Best-selling author and humourist David Sedaris is playing a much-anticipated third tour at Hamer Hall, and it's your chance to have a laugh while putting your smug, well-read friends to shame. Sedaris, you may recall — as your friends have been telling you — is the "man who writes funny books". Books that "you should have read". He is, in fact, very funny. And yes, you should read him. The evening is a prime chance to catch up on neglected literature, as it will feature a selection of readings from Sedaris' renowned essays, focusing on new, unpublished work and diary entries. Sedaris' diary is one you'd leave out for friends to find. His stories cover all manner of topics, from a season spent working as an elf to his time committed to learning a foreign language. But his droll assessments note more than 'foot fingers' as being a legitimate translation for toes (it is, by the way) — it's also a great example of Sedaris' ability to capture the essence of the everyday and make the mundane more meaningful. It forms a social documentary that leaves your mind reeling more than a summer jetty. It's not just his essays in The New York Times that have caught the imagination of fans, or even his best-selling novels such as Me Talk Pretty One Day that offer incisive social critiques. He also lends his talents to renditions of Billie Holiday songs on This American Life, as podcast enthusiasts will know. It's this unexpected voice in particular, that can flow from jazzy vocals to softly spoken sardonic wit, that adds a whole new element to understanding David Sedaris. Remarkably, there are still a handful of tickets left to An Evening with David Sedaris. Buy yourself a present. Or, kinder yet, buy two and take one of those smug friends of yours to show you've been listening all along.
Shock horror — a piece of street art has been defaced with graffiti. In what is the second incident this year for the iconic work, Keith Haring's Johnston Street mural has suffered a large black scrawl over the figures in its lower left quadrant. As the work is currently listed on the Victoria Heritage Register, those wishing to restore the piece will first have to acquire a permit before any amendments can take place. But, as always, the question remains — should they? This much-loved local work was painted by the iconic New York street artist on his only trip to Australia in 1984. After its inevitable deterioration, and much debate from art lovers and historians alike, its restoration took place nearly 30 years later in 2013. Clear and crisp, Haring's figures have enjoyed a resurgence for the better part of the past year — it may just be the whitest and brightest wall left in Collingwood. "Passers-by can now see the work as Keith Haring intended," said State Arts Minister Heidi Victoria at the time of restoration. Though such logic understandably leaves itself open to criticism. For instance, if Haring wanted his works pristine and untouched, why not place them in a gallery? Doing chalk drawings on the NYC subway are not the work of a man easily phased by the ephemeral. With such a rich and iconic history of street art, Melbourne has had many such controversies over the years. In fact, Banksy's Little Diver on the Nicholas Building faced a similar fate in 2008. Five years after the stencil was created, Melbourne City Council covered the work with a perspex screen to protect the piece. Shortly after, vandals poured grey paint behind the covering and cheekily scrawled 'Banksy woz ere' atop the then defaced work. In 2010, the piece then resurfaced in the form of a paste-up — such works are in constant evolution with their environment. Of course, not all people feel this way and many were saddened by the loss of their small aquatic friend. The boundaries between 'street art' and 'graffiti' are gloriously intertwined and many outwardly fight on the side of preservation. Just this week, Brisbane City Council faced outrage after painting over a work by Anthony Lister. In response to the erasure of his piece, the artist deemed the council "culture-killing neanderthals". Similar public disdain was expressed in 2012 when construction workers destroyed Banksy's Parachuting Rat in Prahran. Haring's much-loved mural will almost certainly get retouched once the permits get processed. The scribble is relatively small and innocuous, but what it stands for is much larger. Should we protect the former glory of these artworks, or let them evolve and decay like the faded chalk lines on the NYC subway? Via The Age. Bottom photo credit superk8nyc via photopin cc.
nThere really is a festival for everything, and come July at Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image, that includes television. Not content to let film monopolise the big screen fest space, ACMI is playing host to the world's biggest TV festival, with Series Mania heading to Australia for the first time. With a name that could also describe humanity's reaction each and every time a new season of a TV show hits a streaming platform, Series Mania comes to Melbourne from July 20 to 24 for five days of television-focused fun. The program won't be announced until July 3, but you can expect it to include more than 40 screenings of premiere seasons of some of the best new drama, narrative comedy and web-based series from around the world. Workshops, panel discussions, masterclasses and Q&A sessions will also be on the agenda, with the fest catering for both industry and the public. In case you're wondering just how exciting this is, Series Mania's Paris festival gives a great indication of what might be in store. In 2016, it attracted more than 40,000 attendees to see 80 shows from 20 countries, and has previously showcased Aussie efforts such as The Kettering Incident, Cleverman, The Family Law and Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. The 2017 fest — aka season eight of the event — takes place from April 13 to 23. It's set to include discussions with Lost and The Leftovers writer/producer Damon Lindelof, and The Good Wife's Julianna Margulies; a tribute to Buffy the Vampire Slayer; a marathon on new TV comedies from the UK, US, Canada and Australia; and the world premiere of the Melbourne-made drama Seven Types of Ambiguity, which stars Hugo Weaving, Xavier Samuel and Suzie Porter. "We are experiencing a golden age of television around the world right now, as this medium rapidly expands into new platforms," says ACMI CEO and Director Katrina Sedgwick. "We're delighted to partner with Film Victoria to bring Series Mania to Melbourne. Our audiences will preview some of the best series coming to our screens in the year to come — and discover stunning international TV that we might not ever see otherwise." If that all sounds like your idea of a great way to spend a day or several, then prepare for an epic binge session, but out of the house and not in your pyjamas. In even better news, Series Mania will be free. Image: Nathalie Prèbende.
In Europe, it's called the Night of Museums: an annual evening when leading cultural institutions across the continent stay open long after they'd normally shut their doors, welcoming in patrons for after-dark art activities. In Melbourne, a new event is taking that idea, running with it and rolling it out across the city — with everything from gigs and movies to immersive dome projections and after-hours exhibition access on offer. That's all on the just-dropped program for Art After Dark, which was initially announced back in March. Back then, Melburnians heard the basics — that the city would be scoring an after-hours extravaganza in May, with State Library Victoria, the NGV, Federation Square, Arts Centre Melbourne, ACMI and Melbourne Museum all involved. That was all well and good and exciting, of course, but the actual lineup is even more dazzling. Set to run from 6pm–1am on both Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14, Art After Dark will feature limited-time-only experiences — both free and ticketed — that span live music, visual and performing arts, and food and drink. The Social Crew is producing the inaugural event, which is presented by Visit Victoria. And the aim, unsurprisingly, is to get both locals and visitors to the city to play tourist at Melbourne's cultural venues. At State Library Victoria, things will be particularly bright, all thanks to Midnight at Pink Lake. It's a 360-degree immersive projection that'll light up the La Trobe Reading Room — so yes, looking up is well and truly in order. And, it'll be paired with a themed program called Dream State, which features mindful workshops, music, roving performers, giant chess, and food and drinks. Basically, the venue is going all out on a visual and aural experience, calling it "part guided meditation, part poem, part chant, part song". Next, at NGV Australia, Ron Mueck's Mass from the 2017 Triennial will return — giant skulls and all — accompanied by pop-up poetry readings, choirs and DJs. And, at NGV International, light projections will transform its bluestone exterior thanks to QUEER: Stories from the NGV Collection. Also on the bill: Hannah Brontë's video installation EYE HEAR U MAGIK 2020, as well as access to the whole venue itself, with everything free to access across all levels. Over at Fed Square, BRIGGS is headlining Fed Square Live on the Friday night, with Kee'ahn, Soju Gang and Izy in support. And, that's where you'll be able to peer up at Aussie-first art installation Constellations — which'll see artist Joanie Lemercier's monochrome, vector-based aesthetics paired with an electronic soundscape by producer Paul Jebanasam. Also, for something sweet, Fed Square will also be doing free takeaway hot chocolates, coffees, s'mores and glow-in-the-dark fairy floss. Arts Centre Melbourne is also hosting live performances, going nostalgic with Human Nature on the Saturday night. DJs will play from the balcony, food trucks will pop up and the Australian Music Vault will stay open, complete with curators and tour guides diving into the local music scene. At ACMI, drop-in showings of Soda Jerk's phenomenal Terror Nullius will be a big highlight, as will free Oskar Fischinger exhibition Raumlichtkunst — featuring one of the first multimedia projections ever made. The screen-focused museum is teaming up with Collingwood's beloved Bar SK, too, for a room of innovative and interactive entertainment that's all about Aussie game developers. And, it's collaborating with PHOTO 2022 International Festival of Photography on Gillian Wearing: Editing Life, with the British artist in focus. [caption id="attachment_852016" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Triceratops at Melbourne Muserum. Photo by Eugene Hyland[/caption] Last but by no means least, Melbourne Museum is letting folks see its triceratops after dark, and doing projections, hosting food trucks, setting up pop-up bars and inviting DJs to spin tunes. Or, over at IMAX, you'll be able to dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with late sessions of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Art After Dark is expected to see thousands of punters descend on the city for a late-night culture fix — a move that's sure to be welcomed by Melbourne's hard-hit creative industries as they continue through their post-COVID recovery phase. Art After Dark takes place at State Library Victoria, the NGV, Federation Square, Arts Centre Melbourne, ACMI and Melbourne Museum from Friday, May 13–Saturday, May 14. Head to the event's website for further details and tickets. Top image: Performers sing with Mass by Ron Mueck, 2017 on display at NGV Triennial 2017 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Eugene Hyland.
This dedicated family business has been selling fashionable and stylish footwear to bayside women for more than 35 years. Step Ahead Shoes source and sell shoes from Italy and Spain — including family-run label Wonders, made in Elche, Spain — that are not only comfortable and practical to wear every day, but look damn good too. The passionate team are always happy to help you find your perfect fit and style, for those overwhelmed by the large range on offer in their Elsternwick store.
Listening bars are going off in Melbourne right now, including the likes of Waxflower, Music Room and Bahama Gold — while stacks of other drinking dens are giving that extra bit of love to the tunes played of an evening. W Melbourne's omakase joint Warabi is leaning into this trend throughout September, pairing its innovative multi-course seafood-focused feeds with old-school R&B and hip hop beats. [caption id="attachment_940665" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dasha Kud[/caption] DJ Prequel is spinning the records every Thursday night while the chefs work behind him to craft each of the intricate bite-sized dishes. Warabi has also teamed up with gin brand Ki No Bi to provide a complimentary gin cocktail on arrival. The evening will set you back a mean $195 per person, but that's in line with most of Melbourne's best omakase restaurants. If you're looking to treat yourself — or a food- and music-loving mate — this ain't a bad way to do it.
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.
It's already home to a large number of the city's best restaurants, but Flinders Lane is about to score another gem when Sydney's much-loved Nomad opens up a Melbourne outpost in June 2020. While the name might not ring any bells for Melburnians, the popular casual fine diner is known in Sydney for its reliable and always delicious Mediterranean-Australian fare. That includes the likes of zucchini flowers with pecorino and truffle honey, ricotta dumplings and its must-order duck mortadella. Nomad's current head chef Jacqui Challinor is coming down to Melbourne to craft the new menu, which will likely feature some of the stars from the Sydney list — fingers crossed for the above — along with plenty of new dishes to try. She plans to build a team of local Melbourne chefs and allow the venue to develop its own identity, rather than just being a carbon copy of the Sydney restaurant Challinor plans to work closely with local producers. "Having strong relationships with local suppliers has always been a core part of what we do at Nomad," she says. "So my aim is to get down there and engage with all the Victorian producers to help inspire the Melbourne menu." Diners can look forward to plenty of house-made bread, charcuterie and cheese, plus signature dishes fresh out of a wood-fired oven, served alongside an extensive list of wines from small growers and producers, particularly interesting tastes from international vineyards. Nomad's zucchini flowers.Moving in alongside Supernormal, MoVida, Lucy Liu and Kisumé, Nomad Melbourne will have an interior to match its neighbours. It's being designed by local architect Clare Cousins, who is creating a moody 150-seat restaurant and bar with a hidden entrance — very fitting, given the locale. It's been a hectic year for owners Al and Rebecca Yazbek, whose Surry Hills restaurant has been shut since September after an electrical fire caused extensive damage. But, now that the pair has got temporary venue Nomad Up The Road up and running, they can focus their attention on the move south. Nomad Melbourne is set to open June 2020 at 189 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. We'll keep you updated as we find out more details. Images: Petrina Tinslay.
The spirit of cabaret is alive and well in Melbourne, with one of the world's most celebrated chanteuses lighting up Queen Victoria Market's Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent for the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Her particular mix of debauchery, dark humour and biting social commentary make this one of the festival's must-see shows. German kabarett superstar Bernie Dieter — described as "an electrifying cross between Lady Gaga, Marlene Dietrich and Frank-N-Futer in sequins" — will bring her infamous gin-soaked haus band and her troupe of bombastic bohemians back to Melbourne throughout October. Gather your fellow deviants for this one. [caption id="attachment_841679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Johannes Reinhart[/caption] The show encapsulates the spirit of the notorious kabarett clubs of Weimar Germany, and features a vibrant lineup of international talent. The billing includes the dangerous art of hair hanging (we're getting split ends just from the mere mention of this one), flame breathers, gender bending aerial performances and plenty of strip teasing and pole dancing. The colourful show celebrates freedom and diversity in all its forms — Dieter herself describes it as "the ultimate party at the end of the world". Just as spectacular as the performance is its iconic — and all too appropriate — setting. Bernie Dieter's Club Kabarett will take place in Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent at Queen Vic Market. The venue is one of the country's largest and most spectacular spiegeltents and an ideal setting for such a spellbinding cabaret show.
How bloody great is summer? The sun is shining (most of the time), the nights are balmy and there are plenty of places around town to perch outside with a beer and while away an afternoon with friends. As summer kicks into full swing, there's no shortage of killer events happening around Melbourne. With a little help from our friends at Sunglass Hut, we've put together five things to do that are perfect for when you want to get outside and embrace the day. Crank out the linen shirt, make sure your water bottle is full and and pop on some shades to face your summer.
UPDATE, NOVEMBER 18, 2016: After a successful first weekend, Bon Fromage has had to postpone the second weekend of the festival due to permit issues. They plan to bring the festival back, bigger and better, in early 2017. Melburnians have always liked cheese, but in recent years things have gotten serious. Dedicated fromageries have popped up across our fair city and we've enjoyed at least three dedicated cheese festivals in recent memory. Our stomachs are working overtime to digest all the lactose — and, honestly, we've never been happier. And the love affair continues with this latest cheesy announcement. France (or more specifically, a Parisian centre for cheese, which is a real thing) is bringing us Bon Fromage, a ten-day cheese festival celebrating European cheese. The whole thing will happen in a laneway behind Carlton's King and Godfree from the November 11. First and foremost is cheese — the venue will be transformed into a cheese marketplace and wine bar for two weekends, alongside pop-ups from Melbourne cheese royalty Shifty Chevre, Milk the Cow and Harper and Blohm. But the cheese festival isn't just about eating so much cheese you puke. Anthony Femia of Prahran Market's Maker and Monger and Johnny Di Francesco from 400 Gradi will be there too, holding masterclasses in, we assume, the correct way to draw a cheese fondue bath for yourself. The festival is supported by the European Union, presumably to get Australians on board with the European cheese industry. To us, this seems like a bit of a misfire because we're already very on board with cheese (from Europe or elsewhere), but whatever — we'll be there front and centre with our bibs on regardless. Bon Fromage: Festival of European Cheeses will run from Friday, November 11 until Sunday, November 20 in Faraday Lane, Carlton, behind King and Godfree. For more info, visit the Facebook event.
Bernie Tierde is a kind-hearted and compassionate assistant funeral director from a small town community. He wouldn't hurt a fly, so how would he be able to murder a woman? Everyone in the town of Carthage, Texas has a very special fondness for Bernie (Jack Black), who spends his days comforting widows, bestowing gifts and singing at services. The townsfolk are shocked, however, when Bernie strikes up an unlikely connection with the richest, meanest old widow in town, Marjorie Nugent (Shirley Maclaine). The two travel the world together, shop, and gossip, until one day Marjorie goes missing and Bernie is the prime suspect for her murder. Based on events which really did occur about 15 years ago, much of the film is presented in documentary style, with interviews of the townsfolk and their comedic takes on the turn of events inserted into the film's narrative. Black gives an authentic performance as the complex character of Bernie, and Maclaine puts in a similarly strong showing as the impatient, overbearing old hag that everyone loves to hate. Concrete Playground has ten double passes to giveaway to see Bernie. To go in the running, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email your name and postal address to us at hello@concreteplayground.com.au
Kafka gets an appropriate reimagining in The Second Cousins' META, the final show in Malthouse Theatre's Helium program. Dragging the classic surrealist tale Metamorphosis into the modern day, Samara Hersch and co. tell the story of Gregor Samsa — a family man whose mundane world unravels into a "multi-sensory nightmare". Spoiler (because you've now had 99 years to read the original): he might turn into a giant cockroach. Now in its third year, Malthouse Theatre's Helium is a celebration of independent theatre-makers and original ideas; the realms of high and low culture coming into proper alignment. Partnering up with Next Wave and the Melbourne Fringe for certain productions like this one, this year's initiative from the highly respected Malthouse Theatre is quickly building momentum and looks to be a major player in this year's already bustling cultural program. META runs October 22 - November 1, tickets available via Malthouse Theatre. To check out the rest of the 2014 Helium program, we've got the wrap up over here.
It seems that 2020 is the year of staying local, although you don't need us to tell you that. For months so far — and for months to come — we're all making the most of our own backyard. We're eating local, and supporting local businesses. And, whether you prefer a yeasty brew to cap off your week, a full-bodied wine with dinner or a few cocktails whenever the mood strikes, you can drink the state's finest tipples as well. We're always keen to highlight local folks doing great things, of course — and, to showcase homegrown winemakers, brewers and distillers, we've teamed up with our mates at BWS to celebrate a few of the best. Here are six must-try Victorian drops that you can pick up at your nearest BWS.
Come Sunday, March 26, Melbourne's CBD is set to be the place to be for local seafood lovers, as Taxi Kitchen reels in diners for a one-off Melbourne Food & Wine Festival lunch celebrating some of the state's best wild-caught ocean-fresh goodness. Top Victorian fisheries will be thrown into the spotlight across a four-course feast featuring plates like freshly shucked sea urchin roe with sour plum and fried nori; San Remo octopus starring coconut, ginger and lemongrass; and crayfish rice finished with shiitake, lup chong and a son-in-law egg. There'll be snacks and a cocktail to kick things off, while the lunch is set to be paired with a curation of Victorian wines from the likes of Paringa Estate and Leura Park. You'll also be treated to tunes from a live funk and soul act as you dine. Tickets to the feast come in at $184, including matched vino, plus a glass of local sparkling wine and a cocktail on arrival. [caption id="attachment_680384" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Giulia Morlando[/caption] Top image: Carmen Zammit
The act of making a movie in Iran is saddled with restrictions; however that hasn't stopped the nation's filmmakers soldiering on regardless. From the late, great Palme d'Or recipient Abbas Kiarostami to A Separation's Asghar Farhadi to banned director Jafar Panahi, Iranian film is thriving. So is Australia's only festival dedicated to their output. For the sixth year, the Iranian Film Festival Australia shines a spotlight on the country's cinematic voices, and on contemporary life as well. Kicking off in Melbourne on Thursday, October 27, the six-day fest boasts yet another busy lineup of features, spanning opening night's highly anticipated drama Life and a Day, social-realist gang effort Lantouri and the award-winning Daughter. Elsewhere, Sound and Fury dives into the life of a pop singer who has an affair with a fan, Drought & Lies adapts a well-known Iranian play, and I follows a woman who acts outside the law under the police scrutiny. Add familiar faces and restored classics to the mix — including first Iranian New Wave feature The Brick and the Mirror — and audiences can explore both the history and the future of Iranian cinema.
On November 1 every year, plant-based people the world over celebrate 'World Vegan Day'. The day of animal product-free eating is just around the corner once again — and it's safe to say Preston Market has your day's feasting well and truly sorted. The northside precinct is transforming into a treasure trove of vegan delights for the occasion, as a stack of its traders get into the spirit with a range of special offers, free tastings and one-off vegan dishes. Swing by Rhubarb Rhubarb Organics to sample an array of vegan cheeses (10am–1pm), or road-test some animal product-free pastries and baked goods over at Dragisha & Nikola Bakery. Meanwhile, Cornutopia will be rolling $10 loaded vegan burritos, health cafe Super Raw will be offering 20 percent off its entire menu, and you'll be able to nab a trio of vegan boreks for a tenner from the crew at Ishtar Borek & Falafel. Visitors can even unleash some creativity with a few DIY gozleme at Fresh Daily Gozleme. And, of course, sweet-toothed vegans will also be in excellent hands. You'll be able to sink your teeth into ten of I Love Churros' signature pastries for just $5, or roll down to Hot Jam Donuts and pick up a dozen of its freshly baked jammy delights for $12.
Back in early June, Victoria celebrated recording zero new cases for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Two months later, that number had climbed to 687. That was the peak of the second wave, thankfully, and since then, the numbers have slowly been decreasing — and today, Monday, October 26, Victoria has awoken to some excellent news. The Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services has sent out its daily Tweet with yesterday's numbers and it's what we all want to see: a big fat zero. https://twitter.com/VicGovDHHS/status/1320474981877325830 Of course, this doesn't mean the war is over, but it is some much-needed good news after a long period of lockdown. Since COVID-19 numbers started increasing again in July, a State of Disaster was declared in Victoria, masks have been made mandatory across the state and metro Melbourne has been in lockdown from early August. While Melbourne awaits the latest announcement on eased restrictions — as it races to contain an outbreak in the northern suburbs — this zero new case figure in Victoria is a welcome development indeed. Today's zero new cases places Victoria's total at 20,343, which includes 19,359 people who have recovered from the coronavirus, as per the state's last reported numbers on Sunday, October 26. So far, Victoria has conducted more than three million tests for COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020. While restrictions have been easing across the state, the Victorian Government has continued to encourage the state's residents to get tested (especially those in the northern suburbs of Melbourne) and respect the rules. Metro Melbourne is set to progress to its next stage of eased restrictions on Sunday, November 1, but Premier Daniel Andrews says he'll make an announcement on exactly what will change tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27. The state has been slowly progressing through a five-step roadmap to COVID-normal since mid-September, with different restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website — and for further details about Victoria's steps for reopening, head to the roadmap itself. Top image: Julia Sansone
Sydney and Melbourne's rivalry is notorious. We've all witnessed heated battles over which city has the best food, transport, beaches or general vibes. Molly Rose, however, is keen to stoke the flames of another interstate feud this winter, pitting Melbourne against Darwin. And it's doing so through its inaugural YUMMO! Laksa Festival. For one day only, on Sunday, July 7, the Collingwood brewery is teaming up with the Darwin International Laksa Festival to host some of the best laksa chefs from the Northern Territory and Victoria under one roof. The Top End will be represented by 2023 Darwin International Laksa Festival Hall of Fame recipient Jason Chin (CHOK's Place) and 2023 Golden Bowl winner Jason Hanna (CHOW!). Chin will be cooking up a rendition of his award-winning laksa, while Hanna is delivering some laksa-inspired dishes that will perfectly complement his fellow Territorian's curry. Mischa Tropp (Toddy Shop) will be fighting it out for Melbourne, serving a laksa spiked with South Indian flavours. The Molly Rose kitchen will also support Tropp, creating a menu of tasty southeast Asian bites. With each spicy, creamy bowl of soupy noodles purchased, punters will be given a token they can use to vote for their fave laksa of the day — with all-time bragging rights going to the winning city. The Darwin vs Melbourne grudge match is just the start of the fun the YUMMO! Laksa Festival has in store. During the day, there will also be a laksa-eating competition, with prizes going to whoever can slurp down their bowl fastest. Visitors can also fish the name of a random dish out of a bowl, which will then be presented to them to try. The Darwin cohort will be flexing their creative talents with laksas inspired by Italian arancini and Basque cheesecake — so prepare to have your tastebuds utterly confused with this one. Molly Rose will even be running a couple of intimate gin masterclasses throughout the day. Molly Rose's Founder and Brewer Nic Sandery will help folks create their own laksa-inspired bottle to keep, while also giving out some tasters. Places for this activity are limited and need to be booked ahead of time at a cost of $125 per person. On top of all this, Molly Rose will be slinging specially brewed beer, sodas and a handcrafted gin for anyone thirsty for a drop that pairs beautifully with their laksa. Darwinians like to think they have the greatest laksas, but we reckon Melbourne's best laksas give them a run for their money. Whatever the case, you can expect some damn good eating at Molly Rose's YUMMO! Laksa Festival.
There were short-lived rumours that Melbourne's art and hospitality scene had reached peak saturation, but the city quickly put those to bed when its cultural ecosystem grew and flourished once again. It was a year of innovative new restaurants and bars — bigger and taller than ever before — forward-thinking events and bold spaces, pubs and cafes. And they're not all from the big players — independent ventures are flourishing. Venues have spent more time on their appearances, collaborating with local designers, architects and street artists to create stunning spaces. This prompted the creation of our new category, Best New Space. We've searched far and wide to find our favourite, visually stunning, innovative and sustainable spaces that are accessible to you — including shops, hotels, co-working hubs and public spaces. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented whippersnappers pushing Sydney to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new spaces, opened in 2017, have been nominated for Best New Spaces in Concrete Playground's Best of 2017 Awards. Vote for your favourite.
Festivals have evolved. Nowadays, they're almost unrecognisable from the pits of despair we experienced in our teens — and there's a festival to suit almost everyone. If your bag is being terrified until you poop your pants, Horror Movie Campout is the festival for you. Last year they debuted in Sydney and Melbourne, and this year it's not only coming back, but spreading further. Brisbanites had their chance back in September, and Adelaide residents can embrace all things scary in late October. Basically, it's the Meredith of monstrosity, the Splendour of spookiness…kind of exactly like Stereosonic ain its current zombied state. So what goes on at a horror festival? Well, it's full of horrifying spectres and hair-raising scenes of horror (aka, your blood will literally curdle). We've had some clues from last year: yep, survivors camped out overnight in the woods (first mistake right there, seriously). They reported roaming zombies, all the classic pop-culture murderers you can shake your pathetic choice of weapon at and of course, menacing clowns. Not only do the organisers hire actors to scare the bejesus out of you, but everyone comes to event dressed in costume. So get down to your local stuff shop before they sell out of 1920s nightgowns, fake blood and Kabuki masks. You can expect a horrifying 'death chamber' maze, as well as a main stage with live music (will it be horrifying? They haven't specified, but probably). Then, the main event is a series of curated horror shorts followed by two headliners, decided by you, the victims. The Melbourne campout is happening on December 3 and 4 (giving you just enough time to recover from Halloween) at the very remote and haunted Point Cook Homestead. Hint: old Point Cook has seen its fair share of murders.
Prahran bar The Smith is no stranger to a themed pop-up, regularly dressing up its space with bright blooms and decorations in a nod to the season at hand. And heading into summer, the venue has just unveiled its latest incarnation, embracing the incoming balmy weather with a brand-new look. Midsummer Night's Garden sees The Smith's garden atrium going heavy on the pastel florals and swathes of wisteria, with an archway leading through to a secret dining area. Here, you'll be able to kick back in comfort and enjoy offerings like the $45 Thursday Supper Club, which involves 90 minutes of bottomless bubbly, wine and spritzes, teamed with a cheese board to share. The space will also play host to a New Year's Eve cocktail party, though you can pop past anytime until the end of February to soak up the summery setting with a cocktail and feed among the blooms.
Twinkling fairy lights, hot melty cheese, mulled wine — and your own private igloo to cosy up in while you enjoy it all. If that sounds like the kind of winter scenario you'd like to snuggle into, then here's a pop-up you'll definitely want to make a date with. Off the back of its 2022 debut in Canberra, the Raclette Igloo Experience is set to descend on the rooftop of Fed Square from Friday, May 19–Sunday, June 11, serving up a healthy dose of charming Euro winter vibes. Available to book for groups of six or eight guests, a total of fourteen igloos will grace the space, each named after a different French ski resort. The set-up is designed to transport you straight to some wintery wonderland in the heart of Europe, complete with French-speaking waitstaff to greet you as faux snow tumbles softly from above. As the name suggests, the cheesy hero of this experience is the raclette, which'll be served up family-style at your table, ready to be spilled over traditional accompaniments like cured meats, boiled potatoes and pickles. A huge amount of cheese is being brought over from France for the occasion, with up to two kilos of the stuff to be set aside for each group. You'll even get your own raclette guide to show you the ropes and have you dining like a proper French foodie. Guests will enjoy a glass of mulled wine paired with their raclette feast, although each igloo is also kitted out with its own mini bar full of French wines and soft drinks available to add on for an extra cost. You'll wrap things up in very toasty style, too — huddled around a roaring fire pit roasting marshmallows with your mates for dessert. The Raclette Igloo Experience clocks in at $99 per person, with various day and night bookings available. Catch the Raclette Igloo Experience on the Fed Square rooftop from May 19–June 11. Bookings can be made over on the website.
If, when it comes to karaoke, you consider yourself a bit of a pro, you'll be damn pleased to hear that Melbourne is getting it's very own festival dedicated to your favourite pastime. Run by the same people who brought us last year's hugely successful Melbourne Dumpling Festival, the Melbourne Karaoke Festival is guaranteed to be a whole lot of fun — for singers and spectators alike. The festivities will kick off at 5pm on Friday, April 28, and will involve a series of sing-offs between karaoke hopefuls across three categories: solos, duets and bands. A panel of judges will award a handsome $1000 cash prize to the best competitor from each category, so start warming up your vocal chords to be in with a shot. For those who'd prefer to keep your singing skills confined to the safety of your shower (we hear ya), you can still have a chance at winning a sweet karaoke package worth over $1500. You just need to name your ultimate karaoke song and back it up in 25 words or less. Of course, liquid courage will be readily available, with Collingwood's Sample Brew at your service all night. If you're one of the first 400 to visit their pop-up, you'll even score a free beer. And what's karaoke and beer without dumplings? To complete the trifecta, take your pick from some of Melbourne's best CBD Chinese restaurants, including Tim Ho Wan, China Red, China Chilli and Dragon Boat. Follow it all up with limited edition disco doughnuts by St. Gerry's. If you don't feel like paying, don't — just hit the high notes and your dessert is on the house. The event is being held at 206 Bourke Street, which is the retail precinct Tim Ho Wan is located in and connects Bourke Street with Chinatown. The Melbourne Karaoke Festival will take place at 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne on Friday, April 28. For more information, visit their website.
Still sad because you missed The Avalanches much hyped comeback show at Splendour? Well, start saving your pennies because they're back for the Falls Music & Arts Festival. They're just one of the artists who have just been announced in the full 2016 lineup, alongside Childish Gambino, London Grammar, Grouplove, Broods, Jamie T, Parquet Courts and heaps, heaps more. As always, Falls will be heading to Lorne in Victoria for four nights, and Marion Bay in Tassie and Byron Bay on the NSW coast for three nights over New Year's Eve. They'll also be setting up shop in Fremantle for the first time with Falls Downtown, a two-day city festival slated to take place over the weekend of January 7-8. If you're seriously strapped for cash, it's time to warm up those vocal chords because The Falls Festival folks are giving you the chance to win VIP tickets for you and three mates. All you have to do is serenade the world with your favourite song from the 2016/17 lineup and upload it to Instagram with the hashtag #fallskaraoke. Get cracking. FALLS FESTIVAL 2016 LINEUP Childish Gambino (No Sideshows) London Grammar (No Sideshows) The Avalanches Violent Soho Matt Corby Alison Wonderland* Catfish and the Bottlemen* Fat Freddy's Drop* Ta-ku The Rubens* The Jezabels Ball Park Music Grouplove Bernard Fanning* Jamie T Broods Tkay Maidza Grandmaster Flash Illy MØ Hot Dub Time Machine DMA's AlunaGeorge Booka Shade Client Liaison Vallis Alps Parquet Courts City Calm Down LDRU* Modern Baseball Tired Lion* Remi* RY X Marlon Williams* Lemaitre Shura *Not Playing Fremantle Tickets for Falls Festival 2016/17 will go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, August 30 via their website.
It's been two years since Gelato Messina first introduced its cookie pies to the world, much to the delight of tastebuds across Australia. Over that time, the dessert chain has kept bringing the OTT dish back, too, especially when we all needed an extra dose of sweetness during lockdowns. It has whipped up different flavours as well, including choc hazelnut, fairy bread and red velvet. And, in addition to its one-off specials that are designed to share — whether or not you do is completely up to you, of course — Messina started serving up one-person versions last winter. That's all well and tasty, and it's about to be again — because those single-serve cookies pies are back. But, there's a caveat this time around: as well as only being available in stores on Mondays and Tuesdays, this round of pies is popping up at different Messina joints each week. No wonder the gelato fiends are calling it Le Tour De Cookie. Hang on, a cookie pie? Yes, it's a pie, but a pie made of cookie dough. If you're new to the concept, that's all you really need to know. And, yes, this cookie pie really is just for one person — and not just because you're not willing to share. The smaller-sized desserts come ready to eat as well. They're also topped with a scoop of gelato, because of course they are. To pick up one of these single-serve desserts, you'll need to keep an eye on the Messina website, which will list the stores dishing them up each week. To start things off, the Rosebery outpost in Sydney will be doing the honours on Monday, June 20–Tuesday, June 21 — and the Fitzroy shop in Melbourne will get the nod on Monday, June 27–Tuesday, June 28. Don't worry about pre-ordering, as that isn't required. With these small desserts, you just need to show up. Expect to pay $12 with a scoop, or $10 if somehow you don't want gelato on top. Gelato Messina's single-serve choc chip cookie pies are available on Monday and Tuesday nights at select stores during winter. Keep an eye on the Messina website for further details.
As part of the flurry of streaming services always competing for our eyeballs, FanForce TV joined the online viewing fold during the COVID-19 pandemic as a pay-per-view platform. The service runs all year round, of course, but it goes the extra mile for both National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, which is when it hosts the First Nations Film Festival (previously known as the Virtual Indigenous Film Festival) — yes, twice each year. In 2023, the fest enjoys its second run between Sunday, July 2–Monday, July 31, stretching the celebrations across almost an entire month — all solely online. The returning event will show six features that you can view whenever you like, plus three shorts, pairing the latter with a live discussion on one specific night. On the features bill: Ella, a powerful documentary about Ella Havelka, the first Indigenous dancer to be invited into the Australian Ballet in its half-century history; The Saltwater Story, following Bundjalung canoemaker Kyle Slabb taking a group of men to North Stradbroke Island by sea; and Homeland Story, which heads to the small Indigenous community of Donydji in northeast Arnhem Land. Or, there's also Etched in Bone, Angels Gather Here and Journey West. The first focuses on Washington DC's Smithsonian Institution returning stolen human bones, and the Aboriginal elder who crafts a ceremony to restore his ancestors' spirits afterwards; the second charts Jacki Trapman's trip to Brewarrina for her parents' 60th wedding anniversary; and the third sees a walk that hadn't happened for almost three decades reenacted. 2023's NAIDOC Week theme is 'for our elders, which drives this film fest's selections as well. Viewers can tune in on a film-by-film basis, or buy an all-access pass to tune into everything. And for the First Nations short film program, it livestreams at 8pm AEST on Wednesday, July 5, with actor, broadcaster, comedian and musician James Williams chatting with The Fred Hollows Foundation's Director of Social Justice and Regional Engagement Jaki Adams afterwards. Top image: The Australian Ballet Production Vitesse with Ella Havelka and Christopher Rogers-Wilson. © Jeff Busby
Bottomless brunches are currently having a bit of a moment, with every man and his dog enjoying free-flowing Champagne and downing endless treats before midday. But Trinket is doing things a little differently with its bottomless lunches. Thank the Roman gods because now the Flinders Lane art deco haunt is serving all-you-can-eat pizza and bottomless cocktails every Saturday and Sunday. Head down on a weekend between 12:30–2.30pm and, for $49 per person, you can eat all the pizza and drink all the cocktails your stomach can muster. It's not just your average pizza either. You can make your way through 13 options, including meatballs and blue cheese, garlic sausage and mushroom, smoked eggplant and squash and smoked chicken and pesto. Of course, the classic margherita is on the menu, too. Drinks-wise, you'll be sipping on free-flowing cocktails, which will be a rotating list of four concoctions on the day — think mandarin mimosas and frozen bellinis. We recommended making a booking soon though — the place can get quite packed come the weekend. So, best make a group chat with your mates ASAP. Trinket's bottomless pizza and cocktail lunch sessions happen Saturday and Sunday, from 12:30pm–2.30pm. Bookings can be made via Trinket's website.
Jess Pryles, aka 'Burger Mary', is joining forces with the Precinct Hotel to bring America to us for the Superbowl XLVII. Burger Mary is known for her love and knowledge of southern cuisine and is designing an authentic menu to go along with the game. Inspired by the host city New Orleans, they'll be whipping up comfort food and football snacks like French fries, cheese and jalapeno dip served with tortilla chips, buffalo wings, shrimp po boys, and tater tots. New Orleans-inspired cocktails, buckets of Miller Beers, and traditional decorations will help to make it feel just like downtown America. And last but not least, the game will, of course, be played on the big screen.
Melbourne has a new vegan eatery — and it's fuelled by matcha. Matcha Mylkbar opens this morning on the corner of Carlisle and Acland Streets. The plant-based café comes from Sarah Holloway and Nic Davidson, the same people that brought you (and basically every cafe in Australia) Matcha Maiden. It will serve an entirely vegan menu to St Kilda locals needing something new to Instagram. Matcha is green tea leaves ground into a fine powder. That means instead of throwing out the tea bag, you swallow the leaves and get 137 times the antioxidants of simply steeping green tea. 2015 was a big year for matcha; traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, it started to be used creatively in baking, smoothies and lattes. Matcha Maiden has been everywhere ever since. "We never thought we would start a physical venue, but we realised there was obviously a market there," says Holloway. "Then one of our friends [a founder of St Ali] happened to have a venue in Melbourne for us." The menu has regulars like smashed avocado with heirloom tomatoes and corn fritters. But then there's the coconut bacon and the matcha pancakes with dark chocolate sorbet. There are mushroom lattes, and beetroot lattes. Yes, you read that right — beetroot lattes. The breakfast bowls, a requirement of any vegan café, are elaborate and beautifully decorated. The 'eggs' follow suit with the rest of the menu and are made completely of plant-based products. A little sceptical? Holloway promises that when poached, they ooze just like a regular egg. "They have the same nutritional profile, but the yolk is made of linseed protein and sweet potato, and the outside is almond milk and coconut milk," she explains. Despite what you might assume, Holloway and her business partners aren't actually vegan themselves. Knowing about the benefits of plant-based eating, they wanted to fuse it with their love of matcha and make it available and affordable to everyone — not just vegans. "People on the outside tend to think of veganism as this really hippie, weird thing. I think the fact that this café comes from non-vegans makes it like vegan eating for non-vegans. Hopefully people will be a little more open minded." Matcha Mylkbar opens today Thursday, March 31 at 72 Acland Street, St Kilda. They'll be open daily from 7.30am to 4pm. For more info, visit matchamylkbar.com.
They're perhaps the most mystical of all sea creatures, but you probably haven't had much of a chance to get up close and personal with real-life jellyfish. Well, all that's about to change. Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is shining the spotlight on these ocean enigmas with an interactive new $1.5 million permanent jellyfish exhibition. Spread across 300 square metres and three multi-sensory zones, and featuring thousands of jellyfish from a range of species, Ocean Invaders has made its home permanently at the aquarium. It's home to a range of exhibitions dedicated to these gelatinous critters — from lighting installations to hands-on activities and mesmerising, colourful displays of living jellyfish. Here, you can learn the ins and outs of jellyfish, watch them being cared for by Sea Life's ocean experts and even crawl through a cylindrical tank surrounded by them. In another zone, striking light projections lend even more magic to a range of living displays, including one transparent sphere that's packed full of floating creatures. Species like the blue blubber jellyfish (catostylus mosaicus), the upside-down jellyfish (cassiopea andromeda) and sea nettles (chrysaora melanaster) also feature in the Ocean Invaders collection, which also aims to school visitors on why some jellyfish populations are currently booming across our oceans. Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium has reopened as of Friday, November 13. It is currently open Monday, Thursday, Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday, Sunday 10am–5:30pm.
Picking something to watch is about to get harder, and Australian viewers are set to get even more spoilt for choice. The list of streaming services available Down Under is already hefty, but there'll be at least 50 more channels to choose from once the end of August hits. The reason: the launch of Pluto TV on our shores, which is coming via Network Ten's 10 Play platform. Up and running in the US for almost a decade, Pluto TV is completely free to watch. The catch: it's a FAST service, aka free ad-supported streaming television. So, just like in the days before anyone had even dreamed up Netflix and the like, or pay TV, you won't pay a cent to watch — but you will have to see commercials. Pluto TV's big drawcard is delivering its smorgasbord of content via channels, rather than just having audiences scroll through hundreds or thousands of shows and movies to decide what to watch. Basically, it replicates the linear TV experience on free-to-air, but via streaming. You'll still need to do some choosing, though, given that there's a lengthy roster of themed channels to choose from. And to watch, you'll be headed to the new Pluto TV area on 10 Play, rather than to a specific standalone service. Paramount, which owns and operates Pluto TV and also Network Ten, hasn't revealed the exact number of channels that'll arrive in Australia from Thursday, August 31 — other than it'll be 50-plus. And, while it also hasn't unveiled the full list of what each will show, it has named some specific options. Fancy only viewing South Park? I Love Lucy? Happy Days? Dynasty? MTV's reality shows? Nickelodeon classics? They'll all have their own channels. Whatever else Pluto TV adds to its Aussie offering — Hawaii Five-O, an MTV channel focused on Shores shows, and Nick Toons have also been announced so far — it'll be drawing from the Los Angeles-based company's partnerships with 400-plus international media outfits. And, it'll be expanding the service in yet another location, with Pluto TV already up in running in more than 35 markets. "These 50 Pluto TV channels represent our first step to engage with Australian audiences and we are happy to mark this milestone by partnering with 10 Play, demonstrating once more the strength of our Paramount ecosystem," said Olivier Jollet, Executive Vice President and International General Manager for Pluto TV. "As pioneers in the FAST industry, we are bringing a new and unique user experience through curated channels dedicated to this market. Our mix of local and international content which matches the needs of our local audiences is what makes Pluto TV so valuable for viewers, clients, and partners across the world," Jollet continued. August is clearly a great month for Nickelodeon fans — Network Ten also just added a free-to-air channel devoted to the brand, the first in Australia outside of pay TV, separate to the upcoming Pluto TV options. Pluto TV's channels will be available via 10 Play from Thursday, August 31.
Your novelty festival gumboots are going to get a big ol' workout this summer. Returning for its fourth year to the banks of the Murray River at Echuca-Moama, Riverboats Music Festival has announced their 2015 lineup — with Sarah Blasko, Dan Sultan and Tex Perkins at the top. One of Australia's most laidback riverside festivals just 2.5 hours from Melbourne, Riverboats is a three-day camping, indulging and dancing affair running February 13–15. Melbourne's Dan Sultan and Sydney's Sarah Blasko headline a super rootsy local lineup: Tex Perkins and The Dark Horses will showcase their new album, legendary Sydneysiders The Whitlams follow up their 2013 sold-out national orchestra tour while unmissable festival favourites The Bamboos are sure to be a Riverboats highlight. Also on the Australian artist-only bill is Adalita, Mick Harvey, Diesel, Fraser A Gorman, Matt Walker and The Lost Ragas, Sal Kimber and The Rollin' Wheel, Stella Angelico and The Switch and Raised by Eagles. Snuggled within the natural amphitheatre of Echuca's Aquatic Reserve, Riverboats is one of the Murray River's most anticipated music festivals. Festival producer David Frazer sees the event as a more chilled-out alternative for festival enthusiasts and hardcore foodies alike. "Riverboats provides festival-goers with an opportunity to experience a truly beautiful part of Australia without the queues, ticket prices and hassle of larger events," he says. "We are particularly proud of the fact Riverboats has remained boutique in both its size and philosophy, yet continues to attracts artists of the calibre of Dan Sultan, Sarah Blasko, Tex Perkins and the Whitlams." Riverboats isn't contained to the river bank; there's also a bunch of side quests you can buy tickets for alongside the main festival. If you're keen to get entirely thematic with the festival's name, punters can hop on a two-hour river cruise aboard a century-old paddle steamer — with locally-sourced brunch and live music from Sal Kimber and The Rollin' Wheel. One of the best (and tastiest) bits of Riverboats will also return for another year: the Beechworth Bakery will host Sunday's Official Festival Breakfast on the top floor of their bakery with a live set from alt-country Melburnians Raised by Eagles. Break out the picnic rugs and cheese platters, Riverboats is a solid summer option for punters wanting the camping music festival experience without the drunken drongos. RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 DATES AND LINEUP: FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY Raised by Eagles Stella Angelico and The Switch Diesel SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY Fraser A. Gorman Mick Harvey The Whitlams Adalita The Bamboos Dan Sultan SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY Sal Kimber and The Rollin’ Wheel Matt Walker and The Lost Ragas Tex Perkins and The Dark Horses Sarah Blasko Riverboats Music Festival runs February 13 - 15 at Echuca-Moama on the Murray River. Tickets are on sale now from the festival website or call the Echuca-Moama Visitor Information Centre on 1800 804 446. Images: Riverboat Music Festival.
Winemakers of Rutherglen have been doing good things with grapes for a while now out in northeast Victoria. But, luckily for us, they've decided to come city-side again this September for a two-day wine event, Rutherglen in the City. The pop-up bar will situate itself inside The Atrium at Federation Square. Seventeen winemakers will take over the high-ceilinged space, transforming it into an inner city 'winery' — so you can forget you're sandwiched between Flinders Street and the MCG and dream of open plains and vineyards. For $5 you'll be able to sample the best of the region's wine varieties: durif, a red, and muscat, a white that will also be served in two cocktails at the bar. The winemakers themselves will also be on-hand for a chat, and, if something takes your fancy, you can even order a few bottles from them direct. Full glasses of wine and other drinks can be purchased from the bar, and Beatbox Kitchen and Happy Camper Pizza will provide the nosh. The best thing about it is you won't even have to drive home — thanks to trams and trains, you can have as many wines as you like. The pop-up will be open Saturday from 12–8pm and Sunday from 12–6pm.
There are art fairs – and then there is The Other Art Fair. The celebrated global event returns to Melbourne for the third time this May. From May 2–5, the fair will showcase a lively collection of emerging artists in the stimulating surrounds of The Facility in Kensington. Presented by Saatchi Art, this year's fair is bigger than ever before. The creative works of more than 120 carefully chosen artists, each selected by a prominent panel of art industry experts, will be up for sale. From the ornate to the inexpensive, The Other Art Fair 2019 offers thousands of artworks starting at as little as $100. Plus, all of the artists will be on-site, so you can chat with them and hear the stories behind your chosen piece. The vast four-day event is complemented by an eclectic array of art activations, workshops and immersive performances, plus street food and DJ sets. And good news, art-lovers — we've got a bunch of tickets to The Other Art Fair Melbourne to give away. The massive first prize includes two tickets to the opening night of The Other Art Fair on Thursday, May 2, welcome drinks from 5–6pm and a tour with a Saatchi Art curator. But that's not all — you'll score a limited edition tote, Tania Matilda's original artwork Lounging ($890 value) and $200 to spend on art at the fair, plus a night's accommodation at Ovolo Hotel Laneways, so you can make a weekend of it. Plus, we've got double weekend passes to give away to thirty runners-up, too. To be in with a chance, see below. [competition]714144[/competition]
When June rolls around this year, Sydney's State Theatre won't be filled with cinephiles. Event Cinemas George Street won't welcome eager movie buffs either, and nor will other picture palaces around the city. Usually, they'd be teeming with Sydney Film Festival attendees; however the fest cancelled its 2020 physical event back in March, when COVID-19 restrictions started coming in. To the delight of film fans, however, SFF is moving online instead. After announcing the digital festival earlier this month, SFF has now revealed its first-ever all-online lineup, in what promises to be a once-off pandemic-only affair. If you're fond of film fests and you live somewhere other than Sydney, you'll be pleased to know that the 67th Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition is also streaming nationally, too. While SFF won't be showing hundreds of movies like it normally does, it has still compiled an interesting and engaging roster of flicks — specifically focusing on features by female filmmakers from Europe, Australian documentaries and an array of short films. Moving SFF's regular Europe! Voices of Women in Film program strand online, the digital fest will screen ten new movies by women directors from countries such as Germany, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland and Ireland. Highlights include Sea Fever, a tense and rather fitting sci-fi thriller that tracks a contagion on a fishing trawler; Force of Habit, an anthology film exploring women's everyday experiences; and Charter, following a mother's actions during a fraught custody battle — as well as documentary A Year Full of Drama, which charts a small-town competition winner who is enlisted to review every theatre production in Estonia in 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFJxW46F0YQ From the Aussie doco selection, ten films will compete for Documentary Australia Foundation Award for Best Australian Documentary, with the annual SFF prize being presented via a virtual awards ceremony this year. Among the contenders, Morgana follows a middle-aged housewife's decision to start starring in her own sex- and age-positive erotic films, while Descent focuses on one of the world's only professional ice free-divers. There's also The Weather Diaries, which sees filmmaker Kathy Drayton charts the effects of climate change on her daughter, musician Lupa J, as she grows up over six years, plus A Hundred Years of Happiness, about a young Vietnamese woman forced to choose between staying in her rural home to care for her parents and moving to South Korea to get married. SFF's shorts range spans another 13 titles, including ten vying for the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films. Three others specifically hail from screen practitioners with disability as part of the fest's returning Screenability strand. Available to watch for the fest's entire duration, all of the above films are ticketed, starting at $5 for the Screenability shorts package, then costing $14 for a single movie. You can watch everything in either the Documentary Australia Foundation or Europe! Voices of Women in Film package for $99, too, or view the entire lineup — shorts and feature-length flicks — for $199. SFF's virtual program also includes two free components, should you be interested in looking back on previous fest highlights. The festival is one of 20 worldwide events taking part in We Are One: A Global Film Festival, which screens on YouTube from Friday, May 29–Sunday, June 7. As part of the online fest, it's showing Aussie films Mystery Road and Mabo, which you can view at set times without paying a cent. Or, Aussie movie lovers can binge their way through the 40-film Sydney Film Festival Selects collection on SBS On Demand, available from Wednesday, June 10–Friday, July 10. It's a best-of lineup featuring plenty of top titles from previous SFFs, so get ready to revisit Studio Ghibli co-production The Red Turtle, Taika Waititi's Boy, the Greta Gerwig-starring Frances Ha, Aussie comedy That's Not Me and New Zealand's The Breaker Upperers. You can also feast your eyes on Palme d'Or winner The Square, Scandi thriller The Guilty, Turkish drama Mustang and Xavier Dolan's Heartbeats, among other films. The 67th Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition runs from Wednesday, June 10–Sunday, June 21. For further details — or to purchase tickets and view the festival's programmed films during the above dates — visit the SFF website. Top image: Sea Fever.
Today, Tuesday, February 22, 2022, the twos clearly have it — on your calendar and, thanks to Jetstar, in your wallet as well. To celebrate 22.02.2022 like only a low-cost airline would, the Australian carrier has dropped 22,000 $22 flights. You shouldn't need to be told twice that that's a bargain. The Twosday sale is a one-day-only affair, running until 11.59pm AEDT today — so, obviously, getting in quick is a must. In fact, by the time you're reading this, you might find a number of routes already sold out. Thankfully, Jetstar is slinging cheap tickets across a hefty range of flights, so you you should find a cheap holiday option on offer. Destinations include everywhere from Cairns and Hamilton Island to Hobart and Uluru, depending where you're departing from. You can head from Sydney to Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, Melbourne to Hamilton Island and Launceston, and Brisbane to Mackay and Adelaide, for instance. Other spots covered span Townsville, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and Darwin. And if this is the inspiration you need for a weekend somewhere you wouldn't have planned a getaway to otherwise, consider that a bonus. Tickets in the sale are for trips this coming spring, between various dates in October and November, with exact days varying in each region. And there are a few caveats, as is always the case. The discounted flights are one way, and they don't include checked baggage — so you'll need to travel super light, or pay extra to take a suitcase. Jetstar's Twosday sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Tuesday, February 22, or until sold out.
When it comes to planning the perfect office Christmas party, the struggle is real. Between considering dietary requirements, budget and the fact that Jenny from accounts was ghosted by the bartender at the place across the road and really wants to avoid going there, is it any wonder that you've hit November and still haven't found a place that suits? Here to solve your dilemma is Australian Venue Co. Not only does it own and operate some of the most popular pubs, bars and event spaces across Australia, but you'll find over 30 of them right here in Melbourne. And the best bit is that they're sprawled all over the city, making it super simple to select a location, wherever your office is based. Imperial Bourke Street is an excellent option for rooftop cocktails for those in the city. Otherwise, lock in a sit-down lunch or dinner with delicious food at Middle Park Hotel, enjoy a drink in the beer garden at Richmond's Prince Alfred Hotel, head to St Kilda's iconic Hotel Esplanade, or make your way to Yarra Botanica at South Bank — the impressive two-level floating bar in the heart of the CBD. With so many options to pick from, the only thing you'll have to double-check is just how far Jenny's romantic rendezvous have really extended. With over 30 spots around Melbourne to choose from, you should be able to secure a spot for your office Christmas party that will suit even the pickiest of your colleagues. To check them all out and make a booking, head to the Australian Venue Co. website.
More than just a simple cafe, Project281 has taken up residence on Albert Street in Brunswick. Owners Connell McGrath and Sargon Michael (of The Glass Den Cafe) have made a smart move by setting up shop in Melbourne's food and coffee-oriented north — but Project281 stands out from the crowd in terms of what it has to offer. A massive industrial looking, greenery-filled space on Albert Street, Project281 includes an in-house roastery — aka Founder Coffee Co. — as well as a kitchen and indoor 50-square-metre herb garden on their mezzanine level (with its products used in the food, of course). The team plans to open for dinner and add a rooftop bar, but there's plenty to see, eat and drink here to keep patrons going in the meantime, and McGrath says that it's been no mean feat. "To put it simply, it has been a massive team effort," he says of the process. "We've spent countless hours, day and night, creating a space that promises to be comfortable, convenient and exciting for all." The team effort he refers to includes part of Matcha Mylkbar's opening team, Lachlan Timms and Conrad Cheng, who run front and back of house operations. Then there's coffee roaster Anne Cooper, snagged from Equilibrium Master Roasters to oversee the coffee side of things. The fit-out was done by architectural firm Splinter Society, and it's all natural light, greenery and timber throughout the warehouse-like space. Designed by the team to be vegan-friendly, the menu features a mix of Korean, Japanese, and South East Asian fare — divided into chibi-sara (small plates), oki-sara (large plates) and ame-sara (sweet plates). Even if you're not a dessert-for-breakfast kind of person, the latter are well worth a gander, with the Japanese taiyaki (a filled waffle) is served with nashi pear custard, berries, brandy coral, vanilla ice cream and sweet herbs for $19. More of a savoury tooth? Perhaps the soft shell crab okonomiyaki ($24), served with poached egg, tonkatsu and slaw, will whet your appetite. That's without getting started on the liquids — from a triple hot chocolate ($7) to housemade smoothies full of goodness ($11), there's a lot to see around these parts even if you're not a coffee drinker. If you are a coffee drinker, try the iced coffee sphere with a side of hot milk, $8. Who said coffee culture was all the same? Find Project281 at 281 Albert Street, Brunswick, or visit the cafe's Facebook page for further details.
Electro highflier Gold Panda (aka Derwin Powers) first popped onto the radar in 2009, and has constantly thrown EPs and 7"s at us since. He's dropped two critically praised albums, 2010's Lucky Shiner and 2013's Half of Where You Live. This latest album holds truth in its name. Half of Where You Live is an electronic echo of the producer’s experiences: having lived in Japan and travelled extensively, he's now based in Berlin. With tracks such as 'An English House', 'Enoshima' and 'My Father in Hong Kong 1961', our ears get an ambiguous, aural journey through Powers' experiences and geography.
Biannual art and design markets The Finders Keepers is returning for its spring/summer iteration, bringing shoppers the latest and greatest from its stellar lineup of Australia's most creative makers. The Naarm edition is taking over Royal Exhibition Building from Friday, October 13–Sunday, October 15. Joining the reliable roster filled with hundreds of stalls is a tasty range of food and beverage offerings — all the makings of a prime day to get out, have a chat with artists and support the industry. At the core of the conscious shopping space is a focus on helping you discover and connect with the next wave of Victorian-based emerging artisans and designers. So, you can expect to find everything from jewellery, fashion and ceramics to leather goods and body products. Don't miss the return of the Finders Keepers Indigenous Program, which will be shining a spotlight on First Nations stallholders. As well as nabbing a ticket to enter — which is just $6 for daily general admission — be sure to remember that the market is completely cashless. So check (then check again) that you've got your digital or plastic payment methods at the ready — it would be a travesty to leave the market empty handed. Images: Samee Lapham.
You’ve seen him on Would I Lie To You, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Stewart Lee’s Alternative Comedy Experience, and now you can see him in person. Paul Foot is so left field, he’s unlike any other comedian to grace the Brisbane Comedy Festival stage — and yes, that’s a good thing. If the unusual title of his show doesn’t let you know that you’re in for something special, perhaps his many awards — including Best International Act at both the Sydney and Perth Comedy Festivals in 2014 — will. And if you’re not familiar with his stream-of-consciousness collection of random thoughts, that might even be for the best. You can only discover him for the first time once, after all.
If you've ever had a sneaky little go with some small person's Lego blocks once they're all tucked up in bed, Legoland sees you, tips you their hat…and raises you an adults-only night at their Melbourne Discovery Centre. And it's not just any old evening for more mature Lego fans, but a special May 4th edition dedicated to Star Wars. With no children to get in the way (or outdo your creations), you'll be able to go full jedi and check out the 4D cinema and rides, take a tour, and build to your heart's content in the brick pits. Among the mini Melbourne attractions will be galactic activities, including a Star Wars characters and a themed speed-building comp. If you're lucky, you could win a Lego Millennium Falcon (which is amazingly worth of $1k). The party takes place from 7pm on May 4, with tickets costing $32.50. More of Legoland's regular adult nights will be announced soon.
If the Oppenheimer side of 2023's Barbenheimer phenomenon has you wanting to find out more about the atomic age, this year's Jewish International Film Festival has your next viewing option: documentary A Compassionate Spy about physicist Theodore Hall. His tale didn't make the cut in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster, but he was part of the Manhattan Project team at Los Alamos, and also passed intelligence to the Soviet Union, as Hoop Dreams' filmmaker Steve James explores in one of JIFF's must-see efforts at its latest fest. When the Jewish International Film Festival returns for 2023, it'll hit up Melbourne's Lido Cinemas and Classic Cinemas from Monday, October 23–Wednesday, November 29. On the full nationwide lineup is a hefty 55 Australian-premiere titles spanning both flicks and TV shows, including everything from box-office hits to new episodic efforts starring a big-name US talent. Israel's Matchmaking hits JIFF's opening night after success at home, following a Jewish Orthodox man's romantic ups and downs in a film that's been likened to Romeo and Juliet — but Haredi and a comedy. And that standout television series? Chanshi follows its namesake (Aleeza Chanowitz, Dismissed) in Brooklyn, with Barry's Australia-bound Henry Winkler as her father. Also on the 2023 program: Jack L Warner: The Last Mogul, a documentary focusing on one of Warner Bros' titular founders; The Engineer, about the manhunt for bombmaker Yahya Ayyash, as starring Emile Hirsch (Devil's Workshop); delightfully named black comedy Ducks, An Urban Legend; Tel Aviv-set rom-com Elik & Jimmy; and documentary Erica Jong – Breaking the Wall, about the Fear of Flying author. The complete Australia-wide program also includes gangster comedy Hummus Full Trailer, musicals Less Than Kosher and Victory, vino-fuelled doco Holy Wine and docudrama Munich '72 on its sizeable list. On offer in Melbourne only: a retrospective of movies based on Nobel Prize-winning writer Isaac Bashevis Singer's work, such as Barbra Streisand's Yentl. And, as is JIFF's custom, the program features a large contingent of movies that examine World War II, the Holocaust and their lingering impact. Expect to find Stella Goldschlag biopic Stella. A Life; the vengeance-laden The Jew; the Ukraine-shot, Yiddish-language SHTTL; Filip, which tells a tale of romantic pleasures amid the war; Delegation, about students visiting Poland's Holocaust sites and confronting their Jewish identity; and closing night's The Jewish Nazi?, a doco with Australian ties.
Despite its location in the heart of the Goldfields region, Lexton didn't quite have the same luck as its neighbours when it came to buried treasure. However, that didn't stop several great estates from being established in the area. For example, the Mount Mitchell Homestead serves as a lasting symbol of Victoria's pre-federation history. Founded in 1838, this sprawling home offers ten acres of pristine gardens from which to admire the Pyrenees Mountains that rise to the west. Stop in to stroll through the beautiful gardens and working farm, where you can pick up fresh produce like eggs from the resident hens, catch yabbies and fish from the property's lake and pick your own fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs from the orchard and kitchen garden. You can also stay the night or hold your next event on the stunning grounds. Head to the website to plan your visit.
Powerhouses of Australian music and boss ladies of the local scene will combine for Stand By Your Woman, a night in celebration of the female instrumentalists who work hard to make the Australian music scene what it is. From opera to hip hop, a large array of genres will be covered via all-female house band, the SPIRE ensemble — 14 of the most talented ladies around will play through the night of Sunday, September 16. Joined by guest artists from across a whole bunch of various music types, SPIRE will accompany artists such as Mojo Juju, Kate Ceberano, Clare Bowditch, Mantra and Darren Middleton. SPIRE features violinists, a cellist, saxophonists and percussionists, and will groove along with the diverse line-up of guest artists, ending up in a huge night of music brought to you — mostly — by lady power. Read the full line-up of house band and guest artists online: it'll be a doozy having all of them in the one place.
Just when you thought Chadstone's Euro-inspired brasserie, Cityfields, couldn't get any bigger, they go and open a rooftop bar. It's called The Terrace, and it's been in the works for a while. The Cityfields crew decided to open the main 600-seat restaurant space while they were still finishing the upstairs build. Now, with The Terrace complete, Cityfields is firing on all cylinders: restaurant, long room, public bar, rooftop, the works. It's probably one of the most ambitious restaurant projects we've seen in the last few years. The Terrace will be focusing more on snack plates and alfresco drinks, but there is a second kitchen up here, and you can order basically the same menu as downstairs. Olive gildas, neatly skewered with guindilla peppers and anchovy sit alongside woodfired pizzas, whopping 1.2kg T-Bone steaks and the obligatory cacio e pepe (without which it's now illegal to open a restaurant in Melbourne). Considering the amount of office space in Chadstone these days, you can expect The Terrace to pack out on Friday nights. And with its west-facing location on the top of the Social Quarter, the views are pretty spectacular. Lift your eyes from the surrounding carparks and you get a panoramic vista stretching all the way to the CBD. Most of the new floor is undercover, too. Big folding doors allow some airflow, but you won't have to worry about rain and inclement weather. There's even a crackling firepit on the balcony during winter. For all the latest Cityfields news, specials and events, check out their Instagram. The Terrace is open seven days a week, 12pm till late. Images: Pete Dillon.
Take advantage of the Sunday sunshine and gather your mates for an afternoon of bowls at the Fitzroy Victoria Bowls Club. Whether you're an aficionado or barely understand the rules of the game, you'll love this iconic spot that's the self-proclaimed unofficial home of barefoot bowls. This Melbourne institution offers lawn and ball hire in two-hour blocks for $20 per person, and has space aplenty for between-game picnicking and relaxation. If this century-old sport isn't really your thing, though, no worries. Just grab a bevy and some classic pub fare from the bar and watch your mates battle it out.
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival proper doesn’t kick off until June, but after the success of last year they’ve announced a six-night series of intimate, one-off gigs in late January at iconic inner-city venue Bennetts Lane Jazz Club. The Summer Series showcases the talents of some of our finest jazz pianists, such as virtuouso Australian player and composer Paul Grabowsky and Hue Blanes, who’s returning home after two years studying and performing in Miami. While Grabowsky is practically a national institution after founding and leading the Australian Art Orchestra, Blanes is perhaps best known for his work with bands like The Bamboos and The Melodics. There’s also a retrospective that will delight real jazz aficionados; a recreation and celebration of John Coltrane’s seminal album A Love Supreme to mark 50 years since its release. Image by Geoffrey Ketels.
In Wunderkammer, acrobats catapult themselves from one side of the stage to the other in fantastically creative and awe-inspiring ways. Human bodies become skipping ropes, hands become just another pair of feet to walk on, and the physically impossible looks effortless. All at once you feel wooden and inflexible in your theatre chair, realising that, for all your wishful thinking, your flesh is fundamentally unwilling to bend, flex and twist in on itself like a pretzel. The Circa troop are circus 'freaks' in the truest sense, fizzing with effervescent energy and carnivalesque camaraderie, flipping from hula hoop hijinks to high-voltage tumbling to aerial striptease to burlesque routines. They tease and titillate the audience, gleefully flaunting their phenomenal bodies and shared fetish for spike-heeled red patent heels. They will make you believe that they can fly as they flirt with aerial suspension — and hey, why limit themselves to flight alone; why not explore aerodynamics while they're up there? A 'wunderkammer' is, according to Wikipedia, a cabinet of curiosities or a chamber of rarities, a collection of wonders whose categorical boundaries have yet to be defined. This description fits the Circa crew perfectly. While you may feel corporeally frustrated after the show and think 'damn, my neck is sore', it's a staggeringly sexy display of strength and skill that is simply unmissable. https://youtube.com/watch?v=pbY9yvWsmHc
