Every picnic has its staples. You need a blanket and a basket, plus plenty of nibble-type snacks like cheese, crackers, charcuterie and grapes. And, you obviously need something to drink. Because Australians not only like wine, but like it in bulk and in easy-to-carry containers, that's where casks can come in — and The Dolphin has something far more classy than your average box of fruity lexia on offer. As part of the Icebergs Group's premium cask range, The Dolphin Wine Room is selling ten-litre casks it's calling the Big Orange. No prizes for guessing what colour it is. Made by Owen Latta of Latta wines, it's a casked natural vino which blends a range of grapes into an amber-hued tipple. Initially available at the beginning of 2019, it's now back for the summer thanks to a new batch. Sourcing most of its fruit from the Pyrenees in Victoria, Owen's 2019 Owen's Big Orange features viognier, sauvignon blanc, merlot, chardonnay mixed with a bit of pinot noir, and syrah with a touch of nebbiolo. They're combined in roughly equal parts, with some riesling grapes from central Victoria also added in. As well as being sustainably farmed, the grapes are all sourced from low-impact vineyards. If you're keen on a cask — for a picnic, for your cupboard, for Christmas lunch or for a gift — you can buy one to takeaway from The Dolphin Wine Room. It doesn't come cheap, though, with this big beauty setting vino-lovers back $250. If you're just eager for a taste, the Big Orange is also on the menu in-house at The Dolphin, Icebergs Terrace and CicciaBella. Grab a glass for $9 or a one-litre carafe for $50. The Big Orange is available for takeaway from The Dolphin Wine Room, or by the glass or carafe at The Dolphin, Icebergs Terrace and CicciaBella.
That's right, REMI and Sampa the Great are getting back together and touring the nation. Titled Fire Sign, their adventure will bring tunes, hip hop and poetry to big cities all over the country, where every show will see a set from each artist, followed by a joint finale. If you've been keeping an eye on the collaborations between REMI's Remi Kolawole and Sensible J, and Sampa The Great, you'll know that last year they joined forces to create 'For Good', a single that appeared on Divas and Demons, REMI's second album. Featuring a bunch of other special guests, the album took REMI to sold out gigs and several festivals, including Splendour, Field Day and Falls. Meanwhile, Sampa The Great has been going great guns since releasing The Great Mixtape, her debut album in 2015. You might've caught her at WOMAD, Laneway, Sugar Mountain or Golden Plains. From Sydney to Melbourne, Perth to Darwin, expect epic shows from the artists, plus surprises in the form of unannounced performers and a variety of support acts.
There’s something disarming about 'irishness'. It has a geniality to it that speaks of the salt-of-the-earth everyman that every other man wants to have a pint of Guinness with. From the moment the first lilting, colloquial sample of dialogue is delivered in The Beauty Queen of Leenane, you’re instantly poised for a rollicking good time. And certainly, that’s what you start off getting; it’s only as the play progresses through the first act that sinister undertones begin to germinate and a compelling psychological dimension reveals itself. Set in 1989 in a small village in Galway County, Ireland, the play zooms in on the dysfunctional relationship between Maureen (Mandy McElhinney), a sexually frustrated sole care-giver with a history of mental illness, and Mag (Judi Farr), her cantankerous elderly mother. Written by renowned Irish playwright Martin McDonagh (who was actually born in London) at the ripe old age of 25, The Beauty Queen of Leenane has played to audiences around the globe since it was first performed in 1996. The writing is both subtle and bold in style. The brash, hearty Irishness of it tempered with tense, loaded stillness. McDonagh toys with our sympathies and inverts our notions of victim, villain and hero as the psychological interplay between Maureen and Mag becomes all the more disturbing and complex. In the Sydney Theatre Company’s production, director Cristabel Sved has taken an understated but gutsy approach, handling McDonagh’s nuanced material with expert finesse, allowing moments of comedy and tragedy to fluidly interlace. It certainly helps having a stellar cast, who each carry the material and the weight of a thick, drawling rural Irish accent with authentic ease. The two leads (Farr and McElhinney) deliver particularly strong performances, drawing you into their claustrophobic little world and not letting you out until the lights come up. The two male supporting actors (Darren Gilshenan and Eamon Farren) also deliver noteworthy performances, especially Farren who wears his character like a second skin, inhabiting entirely the adolescent affectation of Rae Dooley, the reluctant messenger. A quiet but integral player in the production is the detailed set design by William Bobbie Stewart, which effectively represents the stuffy, stagnant, insular world of Mag and Maureen — the ideal breeding ground for disease and dysfunction. The Beauty Queen of Leenane promises to be “hilarious, cruel, irreverent, abandoned, constrained, horrific and, sometimes, all of these at once rubbing furiously together” and, without a moment's lapse, delivers in spades. Image by Tracey Schramm.
Prefer to make up your own mind about whether an artwork is awesome or awful? Disruptive revolutionary Stefan Simchowitz is leaving the art critiquing entirely up to the viewer when he takes over Sorry Thanks I Love You (STILY) this month. That Simchowitz has been dubbed 'the Patron Satan' of the art world by The New York Times should give you some idea of what to expect — or what not to, more accurately — when his in-store art project pops up at the concept retail space. Kicking off with a thought-provoking launch event on Thursday, July 19, the exhibition sees Simchowitz showcase large-scale oil paintings from LA-based post-internet artist Marc Horowitz, all in a format that's far from traditional. You might love it. You might hate it. Either way, the neutral setting and minimal media noise means you'll be free to decide either way. Grab tickets to the launch event to be among the first to pass judgement — you'll enjoy complimentary bubbly as you browse the works, soak up the art vibes and shop STILY's diverse mash-up of wares. Image Credit: Andy Braithwaite
Winter may be nearly over, but that doesn't mean we're ready to stop treating ourselves to delicious comfort food just yet. And, of all the belly-warming bites available, melted cheese has to be up there as one of the best. The alpine-inspired Swissôtel Sydney has been dishing up the perfect solution to our cheesy dreams this season: Swiss fondue. The hotel's take on the retro meal features emmental and gruyere (and gorgonzola if you so wish) melted together with white wine and garlic. The mix is delivered to your table in a steaming pot, ready for you to dip into with the bite-sized selection of sides including bread, meatballs and vegetables. To help you enjoy the very last few days of winter, we've teamed up with Swissôtel to give you and three mates access to this delectable fondue experience — for free. Tradition says that whoever loses their bread in the dip has to buy the group drinks but, luckily, your prize also includes a carafe of mulled wine. We'd still recommend dipping responsibly though — your mates might hold you to it the next time you're out. To enter, see below. [competition]684148[/competition] Images: Jesse Jaco.
Think Bondi Beach, and you're instantly thinking about sun, sand and surf; however, once the middle of winter hits, it's all about the ice ice baby. For the entire month of July, the Bondi Winter Magic program is back with an avalanche of frosty fun — including turning its famous beachside area into a ice skating rink. This year's event isn't just about sliding across a frozen surface, though. Prepare to scale great heights and wander through a feast of entertainment. For the first time, the former comes courtesy of the Bondi Eye, a 32-metre high ferris wheel serving up the best views in town (and keeping you safe from the chilly sea air in fully enclosed rotating gondolas). The latter arrives in the form of Bondi Feast, a pop-up winter festival of comedy, music, theatre, storytelling, visual arts, hot foods and — of course — mulled cider. If that's not enough fun, there'll be history walks, free art and music on the streets, and markets every Sunday. Or, experience something different courtesy of Books by the Beach. Yep, it's a pop-up outdoor library, and it's a great way to take a break from the action.
Owner of Barrel and Beast Jared Ingersoll is somewhat of a commitment-phobe. At least, he is when it comes to choosing a location of his much-loved eatery. Opting to go down a non-traditional path, Ingersoll is all about the pop-up business model. As the name implies, Barrel and Beast is known for it's barrel-stored alcohol, and the use of the whole animal in the cooking process. The restaurant takes pride in creating a cosy atmosphere complete with shared tables, as well as locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. For the entirety of winter, Barrel and Beast has found a home on Foveaux Street, Surry Hills. Prior to this it was in Pyrmont. Come spring, Ingersoll has hinted at a new location for the restaurant across the bridge. Barrel and Beast pop up will run until the end of August at 65-67 Foveaux Street (past the red door). Bookings can be made by emailing contact@bottleandbeast.com.au.
Art on the Streets is, yep, art on the streets. And not just any streets. It'll be on the streets of Bondi, harking back to what those Impressionists did with the whole 'en plein air' thing. But rather than creating it outside, this time they're just selling it outside. Art on the Streets will see emerging visual artists selling their works out in the open at the Roscoe Street Mall. Handily, on the same day at the Bondi markets. The aim is to make the works affordable and easy to view. And why not make a Bondi day out of it? On the day you'll also be able to get your hands all dirty (in a chalky way) by chalking up the streets with your own pavement piece. And before you head there, measure up that wall you've always been wanting to buy something for. You just never know what you might find.
Having established itself as a summer favourite in Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne over the last few years, The Royal Croquet Club is finally gearing up for its Sydney debut. After a false start last year — in which the event was cancelled at the last minute — the outdoor festival is set to take over Bondi Beach next month. Gracing the shoreline from November 24 to December 4, the ten-day event promises all the fun and flavour of its interstate incarnations, offering up a buffet of live entertainment, experiential arts, food, drink, and — of course — more than a few games of croquet. The al fresco festival will see revellers of all ages and skill levels hitting the central croquet pitch, with some of Sydney's best food on hand for refuelling in between games. And the fun continues away from the mallets too, with a lineup of local and international artists dishing up live tunes, and an assortment of unique pop-up food stalls and bars for further indulging in that summertime spirit. Dining-wise, prepare for a feast of flavours on the shores of Bondi, with some of the city's favourite eateries serving up their best wares. That includes Milky Lane's first-ever fish-and-chips burger (named The Frying Nemo), Hoy Pinoy's Filipino street food, Mamak's Malaysian meals, Bao Stop's fluffy, filled, steamed buns, and Old City Kitchen & Bar's Middle Eastern delights. And if you're after something sweet, yes, Gelato Messina will be serving up their indulgent desserts. Previous Royal Croquet Clubs have been treated to their ice cream creations in Campbell's Soup-like tins, so we've got pretty high expectations. Of course, all of that mallet-swinging is bound to work up a thirst, which is where a number of watering holes come in. Prepare to sip and swig your beverages of choice at the Pol Roger Champagne Garden, Captains Tavern, Yalumba Vine Room and Pimms Garden Shed. Fashion stalls, markets, and an array of health and wellness events will round out the RCC experience, which is expected to pull a 60,000-strong crowd for its first Sydney stint. The Royal Croquet Club Sydney will come to Bondi Beach from Thursday, November 24 to Sunday, December 4. For more information as they announce it, check back here or visit royalcroquetclub.com.au. By Libby Curran and Sarah Ward.
Auckland's Clap Clap Riot have a tendency to whip up a raucous, good-vibin' crowd; the dudes can't help it. Armed with catchy-as-blazes hooks, singalong singles and loud, loud amps, the foursome are rampaging across the Tasman for a short run of Australian dates down the east coast; stopping at Melbourne's Shebeen, The Brightside in Brisbane and Sydney's FBi Social for a genuine humdinger of a mini-tour. Showcasing their second album Nobody / Everybody released in February, the foursome have moved away from the more rock-steady sound of their wildly successful debut Counting Spins (which casually debuted at #1 on the Official NZ Album Chart). Produced and mixed by Kody Nielson (The Mint Chicks / Opossom) and engineered and mastered by Olly Harmer (The Naked and Famous), their second release is peppered with handclap-worthy singalongs and '60s throwbacks; a cleaner, catchier package all round. Hitting FBi Social with applauded singles 'Everybody' and 'Cold As Ice' and brand newie 'All About The Weather', Clap Clap Riot are a surefire live shindig for your Saturday. Supported by The Upskirts + special guest. https://youtube.com/watch?v=h6Yk0jyoIlY
If a Hollywood screenwriter devised a story about an elderly French filmmaker, a younger street artist and their rural travels to plaster eye-catching, over-sized portraits on crumbling buildings, it probably wouldn't get very far. Even for a buddy comedy, the concept seems a little too unlikely, doesn't it? That's the beauty of real life, and of the movies that depict it. The above situation did occur, it has been captured on film, and it drives one of the best documentaries of the year. From the gorgeous, heartwarming effort that is Face Places, to an exploration of the treatment of rats, to an astonishingly intimate dance documentary, that's what the Antenna Documentary Film Festival is all about: telling truthful tales, including those that seem stranger than fiction. The 2017 program features more than 50 shorts and features, giving Sydney cinephiles plenty to watch between October 10 and 15 — including these five must-sees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRSteoTFx9U FACES PLACES If everyone in the world looked at strangers in the same manner as Belgian-born filmmaker and French New Wave icon Agnes Varda, we'd be living in a much, much happier and kinder society. The almost 90-year-old's empathy, enthusiasm and understanding drives Faces Places in two ways: in the photographs that she takes with street artist JR, and in the film that chronicles their snapping — which is then followed by printing out giant versions of their pics, and plastering them on the walls of rustic, historic buildings. In fact, her attitude towers over the film in the same way her artworks loom over villagers below, and the impact is just as enchanting. Accordingly, love, life, creativity, connection, accepting others and acknowledging that nothing is permanent are all a part of this charming documentary. Oh, and goats as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36iHKZmeH60 BRIMSTONE & GLORY It's human nature to stare at the sky whenever fireworks ascend to the heavens. We hear the popping sound, spy the bright flashes of light and simply can't help ourselves. Set in the tiny town at the heart of Mexico's fireworks industry, Brimstone & Glory captures that feeling more effectively than anyone could've expected. Indeed, the gorgeous and immersive documentary commits the vibrance of watching colourful explosions twinkling above to film as it charts the locale's National Pyrotechnic Festival, explores the lives of those both working and watching, and proves as spellbinding as the substance at its centre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9xQrdMAfhE PHOTON No big deal, but Photon endeavours to encapsulate everything we know about life and evolution. Actually, the experimental documentary by Polish video artist Norman Leto is a huge deal. Time, space, stars, humans, the big picture, the small details: expect them all, in an effort loosely based by physicist David Deutsch's The Fabric of Reality. Blowing up microscopic images, adding animation and chatting about the universe, it's the surrealist science lesson you didn't take in high school, as well as the out-there nature doco you won't see on the nature channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7oITFo7rHg SPETTACOLO Think Tuscan life sounds like bliss? With its scenic sights and laid-back vibe, it likely comes close; however, no matter where you reside, daily living always has its struggles. So, the inhabitants of the 136-person town of Monticchiello found a way to work through their issues and try to maintain their relaxed atmosphere: each year, they get together, turn their lives into a play and perform it in their piazza. The results of one particular effort, which might be their last, informs Spettacolo — which sees Marwencol's Jeff Malmberg evolve from documenting miniature battlefields as a way to work through anxieties to turning an entire village into a stage production. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Glv_kh07Ew VENUS Let's talk about sex might've been quite the fitting title for Venus, if it didn't immediately get Salt-N-Pepa's 1991 hit stuck in everyone's head (although we're not sorry about that). Regardless of the documentary's moniker, discussing sexuality is exactly what the women in Mea Glob and Mette Carla Albrechtsen's film do — honestly, intimately and candidly. The filmmakers placed an ad for subjects, received 100 responses and recorded the auditions. Little did they know that those astonishing to-camera chats would become the actual movie. The Antenna Documentary Film Festival screens at Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Norton St and the Museum of Contemporary Art from October 10 to 15. For the full program, head to the festival website.
Gallery-hopping is always more exciting in the romantic half-light of evening, wouldn't you agree? Similar to Art at Night last year, Precinct Nights offer you the golden opportunity to enjoy a spate of art venues open late, transforming your art viewing into an after-hours adventure trail. Participating precincts include Paddington/Woollahra, Alexandria/Waterloo, Surry Hills, Chippendale/Redfern, Rozelle, and East/Darlinghurst. Rozelle's night also features some performance events that have caught our eye: for example, dLux MediaArts presents DTV, an outdoor screening of single channel artworks in the Artereal Gallery car park. Precinct Nights is part of Art Month 2013. Check out our guide to the festival's ten best events here
At this year's Sculptures By the Sea, you needn't content yourself with merely spectating. Thanks to the chipper folk at Suntory Whisky and Neighourhood Bondi, there'll be an opportunity to create your own masterpiece. And not only will it provide you with artistic satisfaction, it'll come with a top-notch single malt. Every Thursday evening during the exhibition, Suntory Whisky ambassadors will be heading to Neighourhood Bondi to host ice carving classes. For just 25 bucks, you'll get to shape your very own, perfect, hand-carved ice ball before covering it in a nip of Suntory Whisky Japanese Harmony and sampling your work. Simultaneously, you'll be served with canapes and a Suntory Kakubin Highball. There'll be just three classes all up — 22 and 27 October and 5 November, from 6.30pm. Tickets are strictly limited, so book a spot by emailing bookings@neighbourhoodbondi.com.au.
It's safe to say Gami Chicken and Beer has secured its status as one of Melbourne's go-to fried chicken joints, slinging its signature, Korean-style chook from 12 locations across the city. After opening first Sydney only last month, it's about to launch its second, opening in Castle Hill in early August. And, to celebrate, Gami is giving Sydneysiders a few very good reasons to jump on board, handing out a whopping 1000 pieces of its boneless fried chicken — for free. These fried chicken morsels — RSPCA-approved and rocking Gami's signature blend of 17 herbs and spices — will be up for grabs from noon–12.30pm and again from 5.30–6pm, on both Thursday, August 2 and Friday, August 3 at the new location. The chain has yet to mention any restrictions, such as one piece per person, so we suggest heading in with an empty stomach. Once you're hooked, you're probably going to want to schedule a return visit pretty quick, to try other Gami favourites like the chicken spare ribs, the vegetarian chicken and the aptly named Potato Heaven, featuring three layers of cheesy potato goodness. Gami's fried chicken giveaway will run from noon–12.30pm and again from 5.30–6pm on both Thursday, August 2, and Friday, August 3, at Shop 16, Castle Towers Shopping Centre, Castle Hill.
"I've never wanted to look young; I want to look great". Great is an understatement: Joyce Carpati's ensemble is unashamedly chic. Dressed in head-to-toe black, the octogenarian sports a classic braided up-do, flashes a statement lip and is positively dripping in pearls. Pearls, feathers and fur aplenty — not mention many an outrageous hat — make Advanced Style a visual feast. Based on the blog of the same name by Ari Seth Cohen, the documentary flies in the face of today's youth-obsessed fashion culture, exploring the eclectic flair of seven New Yorkers aged between 62 and 95. Cohen teamed up with Lithuanian-born filmmaker Lina Plioplyte to spend four years shooting the low-budget documentary with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. The small scale of the production comes through in the intimacy of the finished feature. The documentary give us insight into the lives of these unique New Yorkers, weaving together vignettes of their personal stories in a structure that is at times rambling yet nevertheless engaging. You simply can't help but be captivated by the bright red eyelashes of Ilona Royce Smithkin, a 93-year-old art teacher whose falsies are cut from her own flame-coloured hair. Or take Tziporah Salamon, the 64-year-old who spends seven years perfecting a single ensemble and refuses to cycle with a helmet because "every outfit has a hat". The documentary skilfully portrays the diversity of these seven women. They range in age, taste and socioeconomic background; one has a penchant for Chanel handbags, while another worries about rent and (somehow) manages to create striking jewellery from used toilet paper rolls. At the same time, however, the film doesn't shy away from the shared reality of ageing. Concerns over lost loved ones, responsibilities as carers and missing out on motherhood arise, as well as the difficulties of physical disabilities that come with getting older — ex-dancer Jacquie Tajah Murdock is legally blind and still looks fabulous. These more serious moments lend real humanity to the individual women and depth to the film as a bold and refreshing celebration of ageing. These seven women are a testament to a future the rest of us can all look forward to — an age when we'll also have the self-confidence to team bright red eyelashes with look-at-me lipstick and a giant feather boa. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9g5FOEG99yo
Piecing together Ron Howard's petrol-headed extravaganza Rush is a bit like piecing together one of the F1 racers that this film is so in love with. It begins as little more than a mishmash of scrap metal. A love interest here, a chiselled six-pack there, but nothing quite manages to gel together to create a cohesive whole. Once the various touchstones and expectations of the biopic genre have been ticked off, a more fully formed picture begins to take shape. When the film finally does take off, somewhere near the hour mark, it has all the power and explosive energy of a supercharged engine. Well, it almost does. For anyone with even a smidgen of gasoline running through their veins, the 1976 Formula One season is the stuff of sporting folklore. For the rest of us, Rush is your classic tale of warring rivals: McLaren's loveable British rogue, James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) versus Ferrari's reigning world champ, and the biggest "asshole" in racing (this is not my judgment, this is the film's recurring insult-of-choice), Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl). If the trailers are anything to go by, then Rush is targeting two groups of movie-goers: (1) those who like their movies filled with vintage cars whooshing across pretty landscapes and (2) those who like their movies filled with porny shots of a shirtless (and often pants-less) Hemsworth. While the film includes plenty of both, these are perhaps Rush's weakest points. The early race scenes look more like well-funded car ads then the work of the guy that made A Beautiful Mind, and Hemsworth, while perfectly adept at shouting expletives and glaring angrily, ain't no Marlon Brando. His attempts at bad boy charm are consistently wooden and occasionally quite laughable. Because Hollywood has inundated us with so many films about fast cars, filmmakers cannot simply show a couple shots of burning rubber and shifting gears and expect audiences to get a rise out of it. The stakes need to be higher. When Rush does set the bar higher, the film is quite irresistible. Once Howard shows us what makes these two racers click, we begin to care about them, with every race becoming a thrilling, heart-in-mouth experience. We feel their fear when the film puts us in the driver's seat and when the camera cuts to the reaction shots of loved ones. These shots do not simply instruct our emotions but actually reflect them. Much of this emotional engagement is thanks to Brühl's star-making turn as Lauda (for those playing spot the actor, he's the Nazi soldier in Inglourious Basterds). Apart from his uncanny resemblance to the real Lauda, the loveable German makes a delightful prick. His single-mindedness modulates from callous to hilarious to downright heartbreaking over the course of the film. And while Rush is, at times, a bit of a mixed bag, Brühl's engrossing performance provides the picture with the sort of poignancy that would put the kazillionaires at Marvel to shame. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZKqB987FpMI
Kill Devil Hills are a folk-tinged five piece from Western Australia who have a heart-and-ball-rending sound. Variously described as swamp-rock, jungle-punk, country-rock and the blues, their songs are a ragged susurration of sorrow; a raw acknowledgement of the unsettling and inexplicable sadness that lurks within the human heart. That’s not to say their music is melancholic or dreary; it’s rousing and incendiary, and serves the soul well when you’ve been drinking too much. Their story-telling ballads first secured them Triple J radio airplay in 2005 with the release of Heathen Songs, and they are renowned for their stomping performances both in the studio and on stage. They have just returned from an all-encompassing 40-date odyssey through Europe with an arsenal of tantalisingly troubled new tracks in tow for their fourth album. On Thursday August 18, Kill Devil Hills are offering punters a preview of tracks from their forthcoming album at the Annandale Hotel. Get down to see music that has – at its soul – excitement, anger, and sadness; ennobled by courage and sincerity. This is music that will surge magnificently through your brains and your blood from the soles of your feet.
If you've been dreaming about a new set of wheels to help you gracefully glide into the sunny season, the legends at Amsterdam-born bike label Lekker can help you out. This weekend, the company's Sydney store will host another edition of its ever-popular 'garage sale' filled with bikes, bargains, eats and beats. The party starts pedalling at 10am on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 at Lekker's cheery Surry Hills store (conveniently located on the Bourke Street bike path). Those in the market for new wheels will be able to test ride a few different designs, and, if all goes well, buy one — all bikes, accessories and parts will be discounted, some by up to 50 percent. Backing up the fun and embracing those sweet autumn vibes, there'll be a soundtrack of groovy tunes, plus free pancakes and beer. Don't risk a sleep-in, though — Lekker's past sales have seen pretty hefty lines of punters keen for those bicycle bargains and you don't want to miss out. Lekker Bikes Garage sale will run from 10am–5pm.
Alice Osborne is determined to reclaim her identity. The performance artist is rebelling against the archetype of the 'fallen woman' — the woman who has sinned, the woman who has lost her innocence, and the woman who has betrayed society. Combining video installation, theatre and text, Falling Woman paints a surreal portrait of survival and self-determination within the wide landscapes of rural NSW. For Osborne, the 'falling woman' is a woman who stands her ground and faces up to the obstacles thrown her way — in this case, under the watchful eye of the Witness, a strange figure in gold shoes. As part of Performance Space's BURAWAN (Island) program, which aims to showcase the subterranean moments of Australian history, Falling Woman is the product of a collaboration between Osborne, performer Regina Heilman, director/writer Halcyon Macleod of My Darling Patricia and film artist Sam James.
Dating. There's no such thing as talking too much about it. And, thanks to creative groups like Conscious Dating, there's no shortage of ways to do it. If dating apps and singles parties haven't been producing the goods, Conscious Dating could be your new Tinder — they organise events where you can meet like-minded people for informal chats. This Wednesday night, Conscious Dating is hosting a panel discussion dedicated to race and dating. Three whizzbang speakers will be getting together to discuss all the tricky stuff — from the impact of racial bias on attraction to the trials and tribulations of being fetishised because of your background. They'll also be taking a look at how you can identify your racial biases and increase your dating pool. The panelists include award-winning journo and host of SBS's Date My Race Santilla Chingaipe, Andy Quan — writer, editor and co-founder of the Sexual Racism Sux campaign — and Dr sociologist Zuleyka Zevallos.
Two years ago, Melbourne's famed burger joint Royal Stacks arrived on the lower north shore. To celebrate its second birthday — and the 130,000 burgers and 3000 litres of frozen custard it has served during those two short years — it's giving away free burgers this Saturday, October 27. One thousand free burgers, to be exact. From 11.30am, the good people at Westfield Chatswood's Royal Stacks will give away 1000 of the eatery's signature Single Stack — that's an Aussie beef patty topped with tomato, lettuce, American cheddar, secret sauce and pickles. They're limited to one per-person, however, so if you're super hungry you'll have to pay up for a second. You could, alternatively, order one of the eatery's other signature dishes: it's concrete mixers. The super-thick frozen custard is available in a slew of flavours like Ferrero Rocher, cookie dough, Nutella and the new Twix and biscotti.
It may sound a little bit like a hipster's wet dream, but this cultural bombshell is actually for real. Picture this: an uber-trendy Surry Hills venue has decided to expand its creative wings by converting an adjoining garage into a boutique art gallery currently showcasing some truly awesome international pop art. While it may sound too good to be true, that's exactly what the good people of Black Penny have done, showcasing local and international artists (with no commission) every Tuesday at Blacklisted. Starting tonight are the gothic stylings of street artist, Phoenix Empire a.k.a Ky Pamenter. The display entitled The Darkness in Beauty is a collection of twelve hand drawn illustrations and aerosol canvases that combine the artist's love of anime and tattoo design with his fascination for the more horrific and gory side of life. Image by Phoenix Empire.
In great news for sweet tooths (and possibly dentists) the Cake Bake & Sweets Show will return to Sydney from November 23–25. The three-day weekend festival will gather the best sweet treats in our city under one roof for a baking and cake decorating extravaganza. It'll feature celebrity demonstrations, baking classes and interactive workshops, hosted by the industry's finest. This year, three international heavy-hitters have joined the lineup. Two hail from the UK — that's French-trained master pâtissier Eric Lanlard (owner of Cake Boy) and chef and food writer Lorraine Pascale, who has worked in some of London's best kitchens under the tutelage of Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Waring and Tom Aikens. Alongside the Brits is South African celebrity chef Siba Mtongana, who hosts Food Network's Siba's Table and has over a decade in the food business. They'll stand alongside local talent including pastry chef and chocolatier Kirsten Tibballs (founder of Melbourne's Savour Chocolate and Patisserie School), Instagram dessert queen Katherine Sabbath, and Shangri-La Sydney's award-winning pastry chef Anna Polyviou. The inspired can also upskill in cake-decorating with a number of masterclasses slated to take place across the weekend. And if you need a break from the sweet stuff, TV chef Miguel Maestre will also be joining the fun with a pop-up restaurant serving up tasty savoury bites including paella, tapas and jaffles. The Cake Bake & Sweets Show will run from 10am–5pm between Friday, November 23 and Sunday, November 25. Tickets can be purchased here and, since sweets are always better when shared, we've also managed to nab you a two-for-one deal on all single-day tickets purchased before November 22 — just enter the code 18CONCRETEPLAYGROUND at checkout. Plus, we've also got some double Flexi Day passes to give away — which means you and a mate can enjoy all those sweet, sweet desserts, without spending a dime. Enter with your details below. [competition]696611[/competition]
Ditch the booze and get drunk instead on life, good vibes and great tunes, when the country's biggest sober dance party kicks off later this week. Crashing onto Shark Island this Saturday, April 6, the inaugural Xstatic Sunsets will deliver a huge alcohol- and drug-free celebration, as organisers set out to shake up social habits and inspire a new sort of party culture. With room for a whopping 800 partygoers, the all-ages event is all about that natural high. And, with a jam-packed lineup of DJs and producers, matched to some sweet harbour views, we're sure there'll be plenty of that on the cards. At a time when nearly one in 20 deaths is attributed to drugs and alcohol, Xstatic Sunsets is offering a healthier way of hangover-free partying, while raising awareness for mental health issues. For the launch event, expect a six-hour musical journey that trips through the ages, with DJs Phil Smart, Hayley Melrose, Tommy Franklin and Burning Man veteran Shane SOS hitting the decks. Dressing up as your favourite musical era or pop icon is also encouraged. To ensure you keep that dance floor stamina right through until the all-important sunset finale, there'll be a selection of food and drink, along with a program of workshops and wellness talks. What's more, you'll be partying for an excellent cause, with 10 percent of ticket proceeds going to support local mental health charities. Ticket includes boat transfers to and from the island, which leave from Rose Bay starting at 12.30pm.
It's no secret that we live in a beautiful country. Our rugged coastlines, tropical rainforests and sweeping desert plains give us plenty to brag about. But, to keep it looking so damn gorgeous, we all have to play a part in looking after the environment. And now, one way to do that is by sipping on a delicious drink. Enter C.A.N — a fresh new vodka and soda pre-mix that is committed to quenching your thirst while donating 10% of its profits to supporting conservation efforts in Australia. How good is that? C.A.N — which stands for Create Action Now — has linked up with Wild Ark and Conservation Volunteers Australia to ensure it's doing its bit to aid land, water and air conservation efforts while keeping you refreshed. To put its money where its mouth is, C.A.N has already donated $5000 to support the #SeatoSource project run by Conservation Volunteers Australia. There are two tasty flavours to try — ruby grapefruit and pineapple passionfruit — both of which are low in sugar but high in deliciousness. Want to add a lil feel good moment to the next time you crack a tin? Well, now you C.A.N. To celebrate its launch, C.A.N is giving away a prize pack to one lucky CP reader consisting of some tasty C.A.Ns and $500 cash. Plus, you'll get to choose one of C.A.N's conservation partners to cop an additional $500. Sound like something you want to support? To be in the running, tell us in 25 words or less what you're doing to help the environment during lockdown. For more information on C.A,N's initiatives, visit the website. Then, grab yourself some C.A.Ns via BoozeBud or at your local bottle shop. [competition]822930[/competition]
The reinvention of one's persona is a pop tradition; Bowie had the Thin White Duke and Ziggy Stardust, Madonna has made a career out of it and Prince renamed himself so many times we weren't sure what to call him. Alex Ebert was down and out after his band, Probot, split — he was in rehab, his girlfriend left him — so he decided a reinvention was in order. He created Edward Sharpe, a freewheeling, love-filled, messianic troubadour, who would lead his band of minstrels, the Magnetic Zeros. The band exists as a throwback to the 60s with their hippie aesthetic and way of life, but their sound is a pastiche of Ennio Morricone–style cowboy atmospheres, whistle solos and big anthemic singalongs, all taking root in grand stories of their love and adventures. Home became a staple on FBi radio before becoming a full blown hit on Triple J, making it to 15 on the Hottest 100. Their album Up From Below is full of reverb-soaked folky pop tunes, which are good, but I imagine they will translate better live. Their stuff on YouTube looks like a cross between a hoedown and a love-in. Put on your beads and hemp shirts, maybe some feathers, and get on down to their Factory Theatre show — but make it snappy as the Metro date has already sold out.
From hosting the massive Shore Thing on New Year's Eve, festival promoters Fuzzy get straight back to business on New Year's Day with Field Day. Fuzzy will bring Sydney the biggest and best party to kickstart the mainstream festival circuit in 2012. This line-up sees the return of French electro giants Justice, who will bring a live show on the back of their new album, Audio Video, Disco. Indie kids will be treated to a set from Australian favourite Gotye and experimental electronic act Crystal Castles. Returning from recent visits Down Under will be Example, Skream and Benga. Those looking for a little more chilled occasion will be treated to the ambience of Moby's signature production. Also performing is Young MC. Remember that guy? Throw on a retro neon windbreaker and a chunky gold chain for his set. Kick on from New Year's Eve and get yourself to The Domain bright and early for a fun-filled day.
The "frustrated creatives" who started new Australian writing launchpad Seizure four years ago are gearing up to host their first ever prom. Since 2010, they've been providing a home for high-quality, original literature — from flash fiction to poetry to reviews — both in print and online. Now they're ready to take over Giant Dwarf for the night and you're invited. You'll get the chance to hang out with the Seizure lit crowd and get some classic prom shots taken (time to drag out that year 12 dress/tux and hairdo to match). This time you'll want the photographic evidence; with the organisers taking inspiration from the Under the Sea Dance in Back to the Future, it'll be a fine-looking affair. Live music will be provided by Sydney-based indie-pop band Why We Run, who played their Goodgod debut a few weeks ago and have since been cooking up some special prom covers, and folksy singer-songwriter Hazzy Bee, who launched his new single 'Flyscreen' at Hibernian House at the end of May and more recently supported Tin Sparrow at their 'Echoes in the Dark' launch at FBi Social.
Heads up, Mother's Day is just around the corner. (It's happening on Sunday, May 12, in case you temporarily forgot.) You can frantically message your siblings later, there's pressie planning afoot, and we've found quite the showstopper for your dear ol' mumsie this year thanks to Gelato Messina. Never one to miss an opportunity to experiment with new ways to inhale gelato, Messina has been cooking up quite the delicate novelty dessert for Mum: a Italian-inspired chocolate box of gelato-filled nibbles. These brownie point-winners launched in 2015 — and selling out every year since — are sure to bring it home again this year. Each box comes with nine handmade, handpainted chocolate and gelato bon bons — best enjoyed with opera blaring in the background, with a strong, black cup of coffee and a shoulder massage. Go on, your mum put up with you through puberty, you owe her one massage. So which crazy tell-your-friends flavours have Messina come up with for their bitty bon bons? There are nine in total, each more decadent than the last. Ready? There's lamington, black forest, dark choc honey, banoffee pie, cremino — with Italian meringe, amaretti and that salted caramel gelato — tequila sunrise, strawberry and cream, and tea and bikkies. Yep. If you can find us something that says 'perfect Mother's Day gift' better than fragrant earl grey tea gelato and shortbread crammed into a fragile little choc-house of caramel, we'll eat this empty bon bon box. The Messina gelato bon bon boxes are going for $49 a box, and are available to order from Wednesday, April 17. They're available for collection from Bondi, Newtown, Tramsheds, Darlinghurst, Rosebery, Miranda, Parramatta and Penrith in NSW; Fitzroy in Victoria; and South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley in Queensland. Gelato Messina's Mother's Day Bon Bons area available to pre-order from Wednesday, April 17 and to pick-up between Friday, May 10 and Sunday, May 12 (Mother's Day).
Seven days ago, 3 Kensington Street was home to British celebrity chef Jason Atherton's Kensington Street Social. Now, it has a new tenant: Barzaari. Opening its doors today, it's the second outpost of Marrickville's Barzaari, and it's serving up a menu of eastern Mediterranean share plates, focusing on the cuisines of Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. The 120-seat dining room and private mezzanine has been swiftly transformed in the one-week gap between tenants thanks to award-winning architects Neri & Hu and designer Matt Darwon (Automata). Elements of the brand's Marrickville digs have make its way to Chippendale, including the signature sandpit coffee, market place vibes and The Four Seasons mural by Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Owners Andrew Jordanou and chef Darryl Martin (ex-Three Weeds and Quay) have teamed up with hotelier Loh Lik Peng (owner of The Old Clare's parent company Unlisted Collection) to bring the restaurant to Kensington Street. The restaurant is named after a Cypriot market place where Jordanou's grandfather sold his produce, and the story makes its way onto the plate with a focus on seasonal veggies — think barbecued broccolini with spicy muhamarra capsicum dip, carrot juice and tomato ($23), and woodfired green beans, with mograbieh pasta and chilli ($15). Dishes are made for sharing, and many of them come straight from the woodfired oven. Start by swiping freshly baked koulouri ($5) — circular sesame bread, kinda like Greek bagels — through hummus ($4) or pile pickled WA octopus ($14) atop charred pita ($5) with lashings of smoked eggplant ($4). Heartier dishes include stuffed pickled eggplant ($25), beef short rib with chermoula ($40) and lamb rump with harissa and currants ($37), and desserts feature Barzaari's signature baklava, with safflower and whole almond ice-cream ($18). For something slightly more left-of-centre, look to the carob-glazed mulberries with salted caramel ($16) or blistered buttermilk ricotta ($17). It's suggested you pair one of these sweets with a theatrical sandpit coffee ($11), which is exactly what it sounds like: strong Middle Eastern coffee heated in a cezve over an impressively large pan of hot sand. Guests of the hotel are lucky enough to be able to order Barzaari for room service, too — it sure beats that late-night kebab. Barzaari Chippendale is now open at 3 Kensington Street, Chippendale. Opening hours are noon–3pm and 5.30pm–late, Tuesday–Saturday; and 11am–3pm Sunday.
Turn everything you know about ballet completely on its head. Even then, you probably won't be able to get close to imagining the performance that is Trolleys, a street dance crossed with ballet crossed with public art. Choreographed by Shaun Parker and Company (who at last year's Art & About took us to the playground with the impressive Spill), Trolleys sees various dancers engage with five shopping trolleys in different locations around the Sydney CBD, enacting stories of love, anarchy and friendship. Using the trolley as a prop/stand-in dance partner, the 20-minute performance promises to push the boundaries of our spatial relationships. The performance is timed to fit comfortably within your daily lunch break, so look up from your phone screens for a bit and catch this spectacle. To find out where and when Trolleys is on each day, check out the Art & About website.
Got a hankering for hot cinnamon doughnuts? The colder weather will do that. Luckily, you can get your hands on a free sweet treat in the coming days, as Donut King is giving away free hot cinnamon doughnuts for National Donut Day on Friday, June 6. There's no catch to speak of — all it takes to score a free doughnut is to head along to your nearest participating Donut King store on the day. There are over 200 locations nationwide, so finding a store filled with tantalising sugary aromas shouldn't be too hard. "The magic of our hot and fresh cinnamon doughnuts bouncing along the conveyor belt and landing in a delicious carousel of sweet cinnamon is the moment we seek to share with our loyal fans every day," says Raquel Hine, Marketing Manager at Donut King. For something extra extravagant, check out the 'Hot Cinni Hotel' — a limited-time collaboration between Donut King and Ovolo Hotels. Taking over suites and several spaces at Ovolo Woolloomooloo, expect cinnamon-coloured walls, spice-led cocktails and doughnut-inspired bites for guests and visitors alike.
By way of helping you transition into summer, all things Cuban are taking over The Paddington for three Thursday night shindigs starting September 28. Called ¿Qué bolá? (Cuban slang for "what's up?"), the evenings promise a Cuban feast, $10 Havana Club cocktails, a photographic exhibition and a chance to play dominoes Cuban-style, all soundtracked by Cuban vinyl. Danielle Alvarez, Head Chef at Fred's, is taking care of the menu. Snacks-wise, take your pick of empanadas de picadillo, with beef, olives and raisins; alitas de pollo (chicken wings); traditional sandwiches; and lime-habanero ceviche with plantain chips. For a heartier feed, sit down to a main, to be served in the dining room. The list includes lechon asado (roasted suckling pig with garlic and lime sauce), camarones enchilados (shrimp creole), congri (beans, rice and bacon) and yucca frita con cebolla (fried yucca with onions).
The 40th anniversary production of cult classic The Rocky Horror Show is bringing its brand of greased-up musical hedonism back to Sydney. Heading up the Aussie cast and bravely taking up the gauntlet of our absolutely favourite transsexual alien, Dr Frank N Furter, is Craig McLachlan, who your mum knows from The Doctor Blake Mysteries but you should better remember as winning a Helpmann Award for this role in 2014. Bert Newton is taking on the creepy Narrator role (supplying a Made in Australia stamp across the show), with Amy Lehpamer as Janet (dammit!) and the exceptionally good-looking Stephen Mahy as the block-headed Brad. Also starring Brendan Irving's abs as Rocky. It will take you a while to strap into that corset, so start now. Need more of a primer on the infamous show? The producers have kindly published this 'Virgin's Guide’.
Billed as an experience that'll 'challenge traditional notions of the stage', Total Reflection is sure to be a Solstice favourite. It's taking over Opera Bar for six nights across June, decking out the harbourside bar with a neon light installation, created by Sam Whiteside and Babekühl, and music performance. The live audio component, courtesy of Jono Ma and Jonti, will be mixed in four-point surround sound, meaning you have a different experience depending on where you are in relation to the artists. Total Reflection also looks at implications on the future of the arts, and seeks to reimagine cultural spaces in a post-COVID world to make sure Sydney doesn't lose its much-loved cultural edge. Top image: Opera Bar
Burwood might be a long way from the country, but that isn't going to stop some of the country's finest farmers paying a regular visit. If you've not met Real Markets before, let us introduce you. It's a family-run extravaganza that's all about bringing the best things in the country to the big smoke: fresh produce, home cooking and handcrafted objects. Just some of the goodies you'll be getting your hands on (and mouth around) include cherries from Orange, honey from Tamworth and free range eggs from Kendall. If you feel like taking a break, sit down to a coconut coffee, or just-baked tarts from The Portuguese Bakery. And, if you're looking to take a slice of Real Markets home or to a friend, you can grab a bunch of fresh flowers, a jar of pickles or even a soy candle. Every stall is handpicked by the market team — and be sure to keep a look out for special events, including visits from celebrity chefs.
One of the permanent markered events in the Sydneysider spring calendar, Newtown Festival remains one of Sydney's go-to events for grass lawn sprawlers, like-nobody's-watching dancers and festival food stall enthusiasts — and it's still only a gold coin donation. The always-anticipated festival in Camperdown Memorial Park has announced its 2014 program — this year in celebrating the Day of Independence for Australia's newest micronation, 'Newtown Republic'. Heh. Themes. Sitting at the top of the lineup are shiny handclap-triggering foursome Deep Sea Arcade, beloved punk rockers Straight Arrows, reggae-driven hip hip crew Astronomy Class and epic prog-rock favourites sleepmakeswaves. Magical Mystery Tour-like psychedelics Richard in Your Mind, rascally garage punk trio Bloods and Sydney's suavest disco-funk-cranking-epic-shoulder-pads-wearing smooth talker Donny Benet will be hangin' out too. Country bluegrass supergroup The Morrisons will soundtrack your spring festival meandering, Day Ravies will psych you out, newcomer East is a definite bright spark to catch, party-triggering hip hop crew Daily Meds will be an undoubtedly must-see set, while sassy vintage rock-n-rollers The Fabergettes will be sure to have you mum dancing like a boss. This is just the start of the huge local lineup — we haven't even talked about the dog show. Or the live art hub with Phibs, Peque and Unique painting all day. Or the writer's tent with talks from Dr Karl and the Moriarty Sisters. With over 80,000 people making their way through the gates every year, Newtown Festival remains one of Sydney's best local 'how sweet is Sydney' ops — also still raising funds for the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. Full program details can be found at the festival website. NEWTOWN FESTIVAL 2014 LINEUP: DEEP SEA ARCADE ASTRONOMY CLASS SLEEPMAKESWAVES DONNY BENET & THE DONNY BENET SHOW BAND STRAIGHT ARROWS TIGERTOWN RICHARD IN YOUR MIND BLOODS EAST DAILY MEDS DAY RAVIES THE FABERGETTES THE LULU RAES THE MORRISONS BRAVE Newtown Festival 2014 is on Sunday, November 9.30am – 5.30pm in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Newtown. Entry is by gold coin donation, there's no glass or BYO and there's no entry after 5pm. For more info head to the festival website. Top image: Newtown Festival.
The Lord Gladstone is no stranger to a rebrand. In 2021, it renamed itself The Lord Jabstone and gave out free beers to encourage Sydneysiders to get vaccinated. And last year, the pub pushed against the NSW Government's policing of live music compared to religious congregations, rebranding as a church and naming itself The Gladsong Hotel. For its latest iteration, the Chippendale stalwart is taking inspiration from Tasmania's Dark Mofo festival, slapping the name Dark Gladfo onto the venue for a free two-night music and art festival across the venue's many spaces. It's the second iteration of the event after the Gladdy drew huge crowds across a weekend in July last year. Across two separate Saturdays on March 4 and 11, you'll be treated to a huge dose of live music, DJ sets, drawing workshops and top-notch bevs. On the live music lineup, you'll find Liquid Zoo, Good Ramen and Ariel week one, followed by Doctor Robot, Infinite Skies, Inaugural, Josh Shipton & The Blue, Eyed Ravens on the second Saturday night. Accompanying the live tunes are DJ sets, with DJ Catkings and Debaser DJs handling the decks in week one and natural winemakers DOOM JUICE in charge when week two rolls around. DOOM JUCIE will also have a wine bar set up in the courtyard on March 11, and there will be enticing drink offerings on-hand to lure you in early. Between 8–9pm you can nab DOOM JUICE frosé and the Dark Gladfo Ale brewed by Atomic Brewing for just $6.66. Rounding out the week-two program is the Gladdy Drawing Club which will be running a "dark sketch club" up in the Goodspace Gallery on level one between 7–9pm, before DJs keep the music rolling all the way until 3am. Entry is free before 10am or $10 after.
Known for their ever-compelling contemporary takes on timeless plays, Bell Shakespeare will be expanding its repertoire of classics this season with the performance of Moliere's comedy Tartuffe (The Hypocrite). This is one of the 17th-century playwright's best; an irreverent satire that follows the attempts of a wily con artist as he manipulates his way into a wealthy family. Bell's production, translated by Justin Fleming and directed by Peter Evans, promises to stay true to the rollicking rhythm of Moliere's rhyming dialogue, while showcasing the play's themes of deception and seduction, fidelity and hypocrisy in an Australian vernacular. A Sydney exclusive, Bell's Tartuffe stars a cast of some of our stage favourites, including Kate Mulvany, Geraldine Hakewill, Charlie Garber and Leon Ford. If the packed houses and positive reviews that followed the company's 2012 production of Moliere's A School for Wives are anything to go by, expect another comic success — a classic revisited in what promises to be an altogether vibrant and innovative production.
The Hub Hall Street in Bondi is throwing a huge food and drink festival on Saturday, April 2 with a lineup of top-quality vendors from the precinct and surrounding areas. The Summer Sundown comes on the last day of daylight savings and is free for all. Each vendor is offering up dishes between $5 and $15, with some iconic Bondi eats available on the day. Heading up the street party will be the newly opened Da Orazio serving up selections from its new pizza menu alongside porchetta, and Bills' with its famous hotcakes accompanied by a special honeycomb butter soft serve. Messina will also be on-ground with a pop-up gelato bar and one-off A Tavola x Messina Sgroppino cocktails made with its lemon sorbet. Makuto, Pasticceria Papa, Harris Farm, Field To Fork, China Diner and La Palma round out the list of hospitality and market favourites taking part, with Pasticceria Papa's ricotta cake on hand, as well as pappardelle bolognese from A Tavola. Local producer Murray Lake will be providing the tunes and artisan stalls from local artists and designers will round out the festivities. [caption id="attachment_848245" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Da Orazio[/caption] Top image: Leigh Griffiths
If gourmet food and quality live music sound like your idea of a splendid day out, you'll be glad to hear that Lost Picnic is back. This one-day boutique festival sold out its inaugural incarnation back in 2014 and, this year, will land on The Domain on Sunday, October 15. At the top of the line-up is Fat Freddy's Drop, a seven-piece band from New Zealand whose cracking live shows combine reggae, dub, soul, R&B and jazz. Meanwhile, The Beatle Boys and the Australian Symphony Orchestra will be joining forces to perform tunes from Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, the game-changing Beatles album released half-a-century ago this year. On top of that, you'll be hearing from Montaigne, Sarah Blasko, All Our Exes Live in Texas and Melbourne's Teskey Brothers. A bunch of Sydney's beloved eateries will be dishing out food to match the music program. You'll be feasting on Middle Eastern delights from Tel Aviv Issue, Malay street food from Mamak and tasty burgers by Chur. From organic restaurant Agape, expect spit-roasted, biodynamic pig, as well as soft goat cheese with beetroot pickles and crispbreads. And, thanks to Woolloomooloo's Puntino Trattoria, there will be antipasto, arancini and porchetta rolls. When you're ready for a sweet hit, pay a visit to KOI Dessert Bar's food truck. Drinks a-plenty are planned too, including a variety of boutique wines and ciders, plus craft beer from White Rabbit. Alice in Wonderland will be providing inspiration for Lost Picnic's look and feel, which means you'll be sitting among balloon sculptures and giant checkers. In between acts, keep an eye out for roving performers, including The Gramophone Man, The Wind-Up Ballerina, Blue Tongue Brass Band and assorted magicians. "Lost Picnic is a mix of art, theatre, incredible food and outstanding musicians," said Simon Beckingham who runs the event with Wade Cawood. The two met in the electronic music scene and have since organised a stack of events, such as Lost Paradise, a New Year's Eve Festival held in Glenworth Valley. Tickets are on sale now for $89 a pop, so head over here to nab one.
Brisbane's Banksy? A street art scourge? A dedicated artist struggling to keep things together? Anthony Lister has been called all three — by the art world, news headlines and even himself. Banksy actually said that the Brissie-born talent appears to piss great art in his sleep, which is quite considerable praise. Galleries, celebrities and brands around the globe have clamoured for his work, though Lister's isn't your usual rise-to-fame story. His first big break came when the Brisbane City Council paid him to paint more than 100 of the city's electrical boxes, only to turn around and prosecute him for vandalism over his other pieces. Then there's his personal life, including a marriage and three kids — commitments that prove increasingly difficult to juggle given his dedication to his jet-setting career. From his sun-drenched childhood in '80s Brisbane suburbia, to life-changing teenage acid trips, to splattering colour all over the walls of his Sydney studio, Have You Seen the Listers? tells the artist's tale. It's a warts-and-all account that pulls absolutely zero punches, and a film that'd be nothing without Lister's deep, reflective candour. He doesn't just voice the documentary's narration, but he also provides much of its footage as well. While his art features prominently, it's accompanied by years of home videos chronicling Lister's everyday life. In fact, thanks to his obsession with filming his own actions, he gifted director Eddie Martin (All This Mayhem) with 12 terabytes of personal photos and recordings. Accordingly, Have You Seen the Listers? combines the artist's archives with his current antics, weaving them into a compelling and fascinating portrait. Viewers see Lister hanging around with his mates, falling for his high-school sweetheart and turning his hobby into his job. And they keep watching as he jumps between countries, tussles with the law on graffiti and drug charges, and proves a loving but often-absent partner and father. Along the way, Lister shares memories, thoughts and regrets, the kind that can only come with pain, trouble and hindsight. With his family situation deteriorating before the audience's eyes, he grapples with his passions and priorities, in what becomes an exploration of chasing a dream, finding success and then coming down the other side. As he did with the exceptional skating documentary All This Mayhem, Martin brings it all together in an insightful, involving and astute fashion. Collaborating with excellent first-time feature editor Johanna Scott, the filmmaker has cemented his status as one of Australia's best documentarians — not only thanks to the story he tells, or the fast and frenetic way it comes together, but also because of how authentic it all seems. Whether the film is throwing drug-addled montages at the screen, or capturing Lister with his kids, or just observing his feverish work, it feels like viewers are being given a direct line into the artist's mindset. There's an unmistakable air of reverence in Martin's approach, but what shines brightest is the movie's respect and empathy for the man at its centre — flaws, failings, frank admissions and all. Enter: the film's title. It springs from one of Lister's pieces, created as part of a moving tribute exhibition for his family, as seen late in the doco. It's also a question with both obvious and not-so-obvious answers. Everyone that's walked along a city street in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne has spotted Lister's work. Thanks to his court cases, international acclaim and general appearances in the media, we've probably all glimpsed his face as well. But have we really seen his different sides, how they contribute to his art and how he's striving to balance everything in his life? Not in this manner. That's the power of Have You Seen the Listers? And like other movies that examine artistic figures, such as Cobain: Montage of Heck and fellow recent Aussie documentary Whitely, the film is at its best when it's unearthing its subject's multifaceted persona, impact and enigma. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPAOMjDvDJw
If an apocalypse ever brings humanity so close to extinction that there might only be two people left, one thing is certain: if that duo is together and can communicate, they'll spend most of their time nattering about nothing. They'll talk. They'll argue. They'll fill the days, months and years by talking and arguing. They'll still be human, in other words, doing what humans do. Biosphere sets up house within this very scenario, and in that exact truth. Here, lifelong pals Billy (Mark Duplass, Language Lessons) and Ray (Sterling K Brown, This Is Us) are the only folks left after the planet has met a catastrophic fate — one that, because he was the US President when things went dystopian, Billy likely had a hand in — and they're now confined to the movie's titular structure. So, they talk. Sometimes, they argue. When first-time feature-length filmmaker Mel Eslyn plunges the audience into this situation, her characters have been talking and arguing, then arguing and talking, for so long that it's just what they do. Working with a script that she co-penned with Duplass, Eslyn introduces Biosphere's viewers to a self-contained ecosystem of discussing and disagreeing. In the abode designed and built by Ray, a scientist and Billy's former advisor, this pair has no other choice. "Self-contained" perfectly sums up the sensation when the film begins flickering, too — as Ray and Billy go for their daily jog around the sphere, talking and arguing as they trot, their dynamic and their routine is conveyed with such efficiency that it feels like you've been watching for longer than you have. Biosphere doesn't drag, though. Rather, it's excellent at constructing a lived-in world with Billy and Ray as they live through what could be the end of the world. It's ace at storytelling as well, but the talking, the arguing, and the immersive and relatable air all smartly say plenty about a movie that recognises from the outset how adaptable people are. "Life finds a way", aka pop culture's go-to Jurassic Park quote about resilience and versatility, even gets a mention in Biosphere. Life has clearly found a way to keep Billy and Ray chatting and conflicting like they've always done since childhood — the fact that their banter about Super Mario Bros and other trivial minutiae could be happening anywhere is purposefully meant to linger — but that's not all that Eslyn and Duplass have that famous line of dialogue sum up. Biosphere's narrative gets its drama when tragedy strikes the pond of fish that Billy and Ray have been using for sustenance, then a surprise development makes just as much of an impact. Life again finds a way in a number of manners, in a picture that revels in taking its audience along for the ride. While the second big revelation is easy to predict after the first, Biosphere's commitment to it keeps astonishing. A question lingers at the heart of this cleverly contemplative survival comedy: if all that was left of humans really was just two buddies shooting the shit and literally running in circles as they live Bio-Dome- and Spaceship Earth-style, how would the species respond? To be accurate, that's just one of many trains of thought in a layered screenplay that gets Duplass again unpacking modern masculinity as 2009 mumblecore entry Humpday did also. Two things couldn't be more important, then: tone and casting, which Eslyn and Duplass patently know. Biosphere is a film about interactions and reactions, after all, which couldn't be more dependent upon the prevailing mood and the players involved. Over and over, the movie's creative hands express and interrogate their ideas not just through the tale they're telling, but through filmmaking's fundamental elements. Again, this is efficient cinema — and effective. Biosphere's pivotal vibe is loose and light yet tender and compassionate. As writers, Eslyn and Duplass know what to take seriously, what to joke with and about, and how to avoid plummeting their huge twist into extinction. They lean into awkwardness but also hope. With all the talking and arguing, they also understand the rhythms of chatter and silence. None of this should be underestimated, and nor should Eslyn's fine-tuned efforts in bringing this sci-fi setup to the screen. Even the slightest wrong or false move would've punctured the film irreparably. Examining friendship, anxiety, identity and the nature of existence is like erecting and then dwelling in a dome when everything beyond the plastic is always pitch black, with shattering a fragile idyll far easier than maintaining it. Directing after shorts, TV series Room 104, and producing a swag of Duplass-starring flicks (Your Sister's Sister, The One I Love, Blue Jay, Creep 2, Paddleton and Language Lessons, for instance), Eslyn seems fated to have had cinematographer Nathan M Miller (also Paddleton) and the rest of her crew peer her co-scribe's way. Duplass frequently pens the indie flicks that he's in — solo or with a partner — but he's also excellent as Billy, who starts off as the slacker goof of this two-hander despite his presidential past. Selling the character's complicated journey from there isn't a simple task, but Duplass makes it look as easy and realistic as all the conversation and quarrelling. As the serious and analytical Ray, Brown is just as superbly cast in an equally as complex part. And their chemistry? Any filmmaker with actors who gel this well would have them talking almost non-stop, too. With its confined setting, lone pair of on-screen talents and dialogue-heavy approach, Biosphere is an economical movie, too, making the utmost of limited resources. Keeping the details about doomsday's coming vague might seem a budget-driven move as a result — neither telling nor showing what happened, nor what lurks beyond other than a growing green light in the sky — but it's also the best choice for the narrative. Why Billy and Ray are in this predicament is far less fascinating than what they do after their world gets domed in. Compared to exploring how humans adapt and cope from the ordinary talking and arguing through to the downright extraordinary, it's even superficial. Diving deeper comes naturally to this end-times comedy, although it does possess a fitting worst trait: loving existing so much that it's unsure about how to end.
This November marks 50 years since Sydney Dance Company first hit the stage. In half a century, the company has changed the face of modern dance, largely thanks to visionary choreographers Rafael Bonachela and Gideon Obarzanek. To celebrate, Sydney Dance Company is hosting a double bill, featuring works by both directors. Obarzanek will premiere the new work Us 50, an epic creation involving 50 performers — including Company stars of the past, present and future — and set to an electronic score by UK musician Chris Clark (composer of WOOF). "When we speak about 50 years of a dance company, we also speak about 50 years of dance making," says Obarzanek. "What is made, however, is ephemeral. The dancer's body can be videoed and photographed, but dance itself only exists when it is danced. So the history of the Company is stored and transmitted through the bodies of its dancers and collected in the memory of its audiences." Rounding out the program is Bonachela's 6 Breaths, which premiered in 2010 and has since travelled the world, captivating audiences from New York to London, Barcelona and Germany. Bonachela worked closely with Australian costume designer Josh Goot and Italian composer Ezio Bosso, whose score shifts from piano and cellos to the sounds of humans breathing. Happening over just eight nights, Season Two gives you the chance to journey through the Sydney Dance Company's incredible history, while escaping to worlds within worlds. Book your tickets — at just 45 bucks a pop — here.
Homebake might not have the international acts or the unrivalled party atmosphere of Splendour or St Jerome's, but it does have two things that are missing from almost all our other festivals: an antipodean allegiance and a strict 'no dickheads' policy. And for this we're willing to forgive Homebake for being overly sensitive to the effects of planetary alignment. After citing the solar system as the reason that last year's festival was called off, Homebake is promising something bigger and better for its sweet 16th. By 'bigger' we don’t mean 100,000 people tripping out before noon or tickets that cost the equivalent of three weeks' rent, and we don't mean feeling obligated to watch Coldplay just because they’re probably the reason your ticket cost so much in the first place. What we do mean is a cinema pavilion, a comedy stage, market stalls and tasty food options. Though obviously you're there for the music, so here we go: Grinderman, Cut Copy, Gotye, Architecture in Helsinki, Icehouse, and infamous international export Noah Taylor, who's abstaining from dressing as Hitler and terrorising folks in Texas in favour of playing some loud, fast, Australian underground rock. Hopefully the planets are sufficiently well aligned come December.
The establishment currently (and formerly) known as the Newtown Hotel has undergone a number of transformations over the years. Gone are the days of kitschy, tropical-themed small bar Freaky Tiki, and the venerable watering hole has yet another exciting reincarnation in store for the last Saturday of every month, starting August 17, 2013. The Bizarre Bazaar folk market will be taking over the bottom floor and Tiki Garden of the Newtown Hotel from 10am, where stalls offering classic records, vintage clothes and handmade crafts will assuage any attendant guilt you may have about entering a pub before noon. To sweeten the deal, you can expect $5 tacos and $6 servings of local brew Young Henry's to keep your tastebuds happy. And what folk market would be complete without live folk music? The Bizarre Bazaar certainly wouldn't be, with some of Newtown’s finest folk acts on hand to kick things off.
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image has announced its latest filmmaker retrospective — and in good news for cinephiles living in other cities, it won't just be screening at ACMI in Melbourne. Setting their sights on the movie classics crafted by Roman Polanski, they've teamed up with Palace Cinemas to take the eleven-film lineup around the country, with it stopping in Sydney from December 1-7. ROMAN: 10 X Polanski will feature ten of the Franco-Polish director's features, ranging from his Polish New Wave debut, Knife in the Water, to his 2010 political thriller, The Ghost Writer. In between, the showcase will also give audiences a chance to see masterpieces such as the film noir-infused Chinatown and supernatural horror Rosemary's Baby on the big screen, which is no mean feat. Plus, it'll step through the British-made likes of Repulsion and Cul-de-sac, as well as the European-set The Tenant, Frantic and Bitter Moon — and present his co-starring role, alongside his late second wife Sharon Tate, in undead spoof The Fearless Vampire Killers. As for that eleventh title we mentioned, it comes in the form of Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired, which is clearly the retrospective's way of addressing the director's infamy beyond his helming career. Any celebration of Polanski's work can't ignore his well-publicised flight from the United States in 1978 after being charged with sexually assaulting a minor, aka the main topic of Marina Zenovich's 2008 documentary. Polanski has still worked steadily and even won an Oscar for 2002's The Pianist in the nearly four decades since; however championing his filmmaking prowess is bound to cause some discomfort, even if the touring season does try to put the movies, rather than the man behind them, front and centre.
UPDATE: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 — The screening of Crazy Rich Asians has been cancelled. Located within the Chinese Gardens of Friendship, The Gardens by Lotus is one of Sydney's most picturesque dining experiences. The heritage-listed teahouse serves up dumplings, dim sum, fried chilli mud crab and, of course, tea, while surrounded by the lush green gardens. Over the next two weekends, you can enjoy two well-loved flicks alongside the dumplings and scenery, too. At 7pm on Saturday, February 20, The Gardens is showing critically acclaimed family drama The Farewell, while on the following Saturday you can catch the immensely popular romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. Included in the $70 ticket price is: spot on a beanbag in front of the screen; a feast of dumplings, salt and pepper chicken and vegetable fried rice feast; and a $5 voucher to spend on a beer, wine or cider of your choice. Plus, because it wouldn't be a movie night without popcorn, the Lotus team is creating its very own szechuan popcorn for the night. [caption id="attachment_800624" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Inlighten[/caption]
Carriageworks is known for presenting boundary-pushing art. From large-scale exhibitions, live music at Vivid Sydney and thought-provoking events like Liveworks and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, the contemporary art venue knows no bounds when it comes to showcasing the finest creative talent from a kaleidoscope of art forms. The latest in its repertoire of must-see performances is Sleeplessness, a theatre production created by and starring artist and activist Kaz Therese. From Thursday, August 4 till Saturday, August 13, you can catch the world premiere of Therese's incredible one-person play at Carriageworks. Part documentary, part mystery, Sleeplessness is the product of Therese's 20-year interrogation into their family's history. Expect a fractured narrative, the unravelling of secrets and a radically honest examination of self in this quintessentially Australian story of migration, memory and mystery. Want to catch it on a night when it'll be Auslan interpreted? You can do just that on Thursday, August 11. Sleeplessness will run from Thursday, August 4 till Saturday, August 13 at Carriageworks. Concrete Playground readers can access 20% off tickets to any of the performances. For more information and to nab discounted tickets, visit the website.
Some of the city's best restaurants are jumping on the blockchain train, giving diners the option to settle their bills using cryptocurrency as opposed to cold hard cash or card. If you're a no-wallet type of person, you might want to think about downloading Liven. The new rewards-based app lets you pay for your meal using Liven Coin (LVN), their own digital currency, which is accepted at hundreds of restaurants across Melbourne and Sydney, including MoVida in Melbourne, Dumplings & Beer in Sydney and many, many more. So why join up when we already have the convenience of tap and go? Well, you'll get a lot more than just spam and cookies for your digital dosh. Diners who pay using the Liven app are then rewarded in LVN equal to 10–25 percent of every transaction. The LVN you stock up can then be spent at any participating restaurant, shared with friends or donated to charity. Here are five restaurants where you can use Liven to pay and earn cryptocurrency for your next byte to eat — plus the restaurants slinging free secret snacks in celebration of the crypto launch. MESSINA If the folks behind the Messina counter already know your order by heart, it might be time to start paying for your scoops with taps. Messina has partnered with Liven to give you LVN back equal to 15 percent of every purchase, which basically means every seventh gelato cup is free. What's more, the Messina team has also launched a secret snack menu, free to Liven customers, with four crypto-inspired ice cream flavours released each week until Monday, November 19. Recently the ice creamery was slinging the caramelised white choc-macadamia and biscuit BitCrumb, and for the week of October 29, it's Choc-Chain on the go, with choc gelato, choc fudge and choc nougatine. For more info on how to get your hands on these secret flavours for free, head here. [caption id="attachment_626891" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Hopkins.[/caption] 8BIT If you haven't already tried the old school burgers from arcade-themed eatery 8bit, here are a few good reasons why you should hit the start button now. Alongside its juicy burgs, chilli cheese dogs and bacon-loaded fries, 8bit's alliance with Liven will earn you LVN equal to 20 percent of every order. And just like at Messina, users of Liven can unlock a secret (and free) snack, the exclusive 'Insert Coin' burger, with beef, cheese, salad, layers of crispy bacon, smashed avo and feta. For more info on how to get your hands around this baby for free, head here. PAPPARICH Inspired by Malaysia's coffee shop culture, PappaRich takes authentic home-style Malaysian eats and introduces them to a laidback cafe-style setting. The padded picture book menu makes for a delightful read, each page splashed with colourful classics, from the buttery roti canai puffed on a searing hot grill to the nasi lemak with fiery prawn sambal and the turmeric-spiced fried chicken. The menu also includes a small army of beverages, with traditional Malaysian iced teas and coffees sitting alongside a Milo 'dinosaur' and elaborate fruit creations. Prices at PappaRich were already pretty reasonable to start with, but pay with Liven, and you'll earn LVN to use at your next visit, equal to 10 percent of every bill. LORD OF THE FRIES Fry fiends will know all about vegan chip chain Lord of the Fries, famous for its fresh-cut potatoes done four ways. Forget ketchup; there are eleven different condiments to choose from, including Belgium mayonnaise, mango chutney and even good old fashioned cheese and gravy. Did you want a burger with that? Side orders include the all-vegan burgers and hot dogs, as well as peanut butter and Oreo soy milkshakes. Part of the Liven family? Pay with a single tap using the app to earn 15 percent of the bill back in LVN. ROLL'D Lunchtime favourite Roll'd has joined the Liven lineup, and we can already hear office workers cheering from their cubicles. With stores dotted across the city, the popular convenience chain specialises in Vietnamese street eats, with options like Viet baguette banh mi, rice paper rolls, steamed bao buns and fragrant pho soup. You can either pull up a stool at one of the hawker-style counters or grab a few takeaway rolls to scoff at the park. No need to bring a pocket full of change, just use the Liven app to pay — plus you'll earn back 15 percent of the bill in LVN to use next time. Download and join Liven to start racking up your own culinary crypto to spend at hundreds of restaurants across Melbourne and Sydney. And until Monday, November 19, gain access to those free secret snacks.
