The Sydney Dance Company has announced they'll be kicking off their 2013 season with a killer show, De Novo, which features costumes by Dion Lee and the music of Sarah Blasko and Nick Wales. The artists are collaborating on artistic director Rafael Bonachela's Emergence, one part of a trio of dance works that make up De Novo. It will be a testament to Bonachela's belief in the value of pop culture and other artistic practices to contribute to contemporary dance, with Blasko's vocals and Wales's soundscape providing the inspirational fuel for the piece. It's certainly piqued our interest, even more so because Lee's and Blasko's aesthetics don't suggest an immediate match. Will it be severely tailored, or adorably vintage? Adorably tailored? The start of a new cultural epoch? The only thing we know for certain is that it will be memorable. The other two works in De Novo have their own lure. Cacti is the product of renowned Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman, currently working with the Netherlands Dance Theatre, and features 16 dancers, a string quarter, and a dynamic set with the titular cacti. Meanwhile, the third dance, Fanatic, is about a fan outraged over the Alien vs Predator franchise — a choreographic theme as old as star-cross'd romance. De Novo opens in Sydney on March 1. Tickets are available from the SDC website.
It may have been violent, sexist and brainless, but when Sin City hit theatres in 2005, it was like nothing we'd ever seen before. Adapted by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez from Miller's pulpy anthology comic-book series, the lurid homage to hard-boiled noir stories was one of the first Hollywood movies to fully embrace digital technology — the directors filmed in front of a green screen using high-def digital cameras before converting to black-and-white in post-production. The content was still tasteless and juvenile of course, but at least it was interesting to look at. Nine years later, they've gifted us with a follow-up. Subtitled A Dame to Kill For, this part prequel, part sequel is certainly a fitting companion piece; equally stylised, equally sadistic and equally dumb. And had it come out in 2006 or 2007, it probably would have been embraced. But it didn't. Revolutionary a decade ago, digital cinematography and effects are now the norm, as are slavish graphic novel adaptations full of manufactured grit. Sin City 2 isn't a particularly inferior film to its predecessor. It's just that, after all this time, the novelty is no longer there. It also doesn't feel as though either Miller or Rodriguez have any interest in pushing the envelope further. Fleeting flashes of colour punctuate the vivid monochrome frame, looking every bit as striking as they did the first time. But the duo never attempts to really build upon the aesthetic of their original — and without the element of surprise on their side, the results are inevitably diminished. The same goes for script, again steeped in sex and vengeance but never actually covering any new ground. In the longest story, Mickey Rourke returns as brutish good guy Marv, who along with two-bit private eye Dwight (Josh Brolin), gets caught up in the machinations of a murderous femme-fatale (Eva Green, unfortunately camp). Then there's Johnny (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a smooth-talking card-shark with a grudge against the vicious Senator Roarke (Powers Boothe). Roarke is also the antagonist in the final vignette, one that sees exotic dancer Nancy (Jessica Alba) out to avenge the honest cop who saved her life. It should go without saying that the stories are all varying degrees of stupid. If you're not willing to suspend your disbelief every time Johnny gets dealt an impossible poker hand, or when Nancy takes out an entire battalion of body guards, then the movie falls apart before it even begins. What's harder to accept is Miller's flaccid dialogue. Gordon-Levitt is an immensely talented actor, but no-one can make the word 'ambidextrous' sound cool. There's also no skirting around the movie's attitude towards women, which is unfortunately misjudged at best and flagrantly misogynistic at worst. There is not a single named female character in A Dame to Kill For who isn't either a stripper or a prostitute — and despite what Miller apparently thinks, giving a hooker a bazooka doesn't really mean she's empowered. For the most part, the film is just immature in a boring way. On this issue specifically though, it's genuinely quite unpleasant. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6iFdPcx0W2w
In this world, nothing is what it seems. Bagels are not really a health food, dream boyfriends turn out to be players, and scooters are actually plants. This latter cunning deception has been wrought by the Dutch design firm Waarmakers and more specifically its resident geniuses Maarten Heijltjes and Simon Akkaya, who have fashioned an electric scooter from our chlorophyllous friends. Who knew compressed plants could be such a great way to get around? Created in collaboration with InHolland University of Applied Science and NPSP composites for Van.Eko, the Be.e scooter is both eco-friendly and stylish. Its frameless monocoque body trades metal, plastic and glass-fibre composites for NFCs (natural fibre-reinforced composites of flax, hemp and bio-resin). The trick is, the external skin of the scooter supports the load, without any need for a frame. The distinctive windscreen boasts a dirt and water-repelling nano-coating, prepping it for use in the wet and wild Netherlands, and its 48V 40AH battery powered with a 600 W charger provides 2 hours of carefree cruising. The Be.e can travel at up to 55km/hr and climb an incline of 15%. There are even USB charging ports in the dashboard for all your devices. It's no magic carpet, but with further models in development, this green machine may one day be a common way to travel. Via PSFK
"Darling it's better down where it's wetter" isn't just a line The Little Mermaid fans have had stuck in their head for the last two decades. Come April 2019, it's also the first thing likely to pop into the minds of anyone heading to one particular Norwegian restaurant. Set to open in the coastal village of Båly in the country's south, Under will plunge hungry patrons into watery surroundings, offering more than just the usual scenic vistas. At this eatery, diners will be tucking into their dishes underwater. To be specific, they'll be feasting on seafood under the sea — if you're going to open a space underneath the ocean, you have to serve up the fish, which is just what head chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard will be doing. If that sounds like your idea of a memorable meal, Under is now taking bookings from April 2019 onwards. Visitors will descend down three colour-coded levels to sip sparkling tipples in a champagne bar that boasts views of the shoreline, before enjoying their dinner in the completely submerged dining room. The latter sits five metres below the water's surface, and is surrounded by panoramic acrylic windows for quite the aquatic view. For those wondering about pressure and safety, metre-thick concrete walls will keep everyone nice and dry, in a structure designed by architecture firm Snøhetta. Describing the space as "a sunken periscope", the building is being constructed not only to wow those stepping foot inside, but to fit in with its surroundings. The grey exterior colour scheme is designed to blend in with the rocky coastline, with coarse surfacing that encourages molluscs to cling on. Indeed, over time it's hoped that Under will become an artificial mussel reef. As well as offering quite the place to eat, the project also aims to champion biodiversity, functioning as a research centre for marine life. This will include informational plaques educating visitors about the area, helping to expand not only the list of places you've tucked into a meal, but your knowledge. Start planning your 2019 Scandinavian trip now. Images: Snohetta.
In 1969, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin changed the face of comedy forever, with a program titled Monty Python's Flying Circus. Now, 45 years later, Python fans around Australia can catch the group's swan song in a special cinema broadcast. Recorded at The O2 arena in London, the glowingly reviewed gala sees the five surviving Python members come together and re-enact many of their most beloved sketches, from the Dead Parrot routine to the Lumberjack Song. There's also a handful of new animated interludes from Gilliam, plus video footage of Chapman, who passed away in 1989. The group joked that the alternative title Two Down, Four to Go was considered in the event that another one of them died before the show. Monty Python Live (Mostly) will screen in cinemas around the country. For more information, go here.
A team of London-based designers have come up with a solution to the information overload suffered by most of us in this digital age. It's called Little Printer, created by BERG. Saving its users from wading through the endless content in the online information jungle, this itty bitty printer navigates the web on their behalf. It turns select content from its partners Arup, foursquare, Google, the Guardian, and Nike into miniature newspapers, delivered multiple times each day and ready to be popped into a wallet and read on the go. The little guy operates with a zero-configuration wireless connection to the web, and produces inkless thermal prints. The printer is also configured to your phone, to produce customised to-do lists that are just the right size for your back pocket. It will also print your friends' check-ins, plus cross word puzzles and word games - just make sure there's a pen in your other pocket. While there are obviously much more practical ways to catch up on your reading, this itty bitty printer has a face. A face! If nothing else, the BERG design is bound for success based purely on the cuteness factor. And as more and more publications go digital, there's something special about getting your news in physical form. Pre-orders for Little Printer open in 2012, and you can sign up for the mailing list here.
For many, January is a time to put everything else on pause to avidly embrace the tennis — that's watching, talking about and obsessing over the Australian Open. If you can't be right in the thick of it in Melbourne, the next best thing to do is to round up the crew to watch it on a big screen outdoors, while cracking open a few cold ones. Throw in a couple of pre- and post-game swims and you've got yourself a quintessential Aussie summer. Making all of this possible is Coogee Bay Hotel, as the beachside pub is bringing the Australian Open to Sydney shores. From Monday, January 20 till Sunday, February 2, the garden and sports bars will be screening the tennis live and loud so you don't miss a minute. As you watch, you can sip an Aperol spritz or enjoy a pint of Stella Artois from one of the pop-ups in the garden or inside bars. And should you get hungry, you can nab a burger and schooey special for $25. Between sets, challenge your mates to a spot of ping pong and enter one of the giveaways, with hats, fans and sunnies all up for grabs. To check out match times and to RSVP, head here.
If there's one person audiences should happily follow into a haunted house, it's Guillermo del Toro. He played with spooky spaces in the Oscar-winning Pan's Labyrinth and told ghost stories in The Devil's Backbone. Actually, the Mexican filmmaker has danced with all things dark and sinister across his career, including vampires in Cronos, Blade II and TV's The Strain; giant insects in Mimic; a demon defender in the Hellboy movies; and monsters versus robots in Pacific Rim. In Crimson Peak, del Toro dives into gothic horror territory, telling the tale of a young woman (Mia Wasikowska) seduced into confronting the secrets of the titular house. Add Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain and Charlie Hunnam to the stellar cast, as well as a haunting mood and stunningly spooky imagery, and this frightening effort looks like something truly special. Plus, Crimson Peak even earned the approval of iconic horror author Stephen King, who compared it to Evil Dead. Consider us excited — and a little scared, to be honest — in anticipation. Crimson Peak (© 2015 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.) is in cinemas nationally from October 15, and thanks to Universal Pictures Australia, we have 10 double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter and then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
Summer music festivals are all about embracing the best things in life — good vibes, great friends, and epic tunes. But Secret Garden Festival turned the happiness factor up to out-of-control joy by hosting an actual wedding ceremony at Brownlow Hill Farm. The nuptials were held as part of the annual festival's February 24 - 26 celebration of music, creativity, and disco-infused fun, all held for 48 hours against a lush forest backdrop, just one-and-a-half hours outside of Sydney. Though renowned for its stellar lineup, with The Jezabels, Japanese Wallpaper, Oliver Tank, Urthboy and more on this year's bill, the main stage became the site of a very different kind of celebration at 4pm on Saturday, February 25 — the joining in matrimony of Sydneysiders Alexis and Jimmy. Here's how it went down (and you'd best prepare to say "awwwww" quite a bit). The main stage area was set up with chairs for the wedding party, giving them the best position in the fest. Once the formalities got underway, Alexis and Jimmy swapped Peter Pan-themed vows, because that's how you make tying the knot at a festival even more magical. A brass band played 'Sexual Healing' as the newlyweds were raised over the crowd in a cherrypicker — with confetti cannons also thrown into the mix — while the crowd came together to form a "tunnel of love" for the just-hitched duo to run through. When the wedding was announced, festival director Clare Downes said her crew was pretty stoked to be taking on wedding planner duties, and promised one hell of a party for the lucky lovebirds, their friends and family, and all other festivalgoers who'd be getting in on the loved-up fun. "Alexis and Jimmy sent us an email a couple of months ago and I had to rewrite my response about nine times because I was way too overexcited," she told Concrete Playground. "They had already locked in the February 25 for their wedding, but they were just really struggling to find a venue and a celebrant etc — so it was a no brainer. I'm just so stoked they are letting us organise their wedding." While past years have seen Secret Garden host kissing booths, faux weddings, and plenty of dance floor pashes, Alexis and Jimmy's knot-tying marked its first official wedding ceremony. If you managed to get an invite — aka a highly coveted ticket almost instantly sold-out even — it's certain to have been an event to remember. ❤️ Secret Garden's first ever REAL wedding... and they have asked us to plan it 😏💥🎉 A video posted by Secret Garden (@secretgardenfestival) on Dec 12, 2016 at 1:25pm PST Secret Garden Festival takes place on February 24-26, 2017. For more info on the festival, visit secretgarden.com.au. By Libby Curran and Sarah Ward.
If there’s one thing we’ve come to know about ourselves it’s that we love a good gimmick. Whether it’s a nautically-themed gastropub or an entire cafe built on Pantone colour palettes, we can’t get enough of the weird and the wonderful. And so it’s no surprise that we’re squee-ing in anticipation of the Brisbane Festival's bizarre food-meets-theatre offering Fear and Delight. Created by Strut & Fret, the theatrical culinary event has been making waves in the news for the last few days, mainly because of the inclusion of food artists Bompas and Parr's so-called G&T Cloud Experience, first opened in London last month. This, in layman’s terms, means 'a room filled with a cloud of humidified gin and tonic which is consumed through the skin and eyeballs'. Yep, breathable booze. As expected, some are delighted with the prospect and others are fearful, while some people are just downright ready to party. Health experts have been lining up around the block to offer their opinion on the phenomenon. Professor Jake Najman, of the University of Queensland’s Drug Research and Education Centre, told the Guardian that rapidly absorbing a carcinogenic chemical is a big no-no. To be fair to the Professor, downing six Jaeger bombs and a Big Mac every Saturday night could also be considered near to carcinogenic but that certainly doesn’t stop us. However Najman also admits that not too much is known about the effects of inhaling alcohol, so bottoms up! Or bottoms out or however it is you toast in this new landscape of possibility. Celebrated internationally for such foodie happenings as an anatomical whisky tasting, a DNA-matching cocktail bar and a huge pagan feast at this year's Dark Mofo, Bompas and Parr are no strangers to controversy. Parr told Bloomberg that humidified drinking is "a new way of experiencing drink, and it’s social because it’s an immersive shared environment. You all have the same flavour sensation. Alcohol tastes better, with more nuances. You can detect more subtle flavours when it is humidified". What a time to be alive! But don’t worry about overdoing it on the alcohol-infused vapour, as Fear and Delight director Scott Maidment says that patrons would have to stand in the cloud for 40 minutes to absorb the equivalent of a large gin and tonic. So even if you get naked and do laps of the room, you won’t end up too drunk to watch the show afterwards. It really adds a whole new layer of meaning to #vapelife. Brisbane Festival’s Fear and Delight runs 4-25 September at South Bank Culture Forecourt. Grab tickets here.
Hell hath no fury like a restless child. If your little ones are experiencing a classic case of school holidays cabin fever and you're paying the price for it, there's an event headed to the Entertainment Quarter that can help keep them out of your hair. Enter Sydney Kidz Fest, taking place from Saturday, April 13 to Sunday, April 28. If you've got Paw Patrol fans in the family, be sure to bring them for a visit to the Paw Patrol Stage Show, which runs daily at 11.30am and 2.00pm with a meet and greet with Chase and Marshall daily at 12.00pm. And for more animal-related entertainment, there's a daily animal nursery where your kids can meet some adorable furry critters up close. For some more excitement, you can check out the daily offering of carnival rides and games like dodgem cars, an inflatable slide and a teacup ride. Then there's the showbags, stage shows and regular market stalls... and, well, we'll leave a few surprises for you (or your kids) to discover. The Sydney Kidz Fest runs from Saturday, April 13 to Sunday, April 28, for more information or to book tickets visit the website.
Three little letters. That's all it took back in the day, to kickstart a bonafide mad chat with a perfect stranger. And now you'll be able to dredge up those three simple little alphabet members again, wielding all the power and responsibility of sending those feelers into the cybersphere. We're talkin' A/S/L. Anonymous chatrooms are about to ignite the heyday flame once again in Australia, with the launch of Facebook's new anonymous chat app, Rooms. Having launched in the US in October, the stand alone app takes cues from the IRC-type chatrooms, message boards and forums of internet beginnings. Available only on Apple devices, users can create 'rooms' to chat with other users on any topic of their choice, from baking recipes to The Hunger Games (and probably everything sordid and el rauncho in between). "Pick a topic, customize the look and feel, choose a different nickname for each room you're in and share your room with others," says the app rundown. "Rooms is perfect for the things you love and interests that makes you unique." Don't worry, your Facebook profile isn't your user profile; you can use a pseudonym (you can even use different ones for each room). Invites go through direct message invitations or public recommendations. Once you download the app, you're prompted to screenshot a QR code to see your first room. After you let the app access your photos, you're prompted to join the 'recommended rooms' picked by the Rooms team: anything from Chihuahua Lovers to Cross Stitch Room, God Talk to Depression Support. Alongside the predictable anime, TV show and music rooms, you'll find rooms for people with diabetes, ceramics and pottery lovers, trailrunning enthusiasts, rabbit parents, electric car owners. Screenshot the invite (QR code) and post to be let into the room — you'll have to wait for a moderator to approve you. Most rooms are image based, kind of like an Instagram feed-based forum. The app could be seen as an attempt to nab traffic from Reddit, already well-known and established as the current platform for this type of niche discussion. But the key to Rooms (heh) seems to be the anonymity factor, one bound to be compromised by creepy idiots at one point or another. Few reviews have been posted since the app's October release, but some have been pretty negative — one reviewer called it a "social media Burn Book". "I'm sure the creators of this app have good intentions," wrote user KSully54. "I live in Washington where a room was made to allow naked pictures or screen grabs to be posted. Without consent of the poor people who are just ridiculed and bullied. By our peers no less. hysteria has begun in my gay community which is essentially a social media Burn Book. It's incredibly sad." Via SMH. Image: Chapendra via photopin cc.
America's Southern cuisine is the stuff of legend. After all, who hasn't devoured Southern fried chicken, dreamed of a crawfish boil or salivated over a decadent mac and cheese? Whether you want to sample the authentic version of familiar favourites or enliven your palate with new, never-before-tried flavours, we've partnered with Travel South USA to uncover a mix of the region's must-visit establishments and must-try dishes. From Memphis-style barbecue to a comforting porridge that's a specialty of the region, here's our guide on where to go and what to eat. Gumbo at Mr B's Bistro, Restaurant Rebirth: Louisiana Countless dishes in the South have reached legendary status both within the US and abroad — among which gumbo stands out as a must-try. Not only is gumbo Louisiana's official state dish, the flavours and ingredients are an iconic example of the state's cuisine, reflecting its cultural history and blending together French, Spanish, African and Caribbean flavours. It's a stew that has infinite iterations; it can feature seafood such as shrimp and crab, meats like duck, chicken or sausage, and although there is a traditional style to making gumbo, each bowl is unique to its maker with variations in seasonings, proteins and thickness, making it a dish to try at many different restaurants. Head to Mr B's Bistro for a gumbo that the locals love, made with fresh regional products, or Restaurant Rebirth for a Creole Cajun gumbo that's made with farm-to-table ingredients. West Indies Salad at Wentzell's Oyster House of Mobile: Mobile, Alabama The southern border of Alabama just happens to be the Gulf — which means one sure thing: mouth-watering, fresh seafood. A must-try dish of the state is the distinctive West Indies salad, which notably is made with ice cubes and ensures the salad tastes exactly as it should — fresh and light. The salad is a pride of Mobile, where it has been served since the 1940s, and calls for fresh crab meat, making it a local specialty that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Hot Brown at Brown Hotel: Louisville, Kentucky The South is often synonymous with comfort food and Kentucky's Hot Brown is one of the finest on offer. The open-faced sandwich is a Kentucky culinary classic, originating in the 1920s at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, where it has stood the test of time and continues to be a menu favourite a century later. It features layers of turkey and bacon on thick slices of bread smothered in a decadent Mornay sauce, before being baked to perfection. Barbecue at Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous: Tennessee Barbecuing in the South isn't just one or two dishes, it's a tradition with countless regional variations and quirks. So much so, neatly demarcating the different styles of barbecue from region to region is a tall order, but there are four major variants that come up again and again — of which Tennessee's Memphis-style barbecue is one. The Tennesseean variant often sees pork selected as the meat of choice, with a focus on ribs and shoulders. Memphis is brimming with barbecue joints featuring everything from hole-in-the-wall hidden gems to world-class dining experiences. Once you step into Tennessee, it will quickly become apparent why Memphis-style barbecue has ascended to one of the greats; it's a state where barbecue culture thrives with incredible, smoky morsels always just around the corner. Elsewhere in the state, there are tomato and vinegar-based sauces in the mountains, while Nashville blends all of the state's traditions into one big culinary melting pot. [caption id="attachment_990176" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Austin Walsh[/caption] Burnt Ends at Arthur Bryant's: Kansas City, Missouri When in Missouri, do as the Missourians do and try Kansas City-style barbecue, another one of the four major styles of 'cue in America. In Kansas City the local specialty is burnt ends, and for fans of tender, slow-cooked brisket, these bite-sized meaty morsels are a must. Served sans sauce typically as a side dish or part of a wider barbecue plate, they're the perfect crispy platform for the smoke to shine and take centre stage. Head to the longstanding restaurant Arthur Bryant's, where burnt ends originated, to try this local favourite for yourself — but get in early because they sell out on the regular. Of course, the dish is now a staple of the state so there are plenty of other restaurants to try your luck at and sample these delectable bites. Shrimp and Grits at Slightly North of Broad: Charleston, South Carolina Grits are one of the great culinary staples of the South — and they pair perfectly with the abundance of fresh seafood throughout the region. Head to the culinary hub of Charleston to sample a bowl of the most refined version of this uniquely creamy style of porridge made with maize. Look out specifically for shrimp and grits which may have originated in the South, but has since found favour through the country. Helmed by chef Frank Lee, who has long been a proponent of South Carolinian cuisine, Slightly North of Broad (affectionately known as SNOB by locals) is an excellent stop to try this quintessential recipe of the region. '1010 Cut' at 1010 Bridge Restaurant: Charleston, West Virginia West Virginia is unique for its cultural heritage which spans both the South and Appalachia. Combining the best of both worlds is 1010 Bridge Restaurant in West Virginia's capital city, Charleston. The cosy restaurant offers a menu that reflects Appalachian roots matched with low country influence, owned and operated by chef Paul Smith, a winner of the prestigious James Beard Award. On the menu, you'll find a wide variety of meticulously crafted dishes including lamb loin, gourmet seafood and the iconic '1010 Cut' dish of cast iron-seared steak and lobster mac and cheese. Steak at Doe's Eat Place: Greenville, Mississippi If you're making a stop in Mississippi on an empty stomach, chart a course to Doe's Eat Place for your next feast and to experience Southern hospitality firsthand. Stop by for generously-sized steaks, tamales and a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere. With a storied history as a family-run establishment, there's a sense of tradition and community that you'll immediately feel from when you first step foot through the restaurant's door all the way until you roll out of your seat and back to your car. Fresh Seafood at Salt Box Seafood Joint: Durham, North Carolina The menu changes with the seasons at North Carolina's Salt Box Seafood Joint. Owned and operated by chef Rickey Moore, a James Beard Foundation Award winner, the Durham restaurant celebrates local, fresh seafood with dishes that prove why the South's seafood is so remarkable. The one constant on the menu is the oysters, which are also found in many restaurants around the state, since North Carolina is home to a sustainable oyster farming industry. Find your next adventure in the South. Discover more unforgettable destinations and start planning your trip with Travel South USA.
The Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash in Ukraine has reportedly claimed the lives of some of the world's top medical researchers, on their way to Melbourne for the high-profile 20th International AIDS Conference. Conference organisers have this morning released the following statement on their website: "The International AIDS Society (IAS) today expresses its sincere sadness at receiving news that a number of colleagues and friends en route to attend the 20th International AIDS Conference taking place in Melbourne, Australia, were on board the Malaysian Airlines MH17 flight that has crashed over Ukraine earlier today. "At this incredibly sad and sensitive time the IAS stands with our international family and sends condolences to the loved ones of those who have been lost to this tragedy." One of those believed to have been on board is former president of the International AIDS Society Joep Lange. American academic and AIDS activist Gregg Gonsalves tweeted, "Joep Lange was a leading AIDS researcher and clinician and an activist at heart. Lost today too soon on Malaysian flight 019. RIP." Two hundred and ninety eight people have died in the tragedy, including 27 confirmed Australians. The plane crashed in Ukraine, in a separatist-controlled area near the Russian border, likely after being hit with a surface-to-air missile. It is unclear at this stage how the crash will affect AIDS 2014, which commences on Sunday and has now taken on an even more tragic tone. Former US president Bill Clinton, UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibé and musician and activist Sir Bob Geldof are also scheduled to speak at the conference, whose official airline partner is Emirates. Update 1.17pm: It now appears that as many as 100 of those killed were headed to the AIDS 2014 conference. Via Sky News and SMH.
Sorry, everyone who has written and sung a catchy and funny tune over the past 15 years or so. When it comes to getting hilarious songs instantly stuck in everyone's heads, Flight of the Conchords has all other candidates beat. And, when it comes to charting the exploits of two New Zealand shepherds-turned-folk musicians trying to make it in New York, too, the cult HBO series of the same name wins hands down as well. By now, everyone in Australia is well acquainted with FOTC — and with Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie's musical and comedic genius, of course. But, in addition to letting the talented duo play fictionalised versions of themselves and belt out their very amusing ditties, this sitcom introduced us all to the wonders of Rhys Darby as the pair's over-eager manager Murray, and to Kristen Schaal as their ultra-devoted (and only) fan Mel. And the Bowie episode, where the singer appears to Bret in a dream sequence (as played by Jemaine), is simply sublime.
The 19th Annual Greek Film Festival opens at the Palace Cinema on Norton Street, with more than 30 films being shown over a two-week period. With the hefty selection ranging from drama, comedy, and action to documentaries and short film, it can be hard just to pick what to watch. Here's a selection of five to get you started. 1. Dead Europe A deep and intense drama based on Melbourne writer Christos Tsiolkas's novel and from the producers of Shame and Animal Kingdom, Dead Europe sees the old continent plagued by the virus of death. An Australian of Greek descent, Isaac (Ewen Leslie), takes his father's ashes back to his ancestral home in Greece, where he uncovers a buried family secret. Drawn far down into the underbelly of Europe, he discovers a cemetery of dark revelations, set to tear his family apart. 2. J.A.C.E. In the terrifying, chaotic, wacky, and eye-opening J.A.C.E., a seven-year-old orphan witnesses a massacre that wipes out his entire family then falls into the hands of a gang of ruthless child traffickers. Taken to Athens, Jace spirals into a dark world of abuse, murder, and fear as he desperately seeks out a sense of belonging. 3. Paradise Amid the chaos, garish floats and vivid colours of the Patras Carnival, four couples try to find their own paradise. Directed by Panagiotis Fafoutis Paradise has its basis in love and the need for companionship, with its characters reaching out to be real. 4. Tied Red Thread With Greece’s dark and bitter post-World War II civil war as a backdrop, Tied Red Thread, directed by Kostas Haralabous, is a film about personal pain and sacrifice and the blood that ties families together. 5. Children of the Riots When 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos was killed by police in 2008, thousands of young people took to the streets for a riot that lasted three weeks and turned Athens into a city ablaze in violence and chaos. Children of the Riots sees those that witnessed the boy’s death and resulting conflict reflect on what they saw and how the events changed them.
Burger loving Sydneysiders can get ready to add another place to their to-try list, because one of Melbourne's best burger joints is venturing up north to open a permanent store. You might have heard of Huxtaburger. Since it opened in Melbourne in 2011 it's garnered a slew of loyal fans, and heap of American-style burger joints have opened in its wake. But it's only now, seven years and seven stores later that the shop has finally decided to expand to Sydney. It will open in Redfern on Saturday, September 15. So what can you expect? The team likes to keep things simple: buns wrapped around a grass-fed beef patty with cheese, mustard and tomato sauce, or fried chicken with jalapeños, sriracha mayo, cheese and lettuce. Meals are best rounded out with a serve of chips and an ice cold can of beer. The expansion is part of the business's decision to enter into a franchise model. The first franchises have already opened in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray and in Perth, WA, and it sounds like there are plenty more in the pipeline. "The introduction of franchisees marks just the beginning of our expansion plans as we look to grow our national footprint in Australia, and grow our business," said Huxtaburger CEO Matt Fickling. The new Redfern store will launch with an opening party on September 15 — kicking off at 11am and running all the way through till 8pm. Details are pretty scarce at the moment, but if the company's Perth launch is anything to go by, you might be looking at a day of $1 burgers. We'll update you as soon as we have more details. Huxtaburger will open at 66 Regent Street, Redfern on Saturday, September 15.
Disneyland has so monopolised the 'happiest place on earth' tag, it seems Universal Orlando has been driven to try the opposite: They've announced they're building an immersive recreation of horror movie Cabin in the Woods. It's one of the scariest films released in the last few years, so this maze attraction is set to make grown-ups cry and children stare jealously from the gate, as their entry is, of course, strongly discouraged. It's also one of the cleverest movies of the last few years, and how often can you say you've gone on a ride based on a clever movie? (If it succeeds, our vote is for Primer: Hall of Mirrors next.) The Cabin in the Woods maze will be spoilery, with Universal Orlando Entertainment Team member Michael Aiello telling Zap2it, "We are building the cabin completely. You're going to walk through a forest to get there. You're going into the cabin. You're going to go into the cube cells. We're literally taking everything we can in the film and giving you a kind of best-of montage of the film with this kind of linking story." The film, by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard, follows a party of five young people who go to stay at a stereotypically idyllic/deadly cabin in the woods. Every horror movie convention is then thrown at them, and twisted. Goddard is on board helping script the storyline for the maze, so you can rest assured your own little journey through hell will be thoughtfully integrated with the main plot. The Cabin in the Woods maze is part of Universal Orlando's 'Halloween Horror Nights', a program of scares that runs from from September 20 to November 2. It all fits into the US's seemingly unending appetite for extreme haunted houses, which feature Broadway-level production values and favour psychosexual torture over the fake cobwebs and peeled grape 'eyeballs' of so many Baby-sitters Club novels. Via io9.
Hold onto your hats, kids. The 19th Biennale of Sydney has just announced its 2014 lineup and it's shaping up to be a cracker. Along with the usual slew of international art superstars — Tacita Dean OBE, Roni Horn and Ugo Rondinone — artistic director Juliana Engberg has focused on lesser-known, younger artists and special, one-of-a-kind works commissioned for the event. The list of artists slated to show works is impressive. Martin Boyce, the Scottish artist who made a big splash at the 2009 Venice Biennale is one to look out for, as is Australia's TV Moore and Susan Norrie. The Biennale will be staged in various venues across the city, and each locale will offer a different experience. Cockatoo Island will once again be overcome by larger, site-specific works, many of which will be targeted at families and children. The Art Gallery of NSW will host, among other pieces, a performative installation by Yingmei Duan, who will live, for the duration of the Biennale, in a 'forest' built inside the gallery. As part of Happy Yingmei, the artist will interact with visitors, before retreating back into the forest to retrieve little notes dispensing advice and observations to them, in what Engberg described as a nexus between the practices of Yoko Ono and Marina Abramovic. Another key venue, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, will feature works responding to its surroundings of 'air and water', and what those elements represent in the human psyche. Look out for the large-scale multimedia installation Phantom (2011), by Scottish artist Douglas Gordon (the first video artist to win the Turner Prize) and featuring the heartbreaking vocals of Rufus Wainwright. Meanwhile, Artspace in Woolloomooloo will display 'flights of fancy', presenting works from several artists including Maxime Rossi and Henna-Riikka Halonen. The recently renovated space at Carriageworks will also house works, including a large-scale installation Dutch artist Gabriel Lester, who will offer a piece which responds to the architecture of the building. This fascinating work will explore the idea of cinematic and multimedia art as the 'new readymade'. Engberg is a sensational choice to man the helm of the Biennale, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Her excitement is palpable as she reveals details of a "happy anarchy" to be released upon unsuspecting Sydneysiders on March 21, 2014. The Sydney Biennale is one of the world’s oldest and longest running biennial art fairs. It's also one of the few biennales offering free entry to visitors. Every edition of the event brings together some of the world's most exciting contemporary artists in a vibrant celebration of Australian and international visual art. Each year, the works are curated around a specific theme. In 2014, that will be 'You Imagine What You Desire'. This "optimistic" Biennale takes its cue from a George Bernard Shaw quote: "Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will." Images: Henna-Riikka Halonen, Moderate Manipulations, 2012 (video still) and Yael Bartana, Inferno, 2013 (production still).
Vivid Sydney is in full swing, and while you're planning which talks to see, figuring out where to catch a glimpse of the lights and checking which gigs still have tickets going, you're probably figuring out a strategic drinking and dining plan too. The bulk of the light installations will again be set up around Circular Quay and The Rocks, and a market dedicated entirely to desserts will also run for three nights of the festival. Setting up shop in the Overseas Passenger Terminal for the second year running, the Milk 'n' Sugar Market will be on-hand for revellers craving something sweet for the third weekend of Vivid. Running from 6–11pm on June 8, 9 and 10, the market will be hocking Brooklyn Boy Bagels' rainbow bagels, cheesecake on a stick, Koi's mandarin mousse cake, dessert arancini, a fairy floss ice cream Froot Loops 'burrito' (that's a thing) and more. You should probably skip dinner. As well as coinciding with Vivid, the market will also run alongside The Rocks Night Market, which is also happening on the same three nights. Plan your movements right and you could fit it all in on one evening.
Seven and a half years ago Twitter did not exist. If you put a hashtag before anything you wrote it most certainly would not trend; in fact, it would probably result in less people caring about what you thought. Fast forward to 2013 and social media depends on the little symbol — Twitter, Instagram and Facebook collate your literary masterpieces into easy-to-source conversation. Well, Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon have had enough. The hilarious duo took to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to perform a skit where they converse in hashtags. It sounds like two children playing an incredibly stupid and annoying game. Then you remember that this is an exaggeration of how we actually talk these days and realise you should probably spend less time on social media. Particularly enjoyable and satirical is how quickly and coherently Fallon goes from talking about Barney the Dinosaur (#purpleisthenewblack) to Everybody Loves Raymond (#deborah). The final straw, though, is when they hashtag each new line and sound from Missy Elliott's 'Work It', which prompts an intervention from Roots drummer Questlove. Whilst this is #superfunny, after watching it, I challenge you to try and avoid using a hashtag for the next 24 hours #youcandoit #savemekeifersutherland #heistheactorin24. via Gizmodo.
For 22 years, BIGSOUND has highlighted Australia's music industry, getting power players sharing their experience and advice, championing up-and-coming talents, fostering crucial connections, and celebrating live tunes and the folks that make them happen in general. Here's a few other handy numbers for the music conference-slash-festival's upcoming 2023 run: four days, 18 venues, 141 artists and 300-plus showcases. Brisbanites and music obsessives, take note: the Sunshine State capital will be Australia's music haven between Tuesday, September 5–Friday, September 8. Earlier this year, BIGSOUND announced its first speakers, headlined ROC Nation's Omar Grant — who was once the road manager for Destiny's Child and now shares the President role at Jay-Z's entertainment agency. Now, it has dropped the full list of musicians that'll be getting behind a microphone. More than 1300 applications to hit BIGSOUND's stages were received for the 2023 event, but it's the festival team's job to whittle them down to the standouts. Among those making the bill: Brisbane's own Full Flower Moon Band, Zheani, Felivand and Baby Prince; Sydney's Moss and Little Green; Melbourne's PANIA, Moaning Lisa and The Slingers; Perth's DICE and Siobhan Cotchin; and Adelaide's Aleksiah and The Empty Threats. From New Zealand comes Reb Fountain and SWIDT, while Casey Mowry and MF Tomlinson are heading to Queensland from the UK. The list goes on, complete with a significant focus on representation. Among 2023's talents, 27 percent identify as LGBTQIA+, 50 percent are female or gender non-conforming, and First Nations acts comprise 18 percent of the lineup. Indeed, 27 showcases will be devoted to Australia's Indigenous artists, including Miss Kaninna, Loren Ryan, Brady, The Merindas, J-MILLA, CLOE TERARE, Tjaka and Kobie Dee. Fancy checking out the most isolated heavy metal band in the world? That'd be Southeast Desert Metal, and they're also on the roster. As always, the huge music-fuelled shindig will do what it always does: showcase impressive acts, artists and bands while filling as many Brisbane 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. Past events have showcased everyone from Gang of Youths, Flume, Thelma Plum, Tash Sultana, Sampa the Great, Courtney Barnett and Cub Sport to San Cisco, Violent Soho, Baker Boy, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Methyl Ethel, Tones and I, Spacey Jane and The Jungle Giants, so BIGSOUND's program is usually a very reliable bellwether. "At its core, BIGSOUND needs to work for artists. It's a global music market and in 2023 we've gone far and wide to attract speakers and buyers from around the world to ensure international relationships are forged and deals are made," said BIGSOUND and QMusic CEO Kris Stewart, announcing 2023's talents. "Our definitive goal is to create a rising tide for everyone. At the end of the week, we want everyone to leave with something — someone new they've met, a deal they've made or new insight to grow their careers. We remain proactive in finding new ways to do this and can't wait for people to discover a whole stack of amazing artists from the showcase lineup." BIGSOUND 2023 ARTIST LINEUP: 1tbsp Ūla aleksiah Alf the Great Anieszka Ashli Aurateque Baby Prince Battlesnake BAYANG (tha Bushranger) Bec Stevens Beckah Amani Behind You bella amor Ben Swissa Boomchild Boox Kid CAMINO GOLD Casey Lowry Charbel Charm of Finches CHISEKO Chitra CLOE TERARE Coldwave Cult Shotta Dean Brady Delivery DENNI DICE Dr Sure's Unusual Practice Dyan Tai ECB Elizabeth Emma Volard FELIVAND FELONY. Foley Freight Train Foxes Friends of Friends Full Flower Moon Band GAUCI Georgia Llewellyn GIMMY Glenn Skuthorpe Band Good Pash Gut Health Hannah Cameron Haters Hevenshe Isaac Puerile Izy Jada Weazel J-MILLA Joan & The Giants Joey Leigh Wagtail Johnny Hunter Jujulipps JUNGAJI Kavi Khi'leb Kid Heron King Ivy Kitschen Boy Kobie Dee Komang Kristal West Kuzco Little Green Logan Lola Scott Loren Ryan MARLON X RULLA Mason Watts Matilda Pearl Mazbou Q Melody Moko MF Tomlinson Micah Heathwood Mikayla Pasterfield Miss June Miss Kaninna Moaning Lisa Moss mostly sleeping Mr Rhodes Nat Vazer Nathan May Nikodimos Oscar the Wild Otiuh PRICIE Platonic Sex POOKIE Porcelain Boy Porpoise Spit PRETTY BLEAK Proteins of Magic Ra Ra Viper RAAVE TAPES Radio Free Alice Radium Dolls REBEL YELL Riiki Reid Ruby Jackson Rum Jungle S.A.B Sachém SAHXL Siobhan Cotchin smol fish Sollyy Sophisticated Dingo Southeast Desert Metal Steph Strings STUMPS Suzi SWIDT Taitu'uga Tamara & the Dreams teddie The Empty Threats The Grogans The Merindas The Omnific The Slingers Thunder Fox Tjaka Too Birds Tori Forsyth Trophie Twine Valtozash Vixens of Fall WHO SHOT SCOTT Yawdoesitall YIRGJHILYA Yorke Zheani Zia Jade BIGSOUND 2023 will take place between Tuesday, September 5–Friday, September 8 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For more information, visit bigsound.org.au. Images: Dave Kan / Simone Gorman-Clark.
Adapted from a collection of semi-autobiographical short stories by Instagram-age Renaissance man James Franco, Palo Alto marks the directorial debut of 26-year-old Gia Coppola, the granddaughter and niece of filmmakers Francis Ford and Sofia, respectively. A portrait of teenage disaffection, it's a film that attempts to capture the aimlessness, the angst and the self-aggrandised melancholy of youth. Emma Robert and newcomer Jack Kilmer play April and Teddy, a pair of brooding high schoolers absorbed by personal drama. He's a delinquent skater who's actually an unappreciated artist; she's the neglected daughter of self-absorbed parents who begins an affair with her creepy soccer coach (Franco). Meanwhile, Teddy's best bud Fred (Nate Wolff) finds himself drawn to increasingly anti-social behaviour to hide his insecurities, while another classmate Emily (Zoe Levine) turns to sex in order to hide her own. Palo Alto is in cinemas on August 14, and thanks to Vendetta Films, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our full review here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=sTqMUu1iTIo
These days Twitter is known as two things: a medium on which to stalk Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, and a platform for #QandA Twitterati to descend into madness. With all the white noise out there it's easy to forget its true function — Twitter is a place for discussion. Thankfully this is a notion not lost on those fine folks at The Wheeler Centre. In their most recent project #discuss they're dragging Twitter philosophy into the real world, printing it on our city walls and starting important conversations nationwide. Thankfully it goes a lot deeper than catty #QandA tweets about Christopher Pyne's lizard face. The week-long project — which comes to an end tomorrow — has been launched in an effort to reignite a quality public discussion. From June 2, participants on Twitter were urged to put forward opinions or interesting thoughts on whatever topic they please. Paired with the hashtag #discuss, the initial thought was then open for exploration, disagreement, or extrapolation from the wider Twitter community. The best ten thoughts from each day have been printed on plaques and placed in fitting locations around Melbourne's CBD and inner suburbs. Right now Estelle Tang's culturally-weighted declaration that "Australians don't know how lucky they really are" lies knowingly outside Crown Casino. In what must be another blow for employees at The Age, a bleak assertion from writer Clementine Ford is currently plastered right out front of their city offices: "The old guard can fight as much as they like, but they can't stop the youth from one day taking over." Within a week of opening, Chris Lucas' latest venture Kong has already been hit with some Twitter truth: "Thanks to social media, place-dropping has become worse than name-dropping." It's a powerful concept, and one which gives abstract notions or debates an all-important physical weight. Arguments about boat people are no longer throwaway comments in cyberspace; they're staring you in the face on your way past the Immigration Department. An unsettling philosophical statement gives you some mind fodder on your way into Coles. Once again, this valued cultural institution is proving its intellectual importance. Disagree? Discuss! The project ends Sunday, June 8 so there's still a chance to get your words plastered on a city street. Even if you miss the deadline, don't worry, the discussion never really stops. @waouwwaouw at Crown Casino, Southbank. @clementine_ford at The Age offices on Spencer Street. @mattfitzy at Chris Lucas' new restaurant Kong on Church Street, Richmond. @uptosquat at Hosier Lane. @SophieMcAulay at Hungry Jacks on Russell Street. @MIFFofficial at The Classic Cinema in Elsternwick. @hamlwat at the Immigration Department. @Melbfoodandwine at Cumulus Inc. @tesslawley at Coles Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. @AsherTreleaven at The Melbourne Club. Lead photo: @elissebaitz at Northside Records. All photos via The Wheeler Centre.
When you lick a scoop of gelato, do you take a moment to let the flavour settle onto your tastebuds? Do you stop to contemplate the creaminess, and ponder how it feels on your tongue? Perhaps you spend too long thinking not only about how your dessert tastes, but how it smells — or maybe you're obsessed with how it looks, because a good ice cream is a truly glorious sight. If we've just described your usual thought processes every time you step inside a gelato joint, then you might want to throw your name in the ring for Gelatissimo's newest gig. As part of a four-hour, once-off deal, the dessert chain will pay one ice cream-loving person $500 to taste-test its newest gelato flavours. Over the past year, Gelatissimo has been responsible for frosé sorbet, ginger beer gelato and even a gelato for dogs, so you won't be tasting your way through plain ol' vanilla or the usual mint choc-chip combination (not that there's anything wrong with those two stone cold classics). Just what flavours you'll be munching on hasn't yet been revealed, but you'll play a crucial part in evaluating them. As well as being delicious, this is serious business, requiring the utmost focus on the task at hand. That means first assessing the gelato's appearance, then enjoying a couple of scoops to get a feel for the flavour and texture. Then, after cleansing your palate with water, you'll do it all over again (and then again). If you're keen, as most people with tastebuds will be, just head to Airtasker to explain why you're the ideal candidate for the job. While the competition is open nationally, the winner will be required to get themselves to Gelatissimo's Sydney office in Rydalmere on Friday, September 27. For more information, or to apply for the Gelatissimo gelato-tasting gig, visit the Airtasker listing.
The COVID-19 situation in Australia is changing every day, with the federal government first implementing a ban on non-essential events with more than 500 people and then mandating that everyone arriving from overseas self-isolate for 14 days. In response to the first restriction, events and venues around the country are cancelling and postponing their 2020 plans. This is having devastating impacts on the local hospitality, arts and music industries, with I Lost My Gig Australia reporting that, as of midday on Monday, March 16, 20,000 events have been cancelled, which has impacted 190,000 Australians and equated to $47 million in lost income. And those numbers are continuing to climb. While going out might not be at the top of your to-do list right now, you can continue to support these industries and businesses by buying from artists who've had their shows cancelled, ordering gift cards and merch from venues that are struggling or just booking in a dinner for that birthday a few months away. To keep you abreast of what's been cancelled, postponed and suspended, here's our live list, updated as it happens. [caption id="attachment_710789" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney Royal Easter Show.[/caption] SYDNEY All ANZAC Day commemoration services across NSW (April 25): cancelled All City of Sydney aquatic and fitness centres: closed until at least April 3 All non-essential indoor venues, including casinos, gyms, cinemas, places of worship, clubs, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes (can offer takeaway and delivery only): temporarily closed Alliance Francaise Film Festival (March 10–April 8): postponed from March 19 Art Gallery of NSW: temporarily closed Biennale of Sydney: cancelled Bluesfest (April 9–14): cancelled Carriageworks: temporarily closed (Saturday farmers markets will proceed) Comedy Steps Up for Bushfire Relief (March 16): cancelled Download Festival (March 21): cancelled Festival of Dangerous Ideas (April 3–5): cancelled Handa Opera (March 27–April 26): cancelled Happy Place (until May 3): postponed Momo Fest (April 18): postponed No Coal Zone (March 14): postponed Opera Australia's Carmen, Atilla and Great Opera Hits: cancelled until March 28 Palace Cinemas: all locations closed from March 19 Royal Easter Show (April 3–14): cancelled So Pop 2020 (April 25): cancelled Spanish Film Festival (April–May): postponed until August, with new dates TBC Splendour in the Grass (July 24–26): postponed until October 23–25 Sydney Film Festival (June 3–14): cancelled Sydney Writers' Festival (April 27–May 3): cancelled Sydney Opera House: all performances cancelled until June 17 Taronga Zoo: temporarily closed The Other Air Fair (March 20–23): postponed Vivid Sydney (May 22–June 13): cancelled [caption id="attachment_710610" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ability Fest by Alex Drewniak[/caption] MELBOURNE Ability Fest (April 4): cancelled All ANZAC Day Commemorative services across Victoria (April 25): public cannot attend All City of Melbourne libraries, recreation centres and cultural and arts centres: temporarily closed All non-essential indoor venues, including casinos, gyms, cinemas, places of worship, clubs, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes (can offer takeaway and delivery only): temporarily closed Alliance Francaise Film Festival (March 11–April 8): postponed from March 19 Arts Centre Melbourne: closed until April 13 Cirque du Soleil Kurios: suspended until further notice Download Festival (March 21): cancelled Fromage a Trois (March 22): cancelled Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: suspended until April 12 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (March 19–29): postponed until spring Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March 25–April 19): cancelled Melbourne Queer Film Festival (March 12–23): postponed Melbourne Museum: closed until further notice Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: postponed until April 13 (but it is live-streaming select shows) Momo Fest (April 4–5): postponed National Gallery of Victoria: closed until April 13 Open Weekend (March 21–22): cancelled Palace Cinemas: all locations closed from March 19 So Pop 2020 (May 1): cancelled Spanish Film Festival (April–May): postponed until August, with new dates TBC State Library Victoria: closed until further notice Sweetstock (March 28–29): cancelled The Other Art Fair (May 21–24): postponed Wine Machine (March 28): postponed until October 31 World Tour Bushfire Relief (March 13): cancelled Wall to Wall Festival (April 3–5): postponed [caption id="attachment_764598" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Westpac OpenAir[/caption] BRISBANE All non-essential indoor venues, including casinos, gyms, cinemas, places of worship, clubs, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes (can offer takeaway and delivery only): closed All ANZAC Day commemoration services across Qld (April 25): cancelled Alliance Francaise Film Festival (March 18–April 14): postponed The Big Pineapple Music Festival (May 30): postponed until early October — new date TBC Boho Luxe Market (April 17–19): postponed until September 25–27 Brisbane Comedy Festival: cancelled from March 16 onwards Brisbane Gin Festival (April 4): postponed until September 19 Brisbane Night Market (weekly on Fridays): closed until further notice, with all events cancelled Buddha Birthday Festival (May 1–3): cancelled Burgers and Beers (March 21+27): cancelled Cat Cuddle Twilight Market (March 27): postponed — new date TBC Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (March 18–April 19): cancelled Curiocity Brisbane (March 20–April 5): cancelled The Drop Festival Coolangatta (March 28): cancelled Eat Street Northshore: closed until further notice Fish Lane Festival (May 9): postponed until September 5 The Foundry: closed until further notice, with all events cancelled Gigs & Picnics (March 28, April 25, May 30): monthly events postponed until June 27 Gold Coast Film Festival (April 15–26): cancelled Greener Pastures (May 3): cancelled Green Jam Sessions (weekly on Fridays): all sessions cancelled until at least April 30 HOTA, Home of the Arts: closed until March 31 James St Up Late (March 26): cancelled Momo Fest (April 12): postponed — new date TBC Mould: A Cheese Festival (March 20–21): postponed — new date TBC Mov'In Bed Cinema (March 27–May 17): postponed until the last quarter of 2020 — new dates TBC Netherworld: closed from Wednesday, March 18 until at least the end of March, with all events cancelled Noosa Eat & Drink Festival (May 14–17): cancelled Not On Your Rider (March 26 and April 30): cancelled, with events likely to restart in October Palace Cinemas: all locations closed from March 19 The Planting Festival (May 1–3): cancelled The Plant Market (March 29): postponed — new date TBC Puppies and Pints (April 5): cancelled Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art: both galleries remain open, including GOMA's Australian Cinemathque, but all public programs, events and tours have been cancelled Queensland Performing Arts Centre: all theatres closed until at least April 30 Queensland Symphony Orchestra: all performances cancelled until April 30 Stones Corner Festival (May 3): cancelled Water Up Late (March 20–21): cancelled So Pop 2020 (April 24): cancelled Spanish Film Festival (April–May): postponed until August, with new dates TBC Westpac OpenAir (April 5–26): postponed — new date TBC World Science Festival Brisbane (March 25–29): cancelled The Village Markets Stones Corner (March 27): cancelled for March, with a decision about future markets due by March 27 Young Henrys Rock N Roll Circus (March 19): postponed — new date TBC To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Vivid
In the next chapter of Australia's plastic bag saga, Coles has paused its ban. Six days after the supermarket giant implemented its nationwide single-use plastic bag ban, it has announced it will be giving out free reusable plastic bags until the close of business on Sunday, July 8. This brings the supermarket chain into line with Woolworths who, after implementing a nationwide ban on June 20, also reneged on the ban and announced it would be giving them out for free until July 8. The reusable bags that are currently being given out for free would usually cost shoppers 15c in both Coles and Woolworths. They're thicker, more durable and are made from 80 percent recycled plastic — and were meant to encourage shoppers to bring them back, again and again, rather than buying a new one each time. The temporary, complimentary bag offer for both supermarket giants is only valid in NSW, Vic, WA and Qld, as the other states and territories have already had single-use plastic bag bans in place for several years (SA leading the pack, introducing it back in 2009). Both moves came after backlash to the bans on social media and in store, with reports of some shoppers becoming aggressive, others stealing plastic baskets instead of paying for reusable bags, and many accusing the chains of using the ban as a profit making scheme. Both supermarkets are also offering cloth bag alternatives, with Woolworths' 99c Bag for Good, which the supermarket chain will replace for free if it gets damaged, and Coles' $1 Community Bags, which are designed by Australian school children and ten percent of sales are donated to charities. Both bags are designed to be used repeatedly. On a national level, NSW and Victoria are now the only states that haven't implemented state-wide bans, with Queensland introducing its ban earlier this month on July 1. Victoria is set to do so next year, but NSW is yet to announce whether it will join suit.
One of Sydney's premier collections of venues, The Maybe Group, has just been acquired by its longtime collaborator PUBLIC. The hospitality group that currently oversees the likes of The Strand Hotel, Oxford House, The Lady Hampshire and its recent Maybe Group team-up El Primo Sanchez, will now also take control of award-winning venues including Maybe Sammy, Sammy Junior and Dean & Nancy on 22 in partnership with the current Maybe Group team. You'll soon be able to sip cocktails from the Maybe team on The Strand Hotel's rooftop or in The Lady Hampshire's beer garden as part of the acquisition, with PUBLIC announcing it will be working to bring the bar group's world-class approach to martinis and margaritas to existing PUBLIC venues. You can also expect ambitious new spaces and projects that utilise the best of the two hospitality groups in the future. "The success of El Primo Sanchez and the feeling of family within PUBLIC meant there was no question when it came to joining Jon and the team," said Maybe Group Owner and Co-Director Vince Lombardo. "We're feeling more inspired than ever with the exciting new concepts underway and we're looking forward to welcoming new guests into the next generation of hospitality with PUBLIC and The Maybe Group." Before the acquisition was announced, the two accomplished crews had already been hard at work together, collaborating on the aforementioned El Primo Sanchez, as well as the currently-running Maybe Cocktail Festival that's brought bartenders from some of the world's best bars to Sydney for an eight-day cocktail extravaganza. PUBLIC is already planning to go bigger with the festival next year, teasing plans to bring it to Melbourne and Byron Bay. [caption id="attachment_888369" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Strand Rooftop[/caption] Head to the PUBLIC website for more details on the group's venues.
As the winter chill takes over Sydney's lower north shore, you have two choices: you can achieve hermit status by staying at home, or you can make the most of a cold situation and head down to Luna Park Sydney's Winterfest. Running from Friday, July 5 to Monday, July 22, the amusement park will be offering a bevvy of food and wintry activities to suit all visitors, with an ice-skating rink as the star of the show. On Friday and Saturday nights, Luna Park will stay open until 10pm making it a top date night destination. Surprise your partner with some laps around the rink before dinner at carousel-inspired diner The Hungry Horse or upmarket restaurant The Deck. Follow up with a romantic Ferris wheel ride, then warm up at a number of pop-up stalls — last year, they served Baileys hot chocolate, caramel pretzels and gooey s'mores. The rink is free with an unlimited ride pass ($53). For a nighttime date, the Twilight Saver ticket ($37 per person) will sort you out, giving you access to everything — including all the rides and ice-skating — after 6pm. Top Image: Oliver Minnett
Wednesday, June 26, 2013 will go down as one of the most exhausting and absurd days in Australian parliament's history. There were retirements, there were bills proposed, and hijacking headlines and Twitter feeds across the country was the Labor Party's leadership spill, where the caucus sharpened their knives again to farewell Julia Gillard and give Kevin Rudd another chance to shake his sauce bottle all the way to election glory. The whole process played out like an elaborate film or TV plot, so we decided to take a look at the top five leadership battles the screen has offered and see how they compare. 1. Game of Thrones When the excellent #RuddWedding began trending, there was no way to look past the most popular show on television and its parallels with Australian politics. Whilst Red Wedding meme manipulators are casting Kevin as the murderous Lord Bolton, perhaps it would be more appropriate to stick Bill Shorten's head on his shoulders. Either way, we are down to a two-horse race for Australia's iron throne. 2. Rocky Whilst Rocky may have lost his first battle, professional fight against Apollo Creed, the Italian Stallion refused to go down, weathering the blows before rising to deliver a knockout blow and regain the prime ministership. Here is hoping that the plots continue to overlap and we witness a montage of Gillard training Rudd before they treat us to a Rocky III freeze frame ending. 3. Ron Burgundy vs. Veronica Corningstone Whilst Kevin Rudd may not sport Ron Burgundy's glorious moustache, he still held the leadership of his news team until Veronica Corningstone ambitiously took it from him. Ron fought to claim it back though, and whilst there will be no co-anchorship between Rudd and Gillard, we can still look forward to Anchorman 2. 4. Harry Potter vs. Lord Voldemort When ABC reporter Mark Simkin dipped into the pages of Harry Potter to cover the spill — stating "neither can live whilst the other survives" — he wasn't wrong. Gillard has remained true to her word and retired, making Kevin Potter the boy who lived, ready to take on his next nemesis. Whilst we wait for the battle, let us ponder on how much more enjoyable Question Time would be if everyone was wearing robes, clutching wands and shouting 'expelliarmus' at each other. 5. Sideshow Bob vs. Mayor Quimby In Springfield's political showdown of the century, Sideshow Bob rides to victory over Mayor Quimby on a wave of charisma and popularity. Rudd has the charisma and popularity; here's hoping he hasn't masterminded a rigged vote like Sideshow Bob did that would plunge Australian politics into an even larger comedic hole of errors. Bonus: Star Wars Filibuster Yesterday also saw a busy day on the international politics scene, as Democratic state senator Wendy Davis filibustered a package of laws that would restrict access to abortion in Texas. She was controversially cut short at ten hours on a technicality for speaking off topic, which earned her a third strike — at least we can say that the rules of baseball don't dictate Australian politics. Whilst her filibustering was far more topical than this offering, Patton Oswald's rant on Parks and Recreation certainly lightens the mood of defeat.
Now in its eight year, the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards is looking to inspire passionate creatives across Australia by inviting them to submit their work for the chance to win the prize of a lifetime. In 2011, the SOYAs has expanded the categories of entry, with the roster now including fashion, interactive content and gaming, written word, visual design and communications, film and video, photography, visual arts, craft and object design, music, architecture and interior design, and animation. Australians under the age of 30 are encouraged to present their work in one of these categories, with the closing date of one category occurring each month until October 2012. Each winner will receive a handy $5000 cash prize. Furthermore, each category has a different one-year mentorship program which will allow the winner to work with some of the leading figures within their chosen industry. These include fashion icons Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, Legally Blonde director Robert Luketic, and music producer Lee Groves, whose portoflio includes the likes of Gwen Stefani, Marilyn Manson and Craig David. This will provide newcomers with invaluable experience from industry experts. If that wasn't enough, Qantas will also send the winners on a trip to an exclusive event within their field. These events are scattered all over the world, but are united by their prestige and widespread recognition. These include London Fashion Week, the Edinburgh Film Festival and Cannes Lions. Previous winners of the Spirit of Youth Awards have soared to new heights, such as fashion designers Romance Was Born (pictured), musicians Wolf & Cub and photographer Penny Lane. With the competition's expansion into unprecedented categories, there are now more opportunities for Australia's finest creative minds to showcase their work to the world. Furthermore, winners will be financially assisted and treated to experiences that will allow their talents to flourish.
If you spend every Christmas here in Sydney putting the air conditioning on the lowest possible setting, watching reruns of Home Alone and lying to yourself, we have good news. Finally, you can experience a white Christmas without hopping on a plane. This winter, snow-loving folks all over the city are getting festive. No longer need you travel all the way to Europe to find out why Santa's always so rugged up. Right now, you can track down mulled wine, roast dinners, carols and chalets straight out of a Swiss village across the city. The best launchpad for your all-out Christmas in July adventure is Luna Park. From Friday, July 5 until Monday, July 22, Sydney's fun fair is transforming into Winterfest, featuring a bevvy of wintry food and activities. Head here to get in suitably festive spirits, then continue your escapades across the city. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in a white Christmas this season. GO ICE SKATING Rugging up in fashionable winter woollies and going ice skating is one of the quintessential Christmas past times that we've always envied of our northern hemisphere neighbours. But this winter, you can make that childhood dream a reality at Luna Park's Winterfest — with a pretty epic view to boot. The festival's centrepiece is an epic ice skating rink overlooking Sydney Harbour and backdropped by Coney Island. With an unlimited rides pass in your hand, you're welcome to glide across the ice as often as you like, which means there's plenty of scope to sharpen up your ice skating skills. On Friday and Saturday nights, both Luna Park and the rink will stay open until 10pm. VISIT A EUROPEAN CHALET Just across the bridge from Luna Park, The Rocks is also embracing a white Christmas this winter. From Thursday, July 11 until Sunday, July 11, the neighbourhood will transform into a European village, complete with 25 fairy-lit wooden chalets (that's twice as many as last year) all shipped in from France. Among them, you'll find Christmas-y experiences and treats of all kinds, from freshly roasted chestnuts and gingerbread houses to designer decorations (which you can keep in storage until the real event rolls around in six months). Keep an ear out for carols and an eye out for snow, too. SOAK IN A HOT TUB For the second year in a row, Pier One's glorious igloos have popped up by the harbour. These rather magical creations offer a warm and cosy retreat with 360-degree views of the water and city. Share with up to 15 friends — just as long as you're happy to spend some cash on cocktails, champagne and snacks from the Igloos on the Pier menu. Oh, and one of the igloos even has its very own hot tub, which fits up to six dippers. You'll need to pay a $200 hire fee but that includes fluffy robes, towels and access to a change room. DRINK MULLED WINE Nothing tastes — or smells — more like a wintry Christmas than a glass of mulled wine. There's just something about the combination of heat and spices that sends you straight to some snowbound cabin decked with tinsel deep in the alpine wilderness. But, this winter, you don't have to go all Bear Grylls to get your mini escape. As part of Winterfest, Luna Park is serving up mulled wine by the gallon. Surrounded by sideshows, rides, water views and city lights, you can kick back and linger over a steaming glass for as long as you like. Or, if you're deep into Dry July, swap mulled wine for peppermint hot chocolate, loaded with marshmallows and whipped cream. Oh, and there's also a hot chocolate spiked with Baileys. TUCK INTO A SUNDAY ROAST Roast dinners are one of the best parts of a white Christmas, but Australia's stinking hot weather on the (real) big day can make them a little unappealing. So, we need to get our fill when winter rolls around. And, for the ultimate roast with all the trimmings, you can't go past the one at Chiswick. Every Sunday throughout July, the Woollahra restaurant is serving up a feast, accompanied by live jazz performances. The menu changes every week, so you don't need an excuse to go more than once — but, if you're up for an all-out Christmas in July extravaganza, be sure to book for the July 28 sitting. You'll be tucking into roasted turkey served with pigs in a blanket, stuffing, cranberry sauce and bread sauce, plus roasted vegetables on the side. Save room for dessert, too — you'll be served rhubarb crumble and vanilla custard. CATCH SOME CHRISTMAS CAROLS It's true that you can sing Christmas carols by yourself at any time of year. But it's hearing other people sing them — and joining in — that creates proper Yuletide spirit. That's why the Christmas Groovers will be making frequent visits to Luna Park during Winterfest. You might be ice skating, you might be on the ferris wheel soaking up some incredible city views or you might be sipping on mulled wine — but when you hear your favourite carols drifting across the fairground, the Christmas spirit will be alive and well within you. But, fair warning — the Groovers won't necessarily perform the carol canon as you're used to hearing it done. For more information on Luna Park's winter happenings this season, visit the website. Plus, we're giving away double passes to Winterfest this month. For a chance to win, head this way.
Across nine initial seasons between 1993–2002, an additional two seasons that aired in 2016 and 2018, and two big-screen movies as well, FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigated all manner of weird and wonderful cases. They all involved the paranormal, supernatural and conspiracies, of course, spanning everything from aliens and psychic abilities to sewer-dwelling man-worm creatures and teenagers who could channel lightning — and they made The X-Files both a sci-fi hit while it was airing and a sci-fi classic ever since. Sometime in the near future, The X-Files will serve up a range of new cases. This time, though, expect them to be silly, funny and particularly preposterous. As reported by Variety, the show is coming back again, but as an all-new animated comedy spinoff that'll focus on a team covering investigations considered too ridiculous for Mulder and Scully. As fans of The X-Files will know, there's nothing too out-there for Mulder and Scully. The former's nickname was 'Spooky', after all. And, even though the latter was often highly skeptical of her partner's theories, she was also known to suggest some creative ideas of her own. But 'too wacky for Mulder and Scully' is the premise that 20th Television and Fox Entertainment seem to be sticking with for the new show — which sounds more than a bit like The X-Files meets Scooby-Doo. While few other specifics have been revealed as yet, the series will be called The X-Files: Albuquerque, and will focus on "an office full of misfit agents... they're basically the X-Files' B-team", as Variety notes. There's no word on when it'll reach screens, but neither Anderson nor Duchovny are currently involved — so don't go getting your hopes up for an animated Mulder and Scully (well, another one, after their appearance on The Simpsons back in 1997). Behind the lens, The X-Files creator Chris Carter is an executive producer, while Movie 43's Rocky Russo and Jeremy Sosenko will be writing the series. The X-Files: Albuquerque will mark The X-Files' franchise's fourth TV series, following the original; 1996–9's Lance Henriksen-starring Millennium, which was set in the same universe; and 2001's The Lone Gunmen, about three conspiracy-obsessed characters initially seen helping Mulder and Scully. If you need a reminder of what made The X-Files so great, check out the below trailer for the 2008 movie The X-Files: I Want to Believe. You can also stream all 11 series of The X-Files in Australia on Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9KV4ESQ8HU Via Variety.
Cinematic conversation densely populates a significant proportion of the internet, and finding a site that addresses your interests can be exhausting. But brand-new website The Dissolve looks to provide a comprehensive and accessible online complex for discussion that cinephiles can enjoy liberally. The Dissolve is the newest cultural offspring of the team behind Pitchfork and is ready to talk anything and everything film related, in a way that is appealing to all film aficionados. "There's a lot of great film writing on the Internet," says Keith Phipps, editorial director of The Dissolve, in an interview with Mashable, "but there really wasn't anyone doing what Pitchfork has done for music, which is smart, opinion-driven, critic-driven, review-driven, and written for an audience that was passionate about film but not necessarily coming at it from an academic view." With the jargon out of the way, The Dissolve facilitates cinematic conversation between cinephiles — a discussion simplified by the broadcasting of their net. Not only will they discuss the latest films, but they will also explore where cinema has come from as well as the endless ephemera generated by the craft, right down to film-inspired board games. Where The Dissolve stands out from the crowd, though, is its appreciation of modern cinematic digestion. "With moviegoing changing (and continuing to change) in the 21st century, The Dissolve wants to account for the many different ways our readers experience movies, whether they’re at the multiplex, in their favorite New York City arthouse, or watching a new indie On Demand at home in Des Moines," says site editor Scott Tobias. The introspective and retrospective site is ambitious in its comprehensiveness, so whether you want to talk about the newest blockbuster or your favourite monster from that Japanese romance-horror, The Dissolve has got you covered. The feature we are anticipating most is their 'Short Cuts', a weekly selection of lunch-hour friendly films to fill the time whilst eating that chicken salad.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled its 2019 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off on Friday, April 26 in South Australia and travel through Maitland, Canberra, Bendigo and Townsville before finishing up in Bunbury on Saturday, May 11. This year sees local talent new and established taking the stage, with the lineup spanning up-and-comers like Jack River, G Flip and Haiku Hands right through to recent Hottest 100 top tenner Billie Eilish, Aussie favourites Nick Murphy and Thelma Plum, Australian hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods and rockers Regurgitator. International talent like Coolio — who'll you'll most likely recognise from his hit track 'Gangsta's Paradise' — Danish pop singer MØ and American rapper A$AP Twelvyy will make their way to the Moo, too. After hosting Australia's first ever pill testing trial in Canberra last year, Groovin the Moo is moving its ACT festival to Exhibition Park for the first time. Pill testing is still a much-debated topic around the country with five people recently dying from suspected overdoses in as many months. Here's the full lineup. GROOVIN THE MOO 2019 LINEUP A$AP Twelvyy (USA) Angie McMahon Aurora (Nor) Billie Eilish Carmouflage Rose Coolio (USA) Crooked Colours DMA's Duckwrth Fisher Flosstradamus (USA) G Flip Haiku Hands Hermitude Hilltop Hoods Holy Holy Jack River Just a Gent MØ (Dnk) Nick Murphy Nicole Millar Regurgitator Rejjie Snow (Irl) Sofi Tukker Spinderella Thelma Plum TOKiMONSTA (USA) Trophy Eyes GROOVIN THE MOO 2019 DATES & VENUES Friday, April 26 — Wayville (SA) Saturday, April 27 – Maitland (NSW) Sunday, April 28 — Canberra (ACT) Saturday, May 4 — Bendigo (VIC) Sunday, May 5 – Townsville (QLD) Saturday, May 11 — Bunbury (WA) Tickets for GTM in Wayville, Maitland and Canberra will go on sale at 8am on Thursday, January 31, and Bendigo, Bunbury and Townsville will be released the day after at 8am on Friday, February 1. For more info, go to gtm.net.au. Images: Jack Toohey.
Maybe you like to slather it all over everything you're about to eat. Perhaps you like to get your doses in more restrained dips and dollops. Either way, if you're a mayonnaise fan, Japan's latest food trend has you covered. At a mayo cafe, two things are on offer: the condiment in the spotlight, of course, and the ability to indulge in its creamy goodness in your ideal fashion. Here's hoping that your preferences include mayo on pasta, salad, seafood dishes, with hot and cold eggs, turned into a custard pudding, and served as a variety of dips, because you'll find all of the above on the menu — and more. Don't just expect any old egg-and-vinegar concoction, though. The cult favourite that is kewpie is not only the variety everyone will be gorging on, but also the company behind the dedicated eateries. The first Kewpie mayo cafe opened its doors in Tokyo's busy Shibuya district on March 1 to mark NationalMayonnaise Day (yes, it's a thing), with a second due to follow in Nagoya in central Honshu from April 1. Both will shower eager customers with all the kewpie they could dream of (not literally, of course) for a full month; however, we're guessing this won't be the last time mayo-centric establishments pop up. Via Munchies. Image: Takeaway / Creative Commons.
The Oaks Hotel is celebrating the second in their six states of beer event, with a tribute to Tassie on tap. Enjoy the best craft beers the region has to offer while sampling their signature cheeses. Self-titled 'Beer Diva' Kirrily Waldhorn will be in attendance to inform and educate guests about the craft beers they are sampling. Some of the featured Tassie beers are Cascade Blonde Wheat Beer, Van Diemen White Hills, and Morrison Brewery English Bitters, among others. Chef Danny Russo is cooking up dishes that incorporate Tasmania's finest cheese, including cheese and truffle toasties, cheese risotto with thyme and almonds, and stout-battered apple fritters with blue cheese. If you're able to stuff down any more cheese after that, there will also be blind cheese tastings. With two states down, The Oaks has four more to cover, including a New South Wales sampling of beer and local pork in August. A national passport ticket is available that gives access to all remaining events (including Tasmania) for $200.
We've all had teachers who changed our lives. We just haven't, generally, alighted onto tables to declare them "O Captain, my Captain". These larger-than-life 'movie teachers' are entertaining, sure, but they're not real enough to punch you in that soft spot in the gut a more quietly familiar representation, of a person more imperfect than ideal, can target. What if your teacher smacks you across the back of the head, makes you take dictation from Balzac, and forgets to paste up anything colourful on the wall? What if your teacher isn't perfect; what if he's just the perfect teacher for right now? Monsieur Lazhar is the sensitively drawn antidote to all those inspiring teacher movies (Ryan Gosling's Half Nelson also admirably bucked the trend). It starts when a primary school one morning discovers a teacher, Martine, has hanged herself in her classroom. Particularly disturbed by the tragedy are her students Simon (Emilien Neron) and Alice (Sophie Nelisse), who saw her body. But the classroom is repainted, counselling dispensed, and everyone encouraged to return to living while the principal hastily brings in a new teacher, Bachir Lazhar (Mohamed Fellag). They're all still traumatised — as is he, though they don't know it. He's a recent arrival from Algeria with a tragic history he'd rather not talk about. He calmly, though with means not always conventional to contemporary French Canadians, tries to give his 11- and 12-year-old charges the education they need while discreetly awaiting a ruling on his application for asylum. It should be heavy, but it's not. Monsieur Lazhar has a light touch that led it to win the Audience Award at this year's Sydney Film Festival. Basically, it's the saddest crowd-pleaser you'll ever see. The slice of life it presents touches on issues from grief and pedagogy to refugees and exile, and it touches on them tenderly, without oversentimentality. The cherry on top is that Nelisse's Sophie is the most adorable of teachers' pets and singly responsible for a wave of cluckiness about to overtake Australian cinemagoers. https://youtube.com/watch?v=-pBm9keEBAY
Sydney's jazz scene is ever-evolving. To help spotlight the city's talented local artists, The Lansdowne Hotel is hosting a JAZZ+ night for free every Sunday at 6pm featuring a lineup of diverse and emerging acts. Last weekend, resident sextet Haztet kicked off the event along with support from Starlings, a groove-based band comprised of Marley Rooney, Sarah Purdon, Tom Andrews, Yonah Rex-McGirr, Ryu Kodama and Riley Hilder. Other groups who have produced their own take on future jazz, neo-soul, DnB, acid fusion, and alternative hip-hop are set to take the stage in the coming weeks. To find out which talents are playing every week, head over to The Lansdowne Hotel's website to stay updated with their lineup. [caption id="attachment_877018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Lansdowne Hotel - Supplied[/caption] Top images: The Lansdowne Hotel — supplied
Everyone should see Henry Rollins on a stage. Luckily, audiences have had ample opportunities for more than four decades. The musician first came to fame singing behind the microphone in punk-rock band Black Flag and then Rollins Band, but is now just as renowned for his spoken-word shows, where he waxes lyrical (and candid and amusing) about his life, fame and the state of the world. Australians are no stranger to Rollins getting chatty; however, thanks to the pandemic, he hasn't taken to stages Down Under since 2016. That's about to change come winter, with the icon, actor, author and radio host heading around the country on an 18-show, 17-city tour. The place scoring a double dose of Rollins? Brisbane. Rollins' spoken-word gigs always sell out, and they're always an entertaining — and unflinchingly honest — night spent listening to the Sons of Anarchy, Lost Highway and Heat star. This time, he's visiting both capitals and regional centres, and notching up every Aussie state and territory, on a tour dubbed 'Good to See You'. Attendees can look forward to Rollins looking back over the past seven years since he last visited Australia, stepping through his life from 2016 until COVID-19 hit — and, of course, exploring what's happened since. Fingers crossed for more mullet insights, too. Rollins makes his way around Australia after a massive leg in Europe, where he's currently flitting from Croatia, Poland and Finland to Sweden, Germany, France and the United Kingdom — and more. And, his latest tour comes after he added two more books to his name in 2022: Sic, which draws upon the frustration of not knowing if his touring life would ever return; and Stay Fanatic!!! Vol. 3. [caption id="attachment_888225" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morten Jensen via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] HENRY ROLLINS 'GOOD TO SEE YOU' TOUR 2023: Monday, June 5 — Perth Concert Hall, Perth Tuesday, June 6 — Margaret River HEART, Margaret River Thursday, June 8 — Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide Friday, June 9 — Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs Saturday, June 10 — Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin Tuesday, June 13 — Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Cairns Thursday, June 15–Friday, June 16 — The Tivoli, Brisbane Saturday, June 17 — The Events Centre Caloundra, Sunshine Coast Tuesday, June 20 — Llewellyn Hall ANU, Canberra Wednesday, June 21 — Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo Thursday, June 22 — Civic Hall, Ballarat Saturday, June 24 — Hamer Hall, Melbourne Tuesday, June 27 — Anita's Theatre, Thirroul Wednesday, June 28 — State Theatre, Sydney Friday, June 30 — Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle Sunday, July 2 — Princess Theatre, Launceston Monday, July 3 — Odeon Theatre, Hobart Henry Rollins tours Australia in June and July 2023, with ticket pre sales from 11am local time on Monday, February 13 and general sales from 11am local time on Wednesday, February 15. Head to the tour website for further information.
Handpicking some of the globe's best new artists for yet another glorious year (their sixth, to be exact), Sugar Mountain has revealed one heck of a 2017 lineup, with Dev Hynes/Blood Orange, homegrown duo Big Scary and British boss Little Simz headlining. Returning to Melbourne's Victorian College of the Arts on Saturday, January 21, Sugar Mountain has again balanced international drawcards with local talent this year, from Perth avant-electronic bedroom producer KUČKA to German producer Pantha Du Prince. Other Aussies converging on Mebourne for the fest include Methyl Ethel, Dro Carey and The Belligerents. The Boiler Room stage will also return, live streaming around the world with a yet-to-be-announced lineup. As always though, music isn't the only thing on the menu for Sugar Mountain. There'll also be a load artists on the bill, including Chairlift vocalist Caroline Polacheck, Melbourne-based, Novocastrian sculptor Caleb Shea and New Orleans-based public space artist MOMO. Nosh-wise, don't just expect your regular festival fare — Sugar Mountain's immersive on-site restaurant Sensory will be back. Last year, it was a collaboration between Bomba, Tin & Ed and Cut Copy, so we can't wait to see what they put together this year. Enough chatskies, here's that lineup you're after. SUGAR MOUNTAIN 2017 LINEUP: ALTA Baba Stiltz (Sweden) Beppe Loda (Italy) Big Scary Black Cab Blood Orange (UK) CC:DISCO! Daydreams Dro Carey Jaala Jack River Jessy Lanza (Canada) Kelsey Lu (USA) Kornel Kovacs (Sweden) KUČKA Little Simz (UK) Methyl Ethel Mood II Swing (USA) Moses Sumney (USA) My Disco Palms Trax (UK) Pantha Du Prince (Germany) Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever Slum Sociable Sui Zhen Suzanne Ciani x Kaityn Aurelia Smith (USA) The Belligerents Tornado Wallace Weyes Blood (USA) ARTISTS Caleb Shea Elliot Routledge Karan Singh (Japan) March Studio MOMO (USA) Myriam Bleau (Canada) Robyn Moody x Caroline Polacheck (USA) Supergroup London - Morag Myerscough x Luke Morgan (UK) Sugar Mountain Festival is happening at Victorian College Of The Arts, Melbourne on Saturday, January 21, 2017. Tickets are $99 each and are on sale now at sugarmountain.com. By Shannon Connellan and Lauren Vadnjal.
Getting your mind around the carbon statistics involved in keeping London warm is like trying to make sense of the figures that astronomers toss about when they’re talking about the size of the universe — pretty much impossible to do. According to a 2006 climate change report, the average Briton uses 1.49 tonnes of carbon every year in preventing death-by-freezing. Multiplying that by London’s population — 8.3 million — gives the staggering figure of 12.3 million. The good news is that Mayor Boris Johnson wants to do something about it. He's planning to reduce London's annual carbon usage by 3.5 million tonnes by 2025, through the increased use of secondary heat sources and decentralisation. So, in the search for solutions, renewable energy experts are getting creative. In May 2013, construction began on a 'fat plant', which will see the transformation of the fat balls, grease and oils found in London's sewers into heat. And as of late last year, the Underground is getting ready to do its bit. Johnson, the Islington Council, UK Power Networks and Transport for London have hatched a plan to transfer the heat generated by the tube and a local substation into at least 500 homes. The project, the first of its kind in Europe, will not only decrease the city's carbon footprint, it'll also reduce power bills for the households involved. At the same time, New York's Department of Sanitation is set to expand a pilot program that has seen 5,000 homes heated with the energy generated from food waste. The organic matter is collected from homes and schools and taken to the Newtown Wastewater Treatment Plant, where it is mixed with waste water and transformed into biogas. Via Springwise. Image by smaedli via photopin cc.
For the third time in seven days, the Australian Government has introduced new restrictions on non-essential mass gatherings. On Friday, March 13, a ban on outdoor mass gatherings over 500 people was introduced, and was followed by a ban on non-essential indoor events of over 100 people on Wednesday, March 18. The latest, announced this afternoon, Friday, March 20, by Prime Minister Scott Morrison concerns non-essential indoor events of less than 100 people. A limit of one person per four square metres has been recommended by the Australian Government and Chief Health Minister. Airports, public transport, age care, correctional facilities, law courts, parliaments, food markets, supermarkets, office buildings, factories, mining sites, hotels, motels, schools, universities and transit spots — such as Bourke Street Mall, Martin Place — are considered 'essential', but cafes, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, bars and cinemas (ones that are not already closed) will need to adhere to the new limits, the Prime Minister has today revealed. It's not clear how and if these limits will be enforced, but it's likely many venues will need to introduce new limits on capacity. With hospitality venues across the country closing and becoming takeaway-only already, it's also likely these new restrictions will lead to even more closing their doors, at least temporarily. The Prime Minister has also encouraged essential gatherings to adhere to the new guidelines, saying if it's done so more broadly we have a greater chance of "flattening the curve" (the term adapted for reducing the exponential spread of COVID-19, as shown by this graph). He has also, once again, pressed Australians to practise social distancing. It's predicted the above measures will be in place for "at least the next six months". For now, the bans on non-essential gatherings are in place indefinitely. A limit on one person per four square metres is now recommended for all non-essential indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people. The Australia-wide bans on non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people on non-essential outdoor events of more than 500 people are still in place. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Kitti Gould
One of the many reasons that Italian food is so enduring is that it's built on strong foundations. To celebrate this fact, The Dolphin in Surry Hills is making a return to the classics over the next two months. Between now and Sunday, June 29, the pub will showcase eight traditional regional dishes for $25 a pop, with each week bringing a new one to try. Swing by during the week beginning Monday, May 12, for linguine alle vongole (with clams), which originated in Naples on Italy's southern coast. Then, return the following week for a generous serving of tagliatelle alla bolognese, which hails from Bologna in the north. Other dishes coming up include fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti carbonara, gnocchi al gorgonzola, rigatoni pork ragu, and tortiglioni alla vodka. In even better news, wine will be going hot at $10 a glass, so you can find the right match (or matches) for your classic without breaking the bank. Book online or walk in and try your luck.
To combat the multitude of incoming phone calls which remain unheard in the depths of your purse, Nokia is seeking a patent for magnetic-ink tattoos which would alert you to every phone call. The company's 'Haptic Communication' patent describes an electronic device (your smartphone) which will generate a magnetic field. This will stimulate the ferromagnetic ink that has been stamped on, taped to, or - yes - tattooed on skin. The ink will then react with stimuli that corresponds to the digital content of the original device. Similar to the 'vibrate' setting on existing phones, different vibration patterns would be received, and felt, for a voicemail, text message, etc. This technology may aid users in distinguishing which type of notification their phone is receiving from their back packet or book bag - all without audio. It all may sound a tad drastic, but who knows? Perhaps some fresh ink will finally allow us to unglue our phones from our palms. [via Wired]
The time of boring holidays is over. No longer are we locking ourselves inside a three-star resort for two weeks, limiting ourselves to whitewashed itineraries and experiences we could find at home. To really explore the world, we must occasionally check comfort and familiarity at the door. That's what you could do with a guided, small-group tour organised by Intrepid Travel. We've teamed up with the global exploration extraordinaires to showcase just a taste of the experiences on offer. All you need to do is dive right in. [caption id="attachment_970293" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] ChanwitOhm via iStock[/caption] Hike up a Volcano in Lombok When it comes to Aussies on holiday, Bali is an all-time classic pick. The neighbouring island of Lombok isn't that far afield either, but there's more to an Indonesian getaway than massages and cocktails by the beach. Instead, you can secure a spot on a 12-day adventure across the islands of Bali, Lombok and Gili. You'll hike, bike and kayak your way through some of the most scenic landscapes Indonesia has to offer. The peak (literally) of the adventure comes on the island of Lombok, where you'll spend two days hiking up an active volcano, camp at its crater (at nearly 2600 metres high) and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the ocean — if the weather is clear. Watch the Sunrise From the Tallest Mountain in Borneo Borneo is one of the last wild nations on Earth, with a hugely diverse ecosystem and a range of iconic native wildlife—orangutans being the most famous among them. This 11-day expedition allows you to get up close and personal with those gentle forest creatures, as well as sea turtles, macaques, bears and maybe even pygmy elephants. During your adventure, you'll also get to scale Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in the country. To see the sunrise from the summit, 4095 metres above sea level, you'll spend the night on the mountain and set off at 2am — but the views will be worth it. When you've descended, you will spend the afternoon unwinding in hot springs. Help Reforest an Island in Cambodia Community service in Cambodia is a highly regarded activity for Aussies abroad, but this eight-day tour of the country will put you in touch with more than just good karma. You'll bike through the Cambodian countryside, explore ancient ruins, meet endangered river dolphins and spend two days on an island in the Mekong River. On the small island of Koh Trong, you'll overnight in a local homestay, giving you ample time to explore the island's shores, rice fields and fruit orchards. Once you've had a good night's sleep and a home-cooked meal, you'll lend a hand to a local reforestation project to put some good back into the earth. Immerse Yourself in the Himalayas Along the Trans-Bhutan Trail There are few secrets on planet Earth as well hidden as Bhutan. Literally and figuratively dwarfed by its neighbours, India and China, this tiny Buddhist kingdom transports you back in time and takes your breath away with its awe-inspiring landscapes. You can spend 11 days exploring this remarkable nation with Intrepid. The altitude might thin out the air, but it's cleaner than anywhere else since Bhutan is the world's first carbon-negative country. Breathe deep as you drive and walk across the country's heart, stopping at high-altitude mountain passes, fortified Buddhist complexes and ancient monasteries built into the sides of rock faces. Kayak Amongst Stunning Limestone Islands in Lan Ha Bay Vietnam's scenery is on another level, with mountains, valleys and fields that create incredible memories (and photographs). It's a quintessential destination for travellers, but the art of balancing its many moving pieces is best left to travel agents and trip organisers. It's a good thing Intrepid offers an 11-day tour that'll see you hiking, biking and kayaking all over the country. First, you'll venture through the busy capital city of Hanoi for an on-the-ground Vietnam experience. Then, you'll stop in regional cities and towns like Sapa, Khau Bau, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island. Those landlocked locales will see you hit the trails and fields on bicycles and your own two feet, but the latter is in Ha Long Bay's World Heritage designation and features the iconic limestone cliffs and white sand beaches by the plenty. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka Sometimes overshadowed by its larger neighbour, India, Sri Lanka has been slept on as a destination by many for far too long. One of the most varied ways to explore it is a fairly physical eight-day exploration of the island, which will take you through mountains, tea fields, thick jungles and fast-flowing rivers. Along the way, you'll get up close and personal with four of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites throughout the country. First, there's the city of Sigirya, built atop a granite rock over 1500 years ago. You'll then head to the jungle-coated Knuckles Mountain Range, the Sacred City of Kandy and finally, the fortified Old Town of Galle. Trek to the Base of the Highest Mountain on Earth When talking adventure tours in Asia, we'd be remiss not to touch on the most famous of all: the two-week journey to the Base Camp of Mount Everest. It's a trip and a destination carved into human history, but the Base Camp trek is easier than the journey up the mountain itself. This tour starts in Kathmandu, but you'll fly to your real starting point in Lukla before setting off on the hiking journey of a lifetime. Take in the snow-crested peaks and green valleys of the Himalayan ranges as you make the journey up to Base Camp before turning around and taking a different route back to Lukla. You'll be spending your nights in teahouses and are likely to meet other hikers along the way since this is one of the most famous hiking routes in the world. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website.
We all know that fast fashion is gross. And yet, with the hectic holiday season just passed, we're all familiar with the need to buy cute stocking stuffers in a time crunch — often overwhelming our need to not pollute the planet beyond repair. We really don't do well by Mother Earth here in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, every year 500,000 tonnes of fashion ends up in landfill and each Aussie consumes 27 kilograms of textiles. Rhianna Knight believes we can do better, so the 26-year-old started an apparel business that won't leave you feeling shamefaced. The result is Mister Timbuktu, and it's in the early stages of kicking ass. Mister Timbuktu's outdoor apparel is made from recycled plastics. The first round is being crowdfunded now through Indiegogo, reaching more than half of its target with 16 days left to go (at the time of writing). At the moment, the range is all about quality leggings, raincoats and sports bras, but they'll soon branch into all things outdoorsy, including tents, sleeping bags and puffer jackets. The designs are gorgeous and bright because outdoor activities don't have to be completed in drab natural colours (apologies, Kathmandu, you serve a purpose but there's a new queen on the block). According to Knight, eleven plastic bottles are recycled in each pair of leggings they create. How in the name of activewear is that possible? Well, recycled plastics are collected, shredded into chips, washed, melted into liquid form and then spun into thread that goes on to become your new favourite comfy pants. Science, bitches! The company has also pledged to put 20 percent of profits back into helping the planet in other ways: by partnering with both a mental health charity (Waves of Wellness) and the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. But wait, there's more. Okay, we probably shouldn't get so excited about this part because the rest of the initiative is so phenomenal, but check out the leggings: they have a pocket in the waistband which is the best and most practical thing ever. Thank you for listening to our secret wishes and delivering. For more information, visit Mister Timbuktu's campaign.
How do you find a single missing person in a country of over a billion? That's the terrifying dilemma faced by a desperate father, after his 12-year-old son goes missing. A sobering portrait of a pandemic concern in poverty-affected India, Richie Mehta's film works thanks to his unexaggerated approach to the subject matter. There's not a hint of melodrama here, and the tale is all the more compelling for it. For a film set half a world away, Siddharth hits very close to home. The film takes its title from the name of the missing boy, who in the opening scene we see being loaded onto a bus by his father, Mahendra (Rajesh Tailang). Siddharth is on his way to Ludhiana, hundreds of kilometres away, where he's due to start work in a trolley factory. Child labour is illegal in India, but commonplace nevertheless. And for the family of four, no longer able to survive on Mahendra's meagre wages as a street corner zipper repairman, the second source of income will be crucial. When Siddharth fails to return to Delhi for the Diwali festival a month later, the assumption is that he simply couldn't secure passage home. But as time passes without any word, Mahendra and his wife, Suman (Tannishtha Chatterjee), grow increasingly concerned. When they finally call the owner of the factory, he tells them that the boy ran away more than a fortnight ago. Unable to believe Siddharth wouldn't simply return home, the fear then becomes that he has been kidnapped. Based on a first person anecdote Mehta — a Canadian filmmaker of Indian descent — heard while travelling in Delhi, the story examines multiple social issues facing India. Recent statistics show that nearly 40,000 children disappear in the country each year, many of them sold into slavery or prostitution or forced out onto the streets to beg. Indeed, the problem is so endemic, so normalised, that at one point someone suggests that Mahendra simply have another child. Such callous pragmatism extends to the police force and child protection agencies, overworked and undermanned as they are. But so too does it extend to Mahendra himself, who is soon confronted with the financial cost of continuing the search for his son. It costs him a month's savings just to pay for a train ticket to Mumbai. Suman blames him for sending Siddharth away, and it's easy to agree with her. But then again, did he even have a choice? The grim economic reality of the family's situation is the stark spotlight under which Mehta's film unfolds, and ultimately makes it that much more confronting. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wNMDwpMrxmQ
It seems a pretty hard task to follow Hannah Gadsby's international smash-hit show, Nanette. After all, the one-woman stand-up performance copped serious praise on its 18-month travels across Australia and the UK, even scooping the top honours at both the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It also spawned its very own Netflix special. And when Gadsby used the show to announce she was quitting comedy for good, we thought that was it. But the beloved Aussie comedian gave following up that hit a red hot crack when she returned to the stand-up stage with her latest work, Douglas, which is named after her own pet pooch. While Nanette pulled apart the concept of comedy itself, dishing up an insight into Gadsby's past, Douglas takes you on a "tour from the dog park to the renaissance and back". Gadsby took Douglas to stages across Australia and New Zealand in late 2019 and early 2020, and now, to the delight of comedy fans people across the world, is bringing it to Netflix this month. Available to stream globally from Tuesday, May 26, the show will bring us all some much-needed comic relief. As Gadsby says: "mark it in your socially-distant calendars...then wash your hands". https://twitter.com/Hannahgadsby/status/1249668347693654019 As the just-dropped trailer for the comedy special demonstrates, Gadsby's humour hasn't lost its charms. This time around, expect reflections on her Nanette success and observations about language — and that's just the beginning of the rib-tickling hilarity, of course. Check out the Douglas trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziIwxPCeByU Hannah Gadsby's 'Douglas' will be available to stream globally on Netflix from Tuesday, May 26.
