Reading that daily horoscope might be enough of a foray into astrology for some, but what about a whole hotel dedicated to the celestial study? If the moon positions itself correctly, true buffs might be compelled to start planning that weekend away now — because Sydney is set to get the world's first ever astrology hotel. The Ultimo officially launches next month with a collection of newly refurbished rooms, which include single, studio, trio, family and pet-friendly courtyard rooms. But keen astrologers will have to wait a bit longer to get the low-down, as the hotel has given next-to-no hints as to what's involved with this, er, innovative hotel concept. That said, if it's anything like Switzerland's Park Hotel Weggis, which has offered a 'Park and Stars' package in the past, guests can probably expect individual astrological readings and consultations, and perhaps even a dinner created with their astrological sign in mind. Located at 37 Ultimo Road in Sydney's CBD, The Ultimo is set to open next month — and their full set of offerings will be unveiled on Wednesday, February 8. We'll update this story once we know the details.
The very beginning of Nick Broomfield's new Whitney Houston documentary features voiceover from one of the singer's friends talking about how she died. We all know the story: one of the most talented voices of our time succumbed to substance abuse and drowned in a bathtub. But her friend posits that while drugs were involved, perhaps they weren't the root cause. Perhaps Whitney Houston died of a broken heart, she says. This sad idea settles over the rest of the film like a cloud, as Broomfield recounts the story of a supremely talented yet obviously troubled young woman surrounded by people unable or unwilling to get her the help that she needed. The Whitney we first see is so young that it's difficult for us to believe she'll become the woman in the bathtub. She's bubbly and bright, singing in her gospel choir at church (led by her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston). That trademark smile is instantly recognisable. She's just a kid with a huge voice, and she's happy. But that huge voice soon proves to be both a blessing and a curse. Signed at the age of 19, Whitney was thrown into the deep end of an industry that had its own plans for her, moulded into a pop princess by a team of men who worked at Arista Records. Interviewing some of them in the present day, it seems the muscle memory of their puppeteering is still fresh. Her old management team still talks about her like an object rather than a person, and there's little doubt that their level of control over Whitney contributed negatively towards her mental and physical health. You're left feeling sad and frustrated, wanting to call these men into account. Why didn't they help her? Whitney: Can I Be Me uses a large amount of footage from the singer's 1999 world tour, some of which is absolutely staggering. At this point in her life her voice was still in prime condition – the effort she puts into every single song leaves her drenched in sweat; her calling card "I Will Always Love You" works the audience up into a frenzy; while her ability to "caress notes", as the Arista representatives say, is unrivalled. In a time where there was no Beyoncé and certainly no Janelle Monae or Nicki Minaj, Whitney's music was a carefully crafted brand of pop, and was often sent back to the studio for being "too black-sounding". The movie's title becomes a sad realisation that hits you mid-way through. As much as this is a story about Whitney losing her life, it's also about her losing herself. The sweetest parts of the film come from home video footage of Whitney just sitting around eating takeaway and watching movies, or acting out silly scenes with her husband Bobby Brown. In these moments, we're reassured that she has friends and family who love her. And yet ultimately, these relationships all fall apart. Even Robyn, her childhood friend who stuck with her for years, eventually fades away. A lot is made in the film about Robyn and Whitney's relationship, and whether it was more than just a friendship. But regardless of whether Whitney was gay, or bisexual, we get the feeling Robyn is one of the pillars in her life. That they parted ways mid-tour seems to just weaken Whitney's grip on her voice, her health, and her increasingly unhappy marriage. The footage of her being interviewed by Diane Sawyer in 2002 about her addictions is especially moving. When asked what her biggest devil was, she replies that it is herself. Whitney: Can I Be Me paints a tragic portrait of a woman who didn't have the right people around her, nor the drive to get herself the help she required. To add to the grey cloud, Whitney's daughter Bobbi Kristina lost her life in 2015 in eerily similar circumstances. Sadly, the film feels more like a story about this pattern of unhappiness than it does a celebration of the singer's talent – a shame for a woman who had so much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G2fY0xci_c
It has been 11 art-filled years since Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art first opened its doors, and the creative riverside hub just keeps going from strength to strength. Fresh from hosting a huge Yayoi Kusama exhibition, GOMA is preparing to unveil its illuminating new permanent work: a brand new light installation by artist James Turrell. You might be familiar with the Arizona-based artist's work if you've been to Mona or the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). He's the one behind the sky-centred installations at both galleries — at Mona, the gazebo-like Armana lights up at sunrise and sunset each day, and at the NGA in Canberra, Within without acts as an outdoor viewing chamber to enhance your view of the sky. All up, Turrell has created 80 'skyspaces' like these around the world. Brisbane's Turrell piece isn't a standalone structure like these other two Australian works. Instead, the work will light up GOMA's eastern and southern white façades from within the building with a pattern developed by Turrell especially for the location. It's been described as "an ever-evolving pattern of intensifying and diffusing coloured light" by GOMA director Chris Saines, and when lit, it will make the gallery visible from across the river and around South Bank's cultural precinct. The plan is to light up the gallery from dusk until midnight each evening — and while the tunnel was originally set to be installed by late last year, it'll officially start glowing from 7pm on April 20, with Turrell in attendance. And while it's a new addition to GOMA, it's also a feature that ties into the gallery's history. As Saines explains, "during the development of GOMA, lead architects Kerry Clare, Lindsay Clare and James Jones envisaged an artist-illuminated 'white box' on the gallery's main pedestrian approaches. More than a decade on, Turrell's architectural light installation realises the potential of GOMA's white box façade, and completes a major aspect of the architects' original design intention." By Lauren Vadnjal and Sarah Ward.
Cool nomenclature combines with music, dance, storytelling, humour and animation in RRAMP: The Collector, the Archivist & the Electrocrat. Employing the romantically grotesque animation of Ahmarnya Price, it tells the story of the Collector, the tall lady-of-the-house, and the unsuspecting band members she recruits. RRAMP: The Collector, the Archivist & the Electrocrat is part of the Performance Space season Show On. Read about the other shows here.
Tucked away on a quiet street in Collingwood, Loose Leaf is the dream project of Wona Bae and Charlie Lawler. With a combined portfolio that includes backgrounds in horticulture, permaculture and design, the pair harmonise creativity with a deep-rooted connection to the natural environment in their multi-use space. Loose Leaf operates as a thoughtful retail space for flowers and plants, as well as a studio for Wona to bring to life her organic sculptural practice and teach seasonal workshop classes. “We want people to use the space in a non-retail sense as well," she explains. “If we could make it like an indoor park that people might want to hang out in, that would be pretty cool.” The minimal aesthetic of the white-walled, high-ceilinged warehouse space is balanced by an abundance of natural life. Plants thrive in every corner, hang from the ceiling (almost as though levitating) and climb the walls. An ever-changing offering of seasonal flora fills the front of the space, where Wona creates and sells her masterful bouquets and arrangements. While the botanical haven is certainly an aesthetic delight, Charlie and Wona believe strongly in the greater therapeutic benefits connecting with nature can provide. “There are physical health benefits of having plants in your house," Charlie explains. "They can filter the air by taking out gases and chemicals so it’s healthier to breathe, but there’s also research to show that they can improve mental health”. “I’ve always been interested in horticulture therapy,” Wona adds, “When something is dying and you can bring it back to life, it makes you feel so good. It’s beautiful to watch the life cycle of something.” You need only step off the street into their bright space to feel the benefits; it might even work its magic when you're standing across the road. Despite the location only a hop, skip and a jump away from the hubbub of Smith Street, the air feels cleaner upon entering Loose Leaf. The incredible internal landscape combined with Wona and Charlie’s genuine desire to share their passion for “reconnecting with nature” allows their space to feel warm and welcoming. Sharing a cup of tea with the pair amongst their plants seems to be the perfect antidote to the stress of the daily grind. As well as the physical environment, Loose Leaf will be releasing a publication as a continuation of the voice of the space. “For the first year we plan to do a series of single theme based publications,” Charlie tells me. “We like the idea of connecting creativity and nature together, and letting each one inspire themselves." After making more than one trip to Loose Leaf to hang out with the always helpful and humble couple, Concrete Playground asked Charlie and Wona for a few ideas on how to be the best plant owner you can be ahead of the indoor season. Know Your Ability to Commit As far as picking your perfect plant friends, like any relationship, a lot depends on how much you are willing to give. With both high and low maintenance options for any environment, there’s no need to fear keeping something alive other than yourself. In fact, some plants prefer to be left alone. “One plant we’ve got is called the Zanzibar Gem, and the marketing is that it ‘thrives on neglect’,” Wona assures me. “It can deal with low light conditions and not much water." The Zanzibar Gem is added to my mental greenhouse. “We’ve spent a few years researching what works and doesn’t for us from our perspective," she says. "A lot of our plants we’ve picked because they are easy to care for and have actual signs of when they need to be watered or when they need fertilising." Of the choices in their home, she says, “[the plants] will start to talk you in very obvious ways … for example with Devil’s Ivy, the leaves will start to get droopy when it needs water. They can deal with a little more neglect … although we don’t encourage people to neglect their plants!” Location, Location, Location Equally as important as choosing a level of care you’re willing to commit to is the area and conditions your plants will be living in. “It really depends on what room they’re in”, says Charlie. “If you think about it in an outside sense, you get plants growing in the canopy of a jungle with very low light, or you can get plants growing in the desert with lots of sun and not much water”. He adds, “We have microclimates all around our house … the north of your house might feel a bit like Spain, but on the southern side it might be a bit more like Hobart. You can pick the right plant for each microclimate." Give a Little Lovin' In terms of caring for your greenery, things like fertilising and repotting can help extend the life and size of your plant. It's important that you look after your little guy (or don't, if it's a Zanzibar Gem). “Potted plants need fertilising because they’re not getting the nutrients replenished like they do nature, like when it rains or when trees drop their leaves," Charlie told me. "Inside plants obviously don’t get that so you need to give them some plant food. “By growing the size of the pot you’ll allow the roots to get bigger, and … there’s normally a direct reflection with what’s above the soil from what’s below” I admitted I had never repotted a plant. “Massage at the edge of the pot to help the plant come out more easily," he says. "You can massage the roots a little bit to help loosen them, put the plant in the new pot with the new soil.” Charlie and Wona's excitement for sharing the Loose Leaf love is tangible and inspiring. And while I may not be ready to commit to maintaining the exotic indoor jungle I envision just yet, I'm pretty sure that I'll be able to bring the pot plants in my bedroom back to life.
Imagine taking a photo with your fingers. A prototype for a new type of camera, known as the Ubi-camera, has been created by researchers at the IAMAS, allowing you to do just that with the help of a small device. By connecting the little device to your index finger the rectangle becomes the viewfinder. Then, by pressing down on the device with your thumb, you are able to take a photo. A built-in range sensor depicts the amount of space between the photographer's face and the camera. For example: if you put your face close to the camera you can create a wide angle shot and if you move your fingers further away this will give you a close up photo. The infrared technology range sensor still has a few glitches, such as the difficulty to detect faces, that developers hope to overcome in the near future. [via Mashable]
Brash and irreverent rock outfit Future of the Left have announced that they will be playing a string of shows down under in January 2014. Formed following the dissolution of the beloved post-hardcore band Mclusky, Future of the Left is a Welsh quartet that emerged in 2005. They have since gained a sturdy reputation for the sprawling energy and raw power of their live sets. With a knack for fusing together melody and groove, the band will be sweeping up the eastern seaboard, rewarding their loyal Aussie fan base with raucous performances filled with biting wit and musical mayhem. From their wry song titles to lyrics such as, "I have seen into the future/ Everyone is slightly older" and "Civilised people don't fuck bears/ Civilised people don't play fair", Future of the Left showcase an offbeat, slightly cynical sense of humour armed with heavy riffs. Prepare for a meaty slice of rock 'n' roll and a welcome dose of cheeky laughs. Future of the Left’s forthcoming album, How to Stop Your Brain in an Accident, will be released on October 25, 2013. Tickets are available now through the Handsome Tours website. The tour dates are: Thursday, Janaury 2 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne Friday, January 3 The Annandale, Sydney Sunday, January 5 The Zoo, Brisbane
The past two years have been chaotic for Australia's theatre scene — but thanks to big-name productions such as Hamilton, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Come From Away, Jagged Little Pill the Musical and Girl From the North Country, the show has gone on when it could. Big-name musicals have kept echoing, clearly, with another high-profile show soon to hit both Melbourne and Sydney: four-time Tony-winner An American in Paris. The Broadway and West End smash already kicked off its Aussie shows in Brisbane in January, and now it's set to sing and dance its way to Melbourne and Sydney, with a Perth leg also locked in and Adelaide dates set to come. This vibrant production adapts the 1951 film of the same name to Australian stages — so yes, if you're a fan of classic movies (and classic big-screen musicals starring none other than the inimitable Gene Kelly at that), then that's why the show's name sounds familiar. Story-wise, the musical follows an American soldier in Paris — because its moniker is that straightforward. Set at the end of the Second World War, it charts US GI's Jerry Mulligan's exploits as he falls for a French woman. Well, he is celebrating the end of the combat in the notably romantic city, after all. [caption id="attachment_828886" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tristram Kenton[/caption] Bringing the Oscar-winning 71-year-old film to the stage, this version of An American in Paris is directed by acclaimed contemporary ballet choreographer Christopher Wheeldon — and adapted for theatre and choreographed by him, too. The Aussie run is also being staged in collaboration with the Australian Ballet, so expect to see some of their dancers helping to bring the musical to life. George and Ira Gershwin's songs make the leap to the theatre as well, including 'I Got Rhythm', 'S Wonderful', 'But Not For Me' and 'They Can't Take That Away From Me'. Initially, An American in Paris debuted in Paris — where else? — in 2014, before hitting Broadway, Boston and West End. 'AN AMERICAN IN PARIS' AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2022: Friday, March 18–Sunday, April 24 — State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Friday, April 29–Sunday, June 12 — Theatre Royal, Sydney Saturday, July 9–Wednesday, July 27 — Crown Theatre, Perth Dates TBC — Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide An American in Paris will continue its Australian tour from Friday, March 18, 2022. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the musical's website. Top images: Darren Thomas.
One of 2023's big blockbusters ended by leaving viewers wanting more, and by design: when Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One wrapped up its 163 minutes of espionage antics, everyone already knew that Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two was on its way. Originally, the latter was meant to arrive in June 2024, less than a year after the first film. But audiences will now need to wait until 2025 — including to see Tom Cruise's (Top Gun: Maverick) latest batch of death-defying stunts. Instead of hitting cinemas on June 28, 2024 in the US, the eighth flick in the spy franchise now has a May 23, 2025 release date. Down Under, that likely means a move from June 27, 2024 to May 22, 2025, given that movies release here on Thursdays rather than on Fridays in America. Both The Hollywood Reporter and Variety are reporting that the film's name may change as well. So, chaotically, it mightn't be called Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two, although it will still follow on from Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning — Part One. The change of dates comes amid Hollywood's ongoing actors' strike, adding a new big-name flick to the list of films moving back their releases. Another second part that's done the same: Dune: Part Two. Hollywood's on-screen talents are on strike to fight against diminishing residual payments for performers, and to establish firm rules about the future use of artificial intelligence in the industry, among other improvements to working conditions. When they took action in mid-July, SAG-AFTRA's members joined their counterparts in the Writers Guild of America, who were striking since May but have since resumed work. On Paramount's slate, the next Mission: Impossible isn't the only film that's shifting dates. A Quiet Place: Day One will also now release in June 2024, not March — and the next SpongeBob SquarePants movie will move from May 2025 to December 2025. As for what's in store Mission: Impossible-wise, you can bet that world-hopping intrigue, explosions, chases, fights and Cruise wearing masks all pops up when Ethan Hunt and his Impossible Missions Force team return. So will a cast that also includes Simon Pegg (The Boys), Ving Rhames (Legacy) and Hayley Atwell (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness). There's no trailer yet for the next Mission: Impossible, but you can check out the full sneak peek at Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning — Part One below instead: The next Mission: Impossible movie will release in cinemas Down Under on May 22, 2025. Read our review of Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. Via: Hollywood Reporter / Variety. Images: Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
Prepare for a serious rainbow chalk shortage in Sydney: DIY chalk rainbows are popping up across the city in Newtown, Paddington and Redfern following the State Government's removal of the rainbow crossing on Oxford Street. The movement started with a Facebook photo of radio presenter James 'Breko' Brechney colouring in a chalk rainbow outside his home. The photo soon led to Brechney creating the Facebook group DIY Rainbow Crossings and the #DIYRainbowCrossings hashtag going viral on Twitter. "I was pretty down like a lot of people when the Rainbow Crossing was ripped up," said Brechney. "The DIY chalk crossing idea really just came to me overnight ... I got my sister and housemate in on the act and when we finished our one in Surry Hills we took a few photos for Facebook and the whole thing went crazy. Everyone's now doing their own DIY Rainbow Crossings all over Sydney and I love that because it's less work for me!" The Oxford Street crossing was initially created by the City of Sydney Council as part of the 2013 Mardi Gras celebrations, and soon became a much-loved attraction, with people posing for photos while walking across it. Despite calls to make the crossing permanent from the community and local politicians such as Lord Mayor Clover Moore and State Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay made the decision to remove the crossing. Community radio station FBI Radio has decided to get in on the action as well, chalking up their own rainbow outside the front door of their station in Redfern. "It's just a fun, little nice thing, a sign of how Sydney people are joined together when they think a wrong has been done," said program director Caroline Gates, who was inspired to join Brechney's 'chalk revolution' after seeing his Facebook photo. "We've got a volunteer group, and I just said 'Hey, anyone want to make a rainbow?'" she says. "I think a nice thing about people getting out a bit of chalk and making their own is just saying 'Screw the government, this is what we feel and what our community is'." The removal of the crossing took many Sydneysiders by surprise after road workers in Ultimo were redirected to Oxford Street to perform 'emergency road works' late on Wednesday night, as passers by booed and shared photos of the disappearing rainbow on social media. "I think people really connected with some vibrancy in our city," said Brechney. "I think the State Government has really got themselves pigheaded about removing it when it was clear, even to people initially opposed, that it was truly a fabulous addition to Oxford Street." DIY rainbow crossing behind the Newtown Hotel. DIY rainbow crossing behind the Newtown Hotel. DIY rainbow crossing in front of FBi Radio. Photography by Anita Senaratna and Rima Sabina Aouf.
Gone are the days when travel restrictions, including on travel through both domestic and international borders, meant that making the most of your own backyard was the only way to get out of the house. If you're a Brisbanite, playing tourist in your own town shouldn't just be something you're doing because you have to, though — and if you need an extra incentive in August, a heap of $20 tourism deals are coming to help. When we say a heap, we mean it. More than 5000 deals will be on offer from Monday, August 1–Wednesday, August 31, covering the kinds of experiences that every Brissie resident should've had but mightn't have gotten around to yet. Always wanted to take a cocktail cruise along the river? Head to Moreton Island for a stint of quad biking? Climb and abseil your way around the city? They're some of the tourism activities covered. You don't need to be a local to take advantage of the deals, either, if you have a trip to the Sunshine State in your future — you just need to have Brisbane City Council's free Brisbane app. That's where the deals will be available, and you can download the app from Apple's app store and Google Play. Different $20 specials will drop every single day across August's 31-day span, giving you motivation to check in with what's up for grabs daily. The reason behind the deals? Like plenty of other efforts to get locals exploring their home turf during the pandemic — such as travel vouchers and staycation giveaways — the aim is to get Brisbane residents and visitors out and about to support local businesses. "Brisbane businesses and tourism operators have faced unprecedented times over the past two years with COVID and devastating floods having huge impacts on their livelihood," said Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, announcing the deal scheme, which has been badged 'Rediscover Brisbane'. "Rediscover Brisbane will give residents and visitors access to great deals to get out and about in our great city, while also injecting $370,000 into some our top tourism attractions," continued the Lord Mayor. "From Moreton Island adventure and river cruises to mini golf and food and wine tours, these $20 deals will be up for grabs at the click of a button." Rediscover Brisbane will feature more than 5000 $20 deals from Monday, August 1–Wednesday, August 31 on tourism experiences around Brisbane. To access the deals via the Brisbane app, head to the app's website.
By popular demand, Paper Bird's weekend brunch is back in action. It's returning this weekend on Saturday, April 7, and will be available every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. The old brekkie menu has been completely reimagined by chefs and co-owners Ben Sears and Eun Hee An to better complement their all-day offering. This means contemporary East Asian-style dishes that take inspiration from Korea, China and Japan. Expect dishes like a pork katsu sandwich served on thickly sliced white bread with a side of slaw; pipis with miso butter and rye toast; XO arancini; and crab wontons with chilli and black vinegar. With the 10am liquor licence comes a cocktail list designed, by co-owner Ned Brooks, for morning sipping. On it there's a Korean bloody mary and a Campari and iced filtered coffee concoction. Also available is an 85-label, natural-leaning wine list, sake and craft beer, along with coffees by Single O. The offering is a welcome change-up to your typical Aussie brunch and we'll happily usher in its return. Images: Alana Dimou
Sure, you can zag with style and some tremored precision when you're out and about, but what you really want is to dance scruffy, like you do among the lingering curls of steam by the bathroom mirror. There's an evening of dance that gets your problem. A homegrown night out that's spawned a worldwide movement which many know, but few have seen. Hosted at Curiousworks, Sydney's inner-city hive of pan-urban storytelling, No Lights No Lycra invites you to dance away the evening with your groove on and the lights off. One year on, the evening has pulled its weekly socials into a monthly omnibus, guaranteeing you a consolidated wave of soothing vibes from the speakers and a bigger vibe from a bigger crowd. Proceeds from the night itself go to support Curiousworks' good work helping Sydneysiders to tell their own tales themselves. So if you want to dance your secret mirror-dance with all of the passion and none of the shame, No Lights No Lycra waits for you the first Thursday of every month with all embracing arms, and some judiciously closed eyes. Image by masochismtango.
With all of the festive parties and end-of-year lunches happening at the moment, we hardly need another reason to say sayonara to the summer diet. But if you're a sugar fiend looking for an excuse, this one's for you. Family-run baking business Donut Papi has packed up its market stall and opened permanent digs in Redfern. Owner Kenneth Rodrigueza started Donut Papi in 2015, enlisting the assistance of his siblings and placing his primary focus on wholesale. It quickly built up a cult following via food markets and social media — with a little help from none other than Nigella Lawson, who regrammed a photo of their product line-up on Instagram. In the current food climate, you wouldn't be blamed for thinking "does Sydney really need another dedicated doughnut store?" If the lines of customers outside Donut Papi's new Redfern Street store across opening weekend proved anything, then the answer is a resounding yes. And, not just because it was handing out free treats to the first 100 customers. Boasting distinctive flavour combinations that have been inspired by Asian ingredients, Donut Papi has carved out a unique spot in the market. Its pandan and ube custard-filled doughnuts are among its most popular creations, with black sesame, matcha and strawberry sakura also popping up on the menu on occasion. The team have also created the Redfern Velvet to pay homage to their new home. Having previously shared a commercial kitchen, which restricted the team's cooking time, Rodrigueza is hopeful that this new permanent space will provide the freedom for not only more products, but also greater creativity. "There's still a lot of ingredients I want to use for doughnut flavours... hopefully we can add more baked goods or maybe even a brunch menu." Donut Papi is open from Wednesday to Sunday at 34a Redfern Street, Redfern. Visit their website and Facebook page for further details.
The quest of Neil Young to revive the magic that has been squeezed out of digital music has now been realised with the launch of his portal listening device and digital music service called Pono [meaning righteous in Hawaiian]. Young has been working on the service and music player for last several years, chasing the goal of restoring music to its original artistic quality – as it was in the studio. The 128GB triangular, touchscreen gadget named PonoPlayer makes use of zero-feedback circuitry, a minimum phase digital filter and a whole lot of other technical stuff to eliminate the “unnatural pre-ringing” that can often be heard on digital tracks. The PonoPlayer comes alongside the online music store PonoMusic.com , which will offer downloads of songs formatted from artist-approved master recordings. Young officially launched both products at the South by Southwest music conference in Austin, Texas with a Kickstarter campaign complete with video endorsements from a plethora of music stars and offering preorders of the PonoPlayer at a discounted price. Pledgers are given the option to purchase a special edition “Artist Signature Series” PonoPlayer with autographs from the likes of Young himself, Arcade Fire, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, as well as being pre-loaded with the artist’s all-time favorite two albums. Just don't ask Mr Young about what cut he gets, things will just get awkward.
Let's face it, for most of us the number one reason to go on holiday is, well, to eat. And when we travel, we want to know the best of the best to maximise our often limited time in a city. This is especially true in Adelaide, which, though small, is packed with cafes, eateries, bars and restaurants, some of which are easily the best in the country. We're bringing you the top five foodie experiences in Adelaide so you can live it up with the limited time you'll likely have. NATIVE AUSTRALIAN FARE AT RESTAURANT BLACKWOOD While Restaurant Blackwood's big sister, Orana, is perhaps the most renowned restaurant in Adelaide, its downstairs sister is, in our opinion, just as impressive. Both restaurants focus on using native Australian ingredients in ways you've probably never see before — think saltbush crisps and kangaroo puffs to start. The smoked pumpkin ($19), served with wild spinach and fresh goats cheese, reinvents the way you think about simple veg, while the creamy broth of the Goolwa cockles ($35) demands extra bread for dipping purposes. As in Orana, the ingredients are bush-foraged and fresh as can be. Blackwood may not be laid back, but it is relatively casual compared with Orana and is an ideal start to a night exploring the bustling Rundle Street. BLOOD ORANGE MARGARITA AT PINK MOON SALOON Pink Moon Saloon is possibly the coolest looking bar in the city — located in the site of a former service laneway, the space best resembles a log cabin set in between two tall city buildings. Just in October 2016, the team won Best Bar Australia/Pacific at the London Restaurant and Bar Design Awards. The space is well matched for Adelaide's blooming small bar scene and, while the vibe itself is worth the visit alone, the cocktail are where it's at. The menu is inventive and playful — think a spiced wine sour and a tangelo ginger julep ($18 each). Our favourite is by far the blood orange margarita ($19). The perfect tangy-sweet combination, the drink is miles away from the classic and yet is still reminiscent of the Mexican mainstay. If you're peckish, the food menu is also well designed for drink-induced nibbling. Try the barbecue pork belly in a lettuce cup or smoked trout on cuttlefish ink toast ($8 each) to keep the hangover at bay. [caption id="attachment_584445" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Lucas Richarz.[/caption] DIY PLOUGHMAN'S LUNCH AT CENTRAL MARKET Adelaide's Central Market is quintessential to the city's food scene and is very much the root cause of why Adelaide became such a foodie haven to begin with. Opened in 1869, the 'old world' market still draws such a demand that it's still boasting a 29-vendor waiting list. Central Market even houses the oldest pizza joint in town — Lucia's, opened over 50 years ago and a true Adelaide institution. The market acts as melting pot of cuisines, from Latvian to Korean and everything in between, making it the perfect spot to DIY a top-notch ploughman's. First, head to Barossa Fine Foods for your free-range, ethically sourced meat component. Next, hit up Say Cheese, which has been around for 20 years and is, as the name suggests, dedicated to all things cheese. While they have an impressive international selection, go for the local — when in Rome, after all. They also have plenty of locally-made smallgoods to accompany your ploughman's. Finally, check the Wild Loaf for freshly baked sourdough, find a seat and dig in. ECO-CONSCIOUS BRUNCH AT CAFE TROPPO The leafy Cafe Troppo is set in an airy eco-building and they've taken such planet-friendly design as their mantra — spanning from the mismatched, crafty tableware to the eco-friendly cleaning products and locally sourced produce. The building itself looks like a grounded treehouse and the menu is seasonal, using the maximum amount of South Australian ingredients. Dishes include a poached pear toastie with ricotta, honey and walnuts ($9), along with a harvest bowl of fresh grilled veggies, organic feta and topped with a poached egg ($15). The coffee is also ethically sourced, fair-trade and organic, while the teas are single origin and hand-blended in the Barossa Valley. If you're after a boozy brunch, the two beer taps house local craft brews like Little Bang and Big Shed — two of the best in the region. COLD PRESSED JUICE FROM THE TAP AT THE MARKET SHED The Market Shed is a gem among markets. Open on Sundays only, Adelaide's certified organic market has quickly gained much love since opening last November. While the stalls include vegan and organic waffles from Live a Little and woodfired pizza from Little Orange Arancini and Pizza Bar, the only way to start your trip among these exquisite stalls is at Juice Quest — situated right up front and boasting some seriously delicious, hangover-curing drinks, these cold-pressed juices will prepare you for all else that is in store. Even more epic is that they've just started kegging said juices and are poured straight from the tap going forward. Drink on, organic-loving friends. Drink on. Marissa Ciampi travelled as a guest of the Adelaide Beer and BBQ Festival.
Asteroid City isn't 2023's only new Wes Anderson film. Wonka, if it does hit cinemas and isn't delayed to 2024 due to Hollywood's current strikes like the also Timothée Chalamet-starring Dune: Part Two, won't be the year's sole Roald Dahl adaptation, either. Adding a second title to both piles is The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, which sees filmmaking's foremost fan of symmetry and pastels take on a tale by the author who has defined many a childhood. Instantly excited? The end result arrives in September. Netflix is bringing this 40-minute film to streaming, via a world-premiere slot out of competition at the Venice Film Festival first. Viewers at home will get to see the flick mere weeks after it plays the prestigious event, with The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar landing on the small screen on Wednesday, September 27. The story? It's one of seven in Dahl's 1977 book The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More, telling of a wealthy man who is so fond of wagering that he comes up with a crafty plan. After discovering a guru who can see without using his eyes, he decides to learn to the same to cheat while having a bet. Playing the gambler for Anderson is Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), as part of a cast that also includes Dev Patel (The Green Knight), Ben Kingsley (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Richard Ayoade (The Souvenir: Part II). In glorious news for The Grand Budapest Hotel fans, Ralph Fiennes (The Menu) also reteams with the director. Fingers crossed for more line readings that are so completely perfect that they're unforgettable. [caption id="attachment_914800" align="alignnone" width="1281"] The Grand Budapest Hotel[/caption] In fact, Fiennes is stepping into Dahl's own shoes in the film, as well as playing a policeman. All five announced high-profile cast members are doing double duty, which sounds wonderfully Andersonesque. Anderson directs, writes and produces, while the filmmaker's regular cinematographer Robert D Yeoman and composer Alexandre Desplat also notch up their second of his projects this year — so it'll definitely look and sound like an Anderson film. There's no trailer yet for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, but you can enjoy the Asteroid City and The Grand Budapest Hotel clips instead in the interim: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar will be available to stream via Netflix from Wednesday, September 27. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar images: courtesy of Netflix.
Join Cake Wines and their 'uncomplicated' approach to wine as they launch their second pop-up bar in the disused Cleveland St Theatre. Cake will host a number of events beginning at 6pm on Thursday night with the brand's Archi Bottle Prize awards. A live FBi Radio broadcast will be held on Friday night, and the bar will also be open from midday to midnight on Saturday as a part of the Surry Hills Festival in Prince Albert Park. As you sit and enjoy the Archi-Bottle Prize you can sip on your choice of Shiraz, Rosé, Chardonnay, Lucky Duck cider or Little Creatures Beer and chow down on gourmet food from Jafe Jaffles. For every bottle of Cake Wine purchased, 25 cents of the sale goes back to FBi and 4ZZZ Radio stations. And thanks to Cake, two Concrete Playgrounders will win a bottle of Pinot, redeemable at the bar. To go in the running just subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au
It can be assumed that whoever started the old wives' tale warning against pairing whisky and oysters just wanted to keep the secret to themselves. The Wild Rover — and those who have ventured through the bar's green door — know better. The Surry Hills bar is so into oysters it's rolling out an entire week of celebrations dedicated to them. Its famous lamb sausage roll will be forgotten for the week with a special menu that gives oysters the limelight — and from Monday, October 30 through to Thursday, November 2, you'll be able to slurp down some freshly shucked oysters for just $1 each. Get adventurous with po' boys and chowder pie alongside a variety of paired drinks. There will be plenty of action throughout the week. Defy the myth in style with a whisky and oyster masterclass ($50) on Wednesday, November 1, hosted by Laphroaig Whisky Ambassador Michael Nouri. If you're up for working that elbow grease, Shane Buckley from oyster farm Wapengo Rocks is running oyster shucking masterclasses ($35) on Thursday, November 2. You will also receive your very own shucker to impress friends with this newfound skill. Concerned about the extensive oyster shell carnage from the week of celebrations? All shells will be donated to Ocean Watch to sustain Sydney Harbour marine life.
Home of arty and romantic sleepovers in Australia's capital city since 2013, Canberra's Hotel Hotel has been sold. Owners Molonglo Group recently handed over the keys to Ovolo, an independent hotel company with digs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hong Kong. The Sydney outpost occupies a sizeable chunk of Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, where designer rooms overlook the Harbour. If you're a fan of Hotel Hotel and its steady program of experimental cultural happenings, you'll be pleased to know that the staff won't be going anywhere when the venue officially becomes an Ovolo on 1 March. Unless, of course, they're keen to work for the company in another city. "We are proud to bring our signature concept to the Australian capital," said Ovolo Hotels CEO Girish Jhunjhnuwala. "We believe this venture is the perfect alignment and are delighted to be associated with this property." Meanwhile, the Molonglo Group — which is both a property developer and a production house — has a bunch of Australian and international adventures coming up, involving architecture, design and culture. "We wanted to do something special in both Canberra and Australia; I think we've achieved that," said Molonglo Group director Nectar Efkarpidis,. "Hotel Hotel was the physical manifestation of ideas that we had been exploring for several years about architecture, design, objects and furniture, and how they can help us to evolve and expand Canberra's civic sense of itself with others." Back in August 2017, several of Australia's other arty hotels fell under the ownership of a major international company, when Mantra bought the Art Series for a cool $52 million. Images: John Gollings / Tom Roe.
One of Erskineville's favourite venues is throwing a huge party to say 'Thank U, Next' to 2019. With a little help from promoters Girlthing/Boything, The Imperial Hotel's NYE Thing: 2020 Vision has a bunch of different options to suit your mood and budget this New Year's Eve. For those with a taste for the high life, you can sip bubbles and watch the sunset on the Imperial UP! rooftop, at an exclusive pre-party from 7–10pm. VIP tickets ($150) will get you a glass of champagne on arrival, two hours of bottomless bubbles and roaming canapes and grazing boards to nibble from, before you can head downstairs with all venue access for the rest of the night. If a sit down meal and a show is more your style, resident queens Dammit Janet, Ruby Slippers and special guest Saggitaria will delight crowds with a 2019 rewind production of Drag N' Dine, paired with a seven-course vegan feast and bottomless bubbles, followed by full venue access so you can party into 2020. That's $80 per person. If all you're really after is a good boogie, the ground floor bonanza and basement bash are for you. There'll be live music, performances and DJs all the way through until 4am — and tickets start at just $25.
A big patch of Sydney could be set to undergo a makeover, giving the city's residents more green space. While Moore Park is currently home to an 18-hole golf course, the City of Sydney is proposing to reduce the site down to nine holes — reclaiming the area occupied for the other nine holes for the general public. That'd almost halve Moore Park Golf Course, which presently sprawls across 45 hectares. That's a hefty area in the middle of the city that's used for one type of recreation, has been earmarked for that purpose since 1913, and accommodates 80 golfers at any one time. So, the City of Sydney is pondering taking back either 18 or 20 hectares of the public land, with two designs floated. Both options under consideration cut down the size of the golf course — but how the course looks afterwards changes in each reconfiguration. The first reclaims 18 hectares, adding new parkland to the western side of the golf course north of Dacey Avenue. In the second, 20 hectares of land would be taken back by the city, but along the western edge of the golf course, as well as south of Dacey Avenue. In both designs, the driving range facility, club house and maintenance depot all stay put. New public paths would be added around the perimeter of the course, too, which would improve access to other parts of Moore Park and Centennial Park. The idea: to "provide more equitable access to this significant open space," the City of Sydney notes. Obviously, Sydney looks rather different now than it did 107 years ago, as does Moore Park. It's also far more dense, population-wise. Accordingly, giving residents of the area access to green space is a continuing priority. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clover Moore (@clovermoore) The proposed move has received some backlash; however, the City of Sydney is currently asking for community feedback, so you can offer your thoughts online — but only until the end of Tuesday, December 22. After the consultation process, it'll provide details to the New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, which'll help drive the decision about what to do with the public land that Moore Park Golf Course sits on. The move isn't unprecedented; in Queensland, the Brisbane City Council is turning the Victoria Park Golf Course in Brissie's inner city into a huge new public park, for instance. It'll take over 64 hectares of land, and include a huge lake, a tree house lookout and rainforest mountain-bike trails. To provide your feedback about the plan to reconfigure the Moore Park Golf Course before the end of Tuesday, December 22 — or for further details about the proposal — head to the City of Sydney website. Top image: Google Maps.
Returning to Sydney Festival following a sold-out performance in 2020, leading didgeridoo player and composer William Barton and acclaimed violinist Véronique Serret are performing meditative music together in two shows at the Seymour Centre. At the time of writing, both performances are already operating a waitlist for tickets — and understandably so. The collaboration of two powerhouse performers results in soaring vocals and distinctly Australian sounds that are reminiscent of our country's vast and diverse landscape. Heartland brings in traditional songlines and modern storytelling via Barton's mother, Aunty Delmae Barton, who wrote the show's poetry especially for these performances.
When a show is named after a space battleship, it's instantly worth paying attention to. And when it tracks a war between humanity and an android race known as the Cylons, it isn't going to be short on intrigue. That's especially true when the flesh-and-blood side of the equation hail from a distant star system, and originally live across a group of planets known as the Twelve Colonies — and their very survival is at stake. That's the tale that Battlestar Galactica tells, and has in multiple shapes and forms since 1978. With no disrespect meant to the original series and its 1980 sequel, the reimagining that first hit screens in 2003 has become the version of record. The latter started as a miniseries, then served up four seasons of sci-fi drama, political battles, space-set adventures and all-round entertaining television until 2009, making stars out Katee Sackhoff and Jamie Bamber in the process.
If there's one thing that you can count on at MONA's arts festivals, it's that they never deliver the exact same experience twice. That's doubly true of next year's Mona Foma, which is making the huge move to Launceston — and doing so with a seriously noteworthy lineup. After hosting part of the 2018 event, the entirety of 2019's Mona Foma will take place across the Tasmanian city, shifting from its previous home of Hobart. Arriving in town from January 13–20, it'll bring everything from music legends to thumping beats to new Aussie heroes to the stage. Attendees can also expect a sensory blend of music, theatre and art, an exhibition that combines creativity with scientific specimens, and oh-so-many onesies. Of course, the list goes on. Headlining this year's bill are Swedish star Neneh Cherry and Welsh electronic music icons Underworld, so prepare to get in a buffalo stance and get born slippy. They'll be joined by Mona Foma's big Aussie premiere and exclusive: a four-part performance by producer and composer Oneohtrix Point Never and the MYRIAD ensemble. Also called Myriad, it's framed from the perspective of an alien intelligence that has absorbed earth's entire history, and mixes the seemingly unlikely combination of medieval folk, dance music, R&B, and sci-fi imagery. Music-wise, Mona Foma-goers can also catch Courtney Barnett on her return to Tassie, as well as Mulatu Astatke and the Black Jesus Experience as they blend Ethiopian music with jazz and Afro-Latin. Or, there's Finland's Satu Vänskä playing her 292-year-old violin with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Aussie stoner rockers Bansheeland doing their psychedelic grunge thing and Central Niger's all-female Les Filles de Illighadad with their inimitable brand psychedelic Saharan desert rock. On the arts side of things, Art of the Body: Health, Beauty and Desire brings together a heap of artists to respond to medical body part specimens — and the actual body parts will be on display as well. Then there's Onesie World 2.0, a new iteration of Adele Varcoe and Self-Assembly's onesie extravaganza, with the designer and label whipping up 2000 DIY all-in-ones. Other highlights include morning meditation sessions in Cataract Gorge, endurance performance artist Ben Landau's 24-hour attempt to keep humming non-stop, as well as a rather curious inclusion from British composer artist Nick Ryan: a machine that tracks the position of 27,000 pieces of space junk, then transforms them into sound as they pass overhead. And, with Mona Foma committed to inviting a new audience to experience the festival each year, they're focusing on the Amish of Lancaster County for 2019 — which means putting up a bunch of billboards around Pennsylvania and letting the local Amish into the festival for free. For everyone else, tickets go on sale from midday on Monday, October 15. Mona Foma runs from January 13–20, 2019, in Launceston, Tasmania. For more information or to grab tickets from midday on Monday, October 15, head to mofo.net.au
Sydney Festival has revealed its massive 2017 program, with a renewed focus on dance and theatre along with bold new works from Australian artists. Running from January 7-29, the lineup is comprised of 150 events, almost half of which are free. From sensory installations to shows in Parramatta Lebanese restaurants and performances by iconic musicians, your dose of summertime culture is basically sorted. Most visually, the city will also play host to a number of major installations, including The Beach by Snarkitecture at Barangaroo — a ball pit made up of 1.1 million recyclable polyethylene balls that you can jump into — and House of Mirrors in Hyde Park, which comes from Hobart's Dark MOFO (and most recently Brisbane), and and is more or less what it sounds like. Treading the boards at this year's festival are some of the country's most celebrated stage companies, including Brisbane's La Boite Theatre Company — who'll present the four-time Helpmann nominated play Prize Fighter — and Australia's longest running Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander theatre company, who've teamed with writer-performer Katie Beckett on her play Which Way Home. They'll be joined by an impressive international contingent, including the London-based Complicite company, whose play The Encounter arrives direct from Broadway; Pushkin Theatre Moscow, whose co-production of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure with the UK's Cheek by Jowl also stands out as another surefire festival highlight. Immersing you further in this year's festivities are a number of works that play upon the senses. Cat Jones' Scent of Sydney is a free immersive exhibition based on — you guessed it — smell, while Imagined Touch, by deafblind artists Heather Lawson and Michelle Stevens, lets audiences experience the world without vision or sound. Musical highlights include live performances from PJ Harvey and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, as well as an Opera House performance of 1967 Music in the Key of Yes, a concert of remembrance on the 50 year anniversary of the Indigenous rights referendum. You'll also be able to catch free tunes every night at the Meriton Festival Village in Hyde Park. Sydney Festival also revealed its complete program for Western Sydney last night, which includes an interactive 'Circus City' and the first posthumous exhibition of works by Myuran Sukumaran. Sydney Festival will run from January 7-29, 2017. For more information visit sydneyfestival.org.au. Image: The Beach, Snarkitecture. Shot by Noah Kalina.
For beer lovers, the Great Australasian Beer Spectapular is the kind of festival that you plan your calendar around. When one year's fest is over, everyone instantly starts looking forward to the next year's. It was back in May and June that 2023's GABS took place, and you can now lock in your 2024 dates around the same time in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Of course, the New South Wales, Victorian and Queensland capitals host beer festivals most weekends, but GABS is its own unique beast. It dedicates itself to weird, wild, wonderful and inventive varieties that are made exclusively for the booze-fuelled party. Think of a foodstuff — peanut butter, coffee, earl grey tea, chicken salt, pizza, fairy floss, bubblegum, doughnuts, red frogs and sour gummy bears, for instance — and there's likely been a brew made to taste exactly the same at GABS. Only dates have been confirmed so far, and not venues, the brewers heading along or the beers they'll be whipping up. Still, attendees can look forward to an event that's considered to be one of the best craft beer and cider festivals in the Asia Pacific region. If you're a newcomer to GABS, it started off as a Melbourne-only celebration of ales, lagers, ciders and more. Then it began spreading along Australia's east coast capitals, as well as to New Zealand. Now, in its Aussie stops, it pours at least 120 different types of brews each year. The event surveys both Australian and New Zealand breweries, with more than 60 normally showcasing their wares annually. Also on the bill: other tipples, including non-alcoholic beers, seltzers, whiskey, gin, cocktails and wines. GABS is known for dishing up a hefty lineup of activities to accompanying all that sipping, too, which usually spans a silent disco, roaming bands, circus and sideshow performers, games and panels with industry leaders, plus local food trucks and vendors to line your stomach. Fancy getting in on the GABS fun at home now? Every year, the crew behind the fest also pust together the Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beer poll, which is open for votes until Sunday, January 14 for 2023's best brews. GREAT AUSTRALASIAN BEER SPECTAPULAR 2024 DATES: Friday, May 17–Sunday, May 19 — Melbourne Friday, May 31–Saturday, June 1 — Sydney Friday, June 14–Saturday, June 15 — Brisbane GABS will take place across Australia's east coast throughout May and June 2024 — head to the event's website for further details.
The Sydney Opera House's groundbreaking Festival of Dangerous Ideas is being replaced in 2017 by ANTIDOTE, a new festival that will not only explore ideas and art — but how we can turn them into action and positive change. The new festival will take place at the Opera House over the weekend of Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3. ANTIDOTE is a replacement for the eight-year-old FoDI, taking it to the next level by celebrating artists, thinkers and doers who have spearheaded change with a program of immersive performances, speeches and workshops. Curated by Danielle Harvey (who was also behind last year's inaugural Bingefest), the new festival responds to the time we live in. Featured in the inaugural program is a performance of Cherophobia by Noëmi Lakmaier, which wowed onlookers in London earlier this year. In the performance, Lakmaier is lifted by 20,000 party balloons over nine hours. The experimental artwork aims to unite the audience in shared suspense while exploring the conflicting emotions of control, desire and restraint. Other international heavyweights include transgender rights activist Janet Mock and the satirists behind The Onion, along with Tamika D. Mallory (national co-chair of the Women's March on Washington) and Reni Eddo-Lodge (author of Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People about Race). The festival also features local change makers such as Indigenous figures Uncle Jack Charles and Archie Roach, as well as LGBTQI+ rights activist Julie McCrossin (Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras '78er), and blogger Celeste Liddle (Rantings of an Aboriginal Feminist). A focus on interactive performances will immerse the audiences throughout the two-day festival — these will include sketches by UK interactive theatre groups Kaleider and Blank Placard Dance, as well as a performance by choreographer Anne Collod, who will revisit Anna Halprin's legendary dance movement that took place in 1950s–80s San Francisco. ANTIDOTE is about fostering hope and change in a time when a lot of us are angry and anxious about what's happening in the world. If you want some action point, tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday, July 6 and free registrations for Cherophobia open at 9am today. ANTIDOTE will take place at the Sydney Opera House from Saturday, September 2 through Sunday, September 3. Tickets start at $25 and the full program is available through the festival website. Image: Cherophobia, Noemi Lakmaier, shot by Grace Gelde.
Calling all craft beer lovers. Goose Island Beer Co. has brought its frothy concoctions to Australia. The Chicago Goose brewers have set up shop in Tasmania to brew their Midway and IPA, delivering the award-winning beers to our bars and pubs nationwide. So to celebrate its antipodean landing, the brewery is throwing a Flock Party in Sydney, where you can enjoy a pint (or a couple) of the Chicago-born brew while snacking on American fare to the tunes of Bootleg Rascal. The Goose Island flock takes over Surly's in Surry Hills on July 27, where you know you'll have some stellar American barbecue — and potentially some of those stacked fries (hello cheesy-potato-goodness) and fried chicken. Want to be part of it? We have ten double passes to give away in Sydney, so you and a mate can join the flock in celebration of Goose Island's arrival. Don't be a goose, enter to win below. [competition]628540[/competition]
George Street will be humming with the energy of Latin America, thanks to the ninth annual Sydney Latin American Film Festival. Making the jump to the more centralised Event Cinema location in the CBD, the eight-day event will showcase films from all over Southern and Central America, as well as Caribbean nations including Cuba, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Even better, money raised by the festival will be used to support Latin American charities, including education initiatives in Mexico and Panama. Good cause or not, there's plenty to get excited about on the SLAFF 2014 program. Opening night film Behaviour was a box-office hit in Cuba, and will be following by a party fuelled by Latin music, canapes and plenty of Havana Club rum. Venezuelan drama Bad Hair, meanwhile, was a favourite at the Melbourne Queer Film Festival earlier this year, while Peruvian dark comedy The Mute has earned comparisons to the films of the Coen brothers. 'Shortcuts to Mexico' presents five exciting short films from emerging Mexican filmmakers, and will be preceded by a set of alternative Mexican tunes spun by DJ Senor Bolivar. Sydney's hottest Latin American DJ will also be playing tracks after the screening of Songs of Redemption, a documentary about the reggae program in a Jamaican penitentiary. Image: Bad Hair.
All of the taste, none of the after effects: it's a cocktail lover's dream, and it's the reason that we have mocktails. Everyone has been in a situation where they're eager for a tasty beverage, but need to keep a clear, booze-free head — and the next solution to this predicament comes from the virtual realm. London may boast a bar that sells virtual reality cocktails (real drinks, but with a virtual reality preamble experienced by strapping on a headset), and Vienna might have a VR bar dedicated to having a bev while hanging out in an intangible space, but the Vocktail makes the tipple, not the experience, virtual. A project stemming from the National University of Singapore under researcher Nimesha Ranasinghe's guidance, it involves a special glass that connects to an app to alter your perception of what you're drinking. Here's how it works: once liquid splashes into the glass, users can customise its colour, smell and taste. The first arrives via LED lights, which sounds straightforward enough. The second comes from bursts of scent that are emitted from the vessel in your hand. And the third? It uses digital taste simulation — or electrical pulses on the tip of the tongue that simulate saltiness, sourness and bitterness. Yep, even though there's no alcohol involved, you'll still be getting a buzz. Basically, if you're sipping on water but want your senses to think that you're consuming something boozy — or if you have a hankering for a sugary beverage but don't want to put your body through the real thing — the Vocktail has the answer. It was just unveiled at the Association for Computing Machinery Multimedia Conference, so don't expect to put one to your lips just yet; however, add drinking to the list of things (booking holidays, reading the news, travelling, touring landmarks, shopping, going to gigs) that are going virtual. Via New Scientist.
Let's change things up this Easter break. Instead of spending the weekend feeding on store-bought chocolates and lamb roast at home, why not go on a little adventure? You can escape the city (and, perhaps, your family) by running away to South Australian wineries to sample the latest vintage or to a Tasmanian farm to delight in world class produce. You can even join the world's first helicopter gin tour around Queenstown to marry your love of epic views with your fondness for gin. The world is your oyster — and you can either have it freshly shucked, served Kilpatrick or battered and fried down in Hobart. Read on to find four exclusive food and wine-filled travel packages that you'll only find on Concrete Playground Trips — each of which will have you spending the Easter break with a full belly and a glass in hand. A WINE LOVERS' LONG WEEKEND IN BAROSSA VALLEY AND MCLAREN VALE Wine tours can be such a hassle to organise. You've got to find a driver, pick the wineries and cellar doors, book lunch and find the best place to stay. That's why we teamed up with some of the best wineries and food producers in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale to create one mighty indulgent food and wine trip. We've done the research, all you have to do is rock up and enjoy this ever-thriving wine region. During this four-day trip, you'll have the opportunity to explore Adelaide's city centre before spending two big days out in wine country. During your big afternoon out in the Barossa Valley, we've organised guided tours and cellar door experiences at a few of our favourite wineries as well as a special tasting at Maggie Beer's Farm Shop and lunch with wine pairings at another vineyard. This will be followed up by an entire day of wine, beer and gin tastings in McLaren Vale — with morning tea and lunch included. It's a packed itinerary made for true wine enthusiasts. BOOK IT NOW. FIVE-DAY FOOD AND WINE ADVENTURE IN HOBART AND ITS SURROUNDS Tassie's culinary scene is booming. Whether you're road tripping around the north or south of the state, you're set to find some of Australia's most brilliant food and drink producers making all sorts of delicious things to eat and drink. To celebrate this, we've created a sensational Hobart travel package that will take you to local farms, wineries, breweries and distilleries — with exclusive tastings and tours at each spot. The package also includes car hire for all five days, so you can explore each of these spots at your own leisure. And lastly, we're putting up guests in the Vibe Hotel Hobart's Harbour View Room. Wake up to stunning water views before going out to explore this amazing part of Australia. BOOK IT NOW. [caption id="attachment_869501" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] THE ULTIMATE VINEYARD GLAMPING GETAWAY Sanctuary By Sirromet is a sprawling vineyard located in the bucolic hills of Queensland's Mount Cotton and boasts a collection of luxury glamping tents overlooking a lagoon and a bushland home to wallabies and birdlife. It's an idyllic slice of wine country just 40 minutes south of the Brisbane CBD. That's why we teamed up with the Sirromet team on this one-of-a-kind wine-filled weekend getaway package. Guests will be treated to a behind-the-scenes winery tour and tasting, a picnic in its beloved lavender fields (with wine and a packed food hamper included), a three-course dinner with paired wines, and daily breakfast delivered to the door of your glamping tent. The Sanctuary by Sirromet team is throwing in a complimentary bottle of Le Sauvage 'The Wild' to be enjoyed on the tent's private balcony or taken home. Go on, spoil yourself. BOOK IT NOW. THE MOST EPIC QUEENSTOWN ROAD TRIP We've created the ultimate Queenstown holiday, combining the area's famous adventure experiences with its famed culinary scene. You'll go on the world's first heli gin tour — riding from distillery to distillery via helicopter — and visit a series of local wineries during your self-led road-trip around the region. We've even added a scenic flight up to the dramatic mountain ranges, pairing it with a speed boat ride back to your hotel. You're not gonna find a trip like this anywhere else. BOOK IT NOW. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Wake up, Prime Video viewers: come October, your streaming queue is getting nostalgic. If The Wiggles can top the Hottest 100, take their rainbow-hued skivvies to Mardi Gras and motor their big red car to the same Falls Festival as Little Nas X, then of course they can be the subject of a new documentary that'll hit the online service this October. First announced in 2022, Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles will tell exactly the tale you think it will, following the group's career over more than three decades, including the new levels of fame and popularity that 2022 sent their way. Sure, Dorothy the Dinosaur mightn't need an origin story, but OG Wiggles Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page and Jeff Fatt are getting one, with Sally Aitken (Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks, David Stratton: A Cinematic Life) directing. Also featured: never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, too. Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles will arrive on Prime Video on Tuesday, October 24; however, that isn't the film's first stop. Before that, it'll enjoy its world premiere at the first-ever SXSW Sydney, showing as part of the event's Screen Festival. At the fest, The Wiggles in attendance for this trip down memory lane — their own, and everyone in Australia's as well — including for Q&As and performances. "When we first formed The Wiggles more than three decades ago, our aim was to educate and inspire children through music, and that continues today," said Field back when Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles was first announced. "Looking through the archives has brought back so many incredible and emotional memories, from our first shows for 30 children to touring America and the world, playing to arenas. It's been such an incredible and evolving journey and we can't wait to share our story with everyone." "At first glance, the notion of preschool teachers selling out Madison Square Garden is downright absurd," said Aitken. "What a phenomenal story for a director to unpack: how did a group of teachers become like The Beatles for preschoolers? I have been entertained and moved in making this film, discovering an amazing journey of self-belief and the power of purpose. The Wiggles' story comes with heartache and joy, reinvention and the wisdom of children. So grab your tissues and your smiles, because with intimate interviews and unique, behind-the-scenes moments, I hope you see the individuals behind the iconic sweaters — musicians and artists driven by genuine passion, resilience, reinvention and joy." There's no trailer for Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles — we'll update you when one drops. Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles will stream via Prime Video from Tuesday, October 24.
Last decade, when Disney started snapping up companies like Pixar, Marvel and LucasFilm, it clearly had huge plans. Not only is the mouse house now home to many of the biggest movie releases each and every year, but to enormously popular properties that it can spread across multiple avenues — its forthcoming streaming platform, for example, and its theme parks. Both are beginning to ramp up, with Disney+ due to release in America this year and the first Star Wars-themed zone now open at Disneyland in California (with a second due to launch at Florida's Walt Disney World in August). Indeed, in the theme park space, Disney also has both Toy Story and Marvel hotels in the works. And, it's planning to add a dedicated Marvel area to Disneyland as early as 2020. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the company has just received permits to begin the necessary building works to bring its first Marvel area to life — and, like the initial Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge attraction, it'll pop up at Disney's Anaheim site. While few official details have been revealed as yet, it's expected to include a microbrewery, a character meet-and-greet area and a 192-square-metre merchandise store. Plus rides, of course, including a Spider-Man attraction that'll sit alongside the existing Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout ride. [caption id="attachment_726218" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout via Disney Parks Blog[/caption] With a heavy focus on the Avengers, the zones have been in the making for a couple of years, and will also join Disney's other parks, too. Both California's Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris will jump into the Marvel fun in 2020, Florida will suit up in 2021 and Hong Kong Disneyland will unleash its superpowers in 2023. Via Los Angeles Times.
While you might feel decades too old to be partying along with the current cast of The Wiggles, those that grew up in the 90s will be well familiar with the kids band's OG gang: Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page and the ever-sleepy Jeff Fatt. And now, you can get ready for a serious dose of nostalgia, when the four entertainers return to the stage for a one-off time-tripping reunion show. Best of all, the adults-only gig is helping to raise crucial funds for those affected by the Aussie bushfires. The bushfire relief concert will see The Original Wiggles hit Castle Hill RSL on Saturday, January 18, inviting you to relive some big childhood memories as you dance up a storm to some favourite old-school tunes. Get grooving to classics like 'Wake Up Jeff!', 'Fruit Salad' and 'Hot Potato', all without a single toddler in sight. The reunion show tickets clock in at $35, with 100 percent of profits going to WIRES and the Australian Red Cross. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRqLtxqxmKI Tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday, January 7. Image: WikiCommons
Zeus Street Greek has been rolling hot, fulfilling pitas off its spits and into your stomaches since 2014. Providing traditional Greek food with more of a 'healthy nourishing meal' feel than a '3am greasy food' vibe, Zeus cooks up street food that covers several important food bases: meaty pitas, healthy salads and sides, traditional Greek desserts and, of course, chips. The eatery's tag is #foodhonestly, and there's nothing more honest than a big pile of crispy hand-cut fries. To celebrate World Fries Day on Friday, July 13, Zeus Greek Street is offering a very chip-tastic giveaway. Knowing that fries were an integral part of Yia Yia's kitchen has meant that they've ended up a big part of the Zeus menu — and a bonanza of them will be given away. One lucky person can win a year's worth of chips, with 365 vouchers to be redeemed at any store across the country. Zeus offers Yia Yia's fries seasoned simply with rock salt and oregano making them the perfect accompaniment to your pita or Spartan box, or — if you're a big fry fan — on their own. You'll also nab a winner's party at your chosen branch of Zeus Street Greek, with a $100 voucher to share with your hungry pals. Just pause for a moment and think about what this will do to your overall comfort levels throughout winter. To enter, see details below. [competition]674243[/competition] Image: Dominic Loneragan
Dance and classical aren't music genres you'd usually find swirling around in the same basket — unless you have a particular bent for the orchestral 'Sandstorm' covers found in the depths of YouTube. Synthony — A Generation of Dance Music is here to prove that the disciplines go hand in hand. Touring Australia since 2019, the event is returning to Sydney from 7.30pm on Saturday, April 22, 2023. It'll see a live orchestra join forces with a selection of DJs and onstage performers at the Aware Super Theatre, all to play the biggest dance tracks of the last 30 years — think tunes by Disclosure, Eric Prydz, Flume, Calvin Harris, Wilkinson and more. Expect the venue to take a few cues from the nightclub scene, with lights, lasers and mapped video all part of the experience — and a selection of dance floor bangers note-for-note. The lineup of talent includes the Metropolitan Orchestra; conductor Sarah-Grace Williams; and Rogue Traders' Natalie Bassingthwaighte, The Potbelleez' Ilan Kidron, Thandie Phoenix, Cassie McIvor, Greg Gould, Matty O, Mobin Master and host Aroha.
At 10am Monday morning, the NSW Liberal Party took a vote to confirm their next leader and our newest Premier, following Mike Baird's shock resignation last week. After less than half hour, media favourite Gladys Berejiklian emerged from the meeting as the 45th Premier of NSW. Berejiklian was elected as the member for Willoughby in 2003, after a career with the Commonwealth Bank. Since her election, she has served as the Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Shadow Minister for Transport and Shadow Minister for Citizenship, before being given the Transport portfolio in 2011 following the Liberal victory in the state election in 2011. After Mike Baird's ascent to Premier in 2014, Berejiklian was named Deputy Leader and Treasurer of NSW. The main questions, however, are regarding where Berejiklian will stand in regards to the major issues confronting NSW at the moment. Given the fact that the major transport infrastructure projects that have caused such controversy were initially Berejiklian's projects, it is unlikely that any deviation from the government's current position will arise. That is, WestConnex is probably here to stay, as she was Transport Minister in 2011, when the project got underway. Berejiklian hasn't made her view on Sydney's controversial lockout laws publicly known, which has been the party line within the NSW Liberal Government, so it's hard to gauge how the new Premier will act on an issue that has divided Sydney since Barry O'Farrell introduced the laws. Tyson Koh, the Director of the Keep Sydney Open movement, has called the current government "out of touch", and this opinion is one that it would behoove the new Premier to change. Although, as the reported leader of the more moderate faction of the state Liberals, it's not impossible to imagine that she will approach the lockout laws with a little more diplomatic aplomb than her predecessor. All deliberation aside, Premier Berejiklian was voted in unopposed in the Liberal party room, so it's clear that the government thinks she will do a bang-up job running the state. All that's left to see is if the public thinks the same thing. Berejiklian will be sworn in at 2.30pm this afternoon, with Dominic Perrottet being named as her deputy. Image: NSW Government/YouTube.
It's a scientific fact that the only way to survive summer is to get down to a luxurious beach resort and lie still in the shade like a lizard, rising only for an occasional dip in the pool. Bannisters Pavilion also know this, and have built one such luxury resort on NSW's pretty, pretty South Coast. And it looks so good that, honestly, we can't wait for the brutal heat of summer to hit so we can head out to Mollymook Beach and get our lizard on. The Bannisters chain are all set to open their newest boutique hotel in the picturesque beachside town next week, and it's only 100m from the beachfront. The place has been cleverly designed to let you move seamlessly between the best parts of a holiday — between the private lounge, bar and grill and suspended pool, that is. The rooftop is the hub of aforementioned activities and also features a full menu inspired by Mediterranean, Southern Californian and Mexican cuisines (i.e. the most summery places in the world), as well as booze for days. Bannisters Pavilion was crafted by a crack team of designers and blends accents of the Aussie landscape (eucalypt and sea) with a nuance of Scandinavian design. The best part, though, is the size — the whole resort consists of only 33 guest rooms and two penthouse suits, which means you won't be fighting anyone for a recliner or have to navigate through hordes of screaming kiddies in the pool. Thanks team, you know us well. Oh, and did we mention there's a day spa? Yep, summer is coming — and it's gonna be fancy. Bannisters Pavilion will open on Tuesday, December 1 at 191 Mitchell Parade, Mollymook Beach. For more information, visit their website.
The freezing cold weather we are currently experiencing generally means one prefers to stay indoors, but the Winter Festival at Bondi Beach may change your mind. Put your skates on and warm up on the ice rink then afterwards you can reward yourself with a cup of hot chocolate or glass of wine at the Alpine Ski Hut. A toasty fire sets the scene giving off a European ambiance and the perfect way to keep cosy while sipping on your mulled European wine, Glühwein, which is making an exclusive appearance on Australian shores, being sure to warm you from the inside out. This year's festival also offers an abundance of delicious European Alpine cuisine with a bunch of live bands and DJ's to help dance it off. A huge range of exciting events will also be appearing on and around the huge open air ice rink. You may have missed Sk80's Disco Night on Saturday but the sports orientated will be happy to know that they can still enjoy the Skate of Origin on Wednesday 4th July. Cheering the NSW Rugby team to victory whilst watching your own live Ice Hockey game on the ice is set to get the crowd going wild. A ticket will give you a 45 minute ice rink session and a warm Lipton Chai Latte at the end of your session. Concrete Playground has four double passes to give away to the Lipton Chai Latte Winter Festival. To be in the running to win a pair of tickets, make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
For us device-addicted youths, consuming content on non-back-lit material (otherwise known as paper) has become somewhat of a novelty. So, Australian publisher Pantera Press has decided to help change that by dedicating themselves to getting the digitised back into analogue. Its newest imprint, Lost the Plot, is aimed at publishing titles by millennials for millennials. Launching with a curated but diverse selection of books, Lost the Plot instils Pantera Press's longstanding mission to support the next generation of writers and readers. And with titles like The Quit Smoking Colouring Book and Space is Cool as Fuck, they've also found that the book series even appeals to those who were way into adulthood when the popularity of books on good ol' fashioned paper began to decline. Along with helping smokers quit mindfully and admiring the amazing 'AF' properties of the next frontier, the series brings writings on being #single: Dating in the 21st Century, as well as the complementary Just the Tip: Sex Tips for Chicks by Gay Dudes. They've got modern 21st-century living covered. To celebrate the series' launch, we're giving away five book sets with all four titles included, so you can get back into the papery-stuff (without forgetting your friends at Concrete Playground, of course) and live your best millennial life. For your chance to win (and give your phone a break), see entry details below. [competition]645082[/competition]
Shut up and take my money: Futurama is continuing its latest return with even more episodes on its way. The animated hit made another comeback this winter, slipping out of stasis to riff on pandemics, vaccines, bitcoin, streaming, cancel culture and life's general chaos. That new stint with the Planet Express team was dubbed season 11, and season 12 was locked in at the same time — but now season 13 and season 14 will officially follow. The Matt Groening-created show about life in the 31st century was in vintage form when it dropped its recent batch of ten episodes, and embraced the fact that anything and everything can and will happen as it always has. When Futurama's return was first announced in 2022, it was for a 20-episode run, which has been doubled with the latest renewal. So, viewers are going back to the future for even longer. Yes, this is good news, everyone! And yes, Futurama will just keep coming back, baby. Streaming Down Under via Disney+, the added seasons will keep audiences saying hello to the 20th-century's Philip J Fry (voiced by Billy West, Spitting Image), distant uncle to Planet Express cargo company Professor Hubert J Farnsworth (also voiced by West), plus the rest of the outfit's crew. That means more antics with one-eyed ship captain Turanga Leela (Katey Sagal, Dead to Me); fellow employees Hermes Conrad (Phil LaMarr, Craig of the Creek), Amy Wong (Lauren Tom, Dragons: The Nine Realms) and Zoidberg (also West); and everyone from self-obsessed starship captain Zapp Brannigan (West again) and his amphibious 4th Lieutenant Kif Kroker (Maurice LaMarche, Rick and Morty) through to scheming corporation owner Mom (Tress MacNeille, The Simpsons). Bender Bending Rodríguez will be causing more mayhem as well, with John DiMaggio, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts also back with the cast when season 11 arrived. When the revival was first announced, that wasn't the case — but it wouldn't be Futurama without its constantly sauced robot exclaiming "bite my shiny metal ass!". You can put a beloved show into suspended animation, but someone is going to thaw it out one day — and more than once, as fans have experienced for decades now. Initially airing from 1999–2003, the futuristic series then returned from 2008–2013, before now being given another run. Hulu, which is behind the return in the US, called this first new comeback season 11 — even though Futurama spans a past seven seasons and four direct-to-DVD movies so far. Season 12 is expected in 2024, with seasons 13 and 14 after that. There's no trailer yet for Futurama's 12th, 13th and 14th seasons, but check out the sneak peek for Futurama season 11 below: Futurama streams Down Under via Disney+, with season 12 expected in 2024, then seasons 13 and 14 after that. Read our review of season 11.
In important news for cocktail connoisseurs and budding mixologists, the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards made its grand return to Melbourne Showgrounds' Victoria Pavilion on Wednesday, October 26, celebrating the country's best-distilled spirits, liqueurs, and aromatics. This year saw an especially tight competition, with more than 200 exhibitors entering a record-breaking 863 entries across 11 categories. Never Never Distilling Co took out the top spot as Champion Australian Distiller — the third consecutive win for the South Australian distillers, making them the first distillery team to do so. Earlier in the evening, Never Never also took home the Best New World/Contemporary Gin award for its Southern Strength Gin. It was also a big night for Victorian distilleries, taking out almost a third of the top gongs. Yack Creek claimed Champion Victorian Distiller for the second time, as well as gaining three gold medals for its amber rum, spiced rum, and wheat whisky. Champion Victorian Gin went to Naught Distilling's Sangiovese Gin — an off-court win for the distillery's founder, former professional basketballer Chris Cameron. Now he's swapped his sneakers for distilling tools he's been racking up the wins — last year he earned trophies for Champion Victorian Gin and New World/Contemporary Gin. Gongs were also handed out for exciting flavour combinations: Mornington Peninsula-based distillery Penni Ave won Best Vodka thanks to its wattle seed and burnt honey combination, while Best Liqueur went to Kilderkin Distillery in Mount Pleasant for its Larrikin Bramble and Apple Pie Liqueur. Melbourne Royal CEO Brad Jenkins said in a statement the awards recognise the "long tradition" of distilling in Australia, and "the emergence of the new generation of spirits". Head on over to the Melbourne Royal website to check out the full list of winners — and stock your bar cart accordingly. Top image: Adam Wilson
This article is part of our series on the 17 most unique things to have come out of Japan. Check out the other 16. More than 200,000 tourists head to Japan’s Aomori prefecture every year to visit its awe-inspiring rice paddy art. Farmers have been cultivating rice in the area for hundreds and hundreds of years, and in the 1990s, a group of archaeologists found out that some of the strains had been growing continuously for more than 2,000 years. To ensure their protection, the tourism board decided that the farmers needed to attract the attention of visitors. So they came up with the idea of turning the paddies into giant artworks. The farmers create their masterpieces by growing rice strains in a variety of natural colours – from Tsugaru Roman, which is green, to Yukiasobi rice, which is white, to Beniasobi rice, which is red. Once they master basic patterns, they become more sophisticated, adding intricate detail to their works. A vast array of images has been depicted, from impressions of famous people like Napoleon and Marilyn Monroe to Japanese gods and demons. They've also recreated renowned paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and Hokusai Katsushika’s ukiyo-e. Visitors are able to see the works from afar as well as join rice farming tours, during which they experience every aspect of traditional rice cultivation, including planting and harvesting.
Finally, furious pub debates have some legs. After months of pitching, analysing and suspiciously eyeing off touring schedules, we can rest easy: the 2014 Splendour in the Grass first lineup announcement is out of its cage. After Outkast leaked their own headlining spot this week, attention turned to the remaining Maybe Pile - with every last artist from Massive Attack to Action Bronson pitched with smug confidence. So who's in? Confirmed as headliners after an awkward leaked post by the duo on the Splendour website, Outkast will be taking out the top spot on the first night. After a seven-year hiatus, Big Boi and Andre 3000 made a triumphant return to the stage recently at Coachella Music and Arts Festival in California. Cailfornian festival favourites Foster The People were a 'Pumped Up Kicks'-loving Splendour crowd favourite in 2011 and will return with more material this year. British trio London Grammar will bring their ethereal trip hop to Byron after their billing last year didn't work out due to timing. Two Door Cinema Club and Lily Allen will return to Australia for their first shows here in over a year. But one of the biggest surprises is the addition of Brooklyn's beloved Interpol, who no one really saw coming. After letting tour plans slip on triple j, Sky Ferreira can now officially confirm her spot on the lineup, returning quite soon after a recent Australian tour. Others who couldn't keep away include Danny Brown, Darkside, Parquet Courts and CHVRCHES, all of whom recently played killer shows around these parts. The Australian contingent (lead by deadset legends Hoodoo Gurus) sees Angus and Julia Stone and Spiderbait return to the stage, as well as RÜFÜS, Vance Joy, The Preatures, Sticky Fingers, The Jezabels, Ball Park Music, Courtney Barnett, DZ Deathrays, Violent Soho and more homegrown favourites sure to prompt All The Singalongs. There's a few wildcards sure to stir significant hype closer to the date, including Icelandic melodic folkster Ásgeir, New York punk rockers Skaters and returning eclectic folk-pop queen tUnE-yArDs. Splendour in the Grass 2014 will take place from Friday July 25 through to Sunday July 27, returning to the festival's new home of North Byron Parklands, Yelgun. Full lineup: Outkast (Only Aus Show) Two Door Cinema Club (Only Aus Show) Lily Allen Interpol (Only Aus Show) Foster The People Angus & Julia Stone City And Colour London Grammar Vance Joy Darkside (Only Aus Show) RÜFÜS Ben Howard Kelis Metronomy Hoodoo Gurus Chvrches (Only Aus Show) Grouplove The Jezabels Tune-Yards 360 Wild Beasts Danny Brown (Only Aus Show) Illy First Aid Kit Violent Soho Ásgeir Spiderbait The 1975 Ball Park Music Art Vs Science Buraka Som Sistema (Only Aus Show) The Preatures Parquet Courts (Only Aus Show) Sticky Fingers Peking Duk Sky Ferreira Future Islands Courtney Barnett Phantogram DZ Deathrays Skaters Gossling Jungle The Strypes Hot Dub Time Machine The Kite String Tangle Ry-X Mikhael Paskalev Wave Racer The Acid Saskwatch Kingswood Circa Waves Broods Dustin Tebbutt The Head And The Heart DMA'S Darren Middleton Little May Darlia D.D Dumbo Tkay Maidza The Creases The Wild Feathers Chrome Sparks Fractures Mas Ysa Nick Mulvey Triple J Unearthed Winners Plus DJs & Producers: Nina Las Vegas Yacht Club DJs Motez Touch Sensitive Indian Summer Wordlife L D R U & Yahtzel DJs Cosmos Midnight Sable Kilter Basenji KLP Fishing DJs Paces Charles Murdoch More information and tickets over here at the Splendour website.
Few suburbs sell the ideals of inner city living as well as Surry Hills. The area has everything you'd expect — top-notch coffee spots, trendy boutiques, buzzing watering holes and eateries for every budget. It's very easy to spend an entire day exploring the area, strolling down the main streets and weaving through the laneways. In fact, there's so much to see and so many shops, restaurants, bars and parks to visit, you may need a helping hand on where to check out first. So, we teamed up with City of Sydney to ask Concrete Playground readers what businesses they love to visit and support in Surry Hills. Here are some of the most popular spots. Read on to discover some of the most popular picks to visit during the day. Then, flick the switch above and we'll dim the lights to show your favourite things to do once the sun goes down.
Anyone who has jumped for bacon-loving joy at the announcement of Cuckoo Callay's Bacon Festival the last three years will surely be stoked with the news that the Newtown cafe is once again celebrating the noble pig in 2018. Kicking off on April 4 and running for 12 weeks, the Newtown and Surry Hills cafes are modifying their menu to showcase their best pieces of pork work. There'll be bacon burgers, bacon French toast and even bacon doughnuts in collaboration with Shortstop Coffee & Donuts. New to the fun is the bacon tasting board, which features streaks of triple-smoked bacon, sticky maple bacon, bourbon-fuelled double-smoked bacon and triple-smoked air-dried bacon — yep, that's a lot of bacon — hanging from a miniature clothes line. And in the good ol' favourite camp, the Mac Daddy is back, with the monstrous mix of double smoked bacon, bacon mac 'n' cheese, a poached egg and fried shallots inside a croissant getting super-sized at Surry Hills May 26. Suffice it to say, the Bacon Festival is not vegetarian friendly. Keep your snouts on the Cuckoo Callay Facebook page for the full menu. Images: Steve Woodburn.
With every venue around offering up a set menu brunch with a tipple, it's easy to forget the longstanding tradition of high tea and champagne. And you'd be missing a trick if you hadn't checked out Sheraton Grand Sydney's offering — it's been a top high tea destination for 25 years. This summer, the hotel has taken its high tea game to the next level with the Royal High Tea. You can step into the palatial Royal Suite and experience sweeping views of Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral and Sydney Harbour — all while sipping fine champagne, of course. It's the newly released Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2012, to be exact, which will be paired with an elegant menu of high tea treats. You'll be feasting on decadent savoury dishes such as tuna tartar, black caviar and creme fraiche; miso-glazed kingfish with pickled daikon and yuzu gel; wagyu carpaccio with horseradish cream and white truffle vinaigrette; and a lobster, scallop and mango salad. Plus, no high tea would be complete without scones with jam and cream, plus other delicate fruity sweets. The fancy fare and champagne will cost you $250 per couple, or you can opt for a bottle of Dom Pérignon for $495 per couple. [caption id="attachment_755934" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Sadarka via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] The Royal High Tea is available on select Sundays, from 12.30pm. Spaces are limited, so head here to book.
The experimental Old 505 Theatre is putting on Freshworks, their "season within a season" that showcases four shows for a limited run each Wednesday through Sunday in April. The four shows are Dining (Uns)-Table, Machine, Macbeth: 9 Scenes Rehearsed and a work-in-progress collaboration from the minds behind the Old 505 Theatre to be performed April 10-13. Dining (Uns)-Table, Cloe Fournier's first major work, examines the effect family has on our psychological wellbeing. It uses dance-theatre to tell the story of a daughter and father and the lasting, damaging effect this relationship had on the daughter. It runs April 2-6. From April 17-20, Eclective Productions' Machine will have its chance to shine. Machine examines the relationship between a 20-something and her guardian angel. A warning to the claustrophobic: this piece takes place entirely within a shower stall. Actors in Macbeth: 9 Scenes Rehearsed utilise the Suzuki Method of acting in their performances. That is, the actors focus on becoming aware of their body, energy and breath while performing. The group has been training in this method for the past 12 months and will perform nine selected scenes from Shakespeare's Macbeth. Scheduled for April 24-27, it will be the last show to run during Freshworks 2014.
