High in the sub-alpine region you'll find the remote Gummi Falls Campground, which is well and truly out there in the wild. You'll need to take a 4WD to access this untamed, natural bit of country, but don't worry, there are barbecue facilities and toilets once you're there. Spend your day mountain biking or horse riding through the many trails that surround the bewitchingly beautiful region, and try to spot elusive native fauna like the long-nosed potoroo, spotted-tail quoll and powerful owl. If you fancy a different angle, drop a line in the crystal clear Manning River, known for its abundant supply of freshwater bass. Image: Elliot Kramer
Rapid Prototype plans to bring to Alaska Projects' underground art space some of three-dimensional printing's make-sure-things-get-made-right attitude of print out, check out and recycle. The night is part of Legs on the Wall's Open Source program, with this tilt letting artists try out their new ideas in rough draft form on a looming public. Music-maker Sam Pettigrew faces off against Friends with Deficits, soon-to-be Fringe artist Jonathon Watts does live projections, while fellow audio-visual divo Toby Knyvett finds where light and politics intersect. Adam Synnott plays with links, Carolyn Eccles with sound, Blue Lucine and Alex Harrison cinema, and postman Luke Pasquale Calarco works out his mix of the mechanical and the narrative. Meanwhile, Television is Dead will contemplate the physical and the digital. Photo by Jeremy Belinfante.
In Aphids' strictly limited-capacity Thrashing Without Looking, it's the audience that creates the work (through the provocation of crowd dynamics — no awkward 'audience participation' with all eyes upon you here). Kitted with 'video goggles' that feed you live footage and potential cues, you mingle at a party that's bound to be the talk of the town. Thrashing Without Looking is part of the Performance Space season Show On. Read about the other shows here.
For Sydney's architecture buffs and design aficionados, Christmas is once again coming early. Only instead of opening presents, they'll be unwrapping some of the city's most significant architectural delights. Sydney Open returns from Saturday, November 2, to Sunday, November 3, offering a rare sneak-peek inside over 50 of Sydney's most inspiring buildings, most of which aren't usually open to the public. Punters can take in all of their favourites DIY-style with Sunday's Sydney Open Pass, or jump on one of the more in-depth Focus Tours happening on the Saturday. There's a series of after-dark tours happening, too, at the likes of the Justice and Police Museum and an 18th-century funerary railway station (where dead bodies started their final journey to Rookwood Cemetery). On this year's program there are also a heap of new buildings, which could see you unearthing secret stone mason symbols within the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel & Masonic Club, marvelling at early Australian stained glass on a backstage tour of the 150-year-old gothic Genesian Theatre at St John's Church, and even exploring the City Tattersalls Club's historic hidden bank vault. You'll also have the chance to suss out the opulent beaux-arts façade of 50 Martin Place, the heady brilliance of Sydney's oldest surviving synagogue The Great Synagogue, and the modernist splendour of the Harry Seidler-designed Steensen Varming office at 9 Castlereagh Street. Images: 50 Martin Place by Peter Bennetts, The Genesian Theatre Company, The Great Synagogue
You know those muggy, dusky nights in the height of summer when all you can hear is cicadas? The heat of the day's subsided but something about it lingers, and relief only sets in when the massive southerly that hits after dark raises goosebumps on your skin, and weirdly you find yourself reaching for a jumper. Well, Sport for Jove are about to launch into their sixth season of outdoor summer theatre, with a double bill of magic and the spirit world that seizes that summer twilight feeling and runs with it, through the foreboding setting of the 200-year-old Bella Vista Farm. Susanna Dowling directs Shakespeare's cautionary fairy story A Midsummer Night's Dream. The characters — young lovers and dreamers — enter a forest world between sleep and waking, on the shortest night of the year. The fragile bonds of family, friendship and love are broken, while the Fairy Kingdom is upended and entangled with the human world in a war over a mortal child. And with Arthur Miller's parable of mass hysteria, The Crucible, director Damien Ryan creates a haunting site-specific production of the modern classic, entirely within the old farm shed. Drawing a parallel between the Salem witch hunt of 1692 and the McCarthyism griping the US in the '50s, this play is a timeless (and timely) reminder of the evils of ignorance, and the deadly combination of hatred and power. If the season trailer's anything to go by, this will be some seriously edge-of-your-seat, immersive, electric-as-the-summer-evening-air theatre.
Half a century ago, one of the greatest science-fiction films of all time made its cinematic debut. It might hail from a genre filled with plenty of excellent flicks — both then and now — but 2001: A Space Odyssey still remains one of sci-fi's best and most iconic efforts. And, one of the best and most iconic movies ever made, too. With Stanley Kubrick at the helm, adapting Arthur C. Clarke's short story The Sentinel with the author himself, it's easy to see why. Really, this isn't your usual jaunt into space. It was a mindblowing, groundbreaking feat at the time — and come May 24, Sydney audiences will get the chance to watch the film in all of its original glory. While 2001: A Space Odyssey has remained a favourite pick for retrospective screenings around the city for years, the latest release will feature an 'unrestored' 70mm print of the movie — that is, it'll look just like it did 50 years ago. The version about to do the rounds was created using a true photochemical film recreation from the original camera negative without any digital tricks, remastered effects or new edits. After premiering at this year's Cannes Film Festival, it'll screen at the Hayden Orpheum for a limited two-week run, so you'd best open the pod bay doors, HAL, and hurry along. Update Wednesday, July 18: Due to the popularity of the initial screenings of 2001: A Space Odyssey, the Hayden Orpheum has announced it will be showing the sci-fi classic in its original 70mm form again this July. The film will be screened just twice more on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 at 3pm.
Art in Odd Places is coming to Sydney! What started as an artist-led initiative in Atlanta in 1996 has grown into somewhat of an international phenomenon. The events aim to provoke thought in pedestrians and to encourage people to re-engage with their everyday surroundings. Three American artists will partner with twenty-three local artists to stage a series of visual and performance works on and around the Northern Beaches. Artists Terry Hardy, Rory Golden and Ed Woodham, AiOP stalwarts, will hold discussions, lead workshops and create new works exploring this year’s theme: NUMBER. AiOP will hit our fair shores on the 14th and 15th of September at Dee Why Beach and then again on the 21st and 22nd of September at The Corso, Manly. We can’t think of a better way to ring in the warmer weather than with sun, sand and some great art.
Lend the environment a helping hand, while getting down to some great tunes, when Sydney Water's Beat The Bottle initiative hosts its next clean-up event in Parramatta on July 22. You can join a team of volunteers ridding the Parramatta River foreshore of plastic and other pesky waste, and helping to keep Sydney's waterways beautiful. To help get you in the mood, Purple Sneakers DJs will be throwing down tunes throughout the afternoon, plus there'll be an interactive percussion performance by the innovative Junkyard Beats crew, turning recycled objects into musical instruments. And as well as those feel-good vibes you'll get for helping out the planet, all participants will score themselves a free reusable stainless steel bottle for their efforts.
Attention moviegoers: If you like corny acting, awkward cameos and inferior covers of classic 80s songs, then (a) go buy yourself the Glee box set or (b) snap up a ticket to Rock of Ages, Hollywood's two hour 'musicomedy' that sadly does to rock music what bacteria does to cheese: ruins it and then stinks … the house … out. Yes, Rock of Ages by director Adam Shankman (Hairspray) is the latest film to attempt the precarious 'Stage to Screen' genre jump, and unlike many of its successful predecessors (Annie, Fiddler on the Roof and The Sound of Music), this offering falls well short of the mark. Set in 1987 it follows a troupe of aspiring young performers, seedy agents, aging club owners and one bright-but-dwindling star as they pass through the insalubrious Bourbon Room nightclub. Rock is still king but threats are emerging everywhere. From puritanical politicians to the beginnings of pop: the whole world suddenly seems against it. At the heart of it all is the Bourbon's management duo, Dennis Dupree (Alec Baldwin) and Lonny (Russell Brand). Neither – it should be noted – can even remotely sing. The Bourbon's in trouble with the taxman, and only an epic sell-out show can turn things around. Cue Stacee Jaxx: an alcoholic glam rock god played with outrageous verve by Tom Cruise. Resembling a sort of Jon Bon Jovi meets Motley Crue crossbreed, Cruise absolutely steals the show with his outlandish costumes, illogical mutterings and surprisingly good singing voice. In fact, Cruise is the show. His scenes offer a great mix of comedy and rock standards ('Dead or Alive' being the standout), as well as coming about as close as the movie ever gets to any sort of point or message. There are numerous other cameos, most notably by Paul Giamatti, Bryan Cranston and Catherine Zeta-Jones. However, none of them warrant a whole lot of attention. Given Rock of Ages is basically a glorified tribute album, its 120-minute running time is far too long. Especially when there's not a lot of script to help carry the load. It also frustrates by flicking back and forth between tongue-in-cheek irony and ill-conceived sincerity – the latter providing lines so horrifically corny that reviewers actually heckled during the screening. The song list itself is great, as are some of the creative medleys and mash-ups, however they're mostly let down by the performances. In the end – your money would be better spent buying the original tracks off iTunes … or maybe just busting out your old tape deck. https://youtube.com/watch?v=USxhXb5VC5E
Butter is expanding its streetwear and fried chicken empire and opening a third location on the lower north shore. Set to launch just days before Christmas, the Chatswood Chase location will have Butter's signature combo of fried chicken, sneakers and serious champagne. But, it'll also have something entirely new for the brand: charcoal chicken. It's been a big year for charred chook already, with Henrietta opening in Surry Hills and both Frango and El Jannah launching their first-ever drive-thrus. Now, the lower north shore is getting in on the action. Like Butter's existing Surry Hills and Parramatta stores, the Chatswood Chase shop will have a lineup of hard-to-find sneakers from brands such as Raised by Wolves, Hypebeast and Smile + Wave, as well as Butter's own branded merch. It'll have a full bar, too, with cocktails and huge range of champagne. Executive Chef Julian Cincotta is bringing the original Butter food menu over to the lower north shore but with a few added extras — so you'll be able to order the same chicken sandwich with pickles and the '3 Pac' box of fried chicken and hot sauce. But there'll also be new menu items, such as a bigger range of beef burgers, salads and charcoal chook. The smoky chicken will be rubbed with Butter's signature red spiced pepper, marinated for 48 hours and cooked over fire. Whether this new charred chook will be served with garlic sauce (like El Jannah), chilli sauce (like Frango) or something completely different is still unknown, but we're keen to find out. We're also keen to find out exactly how you order these new dishes. Supposedly, they won't be on the 'normal' menu and you'll need to "put in some work to find them". To be the first to try, you can enter the draw to win an all-expenses-paid ticket to the invite-only launch party over at the Butter website. Butter is opening inside Chatswood Chase sometime in the week beginning Monday, December 21. We'll let you know when an exact date it announced.
If you truly want that Hollywood treatment, book an appointment (far in advance) at Bondi's Koda Cutters. It's run by Creative Director Diane Gorgievski, a celebrity and editorial hair stylist who styles fashion mag photo shoots for the likes of Elle and Vogue, as well as having an impressive background in directing runway looks for Melbourne Fashion Week. [caption id="attachment_780123" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yaya Stempler[/caption] This super sleek salon specialises in edgy, model-worthy cuts for women and men, with a bit of Bondi cool thrown in for good measure. Here, you'll get the deluxe treatment, with custom colour work and freehand colouring on offer. Haircuts start at $145, with blow dry appointments from $50. Images: Yaya Stempler
Ah, the annual festival of all things Italian — just when I thought I was out, they dragged me back in. This Sunday, October 30 marks the day of celebration for the nation that brought us Julius Caesar, Nebbiolo and Dario Argento. This year's incarnation of the street fair is a special one though, as it's celebrating 30 years of the iconic exultation of Mediterranean multiculturalism. Something fresh in the mix this year is the addition of the Canterbury and District Soccer Football Club, who will be on hand with interactive clinics and demonstrations on the art of the world game. As per usual though, Norton Street will be lined with food vendors from somebody's nonna to professional culinary wizards. There'll be entertainment, beverages, fashion, and the Auto Festa for big kids, with as many Ferraris and Lambos as you can shake a cannoli at.
The 2021 Tokyo Olympics will kick off after the game's official opening ceremony on Friday, July 23. If you've already binged your way through your favourite shows, swap the channel and sit down to watch our country's best and brightest athletes compete on the world stage. It'll also be great planning prep for 2032 when Brisbane will host the Olympic Games. Of course, when you're enjoying some world-class sport on TV, it's vital to have the perfect drink on hand. Here are six sports that you can catch over the next two weeks based on your favourite cocktail choice, which will perfectly complement these feats of athleticism. You can watch the 2021 Olympics via Channel 7, 7two and 7mate or stream it on 7plus. NEGRONI & LONG JUMP On the surface, a negroni seems like a reasonably simple set-up — just mix gin, campari and vermouth. But it's incredibly easy to mess up the balance and finding the perfect mix takes a decent amount of bartending experience and skill. In a purely theoretical sense, long jump seems like the kind of event that should be easy. In theory. But anyone who's been tormented with high school athletics can attest to its difficulty and appreciate the sophistication that goes into perfecting what seems like a straightforward event. When can I catch it? The men's qualifiers kick off on Saturday, July 31 at 8.10pm, while the women's qualifiers begin on Sunday, August 1 at 10.50am. Can I catch any Aussies? Yes, Brooke Stratton and Henry Frayne will both be competing. How can I get negronis delivered: Maybe Sammy, Earl's Juke Joint, PS40 PIMM'S & TENNIS Pour yourself a Pimm's and pretend you're watching the tennis live from Tokyo. The light refreshing drink is a tennis staple for good reason, radiating warm summer energy, despite how gloomy the weather might be here at home. When can I catch it? The tennis kicks off at 12pm on Saturday, July 24 and runs until Sunday, August 1. Can I catch any Aussies? Yes, world number one Ash Barty will be competing alongside nine other Australian competitors including Sam Stosur and John Millman. How can I get Pimm's delivered: Jimmy Brings MARTINI & DIVING Sophisticated, elegant and a little dangerous. These are all words that describe both James Bond's signature martini and diving. Sip this classic cocktail as you watch the astonishing aerial acrobatics of the Australian divers. Plus, after a few of Sydney's best martinis, you won't know whether the drinks or the diver's backflips are causing you to feel a touch lightheaded. When can I catch it? The diving will run from Sunday, July 25 until Sunday, August 7. Can I catch any Aussies? Yes, seven divers will represent Australia in this year's Olympics include previous medal winners Anabelle Smith and Melissa Wu. How can I get martinis delivered: Continental, RE-, Catalina ESPRESSO MARTINI & ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS If you feel like life is best enjoyed with a healthy mix of enthusiastic energy and class, you're bound to enjoy both an espresso martini and the range of gymnastics events on offer throughout the Olympic Games. Whether it's the beam, vault, bars or floor, Australia's top-tier gymnasts will inject a burst of energy to match the caffeine hit in your espresso martini. When can I catch it? The artistic gymnastics will begin at 11am on Saturday, July 23 and run until Tuesday, August 3. Can I catch any Aussies? Yes, Australia has three artistic gymnasts competing this year as well as six rhythmic gymnasts and two athletes competing in the trampolining. How can I get espresso martinis delivered: Redfern Surf Club, Totti's, The Oxford Tavern A SHOT & 100 METRE SPRINT As the Olympics marquee event is over in under ten seconds, you'll need a drink that's consumed equally quickly. Luckily a heap of Sydney bars are delivering shots to the doors of locals to bring a bit of fun into lockdown. Pair a Jameson or Beefeater shot with your Sunday roast from The Taphouse, or pick up one of The Duke's signature picklebacks. When can I catch it? The women's 100 metre will take place on Saturday, July 31 with the final taking place at 10.50pm. The men's 100 metre will then take over next Sunday, August 1, with the final occurring at the same time. Can I catch any Aussies? Yes, Hana Basic and Rohan Browning will both compete. How can I get shots delivered: The Taphouse, The Duke of Enmore LONG ISLAND ICED TEA & MODERNS PENTATHLON The modern pentathlon is a mix of five different sports: running, swimming, fencing, shooting and show jumping. Just like the long island iced tea, it's the perfect event if you're a bit indecisive about what you want to watch (or drink) and are just happy to enjoy the experience. When can I catch it? Both the men's and women's modern pentathlon will run from Thursday, August 5 until Saturday, August 7. Can I catch any Aussies? Yes, we have two competitors in the modern pentathlon, Ed Fernon and Marina Carrier. How can I get long island iced teas delivered: Cheers Sweetie You can watch the opening ceremony of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics on Channel 7, 7two and 7mate or 7plus from 8.30pm on Friday, July 23. Top image: Kitti Gould
UPDATE: Thursday May 6, 2021 — New COVID-19 restrictions have been announced. We'll keep you updated on this event as the situation changes. For the latest information, visit NSW Health. After the year that was 2020, we've never been quite so eager to get out and sink our teeth into the best of our city's hospitality scene. This May, you won't find a better excuse to do some local wining and dining than the American Express Delicious Month Out — an entire month of special events, offers and experiences from Sydney's best culinary gems. The jam-packed program has something for every palate, from lavish lunch menus featuring brand-new dishes to date-night-friendly dinner specials. You can also expect exclusive upgrades and add-ons at your favourite restaurant. At The Morrison, you'll score a complimentary glass of Chandon with any half dozen oysters, and Esteban Restaurant & Bar is treating diners to a bonus signature cocktail when they book in for its tasting menu. Each weekend throughout May, Three Blue Ducks Rosebery is serving a riff on the classic Sunday roast, featuring signature drinks and live tunes, while The Gantry invites you to try its new four-course vegan tasting menu with optional matched wines. Even Sonoma Bakery is getting involved by teaming up with Young Henrys to create two new beer- and cider-infused pie varieties. Stacks more exclusive menus await at venues like The Apollo, Chuuka, Nomad, Nour, Tequila Mockingbird and Spice Temple. You'll also have access to a bunch of virtual masterclasses. You can build the perfect burger with the Mary's crew on May 4 or master the art of pasta making with The Restaurant Pendolino's Nino Zoccali on May 25. There's also an Asian cuisine masterclass with Louis Tikaram (Brisbane's Stanley) and a dessert masterclass with pâtissier Michael James (Melbourne's Tivoli Road Bakery). Plus, if you're an American Express Card Member, you'll be able to redeem 20-percent of your bill up to $25 at a bunch of participating businesses.* Have an interstate jaunt planned in May? American Express Delicious Month Out is also hosting events in Melbourne and Brisbane throughout the month, and over 18,000 dining merchants are participating in the aforementioned Card Member offer. Also, keep an eye out for the brand-new Shop Small Food Truck, filled with free treats from dining partners, which will be doing the rounds in all three cities. Follow the tour on Instagram via @AmexAU or over here. Celebrate dining in Sydney this May with a month of exciting dining offers and events across restaurants, bars, cafes and more with American Express Delicious Month Out. Plan your month out now by heading this way. *Must save offer to Card. Limited to 75,000 Cards. Ends May 31, 2021. Exclusions and T&Cs apply. Top image: Chris Court for American Express Delicious Month Out
Like the Dollarmite account, Peter Combe has faithfully travelled with us into our adulthood — to the point where the childhood music maestro sold out his 2011 Oxford Art Factory 18+ gig. Now he's back with the swinging melodies, hilarious lyrics, and oh-so-familiar voice that will bring rushing back memories of skipping through the family kitchen at bench height, running naked through the sprinkler, and laughing yourself silly on the rug in front of the TV while singing 'Wash Your Face in Orange Juice' — not to mention his numerous other catchy tunes, including 'Newspaper Mama', 'Toffee Apple', 'Juicy Juicy Green Grass', 'Spaghetti Bolognaise', and 'Chopsticks'. Get swept away with childhood nostalgia, listen a little more closely to his lyrics, and see if you can find some subversive behavioural messages and LSD-fitting allegory. Sweeeeeet.
If you've already covered your dining table with jigsaw puzzles, spent hours live streaming koalas and are looking for something else to do with your house mate, why don't you organise a night of friendly competition and whip out some board games. Helping you do just that is Australia's newest subscription service. The Board Game Box, as it has fittingly been dubbed, delivers a new board game to your door each month. You can sign up for one ($20), three ($60), six ($120) or 12 ($220) months, with a $12.20 shipping fee. There's no word on exactly what games you'll be sent each month, but it's promising that boxes will contain "latest releases, as well as the classics board games" and images hint to the likes of Monopoly and chess. Board games not your thing? The same company also offers subscription puzzle boxes, Lego boxes and soap boxes. Check out all of the options over here. If you're sick of being on your screen — sliding down endless Twitter holes and glued to live streams — this may be the perfect antidote. If you can't get enough of your screen, however, check out our round up of the best virtual events. You can sign up to The Board Game Box over here.
While most of us need no help getting into the Christmas swing of things, a bit of extra local — Yuletide — love never goes astray in the lead-up to the big day. Cue the locally-focused A Very Surry Hills Christmas. Run by the City of Sydney, the one-day festival will take over Crown Street's Shannon Reserve for a festive pop-up on Saturday, December 16. The goodies and activities on offer will reflect the area's status as one of Sydney's premier design precincts. Local artist Jeff McCann, who makes most of his colourful artwork from items considered trash, will construct giant 'Christmas' trees and design bespoke wrapping paper for the event. There'll also be workshops, run by a local artist, where visitors can have a crack at decorating gingerbread, learning to screen print and making their own personalised Christmas decorations There'll also be free Santa photos and live entertainment for the youngsters, face painting for kids and kidults alike, and DJ tunes setting a festive soundtrack to all that Christmas shopping. You'll even score complimentary gift-wrapping for any purchases made in the Surry Hills village on the day.
Popular CBD pasta favourite Ragazzi has just launched 'Ragazzi At Home' to ensure local carb lovers can enjoy its next-level eats from home during Sydney's lockdown. Sydneysiders within seven kilometres of Ragazzi can have some of the restaurant's most beloved dishes including ravioli of burrata, house-made mortadella or cavatelli with cime di rappa and anchovy ragu delivered Monday–Saturday. The menu changes from time to time so keep up to date via the Ragazzi Instagram. The pasta and sauces come ready-made, with a little prep required in the frying pan so that it's served hot. Customers can also add an order from the team's natural wine and pantry goods shop Fabbrica Pantry to their delivery if they're in need of a bottle of wine or some artisan ingredients that can help elevate their home cooking. Orders can be made by emailing the Ragazzi team at aldente@ciaofabbrica.com. Top image: Nikki To View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ragazzi (@ragazziwinepasta)
Some of the best things in life are free, but other amazing experiences cost a pretty penny — particularly if you want to dip your toes into Sydney's luxe lifestyle. The trick is learning how to balance these glamorous adventures with more affordable, but still fun, things to do. That's why we've teamed up with Great Southern Bank. With its range of clever money-saving banking features, you could be on your way to attaining those pie-in-the-sky savings goals (hello, home ownership) while still treating yourself to seafood feasts, island sleepovers and fab dance classes. If you manage your cash with Great Southern Bank, you can take advantage of The Boost, a feature that transfers a small amount of money (between $0.01 and $5) straight into your savings account each time you use your debit card. It makes locking away savings a little less painful. No matter the shape of your budget, though, you'll want to have a few fun activities up your sleeve. So, here are a few great Sydney experiences that meet different spending criteria, from totally free days out to high-roller highway. FREE FUN Some of the most stunning things to see and do in Sydney happen under blue skies and beside sparkling blue waters. And, despite the ever-bobbing presence of multimillion-dollar yachts, many of these adventures are free. Plan a dollar-free day around an epic coastal hike like the Manly to Spit Walk. There are plenty of seaside strolls in Sydney, but if you want a proper dose of harbour vistas, secret beach splashes, ambling staircase climbs and edifying Indigenous historical site exploration, this ten-kilometre one-way trip is the ticket. Starting at the Spit Bridge in Mosman means Manly, with its calm beaches, bustling dining scene and convenient ferry port, is your finish line. Prefer to recline and dine in the sunshine? Pack a picnic and set a course for the Royal Botanic Garden. Wherever you set up camp, you'll be met with stunning views — be they Sydney Opera House silhouettes or lilac jacaranda forests — and you can explore the entire green expanse of the park without paying a dime. Be sure to check out the floral displays at The Calyx while you're there, too. $30 AND UNDER Got a few dollars to string together this week? The gentle waters of Rose Bay are perfect for a kayak or stand-up paddleboard session. Point Piper Kayak Centre rents out watercraft right off the sand, with one-hour SUP or kayak sessions going for between $20 and $25 depending on your style and willingness to paddle with a partner. If you're confident in your upper body strength, sluice through the water all the way out to Shark Island for a light picnic — just remember to budget for the $7 per person landing fee. [caption id="attachment_619386" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shannon Dooley[/caption] For those who favour dancing shoes over sealegs, Retrosweat is your go-to for a dose of neon-hued endorphins. This 80s-inspired aerobics class doesn't require any physical expertise — all you need is your tush, a towel and a positive party attitude to bust a move to danceable tracks from David Bowie, The Pointer Sisters, Prince and more. The regular classes in Surry Hills and Waterloo are $28 a pop, but the spandex party has also recently moved into the virtual world. This small-scale spending is the perfect time to put The Boost feature from Great Southern Bank to work. And after working up a sweat, it'll be a relief not having to lift a finger while you save. [caption id="attachment_648740" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Baby Coffee Co, Kitti Gould[/caption] $50 AND UNDER Take things up to pineapple level and use a golden 50 for an affordable overnighter in the middle of Sydney Harbour at the Cockatoo Island campgrounds. Sure, $50 won't score you the island's most exclusive waterfront glamping set-up, but it will reserve a spot for you to pitch your own canvas for a night under the stars. Modern amenities make this a minimal-effort camping experience, and there are plenty of things to do while you're here that won't crack your budget. Lounge by the firepit or watch movies in the mini cinema after a day of lawn games, tour the island's heritage buildings (and haunted corners) or check out the island's orienteering courses. Or, dedicate your mini-splurge to a slap-up meal. Book in for a boozy bottomless brunch at Baby Coffee Co., an airy, pastel-clad Waterloo cafe that specialises in the widely adored mid-morning meal. Tuck into brekkie-lunch fusions like house-made waffles with fried chicken slathered in maple butter or crisp corn and zucchini fritters stacked with avocado, harissa mayo, coriander and tomato and corn salsa. Go all out with two hours of bottomless mimosas ($25) or prosecco ($35) for the full blow-out brunch experience. [caption id="attachment_696191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sol Spa[/caption] MAKE IT RAIN (WITHIN REASON) If you've reached this point, it looks like you're feeling pretty flush. When you've got the funds, splashing some cash can be therapeutic. Commit those dollars to luxurious self-care at Sol Spa, a leafy Vaucluse hideaway offering time-honoured massage treatments, mineral body scrubs and tailored facials. Everything moves in herbal-scented slow motion at this pamper palace, so whatever treatment or package you choose, you're in for ultimate relaxation. Let tense muscles be pummelled into happy playdough with the spa's signature massage (from $140), or bliss out with a rejuvenating facial from $95. [caption id="attachment_677793" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Quay, Nikki To[/caption] If you've worked up an appetite after all this mind and body maintenance, take your hard-earned to these vibrant new Sydney restaurants, or tick off a bucket-list dining destination like harbourside heavyweight Quay or game-changing seafood diner Saint Peter. Or, roll up your sleeves and get involved with a bucket of crackling golden treasure from one of Sydney's best fried chicken joints. Great Southern Bank is empowering Aussies to get clever with their banking. Whether you want to stick to your savings goals with The Boost or hide your house deposit fund from yourself with The Vault, Great Southern Bank helps you get there. For more information on savings tools and home loan options, head to the Great Southern Bank website. Top image: Sol Spa
Lock up your bowler hats and crack pipes, Babyshambles are coming to town! Already announced as part of a whopping Splendour in the Grass lineup, Pete Doherty and co have added a run of sideshows to take place in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. Originally a side project for Doherty when he took some time off from his first band, The Libertines, Babyshambles have had a tumultuous existence, releasing two occasionally brilliant albums while on a rollercoaster of substance abuse, no shows and lineup changes. But when they are at the top of their game, there are few better writers of Britpop than Pete Doherty — just listen to 'Fuck Forever' or 'Albion' for proof. Who even knows if they'll be able to keep it together throughout the tour, but with a new album planned and Doherty seemingly in good health (maybe living with Macaulay Culkin helps?), these sideshows could be something special. Thurs 25 July – Palace Theatre – Melbourne Fri 26 July – Splendour In The Grass – Byron Bay - SOLD OUT Sun 28 July – Enmore - Sydney Mon 29 July – HQ - Adelaide Wed 31 July – Metro City – Perth https://youtube.com/watch?v=IpeJFVvwz6A
Set on absolute waterfront, Manly Wharf Hotel's Jetty Bar has been an idyllic drinking spot for decades. At this time of year, it's all too easy to leap off the ferry and while away an afternoon watching the sun disappear. And this season, the Jetty Bar is even more enticing thanks to Chandon S. The sparkling wine – infused with orange bitters – has landed on the newly renovated wharf with a dedicated pop-up bar. Swing by any day of the week, grab a glass for $10 (or carafe for $59) and claim a spot beneath a cheery umbrella, surrounded by Chandon-inspired greenery. Once you're in situ, those famous harbour views are all yours for as long as you care to stay. Plus, there's a swing chair, where you can catch the breeze for a moment or two and take a snap. The Chandon S pop-up is hanging around seven days a week until Sunday, December 2. No booking is required.
If you are feeling like your wardrobe needs a bit of an update, then you're in luck. Australian clothing brand Assembly Label is hosting an online warehouse sale for a limited time, so you can buy some new linen pants, simple tees and easy breezy button-ups without going too hard on the wallet. Known for its timeless, minimalist pieces, Assembly Label is a go-to for top-quality staples that'll take you from your morning coffee to working in your living room (aka the office), lounging around on weekends and going out for lunch with mates — really, you won't need much else. The online warehouse sale kicks off Monday, March 7 with a wide range of both men's and women's wear on offer. If you've not quite accepted that summer's over — or if you're planning ahead for a mid-year trip to the northern hemisphere — you can stock up on Assembly signature summery linen dresses, swimwear, skirts and shorts. Best of all, the selection will be on sale at up to 70 percent off for a limited time only with free shipping across Australia, too. Shipping to New Zealand costs $15. Assembly Label's online warehouse sale runs from March 7-9. To check what you can nab for up to 70 percent off, head here.
Sydney has no shortage of interesting date options year-round but, thanks to Sydney Good Food Month presented by Citi, October is going to be a particularly good month for lovers. The annual fiesta is returning once again with an agenda jam-packed with foodie events ranging from the super casual Night Noodle Markets to intimate dinners prepared by the country's best chefs. And sitting somewhere in the middle is Date Night. Happening on Friday, October 5 in the festival hub Hyde Park Palms, Date Night takes on the tried-and-tested formula: dinner and a movie. Whether this is a first date or you've been with your person for a few trips around the sun, this festival favourite has all the ingredients for a casual yet romantic night out. Let's break it down. The dinner portion of the evening will be provided by Ume Burger. You'll have your choice of one of its Japanese-inspired burgs — think chicken katsu with yuzu kosho mayo or the classic Ume burger with wagyu mince sauce. The meal is rounded out with wine, James Squire beers and gelato from Enmore favourite Cow & the Moon. Part two is, of course, the film. Because Sydney Good Food Month is celebrating its 20th birthday, its keeping things old school and screening 90s teen hit 10 Things I Hate About You. A balmy spring evening spent cosying up with delicious food and a cult classic film — if that doesn't impress your date, we're not sure what will. And because we have a (completely normal level of) vested interest in your love life, we're giving you the opportunity to win tickets for you and your boo. Riding solo? No problem. Make it a platonic mate date and swoon over Heath Ledger's dreamy smile or a brooding Julia Stiles together. To enter, see details below. [competition]681707[/competition]
When blissed out, soon-to-be-married American couple Nica (Hani Furstenberg) and Alex (Gael Garcia Bernal), set off on a hiking adventure in Georgia's remote Caucasus Mountains, they have little idea that their seemingly idealistic world is about to be profoundly challenged. To all appearances, the two share an unshakeable connection — spiritually at ease yet sexually charged. Nica is spirited and independent, and Alex adores her. They toy with language games, compete playfully over who is fastest or strongest, and are in free pursuit of their mutual wanderlust. Local guide Dato (Georgian actor and real-life expert mountaineer Bidzina Gujabidze) leads them through one breathtaking scene after another. Then, halfway through the film, a single event (not to be delineated here, for fear of giving too much away), corrupts the couple's bond, raising questions of trust, betrayal, and guilt. Russian-born, American-raised director Julia Loktev's intention is to carry us into the film's mental and physical world, one in which time seems to stretch on forever and all conviction has been thrown into doubt. Thanks to Palace Films, we have 10 double passes to give away to see The Loneliest Planet. To be in the running, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email us with your name and postal address at hello@concreteplayground.com.au. Read our full review here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=SIIMFHcC1Fc
When the Australian Government announced on Sunday night that pubs, bars and nightclubs would be closing the following day to help contain COVID-19, it led to the mass-buying of booze across the country. Bottle shops are not impacted by the closures, but it didn't stop Aussies stocking up just in case. Booze is just the latest item to be targeted by panic-buying, with toilet paper going first, then essential food items. Supermarkets across the country have since introduced strict two-pack-per-person limits on coveted items, such as eggs, sugar, white milk, frozen desserts and canned tomatoes, and now bottle shops are following suit. BWS and Dan Murphy's, who are both owned by the Woolworths Group, introduced temporary limits on alcohol. A statement on the Dan Murphy's website reads, "these limits are in place to ensure everyone has access to the drinks they love". Thankfully, the limits aren't quite as strict as those on food. https://twitter.com/BellTowerTimes/status/1242662405701660672 At Dan Murphy's in NSW, Vic, ACT, Qld, NT, SA and Tas, the limit per customer per day is 18 bottles of wine, three casks of wine, six bottles of spirits and three cases of beer, cider and premix. BWS has implemented similar restrictions, with all states and territories (except for WA) having per customer, per shop limits of 12 bottles of wine, three casks of wine, four bottles of spirits and four cases of beer, spirits, premix and cider. WA has stricter limits, in-line with state regulations, with customers able to buy a maximum of two from the following categories: 11.25 litres of beer, cider or pre-mix spirits; 2.25 litres of wine; one litre of spirits; and one litre of fortified wine. Both chains are also encouraging social distancing, have introduced maximum capacities at their stores, and are offering pick-up and delivery services. The temporary alcohol limits are now in place at stores across the country. To order pick-up and delivery head to the BWS and Dan Murphy's websites. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Stephen Dann via Flickr.
The onset of those searing summer rays should remind us that skin cancer is Australia's biggest killer. But national awareness doesn't seem to mirror the scary statistics. In an attempt to rectify this, Pretty Shady is injecting some style into the skin cancer awareness campaign, with sun protection gear you can get your hands on for free — some of it rather covetable and limited edition. Included is a beautifully designed Basil Bangs beach umbrella (there are 50 of those) and a rad Lister-designed tee (just 40). There's also a stack of reversible bucket hats (800), some handcrafted sunnies (800), and a few hundred litres of sunscreen up for grabs. These items ought to help you kick the habit of poolside tanning. Pretty Shady is aiming to be the generation that stops the spread of skin cancer, one summer at a time. With high-profile ambassadors such as Nicole Warne, Anthony Lister and Gossling, they're packing a pretty powerful cool factor. Enter the competition to win Pretty Shady gear and you'll automatically go into the draw to win even more. The five limited edition items will be released one by one. So jump on in as soon as possible to increase your chances of securing a piece of the shady action. And even if you don't win, we encourage you to find a way to, in the words of a much daggier campaign, slip slop slap.
Jazz. What does it even mean? Some theories say the word was derived from “jassâ€, which meant “with vigourâ€, a popular term in early 20th century America. It’s certainly come a long way, because now you’re just as likely to hear jazz in Storyville, New Orleans as you are in Vaucluse.Sunday 22nd November means the Historic Houses Trust’s annual Jazz in the Garden event, held at one of our most historic of houses, Vaucluse House. This year, performances will be by one of Australia’s leading jazz vocalists, Vince Jones, rock-bluegrass band Zoe and the Buttercups, and singer-songwriter Katie Noonan.Noonan’s latest effort, the ARIA-winning Blackbird, is a collection of jazz covers of John Lennon and Paul McCartney songs. It includes ‘Across the Universe,’ ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Norwegian Wood’. The album was recorded in New York, and features double bass from Ron Carter, a former accompanist to Miles Davis.In December, Katie Noonan will be touring Blackbird all over Australia, including some Sydney dates at the Opera House, so it’s not half bad to be able to watch her perform with a glass of wine in hand, from the comfort of your picnic rug — and learn about jazz first hand.
Powerhouse singer-songwriter Montaigne is live-streaming a free performance at the Art Gallery of New South Wales for international cultural festival Make Music Day on Sunday, June 21. The ARIA Award-winning artist and Eurovision 2021 contestant will be sharing a few stripped back songs — possibly the newbie 'Don't Break Me', or maybe 2016's hit 'Because I Love You' — via Facebook Live for around 20 minutes. Montaigne will be performing directly in front of a 2004 artwork by Australian artist Lindy Lee called 'Cosmos — a life of fire'. It'll be a showcase of hope and resilience for the music and art industries during a year that has seen many setbacks, and just as many unifying protests. The free event is part of the Gallery's Together In Art project, which was designed to bring optimism through art. The project has invited artists Ngaiire, Delta Goodrem, Rainbow Chan and L-Fresh the Lion to perform at the Gallery, and Together In Art has evolved from a lockdown lifeline of videos and pocket exhibitions into a fresh way of looking at art in a post-pandemic world. To watch, simply register your interest via the Facebook event page and five minutes before the performance time (at 7.25pm) you'll receive a link to the live-stream. Image: Montaigne pictured at the Art Gallery of NSW in the 22nd Biennale of Sydney: NIRIN 2020 exhibition, including works by Barbara McGrady and Kunmanara (Mumu Mike) Williams, Kunmanara (Willy Muntjantji) Martin and Sammy Dodd. Photo: AGNSW, Mim Stirling.
When New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that gathering restrictions would come back into effect in the Greater Sydney area in response to the northern beaches COVID-19 cluster, she also revealed that the next big piece of news would come on the morning of Wednesday, December 23. The timing is obvious, because everyone wants to know what's in store for Christmas. And so, at her daily press conference today, Premier Berejiklian advised that the current gathering limits that have been in effect since Sunday, December 20 will continue. That means that, in the Greater Sydney area including the Blue Mountains and Central Coast, caps remain in place for gatherings at home and in indoor venues. If you're keen to have folks over to your house, that's limited at ten people. At all other indoor settings other than the family home — which includes hospitality venues — the one-person-per-four-square-metre rule is still in effect. And, a cap of 300 people remains for big venues, even if a large space can hold more than that and still abide by the density requirement. The at-home ten-person rule was originally due to expire at 11.59pm tonight, Wednesday, December 23, so it has been extended indefinitely in this new announcement. And the one-person-per-four-square-metre rule for venues wasn't given an end date when it was reintroduced, so it's in place until advised otherwise, too. Wondering what that means for New Year's Eve? At present, the NSW Government statement advises that "decisions on New Year's Eve and upcoming sporting events will be made after this Christmas period". Yes, that's mighty vague. There is one change coming into place for folks getting together at home over Christmas, though, and it only applies from Thursday, December 24–Saturday, December 26. On those three days, the ten-person limit doesn't include children under the age of 12. So, you can have ten adults and however many kids under 12 at your house. But, you can only have one group of people over on each day — so you can't have different lots of ten people and children coming over at different times. This very minor change stops at midnight on Saturday, December 26, with the hard ten-person rule — for visitors of all ages — back in effect from Sunday, December 27 until further notice. For folks in the northern beaches, which is presently in lockdown, the area is being split into two zones. The northern half, from the Narrabeen Bridge up and east of the Baha'i Temple, can have five visitors over including kids from Thursday, December 24–Saturday, December 26, as long as their visitors live in the peninsula zone. Then, it'll go back into the current stay-at-home conditions. The lower half can have ten visitors plus kids during that period, including folks from the rest of Greater Sydney, and will then be told what happens afterwards in an announcement on Boxing Day. https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1341536333106298881 Announcing the news, Premier Berejiklian revealed that nearly 42,000 people came forward for COVID-19 testing in the past 24 hours, with eight new local cases diagnosed — and seven of those linked to the cluster. She also revealed that, from Friday, January 1, using the NSW Government QR code system will become mandatory for all hospitality venues and hairdressers. As proved the case the moment the current cluster popped up, Sydneysiders are also asked to continue to frequently check NSW Health's long list of locations and venues that positive coronavirus cases have visited over the past week — and, if you've been to anywhere listed on the specific dates and times, get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days after your visit. In terms of symptoms, Sydneysiders should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste — and getting tested at a clinic if you have any. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Don't spend the entire MoVement Sydney festival making moves to everyone else's music — learn to create some sounds of your own. At this free, two-hour master class, presented by Work-Shop, DJ Samrai will show you how to scratch. The event is designed for total newbies, so don't worry if you feel like a total ignoramus. The only thing you need is your curiosity. DJ Samrai is one of Australia's most hard working DJs. He's a three-time nominee in the Australian Dance Music Awards' Best Turntablist category and holds loads of national titles. When he's not nabbing trophies, he holds down club residencies, plays festivals and tours with big names, such as The Black Eyed Peas, Ozomatli and Method Man. Image: Kai Oberhäuser.
This tell-all is certainly one of the most daring performances on offer at Sydney Festival this year. The show stars a group of Sydney's local over 65s, who will share their wisdom and real-life stories of romance and sex. Created by the team behind Haircuts by Children (which showed at Sydney Festival back in 2008), this show will be packed with plenty of laughs and tender moments for adults of all ages. Check out more of the best Sydney Festival events under $50 here.
Making decisions is hard. That's why some of us have spent hours scrolling through Netflix struggling to find the right thing to watch in that moment, or why you shouldn't go to the supermarket hungover and on an empty stomach. It can be hard enough picking a flavour of gelato, let alone making the right decision when it comes to serious financial services. That's probably why comparison website Finder — which helps consumers make big life choices like selecting the right credit card, health insurance and utility company — has done so well. Those curious to know how the business has grown so rapidly can find out from the brains behind the business at an exclusive lunch with the company's founders, Fred Schebesta and Frank Restuccia. The pair, who are two of Australia's most successful self-made millionaires and on AFR's Young Rich List, launched Finder in a Sydney living room ten years ago. Over a two-course lunch at The Tea House in the QVB, you'll hear about building a sustainable business model, what to look for in a partnership, how to get your business idea off the ground and more. After filling your stomach and your brain, you'll be able to mix and mingle with a few drinks at a networking session. Tickets start from $249 or, if you're really keen, you can secure a meet and greet with Schebesta and Restuccia by purchasing a VIP ticket for $499. You can get them here. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
He's been hailed as the king of documentaries, known for his fearless deep dives into the boldest of subjects, from sex trafficking to religious extremists and just about everything in between. And now, Louis Theroux is stepping out from in front of the camera and onto the stage, venturing Down Under for his second Aussie speaking tour this summer. In January, the intrepid BBC filmmaker will hit Sydney for his new show Louis Theroux Without Limits. In three shows over two days, the fearless journalist will be joined by local media personality Julia Zemiro for a two-hour on-stage adventure, dropping insights into his extraordinary life and behind-the-scenes secrets from his impressive catalogue of work. With more than two decades of filmmaking experience and multiple awards under his belt, Theroux has a knack for digging deep and getting people to spill the beans, telling it exactly how it is. From the opioid epidemic and the San Fernando Valley porn industry to the Church of Scientology, his work has given him countless fascinating stories to dish up on this latest speaking tour. "Australians are obviously connoisseurs of the weird side of life," Theroux said in a statement. "I look forward to coming back to share even more memorable moments and extraordinary stories from the people I have encountered in my films." He was last here in 2016, when he took his (sell-out) speaking tour to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. While you wait for Louis to head Down Under, you can catch his new series of documentaries on BBC Knowledge from Thursday, June 27. You can check out a teaser for the new show Louis Theroux Without Limits here.
Having cut their teeth on the boutique strip of William Street in Paddington, Kaleidoscope Gallery is now ripping off that artist-run gallery band aid and making the move to rub shoulders with the art elite of Danks Street, Waterloo. No more sweet worker's cottage with weatherboard walls and courtyard coffees. Onwards and upwards they say! But if you live in Sydney you'll know how much moving house costs. So Kaleidoscope Gallery is hosting a seven day cash inducing bonanza with an art auction, a bake sale, market stalls, live music, wine, tea and liquid liquidity. Saturday 30 April will peak the week 'Carnival' style — all lions and tigers and bears, oh my. And if you can't manage to drag your sorry pockets anywhere near the Paddo end of town then not to worry. A click of your mouse and you can donate direct online.
The carpark of Auburn Redyard is about to be filled with the aromas from around the world, all thanks to the launch of the Spice Market street food festival. It's on this weekend from Saturday, October 20 through Sunday, October 21, from 12–8pm each day. Although the festival includes options from many different regions, there's a noticeable focus on Asian cuisines from some of Sydney best food trucks. There'll be Japanese eats from Shiso Fine, Korean fried chicken from Chicken Hustle Food Truck, deep-fried ice cream from Duo Duo, Arabic barbecue from 2 Smokin' Arabs and Filipino soul food from Pasalubongs, to name just a few. Apart from food, there's free henna, live music and all-ages activities on offer, too — with plenty of lounge areas to relax on in-between eating sessions. The weekend-long celebration coincides with the complex's recent renovation and the start of the new international films program at Reading Cinemas Auburn.
For not the first time in his career, Steven Spielberg deserves some serious credit. Lincoln is not only the director's most accomplished, audacious, and affecting film of perhaps the past 20 years but also his most surprising given the focus of the story he chose to tell. It's actually hard not to envisage the faces of the DreamWorks executives as he walked into their offices and said: "I'm ready to make another film". Jackpot. "And I want to do it about Lincoln." Double jackpot. Our most beloved president — bring on the inevitable Oscars and fortunes! "But instead of focussing on the Civil War=" ...uh-huh... "-and rather than looking at his assassination" ...yeeeeah… "-I want to spend three hours talking about the passing of some legislation by the House of Representatives." …Okay, umn…Steven, are you SURE you don't want to do it about the War? Because the War was VERY interesting…I mean there were explosions and everything. Well, screw that imaginary Dreamworks executive, because it's precisely that specificity and lack of action that makes Lincoln such an unexpectedly compelling biopic. It's also a notable counterpoint to 2011's Iron Lady in that, instead of covering the president's entire life, it essentially focuses on just a few weeks in January 1865 when Lincoln attempted to enact the 13th Amendment to the Constitution to abolish slavery. The traditional challenge for any historical narrative is that the audience already knows how it ends, meaning tension must be sought elsewhere, in the emotions rather than the events. Apollo 13 is a fine example of this. We all know Lovell and his crew made it back safely, but those final few minutes remain impossibly tense because we're so invested in the characters that didn't know. Hence the drama in Lincoln comes not from 'Would the anti-slavery bill pass?' but rather 'How did it pass, and at what cost?' The result is a beautifully nuanced film about statesmanship, quiet contemplation, and — above all else — principle. After years of devastating Civil War, Lincoln (in another mesmerising performance by Daniel Day-Lewis) finally finds himself presented with an opportunity to end the bloodshed subject only to the southern states' right to maintain slavery. With even his own children on the battlefield, the decision to make peace seems obvious, and yet, so too does equality — something deemed so obvious as to be self-evident. "We are stepped out upon the world stage now," he declares to his cabinet amid fierce opposition to the bill, "with the fate of human dignity in our hands." That he persisted and triumphed is why history reveres him, but how he did it and with whose help is why it's so worth watching.
It's time for ARCHIVE Space's Investible Contemporary Art Annual Fundraiser, or as everyone prefers to refer to it, their ICAA. Come along to the Newtown venue and for just $100, you can have your hot little hands on a piece of contemporary art created by an up-and-coming Sydney artist. Maybe one day it will be worth squillions. Maybe it will just look incredible on your wall. Either way, you win. There's a huge selection of exciting emerging talents featured, all of whom have kindly agreed for their work to be donated to the fundraiser. Money raised will be invested in the future running and hopeful expansion of the space in 2014. Definitely a worthy cause. If you're unfamiliar with what ARCHIVE does, it's a strictly non-for-profit artist-run shared space that officially opened in May. Basically it aims to help developing artists and curators by providing them with a location in which they can experiment, create and collaborate. The space plays host to exhibitions of emerging artists, typically two weeks long, such as this year's Into Thin Air, featuring the work of sisters Hannah and Lauren Carroll Harris. The fundraiser opens on Wednesday, December 18. However, don't despair if you can't make that night — it's running and until Saturday 21st.
Whether you're looking to get more into wine or already consider yourself an aficionado, North Sydney's expansive new multi-faceted restaurant RAFI is launching an exciting ongoing series that will have you tasting rare and interesting vino from around the world. Named The Drop, this wine program will cycle through a selection of bottles from the RAFI cellar, hand-selected by Applejack Hospitality's Group Sommelier Amandine Rouviere (ex-Bert's). Each week two different wines will be chosen and available to sample and purchase by the glass between 4–6pm each day, Monday–Saturday. This way you can experience new premium wines without having to break the budget on a bottle. [caption id="attachment_881619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] There will also be The Drop supper clubs and pop-up events which you can stay on top of by signing up for the wine club mailing list. More wines are sure to be announced in the new year, so sign up to the mailing list or follow RAFI's Instagram for regular updates. And, to learn more about the wines on offer, head to the RAFI website. Top image: Steven Woodburn
Visiting a vineyard is special. But getting to a winery has been somewhat challenging this year. So, to makes things a little easier for you, we're bringing wine country to your home this month with the help of our pals at Pfeiffer Wines. This September, you can join an online wine blending workshop with the expert team from Rutherglen winery Pfeiffer Wines. Throughout the 90-minute workshop, you'll get to try four classifications of internationally renowned Rutherglen muscat and two barrel samples. Then, you'll be guided through how to make your very own muscat blend with a flavour profile tailored to your taste. To ensure you've got everything you need, you'll be sent a sampling pack filled with all the essentials. Inside the kit you'll find four 30ml bottles of Rutherglen muscat, two 300ml bottles of barrel samples, a measuring cylinder, a 200ml bottle to build your own concoction in and everything else you need to make your own blend. Just make sure you book in ahead to ensure the pack arrives in time for class. Sound like a knockout way to spend knock-off drinks? Muscat Master Blender with Pfeiffer Wines will take place at 2pm, 5pm and 7pm on Weekdays throughout September. For more information and to book yourself a spot, visit the website.
Summer has had a blistering start, with the country yesterday clocking its hottest ever day on record. Australia's average maximum temperature soared to a whopping 40.9 degrees, barrelling past the previous record of 40.3 set back on January 7, 2013. But, things are looking much more bearable for December 25, as Christmas Day promises some balmy mid-20 conditions for Australia's barbecuing, beach-going and festive-feasting adventures. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne's the big day is set to hit a maximum of 28 degrees, with partly cloudy skies and only a ten-percent chance of any rain. It'll not only be cracking beach weather, but a welcome change of pace, after this coming Friday's expected top of 43. It's also a jump above Melbourne's December average, which clocks in at 24.2 degrees. [caption id="attachment_651722" align="alignnone" width="1920"] St Kilda Beach by Josie Withers for Visit Victoria[/caption] Sydney is on track to enjoy similar conditions, with an overall maximum of 27 degrees and a 40-percent chance of showers on the cards for Christmas Day. However, if you're venturing west, you'll probably want to line up a swim (or air-conditioning) of some sort, as Penrith hits an expected top of 32 degrees. It comes after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a seven-day State of Emergency on December 19, handing over executive powers to the RFS Commissioner, because of predicted worsening bushfire conditions. It's the second State of Emergency declared this fire season, too, which has been particularly devastating, with 768 homes lost and more than 2.7 million hectares burnt at last count. Those travelling over the festive period are being told to prepare for possible road closures, diversions and delays as a result. And before you head out of town, it's suggested you check Fires Near Me and heed any instructions and warnings. Further north in Brisbane, things are looking especially balmy with a sweaty forecast max of 33 degrees. It's just another in a long string of mid-30 days the city's been through this month, though Christmas Day is bucking the trend with a forecast 40-percent chance of rain. You might want to have a contingency plan for that outdoor barbie. [caption id="attachment_703464" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bunya River Crossing[/caption] Perth's set to unwrap a sticky top of 36 degrees for Christmas, way beyond the average December maximum of 29.1. With zero chance of rain forecast, it'll likely be the hottest day locals will have had all week, rounding out a string of high-20s and low-30s. Darwin is in for a similarly steamy maximum of 35 degrees with the added bonus of potential thunderstorms — pretty much the exact conditions it'll see every day in the lead-up. Meanwhile, Adelaide folk will be ringing in Christmas Day with a festive top of 32 degrees and Canberra is wrapping up a week of low-40s and mid-30s with a partly cloudy 33. As usual, Tasmania's playing things a little cooler, with Hobart in for a partly cloudy, potentially drizzly maximum of 23 degrees.
American choreographer Meg Stuart will bring her show An Evening of Solo Works to Carriageworks for two performances only this March 19 and 20. As founder of Brussels dance company Damaged Goods, Stuart has created over 30 works in her career that cover a number of mediums — this has seen her collaborate with visual artists and musicians and dabbling in theatre as well as dance. She received the Gold Lion for Lifetime Achievement from La Biennale di Venezia this year. This work showcases the oeuvre of the choreographer, and will have its Australian premiere in Sydney, where it will headline the public program for this year's Keir Choreographic Award. Stuart says her work "navigates the tension between dance and theatre, thought and action, remembering and forgetting". Through the evening, she will explore everyday movements and emotional states through one of her main tools: improvisation. An Evening of Solo Works will incorporate both performance from her own body of work as well as excerpts from full-length pieces Stuart has performed in the past. It will demonstrate just how the choreographer has developed her own language and creation methods through her work.
It's the main reason most of Sydney has made their way to Good Food Month over the last couple of years, and in 2017, the ever-popular Night Noodle Markets are back — and they're bigger than ever. Sure, every event says that these days — but the fact that 40 different stalls will converge on Hyde Park for a whopping 18 nights this October makes the claim seem pretty accurate. Among the spoils will be all manner of noodles, dumplings and other delights from Mr Bao, Din Tai Fung, Hoi Pinoy, Indu and House of Crabs. For dessert, Gelato Messina will predictably be back with a menu of pure wonder (including a deep-fried gelato katsu sandwich) and Black Star Pasty will return for another year. The markets will again take place in Hyde Park, which will also be — for the first time — a festival hub for the month. It's inspired by California's Palm Springs, dubbed 'Hyde Park Palms' and designed by Sydney design studio Caroline Beresford (The Cannery). The hub will host a bunch of talks, parties and feasts, starting on October 5 with an opening night party overseen by The Rockpool Group. The markets will run from Thursday, October 5 until Sunday, October 22. They'll be open Monday and Tuesday 5-9pm, Wednesday and Thursday 5–10pm, Friday 5–11pm, Saturday 4–10pm, and Sunday 4–9pm. Entry is free but the place — if other years are anything to go by — will be packed. Image: Bec Taylor.
Superheroes are generally a special breed; they're physical or genetic mutants seeking revenge or protecting the world (often both). What if, however, a superhero was just the guy who has a locker a few doors down from yours, the kind of teenage dude who obsesses over internet porn and caped crusaders, the kind who doesn't have any powers per se. So opens the new film based on the comic book series by Mark Millar. Reading of the derring-do of superheroes while being beaten up by local thugs, seventeen year old Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson, last seen portraying John Lennon in Nowhere Boy) orders a wetsuit, sets up a few online accounts and hits the streets looking for action. He gets stabbed. Of course, a near-fatal stabbing doesn't keep a good superhero down, and he returns to civilisation to locate a little, lost kitten and get a dude to lay off the girl he likes. Chaos, much blood and a pint-sized female wonder named Hit-Girl (Chloe Moretz) ensue. As does her superhero father Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage), a few laugh-it-up-fuzzball friends, a fauxmo/romantic subplot and a surplus of weaponry. The film crosses genres knowingly, with winks scattered throughout aimed at pop history, but has far too many nods to contemporary culture that will feel dated by the time you run out of popcorn. Kick-Ass is bloody, violent and bloody violent, as all good superhero comics are. It never quite translates to screen, however, and what feels immersive in an inked panel eventually grows tiring in the cinema. It's mostly fun, occasionally charming and sporadically funny (Johnson's scenes with Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Red Mist are particularly good). When everything is working, the film is a total thrill but this doesn't happen nearly enough; if there's a sequel it'd better be called 'Hit-Girl' because this film is already hers. https://youtube.com/watch?v=jE7y-OuYqs4
Kevin Smith fans have to put up with a lot. His films in recent years have been akin to cruel and unusual punishment, especially when compared to his work in the 1990s that was comparatively affectionate and funny. His modus operandi these days appears to be to come up with ideas that are ripe for the cinematic picking — two friends making a sex tape to pay the bills in Zack and Miri Make a Porno; horny teenagers finding themselves in a fanatical religious cult after using an app to hook up with strangers in Red State — and defusing them of all their potential. In Tusk, Wallace (Justin Long) is an incredibly rich (six figures a year!!) podcaster who ventures into the unknown to experience all the weird and wacky things that America has to offer before going back to the studio to spend an hour telling his travel-phobic co-host all about it. Their show is called The Not-See Party, and as if the joke wasn't bad enough, Smith finds the time to explain it over and over again like the idiot at a party who goes around telling all the guests the exact same risque joke under the belief that he's funny. On one of his missions north of the border (cue terrible Canada jokes), Wallace is abducted by a psychotic madman named Howard Howe (Michael Parks), who wants to — and I am not making this up — turn his young guest into a walrus. Tusks and all. It is The Human Centipede Goes to the Canadian Wilderness and it is quite easily the worst film I have seen all year. It's not even because of the bad acting — Parks goes for broke, but there's little to be said of the rest (Haley Joel Osment and Genesis Rodriguez), and Johnny Depp goes so far overboard he needs a paddle — or the way the film lacks any sense or logic or scares to make it a satisfying horror entry beyond the gruesomeness of its third act. No, where Smith and his screenplay go so completely wrong is the laziness that overcomes the film. The jokes that come thick and fast can barely even be described as jokes. These are lowest-common-denominator gags that go for cheap, easy laughs over genuine smarts and wit. The horror is underutilised, the tragic nature of this character undermined by a stoner childishness that renders the material unwatchable. Even stoners deserve better than this. This is a movie that filled me with such contempt for its filmmaker that I want to swear off ever seeing another one of his films ever again. Life is too short for whatever cheap, cynical nastiness he has in store next. https://youtube.com/watch?v=trTTjvPCLJQ
Each year, the folks at Sydney-based film festival organisers Queer Screen ask an excellent question, and answer it in the best way possible. That query: what's better than one queer-focused film festival popping up every 12 months? The response: two, of course. Here's another train of thought that the crew have been posing, too: what's better than two celebrations of LGBTQIA+ cinema in Harbour City picture palaces? The solution here: sharing the love by taking the movie-worshipping online nationally. Queer Screen runs the Mardi Gras Film Festival during the first half of every year, so that's been and gone for 2023. It also gives cinephiles the Queer Screen Film Fest later each year — and that's next on the agenda. This isn't any old QSFF, either. It's the event's tenth anniversary, and the fest is marking that milestone with more than 30 films, plus that online component for audiences across Australia. For those playing along in-person, the physical fest runs from Wednesday, August 23–Sunday, August 27 at Event Cinemas George Street. For people on the couch, you'll have until Sunday, September 3 to get streaming. And that 30-plus films includes ten narrative features, three documentary features, four retrospective flicks getting encores, two TV shows and 19 shorts from 11 different countries. There's more range if you hit up a cinema rather than your television, but it's a mighty impressive lineup all the same. Opening the Sydney sessions is Blue Jean, a four-time British Independent Film Award-winner about a lesbian teacher in Thatcher's England — and, at the other end of the fest, Theatre Camp will close out QSFF 2023 with a crowd-pleasing comedy about loving the stage, as starring and co-written and co-directed by Booksmart and The Bear's Molly Gordon. Elsewhere, the lineup includes Cannes Palm d'Or-winning Shoplifters filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda's Monster, which picked up this year's Queer Palm; Marinette, about soccer legend Marinette Pichon (and, yes, arriving just after the Women's World Cup); Busan International Film Festival hit Peafowl, about a Korean trans woman's homecoming; and Medusa Deluxe, which jumps into a hairstyle competition. There's also the Berlin-set Drifter, page-to-screen drama Lie with Me and Indigo Girls doco It's Only Life After All, plus the AIDS in Hollywood-focused Commitment to Life. Or, heading back into sports, Equal the Contest follows regional women's Australian rules football team Mount Alexander Falcons in an exploration of the barriers still faced for women and gender-diverse people on the field. And those retro titles? They span Anchor & Hope, about a trio's complicated relationship; German coming-of-age romance Centre of My World; rom-com Nina's Heavenly Delights, focusing on a woman reuniting with her Indian family in Scotland; and the southern Chile-set The Strong Ones. "Queer Screen is celebrating not only its 30th year of existence, but also the tenth edition of our mini festival. It's an incredibly exciting year and I'm thrilled to be bringing such an outstanding selection of films to Sydney to continue the celebrations," said Festival Director Lisa Rose. "Ten years ago, when the first Queer Screen Film Fest began, we only screened seven films and the whole thing was run by volunteers. This world-class program is a very fitting tribute to how much we have grown and to how LGBTIQ+ stories have found their place, front and centre, on the international stage." Queer Screen Film Fest 2023 runs from Wednesday, August 23–Sunday, August 27 at Event Cinemas George Street in Sydney — and online nationally until Sunday, September 3. For more information, visit the festival's website.
These days, a simple flash of your smartphone can let you pay for stuff without tapping your debit card, see a gig without a hard-copy ticket and even split dinner bills without carrying around a heap of cash. For residents in the eastern Sydney suburbs of Bondi, Bondi Junction, Bronte, Clovelly, Coogee, Randwick and Waverley, it can now also double as your drivers licence. Announced early in 2018 after legislation supporting the move passed through State Parliament, a Sydney trial of digital licences is currently underway. A voluntary scheme involving drivers in postcodes 2022, 2024, 2026, 2031 and 2034, it's the first step towards allowing all NSW residents to leave the old drivers licence card at home — if the trial is successful, that is. According to a statement released by the NSW Government, those willing to participate will have to register for a MyServiceNSW account and install the Service NSW mobile app. They'll then need to opt-in for the trial, which will allow them to manage and renew their licence via the app, and show it as proof of identity and age at police roadside checks, bars and clubs. The digital licence can only be used in the suburbs listed above during the trial period, and those taking part will still need to carry their plastic card. If the trial is successful, the digital system will roll out across the state sometime in 2019. This means that any NSW driver would be able to access a digital version of their licence via the Service NSW app on their phone, and it would be accepted everywhere in the state, completely eliminating the need to carry the original card. It will be an opt-in service, and all drivers will still be issued with a card regardless. To curb the circulation of fake IDs and identify fraud, the government's statement says it is using "comprehensive security measures to protect your information and identity at all times, similar to those used for internet banking" on its digital driver licence website. The details are vague, but users will need to set up a Service NSW app PIN to access their digital licence — and to access it offline as well. Plans for the switch to digital were first announced back in 2016, which was followed by a successful trial of the digital licences in Dubbo and subsequent legislation being entered into Parliament earlier this year. A similar system was rolled out in South Australia in late 2017. Updated: May 28, 2019.
Good thing this isn't on a school night because there's so much to celebrate here. There's Step-Panther's great new EP, Dreamcrusher. There's Bleeding Knees Club frontman Alex Wall's debut solo album, Celebrity Beatings, released under the moniker Wax Witches. There's also new Sydney label Jerko, which is the label doing all the releasing. This sounds like a lot of blood and crushing and beating crammed into one show, but these words are actually quite poor indicators of the sounds you will be hearing. Step-Panther makes bouncy NME-approved shred-rock and Wax Witches is doing youthful noise-pop with a dash of California psych. Perth garage-rockers Foam, who are supporting in both Sydney and Melbourne, are also well worth shouting about. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Rg9DsZG-rlY
