas, I Cannot Swim at the impressive age of 18, Laura Marling has held the world in her palm over the past decade with her contemporary, understated take on folk music. From the uptempo songs of her debut LP to the rich and inventive tracks peppering her latest album — Semper Femina, which was released earlier this year — Marling has demonstrated a true mastery of her craft. Multiple Mercury Prize nominations during her career can't be wrong. Marling will do a single performance at The Forum before heading to Sydney for a special appearance at the Opera House as part of Vivid Sydney. And, as one of the UK's best current songwriters, she's sure to make them both gigs to remember.
There are some long-standing rivalries in Australia: Sydney versus Melbourne, Essendon versus Hawthorn and even pavlova versus lamington. There is one rivalry however which will be postponed for at least this week: which side of the Yarra is better — North versus South. The team behind student friendly bars Bimbo DeLuxe and The Lucky Coq have been bringing both sides of Melbourne together in our mutual love of cheap pizza and free live music since 2008. Fittingly, The Best of Both Sides Festival takes place in these two bars over multiple nights and for the first time ever a new bar is being added to the roster with the inclusion of Brunswick icon The Penny Black. Over five nights between the April 17-21, there will be a huge collection of local musicians and DJs playing at each venue including The Melbourne Techno Collective, Psyde Projects, Spacey Space and DJ Silversix. A stack of support will be delivered by Melbourne locals Obese Records, Tom Showtime, King of the North, DJ Hijack and Sydney guests Betty & Oswald. The most convenient way to see the full lineup will be to jump aboard one of the free busses running between the venues starting at 8pm. The freebies don’t stop there either, with punters getting two free drinks on arrival of Stolen Spiced Rum or Little Creatures Bright Ale when they ride the free shuttle between venues. Just make sure you keep quiet about which side is better. For more information including a full program of events and artists, check the festival website.
Aakash Nihalani takes the stationery store to town. Creating 3D images on two-dimensional surfaces, the New York-based artist uses an unlikely medium to create his street art — tape. Immediately identifiable by his signature style of bright, bold lines, look-twice illusions and meticulous repetition, Nihalani conjures movement by playing with your expectations. Hailing from Little India, Jackson Heights in Queens, the artist grew up in Jersey and returned to NYC around 2004 to dive headfirst into art school. Now, Nihalani's works are highly recognised from NYC to Vienna — he's even done a residency at the De Kooning estate in the Hamptons. Nihalani's work is created using cardboard, tape and a whole bunch of accuracy. Not one to shy away from experimenting with materials, Nihalani found his magic thread by chance. "I stumbled upon using tape by accident," he told Design Boom. "I was using a painter’s roll to attach some screen prints to the wall for a student exhibition. There was a pedestal in the space that was casting a cubic shadow on the floor that matched the shapes I was using in my prints, so I outlined the shadow with the tape. It all made sense in that moment." Dotted around NYC, the perspective-warping works range from epic installations like Platforms, Drop and Dominos, attached to concrete walls and best posed in front of; to the most recent shirt-attached Landline series (which would be unbelievably cred-prompting worn to a party as a pair). Budding artists, looks like it might be time you ditched Eckersley's for Officeworks. Via Lost at E Minor and Design Boom. Images from the artist's website, Eye Scream Sunday.
Imagine waking up, and the first thing you saw was this wall decal. There is just no way you could ever start the day in a bad mood. Broken up with your girlfriend? Kermit is there to remind you it's much harder being green than single. Missed out on that job you really wanted? Who cares? You can imagine yourself making popcorn with the Swedish chef and all will be well again. Buy one to psyche yourself up for the release of the Muppets movie in Janurary, 2012. It's got to be the best way to make it through what seems to be a not-so-cheery summer. To find out what else you can look forward to seeing over summer, have a squiz at our Summer Film Guide.
One of the beautiful, beautiful things about living in a pluralistic society is that you can turn pretty much any cause, interest or activity into your raison-d’etre. Gather a few like-minded mavericks around you, and call it a club. Create a website and you’re an international force to be reckoned with. That’s right, you need never feel alone again (no matter how odd you are). Because on some far-flung corner of the earth, there’ll be a club for you. For example, are you ridiculously smart? I’m not talking about matching up to those sub-standard wannabe intellectuals over at Mensa. I’m talking about meeting entrance standards for The Giga Society. Only one in a billion people qualify. But if you’re more, let’s say, run-of-the-mill, how about sharing your passion for poodles? Or your penchant for swapping coffee cream lids? Or your need to dress up like Santa Claus, even in February? Or your fancying of pigeons? Or your love of, simply, getting naked? Photographers Ursula Sprecher and Andi Cortellini have made it their mission to capture some of the world’s most fun, eccentric and cutest clubs; collating them in a coffee table book titled Hobby Buddies. In every staged portrait, club members are shown holding the object most important to them, wearing the costume (or lack of costume) that gives them common ground or taking part in their favourite activity. According to Sprecher and Cortellini, the series is inspired by the "joy of pursuing a common cause or shared idea". Camping and Caravanning Club Swiss Garrison Dintefisch Diving Club Tram Club Tupperware Party Santa Claus Group Warriors Cheerleaders Coffee Cream Lids Swap Meet BDSM Regular's Table Orchid Club Association of Scientific Preparators Board Games Club Merriment Pipe-Smokers Club Via Beautiful Decay. Images by Ursula Sprecher and Andi Cortellini.
In 2020, when Gelato Messina decided that we'd all be much happier at home if we could bake and eat the company's OTT desserts, it kicked off its parade of tasty specials after Easter. So, while fans of sweet treats have been able to tuck into everything from cookie pies in choc chip, red velvet, choc-hazelnut, and peanut butter and jelly varieties to full tubs of both Iced VoVo gelato and Messina's own take on the classic Viennetta ice cream cake over the past year, we didn't get anything to pair with our chocolate eggs. Thankfully, that's changing in 2021. Up next: a hot cross bun version of the brand's sticky snails. Basically, it's their interpretation of a Cinnabon-style scroll, then combined with an Easter favourite. It's another of Messina's limited releases, and it'll be available at all of its stores for a very short period. Wondering what exactly Messina's hot cross bun sticky snail entails? Well, that spiced sticky hot cross bun dough is filled with choc chips and vanilla custard. Crucially, raisins aren't included — but it is topped with a cinnamon malt caramel. The sweet bake-at-home bite to eat can only be ordered online on Wednesday, March 17. It will set you back $65, which includes a one-litre tub of the brand's triple choc gelato hot tub, too — which features milk chocolate gelato, toasted white chocolate mousse and with Ecuadorian dark chocolate crack. Once you've placed your preorder, pick up will be available between Thursday, April 1–Sunday, April 4 from your chosen Messina store. And, after you've got the hot cross bun sticky snail safely home, you just need to whack it in the oven for 20–25 minutes at 160 degrees and voila. Gelato Messina's hot cross bun sticky snails will be available to order on Wednesday, March 17, for pick up between Thursday, April 1–Sunday, April 4 — keep an eye on the Messina website for further details.
Nuanced, enigmatic and thought-provoking, Young & Beautiful, the latest film from renowned French director François Ozon (Swimming Pool) is a portrait of 17-year-old Isabelle, a Parisian student. Set over a year and divided into four seasonal chapters, the film chronicles Isabelle's sexual journey from the awakening of her desires to embarking on a secret life. Driven by a transfixing performance from the incandescent Marine Vacth, Young & Beautiful is both psychologically probing and unerringly graceful in its nonjudgmental restraint. It fuels our emotions, captivates our intellect and leaves us wondering whether our motivations can ever truly be known. Young & Beautiful is in cinemas on May 1, but we're offering 66 competition winners the chance to see it with a friend at an exclusive preview screening we're hosting together with Incu on Wednesday, April 30, at 7pm at Kino Cinemas (45 Collins Street, Melbourne). To enter, click here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=cnaIFp_KrB4
Everyone's got their Thing. Electrical engineer Scott Brusaw and his partner Julie are passionate about solar panels. If they had it their way, they’d cover every single concrete/asphalt surface on the Earth with them – including major roads. However, before taking on Highway One, they’re starting with more modest aspirations: parking lots. And they’re looking for crowd funding support to get things moving as quickly as possible. Over the past eight years, the Brusaws have devised a modular system named ‘Solar Roadways’. With the help of US Federal Highway Administration funding and an Indiegogo campaign in the works, they’ve developed panels that can handle traction, loading and impact resistance. In other words, you can drive all over them to your heart’s content. A prototype parking lot has been tested and now the Brusaws are ready to go into production. Not only does a Solar Roadway parking lot enable the nearest buildings to come off the grid, it also provides a clean energy source for the recharging of all-electric vehicles. Plus, there’s enough heat to melt ice and snow — salting the streets will be a chore of past grumbling teenagers. Each panel is fitted with LEDs, reducing the danger of night blindness, as well as enough intelligence to warn drivers of unexpected obstacles, such as wandering animals. No more deer in the headlights. What’s more, the inclusion of special ‘Cable Corridors’ means two things. On one hand, they’re an easily accessible home for open air cables and fibre optic internet. On the other, they enable the storage, treatment and redirection of storm water. So many wins. Solar Roadways have already won the blue ribbons around town. The road received First Prize in GE’s 2010 Ecoimagination Grid Challenge for 'Powering the Grid' and First Prize in GE’s 2011 Ecoimagination Challenge for 'Powering the Home'. The Brusaws' Indiegogo campaign, running until May 31, is hoping to raise $1 million. [via PSFK]
A Danish designer by the name of Mads Johansen has cooked up a Hobbit-sized campervan. Officially named the 'Wide Path Camper', it's roomy enough to sleep 2.5 adults and folds up so that you can hook it to your bicycle and take it with you — everywhere you go. Well, maybe not exactly everywhere. Just how far you'll be able to tug this uber-cute creation will depend on your thigh power. Weighing in at 40 kilograms, it's lightweight considering how much space is included, but dragging it up hills might be challenging. That said, it's certainly quite the kit-up for flat terrain cycling adventures. Ride across the Nullarbor, anyone? Altogether there's more than 300 litres of storage space, as well as two beds that can be converted into seating areas. The windows are fitted with curtains for privacy. A couple of optional add-ons are possible, including a solar cell, which can be used for recharging your smartphone; an outdoors kitchen area; and an awning. At this stage, the Wide Path Camper is still in prototype mode. But, if all goes to plan, it'll be up for sale by 2015, with a price tag of about US$2500 (around AU$2880). Via Gizmag.
If you’re the forgetful type and your keys often go rogue then this new technology may be the solution for you. KeyMe is a cloud-based key management platform where you can now store your keys digitally so you no longer need a physical key in order to make a copy. KeyMe’s newly launched free mobile app which scans a copy of your key and generates a set of instructions that you can give to any locksmith to create a new key from scratch instead of bringing in a physical key to make the copy, very handy when you’ve misplaced the original. KeyMe can even mail you a key within two to three weeks if you’re not in a rush. The app also allows you to share your digital keys and create digital key chains to share with flatmates or overnight guests, but be wary of you who trust with your digital keys, once shared you can’t revoke them. Currently only available in the USA, this technology will be a saving grace for the almost 90 million forgetful folks who get locked out of their homes each year. Now just makes sure you don’t lose your mobile phone with your keys. [via mashable]
The posters for what's tipped to be Lars von Trier’s masterpiece — his upcoming five-hour sexual epic, Nymphomanic — have been unleashed, with the likes of Charlotte Gainsbourg, Willem Defoe and Stellan Skarsgard showcasing their best 'O' faces. The squirm-inducing effect of the promotion, shot by photographer Casper Sejersen, is only a taster for what's to come. Doubtless, the film will not shy away from unflinching portrayals of erotic ecstasy. In a typical von Trier rejection of cinematic convention, reportedly the genitals of porn actors will be spliced onto the bodies of the cast in the production process. Although it's not the first film to use unsimulated sex, evidently the avant-garde provocateur is continuing to uphold his reputation for revelling in a taboo style of filmmaking and subject matter. For example, according to Shia LeBeouf, a disclaimer at the top of the script reads: "Everything that is illegal, we’ll shoot in blurred images." Indeed, producing audience discomfort and sparking controversy is not new terrain for von Trier. Take, for instance, his grotesque tour de force Antichrist, a hard-hitting arthouse horror film that caused uproar for its scandalous depiction of genital mutilation. (If you haven’t eaten lunch yet, perhaps don’t read up on it now.) Although his films strongly divide audiences and critics, he is without question a major powerhouse of contemporary avant-garde cinema. His work is thought-provoking, technically assured, aesthetically radical and forever pushing boundaries. It is the dream of actors and cinematographers alike to work with this enigmatic artistic visionary. Nymphomaniac is due to be released in December of this year. Via Fast Co.Create
At the top of Uptown Jazz Cafe's unassuming set of stairs you'll find an iconic Melbourne live jazz experience. The venue has a jam-packed lineup of local and international talent every week, so sit yourself down and enjoy the tunes that come from some of the world's most talented jazz musicians. A perfect accompaniment to the evening — and one of the most-loved partnerships on the north side — is stand-out Japanese fare from downstairs neighbour Akari, who serves up delicious gyoza, okonomiyaki and sushi alongside beer and saké.
You might want to be sitting down for this: up in Victoria's High Country, there's a stretch of land entirely devoted to prosecco. For any fans of a post-work glass of extra-dry bubbles, this news may be life changing. And for the mere prosecco-curious, a visit to this pretty part of the world will probably want to make you get better acquainted. You see, the High Country's King Valley is the spitting image of mountainous north-east Italy — at least climactically speaking. It's that observation that led Italian immigrants to introduce the region's famous prosecco vines to King Valley nearly three decades ago. Now there are five key producers who have banded together to create the King Valley Prosecco Road, a cellar-door hop with a little extra sparkle. Autumn is one of the best times to visit, so you can enjoy its full spectrum of wine tastings, dining experiences and outdoor adventures. THE MAKING OF PROSECCO ROAD Prosecco grape varieties hail from the north-eastern regions of Italy. They came to our Australian shores via the many farmers of Italian heritage who moved here in the mid-20th century. The pioneer of prosecco in this region is Otto Dal Zotto, who was determined to see the grapes of his homeland grown in Australia. Recognising the climactic and cultural similarities between his home of Valdobbiadene and the King Valley, he sourced cuttings and planted the country's first prosecco vines in 2000. Now, 180 acres of prime King Valley land is planted with prosecco — that's 64 percent of all prosecco plantings in Australia. To celebrate some of the best prosecco being bottled in this country, five King Valley producers (Brown Brothers, Dal Zotto, Chrismont, Pizzini and Sam Miranda) collaborated to create the prosecco Road, a food and wine trail focused on prosecco in all its styles. As well as wine tastings, the trail is home to dining experiences, cooking and cocktail classes, hot-air ballooning, guided walks and pedal-to-produce cycling routes. PROSECCO ROAD STOP #1: DAL ZOTTO WINES When you drink prosecco in the King Valley, you're drinking history, and to really understand that history your first stop on the road should be Dal Zotto Wines, which released the very first Australian prosecco in 2004. Autumn is mid-harvest in the vineyard and the perfect time to visit the winery and be involved with drying the grapes for Otto Dal Zotto's 'natural' Col Fondo prosecco (just like he used to make as a young boy in Valdobbiadene). You can also get molto Italian by attending one of the winery's Salami Sessions, where you'll learn how to cure meats (with a glass of wine in your hand of course). PROSECCO ROAD STOP #2: BROWN BROTHERS The Dal Zottos aren't the only ones in the region steeped in history, Brown Brothers Milawa vineyard is only a short drive away and the family has over 120 years of experience of making wine in Victoria. Founded in 1889, the company (which now has vineyards all over Australia) has their cellar door in their Milawa vineyard, which has always been considered the birthplace of the Brown Brothers company. Ever wanted to try your hand at blending your own wine? Brown Brothers gives you the opportunity to be a winemaker (for an hour anyway) in their Blending Masterclass. Taste the diverse flavours of each individual grape varietal and experiment with different combinations to create your own unique blend of wine. Consider a wine-matched lunch while you're here — restaurant Patricia's Table has previously held a hat from Fairfax's Good Food Guide. PROSECCO ROAD STOP #3: PIZZINI You may have noticed that the wineries are a bit of a family affair in the King Valley. Pizzini is no exception. Alfred Pizzini and his family all work for the company, in roles ranging from winemaking and viticulture to sales and marketing to hosting classes at the cellar door. Their offering during the autumn months reflects their Italian heritage and family focus. At Katrina Pizzini's cooking school, novices can learn age-old techniques for making gnocchi and pasta, while the Journey with the Maker tour lets guests go behind the scenes and see how a wine goes from grape to bottle. The experience will have you tasting wines straight out of tanks and barrels, learning about the fermentation and maturation process, and getting a guided tasting of the finished wines in bottle. To top it all off, you get to enjoy a two-course picnic hamper in the vineyards, admiring the autumn foliage and the vines mid-harvest. PROSECCO ROAD STOP #4: SAM MIRANDA WINES Right in the heart of the Prosecco Road lies the most architecturally impressive and award-winning cellar door. Entry to Sam Miranda Wines is via a subterranean passage that leads to the cellar door, lit by way of a 40-foot light tower. Sam is a self-confessed cycling addict (who jokingly says he makes wine 'on the side' and seriously organises an annual race through the King Valley), so get into the spirit by hiring a bike to explore this part of the King Valley. You can rent a ride in Milawa and do the Milawa Gourmet Trail, or borrow one from neighbouring Brown Brothers. How else are you going to burn off all the Italian homemade pasta, salami and wine you've ingested over this trip? PROSECCO ROAD STOP #5: CHRISMONT Need a place to rest your head after all this excitement? Well, your last stop along the Prosecco Road is where you want to finish. Chrismont winery features elegant guesthouse accommodation set among the vines, making it an idyllic place to restore, relax and rejuvenate (and each room comes stocked with bottles of their signature prosecco). Those who haven't had their fill of prosecco can take part in their daily Prosecco Masterclass with Chrismont winemaker Warren Proft. Showcasing the full range of prosecco styles, the session includes wines, tasting notes and wine production information. Finish with a classic Italian dinner at the Chrismont Restaurant and Larder — tagliatelle and a tiramisu will set you on the path to a sweet night's sleep. To get prepped for your trip to the King Valley Prosecco Road or to plan further frolics through the autumn leaves of the High Country, visit the Wander Victoria website.
Bernie Tierde is a kind-hearted and compassionate assistant funeral director from a small town community. He wouldn't hurt a fly, so how would he be able to murder a woman? Everyone in the town of Carthage, Texas has a very special fondness for Bernie (Jack Black), who spends his days comforting widows, bestowing gifts and singing at services. The townsfolk are shocked, however, when Bernie strikes up an unlikely connection with the richest, meanest old widow in town, Marjorie Nugent (Shirley Maclaine). The two travel the world together, shop, and gossip, until one day Marjorie goes missing and Bernie is the prime suspect for her murder. Based on events which really did occur about 15 years ago, much of the film is presented in documentary style, with interviews of the townsfolk and their comedic takes on the turn of events inserted into the film's narrative. Black gives an authentic performance as the complex character of Bernie, and Maclaine puts in a similarly strong showing as the impatient, overbearing old hag that everyone loves to hate. Concrete Playground has ten double passes to giveaway to see Bernie. To go in the running, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email your name and postal address to us at hello@concreteplayground.com.au
It's the main reason most of Melbourne has made their way to Good Food Month over the last couple of years, and in 2017, the ever-popular Night Noodle Markets are back — and they're bigger than ever. But this year it will be sans Good Food Month — the four-week food showcase will scoot over to June 2018. As a standalone event, the market will see 30 different stalls converge on Birrarung Marr for a whopping 18 nights this October. Among the spoils will be all manner of noodles, dumplings and other delights from Hochi Mama, Mr Miyagi, Hoy Pinoy and Wonderbao. For dessert, Gelato Messina returns (predictably) with a menu of pure wonder (including a deep-fried gelato katsu sandwich) and a green tea and pistachio gelato version of the popular Japenese snack, onigiri. There will be live music and entertainment, a pop-up cellar door, a garden bar and many interactive displays to check out on a bellyful of bao. The Night Noodle Markets are once again at Birrarung Marr and will run from Thursday, November 9 until Sunday, November 26. They'll be open Monday and Tuesday 5-9pm, Wednesday and Thursday 5–10pm, Friday 5–11pm, Saturday 4–10pm, and Sunday 4–9pm. Entry is free but the place — if other years are anything to go by — will be packed. Image: Kimberley Moore.
When he's not befriending transforming robots or donning an epic rat's tail on the cinema screen, Shia LaBeouf has turned venturing around the world, asking questions of the masses and live-streaming the results into his preferred pastime. Fresh from tasking Sydneysiders with pondering the apocalypse — or whatever else came to mind in response to the phrase #ANDINTHEEND — the actor and activist has set up a new, four-year-long anti-Trump-focused project in New York. A camera mounted on a wall outside the Museum of Moving Image forms the basis for LaBeouf's latest performance piece — and yes, the eager masses are once again the real performers. Above the always-operational lens is a printed statement: "HE WILL NOT DIVIDE US". Participants are asked to stand in the requisite spot and repeat the phrase as many times as they like, and for as long as they desire, with the results available to view at www.hewillnotdivide.us. The project started at 9am on January 20, 2017, timed to coincide with the day of new US President Donald Trump's inauguration, and will be live-streamed continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the next four years — or the duration of his time in office. It's designed to act "as a show of resistance or insistence, opposition or optimism, guided by the spirit of each individual participant and the community." As captured on LaBeouf's Twitter feed, the first participant was Jaden Smith. https://twitter.com/thecampaignbook/status/822443598771785732
No matter what their colour, condition, or quality, Rutherford Chang wants your iconic 1968 Beatles 'White Album'. Although it was only sold as a limited edition item, the White Album sold over 3 million copies back in the day. The album was unique in its simplicity with a purely white cover and only an embossed script of the band's name and a serial number to distinguish it from a plain piece of cardboard. However, the period of 45 years proves to completely transform these indistinguishable albums into individuals each with their own personality. After a lifetime of differing experiences, alternate uses, and completely separate wears and tears, these plain white albums now share rich historical stories through the text written on their covers, the scratches in the music, the yellowing on the corners, and even the mould on the surface. These intricacies, these signs of love, rejection, kinship, or heartache are exactly what Chang is interested and why he was inspired to collect as many of these White Albums as possible for his exhibition: 'We Buy White Albums'. What he calls his 'anti-store' is set up in SoHo, New York and being featured by the artistic workspace Recess. Rather than selling these aged vinyls, Chang is offering to buy any White Album for a fixed price, no matter what their condition. Chang was fascinated by the concept of mass customisation. Although the white albums start off as homogenised products, each as identical and monotonous as the next , he "noticed how personalised every copy of the White Album has become over the course of the last half century and wanted to compare different copies.” While some copies may have been played religiously every night for a decade, some were played once then discarded and others may have been passed down a long line of buyers and sellers, rocked out at in clubs, provided background music for parties, or even experienced the blossoming of love or the breaking or hearts. Each individual album has been distinctly shaped through its history, which is evident through the imperfections in both its physical appearance and audio quality. The 'We Buy White Albums' Exhibition is on show until March 9; however, Chang is determined for it not to simply reach a standstill there. He has collated over 697 records to date and doesn't intend to simply discard the treasures like so many have before him. Following the closing of the anti-store, Chang will press a double LP of all the songs from 100 different albums layered together in a single audio sequence. Each discrete record has developed its own unique character with scratches and warps at various points in the songs. The resulting track will be like hearing hundreds of Beatles albums at once, with the individuality of each standing out above the next. Via Wired.
Mary Eats Cake celebrates the timeless tradition of pairing a nice cuppa with some delicious small bites, calling it a "high tea" and making you feel just that little bit fancy. With two teahouses — one in Brunswick and one in Montrose — Mary has hosted countless high teas, and now she's upping the ante by serving them alongside plenty of gin. Running on six spring Saturday afternoons between October 5 and November 9, the gin-fuelled high teas will be hosted in collaboration with Yarra Valley distillery Four Pillars. They're happening at the Montrose venue, over a two-hour period between 4–6pm. The gin high tea will set you back $74 a head and $78 if you have dietary requirements (with Mary's catering for vegetarian, vegans, gluten free, gluten free and vegan, halal, nut free and pregnant people). Your indulgent afternoon out includes a gin and tonic on arrival, a full high tea menu of sweet and savoury treats matched to two more Four Pillars gin cocktails, and teas designed by a tea sommelier. And, in perhaps the most important news, you'll also have access to unlimited scones with endless jam and cream. Four Pillars Gin High Tea runs from 4–6pm.
I've always thought of Utah as just another landlocked American state — a puzzling enigma of deep conservatism and desert monuments. Little did I know that a recent visit to America's most underrated state would unearth a skiing and mountain community steeped in beauty, history and epicurean experiences that wouldn't feel out of place in Australia. You'll find Park City — the ski town you've probably never heard of — a short 45-minute drive from Utah's capital. After leaving Salt Lake City International Airport, it's not long before the lights of the city's historic Main Street (as well as the headlights from the army of snowcat groomers on the hill) emerge on the horizon, as if glints of silver have been etched from the bowels of a mine shaft. [caption id="attachment_893649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Park City, Utah.[/caption] In fact, it was rare minerals like silver which first had people rushing to these mountains in the 1860s in the first place. At one point, there were more than 300 mines in the Park City area. But the industry's collapse catalysed its rebirth as a skiing and tourism destination, and thus was born the allure of some of the greatest snow on Earth. In fact, the phrase: 'The Greatest Snow on Earth' was officially registered by the state in 1975. But geography and science help lay a solid claim to back this up. Giddy up, because this is America's most remarkable ski town. [caption id="attachment_893650" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Salt Lake City, Utah.[/caption] What makes it the Greatest Snow on Earth? Utah's geography to the mountains in the west makes it an arid state compared to its northern neighbours. The typically dry conditions, cool winters, and high altitudes (Park City's altitude is over 2,000 metres) allow the snow crystals that fall in the region to be thicker and more symmetrical in their structure; therefore, they accumulate fluffier powder. [caption id="attachment_893663" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Park City, Utah.[/caption] What's it like skiing at Park City Mountain? It's brisk at the top of the Super Condor Express chair lift (a balmy minus 24 degrees celsius), and while my face is frozen, I can't help but smile. "That was awesome. Do we go again?" I ask our guide Halle from Park City Mountain Resort. "Absolutely!" she replies, and within a few seconds, we're hurtling down Upper and Lower Boa for a second time. I'm not cold anymore because my legs are burning from another three-kilometre, nine-minute journey and nearly 550 metres of vertical descent. [caption id="attachment_893648" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Deer Valley Resort, Park City, Utah.[/caption] The terrain at Park City Mountain Resort is enormous. Technically made up of two individual ski areas of, Park City Mountain and Canyons Mountain, which were merged by Vail Resorts in 2014 and subsequently were joined by a gondola in 2015. With almost 3,000 hectares of terrain, there are 43 lifts, six terrain parks, and ski-in-ski-out access to Main Street. There are 330 named trails, but chatting to Halle (once a former Ski Patroller), that number is closer to 800 if you're in the know. There is a required proximity between 'resort' and 'town' when it comes to North American ski destinations. And that distance is what defines the culture of the town itself. Park City manages the balance of both on and off mountain activities better than anyone. Whether you ski down to Mountain Village for brunch and espresso at The Bridge Cafe or, carve your way right to the bar at High West Saloon, the only ski-in-ski-out distillery in the U.S. [caption id="attachment_893639" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Deer Valley Resort, Park City, Utah.[/caption] Where you also sleep matters. The new YOTELPAD Park City in Canyons Village is as Instagram-able, a hotel as they come. The reception and common spaces are filled with neon, and as the newest mid-range option on the mountain, it comes with all the expected mod-cons: spa, sauna, games room, and heated outdoor patio for afternoon Apres-ski. But the most significant novelty is the retractable Murphy beds in each room, which are a welcome addition on a luggage-heavy ski holiday. [caption id="attachment_893647" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Salt Lake City, Utah.[/caption] What about Deer Valley, Park City's quieter cousin? Like an expensive, out-of-reach necklace dangling just over a ridge is where you'll find the exclusive Deer Valley Resort (still technically within Park City.) It's one of only three resorts in the United States that does not permit snowboarders, often considered the riff-raff of the snow sports world. Both old money and the nouveau riche choose Deer Valley over Park City Mountain, not just because the skiing is quieter (lift ticket sales are regularly capped) but because the on and off-mountain service is exceptional. Skiers at Deer Valley are referred to as "guests" and not "customers", plus there's complimentary overnight ski valet for your gear. [caption id="attachment_893640" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Deer Valley Resort, Park City, Utah.[/caption] The Resort also offers a complimentary service with 25 luxury Cadillac Escalades. Don't be fooled; this is well and truly earned in your $500 daily lift pass. As a snowboarder, I'm used to being looked down upon by skiers at most other U.S. mountains. But here, I have no choice but to don a pair of skis for the first time in 20 years and set off with Uros, my Slovenian personal guide, for the next 48 hours. We ski together for hours through untracked Aspen tree runs. We wait only minutes in lineless lifts while ogling together from above at his favourite gated community. He points out to me the house where he was invited to a dinner with Steve Jobs and Al Gore after a day on the slopes. [caption id="attachment_893662" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Park City, Utah.[/caption] On the deck at the prestigious Stein Eriksen Lodge, the final pieces of the Deer Valley puzzle are assembled once inside their temperature-controlled Alpen Globes. It's only 3 pm, but in the fading afternoon sun, Après-ski well and truly has begun, and I'm handed a wine list by the Lodge's Sommelier with a cost price of over $4,000,000. Pioneers, distillers, hunters, snowboarders, paddlers, and mountain bikers. Like their world-class ski resorts, Utahns are in a class of their own. They're genuine outdoor people who personify a bygone and future America, and I'm happy to confirm them as the rightful custodians of the Greatest Snow on Earth®. Images: Jeremy Drake, Park City Chamber/Convention & Visitors Bureau & Deer Valley Resort. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
If there's one thing that you can count on at MONA's arts festivals, it's that they never deliver the exact same experience twice. That's doubly true of next year's Mona Foma, which is making the huge move to Launceston — and doing so with a seriously noteworthy lineup. After hosting part of the 2018 event, the entirety of 2019's Mona Foma will take place across the Tasmanian city, shifting from its previous home of Hobart. Arriving in town from January 13–20, it'll bring everything from music legends to thumping beats to new Aussie heroes to the stage. Attendees can also expect a sensory blend of music, theatre and art, an exhibition that combines creativity with scientific specimens, and oh-so-many onesies. Of course, the list goes on. Headlining this year's bill are Swedish star Neneh Cherry and Welsh electronic music icons Underworld, so prepare to get in a buffalo stance and get born slippy. They'll be joined by Mona Foma's big Aussie premiere and exclusive: a four-part performance by producer and composer Oneohtrix Point Never and the MYRIAD ensemble. Also called Myriad, it's framed from the perspective of an alien intelligence that has absorbed earth's entire history, and mixes the seemingly unlikely combination of medieval folk, dance music, R&B, and sci-fi imagery. Music-wise, Mona Foma-goers can also catch Courtney Barnett on her return to Tassie, as well as Mulatu Astatke and the Black Jesus Experience as they blend Ethiopian music with jazz and Afro-Latin. Or, there's Finland's Satu Vänskä playing her 292-year-old violin with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Aussie stoner rockers Bansheeland doing their psychedelic grunge thing and Central Niger's all-female Les Filles de Illighadad with their inimitable brand psychedelic Saharan desert rock. On the arts side of things, Art of the Body: Health, Beauty and Desire brings together a heap of artists to respond to medical body part specimens — and the actual body parts will be on display as well. Then there's Onesie World 2.0, a new iteration of Adele Varcoe and Self-Assembly's onesie extravaganza, with the designer and label whipping up 2000 DIY all-in-ones. Other highlights include morning meditation sessions in Cataract Gorge, endurance performance artist Ben Landau's 24-hour attempt to keep humming non-stop, as well as a rather curious inclusion from British composer artist Nick Ryan: a machine that tracks the position of 27,000 pieces of space junk, then transforms them into sound as they pass overhead. And, with Mona Foma committed to inviting a new audience to experience the festival each year, they're focusing on the Amish of Lancaster County for 2019 — which means putting up a bunch of billboards around Pennsylvania and letting the local Amish into the festival for free. For everyone else, tickets go on sale from midday on Monday, October 15. Mona Foma runs from January 13–20, 2019, in Launceston, Tasmania. For more information or to grab tickets from midday on Monday, October 15, head to mofo.net.au
