Every Wednesday between January 9 and February 13, the Astor will become the dreamiest place in Melbourne. Across a six-week period, the historic cinema is paying tribute to the entire filmography of Sofia Coppola — melancholic sisters, cake-eating monarchs and Los Angeles teens breaking into celebrity houses all included. It all kicks off exactly where the second-generation filmmaker's feature directorial career began, aka with The Virgin Suicides and its ethereal score by Air. From there, viewers will play tourist in Tokyo with the Oscar-winning Lost in Translation, head to 18th century France with Marie Antoinette, and laze around an LA hotel with Venice Golden Lion recipient Somewhere. The real-life tale of The Bling Ring and the civil war drama of The Beguiled also get a run, of course. Showcasing Coppola's films also means showcasing a fantastic array of performances — including Kirsten Dunst in three of Coppola's flicks, Bill Murray singing karaoke and befriending Scarlett Johansson, and everyone from Nicole Kidman to Colin Farrell proving a treat in the director's latest effort. Screenings kick off at 7.30pm each week, and tickets cost $14.
It's been nearly four years since Mumford & Sons topped the ARIA charts with its third album, Wilder Mind — and last visited the Antipodes. But, angst-ridden fans, you can now breathe a sigh of relief. The British quartet will release its fourth offering, Delta, on Friday, November 16 and, soon afterwards, will embark on a 60-date worldwide tour. It includes six stops right here in Australia, presented by Secret Sounds. To catch the boys in Melbourne, make sure you're around in January. They'll play the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Tuesday, January 22 with the support of English soul singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, whose sophomore album Love & Hate, produced by Danger Mouse, topped the UK charts in 2016. According to Mumford & Sons' lead singer Marcus Mumford, Delta represents a place where "order meets chaos and shelter meets wilderness". Described as the band at its "impassioned and muscular best", the album was two years in the making and recorded at Church Studios in North London with Paul Epworth, whose production credits include Adele, U2 and London Grammar. To get a taste of what to expect, check out the lead single, 'Guiding Light', over here. The Secret Sounds presale, for email subscribers only, will begin at 2pm on Wednesday, October 10 and finish up at 8am on Friday, October 12. General sales are slated to drop an hour later, at 9am on Friday, October 12. For further event details, visit the Secret Sounds website.
Among the charming heritage buildings, vineyards and stately gardens of the Yarra Valley, opera is being taken to new dramatic heights, thanks to Melbourne-based company Gertrude Opera. That's right, it's moved beyond that slightly scary, seemingly inaccessible, highbrow art form and into the modern cultural lexicon. It helps that the inaugural Yarra Valley Opera Festival, will feature an opera based on acclaimed TV series The Handmaid's Tale. Apparently, well before Hulu turned the 1985 novel into a hit TV series, it was made into an opera — pretty cool. The Yarra Valley Opera Festival will take place over ten days at a handful of Yarra Valley spots and it's all about demonstrating opera as we've never seen it. Kick back with a cocktail and some nibbles, before taking a seat in the intimate theatre marquee to enjoy a night of world-class entertainment. The festival boasts an incredible line-up, with internationally acclaimed singers whose voices are sure to blow your socks off. In addition to The Handmaid's Tale, the lively and full-blooded Italian opera, The Elixir of Love, will be performed in English and also heralds a brilliant young cast. Other highlights include, a Gala Opening Concert, Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte sung in English and an evening combining opera trivia and dinner. The Yarra Valley Opera Festival will run from October 12–21. For more spring places, spaces and events to discover in regional Victoria visit Your Happy Space.
If you haven't yet had a chance to check out Gelato Messina's Creative Department and its gelato-led degustations, then this November is the perfect time to do so. At its Windsor store in Melbourne, the gelato fiends are adding caviar to all their dishes for a series of special, seasonal dinners. Under the guidance of head chef Remi Talbot, Messina's Creative Department is crafting a special eight-course gelato-meets-salt-cured degustation running for just three days between Friday, November 9 and Sunday, November 11. So what kind of caviar-gelato goodness have the masterminds come up with this time around? Expect Thai basil and lime granita with lime caviar, picked strawberry and red shiso sorbet with strawberry gum cream and caviar, and roasted almond gelato with potato and brown butter foam. Scampi tarts, lemon myrtle sherbet, soy-cured egg yolk and white garlic gelato are among the other ingredients. Tickets are $150 per person and, based off how quick these things sell out around the country, you'll want to grab your tickets ASAP.
The Pleasure Garden returns on December 8, painting St Kilda's Catani Gardens with colour, art installations, roving performers and, of course, some huge beats. A heady mix of Rainbow Serpent, Glastonbury and every other time you've had an impromptu sweaty day dance party with your mates (costumes mandatory), the festival, though only in its third year, knows exactly what it's doing. The small festival packs a lot of punch, with five different stages and zones to flit between across the day. Get into recognisable tracks on the Conservatory Stage, where The Temper Trap and Xavier Rudd will play throughout the day. Then you can get into some deep house at the Beach Club, into some reggae at Bass Station and, later, dance it up at the House Party area. And once you've flailed around to Confidence Man and itched in your costume for a while, there'll be plenty to revive your sweaty self with some of the city's best food trucks joining the lineup. There'll also be roving performers, art installations, market stalls and chill out spots for a break for when you wan a break from the bass. Best part? Tickets are under 100 bucks. Images: Duncographic and Rhys Newling.
If the words "stair climbing challenge" fill you with excitement instead of dread, read on. The MCG will again play host to Stadium Stomp, a fun-filled romp for your calves which involves climbing up and down the thousands of stairs (there are 100,024 seats, so there are also a lot of stairs.) As part of the challenge, you can climb up and down the stairs in the full course (7600 stairs), or the short course (a mere 2200). There's also a Stomp Unlimited option, which is stairs until the end of time or you collapse — although that has sold out There will be rest stops and drink stations to help ease the pain, and music playing to distract from the burn. Also, the rules are no skipping stairs, so no doing three at a time and calling it a day. The first wave kicks off at 7.45am, with waves following every 15 minutes after. Tickets are selling fast, so get in quick.
It has been a couple of years since The Jungle Collective first started taking over Australian warehouses and slinging plenty of plants, all thanks to its huge sales in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. These leafy excuses to fill your home with greenery always have a bit of a celebratory vibe, and its next Melbourne outing is all about plants that thrive in low light. These gorgeous green babies will be the main attraction — and there will be more than 150 varieties of them, too. It's happening twice, across the two days of Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9. The focus for this sale is on low light-friendly plants. Going by previous sales, you'll be able to pick up everything from fiddle leafs and monsteras to giant birds of paradise and rubber trees, as well as many ferns and hanging plants. You'll also be able to shop for designer pots, get expert advice from the horticulturalists onsite, listen to jungle tunes and even nab a $5 discount if you dress up in cat ears or pop on some dog-like whiskers. It's all happening at 19 Studley Street, Abbotsford, with two-hour sessions held at 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm and 2pm on Saturday, plus 10am and 12pm on Sunday. While entry is free, you'll need to secure a ticket to head along.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the hidden wonders of the Macedon Ranges as it plays host to the Macedon Ranges Wine and Food Budburst Festival on November 9 and 10. Over the weekend, the 30 of the region's best wineries will fling open their cellar doors and put more than 100 different wine styles up for the tasting. Most of them are small and family owned, and you'll have the the chance to chat to the winemakers as you taste their drops. A festival pass will give you access to all of the wineries across the two days — and it's $23 (or $25 on the day). Most of the venues will have live music and some kind of food offering — Cleveland Winery in Lancefield will be slinging its woodfired pizzas, and Shadowfax will be serving up cheese platters at its Trentham winery. Situated between 350–700 metres above sea level, the Macedon Ranges is Australia's coolest mainland wine region. The area is known for the Macedon Sparkling, which is made using only locally grown pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. But, with more than 40 vineyards located in the region, there is lots of room for variation and plenty of diverse drops for you to try. If no one wants to be the designated driver, the festival has hop-on, hop-off buses buses departing from Woodend Station on the Saturday.
Although the weather outside is starting to tempt us with cosy nights in, Glenmorangie is giving us six reasons to toss a scarf on and head out to enjoy some fine single malt scotch. World Whisky Day is just around the corner (Saturday, May 18) and the Scottish distillery has partnered with six cocktail bars across Melbourne to celebrate. Each venue will revisit the classic highball — Glenmorangie Original 10 mixed with soda, tonic or ginger ale and fresh orange juice – and rework it, creating reinventions of the classic with a distinct flair. These cocktails will be shaken and stirred until the end of the month because let's face it, one day just isn't enough to applaud this fine spirit. Warm your belly up at Arlechin with a Pink Possum, which features fig, thyme and cabernet shrub, or enjoy the Tarlogie Tang, with notes of fino sherry and apple pulp soda, at Boilermaker House. Meanwhile, Attic at Black Pearl has concocted a spiced coconut, honey and vinegar number — The Pictish Highball — and Williamstown's Sebastian Beach Grill & Bar focuses on peach, fig and cinnamon flavours with its Basque on the Peach. If you're feeling adventurous with your whisky sampling, head to Trinket Bar and try the nutty The Danseur, made with peanut butter, hazelnut oil and orangeade. Or, to get nice and toasty, sip on Iki-Jime's Highball 16, featuring Glenmorangie 10 mixed with the house soda of toasted barley, chamomile, orange zest and leatherwood honey. Top image: Black Pearl
Although working from home has some solid benefits (such as track pants and sleep-ins), it can also be a real drainer. With no co-workers lurking in the communal kitchen ready to spill the tea or provide an ear for a good post-meeting vent, the days can drag on and the afternoon slump can impact us hard. However, there are plenty of ways to kick that plunge in the butt and take on the arvo grind with gusto. It's why we've teamed up with Oporto to bring you five ways to avoid the afternoon lull in activity when you're confined to your own home. Just be sure to stick within your five-kilometre radius, of course. [caption id="attachment_784751" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yarra Valley trail via Visit Victoria[/caption] MONDAY: PUMP YOUR CALVES ON A CYCLING TRAIL Ride away any afternoon Monday blues by saddling up and going for a bike ride on your lunch break. If you live close by, take advantage of the Main Yarra Trail, which runs along the Yarra River from the eastern suburbs through to Southbank. Or perhaps you live close to the Merri Creek Trail, running through the north and filled with daisies and local jasmine. Alternatively, spin around Albert Park Lake and enjoy the sites of Melbourne's inner city or pump those calves around St Kilda Beach and take in the salty ocean air. When you can venture farther, take inspiration from these ten best bike rides in and around Melbourne. [caption id="attachment_781550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] TUESDAY: CHECK OUT SOME LOCAL MURALS TO SPARK YOUR OWN CREATIVITY Take a break from your computer and hit your local streets to check out some street art. It might inspire you to approach the afternoon grind differently. Melbourne has plenty of street art on show with the Keith Haring mural and the Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquit mural in Collingwood, the Everfresh mural on the side of The Night Cat in Fitzroy and the 1968 Mexico Olympics Human Rights Salute mural in Cremorne. Alternatively, if the CBD is more your neck of the woods, take a peruse of the Djirri Djirri Dancers mural on the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Caledonian Lane, Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane. [caption id="attachment_784752" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] WEDNESDAY: GO FOR A WALK AND DEBRIEF WITH A MATE Sometimes you just need to let off some steam. Pick up your phone and give your mate or loved one a call and vent away. Or, be a listening ear to your friend's irritations. Go one better and arrange to take a walk around the block together (provided you live in the same area). As you get in your daily steps and move those muscles, try to find out something new about each other. If you have the time, combine your walk with a visit to your local cafe to grab a coffee first. Whether you talk politics, the weather or Selling Sunset, you'll be refreshed enough to take on the afternoon slog when you return to your desk. [caption id="attachment_784754" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] THURSDAY: EAT LUNCH IN THE PARK Feeling snowed under with emails? Frustrated at the excel spreadsheet that just won't do what you want it to do? Put the screen to sleep and head to the park for a proper lunch that will boost your afternoon productivity. If you're within walking distance of an Oporto, try the new Pulled Chicken Rappa, with hand-pulled chicken cooked in lemon and herb sauce, crunchy slaw, spicy rice and your choice of sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Bored of your closest park? Here are the best picnic spots in Melbourne. [caption id="attachment_784843" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] FRIDAY: TAKE A WALK AROUND THE RIVER TO SPOT LOCAL BIRDLIFE If working from home has got you feeling angsty or stressed, then getting out into nature might be the antidote you need. First, turn off those work notifications. Then, take a stroll around a Melbourne lake to clear your mind, which, depending on your area, could be the likes of the Yarra Bend, Merri Creek, Capital City Trail, Darebin Creek or Albert Park Lake. Plus, you might even spot some local birds while you're there, including woodland species like the tawny frogmouths or wetland natives such as grey teals — plus, everyone's favourite, the white ibis (AKA the bin chicken). Check out Oporto's full Rappa Range here, then make tracks to your closest store — or order online. Top image: Carlton Gardens courtesy Visit Victoria
Beer festivals are becoming increasingly common, but there aren't many that match the lofty standards set by Melbourne's Brewers Feast. Held in the lush surrounds of the Abbotsford Convent, Brewers Feast takes place on the last weekend of summer and will take your tastebuds on a hoppy tour with its expansive range of beers and ciders. There'll be over 80 different brews to try from across Australia and highlights include Sydney's Young Henrys, the Yarra Valley's Watts River, and the well-loved Stone & Wood. In addition, there'll be 20 beers brewed exclusively for the festival, made using rare ingredients and brewed in collaboration with malt, hops and yeast supplier, Bintani. The festival starts in the best possible way, with all attendees enjoying a free glass from Victoria's Grand Ridge Brewery on entry. When it's time to pause drinking for a well-earned feed, you can choose from Bigger than Texas BBQ, the solid burgs at St Kilda Burger Bar and vegan falafel from Dana's Falafel. Alongside food and drink, there'll be a stellar lineup of local music talent to keep you entertained throughout the festival. Local artists, performing across two stages, will take the novel approach of recommending a beverage to enjoy alongside their tunes. The festivities will run from 11.30am–8pm on Saturday and 11am–5pm on Sunday. You have to pay for general entry ($37.50 on Saturday and $29.95 on Sunday), and you'll have to pay for all your food and drinks on top of that.
After bringing Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire back to the big screen with a live orchestra soundtrack, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is giving the fifth film in the franchise the same movie-and-music showcase. Across three sessions between Thursday, August 15 and Saturday, August 17, Hamer Hall will come to life with the sights and sounds of the Ministry of Magic, 12 Grimmauld Place and the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, because JK Rowling's boy-who-lived and his pals are never far away from a theatre — or a concert hall. And tickets for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix live in concert are now on sale. This time around, viewers can expect something a little different. While the event will run as usual, it's the score itself that'll stand out. After doing the honours on the first three HP flicks, veteran composer John Williams stood aside, with two-time Oscar nominee Patrick Doyle (Hamlet, Sense and Sensibility) in charge of the fourth, and Nicholas Hooper whipping up wondrous wizarding soundtracks for the final three.
Enjoying its world premiere at this year's Melbourne Festival, Complexity of Belonging is piquing our interest on so many counts. First, it kills two birds with one stone. Both theatre and dance are looking like strong elements of the program this year and with this outstanding new work you'll get a taste of both. And the same could be said of its creators In a festival packed full of exciting Asian and European works, Complexity of Belonging is one of the few international co-productions with Australia. Our beloved MTC and Chunky Move have joined forces with German Falk Richter, director-in-residence at Schaubuhne Berlin (who've previously brought An Enemy of the People and Hedda Gabler to the festival). Exploring the age of social media with the help of five dancers and four actors, the show is shaping up to be an unique and dynamic experience on stage. Complexity of Belonging is on from October 6-25 at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner. Tickets are $40-79, but thanks to Melbourne Festival, we have two double passes to the show on Tuesday, October 7, to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
This year's Melbourne Music Week is truly blanketing our city with good vibes. From November 14-23, the festivities are taking over the Queen Vic Markets, there are shows on trams, in laneways, and even jumping in and surprising you on random city elevators. And to follow suit in this full-blown takeover, the Carlton is inviting you onto a whole undiscovered level of their iconic and exotic watering hole. Just when you thought you'd figured your way around the giraffes in jewellery, watchful elephant heads and tree-lined rooftop spaces, they throw another thing in the mix. For six nights, the Carlton will be opening up an abandoned space that lies above the main bar but below Hasti Bala. Through labyrinthine corridors and hidden little rooms, you'll be treated to an array of secret gigs and intimate "plastic-coated" raves featuring a load of surprise acts. I know that's a whole load of craziness to hear with little to no context, but it's all we've got at this point. This very hush hush event is mysteriously titled Swell. "There's an appetite for discovery in the Australian music scene," says creator Janenne Willis. "People buy tickets out of curiosity... Now is the time for a fresh take on the live music experience." Though we may not know who will be playing on each night, we do have some insight on the people behind it all. We know that the space is being designed by New York-based architect Brooks Atwood and the music is being coordinated by local DJ Edd Fisher. With these details we can expect very, very good things. "The format of Swell is not the traditional headliner and support acts," says Willis. "We can reveal that the lineup will be a surprising and astounding mix of genres, including contemporary improvised jazz, cutting edge beatmakers, dreamy soundscapes, vocal harmonies and more." If you feel like taking a chance on this big bag of mystery and good times, snag an early bird ticket for $25 from the Melbourne Music Week website or support the cause with a $55 fundraising ticket via their Indiegogo campaign. If they're going to coat this space in cling wrap and deck it out for a full-blown rave, they're going to need a little help. Swell will be at The Carlton Club every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night form November 14-23.
Phillip Island is going to play host to more than cascades of fairy penguins this New Year's Eve. Victoria's inaugural festival Beyond the Valley has confirmed the first three names on the lineup (and it's already looking pretty badass). With the full lineup announcement set for next month, the brand new festival has confirmed Action Bronson, The Preatures and Peking Duk to play the NYE event. One of Australia's most talked-about fivesomes, The Preatures, were locked in by the BTV team after lead singer Isabella Manfredi let the performance slip to Beat. "It’s New Years Eve, on an island, with Victorians. What else could you ask for, a hangover spa?" New York's hypeworthy rapper Action Bronson has also been confirmed by the festival team, as well as Canberran duo Peking Duk. It's a pretty big (and on-trend) haul for a new festival, one apparently expected to draw over 10,000. Beyond the Valley promoters have said the whole lineup will be "a cohesive spread of genres and styles" which really gives nothing much away. With the camping festival set to snuggle into the shoreside fields of Phillip Island from December 30 – January 1, the site will also feature "a pop-up luxury hotel with its very own concierge and first class amenities including a daily hangover spa," (confirming Manfredi's hints). The team have confirmed cocktail bars, high quality food, two massive stages and probably enough portaloos for Action Bronson to do his entire set from. Beyond the Valley will take place on Phillip Island from December 30 – January 1. Watch the teaser for the festival here (with beats by AlunaGeorge... another hint?): Via Faster Louder.
Philadelphia indie-rockers The War on Drugs have revealed they will play two sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne alongside their Australian debut performances at Falls Festival and Southbound. Devoted fans will no doubt be crossing their fingers that some material from their much-awaited third album will be unveiled during the tour. The War on Drugs emerged onto the scene back in 2005 as a musical collaboration between frontman and creative honcho Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile, who has since left to pursue a solo career with his backing band The Violators. If you've never heard of them but you like your rock and roll a little bit classic (think a bit of Petty, a splash of Springsteen and, vocally, a whole lot of Dylan), then you may want to grab tickets to a show. The War on Drugs plays Melbourne's Northcote Social Club on Monday, 28 December, and the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney on Monday, 6 January. Tickets are on sale now through Handsome Tours.
Read more: Vivid Sydney 2015 overview The ten best gigs to see at Vivid Sydney 2015 The ten best events to go to at Vivid Ideas 2015
Download the free Apple iBooks version for iPad here, and the free printable PDF book version here. Well folks, it's that time of year again, when the rising mercury sends us outdoors en masse, pumping our concrete playground with an energy of revelry and renewal. The spirit of summer is a celebration of what it means to be alive. We rediscover our joie de vivre with sandy toes, burnished skin, BBQs by the beach, and one too many margaritas. But with so much going on at this time of year it's hard to know where to begin, and what is supposed to be some well-deserved chill time can become a full-blown panic attack. So, what do you do when overwhelmed with options? Welcome to the Concrete Playground Summer Guide, crafted in partnership with our friends at Old Mout Cider. It's a comprehensive shortlist of the best Melbourne has to offer over the next three months, from rooftop bars to outdoor dining and much more. With your printable PDF book in hand, you'll never be without access to the best of everything, because the year's too long and summer's too short to waste time on the mediocre. Now slap on your invisible zinc and get out there, blue skies wait for no one (and don't we know it). Summer, we salute you.
New Zealand-born writer-director Andrew Dominik has amassed a stellar crime thriller line-up for his latest offering, Killing Them Softly, which opens in cinemas October 11. Brad Pitt heads up the the film's brutal 'heist movie gone wrong' plot alongside the best of small and silver screen bad guys: Ray Liotta, James Gandolfini (aka Tony Soprano) and Ben Mendelsohn, to name just a few. From the director who brought us Chopper and The Assassination of Jesse James, Killing Them Softly sees Pitt play Mafia hitman Jackie Cogan, who is called in to 'fix' the upset caused by a couple of amateurish criminals when they hold up an illegal card game. In an America on the verge of political and economical crisis, the 'enforcer' navigates between his indecisive bosses and the lowlifes behind the heist in order to maintain the status quo of the criminal underworld and take back control. Thanks to Hoyts Distribution, Concrete Playground has ten double passes to giveaway to see Killing Them Softly. To go in the running, just subscribe to Concrete Playground's weekly newsletter (if you haven't already) then email your name and postal address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
It's around this time that the appeal of winter starts to wear off and we begin wistfully dreaming of warmer days. If you're currently counting down to sunshine and spring getaways, this is going to sound mighty appealing. After a standout debut year last year, Mornington Peninsula's VineHop Festival is due to return across November 17–18 with an even bigger event. The two-day festival invites you on a journey throughout the Mornington Peninsula's outstanding breweries, cider houses and wineries with the opportunity to partake in some boozy drops in the vibrant countryside. In addition, there'll be great food trucks, live music and DJs providing the soundtrack to each of the scenic locations. Plus, there's no need for designated driver as you can jump aboard the provided shuttle buses between venues. This year's venues remain yet to be announced, but we're not waiting around: we're giving away a tour package for you and three mates to enjoy the festival and its premium libations. Your group of four will each receive a one-day ticket to the festival plus transportation to four venues throughout the day. To enter, see details below. [competition]678390[/competition]
By now, we're all pretty well acquainted with a little thing called lockdown. Being stuck with stay-at-home orders is mostly a drag — and if you want to spend the majority of your time slowly becoming one with your couch, there's absolutely no judgment here. Do what you need to do. But, if you happen to be looking for creative ways to keep yourself (and your housemates) entertained at home, there are plenty of options from Melbourne's clever businesses — and you won't even need to change out of your PJs. We've rounded up a few non-boring ideas for nifty new things you can learn over the weekend, ranging from therapeutic Japanese craft projects to boss-level renovation skills. Consider this your isolation inspiration. [caption id="attachment_767056" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cork and Canvas[/caption] GET CREATIVE WITH CLAY AND KINTSUGI Dabbling in a new arts or crafts skill won't only see you reaping the benefits of creative therapy. It'll also likely land you with neat new handmade objects to pretty up your pad or gift to someone special. If you fancy having a crack at some pottery, you can get those hands messy and learn how to make your own ceramics with a DIY at-home clay kit from Crockd. It'll hook you up with some clay, tools, illustrated instructions and even conversation-starter cards, all delivered to your door. Local studio Ceramiques also has its own clay kit that it ships Australia-wide — they're currently out of stock, but keep an eye on the website or Instagram for future availability. Meanwhile, Cork & Canvas is offering on-demand paint and sip sessions, delivered virtually — of course. Select which masterpiece you'd like to create, then one of the company's professional artists will guide you through the painting process via an online tutorial. BYO wine. Shibori will get you hooked on the Japanese method of resist-dyeing with its offering of home-delivered craft kits, virtual how-to videos and downloadable technique guides. And, among Class Bento's hefty lineup of online creative classes, you'll find a hands-on workshop dedicated to the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi — a unique way of repairing broken pottery that celebrates imperfection. A DIY craft kit including all the necessary materials will be sent out to you, with the beginner-friendly two-hour class taught via Zoom. MAKE TIME TO DIY A TIPPLE Numerous lockdowns have left us all pretty well-practiced in the art of drinking, so now is the perfect time to take things up a notch and throw some knowledge behind the art. For example, you can add a few home-blended editions to that gin collection, with help from Gin Kit's range of artisan gin-making packs. They come filled with everything you need to transform a bottle of base spirits into a botanically-charged, sippable gin that you can call your own. Or, if you'd rather boost your whisky smarts, Brisbane's Malt Traders is hosting virtual guided tastings that'll take your tastebuds on a trip through Scotland. If you've got enough of a crew, it also offers virtual beer tastings, where an expert will guide you through a selection of brews that have been delivered to your house. And the National Wine Centre runs a series of Zoom masterclasses, exploring various Aussie wine regions. [caption id="attachment_771911" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rob Palmer, from The Whole Fish Cookbook[/caption] COOK SOMETHING THAT'S NOT ANOTHER LOAF OF SOURDOUGH If you want to learn a few new culinary tricks to add to your repertoire, there are plenty of local kitchen maestros that are happy to help. If you're not tied down to a specific dish, you'll want to get acquainted with Maggie Beer's Instagram page. The chef's catalogue of how-to videos are fun, informative and easy to follow, plus she does a live cooking tutorial every Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, Sydney's sustainable seafood king Josh Niland (Saint Peter, Fish Butchery) is sharing his secrets to prepping and cooking fish via his online masterclass videos, which you can rent or buy. Marina Totta's live-streamed pasta-making classes will ignite your inner Italophile. And Atlas Dining's Charlie Carrington is simplifying the dinner rush with his DIY meal kits. Each one is centred on a different international cuisine, and comes stocked with all the ingredients (and recipe cards) to make three or four dishes. [caption id="attachment_818814" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Earl via Unsplash[/caption] MAKE YOUR HOME SPACE LOOK ACE If you're here looking for nifty things you can learn at home, then chances are that you're currently spending a lot of time between those four walls. And if that's the case, you might as well pick up some skills that'll help leave your space looking fabulous, inside and out. For plant-lovers and wannabe green thumbs, there's a jungle's worth of hot plant tips and gardening knowledge to be found over on Bunnings' Staying Grounded podcast. It's hosted by certified plant guru and horticulturalist Chloe Thomson, along with a suite of guest experts, covering everything from edible plants to lawn basics. Alternatively, head to the Plant Society's website and jump on one of its beginner-friendly virtual workshops, which will transform you into an expert green thumb in no time. Got a room, wall or piece of furniture that's begging for some DIY love? Embrace your inner handyman-slash-reno master and upskill with a little help from the Bunnings Youtube channel. It's a goldmine of how-to goodness, ranging from basic tool tips to full-blown makeover workshops. SORT OUT SOME SELF-CARE While a little self-improvement never goes astray, it's more important than ever to hone those self-care instincts. And you can do plenty of that without even leaving the house. Get bendy with some live-streamed or on-demand living room yoga, guided by experts from the likes of I Am That and Annie Belcher. Or, if you'd like to finally learn how to meditate, there's lots of handy digital tools that'll get you off to a flying start with minimal fuss. The popular Headspace app features a brief beginners course that teaches the basics in just a few minutes a day. If you'd like to shake up your screen time, the company has also recently released a new interactive Netflix special titled Headspace: Unwind Your Mind. Meanwhile, award-winning app Calm has a bunch of different meditation lessons, along with expert-taught masterclasses, guided exercises and relaxing soundscapes you can use in your future meditative endeavours. Top Image: Crockd
In the early hours of Sunday morning, you'll be able to track down a free KFC feast in the streets of Melbourne. And it'll feature a KFC dish Aussies haven't tried before. KFC is using the end of daylight savings as an excuse to host this feast, too, which means it's a great way to spend that bonus weekend hour. On Sunday, April 7, stay out in the city and stuff your face with free KFC Chachos (chicken nachos) between the hours of 2am and 3am. Well, the second 2am till 3am. The hour of free food will kick off once the clock has ticked over from 2.59am to... 2am. So, you'll need to stay cosied up in a bar nearby — with a cocktail in-hand, of course — till then. Here are 17 of our favourite CBD spots to keep you occupied (and warm) until the enchanted Chachos hour begins. The event will be the first (and only) time Aussies will be able to try the KFC Chachos, which are classic KFC tenders topped with avocado, Supercharged Sauce, nacho cheese sauce and tomato salsa. In addition to Chachos from the food truck, there will be music by local DJs and beanbags to lounge on. The KFC food truck will be serving free Chachos in front of the State Library, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, from 2am to 3am (after the clock goes back) on Sunday, April 7.
In late March, Australians were restricted to leaving their homes for four reasons: to buy essentials, for medical needs, to exercise or for work and education. A fifth reason was added in Melbourne in mid-May — to visit friends and family — and exercise was expanded to encompass a range of outdoor recreational activities, including golfing and kayaking. From Monday, June 1, however, you'll be able to leave your home for any reason at all. Premier Daniel Andrews announced today, Friday, May 29, that Victorians "have achieved something remarkable" and flattened the COVID-19 curve, and because of this more restrictions were being eased. "We've made sacrifices. We've missed loved ones. We've given up getting on the beers. And in doing so, we've helped keep one another safe," the Premier said in a statement. "Because of those efforts, we've been able to gradually ease restrictions. And from Monday, we'll no longer be giving Victorians a definitive list of reasons to leave home." Instead of a list, Melburnians have been asked to use "common sense" when deciding to leave the house. But, something that is not changing is working from home. The Premier said that if you're currently working from home you must continue to work from home, until at least the end of June. The primary reason for the push to keep WFH where possible is because of public transport and traffic, with the Premier warning that the usual number of people on transport would be unsafe and if Melburnians all started to drive into work in the city "we'll see commute times worse than anything any of us have ever experienced". "Two hours from Werribee to the city, 90 minutes from Reservoir and two and half hours from Mulgrave," the Premier predicted for commute times if Melburnians did not continue to WFH. https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1266147958963056640 On Monday, June 1, a whole heap of eased restrictions will come into play in Victoria, including the reopening of restaurants, pubs and cafes for dine-in service and indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to 20 people. We've broken down exactly what you can and can't do from Monday over here. For more information about the state of COVID-19 in Victoria, head to the Department of Health and Human Services website. Top image: Julia Sansone
Since Jessi Singh returned to Australia from a lengthy stint in the States running his two Babu Ji outposts, the chef-restaurateur has been busy. As well as opening Don't Tell Aunty in Sydney, Singh has open Daughter in Law in Little Bourke Street and, keeping it in the family, wine bar Mrs Singh around the corner on Flinders Lane. Now, he's just about to unveil his most extravagant venue yet: a multi-level British-Indian pub with a rooftop bar, a Punjabi-style deli, a bottle-o, a speakeasy and a dancing lounge — and a casual 500-strong beer list. Yes, there's a lot going on. So, allow us to break it down. Located on Clarendon Street, Mr Brownie Rooftop Hotel is split into three levels. Enter on the ground floor and you'll find the deli, serving up Singh's signature brand of rule-breaking Indian fare, which includes the likes of naan pizza, yoghurt kebabs and nachos-like papadi chaat. [caption id="attachment_774017" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] You can take this food home, eat it in the the pub or head out back to a 70-seat beer garden. If you decide to sit in, you can order one of the many brews of the hefty drinks list, or go for one of two pét-nats on tap. Those on the move, won't be short on choice for drinks, either, with the bottle-o stocked to the nines, and growler refills available from any of the 16 beer taps. Don't want to stay on the ground floor? Like a Goosebumps book, but less creepy, now is the time to choose your own adventure: down or up. The latter will take you through a wall of beer cans (that is, in fact, a hidden door) down a flight of stairs to a red-hued speakeasy and dance lounge called the Boom Boom Room. Expect cocktails, neon and tunes aplenty. [caption id="attachment_774027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Rewind back to your destiny-defining decision — this time, you choose up. Walk up a staircase and you'll find the main pub area with more British-Indian dishes, more beer and more comfy spots to sit. Ascend further and you'll reach the rooftop terrace complete with city views, tropical cocktails, DJs and brunch on weekends. With Victoria's current restrictions, Mr Brownie Hotel won't be running at full capacity when it launches on July 2, with just 20 people allowed in each space. Mr Brownie Rooftop Hotel is slated to open at 343 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne on Thursday, July 2. It'll be open seven days a week. Images: Parker Blain
Landlocked surfers of Melbourne, rejoice — Australia's first surf park has announced its reopening date. And, if you're looking to catch some waves, it's a whole lot closer to the city than Torquay or the Peninsula. After initially opening back in January this year, then closing in March due to COVID-19, Urbnsurf Melbourne will officially relaunch in Tullamarine, near the airport, just 16-kilometres north of the CBD, on Friday, June 19. The two-hectare space is powering up to 1000 waves per hour — day and night — with the waves coming from an 85-metre pier running down the centre of the lagoon. A series of pistons located on the pier push the water to the left, then to the right, to create the waves. Being ability to create waves means that the park is built for both pros who are looking for steep, barrelling waves and novices looking for a safe place to get their start in the surf. The waves are split into three sections: The Bays (beginner) with gentle rolling waves; The Point (intermediate) with 1-1.5 metre, mid-range turn waves; and The Point (advanced) with steep, long, barrelling waves up to two-metres-high with high-octane turns. At Urbnsurf, founder Andrew Ross predicts most novices will stand on their board within an hour and ride across the green face within two. And not only will you get guaranteed waves — you won't be fighting for them. The park usually holds a maximum of 24 riders in The Bays and 18 on each side of The Point; however, in line with Victoria's current COVID-19 requirements, it'll be limiting numbers to 18 per area. [caption id="attachment_756495" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy Urbnsurf and Stu Gibson[/caption] Urbnsurf will also be implementing other changes in response to the coronavirus — such as 1.5-metre social distancing between all surfers, including during surf sessions; keeping The Surf Academy closed, which means there'll be no surf lessons for the time being; and also shutting indoor showers and change rooms. The park will only allow surfing guests in, too, so you won't be able to just head by to watch. And, it'll be suspending sales on spectator passes as well. While the site's Surf Rental store and Lagoon Supply Co will reopen, they'll limit the number of people allowed inside at once, using the four-square-metre rule. Unsurprisingly, all hire surfboards and wetsuits will also be cleaned and sanitised between each use. Find Urbnsurf from Friday, June 19, near Melbourne Airport. It's open from 6am–10pm in summer and 9am–6pm in winter. You can't book in yet for surf sessions and surf lessons, but, if you're keen, keep an eye on the park's website. Images: Courtesy Urbnsurf, Ed Sloane and Stu Gibson.
Historically, the inner northwest suburb of Moonee Ponds hasn't exactly been saturated with top-notch drinking destinations. But with a handful of recent bar openings and yet more in the works, things are suddenly looking a lot less thirsty for this unassuming pocket of Melbourne. Not least thanks to its latest addition: new craft booze paradise The Mighty. Taking over the former Sporting Globe digs, the venue is the latest project from Aussie craft drinks collective Mighty Craft. You're probably already well acquainted with some of the brands it represents, including Brogan's Way gin distillery in Richmond, the Mornington Peninsula-born Jetty Road Brewery, Torquay Beverage Company and Green Ant Gin. And The Mighty is focused on celebrating the whole stable. The sprawling, three-level space has room to seat 110, spread across a cocktail bar, terrace, bistro, public bar and atrium. It's been given a dramatic overhaul by architecture firm Studio Y, whose work you'd have spied at the likes of Nick & Nora's, Maha East and Stomping Ground. The space now boasts an abundance of natural light, with pops of foliage complemented by white tile, timber finishes and lush green accents. There's also a spot here for many occasions, from the intimate bistro booths to the sun-drenched terrace seating primed for summer spritzing sessions. As you'd expect, the drinking situation is front and centre here, with Mighty Craft's extensive portfolio delivering a diverse menu of boutique drops. At the bar, 14 taps pour cider, beer and seltzer from the likes of Jetty Road Brewery, Queensland's Slipstream Brewing Co and Sauce Brewing Co out of Marrickville. Guest brews will feature on rotation and there's a list of signature cocktails showcasing Mighty Craft spirits — like the Pirouette, blending Brogan's Way Hearts Afire gin with lychee, lime, apple and rose. That said, with The Fat Duck and Dinner by Heston alum Adrian Corigliano heading up The Mighty kitchen, food is certainly no afterthought. Here, expect gastropub fare that's casual, yet considered, across a menu showcasing plenty of local ingredients. Sticky pork belly parcels are cooked in master stock and teamed with tamarind caramel, a wagyu burger comes with smoked cheddar and onion jam, and there's a dish of salt-cured charred prawn sticks with chilli and lime. Or, you can smash those comfort food cravings with plates like the buttermilk chicken schnitzel and a boozy ice cream sandwich. An onsite retail space and tasting bar offers Mighty Craft drops to go, and there's a calendar of masterclasses, booze-matched dinners and drinks festivals to look forward to. And that's not all. The first edition of The Mighty opened in the Hunter Valley last month, with the group revealing its planning up to 12 more Aussie venues to launch in the next two years. Find The Mighty Moonee Ponds at 690 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds. It's open from 11am–10pm Wednesday–Thursday, 11am–midnight Friday–Saturday and 11am–10pm Sunday.
Since Victoria's hospitality industry began welcoming customers back through the doors after the state's 2020 lockdowns, outdoor dining has proven a key tactic. Indeed, eating outside has been a big part of the state government's approach as restrictions have eased, and of individual councils' path through the pandemic, too — and, after the City of Melbourne committed to keeping the strategy going until at least mid-2021, the Victorian Government has now announced expanded funding for 22 other councils to do the same throughout autumn. In total, $5 million has been allocated under the second round of the Local Councils Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package, including to 13 councils in metropolitan Melbourne. In the Maribyrnong City Council area, $250,000 will be used to expand the current program of parklets in suburbs such as Footscray and Yarraville, including broadening the scheme to new areas. In Monash, $500,000 will go towards continuing outdoor dining at Pinewood Shopping Village and Hamilton Place in Mount Waverley, in Glen Waverley and at Haughton Road in Clayton. Other Melbourne councils to benefit include Port Phillip City Council, which is receiving $500,000; Stonnington, which'll get $200,000; Yarra, which has been allocated $500,000; and Darebin, which'll nab $150,000. The funding has bee prioritised to councils who've already experienced high demand for outdoor dining over the past months — as seen through increased numbers of customers visiting local restaurants, pubs and cafes. As announced in September 2020, the Victorian Government's Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package spans $87.5 million all up, $29.5 million of which has been allocated to councils across the state — with grants also available to businesses to help them adapt to outdoor dining. Metropolitan councils and regional city councils can receive up to $500,000 each, and rural councils can get up to $250,000, which can be used on infrastructure such as streetscaping and lighting, and to reduce and waive permit fees for hospitality businesses. For more information about the Local Councils Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package, head to the Victorian Government website. Top image: Kate Shanasy.
Omega Ensemble is widely recognised as one of Australia's most dynamic and forward-thinking classical music groups. Their next tour, Distant World, brings together a lineup of four emotionally charged works that explore humanity's relationship with nature, and what happens when that relationship breaks down. The program opens with Arvo Pärt's cult-favourite Spiegel im Spiegel – a deceptively simple duet written for piano and cello that you may have heard in shows like 'Ted Lasso' and Guy Ritchie's 'Swept Away'. "It doesn't tell you how to feel," says Omega's Artistic Director David Rowden of the piece. "But it somehow allows you to feel more deeply." From there, the mood shifts. Jabra Latham's Fire Music, composed after the Tasmanian bushfires, captures both devastation and renewal. "You can hear the full range of the fire's impact," says Rowden. "From brutal ferocity to gentle smouldering and the quiet resilience of a landscape beginning to heal." [caption id="attachment_1002879" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Laura Manariti[/caption] There's also the world premiere of DuskLit by Melbourne composer Miriama Young, which is a new work built from voice memos and soundscapes submitted by young people across regional Victoria. Haunting, hopeful, and rooted in real stories of place and change, "It's like being transported to a private, sacred memory," says Rowden. "Audiences will be taken on a journey of reflection, from the stillness of Arvo Pärt to the profound resonance of local voices like Jabra Latham and Miriama Young. It's music that invites you to pause, feel and consider our world as well as our place within it." Distant World is far from background music. It's a live experience that invites you to feel, and be completely present in a room full of people, for 90 unforgettable minutes. Melbourne: Distant World is playing at Melbourne Recital Centre on Tuesday, May 13 at 7pm. Secure your tickets now at Omega Ensemble.
The Melbourne Cup may be the race that stops the nation, but darling, the Portsea Polo is the real beacon on the equine social circuit. On this auspicious day of the year, the tanned and beautiful emerge from the holiday houses that pepper the Peninsula to meet, mingle and make the most of the bar. Oh, and there's some polo happening too. The dress code is of the utmost importance, with the polo’s resident stylist recommending flowing dresses for the ladies and the obligatory boat shoe for the gentleman. It goes without saying that sunglasses are a must-have accessory in sunny Portsea, so make sure they remained glued to your nose, no matter how much Peroni you get through. Through the heat and the dust (hooves and mallet wielding kicks up more than a mouthful of sand for those on the rails) social outsiders are weeded out quicker than you can mispronounce Moët or Ralph Lauren. There are general admission passes of course, but the real action will be taking place at the variety of marquees where DJs, networking opportunities and drinks will all be on tap. Amidst all those popped collars and chinos you’d be forgiven for missing the actual horses, but there’s always photo ops with spritely polo players to round out the day.
Pop into Avery & Arlo for stylish and comfortable women's wear that won't break the bank. Stocking pieces created by the shop's owner Shari Splatt — championing flowing, chic styles in simple colours and floral patterns — Avery & Arlo also has a big range of fashion from other local designers. Plus, it has kids' clothes so you can dress your babe in the sweetest linen rompers from The Lullaby Club while you go casual in leopard print drop crotch pants and a print tee from Cartel & Willow, and slip into a pair of woven leather slides by Walnut Melbourne. There's also a range of delicate handmade pieces by local maker FinerRings Jewellery.
It is summertime in St Kilda, and the O'Donnell Gardens are in full bloom, packed with stallholders selling art, clothing, tasty treats and more. Yes, it's time again for the St Kilda Twilight Market, and visitors will find bargains aplenty under the palms. Running Thursday evenings from 5–10pm all summer long, the market is held in the public gardens in the shadow of Luna Park. There'll be live music every week, along with makers selling everything from locally produced art to handcrafted jewellery to vintage clothing and accessories. The market will also feature food vendors galore, cooking up cuisine from every corner of the globe. Senor BBQ, Hoy Pinoy and Outback Burgers will have their grills up and firing, and that's just the tip of a very delicious iceberg.
Pizza fans, get excited. 400 Gradi, makers of some of Melbourne's best pizza, are taking over Welcome to Thornbury's beer garden for the rest of January. Every Friday and Saturday (excluding public holidays), the 400 Gradi crew will head over to the sun-soaked space to sling $17 woodfired pizzas to the hungry masses. As usual, Welcome to Thornbury will have each of its bars open throughout the day, letting diners pair their pizzas with spritzes, ice-cold beers or just about any other bev they so desire. Your four-legged pals are also invited, as long as you stick to the huge sun-drenched beer garden.
Local producer Oscar Key Sung has been around a lot this last year — and we are not upset about it in the slightest. This Thursday, January 12 he returns to Boney for a show in the bandroom, along with Kimchi Princi, Jalé and Nico Niquo. Cutting his teeth in the music industry as one half of Oscar + Martin back in 2010, Oscar has been garnering praise and collab invites ever since. Most notably, in 2013 he was picked by Mercury Music Prize-nominated mc Ghostpoet and Brooklyn-based artist MeLo-X to produce their debut release as MELOGHOST, 'WecanWORKitout'. He's also been getting spins from BBC Radio 6 programmer Gilles Peterson, Twitter props from Years & Years and one of his latest singles 'All I Could Do' has clocked over 100k listens on Soundcloud and been remixed by Naysayer and Gilsun. In describing his sound on his official Niche Productions bio, Oscar said "It's a bit of a mess... I suppose I'm just a part of this generation of oversaturation, where it's easy to be as influenced Arvo Pärt as you are by Drake."
Tjanabi is set to be reborn as a once-off dinner event at the Melbourne Town Hall, inviting diners to experience a taste of culinary concepts deeply ingrained in the past and future of First Peoples food culture. The event sees Parbin-ata Dr Carolyn Briggs — a Boon Wurrung senior elder, and chairperson and founder of the Boon Wurrung Foundation — reimagine her popular Federation Square eatery from over a decade ago. Guests will be invited to listen to the stories behind culinary traditions, while tucking into a menu centred around Indigenous cooking techniques and flavours native to the region. Across a sumptuous four-course feast on Friday, June 4, guests will traverse through clay baking, native raw seafood and pre-domesticated superfoods. Expect plenty of tactile demonstrations throughout the night. All-organic arrangements by Alchemy Orange florist Shahn Stewart (Yorta Yorta) will fill the room, setting the tone as you feast and learn. Round up a friend for this one — tickets are available for tables of two, four or six diners, working out to $155 per person. [caption id="attachment_811628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] By Eugene Hyland[/caption] Images: Eugene Hyland
This review was written about the Sydney run of Beautiful One Day at Belvoir St Theatre in November 2012. Beautiful One Day shows that devised theatre still has a unique power to bring people together for true sharing, collaboration, and storytelling. With the support of Belvoir, leading Indigenous theatre company Ilbijerri and documentary performance maestros Version 1.0 went and tested the waters at the Aboriginal community of Palm Island. When their suggestions for a project weren't rebuffed, they developed the work with the residents, three of whom join the seasoned performers on stage. Palm Island is a place we've mainly seen in snippets on the news — not anybody's best angle. It captured headlines in 2004, after the death in custody there of Mulrunji Doomadgee, whom the coroner found to have massive internal injuries. After the autopsy report was made public, there were demonstrations that turned to rioting. This event, still a trauma and a focus for the people of Palms, is at the chronological centre of the play, although in this version of the story, it is part of a continuum of acts of violence committed by white Australia for which there has never been justice. At the same time, the island has a continuous history of asserting its rights, including through large strikes in 1957 against the Aboriginals Protection Act, which had Aboriginal people under state control since 1897. As mentioned, this is devised theatre without writer or director, so linear story is not its strength — though nor its intention. Instead, the Beautiful One Day team — performers Magdalena Blackley, Kylie Doomadgee, Paul Dwyer, Rachael Maza, Jane Phegan, and Harry Reuben, plus additional devisors Sean Bacon, Eamon Flack, and David Williams — build layer upon overlapping layer of story, context, and meaning. A big success is that they set up an atmosphere of chattiness with the audience from the get-go, creating a feeling of lightness and inclusion. They use a Version 1.0-influenced toolkit of multimedia (presented, not excessively, across three screens), interviews, transcripts of historical and legal documents, and fictionalised scenes to build a picture of Palms. A nod to the 'telling their own stories' trope has the performers actually reading and acting out memoirs from books literally printed and bound, a nice little kick in the pants for anyone who thinks Aboriginal history is sidelined mostly because it's oral in form. The scenes about Mulrunji's death can't match the breadth and discovery of Chloe Hooper's award-winning book on the subject, The Tall Man, which is among the great works of creative non-fiction produced in this country. If the story of what happened to Mulrunji and in the subsequent trials and inquests appears more damning in this viewing, it is because the facts are condensed into a smaller space, in which it is impossible for the officers of law and justice involved to hide. It seems a pity, though, that in some moments, the police are portrayed cartoonishly, as a means to a joke. Even if it doesn't bring new facts to the conversation, Beautiful One Day certainly brings a new feeling. In trying to get a view of Palm Island from Palm Island, rather than of Palm Island from the mainland, the picture they conjure is one of hope. The island has seen conflict and absurdity, but looked at up close, there's at least an equal share of normalcy and paradise. There'll be more once its people can truly say they're no longer "living under the act".
Trying new wines can be a stressful pursuit. There are just so many vinos to choose from, hailing from such a wide array of wineries, that it's hard to know where to start. Fresh Blood simplifies that process for you — by doing the choosing for you. That means that you can sit back, take whichever glass comes your way and get sipping. It's no wonder that the concept was a hit in London, or that it made its Australian debut in 2021. Returning to Melbourne on Saturday, November 4, Fresh Blood's latest Aussie event will focus on 15 emerging Australian winemakers — and also show some love to a producer from New Zealand as well. Wondering what you'll be knocking back? From SA, Lust for Life, State of Nature and The Mysterious Mr Black are among the labels. The list goes on, with Victoria's Allevare and Di Renzo from New South Wales also on the bill. The event takes place at Odd Culture Fitzroy, with tickets costing $69, which covers entry, tastings from 12–3pm, a take-home tasting glass, $10 worth of snacks and $10 off any bottle for the first 100 tickets sold.
When you go to the movies, you abide by the usual cinema etiquette rules. You don't kick the seat in front of you, you refrain from checking your phone and lighting up the darkened theatre with its bright glow, and you don't natter away through the flick and annoy everyone around you, for instance. And, you wear clothes — well, unless you're going to Fantastic Film Festival Australia's nude session of Patrick, that is. Yes, you read that correctly. Starring Kevin Janssens (Revenge) as the titular figure and featuring Flight of the Conchords' Jemaine Clement as a musician, Belgian film follows a handyman who works at a remote nudist colony, so attendees are asked to strip down for the session (or just wear their underwear). The nude screening takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday, April 24 at the Lido, and you'll need to sit in cinema five if you're attending sans attire. There are a few ground rules, though. Photography is completely off limits, you'll need to bring a towel to sit on, only patrons over the age of 18 can attend and you're asked to respect your fellow movie-goers' personal space. You also need to rock up fully clothed, and then disrobe in the cinema. And, if you have to go to the bathroom during the movie — or want something from the candy bar — you'll need to get dressed again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U68CKW0mjg&feature=emb_logo Top image: Charlie De Keersmaecker and Cosima Finkbeiner.
Some movies have a moment where they just click and you instinctively know the filmmakers know what they're doing. In The Way, Way Back that moment comes when the painfully awkward Duncan (Liam James) is being driven to the beach house where he will spend the summer and he locks eyes with Owen (Sam Rockwell). The low-key but undeniable chemistry in that scene is a hallmark of a film which gets all the small details right. Having been told he's a "three out of ten" by Trent (Steve Carell), a passive-aggressive jerk who is dating his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), Duncan plans to keep a low profile during his holiday. But any chance of a quiet summer is soon scuppered by nosy neighbour Betty (Allison Janney), who plots to have Duncan become friends with her long-suffering son Peter (River Alexander), who she torments because of his lazy eye. It's Betty's daughter Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb) who can sympathise with Duncan though, and they form a faltering friendship as the adults leave them to their own devices. As Susanna observes, the beachside community is "like spring break for adults" and while Trent and Pam make merry with Trent's friends, the introverted Duncan goes exploring on a a bike and ends up seeking refuge at Water Wizz, the slightly rundown but much-loved local water park managed by perpetual adolescent Owen. Seeing something in the earnest teen that nobody else sees, Owen decides to give Duncan a job as a dogsbody at the park, bringing him into a group of misfits that includes Caitlin (Maya Rudolph), who is growing irked at Owen's irresponsible ways and Lewis (Jim Rash), a sad sack who continually threatens to quit the park to pursue his dreams of being a storm chaser but never quite manages to leave. The Way Way Back's story of a shy teen finding his place in the world over the course of a long, hot summer is by now a well-worn coming-of-age narrative, but this always feels more comfortable than cliched. The seaside small town with its endless beach parties and beer-soaked barbecues is lovingly evoked. The performances from an ensemble cast are uniformly topnotch, though it is Sam Rockwell who steals every scene as the sweet, funny and unexpectedly wise Owen. Writer-directors Jim Rash and Nat Faxon previously collaborated on the Oscar-winning The Descendants and have again struck gold, fashioning a wryly funny and nicely understated script which leaves the actors plenty to do. A big-hearted, bittersweet look at the pleasures and pains of growing up, and the compromises of adulthood, this is perfectly realised and way, way charming. https://youtube.com/watch?v=GiH5wmuexZY
Lynn Ruth Miller started her comedy career at the ripe old age of 71. More than a decade later, she's the oldest working stand-up in the world, and in possession of one of the sharpest wits in the business. At a certain age, we suppose, nothing is off limits — so don't be surprised to hear Miller riffing on her sex life, her two failed marriages, and why she decided to get her nipple pierced at her Melbourne International Comedy Festival show This is Your Future. If we're this fiery at her age, we'll count ourselves very lucky indeed.
Watch Red, White & Brass and you'll never see the pre-game or half-time entertainment at a big sporting match the same way again. Of course, if Rihanna, or Beyoncé with Destiny's Child, or a heap of hip hop and rap legends are taking to the stage at the Super Bowl, you won't question it — but if there's a community band on the turf, you might start wondering when they first picked up their instruments, why and if it was only four weeks ago to make it to this very gig. Are they just out there because they were that desperate to see their team play? And, because they missed out on expensive and instantly sold-out tickets? Were they so eager, in fact, that they bluffed their way into a gig by claiming to already be a musical group, then had to speedily do anything and everything to learn how to get melodic, and obviously not embarrass themselves, in a passion-fuelled whirlwind of pretence and practice? A band solely forming to score access to a rugby game sounds like pure screenwriting confection. Often enough, though, when tales like that make it to the silver screen, it's because they're so wild that they can only be true. Such is the case with Red, White & Brass' premise, as it notes at the outset. Back in 2011, New Zealand hosted the Rugby World Cup, which was a source of particular excitement to Aotearoa's Tongan population, and especially to avid aficionados at a Wellington church. The kind of fans that were showing their devotion by decking out their homes in the Tongan flag top to bottom, hitching the red-and-white cloth to every free space on their cars and carrying around the symbol on their phone cases, they were determined to see Tonga play France in their own home city, and willing to whatever it takes to do so — wholesomely, in the type of underdog story about fervour, ingenuity, self-belief and luck that engagingly makes for an easy and warm-hearted cinema crowd-pleaser. On-screen, the dynamic Maka (NZ Popstars personality and film debutant John-Paul Foliaki) first thinks that he'll simply raise enough in donations for his congregation to attend the big game, aided by his dancing while the choir sings. When it ends up taking too much money to make money that way, that plan hits a bum note. So does a too-good-to-be-true offer that's exactly that. But sports fandom and a love of one's country are just like life in frequently finding a way. Handily, Aroha (Hariata Moriarty, Cousins) from the city council is looking for a brass marching band to perform before the match, asking at Maka's father Pita's (Tevita Finau) church for local talent. They don't have what she's searching for, and have never been anywhere near even thinking about having a brass marching band; however, that doesn't stop their resident born entertainer from saying otherwise when he hears that free Rugby World Cup tickets are involved. It may spring from reality, with co-writer Halaifonua (Nua) Finau scripting the story with first-time feature director Damon Fepulea'i from his very own experiences — yes, this happened to Finau — but there's a touch of Brassed Off meets Pitch Perfect meets Cool Runnings to Red, White & Brass. Although some films bring others to mind because they're that generic, often lazily as well, that isn't what's occurring here. Whether or not you know the IRL outcome going in, you know the outcome. You know that there wouldn't be a movie unless exactly what you think will happen happens. Stepping through this real-life quest makes for infectious viewing because it does follow the expected narrative pattern so lovingly, with such heart and so satisfyingly, especially when it comes to celebrating NZ's Tongan community. Maka has plenty of convincing to do, including friends like Veni (Dimitrius Shuster- Koloamatangi, Upright), who has largely lost touch with his Tongan heritage; Irene (Ilaisaane Green, The Commons), who is sceptical about this new brass-playing scheme; and his disapproving father and wary mother Elisiva (Valeti Finau). In the process, with help from Samisoni (Michael Falesiu), the only person Maka knows with any brass marching band experience, the Tongan word "māfana" is mentioned more than once. It means an overwhelming feeling of warmth and emotion, so it happily fits his mission, and it's also what Red, White & Brass itself is revelling in. This is an affectionate and joyous film that doesn't just pay tribute to events that clearly begged for the big-screen treatment from the moment that they happened, or to the feeling and energy behind them, but to the community and culture goes all-in when it comes to national pride. Even when they're disagreeing, disparaging or doubting — and when the familiar sports-film training journey sees Maka and his pals start out with plastic bottles, then join a school band for lessons, and also become the unhappy stars of a viral fail video — Red, White & Brass' persistent group of Tongan rugby superfans don't waver in their māfana. Nor does the cast that Fepulea'i has assembled to portray them, as led by Foliaki bouncing around the movie with a larger-than-life vibe that plays as pure zeal. That the Finaus, Nua's parents and both first-time actors, basically step into their own shoes is a nice touch, as is including some original members of the Taulanga Ū Brass Band, who started it all. Red, White and Brass is directed with inescapable fondness as well, which flows through to its sunny frames (as shot by Andrew McGeorge, The Panthers), upbeat editing (including by Fepulea'i) and mix of marching-band tunes with tracks from Three Houses Down. In music, hitting every expected note is usually pivotal. When that skill is perfected, creativity and experimentation can echo, which Red, White & Brass acknowledges and embraces. In cinema, movies that stick to the sheet before them can be blandly cliched, and many do, but the best of them swell with reassurance and comfort. Everyone watching wants this film to turn out the way it does, which it does, sticking to reality and offering a soothing bit of solace in a hectic world. That's what loving a sport, your culture or anything that you're passionate about can be, too, and Fepulea'i, Finau and executive producer Taika Waititi (Thor: Love and Thunder) know it, feel it and let it resound.
The Abbotsford Convent Open Day is not a day when nuns sign up for a life of service, but a day when you get to play peekaboo at one of Melbourne’s hard-fought-for spaces. The history of Abbotsford Convent will have struggling community organisations salivating across the country. The story goes like this. One day, some really short-sighted people wanted to turn the historic, swoon-worthy site into high-density housing and a mini golf course. Smelly idea. A small group of locals saw the tragedy and thought of a fresher idea. Now the Convent is a thriving community, cultural and arts precinct. It has sexy artist studios and galleries, performance spaces, a community radio station, as well as a bakery, bars, restaurants and an outdoor cinema. And the natural gardens and heritage buildings have been saved (hurrah!) This Sunday, you can see everything in action — free workshops (drumming, dancing, cooking, learning French), exhibitions, performances, kids activities, food, The Sophia Mundi Steiner School Fair and much more. It’s time to celebrate the un-convent-ional. Image by eythian.
The Melbourne Marathon Festival started back in the 70s and is a favoured annual running event for many Melburnians. The races vary in length and difficulty — the shortest event being a three-kilometre walk, with five- and ten-kilometre courses coming in before and half marathon and the full slog. The track spans the Melbourne CBD and gives runners an opportunity to experience the city's famous landmarks in a different context — from the St Kilda beach foreshore to Flinders Street to Albert Park Lake. All races start at Birrarung Marr and end inside the MCG — so you can finish with the roar of the crowd. Take part on your own, as a team or with colleagues, and help raise funds for the Cerebal Palsy Education Centre, or a charity of your choice.
Steps Australia, one of the largest Australian hospitality training organisations has joined forces with Katrina Higham – ex chef at Joe's Diner and Windsor Deli to bring keen students some new classes. Next up, The Myrtleford Butter Factory will host an artisan butter and ricotta making course at Hobba in Prahran. Students will get their churn on as they learn how to turn milk into butter and ricotta while Naomi Ingleton, owner of The Butter Factory in Myrtleford, shares her secrets. There is also wine involved. Wine and butter seem like a brilliant idea. With some form of carbohydrate between, we hope. In the end, students can take away recipes to put their skills to work at home.
One of New York's initially best and eventually worst kept secrets is coming to Melbourne for one of the most squealworthy pop-ups we've seen in an age. East Village's Please Don't Tell (or PDT) is locked in to take over Fitzroy's Black Pearl this weekend, with legendary PDT bar team Jim Meehan and Jeff Bell at the helm. Ever found your way to PDT? Hidden behind a secret wall in a vintage phone booth, inside Crif Dogs hotdog joint on St Marks Place in the East Village, PDT is one of NYC's most beloved speakeasies — and the cocktails are seriously next level. Bell, who was crowned 2013 Diageo World Class US Bartender of the Year, is one of the best in the game, with marvels like the Bulleit Bourbon Sweet Tea Smash. But you won't just be sampling Bell's world-famous cocktails. Bell and Meehan will join forces with Bluebonnet Barbecue chef Chris Terlikar for an Australian version of PDT's menu — featuring two hot-dog variations: 'The Spicy Redneck' (house dog, bacon wrapped, with chilli, coleslaw and jalapenos) and a yet to be announced local adaptation. PDT pops up at Black Pearl (304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy) Thursday 6 – Sunday August 9. Sittings are 6-8pm, 8-10pm or 10pm-12am, Reservations through Eventbrite. Image: PDT.
If, like us, you go weak at the knees for cute stationery, handmade crafts, fresh new design, unique fashion and live music (and all under one roof), then it’s likely that we’ll bump into you at the Finders Keepers markets this weekend. The bi-annual indie design market is back at the Royal Exhibition Building from Friday evening (6pm to 10pm) and all day Saturday (10am to 5pm). Championing emerging Australian artists and designers, the markets - which have been running for two years in Melbourne - pride themselves on creating a festival atmosphere alongside the shopping, with an impressive live music line-up and great food options. It’s free to enter the markets but we recommend taking plenty of dough as there’s no ATM and most stalls will only accept cash. You wouldn’t want to stumble upon that perfect handcrafted wooden typewriter broach you’ve been coveting and not snap it up pronto, now would you? See the Finders Keepers Melbourne markets page for the full list of stall holders and live music line-up.
If you see an unusual number of fictional characters roaming the streets this May 2, you're not crazy, but you are missing out: it's Free Comic Book Day. Every year on the first Saturday in May, comic book stores around the world give away free comics to anyone who walks in. Free Comic Book Day started in America, but it's been picked up by stores in Australia as well. Aiming to "reach out to those individuals unfamiliar with the comic book specialty market", Free Comic Book Day sees many publishers ship specially printed comic books, often previews of upcoming titles, to participating stores around the world. It's not just about the free stuff, though — most stores will have special events going on like artist signings, dress-up competitions and giveaways. The website also has a handy store locator, so you can see what stores are participating near you.
