St Peters brewery Willie the Boatman is celebrating NSW hitting its target of 80-percent of the population 16 and over being fully vaccinated by throwing a family-friendly food and music festival on Saturday, November 20. Titled 80-Percent Cooked, the all-day party boasts a light-hearted Country and Western theme throughout the programming. When it comes to eats, the brewery will host food trucks including Sparky's Jerk Chicken, G'd Up burgers, Hot Dogs of the World and BBQ in a Barrel. Accompanying the choice lunch options will be performances from local musicians Dominic Breen, That Red Hat, CK & The 45's and the inner west cowboy Andy Golledge accompanied by his band. Willie the Boatman's beers will of course be on hand, alongside live jewellery making, a mechanical bull and a kids play area with a jumping castle to add to the festivities. Tickets are $37.50 and kids under 12 can attend for free. Top image: Esteban La Tessa
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled their 2015 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off on the ANZAC Day long weekend and travel through Oakbank, Bunbury, Bendigo, Canberra, Maitland, and Townsville. This year's lineup sees syper-hyped internationals like the legendary Peaches, 'Boom Clap'-per Charli XCX, A$AP Mob's A$AP Ferg US trap king RL Grime, UK indie-gazers Peace and NZ festival favourites Broods alongside one of the most Aussie-heavy lineups GTM has seen in recent years. High-fiveworthy locals like Flight Facilities, The Preatures, Sticky Fingers, Hermitude, DMAs, Tkay Maidza, Ball Park Music, Meg Mac and more will also make their way to the Moo. So enough lowing, here's that lineup you're after. GROOVIN THE MOO 2015 LINEUP: A$AP FERG (USA) BALL PARK MUSIC BROODS (NZ) CARMADA CHARLI XCX (UK) THE DELTA RIGGS DMAs FLIGHT FACILITIES HERMITUDE HILLTOP HOODS HOT DUB TIME MACHINE MEG MAC NORTHLANE ONE DAY PEACHES (CAN) PEACE (UK) THE PREATURES RL GRIME (USA) SAN CISCO SASKWATCH STICKY FINGERS TKAY MAIDZA WOLFMOTHER YOU ME AT SIX (UK) GROOVIN THE MOO 2015 DATES & VENUES: Saturday, April 25 – Oakbank Sunday, April 26 – Bunbury Saturday, May 2 – Bendigo Sunday, May 3 – Canberra Saturday, May 9 – Maitland Sunday, May 10 – Townsville For more info, head to GTM's website. Image: Joseph Mayers, GTM.
Following its five-year residency along North Bondi's Mitchell Street, Shuk has taken its Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine to new parts of Sydney over the past few months. The much-loved cafe opened a second location on the lower north shore in late 2018, then followed it up with a third spot in Elizabeth Bay in January 2019 — and now the latter is also serving up dinner. Already a hit at Shuk's original eatery, Shuk by Night has joined Elizabeth Bay's menu. The last meal of the day received a greater focus in the new space, thanks to an expanded nighttime offering from Wednesday–Saturday (whereas Bondi only offers dinner on weekends). Dinner service takes place between 6–9pm across the four days, with the menu featuring beef kofta san choy bow with tatziki and salsa roja, snapper sashimi with lime and chilli, cauliflower paired with zucchini babaganoush and roasted capsicum, and mango creme brulee for dessert. Other highlights include slow-cooked lamb flatbread; halloumi with peach, fennel and wild rocket; and chicken with baby cos, tahini, parmesan, caperberries, lemon and thyme. Shuk Elizabeth Bay is now open within the Trebartha Apartments at Rosyln Gardens, a retirement community which has recently been redeveloped by Lendlease. Oddly enough, this is the third noteworthy opening within a retirement village we've covered since the beginning of 2018 — the other two being the opulent Botanica Vaucluse garden restaurant and spa, and Harbord Diggers, Freshwater's new dining and entertainment precinct. For the Shuk team, the location appeals to a mix of locals and out-of-suburb visitors, a point that works so well for the Bondi original. In the kitchen is head chef German Sanchez, bringing over existing Shuk daytime favourites — like the baked egg shakshuka for brekkie — while adding in new dishes that put personal touches on time-honoured family recipes. The Elizabeth Bay outpost serves freshly baked breads and pastries, too, with specialties like challah, bagels and sourdough all on offer. Find Shuk Elizabeth Bay at 61-69 Roslyn Gardens, Elizabeth Bay — open Sunday–Tuesday from 6.30am–5pm and Wednesday–Saturday from 6.30am–10pm, with dinner from 6–9pm. Images: Alana Dimou
Arthur Wigram Allen was a photographic Pepys, chronicling his life and that of the city around him in the years before World War I. His collection — most of which is previously unpublished — is now on exhibition at the Museum of Sydney. Joining Allen's memories are artworks from Rupert Bunny, Ethel Carrick Fox, Arthur Streeton and Grace Cossington Smith, as well as numerous examples of fashion and technical objects, all of which help to form a patchwork record of Edwardian Sydney. It is hard to imagine a photographic archive of Sydney that doesn't include gangland murders, but here is proof that Sydney has seen gentler times. An avid lover of the theatre, boating and that new toy, the motor vehicle, Allen captures Sydneysiders living an exciting, joyous life upon the threshold of the 20th century. Image by Arthur Wigram Allen
Just when you thought no more of your teenage dreams could come true, there's yet another juicy serve of musical nostalgia heading our way this February. The next edition of RNB Vine Days is set to deliver a lineup that'll have you throwing back hard to the good ol' days. The one-day festival differs a little from the aforementioned arena spectaculars — instead of being held in a stadium, the concert will take over a winery in the Hunter Valley. It makes sense — the tour comes from the same minds that brought you A Day on the Green. Similarly, RNB Vine Days will be all ages and bring with it a star-studded cast of old-school music icons. Hitting the stage this time around is none other than UK pop royalty Craig David, who'll be performing alongside his full live band. Brit-Canadian girl group All Saints will send you tripping back in time as they revisit smooth hits like 'Never Ever' and 'Pure Shores', while renowned rapper Nelly will be getting the crowd 'Hot In Herre' as he throws down previous gems like 'Dilemma', 'Ride Wit Me' and 'Just A Dream'. Singer-songwriter Amerie and RnB Fridays Live resident DJ YO! MAFIA round out the lineup, to be be enjoyed alongside a day of sunshine, gourmet eats and the venue's own signature wines.
Weaving isn't always something that fills modern art enthusiasts with a shot of adrenaline. Weaving gets recognition from classical forebears and local excursions, but it's not usually sitting at the centre of attention. Freshly mounted at the Object Gallery Women With Clever Hands collects weaving by women from Gapuwiyak, in Arnhem Land. Originally shown at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, this show is making its Sydney debut. While the text and explanatory pieces around the gallery are focused on the skilled processes, the hooks and whorls of the weaving processes, as a visitor this exhibitions is all about colour. Bean reds, cyanide greens and glorious, earthy oranges that burn along the back wall. The textures and colours are most familiar from seeds and beans, to the urban eye, but they come straight from the Territory. Mixed in with the Smarties yellow of Lucy Malirrimurruwuy Wanapuyngu's Tubular Basket Mindirr 2009 are beetroot purples dyed from a native plum tree. Margaret Ngangiyawuy Guyula's string bags own emo-like stripes, their little loops hung in red, brown and beige like soft links of chain. Stars of the show are the weaved mats by Ruby Gubiyarrawuy Guyula, Patsy Mamukan Bidingal, Nancy Walinyinawuy Guyula, and others, which are hung across the back wall. They're woven with earthy, reddy-orange fibres, making a wall of fringed, orange suns. The layers of blue and grey mixed in make the effect stronger. Upstairs in the tiny project gallery are necklaces (beaded subtle, elegant or chunky), more mats and a pair of spirit figure "dolly dollys". It's simple stuff, but simple things carry weight. The colours are strong, and together these circles, stripes and layers of art leave you wondering why you don't pay more attention to everyday weavings, and the craft behind them. Images: Baskets (batjik) by Margaret Ngangiyawuy and Joyce Milpuna. Photos by Leise Knowles.
Whether you've been to Wollongong before, or Wonderwalls' return tempts you there for the first time, you'd best expect the unexpected. That's what happens when a street art festival blows in, takes over the city's outdoor spaces and literally paints the town red — and every other colour imaginable. From November 25 to 27, more than 20 walls are slated to be covered with art by local, national and international artists. Bristol's 45rpm, London's Gary, Brisbane's Frank and Mimi, Sydney's Phibs and Adelaide's Vans the Omega are just some of the talented folks showcasing their works, live and in front of your very eyes. To see all their ace creations, just follow the Wonderwalls map. It all kicks off with a party on November 25, of course, featuring live art from Ironlak and DJs spinning killer tunes. And, Detroit's 1xRUN will curate their first-ever Australian exhibition on November 26, showcasing pieces by Wonderwalls Alumni, acclaimed artists and more. Images: Luke Shirlaw.
Blooming cultural hub Kensington Street is throwing its doors open to a huge block party to celebrate Chinese New Year for the second year in a row. The core of the celebration — in true Kensington Street style — is food. The festival will play host to dumpling-making demonstrations and punters will be far from disappointed with duck pancakes, spring rolls and burgers from new modern street food purveyor Holy Duck!. Head just behind Kensington Street to Spice Alley for even more offerings, including Singaporean, Malaysian, Thai and Cantonese street food, plus Japanese dining hall KYO-TO and Vietnamese restaurant Mekong. New openings Eastside Grill and Olio in the Old Rum Store will also delight visitors. There will also be plenty of non-food-related entertainment, with Kensington Street set to transform into a bustling Chinese marketplace. Stallholders will include fortune tellers, caricaturists and calligraphers. Guests can also give shadow puppetry, tai chi, paper folding, lantern making or Mahjong a try (or just nibble on Kakawa's edible Mahjong tiles instead). Two stages will continuously play both old and new music — think C-Pop, K-Pop and Chinese house music — and feature a performance from the Teo-Chew Lion Dance Team. If you're more in the mood for quiet reflection, check out some silent Chinese films or watch art come to life with Sydney-based Asian and Australian street artists and muralists painting in the Old Rum Store. After all that activity, you'll probably be feeling thirsty — make sure you check out Kensington Street Social's The Rooster (gin, lychee and ginger) or Bistro Gavroche's Red Rooster (vodka, vermouth and grapefruit bitters) drinks before you go to celebrate the start of the Year of the Rooster.
If you haven't made it to Made by the Hill yet, then this weekend is your best chance. The extension of the Rooty Hill RSL is launching a new market, starting this Sunday, September 9. The one-day market will showcase local designers and small businesses of Western Sydney, and offer up clothing, accessories, beauty products and homewares. Expect mason jar soy candles from Mrs Nargar & Co., artfully potted succulents from Pot and Posy and essential oils by Frankincense and I. Plus, cold-pressed vegan soaps, animal portraits and other bits and pieces will be available, too. Live music will be going all morning, and food will be provided by resident burger slingers Chur Burger. Both coffee and alcoholic drinks will be available, and sweets will come in the form of epic cakes by Gracious Honey and ice cream-filled chimney pastries. Things will kick off at 9am and run until 2pm. If you want to stick around, you can grab a drink and settle in — the bar is open until late. The organisers plan for the market to be a recurring event, although no further dates have been set yet.
Founded after the a purchase of an old church organ, Fitz and the Tantrums harken back while embracing the new. Lead singer Michael Fitzpatrick started work on his solo side project alone, crafting soul songs in the mould of standards. Quickly realising his dreams were bigger than just one man meant slowly incorporating a composer, then another singer, then a 7-piece brass outfit. Although he describes the output as soul music, the music also draws on more modern genres including indie rock and pop. Of the first EP, Songs for a Breakup Volume 1, Fitzpatrick says it was a conscious effort to make something new, "I did want to try and make a big sounding record without guitars." Their live shows are an embrace of different live atmopsheres, making gigs a unique mix of big bands and rock concerts. Make sure you don't miss this sterling example of California firepower. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bb6cBKE3WzQ
Combining the intimacy of a slide show and the insight of a director's commentary, Beautiful Losers Shorts is a truly special one-off presentation this Saturday afternoon at the Chauvel Cinema. Presented by Monster Children Gallery as an extension of the 'Simulacrum' exhibition which runs from the 25 March-17 April, this is a selection of short films by artists featured in the documentary Beautiful Losers. The artists involved include Mike Mills, Harmony Korine, Geoff McFetridge, Spike Jonze, Chris Johanson, Jo Jackson, Thomas Campbell and Clare Rojas to name but a brilliant few. The films — some of which will be screened from the original VHS tapes — are mostly unavailable to be seen anywhere else, and all are rare little items of times and places we don't often get to explore in such abundance. Curator Aaron Rose, currently in the country for Simulacrum, will be talking viewers through the collection from the stage, offering notes and knowledge about the artists and their works. Tickets can be purchased prior to the event from Monster Children Gallery and the Chauvel Cinema. Any tickets left will be available at the door on the day until full.
Feeling creative this Mardi Gras? Head to The Winery for the return of its infamous Drinks & Doodles sessions, in collaboration with Darlinghurst Life Drawing. Hosted in the leafy surrounds of this urban oasis, the special evening of drinks is your chance to put your drawing skills to the test with a healthy dose of cheekiness. At the centre of it all, a stark naked male model will strike a range of poses, meaning you'll get to sketch them like one of your French guys. Guided by a professional life drawing instructor, you can let your creative juices flow whether you're a newbie illustrator or a budding artist. With this one-time event costing $55 per person, each ticket comes with a glass of beer or wine on arrival alongside all the art supplies needed to craft your masterpiece. As your drawing comes to life, servers will bring around delightful refreshments to inspire your creativity and make this Mardi Gras more special than most.
Musical chairs was only the beginning of the fascination between play and music. Digital technology has not just scaled music composition down into the laptops (or smartphones) of bedroom producers, it has streamed beyond them to an alternate reality in which symphonies now emerge from many people simply interacting in public spaces. Musify + Gamify, one of the curated programs under the Vivid Music @ Seymour 2015 umbrella, is a clear lens into the world of intertwined game and music. A keystone exhibition runs from May 26 to June 6 featuring a swathe of local and international experiments in emergent, interactive music production from artists including Lucas Abela, Michaela Davies and the Futile Research Lab. Curated by Drs. Ollie Bown and Lian Loke, Musify + Gamify hosts a panel discussion and two separate concerts showcasing the works of Ensemble Offspring, Alon Ilsar, 7Bit Hero and more musicians oscillating between interactive tech and dancing air particles. Want more Vivid music? Head over here.
Clare Bowditch is a woman of many skills and pursuits: ARIA award winning songstress, mother of twins, major proponent of the Australian Midwives Association and expert impersonator of Julia Gillard. Earlier this year, Bowditch interviewed Gillard (the real Gillard). The event was casually referred by the press as Ranga vs. Ranga, and it showcased Bowditch as a formidable opponent in the political sphere. Inversely, Prime Minister Julia Gillard is probably not a very good singer, which is why it's good luck for all concerned that it is Clare Bowditch who is soon to play the Metro and not JuGi. Clare Bowditch and the New Slang are on the road for all of October in support of their fourth album, Modern Day Addiction. The record is a shift in pace and style for Bowditch and co. Written mainly on a toy Casio (and later translated for a seven piece band), it's by far the most dance-oriented of Bowditch's records. Thematically, it's direct: concerned with the whims and wants of modern culture. Lyrically songs touch on consumerism, plastic surgery, television. Live Clare Bowditch and the New Slang are utterly brilliant: a little nutso, very cheeky and supremely tight. In fact, Bowditch is such an effusive and compelling performer that even if this 'isn’t your thing' you'd probably still enjoy it. Ladies and gentlemen of the Australian public, Clare Bowditch.
So that big brown building in the city that sticks out like a sore thumb isn't as dull as its exterior would have you believe. Showcasing the wonders and achievements in the world of animation, the University of Technology, Sydney presents its fourth annual International Animation Festival. There's a kids' program on at the Powerhouse Museum, but this festival's domain is mostly the fun, trippy, and sophisticated animation being made for adults. The most adult among them are even gathered in one spot, the Late Night Bizarre, which includes such heights of wrongness as Bear-Horse!, Vacuum Attraction, and There's a Dead Crow Outside. Most of the program is similarly divided into mini-marathons of shorts. There's an Australian Program as well as an International Program (make that two). You also have the opportunity to absorb the legacies of two leading animation schools, London's venerable Royal College of the Arts and the very happening University of Tokyo, in their respective sessions. Perhaps most intriguing of all is the cerebral Poemetrics, a curated set of expressive shorts that each take as their starting point a poetic text, including works by Charles Bukowski and Italo Calvino. The festival also includes two feature film premieres, the family-friendly, Luc Besson-produced A Monster in Paris (Un Monstre à Paris), which features the voices of Vanessa Paradis and Sean Lennon, and Alois Nebel, the Academy Award-nominated movie based on the Czech Republic's first modern graphic novel. https://youtube.com/watch?v=gha5l5qyD_0
There won't be snow at this week-long Christmas in July party, but there will be plenty of mulled wine and ugly jumpers. Surry Hills' The Winery is bringing us a little (much needed) Christmas cheer, hosting a series of festival celebrations from Wednesday, July 22 to Sunday, July 26. Kicking things off will be free Christmas-themed trivia on Wednesday — jumpers essential — before a European-inspired laneway launches on Friday and Saturday from 7pm. In this laneway, you'll get a feast for $65, plus a mulled wine on arrival. One glass not enough? You can also splash out on bottomless mulled wine for $39 a head. Finally on Sunday, The Winery will be hosting an Orphan's Christmas Lunch. Expect all the Christmas essentials — and all the trimmings: gravy, potatoes, mint jelly — for $45 a head. Those wanting to get jolly can fill endless glasses from the bar's prosecco fountain for two hours, for a total of $69 (including the aforementioned food). If you miss out on the Christmas celebrations, you can still book out one of the pop-up igloos at The Winery, which are pictured below. The limits on capacity, bookings are essential and can be made over on The Winery website.
The northern beaches' dreamy beachside pub Harbord Hotel is hosting a month-long margarita and tostada pop-up throughout February. The tostadas are a classic mix of Mexican flavours created by Head Chef Adam Rust and made using locally sourced seafood. Think lobster, achiote chicken, crispy prawn or raw tuna tostadas, all on offer to enjoy in the pub's bright and sunny courtyard throughout the rest of the month. As for the margaritas, the beloved beverage has received an exciting twist with the help of one of Sydney's favourite dessert specialists. Alongside classic, spicy and Harbord Hotel specialty margs, there will also be Gelato Messina margaritas on offer using the gelato chain's fruitier scoops to create the perfect summer drink. The Classico marg combines lime sorbet, Blanco tequila, agave and sea salt, while the Blood Orange Anejo is pretty self-explanatory with blood orange sorbet, Anejo Tequilas, mezcal mist and an orange slice. All up there are nine flavours of margaritas ranging from $18-22 for you to try alongside the tostadas. The bar will be serving up this food and beverage combo every weekend this month from midday until late.
Tucking into charcuterie and antipasto while sipping a perfectly-paired vino is a pretty ideal way to while away some time for most. Throw in a bar at one of Sydney's most beautiful parks with sweeping harbour views and, really, it doesn't get much better. Luckily, with the return of Jacob's Creek Kitchen Collective, comes the pop-up bar right on Sydney Harbour. While you can pick up tips and tricks for finding the best wines and cooking like a Masterchef at this year's Kitchen Collective, if you'd rather don a napkin than an apron, then head to the Terrace Bar right next door. There, you'll not only find platters and platters of cheese, cured meats and olives, but also plenty of top-notch wines. The views are pretty good, too. As this bar in the Royal Botanic Garden is only around for a short while (Thursday, July 18 – Sunday, August 4), we're shouting one lucky winner (and some mates) a night out on the town. If you get your mitts on this prize, you'll be feasting on cheese and cured meats galore, all while sipping on two smooth, heritage wines: a chardonnay and a shiraz. All up, we'll be footing a $200 bill for you. Jacob's Creek's Terrace Bar is located at Bennelong Lawn in the Royal Botanic Garden. The bar is open Thursdays (4-9pm) and Friday through Sundays (1-9pm) until Sunday, August 4. Does this sound too good to be missed? Enter your details below to be in running. [competition]732590[/competition]
Once again the City of Sydney is transforming, well, the city of Sydney, with its public art program Art&About. While there are many pretty things lining the more conspicuous promenades, it’s down the laneways where the – dare I say it? – more interesting things are happening.Now in the second year of its most recent incarnation, the 2009 Laneways: By George! program is set to stimulate a rethink of what, in this fun-crushing age of public liability, we can do with public space in this city.For four months you can visit a 7 metre bar that responds to visiting crowds with the force of virtual weather, get lost in an Infinity Forest (think Yayoi Kusama but outside with trees), or maybe just unwind in a planter box.Neeson Murcott Architects, Chalk Horse and Freehills, gave me a little insight into the impetus behind their installation in Tankstream Way, PS: Potential Spaces:"We can and should make the streets whatever they have the potential to be," they said. "The laneway does not have to be a dark and lifeless passageway and we hope this project will encourage people to use and enjoy the spaces of their city more - to see the potential of the public realm rather than to shy away from it."While their project has some serious undertones, it promises to enliven the laneway in a slightly less than serious way. Go play.
Twenty of Australia's best chefs are joining forces for a one-off pizza party — and it's all for charity. It's happening at Three Blue Ducks Rosebery on Monday, March 23, and every dime raised will go towards bushfire relief. Three Blue Ducks' Mark LaBrooy will, of course, be in the kitchen, alongside local superstar chefs Brent Savage (Bentley, Yellow, Cirrus Dining), Nic Wong (Icebergs), Orazio D'Elia (Matteo Downtown), Trisha Greentree (10 William Street), Jordan Toft (Coogee Pavilion) and Morgan McGlone (Belles Hot Chicken). Plus, there'll be some interstate stars, too, including Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters, Melbourne), Roy Ner (ZA ZA TA, Brisbane) and Analiese Gregory (ex-Franklin, Hobart). International pizza consultant — yes, it seems this is an actual job title — Anthony Falco will also be prepping a pizza on the night. Each chef will create their own pizza for diners to enjoy — with all ingredients and produce sourced from bushfire-affected areas. Three of the (very) limited-edition pizzas you'll find on the night are Martinez's vegan meatball pizza; D'Elia's luxe, caviar-topped pizza with kingfish, buffalo mozzarella and baby endive; and McGlone's Jewish Deli pizza topped with melted swiss cheese, smoked pastrami from Vic's Meats, mustard, sauerkraut power and pickles. For drinks, bartenders from Fratelli Paradiso and 10 William Street will head up the bar for the night, pouring wines, beers and spirits that come from bushfire-affected areas. The star-studded event is also happening to promote Breville's new Smart Oven, which can hit a spicy 400 degrees. If you fancy yourself a serious pizzaiolo, it may be worth splashing out on one. Tickets are a reasonable $50 each and get you three hours of pizza slices and drinks from 6–9pm. And, since it'll all be donated to various charities helping with bushfire recovery, we reckon it's a particularly well-spent pineapple. Updated March 9, 2020.
It's no secret that lockdown has put our evening meals into sharp focus. And, although it may be a highlight for some, for others, dinnertime cooking creativity has definitely dwindled. If you're feeling uninspired by your regular rotation of recipes, we've got a little something that'll gnocch your socks off. Starting Thursday, September 9, you can take part in an online gnocchi making class, courtesy of our pals from Pizzini Wines' A Tavola cooking school. The 75-minute interactive workshop will teach you how to make soft, pillowy potato parcels with expert guidance from Katrina Pizzini, who heads up A Tavola. She'll show you how to make gnocchi from scratch — and by the end of the class you'll be serving up delicious plates of potato-y pasta slathered in napoli and burnt butter sage sauces. To make sure you've got all the gear, Pizzini Wines will send you a supply pack loaded with a potato ricer, gnocchi paddle, homegrown potatoes, flour, pasta, fresh herbs, and recipe cards. Plus, you'll also get two bottles of delicious Pizzini wine to wash it all down. All you need to bring are some pantry staples such as eggs, butter, olive oil, sugar, parmesan, salt and pepper. Sound like a top-tier way to level up your mid-week dinner duties? Art of Gnocchi Making will kick off at 5pm on September 9, September 15 and September 16. For more information and to book, visit the website.
A peaceful, luxury cabin perched right on the beach, with the waves crashing gently in the background. They're the ingredients of a primo night's sleep and they've now come together as part of IKEA's new pop-up SÖMN (Sleep) Studio, located right on Bondi Beach. Happening on Thursday, March 28, the pop-up will be celebrating and promoting great sleep, hosting a program of free events and a competition that'll see one lucky duo putting in a comfy 40 winks in these idyllic beachside digs. The sleep-focused lineup features a workshop with The Sleep Specialist Olivia Arezzolo, a myth-busting panel discussion presented by sleep expert Dr Elise Facer-Childs, Dr Thea Brejzek and radio personality Matt De Groot, and a healthy breakfast led by best-selling author Sarah Wilson. A pop-up onsite cafe called Fermented, open from 7am–9pm on Thursday, will showcase Swedish-inspired eats, with a wall of fermented krauts, pickles and other condiments that diners can pick and mix to their meal. And you can go in the running to win the ultimate night's sleep inside IKEA's Scandi-style Bondi B&B on the Thursday night. As well as sleeping right by the beach, the winning duo will be guided through choosing their ideal mattress, pillow and bedding (which they'll get to keep), and will also enjoy a special program of activities designed to help give the best possible shut-eye experience. To enter, head to IKEA Australia's Facebook page before 5pm on Wednesday, March 20. All events are free, though you'll need to book via the website to secure a spot.
As Sydney emerged from lockdown for the first weekend of freedom, photographer Cassandra Hannagan took to the streets of the inner west to capture the city in celebration for Concrete Playground. From first IRL dates to catch-ups after months of isolation, Sydneysiders were out in force on a sunny afternoon to enjoy a well-deserved meeting with those closest to them and support local businesses that have been closed for months. CAMPERDOWN MEMORIAL PARK This group of friends gathered in Camperdown Park to celebrate Emily's 29th birthday. It's the first time they've been able to come together and catch up in more than three months. Reece and Tim were captured here during a heated game of corn hole. The group of friends got together to celebrate Liz's 30th birthday in the park. Jenae and Rebecca met in Camperdown Park for their first in-person date and face-to-face meeting. The pair met online during lockdown, going on online dates and watching movies together via Zoom. THE COURTHOUSE Boasting one of Sydney's best beer gardens, beloved Newtown pub The Courthouse was full of patrons enjoying their first jug of Newtowner and pub feed in months over the weekend. The venue is already fully booked out for its first two weeks of service, with requests flooding in as soon as they opened bookings a few weeks ago. MARY'S Dee and Christian enjoyed their first date since lockdown at Mary's. Christian used to work at the inner west burger favourite and was excited to take Dee who had never been. MR. WOLF BARBER SHOP Peter got in early to secure a post-lockdown haircut at Mr. Wolf, his first cut in four months. CAIRO TAKEAWAY After opening for takeaway-only back in July, Cairo took some time off, closing for two and a half months of Sydney's nearly four month lockdown. With dining back Saroa and Niraj welcomed customers back last week. Locals showed out in force over the weekend, flocking to the Enmore Road spot for a long-awaited dose of falafel pitas and Egyptian street food. KING STEET, NEWTOWN Bailey, Jessica, Isla, Alex and Michelle celebrate Sydney's reopening with a drink at Exotic Latin Cafe. The group of friends haven't see each other since May, with some stuck in hotspot LGAs during lockdown, preventing the from picnicking or exercising together. Yue from Monster Threads returned to work last week. The retail store did well with online sales during lockdown but was happy to see customers back in the store browsing the new stock over the weekend. Dendy Newtown staff Steven, Caitlin and Isabella had a busy week with the cinema reopening with sessions of The Suicide Squad, Pig and In the Heights. Cinema-goers were eager to return with 250 tickets selling on the cinemas reopening night. Milly and Lilly traveled from the northern beaches and north shore to have a meal and catch up at Italian favourite La Favola. NEWTOWN HOTEL Saturday marked Morgan and Megan's fifth day out in a row since restrictions lifted. The pair were photographed here perched above King Street sharing a cocktail on the Newtown Hotel balcony. After months of exclusively seeing their housemates, these two share houses were excited to come together for their first catch-up at the pub. THE MARLBOROUGH HOTEL All photographs by Cassandra Hannagan
Hold onto your paper plates Sydney, because Carriageworks has just added another night market to their 2016 calendar. After the wild success of The Night Market, a winter gathering of the best food and drink in the city held as part of Vivid back in June, it's no surprise they're bring back the after-dark outdoor nosh session for one night only this spring. Like its previous instalment, it's quite straightforwardly called The Spring Night Market. The event will see over 50 stallholders take over Carriageworks on the spring evening of Saturday, September 3 from 5pm. If you went along to the winter market, you can expect to once again sample goods from NSW's top tier of restaurants, winemakers, spiritmakers, breweries and providores. Porteño, Billy Kwong, Icebergs, Efendy, Young Henrys, Cake Wines and Pepe Saya will be returning to kick off the new season, and will be joined by Alex Herbert's Bird Cow Fish, St Peters' Urban Winery and Mr Black, who'll be whipping up coffee cocktails. Curated by Sydney chef (of the just-opened No. 1 Bent Street) and Carriageworks Farmers Market creative director Mike McEnearney, The Spring Night Market will hero new season produce. Each stallholder will be able to clue you into the regional source of their produce — a requirement that could only come from the paddock-to-plate-focused McEnearney. The Winter Night Market, held over two nights in June of this year, brought in over 9000 people each night. So, in short, you'll want to get there early and be prepared to queue for the good stuff. THE SPRING NIGHT MARKET STALLHOLDER LINEUP: Bar Pho Baxter & Bird Billy Kwong Bird Cow Fish Blini Bar by Crepe & Coffee Co. Burrawong Gaian Cake Wines Chrissy's Cut Sausages Country Valley Dairy Dessertmakers Ding the Recipe Efendy Eloquesta Wines Freeman Vineyards Gumnut Chocolates Hand N Hoe Organic Macadamias Icebergs Bar & Restaurant Juicing by Colours Kitchen Green Kurrawong Organics La Bastide Lowe Wine Mimosa Valley Lamb Moobi Valley Farm Mr Black Cocktails Mr Goaty Naturally Felafel Pasta Emilia Pepe Saya Porteno Restaurant Prickle Hill Produce Shepherd's Artisan Bakehouse Slow Wine Co. Sweetness the Patisserie The Drink Cabinet The Pines Kiama Trolleyd Urban Winery Vale Creek Wines Young Henrys Brewing Co. The Spring Night Market will be held at Carriageworks on Saturday, September 3 from 5-10pm. Entry is free. By Lauren Vadnjal and Shannon Connellan. Image: Tim da-Rin.
When they were making All the Real Girls, Pineapple Express and Your Highness together, plus Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals and The Righteous Gemstones as well, did conversations between filmmaker David Gordon Green and actor Danny McBride go as follows? "Do you like all-time horror masterpieces?" one may've asked. "Is creating your own version of some of the genre-defining greats your ultimate dream?" the other could've responded. "What if we revived the best of the best from the 70s decades later?" might've been the enthusiastic next line. Then, as two of the driving forces behind 2018's Halloween and its follow-ups Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends kept chatting, "shall we keep their biggest stars, but in flicks that act as direct sequels to the OG films and ignore all of the past sequels, and also work as reboots sparking a new trilogy?" could've been the latest reply. Thanks to the recent Halloween films, a natter like the above seems likely. Now that Green and McBride are also giving The Exorcist a spin, this kind of talk appears a certainty. So, writer/director Green was possessed with a new demonic screen story with McBride and Halloween Kills' Scott Teems, then penned a devil-made-me-do-it script with Camp X-Ray's Peter Sattler. The result is The Exorcist: Believer, a 50-years-later return to head-twisting dances with evil — this time with a prologue in Haiti rather than Iraq, the bulk of the action set in Georgia instead of Washington, DC's Georgetown, and two girls not one in need of faith's help to cast out malevolent fiends. Green and McBride's swap from Michael Myers to Pazuzu also already has its own trinity in the works, with first sequel The Exorcist: Deceiver due in 2025. As it apes the original movie's structure, there's a touch of trickery in starting The Exorcist: Believer in Port-au-Prince: the city's 2010 earthquake is used to get the plot in motion, a move that lands queasily, clunkily and exploitatively. Perhaps Green and company thought that slipping into a real-life tragedy's skin then wreaking havoc was a fitting piece of mirroring; instead, that choice should've been exorcised. Photographer Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) is holidaying with his heavily pregnant wife Sorenne (Tracey Graves, On Ten) when the earth rumbles, leading to him becoming a single father — but not before the baby is blessed in utero by a local healer. Cut to 13 years later, where teenager Angela (Lidya Jewett, Ivy + Bean) is introduced rifling through her mother's belongings, then convincing her grief-stricken dad to let her have an after-school date with her classmate Katherine (debutant Olivia O'Neill). She doesn't tell him that they'll be trying to contact Sorenne via a seance in the woods, though. Christianity reaches The Exorcist: Believer via Katherine, plus her devout parents Miranda (Jennifer Nettles, The Righteous Gemstones) and Tony (Norbert Leo Butz, Justified: City Primeval). Two bedevilled kids means more concerned adults, with the latter's nightmares beginning when Angela and Katherine don't return home from their forest frolic for three days. Once the girls re-emerge, they're withdrawn and erratic. The medical diagnosis is trauma; however, that doesn't explain the spooky happenings. Miranda and Tony contend that something unholy is afoot from the instant that the teens go missing, but Victor takes convincing. There's no lack of folks endeavouring to sway his thinking, as led by believing neighbour and nurse Ann (Ann Dowd, The Handmaid's Tale), who points him in the direction of someone who has been there, seen that and dealt with all the terrors of having a daughter taken over by Pazuzu: Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn, Law & Order: Organised Crime). Shorter than its inspiration but feeling longer, The Exorcist: Believer largely operates in two modes post-preamble: slowly setting the scene, building up to the thrashing, voices and good-versus-evil battle that everyone knows is coming (the film is called The Exorcist, after all); and letting the expected play out. Both are overextended, which doesn't up what little suspense, scares or tension that the feature has — but does benefit the movie's actors and their performances. More time spent with Tony-winners Odom Jr (for Hamilton) and Butz (for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Catch Me If You Can) gives The Exorcist: Believer more emotional depth, as much needed. Jewett and O'Neill are visibly enjoying themselves in the picture's darkest turns. Oscar-winner Burstyn (for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore) plays a smaller part, but her presence has weight to it. Alas, that's all that the film sadly wants of her, as it sets up one possible path, takes it away and then leans on easy nostalgia. As 2018's Halloween did with that saga's 40th anniversary, The Exorcist: Believer has timed its arrival carefully; 2023 marks half a century since William Friedkin adapted William Peter Blatty's bestselling novel that started it all. Green again considers the source material sacred, and it is: earning the now-late but always-great Friedkin his second Best Director Oscar nomination two years after he won for The French Connection, The Exorcist is a horror titan. It made history as the first-ever horror film nominated for Best Picture, too. Not just its own sequels (1977's Exorcist II: The Heretic and 1990's The Exorcist III) and prequels (2004's Exorcist: The Beginning and 2005's Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist) took its lead, but everything about demonic hauntings since 1973. Still, while The Exorcist: Believer is certainly better than the unrelated The Pope's Exorcist, also from 2023, it's as dispiritingly by the numbers as it can be in attempting to emptily copy Friedkin, resurrect lines, get notes of the same score echoing and keep to the franchise playbook. When controversy surrounded the OG The Exorcist all those years back, the ideas and sights that helped cause it had meaning. A crisis of faith lingered throughout the film as heavy as dread, unease and alarm. When the Pazuzu-possessed Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair, Landfill) stabbed violently downwards with a crucifix, the movie's musing on religion's love of the patriarchy and the latter's struggle with girls when they reach puberty were searing. The list goes on, as Green knows but can't match. The Exorcist: Believer amasses a multi-faith group to do the exorcising this time, deploying inclusivity to comment on the changing role that worship plays in modern American life, yet only weakly says the obvious. The patriarchy is addressed again, overtly in monologues, but mostly The Exorcist: Believer plays like its big church-set moment: wandering in to make a big bloody scene while just splashing around some standard shocks.
Footscray's Mr West is known for many things: its craft beer-packed bottle shop, its dog-friendly bar, its charcuterie boards and its espresso martini and negronis on tap. Previously, you had to visit the Melbourne bar to try said cocktails, but now you can have them delivered to your door. In 1.5-litre 'bagnums', no less. Made with Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Boston Black cold drip coffee, stout and vodka, the Good Spirits espresso martini packs a serious alcohol- and caffeinated-punch. The Good Spirits negroni is made with Poor Toms dry gin, Campari and Mr West's house-blended vermouth. It's suggested you serve the latter over ice with an orange garnish, but straight-up in a mug is okay, too. Each 'bagnum' (a portmanteau of 'bag' and 'magnum') costs $99 and contains 12 serves of espresso martini and 20 serves of negroni, which works out to be about $8 a serve for the former and $5 for the latter (a bargain). As an added bonus, the espresso martini bag also comes with a mini Parisian cocktail shaker, so you can froth up your drink a little before serving. If you're located in surrounding suburbs in Melbourne, you can get the bagnums delivered to your door within an hour from 1–7pm daily for a $7.50 flat rate. Sydneysiders and Brisbanites can get them shipped in three-to-ten days from $12. Mr West's online bottle shop doesn't just have oversized cocktail bags, either. You'll also find a whole heap of craft beers, natural wines, local and international spirits, sakes and so much more. Those wanting to commit to more regular drinking can also sign up to Mr West's subscription service Good Booze Project, which sees boxes of three, six or 12 wines and beers delivered to your door every month. You can order a Good Spirits espresso martini or negroni bagnums via the Mr West online shop.
After months of discussion and debate, Queensland is reopening its border from Friday, July 10, allowing residents from all Australian states and territories other than Victoria to enter the state for the first time since March. But anyone hoping for a quick trip over the border — whether you're holidaying up north or heading home to the Sunshine State — should expect plenty of company. In fact, more than 200,000 Aussies are planning to make the trek in the next seven days alone. At a press conference today, Thursday, July 9, Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young advised that the state has already received 238,000 applications for border declaration passes — the permits that anyone entering Queensland from interstate, including Queenslanders returning home, are required to obtain before they'll be allowed across the border. The passes only permit entry into the state within seven days from approval, which means that a hefty amount of people are planning to make the trek within the next week. As Dr Young notes, "that is a lot of people — so that will mean that we'll see congestion and delays". The huge figure was revealed as Queensland announced significant changes to its border policies, including increasing restrictions on travellers who've been to Victoria in the past 14 days. While, since Friday, July 3, Queensland has required anyone travelling from Victoria, including Queenslanders, to go into forced quarantine for 14 days — in a hotel, at your own expense — it'll now completely ban visitors from Victoria from noon on Friday, July 10, including from both accessing the state and quarantining in the state. Exemptions will be given "for essential specialist workers, as well as for health, legal or compassionate grounds", but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk advises that "very few exemptions will be granted". Although Queenslanders returning to the state from Victoria will still be able to come home, they'll continue to be required to go into forced quarantine for 14 days, in a hotel, and pay for the costs. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1281002263457132545 Queensland also revealed that it's implementing new requirements for interstate visitors who develop COVID-19 symptoms while in the state. As announced by Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles, anyone entering Queensland will be required to get tested if they show any signs of the coronavirus within 14 days of arriving in the state — and, to commit to that requirement, you'll have to make a binding declaration to get tested when you apply online for your border pass. Mobile testing clinics will be set up at popular tourist destinations to help travellers get tested — and anyone who refuses testing will face a $4004 fine. The testing requirement will also apply to Queenslanders returning to Queensland, with folks in both categories receiving text messages from Queensland Health to ask if they have developed symptoms and remind them that they must get tested. At the time of the announcement — and at the time of writing this article — Queensland only has two active cases of COVID-19 in the state. To find out more about Queensland's COVID-19 restrictions, and the status of the coronavirus in the state, visit Queensland's online COVID-19 hub. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland.
I wonder how many family albums contain at least one photograph of the Sydney Opera House in the background? A nice shot of the kids in front of the architectural attraction. Yet while this landmark’s existence has become somewhat familiar – recognized as one of the iconic buildings of the 20th century – it certainly hasn’t stopped generating discussion (remember ‘NO WAR’ painted on the façade in 2003?). Nor has the Opera House ceased to reveal unknown dramas and complications that took place during its conception and construction. It was in 1957 that the Danish architect Jørn Utzon flew to Australia to begin work on his ambitious design, and it was in 1966 when Utzon was forced off the project – never to return to the country. Between these two dates is an array of activity, argument, ego and skepticism, coupled of course with a spectacular and lyrically inimitable building. The Edge of the Possible traces the birth, reception and secrets of the Opera House (such as Utzon’s love of sliced oranges as the source of inspiration for the design) through never before seen footage and rare interviews. And, seeing that the controversy over the Opera House would cost several of Utzon’s other projects to be abandoned or rejected, this documentary is an important testament to the worth and value of building something against convention and restraint. Guest speakers: Director of the film Daryl Dellora and Producer Sue Maslin. Supper provided!
Jeff Wall has an eye for oddity and a knack for defamiliarising the everyday. This autumn to winter, the MCA continues its run of big-shot internationals with the Canadian photographer’s series of contrived documentaries and essays in light, in a survey spanning thirty years. The artist describes himself as a cinematographer, and though it sounds like Public Relations Artspeak, the description fits. Celluloid film is not a moving image but a cascade of stills, and just as film realises itself in the split second between frames, the heart of Wall’s work is in what carries on unseen. The works aren’t what they seem: they’re not photographic prints, but transparencies on lightboxes, and their content comprises highly constructed, oddly normal, domestic scenes. A man pushes against a door in a bricked-up urban space (Doorpusher, 1984), but the second image that we can only imagine is what’s behind the door. Double Self-Portrait (1979) presents a visual impossibility - two of the same man in the same frame. Just outside every frame are endless narrative possibilities, a kind of visual Choose Your Own Adventure where the viewer is made to build a story of the before and after. Many of the works are blown up to true scale. A tree is tree-sized, a human is me-sized, and the effect is that we look into the works rather than at them. Wall’s immediate debt is to Lynchian cinema, but his local painterly cousin could be Louise Hearman, another master of strange psychology. These are slippery ideas, painted on running water. You can hide things in words, but Walls’ images have an honesty and a purity to them, despite the amorphousness of their content. That’s what makes them so ordinary and extraordinary, so real and unreal.
This epic, never-before-seen work asks one important question: how much of our true selves do we really share with the world? Created by Force Majeure in partnership with Dance Integrated Australia, it brings together artists with and without disability. And it's semi-autobiographical, sharing some of the performers' real life experiences on stage. Prepare to be moved, confronted, warmed and carried towards deeper empathy. The cracking cast includes contemporary dancers Marnie Palomares and Jana Castillo, actor Gerard O'Dwyer, actor and disability advocate Alex Jones and Auslan interpreter Neil Phipps. "Off The Record is such a unique work," says Jones. "It's about shaking the discomfort out of people's skin and learning how to really understand people with disability." "We've found five extraordinary, talented artists who are prepared to share deeply personal stories and to give a voice to things that are rarely discussed," says Force Majeure artistic director Danielle Micich. Off The Record is the second piece to have been commissioned under New Normal, Carriageworks' national arts and disability strategy, which is supported by the NSW Government. Another eight works, covering performance, music, dance and visual arts, will be developed over the next three years. In addition to the shows, an all-day masterclass will be held on Saturday, August 13. Open to artists and those who work within the arts, attendees will gain insights into the creative process that went into the work's creation. Image: Gregory Lorenzutti.
Doing it solo goes alright, but doing it with someone else is usually infinitely better. In the meeting of minds, ideas are sparked, and possibilities suddenly open up as wide as the sky. In the spirit of coming together, Siberia Records and Chocolate Jesus Industries are presenting Siamese, a series of nights of collaboration and experimentation. Each week will see artists coming forward, entangling themselves in the process, and seeing what happens. On its debut outing there will be performances by Benet, Brous, Kirin J. Callinan, Omen and Pike, plus and improvised performance by FLRL (Fashion Launches Rocket Launches) and music by El Peludo (Andre from Hand Of Tyme/2SER). New Plane Public Press will also be selling their wares from their mobile cart – zines, records and more. In the following weeks, you can catch Circle Pit, Panel Of Judges, Dead China Doll, Domeyko/Gonzalez, Qua and more. An elastic moment in time, we have a feeling the air will be rife with the distinct crackle of unpredictability and creativity. Hold on tight. Image: Donny Benet
As fans of whodunnits on the page, stage and screen know, anything can and often does go wrong in sleuthing tales. Usually, however, the antics remain in the story. That's not the case in The Play That Goes Wrong, as its title indicates — and as theatre audiences have enjoyed for over a decade, watching what happens when The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society endeavours to put on a murder-mystery, then chaos ensues. When the production premiered in 2012 in London, it not only proved a hit but won Best New Comedy at the Laurence Olivier Awards. It's also still treading the boards in the UK, making it West End's current longest-running comedy. For its first Broadway season, it also nabbed a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play. The Play That Goes Wrong has made its way Down Under before, too, but audiences will have another chance to catch it locally when it tours Australia again in 2025. Sydney Opera House is hosting the show's first — and longest — Aussie stop from Thursday, June 19–Sunday, August 3. The plot: when The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society give the whodunnit genre a spin, telling the tale of a murder at a country manor and the quest to find the perpetrator, making it through the show becomes an accident-filled challenge. Since its debut over a decade ago, The Play That Goes Wrong has been seen by more than 4.2-million people worldwide — in 49 countries — and given 3500-plus performances at West End's Duchess Theatre alone. Another tidbit: also in West End, members of The Drama Society have been hit more than 125,545 times, sometimes by objects and sometimes by each other. Images: original West End cast, Robert Day.
Taking to the lush green set, fringed with palms and draped with their wild print fabrics, Oxford four-piece Glass Animals charmed and enthralled the Hi-Fi's intimate audience on Friday, January 9, lacing their rich and complex yet effortlessly smooth tunes with a little of their unique jungle spirit. The fragile melody of opener 'Black Mambo' brought the show to life; the gentle, slow beats teasing the crowd like lead singer Dave Bayley's alluring vocals. The slithering single's climax showed the boys' fierce intensity that captivated the audience for the remainder of the evening. Their delicately produced and experimental electronic beats sound organic throughout the slick 'Walla Walla' and haunting 'Wyrd', and as they launch into last year's hugely popular hit 'Gooey', their luxe R&B sound brings an energy and warmth to the stage that goes beyond the ol', "Oh, I know this one". The rhythmic 'Hazey' shows Bayley's vocals are the real deal; he reaches every note with pitch perfect precision and oozy confidence. The texturally rich synth is punctuated with his martial art-like grooving, the kind you'd see from that guy at the music festival who's dancing so hard that he doesn't care who's watching him. He's having fun, and it's contagious. The crowd is right there with him, hypnotically mouthing lyrics and aiding his venture up the barricades in his socks (shoes were removed to show off those mad dancing feet) to croon to the front row. Returning for an encore, the band play their triple j Like a Version rendition of Kanye West's 'Love Lockdown', reawakening that R&B vibe to finish with 'Pools', a catchy crowd favourite that blends their twisted pop and infectious lyrics with wild, layered sonics — everything we love about this band. With the ability to turn a chilled out tune into a song that can inject a crowd with energy, and last week's announcement of their name on this year's Coachella lineup, Glass Animals are a sole reason to get yourself over to Palm Springs, or any worthy venue they happen to be purring at. Image: Leigh Griffiths.
When John Wick burst its way into cinemas in 2014 with a flurry of bullets, it was the action flick no one knew they needed. Keanu Reeves was at his blank-faced best as an unstoppable assassin, shooting first and never asking questions — because he didn't have to. Watching the mayhem that resulted: that was an audiences' joy through and through. Can such a formidable force hit the target twice, though? The answer is obvious: John Wick never misses. Chronicling Wick's efforts to once again stride back into seclusion — a plan foiled by Italian mobsters with a case of sibling rivalry — the reunited team of stuntman turned director Chad Stahelski and screenwriter Derek Kolstad stay true to their winning premise and up the stakes. John Wick still gets to show off his lethal skills, but he's not just seeking vengeance. He's repaying the debt that helped him get out of the assassin business in the first place, and then trying to survive the deadly fallout. Oh, and he's got a new dog. As familiar as that might sound, John Wick: Chapter 2 turns sticking with what works into an action opera that knows when to dazzle with a symphony of shoot-outs, but also knows when enjoying Keanu's menacing presence is enough. The film's impeccably choreographed action scenes in Roman catacombs and New York City streets prove exhilarating, but so too do the steely glares directed by Keanu at his myriad foes – including Common and Australia's own Ruby Rose. The fact that the end result may be a little predictable isn't a problem when it's executed with such precision and flair. When Stahelski does sprinkle a few fresh inclusions into the mix, he goes big. Suave Italian icon Franco Nero — aka the original Django — pops up as the Roman counterpart to Ian McShane's returning hotelier, while Laurence Fishburne gives movie nerds the reunion they've been waiting for. Smartly, though, neither overpowers the main attraction. Cinema-goers want to see Keanu being the legendary bad guy that even bad guys fear, dispensing with his enemies with a pencil and just generally blazing his way through the criminal underworld. On that front, you'd better believe that John Wick: Chapter 2 delivers. Indeed, Keanu and his former Matrix stunt double are the movie's not-so-secret weapons. Stahelski ramps up the action to dizzying heights, while his leading man lets his physicality and stoic charisma do the talking. More than a quarter of a century since he first showed off his action hero skills in Point Break, Keanu's still got it. The genre wouldn't be the same without him – and if we can make a request for the inevitable John Wick: Chapter 3, it's for more of the same with some of Johnny Utah's surfing thrown in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdkhQsy9fU4
Before Julian Assange took residence in London's Ecuadorian Embassy, he was spreading his ideas at the 2011 Festival of Dangerous Ideas alongside Germaine Greer, David Marr, Michael Kirby and a slew of other big names. Presented by the Sydney Opera House and St James Ethics Centre, FODI is now in its sixth year running, bringing the most interesting speakers and big thinkers to town. We've sifted through the packed-out program, have narrowed it down to our top five picks and are ready to be reminded that FODI is more than just a festival with provocatively titled events. Television Has Replaced the Novel – Salman Rushdie and Emily Nussbaum When was the last time you read a novel? When was the last time you watched a TV series? If the difference between your answers would horrify your year eight English teacher, you're not alone. Booker Prize-winning Midnight's Children novelist Salman Rushdie and Tthe New Yorker's TV critic Emily Nussbaum will nut out the two modes of storytelling and their place in the future with the help of chair Michael Williams (director of The Wheeler Centre). Sunday, August 31, 11.30am-12.30pm, Concert Hall. Tickets from $45, available here. Russia is a penal colony – Pussy Riot After their numerous protests and guerrilla performances, the feminist punk rock art collective Pussy Riot instigated worldwide critique of Vladimir Putin's presidential reign (and spurred an HBO doco series or two). They were sent to a gulag, where they were subjected to harsh physical conditions, slave labour and physical violence but, thankfully, were released late last year. In conversation with former ABC Russian correspondent Monica Attard, Pussy Riot's Nadya Tolokonnikova and Masha Alekhina will talk about their subsequent work in prisoner advocacy and the establishment of Zona Prava, their NGO founded to defend the rights of the almost 1 million people imprisoned in Russia. Saturday, August 30, 2.30-3.30pm, Drama Theatre. Tickets from $25, available here. Place Hack Your City Bradley Garrett was probably the type of kid who, itching to start the day and explore, couldn't sit still long enough to eat his cereal of a morning. If there was one FODI event that resonating with us at Concrete Playground, it would be this one. The American researcher/explorer/geographer will be talking about 'place-hacking', exploring your city from every angle and why erring on the side of danger rather than caution should be your new favourite pastime. Saturday, August 30, 11am-noon, The Studio. Tickets from $25, available here. Cat videos will save journalism It's a 21st-century truth that regardless of your natural disposition towards cats (loving, hating, allergic), there is a cat video out in the big wild world of The Internet that will make you cackle till the cows come home. But are these omnipresent felines hindering 'serious journalism'? Or do they stand at the doorway to more hard-hitting and challenging content (at least on occasion)? A panel discussion will air the opinions of BuzzFeed's Australian editor Simon Crerar, Sound Alliance's content director Tim Duggan, deputy editor of The Australian Peter Fray and managing director of the ABC Mark Scott. This event is sold out, but you can find it in its natural habitat, the internet, when it live streams on the day. Sunday, August 31, 10.30-11.30am, The Studio. Tickets from $25, available here. Breaking Australia's Silence – John Pilger In his groundbreaking documentary Utopia, Australian investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker John Pilger exposed the ugly truths related to the abuses and atrocities committed in Aboriginal communities. In conversation with Liz Ann Macgregor, director of the MCA, Pilger widens his critique by examining other 'unofficial truths' impacting on class and power structures and limiting public debate in a nation that strives to maintain an image to the contrary. Sunday, August 31, 3.30-4.30pm, Concert Hall. Tickets from $25, available here. To plan your dangerous weekend, check out the FODI website.
Start shining your best pair of shape-throwing shoes and get ready to dance, dance, dance because Sydney's most energetic weekend of the year is back for round two. After an impressive Sydney debut last year, MoVement will again take over the city with epic warehouse parties, curated club nights and the best in dance and electronic music from October 19-23. With an extra day up their sleeves this year, the city-wide festival (which is produced by V Energy Australia) will serve up five whole days and nights of sweet tunes and all-round awesomeness that celebrate some of Sydney's best and favourite dance party crews and artists. Like last year, the festival will be held at various locations around the city, meaning you can flit between vinyl swap meets, to secret parties and a whole slew of gigs in-between. Headlining the festival is Mind Gamers — the new project from Sebastien Tellier, Daniel Stricker of the Midnight Juggernauts and John Kirby of Blood Orange — who will be performing for the very first time. Other highlights include a DJ set from Kristian Nairn (aka Hordor from Game of Thrones), and a spesh fifth birthday party for Astral People, which will include sets from Wave Racer, Baro, Polographia and others. Sydney's party crews will be throwing a few big ones as well, with Heaps Gay, FBi and House of Mince all throwing events. Anyway, we know what you're here for. Here's the lineup. MOVEMENT SYDNEY 2016 LINEUP Mind Gamers (Sebastien Tellier | Daniel Stricker | John Kirby) Wave Racer Seven Davis Jr Kristian Nairn aka HODOR Priku Shags Chamberlain (Ariel Pink) Presents: The Crystal Machine Honey Soundsystem (Jason Kendig & Jackie House) EL-B Nicole Millar Indian Summer GL Go Freek Baro w/ Full Live Band Polographia Mall Grab Sleep D (Live) Winston Surfshirt CC:DISCO! Made in Paris Human Movement Moonbase Commander Prequel Zuri Akoko The Possé Purple Sneakers DJs Cliques B2B Preacha Stoney Roads DJs Sydney Pony Club Rimbombo Fergus Sweetland Piecey Siberia DJs Ben Drayton Andy Garvey Lovebombs Kali T-Syd Adrian E Jon Watts Noise in my Head Sea Breeze Lauren Hansom b2b Khan Mira Boru 2016 FBi Dance Class DJs + many more… MoVement will return to Sydney from Wednesday, October 18 till Sunday, October 23. For more information, visit movementsydney.com. Image: MoVement Sydney 2015.
Getting comfy on the couch is nothing new for avid readers. Staying in to attend Brisbane Writers Festival is, though. Like many other events in 2020, the annual celebration of all things literary is going virtual this year, serving up a week-long celebration of the written word that's being delivered digitally. Called Brisbane Writers Festival 2020: Room to Dream, the fest runs from Monday, August 31–Sunday, September 6, with seven events on the agenda. Each day, two artists will respond to the theme as part of a call and response-style presentation that's available to watch via the BWF website. Also, checking out their readings, poetry, art and dance is completely free. First up is poet Alison Whittaker and dancer and choreographer Katina Olsen, offering up a piece that's being described as "a fusion of feelings". Also on the bill: Vietnamese Australian author Vivian Pham's words brought to life with artworks by Vietnamese illustrator Camelia Pham; a collaboration between award-winning novelist James Bradley and writer and video game enthusiast Shastra Deo; and real-life partners Chris Flynn (author of Mammoth) and Eirian Chapman (an illustrator). The list goes on, which is reason enough to tune in each day — and to get your BWF fix before it returns as a physical event from May 7–9, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLEw15OmF0M&feature=emb_logo Brisbane Writers Festival 2020: Room to Dream runs from Monday, August 31–Sunday, September 6 via the BWF website.
UPDATE: MARCH 16, 2020 — The Other Art Fair has decided to postpone its upcoming Sydney fair 'in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation'. New dates are yet to be announced, but we'll be sure to keep you updated. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. If you're staring at that blank space on your bedroom wall and feeling uninspired, fret not. The Other Art Fair returns this March. The celebrated global event returns to Sydney for the seventh time on the weekend of March 19–22. The fair will showcase a lively collection of emerging artists in the stimulating surrounds of The Cutaway in Barangaroo. Presented by Saatchi Art, this year's fair is bigger than ever before. The creative works of more than 130 carefully chosen artists, each selected by a prominent panel of art industry experts, will be up for sale. From the ornate to the inexpensive, The Other Art Fair 2020 offers thousands of artworks starting at as little as $100. Plus, all of the artists will be on-site, so you can chat with them and hear the stories behind your chosen piece. The vast four-day event is complemented by an eclectic array of art activations, hand-poked tattooing, workshops and immersive performances, plus street food and DJ sets. Make a party out of it by attending on opening night ($35), or stop by for a general browse between Friday to Sunday — general entry tickets cost $20 online or $30 on the door.
Sydney's set to say goodbye to yet another iconic live music venue — though this time, thankfully, the farewell's only temporary. The team behind Liverpool Street's Hudson Ballroom has taken to Facebook to announce the venue will close its doors this month, as it undergoes some hefty renovations. It's revealed that when the current owners first took over the former Goodgod Small Club site, building restrictions kept them from giving it the upgrade it really deserved. Two and a half years on and this long-planned revamp has finally been given the go-ahead. But Hudson Ballroom's not going out without a bang, saying thank you to all of its supporters with a huge closing party this Saturday, April 28. The Wrecking (Hud)Ball 'Closing For Renos' Party will feature sets from some of the venue's DJ regulars, with the likes of SZASZ, WHO and Hex Pest taking over the front room for a session of hip hop and party tunes. The Sidechain DJs will be working their magic in the back room, while the bar slims down by offering $6 house spirits, $6 beers and $10 top-shelf booze. Best of all, entry's just $5. No word yet on how long Hudson Ballroom will be closed, but we'll keep you in the loop as we learn more. We're banking on a pretty big return party once the venue's up and running.' Image: Hudson Ballroom via Facebook.
Out of the supergroups and celebrity collaborations that have popped up recently, I think The Dead Weather are making the best music. They are on the other end of the scale from Them Crooked Vultures which is just an excuse for Dave Grohl and Josh Homme to be teenagers again and think they've joined Led Zeppelin, whilst sounding like a mediocre and undercooked Queens Of The Stone Age. The DW concoct rock with bits of blues and sprinkles of hip hop, with a swagger and a don't fuck with us attitude courtesy of Jack White and Alison Mosshart (The Kills). Their album Horehound and the band itself are holding their own, with bouncy yet dark tunes that don't plageurise any of their individual main projects. With Jack White once again flexing his musical muscle, this time behind the kit, the guys have drummed up some serious love in the year since they revealed their band and the songs must be flooding out, with talk of a second album already in the works. They have announced a tour of The Pacific Rim and Australia is included, meaning they will be on stage at The Enmore soon. *New club show at Oxford Art Factory on Saturday 27 March just announced! Tickets on sale 9am Friday 26 March.*
There's a new ladies night in town, but it's a far cry from the sessions of budget bubbly and trashy tunes you've encountered elsewhere. Instead, Camperdown's Lady Hampshire is launching a monthly pub session sans-stereotypes, promising a safe, fun and inclusive space for all female-identifying and non-cis bodies. Proudly dubbed See You Next Tuesday (it runs the second Tuesday of each month), the event taps into the pub's laidback vibe, yet offers a program of kickass, female-friendly activities to boot. We're talking things like beer yoga, dancehall classes, clothes swaps and drives for local women's shelters, intergenerational trivia and workshops with the likes of cake queen Katherine Sabbath. After a successful launch in November, the second party will celebrate all things chicks and Christmas (Chixmas, geddit?) on Tuesday, December 12. This time round comedian Gen Fricker will be on the mic, Love Actually will be playing on the courtyard big screen, DJs will keep things moving and a lip sync battle will go down at some point. The SYNT Christmas special will also see a lineup of free Jameson cocktails and Frank Strongs boozy lemonade, and tacos will go for two for $10. The gloriously named Vadge Draw will be back too — $5 will get you entry into the monthly prize pool and your very own bronze clam keyring. Image: Steven Woodburn.
The Australian Centre for Photography’s Winter Season brings together three artists who paint, perform and sculpt, but emphasises the photographic element in their work. Terry Burrows presents Banaras Backs, an exhibition of enormous photographic prints handpicked from his 1008-strong collection, The Banaras Back Book. Over the course of a five-month residency in India, Burrows created a visual essay capturing individuals staring out at the River Ganges in Varanasi (Baranas). The photos were all taken from behind, and cut across time, religion, class and caste. Rodney Pople’s exhibition, Lie of the Land, places the viewer face to face with species on the verge of extinction. Pople spent time in Kenya capturing close-up portraits of animals, and has built on his photographs with multiple layers of paint and spontaneous brushstrokes. He explores our fascination with the wild along with our desire to domesticate and control. Hiromi Tango’s Dust Storm blends photography, video, performance and sculpture to explore personal despondency. Viewers are immersed in colour and light, becoming part of Tango’s interest in art’s potential for therapy. The experience is at once disturbing and uplifting.
With Game of Thrones ending its run this year, there's currently a huge fantasy-shaped hole in the TV and streaming landscape. Of course, the beloved show will go on thanks to its own prequel; however plenty of networks and platforms are trying their hands at the genre in the interim — and giving television buffs plenty to watch. Amazon is hoping to fill the gap with its forthcoming Lord of the Rings series, although it isn't due until 2021. HBO's next contender will arrive sooner, courtesy of its adaptation of His Dark Materials. And, while Netflix already has its Dark Crystal prequel launching in August, it'll soon drop new series The Witcher as well. An exact date for the latter hasn't been announced, but the Henry Cavill-starring show has just unveiled its first trailer at San Diego Comic-Con. The witcher of the title is Geralt of Rivia (Cavill, sporting long blonde locks), a monster hunter who prefers to work — aka slay beasts — alone. But life has other plans for the lone wolf, forcing him to cross paths with powerful sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra, Netflix's Wanderlust) and young princess Ciri (newcomer Freya Allan). The latter harbours a secret, because of course she does, with the series blending plenty of fantasy staples such as magic, royalty, fighting factions, battling hordes, fearsome creatures, a heap of sword-swinging and many a scenic location. After stepping into Superman's shoes and facing off against Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible — Fallout, The Witcher marks Cavill's return to TV a decade after starring in regal period drama The Tudors. Behind-the-scenes, the show's eight-part first season is created, executive produced and co-scripted by Lauren Schmidt, who has everything from The West Wing, Parenthood and Power to Daredevil, The Defenders and The Umbrella Academy to her name. If the series' name sounds familiar, that's because The Witcher is based on the short stories and novels of writer Andrzej Sapkowski — and, as well as being turned into comics, it was adapted the video game series of the same name. A Polish film and TV show also reached screens back in the early 2000s, although they were poorly received. Check out the trailer for Netflix's The Witcher below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSqi-8kAMmM The Witcher will hit Netflix sometime later this year. We'll keep you updated with a release date when we have one.
The brainchild of cosmic Melbourne trio Midnight Juggernauts, Siberia Records plays host to a swag of electronically-grounded, eclectic artists worth giving a significant damn about. For their highly-anticipated Vivid label party Siberian Nights they're bringing Mancurian electronic wizard Andy Stott and his formidable bass/vox fusion to The Studio on May 23, alongside Sydney threesome Black Vanilla, Forces, Cassius Select (Guerre), DCM and Four Door. Plus, the Middy Juggs will be jamming as well, bringing their fully immersive experience AERIALS to psych everyone out. To psych you up for Friday's highly anticipated Studio party, the dudes at Siberia have put together a playlist of weird and wonderful offerings; from the charismatic strangeness of Kirin J Calinan to the smooth stylings of Cassius Select. So jump in, bliss out and make the trek to Siberia on Friday night. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rUtZOGP8VCA 1. Alex Cameron — Jumping the Shark "Technically this is an album. But one of my favourites this year. An interesting exploration into the down and out world of show business (see video). Alex was self releasing it on his website for free so we decided to press a small run baby blue vinyl for it. It now sits proudly on my shelf, and hopefully yours too. "He's in London right now where he's been playing a few shows with R. Stevie Moore but will be magically appearing at our Siberia show at Vivid, along with the next character — it's a bit of a secret how they'll actually get there..." https://youtube.com/watch?v=ycK1xMEzQeQ 2. KIRIN J CALLINAN - Constant Craving (feat. Sophia Brous) "Kirin also covered 'Apology Accepted' by The Go Betweens a few years ago. Both great Australian covers in my honest opinion. KD Lang might be Canadian but this version slices and dices her into the Southern Hemisphere. "Like I was saying, Kirin will be present in 'some form' this weekend at the Siberia night however, technically he'll still be in London recording his second album." https://youtube.com/watch?v=s9LYXnII_7Q 3. FORCES - Altered States "A classic Australian electronic track. And band. I fell in love with these guys about four years ago when they did a reworking of another artist we were working with. They hadn't released any original material at that point and then they sent me this track, among others. "We ended up bringing them to Sydney to play at a rave in 2012 in an abandoned room in Hibernia House (that we somehow got the keys to). There's a great photo of them almost getting arrested when the cops came and shut it down. You can find it somewhere online." https://youtube.com/watch?v=OZWmYEUoweg 4. SPK - SLOGUN "These guys were quoted to be the inventors of industrial music by Throbbing Gristle. Little do people know, the beginnings of industrial music actually started in Sydney Australia with SPK. These guys were working at the asylum in Balmain (that is now SCA) and they mention in interviews they were influenced by the sounds they were hearing all day, that bled into their first album. They then went onto actually sampling those sounds in subsequent records. "To me they are a great representation of some of the harshness of Australian music. One of them eventually moved to Hollywood and now creates incredible sound design — he did the soundtrack to The Crow in the 90's. This video has a bit of a history lesson on the group if you're interested. I like the quote in the comments: "This is the result of leaving a 56k modem in the microwave.'" https://youtube.com/watch?v=FtH_6fVLHgk 5. CASSIUS SELECT - Judge / Lock "Lavurn Lee's debut video. I've known this guy for a long time through Guerre and now Black Vanilla. His solo material as Cassius Select is incredible. I find it hard to engage with electronic music sometimes but this is totally immersive. It sets such a strong tone; dark and menacing yet in a strange way euphoric and slinky. It's totally fresh. We've just started doing stuff with him and I think he's got a lot of exciting things coming." Siberian Nights is happening in The Studio on Friday May 23 for Vivid LIVE. More details over here.
Five years in the making, the Art Gallery of NSW's new Sydney Modern Project is finally here, opening its doors to the public on Saturday, December 3. The ambitious four-level, $344-million project is filled with breathtaking works of art. Wonder through the gallery and you'll discover fully immersive exhibition spaces, vibrant works from world-renowned artists, and huge sculptures welcoming you into the building or looking out onto the harbour. The gallery will welcome art lovers in with a hefty free program of events in and around the venue. It's a significant lineup, running until Sunday, December 11 and spanning everything from art and music to talks and performances. For starters, Sydney Modern will be giving Sydneysiders every chance to explore its multi-storey haven of expression with extended opening hours during the nine-day opening program. Whether you're an early riser or a late-night art enthusiast, you'll have more opportunities to check out the gallery as it'll be open from 10am–10pm each day. UK pop star Ellie Goulding will headline a free concert at The Domain on Saturday, December 10, as supported by Meg Mac and Electric Fields. Called Art for All, the show will see the Grammy-winner play opposite AGNSW and is a one-night-only affair, with free tickets available. Spanning the whole length of the celebrations is Art Up, which will see Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie unleash a stunning sight. He's creating a massive drone show that'll hover over Woolloomooloo Bay every evening, with 400 drones used to animate artworks in the sky over AGNSW and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. There'll also be a soundtrack to go with it. Conversation series Art Exchange will similarly span the nine days, bringing together artists, creatives and thought leaders from across the globe. Their overall topic: art and culture today, and its current ideas, innovations and struggles. Attendees will be able to hear from Reko Rennie and fellow artists Lisa Reihana, Howie Tsui and Adrián Villar Rojas. Also on the bill: Suhanya Raffel, director of M+ in Hong Kong; chefs Adam Liaw, Christine Manfield, Matt Moran and Clayton Wells; human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson; and comedian Steven Oliver. The workshop lineup will see artists from Milingimbi Art and Culture centre in northeast Arnhem Land lead the charge, conducting a weaving session that responds to some of Sydney Modern Project's artworks. In the new building's first gallery, the Yiribana Gallery, a series of naturally dyed woven artworks will be on display as part of a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art — which the workshop will tie into. And, the performance roster includes, GABAN by Wiradjuri Nation interdisciplinary artist Brook Andrew; RITUAL from actor, filmmaker and martial artist Maria Tran; and disability-led choreographic work Animate Loading by Riana Head-Toussaint. [caption id="attachment_880678" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of the Dreamhome: Stories of Art and Shelter exhibition in the new building at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, featuring works by Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran © Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Zan Wimberley[/caption]
When Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) returns to the world of fashion, very few people care. In Zoolander 2, the male model finds that everyone has moved on during his 15-year absence; in fact, upon his arrival at the Rome airport with his rival turned best buddy Hansel (Owen Wilson), the paparazzi barely give him a second glance. The dim-witted character's on-screen comeback appears to subvert the film's off-screen reality, given that audiences have been clamouring for a follow-up to Zoolander ever since the 2001 feature became a cult favourite. Alas, it actually proves a sign of things to come, with the sequel rendering its central figure utterly forgettable. The Derek Zoolander of today might still boast shiny hair and his famous facial expressions, but he's now a recluse who gave up his career and son after a tragedy. Only an invitation to sashay down the runway for superstar seamstress Alexanya Atoz (Kristen Wiig) lures him back into the spotlight, though his trip to Italy also thrusts him into the thick of another conspiracy plot. This time, celebrities are dropping like flies, leaving pouting, blue steel-style selfies behind. Enter Interpol fashion division agent Valentina (Penélope Cruz), who needs Derek's help to put an end to the assassinations. Like many sequels, Zoolander 2 knows that viewers liked the first film, and isn't willing to stray far from that winning formula for its second outing. That means not just a similar story, the same levels of sartorial silliness and ample stupid dialogue, but plenty of overt nods to its predecessor. Indeed, spotting the references, repeats and rehashes — a familiar face here, a recycled line there — is perhaps the most enjoyable part of the movie. If you think that's a bad sign, you'd be right. If you think that everything else feels stretched, with countless twists and gags about obvious pop culture targets, you'd be right there too. That sense of déjà vu you're feeling is by design. What sets the two films apart, other than the sequels bloated narrative, is their respective strike rates. Zoolander might've been little more than a collection of exaggerated sketches and quotable dialogue, but at least its jokes landed more often than they didn't, whether skewering the fashion industry or taking aim at society's obsession with superficiality. Here, the recognisable content raises a smile, but attempts to contemplate loyalty, legacy and longevity come across as cheap and easy. Everything else — taking down hipsters, packing in cameo appearances, literally killing off Justin Bieber, and having Hansel date an orgy — falls flat. At least Stiller, as co-writer, director and star, can't be accused of lacking enthusiasm either in front of or behind the lens. Zoolander 2 is left wanting in the surprise and subtlety departments, however it forges ahead with the same energy he brings to his performance. Acting-wise, he's pulling the same faces and hitting the same beats — as is Wilson and scene-stealing fellow returnee Will Ferrell as devious designer Mugatu — but he doesn't seem as strained as the material he's working with. Ultimately though, Stiller's eagerness isn't enough. Just like there's a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking, there should be more to a long-awaited sequel than blatantly reliving past glories.
Unhealthy habits add up. A soft drink here, a packet of potato chips there, week after week. Before you know it, you've got some serious health problems on your hands. For many people, getting healthy and eating clean means swearing off deliciousness altogether — embarking on the monk-like tedium of a broccoli-watercress-brown rice kind of diet. But we all know what happens here — a day or two of self-inflicted torture later, desperate for a modicum of joy, they tear into the nearest packet of chocolate biscuits. And another. Luckily, it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, pendulum-like feasting and fasting is the most ineffective way of kicking a noxious lifestyle. The trick is baby steps. Swap one ingredient for another, one at a time. New Australian delivery service Youfoodz are pros at this, they're delivering healthy versions of your favourite indulgences every night of the week — from fish and chips to raspberry and coconut protein pancakes. And they make sure the substitutes are tasty, so you don't even notice you're going healthy. Here are ten super easy ideas to get you started — that you'll actually want to give a chance. SWAP VEGE OIL FOR COCONUT OIL Shortly after the UN revealed that bacon had graduated to its cancer hit list, vegetable oil took a beating. Leading scientists told us many vege oils, when heated, contain dangerous concentrations of aldehydes — chemicals linked, not only to cancer, but to heart disease and dementia, too. The good news is that coconut oil isn't anywhere near as nasty — in fact, it can help to sort out cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. What's more, it doubles nicely as a moisturiser. SPREAD WITH AVO SMASH RATHER THAN BUTTER Science's many contradictory studies of butter have left us confused as to just how bad — or good — it is. According to the latest research, it's okay in small doses. But you don't want to go lathering everything in it. So smash and spread an avocado instead. This little green powerhouse is packed with goodness, from vitamins and minerals galore to potassium to fibre. Plus, it tastes mighty, mighty fine. ASK FOR BROWN RICE INSTEAD OF WHITE If you don't ask, most restaurants will pile white rice on your plate. But, in most cases, the brown variety is available. Even if it costs you a little extra, it's cheaper than medical bills from long-term health problems. Brown rice is crowded with nutrition that's been stripped from its white equivalent — Youfoodz do brown rice with their Moroccan chicken tagine. With every cup of brown rice, you'll score 80 percent of your daily manganese requirements (great for your nervous system), a burst of antioxidants, stacks of selenum (keeps arthritis away) and loads more healthy things. GO ITALIAN WITH SPAGHETTI SQUASH RATHER THAN PASTA Spaghetti squash looks, feels and even tastes so much like pasta, it's spooky. All you have to do is buy it, season it and bake it in the oven for 40 minutes or so (until it's soft). Scrape out the flesh with a fork and voila! Your pasta substitute is ready to go. Every serve delivers omega-3, omega-6, beta carotene, potassium, antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C. SNACK ON AIR-POPPED POPCORN INSTEAD OF POTATO CHIPS There's no doubting the addictiveness of salty, crispy potato chips. But there's even less doubting their detrimental effects. The low nutrition to high calorie ratio makes them a fast track to weight gain. Add to that their generous doses of sodium and saturated fat and you're in sky-high blood pressure territory. One easy way to break your chip-munching habit is by replacing it with an air-popped popcorn routine. You still get all the crispiness and morishness, but without the baddies. DESSERT ON YOGHURT INSTEAD OF ICE CREAM The unhealthiness of your ice cream does, of course, depend on where you're getting it from. Some scoops are chock-full of sugar and additives, while others are made using clean, natural ingredients. Either way, though, your body will thank you for choosing yoghurt instead. That's not any old, sugary yoghurt laden with gelatine and food acids, by the way, but the high-quality, sugar-free gear. If you're craving creamy satisfaction, Greek yoghurt's the way to go. Whichever you choose, find one that's made using old-school, set-in-the-pot methods. EAT PROTEIN BALLS, NOT CHOCOLATE Of all food addictions, chocolate can be the hardest to kick. In fact, one study at Drexel University demonstrated that, for some people, chocoholism inspires similar reactions to those experienced by drug addicts. If feel like your habit is taking over, get it gone by swapping it for protein ball snacking — and variations like Youfoodz's rocky road protein balls will make you forget they're good for you. When you're feeling tired or low, they pack an energy punch, while reducing cravings. TRAIL MIX INSTEAD OF SWEETS Like chocolate, sweets tempt us when our energy levels are sinking. Ignoring cravings altogether is tough — you'll overcome them much more easily by replacing sweets with fruit and nut mix. You'll get the pick-me-up you need, but without a sugar-inspired crash and burn, and with a whole pack of healthy stuff — like magnesium, zinc and fibre. You can even snack on trail mixes made up into bars if you're on the go, like YouFoodz's supa food bar. ADD VANILLA IN PLACE OF SUGAR This one's for the bakers in the house. Biscuits and cakes packed with sugar and fat can be tasty — there's no denying that — but, to get some sweetness without slowly killing your audience, cut back on sugar and add vanilla. You can use extract or, for a really intense flavour boost, try beans. They're pricey, but worth it. DRINK SPARKLING WATER, NOT SOFT DRINKS When the sun's beating down, we often reach for a soft drink, hankering for its cool, effervescent rush and sugary high. But next time you're feeling hot and thirsty, go for sparkling water. You'll get all the refreshment with none of the calories. If plain water doesn't appeal to you, add a dash of sugar-free juice. Lemon is especially effective in summer. Images: Youfoodz, Dollar Photo Club, Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons, Cary Bass-Deschenes (Flickr).
Last spring, the inaugural Great Southern Nights saw more than 1000 gigs take place across 300 NSW venues. This push to return to live music managed to see COVID-safe gigs take place from bustling underground venues in the Sydney CBD, to vast amphitheatres in rural towns. Now, a 2022 edition of Great Southern Nights has just been announced and will hopefully see us all returning to catching our favourite local bands live. This time around, the gigs will be popping up throughout March and April and the first six artists have been announced. Indie pop sensation Amy Shark, Yolngu rapper Baker Boy and DJ duo Peking Duk will join Australian music royalty Jimmy Barnes, Missy Higgins and Jessica Mauboy on the lineup, with a heap more artists set to be announced soon. Last year saw more than 75,000 tickets sold across the 1100 gigs. "Great Southern Nights was designed with COVID-safety in mind, supporting shows of all sizes, in all kinds of live music venues, and giving the industry a leg up to get back to work," Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said. [caption id="attachment_797489" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] The NSW Government is hoping the return of this initiative alongside its recent live music and arts support package will help the industry recover from what has been a disastrous 18 months. "The NSW Government has delivered a range of support measures to businesses and individuals to lessen the impact of the latest COVID-19 restrictions, and earlier this year we delivered the $24 million Live Music Support Package to 162 venues demonstrating our commitment to the sector," said Ayres. If you run a venue and you want to apply to be part of Great Southern Nights you can do so via its website before Friday, October 8. Great Southern Nights 2022 will run from Friday, March 18 until Sunday, April 10 throughout NSW.
