All of the kitchen staples, none of the excessive packaging: that's what's on offer at Mount Zero Olives' returning Zero Waste Warehouse Market. MZO is teaming up with a stack of small businesses for another event dedicated to encouraging sustainable consumption, where you can shop a range of products without unnecessary plastic. Plus, for the extra organised shoppers among you, there'll be lots of products available to buy in bulk. It's all going down from 9am–2pm on Saturday, October 29, at MZO's Sunshine West HQ. As the name suggests, you'll need to bring your own reusable containers with you to carry your haul. Bags, bottles, jars, buckets with lids — if you can put food in it, seal it and take it all home with you, it counts. Here's what you'll be buying and stuffing into those containers: Mount Zero Olives' olives, of course, plus olive oils, pulses and grains. You can also nab some of Koji & Co's miso and shio koji pastes, Akimbo Bakery's slow fermented natural sourdough, loose-leaf teas from Common Garden Health, low-intervention wines courtesy of Noisy Ritual and ethical beans from Market Lane. The latter will be pouring complimentary filter coffee to caffeinate your morning's shopping adventures. Koji & Co will also be running a hands-on Introduction to Miso and Koji workshop, for those keen to learn more about fermented foods and nab some new recipes for home. Tickets to the class are $30, available online. [caption id="attachment_875156" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Akimbo Bakery[/caption]
You heard us right. On the weekend of December 8–9, Melbourne's mew CBD venue Red Piggy is paying homage to the lychee with a lychee 'festival' flaunting the small tropical fruit in its own dedicated martini. For two hours, you can knock back as many lychee martinis as you want – and so you don't get too trolleyed, the $60 deal includes a five-course feast showcasing Red Piggy's pan-Asian menu. With 20 years of experience in the kitchen, head chef Kim-Maree Moore knows a thing or two about cooking, so get your bibs ready for some slow-cooked lamb in red Thai curry, five-spiced tofu, crispy chicken covered in a garlic and lime sauce. Those keen to kickstart their summer with this lychee party should email info@redpiggy.com.au with your name, number of attendees, festival day and any dietary requirements.
Chicago house DJ Derrick Carter will be bringing his legendary skills to New Guernica for New Year's Day, and we’re pretty pumped. This one may be a little more ideal for those who plan to party on NYE as well, seeing as the event doesn't kick off until 6pm. The evening will start with a laneway party of sorts in Chuckle Park, with DJs cranking and food available for those who need to build some strength before dancing all night. As well as general admission tickets there are also drink packages available for the organised, so if you're keen to kick off 2015 in a fairly colossal way, check it out.
Italian aperitivo with a tropical tiki twist. It's the combo you never knew you needed in your life and it's here to spice up summer. Introducing, Aperitiki — the new weekend event taking over Vince's Bar above Rocco's this sunny season. From Friday to Sunday each week, until the end of summer, the Gertrude Street joint will be jumping to the sound of Italo-disco and surf rock, as cocktail whizz Joe Jones (Romeo Lane) whips up an exclusive menu of tiki-inspired cocktails heroing Italian aperitifs. You'll find sips like the Heartthrob — a blend of pisco, seasoned Campari, peach vermouth and tomato vinegar — the lager- and Aperol-infused Vince's Lager; and a fun fusion of coffee rum, Campari and pineapple known as the Early Bird. To match, Poodle's Josh Fry will be serving up his own take on the Aperitiki concept, in the form of snacks — think, coconut shrimp sandwiches and mortadella-stuffed fried olives — plus share-friendly mixed seafood towers. And if you get in early, you should be able to nab a sunny spot on the patio to enjoy it all. Aperitiki will run from 4pm–late Fridays and Saturdays, and from 3–8pm Sundays.
Your favourite band of merry parapsychologists is hitting the big screen once again — only for this special event they'll be backed live in concert by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Yep, the MSO will perform the musical score to cult hit flick Ghostbusters, live to picture, across three Hamer Hall screenings this April. You'll be able to revisit all the spooky fun of Ivan Reitman's award-winning 1984 title, following the adventures of three ghost-catching heroes, as played by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. And we promise it'll prove even more captivating than the other 367 times you've watched it, with Elmer Bernstein's Grammy-nominated movie score captured perfectly by a full, live orchestra. Just imagine all those spooky, slimy moments made extra thrilling and Ray Parker Jr's chart-topping theme song, 'Ghostbusters', given the live and loud treatment. Hamer Hall will host just two nighttime performances and one daytime session, so get in quick if you want a piece of the slime-filled, ghost-hunting action. 'Ghostbusters' Live in Concert with the MSO will take place at 7.30pm on Friday, April 26 and 1pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, April 27. To purchase tickets, visit the MSO website.
This month, much-loved Melbourne restaurateur Morgan McGlone will kick off an enticing new series of chef collaborations, which'll see a handful of Aussie kitchen legends put their own spin on his famed Belles hot chicken. First up, catch Restaurant Shik's chef-owner, and former Belles sommelier, Peter Jo in the kitchen at Belles' Fitzroy headquarters on July 29. The innovative Korean chef — best known as Kimchi Pete — will deliver a one-off menu featuring Secret-Style Chicken Ribs, his signature kimchi and a crafty cocktail of pear, ouzo and soju to round out the fun. Jo's creative offerings will be available for one day only, between 3–7pm. A selection of wines from Victorian winery Momento Mori will also be on offer for the event. If you haven't had a chance to try these funky, natural wines, this is the perfect opportunity to do so as winemaker Dane Johns will be on hand to walk you through them. Later in the series, Monty Koludrovic, from Bondi's Icebergs, will shake up the kitchen at Belles Hot Chicken Darling Square on August 26, and Shannon Martinez of Smith & Daughters taking over Belles' Tramsheds outpost on November 4. More Rules of The Roost collaborations are set to be announced — keep an eye on the website for updates. Images: Nikki To
Prancing through fields laced with the charm of provincial France? Casual Saturdaying in Melbourne summertime. So Frenchy So Chic in the Park, presented in conjunction with Sydney Festival, is waltzing back to Werribee Park Mansion on Sunday, January 11. An entire afternoon of French-inspired niceties — think gourmet picnic hampers, tortes and terrines, offensively good wine, quaint puppet shows, furious outdoor chess, casual bongo drum lessons — So Frenchy hinges around a solid lineup of some of France's best: Emile Simon, The Dø, La Femme and Francois and Atlas Mountains will crank out live sets on the lawn this year. Formidable. Don your best floral-headband-and-sundress-combo and gear up for un merveilleux après-midi. Tres bloody chic. So Frenchy So Chic is on Sunday, January 11 at Werribee Park Mansion. Thanks to So Frenchy So Chic, we have a super special shiny double pass to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address at win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au.
Take one of popular culture's biggest supervillains, throw in one of today's very best actors and add the director of The Hangover trilogy. Only a few years ago, the above sentence might've seemed like a joke. Today, it's the reality we're living in — the reality that sees a standalone Joker movie cackling its way towards cinema screens, starring Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role. Move over Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger and Jared Leto — it's Phoenix's time to don exaggerated clown makeup, wield a killer smile and wreak havoc on Gotham City. The just-released first trailer for Joker promises plenty of all three, as failed standup comedian Arthur Fleck turns to a life of facepaint-wearing crime (and eventually obsessing over Batman, we're guessing). As directed and co-written by Todd Phillips (Old School, Starsky & Hutch, Due Date), Joker also comes with a suitably unhinged vibe, as if Phoenix's You Were Never Really Here character stumbled into Martin Scorsese's The King of Comedy. (Fittingly, the latter film plus Taxi Driver and Raging Bull have been cited as inspirations for the new DC Comics flick, and Scorsese is one of Joker's executive producers.) It also looks certain to help everyone forget that the last take on the famous villain only arrived three years ago, because who wants to remember Leto's green-haired turn in Suicide Squad? Here's hoping Phoenix will follow in the footsteps of Nicholson and Oscar-winner Ledger instead, which looks likely based on the footage so far. And, of course, his excellent body of work in general. Robert De Niro, Atlanta's Zazie Beetz and Brian Tyree Henry, and Marc Maron also feature in Joker, with the film hitting cinemas in October. Check out the first trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t433PEQGErc Joker releases in Australian cinemas on October 3, 2019.
Earth Hour is a symbolic action. Although there is carbon saved by turning things off, the point is the unmissable demonstration that a huge chunk of the world's population caring about the same thing at the same time. If we can manage this for Earth Hour, why not for grander environmental things? The Hour started in Sydney in 2007, and has become an international event in the years since. There are Earth Hour events in Kenya, India and Ireland these days, but you don't need to travel so far afield to find a way to join in this time around. At its simplest, all you need to do is stay home and turn off the lights. But if you'd like to have a more social darkened moment, you can head to a candlelit restaurant or one of a raft of other lights-off events. Image of Earth Hour Switch Off 2010 by Sewell / WWF.
This summer, you'll have another excuse to enjoy a G&T as a heap of gin and tonic gardens pop up across the country. Settling into the outside areas at pubs and bars in Melbourne, the gardens will feature plenty of gin and tonic (obviously), as well as DIY garnish stations. The idea is that you can learn more about different botanicals, then mix, match and experiment to find your ideal G&T combination. That sounds like a task that we'd all gladly accept; however there'll be tonic pairing menus on hand should you need some pointers. At the time of writing, Melburnians can scratch their G&T itch at Ciao Cucina in Port Melbourne, as well as Richmond Social, the Notting Hill Hotel and the Lower Plenty Hotel in their respective suburbs. More locations will pop up across the country over the summer, with a handy interactive map tracking new venues. The gardens are the work of Fever-Tree, so the company's tonics will be splashing in your glass. They'll be setting up shop not only in Melbourne, but Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Cairns, and the Gold and Sunshine coasts, too — so whether you're eager for a drink close to home or you'll be holidaying in a sunny spot, cocktails laden with juniper spirits await.
Beylesque. Beyonce burlesque. Just let that sink in for a second. All good? Now that the blood has settled back in your head we'll give you the details. As if Yonce isn't raw and sexual enough, this burlesque-themed six-week course is set to the Fifty Shades of Grey remix of 'Crazy In Love', a slow and sensual remix of a Bey classic. The Beylesque course will run in Brunswick from February 25 to March 31, and is designed for intermediate dancers. And of course, sexy heels are encouraged to help the moves pop — this is a burlesque class after all. There is also a distinct possibility this combination will devolve into sex riots, but that's the risk we take. If this seems a bit intense for you, Bey Dance also run courses for beginners – check out their upcoming calendar for a course to suit your skill level and the ferocity of your swag.
It might be winter, but things are only heating up at W Melbourne's pool deck WET. On Thursday, August 25, the swanky sky-high destination will host its first party, headlined by none other than Brisbane-based indie-pop act Cub Sport. Nab yourself a ticket for $25 and head on up from 7pm to kick off your night with tunes from a lineup of Melbourne DJs, dancing poolside with a cocktail in hand. Then, Cub Sport takes the stage from 9–10pm, celebrating their latest single 'Always Got The Love'. Expect a soundtrack of past hits and new-release tracks, plus a few covers of songs from some famous musical mates. As for refreshments, you've got WET's full food and drink offering to pair with the tunes. Think, Aqua Boogie seltzers, brews by Stomping Ground and Deeds, local wines and signature sips like the Noisy Neighbour — a blend of Plantation rum, mezcal, Yaguara Ouro cachaca, kiwi fruit and green chartreuse. [caption id="attachment_865119" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cub Sport[/caption]
At Prahan's French gastropub L'Hotel Gitan, Monday nights are raclette nights — and that fact couldn't make us happier. Available now through September 24, you can chase away those cold Monday blues with chef Jacques Reymond's take on this classic French dish. The special includes that ooey-gooey cheese you can't get enough of, served with steamed potatoes, a mixed leaf salad, three types of charcuterie, cornichons and a fresh baguette. It'll cost you $28 on your own, or $48 shared between two — so grabbing a dinner date will save you some cash, but we don't blame you for wanting that hot melted cheese all to yourself, either. Who needs company when you have cheese, really? Head in anytime from 5.30pm to close, but don't forget to book ahead of time.
We're about to farewell winter and jump right into another season — and if that's put you in the mood for a wardrobe shakeup, well, you're in luck. The treasure trove of vintage threads that is the Round She Goes Fashion Market returns to Melbourne this month, taking over Coburg Town Hall on Sunday, August 28. This time around, the ever-popular market is treating shoppers to over 55 stalls heaving with quality pre-loved designer fashion, vintage pieces and retro accessories. And these wares start from just $10. Get your stylish self along from 10am to score covetable finds from big-name labels ranging from Carla Zampatti to Christian Dior, and from Balenciaga to Bianca Spender. Grab yourself some Gucci, pick up some Prada, and splash out on some Romance Was Born, Jean Paul Gaultier or Gorman. There'll be specialty coffee and baked treats from Coffee on Cue to fuel your rummaging, too.
Add three more names to the hefty list of big music stars heading Australia's way in 2023: Ice Cube, Cypress Hill and The Game. In what's basically a 90s and 00s hip hop and rap fan's dream come true, the trio are teaming up on the same bill for an Aussie arena tour, including hitting Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne in autumn. This isn't just any old nostalgia-dripping tour, either. It'll also mark the 30th anniversary of two influential albums: Ice Cube's Lethal Injection and Cypress Hill's Black Sunday. The former was the N.W.A member's fourth solo release, and included singles 'Really Doe', 'You Know How We Do It' and 'Bop Gun (One Nation)', while the latter gave the world 'Insane in the Brain', 'Hits from the Bong', 'When the Shit Goes Down' and 'I Ain't Goin' Out Like That'. Expect to hear plenty of those songs get a whirl on Thursday, March 23 in the Victorian capital. For Ice Cube, the tour marks his first visit to Australia since 2018, when he became the first-ever rap artist to headline at the Sydney Opera House. "I love performing in Australia. It's been four long years since my last visit and I can't wait to return for a couple of history-making shows in 2023," said the rapper, aka O'Shea Jackson Sr (and yes, his son O'Shea Jackson Jr did play him in N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton). Ice Cube and Cypress Hill will be joined by The Game, who came to fame in the 00s in the West Coast scene. The US talents will also feature Aussie talent in support, with exactly who else will take to the stage yet to be announced.
It won't be long until summer's gone, so make the most of it with a once-off collab between Molly Rose Brewing and Kariton Sorbetes. While the idea of a schooner and scoop on a sunny day is a tempting prospect, this Float Your Boat event takes things further with a selection of beer and ice cream floats. Keep an open mind as the team at Kariton pairs their signature Asian-inspired flavours with a selection of Molly Rose brews crafted just for the occasion. The menu is still a work in progress, but one mad creation is the Bright and Bubbly, featuring a berry sour served with a scoop of purple yam gelato with purple yam fudge, blackberry jam and caramelised coconut curds. Another creation is the Véraison Liqueur, featuring a stiff drink made from mango skins and seeds, coconut, pandan and toasted white bread. It's harmonised with Buko Pandan – a coconut and pandan 'gelato' with shredded young coconut, pandan jelly and toasted rice flakes. If the wild flavour combinations make it too hard to choose, there's always the option of exploring the All Board – a four-pairing tasting that makes your decision simple. You'll get one beer float alongside three more pairings that will push your palate into overdrive. With more surprises awaiting when this culinary experiment goes down on Sunday, March 2, walk-ins are welcome, but it's best to book for a big group.
When many talk about design, they invariably talk about minimalism. We see a harsh white cube. Perhaps a few well-manicured young people painstakingly drawing triangles on graph paper. The graphic designer, in our popular imagination, is a Helvetica-loving, glasses-wearing snob who takes their coffee black and their projects with loads of empty white space. Common (and funny) as this impression may be, it's unsurprisingly a bit reductive. This talk from internationally-renowned design critic, Alice Rawsthorn, is bound to set us straight. Claiming design is all-encompassing, this talk from Rawsthorn is about the way design in fact influences most of what we see and do in our everyday lives. These thoughts are coming off the back of her new book, Hello World: Where Design Meets Life — check it out, it's pretty well-designed, so she must know what she's talking about. As Melbourne's CBD become more and more curated — hello city squares, public art, and coloured laneways — it's clear to see the importance of design in most aspects of our lives. After this, perhaps you'll be able to see some of the cogs that make it all work.
Just because you're not heading to the snow for the first weekend of ski season, doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun. St Kilda's Pontoon Bar is bringing the mountain vibes to you, with its annual Snow Party, this Sunday, June 9. The beachside hot-spot is set to heat up the long weekend, as it transforms into a cosy winter chalet, complete with powdered snow, all-you-can-eat paella and a swag of food and drink specials to warm those cockles. You can kick things off early from 12pm, with $25 per person bottomless paella from the venue's new Basque-inspired menu on offer throughout the day (bookings essential). Otherwise, roll in from 3pm, nab a spot by the crackling outdoor fire and settle in with some well-priced drinks — there'll be $5 wines and pots, $10 espresso martinis and mulled wines, and a cosy Cherry & Cinnamon Sour, also for just a tenner. Throw in half-price tapas and some DJ tunes and you've got yourself a pretty good antidote to those winter blues. Entry is free, though if you RSVP via Pontoon's website, you'll be in with a shot at winning a Mt Buller lift pass for two.
It takes a brave filmmaker to see cancer and climate change, and think of art, evolution and eroticism in a possible future. It takes a bold director to have a character proclaim that "surgery is the new sex", too. David Cronenberg has always been that kind of visionary, even before doing all of the above in his sublime latest release — and having the Scanners, Videodrome and The Fly helmer back on his body-horror bent for the first time in more than two decades is exactly the wild and weird dream that cinephiles want it to be. The Canadian auteur makes his first movie at all since 2014's Maps to the Stars, in fact, and this tale of pleasure and pain is as Cronenbergian as anything can be. He borrows Crimes of the Future's title from his second-ever feature dating back 50-plus years, brings all of his corporeal fascinations to the fore, and moulds a viscerally and cerebrally mesmerising film that it feels like he's always been working towards. Long live the new flesh, again. Long live the old Cronenberg as well. In this portrait of a potential time to come, the human body has undergone two significant changes. Three, perhaps, as glimpsed in a disquieting opening where an eight-year-old called Brecken (debutant Sotiris Siozos) snacks on a plastic bin, and is then murdered by his mother Djuna (Lihi Kornowski, Ballistic). That incident isn't unimportant, but Crimes of the Future has other departures from today's status quo to carve into — and they're equally absorbing. Physical agony has disappeared, creating a trade in "desktop surgery" as performance art. Also, a condition dubbed Accelerated Evolution Syndrome causes some folks, such as artist Saul Tenser (Viggo Mortensen, Thirteen Lives), to grow abnormal organs. These tumours are removed and tattooed in avant-garde shows by his doctor/lover Caprice (Léa Seydoux, No Time to Die), then catalogued by the National Organ Register's Wippit (Don McKellar, reteaming with Cronenberg after eXistenZ) and Timlin (Kristen Stewart, Spencer). When Crimes of the Future stages one of Saul and Caprice's gigs, it drips not with blood but spectacle and seduction. Indeed, it's no wonder that a curious Timlin utters that catchy observation about medical slicing and intimate arousal shortly afterwards. Alluring, eerie, grotesque and enthralling — and the epitome of the feature's sparse yet entrancing look and mood in the process — it's a powerhouse of a scene, with a self-autopsy pod at its centre. Saul lies still, Caprice uses an eXistenZ-esque fleshy video-game controller to get the contraption cutting, and an enraptured audience hang on every incision. Saul and Caprice do, too, although their visibly aroused reactions have nothing on their time later in the suite alone. (Cronenberg does love eschewing traditional ideas about what titillates; see also: his 1996 film Crash, about characters excited by car crashes. It's a clear precursor to this, and the movie that purred so that 2021 Palme d'Or winner Titane, by filmmaker Julia Ducournau, could rev.) Crimes of the Future's scalpel-equipped coffin is just one of Saul and Caprice's Lifeform Ware gadgets; if eXistenZ, Naked Lunch and Dead Ringers procreated, these are the devices the three flicks would spawn. HR Giger could've conjured them up as well, and thinking of the biomechanical artist's contribution to Alien, which saw him share an Oscar for visual effects, is as natural as feeling spellbound and perturbed by Cronenberg's movie in unison. This is a grimy world where a bed covered with skin and tentacles floats in Saul's home, calibrated to cater to his "designer cancer"-riddled body's needs as it slumbers — and where a chair that looks like a skeleton reassembled as furniture contorts Saul as he's eating, something he is having increasing trouble with otherwise. In other words, it's a world where the old flesh isn't doing what it always has, new flesh is sprouting in a changing and devastated reality, and technology fills in the gaps as it is always designed to. Is Crimes of the Future a Cronenbergian nightmare painted using tools of horror as a brush, just as Caprice uses the autopsy bed as hers? Is it a probing and penetrating pondering of what lies in store on this planet of ours, where machinery keeps progressing, the environment continues to be pushed to its limits, and human bodies are in a state of metamorphosis? The answer: it's both, just as it's sensual and sinister — and, story-wise and thematically, there's still more to come. Writing as well as directing, Cronenberg works with his own original ideas for the first time since the constantly relevant eXistenZ, and doesn't stop questioning what physical, emotional, intellectual and psychological mutations may await humanity. Unsurprisingly, in a script he penned back in 1999, what he posits is bleak — his sci-fi body-horror visions always are — and thoroughly riveting. Connecting the dots, Cronenberg brings Brecken's plight into Saul and Caprice's life via a request by the shadowy Lang (Scott Speedman, Best Sellers), the boy's father, for a public autopsy. The feature has Saul carrying out missions for a detective (Welket Bengué, Berlin Alexanderplatz), and sees a pair of Lifeform Ware technicians (Yellowstone's Tanaya Beatty and Private Eyes' Nadia Litz) hovering around. Plus, Crimes of the Future spans an Inner Beauty Contest, with a zipper inserted in Saul's stomach for the occasion, which Caprice licks in the film's most carnally salacious moment. If Cronenberg's name hadn't already been adapted to describe his aesthetic, fascinations and narratives, it would be based on this movie. Actually, the filmmaker takes it back. He's shared the term with a raft of imitators, but no one holds a blade to Cronenberg at his best. Well, one fellow director comes close: his son Brandon, whose Antiviral and Possessor couldn't be more worthy of the family moniker. Crimes of the Future is an art-world and celebrity satire among everything else — when artists modifying bodies become stars, as happens here, how can it not be? And, joining the list, it's as strong an example there is of Cronenberg's masterful ability to use the instruments at his disposal to bring disturbing but enticing musings to a stunning fruition. There isn't a misstep among his cast, including his cloaked-up A History of Violence, Eastern Promises and A Dangerous Method star Mortensen oozing vulnerability and looking like death (a The Seventh Seal-style figure, to be exact); Seydoux serving up a picture of slinky passion; and Stewart delivering a delightfully nervy supporting turn. Every shot lensed by Douglas Koch (Funny Boy) exudes a ravaged air in multiple ways, and the score by Cronenberg's usual composer Howard Shore is devilishly menacing. Surrendering to their skills, and to Crimes of the Future's thrills, proves just like evolution: inescapable.
UPDATE: Wednesday, September 8 — This event has moved from Saturday, September 11 to Saturday, September 18. The article has been updated to reflect this. Have you been feeling a little languid lately? Have the long days in lockdown taken a toll on your wellbeing? If you're looking for something to help pull you out of hibernation and bounce you right into spring, this one's for you. On Saturday, September 18, you can join Naomi Ingelton from Beechworth's Farmacy Co Clinic for Home Herbalist, a 90-minute, interactive natural remedy workshop. Ingelton has a background in organic horticulture and is a qualified Ayurvedic lifestyle practitioner and herbalist. In this workshop, she'll show you how to make an elderberry tonic that helps to support the immune system, a 'focus tea' to promote sleep, digestion and reduce stress, and a 'cooling tea', too. To make sure you've got everything you need to create these concoctions, Farmacy Co Clinic will send you a remedy kit with all the essentials. Inside the pack you'll find 20 herb sachets, an apothecary bottle, two apothecary jars, herb function information, apple cider vinegar and more. All you need to add are some household items including saucepans, a teapot, colander, mixing bowl, four jars, honey and some water. Sound like the the lift you need to get you through lockdown? Home Herbalist with Farmacy Co will kick off at 4.30pm on Saturday, September 18. For more information and to book, visit the website.
Perhaps your 2023 is off to a gorgeous start. Maybe you've broken your resolutions already. Whichever fits, a ray of sunshine is coming your way if you like Gelato Messina's decadent specials, the chain's frosty treats in general and all things red velvet. Behold Messina's new red velvet hot tub, aka its latest OTT creation — which is arriving just in time to add something sweet to your Valentine's Day. Messina's hot tubs are the brand's extra-special, always limited-edition treats. No, the word 'hot' doesn't reflect the required temperature. Indeed, in this case, the tub comes with layers of cream cheese gelato with red velvet cake and red velvet fudge, all to be eaten cold. On top: toasted red velvet cake crumbs, plus piped cream cheese chantilly. While the dessert is timed for the supposedly most romantic day of the year, who you share it and your Messina love with is up to you. Grab a spoon with your significant other, go all in for Galentine's Day instead, or treat yo'self to multiple days of pink- and red-hued gelato, cake and fudge — the choice is obviously yours. Tubs cost $40 each, and you'll need to place your order online on Monday, January 30. Because Messina's specials always prove popular, the brand now staggers its on-sale times — so folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am, Victorians at 9.15am, and New South Wales customers are split across three times depending on the store (with tubs from Bondi, Miranda, Randwick, Circular Quay and Surry Hills on sale at 9.30am; Darlinghurst, Brighton Le Sands, Parramatta, Tramsheds and Manly at 9.45am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Norwest, Rosebery and Penrith at 10am). Wherever you live, you can then pick up the red velvet hot tubs between Saturday, February 11–Tuesday, February 14. Fans of Messina will know that the gelato fiends are quite fond of making these kinds of indulgent — and supremely tasty — specials, after previously serving up everything from its the chain's take on the Viennetta, Iced Vovo gelato and lamington sticky scrolls to a scoopable Ferrero Rocher flavour, Basque cheesecake gelato and fairy bread cookie pies. Gelato Messina's red velvet hot tub will be available to order from on Monday, January 30, from 9am local time in Queensland and the ACT, 9.15am in Victoria and between 9.30–10am in New South Wales.
For one night only Melbourne’s art spaces and galleries will stay open well into the wee hours, so visitors can experience art after dark. Nite Art 2015 will include the contemporary artwork of 75 artists, in 30 different locations, spanning over three city precincts. The first precinct is the Arts Precinct, including buildings like Hamer Hall and ACMI, where work such as Fly By Night by Melinda Hetzel & Co. looks particularly interesting. Moving further into the CBD you will arrive at the City Central Precinct, where you will gain access to atypical art spaces such as the Russell Place Substation and the Athenaeum Library. Finally you’ll come to The University of Melbourne Precinct with everywhere staying open from The Ian Potter Museum of Art to Melbourne School of Design. While there is sure to be an excitable buzz coursing through the night's events, we do suggest you still rug up and wear some sensible footwear if you plan to visit all three precincts throughout the night – a mission which we highly recommend.
It's no exaggeration to say that The Everleigh is home to some of Melbourne's best cocktails, and therefore some of the city's most excellent bartenders. To prove their high-skill level and impressive imagination, this week they're asking you to give them a real challenge. In groups of 1-6 people, you can bring along your own spirits and they'll make a big ol' bunch of surprise cocktails for you. Set up in the Elk room, the bartenders will make drinks over two hours at your table, using a selection of citrus, syrups, liqueurs, bitters, ice and garnishes. To shake things up a bit, they'll also call a half time break, where guests can choose to switch their bottle with another party. Spaces are limited so you’ll need to pre-book for this iron chef battle of the bartenders. Hot tip: the more obscure the bottle you bring, the better.
Earth Hour is a symbolic action. Although there is carbon saved by turning things off, the point is the unmissable demonstration that a huge chunk of the world's population caring about the same thing at the same time. If we can manage this for Earth Hour, why not for grander environmental things? The Hour started in Sydney in 2007, and has become an international event in the years since. There are Earth Hour events in Kenya, India and Ireland these days, but you don't need to travel so far afield to find a way to join in this time around. At its simplest, all you need to do is stay home and turn off the lights. But if you'd like to have a more social darkened moment, you can head to a candlelit restaurant or one of a raft of other lights-off events.
It's that wonderful time of year when all good boys and girls (no d!ck#e@ds) get to pack their gumboots, have a pink flamingo, and head to the Supernatural Amphitheatre for Meredith 24. Aunty Meredith has done it again, with an exceptional lineup that includes The Lemonheads, De La Soul, The War On Drugs, Ghostface Killah, and Cloud Nothings. The Australian artists playing this year are also an exceptional and eclectic mix headed up by Augie March, Mia Dyson, The Harpoons and Jagwar Ma to name a few. Furthermore, offensive costumes are banned. BANNED. Looking at you headdress-wearers. They're part of Aunty's banned things list: No offensive signage, slogans, clothing, costumes. Unfortunately, tickets have all sold out so you'll have to hope a friend has some spares. Ticket scalpers and trespassers have been warned in advance, so bad luck if that was your plan. The playing times have been released and the amphitheatre is ready, all you have to do is decide where to reside. HINT: Bush Camp fills up quick, so if that's where you want to be, you have get up early. Anything else you need to know can be found out at their website, or you can even e-mail Aunty if need be. See you in the Sup'! Meredith Music Festival 2014 Lineup: The War On Drugs Ty Segall The Skatalites Mark Lanegan De La Soul Augie March Sleep James Holden (Live) Cloud Nothings The Lemonheads Ghostface Killah Phosphorescent The Bombay Royale Factory Floor Painters and Dockers Mia Dyson Tiny Ruins The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra Blank Realm Misty Nights Teeth & Tongue Vakula Marlon Williams Dr Phil Smith Hard-Ons Jagwar Ma Jen Cloher The Harpoons Sun God Replica Krakatau Silence Wedge The Town Bikes City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band Karen Leng Fee B2 Etta and Tilly Bennis DJ People Breaking & Entering Image: MMF.
If Shania Twain's 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman' is your karaoke go-to, you'll want to head over to Carlton on Thursday, November 29 when the Shania Choir takes over The Curtin with its a cappella country pop covers — and, this time, its encouraging the crowd to join in. Created in 2017, the leopard-crazed choir group has toured Australia — hitting up Melbourne in late-September — with its full-length show and received endless requests from fans wanting to join the choir along the way. Now, for $15 a pop, you can do just that. For one night, punters will have a go at the choir's four-part harmonies in two Shania hits, as well as a chance to sing along during a group performance. Of course, you'd want to have a decent voice to get on stage, but there's no real requirements on that front. So go on and belt it out like it's 1997 again. Image: Amanda Humphreys
We know it's Thursday morning and you're just thinking about how you can get through to Friday, but take a little lunch break today. Maybe take the tram down Swanston Street. If you do, you might be lucky enough jump on one that's full of pups. To mark the year anniversary of Docklands' Dialogue in the Dark experience, a team of furry Guide Dogs ambassadors will be on-board for a 'pat and chat' until around noon today. Just look out for the Guide Dogs tram (it's #3532 if you want to put it into Tram Tracker) running between Flinders Street and Melbourne Uni. Dialogue in the Dark is an initiative that allows the public to experience one hour in pitch darkness, guided by a person with vision loss. So even if you don't get to the tram in time, you Plus, if you're keen to sign up to become a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs Victoria after your cuddles, head over here.
We normally associate Boxing Day releases with feelgoodery, dogoodery, comedy and special effects. Which is why it seems sort of hilarious when a film like Short Term 12 pops up at that time of the holiday season, determined to make its quiet realism heard. The SXSW Film Festival winner was number one on Buzzfeed's list of 'movies you probably missed in 2013 but definitely need to see', so if you get in quick, you can make it the no.1 movie you outsmarted Buzzfeed on instead. Short Term 12 is the kind of film that feels like a well-edited version of real life — though probably not a life that is familiar to you, if you grew up in safe, loving circumstances. Compulsively watchable and super emotional, it revolves around the kids and their barely adult supervisors at a temporary foster care facility. The plot is nebulous, but the anchor is social worker Grace, played by Brie Larson, who you probably remember from United States of Tara and who puts in an incredible, name-making performance here. Short Term 12 is funny, heartbreaking and brave filmmaking. Writer and director Destin Cretton is able to leap tall towers of everyday humour and humanity and then drop you into a pit of total, gut-wrenching sadness in a single bound. A definite must-see — so you may as well see it on us. Short Term 12 is in cinemas on December 26, and thanks to Madman Films, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=rETaWDZ57v0
Over the coming months, new rooftop spot Heroes will really be living up to its name, celebrating some of Melbourne's culinary champions with a new series of monthly yum cha parties, kicking off on Sunday, October 14. The venue, from the same minds behind barbecue joint Fancy Hank's and its rooftop counterpart Good Heavens, has fast earned a reputation for its exciting menu of Singaporean hawker-style barbecue fare. Now, each of the yum cha events will see Head Chef Alicia Cheong teaming up with another Melbourne kitchen hero, with both chefs whipping up a signature meat and vegetarian dish. First up, Cheong is joining Fancy Hank's head chef Daniel Inzuza, to deliver a menu of bites like crisp soy pork belly with puffed pork rind, charred okra and jicama salad and smoked beef short rib with a glaze of sweet cola and fermented beetroot. For $45, you'll get your pick of two dishes, matched with classic yum cha sides — including steamed chive dumplings, congee and deep-fried sambal buns — and two hours of bottomless beer, sparkling and mimosas to wash it all down. Other chefs joining in the yum cha fun include Rice Paper Scissors' Ross Magnaye on November 4, and Jerry Mai of Annam kicking off summer on December 2. Book your spot via the website. Exterior shot: Eugene Hyland.
Winter isn't usually the most fun time to be outdoors in Melbourne. Sure, it's nice when the local pub starts serving mulled wine in the beer garden, but when your favourite activities include sunny brunches, outdoor cinemas and going to the beach, grey skies and arctic winds are not your friends. But we've found at least one reason to celebrate the chilly weather: a pop-up ice skating rink right in the middle of Fed Square. Located on River Terrace overlooking the Yarra, River Rink will be open seven days a week, from July 1–23. Open until 8pm Sunday to Wednesday and until 10pm Thursday to Saturday, the rink will be lit up in a multitude of colours at night. Tickets to River Rink cost $24.50 for adults, and include skate hire. Those of you without much skating experience or general coordination can also hire a plastic penguin and/or seal, which essentially serve as ice skating training wheels. Full disclosure though: you're probably still going to wake up the next day covered in bruises.
A much-loved corner cafe with a Turkish and Middle Eastern edge, Babajan has been a Carlton North staple for the past four years. Now, it's spreading the love a little further, opening the doors to a pint-sized pop-up store just up the road in Brunswick East. This latest addition to the Babajan family is set to be a hot-spot for locals on the move, stocked with a hefty range of the restaurant's signature grab-and-go goodies. You'll find a swag of fresh salads, takeaway breakfast options and plenty of those famed pastries, from boreks to pides and haloumi pies. But you won't find chairs — it's strictly takeaway-only here, so if you don't want to go home, pack a blanket and head for a picnic at Methven Park (a short five-minute walk away). [caption id="attachment_759293" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Christensen[/caption] Grazing platters are also sorted, thanks to a range of house dips, Turkish bread and simit (a sort of Turkish-style bagel). A window cabinet is stocked with sweet treats — including brownies and the restaurant's famed Persian love cakes — while one wall is brimming with a retail selection of pantry staples, preserves and more. You can swing by for a Proud Mary coffee in batch brew format, though the store's also pouring traditional Turkish coffee and iced teas. And Babajan will even take care of all that dinner drama, with a cracking range of homemade, ready-to-eat meal options. Babajan Pop-Up is open 10am–6pm Tuesday–Saturday. Images: Ben Christensen
Melbourne Museum's after-hours parties have become a firm favourite for local culture vultures and music lovers — and the next themed instalment is coming in hot. On Friday, March 10, Nocturnal is serving up a special, super-stylish edition of its after-dark sessions, teaming up with PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival's Fashion Culture Program. Nocturnal x The Fashion Edition is set to kick off from 7pm, launching with the experimental pop stylings of Sui Zhen. Following her set, you'll catch psychedelic sounds from masked Melbourne act Glass Beams and a lively set by dance-friendly nine-piece Ausecuma Beats, before Cut Copy's Dan Whitford hits the decks to deliver a tasty serve of synth-pop guaranteed to get the room moving. [caption id="attachment_891745" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ausecuma Beats[/caption] Beyond the dance-floor, you can explore Future/History — a pop-up exhibition by Mob in Fashion and Melbourne Fashion Festival, showcasing pieces by acclaimed First Peoples designers Cassie Leatham, Lillardia Briggs-Houston and Delvene Cockatoo-Collins (showing until Sunday, March 12). Elsewhere, check out a curation of snaps from Museums Victoria's impressive fashion collection, then drop by the button badge-making workshop to whip up some stylish creations of your own. Entry to the evening is $39, with concession tickets at $35. [caption id="attachment_888093" align="alignnone" width="1920"] J Not Jay[/caption] Top image: Cesur Sanli
The Melbourne Art Fair is setting up shop this year at the grand Royal Exhibition Centre in Carlton, and from August 14-17 it will be home to more than 300 artists' work, presented by leading Australian and Asia-Pacific galleries. Contemporary art lovers have the chance to view, interact with and purchase work from both Australian and international artists, and trust us, there's plenty to get through. While much of the artwork is for sale, you don’t need a fat chequebook to check out the best artistic offerings. A public program offers plenty of artsy sights for all, including those who aren't inclined to venture to the Royal Exhibition Centre. Check out our top five picks of what you should feast your eyes on during this year's fair here.
Melbourne's late summer openair cinema will occupy hallowed turf, with a pop-up cinema on the pitch at the MCG. Taking over the iconic sporting arena for the final weekend of summer, Cinema at the 'G will showcase a pair of critically acclaimed films under the stars. On Friday, February 24, they're screening Lion, the Australian-made drama starring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman that's poised to clean up at this year's Academy Awards. The following evening it's up in the air (and then down in the river) with Tom Hanks in Sully, the real-life drama about the heroics of US Airways pilot Chesley Sullenberger. Ticketholders can bring picnic blankets, pillows and snacks, or munch on cinema food available for purchase on-site. Doors open at 6.30pm for an 8.30pm start. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Bank of Melbourne Neighbourhood Fund, which in turns supports an array of Victorian charities.
This year's Ballarat Beer Festival is well and truly worth skipping town for, with 35 craft brewers to sample, delicious food trucks and excellent live entertainment on offer at the country festival. On top of all the tastings, there will also be The Sessions: a series of informative talks from brewers and beer aficionados alike. Some of the brews you can look forward to include award-winning drops from Temple Brewing Co. and Two Birds Brewing, an intriguing green tea-infused Japanese ale from 7 cent Brewery called 'Mista Sparkle', and a gluten free chocolate orange porter from Rebellion Brewing. If by some bizarre cruel twist of fate you find yourself having your fill of beer for the day, there will also be plenty of cider options such as Batlow and Blue Elephant, local wines, and even Trumpeters alcoholic iced tea. If you're in town early and looking to kick things off, there will be a Friday degustation dinner on the eve of the festival, where Huxtable's Daniel Wilson will be serving up a four-course dinner with beers to match. And if all the fantastic food and drink options weren’t enough, there will be musical performances by the likes of You Am I, Dallas Crane, Kylie Auldist, The ReChords, Bakersfield Glee Club and The New Savages.
If you've got a soft spot for falafel, you'll agree these plant-based balls of goodness are a treat for any time of day. And so we reckon you'll be eager to sink your teeth into Melbourne's newest bottomless brunch offering, starring — you guessed it — unlimited falafel. Yep, every Saturday and Sunday throughout April, South Melbourne vegan restaurant Marko is hosting its limited-edition Bottomless Falafel Brunch, which comes in at an easy $30 per person, or $65 including free-flowing drinks. Roll in between 11am and 2.30pm and you'll have 90 minutes to enjoy your fill of an unlimited mezze spread, featuring Marko's signature falafel alongside the likes of tahini, pickles, hummus, baba ganoush, mini avocado toasts and freekah salad. If you've opted for liquid accompaniments, you'll find yourself sipping bottomless espresso martinis, mimosas and gin spritzes. The plant-based feasts are expected to fill up fast, so you'll want to secure your spot by booking a ticket online at least 24 hours before your visit. You'll also need a minimum of two diners to get in on the bottomless brunch action. [caption id="attachment_849447" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bold and Italic Media[/caption] Images: Bold and Italic Media
Do you still know every word to Eminem's 'Lose Yourself' (not just 'spaghetti')? Can you do the whole verse to Nicki Minaj's 'Monster' with a sufficient number of sassy head bobs and eye bulges? Maybe you're just nostalgic for the days of hoop earrings, low-rider jeans and Adidas kicks. We feel ya, and so do the legends at 1000 £ Bend. In an unlikely union of Japanese novelty and gangsta beatz, Hip Hop Karaoke has been born. Now in its third instalment, this monthly slice of gangsta's paradise (yeah, we worked it in) is pulling big crowds. It's a first come first served policy on the mic so if you want to sing, get in early at 9pm. Once you have the stage, there are a few rules too. Obviously there's no racial or homophobic slurs, and thankfully there's no freestyling. Also, costumes are "heavily encouraged", so if you have a huge Snoop Dogg fur coat and cane you've been saving for a special occasion — your time has finally arrived. It's also worth pointing out that there are no lyric sheets on the night. Pick your song in advance and get practising. If that sounds a little daunting, don't worry. Drinks are $5 between 9-10pm; you'll find the courage somehow.
Ever been to an exhibition where you just really really wanted to play with the art? Maybe that fluorescent blob-like sculpture looked just like Play-Doh. Did it feel like Play-Doh too? Why would they deny you of knowing? Perhaps a particularly burly hipster gave you the death stare for simply interacting with the piece. This new exhibition by Anna Varendorff might be just the therapy you need. Varendorff is mainly known as a jeweller. If you've ever gushed over a pair of geometric metal earrings at Alice Euphemia, chances are they were hers. But for this interactive installation she has channelled her skills into 50 hand-made brass structures for an audience to play with. Between 20cm and 1m squared, the objects are like an enormous high-stakes game of lego that ushers in the start of an artistic process. Once you are done playing, Varendorff states she "will then draw onto the white painted walls and covered floor the shadows created by the 'room jewels''. With this, Things to Play With will in fact be a statement on the nature of ephemerality, space and time. Accompanied by sound elements from local producer Haima Marriott, the work may well be as much performance as playtime. Photograph: Isobel Knowles
Where would we be without movies during the pandemic? Even when cinemas were closed during lockdowns, we all still sought out the joy and escapism of watching a flick — and truly appreciated how cathartic it is. Still keen to queue up a big heap of movies, and a hefty dose of couch time, even though heading to the big screen is well and truly back on the agenda? Enter Movie Frenzy, the returning week-long online film rental sale. From Friday, February 10–Thursday, February 16, it's serving up a sizeable lineup of popular flicks from the past year, all from $3 per movie onwards. On the lineup: Jordan Peele's latest standout horror effort Nope, Tom Cruise indulging a new (and better) need for speed in Top Gun: Maverick, Baz Luhrmann's hip-shaking bio Elvis and star-studded rom-com Ticket to Paradise. Or, if you like scares, you'll find plenty in Smile, Bodies Bodies Bodies and Orphan: First Kill. The action-packed Bullet Train, adventure-romance The Lost City and game-to-screen sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 2 are also on the list — and while some of these flicks are more worth your attention than others, we'll let you do the choosing. You can nab the cheap movies via your digital rental platform of choice, including Apple TV, iTunes, Fetch, Google Play, the Microsoft Store, Prime Video, Fetch and YouTube Movies — although just what's available, and the price, will vary depending on the service. And you won't need a subscription, unless you decide to join in the fun via the Foxtel Store.
UPDATE, Friday, November 10: The Killer screens in select cinemas from Thursday, October 26, and streams via Netflix from Friday, November 10. A methodical opening credits sequence that's all about the finer points, as seen in slivers and snippets, set to industrial strains that can only stem from Trent Reznor, with David Fincher and Andrew Kevin Walker's names adorning the frame, for a film about a murderer being chased. In 1995, Se7en began with that carefully and commandingly spliced-together mix — and magnificently. Fincher and Walker now reteam for the first time since for The Killer, another instantly gripping thriller that starts in the same fashion. It also unfurls as a cat-and-mouse game with a body count, while sporting an exceptional cast and splashing around (exactingly, of course) the full scope of Fincher's filmmaking mastery. This movie's protagonist is detail-obsessive to a calculating degree, and the director bringing him to cinematic life from Matz's graphic novels of the same name also keeps earning that description. The Fight Club, The Social Network and Mank helmer couldn't be more of a perfectionist about assembling The Killer just so, and the feature couldn't be more of a testament to his meticulousness. Fincher's love of crime and mysteries between Se7en and The Killer has gifted audiences The Game, Panic Room, Zodiac, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl and Mindhunter, which have always felt like different books from a series rather than a director flipping through the same tome over and over. So it is with Michael Fassbender's long-awaited return to the screen after a four-year absence — X-Men: Dark Phoenix was has his last credit before this — which sees Fincher and his star aping each other in an array of ways. As well as being oh-so-drawn to minutiae, as the eponymous character reinforces in his wry narration, this duo of filmmaker and fictional assassin-for-hire are precise and compulsive about refashioning something new with favourite tools. For The Killer, it's fresh avenues to fulfill his deadly occupation. For the man who kicked off his feature career with Alien³ and now collaborates with a Prometheus and Alien: Covenant alum, it's plying his own trade, too. As Le Samouraï and Haywire have before this — Fassbender also appeared in Haywire, aptly — plus the John Wick franchise, The Killer finds someone in a shadowy line of work getting even murkier folks literally gunning for their demise. But first The Killer meets its namesake in Paris, camping out in an abandoned WeWork office, sleeping, people-watching, working through complicated yoga poses and grabbing a meal from McDonalds while dressed to resemble a German tourist, who he's certain that the French will avoid. Also on his to-do list: listening to every well-known song by The Smiths there is throughout the course of the film, because heaven knows he'll be miserable when his City of Light gig goes awry. And, as he waits, he coolly and calmly talks viewers through his highly disciplined, runs-like-clockwork, empathy-free approach to both life and death. It all goes smoothly for the hitman until it doesn't, however. The Killer quotes Popeye to say "I am what I am" about his way of making a living and his penchant for it, but fellow tautophrase "it is what it is" also comes to mind when a painstakingly lined-up shot from afar doesn't hit its target. His reaction: "WWJWBD?" or "what would John Wilkes Booth do?", he opines. Really, the screen's latest contract killer hops continents, countries and cities in an existential and mortal bind not just because he's flubbed a job, but because he's soon tracking down the other villains who've made cleaning up his misfire brutally personal. So, while his first port of call from Paris is the Dominican Republic, New Orleans, Florida and just outside of New York are among the destinations that follow. Most folks that The Killer crosses paths with get a similarly succinct moniker, including The Lawyer (Charles Parnell, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One), The Brute (Sala Baker, Jungle Cruise), The Expert (Tilda Swinton, Asteroid City) and The Client (Arliss Howard, Mank). When Fassbender was once in everything everywhere for most of a decade, he too tinkered with many of the same traits that he's called upon to roll out in The Killer, from unrelenting in Hunger and single-minded in Shame to literally soulless in his Alien franchise stints and utterly consumed in Macbeth. His portrayal here is all killer, no throwbacks or filler, and it slays. He's as deadpan as he's ever been, as Fincher needs, but he's also exceptional as someone forced to realise that his rigid facade and detached air hides more than an all-business executioner inside. It's a mesmerisingly layered performance with fastidious subtleties, and that says as much without a word as all of those voiceover words. And, crucially, Fassbender knows and owns the tone: sardonic, and gleefully so. It isn't just the mix of Reznor and Atticus Ross' latest ominous Fincher score — their first, for The Social Network, won them an Oscar — with Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce's lyrical 80s yearning but anti-yearning that's funny in The Killer. And whether 'How Soon Is Now?', 'Bigmouth Strikes Again' or 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' is echoing, there's no doubting the humour behind the movie's main music choice as it helps bring viewers into the mercenary's mind (American Psycho's use of Huey Lewis and the News tapped its toes in the same territory, but The Killer isn't asking anyone if they like The Smiths). Fincher and Walker litter comedic touches everywhere, from aliases straight out of classic sitcoms to pointed statements about well-known brands. It's there in the sly internal monologue that their central figure keeps uttering around "stick to the plain", "anticipate, don't improvise" and other rules; the cycle of repetition that comes with it; altercations and their corresponding commentary; and, unshakeably and purposefully, the bigger picture. In look and efficiency, The Killer is also sharing what Swinton is selling in her scenes; both are icy, particular and sleek, with the film never wasting an emotion or moment. Fincher's frames glean as crisply as Swinton's blonde-topped David Bowie-channelling aesthetic, with help from Mank and Mindhunter cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt. The Killer is unsurprisingly rigorously pieced together as well, aided by the director's now six-time film editor Kirk Baxter (since The Curious Case of Benjamin Button). Welcomely stripped back, this a focused picture that's eager to be as streamlined as possible in a field, aka hired-gun flicks, where it's anything but a lone hand. Standing apart amid the murder-for-money masses is what The Killer wants, too, despite blending in being a professional must. As Fincher hones in on an assassin and the conscience that he says he doesn't have — including when noting that the amount of births and deaths each day means that his contribution to mortality rates barely registers — this riveting, reflective, slinkily engaging, expertly and finely pared thriller hits the bullseye in leaving an impression.
Most of the time, when bands take a break, they disappear into the land of never-to-be-heard-of-again. It's a kind of ex-rockers' purgatory, where would-have-, could-have- and should-have-beens sit around listening to early demo tapes, bemoaning the halcyon days when a record deal was forever just around the corner, and growing bitter about the fact that such-and-such became too egotistical or whatshisname retreated to the countryside to clean up his act. Not so The Basics. In their three-year hiatus, they've managed to win three Grammys (via Wally de Backer's transformation into Gotye), write a film score (Tim Heath's contribution to The Rise and Rise of Richard Latt) and catch malaria while checking out Kenya's local music scene (just one chapter in Kris Schroeder's excellent adventures). With all of that out of (or should that be in?) their system, they're ready for a reunion. So they've released new single 'So Hard For You' and will be touring nationally throughout September and October. "It's been a great challenge nutting out how to bring a large band, visuals and studio compositions together for the Gotye live shows over the last two years," Wally says. "But right now I'm looking forward to getting sweaty behind the drums and playing rock 'n' roll in these fab clubs with my brothers Kris and Tim." Two shows at the Northcote Social Club on 27 and 28 September have already sold out. Tickets to the third show at The Corner on 29 September are selling fast. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bnDf9zLiUII
Local artists and performers will consider the global effects of climate change in a brand new arts and cultural program supported by Arts House and the University of Melbourne. Running from July 5-10, Performing Climates will feature five major projects spanning dance, theatre and public installation, as creatives from around the country stare down an impending environmental catastrophe. Central to the program is Cut the Sky, a large-scale interdisciplinary work by the Marrugeku Theatre. Combining dance, video, poetry and song, the show follows a group of environmental refugees as they make their way across an inhospitable landscape. Other works in the lineup include an audiovisual piece that combines aerial drone footage with an immersive score, a theatre show/lecture/board game that calls on audience members to consider the interplay between natural and man-made systems, a participatory "research-action event" that will see North Melbourne Town Hall turned into a functioning community relief centre, and an installation and performance work that considers our fragile relationship with water. Image: Jon Green.
After introducing its cookie pies to the world last week, Gelato Messina is bringing the OTT dessert back for a second round. This time, the pie in question is red velvet and it looks just as decadent as it sounds. Hang on, a cookie pie? Yes, it's a pie, but a pie made of red velvet cookie dough with white chocolate chips. And it serves two–six people — or just you. You bake it yourself, too, so you get to enjoy that oh-so-amazing smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. While no longer free, these pies are now available for preorder — so if you missed out last week, here's your chance to get yourself a piece of the pie. On its own, the red velvet dessert will cost $20. But to sweeten the deal, the cult ice creamery has created a few bundle options, should you want some of its famed gelato atop it. For $28, you'll get the pie and a 500-millilitre tub, while with a one-litre tub or a 1.5-litre tub, it'll cost $34 and $39 respectively. A handful of the bake-at-home goods will be available via Deliveroo from Wednesday, April 29 for those who can't or don't want to leave the house. But your best bet of getting your hands on one is by peeling yourself off the couch and picking it up from your local Messina store. You can place your preorder now via Bopple, with pick up times available between Wednesday, April 29 and Sunday, May 3. You can preorder a Messina cookie pie via Bopple to pick up from all NSW, Vic and Queensland Gelato Messina stores (except The Star) from April 29–May 3 or you can order delivery via Deliveroo on April 29.
If you've got a soft spot for cakes made of cream cheese, then your lockdown is about to get a whole lot brighter. The dessert maestros at Burch & Purchese sweet studio have just kicked off an eight-day celebration of the humble cheesecake, in all its creamy, decadent glory. Running from Sunday, August 8–Sunday, August 15, Cheesecake Week will see the venue's online store stocked with a limited-edition lineup of signature cheesecake creations, which you can order for in-store pick-up or have dropped to your door. We're talking a layered white forest number starring cherry jelly and a crunchy chocolate base; lime and vanilla cheesecake pots with strawberry jelly and mango cream; and even an ultra indulgent chocolate-infused riff on the classic Basque cheesecake. To name just a few, that is. If you'd like to have a go yourself, you can also shop Darren Purchese's own cheesecake recipe e-book for $15. Plus, the man himself will be hosting a special virtual cheesecake demonstration on Sunday, August 15 — grab tickets to that for $25 (with the e-book included) right here. [caption id="attachment_822472" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Darren Purchese, by Parker Blain[/caption] Images: Cath Claringbold and Parker Blain
Opera gets a bad rap. Yes, it's beautiful and calming. The performers are endlessly talented. The shows themselves are nuanced, emotive and rich. But there's just something we can't shake about it. Perhaps it's the pearls and the champagne; decades upon decades of elite stuffiness is hard to overcome. But there was never anything wrong with the music itself. It may be time to give opera a second chance, and if there's anything that can revive our love for it, it's puppets. In an exclusive two-night run, Aria! is a unique hybrid performance by Black Hole Theatre that will present a re-imagining of renowned arias from classic operas such as Madama Butterfly, Lakme and Faust. Re-imagined, importantly, through puppets. There will be marionettes, shadow puppets, and a form of Japanese puppet theatre called bunraku. Not to give away too much, but the famously hypnotic 'Humming Chorus' from Madama Butterfly will be performed while illuminated jellyfish hover and dance above the audience's heads. In fact, the entire production will be quite different to any opera you may have been to. While, of course, there will be puppeteers and singers, the audience will also get a chance to enter the show. Provided with a torch upon entry, you will be able to shine light on performances as they roam around the intimate space. Far from the inevitable connotations of monacles and monarchs, this is one version of opera we can definitely get behind.
The weirdest, wildest and most innovative video art around is coming to town as part of the third Channels Festival. Taking over a number of venues around Melbourne including ACMI, The Substation in Newport and the Centre for Contemporary Photography, this year's festival will consist of 14 unique events, and will draw on the talents of more than 90 artists from around Australia and the world. Standouts on the program include Video Visions, a two-and-a-half hour screening of curated video art culled from more than 470 submissions; Flygirl, a solo green-screen dance installation from Sydney-based artist Caroline Garcia; and FutureClown, an "alternative viewing" of Donald Trump's inauguration from LA artist Rachel Mason. The festival will also feature a number of commissions, including new works from Melbourne-based South Sudanese artist Atong Atem and Wakka Wakka and Yargel artist Hannah Brontë. For the full Channels Festival program visit their website
Windsor bar Galah is known for its elegant take on Australiana cocktails and contemporary fare. Now, the team is giving the same treatment to the humble high tea. Held across multiple sittings this Sunday, June 9, An Aussie High Tea promises to be the perfect (bottomless) boozy addition to those long weekend plans. Across two hours, you'll tuck into a sumptuous showcase of great native flavours, with bites like mini cheese toasties, crocodile croque monsieurs, house-made pâté and reimagined cucumber sandwiches. LuxBite dessert master Bernard Chu is lending his talents to the sweets menu, with a parade of reworked classics. Expect to find the likes of a Weiss Bar-inspired mango, coconut and macadamia mousse cake, an Iced Vovo dessert and even Vegemite and chocolate macarons. To match, there'll be free-flowing drinks — expect teapot serves of espresso martinis, Bloody Matildas and a Cuddle Pot & Honey Pie peach iced tea, along with spritzes, mimosas and wines. Sittings are available between noon and 8pm on the day, with two hours of high tea and unlimited drinks setting you back $70 each. Bookings are a must and if you've got a table of five or more, you'll score $60 tickets. Images: Duncan Jacobs.
