In glorious news this morning, Gelato Messina have announced their pièce de résistance, revealing their new Messina Creative Department. It's is a tiny eight-seat degustation bar next to the Darlinghurst store in the space that has previously held the Messina Lab (that is, where they dreamed up all those obscene gelato cakes we know and love). But now, in true Messina form, they've decided to do some new and downright crazy stuff with gelato. The dark, intimate venue will host a seven-course dessert degustation with a non-alcoholic drink pairing with each course — and as you would expect, it looks batshit insane (in the best way possible). The menu, curated by OG gelato chef Remi Talbot, who will will feature a range of exquisite treats, running the gamut of sweet-sweet and sweet-savoury as you would expect from any degustation. But hold your gelato-loving horses right there — you can't book yet. They'll be taking bookings through their website from Wednesday, April 20. There won't be many seats available though; there will only be two sittings per night, at 7pm and 9pm Wednesday through Saturday — that's only 64 spots a week. So you'll have to have quick fingers or you'll turn to stone while waiting. In the meantime, They've released nine short teaser videos on the newly launched Messina Creative Instagram which will make your mouth water. Crispy fried bubbles, seared sugared figs, tiny hand-rolled ice cream cones garnished with crystallised flowers and — are you ready for this? — seaweed-esque, razor-thin tuile poking over the side of a golden bowl with a deep violet bloom balanced across it with plush lumps of white cloud surrounding a bed of pink sand dabbed delicately with drops of golden syrup. Phew. Whatever they're cooking up at Messina Creative looks more art than dessert — they are literally drunk on power and it looks delicious. We truly live in the renaissance era of desserts. The Messina Creative Department degustations will be seven courses and cost $130 per person. You can now book here.
The Central Coast's truly underrated, sustainable and naturally stunning festival Mountain Sounds is set to return for another year. Heading back to the pretty, pretty spot of Mount Penang Parklands in Kariong for a third year, Mountain Sounds has locked in Saturday, February 20 for its 2016 instalment. And the just-announced lineup is some seriously applaudable biznatch. Headlined by Sydney powerhouses The Jezabels, alongside The Strokes twanger Albert Hammond Jr., Melburnian dream poppers Alpine, Adelaidean beatsmith Motez, big Sydney dance trio Art Vs Science, hugely hyped Australian duo Holy Holy, triple j favourites I Know Leopard and more, Mountain Sounds has rounded up quite the eclectic lineup. Giving a high five to the environment once more, the locally-founded Mountain Sounds is again set to take great care in minimising the environmental impact and carbon footprint of the festival. There'll also be silent discos and campsite parties curated by the team, who all grew up on the Central Coast. With tickets on sale now and sitting around 90 beans, this is an end-of-summer festival worth the measly dosh for. Enough chat, here's that lineup you're after. MOUNTAIN SOUNDS FESTIVAL 2016 LINEUP: Albert Hammond Jr. (USA) Alpine Art Vs Science The Delta Riggs Green Buzzard Harts Hockey Dad Holy Holy I Know Leopard Jack Beats (UK) The Jezabels - HEADLINE The Lazys Motez Nina Las Vegas Odd Mob Sea Legs Set Mo Slumberjack Tropical Zombie World Champion Plus: Bass RQ Bodega Collective Catalyst Elwood Myre Goonz Ivy J-Ray Jaket Jimmi Walker Man To Moon The Moving Stills Paperfox Pear Peekay Savilian SnilluM Stay Sane The Sea Gypsies Tom Hogan Twin Caverns Voyage IV Mountain Sounds Festival comes to Mount Penang Parklands, Kariong on Saturday, February 20. First release from $89 + BF, available here (early bird tickets have sold out already). Image: Tim Da Rin/Mountain Sounds.
If you didn't make it to Sculpture by the Sea last year, you not only missed out on some killer sculpture, but slurpees served from a treehouse and a grass-covered Hobbit-like structure. But don't curse yourself. It's a new year, and The Grounds of Alexandria are resurrecting their fantastical pop-up cafe for the summer — this time in the Showring at the Entertainment Quarter. Taking inspiration from the literary endeavours of English authors J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, the Grounds House has been designed to blend in with its natural surroundings. It's made from 100% recycled timber and the roof is covered with grass grown specifically for the purpose. “Blending into its natural surroundings, The Grounds House has transformed from its beachside setting and nestled itself beautifully into the open space of greenery on the Showring," says Ramzey Choker, co-director and creative head of The Grounds. There will be all your Grounds favourites, like their all-day breaky burger, smashed avo on toast and fresh fish of the day. So you can enjoy a little outdoor eating time before you catch a movie, head to Circus Oz or, say, take your "nephew" to Water World Central. The Grounds of Alexandria pop-up will run until Sunday, January 24 at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. It's open 11am - 11pm Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and 11am - 8pm Thursday and Sunday. Find out more here.
Wine is amazing, spirits are brilliant, and even cider has a place, but nothing takes the mid-week edge off like a delicious, crisp beer. There's nowhere better to visit than Bitter Phew, an Oxford Street bar with 12 taps that consistently rotate through some of the best craft beers on the scene. As such, there's always something for everyone — whether you're after the crisp, fruity palate of a pale ale, or looking for the deeper, chocolate tones of a dark ale. Treat yourself to an early mark, a couple brews and Mr Crackles or BL Burgers delivered straight to your table, as Oxford Street comes alive with fellow hump day revellers.
With Mardi Gras in full glittering swing, one of Sydney’s best and arguably favourite burger joints, Mary’s, will be showing its support for LGBTQI folk this season with a charitable and pun-tastic addition to their menu. Meet the Fairy’s Burger. The team’s cooked up a special take on the menu-staple Mary’s Burger by adding a colourful blob of 100s & 1000s to make one damn intriguing sweet-savoury mix. They've also outfitted both stores with rainbow artwork from local graphic designer Sindy Sinn. Owners Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham are simply asking punters for one extra dollar per burger, which they’ll match. Then all proceeds will go to Camp Out and Twenty10, two charities working toward making the world a better place for people of more diverse gender, sex and sexuality, especially among disadvantaged youth. As quirky nods to that glorious gay rainbow go, this sounds pretty damn cute. Critically acclaimed since opening in Newtown back in 2012, and most recently extending the venture to the CBD, Mary’s has been renowned for its simple philosophy of damn good burgers and Jack Daniel's for all. “Our guests are what make Mary’s such a crazy, colourful, vibrant and nourishing experience,” explains Smyth. “Mary’s isn’t gay or straight, man or woman, fat or thin, rich or poor. Mary’s is everyone and everything.” You go girlfriend. The Fairy's Burger is available from March 2-8 at both the CBD and Newtown stores.
How'd you like to populate your Christmas feast with local, artisanal goods to make your relatives impressed and your in-laws floored? Carriageworks is putting on their first Twilight Christmas Market this year, where you can buy fresh seasonal produce just a couple of days before Christmas. Importantly, you can also buy gifts just days before the big day, because we know what you're like. Hitting Carriageworks on Wednesday, December 23, the market will be a cornucopia of the spoils of NSW's best producers — think homemade plum puddings, succulent turkeys and hams, fresh cherries, smelly cheeses and more, alongside artisan food and gift stalls. Plus, they'll even have Christmas trees for you traditionalists — or highly unorganised folk. Expect the best from the weekly Carriageworks Farmers Market, including favourites like Pudding Lane, Sweetness the Patisserie, Willowbrae Chevre Cheese, Feather & Bone, Carlson's Handcrafted, The One That Got Away, Mirrool Creek Lamb and more. Plus, there'll be plenty more joining the party, from Archie Rose Distillery to Ralston Brothers Oysters, Cornersmith, Flour and Stone, Young Henrys, Slow Wine Co, Shepherds Bakehouse and a whole host more. Look at that, Carriageworks just saved Christmas. Image: Zan Wimberley.
He's created culinary delights for Cate Blanchett, David Beckham and U2, now chef Nelly Robinson (formerly of the Aria group) wants to cook for you. Snuggled in an underground bunker-style space in Surry Hills, Robinson's brand new London-like eatery nel. restaurant is the city's newest 'progressive dining' spot. Sitting on Wentworth Avenue on the border of Surry Hills, nel. works around an open, modern kitchen layout — you'll be able to see your nosh prepared from every seat in the house. Decked out with copper facades, exposed brickwork and minimalist leather booths, nel. is sure to be on the top of Sydneysider must-try lists. Food-wise, nel. is all about shaking things up. Robinson has worked with acclaimed Northern English chef Nigel Howarth (Northcote Manor, UK), so this is his own personal branch-out. Robinson's crafted a monthly rotating seasonal menu — right now we're talking venison carpaccio with a chocolate dust and pickled enoki mushrooms; slow-cooked and water bathed Tasmanian lobster with paprika and garlic butter, charred sweet corn and fresh mango; and blowtorched peach with elderflower sorbet and a buttermilk mousse. Accompanying the constantly changing menu is ten specially-matched wines — you'll be served two with each dish so you can experience different tastes (without the judgement-bait of having two wines at a time). nel. restaurant is located at 75 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills NSW 2000. nel. restaurant will be open for lunch Tuesday-Saturday 6pm-late, Thursday-Friday 12pm-3pm. For more info and bookings, call (02) 9212 2206 or visit the website.
The thought of Christmas shopping may send even the calmest among us into a panic stricken daze. Those final few weeks before the 25th approaches bring to mind memories of sweltering traffic jams in Westfield car parks, crabby sales assistants, tinny Christmas carols played on repeat everywhere you go and those condescending looks from the more organised folk who got their Christmas shopping done back in October. You know who you are. It's kind of hard to get into the Christmas spirit with all this pressure of buying your loved ones Christmas gifts that they won't secretly return. Fortunately, one of our favourite neighbourhood art collectives, Le Petit Bateau, has collaborated with Lais Marques and Party Collective to bring us something a little different this year. Introducing the M Market. Set in the beachside suburb of Maroubra Beach, the M Market is an outdoor cornucopia of art, music and food. Discover some local artists, listen to some live tunes (that aren't Christmas carols) and enjoy the unique fare from a food truck, or three. The market is proudly created and run by artists, and provides a great opportunity to pick up a unique gift handcrafted by the very human standing in front of you. Not a crabby sales assistant or plastic Christmas tree in sight. The M Market will be running on November 27 2016 at the Maroubra Bowling Club, Maroubra Beach. Festivities will start at 9am and kick on until 9pm. Entry is free.
As much as Mardi Gras is about the party and the parade, it just wouldn't be the same without Fair Day. Every year, up to 80,000 folks descend on Victoria Park for a day that's half picnic, half party. You'll want to bust out your brightest colours — being the only person who didn't dress up is no fun at all. From 10am on Sunday, February 17 there'll live performances from Electric Fields, Mojo Juju, Maribelle, The Marion Cranes and a whole load more, plus a pumpin' dance floor so that you can dance the day away. There'll also be over 200 stalls for food, bevvies and other delights, a fashions of the fair contest and an official after party. And, thanks to the return of Doggywood, your favourite four-legged buddy can also experience life in the spotlight. Does your fabulous pooch have what it takes to be crowned Best Dressed or Most Talented? Of course it does.
The old Clare Hotel is about to be reborn. Singapore-based hotel-restaurant entrepreneur Loh Lik Peng of Unlisted Collection has taken over the heritage-listed Chippendale building, turning Broadway's beloved former pub into a boutique hotel — due to open this August as part of Central Park's brand new $2 billion Kensington Street laneway precinct. As the first Australian venture for the group, the Old Clare Hotel sees Loh intending to replicate company's successful London/Shanghai/Singapore boutique hotel model in Sydney. Already announced, the hotel will feature three high profile restaurants including Automata (from former Momofuku sous chef, Clayton Wells) as part of the hotel on the Old Clare/Carlton United Brewery site. Wells is refurbishing the heritage-listed Chippendale building as a 60-seater, industrially-inspired eatery with Sydney architect and motorcycle expert Matt Machine. UK chef Jason Atherton will open the 120-seater Kensington Street Social, and Briton Sam Miller (former executive sous chef at Copenhagen's Noma) will also open his first solo restaurant, Silvereye, on the second floor. Hotel-wise, the Old Clare venture will feature 62 guest rooms and suites. Unlisted have worked with the award-winning Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects (Carriageworks, Paddington Reservoir Gardens) on the design, creating a blend of historic and modern aesthetic — high ceilings, heritage timber paneling, exposed brick (from the original foundation), all brought together amongst a contemporary, semi-industrial design. "It‘s a hotel stitched together from three structures, two old and one new," says Tim Greer, practice director at Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. "It’s unpredictable, with a bit of magic and a twist of fantasy. When you walk around the hotel, you will get a sense that the building is dressing and undressing itself all at once. The building plays games with what a hotel should be, some parts are exquisite and other parts are raw. In short a building of mixed emotions." Dressing and undressing itself all at once. Yep, we're holding out to see whatever that means. The Old Clare's reception — located within the original pub area — is set to become a bar for both locals and guests, with coffee, cocktails and beers poured day and night. So you'll be able to revisit the Clare without shelling out for accommodation. Guests get the special treatment though, with a 14-metre rooftop pool and bar on the top of the Carlton United Brewery administration building. There's apparently going to be a 'cultural program' in place, and guests will be able to partake in a spot of sunrise poolside yoga. The hotel's also set to feature a private gym and day spa, alongside a heritage-restored meeting space. The Old Clare Hotel will open August 2015 at 1 Kensington Street, Chippendale.
Film buffs of Sydney, prepare to spend a whole lot of time in Double Bay. In the near future, heading to the eastern harbourside suburb to catch a movie or ten will become a reality thanks to Palace Cinemas' brand new location. Don't go jumping on a bus or train just yet, though — the just-announced site is still a couple of years away. In fact, an exact timeline for the Cross Street development hasn't been revealed, however, the new movie house will take over a space that's currently a carpark, and form part of a broader retail and residential precinct. Expect Palace to continue to showcase a lineup of arthouse and international fare, and add a new stopover to the itinerary of their many film fests (including Italian, British, Spanish, Latin American, American indie and Scandinavian-focused events), too. The state-of-the-art Double Bay venue isn't the only change that the cinema chain is making in New South Wales, with Palace Verona replacing its seating by the end of this year and upping their screens to eight by December 2017. Plus, up in Byron Bay, Palace is the middle of a revamp that will bring a nine-screen complex to the beachside town by 2018. The news of another cinema joining Sydney's array of film-going hotspots — and more screens being added to existing locations — is a far cry from the days when everyone one was worried about picture palaces dying out, and predicting that we'd all be spending our time streaming flicks on our phones. Okay, so the second part has actually come true, but the joy that comes from sitting in a darkened theatre, watching a film projected onto a giant screen and sharing the experience with a room full of strangers really isn't going anywhere. Instead, it's coming to even more places. If that's not cause for a celebratory trip to the movies, we don't know what is. Palace Cinemas opens in Double Bay soon, opening date TBC.
It's been 11 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes in 2005. Heading back to their collection of unconventional venues for another year, Laneway Festival have announced their dates and venues for 2016's Australasian run. Returning to the five established Australian Laneway go-to cities as well as the Singapore and Auckland legs, Laneway will raise a plastic cup to the middle of summer with an undoubtedly killer lineup and unique, random locations. Kicking off in Singapore on Saturday, January 30 at Gardens by the Bay, Laneway will then head over to Auckland’s Silo Park on Monday, February 1. Then it’s off to Adelaide on Friday, February 5 to kick off the Australian leg for the first time at Harts Mill, Port Adelaide, before heading to Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday, February 6, Sydney College of the Arts on Sunday, February 7, Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC) on Saturday, February 13 and finishing up at Fremantle’s Esplanade on Valentine’s Day. The full festival lineup for all three countries will be announced at 9am AEST on Tuesday, September 22. ST JEROME'S LANEWAY FESTIVAL DATES AND VENUES FOR 2016: Saturday, January 30 — SINGAPORE (THE MEADOW, GARDENS BY THE BAY) Monday, February 1 — AUCKLAND (SILO PARK) Friday, February 5 — ADELAIDE (HARTS MILL, PORT ADELAIDE, 16+) Saturday, February 6 — BRISBANE (BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS, BOWEN HILLS, 16+) Sunday, February 7 — SYDNEY (SYDNEY COLLEGE OF THE ARTS, ROZELLE) Saturday, February 13 — MELBOURNE (FOOTSCRAY COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE (FCAC) + THE RIVER’S EDGE) Sunday, February 14 — FREMANTLE (ESPLANADE RESERVE AND WEST END) Image: Andy Fraser.
It's not just a case of the show needing to go on for the folks at the Moulin Rouge. It must, and it is. 17 years after the big-screen release of Baz Luhrmann's smash-hit movie musical, the story of doomed lovers Christian and Satine has made its way to the stage in an expectedly spectacular fashion — and now it's headed to Broadway. The lavish adaptation premiered in Boston in July, and will bow on Broadway bow from June 28, 2019. If you're planning a New York visit next year, the official opening night will take place on July 25, 2019. Moulin Rouge! the Musical follows the tale film fans fell in love with, as well as the music, with the addition of new pop tracks that have hit the airwaves in the nearly two decades since the movie's original release. It's directed by two-time Tony nominee Alex Timbers — who also has a Golden Globe to his name for co-created TV series Mozart in the Jungle — with music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by his frequent collaborator Justin Levine. Aaron Tveit (TV's Gossip Girl; stage productions of Wicked, Rent and Catch Me If You Can) will continue in the role of Christian, as played by Ewan McGregor in the movie, while Tony-winner Karen Olivo (the revival of West Side Story, In the Heights, Hamilton) keeps stepping into Nicole Kidman's shoes as Satine. "I first encountered Alex Timbers through the remarkable and inventive production of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and the brilliance of Here Lies Love," said Luhrmann in a statement when the state adaptation was first announced in 2016. "I immediately recognised the young director's creative spirit and felt we shared similar sensibilities and instincts." Continuing the show's list of talent, writing duties fell upon acclaimed playwright and screenwriter John Logan, whose resume includes Skyfall, Spectre and Alien: Covenant as well as the Tony Award-winning play Red. "It's immensely gratifying to know that a new wave of artists will be leading Moulin Rouge! into its rightful theatrical realm," said Luhrmann. Tickets for the Broadway run go on sale at 10am on Monday, December 3 (US time), and you can sign up for updates now. If a trip to NY isn't on your agenda any time soon, fingers crossed that the production will make its way down under. Come what may, and all that. Image: Moulin Rouge the Musical/Matthew Murphy.
Growing from his rough, garage-inspired acoustic rock of the early nineties into clean, driving Drag City rock and roll, Bill Callahan has sent imaginations worldwide rollicking into the American desert for a casual 12 albums. Boosted by those ominous baritone vocals, Callahan's been spinning yarns for years under his stage name, Smog, and more recently under his birth name. He's returning to Vivid this year to deliver four intimate performances with his long time collaborator, guitarist Matt Kinsey. A modern advocate of Appalachian folk mixed with country rock and roll, Callahan's tunes tell a magical story, captivating audiences with his deep and edgy oeuvre.
UPDATE, August 19, 2021: After Bluesfest was originally cancelled just days out from its usual Easter slot, and then later postponed to October, the long-running fest has now announced that it's abandoning plans to go ahead this year — and will return for Easter 2022 instead. For more information head to the Bluesfest website. Mid last year, after its 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic, Bluesfest announced the first 50 acts for its 2021 festival. That lineup has changed in the months since, with an all-Aussie roster now set to hit the fest's stages — headlined by Aussie icon and the human scream Jimmy Barnes, Tash Sultana, Ocean Alley, Ziggy Alberts and The Teskey Brothers. Also on the bill: John Butler, Xavier Rudd, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers, The Church, The Waifs, Jon Stevens and John Williamson, plus Ian Moss, The Angels, The Living End and Tex Perkins. The list goes on, and includes new additions Pete Murray, Kate Ceberano, Electrik Lemonade and Palm Valley. In good news after a year lacking in large-scale music festivals, the event has been given a provisional green light, with organisers announcing that they've received NSW Government approval to run the festival at 50 percent capacity this April — as long as no outbreaks occur beforehand. The festival is set to return to Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm — just outside Byron Bay — for its usual Easter time slot, from Thursday, April 1 to Monday, April 5. When the festival was cancelled last year, it was the first time in 30 years it had not run, but the second year in a row it had come under threat. In 2019, the Festival Director threatened to move the festival to a spot outside of NSW because of the State Government's strict music festival licensing regime. Here's hoping that it does go ahead as planned in 2021 — with tickets on sale now. BLUESFEST 2021 LINEUP Pete Murray Mark Seymour and The Undertow Kate Ceberano Fiona Boyes and The Fortune Tellers Lambros The Regime Round Mountain Girls Electrik Lemonade Palm Valley Ocean Alley John Williamson Tex Perkins The Man in Black Jon Stevens Ash Grunwald and Josh Teskey Vika and Linda Garrett Kato Mia Dyson The Church Kate Miller-Heidke The Living End The Angels Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks Blue King Brown Jeff Lang Kara Grainger Tash Sultana Ziggy Alberts Kev Carmody Ian Moss Hiatus Kaiyote Russell Morris Briggs Kim Churchill Mama Kin Spender All Our Exes Live In Texas Jimmy Barnes The Teskey Brothers John Butler Xavier Rudd The Cat Empire Kasey Chambers The Waifs Troy Cassar-Daley The Black Sorrows Melbourne Ska Orchestra Chain Backsliders Harts Plays Hendrix Ash Grunwald The Bamboos Mick Thomas' Roving Commission Dami Im Pierce Brothers Emily Wurramara Roshani Ray Beadle Henry Wagons Hussy Hicks Pacey, King and Doley Daniel Champagne Nathan Cavaleri Little Georgia Bluesfest Busking Competition and Winners The Australian Americana Music Honours Bluesfest 2021 will run Thursday, April 1–Monday, April 5 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. Tickets are on sale now via Moshtix. Image: Joseph Mayers.
Summer is officially over. We know that not just because it's March, but because, as has become custom at this time of year, Vivid Sydney has this morning announced its program for 2018. Get ready to be ensconced in projections once again — the festival of light, music and ideas is returning for 23 days from May 25 to June 16. The first tidbit from this year's program was handed to us a few weeks ago, with the announcement that Solange will do four shows at the Sydney Opera House from June 1–4 — her only Australian shows this time round. Tickets have already been allocated via ballot, so we hope you jumped on that already. The most overt (and unavoidable) aspect of the program is the lights, and this year their glow will extend across the bridge to light up Luna Park for the first time. A new precinct for 2017, it will extend the reach of the CBD's Light Walk from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo with a collection of large-scale projections and a new light fit-out for the Ferris wheel. Should make good viewing from the ferry. The Sydney Opera House's sails will this year be lit up with hyperreal images of Australian flora, fauna and natural elements from artist (and former Flume collaborator) Jonathan Zawada, and Customs House will be home to an adorable projection of May Gibbs' Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Fans of Sir David Attenborough will be able to head down to the Maritime Museum to watch scenes from Blue Planet II projected onto the building's roof, and interactive light installation Aqueous will head to the Royal Botanic Garden via Burning Man. Vivid light hotspots, Circular Quay, the MCA, Chatswood, Taronga Zoo and Martin Place will all be lit up as well. Vivid Music is once again in fine form. Joining Solange for the Vivid Live component of the program at the Opera House will be hip hop legend Ice Cube, 90s favourite Cat Power and Mazzy Star, who will come to Australia for the very first time since forming in 1989 (if you don't know the band by name, you probably know the song 'Fade Into You'). Dreams — a new project from Silverchair's Daniel Johns and Empire of the Sun's Luke Steele — and performances from Iron and Wine, Neil Finn and Middle Kids around also on the Opera House's 20-night Vivid lineup. Another big one is a one-off performance from St Vincent at Carriageworks, and the City Recital Hall has a solid program this year, including a musical comedy show from Orange Is the New Black's Lea Delaria. Vivid Ideas is, of course, back for those keen to delve into creativity, science and technology — and this year it's scored James Cameron as its big-ticket speaker. Cameron will be in town to open his new exhibition at the Maritime Museum and do an in conversation with comedian Adam Spencer. There's plenty more where that came from, check the Vivid Sydney website for more details.
It's been three years since Florence + The Machine last toured Australia and we were beginning to think it'd be another three years before they toured again. Oh how wrong we were. Not content with just headlining this year's Splendour In The Grass and playing two packed sideshows, the group have announced that they'll be back in November. British powerhouse Florence Welch and her crew will be touring the country with a set list from their third studio album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. Guess they like Australia after all (and if the album's debut at #1 on the ARIA charts is anything to go by, we seem to have a bit of a thing for them too.) 2015 has been a busy year for the group, with performances at Coachella and Glastonbury, plus Austin City Limits this coming October. Now they'll be going solo, performing five dates across Australia. This includes two show at one of the country's most iconic venues: the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, an area reserved for the most popular of acts. You'll be able to enjoy an evening of infectious powerhouse art rock against one of the most perfect backdrops in the nation. Tickets to their Australian tour go on sale from 10 am (AEST) on Monday August 3 – and judging from how popular their Splendour sideshows were, you'll have to be extra quick to get your hands on them. Get ready to get your jive on.
This Sunday, March 8, the Museum of Contemporary Art is taking its usual lineup of talks and guided tours and shifting the focus to women artists for International Women's Day. Aiming to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women and their contribution to the industry, these talks and tours will be geared towards works in the MCA collection. Every hour, you'll hear from MCA hosts, volunteers and young guides as they tell you about their favourite pieces by talented women, with the 1pm tour highlighting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women artists. Between tours, be sure to check out Favour Economy's interactive sound installation. Favour Economy is an ongoing collaborative art project exploring the femxle (including transgender and non-binary identities) experience of working in the arts, so expect a bunch of insightful audio recordings (or 'favours') from various artists and industry members. You'll be invited to respond to what you hear and resonate with on a huge piece of canvas, too. The MCA is open from 10am–5pm. The first talk on the program will commence at 10.30am and the last at 4pm. Favour Economy will be open from 11am–3pm. Top image: Brett Boardman
Like Rollerfit, Retrosweat, Beyoncé dance classes and Morning Gloryville raves, Fitness Playground gym in Surry Hills offers an opportunity to exercise that isn't scary, or boring. You can work out with your friends, attend a circus-inspired trapeze classes or hang from monkey bars. The people are friendly, the energy is great and everyone knows your name. There are three FP locations (Surry Hills, Newtown and Marrickville), but they've just added a third level to their Surry Hills location specifically for classes. Our favourite class is Circus Fit, but there's also barre, anti-gravity yoga, pilates and Athletica — small, intensive group training classes that feel like a personal training session — on offer. Fitness Playground are hosting an 'open week' exclusive to Concrete Playground readers at all three of their gyms. That means full access to classes and gym equipment from March 6 to 12 in Surry Hills, Newtown and Marrickville. Enter your details into the registration box below and head along to any of Fitness Playground's three locations during staffed hours to redeem your free week-long membership. [competition]608850[/competition] Learn more about the story behind Fitness Playground or find out what happens at a 'Circus Fit' class. Enter here to win a one-year Fitness Playground membership. Images: Steven Woodburn and Kimberley Low.
Every damn year, we wait for the big March announcement — which of the world's artists are heading to Sydney for our annual festival of lights? While the city sits awash with vibrant Vivid installations and projections, underground bars are heaving with live music, and festival headliners take the stage under the luminous Opera House sails. This year's impressive live music lineup features newcomers, stalwarts, and faces we haven't seen around here for a while. With most tickets going on sale to the public today, here's our pick of the bigger live shows to check out at Vivid LIVE this year — we'll take a look at the more intimate gigs and parties in the coming weeks. Trying for Sampha? Those tickets are long gone. We paused too. Act fast on these nine. By James Whitton, Libby Curran, Lauren Vadnjal and Shannon Connellan.
Fair is foul and foul is fair, and both words can be applied to the harrowing new film adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Foul in that Australian director Justin Kurzel evokes the pervasive bleakness and epic tragedy of the source material in a manner that few other screen adaptations have ever managed. And fair in that the film's hypnotic aesthetic, along with the incredible work of its cast, ensures that it will be remembered as one of the most awe-inspiring movies of the year. Fans of local cinema may remember Kurzel's name from his debut feature, Snowtown, which hit cinemas back in 2011. Based on a notorious South Australian murder case, the film's immaculate craftsmanship is matched only by its repellent content — it's the kind of movie critics appreciate and admire but find almost impossible to recommend. Either way, it could hardly have been a better audition piece for a director looking to tackle what is arguably one of Shakespeare's grimmest plays. Plenty of talented filmmakers — including Orson Welles, Roman Polanski and Akira Kurosawa — have made adaptations of the Scottish play, but rarely has the dialogue sounded darker or more enthralling. It helps that Kurzel has recruited two of the greatest actors alive in his quest to bring literature's ultimate power couple to life. Michael Fassbender is magnetic as the eponymous Scottish thane, a good man brought low by his own overleaping ambition. His whispered delivery in the film's early scenes brings the audience in on his character's moral misgivings. Yet it is his work in the second half, as Macbeth descends rapidly into cruel, paranoid madness, that will stick with viewers for days. Marion Cotillard, meanwhile, is steely-eyed and silver-tongued as Macbeth's conniving lady wife — and like Fassbender, she saves her best work for the back end. Kurzel shoots Lady Macbeth's famous "Out, damned spot!" scene in a single unbroken close-up, and it proves to be a very smart choice. Think Anne Hathaway in Les Miserables. Minus the singing. But while Macbeth contains no shortage of great acting moments in which the cast get to bear their soul for the camera, there is nothing remotely stagey about Kurzel's adaptation. From the opening frame to the close, his stylistic fingerprints are all over this film, and the results are absolutely magnificent. The selective employment of slow motion and evocative use of colour — along with the imposing images of the Scottish landscape captured by cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, and the haunting score of droning strings by Kurzel's brother Jed — make this unquestionably one of the most cinematic Shakespeare adaptations ever put to screen. It's as compelling in its moments without dialogue as it is when the characters are speaking. So heavy is the atmosphere that the film feels almost like a nightmare; one in which you're slowly being smothered and from which you cannot seem to wake. Now you may not think all this sounds like a particularly pleasant viewing experience, and to be honest you'd be right. Kurzel, to his credit as an artist, never attempts to make the film more palatable for a mainstream audience. Despite the period setting, the grizzly violence and the power plays, this is not Game of Thrones. It's a hard watch. A gruelling watch. But it's also an intensely rewarding one. All hail Macbeth.
Whatever you're doing between 4pm and 5pm this afternoon, we suggest you cancel it. You now have more pressing concerns. Two words: free doughnuts. Why? Because it's World Nutella Day that's why. For one hour only, the legends at Doughnut Time really will be handing out their mouthwatering Love at First Bite doughnuts — a cinnamon doughnut filled with rich Nutella — free of charge, at their Chippendale store. And we thought we couldn't love the folks that brought us burger-doughnut hybrids, vegan doughnuts and doughnut delivery any more than we already do. Yep, this is the second time this week they've handed out freebies. Those with a hankering for doughy goodness — which includes you, let's be honest — just need to head on down to Doughnut Time Central Park once the clock strikes four. We recommend arriving early, because if there's one thing everyone loves, it's devouring sweet treats without having to pay for the privilege. Doughnut Time Central Park is located on the Lower Ground Floor, 28 Broadway, Chippendale. For more information, visit the Doughnut Time Facebook page.
There's Halloween parties. Then there's Japanese-themed haunted house parties. Yes, you heard correctly. It's a party with sake, Japanese beer and whisky, street food and candy. Yum. Have fun with all-you-can-sing karaoke and arcade games on the creepiest night of the year at Goros. For bookings call (02) 9212 0214. This event is one of our top ten picks of Good Food Month 2015. Check out the other nine.
Oxford Street's food and drink scene is getting some much needed TLC, courtesy of hospitality guru Justin Hemmes and his unstoppable Merivale empire. Of the slew of new ventures the group have opening up over summer, three will be located next door to one another along the Paddington strip. The Paddington (previously The Paddington Arms) will open its doors in November, followed by The Oxford Street Chicken Shop by the end of the year. But it's the humbly-named Fred's that will complete the trifecta. Scheduled to open in February 2016, Fred's is being billed as an old world, produce-oriented restaurant complete with woodfired ovens in the kitchen, a cocktail and tapas bar in the basement, and a seasoned chef in Danielle Alvarez at the helm. A veteran of San Francisco's iconic Chez Panisse and the Napa Valley's three-Michelin-starred French Laundry, Alvarez has already forged relationships with local producers and organic farmers, whose fresh produce will help inform the direction of the menu. Expect handmade bread, butter, pasta and charcuterie, along with a 120-strong wine list that focuses on small-batch varieties and features an extensive 'wine by the glass' selection that changes to match the food. Meanwhile, Fred's basement will be home to Sussex 1854, a basement bar serving tapas and seasonal cocktails. Merivale have already earned their stripes with long-loved CBD bar Palmer & Co., so we're predicting more vintage coupe champagne glasses and more juleps than you can poke a stick at. More information about Fred's and Sussex 1854 will become available in the coming months. Fred's will be located at 380 Oxford Street, Paddington and is expected to begin service in February 2016. Image: Palmer & Co.
Following the well-trodden footsteps of the legendary Beer Baron, the still-madly-delivering Jimmy Brings, CBD-based LiquorDrop, Manly's Dial-A-Drink and Leichhardt-founded QuickBottle, there's a new on-demand alcohol delivery service in town: WineRun. Launching this Thursday, July 9 and delivering seven nights a week, WineRun offers a limited range of wine, beer, spirits and snacks which they deliver via scooter in 30 minutes. Yep, 30 minutes. But hold your horses, there's a location limit, of course. WineRun will start off delivering to Sydney's lower north shore, with plans to perfect the delivery service before expanding. Contrary to our initial assumptions, WineRun isn't the half-baked idea of frustrated college kids dealing with Sydney's 10pm bottle shop curfew. Founded by Daniel Sofo, who operates Neutral Bay's Firefly and The Italian in Willoughby, WineRun comes from the brain of a hardworking Sydney bar owner seeing a niche in the market (delivery is the future of food and bev, people). "Being a bar owner means I know a thing or two about good drinks," says Sofo. "I've done the hard yards sifting the tasty from the ordinary and the good value from the overpriced. The result is the seventy wines, craft beers and spirits I've featured at WineRun. It isn't a huge collection, but i'm confident you'll love what's there, especially since we'll deliver it when you need it." So how can you get WineRun to scoot over to your house? All orders are placed online, through crew's website. WineRun operates between 5.30 and 10pm daily, delivering to Sydney's lower north shore only. WineRun launches on Thursday, July 9. Head to the website to place your order.
You've probably heard that iconic American street artist Shepard Fairey is in town for Vivid Sydney. He's been installing his first Australian mural (visit 309 George Street between June 12 and 17 to see him do his thing) and he's giving a talk at Sydney Town Hall on June 17 as part of the Vivid Ideas Game-Changer program on his body of work and global street art. He'll also be exhibiting 16 of his large-scale music-themed artworks at aMBUSH gallery's outdoor public art space, OPEN, in Darling Quarter from May 26. But as well as that, he'll be opening a newly-announced exhibition, Printed Matters, at Chippendale pop-up gallery from June 17 to July 9. First exhibited in LA in 2010, and slowly expanded with each city's showing, the exhibition explores the importance of printed material. Find Printed Matters at aMBUSH Gallery and T-world Pop-Up Gallery at The Old Rum Store on Kensington Street, open 12–8pm daily.
A midnight feast, a sensory degustation and a fancy schmancy picnic catered by some of the hottest chefs in town are among the highlights of this year's spectacular Good Food Month program. Taking over Sydney for the whole month of October, this annual culinary cavalcade will once again see the city transformed into the foodie equivalent of Valhalla, with parties, sit-down dinners and everything in-between to satisfying your most extravagant cravings. Clear your calendar and start fasting now. This year they're packing as much as they can into every one of the 31 days in October. Perhaps the most exciting of the bigger events is the Golden Century Midnight Feast. This won't be like all those other post-midnight dumpling stops at the late-night favourite though — starting at midnight, diners can eat alongside the likes of Tetsuya Wakuda, Neil Perry, Mitch Orr and Morgan McGlone, who'll share their favourite kitchen stories over a banquet fit for a king. As always, the program is filled with notable names. Legendary chef Serge Dansereau (of Balmoral's Bathers' Pavilion) will recreate some of his most famous dishes in a special food and wine event, while May Chow (Little Bao) and Neil Perry will join forces for a night of steamed buns and spice. Ten famous chefs, including Biota's James Viles, Bennelong's Rob Cockerill and Firedoor's Lennox Hastie will host ten Kitchen Table Dinners, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to food charity OzHarvest. Whatever you do, don't miss the inaugural Spring Social, which will feature food by Matt Moran, the Three Blue Ducks crew and dessert kings Alistair Wise and Andy Bowdy at Centennial Park. One of Nashville's top barbecue masters Carey Bringle will be heading up an intimate three-course dinner with Morgan McGlone at Harpoon Harry. Of course it wouldn't be Good Food Month without the Night Noodle Market, with the ever popular GF staple returning to Hyde Park once more. For the full Good Food Month program visit www.goodfoodmonth.com/sydney
We've just a festival of barbecued meats and a ceremonious gathering dedicated to bacon kicks off next week, so it's not surprising that a burger festival is next up on Sydney's culinary calendar. In fact, it's hard to believe no one has done it before. Essentially herding Sydney's best burger venues into the courtyard at The Vic, Burgapalooza is a burger aficionados wildest dream. There'll be six stations, with Pub Life Kitchen, Barrio Cellar, Milk Bar by Cafe Ish, Bar Luca, Chef's Kitchen and Bare Grill each creating a custom burg for the event. They'll go for $9 a pop, and drinks will be available from the pub's bar as per usual. As expected, the festival has been created by hardcore burgies — that is, the guys behind the epic burger loving Instagram Hashtag Burgers. The festival is free and unticketed, so you can used your saved pennies on an extra burger. Or three. Seeing as there's six on-hand less than two strides from each other, it would be rude not to try at least a few. Burgapalooza will take place on Satruday, March 19 at the Vic on the Park Hotel at 2 Addison Road, Marrickville. For more info and updates, visit their Facebook page.
As far as folklore villains go, Baron Samedi is one of the most mysterious. He's an ancient spirit (or Loa) of Haitian Voodoo, the leader of the Guédé, guardian of the afterlife, and associated with magic and death. He's got a skull-like face and donned in a top hat, black tail coat, dark glasses (prepared for burial, Haitian-style). Now, he's returned from the underworld. Launching in Australia this month, Baron Samedi Spiced is made with Caribbean rum and features spices such as vanilla, cacao and cinnamon. It also includes Vetiver; a native spice of Haiti. That should please the Loa. Thanks to Baron Samedi Spiced, we're giving away four double passes to the Sydney launch at the Beresford Upstairs, where they've invited their mates triple j Hottest 100 winners The Rubens to play on Thursday, May 12 at 7pm. You'll get entry to the gig and two free drinkies. ENTER HERE.
It's that time of year where you should probably start getting your New Year's Eve plans in order. To help you out, Beyond the Valley has just announced the lineup for their celebrated four-day festival in Lardner, Victoria and it's pretty.bloody.good. Just two years old, the Victorian festival is fresh on the New Year's circuit, starting out in 2014. Despite this, they've managed to secure a rather colossal lineup featuring Hudson Mohawke, Phantogram and ZHU among plenty of others. The lineup has some solid Australian flavours, including festival favourites Sticky Fingers, Safia, Dune Rats and Alex Lahey, who absolutely killed it when she opened up Splendour in the Grass last month. We think DZ Deathrays summed it up nicely with this post: Enough chat, here's what you're after. BEYOND THE VALLEY 2016 LINEUP: Alex Lahey Bag Raiders Bakermat Chance The Rapper Dena Amy DUNE RATS DZ Deathrays Eats Everything Emma Louise Giraffage GoldLink Harts Hermitude Highasakite Hot Chip Hudson Mohawke Japanese Wallpaper Jarryd James Jme Kllo Kölsch Ladyhawke Lastlings LUNICE Montaigne Motez MSTRKRFT Oliver Huntemann Paces Pachanga Boys Hippie Dance Phantogram Running Touch Ryan Hemsworth Safia Skream Slumberjack Sonny Fodera Sticky Fingers Thundamentals TOKiMONSTA Total Giovanni Vera Blue Wafia What So Not ZHU Tickets go on sale Thursday, August 11 at 9am from beyondthevalley.com. Images: Beyond the Valley.
This Easter, there's no more dramatic pinnacle to your chocolate-inhaling escapades than destroying Australia's largest chocolate Easter egg — a three-metre-high, 300 kilogram chocolate egg which you can obliterate in in the 'community cracking' on Easter Sunday. Where's this monster lurking? In a storybook wonderland this Easter at beloved foodie wonderland The Grounds of Alexandria. Gearing up for their huge Easter celebrations from March 25 to 27, The Grounds crew love a spot of Easter indulgence. From Good Friday to Easter Sunday they're transforming their Alexandria digs into a magical storybook land. There'll be a Golden Easter Egg Hunt, a Humpty Dumpty Wall built for selfies, real-life roaming children's storybook characters, a giant bunny made out of moss (named Cate Moss, of course), the beloved petting zoo, free Easter arts and crafts workshops, balloon twisting, live music from bands like Pets in the Park, and the giant, giant egg to pulverise. They're also using Easter as an opportunity to show off their mad culinary talents — including the delicious, delicious aforementioned hot cross buns from The Grounds' head baker. Want to have a go at making them before Sunday? Here's the recipe.
Late last week, Sydney rock lads Gang of Youths released the follow-up EP to their ARIA-nominated 2015 album The Positions. If you were wondering how the beloved locals would go after releasing an album that tugged on All The Heartstrings, their new EP Let Me Be Clear, does not disappoint. It seems as though the band has been overwhelmed with the response from fans and music critics alike, and in order to say thanks, have announced a free show in Sydney tonight (August 2). The venue has just been announced as the Newtown Social Club, with doors opening at 7pm. Previously the Sly Fox had been announced for the show, but we're guessing that the hands in the air on social media might have caused them to change to a slightly larger venue. This event will be extremely limited capacity, so if you're a fan you'd better get there early to secure a spot to witness all of frontman Dave Le'aupepe's epic hair flicks. Gang of Youths play Newtown Social Club tonight, August 2, with doors opening at 7pm. Entry is free, first come first served.
After the success of Love and Information two years ago, Kip Williams has gone to the Caryl Churchill well again, returning to STC with something strange in his pail. Cloud Nine is, according to Williams, an "extraordinary investigation of identity politics along the lines of gender, sexuality, race and class." It tells the story of a family beset by sexual scandal and revelation over the course of a century or two. Untroubled the rigidities of conventional ageing, though, the characters gain only 25 years over the duration of the play. Shifting from colonial Africa to London in the 1970s, with a complete character-swap by the cast between acts, Cloud Nine could well prove a head-scratcher. But Williams is quick to point out that it's also comedic, with a great sense of fun. Expect a game of hide and seek and more than a couple of songs. If the marketing's anything to go by, probably a nerf gun or two as well. Images: Zan Wimberley and James Green.
The KitchenAid Artisan Mixer is now smaller — which means they're perfect for that infuriatingly tiny amount of bench space in your house. Whether you whip out the classic Empire Red, go for something more tropical like the Orange Sorbet, or opt for something a little newer and classier like the Matte Black – KitchenAid Artisan Minis are just as pretty as they are practical. To celebrate its launch in Australia we've got five (and one attachment) to give away. Choose your colour, and then choose from one of the fifteen KitchenAid Artisan Mini attachments available (food processor, pasta maker, spiralizer are just a few — you can do much more than bake with this thing), and enter your details below. Make sure you agree to the competition terms and conditions, and be quick, entries close at midday on Sunday, October 30. [competition]592968[/competition] Image: Samantha Hawker.
Trips between CBD and Parramatta could one day be a whole lot faster as the NSW Government has today promised to put a fair chunk of funding towards its plan for an ambitious new high-speed underground train between the two Sydney business districts. The State Government today committed a huge $3 billion to the Metro West project — which includes $28 million in the coming financial year — as part of its Budget 2018. The project — which would see a completely new underground train line built from the CBD to Parramatta — was first announced back in November 2016. If built, it would complement the existing overground (and at-capacity) T1 line and service a range of areas, including Sydney Olympic Park, White Bay, Rozelle and Westmead. The funding is expected to pass through Parliament and, should there be a change in government at next year's election, still go ahead under Labor — Labor leader Luke Foley has said that the Metro West is the "number one transport project" for the party. The $28 million in the 2018 budget will go towards planning and designing the stations so that the next stage of development can be finalised. Work on the project is expected to begin in 2020, and it's slated for completion in 2025. If all goes to plan, Parramatta will also have a new light rail system by then and the CBD could have nine new metro stations.
The city is gearing up to pull off the biggest Lunar New Year celebration and you can join in. From 28 January onward, there will be festivities aplenty inside the huge Westfield Sydney in Pitt Street Mall like tea tastings at Laduree and a calligrapher’s exhibition. But our pick is the dumpling eating competition at New Shanghai. Yep, you heard us. On February 19, all the practice you’ve gotten from eating the last dumpling that nobody else could finish will come in handy. Bring your hungriest friends and settle once and for all, who’s the speediest eater. Time to start training. It’s set to be hosted by a celebrity MC but mum’s the word on who it’ll be. That’s not all. Pick up a fortune cookie at the concierge desk from 8-23 February and you might win a $1000 gift card. You can spend it on roomier pants after eating all those dumplings.
For the first time, a generation (or, at least, a privileged segment of it), can work from anywhere, anytime, anyhow. Which means that joyous feeling of holiday mode can be as long as you have imagination enough to keep it going. No more confinement to white cubicles. No more bosses breathing down your neck. No more debating triple j's playlists while languishing in peak hour traffic. And, most gloriously, no more having to get dressed. Yep, with a laptop under your arm, an ability to make the best of an awful to-do list and a few handy tips from us, you can turn your life into a permanent holiday. Here are five ways to make your working days equal parts business and Bahamas (just go with it). GET A DECENT DONGLE AND HIT THE BEACH With a good dongle or smartphone hot spot, connected to a quality service provider, you can consider any beach your office. Just don't forget to fully charge your devices before you get going. Pack a picnic blanket or, for even more flexibility, buy a light, portable laptop stand. That'll let you set up anywhere without wrecking your back and neck — and sand is a punish on laptops, so be wary. If you're in for a long day, a sun shelter can be handy too. Not keen to carry so much gear? Scope out beaches with picnic tables. Whatever you do, throw your swimmers into your bag — you'll need breaks in between typing and posting and emailing. And most obviously, don't leave your laptop on the beach while you're paddling. FIND A BAR WITH FREE WIFI Another advantage of escaping the office is that you can spend time in your favourite bar and be productive (i.e. make those dollars) at the same time. Nothing quite says boss like ticking off things from your to-do list and screening calls in-between cocktails — especially if you can make that happen on a lounge in a cosy bar. So, do some Googling or wandering, until you find a drinking hole with wifi, and you'll be channelling your inner tortured writer in no time. Of course, now's not the time to let things get out of hand. Be smart. There are deadlines to meet, after all. [caption id="attachment_564835" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bench Accounting via Unsplash[/caption] GO CAFE HOPPING IN A NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD Turn your work day into a travel adventure — in your own city. Even if you've lived in said city all your life, chances are there are neighbourhoods you haven't yet visited — or don't know so well. So, choose one that's unfamiliar and map out a bunch of interesting-looking cafes (oh hai, Concrete Playground can help you there) within walking distance of one another. Spend an hour or two working in each, before heading to the next one. To maximise your productivity, set clear, achievable goals for every session. Not only do you get to discover new places, you also fit in some walking, which, according to this report, might reduce your mortality risk by up to 46 percent. [caption id="attachment_563818" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Dave Meier[/caption] TAKE YOUR LAPTOP ON A DAY TRIP Choose a place just out of town that you've always wanted to visit — but not quite got around to checking out — and take your laptop day tripping. If you can, opt for a destination that's reachable by train, so you can work while you're travelling. This option lets you roll the first three hacks into one — with some planning, you can organise time in cafes, bars, beaches and parks. Also, think about how you'll spend break times — getting outdoors for a dose of swimming, paddling, cycling or hiking can clear your head and help you concentrate better when you're back at your computer. [caption id="attachment_563817" align="alignnone" width="5184"] Henry McIntosh[/caption] PUT ASIDE SOME DOSH AND CHECK INTO A HOTEL One of the challenges of self-employment can be keeping focused while working from home. Some people opt for offices or co-working spaces, but, every now and again, it can be fun to go for a total change of scene. So, treat yourself and check into a hotel or resort for a night — or several. This is an excellent option if you're working on a particular project or collaborating with others. Try to find a place with a pretty pool — there's nothing quite as refreshing as jumping into the water in between work sessions, brainstorms or meetings. An onsite cocktail bar can come in handy, too.
In what could prove to be a market-changing plot twist, online retail behemoth Amazon has set its sights on the startup world. It’s just gone live with Launchpad, a new specialist shopfront that will only sell products from startups. Combining the marketing, selling and distributing functions of other platforms — and possibly putting them out of business — Launchpad is an all-in-one service for bright-eyed inventors and visionaries with something to sell. The site is pretty tech-heavy so far, with gadgets you never knew you needed (and maybe still aren’t sure about) like an activity tracker that teaches you not to slouch, a Bluetooth speaker in floating orb form, and a 3D printer that’ll set you back $2,499 (US dollars, so probably double that, who even knows). But you’ve also got your artisanal pet treats, farm-to-bag popcorn, a smart indoor herb garden and a deck of cards ominously titled The Love Game. If you’ve got your own venture going on in, I don’t know, biodegradable socks, you can sign up to Launchpad for free and get Amazon’s help with marketing and distributing. Just make sure your products will be ready to ship within 90 days, and watch the cash dollars roll in. (Extra points if you’re already connected to one of their 25 partner organisations, which include venture capital firms, start-up accelerators and crowdfunding platforms.) Or just take a browse and get familiar with your scroll keys. Thus far the range is fairly limited, with just 200 products. But we predict that once this blows up, Launchpad will become something like the Etsy of the crowdfunded tech world — a time-sucking vortex of part wonder, part second-hand regret. Via Macworld.
It's been three years since Florence + The Machine last toured Australia and we were beginning to think it'd be another three years before they toured again. Oh how wrong we were. Not content with just headlining this year's Splendour In The Grass and playing two packed sideshows, the group have announced that they'll be back in November. British powerhouse Florence Welch and her crew will be touring the country with a set list from their third studio album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. Guess they like Australia after all (and if the album's debut at #1 on the ARIA charts is anything to go by, we seem to have a bit of a thing for them too.) 2015 has been a busy year for the group, with performances at Coachella and Glastonbury, plus Austin City Limits this coming October. Now they'll be going solo, performing five dates across Australia. This includes two show at one of the country's most iconic venues: the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, an area reserved for the most popular of acts. You'll be able to enjoy an evening of infectious powerhouse art rock against one of the most perfect backdrops in the nation. Tickets to their Australian tour go on sale from 10 am (AEST) on Monday August 3 – and judging from how popular their Splendour sideshows were, you'll have to be extra quick to get your hands on them. Get ready to get your jive on. FLORENCE + THE MACHINE 2015 TOUR DATES: Saturday 7th November - Perth Arena, Perth Tuesday 10th November - Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Friday 13th November - Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney Saturday 14th November - Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney Wednesday 18th November - Riverstage, Brisbane
It's the yearly exhibition that leaves us with jaws on the floor; the 59th annual World Press Photo exhibition is coming to Australia for another year. Beating 97,912 submissions by 5692 photographers from 131 countries, Denmark's Mads Nissen took out the top spot for 2014 Photo of the Year for his intimate, poignant portrait of Jon and Alex, a gay couple in conservative St Petersburg, Russia. After almost six decades of beautiful and devastating photojournalism, the WPP contest continues to be one of the world's most important platforms for art, journalism and humanising the headlines. The World Press Photo exhibition can be seen at Sydney’s State Library of NSW, May 23 - June 21; WA Museum in Perth, July 4 - 26; and Brisbane Powerhouse, August 8 - 30. Before the exhibition makes its way to Australia, take a look through some of the landmark images that caught the eye of the WPP judges; from an orphaned rhino in Kenya to Lionel Messi at Brazil's World Cup, Istanbul's anti-government protests to a young Kamilaroi girl in Moree, New South Wales. With many of the photographs documenting the more saddening news headlines, they're often not easy images to look at, but it's the work of these photojournalists that wakes up an otherwise ignorant world. Jon and Alex (St Petersburg, Russia) — Mads Nissen 2014 Photo of the Year and First Prize Contemporary Issues, Singles "Jon and Alex, a gay couple, share an intimate moment at Alex’s home, a small apartment in St Petersburg, Russia. Life for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people is becoming increasingly difficult in Russia. Sexual minorities face legal and social discrimination, harassment, and even violent hate-crime attacks from conservative religious and nationalistic groups." Istanbul Protest (Istanbul, Turkey) — Bülent Kiliç First Prize Spot News, Singles "A young girl was wounded during clashes between riot police and protestors after the funeral of Berkin Elvan, a 15-year-old boy who died from injuries suffered during anti-government protests. Riot police fired tear gas and water cannons at protestors in the capital Ankara, while in Istanbul, crowds shouting anti-government slogans lit a huge fire as they made their way to a cemetery for the boy’s burial." Laurinda (Moree, New South Wales, Australia) — Raphaela Rosella First Prize Portraits, Singles "Laurinda, a young Kamilaroi girl, plays with her dress as she waits for the bus that will take her to Sunday school. Many disadvantaged communities in Australia face entrenched poverty, racism, trans-generational trauma, violence, addiction, and a range of other barriers to health and wellbeing." Monkey Training for a Circus (Suzhou, Anhui Province, China) — Yongzhi Chu First Prize Nature, Singles "A rhesus macaque cowers as its trainer approaches, while training for a circus act, in Suzhou, eastern China. Performing animals in circuses and zoos are enormously popular in China. After years of pressure from animal-welfare groups, the Chinese government has banned animal circuses, and implemented regulations to stop abuse at state-owned zoos, but many trainers say they have not heard of the ban, nor have any intention of stopping. Authorities in Suzhou, which with its 300 troupes is known as the hometown of circus in China, have announced plans for developing alternative circus entertainment, without performing animals." The Final Game (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) — Bao Tailiang First Prize Sports, Singles "Argentina player Lionel Messi faces the World Cup trophy during the final ceremony at Maracana Stadium. His team lost to Germany 1-0, after a goal by Mario Götze in extra time." Mindsuckers (Santa Barbara, California, USA) — Anand Varma First Prize Nature, Stories "When a male sheep crab (Loxorhynchus grandis) is infected by Heterosaccus californicus, a parasitic barnacle, it stops developing fighting claws, and its abdomen widens, providing a womb for the barnacle to fill with its brood pouch. Nurtured by the crab, the eggs hatch. Thousands of baby barnacles disperse to infect anew. Many parasites not only feed off their hosts, but appear to manipulate the host’s behavior in a way that is advantageous to the parasite’s life cycle." The Beckham Catch (East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA) — Al Bello Second Prize Sports, Singles "Odell Beckham (#13) of the New York Giants makes a one-handed touchdown catch in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium." Blue Sky Days (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA) — Tomas van Houtryve Third Prize Contemporary Issues, Stories "People exercising in central Philadelphia. Drone operators may consider such ‘signature behaviors’ as evidence of the existence of a training camp. Since 2002, the United States has used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) to collect intelligence and carry out airstrikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. The aircraft are guided via satellite by distant operators. The attacks have resulted in a large number of fatalities, including hundreds of civilians. The photographer bought a small drone, fitted it with a camera, and flew it in the US over the sorts of gatherings that have become habitual targets for airstrikes abroad—weddings, funerals, groups of people praying or exercising. He also used it to photograph settings in which drones are used to less lethal effect, such as oil fields, prisons, and the US-Mexico border." Orphaned Rhino (Kenya) — Ami Vitale Second Prize Nature, Singles "A group of young Samburu warriors touch a black rhino for the first time in their lives, at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, in northern Kenya. Black rhinos are almost extinct in Kenya. This young calf had been orphaned when poachers killed its mother, and was hand-raised at Lewa. Most people in Kenya never get the opportunity to see the wildlife living around them, especially at such close quarters. Attention is often given to the effect of poaching on wildlife, but there is little focus on indigenous communities, who are on the frontline in the clash between poachers and armed game wardens. Birthday Chocolate (Baroncea, Moldova) — Åsa Sjöström Second Prize Daily Life, Singles "Igor whispers into his friend Renat’s ear, at school in northern Moldova. It is Igor’s birthday, and his grandmother has given him chocolate to hand out to his classmates. Moldova is Europe’s poorest country. In the past ten years, one third of the working population has gone abroad in search of better-paying jobs. Children often find themselves looked after by elderly relatives, or left in orphanage boarding schools. Igor has a twin brother. They do not know their father and their mother died soon after leaving to work in Russia, when they were two years old." Cadets (Koninklijke Militaire Academie (Royal Military Academy, Breda, the Netherlands) — Paolo Verzone Third Prize Portraits, Stories "Portraits of cadets in some of Europe’s most prestigious military academies." Rescue Operation (Mediterranean Sea, Italy) — Massimo Sestini Second Prize General News, Single "Refugees crowd on board a boat some 25 kilometers from the Libyan coast, prior to being rescued by an Italian naval frigate working as part of Operation Mare Nostrum (OMN). The search-and-rescue operation was put in place by the Italian government, in response to the drowning of hundreds of migrants off the island of Lampedusa at the end of 2013. The numbers of people risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean Sea rose sharply in 2014, as a result of conflicts or persecution in Syria, the Horn of Africa, and other sub-Saharan countries. OMN involved the Italian Red Cross, Save the Children, and other NGOs in an effort not only to rescue lives, but to provide medical help, counseling, and cultural support. Naval officers were also empowered to arrest human traffickers and seize their ships. In its one year of operation, OMN brought 330 smugglers to justice, and saved more than 150,000 people, at least a quarter of which were refugees from Syria. The operation was disbanded in October, and replaced by Triton, an operation conducted by the EU border agency Frontex, focusing more on surveillance than rescue." The Bull Market (Niuniuba, Sichuan, China) — Cai Sheng Xiang First Prize Daily Life, Singles "Yi villagers hold a cattle market in a forest outside the town of Niuniuba, near Liangshan, in Sichuan. The Yi ethnic minority live largely by agriculture, livestock herding and hunting. There are around 7.5 million Yi in China, concentrated principally in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces." The 59th annual World Press Photo exhibition can be seen at Sydney's State Library of NSW, May 23 - June 21; Perth's WA Museum, July 4 - 26; and Brisbane Powerhouse, August 8 - 30. Check out all the 2015 winners and runners up here.
Sydney record label Of Leisure are teaming up with V MoVement to host a party with all the good things: lawn bowls, putt-putt, ping-pong and of course, killer tunes. Did we mention it's free? The label launch party will be headlined by Brisbane's Young Franco, who has been touring the country with the likes of Basenji and Touch Sensitive. Last time Young Franco made it to Sydney, his show at Civic Underground sold out two weeks in advance. MUTO, Tyler Touché and GRMM will kick things off, along with Of Leisure DJs and a mystery special guest. The dress code is listed as 'Australiana inspired White, Off White, Cream, Beige, Pastel' — bust out the stain remover and interpret this however you wish. The shenanigans will be taking place at Marrickville Bowling Club. Entry is free with with an RSVP at the Of Leisure webpage.
In the space of one month, you can learn the 'Nutbush' for six hours, check in with Sierra Leone's courageous fashion choices post-civil war, and find neon caves, giant, glowing phalluses and large-scale demon murals lurking inside the Art Gallery of NSW, MCA and Carriageworks. Paradigms be damned, this month, Sydney galleries are putting eclecticism first. Whether an autumn storm's raging or the city's immovable humidity is too much for you to bear, find your way to Sydney's best galleries this April for candy-coloured models of Palm Springs, eerie landscape photography and Xanadu roller skating displays. By Lucy McNabb with Matt Abotomey, Imogen Baker and James Whitton.
Every Wednesday, the MCA leaves the lights on until 9pm, letting you get to know the gallery when the day time crowds aren't around. Each month there's a Sundown Sketch Club session, the next will be held on Wednesday, 1 November. This laid back art class gives you a chance to have a scribble while sipping a glass of wine and soaking up harbour views, as your guided through the ups and downs of inspiration by an official MCA Art Educator. And once your masterpiece is complete, head to the Sculpture Terrace to celebrate with live music and a tasty morsel or two at the MCA Cafe. Image: Leslie Liu.
Bar Luca's new concept restaurant launched in Newtown over the weekend and, going by what we saw, it was a raging success. Curious punters quickly filled the small, black and white-styled space to create their own burgers and bowls, and left satisfied with their indulgent, self-designed dishes. The 'create-your-own meal' restaurant model — which comes from Bar Luca owners Sarah and James Robbins — is not like their four other burger bars. It's called Loaded By BL and they've moved away from the rigid wall menu and towards something a little more flexible and extensive. Of course, you can still order a burger, but the new menu offers seven other bases on which to pile your toppings, including tater tots, hand-cut sweet potatoes, chili con carne, hot dogs and fried mozzarella cheese patties. Then there are the extras — think popcorn chicken, fried haloumi, shoestring fries, kimchi and even peanut butter. There is literally something for everyone here. In total, over 70 ingredients and toppings can be married together to create your ideal meal, so if you struggle from indecision the whole process is probably going to give you a major headache. "So far there's been some really weird and epic combinations, with plenty of laughs in the kitchen when they come through," says Sarah Robbins. "But the concept is working great — often people get excited and over-add hacks." There are 20 sauces to spice up your Frankenstein-esque creation, including chipotle, aioli, salsa verde and BL's famous burger sauce. Robbins plans to bring in weekly specials shakes and alcoholic drinks in the coming months. The concept had been planned for a while and the couple snapped up their ideal location on Missenden Road (which was once home to Jack's Newtown, another burger joint) as soon as they saw it was available. "When we saw the site was vacant we jumped on it and contacted the building managers before it was listed for lease," says Robbins. "We knew it was the perfect spot. We love Newtown and live local — it just all felt right." Loaded by BL is now open at 170 Missenden Road, Newtown. For more info, visit loadedbybl.com.au. Images: Kimberley Low.
This year marks a big milestone for Orange FOOD Week — the celebrated foodie festival is turning a quarter of a century old. As one of the biggest, tastiest events on the New South Wales calendar, Orange FOOD Week hasn't just proven itself with sell-out events, but with the test of time as well. And for 2016, more than 90 events will take place across ten days this April, celebrating the Orange District’s local growers, farmers, foragers, winemakers, chefs, restaurants and cafes. Perhaps the most epic part of the program is the FOOD train, which will leave Sydney Central Station for Orange on Friday, April 15, taking travellers on a weekend-long journey filled with tasting menus, outdoor lunches and brewery tours. Other highlights include the 100 Mile Dinner in Molong, served under the stars on the village green (April 11) and FORAGE on April 16, a 3.6-kilometre stroll through vineyards and paddocks with wine tasting and snacks made with local produce along the way. Other events not to miss are the Sunday Producer’s Market in Cook Park, where local produce will be turned into breakfasts and brunches on the spot (April 17), and the much-loved opening night, which will take the form of a night market at Robertson Park (April 8). In addition to the signature events that sell out every year, there are a whole slew of satellite events hosted by local restaurants, cafes, caterers and cellar doors. These include hunting for truffles, dining in an orchard, cider tastings and many a delicious dinner.
For a fourth consecutive year, the team behind the Emerging Writers' Festival will host an online festival aimed at digital writers in Australia and around the world. The Digital Writers' Festival will bring together more than 120 storytellers to explore the future of writing in the digital era. Over 11 days, there will be live-streamed events focusing on new forms, content trends and digital literacy, as well as seminars, panel discussions and interactive projects. The festival is designed to foster new relationships between writers and connect likeminded individuals from all over the world. Learn to pitch stories, watch an editor in action, discover self-publishing or even explore writing for games. Plus, in an effort to transcend geographical boundaries, the entire festival will be broadcast on the website, but city-dwellers will also be able to attend a select few events in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. The IRL events include: The Future of Storytelling — Tuesday, October 24 (Melbourne) Mapping Ecologies of the Digital — Saturday, October 28 (Perth) West Meets West — Tuesday, October 31 (Melbourne and Sydney) QUT Lit Salon — Wednesday, November 1 (Brisbane) Inside the Publishing House — Thursday, November 2 (Sydney)
Hot fried chicken has been walking out the door down at Barangaroo since Belles Hot Chicken set up their wildly popular pop-up in November 2015. Apparently serving up over 1000 kilograms of chicken weekly (you fiends), Belles is ready to make things permanent with Sydney, opening the doors on a 130-seat eatery in South Barangaroo. Seemingly all grown up (sorta), Belles operates as a restaurant now instead of a canteen counter, developed by OLA Architects (responsible for Melbourne's Bomba) and co-owners Morgan McGlone and Miranda Campbell. Think table service, space for larger groups, an expanded menu and Belles' infamous bedfellow: Australian natural wines. Not keen for a sit-down meal? You'll still be able to order takeaway from a separate, dedicated window. McGlone and Campbell gave Sydney but a taste of their coveted Melbourne menu at the pop-up, and now they've expanded the menu to include their hot chicken sandwich and hot fish sandwich. You might have already snacked on Belles' fried Portobello mushrooms, crinkle cut chips, three bean salad, and you've probably dug into a personal serving of their signature chicken wings, lovingly laden with different levels of spiciness: southern, medium, hot, really hot, or really f**kin hot (and don't forget All The Sauces, from peach barbecue sauce to the Mississippi Comeback). Expect drumsticks, tenders, red cabbage slaw and mac 'n' cheese too — even $20 chicken and waffles for lunch on weekends. Picked the really f**kin hot wings? Put out the fire with a glass of natural wine, something Belles has championed since opening in Melbourne (they even opened their own natural wine bar, Bar Clarine, which has sadly now closed). Belles' permanent digs won't be the only Sydney opening for the crew this year, with another eatery set to open at Harold Park Tramsheds in October. Find Belles Hot Chicken is located at Shop 5, 33 Barangaroo Ave, Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo. Open Monday to Saturday 12pm to 11pm and Sunday 12pm to 10pm. Images: Nikki To.
