Add another impressive name to the long list of shows, plays and musicals alike, that've been treading the boards across Australia in recent years. That roster has spanned everything from The Book of Mormon, Hamilton and Moulin Rouge! The Musical through to Come From Away, SIX the Musical and The Mousetrap — but only Choir Boy hails from the Oscar-winning writer of the famously not-La La Land drama Moonlight. Tarell Alvin McCraney's other queer coming-of-age play premiered in London in 2012, then did the rounds of the US before opening on Broadway in 2018. It might've taken more than a decade since its stage debut for the show to make its way Down Under, but fans of Moonlight are in for a tale about sexuality, race, hope and gospel music, all focused around a young gay man finding his voice, that's certain to prove worth the wait. Story-wise, Choir Boy follows Pharus Young, who is determined to be the best choir leader that the Charles R Drew Prep School for Boys has ever seen in its 50-year history. That's easier said than done, though, given the rituals that've long been a part of the school, and the masculine expectations as well. Filled with a cappella gospel tunes, Choir Boy scored four Tony Award nominations back in 2019, including for Best Play and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play — and won Best Sound Design of a Play, while also nabbing music director Jason Michael Webb a Special Tony Award. In Australia, it finally premieres Down Under as part of Sydney WorldPride, with four stops on its agenda from Tuesday, February 14: a month-long stint at Riverside Theatres Parramatta, then short stays in Brisbane, Canberra and Wollongong. Leading the cast is international musical theatre performer Darron Hayes, joined by Tony Sheldon (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), Robert Harrell (The Shield), Zarif (Lonesome), Quinton Rofail Rich (Godspell), Theo Williams (Passing Strange), and debutants Gareth Dutlow, Abu Kebe and Tawanda Muzenda, while Dino Dimitriadis (Overflow, Cleansed) and Zindzi Okenyo (seven methods of killing kylie jenner, Orange Thrower) direct. CHOIR BOY AUSTRALIAN DATES: Tuesday, February 14–Saturday, March 11 — Riverside Theatres Parramatta Wednesday, March 15–Saturday, March 18 — QPAC, Brisbane Wednesday, March 22—Saturday, March 25 — Wollongong Town Hall Wednesday, March 29–Sunday, April 2 — Canberra Theatre Centre Choir Boy starts its Australian run from Tuesday, February 14 at Riverside Theatres Parramatta — head to the various venue websites above for further details and tickets.
Mention the name Weird Al Yankovic and a pop parody song likely slips into your head. Maybe you're now humming 'Eat It' to yourself, or 'My Bologna' — or perhaps 'Like a Surgeon', 'Another One Rides the Bus', 'Smells Like Nirvana' and 'Amish Paradise' are echoing in your brain. They're some of the musical-comedy tunes the singer is famous for, but they won't be getting a workout on his just-announced 2023 tour. First, the exciting news: Weird Al is heading to Australia in March, hitting up Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane on a five-show whirl around the country. Next, the possibly surprising news: The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, as it's called, isn't about playing Yankovic's satires of other well-known songs. Instead, the musician is swapping his usual parodies for his other musical-comedy standouts across his 14-album catalogue. Clearly, he has plenty of tracks to choose from — and they'll all be played with his original band of four decades in an intimate, stripped-down show. Don't go expecting costumes, props or video screens, either. AUSTRALIA, here I come!!! #TheUnfortunateReturnOfTheRidiculouslySelfIndulgentIllAdvisedVanityTour comes to Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane in March 2023! https://t.co/o0riivPZ37 — Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) November 27, 2022 This deep cut-focused tour follows Yankovic's successful 2018 and 2022 North American Vanity Tours, which featured sold-out performances at The Kennedy Centre and Carnegie Hall. In Australia, he'll be joined by comedian Emo Philips, his The Vidiot From UHF co-star, at gigs at the Palais Theatre, Norwood Concert Hall, Enmore Theatre, Perth's Astor Theatre and QPAC. "I don't very often get an opportunity to tour outside of North America, so it's a huge thrill for me to come back to Australia and play a bunch of songs that most people would rather not hear." Al said, announcing the tour. His trip Down Under follows the release of comic biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, which isn't currently available in Australia — but Yankovic has thoughts on how to see it. WEIRD AL YANKOVIC'S THE UNFORTUNATE RETURN OF THE RIDICULOUSLY SELF-INDULGENT, ILL-ADVISED VANITY TOUR 2023: Friday, March 10 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne Monday, March 13 — Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide Wednesday, March 15 — Enmore Theatre, Sydney Saturday, March 18 — Astor Theatre, Perth Monday, March 20 – QPAC, Brisbane Weird Al Yankovic is touring Australia in March 2023. Tickets go on sale at 11am local time on Friday, December 2 — head to the tour website for further details.
UPDATE, MARCH 25, 2020: Due to cinema closures and other concerns around COVID-19, In the Heights will no longer release on its initially scheduled date of Thursday, June 25, 2020. At present, a new release date has not been announced — we'll update you when one has been revealed. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Over the past five years, Hamilton has become a cultural phenomenon — and, thanks to its fame and acclaim, so has the hip hop musical's creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. But that's not the only stellar stage show to the multi-talented composer, actor, singer and playwright's name. Before he took on US history (and before he helped bring Bring It On to the theatre, too), Miranda turned life in Manhattan's Washington Heights into four-time Tony-winner In the Heights. While every Hamilton fan dreams of the day that it's turned into a movie, In the Heights is actually making the leap to the big screen first — in 2020, with a stacked cast, with Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M Chu behind the lens, and via a film primarily shot on location in its titular spot. Quiara Alegría Hudes, who wrote the text for the stage version, has also written the feature's screenplay. And Lin-Manuel Miranda is involved, naturally, producing the movie, overseeing the music and popping up on-screen as well. On Broadway from 2008–11, Miranda played the lead role of bodega owner Usnavi de la Vega. In the film, that honour goes to Anthony Ramos — an alumnus of the original production of Hamilton who has also featured in Patti Cake$, A Star Is Born and Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Usnavi works hard, saves everything he earns and strives for a better life. He also sits at the centre of a vibrant community just beyond the 181st Street subway stop, with In the Heights charting the lives, loves and dreams of the Latinx neighbourhood through colourful, energetic and — as seen in the just-dropped trailer — exquisitely choreographed song and dance numbers. Joining Ramos and Miranda (who plays Piragua Guy, the owner of a shaved ice dessert stand) are Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton), singer Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera (Vida), Dascha Polanco (Orange is the New Black), Marc Anthony and Jimmy Smits — plus original In the Heights stage star Olga Merediz, Rent's Daphne Rubin-Vega and Matilda the Musical's Gregory Diaz IV. Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Stephanie Beatriz also features, after Miranda made an appearance on the hit sitcom earlier this year. Check out the full trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0CL-ZSuCrQ In the Heights was due to open in Australian cinemas on June 25, 2020; however it'll now release on a yet-to-be-revealed date — we'll update you when one is announced.
Illustrator Dave McKean was a slow convert to digital. Putting together strange montage and box-art collages for comics, it took a long time before he fired up a computer to check out this Photoshop business. Once he did though, a brief period of fractal-laden cover-art gave way to artwork every bit as good as his period pre-mouse. The Art Gallery of New South Wales made the same transition long ago, and its new show Unguided Tours wants to take you to a strictly computer-generated place. The exhibition showcases digital art, with artists from Australia and beyond filling the Gallery’s halls with manipulated pixels and sculpture. Run once every two years, Unguided Tours is an incarnation of the Anne Landa Award bringing together local and overseas work, the best piece being bought up for $25,000. None of the artists will take your hand, but all of them are taking you somewhere. Arlo Mountford helps you either leave or arrive at a classical island, Ian Burns mixes tech-junk and social comment, David Haines offers a game-like, hands on experience, Charlie Sofo explores the minutiae of city life, and Jae Hoon Lee combines travel photos into vertical landscapes.
Middle-earth is about to sprawl across your TV screen — or whichever other screen you use to access your streaming queue. And, after five years of talking about it, Amazon has finally given Lord of the Rings fans what they've been waiting for: a first look at its new JRR Tolkien-inspired fantasy series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Elves, dwarves, epic cities, leafy landscapes — yes, 2022's new Lord of the Rings streaming series ticks all of those expected boxes so far in its just-dropped first teaser trailer. A young Galadriel (Morfydd Clark, Saint Maud) climbs ice, and a young Elrond (Robert Aramayo, The King's Man) features as well. Also packed into the 61-second clip: elves catching arrows, humans stuck on rafts on stormy seas, cave trolls, raging fires and orc battles. If you're new to The Rings of Power, Amazon first announced the show back in 2017, gave it the official go-ahead in mid-2018 and set a premiere date of Friday, September 2, 2022 back in 2021. In-between, it confirmed that it wouldn't just remake Peter Jackson's movies. Rather, the series will spend time in Middle-earth's Second Age, bringing that era from the LOTR realm to the screen for the very first time. According to show's official synopsis, it'll follow "the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history," with the action set thousands of years before the novels and movies we've all read and watched. The series will also "take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien's pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness." If you're a little rusty on your LOTR lore, the Second Age lasted for 3441 years, and saw the initial rise and fall of Sauron, as well as a spate of wars over the coveted rings. Elves feature prominently, and there's plenty to cover, even if Tolkien's works didn't spend that much time on the period — largely outlining the main events in an appendix to the popular trilogy. Naturally, you can expect Sauron to feature in the new show, and to give its main figures some trouble. "Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth," the official synopsis continues. "From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone," it also advises. In terms of stars, The Rings of Power will feature an unsurprisingly large cast — and some impressive talent behind the scenes. Among the other actors traversing Middle-earth are Ismael Cruz Córdova (The Undoing) as Arondir, Nazanin Boniadi (Bombshell) as Bronwyn, Owain Arthur (A Confession) as Prince Durin IV, Charlie Vickers (Palm Beach) as Halbrand and Sophia Nomvete (The Tempest) as Princess Disa. There's also Tom Budge (Judy & Punch), Joseph Mawle (Game of Thrones), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (The Accountant), Maxim Baldry (Years and Years), Peter Mullan (Westworld), Benjamin Walker (The Underground Railroad) and comedian Lenny Henry. And, the series is being overseen by showrunners and executive producers JD Payne and Patrick McKay, while filmmaker JA Bayona (A Monster Calls, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) directs the first two episodes. Check out the first teaser trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power below: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will be available to stream via Amazon Prime Video from Friday, September 2, 2022.
Last week, Concrete Playground reported on a mini-heatwave bringing unusually toasty temps to the Harbour City this week. However, what first appeared to be a temporary reprieve from the winter status quo now looks set to become one of the hottest starts to spring on record, as temperature records for late August have been smashed across the country. Parts of Sydney hit highs of 27 Celsius on Tuesday, August 27 — eight degrees above the predicted average for this time of year. And yet, this unseasonal warmth paled in comparison to the temperature recorded in Yampi Sound in Western Australia on Monday, August 26, where the mercury peaked at a sizzling 41.6 Celsius — the highest winter temperature ever recorded in Australia, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The previous record was a temperature of 41.2 Celsius, reached at West Roebuck on 23 August, 2020. Elsewhere in the country, local records were also bulldozed on August 26. The outback town of Oodnadatta in South Australia reached a high of 39.4 Celsius, Yulara in the Northern Territory recorded 36 Celsius, and Birdsville in Queensland peaked at 38.4 Celsius — all records for August. Far from being a passing phenomenon, heat in the mid-to-high twenties is predicted to stick around in Sydney well into next week and beyond. Early forecasts predict a high of 28 Celsius on Friday, August 30 and 29 Celsius on Thursday, September 5. The usual average temperature for early spring is 18 Celsius. While the official beginning of spring is September 1, the influence of climate change is shortening the colder seasons. Last September, much of Australia endured a similar heatwave, although the onset began during the middle of the month. On September 19, 2023, the mercury climbed to 35.9 Celsius at Sydney Airport, setting a new record for the highest temperature ever recorded in the city during September.
Flight sales have been a big part of 2020, ever since domestic travel started opening back up in Australia (and even with borders closing and opening with frequency). Indeed, when Jetstar offered up a heap of discounted tickets in mid-June, it sold 70,000 seats in just five hours, with Aussies keen to travel when and where they can in this pandemic-afflicted year. The airline has launched several other sales since and, until Saturday, December 19, it's hosting its big Christmas affair. So, get your clickers ready. The Jetstar Christmas sale is already running, with discounted flights on offer until 11.59pm AEDT on Saturday — if it doesn't sell out prior. In the sale, you'll find cheap flights all around the country, starting at $29. That'll get you from Adelaide to the Avalon airport in Melbourne. For $59, a Brisbanite can get to Sydney and for $99, a Sydneysider can get to Cairns, too. Other deals include Brisbane to The Whitsundays for $55, and to Darwin or Uluru for $89; Sydney to the Sunshine Coast for $59, to Hamilton Island for $99 and to Launceston for $49; and Melbourne to the Gold Coast for $69, to Ballina for $97 and to Margaret River for $99. Yes, the list goes on. Tickets are for one-way fares, for trips between January–June 2021, with exact dates varying in each region. So, if you're keen to get away, book some now and start planning. This time, before you get booking, you don't need to do as much work researching the status of interstate borders — because most of the country is now open. At present, only Western Australia has any restrictions in place, with folks from South Australia needing to quarantine for 14 days. Of course, this can change quickly depending on any new COVID-19 cases and clusters, as we've all become accustomed to seeing this year. Jetstar's Christmas sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Saturday, December 19, or until sold out.
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants. Who stars in a movie that’s as much fun for the young-at-heart as it is for the young-in-years? And perhaps even more so? SpongeBob SquarePants. Yes, that absorbent, yellow and porous fellow is back for his second big-screen outing, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. And yes, it really is entertainment for all ages. Here, the titular Bikini Bottom dweller and fast food fry cook (voiced by Tom Kenny) faces a familiar situation oft-seen in the TV series: stopping villainous rival restaurant owner, the pint-sized Plankton (Doug Lawrence), from stealing the secret formula behind the Krusty Krab's krabby patties everyone can't get enough of. Alas, more sinister shenanigans are also afoot thanks to the scheming of pirate Burger Beard (Antonio Banderas), who has his own plans for the recipe, as well as a magical, future-changing book. In its nine television seasons to date, SpongeBob has always tread that fine line between bright and bizarre, silly and surreal, innocent and absurd, and engaging audiences young and old. The first film based on the series, 2004's The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, did the same; however, the latest feature hoists the happy zaniness up another level. Perhaps it is the pedigree of the folks behind the scenes, sharing stints on Rocko's Modern Life and The Ren & Stimpy Show on their resumes. Perhaps it’s the combination of a big heart, an overwhelming sense of openness and a truly offbeat sense of humour. Perhaps, in this instance, it's also the inclusion of a rapping, time-travelling dolphin overlord called Bubbles, voiced by Matt Berry from Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, The Mighty Boosh, The IT Crowd and Toast of London. If it sounds so out-there that it just might be hilarious, you'll probably find it in the film, including a town turning apocalyptic in the absence of their favourite snack, a war waged with condiments dressed up as a tribute to Mad Max and a superhero whose special skill manifests in controlling ice cream. Think stoner comedy with no mind-altering substances required. Expect 3D antics of the most cheerful kind, interweaving joyful slapstick gags — often based around Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke), SpongeBob's starfish best friend — with pop culture references to The Shining and Sergio Leone that are certain to go over kids' heads. And, unlike most similar offerings, such meta musings feel genuine — and genuinely aimed at adults — amid the madcap mania. Living up to the Sponge Out of Water part of its name later in the game, a foray above ground and into live action doesn't fare anywhere near as well as the animated material, coming off unsurprisingly constrained in contrast to the freewheeling underwater revelry — but that's a minor complaint. For fans, spending more time with SpongeBob is always a treat. For the uninitiated, prepare for a cartoon trip that's the very definition of enjoyable, all-ages nautical nonsense.
The legacy of the legendary blues musician Muddy Waters runs deep, from influences on Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love and ACDC's You Shook Me All Night Long, and even to Westmont Pickles—an Australian picklery named after the town where Muddy died. His deepest influence, however, can be seen in his son, Mud Morganfield, and his career that carries the blues-rock torch that Muddy held aloft for over three decades. Although Morganfield was raised away from his father, he's been following in his footsteps for his whole adult life. Morganfield started out in life hauling trucks across the USA, just like his old man did before he found his music. When his father passed in 1983, Morganfield picked up the old familiar instruments and took to creating his own soulful blues ballads, and has been at it ever since. Despite the soulful style and rich vocal timbre Morganfield shares with his father, Mud's sound contributes to the intersection of Chicago Blues and Delta Rock in his own right. With the benefit of intervening decades of musical progression since Muddy Waters left the blues, Mud's sound incorporates modern styles into his oeuvre, but never strays too far from the track his old man beat before him. Catch Morganfield at Bluesfest 2017 in Byron Bay or at his Sydney sideshow at The Basement on Saturday April 8.
With a global population of more than 7.5 billion, it's difficult to know whether individual ambitions to change the world are hopelessly utopian, unwittingly dictatorial, youthfully naïve or a responsibility shirked by the daunted and cynical. Flight Paths, a new play by Julian Larnach, focuses on two young women taking radically different steps to make their presence felt on a global scale. Luisa (Ebony Vagulans) and Emily (Airlie Dodds) are both leaving Australia with their eyes on big change. Luisa's headed for Oxford University, Emily for Kenya to do aid work for an NGO. On opposite sides of the world, they discover that what they thought were clear-cut goals are blurred by factors they couldn't have accounted for. Then a man falls out of the sky. From here, fate starts reeling Emily and Luisa in, entangling them, the stranger and their ambitions. Larnach says that his goal for the work was to "put worlds onstage that I hadn't been seeing, populating them with young characters I hadn't been hearing, in order to prompt discussions about the world we haven't been having". Three separate continents is an awful lot of the world to fit on one stage at Riverside, but if you harbour any hope of revolutionising the planet, imagining them all shouldn't be a stretch. Image: Robert Catto.
Think there's just one Hottest 100 in January? Think again. Indeed, the second important countdown of the month goes rather well with the music poll that just proclaimed Flume's 'Never Be Like You' the nation's best track of 2016. In the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers list, great brews are in the spotlight — and once again, Stone & Wood's Pacific Ale has come out on top. It's the second year that the Byron Bay brewery has been dubbed the country's best yeasty tipple, and their third win overall. With 1600 different beers in the running, winning is no easy feat. Run by GABS — or the annual brew fest also known as the 'Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular', the 'people's choice' poll is decided by booze-lovers around the country, and received its most amount of votes ever in 2016. In massive news for new bevs, 21 brews that first wet lips in the past year were included in the GABS Hottest 100, including the American Pale Ale made by Gold Coast-based, Mick Fanning-co-owned Balter Brewing. And recognising the strength of Australia's indie beer scene, a whopping 80% of drinks hailed from independent brewers. If you're thinking, "less background, more beer", here's what you've been waiting for: the rundown of the best beverages from the past year that just keep tempting tastebuds. Working your way through them isn't just a great way to show your appreciation for locally made brews — consider it research for the 2017 countdown. GABS HOTTEST 100 AUSSIE CRAFT BEERS OF 2016 1. Pacific Ale - Australian Pale Ale - Stone and Wood Brewing Co 2. IIPA - Double IPA - Pirate Life Brewing 3. Hop Hog - American Pale Ale - Feral Brewing Company 4. XPA - American Pale Ale - Balter - NEW 5. IPA - American IPA - Pirate Life Brewing 6. Little Dove - American Pale Ale - Gage Roads Brewing Co - NEW 7. Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - Pirate Life Brewing 8. Crankshaft - American IPA - BentSpoke Brewery 9. Former Tenant - American IPA - Modus Operandi Brewing Co 10. Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - 4 Pines Brewing Co 11. IPA - American IPA - Fixation Brewing Co. 12. War Hog - American IPA - Feral Brewing Company 13. Beechworth Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - Bridge Road Brewers 14. 150 Lashes - Australian Pale Ale - James Squire 15. Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - Little Creatures 16. Newtowner - Australian Pale Ale - Young Henrys Brewing Company 17. Indian Summer Ale - Australian Pale Ale - 4 Pines Brewing Co 18. Kolsch - Kölsch - 4 Pines Brewing Co 19. Barley Griffin - Australian Pale Ale - BentSpoke Brewery 20. Throwback IPA - IPA (Specialty) - Pirate Life Brewing 21. Sonic Prayer - American IPA - Modus Operandi Brewing Co 22. Taco - Specialty Beer - Two Birds Brewing 23. India Red Ale - American IPA - Prancing Pony Brewery 24. Golden Stout Time - Sweet Stout - Big Shed Brewing 25. Korben D. - Double IPA - Akasha Brewing Co 26. Single Fin - British Golden Ale - Gage Roads Brewing Co 27. Three Sheets - Australian Pale Ale - Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 28. Cloud Catcher - Australian Pale Ale - Stone and Wood Brewing Co 29. Karma Citra - IPA (Specialty) - Feral Brewing Company 30. Atomic - American Pale Ale - Gage Roads Brewing Co 31. Coffee Ramjet 2016 - Wood-Aged Beer - Boatrocker Brewing Co - NEW 32. Tusk – Nov 2016 - IPA (Specialty) - Feral Brewing Company - NEW 33. Nail Red - American Amber Ale - Nail Brewing 34. Ramjet 2016 - Wood-Aged Beer - Boatrocker Brewing Co - NEW 35. Dark - Dark Mild - White Rabbit Brewery 36. Summer Ale - Blonde Ale - Mountain Goat Beer 37. Wild Yak - Australian Pale Ale - Yak Ales - NEW 38. Steam Ale - California Common - Mountain Goat Beer 39. Kosciuszko Pale Ale - Australian Pale Ale - Kosciuszko Brewing Company 40. Grizz - American Amber Ale - 2 Brothers Brewery 41. Small Ale - IPA (Specialty) - Colonial Brewing Company 42. Dog Days - American Wheat - Little Creatures 43. Footscray Ale - American Pale Ale - West City Brewing 44. Spearhead - Australian Pale Ale - Cricketers Arms 45. Vanilla Milk Stout - Sweet Stout - Thirsty Crow 46. Modus Pale - American Pale Ale - Modus Operandi Brewing Co 47. Furphy Refreshing Ale - Kölsch - Little Creatures 48. American Amber Ale - American Amber Ale - 4 Pines Brewing Co 49. Nail VPA - American Pale Ale - Nail Brewing 50. Californicator - American IPA - Big Shed Brewing 51. Freshie Salt & Pepper - Gose - Nomad Brewing Co 52. Mt Tennent Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - Pact Beer Co 53. Fat Yak - American Pale Ale - Yak Ales 54. Kung Foo - Pale Lager - 2 Brothers Brewery 55. KRUSH! - American Pale Ale - KAIJU! Beer - NEW 56. Windjammer - American IPA - Green Beacon Brewing Co 57. Reginald - American IPA - Blackman's Brewery 58. Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - Hawkers Beer 59. Session Ale - Australian Pale Ale - Mismatch Brewing Company 60. Calypso - Pale Ale (American-style) - Odyssey Craft Brewing Co. 61. 8BiT - American IPA - Stockade Brew Co - NEW 62. Hop Thief 8 - American Pale Ale - James Squire - NEW 63. The Chop - American IPA - Hop Nation Brewing Co - NEW 64. Sunset Ale - American Amber Ale - Two Birds Brewing 65. IPA - American IPA - Little Creatures 66. Rogers' Beer - American Amber Ale - Little Creatures 67. Watermelon Warhead - Berliner Weisse - Feral Brewing Company 68. Hop Culture - American IPA - Mornington Peninsula Brewery - NEW 69. Miss Pinky - Soured Fruit Beer - Boatrocker Brewing Co 70. Bright Ale - Blonde Ale - Little Creatures 71. Sly Fox - American Pale Ale - Feral Brewing Company 72. Hop Thief 7 - American Pale Ale - James Squire 73. Praline - Belgian Specialty Ale - La Sirène Brewing 74. Copy Cat - American IPA - Mash Brewing 75. Elsie The Milk Stout - Sweet Stout - Batch Brewing Co 76. Fancy Pants - American Amber Ale - Mountain Goat Beer 77. The Fox - Vienna-style Lager - Rabbit & Spaghetti Brewing Co. 78. Growler - American Brown Ale - 2 Brothers Brewery 79. IPA - American IPA - Hawkers Beer 80. Peanut Brittle Gose - Gose - Bacchus Brewing Co 81. Rare Breed: Pulped Fiction Blood Orange IPA - Double IPA - Mountain Goat Beer - NEW 82. Yenda Pale Ale - Australian Pale Ale - Australian Beer Co 83. Garden Ale - Australian Pale Ale - Stone and Wood Brewing Co 84. Hazelnut Brown - Brown Ale (UK-style) - Bad Shepherd 85. Bling Bling - Double IPA - Bridge Road Brewers 86. Beach Ale - Blonde Ale - Odyssey Craft Brewing Co. - NEW 87. Mornington Pale - American Pale Ale - Mornington Peninsula Brewery 88. Fred - IPA (American-style) - Murray's Craft Brewing Co 89. Imperial IPA - IPA (Specialty) - 4 Pines Brewing Co - NEW 90. F-Yeah - American Pale Ale - Big Shed Brewing 91. Session IPA - American IPA - Modus Operandi Brewing Co - NEW 92. Bling - American IPA - Bridge Road Brewers 93. Project #22: Bert (The Royal Albert Collab) - Australian Pale Ale - Colonial Brewing Company - NEW 94. Sourpuss - Berliner Weisse - Wayward Brewing Company 95. B.F.H. (Barrel Fermented Hog) - American IPA - Feral Brewing Company 96. 28 - American Pale Ale - Burleigh Brewing Company 97. Thanks Captain Obvious - American IPA - BrewCult 98. ALT Brown - American Brown Ale - Balter - NEW 99. The Chancer - Blonde Ale - James Squire 100. Hopsmith - American IPA - Akasha Brewing Co NEW — First brewed in 2016.
April Fools Day. It's been a week now and still there are stories circulating the internet which are, in actual fact, hoaxes and jokeses. Have the amazing leaps forward in technology of late turned us all into gullible fools? Personally, I think it's nice there are so many people out there who still believe that almost anything is possible. Here's Concrete Playground's top 3 picks of "technological innovation" suspiciously released on April 1: The Typescreen Oh, but the author in me wishes this was true! It's a typewriting mechanism that integrates with Apple's iPad and it's ever so trendy. Perfect for those who live for the clacking of keys when composing prose. But it's easy to see through it all when you read the fine print of the press release: "Every generation creates a few items that change the way we live forever and help us reinterpret who we are as a society. We are proud of the new Spinning Hat Typescreen™ and are excited to watch its trajectory towards greatness. You're welcome world!" Digital Film Cartridge for Analog Cameras If you're a lover of Leica but craving to go digital, these fake film canisters released by design company Rogge & Pott could be the solution. Purporting to incorporate a pull-out sensor that records images in the cartridge's built-in memory, it connects to your computer via USB to allow for image transfer and charging. The site where you'll find all the details now features an April Fools disclaimer. Turns out heaps of peeps believed the gimmick and are now disappointed that the product doesn't actually exist. The company did discover, however, that with such a widespread interest in the product it might be worth researching the possibility of actually developing it. Henny Rogge says "...there is a gigantic community of photographers with analog equipment out there that is desperately waiting for a product like this to come along." https://youtube.com/watch?v=Bu927_ul_X0 Gmail Motion Try to keep a straight face when watching the model demonstrate gmailing by body movements. In Gmail Motion, the equivalent of pressing "Send" is to make a movement inspired by licking a stamp and whacking it on your knee. It claims easy to learn, simple and intuitive gestures. Plus the opinions of seemingly knowledgeable persons are added into the video for good measure. Amazingly, though, development of technology similar to Gmail Motion is underway at the University of Southern California. Using some of the gestures suggested by Gmail Motion, one of the students demonstrates how it works. In my mind, April Fools Day isn't just for a bit of a laugh. Like science fiction, it inspires inventors to get cracking on the next big thing, which could very well "reinterpret who we are as a society."
The Powerhouse Museum's flagship design program, Sydney Design Week, will return this spring as a live event for the first time in three years, with a curated lineup of exhibitions, talks, film screenings and workshops on offer across its seven days. From Thursday, September 15 till Thursday, September 22, you and your crew can catch the finest in local and international design across the festival's incredible week-long program happening throughout Sydney. Events are set to take place at multiple venues across the city including the newly opened Ace Hotel, Powerhouse Ultimo, Western Sydney University and more. [caption id="attachment_865161" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zan Wimberley[/caption] This year's festival theme, 'Making Now', aims to celebrate the designers, makers and thinkers who are defining culture and design in Sydney and across the globe at this very moment in time, asking the question: who is setting the scene for the future? The program is focused on exploring exciting collaborations and showcasing cross-pollination between rising creatives and renowned artists in a variety of design disciplines including industrial, interior, graphic, sound, scent and scenography from the world of theatre. Need help deciding which events to prioritise to the top of your hit list? Look no further than a keynote address courtesy of designer and co-founder of Doshi Levien, Nipa Doshi, and artist, author, educator and designer Bruce Mau. You can also get inspired at the Making Western Sydney Talks (which includes a guided architectural tour of Parramatta in its lineup) or a series of conversations taking place at the Ace Hotel. Want to get your hands dirty? Join a clay-making workshop led by Karen Black and a team of established and emerging Australian ceramicists at the Ace Hotel's cafe Good Chemistry. Then, marvel at the New Australian Design pop-up exhibition, curated by Emma Elizabeth at Powerhouse Ultimo. Keen to head along? Sydney Design Week will take place from Thursday, September 15 till Thursday, September 22. For more information and to peep for the full program of events, visit the website.
Towards the end of 2012, a bunch of Fairfax photographers decided it was time to do something about one of the Sydney CBD’s most unappealing stretches. Without seeking official permission, the aesthetic vigilantes added more than 40 photos to a wall on Elizabeth Street (near the corner off Goulburn Street) and waited to see what would happen. As it turned out, the Lord Mayor was a supporter and the 'Elizabeth Street Gallery' has remained a fixture. Two years on, the photos have been tagged and dirtied to a point of near-obscurity. So last Thursday, the team — comprised of Nicholas Walker, Andrew Quilty and Dean Sewell — replaced them with a brand new series. This time, however, they received a $30,000 City of Sydney grant to make it happen. "Each of the 42 new photos has been covered in a graffiti-proof laminate," Walker told the Sydney Morning Herald. "It will just wash right off." The funding also allowed scope for a submission and curating process. Photographers were asked to submit "long-form photo essays with the realm of documentary and street photography... In accordance with the photographic principles espoused by its founders, work will be created from real life, without direction or manipulation before or after the taking of any photograph beyond the digital equivalent of traditional darkroom techniques." The six winners were Tom Williams, Daniel Hartley-Allen, Brodie Standen, Lyndal Irons, Josh Robenstone and Marco Bok. "Sydney has plenty of spaces and buildings which could be improved with the intervention of artists," Clover Moore told the SMH. "There is something exciting about coming across art in unexpected locations, like the wall of a car park or a quiet laneway." Via SMH. Photo credit Rita Bila.
For better or worse, you know what you're going to get at most gigs: a large chunk of the most recent album, old standbys and the biggest song during the encore. Not so Amanda Palmer, whose wildly unpredictable approach meant one of her last Australian tours included a beautiful Nick Cave cover, collaborations with the twisted cabaret troupe Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen, raucous versions of her own solo songs and a poem recited in her honour by husband Neil Gaiman. Palmer's now playing with a full band and touring Theatre Is Evil, the new record she funded through a ground-breaking and controversial Kickstarter campaign. Palmer has hit headlines lately with a nude protest song, with current sets have including Dresden Dolls classics as well as more recent work. Equally at home with novelty songs, dark cabaret and audience participation, her shows swing from the sublime to the ridiculous. She stands as one of the most eclectic and unpredictable live performers in contemporary music. The phrase 'expect the unexpected' doesn't quite cover it.
Thanks to the pandemic, it's felt like years and years since Australia scored itself a huge new music festival featuring overseas headliners that took its lineup around the country. Thankfully, that big gap is about to come to an end via Summer Camp, the country's newest pride festival — and only touring pride fest, in fact. And yes, the fact that Years & Years will lead the bill really couldn't be more fitting. Years & Years, aka British singer and actor Olly Alexander (It's a Sin), will headline the new fest's stopovers in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in late February and early March next year, all as part of Summer Camp's four-city tour of the country. The event will also head to Darwin, where the lineup will be led by New Orleans' Big Freedia — who'll play every stop of the tour, in fact. Also on the bill: The Veronicas, Cub Sport and Confidence Man from the local contingent, plus Ladyhawke and Jess B from New Zealand. More acts are set to be announced; however, Kinder, Sycco, The Merindas, Halfqueen, Jawbreakers, Yo Mafia and Art Simone will also be taking to the stage. Summer Camp will tick a lot of firsts: not only is it Australia's first touring pride festival and the first fest in the southern hemisphere to welcome back international headliners, but it'll be the biggest ticketed LGBTQIA+ music festival in the southern hemisphere as well. In addition to live tunes from all of the above across two stages, the festival will feature dance, performance art and art installations, as well as food and beverage offerings. More than 200 artists will be involved all up, including over 150 DJs, drag queens, dancers and performance artists in each city. Given the name, it's clear what kind of vibe that festival founders Kat Dopper (creator of Heaps Gay) and Grant Gillies and David Gillett (creators of Red Mgmt, and former Sydney Mardi Gras marketing and international talent managers) are going for. So, expect a cruisy summer camp-meets-arts and music playground-type atmosphere that's also all about inclusivity and supporting young diverse artists. SUMMER CAMP FESTIVAL 2022 AUSTRALIAN DATES: Saturday, February 26 — Darwin Showgrounds Sunday, February 27 — Centennial Parklands, Sydney Sunday, March 6 — Reunion Park, Melbourne Monday, March 7 — The Ice Cream Factory, Perth SUMMER CAMP FESTIVAL 2022 LINEUP — FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT: Years & Years (Sydney, Melbourne and Perth only) Big Freedia The Veronicas Cub Sport Ladyhawke Confidence Man Jess B Kinder Sycco The Merindas Halfqueen Jawbreakers Yo Mafia Art Simone Summer Camp will tour Australia in February and March 2022. Pre-sale tickets are on sale from 9.40am on Tuesday, November 9, with general public on-sale starting at 10am on Tuesday, November 16. For further details or to nab tickets, head to the festival's website. Top image: Theatrepeople via Wikimedia Commons.
Next weekend, Mardi Gras is rounding out its 40th year with a downright epic finale and nothing's going to rain on its parade. Least of all, some pesky lockout laws. That's right — the NSW Government has agreed to ditch Oxford Street's usual lockout restrictions on March 3, as the famed strip plays host to the annual Mardi Gras Parade and the massive crowds of revellers it pulls. For this one night only, venues in the area will be allowed to let punters through the door beyond the usual 1.30am or 2am cut-off, though they can only serve alcohol according to their usual time restrictions. The law relaxation comes in response to a request by Liberal City of Sydney councillor Christine Forster. She wrote to Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying the move would "be a particularly poignant gesture of reconciliation given the historic passing of Australia's same-sex marriage legislation on 7 December 2017." Via The Daily Telegraph.
Well, we don't know what kind of high-flying career goals you're reaching for this year, but here's one you might want to pop on your list. Domino's is offering one hard-working food-lover the chance to come on board as its new Chief Garlic Bread Taste Tester. Now there's a gem for the ol' resume, if ever we saw one. While the thought of being paid to scoff hot, buttery, garlic-infused carbs sounds like some sort of fantasy, Domino's ain't joking. The company has posted a real-deal job listing for the role on Linked In and is already taking applications. So what's involved in this dream gig, you ask? Unfortunately, it's just a one-day role, but the lucky employee will spend a tasty 7.5-hour work day at Domino's Brisbane HQ, sampling the company's various garlic breads and other products, scoring a sneak peek at future menu items and offering feedback to the team. Here's one of the garlicky dishes you could be getting paid to eat: https://www.facebook.com/DominosAustralia/photos/a.220268216411/10157998133836412/?type=3&theater You'll earn a tidy $30 an hour for your efforts, too. And return domestic flights will be provided if you live outside of Brisbane, as will one night's accommodation if a same day return flight isn't available. A lunchtime pizza feast is also included, so leave the packed lunch at home. Domino's has thrown down a few key qualifications you'll want to have if you're applying for the job, including "a detailed understanding of the pizza and garlic bread relationship", "a history of reviewing other people's food choices" and "working tastebuds". It's also after someone with at least five years' experience in garlic bread consumption — which is peanuts compared to what most of you seasoned garlic bread fiends would have under your belts. If you're ticking all of Domino's boxes for the gig, you'll probably want to have some degree of carb obsession and a solid grasp of the perfect 'crunch to softness' ratio. Oh, and vampire-identifying folk need not apply. To apply for the Chief Garlic Bread Taste Taster role, you'll need to complete the Domino's survey and apply via a 30-second video or 200-word essay, before Monday, October 7.
It's no secret that small businesses have copped it particularly hard in the past couple of years. So, this holiday season, American Express is encouraging Aussies to shop small to help these local businesses recover from the COVID-19 blow. To do so, it has teamed up with Gill Minervini, the newly appointed Festival Director of the much-loved Sydney event, Vivid Sydney. In the spirit of the season, Minervini has created spectacularly festive installations in shop windows in the hopes that it'll get people out stomping the pavements for a dose of festive joy — and shopping up a storm at their local bricks and mortar stores while they're at it. The first lucky small business chosen for these luminous displays is Collector Store. The Aussie brand's flagship boutique on Oxford Street in Paddington is home to an eclectic mix of art, clothing, homewares and even furniture — it's safe to say you'll be completing a chunk of your gift list in one fell swoop here. [caption id="attachment_836143" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Art on King owner Joni Stephen (left) and Gill Minervini (right).[/caption] Alternatively, you can catch the display at Art on King in Newtown. The long-running King Street store is a must-visit for all things art — from luxe paintbrushes and bookbinding supplies to watercolour sets and charcoal pencils. Head to either shop from Monday, December 6 to check out the brilliant installations. Each display was conceived to incorporate facets of the brands, owners and local communities, so take time to explore it in great detail and see what you can find. Then, head inside to pick up some gifts for your loved ones — or a few treats for yourself. Top image: Collector Store
The digital age means even our eating habits are revolutionised. Soon we'll be getting our dinners from 3D printers. But in the meantime, the creatives behind IconPark have cooked up a far more tasteful way to shake up the hospo world. Found on Darlinghurst's Stanley Street, IconPark is a shopfront like no other, as the foodies who'll be working there are all crowd-selected on a season by season basis. After hosting a crowdfunding comp to elect their first tenants, Stanley Street Merchants topped the food chain above the 117 other entrants and six finalists. The Merchants, whose cuisine reigned supreme, will begin their inaugural residency next week. For the first season — lasting 12 weeks — you'll be dining from a sustainable, locally foraged menu by award-winning chef Matt Stone. Melbourne's St Ali will bring artisan spirits and coffee to the venue, while Bobby Carey (Shady Pines, Riley St Garage) and Jeremy Spencer (West Winds Gin) will host the "MASH-meets-Motley Crue" styled cocktail bar. For those of you without a gift certificate, you needn't be left wanting. Bookings are available to the general public 9am on Friday, April 25. Exclusive booking access goes to Concrete Playground readers (woo!), who can make a reservation here.
If you're the type of traveller who doesn't just plan where you'll be staying and what sights you'll be seeing, but also what you'll be drinking while you're there, then add Australia's latest accommodation option to your dream holiday list. A collaboration between caravan rental site Camplify and The Botanist Gin, Salty the Van is the country's latest gin-themed caravan — after the pair first teamed up to bring some juniper spirits to your getaways in late 2020. Yes, a bottle of gin will be waiting for you when you get there; however, that's not all that this holiday spot on wheels has to offer. Firstly, it has made its base in completely a different location — and different state — so you can add it to your list if a Gold Coast vacation is in your future. Painted in beachy blue and white hues, the vintage Viscount caravan comes with an outdoor table and chairs, and an awning, but it's the lineup from The Botanist that'll make you thirsty. During your stay, you'll be sipping from a complimentary 700-millilitre bottle of The Botanist gin and a four-pack of Fever Tree tonic waters. So, you just need to get mixing, sipping and sitting wherever you decide to park the caravan — which'll need to be within 50 kilometres of Tugun. If this sounds like your kind of getaway, the new Botanist Van is available to book from Friday, April 9 through until the end of June from $100 per night. It sleeps four people, and there's a three-night minimum stay during off-peak times and a five-night minimum in peak and school holiday periods. You will need to get cosy over a weekend to receive the gin pack, though, as it comes with Friday–Sunday bookings. To book The Botanist's new van — with prices from $100 per day, and rentals available within 50 kilometres of Tugun in Queensland until February 30, 2021 — visit the Camplify website.
He Made She Made, apart from being an awesome name, is also a spot for up-and-coming designers and artists (and all things in between) to show off their skills. It's fitting, then, that they want to help you get some random cool stuff for your loved ones in time for the baby Jesus's birthday. Their Random Xmas Markets might provide you with a prezzie for that extra difficult creative cousin. Or you might decide that she just isn't getting a present this year, because you're keeping it. What kinda stuff will be there? Included in the mix of small emerging studios are The Fortynine, a multi-disciplinary collaborative design studio who know how to make funky stools, Qwux and the Rah Collective (again, not just a rad name), Marcue for lovers of fancy shoes, Agogwe + Ötso and the creative workshop on wheels of Kit Palaskas.
When a huge global pride festival is heading Down Under for the first time — making its debut in the southern hemisphere, in fact — how do you celebrate? For Sydney WorldPride, there's a dazzling list of options. The LGBTQIA+ fest will hit town from February 17–March 5 with 300-plus events, and it's dropping its full lineup on Wednesday, November 9. It's also setting up a giant rainbow sand sculpture to help kick off the fun. On that very day, to add something else stunning to the program launch — other than the program itself, that is — a giant Sydney WorldPride rainbow sand sculpture will grace the Bondi Pavilion forecourt. The festival team are making a big deal of the occasion because it deserves it, and because it'll also be 100 days until the event itself kicks off, with this sandy rainbow taking up residence just from sunrise to sunset on the Wednesday. Head on down and you won't miss it. Expect it to feature in your social feeds heavily, too. The sculpture will measure 2.4 metres in height and 4.5 metres in width, and is apparently the largest rainbow sculpture of its kind. Spectacular sights and Bondi Beach naturally go hand in hand, of course. The famed Sydney stretch of sand is also known to host extra eye-catching attractions — a statue of Borat and a Stranger Things rift have all graced the spot in the past. Also, Sydneysiders have had plenty of rainbows to enjoy recently, all celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. Darlinghurst is famously home to a rainbow crossing — and in Surry Hills, the City of Sydney implemented a lengthy path in Prince Alfred Park decked out in the same multicoloured stripes. Also, Coogee also has its own cheerfully hued monument, turning part of the suburb's beachfront into a rainbow walkway. Sydney WorldPride's one-day-only rainbow sand sculpture is the first in a whole heap of rainbow art and installations coming to the Harbour City, and Greater Sydney as well, courtesy of around 45 free public artworks spanning everywhere from the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to the Scenic Skyway in Katoomba. Before the full lineup is announced, the fest has already unveiled big-name events like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade to Oxford Street, Kylie Minogue headlining the opening concert, plus MUNA and G Flip doing the same at the closing gig. Find the Sydney WorldPride at the Bondi Pavilion forecourt from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, November 9. Sydney WorldPride will run from February 17–March 5, 2023. For more information, head to the event's website. Images: Destination NSW. Thinking about Sydney WorldPride's big opening gig, Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert, too? General admission tickets have sold out, with only Sydney WorldPride's affordability option left — but you can still head along thanks to Concrete Playground Trips. The Sydney WorldPride package includes tickets to the Domain Dance Party and Live and Proud: Opening Concert, plus three nights at the PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney.
Right. It's November, 30 days hath it and it's pretty grand, on the whole. Nevertheless, everybody seems to be in a great hurry to leapfrog it and get straight to the insanity of Christmas. If you're currently enjoying the mild comforts of spring and think it should be illegal for more than 75 percent of your family to gather in one location to consume large amounts of food, try putting the festivity brakes on in one of Sydney's mainstage theatres before the halls (and one of your tipsy uncles) get well and truly decked.
At a train station in India, a young girl begins to sing while a man watches, rapt. He is a tea seller, but no one seems to notice the small stall where he brews chai. He begins to tell a story — an Indian fairy tale. The station is crowded, but the stage contains only one performer. Guru of Chai is the latest work by New Zealand theatre company Indian Inks. Jacob Rajan performs the show solo, adopting seventeen different characters and a good deal of shadow puppetry to tell the tale of seven daughters plotted against by their stepmother. This one's been doing the rounds for a few years now and picking up glowing reviews all along the way. Diving through layers of truth narrative and style, Guru of Chai is pure storytelling and by all accounts a completely transporting experience. Image: Robert Catto.
An ideal summer arvo of sipping should be two things: refreshing and aesthetically pleasing. Whether it's a grassy backyard or sunshine-soaked dining room, lo-fi picnic or no-expense-spared soirée, there are more than a few ways to elevate your summer cocktail hour, be it for yourself or if you're inviting all your faves. Well versed in adding fizz and flavour to a party is CAPI, the family-owned and -run Victoria-based bev company that works creatively and passionately to deliver liquids that hit the mark on flavour with all natural ingredients and locally sourced water. Its latest release? Three summery cocktail mixers, bottled beautifully and only awaiting a few shots of your preferred liquor. With a ready-to-go cocktails in the fridge, your friends on the way (or the next chapter of your book at the ready) and some of these aesthetically pleasing recs locked down, your at-home cocktail hour will be a true summer delight. START WITH THE SIPS Your afternoon drinks menu is looking persuasive thanks to CAPI's new cocktail mixers. A charred pineapple daiquiri, perhaps? With the tropical sweetness balanced with slightly charred caramel notes and the cocktail's signature squeeze of lime, all there's room for is ice, rum and summer thirst. Can't go past a marg? We get it. But when you're leaning into an arvo with good company, you don't want to be hitting pause on the fun to shake your libation. This margarita mix is almost certainly lower in sugar than your local's pour, and combines Aussie limes, a lick of orange and the sweet kick of agave. Like it hot? The best people do. The spicy watermelon margarita mix beckons for your bottle of tequila, slices of the melon alongside and a chilli-salted rim. Each eight-serve bottle is a fully recyclable (like each and every item in CAPI's lineup of more than 20), but that's just the start of the brand's sustainability specs: bottles are freighted aboard mostly electric vehicles, are made from a minimum of 40% recycled glass (and are then 100% recyclable) and the company partners exclusively with freight providers who are committed to reducing carbon emissions — we're into it. SERVE UP WITH A SIDE OF COLOUR Don't think properly plating up changes the flavour of your food? Well, it certainly doesn't hurt. This is something the glassware gurus at Fazeek can attest to. Its range is bright, bold, architectural and a treat to look at (and dine off). For a lo-fi touch, pre-prepare your cocktail of choice and house it in the Vice Versa Carafe, then nab the Pearl Platter and pile it high with pickled veggies, a hunk of hard cheese and some rough-cut focaccia. Serve a salad in style and grab some of the delightfully different vessels — think rippled coupes or highballs — in differing shades. Expecting to host well into the night? Keep it bright with these striped candles and structured holders, and lean back to enjoy the golden glow of a balmy summer evening. [caption id="attachment_878061" align="alignnone" width="1918"] Javi Trapero[/caption] SNACK SENSIBLY We're calling it, it's going to be the summer of snacks: the salty and delicious gilda (pictured above) is finding its way onto many a menu, we're looking to long share-style meals that allow us to try it all and our tendency to finish a weekend with a pot-luck picnic is a nice tag-along to daylight savings. If you've got guests, ensure you're all fuelled by requesting they bring a plate of bite-sized morsels. Suggest the aforementioned gildas, a briny pintxo classic that sees an olive meet the salty hit of an anchovy and a pickled pepper. Or take the reins and grab your jarred goods, skewers and a funky plate, and lean in to the Mediterranean art of grazing away the daylight hours. Crusty bread alongside is a non-negotiable. [caption id="attachment_877977" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @handsshopau[/caption] ADORN YOUR TABLE Flirty and fruity — everything you want your cocktail arvo to be. After you get one of your five-a-day from your cocktail, get another from your table accessories. This woven pear placemat is an attention-demanding balance of on-trend and kitsch. Grab enough for all and set your table, or nab just one and use it at centrepiece. There are crabs and cakes, yellow pears and apples — all available from the cuter-than-cute Hands Shop, which brings the wares of local and international makers to Newtown's Australia Street. [caption id="attachment_878038" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @kane_lehanneur[/caption] CREATE SHADE No one has the time (or desire) for burnt skin, so ensure you've got pockets of shade while you while away your arvo. If you're outside, opt for an expertly, sturdily crafted — and delightfully artful — umbrella. This one sees Basil Bangs join forces with Kane Lehanneur, the Sydney-based multidisciplinary artist known for his fluid, large-scale floral works. Lehanneur created the print exclusively for the shade-slinging Northern Beaches brand, delivering an aesthetically pleasing way to dodge the rays with a cocktail in hand. CURATE SOME BOPS Last yet absolutely not least, you'll want to elevate the vibes of your summer sipping with a playlist chock-full of bouncy beats. If you're looking for a goodie, wrap your ears around funk-lords Groove Therapy's Mood Booster playlist. Or if you're after something slightly more ambient (with some dancy undertones), chuck on Spotify's Pollen playlist for guaranteed good vibes. Take your summer sips to the next level with CAPI cocktail mixers. Head to the website to have your bottles delivered, or find them in your nearest Dan Murphy's or Coles.
What'll start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, then spread plenty of sports around Victoria? Every year, the AFL season does just that — but soon, the Commonwealth Games will as well. Just four years out from the event, and mere months away from 2022's games in Birmingham, England, regional Victoria has been named as the event's 2026 host. While the opening ceremony will take over the MCG — where else? — the games themselves will play out in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland. Each spot will operate as regional hub, scoring their own athletes' village and sports programs, and spreading the event around the state in the process. [caption id="attachment_831273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria[/caption] And, because the 2026 Commonwealth Games really are set to take advantage of as much of Victoria as they can, Shepparton will also host sporting and cultural events, too. If you're wondering exactly what'll be hosted where, it's been proposed that all of the aquatics events happen in Geelong, as well as hockey, gymnastics, table tennis, beach volleyball and the triathlon. Gippsland could host badminton and rugby, athletics and boxing has been earmarked for Ballarat, and Bendigo looks set to welcome weightlifting, lawn bowls and squash. The cycling program will likely take place from Gippsland to Bendigo, while Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland would all host cricket. And, there'll be a para sport program as well, with para athletics, para swimming, para lawn bowls, para table tennis, para triathlon and para powerlifting already locked in. It's official: the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be the Regional Victoria games. — Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) April 12, 2022 Announcing the news, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said that "it's a great honour to have Victoria chosen as the host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games — we can't wait to welcome the world to all of our state." It's estimated the 2026 games will give the Victorian economy a$3 billion boost, creating more than 600 full-time jobs before the event, as well as 3900 jobs while they're on and another 3000 afterwards. The Commonwealth Games will also feature cultural events spread across the state, and the Queen's Baton Relay will race through Victoria's various regions in the weeks leading up to the opening ceremony. And yes, Australia only recently held the games, back in 2018 on the Gold Coast. Also, this means that Australia will host two huge sporting events in the next decade, given that Brisbane has already been locked in as the site for the 2032 Olympic Games. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in regional Victoria in 2026, with exact dates to be announced. For more information, head to the Commonwealth Games website and Victorian Government website. Top image: StephenK1997 via Flickr.
Oz Harvest are a charity that rescues food that would be wasted and redistributes it to local charities. To date they’ve rescued almost 6 million kilograms of food that would otherwise have been landfill. For this Good Food Month, they have a series of food trucks which will be dotted throughout the CBD. By day they'll be offering affordable Middle Eastern favourites like hummus, tabouleh and falafel ($5-15). For every $1 the trucks raise, Oz Harvest will be able to provide two meals to people who need them. By night, the trucks will serve free meals to the homeless or hungry. You can also purchase a meal 'forward', meaning it goes to those in need. Check out the rest of our top ten picks of Good Food Month here.
Sightseeing and fine dining have been combined in a joint project between the Swedish appliance corporation Electrolux and the Italian architects of Park Associati to create what has to be one of the most surreal restaurant experiences ever to be had. They've developed 'The Cube', a pop-up portable restaurant made with laser-cut aluminum for easy assembly and take-down. Like the Greenhouse, which will soon leave Australian shores for a European tour, a pair of the pop-up 'cubes' will travel around Europe and sit atop historical monuments, famous buildings or breathtaking landscapes, beginning its journey at the Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels on April 1. The dynamic duo will then make appearances in unexpected locations in Italy, Russia, Switzerland and Sweden. There are even rumours that one of the intended destinations has the restaurants plopped in the middle of a lake. The Cubes are equipped with eco-friendly Electrolux appliances for international chefs to whip up delectable delicacies, a single-table dining room that seats 18, which can be raised to the ceiling after dinner to create a lounge space and a 538-square foot terrace that ensures picturesque views of the surroundings. Destination dining just took on a whole new meaning.
When Bran Nue Dae started singing and dancing its way across Australia back in 1990, the production made history, becoming the world's first Aboriginal stage musical. In the years since, it has won awards, inspired a making-of documentary and been adapted into a film of the same name. Now, the show is returning to the country's stages for its 30th anniversary. In January 2020, a new production will open in Sydney, followed by seasons in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. While exact dates haven't been announced, the revival is being spearheaded by Australia's premier opera companies under the banner of Opera Conference — with Opera Australia, Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia and the West Australian Opera all collaborating on the national tour. If you need a refresher on the story, Bran Nue Dae heads back to 60s-era Western Australia, with teenager Willie hitchhiking his way from his mission school back to Broome — all to reunite with the girl he loves. As written by Jimmy Chi and his band Knuckles, it also features two hippies, a wily Uncle and a German priest. While Chi sadly passed away in 2017, Knuckles will once again direct the musical component of the show. Original production director Andrew Ross is also returning, but just who he'll be gracing his stage hasn't been determined. Bran Nue Dae will feature a 15-performer cast, all except one of whom will be Indigenous, with auditions set to be held in Broome, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne. Check out the trailer for Rachel Perkins-helmed, Rocky McKenzie, Jessica Mauboy, Dan Sultan, Deborah Mailman and Ernie Dingo-starring 2009 movie version below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtLbLBi5Jyk Bran Nue Dae will play in Sydney from January 2020, then tour to Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, with dates yet to be revealed. For more information and to join the ticket waitlist, visit the production's website. Image: Bran Nue Dae, the film adaptation.
'I Miss You' isn't just the name of a beloved blink-182 song. It isn't just a track they'll likely bust out on their 2024 tour Down Under, either. It's also the vibe being felt around Australia right now, clearly, because the band's tour keeps proving a huge hit — and adding new dates. Last week, blink-182 revealed that they were reforming their classic lineup of Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker, then hitting the road — and that Aussie fans would get their chance to see the end result live in February 2024. Then, they added more dates before tickets to the first gigs even went on sale, because the demand was already that huge. Now, another batch of shows is being added again. The first run of dates is already sold out, with tickets to those shows going on sale on Thursday, October 20. Now, one extra show per city has been added in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide — and tickets for those are up for grabs at 12pm local time today, Friday, October 21. Perth residents can now try to score tickets for Thursday, February 8 at RAC Arena, Melburnians can do the same for Monday, February 26 at Rod Laver Arena, and Sydneysiders can have an extra shot in Friday, February 23 at Qudos Bank Arena. As for Brisbanites, they have a new date on Wednesday, February 21 at Brisbane Entertainment Centre to pick from. DeLonge, Hoppus and Barker will play with Rise Against in support, starting their Australian run in Perth, then head to Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane — then back to Sydney and Melbourne. For three decades, blink-182 have been the voice inside punk and rock fans' heads, especially in the late 90s and early 00s thanks to albums Enema of the State and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Now that they're back together after DeLonge left the band in 2015, blink-182 are also recording new music together, with single 'Edging' out now. Expect to hear everything from 'Dammit' and 'Josie' to 'What's My Age Again?' and 'All the Small Things' live, though. BLINK-182 2024 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Thursday, February 8–Friday, February 9 — RAC Arena, Perth Sunday, February 11 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Tuesday, February 13–Wednesday, February 14 + Monday, February 26 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Friday, February 16–Saturday, February 17 + Friday, February 23 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Monday, February 19, Tuesday, February 20 + Wednesday, February 21 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Blink-182 will tour Australia and New Zealand in February 2024. Tickets to new shows in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne go on sale at 12pm on Friday, October 21 local time. For more information, head to the Live Nation website. Top image: Jack Bridgland.
Human beings are relentless in the search for extraterrestrial life, even though we've been conditioned to fear alien invasion since H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds. Nevertheless the search continues, and advances in technology could make it possible to explore every nook and cranny of the universe. NASA's exploration of Mars has lead to incredible discoveries, most important of which has been of the traces of methane in the atmosphere that suggest either geological or biological activity going on beneath the seemingly dead surface. Of particular interest are the Seven Sisters, seven large gaping holes in the surface which could be havens for past or present life forms. Unfortunately, the rovers sent to the surface couldn't enter them. Aron Kisdi, an engineer at the University of Southampton in the U.K., has thought of a solution to that problem. Kisdi has proposed the use of miniature swarming robots programmed to maneuver like honeybees, which could explore the Seven Sisters, recording temperatures and co-ordinates of sites where life might be lurking. Insect-inspired robots have already been tested closer to home: Swarming Micro Air Vehicle Network (SMAVNET), is a swarm of flying robots developed in Switzerland to aid rescuers in disaster areas, whose behaviour is modelled on army ants. It will be a while before human-built insect-robots are crawling all over Mars though, according to Kisdi the availability of enough energy to power them on long missions is a major challenge.
There are some places in which you don't want to be locked in — like in an elevator with your ex, for example. But locked inside a pub, with a bevy of bartenders whipping up speciality cocktails that will be doing the rounds? Well, lock us up and throw away the key, baby. Luckily, we've got tickets to the lock-in event of the year. To celebrate the launch of their new cinnamon and chilli Fiery Irish Whiskey Liqueur, the crew at Dubliner are hosting a one-night-only lock-in at the freshly renovated Bitter Phew pub in Darlinghurst on September 16 — and you can be in to win. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of a lock-in, it's a historic bar movement in Ireland — and if you were invited to join, you'd done something right with the locals. After everyone else went home, it was a chance for some lucky punters to stay on with the bartenders to enjoy more drinks and camaraderie when the pub became 'private property' for the evening. Now Dubliner is bringing this concept to life at the Bitter Phew's brand new secret bar area, in a special treat for some lucky Concrete Playground readers. There are 25 double passes to the lock-in up for grabs, so you can bring a mate (or a spice-loving date). Don't worry, we're using the term 'lock-in' fairly loosely here. Those lucky enough to attend will just enjoy a bloody good night out and be the first to party in the exclusive new event space. It's a pretty ace way to christen the new area — enjoying tasty eats, live music from a leading Sydney DJ, and of course, deliciously spicy cocktails using the new Fiery Irish Whiskey Liqueur. If you want to recreate those cocktails at home, you can nab Dubliner's Fiery Irish Whiskey Liqueur from Dan Murphy's and BWS from $49.99. But we recommend coming along and seeing how the experts mix 'em first. If you're keen to throw your hat in the ring for tickets, firstly, make sure you're over 18 — for obvious reasons. (Yes, IDs will be checked at the door.) Then make sure you can get along to the Bitter Phew at 1/137 Oxford St in Darlinghurst on the night in question — the lock-in will be taking place from 7pm—9pm on Friday, September 16, making it the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Want to nab tickets to the hottest party in town? Just answer the question below. [competition]866418[/competition]
With the dawn of the 21st century, humanity was gifted a new power — the extraordinary ability to multitask, albeit quite badly. Needless to say, this also changed the way we entertained ourselves. As MSN Messenger became popular, the grand tradition of vaudeville seemed to falter and fade. With the rise of smartphones, circuses and fairs experienced dwindling crowds. For a while, the public lecture seemed as though it too would go gentle into that good night. Until now. Two Up is an organisation that invites two specialists to come and enlighten an audience on two completely different topics. Each speaker gives a short lecture on their chosen area before the floor is opened up for questions. The multitasker, a prolonged spasm of phone and watch-glances in a single-subject lecture, returns home satisfied, convinced they have extracted twice the information that a regular person could wring from a single evening. Past talks have pitted explanations of Chinese ink painting against arguments for strong narrative in science reporting, or thrown a discussion of Australia's pokies addiction into the fray against the case for solar energy. Two Up's first session of 2017 will combine digital protection with ethical fashion as HackLabs' Chris Gatford and Courtney Sanders from Well Made Clothes wax technical about their professions. This will be the first of the lectures to take place in Cake Wines Cellar Door in Redfern. Although the ideas alone should sufficiently inebriate, the additional lure of wine may tempt the otherwise unwilling housemate.
For one special night, join the boozy ranks of sailors and bootleggers at this chaotic gin-fuelled stage show Hot Gin Punch. Hosted by Maeve Marsden and Libby Wood – the standout leads in the critically acclaimed production, Mother's Ruin: A Cabaret about Gin – Redfern's Giant Dwarf theatre will come to life with a stellar evening of musical theatre, cabaret and comedy, plus a few potent cocktails. Held Saturday August 11, at the heart of this event is a shared passion for everybody's favourite juniper-based liquor. On arrival to this "vaudevillian wonderland", audience members will be greeted with a complimentary G&T, while throughout the evening the bar will be serving up Four Pillars gin and tonics and barrel-aged negronis. There'll also be a menu of gin-spiked snacks, designed by Bloodwood chef Claire Van Vurren. Headlined by celebrated stage performer Queenie van de Zandt, she'll be joined on stage by fellow entertainers Brendan de la Hay, Toby Francis and Sepora. The show kicks off at 7.30pm, but get down early for a winter warmer from 6.30pm in the theatre's courtyard. Hot Gin Punch takes place at Giant Dwarf, 199 Cleveland St, Redfern, from 7.30–9.30pm.
These days you can get mostly anything delivered. You can get someone to pick up a meal from your fave restaurant, get a bottle of wine delivered on a scooter, order an emergency burrito stat and, hell, Melbourne's even getting its own bacon delivery service. But you know what's been missing from this delicious, convenient equation? Ice cream. Specifically, Gelato Messina. Well, have we got news for you. In the latest breakthrough for yummy things you don't have to leave your house for, Messina is now delivering tubs of their glorified gelato straight to your door through premium restaurant delivery service Suppertime. Yep, this summer you won't even have to leave the house (or line up in a hectic queue, for that matter) to get that crazy-good icy sweet stuff in your belly. Apparently it's been a long time coming. "We've always wanted to offer delivery to our customers (especially those lazy ones who won’t get off the couch!), but haven’t been set up for it in the past or had the right partner," says Messina co-founder Declan Lee. "We’ve known the Suppertime guys for a while and are excited to put our precious product in their hands." The delivery service will be available in both Melbourne and Sydney from today. Deliveries will be sent out from the Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Bondi and The Star stores in Sydney, and its three Melbourne locations, Fitzroy, Richmond and Windsor. So if you live in those areas, your eating ice cream in bed dreams are about to come true. Just head to Suppertime, plug in your postcode and see if they'll deliver to your address. This is great news all-round because, if you've ever been stuck in the swarm that is a mid-summer Messina queue, you'll know that ordering your one-litre of salted caramel and white chocolate online is a wise decision. Gelato Messina will start delivering in selected areas in Melbourne and Sydney from today. To order your ice cream, go to suppertime.com.au
You may remember Ben Lee as the 13-year-old singer in the band Noise Addict, or for his ARIA Award-winning record Awake Is the New Sleep that changed the face of contemporary Australian music. Lee has gone in a new direction with his new album, which will be showcased on Thursday, April 11, at Paddington Uniting Church. The Sydney-born and LA-based singer-songwriter has travelled back to Sydney to celebrate the release of Ayahuasca: Welcome to the Work, which will hit stores April 23. This will be Lee's ninth solo album, and maybe the most controversial, as the album focuses on his experiences with the South American psychoactive brew, Ayahuasca. All of the album's profits will be donated to charity, half to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and the other half to the Amazon conservation team.
Everyone that's ever bought a piece of furniture knows the usual IKEA experience. You block out as much time as possible, wander through its cavernous halls, dream about everything you'd like to do to your house or apartment, spend too long filling a bag or trolley, then go home with plenty of new things to find places for (and a hefty wishlist for next time). But the Swedish retailer has been shaking up that routine in 2022, courtesy of a few new initiatives — including its just-announced Australian-first Sustainable Living Shops. Already this year, IKEA has started an online marketplace for ex-display, pre-loved and discontinued products in Australia, and also launched its first Australian Plan and Order Point location in Melbourne — a concept store at Highpoint Shopping Centre where you can chat to someone one-on-one about kitchen makeovers and wardrobe organisation, then order right there. The Sustainable Living Shops will take you back to the brand's usual locations, though, offering a store-within-a-store setup that's all about helping customers make eco-friendly choices. Inside, shoppers will find products to assist with reducing your climate footprint at home — so things that'll aid you in using less energy and creating less waste. LED lightbulbs that last 25,000 hours, energy-saving light control systems, rechargeable batteries, blinds that trap heat, cooling pads, mattress protectors that help control the temperature while you sleep: they're all on the shelves here. So are energy-efficient induction cooktops, home solar systems and water-saving showerheads. IKEA clearly wants to do the environment a solid, and do its part to help its customers to — and it's positioning the new sections as a cost-of-living boost, too. Plenty of the products in the Sustainable Living Shops are designed to bring about savings, like not having to buy lightbulbs as often, or batteries, or run heating and cooling systems. In total, the brand is setting up ten locations within its existing stores, with IKEA's Rhodes, Marsden Park, Canberra, Springvale and Perth sites already home to their own Sustainable Living Shops. Next comes Adelaide by December 4, then Tempe by December 18 and Logan by December 25. Then, Richmond will join the list sometime in January 2023, followed by North Lakes in April 2023. IKEA's Sustainable Living Shops have started to open around Australia, including at the chain's Rhodes, Marsden Park, Canberra, Springvale and Perth stores already, with further sites to come by April 2023. Keep an eye on the IKEA website for further details.
A tiger, or even a volleyball called Wilson, wouldn't go astray in Adrift. Instead, this seafaring survivalist drama attempts to keep afloat on the strength of Shailene Woodley's performance. The talented star can do many things, from bringing a semblance of life to the bland Divergent franchise, to comfortably holding her own against some of today's best actors in TV's Big Little Lies. But she's given a tricky task in this unremarkable drama, with Adrift wading through waters tackled by better, similar films, even though it's actually based on a noteworthy true story. Woodley plays the real-life Tami Oldham, a restless twentysomething who finds herself in Tahiti in 1983. Eager to explore the world — and to avoid going home to San Diego — Tami is looking for her next globe-trotting adventure, but finds love instead with fellow sailor Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin). Their courtship is as quick and breezy as the wind their shared passion for boating relies upon, making the decision to take a friend's yacht nearly 6000 kilometres to America a relatively easy one. Once the couple are on their way, however, a thunderous hurricane has other ideas for their planned romantic journey. With Oldham's ordeal having taken place more than three decades ago, director Baltasar Kormákur (Everest) and his team of three writers clearly hope that the details have slipped from the public's collective memory. Or, at the very least, that no one in the watching audience knows what happened or has ever read Oldham's memoir. They're the only reasons that can possibly explain Adrift's two storytelling missteps: sticking to a unimaginative formula and leaning too hard on its love story.When the movie isn't charting a course straight through the same territory previously traversed in All is Lost, The Mercy and Life of Pi (in the last decade alone), it's jumping backwards and forwards in its timeline to ramp up the amorous aspect of the narrative. To the film's detriment, neither following the usual template nor mixing a potential tragedy with romance proves anything other than routine. Still, just as it takes grit to try to stay alive when nature trashes your boat in the middle of the ocean, it also takes fortitude and determination to play someone trapped in such stressful circumstances. Woodley is at her near-best as Oldham, never giving the plucky protagonist superhero-like strength or abilities, and never losing sight of both the physical and emotional toll that arises when you think your life is about to end. It's the same kind of empathetic portrayal that has served Woodley well across her career, and it's well-suited to this rare female-centric dive into the survivalist pool. Her co-star Claflin is given little to do other than take on the token love interest part. Pushing a determined woman to the fore and rendering the male character as a supporting player, it's a role-reversal that doesn't escape attention, although Adrift doesn't capitalise upon it as much as it could've. As Everest illustrated, Kormákur is fond of tense true tales about courage in the face of seemingly fatal adversity. As his 2012 Icelandic movie The Deep also demonstrated, the filmmaker is similarly drawn to life-or-death exploits in the water. Adrift owes a little to both but falls somewhere in the middle; it's as driven by incident and spectacle as the former, yet also proves as intimate as the latter. As a result, when Woodley isn't stealing the show, her unforgiving surroundings — and Robert Richardson's (Breathe) glossy cinematography — jostle for attention. Indeed, a stripped-back version of the story that simply focused on its star tussling with the sea would've made for compelling viewing. But by giving it the standard disaster flick approach and trying to tug at the heartstrings as well, Adrift sadly starts to sink. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LunQJEnmNdU
Pubs, restaurants and cafes around the country have been forced to close, meaning the loss of many hospitality jobs — and it's all happened very, very quickly. According to website I Lost My Hospo Shift, at last count, 2585 Aussie hospo workers had lost their jobs and 13,195 shifts had been cut, which equates to over $2 million in lost wages this week alone. To help those impacted by the sudden changes — and those without access to Job Keeper, such as those on temporary worker visas — a bunch of top Aussie chefs, including Matt Moran (Aria, Chiswick, Barangaroo House), Luke Mangan (Luke's Kitchen, Glass Brasserie) and Neil Perry (Rockpool Bar & Grill, Rosetta, Spice Temple), are getting behind a new financial relief initiative: Help Out Hospo. Started by Sydney group Momento Hospitality, the 'by hospo, for hospo' program works on a donation basis, providing you with access to a bunch of how-to videos featuring culinary legends, so, you can take your cooking and cocktail game to the next level while you're stuck at home. In turn, your donation will go directly towards supporting bartenders, chefs and waitstaff in need. It's a win-win. Donations start from $10 per video course — a pretty small price to pay when you're learning how to master a roast porchetta, barbecue pulled pork, stir a mean negroni or dry martini, and whip up a big, comforting bowl of pasta that even nonna would approve. Taught by some A-class chef and bartenders, no less. So far, the initiative has raised over $35,000. While it was started by Momento, any venue can sign up, post a video and receive financial support, too. So if you're in the industry and would like to get involved, you can make an enquiry via support@helpouthospo.com.au. To check out the courses on Help Out Hospo and donate, head helpouthospo.com.au.
Now that it's basically the end of the year (sorry, but it is), it's once again time to hit up Sydney's best outdoor venues. And, to help you get straight into it, Sydney's Wayward Brewing Company and Bondi Bowling Club have joined forces to bring you one helluva Sunday session on Sunday, November 24 from 2–10pm. The lawn bowls party is chockas with freebies, starting with a complimentary tinnie of Wayward's raspberry sour for every single punter through the door. Plus, you'll be able to play lawn bowls free of charge (if you can nab a green quick smart) and there'll be a free sausage sizzle for the first 200 people. And tinnies will be just five bucks throughout the whole afternoon and night. There'll also be DJs spinning tropical house tunes and beach pack giveaways from day until night. Entry is (of course) free, but you should RSVP here.
Broadbeach has never really had to work too hard to convince people to visit. The laidback vibes, excellent dining scene and ample swimming spots that give the suburb its name do most of the heavy lifting. But if you are a little harder to impress, the good people at Tourism and Events Queensland are rising to the challenge and cordially inviting you to plan a long weekend away to the Gold Coast for the annual Blues on Broadbeach festival that runs from Thursday, May 18 to Sunday, May 21. With 22 years of experience under its belt, the 2023 incarnation of Blues on Broadbeach will be the pay-off of a well oiled machine. And, while the organisers have had some time to fine-tune their ability to put on a stellar music festival that showcases authentic rhythm and blues music, this year's program could very well be their best yet. As well as a lineup of national and international artists performing across the precinct's multiple stages, streets and parks, the four-day-long fest will fold in a massive selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, and a host of accommodation options. Meaning you can stay right in the heart of the festival and enjoy live music at your actual doorstep. Kind of worried about blowing the budget? Fear not, because Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia's largest free music festivals and it's generally non-ticketed, so you can just rock up and play it by ear (pardon both bad music-related puns). So, if you're heading in from interstate, set your Google alert to track flight prices and round up some mates. Otherwise, if Broadbeach is closer to home for you, take your time and pop in and out as you please. Either way, whether its your first pilgrimage to Blues on Broadbeach, or your 22nd, we're going to call it now and say it probably won't be your last. Blues on Broadbeach is on from Thursday, May 18 to Sunday, May 21, 2023. For further details, head to the website.
Ever wanted to start an art collection but remembered you’re too poor? Yeah, us too. Thankfully, Art Pharmacy has the remedy for our woes. In their one-off exhibition, Stimulate/Sedate, over 100 pieces from 20 artists will be available for purchase starting at just $70, no prescription necessary. As suggested by its name, the exhibition is an artistic exploration of "moments of complete invigoration and tranquillity that unravel into mystery and transform the mundane”. Mediums range from watercolour to oil, so there is something for nearly every taste. For those looking to satisfy their actual palate, the Veggie Patch Van will be there with their signature vegetarian specialties. Beverages from Rutherglen Wines, Nudie Juices, Elk Cider and Mountain Goat will also be available. To spice things up even more, live performances will be put on during the event. These include an art show by four of the Art Pharmacy’s talented artists, as well as musical acts Tristan Grassik, Burn Antares and Letters to Lions. Stimulate/Sedate is the final exhibition of the year for aMBUSH Gallery, and an exhilarating show to bring 2013 to a close for both it and Art Pharmacy.
The tropics of North Queensland are a beautiful part of the world in themselves, but there's nothing wrong with amping up your experience to the nth degree – and the Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa is the right place to do just that. Especially after you've had a very long week/month/year at work, or when the dreary winter in Australia's major cities is dragging you down (that's dry season up here — i.e., the best time to visit). The resort stands in the beachside village of Palm Cove and is close to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, as well as Cairns (hint: crocodile adventures). You can head out onto the reef on one of the many snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing and seaplane tours that set off from here, or venture into the forest on horseback, 4WD, zipline or on your own two feet (the Daintree comes with a bounty of treks for all experience levels). Alternatively, stay in town and appreciate a slower pace of life. A walk along the palm tree-lined esplanade will not only make the reason for the town's name abundantly clear, it will bring you to cafes serving that perfect eggs and avocado breakfast you need to nourish you in the morning and restaurants with inventive tasting menus that transform dinner into an event. The hotel itself has accommodation from studio spa rooms ranging through to apartments with private rooftop spas and plunge pools. If you don't want to spring for your own private body of water, there are three more pools in the resort, and two spas – bring your bathers and goggles. Resident restaurant Temple of Tastes will serve up modern Australian cuisine with a bit of a South East Asian twist; or, if you're in full bathrobe and slippers mode from a day at the on-site Vie Spa you can order from the full in room dining menu.
When Netflix added DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story to its catalogue in 2022, complete with WandaVision, Mare of Easttown and American Horror Story actor Evan Peters playing the titular IRL murderer, it popped another true-crime effort on its ever-growing pile. Whether Zac Efron is playing Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, the sadly finished Mindhunter is tussling with real-life killers, or The Serpent, The Stranger and The Good Nurse are also dramatising reality, the streaming platform isn't short on movies and shows that bring grisly slices of history to its queue. Next up: the Menéndez brothers. When DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story proved a hit, as it was predictably going to, Netflix made the next least-surprising move it could: it renewed Monster as an anthology series. At the time, the service revealed there'd be at least two more seasons— "two more instalments that will focus on other monstrous figures who have impacted society", in fact — but exactly who would be in the spotlight wasn't announced. Now, the platform has named Lyle and Erik Menendez as Monster's next subjects, and advised that Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will arrive in 2024. There's still a shortage of details otherwise, including exactly when next year viewers will be streaming the show and who'll be starring in it — but this too is a well-known true-crime story that's earned plenty of media attention before now. In a teaser to announce the series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story plays the infamous 911 call featuring Lyle sobbing on the night that his parents died. For those new to the story, Lyle and his younger brother Erik were investigated, tried and convicted for the 1989 shootings of their parents José and Mary Louise 'Kitty' Menéndez, who were killed in their Beverly Hills home. Monster creator and prolific TV producer Ryan Murphy remains behind the series, adding another anthology effort to his resume after American Horror Story and American Crime Story. And whoever he gets to play the brothers, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story isn't the only new dive into their tale that's heading to Netflix. The platform also announced that it's making a documentary feature about the case as well, aided by exclusive access to Lyle and Erik. Check out the teaser announcement video for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story below: Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will stream via Netflix in 2024. We'll update you with an exact release date when one is announced. DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is available to stream now via Netflix. Images: Netflix.
What could possibly be more Sydney than gathering seven of the city's most diverse musicians on the rooftop of a Parramatta carpark, and asking them to combine their music with dance, video projections and art installations for an epic one-off multimedia performance? Not much, really. And, as such, this is precisely what the Sydney Sacred Music Festival plan to do with a brand new work called Worlds Collide, which will be premiered atop said rooftop this September. In conjunction with Riverside Theatres, the festival's artistic director Richard Petkovic has gone about finding some of the best (and most culturally distinct) musicians in Sydney in an effort to take Australia's multicultural roots to the mainstream after he recognised a noticeable lack of diversity in the local music scene. "We've got these fantastic artists from different backgrounds — amazing DJs, amazing world musicians — and this is a great new work that represents us all," says Petkovic. "I do a lot of work in Western Sydney, and there I was able to find these hidden treasures in our community." So the choice of location — the rooftop of Parramatta's Wentworth Street carpark — was a natural choice. It's a unique venue and, according to Petkovic, represents where real people live. "I've always wanted to do an event on a carpark roof and when I looked at it I thought, 'this is not a gig that is going to suit people in a seat'," he says. "I want people to move, dance, get excited and really engage with the event." Musically, styles will span everything from world music to dance; meditative drones and sacred African chants will combine with the hip hop rhymes of Mt Druitt's Esky the Emcee and South Asian underground beats of Coco Varma's Sitar Funk. Art installations from Khaled Sabsabi, Marian Abood and Ghasan Saaid will also be featured. Sydney Sacred Music Festival begins on Friday, September 2 at Pemulwuy (Prospect Hill) with a performance from internationally acclaimed artist William Barton. Worlds Collide will kick off from 7pm the following night on Saturday, September 3 on the rook of the Wentworth Street carpark, Parramatta. You can buy tickets here. Image: Jens Thekkeveettil.
From the youthful rough and tumble of 1973's Mean Streets, to the bona fide masterpiece that is 1990's Goodfellas, to the Boston-set crime machinations of 2006's The Departed, Martin Scorsese's filmography is filled with gangster movies. Throw in 1996's Casino as well, and the acclaimed director has basically become synonymous with the genre. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his latest film once again steps into the mobster fold — or, given Scorsese's penchant for working with the same actors over and over again, that it tasks a heap of familiar faces with getting down and dirty in America's criminal underworld. In the pipeline for years (since back before 2013's The Wolf of Wall Street, in fact), The Irishman corrals Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel into quite the true tale — of organised crime in the US post-World War II, as experienced by union official and hitman Frank Sheeran. De Niro plays the main role, while Pacino plays notorious union boss Jimmy Hoffa, with the movie particularly interested in the ongoing mystery that is the latter's disappearance. If that's not exciting enough, there's also the fact that Pesci — who won an Oscar for Goodfellas — makes his first on-screen appearance in almost a decade. The rest of the cast features plenty of big names, too, including Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Jack Huston and Jesse Plemons. And, because The Irishman's story spans decades, there's also the movie's use of 'de-ageing' special effects, with De Niro and Pacino playing their characters in both their younger and older versions. With the film releasing via Netflix sometime this spring, the fact that a filmmaker of Scorsese's calibre is making a huge, star-studded, potentially Oscar-worthy movie for the streaming platform is also notable, as well as a sign of the times. For those keen to see the great director's first flick since 2016's Silence on a big screen, watch this space (and probably cross your fingers, too). The Irishman will premiere at this year's New York Film Festival in September, and receive a limited theatrical release in the US; however, whether Netflix will pop it into cinemas Down Under has yet to be revealed. Check out The Irishman's first trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3hh68LpkWQ&feature=youtu.be The Irishman will hit Netflix sometime this spring — we'll update you with a release date when it's announced.
Over a hot, tumultuous summer, a group of teenagers struggle with love, sex and betrayal. Like an artsy Australian version of an episode of Skins, writer-director Rhys Graham's debut feature Galore is an earnest and technically confident piece of filmmaking but noticeably lacking in stakes. Like so many other tales about teens behaving badly, the overblown drama on which the movie hinges never really seems that important. Lush cinematography and natural performance ultimately make little difference when you just don't care about the story. The film takes place around the outskirts of Canberra, a few weeks before the devastating 2003 bushfires. Puberty Blues star Ashleigh Cummings plays 17-year-old Billie, whose voiceover bookends the film. Her best friend is Laura (Lily Sullivan), an aspiring writer and the girlfriend of skater boy Danny (Toby Wallace). She's thinking about giving Danny her virginity, and goes to her life-long BFF for advice. What Laura doesn't know is that Billie is already sleeping with him. In short, it's exactly the kind of angst-ridden rubbish that makes you glad you're no longer in high school. Petulant and manipulative, Billie treats life like a sordid little soap opera in which she's the tragic star. The reality of the situation is far less kind, not to mention a whole lot less interesting. The movie's dramatic inflation of Billie's selfish behaviour may strike a chord with teenage audiences, although they'll probably be bored by the film's deliberate pacing. Adults, on other hand, will just want to throttle her. The poor plotting is unfortunate, because in other areas the film is quite strong. Despite Cummings being saddled with a deeply unsympathetic character, both her and Sullivan give intensely authentic performances. The same is true of newcomer Aliki Matangi as Isaac, a troubled but good-natured youth who gets caught up in Billie's drama. The weak link is Wallace as the mopey, uncharismatic Danny, whose blandness makes the love triangle that much more difficult to comprehend. Graham also deserves credit for his graceful visual direction. While handheld camerawork and sun-dappled cinematography aren't exactly new tricks for an Australian made indie, there's no discounting the beauty of the film's setting, nor the elegance with which Graham, a Canberra local, brings the sleepy location to life. But the skill all comes to naught in the service of such an uninvolving narrative. Both Graham and his cast likely have bright futures ahead of them, sure to be filled with far more accomplished projects. Go and see them, but give Galore a miss. https://youtube.com/watch?v=iRWbh_TOLdw
