While those big-name tennis stars spend the Australian Open battling it out on court for the world to see, you can enjoy some victories of your own with a visit to Supernormal. Andrew McConnell's modern Japanese restaurant has joined forces with the team at ACMI to host a neon-lit, pop-up arcade bar, dedicated to the game of Pong. One of the world's OG video games, the Atari release simulates a two-dimensional tennis match — only, unlike the real deal, it doesn't require slogging it out under Melbourne's hot January sun. Decked out with multiple game consoles, the Pong Grand Slam arcade is set to take over Supernormal's lower level from Monday, January 20, until Sunday, February 2, while in the upstairs restaurant, a projection of an actual 1972 Pong duel is sure to offer some pre-game inspiration. It's free to play and you won't even need to book ahead for a console. Of course, you're going to need some fuel for that Pong sesh and you'll find yourself in good hands with the bar's latest cocktail special. The aptly named Courtside boasts a blend of gin, ginger-infused elderflower syrup and dry ginger ale. The ACMI x Supernormal Pong Grand Slam arcade is open from 11am till late, daily.
2019 represents one giant milestone for humanity's space exploits, marking half a century since astronauts first walked on the moon. That's just one of the achievements that the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration, aka NASA, is known for — and it's just one of the events that'll feature in a new exhibition chronicling the organisation's jaunts beyond the earth's surface, which heads to Australia this year NASA – A Human Adventure will display at the Queensland Museum in not only its first trip to our shores, but its only Aussie season. It's set to be huge in a number of ways. The exclusive showcase will bring more than 250 historically significant items to Brisbane, and it'll run for a whopping seven months. It'll also be the largest exhibition ever hosted by the newly refurbished South Bank spot, taking over two levels. Gracing QM's walls and halls between March 15 and October 9, NASA – A Human Adventure will feature everything from objects that actually have flown through space, to high-fidelity models, to both small-size and full-scale replicas. Think real rocket engines, space food, space suits, lunar cameras and moon boots, plus miniature versions of NASA's Space Shuttle, Lunar Rover, and Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space crafts. Touching on the Soviet contribution to space travel as well, it'll also display a replica of the robotic lunar rover Lunokhod. Australia is the latest stop in the exhibition's tour, which aims to showcase the story of space travel, as well as the history of rocket science and space flight. It comes to Brisbane after previously venturing to Milan, Singapore, Taipei, Seoul, Bangkok, Tokyo, Istanbul, Madrid, Utrecht, and both Stockholm and Norrkoping in Sweden. NASA – A Human Adventure displays at the Queensland Museum, corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane from March 15 to October 9, 2019, with tickets on sale now.
Melbourne Music Week (MMW) is set to make up for this year's dire lack of live music, serving up a jam-packed program for 2021, featuring close to 70 events and showcasing over 300 artists. It'll take over 23 different venues across the city, from December 3–December 12. Curated by Bumpy, the opening night Wominjeka festivities will take over MPavilion, with a lineup including Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, Squid Nebula, the Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe and more. This year's Live Music Safari series will see more than 70 artists gracing stages at 12 beloved venues for a full day and evening of glorious free gigs. Think, Press Club, Kylie Auldist, Soju Gang and others. Meanwhile, Max Watts plays host to the eight-night MMW Club showcase, featuring unmissable shows from the likes of Carl Cox, Akosia, Pinch Points and Billy Davis. An array of headline shows includes Georgia Maq's appearance at the Melbourne Museum; Butter Sessions' and Research Records' electronic showcase at The Forum; and a deep-dive into Lucianblomkamp's recent collaborative works at The Capitol. Elsewhere in the program, the Carlton International Jazz Festival takes over Colour Club and Alex Albrecht soundtracks a morning of mindfulness and yoga at MPavilion. And for the night owls, the Kick Ons series will fire up Sub Club for a bunch of after-party gigs led by some of your favourite MMW acts.
We can't think of a much more fitting way to celebrate International Doughnut Day than by tucking into a one that's cinnamon-sprinkled and — importantly — free. Especially one that's come fresh out of the oven at cult favourite bakery, Oasis. Yep, to mark the somewhat unnecessary but now global celebration of dough-based deliciousness this Friday, June 1, the Murrumbeena spot is serving up a whopping 10,000 of its signature doughnuts – all on the house. Choose from the classic jam-stuffed number, or the chocoholic's dream version, which comes oozing with Nutella. Whatever one you choose (and you can only choose one — there's a limit of one per customer), the freebies will be up for grabs from 8am, on offer through until 9pm...or that sad moment when they're all out. Basically, you'd better get in quick. There's a limit of one free doughnut per customer.
Film fans — pack your picnics, pillows and insect repellent, and prepare to spend your summer evenings watching the big screen under the stars. From December 1, Moonlight Cinema returns for another season of great viewing, great weather (hopefully) and great food. Yep — here, all three go hand-in-hand. Kicking off in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide at the very start of the month, then heading to Perth from December 2 and Brisbane from December 7, the first part of this year's program — covering December and January — features 21 advanced screenings of movies yet to hit cinemas, 25 new releases and a heap of old favourites. The February and March lineup will be revealed early next year, but rest assured, there's something for all tastes on the current bill. If you're after an early glimpse at an exciting upcoming flick, then Guillermo del Toro's gorgeous monster romance The Shape of Water, the Greta Gerwig-directed Lady Bird and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, the latest movie by In Bruges filmmaker Martin McDonagh, should all do nicely. Those who'd like to catch an openair session of efforts already screening in cinemas can pick from the likes of Justice League, Murder on the Orient Express, Detroit, Thor: Ragnarok, The Mountain Between Us and Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi (once it's released on December 14). And, if you've got the urge for something retro, make a date with Love Actually, Dirty Dancing, The Breakfast Club or Back to the Future. Also featured are sneak peeks of everything from Pitch Perfect 3, to new Pixar animation Coco, to Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in Steven Spielberg's The Post. Or, if you're a fan of Australian cinema, check out Kylie Minogue and Guy Pearce reuniting post-Neighbours for Swinging Safari; the absolutely stunning new outback western Sweet Country; and what sounds like an Aussie-as comedy, The BBQ. Pairing your movie choice with something to eat and drink is all part of the fun, so BYO supplies (although bringing your own booze isn't allowed in Brisbane) or grab something tasty onsite. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2017-18 DATES: Sydney: December 1 – April 1 (Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park) Melbourne: December 1 – April 1 (Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens) Brisbane: December 7 – March 4 (New Farm Park at Brisbane Powerhouse) Adelaide: December 1 – February 18 (Botanic Park) Perth: December 2 – April 1 (Kings Park and Botanic Garden) Moonlight Cinema's 2017-18 season starts screening around the country from December 1. For more information and to buy tickets, visit moonlight.com.au.
UPDATE: June 18, 2020: Queen & Slim is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. Queen & Slim starts with a Tinder date in a diner, as a criminal defence attorney (Jodie Turner-Smith) and a Costco employee (Daniel Kaluuya) exchange small talk. Sparks hardly fly but, when the next day breaks, they've gone from swiping right to driving across the country together — after a ripped-from-the-headlines altercation with a white police officer (Sturgill Simpson) that turns them into fugitives, complete with their faces splashed across newspapers and televisions. So, having fled from Ohio to New Orleans with every cop in the area on their trail, of course the titular characters are greeted with an obvious comparison. When Queen's uncle Earl (Bokeem Woodbine) agrees to give the pair a temporary place to hide, he comments, "well, if it isn't the black Bonnie and Clyde". From a stranger, another reference is slung the duo's way: "are y'all the new Black Panthers?". The debut feature by music video director Melina Matsoukas — a Grammy-winner for her work on Rihanna's 'We Found Love' and Beyonce's 'Formation' — Queen & Slim wears its nods on its sleeves, and its topicality as well. Combining an all-too-frequent real-life situation with cinema's "lovers on the run" genre, it's a statement piece that not only conveys an attention-grabbing story, but explores the constantly relevant issue of race relations in America. The movie's big-screen predecessors haven't been short on societal and political commentary. Whether charting true events in Bonnie and Clyde or skewering mass media sensationalism in Natural Born Killers, this field is full of films with something to say. And Queen & Slim joins a long line of recent features interrogating subjects such as racism, prejudice and police brutality in the US, too, including the Kaluuya-starring Get Out, plus The Hate U Give and If Beale Street Could Talk. But in blending its various parts into one provocative and passionate package, this is a supremely stylish and powerful addition to its various filmic folds. They're never actually called by the eponymous names — and their real monikers aren't revealed until late — but Queen and Slim's fortunes change when they're pulled over for a minor traffic infringement. As the script by Master of None star Lena Waithe makes clear, their troubles also begin because of their skin colour. Soon the cop has been shot, Queen is injured and Slim is driving away as fast as possible. He actually wants them to turn themselves in but, thanks to her job, she's adamant that they'll never be treated fairly no matter what they do next — which means that they may as well abscond. Initially, Queen and Slim are ordinary folks victimised by institutional discrimination, then forced to fight back. Soon, they're public enemy number one to law enforcement but heroes in the black community, which helps as they attempt to escape to Cuba via Florida. Given that it focuses on two people dashing across the US, Queen and Slim is a road movie; however it has as much time for the many faces the central pair meets along the way as it does for the scenery, and for their growing bond with each other too. With this in mind, some choices don't completely work — crosscutting a sex scene with a "black lives matter"-style protest in support of the two fugitives, for example — but generally, Matsoukas and Waithe convincingly capture how racial prejudice makes an imprint. From the inciting incident and panicked neighbours calling the cops on people of colour, to riots and other displays of solidarity, Matsoukas and Waithe cover a broad and necessary spectrum of scenarios. Perhaps 'cover' isn't the right description. It's accurate, yet Queen and Slim never feels like it's assembling its array of episodic escapades by ticking its way through a list. Rather, this is a feature that wanders through a snapshot of African American life in a feverish and heightened fashion, all while seething with anger and intensity, pondering trauma and history, and never forgetting that, in its own way, it remains a date movie. In mood rather than meaning or political substance, Quentin Tarantino-written 90s crime flick True Romance casts a shadow. Queen & Slim exudes the same kind of cool, and the same type of affection for its thrown-together couple. And, as sleek and expressive as anything she's done before, Matsoukas's glossy visuals — as lensed to dream perfection by Tat Radcliffe ('71), and paired with the film's velvet, tiger stripe and snakeskin-heavy fashion choices — feel cut from a similar cloth. To some, it might seem jarring to see Queen & Slim's story unfold with such eye-catching, intoxicating imagery. Earl's scantily clad girlfriends certainly stand out, but they also encapsulate one of the movie's main messages: about judging based on appearances only. The same can be said of the white couple (Flea and Chloë Sevigny) who help Queen and Slim. Actually, the same applies to the entire film. Telling an outrage-filled tale in a visually gleaming way, Queen & Slim's potency never falters, with no small amount of credit due to British model-turned-actor Turner-Smith and the always impressive Kaluuya. They're not just dynamic but dynamite as the reluctant outlaws — and, crucially, they turn in raw, textured performances that ensure their characters are people first, and victims, heroes, potential martyrs and countercultural symbols second. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRMPdhQBlWs
With the government encouraging social distancing, and enforcing mandatory 14-day self-isolation periods for everyone arriving from overseas, in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19, plenty of us are staring down the barrel of a whole lot of time spent at home. By now, you're probably all stocked up on toilet paper, are armed with a banging Netflix queue and have sussed out all the best delivery options for decent food and booze. But, alongside the streaming services and board games, you're also going to need a pretty solid collection of reading material to keep you entertained. And luckily, some local bookstores are more than happy to help. If you're keen to support the little, local guys, there's a bunch of indie book retailers that are now offering free delivery services, to hook isolated readers up with some much-needed literature. In Melbourne, long-running North Carlton spot The Little Bookroom has kicked off free same-day delivery for its online orders, servicing Carlton, Fitzroy and a heap of surrounding suburbs. Sibling store Neighbourhood Books in Northcote is following suit, though with an even bigger delivery area. And if you're cooped up at home over on the westside, Yarraville's Sun Bookshop has you covered. It's offering free same-day book delivery (for online orders placed before 2pm) to readers in Kingsville, Seddon and Yarraville, and next-day delivery for those in Spotswood and Newport. They'll drop your book order in the letter box or at your front door, and shoot a text message to let you know it's arrived. https://www.instagram.com/p/B9n100rAhcz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Meanwhile, Sydneysiders can get books delivered for free by the likes of Avalon Beach's Bookoccino (if you live between Narrabeen and Palm Beach) and Glebe's Gleebooks, which has launched free book delivery across the inner west and City of Sydney council areas, and Australia-wide for orders over $50. Newtown favourite Better Read Than Dead has cast the net even wider, offering free shipping across the whole of Australia for the foreseeable future. And up in Brisbane, Wynnum cafe-bookstore Little Gnome is doing daily delivery runs of books, brownies and even coffee, from 8–10am this week (check its Instagram for updates and details on how to order), while Avid Reader Bookshop is swinging free delivery for select inner-city suburbs, and Australia-wide if your order's over $50.
No longer just the realms of year three excursions where your mum came as chaperone, Melbourne Zoo Twilights — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps one of the best summer nights out, as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven it's got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. After all, the event has hosted headliners such as Kurt Vile, Ben Folds, Paul Kelly and Warpaint over the last few years. And this summer the event will return with a series os live sets every weekend from Friday, January 25 through Saturday, March 9. At this stage the Zoo Twilights team has only announced one act on the 2018 bill: Cat Power. In her return to Melbourne (she was last here in 2016), the American musician will perform hits off her new album Wanderer — which will be released on October 5 — on a yet-to-be-announced date, as the sun sets over the zoo. Picnic-bringing is encouraged, but there'll also be handy gourmet hampers available on-site, as well as a slew of food trucks to choose nosh from. Either way, it's actually the one of the best dates in Melbourne. Plus, all proceeds from Zoo Twilights go back into Zoo Victoria's ongoing conservation work to help fight the extinction of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. Melbourne Zoo Twilights will return to Melbourne Zoo from January 25 until March 9. The full lineup will be announced on Wednesday, October 24 (we'll let you know when it's up) and tickets go on sale at 8am on Tuesday, October 30 at zootwilights.org.au. Image: Ian Laidlaw.
The CBD's lunch landscape just scored a major boost with the opening of a second outpost for northside legend Babajan. The Carlton North eatery, launched in 2016, has brought its much-loved Turkish-inspired fare to the top of Little Collins Street. Just like its sibling, Babajan's new city store is a haven for grab-and-go treats with morning coffees, Middle Eastern lunch eats and pantry goodies. And of course, handmade sweet things also abound. Chef-owner Kirsty Chiaplias has stuck to her winning formula for this cheery, takeaway-only spot, celebrating generous Middle Eastern flavours across a rotating lineup of fresh, handmade fare. Cabinets heave with a mix of Babajan classics and exclusive new creations. Flakey boreks are stuffed with combinations like lamb and potato, and spinach and feta, while show-stopping sandwiches hero fillings including confit ocean trout with a green zoug dressing, and roast chicken is studded with pinenuts and preserved lemon. There's a range of house-made simits (a traditional ring-shaped bread) starring the likes of eggplant aleppo and cheddar, or scrambled egg with pastirma and harissa. And giant bowls showcase each day's selection of sensational salads — maybe a broccoli and zucchini number with zoug and avocado, or a pilaf spiked with braised fenugreek and roast carrot. Dessert is basically a must, once you lock eyes with treats like Chiaplias' chocolate halva tarts, walnut baklava, and date and white chocolate lamingtons. You can even maximise your lunchbreak by ordering ahead via the Babajan app, which is available via the App Store. Meanwhile, the shelves are stocked with a tidy curation of signature pantry products, alongside other Middle Eastern classics ranging from condiments and sauces, to spices and pulses. Find Babajan at Shop 5, 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. It's open weekdays from 7am–3pm. Images: Pete Dillon
This New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based artist is once again inviting us into her wonderfully warped reality with her latest exhibition, Wurm Haus. Jess Johnson's work is immediately recognisable to those who have had the pleasure of experiencing it before, with her influences ranging from science fiction, dystopian worlds, parallel universes and comic books. Geometric patterns, contorted bodies and intriguing typography also feature heavily in her work, all of which create a deeper sense of her alternate reality. The centrepiece for her latest exhibition, titled 'Ixian Gate', brings us one step further into her world, where visitors are required to wear a virtual reality headset to immerse themselves completely. Using Oculus Rift technology, visitors will experience 360 views of Johnson's unusual universe, which is as captivating as it is a little frightening.
As part of the flurry of new streaming services competing for our eyeballs, FanForce TV joined the online viewing fold during the COVID-19 pandemic — with the pay-per-view platform not only screening movies, but pairing them with virtual Q&A sessions as well. Now, between Thursday, May 27–Monday, May 31 it's also hosting an online film fest: its third Virtual Indigenous Film Festival. The returning event coincides with National Reconciliation Week, and will showcase five films: High Ground, After the Apology, The Skin of Others, The Xrossing and Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra. That means you can watch your way through an array of Aussie movies focused on Indigenous stories, spanning both dramas and documentaries — and exploring race relations in the process. Sessions will also feature guest speakers, with just who'll be chatting yet to be revealed. And, viewers can tune in on a film-by-film basis, or buy an all-access pass to tune into everything. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3REMs9I9Tg Top image: High Ground.
Returning for its next iteration this month, TheFork Festival sees top restaurants across the country offering sit-down meals for up to half the usual price. Yep, that's up to 50-percent off your total food bill, folks — think of it as the proverbial carrot luring you out of the house. Running from Thursday, October 13–Sunday, November 13, the offer is a blessing for those keen to reserve some much-needed funds ahead of Christmas. To snag a half-price meal (or, in a few cases, 30-percent off), you just need to make a reservation through TheFork's website or app to dine at one of the participating eateries during the monthlong period. [caption id="attachment_872455" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Fleur Espresso[/caption] There are some great venues coming to the party, too. Victoria's lineup includes Mister Bianco, Grand Lafayette, South Melbourne's Palace Hotel, Lezzet, Ish Restaurant and Toorak Village newcomer Fleur Espresso. From Burwood Teppanyaki House, Bay City Burrito, to Babu Ji, there's something here to suit any culinary cravings that might hit — and brekkie, lunch and dinner options abound. You could revisit an old favourite or you might want to get a little adventurous and road-test somewhere new. Either way, there's ample time to squeeze in a fair few discounted feasts before the festival wraps up mid-November. [caption id="attachment_812555" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grand Lafayette, by Griffin Simm[/caption] Top Image: Fleur Espresso
If winter has left you unimpressed by the current state of your wardrobe — or if, y'know, you just like some fancy new clothes now and then — you'll be pretty pleased to know that the Big Fashion Sale is back. Usually, it's a physical affair that takes place in Sydney and Melbourne; however like plenty of other events at the moment, the shopping extravaganza has hopped online — and gone national — for its current outing. The name pretty much says it all. This thing is big. You'll find a hefty array of lush items from past collections, samples and one-offs from a huge lineup of cult Australian and international designers, both well-known and emerging — including Romance Was Born, Alexander McQueen, Isabel Marant, Alex Perry, Pucci, Permanent Vacation and more. With discounts of up to 80 percent off, this is one way to up your count of designer threads while leaving your bank balance sitting pretty, too — whether you're keen on clothes, shoes, swimwear or accessories. The Big Fashion Sale's latest online sale runs until Friday, July 31 on the event's website.
Anytime's a good time for oysters, but there's only one occasion where it's perfectly acceptable to gorge on them to the point of no return: the Oyster Frenzy. You must have heard of the Oyster Frenzy by now: a night where abandon is left at the door, and Melbourne's biggest oyster lovers converge to eat as many of the molluscs as they can humanly handle. It's at the same time the fanciest and the messiest buffet we can imagine. Oyster Frenzy #13 will go down at The Deck at The Prince on Thursday,August 25 from 6.30pm. As well as all-you-can-eat freshly shucked oysters — yes, all-you-can-eat — from SA, Tassie and NSW, there will also be other fancy seafood canapes such as fried barramundi sliders, clam arancini and spanner crab croquettes. This year will also feature both a mussel and a ceviche station, plus all the required beer, wine and cider to wash it down. Last year's Frenzy saw 22,032 oysters shucked and swallowed, so do what you need to prepare. And maybe try and get Friday off work.
No one usually knows what they want to do for their 32nd birthday. For most of us, it isn't a big milestone. But when you're the Melbourne Queer Film Festival and you have a whole new array of LGBTIQA+ movies to show, every go-around is worth celebrating. On the lineup for 2022's MQFF: Billy Eichner-starring gay Hollywood rom-com Bros, a Pink Flamingos 50th-anniversary showing and a spotlight on Brazil — and that's just the beginning. In total, over its 12-day run from Thursday, November 10–Monday, November 21, the fest will screen 49 features and 12 short film packages, including 35 Australian premieres. Taking place at ACMI, Village Cinemas Jam Factory and Cinema Nova, and with eight screenings taking place on the Victorian Pride Centre rooftop for the first time, the 2022 program arrives after a couple of years of pandemic-fuelled chaos — including back in 2020, its 30th year, when COVID-19 meant that festivities couldn't go as planned. MQFF has has run online and in hybrid formats since, and popped up with a mini fest as well; however, 2022's main event is all in-person. A virtual lineup will follow, but there's nothing like the physical MQFF experience. Other highlights include the Brazilian titles both launching and wrapping up the fest: opening night's Private Desert, about a genderfluid blue-collar worker in an online relationship who goes missing; and closing night's Uýra: The Rising Forest, focusing on trans-indigenous artist Uýra. The latter will take one of the rooftop slots, as will MQFF's official Australian feature of the year The Longest Weekend, about three siblings in Sydney's Inner West. Or, movie lovers can look forward to Blitzed!, about the eponymous London nightclub, with Boy George, Princess Julia and Spandau Ballet sharing their memories; Black as U R, a documentary about the lack of attention paid to the black queer community; and Mini-Zlatan and Uncle Darling, 2022's Rainbow Families session for MQFF-goers of all ages. Plus, Finland's Oscar submission Girl Picture focuses on three young women and Icelandic comedy Cop Secret charts a police officer falling for his partner — while Youtopia explores the inadvertent formation of a hipster cult, In From the Side is about an affair between two members of a fictional South London gay rugby club, and My Emptiness and I hones in on a young trans call-centre worker. And in the retro category, alongside John Waters Divine-starring Pink Flamingos, is iconic 90s flick But I'm a Cheerleader — the director's cut, and one of Natasha Lyonne's (Russian Doll) best-ever roles.
Big Day Out is out for 2015. After yesterday's news of AJ Maddah's handover to Austin-based company C3 Presents (owners of Lollapalooza festival), this morning Fairfax Media announced a statement from the new owners. "C3 Presents is proud to own Big Day Out, one of the most iconic and established festival brands in the world. While we intend to bring back the festival in future years, we can confirm there will not be a Big Day Out in 2015," said the statement. "We love working on BDO and are excited about the future." After the huge announcement by Music Feeds yesterday, C3 now own 100 percent of the beloved Australian festival. Running through Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast and Auckland, BDO is now entire US owned — promoter AJ Maddah was yesterday revealed to have sold off his half stake to C3. Maddah is yet to make his own announcement, instead looking to triple j's Hack this afternoon for an outlet. Looks like there's a gap in the market for a new around-Australia Day festival, with Field Day's popularity sure to boost in Sydney. If C3 own Lollapalooza, maybe we're in for an Australian edition. Via Music Feeds and SMH. Image by Peer Group.
UPDATE Wednesday, August 24: Due to COVID-related staffing and supplier issues, Holy Water Craft Distillery Festival has been postponed and will now run on Saturday, October 15. Existing tickets have been transferred to the new date, with refunds also available via Moshtix. The following article has been updated to reflect the change. There's no shortage of tasty things happening in the local booze scene right now. And next month, you can dive into the best of it, at a brand new festival dedicated entirely to Victorian spirits. Holy Water Craft Distillery Festival makes its debut on Saturday, October 15, transforming the Seaworks precinct into a wonderland of locally-made libations. More than 30 Victorian distilleries will be showcasing their wares, from inner-city favourites like Brogan's Way and Naught, to regional legends including JimmyRum, Anther, Bass & Flinders and Timboon Distillery. Grab a ticket to one of the two festival sessions and you'll spend four hours sampling those spirits — either straight or paired with a mixer — while enjoying projection art and live tunes. Those keen to dig deeper can elevate their own drinks game at a series of expert-led masterclasses and pairing sessions. Get the low-down on Australian agave courtesy of Seb Raeburn, learn the art of batching cocktails from Nick and Nora's Kayla Reid, and join Shaun Byrne (Gin Palace) for a crash course in whipping up the perfect martini. Oh, and don't miss the masterclass on lower-booze cocktails, led by the newly crowned World Class Australian Bartender for 2022, Nick Tesar. For something extra, the festival will also run a floating cocktail party, dubbed The Reveller. $70 will get you a return trip ferrying around Williamstown, enjoying signature drinks, live tunes and a loaded grazing station. [caption id="attachment_860592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar Liberty's Nick Tesar[/caption] Images: Jake Roden
Honestly, where would Melbourne be without its baristas and single origin beans? Setting up at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale, the Melbourne International Coffee Expo 2015 will be open to the public over the weekend — and the Friday is especially for those in the coffee trade. There'll be 100 exhibitors, including speciality coffee and tea brands from all over the globe, as well as machine manufacturers and equipment suppliers for those who take their caffeinated brew very seriously. If you enjoy watching the masters at work, the Australian Coffee Championships will be on for all to see, where you can see Australia’s best baristas and latte art mavericks battle it out. While we love a good cuppa, it’s nice to know tea and coffee aren't the only things on the menu. MICE15 will also see a Food Village set up on the grounds, with food trucks from Hammer and Tong, Sliders on Tyres, OoOdle Lishious and Crepes Cart. If you’re a firm believer that coffee and cake are a match made in heaven (and really, who would turn that combination down?) there are special Cake and Coffee Tickets available to punters that allow you to also visit the Melbourne Cake Expo as well, which conveniently happens to be on in Melbourne at the same time.
Experience the very best that the city's fine dining scene has to offer at Taste of Melbourne in partnership with Electrolux. Taking over Albert Park in mid-November, this four-day culinary cornucopia offers foodies the chance to mingle with chefs, pick up new recipes and sample dishes from some of the top restaurants in town. Bon appetit! Taste of Melbourne is split into six sessions, each one lasting roughly four hours. During their allotted time, ticketholders will be able to purchase tapas-style tasting plates prepared by the teams from Circa, Gazi, Luxembourg, Mamasita, MoVida, Pastuso, Pei Modern, Royal Mail Hotel, San Telmo, South Africa’s Five Hundred, Supernormal, Gladioli, Milk the Cow and Saké Restaurant & Bar. Once guests have eaten their fill, other attractions on the Taste of Melbourne program worth checking out include live cooking demonstrations in the Electrolux Taste Theatre, a showcase of South African wine and cuisine in the South African Garden and masterclasses on everything from creating your own gin with Bass & Flinders to going freestyle with Lurpak. You can also swing by the Artisan Producers Market and pick up a few goodies for your pantry, or kick back and relax in the Audi Brighton Platinum Lounge with live music and an open bar. Concrete Playground readers can grab discounted entry for Taste of Melbourne. To get two general entry tickets for $45 (SAVE $15*), simply enter the code PLAY at checkout. *Savings based on door price and excludes booking and transactions fees.
Northsiders, prepare to lose your collective minds (and begin a heated debate about the values of coriander) because Prahan's beloved Vietnamese restaurant, Hanoi Hannah, is coming to Carlton for the month of July. At Yo-Chi, of all places. Hanoi Hannah is moving in to the frozen yoghurt bar's palatial digs on Faraday Street from July 5. The culinary couple's collab name is 'pho-yo' — but before you freak out about hybrid foodstuffs, rest assured they won't be serving pho-flavoured frozen yoghurt. "No, no that would be disgusting," laughs Simon Blacher, co-owner of Hanoi Hannah. "But we're doing a collaborative flavour with Yo-Chi, a Hanoi Hannah-inspired frozen yoghurt." The HH crew will also be serving up signature dishes like their yellowfin tuna and wasabi rice paper rolls and fresh chargrilled chicken and BBQ pork banh mi with pickled carrot, daikon, cucumber and coriander with crispy shallots. "It's quite a simple set up [at Yo-Chi] so we can't do any elaborate cooking, but it'll be enough to serve up a good lunch and dinner," Blacher says. "Plus, the food we're known for — like pho and bahn mi — isn't complicated, just done well." Yo-Chi will also be serving up a bespoke dessert menu as well as their regular self-serve fro-yo and toppings. You can grab the decadent (and hilariously named) Lava'Nother (a chocolate mud cake with a ganache centre, vanilla frozen yoghurt, fresh strawberries and chocolate soil) to accompany your Vietnamese feast. Blacher also revealed they'll be offering delivery after the pop-up gets settled in, so you won't even have to leave the house to indulge. No word, however, on whether northside will be getting their own permanent Hanoi Hannah, but we're hopeful. When asked, Blacher won't give anything away. "It may be true…who knows. We're always looking for new venues but nothing concrete at the moment". Here's hoping Hannah finds a permanent home north of the Yarra at some point in the future — but in the meantime, we'll settle for bahn mi, pho and fro-yo in the warm, wooden interior of Yo-Chi. The Hanoi Hannah Yo-Chi pop-up will start on Tuesday, July 5 for one month. It'll be open from midday till 10pm daily at Yo-Chi at 194 Faraday Street, Carlton. For more information, check HH's Facebook page.
It wouldn't be Good Food Month without the Night Noodle Markets — and it wouldn't be a Melbourne food event without Gelato Messina. It should come as no surprise that the latter is popping up at the former, or that they've whipped up a few mouth-watering new menu items for the occasion. Commence drooling. Astutely taking inspiration from Asian cuisine, the dessert geniuses aren't holding back when it comes to tempting tastebuds across the 18-day event. And yes, you'll have to head to Birrarung Marr for these exclusive offerings — but, given that everything from deep-fried gelato to caramelised puff pastry is involved, we're sure that won't be a problem. As far as quick-dipping cold, creamy confectionery is concerned, Messina is serving up a couple of dishes, so prepare to be spoiled for choice. Turron Not takes deep-fried banana and brown sugar gelato, wraps it in filo pastry and adds ube cream, kalamansi puree and coconut crunch. And then there's the smartly named Fryer and Ice, which features deep-fried caramel and coconut gelato, mango pudding and drizzled passionfruit caramel. Enjoying a different interpretation of an ice cream favourite is also an option, thanks to Only On Sundaes' concoction of salted coconut sorbet, black stick rice, lychee tapioca, caramelised puff pastry, lemon grass and white choc ganache. Plus, those after some good ol' gelato in an edible vessel — aka swirls of milk chocolate and green tea gelato, covered in white chocolate and pistachio crunch, and served in a green tea waffle cone — will want to want to try the Matcha Do About Nothing (and make a big fuss). Sounds delicious, doesn't it? When Messina is involved, of course it does. Fans after a more substantial dose of dessert goodness should also note that the gelato gods are also bringing their Creative Department down to Melbourne for a month-long pop-up. It's going to be a sweet November. The Night Noodle Markets run from November 10-27 at Birrarung Marr as part of Good Food Month. Check out our tastiest events you can still get tickets to.
Until mid-October, stepping inside NGV Australia is like stepping back in time, with Aussie art from the '30s, the '90s and by Indigenous artists in the spotlight. The gallery doesn't just want to highlight creativity from eras gone by, however — it wants to pair its Brave New World, Every Brilliant Eye and Past Legacy: Present Tense showcases with everything art lovers need to know about appreciating the exhibitions' key works. On Sundays at 1pm between September 17 and October 8, Illuminating Australian Art will teach art aficionados two important things: how artists make their masterpieces, and how audiences approach and interpret them. The weekly sessions will step through movements from modernism onwards, using artworks in the NGV's Australian collection, and combining lectures on crucial themes and ideas with floortalks throughout the gallery. Featuring artists, lecturers, and NGV educators and exhibition curators, the series kicks off with a class on 'Becoming Modern', before stepping through topics such as the ways bodies are represented in Australian art, the relationship between consumerist cultures and appreciating art, and perspectives on Indigenous art. Lock one into your diary for an informative Sunday, or book into all four to truly expand your creative horizons. Image: Thomas Dallas Watson.
A collection of local galleries are joining forces this week on a brand new multifaceted, multi-venue art event at the top end of Flinders Lane. Running from August 18 to 21, the inaugural FLAIR event will combine forums, exhibitions, dinners and immersive experiences, showcasing the best that local artists have to offer. At the centre of the FLAIR program is the progressive degustation, an evening of art and food that will see diners visit five different galleries. Beginning at fortyfivedownstairs, diners will then move on to enjoy vegetarian food and wine courtesy of local restaurants like Cumulus and Pei Modern. The bad news? It's already sold out. Fortunately there lots of other ways to whet your appetite — at least metaphorically, if not literally. ARC ONE Gallery will present a series of new paintings by artist Robert Owen, while Arts Project Australia and the Global Arts Project team up with Sofitel Melbourne and photographer Robyn Stacey on an experiential artwork that turns a hotel room into a camera obscura. There'll also be a series of public forums, and much more. For the full FLAIR program visit flairmelbourne.com.
After a two-year, pandemic-fuelled hiatus, the Queen Victoria Market's ever-popular Summer Night Market is back to fire up your Wednesday nights from January 5–April 6. And yes, it's going to be a big one. Each week, the market will feature a mouthwatering lineup of food vendors slinging street eats from every corner of the globe. We're talking melty raclette from Frencheese, meaty US-style barbecue fare courtesy of Bigger Than Texas, The Cypriot Kitchen's famed haloumi chips and spherical sweet treats from the doughnut masters at Taki's Balls. To wash it all down, you'll find no less than five dedicated festival bars, along with drinks stalls from the likes of Antagonist Spirits. As always, there'll be a program of live, local tunes to soundtrack your wanderings, with one stage dedicated to DJs and another serving up a rotation of acoustic acts. Shoppers can expect a diverse range of artisan maker stalls, brimming with handmade gifts, homewares, fashion and more. The Book Nook features a selection of new and pre-loved books, along with local author chats and stalls filled with secondhand records. There's even a pop-up space dedicated to serving up future insights from a lineup of leading clairvoyants, fortune tellers and psychics, dubbed The Spirit Zone.
Shipping container bar Section 8 is a mainstay of Melbourne's hospitality and music scene, serving up good times and great tunes from its laneway corner since 2006. And now, the beloved haunt is giving back to both communities, teaming up with local music collectives Crown Ruler and The Operatives for a special project supporting industry folks currently doing it tough. This Saturday, September 11, Section Aid will dish up 12 hours of non-stop jams, via a live Twitch stream soundtracked by a lineup of local music legends. Catch sets from artists like Emma Volard, Khiarra, Walla C, The Phantom Sun, DJ Smilez, Elle Shimada, Komang and more, as they beam sonic love straight into your living rooms, delivering a fine blend of electronic, vinyl, soul and funk. Listeners can support the cause by donating via the website on the day. Section 8 will then use the funds to serve up a stack of ready-to-eat meals, care packages and Deliveroo food vouchers directly to music and hospitality workers in need the following week. Meal kit brand Dinnerly is also on board, pledging to donate an extra $45 for each new sign-up it gets on the day. [caption id="attachment_824966" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Walla C[/caption]
It was set to be one of the biggest Australian tours of the year, but Childish Gambino fans will have to wait a little longer for some summertime magic. Promoter Live Nation has announced that the US hip hop star has cancelled his Aussie trip due to an ongoing injury. Childish Gambino was due to play solo shows at HBF Stadium, Perth on November 8; Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne on November 10; and the Sydney Opera House, Sydney on November 14 and November 15. He was also slated to be the headline act at Canberra's Spilt Milk festival, which will take place on November 17. The performer — AKA Donald Glover, AKA writer/director/star of Atlanta, if you haven't already worked that out — reportedly broke his foot at a show in Dallas last month, and was already forced to postpone the final US leg of his 'This Is America' tour as a result. In a statement posted to Live Nation's social media feeds about the Aussie cancellation, the star said, "I'm not ready to put on 100 percent shows. Apologies to the fans. I will be back soon". Live Nation is working to reschedule Childish Gambino's dates, so if you've nabbed yourself a ticket, keep your eyes on the company's website and social media for further updates. With the single 'This Is America' tearing up the US charts — and the accompanying video — racking up hundreds of millions of views, it's safe to that Australia was pumped for Childish Gambino's arrival. This would've marked his first Aussie shows since performing at Falls Festival in 2016. CANCELLED TOUR DATES: November 8 — Perth, HBF Stadium November 10 — Melbourne, Sidney Myer Music Bowl November 14 — Sydney, Sydney Opera House November 15 — Sydney, Sydney Opera House November 17 — Canberra, Spilt Milk Festival
Music, lasers, immersive art and BYO booze will combine at Equinox's latest mind-bending audiovisual event. To celebrate the event collective's second anniversary, it's throwing a huge party, dubbed Odyssey. Taking over the raw shell of Flinders Street's new Club 524 on Saturday, May 25, the event promises to be quite the escape from reality, as imagined with the help of two of Melbourne's most acclaimed visual artists, VDMO and Kit Webster. Pulling inspiration from cult sci-fi classic 2001: A Space Odyssey, the event will have you embarking on a trek through time and space, guided by a multi-sensory program of high-tech light shows, laser installations and tunes. Music comes courtesy of the likes of Varro, Budgey, Fütwerk, Benny Cuz and SANCTUM. In another working of the 'new frontier' concept, this party also happens to be entirely BYO — avoid the usual hefty bar queues and bring along your own sips to enjoy while being dazzled by visuals and music. Six-packs, cases of beer, bottles of wine, spirits and mixers are all allowed. While Eskies are off limits due to safety issues, there will be a Liquor Locker system manned by a team of Booze Butlers, allowing you to store your drinks securely on ice. It'll cost $15 for each locker, which can be shared between up to five people, while smaller amounts of booze can be cloaked for $5 per person or carried around in a bag. Equinox — Odyssey runs from 9pm–5am.
This month, Youth Food Movement Melbourne is out to help locals cut the crap from their lives, with a market and masterclass dedicated to minimising plastic waste. Head to the Community Hub at The Dock, on Saturday, August 25, to join fellow waste warriors honing those planet-friendly lifestyles. To fuel your day, there'll be savoury eats from Brunswick non-profit Home One, along with cosy serves of mulled wine from Melbourne's own sustainable wine slingers, Rewine. You'll spy YFM's thought-provoking art installation Plastic Extinction, and have the chance to chat with a swag of experts, picking up tips and tricks to slash your own plastic consumption. Plus, zero-waste specialist and author of Waste Not, Erin Rhoads will host the day's information-packed masterclass, sharing everything you need to know about reducing food plastic waste in your everyday life. Images: Cody Gordan and Marta Mandryto
The summer months are fast approaching, which means it's time to start planning a little getaway (or three). If your idea of a perfect escape is a remote cabin, surrounded by wilderness with no Wi-Fi, this news may have you hitting 'book' straight away. Unyoked, the Aussie startup with six tiny houses currently located around NSW and Vic, has just launched six more remote getaways. If you're one of the patient souls on the company's current 5000-long waitlist, this news will be doubly exciting. Founded and run by twins Cam and Chris Grant, the off-the-grid cabins bring you the convenience and comfort of four solid walls, alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. With the help of Archemy Modular and Fresh Prince, the brothers have designed and built the 12 houses — all sustainable and solar-powered. All properties been placed in secret patches of wilderness on private properties, in the middle of nowhere. The three new NSW ones are located 90 minutes from Sydney's CBD, in the north and northwest, located on the Central Coast, in a private valley and in a forest. Two of the Victorian properties are a two-hour drive southeast, while the third is two hours north. These ones have popped up in Gippsland, the Pyrenees Ranges and a pine forest. [caption id="attachment_745748" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble[/caption] The exact locations are still under wraps as Unyoked aims to make sure your stay is a bit of an adventure, by only revealing the address for your chosen house two days before you're due to set off. Bookings for the six new spots open today, Monday, October 18, so we suggest you hover over the website if you're keen to book one in. Once you've booked on in, all you need to do is jump in your car, disconnect and recharge. The six new Unyoked cabins are located across NSW and Vic and are available to book from today, Monday, October 14, via unyoked.co. Looking for more off-the-grid escapes? Check out our favourites in NSW and Vic. Images: Luisa Brimble
Whether you've been watching A Haunting in Venice in cinemas, The Afterparty or Only Murders in the Building on streaming, or The Mousetrap on the stage, murder-mysteries are rarely hard to find in Melbourne — fictional ones, of course, and purely for entertainment purposes. Accordingly, even if you're frequently sleuthing through the genre's very best, you might be feeling like you've seen every whodunnit ever. Murder Village: An Improvised Whodunnit is a cure for that sensation. In fact, even if you've seen it before — it debuted in Brisbane in 2016 — you haven't seen it before. Given that everything is made up on the night at each show by creator, director and star David Massingham and his cast, this production really isn't ever the same twice. [caption id="attachment_921111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stano Murin[/caption] It still takes its cues from Agatha Christie, however, just like it's one of the prolific author's 1950s novels. And, as the title makes plain, it all happens in a village where anyone could've gotten murderous. From there, the audience helps suggests where things go — and the show's actors react. You can see the results thanks to the 2023 Melbourne Fringe at The Butterfly Club from Monday, October 9–Sunday, October 15. [caption id="attachment_921112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stano Murin[/caption] Top image: Mark Gambino.
When we take that first sip of our barista-brewed coffee on a workday morning, we often say to ourselves, and our friends, "I can't imagine living without coffee." Well, what about living without a roof over your head or a guaranteed meal? Unfortunately, this is what many homeless people around Australia face each day, but on Friday, August 8, you can help out simply by purchasing a coffee as part of CafeSmart. CafeSmart is an annual event from StreetSmart that raises money and awareness for the homeless and is back for its fourth year running, aiming to build on the $83,950 raised last year. From every coffee purchased at a participating cafe, $1 will be donated towards local projects, so if your cafe is not participating, head to one that is, just for one day. You can also donate at the counter, so if you prefer a hot chocolate, then you can still help out. It's one day when the little things can definitely make a big difference.
Experience the best of Israeli and Jewish-themed cinema, courtesy of the film-savvy folks at the Jewish International Film Festival. Not to be confused with the Israeli Film Festival, whom I like to imagine JIFF is locked in some sort of epic power struggle with, this 18-day cinematic showcase features films from countries including France, Germany, the US and the Philippines, in addition to Israel itself. In doing so, the festival shines a spotlight on the experiences of the Jewish diaspora all around the world. Standouts on the 2014 JIFF program include critically-acclaimed black comedy Zero Motivation, WWII boxing film Young Perez and the searing Israeli divorce drama Gett, the Trial of Vivian Amsalem. Many of the screenings will be followed by Q&As and guest speaker seminars or, in the case of this doco about Orthodox matchmaking, a speed-dating night. Shalom! For the full JIFF program, visit their website.
Annabelle opens with unnecessary intertitles, advising that dolls are liked by children and collectors, and used in occult rituals. Next, the spin-off from The Conjuring links to its predecessor, revisiting that feature's introductory snippet of three housemates quivering in fear over a frightening figurine. So far, so standard — and so it continues in the same obvious, uninteresting vein. The scene is set for haunted horror cliches centred on a possessed porcelain plaything, sans punch or personality. A year prior, doctor-in-training John (Ward Horton) bought it to complete the antique collection of his pregnant wife, Mia (Annabelle Wallis). When murderous satanic cultists break into their Santa Monica home, it is the doll they covet, leaving it splattered in blood. Strange things soon start happening around the house, but moving to a Pasadena apartment doesn't solve their problems. Even throwing Annabelle away proves pointless, while seeking the assistance of a friendly bookstore owner (Alfre Woodard) and local priest (Tony Amendola) just immerses others in their supernatural troubles. As things go bump in the night, lights flicker and doors slam, Annabelle doesn't deviate from run-of-the-mill scares, employing the same techniques as its predecessor. What's missing is subtlety and suspense, with everything telegraphed so far in advance that eliciting genuine jumps becomes impossible. The usual inexplicably moving items are handled well enough, though the same can't be said for cheap-looking CGI as demonic forces manifest. Lingering shots of the titular toy benefit from slow panning and zooming; however, simply staring at something isn't particularly terrifying. The Conjuring isn't the only film cinematographer-turned-director John R. Leonetti unsuccessfully attempts to imitate — and sadly, it isn't Child's Play's off-kilter chaos he evokes, either. Though the movie's central mother gives birth early, the idea of her home alone, afraid and exercising her maternal protective instincts recalls Rosemary's Baby, albeit dulled and dumbed down, not to mention plagued by highly questionable character decisions. When Annabelle resurfaces from the trash, wouldn't disposing of her again be the clear option? Sure, the feature would be over, but so would its patchy pastiche of poorly rendered tropes. Leads Horton and Wallis do little to lift B-movie writer Gary Dauberman's script, their wooden reading of equally stilted dialogue giving the film a TV movie-of-the-week flavour. As they talk about ignoring the bizarre occurrences because they've moved their clothes, furniture and good memories to their new apartment and should keep playing happy families, it's hard not to laugh, particularly with nothing remotely spooky offered as distraction. Making a bad horror film is forgivable; making a bland one, less so. Where Annabelle best succeeds is in enthusing audiences for next year's The Conjuring sequel, hopefully a blatant departure from this and the proper follow-up the series deserves. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZlCkrl7ZRjU
Does your life feel like it could use a little more green? Well, if you're a City of Casey resident, Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre is helping you out by handing out a bunch of free plants over three days this week. The green giveaway is part of the Let's Grow Together Sustainability Festival, running from Thursday, May 17 until Saturday, May 19. A huge 3000 free plants are up for grabs across the weekend — simply head to the shopping centre during the festival, flash some proof of residence and you'll score up to two little plant babies to help green up your garden and the city. Other great festival initiatives include free coffees for anyone who brings along a reusable coffee cup, a pedal-powered machine that'll have you cycling your way to a free smoothie, and a series of educational workshops for kids. There's also a range of free information sessions covering tips for a more sustainable life, hosted by business owners, local council and special international guest speakers.
It was the sweet treat chain that rose faster than yeasty baked goods, then sunk like your stomach when you've eaten too much sugar. After closing down its 30 stores earlier this year during the collapse of then-owner Damien Griffith's hospitality empire, Doughnut Time is now set to return — under new owners and managers, with six new shops on the horizon. Doughnut Time will start slinging its wares across Australia's east coast, the brand announced on Facebook. Expect decadent circles of baked and fried dough to pop up in the Myer Centre and at South Bank in Brisbane; Degraves Lane, Hawthorn and Fitzroy in Melbourne; and Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. That's just for starters — Sydney is also expected to nab a new store or two in 2019, and Melburnians can expect a couple more as well. Since announcing the comeback, the company has pushed the original August opening date to the end of September, but still no stores are open. With any luck, the mint green doors will fling open before the end of the year. With the chain now overseen by Queensland entrepreneur Peter Andros, Doughnut Time is eager to put the brand's past behind it — a situation that not only saw its previous stores shuttered without warning, but left many of its staff unpaid. "We think what happened to past employees is unacceptable," the company wrote on Facebook. "We encourage any previous workers who have not yet done so to reclaim unpaid wages by contacting the Department of Jobs and Small Business. We believe many Australians missed Doughnut Time and when we saw it was up for sale, we jumped at the opportunity to bring it back." Fans and sugar fiends should prepare their tastebuds for a dose of the old and the new when the fresh batch of stores start cooking up a storm. Hit flavours like the Cate Blanchett (a milk chocolate doughnut covered in Tim Tam pieces) have been teased on social media, as have new vegan, gluten free, high protein, low sugar and keto options. For more information, keep an eye on Doughnut Time's website and Facebook page. Updated: October 10, 2018.
Some days, don't you just want to run off and join a cult? That's the done thing in the movies, at least. From The Wicker Man to Kill List and Martha Marcy May Marlene to Sound of My Voice, creepy collectives led by charismatic figures continue to entice lost souls. One Eyed Girl is the latest effort to fall under the subgenre's sway, and to attempt to seduce its own followers. On screen, psychiatrist Travis (Mark Leonard Winter) is the troubled figure finding solace in a group, and a man, who contend to have all the answers. He's certainly ripe for the picking, his thoughts haunted by the one that got away — aka the girl he couldn't save (Katy Cheel) — and his self-medicating proving little assistance. When he spots teenager Grace (Tilda Cobham-Hervey from 52 Tuesdays) handing out flyers on the train, he initially dismisses her street preaching, but soon he's intrigued by the saviour (Steve Le Marquand) she champions. A pill-popping cry for help later, and Travis is out on the commune's farmland compound; however, their idea of salvation doesn't match his own. Off screen, first-time feature filmmaker Nick Matthews is also headed in the direction of wise heads and helping hands. The ghosts of cult films past linger over his moody debut, from the stereotypical characters to the just as typical power struggles. The sceptical newcomer, the adoring devotee and the commanding leader — we've seen all these before. We've also seen the fallout when questions are raised, and when someone refuses to comply with the status quo. Eyes are opened, and all that peace and love and believing in yourself goes out the door. And yet, while the writer/director clearly traverses familiar territory with a psychoanalysis versus natural therapy twist, he does so with confidence. After establishing his skills as a cinematographer on 2:37, as well as other various technical talents on projects such as Beautiful Kate and Wolf Creek 2, he's not so green that he's a mere disciple of similarly themed movies gone by; rather, he's heavily influenced by them. In fact, Matthews' ambitions see him taking on a couple of strands of cult stories, one an introspective journey about overcoming trauma, and the other a gung-ho thriller. Together, the two make a motivated but awkward combination, the movie never quite convincingly shifting from simmering anguish to all-out aggression. Sluggish pacing doesn't help, dragging through the first half and then rushing through the second. What does work is the film's unrelenting intensity. It clicks into gear with the opening shot and shows no signs of fading. One Eyed Girl always looks the moody part, whether roaming over icily shot city buildings or relishing the warmth of the countryside in contrast. It also simmers with tension even with its predictable plot, with the determined cast deserving much of the credit. They know what kind of movie they're in, and they play their parts perfectly. Their efforts — and Matthews' assurance — might only result in an okay addition to the fold, but it is one sure to be accepted by worshippers of cult films.
Melbourne's tram network has been hit by a stack of stoppages over the last six months, as the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) takes regular strike action in response to failed negotiations with Yarra Trams. The two groups have been locked in an ongoing dispute as the RTBU tries to wrangle a better wage deal and improved working conditions for tram staff. But, it seems the two are no closer to reaching an agreement, with news the city can expect eight more tram strikes in the coming weeks. The RTBU yesterday announced plans to hold six new four-hour stoppages across March, with tram staff taking industrial action from 10am–2pm on Tuesday, March 3, Thursday, March 5, Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13, and between 12–4pm on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15. These new strikes are in addition to the two already planned for February 17 and 20 next week. https://www.facebook.com/publictransportvictoria/photos/a.963686763667384/2837241332978575/?type=3&theater According to the union, the newly announced industrial action comes in response to Yarra Trams' plans to up its part-time tram staff and reduce the number of full-timers, and, as a result, reducing how much overtime and penalty it pays. It's a move the RTBU says would slash staff take-home pay by up to $9.69 million per year, or an average of around $7000 for each full-time driver. This new round of tram stoppages is likely to cause some chaos for those travelling to and from the Formula One Australian Grand Prix, which runs from March 12 to 15. And it's not the first time Melbourne sports fans have had to deal with the fallout from the RTBU's strikes — last month saw two earlier tram stoppages coincide with the Australian Open finals. During the tram strikes, Public Transport Victoria suggests commuters defer all non-essential travel and consider alternative modes of public transport. Trains, buses and V/Lines will be running as normal during the industrial action, but may be extra busy. To plan your trip, check the PTV website. With negotiations still under way, it's possible none or some of the strikes will go ahead. We'll let you know either way. Tram strikes are expected to run from 10am–2pm on February 17 and 20, from 10am–2pm on Tuesday, March 3, Thursday, March 5, Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13, and from 12-4pm on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15. To plan alternative transport during these times, head to the PTV website. Image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria
If the humble hot chip is your side dish of choice, then oh boy, have we found your ultimate midweek feed. Windsor's Neptune Food and Wine have just launched a chip-tastic new weekly offering, involving all-you-can-eat fries. The restaurant is now celebrating each and every Tuesday with endless frites, dishing up free-flowing fries on a selection of its signature dinner dishes. Opt for the jus-drizzled duck breast or scotch fillet steak, and your plate comes teamed with those unlimited frites for an easy $35. Otherwise, you could have your non-stop chippies served alongside the fish of the day with house-made tartare ($30) or the vegan-friendly eggplant parma ($25). And if you're looking to wash down those crispy potato sticks with something equally delicious, the bar's popping magnums of wine to pour by the glass, in addition to its usual drinks offering.
Beer festivals usually follow a familiar template. Attendees wander between different brewery stalls, taste beer, buy beer, drink beer and talk about beer with brewing experts. Then, they drink more beer. And, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that — when something works, it works. Running from 12pm on Sunday, July 26, Flow Festival is adding a few differences to the above formula. Firstly, it's happening online. Also, joining in the virtual fun is free. Most importantly, however, this fest is all about alcohol-free craft brews. Whether you're doing Dry July, you're not actually that fond of boozy beverages all the time, you just can't do another hangover or you have health reasons for avoiding the sauce, you'll find plenty of inspiration at this debut event — with breweries such as Sobah, Upflow Brewing Collective, Holsten and Coopers celebrating and showcasing their alcohol-free IPAs, stouts and pilsners. Folks from Sobah, Upflow and Coopers will also join a panel discussion about beer sans booze, if you're eager to find out more about the topic. And, yes, you can still drink along. It is still a beer fest, after all. Flow Festival is also doing $160 festival packs (which contain 48 cans of alcohol-free beer) that you can order in advance and sip your way through on the day — including in guided tastings run by the brewers themselves. Flow Festival runs from 12pm on Sunday, July 26 — and while streaming along is free, registration is required.
Not much beats a hearty bowl of pasta on a chilly, Melbourne winter night. Except, of course, a bowl of pasta that also happens to be bottomless. And there are plenty of those to go around this season, thanks to Fatto Cantina's indulgent new daily pasta offering. All through June, the riverside Italian eatery is welcoming the frosty season by dishing up $30 unlimited serves of this Italian classic, available from 7.30pm on weekdays and from noon on weekends. And some of Head Chef James Kummrow's best-loved pasta dishes will be getting a look in on this lineup. You might fancy twirling your fork through tagliatelle with red wine-braised beef shin, pickled chillies and parsley, or maybe the spaghettini aglio e olio starring garlic, chilli and pangrattato. There's also a classic rigatoni all' amatriciana with pancetta, tomato, red onion and pecorino, while orecchiette comes teamed with broccoli, anchovy, chilli and garlic. That $30 gets you two hours to enjoy as much pasta as you can handle, though keep in mind that everyone on the table has to be taking part in the deal. Bottomless pasta is available from 7.30pm Monday–Friday and midday Saturday and Sunday. Image: Simon Shiff.
Active Child is my 'night walking' music. That full ethereal voice, those hypnotic synth-laden hooks, and the harp — oh, the harp. It perfectly suits that surreal yet peaceful journey between your last pint, the cold wind, and a warm bed. But as much as I love these intimate headphone sessions, this performance at the Melbourne Recital Centre is going to be a much more impressive spectacle. Active Child's live recordings really showcase the talents of lead man, Pat Grossi, and his technical prowess is sure to deliver an enriching and ethereal performance when translated to a big stage. In a Melbourne Festival exclusive, he will also be premiering tracks from his unreleased second album, as well as old favourites from 2011's You Are All I See. Supported by local talent Oliver Tank, this will be a show to tell your friends about — and maybe relive through your iPod on the walk home.
It has been a couple of years since The Jungle Collective first started taking over Australian warehouses and slinging plenty of plants, all thanks to its huge sales in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. These leafy excuses to fill your home with greenery always have a bit of a celebratory vibe, so the outfit's next Victorian outing should come as no surprise — it's hosting a Plant Party En Blanc in Abbotsford. While all of those gorgeous green babies are the main attraction — and more than 150 varieties of them, too — browsing and buying while listening to tunes and maybe having a bit of a boogie isn't something you get to do every day. And it's happening twice, across the two days of Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3. This time round, the plant focus of the sale is variegated species — those very pretty two-toned green babies that often have white and green patterns on their leaves. You'll pick up everything from fiddle leafs and monsteras to giant birds of paradise and rubber trees, as well as oh-so-many ferns and hanging plants. You'll also be able to shop for designer pots, get expert advice from the horticulturalists onsite, listen to jungle tunes and even nab a $5 discount if you show up in white (hence the 'en blanc' in the event's name). While entry is free, you'll need to secure a ticket to head along — with one- and two-hours sessions held between 10am–2pm on Saturday and Sunday. New plants will be released for each time slot, too. Image: Alexander Cohen.
Forget about cheese and chardonnay, or vodka and caviar — this month, Blackhearts & Sparrows wants to put a new must-try food and booze pairing on your radar. The boutique drinks shop is throwing a party dedicated to the perfect partnership of chicken and gamay. On Sunday, September 11, you're invited to celebrate this dynamic duo with an all-day tasting fest at Blackhearts' event space Perry's. And manning the rotisserie, you'll catch none other than certified chicken king, Morgan McGlone — cofounder of Belle's Hot Chicken and the mind behind Sydney's roast chook haven Sunday. [caption id="attachment_845503" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Perry's[/caption] To match the plates of juicy chicken (or mushrooms, if that's your jam) that'll be flying hot off the coals, Blackhearts is pulling together an equally juicy lineup of gamay wines to showcase on the day. A bunch of local producers will be coming in to pour you their latest iterations of the French variety, starring alongside plenty of beaujolais and wines from across the Loire Valley. Tickets are $45, which'll get you a plate of food, plus tastings of all the day's wines. You'll be able to purchase more wines from the bar, too. [caption id="attachment_844305" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Perry's[/caption] Top Image: Ollie Hodgkins
This year, the Cannes Film Festival hosted a complete television series screening for the first time in its 70 year history. The occasion was the world premiere of Top of the Lake: China Girl, a mystery series written and directed by Academy Award winner Jane Campion. Now, the series is finally set to premiere in Australia, first at the Sydney Opera House on August 1 and then at the Melbourne International Film Festival on August 5 — where they'll show all six glorious episodes back-to-back. The series, which has scored Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, stars Elisabeth Moss (Madmen, Truth), Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Nicole Kidman (Big Little Lies, The Hours, Moulin Rouge!). It follows the story of Detective Robin Griffin (Moss), who recently returned to Sydney and is searching for the killer of a body that washed up on Bondi Beach. The special screening will show season two in its entirety for the first time since Cannes, running in three two-hour sessions — popcorn breaks excluded. The event will be followed by a Q and A with Campion, her co-writer Gerard Lee and director Ariel Kleiman (Partisan) at the Comedy Theatre on August 6. Pre-sale tickets are currently available for members, with general public tickets on sale this Friday, July 14. For more information, visit the MIFF website.
Local fashion brand Ryder is gearing up for a four-day warehouse sale that'll see its charming Aussie clothing on offer at up to 70 percent-off. The sale will run from November 29–December 2, with the shop open from 8am–7pm each day. The Melbourne-based women's store is known for its casual ware, denim wardrobe and comfy designer basics; think denim dresses and skirts, block-colour shirts and a smattering of floral prints. Expect to see some extremely well-priced sample pieces, past season items and vintage items on the shelves — with prices starting as low as $20. If you're lucky (and early) you might even be able to snag a couple of the label's much-loved t-shirts covered in hand-drawn illustrations of Aussie flora. This is a rare opportunity to revamp your wardrobe with some locally made designer items without paying the high price. But, to get the best picks of the bunch, best to get in early.
Rumours swirled in August and now it has been confirmed: Veronica Mars is making a small-screen comeback. The show initially lasted three seasons across 2004–2007, then set a crowdfunding record to get a movie off the ground in 2014, and even spawned two novels and a web series spin-off after that. Now, an eight-episode revival is slated to hit television screens in 2019. The teenage private eye drama will get a similar treatment to Twin Peaks — it'll be a revival featuring original cast members, rather than a new effort that remakes the same concept with different folks and starts all over again with its narrative. And yes, crucially, Ms Mars herself will return, with Kristen Bell confirmed to resume the role that brought her to fame. Bell herself announced the revival via a video on Instagram in which she says, "Veronica has always been a super hero without a Cape [sic]. And I think shes [sic] exactly what the world needs right now." Hulu, the streaming platform that turned The Handmaid's Tale into the phenomenon that it is, is behind the eight-episode new season. According to Variety, Veronica Mars creator and writer Rob Thomas (no, not that one) is also set to return — and is confirmed to be executive producing and writing the first episode. Bell will also executive produce alongside Diane Ruggiero-Wright and Dan Etheridge, who were both involved in the original seasons and film. The new season will see Neptune's favourite blonde-haired, pint-sized sleuth again solving mysteries in the seaside town. This time, however, she has been hired by the parents of a dead spring breaker to investigate a string of murders and is drawn into a power struggle between the town's wealthy elite and its working class. There's no word yet on what other big names have been signed on for the show — or which of Veronica's ex-boyfriends will re-emerge — but, given that the original show featured appearances from Amanda Seyfried, Arrested Development's Alia Shawkat and Michael Cera, Buffy's Alyson Hannigan and Charisma Carpenter, New Girl's Max Greenfield, Thor: Ragnarok's Tessa Thompson and more, you can probably expect a few familiar faces to pop up. With Hulu picking up the revival, we're not sure when Veronica Mars 2.0 will be hitting Aussie and NZ TV screens. As it's slated to debut in 2019, we're hoping it won't take long to head down under. We'll update as soon as we know more. Via Variety.
When the middle of October hits, celebrating Japan by actually heading to the country will be back on the agenda, with the Asian nation's strict border rules finally relaxing. Can't make the trip ASAP? Fancy getting your Japanese thrills in a cinema instead — or until you can hop on a plane? Then Australia's annual touring Japanese Film Festival has timed its return well. As it does every year, this year's JFF has compiled a selection of must-see recent and retro Japanese movies, and will take its lineup to Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. There's two parts, both coming to all locations except Western Australia: a classics series, showing iconic films on 35mm; and a rundown the latest and greatest flicks the country has to offer. When it does the rounds between Saturday, November 5–Wednesday, December 14, the 2022 fest will open with historical drama Dreaming of the Meridian Arc, which hops between present-day Japan and the Edo period to tell the tale behind the man who completed the first-ever map of Japan. Also a huge highlight: the retro season's focus on filmmaker Mikio Naruse, with 1954's Sound of the Mountain, 1960's When a Woman Ascends the Stairs and 1964's Yearning on the bill — and showing for free. Back to the recent titles (and the paid part of the program), standouts include psychological thriller Lesson in Murder, which starts when a college student gets a letter from a serial killer on death row; drama In the Wake, about the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011; and the animated Blue Thermal, with the world of competitive gliding soaring onto the screen. Anime Supremacy! is unsurprisingly focused on characters who live and breath anime production; Baby Assassins gives battling the yakuza (and being hitmen) a kawaii spin, and culinary documentary The Pursuit of Perfection follows top Tokyo chefs Takemasa Shinohara (Ginza Shinohara), Natsuko Shōji (Été), Yōsuke Suga (Sugalabo) and Takaaki Sugita (Sushi Sugita). JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL 2022 DATES: Canberra: Special series: November 5–6 at NFSA Latest releases: November 16–20 at Palace Electric Perth: Latest releases: November 21–27 at Palace Raine Square Brisbane: Special series: Friday, November 11–Sunday, November 20 at QAGOMA Latest releases: Wednesday, November 23–Sunday, November 27 at Palace Barracks Melbourne: Latest releases: Wednesday, November 30–Sunday, December 4 at The Kino Special series: Friday, December 2–Sunday, December 4 at ACMI Sydney: Latest releases: Wednesday, December 7–Sunday, December 11 at Palace Central, Palace Norton Street and Palace Verona Special series: Monday, December 12–Wednesday, December 14 at The Chauvel The 2022 Japanese Film Festival tours Australia between Saturday, November 5–Wednesday, December 14. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website. Images: Baby Assassins Film Partners / Blue Thermal Film Partners / AOI Pro/TY Limited.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled their 2015 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off on the ANZAC Day long weekend and travel through Oakbank, Bunbury, Bendigo, Canberra, Maitland, and Townsville. This year's lineup sees syper-hyped internationals like the legendary Peaches, 'Boom Clap'-per Charli XCX, A$AP Mob's A$AP Ferg US trap king RL Grime, UK indie-gazers Peace and NZ festival favourites Broods alongside one of the most Aussie-heavy lineups GTM has seen in recent years. High-fiveworthy locals like Flight Facilities, The Preatures, Sticky Fingers, Hermitude, DMAs, Tkay Maidza, Ball Park Music, Meg Mac and more will also make their way to the Moo. So enough lowing, here's that lineup you're after. GROOVIN THE MOO 2015 LINEUP: A$AP FERG (USA) BALL PARK MUSIC BROODS (NZ) CARMADA CHARLI XCX (UK) THE DELTA RIGGS DMAs FLIGHT FACILITIES HERMITUDE HILLTOP HOODS HOT DUB TIME MACHINE MEG MAC NORTHLANE ONE DAY PEACHES (CAN) PEACE (UK) THE PREATURES RL GRIME (USA) SAN CISCO SASKWATCH STICKY FINGERS TKAY MAIDZA WOLFMOTHER YOU ME AT SIX (UK) GROOVIN THE MOO 2015 DATES & VENUES: Saturday, April 25 – Oakbank Sunday, April 26 – Bunbury Saturday, May 2 – Bendigo Sunday, May 3 – Canberra Saturday, May 9 – Maitland Sunday, May 10 – Townsville For more info, head to GTM's website. Image: Joseph Mayers, GTM.
