Germany takes its public transport seriously. When Berlin boasts a pair of sneakers designed to match the subway system, and the nation's state-owned railway company is looking to create a 'train of the future', that's pretty clear. The country's next idea not only stresses the point, but does the environment a solid and is certain to prove a hit with commuters: free public transport. As reported by Die Welt, according to a letter penned by German ministers and seen by German media, the government is proposing to trial the concept in five particular cities — all places considered heavily polluted. Bonn, Essen, Reutlingen, Mannheim and Herrenberg are set to put the plan into action, with the move coming as Germany faces legal action from the EU over its breach of air pollution levels due to vehicle emissions. Just how it would work — in terms of additional buses, trains and trams needed, and the budget required to finance them — is still under consideration, as are exact implementation timing and plans. Still, it's a smart, sensible and certain-to-be-popular idea, as well as an excellent incentive to leave the car at home. And, it's one that we'd all clearly love to see closer to home, even with Sydney and Brisbane's rail issues of late. Via Die Welt. Image: Shankar S. via Flickr.
You'll have to look beyond the big smoke to catch one of Victoria's most exciting cultural events this spring, as ROAM Geelong takes over the premier regional hub with multi-sensory art, performance, music and storytelling. Held from 4–10pm on Saturday, October 11, the city's arts and culture precinct will radiate with acclaimed and emerging talent — over 60 percent of participants are from the Greater Geelong area. Johnstone Park will host one of the evening's headline events — Tomorrow Blooms — which sees Superficial Studio's Andrew Kupresanin and Belinda Chen fuse art, nature and technology for a digital botanical experience. Presented as an ever-evolving sculpture, the piece explores a botanical future in hyperdrive. Meanwhile, Falcon features a stunning four-metre-tall puppet roaming through the parkland to a light show and immersive soundscape. Platform Arts will also transform Geelong's streets into a living exhibition space through a trio of shows. Head to After Walter Hopps Exhibition to experience the gallery teeming with first-come, first-served installation art. Then check out Dr Anindita Banerjee's Arranged Marriage as it lights up Little Malop Street with Bollywood beats, costumes and satire. Plus, Australian comedian and design advocate Tim Ross will take a deep dive into our obsession with housing in The Australian Dream? — a lighthearted talk based on 18 months of research. "ROAM is a destination event that will transform Geelong's arts and cultural precinct into a creative playground, combining everything our award-winning venues and talented artists have to offer," says City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM. "We're thrilled to bring acclaimed performers and local voices together — showcasing the incredible depth of talent in Greater Geelong for all the world to see."
When locals have bestowed upon you a nickname like 'Sparkly Bear', there's only one way to truly celebrate your 35th birthday, and that's with a flashy, neon-drenched 80s-themed dress-up party. Such will be the vibe from September 7 to 9, when Brunswick's beloved Barkly Square shopping precinct rings in the big 3-5. Kicking off the festivities from 5pm this Friday is a retro-tastic neighbourhood street party, complete with flash dances, party fare, classic 80s jams from DJ Joey Lightbulb, and a Cocktail & Dreams-style pop-up bar that young Tom Cruise would be proud of. There'll be prizes for the best get-ups, free beautification sessions at the onsite 80s-style salon and even a photo booth to document your new look. Then, the old-school fun continues throughout the weekend, with free arcade games, free tote-decorating and badge-making workshops, free aerobics sessions, free hula hoop classes and a vintage record and movie store from the folks at JB HI-FI. You'll also spy a swag of special birthday offers, including $1 cheeseburgers from McDonalds, Friday through Sunday.
Charlie Murphy deserves some serious credit. Trying to forge a career as a professional comedian is pretty tough at the best of times, let alone when your brother is none other than Eddie Murphy. Yet Charlie has not only taken that plunge – he's come out the other side as a top-billed international comedian playing to sold-out audiences around the world. Next month he'll be bringing his act to both Australia and New Zealand, so he took some time to talk to Tom Glasson about comedy, basketball, being Eddie Murphy's brother and even Lamingtons. Charlie Murphy, hello from Sydney! Hey brother - how ya doin' man? Good mate, yourself? Yeah it's all good. I'm just sitting here in Englewood, New Jersey watching the afternoon news you know. Keeping an eye out for new material? Always brother. Got to keep it fresh for you folks in Australia. Well yeah, it's only a little over a month now until you bring your show – the 'Acid Trip Tour' – down our way. You excited? You better believe it man – I've never been to Australia before so this is my first time and I'm super-charged about coming there. First time? Well then you're probably carrying around some serious '80s clichés and stereotypes about us all! [Laughs] Ha, Crocodile Dundee! But you know, I'm looking forward to seeing all that AND the real deal. It's gonna be fun! So what can people expect from your show? Laughs, man! Whenever people ask me that I always tell them the same thing: you should expect to laugh. I mean you ain't going to a basketball game, you ain't going to a magician, you're going to see a comedian. When you see a comedian you should expect to laugh. But yeah, people ask me that a lot because they haven't seen me before – I'm new to most people – and I let them know it's for them to laugh. And you know, this is my first time coming to Australia; I've been to England, Canada, Scandinavia, all over the US and I've been making people laugh and I enjoy doing it. How would you describe your own sense of humour? What makes you laugh? Oh it's adult, man! I leave it raw and you can take it the way you want it. But it's raw and it's adult. I expect my audience to be adult, too. I don't go do lunchtime crowds at high schools, you know – I have an adult show. Who's making you laugh right now? You know man, it's funny - whoever's funny really. All of them can make me laugh, you know what I'm saying? I mean they're all funny guys. I enjoy all of them. Jumping back a few years, you grew up in Brooklyn right? Yeah. I grew up, partially in Brooklyn, 'til I was 13. Then I moved to Long Island and lived there from 13 to 17. And then I went to the military. And your father was almost a 'slashy' wasn't he, in that he was a transit cop but also a part-time actor and comedian? Well, my father was a police officer – a transit officer – and that's what he really was. He did a little stand-up when he was in high school, he did it on the side a bit, but he never really became a professional stand-up comedian. You know, he did talent shows and – my uncle did it as well – he did local stuff but never became professional where it was their way of making a living. Because that's when I think you can say you're a professional comedian; until then you're just dabbling. Where do you think this passion for comedy came from, since you'd almost have to call it a family business now? Ha, yeah. Well, I was already in the business but not as a comedian. You know I was in the business as an actor, I was in the business as a writer, a producer, but I wasn't in it as a comedian because it was obvious to me at that point that I was "Eddie's brother", you know? Eddie Murphy was the comedian, he was the younger brother and so it was always going to be hard for them to accept me as one too. But then The Chappelle Show kind of knocked that door down and I thought: "wait a minute, you can go out now and play with that." You know, that was a free pass to do it because people wanted to see me all of a sudden, and so I started going out, I started developing it and I've never stopped. I've been on the road for ten years straight! [laughs] You just mentioned Chappelle. Did you have any sense at the time that this was your sort of 'shine the light' moment? That this was when it was all going to change, or was it only retrospectively that you came to appreciate how important it all was? Nah I didn't know that this was going to happen. I had no idea and neither did anyone else. What's happened since is actually kind of unbelievable because I started doing stand-up at 42 years old. I didn't start when I was nine like Chappelle or Eddie Murphy or Chris Rock. I didn't start doing stand-up when I was a teenager, or in my twenties or thirties, I started when I was 42 years old…and my brother was Eddie Murphy! I mean he's one of, or rather the, stand-up guy; the recognised God of stand-up, okay? That's my brother, so to have that in front of you, you know what I'm saying, it's very unlikely that you would firstly take a chance to try to get into it, and then secondly - be successful at it, and I've done both those things. And so that's a blessing. I've jumped over those hurdles and I'm now making a presence for myself and beginning to be appreciated for what I do. And now you're coming out to Australia on tour. That's quite an incredible run. Exactly man! And you know, everywhere I've been it's all part of reaffirming that I'm now doing what I'm supposed to be doing; that I made a very smart choice with my life. And I'm doing something special because I can't think of anybody else that's a comedian who can say: "Okay this guy, he did it like this." I think I'm carving a brand new street. I'm curious about your take on comedy at the moment, because – and I'm thinking here about something one of Conan's writers said, a guy called Andrés du Bouchet – his advice to young comedy writers was: "write and perform comedy for 10 years in obscurity then luck out." Do you feel that's a little cynical or pretty reflective of the nature of the industry? No that's kind of true man, because there are guys out there right now who are really really really good and they're not famous. I know who they are because I'm in the world of stand-up, I'm a comedian so I know who the other comedians are. Like the guy I'm bringing with me to Australia, his name's Freeze Love. You've never heard of him, but he's very very funny in his own right and yet he doesn't have a headliner name, a household name yet, so people say: "who's this guy? We came to see Charlie Murphy!" And then this guy comes out and you forget that you came to see Charlie Murphy because he's that funny. When you come to my show I want you to laugh from the moment you get there to the moment you leave. And I'm only on stage for an hour but the show's an hour and a half, you know, so I make sure you get some variety and when you leave your face is hurting. That's my objective – to hurt your face – and I'm not a boxer! There's this idea that comedy runs parallel with the zeitgeist, so in the '60s and '70s it was all about social change, then in the '80s it was the battle of the sexes, in the '90s it was drugs and most recently it's been terrorism and war. And George W Bush! The human punch-line. Exactly! Do you feel like there's a new theme emerging now? Because a lot of the current acts seem to focus on the influence - and perhaps intrusion - of technology in our lives and how dehumanising and lonely it can all be. Totally, that's it man. But at the same time these comics, people like Louis CK, they're sort of embracing that failing aren't they? Embracing their own shortcomings and emerging as anti-heroes. Yeah man, it's all those things! You named almost everything I cover, like my show encompasses all the things you just talked about. We've had the '60s, '70s, '80s…well this is the new millennium and I'm talking about all of it. You're gonna hear about social issues, you're gonna hear about family, politics…all of that in one hour. And it's going to be fun. A few years ago you said you were a huge fan of Obama but just couldn't see him becoming President given the state of things in America. Now that it's happened a lot of people have called this the 'post race' age, but that seems like a bit of a stretch doesn't it? Exactly. That's not true. Things are just different, you know. Racism's still alive and well. Is it as rigid and defined as it was in the '60s? No, but it's still there. That other way, the old way, it wouldn't be able to exist in the climate we've got now, but it's still there. It just adapted. It's gradually leaving though, because if you look at the young people and their intelligence, there's not as much of that ignorance from the old days any more. Actually I was watching that movie the other day, the J Edgar movie with Leonardo DiCaprio - who does an excellent job by the way - but for me that movie was about this man who, before this movie was made and various documentaries were made, he was held up like a God, a man who could do no wrong, a perfect person. And then that movie exposed that not only was he human – that was the first thing – but he was also flawed like all of us. Severely! I really liked that movie. And just finally Charlie, you're a New Yorker and you recently did some promo stuff for Air Jordan with your Leroy Smith character – I'm guessing you've been caught up in the whole Jeremy Lin saga? Oh yeah man – I'm a big time Knicks fan! And my show's called "The Acid Trip" so I'm glad you brought the Knicks up because I point out things that are really really totally unexpected, like if ten years ago you'd said that in 2012 the highest paid rapper would be white, there's going to be a black President and an Asian's gonna be dominating the NBA, nobody would've believed it! An Asian guy from Harvard no less. Exactly! This is all really happening, it's real, see so that's kind of the metaphor for my show because every day of life is another opportunity for you to go: "Oh wow!" Every day something could happen that's never happened in your life before. You could smell something you've never smelled before, taste something you've never tasted before and I don't know how old you are but think about that. If somebody said to me: "How long did it take you to get here?" and – because the first person who did that said "oh it took me 15 minutes" and I replied "Oh really, because it took me 52 years." So that's how you're looking at it, you know? Well it was well worth it Charlie because we can't wait to have you out here. I can't wait to come out there man. And I want you to give me the heads up on what's the first thing I should try to eat? What's an Australian dish, because I've never had Australian food so what would you recommend I eat when I get there? What's it like? Well it's pretty much like American food except sized for humans. But I suppose the Lamington is the go-to option for something sweet, and of course the good ole meat pie. Meat pie? What kind of meat is it? Okay, it might not be 'meat'. Ha, yeah okay. But I'll do it anyway. Just ask for a regular beef pie and if they like you they'll top it off with some ketchup in the shape of Australia. [Laughs] Okay I'm gonna try that man, and I look forward to seeing you all real soon. Thanks brother. Charlie Murphy's "Acid Trip Tour" will hit Melbourne on 19 and 20 April, Auckland on April 23 and then Sydney on April 26. Check for tickets at www.abpresents.com.au and keep up with Charlie via Twitter @cmurphycomedy. https://youtube.com/watch?v=AwgvwFWK_dQ
Whether beloved bands are reuniting, old lineups are reforming or still-touring groups who hit the charts decades ago are simply heading our way again, we're living in a golden age of musical blasts from the past. On a stage near you at any given time, one of your old-school favourites is likely taking to the microphone, spanning across a huge range of genres. The latest to join the trend: Sugababes. The British girl group is hitting up Australia's east coast this summer, with shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in February. If you're a fan, you likely now have 'Push the Button' or 'Overload' stuck in your head — or a medley that includes 'Freak Like Me', 'Round Round', 'Hole in the Head', 'Walk This Way' and 'About You Now' as well. This isn't just any old throwback tour, however. It will also see Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy — aka Sugababes' OG members — bust out the group's hits. Each of the trio left individually in the 00s, with Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen taking their places, but they've been back together with the initial lineup since 2012. This'll be the first time in more than two decades that Buena, Buchanan and Donaghy have hit Australia together, which is massive news for fans. And, given that Sugababes were one of the British girl groups of the early 21st century — and are one of the biggest-selling British girl groups of all time — there's plenty of those around. SUGABABES AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2023: Thursday, February 23 — Enmore Theatre, Sydney Friday, February 24 — Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Monday, February 27 — Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane Sugababes are touring Australia in February 2023, with pre-sale tickets available from 9am local time on Tuesday, December 20 and general sales from 9am local time on on Wednesday, December 21. Head to the tour website for further details.
One of the most poorly kept secrets of the year has finally been confirmed: The Cure, patron saints of bedroom dancing and boys in eyeliner, are officially coming to Sydney as part of the Vivid Live lineup. The legendary new-wave '80s band will be playing two shows, entitled 'Reflections,' at the Sydney Opera House on May 31 and June 1. The shows will see the band play three of their most influential albums in their entirety: Three Imaginary Boys, Seventeen Seconds and Faith. Get out your black trench coats and tease up your hair, The Cure are a-coming. Around for more than thirty years, The Cure have had over a dozen line-ups, but it's their earlier albums which have become their most definitive, with their dark and melancholy melodies treasured by generations of goths and boys who don't, but might, cry. In an almost-original lineup, front man Robert Smith will be accompanied by Simon Gallup and Jason Cooper for the performance of Three Imaginary Boys, while the original drummer Lol Tollhurst will come on stage for the performance of Seventeen Seconds and Faith. Rumours that the band were due to appear at Vivid began last week, but it was only when Stephen Pavlovic, 2011's festival curator, rocked up to FBi Radio and played a Cure track, and then proceeded to neither confirm nor deny the possible appearance of The Cure, that the rumours entered into the realm of the bleeding obvious. https://youtube.com/watch?v=xik-y0xlpZ0
What if a bomb had taken out Adolf Hitler in 1939? That's the question that haunts Georg Elser (Christian Friedel) after his assassination attempt fails due to timing. He hatched a plot, built explosives and set a timer, but it all went off too late. As the English-language name of the film that unfolds his story foreshadows, just under a quarter of an hour proved the difference between the past everyone knows and a World War II-free alternate timeline. In telling his tale, those titular 13 minutes are influential; however this measured, methodical feature is more concerned with the state of affairs that led Elser to such drastic deeds, instead of a well-worn account of what happened next. How did a mild-mannered pacifist and seemingly ordinary German citizen become the would-be killer of the 20th century's most despised figure? What injustices did he witness? What paved his path towards trying to save his country through a potentially revolutionary act of violence? Again, many of the broad strokes of life at the time are known, but 13 Minutes filters a familiar situation through one man's experience. After the blast, Elser is detained, interrogated and tortured by the Gestapo, his brutal treatment intercut with his preceding years. First, he's a carefree musician; then, he's a carpenter trying to save his family farm; next, he's fooling around with a married woman (Katharina Schuttler). Around him, society and sentiment changes under the Nazi party's influence. Best known as the director of Downfall, the Hitler film that launched a thousand memes, Oliver Hirschbiegel has explored this chapter of history before. That he does so again in meticulous detail isn't surprising, nor are the handsome images he works with. Though his last feature — the abysmal Diana — might indicate otherwise, the filmmaker shows an assured hand with conflict-riddled, based-on-real-life material. Indeed, 13 Minutes looks, sounds and feels the part. Yet it's never anything more than interesting, rather than gripping. Workmanlike best describes Hirschbiegel's effort, hitting all the right notes but playing a standard tune rather than a truly affecting melody. Given the rollercoaster ride his last decade of filmmaking has provided, perhaps he's just happy to play it safe. To the director, splitting the difference between the intense heights of his biggest hit and the considerable lows of his most recent biopic probably doesn't seem like such a bad outcome. Thankfully, the committed, charming Friedel is marching to his own beat, his performance as impassioned as the rest of the movie is restrained. That the film around him is just competently going through the motions of an important story doesn't seem to sway his complex portrayal. Of course, shining a bigger spotlight on a figure barely remembered in the official record, let alone seen in cinema (with a 1989 film called Seven Minutes Elser's only other big screen depiction), is a feat worth applauding regardless of the muted end result. And that's what lingers in 13 Minutes: the true tale surrounding the greatest act of WWII heroism that never was.
The return of Spilt Milk for 2025 is big news, after the Australian music festival sat out 2024. This year's four events — including in Ballarat — will be positively huge, however, thanks to a massive lineup headlined by Kendrick Lamar. DAMN. LOVE. Quoting those album and song titles fits right now, with the Pulitzer Music Prize-winning musician heading Down Under in this same year that he put on a helluva Super Bowl halftime show. Just as he did in 2022, Lamar has a December date with Australia, playing 2025's run of Spilt Milk fests across two weekends. Alongside stops in Canberra, Perth and on the Gold Coast, it's Ballarat's turn at Victoria Park on Saturday, December 6. That's a headliner worth waiting a year for — and Lamar has company from Doechii, Sara Landry, Dominic Fike and ScHoolboy Q for starters. Also on the bill: d4vd, Nessa Barrett, Sofia Isella, Skin On Skin, sombr, Club Angel, The Dreggs and The Rions, plus more. In 2025, festivalgoers can also look forward to the return of sing-alongs at Guilty Pleasures, plus country bar Howdy Howdy and the Bus Da Move party bus. The art component will feature artists from Studio A. Spilt Milk's 2025 return is immense, not just due to its lineup, but because not every fest that sat 2024 out has made a comeback. Sadly, both Groovin the Moo and Splendour in the Grass have scrapped their events in both years. Spilt Milk 2025 Lineup Kendrick Lamar Doechii Sara Landry Dominic Fike ScHoolboy Q d4vd Nessa Barrett Skin on Skin sombr Baby J Chance Peña Club Angel Don West Ennaria Esha Tewari Lyric Mia Wray Ninajirachi Rebecca Black Rum Jungle Sofia Isella South Summit The Dreggs The Rions Spilt Milk image: Mackenzie Sweentnam.
The happy feels might have been in shorter supply than usual this year, but that's all set to change if you lock in some laughs at Comedy Republic's Comedyish Spring Break next month. From Saturday, November 27–Sunday, November 28, the venue's serving up a full weekend of chuckles from a roll-call of Aussie favourites, in a special expanded edition of its popular new material night. Taking the stage across eight sessions to road-test their freshest jokes, will be comics like Tommy Little, Claire Hooper, Nazeem Hussain, Zöe Coombs Marr, Rhys Nicholson, Geraldine Hickey and more. From Tom Ballard, to David Quirk, to Scout Boxall, you'll get to experience the very latest material from some much-loved homegrown talent. Some of it so fresh, it'll be cooked up on stage in front of your very eyes. A session will set you back $10–15 here, or you can load up on laughs with a multi-session, day or weekend pass.
Usually, for one week each September, Brisbane becomes Australia's live music capital — even if a Melbourne survey generally claims otherwise. When BIGSOUND hits the city, it typically seems like every venue in Fortitude Valley is packed to the rafters with bands, industry folks and music-loving punters, all enjoying the latest and greatest tunes and talent the country has to offer. There's nothing usual about 2020, though. And, yes, that applies to this beloved music-fuelled celebration. In fact, after announcing back in July that it would still forge ahead this year as a physical — but socially distanced, COVID-safe and scaled-down — event, BIGSOUND has just revealed today, Thursday, September 3, that it'll now proceed as a virtual-only affair. Rather than four days of conferences, live festival showcases, secret shows and official parties, music fans can look forward to keynote addresses, online workshops, panels, discussions and an Australian artist showcase called The BIGSOUND50, all across a condensed two-day online program. The lineup wont be revealed until the end of September, but the event will still happen next month — having already moved from its normal timeslot to Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22, the digital-only BIGSOUND is keeping the latter dates. Announcing the change in an emailed statement, BIGSOUND management advised that the shift in direction stems from "ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and domestic border closures"; however the festival will adjust. It'll also address the challenges of 2020 and what that means for the industry moving forward by focusing on three specific themes: community, survival and re-futuring. [caption id="attachment_636254" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Waax, BIGSOUND 2017. Image: Bec Taylor.[/caption] Overseeing the virtual program are Janne Scott, BIGSOUND's creative director (and Splendour In The Grass' senior creative manager); Alethea Beetson, the event's First Nations producer and programmer; and conference programmer Tom Larkin. Beetson, as well as festival co-programmers Dominic Miller and Ruby-Jean McCabe, will select the artists featured in The BIGSOUND50. Past BIGSOUNDs have showcased everyone from Gang of Youths, Flume, Tash Sultana and Courtney Barnett to San Cisco, Violent Soho, Methyl Ethel and The Jungle Giants, so its program is usually a very reliable bellwether of current and up-and-coming talent. BIGSOUND 2020 will run virtually on Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22, with further details set to be announced in late September. For more information — or to obtain a free online delegate pass — visit bigsound.org.au. Top image: Keynote speaker Mo'Ju at BIGSOUND in 2019
Fittzroy's OKO Rooftop and Cafe is best known for serving up Med-inspired brunch and incredible meatball subs, but for one night in September, the team is championing all things Sudanese. OKO's Chef and Co-Founder Seb Pasinetti has teamed up with social enterprise Welcome Merchant, and Sudanese artist and activist Bakri Mahmoud to host a three-course dinner on Sunday, September 29. Your feed will include Sudanese-style falafels with a side of peanut butter salad, yoghurt dip and bread; okra stew with aseeda and chilli dip; plus a sweet treat to finish. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, while booze can be purchased from the bar. There'll also be a bunch of raffle prizes up for grabs during the night, including artwork, jewellery, cookbooks and skincare products. The dinner will cost a cool $70, and all ticket proceeds will go to Khartoum Aid Kitchen and the Sudanese American Physicians Association. OKO is a fairly small venue, so tickets are highly limited. Be sure to nab them quickly. [caption id="attachment_973110" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bakri Mahmoud[/caption]
Trying to dance like Christopher Walken, pretending you're in Cruel Intentions, being transported back to the late 90s and early 00s: that's all on the agenda when Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, returns Down Under in 2023. Hitting Melbourne on Friday, April 28, the British dance music legend will take to the decks to bust out a hefty range of dance floor fillers. His 1998 album You've Come a Long Way, Baby was the club soundtrack to end the 20th century — a staple of every 90s teen's CD collection, too — and responsible for hits like 'Right Here, Right Now', 'The Rockafeller Skank' and 'Praise You'. As for 2000's Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars, it gave the world 'Weapon of Choice' and its iconic Walken-starring (and Spike Jonze-directed) video. You might not be able to dance along the walls when Cook plays the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, but you'll want to thanks to his big beat sound. Indeed, alongside the Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, The Propellerheads and Crystal Method, he helped bring the style to mainstream fame. Cook has been making music since the 80s, but took on the name Fatboy Slim in the mid-90s, starting with 1996 record Better Living Through Chemistry. His discography also spans 2004 album Palookaville and 2013 single 'Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat'. If you've seen Cook live before, you'll know that this is news to get excited about right about now. His Australian tour marks Cook's return after his 2020 headline shows — pre-pandemic — with his Melbourne gig at the same venue recorded for an epic live video that's notched up more than 2.4-million views. Top image: Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons.
A huge dose of flower power is set to descend on the NGV this autumn, as the sumptuous Art of Bloom transforms the gallery's Great Hall into a multi-sensory floral wonderland. Hosted by the NGVWA and featuring the work of more than 20 Aussie artists and creatives, this striking installation is set to bloom brightly from Wednesday, May 3–Friday, May 5. [caption id="attachment_895068" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victoria Whitelaw.[/caption] Art of Bloom sees each artist create their own floral (or floral-inspired) masterpiece, reimagining artworks from the esteemed NGV Collection with petals in place of paintbrush strokes. Among them, you'll spy stunning sensory designs from the likes of Steven Gabriel Maccora, Acid Flwrs, xxflos, Paper Couture and Victoria Whitelaw, plus Flowers Vasette, Hiromi Tango and many more. The installation will make its grand public debut at a gala cocktail party on May 3 (tickets are $295, available online), before the exhibition ($40) opens across three sessions over the following two days. As you can imagine, these living artworks will be here for a good time, not a long time. [caption id="attachment_895066" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vivien Hollingsworth.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_895064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Acid Flwrs, by Claire Mueller[/caption] Top image: Flowers Vasette
Describing itself as a candy store, but for herbs and spices, Gewürzhaus presents visitors with 350 single-origin spices, herbs, salts, peppers, teas and sugars imported from around the world. Located on Lygon Street amid Carlton's vibrant restaurants and eateries, the store also stocks more than 100 small-batch blends that are mixed and milled on a weekly basis exclusively by Gewürzhaus. From premium quality thyme to sage and tarragon, send your tastebuds into overdrive as your cooking will assuredly be taken to whole new levels following your visit. Images: Parker Blain.
This February, leafy Lilydale will come alive for a huge food truck festival yet, all thanks to the minds behind The Food Truck Park. Set to once again eclipse the collective's regular events in Preston and at Village Cinemas Coburg Drive-In, The Food Truck Festival will see the city's best four-wheeled food vendors descend on Melba Park across three huge days. Running from Friday, February 21 to Sunday, February 23, the culinary lineup will represent the most popular food trucks from each corner of Melbourne, with the full lineup including Chatime, Oh My Bao!, Manny's Doughnuts, Billy van Creamy, O Tuga Tastes of Portugal, Clarks Cyclone Taties and Dos Amigos Catering — and much much more There'll be plenty of craft beer, wine and cider, too, as well as entertainment in the form of live music, a pop-up outdoor cinema and family-friendly games. Entry is $5 or you can splash out on a $25 Where the Truck Passport, which gets you entry and $40 worth of food. As an added bonus, 20 percent of ticket sales will go to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. The Food Truck Festival runs from 4–10pm Friday, 11am–10pm Saturday and 11am–9pm Sunday.
UPDATE: MARCH 19, 2020 — Organisers have announced that So Pop 2020 will no longer go ahead "due to policies and measures put in place by the Australian and New Zealand Government regarding COVID-19 and the inability for large gathering events to proceed". Ticket holders will receive a full refund. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Pull out that old Discman, break out the cargo pants and start practising your smoothest early noughties dance moves — the pop tour of your wildest teenage dreams is hitting our shores this summer and it's got more stars than a TV Hits sticker collection. Next April and May, the second So Pop festival is set to deliver a huge serve of nostalgia to stadiums across Australia and New Zealand, pulling together an extra juicy lineup of old-school icons, headlined by some of the biggest teenage obsessions from the late 90s and early 2000s. Stages in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Auckland and Christchurch will be transported back to the 90s and 00s for one glorious night each, playing host to the pop-drenched soundtrack of your youth. Heading up the show are female five-piece The Pussycat Dolls, who will come out of a hiatus to take you right back to dancing in your living room in front of the TV on a Saturday morning with pop hits 'Don't Cha', 'Buttons' and 'What I Grow Up'. It'll be the group's first visit Down Under since touring with Lady Gaga back in 2009. Joining them is British band Steps — so you'll need to start re-learning the line dancing moves to '5, 6, 7, 8' again — and the object of many a teenage girl's crush back in the day: Jesse McCartney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWq_E17pTHY Relive more So Fresh-era bangers with Smash Mouth — who gifted us with 1999 hit 'All Star' — and the lady that gave us 'Murder on the Dancefloor', Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Irish pop star Samantha Mumba ('Baby Come on Over'), Dutch dance group Alice DJ 'Better Off Alone') and Reel 2 Reel ('I Like to Move It') round out the throwback showdown. SO POP 2020 DATES Perth — RAC Arena on Wednesday, April 22 Brisbane — Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Friday, April 24 Sydney — Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday, April 25 Adelaide — Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, April 28 Melbourne — Melbourne Arena on Thursday, April 30 Auckland — Spark Arena on Saturday, May 2 Christchurch — Horncastle Arena on Sunday, May 3 So Pop pre-sale tickets are up for grabs or 24 hours this Wednesday, December 4 on the Frontier Touring website. The rest will go on sale on Monday, December 9.
Meal subscription service MealPal launched in Melbourne last year with the goal of ending boring — and expensive — lunches for time-starved office workers. It offers weekday lunches for just $8 a day from more than 100 of Melbourne lunchtime go-tos, such as Mr Burger, PappaRich, Pokéd and Zeus Street Greek. The brainchild of ClassPass co-founder, Mary Biggins, and Katie Ghelli (formerly of ZocDoc), the meal subscription service proved a hit across the USA and UK since first launching in Miami, in January 2016. Since then, it has served over 8 million meals to workers across 16 cities around the world. Now, to celebrate its first year in Melbourne, the app is offering five days of lunches for just $1. That's 20 cents a day. You could find more than that in the bottom of an old bag, behind a couch cushion or under a car seat. To access the deal, sign up through the website or app and you'll be able to order a daily lunch meal from the huge selection of great local restaurants, schedule a convenient time to skip the queues and pick it up, and enjoy a tasty feed for blissfully minimal effort — for 20 cents a day. To get access to the deal, you need to signup before midnight on Monday, June 18, so get in quick. Image: Mr Burger
Don't be afraid to take a swing and level up your dating activities with an axe-treme (sorry) axe-throwing session at Lumber Punks Axe-Throwing in South Melbourne. Housed in what was once a Coca-Cola factory, Lumber Punks has 19 lanes spread across the venue, perfect for bringing some action to your dating life, team building activity or a competitive afternoon out with your mates. Ideally located within a stone's throw to cafes, bars and restaurants you can easily make a day of it in South Melbourne — there's even a list on the website for restaurants that have partnered with the venue. Lumber Punks is over seven days a week, and hosts five sessions a day with each session lasting 1.5 hours each session includes a full safety induction and training on the Estwing camp axe hatchets so the sharp edges hit the right targets and all human limbs remain intact.
This article is part of our series on the diverse highlights of NZ's Canterbury region, from city to snow. To book your Christchurch trip, visit the 100% Pure New Zealand website. Bars on buses, pop-up public buildings and shipping container shopping centres — it's what you expect to see in some of the most cutting-edge cities in the world, but is it what you expect to see on the South Island of New Zealand? This is the land of the long white cloud's inventive, industrious and inspiring city of Christchurch today. Excitement and opportunity are stirring everywhere in a city with a fresh slate. It's in the small bars that have appeared in deserted streets, the designers who have started working a disused tannery and the locals who just want to contribute to the new incarnation of their city. For most, it's an inspiring time to be in New Zealand's second largest city, and there's no better time to visit. Here are four areas in which the city is thinking laterally and pulling off big things. Hospitality: C1 Espresso Christchurch is catching up to Auckland and Wellington in the cool stakes and forging its own rep for great coffee, small bars and a focus on local produce.. "We're all starting again and we've got an opportunity to redefine ourselves," says Sam Crofskey, owner of High Street's C1 Espresso. Pioneering the second wave coffee movement through to the third in Christchurch since 1996, C1 is famous for its pneumatic tube system that delivers burgers and fries to you at 100 km/hr. While there is something very Fifth Element about it, but this system is actually more in tune with the past than the future, as the tubes are part of the building's former life as a bank. "There is so much opportunity in the city," Sam says. "You can open a bar in an alleyway or upstairs above a shop or whatever." And people are. Bars specialising in whiskey, craft beer and local wine have popped up in unlikely places and are almost always buzzing with crowds. Retail: Re:START A temporary structural solution is driving the retail industry: shipping container shopping. Re:START encouraged retailers to establish temporary spaces in shipping containers to grow their businesses. Located in Cashel Square, Re:START has been one of Christchurch's biggest successes. (It's also home to Dimitri's, possibly the best souvlaki in the South Island.) In addition to what's happening in the city centre, retail has found an unlikely home-away-from-home in the industrial side of town. Ten minutes drive from the CBD in Woolston, an old tannery has become the new home of Christchurch's boutique designers and retailers. After owning the site for near on 20 years, Alasdair Cassels was able to redevelop the space into an arcade-like shopping mall, aptly dubbed The Tannery. Giving designers a place to create and sell their wares, The Tannery became a meeting place as well as a shopping destination — at a time when the city had nothing else like it. Art: Gap Filler Colour flows through Christchurch in the form of street art. From almost any vantage point you're bound to be in viewing distance of at least two pieces of work, with murals painted on the sides of buildings both abandoned and inhabited and outdoor installations littered over disused blocks. What's happened in Christchurch has shown that adversity exemplifies creativity. Seeing a way to breathe new life into the city, artists have used bare walls to redefine the mood and vision of the urban area. A mural painted We got the sunshine lights up Madras Street, a super-size Rhone portrait sits on one side of Cathedral Junction and local artist Wongi 'Freak' Wilson has left his mark all over town. As well as this, 'Gap Filler' projects are placed all over the city, activating vacant spaces with interactive installations. Walking around, it's likely that you'll hear someone playing the drums (in the Sound Garden), see someone having a boogie in front of a washing machine (at the Dance-O-Mat) or sitting on a giant Astroturf couch. Once a super conservative city, Christchurch now thrives on new work that will continue to shape and develop with it. If you're an artist with a crazy idea, Christchurch is the one city that might just let you do it. Infrastructure: Cardboard Cathedral As well as Re:START, which can be moved at any time, the Cardboard Cathedral is an incredible example of how great transitional architecture can be. Erected as a place of worship by emergency architect Shigeru Ban, the structure is made largely from cardboard tubes and looks like a picture of perfect symmetry from the inside. It's temporary, but it's meant to last around 50 years. But permanency is the ultimate goal, and plans for infrastructure and urban living are well underway. New Christchurch looks like it's going to be one hell of a city. Feature image and Rhone mural image courtesty of Jocey K, Cardboard Cathedral courtesy of Forgemind ArchiMedia via photopin.
Ask any brewer, winemaker or distiller just what makes a great beer, vino or spirit — or sangria or premix — and they'll likely give you a variation of the same answer. They might mention standout ingredients, an enticing taste or a big flavour, but they're all really talking about that sensation when a drink passes your lips and instantly becomes one of your favourite tipples. Another key quality behind every excellent beverage? Resilience. That's a trait few people might've thought about prior to 2020, though. But it takes hardiness and adaptability to turn a drinks-making dream into a reality — including initially deciding to jump into the industry yourself, doing the hard yards, getting your product in people's glasses, and weathering the ups and downs. Named the most-loved New South Wales-made tipples in the BWS Local Luvvas initiative, Audrey Wilkinson, Akasha Brewing Company, Lust Liquor and Nueva Sangria have all clearly crafted tastebud-tempting beverages. That's why the bottle shop retailer is now giving these four chosen companies an extra helping hand with getting their products stocked in more BWS stores. As we found out by chatting to the folks behind each brand, these drinks-making outfits have all proven resilient as well. You need to be in these testing times — and they've all told us about their experiences. INNOVATIVE DROPS FROM ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S OLDEST VINEYARDS The importance of durability, and of being able to evolve as times change, isn't lost on the team at Audrey Wilkinson. Indeed, when the vino brand's marketing manager Renee Raper notes that "it has been a tough year for everyone", she not only explains how it has hit home, but also how winemakers are doing everything they can to navigate this tough period. "The wine industry hasn't been immune to this, with the drought, bushfires and pandemic — but the wine industry is resilient," she says. Of course, you could say that's been a hallmark of Audrey Wilkinson — or the patch of land in the Hunter Valley that its vineyard calls home, to be specific — for some time. It has been more than 150 years since the Wilkinson family first acquired the spot, and almost 120 years since it started winning awards for its tipples. The winery has been owned by the Agnew family since 2004, who've continued on with a small and dedicated staff that's devoted to the task at hand. "We have an innovative, young and passionate team behind the brand, and this really resonates through the wines we produce," says Raper. The fact that those tipples are resonating with local drinkers, too, is a source of pride as well — and a much-needed boost in this difficult year. "We are really overwhelmed… winning the Local Luvvas means more people can buy Audrey Wilkinson wines throughout NSW, which is a real silver lining for small local brand like ours". HOP-FORWARD IPAS IN SYDNEY'S INNER WEST If Akasha Brewing Company's founder and CEO Dave Padden wasn't so adaptable, his Canada Bay brewery wouldn't exist. He fell in love with craft beer on trips to America, watched the scene explode in the early 2000s, then decided he wanted to do more than just drink his favourites. "It became readily apparent that the Australian market was lacking the hop-forward beers that were becoming so abundant in the US," he explains. "I threw in the corporate towel and embarked on my professional brewing career… this success led to the birth of Akasha Brewing Company in 2015 and the launch of many beers." Padden's motivation: hops. Noting that there are "literally hundreds of different hop varieties available around the world", he describes them as "a real focus for me and the beers that we brew and drink". But he's aware that, for any of Akasha's IPAs to stand the test of time, they need to do more than experiment with his favourite ingredient. "My passion is discovering that next awesome hop combination that creates a beautifully flavoured IPA, whilst maintaining balance and drinkability," he says. "Every single beer we brew must exhibit these qualities." In 2020, Akasha itself has needed to be adaptable. "It's been a strange old year, and we've had our ups and downs like everyone else," Padden notes. As well as hops, naturally, Akasha has been inspired by the love directed its way this year. "We've been really fortunate to have such an amazing following of local supporters who have continued to buy our beers, and visit our taproom for a feed or a refill," he says. "I think everyone could use a drink after these last few months." MEETING THE DEMAND FOR SUGAR-FREE AND LOW-CALORIE TIPPLES Attending university and enjoying a few drinks have long gone hand in hand. But not every tertiary student turns their fondness for a tipple into a business. "We were at university when we noticed an increasing demand for sugar-free and low-calorie alcoholic beverages," Lust Liquor co-creator Nick Rowell says. "So we decided to stop studying and create our own. Nine months later, Lust was born." If Rowell's decision back in 2018 sounds like a brave move, that's because it was. Making that big leap — noticing a particular trend, then abandoning his current plans to help fill that gap — also required quite a display of versatility. That shouldn't come as a surprise, though, given the beverages that Lust serves up. When you're giving drinkers an alternative that doesn't otherwise exist, you're letting them be flexible, after all. Perhaps that's why Lust has amassed an avid fanbase — and why those local supporters have helped the company continue on in this difficult year. Describing everything that 2020 has thrown the world's way, Rowell is frank. "COVID-19 has been a horrible experience for businesses and individuals all over the world," he says. "When we went into lockdown in March, things got really tough for us," he continues. "We had to lean on our loyal fans and customers to make sure that we were ticking over. The support from our community has been amazing — more and more Australians went out of their way to support local and Australian-made products." [caption id="attachment_790538" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] MAKING AN AUSSIE-STYLE SANGRIA There are many ways to show resilience, agility and flexibility, of course — including discovering a niche just screaming to be filled, working out how to do exactly that in a creative and accessible way, and making something that people respond to in the process. That's Nueva Sangria's story. It specialises in bottled sangria that isn't just created in Australia using Aussie-grown pinot grigio grapes, but is designed to taste and feel uniquely Australian. "This is our interpretation of sangria made in Australia for Australia," says managing director Tegan Kynaston. The company initially sprang to life in response to a straightforward problem. "Sangria is the perfect celebratory drink, but we could never find a decent bottle of it anywhere in Australia," Kynaston explains. Resolving that issue wasn't easy, however. "Sangria has a pretty bad reputation here, because most of it is crap. We persisted, and it became a bit of a challenge: how to make a sangria for wine snobs?" Nueva Sangria's tipples aren't just the product of a sturdy and tenacious team, though — they're also drunk by locals who show the same traits, as Kynaston has observed this year. "Nueva Sangria is designed to be enjoyed with your mates. Obviously self-isolation is not conducive to that," she says. "But it's amazing how resilient and adaptable people are. We've been tagged in all sorts of ways that people have been sharing their sangria, from Zoom parties to employers sending it as gifts to cheer up their staff." That's something she hopes will continue now that life in much of Australia is returning to normal, too. To find these or other NSW drinks as part of the BWS Local Luvva initiative, head to your nearest BWS store.
Victorians, it's holiday time. After spending so much of 2020 staring at your own four walls, you probably don't need much motivation to head out of town, but the State Government is giving you some anyway. In an effort to encourage everyone to take a getaway within the state, it's handing out $200 vouchers for regional travel. The move was first announced back in mid-November — as part of a $465 million Victorian Tourism Recovery Package — and, in December, the exact details of what you can spend the money on, when you can spend it and exactly how you can get your hands on the vouchers were unveiled. Then, the first round of 40,000 vouchers was made available, and proved so popular that another 30,000 were released to meet demand (and make up for the fact that the Business Victoria voucher registration page had to go offline for extended periods because so many folks were trying to access it). The Victorian Government has revealed that the initial vouchers were primarily used for trips to Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, East Gippsland, the Surf Coast and High Country — but the scheme was always planned to be a multi-round affair. So, as previously announced, the next batch will become available today, Wednesday, January 20. You'll need to head online at 10am AEDT to nab one, with 40,000 available — covering travel between January 27–April 1. [caption id="attachment_794508" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Peninsula Hot Springs via Visit Victoria[/caption] There are two obvious aims to the scheme overall: enticing Victorian residents to go venturing throughout the state, and helping support regional pubs, hotels, wineries and small businesses. If you don't get one this time, the final round of vouchers will be handed out on Tuesday, March 30, for travel between April 6–May 31. The vouchers can be spent on accommodation, tourism attractions and tours in regional Victoria, the Yarra Ranges and the Mornington Peninsula. But, there's a hefty list of things you can't spend them on, including gaming, alcohol, fuel, food and drinks (unless it's part of a winery tour, for example), groceries, personal items (such as clothing) and transport (such as rental cars and public transport). So, you can't just use the voucher to road trip to a pub, but you can use it to book accommodation at the pub, then spend your own money on food and drinks — which will still make your trip away significantly cheaper. There are some additional caveats, too: the vouchers are limited to one per household (not per person) across the entire scheme; you must first provide evidence of spending $400 on accommodation, attractions or tours before getting your $200; and you must pay for a minimum of two nights accommodation in regional Victoria. Which means, at most, half of your expenses will be covered — but, that's $200 that you won't have to fork out yourself. Yes, it's a little complicated — but the Vic Government has broken it down in more detail over here. It has also given some more examples of what you can use the vouchers on, including holiday parks, camping sites, cottages, farm stays, private holiday rentals, houseboats (yes, houseboats), winery tours, adventure tours and entry fees to regional attractions, such as. museums, water parks and adventure parks. You can apply for the second round of 40,000 $200 travel vouchers from 10am on Wednesday, January 20 at business.vic.gov.au/travelvouchers. The final round will open on Tuesday, March 30. Top image: The Rail Trail, Visit Victoria/Josie Withers.
Victoria by Farmer's Daughters is known for celebrating local producers, showcasing the whole state in its à la carte offerings and highlighting specific regions with a heap of different events and seasonal set menus. The most exciting one-off event that's coming up is the team's Grampians in a Glass cellar door evening. On Thursday, June 27, from 6pm, ticketholders will get to taste drops from 17 different western Victorian winemakers, sample paired food, enjoy some entertainment and take a bottle of wine home. It costs a hefty $149, but over 50 handcrafted wines will be yours to sample throughout the evening. There will be some familiar vinos, but we bet there will be plenty you've never tried before. The Grampians wine region is recognised for being an area where old meets new — where tradition runs deep, yet there's still plenty of room for playful experimentation. During the evening, you'll even get to participate in a tutored blind tasting hosted by a few Grampians winemakers — testing your knowledge of the region. Think of it as step one to becoming a sommelier.
Wanting a little romantic indulgence? Make a bee-line straight for Onsen Hot Pools where there aren't even the words to describe how heavenly it is. Located just ten minutes from Queenstown, perched on the cliffs within a stunning mountain range, this onsen gives you a chance to soak in the breathtaking scenery while you soak in warm 38-degree waters. As you recline in the cedar pool with your choice of tipple, the retractable roof will open up to reveal cascading views across the Shotover River by day or the mesmerising star-filled sky by night. It's the epitome of relaxation. Each pool room can accommodate up to four adults, so you can share with family and friends or keep it strictly 'lovers only', just you and bae. For extra indulgence, book in for an onsite massage. We suggest the 120-minute experience which includes a massage and facial followed by herbal teas and raw-pressed refreshments in the lounge. Go on, you deserve it.
It's no surprise that many of us are looking to upgrade our home comfort level at the moment. Aussie furniture brand Koala is keen to help you do just that with its Boxing Day sale where you can nab up to 20 percent off mattresses, sheets, sofas, desks and armchairs to help you upgrade your pad or improve your night's sleep. A heap of products from across the brand's range are on sale from Thursday, December 24 to Sunday, January 3 including the popular Koala mattress. Also on offer in the sale is the WFH desk, which is made in Ballarat from hand-sanded timber, easy to assemble and designed with home office use in mind. If you've found yourself working from home a lot more this year, you can pick up the desk for a sweet 15 percent off. Comfy Koala sofa beds, TV units, pillows, bed bases and more are going with a 20 percent discount, too, so you can give your whole house a makeover. And everything comes with a 120-night trial — though, it might be hard to give any of these up after four-months of comfort. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
With stay-at-home orders in place, you can say goodbye to any weekend bottomless brunches, right? Wrong. The good folks at Rice Paper Scissors are whipping up a lockdown-friendly alternative to your favourite meal of the week, with its F**k Lockdown 6.0 Boozy Brunch Box. Available daily and clocking in at $45 per person, one of these bad boys comes stocked with all the trimmings required for a lavish morning feast. In it, you'll find your choice of one brunch dish per diner — perhaps some pandan pancakes or the shiitake mushroom pho — along with a DIY bellini kit complete with a 750ml bottle of prosecco. Each person will also get a signature cocktail, with a choice of Vietnamese-inspired espresso martini or the Chiang Mai bloody mary. A booze-free box with virgin cocktails is also on offer for $35 per person. What's more, you'll even score some bonus brunchtime entertainment, thanks to Rice Paper Scissors' curated playlist. Expect a soundtrack of lockdown-inspired beats to help make your at-home brunch feed feel that little bit more fun. To get your boxed brunch, order here by 4pm for next-day delivery. Top Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
Melbourne-born furniture label Jardan now has a new space in which to showcase its covetable designs, this week opening the doors to its stunning Sydney flagship store on Paddington's Oxford Street. IF Architecture — the Melbourne firm responsible for the likes of wine bar Marion, Cutler & Co's recent makeover and Jardan's Melbourne and Brisbane stores — has transformed the two-storey art deco building once home to Ariel Booksellers into a seriously good-looking showroom, where colour reigns supreme. Reflecting Jardan's own 30-year connection with Australian home life, the interiors of the new store pay homage to the country's most influential art and design families, inspired by their iconic interpretations of Sydney's ever-changing colour palette. To that end, expect tones that speak to the vivid blues of Brett Whiteley's Sydney Harbour painting, the oranges, blues and greens synonymous with Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy's Dinosaur Designs, and the bold colours favoured by celebrated interior designer Marion Hall Best. The store — which is their first in Sydney — will leave design buffs with their jaw on the floor. Even if you're not in the market for some expensive new designer furniture, if you're in Sydney, it's well worth dropping in for a peek. Jardan's new Sydney flagship store is located at 42 Oxford Street, Paddington. For more info, visit jardan.com.au.
Queen Victoria Market is set to welcome a diverse spread of culinary styles and talents when its new Queen's Food Hall opens in November. Taking a stroll to the corner of Victoria and Queen Streets will soon reward Melburnians and tourists alike with a whole new world of eats, replacing the once-familiar food court. The new food go-to, reimagined as part of the City of Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal program, aims to not only tickle your tastebuds with delectable fare but to also present an enticing place to hang out, sporting upgraded seating, plus a roster of cafes and eateries open from day to night. Bellboy Coffee Bar will invite caffeine seekers and late-night sippers to its cool corner, promising to deliver an exciting mix of coffee, beer, wine and cocktails, as well as the heavenly allure of crumpets and sweet tidbits. Meanwhile, The Happy Mexican plans to sprinkle some zesty vibes into the mix, drawing from fresh, seasonal produce directly from the market to make its tacos, burritos and nachos. For seafood lovers, oyster bar and sushi joint Saltwater will hero the ocean's bounty with a live oyster-shucking station and flame-torched lobster rolls. Pair those with a sophisticated selection of local vinos and you're off to the races. The journey doesn't stop there. El Rincon will thrust you into the heart of Spain with its tapas, while patisserie Le Consulat promises a Parisian escapade via a delicious range of sweet and savoury French fare. The American dream of grilled ribs and brisket burgers is a reality at Rubens Grill, while Drums will serve up traditional Sri Lankan curries and hoppers. Finally, Canton Malay will re-emerge with beloved favourites and traditional dishes, maintaining its reign as a haven for noodle enthusiasts. In a nutshell, it's all happening, and it's all in one place. Imagine a world where a stroll through the market could seamlessly transition from a casual coffee catch-up to a fun evening of sushi, oysters and a cheeky cocktail (or two). Well, that'll be reality come November. See you there. Queen's Food Hall opens in November, replacing the food court at the corner of Victoria and Queen Street, Melbourne — head to the QVM website for further details.
The long weekend is finally here and we've been wholeheartedly embracing all the Easter treats. But if you're looking to fill yourself up with something other than sweets, here's an extensive list of top-notch bars, cafes and restaurants that'll be open and serving up the goods this long weekend in Melbourne. Settle in with a drink atop Johnny's Green Room, head to Eat Pierogi Make Love for a long Polish Easter feast or get some late-night CBD cocktails from Bar Ampere and Bar Margaux. Recommended reads: The Best Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Bars in Melbourne The Best Pubs in Melbourne The Best Cafes in Melbourne [caption id="attachment_706132" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Good Times[/caption] RESTAURANTS AKAIITO: Friday: 12–10.30pm, Saturday–Sunday: 6–11pm BABY PIZZA Friday–Monday: as normal CHIN CHIN Friday–Monday: as normal DAVID'S Friday: 6–9pm, Saturday: 12–2pm and 6–9pm, Sunday: seatings at 11.30pm and 1.30pm EAT PIEROGI MAKE LOVE Friday–Saturday: 12–11pm ENTRECOTE: Friday–Monday: 12pm–late ETTA Friday–Saturday: 5pm–late FIREBIRD Friday–Saturday: 5.30–11pm GOOD TIMES Friday–Saturday: as normal GRAZELAND Friday: 5–10pm, Saturday: 12–10pm, Sunday: 12–9pm GRILL AMERICANO Friday–Monday: as normal HAZEL Friday–Saturday: 5pm–late HAWKER HALL Friday–Monday: as normal with Easter Yum Cha from 12–4pm daily HELLA GOOD — CHADSTONE Friday–Monday: 11am–9pm HELLA GOOD — EMPORIUM Friday–Monday: 11am–8pm ICHI NI NANA IZAKAYA Friday–Monday: 5–11pm KISUME Friday–Monday: 5–11pm LAGOON DINING Friday and Sunday: 12–2.30pm and 5.30–10pm, Saturday: 5.30pm10pm MARAMEO Friday: 5.30pm–late, Saturday: 12–3pm and 5pm–late MOONHOUSE Friday: 6-10pm, Saturday: 12–4.30pm and 5.30pm–10pm NEIGHBOURHOOD WINE Friday–Monday: 12pm–12am NEW QUARTER Friday–Saturday: 5–11pm NOMAD Friday: 5pm–late, Saturday–Sunday: 12–2.30pm and 5–10.30pm ORIENTAL TEAHOUSE CBD Friday, Saturday and Monday: 5.30–9pm PIPI'S KIOSK Friday–Saturday: 12–3pm and 6–10.30pm ROBATA Friday: 5–11pm, Saturday: 12–11pm, Sunday: 12–10pm ROSSI Friday–Sunday: 12pm–late SMALL PRINT PIZZA BAR Friday: 4–10pm, Saturday: 4–9.30pm, Sunday: 4–9pm, Monday: 5–9pm SOCIETY Friday and Saturday: 5–late STALACTITES Friday–Monday: 11am–late STOKEHOUSE Friday–Monday: 12pm–late STOKEHOUSE PASTA & BAR Friday–Monday: 12pm–late SUPERNORMAL Friday–Sunday: 12pm–late TOKEN: Friday–Monday: 5pm–late TOKYO TINA Friday–Saturday: 5–10pm VICTORIA BY FARMER'S DAUGHTERS Friday–Saturday: 5pm–late YAKIMONO Friday–Monday: as normal [caption id="attachment_889058" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lilac Wine Bar by John Benedict Ryan[/caption] BARS AND PUBS BAR AMPERE Friday: 4pm–1am, Saturday–Sunday: 4pm–3am BAR CAROLINA Friday: 5.30pm–late, Saturday: 12pm–3pm and 6pm–late, Sunday: 1–9pm, Monday: 12–4pm BAR MARGAUX Friday: 5pm–1am, Saturday: 5pm–3am CASTLEROSE Friday–Saturday: 4pm–late BUILDER'S ARMS HOTEL Friday–Monday: 12–11pm DOM'S SOCIAL CLUB Friday: 4–11.30pm, Saturday: 4pm–1am EMBLA Friday–Saturday: 3pm–12am, Sunday: 12–5pm HEARTBREAKER Friday–Saturday: 3pm–3am HOP NATION Friday–Saturday: 12–10pm, Sunday: 12–9pm JAYDA Friday–Saturday: 5pm–12am JOHNNY'S GREEN ROOM Friday–Monday: 12–111pm LILAC WINE BAR Friday–Saturday: 12pm–late MAHA NORTH Friday 5–11pm, Saturday–Monday: as normal MOON DOG WORLD Saturday–Sunday: 11.30am–late, Monday: 3pm–late NEPTUNE Friday–Saturday: as normal ODD CULTURE Saturday: 12pm–12am, Sunday: 12–10pm OLD PALM LIQUOR Friday–Monday: 12pm–12am PIRATE LIFE SOUTH MELBOURNE: Friday–Sunday: 11am–8pm STUDIO AMARO Friday–Saturday: 5pm–12am THE CLARE CASTLE Friday—Monday: as normal THE GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL Friday: 12–11pm, Saturday: 11am–1am, Sunday: 11am–11pm, Sunday: 11am–12am THE KEYS Friday, Sunday and Monday: 12–10pm, Saturday: 12pm–12am THE LINCOLN Friday: 12–10pm, Saturday: 12–11pm THE LOCAL TAPHOUSE Friday–Monday: 12pm–late [caption id="attachment_922237" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ima Asa Yoru[/caption] CAFES BAKER BLEU — CAULFIELD NORTH Friday–Monday: 7.30am–2pm BAKER BLEU — HAWKSBURN Friday–Monday: 8am–2pm COMMON GROUND PROJECT CAFE Friday–Sunday: 8am–4pm CONVOY Friday–Monday: 8am–4pm HARERUYA PANTRY Friday–Monday: 3–10pm IMA ASA YORU Friday: 11am–2pm and 5.30–9pm, Saturday: 10am–2pm and 5.30–9pm INDUSTRY BEANS (FITZROY & LITTLE COLLINS) Friday–Monday: 8am–3.30pm LE BAJO MILKBAR Friday–Sunday: 10am–2.30pm PIDAPIPO GELATERIA — CARLTON, WINDSOR AND CBD Friday–Monday: as normal SECOND HOME: Friday–Monday: 8am–3pm ST ALI — SOUTH MELBOURNE Friday–Monday: as normal SEVEN SEEDS Saturday–Monday: 8am–4pm [caption id="attachment_801858" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Queen Victoria Market[/caption] MARKETS PRAHRAN MARKET Saturday: 7am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–3pm PRESTON MARKET Saturday: 8am–3pm QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET Saturday: 6am–4pm, Sunday: 9am–4pm SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET Saturday and Sunday: 8am–4pm Top images: Johnny's Green Room by Arianna Leggiero
Not be outdone by their neighbours, whose own festival du film celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the latest line-up at the Audi Festival of German Films is guaranteed to give the French a run for their money. Presented by the Goethe-Institut in conjunction with Palace Cinemas, the 2014 festival boasts a selection of more than 50 German language films, as well as parties, lectures, special screenings and Q&As. Just a few of the highlights include Marc Rothemund's The Girl with Nine Wigs, about a young woman struggling with a cancer diagnosis; Constanze Knoche's simmering family drama, Visitors, about the strained relationship between a father and his three adult children; and Jan-Ole Gerster's black and white, day-in-the-life dramedy Oh Boy, which scooped up the top prize at the 2013 German Film Awards. The Audi Festival of German Film is in Sydney and Melbourne from March 27 to April 11, and in Brisbane from March 28 to April 3. Thanks to the festival, we have six double passes to give away in each city, valid for a session of your choosing. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au For the full Audi Festival of German Films program, see the festival website. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Xlyt_IRWM30
On the water, near the water and from the water: that's one of the ways to look at the 2024 Sydney Festival lineup, which has just been announced in all of its 150-plus-event glory. When the Harbour City welcomes back its annual arts fest in January, the event will make the absolute most of its setting. So, cue a version of Puccini's opera Il Tabarro onboard the Carpentaria lightship in the harbour, a waterside Walsh Bay Arts Precinct takeover and a towering giant octopus sculpture that you can get closer to via a kayak tour. As proves the case every year, the festival's program will and does go on. In her third year at the helm, Artistic Director Olivia Ansell has compiled a hefty selection of things to see, do and experience — and if you're a fan of getting a snapshot via the numbers, the figures are impressive. Running for 24 days from Friday, January 5–Sunday, January 28, Sydney Festival 2024 will feature more than 1000 artists in bringing its showcase to audiences. Among the events, there'll be 26 world premieres, 29 Australian exclusives and 43 free activities. If seeing Il Tabarro performed on a boat piques your interest, you can catch the free one-act production at the Australian National Maritime Museum without spending a cent — but you do need to book. Or, you can watch from home via the livestream. Keen on hanging out at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct? That part of the program is called The Thirsty Mile. On offer there: theatre and art, cabaret and dance, bars and speakeasies, and also a late-night club Moonshine Bar. This is where you'll marvel at a 46-metre-long installation Hi-Vis, a sculpture by Michael Shaw; enjoy a cabaret tribute to Kate Bush; and watch a Swedish dance double from GöteborgsOperans Danskompani — and that's just for starters. Also joining the bill: dance event SPIN, which is both interactive and guided; sunrise yoga sessions; and art exhibition Talking Posters: Garage Graphix 1981–1998. [caption id="attachment_923479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sarah-Louise Young Onstage, Claudio Raschella Photography[/caption] A eight-legged sea creature scurries onto the program thanks to Te Wheke-a-Muturangi: The Adversary by Māori artist Lisa Reihana, which'll make its home in Watermans Cove in Barangaroo — well, once the octopus has been assembled from 1000-plus pieces — to explore the tale of the discovery of Aotearoa New Zealand. Another huge highlight is Summerground a new three-day Tumbalong Park music fest with a lineup that includes King Stingray, Electric Fields, Cimafunk, Queen Omega, The Brand New Heavies, Dem Mob, Beckah Amani, The Teskey Brothers, Full Flower Moon Band and more. Hopping between genres will be a big feature, spanning everything from alt pop and R&B to soul and reggae, all across the first weekend of the broader festival. Sydney Festival's Blak Out program is similarly worth hitting up the event for alone. ILBIJERRI Theatre Company's world-premiere production Big Name, No Blankets will pay tribute to the Warumpi Band; dance performance Mutiara will also make its debut, as set among Broome's early pearling industry; Anita Heiss adapts her own novel Tiddas for the stage; and GURR ERA OP will feature four Torres Strait Islander women who were born on the mainland explore the impact of the rising sea. Other standouts on the full lineup include Courtney Barnett playing a two-part performance at City Recital Hall; Night Songs at Coney Island, which will feature choral tunes at Luna Park; and Encantado, which will tell First Nations tales from Brazil thanks to Lia Rodrigues' choreographer, 11 dances and 140 bright blankets, and heads to Sydney Opera House. Also, Arka Kinari will be hitting the harbour with its music production that's powered by the sun and moved by the wind, and Kate Miller-Heidke's new musical-comedy Bananaland will make its Sydney debut, [caption id="attachment_919319" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Darren Thomas[/caption] Elsewhere, Dinosaur World Live will continue Australia's fascination with the ancient creatures (see also: Jurassic World: The Exhibition, for example); annual favourite Sydney Symphony Under the Stars: Pictures in the Sky returns to Parramatta Park; theatre production Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World riffs on murder-mystery podcasts; Orpheus & Eurydice gets reimagined in contemporary times by Opera Australia; and the Art Gallery of New South Wales' Louise Bourgeois: Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day?, Kandinsky and Tacita Dean exhibitions all link in. And, also on the music roster: everyone from sitarist Anoushka Shankar and Irish folk singer Lisa O'Neill to Joe Camilleri and Deborah Conway paying tribute to Elvis Presley, plus a feast of tunes at the ACO Neilson. [caption id="attachment_923482" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sammi Landweer[/caption] Yes, 2024 is set for a busy start. "Get ready for a blockbuster summer that speaks to the heart and soul of Sydney — the best harbour city in the world," said Ansell. "With an explosive music program and the biggest to date, 2024 also offers spellbinding theatre, exquisite dance, electrifying circus and immersive experiences that lift Sydney's underbelly — see you in January at The Thirsty Mile," [caption id="attachment_923487" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lennart Sjoberg[/caption] [caption id="attachment_923488" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moritz Kustner[/caption] Sydney Festival 2024 runs from Friday, January 5–Sunday, January 28 at venues across the city. For further details and to buy tickets from 12pm on Thursday, October 26, visit the Sydney Festival website. Top image: Mark Tantrum.
For the fourth year running, Fitzroy's Builders Arms Hotel will play host to the celebration of wine, food and associated good times that is Handmade. Held this year on Sunday, May 21, the annual wine party not only showcases some incredible drops and talented winemakers from across the globe, but it does so with the aim of making the whole experience fun and approachable for all. Slated to be bigger and better than ever before, 2017's event will take over the entire venue and feature a lineup of over 50 top producers and importers, who will be on hand for tastings, chats and general brain-picking throughout the day. Of course, the food situation will be equally impressive, with a swag of exciting guest chefs set to join the venue's own Archan Chan in the Ricky & Pinky kitchen. Expect eclectic pasta dishes from Sydney's Mitch Orr (ACME), modern Vietnamese from Anchovy's Thi Le and an outdoor rotisserie manned by Meatsmith butcher Troy Wheeler. All this while DJs Millú and Pjenné work their own magic on the decks in the public bar. Tickets to Handmade are $35 per person, and include wine tastings, cheese and accompanying snacks. Images: Harvard Wang.
"Don't you dare ruin my childhood!" Such is the inevitable complaint from nostalgic movie fans whenever a beloved film from yesteryear is tapped by studios for a remake. Setting aside what kind of fragile childhood you must have had for a movie to be capable of destroying it, the sentiment is at least a sincere one: please be respectful. Like a thoughtless cover song robbing an original of all its heart and meaning (here's looking at you, Madonna's 'American Pie'), the arbitrary remaking, rebooting and reimagining of successful pop-culture properties threatens to expend a great deal of fan goodwill. Paul Feig's Ghostbusters was the last film to attract this level of ire, though that was as much to do with sexism as anything else (and proved doubly misguided since the female cast ended up being the best thing about it). Then came the Jumanji announcement and, again, childhoods were imperilled the world over. The beloved Robin Williams vehicle from 1995 (itself an adaptation from a book) was a critical meh at the time, but made bucketloads of cash. More importantly, however, its status as a cult classic grew with each passing day – so much so that the remake's star, Dwayne Johnson, recognised the risk early on and did his best to allay people's fears. "We wanted to do something that was respectful of the work of Robin Williams as well as creating something fresh," he insisted. So was he true to his word? Well, yes and no. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle certainly isn't fresh, in that it's largely just an appropriation of Tron coupled up with body-swap stories like Freaky Friday and 3rd Rock from the Sun. Nor does it really address the legacy of Robin Williams, since his character scarcely rates a mention, and the story itself in no way resembles the original. But is it a good film? Absolutely. Updating itself, quite literally, for more modern times, the film sees the original Jumanji board game transform into a mid-90s video game cartridge and promptly suck a hapless teenager into its hidden universe. Fast-forward 20 years and, in a clear nod to The Breakfast Club, the game is discovered in a storeroom by four motley teens during high-school detention. Sure enough they too – the nerd, the jock, the princess and the loner girl – find themselves pulled into Jumanji's perilous jungle. But there's a twist: they're now in the bodies of the game character they chose. So it is that the nerd becomes the muscle-bound Dr Smolder Bravestone (Johnson), the jock becomes pint-sized zoologist Moose Finbar (Kevin Hart), the loner becomes uber-babe and biologist Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan) and – most amusingly – the princess becomes the portly, middle-aged cartographer Shelly Oberon (Jack Black). From there the film becomes a non-stop action-adventure romp, one in which its stars engage in a retro video game quest to return a glowing green jewel to its rightful home. The laughs are frequent, coming mostly from the body-swap setup, but also from the tongue-in-cheek references to 90s point and click games – like having non-playable characters only speak a limited number of lines that repeat themselves if you fail to progress in time. Each of the main cast members plays impressively against type, with Black in particular soaring in his part as the vacuous it-girl. Together they make an entirely likeable crew, lending the narrative a nice emotional undercurrent even as a "be true to yourself" message is jammed clumsily down our throats. Funny, breezy and full of memorable performances, nervous film buffs can rest easy. Your childhood is going to be just fine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QKg5SZ_35I
Asteroid City isn't 2023's only new Wes Anderson film. Wonka, if it does hit cinemas and isn't delayed to 2024 due to Hollywood's current strikes like the also Timothée Chalamet-starring Dune: Part Two, won't be the year's sole Roald Dahl adaptation, either. Adding a second title to both piles is The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, which sees filmmaking's foremost fan of symmetry and pastels take on a tale by the author who has defined many a childhood. Instantly excited? The end result arrives in September. Netflix is bringing this 40-minute film to streaming, via a world-premiere slot out of competition at the Venice Film Festival first. Viewers at home will get to see the flick mere weeks after it plays the prestigious event, with The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar landing on the small screen on Wednesday, September 27. The story? It's one of seven in Dahl's 1977 book The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More, telling of a wealthy man who is so fond of wagering that he comes up with a crafty plan. After discovering a guru who can see without using his eyes, he decides to learn to the same to cheat while having a bet. Playing the gambler for Anderson is Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), as part of a cast that also includes Dev Patel (The Green Knight), Ben Kingsley (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Richard Ayoade (The Souvenir: Part II). In glorious news for The Grand Budapest Hotel fans, Ralph Fiennes (The Menu) also reteams with the director. Fingers crossed for more line readings that are so completely perfect that they're unforgettable. [caption id="attachment_914800" align="alignnone" width="1281"] The Grand Budapest Hotel[/caption] In fact, Fiennes is stepping into Dahl's own shoes in the film, as well as playing a policeman. All five announced high-profile cast members are doing double duty, which sounds wonderfully Andersonesque. Anderson directs, writes and produces, while the filmmaker's regular cinematographer Robert D Yeoman and composer Alexandre Desplat also notch up their second of his projects this year — so it'll definitely look and sound like an Anderson film. There's no trailer yet for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, but you can enjoy the Asteroid City and The Grand Budapest Hotel clips instead in the interim: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar will be available to stream via Netflix from Wednesday, September 27. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar images: courtesy of Netflix.
The Melbourne International Film Festival is back for 2022, and has been screening flicks across the Victorian capital's cinemas since Thursday, August 4 — but that's not the only way to get your MIFF fix this year. Here's another: MIFF Play, the festival's digital offshoot, which is also returning for another spin. That's fabulous news both for Melburnians and for movie buffs interstate — and an unsurprising move given that in 2020, when it first made the leap to streaming the fest in a big way, it enjoyed its biggest audience ever. In 2022, MIFF Play will be available from Thursday, August 11–Sunday, August 28, and will show 105 features and shorts. Among the 77 features, there's plenty of highlights — and, like at all good film fests, something for all tastes. Starting with the local picks, you can explore the history of Melbourne on film thanks to classics Noise and Love and Other Catastrophes, or check out new Aussie gems including First Nations anthology We Are Still Here, Back to Back Theatre's Shadow and Petrol from Strange Colours filmmaker Alena Lodkina. Or, Spanish horror-thriller Piggy spins a savage coming-of-age tale, Neptune Frost serves up an Afrofuturist musical and Give Me Pity! parodies 70s and 80s musical variety television. Hit the Road marks debut feature from Jafar Panahi's (x) son Panah Panahi, while meta Filipino action film tribute Leonor Will Never Die won Sundance's Special Jury Award for Innovative Spirit, and Indonesia's Yuni picked up the Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival There's also Mass, starring Jason Isaacs (Streamline) and Ann Dowd (The Handmaid's Tale) and set in the aftermath of a school shooting; New Zealand gem Millie Lies Low, about a uni student who fakes going to New York for a big internship; and existential drama The Humans with Beanie Feldstein (Booksmart), Steven Yeun (Nope) and Amy Schumer (Only Murders in the Building). The list obviously goes on — kicking off with a one-night-only session of Funny Pages, as produced by Uncut Gems and Good Time's Benny and Josh Safdie. And, on the doco lineup, Citizen Ashe steps into tennis great Arthur Ashe's life, Jane by Charlotte sees Charlotte Gainsbourg focus on her mother Jane Birkin, Navalny follows Vladimir Putin's political rival as he investigates his own state-sponsored poisoning, and We Were Once Kids looks back at 1995 indie hit Kids. Price-wise, you'll pay as you watch — all from your couch.
Making its home within a former garage on High Street, this art nouveau theatre and adjoining bar are the brainchild of Gus Berger, whose name you might remember as the one behind St Kilda's George Revival Cinema back in 2013 and 2014. For his latest project, Berger has created a moviegoer's dream: a 57-seat cinema rocking a big six-metre screen, a top-notch Krix 5.1 sound system and an expertly curated program of big screen gems. The venue showcases a diverse mix of documentaries, cult classics, festival favourites and international titles. Thornbury Picture House will be giving plenty of screen-time to local filmmakers. The site's interiors pay homage to the building's art nouveau origins, sprinkled with historic film gear and classic movie posters. The bar, too, is a nod to the good old days, with the original garage features brought to life alongside recycled wooden furniture and pops of green foliage. Here, you can chase a film with Aussie spirits, local beers from the likes of Stomping Ground and Hawkers, a tidy selection of independent wines and batch brew coffee by Padre. Of course, there's plenty of homemade popcorn to round out the moviegoing experience. Find Thornbury Picture House at 802 High Street, Thornbury, or visit thornburypicturehouse.com.au for session times and further details.
In just a few years time, the Academy Awards will notch up a century of celebrating the best movies to grace the silver screen each year. How will the acclaimed accolades build up to that point? In 2024, at the 96th ceremony, probably with a whole lot of love sent Oppenheimer's way. The J Robert Oppenheimer biopic earned the most nominations of any film from the past year. Don't be surprised if it takes home the most trophies as well, including for Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. We won't be come Monday, March 11, Down Under time. While winning an Oscar — or a swag of them — over other flicks doesn't mean that there aren't masterpieces among the fellow nominees, or among pictures that didn't even make the cut as well, Oppenheimer is a worthy favourite in a range of 2024 Oscar fields. What will it collect? What will it nab that another film should instead? Who else might win, and what? Can't they just give both Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone Best Actress Oscars? That's all part of our predictions. As we did in 2022 and 2023, we've watched everything — many of which you can too in both Australia and New Zealand right now — and done some assessing and prognosticating. Here are the results, aka the movies and folks likely to shortly be able to add "Oscar-winner" to their posters and resumes in 15 key categories. Best Motion Picture The nominees: American Fiction Anatomy of a Fall Barbie The Holdovers Killers of the Flower Moon Maestro Oppenheimer Past Lives Poor Things The Zone of Interest Should win: Poor Things Could win: Poor Things Will win: Oppenheimer Barbenheimer was a phenomenon before either Oppenheimer or Barbie even reached cinemas in 2023, with both arriving on the same day to create a memorable pop-culture moment. They shared a release date, and the same wave of attention — but only one can win Best Motion Picture at the Oscars. That one: Oppenheimer. Christopher Nolan's biopic of J Robert Oppenheimer is a mind-blower, and one of 2023's absolute best films. It has some stunning company in this category, however, most of which would also make excellent picks for the Academy's big gong: Anatomy of a Fall, Killers of the Flower Moon, Past Lives and The Zone of Interest, for instance. Then there's Poor Things, which is pure jaw-on-the-floor viewing, and its own unique creation at every turn. It deserves to win. It could achieve the feat. Even if it misses out to Oppenheimer, it'll still be the standout feature of the past 12 months. Best Director The nominees: Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest Should win: Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer Could win: Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things Will win: Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer Despite his stunning resume, Christopher Nolan has only been nominated for the Best Director Oscar once before, for Dunkirk. If Greta Gerwig had secured a nod for Barbie, they would've faced off again; the first time, Guillermo del Toro deservedly won for The Shape of Water. Everyone knows that the Academy completely overlooked Gerwig this year — but this is Nolan's year anyway. Don't discount Yorgos Lanthimos for Poor Things, though. This is also his second nomination, after The Favourite — and again (see: Best Motion Picture above), there's nothing like his riff on Frankenstein. Nolan and Lanthimos' fellow nominees are equally at the top of their games with their latest work, so there's no bad choice here if Justine Triet becomes just the fourth woman to win this category, Martin Scorsese collects just his second directing Oscar or Jonathan Glazer nabs his first. Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role The nominees: Annette Bening, Nyad Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall Carey Mulligan, Maestro Emma Stone, Poor Things Should win: Emma Stone, Poor Things Could win: Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon Will win: Emma Stone, Poor Things Give Emma Stone an Oscar for her line reading of "I must go punch that baby!" alone. Of course, that's not the only reason that she should win the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role category for a second time — the first was for La La Land — but it's emblematic of the commitment that she gives her work in Poor Things. Her delivery, her physicality, her constant ability to surprise: now that's a performance. If only two actors could share this field, though. With heartbreaking subtlety as well as searing defiance, Lily Gladstone is exquisite in Killers of the Flower Moon — and if she wins, which she may well, it'll be wonderful. Her speech will also be the highlight of the night. She's also already the first Native American woman to receive a nomination in this field, and will keep making history if she ends up with a statuette in her hands. Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role The nominees: Bradley Cooper, Maestro Colman Domingo, Rustin Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction Should win: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer Could win: NA — Cillian Murphy will win for Oppenheimer Will win: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer "Dearest Cillian. Finally a chance to see you lead... Love, Chris." That's how Cillian Murphy's script for Oppenheimer came — and although this isn't the Irish talent's first-ever leading part, Christopher Nolan pushing him to the fore of his latest film will garner him an Oscar. It's remarkable casting, even given that Murphy is never less than excellent in anything that he's in, back to and preceding when 28 Days Later first thrust him to broader attention. If anyone else has their name read out, it'll be a massive shock. That's not criticism of Murphy's fellow nominees, though. Bradley Cooper directs himself to a career-best portrayal in Maestro, while none of Rustin, The Holdovers or American Fiction would be the movies they are without Colman Domingo, Paul Giamatti and Jeffrey Wright, respectively. Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role The nominees: Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple America Ferrera, Barbie Jodie Foster, Nyad Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers Should win: Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers Could win: NA — Da'Vine Joy Randolph will win for The Holdovers Will win: Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers Not all award-winners keep their accolades on a mantle; however, Da'Vine Joy Randolph's must be getting crowded — or wherever else she puts the trophies that she's been collecting for her soulful turn in The Holdovers. She won at the BAFTAs, Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, Satellite Awards, Film Independent Spirit Awards, National Board of Review and Screen Actors Guild, plus thanks to an extremely hefty list of other critics' associations. She won't leave the Oscars empty-handed. As with Best Actor, this is a category where there's no shortage of deserving nominees, but still one certain winner. If someone else does cause an upset, Jodie Foster being rewarded for her efforts in Nyad would see her win for just her second nomination in this field — she's received the Best Actress prize twice for The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs — a whopping 47 years after her first for Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver. Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role The nominees: Sterling K Brown, American Fiction Robert De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer Ryan Gosling, Barbie Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things Should win: Ryan Gosling, Barbie Could win: Ryan Gosling, Barbie Will win: Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer There's no walking out of Oppenheimer without thinking that Robert Downey Jr is going to win an Oscar for playing AEC commissioner Lewis Strauss. And no, he won't just emerge victorious because he's not playing Iron Man, although it's such a treat to see him in such a weighty part (and outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) again. That said, if you did the Barbenheimer double on the same day (Barbie then Oppenheimer is the best order), then you would've walked out of Barbie thinking that Ryan Gosling should get the Best Supporting Actor prize, too. Winning for comedy is significantly difficult at the Oscars, but his Ken almost stole Barbie from Margot Robbie. Whatever the outcome, Gosling will sing 'I'm Just Ken' at the ceremony, so he'll be up on stage at least once. Best Original Screenplay The nominees: Anatomy of a Fall, Justine Triet and Arthur Harari The Holdovers, David Hemingson Maestro, Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer May December, Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik Past Lives, Celine Song Should win: Past Lives, Celine Song Could win: Past Lives, Celine Song Will win: Anatomy of a Fall, Justine Triet and Arthur Harari That Celine Song's Past Lives only received two Oscar nominations is near unfathomable. That it might go home without any awards is as well. Song missed out in the Best Director field, but the Academy does like to use its screenwriting awards to redress wrongs elsewhere — Quentin Tarantino and Jordan Peele both have wins here, for instance. It's for the same reason that Justine Triet and Arthur Harari will likely win for Anatomy of a Fall, especially given that France didn't put the film forward for Best International Feature, so it couldn't have been nominated and obviously can't win there. It's worth noting that May December's sole Oscar recognition is in this category, and that that's a ridiculous oversight, so an award for it would also be stellar. Best Adapted Screenplay The nominees: American Fiction, Cord Jefferson Barbie, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan Poor Things, Tony McNamara The Zone of Interest, Jonathan Glazer Should win: Poor Things, Tony McNamara Could win: Barbie, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach Will win: Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan As noted in the Best Original Screenplay category, winners for putting pen to paper — or fingers to the keyboard — often let the Academy throw some love towards movies largely ignored elsewhere. Consequently, if Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach score victory for Barbie, that trend just might hold up again (although Barbie is particularly in with a great chance in Best Costume Design and Best Production Design). If Barbie loses, expect Oppenheimer to top it — again. Anything could succeed in this field, though, because Poor Things, The Zone of Interest and American Fiction all also boast cracking scripts. Poor Things isn't just a marvel; it's as bold as any movie could ever dream of. Australian screenwriter Tony McNamara did get nominated for The Favourite, too. Best International Feature The nominees: Io Capitano, Italy Perfect Days, Japan Society of the Snow, Spain The Teachers' Lounge, Germany The Zone of Interest, United Kingdom Should win: Perfect Days, Japan Could win: Society of the Snow, Spain Will win: The Zone of Interest, United Kingdom Finding a viewing experience that's more sublime, soulful and thoughtful than Perfect Days — not just among the nominees for Best International Feature, but in general — is a near-impossible task. Watching the Tokyo-set Japanese contender about a toilet cleaner, which is directed by German filmmaker Wim Wenders (Submergence), is as life-changing as cinema gets. A British film set in Germany and told in German, The Zone of Interest is unforgettable in a completely different way given that it is set during the Holocaust among a family living next door to Auschwitz. It's also exceptional — and an worthy recipient of this award. Indeed, there's no wrong pick, which means that Society of the Snow could sneak in for also telling a harrowing real-life tale. Best Animated Feature The nominees: The Boy and the Heron Elemental Nimona Robot Dreams Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Should win: The Boy and the Heron Could win: The Boy and the Heron Will win: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse won an Academy Award in this very category. Among the American films that've made it to the final five in 2024, sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the pick of the bunch — and another spectacular achievement for the medium of animation. Twice now, watching the Spider-Verse movies means realising how live-action takes on superheroes will never be able to relay the full story. If Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse wins, that'll be an ace outcome. Going past Hayao Miyazaki's comeback The Boy and the Heron would be downright audacious at the same time, however. With his first film since 2013's The Wind Rises, the master Studio Ghibli co-founder adds one of his best movies yet to his resume. It's imaginative, heartfelt, smart, breathtaking and awe-inspiring — and that's just the beginning. Best Documentary Feature The nominees: Bobi Wine: The People's President The Eternal Memory Four Daughters To Kill a Tiger 20 Days in Mariupol Should win: 20 Days in Mariupol Could win: NA — 20 Days in Mariupol will win Will win: 20 Days in Mariupol For two years in a row, the Best Documentary Feature field will likely offer a damning indictment of Russia with its winner. Navalny did just that in 2023, with the film must-see viewing then and even more so since Vladimir Putin opponent Alexei Navalny's recent death in incarceration. With 20 Days in Mariupol, the invasion of Ukraine is in the spotlight. This is a movie that can't be unseen, nor forgotten. An on-the-ground exploration of the first 20 days of the war in the titular city, including in hospitals where victims of bombings and shellings are sent, this is as essential as documentary filmmaking gets. Fighting for freedom is also at the heart of Bobi Wine: The People's President, which could earn some love — and battling for justice similarly drives the also-excellent To Kill a Tiger. Best Original Score The nominees: American Fiction, Laura Karpman Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, John Williams Killers of the Flower Moon, Robbie Robertson Oppenheimer, Ludwig Göransson Poor Things, Jerskin Fendrix Should win: Poor Things, Jerskin Fendrix Could win: Poor Things, Jerskin Fendrix Will win: Oppenheimer, Ludwig Göransson Ludwig Göransson knows what it's like to win an Oscar thanks to Black Panther. Soon, the Swedish composer will probably know what it's like to win two. As the greatest scores do, his work on Oppenheimer turns it into the film that it needs to be but wouldn't without such influentual music — which, seeing how astounding everything else is about the movie, isn't a minor achievement. Jerskin Fendrix's tunes for Poor Things do all of that with such distinctiveness, while also feeling so deeply perfect for the feature, that it would come as a surprise to no one if he was somehow composing from within its frames. Giving this award to Robbie Robertson, who does wondrous work for Killers of the Flower Moon, would also be a touching posthumous tribute to The Band musician and regular Martin Scorsese collaborator. Best Original Song The nominees: 'The Fire Inside', Flamin' Hot, Diane Warren 'I'm Just Ken', Barbie, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt 'It Never Went Away', American Symphony, Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson 'Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)', Killers of the Flower Moon, Scott George 'What Was I Made For?', Barbie, Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell Should win: 'I'm Just Ken', Barbie, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt Could win: 'I'm Just Ken', Barbie, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt Will win: 'What Was I Made For?', Barbie, Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell First, the obvious observation: Best Original Song is Barbie's to lose. Bringing the eponymous doll to the screen notched up two of the five nominees in this category, and is almost certain to win for one of them — after they're both performed live, with Ryan Gosling singing 'I'm Just Ken', of course, and Billie Eilish belting out 'What Was I Made For?'. Expect Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell to take home the trophy, which'll be the pair's second Oscar thanks to 'No Time to Die' from, yes, No Time to Die. Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt's catchy dive into Ken's soul keeps getting stuck in the world's heads due to more than just its melody, though. And if there's a non-Barbie upset, it might come from Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson's 'It Never Went Away' from American Symphony. Best Cinematography The nominees: El Conde, Edward Lachman Killers of the Flower Moon, Rodrigo Prieto Maestro, Matthew Libatique Oppenheimer, Hoyte van Hoytema Poor Things, Robbie Ryan Should win: Oppenheimer, Hoyte van Hoytema Could win: Poor Things, Robbie Ryan Will win: Oppenheimer, Hoyte van Hoytema Again and again throughout 2024's Oscar contenders, the fields often come down to two prime candidates: Oppenheimer and Poor Things. Either winning in most categories is a magnificent outcome; when movies this superb are competing against each other, there's no such thing as a losing flick — just one that gets the trophy and one that doesn't. Hoyte van Hoytema and Robbie Ryan's lensing for this pair of pictures is exquisite in different ways; stark and precise for the former, dreamy and inventive for the latter. Oppenheimer emerged with the prize at this year's American Society of Cinematographers Awards, though, which can be a reliable guide. Don't discount Rodrigo Prieto for Killers of the Flower Moon, even if he should've been nominated for Barbie as well. Best Film Editing The nominees: Anatomy of a Fall, Laurent Sénéchal The Holdovers, Kevin Tent Killers of the Flower Moon, Thelma Schoonmaker Oppenheimer, Jennifer Lame Poor Things, Yorgos Mavropsaridis Should win: Oppenheimer, Jennifer Lame Could win: Poor Things, Yorgos Mavropsaridis Will win: Oppenheimer, Jennifer Lame It's happening again: Oppenheimer and Poor Things leading the pack, that is — and likely Oppenheimer winning. Just as with Best Cinematography, there's form for Christopher Nolan's film getting the nod over Yorgos Lanthimos' flick thanks to other accolades. Oppenheimer's Jennifer Lame won at the American Cinema Editors Eddie Awards, for instance. Thelma Schoonmaker is an editing icon, however; this is her eighth Oscar nomination for a Martin Scorsese movie, a run that spans wins for The Aviator and The Departed. And editing is so pivotal to Anatomy of a Fall in telling its story — over every other contender in this field, actually — that Laurent Sénéchal's chances can't be ruled out. The 2024 Oscars will be announced on Monday, March 11, Australian and New Zealand time. For further details, head to the awards' website. Wondering where to watch this year's Oscar contenders? We've put together a rundown for both Australia and New Zealand.
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 always happened in the inner north, but this time it's heading to the southeast suburbs. On the weekend of April 27–28, the collective will head to Mentone. It will fill a warehouse with over 150 varieties of green babies — including 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 wear jungle-themed attire. It's all happening at 10 Balcome Road, Mentone, with two-hour sessions held at 8am, 10am, 11am, 12pm and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. While entry is free, you'll need to secure a ticket to head along — they'll be available from midday on Monday, April 22.
United Places' remit was to create a home away from home. Its success is immediately apparent, with the greenery from the Royal Botanic Gardens across the road extending right into the 12 luxury suites, creating a space you'll never want to leave. It may be small, but it has got to be one of Melbourne's top hotels. Each suite offers hardwood floors and polished kitchens, while terraces with sweeping city and parkland views complement the cosy living zones. You also have your own laundry facilities (hard to find in boutique hotels these days) and a large en-suite bathroom with rain shower. While you're at United Places, you'll haver to eat at acclaimed chef Scott Pickett's hatted restaurant, Matilda. The kitchen's contemporary Australian cuisine is produced entirely over open flames and hot coals — and you won't have to leave your room to enjoy it, with the high-end meals delivered directly to your suite. Dining at the restaurant is an experience in itself though, so we'd recommend heading in one night, too. These guys also care deeply about sustainability. Their rainwater is collected, stored and harvested for toilet flushing, reducing our water usage by 52%. All the bathroom amenities contain no harmful chemicals or additives and they use eco-friendly organic enzyme cleaning solutions that are biodegradable and phosphate free. The property uses a solar energy system to offset greenhouse emissions for all common areas. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Everything at United Places is very clearly thought out. It's a thoroughly modern hotel. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world. Images by Sharyn Cairns Appears in: The Best Hotels in Melbourne
Riveting dissections of realistic situations: that's where siblings Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne have made their careers. Continuing in the same finessed, naturalistic vein, Two Days, One Night compels by rendering relatable circumstances without sentiment but with surprises. It follows the attempts of Sandra (Academy Award-winner Marion Cotillard) to convince her co-workers to save her job. To do so, they would need to forgo a cash bonus they've been offered and in many cases need. The precision with which the filmmakers present a feature almost solely comprised of conversations cannot be underestimated, nor can Cotillard's expert efforts in illustrating the fragility of her striving but uncertain protagonist. Small in stature yet striking in its statement, Two Days, One Night took out the Sydney Film Prize at this year's Sydney Film Festival. Two Days, One Night is in cinemas on November 6. Thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have two Dardenne Brothers DVD prize packs to give away, each including a double in-season pass to see the new film. Eight runners up will also get double in-season passes. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=qxLqaEGZiDY
If you're hungry for some live music, the folks behind Beyond the Valley are here to help. Last week, it was announced Melbourne would score a spin-off edition of their famed New Year's camping festival, with Beyond The City descending on Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Kings Domain Parklands on December 30 and 31 this year. Now, we know just which artists will be joining the festivities, with huge names like Pnau, Hayden James and Lime Cordiale included in the just-dropped lineup. Beyond The Valley, Untitled Group and Triple J have pulled together a fittingly hefty array of acts to help wrap up 2021 in style. Headlining the action on December 30, you'll catch Perth indie-rockers Spacey Jane and the ever-energetic Pnau out of Sydney. Firing up the stage across the rest of Day One will be the likes of singer-songwriter Eves Karydas, DJ and producer Motez, rapper Allday, Elizabeth Cambage and Running Touch. The sonic delights continue through the following day, with beloved acts such as Ball Park Music, Willaris. K, Alice Ivy, Boo Seeka, Cosmo's Midnight and Hot Dub Time Machine hitting the stage. And, taking you beyond midnight and into the unknown wilderness of 2022, expect sounds from Sydney pop-rockers Lime Cordiale and electro superstar Hayden James. It'll all unfold across three zones at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the surrounding Kings Domain parklands: the Main Stage, the Dance Domain and the Dr Dan's Stage. It's set to be a fully standing event and dancing has been given the all clear, with organisers even wrangling a special licensing permit allowing for the revelry to kick on until 1.30am on January 1. What's more, the festival has teamed up with First Nations mentorship organisation AIME, with $1 from every ticket sold going to support the group's important community work. To nab yourself a coveted Beyond The City ticket, you can register right now for presale access, with presale tickets on sale from 4pm Wednesday, November 10. General access will then open from 4pm, November 11. BEYOND THE CITY 2021 LINEUP: Hayden James Lime Cordiale Pnau Spacey Jane Allday C. Frim Choomba Dameeeela Elizabeth Cambage Eves Karydas JK 47 Jordan Brando Lovebirds Mallrat Motez Running Touch Sophiegrophy Sycco Telenova Torren Foot Alice Ivy Ball Park Music Boo Seeka Bradley Zero Cosmo's Midnight Crescendoll Hot Dub Time Machine Ijale Jaguar Jonze JamesJamesJames Jennifer Loveless King Stingray Kye Lastlings Loods Nina Las Vegas Pretty Girl Skin On Skin Willaris. K X Club
Chances are, you could use some warmth and sunshine in your life right now. And you'll find a big dose of it radiating from Carlton's new pint-sized Japanese spot, Hareruya. Overlooking Lincoln Square, the takeaway-only hole-in-the-wall is the latest venture from Kantaro Okada, who also brought us other Japanese gems, 279 and North Melbourne's Le Bajo. It's been a long-held plan of Okada's to launch a dedicated bento and gelato bar. Now, thanks to some extra free time during last year's lockdowns, he's been able to bring it to fruition, opening the doors to Hareruya — translating to 'sunny shop' — in April. The tiny Japanese convenience store-meets-cafe is as cheery as they come, drawing queues of eager diners from breakfast till dinner. The shelves are stocked with a neat array of takeaway treats and snacks, while at the front counter, staff are scooping from shiny tubs of gelato. Guaranteed to catch your eye are the vibrant loaded bento boxes, brimming with various osouzai (side dishes) along with beef and egg soboro, the fish of the day, or vegetarian soy tofu sushi. They're courtesy of the store's dedicated bento specialist, Kazuko Goto. Making an appearance just for winter, you'll find oden boxes (a Japanese stew), served with the broth ready to pour over the dry ingredients; while savoury snacks might include the likes of onigiri, sandos and chicken karaage tossed in dashi amazu (a sweet vinegar). Sweet-toothed visitors can get their fix with a rotation of house-baked pastries — think, castella, miso brownies and matcha cookies — and the drinks offering runs to freshly-pressed juices, and lattes of both the caffeinated and matcha-infused variety. Meanwhile, the Italian Pozzetti gelato freezer is stocked with an array of goodies made in-house, the rotating lineup fusing classic Japanese flavours with Italian techniques. Shirogoma (white sesame), sweet potato, and red fruits with elderflower and yuzu are just some of the varieties being scooped of late. All that's left to decide is whether to get yours in a cup or take-home tub, daifuku-style (wrapped in mochi skin), or sandwiched between rice wafer crisps like a traditional monaka. The petite store boasts a couple of bench seats, though if the sun's a-shining, you'll find the adjacent grassy park is the ideal setting to hoof down your bento and gelato. Find Hareruya at 15-17 Lincoln Square South, Carlton. It's open daily from 10.30am–10.30pm.
Every Easter long weekend for 29 years, Bluesfest has descended on Byron Bay for five days of blues and roots. But this year, the acclaimed festival's 30th anniversary, may be its last in the Northern Rivers location. In a scathing letter addressed to the NSW Government, Festival Director Peter Noble has revealed that Bluesfest might leave the state because of the government's strict new policies on music festivals. "I am saying now, Bluesfest will leave NSW. We have no choice it's a matter of survival," the letter, originally published on The Industry Observer, said. "Will the last festival to leave NSW please turn out the light of culture in this soon to be barren state?" You can read the full open letter, which was shared with Concrete Playground, below. Noble described the new policies — which include a strict new licensing regime — as "poorly thought-out", "unbalanced" and "the Lockout Laws Version Two for festivals", highlighting that the State Government had neglected to fully consult those in the industry. He also revealed that the 30-year-old festival is having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with recently implemented policies. Bluesfest, if relocated, will be just the latest casualty of the NSW Government's new policies, with both the Mountain Sounds and Psyfari teams cancelling their 2019 festivals in the last seven days, stating "the government's war on festivals", particularly "newly imposed safety, licensing and security costs", as reasons. Both said they were also required to spend thousands of dollars to comply with the new policies, but were unable to do so at such short notice. The new music festival licensing regime follows advice from the government's expert panel on music festival safety, which was assembled in September after two young people died of suspected drug overdoses at Defqon 1. Since then, three more young people have died from suspected drug overdoses at NSW festivals. The NSW Government is continuing to ignore increased calls for pill-testing as a harm-minimisation technique at festivals. Read Peter Noble's full letter below. Letter from Peter Noble OAM, Bluesfest Festival Director re NSW Government's policy changes to festivals in the State: Bluesfest may well be celebrating our last festival in NSW, should the sitting NSW Government proceed with its plans for its policies. Even though we are Australia's most highly-awarded festival both nationally and internationally – having won Best Major Event at the NSW Tourism Awards three years in a row; and in representing NSW we came in second in the Australian Tourism Awards (beating Victoria's F1 Grand Prix) – we have been designated a 'high risk event'. This will cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with a policy where we and every other event in this State have had zero opportunity to have any consultation or input into a policy where we will need to spend significantly more money to put on the event this year with zero notice. The policy will see our full-strength liquor approval denied, while a myriad of other costs may be levied costing us hundreds of thousands of dollars. The NSW police regularly state that our policies are those of an industry leader in the supply of alcohol, field hospital, and crowd security and care. But, due to headlines in the media, our 30-year-old professional business is to be seriously damaged in a new policy imposed regarding festival presentation by a government who has rushed the judgement of our industry without full consultation of stake holders, or meetings with entertainment industry professionals. I charge the Government with a systemic failure in fairness here and implore all politicians from all parties to quickly become involved with what is a serious injustice. We, like most events in this State, supply a significant level of culture – we don't receive a cent from government even though we cause thousands of people to be employed – and bring tens of millions of dollars into NSW through Tourism. In the recent study done by the NSW government into the arts, it was found NSW is significantly behind Victoria and Queensland. I ask the Premier, the Minister for the Arts, Tourism and Major Events and EVERY sitting politician: WHY? Why do you seem to be hell-bent on destroying our industry? We provide culture to the people of this state, and Australia, through our good works. Most festivals haven't had drug deaths and contribute greatly to our society through presenting well-run, professional, world-class events. Why have we been given zero recognition in this government's actions? It seems the new policies are poorly thought-out and through their implementation will decimate our industry, should our government not see good sense. Will the last festival to leave NSW please turn out the light of culture in this soon to be barren state? I have in my 50 years in presenting music NEVER EXPERIENCED such poorly thought out, unbalanced legislation. Surely a professional governing body could do better. It's the Lockout Laws Version two for festivals. This is NOT a vote winner in the upcoming election. Thank you, Peter Noble OAM Presenter, Bluesfest and the Boomerang Indigenous Festival Bluesfest 2019 is scheduled to run from April 18 to April 22 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. More details and ticket info here. Image: Joseph Mayers.
The sun is staying out longer, and it's time to start utilising all our glorious parkland again. Whip out the picnic rugs and get the wine cooler at the ready — Moonlight Cinema is back for another year. From December until March, this local favourite is the place to be for the most explosive action-packed blockbusters, the latest comedy releases and even the odd sing-a-long. The December–January portion of the program which has just gone on sale is basically a hit list of the summer's biggest flicks. Guardians of the Galaxy and Interstellar will make for perfect viewing under the vast night sky. Ladies will be taking a leading role for a fair portion of the action with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt 1, Lucy, and the controversial Gone Girl. Then the latest comedy will be lightening the mood with Dumb and Dumber To, Horrible Bosses 2, and The Interview which sees Seth Rogen and James Franco basically going to war with North Korea. There are a few lesser known titles to watch out for too. The yet-to-be-released Birdman will see Michael Keaton poking fun at his days as the caped crusader alongside a stellar supporting cast, the heartbreaking Still Alice has Julienne Moore tipped for a Best Actress nomination, and The Gambler sees Mark Wahlberg front an adaptation of a '70s classic. Like every year, the gates open at 7pm and screenings kick off at 8.30pm when the sun goes down. Make sure to bring your own picnic blanket — and a full picnic while you're at it. While the cinema is totally BYO, there will also be an LA-style food truck on site boasting burgers with pulled pork brisket or Southern fried chicken. You can even go all out and get a New York-style chilli cheesedog. Check out the full program at the Moonlight Cinema website. Tickets are $15-35 depending on whether you opt for the 'Gold Grass' option (where you are given the best spots and beanbags in the house).
Lawn bowls is one of those games — a bit like table tennis or Guitar Hero — that you always think you're better at when you're a little bit drunk. It's highly unlikely that you actually are, but the important thing is that it feels like it. Taking place at the Flemington and Kensington Bowling Club as part of Good Beer Week, this high-rolling affair will see brewers from Funk Estate, Blue Elephant Cider, Riverside Brewing Co. and more captain teams of thirsty punters in a cut-throat bowls tournament (note: it will not be remotely cut-throat). Your ticket entitles you to a pair of beverages, plus one of a number of tasty burgers. For those who aren't quite as competitively-minded, there'll also be free barefoot bowls all day.
Boasting a majestic piece of Point Lonsdale real estate, complete with 360-degree views of the bay, Lon Retreat and Spa is the latest incarnation of luxury accomodation Lonsdale Views. It opened its doors in October, following a huge, 18-month transformation of the 200-acre family-owned property. The luxury retreat features seven sanctuary-like suites, each one decked out differently to mirror a particular aspect of the surrounding landscape. Expect earthy, natural tones throughout, with most of the furniture, ceramics, artwork and lighting sourced or crafted locally. As well as the plush rooms, Lon boasts its own private beach access, a guest lounge with an open fire and views across the ocean, a private art gallery showcasing local works, and an indoor heated pool fed by mineral water. In the spa, you'll also find an OTT eight-jet shower. Outside the retreat, you'll find nature walks spread all across the property, if some fresh air and leg stretching is on the agenda. And, while there's no restaurant on site, guests can still indulge in a swag of local goodies, thanks to the honesty bar and a 'Makers and Growers Pantry', showing off top Bellarine produce. Room rates at Lon Retreat and Spa will start at around $360 per night, with a two-night minimum stay. The price includes access to the pool and a hamper full of breakfast treats courtesy of Annie's Kitchen in nearby Barwon Heads. Lon Retreat and Spa wis now open at 25 Gill Road, Point Lonsdale — an hour-and-a-half's drive from Melbourne's CBD. Images: Nikole Ramsay Photography.
It mightn't be the perfect time to open up a restaurant, but one Melbourne chef has done it anyway, launching a brand-spanking-new sandwich shop and deli on Gertrude Street. Chef Josh Fry (Marion and Cumulus Inc) was originally meant to be the head chef at a new dine-in restaurant and bar set to open in the Fitzroy space over the Easter long weekend, but plans swiftly shifted when restaurants, bars and cafes had to close their doors in a bid to contain COVID-19. So, instead, Fry opened the unapologetically kitsch pop-up, Rocco's Bologna Discoteca. The Italian-inspired menu features an epic lineup of sangas. There's a saucy NY-style meatball sub; Rocco's Originario Bologna with fried bologna (a mortadella-like meat), green olives and plenty of cheese; the spicy Picante, featuring fried bologna, pickles and provolone; a vegetarian crumbed eggplant one; and the Bobby Baccala, which is a salted cod melt. Other dishes include bone marrow garlic bread, antipasto platters, pine mushroom lasagne, a Chook Foot cacciatore and ricotta cavatelli with chicken, sugo and peppers. There's also Rocco's Dinner Box, which includes one sandwich per person, salumi, olives, Sardinian-style flatbread, salad, fries and tiramisu and is available for two ($65) or four ($85) people. As Rocco's is also a deli, you can pick up freshly baked bread, eggs, house-made pastas, Nonna's red sauce, Mt Zero olives, cured meats, tins of sardines and, of course, heaps of cheese, too. Plus, you can buy a Rocco's t-shirt, should you need some new WFH threads. You can either pop down to pick up the goods in person or, if you're an inner north local, you can get them delivered for free. You can check out the full menu and order via Rocco's website. Otherwise, you can get it delivered through DoorDash. Rocco's Bologna Discoteca is located at 81–83 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy and is open from 5–10pm Wednesday–Friday, 12–10.30pm Saturday and 1–7pm on Sunday.
"This is not about getting back at dad. But, if it hurts him, it doesn't bother me." So announces Shiv Roy (Sarah Snook, Pieces of a Woman) in the just-dropped new teaser trailer for Succession season four, although it could've been any one of the Roy family's adult children uttering such words. If there's one thing that viewers of this award-winning HBO drama know, it's that this brood is big on insults and scheming against their father, and each other — and on grudges and feuding over who'll run the family company as well. Expect this soon-to-drop fourth season to be no do different, clearly; the more things change for the Roys, which also includes patriarch and business titan Logan Roy (Brian Cox, Remember Me), plus Shiv's siblings Kendall (Jeremy Strong, Armageddon Time), Connor (Alan Ruck, The Dropout) and Roman (Kieran Culkin, No Sudden Move), the more that volatile underlying dynamic stays the same. And, expect to start seeing the results this autumn Down Under. That timeframe had already been announced, but HBO has now revealed an exact release date — Monday, March 27 in Australia and New Zealand — along with another sneak peek at the upcoming episodes. This is the third glimpse at what's in store in Succession season four, following on from an initial sneak peek in a broader HBO trailer in mid-October last year, plus another in late 2022 when that autumn timing was confirmed. In the entire trio of teasers, Shiv, Kendall, Roman and Connor have banded together to form a rebel alliance against their dad. In the new trailer, they're asked to call him to try to start mending their rift. No, that isn't a simple request. All of the current the chaos stems from the season-three move to sell the Roy's company Waystar Royco to a tech visionary played by Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman), who also returns in season four. Unsurprisingly, not everyone is thrilled. When an entire series is about who'll take over the lucrative and powerful family business, removing that option for everyone is going to cause some hefty fallout. Also included in this sneak peek: Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen, Operation Mincemeat) trying to stay on Logan's good side following his own actions at the end of season three, and his betrayal of his Shiv. And, also Tom inappropriately comparing the Roys' battle to world politics — talking to cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun, Zola), naturally. It was back in 2021 when HBO announced that Succession would return for a fourth run, after its Emmy-winning third season proved that exceptional — and popular. Viewers are clearly in for more power struggles and more savaging of the one percent, aka more of what Succession has always done best. Indeed, if you're a fan of twisty TV shows about wealth, privilege, influence, the vast chasm between the rich and everyday folks, and the societal problems that fester due to such rampant inequality, there have been plenty of ace examples of late, including The White Lotus and Squid Game. No series slings insults as savagely as this tremendous series, however. No show channels feuding and backstabbing into such an insightful and gripping satire, either. Check out the latest teaser for Succession season four below: Succession season four will start streaming from Monday, March 27 Down Under, including via Foxtel, Binge and Foxtel On Demand in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Check out our review of season three. Images: Claudette Barius/Macall B Polay, HBO.
It's that time of the year again. Time to dig out your old witch hat or join the vampires and grow some fangs. Perhaps the only thing scarier than your fake blood and broomstick are these vintage Halloween get-ups. Nothing says Halloween in the '70s like a shiny plastic devil mask, after all. Halloween garb in the '60s, '70s and '80s was dominated by two costume companies, Ben Cooper Inc. and Collegeville. Ben Cooper had relationships with multiple media companies often leaving Collegeville to create their own version of Frankenstein and Batman, resulting in hilariously similar characters with pathetic names such as 'The Monster' and 'The Bat.' Despite the name of the costume, both companies survived off excitable youth desperate to avoid their mother's home-made sheet-ghost costume for the third year in a row. For better or for worse, the companies have retired their Halloween costume services and the awkward one-piece jumpsuits and thick plastic masks have graduated and become classic vintage collector's items.
Moving into the light-filled space once home to the popular Resident Cafe, Joe Frank had big shoes to fill. But big shoes the new Ashburton go-to for Italian brunch fare has filled. And it's all thanks to one Melbourne hospitality family. Already bustling with hungry locals, Joe Frank is brought to you by the owners of Mr Tucci and Son of Tucci: siblings Fabian, Massimo and Romina Crea. The cafe's name combines the names of their father (Joe) and grandfather (Frank) and the menu is littered with Italian favourites, Aussie brunch staples and a few things cooked by Mum. Nonno's Garden sees a bed of baba ghanoush loaded with roasted vegetables Meredith's Dairy goats cheese and fresh herbs, while the panzanella — layers of buffalo mozzarella, roasted capsicum and fresh fennel — is further proof that vegetables can be very exciting. The cafe's moreish house-made crumpets are a nod to old-school Aussie brunches and come topped with mulled strawberries, zabaglione custard and pistachio praline. We don't recommend attempting to share these — you'll regret it. [caption id="attachment_749245" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] If you can't quite commit to a full meal in-house, pick up a pork belly sandwich to-go or a fresh cake or biscotti made by Franca (Mum), who bakes the treats every day on site. These go well paired with a good coffee (it wouldn't be an Italian coffee shop without it), which comes courtesy of Melbourne's Veneziano Coffee Roasters. This can all by enjoyed indoors, but, during the warmer months at least, we suggest you make the most of the dog-friendly outdoor area. We're guessing this new hotspot in Melbourne's southeast will quickly become an institution in the area, if its sister cafes' longevity are anything to go by. If you're not a local, you'll be happy to know it's located across the road from Ashburton Train Station, too. Joe Frank is located at 246 High Street, Ashburton. It's open from Monday–Friday 7am–3.30pm and Saturday–Sunday 8am–3pm. Images: Julia Sansone
