We've got a lot to celebrate this Sydney WorldPride which is why Carriageworks will be hosting Marri Madung Butbut (Many Brave Hearts): Sydney WorldPride First Nations Gathering Space. This six-day program features an array of both free and ticketed events running from Thursday, February 23–Tuesday, February 28, all celebrating First Nations LGBTQIA+ artists and communities. Kicking off the festivities is a free-to-attend opening night party. The Djarraba Disco will feature some of Eora and Naarm's best performance artists lighting up the dance floor on February 23. There are another 11 free events for you to experience throughout the festivities like Ōvah Ōvah, a Pasifika variety show celebrating Fa'afafine performers on Sunday, February 26; and, Koori Gras, an evening of performances from the likes of Nana Miss Koori, Nova Gina and BeeDazzled Shanks on Tuesday, February 28. [caption id="attachment_887906" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Katherine Griffiths[/caption] Ticketed events include the whirlwind cabaret experience Klub Village which combines drag, circus and dance. Plus, Joel Bray's stand-out play, Daddy, a provoking and hilarious Gindr-era love story. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this spectacular celebration. "Marri Madung Butbut is a place where everyone is welcome to experience the rainbow heart of the oldest surviving culture on the planet", says Festival Creative Director Ben Graetz. The Trading Blak Mini Market will be showcasing Aboriginal-owned businesses throughout the festival, and First Nations catering company Indigiearth will be in charge of the food, operating out of Carriageworks' Cornerstone cafe. Check out the full program online. [caption id="attachment_887950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bryony Jackson[/caption] Top Image: Daniel Boud & Jamie James
Take a deep breath and smell the sexual tension at Freda's Love Tunnel. Featuring Simon Caldwell with Turpin, Easy Access and Wild Sunset, Freda's Love Tunnel is sure to get everyone in the mood for a night full of shenanigans. With Valentine's Day activities include Spin the Bottle, Strip Twister, love song dedications and more to be announced, Freda's have got you covered if you've left booking that favourite restaurant too late. The venue is set to be decked out in all things romantic (think candles, velvet and roses as well as a grand entrance to the Love Tunnel), so this should be a Valentine you won't forget. Ignore the 'three-day call' rule and get in contact with Alex Turpin, Aaron Zanbaka or Michael Carr ASAP if you have a Love Song Dedication you would like to make.
UPDATE, January 29, 2021: The Hustle is available to stream via Stan. 2016's most controversial movie wasn't afraid of no ghosts, nor of updating a beloved classic with a gender-flipped spin. The backlash to the new Ghostbusters was as loud as it was stupid, however lost in the noise were two crucial facts. Firstly, the film is hilarious, fun and genuinely great. Secondly, it does exactly what a female-led version of a familiar property should. With all the ridiculous focus on why the supernatural comedy wasn't a carbon copy of the 80s flicks, and why women are now allowed to chase the paranormal (correct answer: why the hell not?), the movie didn't get recognition for its most significant feat. It doesn't lazily insert ladies into a thin rehash, but shapes its antics and jokes around them. That really shouldn't be so rare and astonishing, and yet so often it is. Take The Hustle, for example. It's the latest film to subscribe to the obvious motto that anything men can do, women can too, but it also takes that notion much too literally. Everything that 1988's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels did, this movie apes beat for beat, just with Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson instead of Michael Caine and Steve Martin. Scoundrels was a remake itself, updating 1964's Bedtime Story, so the narrative has been around for more than half a century — and yet familiarity isn't the only problem here. For a couple of average pictures about scheming conmen ripping off wealthy women, The Hustle's predecessors actually came packaged with some smart social critique, skewering the battle of the sexes in the process. Alas, as a presumably unintended consequence of pushing girls to the front, the narrative's best and most biting elements have now disappeared, including its savvy female empowerment strand. Making a couple of supremely confident male grifters reliant upon women to get by, as the first two films did, made a satirical statement. Tasking two female fraudsters with fleecing rich men to punish their misdeeds doesn't have the same impact, unsurprisingly. The Hustle pulls its punches in other ways too, as seen in its terrible final twist (without heading into spoiler territory, let's just say that it's a case of not thinking the whole switcheroo through). Story-wise, Hathaway's Josephine Chesterfield is the swindling queen bee in the cashed-up French beachside town of Beaumont-sur-Mer, while Wilson's fellow scammer Penny Rust is her exact opposite. One robs super rich guys with long cons, the other cheats sleazeballs with quick tricks, and they're soon locked in a turf war. The solution: the first to snare a cool half a million out of their latest mark, baby-faced tech whiz Thomas (Alex Sharp), can keep pulling capers on the Riviera. Hathaway also starred in last year's big gender-swapped heist flick, Ocean's 8, and the end result is sadly somewhat similar. The Hustle thinks that plonking female stars into the same old scenario is enough; women should just be happy that studios are even bothering, apparently. It's the type of supposed progress that takes two steps forward and then the same amount back, because no one wants to see ladies slavishly retracing men's footsteps. Here, a heap of the film's narrative details also take on an uncomfortable tone, leaning on outdated stereotypes and cliches even in an obvious farce. Women romancing men for their money? Ruthlessly competing for — and measuring their worth based on — male attention? Cattily battling it out? That's not clever or amusing. It's not subversive in its sexual politics either, as much as the movie pretends the latter is true ("no man will ever believe a woman is smarter than he is," Josephine offers, explaining her success). Like much about the picture, it's just tired. With Hathaway's fake posh English accent clashing with Wilson's distinctive Australian drawl, The Hustle's stars are its biggest strength. Of course, they're really just doing what they're already known for doing well. Still, it's easy to see why the film exists, on paper at least, based on their odd-couple pairing. They each do their best with the material — Hathaway perhaps more so than Wilson, who doubles as one of the movie's producers. The duo also benefit from a few snappy one-liners, which are improved by their delivery. But screenwriter Jac Schaeffer (Disney short Olaf's Frozen Adventure) does little else to liven up the photocopied script, which is also credited to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Dale Launer, as well as long-dead Bedtime Story scribes Stanley Shapiro and Paul Henning. British actor-turned-filmmaker Chris Addison keeps everything blandly light, scenic and fluffy, however that's barely all there is to his feature directorial debut. Well, that and an ill-thought-out do-over that does female-fronted remakes zero favours and scams itself more than anything else. You'd never guess that Addison was one of the stars of the savagely hilarious sitcom The Thick of It, or a director on its US counterpart, Veep. In fact, imagining what the acerbic characters of those shows would say about this flick is funnier than every second of The Hustle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfWv51T8TJ0
It didn't happen with Sofia Coppola in the director's chair, but taking a live-action swim in The Little Mermaid's ocean is definitely happening — in 2023, in cinemas everywhere, and with Halle Bailey (Grown-ish) slipping into Ariel's scales and tail. Wondering how that might turn out? Disney has just unveiled the initial teaser trailer for its latest double dip in its beloved catalogue, because the Mouse House just keeps giving its animated hits the flesh-and-blood treatment. Released at this year's D23, the company's fan expo and convention, the first sneak peek at the film doesn't dive into the story that viewers already know and adore — it doesn't need to given how popular the original movie is — but it does show Bailey as Ariel. More than that, it swishes through the mermaid's underwater realm, sunken ships, circular caves and all, and shows her staring up at the light above, pining for a different life. The soundtrack: the flick's star singing 'Part of Your World'. Fans of the original 1989 movie, aka everyone given how popular The Little Mermaid-themed events have proven over the years — such as screenings with live orchestral scores and cocktail experiences at aquariums — are well aware that Ariel dreams of being human, and is willing to make a deal with a sea witch to see her wishes come true. That involves a trade, though: giving up her voice to get legs in return, which'll allow her to live above the water. As well as Bailey as Ariel, this new version of The Little Mermaid features Jonah Hauer-King (World on Fire) as Eric, the human prince that Ariel falls for; Melissa McCarthy (Nine Perfect Strangers) as Ursula, said sea witch; and Javier Bardem (The Good Boss) as King Triton, Ariel's protective father. Also among the cast, on voice duties: Daveed Diggs (Snowpiercer) as Sebastian the crab, Jacob Tremblay (Doctor Sleep) as Flounder and Awkwafina (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) as Scuttle. Behind the camera, filmmaker Rob Marshall adds The Little Mermaid and its take on Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale of the same name to his many big-screen musicals, alongside Chicago, Nine, Into the Woods and Mary Poppins Returns. And as for the tunes, they come courtesy of Alan Menken — returning from the original movie, as do all those old songs — and Lin-Manuel Miranda. If you're keeping track, when it hits cinemas next year, The Little Mermaid will join a hefty list. That's the list of animated Mouse House fare remade either with actors on-screen, photorealistic CGI or both, that is, and it includes Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Dumbo, Aladdin, The Jungle Book, The Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, Mulan, Pinocchio and more. Check out the first trailer for The Little Mermaid below: The Little Mermaid will release in cinemas Down Under on May 25, 2023. Top image: Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
What do Elvis Presley, Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso and Ancient Greece have in common? In 2022, all four will have items and objects on display across Victoria. Accordingly, if you're looking for an excuse to spend the cooler months in a museum or gallery, you have several — including peering at 44 ancient works dating back to the early bronze age. Those historic pieces will hit Melbourne Museum courtesy of Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections, a new exhibition that's set to open on Saturday, April 23. Co-created and presented with the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, the Australian-first showcase will feature pieces from the Greek organisation's collection — which happens to be the richest range of artefacts from Greek antiquity worldwide — all of which will be making an appearance Down Under for the first time. In the case of two of the exhibition's big highlights — the gold Theseus ring, which dates back to the 15th century BCE, as well as a 2500-year-old marble sphinx that depicts a female head with the body of a winged lion — they'll make their debut outside of the National Archaeological Museum, too. Also coming our way: a collection of artefacts depicting Greek hero Heracles, as well as pieces that date through to the Roman period. Overall, Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections will focus on not just Ancient Greece itself, but how the trade of ideas and goods influenced its culture — and how the Greeks also influenced the rest of the ancient world. [caption id="attachment_845125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] One of a pair of antefixes Clay Representations of Chimaera and Bellerophon mounting his winged horse, Pegasus. From Thasos. 550-500 BC. Credit National Archaeological Museum and Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. Photographer Magoulas.[/caption] Top image: 'Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections' at Melbourne Museum, installation shot by Tim Carrafa.
Roll on down to Prince Alfred Square over the Easter school break for some old-school fun that's fit for all ages. Skate and Play — part of the western CBD's biggest festival of the year, Parramatta Nights — is returning for a second time, bringing the unbridled good vibes it's known for. Think thrilling rides for a joy-filled kick to your adrenaline levels, disco beats to soundtrack your rollerskating antics, a vibrant food village and a fully stocked bar that's ready to pour. From mid-morning to well past bedtime, you and your gang can skate loops round the outdoor rink and wander through the larger-than-life Lost Dogs' Disco (an interactive inflatable installation courtesy of the Melbourne-based art and tech company ENESS). Or, if you're looking for a maxo-relaxo session, you can sit back and listen to live music while your minis run their energy stores down on whirling, high-flying rides. Whatever your preference, you're certainly in for a day of spins and thrills. Plan your trip to Skate and Play here, or head to the website to check out the full Parramatta Nights program.
If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that a lot can happen in six months. Around this time half a year ago, we were getting mighty excited about all the new movies set to reach Australian cinemas in 2020. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Now, after months spent at home, indoors, giving our streaming queues one helluva workout, it's reset time. Aussie picture palaces are slowly reopening — albeit at different rates across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane — and this year's big-screen releases are kicking off again. In great news for cinephiles, that means there are plenty of new flicks vying for your eyeballs. Some are big-budget blockbusters that've had everyone talking since last year. Others are long-awaited sequels and eagerly anticipated remakes. From the return of familiar faces to exceptional intimate dramas, we've rounded up ten new movies to look forward to seeing in a cinema throughout the rest of 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLNXHJB5Mto BABYTEETH Usually, cancer movies aren't just terrible, generic and cliched — they're insulting. Often focusing on pretty young things succumbing slowly to the insidious disease, they generally tug at the heartstrings with shameless abandon, treating their protagonists and their plights as a mechanism to wring weepy tears out of the audience. But while Babyteeth also hones in on a cancer-afflicted teenager, it could never be mistaken for the usual illness drama. As directed by feature first-timer Shannon Murphy, this lively, vibrant, insightful and genuinely moving film truly sees its main character, Milla (Little Women's Eliza Scanlen), as a person first and foremost. Story-wise, the movie charts Milla's unexpected romance with enigmatic Sydney drug dealer Moses (Acute Misfortune's Toby Wallace), as well as the reaction of her struggling parents. Also starring Essie Davis and Ben Mendelsohn as Milla's mum and dad, this is a raw, sensitive, astute and arresting addition to a genre that rarely (if ever) earns any of those terms. It's also visually striking and, unsurprisingly given the cast, boasts fantastic performances — and it's one of the best Australian movies that'll hit cinemas in 2020. Babyteeth releases in Australian cinemas on July 23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKOT56zkRQ8 NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS The third film from talented American writer/director Eliza Hittman (It Felt Like Love, Beach Rats), Never Rarely Sometimes Always took home Berlinale's Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize this year — the festival's second most prestigious award — but it would've been a more than worthy overall winner. First premiering at Sundance, where it also nabbed a jury prize, this a heart-wrenching gut-punch of a movie that's about an ordinary teenager in an everyday situation, while simultaneously focused on a crucial topic. When small-town Pennsylvanian 17-year-old Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) discovers that she's pregnant, she only really has one option. She's certain her family (including Sharon Van Etten as her mother) won't help, and the local women's clinic advocates having the baby, so with her cousin Skylar (Talia Ryder) she hops on a bus to New York. Their experiences in the Big Apple are tense and devastating, as is this potent, compassionate and naturalistic entire film. Never Rarely Sometimes Always releases in Australian cinemas on August 6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loGLiMU5fuI TENET Is it a follow-up to Inception? Does Christopher Nolan just like getting twisty every ten years? Or does the acclaimed director simply enjoy messing with everyone's heads? When the first trailer for Tenet dropped in 2019, it inspired all of the above questions — and keen moviegoers have been waiting for answers. For now, we do know that Nolan's latest will involve time travel, the afterlife and stopping World War III. Also: spies, boats, sensing things before they happen and objects running in reverse. Throw in an active attempt to bend viewers' minds, plus many a superbly shot and staged spectacle, and Nolan is back in the territory that has served him so well since Memento. BlacKkKlansman's John David Washington leads the cast, alongside Robert Pattinson, Nolan regular Michael Caine, Aussie actor Elizabeth Debicki and Kenneth Branagh. Tenet releases in Australian cinemas on August 13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hAL7emClFM BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC It was first uttered more than three decades ago, but the world could always use Bill & Ted's main nugget of wisdom. "Be excellent to each other," Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure first told us in 1989, before continuing the message in 1991's Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey — and the series will do so again in the long-awaited Bill & Ted Face the Music. Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves are back as everyone's favourite high school slackers and wannabe rockers, who initially started travelling through time in a phone booth to pass a history report and secure the world's future. They're middle-aged now and they even have daughters (played by Ready or Not's Samara Weaving and Bombshell's Brigette Lundy-Paine), but when you're told as a teen that your music is going to change the entire universe, that responsibility doesn't just fade because you get older. Bill & Ted Face the Music releases in Australian cinemas on August 27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7qxYOpy9Ms A QUIET PLACE PART II In 2018, A Quiet Place tasked a young family with staying soundless, lest they be heard and then killed by giant spider-like monsters. As a result, audiences keenly listened out for any noise that could put Lee (John Krasinski), Evelyn (Emily Blunt), Regan (Millicent Simmonds) and Marcus (Noah Jupe) Abbott in jeopardy, with the film serving up a mighty tense — and noise-free — time at the cinemas. Now, two years later, the frightful aliens and the hushed tones are back. So is Blunt in kick-ass mode, too. Like the first film, A Quiet Place Part II is directed and written by Krasinski, with this follow-up picking up where its predecessor left off. Certain to serve up plenty of bumps, jumps and — naturally — silence, the sequel also welcomes franchise newcomers Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders) and Djimon Hounsou (Guardians of the Galaxy). A Quiet Place Part II opens in Australian cinemas on September 3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlwzuZ9kOQU CANDYMAN For nearly three decades, horror movie lovers have fallen into two categories: those who've dared to say the word 'candyman' five times while staring into a mirror, and those who haven't. If you fall into the first group, then you'll be making a date with this unnerving sequel, which revives the Candyman franchise and boasts a few tricks up its sleeves. Firstly, Candyman circa 2020 is produced and co-written by Jordan Peele, who adds another frightfest to his resume alongside Get Out and Us. Secondly, it's directed by Nia DaCosta, whose Tessa Thompson-starring 2018 film Little Woods deserved more attention. And last but by no means least, it features the OG Candyman, Tony Todd, among its cast. Plot-wise, the new flick focuses on artist Anthony McCoy (Aquaman and Watchmen's Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who decides to start exploring the Candyman legend through his art. His girlfriend Brianna (If Beale Street Could Talk's Teyonah Parris) thinks the story is just that, but then the bee-covered figure starts wreaking havoc again. That's what happens when folks say his name while looking at their own reflection, after all. Candyman opens in Australian cinemas on September 24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfM7_JLk-84&feature=emb_logo WONDER WOMAN 1984 New Order's 'Blue Monday'. A giant mall. Women exercising in bright leotards and leg warmers. All of the above inspire instant visions of the 80s, which is where Wonder Woman is heading in her next big-screen outing. Yes, the fierce female superhero with the bullet-deflecting bracelets and Lasso of Truth is finally back, thanks to Wonder Woman 1984. This time around, she's navigating the Cold War era and facing off against Kristen Wiig. The sequel's story pits Gal Gadot's Amazon demigoddess against Wiig's Cheetah — also known as archaeologist Barbara Ann Minerva. While the franchise newcomer is looking rather meek and mild at the beginning of the just-dropped Wonder Woman 1984 trailer, she's not likely to stay that way for long in this eagerly awaited sequel. Game of Thrones, Narcos and The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal also joins the cast as Maxwell Lord, a powerful businessman, and Chris Pine returns as American pilot Steve Trevor — despite the tragic events of the first film. And, behind the camera, writer/director Patty Jenkins is also back — as she should be given that Wonder Woman is currently the highest-grossing film ever directed solo by a woman. Wonder Woman 1984 releases in Australian cinemas on October 1. HALLOWEEN KILLS For 42 years, the Halloween franchise has been delivering stone-cold horror masterpieces, weird and wonderful detours, and entries that deserve to be locked away for all eternity with Michael Myers. The difference between the series' John Carpenter-directed best and its trashy worst is enormous, but when David Gordon Green (Prince Avalanche, Pineapple Express) took the reins for 2018's Halloween — a direct sequel to the 1978 original that ignores the seven other follow-ups and two remakes in-between — he served up one of the saga's best chapters. It helped that Jamie Lee Curtis was back, of course. Also beneficial: a meaty story that grapples with trauma, a skill for slasher thrills, a new score by Carpenter himself, and producer Jason Blum's support. So it was great news when two more movies were announced, including 2020's Halloween Kills, which brings the whole gang back to Haddonfield for another encounter with the town's masked menace. Halloween Kills releases in Australian cinemas on October 15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcPk2p0Zaw4 THE FRENCH DISPATCH An offbeat storyline. Mesmerisingly symmetrical frames. A cast that includes Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Owen Wilson, Saoirse Ronan, Willem Dafoe, Jason Schwartzman, Edward Norton, Bob Balaban and Anjelica Houston. Yep, it must be a new Wes Anderson film — and The French Dispatch looks like Wes Anderson at his most Wes Anderson-esque yet. The premise: in the fictional French town of Ennui-sur-Blasé sometime in the mid-20th century, Arthur Howitzer Jr. (Murray) has turned a series of travelogue columns into a weekly American magazine. A supplement to the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun, The French Dispatch resembles The New Yorker, is staffed by top expatriate journalists, and covers life in France, world politics, high and low art, and diverse stories of human interest. As for the film that shares its name, it focuses on three tales printed in the publication's pages. The French Dispatch releases in Australian cinemas on November 26. [caption id="attachment_774009" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Photo credit: Chiabella James. Copyright: © 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] DUNE David Lynch's Dune is one of the most unfairly maligned sci-fi films ever made. It's not the version that Alejandro Jodorowsky would've whipped up — as explored in excellent documentary Jodorowsky's Dune — but the 1984 movie still has its surreal delights. Just how Denis Villeneuve's new adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel will fare is still yet to be seen, but the French Canadian director has already revived another 80s sci-fi property to stunning effect with Blade Runner 2049. Once again, he has amassed a stellar cast, including Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem and Doctor Sleep's Rebecca Ferguson. They'll all fight over 'the spice', the most valuable substance in the universe. Dune releases in Australian cinemas on December 26. Top images: Dune: Copyright: © 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures. Babyteeth: Lisa Tomasetti. Wonder Woman 1984: Clay Enos/ ™ & © DC Comics. © 2018 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.
International travel could possibly be back on the cards for Australians by Christmas, but you'll be able to get a 26-film glimpse of Italy first. The reason: the 2021 Italian Film Festival. As it does every year, it's showcasing a stacked lineup of new and classic cinema from its chosen part of the globe, as part of its touring program. In a change from previous years, this year's fest will start in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, then move to Byron Bay and Sydney in line with New South Wales' roadmap out of lockdowns. Next, it'll hit up Canberra and Melbourne as they emerge from stay-at-home conditions as well. Wherever you're located, your leg of the festival will start with The Ties — and with a marriage in crisis. Starring Alba Rohrwacher (Happy as Lazzaro) and Luigi Lo Cascio (Human Capital), and helmed by Daniele Luchetti (La Nostra Vita, My Brother is an Only Child), this moving film follows a couple's tumultuous romance over the course of decades. It heads to the Italian Film Festival after opening last year's Venice Film Festival, and becoming the first Italian movie in more than a decade to do the latter. At the other end of the 2021 Italian Film Festival, the event will close with a classic: Roberto Rosselini's Rome, Open City. It's part of a four-film retrospective of the director's work, and also falls within the fest's look back at iconic Italian leading ladies. This event always comes with a big appreciation for Italy's filmmaking past, which is where documentary Fellini Forward: From the Creative Genius of Federico Fellini, about the acclaimed director, also fits in. Elsewhere, festival highlights include Cannes Film Festival Director's Fortnight winner To Chiara, about a 15-year-old who discovers her father might have criminal ties; Nanni Moretti's Three Floors, which is set across a Rome apartment block; Hidden Away, a biopic about artist Antonio Ligabue; and You Came Back, a thriller that makes ample use of Venice's lagoons. Or, there's also comedy Three Perfect Daughters; drama Tigers, about footballer Martin Bengtsson; and Sirley, which sees director Elisa Amoruso draw upon her adolescence for her first fictional film. ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2021 DATES: Wednesday, October 20–Sunday, November 14 — Palace James Street and Palace Centro, Brisbane Wednesday, October 20–Sunday, November 14 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Wednesday, October 20–Sunday, November 14 — Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema, Perth Friday, October 20–Sunday, November 7 — Palace Byron Bay, Byron Bay Wednesday, October 27–Sunday, November 21 — Palace Norton, Palace Verona, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Wednesday, November 17–Sunday, December 12 — Palace Electric, Canberra Friday, November 19–Sunday, December 12 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema, The Astor and Cinema Nova, Melbourne The 2021 Italian Film Festival tours Australia between Wednesday, October 20–Sunday, December 12. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.
If this skyscraper designed to house an entire Chinese city is anything to go by, our urban way of life could imminently leave the horizontal plane far behind. Cue edible green walls, a logical and aesthetically pleasing source of nomz. Check one out at the 16th Sydney Design festival this August, when the Powerhouse Museum Cafe hosts Edible Walls, an installation which will hopefully inspire many imitators. City farming is a worthy and growing trend. It's surprising the number of munchable fruit, flower, vegetable and herb varieties that can flourish while on the climb. Edible Walls is not only a space-saving and socially responsible design enterprise but a beautiful and stylish one, not unlike when your dad piles pasta skyward in the centre of your plate in an adorable attempt to be master chef. Could we see edible walls spring up as a common sight in cafes and homes across Sydney, as nature is increasingly integrated into city life? We reckon we will, and attending Sydney Design is a great way to get educated so you can mastermind your own high-rise harvest. This year Sydney Design's 75+ events seek to answer the question, 'Can clever design save the world?' Duh. This very interrogative will be debated by a panel of designers and business bigwigs facilitated by Nell Schofield. But there's plenty of other festival festures to excite the aspiring design maverick. The Australian International Design Awards gather wacky gadgetry and ingenious innovations, while a Powerhouse retrospective exhibition celebrates the influential work of US designer and furniture innovator George Nelson. It definitely doesn't stop there. Architects Eko Prawoto and David Sheppard will present keynote addresses on the topic of urban reconstruction and recovery from earthquake damage. Healthabitat's Paul Pholeros and Heleana Genaus illuminate the links between health and manmade environments. Among the festival's other exhibitions, tours, talks, workshops and just plain fun stuff: Stringram marries string design to Instagram, native biodiversity enjoys full reign in Parramatta's Vorsprugarten, and jewellery becomes artfully and deliberately biodegradable in Earth to Earth, Ashes to Ashes. Then there's Workshopped13, the 3x3x3 Design Challenge, Translocated Making, and more initiatives that could just save the world. Sydney Design runs citywide, 3-18 August, 2013.
The annual Parramatta Lanes festival is retuning this month, bringing the finest eats, beats and comedy seats to Sydney. The Paramatta palooza will include five nights of fun in a choose-your-own-adventure style festival. From Tuesday, November 16 to Saturday, November 20, you can catch musicians, DJs, artists and comedians performing live at venues throughout the Parramatta CBD. Let the Parramatta Lanes Art Trail app guide you to venues like Club Parramatta, Lola Cocina, Butter and Milky Lane to catch performances and dishes that are as impressive as the art you'll discover along the way. There'll be live sets from a variety of local musicians including neo-soul acts Rissa and Liyah Knight and hip-hop artists No Intent and Lil Spacely. Archie Rose is helping to transform The Heritage Courtyard Pavilion on Marsden Street into the Lil Lanes pop-up bar where you'll be treated to even more sonic delights. Here you can catch the warm, honey-glazed sounds of future-soul group Kyoshi; the tongue-in-cheek rhymes from hip-hop artist Phil Fresh; a poetic and powerful performance from Imbi; and the innovative beats of Planet Vegeta and Midnight Pool Party. If comedy is more your thing, make tracks to gigs from comics including Becky Lucas, Cassie Workman, Aaron Chen, Tahir and more. Ready to rediscover the Parramatta CBD? Parramatta Lanes runs from Tuesday, November 16–Saturday, November 20. For more information and to plan your night out, visit the website.
Since first setting up shop in Sydney back in mid-2017, Betty's Burgers just keeps spreading the burger-filled love. The city is already home to four stores, with a fifth now opening in North Sydney — and, to mark the occasion, the new joint is giving away free burgs. Two varieties will be on offer: Betty's classic burger and its crispy chicken burger. To grab an Angus beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and Betty's special sauce between a bread roll — or southern fried chicken, lettuce, tomato and sauce on a bun — you'll need to head to 100 Mount Street on Wednesday, October 9. Just make sure you're one of the first 1000 people through the doors, because that's how many freebies the store will be slinging. Yes, the early bird catches the free burg. If you're wondering, the store opens at 11am, with one burger available per person until the allocation has been exhausted. Because this is a party, there'll also be a DJ spinning tunes. And, because it's beach themed, you can also win some appropriately beachy merchandise.
Since Plan International Australia launched its Free to Be map in Sydney last month, giving women a platform to highlight safe and unsafe areas around the city, it's attracted over 2600 entries. With double the number of respondents of a similar map previously launched in Melbourne, it's a huge response — and one that has enabled the NGO to pull together a list of preliminary safety 'hotspots', which it has released to the public. The unsafe spots, which attracted the most 'sad' pins on the Sydney map, include Kings Cross, King Street, Wentworth Park, Pyrmont Bridge and the stretch of George Street near Town Hall. A big number of these negative pins around key bus and train stations also highlighted major issues surrounding safety on public transport. On a more positive note, a list of 'happy' spots has also been revealed — these include Central Park, the UNSW and Macquarie University campuses, Circular Quay and the ferries, Oxford Street and McIver Ladies Baths in Coogee. Alongside the list of hotspots, Plan International Australia has also released its Sexism in the City research report, which surveyed 500 young Sydney women to get right to the guts of street harassment issues. Some of the confronting findings include more than a third of respondents experiencing harassment for the first time between the ages of 11 and 15; those harassed on a regular basis being twice as likely to report experiencing anxiety, depression or ongoing mental health issues as a result; and alarming rates of women being harassed in front of bystanders without anyone stepping in to help. Contributions to the map have now closed, and the full results should be released shortly. Updated: June 2, 2018.
It's that time of year again — the Good Food and Wine Show is back for 2019. This year, it'll span 800 wine varieties and over 250 exhibitors in a weekend full of live cooking demonstrations, chef's lunches, masterclasses and a whole heap of wine tastings. The event will take over the International Convention Centre Sydney across three days from Friday, June 21–Sunday, June 23. Some of Australia's top chefs will be in tow, including Sydney's chef extraordinaire Matt Moran (Barangaroo House, The Paddo Inn), who will team up with celeb chef Maggie Beer to cook the perfect roast chicken. Other big names include Kylie Kwong (Billy Kwong), Anthony Puharich (Vic's Quality Meats), Colin Fassnidge (Four in Hand, 4Fourteen), Masterchef's George Calombaris, television host Miguel Maestre and Brisbane's Alastair McLeod. Most of the chefs will also run three-course chef's lunches, paired with matched wines for $80. For other eats, visitors can wander down cheese alley, participate in meet-the-makers events and visit artisan food stalls by the likes of Butcher and the Farmer, Olio and Meat & Wine Co. For VIP ticket holders, the lounge includes Margaret River wines, lunch by Matt Moran and desserts by Maggie Beer. On the wine side of the show, the drops span regions all across Australia, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Mudgee, to name a very few. To try the best of the bunch, head to the Riedel drinks lab for one of its free tasting sessions on daily. Apart from wine, there's also a Champagne garden with masterclasses and a Glenfiddich whisky lounge inside a vintage Leyland bus. Tickets are still available for all three sessions, starting at just $27 per day. Images: Joseph Byford, James Ambrose, JWyld Photography
When Bob Dylan decided that "songs can't save the world", he obviously hadn't met Oli Mistry. After an eyeopening brush with the streetchildren of Delhi in 2009, this Sydney-based UK ex-pat grabbed a beer, two friends and an idea to create change through the magic of SONG. SoundSchool is a music initiative raising funds to purchase musical instruments, teaching aids and tuition for the Salaam Baalak Trust children's shelters in India. With buds Jarrod Paul and Jay Hemsworth on board, Mistry and his visionary crew saw the joy and wonderment inherent in a child's love of music, as spontaneous street jams in Delhi brought a rare glimmer of optimism to a mere handful of the 44 million Indian children living in abject poverty. Jarrod Paul, co-founder of the project, believes empowerment of the creative kind is a skill worth funding. "We call on the music fans of Sydney to make our first SoundSchool a reality," he says. "The cost of a musical instrument in India is almost nothing in our world, so we just want to do something that matters." With 15 years of media industry experience between the three, co-founder Jay Hemsworth cites the trio's passion for "playing, listening, learning and watching" music as a crucial element to their plan, as they endeavour to nurture this creative skill in less fortunate communities. The double-edged beauty of this worthy fundraiser is the unashamedly selfish benefits for the ticketholder at Bondi's Beach Road Hotel. Hosted by Channel [V] V-J Jane Gazzo, the inaugural raucous evening heralds the likes of horse-ridin' accordion-blarin' white-boy-blues swaggerers The Delta Riggs, New Zealand alt-rockers Midnight Youth and scarily thrusting Sydney mock rock crew Bigphallica, amongst a host of Sydney DJs for kicks. With all cover charge sales funding the creative programme and facilities to be installed in Delhi in November, Sir Dylan you may kindly sup upon those words o' yours. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Fr-29N4Y_M0
Hankering for a Sunday full of standout baked goods, warm mugs of batch brew and Sydney's best secondhand cook books? Want to round it out with a pét-nat mimosa? You have great taste (and are oddly specific), but luckily, the Sydney-based creative studio Buffet has you covered. This Sunday, April 2, the lofty DRNKS space in Alexandria will be hosting The Cookbook Market by Buffet. From 11am until 3pm, the booze store is being transformed into a book shop, complete with the weekend staples of fresh-outta-the-oven carby creations from Good Ways Deli and cups from the experts at Mecca Coffee. The DRNKS team will have refreshing sips on offer, and Buffet's vibrant range of food-leaning prints and merch from your fave dining destinations will be on-hand, too. The best bit? It's all in support of charity. [caption id="attachment_877249" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Literacy for Life Foundation is the Aboriginal-led charity that supports adults in First Nations communities with low literacy levels — and is making a mission of ending Aboriginal illiteracy Down Under. As an editorial business, this is a cause close to our hearts. So on Sunday, this is where you'll find us. Got a book you don't bake from enough? Committed all your fave dishes to memory? Up until Saturday, April 1, DRNKS will be stockpiling your good quality cookbooks at its 72/20-28 Maddox Street, Alexandria space. So dig through your shelves, donate and then go restock with a new (old) book to cook from on Sunday. Images: Dexter Kim (first); Nikki To (second, third).
There's no other way to celebrate the start of Mardi Gras except to throw a massive party. Part performance art, part music, and part dance, Day for Night is one cut above the rest. Presented by Carriageworks and Performance Space, with curation by Jeff Khan (Performance Space) and Emma Price (The Kingpins), the event sees Carriageworks transformed into a large-scale space for queer expression for a full three days. The party (February 20, 7.30 – 11.30pm, tickets $35) will feature tunes from local electronic outfit Stereogamous (Paul Mac and Johnny Seymour), self-described as sounding like a "gay bath house". The next two days (February 21–22, 12 –8pm, free) sees music and art combine with a series of live performances by Australia's leading queer artists, soundtracked by the duo. They include choreographer Matthew Day, Emma Maye Gibson (you might recognise her work as alter ego Betty Grumble), interdisciplinary artist and Kanye collaborator Techa Noble, White Drummer, Nell, and self-taught dancer Bhenji Ra (House of Ra), who has supported the likes of Mykki Blanco and Le1f. In the lead-up to this night of nights, we spoke to Stereogamous and got them to put us in the mood with a mix (titled 'DAY'). Where is Stereogamous currently at, musically speaking? Our weekly Voguey Bear party [at Tokyo Sing Song] focuses on deep and innovative music. Nothing abrasive, noisy or played out. The deep research we do for weekly content for an eight-hour set keeps us on our twinkle toes doing the 9-5 (am), but also informs our production heart space in the studio ... We are currently composing with the incredible Shaun J Wright (Chicago/Twirl), who is one of the most marvellous performers we've ever encountered. What and who are you most looking forward to at Day for Night? The punters. The intersex, transgender, bisexual, lesbian, gay community and our admirers have our moment to have our Christmas/Grand Final/Prix/celebration and shine. Seeing the artists and our collaborative children come to life in front of our family and like-minded creative adventurers. Making make a great queer party in one of our fave buildings in Sydney. What was going through your mind – musically or otherwise - during the making of this mix? DAY is deep. It's the warm-up without the gogo. You wake up somewhere, with last night still in your body. There's a sonic treacle coming from an unknown place. Sounds that can either be slow decompression into facing reality, or a gateway to escaping. Let's pretend we live in a utopian world for a moment. How would the ideal Stereogamous day play out? President Nova Peris has diverted mining profits into developing solar power and water desalination, revegetating the desert. The increased arable land provides enough power, shelter and self-sustainable food stocks for the entire South Pacific region. Equality exists not just for queers but for gender parity in wages and employment, Indigenous peoples, asylum seekers and people with special medical needs. Drivers serve drinks on free bus trips. Arts has equal funding as sports. Drugs are legal and available on Medicare. We're just doing what we're doing now. Collaborating and attempting to bring people together to resonate joy. Your sound is self-described as "sauna beat" and "bath house music”. Besides yourselves of course, what other music would this hypothetical bath house be playing? Bath houses are sacred homosexual spaces that we have spun tracks in for over a decade. Perhaps best described as "horizontal dance music". Apologies but you won't hear Katy/Igloo/Taylor or any EDM noise. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not really appropriate "sling music" feels. We're more likely to be playing Discodromo, Alien Alien, baker & baumaker, Suspect, Trevor Sigler, Jason Kendig. Believe we're way more The Black Madonna than Madonna.
All That Jazz isn't one of Damien Chazelle's films. It hit cinemas in 1979, six years before the Whiplash and La La Land filmmaker was born, so it can't be. But the Oscar-winning writer/director sure has taken those three words to heart. With the exception of his last flick until now, 2018's Neil Armstrong biopic First Man, Chazelle adores all that jazz — and he adores pumping it through his movies, too. So, returning to the big screen after making jazz club drama The Eddy for Netflix in 2020, of course he's heading back to an era in history known as the jazz age. Babylon dances through Hollywood's Golden Age with a jazz (what else?) soundtrack, following Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt as they wreak havoc throughout Tinseltown. Robbie (The Suicide Squad) plays Nellie LaRoy, a 1920s actor. After winning an Oscar for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — set in a different era of Los Angeles' past — Pitt (Bullet Train) plays Jack Conrad, an industry veteran. As the decade comes to an end and Hollywood changes, the two characters have much to grapple with in this tale of ambition and excess. As the just-dropped first trailer makes plain, they have plenty of parties to attend, too — decadently staged affairs that look right out of The Great Gatsby, or at least as if Chazelle is channelling his inner Baz Luhrmann. And if you weren't already thinking that anyway, up pops Tobey Maguire in only his fifth movie role since The Great Gatsby. (Also on his resume since then: the wholly unrelated 2014 TV series The Spoils of Babylon). Since capturing Hollywood's attention back in 2014 with Whiplash, Chazelle hasn't been known for holding back — and in a trailer that opens with Robbie and a table of drugs, ends with her fighting a snake, gleams with golden sights in-between, and splashes around so much alcohol that you're forgiven for feeling a little boozy while watching it, that's clearly the case with Babylon. The official plot synopsis promises to "trace the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood" — and if that's your tempo, the end result hits cinemas in January 2023. Also among the cast: a massive who's who of Hollywood today, including Diego Calva (Narcos: Mexico), Jean Smart (Hacks), Jovan Adepo (The Stand), Li Jun Li (Sex/Life), PJ Byrne (The Boys), Lukas Haas (Widows), Olivia Hamilton (First Man), Max Minghella (The Handmaid's Tale), Rory Scovel (Physical), Katherine Waterston (The Third Day), Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Eric Roberts (The Righteous Gemstones), Ethan Suplee (Dog), Samara Weaving (Nine Perfect Strangers) and Olivia Wilde (Don't Worry Darling). Check out the trailer for Babylon below: Babylon releases in cinemas Down Under on January 19, 2023. Images: courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
Get more boutique for your buck at East Is East Night Market, launching on Thursday, July 18, at Darlinghurst's TAP Gallery and continuing weekly. The new nocturnal bazaar, like its older daytime sister ‘East Is East Boutique Markets, will focus on locally handmade goods with a wallet-friendly price point. Shoppers can confidently flash their $100 note and know that everything within sight is also within buying power. However, this time around, founder Liz Raleigh is also chucking vintage goods (oh, and a bar) into the mix. It's like Throwback Thursdays, but in real life, with wine. Doors will burst open at 6.30pm, but get down earlier because the first 30 bodies through the door will receive a Market Goodie bag, featuring awesome free stuff from the likes of Etsy goddess Seventh Tree Soaps, graphic-tee king Uncle Fritz, bespoke Bondi eco-jeweller Holly Lolly Legs and vintage-clothiers Annie Lou's Closet. With nothing imported or mass-produced, your purchases will not only support local creators but also grant you bragging rights because of your 'mad unique style'. Which is what life is all about, really. Image: Paper Lions Designs.
Articulate, enthusiastic, candid, and at least a little bit enamoured with the sound of his own voice — you only have to be in a room with John Landis for a few seconds to see he was born to be an entertainer. In town for a career tribute as part of this year's Melbourne Festival, the 63-year-old director behind beloved Hollywood films including The Blues Brothers, Trading Places and the music video to Michael Jackson's Thriller, seems totally at ease in a room full of journalists, as he recalls anecdotes from a career that spans more than 40 years. YOU CAN'T PICK WHICH WORKS WILL HAVE A LASTING IMPACT While we now look back at movies like Animal House and The Blues Brothers as era-defining comedies, when asked if he had any notion that his films would still be celebrated 30 years after being made, Landis shakes his head with a smile. "The truth is," the filmmaker explains, "you work the same on a successful movie as you do on an unsuccessful movie. [Peter] Bogdanovich was the one who said 'the only true test of a film is time'. And unfortunately we're in a very schizophrenic business, because according to the media and the industry, the only true test of success is money. So many great films come out and tank, and many terrible movies are huge hits. So there's no rule of thumb." "The one that surprised me the most was Thriller," Landis says. "The album was already the most successful album of all time when we made the short … The Thriller video, on Beta and VHS, was $29.95, and they sold 8 million of them. That amazed me. And I think what still delights me, because it's so nuts, is Thrill the World, where they do the thriller dance. And if you go online, they do the thriller dance at weddings and bar mitzvahs … I guess it's the power of Michael Jackson." BAD MOVIES DON'T ALWAYS START OUT BAD Of course, not all of Landis' films have been so successful. Asked about the woeful reception to Blues Brothers 2000, he grins and responds, "the biggest problem with Blues Brothers 2000 is that it's lousy. We had terrible interference from the studio. It was rewritten something like 17 times before they gave us the green light… it was a terrible script. But I'm very proud of the music." Another one of Landis' lesser known works is 1996's The Stupids, which sat unreleased on a shelf for years after the financing company went bankrupt. Upon release, the film tanked at the box office and was panned by critics, although as Landis points out, eventual distributor New Line Cinema bought the film for more than it cost to make, and so "we all made money." "It was mis-sold. It's a children's film, and they sold it as a teenage tits and ass comedy. It was a horrifying experience." IF YOU DOWNLOAD RATHER THAN GOING TO THE CINEMA, IT'S YOUR LOSS Perhaps it's in part due to his rocky relationship with the Hollywood studios that Landis has spent most of the last decade working in documentary and television. "Hollywood as it used to be hasn't existed for a long time", Landis reflects. "I started in the mail room at Fox in the '60s, and it was already dying then. The film business has changed just like every other business, because of globalisation and economics and all kinds of things. Now, Universal, Fox, MGM, Warner Brothers, they're small subdivisions of huge multinational corporations. And these giant corporations, they're their own nation states. They don't even fucking pay taxes! So it has changed, and it continues to change." Even so, Landis remains mostly optimistic about the state of affairs in the movie business. "I think good movies will always be made. One of the big ironies is that technology improved, so now literally anyone can make a movie. The only thing I don't like, the only thing that makes me feel like an old fart, is that it breaks my heart that generations will see Lawrence of Arabia on their cell phone. Because nothing can reproduce the theatrical experience. Big house; beautifully projected — and you know that film is communal. The more people you are with watching a movie, the better the movie works. Comedies are funnier. Scary movies are scarier. Sad movies are sadder. It's contagious." A retrospective of John's films will be screening as part of the Melbourne Festival during October. Check it out here.
Two of Australia's best-loved listening bars are joining forces for a month-long celebration of good tunes and good drinks. Melbourne's Waxflower Bar is swapping Brunswick for Baranagaroo, taking over Rekōdo every Wednesday in May for a weekly series of DJ sets, hand-selected wines and Japanese eats. "Rekōdo and Waxflower are both inspired by the iconic 'jazz kissaten' of Tokyo and the listening bar scene of Brooklyn and London, whilst providing their own unique flavour to their respective cities," says Waxflower co-founder David Byrne. "Red-hot sound systems, incredible food, delicious drinks. We think it makes perfect sense for them to come together." Waxflower has curated a lineup of five guest DJs for the residency, with Perth's Montana and Melbourne's Myles Mac, Earl Grey and DJ Possum all taking charge of the tracks alongside the bar's co-founders, Byrne and Malter Majik. While the usual Rekōdo drinks menu will be on offer, Waxflower is also bringing along a few its own favourite tipples. You'll be able to get sips like the Yuzu Chuhai, combining yuzu, soda and prosecco, and an Umeboshi Old Fashioned. There will be some of the bar's favourite natural and minimal-intervention wines on pour, too, including the Borachio Pash Rash Pét-Nat, Eastern Peake Chardonnay and Tom Shobbrook 'Poolside' Chilled Red. The two venues have also collaborated on a snack menu that will feature bites like kabayaki-style beef skewers and soy dashi chicken wing gyoza. Check out the DJ lineup and book your spot at the Barangaroo House website. In the meantime, check out local legend Donny Benet's picks for the best records to create a vibe, which he ran Concrete Playground through while he was the guest selector at Rekōdo: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Concrete Playground Sydney (@concreteplayground) Image: Steven Woodburn
New show, same squabbles: that's it, that's upcoming Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon. A month out from starting to hit screens, the eagerly anticipated jump back into Westeros' past has just dropped its full trailer. Yes, it's as obsessed with fighting over the Iron Throne as its predecessor. Of course, that was always going to prove the case with HBO's push to keep all things Game of Thrones alive and flickering across our televisions and streaming queues. House of the Dragon's ten-episode first season is set 200 years before the events of GoT, and focuses on House Targaryen — and if it wasn't already evident that history always repeats itself in Westeros, it looks like that point will be hammered home in the new series. This time around, Paddy Considine (The Third Day) plays King Viserys — and it's exactly who should be his heir that sparks all the Succession-style fuss. He has a daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy, Misbehaviour), who is also his first-born child. But because putting a woman on the throne isn't the done thing, the King's younger brother Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith, Morbius) considers that spiky iron chair his birthright. Battling it out over who'll take the seat will fuel House of the Dragon's storyline, with Rhys Ifans (The King's Man) playing Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King; Olivia Cooke (Slow Horses) popping up as Alicent Hightower, Otto's daughter; and Steve Toussaint (It's a Sin) playing Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka 'The Sea Snake', a nautical adventurer from a Valyrian bloodline as old as House Targaryen. The cast also includes Eve Best (Nurse Jackie) as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon, plus Sonoya Mizuno (Devs) as Mysaria, Prince Daemon's paramour. To answer the other obvious question — other than "will everyone still be fighting over the Iron Throne just like in Game of Thrones?" — yes, dragons do pop up. Flame-breathing scaly creatures and Targaryens go hand in hand, after all. To answer another question, as the trailer's very first words advise, yes "war is afoot" as well. This dance with dragons will arrive on Monday, August 22 Down Under (releasing in winter Down Under, when else?), if you don't already have it in your calendar. Foxtel and Binge in Australia and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand will be doing the honours, if you're wondering where to direct your eyeballs. When it starts airing, following Game of Thrones' eighth-season run, it'll be the culmination of years of planning to extend the GoT franchise by HBO. Firstly, the American cable network announced that it was considering five different prequel ideas. It then green-lit one to pilot stage, scrapped it and later picked a contender to run with: the upcoming House of the Dragon. It has also opted to give novella series Tales of Dunk and Egg the TV treatment, too, and to work on an animated GoT show. And, it's been reported that another three prequels are also under consideration — plus a Jon Snow-focused sequel series. Throughout all of this, GoT fans have been told one thing over and over, even without it being explicitly said. Our days of watching fiery fights between famous Westerosi names — and games over who gets to sit on the Iron Throne — are far from over, clearly, and won't be for quite some time. And, now that House of the Dragon is getting nearer, including dropping several teasers and now this full trailer, that's glaringly apparent. Based on a George RR Martin book, Fire & Blood, this tale harks back to Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of the Seven Kingdoms — which is what started the hefty 738-page first volume in Fire & Blood's planned two-book series — and then works through the family's backstory from there. Aegon I created the Iron Throne, hence the returning favourite's prominence. Also, you don't have to be the Three-Eyed Raven to know that fighting, battles for supremacy and bloodshed are always a part of every GoT narrative. Behind the scenes, Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan Condal are acting as the series' showrunners. Sapochnik has a hefty GoT history, winning an Emmy and a Directors Guild Award for directing 'Battle of The Bastards', helming season eight's 'The Long Night', and doing the same on four other episodes. As for Condal, he co-created and oversaw recent sci-fi series Colony, and co-wrote the screenplay for the 2018 film Rampage. Check out the full House of the Dragon trailer below: House of the Dragon will start airing on Monday, August 22 Down Under via Foxtel and Binge in Australia and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand. Images: Ollie Upton/HBO.
Nothing is quite as delightful as the unhurried days between Christmas and New Years. From cultural enrichment galore all the way through to off the beaten track nature exploits, It's the perfect time to explore all that Sydney and its surrounds has to offer. With that in mind, we've got more than enough ideas for daily adventures between Christmas and New Years to help you enjoy the most relaxed week of the year. Visit One of Sydney's Many Secluded Beaches With over 100 beaches dotting the shores of Sydney, there's no need to contend with the crowds over the holiday period — even when everyone has the same idea and is headed towards the water. Create a sense of escape by heading to one of the more secluded beaches located all around Sydney. Hot, lazy summer days mean heftier crowds than usual at most beaches. Opting for one that's a little more hidden means avoiding all of that, although with less crowds, there are likely less shops and dining options nearby so we recommend making a day of it by packing a sandwich made with Abbott's Bakery bread and plenty of snacks. Tucked out of view under the coastal path between Cronulla and Shelly Beach, Blackwoods is quite literally a hidden gem of a beach. Access is via an easy scramble down some rocks. Further south, there's Salmon Haul Reserve which is a pristine snorkelling and swimming spot that looks out at Bundeena. And while there are dining options a short walk away, the combination of rocks and sand make both spots perfect places for a mini picnic. [caption id="attachment_806187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Brennan Flickr[/caption] Do a Two-for-One and Take on Both a Hike and a Swim While many of Sydney's beaches that fly under the radar are accessible by car, some of the most secluded call for a hike in before a refreshing payoff. For a self-sufficient day in nature, pack a sandwich made with Abbott's Bakery bread that can withstand some travel, some snacks on the trail and enjoy a feed by a secluded body of water like Resolute Beach. Found deep within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the beach is accessible only via a six-kilometre loop track. As arduous as that might sound, the reward is well worth it — with the promise of pristine waters and unspoiled views across Pittwater. [caption id="attachment_703445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Gregory / Destination NSW[/caption] Head Out on a Day Trip to Royal National Park Set over 150 square kilometres of pristine bushland and natural features, Royal National Park is a classic day trip destination that technically doesn't even require leaving Sydney. With plenty of tracks, swimming spots and even options for paddling, it's the perfect spot to get your nature fix when you finally have the time for it and the definition of choosing your own adventure. Be sure to pack plenty of water and your own lunch and snacks, as food options can be limited depending on which part of the park you're in. [caption id="attachment_790425" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Finnegan via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] Go Even Further Afield on a Road Trip to a Campsite If you really want to escape the city over the holiday season, travel even further afield and go on a pennywise road trip to one of NSW's many campsites for a night or two under the stars. Whether you want to be closer to the water at a coastal campground like Mystery Bay or immersed deep in bushland at Uloola Falls campground, freedom beckons. Pack some snacks for the journey there, bring your own cooking supplies and enjoy the expansive landscapes of NSW. [caption id="attachment_794243" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mystery Bay Beach; Sol Ramana-Clark via Destination NSW[/caption] Enjoy the Sunshine with a Relaxing Picnic We don't make the rules — sunny summer days simply call for a picnic or two. They're the perfect low-touch way to enjoy a spread where all that really matters is good food and good company. Picnic classics such as fruit, great bread, a selection of cheese, dips and nuts are in the pantheon of timelessness for a reason. So too are sandwiches with their endless filling combinations. Simply prep in advance, cut up halves or quarters and pack them for a satisfying feed as you laze on a blanket. [caption id="attachment_827084" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliott Kramer[/caption] Hop Between Rooftop Bars Experiences are just better when you have ample time to savour them. Sunsets from a rooftop are one of summer's greatest joys and Sydney is dotted with charming rooftop bars. Catch golden hour from a rooftop bar or two while sipping leisurely on a spritz and feel the holiday vibes wash over you. Spend a Day Getting Cultured Sydney is seeing out 2024 with two of its major art institutions — the Art Gallery of NSW and the MCA — hosting packed arts programs. Exhibitions and retrospectives of heavy-hitting artists on display include Magritte, Julie Mehretu and Cao Fei. To really soak up each exhibition, we recommend setting aside some time to immerse yourself in the rich visual worlds of each artist. [caption id="attachment_950862" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Exterior view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Naala Badu (L) and Naala Nura (R), photo © Iwan Baan[/caption] Get Your Live Music Fix Whether it's carols for the festive spirit, a music festival or a sit-down concert, there's no shortage of live music to devour over the summer months in Sydney. Spend the time between Christmas and New Years either gearing up to see your favourite acts live when 2025 rolls around or head to Lost Paradise from Saturday, December 28. [caption id="attachment_965686" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Amar Gera[/caption] Stay in and Catch Up on Your Backlog of Streaming Content Staying in and becoming one with the couch in the days between Christmas and New Years is a different kind of joy — one that is just as relaxing as getting out and getting amongst it. Fuel your catch-up of the year's best TV shows by fixing yourself a scrumptious sandwich using Abbott's Bakery bread and any festive spread leftovers — and settle in. Discover the full range of Abbott's Bakery bread and create your ideal sandwich.
The first lesson you will learn is to bring something to cover your hair when you lie down. To do otherwise is to ensure that you have a head full of charcoal and, no matter what the word around the playground is, that's not necessarily the best accessory for where you're going. Such is the life of a traveller at Performance Space's current season, Dimension Crossing: welcome to a state of being where you will be rained upon, whispered at and, for those who like to sit and watch, witness work between life, death and virtual reality. For those seeking charcoal in their hair — your first stop is Robyn Backen's Whisper Pitch, an installation that conjures up two brick "whispering walls" in the Carriageworks foyer. Guests are welcome to bring their own whispers into this space, but there is a rich experience to be had by listening to the recorded whispers that seep out of the walls. Multilingual, evocative of stories that never quite begin or end, these whispered snippets will quite easily coax listeners into lying on the floor for an extended period of attention. Just keep an eye out for that pesky charcoal. Not to worry, however, for if you do leave Whisper Pitch with a head like a pepper shaker, your salvation lies in the deluge of Michaela Gleave's Our Frozen Moment. Another installation, it is a cinematic experience that invites guests to stand in a never-ending rain shower while an unceasing strobe pulses strange images through the falling droplets. The effect is mesmerising — time need not be counted in this place, and soon your eyes will encourage you to stare at the white noise that manifests at intervals around you. If Whisper Pitch suggests a larger narrative, Our Frozen Moment seals all stories into a single point of soaking experience. Between these two points is a program of three, short-season works that navigate between realms. Yumi Umiumare's EnTrance opened the program with a butoh performance situated between the "near shore of life" and the "far shore of death", a polarity reflected both by concerns of life and death as well as through the contrast in style between Japanese traditions and contemporary Japanese city culture. Soon to come is Victoria Hunt's new solo dance work Copper Promises: Hinemihi Haka, which has grown out of Hunt's experiences in reconnecting with her family and Maori heritage. Like EnTrance, Hunt's work creates a conceptual landscape that charts a between-place: in this case a place that links Hunt over the gulf of time with her female ancestor, Hinemihi. The final work to be shown in Dimension Crossing is the hypermediated child of the 21st century, Computer Boy. Blessed with an LCD screen for a head, Computer Boy is perhaps a reversal of the Pinocchio tale — he is a puppet who, rather than wanting to become a real boy, presents a state where real children regularly slip into the virtual. Whether or not they need to be pulled back from this brink will be answered by the collaborative talents of Blood Policy and APHIDS. For individual season dates, see the full Dimension Crossing program at the Performance Space website.. Image from EnTrance by Yumi Umiumare by Garth Oriander
Meraki means 'soul, creativity and love', and this is the theme Girl Meraki encompasses with its home interior accessories. Each piece sold is sourced directly from the maker themselves, and the mother-daughter duo behind the business are always looking for new designs with enough layers, textures and tones to help shoppers create their dream homes. Along with a chic interiors collection, Girl Meraki stocks an ever-changing range of gifts, candles and plants that you'll be more than happy to pull your wallet out for.
We've said it before and we'll say it again: it may be winter, but that doesn't mean you should spend the next few months hibernating on the couch. Boost your group's moral by booking into a nearby winter getaway that'll let you and all of your mates brave out the winter chill together all while exploring some incredible regions of NSW. Plus, thanks to Suncorp Platinum Credit Card*, you can earn points for every dollar you spend on the everyday essentials you may need while you're away, like petrol, drinks and that extra pack of bacon for brekkie in the morning. Read on to discover seven spots with something to offer for everyone — whether you're after an art gallery-meets-nature retreat, a glamping getaway or a full-on spa weekend. What's more, each one features some form of fireplace to warm up next to, as well. So lock in that date you can all get away and book something ASAP. [caption id="attachment_718055" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low.[/caption] ARTIST RETREAT AT MONA FARM, BRAIDWOOD The newly renovated Mona Farm is your latest excuse for an out-of-town holiday. Located a three-hour drive south of Sydney in the town of Braidwood, the property is one part luxury farm stay, one part nature retreat and one part art gallery. While the 124-acre country estate offers six historic farmhouses that have been revamped by Australian architecture heavyweights, there are two cottages currently available to book that sleep up to ten. Beyond the accommodation, over 20 Australian and international sculptors have been installed throughout the gardens and grounds, giving the natural surrounds a modern appeal. Plus, it really is a working farm, with Scottish Highland cattle, English Wiltshire Horn sheep, Wessex saddleback pigs and Clydesdale horses all sharing the land — and platypus, long-necked turtles and rainbow trout sharing the lake. BUSH LIVING AT KOOKAWOOD, BLUE MOUNTAINS This stone farmhouse is set within a 200-acre bushland property and situated within the Blue Mountains about 20 minutes from Lithgow. It boasts heaps of luxe cold weather amenities — including both a large open fireplace inside and a fire pit outside — so you'll never feel the winter chill here. If the temperature isn't too low, you can even enjoy a nice soak in the outdoor bathtub, which overlooks the surrounding mountains. Plus, the indoor bathroom features underfloor heating and yet another clawfoot tub for soaking in. There's room for just four here, so this is a spot to book for your more intimate getaways — but well-behaved pets are welcome if you want to bring along some additional furry friends. From Kookawood Farm, it's an easy drive to all of the Blue Mountains sites and the property itself is home to walking trails and wildlife aplenty. If you're looking for more to do around the upper Blue Mountains, check out our weekend guide to the area. OFF-GRID TRIP AT CABN, KANGAROO VALLEY This tiny solar-powered cabin may be off the grid but it's a far cry from roughing it. The cleverly designed timber fit-out includes a loft with a king bed, a fully stocked kitchen, indoor gas heaters and large bi-fold glass doors and windows that offer views aplenty. A big draw is the outdoor fire pit, as well as the glass-walled 'outdoor' soaking tub. Perfect for you and your best friends, the cabin sleeps a cosy four and is lovingly tucked away, so the only living beings you'll share the weekend with is the local wildlife. Think wombats, families of echidnas, kangaroos and a local lyrebird, along with wandering sheep and cows from the nearby working farm. There are plenty of walking trails to explore if you're keen to be outdoors or local wineries for those keen to stay in. Our pick is Silos Estate, which offers a farm-to-table restaurant and cool-climate drops. For more to do around Kangaroo Valley, check out our weekend guide to the area. ECO GETAWAY AT KIMO ESTATE, GUNDAGAI The 700-acres that make up Kimo Estate offer some of the most impressive surrounds and accommodation in the state. The designer A-frame eco-huts is one way to go, each sitting proudly atop a hill and boasting 360-degree views of the surrounding farm. Each off-grid, solar-powered hut has its own appeal, with a wood-fired hot tub in one, a firepit at another and an outdoor barbecue at the third — so a group could book out all three to get a little of each. If you'd prefer to all stay under one roof though, the estate also offers cottages and houses accommodating up to 12 guests. Kimo Estate is also home to wandering sheep and features views of the Murrumbidgee River, as well as the distant mountain ranges. From here, you can organise heaps of local activities, including horseback riding, winery tours and helicopter rides over the mountains. LUXURY GLAMPING AT SIERRA ESCAPE, MUDGEE A 30-minute drive from Mudgee town centre, Sierra Escape makes it easy to explore the wine region while immersing yourselves in true country surrounds. The 280-acre property is home to rolling hills, sweeping views and heaps of wildlife, including kangaroos, deer and native birds. Plus it's an easy drive away to the local vineyards, which boast some of the best drops in New South Wales. Your group will get to enjoy this idyllic setting in style, with the property's luxury glamping accommodation. Book into the Dulili tent, which sleeps seven and features two bedrooms with a double bed, two queen beds and a single trundle all up. Other amenities include a designer kitchen, wood fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows and large indoor and outdoor dining tables. You'll also get to enjoy a firepit and a bathroom with a rainwater shower and freestanding bath. All of the Sierra Escape glamping tents are insulated, too, so you won't have to worry about the winter chill, either. [caption id="attachment_633127" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Destination NSW.[/caption] SNOWY ESCAPE AT LAKE CRACKENBACK RESORTS, SNOWY MOUNTAINS Lake Crackenback Spa and Wellness Centre offers true alpine luxury. Set on the edge of Kosciusko National Park, it features both mountain and lake views, with the chalets sleeping up to seven of your best mates. The resort includes so many amenities that you won't mind getting snowed in. Book into a facial, massage or even a two-hour spa package. Wander the grounds to interact with local wildlife. Try your hand at archery, or take a dip in the indoor heated pool. Dine surrounded by excellent views at the lakeside restaurant. And, of course, there are the ski slopes. The resort offers a complimentary shuttle bus to the ski fields, and it'll help you organise equipment and lift passes. For more to do around the Snowy Mountains, check out our weekend guide to the area. [caption id="attachment_540647" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Andy Fraser.[/caption] WINERY HOPPING AT BLACK SHEEP INN, ORANGE The award-winning Black Sheep Inn is a country stay with all of the modern conveniences you could ask for. The revamped accommodation was originally a 1900s sheep shearing shed, and many of its original features have been maintained — including the rolling shed doors, a wrought iron fireplace and corrugated iron finishes. You can book out the entire woolshed for your group, which features five suites and sleeps ten all up. Hot tip: you'll want to be up early for brekkie when owner Helen Napier whips up a three-course feast. Located a quick ten-minute drive from Orange town centre, the inn is also perfectly situated to explore the local sites and the wine region at large. For more to do around Orange, check out our weekend guide to the area. Seize the day, make your everyday moments count and get rewarded all the while with Suncorp. Top image: Mona Farm by Kimberley Low. *Issued by Citigroup Pty Limited ABN 88 004 325 080 AFSL No. 238098 Australian credit licence 238098.
Order up: The Bear's third season is about to be served. And if you're wondering what's in store when the Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning series returns this winter, a just-dropped first teaser trailer is here to whet your appetite. The main focus of the debut sneak peek: Carmy (Jeremy Allen White, The Iron Claw) in the kitchen. The Bear's namesake restaurant is now open in season three, after Carmy, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri, Bottoms), Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach, No Hard Feelings) and the crew transformed their beef-slinging eatery (where season one's action took place) into a fine-diner (with that process fuelling season two). But staying operational is still a struggle, with the new batch of episodes set to chart Carmy's quest for culinary perfection, the reality of levelling up the business, and the stresses that both it and being in the restaurant trade in general bring. Also new: a release date for The Bear's third season. In America and Down under, the show will arrive on Thursday, June 27. In the past, there's always been a wait for Aussie and NZ viewers — season one hit in June in America, then in August in Australia; with season two, US viewers still had a June date, while Aussies and New Zealanders had to wait till July — but thankfully that isn't the case this time. Comfort food and winter do go hand in hand, after all — and since 2022, so have chaotic culinary dramedies and the frostiest time of the year Down Under. It was two years back that The Bear debuted to become one of the best new shows on television. In 2023, it then became one of the best returning shows on TV that year. The Bear was renewed for season three in November 2023 to the surprise of no one, but to the joyous shouts of "yes chef!" from everyone. Also, even though that third season hasn't yet dropped, it looks as if the show has been renewed for its fourth season already as well. If you've missed The Bear so far, its first season jumped into the mayhem when White's Carmy took over the diner after his brother's (Jon Bernthal, We Own This City) death. Before returning home, the chef's resume featured Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim. Then, in season two, Carmy worked towards turning the space into an upscale addition to his hometown's dining scene, with help from the restaurant's trusty team — including a roster of talent also spans Abby Elliott (Indebted) as Carmy's sister Natalie, aka Sugar, plus Lionel Boyce (Hap and Leonard), Liza Colón-Zayas (In Treatment), Edwin Lee Gibson (Fargo) and IRL chef Matty Matheson among the other staff. Check out the first trailer for The Bear season three below: The Bear streams via Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand, with season three arriving on Thursday, June 27. Read our review of season one and review of season two. Images: Chuck Hodes/FX.
Plastic shopping bags might seem to last forever, but Australian's reliance upon the pesky, flimsy carriers has an expiration date — and it's finally here. In a massive move for the industry — and a huge hug for the environment — the country's supermarkets are ditching single-use plastic bags from this week. Last July, three of the country's biggest grocery chains announced that they'll be banning the bag: Woolworths, Coles and the New South Wales-based Harris Farm. Harris Farm stopping stocking bags at the start of the year, and now it's time for the big two to do the same. Coles will pull the plug on Sunday, July 1, while Woolies — which also includes Big W and BWS — will get in first and remove the bags from checkout from this Wednesday, June 20. The move will impact Woolworths and Coles locations around the country — bringing New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia into line with South Australia, ACT, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, where state-wide plastic bans are already in place. So, without the bags, what are your options? Well, you'll still be able to get plastic bags at the checkout at both supermarkets fro 15 cents each. These ones are apparently thicker, more durable and are made from 80 percent recycled plastic — but, even though they're meant to be more reusable, it's hard to say if people will use them any differently to the way they use single-use bags now. Woolworths will also be offering another fold-up 99-cent bag option, as well as the regular, bulkier green bags. If you get your groceries delivered, you'll be able to choose a no-bag option. Queensland will flat-out ban single-use plastic bags from July 1, and Victoria is set to do the same later this year. NSW is the only state that hasn't committed to banning them. Getting rid the ever-present items everyone has too many of is the latest example of Aussie businesses putting the planet first. Bars around the country have banned plastic straws, Closed Loop has been trialling ways to recycle takeaway coffee cups, and reusable coffee cups have been gaining popularity all over the place — with some cafes offering discounts, and others banning disposable containers completely.
Do you sweat good ideas through the day? Do you have the a major game-changer on some napkin tucked into your pocket? Or have you the savvy eyes to spot fantastic innovation before the mainstream? If you even started to nod silently to any of those questions, then you will have a ridiculously good time at the REMIX Sydney 2015 conference — a maelstrom of keynotes, panels, masterclasses and mixers centred at the nexus of creativity, technology and entrepreneurship. The REMIX Sydney schedule is silly with inspiring sessions across many platforms, but there are some clear themes stretched across the program. One is how digital communications evolve live entertainment and communal experiences, possibly answering the question "how can we all hug when we have a device in both hands?". Google Creative Labs' Tom Uglow and Intel's Dr Genevieve Bell will both posit a few suggestions to this in their keynote speeches, as will reps from The Festivalists, Giant Dwarf and Gelato Messina at Concrete Playground's own curated session on 'The Art and Science of Fun'. Communities and crowds are also reshaped on the global level, with sessions such as 'Nurturing Creative Capitals', breaking boundaries between arts and audience in 'The Museum of the Future', and actively growing digital communities instead of scoring viral hits in 'Beyond Hype'. You'll have the frontal lobe equivalent of a food baby after this summit. Best get ready to digest. Concrete Playground is a partner of REMIX Sydney. Subscribers to our newsletter get 20% off tickets using code concreteplayground20. Go to Eventbrite to book.
As craft and boutique beer become more and more common, the pastime of sinking a few brews become increasingly complicated. Like snooty wine connoisseurs, beer drinkers are now expected to pick up on subtle flavours and new styles. Coffee IPA is a thing that exists, for instance. And, if you're not well trained in the dark (ale) arts, the act of ordering a beer can be a bit daunting. Rookies can now breathe a sigh of relief. Spanish creative agency Txaber have devised a beautiful, simple system to categorise and label beer using every design nerd's favourite, Pantone. Under their labelling, beer names would no longer sound like children's books — looking at you White Rabbit and Little Creatures. Instead, they would simply be categorised by the exact Pantone colour of the liquid. Classed into nine varieties of beer, the system makes clear the important differences between pale ale, lager and pilsner or dark ale, porter and stout. Of course, it makes no mention of the taste, but it's an easy shortcut for those who are more visually minded. Instead of telling the bartender you don't want anything too dark, you can now give them a specific colour level you'd be content with. In fact, in case you can't even deal with the different names, you could just point to an item of clothing the same colour as your desired beer. Pantone really is the great equaliser. Unfortunately there aren't any plans to implement the designs as yet, although the creators are keen for breweries to give them an offer. Personally, we think it's only a matter of time. Who needs a finely crafted, floral-scented summer magic ale when you can have a wheat beer 7412C? A return to basics has never looked so good. Via Mashable. All images via Txaber.
While Italian flavours steal the show at Darlinghurst's Sagra, the owners' latest venture Ortzi promises, instead, a trip through the Basque region. The warm, rustic eatery from Michael Otto, Jared Lanzua and Edward Saxton is set to open its doors this week, taking over a cheery split-level space on Surry Hills' Hunt Street. The trio has stuck with a simple, rustic theme, from the food, through to the fitout — if you're not one of the lucky ducks stealing away for a 2018 European summer, this joint might just help fill the void. From the kitchen, expect a share-friendly offering that'll get regular shake-ups throughout each week, championing locality, seasonality and a nose-to-tail approach. Many of the meats will come from whole beasts butchered on site, and as many elements as possible are being made in-house, from bread and butter through to the cheese. There'll be a strong lineup of pintxos, both authentic and more innovative, including roasted oysters with root vegetable consommé, croquettes stuffed with jamon and idiazabal cheese, and a decadent lobster and celeriac roll. Just be sure to leave some room for the larger dishes, like cider-cooked pork shoulder with wood-roasted apples; a woodfired rib-eye with charred onions and romesco; and a charred leek, saffron and curd tart. And dessert — where you'll find Pedro Ximénez-soaked pears and an olive oil and pine nut torte, among others. Also flying the flag for the Basque region is the drinks list, starring the area's beloved 'cidre' (flat cider), alongside wines sourced from across Northern Spain and Southern France. Find Ortzi at 6 Hunt Street, Surry Hills, from Thursday, June 7. Images: Alana Dimou
Bottomless brunch is a firm foundation of Sydney culture right now, flogging everything from Bloody Marys to boat vibes to Middle Eastern yum cha. The next venue to join the ranks is the Stuffed Beaver Crows Nest, which will sling all-you-can-eat poutine alongside unlimited top-ups of booze every Sunday in spring, starting this week on September 23. For a very reasonable $49 per person, patrons can nab bottomless mimosas and house beer, as well as endless rounds of pulled pork tacos and the aforementioned Canadian classic: the ultimate hefty combo of cheese, gravy and chunky fries. Yup, they're going to have to roll you out of there. Reservations are necessary and must be made between 12–3pm. The deal is up for grabs at the Crows Nest location only, so don't book at Bondi and end up disappointed.
Bringing a splash of greenery and some of the area's best eats to a Parramatta backstreet, Circa Espresso has carved out a name for itself as one of the best cafes in Western Sydney. Its new sibling venue Lucien Baked Goods continues the team's hot streak but with an increased focus on the sweeter side of life. Lucien brings Circa's passion for top-notch flavours to the world of baked goods, swapping crab fettucini for decadent cheesecake, and trading the train station for the Parramatta ferry terminal. Located down by the river on Phillip Street, the part-bakery part-cafe boasts a hefty sourdough sandwich menu and a range of snacky delights that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you head in on the hunt for the baked good of your choice, you can expect the likes of croissants, brownies, pistachio scrolls and Persian love cake. As for the sambos, there are seven to choose from including a loaded reuben, a smoked salmon and goats cheese combo, and a confit duck sandwich topped with pickled carrot, onion jam and salted zucchini — plus some classic breakfast faves like avocado toast and a bacon and egg roll. Head Pastry Chef Aeline Ribis and the Lucien team bake several times a day to ensure the goods are as fresh as possible. If you want to make sure you'll get your hands on something specific, including Lucien's range of next-level cakes, you can pre-order online. If you've got a birthday coming up and want to go above and beyond your standard Woolies mud cake, you'll find party-ready black forest cake, choux crown cake and huge share sizes of tiramisu, custard tart and passionfruit meringue tart. Rounding out the offerings is a robust range of drinks. Whether you're a flat white lover or a cold brew fanatic, you'll find Circa's signature in-house coffee, alongside a range of tea from Ms Cattea (the coconut truffle white tea sounds particularly alluring) and other miscellaneous drinks like smoked cola, lemon myrtle kombucha, Egyptian iced tea and iced chai. Lucien Baked Goods is located at 111 Phillip Street, Parramatta. It's open 6.30am–1.30pm Monday–Friday and 7.30am–midday Saturday–Sunday.
Dust off the wicker basket, roll out the plaid blanket and ignite the group chat, because you can finally hang with four (fully vaxxed) people. That's right, baby, picnic season is back and you know what that means — there's a menu to curate, a playlist to mix and a friends' reunion that's, dare we say, even better than the HBO special on Binge. For those living in Sydney's eastern suburbs, we've teamed up with Rosie Spritz to put together a handy list of our favourite picnic spots where you can BYO booze and have a merry ol' time. Whether you're after dreamy city views, secluded slices of paradise or harbour beaches where you can go for a dip before you tuck in, you'll find it all eastside. [caption id="attachment_753784" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Centennial Parklands[/caption] CENTENNIAL PARK, WOOLLAHRA AND RANDWICK Ah, Centennial Park. The green meeting place of the east uniting runners, rollerbladers, frisbee enthusiasts, cyclists, sunbathers, lunch-breakers — and soon, picnickers en masse — in one lush, leafy parkland. Arguably one of the better known parks in Sydney, it boasts 189 hectares of native bushland and rolling green hills, and it's home to countless species of local wildlife. Due to its size, there are amenities all over the place and even on its busiest days, you'll find a grassy patch to spread out the picnic blanket with your four vaxxed pals. Plus, Centennial Park's proximity to Oxford Street means there's a long list of worthy eateries currently serving to-go options, such as The Paddington and its on-site takeaway chook shop, and top-notch cafe-deli Alimentari. [caption id="attachment_825765" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shark Island, John Yurasek/DPIE[/caption] BOOWAMBILLEE (SHARK ISLAND), SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK An island getaway of a different kind, Boowambille — also known as Shark Island — is situated between Point Piper and Vaucluse, but feels blissfully miles from civilisation. It has over 1.5 hectares of green space, and there are picnic shelters, a stately gazebo and grottos dotting the foreshore which were handbuilt back in the 1900s. It's truly a spot that'll have you saying 'how's the serenity' with its 360-degree harbour views, including a bang-on line of sight to the Harbour Bridge. There is a landing fee of $7 per person, which is nothing when you consider the million-dollar vistas. Plus, you can legally sip booze here — so cooler that Rosie Spritz, stat. You'll just have to take all your rubbish with you when you're done. Shark Island Wharf is undergoing repairs till September 22, so you can soon hop on the weekend ferry service or arrange a private vessel to drop you off and pick you up if you want to be extra fancy. Feeling adventurous? Hire a kayak from Rose Bay or Point Piper and paddle your way there. [caption id="attachment_825175" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr, Alex Proimos creative commons[/caption] RUSHCUTTERS BAY PARK, RUSHCUTTERS BAY When you're not crushing Strava PBs around the foreshore, Rushcutters Bay Park is both a pleasant and convenient place to host a weekend picnic. The park's relaxed off-leash rules means you can bring your four-legged friends along, too, and it's a stone's throw from a handful of legendary food spots in the east (and a giant Woolies, if self-catering is more your picnic flavour). Despite the morning rush of runners, it's fairly easy to find a space to yourself, and while parking can be a bit of a punish (as is tradition in the eastern suburbs), it's only a brisk stroll from both Edgecliff and Kings Cross stations. Sit by the water, sip a spritz with your besties, and take in the enchanting bay view and breezy sailboats gently swinging offshore. [caption id="attachment_826976" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooke Zotti[/caption] BLACKBURN GARDENS, DOUBLE BAY Nestled behind Murray Rose Pool (formerly Redleaf Pool), Blackburn Gardens is a historic park surrounded by towering tropical gardens and features an out-of-this-world view of Sydney Harbour. Despite being just off the main drag of Old South Head Road, you'll feel like you've been whisked away to a peaceful garden paradise. Again, parking can be tricky here — the streets surrounding are residential and narrow AF — so plan accordingly. Though it's now quite well known among the summer crowds, Blackburn Gardens still has an inexplicable air of feeling like you've discovered an untapped picnic gem. Bag your swimmers and go for a splash pre-picnic, then kick back on the grass and watch boats cruise across the harbour as the afternoon dips. [caption id="attachment_825170" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr, Cacau & Xande, creative commons[/caption] PARSLEY BAY RESERVE, VAUCLUSE If you're looking for the real eastside experience, you'd be hard-pressed to find better than Parsley Bay Reserve. Tucked inside an enchanting cove in Vaucluse, the bay boasts a naturally levelled park and its beach eases into one of the most dazzling bays this side of the bridge. If you're planning a leisurely dip before you snack and sip, you can take solace in the fact that the bay is cordoned off with a shark net for a fin-free swim. And, unlike other bays dotting the area, there's a small car park with ample space available (so long as you get there before the late-morning rush). If you're the picnicking type who can't sit still, there's a bushland trail to explore and a spectacular walkway bridge that spans Parsley Bay to help you capture the perfect post-picnic shot, too. [caption id="attachment_826995" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooke Zotti[/caption] MCKELL PARK, DARLING POINT Small in size but big in beauty, McKell Park is tucked away at the tip of Darling Point — though, with a wharf right in front, getting here is relatively simple. It's the kind of local-vibes spot where you want to spend all morning at, debriefing on the week with your bestie over a coffee. Or perhaps you'd rather take a picnic blanket and the latest can't-put-it-down read and while away the afternoon solo. There are no bad ideas, especially with McKell Park's waterfront locale. With plenty of leafy cover to cool off under and the twinkling, light-dappled water turning up the charm, you'd almost forget that its vantage point out across the harbour is in a league of its own. [caption id="attachment_826980" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooke Zotti[/caption] DUDLEY PAGE RESERVE, DOVER HEIGHTS When Sydney turns it on with another glorious sunny day, and you're in the mood for a scenic walk, we've got just the thing. The Federation Cliff Walk joins Dover Heights with Watsons Bay via a raw, rugged and generally pretty crowd-free five-kilometre route. It's the perfect accompaniment to a picnic at one of the most scenic patches of grass in Sydney — Dudley Page Reserve. Boasting what can only be described as jaw-dropping views of Sydney, this bright and breezy spot has the feeling of being up in the clouds. Whether you're the type who wants to picnic after they've worked up a sweat or would rather burn off those finger sandwiches with an evening stroll, this is one picnic spot that can't be beat. Rosie Spritz is an ideal springtime sip and is available at BWS, Dan Murphy's and First Choice Liquor stores across Sydney. For more picnic inspiration, check out our guides to idyllic picnic spots where you can BYO booze in Sydney's inner west, inner city, lower north shore and northern beaches. Top image: McKell Park, Brooke Zotti Remember to Drinkwise.
The great streaming service rush, when new platforms seemed to appear every few weeks or so, is a few years in the past. Australia might still be scoring another spot to watch TV shows and movies, however — and it's a hefty one. It looks like Max, HBO's own dedicated streamer, is exploring launch Down Under, and soon. In fact, you might be watching The Last of Us, The White Lotus and Euphoria on it when they return for their next seasons. All three HBO hits are due to make a comeback in 2025, which is also when it's suspected that Max will arrive in Australia. At present, the US network's shows largely screen and stream to Aussie viewers via Binge and Foxtel. When the former launched, boasting HBO's catalogue was one of its big selling points. The deal between Binge, Foxtel and Warner Bros Discovery — which owns HBO — was extended in 2023, but it was reported at the time that Max might debut in Australia from 2025. That timing is now popping up again, with Bloomberg noting in early March that "Max will expand into new markets, including France, Latin America and Australia, in the next 18 months". Speaking at the Morgan Stanley 2024 Technology, Media & Telecom Conference also in early March 2024, Warner Bros Discovery CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games JB Perrette mentioned Max expansion plans, naming Australia as a market. "If you think about other markets, like two big Anglo markets — UK and Australia — our content travels extremely well," he said. "We know how well our content does on both existing legacy platforms, and it drives a significant amount of the viewership." "So the demand is there, and there's unquestionably easy access, because ultimately we don't have a huge amount of local originals we have to invest in. There's not a lot of other costs. And so those are markets where we are very confident — we have high confidence we can actually meet the criteria of being successful in a relatively short period of time after we launch," Perrette continued, without referencing a timeframe. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that sources advise that Max could launch in Australia 2025's first three months. Originally named HBO Max, Max debuted in America in 2020, and has been rolling out through Latin America, the Caribbean and parts of Europe since. Moving HBO's catalogue away from Binge and Foxtel would impact a huge number of shows, with the network also behind House of the Dragon and any other Game of Thrones spinoffs that make it to fruition, True Detective, And Just Like That..., The Rehearsal, upcoming The Batman spinoff The Penguin and the also-on-the-way IT prequel series that's currently called Welcome to Derry — to name just a few series that are on their way either back or for the first time. HBO's past original programming spans everything from The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, The Wire, Oz, Deadwood, Big Love, True Blood, Big Little Lies, Westworld and Succession to The Larry Sanders Show, Sex and the City, Flight of the Conchords, Bored to Death, Girls, Veep, Barry and Enlightened. Check out HBO's 2024–25 roundup trailer below: Max doesn't yet have a launch date in Australia — we'll update you when any details are announced. Via Bloomberg / Sydney Morning Herald. Top image: Macall Polay/Max.
For 13 years, Message Sticks has been bringing the best of Indigenous film to the Sydney Opera House. Now, buoyed by its successes — including premiering Warwick Thornton's much-lauded Samson and Delilah and winning Best Australian Film Festival at the IF Awards in 2009 — it's expanding to include an exciting array of music, talks, dance, storytelling and art. The fusion of contemporary arts practices gives festivalgoers a unique brush with Indigenous culture and traditions. Each day at dusk you can gather for Dancestry, which brings the ritual and communion of traditional corroboree into the present day with dance, song and ceremony. An Icons concert will unite the legendary Shane Howard, Neil Murray and Archie Roach on one stage, while Tri Nations brings together amazing female performers from three first nations, and Casey Donovan leads her band in a tribute to Mama Cass (from the Mamas and the Papas). On the talks front, you can see Gary Foley and Larissa Behrendt discuss the tent embassy, Margaret and David being Margaret and David as they talk about Indigenous cinema, and plenty more. But oh, the films. They're still there, grouped into two free blocks of weekend viewing, and with an emphasis on crosscultural stories of Indigenous plights. On Sunday, you can catch two features: Toomelah, Ivan Sen's story of mission life that made the grade at Cannes, and, out of Canada, Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance, which shares the lessons of another Indigenous struggle, capturing a 78-day armed standoff between the Mohawks, the Quebec police and the Canadian army. On Saturday it's more an onslaught of shorts, including the likes of Nalingu (Yours and Mine), based on writer/director Billy McPherson's real experience picking up a hitchhiker with an eerie connection to his family, and The Russians Are Coming, the quirky story of how, for 10 days in 1820, a group of wayward Russian sailors and local Maoris became mates. The latest project from the Black Arm Band, dirtsong — a collaboration through music, language and image — will close the festival on Sunday, April 1. Image from Toomelah by Ivan Sen. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BNqJEsdZmJU
As far as classic combos go, pairing a trip to the movies with some popcorn or a choc top is right up there. But you can do better. There's nothing wrong with that combination — it's a cinema-going staple for a reason — but a cocktail and a film is quite a nice duo as well. That's what's on the bill at Sydney's boutique Golden Age Cinema, which is once again teaming up with Four Pillars Gin for a mini booze and film festival. Each Wednesday night in February, the intimate 56-seat Surry Hills spot is hosting double bills with a summery theme — and pouring concoctions made with Four Pillars' wares, obviously. On the bill at Strange Summer: A Gin & Film Festival: Thelma and Louise and Wild at Heart on Wednesday, February 1, to kick off the program with two 90s classics; then Studio Ghibli's Porco Rosso and Spirited Away on Wednesday, February 8, for an evening of magical animated fun. On Wednesday, February 15, Desperately Seeking Susan and Something Wild will flicker across the screen — aka the Madonna- and Melanie Griffiths-starring 80s double. And, on Wednesday, February 22, it's time for Australia's take on summer thanks to Wake in Fright and and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, aka two masterpieces with a big outback focus. If you haven't noticed from the titles, this program ponders the weird and wild side of the sunny season — all with a beverage to match. The first screenings each night kick off at different times from 6pm, with the second movies starting after 8pm each evening; however, we suggest you get there a little earlier for the drinks. Tickets are $23 for each film. [caption id="attachment_779832" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption]
Earlier this autumn, Sydney's CBD got a new precinct. Dubbed YCK Laneways, it encompasses 15 bars located across York, Clarence and Kent streets — and it's turning up the heat this winter. Across the 13-night program, the bars and their surrounding outdoor areas will come alive with live music, tarot readings, crime stories, DJs, drag queen bingo and 90s-themed music nights. You'll be able to boogie to Caribbean tunes at The Lobo, Latin American melodies at Esteban, live jazz at Stitch Bar and deep house in Since I Left You's courtyard. Or, wander over to Barrack Street's outdoor stage, where different musicians are performing each night. The centerpiece of the two-week program is Live from YCK, a night of live music that will see three of Australia's brightest young talents take over Martin Place. Singer-songwriter Odette will be bringing songs from her albums To a Stranger and Herald to the pop-up CBD stage alongside breakout Tweed Heads rapper JK-47 and local R'n'B rising star Liyah Knight. DJ Levins (Heaps Decent, Halfway Crooks, The Dip) will be on DJ duty from 5pm to provide the tunes between sets, while a pop-up bar will be serving Patrón margaritas and Bombay Bramble Fever Tree G&Ts. [caption id="attachment_799349" align="alignnone" width="1920"] JK-47[/caption]
When you're picking out a park that needs to tick lots of boxes — harbour views, places for the kids to play, off-leash areas and toilets close by — Birchgrove Park is an excellent choice. The inner west park surrounds Birchgrove Oval and its backdrop is the Sydney Harbour, complete with uninterrupted views of the Bridge and all the waterside activity around it. Unsurprisingly, it's a popular spot for watching the New Year's Eve fireworks. What you might not know is that you can BYO bottle of wine or four-pack down to the park for a sunset picnic, so long as you're packed up by 9pm. Birchgrove Park also has tennis courts, a jetty for getting that ultimate Harbour Bridge shot, and it's only a ten-minute walk from Birchgrove ferry wharf. Image: Flickr; Creative Commons
It would be pretty excellent if there was some kind of magical way to view the entirety of Vivid Sydney over the city from one vantage point. It'd be even better if there was some way you could do it with a group of friends, while busting out slick dance moves on an illuminated dance floor suspended from the lofty heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. BridgeClimb has created exactly the circumstances described above. During the annual festival of lights in Sydney, you can climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and proceed to a dance floor, which will be welcoming groups of up to 14. Spend three and a half hours climbing one of our most recognisable symbols, only to throw a wicked, incandescent dance party at the summit. This rave that's literally on another level is happening exclusively during Vivid Sydney — from Friday, May 26 to Saturday, June 17. Head here to grab a ticket and get your glow sticks ready, because all of these climbs are happening at night.
This pioneering Pacific Islander-led exhibition features site-specific works by artists Latai Taumoepeau and Elisapeta Hinemoa Heta, curated by Bougainville-born artist Taloi Havini. Through story, song, movement and activism, this compelling and thought-provoking happening invites the audience to connect with southern hemisphere communities and hear their calls for climate justice. Heta's The Body of Wainuiātea is an architectural installation that encourages exchange, embodying the Māori ceremony of tikanga. Taumopeau's Deep Communion sung in minor (ArchipelaGO, THIS IS NOT A DRILL) reaches out to the audience to offer a collective ritual, where the viewer's movements become part of an invocation to protect the ocean. The exhibition also includes conversations, other performances and opportunities for audiences to connect with Pacific communities, placing shared experiences and collective action around climate justice at the heart of this artistic event.
Musical theatre fans just keep getting more reasons to celebrate Jonathan Larson. In the past few years, none other than Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda took one of the composer, lyricist and playwright's works and turned it into a movie. After tick, tick…BOOM! hit screens, a stage production toured Australia as well. Next, Aussie audiences can catch the show that made him an icon: Rent. In 2024, it too will do the rounds Down Under, kicking off in Brisbane in January. Larson created and composed the smash-hit production. Also, his Rent journey comes with quite the heartbreaking behind-the-scenes story. In the 90s, Larson passed away at the age of 35 on the day that that now-huge show premiered its first off-Broadway preview performance. So, he didn't get to see the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning phenomenon that it would become. Plenty of other people have — when it first hit Broadway, Rent ran for 12 years, making it one of the famed theatre district's longest-running shows. And among those prizes is the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer for Drama, all for a tale about seizing the moment, facing adversity and finding one's community. Loosely based on Puccini's La Boheme, and written to include real-life locations and events, the rock musical will bring tunes including 'Seasons of Love', 'Take Me or Leave Me' and 'La Vie Bohème' to Brisbane's QPAC Playhouse, then head to Arts Centre Melbourne, the Civic Theatre in Newcastle, Perth's His Majesty's Theatre and Canberra Theatre. If you need a refresher on the story — or you're coming to Rent for the first time, having missed past performances and the 2005 film version — then prepare to step back to New York in 1991. Over the course of the year, as their neighbourhood is being gentrified and HIV/AIDS casts a shadow, a group of friends chase their dreams and strive for their place in the world. "With Rent, Jonathan Larson unleashed a phenomenon — it would be difficult to find someone who hasn't at least heard of it. Rent is the musical of the 1990s and the early-aughts but it has proved itself timeless," said producer Lauren Peters, announcing the new Aussie run. "The characters who live in the East Village of 1990s New York navigate that which resonates so deeply with us in Australia in 2024: cost-of-living pressures, the threat of preventable disease, the subtle feeling that all the ways in which we can now communicate belie our disconnection." "And all of this sounds terribly heavy but Rent somehow takes all this and turns it into a joyous celebration of connection, chosen family and life itself — and it's that joy in the face of all of life's adversity and opportunity that is perhaps best captured in its iconic number Seasons of Love, a song which has achieved the rarest of Broadway feats and transcended the show for which it was written," Peters continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RENT: The Musical (@rent_2024) RENT AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2024: Saturday, January 27–Sunday, February 11 — Playhouse, QPAC, Brisbane Saturday, February 17—Thursday, March 7 — Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Friday, March 15–Sunday, March 17 — Civic Theatre, Newcastle Saturday, May 11–Sunday, May 26 — His Majesty's Theatre, Perth Saturday, June 7–Sunday, June 16 — Canberra Theatre, Canberra Rent will tour Australia in 2024 — head to the musical's website for further details and to sign up for the ticket waitlist, with Melbourne pre-sale tickets available from Monday, September 25 and Brisbane pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday, October 3. Top image: Team Dustizeff via Wikimedia Commons.
Enmore Road is the focus of a new trial from the NSW Government and Inner West Council that will see it host more live music and entertainment for at least the next three months. The bustling Sydney street will be trialled as a Special Entertainment Precinct — a classification that was first given to Enmore Theatre last year — between Thursday, September 1 and Wednesday, November 30. Special Entertainment Precincts are a new government initiative aiming to revitalise and enhance Sydney's nightlife and arts industries. As part of the initiative, Enmore Road businesses will be encouraged to host live music and entertainment, with a range of special allowances for venues during the trial period. [caption id="attachment_850746" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Sanford[/caption] Allowances afforded to the precinct include granting businesses that host live entertainment later opening hours, allowing footpath dining until 11pm and changes to sound levels and noise complaints at venues. Under the initiative, Enmore Road venues that usually don't hold live entertainment including barber shops and cafes will also be encouraged to take part in the trial. Businesses that do host at least one hour of live entertainment will be permitted to stay open an additional 30 minutes after the hours they are currently permitted on the days when the entertainment takes place. These businesses will also receive more protection from noise complaints under new sound regulations. The trial applies to all of Enmore Road as well as the attached sidestreets and backstreets like Belmore Lane and Enmore Lane. [caption id="attachment_714664" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] The Precinct Management Plan states: "Enmore Road is a vibrant mixed-use precinct with a flourishing arts and live music scene. Activity takes place throughout the day into the night, with a range of offerings for local residents and visitors to the area. Good neighbourhood amenity is maintained for residents, and any disputes are settled in a proactive and neighbourly fashion. The three-month trial period is an on the ground consultation for the community, with feedback received to inform the future of the precinct." One venue that will be opening to the public just in time for the new allowances will be the Porteno group's new tapas joint Bar Louise. The bar is set to open next week in the former digs of beloved Enmore Road Turkish eatery Stanbuli following its closure earlier this year. The Inner West Council is currently asking for feedback on the trial on its website. [caption id="attachment_828931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] Find out more information about Enmore Road's Special Entertainment Precinct trial at the Inner West Council website.
Perpetually moody rockers Sonic Youth are selling some of their vintage equipment and gear in order to raise money for Shelter Box USA, a charity devoted to responding "instantly to natural and manmade disasters by delivering boxes of aid to those who are in most need." The band has already put several items up for sale on eBay with more expected to come in the next few days. For those interested there is a xylophone that was used in the recording of Daydream Nation's 'Kissability', a 1970s Rhythm Ace Drum Machine, a very odd looking glockenspiel, an array of guitar road weary guitar cases complete with band stickers and even a custom-made mixer that was built for the band and used on stage by bass guitarist and vocalist Kim Gordon. So far the best buy looks like the xylophone, which is by far the cheapest item going for just $50. But then again it is hard to go past a vintage 1970s drum machine. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rK9QkjXm0I8
There’s no doubt that music can have an intense effect on your disposition. If it’s one of those days when you’ve woken up in a fog of negativity, sometimes the only answer is to put on your favourite misery album (mine used to be Nina Simone’s Greatest Hits) and wallow. But whilst cathartic, it doesn’t often leave you bouncing out the door. If anything you’ll end up clutching a box of tissues and feeling sorry for yourself. Which is why the website Emotional Bag Check is such a brilliant idea. This new site lets you unload your worries to a perfect stranger, who will in turn read it and send you a song they think will make you feel better (or at least let you sing along to someone else’s heartbreak). And if you’re feeling the urge to spread a little cheer, then you have the chance to give back by reading someone else’s baggage and suggesting a song of your own choosing. You can even include a message if you think you have some worthwhile advice, making a real, helpful and meaningful connection over the internet. I dumped my own emotional baggage and got 'Are We There Yet' by Ingrid Michaelson, sent as a link to Grooveshark, a free music website that lets you immediately listen to your medicine. I didn’t mind the song at all, so thought I’d give back and picked up some baggage about a kid who kept getting Cs in one of his subjects and was pretty bummed. I sent back ‘Vintage Books’ by Cloud Control, not because it really had any relevancy but because it makes me pretty happy and thought it could do the same for my patient. There’s a lot of Katy Perry and Bob Marley in the list of most sent songs, so if you think you have a slightly more diverse compendium of tunes, you may be just the right person to pick up some baggage and share the blues.
Half house, half sculpture, this blazing white abode juts out dramatically from the escarpment overlooking Belanglo State Forest. The award-winning, open-plan casa is from the mind of celebrated architect Harry Seidler and was completed in 2000. Breathe in the panoramic vista through floor-to-ceiling windows or from the viewing deck that thrusts even further towards the Wingecarribee River gorge, before taking a dip in the pool hidden in the rocky gardens. Up to eight guests can while away a holiday at Seidler House, flitting lazily between the open fireplaces and entertaining areas while spying on wombat, kangaroo and koala neighbours. Or, venture into the nearby townships of Joadja, Mittagong and Bowral to seek out wineries, gourmet dining, boutiques and antique stores. Bowral's emporium of vintage wares, Dirty Janes, and its neighbouring clutch of garden shops, cafes and restaurants provide a fabulous taste of Southern Highlands charm. Want more Southern Highlands tips? Check out our weekender's guide to the region.
It is often said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, there is considerable argument about who first said it. In this post modern era, it has been well argued that everything worth doing has probably already been done. And as anyone who has raided their grandparents' wardrobe for vintage classics will tell you, fashion and design are cyclical. Despite all this, as a culture we still value and believe in authenticity, innovation and originality. And we support the rights of artists and designers to sue the pants of anyone who wittingly rips their ideas off. But what if you unwittingly rip some off yourself? What if, by chance, two artists independently come up with the very same idea? Is that impossible? And where do you draw the line between being influenced by someone and blatantly copying their ideas? Where does referencing end and plagiarism begin? These are the questions which occupy retired professor of Graphic Design Bob Caruther, and are the theme behind his flickr page entitled, Similarities. In this extensive collection, Caruther pairs up two or more similar images without making either comment or judgement. In many pairs the similarities were well-intentioned, as for example in Rufus Wainwright's homage to Judy Garland and The Clash's homage to Elvis Presley. However, in other examples, intentions are not quite as clear, leaving the viewer to contemplate whether the later image is a coincidence, proof of an artistic collective unconsciousness, or grounds for a lawsuit. We'll let you decide.
What do candles, lip balm, lube and body wash all have in common? Here's the tastiest answer: buy a particular kind and they'll get you a-hankering for dessert. Because Gelato Messina adores ice cream-flavoured everything and it also adores collaborations, the sweet treat chain has spent the past few years teaming up with Maison Balzac, Lanolips, Standard Procedure and now Sundae Body — with the latest partnership serving up gelato-flavoured shower foams. Launching on Tuesday, April 11, and only available via Priceline and Messina and Sundae Body's websites, this new range lets Messina fans get their fix in body wash form. Get ready to get lathering in four flavours: strawberries and cream, lemon meringue pie, raspberry sorbet and lamington. Messina's affection for the humble lamington clearly knows no bounds, and nor should it — after the brand turned the coconut-covered cake into gelato, then sticky scrolls, chocolates and gelato bars, before now this. As its growing range of merchandise and other non-edible items shows, it's just as dedicated to spreading the ice cream love in as many forms as possible. And, to getting your tastebuds craving its gelato when you're scenting your home, protecting your smackers, slipping between the sheets and bathing. The limited-edition Sundae x Messina collection is made in Australia, featuring vegan and cruelty-free formulas based on Messina's gelatos, and also free from parabens and sulphates. Each shower foam comes in a container inspired by the dessert chain's waffle cones, too. And, if you'd like to try all four, Sundae Body is selling bundles featuring one of each for $68. "It's not every day you can take Messina into the shower and come out sparkling clean. We've loved creating four gelato-flavoured body washes and can't wait to get these into your hands to enjoy," said the Messina team. "Sundae Body is all about serving you delicious-smelling and fun everyday products and we couldn't think of a better brand to align with than Gelato Messina," advised Sundae Body co-founder Lizzie Waley. The Sundae x Messina collection is available from Priceline stores, the Messina website and Sundae Body's website from Tuesday, April 11.
You're invited to take a rare glimpse into the life of Frida Kahlo, when photographs from the famed Mexican artist's personal collection land at the Bendigo Art Gallery this December. Travelling exhibition Frida Kahlo, Her Photos will be on show in Victoria from December 8, 2018, until February 10, 2019, featuring a sprawling selection of 257 images curated by Mexican photographer and photography historian Pablo Ortiz Monasterio. The collection travels through Kahlo's fascinating life, speaking to the artist's lifelong passion for photography — an art form that regularly influenced her own work. The photos have been pulled from the archives of the Casa Azul (Blue House) — Kahlo's former home, which has been made into a museum celebrating her life and art. You'll spy gems that have only been on public show since 2007, capturing Kahlo's family moments, her love for Mexico and its traditions, her passions, friends and enemies, the era's political struggles, and even the artist's lengthy hospital stay following an accident in 1925. The exhibition also features shots from Frida contemporaries including Fritz Henle, Man Ray, Tina Modotti, Edward Weston, and Lola and Manuel Alvarez. Images: Frida painting a portrait of her father, by Gisele Freund, 1951, courtesy Frida Kahlo Museum; Diego Rivera (in his study at San Angel_, Anonymous, 1940, courtesy Frida Kahlo Museum.
"If you're going to tell a story, come with some attitude, man," says Miles Davis (Don Cheadle) during a recorded interview with journalist Dave Brill (Ewan McGregor). It's a statement that provides a clear picture of the way Davis looks at the world, as well as the distinctive perspective that floats through his music. Uttered at the beginning of biopic Miles Ahead, it's also a statement of Cheadle's intentions for the film. The actor doesn't just star as the jazz legend, but also directs, co-writes, produces and provides additional compositions too. In doing so, he attempts to make a feature that captures the spirit, rather than the exact details, of Davis' remarkable story. His is a movie of mood and essence, made-up of events that spring from Davis' energy, rather than a traditional fact-driven biography. It's a character study of a real-life figure that tries to convey just what made him tick by intertwining glimpses of two career-defining periods. In fact, another line of dialogue sums up the tale the movie doesn't tell. "I was born. Moved to New York. Met some cats, made some music, did some dope, made some more music. And then you came to my door," Davis quips to Brill when they first meet at the end of the 1970s. Brill shows up claiming to be chasing a big comeback story for Rolling Stone magazine, with Davis' five-year hiatus not just disappointing his fans, but angering his record label. Stubborn and boasting plenty of swagger, Davis has his reasons: drug addiction, a desire to keep a tape of his latest playing session away from a particular producer (Michael Stuhlbarg), and the heartbreak of a failed marriage to his first wife, dancer Frances Taylor (Emayatzy Corinealdi). Cue a portrait of Davis' tumultuous escapades with Brill, in an odd-couple pairing laced with chases, arguments, parties and shootouts, plus flashbacks to both happier and darker times. In combining the two, Cheadle fashions his film in the same manner as Davis' tunes, complete with poetic interludes and tangents, instances of symmetry and mirroring, and a freewheeling pace and style. And yet, as determined as he is to ensure Miles Ahead looks and feels just right, the feature almost comes to resemble a caricature of a jazz movie. Sometimes it's effortlessly engaging as it flits from one incident to another. At other times, it's a little too erratic and indulgent. Instead, it's actually the actor-turned-director's performance that achieves his true aim. From the changes in his stance to the rasping emotion in his voice, Cheadle's interpretation of Davis is as compelling a presence as the artist's music. He's at his best when he's bouncing off of one of his co-stars, including Short Term 12's Keith Stanfield as an up-and-coming trumpeter clearly meant to represent Davis' youth. And though McGregor seems to be blending his performances in Velvet Goldmine and The Ghost Writer, the duo's shared dynamic still ranks among the film's biggest strengths.
Maybe G&Ts are your favourite tipple and, if you're sipping drinks at your favourite bar, you always have one within reach. Perhaps you've never found a vodka cocktail that you haven't loved, or you've made it your life's mission to try all the whiskies (yes, spanning both whisky and whiskey) that you can find. Or, you could simply like broadening your horizons when it comes to knocking back the good stuff, and supporting independent producers while you're at it. Since 2015, the boozing sipping party that is Indie Spirits Tasting has covered all of the above — and it's back in 2022 after a couple of pandemic-affected years. Move over, craft beer — at this east coast event, which'll return to Sydney in September, it's craft spirits' time to shine. Everyone has been to plenty of days dedicated to brews, brews and more brews, but this touring shindig is solely about all the whisky, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, vermouth and mezcal you could ever want. More than 30 exhibitors and master distillers are on the bill, showcasing over 200 craft spirits. Clearly, your booze-loving tastebuds will be in heaven. As well as tasting away, attendees will also be able to chat to the folks behind the craft and independent tipples on offer, listen to talks on booze-related topics and buy bottles to take home with you. Taking place at Potts Point Hotel from 1–4pm on Sunday, September 4, this year's Sydney event will feature brands such as Never Never Distilling Co, Poor Toms, Boat Rocker, Wolf Lane and Archie Rose, some of which will be pouring limited-edition tipples. And while the big focus is on homegrown spirits, a few international names will be on the bill as well — taking your tastebuds on a trip, including through French cognacs and American gins.
