"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.
On January 14, after five long years, the lockout laws were finally scrapped in the CBD Entertainment Precinct. It was huge news. So, we decided to throw a big ol' End of Lockout party at Big Poppa's. And what a party it was. Punters danced till 3am, entered the venue after 1.30am and — wait for it — even did shots after midnight. The late-night haven of cheese, hip hop and cocktails was packed till the wee hours and pumping out plenty of the good stuff — for a good cause, too. There was half-price burrata, $12 negronis (with Campari and Cinzano Rosso vermouth) and espresso martinis (with Bacardi), and $6 tins of Atomic Beer Project XPA. Six bucks from each cocktail — and all the cash from the beers — was donated to WIRES's Wildlife Emergency Fund, which is helping to care for animals injured and orphaned during this season's catastrophic bushfires. In total, we raised a whopping $2028 — which equates to 338 cocktails and beers. You guys were thirstay. DJs kept things going right up until 3am. Flux-3, and VJ Spook and DJ Adverse all came together as CutKlipz for a special visual set that blended hip hop videos and tracks. You've been with us as we've covered the closures, the rallies, the fight for Sydney's right to party and this bash was an opportunity to kick off what we hope will be the re-ignition of Oxford Street. Keep an eye on Concrete Playground for future events happening around the city.
Lovers of fancy dress and all things spooky should make tracks to Coogee Bay Hotel this Halloween, when the venue will be decked out in all the zombie, witch and ghoul finery you can ask for. Heaps of food and drink specials will be on offer, along with plenty of tunes and prizes for best dressed. It'll all go down in The Garden on Thursday, October 31, with the party kicking on until the wee hours. First up, expect themed eats all day. There'll be smoked cheeseburgers served on a blood red bun for lunch. Or you can grab a 'Witching Hour' squid ink risotto, jet-black candy apples and ghoulish buffalo wing pies, which are made to look like a ghoulish figure with bright green mashed potato eyes and mouth. Need a pick-me-up after all this freaky food? You can order a coffee and it'll come with some Halloween-themed latte art. The cocktails will also take on a spooky theme, with a complimentary cocktail on offer to the first 50 people through the door after 7pm in costume. And there'll be a big ol' bowl of Halloween punch with floating lychee 'eyeballs' in it, along with a few cauldron-style smoking numbers and plenty of brightly coloured 'potions' to boot, too. You can then hit the dance floor, with DJs spinning tunes from 7pm till midnight, including Purple Sneakers DJs playing from 10pm—12am. And don't forget to put on your most ghoulish gown, with prizes being awarded to the best dressed individual, couple and group.
Steaming bowls of spicy hot pot. Piles of pork buns. Dessert stations covered in soybean pudding and deep-fried sesame balls. These are some of the Taiwanese treats that'll be making an appearance at the week-long A Taste of Taiwan festival. Held at the Shangri-La in The Rocks, the festival will see guest chefs, flown in from Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel in Taipei, serving up an array of dishes from Taiwan's diverse food scene. There'll be slow-cooked spicy hot pot with shacha dipping sauce and raw egg yolk, as well as oyster omelettes — a night market favourite. But the pork belly buns, or gua bao, are set to steal the show. These pillowy steamed buns are packed with red-braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens and finely crushed peanuts and topped with coriander. Traditionally served at the end of the lunar year, and resembling a wallet stuffed with cash, the buns are said to represent good fortune. While it may not be the end of the lunar year, who would say no to a wallet stuffed with cash? Thirsty after all those pork buns? Expect an onslaught of bubble tea. Sweet tooth? There'll be a vast Taiwanese dessert station with an assortment of fruit from the sub-tropical island. The classic shaved ice baobing will make an appearance, too, alongside aiyu — a jelly made from the seeds of a variety of Taiwanese fig served with lemon and honey. A Taste of Taiwan runs from Friday, October 20 to Saturday, October 28 at Shangri-La's Cafe Mix. Lunch is available Sunday to Thursday from 12pm to 2.30pm and dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm. On Friday and Saturday a seafood buffet will be available from 6pm to 10.30pm.
Got your mind on a boozy feast with a bunch of buddies? Manly Wine — the breezy Hamptons-inspired all-day eatery — has launched a deal with you in mind. If you make a booking with one of the venue's share menu options, every attendee can score three hours' worth of bottomless drinks for an additional $45 per person, which includes wine, cider and beer. The offer is open to gatherings of all kinds — from birthdays to hen's parties to 'let's-get-together-for-the-hell-of-its' — and you get a choice of three menus, catering to a range of budgets and appetites. At one end, there's the Group Share ($35 per head), which gives you six starter plates, including mushroom poppers with jalapeño cream cheese and garlic dipping sauce, as well as flash-fried baby squid with candied chilli, followed by two desserts: pistachio slice and lemon meringue tartlets. The Girls' Picnic ($49 per head) — which, really, will appeal to anyone — adds lobster rolls, Vietnamese rolls and truffle chicken sliders, plus a dessert platter loaded with slices, tartlets and chocolate eclairs. And, if you're up for a serious feast, book Bring Me Food ($59 per head), which also covers a hearty main — in the form of grilled barramundi with baby kipflers, steamed greens and lemon or a 250-gram Black Angus sirloin with chimichurri, confit garlic and red wine sauce. To access one of these tasty menus, round up at least three mates and get ready for three hours of top-ups. If food is less of a priority, Manly Wine also hosts several drinks specials. There's the Sundowner Happy Hour, which happens between Monday—Friday, 4pm—7pm and brings you $7 wine, beer and spirits. Friday is also devoted to Cocktail Therapy, which means selected cocktails — including espresso martinis and margaritas — are $12 a pop. Manly Wine's Wine Not offer is available every day on group share menu bookings (minimum of four people required). Pre-booking is mandatory so, to make a reservation, contact the restaurant via phone or the website.
Laneway Festival has officially returned for another glorious year, hitting Brisbane and Sydney this weekend and Melbourne the next. Sure, there are some pretty big-name folks on the lineup — Grimes, CHVRCHES, Flume — but true to Laneway form, there's a whole host of artists you might not have wrapped your ears around yet. Laneway's triple j Unearthed lineup sees five new emerging artists hit the big stage. Each band/artist will be appearing in their hometown Laneway Festival in 2016. They're joining a damn good alumni bunch too — Client Liaison, Bad//Dreems, Ali Barter and more count themselves as Unearthed Laneway artists. Since they're playing in their hometown as shiny new discoveries, we thought we'd get each of them to give us a little hometown secret — their favourite hidden gem. Introduce yourself to Australia's new batch of music — you'll find them in these five local go-tos. ESESE (MELBOURNE): RAS DASHEN "Our favourite spot is my parent's Ethiopian restaurant Ras Dashen; not only because it's my rents and the band gets free food, but because you will never eat anything so hangover curing in this city. Since, 50 percent of us are DJing most weekends/weekdays and you know, getting lit goes hand in hand. So, whats better than some injera and Ethiopian coffee to get you back to life." 121 Nicholson Street, Footscray ADKOB (SYDNEY): TOWN BIKE PITSTOP "My local coffee house. I'm not that into the bikes but the food and vibe are both top notch. Try the Julio or the BLT — Swish. I'm a huge of that end of Abercrombie Street, it is still pretty residential but among the terraces are other cool things like the Eveleigh Hotel, the Commercial Gallery, this new organic tea bar and up the road the Redfern Night Markets." 156 Abercrombie Street, Redfern GOOD BOY (BRISBANE): BARBARA "Im not sure how 'hidden' Barbara is but this beautiful bar sits between the loans department and the sales department of the Fortitude Valley Cash Converters. The staff are top notch, the entire establishment is simple, wooden and handsome, and the house beer 'Babs' is incredible. Best nights are Wednesday when you can get a burger from our favourite chicken joint, Lucky Egg, and a Babs beer for 15 dollarydoos and listen to some classic hip hop." 105/38 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley FAIT (PERTH): THE OLD LAUNDRY "The Old Laundry is a favourite local haunt of mine. Gorgeous interiors, good food and friendly service. A great place to sit and watch the world go by." 22 Angove Street, North Perth THE HARD ACHES (ADELAIDE): TWO-BIT VILLAINS There are way too many favourite spots of ours in Adelaide, but let's settle with Two-Bit Villains. It's a kick arse American style diner with amazing food and handmade sodas, all of which are either veg or vegan. Run by great people in a sick location, Plus they do a mean poutine if you ask nicely." - BD. Shop 150 Balcony Level, Adelaide Arcade More about Laneway Festival over here.
There's an unshakable sense of menace throughout the low-key mob movie The Drop that lifts it above the outward cliches of its story. Then again, that's hardly surprising, given it was written by Dennis Lehane. The American crime novelist responsible for Mystic River, Shutter Island and Gone Baby Gone — books whose subsequent film adaptations rank amongst the best big-screen potboilers of the past 20 years — Lehane's mastery of the blue-collar crime genre is second to none. And, while his screenplay for The Drop doesn't quite reach the same impressive heights, it's a thoroughly compelling drama all the same. The story takes place, as Lehane's stories tend to do, in a working class microcosm in the north-east US. In this case it's Cousin Marv's bar, a grimy Brooklyn watering hole run by a bitter old barkeep whose name sits on the sign above the door. In reality, however, the bar hasn't belonged to Marv (the late great James Gandolfini) since he was muscled out by the Chechen mafia, who now use it as one of several collection points — or "drop bars" — for all of their ill-gotten cash. When the bar is robbed by a pair of desperate stickup men, Marv and his unflappable bartender Bob (Tom Hardy) are tasked with recovering the money. At the same time, Bob find himself caught up in the life of local waitress Nadia (Noomi Rapace) after rescuing a wounded dog left abandoned in her front yard. What Bob doesn't count on is the attention of Nadia's unhinged ex-boyfriend Eric (Matthias Schoenaerts), a local crim who, if rumours can be trusted, has a habit of making people disappear. How the storylines intertwine... well, that would be telling. Belgian director Michael R. Roskam is a skilled hand behind the camera, but it's easier to identify the influence of Lehane: the decaying urban setting, the unspoken threats of violence, the characters all speaking in thick, working class drawls. So too can you locate the DNA of earlier crime pics. Bob's frequent trips to a local Catholic church call to mind Scorsese's prototypical gangster movie Mean Streets; the theft of mob money, meanwhile, was the catalyst in the recent Andrew Dominik joint Killing Them Softly. As such, The Drop can at times feel a little familiar. But the strength of Lehane's screenplay lies in the information he keeps obscured. His characters' pasts remain shrouded in mystery, leaving you constantly unsure of how far they're willing to go. The star of Roskam's previous film Bullhead, Schoenaerts radiates danger in every scene. Likewise Gandolfini, whose portrayal of a washed-up tough guy reminds us just how big a talent the actor was. It's Hardy, however, who really steals the show. At first, his character strikes us as a gentle giant; a nice guy caught up in a situation he can't control. But as the movie goes on, we're forced to look again. There's something deeply unsettling about the way Bob never seems phased, even as his situation spirals further out of control. As always, that's the appeal of Lehane's writing. Things are never quite what they appear. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9xAKTGPbhQk
LBF is premiering at the MCA as part of VCS! Too exciting for full words! Too habituated to abbreviating events into hashtags! Not content with the Opera House and the outdoors of Circular Quay, the go-getting Vivid Creative Sydney is taking over the Museum of Contemporary Art for a weekend. As well as talks and workshops on careers in and the state of the arts in Sydney there's film, music and a late-night tour of the gallery. And it's all local content. To break it down: the movie, co-presented by the Sydney Film Festival, stars Toby Schmitz and Gracie Otto. It's full title has a rude word in it, and it features lots of bands, some of whom will play a showcase afterward. The all-round adorable roster of Broken Stone Records will also be playing a showcase, but at a different time to the other one. Insiders will give you scoops and advice on stuff. And art in the dark? You will get educated while maybe also feeling like a looter. Hands off Michael Stevenson's gold bricks though, for real.
Guillaume Brahimi may well be Australia's busiest man. Only months after taking over the dining room at Paddington's Four In Hand, Brahimi is back at it again, announcing that tomorrow, Wednesday, September 7, he'll open both a bistro and his first-ever patisserie in Sydney's CBD. As well as The Four in Hand, Brahimi currently runs his namesake restaurant Guillaume, also in Paddington. But this new CBD resto — which was announced towards the end of last year — steps away from fine dining, and is a new iteration of his flagship French bistro enterprise, Bistro Guillaume. This will be his third bistro (the other two are located in Melbourne and Perth), and will see him serve up a classic casual French menu with dishes like steak frites, roast chicken with Paris mash and twice-baked cheese souffle. There will also be a dessert trolley, which is sure to bring a happiness tear to your eye. Located in the Suncorp Building on George Street, the new 130-seat Bistro G will continue the trend established by it's predecessors. The restaurants are known for their use of playful textures and pops of vibrant green to offset the old-world luxury oozing from every sconce, and interior designer Blainey North has incorporated brass features, wood panelling, banquettes, a chandelier and luxe high-backed blue leather chairs into the design of the new venue. As well as the main dining room, there will also be a little 20-seat casual bar area for 'light French lunches' and evening drinks. There's also the aforementioned patisserie, which will be attached to the restaurant for takeaway baked goods. You'll be able to stop by for house-baked croissants (naturally), pastries, tarts, croque monsieurs and sammies made with Iggy's bread. To start off with Bistro Guillaume will only be open for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner on Saturday nights. Full dinner service will get underway in October. You'll just have to visit twice. Bistro Guillaume Sydney will open for breakfast on Wednesday, September 7 in the Suncorp Building at 259 George Street, Sydney. For more info, visit bistroguillaumesydney.com.au. By Imogen Baker and Lauren Vadnjal.
We're getting to the pointy end of the season now, folks. Summer is just around the corner which means that, soon enough, the temperature gauge is going to start doing some crazy things. So we best make the most of the outdoors while we can bear to be outside for longer than a few minutes. As its Spring Carnival continues, we've teamed up with Australian Turf Club to bring you five top-notch ways to celebrate the season this week. SLURP OYSTERS AFTER WORK AT THIS BAR'S WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL When? Monday, October 28–Sunday, November 2 As we edge closer and closer to summer, our appetite for seafood increases tenfold. Luckily, the folks at Surry Hills haunt The Wild Rover have our cravings sorted by dedicating an entire week to oysters. Yep, venture beyond the bar's green door one night after work this week to score a dozen fresh oysters for just $15 (that's $1.25 a pop). The bar will also be serving a special menu all week featuring po' boys, oyster shots and whisky cocktails, and there'll be a roster of masterclasses and live music to enjoy, too. [caption id="attachment_644671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jack Toohey[/caption] WRAP UP YOUR WORK WEEK SIPPING MANY WINES ON ISLAND When? Friday, November 1–Sunday, November 3 When the weather's fine, Sydney truly shines. And you'll be able to make the most of it on Sydney Harbour's Clark Island this weekend as it transforms into a boozy playground. Across three days, Wine Island will host pop-up bars, food trucks and more. You'll be able to take part in masterclasses — including blind tastings and espresso martini making — and sample a number of top-notch drops including French rosés, Jetty Road Brewery beers, rum from Brix Distillers and gin from Manly Spirits. Between drinks, you can get massages and makeovers and enjoy cheese platters, oysters and burgers from Chur Burger. [caption id="attachment_748255" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pat Stevenson[/caption] BOOGIE TO HOT DUB TIME MACHINE AT GOLDEN EAGLE DAY When? Saturday, November 2 The 2019 Everest Carnival is wrapping up in a big way this weekend. Taking place at western Sydney's Rosehill Gardens, Golden Eagle Day will send off the carnival with plenty of buzz, including DJ sets at Golden Palms — the Palm Springs-inspired trackside bar — plus pamper lounges, food trucks, pop-up bars and more. The day will end with a performance by much-loved travelling dance party Hot Dub Time Machine, so you can dance your way through the decades and keep the energy levels high enough to continue on to the afterparty at Rosehill Bowling Club. [caption id="attachment_743031" align="alignnone" width="1920"] '50 Martin Place' by Peter Bennetts[/caption] TAKE A PEEK INSIDE SOME OF SYDNEY'S BEST BUILDINGS When? Saturday, November 2–Sunday, November 3 Our city is filled with a bunch of architectural gems. And while we admire the Sydney Harbour Bridge constantly and have probably all taken at least one trip inside the Sydney Opera House, there are some delightful buildings we are unable to explore — for 363 days of the year, that is. This weekend sees the return of Sydney Open, in which Sydneysiders can get an up close and personal look at over 50 of the city's best buildings. There'll be a number of tours taking place over the weekend, including after-dark tours of an 18th-century funerary railway station. [caption id="attachment_731477" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] SCOUT FOR FREE SAMPLES ON A VEGAN FOOD WALKING TOUR When? Saturday, November 2–Sunday, November 3 Whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool vegan or just curious to give it a go, you'll find a whole world of retailers catering to animal-free eating in Glebe this weekend. Vegan retailer The Cruelty Free Shop has put together a vegan-themed walking tour, so head there first to pick up a map and help yourself to some of the free tastings or score a few discounted products, too. Then you can set off on your merry way to find plant-based delights aplenty. Restaurants and retailers in the area will be offering meal deals, two-for-ones, coffee, wine tastings and savings on vegan groceries. Everest Carnival runs until November 2 at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick. For more information, head this way. Image: Paul McMillan.
In an ever more divisive world, we are increasingly encouraged to sloganise ourselves, to identify as one thing. But Domestic Departures at Chalk Horse explores the contradictory nature of the self. Jasper Knight, James Oram and Abdul Abdullah each offer works that reflect on what it means to turn desire into reality. Knight’s miniature centrepiece, a 3D printed model of his family, sits at the heart of the space. It’s almost like a pivot between the two rooms. Then there are two collages built from clashing wood textures, various rulers and bits of broken paintings (glimmers of his usual colour scheme shining through). With these works, Knight is turning away from paint and stepping into a more sculptural realm. They can be thought of as an evolution of the hard-edge modernism he is known for, expanding into new media and harder edges. With the family in the periphery, there is a sense in which fatherhood has forced a shift in his practice — something which is simultaneously destructive and creative. You probably caught a glimpse of Abdullah’s portrait of Richard Bell at this year’s Archibald Prize — he's tipped as an up-and-comer. In this show, his dramatic photographs are real show-stealers. Unlike Knight’s works, which seem to start at the centre and gradually unfurl, symbols from the outside world filter into Abdullah’s work. He is often described as blending personal and political. For example, The re-introduction of Australian Knighthood could be a sly take on Tony Abbott’s recent (ill-judged) reach back to his English roots. The image itself is more guerrilla than knight. Sporting an excess of Australian flags, there are bared fists and eyes peeping through a balaclava. It’s a topical look at the threat of home-grown terror and the surge of prejudices that accompany it. There’s a simmering menace to these works that offsets the sunnier and more homely feel of Knight’s practice. Oram’s works seem more loosely attached to the personal. Nevertheless, his video work, Stacks, is a mesmeric portrait of chance and desire. On one side of the screen, Scratchies are scratched in tunnel vision, and on the other side, a pyramid of playing cards is carefully stacked in black space. With the circular framing, the flecks of scratched paper become surprisingly poignant. They look like the material residue of disappointment. Both Knight and Abdullah appear to engage with ‘types’ — father, artist, jihadi, outsider —compounding and conflating them. On the other hand, Oram offers a more contemplative counterpoint. We might think through these works as representing different degrees of consciousness and control. While Abdullah is actively working to subvert stereotypes, Knight reflects on who he is in different contexts. And finally, Oram is geared toward something more universal, looking at the poetry of chance and the unpredictable forces that dictate who we are and what we want.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, because Groovin the Moo has unveiled its 2019 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will hit Maitland north of Sydney on Saturday, April 27. This year sees local talent new and established taking the stage, with the lineup spanning up-and-comers like Jack River, G Flip and Haiku Hands right through to recent Hottest 100 top tenner Billie Eilish, Aussie favourites Nick Murphy and Thelma Plum, Australian hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods and rockers Regurgitator. International talent like Coolio — who'll you'll most likely recognise from his hit track 'Gangsta's Paradise' — Danish pop singer MØ and American rapper A$AP Twelvyy will make their way to the Moo, too. Groovin the Moo is also moving its ACT festival to Exhibition Park for the first time as it conducts its second pill testing trial. Pill testing is still a much-debated topic around the country with five people recently dying from suspected overdoses in as many months and the NSW Government remaining staunchly opposed to the idea of pill-testing, despite international research and the success of last year's pill-testing venture at the Canberra fest. Here's the full lineup. GROOVIN THE MOO 2019 LINEUP A$AP Twelvyy (USA) Angie McMahon Aurora (Nor) Billie Eilish Carmouflage Rose Coolio (USA) Crooked Colours DMA's Duckwrth Fisher Flosstradamus (USA) G Flip Haiku Hands Hermitude Hilltop Hoods Holy Holy Jack River Just a Gent MØ (Dnk) Nick Murphy Nicole Millar Regurgitator Rejjie Snow (Irl) Sofi Tukker Spinderella Thelma Plum TOKiMONSTA (USA) Trophy Eyes Images: Daisy Hofstetter.
Looking to join the war on waste but aren't sure where to start? Well, you can kick off your anti-plastic lifestyle in good company, at ABC's War On Waste pop-up boutique this weekend. Making an appearance at Bondi Pavillion this Saturday, August 4, the pop-up hopes to encourage small, everyday changes we can all make in the fight against unnecessary waste. With an estimated 10 million single-use plastic straws used by Aussies each day, there's no doubt that every little bit helps. Head along and make a pledge — whether that's making the switch to a reusable coffee cup, refusing those plastic straws from here on out, or ditching plastic bottles — and you'll score yourself a nifty reusable bag or bottle for your efforts. You'll also have the chance to meet the artists behind the funky designs, Lauren & The Lost Boys. Which will help if you plan on shopping at the newly plastic-bag free Harris Farms and Woolworths — and hopefully soon Coles. The 'War On Waste' Pop-Up will run from 2–5pm.
Surry Hills is home to some of Sydney's finest and most beloved restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels and cinemas — from shiny new spots to historic stalwarts. In order to celebrate this bustling suburb, a two-week festival of food, drink, music, art and just about anything else you could imagine is popping up in September. Surry Thrills encourages downtown Surry Hills venues to flex what they've got and put on enticing one-off events throughout the 16-day program. Think: long lunches, wine tastings, big-name collaborations, bar takeovers, artist talks, art exhibitions, live music and a whole bunch more. There's a heap of names attached to the festival, both big and small, all pulling together something different as part of the festivities. Some of the highlights include a lobster and champagne lunch at Nomad, an Astral People party and art by Rosie Deacon at Harry's, a retrospective feast celebrating ten years of Chin Chin, and bottomless drinks and fried chicken at Butter. [caption id="attachment_764209" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall Photography[/caption] Elsewhere on the program, you'll find private karaoke sessions in the hotel rooms of Harry's; classic thrillers double features including showings of The Silence of the Lambs, Zodiac, Rear Window and Body Double at Golden Age Cinema & Bar; and a massive collaboration between Tio's, Bad Hombres and Ricos Tacos featuring $5 margaritas. The Paramount House Hotel is also offering deals on hotel rooms as part of the festival if you want to make a whole staycation out of the occasion. If you book a room during Surry Thrills, you'll be treated to a free dinner for two worth $250 per person, complimentary breakfast at Paramount Coffee Project and a lucky-dip item from the hotel's vending machines. The program is huge, which means there's plenty more that's popping up — and you can explore the whole thing via the Surry Thrills website. [caption id="attachment_867718" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rosie Deacon[/caption]
Some bands are so influential, so pioneering and so ahead of their time that they change the course of music history. Electro trailblazers Kraftwerk are one such group. Forming in Düsseldorf in 1970, they quickly segued from krautrock to diving into the electronic scene — and imagining the future, including experimenting with robotics, in the process. The song 'Computer Love'? Back in the 80s, it foresaw internet dating. Unsurprisingly, Kraftwerk have left their mark on everything from their chosen genre and techno to synth pop and hip hop since. Also, more than five decades later, the German outfit is still touring. Kraftwerk's live shows are an experience, combining the band's electronic music computer animations and performance art. Take note, Sydneysiders, because the group is heading your way in December as part of an Australian and New Zealand tour. The multi-media project founded by Ralf Huetter and Florian Schneider, and that aims to create "gesamtkunstwerk — a total work of art" — in each gig, will play Aware Super Theatre on Wednesday, December 6. Expect synthetic voices and computerised rhythms aplenty — it is what Kraftwerk's music is known for, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for — plus a visual show that ponders man and machine to match. Kraftwerk's latest visit Down Under comes after the band played Vivid in 2015, as part of 3D Kraftwerk — The Catalogue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8, which saw them perform eight albums from 1974's Autobahn through to 2003's Tour de France over four nights at the Sydney Opera House. Since starting their retrospective gigs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2012, they've hit up everywhere from London's Tate Modern and Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum to Tokyo's Akasaka Blitz and Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall.
