The films of one of the most influential directors in motion picture history will be the subject of a special retrospective coming to Melbourne's ACMI this year. Curated by beloved film critic and former Sydney Film Festival director David Stratton, the Essential Kurosawa lineup will showcase ten iconic films from Japan's legendary Akira Kurosawa, including several efforts that could contest the title of greatest film of all time. The retrospective — which is a collaboration between Sydney Film Festival, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne, and the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra — will span almost the full length of Kurosawa's incredible career, from his groundbreaking Rashomon (1950) to his sweeping feudal war epic Ran (1985). Further highlights include Seven Samurai (1954), The Hidden Fortress (1958), Yojimbo (1961) and Kagemusha (1980). A number of titles will screen on specially imported 35mm film prints courtesy of The Japan Foundation and Toho Co. "The best of Kurosawa's films possess a grandeur combined with a common touch," said Stratton in a statement accompanying the announcement. "No-one filmed action scenes like he did – his use of multiple cameras, long lenses and intricate editing combined to make these sequences unforgettable."
Got a penchant for pretty penmanship and a fondness for ink flourishes? Load up on inspiration and learn handwriting tips and tricks from the experts, at Melbourne's inaugural CalliCon event this weekend. Organised by five young local calligraphers whose handiwork has probably graced your Instagram feed on many an occasion, the event takes over Richmond's Inspire 9 coworking space on October 14 and 15. The program of demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions is designed to delight any calligraphy-curious folk, from beginners right through to more practiced pen artists, as the artform continues to make a serious comeback worldwide. Each CalliCon visitor will take home a goodie bag of treats, complete with one of Pilot Pen's famous Parallel Pens to help you hone your craft. Grab your CalliCon ticket and sign up for workshops here.
If you fancy channelling your inner Snoop Dogg this summer, it's time to get acquainted with The Bridge Hotel's new Gin & Juice pop-up. The Richmond pub's teamed up with iconic gin producer Tanqueray to transform its laneway and front bar into the ultimate summer drinking destination, celebrating all things gin from January 19 to March 11. And it all launches in style with a free 'Gin & Juice' party on Thursday, February 8. To lubricate the summery celebrations, there'll be six specialty Tanqueray cocktails on offer, starring all sorts of juicy infusions. Go for a classic, like the gin with freshly pressed apple juice, or get adventurous with the fruity combination of Tanqueray 10, pineapple, lemon and pineapple pok pok. Or you can keep your cool with one of Popstic's gin-infused sorbets or icy poles. Rounding out the fun, there'll be DJ tunes, games and an assortment of free snacks showcasing the best of the pub's summer function menus. And while none of it will cost you a cent, RSVPing is essential to gain entry. Image: Brook James
For proof that Australia's cocktail game is world-class, look no further than the calibre of the international mixology stars lining up to play on our turf. In 2015, it was New York's famous speakeasy Please Don't Tell, taking over the bar at Fitzroy's acclaimed cocktail haunt The Black Pearl. Then Sydney Bar Week 2016 saw The Everleigh in Melbourne and Sydney's Henrietta Supper Club each play host to pop-ups by Asia's best bar, 28 Hongkong Street. Now it's time for one of the world's most famous hotel bars to make its way Down Under. The American Bar, which is located at London's Savoy Hotel, will take over The Black Pearl on October 15–16. As England's longest surviving cocktail bar, The American Bar has quite the pedigree — in the last year alone, it's scooped the title of Best Bar in Europe at the World's 50 Best Bars awards and seen its team voted Best International Bar Team by Tales of the Cocktail. Backed by the creators of local coffee liqueur Mr Black (who are behind the Espresso Martini Festival in Sydney and Melbourne), this Aussie adventure gives The American Bar the opportunity to showcase some of its own caffeinated mixology magic. At the helm will be senior bartender and World Coffee In Good Spirits champion Martin Hudak, as he treats local audiences to American Bar signatures like the Green Park, the Black Diamond and the Hanky Panky. It's not a ticketed event, so you'll have to be there when the doors open at 6pm each night for the best chance of scoring a seat.
It's time to break out your best 50s threads and your most electrifyin' moves, because Brunswick's Howler is stepping back in time to deliver its own version of Grease's 1959 Rydell High Dance. On Saturday, August 4, you'll have the chance to live out a few adolescent fantasies, as you channel your inner Sandy or Danny and roll around Howler's high school gym with all the other cheerleaders, jocks and Pink Ladies. As for the night's soundtrack, Melbourne-born supergroup The Beauty School Drop Outs will be serving up wall-to-wall Grease hits, followed by DJ Cassette Walkman with a set full of 1950s classics. Tickets to this high school dance-off are on sale from midday, June 29.
Give Melburnians an occasion, and they'll show their love for cheese in all of its creamy, gooey, rare and stinky forms. Add some delicious wine, beer and cider to the table and you've got one heck of an afternoon. Setting up shop at the magnificent Werribee Mansion once again, Fromage a Trois Cheese Festival is back to pair the former with the latter. Here, showcasing Australian artisan cheesemakers is on the agenda — and they'll be displaying their tasty wares for you to sample and inevitably take home by the wheel-load. For those after a filling array of dairy goodness, you'll want to head to the 'Build Your Own Picnic' pavilion — where you can stock up on wine, beer, cider, spirits and, of course, many, many cheeses. And if you're particularly interested in the process behind the practice, there'll be demonstrations and meet-the-maker sessions, so you can stock up on tips for your own cheesemaking adventures. Fromage a Trois Cheese Festival takes place on March 24, with early bird tickets currently available for $37 (plus booking fee). As well as entry and plenty of samples, attendees will receive their own festival glass to keep. Once the first batch of tix have been snapped up, this cheesy day (in the best possible way) will set you back $45. Fromage a Trois will run from 11am–6pm.
A former resident of Collingwood's Schoolhouse Studios that now lives entirely online, The Plant Exchange is only tiny, but it's working a downright hefty range of greenery. Amongst its curation, you'll find a diverse, oft-changing lineup of plants, with a special focus on rare, unusual and collector varieties. The online store is also stocked with an assortment of pretty pots, including colourful additions from the Melbourne-made Mr Kitly self-watering line. Local delivery is available to addresses within 10 kilometres of Collingwood, or you can arrange for express postage. And as an added bonus, owners Jane Lloyd and Michael Chester are both horticulturalists, so they're good to answer all of your burning plant queries and help you totally ace the whole plant parenthood gig.
Do you like the Melbourne Festival, but find you don’t fit in with the crowd? Are you a little too young and way too poor? Well, Mudfest may be the thing for you. Initiated in 1990 — where it basically consisted of a few drama geeks shouting Shakespeare across the quad — Mudfest has since grown into the largest student-run arts festival in the country. This year’s theme, Make it New!, has brought an impressive array of theatre, film, art, and music to the festival. Live art is an especially exciting feature of the lineup with interdisciplinary works such as Conjunct and Blindness exploring the experiential elements of performance and reception. Audiences can look forward to vibrant light shows in galleries, and engulfing darkness in underground carparks. The theatre on offer is equally as outlandish. The (very) original work Gaga & Assange will deliver an unexpected on-stage romance, and Man Zoo will tell the surreal story of a time when naked men are kept captive in enclosures. There may not be any actual mud at this festival, but there will be full-frontal nudity and cheap beer. When it comes to student arts festivals, what more could you want? Check out the full Mudfest program here. Image: Sarah Walker
This week, Narre Warren arts precinct Bunjil Place is showing off its night owl side, with the next instalment of its Night Mode series. Kicking off from 6pm on Thursday, April 7, Night Mode: Cycle of Life Edition is set to deliver a tasty after-hours program of food, drinks, music, art and talks. You'll score late-night access to the current exhibition One Foot on the Ground, One Foot in the Water, which offers a compelling exploration into the ways in which we hold onto or let go of death. From 6pm, you can unleash your inner creative at a jewellery workshop guided by designer Vivian Qiu, who'll show you how to craft sentimental pieces from rice fabric. Meanwhile, a live DJ set by Simona Castricum will have you grooving into the night; S.A Vandoort will showcase his surrealist portrait pieces in the Look Into My Eyes exhibition; and holistic funeral director Bonita Ralph sets out to break down taboos around talking about death with a reflective conversation pop-up, Death Cafe. Bunjil Place's cafe and bar will be serving until 9pm, but you can also pre-order a range of picnic packs and hampers to enjoy while kicking back in the plaza. Entry to Night Mode: Cycle of Life Edition is free, though you'll need to register online for a spot. Top Images: Paoli-Smith
The government may have ditched the $7 GP co-payment, but Australia’s current health care system still leaves a lot to be desired. In fact it’d almost be funny, if your life didn’t literally depend on it. But you should at least get some laughs out of satirical musical Grey’s Lobotomy, a cheesy but high energy production set in a grim public hospital that skewers patients, doctors and administrators alike. Opening at St Kilda’s Alex Theatre on Friday, July 10, this new show from local writer-director Xavier Brouwer follows Nurse Victoria Grey as she fights off penny-pinching bureaucrats, lascivious coworkers, uncooperative patients and The Grim Reaper himself. The show features 14 original songs including a show stopping number about bed shortages, an all-singing all-dancing cast featuring at least one actual doctor, and earned strong reviews during an early run at RMIT’s Kaleide Theatre. That being said, anyone currently battling illness should probably steer well clear. For more information, visit www.greyslobotomy.com
Over the last few years, we've seen a certain literary crime-solver follow the action-packed route with Robert Downey Jr, then stalk around modern-day London as Benedict Cumberbatch, and head to America in the guise of Jonny Lee Miller. We've seen Sherlock Holmes in his prime, puzzling over clues and cracking cases. We've seen him save the day, struggle against a nemesis or two and even shoulder a few rough patches. What we haven't seen is the famous "elementary!"-exclaiming figure later in life — well, until now that is. Enter Mr. Holmes, an effort that explores what comes next for the cantankerous detective with the brilliant analytical mind. Set in 1947 and adhering to the original timeline for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's creation, the latest filmic take on the ace investigator sees him older, wiser and a little worse for wear. His deductive skills still put others to shame, but his 93-year-old memory is failing. After a trip to Japan, Sherlock (Ian McKellen) returns to his seaside farmhouse buoyed with hope that he's found the answer to his ailing state; yet even his great intellect can't conjure a solution to getting long in the tooth. As he attempts to gather his wits to write his own version of his last-ever case, he shares his knowhow with Roger (Milo Parker), the young son of his housekeeper (Laura Linney), with the boy eager to learn everything he can from his idol. Watson might be absent, and Baker Street isn't a primary place of interest, but no rendering of the legendary detective would be complete without a cryptic situation (or several) to unravel. Just don't expect a traditional whodunit, because that's what this film is not. Piecing together the tale Holmes is jotting down — as well as the secretive details of his recent overseas jaunt — actually prove the feature's least intriguing parts. In a film that's more character study than mystery, the real enigma in need of untangling is Sherlock himself. Other recent screen incarnations have fleshed out the person behind the reputation, though not in such a delicate and delightful fashion as McKellen's hobbling, grumbling curmudgeon. His super sleuth isn't just a formidable brain packaged with some unsociable traits; he's a fragile elderly man facing a short future while looking back on a life he's no longer all that certain about. It feels fitting, then, that director Bill Condon lets his star steal the show in their second collaboration after 1998's acclaimed Gods and Monsters. In adapting Mitch Cullin's novel A Slight Trick of the Mind and trawling through its driving theme of accepting mortality, the filmmaker hones in not just on matters of the busy head, but those of the unfulfilled heart — and he has the perfect lead for the job. Condon also boasts a fine eye for the warm hues needed to colour Mr. Holmes' interpretation of the icon's golden years, and a feel for the stately rhythm required for what amounts to a hero's last chapter. Yes, his film is old in its protagonist and old-fashioned in its nature, but it's also an elegant, enjoyable alternative to the recent spate of rousing revisionist takes. That dispelling myths about the fictional hero becomes the film's running joke speaks to the vibe he's going for — and when it comes to Sherlock on screen, it's a vibe that's more than welcome.
When you've adapted one integral part of everyone's childhood for adults, what do you do next? Set your sights on another, naturally. After serving up some of Caulfield North's finest burgers for the last couple of years — and offering up the type of jaffles and shakes you definitely didn't get at school from inside its retro-styled, blackboard-adorned interior — the Tuck Shop Take Away crew have now opened their own milk bar. Setting up shop at 261 Hawthorn Road just down from their first joint, Karton Milk Bar keeps things old school with fridges filled with frosty drinks, a focus on signature frozen treats and an NBA Jam arcade game in the corner. Now that should bring back some memories. So will the kind of sweet deal you probably haven't seen in decades: $1 bags of mixed lollies. The idea is that hungry folks can grab a burg up the road, then wander down to pick up a house-made slushie, basic pantry supplies, a hot pie if you're still hungry — and flavoured milk, of course. As for those chilled desserts, expect icy poles, ice cream sandwiches and take-home tubs of ice cream. Yep, that's what milk bars are for. Find Karton Milk Bar at 261 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, open from 10am to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday. Check out their Facebook page or Instagram feed for more details.
This year's edition of the Melbourne Writers Festival is headed to a device near you. Taking place entirely online, MWF 2020 is set to hit screens from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 16, with a roll-call of literary greats in tow. And, thanks to a new pay-what-you-can format, this annual celebration of words is as accessible as ever. The program is packed full of virtual events, ranging from talks and conversations to workshops and podcasts, hosted by voices both familiar and new. The MFW Gala takes the form of a women-led meeting of minds, with words from the likes of actor and screenwriter Michelle Law, award-winning novelist Favel Parrett and 2020 Stella Prize-winner Jess Hill, hosted by author and commentator Jamila Rizvi. Renowned writers, including Christos Tsiolkas (The Slap, Barracuda) and Helen Garner (Monkey Grip, Joe Cinque's Consolation), reflect on their own experiences of the last few months for new conversation series Read All About It, while former Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Malcolm Turnbull each host a talk discussing their respective new books. Elsewhere, you'll dive into some real-life lockdown love conundrums courtesy of the Take It From Me panel (and, yes, you can submit your own conundrum), reflect on the Uluru Statement with Torres Strait Islander writer Thomas Mayor, hear from Gamilaroi/Dunghutti writer Marlee Silva on her book showcasing the voices of First Nations women, and enjoy a lively sit down with Crazy Rich Asians author Kevin Kwan. To access each MWF event, you'll need to book a ticket online for $0, $5, $10, $20 or $50 — depending on what you can afford.
In the spirit of NAIDOC Week, which this year runs from Sunday, July 3–Sunday, July 10, Arts Centre Melbourne is set to deliver a jam-packed program of special events paying homage to the history, culture and country of First Nations artists and communities. The lineup launches on July 3 with a Sunday market showcasing goodies from First Nations businesses including Clothing The Gaps, Haus of Dizzy and The Koori Circle. It'll also host a series of free workshops diving into arts like songwriting, hip hop dance and feather-flower-making — you can secure your spot online. Right throughout NAIDOC Week, the Arts Centre building will be graced with artworks by First Nations artists like Bri Pengarte Apma Hayes, Jacinta Keefe and Tiffany Garvie. And you can catch Ancestral Memory — a compelling digital projection about the Spirit Eel by Maree Clarke (Mutti Mutti/Yorta Yorta/BoonWurrung/Wamba Wamba) and nephew Mitch Mahoney (BoonWurrung/Barkinji) — lighting up the facade of Hamer Hall for the month of July. Also on the NAIDOC Week bill are a slew of sonic treats, including MSO-backed concerts with Electric Fields (July 7) and Spinifex Gum (July 9). And on July 10, Songlines' concert Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up & Shake a Leg takes over the Fairfax Studio, assembling music legends like Alice Skye, Soju Gang, Yung Warriors, Aunty Zeta and Bart Willoughby. [caption id="attachment_859302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Spinifex Gum[/caption] Top Image: Archie Roach, by Jacinta Keefe (whose work will be displayed across the Arts Centre facade during NAIDOC Week).
Tiny CBD drinks haven Yarra Falls is celebrating its first birthday this month — with not just one party, but a whole slew of celebrations. And next on the agenda is a special collaboration edition of its Silver Moon Sundays live music series. From 6pm on Sunday, February 26, it's teaming up with Fitzroy cocktail haunt Ends & Means for a tune-filled party that's heavy on 70s trash-country vibes. Which means you should bust out your finest tight denims and get set for sparkly disco balls aplenty. Catalonia-born guitarist Guillem Camós will be soundtracking the evening's fun, promising exactly the kind of danceable tunes you need to send out the final weekend of summer in style. Courtesy of Ends & Means, there'll be cocktail specials to match — including a rum slushie dubbed the Ocka Colada, a reworked Clover Club featuring strawberry gum, and a whisky highball pairing 78 Degrees with native curry herb. Entry is free — though, with space at Yarra Falls being tight, we recommend getting in early.
The Drones are one of those inexhaustible local classics that have come to characterise so many times in our lives. The grisly 14-hour road trip when you played Jezebel on repeat through barren farmlands, that summer house party that drenched you in Carlton Draught and got The Minotaur stuck in your head for a week. With their gritty rock sensibility and Gareth Liddiard's iconic Aussie twang, this is a band that always seem to sound like home. After touring internationally all year, this is the start of a home-run tour to launch their raucous second single, A Moat You Can Stand In off their sixth studio album, I See Seaweed. Like so many of their tracks, the brutal and unrelenting style of the garage-rock sound is offset by some surprisingly nuanced and finely-crafted lyrics. Surprising, only if you don't know the band, really. Liddiard has long been lauded as one of Australia's best storytellers, and this new album proves he hasn't lost his touch. Though it's been awhile between drinks — their last release was 2008's much-loved Havilah — it's great to see The Drones strike back with an album that takes their customary dark fables to a finessed and exciting new level. I See Seaweed is already nominated for the 2013 Australian Music Prize and the band's dance card is pretty full with this national tour followed by the Harvest Festival in November. Hype of the new album aside, when it comes down to it, The Drones are just an excellent band to see live. You should get a pint of the nastiest beer on tap, work your way to the front, and let Gareth Liddard's errant spit rain down on you as the band cements itself, once again, as one of the strongest forces in Australian rock.
Mischa Tropp's travelling South Indian kitchen is making a special cameo appearance to put a little pep in your step this week. This Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21, We Are Kerala is set to take over the CBD's Pope Joan while the eatery is closed for lockdown. The takeaway pop-up is set to hero a much-loved culinary favourite: butter chicken. Tropp will be firing up Pope Joan's woodfired grill to dish up a special $30 menu, starring his signature butter chicken curry along with a vegetarian-friendly paneer version. Also included with each feed are classic sides like saffron cumin rice, a dal makhani, raita, pickled onions and naan. To claim your curry, jump online and pre-order before Thursday night, August 19. You'll then be able to pick up your feast from the restaurant between 12–3pm on Friday and Saturday, or opt for $15 delivery to select local suburbs on Friday only. [caption id="attachment_822946" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Christensen[/caption] Top Image: Mischa Tropp, by Parker Blain
Visiting a vineyard is special. But getting to a winery has been somewhat challenging this year. So, to makes things a little easier for you, we're bringing wine country to your home this month with the help of our pals at Pfeiffer Wines. This September, you can join an online wine blending workshop with the expert team from Rutherglen winery Pfeiffer Wines. Throughout the 90-minute workshop, you'll get to try four classifications of internationally renowned Rutherglen muscat and two barrel samples. Then, you'll be guided through how to make your very own muscat blend with a flavour profile tailored to your taste. To ensure you've got everything you need, you'll be sent a sampling pack filled with all the essentials. Inside the kit you'll find four 30ml bottles of Rutherglen muscat, two 300ml bottles of barrel samples, a measuring cylinder, a 200ml bottle to build your own concoction in and everything else you need to make your own blend. Just make sure you book in ahead to ensure the pack arrives in time for class. Sound like a knockout way to spend knock-off drinks? Muscat Master Blender with Pfeiffer Wines will take place at 2pm, 5pm and 7pm on Weekdays throughout September. For more information and to book yourself a spot, visit the website.
Some exhibitions showcase the joy in the world and offer us a sense of wonder, but as you might have guessed from the title, that's not what's going on at Hope Dies Last. Presented at Gertrude Contemporary alongside the Margaret Lawrence Gallery at the Victorian College of the Arts, this gloomy event called upon artists to consider how a world completely devoid of optimism might look. Exploring themes of mortality, fatalism, failure and ruin, some pieces demonstrate an enduring sense of compassion, while others are simply resigned to a disastrous fate. Either way, you won't find much hope here. Proudly one of the most depressing exhibitions of the year, Hope Dies Last might just leave you more pessimistic than ever. However, the exhibition is free to attend — so that's nice. Image: 'Dead: 4 August 2027' by Mutlu Çerkez.
Whether they're delivering packages from Amazon or dropping bombs over the Middle East, drones are rapidly becoming a part of everyday life. Still, as far as we know, they've never been used in an opera — or at least they hadn't until now. Presented by Arts House and Experimenta Media Arts, Matthew Sleeth's A Drone Opera explores the social and cultural impact of unmanned aerial vehicles through an ambitious live endeavour that mixes the old with the new. On stage at Arts House for four nights only, this multimedia production features a pair of opera singers amid smoke, moving imagery and a full-blown laser show. But the most intriguing element of the show is undoubtedly the drones themselves. Designed and built by Sleeth, they'll whir around the theatre throughout the duration of the performance, a robotic presence hovering just above the crowd. Let's just hope the pilots are on top of their game.
Whether you're on the lookout for some wicked vintage clothes or just want to stuff your face full of hot jam doughnuts, the Camberwell Sunday Market is the place to go — and has been for 40 years now. Yep, one of Australia's most beloved second-hand shopping spots is celebrating its ruby anniversary. There's never been a better time to find a bargain. The market has certainly come a long way since 1976, when stallholders brought in a grand total of $531. Since then, it's grown into a full-blown local institution, raising more than $15 million for community and humanitarian charities along the way. This Sunday's edition will feature everything you've come to love about the iconic market, from food vendors to live buskers and more than 350 stalls. Regulars will know the trick is to get there nice and early, with the proverbial doors opening at the crack of dawn.
What can anybody write about the impending arrival of a legend? What's left to say? If you're not sure whether or not you should buy a ticket to see Bobby Womack, one listen to 'A Change Is Gonna Come' should sort out your indecision without further ado. Of course, some people adopt the view that performers lose their edge with age and that is the case for some, but Womack ain't one of those. Last year, upon the release of The Bravest Man in the Universe, his first album of new material since 1994, the Guardian reviewed him as "at the apex of his game". Unbelievably, this visit will be Womack's debut headline tour of Australia, and to mark it, he'll be doing his thing thoroughly, with a 13-piece band. Last week he told Beat that the timing is perfect. "I'm coming to see everybody down there at just the right time," he said. "I was green before, but I'm well-seasoned now."
Ever wanted to learn how to make proper Nonna-worthy Italian tomato sauce? Of course, it helps to have an actual Nonna on hand, or maybe some long-held family recipes, but in the absence of either, the crew at Windsor's Tipico is happy to help. The contemporary Italian eatery is wrapping up tomato season with a big nod to tradition, hosting a series of hands-on passata masterclasses. Held at the restaurant on Saturday, March 2 (this is now sold out) and the following week, March 9, the sessions will see both Head Chef Daniele Colombo and pizzaiolo Davide Fumagalli whipping out their own Nonnas' recipes to guide students through the art of turning garden-fresh tomatoes into rich, red sauce — Italiano-style. As well as cooking up a storm, you'll sit down to a plate of house-made pasta and a glass of vino, before setting off home with two bottles of your very own passata and some enviable skills to wow your next dinner party guests. Best of all, it'll only cost you $55 each.
If you're of an age to remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats because you will seriously enjoy this festival — So Freshtival. After rocking the '00s once already, So Freshtival is returning on January 5 at the Gasometer Hotel in Collingwood for a summery edition. A slick line up of millennial DJs will be playing bangers strictly of the 2000-2009 vintage. You can expect a disturbing percentage of Channel 10 alums (Australian Idol winners/losers and ex-Neighbours actors) as well as way too much Nickelback for polite company. Also, just throwing this out there: we're desperately hoping for a timely comeback of the Duff sisters duet 'Our Lips Are Sealed.' DJs include Big Rig B2B DJ Emoceans, Kit Kat, Leni + Tobi, Martin King, Minorfauna, Shelley B2B Aperol Skitz and Slick Slazenger. Tickets will set you back 13 dollarydoos and of course it's obviously 18 and over, because if you're under 18 you definitely don't know what So Fresh is. Or CDs, probably.
The place movement holds in deaf culture — often used as a substitute for sound — will be the focus on a bold new dance work presented by KAGE and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. On stage at Chunky Move from May 31 until June 10, Out of Earshot is directed by KAGE artistic director Kate Denborough, who developed the show over two years in partnership with deaf dancer Anna Seymour. Along with a trio of hearing dancers, Seymour will explore the emotion and rhythm of non-verbal language, as she moves in tandem with a live drum score from acclaimed New Zealand percussionist Myele Manzanza. "Being a jazz musician I'm always looking to find new sounds, textures and ideas in real time and in the moment," says Manzanza of the unique collaboration. "I'm excited by the new paths we are discovering when musicians and dancers work together to find a new shared language."
If you're the kind of market-goer who beelines immediately for the ceramics stall at your local makers market — and dreams of Patrick Swayze's ghost every time your hands hit the potter's wheel — then do we have just the ticket for you. After launching in August, Melbourne's ceramics-only market is holding a summer event in Collingwood. Taking place over the weekend of November 25 (10am-6pm) and 26 (10am-4pm), Melbourne Ceramics Market, or MCM, costs a gold coin to enter, showcasing handcrafted creations from over 55 different ceramicists. You can expect unique pieces (with bespoke being ever the watchword in editorial). And, if you're big into the clay world, you may have already heard of the two founders, who are ceramic artists themselves. Daisy Cooper of Daisy Cooper Ceramics and Tina Thorburn of Clay by Tina are running the market to create a retail space for other artists to sell their pieces directly to the public. You'll also find coffee trucks, doughnut stalls and plants from Fitzroy Nursery to help fuel your ceramics-buying rampage.
If you're the kind of Melburnian who dedicates the entire month of October to all things spooky, you'll want to make a date with the latest acclaimed stage show that's playing throughout the Halloween month. Ghost Stories kicked off in September but if you haven't had the chance to catch it and you're a lover of horror you better hurry because the show is wrapping up its run at Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre with the final show on Saturday, November 5. Ghost Stories is from the team who specialise in unsettling experiences: Melbourne-based Realscape Productions, who've been responsible for shipping container installations Seance, Flight and Coma, plus a number of 360-degree audio experiences. Created, written and directed by Andy Nyman (Derren Brown) and Jeremy Dyson (The League of Gentlemen), and first staged in the UK back in 2010, Ghost Stories offers exactly what its name suggests. If it sounds familiar, that's because Ghost Stories was turned into a film starring The Office and The Hobbit favourite Martin Freeman a couple of years back, also featuring Nyman as the fictional Professor of Parapsychology Phillip Goodman. [caption id="attachment_873943" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Steve Rodgers as Professor Phillip Goodman - Charles Alexander[/caption] This is the type of show where the less you know going in, the better. Audience members have been known to physically jump in their seats while they're watching, too, which is part of the point. Ghost Stories has been likened to watching a horror movie play out on stage — so if that sounds like your ideal way to spend 80 minutes, prepare to be in your element. In its Melbourne run, Ghost Stories stars Steve Rodgers (Savage River, Kenny) as Professor Phillip Goodman, and also features Jay Laga'aia, Darcy Brown and Nick Simpson-Deeks. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5osuzmPcknU[/embed] Get your spook on with Ghost Stories this spooky season, with shows running every night (except Mondays). For showtimes, tickets and more information, visit the website.
Can you think of a better way to spend a muggy, summer night than heading down to St Kilda for an outdoor movie? From February 21 to March 17, American Express is letting you do just that when it brings its outdoor cinema to Melbourne's CBD for the first time. The new Yarra Park spot is the newest location for the pop-up cinema, which is hosting outdoor events in 12 locations across Australia and New Zealand this year. Movies on these big screens will include just-released hits like award-winning Bohemian Rhapsody, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's A Star Is Born, the Jason Momoa-led Aquaman and a beefed up Christian Bale as former Vice President Dick Cheney in Vice. Fitzroy's Ladro will once again be slinging its woodfired pizza, and a bar, serving Urban Alley brews, Giesen wines, Pimm's and Black Devil Cider, will keep your thirst quenched all night long. Champagne and Haagen Dazs will also be on hand in case you want something extra after your meal. In addition, there will be 25 events across the installation, including live music performances, DJs and trivia. Oh, and it's a dog-friendly space, so you don't need to leave part of your family at home. Plus if you're an Amex user you'll get 15 percent off select tickets, plus a lounger and bites for the movie.
Three days before the album is due for its official launch in Wee Waa, Daft Punk's Random Access Memories has been leaked in full right here on iTunes (if the streaming option doesn't appear at first, keep hitting refresh). Not a bad way to start a Tuesday, but will this album ever live up to its hype? [Via Gizmodo]
Last autumn, the sweet fiends behind Victoria's hot chocolate and ice cream festivals launched a virtual month-long sugar extravaganza dedicated to sweet, nutty, marshmallowy rocky road. It replaced its usual Yarra Valley Rocky Road Festival, with the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery hosting online tasting sessions and shipping out giant boxes filled with 31 different flavours of rocky road. In 2021, the festival has been running physically — and, if you'd like to eat along at home, it's also doing deliveries again. With Victoria back in lockdown until 11.59pm on Thursday, June 3, ordering in a sweet treat might be just what Melburnians need at the moment. You have a few options — whether you're in Melbourne or elsewhere around the country. If you'd like to get the mammoth Ultimate Rocky Road Box delivered to your door, that'll set you back $110. Flavours include limoncello, Baileys, berry tiramisu, salted caramel macadamia, pretzel, neapolitan, rum and raisin and many, many more. You can check out all of them online. Elsewhere on the shop's delivery menu, you'll find pick-and-mix packs and a create-your-own option — where you can choose your favourite types of chocolate, nuts, extra nuts, marshmallows, jellies, extras and toppings. The boxes can be delivered anywhere within Australia for a flat rate of $15.
Tarantino fans, here's the event you've waited your whole Pulp Fiction-loving lives for. Northcote’s 24 Moons and Sailor Jerry are bringing you a night to remember with their first ever Tarantino Ball. It goes without saying that fancy dress of your favourite Tarantino character is essential, the tricky part is choosing just one. We’re expecting plenty of love from the Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs department, but we think dressing up outside of the box could go a long way in landing you one of many prizes for the night. The bounty for a couples costume is particularly ace, so think about pairing up for the evening — again, there's likely to be plenty of Travolta/Thurman couples, so think niche. To get you up and moving on the dancefloor, cover band The Tarantinos will be playing all your favourite songs from the auteur’s famous flicks. They’ll also be a Jack Rabbit Slims Twist Competition, a Kill Bill burlesque show by Miss Friby, a Reservoir Dogs show by Evie Red, and $5 Sailor Jerry shakes. Tickets are $20 individually, but they'll do you a good deal if you bring 87 of your crazy mates. Seriously.
Melbourne Music Week has once again delivered a delicious program of events to satisfy all musical cravings. With 110 events, 230 artists, in 60 different locations all over this musically gifted city, there sure is a lot to see over just 10 days. For lovers of local music, over 75% of the musical acts are from Victoria, which makes us both immensely proud and also excited to find a new favourite artist. With such plentiful offerings, it can be a bit tricky to know exactly where to start when sifting through the program. Our guide is here to help you choose events depending on what you want to get out of this year’s MMW, whether you want to find new music, rub shoulders with industry folk, or just party somewhere you might never get the chance to again. Party Somewhere Unusual MMW throws parties that think outside the box, and it’s a three-way tie for best party venue this year. As part of the Label Series, I OH YOU’s fourth birthday party is going to be held at Flagstaff train station, and is sure to be an underground dance party to remember. We only hope you’ve already secured yourself a ticket, this one has already sold out, and with acts such as Yacht Club DJs, Goldfields and Indian Summer DJs it’s not hard to see why. Speaking of Melbourne’s illustrious public transport, the Red Bull Music Academy Tram Jam is set to take us on an incredible musical journey too. Trams will be departing from The Espy, Howler and The Corner, and will all travel to the city to arrive on time and in style to the MMW Official Closing Party, Discolypso. Finally, the Aarght Records Swallowed By The Future party is going to be held in the Melbourne University Underground Car Park, which has a striking resemblance to Bruce Wayne’s batcave and was also featured in Mad Max. Here, you can check out Tyvek (USA), The Ooga Boogas, and just generally run amok on campus. Be Part of the Performance MMW’s Self-Made section is all about interaction and participation. We cannot go past C’mon Everyboney! where members of The Harpoons, Open Swimwear and Monnone Alone are joining forces to make one excellent super-group. The fun doesn’t stop there, they are bringing a hoard of musicians and percussive instruments along with them, and everyone in the crowd — no matter what level of musical skill you posses — will be joining in to cover some classics. Another event we won't be missing out on is the Hip Hop Hotties party, with the rap-blastin' babes dropping it like it’s hot all night long. Again, the fun doesn’t end there, the event will also include hair braiding and nail makeovers, a zine stall, secondhand clothes stalls, and a sneaker swap. This is a block party not to be missed. Rub Shoulders with Industry Folk If you want to take this opportunity for some professional and creative development, we recommend you check out the Face The Music events to meet tastemakers, radio presenters, and record label gurus. Two events in particular that have us in a tizzy include Small Rooms, Big Dreams and The Sounding Board. Small band rooms have played a big role for many of Australia’s biggest acts, and Small Rooms, Big Dreams features booking agents from venues such as Old Bar, Boney, and the Gasometer hotel discussing the importance of these venues. The Sounding Board will host a gaggle of radio presenters and record label folk, who will listen to your music and discuss how you can better your chances at being picked up by a station or label. Grab a Bite (and a Slice of the Action) The flagship venue for this year’s MMW will be The Residence, located at the lower terrace of Birrarung Marr and constructed by The Peoples Market. The Residence will host a number of events this MMW, including The Lunchbox Series, presented by Mess+Noise. It will feature tasty acts performing lunchtime jam sessions during the festival, and it won’t cost you a single cent. Check out Banoffee, Jimmy Tait, Ross Maclennan, Wintercoats and Early Woman while chowing down on some delicious grub from The Peoples Garden. Melbourne Music Week is on from November 15-24, 2013. All the details are on their website.
Hello Sailor Vintage Fair has once again teamed up with Crate Diggers Record Fair to bring you all the treasures of the 1950s to 1980s. Featuring classic clothes and records, this bi-monthly vintage fair is for those seeking quality vintage pieces without the fuss of wading through the rubbish. This is no recycled garage sale, this stuff is gold. Each of the stall holders at Hello Sailor are carefully chosen and their wares are inspected before going on sale to make sure that shoppers are getting the best gear at a very reasonable price. Everything from coats, dresses, shoes and accessories are up for grabs, as well as vintage trinkets and homely bits and bobs to give your living quarters a retro revival. Crate Diggers will be located on the second level of Bar Open, where you can find rare and original vinyl from some of Melbourne’s best collectors. They stock every musical genre including punk, soul, kraut rock, blues, bluegrass, jazz, post-punk, metal, 60s psych, garage and more. No matter obscure your taste is, they’ve got you covered.
You've got a fresh excuse to wine and dine your way through the end of winter, thanks to a new feasting initiative by restaurant booking platform TheFork. The crew's inaugural Go Fooding Month is set to run right through August, offering a stack of exclusive three-course dining experiences at partner venues across the city. And don't be surprised if you're left a little spoilt for choice. In the lineup, you'll find a variety of $49, $79 and $99 set menus, with cuisines ranging from Middle Eastern, to Southeast Asian, to classic pub grub. Some feature shared dishes, others let you fly solo, and some even include matched wines. [caption id="attachment_863494" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tulum[/caption] Down the more budget-friendly end, you can enjoy a $49 three-course feed at the likes of Turkish restaurant Lezzet or Sydney Road's Sarah Sands Hotel, while for $99, you can find yourself enjoying a top-value feed at the likes of Jishan Garden and The Meat & Wine Co. The $79 lineup is equally filled with great deals, including a tempting spread at chef Adrian Richardson's Bouvier Bar, a wine-matched Asian feast at The George on Collins and a pasta-filled affair courtesy of Mister Bianco, plus more goodness at The Victor Wine Room and Balaclava's Tulum. You can book your Go Fooding Month experience via TheFork's website or by downloading their app. [caption id="attachment_708701" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The George on Collins[/caption] Top Image: Lezzet, supplied. Meat & Wine Co, by Giulia Morlando.
The difficulty with VAMFF is always the same — where to begin? With countless runways that are set to dazzle, an exciting cultural program, and some serious networking opportunities for those in the business, there’s something for all who are fashionably inclined. The Opening Event presented by David Jones, supported by Vogue Australia, is set to be the event for those wanting to be seen, and will feature some of Australia’s strongest talent. If you’re after high fashion you cannot go past the Grand Showcase featuring the stunning work of Camilla, which will also include musical accompaniment from percussion and string members of the MSO. If innovation is what you’re after, we recommend heading to either the National Graduate Showcase or Independent Runway. Both will feature work from emerging and established designers who are looking to push boundaries and make a name for themselves within Australia’s fashion landscape. If you’re looking to get really ahead of the times, the Future Runway will be featuring work from secondary students, any one of whom could be the next big thing. If you want a little taste of a few designers in one show, then the Premium Runways are the way to go. Each show is presented by a different magazine that reflects their style and personality. Runway 1 presented by Miss Vogue has some big names walking, including Josh Goot and Maticevski. We’ve also got our eyes on Runway 3 presented by Frankie, which looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun with the likes of Kuwaii and Livia Arena taking centre stage. For more information including further events and ticketing, see the VAMFF website.
If ever there was a dance party you could take your folks to, it's Hot Dub Time Machine. While they'll get their dose of Bill Haley and the Comets, you'll get your Swifty. Over the course of one long set, Sydney DJ Tom Loud spins, mixes and mashes his way through the story of dance music — since 1954. The catch is that the entire operation is 'powered' by energy generated by the crowd. Whether you're dancing, singing, talking or yelling, you'll be helping to keep the action rolling. But if, at any point, the people's contribution drops to a level lower than that of a "fully sick party", the Hot Dub Time Machine will come to a grinding halt, meaning you'll be stuck in time — repeatedly listening to "when-ever" you've landed. First performed at the Sydney Fringe Festival 2011, Hot Dub Time Machine has since been a hit at festivals and clubs in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. He's made several appearances at Sydney Festival, Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival and St Kilda Festival, then smashed the final set at Secret Garden Festival this year. You'd better come ready to throw shapes, because this ain't no stand-still gig.
It's been five long years since the much-loved comedy variety (read: total pisstake) show The Chasers War on Everything has been on air. Since then, we've dealt with bits and pieces of the Chaser boys in the form of Yes We Canberra and The Hamster Wheel and The Hamster Decides, but rarely do these shows have the same spontaneity or gall of the original (well, except for that one time). To cure this, Chris Taylor and Andrew Hansen are taking to the stage for an Australia-wide tour of their particular brand of crazy. Because hey, Mark Scott can't make apologies for what happens in a theatre and Today Tonight are unlikely to report on it. In this live showcase of sketches and songs, Taylor and Hansen will be testing the limits of the live form and bringing all their craziest material into play. Fingers crossed for bits as good as 'The Eulogy Song' or that time Chris Taylor pretended to leave his wife on Sunrise. https://youtube.com/watch?v=dXHleozgQ18
If fossicking through vintage fashion and handcrafted ceramics is your ideal way to spend a Sunday morning, Melbourne's newest Sunday market might just be for you. Held at Brighton's Half Moon, the Social Market is a monthly event where you can browse and purchase handmade treasures from more than 25 stallholders. Unlike other markets across town, you won't need to wake up at the crack of dawn to snag a bargain, as the market doesn't kick off until 10am and it runs until sunset. Stroll through the market and check out the offerings as you enjoy live music and roving performers. For those who can't shop without coffee in-hand, Miss Fleur Coffee Van will set up shop each market day to ensure your caffeine needs are well looked after, while Colonial Brewing Co. will bring a mobile bar where shoppers can purchase an ice-cold brew. After shopping, pop into Half Moon for a bite to eat — the venue's Sunday roast option is an especially appealing way to finish the weekend. The Social Market launches on Sunday, 12 November and will run on the second Sunday of every month. Images: Harvard Wang.
"Get a little closer... Cut open my sternum and pull my little ribs around you," Megan James sings on Purity Ring's 'Fineshrine', a song so immaculate and pretty it takes a few listens for the darkness of the lyrics to come into focus. The Canadian duo revel in this kind of contrast: lush, manicured synth pop with a dark undercurrent that leaves a more unsettling afterglow. Initially formed out of Montreal indie band Gobble Gobble, Purity Ring's debut full-length Shrines ranks as one of the year's best, an immersive, swirling collection with pulsing rhythms and pockets of deceptive darkness. Touring for Golden Plains festival, the pair will also bring their live show (which includes a renowned light show courtesy of the other member, Corin Riddick).
The Melbourne Marathon Festival started back in the 70s and is a favoured annual running event for many Melburnians. This adrenaline-filled event is open for both experienced runners that are hoping to set a new PB on the fast and flat course and those less-experienced or first-timers, too. The shortest event is a three-kilometre walk, with five- and ten-kilometre courses available, too. And then, there are the half marathon and the full slog — all 42 kilometres of it. The track spans the Melbourne CBD and gives runners an opportunity to experience the city's famous landmarks in a different context — from the St Kilda beach foreshore to Flinders Street to Albert Park Lake. All races start at Birrarung Marr and end with a victory lap inside the MCG, so you can finish with the roar of the crowd. Take part on your own, as a team or with colleagues, and help raise funds for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre or a charity of your choice. Melbourne Marathon Festival will take place on Sunday, October 13. Early bird entries close on July 2. Register now to save and secure your personalised bib and have your race pack delivered straight to your door. To register, visit the website.
Melburnian foodies, clear your schedule, Taste is back for another highly flavoursome year from November 10 to 13. We've pored over the jam-packed program for you, so you can spend more time making sure you get the most out of the city's delicious, delicious annual feast — the program is bigger than ever so a little bit of foresight will go a long way. Iconic local restaurants including Cumulus Inc, Supernormal and Mamasita (along with their just-opened venture Hotel Jesus) will all have a presence at the event, as will their respective chefs. Talk about being spoiled for choice. Plus, this year Deliveroo will be onsite to facilitate delivery of your must-try dishes if you don't want to lose your picnic spot, so pre-download the app and go hard. When you're not busy stuffing your face (let's be honest, that's why you're there), visitors can also try their hand at cooking, learn how to taste like a somm, or throw shapes at the Music Hub. To be honest, it was a difficult task to whittle Taste down to just five picks, but hopefully these handy hints will help get you started. To get 30 percent off a general entry ticket, use our special code 'concrete' until November 9 on the ticket page. Happy feasting. LEARN A THING OR TWO AT A COOKING CLASS Now, Taste wouldn't be the multifaceted food festival it is without a range of cooking classes to dig into. Meat and Livestock Australia in association with Food Network are running a series of demonstrations out of their Cooks' Corner where you can learn to master meat and get over your fear of uncommon or big cuts. They'll also run you through perfect meat and wine pairings (that you can test with a complimentary canapé). There's also the Electrolux Chefs' Secrets cooking class, a hands-on class taught by chef such as Scott Pickett of Estelle. You learn to cook, and then sit down to eat your meal with matched wine. Butter producers Lurpak will also be running cooking classes and hot damn do they sound delicious. Learn how to cook butter poached fish (butter poached? Since when was that legal?) with asparagus and miso apple puree and/or steak with beurre noisette hollandaise (that's hazelnut butter hollandaise just FYI). The classes are first come, first served so make sure you're there ahead of time so you don't miss out. And maybe take some napkins to wipe up the inevitable drool. LEARN HOW TO TASTE LIKE A SOMMELIER Now you don't want to turn up to a food festival, head to the bar and ask for the cheapest plonk they've got (importantly, you will not find plonk at Taste). You'll want to be able to pair your own wines and, most importantly, boast loudly about how you can pair your own wines. But wine learnin' is a broad topic, so prepare for The Wine Society to school you with a string of workshops throughout the festival covering literally everything you'll ever need to know about wine. Learn how to pour the perfect glass of wine and how to serve it up like a pro (we're guessing that no giant, novelty glasses will be involved), how to taste wine properly and expand your palate. You'll learn how to talk about wine's texture and aroma without sounding like a fool. Best of all, the workshops are free. TRY HATTED FOOD WITHOUT A HEFTY PRICE TAG Be militaristic in your schedule to make sure you don't miss out on star dishes because there is a lot on this year. There are more hats about than the Melbourne Cup this year. Supernormal is on sashimi, sushi and imported Japanese beers duty. Grab a taste of the Cumulus Inc. menu at a fraction of the normal price, catch our favourite MasterChef serving up the food of his homeland at Gazi, check out genuine Peruvian ceviche bar Pastuso, and try high-end tapas at MoVida (no reservation required for this iteration). Bigwigs Lûmé will be in attendance serving up their artful meals with a side of virtual reality. Newcomer Fancy Hanks will be there serving up American-style barbecue (they don't have a hat, but the food sure as hell deserves one). You get the picture, this is the best chance you'll ever have to 'taste test' hatted restaurants without paying through the nose for it, so you should grab it with both hands. PICK UP A PAIRED CHEESE AND WINE BOX Let's be honest. Wine and cheese are the backbone of the food industry/our fridge and, frankly, if we could live on a humble diet of the two we'd do it in a dairy-filled heartbeat. If you relate to this statement, beeline for the Milk the Cow tent and settle in for heavy lactose action. One of Melbourne's best fromageries, MTC have designed paired cheese and wine boxes for Taste that are perfect for enjoying as a picnic on the lawn (cheeseboard and knife included). There are four varieties, so get used to to-ing and fro-ing between cheeses. DANCE OFF YOUR FOOD COMA AT THE MUSIC HUB Once you're fully sated and content to the point of smugness, wander over to the live music hub run by Nepenthe Wines and Parlour Gigs. They're putting on a huge lineup of homegrown talent whose dulcet tones will ease your bulging tummy. It's the biggest line-up of live music Taste have ever incorporated. Jazz and blues feature pretty heavily thanks to Orlando Combo, The Scrims and the Hot Swing Club, as well as the folksy stylings of Alice Syke, Rowena Wise, Charm of Finches Jim Lawrie, the Mae Trio, and Nicholas Costello. That Gold Street Sound will be jamming out to Motown while Miles & Simone and Amistat bring the feels with their narrative lullabies. Taste of Melbourne in partnership with Electrolux runs November 10 to 13 at Albert Park. Tickets and more info on the website. To get 30% off a general entry ticket, use our special code 'concrete' before November 9.
Like a monkey with a miniature cymbal, get ready to dance over and over and over and over and over. This January, Hot Chip's adding to their Sugar Mountain appearance with headline shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. Since their second album The Warning ignited floors worldwide in 2006, the British electropop five-piece have delivered one killer LP after another. In 2008 came the velvety Made in the Dark; then, in 2010, One Life Stand brought us yet more flawlessly smooth anthems, followed up by the more-ecstatic-than-Pharrell In Our Heads. When are these guys ever going to mess up? Keep waitin'. True career artists to the end (as opposed to the wave after wave of 'next big things' often flooding our radio stations), Hot Chip don't release till they're ready. So, Why Make Sense (currently out via Domino) is another cracker, with its blend of funk, punk and bittersweet lyrics.
Lighten your run with Mizuno, then lighten your spirits at the post-race Event Village. Whether you're there to beat Robert de Castella's 23-year-old record for the 10 kilometre race, blow your Personal Best out of Lake Burley Griffin or show off your onesie, the Canberra Times Fun Run team will welcome you at the starting line. Now in its 37th year, the run started as a celebration of the Times' 50th anniversary. Initially a 9.6 kilometre route starting at the Trademan's Club in Phillip, it was altered to its current 10 kilometre course in 1986 by renowned athlete Dave Cundy. There’s a 5 kilometre option for those who like to take things easy. This year, for the first time, a 14 kilometre event will form part of the program. Titled the Capital Run, it's being introduced as the City2Surf's sister run and is part of Canberra's year-long Centenary party. Parliament House, Federation Mall and Old Parliament House are all part of the landscape. Over 195 charities benefit from funds raised by participants in the Canberra Times Fun Run. Partner organisation the Heart Foundation ACT is hoping to see $75,000 worth of donations, which will go towards the continuation of the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack campaign. Runners are invited to create a fundraising webpage through Everyday Hero. Male and female winners of the the 10 kilometre and 14 kilometre races win cash prizes, with $500 going to the first place getter, $250 to the second and $125 to the third. Adidas and Rupert van Dongen are running training programmes for runners of all levels — beginners, intermediate and advanced. Early bird entry prices are available until August 23.
Step right up to the National Institute of Circus Arts, where this year’s graduates are giving new meaning to the term ‘dinner and a show.’ The fittingly-named Last Orders! will see NICA’s final year students embody the role of high-class Parisian waiters circa the early 1930s, in an evening of juggling, hula-hooping, clowning, acrobatics, trapeze, tumbling and more. Starting Wednesday, June 11 and running through to the following Friday, the two-hour extravaganza will take place at NICA’s National Circus Theatre in Prahran, showcasing the talents of 16 up-and-coming performers who have literally run away to join the circus. A fully-stocked bar should help complete the illusion of a hoity-toity French cafe. And besides, once you see the kinds of physical feats these students are capable of, you’ll almost certainly feel the need for a stiff drink.
Elwood's all-day tapas spot Repeat Offender is already a dream destination for the dietarily-challenged, with a bold Latin American-meets-Australian food offering that just happens to be entirely gluten-free. But come Wednesday, July 27, it'll be even more inclusive than ever, as it hosts a one-off vegan feast built on maximum flavour and absolutely zero animal products. The Vegan Fiesta will see you tucking into five courses of creative plant-based (and gluten-free) fare — think, creamy mushroom fricassee with garlic and thyme, a gratin-inspired riff on patatas bravas, and perhaps a rhubarb crumble with warm mezcal lime curd. The dinner clocks in at $60 per person; though for an extra $50 you can also add a drinks pairing, showcasing wines from across Central and South America. Or, you can choose your own adventure and check out the bar's offering of signature cocktails, featuring no less than nine margarita varieties.
Keen to escape your house — and the summer heat — by heading to a cinema, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball? Call the return of Cinema Nova's weekly special great timing, then. After reopening its 16 screens post-lockdown back in November, the Carlton cinema is bringing back its popular Discount Monday from January 11. It's offering up discounted tickets every week, which means you can catch box office hits and award-winning Aussie flicks for just $7 before 4pm and $10 after. Either way, it's a bargain. At the moment, you can catch the Eric Bana-starring Aussie crime-thriller The Dry, award-winning drama Babyteeth, 2020's best film Nomadland, glossy culinary documentary Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles and Christopher Nolan's mind-bending Tenet. So, there's plenty to watch if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible. With limited capacities ad allocated seating, the cinema recommends you book tickets in advance (either online or at the box office) if you want to head along. https://youtu.be/HwJhS4O_IdM
Splendour in the Grass ain't all about dancing like a proper noob to That Song You've Been Waiting For and Only You Understand. There's plenty of brain food afoot, with a big ol' program announced for this year's colossal Splendour Forum. Opinionated tweeters, keep your pants on as the Silver Fox comes to Splendour for some hardcore hashtagged debate. Q&A's Tony Jones brings his hard-hitting swagger to the Forum for a special Splendour version of Australia's favourite "NO THEY DIII-IN'T" show on the Saturday. With an all-new Forum Twilight Film Festival, Tropfest live Q and A talks and the very first Splendour Late Night Comedy Club geared up to shake up the sets this year, you might even miss Interpol and Outkast this year. Dusk hours will see A Taste of Tropfest take over the Forum, a dandy little showcase of the film festival's most memorable awww and oooh moments. Comedy enthusiasts and those who enjoy a hearty, ugly-faced chuckle should stick around after dark, as Australia's top comedians (we're talking triple j favourites Matt Okine, Tom Ballard and Mel Buttle, Good News Week’s Claire Hooper, Spicks & Specks host Josh Earl, Greg Fleet and so many, many more) make y'all laugh until a little bit of wee comes out. Writers Marieke Hardy and Michaela McGuire bring their beloved literary salon 'Women of Letters' to Splendour with Lauren Mayberry (Chvrches), Courtney Barnett, Gossling, Jennifer Boyce (Ball Park Music), Nkechi Anele (Saskwatch), Liz Drummond (Little May) and musical comedians Alice Fraser and Genevieve Fricker — all narrating their "Letter to the Song They Wish They’d Written". Love a good keynote? You love a good keynote. Lindsay "The Doctor" McDougall chats to TED Talker Paul Gilding about our super messed up planet (or is it?) in 'Life on Earth in 2030 - Fun, Frazzled or F%*ked?'. There's a bunch more to squeal about at the Splendour website. The Forum is open 10am ‘til late daily at Splendour. If you haven't got tickets yet, the re-sale facility is open until 9am Monday 16 June through moshtix.com.au or phone 1300 GET TIX (438 849). Worth a shot.
The Carlton has always been known for their outlandish interiors, but it's safe to say they've really stepped things up a notch this month. Now, instead of being greeted by emus wearing pearls or elephants bursting forth from velveteen walls, you can party it up Christmas style inside a full-blown gingerbread house, an igloo disco, a raunchy xxxmas bar, a new cosy cocktail space, a giftbox karaoke bar, or an actual snow globe. Seriously. All set up on Level 4 of this infamously labyrinthine CBD watering hole, these six new spaces are sure to get you in the festive spirit. Full of big smiles, strong drinks, glitter and bright lights, The Carlton has created the perfect refuge from all that inevitable family bickering. Dance out that holiday stress in an igloo or sit back and sip on some eggnog while watching someone embarrass themselves singing 'Jingle Bell Rock'. We only get to act this strange once a year; embrace it.
No one needs an excuse to get stuck into gnocchi. But as winter steadily creeps closer, the volume of pillowy potato dumplings Melbourne consumes follows an undeniable upwards trajectory. Luckily, the team running The Ascot Lot's beloved Gnocchi Festival is well aware of this fact. The event has been a fan favourite since 2019 — when over 10,000 pasta enthusiasts streamed in across the weekend. This April sees the return of the much-loved festival, with a slew of the city's gnocchi-loving vendors invited to plate up their unique versions of the classic potato dish from Saturday, April 30–Sunday, May 1. Head in from noon each day to catch a range of gnocchi-inspired creations from the likes of Pasta Face, Eat My Balls and Gnonnas Gnocchi, with vegan and gluten-free options in the mix. Meanwhile, both the indoor and outdoor bars will be whipping up Euro-accented cocktails in a nod to gnocchi's Italian roots — from spritzes to bellinis. A program of live tunes will soundtrack your gnocchi scoffing right through the afternoon and, as always, pooches are more than welcome to join in the fun. This year, the Gnocchi Festival will be staying COVID-safe and splitting the weekend up into three two-and-a-half-hour sessions per day so everyone has a chance to experience gnocchi heaven. Tickets are on sale now for $10, which includes a special spritz on arrival. [caption id="attachment_809656" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ardor Food Co.[/caption]
