You might not have wrangled a trip to Japan for its famed cherry blossom season this year — or can't make to Auburn's Cherry Blossom Festival — but you can find some blossom magic unfolding right in the middle of the city. World Square is embracing some serious flower power for its annual Cherry Blossom Festival, serving up a program of free events up until Sunday, September 1. You'll be transported from Sydney to Japan thanks to the festival's augmented reality experience, which will allow you to join a Taiko drumming circle and even get up close and personal with some virtual Nara Park deer. Elsewhere in the program, you can learn to craft an origami bookmark, take an expert-led calligraphy workshop, catch a traditional dance performance and even discover the secrets of anime illustration. Meanwhile, there will be $10 Cherrytini cocktails, a Hokkaido Pafu pop-up serving up cheese tarts with special toppings, and limited-edition sakura soft serve ice creams from Oh Matcha. That's all among a blizzard of real and faux blossoms, of course. The festivities will run from 8am until 10pm each day.
It's easy to DIY print these days, what with relatively cheap digital printers for when you want to turn those Fiji photos into a trio of canvases for the living room wall. But what if you're after something with a more hand-made aesthetic? Cue The Rizzeria, a collective of Sydney self-publishers and printmakers based in Marrickville's creative studio space Join the Dots. The group owns a RP3700 Risograph, a machine that can photocopy or receive files via a computer, like its digital counterparts, but that prints using a custom-made stencil, one colour at a time. The gradual process of layering the eco-friendly ink means some layers mismatch, adding character to the finished piece. Lucky for us, the Rizzeria team regularly make the machine publicly available through open workshops, like September's Print It Yourself. Just bring along a design (or use one of the templates available) and let the experts guide you through the hands-on process to create your own invites, posters, CD covers, greeting cards and more. Check out Rizzeria's Intagram for some inspiration.
UPDATE: APRIL 29, 2020 — Banff Mountain Film Festival 2020 Tour has rescheduled its Sydney screenings to Wednesday, July 29–Wednesday, September 9. The below article has been updated to reflect this. In need of some new procrastination material? Well, you're in luck. Google image search 'Banff' and spend a few minutes (or half an hour) taking in the gorgeous pictures of snow-capped mountains, aqua water and towering pines. It's impossible to not daydream about holidaying somewhere far-flung and exciting while ogling these picture-perfect views, as we're sure you'll agree. Thankfully, you'll have the opportunity to slip into this magical world without ever leaving Sydney. A selection of venues are hosting Banff Mountain Film Festival's 2020 tour — the event's latest stopover, after beginning back in 1976. Its stunning cinematography attracts film buffs and adventurers alike, making the festival mighty popular across the world today. Every November, hundreds of films enter the competition with the cream of the crop chosen to entertain and amaze festival goers. Some of the featured flicks battled it out in categories including Best Film on Mountain Sport, Best Film on Mountain Environment, Best Film on Mountain Culture, Best Film on Exploration and Adventure, People's Choice Award and more. Check them out at Chippendale's Seymour Centre between Wednesday, July 29–Sunday, August 2, Cremorne's Hayden Orpheum between Wednesday, August 19–Saturday, August 23, and at the Randwick Ritz from Tuesday, September 8–Wednesday, September 9.
THE Rodriguez is coming back to Australia. Touring nationally this October and November, the 72-year-old enigmatic legend was last here in 1981 playing with Midnight Oil, after touring in the late '70s to small success. Now he's riding a wave of newfound support back to our biggest venues, thanks in part to two South African fans. Most people had no idea who Sixto Rodriguez was until the Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man dropped in 2012, prompting longtime fans to shake a fist and spin a bitter "I told you so." A self-taught guitarist, Rodriguez played around the traps in Detroit during the '60s but saw no real success in the States with his two albums Cold Fact (1969) and Coming from Reality (1971). Different story in South Africa, where he was pretty much bigger than Elvis — inspiring South African anti-Apartheid activists and musicians alike (unbeknownst to Rodriguez himself). One of music's most mysterious heroes, Rodriguez was even thought to have died until two Cape Town fans in the late 1990s, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman and Craig Bartholomew Strydom went to find out if the rumours were true (cue Oscar-winning doco). The man also has a cheeky bachelor's degree in philosophy from Wayne State University, he ran for political office and he's had to work construction jobs to support his family. Undeniable and relatively unknown legend. Rodriguez will play Brisbane Convention Centre, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne's Palais Theatre, Adelaide's AEC Theatre and Perth's Kings Park and Botanic Garden. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qyE9vFGKogs
First, the bad news: after a tumultuous week, Sydney's Night Noodle Markets have pulled the pin on its plans for this week. Now, the good news: this isn't a cancellation but a rescheduling, with the event shifting its run to Wednesday, October 12–Sunday, October 16. In a statement posted on Instagram today, Friday, October 7, organisers said that they're "not going to let La Niña rain on our parade. We are pausing for a few days to let the park dry out." "We reopen on Wednesday 12th October at 5pm and run all week until Sunday 16th October. We can't wait to see you next week for more deliciousness". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Night Noodle Markets (@goodfoodmonth) The beloved event finally returned this week for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic, opening at a new home in Prince Alfred Park on Tuesday, October 4. Sadly, the markets then received yet another dose of bad luck courtesy of the heavy dose of rain that's struck Sydney over the last couple of days. After cancelling Wednesday night's festivities at the last minute due to the weather, organisers' hands were again forced on Thursday, calling the event off for the second night in a row. Now, in unsurprising news, the whole week is a write-off. This isn't the first time that La Niña has had an impact on the markets this year; the event was originally set to make a comeback in March, but had to be postponed then due to wet weather. When the markets return from Wednesday, October 12, it'll again host stalls from the likes of Gelato Messina, Hoy Pinoy, Brendan Pang's Bumplings, Bangkok Street Food, Shallot Thai, Roll Up, Raijin, Calabang and Donut Papi — the best of which we've previewed for you. The postponed Night Noodle Markets will run from 5–10pm Wednesday, October 12–Thursday, October 13; 5–11pm on Friday, October 14; 4–10pm on Saturday, October 15; and 4–9pm on Sunday, October 16. Make sure you follow the event on Instagram for regular updates or any further news. The 2022 Sydney Night Noodle Markets will run from Wednesday, October 12–Sunday, October 16 in Prince Alfred Park, Chalmers Street, Surry Hills. To stay up-to-date with any further changes, head to the event's Instagram page.
After two bumper years and three singles, Melbourne foursome Kingswood decided to go all out when it came to their debut full-length album, Microscopic Wars. So they made an appointment at Blackbird Studios with Grammy-winning producer Vance Powell (The Raconteurs) and jumped on a plane to the US. Before heading into the studio, they spent three months living and working together in Nashville; then spent the rest recording whatever they damn well felt like on the day. With the album set for release on August 22 via Dew Process, single 'Sucker Punch' has already been attracting many a rock-loving ear — and tickets for Kingswood's national tour (running August 20 to October 24) are selling like hotcakes as a result. Their sizeable Aussie following has been built up through an array of festival appearances and support slots — Splendour in the Grass billed them on the main amphitheatre stage and they've toured with the likes of The Living End, British India and The Saints. Sydney's first show (August 27) has sold out but you can still get your hands on tickets for the second, scheduled for the day before on August 26. https://youtube.com/watch?v=lHjnOlQQ49U
Margaritas remind us of warm summer breezes, tropical vacays and bevvies in beachside cabanas. While jetting to an overseas island is still off the cards, at least it's summer and the salty-sour cocktail tastes just as good here. And now is the perfect time to head to your favourite tequila watering hole to order a marg in celebration of National Margarita Month, running throughout February. To celebrate, top-notch tequila brand — and one of the last tequila-producing haciendas in the world — El Jimador is getting behind bars across the country by offering a heap of drink deals over the next 28 days. Whether you want to celebrate with a classic margarita, try a spicy watermelon number or stay cool with a Tommy's, all participating bars are slinging them — and some for a steal. And, you can bet your fine tipple will be made with El Jimador's range of 100 percent agave tequilas. This means you can knock off work and make a beeline to the local pub, or head to a beachside bar to catch the sunset — with a cheeky marg in hand, of course. Or, go all-in and head to a neighbourhood Mexican restaurant that's serving up margies galore. Wherever you want to go, just be sure to check out this handy map showing all the participating venues around town. To check out the full list of participating venues, head here.
Spring may be more than a week old, but that doesn't mean clear skies and light breezes are the norm just yet. Thanks to a clash between two pressure systems — a deep low pressure system, and a high pressure system — the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting blustering winds across Sydney for the next two days, with gusts potentially reaching 90 kilometres per hour. BOM has issued a severe weather warning for the possibly damaging winds, noting that they're expected to be especially heavy on the afternoon and evening of Monday, September 9. The gusts will stick around on Tuesday, but they're expected to ease throughout the day. The Bureau is specifically cautioning about winds of around 55–65 kilometres per hour in Sydney, and advises that stronger gusts are possible. If you're in Hunter district (including the central coast), plus Sydney, Illawarra, the south coast and the mid north coast, take note. Areas along the coast — particularly those with a southerly aspect — at the most risk. https://twitter.com/BOM_NSW/status/1170891313140641793 As well as weathering more than a stiff breeze, Sydneysiders will experience cooler temperatures, with the mercury only reaching 17 degrees on Monday and 18 on Tuesday. It'll bounce back up to 25 on Thursday, then settle in the low-to-mid 20s for the rest of the week. On Facebook, NSW SES recommends that residents secure loose items, and move vehicles undercover or away from trees — as it does whenever it's windy. If you're not only venturing out of the house today, but to the airport, the conditions have been interfering with planes flying into and out of the city, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting delays on domestic flights due to the blustery weather.
After a Kings Cross-wide event back in July, Keep Sydney Open is heading to Darlinghurst for a day-to-night takeover of the area's best venues. Alongside the Darlinghurst Business Partnership, the collective will take over 16 (and counting) Darlo nightlife venues for a precinct festival on Saturday, October 21 from 3pm all the way through to 3.30am. You'll be able to go between venues such as Shady Pines Saloon, Golden Age, The Unicorn, Brighton Up Bar, The Cliff Dive and Stonewall, each of which will be throwing their own parties all through the afternoon and night. Some events will be ticketed while others, like markets and outdoor activations, will be free to attend. Who will you find having a mad boogie within these venues? Well, that's all set to be revealed soon with more and more locations being added. Keep an eye on the Facebook event for full program and ticketing updates. So keep October 21 free and stay tuned. Image: Kimberley Low.
UPDATE: Thursday May 6, 2021 — New COVID-19 restrictions have been announced. We'll keep you updated on this event as the situation changes. For the latest information, visit NSW Health. From the shaken to the stirred and everything in-between — this May, the country's world-class mixology scene will be celebrated in a very big way at a brand-new month-long drinks festival. The inaugural Australian Cocktail Month is set to kick off Saturday, May 1, descending on venues across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide with a diverse lineup of crafty collaborations and exclusive concoctions. Here in Sydney, 18 venues will help the event make its grand debut, including local favourites The Lobo, Dead Ringer, PS40, Maybe Sammy and Jangling Jacks. They'll spend the month whipping up creative-charged festival cocktails (and mocktails) using drops from both local brands — think: Brix Distillers, Mr Black, Starward and Regal Rogue — and international labels like 1800 Tequila, Bombay and Glenfiddich. To get among the best of it, grab a $20 Australian Cocktail Month ticket and enjoy full access to all of the participating venues' cocktail creations. Alcoholic drinks will be priced at $14 a pop, with low-alcohol and booze-free options clocking in at $10. [caption id="attachment_556073" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jangling Jacks[/caption] Top image: PS40, Alana Dimou.
Ever wanted to travel back in time? See the world as it truly was, not as the remnants of artefacts depict? You're in luck, because Garry Starr's award-winning one-man show Greece Lightning promises to throw you from the edge of your seat and into the thick of ancient Greek mythos, drama and hijinks. Having previously captured the hearts and laughs of Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival earlier this year, Starr will now take the stage at Sydney's Fringe Festival in September, followed by Melbourne Fringe Festival in October. So Sydney folk, catch him while you can. The one-hour show follows Starr through an odyssey of time, space, and mythos as he attempts to reenact the entirety of ancient Greek mythology in less than 60 minutes. The aim of the whole thing? Starr wants to boost tourism to current-day Greece in order to "save his homeland from economic ruin". Damien Warren-Smith, the man behind Garry Starr, says "This is Garry at his most outgoing, his most engaging, his most ridiculous — and I can't wait for Sydney audiences to join him on his Herculean quest to bring mirth where there was once only myth." Along with some glowing reviews — "Sidesplittingly funny physical comedy" from the Sydney Morning Herald and "Comic genius" from the Guardian — Smith boasts quite the comic resume. In 2018, he won Best Comedy at Greater Manchester Fringe and Brighton Fringe, as well as copping a nomination for Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. While just last year he won the Pick of the Fringe Award at Adelaide Fringe. Not too shabby. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qXOWpKMXRo Catch Greece Lightning from September 1– 30 at Spiegeltent Festival Garden.
I could summarise Paranoia's plot. But to do so would be to compile a stock-standard litany of signposts of the corporate espionage genre: Dastardly capitalists who'll stop at nothing to retain their market share! An ambitious upstart from a working-class family who is recruited to steal secrets and quickly realises he's out of his depth! A hot love interest who our hero must lie to in order to retain his compromised position spying in the belly of the beast! Sinister henchmen who appear in little more than silhouette! Hard-edged, Matrix-style, millennial typefaces for the opening credits! The film equivalent of Getty stock images of New York's time-lapsed skyline at night! And finally, a mediocre title bluntly aimed at edginess: 'Sniper'? 'Hunted'? 'Suspect'? No, it's Paranoia! Here, the wide-eyed protagonist is Our Liam (Hemsworth), direct from Summer Bay via The Hunger Games, and our scheming tech billionaires are autopiloted by Gary Oldman (with an inexplicable Cockney accent) and Harrison Ford, who appears to be possessed by a necromancer. All of these actors are totally interchangeable — Hemsworth could be traded for Chris Pine or Ryan Reynolds, and Oldman or Ford could be any old guy with credibility for hire. Who's swindling who?! Have the tables turned? Fear not, each 'twist' is signalled from a pantomime-long distance. And remember, we're in a pro-Facebook, post-GFC era now, so we'll need just enough references to 'cutbacks' and 'socially networked devices' to make some token social commentary. But beyond the name dropping, terms like 'insider trading' are merely fuel for the generic, white-collar thriller fire. Paranoia really is so cliched and tiresome, it could be a minor work of cinemasochistic genius by Australian, Legally Blonde director Robert Luketic. No, the best thing for this sort of exercise in filmic pollution is to stealthily organise your cinema trip around a genre-based drinking game with a group of friends. Gratuitous Apple Mac product placement? Drink! Garden variety corporate-speak ("Competition breeds innovation!" "We need more R&D!")? Drink! Hey, maybe this movie's not so bad after all. Maybe the filmmakers were playing us for dupes and intend Paranoia to have a long and healthy DVD afterlife in the 'so bad it's good' category of home viewing. The tables have turned! Or have they? https://youtube.com/watch?v=kiwTRLwmm4w
As the brains behind celebrated Paddington restaurant Saint Peter and more recently the new-school fish shop Fish Butchery, Josh Niland has earned himself a reputation as one of Sydney's kings of seafood. Now, the chef is adding another fish-focused offering to his stable, with plans to open a weekly Fish Butchery market stall at the Carriageworks Farmers Market. Launching this Saturday, August 11, the new venture will riff on its Oxford Street sibling, celebrating sustainably caught fresh seafood, expertly butchered and ready to cook. There'll be an oft-changing haul to choose from, as well as dinner packs, with all the trimmings necessary to create the likes of a bouillabaisse, a native curry, or a four-person family fish feast. Those less inclined to hit the kitchen will also find a rotating selection of grab-and-go snack options, like his coveted hot fish pies. Find Niland's Fish Butchery stall at Carriageworks Farmers Market each Saturday.
Maybe you've used all of your Dine and Discover vouchers already. Perhaps you've got a few left to redeem now that the expiry date has been extended to July 31. Either way, 500,000 New South Wales residents will be able to score themselves another $100 to spend on food and entertainment — yes, more free money — under the NSW Government's just-announced new plan. Wondering what makes these vouchers different from the last lot? They'll only be able to be used in the Sydney CBD, and in the 2000 postcode, to be exact. Also, they'll only be able to be redeemed on Fridays. Other cities, such as Melbourne and Brisbane, have already launched their own Friday-focused plans to tempt folks back into their inner-city spaces — because everyone is still in work-from-home mode when the weekend approaches, it seems — and now it's Sydney's turn. Announced today, Friday, June 18 by NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, the vouchers will again cover dining and entertainment experiences, this time to help boost the CBD economy. "We have listened to businesses and know that it's time to make Fridays fun again and ensure the Sydney CBD doesn't just survive but thrives," Perrottet said. So far, the voucher scheme has been given an obvious name — TGIF — and, timing-wise, it is expected to roll out before summer. Mostly, the vouchers will operate in the same way as Dine and Discover, so you'll access them through the Service NSW app, you'll need to be 18 or over to nab them, and you can't use them on alcohol, tobacco or gambling. Indeed, all of the same eligibility criteria will apply, except one — because you'll be able to combine these vouchers together and even use all $100 worth in one transaction. [caption id="attachment_757524" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Bar Totti's, Nikki To[/caption] Details about how to register your interest for the new program, and other pertinent specifics, are set to be revealed in the near future — with more information also likely to be revealed in next week's NSW budget. Responding to the announcement, Sydney Gabriel Metcalf, CEO of Committee for Sydney — aka the independent think tank behind the latest plan to reignite nightlife in Kings Cross — said that Sydneysiders might want to have long Friday lunches to use the vouchers. "In these tough economic times, it's practically a civic duty. We call on the good people of NSW to support their CBD restaurants and use these new vouchers. Have one meal for yourself and one for the country." NSW's new TGIF vouchers will be rolled out by summer 2021, with exact dates and details yet-to-be revealed. To keep an eye out for further information, head to the NSW Treasury website. Top image: Barangaroo House by Kitti Smallbone.
Beautiful things come from chance meetings. Think of the liger, or Charlotte Gainsbourg. It is in this serendipitous spirit that Phillip Glass and the Kronos Quartet will embrace Dracula, the original 1931 film. I suspect that good things will come of the match. Philip Glass is well renowned for the way in which he blends avant garde composition with pop (recall his recent visit to our shores with adaptations of Leonard Cohen's poetry.) And aside from possessing a name perfect for the occasion, the Kronos Quartet will supply their adventurous approach to string instruments. As if this weren't enough, what venue could be better suited than the magnificent State Theatre? Those petrified of horror films, like myself, are advised to attend the early evening screening. Braver souls will choose to don their capes for the midnight performance.
After a brief hiatus while location-scouting, Sydney's iconic hipster party Gay Bash is back. Spring, skip, sprawl, bounce, bound, buck, hop, leap, or lope. Whichever way best suits, get sprung at the first Gay Bash for Spring, Friday September 4. Featuring Nina Las Vegas, Dangerous Dan, Bitch Science, Sleater Brockman, Berko, Jaime Doom, Sirens and other flourishing flowering beauties, these darling buds of may are watered and ready to bloom through the eve while playing the best warm weather tunes. Let's just hope things don't get too seedy!
An exhibition of woodblock prints by one of the great masters of the ukiyo-e school of printmakers during the Edo period in Japan, Utagawa (Ando) Hiroshige (1797-1858), is currently on display at the Japan Foundation Sydney. Ukiyo-e translates as "pictures of the floating world", and works in this style celebrate the beauty of the everyday, such the play of light, stunning views or even simply scenes from daily life, and so depict the zeitgeist, if you will. Hiroshige, a pupil of the renowned master Utagawa (who bestowed his name upon him) was hugely popular, both in Japan and in the West, and was particularly known for the delicate atmospheres his works created. Featuring 20 prints from Hiroshige's Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido (Hoeido version), this exhibition of stunning works from a private collection are in almost pristine condition. The fifty-three stations are the resting places along the main road from Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto (the old imperial capital), which was one of the most travelled routes at the time. The woodcuts chronicle Hiroshige's own journey along the Tokaido and provide a wonderful record of daily life back then, along with some enchanting landscapes of the area. Hanging alongside the prints are photographs of actual locations depicted in many of the prints during the Edo ero (1603-1868), the heydey of Japanese printmaking. The photos are Taisho era (1912–1926) and from the present day, giving both a real historical context and interesting modern-day comparison. As Western artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries came across Japanese art, and particularly the works of Hiroshige and his contemporaries, they were fascinated by their composition, flat perspective and bold use of colour. This interest and its influence on art movements at the time is widely referred to in art history as Japonisme, the effects of which can still be seen today. Artists from the impressionist school and their contemporaries looked to the East for inspiration and for new techniques to express their experience of a changing world, wanting to throw off the shackles of the art establishment. The influence also filtered back in the opposite direction and can be seen through some of Hiroshige's sweeping landscapes as he puts Western perspective into practice. (An interesting side note: the 'rule of thirds', so prevalent in the composition of landscape photography today, can clearly be seen in some of these works.) This is an insight into one of the turning points in Western art history, as well as a rare opportunity to see such well-preserved prints by one of the masters of Japanese printmaking. An exhibition truly not to be missed.
If listening to Blitzen Trapper’s earlier tracks make you think of sleeping by a river, cooking meals on a hot plate and hiding knives to thwart old crack whores and dealers lingering in nearby alcoves, it’s probably because singer/guitarist Eric Earley was actually doing all those things when he wrote them. Earley is no longer homeless, but the genre-straddling band from Portland, Oregon still makes music that evokes the freedom of speeding across an interstate highway before the advent of the Hertz NeverLost GPS system. Their latest album American Goldwing utilises guitar riffs and blasting drum fills louder than the horn of a Detroit Diesel truck, but offsets them with wailing harmonicas and country plucking banjos more suited to porch sitting with a flagon of whisky and a pipe of tobacco than being chased down a river Deliverance-style by rife-wielding mountain men. This is the record Blitzen Trapper describe as the “real record”, and it’s the one they’ll be playing at Oxford Art Factory on Thursday. Loaded shotguns and bottles of whisky are probably on the list of prohibited items, but with a live show this frenzied that’s probably a good thing anyway.
For Sydney's architecture buffs and design aficionados, Christmas is once again coming early. Only instead of opening presents, they'll be unwrapping some of the city's most significant architectural delights. Sydney Open returns from Saturday, November 2, to Sunday, November 3, offering a rare sneak-peek inside over 50 of Sydney's most inspiring buildings, most of which aren't usually open to the public. Punters can take in all of their favourites DIY-style with Sunday's Sydney Open Pass, or jump on one of the more in-depth Focus Tours happening on the Saturday. There's a series of after-dark tours happening, too, at the likes of the Justice and Police Museum and an 18th-century funerary railway station (where dead bodies started their final journey to Rookwood Cemetery). On this year's program there are also a heap of new buildings, which could see you unearthing secret stone mason symbols within the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel & Masonic Club, marvelling at early Australian stained glass on a backstage tour of the 150-year-old gothic Genesian Theatre at St John's Church, and even exploring the City Tattersalls Club's historic hidden bank vault. You'll also have the chance to suss out the opulent beaux-arts façade of 50 Martin Place, the heady brilliance of Sydney's oldest surviving synagogue The Great Synagogue, and the modernist splendour of the Harry Seidler-designed Steensen Varming office at 9 Castlereagh Street. Images: 50 Martin Place by Peter Bennetts, The Genesian Theatre Company, The Great Synagogue
Art in Odd Places is coming to Sydney! What started as an artist-led initiative in Atlanta in 1996 has grown into somewhat of an international phenomenon. The events aim to provoke thought in pedestrians and to encourage people to re-engage with their everyday surroundings. Three American artists will partner with twenty-three local artists to stage a series of visual and performance works on and around the Northern Beaches. Artists Terry Hardy, Rory Golden and Ed Woodham, AiOP stalwarts, will hold discussions, lead workshops and create new works exploring this year’s theme: NUMBER. AiOP will hit our fair shores on the 14th and 15th of September at Dee Why Beach and then again on the 21st and 22nd of September at The Corso, Manly. We can’t think of a better way to ring in the warmer weather than with sun, sand and some great art.
Sydney has no shortage of interesting date options year-round but, thanks to Sydney Good Food Month presented by Citi, October is going to be a particularly good month for lovers. The annual fiesta is returning once again with an agenda jam-packed with foodie events ranging from the super casual Night Noodle Markets to intimate dinners prepared by the country's best chefs. And sitting somewhere in the middle is Date Night. Happening on Friday, October 5 in the festival hub Hyde Park Palms, Date Night takes on the tried-and-tested formula: dinner and a movie. Whether this is a first date or you've been with your person for a few trips around the sun, this festival favourite has all the ingredients for a casual yet romantic night out. Let's break it down. The dinner portion of the evening will be provided by Ume Burger. You'll have your choice of one of its Japanese-inspired burgs — think chicken katsu with yuzu kosho mayo or the classic Ume burger with wagyu mince sauce. The meal is rounded out with wine, James Squire beers and gelato from Enmore favourite Cow & the Moon. Part two is, of course, the film. Because Sydney Good Food Month is celebrating its 20th birthday, its keeping things old school and screening 90s teen hit 10 Things I Hate About You. A balmy spring evening spent cosying up with delicious food and a cult classic film — if that doesn't impress your date, we're not sure what will. And because we have a (completely normal level of) vested interest in your love life, we're giving you the opportunity to win tickets for you and your boo. Riding solo? No problem. Make it a platonic mate date and swoon over Heath Ledger's dreamy smile or a brooding Julia Stiles together. To enter, see details below. [competition]681707[/competition]
Jazz. What does it even mean? Some theories say the word was derived from “jassâ€, which meant “with vigourâ€, a popular term in early 20th century America. It’s certainly come a long way, because now you’re just as likely to hear jazz in Storyville, New Orleans as you are in Vaucluse.Sunday 22nd November means the Historic Houses Trust’s annual Jazz in the Garden event, held at one of our most historic of houses, Vaucluse House. This year, performances will be by one of Australia’s leading jazz vocalists, Vince Jones, rock-bluegrass band Zoe and the Buttercups, and singer-songwriter Katie Noonan.Noonan’s latest effort, the ARIA-winning Blackbird, is a collection of jazz covers of John Lennon and Paul McCartney songs. It includes ‘Across the Universe,’ ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Norwegian Wood’. The album was recorded in New York, and features double bass from Ron Carter, a former accompanist to Miles Davis.In December, Katie Noonan will be touring Blackbird all over Australia, including some Sydney dates at the Opera House, so it’s not half bad to be able to watch her perform with a glass of wine in hand, from the comfort of your picnic rug — and learn about jazz first hand.
Having cut their teeth on the boutique strip of William Street in Paddington, Kaleidoscope Gallery is now ripping off that artist-run gallery band aid and making the move to rub shoulders with the art elite of Danks Street, Waterloo. No more sweet worker's cottage with weatherboard walls and courtyard coffees. Onwards and upwards they say! But if you live in Sydney you'll know how much moving house costs. So Kaleidoscope Gallery is hosting a seven day cash inducing bonanza with an art auction, a bake sale, market stalls, live music, wine, tea and liquid liquidity. Saturday 30 April will peak the week 'Carnival' style — all lions and tigers and bears, oh my. And if you can't manage to drag your sorry pockets anywhere near the Paddo end of town then not to worry. A click of your mouse and you can donate direct online.
The carpark of Auburn Redyard is about to be filled with the aromas from around the world, all thanks to the launch of the Spice Market street food festival. It's on this weekend from Saturday, October 20 through Sunday, October 21, from 12–8pm each day. Although the festival includes options from many different regions, there's a noticeable focus on Asian cuisines from some of Sydney best food trucks. There'll be Japanese eats from Shiso Fine, Korean fried chicken from Chicken Hustle Food Truck, deep-fried ice cream from Duo Duo, Arabic barbecue from 2 Smokin' Arabs and Filipino soul food from Pasalubongs, to name just a few. Apart from food, there's free henna, live music and all-ages activities on offer, too — with plenty of lounge areas to relax on in-between eating sessions. The weekend-long celebration coincides with the complex's recent renovation and the start of the new international films program at Reading Cinemas Auburn.
Visiting a vineyard is special. But getting to a winery has been somewhat challenging this year. So, to makes things a little easier for you, we're bringing wine country to your home this month with the help of our pals at Pfeiffer Wines. This September, you can join an online wine blending workshop with the expert team from Rutherglen winery Pfeiffer Wines. Throughout the 90-minute workshop, you'll get to try four classifications of internationally renowned Rutherglen muscat and two barrel samples. Then, you'll be guided through how to make your very own muscat blend with a flavour profile tailored to your taste. To ensure you've got everything you need, you'll be sent a sampling pack filled with all the essentials. Inside the kit you'll find four 30ml bottles of Rutherglen muscat, two 300ml bottles of barrel samples, a measuring cylinder, a 200ml bottle to build your own concoction in and everything else you need to make your own blend. Just make sure you book in ahead to ensure the pack arrives in time for class. Sound like a knockout way to spend knock-off drinks? Muscat Master Blender with Pfeiffer Wines will take place at 2pm, 5pm and 7pm on Weekdays throughout September. For more information and to book yourself a spot, visit the website.
Laptop orchestras, mind-bending group improvisations, no input mixers and Australia's finest white noise specialists will all be on show at Firstdraft's celebration of experimental music: Night Depot #2. Firstdraft's second foray into live experimental music promises to be an evening dedicated to that most amorphous and malleable concept of 'sound'. Ditching the constraints that regular musical structures afford performers, Night Depot #2 is all about exploring the sonic possibilities that a group of musicians can unlock in the freedom of a live space. With the massed improvisations of The Splinter Orchestra, the nine-piece laptop ensemble Erk's Orchestra and the beeps, bleeps and buzzing of Jonathan Watts no-input mixer, it seems fair to say that this ain't your regular concert night. Throw together 30 electro artists, classical and jazz musicians and blokes who like to record the sounds of nature and you have something resembling the remarkable Splinter Orchestra. Without conductor or leader, this remarkable ensemble are able to create a soundscape of surprisingly spacey and minimalist improvisations unlike any other in Australia. On the other hand, both the Erk's Orchestra (Electronic Resonance Korps) and Jonathan Watts have rid themselves of anything resembling a standard musical instrument, instead favouring to explore the sonic stylings of computer software and the no-input mixer (as in that thing you plug your guitar into). With Firstdraft's reputation for pushing boundaries and setting the standard in artistic mindfuckery, Night Depot #2 may not always resemble what we might call 'music', but it is sure to be a fascinating and enthralling trip into the sonic unknown.
Food. Consumption. Waste. Nope, this isn't about the latest disaster from My Kitchen Rules. This is a production from PACT theatre's Ensemble team. A bunch of 18-30 year olds with a penchant for the stage has been rounded up, shaped, and then moulded by PACT, like plasticine, for a year. Or rather, they’ve undergone creative mentorship (as they call it). And now, it's their turn to show us their stuff. Julie Vulcan is the one directing these eight emerging artists in their dark comedic performance. A performance that asks, "when is one person's insane act another’s act of sanity?" While that's a tricky question, what is for certain is that it will be experiemental. It'll look at rituals. And habits. They’re calling it kinda like a supper club and it’s going to be a visual feast (yes, that’s a food pun alright).
Wollongong will be rocking its smaller-than-Sydney vibes in a big way when the Yours & Owls music festival takes over Stuart Park from September 30 through to October 1. Presented by triple j, this intimate festival is known for its impressively curated lineup combining local Aussie talent and handpicked international bands in a weekend that brings together some top alternative acts. Though the festival is still in its infancy, Yours & Owls is certainly one to check out — tickets start at a a not-exorbitant $115. The team is promising the craziest year yet, with some big name artists making their debut in The Gong, along with an eclectic mix of tunes from dance to indie to total bangers. Saturday-only passes have already sold out, but you can still nab a ticket for Sunday or the two days. Make a weekend out of it with our weekender's guide to Wollongong. YOURS & OWLS 2017 LINEUP At The Drive-In The Presets A.B. Original Alex Lahey Ali Barter Allday Andrew Jackson Jihad (AJJ) Bad//Dreems Bec Sandridge Cash Savage & The Last Drinks City Calm Down Confidence Man Cosmo's Midnight Crooked Colours Donny Benet Showband Dune Rats Electric Wire Hustle Ghost Wave Gold Class Holy Holy Horror My Friend Illy Ivan Ooze Le Butcherettes Major Leagues Montaigne Moonbase Northeast Party House Northlane The Preatures Ruby Fields SAFIA Slum Sociable Sorority Noise Tees The Orwells The Pinheads Totally Unicorn Trophy Eyes + more Image: Chris Frape.
If ever there was a dance party you could take your folks to, it's Hot Dub Time Machine. While they'll get their dose of Bill Haley and the Comets, you'll get your Swifty. Over the course of one long set, Sydney DJ Tom Loud spins, mixes and mashes his way through the story of dance music — since 1954. The catch is that the entire operation is 'powered' by energy generated by the crowd. Whether you're dancing, singing, talking or yelling, you'll be helping to keep the action rolling. But if, at any point, the people's contribution drops to a level lower than that of a "fully sick party", the Hot Dub Time Machine will come to a grinding halt, meaning you'll be stuck in time — repeatedly listening to "when-ever" you've landed. First performed at the Sydney Fringe Festival 2011, Hot Dub Time Machine has since been a hit at festivals and clubs in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. He's made several appearances at Sydney Festival, Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival and St Kilda Festival, then smashed the final set at Secret Garden Festival this year. You'd better come ready to throw shapes, because this ain't no stand-still gig.
Ah, the annual festival of all things Italian — just when I thought I was out, they dragged me back in. Sunday, October 28 marks the day of celebration for the nation that brought us Julius Caesar, Prosecco and Dario Argento. This year's incarnation of the street fair is a special one though, as it's celebrating 32 years of the iconic exultation of Mediterranean multiculturalism. As per usual though, Norton Street will be lined with food vendors ranging from nonnas to professional culinary wizards. The big communal table will be back, and the Royal Hotel's verandah will be in full swing throughout the afternoon. There'll be entertainment, beverages, fashion and the Auto Festa, with as many Ferraris and Lambos as you can shake a cannoli at.
If you’re looking for an inspiring way to celebrate the International Women’s Day 40th Anniversary, head down to Sydney College of the Arts to see this variety of artistic engagements with official records, neglected artefacts, alternate documents and intergenerational passing on of memories. The exhibition features a time capsule created 10 years ago by Jane Polkinghorne and Anne Kay, who interviewed 100 Sydney-based artists in 2005 about their understanding of their art practice, a program of pioneering films made by women in the 1970s, a series of mother-daughter interviews and a day of free artist talks to book yourself into. This timely exhibition acts as a fascinating time-capsule of Australian contemporary art and is an important acknowledgement of the women who have contributed. Image: Art Calls with Tracey Moffatt.
It seems a pretty hard task to follow Hannah Gadsby's international smash-hit show, Nanette. After all, the one-woman stand-up performance copped serious praise on its 18-month travels across Australia and the UK, even scooping the top honours at both the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It also spawned its very own Netflix special. And when Gadsby used the show to announce she was quitting comedy for good, we thought that was it. But indeed, the beloved Aussie comedian is set to give the follow-up a red hot crack when she returns to the stand-up stage with her latest work, Douglas, named after her own pet pooch. While Nanette pulled apart the concept of comedy itself, dishing up an insight into Gadsby's past, Douglas promises to deliver a serve of "very new ideas", collected during her recent travels around the planet. This show will mark Gadsby's first-ever US tour, though she'll be hitting up the Arts Centre first, for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, before returning to Australia in December for five nights of performances at the Sydney Opera House from 17–21. Hannah Gadsby: Douglas tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday, March 29. You can sign-up for pre-sale access here. First image: Jim Lee.
As I pondered this exhibitions flyer I decided there were two things I needed to know. Assuming you share similar synapses, I have answers to our questions. Q1: Who are Jumbo and Zap? A1:Two art school graduates with artistic aliases, Zap is older than Jumbo, they both like to use public spaces to create art that aims to communicate as opposed to existing as a collectable. They have been collaborating since 2003 and their work usually brings the smarts. They are perhaps best known for a kitsch comic aesthetic with a pre-CGI sci-fi flavour. Their work, public and gallery exhibits appeal to the most cynical 'street art' critic. Q2: Is the exhibition a collection of retro action toys? A2: No. Although I'm not exactly sure what a 'dizzying array of pictures and fractured thoughts and captured moments' will look like. According to the Planetarium exhibition, 'Everything has been done. We are in a state of flux, going over the same ground, searching for meaning where it has never been.' It's hard to tell whether this search for 'meaning where it has never been' has been deemed a bad thing by Jumbo and Zap either; perhaps it is a reality that they relish. All you can say for certain is that these guys aren't afraid to include a healthy dose of smarm-free intellectualism in their art making. Gone are the days of unified public scorn for anything sprayed, rolled or written on an alleyway wall. If we truly are lacking a new frontier, retracing our steps in a quest for meaning, thank the universe for guys like Jumbo and Zap who are here to bring our walls and galleries to life.
Last autumn, the sweet fiends behind Victoria's hot chocolate and ice cream festivals launched a virtual month-long sugar extravaganza dedicated to sweet, nutty, marshmallowy rocky road. It replaced its usual Yarra Valley Rocky Road Festival, with the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery hosting online tasting sessions and shipping out giant boxes filled with 31 different flavours of rocky road. In 2021, the festival has been running physically — and, if you'd like to eat along at home, it's also doing deliveries again. With Victoria back in lockdown until 11.59pm on Thursday, June 3, ordering in a sweet treat might be just what Melburnians need at the moment. You have a few options — whether you're in Melbourne or elsewhere around the country. If you'd like to get the mammoth Ultimate Rocky Road Box delivered to your door, that'll set you back $110. Flavours include limoncello, Baileys, berry tiramisu, salted caramel macadamia, pretzel, neapolitan, rum and raisin and many, many more. You can check out all of them online. Elsewhere on the shop's delivery menu, you'll find pick-and-mix packs and a create-your-own option — where you can choose your favourite types of chocolate, nuts, extra nuts, marshmallows, jellies, extras and toppings. The boxes can be delivered anywhere within Australia for a flat rate of $15.
There must be something in the water in the Blue Mountains, or maybe it's in the fresh air, or maybe they go down to Penrif to get it? This substance either breeds talented hip hop artists or sunny and melodic popsters. Cloud Control, one such group of popsters have been doing some fantastic stuff over the course of the last few years. The single which brought them to most people's attentions was Death Cloud, a fantastically jangly and intricate gem with obscure lyrics, big hooks and harmonies. Gold Canary sees the group continuing the obscure lyrics with singer and head sonsgmith Alister Wright declaring, "I would like to to buy you a gold canary" over the top of a slow groove, while the rest of the band nah-nah-way-oh like Christians around the campfire. This tune is the forerunner to their debut album which comes out next year on Ivy League. The Cloudies are co-headlining this tour with Adelaide's Leader Cheetah who play a similar jangly pop, but lean their sound a bit more towards country, with some tasty slide guitar and singer Dan Crannitches Neil Young-esque vocal twang over the top. It should be an evening of fine tunes in the inner west.https://youtube.com/watch?v=kDULAuG8FgA
This month, award-winning theatre company My Darling Patricia will unveil the result of a three-year long partnership with Campbelltown Arts Centre in the premiere of Mantle. Artistic directors Halcyon Macleod and Clare Britton are known for their visually dramatic, inventive performances that combine the talents of interdisciplinary artists to push the boundaries of contemporary theatre. Remember the spellbinding puppetry in Africa? That was them at full flight. By partnering with the Campbelltown Arts Centre, My Darling Patricia aim to bring their work to a new local audience and this time they’ve woven movement, narration, sound and sets into a performance that crosses between poetry and theatre. Named after the geological space beneath the earth's crust, Mantle plays with memory and imagination to explore the idea of our physical and psychological links to place.
While the debate surrounding pill testing at music festivals rages on, the NSW Government has announced it'll introduce a different harm-reduction technique: amnesty bins. Premier Gladys Berejiklian today said that the State Government has okayed the use of drug amnesty bins at festivals from December 28, which will allow punters to discard any illegal drugs without fear of getting caught and facing prosecution. The decision comes after a festivalgoer died from a suspected drug overdose at Strawberry Fields Festival in country NSW last week, bringing the total number of festivalgoers who have died from drug-related deaths in NSW over the past three summers to seven. Introducing amnesty bins was one of the recommendations made in an inquest into the six festival deaths, alongside launching a pill-testing trial and removing sniffer dogs. While the NSW Government hopes the amnesty bins will help reduce the number of drug-related deaths and injuries at festivals, not everyone agrees that it will be an affective harm-minimisation technique in isolation. Emergency specialist and pill testing advocate David Caldicott told The SMH that introducing amnesty bins would have "no impact whatsoever" and Sniff Off — a Greens-backed group that has long been calling for this sort of harm-reduction measure — labelled the amnesty bins green light "a small win". "While this is a small step in the right direction, the fight's far from over," the group said in a Facebook post. "Especially when Gladys and the Liberals continues to rule out pill testing and NSW Police continue to illegally strip search people." The Premier remains firmly opposed to pill testing, reiterating her stance after the most recent festival death in a statement to The Age: "Pill testing will not solve the problem that ecstasy kills. I cannot say that in stronger words." While pill testing remains off the table for now, the NSW Government has also announced plans to expand education campaigns and improve cross-state information sharing about the toxicology of drugs found at music festivals. Amnesty bins will be rolled out at NSW festivals from December 28, 2019.
Not a single explosion features in Sylvia Rimat's play I Guess If the Stage Exploded…. In fact, the show purposefully lacks any major memorable event – and yet Bristol-based Rimat promises you'll remember her performance forever. After glowing reviews in the UK and a successful staging at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013, Rimat brings her experimental piece to Sydney Festival. The performance plays with ideas of memory, exploring both the mental process of creating a memory and the emotional desire to be remembered. Drawing on the expertise of specialists in neuroscience, experimental psychology and hypnotherapy, Rimat aims to train the audience through memory tasks and techniques until her inventive show can truly be said to be unforgettable. For good measure, she's joined on stage by a live owl and via Skype by international guests.
FBi is descending on the Biennale's stay at Pier 2/3 in the Rocks. For Fridays during August, the Biennale Bar will be packed with entertainment via FBi Radio, the Thousands and dLux Media Arts. The bar is downstairs at the wooden nub of the art spread across the interior of the pier. Sip among Tiffany Singh's cacophonous wind chimes in Knock On The Sky Listen To The Sound, which invite the public to ring them and later take them home, or run into the Sydney Theatre Company as they invade Honore D'O's Air and Inner during earlier hours. Note: The STC's Biennale invasions have been cancelled. The Biennale bar runs 6.30-9.30 pm Fridays during August. Line-ups are now up on the Biennale site for the evenings curated by dLux (August 3), the Thousands (August 10), FBi (August 17), the Biennale team (August 24) and the Sydney Chamber Opera (August 31). Image shows Knock On The Sky Listen To The Sound by Tiffany Singh. Read the rest of Concrete Playground's Top Ten Things to See and Do at the 2012 Sydney Biennale.
The Vines are a long way from their Rishikesh days. The reformed, Craig Nicholls-run, Sydney staple is back with a new double album Wicked Nature — their sixth studio album — and two new members. Drummer Lachlan West and bassist Tim John have joined Nicholls for the latest reincarnation of The Vines, a band that quite simply refuses to surrender. Wicked Nature has been released independently and was produced in part by Nicholls, indicating an authentic sound uninfluenced by commercial pressures. After a three year hiatus from any touring The Vines announced today they will return to the stage for an exclusive one off show to perform their new material — in the carpark of Enmore's Vic on the Park. Creating a bonafide ruckus over the October long weekend, The Vines will play a free show on Sunday, October 5 from 1–6pm. Considering Wicked Nature has been in the holding tank for two years, The Vines are pretty keen for fans to become acquainted with the new sound. We spoke to bass player Tim John about recording Wicked Nature, joining the band with fellow newbie Lachlan West, and what's in store for the future of The Vines. What were you and Lachlan up to before joining the Vines? Lachlan and I grew up on the Central Coast, NSW, and started playing in bands at 10 and 12. We met at a Strokes concert in 2006 and have played in a different bands together since then. Can't seem to get rid of each other. What made you decide to join The Vines and work with Craig Nicholls? We're both fans of the band, when the opportunity came up to rehearse with Craig we were both really keen to do it. The three of us have the same influences, and it just worked when we played together. https://youtube.com/watch?v=OPWeDWeedg0 What are your favourite tracks of Wicked Nature and why? 'Killin' the Planet' — This song has a cool message about the environment, and musically this was our chance to pay homage to The Beatles. 'Truth' — This song was quite minimal in rehearsals for the album and it just came to life when we were recording it. Lyrics are my favourite on the album, sound very personal and you can hear that when he sings it. Wicked Nature is an independent release and produced in part by Nicholls. Can you tell us a bit about the recording process for this double album? We started in mid-2012 rehearsing the songs, and went into the studio with Paul McKercher. We are a big fan of the albums Paul's produced and he was incredible to work with. After we finished that session, Craig had written ten new songs he was excited about; we decided to record and mix them in five days. We had no intention of it being a double album, but were happy with how it all turned out so decided to release every song we recorded. Also the first time Craig had taken on the producer hat; he did a great job. Wicked Nature was reportedly recorded in 2012, despite the fact it's just been released recently. Have you started working on your next record already? At the rate Craig writes songs we'll be back in the studio soon. We're concentrating on playing some shows and get the chance to play Wicked Nature songs live, as well as some of the favourites. Will you be touring nationally for this album? If so, when is it likely to kick off? Nothing we can announce right now, but definitely before the end of the year we'll be playing shows. Finally, how are you guys influencing the new sound of the Vines? What new direction would you like to take it in? The Vines will always be Craig's band, so we just hope to bring something new to the table. Part of the charm of Craig's songs is he's not influenced by what's happening right now, he just loves written songs, so you're either a fan or you're not. I feel that people can appreciate Craig as a songwriter now, despite everything him and The Vines has been through, he's proved how dedicated he is. Catch The Vines at Enmore's Vic on the Park on Sunday, October 5 from 1–6pm. Entry is free, first come, first served.
Sydney's billion-dollar Metro North West has been affected by technical issues once again, with all trains between Chatswood and Tallawong halted for almost two on hours on the morning of Tuesday, August 13. Services in both directions on the line stopped around 5am because of an unspecified technical issue at Tallawong, with replacement buses organised. Services resumed again at around 7am, but, at time of publication, 8am, the Metro was still running at a reduced frequency with buses supplementing some services. https://twitter.com/SydneyMetro/status/1161020027820265473 Transport for NSW is advising commuters to allow for plenty of extra travel time, listen to announcements at the stations and check information displays. In late July, a "communication system issue" halted all Metro services during peak hour, causing long lines and wait times of up to an hour. The Metro North West — which promises turn-up-and-go services every four minutes (in each direction) during peak times — is just one part of the government's overall Sydney Metro project, which will, along with Metro City and Metro Southwest, see a new railway linking Rouse Hill to Chatswood, travelling under the Sydney Harbour to the city, then down to Bankstown. Sydney Metro West will link the city to Parramatta. Running on all lines will be the new driverless trains. At this point, however, the final stages of the billion-dollar project — Metro Southwest and West, specifically — are not expected to be completed until 2024. For the latest updates on the Metro North West, head to the Transport for NSW's official website and Sydney Metro Twitter account.
Where is the border of public space? Does it end as you hop onto a bus, go into a shopping mall or step up into the gravelly grounds of the Mint? As part of the build up to the Historic Houses Trust's biennial Sydney Open push to bring the private into the public domain, the Trust is running a series of Public Sydney talks Tuesday nights in August and September that examine the shifting world of the public sphere. Every Tuesday night, the program will set two speakers on stage, with themes including late-night play, marketplace meetings and a greener vision of Sydney. As a Sydneysider, you probably know your own swatch of our patchwork city pretty well, but this series might give you a better look at some of the other granny squares on offer. Image by avlxyz.
Why are we so quick to dub certain books 'unfilmable'? After dozens of so-called-unfilmable film adaptations, maybe it's time to stop doubting the ability of screenwriters and directors to translate written expression to visual. Sometimes these unfilmable films are among the most exciting cinematic adventures of all, having to be inventive in a way that defies our expectations. Among unfilmable books, Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell surely takes the cake, so let's resolve to be excited rather than plain old dubious that mind-fuck virtuosos the Wachowskis (The Matrix trilogy, V for Vendetta) and Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) are tackling it. The novel is set across time, from the Colonial Pacific to a circularly primitive future, and follows the exploits of several people who have basically nothing to do with each other. It's always told in the language and point of view of the character currently in focus — among them, an intrepid reporter, a precocious composer, and a woman genetically engineered for a life in hospitality — and constantly undermines conventional narrative structure by ripping us out of a story just when it's picking up pace. It's also a completely intoxicating read that was nominated for the 2004 Booker Prize. Tykwer and the Wachowskis are clearly aiming for greatness here, but they don't make it, and that leaves the unorthodox film open to savagery from many angles, far more than it deserves. Even at three hours, it's not a difficult watch, as the thickly intercut stories are individually intriguing and easy to distinguish. The editing involved in Cloud Atlas is a real marvel, actually. I'm picturing some obsessive Gollum (actually Alexander Berner) emerging from the editing suite with scurvy and a hunchback after months of toil. It's this intricate editing that subtly pulls the film along, so that the appearance of an actor in one time cuts to their transformed face in another and the mention of a door will in the next vignette open a gate. One of the best elements of the film is how it turns the 'actor playing multiple roles' trope from a novelty into an art. Although the message of the book and film is ambiguous, the idea of recurrence and of us having traceable connections to distant times is a major theme. The filmmakers are able to give vivid expression to that idea by having actors take on several characters, often across gender and race. Some critics have accused the film of racism for its use of yellow-face, but to do so seems sensationalist when you see how much thought, awareness, and purpose has gone into the portrayal of race. It's basically the point of the movie. On top of that, the prosthetics are awe-inspiring, and it's worth watching the credits just to see which unrecognisable appearances from Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Susan Sarandon, Jim Broadbent, Ben Whishaw, Doona Bae, Hugh Grant, Keith David, Xun Zhou, and others passed you by. Some of the other mise en scene, however, is surprisingly forgettable given the filmmakers; one of their futures looks pretty much like Bladerunner. The other big problem for the film is that, as it builds to its breathless, hypercutting crescendo, it looks a bit like cloying Western mysticism, if not all-out schmaltz. Resist falling into this vortex and you might enjoy the personal reading you take out of Cloud Atlas's ambiguous melting pot. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ByehYal_cCs
Fancy a free trip to the cinema? The Access All Areas Film Festival is taking Australian film on tour this month as part of the state’s Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign, which culminates in the celebration of the International Day of People with a Disability. Think about it, a trip to the cinema is a common pastime for most, but not so for the visually or hearing impaired, for whom most cinemas don’t cater. So in touring around the state, bringing cinema to local deaf and blind schools, this festival not only champions Australian film, but also demonstrates the cultural possibilities available to the disabled. 
Now in it’s second year, the festival will screen Scott Hick’s compassionate portrait of fatherhood, The Boys Are Back as well as Sarah Watt’s wry look at family life My Year Without Sex. Also part of the program are a series of short films for kids to enjoy, including the IF nominated animation Tin Can Heart. All screenings will be captioned for the hearing impaired, audio-described for the visually impaired and be wheelchair accessible. The festival will also round out with a panel discussion “Willing and Able â€" Making Cinema Accessible,†at the Dendy Opera Quays. So for cinephiles of all abilities, this is your chance to access all areas. https://youtube.com/watch?v=LKbklo_lqDA https://youtube.com/watch?v=DdnTibGABAE https://youtube.com/watch?v=3tWWFtAl0I8 https://youtube.com/watch?v=nR9t2ZR-5R0
Opportunities to marvel at the incredible architecture around Sydney have been limited this year. But, thanks to our mates at Sydney Living Museums, you can reacquaint yourself with the impressive designs dotted throughout our wonderful city when Sydney Open kicks off next month. Sydney's annual celebration of architecture, heritage and urban design has been reimagined for its 2021 instalment. This year, you'll be able to take part in in the event through a series of online and outdoor events from Friday, November 5 till Sunday, November 7. And the best part? It's completely free. The curated program will include a series of live-streamed panels featuring leading architects and artists discussing themes such as identity, heritage and sustainability. You'll also be able to tune in to podcasts, enjoy COVID-friendly outdoor experiences, take part in expert-led virtual tours and uncover some of the city's most exciting public spaces on self-guided walking tours. Just make sure you register online ahead of time to secure you spot for the panel talks. Ready to rediscover Sydney? Add Sydney Open to your list of must-do activities this spring. Sydney Open will take place from Friday, November 5 till Sunday, November 7. For more information and to register your attendance, visit the website.
Haven't yet feasted your eyes on Wes Anderson's latest flick, the stop-motion animated delight that is Isle of Dogs? Loved it and want to see it again? It was one of our picks from this year's Berlinale, where it opened the fest and won best director, so we understand. The film has just hit DVD and to celebrate Stanley's in Darlinghurst is screening it for free — and, even better, you can bring your own pupper. The screening will kick off at 7pm, and is bound to turn Stanley's heated courtyard into an isle of dogs — just without the water. And while you can always take your pooch to hang out at Stanley's, there's no better time to take them to than this. The Darlinghurst bar will also be serving up an Isle of Dogs-themed menu for the occasion, with drinks such as a tequila- and grenadine-spiked Pink Chihuahua, the Bloodhound — the bar's take on a Caesar — and Indy Loves Iggy with gin, rhubarb and kombucha. It'll be available from July 15–29. If your dog is called Spots, then you have to go. The film follows a boy's visit to the titular land mass to find his beloved Spots, after all. The adventure that follows features the voices of a host of Anderson regulars and other ace talent — think Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Bob Balaban, Greta Gerwig, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Edward Norton and Frances McDormand — and proves as gorgeous as you'd expect. You'd be barking mad to miss it.
Thank you, Germany, for giving us yet another reason to splurge on our favourite fermented beverage. Oktoberfest is getting an Aussie do-over for the third year running, as Oktoberwest takes over Sydney's inner west for a day of beer, live music and food truck eats. The Factory Theatre will be turned into a beer hall for the day on Saturday, October 12. Inside, you'll find Young Henrys, Willie The Boatman, Wayward, The Grifter, Batch, Stockade, Philter, Sauce and Malt Shovel Brewery all providing their best limited edition brews. All up, there will be 40 beers to try. Oh, and of course there'll be tunes. Over 20 bands and DJs will take the stage, including Melbourne's The Bennies and local psychedelic four-piece The Laurels. So you can sit back with your pint and enjoy the music, or get involved in the pool comp, beer bingo, an arcade game battle or a go in the dunk tank. In short, there's a lot to do. Luckily, pizzas, Jamaican-style burgers and jerk chicken and German sausages will keep you going throughout the day.
In March, the 22nd Biennale of Sydney unveiled more than 700 artworks by over 100 artists at various exhibition spaces across the city. Unfortunately, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, outbreak and subsequent social distancing measures, the citywide arts festival had to change its plans and people could only experience the festival via its digital program, Nirin Online. In exciting news, the Biennale has extended its program and you'll be able to visit the Biennale of Sydney at the Art Gallery of NSW, Campbelltown Arts Centre and Artspace from June 1 — and at Cockatoo Island and the Museum of Contemporary Art from June 16. Campari, official partner of the 22nd Biennale of Sydney, has collaborated with artists Eric Bridgeman and Bhenji Ra to create the Galleria Campari — a creative space on Cockatoo Island where you can chat about the festival over a Negroni or Campari Soda from June 16 to September 6. You can also explore Galleria Campari online. [caption id="attachment_771765" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bhenji Ra's 'Kamay Kalayo (Hands of Fire)'[/caption] Because not everyone will want to, or be able to, travel to Cockatoo Island, Campari has also taken its Biennale Artist Series online. It includes interviews and playlists from artists like Melbourne-based DJ MzRizk and Sydney-based rapper and drummer DOBBY. Every week a different artist will share their story. Coming up on Friday, June 5, Sydney multidisciplinary artist Bhenji Ra will be sharing her creative practice via Instagram, hosted on the Biennale Instagram page, at 8pm. In addition to hearing from the artist, you can also enter a competition to win one of her artworks (pictured above), valued at $999. Register your details before the competition closes at 5pm on Saturday, June 6. The picture is based on a physical art installation by Bhenji Ra, 'Kamay Kalayo (Hands of Fire)', which Campari will be auctioning off on Wednesday, June 10 to raise money for charity that'll support Biennale artists. Find out more, here. Images: Galleria Campari at Cockatoo Island; artist Bhenji Ra.
While the typical haunted house might feel a bit cliché, Halloween wouldn't be the same without it. This year, The Taphouse is giving the tradition a new spin: the three-storey pub will be fully decked out as a ghost-filled haunted house, and the drinks menu is getting a spooky makeover too. Each floor of the Haunted Taphouse, including sour beer and natural wine bar Odd Culture, will have its own theme — and roving performers — so you can make your way up through a haunted crop field to the asylum and rooftop graveyard. Once you've finished exploring, enjoy one of ten special candy-themed beers, including a banana Chupa Chups milkshake IPA, gummy worms sour ale and pumpkin spice stout. Or, if beer isn't quite your thing, The Taphouse will be pouring and shaking Halloween cocktails — think test-tube shots, jelly eyeball shots and blood-bag cocktails. Kicking off from 6pm on Halloween night, you can catch the pub's spooky transformation until Saturday, November 2.
The Archibald is to art writers what a solar eclipse is to human vision. Without fail, it captures the attention of art journalists all over the country. Some writers quickly articulate their dislike and even distrust of the prize (perhaps there is elitism here?). Other writers are like moths to the flame, keen to interject on any controversy that prevails. This year, that controversy seems to be circulating around the number of female artists (just seven) that have been selected in the final spread. I wonder what JF Archibald envisaged of the prize way back in 1921. From the outset it has been controversial; stoushes have gone on over definitions of portraiture, subject matter and the profiles of the artists themselves. But try to ignore all that. These are artistic depictions of those deemed to be important Australians, by some of our most distinguished painters. Winning turns someone’s life on its head, and at the same time sends the price of their work through the proverbial roof. This year that person is Sam Leach (who also took out the concurrent Wynne Prize for Proposal for landscaped cosmos) with his portrait of comedian Tim Minchin, topping a list of 34 finalists whittled down from 849 entries. Go down to the AGNSW, have a look, and pick your own winner.
