Heaps Decent are celebrating ten years of being just that, with a rare Sydney charity art auction that will have punters shivering in excitement rather than fear. Thirty-four of Australia's established and emerging artists — from typographers to street artists and mural makers — are offering up limited edition works to be sold under the happiest hammer in town at I He(art) Heaps Decent. So pick up a paddle and head down to Surry Hills' Special Group Studios on September 27 to bid on visual treasures by the likes of Amok Island, Daniel Boyd, Gemma O'Brien, and more. Entry is free, but you'll have to RSVP via hey@heapsdecent.com.au. Founded in 2007 by muso legends Diplo, Nina Las Vegas and DJ Levins, the Heaps Decent culture warriors have traversed the country providing art and music workshops to youth in disadvantaged and marginalised communities. All funds raised from the auction will go towards delivering the organisation's upcoming projects. Let's put it this way: it's work worth throwing your pennies at. And if you end up going home with a unique piece of Aussie art, there's not much you can't he(art) about that.
If you've been lusting after this Twisties burger and you live in Sydney's northwest, do we have some news for you. Burger Head, the Penrith-based burger joint responsible for the monstrous creation and some all-round top burgs, has popped up in Beaumont Hills. The temporary eatery is open seven days (for dinner every day and lunch Thursday to Sunday) and will be hanging about for about three months. So you can consider your burger needs for spring more or less taken care of. The same trio who run the Penrith eatery — that's Tim Rosenstrauss (previously of the now-closed Master), Richard Borg (ex-Momofuku) and Joshua DeLuca (ex-Quay) — are overseeing the Beaumont Hills incarnation. They've has a busy 2017, after opening in January, they've also made appearances at Burgapalooza and the Sydney Royal Easter Show. On the menu you'll find all the tasty morsels that've had Penrith salivating, from the cheeseburger (Angus beef patty, onion, pickles, cheese, Burgerhead sauce, mustard mayo) to the Clucker (buttermilk fried chicken thigh, pickled onion, mayo) and — needless to say — the Twisties burger. The pop-up is open 6–9pm Monday to Wednesday and 1130am–2.30pm and 6–9pm Thursday to Sunday.
Local fashion, handmade wares and community vibes aplenty. It's a formula that sounds familiar, though for Enmore's new quarterly pop-up New Form, it's served up a little differently. Billed as "not just another arts and crafts market," New Form aims to be an inclusive hangout space for Sydney's style-savvy culture lovers, delivering a tightly curated mix of design, fashion, music, art and food, all with a local focus. Uniquely, each edition will be helmed by a different creative mind, who'll lend their own expertise and style to the concept. They'll choose the live tunes and art installations, select an exciting lineup of designers to show off their wares and handpick all the other vendors. New Form has also teamed up with folks at The Design Residency, who'll showcase two of their exciting mentee designers at each edition. For its debut outing on Sunday, October 8, the pop-up is heading to a space on Gladstone Road, pulling together labels like Zuku Jewellery, Tuesday Vintage, Carly Rose, Serpent and the Swan, and Studio Coy, along with plenty of other fresh local talent. Food offerings will include Turkish gozleme and Miss Mabel's.
The Makers and Shakers Market will visit Sydney this October, bringing with it the whole kit and caboodle of bespoke ceramics, homewares and jewellery (as well as tasty food to rejuvenate you when you get the oh-no-I-just-spent-all-my-money sweats). Kick things off at 10am with a coffee, spend a few hours browsing, and then chow down on a toastie or a gourmet ice-cream. The market gives space to local makers to sell their handmade wares, with everything from natural perfumes to handmade ceramics to be found. Stallholders this time round include jewellery by And O Design, teas by Tea Angle and doughuts by Donut Papi. For the full lineup, go here. Images: Alana Dimou.
No one needs an extra reason to visit a food truck festival, but this Sydney's offering is serving one up anyway. Head to What the Truck! between December 1 and 3, and you won't just be munching your way through a meals-on-wheels feast. You'll also be helping raise money Livin, an Australian-based charity dedicated to raising awareness for mental health. Tasty bites on offer in the city's west include Dairy Extraordinary's raclette-loving lineup, Muchos Nachos' Mexican bites, Volkwurst's German sausages and Lemon Rose's American meets Middle East eats, as well as Torch Me Crème Brûlée's titular dish, Vege Love's Asian-inspired vegetable concoctions and Gelato Brioche whipping up just what you'd expect. They'll be joined by live music and entertainment from local talents, aka something to watch between meals. The event is being spearheaded by The Daisy Project, who are aiming to put on a high-energy fest that matches their enthusiasm for the cause they're supporting. It all takes place from 5:30pm to 10pm on Friday, 10am to 10pm Saturday and 10am to 9pm Sunday at the Blacktown Showground, with entry costing a gold coin donation.
You love rosé, we love rosé, everyone loves rosé — but like every type of tipple, there's just so many to choose from. Not sure which pink drink takes your fancy? Adored some but haven't been fussed about others? Wish you could try a whole heap and pick your favourite? Or, perhaps you're fond of them all, and you're just eager to indulge. Whichever category you fall into, Rosé Days is for you. Sorry, it's just one day; however it does feature nine whole hours dedicated to the vino in question. Around 20 Australian and international winemakers, distilleries and even breweries will come together to celebrate the best in not-quite-red-coloured wines, offering up tastings aplenty. There'll also be rosé gummy bears, raspberry beer, wild rose vermouth and rosé cider. In addition, attendees can enjoy rosé-themed food from the likes of Three Blue Ducks, Kingsmore and Frenchies; entertainment to get your cheeks nice and rosy, such as indoor pétanque; cooking masterclasses and a dedicated rosé chill-out space. It all takes place from 10am on November 4 in the most appropriate suburb for it: Rosebery. Head to The Cannery for some pink-hued fun, with tickets $22.50 in advance or $25 on the day.
Last year, Newtown Festival brought thousands to the streets in celebration of the inner west's weird and wonderful culture. The festival returns to Camperdown Memorial Rest Park for its 39th year on Sunday, November 12 with the theme Home is Where the Heart is. This year, the expected entry donation will be $5, which will go directly to social change leaders, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. You're free to donate more, of course — if you hand over a tenner, you'll get a free Newtown Festival water bottle. There'll be food stalls, markets, art — many, many dogs — and performers, including 16 local music acts picked by Aussie music legend and Newtown local Sarah Blasko, as well as La Toosh Tram & Stage's 'old-world' circus performers. Belt tunes to your heart's content with Heaps Gay's Closet Karaoke, and watch the best doggos win awards in the doggie dash and celebrity look-alike contest. A collective of Newtown's incredible food offerings under the name Newtown Locals will nourish you with an Australian barbecue for the day, including Bloodwood, Hartsyard, Fleetwood Macchiato. N2 Gelato, Young Henrys, Stinking Bishops and Mary's among numerous others. The Writer's Tent in partnership with Better Read Than Dead returns, hosting talks and seminars from a broad selection of Australian writers, including the team from The Betoota Advocate, Felicity Castagna and Jaclyn Moriarty. You'll also be able to take part in a Cornersmith pickling workshop.
Just try not to gaze longingly into the shimmering azure sea seen in Roza of Smyrna. Sorry, it's impossible. The film has been called a Greco-Turkish Romeo and Juliet, and its blend of scenic sights and romantic drama is a great fit for the Greek Film Festival's 2017 opening night. While you're watching, you'll fall in love with the story and the picturesque region. With the fest taking over Palace Norton Street from October 10 to 22, that's just one of the titles on offer in a rather sizeable program. Other highlights include The Killing of a Sacred Deer, the Colin Farrell-starring latest from The Lobster director Yorgos Lanthimos (and one of our MIFF standouts); The Bachelor, which has been dubbed the Hellenic version of The Hangover; and Dogs of Democracy, which aims to be an Athens-set, canine-centric version of cat doco Kedi. From Greece's candidate for next year's Oscars to a musical road film about Southern Europe's migrant situation, the flicks just keep coming, including a short film fest within the main fest. It's the festival's 24th year, and they're making the most of it. We'd smash some plates in celebration of that.
Since launching in October 2016, social campaign Proudly Pokies Free has been drawing attention to the effects of poker machines while simultaneously celebrating the venues that have ditched them. The next shindig on the calendar is BLOW-UP, an epic afternoon and evening of free live music, happening at The Lansdowne Hotel on Sunday, September 10. The event will take over both levels of the pub from 2am till midnight and is an official stop on the King Street Crawl. Leading the program are Ribongia and Clypso, both Sydney-based electronic acts with a penchant for tropical grooves, as well as Ziggy Ramo, a hip-hop artist and activist from Perth. You'll also be hearing from Bad Deep DJs, Ariane, Mike Who, Flex Mami, Nes and Anno (Love Bombs). And you won't have to worry about hearing any annoying beeps or whirs or jangly music in the background.
For one night only, Raising the Bar brings the classroom to the bar to encourage people to unlearn the old and to explore ideas consolidated by new research. In 10 bars across Sydney, 20 academics from the University of Sydney will delve into topics as diverse as body clocks, gambling, refugees, Taylor Swift and the Mediterranean diet. The hugely-popular pub talks are held yearly in New York, Hong Kong, London and, for the third year running, Sydney. Raising the Bar was initiated by scholars from Columbia and New York Universities with the underlying aim of introducing newly discovered research to the public, in a non-academic environment. Topics this year include a discussion on the usefulness of FitBits, a plunge into the link between Internet memes and US politics, and an exploration of the possibilities of using robots to help us deal with social and environmental change. Check the website to book your free ticket and further info on all talks. But get in soon — these talks will fill up super fast.
Abstract sculpture fans will want to wander through Remnants, Luke Storrier's latest exhibition of new sculptures opening at OLSEN SYDNEY this month. An artist that draws inspiration from the outback and 'the shapes that nature provides', Storrier often partners natural materials like feathers, rocks, dirt and bones with concrete, wire and steel, allowing them to inform the work and inject flow and 'majesty' into otherwise lifeless materials. Professing to find the process of the medium deeply cathartic, this new show continues Storrier's exploration of solitude and isolation (echoing the remoteness of the outback he finds so creatively sustaining), alongside themes of brokenness and repair. "The abstract process of wrapping, binding and wrangling a collection of detritus reveals the beauty inherent in the act of repair and gives way to an unexpected visual language." Storrier's work is starkly beautiful, with an ability to somehow convey both energetic, light movement and weighted stillness. Haven't seen his stuff before? Australian painter Mclean Edwards summarises his style as such: "If Anselm Kiefer and Cy Twombly had a naughty child it would be Luke Storrier." Maybe go along yourself and see how accurate that feels. Image: Luke Storrier, Remnant 9 (2017), concrete, wire, calico, gesso.
On September 7, the Sydney Contemporary makes its return for 2017, and across the course of the opening evening, you'll be immersed in pure artistic talent. Performance Contemporary, curated by Emma Price, will warm Sydney Contemporary into Carriageworks, featuring artists Rebecca Conroy, Hayden Fowler, The Huxleys, Caroline Garcia, Garth Knight, Claudia Nicholson and Justene Williams. You'll experience intricate design, savage performance, comedy and virtual reality in this hugely varied selection of performances. Music talent curated by Vice sees three Sydney artists, Ginger and the Ghost, Marcus Whale and Mossy, performing across the night. and you can rest assured, that the kick-off celebration will continue into the night. The party doesn't have to end after leaving Carriageworks. Wander across to any (or all) of the after parties in Redfern for even more arty good times at 107 Projects, Arcadia Liquors, The Dock and The Bearded Tit, all sponsored by us, so you know you'll have a good time capping off a truly sublime night. Also, we've secured a 20% discount on opening night for our readers, so make sure you enter 'CONCRETE' when you get your tickets. And, if you're still up for a party after opening night, you'll want to check out Sydney Contemporary's Night Cap series hosted at The Old Clare on Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays, with each event bringing a different curated night of arty debauchery.
Fans of Kathryn Bigelow's Oscar-winning war drama The Hurt Locker will recall that one of the film's most tense and thrilling sequences involved a lone enemy sniper laying waste to a group of US troops and UK mercenaries deep in the Iraqi desert. Pinned down in the blazing heat with little more than rubble for cover, the fear, confusion and discomfort of the men coming under fire was made all the more nail-biting courtesy of a near-silent soundtrack interrupted only by the 'hiss' and 'thwack' of bullets either missing or finding their mark. If that sequence felt somehow rushed or underplayed to you, however, then Doug Liman's latest film The Wall is every bit the fix you're looking for, since it's a movie that stretches that scenario to feature length. The setup is fantastic: six bodies – contractors, engineers and security personnel – all lie dead and scattered around an oil pipeline construction site, whilst way up in the hills a two-man American sniper team (John Cena and Aaron Taylor-Johnson) scans for any sign of the enemy. After 20-something hours of incident-free observation, they declare the site clear and march on down to make the final call in person, whereupon the enemy sniper reveals he's very much still in the picture and cripples both men with a series of sudden and devastating body-shots. As one of the soldiers lies exposed and bleeding, the other scrambles to find cover behind the tiniest, flimsiest shale wall. It's here that the remainder of the movie takes place. Without giving too much away, this is very much Taylor-Johnson's film, for it's he who occupies the vast majority of screen time, turning in an impressively physical and committed performance. You can't help but grit your teeth and squint in sympathy as he endures excruciating pain and the non-stop swirling of dust. Indeed, the immersive nature of the desert setting is one of the film's greatest strengths, evoking such a dry, overbearing heat that you feel compelled to rehydrate throughout. Where The Wall goes awry is when the enemy sniper begins taunting Taylor-Johnson's character over his radio, at which point some hackneyed horror-style lines ("We're not so different, you and I") begin to rear their head. Quoting Robert Frost and Edgar Allan Poe, and pontificating on the hypocrisies of American militarism, the unnamed gunman's dialogue feels like an attempt to bring an unnecessary extra layer of menace to what's already a fine and gripping story. It'd be like taking the shark from The Shallows and having it lecture Blake Lively on the inequities of big game fishing. The threat is already there, you don't need anything more. Even so, like The Shallows, The Wall achieves a lot with very little. Full credit to Liman and company, who have crafted a single-setting, single-actor showcase that proves you don't need a $200 million budget to tell a powerful and engaging war story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyCuUr2_hmA
We love a good rooftop bar, but the thought of heading down to a breezy outdoor venue in the middle of winter is not something that easily gets us off the couch. Thankfully, the East Village Hotel is providing us with a dream winter option, having transformed their rooftop terrace into a cosy, northern hemisphere-style winter garden. Inspired by owner Locky Paech's experience of European winter markets in Berlin and Prague, the Darlinghurst pub will be doling out hot European eats, the toastiest of heaters, snowflake-print blankets and literally thousands of fairy lights to make you forget about the grim situation around you. Assuredly, hot alcoholic drinks are involved — cognac hot toddies, warm mead and mulled wine are all on the menu. The limited-time Winter Escape menu features soul-warming delicacies such as honey-glazed ham with spiced pear chutney, bratwurst, currywurst and beef bourguignon. The decked-out rooftop will be open throughout winter — it's a pretty ideal place to thaw out with a savoury pretzel.
Residents of Sydney's inner west are in for a treat (again). In a move that gives local street artists a legal blank canvas, and property owners a say in what ends up on their walls, brand new street artworks have popped up all over the area. It's all part of an annual council initiative called Perfect Match (running August 4 to 6) that pairs artists with residents and business owners to transform once-boring walls (the kind that tend to lure in spray can-toting taggers) into works of art. Owners were matched with artists and collaborated to commission the works. If you've been wandering the streets of the inner west in the past week, you might have stumbled upon them mid-painting. If not, the council has organised a series of tours (by bike, bus, train or foot) over the weekend, showcasing the work. Alternatively, just download the Perfect Match program and map and take to the pavement — or stop by for a chat and a beverage at a meet the artists session. It's all a proudly local, site-specific way to pretty up our streets. What a way to play Cupid. Image: Askiew, Elixir Photography/Perfect Match.
End-of-year markets are always excellent for those of us who tend to leave gift purchasing until the last minute — and, thankfully, Etsy is setting up their markets all over Australia in the last weekend of November. Etsy Made Local is a grassroots initiative that celebrates crafters, collectors and artisans in local communities, and provides them with the opportunity to sell their creations both online and in a physical space. So whether you're on the hunt for handmade wares or vintage goods, these guys have got you covered. The markets will be held in 11 places around Australia, including Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Melbourne, Gippsland, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart. Because each market focuses on the best local talent, each market will be filled with different stallholders and unique creations. Supporting creative small businesses and scoring a killer Christmas gift is a win for everyone involved, so head to the Brewery Yard Markets on November 25 and get your festive shopping done early, for once.
Slinging fast-paced rhymes with a feisty attitude to match, Patricia Dombrowski (Danielle Macdonald) isn't naively chasing fame in Patti Cake$. With "mylifesfuckinawesome" one of her spirited rap anthems penned under the stage name of Killa P, she's certain that her music dreams will come true. The fact that she's stuck in New Jersey stringing together dead-end jobs to take care of her boozing mother (Bridget Everett) and ailing grandmother (Cathy Moriarty) might make it seem like her confidence is misplaced. But Patti's determination is as big as her smile. As quick as you can say "gender-swapped 8 Mile", Patti Cake$ takes its eager protagonist down the expected path, with her working-class background and plus-size shape thrown in as roadblocks. She's also got the requisite support from her old pal Jheri (Siddharth Dhananjay), as well as a new friend and collaborator in anti-establishment punk Basterd (Mamoudou Athie). They're soon laying down tunes, fighting for attention and eventually catching a few lucky breaks. It's all a bit predictable, but what this first feature from writer-director Geremy Jasper lacks in surprises, it makes up for in detail, heart and a stellar lead performance. With Jasper himself a Jersey native chasing dreams of his own, Patti Cake$ is filled with the kind of specificity that can only be plucked from real life. As a result, it has more than a few tricks up its sleeves. Audiences may be tempted to judge the movie prematurely due to its familiar narrative and slick-meets-gritty aesthetic. And yet, as the characters who underestimate Patti discover, there's a difference between appearances and reality. Just as there's more to Macdonald's protagonist than cruel nicknames like "Dumbo" and "white Precious", there's more to the film as well. Lurking within this standard underdog story is a clear-eyed portrait of small-town existence — from the sense of restlessness evident at every turn, to the need to seek escape by belting out tunes or taking to the bottle, to the distinct blend of hip hop and white working-class subcultures. Whenever the formula kicks in, the sights and sounds of Patti's mundane life don't quite counteract the obviousness of the plot, but they do give the film's feel-good trajectory weight and authenticity. There's bleak truth and an almost documentary-like spirit that accompanies every convenient twist and turn. Accordingly, when the big, crowd-pleasing moments come, the emotion that swells with them feels well and truly earned. The same can be said of Macdonald's efforts, with the Aussie actress dazzling in a way that would make her on-screen alter ego both proud and jealous. In her hands, Patti relishes the highs she has toiled for with the knowing smile of someone who has weathered the lows, and remains well aware that fantasies don't really come true overnight. It's a star-making turn in a movie that's all about chasing star-making chances, and it comes with excellent support from Everett and Moriarty. All that plus a catchy soundtrack will have your toes tapping even if Killa P's beats aren't your usual jam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLUqLITumZA
Spend a day immersed in Aboriginal culture and wander around Sydney's Barangaroo Reserve at the next edition of Blak Markets. The festival will take over the Stargazer's Lawn on Sunday, September 24 from 10am till 4pm, showcasing artists with over 20 stalls Blak Markets will feature performances from triple j unearthed artist Rebecca Hatch, and dance workshops hosted by the Ngaran Ngaran traditional dancers. Keep an eye out for The Black Olive's (Mark Olive) Bush Tucker cooking class too. Blak Markets is a project of First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation. With the help of the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, Aboriginal artists come together to celebrate their culture and 100 percent of profits go to Aboriginal communities.
Ain't no party like a taco party because tacos are bloody delicious. This Saturday, Surry Hills vegan Mexican joint Bad Hombres is teaming up with DJ Levins for a spicy celebration of "snacks and dancefloor action". From 5pm until midnight, the restaurant – which ditched all animal products earlier this year – will be transformed into a nightclub, with Levins banging out a genre-hopping playlist all evening long. In addition to the tunes, tickets get you access to an all-you-can-eat menu featuring cauliflower tacos, spring vegetable tostadas, stewed black beans, and tortilla chips with guacamole, plus a whole lot more. Drinks will also be available to purchase on the night – think Mexican lagers, Australian natural wines and a whole heap of margaritas.
Look, it was only a matter of time before this happened. Following on from the success of similar places in New York and Amsterdam, Australia's first avocado pop-up cafe is coming to Sydney. And it'll be avocado everything, seven days a week. Don't act surprised — we created this monster. The pop-up — named Good Fat, because everyone knows that's the best health benefit/justification for eating copious amounts of avo smash — will opens its doors on November 2 in Surry Hills with about 20 items on the menu that incorporate avocado. Sydneysiders will be able to indulge in creations such as the avocado breakfast skin (an avocado smoothie bowl served in its own skin) and a Cornetto-inspired avo ice cream cone. If you haven't already twigged, the whole thing is a promo for Australian Avocados, a non-profit representative body for the Australian avocado industry. But even so, avocados are a brand we're happy to support with our love and money. If you feel the same, the pop-up will be open will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner until November 30 and all dishes will be under $20.
Drones: if filmmakers aren't deploying them to capture bird's-eye sights, they're making thrillers about their use and impact. Expect plenty of the former at Drone Film Festival Australia + New Zealand, as lofty visuals get their time to shine — and swoop, soar, float, glide and more. Touring Australia throughout September and October, the fest showcases 36 unique short drone films, stories and documentaries from around the world, including those made by filmmakers, production companies and everyday drone hobby enthusiasts. It's the kind of cinematic package those not so fond of heights mightn't be eager to see, so consider yourself warned. For the rest of us, however, it's a chance to look at the world from a whole new vantage. Last year's highlights included superhero-like tales, jaunts through natural and urban spaces, and even a beer odyssey, as filmmaking took to the skies thanks to the latest unmanned aerial technology. Expect a whole new crop when the festival comes to Dendy Newtown on October 3 for a one-night-only stopover.
Like food, wine and good conversation? You'll find all three at Rootstock Sydney when it returns to Carriageworks this November. One of the largest events of its kind anywhere in Australia, this annual celebration of artisan food and wine will once again bring together top farmers, chefs, producers and winemakers with hungry, thirsty members of the public. It all goes down on the last weekend of November. Some of the chefs expected to take part include Kylie Kwong (Billy Kwong), Monty Koludrovic (Icebergs Dining Room and Bar) and David Moyle (LongSong). As always, there'll also be a focus on sustainable food practices – in fact they've even gone so far as to launch the Rootstock Collective Kitchen, "a sustainable kitchen designed to run with a minimal impact on the environment". "This year the food will evolve throughout the day," says co-founder Giorgio De Maria. "We're collaborating with chefs from across the country with very different styles and we're incorporating indigenous foods which naturally flows on from the event's focus on sustainability." On top of all the eating and drinking you'll be doing, there'll also be ample opportunity to feed your brain. Rootstock Sydney 2017 will feature talks by producers, chefs, educators and more. No more two minute noodle dinners for us!
Walking the delicate line between memory and dream, Lally Katz returns to Belvoir with a play about rediscovering her childhood...before it turns into Atlantis. Lally Katz always thought she'd wait till she was older to return to her childhood home in Miami. Having migrated to Canberra when she was still quite young, her memories of the place were precious and she wanted to protect them from the sagging disappointment that dogs us into adulthood. But with rising seas threatening to swallow the city in coming years and a meeting with a taxi driver who believed the lost city of Atlantis was coming to reclaim humanity, Katz thought it was now or never. What follows is a joyful and surreal account of the return to Miami. Five actors juggle a massive cast of characters from several different periods in Katz's life. As is typical of Katz's work, fantasy and autobiography have a quick chat before joining forces to create something altogether better. Atlantis is a wide-eyed, chaotic jaunt through a city that is no less vibrant for the creeping tide.
Drink some cracking beer as you bust a gut with Comedy and Cans at The Bank Hotel. The Newtown pub will be showcasing a handful of hilarious comedians alongside a beer list featuring some of the best tinnies around thanks to Waywards. Headliners are Nick Sun and Ben Russell, supported by Ben Lonas, Billy D'arcy and Jamal Abdul. There's nothing worse than a night in beer-covered clothes, so just make sure you keep that drink steady as you piss yourself with laughter.
Firedoor's owner and head chef Lennox Hastie is right in his element with this one. He's assembled a weekly Sunday brunch inspired by the region of Spain that first fuelled his love for cooking with fire: Basque Country. Brunch will be served like pintxos: small snacks and finger foods from an arrangement of food platters. There'll be wood-baked eggs with chorizo, ash-baked potato tortilla, grilled peppers, jamón, roast meats, whole grilled fish, shellfish from the live tanks and wood-fired flan for dessert. You'll be able to order à la carte and from a chef's menu. Drinks, also Basque-inspired, will include grilled tomato bloody marys, breakfast martinis, txakoli (slightly sparkling, Spanish wine) and vermouth. It's highly recommended you book for this — you can do this through the website. Images: Nikki To.
There's a gazillion reasons to swing by Manly during the Australian Open of Surfing, be it world-class surfers and skaters, free outdoor concerts headlined by Hermitude or, if you're more concerned with eating and drinking, the Beach Club Pop-Up. For nine days during the beachside event, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel will be jumping across the harbour to bring you free yoga lessons, $1 oyster hours, live art, acoustic sessions, film nights, DJs and piles of fresh summery surf-friendly food. On the lunch and dinner menu are poké (of both the salmon and veggie varieties), fish and chips battered with Manly's own 4 Pines beer, coconut-battered fish tacos and chicken skewers with a crunchy coconut shallot salad and pineapple chilli salsa. Breakfast — available on Saturdays and Sundays only — will be bringing you brekkie bowls, granola and smashed avo with pea sprouts and feta on sourdough. To make sure you dig into your food in comfort, the Hotel will be setting up a selection of its signature furniture. Think blue and white-striped umbrellas and cosy lounges. Entry is free. The Beach Club pop-up will be open from 11am till 10pm on weekdays and 9am till 10pm on weekends.
Every Monday, Salt Meats Cheese Broadway serves up slices upon slices of pizza for its weekly all-you-can-eat night. It's a time when gluttony isn't a sin — but if you're vegan, you might've been holding back. Fancy as much pizza as you can handle, but without any animal products? Then mark Tuesday, June 19 in your diary. From 5pm, SMC will serve up unlimited vegan slices for $20. The only catch is that you'll have to buy a drink as well, but you can choose from both booze and non-alcoholic options. As for the pizza lineup, patrons can choose from six varieties, all of which come topped with not-zzarella cheese. Pizzas include the margherita, eggplant with basil salsa, and roasted potato with garlic and rosemary. Or, opt for the vegetariana, which combines tomato, zucchini, eggplant and roasted red capsicum — or a slice of truffle and mushroom.
Indulgence is an entire weekend dedicated to chocolate, and sometimes, that happens outside your own lounge room. Sydney's two-day chocolate extravaganza, the Smooth Festival of Chocolate, returns for 2018, bringing together countless artisan chocolatiers, pastry chefs and ice creameries for a celebration of all things chocolate. But this year it's going to be a little different. Firstly, the festival is moving from Circular Quay to Sydney Olympic Park; secondly, it will be ticketed. The good part about that is that you won't be jostling for treats with an infinite number of chocolate lovers, and you'll automatically get access to all the exhibitors, cooking demonstrations and entertainment on the day. Local favourites Black Star Pastry, The Peanut Butter Bar and Knafeh will be serving up their best, while multiple bars and wine sampling stations will keep you buzzing. Wine Selectors will even be teaching punters how to match their choccies with vino. One-day tickets are $23 and, for every one sold, the festival will donate two meals to OzHarvest. Expect a sweet weekend of decadence Willy Wonka himself would approve of.
French, Spanish, German, American, Japanese: Australia has no shortage of film festivals categorised by country. But what about the stories of those with no nation at all? Lighting up screens for the second year as part of Refugee Week, the films in the Refugee Film Festival will explore the trials and tribulations of people fleeing persecution and war. The festival will be held at Dendy Opera Quays from June 21 to 24.Standout titles include Hope Road, which chronicles the efforts of a Sydney-based Sudanese refugee to raise funds to build a school in his village; Stop the Boats, about the slogan used to condemn those seeking asylum in Australia; and Human Flow, Ai Weiwei's immensely moving portrait of the global refugee crisis. Cinephiles outside of Sydney and Melbourne can also put their hand up to host a screening themselves. For more information on how to make that happen, as well as the full festival program, go here.
On an international tour in 2009, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was asked to sing with Sting on a French television program. The song: The Police's 'Every Breath You Take'. As seen in archival footage in the documentary Gurrumul, Sting jokes around and makes clumsy comments about how strange it is to croon the tune with the Indigenous musician, given that the Australian has been blind since birth. The mood is as awkward as anyone would expect, but Yunupingu, when he's not singing, mostly stays silent. Nor does he react to the track's famous line, "I'll be watching you". In fact, before learning the words for the performance, he wasn't familiar with the 1983 hit and didn't even know who Sting was. Yunupingu remains a consummate professional throughout this encounter. Ultimately it's his music — often sung in the Gumatj, Galpu and Djambarrpuyngu languages of his Elcho Island home off the coast of Arnhem Land — that matters to him, not the circus that comes with it. In a documentary filled with moving moments, this segment with Sting speaks volumes. It's not the most mesmerising part of this exceptional and essential picture, which explores Yunupingu's life, work and legacy. It won't move audiences to tears like his tunes, and it won't incite cheers like his concerts. Rather, the scene encapsulates the everyday essence of a quiet talent with a powerful voice, while also outlining his approach to his career, in stark contrast with the industry around him. Make no mistake: as this thoroughly fascinating film makes plain, the late artist was a musician and a man utterly unlike anyone else. Making his first feature, director Paul Damien Williams charts Yunupingu's days from childhood to his passing, painting a captivating portrait of one of the nation's undisputed icons. Thanks to the wealth of materials at the filmmaker's disposal, Gurrumul watches a charming toddler grow up to become a reluctant star — although it doesn't journey from Yunupingu's birth to his death in a linear fashion. It's also a globe-trotting road trip, accompanying the artist as his career takes him well beyond the Northern Territory. All of the requisite details are accounted for, including the singer's early days in Yothu Yindi and Saltwater Band, his wariness about pursuing music solo, and the fame that echoed as loudly as his astonishing tenor. Any filmmaker could amass this kind of biography, however Williams' skill is that he doesn't craft an easy ode, but truly endeavours to understand the man at the centre of his movie. Sometimes, the documentary is happy to simply sit and watch as Yunupingu does what he does best: sing and play, his voice ringing out over the top of his own guitar or even paired with an orchestra. Sometimes, it delves deep into his clearly reclusive nature, whether he's keeping mum in interviews, preferring to stay at home, or failing to show up at the airport for what would've been a career-defining trip to America. What detail doesn't spring from Yunupingu's music and actions instead comes from those around him. His aunt Susan Dhangal Gurruwiwi provides personal stories, while producer and collaborator Michael Hohnen expands upon their work together, as well as their close bond. The end result is a dense and insightful documentary modelled in Yunupingu's image, proving as beautiful, intimate, layered and revelatory as the artist's remarkable songs. Unsurprisingly, one specific topic hangs over the film. It isn't discussed on-screen, but the documentary commences with two sorrowful messages. Firstly, it advises that the movie was approved by Yunupingu just three days before his passing in July 2017. Secondly, the movie explains that Yolgnu elders have lifted the usual ban that follows death in their culture, which dictates that the name and image of the deceased should no longer be used. Both serve as an important statement about the doco and Yunupingu, indicating the care that is evident in every frame, the reverence with which he's held by his own community, and the fact that the film forms a welcome part of Yunupingu's body of work. The musician's final album, the just-released chart-topper Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow), might be his last recording, but Gurrumul is also one of his final gifts. A heartfelt, affectionate and admiring celebration of Yunupingu's success completely on his own terms, it's not a cinematic eulogy but rather a rare and haunting glimpse at one of the country's most significant music talents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXa3gw3g4C4
If you're of an age to remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats because you will seriously enjoy this shindig — yep, it's another So Fresh Party. After rocking the '00s once already, the nostalgic party to end all nostalgic parties is returning on April 27 at the Hudson Ballroom in the CBD. This time they're calling it The Last So Fresh Party, but whether this is your final chance to step back in time or not, they'll be playing bangers strictly of the 2000-2009 vintage. You can expect a disturbing percentage of Channel 10 alums (Australian Idol winners/losers and ex-Neighbours actors) as well as way too much Nickelback for polite company. Also, just throwing this out there: we're desperately hoping for a timely comeback of the Duff sisters duet 'Our Lips Are Sealed.' Tickets will set you back $16.83 and of course it's obviously 18 and over, because if you're under 18 you definitely don't know what So Fresh is. Or CDs, probably.
If Leslie Knope has taught us anything — and, the former Deputy Director of Pawnee, Indiana's Parks and Recreation Department turned City Councillor has taught us many, many, things — it's that Galentine's Day is the best day of the year. That'd be February 13, an occasion dedicated to celebrating female friendships. Yes, it's a date worth firing up a few waffle irons for and kicking it breakfast-style. This year, Made by the Hill is doing just that at their Parks and Recreation trivia night. It's bound to be just as great as every affectionate name Leslie has ever called Ann Perkins ("beautiful tropical fish" and "poetic noble land mermaid" are just two of them). And, just as exciting as the time Leslie met Joe Biden, or when Ben Wyatt invented The Cones of Dunshire, or any occasion where Ron Swanson drank Lagavulin whisky. April Ludgate would either stand in the corner and glare, or try to convince you that she's a witch, while Donna Meagle would probably be too busy live-tweeting the Death Canoe film series. If you know all of the above like you know that breakfast food is the best kind of food, then you'd better show your love for one of the best sitcoms ever made — while eating waffles, of course. Taking place from 6.30pm, "In Full Bloom" waffles will be on the menu, topped with fresh banana, raspberry, blueberries, maple syrup and Persian fairy floss. Entry is free, but devouring Leslie's favourite food will cost you $10.90. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgAOcNNMPKI
Every Saturday until March (which, by the way, there are only two left), dig into Mexican-inspired eats accompanied by a welcome cocktail from Patrón and free-flowing bubbles. Gather your food amigos, because Double Bay eatery Mrs Sippy has teamed up with the tequila kings for a bottomless brunch with a twist of Mexican luxury. For $100 (or roughly the going rate of an avocado) brunchers will receive a welcome Patrón cocktail designed by the restaurant while they settle in for a five-course Mexican-inspired feast. Be sure to wear your stretchy pants, because for two hours, chefs will serve delicious, flavoursome numbers like platters of soft shell tacos piled with pulled pork, grilled corn and pico de gallo and garlic chicken pizza heaped with a trifecta of capsicum shades and fresh coriander — plus there'll be gluten-free and vegetarian options available. As you dig into the Mexi-influenced delights, your glass will be topped up with free-flowing brut or rosé sparkling for the full two hours. And if you want to sample the full cocktail menu, there are also Patrón XO Cafe espresso martinis and fresh citrus Palomas available to order in addition to the Tommy's Margarita. This luxe brunch takes place Saturday, February 17 and 24 from 11am–4pm, and it's expected to book up quickly, so reserve a spot ASAP here. If you can't make the brunch, never fear. Patrón has brought a slice of lush Mexicana to Mrs Sippy in the form of exclusive cocktails and décor for the entire month of February.
Sydney's Bedrock Collective is throwing its third and biggest long weekend event featuring bands, DJs, VJs, performance artists, local designers and visual artists. Bedrock's founders Madeleine Mallis, Genevieve French and Claire Simpson have long been disappointed by the absence of female musicians on gig lineups and in gallery spaces. But rather than accept this dismal reality, they decided to be the change themselves, with their events promising at least a 60 percent quota of female artists or gender non-conforming individuals and musicians. "Bedrock is about giving exposure to unheard of and deserving artists in Sydney, creating artistic collaboration and holding bold and stimulating events in innovative performance spaces," says Claire. "We want people to come to these events and be surprised by the music and art on offer, and walk away with a new found love for a passionate artistic community." Head to Stirrup Gallery, 142 Addison Road Marrickville from 6pm on Friday and Saturday, February 17, and all day Sunday, February 18, for your fill of wine, watercolours, and bangers that'll make you say 'tune'. Tickets are $10 on the door.
If you like your photography fun, feathered and furry, you should definitely make a beeline for contemporary photographer Gerwyn Davies' new solo show FUR at ACP this month. The Darwin-born, Brisbane-based artist is known for his playful, intoxicatingly colourful penchant for elevating the everyday to the hyper-real. Inspired by American gothic fiction, AFL and primary-coloured plastics (think a Porpoise Spit pool party meets a sugar-filled $2 store stationary binge) Davies says: "Combining photographic self-portraiture and costume making, my work is an ongoing inventory of selves that are assembled, worn and performed for the camera." FUR promises to both visually delight and to joyfully expand the possibilities of photographic self-representation. Hot tip: Davies has a residency in the Project Space Gallery February 19–23 during the build up to Mardi Gras, so if you want some fabulous, stop-traffic costume ideas (and tips on how to best make them), you're welcome to pay him a visit. Image: Gerwyn-Davies, Narcissus, 2017.
Sydneysiders, your love of day parties is about to get massively rewarded. Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter, the DJ duo behind New York's Mister Saturday Night parties and record label, is bringing its famed daytime dance party to our city. Mister Sunday is all about good vibes, cool people and, most importantly, solid tunes. It will all go down starting at 1pm on Sunday, February 25, when they'll set up a four-point sound system at a secret outdoor location in the inner city. This is only the second time the party has left New York City in ten years — with the last time being London back in 2015 — so we can count ourselves very, very lucky. They'll be rocking the day just like they do back in Brooklyn, with a little help from local partners Astral People and beloved winemakers Cake Wines, along with eats by Eat Art Truck — so you can expect the bar to be well stocked and the food to be top-notch. Apart from the dance floor, where Eamon and Justin will run the DJ booth, there will be plenty of space to relax with drink in hand. Tickets are on sale now and go for $45 a pop. Before you rock up, make sure you go through the 12 house rules — which include no cameras, phones or smoking on the dance floor and no song requests/distracting the DJs at work. Basically, they're in place to make sure everyone has a good time, respects one another and is really there to dance, not just to Instagram other people dancing.
At Cake Wines' latest excuse for a cheeky vino or several, three misconceptions are in the spotlight. The first two relate to their tipple of choice for the evening, dispelling the ideas that all Rieslings taste the same and that all Rieslings are sweet. The third? It's one we've all become accustomed to, even if we haven't thought about it in-depth: that jazz is the only appropriate wine-drinking soundtrack. Calling their February 24 shindig Riesling & RnB, that's just what they'll be serving up. Attendees can expect a particular white varietal in all of its guises, and rhythm and blues tunes spun by DJs Shantan and Phat Controlla. And, while you're sipping and listening to RnB beats, sommelier Samantha Payne and Cakes Wines' Glen Cassidy will talk through the ins and outs of Riesling — including sparkling versions. Taking place at Cake Wines Cellar Door, the fun kicks off at 6pm, with tickets costing $30. Wine is included in the price, with additional drinks available to purchase. And, with demonstrating the natural relationship between wine, food and music also on the agenda, you'll be able to buy bites to eat as well.
Get your fill of the best vegan food in town at the Vegan Day Out. Come March 10 and 11, The Cruelty Free Shop is putting together a walking tour of vegan cafes, restaurants and retailers, many of which will be offering discounts, deals and free samples to anyone who stops by. For Saturday and Sunday, socially conscious eaters can stop by The Cruelty Free Shop on Glebe Point Road, and grab a map outlining their route. From there, it's all about making your way to to plant-based delights aplenty — and making a day (or two) of it. Whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool vegan or just curious to give it a go, you'll find a whole world of retailers catering to animal-free eating, offering meal deals, two-for-ones, coffee, wine tastings and savings on vegan groceries. The Cruelty Free Shop will also be running its own tastings throughout the day, as well as offering discounts on some of its 3000+ products.
One moment Dominika Egorova (Jennifer Lawrence) is the pride of Russia. The next, she's being bundled off to "whore school". They're her words, all but spat at the shady uncle (Matthias Schoenaerts) responsible, and they say plenty about Red Sparrow. She's a Bolshoi prima ballerina cut down in her prime by envious colleagues, he's a high-ranking honcho with one of the country's intelligence agencies, and their entire relationship consists of him exerting power over her with a lecherous glint in his eye and no qualms about resorting to violence. Unfortunately, this muddled and murky film is all too happy to follow his lead. With her dancing dreams dashed and the her mother's (Joely Richardson) health insurance under threat, Dominika has little choice but to take her uncle's career advice. After agreeing to meet a suspected traitor and bearing witness to his assassination, her only option is to become a 'Sparrow' — a highly trained spy enlisted to seduce and manipulate using everything at her disposal. When she's subsequently put into the field to procure the name of a Russian mole from an American CIA agent (Joel Edgerton), our heroine is quickly forced to give her new skills a workout. Thanks to Lawrence's typically committed and uncompromising performance, Dominika possesses an indefatigable air and quite the formidable stare. But Red Sparrow isn't an ass-kicking female-driven flick in the vein of Atomic Blonde, Haywire or La Femme Nikita, or even the action spin on Black Swan that it nods to in its name. Nor is it a pulpy revenge story, an icy espionage thriller or a rousing tale of a victimised woman using her feminine wiles not only to survive, but to bring down the system that's stacked against her. Based on a novel by retired CIA operative Jason Matthews and directed by three-time Hunger Games helmer Francis Lawrence (no relation), the film is simply a routine array of predictable twists packaged with a particularly problematic approach. Specifically, there's nothing empowering or entertaining about a movie that constantly wears its heroine down just because it can. Red Sparrow tries to frame its treatment of its protagonist as an example of an entire country's corruption ("your body belongs to the State!" Dominika is told in one of the film's more blatant moments), but that rationalisation fails to convince. At the same time, the screenplay touches briefly on themes ranging from toxic sexual politics to the treatment of women in the workplace, but that social commentary falls flat as well. It's hard to take seriously any statement on the objectification and exploitation of women when your female protagonist spends most of the movie being raped, beaten, pushed around and bled dry, often while naked or close to it. Frequently, it feels like Red Sparrow is putting Lawrence in the same situation as Dominika, using her for the audience's gratification. Still, Red Sparrow does have some saving graces — all of which come courtesy of the film's stacked supporting cast. There's Charlotte Rampling as Dominika's no-nonsense trainer, Jeremy Irons as a slippery Russian general and Mary-Louise Parker doing some excellent drunk acting. A better movie could be made about any of their characters, and mightn't need to include cringeworthy dialogue like "the West has gone weak, drunk on shopping and social media!" As we see demonstrated again and again, that kind of overcooked writing really does speak volumes about this troublesome film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFpJAIy-cow
Fried chicken in one hand and a beer in the other. This weekend, Potts Points' Paper Bird and Marrickville's Wildflower Brewing are inviting you to do just that. They're joining forces for an east-meets-west pop-up on Saturday, March 10, with beers flowing from 1pm and East Asian fare on offer from 2pm. The famed fried chicken has been making waves in Sydney's food scene since the now-closed Moon Park introduced it to the city back in 2014 (and more waves when Paperbird brought it back last year). The shrimp-brined fried chicken will be the star of the show on Saturday, served with biscuits and gravy, perhaps, or soy and syrup. While the full pop-up menu has not yet been revealed, expect the restaurant's usual East Asian flavours and — hopefully — some other menu favourites (hi, hash browns). Unlike other inner west breweries, Wildflower doesn't have its own rotation of food trucks, so this is a rare chance to get some eats while tasting head brewer Topher Boehm's wild ale blends. He's offering up a huge range of his beers on the day, with 15 different blends available by the glass. The list includes a very limited test batch of an amber re-fermented on sweet cherries, along with a range of golds, lagers and the brewery's signature table beer on draught.
The inaugural Cronulla Life Markets were held last January, and, in 2018, they'll be back. This time, they're happening over three consecutive nights from January 4 to 6, bringing artworks, crafty bits and bobs, homewares, jewellery, candles, essential oils, live music and a herd of food trucks to Sydney's southernmost beach. Kicking off at 7pm and winding up around 10pm, each evening will be dedicated to a particular theme. Foodies should head along on Thursday, when all things edible and drinkable will be centre stage — including burgers and brisket by Earlwood's Barlow and Co, pizza and porchetta by Wollongong's Arlecchino and Asian-influenced animal-free eats by Vege 4 Love. Meanwhile, Friday will be for families and, if live music is what gets you going, swing by on Saturday to hear Dan and Emma May perform a swag of jazzy classics and related tunes.
This, quite possibly, could be the cheapest, cutest event happening in Sydney this New Year's Eve. Introducing Hudson Ballroom's Pink Party. Absolutely everything about this shindig will be pink. We're talking sangria, rose, blushing cocktails and pastel-shaded vodka concoctions. And, yes, you're included. Pull out your rose-coloured glasses, lay your hands on some zinc, tie cherry blossoms in your hair and don your '80s leg warmers. Your efforts could prove lucrative: the best dressed and, we're assuming, pinkest, guest will score a bar tab worth 50 bucks. As far as sound track goes, the front room will be dedicated to RnB classics, while the back room will be all about non-stop 2000s jams. Gear up for loads of Nicki Minaj hits. It's not only the tix that, which start at $10, are unusually affordable for an NYE event, it's also the drinks, with cocktail and sangria jugs priced at $35 until 11.30pm.
It's December 16, you need to get a Secret Santa gift for your Aunt Cheryl, but you a) don't know what just likes, and b) really don't want to brave a Westfield. What do you do? Well, if you find yourself in this exact predicament, Centennial Park's end-of-year plant sale might just be your Christmas miracle. Centennial Parklands is getting rid of its excess plants for as little as $2. From 9am on Saturday, December 16, the inner city park will put a range of succulents, bird-attracting natives and indoor babies up for sale. Just head to the nursery next to the new Wild Play Discovery Centre. Pick up something for Aunty Cheryl, and something for yourself while you're at it. Because everyone likes plants and, this way, you can bypass Bondi Junction altogether.
Tis' the season for overcrowded shopping centres and gift shopping. But swallow any impending dread because, this year, you don't have to go to Westfield. Be it food, homewares, fashion or art you're after, Watsons Bay's Cambridge Markets have you covered. On Wednesday, December 20, head to Robertson Park and peruse more than 120 stalls. And what could be more magical than getting your Christmas gift and food shopping done in one fell swoop? Getting your Christmas gift and food shopping done at twilight. The markets will run from 3–9pm. The markets will have a particular focus on Christmas food, meaning you can get everything you need to have a feast for the ages. Meats will be supplied by gourmet butcher Kingsmore Meats and organic produce will be provided courtesy of The Regional Store. While you're there, why not treat yourself too? Swing by stalls like Hooked on Poke and Sol Botanica for a bite, or pop over to Nutie for gluten-free doughnuts.
It's true that Christmas shopping can be nothing but a nightmarish tussle of overcrowded shopping centres and overblown credit cards. But it can also be a lot of fun. The trick is doing it right. And key to that is having a cocktail in your hand — which is exactly what'll be on offer at Since I Left You's Xmas market on Saturday, December 16. More specifically, the CBD bar's cocktail menu will feature Christmas-inspired specials, such as a summer mulled wine, boozy eggnog and Mum's Chrissy punch. And you'll be matching them with toasties, packed with ham, caramelised onion and Gruyere cheese, or turkey, brie and cranberry. But don't forget, in your boozy, toastie haze, that you're there to get your shopping done. Between 3pm and 9pm, a bunch of Sydney's hardest-working, most talented makers will be peddling their wares in SILY's carriageways and courtyard. Adding to the festive spirit will be live music by Jerome Fandor, playing souled-out versions of Christmas classics, followed by the Post Pluto Intergalactic Groove Committee with a mix of hip hop, funk, soul and disco.
It's mid-August, so you should probably start getting your New Year's Eve plans in order. Victorian NYE festival Beyond the Valley has just announced the lineup for their celebrated four-day festival in Lardner, Victoria and it's pretty bloody good, so could be a solid option. Just four festivals old, the Victorian festival is still pretty fresh on the New Year's circuit, starting out in 2014. Despite this, they've managed to secure a rather colossal lineup, featuring charismatic rap headliner Schoolboy Q, Sydney electro legends The Presets, falsetto-flaunting folk favourite Matt Corby, UK grime gem Stormzy, East London 'wonky funk' singer Nao and 21-year-old Channel Islands-born producer Mura Masa. Beyond the Valley takes over Lardner Park, Warragul, Victoria from December 28 to January 1. Anyway, here's what you came for. BEYOND THE VALLEY 2017 LINEUP: Schoolboy Q The Presets Matt Corby Stormzy Mura Masa Stephan Bodzin (live) Little Dragon 2MNANY DJs (DJ Set) Adana Twins Âme (live) Amy Shark Andhim The Belligerents B.Traits Crooked Colours Cub Sport Cut Copy Dean Lewis DMAs Dom Dolla FKJ GL George Maple Harvey Sutherland & Bermuda Hayden James Hot Dub Time Machine Ivan Ooze Jack River Lastlings Late Nite Tuff Guy Marek Hemmann Meg Mac NAO Patrick Topping Pleasurekraft The Preatures Princess Nokia Ruby Fields Sampa The Great San Cisco Skegss
Sleeping on the job is a big no-no in Western culture — despite the fact that it's been proven to increase concentration, improve alertness and be a great help in dealing with accidental work hangovers. Surry Hills mindfulness studio The Indigo Project knows that napping is the key to being generally better at everything, so it started lunchtime nap classes. And now the studio is gifting Sydneysiders with free classes for five days in the week leading up to Christmas. The free half-hour classes will run at 1pm from December 18-22 — they've been built around research that shows a 20–24 minute nap is the optimum length for a siesta. If you're feeling a little off at work, stressed about the Christmas craziness or like you just can't get your brain to kick into gear, head down to Surry Hills for a boost of energy to help get you through the day. Sessions are free, but you should book your place in advance. Image: Kimberley Low.
Grab your white suit and your polaroid, we're travelling back to 1980s Miami at The World Bar's newest disco party. Hosted three nights a week, Disco Fuego features funky disco, house music and colourful characters (most likely dressed in pastel). It's good to keep in mind that this is classy Florida, so instead of mullets you'll find florals, table service, fancy cocktails and, of course, disco balls. And it's being hosted in a special (slightly hard-to-find) room. To get there, you'll need to climb the stairs all the way to the top floor of the bar and, just when you think you've reached the end of the line, take a peek behind the bookcase. Here lies the boogie wonderland — where the dance floor is hot and the drinks are ice cold (filled with Bacardi rum and under $20). It's going to be muy caliente. Disco Fuego will be open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9pm til late. To book a table or function click here.
Forget crappy plastic skeletons and fairground employees in masks: the team at the Sydney Festival are bringing the classic ghost train hurtling into the 21st century. Created by filmmaker Jasmin Tarasin and musician Jonnine Standish, this high-tech take on the classic carnival ride incorporates virtual reality with a choose your own adventure-style narrative. Riders will don a Samsung Gear VR Headset and be immersed in a world of ethereal imagery and bone-chilling music. As the train trundles down the rickety (virtual) tracks, they'll be asked to make choices that will lead them to salvation… or doom. "On this ghost train, you take a trip through the rooms of your mind on a journey full of beauty, tension, humour and, of course, fun," says Standish. Photo credit: Sarah Walker
Budding photographer? Then you should definitely check out Photostart – the Australian Centre for Photography's annual show celebrating the brightest talents within their student community. Curated from works produced throughout this year's program of photography courses, the diverse exhibition will appeal to both those who like getting behind a camera lens and those who just like looking at a great picture. This year's show introduces the inaugural 7 Wentworth Selborne Award, a $2000 cash prize that recognises the photograph that best displays both technical ability and originality. You'll also be able to attend talks, workshops and portfolio reviews on Saturday, December 16. Photostart's opening night is on December 15 (you're invited, by the way), after which it runs until February 3, 2018, with a short break from December 23 – January 8. Image credit: Alexis Roitman,Camera Craft 1 student, 2017. Courtesy and © the artist.
