As much as Mardi Gras is about the party and the parade, it just wouldn't be the same without Fair Day. Every year, up to 80,000 folks descend on Victoria Park for a day that's half picnic, half party. You'll want to bust out your brightest colours — being the only person who didn't dress up is no fun at all. From 10am on Sunday, February 17 there'll live performances from Electric Fields, Mojo Juju, Maribelle, The Marion Cranes and a whole load more, plus a pumpin' dance floor so that you can dance the day away. There'll also be over 200 stalls for food, bevvies and other delights, a fashions of the fair contest and an official after party. And, thanks to the return of Doggywood, your favourite four-legged buddy can also experience life in the spotlight. Does your fabulous pooch have what it takes to be crowned Best Dressed or Most Talented? Of course it does.
Leave everything to the chef at the expansive and moody omakase restaurant, ŌRA. Make your evening even more special with a complimentary Haku martini paired with the first choice of the special omakase menu. ŌRA is located down an unassuming street in a renovated warehouse. You could walk past and never even know that a culinary haven awaits inside. We sat down with Head Chef Nobuyuki Ura to chat about his history of becoming a hatted chef and what he loves about omakase. What sets ŌRA apart from the other stunning omakase restaurants in the city is the unique use of space. Unlike many of the other small and intimate venues, ŌRA makes use of its warehouse surroundings to provide three different offerings to its guests: a central bar with fusion food offerings, a cocktail lounge and a marble ten-seater chef's counter for omakase. Omakase literally translates to 'I'll leave it up to you' — it's a culinary performance where diners can witness the skills of the chef as each dish is carefully created and presented to the trusting guests. Each month, a new menu is created by Chef Ura, showcasing the freshness and seasonality of the produce. If you want to level up your omakase experience, from Wednesday, November 1, until Sunday, December 3, all seatings at ŌRA will begin with a complimentary bespoke Haku martini, the Barley Breeze Plum martini. Haku Vodka's signature serve is the Haku martini — a drink that showcases the craftsmanship, nuanced flavour and exceptional quality of the premium Japanese liquid. To learn more, head to the House of Suntory website. Images: Brooke Zotti
Whether by chance or the greatest promotional tie-in for a movie release in recent history, a glorious full moon shone over the First Man premiere in Sydney. An impressive enough sight going in to the cinema, it held a near-magical allure on the way back out. Even now, some 50 years since the first manned lunar landing and a lifetime of technological advancements beyond, to look up and consider the deed still feels unreal; an impossibility requiring far too much luck, daring and genius for anyone to even consider it. And yet…the Eagle did land. Directed by Damien Chazelle (La La Land), First Man is at once the story of mankind's greatest ever technological accomplishment and the enormous sacrifices required to achieve it. Set against the backdrop of extreme US/Soviet tensions, First Man chronicles the NASA side of the infamous space race and highlights the extraordinary challenges precipitated by such a Herculean task. How, for example, do you come up with a list of requirements for something that's never been done before? Who is the right person for the job when your greatest understanding of what that job is is little more than a guess? This was precisely the challenge facing the newly established space agency in 1958 as it set out to find seven willing, qualified and extraordinarily capable candidates to undertake the first ever manned flights into space. One of those individuals was, of course, Neil Armstrong, whose portrayal in First Man by Ryan Gosling conveys an introverted and emotionally repressed family man possessed of unyielding skill and determination. Inevitably, films based on real world events at once benefit from, and are challenged by, an audience's knowledge of what ultimately happens. The inevitability of catastrophe in disaster films, for example, contributes to a powerful and compounding tension that can become almost unbearable. The key to maintaining drama in these films is to focus on the human stories at their core and shine a light on the details lesser known. How, though, do you find an unknown detail in perhaps the best-known story of the last century? That humans landed on the moon is far from a surprise twist, and that the first man to do it was Armstrong is such a given it's used as the title of the film. And so First Man, penned by Josh Singer (Spotlight), spans the eight physically and emotionally gruelling years of Armstrong's life prior to his iconic small step, beginning with an excruciatingly tense and near-fatal solo test flight into the earth's upper atmosphere. Singer's screenplay is tantalisingly layered, offering little by way of dialogue yet enormous scope for nuanced performances in the hands of an accomplished ensemble. Chazelle's direction is likewise sublime, especially during the film's more kinetic scenes where you feel just as drained and challenged as those on screen. The claustrophobia of the tiny capsules, the relentless g-forces of an out-of-control gyroscope, and the deafening silence of space, combine to assault the senses in the best possible way, aided by a level of sound design that will surely prove the frontrunner come awards season. On the performance front, The Crown's Claire Foy grounds the tale (as much literally as symbolically) as Armstrong's wife Janet, reminding us of the significant sacrifices made on all sides of this story. Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll and Ciarán Hinds round out the impressive troupe, with Stoll's performance in particular painting Armstrong's eventual co-pilot Buzz Aldrin in a surprisingly blunt and unlikeable light. Gosling's scenes with Clarke, too, prove some of the film's best; a meaningful friendship borne of fierce competition, and a closeness that permitted acknowledgements of extreme grief, fear and uncertainty without ever giving voice to the words. In the end First Man is, despite its scale and subject matter, an intimate character portrait rather than a history lesson. It eschews the traditional pomp and grandeur of NASA control room scenes for dimly lit kitchens and moonlit walks, yet remains every bit the space odyssey such a tale commands. Filmed for IMAX, it should be seen the same way – an honest, tense and compelling picture that reminds us exactly why we love going to the movies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSoRx87OO6k
The Oak Barrel is bringing back its eighth annual Sydney Craft Beer and Cider Fair on Saturday, July 27. This indoor showcase collates the very best of Australian and international craft beer and cider under the roof of one of the best and oldest craft bottle shops in the city. This year's fair will feature 22 stallholders, including Capital Brewing, Yeastie Boys, Two Metre Tall, Sailors Grave Brewing, Wolf of the Willows, Green Beacon Brewing, The Welder's Dog, Forest for the Trees and more. Overall, there will be over 120 craft beers and ciders on hand — and many of the brewers behind those beers will be there to have a chat. As in previous years, the festival focuses on local producers and the community aspects of independent, family owned craft brewing. This event has sold out every year running, so best to get your tickets while you still can.
Smash-hit musical Once has garnered an impressive array of awards. First, as an indie film by John Carney, and later, as a Broadway production adapted by Enda Walsh — its quirky telling of guy-meets-girl, along with its otherworldly lyricism, has seen Once captivate audiences worldwide. And thanks to Darlinghurst Theatre Company, this winter will mark the Sydney debut of the stage production. Director Richard Carroll's rendition will boast a star-studded local cast and feature the show's peerless musical score — one that has seen it score a Grammy, a Tony and an Academy Award. Once will run for a limited season at Darlinghurst's Eternity Playhouse. A brief synopsis: Once opens in a charming and grungy Dublin pub. There, we meet Guy, who plays gigs at this sort of locale while pining over his unfaithful ex-girlfriend (a backstory wonderfully evoked in the song 'Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy'). guy is packing up his guitar when Girl, a young Czech immigrant enchanted by his music, approaches him. We soon discover that Girl is also a musician. And, perhaps more importantly, for Once's narrative purposes at least, Girl is the owner of a broken 'hoover'. The rest of the show charts the transient but intense intimacy Guy and Girl form through their shared love of creating music. To borrow the reviewer's now well-worn catchphrase: a show like this only comes around Once. Images: Robert Catto.
Dig out and dust off your very finest Wedding Singer-inspired formalwear, you're going to a fake '80s wedding. You'll be dancing to David Bowie, drinking champers and, right when you're least expecting it, encountering an overly enthusiastic bridesmaid. Named Dance Magic Dance: Wedding Reception, this immersive live theatre party is being brought to you by Melbourne's The Boon Companions, in their first-ever appearance in Sydney. They've previously won over Victorian crowds with sell-out events I Am Woman and Cast Party, and now they're taking over Glebe's new co-working cafe, The Works, with their latest work. Show your ticket at the door and you'll be ushered back to July 1989. You've just watched Peter and Sherry Entwhistle tie the knot and now you're at the reception, in the role of a close connection of the wedding party. Raising a glass, you, along with close friends and family members, will send the Entwhistles deep into blissful eternity. Even Lindsay McDougall and friends are forming a house band playing live '80s wedding songs. But don't go getting too misty-eyed – you'll need to keep your eyes and ears open all night long. Dance Magic Dance: Wedding Reception is being held at The Works, 62 Glebe Point Road, Glebe on Saturday, July 9, from 7.30-11pm. Tickets are available online and a cash bar will be open throughout the evening.
Sydney's biggest celebration of First Nations culture is back this weekend as Homeground 2016 gets into gear. As in years before, the music and dance line-up is packed. Bands include Arnhem Land acoustic/rock outfit East Journey, chilled out funk-jazz group Trinity Roots and nine-piece army Dubmarine. On the movement front, Queensland collectives Excelsior and NayGayiw Gigi will showcase traditional dance at various locations around the harbour. Homeground is also running a host of workshops and tours to give festivalgoers a chance to learn about First Nations culture. Introductory classes for all ages in weaving and dance will run over both days, with tours of the harbourside giving a glimpse into the lands and culture of the Gadigal people. A first for the festival is Collisions, a virtual reality experience, which explores Nyarri Morgan's experience of western culture. The Homeground Art Market will also run again, featuring art, accessories and bush foods from Indigenous artists and growers, while Indigenous hatted chef Clayton Donovan has designed the festival's official menu (although the contents appear to be a closely-guarded secret). Homeground is free, but the activity bookings suggest things are likely to get crazy. This is definitely an early bird situation. Images: Prudence Upton and Daniel Boud.
Waking up daily and not really knowing 'how to live'? Yep, we're kicking off Friday with some sweet, sweet deep thinking. Often we don't have the answer to this ourselves, so we look to the advice of others to get the glorious tips. And who better than writers, authors, novelists, essayists, journalists, critics and experts to clue our meandering minds in? Taking the theme of 'how to live?' this year, Sydney Writers' Festival has announced its 2015 program lineup. This year, Sydney Writers' Festival has booked more than 400 Australian and 45 international writers to appear, chat and have a few drinks with us in the festival lounge from May 18 - 24. Kicking off the SWF with the opening address is The Reluctant Fundamentalist novelist and acclaimed essayist Mohsin Hamid, author of the book NPR can't stop talking about (H is for Hawk) Helen Macdonald (who'll give the closing address). British actor Alan Cumming is coming (couldn't help myself), who's released novels and opinion pieces over the years — most recently his candid autobiography Not My Father's Son. Fellow British actor David Walliams will be here, who's drummed up quite the Roald Dahlian children's book career after Little Britain. The world's biggest selling author for the last 13 years and inventor of Detective Alex Cross — yep, James Patterson will be here. Then there's crime writer Michael Connelly, journalist Nick Davies (who uncovered the hacking scandal), and the one you can blame for the term 'Generation X', Douglas Coupland. Local legend and 2014 Man Booker Prize winner, Richard Flanagan, is on the bill, along with Miles Franklin Award-winning writer Evie Wyld. Two former Prime Ministers, Julia Gillard and John Howard, and former Queensland Premier turned Sydneysider Anna Bligh are locked in. Podcaster Starlee Kine will be here, alongside happiness expert Paul Dolan and happiness advocate Leigh Ann Henion, war correspondents Christina Lamb and Åsne Seierstad, celebrity critic Daniel Mendelsohn. Medically assessing how to live will be doctors who write, Atul Gawande and Norman Doidge and mortician Caitlin Doughty. Novelists aplenty this year with renowned writers like Amy Bloom, Micheal Frayn, Ben Okri, David Mitchell, Anthony Horowitz, Emily St John Mandel, Jonathan Lethem, debut novelists Zia Haider Rahman and Mitchell S Jackson, and Australia’s bestselling authors Kate Grenville, David Malouf, Liane Moriarty, Graeme Simsion, Helen Garner, Robert Dessaix, Joan London, Steve Toltz, Sonya Hartnett, Nick Earls, Don Watson and Brooke Davis all leaving their pages for a second to come chat. Sydney Writers' Festival runs May 18 to 24. For more info and tickets head over here.
Officially Sydney's newest rooftop bar, Coogee Pavilion Rooftop is set to open its highly anticipated sky-high space — just in time for New Year's Eve. Home to no less than four indoor and outdoor bars, Merivale's Rooftop is kicking things off on Tuesday, December 30, ready to make a breezy home for post-beach snacks, sunset cocktails and one of Sydney's best panoramic views over the warmer months. Plus, the Rooftop and Ground Floor will both be open on New Year's Eve — with no bookings or tickets required. Plans have changed. The crown of Coogee's three-level beach citadel, Coogee Pavilion, opened in July this year to big ol' snaps, the Rooftop has been designed by Kelvin Ho and Emilie Delalande of Akin Creative, Amanda Talbot, Justin and Bettina Hemmes. Get ready for a few surprises, the space has been designed "as if it was once the conservatory owned by an eccentric botanist" according to Merivale. Think epic greenery, mismatched Moroccan tiles and handpainted tables from the hand of local artist Mayriel Luke. Food-wise, expect Merivale-style decadence on the Rooftop, but with a laidback beachside vibe. Coogee Pavilion's executive chef Jordan Toft is taking his crafts upstairs, infusing the menu with inspiration from his travels through the Eastern Mediterranean. Think charcoal-grilled meats and smoked seafood — we're talking whole baby calamari with ink vinaigrette, haloumi wrapped in grape vine leaves and lemon oil, and adana (ground lamb and beef, washed onion and sumac). Post-swim tipples at the Pavilion? Drinkies have been designed by Merivale's group bars manager Paul Mant, and while the cocktail list is yet to be revealed, fresh fruit-laden sharing pitchers seem to be the go. Holding the Coogee Pavilion as Merivale's pièce de résistance, CEO Justin Hemmes is super keen to unveil the Pavilion's fancy new hat. "This is our most exciting venue to open yet and certainly the one I’m most proud of," he says. "We have been overwhelmed by the support of the local community since launching the ground floor and I can’t wait to unveil the next level of this iconic property." The new Rooftop stems from the already-applauded lower levels of the Pavilion — brimming with Will & Co coffee, a lovejuice cart, barber shop, florist, nostalgia-ruled games area, true-Italian woodfired pizza by Vincenzo Biondini, raw bar and a giant 45kg rope knitted lampshade — to casually gloss over the details. With the opening of Sydney's first free beach library, seems Coogee's staking a mighty claim as the go-to eastern summer hub this season. Coogee Pavilion Rooftop will open December 30, 2014.
With Mardi Gras in full glittering swing, one of Sydney’s best and arguably favourite burger joints, Mary’s, will be showing its support for LGBTQI folk this season with a charitable and pun-tastic addition to their menu. Meet the Fairy’s Burger. The team’s cooked up a special take on the menu-staple Mary’s Burger by adding a colourful blob of 100s & 1000s to make one damn intriguing sweet-savoury mix. They've also outfitted both stores with rainbow artwork from local graphic designer Sindy Sinn. Owners Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham are simply asking punters for one extra dollar per burger, which they’ll match. Then all proceeds will go to Camp Out and Twenty10, two charities working toward making the world a better place for people of more diverse gender, sex and sexuality, especially among disadvantaged youth. As quirky nods to that glorious gay rainbow go, this sounds pretty damn cute. Critically acclaimed since opening in Newtown back in 2012, and most recently extending the venture to the CBD, Mary’s has been renowned for its simple philosophy of damn good burgers and Jack Daniel's for all. “Our guests are what make Mary’s such a crazy, colourful, vibrant and nourishing experience,” explains Smyth. “Mary’s isn’t gay or straight, man or woman, fat or thin, rich or poor. Mary’s is everyone and everything.” You go girlfriend. The Fairy's Burger is available from March 2-8 at both the CBD and Newtown stores.
The PACT Centre for Emerging Artists is teaming up with performance collective Applespiel for a 24-hour live event in protest of proposed government cuts to the arts sector. Specifically, they'll be hosting an all night telethon, with the aim of raising not money, but rather excellence, in the hope of acquiring enough excellence for George Brandis' controversial National Centre for Excellence in the Arts. The event is titled In Pursuit of Excellence: A Telethon for Excellence. Sounds excellent. Taking place in the PACT Theatre in Erskineville, the tongue-in-cheek telethon kicks off at 6pm on Friday, July 17 and will be taking pledges of excellence until the same time the next day. There'll be panel discussions, dances, exhibits and live performances, plus video statements from arts organisations far and wide. Entry into the event is free, although donations are most welcome. Those wanting to stay the night should bring a blanket and snacks (enough to share please!), while drinks will be available from the bar. If you can't make the event in person, you can stream the whole thing live at www.inpursuitofexcellence.net. The Telethon for Excellence is part of a broader movement of events and protests under the #freethearts banner, which aims to draw attention to and hopefully reverse the planned government cuts to the Australia Council. Under the most recent federal budget, the amount of money allocated to the peer-reviewed arts funding body will be slashed by more than $100 million over the next four years, and instead go to the newly created Centre for Excellence. What is most troubling about this change is that rather than being decided by an independent body, the provision of grant money would fall to the Arts Minister, aka Brandis himself. According to a statement from Applespiel, "This Telethon is at PACT to highlight what we stand to lose: the space and support for independent art makers. Because that’s what spaces like PACT do best, they nurture and grow the practices of artists, they allow space to fuck up, to try something new and difficult, to learn. Without these spaces, where will independent artist go?" For the full rundown on the Telethon for Excellence, including information on how you can pledge, check out the event page on Facebook.
The inner west officially gets all the Fringe fun. After hunkering down in Newtown last year, this year’s Sydney Fringe Festival has its sights set on Erskineville, with the suburb tapped as the home of this year’s official festival hub. This year they're calling it a Festival Village, so we expect big things from this home base for the month-long cultural marathon, the largest independent arts festival in NSW. "This September, we are leaving the safety of our underground spaces and taking over shopfronts, streets and any space we can find," says festival director Kerri Glasscock. "With pop-ups and activations, we are giving local artists the opportunity to explore new ideas, new spaces and meet new audiences. The 2015 festival will be our biggest yet." The news comes alongside our first glimpse at the 2015 program, which is set to include more than 300 performances across 50 different venues in five different main locales — Newtown, Erskineville, Marrickville, Redfern and Surry Hills. Erskineville's Festival Village will play host to the official opening night party, Fringe Ignite, on September 5, with a prohibition-themed gin bar run by Young Henrys and a 1920s-style speakeasy lounge. Throughout the festival, the suburb will also host a series of talks, performances, comedy shows and music presented by City of Sydney’s Late Night Libraries, with the Erskineville Town Hall playing home to a pair of performance spaces and the Coopers Festival Bar, from the folks at the Erskineville Hotel. The surrounding suburbs will get their Fringe fill as well. Other festival highlights include a day of Indigenous art, music and performance in Redfern; a silent dinner party hosted by internationally renowned artist Honi Ryan at Marrickville Town Hall; a masquerade horror installation (whatever that means) in a warehouse; and a two-week partnership with the Chaser's Giant Dwarf theatre. The latter venue will play host to a "mini-festival within the Festival", featuring cabaret, comedy and an array of performers from fringes around the world. The full Sydney Fringe Festival program is set to drop in August before the festival kicks off on September 1. In the meantime, you can find out more about the Fringe at the event website. Image: Emerald City Sydney Fringe Festival hub 2013.
Sydney's inner west is about to get in on the openair cinema action. Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema has just announced they'll be opening their very first inner west cinema this summer, adding another location to their free ice cream-loving lineup of Bondi, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth this November. And they've just announced their first film program. Setting up on the lawns of Cadigal Green at the University of Sydney, Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema will debut with new releases and cult classics including Joseph Gordon Levitt's Oscar tip The Walk, Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway teaming up in The Intern, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies, Kate Winslet's The Dressmaker in rural Australia and the Christmas rom-com to rule them all, Love Actually. Plus, there'll be a 25th anniversary screening of Thelma and Louise. The team are keeping their tried and true formula intact — live music and free ice cream nights. Local artists will hit the stage before the film for cruisy sets, including Nic Cassey, Angus Murphy and many more, and local DJs will spin a few for Aperol Sunsets — with free Aperol samples aplenty. There'll also be a fully-licensed bar, gourmet food stands, and lawn games aplenty, with putt putt and something called Giant Cow Jenga. Tickets for the Bondi Openair Cinema tend to sell out, so get in early. Earlybird tickets are just $15 online ($10 concession), until October 21. You can also hire deckchairs, beanbags and blankets, or go all in for a Volkswagen Polo Class ticket with reserved seating, blanket, cushion, beer or wine and a Ben & Jerry's ice cream included. Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema will take over Cadigal Green, University of Sydney from November 19 to December 12, 2015. For the full program or to buy tickets, head to the website. Check out CP's roundup of Sydney's best openair cinemas over here.
Rally up your mates and plan one long picnic because Tropfest is back for its 25th year. This time around, the world's biggest short film festival will be held in Parramatta Park for the first year, a shift that's being heralded as an exciting opportunity for growth. With this change comes the introduction of a 'Pick Your Patch' option, allowing Troppers to reserve a premium patch of grass and gain exclusive bar and hamper access for $49. Or, you can rock up for free — but get there early. Despite the slight changes and a recent brush with closure, one aspect guaranteed to remain is the impressive quality of the lineup, which features 16 films, all uniquely inspired by this year's iconic Tropfest signature item — a pineapple. This must appear at least once in every film, in any way, shape or form. In an industry largely dominated by males, founder and chairman of Tropfest John Polson is proud that half of the 2017 finalists are women. "The calibre of films submitted this year was outstanding," he said. "It's wonderful to see the entrants this year reflecting a vast range of diversity and gender." Further boosting female representation is the legendary Rose Byrne, who will be heading a stellar group of judges featuring actor Sam Neill, directors George Miller and Rachel Perkins and producer Bruno Papandrea.
Gallery-hopping after hours? Talk about a perfect Sydney date idea. Art Month Sydney's beloved Precinct Nights are back, offering you the golden opportunity to enjoy a spate of art venues open late, transforming your art viewing into an adventure trail after closing time. Art at Night | Chippenedale and Redfern in partnership with Concrete Playground and Cake Wines is the ultimate artventure, with over fifteen galleries in the two suburbs open from 6-8pm on Wednesday, March 15. Galleries on the trail include A The Bearded Tit, The Commercial, Eveleigh Creative Precinct, Galerie pompom, Harrington Street Gallery, Home@735, The Japan Foundation Gallery, Kensington Contemporary MOP Projects, M2 Gallery, Smallspaces, Spot81, UTS Gallery, Wellington St Projects and 107 Projects, who all have pretty damn great Art Month programs in store. But every great trail walk needs a solid watering hole at the end. Once you've perused enough art, make your way to the official Art Bar by Cake Wines at the Eveleigh Creative Precinct open from 7.30pm through to 10.30pm. There's plenty going on while you have a well-earned Pinot Gris, including an exhibition with works from Sarah Contos, Lara Merrett and Lucas Davidson, with performances by Lian Loke and Wade Marynowsky's Robot opera. Download the map here. Images: Daniel Boud.
Sydney's biggest celebration of First Nations culture is back this weekend as Homeground 2017 gets into gear. Like previous years, the music and dance line-up is packed. Headlining the free two-day festival is Yothu Yindi & The Treaty Project, performing an electronic collaboration to mark the 25th anniversary of 'Treaty'. Electric duo Electric Fields, Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal, soul singer Radical Son and The Medics lead singer, Kahl Wallis are also performing. On the movement front, Dance Rites, Australia's national Indigenous dance competition, will see dance troupes from across the country competing across the two days. Homeground is also running a host of workshops and tours to give festivalgoers a chance to learn about First Nations culture. Introductory classes for all ages in weaving and dance will run over both days, with tours of the harbourside giving a glimpse into the Indigenous history of Bennelong. An interactive workshop, Moving Lab, incorporating images, songs, chants and a walk through nature will take you on a journey through Gadigal lands. The Arts Market will also run again, with a multitude of stalls popping up on the Opera House's picturesque forecourt. There'll be art, accessories and bush food from Indigenous artists and growers. Hungry after all that shopping? There'll be food and beverage pop-ups, too, all using Australian native ingredients. Homeground is free, but the activity bookings suggest things are likely to get crazy. This is definitely an early bird situation. Images: Prudence Upton, Joseph Mayers and Daniel Boud.
Oxford Street's food and drink scene is getting some much needed TLC, courtesy of hospitality guru Justin Hemmes and his unstoppable Merivale empire. Of the slew of new ventures the group have opening up over summer, three will be located next door to one another along the Paddington strip. The Paddington (previously The Paddington Arms) will open its doors in November, followed by The Oxford Street Chicken Shop by the end of the year. But it's the humbly-named Fred's that will complete the trifecta. Scheduled to open in February 2016, Fred's is being billed as an old world, produce-oriented restaurant complete with woodfired ovens in the kitchen, a cocktail and tapas bar in the basement, and a seasoned chef in Danielle Alvarez at the helm. A veteran of San Francisco's iconic Chez Panisse and the Napa Valley's three-Michelin-starred French Laundry, Alvarez has already forged relationships with local producers and organic farmers, whose fresh produce will help inform the direction of the menu. Expect handmade bread, butter, pasta and charcuterie, along with a 120-strong wine list that focuses on small-batch varieties and features an extensive 'wine by the glass' selection that changes to match the food. Meanwhile, Fred's basement will be home to Sussex 1854, a basement bar serving tapas and seasonal cocktails. Merivale have already earned their stripes with long-loved CBD bar Palmer & Co., so we're predicting more vintage coupe champagne glasses and more juleps than you can poke a stick at. More information about Fred's and Sussex 1854 will become available in the coming months. Fred's will be located at 380 Oxford Street, Paddington and is expected to begin service in February 2016. Image: Palmer & Co.
Inner-Sydney staple The Chippendale Hotel has been revamped and rebranded with a new interior, moniker and menu to match. Now open under its official new name The Chippo Hotel, the iconic venue known for its A+ live music vibes now boasts Louisiana-born chef Charlie Fisher in the kitchen. From the looks of things, it was a very smart appointment indeed. At a glance the new menu seems like classic pub grub — think wedges, steak and the requisite chicken parma. But look a little closer, and Fisher's influence becomes clear. Entrees include popcorn chicken (or shrimp) tossed in Cajun spices, along with buffalo wings, southern fried chicken and American-style mac and cheese. As for the main course, if you're not feeling sirloin, why not make a mess with pork ribs served in Dr Pepper BBQ sauce. They're also serving up a selection of burgers, inspired by their previous Cheekyburger pop-up. And for dessert, there are few things more American than homemade pecan pie. On the entertainment front, The Chippo will feature pub trivia on Mondays, comedy on Tuesdays, improv on Wednesday and live music Thursday through Saturdays. On Sundays from November 5 they'll be cooking up pig on the spit — because at least that way you'll start your week with a belly full of bacon. Find The Chippo Hotel at 87-91 Abercrombie St, Chippendale. For more information visit www.thechippohotel.com.au.
Backhands, beats and artisan eats will converge on Paddington's White City Tennis Centre on Saturday, April 16. Dubbed Social Serve, this fun new social tennis event will be raising money for Primary Club, an Aussie charity that helps people with disabilities to play sport. If your Lorna Jane ahctivewear has never had more of a workout than a stroll to the corner shop, then here's your chance to put it to work. The good news is you'll only have to work as hard as you feel to. The sporty part of proceedings will take the form of friendly mixed doubles matches, open to players of all levels and kicking off from 2pm. Champs who kill it on the court will play in the finals, which start at 5pm. Not so keen on joining the game? Relax on the sidelines, listening to local DJs, munching on smoked beef brisket rolls and chilli lime salmon skewers courtesy of Fumo Meats, and knocking back beverages provided by HMH.
Two of our fave Sydney food institutions are heading down to Circular Quay, where they're working together on a new 200-seat restaurant and bar. Due to open mid-October, Popina is the new venture from Salt Meats Cheese in partnership with the team from Shuk in North Bondi. Think Middle Eastern cuisine meets wood-fired pizza, and you'll be somewhere on the right track. Located within the new Gateway Building with views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the two-storey restaurant and bar was born out of the long-time friendship between SMC directors Stefano de Blasi and Edoardo Perlo, and Shuk head chef German Sanchez. The latter will bring his culinary expertise to the kitchen at Popina, where he'll combine Italian, Turkish, Lebanese and Israeli flavours with those of his native Argentina. Think pizza, pasta and Italian cured meats alongside kofta, falafel, shakshouka and house-made hummus. "Our menu will be truly unique," said Sanchez. "The flavours and spices of the Middle East perfectly marry the wood-fired pizzas, and ancient grain flour pastas. This is the dream chef kitchen where you can play with so many different ingredients all together." In addition to its mouth-watering menu, Popina will boast a 150 person rooftop bar. Open until midnight, it'll feature a selection of cocktails paired with "a very unique BBQ offering", and play host to local DJs every night. Popina is scheduled to open within the Gateway Building at Circular Quay on October 15. Stay tuned for more information. Image: Salt Meats Cheese Broadway.
Like Rollerfit, Retrosweat, Beyoncé dance classes and Morning Gloryville raves, Fitness Playground gym in Surry Hills offers an opportunity to exercise that isn't scary, or boring. You can work out with your friends, attend a circus-inspired trapeze classes or hang from monkey bars. The people are friendly, the energy is great and everyone knows your name. There are three FP locations (Surry Hills, Newtown and Marrickville), but they've just added a third level to their Surry Hills location specifically for classes. Our favourite class is Circus Fit, but there's also barre, anti-gravity yoga, pilates and Athletica — small, intensive group training classes that feel like a personal training session — on offer. Fitness Playground are hosting an 'open week' exclusive to Concrete Playground readers at all three of their gyms. That means full access to classes and gym equipment from March 6 to 12 in Surry Hills, Newtown and Marrickville. Enter your details into the registration box below and head along to any of Fitness Playground's three locations during staffed hours to redeem your free week-long membership. [competition]608850[/competition] Learn more about the story behind Fitness Playground or find out what happens at a 'Circus Fit' class. Enter here to win a one-year Fitness Playground membership. Images: Steven Woodburn and Kimberley Low.
This weekend the Wayward Brewing Co. is throwing a serious bash down their Camperdown laneway. Gehrig Lane will close to traffic and the weekend will focus on a live art display by well-known Sydney street artists Skulk and Birdhat, along with other local artists exhibitions inside the brewery’s 1900s wine caves. The music side of things will take over on Sunday, with local DJ Michael McGlinn spinning in the laneway while a host of Sydney musicians front acoustic sets inside. Food trucks and drinks will be available from noon each day, so you can see some awesome art, listen to tunes and enjoy all things craft. The Wayward Laneway Arts Festival is one of 58 stops on the Leichhardt Open Studio Trail (LOST) held in conjunction with Art Month and Spectrum Now Festival. It will take place on Saturday, March 12 from 11am-10pm and Sunday, March 13 from 11am-9pm. WAYWARD LANEWAY ARTS FESTIVAL SUNDAY MUSIC LINEUP 12pm — Tenderfoot 1pm — Jamie Lindsay 2pm — Crystal Cities 3pm — John Dixon 4pm — Craig Woodward 5pm — Hannah Robinson 6pm — Hannah Brewer
Cocktail lovers rejoice! After months of false starts and delays, the owners of Circular Quay's award-winning Bulletin Place have finally cut the ribbon on bar number two. Located on the old Emmilou Tapas Bar site on Bourke Street, Dead Ringer will be serving up a killer menu of intriguing custom-made cocktails, with tasty looking bar food to boot. As with the opening of any new bar, our first port of call is the drinks list, and at a glance Dead Ringer doesn't disappoint. Standout cocktails include the Pineapple Adonis (sherry, vermouth and pineapple skin) and the Dixie Cup (vanilla pisco, ruby port and fizz) along with a caffeinated concoction called the Obligatory (tequila, cold drip coffee and maple) and a redskin flavoured julep named Red Dinger (redskin gin, blood orange and vinegar). Those after something a little less extravagant can opt for beer, wine or cider. But come on. Live a little. The food, meanwhile, ranges from bar snacks like pork jowl with rye crumb and mustard, chicken liver parfait with pickled veggies, and a cheese board with flatbread and honey, to sit down dinner options such as blood sausage with kohlrabi, ocra and yoghurt, lamp rump with black garlic mustard, and barramundi with romesco, mussels and onions. If you're still hungry after that you can order dessert in the form of pickled pineapple, shortbread and yoghurt granita, toffee ice cream with bee pollen and malt crunch, or as many pear bonbons as you like. Alternatively, why not enjoy one final digestif? The hot and cold buttered toddy made with scotch, muscat and Messina gelato should do just nicely. Dead Ringer is now open at 413 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. For more information hit up their website. Image: Bulletin Place.
The trouble with going to the opera in Sydney is, once you're there, you can no longer see the Sydney Opera House. No stawlwart sails, no gleaming cream tiles, no spiky little silhouette. And what's the fun in that? But for one month of the year we can have our theatrical cake and eat it too, when Handa Opera on the Harbour sets up at Mrs Macquarie's Point. The floating outdoor opera comes with an eye-popping view of Sydney's natural and artificial bounties, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge beyond. Made possible by the continued funding of philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa, the previous three years' shows — La Traviata, Carmen and Madama Butterfly — have proved monumentally successful. At a time when opera is struggling to attract audiences, Opera on the Harbour not only sells tickets but lures in thousands of opera newbies. You don't need to understand opera to understand what makes the occasion great. This year Handa Opera on the Harbour, probably the best outdoor event in Australia, is going Egyptian for Verdi's Aida, a love triangle of epic, war-starting proportions. With Gale Edwards directing, the set by Mark Thompson promises to top last year's floating sun with the giant head of Queen Nefertiti, plus plenty of other aesthetic surprises. Fresh Catering will again be creating the themed menus for the pop-up dining precinct, which includes three-course dinners in The Platinum Club and light snacks on the harbourside promenade.
As far as folklore villains go, Baron Samedi is one of the most mysterious. He's an ancient spirit (or Loa) of Haitian Voodoo, the leader of the Guédé, guardian of the afterlife, and associated with magic and death. He's got a skull-like face and donned in a top hat, black tail coat, dark glasses (prepared for burial, Haitian-style). Now, he's returned from the underworld. Launching in Australia this month, Baron Samedi Spiced is made with Caribbean rum and features spices such as vanilla, cacao and cinnamon. It also includes Vetiver; a native spice of Haiti. That should please the Loa. Thanks to Baron Samedi Spiced, we're giving away four double passes to the Sydney launch at the Beresford Upstairs, where they've invited their mates triple j Hottest 100 winners The Rubens to play on Thursday, May 12 at 7pm. You'll get entry to the gig and two free drinkies. ENTER HERE.
Time to scope out an enormous bib and the hardiest pair of gloves you can lay your hands on. On March 12, House of Crabs are bringing back their decadent, annual seafood orgy by the name of 'Endless Bags'. And yes, it means exactly what you think it does. You get to eat as much blue swimmer crab, prawns and mussels as you, your stomach and your shell-cracking knuckles can handle. All you have to do is book a two-hour sitting. We suggest you arrive right on time because you'll have only two hours to get your money's worth. Tickets are $100 a head, which ain't cheap but, the boil is banging and the atmosphere streaks ahead of the city's hotel seafood buffets. Given that the venue inspires queueing on regular nights, bookings are most definitely recommended. Guarantee yourself a bottomless bag by calling (02) 9699 3177 or sending an email to houseofcrabs@drinkndine.com.au.
The KitchenAid Artisan Mixer is now smaller — which means they're perfect for that infuriatingly tiny amount of bench space in your house. Whether you whip out the classic Empire Red, go for something more tropical like the Orange Sorbet, or opt for something a little newer and classier like the Matte Black – KitchenAid Artisan Minis are just as pretty as they are practical. To celebrate its launch in Australia we've got five (and one attachment) to give away. Choose your colour, and then choose from one of the fifteen KitchenAid Artisan Mini attachments available (food processor, pasta maker, spiralizer are just a few — you can do much more than bake with this thing), and enter your details below. Make sure you agree to the competition terms and conditions, and be quick, entries close at midday on Sunday, October 30. [competition]592968[/competition] Image: Samantha Hawker.
Have you ever felt the need to catapult through a cardboard city on a zipline? You're in luck, niche adventurer. Sydney's Festival's highly anticipated installation at Barangaroo, Olivier Grossetête’s The Ephemeral City, is already one of the festival's big drawcards this year. Taking over The Cutaway, this large-scale work will see Sydneysiders building an entire pop-up city in the cavernous space — one of the largest collaborative, hands-on events the festival's ever attempted. But before the city is destroyed on Australia Day, you can hurtle through the temporary city on a free flying fox. There'll be a first-in-first-flight free ticketing system in the venue — so get there bloody early. Find your way to the Cutaway, register for your flight and help build the city while you wait for one heck of a ride. The Ephemeral City's flying fox will be operating January 8–24 from 2pm–8pm. Closed Mondays. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Some of Sydney's best bars will become classrooms for one night this October, as 20 academics from The University of Sydney take over 20 of the city's best bars with free talks. Coming to Sydney for the first time, it's called Raising the Bar, a bloody great idea and worldwide initiative that's previously run in New York, Hong Kong and London. Raising the Bar was dreamt up by, of course, a group of students from Columbia University and New York University, keen to get those new, thought-leading ideas they'd heard in class to the general public — for free. People are already ranting, debating and discussing in bars and pubs, why not take things back to the '70s and drop a tweed jacketed academic in the mix to open minds? Locked in for October 20, Raising the Bar will see 20 of Sydney Uni's top academics speaking on a huge range of topics, from Western assumptions of veiling to what's happening at the Paris climate summit, to medicinal cannabinoids. Want to get fired up about Taylor Swift with an academic backing you up? Dr Rebecca Sheehan (United States Studies Centre) is heading for The Record Crate in Glebe to unpack 'Bad blood: Women, danger and popular music'. Professor Sahar Amer (School of Languages and Cultures) will head to Knox Street Bar for 'To veil or not to veil?', discussing the Islamic fashion industry and the many, many reasons why Muslim women choose to veil. Probably the most 'classic university' of the talks, Dr David Allsop (Faculty of Science) will stay on campus at Manning Bar for 'Weeding out the myths about cannabis' to weigh up both sides of the legalised medical marijuana debate. If you're keen for a pint and a climate change adventure, Professor Tim Stephens (Sydney Law School) will head for The Bristol Arms Hotel for 'What’s hot at the Paris Climate Talks?', delving into December's summit and how global decisions are being made in the realm of global warming. That's just five of the talks happening across Sydney bars on the night, with fifteen more set to stir up debate — check out the whole program here. Raising the Bar is happening Tuesday, October 20 from 6.30-7.30pm. All talks are free, and registration opens 9am Friday 18 September 2015. Image: Victoria Baldwin.
Willie the Boatman is turning one this week and the beloved brewery isn't celebrating alone. In honour of their first year creating killer beers, three of Sydney's best craft bars are throwing birthday bashes. The Little Guy's First Birthday Bash this Wednesday will include a full tap takeover ($5 half pints; $10 pints), live music, beer raffles and, for good measure, a sausage sizzle. Sister venues Keg & Brew and Dove & Olive are each throwing a Thirsty Birthday Bash this week as well. Brewers Pat McInerney and Nick Newey will be in attendance alongside a six-tap takeover ($8.50 schooners; $10 tasting paddles). Their limited release 'Bubbles' Birthday Champagne Ale will be served with their core range, but only Keg & Brew will feature the 'Albo' Corn Ale, a favourite in the industry. There will also be merchandise giveaways, brewery tour vouchers and even a Willie’s Kissing Booth — whatever this entails, it is worth checking out. If three celebrations aren't enough for you, stop by the WTB brewery on Saturday and celebrate the inner west craft scene with our DIY inner west brewery walking tour. WILLIE THE BOATMAN'S BIRTHDAY BASHES: Wednesday, Feb 24 — all night at The Little Guy, 87 Glebe Point Road, Glebe Thursday, Feb 25 — from 6pm at Keg & Brew, 26 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills Sunday, Feb 28 — from 3pm at Dove & Olive, 156 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills
There's rarely a bad time to wander through a rainforest, especially after a year that's had everyone spending more time at home than usual. But if you're planning a trip to the Blue Mountains to take in its vivid greenery, visiting during April 2021 is particularly recommended. That's when Sculpture at Scenic World is back in the area after a two-year break, after its 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic. The exhibition is as straightforward as it sounds, and also as striking. Between Thursday, April 1–Sunday, May 2, Scenic World in Katoomba is placing dozens of large-scale sculptures and installations throughout its ultra-scenic surroundings, with visitors able to mosey through them and enjoy their oversized sights at their own pace. You'll walk past trees, peer at giant artworks and find yourself in an openair gallery — and, you'll check out pieces from both emerging and established artists in the process. Everything on display will compete for the Scenic World Major Award, too, as judged this year by National Art School's Head of Sculpture Hany Armanious, Sydney-based sculptor Margarita Sampson and The Lock-Up Artistic Director Courtney Novak. [caption id="attachment_802600" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jono Gooley[/caption] The 2021 event features sculptures not only in the rainforest, but, as part of a free outdoor exhibition called Twist & Shout, it extends to sites such as the Carrington Hotel, Mountain Heritage Hotel, and the Fairmont Resort and Spa. The aim: to get folks heading to the area to not only explore Sculpture at Scenic World, but to take in everything that the Blue Mountains region has to offer. Entry into Sculpture at Scenic World comes with a regular Scenic World ticket, which means that attendees can also enjoy the venue's skyway, railway and cableway while they're there. Top images: Nick Warfield, Georgina Galea, Mark Surtees and Hannah Surtees, David Jensz, Jono Gooley.
Your favourite late-night venue is throwing a halloween house party. It's this weekend, not next weekend (Halloween is on an awkward Monday this year). As is the Kings Cross Hotel party tradition, each level will have a different DJ playing their own style of music. Go underground for R&B and hip-hop favourites, to the ground floor for celebratory halloween pop anthems (we bet Thriller will play multiple times), the balcony will be all about guilty pleasures that tread a fine line between cringe and glory, and the rooftop will host the DJs you know and love from Kings Cross Hotel. FlexMami, Palms DJs, Shag and Mowgli May will all be spinning their tunes across the four floors. Entry is $10 on the door, and it all kicks off at 9pm. Dressing up is, of course, encouraged.
The art of a restaurant reopening is a subtle one. If you skew too far away from the original vibe of the establishment, you risk isolating your loyal clientele. But if you play it safe, you lose that wow-factor allure (which is surely the whole purpose of a reopening in the first place). Thankfully for Paddington residents, the beloved Bellevue Hotel — which has stood stoically on the corner of Hargrave Street since 1880 — is reopening after seven long months of renovations, and it looks like they've really hit the mark. The Bellevue building always had good bones but now it’s gone under the knife and has been totally transformed. The renovations have classed the place up a bit and the vibe is now more of a gastropub with an impressive-sounding menu to match. The bar menu offers the kind of fare you want to shove down your cake hole after a bottle of shiraz. Start with the cheese board with five types of cheese and complementary accompaniments ($29), pretend to be healthy with the kale chips drowned in salt and vinegar ($6) and once you’re warmed up, grab the Bellevue burger ($19) with a dry-aged beef patty, cheese pickles and fries. Did we mention that this is just the bar menu? If you want something a little fancier, book in for a one-, two-, three- or six-course winter menu experience, which sounds nothing short of life-changing. A main of roasted pork jowl with parsnip, kale and malt vinegar jus? Yes please. And we don't think we'll be able to walk past the chocolate tart with salted caramel and earl grey ice cream. On top of this bounty of goodness is an impeccable-looking wine list, classic cocktail menu and wide choice of international and craft beers. Oh Bellevue, we have a feeling we’re going to like the new you. The Bellevue is located at 159 Hargrave Street, Paddington. For trading hours visit their website.
Attend the Sydney Festival without leaving the comfort of your couch. Dutch composer Michel van der Aa and Aussie singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke have collaborated to bring you a dreamy, digital choose-your-own-adventure. In fact, you can pop over here and download it right away. The Book of Sand is not just any swashbuckling pirate's tale. It's an artwork, combining beautiful visuals with sound. Visitors choose between three different worlds (or 'film layers'): a stone gallery, a cellar or a desolate desert, where they meet Miller-Heidke singing while exploring her surroundings. Deftly defying conventions, the music moves from one genre to another, shifting between abstract electronica, alt-pop and a cappella, which is where Nederlands Kamerkoor, an extraordinary independent Dutch choir, comes in.
Inner west Gelato Messina fiends, forget that cross-city trek for salted caramel goodness. Messina have announced plans to open their very first inner west store, set for a 2016 opening at the former Rozelle Tram Depot in Forest Lodge. If you're thinking Messina would go near the Cow & Moon-dominated Enmore area, think again. According to Good Food, Oxford Agency's Steffan Ippolito has confirmed Messina will open at the former Rozelle Tram Depot, alongside a pasta bar from A Tavola's Eugenio Maiale and Jared Ingersoll's paddock-to-plate eatery Butcher & Farmer. The monarchs of gelato have been characteristically busy of late. Recently they’ve been teaming up with Andy Bowdy to create soft serve sundaes, delivering tubs of gelato to your office with Uber and creating handmade chocolate boxes for your mum. But they haven’t kept quiet on the store-opening front, recently opening stores in Richmond, Coolangatta and indicating a Rosebery opening. Gelato Messina will open at the former Rozelle Tram Depot in 2016. Via Good Food. Images: Messina Fitzroy.
Miami Horror's just released their first music for two years. And, to mark the occasion, they're hosting a block party in Marrickville. Get along to the Portugal Madeira car park on Sunday, April 2 to immerse yourself. When we say immerse, we mean it. The band's brand new album, titled The Shapes, goes to places they've never been before. We're talking Caribbean funk, African beats, Talking Heads-influenced lyrics and visual art. You won't be just listening to the music, you'll be watching it, too. "I've always been a fan of colourful art and murals, especially those from the late '80s and early '90s," said MH's Ben Plant. "As a child, they excited and inspired me every time I passed them. This left a lasting effect on me into adulthood, a lust for colour and the extraordinary amongst the mundane colours of suburbia or the greyness of Melbourne city." Also making appearances at the party, which kicks off at 3pm, will be Touch Sensitive, Running Touch, Broadway Sounds, Gameboy/Gamegirl, Mezko and Queen Magic. Taking care of DJ sets will be Souseme, Falcona DJs and SPORTS. There'll also be Mr Black cold drip espresso martinis, a Miami Horror Holidays Cocktail Bar with $8 mai tais, margaritas and more, Eat Art Truck pulled pork burgers, The Weinery's bacon-wrapped hot dogs and donuts, custom art projections from Eyebyte and a Miami Horror convertible car photobooth. Miami Horror have been touring the world since releasing debut album Illumination in 2013. They split their time off-the-road between Melbourne and Los Angeles.
Alright, people of Sydney, we get it. Y'all love a tight rooftop. You love to drink bevs under the open sky and in line with your demands, venues countrywide are opening up rooftop bars. It's a glorious new era with a skyline of rooftop bars extending into the horizon and, happily, Paddington's Light Brigade Hotel is the latest place to jump on the bandwagon. It's one of many recent changes for Woollahra's beloved Oxford Street hotel. In November, they reopened after an extensive renovation and came out the other side a whole lot fancier. And come June, the Brigade Bar and Brigade Dining will be joined by Brigade Rooftop, a lush space with views of the Paddington rooftops and Sydney harbour skyline. The rooftop will function as a combination space for drinking and dining and is designed to feel "as casual as a neighbour's terrace," according to Jonathan Richards, director of interior design company SJB (the design wizards who executed the renovation). "We have designed a circular bar that fans around the terrace to enable the visitor full access to the horizon." Executive chef Marco Adler has also developed an accompanying wood-fired pizza menu available on the rooftop and in the Brigade Bar. Pizza and drinks on the rooftop? It's like they read our mind. At the same time the Brigade Lounge will be opened downstairs, a 1920s-themed cocktail bar that blends right into the art-deco vibe of the building and is the perfect spot for a post-rooftop-pizza tipple. Brigade Rooftop will open in the coming weeks on the corner of Oxford Street and Jersey Road. Keep your eyes on their Facebook page for further information.
If you haven’t made it along to a Soul of Sydney gathering yet, you’re still to discover where the city's best parties are at. Creating a one-off festival instalment especially for Vivid, the music and dance devotees are throwing a bash to outdo all bashes. Headlining the whole hootenanny, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra — a 19-piece funk, soul and afro-beat band from Melbourne. This isn't going to be a quiet cheese-and-wine shindig, that's for sure. Expect intense, infectious Fela Kuti-style rhythms mixed with hip-hop and tribal chants. Of course, Soul of Sydney's own DJs and favourite guest acts will be on the scene as well. The afternoon-to-evening party will be happening on May 24 at a secret location, only divulged to ticketholders. But with tickets starting at ten beans and if we're making predictions based on previous Soul of Sydney parties, this could be the best deal at Vivid this year.
For the first time, a generation (or, at least, a privileged segment of it), can work from anywhere, anytime, anyhow. Which means that joyous feeling of holiday mode can be as long as you have imagination enough to keep it going. No more confinement to white cubicles. No more bosses breathing down your neck. No more debating triple j's playlists while languishing in peak hour traffic. And, most gloriously, no more having to get dressed. Yep, with a laptop under your arm, an ability to make the best of an awful to-do list and a few handy tips from us, you can turn your life into a permanent holiday. Here are five ways to make your working days equal parts business and Bahamas (just go with it). GET A DECENT DONGLE AND HIT THE BEACH With a good dongle or smartphone hot spot, connected to a quality service provider, you can consider any beach your office. Just don't forget to fully charge your devices before you get going. Pack a picnic blanket or, for even more flexibility, buy a light, portable laptop stand. That'll let you set up anywhere without wrecking your back and neck — and sand is a punish on laptops, so be wary. If you're in for a long day, a sun shelter can be handy too. Not keen to carry so much gear? Scope out beaches with picnic tables. Whatever you do, throw your swimmers into your bag — you'll need breaks in between typing and posting and emailing. And most obviously, don't leave your laptop on the beach while you're paddling. FIND A BAR WITH FREE WIFI Another advantage of escaping the office is that you can spend time in your favourite bar and be productive (i.e. make those dollars) at the same time. Nothing quite says boss like ticking off things from your to-do list and screening calls in-between cocktails — especially if you can make that happen on a lounge in a cosy bar. So, do some Googling or wandering, until you find a drinking hole with wifi, and you'll be channelling your inner tortured writer in no time. Of course, now's not the time to let things get out of hand. Be smart. There are deadlines to meet, after all. [caption id="attachment_564835" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bench Accounting via Unsplash[/caption] GO CAFE HOPPING IN A NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD Turn your work day into a travel adventure — in your own city. Even if you've lived in said city all your life, chances are there are neighbourhoods you haven't yet visited — or don't know so well. So, choose one that's unfamiliar and map out a bunch of interesting-looking cafes (oh hai, Concrete Playground can help you there) within walking distance of one another. Spend an hour or two working in each, before heading to the next one. To maximise your productivity, set clear, achievable goals for every session. Not only do you get to discover new places, you also fit in some walking, which, according to this report, might reduce your mortality risk by up to 46 percent. [caption id="attachment_563818" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Dave Meier[/caption] TAKE YOUR LAPTOP ON A DAY TRIP Choose a place just out of town that you've always wanted to visit — but not quite got around to checking out — and take your laptop day tripping. If you can, opt for a destination that's reachable by train, so you can work while you're travelling. This option lets you roll the first three hacks into one — with some planning, you can organise time in cafes, bars, beaches and parks. Also, think about how you'll spend break times — getting outdoors for a dose of swimming, paddling, cycling or hiking can clear your head and help you concentrate better when you're back at your computer. [caption id="attachment_563817" align="alignnone" width="5184"] Henry McIntosh[/caption] PUT ASIDE SOME DOSH AND CHECK INTO A HOTEL One of the challenges of self-employment can be keeping focused while working from home. Some people opt for offices or co-working spaces, but, every now and again, it can be fun to go for a total change of scene. So, treat yourself and check into a hotel or resort for a night — or several. This is an excellent option if you're working on a particular project or collaborating with others. Try to find a place with a pretty pool — there's nothing quite as refreshing as jumping into the water in between work sessions, brainstorms or meetings. An onsite cocktail bar can come in handy, too.
If you've ever tried to buy art, you'll know that it can often be an inaccessible, intimidating process where you can get so overwhelmed that you don't end up buying anything at all. That won't happen at The Other Art Fair. The London-founded contemporary art fair, running over four days at COMMUNE in Waterloo from October 27-30, is specifically designed to bridge the gap between artist and collector, making it easier for artists to sell their work, and for you to buy it. Returning to Sydney for its second year, the fair will feature over 100 contemporary artists all chosen on merit over experience. Last year's fair challenged artistic practice with live street art and 3D printing demonstrations. This year, there will be a surprise tattoo competition, the chance to participate in creating a wall mural, and workshops with The School of Life and Work-Shop among food from Three Blue Ducks and Black Pantry and a bar hosted by Young Henrys, Urban Winery with Archie Rose. Expect music, workshops, and contemporary art that will challenge your expectations (and eventually fill your living room). Plus, this year the fair is presented by Saatchi Art, which means that all the works showcased will be added to the Saatchi Art online gallery — at the moment, it features over 500,000 works from across the world so it's a pretty big deal. We're psyched on the whole program, so we picked out four things to focus our attention on — at least to start with. Plus, we've got 25 double passes to give away. You can enter at the bottom. 1. MAKE S'MORES WITH BLACK PANTRY Food is art too. Marshmallow makers Black Pantry will make an appearance at the fair, serving specialty handcrafted marshmallows alongside a toasting station, so you can create your very own art in the form of a delicious s'more. The Northern Beaches shop is famous for its rosewater flavoured marshmallow. They use the highest quality ingredients, making their marshmallows as soft as a cloud and unlike any marshmallow you've ever tasted. [caption id="attachment_595164" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Uprisings, Kozyndan.[/caption] 2. GET A SURPRISE TATTOO FROM RHYS GORDON Rhys Gordon of Sydney tattoo studio Little Tokyo will be tattooing four people — one for each day of the fair — as part of a very cool competition. The artwork will be created by LA-based husband and wife artists Kozyndan, and then be tattooed by Rhys onto the body of the winners. The catch? They won't know what the image is, or where on their body it will go. Gordon is famous for interpreting traditional Japanese tattoo design on his clients, often covering their bodies with hypnotic patterns and prints. [caption id="attachment_584363" align="alignnone" width="1279"] Mark Collis[/caption] 3. BUY SOME ART Buy art directly from the talented artists who will be exhibit at the fair. Both seasoned exhibitors and emerging artists — including some who have never exhibited their work before in Sydney — will be on show, all chosen by a high profile selection committee which included the likes of artist Ben Quilty and art dealer Roslyn Oxley. Buying direct from the artists often means the work will be a little cheaper (and it's a nicer experience all-round). Our pick of artists to look out for are conceptual artist Cathyann Coady, painter of the beautiful Pool seres Jordy Hewitt, collagist Mona Forghani, photographer Nick Akins and Indigenous artist Bianca Beetson. 4. LEARN UP AT A WORKSHOP The fair is promising to have a stellar music lineup running throughout, which will not only feature DJs, but immersive experiences that fuse music and visual art. Workshops and talks on the state of contemporary art will also be held throughout the weekend, with The School of Life running guided tours and Work-Shop covering off watercolour brush lettering, gin blending (with Archie Rose) and perfume making classes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 5. PAINT A MURAL WITH CHOCOLATE EINSTEIN Chocolate Einstein is an Australian/Chilean artist who paints colourful murals on canvas and on the street (this one is on Cleveland St, Surry Hills). On the opening night of the fair, he will paint a black outline of a mural. Guests will then be invited to choose a colour out of a hat and participate in creating the art by painting a section of the artwork under their own creative direction. Or you could just watch a real-time live artwork being created (and maybe watch people mess it up). [competition]595971[/competition] The Other Art Fair runs October 27-30 at COMMUNE, 901 Bourke Street, Waterloo. Tickets cost $18.36-28.88 here. For more info, visit The Other Art Fair website.
Are you serious about your rum? Just love the stuff and haven't paid much attention to the actual rum-making process? Either way, there's a rum-fuelled adventure happening in Sydney over November and December you should lock into your diary. Fine purveyors and makers of rum for over 265 years, Appleton Estate have launched The Appleton Trail in Sydney, three weekends of rum-tasting, storytelling and celebration of Jamaica's long-loved spirit. Over three weekends from November 20, Sydneysiders can pull up a pew at Sydney's rum-lovin' bars and taste the gems of the Appleton range, and learn up on the rum-making process and the rich Jamaican culture behind the spirit. The Appleton Trail kicked off with a takeover of the Village Inn, Paddington over the weekend of November 20-21 — and successfully converted everyone in the space to rum-based cocktails. Next up, they're moving to Sweethearts Rooftop Barbecue from November 27-28, with the trail concluding at Taylor's Rooftop in Sydney's CBD on December 4-5. Each venue will be transformed into a Jamaican oasis with reggae tunes, specially-created rum cocktails, paired with Jamaican food, and hosted by a Jamaican dancer, and you'll be able to try the Appleton Estate Signature Blend – the original Appleton Estate rum — alongside the Reserve Blend, Rare Blend 12 Year Old, 21 Year Old Jamaica Rum and 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum – the world’s oldest barrel-aged rum. THE APPLETON TRAIL DATES: November 20-21 — The Village Inn, Paddington November 27-28 — Sweethearts Rooftop Barbecue, Kings Cross December 4-5 — Taylor's Rooftop, Sydney CBD
One of London's best, most groundbreaking labels Young Turks is teaming up with Australia's electronic slam dunk of a label Siberia Records for a New Year's Eve party worth road tripping for. The two are putting on a huge party in a sorta secret venue in Globe Lane, Wollongong, just 15 minutes walk from the beach. Last year's party took over a beach location in Tulum, Mexico, and Wollongong is their next beachy venture. The lineup is yet to be released, but guessing from the fact that Young Turks' Jamie XX will be in town for the festival season, we're guessing he'll be dropping by. Tickets are pretty affordable — $85 first release, $95 second and $105 third release. Get amongst it.
Another tempting group show from Firstdraft, who've been hitting it out of the park lately. You're My Number 1 examines celebrity, fandom and popular culture, drawing together a diverse group of contemporary artists from Thailand, New Zealand and Australia including Zoe Wong, Raquel Caballero, D.A.N.C.E Art Club and Low Cost Cosplay group. The inspiration behind the show is a bit of a strange story. Back in 2014, shortly after joining Gaffa Gallery, curator Talia Smith was cleaning out an office when she stumbled across a stash of fan letters written by various men to tennis star Pat Cash (it turns out Gaffa's address was once listed in a celebrity fan club address book). As she replied to them all one by one, Smith found herself unexpectedly moved by their earnest admiration and heartfelt confessions: "I became semi-obsessed with these letters and the men that wrote them: what drove them to send a hand-written letter detailing their lives and personal stories…to an ageing ex-tennis pro?" Three years later Smith is curating an exhibition that investigates our relationships — real or imagined — with our idols, and exactly what strange, inexplicable human compulsions drive us towards fandom. A must-see. Image: Zoe Wong, 'Uncle Jackie' (2017).
For a healthy dose of local powerhouse and a chance to see some of Sydney's most talented Aboriginal women perform live, head along to Klub Koori this July. The vibrant event, presented by Carriageworks and Koori Radio, showcases emerging and established Indigenous musicians. Klub Koori is a regular event established by Koori Radio to promote and support talented musicians from Indigenous communities across the country. It allows artists to perform, share their stories and discuss their culture with diverse crowds. Acting as a supportive gathering place for artists and audiences alike, Klub Koori brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians together one song at a time. Coinciding with NAIDOC Week, the event will see an all-female lineup will take centre stage, with award-winning musician, presenter and author Casey Donovan headlining the show. She'll be joined by fellow performers Jess Beck, Mi-Kaisha Masella and Thaylia for a night of all-out power not to be missed.
The girls are taking over Gaffa Gallery this month. From July 20 all four galleries will be occupied by diverse exhibitions featuring an all-female line-up of artists and curators. In Gallery 1 you'll see HEY GURL, a group show curated by gallery manager Kimberley Peel. Twenty female-identifying artists use a range of media (everything from puppet-making to photography to audiovisual installations) to respond to issues of identity and gender equality. Over in Gallery 2 is String Line, a solo show by Helen Amanatiadis that presents a series of sculptural and textile works, showcasing intricate techniques for working with string. Amanatiadis considers various types of string – "from fluorescent builders line to soft baby's nylon" – to investigate the significant role that string has played in human evolution and invention. In Gallery 3 you can check out Amy Elizabeth's solo show Pin up Girl – a series of screen-printed illustrations responding to a resurgence of 1950s pin up culture in contemporary Australian society, and its connection to gender identity and notions of femininity. Finally, in Gallery 4 emerging curator Kristina Neumann draws together six ACT jewellery and object artists who work across a range of media (glass, metal, clay, wood and more) to reference "architecture, the body and the spaces in between." In explaining the show's origins, Peel says 'We noticed that 75% of our 2016-17 exhibition program artists identify as female. I was first developing my own curatorial endeavour HEY GURL, and then I thought – why not extend this into Gaffa's gallery program?' All four shows end July 31 so get in quick. Image: smalltime magic, 'Distance Dialogues' 2017
You've probably heard that iconic American street artist Shepard Fairey is in town for Vivid Sydney. He's been installing his first Australian mural (visit 309 George Street between June 12 and 17 to see him do his thing) and he's giving a talk at Sydney Town Hall on June 17 as part of the Vivid Ideas Game-Changer program on his body of work and global street art. He'll also be exhibiting 16 of his large-scale music-themed artworks at aMBUSH gallery's outdoor public art space, OPEN, in Darling Quarter from May 26. But as well as that, he'll be opening a newly-announced exhibition, Printed Matters, at Chippendale pop-up gallery from June 17 to July 9. First exhibited in LA in 2010, and slowly expanded with each city's showing, the exhibition explores the importance of printed material. Find Printed Matters at aMBUSH Gallery and T-world Pop-Up Gallery at The Old Rum Store on Kensington Street, open 12–8pm daily.
Dating can be pretty tiring, but meeting a fellow dog lover is rather effortless. The speed dating experts at Dear Pluto know this better than any, so they've teamed up with Sydney Dogs and Cats Home to combine pups and love and bring us a rather smart dating idea. Puppy Love is the hopeless romantic, dog-loving, human-loving speed dating social. For an entire three hours you can hang out with a collection of pups while mingling with 20 eligible singles. You don't have to have a dog to attend, but you're encouraged to bring them along if you do — there will be more than enough water and treats to go around. There'll be a pop-up bar by Trolley'd, because speed dating can often benefit from a little liquid courage. With 100 percent of profits going towards the Home, there's no reason to avoid getting to know someone new over a drink and a playful game of fetch. If things don't go as planned, you can always follow your furry friend's lead and play dead?
On September 10, Sydney will be the stage for a huge public rally through the city streets, flying rainbow flags to demand marriage equality, campaign for a 'Yes' vote and support all LGBTI+ Australians. Get in there. The date marks the first weekend after the High Court decides to either implement the government's (unnecessary, expensive and undeniably hurtful) postal plebiscite, or send the decision back to parliament. Support group Community Action Against Homophobia is running the rally, urging Australians to campaign for a 'Yes' vote, either by postal or parliamentary vote. With the majority of Australians (a whopping two-thirds) supporting marriage equality, the rally should be stacked. Wear rainbow. Be loud.
Whether you're looking to catch up with the Oscar nominees, or just can't say no to the idea of cheap movie tickets, you might want to pay a visit to Palace Central during Chinese New Year. That's because — right off the back of a $5 movie ticket promotion — the 14-screen complex at Chippendale's Central Park centre (which opened for business in November) will be offering $8 tickets to all their regular sessions for eight days, from February 16–24. Okay, so $8 is not as cheap as $5, but, still, the deal's not too shabby — especially considering how many great films are out at the moment. The Shape of Water, Lady Bird and I, Tonya are just a few that spring to mind.
