The Concrete Playground Hot List

I hate goodbyes. Always have. It’s a symptom of being overly sentimental. No farewell is ever adequate. No amount of 'Here's lookin' at you kid' or scribbled sentiments stained with red wine and tears ever says it all. Walking away from anything that means something inevitably leaves me with that sense of having forgotten an essential thing - keys/passport/wallet/mind. Of not having ever said or done enough. Nonetheless it must be given a shot, so here is my attempt.

It is with the exact bittersweetness of biting into the 85% Lindt chocolate that has seen me through so many of these deadlines, that I turn in my ceremonial headdress and resign my post as Chief of the Playground. So, over the deafening symphony of sobs that I’m convinced I can hear resounding in response, I bid all of you wonderful CP devotees who have kept me in a job for over two years, an infinite chorus of shamefully inadequate so-long-farewells and an equal number of thank yous for having me, and for humouring me each week. But like a proud parent struggling to come to terms with sending their child off to college (apparently I’m an American parent in this analogy), you can rest assured that I’ll continue to experiment with creative and embarrassing ways of sending love and attention from afar. I'll be right here.

And an occasion as epic as my timely exit (yes, it’s still all about me), requires no less than the accompaniment of an epic montage of events. This week reveals the greatest lie of the western world, tunes in to a celestial radio, showcases the handy work of some clever women, delivers exotic films to Aussie cinemas, and marks in beautiful ways the passage of time.

As a final word, it would be remiss of me not to add that it has been the greatest honour, pleasure, and absurdly good time collaborating with such a talented and dedicated tribe who continue to work tirelessly to propel CP to greater strengths. I can’t crap on enough about their brilliance. So my friends, I leave you with a raised glass, a final over-the-shoulder wink, and a 'just put your lips together and blow.' Thank you, it has been quite the trip.

Project Parlour

The details: Thursday, April 5- Thursday, April 15 @ MLC Centre

Isn’t there something just a little special about viewing art during the twilight hours? A flute of bubbles in hand, the hum of the outside world silenced for the day. Isn’t art always a little more fascinating when you’re slightly buzzed?

Following in the footsteps of hot spots like MCA and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, a little ole’ local art collective is set to unveil a series of after-dark programs. Aiming to bring heightened interaction to a selection of exhibitions, the Kaldor Public Art Project will fuse art with workshops, creative discussions, performance, film, live music and best of all, cocktails. Find out more

The Great Lie of the Western World - Cathode Ray Tube

The details: Wednesday, March 28 - Saturday, April 21 @ TAP Gallery

That burnout crashing on your couch might be here to save your life. Find out more

Marking Time

The details: Thursday, March 29 - Sunday, June 3 @ Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Opening the show as the first temporary exhibition for the newly-refurbished MCA is an exhibition whose focus settles on the passing moments. Find out more

Yann Tiersen

The details: Thursday, April 5 @ The Metro Theatre

Bulking up the keys and strings with heavy guitars and swelling synths, this is a show you literally have to see to believe. Find out more

African Film Festival 2012

The details: Thursday, April 5 - Sunday, April 8 @ Dendy Opera Quays

Get along to this inaugural event for enlightening, thought-provoking and diverse films showcasing African talent. Find out more

Hoopla Festival 2012

The details: Friday, April 6 - Monday, April 9 @ Darling Harbour

Silly antics, mind-boggling acrobatics and circus stunts that make you check your vision. Find out more

Women with Clever Hands

The details: Saturday, March 31 - Saturday, June 9 @ Object Gallery

Bean reds, cyanide greens and earthy oranges bring Arnhem Land to Sydney. Find out more

A Dangerous Method

The details: Thursday, March 29 - Thursday, April 19 @ Various cinemas

Take a dramatic turn in the early history of psychology. Find out more