The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many things, and reminded us of plenty of advice that we've all heard for years. We're all now well and truly aware that any situation can change quickly, for instance. In the latest example to prove those words accurate, the Australian Government has moved forward its vaccine rollout plans — just a day after announcing its last fast-tracked inoculation schedule. Yesterday, Wednesday, January 6, Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that COVID-19 vaccinations would begin at the beginning of March, which was earlier than the previous date of late March (which, in turn, had been brought forward from the second quarter of 2021). Then today, Thursday, January 7, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced in a press conference that the timeline for kicking off vaccinations has now been shifted to February. First in the queue when jabs start being administered mid-to-late next month (with an exact date yet to be revealed): frontline workers — particularly those working at hotel quarantine sites and international border checkpoints — as well as health workers and residential aged care facility residents. They'll comprise the first of five priority groups, with elderly Aussies aged over 70, Indigenous Australians over the age of 55, other health care workers, younger adults with an underlying medical condition, and other critical and high-risk workers falling into the second group. From there, adults aged 50–69, Indigenous Australians over 18 and the next tranche of critical and high-risk workers will receive the vaccination, followed by the balance of the adult population. Department of Health Secretary and former Chief Health Officer Brendan Murphy noted that children will fall into the last group. The Prime Minister also advised that that the rollout will begin with a target of giving 80,000 vaccinations per week, starting with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. By the end of March, it's expected that four million Australians will have been vaccinated — with capacity ramping up once the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is approved. Several vaccines have not only been created over the past year — much faster than the usual timeline — but have started being used in countries around the world. The latter is happening in places such as the UK and the US, where coronavirus case numbers have remained at enormous levels. In Australia, where the situation thankfully hasn't reached the same scale, the federal government has decided on a different approach. Vaccines need to be evaluated and approved locally by the Therapeutic Goods Administration before they can be rolled out anyway, and that process is currently underway for multiple different vaccines, including from Pfizer-BioNTech and University of Oxford-AstraZeneca. As the Prime Minister announced in mid-2020, vaccines will be provided to every Aussie for free when they are available. Australia currently has agreements to receive ten million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which will be manufactured overseas, and 53.8 million doses of the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, with production of the latter already starting locally. Both require two doses per person to be effective — and you have to get two doses of the same vaccine (so you can't mix and match them). If you're wondering how it'll all work logistics-wise, there'll be specific hubs to deliver the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine — at 30–50 hospitals around the country — first up. After that, when the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine becomes available, vaccinations will be available at other sites, such as GPs and respiratory clinics. Obviously, it's expected that specific details about sites and dates will be revealed before vaccinations start in February. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Australia, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.
After debuting in 2023 with Solange and Sampa The Great taking to its stages, the Art Gallery of New South Wales' Volume music series is going big again for its 2024 return. André 3000 making an Australian-exclusive stop with the Outkast rapper's experimental jazz project André 3000 New Blue Sun LIVE, Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon, Ghanaian Australian talent Genesis Owusu and Zimbabwean Australian singer-songwriter Tkay Maidza: they all lead a lineup that shouldn't just get Sydneysiders excited, but is worth travelling from the rest of the country for. Volume's main names will each play their own dates between Friday, July 5–Sunday, July 21 at The Tank, a Second World War oil tank that's been turned into a performance and art venue. It's located inside Naala Badu, AGNSW's $344-million extension that opened in late 2022 — and this is quite the way to check it out if you haven't had the chance before. [caption id="attachment_954053" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Navy[/caption] Genesis Owusu will kick off Volume across Friday, July 5–Saturday, July 6 with a visual arts-inspired show. Audiences will hear tunes from his records Smiling with No Teeth and STRUGGLER, with The Black Dog Band — aka Kirin J Callinan, Touch Sensitive and Tim Commandeur — doing the backing honours. The next weekend, on Saturday, July 13, Tkay Maidza will play her first Aussie headline show in 2024 — and she has Sweet Justice, her second album, to showcase. This is a one-night-only return to Australia for the LA-based rapper, because she's also playing Chicago's Pitchfork Music Festival in June. Kim Gordon's Aussie tour — which is also stopping at Illuminate Adelaide, as well as in Brisbane and Melbourne — will bring her to Volume on Thursday, July 18–Friday, July 19. The main focus: The Collective, her latest solo record. And on Saturday, July 20–Sunday, July 21, André 3000 New Blue Sun LIVE will wrap up the AGNSW lineup. The performance takes its name from André 3000's debut solo album, which released in 2023 — and will also feature percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Carlos Niño, and guitarist and guitar synthesist Nate Mercereau, alongside Surya Botofasina playing the keyboards, plus Deantoni Parks on synthesiser and drums. This is André 3000's first trip Down Under in ten years, with Outkast's headlining slot at 2014's Splendour in the Grass his latest live gig in Australia. [caption id="attachment_954055" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @trippydana[/caption] "We are thrilled to be inviting some of the most innovative and bold local and international musicians to The Tank to create unique music experiences that will make audiences think, feel and move. We look forward to seeing how each artist responds to this remarkable space," said Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Michael Brand. There's still more details to come for Volume, which will pair its headliners with a lineup of free events that's still to be announced. If it sounds huge, that's because it is — and both AGNSW buildings, aka north building Naala Badu and south building Naala Nura, will play host. [caption id="attachment_954056" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bec Parsons[/caption] Volume 2024 Headliners and Dates: Friday, July 5–Saturday, July 6 — Genesis Owusu Saturday, July 13 — Tkay Maidza Thursday, July 18–Friday, July 19 — Kim Gordon Saturday, July 20–Sunday, July 21 — André 3000 New Blue Sun LIVE [caption id="attachment_880681" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Tank space in the Art Gallery of New South Wales' new SANAA - designed building, 2022, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter[/caption] Volume 2024 runs from Friday, July 5–Sunday, July 21 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, with ticket presales from 11am on Tuesday, May 21 and general sales from 11am on Wednesday, May 22 — head to the festival website for further details. Top image: Sven Mandel via Wikimedia Commons.
If you've been hangin' out down the street again, getting a huge blast from the past from That '90s Show in two ways — as a sequel series to That '70s Show and as a jump back to its titular decade — then you've been enjoying one of 2023's most easy-to-binge new shows so far. And, you can now make a future date to do the same old thing you did over the past few weeks. This follow-up is keeping on keeping on itself, with Netflix renewing That '90s Show for season two. "Going to Point Place last season was a real treat for all of us. We're thrilled to return," said co-creator and executive producer Lindsey Turner to Netflix's Tudum website. "We here in Point Place are thrilled that we're doing a second season," added co-creators and executive producers Bonnie and Terry Turner, who were also behind That '70s Show (and, fitting the multigenerational theme of the ongoing franchise, are Lindsey Turner's parents). "We'd like to thank all of the fans old and new for tuning in. We're truly grateful," they continued. That '90s Show's first season hit Netflix in mid-January, arriving 17 years after its predecessor wrapped up after running from 1998–2006 — and bringing a new take on That '70s Show's Cheap Trick-sung opening theme tune along with it. This time, teenager Leia Forman (Callie Haverda, The Lost Husband) and her friends are the focus, after she decides to spend the summer of 1995 saying "hello Wisconsin!" at her grandparents Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp, WandaVision) and Red's (Kurtwood Smith, The Dropout) house. Accustomed to feeling like she doesn't fit in back in Chicago, Leia — the daughter of Eric Forman (Topher Grace, Home Economics) and Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon, Orange Is the New Black) — finds a much-needed connection during her Point Place stay. That's where the elder Formans' neighbours Gwen (Ashley Aufderheide, Four Kids and It) and Nate (Maxwell Acee Donovan, Gabby Duran & The Unsittables) come in, as well as Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher, Vengeance) and Jackie Burkhart's (Mila Kunis, Luckiest Girl Alive) son Jay (Mace Coronel, Colin in Black & White), plus the witty Ozzie (Reyn Doi, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) and Nate's super-smart girlfriend Nikki (Sam Morelos, Forgetting Nobody). While Rupp and Smith are main cast members again in That '90s Show, the bulk of the OG crew — including Wilmer Valderrama (NCIS) and Tommy Chong (Color Out of Space) — only make brief appearances. That '90s Show's overall formula is the same, but it's firmly devoted the new group of high schoolers making the most of the Forman family basement. Netflix hasn't announced when That '90s Show will return for season two but, when it does, the series will be set during the next summer. "We can't wait to return to Point Place for another summer of laughs and surprises. Hello, 1996!," said co-creator, executive producer and showrunner Gregg Mettler. Check out the trailer for That '90s Show below: That '90s Show streams via Netflix. Read our full review of season one. Images: Patrick Wymore/Netflix © 2022.
There's something about having the sting of chipotle on your lips and the fun of a tortilla packet in your hands. In Sydney we'll slam down Mexican food at any time of year, but in summer, we're positively loco for it. So it's a good thing that Dan Hong is opening an outpost of Surry Hills' popular-at-all-hours El Loco waterside at the foot of the Sydney Opera House throughout January. The pop-up cantina will serve a concise $6-10 menu of made-to-order tacos as well as their signature hot dogs, now in both adult and kid sizes perfect for a snack. It's the ideal side order to a night of entertainment during Summer at the House (which you might enjoy last minute for just $25) or just a few hours spent soaking up one of the city's finest views and staring down Circular Quay's brazen seagulls. Wander up to the Upper Podium of the House to check out the Cove cocktail bar, a nod to the Great Gatsby that's also open from January 4-28.
Everyone's 2022 streaming obsession is mere months away from making our comeback, bringing all those beef sandwich cravings along with it. After proving one of the best new shows of 2022, and also increasing the amount of times that "yes chef!" is yelled by approximately 75,000 percent, The Bear will return this winter. To whet appetites, it has just served up its first teaser trailer for its second season, too. When season two arrives, don't expect to slide back into The Bear's kitchen chaos like no time has passed, though. As this debut sneak peek shows, things have changed at the show's central sandwich shop. That won't come as a surprise if you've watched season one, of course — and where the Golden Globe-winning series is going from here hasn't yet been revealed. The Bear was renewed for season two before the show even made its way Down Under, after debuting in the US last June, then reaching Australia and New Zealand via Disney+ at the end of August. Given that it's now a huge hit, here's hoping that audiences here won't experience a delay again this time around when it hits the US in June again. This go-around will span ten episodes, giving viewers two extra servings of chaos surrounding Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, Shameless) and his culinary endeavours. While season one already saddled him more than his fair share of troubles and struggles, there's no way that season two is going to a cruisy dream for the kitchen ace. If you missed the first season, it jumped into the mayhem after Carmy took over The Original Beef of Chicagoland, his family's business, after his brother Mikey's (Jon Bernthal, We Own This City) suicide. Before returning home, the chef's resume spanned Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim. Accordingly, trying to bring that fine-dining level of meticulous to a neighbourhood sandwich shop didn't go smoothly. That's just the beginning of the story, in a series that truly conveyed what it's like to work in the hospitality industry — including navigating a restaurant kitchen's non-stop intensity. Yes, the mood is anxious from the outset, with The Bear's creator Christopher Storer (who also has Ramy, Dickinson and Bo Burnham: Make Happy on his resume) starting the series as he definitely meant to go on, but still expertly managing to balance drama and comedy. Also a crucial part of the show: the rest of the impressive cast, such as Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Dropout) as Richie, aka Cousin, aka Carmy's brother's best friend; Ayo Edebiri (Dickinson) as new sous chef Sydney; Abby Elliott (Indebted) as Carmy's sister Natalie, aka Sugar; and Lionel Boyce (Hap and Leonard), Liza Colón-Zayas (In Treatment) and Edwin Lee Gibson (Fargo) among the other Original Beef staff. Check out the first teaser trailer for The Bear season two below: The Bear streams via Disney+, with season two set to return in June — we'll update you with an exact season two release date when one is announced. Read our full review of season one. Top image: Matt Dinerstein/FX.
As the nation emerges from weeks spent fretting over the fates of the latest few thousand schoolies, do you get the impression that young women's sexuality is somehow everybody's business? Spend a little more time with that idea in Mariage Blanc, a 1975 play by Poland's Tadeusz Rozewicz which doesn't cease to be relevant. It follows two sisters as they prepare for the wedding of one and as they make wildly different discoveries about sex. The play has been made over by two exciting theatrical talents, writer Melissa Bubnic (Patrick White Playwrights' Award winner for Beached) and new STC resident director Sarah Giles. Katie McDonald, Paige Gardiner, and Sacha Horler star.
The future of wearable technology is like thinking about the universe: the possibilities of what could be discovered are endless. But it's annoying enough to integrate an Apple Watch or a Fitbit into your life, let alone walk around wearing weird spy cam glasses all the time, ala Google Glass. Seriously, no one want to be that guy. But what if you could simply attach this technology to your skin with, say, a small temporary tattoo? Well, that sound pretty good to us, and Austin-based mobile development company, Chaotic Moon, are trying to make it happen. The technology, dubbed Tech Tats, are temporary electronic tattoos that would live on top of the wearer's skin, and use the skin as an interface. The tattoo holds an ATiny85 microcontroller, which stores and receives data from temperature sensors via electroconductive paint to interact with your body. "Everyone has this idea of the future as this guy with Google Glass and the Apple Watch and five Fitbits," EricSchneider, Chaotic Moon's Creative Technologist says. "But the goal is really wearable technology that you can’t even see." As well as tracking your movements and fitness, and storing your credit card details and so on, the tats would also be able to monitor your vital signs an send that data to your phone — or even your doctor. The technology is just a prototype at the moment, but it isn't too hard see this coming to life sooner rather than later. Chaotic Moon have said — if the product gets to the public — they want to keep the price point accessible, perhaps even selling the Tech Tats in packages, like Band-Aids. It seems like a happy medium between clunky, wearable technology and getting microchips implanted under the skin — we don't want to go full robot just yet. Via Motherboard.
Each year, the folks at Sydney-based film festival organisers Queer Screen ask an excellent question, and answer it in the best way possible. That query: what's better than one queer-focused film festival popping up every 12 months? The response: two, of course. Here's another train of thought that the crew have been posing, too: what's better than two celebrations of LGBTQIA+ cinema in Harbour City picture palaces? The solution here: sharing the love by taking the movie-worshipping online nationally. Queer Screen runs the Mardi Gras Film Festival during the first half of every year, so that's been and gone for 2023. It also gives cinephiles the Queer Screen Film Fest later each year — and that's next on the agenda. This isn't any old QSFF, either. It's the event's tenth anniversary, and the fest is marking that milestone with more than 30 films, plus that online component for audiences across Australia. For those playing along in-person, the physical fest runs from Wednesday, August 23–Sunday, August 27 at Event Cinemas George Street. For people on the couch, you'll have until Sunday, September 3 to get streaming. And that 30-plus films includes ten narrative features, three documentary features, four retrospective flicks getting encores, two TV shows and 19 shorts from 11 different countries. There's more range if you hit up a cinema rather than your television, but it's a mighty impressive lineup all the same. Opening the Sydney sessions is Blue Jean, a four-time British Independent Film Award-winner about a lesbian teacher in Thatcher's England — and, at the other end of the fest, Theatre Camp will close out QSFF 2023 with a crowd-pleasing comedy about loving the stage, as starring and co-written and co-directed by Booksmart and The Bear's Molly Gordon. Elsewhere, the lineup includes Cannes Palm d'Or-winning Shoplifters filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda's Monster, which picked up this year's Queer Palm; Marinette, about soccer legend Marinette Pichon (and, yes, arriving just after the Women's World Cup); Busan International Film Festival hit Peafowl, about a Korean trans woman's homecoming; and Medusa Deluxe, which jumps into a hairstyle competition. There's also the Berlin-set Drifter, page-to-screen drama Lie with Me and Indigo Girls doco It's Only Life After All, plus the AIDS in Hollywood-focused Commitment to Life. Or, heading back into sports, Equal the Contest follows regional women's Australian rules football team Mount Alexander Falcons in an exploration of the barriers still faced for women and gender-diverse people on the field.
If you've been out of the loop so far, Concrete Playground and the Sydney Film Festival have this year teamed up to give some very lucky readers double passes to a selection of some of the most exciting films screening this year. Last week we gave away the first prize pack, and this week we bring you the next, with tickets available for Alps, Once Upon A Time In Anatolia, Today, For Ellen and Love Lasts Three Years. If you're keen on being in the running, first make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground, then email your name and film preference to hello@concreteplayground.com.au Love Lasts Three Years - 6.45pm on June 12 After his wife leaves him for a more successful man, Marronier writes a bestseller denouncing love. Then he meets Alice, who changes his mind about the whole 'love' thing, and he must spend all of his time trying to prove his book wrong. Alps - 12.20pm on June 13 From the maker of Dogtooth and the newest film from the Greek Weird Wave comes the story of a super secret club whose members go into the homes of the recently bereaved, impersonating their deceased loved ones, in what's one part therapy, one part theatre of the absurd and one part prostitution. Today - 6.15pm on June 13 Today is a Senegalese magic realist film following Satché, who wakes up inexplicably aware that today is the day he's going to die. As he spends the day wandering his town, the big question is why he ever returned to Senegal from America, where he might have had a future. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4jKgHqU1jrs Once Upon A Time In Anatolia - 6pm on June 14 Winner of the Grand Prix at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, following a group of men going out in search of the corpse of a murdered man, where every marginal conversation about ethics, cheese and death brings them one step closer to uncovering the killer. For Ellen - 8.45pm on June 15 Paul Dano plays a struggling musician with dreams of grandeur, who in finally agreeing to divorce his estranged wife realises he is forfeiting custody rights to his six -year-old daughter, Ellen, who he hasn't seen much of to begin with. The film follows his attempt to connect with his daughter before time runs out.
When Splendour in the Grass made a comeback in 2022 after two pandemic-affected years, it was hugely anticipated. Due to wet weather and flooding, however, the event's big return sadly turned into Splendour in the Mud — Splendour in the Pool, too. That didn't work out well for the festival's 20th birthday, but organisers are hoping its 21st will be better, locking in July dates for its 2023 run. Pop Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23 in your calendar, and start searching for your gumboots now — while hopefully this year's fest won't be as boggy, sturdy footwear is always a Splendour must. As usual, the fest is returning to North Byron Bay Parklands for its latest big birthday party. If you're wondering who'll be on the bill, though, that hasn't yet been revealed. [caption id="attachment_891058" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Kan[/caption] Pre-COVID-19, Splendour's lineups would start dropping between February and April, so expect further details soon. So far, the fest crew has advised that 2023's event will feature "the world's most prolific artists and national music treasures" if you want to start speculating. Splendour's confirmed 2023 dates arrive a week after the festival crew issued an apology for 2022's event, stating that "Splendour in the Grass 2022 was, without a doubt the most challenging and difficult year ever... it was not what any of us wanted". [caption id="attachment_891057" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Claudia Ciapocha[/caption] "While we can't control the weather, we can manage how we respond and for that we are deeply sorry. We thank all of you who took the time to complete our survey and share your experience at Splendour 2022," the festival team continued. "We want you to know we have listened to your feedback and we have acted from all that we learned. We continue to work furiously behind the scenes to make #SITG23 the sweetest, most comfortable and exciting music festival to date with the best experience possible for you, the local community and all who participate in the event." [caption id="attachment_891055" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charlie Hardy[/caption] Ahead of the 2023 lineup announcement, Splendour Member applications are now open for guaranteed tickets in a dedicated presale. To qualify, you need to have purchased tickets and attended Splendour five times or more. And, if approved, you can buy up to four tickets. If that's you, you've got until 5pm AEDT on Friday, March 10 to register. [caption id="attachment_891054" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] Splendour in the Grass will take over North Byron Bay Parklands from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23, 2023. We'll update you with the lineup details when they're announced. For more information in the interim, head to the festival website. Top image: Jess Gleeson.
Liam Neeson is back, along with a very particular set of skills that he'll use to separate film-goers from their money. The third film in the Luc Besson-produced action series, Taken 3 once again sees ex-special forces operative Bryan Mills wreak havoc on a group of Eastern European gangsters, all in the name of protecting his wife and daughter. To their minimal credit, screenwriters Besson and Robert Mark Kamen at least try to break the mould a little, inasmuch as Taken 3 doesn't feel like a carbon copy of the original as the second movie did. Even so, there's no forgiving their tin-eared dialogue and wafer-thin storyline, not to mention the fact that director Olivier Megaton still doesn't know how to frame or edit an action scene. Not that that last point necessarily matters as much as you'd think, given that, for what is supposedly an action movie, Taken 3 contains very little action. Most of the first act is instead dedicated to Mills bumbling through a series of family problems, first botching a birthday gift to his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) and then providing marriage counselling to his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Jensen), whose marriage to rich dickhead Stuart (Dougray Scott) is on the rocks. Say what you will about his skull-shattering prowess; as an actual father and husband, this guy kind of blows. Luckily, he doesn't have to worry about that for long, because before you can say "cheap plot device", someone comes along and cuts Lenore's throat. Even worse, they frame poor old Bryan for the murder. The rest of film sees him running around Los Angeles in pursuit of the actual killers, while at the same time avoiding capture by LAPD Detective Franck Dotzler (Forest Whitaker) — a cop whose habit of constantly fiddling with a chess piece is meant to paint him as some kind of eccentric investigative genius, despite the fact that he basically spends the whole movie at least three steps behind his suspect. Of course stupid and/or lazy writing wouldn't be so much of a problem if the film supplied us with decent action — after all, just look at John Wick. Yet despite this being Megaton's fifth time behind the wheel of a shoot-'em-up actioner, his execution of the film's chase and shootout sequences can only be described as incompetent. Flailing handheld camerawork, frantic over-editing and claustrophobic close-ups make it basically impossible to distinguish Miles from his enemies, or to decipher the geography of a given scene. It's ugly, frustrating and totally lacking in tension, and makes the film’s scant 93-minute runtime feel a good fifteen minutes too long.
New Zealand's seven member band, Fat Freddy's Drop, will be coming to the Sydney Opera House to present their animated and illustrated Blackbird album preview. Critically acclaimed, the 'seven- headed soul monster' will take the stage with New Zealand graffiti artist, Otis Frizzell, who will be creating artwork during the performance. In 2005 Fat Freddy's Drop released their debut album, Based On A True Story, which went gold on release and became the first independently distributed album to hit number one on the New Zealand Album Charts. Reaching nine-times platinum, the album holds the record for the highest-selling album by a New Zealand artist in the country's history. Renowned world-wide for their brilliant live performances and funky mix of dub, reggae, soul, jazz, rhythm and blues, and techno, the band has sold out tours in the UK, Europe and Australia. The show is bound to impress with two preview performances of the band's yet-to-be-released new fourth album, Blackbird, and the work of New Zealand's highest profile graffiti artist. The show is part of the Sydney Opera House third annual Graphic Festival on Saturday, November 10. Thanks to the Sydney Opera House, Concrete Playground has five double passes to giveaway. To go in the running just subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au
With the recent mammoth announcement for this year's Splendour in The Grass, there's no doubt that some punters are already planning their list of must-sees and bathing in anxiety over possible timetable clashes. With this being said, we at Concrete Playground have compiled our list of the five most essential acts to catch at this year's Splendour instalment. Keeping in mind that there's a tonne of bands on the line-up, and we only have space for five, so don't be upset if we haven't included your most respected idols. However, feel free to hurl abuse and/or musical knowledge in the comments section. Have a look at our picks below. Who knows, you might find your new favourite artist. 1. AT THE DRIVE-IN While The Mars Volta and Sparta both have their dedicated fanbases, neither group comes close to matching the sheer power of post-hardcore powerhouse At The Drive-In. Minds were blown when the group reformed and appeared on the line-up for this year's Coachella festival, and now Australian fans will also be treated to the live experience. With an abundance of afros, quirky dance moves and furious convulsion-inducing tracks, this will be nothing short of epic. Please, for the love of God, see this band. 2. SMASHING PUMPKINS If you're still fond of the dreary teenage years that you spent smoking cigarettes and hating "the man," then Smashing Pumpkins will be right up your alley. As one of the biggest alternative bands to hit the nineties, their appearance will undoubtedly draw alot of older, angrier people to Splendour this year. Even if you hate their music, you should go along, stand in the front row and yell multiple quotes from the Simpsons episode that they featured in. 3. THE SHINS Having appeared on The OC and the roster of the highly-regarded Sup Pop Records, The Shins have become a staple in every hipsters iTunes library. Crafting indie tunes with youthful pop appeal, the sheer catchiness of their catalogue will resonate well with audiences at Splendour. Having just released their fourth album Port of Morrow earlier this year, fans can expect a slice of fresh material as well as old favourites. 4. AZEALIA BANKS Azealia Banks comes straight outta New York - the same city that produced vicious female emcees like Lil' Kim, Remy Ma and Foxy Brown. Banks has been one of the most hyped artists of 2012, having collaborated with production heroes Major Lazer and gaining recognition on BBC and NME. If you ever need proof that females can spit a verse, catch Banks in her element at Splendour. Alternatively, you could go see Nicki Minaj when she visits in May - but I don't think that's as acceptable. 5. SEEKAE This electronica trio have been causing significant waves over the past few years, and their inclusion on this year's line-up is indicative of their rising popularity. From their humble beginnings in Sydney's indie scene, they've grown to even be featured on an advertisement for Hyundai. With sounds that are mellow yet strikingly powerful, catch these guys getting real ambient in Byron Bay. Will appeal to chilled fans of instrumental hip-hop and dubstep (whatever that term even means anymore).
It's been three long, chaotic, pandemic-interrupted years since the Australian music festival scene welcomed Festival X, which debuted back in 2019 with Calvin Harris leading the bill. We all know why the event hasn't been able to return since, but it's remedying that absence this November and December — with Harris as one of its headliners again. That's fantastic news if you're a fan of the Scottish DJ. If you're keen for a hot girl summer — or the days leading up to summer in some cities — Festival X's comeback has something for you, too. Also topping the lineup is Megan Thee Stallion, who'll be heading to Australia for the first time ever. Festival X has five stops in its sights between Saturday, November 26–Sunday, December 4, all huge outdoor gigs — playing Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Alabaster Sports Fields on the Gold Coast, Bonython Park in Adelaide, Sydney Showground and Perth's Burswood Park. Also hitting the stage: Don Toliver, Boys Noize, Green Velvet, John Summit, Luude and MaRLo — and, yes, the list goes on. Festival X hails from quite the list of industry big guns, with Onelove (Stereosonic), Live Nation (Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival) and Hardware (Piknic Electronik, Babylon) behind the touring event. It's the latest massive fest to lock in plans for the end of 2022, following Grapevine Gathering, Falls Festival, Lost Paradise, Spilt Milk, Summer Camp, Beyond the Valley, Listen Out and Woodford Folk Festival. Festival-goers, it's going to be a busy summer. If you're keen, Festival X tickets go on sale from 12pm AEST on Thursday, June 2, with a LatitudePay presale from 12pm AEST on Monday, May 30 and a festival presale from 12pm AEST on Wednesday, June 1. FESTIVAL X 2022 LINEUP: Calvin Harris Megan Thee Stallion Don Toliver Boys Noize Green Velvet John Summit Luude MaRLo Nina Kraviz Sub Focus DJ Set & ID Tchami Wilkinson DJ Anna Lunoe Babyface Mal Badrapper Blastoyz Choomba Cosmic Gate Franky Rizardo Haliene Key4050 Feat John O'Callaghan & Bryan Kearney Laura King Nifra Nora En Pure Prospa Solardo Sunset Bros Taglo Tyson Obrien FESTIVAL X 2022 DATES: Saturday, November 26 — Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Sunday, November 27 — Alabaster Sports Fields, Gold Coast Friday, December 2 — Bonython Park, Adelaide Saturday, December 3 — Sydney Showground, Sydney Sunday, December 4 — Burswood Park, Perth Festival X 2022 tours the country from Saturday, November 26–Sunday, December 4. For more information or to buy tickets — from 12pm AEST on Thursday, June 2, with a LatitudePay presale from 12pm AEST on Monday, May 30 and a festival presale from 12pm AEST on Wednesday, June 1 — head to the festival website.
We love it when art takes over the city, and the Biennale of Sydney does it better than anyone else. Perhaps Australia's best-known contemporary art event, the Sydney Biennale will take place for the 21st time in 2018 with 70 leading local and international artists presenting work across seven of Sydney's top-notch galleries, museums and unconventional spaces. A free exhibition, the Biennale of Sydney is held from Friday, March 16 until Monday, June 11. As per the first announcement, provocative Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is the headline act, which comes off the back of his 2016 double-bill exhibition alongside the works of Andy Warhol at the National Gallery of Victoria — the highest selling event in the gallery's history. At the Sydney Opera House, Weiwei will screen his new feature-length cinematic documentary Human Flow, which explores the global refugee crisis across 23 countries in a single year. He'll also install a 60-metre-long inflatable boat on Cockatoo Island, which will be made from the same materials as the boats used by asylum seekers crossing the Aegean Sea. Meanwhile, there's French multimedia artist Laurent Grasso, whose art considers science and the supernatural; the sculptural works of South Korean artist Haegue Yang who transforms space with found and forged objects; British artist Oliver Beer uses the human voice to take over the Opera House for his acclaimed Resonance Project; and Sydney's own Yasmin Smith takes to Cockatoo Island to create a ceramics studio, an open-air kiln and a new installation that's finished in a hand-made wood ash glaze. The first biennale under the leadership of recently appointed artistic director Mami Kataoka, 2018's event is based around the idea of 'superposition', a quantum mechanics term that refers to often-paradoxical and overlapping events. While it's a tad hard to explain, Kataoka says the 2018 biennale's artists have been chosen for their work's power to "offer a panoramic view of how opposing interpretations can come together in a state of equilibrium". With three months to check out the work of so many great artists, there's no reason why you can't spend autumn cramming in as much art as you can handle. And if you're not a Sydneysider, the event is a good catalyst for a Sydney trip. The Biennale is free to attend. The 21st Biennale of Sydney will run from March 16 till June 11, 2018. For more information, visit biennaleofsydney.com.au.
At the 2021 Emmys, The Crown won every acting award it could, with the regal series collecting shiny trophies for Olivia Colman's performance as the Queen, Josh O'Connor's portrayal of Prince Charles, Tobias Menzies' work as Prince Philip and Gillian Anderson's efforts as Margaret Thatcher. One star who didn't get a gong: Emma Corrin for playing Princess Diana. But her version of the people's princess is just one of several hitting screens — and not simply because Tenet's Elizabeth Debicki will take over the role when season five of The Crown arrives. When that new season of the show premieres in 2022, it'll continue to explore a part of royal history that's been talked about for decades, aka the difficult marriage between Princess Diana and Prince Charles. But on the big screen, the Kristen Stewart-starring Spencer will get there first. This isn't quite a twin films situation — where two movies about the same or similar topics appear around the same time, like Armageddon and Deep Impact in the 90s, Finding Nemo and Shark Tale in the animation space, and the two Fyre Festival documentaries in 2019 — but only because The Crown is a TV show and Spencer is a feature. Otherwise, there will indeed be two different takes on the tale hitting screens small and large in short succession. In Spencer's case, it hails from Pablo Larraín, the Chilean filmmaker who has never made a bad film — see: his recent masterpiece Ema — and also directed Natalie Portman to an Oscar nomination in Jackie. In both of these movies, he's honed in on complex women in difficult situations, one fictional and one factual, and shown a stunning eye for emotion and detail. And, based on the the initial sneak peek and the just-dropped full trailer for Spencer, that isn't going away in his next feature. After last appearing in films as varied as Underwater, Charlie's Angels, Seberg and Happiest Season, Stewart plays Diana in 1991, at a time where her relationship with Prince Charles (Jack Farthing, Official Secrets) is struggling, but the royal family has gathered together for Christmas. Spencer focuses on a few specific days, as rumours swirl about affairs and divorce, and Diana attempts to navigate the obviously complicated situation. She isn't handling it well, and she certainly isn't willing to just plaster on a smile and carry on because she's married into royalty — as this new trailer delves into. Timothy Spall (The Party), Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water) and Sean Harris (Mission: Impossible — Fallout) also feature, but Stewart is obviously the star of the show — and looks to be settling into Princess Di's wardrobe, bobbed hairstyle and simmering yearning with aplomb. Spencer premiered at the Venice Film Festival earlier in September, ahead of its US release in November and Australian debut on January 26, 2022. Check out the full Spencer trailer below: Spencer releases in Australian cinemas on January 26, 2022.
Four months after announcing that the Australian Aboriginal flag will get a permanent berth atop the country's most famous man-made structure — the Sydney Harbour Bridge — the New South Wales Government has committed to making that promise a reality by the end of 2022. A third flagpole will be added to the structure, giving the Aboriginal flag its own place to fly every single day of the year — instead of the current situation, where it is only on display for 19 days annually, for Australia Day, Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. The NSW Government will commit $25 million in the 2022–23 NSW budget to installing the third Harbour Bridge flagpole, and will do so before the year is out. The bridge's flagpoles stand around 20 metres high — the same height as a six-storey building — while the flags themselves measure around nine metres by four-and-a-half metres, which means they need a strong attachment that's able to hold in all weather conditions. "Our Indigenous history should be celebrated and acknowledged so young Australians understand the rich and enduring culture that we have here with our past," said NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet in a statement. "Installing the Aboriginal flag permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge will do just that and is a continuation of the healing process as part of the broader move towards reconciliation." [caption id="attachment_841961" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mary and Andrew via Flickr.[/caption] Back in February, when the Premier first revealed that a third flagpole would be erected, he advised that it'd happen "as soon as possible". On exactly what date before 2022 is out that'll become a reality hasn't been announced, however, but there's now a concrete timeframe. The Sydney Harbour Bridge currently has two flag poles, with one flying the Australian flag and, when the Aboriginal flag isn't on display on its allocated days, the other flying the NSW state flag. The move to fly the Aboriginal flag permanently follows a five-year-long campaign by Kamilaroi woman Cheree Toka, who also launched a Change.org campaign in 2020 to continue to call on the NSW government to make this exact move. "The Aboriginal flag is a reminder that the country has a history before European arrival," Toka said two years ago. "I think it's really important to have a symbolic gesture on the bridge that identifies the true history of Australia, which is a starting point for conversation around greater issues affecting the Indigenous population." After the first three years of Toka's campaign, she had amassed more than 157,000 digital signatures and the required 10,000 paper-based signatures to bring the issue to NSW parliament. However, when it was debated in the final NSW parliamentary session of 2019, the result then was that it would cost too much to construct a third flagpole to see the Aboriginal flag flying daily — which was what sparked her crowdfunding campaign to raise the $300,000 quoted by the government to 'fund the flag'. Also in Aboriginal flag news this year, the Australian Government unveiled a copyright deal at the end of January with Luritja artist Harold Thomas, who designed the symbol, to make it freely available for public use. The Aboriginal flag will start flying permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge by the end of 2022 — we'll update you when further details are announced. Top image: Boyd159 via Wikimedia Commons.
Vivid Sydney is about to illuminate the city once more, kicking off at the end of this month with a creative smorgasbord of events covering light, music and ideas. And luxe Barangaroo spot 12-Micron is using the festival as an excuse to put a very Vivid-type spin on the popular dining in the dark concept. The contemporary fine diner is partnering with renowned French Champagne house Perrier-Jouët to deliver an immersive, multisensory dining experience where guests will be eating, as you may have guessed, in (almost) complete darkness. Inside the restaurant's private dining room, you will be guided through an experiential five-course dinner with the help of 12-Micron's 'sense whisperers'. The menu is under wraps for now, but we know that each dish will be matched to a glass of Perrier-Jouët — from a light, acidic Blanc de Blanc to start right through to the Blason Rosé for dessert. And the room will be transforming into more than just a place to eat. Taking cues from the happenings out on the harbour, it'll become an exhibition that combines food, art, light and music — think French disco vibes. All senses will be engaged as you tuck into this fancy feast. For $190 a ticket, it's a special occasion price but that's what Vivid is, so we say it's warranted. Dining in the Dark kicks off at 7pm on Thursday, May 23 and will run Thursdays–Sundays throughout Vivid. To make a booking, visit the website. Images: Everynight.
Dancing in your lounge room: everyone's doing it, and it seems that almost every musician around is happy to provide the soundtrack. Hot on the heels of virtual dance party Room 2 Radio and Aussie live-streamed music festival Isol-Aid comes Courtney Barnett and Lucius & Friends — and it comes with quite the lineup. Clearly, both Courtney Barnett and Lucius will be playing sets — and, like everyone involved, will be doing so live from their own respective lounge rooms. Joining them is a lengthy list of musos, including Nathaniel Rateliff, Lukas Nelson, Fred Armisen, Sheryl Crow, Sharon Van Etten, Emily King, Bedouine and Jonathan Wilson, with more set to pop up on the day. Live-streaming on Monday, March 23 Down Under — at 8am AEST, 9am AEDT and 11am NZDT — the online gig aims to raise money for Oxfam's COVID-19 Relief Fund. https://www.instagram.com/p/B9-o8PWBFn6/ To watch along, head to Lucius' Instagram Live feed. Top image: Bruce via Wikimedia Commons
If you haven't yet forked out the krónas to head to Iceland, you might have only hypothesised about that mystical phenomena known as the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) through Philip Pullman's pageturner. But after this little gem of a new project, you'll be booking flights before you can spell Reykjavík. Created by three independent filmmakers from Reykjavík and a web developer from Azambuja, Portugal, and co-produced by Design Studio Borgarmynd and TrailerPark Studios, Iceland Aurora takes timelapse next level. There's been a fair few amateur timelapse videos cranked out featuring the Northern Lights, like this and this, but this new project is just out of control. Scored by Pétur Jónsson, the non-narrative film was shot in more than 50 different locations around Iceland and put together from over 100.000 individual RAW High Res images. Turning Iceland into Hogwarts meets The Riddler's weird mindreading machine from Batman Forever, the Northern Lights get a whole new round of applause in this stunning new film. Iceland Aurora will be available in full HD and 4K resolution, on DVD and digital download in July 2014. Via Fubiz. Images by Iceland Aurora.
Thanks to the drastically reduced cost of airline travel, more and more of us are venturing into the world than ever before. In fact, 12.3 million people left Aussie shores last year (according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics), which is a rather staggeringly large amount of Contiki travellers and gap year adventurers. In our travels we're prone to meeting new people, discovering many exotic and exciting cultures and places and, very often, discovering a little something about ourselves along the way. True Stories of Heroism and Adventure offers a thought-provoking insight into the particular travel exploits of three intrepid adventurers, exploring the reasons why we feel the need to visit the great 'abroad' to find ourselves, what risks we might undertake while there and what fascinating people we often come across. Described as a 'degustation of the senses', the show features a collaborative mix of new music by Max Rapley (Old Men of Moss Mountain) and grab-you-by-the-eyeballs-and-don't-let-go multimedia visual design. Featuring the brilliant minds of Stephanie Iredale (The Genealogy of Victorian Birds), Julian Dibley-Hall (ATYP's Macbeth and Birds), Emily Morrison (ATYP's Bustown) and directed by Max Rapley (ATYP Young Artist Resident), True Stories will be a voyage without a life jacket, a plane trip without a safety briefing card and a bungee free-fall into the unknown of the spectacularly large amount of things that can happen to three wandering nomads. Catch the show on its brief Sydney sojourn before it heads down to feature at the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
You've worked all week. You've earned your thirst. And this Sunday you will be rewarded with a big cold beer. Make tracks to your local pub this weekend because Victoria Bitter is shouting a round all across Australia. The free beer giveaway will go down at over 280 venues around the country this Sunday, May 26 from 2–4pm, including 50 venues across New South Wales, over 80 venues across Victoria and a whopping 120 Queensland venues. A few things you should know: the free brews will be limited to one per person and only while supplies last, so you can't count on a completely free afternoon out. The pub will decide the size of the beer, so it could be a pint, pot or schooey — you'll just have to rock up and see. If you're in Sydney, you can head to the New Brighton in Manly, Pyrmont's Harlequin Inn, and the Crows Nest, Kirribilli and Greenacre hotels — and a heap more locations up north and out west. In Melbourne, punters can go along to Young and Jacksons in the CBD, Elsternwick Hotel, Brunswick's Moreland Hotel, the Royal Oak in Richmond and Essendon's Royal Hotel. Up in Brisbane, the CBD's Victory Hotel is slinging the freebies, as is the Valley's Brunswick Hotel, and the Newmarket, the Breakfast Creek, the Stones Corner and Sunnybank hotels. VB's Our Shout giveaway will run from 2–4pm on Sunday, May 26 at venues across the country. Check NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, SA and ACT venues here, and Queensland and WA venues here.
Google's just made life a whole lot easier for people across the world, this week launching a new wheelchair-friendly transit feature for its Maps app. While Google Maps has been helping users get around their cities on public transport for years, a lack of information about important things like wheelchair accessible trains and elevator locations has made the app way less user-friendly for those with limited mobility. But that's set to change, with Google Maps in Sydney, Tokyo, New York, London, Boston and Mexico City now featuring wheelchair accessible route options. When getting directions for public transport, users in these cities can simply hit 'options' and select 'wheelchair accessible' under 'routes' to access a list of suggested courses that take mobility needs into consideration. It's not only a huge (and overdue) win for travellers with physical disabilities, but it's also useful for those getting around on crutches or pushing prams. Google's been enlisting the help of people across the globe to improve this part of its services, gathering accessibility information from individuals and groups of Local Guides for over 12 million places. Plenty more cities are expected to add these wheelchair accessible routes in the coming months — let's hope Melbourne and Brisbane are among them.
After an epic May bake sale, Melbourne's Flour Market is returning to Sydney, declaring Saturday, July 30 as a celebration for all things doughy with a market dedicated to doughnuts. Day of the Donut, which will honour Sydney's best baked, holey treats, will surely draw crowds from Sydney's furthest reaches to their temporary Surry Hills doughnut shrine. Vendors will include Brewtown Newtown, Sydney newcomers Short Stop, Aussie mega-chain Doughnut Time and — our personal favourite — Sydney locals Grumpy Donuts, whose wacky doughnut flavours include pink lemonade, sour patch jam and buttered toast. The brown butter frosting and sweet crumbed brioche really does taste like the most decadent slice of toast. Entry is two bucks on the door, with kids under twelve will be admitted for free. For the very serious doughnut lovers out there, a limited number of Early Riser tickets are on sale for ten bucks, allowing ticket holders entry 30 minutes before general admission.
The omnipresence of satellite imaging, thanks particularly to our friends at Google, has meant we have become increasingly desensitised by the awesomeness that is mankind's ability to take detailed photographs of our neighbour's backyard from thousands of kilometres up into space. However, every so often we stumble upon images that reignite our wonder in our seemingly endless technological capacity and the epic majesty that is the natural world. These satellite photographs from John Nelson, a mapping manager at data visualisation company IDV Solutions, capture hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires across the globe using colour coding and cutting edge data visualisation technology to beautifully and innovatively map some of the most devastating storms throughout history. 11 Years of Major US Fires After devastating fires blazed across Utah and Colorado earlier this year, Nelson gathered satellite imagery from NASA to visually map the spread and intensity of wildfire across the US over the last 11 years. The differing colours represent the intensity of the fire as compared to the average output of a nuclear power plant during Summer. The bright yellow spots, spread primarily across the West Coast, represent fires burning at a heat and intensity of roughly three or more nuclear power plants, with the hottest recorded at approximately 14 nuclear power plants in June, 2005. Every Hurricane and Tropical Storm Over the Last 150 Years With the help of a plethora of data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration including wind speeds, dates and names, Nelson was able to map every hurricane and tropical storm over the last 150 years. Using this data along with some educated predictions about the movements of 19th Century storms, Nelson "slapped it on a polar projection" and added some colour coding depicting storm intensity to create these incredible images. The maps however serve much more than an artistic purpose, with Nelson creating them in the wake of Hurricane Isaac in order to assist meteorologists in analysing storm trends and even allowing us to detect storms before they have occurred. The World's Earthquakes Since 1898 This map provides an awe-inspiring view of the tectonic boundaries of the Earth's surface. The yellow and green glow represents every earthquake over the last century that measured 4.0 or over on the richter scale, with the more luminous the glow the higher the magnitude of the earthquake.
Love a good dinner party? Well, this March, you can put on a feast that does a whole lot more than just impress your mates and sate your need to play host with the most. The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre's (ASRC) annual Feast for Freedom is back for its 2022 edition, giving Aussies the chance to put on a sumptuous banquet for an excellent cause. Now in its fourth year, the fundraising event invites locals to host their own dinner parties across one dedicated weekend, cooking to home-style recipes supplied by folks seeking asylum. By hosting a Feast for Freedom, you'll not only be celebrating Australia's cultural diversity but also helping to raise important funds for the not-for-profit ASRC, to assist with its work supporting and empowering refugees. The ASRC is Australia's largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. You'll also get some cracking new recipes to add to your repertoire, each with a story behind it. And this year's lineup is a very tasty one, featuring dishes like Persian jewelled rice, parvardeh (olive dip), green chilli chicken, gheymeh bademjan (a lamb and eggplant stew) and sago pudding. Cooks who've shared their cuisines and recipes for this year's Feast include Iranian culinary instructor Mahshid and Malaysian-Indian chef Manel. A couple of familiar names will be joining the ASRC's efforts, too, with Darren Purchese (Burch and Purchese) and 2021 Masterchef alumni Kishwar Choudry in the role of ambassadors. Anyone who's keen to get involved can register to host a Feast for Freedom by signing up online. Participants will be sent a hosting kit complete with recipes and all the nitty-gritty fundraising details, before the official Feast for Freedom weekend sees dinner parties happening across the country from Friday, March 25 to Sunday, March 27. Feast for Freedom's 2022 fundraising will go towards supporting the ASRC's Foodbank and its many other services which assist people in the community seeking asylum. The ASRC's Feast for Freedom 2022 is open now for registrations — sign up at the website. The official dinner party weekend will then run from March 25–27, with donations open until April 30.
Just when you thought your smartphone might have reached it's multitasking limit, it’s about to take on a job usually left to the law enforcers: breathalysing. That’s right, soon it will be easier than ever for designated drivers to eliminate the risky guesswork involved in decided whether to knock back a sneaky last drink. The initial batch of the world’s first smartphone breathalyser, ‘Alcohoot’, has sold out, and will be ready for shipping in September this year. Keen socialisers can reserve one of the second lot for $75 and expect to have it in their hands by October. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and Android, Alcohoot is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which means that the device can handle at least 150 tests. Not only can you use it on yourself, you can also pass it around among friends. The accuracy of the testing system, which is reliant on platinum grade fuel cell sensors, is similar to that of a breathalyser used by police. If you’re interested in developing a detailed understanding of how your body responds to alcohol consumption, you can track your blood alcohol level throughout the course of any given night. If it turns out that you’re over the limit, you can use the app to contact local cabbies, or to find details of nearby restaurants and cafes. [Via Lost at E Minor]
The idea behind theme parks is simple. If someone loves something enough — superhero movies, TV shows, video games, animation studios, a huge entertainment brand or Italian food, for example — they'll be willing to pay money to indulge that affection. And, they'll be particularly keen to roam around an entire site dedicated to their favourite thing, celebrating it all day long. With that in mind, if you're someone who simply can't get enough bubble tea, you'll want to head to Japan's latest theme park. There are no prizes for guessing what patrons will be drinking at Tokyo Tapioca Land; however, that's not all they'll be doing. Attendees will also be able to work their way around various tapioca-themed photo booths, and try different tapioca foods and beverages, including from some of the country's big brands. Based on sketches on the theme park site, as well as a report by Sora News 24, they may also be climb onto tapioca-themed rides. Just what most of above will entail is being kept rather vague — and yes, it sounds a more than a little like the incredibly Instagram-friendly food-focused sites that've been popping up around the place, such as Australia's Sugar Republic. Tellingly, Tokyo Tapioca Land is a temporary attraction, setting up shop outside of the station in Harajuku train station from August 13 to September 16. [caption id="attachment_707444" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Gotcha Tea[/caption] If you're going to be in Tokyo at the time, pre-sales have already sold out, but there will be tickets available on the day for 1200 yen (around AU$16) — if you're willing to brave what'll likely be some significant queues. For those who don't have a trip to Japan on the cards, perhaps trying to drink away your envy by indulging in a bubble tea or several will help. Tokyo Tapioca Land will be open at jing, outside the Harajuku train station at 6-7 Jingumae Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, from August 13 to September 16. For further details, visit the website. Via PR Times / Sora News 24.
Looking for a way to beat the post-Vivid winter blues? Concrete Playground is giving you the chance to experience the best of Sydney's cultural life for an entire month! One lucky person will win more than $850 worth of fun, including: Dinner for two at Paper PlanesTwo bottles of wine at Cake Wine's Pop-Up BarDouble Hopscotch Films movie passes to You Instead and HysteriaA double pass to ARTBAR at the Museum of Contemporary ArtIce skating and drinks for two at the Sydney Winter FestivalTwo tickets to see The Smashing Pumpkins' and Electric Guest's Splendour SideshowsDouble passes to The Histrionic and Face To Face at the Sydney Theatre Company For your chance to win, just subscribe (if you haven't already) to Concrete Playground then email your name to hello@concreteplayground.com.au by Wednesday, June 27 at 5pm.
If you've been perplexed, provoked or just plain pissed off by Shia LaBeouf's antics, you can now gain some insights. In an exclusive interview with Dazed, artists Luke Turner and Nastja Rönkkö open up about collaborating with the Nymphomaniac star on #IAMSORRY. "At its core, the most fascinating part of the performance was whether people would see Shia as a person, flesh and bones and soul, or as an object, a celebrity," says Nastja. "I also find it quite revealing that whereas in the past everyone wanted to become celebrities, today everyone wants to be an artist. For me, this opens up questions of whether our value systems are moving towards something more meaningful." Shia copped quite a bit of flak last year when Daniel Clowes fans made plagiarism accusations. As far they were concerned, LaBoeuf's new film Howard Cantour.com (2012) was far too close to Clowes' comic Justin M. Damiano (2007) for comfort. Previously, in an inflamed letter to Alec Baldwin, he'd passed off several paragraphs written by Tom Chiarella as his own. As if that wasn't attention enough — or perhaps because he sought to shift the focal point of the public eye — he turned up to the Berlin Film Festival wearing a paper bag bearing the statement, 'I am not famous anymore', quoted Eric Cantona at the Nymphomaniac press conference, and vanished. Some people were sympathetic; others expressed outrage. Either way, the stunt swamped arts headlines all over the globe. Then, like any good Matthew Arnold scholar, he sought refuge in art. For six days, a Los Angeles gallery hosted Shia's performance #IAMSORRY, which involved the either beleaguered or exceptionally publicity-hungry actor donning a tuxedo and paper bag and crying in public. Visitors reacted by losing their temper, taking selfies or offering congratulations. It was a multiplatform project that also played out on Shia's Twitter, in skywriting and a university seminar in which he read Guy Debord to students. In Nastja's view, Shia "made a genuine mistake during the process of trying to find his directorial feet" and has "undoubtedly regretted it deeply ever since". The actor approached the pair while the plagiarism controversy was going on. "Right from our very first meeting, I had been convinced of his commitment to his art and the trueness of his aim," Luke says. The artists both indicate that they intend to keep working with Shia, so expect to feel that vague annoyance towards him for some time yet. Read more about the history of Shia's new art form in our feature on ten crazy things done in the name of performance art.
Anyone who knows the Vivid Festival is well aware of the fact that the ethos behind the smorgasbord of cultural events revolves around bringing the best that the world has to offer to our city by the sea. Obviously, this also includes the creme de la creme of the home town, and this year is definitely no different. As part of the Modulations event at Carriageworks, enlisted to feed the masses are Ben Milgate and Elvis Abrahanowicz, the rock and roll chefs behind one of Sydney's favourite restaurants, Porteno. However, according to the boys themselves, this isn't a chance to show off their cooking. Instead, they're bringing Wild Porteno to town. Porteno Food for the Street The food factor at Wild Porteno is an exciting drawcard for the festival, and Abrahanowicz tells us that "it'll be like Porteno, except outdoors and live." So expect the same strong, simple-done-well style that Porteno have been busting out for years, but with a twist that Abrahanowicz calls "an eat with your hands affair". There'll be the meat off the grill, brisket, and barbecue chicken wings, all served up like festival food. Over four days, as part of Modulations, they'll be dishing up their take on the food they serve at the restaurant, while DJs with the Porteno stamp of approval provide the mood music. They'll be there while the Pet Shop Boys do their thing, as well as the other acts that form the Modulations line up. While it's exciting to have all that music and art on show whilst eating some topnotch food, the truth is, according to Milgate, a little bit more complex. "We're doing the food and everything, but it's just a sideline to the main event." In the case of Wild Porteno, the main event is the showcase of bands from LA-based Wild Records. A bunch of rockabilly all stars, Milgate and Abrahanowicz assure that they're the real reason to get to Carriageworks on Monday, June 9 (the public holiday). https://youtube.com/watch?v=6ISz7JFYlLo The home of modern rockabilly Wild Records is the home of some of the best unsung heroes in the modern rockabilly scene, and the Porteno boys are stoked to be bringing them out to Australia. "There's really nothing like it," says Abrahanowicz, "it's a unique sound, it's the Wild sound." Milgate adds that Wild Porteno is "really just showcasing these guys to everyone." They're not lying, either. The bands on Wild Records were recently the subject of an award-winning documentary, Los Wild Ones, which may or may not be shown before their appearance on stage at the festival. Milgate says that "Luis and the Wildfires are our favourite band. He's such a fucking legend, so we said that he has to come. Gizzelle has such an amazing voice, and the Delta Bombers are really amazing on stage." After seeing the modern take on good old rock and roll, it's not hard to see why Milgate and Abrahanowicz have orchestrated this festival just to show them off to Sydney's discerning musical public. "We're just happy that they get to come out and we get to see them," says Abrahanowicz. BORN TO BE WILD It's no secret that Sydney will turn up for Porteno food, festival style. With Milgate and Abrahanowicz behind their customary grills, masses will flock to Carriageworks to gorge on the barbecued goodness. Coupled with Young Henrys, who are looking after the brew, the festival of music, art and food is guaranteed to please. But, to the guys who are cooking up this delightful storm, it's just an excuse to get a gig for some of their favourite bands, which isn't a bad thing at all. Wild Porteno goes down on Monday, June 9, and brings together some outstanding bands, delectable drinks and tasty food that is sure to be a highlight of the Vivid festival. So, Sydney, let's get Wild. Tickets for Wild Porteno are $49.80 from Ticketmaster.
When Interface asked Francois Chambard what kind of art he could devise from carpet tiles, these critters were his response. He and 29 other designers and architects put their carpeted creations up for auction, raising $16,000 for Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA). Interface organised the auction to mark the official opening of its new showroom in New York City, an 8,000 square foot space that looks over the Empire State Building. Other designers invited to contribute included David Ling, Harry Allen, Russell Groves, Joey Shimoda and D.B. Kim, and over 400 prominent industry members comprised the crowd. Peter Greene, the Vice President of marketing of Interface’s American arm, expressed the company’s enthusiasm. “The galvanizing impact that DIFFA brings to our design community is overwhelming, and Interface is excited it could join with the organization as we put out the welcome mat to our new Big Apple showroom . . . We’re delighted the proceeds of this event could help swell DIFFA’s coffers a bit more and at the same time let us welcome architects and designers into our new space with a fun occasion that also gives back in a meaningful way.” Interface is not only the world’s largest supplier of carpet tiles, but also one of the most socially conscious corporations on the stock exchange. Anyone who’s seen Canadian documentary The Corporation may remember the role played by then CEO Ray Anderson in representing the potential for an ethical approach to business. When Anderson passed away in August 2011, headlines proclaimed him ‘the greenest CEO in America’. Images: gBlog [Via boing boing]
From director Amin Palangi, Love Marriage in Kabul is a documentary that looks at the complexities of courtship, in the backdrop of a severely patriarchal society. He depicts a world where marriage does not get to be an equal choice between two people, but a decision completely out of their control. At the centre of the documentary is Mahboba Rawi, a former refugee from Afghanistan who now lives in Australia. She has created a charity to raise funds that provides support and education for more than two thousand widows and orphans in Afghanistan. Mahboba is determined to help one of her charges, Abdul who is in love with the girl next door, Fatemeh. They face strong opposition and unreasonable demands from her father, obstructing any chance that they could get married. The filmmaker, Amin Palangi, feels a responsibility to delve into the intricate cultural structures that determines the everyday life of inhabitants. He sees it as his mission to foster identification, rather than otherness for western viewers. The documentary won the Audience Award in the 2014 Sydney Film Festival. Screenings around Australia will start on November 5 in Sydney at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington. Tickets can be pre-purchased online. Proceeds from ticket purchases will help support Mahboba's charity.
What can Disney say except... yes, "you're welcome", Moana fans? A sequel to the 2016 animated hit is on its way to cinemas before 2024 is out, as announced earlier in the year. Now, the movie's first teaser trailer is here to make a splash, and to confirm that Auli'i Cravalho (Mean Girls) is back voicing Moana and Dwayne Johnson (Fast X) is also returning as demigod Maui. When Walt Disney Animation Studios had Johnson sing a ridiculously catchy tune that was penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda in the first Moana, it clearly gave itself the perfect response to all the love thrown the film's way. Adore the movie? You're welcome. Can't stop crooning its songs? You're also welcome. Excited about the sequel that'll hit cinemas on Thursday, November 28 Down Under? You're welcome for that as well. Story-wise, Moana 2 will see its namesake take to the seas of Oceania to answer the call from her ancestors, which is where new characters will come in. While eight years have passed for viewers, only three have elapsed within the film when Moana and Maui set off on their new — and dangerous — adventure. In the director's chair: Dave Derrick Jr, who was a storyboard artist on the original Moana. And on music duties this time are singer-songwriter Abigail Barlow, composer Emily Bear (Dog Gone), Opetaia Foa'i (returning from the first film) and Mark Mancina (also back from the initial movie). "This was originally developed as a series, but we were impressed with what we saw and we knew it deserved a theatrical release," said Disney CEO Bob Iger when he announced the sequel in the company's first-quarter earnings call for 2024. "The original Moana film from 2016 recently crossed one-billion hours streamed on Disney+ and was the most streamed movie of 2023 on any platform in the U.S." Moana 2 is one of two new Moana movies in the works, with a live-action adaptation of the first Moana also on the way — and with Johnson starring. "Along with the live-action version of the original film that's currently in development, Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise," continued Iger. Check out the first teaser trailer for Moana 2 below: Moana 2 will release in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Read our interview with Jemaine Clement about Moana. Images: © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Summer is nearly upon us. To celebrate, the good folks at the Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel are throwing a festival dedicated to our favourite crisp fruit beverage — cider. Perched on the Watsons Bay foreshore, this establishment knows a thing or two about hosting chilled summer events, even in spring. Their Cider Festival will feature a variety of local and imported ciders. Making good use of the fact that cider rhymes with slider, snacks in slider form will be available all day (as will non-rhyming paella and pulled pork). Live music will be plentiful, and for the go-getters among us, there's an apple bobbing competition. But things get real when you're invited to go on a 'cider trail' along Military Road. This is the kind of walking trail we can all firmly get behind. All you need is a Cider Trail Tasting ticket, available from the venue on the day (or from here). The cider trail will culminate at the hotel's breezy chic Beach Club, come over all pop-up cider bar. The ticket allows a tasting from each of the 11 stalls there, as well as a whole bottle of whichever's your favourite.
If you drink much coffee (or have ever been to a cafe, worked in an office or looked through other people's rubbish), you've probably realised that Australia's cafe culture produces a huge number of wasted takeaway cups. But what you may not know is that these cups are not recyclable. Though coffee cups feature paper on the outside, the liquid-proof inside lining is made of plastic, which means the cups cannot be recycled like other cardboard items. It also means they take on average 50 years to decompose in landfill. There is currently no facility in Australia that is able to recycle takeaway coffee cups, but Closed Loop hopes to change that. The Australian company — which offers waste management and environmental solutions to a range of companies, including Noma when it was in Sydney — just completed a trial to help make the case for their proposal. The trial, which received a $17,500 grant from the City of Sydney, introduced standalone bins for takeaway coffee cups into three office buildings across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. 12,000 cups were collected over four weeks, successfully demonstrating that people would be willing to use such bins. And after they've been collected? Closed Loop has worked with researchers from the UK, where they already run a similar cup collection and recycling program, to develop technology that combines the materials in the cups with a polymer to produce a plastic-fibre compound. It can be used to make placemats, coasters and outdoor furniture. Based on the success of the pilot (that is, people using the bins correctly), Closed Loop is proposing to set up a dedicated facility to recycle them. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore estimates that if the program were to go ahead, more than 25 million coffee cups could avoid ending up in landfill per year from the City of Sydney area alone. Given that around one million disposable coffee cups end up in landfill per minute worldwide, it's good to know there are people trying to tackle the issue. We'll keep an eye on this one to see where it goes. Image: Tim Wright.
The Icelandic Government ushered in the new year with a legal first when, on January 1, it became the first nation in the world to outlaw unequal pay for women. Any company or government agency that employs 25 people or more must prove their equal pay policies through government certification or face hefty fines. "[They] evaluate every job that's being done, and then they get a certification after they confirm the process if they are paying men and women equally," Dagny Osk Aradottir Pind, a board member of the Icelandic Women's Rights Association, told Aljazeera. Even before the passing of the law, which was announced on International Women's Day 2017, Iceland was ranked number one in the world for gender equality according to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2017. (In case you're wondering, Australia came in at 35, while New Zealand took out 9th spot). Iceland's current leader, Katrin Jakobsdóttir, who was elected in November 2017, is the nation's second female Prime Minister — and since 2016, women have held 48% of parliamentary positions. "I think that now people are starting to realise that this is a systematic problem that we have to tackle with new methods," said Aradottir Pind. "Women have been talking about this for decades and I really feel that we have managed to raise awareness, and we have managed to get to the point that people realise that the legislation we have had in place is not working, and we need to do something more." The Icelandic Government is hopeful that the gender pay gap won't exist beyond 2020. Here's hoping other countries around the world start to follow their lead.
When 2025 hits, 20 years will have passed since Oasis last toured Australia, but that's where the lengthy gap between the band's Down Under shows is ending. There's comeback tours and then there's Britain's most-famous feuding siblings reuniting to bring one of the country's iconic groups back together for a massive world tour — and when Liam and Noel Gallagher start taking to the stage together again, they'll do so at gigs in Sydney and Melbourne. Oasis' reunion tour has been huge news for months, ever since Liam and Noel announced in August that they would reform Oasis — and bury the hatchet — for a run of shows in the UK and Ireland. Since then, they've been expanding their tour dates, also locking in visits to Canada and the US. From London, Manchester and Dublin to Toronto, Los Angeles and Mexico City, the entire tour so far is sold out. [caption id="attachment_975205" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oasis Knebworth 1996, Photo by Roberta Parkin/Redferns[/caption] That's the story, morning glory — and expect Australian tickets to get snapped up swiftly for Oasis' two announced concerts, one apiece in Sydney and Melbourne. The Manchester-born band is kicking off their Aussie visit on Halloween 2025 at Marvel Stadium in the Victorian capital, then heading to Accor Stadium in the Harbour City a week later. "People of the land down under. 'You better run — you better take cover ...'. We are coming. You are most welcome," said the group in a statement. [caption id="attachment_975206" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oasis Knebworth 1996, Jill Furmanovsky[/caption] Oasis broke up in 2009, four years after their last Australian tour, and following seven albums from 1994's Definitely Maybe through to 2008's Dig Your Soul — and after drawing massive crowds to their live gigs along the way (see: documentary Oasis Knebworth 1996). If you're feeling supersonic about the group's reunion, you can likely expect to hear that track, plus everything from 'Live Forever', 'Cigarettes & Alcohol', 'Morning Glory' and 'Some Might Say' through to 'Wonderwall', 'Don't Look Back in Anger' and 'Champagne Supernova' when they hit Australia. Oasis Live '25 Australian Dates Friday, October 31 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Friday, November 7 — Accor Stadium, Sydney Oasis are touring Australia in October and November 2025. Presale ticket registration runs until 8am AEDT on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, with Melbourne tickets on sale from 10am AEDT and Sydney tickets from 12pm AEDT on Tuesday, October 15. Head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Simon Emmett.
We are reaching the final stages of The Dip's greatly appreciated mission of warming the hearts (okay, stomachs) of the hungry and the drunk (two states that often go hand in hand). The beloved Goodgod eatery shocked Sydneysiders by announcing its impending closure a couple of weeks ago, and we've been reminiscing about great dawgs past ever since. The good folks at The Dip are making the transition a little easier for us with a last hurrah, the Greatest Hits Banquet. It will feature menu favourites from their three-year operation, with dishes ranging from a mini version of the Young Cheezy burger to chilli fries and pulled pork nachos. There's no better to properly pay your respects than by gorging yourself silly. Vegetarians, don't despair. You too can get in on the action by specifying your preferences in the email booking. Bookings can be made by emailing do@thedip.com.au. The banquet is $40 per head and comes complete with a Fluffernutter for dessert and one of Goodgod's club drinks. So cancel your plans and come show your support for your favourite housemate of Goodgod Small Club.
Flick through the pages of any issue of National Geographic and the planet comes to life in all of its natural glory, particularly the colour, movement and all-round splendour of the animal world. Indeed, the magazine has been taking eye-catching wildlife photographs since 1888, and first featured one such image — a snap of a reindeer — on its cover back in 1903. From that huge 130-year history, the publication has picked out the absolute best photos in its archive for a brand new exhibition, which will make its world premiere at the Melbourne Zoo from September 8 to November 30. 50 Greatest Wildlife Photographs will showcase exactly what it sounds like — 50 breathtaking snaps of the earth's animal inhabitants, as curated by famous nature picture editor Kathy Moran, and featuring the work of iconic National Geographic photographers such as Michael 'Nick' Nichols, Steve Winter, Paul Nicklen, Beverly Joubert and David Doubilet. If last year's Photo Ark exhibition has you staring in wonder, then this promises that and more as patrons not only view the stunning sights captured, but the way that photography has evolved over the course of more than a century. Displaying as an outdoor gallery in Melbourne Zoo's Carousel Park, 50 Greatest Wildlife Photographs will be accompanied by augmented reality experience Air, Land & Sea. The interactive installation transports viewers to a watering hole where animals — hailing from Africa, the Arctic and more — graze, drink and interact with the environment around them. As well as giving patrons a glimpse at wildlife photography at its finest, Melbourne Zoo hopes the exhibition will bring attention to the plight of animals around the world. "Our hope is that, after viewing these stunning images and connecting with the wildlife at Melbourne Zoo, visitors will be compelled to remember that all animals deserve our greatest respect, awe and preservation," says Melbourne Zoo director Kevin Tanner. National Geographic's 50 Greatest Wildlife Photographs will be on display at Melbourne Zoo from September 8 to November 30. Entry to the exhibition is included in the zoo admission price. For more information, visit the website. Image: Gray Whale Hands by Thomas P. Peschak, San Ignacio Lagoon, Mexico, April 2015.
Four Australian female composers. Four singers. Four dramatic operatic works inspired by mythology, literature and rare Australian birds. World premiering on one night. Streaming on the Carriageworks Facebook page at 7.30pm AEST on Saturday, April 25, the four-part Breaking Glass was meant to be performed inside the physical arts precinct from March 8–April 4, but its temporarily closure forced the show's premiere online. Presented by Sydney Chamber Opera and Carriageworks together with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music's Composing Women Program, Breaking Glass is broken into four one-act operas by female composers. There's Commute by Peggy Polias, which combines Homer's Iliad with a modern women's uneasy walk home at night; Josephine Macken's terrifying The Tent inspired by Margaret Atwood's writing; The Invisible Bird by Bree van Reyk, telling the true tale of a rare Australian parrot; and Georgia Scott's Her Dark Marauder, which uses Sylvia Plath's poetry to explore a women's battle for identity. If you can't already tell, these aren't your typical operas. Expect electronic music, "abstract aural soundscapes", smoke surrounding performers, kaleidoscopic digital projections and stories firmly planted in the 21st century. Breaking Glass world premieres on Carriageworks' Facebook page at 7.30pm. Images: Daniel Boud
Australians throw away up to 20% of the food they buy. That's one out of five of your grocery bags, into the bin. This means Australians are throwing out $8 billion worth of edible food every year, the same weight as three average size fridges. Each. Yeah, WHAT. Anyone who's worked as a function waiter, bakery barista or silver service maitre d knows that the end of the night's waste can be colossal. I've watched an entire trough of fresh king prawns and glistening oysters poured into the trash at a certain five-star Sydney hotel in front of a hungry, underpaid staff. I've seen trayloads of party pies tipped into dumpsters post album launch. I've stared bitterly as bucket after bucket of organic dinner rolls were shuffled into black plastic rubbish bags and carted away for fear of staff food poisoning lawsuits. Luckily, some young New York-based upstart app developers are using their digital talents to combat the globe's atrocious waste problem. Meet PareUp — an app that allows users to purchase restaurant leftovers at the end of the day. Retailers store inventories of their products, set prices and update listings and herald the 'offerings for the day'. The app is similar to Leftover Swap, a development which allows you to snap your food, upload it to the app and let users know where the food is, how cold it is and whether it can be delivered. The app is due to launch in NYC soon, hopefully Australian restaurants will be able to pair up with the app sometime in the near future. Until the app gets here, restaurants should take a look at their hungry, student loan-ridden staff and think twice about chucking those creme fraiche-topped tarts. Via Food Beast and Lost At E Minor.
It has been a colossal year for Australia's food businesses. It hasn't just been a rollercoaster, it's been the whole damn amusement park. Lockdowns, pivots, re-openings, new openings, saddening closures, a staffing shortage, and the collective social life that we are now reclaiming en masse (just try getting a booking at Hubert this side of February 2022). But nature is healing. As the industry has returned to (relative) normalcy, it has experienced its share of remarkable success stories, challenges and a good hit of pathos. So when we brought together a few of Sydneys hospitality mainstays in one room (or more specifically, the bar at Tio's) for the latest instalment of our live panel show, Hot Takes & Takeaways presented by our partner Uber Eats, we knew there'd be a lot to talk about. The episode streamed live on our Facebook page earlier this month, with Sydney comedy gem Gen Fricker hosting a panel made up of Jeremy Blackmore (Tio's and Cantina Ok!) and Issac Martin (@issac_eatsalot) and Kobi Morris (Paramount Coffee Project and Reuben Hills). It was entertaining, honest and thought-provoking (a particularly interesting line of conversation involved contemplating the impact that living in bubbles has had on young people in particular — will they ever make it to a club?!). From the pressures of reopening to the joys of welcoming customers through the doors, scroll to watch the highlights and hot takes from this excellent group of people who represent thousands from the industry who add so much to our lives and leisure time. WARM AND FUZZY FEELINGS AROUND RETURN TO SERVICE "The second break was a bit more stressful, I would say," says Blackmore of the lengthy June-starting lockdown that everyone had hoped would be avoided. "You knew what was coming," he explains, "and didn't feel as fun and weird as the first. There was something kind of strange about the first one but this second one it was just a bit of a ball-drainer." Ball-drainers aside, all three guests waxed passionate about the reopening of the city and getting their businesses back on track and having actual humans dining and drinking in. "It's been nice to get people back in," says Blackmore. "And it's just nice to go out! And have dinner and not eat your own food and not drink beers out of your fridge" — a sentiment shared by so many of us, burnt out by home cooking and fridge beers for so many months. The connection to customers was a joy that Kobi Morris almost forgot about due to the pressures of reopening. "I remember being really stressed about coming back into service for about a week leading up to this most recent reopening. Especially because we were supposed to be checking vaccines... I haven't had anyone yell at me yet, and that's great!" Morris continues, "Everyone's been really happy to be out. I was expecting it to be really stressful — and it has been stressful — but it's also been enjoyable. I forgot how nice it was to have customers in the cafe." In this clip, Kobi Morris talks about the most difficult part of lockdown for her and many others in the industry, which was the need to stand down staff. We've all lived through a shared experience that's been varying degrees of traumatising, and the result of this in the broader community as well as in the hospitality scene specifically has been an outpouring of mutual support and connectedness. "The community's been really strong," Blackmore said. "And you can see it at places that had a really good team and fostered a really good family connection between everybody, that's kind of expanded to take in other places around it as well." The flip side of the more intense connection to local communities that formed during life in 5-kilometre bubbles is a greater sense of segregation between parts of Sydney, as Issac Martin — who lives in western Sydney — points out. Watch him elaborate below. LOCKDOWN CAUSED GREATER DIVISION BETWEEN SYDNEY'S WEST AND EAST There was a rumbling of tension throughout lockdown that pulled into focus the social and geographic division between west and east Sydney. While Bronte Beach and others continued to be crowded with mask-free faces (something this editor observed on numerous occasions), western Sydney was subject to harsher restrictions and more intensive policing. But, naturally, there are more complexities, as well as positives to come out of this. As Martin explains in the clip above, "the west and the east was very divided on more than just one front. And I think, on a micro level, it probably reinstated [existing perceptions of division]." It is something that expands beyond west versus east; lockdown also resulted in a hyperlocal culture that drills down to a single-suburb level. "All of a sudden now, for four months you've been in this 'support local' mindset that, no longer, are you like: I might go across the bridge and I don't have to go to Bondi to go out", Martin says. "And there's still reasons to go other places, but it's almost [as though] every community now is self-sufficient." So the question is: is that a good thing? "Not in terms of that segregation because now it's almost a further divide [between the two sides of Sydney] than what was already there," Martin suggests. "I think it will break down in time... But, short-term, if you're freshly 18, [you've missed out on] that rite of passage is to go out in the city or to a well-known night club. Now you might have spent that first six months [as an 18 year old] at your local pub! And that becomes habit, and habit becomes behaviour." "EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLDS ARE NICE AND WE ARE THE DICKHEADS" The conversation turned to those members of society who reached legal drinking age during lockdown and can now be released into the wild. In a panel populated with millennials, the question was whether the new generation of young people will be better behaved. Jeremy Blackmore postulates that they're just a nicer generation. And if wholesome TikTok groundswells, the mass movement away from the toxic empathy-graveyard that is Twitter, Greta Thunberg and benevolent BTS fandom are anything to go by, the answer is: probably?!? Or it could simply be that everyone's got a camera-phone and social media, ready to propel you into viral memedom or the shame files of Brown Cardigan's pages at any moment. As Martin points out, back in the day "you could be a dickhead and it wasn't going to be on the internet in ten seconds." WHAT COMES NEXT The industry is back, baby! So, where to next? Issac Martin, a true burger aficionado, is ready to sample the goods at Sydney's first Wahlburgers (yes, that's the fast food chain masterminded by showbiz bros Mark and Donnie Wahlberg who potentially created the business solely based off the strength of the wordplay). It's bound to open its first Australian residence in Circular Quay any day now. And, at the time of recording the live stream, Jeremy Blackmore was excited about imminent dining experiences at newly minted restaurants Paski and Ursula's. Now really is the best time of year in Sydney to go out, eat, drink and party. So make reservations, be spontaneous and get exploring — both in your local area and beyond. You can watch the full episode of Hot Takes & Takeaways here or catch the first episode captured in the midst of lockdown (and starring Julian Cincotta of Butter and Cuong Nguyen of Hello Auntie) here. If you'd like to learn more about what restaurants are doing to survive — and thrive — in the next phase of this unprecedented moment in time, check out Uber Eats' Enterprise Hub.
Writer/director Paolo Sorrentino itched to create a character based on The Cure's Robert Smith. After seeing that Smith doesn't shed his '80s goth punk gear when he leaves the stage, Sorrentino became fascinated with the idea of "a 50-year-old who still completely identified with a look which, by definition, is that of an adolescent," and all the contradictions in character it implies. That's how we get Cheyenne (given life by Sean Penn), a former rock star who once fronted Cheyenne and the Fellows and now lives a quiet life on an Irish estate with his countervailing, down-to-earth wife (Frances McDormand). There's a little bit of Ozzy in him, too; after years taking drugs (though never booze), he moves slowly, dragging his grocery trolley behind him. He's prematurely old, but also stuck in youth. He's sweet, but petulant. He insists on living in the world the way he wants to live in it. And, yes, he still paints a red oblong over his lips and tucks his black jeans into Docs. This Must Be the Place is a unique comedy where you laugh with someone who's slow-paced, not quick-witted, and you laugh with him. Cheyenne's sentences are a meandering journey whose end you can't envision when you're at the beginning. Or in the middle, usually. It's uniquely funny, and in a gorgeously big-hearted way. There's a couple of lines in here so hilarious and inimitable they alone are worth watching the film for. Concrete Playground has four DVD copies of This Must Be The Place to giveaway. To go in the running, just subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email your name and address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=MuvFmg_Ge9k
It's been 13 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes in 2005. Thankfully, Laneway Festival has just confirmed it will be heading back to its collection of unconventional venues for another year, revealing it's 2018 dates and first two headliners. Returning to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle, Auckland and Singapore next January and February, Laneway will raise a plastic cup to the middle of summer with what looks to be one heck of a lineup. Following on from the announcement of two of 2018's headliners — California's inimitable Anderson .Paak with his live band The Free Nationals, and Canada's Mac DeMarco — the festival has dropped the full lineup. On it is a slew of exclusive sets, which will see you get down to BABADNOTGOOD, Odesza, The Internet, and sway along to The War on Drugs and Father John Misty. The full lineup was initially slated to be announced tomorrow, but has been brought forward after it was leaked online this morning. Visa pre-sale tickets go on-sale this Thursday, September 14 and the rest of the tickets going on sale at 9am on September 18. But, enough chit-chat — here's the full 2018 lineup. LANEWAY 2018 LINEUP Aldous Harding Alex Cameron Amy Shark Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals BABADNOTGOOD (exclusive to Laneway) Billie Eilish Bonobo (exclusive to Laneway) Cable Ties City Calm Down Dream Wife Father John Misty KLLO** Loyle Carner Mac DeMarco Miss Blanks Moses Sumney ODESZA (exclusive to Laneway) Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever (Sandy) Alex G Shame Slowdive Sylvan Esso The Babe Rainbow** The Internet (exclusive to Laneway) The War On Drugs TOKiMONSTA Wolf Alice (exclusive to Laneway) **not playing Fremantle LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2018 DATES Singapore — Saturday, January 27 Auckland — Monday, January 29 Adelaide — Friday, February 2 Melbourne — Saturday, February 3 Sydney — Sunday, February 4 Brisbane — Saturday, February 10 Fremantle — Sunday, February 11 Tickets go on sale Monday, September 18 at 9am AEST from Laneway Festival. Image: Andy Fraser.
The Australian and Queensland governments have put the call out for some good old-fashioned brain power, in an effort to help save the world's largest living organism. The Great Barrier Reef has copped it pretty hard of late, suffering coral bleaching events in both 2016 and 2017, and more recently sporting a nasty outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish. And experts warn things will only get worse for the reef if climate change issues are ignored and rising ocean temperatures cause irreversible damage of their own. As SBS reports, the problems have inspired the two governments to launch a $2 million challenge, which will tap into local minds to find ways to protect and restore the country's great natural wonder. Federal Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg described the initiative as "an open invitation to our greatest scientific minds, industry and business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions which will protect corals and encourage the recovery of damaged reefs." Applications can focus on any aspect of the Great Barrier Reef's restoration, including boosting coral regeneration rates and protecting coral from its main physical stressors. Applications are open now through the Advance Queensland Small Business Innovation Research initiative. Check out all the info on their website. Via sbs.com.au
How many people does it take for peace to be kept? Sydney Festival looks to answer this question with the installation of Keeping Peace, an inflatable sculpture that relies on the kindness and cooperation of the public to make sure it stays full of air throughout the festival's duration. The brainchild of New Zealand collective LGOP (Looks Good on Paper), Keeping Peace stands to act as a reminder that we can achieve more when we work together. So, if you see a bright purple peace sign in Barangaroo Reserve that's looking a little deflated and in need of some love, you know what to do.
The best kind of brunch is one that starts during that critical time bracket between 9.45am and 11.30am (a little too late for breakfast, a bit too early for lunch) and lasts until the sun starts going down. In order to make the good times go the distance, you need a well constructed playlist and an extensive spread of food options. And, of course, you are going to need drinks. After all, a well stocked drinks tray is the cornerstone of any successful brunch. What isn't is facing a table full of boozed up guests before the clock strikes 1pm. Now, thanks to an increased demand for delicious low- and no-alcohol options, you can let the brunch beveragino generously flow without getting everyone totalled. We've teamed up with Tempus Two to handpick some liquid inspiration to impress your guests and make your party an affair to remember (literally). THE MOOD: Popping bottles THE SERVE: 2020 Tempus Two Lighten Up Prosecco Nothing kicks off a brunch better than ceremoniously plucking the cork from a bottle of fizz to the sound of wild applause. It's the ultimate sensory trigger that signals a special occasion is going down. The 2020 Lighten Up Prosecco by Tempus Two has the full flavour of a traditional prosecco with crisp notes of citrus and green apple — but at 6.8 percent alcohol volume and a lower calorie count, you can enjoy more than JTO (Just The One). To put that number into context, that's a massive 30 percent less alcohol (and calories) than a standard bottle of prosecco. We'll drink to that. [caption id="attachment_747074" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Walter's Steakhouse[/caption] THE MOOD: Gorgeously garnished THE SERVE: The 'lightly bleeding' mary A good cocktail can be a work of art. And presenting a tray of artfully constructed concoctions can really wow a crowd, especially with some unexpected little touches in the final execution. Like the umami one-two punch of a cornichon and pickled onion alongside a good stalk of leafy celery on your bloody mary. To go the distance, make them what we're going to call a 'lightly bleeding' mary. Top your tomato juice and Worcestershire with a half measure of vodka or gin — or substitute the booze with a quality, non-alcoholic botanical spirits by the likes of Vera, Sea Arch or Seedlip (the Garden 108 is recommended here). All flavour, no regrets. THE MOOD: F Scott Spritzgerald THE SERVE: The springtime spritz Invoke a Gatsby-esque garden party with a bright, signature spritz that not only looks fantastic on the table but can be sipped throughout the duration of brunch. Start with a scoop of ice, then add a generous dash of Lyre's Italian Orange (a very, very good booze-free substitute for Aperol or Campari), pour in your favourite prosecco (the fruity profile of the Tempus Two Lighten Up would work perfectly), and top with soda. Add a twist of orange peel and two slices of strawberry and you're golden. THE MOOD: On the beers THE SERVE: Heaps Normal So you kicked off the morning with bottles of bubbles and a selection of delicately composed treats but now it's afternoon, your guests have settled in and you've just opened a bag of chips. It's beer o'clock, as they say in France. Keep a few tins of Heaps Normal's exceptional Quiet XPA in your fridge. Brewed to less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume but with refreshing malty sweetness and long finish, it's a great companion for a leisurely day of drinking. THE MOOD: Something smooth THE SERVE: 2020 Tempus Two Lighten Up Pinot Noir Whether you want to serve it lightly chilled or get pouring straight off the wine rack, a good red is always a friend to brunch hosts and guests alike. The Lighten Up Pinot Noir from Tempus Two gives up great wafts of black cherry and a juicy full flavour that makes it as drinkable as any other promising pinot, but with an alcohol content of 6.8 percent, you can keep quaffing this one for that little bit longer — where a standard 750ml bottle would have anywhere between seven to nine standard drinks, there are only four in a bottle from the Lighten Up series. Your cup overfloweth! For more information about the low-alcohol Tempus Two Lighten Up range, head to the website. Top image: Tempus Two
Kirin J Callinan is stopping off at Sydney’s Goodgod small club, as part of a three-date tour along Australia’s east coast to launch his new single W II W (Way To War), described as “perverted, raw and fun”. Former guitarist of the now defunct Mercy Arms, Callinan’s forthcoming debut album, a songscape of vocals, guitars and machines paints a picture of war at its frontline. Released along will be Thighs, the tale of a deluded sexual predator. W II W's B-side, it will be released just two days before the first show of the tour at Brisbane. If you like your war stories in intimate surrounds, Kirin's Goodgod take on R&R is waiting for you.
