Merivale is at it again with Pacha, a dazzling club night, launching on 24 November. Pacha, hosted every Saturday night over various floors of ivy, will offer a range of entertainment from burlesque circus, dance, music, light and theatrical costumes with hopes to wow Sydney's partygoers. Pacha will transform Hemmes' ivy complex into a haze of activity with professional aerialists, street performers and psychedelic projections overtaking the pool club, Changeroom and two storey open-air courtyard. To ensure an experience that stands strong on an international stage, well known creative director, Ignatius Jones, has been engaged as Co-Creative Director. Jones has worked on projects such as Vivid Sydney Festival and Sydney Mardi Gras. Launch line up to be released in coming weeks. Stay tuned. To book tickets or for more information, please visit: www.pachasydney.com
Still the queen of zero-phucks-given cool, Kirsten Dunst has slammed the selfie in a brand new teeny, tiny short film. Directed by Matthew Frost for Vs. magazine, Aspirational follows Dunst out her Beverly Hills driveway and into an awkward celeb selfie moment. A cheeky WTF comment on social media-obsessed fangirls and celebrity 'moments', Aspirational is a nice little reminder that humans are freakin' idiots sometimes. Via Vs.
Thisisfortunate.com presents #CROSSSECTION The Marketplace, a fortnightly fashion designers' market replete with music, eats and drinks in Angel Place. #CROSSSECTION places emerging designers alongside their more established peers to sell direct to you. Think Project Runway meets The Grand Social at the foot of the Ivy — and there is a theme. 2013 is a big one for the recently rebranded initiative (formerly Bizarre Bazaar), which will spread to Melbourne later this year, so expect a no-punches-pulled '70s Miami Beach theme on March 28. Of the more established designers taking part this month, you should definitely check out Serpent & the Swan, a Sydney sister act who strike a perfect balance between mystique appeal and understated cool in top-quality fabrics. A suggestion and warning for the costume-committed: heat up the ghd and start practicing your Fawcett-flicks, but beware of roller-skaters— for those of you born after the mid-'80s, they are way harder than rollerblades. If March 28 is already booked, remember, it's on once a fortnight.
Mardi Gras isn’t just a month-long party it’s also a brilliant opportunity to showcase some of the most exciting queer cultural work from around the world. Alexi Kaye Campbell’s Olivier Award-winning play The Pride centres on the challenges facing homosexual relationships in the late fifties and the 2000s. Flitting from 1958, where Oliver and Phillip must hide their love both from society and themselves, to the present day, where anonymous sex and empty style collide with the human heart, Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s production is a poignant and powerful exploration of our turbulent times, our restrictive society, and our troubled past.
Another Mardi Gras institution Fair Day is the educative, daytime, community-focused, counterpart to the seductive glitz and glamour of The Parade. Come on down and join more than 80,000 people who converge on leafy Victoria Park for a giant LGBTIQ love-in. There’s always amazing food on offer, a multitude of wares from local community vendors for your perusal, and countless opportunities to engage with Sydney’s vibrant queer community. Whether you’re out-and-proud, questioning, or just an ally, there’s something for everyone with educative stalls, stellar entertainment on the mainstage, everyone's favourite Doggywood pet pageant and even an all-day dance tent. Think of Fair Day as a giant picnic in the park to celebrate all things queer. Now doesn’t that sound nice? Image: Ann-Marie Calilhanna.
It's been an exhilarating snow season at Thredbo this year. With the warmer temperatures creeping up and bringing the powder-happy months to a close, Rekorderlig Cider threw Thredbo a farewell-to-winter party to remember last Saturday with their event Sounds in the Snow. With free, cider-fuelled outdoor festivities flanked by open fires, Sounds in the Snow was headlined by Sydney electro-pop boys Panama, who brought their self described 'hopeful house music' to the Thredbo Alpine Hotel for the afternoon. Fronted by Perth-born songwriter and classically-trained pianist Jarrah McCleary, Panama's reputation is growing here and overseas, thanks to a recent tour in Europe and the United States on the back of their sophomore EP Always. A who's who of the snow poured in to see to the anticipated electronic trio play, including Australia's number one snowboarder and Olympic gold medallist Torah Bright. As the sun got lower and the beats got louder, Rekorderlig's special cinnamon and vanilla-fused Winter Cider became a crowd favourite. Drinks in hand, skiers and snowboarders took a dip in the steaming Rekorderlig hot pools and gathered round the fire pits for one last afternoon of après-ski good times. Here's all the snaps from Sounds in the Snow 2014:
Lovingly known as 'the greatest convenience store on earth', this little corner shop has become a social media phenomenon. Boasting over 15,000 followers (and counting) and a huge range of hard-to-find international snacks, cereals and beverages, this little store — run by Palestinian-born Hazem Sedda — has truly cemented itself as a Redfern must-see. The Instagram account profiles not only the extensive goodies sold but also the local community of Redfern who visit him in the store — and people travel from all over to gain the prestigious title of 'Customer of the Day' and pick up some Redfern Convenience Store merchandise.
Stay tuned. More info coming soon.
Since Australia started easing out of COVID-19 lockdown, the country's internal border restrictions have earned plenty of attention. With tactics to stop the spread of the coronavirus implemented at a state-by-state level — and case numbers in each state varying — different parts of the country have navigated the situation in different ways when it comes to letting non-residents visit. In Western Australia, that has meant a hard border and strict quarantine requirements. For folks who don't normally reside in WA, you could only visit the state if you're classified as an exempt traveller, applied for a G2G Pass and, if approved, then went into self-isolation for 14 days. If you didn't have somewhere appropriate to do the latter, you had to go into a mandatory state quarantine facility for 14 days, too. As initially announced at the end of October — and confirmed by WA Premier Mark McGowan yesterday, Friday, November 13, just before changes came into effect at 12.01am on Saturday, November 14 — the state has started to relax its border restrictions. Moving to a system it has dubbed a 'controlled interstate border', it's now allowing travellers from very low-risk states and territories to enter under eased conditions — people from places that haven't had any community transmission of COVID-19 for 28 days, who can now head to WA without isolating. https://twitter.com/MarkMcGowanMP/status/1327112476857548800 At present, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory fall into that category. So, residents from those states and territories can now venture west. You do still have to complete a G2G Pass declaration, and you'll undergo a temperature test and health screening upon arrival — and you're advised to be prepared to take a COVID-19 test if necessary as well. If you live in New South Wales or Victoria, you're in a state that WA deems low risk. Stats-wise, that means there have been less than five community cases per day on a 14-day rolling average. For travellers, it means still self-quarantining for 14 days, and taking a COVID-19 test on the 11th day. And, this is likely to remain the case until those states have had 28 days without community cases, which is what WA requires to be considered very low-risk. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Western Australia, and the state's corresponding restrictions, visit its online COVID-19 hub. Top image: Tourism WA
Fat Freddy's Drop are no strangers to our shores. In fact they were here just last year performing one of the gigs of 2012, the jaw-dropping audiovisual album preview at the Sydney Opera House as part of Graphic 2012. Now they are returning with a full new album and a fresh live spectacle. Blackbird is the New Zealand band's third studio album and presents their most complete sound yet, encompassing all the elements that have confounded cataloguers for the past decade. Their R&B, jazz, reggae, soul and techno mix comes together to showcase an incredible collective talent honed through years of performing. Fat Freddy's Drop must be caught live as their performances are where they truly make their music. From tuning small elements to radically altering songs, the band uses their gigs as an invitation for improvisation and improvement, providing them with a platform to refine their unique sound. The band is inviting you to attend this incredible jam session at the Enmore Theatre on August 29 and September 3. https://youtube.com/watch?v=T2INd9Cjf1U
As part of Sydney Festival, Wesley Enoch directs the world-premiere of Black Diggers, a new play written by Tom Wright that uncovers the contribution of Aboriginal Diggers to Australia’s First World War effort. Featuring an all-male, all-Indigenous cast, the play draws upon extensive consultation and recent research to bring to light some truly exceptional stories of heroism forged out on the battlefields of Gallipoli, Palestine and Flanders. Marking the eve of the centenary of WWI, the piece aims to share an overlooked moment in Australian history. Black Diggers is a collaboration between Sydney Festival and the Queensland Theatre Company, of which Enoch is the artistic director. Given the track record of both Enoch as a director and Wright as a writer/adaptor (he co-adapted the STC’s stunning War of the Roses with Benedict Andrews) this promises to be a powerful piece of theatre.
Venerable a cappella crooners Boyz II Men are making their way back to Australia in November. The timing couldn't be better considering we have never been happier to pay exorbitant sums of money to have ageing musicians take us back to our '90s happy place, but Boyz II Men are still turning hearts to liquid 18 years after they wanted to make love to us the first time. Along with those Motownphilly classics the Boyz' November tour will see them play a string of tunes from their recent album Twenty. Released almost a year ago and fittingly debuting at number 20 on the Billboard 200, that album featured 13 new songs plus nine rerecorded ones. They've added a second Sydney show on Thursday 29 November due to such massive demand for the first, which is great now that you're probably allowed to stay up past 9pm on a school night. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zDKO6XYXioc
It's the main reason most of Sydney has made their way to Good Food Month over the last couple of years, and in 2017, the ever-popular Night Noodle Markets are back — and they're bigger than ever. Sure, every event says that these days — but the fact that 40 different stalls will converge on Hyde Park for a whopping 18 nights this October makes the claim seem pretty accurate. Among the spoils will be all manner of noodles, dumplings and other delights from Mr Bao, Din Tai Fung, Hoi Pinoy, Indu and House of Crabs. For dessert, Gelato Messina will predictably be back with a menu of pure wonder (including a deep-fried gelato katsu sandwich) and Black Star Pasty will return for another year. The markets will again take place in Hyde Park, which will also be — for the first time — a festival hub for the month. It's inspired by California's Palm Springs, dubbed 'Hyde Park Palms' and designed by Sydney design studio Caroline Beresford (The Cannery). The hub will host a bunch of talks, parties and feasts, starting on October 5 with an opening night party overseen by The Rockpool Group. The markets will run from Thursday, October 5 until Sunday, October 22. They'll be open Monday and Tuesday 5-9pm, Wednesday and Thursday 5–10pm, Friday 5–11pm, Saturday 4–10pm, and Sunday 4–9pm. Entry is free but the place — if other years are anything to go by — will be packed. Image: Bec Taylor.
After a stack of time spent cooped up in your house this year, there are likely few creative outlets you're yet to have a crack at. At-home ceramics? Paint-by-numbers? Banana bread? Done, done and done. But the dessert slingers over at Doughnut Time might just have a new one for you, involving some crafty flair and a much-needed sugar rush. Roll up those sleeves and get ready, because it's time to try your hand at doughnut decorating. Having made a comeback under new owners, relaunching stores in Queensland and Victoria, the doughnut company has just unveiled its latest creation — a series of DIY doughnut kits. Each comes with four plain doughnuts and all the trappings needed to whip up some mini edible masterpieces, allowing you to recreate Doughnut Time signatures with the help of colourful glazes, sprinkles and other toppings. You can have a go at making your own version of the Caramilk Baskin, or perhaps attempt the chocolate-caramel fusion that is Life On Mars. There is even a vegan kit, if you prefer your doughnuts and decorations cruelty-free. Each DIY kit clocks in at $34, with shipping currently available to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. Folks in Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra, stay tuned — you'll be able to order kits to your cities in the coming days.
With a couple of years under its belt, Cake Wines' urban cellar door has launched itself into a new phase of life, reopening this week with a full kitchen, revamped menu and warmer feel. A few edges have been polished and the energy tweaked as the team behind the Redfern bar sets out to deliver a place where people can really settle in and enjoy. The food offering has been ramped up to better complement the vino. While previously only pizza and snacks were available, the cellar door now offers a full, seasonally rotating menu across brunch, lunch and dinner. You'll still find pizzas — and some banging snacks — though now they're backed by dishes like savoury doughnuts stuffed with jamón and taleggio, roasted carrots with chilli honey and whipped goat's curd and seared lamb with wakame and puffed black rice. On the wine list, Cake's own beloved creations now star alongside guest drops from their favourite up-and-comers, including Clare Valley's Riesling Freak and Adelaide Hill's Alpha Box & Dice. It also now has a compact list of cocktails — with drinks such as yuzu spritzes and Australian negronis — spirits and digestifs. Cake Wines owner and co-founder Glen Cassidy has also hinted to more exciting things to come. "We've got a couple of other surprises up our sleeve over the next six months too," he explains. "It's a super exciting time to be in wine, rules are falling by the wayside, it's awesome." Cake's cellar door regular lineup of live tunes will continue, too, though they'll now be brought to life with a revamped sound system and better acoustics. Young Sydney jazz artists will continue to get a big look-in with the likes of Friday's Jazz! Attack with Tom Studdy, while a stable of resident DJ's includes names like Adi Toohey, Simon Caldwell, Anno and Mija Heally will also feature. Cake Wines's Cellar Door will reopen this Thursday, July 19, at 16 Eveleigh Street, Redfern. Its new opening hours are Thursday 6pm–11pm; Friday 12pm–3pm and 6pm–midnight; Saturday 11am–11.55pm; and Sunday 11am–5pm.
The end of of WWII might have brought the Americans an era of cars, appliances and all sorts of stepford-wife-inducing prosperity, but the Brits weren’t having such a good time. The starkness of austerity measures, the legalisation of homosexuality and the reign of Margaret Thatcher contributed to a sense of both bleakness and change in the midst of which Frances Bacon crafted his paintings. This period of turmoil, captured on film, is the subject of a weekly program of free films held at the Art Gallery of NSW, Hitting rock bottom in post-war England. Curated by Robert Herbert, the films deal with the changing social structure in Britain from the post-WW2 period to the late 1980s. You can catch pretty much one film a week from now until February. Highlights include: High hopes, a sombre, biting satire of Margaret Thatcher’s England, 10 Rillington Place, director Richard Fleischer’s bleak, true-crime drama is based on one of England’s most famous murder cases and Love is the devil: study for a portrait of Francis Bacon, which probes the mid-life of painter Francis Bacon. Tickets can be picked up (for free) at the Domain Theatre an hour before screenings and can tend to run out on busy days. Screenings are Wednesdays at 2pm & 7.15, Sundays at 2pm and with two special Saturday screenings (Jan 19 and Feb 16) at 2pm. The screenings will be taking a summer break from December 17 to January 8.
As you can probably guess from the name, this Lake Jindabyne Easter weekend festival is dedicated to the kinds of rock behemoths — think U2, Queen, Oasis and more. The stars of the show will no doubt be the Australian Rock Collective playing the hits of The Beatles. This isn't your normal tribute band — members of iconic Aussie bands Powderfinger, Jet, You Am I and Spiderbait have joined forces to bring the songs of The Fab Four to life. A tribute band with 33 ARIAs between them? That's 33 more than The Beatles themselves ever managed. Head to the website to check out the lineup and nab yourself tickets. Image: Destination NSW
As we head into the colder months, anyone who's tapped into the heartbeat of Sydney knows that we're fast approaching an exceptionally bright and colourful event. Vivid Sydney is almost here, and all over the city, unique events are being planned, lights are being dusted off, and attendees are getting ready to party. As a part of this year's celebration, luxury superyacht The Jackson is hosting a particularly luxe event series called Chefs on the Harbour, putting some of the best chefs in the country onboard for a night of curated degustation and Vivid delights. Each session is three and a half hours long and includes a bespoke five-course degustation dinner and inclusive beverage packages featuring Tyrell's Wine, Young Henry's beer and non-alcoholic sips. The hospitality heavyweights behind the menus are Nelly Robinson (Nel) on Saturday, May 27, Khanh Ong (The George on Collins) on Saturday, June 3 and Mark Olive (The Outback Cafe) on Saturday, June 17. The final chef to round out this star-studded lineup will be announced soon, too. Keep an eye on The Jackson website for announcements. Here's the main course: If you want to guarantee yourself a spot, we've got four tickets to give away to the chef experience of your choice. To enter, complete the form below by Saturday, May 6. [competition]897220[/competition]
Beer and music were made for one another. That's why Pirate Life Brewing has teamed up with the Coogee Bay Hotel to bring you an epic new gig series: Jam Nights. Taking over the pub's Beach Bar every Wednesday from 7pm, this event involves all the good things in life: $6 schooners, $20 burger-and-schooner bundles and, of course, plenty of live tunes. You'll be listening to some crowd-favourite covers and originals performed by a bunch of local artists, backed by the house band. Plus, you won't be drinking any ol' schooeys either. Since the cheap brews are supplied by Pirate Life, you can expect to be sipping on quality craft brews. So, we suggest you head on down for a post-work (or post-swim) bevvy and kick back to some live tunes — all just a stumble from the beach. Coogee Bay Hotel x Pirate Life's Jam Nights runs from 7–10pm every Wednesday.
It's official, Australia is going to be reppin' the glitter cannons, human-sized hamster wheels and furious fog machines at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest. This morning, Australia has been announced as one of the competing countries for this year's contest, and we're even allowed back next year — if we win. Too kind. Australians will even be able to vote, probably at some whack hour of the day. Making a world stage of Vienna this time around, Eurovision is taking place from May 20 to 24, with the final exploding all over Stadthalle arena on May 23. So who's going to be our shining star, our glittering messenger to an estimated global audience of 195 million? Not Jessica Mauboy, who performed in last year's event with weird astronauts and dancers in budgie smugglers. Nope. While SBS is suggesting AC/DC and Midnight Oil (and Olivia Newtown John for some ungodly reason), we've got a few pitches of our own to make. Eurovision is about simultaneously bringing new faces to the world and earning ner-ner-ner-ner bragging rights for your country. Finland dressed up as orcs and played epic metal. Moldova danced in a circle with weird cone hats on. Germany put a disco Genghis Khan on stage. Let's show 'em. DONNY BENET If you've ever seen this Sydney maestro of groove live, you'll know Europe wouldn't be able to resist his seductive synthy basslines, sax solos and crisp white tuxedo jackets. If Benet had been the brains behind France's 'Moustache' track last year, they'd have earned a few more points. KIRIN J CALLINAN Because if we're going to meet the quirk of Eurovision halfway, we need Kirin. Things would undoubtedly get freaky. Plus, he'd give Conchita Wurst's beard a run for its money. CLIENT LIAISON Monte Morgan and Harvey Miller would 'Feed the Rhythm' inside 12 easy points from Malta with their applaudable live show. Plus, Monte wears a lot of mesh and Eurovision loves mesh. SIA The Grammy nominee would get 12 points for vocal range or oversized wig alone, but she'd probably bring along her dancetastic buddy Maddie Ziegler who would seal the deal. BLUEJUICE Get the band back together, bring the skipping ropes back on stage and channel all that newfound Boyz II Men goodness. TKAY MAIDZA Look, the kid's bloody talented, super fun live and if we could win Eurovision with a teenage rapper from Adelaide, we'd run the world. BRENDAN MCLEAN Certified king of dancing like no-one's watching, primed for the Eurostage after jigworthy escapades such as this killer video. UPDATE 11/2: Well, well, well. A dark horse joins the race. There's now a huge surge in support for a petition on Change.org, calling for the reunion of landmark Australian rock band TISM specifically to represent Australia at Eurovision 2015. "Since you left us in 2004, we've had a never ending parade of gormless depressing electro-indie, depressing indie-folk, and depressing Aussie hip-hop," say the petitioners. "We the undersigned, ask that you get on stage in front of the world and remind them of just how great Australian music is." They're up to over 500 signatures already. Want to add yours? Nominated by the Concrete Playground team.
With Mark Foster on keys, guitars and vocals, Mark Pontius on drums and Cubbie Fink on bass – Foster The People are cresting a new wave of feel-good tunes coming out of Los Angeles. Reaching the world stage after performing at the SxSW Festival in Austin, Texas – these three Los Angelinos are bringing their good vibes our way. Gracing our shores for the Splendour in the Grass festival, the band are hoping to emulate their sold-out East Coast gigs in February. Making bouncy, shiny electro-pop, Foster The People look to make this winter night a little bit warmer. With a new album on the horizon and Sydney favourites Guineafowl supporting, get down to the gig then get on down. Tickets go on sale May 27. https://youtube.com/watch?v=SLK7hrRijes
If you are local to the northern beaches, you'll know the style is all about minimal clothing in soft fabrics to make transitioning from beach to bar a breeze. Roze & Thorn offers local and international designers that do this with ease; there's floaty, floral dresses from the likes of Auguste The Label and Talulah; chilled-denim brands One Teaspoon, Rollas and Neuw; and uber-cool sunglasses label Valley Eyewear. The boutique also stocks cutting edge activewear brand Jaggad, delicate jewellery from Deer Ruby and Love Isabelle, Suboo swimmers and plenty of shoes and handbags to tie it all together. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
If a fresh bread roll, an expertly grilled patty and a slice of melted cheese is your idea of a perfect meal, then you might just have September 18 permanently marked in your diary. Each and every year, that's when the world's most dedicated cheeseburger lovers celebrate their favourite food. We're not saying that burgs will taste better on that date — or that it's really a legitimate day of celebration — but if you just can't get enough of the them, it's definitely worth your attention. Especially if there are cheap burgers involved. Which, this year, there are. Burger Project will be slinging $5 cheeseburgers at all six of its Sydney stores all day on Wednesday, September 18. Head to World Square, Gateway Circular Quay, Bondi junction, Broadway, MLC Centre or Grosvenor Place, and grab a bargain (or, depending on how hungry you are, several). For those new to Burger Project's take on an old fave, Neil Perry's eatery whips up a hand-pressed slab of Cape Grim beef, layers it with pickles, onion, mustard and cheese, then squirts on some secret sauce. Next, it's all placed between a soft milk bun. And it tastes even better when it's less than half the regular price.
Lightning Ridge might be best known for its enduring opal mining history, but the community's collection of bizarre museums and monuments are definitely a close second. Amigo's Castle is perhaps the most emblematic of the town's unusual art spaces. This 15-metre-tall structure, based on Italian ruins, was hand-built with ironstone boulders in the 1980s. It's home to a small gallery, underground cellars, a corner turret and no roof. While the grounds surrounding the castle contain all sorts of tongue-in-cheek oddities. Others not to miss are the Bottle House Museum, Astronomers Monument, Beer Can House and the Kangaroo Hill Complex. Image: Peculiar Hand, Flickr
10x10 is a youth- and volunteer-led organisation encouraging the next generation to get involved in philanthropy. How it does this, however, is a little different — it raises money for charities by hosting interactive, live crowdfunding events. And its next one is a special bushfire relief edition happening in Sydney. On Thursday, February 6, the event will put money directly into the hands of three local charities — Science for Wildlife, CHIRF and Blaze Aid — doing real and essential work for fire-affected areas, wildlife and communities. All three organisations are already working to make a huge difference to animals and people affected by Australia's bushfire crisis and, on the night, will talk about their work — and how you can pitch in, too. So, how do you help? First, you head to 10x10's ticketing website to make a pledge of $100 or more (this amount will be converted into "Charity Dollars" and is also your ticket). Next, you rock up to the event, where the three charities will pitch their causes to the crowd. Finally, you decide what charity you want your pledge, or "Charity Dollars", to go to and bam — a little more goodness is created in the world and a charity nabs some much-needed funds. You'll also have the chance to sip wine, snack on complimentary bites and chat to like-minded, philanthropic folk at the event. So think of it as a fundraiser-meets-cocktail party (without the starched collars and ballgowns). If you feel like charities are more in need of your dollars than you and your avocado toast (they are), get amongst it — you can learn about the pitching charities and make your tax-deductible pledges here. To learn more about the charity, visit 10x10 Philanthropy.
With racially motivated discrimination, oppression and injustice in the global spotlight over the past few weeks, one confectionery company has taken the opportunity to rebrand two of its lollies that have names with racist overtones. Nestlé has announced it will rename its chewy red lollies, currently called Redskins, an antiquated and derogatory term for Native Americans, and its chocolate-flavoured, people-shaped Chicos, which means 'children' in Spanish and is considered offensive to people of Latin American descent. In a statement released today, on Tuesday, June 23, Nestlé said it will change the names of the two lollies and "acknowledges the need to ensure that nothing we do marginalises our friends, neighbours and colleagues. These names have overtones which are out of step with Nestlé's values, which are rooted in respect," the statement said. New names have not yet been finalised, according to the company, but it is moving to change them "quickly". Race and discrimination is a subject that always demands action and attention, both worldwide and within Australia, however, it's been particularly thrust to the fore due to the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, and protests over the death of American George Floyd at the hands of a police officer — as well as, at the local level, the ongoing fight to end the systemic mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori by law enforcement. A similar long-running debate about the offensiveness of the Washington Redskins NFL team has ramped up again in the US, too, with The Washington Post calling on the team's owner Daniel Snyder to change the name in an editorial published earlier this week. Calls for Nestlé to change the names of its two products, which are manufactured in New Zealand and Australia under the company's Allen's brand, also isn't new — with the debate raging when they were featured in a 2013 episode of MasterChef Australia — and they're not the only controversially named product on Australia supermarket shelves, either.
Sydney's number-one party hype crew Astral People is set to expand, bringing its Summer Dance series mentality to these cooler months for the first time. The inaugural Winter Dance will take over UNSW Roundhouse for one day only on Saturday, June 22. To drive the winter theme home, the multi-stage lineup features international artists from cold North American climates. Headlining are Detroit's lauded techno producer Omar S, Vancouver's house music guru Pender Street Steppers and, another Detroit import, techno pioneer K-HAND — this bad-ass business woman and multi-media artist has been given the official title of First Lady of Detroit by the city council. There'll also be heaps homegrown talent on the docket, including DJ sets by Sydney's own Ben Fester, Lex Deluxe and Maia Bilyk, along with Melbourne's Roland Tings. This all out party starts at 3pm and runs late, so get ready for a long day of dancing. Early bird tickets have already sold out, general release tickets are set at $60 and final release at $70. Astral People's Summer Dance series regularly sells out, so expect the same and snag yours now.
Art plus bar. This almost universal gallery opening deal is a pretty tasty mix already. But the MCA adds extras to this time-honoured tradition with its now SMAC-winning series ARTBAR. They're evenings of strange and interesting things at play among the art, recurring monthly and curated by a rotating cast of local artists. This month's festivities are at the mercy of Taboo curator Brook Andrew. He promises performance from artists Liam Benson and George Tillianakis, drag queen Constantina Bush, and some of Mathew Sheilds' almost-Olympic pole dancing. Upstairs, alongside the sculpture balcony's marble tribute to the ear, Andrews himself will project images over the audio ambience of DJ Perfect Snatch and Leo Tanoi. Concrete Playground has five double passes to give away to ARTBAR on Friday, January 25. To be in the running, make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter and then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Another Sydney public holiday is upon us, you're keen to spend it in a cinema, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball. Call Dendy Cinemas' latest special a case of great timing, then, with the chain offering up discount tickets that'll solve your problem. All day on Monday, October 1, regardless of whether you purchase online or in person, you'll only pay $5 for your movie of choice at Newtown and Opera Quays. With everything from McQueen and Crazy Rich Asians to Christopher Robin and Ladies in Black currently screening — plus The Predator and Searching, too — there's plenty to watch if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible. Spike Lee's award-winning BlacKkKlansman is still on the big screen, too, so if you haven't watched it yet, here's your chance. The special isn't available for special events, Dendy Arts sessions or preview screenings, but you can score extra luxe Lounge Tix for $10 on this one day, too.
From family classics like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to hard-hitting documentaries in the league of Camp 14 – Total Control Zone to black comedies such as Invasion, this year's Audi Festival of German Film promises the bravest, brashest and most bizarre in German film. All in all, the event will include 45 movies (presented via 234 screenings) and 54 events. There'll be panel discussions, Q&As, special cultural programs and parties. The selection for opening night, Georg Maas' Two Lives, makes it clear the festival is seeking the cutting edge, new generation of German filmmaking. It's a 2012 post-Berlin wall spy thriller about the exercise of state control over individual identities. With over 20,000 people expected to attend, representing a 37 percent growth in popularity over the past six years, this year's festival is set to be the biggest on record. Here are our picks of the top five films to see at te festival. 1. Camp 14 - Total Control Zone Described as "one of the most confronting documentaries you'll ever see", Camp 14 - Total Control Zone focuses on Shin Dong-Hyuk, who was born in a North Korean concentration camp. Until escaping at the age of 23, he knew nothing else of life apart from unimaginable deprivation and cruelty. This is his story, recorded on camera for the first time by Marc Wiese. 2. This Ain't California Winner of Best Documentary at Cannes 2012, This Ain't California explores the development of skateboard culture in East Germany during the 1970s and 1980s. 3. Invasion In this thriller, director Dito Tsintsadze brilliantly blends character-driven drama and black comedy with bouts of paranoia. It's definitely one for film connoisseurs who like to be kept on the edge of their seats. When widower Josef Mendel receives a surprise visit from his wife's cousin (who he never knew existed) and her rather peculiar relations, his life takes a bizarre series of twists and turns. 4. Forgotten This psychological horror flick, director Alex Schmidt's debut feature, is one of the only genre films on the festival program. Upon reuniting after 25 years, childhood friends Hanna and Clarissa decide to visit a holiday house where they spent time as children, unleashing a host of forgotten memories and terrifying spectres. Not recommended for the faint-hearted. 5. Two Lives A contemplative spy thriller set in the dying days of the Berlin Wall. What's not to dig?
It may be freezing outside, but Olympic Ayres are pretty firmly committed to the sounds of warmer days. The Sydney producer/DJ duo make the kind of super synthy beats that will transport you to palm-tree'd beach parties of summers past. Rejecting the seasonal chill, they're playing a toasty live showcase of their upcoming EP Leisureplex at Goodgod next week. Priding themselves on genre-spanning dance pop, the Olympic Ayres guys have just dropped the second single from the EP, 'Control'. It's a feel-good electro-romp, and predictions for the rest of the release are happiness and youth encapsulated in endless warm day festival vibes that just make you need to move. Leisureplex isn't actually due for release until September 18, so this gig is the first chance to hear what the band have been working on — perfect escapism for those in denial about the less-than-balmy weather conditions. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1S2RyZxlssU
Some of Bondi's best bars are celebrating gin, with a dedicated two-week gin festival this Autumn. The Bondi Festival of Gin is kicking off on Thursday, April 14 and will run through both the Easter and ANZAC Day long weekends, concluding on Sunday, May 1. Throughout the festival, a heap of free and ticketed events are popping up at venues like Beach Road Hotel, Rocker, Bondi Liquor Co and Ravesis. Bondi Liquor Co is hosting the launch party, kicking off your weekend with spiked easter eggs. Tickets for the party are $55 but include the boozy Easter treats, live entertainment, a Bondi Liquor Co drink, canapés and a take-home bottle of gin. Other highlights include a pop-up gin garden that's coming to Beach Road Hotel on Sunday, April 17, Corner House's gin and food pairing dinner on Wednesday, April 20 and a gin trail that's running through the whole of Bondi. Ten different Bondi venues are serving up special cocktails and G&Ts throughout the festival and patrons can get a gin passport stamped at each of the venues, with the chance to win a year's supply of gin if you hit up all ten spots. You can find all the events on the Bondi Liquor Co website. [caption id="attachment_681981" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beach Road Hotel[/caption]
There are a lot of ways to celebrate a twenty-first birthday but there are a few musts: old friends, good food, great booze and brilliant music. The Darling Harbour Jazz and Blues Festival is celebrating twenty one years and is ticking all the boxes. Set across four stages including the world famous floating Harbourside stage, the program looks set to excite. To celebrate its momentous anniversary the festival is pulling out all stops, bringing together the best of the local and international jazz scene, including Australia's greatest jazz man and festival favourite James Morrison, ethereal songstress Katie Noonan, the rocking 17-piece all-girl Sirens Big Band, the irrepressible Topsy Chapman and US legends the Ron Carter Trio to name just a few. However if music isn't your scene, the Harbour still has a lot to offer over the three days. This year the festival organisers are attempting a world record: an attempt to gather the largest saxophone orchestra ever assembled. The number to beat is 918 but the organizers are quietly confident they will hit over a thousand. The Chinese Garden of Friendship will also be offering yum-cha and drink deals each day of the festival. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qnRrIh0V3NQ
Irish whiskey-maker Jameson is bringing an absolutely stacked lineup to the Vic on the Park for a free weekend of live music. The House of Rounds will take over The Vic's stage on Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27 with two huge headliners. At the top of the lineup is beloved Northeast Arnhem Land surf rock group King Stingray providing Sydneysiders with the chance to catch the five-piece for free in Marrickville fresh off their acclaimed self-titled debut album. King Stingray have stepped in to lead the weekend after Skeggs were forced to drop off the lineup last-minute. On Friday, pop-lovers can head to the Addison Road pub to catch popular singer-songwriter Wafia roll out hit tracks like 'I'm Good' and 'Heartburn'. In support across the two nights: Sophiya, Romero, Molly Rocket, Coconut Cream and DJs throughout the weekend. There's also going to be a dedicated Jameson winter drinks bar whipping up hot toddys and providing whiskey tastings. And, as at previous House of Rounds shows, $1 from each Jameso drink will be donated to local community organisation Addi Road to help fight for human rights and combat issues like food insecurity and racism. Entry is free, but with big names like King Stingray and Wafia on the lineup, the venue is likely to fill up quickly and the first 100 people through the door on Saturday will get a free drink — so head down early if you want to secure a spot. Updated: Thursday, August 25
Julian Assange. You might have heard of him? That Lucius Malfoy-haired, Peter Garrett-choreographed, Ecuadorian Embassy-ensconced hacker who almost certainly kisses and tells. Yeah, you know him? Of course you do, because thanks to years of media coverage, Robert Connolly's impressive biopic Underground (2012), Alex Gibney's excellent documentary We Steal Secrets (2013) and, of course, Mr Assange himself, the Wikileaks/Assange saga (now largely synonymous) is one of the most well-known, well-told stories of the decade. Accordingly, if you're going to make a new movie about that story, it had better offer up something new. Unfortunately, The Fifth Estate does not. Directed by Bill Condon (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn), The Fifth Estate sources much of its material from the two books Assange is least likely to ever recommend during cake corner, namely: Inside WikiLeaks: My Time with Julian Assange and the World's Most Dangerous Website (2011), and WikiLeaks: Inside Julian Assange's War on Secrecy (2011). Both were written by men who were about as close to Assange as one could get in the lead up to, and during, his infamous publication of hundreds of thousands of classified US military and government documents, and both detail how their initial infatuation with this quasi-messianic figure for openness and transparency gave way to horror at his apparent total disregard for consequence. In short, powerful stuff but nothing even remotely revelatory this far into the Wikileaks narrative. If there is a reason to see The Fifth Estate, then, it is unquestionably Benedict Cumberbatch. Few who are not Australian have ever mastered the accent, yet Cumberbatch wields both it and Assange's specific cadence and timbre with aplomb. So impressive is the feat, in fact, that it actually works against the movie. Assange's slow, measured and largely monotone articulation robs even the most dramatic moments of energy, both in real life and in this film, so much so that were it not for the consistently explosive content of his conversations, one suspects he'd be an unbearably boring man to meet in person. Stylistically, The Fifth Estate does what it can to make coding, reading and emailing something of a spectator sport; however, the only real drama occurs when the key figures engage in actual person-to-person (cf peer-to-peer) exchanges — most notably, the debates between Assange and his right-hand man, Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Daniel Brühl), who wrote Inside Wikileaks, over what to release, and when. Everything else feels largely pedestrian, and — remarkably — the contentious allegations of sexual misconduct for which Assange has been indicted by Sweden appear only as a footnote in the credits. Ultimately, The Fifth Estate is an example of the whole being somehow lesser than its parts; a film easily outperformed by its performers and the real life players who inspired it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=YQOiS_l_0Jk
Throw away any ideas you may have had of a fair involving children and fairy floss and stop gnawing on that leg of lamb for just one minute. In line with the dedicated-to-foodies rep set by their last mouth-watering affair, Newtown Hotel is holding a Meat Fair. Long have carnivores craved the time and place to huddle together and spend an afternoon munching on eight different types of meat. Now we have all the meat we could want across two levels, including The Animal and Newtown Hotel's Cider Yard, all while sitting back and relaxing to live music courtesy of the local drobo-playing brother duo, 200K. Local producers will be plating up the best suckling pig, coal roasted lamb, beef brisket, whole chicken, smokey BBQ beef short ribs and other speciality meats. If the talk of meat is leaving you parched already, you'll be glad to know the teams from Young Henrys, Fat Yak, Ruby Tuesday, James Squire Porter and White Rabbit will be prepped and ready to pour you a cold one and divulge all the secrets of creating craft beer. Let the meat comas begin.
Cinderella, Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast have all taken to Australia's stages in recent years, bringing beloved narratives that everyone associates with Disney movies from the cinema to the theatre. For the next show that falls into that category, no one needs to grow up. The inhabitants of Neverland, where Peter and the Starcatcher is set, certainly aren't known to. A five-time Tony Award-winner for its 2012 Broadway season, the production earned theatre's coveted accolades for its costumes, sound design, scenic design and lighting, and for Best Featured Actor in a Play — but the version that's hitting Sydney comes with a twist. For Peter and the Starcatcher's long-awaited debut Aussie season, which is touring the country Dead Puppet Society (The Wider Earth, Ishmael) is reimagining the stage favourite, which is a prequel to JM Barrie's Peter and Wendy. Accordingly, from Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Capitol Theatre, expect puppets helping to spin a tale that features more than 100 characters, as well as live tunes. Originally based on Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's novel Peter and the Starcatchers, then adapted for the stage by Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), the play heads to Neverland before Peter Pan visited — before Captain Hook inspired terror, too. So, it's an origin story, complete with an island, a moustachioed pirate, an orphan without a name and Wendy's mother Molly.
On Tuesday, February 13, exactly ten years will have passed since Kevin Rudd, then Prime Minister, apologised to Australia's Indigenous people on behalf of the nation. To mark the anniversary, a free concert is happening on the front lawns of Parliament House in Canberra, starring Queensland guitarists Busby Marou, Aria Award–winning singer Archie Roach, folk musician Shellie Morris, dance duo Electric Fields and pop band The Preatures. Acting as hosts will be Aboriginal comedian Steven Oliver and TV and radio presenter Myf Warhurst. "For many Elders [the Apology] was an emotional event and it is one worth celebrating," says Torres Strait Islander Jeremy Marou, one half of Busby Marou. "Ten years on, sadly, I feel words are not enough." He hopes the concert will boost awareness of intergenerational trauma and energise the reconciliation process. Legendary singer-songwriter Archie Roach says, "the tenth anniversary will bring attention to the fact that there is much more work to be done, and that all Australians can work together to heal the past." The concert is the work of the Healing Foundation, a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that, since 2009, has been working on healing trauma through culture and community. Running from 6–10pm, the concert is a chance for Australians to acknowledge what happened to the Stolen Generation and to celebrate the strong culture of the nation's First People. And, while it is an alcohol-free event, concertgoers can purchase snacks and refreshments from a handful of food stalls on site. They're also encouraged to arrive at 5.30pm to grab a spot before the concert kick offs at 6pm. Image: Andrew Rosenfeldt, Apology 6, 2014
If you thought Sydney's Tramsheds had squeezed in all the foodie goodness it could possibly fit, then you'd better think again. The folks behind the huge new Harold Park development have big plans for Artisan Lane, a new flexi-space at the heart of the recently-opened foodie precinct, that's playing host to a mix of markets, workshops, master classes, and innovative food pop-ups — including a new European-inspired market. Boasting two fully functional kitchens, and room for 76 people, Artisan Lane will be serving up knowledge feasts, as well as the edible kind, with a lineup of classes set to cover everything from butchery and fish filleting, to brewing beer. But if you're more of the market-minded foodie type, Artisan Lane is also the setting for a new European-inspired Sunday market, showcasing seven local traders each weekend. Discerning foodies will be able to get their hot little hands on a grand array of nosh, like Pepe Saya's handmade butter, Sri Lankan dishes from Hopper Sadé, and stunning floral works by Thorny Roses Florists. Tramsheds' weekly food market runs every Sunday at 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge. Find out what else you can feast upon with our handy guide to Tramsheds' culinary offerings. Image: Steven Woodburn.
Everyone knows that, in 2016, the lowest thing you can do is spoil Game of Thrones for a poor soul first-thing Tuesday morning. Usually the spoiling is an honest mistake (and the result of too many feels) — but what if it was actually something more sinister? Well, someone's created a service that is just that. Inspired by this story of a woman who sought revenge on her ex-boyfriend by sending him GoT spoilers, Spoiled will text your unsuspecting friends all the main plot points after each new episode airs. Because people are jerks. All this amazing but truly horrifying new service needs to get spoilin' is the mobile number of the friend you want to never speak to you again and your credit card number. Then, straight after the episode airs, your mate will be sent spoilers — images included. Each spoiler sent will cost you a mere $0.99 USD, and can be sent to any mobile number around the world. It truly doesn't cost much to ruin someone's day/week/year these days. We definitely do not endorse signing up your friends to this service. That guy who spoiled Breaking Bad for you though? Go right ahead.
Interactive detective game CluedUpp has taken over Australia's streets before — and if you like the idea of solving murders like you're in an episode of CSI, all while you run around town, then it's the pastime for you. Its next Sydney event on Saturday, June 18 will bring the TV series to life throughout the city, and get you sleuthing while enjoying and outdoor adventure. Yes, it's like Cluedo come to life, too. Forget Colonel Mustard with the candlestick in the study — this event will bring you and your friends closer to reality and out onto the streets to solve the case. The game will kick off at a secret location, and you can choose to start whenever you like between 9am–2pm. Then, how long it takes depends on how good of a detective you are. The best news of all, however, is that the event is dog friendly — and there are prizes to be won by both human and canine detectives. All you need to play is some friends and your phone. Dressing up to fit the theme is encouraged, so you can really get yourself into character. A ticket will set you back $97 per team of six, but you only need two humans to play. With only limited team spots available, getting in quick for your chance to solve the mystery is recommended.
The Art Gallery of NSW has been keeping its doors open late on Wednesdays for years now. Its monthly Art After Hours program flexed with the times in 2020, running online only, and now Sydneysiders are returning to their workspaces in the city Art After Hours is slowly returning to its regular program in 2021. On February 24 and March 3, you can head to the Gallery after work to explore the current exhibitions Pat Larter and Margel Hinder, see a free film and grab a bite to eat in the cafe — all free of charge and until doors close at 9pm. In the past, the Gallery has hosted comedy shows, drag performances, insightful talks and specialist tours in its late-night program. Right now, under physical distancing and extra hygiene measures, the program is more DIY. You're in charge of how you spend your time — whether you join a one-hour mystery tour with one of the Gallery's guides at 7.15pm or book into see one of the free film screenings as part of the Japanese Film Festival Classics program. You don't need to register in advance to head to the Gallery after hours, but if you're keen to see a film it's best to snap up your ticket in advance. [caption id="attachment_790676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Drew, 'Aussie'[/caption] Top image: Destination NSW
During winter, it's mighty tempting to rid your after-work agenda of anything that involves leaving your blanket fort. But this season, we're on a mission to make sure you make the most of the bonus nighttime hours, so we've teamed up with Samsung Galaxy S9 to bring you the After Dark Guide — a series dedicated to the best things to eat, see and do in Sydney when the sun goes down. To celebrate this partnership, we hosted the ultimate winter rooftop party and invited a bunch of you along to join in on the after-dark fun. The nighttime shindig at Sweethearts Rooftop featured an epic spread from The Platter Project and signature concoctions by the Sweethearts team. Throughout the night, DJ Nathan Zammit of the Recess duo provided tunes that made the dancefloor too irresistible to ignore. The fairy light-lined Sweethearts, with its skyline view, put the Samsung Galaxy S9's Super Low Light Camera to the test. Cole Bennetts (photographer for the Samsung x Concrete Playground campaign) was on-deck to share his knowledge on all things photography, helping our party-goers capture these epic moments for the chance to win their own Samsung Galaxy S9 and a restaurant voucher. All the evening antics were photographed by our guests, as seen in this gallery. Feeling inspired to get out and about this season? Check out our guide of the best things to do this winter after dark.
Dinner parties always seem like a good idea. But just thinking about the shopping, setting up, cooking and cleaning can be enough to drive you to drink, often at a pricey bar. Never fear, there are some easy tricks to hosting a cracker of a meal that is easy on the wallet and won’t test your sanity. As spring beckons urging us to act on our festive impulses, many of us will brave it. Let us present to you our tips for the time poor and culinary challenged in our bluffer’s guide to hosting the perfect dinner party. Setting Up Alfresco dining is always preferable. As George Michael will tell you, people just have more fun outside. And don’t worry if your backyard is wearing the wounds of less classy occasions. Do a quick sweep-up (no need to be too fussy) and fill the place with random objects, fairy lights and lots of candles – I like to stick them in old booze bottles. Imperfections, somehow, become charming in dim lighting. Light a fire. Cover the table in something black - it’s forgiving - and pour all the wine into carafes. It is an undeniable fact that wine tastes more expensive when poured from a carafe. Vases or glass containers of any description will work also. Once setup, get the tunes going. It’s important that your playlist is tailored to accompany the swim of lady alcohol through your guests. Regardless of your preferred genre, there is a formula I’ve found never fails. Start with something new, slowly move into some cult classics, finally, if the mood is right, get a little bit tragic. Entrée Save the unnecessary effort, and washing up, that comes with preparing individual dishes and simply throw a nice platter together. The key is to know where to pick up some good grub for picking. Thankfully the city is teeming with amazing delis. I swung by two of my favourites, Gourmet Grocer in Balmain and Delicado in McMahons point. The former a trusty fort of some of Sydney's best cheese and the latter my go to for all things authentic Spanish produce. Throw everything straight on the platter, no little dishes. And you need some bread. This is not the time for Wonder White, though. Sonoma bake some of Sydney's finest loaves and have shops spotted all over town. They also do some delicious spelt and kamut options, too. Rip it up and serve straight on the board with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic for dipping. Discarded jar lids come in handy. Set it beside the table and let the guests graze casually. Main course I opted for a vegetarian risotto. It’s cheap, easy and will keep your vegetarians and gluten haters at bay (you can hold out on the cheese if need be, but it seems lactose intolerance has become a bit passé). Any old Google recipe will do, just toss through your favourite bits and pieces and be sure to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Throw together a simple salad. Rocket, pear, walnut and parmesan is my go-to. The nightcap As the evening curtails, it is nice to introduce a new beverage. Boil some cheap plonk with oranges, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla (or whatever condiments you’ve got!) and voila! Mulled wine. I like to throw some rhubarb in also. And maybe a splash of port if it’s on hand. Whether the night evolves into a political debate or a living room dance-off, you’ve certainly set your guests up for a good one. Sit back, relax and bask in the host’s glory.
As Aussies gear up for a postal vote on same-sex marriage, the latest show of support for marriage equality is an especially vocal one, with some of the country's best-loved musical acts banding together for a one-off concert at Sydney's Enmore Theatre. On Tuesday, September 12, Unity will see a diverse bunch of Australian artists taking the stage in a push for equality and to demonstrate their support for the LGBTI+ community, all while throwing down some serious tunes. The Jezebels (who are currently in the middle of a week-long residency at The Lansdowne) will treat audiences to three new acoustic arrangements of their music, and rock-pop outfit Killing Heidi is set to drop by for a mini set. There'll also be intimate solos from the likes of Holly Throsby, Sarah Blasko, Jack Colwell and Andy Bull, as well as a performance from Frenzal Rhomb's Jay and Lindsay. The best part? They're all performing for free, so that 100 percent of the ticket sales head straight to Australian Marriage Equality to fund their continued coordination of the national Equality Campaign. Tickets are are $70 — buy yours to support the Equality Campaign's efforts and enjoy some great Aussie music.
Boy & Bear, the lovechild of Triple J Unearthed and Australia’s indie folk scene, will be showcasing their debut album Moonfire on their Remembering The Mexican Tour this month. Full of the uplifting choral harmonies and lyrical ballad-style rock exemplified on popular singles ‘Rabbit Song’ and ‘The Feeding Line’, the tour will be rolling into Sydney's State Theatre on the 29th and 30th May. Their debut album is named after a $2 DVD they watched on the road touring: A 1970's trucking saga also titled Moonfire. Although their cinematic taste is questionable, Boy & Bear’s music ability scores high: The boys have secured five ARIA awards and have entered Triple J’s hottest 100 three times, with single ‘Feeding Line’ reaching the top five. These Sydney-born-and-bred boys now look forward to a mammoth 25-date tour, dropping into every corner of the country from Adelaide to Albury, Brisbane to Bunbury and Cairns to Canberra. They will be supported by Tin Sparrow (Matt Corby’s support act for his recent Sydney stint at Oxford Art Factory) and Jungle Giants.
Stay tuned. More info on its way.
After the riots in London, people at the top are talking about life in the suburbs as though noticing them for the first time. Campbelltown Arts Centre was already putting together an exhibition on the theme of the outer city by the time angry feet hit the streets in Tottenham. The exhibition, 1.85 Million - Art Peripheries, looks at the same outer metropolises, but seems to ask instead What happens, when it seems quiet in the suburbs? The show is curated by Monster Childrener Joseph Allen Shea, who's also involved with another Gallery A.S. show attuned its surroundings, Motion / Pictures. Gary Trinh's Local Tourist tours everyday scenes: a hodge podge of trees with bald pates split for power lines, a storm drain canal, a red shopping trolley camouflaged against a red wall and an abandoned playground overgrown in greenery. Paul B Davis has hacked a series of 8-bit Nintendos. Projected from one, Mario stands in the centre of a black static field, lonely and unplayed. Across the darkened room, sky blue suburban rooftops scroll by, taxing the processor of the antique game box. Mohamed Bourouissa offers a series of photographs taken around Paris' banlieues, or outskirt ghettos. They show typical but staged scenes: a black man is held down in his home in his underwear by police, the police are fully clothed; two men glare at each other, in the background one of their friends snaps a photo with his phone. New Zealander Amanda Maxwell has painted wall-hugging pink vinyl squares that tell determined stories of lost and rejected loves plucked from her diary. 2011 Sydney Film Festival star, Miranda July offers two video works that radiate long days at home with the video recorder, Getting Stronger Every Day and Atlanta. The exhibition takes its name from the size of Western Sydney's growing population. And where riots and their denunciation bleed anger and confrontation, this 1.85 million know another side of suburbia — a world of no one watching, and long, long afternoons. Image by Gary Trinh.
Not only home to one of Sydney’s best weekly markets and the craft beer aficionados of The Little Guy and Mr Falcon's, Glebe showcases its eclectic bohemian culture on an annual basis at the beloved Glebe Street Fair. An unusual mix of belly dancers, bagpipers and stilted figures toting festively-dressed poodles, Sydney’s oldest street fair promises three stages of live music accompanied by buskers, street performers, and the Latin Dance Australia parade this year. The fair's entertainment will be paired with equally internationally-focused food options, like Hawaiian-style sushi, Mexican churros and German bangers. With 100 local businesses involved and over 200 stalls to choose from, all you'll need at this fair trade and homemade event is an empty stomach and your dancing shoes. Stalls for vintage eyewear, Turkish towels and terrifying t-shirts will stand alongside henna tattoo artists and glass blowers — you'll find something to blow your pocket money on.
