If you're thinking of skipping town to Italy just so you can sample all the cheesy, doughy pizza you can handle, you're in luck. For one night only, an Italian-born pizza slinger is taking over the kitchen at Mode Kitchen & Bar. So, head on down to The Rocks and get your hands on some seriously tasty slices — and you won't even have to cough up the dough on an airfare. From 5.30–10pm on Sunday, February 23, award-winning chef Enrico Sgarbossa of Surry Hills' Al Taglio will be joining Mode's Francesco Mannelli, bringing his skills to the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney restaurant. Sgarbossa is a flour technician — yep, that's a thing — so expect some pillowy bases of wholemeal sourdough, multigrain sourdough and gluten-free dough, as well as some stretchy mozzarella and perfect toppings. Take your pick from six pizzas, from a traditional-style margherita ($26) to frutti di mare ($32) loaded with mussels, clams, calamari and wild tiger prawns. There's also the Enrico & Francesco, topped with mortadella, caciocavallo cheese and english spinach ($30). And, if you're vegan, there's one with tomato, zucchini, peas, macadamia ricotta and marinated onion ($27). To book your spot, head here. [caption id="attachment_761952" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Enrico Sgarbossa and Francesco Mannelli[/caption]
Calling all oyster and whisky lovers alike, Sydney Oyster Farm Tours is joining forces with Glenglassaugh Whisky to offer Aussies an incredible 'sea-to-table' whisky and oyster experience that's only available for the month of September to celebrate the scotch landing on our shores. The luxurious Glenglassaugh Whisky Immerse Yourself experience begins at Kangaroo Point (just 45 minutes north of the Sydney CBD) where guests will be picked up for a guided boat tour of the oyster farm in the Hawkesbury River. As you sail by, take in stunning views and note the wild oysters clinging to the shore before reaching the oyster farm leases. Here you'll learn about the farming practices and history of the family-run business before slipping into a pair of provided waders and heading on to the immersive in-water dining experience. And by 'immersive' we mean you will quite literally be semi-submerged in the waters of the Hawkesbury River while you shuck. White tableclothed tables will be waiting for guests, topped with silver platters of oysters ready to be shucked. And fear not, the guides will demonstrate the correct way to shuck oysters so there's no change of slicing off one of your digits. Don't be afraid of going hungry as you get 18 fresh oysters per person, plus in-shell prawns and accoutrements like homemade mignonette dressing. And all that fresh seafood is paired with a guided Glenglassaugh Whisky tasting. Guests can choose to taste two of the three available whiskies in the range: the 12-Year-Old, Sandend and Portsoy. Portsoy is the best pairing thanks to its deep maritime flavour. Expect richly peated single malt, matured in sherry, bourbon and port casks. It's the perfect candidate for a "shelly": drinking scotch from your freshly shucked (and empty) oyster shell so you add an extra layer of salinity to your dram. If you want to bring some champagne or other drinks to enjoy alongside the whisky, you can BYO alcoholic beverages (they will supply glasses for this). With peak oyster season happening from September to March, it's the perfect time to get shucking with a dram in hand. Book your spot before it books out. Each booking has its table. Tours are dependent on minimum numbers and weather, find out more information on the website. Get $15 off your booking with promo code 'WHISKY15'. Image credit: Esteban LaTessa
Prefer to make up your own mind about whether an artwork is awesome or awful? Disruptive revolutionary Stefan Simchowitz is leaving the art critiquing entirely up to the viewer when he takes over Sorry Thanks I Love You (STILY) this month. That Simchowitz has been dubbed 'the Patron Satan' of the art world by The New York Times should give you some idea of what to expect — or what not to, more accurately — when his in-store art project pops up at the concept retail space. Kicking off with a thought-provoking launch event on Thursday, July 19, the exhibition sees Simchowitz showcase large-scale oil paintings from LA-based post-internet artist Marc Horowitz, all in a format that's far from traditional. You might love it. You might hate it. Either way, the neutral setting and minimal media noise means you'll be free to decide either way. Grab tickets to the launch event to be among the first to pass judgement — you'll enjoy complimentary bubbly as you browse the works, soak up the art vibes and shop STILY's diverse mash-up of wares. Image Credit: Andy Braithwaite
Know your Kubrick from your Coppola? Like to dissect the mise en scene as much as you do the montage? Then head to Cinemania at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where video and performance artist Diana Smith of Brown Council invites film buffs to explore the influence of screen culture on everyday life through a series of multimedia presentations. Sebastian Goldspink, founder of ALASKA Projects, a Kings Cross-based arts space, and FBI radio host and artist Kate Jinx will take the floor to share snippets of their personal cinematic obsessions. Tackling themes as diverse as femme fatales and addiction to awkward adolescence and modern-day witchcraft, this is the Facebook generation's answer to Margaret and David's At the Movies. Once you've had your fill of the silver screen, join the speakers on the MCA's Sculpture Terrace for an apres-film vino whilst soaking in the gorgeous view of Sydney Harbour.
Winter may be nearly over, but that doesn't mean we're ready to stop treating ourselves to delicious comfort food just yet. And, of all the belly-warming bites available, melted cheese has to be up there as one of the best. The alpine-inspired Swissôtel Sydney has been dishing up the perfect solution to our cheesy dreams this season: Swiss fondue. The hotel's take on the retro meal features emmental and gruyere (and gorgonzola if you so wish) melted together with white wine and garlic. The mix is delivered to your table in a steaming pot, ready for you to dip into with the bite-sized selection of sides including bread, meatballs and vegetables. To help you enjoy the very last few days of winter, we've teamed up with Swissôtel to give you and three mates access to this delectable fondue experience — for free. Tradition says that whoever loses their bread in the dip has to buy the group drinks but, luckily, your prize also includes a carafe of mulled wine. We'd still recommend dipping responsibly though — your mates might hold you to it the next time you're out. To enter, see below. [competition]684148[/competition] Images: Jesse Jaco.
Think Bondi Beach, and you're instantly thinking about sun, sand and surf; however, once the middle of winter hits, it's all about the ice ice baby. For the entire month of July, the Bondi Winter Magic program is back with an avalanche of frosty fun — including turning its famous beachside area into a ice skating rink. This year's event isn't just about sliding across a frozen surface, though. Prepare to scale great heights and wander through a feast of entertainment. For the first time, the former comes courtesy of the Bondi Eye, a 32-metre high ferris wheel serving up the best views in town (and keeping you safe from the chilly sea air in fully enclosed rotating gondolas). The latter arrives in the form of Bondi Feast, a pop-up winter festival of comedy, music, theatre, storytelling, visual arts, hot foods and — of course — mulled cider. If that's not enough fun, there'll be history walks, free art and music on the streets, and markets every Sunday. Or, experience something different courtesy of Books by the Beach. Yep, it's a pop-up outdoor library, and it's a great way to take a break from the action.
Owner of Barrel and Beast Jared Ingersoll is somewhat of a commitment-phobe. At least, he is when it comes to choosing a location of his much-loved eatery. Opting to go down a non-traditional path, Ingersoll is all about the pop-up business model. As the name implies, Barrel and Beast is known for it's barrel-stored alcohol, and the use of the whole animal in the cooking process. The restaurant takes pride in creating a cosy atmosphere complete with shared tables, as well as locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. For the entirety of winter, Barrel and Beast has found a home on Foveaux Street, Surry Hills. Prior to this it was in Pyrmont. Come spring, Ingersoll has hinted at a new location for the restaurant across the bridge. Barrel and Beast pop up will run until the end of August at 65-67 Foveaux Street (past the red door). Bookings can be made by emailing contact@bottleandbeast.com.au.
Art in the Park is taking art out of white cubes and closer to you. Its second incarnation, happening at Sydney Park on May 16, will deliver a bigger lineup than the first. Fifteen artists will head out and about for the afternoon, where they'll create works before your eyes. Names on the bill include YoungEarlGrey, creator of pop art-inspired works; Martina Martian, whose skate art and fashion accessories come with an '80s retro twist; Vishmi Helaratne, whose work combines photography, drawing, painting and printmaking; Tori Rose Wright, an illustrator who describes herself as inspired by "femininity, body positivity, nature, emotions, friendship and youth"; and ten others: Rohan Goode, Playkill.SC, Tsuki, Taropea, Joel Easson, Natasha Michels, Spoonty, Bofus, Sudjuice and Alex Xerri. You're invited to simply kick back and watch or bring your own pencils and paints and give your art muscle a run. By way of soundtrack, there'll be live music from Sarie Mannering, a Sydney-based singer-songwriter, along with others. Photo by Jemima Richards.
Art on the Streets is, yep, art on the streets. And not just any streets. It'll be on the streets of Bondi, harking back to what those Impressionists did with the whole 'en plein air' thing. But rather than creating it outside, this time they're just selling it outside. Art on the Streets will see emerging visual artists selling their works out in the open at the Roscoe Street Mall. Handily, on the same day at the Bondi markets. The aim is to make the works affordable and easy to view. And why not make a Bondi day out of it? On the day you'll also be able to get your hands all dirty (in a chalky way) by chalking up the streets with your own pavement piece. And before you head there, measure up that wall you've always been wanting to buy something for. You just never know what you might find.
UPDATE, MARCH 1 2018: At present, Pitch Black will no longer be coming to Sydney in 2018. If you eat a meal but don't upload a photo of it to Instagram, did it really happen? That might be the culinary question of the last decade; however one trend has been making food snaps irrelevant for a while now. Sorry, cuisine-loving shutterbugs — you can't take a picture when you're dining in the dark. Indeed, light — from bulbs above, from flickering candles in the middle of tables, and particularly from your iPhone's flash — isn't part of the dark dining equation. Rather, on the menu is a sensory experience designed to heighten the taste, smell, texture and sound of sitting down for dinner. After kicking off in Europe in the late '90s, the concept has been doing the rounds in various forms ever since, and it's coming back to Sydney in January 2018. At the aptly named Pitch Black, 50 guests will first enter a warmly lit space — but it won't stay that way for long. After everyone has had some time to get comfortable in their surroundings, they'll sit down to a three-course meal without the lights on. If the silverware is gleaming, you won't be able to see it (but you will be directing your attention towards flavour, aroma and mouthfeel). Patrons will attend in 90-minute blocks, with the waiting list for tickets now open before they go on sale within the next two weeks. Prices, dates and venues will be revealed at the same time. This isn't the first time grabbing a bite sans illumination has popped up in Australia, or even in Sydney; The Dark Side of Hyde Park previously operated in the CBD, aiming to raise awareness of what it feels like to be blind, while Melbourne played host to a restaurant called Black Out, and Brisbane boasted Dining in the Dark. And then there's the spate of pop-up events that have graced most Aussie cities, often using blindfolds to ensure no one takes a sneak peek. For more information about Pitch Black, head to the event website.
Darling Harbour will fill with festive cheer over two days in the lead-up to the jolliest time of the year. Set in Tumbalong Park, this Christmas Festival will feature carol-heavy live performances, fake snow, roving entertainers, a selfie station and appearances from the big man himself, Santa. Ranging from children's bands to ex-The Voice contestants, the musical lineup over the two days features the likes of jazz group Summit, the Soul of Sydney DJs, family-friendly trio Vegetable Plot, R&B group Kaleidoscope Dream and rockers Gang of Brothers. Accompanying the entertainment will be an array of food trucks featuring gelato, festive-themed fairy floss, doughnuts, snowcones, and heartier selections like The Pharaoh BBQ and Burgerhead. Topping off the whole occasion will be fireworks which you can catch over Cockle Bay at 9pm each night. This handy guide lays out the best vantage points around Darling Harbour to catch the fireworks. And, throughout summer, Cockle Bay is also taking the magic up a notch with pedal boats available to hire. Whether you're looking for an adventure with your date or your family, the boats are available for $44 for a 30-minute session.
Having established itself as a summer favourite in Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne over the last few years, The Royal Croquet Club is finally gearing up for its Sydney debut. After a false start last year — in which the event was cancelled at the last minute — the outdoor festival is set to take over Bondi Beach next month. Gracing the shoreline from November 24 to December 4, the ten-day event promises all the fun and flavour of its interstate incarnations, offering up a buffet of live entertainment, experiential arts, food, drink, and — of course — more than a few games of croquet. The al fresco festival will see revellers of all ages and skill levels hitting the central croquet pitch, with some of Sydney's best food on hand for refuelling in between games. And the fun continues away from the mallets too, with a lineup of local and international artists dishing up live tunes, and an assortment of unique pop-up food stalls and bars for further indulging in that summertime spirit. Dining-wise, prepare for a feast of flavours on the shores of Bondi, with some of the city's favourite eateries serving up their best wares. That includes Milky Lane's first-ever fish-and-chips burger (named The Frying Nemo), Hoy Pinoy's Filipino street food, Mamak's Malaysian meals, Bao Stop's fluffy, filled, steamed buns, and Old City Kitchen & Bar's Middle Eastern delights. And if you're after something sweet, yes, Gelato Messina will be serving up their indulgent desserts. Previous Royal Croquet Clubs have been treated to their ice cream creations in Campbell's Soup-like tins, so we've got pretty high expectations. Of course, all of that mallet-swinging is bound to work up a thirst, which is where a number of watering holes come in. Prepare to sip and swig your beverages of choice at the Pol Roger Champagne Garden, Captains Tavern, Yalumba Vine Room and Pimms Garden Shed. Fashion stalls, markets, and an array of health and wellness events will round out the RCC experience, which is expected to pull a 60,000-strong crowd for its first Sydney stint. The Royal Croquet Club Sydney will come to Bondi Beach from Thursday, November 24 to Sunday, December 4. For more information as they announce it, check back here or visit royalcroquetclub.com.au. By Libby Curran and Sarah Ward.
Amidst all of this pandemic doom and gloom, three Sydney hospitality legends have joined forces to bring us a new restaurant to look forward to. Bistro Rex's Nick and Kirk Mathews-Bowden are teaming up with Chef Ben Sears (Paper Bird, Moon Park) to open Ezra — a love letter to Tel Aviv, a city on Israel's Mediterranean coast. "Kirk and I used to live in London and there are amazing Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants over there, which led us to visit Israel," Nick told Concrete Playground. "We were instantly swept up by Tel Aviv. It is one of the coolest cities on earth. It has this huge nightlife scene and an unstoppable sense of hospitality." It's this unstoppable hospitality the trio hopes to bring to Kings Cross, where Ezra is set to open inside an old terrace house in early September. Its design takes cues from Tel Aviv's byzantine and bauhaus architecture, with many curves and lots of earthy tones. The space boasts two plant-filled courtyards — one out back and one in the front — a long walnut bar and a large mosaic archway, made using handmade Lebanese tiles. Floral sculptor Tracy Deep will make dried native arrangements for the space, too, while local artist Amy Hunter will create original pieces for the walls. Apart from table seating, diners can pull up a stool at both the bar and in front of the open kitchen. Expect family-style dining here, with the menu split into small snacks, salads and larger charcoal-grilled dishes. It'll be veggie heavy, too. While the menu is still being finalised, a few dishes that Sears is testing out include a falafel and tahini snack, baked cauliflower with haloumi and a chicken parfait with amba (a pickled mango condiment) that's a play on a classic Israeli liver and onions dish. For starters, expect mezze and flat breads made in house — and, for dessert, an ice cream baklava sandwich is in the works. At Moon Park and Paper Bird, Sears was known for his riffs on Korean, Japanese and Chinese dishes, and he'll be incorporating some of those flavours into the dishes at Ezra, too. The whole grilled flathead, for example, will come dressed with a chickpea miso from Tasmania. To accompany the food, a relatively succinct wine list will span both "natural" and "nostalgic", meaning you can get pét-nats, orange and minimal-intervention wines alongside a classic chablis. "Every day we'll be opening something different and seeing what the neighbourhood leans into," says Nick. Apart from wine, there will be a short cocktail list, created by a friend from Melbourne's Black Pearl. On it will be a paloma, a limonana — a gin-spiked Israeli mint lemonade that's been shaken with lemon sorbet — and a play on a Brazilian batida de coco. That last one is a dark rum-based drink similar to a piña colada, but the Ezra version uses natural yoghurt instead of coconut milk. If the trio's experience in Tel Aviv is anything to go by, expect them to be downing shots at the end of the meal with you, too. "Young people [in Tel Aviv] are being quite creative with cafes and restaurants," says Kirk "They'll bring you whisky at the end of a meal and ask if you want to do a shot together, that sort of thing. It's such a vibrant city full of rooftop bars and restaurants doing fresh, zingy takes on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean blended food." The restaurant has room for 90 all up, but that number will be limited by NSW Government COVID-19 restrictions — so booking ahead is highly recommended. But, when the days of spontaneous walk-ins finally resume, you can bet a free seat at the bar will beckon you inside. Ezra is set to open on Friday, September 4 at 3 Kellett Street, Potts Point. Keep an eye on this space for an official opening announcement. UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2020 — Ezra was originally slated to open on Friday, August 28 but this has been delayed by a week until Friday, September 4.
Religious imagery, especially of the Catholic variety, is often bloody and bleak, twisting a broken body around rigid lines of wood and stone. But not so in Justin O'Brien's paintings. His works, predominantly famous for their interpretation of religious motifs, shimmer with a lush palette that you'd expect from an eccentric South American artist — not one from Hurstville. Born in 1917, O'Brien experienced the chaos of WWII while serving in Palestine and Greece as part of the Australian Army Medical Corps, a tour which climaxed with his incarceration in a Polish prisoner-of-war camp. This time left a lasting impression on O'Brien, leading him to create works that capture the mysterious energies of an old world through rich colours and subtle symbolism. Though a lapsed Catholic, O'Brien won the inaugural Blake Prize for Religious Art in 1951 and had his work, The Raising of Lazarus, purchased by the Vatican. Now, for the first time since 1987, a collection of over 90 of O'Brien's works are being exhibited by the Art Gallery of NSW, giving a rare glimpse into this artist's soft-rendered world of spiritual awe. Image: The Harlequin Boy, by Justin O'Brien
Auckland's Clap Clap Riot have a tendency to whip up a raucous, good-vibin' crowd; the dudes can't help it. Armed with catchy-as-blazes hooks, singalong singles and loud, loud amps, the foursome are rampaging across the Tasman for a short run of Australian dates down the east coast; stopping at Melbourne's Shebeen, The Brightside in Brisbane and Sydney's FBi Social for a genuine humdinger of a mini-tour. Showcasing their second album Nobody / Everybody released in February, the foursome have moved away from the more rock-steady sound of their wildly successful debut Counting Spins (which casually debuted at #1 on the Official NZ Album Chart). Produced and mixed by Kody Nielson (The Mint Chicks / Opossom) and engineered and mastered by Olly Harmer (The Naked and Famous), their second release is peppered with handclap-worthy singalongs and '60s throwbacks; a cleaner, catchier package all round. Hitting FBi Social with applauded singles 'Everybody' and 'Cold As Ice' and brand newie 'All About The Weather', Clap Clap Riot are a surefire live shindig for your Saturday. Supported by The Upskirts + special guest. https://youtube.com/watch?v=h6Yk0jyoIlY
Yep, the pointy end of the year is here for Sydney. The Christmas party after Christmas after Christmas party marathon is about to start and, despite all the good advice on offer EVERYWHERE, things are going to get messy. But, even before the marathon begins, the compulsion has kicked in to go along to every last art opening before Sydney's art world goes to sleep for a month or so and we're deprived of art and all that complimentary tongue-loosening white the galleries like to serve. hiccup. oops.Which is why I'm saying thank you to Jamie North and Manya Ginori. Their upcoming shows at MOP are just the things to encourage more graceful contemplation. North's exhibition of photographs and sculptures, The Path of Least Resistance, "documents, embroiders and emulates" the wily native plants that, clinging to concrete crevices, have so adapted to city life.In amongst all this a power struggle rages, as the organic clings to and strangles the inorganic and the inorganic gives nothing back. Over a series of visits you may just observe which wins. In Gallery 2, Ginori's series of paintings on masonite panel and moulded acrylic sheet are a "playful and dynamic investigation of colours interacting". Four-part pieces, the masonite panel geometric abstract paintings can be re-configured in installation. This exhibition continues Ginori's exploration into the phenomenological experience of colour and space.Image: courtesy of Manya Ginori.
If a Hollywood screenwriter devised a story about an elderly French filmmaker, a younger street artist and their rural travels to plaster eye-catching, over-sized portraits on crumbling buildings, it probably wouldn't get very far. Even for a buddy comedy, the concept seems a little too unlikely, doesn't it? That's the beauty of real life, and of the movies that depict it. The above situation did occur, it has been captured on film, and it drives one of the best documentaries of the year. From the gorgeous, heartwarming effort that is Face Places, to an exploration of the treatment of rats, to an astonishingly intimate dance documentary, that's what the Antenna Documentary Film Festival is all about: telling truthful tales, including those that seem stranger than fiction. The 2017 program features more than 50 shorts and features, giving Sydney cinephiles plenty to watch between October 10 and 15 — including these five must-sees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRSteoTFx9U FACES PLACES If everyone in the world looked at strangers in the same manner as Belgian-born filmmaker and French New Wave icon Agnes Varda, we'd be living in a much, much happier and kinder society. The almost 90-year-old's empathy, enthusiasm and understanding drives Faces Places in two ways: in the photographs that she takes with street artist JR, and in the film that chronicles their snapping — which is then followed by printing out giant versions of their pics, and plastering them on the walls of rustic, historic buildings. In fact, her attitude towers over the film in the same way her artworks loom over villagers below, and the impact is just as enchanting. Accordingly, love, life, creativity, connection, accepting others and acknowledging that nothing is permanent are all a part of this charming documentary. Oh, and goats as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36iHKZmeH60 BRIMSTONE & GLORY It's human nature to stare at the sky whenever fireworks ascend to the heavens. We hear the popping sound, spy the bright flashes of light and simply can't help ourselves. Set in the tiny town at the heart of Mexico's fireworks industry, Brimstone & Glory captures that feeling more effectively than anyone could've expected. Indeed, the gorgeous and immersive documentary commits the vibrance of watching colourful explosions twinkling above to film as it charts the locale's National Pyrotechnic Festival, explores the lives of those both working and watching, and proves as spellbinding as the substance at its centre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9xQrdMAfhE PHOTON No big deal, but Photon endeavours to encapsulate everything we know about life and evolution. Actually, the experimental documentary by Polish video artist Norman Leto is a huge deal. Time, space, stars, humans, the big picture, the small details: expect them all, in an effort loosely based by physicist David Deutsch's The Fabric of Reality. Blowing up microscopic images, adding animation and chatting about the universe, it's the surrealist science lesson you didn't take in high school, as well as the out-there nature doco you won't see on the nature channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7oITFo7rHg SPETTACOLO Think Tuscan life sounds like bliss? With its scenic sights and laid-back vibe, it likely comes close; however, no matter where you reside, daily living always has its struggles. So, the inhabitants of the 136-person town of Monticchiello found a way to work through their issues and try to maintain their relaxed atmosphere: each year, they get together, turn their lives into a play and perform it in their piazza. The results of one particular effort, which might be their last, informs Spettacolo — which sees Marwencol's Jeff Malmberg evolve from documenting miniature battlefields as a way to work through anxieties to turning an entire village into a stage production. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Glv_kh07Ew VENUS Let's talk about sex might've been quite the fitting title for Venus, if it didn't immediately get Salt-N-Pepa's 1991 hit stuck in everyone's head (although we're not sorry about that). Regardless of the documentary's moniker, discussing sexuality is exactly what the women in Mea Glob and Mette Carla Albrechtsen's film do — honestly, intimately and candidly. The filmmakers placed an ad for subjects, received 100 responses and recorded the auditions. Little did they know that those astonishing to-camera chats would become the actual movie. The Antenna Documentary Film Festival screens at Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Norton St and the Museum of Contemporary Art from October 10 to 15. For the full program, head to the festival website.
Gallery-hopping is always more exciting in the romantic half-light of evening, wouldn't you agree? Similar to Art at Night last year, Precinct Nights offer you the golden opportunity to enjoy a spate of art venues open late, transforming your art viewing into an after-hours adventure trail. Participating precincts include Paddington/Woollahra, Alexandria/Waterloo, Surry Hills, Chippendale/Redfern, Rozelle, and East/Darlinghurst. Rozelle's night also features some performance events that have caught our eye: for example, dLux MediaArts presents DTV, an outdoor screening of single channel artworks in the Artereal Gallery car park. Precinct Nights is part of Art Month 2013. Check out our guide to the festival's ten best events here
At this year's Sculptures By the Sea, you needn't content yourself with merely spectating. Thanks to the chipper folk at Suntory Whisky and Neighourhood Bondi, there'll be an opportunity to create your own masterpiece. And not only will it provide you with artistic satisfaction, it'll come with a top-notch single malt. Every Thursday evening during the exhibition, Suntory Whisky ambassadors will be heading to Neighourhood Bondi to host ice carving classes. For just 25 bucks, you'll get to shape your very own, perfect, hand-carved ice ball before covering it in a nip of Suntory Whisky Japanese Harmony and sampling your work. Simultaneously, you'll be served with canapes and a Suntory Kakubin Highball. There'll be just three classes all up — 22 and 27 October and 5 November, from 6.30pm. Tickets are strictly limited, so book a spot by emailing bookings@neighbourhoodbondi.com.au.
We've discovered a cure for your hump-day blues. This side-splitting comedy night is here to transform your Wednesday nights from a midweek marker to a monthly event you'll refuse to miss. A laugh a day keeps the doctor away, right? Hosted at the gorgeous Meraki Arts Bar, you'll be able to sip on a drink of your choice while enjoying the show — if you're able to maintain your balance while laughing tremendously. Brought to life by comedians Tori Crisp, Robyn Reynolds and Annabelle James, Good Vibes Comedy aims to platform women and marginalised voices within comedy, allowing all comedians and audience members to experience the joy of comedy in its purest form. By providing a platform for diverse comedians — inclusive of considerations such as age, gender and experience — on one of Sydney's most openly welcoming streets, the event has created a safe space for all comedy lovers. [caption id="attachment_902658" align="alignnone" width="1920"] (Left to right: Tori Crisp, Annabelle James and Robyn Reynolds.)[/caption] Plus, the careful selection of comedians for each show strikes a balance between the forms of comedy we all know and love, while allowing space for newness and fresh faces to cut their teeth. A jam-packed evening at Good Vibes Comedy welcomes those dipping their toes into the unpredictable waters of comedy, as well as those who have been braving its tumultuous nature for a while, and everyone in between. Whether you attend as a guest or perform as a comedian, the event will live up to its namesake as you are guaranteed to be met with good vibes. Plus, you may even spot some familiar faces from the 2023 Sydney Comedy Festival and beyond. The lineup changes monthly — with the three hostesses featuring every month. The roster is announced closer to the day of the event, so keep an eye out for who makes the cut on the Good Vibes Comedy Night Instagram page.
If all this soggy weather has turned your thoughts to snuggly doonas, and breakfast enjoyed huddled beneath the covers, we've found exactly where you need to be next weekend. Luxury lifestyle and homewares label In Bed is taking the opportunity to celebrate a bunch of talented mates and hosting a market day brimming with artisan goodies. On Saturday, May 21, the brand is teaming up with food creative and writer Harriet Davidson, transforming its lush Oxford Street flagship store into a pop-up marketplace. Joining them is a curation of local food vendors and producers, including Willowbrae Cheese, Kurrawong Organics, ALTO Olives, Borrowed Ground Growers and Newcastle Greens. While there, you'll also be able to nab a complimentary cuppa from Coffee Supreme and pick up some fresh blooms, in between shopping In Bed's premium collection of linen, homewares and handmade ceramics. [caption id="attachment_853792" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Food creative and writer Harriet Davidson[/caption]
It's safe to say Gami Chicken and Beer has secured its status as one of Melbourne's go-to fried chicken joints, slinging its signature, Korean-style chook from 12 locations across the city. After opening first Sydney only last month, it's about to launch its second, opening in Castle Hill in early August. And, to celebrate, Gami is giving Sydneysiders a few very good reasons to jump on board, handing out a whopping 1000 pieces of its boneless fried chicken — for free. These fried chicken morsels — RSPCA-approved and rocking Gami's signature blend of 17 herbs and spices — will be up for grabs from noon–12.30pm and again from 5.30–6pm, on both Thursday, August 2 and Friday, August 3 at the new location. The chain has yet to mention any restrictions, such as one piece per person, so we suggest heading in with an empty stomach. Once you're hooked, you're probably going to want to schedule a return visit pretty quick, to try other Gami favourites like the chicken spare ribs, the vegetarian chicken and the aptly named Potato Heaven, featuring three layers of cheesy potato goodness. Gami's fried chicken giveaway will run from noon–12.30pm and again from 5.30–6pm on both Thursday, August 2, and Friday, August 3, at Shop 16, Castle Towers Shopping Centre, Castle Hill.
"I've never wanted to look young; I want to look great". Great is an understatement: Joyce Carpati's ensemble is unashamedly chic. Dressed in head-to-toe black, the octogenarian sports a classic braided up-do, flashes a statement lip and is positively dripping in pearls. Pearls, feathers and fur aplenty — not mention many an outrageous hat — make Advanced Style a visual feast. Based on the blog of the same name by Ari Seth Cohen, the documentary flies in the face of today's youth-obsessed fashion culture, exploring the eclectic flair of seven New Yorkers aged between 62 and 95. Cohen teamed up with Lithuanian-born filmmaker Lina Plioplyte to spend four years shooting the low-budget documentary with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. The small scale of the production comes through in the intimacy of the finished feature. The documentary give us insight into the lives of these unique New Yorkers, weaving together vignettes of their personal stories in a structure that is at times rambling yet nevertheless engaging. You simply can't help but be captivated by the bright red eyelashes of Ilona Royce Smithkin, a 93-year-old art teacher whose falsies are cut from her own flame-coloured hair. Or take Tziporah Salamon, the 64-year-old who spends seven years perfecting a single ensemble and refuses to cycle with a helmet because "every outfit has a hat". The documentary skilfully portrays the diversity of these seven women. They range in age, taste and socioeconomic background; one has a penchant for Chanel handbags, while another worries about rent and (somehow) manages to create striking jewellery from used toilet paper rolls. At the same time, however, the film doesn't shy away from the shared reality of ageing. Concerns over lost loved ones, responsibilities as carers and missing out on motherhood arise, as well as the difficulties of physical disabilities that come with getting older — ex-dancer Jacquie Tajah Murdock is legally blind and still looks fabulous. These more serious moments lend real humanity to the individual women and depth to the film as a bold and refreshing celebration of ageing. These seven women are a testament to a future the rest of us can all look forward to — an age when we'll also have the self-confidence to team bright red eyelashes with look-at-me lipstick and a giant feather boa. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9g5FOEG99yo
Piecing together Ron Howard's petrol-headed extravaganza Rush is a bit like piecing together one of the F1 racers that this film is so in love with. It begins as little more than a mishmash of scrap metal. A love interest here, a chiselled six-pack there, but nothing quite manages to gel together to create a cohesive whole. Once the various touchstones and expectations of the biopic genre have been ticked off, a more fully formed picture begins to take shape. When the film finally does take off, somewhere near the hour mark, it has all the power and explosive energy of a supercharged engine. Well, it almost does. For anyone with even a smidgen of gasoline running through their veins, the 1976 Formula One season is the stuff of sporting folklore. For the rest of us, Rush is your classic tale of warring rivals: McLaren's loveable British rogue, James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) versus Ferrari's reigning world champ, and the biggest "asshole" in racing (this is not my judgment, this is the film's recurring insult-of-choice), Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl). If the trailers are anything to go by, then Rush is targeting two groups of movie-goers: (1) those who like their movies filled with vintage cars whooshing across pretty landscapes and (2) those who like their movies filled with porny shots of a shirtless (and often pants-less) Hemsworth. While the film includes plenty of both, these are perhaps Rush's weakest points. The early race scenes look more like well-funded car ads then the work of the guy that made A Beautiful Mind, and Hemsworth, while perfectly adept at shouting expletives and glaring angrily, ain't no Marlon Brando. His attempts at bad boy charm are consistently wooden and occasionally quite laughable. Because Hollywood has inundated us with so many films about fast cars, filmmakers cannot simply show a couple shots of burning rubber and shifting gears and expect audiences to get a rise out of it. The stakes need to be higher. When Rush does set the bar higher, the film is quite irresistible. Once Howard shows us what makes these two racers click, we begin to care about them, with every race becoming a thrilling, heart-in-mouth experience. We feel their fear when the film puts us in the driver's seat and when the camera cuts to the reaction shots of loved ones. These shots do not simply instruct our emotions but actually reflect them. Much of this emotional engagement is thanks to Brühl's star-making turn as Lauda (for those playing spot the actor, he's the Nazi soldier in Inglourious Basterds). Apart from his uncanny resemblance to the real Lauda, the loveable German makes a delightful prick. His single-mindedness modulates from callous to hilarious to downright heartbreaking over the course of the film. And while Rush is, at times, a bit of a mixed bag, Brühl's engrossing performance provides the picture with the sort of poignancy that would put the kazillionaires at Marvel to shame. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZKqB987FpMI
Kill Devil Hills are a folk-tinged five piece from Western Australia who have a heart-and-ball-rending sound. Variously described as swamp-rock, jungle-punk, country-rock and the blues, their songs are a ragged susurration of sorrow; a raw acknowledgement of the unsettling and inexplicable sadness that lurks within the human heart. That’s not to say their music is melancholic or dreary; it’s rousing and incendiary, and serves the soul well when you’ve been drinking too much. Their story-telling ballads first secured them Triple J radio airplay in 2005 with the release of Heathen Songs, and they are renowned for their stomping performances both in the studio and on stage. They have just returned from an all-encompassing 40-date odyssey through Europe with an arsenal of tantalisingly troubled new tracks in tow for their fourth album. On Thursday August 18, Kill Devil Hills are offering punters a preview of tracks from their forthcoming album at the Annandale Hotel. Get down to see music that has – at its soul – excitement, anger, and sadness; ennobled by courage and sincerity. This is music that will surge magnificently through your brains and your blood from the soles of your feet.
In the opening scene of Persona, a boy (Sean Campbell) who looks set for a wholesome school camp sits at the front of the stage reading a book. After a while, he brings his heavy binoculars to his eyes and continues reading through them — kids, huh? Then he turns the binoculars on the audience. We stay like that a while, then he leaves. It's the first of many moments in which Melbourne company Fraught Outfit try to interpret the surreal cinema of Ingmar Bergman's Persona (1966) — which begins with a self-aware projection of various unappetising videos, ending on a boy reading a book in a roomful of corpses — into surreal theatre. Again and again they pull it off with disarming creativity and acuity. The conceit of the story is that there are basically only two characters, one who cannot speak and one who can't not. It is an enduring lapse of human judgement that we confuse silence for listening and listening for caring. Elisabeth Vogler (Meredith Penman) is an actor who in the middle of a performance of Elektra falls silent for a minute. The next day, she stops speaking entirely. She is admitted to hospital and, when no physiological basis is found for her condition, sent to the seaside to recuperate, in the care of her nurse, Sister Alma (Karen Sibbing). Alma soon reads a friendship into their largely one-sided interaction, sharing some of her deepest secrets, imagining how much the two have in common and completely dropping her guard. When her confidence is betrayed, things get brutal — and metaphoric. The film supports myriad interpretations, and this Persona creates a parallel intellectual playground, all on the shoulders of two women whose distress is tangible and unnerving. Director Adena Jacobs developed this work collaboratively with both performance and design at the centre, and it shows. The set by Dayna Morrissey, charged with lighting by Danny Pettingill and sound by Russell Goldsmith, is a wonder. It's beautiful to look at, gently invoking a just-gone era of Swedish minimalism, but it also plays a big symbolic role, using framing and depth to re-create something of the cinematic wide, medium and close-up shot as well as something of the layers of the psyche. Vastly different things are required of actors Penman, Sibbing and Daniel Schlusser, who briefly wafts in as Elisabeth's husband, and they each nail it. Sibbing carries the greatest load, and it's because she manages to be so amiable in her nattering and so understandable in her hysterics that we stay on the journey. She's powerful, unflinching and persuasive. Persona was one of the most acclaimed productions of last year in Melbourne, where it won five Green Room Awards including Best Production and came back for a return season in June. Will it be embraced as much by Sydney? It's perhaps more cool and aloof than what we'd usually respond to en masse, but it's also stylish, cerebral and intoxicating. A huge accomplishment, Persona is one of those works you'll be thinking about weeks, perhaps years, afterwards, and you won't want to miss this chance to let it burrow into your subconscious.
If you've been dreaming about a new set of wheels to help you gracefully glide into the sunny season, the legends at Amsterdam-born bike label Lekker can help you out. This weekend, the company's Sydney store will host another edition of its ever-popular 'garage sale' filled with bikes, bargains, eats and beats. The party starts pedalling at 10am on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 at Lekker's cheery Surry Hills store (conveniently located on the Bourke Street bike path). Those in the market for new wheels will be able to test ride a few different designs, and, if all goes well, buy one — all bikes, accessories and parts will be discounted, some by up to 50 percent. Backing up the fun and embracing those sweet autumn vibes, there'll be a soundtrack of groovy tunes, plus free pancakes and beer. Don't risk a sleep-in, though — Lekker's past sales have seen pretty hefty lines of punters keen for those bicycle bargains and you don't want to miss out. Lekker Bikes Garage sale will run from 10am–5pm.
Sour beers can be divisive for some beers drinkers but they've undeniably been having a real moment over the past five years. A love-hate beverage if there ever was one, these refreshing fruity ales have built a legion of hardcore fans. And if you consider yourself a disciple of the tart brew, there's only one place you should be on Saturday, February 18 and that's Public House Petersham for the grand return of Sourfest. Batch Brewing Co and the Stanmore Road bar have pulled together an all-star lineup of sour beers for the occasion, with Batch contributing eight unique sours alongside some less-funky palate cleaners. The outdoor guest bar that will feature a carefully curated tap list featuring wild and woolly beers from a host of Australian and international breweries. And the team at Wayward Brewing Co — the masterminds behind the raspberry Berliner Weisse and limited-time sours like last year's Red Rush Berry beer — have whipped up a special beer that will be available exclusively at Sourfest. The Public House's usual range of burgers, pizzas and pub mains will all be on hand for when you get peckish between beers. Entry is free but if you're really eager you can guarantee your spot by reserving a table.
Alice Osborne is determined to reclaim her identity. The performance artist is rebelling against the archetype of the 'fallen woman' — the woman who has sinned, the woman who has lost her innocence, and the woman who has betrayed society. Combining video installation, theatre and text, Falling Woman paints a surreal portrait of survival and self-determination within the wide landscapes of rural NSW. For Osborne, the 'falling woman' is a woman who stands her ground and faces up to the obstacles thrown her way — in this case, under the watchful eye of the Witness, a strange figure in gold shoes. As part of Performance Space's BURAWAN (Island) program, which aims to showcase the subterranean moments of Australian history, Falling Woman is the product of a collaboration between Osborne, performer Regina Heilman, director/writer Halcyon Macleod of My Darling Patricia and film artist Sam James.
Sat on the middle floor of Coogee Pavilion, Mimi's is the eastern suburbs mainstay's modern Mediterranean and seafood restaurant. While the beachside spot is currently closed, it's offering Coogee locals a bit of Mimi's for their weekends with a pop-up bake sale at the Coogee Pav this weekend. Mimi Loves to Bake is the pavilion's first bake sale, and will include baked goods from Mimi's — as well as from Uma Mas, and a few heartier savoury selections. On offer you'll find the likes of ham and gruyere pies, sourdough loaves, pork belly rolls and chicken wraps from Jimmy's Falafel. If you're more of a sweet tooth, you can nab chocolate eclairs, Basque cheesecakes, and rhubarb and custard danishes. You'll find the bake sale inside the Coogee Pavilion on Saturday from 9.30am—1pm. Head down and enter via the ramp up to Mimi's. And yes, this'll definitely help your Saturday arvo picnic.
Dating. There's no such thing as talking too much about it. And, thanks to creative groups like Conscious Dating, there's no shortage of ways to do it. If dating apps and singles parties haven't been producing the goods, Conscious Dating could be your new Tinder — they organise events where you can meet like-minded people for informal chats. This Wednesday night, Conscious Dating is hosting a panel discussion dedicated to race and dating. Three whizzbang speakers will be getting together to discuss all the tricky stuff — from the impact of racial bias on attraction to the trials and tribulations of being fetishised because of your background. They'll also be taking a look at how you can identify your racial biases and increase your dating pool. The panelists include award-winning journo and host of SBS's Date My Race Santilla Chingaipe, Andy Quan — writer, editor and co-founder of the Sexual Racism Sux campaign — and Dr sociologist Zuleyka Zevallos.
Two years ago, Melbourne's famed burger joint Royal Stacks arrived on the lower north shore. To celebrate its second birthday — and the 130,000 burgers and 3000 litres of frozen custard it has served during those two short years — it's giving away free burgers this Saturday, October 27. One thousand free burgers, to be exact. From 11.30am, the good people at Westfield Chatswood's Royal Stacks will give away 1000 of the eatery's signature Single Stack — that's an Aussie beef patty topped with tomato, lettuce, American cheddar, secret sauce and pickles. They're limited to one per-person, however, so if you're super hungry you'll have to pay up for a second. You could, alternatively, order one of the eatery's other signature dishes: it's concrete mixers. The super-thick frozen custard is available in a slew of flavours like Ferrero Rocher, cookie dough, Nutella and the new Twix and biscotti.
It may sound a little bit like a hipster's wet dream, but this cultural bombshell is actually for real. Picture this: an uber-trendy Surry Hills venue has decided to expand its creative wings by converting an adjoining garage into a boutique art gallery currently showcasing some truly awesome international pop art. While it may sound too good to be true, that's exactly what the good people of Black Penny have done, showcasing local and international artists (with no commission) every Tuesday at Blacklisted. Starting tonight are the gothic stylings of street artist, Phoenix Empire a.k.a Ky Pamenter. The display entitled The Darkness in Beauty is a collection of twelve hand drawn illustrations and aerosol canvases that combine the artist's love of anime and tattoo design with his fascination for the more horrific and gory side of life. Image by Phoenix Empire.
In great news for sweet tooths (and possibly dentists) the Cake Bake & Sweets Show will return to Sydney from November 23–25. The three-day weekend festival will gather the best sweet treats in our city under one roof for a baking and cake decorating extravaganza. It'll feature celebrity demonstrations, baking classes and interactive workshops, hosted by the industry's finest. This year, three international heavy-hitters have joined the lineup. Two hail from the UK — that's French-trained master pâtissier Eric Lanlard (owner of Cake Boy) and chef and food writer Lorraine Pascale, who has worked in some of London's best kitchens under the tutelage of Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Waring and Tom Aikens. Alongside the Brits is South African celebrity chef Siba Mtongana, who hosts Food Network's Siba's Table and has over a decade in the food business. They'll stand alongside local talent including pastry chef and chocolatier Kirsten Tibballs (founder of Melbourne's Savour Chocolate and Patisserie School), Instagram dessert queen Katherine Sabbath, and Shangri-La Sydney's award-winning pastry chef Anna Polyviou. The inspired can also upskill in cake-decorating with a number of masterclasses slated to take place across the weekend. And if you need a break from the sweet stuff, TV chef Miguel Maestre will also be joining the fun with a pop-up restaurant serving up tasty savoury bites including paella, tapas and jaffles. The Cake Bake & Sweets Show will run from 10am–5pm between Friday, November 23 and Sunday, November 25. Tickets can be purchased here and, since sweets are always better when shared, we've also managed to nab you a two-for-one deal on all single-day tickets purchased before November 22 — just enter the code 18CONCRETEPLAYGROUND at checkout. Plus, we've also got some double Flexi Day passes to give away — which means you and a mate can enjoy all those sweet, sweet desserts, without spending a dime. Enter with your details below. [competition]696611[/competition]
What a difference Mads Mikkelsen can make. What a difference the stellar Danish actor can't, too. The Another Round and Riders of Justice star enjoys his Wizarding World debut in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, taking over the part of evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald from Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald's Johnny Depp — who did the same from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them's Colin Farrell first, albeit in a scripted change — and he's impressively sinister and engagingly insidious in the role. He needs to be: his fascist character, aka the 1930s-set movie's magical version of Hitler, wants to eradicate muggles. He's also keen to grab power however he must to do so. But a compelling casting switch can't conjure up the winning wonder needed to power an almost two-and-a-half-hour film in a flailing franchise, even one that's really just accioing already-devoted Harry Potter fans into cinemas. Capitalising upon Pottermania has always been the point of the Fantastic Beasts movies. Famously, this series-within-a-series springs not from a well-plotted novel, where the eight Boy Who Lived flicks originated, but from a guide book on magical creatures. That magizoology text is mentioned in the very first HP tome, then arrived IRL four years later, but it was only after the Harry Potter films ended that it leapt to screens. The reason: showing the Wizarding World's powers-that-be the galleons, because no popular saga can ever conclude when there's more cash to grab (see also: Star Wars and Game of Thrones). For Fantastic Beasts, the result was charming in the initial movie and dismal in its followup. Now, with The Secrets of Dumbledore, it's about as fun as being bitten by a toothy textbook. Nearly four years have passed since The Crimes of Grindelwald hit cinemas, but its successor picks up its wand where that dull sequel left off. That means reuniting with young Albus Dumbledore, who was the best thing about the last feature thanks to Jude Law (The Third Day) following smoothly in Michael Gambon and Richard Harris' footsteps. Actually, it means reuniting Dumbledore with Grindelwald first. And, it involves overtly recognising that the pair were once lovers. The saga that's stemmed from JK Rowling's pen isn't historically known for being inclusive, much like the author's transphobic statements — and it's little wonder that getting candid about such a crucial romantic connection feels cursory and calculating here, rather than genuine. The same applies to The Secrets of Dumbledore's overall message of love and acceptance, which can only echo feebly when stemming from a co-screenwriter (alongside seven-time HP veteran Steve Kloves) who's basically become the series' off-screen Voldemort. Referencing Dumbledore and Grindelwald's amorous past serves the narrative, of course, which is the real reason behind it — far more than taking any meaningful steps towards LGBTQIA+ representation. Years prior, the two pledged not to harm each other, binding that magical promise with blood, which precludes any fray between them now. Enter magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne, The Trial of the Chicago 7) and his pals. Well, most of them. Newt's assistant Bunty (Victoria Yeates, Call the Midwife), brother Theseus (Callum Turner, Emma), No-Maj mate Jacob (Dan Fogler, The Walking Dead), Hogwarts professor Lally (Jessica Williams, Love Life) and Leta Lestrange's brother Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam, Stillwater) are accounted for, while former friend Queenie (Alison Sudol, The Last Full Measure) has defected to Grindelwald. As for the latter's sister Tina (Katherine Waterston, The World to Come), she's spirited aside, conspicuously sitting Operation Avoid Muggle Genocide out. Dumbledore's plan as the movie hops from New York and Hogwarts to Berlin and Bhutan: to stop Grindelwald via Newt and company, and also stop him seeing the future to rig an election. To put his new world order into effect, Grindelwald needs to become the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, but a fantastic beast just might foil his chances. The Secrets of Dumbledore is largely a grey-hued, grimly serious political thriller that frequently feels like it just happens to take place amid wand-waving folks (its nods to actual history are that blatant), but it occasionally remembers to include the critters mentioned in its moniker. That said, courtesy of a cute but mostly superfluous scene with Newt, Theseus and a hip-wiggling scorpion dance, it fares better at acknowledging mythical animals than spilling many Dumbledore secrets. A villain swap, a half-hearted queer romance, past protagonists shunted off or playing second exploding tuba to fan favourites, a prequel series that doesn't recall what it was originally about, a title that's barely fulfilled: these aren't the ingredients for a great or even average movie, let alone an entrancing one. While some of the above occurs for sound reasons — Law swiftly outshining Redmayne in the last picture, for instance — The Secrets of Dumbledore is the filmic equivalent of throwing whatever's at hand into a cauldron and expecting a life-changing potion to bubble up. It's stitched together from shards of ideas, glimmers of possible good intentions and heavy sprinklings of nostalgia (quidditch and all), but the most it manages to be is perfunctory. Helming his seventh Wizarding World instalment, director David Yates retains a knack for setpieces at least — but even with plenty of chases and duels, and with his technical team doing much of the feature's heavy lifting, the visual wonders are still few and far between. Two more Fantastic Beasts entries are currently slated; you don't need Grindelwald's sorcery to know HP won't leave screens anytime soon. But as The Secrets of Dumbledore demonstrates over and over, this saga struggles with purpose. That isn't surprising given that keeping the series going by any means necessary, and trying to keep everyone who grew up loving all things Potter in the late 90s/early 00s happy as well, remain its chief aims. Those kids are now adults, which is why the Fantastic Beasts movies focus on fully grown witches and wizards rather than Hogwarts students. Little else here has matured with them, though, or been fleshed out — despite obvious World War II parallels and nods to today's divided times playing key parts. Call it arrested franchise development, call it a floundering spell, call it an exercise in disenchantment: they all fit, and The Secrets of Dumbledore doesn't have the elixir, incantation or even ambition to magic up anything else.
Sample master and festival veteran Harley Streten, better known by the stage name Flume, has never staged a headline show in his home country. But that will change in April when the 21-year-old embarks on his first ever headline tour. Kicking things off in Sydney at the Hordern Pavilion, a venue that has previously played host to a slew of little-known acts such including Kraftwerk, Coldplay and Queen, Streten will move on to dominate Melbourne’s Festival Hall and Brisbane’s Riverstage before heading west. Soultronica crooner Chet Faker, a sizeable force on the local scene himself who sold out three Melbourne shows and one Oxford Art Factory last year, will be in support for what Streten has dubbed the Infinity Prism Tour. His woozy textures, soaring vocal samples and catchy washes of RnB have won the kid many fans both overseas and on home turf, so have your clicking finger waiting when tickets go on sale Friday, 1 March. And as you're counting down the seconds until 10am, there are enough crazy wall posts on his Facebook page to keep you well entertained.
Ditch the booze and get drunk instead on life, good vibes and great tunes, when the country's biggest sober dance party kicks off later this week. Crashing onto Shark Island this Saturday, April 6, the inaugural Xstatic Sunsets will deliver a huge alcohol- and drug-free celebration, as organisers set out to shake up social habits and inspire a new sort of party culture. With room for a whopping 800 partygoers, the all-ages event is all about that natural high. And, with a jam-packed lineup of DJs and producers, matched to some sweet harbour views, we're sure there'll be plenty of that on the cards. At a time when nearly one in 20 deaths is attributed to drugs and alcohol, Xstatic Sunsets is offering a healthier way of hangover-free partying, while raising awareness for mental health issues. For the launch event, expect a six-hour musical journey that trips through the ages, with DJs Phil Smart, Hayley Melrose, Tommy Franklin and Burning Man veteran Shane SOS hitting the decks. Dressing up as your favourite musical era or pop icon is also encouraged. To ensure you keep that dance floor stamina right through until the all-important sunset finale, there'll be a selection of food and drink, along with a program of workshops and wellness talks. What's more, you'll be partying for an excellent cause, with 10 percent of ticket proceeds going to support local mental health charities. Ticket includes boat transfers to and from the island, which leave from Rose Bay starting at 12.30pm.
It's no secret that we live in a beautiful country. Our rugged coastlines, tropical rainforests and sweeping desert plains give us plenty to brag about. But, to keep it looking so damn gorgeous, we all have to play a part in looking after the environment. And now, one way to do that is by sipping on a delicious drink. Enter C.A.N — a fresh new vodka and soda pre-mix that is committed to quenching your thirst while donating 10% of its profits to supporting conservation efforts in Australia. How good is that? C.A.N — which stands for Create Action Now — has linked up with Wild Ark and Conservation Volunteers Australia to ensure it's doing its bit to aid land, water and air conservation efforts while keeping you refreshed. To put its money where its mouth is, C.A.N has already donated $5000 to support the #SeatoSource project run by Conservation Volunteers Australia. There are two tasty flavours to try — ruby grapefruit and pineapple passionfruit — both of which are low in sugar but high in deliciousness. Want to add a lil feel good moment to the next time you crack a tin? Well, now you C.A.N. To celebrate its launch, C.A.N is giving away a prize pack to one lucky CP reader consisting of some tasty C.A.Ns and $500 cash. Plus, you'll get to choose one of C.A.N's conservation partners to cop an additional $500. Sound like something you want to support? To be in the running, tell us in 25 words or less what you're doing to help the environment during lockdown. For more information on C.A,N's initiatives, visit the website. Then, grab yourself some C.A.Ns via BoozeBud or at your local bottle shop. [competition]822930[/competition]
The reinvention of one's persona is a pop tradition; Bowie had the Thin White Duke and Ziggy Stardust, Madonna has made a career out of it and Prince renamed himself so many times we weren't sure what to call him. Alex Ebert was down and out after his band, Probot, split — he was in rehab, his girlfriend left him — so he decided a reinvention was in order. He created Edward Sharpe, a freewheeling, love-filled, messianic troubadour, who would lead his band of minstrels, the Magnetic Zeros. The band exists as a throwback to the 60s with their hippie aesthetic and way of life, but their sound is a pastiche of Ennio Morricone–style cowboy atmospheres, whistle solos and big anthemic singalongs, all taking root in grand stories of their love and adventures. Home became a staple on FBi radio before becoming a full blown hit on Triple J, making it to 15 on the Hottest 100. Their album Up From Below is full of reverb-soaked folky pop tunes, which are good, but I imagine they will translate better live. Their stuff on YouTube looks like a cross between a hoedown and a love-in. Put on your beads and hemp shirts, maybe some feathers, and get on down to their Factory Theatre show — but make it snappy as the Metro date has already sold out.
Sydney siblings Angus and Julia Stone have some pretty talented blood pulsing through their veins. Hitting the road once again off the back of their third, self-titled album, the pair's Summer 2015 Tour comes as a welcome surprise after rumours the duo had called it quits in favour of their highly successful solo projects. Fans would be familiar with their long-time success; sparked by their ARIA #1 2010 album release Down The Way featuring the triple j Hottest 100 winner 'Big Jet Plane'. Fast-forward nearly five years, and their reach has gone global, playing sell-out shows across the States and a thirty-date headline tour of the UK and Europe cementing the pair's place as triple-platinum artists. So what inspired these two to turn away from pursuing their own stuff? Legendary producer Rick Rubin (Beastie Boys, Jay Z) was keen to join the Stone family and work on their latest album, but refused to jump on board unless these kids came back together. So naturally, family reunions flowed. Supported by the likes of Cloud Control, Little May and Jarryd James, Angus and Julia Stone are back on the Australian live circuit with the nicest bunch you could ask for in a return tour. Secure your stubs early, this one's going to sell out.
From hosting the massive Shore Thing on New Year's Eve, festival promoters Fuzzy get straight back to business on New Year's Day with Field Day. Fuzzy will bring Sydney the biggest and best party to kickstart the mainstream festival circuit in 2012. This line-up sees the return of French electro giants Justice, who will bring a live show on the back of their new album, Audio Video, Disco. Indie kids will be treated to a set from Australian favourite Gotye and experimental electronic act Crystal Castles. Returning from recent visits Down Under will be Example, Skream and Benga. Those looking for a little more chilled occasion will be treated to the ambience of Moby's signature production. Also performing is Young MC. Remember that guy? Throw on a retro neon windbreaker and a chunky gold chain for his set. Kick on from New Year's Eve and get yourself to The Domain bright and early for a fun-filled day.
The inner west suburb of Dulwich Hill is out to show us just why it's one of the coolest little communities in Sydney as it gears up to host its annual Village Fair. Launching into spring on Sunday, September 15, the event offers up a taste of some of the community's best-loved local heroes, across a jam-packed day of food, entertainment, workshops and tastings. You'll catch plenty of homegrown talent at the Dully Locals Producers Stage, helmed by Sydney's own 'Sausage Queen' (and owner of local bar The Sausage Factory) Chrissy Flanagan. The program of talks and demos features everything from a beer chat with Wayward Brewing Co's Peter Philip, to a lesson on how to make tamales from the woman behind some of Sydney's best Mexican food, Rosa Cienfuegos, whose tamaleria is on the hill. You'll be able to sample all these delicious bits for lunch with a special collab from The Sausage Factory teaming up with the tamaleria, Baked by Keiran and Kombu Kombucha. Meanwhile, there'll be a huge array of stalls slinging food and other local goodies, and the main stage plays host to a diverse spread of entertainment, including live tunes from the likes of Dulwich High School Rock Band, Kool Vibration and Groovemeisters.
You work in the city and it's lunchtime. You're over the daily routine of weaving through a barrage of glacially-paced tourists brandishing selfie sticks in search of a quality meal that isn't sausage roll based. Well, Sydney Opera House, not just a pretty face, has something up its sleeve just for you — they're launching a $30 Winter Eats lunch and drink deal at Opera Bar, Opera Kitchen and Portside, with each venue offering different lunch options to keep you warm during the chilly months. Available from 12–3pm, dishes include a 250g Jack's Creek sirloin with fat chips and buttery café de Paris sauce at Opera Bar, steaming tempura udon from Opera Kitchen, and tender lamb shoulder with mixed grains and almond skordalia at Portside, all with your choice of wine, beer or a soft drink. Perfect for meetings, mid-week team lunches or 'God-is-it-only-Tuesday?' office escapes, recharge in front of Sydney's most iconic view with hearty food, almost forgetting it's still a workday. Sydney Opera House Winter Eats will be cooking up a storm on weekdays throughout June, July and August. Head to Opera Bar, Opera Kitchen and Portside for a $30 warming Winter Eats lunch. Bookings not required. Image: Anna Kucera
Presented by those constant bringers of Internet-hyped gigs, Red Bull Music Academy, this is one tribute show that's sure to end up on everyone's Instagram feeds. Paying tribute to the legendary music of Giorgio Moroder with new arrangements and special guest vocalists, 40-piece British rulebreakers The Heritage Orchestra will revisit every last gem from the career of 'the godfather of EDM', from his disco-fuelled hootenannies with Donna Summer to his 1977 landmark album From Here To Eternity. While the Don of dance himself won't be performing on the night, he'll most likely sit in on one of the trips down memory lane. If you missed out on tickets to Moroder's super special studio party or intimate convo event, just hang around the Opera House. He's sure to be milling about and down for a chinwag about Daft Punk, just try it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=vnIwl3FNUl8
The "frustrated creatives" who started new Australian writing launchpad Seizure four years ago are gearing up to host their first ever prom. Since 2010, they've been providing a home for high-quality, original literature — from flash fiction to poetry to reviews — both in print and online. Now they're ready to take over Giant Dwarf for the night and you're invited. You'll get the chance to hang out with the Seizure lit crowd and get some classic prom shots taken (time to drag out that year 12 dress/tux and hairdo to match). This time you'll want the photographic evidence; with the organisers taking inspiration from the Under the Sea Dance in Back to the Future, it'll be a fine-looking affair. Live music will be provided by Sydney-based indie-pop band Why We Run, who played their Goodgod debut a few weeks ago and have since been cooking up some special prom covers, and folksy singer-songwriter Hazzy Bee, who launched his new single 'Flyscreen' at Hibernian House at the end of May and more recently supported Tin Sparrow at their 'Echoes in the Dark' launch at FBi Social.
Heads up, Mother's Day is just around the corner. (It's happening on Sunday, May 12, in case you temporarily forgot.) You can frantically message your siblings later, there's pressie planning afoot, and we've found quite the showstopper for your dear ol' mumsie this year thanks to Gelato Messina. Never one to miss an opportunity to experiment with new ways to inhale gelato, Messina has been cooking up quite the delicate novelty dessert for Mum: a Italian-inspired chocolate box of gelato-filled nibbles. These brownie point-winners launched in 2015 — and selling out every year since — are sure to bring it home again this year. Each box comes with nine handmade, handpainted chocolate and gelato bon bons — best enjoyed with opera blaring in the background, with a strong, black cup of coffee and a shoulder massage. Go on, your mum put up with you through puberty, you owe her one massage. So which crazy tell-your-friends flavours have Messina come up with for their bitty bon bons? There are nine in total, each more decadent than the last. Ready? There's lamington, black forest, dark choc honey, banoffee pie, cremino — with Italian meringe, amaretti and that salted caramel gelato — tequila sunrise, strawberry and cream, and tea and bikkies. Yep. If you can find us something that says 'perfect Mother's Day gift' better than fragrant earl grey tea gelato and shortbread crammed into a fragile little choc-house of caramel, we'll eat this empty bon bon box. The Messina gelato bon bon boxes are going for $49 a box, and are available to order from Wednesday, April 17. They're available for collection from Bondi, Newtown, Tramsheds, Darlinghurst, Rosebery, Miranda, Parramatta and Penrith in NSW; Fitzroy in Victoria; and South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley in Queensland. Gelato Messina's Mother's Day Bon Bons area available to pre-order from Wednesday, April 17 and to pick-up between Friday, May 10 and Sunday, May 12 (Mother's Day).
Friday, March 26, saw Shaun Gladwell’s new exhibition Interior Linework/ Interceptor Intersection open at Campbelltown Arts Centre. Gladwell has become a ubiquitous presence in discussions of contemporary Australian art and may now also appear in conversations relating to that $64,000 question: ‘what is our national identity?’ After studying at COFA, Gladwell began exhibiting at significant local galleries such as Artspace and Sherman Galleries. In addition to paintings, Gladwell introduced skateboarding, BMX riding and hip hop dancing (activities not usually associated with the white cube) as subject matter in his works. Yet for all his interest in the fashionable and narcissistic forms of video and performance, and the inclusion of these ‘cool’ subcultures, Gladwell did not lose his interest in making objects as art. The miniature BMX bikes displayed in a vitrine at the most recent Sydney Biennale, were, for me, extremely aesthetic objects. In addition to some new works, Interior Linework/ Interceptor Intersection consists of works from the MaddestMaximvs project, which was shown at the official Australian Pavilion at the 2009 Venice Biennale. MaddestMaximvs marks a paradigmatic shift for Gladwell and, most significantly, sees the artist engage with Australian cultural identity and explore dimensions of Australian masculinity. Max, the protagonist in George Miller’s trilogy, is an Australian icon. A composite drawn from our inherited cultural imagination, he is part lawman, part outlaw — reminiscent of bushrangers, explorers and even boundary riders. However, as Blair French notes, reverence of this character has led to audiences missing subtleties and particularities of identity and meaning, not to mention points of doubt, lack, failure and critical wounding. For me, it is crucial that Gladwell strongly subverts the legacy attached to Max. From a formal starting point, Gladwell’s signature slow motion and fixed camera alert viewers to a different stylistic lexicon from the rapid cutting and euphoric visual adrenalin of Miller’s films. In a sense, this parallels Gladwell’s break from the shaky hand-held, constantly moving camera that characterised the skating videos Gladwell encountered and in turn critiqued. Concurrent with earlier works, Gladwell documents activity with no apparent pragmatic or productive output. Audiences are left to consider Gladwell’s explorations of time, place and our relation to the spaces of this country — whether a desert track near Broken Hill or a car park in Kings Cross. For me, much of art’s attraction lies in its ability to polarise opinion. Instead of making the pilgrimage down to the Masterpieces show in Canberra, stay closer to metropolitan Sydney and visit Campbelltown’s impressive gallery space. This is a show that will drive you to either agree with John McDonald’s description of Gladwell’s oeuvre as banal, or to encounter a series of works that are incredibly relevant in terms of indigenous relations as they presently stand (in the mind of Nikos Papastergiadis), or agree with me that Gladwell’s work is utterly relevant in relation to our constant identity crisis. And, if nothing else, there are two rebuilt V8 Interceptors included in the show, and they’re rad.
Seven days ago, 3 Kensington Street was home to British celebrity chef Jason Atherton's Kensington Street Social. Now, it has a new tenant: Barzaari. Opening its doors today, it's the second outpost of Marrickville's Barzaari, and it's serving up a menu of eastern Mediterranean share plates, focusing on the cuisines of Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. The 120-seat dining room and private mezzanine has been swiftly transformed in the one-week gap between tenants thanks to award-winning architects Neri & Hu and designer Matt Darwon (Automata). Elements of the brand's Marrickville digs have make its way to Chippendale, including the signature sandpit coffee, market place vibes and The Four Seasons mural by Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Owners Andrew Jordanou and chef Darryl Martin (ex-Three Weeds and Quay) have teamed up with hotelier Loh Lik Peng (owner of The Old Clare's parent company Unlisted Collection) to bring the restaurant to Kensington Street. The restaurant is named after a Cypriot market place where Jordanou's grandfather sold his produce, and the story makes its way onto the plate with a focus on seasonal veggies — think barbecued broccolini with spicy muhamarra capsicum dip, carrot juice and tomato ($23), and woodfired green beans, with mograbieh pasta and chilli ($15). Dishes are made for sharing, and many of them come straight from the woodfired oven. Start by swiping freshly baked koulouri ($5) — circular sesame bread, kinda like Greek bagels — through hummus ($4) or pile pickled WA octopus ($14) atop charred pita ($5) with lashings of smoked eggplant ($4). Heartier dishes include stuffed pickled eggplant ($25), beef short rib with chermoula ($40) and lamb rump with harissa and currants ($37), and desserts feature Barzaari's signature baklava, with safflower and whole almond ice-cream ($18). For something slightly more left-of-centre, look to the carob-glazed mulberries with salted caramel ($16) or blistered buttermilk ricotta ($17). It's suggested you pair one of these sweets with a theatrical sandpit coffee ($11), which is exactly what it sounds like: strong Middle Eastern coffee heated in a cezve over an impressively large pan of hot sand. Guests of the hotel are lucky enough to be able to order Barzaari for room service, too — it sure beats that late-night kebab. Barzaari Chippendale is now open at 3 Kensington Street, Chippendale. Opening hours are noon–3pm and 5.30pm–late, Tuesday–Saturday; and 11am–3pm Sunday.
Remember Miami Horror? Back in 2010, the Melbourne electronic-pop band set our hearts alight with their excellent debut LP Illumination. Their hit single from the same album, 'Sometimes', has been on rotation on summer playlists ever since. It's been four years since then and Miami Horror are finally returning in grand comeback style. During their hiatus, they've been busy living it up in sunny Los Angeles and putting the finishing touches on their forthcoming sophomore album due later this year. In the meantime, they; sneakily released the catchy 'Wild Motion (Set It Free)' — the perfect anthem for lazy days lounging by the pool. To promote the new single, Miami Horror are heading back to the homeland with a massive eight-day headlining tour — only their second since 2011. To amp it up a notch, they're promising to build a whole new projection-based light show with hand-drawn images and and splashes of animated colour. Who knows where the band will disappear to next, so catch them live before they're off again. https://youtube.com/watch?v=IolDbdoQbaM
