Warm. Dry. Temperatures above average, and rainfall below usual levels. That's been the trend across 2019 so far, thanks to a record-breaking summer, a hotter-than-standard autumn and a toastier-than-normal winter, so it should come as no surprise that the Bureau of Meteorology expects the pattern to continue for the rest of the year. Releasing its latest climate outlooks — which focus on spring, while also looking ahead to December and January, too — BOM doesn't have great news if you were hoping for an average end to 2019. Well, as average as this traditional warmer period can be. Instead, below average rainfall is forecast around most of the country, as well as above average temps. In other words, if you call mainland Australia home, there's a very good chance that you'll experience spring and summer temperatures that are toastier than the median. Apart from Tasmania and the absolute lower edges of South Australia and Victoria, the whole country is tipped to endure maximums at least 80 percent higher than normal. That includes the entirety of Queensland and New South Wales. While the peak time for particularly hot temperatures will kick in from October onwards, September is also expected to weather an extended warm spell, with the mercury reaching two–to–three degrees above where it usually sits at this time of year in central and eastern Australia. If you're wondering exactly what's in store, then it's worth keeping the usual daily temps across the period in mind — and remembering that they'll be exceeded. In Sydney, that means the mercury will soar above a 20.1-degree maximum in September, a 22.2 top in October, a 23.7 max in November and a 25.2 high in December, while Melbourne can expect temps above 16.8, 19.4, 21.9 and 24.6 in the same months. In Brisbane, the standard tops range between 25.6–29.5, and in Perth it spans 20.3–29.1. Yet again, farmers are in for not-so-great news. The rest of the year is predicted to be drier than average everywhere other than northern Western Australian and western Tasmania. Yes, it's a familiar story. Let's not forget that in 2018, overall, Australia copped its third-warmest year ever. If it isn't part of your end-of-year routine already, we suggest planning plenty of time in the coolest places you can find — beaches, pools, rivers or anywhere with a refreshing swimming spot — this spring and summer. Images: Bureau of Meteorology.
In a Powerhouse Museum first, this new exhibition will focus on rarely-seen artefacts from 19th- and 20th-century Persia. Iranzamin will feature ceramics, tiles, embroidery, carpets, armour, textiles and other hand-woven crafts from the Powerhouse Collection to tell the story of the people and culture of Persia through to modern day Iran. The temporary exhibition will look at how traditional objects have influenced Australian artists, such as textile designer Florence Broadhurst. The opening also coincides with Nowrouz (Iranian New Year), and so there'll be a special celebration to mark the day on March 20. There'll also be an event on April 3 to mark Sizdehbehdar: the Persian national day for celebrating Mother Nature. Image: War Amulet, 1800s, Persia, Powerhouse Collection
You may have noticed, dear readers, that things look a little different here at Concrete Playground today. Indeed, our troop of absurdly brilliant writers, coordinators, editors, designers and developers have been working tirelessly over the last few months, preparing to make Swiss cheese of the stratosphere with the launch of a new and much improved website. We've nipped, tucked and delivered Concrete Playground to you in a shiny new package, re-imagining everything from the ground up. So, what exactly has changed? For starters, we'll be introducing a few of our new favourite toys... We have developed a custom Facebook application that lets you seamlessly integrate your new Concrete Playground user profile with the world's biggest social network, mapping out your social schedule to share with friends in just one click of a button. We have also created a shortlist of the city's best restaurants and bars, reviewed by some of this town's most fervent foodies, which includes a fancy geolocation tool that allows you to choose a place to dine or drink based on your current location or the place's proximity to an event you are planning to attend. And we have created some entirely new types of content, which will appear with daily regularity in our new News & Features, Featured Video and Galleries sections. Of course, you can expect the carefully and lovingly selected event coverage you have come to know — only more of it, and with things like dynamic event calendars and tailored recommendations to help you find what you are looking for. We're opening our doors in Brisbane today, and will be launching editions in Melbourne and Auckland in the next few weeks. We are big believers in design and functionality, and were very fortunate to find world class creative partners in Canvas Group and Etc Etc Awesome who designed and coded, respectively, the bejesus out of this thing. We have also received some very useful feedback from our readers and writers over the 18 months since our launch, and this redesign represents a consolidated viewpoint on exactly how best to publish an entirely online (for the moment, anyhow) cultural publication. This is not the end of our design process, but the beginning. We will be adding new features and optimising existing ones as we go to make the user experience a more dynamic, alive and intuitive one. Your feedback has been and will continue to be of great value, so please let us know what you think via Facebook, Twitter or Email. And last of all, a big thank you to everyone who has contributed - particularly the editorial team led by our wonderful head honcho, Anna Harrison - and to you, our readers, for your loyal and passionate support and advocacy. Please continue to spread the word and help an independent group of writers and editors start something big.
"For me, photography is the foundation of human freedom," says Rina Vukobratovic, the Serbian photographer and visual artist behind the series A Girl Who Sees the Lyrics. It may sound grandiose at first, but take a look at her work and you will see what she is getting at — it's a free fall through association, imagination and thought; photography of permission. There is a gentle poetic sensibility steering this series, as though adult and child artist are whispering stories to each other, or perhaps, comparing recollections. The artist has constructed each image with explicit reference to verses from her own haiku poetry written as a girl. In 1991, the idea for this series took root after she read an article published about her childhood poems, and to prove it she used the article's name. Although she has switched the pen for the camera, Vukobratovic has sustained a through line of imagery from her initial artistic impulse to her current one, resulting in a gentle poetic dialogue between a child's imagination and an adult's understanding. Or maybe it is the other way round. "I try to give answers [about] who I am, and why I am," she explains. This lyricism endows her images with a dynamic energy that is simply captivating — music manuscripts burst into spontaneous bloom about a mini-grand. Battle-scarred sailing ships charge towards the windswept freedom of the household window, all on the high seas of the living room. It is easy to see why someone creating these images would say that they "will never get tired of photography, because it contains a secret." These are images of awe, nonsense and wonder captured by a filter of love — first the child's love of the world and then the adult's love of the child. A Girl Who Sees the Lyrics is on show at the MiCK Gallery until June 23 as part of this year's Head On Photo Festival. See more of Rina's photography at her website.
He has serenaded Laura Dern with an Elvis song, swooned over Cher, swapped faces with John Travolta, voiced a version of Spider-Man and won an Oscar for playing an alcoholic. He's appeared on-screen as brothers, professed his love for milking alpacas and fought ninjas from outer space, too. We're talking about Nicolas Cage, of course, and the list of amazing inclusions on his resume just goes on. Indeed, he's about to step into Joe Exotic's shoes — and, via a new Netflix series, teach the world about the history of swear words as well. Nicolas Cage's History of Swear Words is a very real series that definitely exists, and will hit the streaming platform on Tuesday, January 5. So yes, if you were hoping that 2021 would be better than 2020, we can think of one very good reason why that's likely to prove the case. The concept behind the show is extremely self-explanatory, so Netflix hasn't released too many details — but Cage will definitely be having fun with the concept, as the just-released trailer for the series makes clear. Paintbrush in hand, he's at his OTT best as he waxes lyrical about one particular word. You don't get the actor to take on this particular task and then ask him to dial it back, of course. In fact, the whole program looks set to have fun with Cage, with a painting of a peach appearing behind him in the first moments of the trailer — something Face/Off fans will particularly appreciate. As for whatever else is in store, consider that 2021's first big gift. Happy new year indeed. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4argVWl8AAE Nicolas Cage's History of Swear Words hits Netflix on Tuesday, January 5.
A new series of advertisements by Education First, a language-school network based in over fifty countries, makes the case for learning another language in a wonderfully unique light. Not a single word is spoken in the ads, nor do they pitch the school. Instead, you follow the adventures of four students touching down in Paris, Barcelona, London and Beijing respectively. Without speech, they manage to express perfectly how learning a new language helps you experience it. Specially-designed typography accompanies the film, accompanied by phonetic pronunciation underneath, and while there is no translation, they work perfectly. Niklas Johansson's cinematography envelops you in the adventures of the protagonists as they wander through the cities, while Albin Holmqvist's deftly designed original typography and typefaces beautifully reflect the languages of Paris, Barcelona, Beijing and London, and tell you more about the words than dull verb charts ever could. The films don't belabour the process of learning a language, but the benefits of being able to lose yourself in a different culture - the things you discover, the different things to see and do, and the attractive strangers that may or may not come your way. If these films don't make you want to jump on a plane straight away, I don't know what will. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1_QO8LoGNpc https://youtube.com/watch?v=p9isboDgxMM https://youtube.com/watch?v=Nr3gdVkkWzc https://youtube.com/watch?v=QLluxHOOXSw [Via ModCloth]
Harvard physicist Ludovico Cademartiri and a team of researchers have made headway in the discovery of an alternative to fire hydrants and fire-extinguishers in putting out flames: electricity. The goal of the research team was to find a way for firefighters to squash fiesty flames without water or foam, methods that completely destroy any salvageable objects that escape a fire's path and take a great deal of time. The concept behind using electricity instead, although not fully developed or tested, is based on the fact that flames contain soot particles that become electrically charged and react to electrical fields. Charging flames with a strong enough beam of electricity has the potential to completely extinguish a fire without firefighters putting a finger on a fire-extinguisher or hose. Cademartiri and crew have just stumbled upon this new development, but Harvard hopes they will be sharing more successful news in the near future. [via engadget]
It's back, it's big and it's heading around Australia in February 2023: St Jerome's Laneway Festival and its impressive lineup, that is. Returning for the first time since 2020 — since celebrating 15 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio first decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes — the beloved fest boasts a phenomenal list of talent taking to its stages for its huge and eagerly awaited comeback tour. Here are three names to get you started: HAIM, Joji and Phoebe Bridgers. Laneway has been teasing its 2023 return since earlier this year, and locked in dates and venues mere days ago — but now exactly who you'll be dancing to in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth has been announced. Also on the bill: Finneas, Fontaines DC, Fred again..., Girl in Red, slowthai and Turnstile, as well as 100 Gecs, Chaos in the CBD, Knucks and Mallrat. Yes, the lineup goes on from there. In Australia, the festival will kick off at Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday, February 4, then head to Sydney Showground on Sunday, February 5 — one of Laneway's new 2023 venues. From there, it's off to Adelaide CBD's Bonython Park on Friday, February 10; Melbourne's The Park in Flemington on Saturday, February 11; and Perth's Wellington Square on Sunday, February 12. Clearly, there's a whole heap of reasons to be excited — from HAIM's first Australian tour since 2017 (and definitely the first since Alana killed it on the big screen in Licorice Pizza) to Bridgers' return after a huge few years, just to name a couple. Also on the list: just Laneway being back and livening up late summer in general. [caption id="attachment_742169" align="alignnone" width="1920"] BCS Imaging[/caption] Enough preamble; here's what you're after — the full 2023 lineup: ST JEROME'S LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2023 DATES AND VENUES: Saturday, February 4 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane / Turrbal Sunday, February 5 — Sydney Showground, Sydney / Burramattagal and Wangal Friday, February 10 — Bonython Park, Adelaide / Kaurna Saturday, February 11 — The Park, Flemington, Melbourne / Wurundjeri Sunday, February 12 — Wellington Square, Perth / Whadjuk ST JEROME'S LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2023 LINEUP: Haim Joii Phoebe Bridgers Finneas Fontaines DC Fred again... Girl in Red slowthai Turnstile 100 Gecs Chaos in the CBD Knucks Mallrat Ross From Friends The Beths Yard Act Adam Newling The Backseat Lovers Harvey Sutherland Jacoténe Jamesjamesjames Logic1000 Sycco Tasman Keith The Lazy Eyes St Jerome's Laneway Festival will return to Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth between Saturday, February 4—Sunday, February 12. For more information, including registering for ticket pre-sales until 11.59pm on Sunday, September 25‚ with general sales from 9am on Thursday, September 29 — head to the festival's website.
Pare back the impressive special effects and constant wisecracking in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and you soon come to realise...there's not a great deal of story to speak of. After a lifetime of searching, Peter Quill aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) finally finds himself face to face with his estranged father, Ego (Kurt Russell), from whom he quickly learns the truth about both the power and importance of his lineage. The question, though, is what's driving Ego's sudden appearance in Quill's life after such a long absence? Beyond that, there's actually very little going on in the film, aside from an entirely superfluous secondary plot involving a genetically-engineered race of conceited aliens (led by a gilded Elizabeth Debicki) who are hell-bent on killing the Guardians over a tiny spat from the opening scene. In the absence of plot, then, what drives this film and keeps it (for the most part) engaging are the relationships. For Quill, that means both a developing closeness with his father and an ongoing attempt to progress what he terms his 'unspoken thing' with the green-skinned warrior Gamora (Zoe Saldana). Gamora, in turn, is preoccupied with the increasingly complex and fractious relationship she has with her vengeful sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) – by far the movie's most compelling and nuanced dynamic. Close behind that comes the foul-mouthed Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), whose proclivity for sabotaging friendships and avoiding emotional closeness comes under the microscope in a surprisingly tender way. Less moving, but always entertaining, are the two remaining Guardians: Drax, the forever-literal powerhouse (Dave Bautista) and Groot, the tree creature turned sapling (voiced by Vin Diesel). Groot proved a fan favourite in the first Guardians film, so naturally he has a bigger role here. With those enlarged Disney ™ eyes and a propensity for dancing at inopportune moments, Groot represents at once the film's most consistent comedic device and tweaker of heart strings. To say his merchandise will sell well after the film's release might prove the single largest understatement of 2017. Of course, a review of a Guardians movie wouldn't be complete without mentioning its soundtrack. As in the first film, here we find a compilation of '80s tracks that well and truly earns the 'Awesome Mix Tape' tag. 'Mr. Blue Sky' by ELO, 'The Chain' by Fleetwood Mac and 'Surrender' by Cheap Trick are just some of the album's top-to-bottom highlights, used throughout the movie with such design that it's almost a character unto itself. Then there's Cat Stevens' 'Father and Son'. Already one of last century's most moving ballads, its deployment in the final stages of the film hits you in the feels so hard that you stand zero chance of wrenching your tear ducts shut in time. Admittedly, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 feels less innovative than its predecessor, with writer-director James Gunn mostly expanding upon existing plot lines, jokes and action sequences rather than inventing new ones. Still, it's an enjoyable ride, and there's clearly more to come (be sure to stay through to the end of the credits through which you'll catch a full five additional scenes and teasers). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hdv_6gl4gk
Just days after confirming that picnics are a permitted form of outdoor recreation — and after hitting the six-million-jab threshold, too — New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has today, Thursday, August 26, announced that folks in much of NSW will soon be able to gather outdoors in larger groups in the very near future. Greater Sydney remains under lockdown until the end of September; however, the Premier had previously announced that NSW residents would see at least one rule loosen once six million doses of the COVID-19 vaccination had been administered statewide. So, from 12.01am Monday, September 13, that's exactly what'll occur. Residents who live outside of Sydney's Local Government Areas of concern will be able to enjoy outdoor recreation in groups of five, as long as all adults are fully vaccinated. That means that as long as you and four of your friends have all had both of your jabs, you will be able to gather outside for recreation — so, for "sitting for relaxation, or to eat, drink or read outdoors", as defined by the NSW Government rules — within your LGA or within five kilometres from home. That cap includes children, but only the adults must be fully vaxxed given that Australia's vaccination campaign hasn't opened to kids yet. And, all those adults came come from different households. "It means that if you have friends or relatives within your LGA or within the five kilometres, you will be able to congregate together in an outdoor gathering of five, as opposed to just two from different households," said the Premier. "We know people coming together is what people miss the most. From the various options we looked at, that was the option that met the mental health needs and wellbeing of our community, but also provided the lowest-risk setting," she continued. Live inside one of the LGAs of concern (so, in the Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta and Strathfield LGAs, as well as 12 suburbs in the Penrith)? Change is coming there, too. Outdoor recreation currently isn't allowed at all; however, it'll be back on the cards from the same date. From that point onwards, families with fully vaccinated adults in LGAs of concern will be able to go out together for an hour of outdoor recreation — and that's in addition to your one hour of exercise each day — although it'll have to be between 5am–9pm given the nighttime curfew. Because there's a strict five-kilometre rule in place in these LGAs, you'll need to abide by that requirement for your picnics there as well. NSW recorded 1,029 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of these locally acquired cases, 185 are linked to a known case or cluster – 160 are household contacts and 25 are close contacts – source of infection for 844 cases under investigation pic.twitter.com/6VcaKAXjno — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) August 26, 2021 The announcement comes as NSW recorded 1029 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday, August 25 — and yes, it does feel strange to hear about restrictions easing when case numbers have hit their highest levels so far during the pandemic. That said, the NSW Government sees hitting the six-million-jab vaccination milestone as the first step in easing the Greater Sydney region out of its current lengthy lockdown. After that, when NSW reaches 70-percent and 80-percent vaccination rates, restrictions are meant to loosen even further — including allowing restaurants and bars to reopen to fully vaccinated patrons at the 70-percent mark — which falls in line with the country's new overall 'National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response' that was announced in July. "I also want to strongly message today that New South Wales is calling on industry and citizens to get ready for when we are 70-percent double-vaccinated. That's when things will start to open," said the Premier. "The New South Wales Government will start conversations with industry, but we do say that the condition of you participating in what will be reopening is on you being vaccinated. Because when you start opening at 70 precent, there are certain activities only vaccinated people can do — because we know that whilst a certain portion of the population is unvaccinated, that poses a risk to many people." This isn't quite the full roadmap out of lockdown that Berejiklian promised in mid-July and is still yet to announce, but a few further details were provided. At the 70-percent full vaccination mark, a range of yet-t0-be-revealed family, industry, community and economic restrictions will be lifted for jabbed folks — and at 80 per-cent, restrictions will be further eased when it comes to industry, the community and the economy. The Premier has previously advised that the NSW Government does expect case numbers to remain high in September and October; however, she expects that there'll still be scope to ease some rules for vaccinated people — with encouraging folks to get vaccinated obviously a very big part of the strategy moving forward. If you're wondering were you can get vaccinated, there's a handy online map that helps you find your nearest clinic. Australia's vaccination campaign is also expected to get a boost from Monday, August 30 once the Pfizer jab opens to under 40s around the country — and from September as well, which is when the Moderna vaccine has been approved for use and will join the rollout. Fully vaccinated adults in much of NSW will be able to gather in groups of five outdoors for outdoor recreation from 12.01am on Monday, September 13. Families in Sydney's LGAs of concern will be go outside for recreation for an hour a day from the same date. For more information about the changes, head to the NSW Government website. For further details about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website. Top image: Destination NSW.
Cider and tinnies are inherently Aussie. A bottle shop dedicated to the two? Now that's a gap begging to be filled. To right this wrong, Medhurst & Sons – Cider & Tinnies recently opened its doors, creating a new niche in the craft bottle-o scene. Owner Kieran Medhurst is a lover of everything craft. A long-time seller for Beer Cartel and brainchild of Pixel Brewing Co., this guy knows what he's doing. "I realised there are no other bottle shops dedicated to cider in Sydney, nor have I found any in the whole of Australia," Medhurst says. "It made me realise it was a good niche that hadn't yet been filled". An inner-westie himself, Medhurst felt Glebe was the perfect location for the shop as the suburb continues to boom with all things craft beverage. Medhurst's hand-selected stock is Australian focused, but you'll also find international all-stars on the shelves. His favourite of the moment is Two Metre Tall, an independent and sustainable farmhouse brewery based in southern Tasmania. He also has the range of Napoleone ciders available, which will be featured in this weekends' tasting. Adding tinnies to the mix just came along naturally as "it's another point of difference, and is also the way the craft beer industry is going in terms of cans being better for the beer, more compact, and smash-proof". With nearly 80 ciders on the shelves now, Medhurst plans to exceed 100 shortly, as well as to double the number of tinnies currently available. He's also stocking an impressive range of alcoholic ginger beers and is planning a two-tap growler station for the near future. With 10% off on Tinnie Tuesdays, weekend tastings, and a cider club, Cider & Tinnies is sure to be a Glebe go-to. Don't live in the area or too lazy to walk? Check out their website for delivery. Medhurst & Sons — Cider & Tinnies is located at 166 St Johns Road, Glebe and is open Tuesday to Friday from 12-7pm, and Saturdays 10am – 7pm, with all-day tastings on Friday and Saturday. Images: Marissa Ciampi.
No glamorous party invites for New Year's Eve? The fear of God creeping upon you? Papa Gede understands and he takes mercy on ye fearful with the bar's 'No-Pressure New Year's Eve Solution.' The Kent Street bar has done you an end-of-year favour and abated the perils of New Year's in the CBD. Implausibly high cover charges. Solved. Queues that make you feel like an extra in Ben-Hur. Solved. The enormous responsibility of hosting an insane New Year's party in your crap shack. Solved. 'No-Pressure New Year's Eve Solution' offers no cover charge, delicious cocktails and a most excellent theme: James Bond's Live and Let Die — meaning "'70s glam, blaxploitation, voodoo facepaint andNew Orleans mardi gras style" according to the team. This little laneway bar isn't huge, so you'll need to balance up the draws of a cozy place to spend the night and your chances of catching a spot on the couches. Disclaimer: The night wraps up at 2am, so if you plan to kick on be prepared to spend the rest of your night in tight white flares and hopefully inoffensive Cajun-inspired costuming. You're welcome. – Papa Gede (direct quote)
Is there anything better than getting together with friends to watch a film? How about getting together with friends to watch a bunch of international and local films at a casual pop-up film festival in, say a backyard or a secret warehouse or a brewery. Alright, alright you might be wondering why on earth one would bother arranging screens, projectors, and fiddling around with all that palaver when you can just pop down to the local cinema and catch Bridget Jones's Baby if you're keen. But what if you're after more of a party? More of a shindig, some live music, art and some of the best new short films from international and local directors? Australia's newest pop-up film event Freshflix do just that. We caught up with co-founders Jess Hamilton and Claudia Pickering for a chat about how these two local Sydney ladies started a sold-out event from scratch. After taking over unconventional spaces like a secret warehouse in Redfern and a Sydney brewery, their homegrown film festival is now gearing up for its fourth season over summer. We've teamed up with Rekorderlig Cider, and we're digging into just how to make a pop-up film festival in your own backyard. [caption id="attachment_594861" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Michael Wickham.[/caption] DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START? JUST GIVE IT A CRACK It sounds cliche, but often the biggest barrier for getting something done is, you guessed it, yourself. But enough of that self-doubt, you've got to start somewhere. Hamilton and Pickering's own project, Freshflix, grew quite innocently from wanting to screen a film that Pickering had made. From there, things snowballed in the best possible way. "We hand-built a screen for the event, figured things out there, and then borrowed a projector from a mate. As we went, we realised we were planning a party and kind of got carried away. Before we knew it we had opened up the event for submissions from other people and we soon had 300 films submitted." From there, the ambitious pair roped in a band, made a website and the requisite Facebook page, got themselves a local brewery on board, and launched their own film festival – they created a 'media wall' for mad paparazzi shots from a red plastic table cloth, complete with handpainted branding. Yep, handpainted. Handmade awards gave an official flavour to the evening. For decoration, there was nothing like fairy lights, and the team set out cushions and rugs for lounging on — turning your regular cinema setting into a friendly hangout. To begin with, Pickering and Hamilton point out that they got by with a little (or a lot of) help from their friends, who came on board to help plan the event, but once their idea was unleashed, new people were very willing to get involved. So, if you're willing to put on a great party, creative, supportive people are usually (if not always) keen to get on board — especially if there's a cheeky bev in it for them. [caption id="attachment_593024" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Tristan Fitzherbert-Smith.[/caption] SORT OUT THE ENTERTAINMENT Most film buffs will happily come along to a film festival and sit through three-plus hours of screenings. Alternatively, there are people who are pretty into films but also don't mind having a bit of a boogie. The solution? Combine music and film, like Freshflix does. At their most recent festival in Sydney, Freshflix guests were treated to local artists creating live artworks throughout the evening, combined with live bands and music, as well as the cornerstone lineup of Aussie and international films. The end result? One unique, memorable night with a highly diverse crowd — not your stock standard screening indeed. GET FOOD AND DRINKS SORTED Movies = snacks. We know this, and the choc-top lovers of the world certainly know this. Freshflix, like all great pop-up cinema events, doesn't scrimp on the snacks and neither should you. Why not hire an industrial popcorn machine and make a truly elephantine amount of popcorn? Freshflix hand-stamped their own bags. Or better yet, call up some local food trucks to feed the masses. Know anyone who's a dab hand at brewing their own beer? Sure you do! Get them on board, they might just to create a special brew for your event. Otherwise stock the fridge full of refreshing bevs like Rekorderlig Cider and keep the good times flowing into the night. If there are a bunch of people coming along, you might coordinate with a few culinary-minded mates to get on board with baking treats or supplying snacks. Just put the word out there — people might come out of the woodwork with snackery. [caption id="attachment_594860" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Michael Wickham.[/caption] MANAGE LOGISTICS (AND HAVE A RAINY DAY PLAN) It might seem like a colossal undertaking to organise a huge lineup of films, to coordinate the drinks and bands, to manage the people, and you're right — it bloody well is. But this juice is definitely worth the squeeze. Plus, you don't have to be too gung-ho about it — anything can happen on the night. Hamilton and Pickering admitted to fine-tuning their events mere hours before — they even managed to pull off postponing one showing due to bad weather. "Even though we first planned it for one weekend we had to push it back, and it was fine." So, even if rain does interrupt your plans you can get creative. Rig up a tarp, change the venue or move the date. Stay flexible and remember your end goal is one helluva party. "We did [Freshflix] because it was something we wished that other people were doing for us: putting on a great party. So, instead, we just did it ourselves." Well played, ladies.
BABS are back at it, again — the beloved hospitality duo has expanded their 'good food, good booze' ethos to collaborate with an array of female-forward creatives, hospitality giants and friends old and new in celebration of the women who are pushing the envelope within the industry. Following the success of its 3-month residence in Enmore, BABS has now joined the exciting lineup of local talent set to take over UNO Studios in honour of International Women's Day. For one day only, you'll be able to enjoy an exclusive menu of enticing bites and tipples supplied by BABS before partaking in a discussion on creativity, connection, collaboration and innovation. Keen to catch this exclusive women-focused event? Head over to 23 McCauley Street in Alexandria on Wednesday, March 27. On offer from 5:30pm, expect to indulge in the likes of Ellie Hayes O'Brien's signature soft challah buns accompanied by whipped butter, as well as BABS classics like the pickled sardines and the pancetta arrotolata paired with Earl Grey-soaked prunes. For drinks, Bec Shave has teamed up with leading female winemakers to compile a list of stellar wines featuring Parley, Little Frances, Meredith and plenty more. Plus, the first 50 guests will score a complimentary cocktail and snack pairing of the 'Midnight Spritz' starring Parley Wines' Midnight Disco pét-nat alongside the caviar- and creme fraiche-topped 'BABS blini'. The upcoming panel, starting at 7:45pm, is looking to shine a spotlight on women within the industry, curating a panel of four female juggernauts based in Sydney to chat through themes surrounding this year's IWD as part of UNO Studios' 'Creative Odyssey' series. To top things off, the event is entirely free. Secure your spot via the Humanitix event page. Photo credit: Lily Austin.
Playing Glastonbury; sharing a stage with Foo Fighters, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Smashing Pumpkins; making the leap from a regional town to touring the globe: Amyl and The Sniffers frontwoman Amy Taylor has done it all. And, if you'd like to hear more about that journey, Taylor is also getting behind the microphone at 2024's BIGSOUND when it returns to Brisbane from Tuesday, September 3–Friday, September 6. The huge music event, which combines a conference with live gigs in Fortitude Valley, has enlisted Taylor to give a keynote address at this year's fest. Her involvement is part of the first lineup announcement for 2024, which also includes London-based DJ, artist manager and Butterz co-founder Elijah — and Korda Marshall, who started his record label career in 1983 making coffee and scouting talent at RCA. Casper Mills from independent record label 4AD is also on the speaker roster, as is Naomie Abergel, fka Mark Johns. When AEG/Goldenvoice Concerts Vice President Elliott Lefko gets chatting, too, there'll be Coachella and Stagecoach to talk about. "This announcement is really a calling card of what BIGSOUND represents," said Conference Programmer Tom Larkin, revealing the first 2024 details. "The cross section of global industry that will be on ground is a testament to BIGSOUND as a vehicle for connecting artists locally and internationally, and we recognise that in 2024 the need for this is greater than ever." "We're thrilled to go out of the gates with Amy Taylor as a keynote speaker as she will no doubt give a robust insight from many angles." [caption id="attachment_861894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] As always, BIGSOUND drops its details in stages. So, more speakers will join the bill — and the full music lineup is still to come. But organisers have revealed some of the folks who'll be scoping out acts while they're here, such as Adam Ryan (The Great Escape, Lovebox and Wilderness Festival), Patrick Daniel (Reeperbahn Festival, Inferno Events) and Dev Sherlock (SXSW), plus Ben Buchanan from Creative Artists Agency and Roxane Dumoulin from ATC Live Agency. This is BIGSOUND's 23rd year, with the festival continuing to welcome in international and national buyers, agents, music supervisors, bookers and other industry decision makers to take over Brisbane. Its commitment to showcasing impressive acts, artists and bands usually sees more than 150 talents hit its stages at 20-plus River City venues. If you're a BIGSOUND regular, you'll know that this entails filling as many spaces as possible with musos, industry folks and music-loving punters, all enjoying the latest and greatest tunes and talent the country has to offer. [caption id="attachment_907800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simone Gorman-Clark[/caption] [caption id="attachment_851422" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_907799" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simone Gorman-Clark[/caption] BIGSOUND 2024 will take place between Tuesday, September 3–Friday, September 6 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For more information, visit the event's website. Top image: Ralph_PH via Wikimedia Commons.
The dining room at Icebergs undeniably has one of the best views in Sydney. But the blissful Bondi views usually come at a pretty steep cost, considering that, for the best seats in the house, you have to fork out for a lavish feed in the two-hatted fine dining restaurant. But this summer, you can soak up that scenery without burning through too much of the budget (and with better views than at the bar) at a returning pop-up on the Icebergs Terrace. The bar — which is a collaboration with Ketel One Botanical — first took over the space last summer. Now that the season is officially upon us for another year, it's back. Once again, the Bondi venue's outdoor area has been transformed into a lush, flower-filled oasis that serves cocktails and snacks from the Icebergs bar. Like last year, the terrace is also sporting a verdant fit-out designed by local landscape architects and horticulturalists Secret Gardens. They've decked out the place with stacks of native Australian flora — in case you need something to look at other than those primo views of Bondi Beach. As the name suggests, the cocktail list is based around Ketel One Botanical, a low-alcohol vodka that's been distilled with botanicals and infused with fruit essences. It's available in three flavours — grapefruit and rose, peach and orange blossom, and a crisp cucumber and mint — and is being served with Santa Vittoria soda ($14 each). Or, you can opt for a mixed vodka cocktail, including an espresso variety ($18). Otherwise, there are a few wines, a couple of beers and two ready-to-drink cocktails on the menu, too. To match the botanically driven boozing, a selection of bites from the Icebergs menu will make their way outside. You can stay light with oysters ($6.50); opt for prosciutto, wasabi melon and cucumber ($28); or go all in with a toastie ($22) or the Icebergs burger ($22). Icebergs Terrace x Ketel One Botanical pop-up bar is open from 12–8pm Friday–Sunday all summer.
You scream, I scream we all scream for Gelato Messina. But just how do you choose from the 40-plus flavours on offer? We like to view the specials board as our own personal to-do list. Why limit yourself? With Penrith reaching over 30 degrees more often than any other suburb in Sydney, you will want to make Gelato Messina your regular and there are egg, dairy and nut free as well as vegan options to keep all of the squad happy. And yes, you should get the take home pack. Images: Katrina James.
Filling your house with Swedish furniture is already a wallet-friendly affair, much to the joy of anyone who likes nice homewares but also likes sticking to a budget. Come 2020, however, it'll also be an environmentally-friendly choice, with IKEA announcing plans to ramp up its sustainability measures. Over the next two years, the furniture retailer will phase out all single-use plastic products from both its range and its restaurants all around the globe. That's right — you won't find all those Allen keys in tiny plastic bags taped to your Billy bookshelves, or whatever other flat-packed wares you're fond of. And you won't be taking any frozen meatballs home in throwaway plastic bags either. IKEA has also pledged to only use renewable and recycled materials in all of its products by 2030, alongside a range of other initiatives — upping its plant-based menu items from this year, reducing its home delivery emissions to zero by 2025 and expanding its range of solar offerings to more countries by the same year. It's all part of the company's goal to abide by 'circular principles'. As IKEA's Sustainability Manager Lena Pripp-Kovac explains, "becoming truly circular means meeting people's changing lifestyles, prolonging the life of products and materials and using resources in a smarter way." Accordingly, they'll be designing "all products from the very beginning to be repurposed, repaired, reused, resold and recycled." It's not IKEA's first attempt to shake off its 'fast furniture' reputation, with the brand unveiling a non-disposable collection with Danish designers HAY last year. Still, the announcement brings the company into line with the growing movement towards ecologically conscious packaging and products, as seen in supermarkets and other businesses around both Australia and the globe — eradicating singe-use plastic bags, straws, takeaway containers and more, and working towards banning non-recyclable packaging outright.
The cliche saying that the greatest things come in the smallest packages isn't always proven true, but it seems to be the case for a new musical development in nanotechnology, the Nano Guitar. Researchers at Cornell University, Dustin W Carr and Professor Harold G Craighead launched the project in order to show skeptics how advanced and precise (and cool) nanotechnology is. The microscopic instrument is made of crystalline silicon and is 10,000 nanometres long, which is about the size of a single human red blood cell or one-twentieth the size of the width of a strand of hair. Can it be played like a full-sized guitar? Well, its six strings are each only 100 atoms wide, so tiny that they can only be plucked by sending miniature lasers through an atomic force microscope to produce one of the highest pitches to ever be recorded. The sound is a 40 megahertz signal 130,000 times higher than that of a regular guitar, unable to be picked up by the even most sensitive microphones. The Nano Guitar has sparked new discoveries in nanotechnology, including a new method of manipulating laser beams to aid in fibre optic communications. Big things do come in small packages.
Sydneysiders, summer is in full swing — and you would pity the fool who wasted these glorious days. While in winter we may huddle in dark corners, like underground bars, cradling a mulled wine and some form of hot comfort food, summer nights are about seasides and sunsets, cocktails and cool breezes. Whether you want to sip a spritz next to the beach or get into a bottle of something crisp by the Harbour, these are the best waterside bars to grab a cold one and settle in for a splendid summer afternoon or evening.
Norwest locals: if you haven't already started counting down the days until the arrival of Ciel Restaurant, you should start now. Following its initial announcement back in November of last year, the new venue is just a couple of months away from opening, with a confirmed opening slated for August of 2024. This upcoming venture from renowned Aussie chef Joshua Mason is set to star upscale dining in The Hills District — and with over 500 bookings already secured, the venue's arrival has already stirred up excitement among the locals. "Ciel Restaurant is poised to be the most sought-after premium rooftop in the area, and we're meticulously crafting every detail," said chef Joshua Mason. "For instance, our lavish balcony lounge features a customised DJ booth, adding a unique jazzy-party vibe to the venue." With its name derived from the French word for 'sky', the rooftop venue promises stunning views over the Castle Hill Country Club from a spacious sky-high spot. The elegant restaurant is hoping to redefine social dining in The Hills by injecting a touch of luxury into the district's food and drink scene. The 120-seat venue is set to showcase a sophisticated approach to fine dining, with luxe design elements that recall the likes of New York's Eleven Madison Park and California's The French Laundry. Expect brass and marble tones, comfortable seating, a green-hued stone bar as the centrepiece and a sophisticated ambience. There'll be both indoor and al fresco dining available, as well as a private room for events and occasion-based group bookings. "Our venue will offer a sophisticated yet 'vibe-y' atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a delightful meal and drinks with friends," said Mason. "As my second venture in the northwest, I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue investing in this vibrant community." Mason – whose impressive CV includes stints at Michelin-starred San Francisco institutions Atelier Crenn and Coi — has taken inspiration from his Sicilian to craft the Mediterranean-leaning menu. Seafood is a particular focus, so expect the likes of an ice well filled with oysters, lobsters and locally sourced fish, alongside charcoal-grilled dishes and a woodfired selection cooked on a custom-made grill and charcoal oven that draw on French and Mediterranean techniques — perfect to pair with an ice-cold dirty martini or glass of champagne. Ciel Restaurant plans to open sometime in August at 7 Maitland Place in Norwest, seven days a week. Bookings are now open — and you can secure a spot at the venue's reservations page.
There's escaping the city for an afternoon, and then there's driving 20 minutes down a dirt road to a secluded river and hopping into a canoe. In this canoe, it's quiet, very still. The Kangaroo Valley's bushland surrounds you, ascending on either side of the waterway, creating a landscape that's punctuated only by the occasional kingfisher flapping by or a solitary trout breaking the surface with a small splash. And I haven't even mentioned the best bit: this canoe is filled with wine. And snacks. So as you're floating down the river — minimal paddling is necessary — you'll be able to pop a bottle of local sparkling and tuck into a few canapés. Maybe you'll try a glass of top-notch sparkling Riesling from Mittagong's Artemis Wines and a yabby roll with native lime mayo supplied by The Loch in nearby Berrima. As you might have guessed, this isn't an ordinary off-you-go oar-bearing experience. This one is part of WildFEST, a new three-day celebration of the food, drink and wilderness of NSW's Southern Highlands. Led by experienced paddler Travis Frenay, the Canoes, Champagne and Canapés experience will lead you along the Kangaroo River in a custom-built double canoe, through the sunken forest and past a convict-built sandstone wall. Travis has an insane amount of knowledge on the area and will be able to answer pretty much anything you throw at him. There will be three sessions a day (9am, noon and 3pm) on October 27, 28 and 29. The whole thing sets off from Beehive Point and takes around two to three hours. Prices are on the heftier side at $195 each, but includes all food, wine and equipment. Plus, this part of the Valley isn't highly accessible for people without their own gear, so it's a great (and bloody delightful) way to explore the area on the water. Note: if weather conditions suggest your rusty old sedan won't make it there and back, the organisers may provide transport down the dirt road. But if it's dry, you're all good. It's part of the adventure. Canoes, Champagne and Canapés will run on October 27–29 from Beehive Point, Kangaroo Valley. For more info and to buy tickets, visit wildfest.com.au.
Imagine if you could see a full lifetime's ageing process happen before your very eyes, sped up just enough that its imperceptible changes became perceptible. But not in an Indiana Jones Nazi uber ageing kind of way; rather, in a tasteful, filmmaker Anthony Cerniello kind of way. In the video below, Danielle, a tiny girl looks at us with a bored-yet-slightly-curious gaze, blinking occasionally. A few seconds later she's changed, only we can't quite tell how — a little broader in the forehead, a little more space between her eyes and eyebrows, maybe? You'll find yourself looking for those minute changes throughout the video. Don't skip through, though — the illusion will be totally ruined. This is because what looks like a lifelong timelapse of one woman's face is actually a very clever and meticulous blending of a whole collection of different portraits, all taken from a single family. Cerniello used faces from the family of his friend Danielle and employed high-tech methods throughout the process: after having photographer Keith Sirchio take shots of all the young cousins and relatives of different generations who looked alike, Cerniello scanned them using a drum scanner and selected those whose bone structure was most similar. Next he enlisted the talents of animators Nathan Meier, Edmund Earle and George Cuddy to meld the shots together, complete with realistic blinking and a convincing suggestion of breathing. Mark Reveley created the musical score, which adds a feeling of depth to the visuals; what we're witnessing, after all, is a whole life passing by. As the signs of ageing appear in faint traces of strain and wrinkles, we can't help but imagine the ups and downs of this virtual person's existence, and sympathise. It's a beautiful short film and a very cool use of technology to assist in making art. Via Colossal
In 1948, Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh bet a bunch of local actors in a Sydney pub that they could recite Australian poetry as good as any local. To prove it they went to a radio station and recorded Banjo Patterson’s Last Week and Clancy of the Overflow. The recording was marked ‘not for broadcast’ and has, until now, sat in the National Film and Sound Archive gathering dust. On Wednesday evening the dust is coming off and legendary Australian actor Jack Thompson is taking on the Oliviers in a bout of Banjo balladeering in the Mitchell wing of the State Library. This is a serious clash of past and present – kind of momentous I reckon.It’s also the launch of Kathy Leahy’s new book Lords and Larrikins: The Actor’s Role in the Making of Australia. Leahy and Thompson will be on hand to chat about the book, and discuss such topics as why in Australia we still call for control of the public artist.
When Sydney Film Festival arrives each year, do you spend all of your time seeing flicks in the Sounds on Screen strand, the event's home for movies about music? If so, then you also need to make a date with Strobe Music Film Festival. Now in its fifth year, the latter takes place out of Golden Age Cinema and Bar — and it's back for 2025 with a six-film lineup. Kicking off on Friday, August 29 at Surry Hills' beloved boutique cinema — and playing flicks that all boast impressive soundtracks — Strobe is opening with Goddess of Slide: The Forgotten Story of Ellen McIlwaine, about the Canadian slide guitarist and singer who opened for the likes of Odetta and Jimi Hendrix. Dates vary until Sunday, September 7, but Electronic Body Music will take you inside industrial music's evolution through post-punk to dance floors, I Can't Be Anyone But Me is all about on Big Mama Thornton and Oscar Peterson: Black + White puts the eponymous jazz pianist in the spotlight. If you missed the Conway Brothers-focused Whoopee Blues at the 2025 Antenna Film Festival, this is your next chance to see it. And, you can also catch Radio On, showing 45 years after its initial Sydney screening back in 1980.
You probably already know about New York's reputation for top-quality digs, so you'll be pleased to learn these high standards extend well beyond the city limits. If you're considering venturing upstate — which you absolutely should be — idyllic retreats abound. Not only will the New York holiday of your dreams have the fabulous accommodation to match, but you'll also have direct access to some of the state's underrated gems: its charming small-town communities and boundless outdoor and cultural adventures. We've teamed up with New York State to present some of the most stellar accommodation throughout the state. From scenic summer camps to beachfront escapes, here are our picks to make your next New York adventure even more special. [caption id="attachment_851092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooke O'Neil - Courtesy of Franklin County[/caption] WHITE PINE CAMP, PAUL SMITHS If it's good enough for a president then it's good enough for you. Set in Paul Smiths, in the heart of the Adirondacks region, White Pine Camp is the former holiday home of President Calvin Coolidge. Nowadays, it's a year-round getaway that places you right in nature's beauty. You'll have 13 stately cabins and cottages to choose from, each featuring handcrafted furnishings, stone fireplaces and stunning views. This provincial wonderland is one of the region's 'Great Camps' — a label reserved for the remarkable lakeside homes built by wealthy 19th-century families. There are endless activities to experience during your stay. You can enjoy boating, hiking, fishing and bowling. Then, when you're ready to unwind, head to the camp's Japanese tea house for a cocktail. [caption id="attachment_851090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Buffalo Niagara, Kim Smith,[/caption] THE MANSION ON DELAWARE AVENUE, BUFFALO Buffalo is one of the most captivating cities in the United States. From the recently restored 19th- and early 20th-century architectural gems and picturesque gardens to the thriving entertainment and nightlife scenes, there are many things that make the city well worth a visit. Located in the heart of the city, The Mansion on Delaware offers an up-close glimpse of the aforementioned 19th-century grandeur. The elegance of the property is undeniable from the moment you step inside, with 15-foot ceilings and handcrafted details that ooze class. You can live out all your upper-class fantasies here, too. To complement the venue's grand allure, a team of "new-fashioned butlers" are waiting at your beck and call, whether you need the ideal restaurant reservation, day-trip suggestions or even a personal driver to whisk you to a nearby landmark. [caption id="attachment_844998" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Phillip Ennis, Courtesy of Oheka Castle[/caption] OHEKA CASTLE, HUNTINGTON Oheka Castle is believed to have inspired The Great Gatsby, so booking a stay in this sprawling mansion ensures you get the chance to live out your Roaring Twenties fantasies. Here, at the highest point of Long Island, luxury is the name of the game, with a selection of sophisticated suites offering opulent decor alongside views stretching across the pristine grounds. Downstairs, the OHK Bar and Restaurant is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, and has a distinctly European atmosphere. You're also welcome to explore the gardens, order an in-room massage, hit the gym or even attend a daily tour of this storied mansion. [caption id="attachment_851095" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Dutchess Tourism[/caption] THE ROUNDHOUSE, BEACON The charming town of Beacon makes for the ideal artsy escape, as this former industrial hub has evolved into a cultural destination over the last 20 years. The Roundhouse embodies this rejuvenation perfectly. The historic mill was transformed into a boutique hotel and restaurant in 2010, but many of the property's refined architectural details were preserved. The Roundhouse is perched on the edge of the fast-flowing Fishkill Creek, offering views of the adjacent Beacon Falls. This easy-on-the-eye spot has 51 guestrooms decked out with mid-century decor. Meanwhile, the acclaimed restaurant showcases goods from local farms, wineries and distilleries. [caption id="attachment_844992" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE, NEW PALTZ Mohonk Mountain House is another majestic stay that'll see you surrounded by the Hudson Valley's incredible scenery. This early 20th-century estate is based on the edge of Lake Mohonk and is surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest. You won't be left looking for ways to fill your time either. First of all, there are some 85 miles of hiking trails to explore. You can also go kayaking and fly fishing on the lake that sits next to the estate, or make the most of the estate's award-winning spa and top-notch recreational facilities, including tennis courts, an indoor pool, a golf course and more. Mohonk Mountain House is also known for its farm-to-table cuisine, which is served throughout its many venues. [caption id="attachment_851104" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Greene County Tourism & Film Office[/caption] EASTWIND HOTEL AND BAR, WINDHAM When your main priority is reconnecting with nature, eco-conscious glamping in the rugged countryside is bound to fit the bill. Eastwind Hotel and Bar, overlooking the Catskill Mountains, is a fantastic choice. The property's A-frame glamping tents and cabins will level up your outdoor encounters with their Scandinavian-style architecture and amenities. Here, you don't need to forgo the creature comforts during your stay — even the basic offering comes with wifi, lush robes and private bathrooms. Opting for an upgraded hut, meanwhile, will score you a cosy lounge area, writing nook, outdoor fire pit and shower, and a private deck to appreciate the views. Throw in a visit to the hotel's trendy cocktail bar and a sweat sesh in the wood-barrelled sauna, and this out-of-town haunt won't disappoint. THE LAKE HOUSE ON CANANDAIGUA, CANANDAIGUA The Finger Lakes is one of upstate New York's top destinations, known for its picturesque lakes, wineries and top-class recreational facilities. Sound like your sort of place? The Lake House on Canandaigua is where you should stay. Modern yet flourished with old-world charm, this peaceful location is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring the surrounding landscapes. Alongside the 125 picture-perfect rooms, dining is a clear focus at the hotel. The Sand Bar offers a laidback atmosphere and colourful cocktails overlooking the water, while Rose Tavern levels up the class with rustic decor and hearth-cooked cuisine. For activities, there's a fully kitted day spa, ice skating in winter, morning meditation sessions and much more. STARLITE MOTEL, KERHONKSON The Starlite Motel is a 1960s motor lodge that has been lovingly restored to its former glory through modern updates and fashionable touches, ranging from a kitschy pink exterior and retro tiling to vintage appliances that instantly transport you to a bygone age. When you're not exploring the many nearby hiking, biking and climbing locations, you're invited to make the most of an outdoor pool and communal firepits. There's also a lo-fi canteen serving local drinks and snacks, while a selection of barbecue grills means you can whip up your own feast beneath the stars. [caption id="attachment_851100" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Ulster County Tourism/Film[/caption] WOODSTOCK WAY HOTEL, WOODSTOCK Inspired by the music and counterculture that made its namesake community so famous, Woodstock Way Hotel invites guests to experience this history through rustic-chic architecture and enchanting gardens. The rooms, suites and cottages are adorned with vintage decor and artwork, so expect to feel immersed in the lush outdoors through balconies and private gardens. Although there's no on-site restaurant, the communal area offers snacks and drinks. You're also just a quick walk from the centre of town, meaning you can experience Woodstock's wealth of stylish restaurants, bars and fashion boutiques with ease. To start planning your trip to New York State, head to iloveny.com. Also, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best food and drink stops, cultural experiences, outdoor adventures and day trips from NYC. Top image: Courtesy of Oheka Castle
Judena Hair has garnered a reputation for being one of the top-rated salons in Bondi. Owner Kylie opened the salon seven years ago with the aim to create a space that prioritises customer service and uses top-tier products to respect the quality of the hair. Today, the Judena experience always starts with a thorough consultation where your stylist will take into account your face shape, hair colour and even eye colour, ensuring every client receives a specialised service that leaves them confident and happy. A wash and blow-dry starts at $50 for short hair, but if you're after something a little more special, Judena also does hair extensions. You can also go the whole hog and get your makeup done while you're there ($45–120). The best part? New clients receive $30 off on their first visit.
If you are local to the northern beaches, you'll know the style is all about minimal clothing in soft fabrics to make transitioning from beach to bar a breeze. Roze & Thorn offers local and international designers that do this with ease; there's floaty, floral dresses from the likes of Auguste The Label and Talulah; chilled-denim brands One Teaspoon, Rollas and Neuw; and uber-cool sunglasses label Valley Eyewear. The boutique also stocks cutting edge activewear brand Jaggad, delicate jewellery from Deer Ruby and Love Isabelle, Suboo swimmers and plenty of shoes and handbags to tie it all together. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
It has seen plenty in its almost two centuries of life, but The Royal Richmond Hotel has just enjoyed one of its biggest shake-ups yet. Located in the heart of Richmond, at the foot of the Blue Mountains in the Hawkesbury region, the 170-year-old pub has unveiled an extensive makeover at the hands of new Peter Wynne and Karen Anderson (Martin Place Bar). A major revamp has transformed the long-standing boozer, giving it a new bistro complete with an open kitchen and light-filled atrium-style dining room — and a dapper cocktail lounge and refurbished sports bar. The spaces give a firm nod to eras past, thanks to original Oregon timber beams, walls of recycled brick, generous tables crafted from reclaimed timber and plenty of historic photos. Headed up by General Manager Todd Garratt (Fish Butchery, Wine Library, Balcon by Tapavino), the bistro offering champions local Hawkesbury produce and ingredients wherever possible, while also delivering a strong focus on an in-house program of charcuterie and dry-aged meats. On the menu, you'll find a lineup of classic pizzas and share snacks — think: twice-cooked chicken wings and a country-style pork terrine — alongside pasta dishes like a braised lamb bolognese pappardelle. There are burgers, a share-friendly rotisserie lamb shoulder and dry-aged steaks aplenty. House-made pork snags are teamed with mash and a cider gravy, while a hero dish of cauliflower is cooked on the rotisserie and finished with almonds, currants and a red pepper sauce. With its tartan carpet, double fireplaces and premium spirits lineup, the new cocktail lounge is set to become a favourite winter haunt. And the new-look front bar proves a cosy spot to enjoy pints and some big-screen footy action, matched to the likes of a ploughman's platter, potato skins or a serve of the kitchen's cheeseburger spring rolls. There's more to come, too, with The Royal Richmond's second stage of renovations set to deliver a roomy, all-weather beer garden that'll play host to a program of music and other live entertainment. That's on track to be completed some time next year. Find The Royal Richmond Hotel at 163 Windsor Street, Richmond. It's open 10am–3am Monday to Saturday, and 10am–12am Sunday.
Following years of successful pop-ups, Baba's Place finally took the plunge and opened a permanent restaurant in a Marrickville last year. With a huge community atmosphere, impromptu DJ sets, cultural activations and a menu that's the talk of the town, the warehouse venue has already become an inner-west favourite. Continuing the spirit of the popular the pop-ups, the venue doesn't shy away from special one-off events. This Sunday, May 1, the Baba's Place team is hosting a deep dive into interesting natural wines from Eastern and Central Europe. Expect pét-nats from Slovenia's Heaps Good Co, fruity rosé from Austria's Christina, and selections from local importers like Fox Wine Company and Vivant Wines. Accompanying the wine tasting will be a surprise Baltic-inspired feast cooked up by the Baba's Place chefs. While the menu is yet to be revealed, you can expect the restaurant's signature playful and homely take on European dishes. Tickets are $115 for the four-hour affair and include entry, food and four glasses of wine. If you have more drops that you want to try, you can then buy additional glasses on top of that. Images: Cordelia Williamson.
Cakes get smashed, biscuits are catapulted, lipstick is smeared and someone urinates — symptoms of the trapped and fearful mind. Sisters Brida (Odile LeClezio), Ada (Jane Phegan) and Clara (Genevieve Mooy) are holed up in a small cottage, shielding themselves from the harsh outside world, a seaside village in Western Ireland where the streets are narrow and the houses lean in on one another so they squeeze you. The suffocating pressure of the town is felt as the cast is packed onto the tiny tin-box stage. In their bland, curtain-fabric dresses and matronly buns and rollers, the sisters play with the innate Irish aptitude for storytelling, delivered with a whipper-snipper race of words down a rabbit warren of memories. We are left reeling, dizzy and ill after being dragged through spirals of rote-learned stories: Brida and Clara's single night of disappointment at the New Electric Ballroom, a virginity never lost and the realisation at 40 of never being properly kissed (only once mauled in the car park by a fishmonger). Their dashed hopes apparently justify their self-imprisonment. With The New Electric Ballroom, playwright Enda Walsh (The Walworth Farce) is successfully externalising the cyclic thought patterns of madness that whine at us all, that we carry around inside our skulls but hate to admit ownership of. The message comes out loud and clear; it's just a question of whether you want to sit through it blaring for 90 minutes. Their memories, madness and desperate wailing for cups of tea are pleasantly interrupted by the mad fishmonger Patsy (Justin Smith), who delivers fresh fish and comic streams of consciousness on a daily basis. Though he bores them, Patsy surprises all, exchanging his humble fisherman clothes for a flashy gold Elvis suit, crooning a love song to Ada and beckoning her to join him in the outside world. Knowing what we know of the Irish literary lineage, however, this note of optimism can't be expected to hold. The proffering of a slice of delicious coffee cake in conclusion was a decent compensation — but no tea!
Gaffa has built a solid name for itself on the Sydney gallery trail over the last few years. Perched atop the one and only Ding Dong Dang Karaoke Bar, this artist-run space held consistently innovative exhibitions showcasing the work of emerging artists and designers. Now it has seriously outdone itself with an uptown relocation and huge expansion. Spread over three levels, the new Gaffa is more a CBD art precinct than conventional gallery. On the ground floor is a coffee shop and a space for rotating temporary art and design stalls. Three galleries occupy the first level and several studios and jewellery/object design workshops make up the second. It's all launching on 11 February from 6pm with the new exhibition Fidelity, featuring work the likes of Ella Barclay, Sumugan Sivanesan, Mark Gerada, Sean O’Connell, Marcelle Robbins, Ben Backhouse, Geoffrey Farquhar-Still, Andrew Lavery, Melinda Young, Zoe Brand and Kath Fries. Keep an eye on Gaffa's website for details of future jewellery workshops and other events.
Even if you're not much of an opera connoisseur, this iconic Sydney Festival event is a must. Each year, Opera in the Domain brings some of opera's biggest hits to thousands of Sydneysiders under the starry night sky. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket and lose yourself in the marvel that is the human voice. No time to pack food? Never fear: there will be bars and food stalls aplenty.
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2020 — Due to popular demand, The Fork Festival has extended for three weeks, which means you have until Saturday, February 29 to snag a tidy 50 percent off your total food bill. It also means this deal is sticking around for Valentine's Day — you know what to do. When Christmas and New Year are over, the temptation to hibernate grows pretty strong — so, you're probably going to need a little something extra to tempt you off the couch. Handily, online reservation platform The Fork has a winning idea up its sleeve: it's offering a huge eight weeks of dining specials nationwide. Kicking off on Monday, January 6, the second ever The Fork Festival will see top restaurants across the country offering sit-down meals for half the usual price. Yep, 50 percent off your total food bill, folks — think of it as the proverbial carrot luring you out of the house. So far, 300 restaurants have signed up, but The Fork is expecting this number to grow. To snag a half-price meal, you just need to make a reservation through The Fork website or app at one of the participating eateries for any service (breakfast, lunch or dinner) during the five weeks. [caption id="attachment_653288" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Boathouse at Blackwattle Bay by Kitti Gould.[/caption] There are some great venues coming to the party, too. In Sydney, you'll find discounted eats at the likes of Eliza Food and Wine, Uccello, The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay, Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium, Berowra Waters Inn, The Greens, Olio, Butcher and the Farmer and Little Jean. You might want to revisit an old favourite or you could get a little adventurous and road-test somewhere new. Either way, there's ample time to squeeze in a fair few discount feasts before the festival wraps up on February 29. You can check out the full list of participating restaurants on the website. Top image: Eliza Food and Wine
In Locke, the improbable proves possible — and in more ways than one. The second film from director Steven Knight (best known as the screenwriter of Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises and The Hundred-Foot Journey) takes the simple and routine and turns it into the complex and compelling. Never before has a one-man effort, set solely in a car, structured around a series of phone calls and ostensibly concerning the machinations of the largest concrete pour in history become so engaging and immersive. As the titular figure and only on-screen presence, Ivan Locke (Tom Hardy) is the lynchpin in the spoken drama. He leaves work one evening, but rather than head for a home that boasts a wife (Ruth Wilson) and two sons (Tom Holland and Bill Miner) waiting to watch a soccer match with him, or even for a good night's rest before the important day that awaits, the building site foreman drives away from his usual responsibilities. Conversations crystalise the details, sentiments escalating as he informs all those relying upon his dependable nature of the departure from his duties as an employee, husband and father. Increasingly upset altercations with a co-worker (Olivia Colman) in hospital are revelatory, as Locke faces the repercussions of an ill-thought-out act from his past. Of course, the central conceit of a single protagonist within a lone location is far from new; however, Knight does more than merely follow a formula. Avoiding easy comparisons with the likes of classics Lifeboat, Rope and Rear Window and recent thrillers Cube, Phone Booth and Buried, the filmmaker explores a situation marked by its modesty rather than its gimmick. The stakes are far from life and death, the crux of the story is akin to those seen in a soap opera, but tension radiates from the mundane and relatable. What results is the juxtaposition of several layers of confinement: physically, in a car careening towards London; emotionally, amid the reactions of all immersed in the mess; morally, in doing the right thing in the wrong circumstances Accordingly, Locke succeeds via the astute intersection of terse scripting, inventive filming and an exceptional performance. Knight's war of words never falls victim to complacency, every exchange adding to the pile of punishing problems and pulsating pressure. Cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos's (Thor) slick gaze offers a shiny veneer peppered with imperfections, creating imagery that matches the film's thematic thrust. But it is Hardy, Welsh-accented and stone-faced, that makes the scenario leap from the screen as he simmers under the strain of his character's choices. The feature's greatest achievement may stem from eliciting interest from its story, style and structure; however, it is its lead that sears its exploration of the inescapable inexplicably into memory. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HxLPXMEYGeI
This year, Moonlight Cinema isn't just returning to Centennial Park. The always-popular outdoor cinema is also heading to western Sydney for the first time. Taking over the Lizard Log Amphitheatre from January 1–February 2, it'll be screening new flicks, retro favourites and some of the best films from 2019. So, roll out your picnic blanket, sit under the stars and stare up at the big screen to watch newly released movies like Rocketman, Hustlers, Joker, Ford v Ferrari, Knives Out, Cats, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker and Charlie's Angels. Going retro, the outdoor cinema will revisit last year's A Star Is Born and 90s perennial favourite 10 Things I Hate About You. Dirty Dancing is also on the bill, like it is at all its pop-ups every year — it wouldn't be a Moonlight without it. [caption id="attachment_697750" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moonlight Cinema Sydney[/caption] You can bring your pooch to the openair cinema (but they need to remain on a leash at all times) and BYO food and drink (yes, including booze) is OK, too. If you forget, there's also a licenced bar and candy shop on site stocked with all the classic cinema treats. Gates open at 7pm with movies starting at sundown (around 8.30pm).
If you love hummus, you're probably happy to sit at home with a one-kilo tub of Yumi's and whatever you can find to dip in it. But you could also not do that and get your daily dose of chickpeas at this hummus-laden pop-up bar in Bondi. On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights throughout February, the team behind Darlinghurst's Simply Hummus Bar take its dishes to Bondi Road, taking over Up South once its done with lunch service. From 5.30pm, the cafe's menu will be replaces with an Israeli-style snack menu that also happens to be completely vegan. Simply Hummus Bar's signature hummus — served with pillowy pita and falafel — is, of course, the main drawcard, but we recommend you also try the whole roasted cauliflower topped with tahini, herbs and almonds. Also on the menu is some fried cauli bites, grilled peppers, and a bowl that has it all: hummus, falafel, salad, tahini and pita. Unlike the Darlo eatery, this pop-up is licensed and serving beers, a few wines and arak. The bar is now open from 5.30–9.30pm Wednesday to Saturday until the end of February. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
"For traditionalists, Gelato Messina has all the staples of the classic gelato repertoire. There's vanilla bean, chocolate and all manner of fruit sorbets. But for the daring, the store's real specialty is it's conceptual ice cream flavours," says Gelato Messina's co-owner, Declan Lee. Conceptual ice cream flavours? It sounds like crazy talk, some kind of inner city, performance art hijinx, right? In fact, it's the perfect fusion of creativity and logic. Once Donato Toce (head chef) and Nick Palumbo (head gelato science guy) think of a theme, they then negotiate the complex gastronomical terrain of proteins, fat and flavour to create the smooth, creamy milk confection we know as gelato. It's this Heston Blumenthal-style art/science nexus that has resulted in the genius combos of Number Two (peanut butter gelato, dulce de leche and chocolate brownie), Nacho Libre (avocado cream, salsa and crushed corn chips) and Porky's Revenge (pancake-flavoured gelato with maple syrup and bacon). This week's special, Spider (vanilla cream and creaming soda sorbet) is right on, fizzy and creamy, as if a gourmet grown-up hijacked my primary school tuck shop. What's next? Penne Napolitana sorbet? Notions of Australian Landscape? One of Messina's best sellers is 'Salted Caramel and White Chocolate'. And it is pretty spectacular - that precarious balance of creamy, salty, sweet, crunchy and nutty. "This week's special is Melba's Peachy," says Declan, "It's our take on the old peach melba: raspberry coulis, vanilla cream, peaches and meringue. All of us come up with the flavours. We have a list of specials that we roll out that we know are great - about five hundred that we've done over the years. This is one of them. And every week we add another two specials. With a flavour like Nacho Libre, you need to work out a way to keep the corn chips crunchy. So we covered it in cocoa butter." Tradition be damned — we're converts.
Does your breakfast involve a slice of toast slathered with Vegemite, plus a serving of baked beans? Have you ever had a cheeky mouthful of both at the same time and found the combination to your liking? Is a tin of Vegemite-flavoured baked beans now your fantasy idea of brekkie heaven? If you've answered yes to these questions, prepare to have your tastebuds well and truly tempted. Because simply scraping Vegemite across bread is boring, it seems, the yeasty Australian staple has worked its way into plenty of other food items — such chocolate, milk shakes, icy poles, ice creams, burgers, popcorn, booze and pizza, just to name a few examples. So, SPC's decision to add Vegemite to baked beans isn't all that surprising. And, like all culinary mashups that call upon the famed spread, you'll either be ridiculously excited or so put off that you may never eat baked beans or Vegemite ever again. Inspired? Gross? Only you know the answer — because the response is different for all of us. And yes, you and your stomach are definitely allowed to feel confused about the whole concept. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SPC (@spcgloballtd) Wondering how it tastes? SPC's Baked Beans & Vegemite still has a cheesy tomato sauce, but with Vegemite added. So, the whole combo is Vegemite, cheese, tomato and baked beans. For some, that'll make it better. For others, it'll make it worse. If you're nonetheless keen, the new product is being sold in two ways — as single 425-gram tins of SPC Baked Beans & Vegemite in Rich Tomato (RRP$1.70) and in four-packs of 220-gram tins (RRP $5.00). Breakfast, brunch or whatever meal you feel like pairing baked beans and Vegemite for will never look the same. SPC's Baked Beans & Vegemite tins are available in supermarkets now.
In the lead-up to Sydney's inevitable lockdown extension, the New South Wales and Federal Government announced new financial support packages to assist individuals and businesses impacted by the lockdown. The packages included assistance for individuals, small businesses and sole traders who have lost income, as well as renters struggling to pay their bills. While the financial support on offer is quite far-reaching, it can feel a little daunting deciphering if (and where) you fit into it all. So, here's an easy-to-read overview of all the support on offer across NSW and Greater Sydney if you've been financially impacted by the latest lockdown. EMPLOYEES Individuals can apply for COVID-19 Disaster Payments through the Services Australia website as of Wednesday, July 13. The joint plan between the federal and state government means individuals who have lost between eight and 20 hours of work due to stay-home orders can access recurring payments of $375 a week from July 15 for parts of Sydney, and July 18 onwards for people in Greater Sydney. Those who have lost more than 20 hours can access payments of up to $600. There are a few eligibility rules, for example, you must be an Australian resident or on an eligible work visa, over the age of 17 and not on an income support payment like JobSeeker or Youth Allowance. Head to Services Australia for more information, but keep in mind that the opportunity to submit your first period of claims (July 1–July 7) closes on Wednesday, July 28. [caption id="attachment_817711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arvin Prem Kumar[/caption] SMALL BUSINESSES From Monday, July 19 businesses, sole traders and not-for-profits can apply for grants of up to $15,000. There are three grants available, $7,500 for a decline in revenue of 30 percent or more, $10,500 for a decline of 50 percent or more, or $15,000 for a decline of 70% or more. The full eligibility for these grants will be available later in the week. Microbusinesses with a revenue of between $30,00–75,000 that have seen a loss of at least 30 percent are eligible for up to $1500 a fortnight, applicable from the beginning of lockdown. Applications for these support payments will open from Monday, July 26. On the same day, the Saving Jobs scheme designed to minimise jobs and hours lost to the lockdown will also be rolled out. The scheme will offer businesses with a turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million payments of $1500–10,000 to keep people in jobs if they've experienced a downturn in profits of 30 percent or more. If you run a business that doesn't employ others, you may be eligible for payments of $1000 a week to keep you afloat. RENTERS AND HOMEOWNERS Renters are being given greater protection during Sydney's lockdown, in an attempt to soften the blow of lost hours and jobs. A freeze on evictions has been implemented — meaning nobody can be evicted between now and Saturday, September 11. Services NSW has a series of resources for struggling tenants that may need a rent reduction or a pause on any evictions due to income loss. Landlords have also been provided with an incentive to lower rent prices during the lockdown, with residential landlords that lower the price of rent for tenants impacted by the lockdown eligible to apply for grants of up to $1500 or reduced land taxes, equal to the value of rent reductions provided to tenants. The full details of this grant will be available soon on the NSW Government website. [caption id="attachment_720224" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] THE ARTS INDUSTRY The NSW Government has announced a $75 million support package for the performing arts and live music industry. Applications will be open from Thursday, July 23 through the Create NSW website for not-for-profit and commercial performing arts organisations, as well as live music organisations that have been impacted by canceled shows. The funding is designed to keep people in the sector employed and help organisations keep the lights on. It will be delivered in two stages, an initial immediate relief payment to any organisation that had shows or performances booked during the lockdown, and a secondary package to help organisations reschedule shows. Any artist or crew worker who has lost work due to the lockdown, not-for-profit Support Act is also offering a helping hand. Support Act is offering one-off grants of $2000, or $2700 to families with dependant children, to musicians and crew members that have been financially impacted by the lockdown in order to help soften the blow of lost gigs and shifts. The organisation also offers financial relief to members of the music and arts community that are unable to work due to injury or illness, and a Mental Health First Aid program to assist those struggling with their mental health. If you're still confused, we recommend heading to the Service NSW website where you can look around the 2021 COVID-19 Support Package page or input your details into the COVID-19 Assistance Finder. Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich also has a page full of helpful resources. Top image: Cassandra Hannagan
Plant-based eating has been steadily on the rise for the past few decades. In recent times, the Sydney dining scene has wholeheartedly embraced offering vegan iterations and reimaginings of signature dishes on a whole new level. Whether it's all-vegan hotspots like Bad Hombres; health food-focused boltholes like Cali Press; or even traditionally meat-favouring spots like Bonditony's Burger Joint, there's a stack of spots that hero plants, legumes and veggies in clever and inventive ways. In partnership with American Express, we've tracked down eight of the best plant-based plates across the city. These are the dishes where you won't miss meat or dairy whether you're a full-time vegan or a meat-eater dabbling in plant-based foods.
Throw those GoPros, bubble bottles and novelty gumboots in your rucksack, Splendour in the Grass is returning to North Byron Parklands for another year of festival merriment. With the epic likes of Blur, Mark Ronson, Florence and The Machine, Death Cab For Cutie, The Wombats, Tame Impala and Of Monsters And Men, Pond, Royal Blood and the Dandy Warhols on the bill, 2015's fest has one heck of a huge lineup. Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt is back, Australia's own dancefloor kings Flight Facilities are landing back home, Azealia Banks makes her Australian festival return and Spiritualised will play their only Australian show. Ryan Adams is comin' on over, Best Coast is bringing the beachery back to Splendour, while recent Coachella-smash Jenny Lewis is another of the bigwigs we can all get squealy about. SXSW buzz artists like Gengahr and Elliphant are coming, UK producer Shlomo will take things down a notch (and King Khan will do exactly the opposite), while Canadian duo Purity Ring should be one packed-out, all-the-emotions must-see. Australian artists really dominate the lineup this year, including Client Liaison, Elizabeth Rose, Hayden James, Megan Washington, Thundamentals, Meg Mac, Japanese Wallpaper, Dune Rats and more. Plus, there's going to be four stages this year, with the new Tiny Dancer stage joining the Amphitheatre, Mix Up, GW McLennan stages to host Splendour's DJ lineup. Splendour will return to North Byron Parklands on Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July. Onsite camping is once again available from Wednesday 22 July. Splendour In The Grass 2015 lineup Blur Florence + The Machine Mark Ronson Of Monsters & Men The Wombats Tame Impala Peking Duk Ryan Adams Flight Facilities Royal Blood (only Aus show) Death Cab For Cutie Earl Sweatshirt Boy & Bear Porter Robinson (Live) The Dandy Warhols (only Aus show) Xavier Rudd & The United Nations Azealia Banks The Rubens Jamie T Pond Spiritualized (only Aus show) Alison Wonderland Thundamentals Best Coast Everything Everything San Cisco MS MR Jarryd James Purity Ring Allday Carmada The Grates The Smith Street Band Tkay Maidza Johnny Marr Last Dinosaurs Megan Washington The Vaccines #1 Dads The Church Kitty, Daisy & Lewis The King Khan & The BBQ Show Alpine Catfish and the Bottlemen Paul Mac Dustin Tebbutt MØ Years & Years Jenny Lewis C.W. Stoneking Seekae George Maple Elliphant Client Liaison Palma Violets SAFIA Hayden James Dune Rats Wolf Alice Meg Mac Cosmo's Midnight Marmozets Oh Mercy Mansionair The Districts Shlohmo Elizabeth Rose The Delta Riggs Circa Waves Nancy Whang Eves The Behaviour Urban Cone Art of Sleeping Japanese Wallpaper Gengahr Bad//Dreems Ecca Vandal Holy Holy Vallis Alps UV Boi The Babe Rainbow Harts Generik Young Franco Mickey Kojak GL Benson Harvey Sutherland Total Giovanni DJs Dugong Jr I'lls Akouo Noise In My Head triple j Unearthed Winners Plus ... Joyride Post Percy Ara Koufax CC:Disco! Adi Toohey Set Mo Edd Fisher Mike Who Shantan Wantan Ichiban For more info, check out the official Splendour In The Grass site.
Janet Laurence has been recognised globally as a leading voice on the environment but, surprisingly, she has never seen a major survey of her work take place. But that all changes now, as the Museum of Contemporary Art celebrates Laurence's 30-year career in a new exhibition. You might remember the 'water bar' that popped up in Paddington a few years back. That was Lawrence. While the bar doesn't make a comeback, After Nature goes down a similar path. The survey features numerous of the Sydney-based artist's key works across environmentally charged sculpture, installation, photography and video, which, when taken as a whole, explores the link between all living creations from animal to plants and minerals. Perhaps now, more so than ever before, Laurence's work has taken on profound importance with its study of Australia's fragile natural world, and how we might respond to the impact of climate change. Highlights include many of Laurence's early lightbox works combining metal plates, minerals and organic substances, while her more recent installations present new perspectives on plant and animal specimens. Meanwhile, the centrepiece of this exhibition is a newly produced commission for the MCA, Theatre of Trees, which applies the last decade of Laurence's research into plant life and its medicinal properties. Image 1: Janet Laurence, Forest (Theatre of Trees), 2018–19. Images 2–4: Janet Laurence, Deep Breathing: Resuscitation for the Reef, 2015–16. Image 5: Janet Laurence, Cellular Gardens (Where Breathing Begins), 2005. Image 6: Janet Laurence, Heartshock (After Nature), 2008. All images by Jacquie Manning and courtesy of the artist.
Do you know the secret to a perfect baked feta pasta? Know all the tricks to make your cloud bread as light and fluffy as a cumulus? Do you even know what these words mean?? If so, there's a one-night-only event happening in Redfern this June that you won't want to miss. On Thursday, June 23, Scape, Australia's biggest student accommodation operator, will host its first-ever TikTok-inspired pop-up restaurant, with humble student recipes given a blue tick-worthy glow-up by three of Australia's most popular TikTok food creators. The dishes are based on research undertaken by Scape which showed that almost 75% of uni students who live out of home eat alone, and those that do often get by with a basic recipe rotation of toasties, pasta with sauce and stir fries. To that end, the Scape TikTok Creator Cook-Up will see food influencers Vincent Yeow Lim, Morgan Hipworth and Priya Sharma take over a dining room at Scape's Eveleigh Street property to present a menu inspired by these dishes, but delivered with a surprising twist or two. Lim's Yumyumcha is a creative take on a classic toastie, a flavour and texture bomb which sees ham and cheese siu mai served with XO sauce, garlic butter, croutons and topped with gold leaf. Sharma's Samosa Be a Stir Fry is reinvented stir fry that promises a cross-cultural explosion in which a samosa is packed with a delicious plant-based stir fry, noodles and all. For dessert, Hipworth, who opened go-to Melbourne bakehouse Bistro Morgan when he was just 15, will be whipping up the aptly-named Nothing Is Impastable. The sweet take on a comfort classic sees sweet tortellini loaded with Nutella ricotta filling and served with raspberry coulis and hazelnut praline. You'll need to hurry if you want to attend — spots are limited and they're filling up faster than you can whip up a Dalgona coffee. For more information and to book, head to the event website.
Forget about roasting chestnuts over an open fire. A traditional Aussie Christmas is all about tinsel, toys and a seafood feast with all the trimmings — which, for many a Sydneysider, starts with a trip to the Sydney Fish Market. And there's plenty of fish in the sea — but even more things you need to know when it comes to cooking them. Which is where the Pyrmont seafood institution steps in. From sniff tests and storage tips to a summer school series designed to teach you how separate your scallops from your salmon, here are the answers to all your fishy FAQs — straight from the experts at Sydney Seafood School — that'll help you host the perfect festive feast. [caption id="attachment_878750" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James D. Morgan/Getty Images for Sydney Fish Market[/caption] How do I ensure my fish is fresh? Customers who commit to Sydney Fish Market's 36-hour seafood marathon will find more than 100 different varieties of seafood on display (and 10,000 times as many people strolling through to get their fix), so, unsurprisingly, it can be a little overwhelming trying to work out where to start. However, buying almost directly from the source is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your fish is fresh. Other telltale signs of the fish's freshness include shiny skin or scales, firm flesh (with no marks or tears) and bright, red-pink gills. Or, if you're a touchy-feely kind of fish person, grab a pair of gloves from a stall owner and test the texture of your trout or tuna for yourself. Fresh fish flesh should be firm and spring back when touched, crustaceans such as crabs should feel heaver than they look (with no sound of sloshing water inside when shaken), while bivalves like mussels and pipis should have intact shells that are closed or close when tapped. However, the most important sense you can utilise when seafood shopping is your smell. All seafood should have a pleasant, fresh fragrance, with product that smells particularly "fishy" best left behind. What's the best way to transport fish from the market to my fridge? Once you've stocked up, avoid the temptation to pop past the stores for last-minute present-buying and head straight home. One of the cardinal rules of transporting seafood is that for every hour your seafood is off ice, one day is taken off the shelf-life. So, remember to bring an esky along with you on your trip to the markets, and ask the fishmonger to pack some ice with your purchase to keep it fresh on the journey home. Sydney Seafood School's experts recommend you place your fish on a plate or in a lidded container, and cover it with a damp cloth followed by plastic wrap or a lid and put it in the coldest part of your fridge as soon as you get home. But, contrary to popular belief, you don't have to eat your seafood straight away. In fact, most seafood species will keep for up to three days in the right conditions, so don't stress too much if you're still eating crab sandwiches for lunch on Boxing Day. Fun fish fact: There's also nothing wrong with freezing seafood if you need to. Just ensure you seal it in an airtight freezer bag and consume it within three to eight months. So, what about sustainability? Overfishing is a serious problem globally — however, Australian fisheries have been internationally recognised as among the best-managed in the world. Both state and commonwealth legislation requires that our fisheries be sustainable and that the environmental impacts of fishing activities be regularly assessed. Stocks of even previously overfished species continue to increase under careful supervision, with recovery plans for such species mandatory. To keep it simple, one of the best ways to be sure you're buying sustainable seafood is to buy Australian. And some of the freshest you'll find? At the Sydney Fish Market, of course. It's also worth taking note how many people you're feeding so you can stock up on the right amount and avoid unnecessary waste. I want to put on a seafood spread but don't know where to start. Help! There are two types of seafood shoppers: those who have specific seafood in mind, and those who do not. If you're open to ideas, start with a cooking method you'd like to explore and get the fishmonger to suggest something that suits. However, if you're following a specific recipe, make sure you order exactly what you need — or ask one of the experts to offer alternatives if your first option is unavailable. Remember, a seafood spread doesn't have to be expensive to be impressive. If you've got cash to splash, try a crustacean (lobster, bugs or crab), a whole fish for a centrepiece and classic crowd favourites like oysters, octopus or prawns. However, if you're working within a tighter budget, there are still plenty of options. The price of more popular fish such as barramundi, salmon and snapper go up slightly around Christmas in response to demand, but lesser-known species like gurnard, flounder and eastern school whiting are just as delicious, readily available and can be significantly cheaper. The perfect Christmas seafood spread should balance both temperature and flavour. This will satisfy guests without overwhelming them in the height of the summer heat. Regardless of budget, all you really need is two hot dishes and two cold. The final thing to consider for a truly stellar festive spread is all the extras — think salads, sides and small, simple seafood snacks. What's the best way to cook my seafood? Sunny weather is barbecue weather. And fortunately, for those who fear fudging up their fish, the barbie is one of the easiest ways to prepare seafood. As a general rule, firm fish prefer direct contact with the grill or hotplate as they can hold together well, allowing the heat to penetrate their often thicker flesh. Working with more delicate species? Try wrapping your fish in foil and barbecuing them with the lid down to avoid direct heat. If you've gotten this far but you're still struggling to figure out the difference between pan-frying and poaching and want to work out whether your bream is better off baked or boiled, it might be time to take your cues from the professionals. Enter: the Sydney Seafood School Sumer Series. With lessons led by some of Australia's most celebrated chefs and favourite foodies, it won't take you long to o-fish-ially (you know we had to) achieve superstar seafood expert status. Check out the full range of classes on offer at the Sydney Seafood School Sumer Series and make the move from seafood amateur to expert this season.
Three years ago, Cheree Toka launched a Change.org campaign to call on the NSW government to fly the Aboriginal flag every day on Sydney Harbour Bridge. Currently, it's flown 19 days a year — for Australia Day, Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. When the Aboriginal flag is not flying, in line with flag protocols, you'll see the Australian and NSW state flags. "The Aboriginal flag is a reminder that the country has a history before European arrival," says Toka, a Kamilaroi woman who lives in Sydney's inner west. "I think it's really important to have a symbolic gesture on the bridge that identifies the true history of Australia, which is a starting point for conversation around greater issues affecting the Indigenous population." In three years of non-stop campaigning, Toka has amassed more than 157,000 digital signatures and the required 10,000 paper-based signatures to bring the issue to NSW parliament. It was debated in the final NSW parliamentary session of 2019 — and the result was that it would cost too much to construct a third flagpole to see the Aboriginal flag flying daily. So, undeterred, the 29-year-old campaigner is crowdfunding the $300,000 quoted by the government to 'fund the flag'. "At this point in time, we are trying to raise funds to do it ourselves," says Toka, who launched the GoFundMe page on Wednesday, June 3 (Mabo Day). So far, more than 1000 supporters have committed donations ranging from $5–500, bringing the total to $34,660 by Monday, July 13. [caption id="attachment_772665" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cheree Toka photographed by Lee Yearsley[/caption] "It's a massive achievement considering the hardcore issues that are happening in the Indigenous community, and the other GoFundMe pages relating to Black Lives Matter, incarceration rates and injustice with police brutality," says Toka. As stated on the GoFundMe page, once the target has been reached, donations will be held in a trust account until construction is approved by the NSW Government. In the event that it is not approved, donors will be contacted and can opt to be refunded or Toka will "nominate Indigenous causes on the frontline of fighting for equality". Supporters who can't make a donation are encouraged to share the petition far and wide. For those who want to take it further, you can contact the current NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance who announced his retirement from politics in March 2020. Or, await possible new appointments to replace Constance and for the role of NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, previously held by Don Harwin, who resigned in April 2020 over a breach of the COVID-19 public health order. "I will continue to fight until it is done," adds Toka. "Whether that takes five years or 30 years, I'm here for the long haul. I'm here fighting a giant, which is the New South Wales Government. It's been three and a half years, so it's no comparison to what other Aboriginal people have been fighting for, for a long time." Images: Lee Yearsley. Updated July 13, 2020.
It's 1929. You find yourself at a party at Pokeingham Hall in a village in the Cotswolds, one of the UK's most beautiful spots. You're there to celebrate the life of the late heiress Rose Stimper. But it's not just any celebration. In her will, Stimper left a whole lot of money to the village — and asked the villagers to decide how to spend it. You and everyone else has plenty of ideas. You're busy discussing them, when, all of a sudden, something goes terribly wrong... Welcome to Murder at the Manor: an interactive dinner hosted by Cluedunnit, one of the world's longest-running murder mystery companies, at Stamford Plaza Hotel, Sydney Airport. For three hours on Saturday, June 28, you'll dine on a three-course feast, while trying to figure who did the dirty deed. Actors who look like they're straight out of the 1920s will roam the room, telling the story and dropping clues. On the menu is a caramelised onion puff tart with goats' cheese, kalamata olive crumb, herb salad and fig vinocotto, followed by braised beef cheeks with soft polenta. Come dessert, you'll be tucking into chocolate cake with caramelised popcorn, mascarpone and wattle seed. Just make sure you get out of there alive.
Sydney cinephiles, the moment you've been waiting for is here. From June 6 to 17, the Sydney Film Festival will fill the city's cinemas with more than 334 movies. Race-relations comedies straight from Cannes, true crime documentaries about famous cases, behind-the-scenes looks at iconic fashion designers — they're just some of the flicks on offer in what's shaping up to be SFF's mighty busy 65th year. In fact, if you wanted to see BlacKkKlansman, Cold Blooded: The Clutter Family Murders or McQueen, we have bad news — they've already sold out. We told you that the fest will be busy. Thankfully, there's plenty more where those popular titles came from, which is where we come in. Fancy watching one of the absolute best films of the year? A compilation of clips excised from other films by the Australian censors? Gorgeous Japanese animation? A documentary about loving boy bands? Of course you do, and they're all on our must-see list. We've selected ten movies to keep you busy over SFF's 12-day run, so prepare to spend a lot of time inside a cinema. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHbUrdCXa4g YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE After screening at Cannes in 2017 — and deservedly winning Joaquin Phoenix the festival's best actor award for his gut-wrenching performance — it has taken some time for You Were Never Really Here to make it to our shores. Don't worry, this exceptional film is completely worth the wait. It's also one of the best movies of this or any other year. The highly anticipated latest feature from We Need to Talk About Kevin's Lynne Ramsay, the dark effort follows Phoenix's Joe, an ex-soldier and FBI agent turned hitman who rescues children from sex trafficking rings. Unsurprisingly, it's a tense, bleak dive through the mindset of a man coping with several layers of trauma; however neither Ramsay or Phoenix put a foot wrong in a feature that dials up its intense revenge thrills to astounding levels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6o5WPcCgT0 FOXTROT Back in 2010, Israeli writer-director Samuel Maoz made a movie that was almost entirely set in a tank. Lebanon became one of the year's and the decade's most talked-about films — and while his next feature, Foxtrot, isn't confined to one setting, it is just as inventive, immersive and absorbing. The military drama kicks into gear with a knock at the door, as a couple are told by officials that their son has been killed in the line of duty. What happens from that point onwards is best discovered by watching, in a feature that astutely explores bureaucracy, grief and the many difficulties of living in a state of perpetual conflict. From playing with the narrative's timeline to inserting both dance sequences and animation into the mix, Maoz never fails to find the most fitting, astonishing and surprising ways to get to the heart of his story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtojt31IlQs [CENSORED] Ever wondered just what ends up on the cutting room floor — not during the normal editing process, but when the censors are deciding if a film is fit for public consumption? Or perhaps you fall into the other category, and you've never really thought about whether the version of a movie you're seeing is the same as the one submitted by the filmmakers for classification. Either way, Sari Braithwaite's [CENSORED] is bound to open your eyes, with the documentary made from clips excised from flicks by Australian censors between 1951 and 1978. Expect to be challenged and entertained, and to explore the role of censorship, as you step through a movie compiled from parts of other movies that you really weren't meant to see. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp6IcekfEpo MIRAI Outside of Studio Ghibli, Mamoru Hosoda is one of the most important names in Japanese animation — and if you've seen Summer Wars, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time or Wolf Children, you'll know why. The writer-director possesses quite the knack for matching eye-catching visuals with emotionally resonant stories, which could be why his latest, Mirai, became the first Japanese animated film to hold its world premiere at Cannes. Story-wise, it tells of a toddler unhappy about getting a baby sister called Mirai, which all sounds rather routine. If there's one thing that Hosoda's movies have taught audiences, however, it's that there's no such thing as a routine tale. Here, the unhappy four-year-old protagonist not only comes face-to-face with a teenager with the same name as his new sibling, but they're soon stumbling through a magical portal in search of adventure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgKLCqJc_oI NUMBER 37 One of the greatest films ever made gets a completely different twist in Number 37. This mightn't be the first time someone has been inspired to toy with Alfred Hitchcock's iconic Rear Window — the Shia LaBeouf-starring Disturbia did it (and ended up in court as a result), and so did one of the standout shorts at this year's Berlinale — but this South African feature uses the classic flick as a starting point, then finds its own riff. Written and directed by first-timer Nosipho Dumisa, the feature spends its time with a small-time crook who comes up with a new scam just by looking out of his window. He's stuck peering through his binoculars because he was paralysed in a drug deal gone wrong, and that's just one of the factors complicating this suspenseful narrative. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrB0Xbx1YCg THE RIDER In rodeo drama The Rider, real-life cowboy Brady Jandreau plays a version of himself. If you're wondering why writer-director Chloe Zhao opted to stick so close to reality, it's because her subject-turned-actor boasts quite the story. A member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Jandreau was a rising star when the two first met, inspiring Zhao to make a movie about him. Then a tragic riding accident changed his future forever, placing him at a crossroads. Part specific character study, part universal tale of chasing and losing a dream, then trying to come out of the other side, The Rider wouldn't be the same without its star — who acts alongside his real-life family members. Since premiering at Cannes last year, the movie has also been earning Zhao considerable praise for her empathetic modern-day take on the western genre. JULIET, NAKED The latest film adapted from a Nick Hornby book, Juliet, Naked sounds more than a little familiar — even if you haven't read the novel. To the surprise of no one acquainted with the author's work, it features a music-obsessed man who isn't too successful with romance, as well as a musician who earns the same description. High Fidelity 2, this isn't, however. Stuck between the two hapless male figures (played by Chris O'Dowd and Ethan Hawke) is the woman who's actually the protagonist of this story, Annie (Rose Byrne). A rom-com about people learning what's really important in life, the end result takes Hornby's usual insights (and his usual love of music, naturally) in a slightly different direction, and pairs them with an excellent cast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtVPjv9xLKw JIRGA The only Australian film competing for this year's Sydney Film Festival prize, Jirga was actually shot in Afghanistan. In fact, author, paramedic and filmmaker Benjamin Gilmour not only wrote and directed the feature, but shot the entire thing himself. That was the only way he could get his tale made after his initial funding fell through, with Gilmour forging ahead in incredibly difficult circumstances. Relaying the story of an Australian soldier who returns to Afghanistan to find the family of a man killed during a raid three years earlier, it's a movie that only explores the impact of war in its narrative, but bears its scars in every frame. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yodiBkuL00Y RAFIKI A lesbian romance set in Nairobi, Rafiki blazes several trails. In fact, the response to this Kenyan rarity has been varied to say the least. The film became the nation's first feature to screen at Cannes, which is an incredible feat. Back home, however, the movie's subject matter saw it banned by the Kenyan classification board. Focusing on two young women trying to cast aside society's conservative ideas about their futures, Rafiki follows Kena and Ziki as they fall in love, break free from their families' expectations, fight widespread prejudice and forge their own identities. Along the way, as she tells their fictional tale writer-director Wanuri Kahiu also embraces the vibrancy of Nairobi at street level. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp_YEf1olR0 I USED TO BE NORMAL: A BOYBAND FANGIRL STORY Calling all boy band fans — and pop culture fans in general. Since The Beatles caused hordes of teenage girls to scream in city streets all over the world all those decades ago, boy bands and pop culture really have gone hand in hand. If you're wondering why, or what inspires avid obsessives to devote their time and attention to their favourite group, then Melbourne-based filmmakers Jessica Leski and Rita Walsh might just have the answers courtesy of their documentary I Used to be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story. Exploring the stories of four women across three generations, the film also promises an insight into fandom and its joys, thrills and excesses in general. Want more recommendations? Given the hefty size of SFF's 2018 program, we have a few other picks. From our list of Australian titles to look out for, catch biker thriller 1% — and from our Sundance rundown, Kusama: Infinity, Leave No Trace, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, The Guilty and Searching all made the bill. There's more from our Berlinale selections, such as Aga, Daughter of Mine, Transit and An Elephant Sitting Still, while our Cannes standouts include Burning, Climax and Shoplifters.
Finally you can pay for your daily soy latte with a picture of David Bowie's face. If you're in the London suburb of Brixton and have a couple of Brixton Pounds on you, that is. To mark the anniversary of the UK's first urban local currency, Brixton has issued a new edition of notes featuring some famous ex-Brixton residents, including the infamous face of glam-rock. A Ziggy-era picture of Bowie now graces the £10 note, while former Chicago Bulls basketball player Luol Deng and WWII lady-spy Violette Szabo appear on the £5 and £20 note respectively. The Brixton pounds were launched in 2009 as a way to support independent business and encourage local trade and production. The Brixton pounds don't replace regular British pounds, rather they work alongside them, much in the same way Scottish pounds do. Brixton is a notoriously volatile area of South London - one night I walked in the wrong direction and ended up there, only realising once all the street lights had been blacked out and a gentleman enquired as to how much I was charging for my 'time'. The Brixton pounds are an effort to improve perceptions of the area (perpetuated by people such as myself) and ensure that local businesses can keep afloat in the face of recession and competition from big chain stores, while working to reduce the area's carbon footprint. It's actually a fantastic strategy, and one that's worked well in several towns around the UK. Now that they've put David Bowie on a valid form of currency, you can bet that Brixton's going to be doing a whole lot more business, because at the end of the day it's just not as exciting buying groceries with a picture of the Queen than it is with Ziggy Stardust. [Via PSFK]
