A long time ago, in this very galaxy, brass instruments sounded, a text crawl started and the first Star Wars film burst onto the screen. Thanks to director George Lucas and composer John Williams, it's one of the most iconic movie openings in history — and, in all of its force-wielding, Death Star-destroying, orchestra-scored glory, the sci-fi classic is making a kriffing special return. With Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens getting the concert treatment in Melbourne in December, every jedi, wookiee, droid and even sith around the rest of the country has been crossing their fingers and toes for a similar blend of Star Wars movies and music. In Sydney, those hopes and dreams are being answered with two screenings of Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope at the ICC Sydney Theatre. The film will roll, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will perform Williams' Oscar-winning compositions, and you'll burst with a Millennium Falcon's worth of happiness. Whether you're a huge Star Wars buff eager to ride a wave of excitement past Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi's December release, just have a casual interest, or have no idea what the term R2-D2 means, mark February 16 and 17, 2018 in your diary and prepare to experience history — it's the first time that a live performance has accompanied A New Hope in Sydney. Australian conductor Nicholas Buc will once again lead the charge, as the city's finest provide the soundtrack to Luke Skywalker meeting Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia sending a message for help, Han Solo oozing his usual attitude and Darth Vader just being a power-hungry jerk. The series will also tour to Perth, Adelaide and Wellington, with different conductors stepping in in Western Australia and New Zealand. Star Wars: Episode VI — A New Hope will screen at the ICC Sydney Theatre on February 16 and 17, 2018. Grab tickets here.
You've heard about the awesomeness of nap desks. But what about a whole nap bar? In a move that has us turning green with envy, French furniture company Smarin recently held a pop-up in a Dubai warehouse where visitors could stop in for a much needed snooze. Part of the Art Dubai and Design Days Dubai events, the temporary installation featured various foam lounge chairs of different shapes and sizes, along with pillows, herbal teas, essential oils and woolen ponchos. The space was lit by circular lamps that would switch on and off at five-second intervals in a manner designed to resemble slow, relaxed breathing. "I had the idea for the Nap Bar because when I'm walking in big cities, sometimes I take a break with a coffee but actually I need more of a real break," Smarin founder Stephanie Marin told Dezeen. Now before you quit your job and book a flight to the UAE, you should know that the nap bar pop-up actually finished up last week. Hopefully some clever entrepreneur was paying attention, because there is definitely a market for this kind of thing here in Australia. But until that becomes a reality (Virgin Active's sleep pods are a little too clinical for us), check out our list of creative ways to nap on the job. And now if you'll excuse us, all this typing has worn us out. Via Dezeen.
Sweden's recent electro music success is enough to believe the likes of Lykke Li, Robyn, The Knife, Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, Adrian Lux and Rebecca & Fiona all hang out with each other, and swap industry tips over fika. Groups such as Little Dragon, however, have developed an international following with records characterised by smoothly evocative lyrics. Their self-proclaimed 'global sound' is experimental and consistently enjoyable. Their latest album, Nubuma Rubberband, is absolutely worth a listen. Hitting up Oxford Art Factory with one of the week's most anticipated gigs, Little Dragon have now sold out every last ticket for the night without breaking a sweat. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UM--TtkGNa4
Are you the kind of person who starts plotting your next meal before you've even finished the last? Love eating more than anything else? Well, you can get right to the guts of our global food obsession when culinary legend Nigella Lawson returns to Aussie shores for her new show, An Evening with Nigella Lawson. One of the most successful food writers of all time, cooking up more than ten million book sales worldwide with her 11 culinary bibles, Lawson was in the country last December for a series of talks discussing the concept of food and its link to pleasure, creativity and belonging, and now she's back — direct from London's West End. An Evening with Nigella Lawson is a new show where the celebrity chef shares her own culinary story, live on stage. The show has been floated as interactive and intimate. Culinary questions will be taken from the audience, while Nigella shares her thoughts about the role food plays in life, plus what she is eating and cooking. Before becoming a household name, Nigella worked as a book reviewer and restaurant critic, going on to become the deputy literary editor of The Sunday Times. She is responsible for numerous award-winning books, including How to Eat, How to Be a Domestic Goddess, Nigella Bites and At My Table. AN EVENING WITH NIGELLA LAWSON 2019 DATES Perth — Riverside Theatre, January 29 Sydney — Sydney Opera House, February 2 Canberra — Royal Theatre, February 4 Melbourne — Hamer Hall, February 9 Brisbane — QPAC Concert Hall, February 10 An Evening with Nigella Lawson tickets go on sale Monday, October 29. You can signup to be notified when they're released here.
Maybe Sammy is no stranger to awards, landing on the World's Best Bar list multiple times. The Sydney institution has now pulled some strings with its fellow acclaimed mixologists to pull together a massive lineup for a new eight-day cocktail festival. Popping up across the Maybe Group's several Sydney spots, the Maybe Cocktail Festival will present free pop-ups from 16 of the world's best bars between Wednesday, April 12–Wednesday, April 19. For the festival, the hospitality group has enlisted the help of 12 international venues that landed on The World's 50 Best Bars 2022, as well as an additional three venues that placed between 50 and 100 on the longlist. Some of the spots you can expect to feature on the lineup include Barcelona's Sips (number three on the list), plus Alquímico from Colombia, Jigger & Pony from Singapore, Mexico's Hanky Panky and BKK Social Club from Thailand, all of which landed within the top 15. Other bars set to feature from across Europe, Asia, North America and South America include Drink Kong, Cafe La Trova, Tres Monos, Line, Overstory, A Bar with Shapes for a Name, L'Aqntiquario, Schofield's, Nutmeg & Clove, Sweet Liberty and Termini. Free events will be held at the OG Maybe Sammy in The Rocks, as well as Dean & Nancy on 22, Sammy Junior, The Strand Hotel Rooftop and Maybe Group's soon-to-open Paddington cocktail bar El Primo Sanchez. "I'm not sure I can think of anything more fun than being able to enjoy a cocktail experience from some of the best bars in the world every night, for a week," the festival's co-director Martin Hudak said. As part of the arrangement with the featured bartenders, the international guests are all encouraged to explore Sydney's bar scene and take in some of the other world-class hospitality venues the city has to offer. "We want this applauded, well-connected group of bar folk to experience just how good our bars are here. It's really challenging for Australian bars to get the same global awareness as bars in Europe and the Americas as it's easier and cheaper for bartenders to travel between those continents," continues Hudak. The full program of guest shifts from the international bartenders will be announced next month. The Maybe Cocktail Festival will take place across Sydney between Wednesday, April 12–Wednesday, April 19. Top image: Steven Woodburn.
A couple hundred comedians walked into a bar. And then a theatre. And then a club. And then the Enmore Theatre. Brace your funny bone because it's Sydney Comedy Festival time — and this year's lineup down not disappoint. David O'Doherty, Jason Byrne and Stephen K. Amos are just some of the big international acts who'll come flying into town (and, boy, will their arms be tired). They'll share the stage with stellar locals acts including Becky Lucas, Rhys Nicholson, Nazeem Hussain and Demi Lardner. And that's to say nothing of the endless amateurs and up-and-comers who'll by cracking jokes through the festival, which runs from April 23 right through until May 20.
At the beginning of July, when Greater Sydney's lockdown had been hanging around for a few weeks, Taronga Zoo did everyone a solid by releasing videos of its latest wombat joey. Even if you weren't under stay-at-home conditions then — because you don't live in the area — the footage was heartwarmingly cute. Thankfully, the zoo has more where that came from. This time around, you can take a peek at another baby animal: a koala joey named Humphrey. He's just over 12 months old, he's only been out of his mother Willow's pouch since he was around six months old — because that's what koala's do — and yes, he's as endearing as you'd expect. He's just as fluffy as well. In the video, which was captured by one of Taronga's koala keepers, Humphrey is keen to climb, eat and cuddle. His little eyes light up with curiosity as he scurries about, too. When he entered the world in 2020, Humphrey was the first koala joey born at Taronga Zoo in over a year — so he's obviously been able to garner plenty of attention. That's enough words about this loveable little critter, because we all know that you're here to get a glimpse. Check out Taronga Zoo's footage below: [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://cdn.concreteplayground.com/content/uploads/2021/07/Taronga-Media-Alert-Humphrey-the-koala-joey.mp4"][/video] Taronga has also been spoiling animal lovers with cuteness via its online television station, which was initially established by in 2020, and it is back now for obvious reasons. It's also releasing regular videos across its Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels, and making keeper talks and other clips available online as well. Taronga Zoo is currently closed during Sydney's lockdown, but you can check out more videos of its cute animals via its online Taronga TV channel.
Greater Sydney's lockdown has now entered its seventh week, and isn't set to end until at least Saturday, August 28. But some of the region's stay-at-home requirements are still changing, with restrictions tightening in areas where case numbers are proving particularly high. Already, eight specific Local Government Areas have been put under stricter requirements — and since 5pm on Sunday, August 8, 12 suburbs in the Penrith LGA have joined them. So far, residents of the Parramatta, Georges River, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool, Blacktown and Cumberland have been under tighter rules that only allows them to travel five kilometres from home in general, and only leave their homes for work outside their areas if they're considered authorised workers. Also required: wearing masks whenever they leave the house. At New South Wales' daily COVID-19 press conference on Sunday, August 8, Premier Gladys Berejiklian also added the suburbs of Caddens, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, Kingswood, Mount Vernon, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, St Clair and St Mary's to the list. "Regrettably, there are 12 suburbs in the Penrith Local Government Area that will now be listed as an area of concern and will be subjected to those harsher restrictions that we've imposed on those eight Local Government Areas," said the Premier. "They are clearly suburbs which are boundaries to those eight Local Government Areas, and we want to make sure that we stem the tide of the virus seeping into those additional communities." The 12 suburbs now under tighter conditions are still bound by the overarching stay-at-home rules that applies to the rest of Greater Sydney, too. So, as has been the case since late June, everyone can still only leave the house for four specific essential reasons: to work and study if you can't do it from home; for essential shopping; for exercise outdoors; and for compassionate reasons, which includes medical treatment, getting a COVID-19 test and getting vaccinated. Also, only businesses deemed "critical retail" are permitted to remain open. Stores that can continue to welcome in customers include supermarkets, grocery stores, butchers, bakeries, fruit and vegetable stores, liquor stores and fishmongers; pharmacies and chemists; and shops that primarily sell health, medical, maternity and infant supplies. Also allowed to stay open: pet supply shops, post offices, newsagencies, office supply stores, petrol stations, car hire places, banks, hardware shops, nurseries, and places that sell building, agricultural and rural goods. Any retail premises that don't fall into the above categories are closed to physical customers, but they can do takeaways, home deliveries, and click and collect orders. If you need supplies, only one person from each household can go out shopping each day to buy essential items — and browsing is prohibited, too. Carpooling is still off the cards, unless you're in a vehicle with members of your own household. And, you can still only exercise in groups of two outdoors — or as a household. The stricter restrictions came into effect as NSW reported 262 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases identified to 8pm on Saturday, August 7, with only 86 cases in isolation for their entire contagious period. As always, Sydneysiders are also asked to continue to frequently check NSW Health's long list of locations and venues that positive coronavirus cases have visited. If you've been to anywhere listed on the specific dates and times, you'll need to get tested immediately and follow NSW Health's self-isolation instructions. In terms of symptoms, you 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. Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour will remain in lockdown until at least 12.01am on Saturday, August 28. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Australian summers aren't known for their mild temperatures, but the past three months have been especially toasty. Sydney experienced a record-tying hot spell to kick off 2018. Melbourne endured its hottest day in five years, and then went and almost immediately smashed that top temperature by surviving its hottest day in ten years. A mid-January heatwave rolled across the country, hitting scorching maximums, while the entire first month of the year was deemed Australia's hottest ever. If you've been feeling particularly hot and steamy, there's a good reason — all of the above instances of sweltering weather helped lead to the nation's warmest summer on record. The period from December to February also earned that label in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, while Tasmania and South Australia persisted through their second-hottest summers ever. In Queensland, it was the state's fourth-warmest summer. Both mean and maximum temperatures for the season were exceeded by significant margins, with each reaching nearly one degree higher than the past record, which was set over the summer of 2012–13. Even minimum temperatures soared, with New South Wales hitting its highest on record for summer away from the northeast and far west — and parts of southern inland Queensland, and central northern and eastern Victoria, doing so as well. Here's how maximums looked across the country: [caption id="attachment_710118" align="aligncenter" width="680"] Bureau of Meteorology[/caption] The findings were announced in the Bureau of Meteorology's official summer summary, which also notes that Greater Sydney's daytime temperatures were generally one to three degrees warmer than normal, that Greater Melbourne's maximums were between 1.5–2.5 degrees warmer than the long-term summer average, and that Brisbane experienced a record run of 46 days at or above 30 degrees, spanning from 10 January to 24 February. In short, your three months of seeking solace in beaches, pools and air-conditioning were completely justified. According to Bureau climatologist Dr Lynette Bettio, "the heat we saw this summer was unprecedented". And as for reprieves from above, "rainfall was also well below average for many places, apart from areas in northern Queensland". Summer might now be over; however that doesn't mean that it's time to pull out your jumpers — most of Australia is forecast to score a hotter-than-average autumn. How hot? For mainland Australian residents, there's an 80 percent chance you'll experience autumn temperatures that are a whole lot warmer than the median. Don't go packing away your pedestal fan just yet either. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Outgrowing his first location in Fitzroy is something Andrew McConnell (Cumulus Inc., Supernormal) didn't expect to happen so quickly — but, after just two years, the acclaimed chef and restaurateur is set to open a second store, this time in St. Kilda. Along with co-owner and butcher Troy Wheeler, McConnell will bring his fancy meats, trademark club sandwiches and snags to the south. The pair will set up shop in the historic Gruner's, a butcher and deli with over 60 years of tradition. In a classic Australian immigrant tale, founders Endre and Rose Gruner arrived in Melbourne from Budapest in 1957, looking to establish a new life and opportunities for their children. Fellow Hungarians were said to have come from all over Melbourne to not only buy familiar food, but also to speak in their native tongue, and the shop still holds cultural significance for the area. "A long-standing business like Gruner's has been an integral piece of Melbourne food history," McConnell says. "Troy and I are thrilled to be part of continuing this tradition." With an old-meets-new philosophy, Meatsmith's Barkly Street location will inherit some of Gruner's most-loved recipes, with Hungarian, Polish and European smallgoods taking their spot next to Meatsmith's classics; including dry-aged beef, the Cumulus Inc. lamb shoulder and foie gras parfait. Architects Herbert & Mason (who fashioned the Fitzroy interior) will team up with award-winning, minimalist interior designer Fiona Lynch to ensure the new fitout is in line with the Meatsmith brand and feel — think clean lines and lots of white marble. The new store will open in August, with an exact date still to be confirmed. For those itching for a Meatsmith fix in the meantime, the original location has just kicked off a bi-monthly ode to the world's best food regions, starting with a celebration of Italy for the month of July. Meatsmith St Kilda is set to open in August at 227A Barkly St, St. Kilda.
Another day, another streaming platform. While there's a service for everything these days — Disney flicks, documentaries, Aussie movies, films recommended by Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn and, soon, British television (just to name a couple) — the just-launched Quibi comes with a few twists. We hope you like glueing your eyes to your phone and watching everything in ten-minute chunks, because that's what's on offer with this newcomer. It's all in the title, really, with Quibi shortened from 'quick bites'. Whether you're checking out a new version of Punk'd hosted by Chance the Rapper, seeing Chrissy Teigen preside over small claims cases in the Judge Judy-style Chrissy's Court or getting immersed in a Reese Witherspoon-narrated documentary series about females in natural history, you'll be doing so in small portions. And, you'll be watching on your mobile device of choice, because that's the only place the Quibi app is available. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3awKJu7EN6I Created by ex-Disney chairman and DreamWorks cofounder Jeffrey Katzenberg, and led by former eBay president and CEO Meg Whitman, Quibi has been in the works since 2018 — and earning ample attention thanks to its huge stash of cash (reportedly raising $1.75 billion to spend on content), as well as its hefty array of stars and shows (including an upcoming remake of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days). But the service's arrival in Australia actually came as a surprise, with the platform touting a US launch on April 6, then becoming available Down Under on the same date. That means Aussie viewers can now catch everything from dramas and comedies to news and reality TV in bite-sized chunks, with instalments maxing out at ten minutes but most running shorter (between five and eight minutes). Also on Quibi's lineup are 'movies in chapters', which are exactly what they sounds like — films broken down into episodic segments to fit the platform's whole concept. Launching with a sizeable range titles — with an ultimate aim of hitting 175 different shows and 7000 episodes in its first year — Quibi highlights include mockumentary Nikki Fre$h, which follows Nicole Richie's efforts to become a wellness-focused rapper; cooking competition show Dishmantled, where host and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star Tituss Burgess shoots food at two culinary industry figures, then forces them to try to recreate the dish in question; and Lena Waithe-hosted documentary series You Ain't Got These, about sneaker culture. From the 'movies in chapters' lineup, there's also Flipped, starring Will Forte and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Kaitlin Olson as a down-on-their-luck couple desperate to host their own TV renovation series; Most Dangerous Game, the latest twist on the humans-hunting-humans idea, this time with Christoph Waltz and Liam Hemsworth; and Survive, which casts Game of Thrones' Sophie Turner as a suicidal patient suddenly forced to fight for her life after a plane crash. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3IRvX9UaIk&feature=emb_logo If you're wondering about watching all of the above on your phone, Quibi is designed to play in full-screen no matter whether your handset is vertical or horizontal — with the image automatically changing as you move your device around. And if you're thinking "clearly this is targeted for people watching on the go, such as on the train to work", you're spot-on. Thanks to COVID-19, of course, that's not how folks will be using the service for the near future, though. That makes Quibi a Netflix-meets-YouTube streaming platform with plenty of things to watch, but a flimsy gimmick — or a poorly timed one, at least. Whether anyone wants to get their TV and movie fix on their phone while they're cooped up at home is one of the questions the service currently faces. The other is the lack of communal viewing, because no one wants to crowd around one handset to watch a show or film with their significant other. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKPuomRV5C8 Still, Quibi is betting that audiences will be interested anyway, with more big-name titles in the works. Serving up car-based stunts, Elba vs Block will see Idris Elba face off against professional rally driver Ken Block. And expect lots of cuteness in Barkitecture, which'll see the construction of OTT houses — for dogs. In the remake category, a new version of late 90s sports flick Varsity Blues is on the slate, as is a revival of comedy series Reno 911, as well as a Kiefer Sutherland-starring take on 60s TV series and 90s movie The Fugitive. Sci-fi movie Code 8 is getting a Quibi spinoff, starring Robbie and Stephen Amell, while Japanese horror manga Tomie is being adapted for the platform. And even Steven Spielberg is jumping on the bandwagon, courtesy of horror series Spielberg's After Dark. For further details about Quibi, visit the streaming platform's website. To download the Quibi app, head to the App Store or GooglePlay — with a 90-day free trial currently available, and subscriptions costing AU$12.99 per month afterwards. Top images: Survive and Barkitecture
At last, the gluten free gods have answered your prayers. The Gohil family — whose coeliac-friendly products have been gracing local supermarket shelves for 20 years — are making lives even easier, launching the country's first dedicated gluten free, ready-cooked meal delivery service. Just like the recently launched Freshara is doing for Australia's vegan contingent, The Gluten Free Meal Co is opening up the meal delivery game to a whole new group of foodies, with a collection of nourishing, ready-prepared dishes endorsed by Coeliac Australia. They've also done away with the whole subscription caper. Instead, users simply order by selecting from the lineup of $9.90 single-serve meals on The Gluten Free Meal Co's online menu. And, while there's a minimum spend of $65 for each order, you will score free delivery Australia-wide. All meals are whipped up in a state-of-the-art facility and undergo external gluten testing before arriving at your doorstep — although by the looks of that menu, they're designed to tempt taste buds just as much as any gluten-filled goodies. We're talking global-inspired main dishes like crumbed fish fillets and a country-style chicken pie, a solid range of vegetarian meals, and even a dessert selection featuring sweet treats like chocolate profiteroles. "The gluten free community deserves the same privilege of eating a wide variety of high-quality, nourishing food as everyone else," said Pran and Jitesh Gohil. "We're so excited that we can look after everyone with this fantastic range of delicious mains, finger foods and desserts that are indistinguishable from dishes everyone enjoys." For more information about The Gluten Free Meal Co visit www.gfmeals.com.au.
For 12 trend-setting hours, Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out will take over Sydney CBD with a New York City-style block party. Swing by on Thursday, September 5 for giveaways, catwalks, launches, special offers, canapés and wine. It all kicks off with an official launch party at 4.30pm — and you can shop from 10am till stores close at 10pm. The program is pretty epic, involving nearly every brand — small and large — in Australia. So, we've picked out ten events you really can't miss, from sipping champagne in a beautiful Strand Arcade store to tasting free chocolate samples and gaining invaluable fashion tips from stylists. When you need a pick-me-up between the shopping madness, make sure you visit the David Jones American Express Lounge where you'll get to mingle with the most influential people in Sydney's fashion circles and snack on canapes. Don't leave it till after work, as Sydney's shopping marathon officially kicks off at lunchtime. CATCH CXLOE AND 'VOGUE' EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ON STAGE Get to Pitt Street Mall at midday for the official kick-off. Vogue editor-in-chief Edwina McCann will be leading the launch moment alongside Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore. In between speeches, listen out for live music: making appearances will be two local singer-songwriters, Thandi Phoenix, whose 2019 single 'Say It' has been getting lots of love, and Cxloe, who gigs between Australian and the US. The party is free, and, once it's done, you'll be smack bang in the middle of the action — ready for champagne, canapés and fashion-inspired adventures. BE REWARDED FOR SHOPPING More than $70,000 in goodies will be up for grabs at Spin-To-Win, which you'll find in Pitt Street Mall throughout Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out. Among the prize pool are gifts from some of Australia's biggest names in fashion, including Alice McCall, Witchery, Haigh's, Saba, Zara, American Express, Country Road and Vogue VIP. Keen to enter? All you have to do is register your details over here, spend $100 or more during the day (you'll need to take your receipts to the wheel), cross your fingers and give it a spin. SIP CHAMPAGNE WHILE YOU SHOP Local jewellery brand Dinosaur Designs will celebrate Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out with the launch of its new collection at its Strand Arcade store. You're invited to join in the fun, with a complimentary glass of champagne and, if you spend $200 or more, a $50 gift voucher. Creative directors Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy have been designing their bold, unique jewellery and homewares for more than 30 years. There are now ten Dinosaur Design Stores across the world — in Australia, London and New York City. TAKE A BREAK WITH A TIPPLE AT AN EXCLUSIVE POP-UP BAR When you want to escape the crowds, disappear into the David Jones Card Member Lounge. You'll find this luxe hideaway on level two of DJ's Westfield store, from 5–9pm. Spend as long as you like indulging in a free glass of champagne, canapés and a quick spray of fragrance from the perfume bar. The only catch is you need an American Express Card to enter. Not in your wallet? Don't panic. We're here to get you through the door, with or without plastic — all you have to do is head over here. SAMPLE SOME FREE CHOCOLATE Of all the chocolate makers in Australia, Haigh's is the oldest. Having opened in Adelaide in 1915, the family business has spent more than 100 years transforming cocoa beans into perfectly creamy treats. And, during Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out, you can sample the results of its hard work for free. Simply drop by the Queen Victoria Building store for a sweet break. Plus, spend $50 or more and you'll take home 200 complimentary grams of milk or dark chocolate speckles (worth $10.95). TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXCLUSIVE STYLING TUTORIALS In need of a new look? Take yourself to Scanlan Theodore's Westfield store — on the corner of Pitt and Market Streets — for a transformation at the hands of the head stylist, who'll be offering exclusive style tutorials. When that's done, spend some time perusing the label's latest designs, while snacking on complimentary refreshments. Scanlan Theodore, which was born in Melbourne in 1987, has since been responsible for dressing French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Gemma Ward and Kylie Minogue, among other luminaries. PICK UP A PERSONALISED LUGGAGE TAG Jetting off somewhere? Head into Fossil's QVB store anytime during the celebration for free embossing. You get to choose between shimmering foil — available in silver and gold — and a classic stamp, with blind emboss. On top of that, Fossil will give you a free luggage tag. To lay your hands on these goodies, all you have to do is sign up to the database. You're not obliged to spend any cash. That said, Fossil's impressive collection of bags, watches and jewellery, inspired by vintage and classic design, could well have you lusting. REFUEL FOR SHOPPING ROUND TWO At some point in your sampling, styling and shopping extravaganza, you're going to need a feed. If that need involves a hankering for wine, pop into Assamm Thai Eating House, which you'll find in the QVB. Spend $30 or more and present your American Express Card, and you'll be rewarded with a glass of red or white. By the way, we recommend the satay chicken skewers served with nahm jim jaew smoked chilli dipping sauce, followed by ramen with wontons, crab meat and barbecue pork. Sydney's Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out takes place on Thursday, September 5. Don't miss out on the VIP treatment, register your attendance for the VIP Lounge here. And to find out more about the exclusive benefits of being a David Jones American Express Cardholder, head over here.
The newly extended Museum of Contemporary Art Australia would be doing only half its job if all the artworks in its opening salvo hung on the walls. Teaming up with Performance Space, it is also showcasing performance, participatory and site-specific artworks that roam the museum surrounds and suffuse your visit with surprise. There are seven works in the program, dubbed Local Positioning Systems, and each responds in some way to the MCA building and the space around it. Celestial Radio (March 29 to April 15) is unmissable, mainly because the sunlight bouncing off the sailboat's 60,000 mirror tiles will blind you. The stunning sculptural object, by Zoe Walker and Neil Bromwich, is also a literal twist on the pirate radio station, broadcasting a psychedelic soundwork crafted with the input of locals. Preceded by a tour of the show by artist Stuart Ringholt 6-8pm (the artist will be naked. Those who wish to join the tour must also be naked. Adults only) (on March 27-29) is a work we've more succinctly titled the 'Naked Art Tour'. Ringholt's art confronts themes of fear and embarrassment, though unlike the instance when he walked around with toilet paper hanging from his pants, this one requires you to do the confronting as you join an all-nude after-hours gallery tour. It will book out quick. Which is a world away from Julie-Anne Long's Val, The Invisible (April 7-23). If you overlook the humble, middle-aged woman at its centre, you'll be missing out on the little bit of art she inserts into the everyday. She's at least one stranger in the MCA you ought to stop to talk to. In The Experts Project (May 6-13), Lara Thoms is riffing on that thing we all do now where we read an article on Wikipedia and act like we've written the PhD — except she's learning from people in real-life, and she's self-aware. After exploring the unofficial and unexpected specialties of people with whom her residency at the museum brings her into contact, she'll digest their wisdom into a series of presentations. A previous incarnation of the project taught her about "how to skin a rabbit with your bare hands, making decorative toilet roll holders, bubbleology, staying out of a psych ward, polyamory" and much, much more. For those unsatisfied with the cost or philosophical scope of their GP's office, Jason Maling's Physician (May 5-18) provides. You can make an appointment at the MCA desk and seek treatment from Jason for your contemporary neuroses. Regular gallerygoers might likes to have their 'metaphobia' and 'generalised indifference disorder' looked at. Latai Taumoepeua's i-Land X-isle (May 25-26) is a huge performance installation that addresses themes of climate change and rising sea levels. It includes large blocks of ice suspended by traditional Tongan binding techniques beside the waters of Sydney Harbour. Finally, Dachshund UN (June 2-3) by Bennett Miller is indeed a United Nations of dachshunds. In a scale model of the General Assembly built in the MCA forecourt, 47 representative dachshunds (whose animal rights have apparently been considered and respected) will gather to debate the issues. And if that looks like a pointless exercise, well, yeah.
UPDATE, February 12, 2021: Booksmart is available to stream via Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. When Booksmart premiered at SXSW in March to widespread acclaim, it earned immediate comparisons to another teen-centric comedy. Like Superbad, it follows two high-school outsiders who finally let loose before graduation. The film also stars a member of the Feldstein family — Beanie Feldstein, who is best known for Bad Neighbours 2, Lady Bird and the television version of What We Do in the Shadows, and happens to be Jonah Hill's sister. But likening this hilarious exploration of female friendship to a male-centric flick doesn't do Booksmart justice. Nor does badging it a gender-swapped twist on its ostensible predecessor. Drawing upon a smart, sharp script (by seasoned TV writers Emily Halpern and Sarah Haskins, as well as The Spy Who Dumped Me's Susanna Fogel and Isn't It Romantic's Katie Silberman), actor-turned-filmmaker Olivia Wilde isn't trying to create a female clone of anything. Rather, the first-time director brings an insightful and amusing story to the screen, plus two relatable characters that make it shine. Yes, they're young women. Yes, the film is filled with gross-out gags and other outlandishness. And yes, this type of fare doesn't usually focus on girls, favour a feminine perspective or stem exclusively from female voices. That says as much about the film industry as it does about Booksmart, however, and it isn't a new issue. As seen with Bridesmaids and the spate of comedies that followed, comparing female-fronted movies to their supposed male counterparts has become society's way of coping with a clear failing. We don't have much of a framework for films like these because they're much too rare and, even as they gradually increase in number, we're not conditioned to seeing women in these situations. Addressing that gap by broadening the range of tales told really couldn't be more crucial. But it's equally important to recognise a standout picture not because it recalls another flick, but because it's truly a delight on its own merits. With its affectionate energy, inclusive vibe, side-splitting gags and excellent lead performances, Booksmart boasts plenty of cheer-worthy highlights, each making the movie's generally familiar narrative feel fresh. The day before they're due to don their caps and gowns, listen to speeches and farewell everything they know, firm best friends Molly (Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) suddenly come to a realisation: they've actually wasted the past few years. While the studious duo worked hard to secure spots at impressive colleges, their partying peers also scored places at prestigious schools. An overachiever who'll never be told that she can't do something, Molly is especially incensed, convincing Amy to use their last night as secondary students to make up for what they've been missing. Coordinating outfits, hopping between celebrations, dealing with pesky adults, chasing their respective crushes, trying mind-altering substances — that's Molly and Amy's big leap from brainiacs to party gals. As they jump around Los Angeles, they not only navigate a series of raucous antics, but encounter a lively roster of supporting players, including Jason Sudeikis as their Lyft-driving principal, Jessica Williams as the teacher who's ready to rage with them, and scene-stealer Billie Lourd as a free-spirited classmate. Charting her protagonists' eventful evening, Wilde always finds the right approach for every moment. Booksmart segues effortlessly between spirited soundtrack choices, anarchic comic set-pieces and one of the most memorable animated scenes to hit cinemas in years, with each directorial selection intimately tied to the picture's central pair. That's the key to this astute coming-of-age comedy, because none of the revelry means anything if it doesn't take the characters on a journey. If Booksmart had just stuck with wild hijinks and kept its fun skin-deep, it would've still proven an enjoyable night at the movies, immersing audiences in its upbeat party atmosphere. And yet, the film ventures beyond hedonistic thrills and straightforward life lessons. While those elements are part of the movie, they're the equivalent of streamers and balloons — nice to have, but not the main attraction. Instead, Booksmart uses its madcap merriment to delve into Molly and Amy's close bond, and the reality that it too will change along with everything else in their lives. Each episodic escapade speaks to something within their complex friendship, unpacking a connection that's loving and messy, shifting yet solid, and supportive but sometimes overwhelming all at once. Relationships, especially lifelong platonic friendships between adolescents on the cusp of adulthood, are like that — something which this equally hilarious and heartfelt film embraces. It's no understatement to say that, even with everything else turning out swimmingly, this would've been a completely different movie without Feldstein and Dever. Wilde asked the duo to live together to develop a genuine rapport, and the naturalistic results show in every scene. Booksmart isn't short on dialogue, but it conveys just as much via body language, with the talented actors wearing their camaraderie like a second skin. That said, they're not just a complicated, compelling, compliment-slinging double act. Whether Feldstein is standing up to Molly's taunting peers, or Dever is showing how the out-but-uninitiated Amy remains awkward about love and sex, Booksmart's rising stars ensure that their on-screen alter-egos couldn't feel more authentic. With its frank and funny snapshot of one crazy, revelatory night, the film does the same with the entire teenage experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwojM2j0Xb0
Ever been at an outdoor cinema, and wished you could just jump into bed? Well, of course you have — bed is the one thing we can rely on to always be there for us, and we all wish it could follow us around for intermittent lie-downs. That's presumably why the geniuses at Sydney's new PicNic Cinema have decided to implement beds into their outdoor setup. Well, that, and they're probably aware of the struggles of keeping your head propped up on a packet of chips while lying on a picnic rug trying to drink wine. PicNic Cinema will take over Parramatta's Prince Alfred Square for 16 nights this April. Instead of just the usual picnic rug and bean bag sitcho, the cinema will bring in enough inflatable double mattresses for 100 people to literally lie back and relax on. You'll even get a blankie in case it gets chilly. The film program is surprisingly varied and international, with everything from Muriel's Wedding to Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky to Iranian Oscar winner, A Separation. The food lineup is similarly diverse, with Cuban, African, Brazilian and Lebanese dishes set to be on rotation. Let's just hope it doesn't rain. PicNic Cinema will run from April 8-23 at Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta, Sydney. For the full program and to book tickets, visit picniccinema.com.
It's hot, it's spicy, it's seriously slurpable and it's back for a limited time only. Yep, Surry Hills fried chicken temple Butter has brought back its Ramen Club for its ninth annual edition — and this year, it'll be hotter than ever. Butter Founder and Executive Chef Julian Cincotta has once again brought back his signature OG Fried Chicken Ramen for winter, and you can get your hands on a bowl right now. This long-running fan fave features thick-cut noodles, a marinated soft-boiled egg, enoki mushrooms and one of Butter's signature crispy fried chicken tenders, all swimming in a rich, aromatic, tonkotsu-style broth. There are a couple of new additions to this year's Ramen Club. First up, you'll be able to try a limited-time ramen topped with Forged by Vow's parfait and foie gras, made with cultured Japanese quail. Then, Butter has teamed up with local spice master The Fermentalist, known for its house-made hot sauces and bold chilli blends, for an all-new ramen that will bring some serious heat to the table. There'll also be an exclusive merch range with a to-be-revealed western Sydney fashion label, for those who like to wear their noods on their sleeve. The bowls will be dished up daily in limited numbers, and only in store, for $25 a pop. You can also add a crisp $8 Tiger beer on the side for the ultimate winter warmer.
As Australia grieves the loss of some of our favourite music festivals — plagued by fatally low ticket sales (see Harvest and Homebake) — Laneway has come out the other end of the tunnel and found the light. Its killer lineup has a taste for everyone, and while The Jezabels, Cloud Control, Haim, Lorde and Unknown Mortal Orchestra have committed to playing St. Jeromes Laneway exclusively, a few crowd-pleasing sideshows have today been announced. Among the announced sideshows is American R&B boy Autre Ne Veut for his first Aussie visit, along with London trio Daughter and Scottish trio Chvrches, who cemented a huge Aussie fan base with their recent sell-out tour and will this time be supported by Sydney producer Elizabeth Rose. Also joining the list is Sydney duo Jagwar Ma, with support from fellow Laneway alumni and Sydney boy Jonti. London punk chicks Savages will be supported by Sydney muso Kirin J Callinan for what'll undoubtedly be some unpredictable shows. British singer/songwriter and teen King Krule incorporates elements of jazz, dubstep and hip-hop in his tunes. Support for his over 18 shows are to be announced, while Scottish indie rock band Frightened Rabbit will also have Sydney and Melbourne shows across January and February. Autre Ne Veut Tickets on sale now through Handsome Tours. Melbourne Tuesday February 4 - Northcote Social Club Sydney Wednesday February 5 - Oxford Art Factory Daughter Tickets via Ticketek. For pre-sales sign up at Heavenly Sounds. Sydney Tuesday February 4 - St Stephen's Uniting Church Melbourne Monday February 10 - St Michael's Uniting Church Chvrches Tickets from the Laneway Festival website. Melbourne Wednesday January 29 - Forum Theatre Sydney Tuesday February 4 - Metro Theatre Jagwar Ma Melbourne Thursday January 16 - The Hi-Fi Sydney Friday January 17 - Metro Theatre Savages Tickets from the Laneway Festival website. Melbourne Thursday January 30 - The Hi-Fi Sydney Wednesday February 5 - Metro Theatre King Krule Tickets from the Laneway Festival website. Melbourne Tuesday January 28 - The Corner Hotel Sydney Tuesday February 4 - Oxford Art Factory Frightened Rabbit Tickets from the Laneway Festival website. Melbourne Wednesday February 5 - The Palace Sydney Thursday February 6 - Metro Theatre Top image: Daughter photographed by Stacey Hatfield.
Situated snuggly below the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the North Sydney Olympic Pool is one of the most picturesque and recognisable swimming complexes in Australia. In recent years, however, there have been urgent calls to renovate the pool. In 2019, it was reported to be "deteriorating rapidly" and in need of a multimillion-dollar revamp. Those revamp plans have now been put into action with a $63.9 million-dollar revamp to begin in late March. North Sydney Council announced earlier this month that building company Icon, the organisation responsible for Sydney Olympic Park's beleaguered Opal Tower and The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Gardens, would be in charge of the renovations. Upgrades to the pool will include a new fitness and leisure centre, a new warm water pool, an expanded gym with harbour views, a new 970-person grandstand and increased accessibility. Both the 50- and the 25-metre pool will receive a full upgrade, however, art deco features such as the harbourside wall, sundeck and water spray feature will all be maintained. A gelato bar will also be built on the sundeck for those looking to live out the stuff of summer dreams by enjoying a cold treat from the new grandstand as you look out onto Sydney Harbour. North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson said the renovations to the 84-year-old pool would allow it to be enjoyed for "many decades to come". The pool will remain open until the end of February under current COVID-19 restrictions. You can book a swim in the 50-metre pool through the council website. A full breakdown of the redevelopment and FAQs are available online via the North Sydney Council website. North Sydney Olympic Pool is located on Alfred Street, Milsons Point. The pool will close in late February and renovations will begin in March 2021.
The clown prince of crime is dancing all the way to the Oscars, with Joker topping the pool at this year's Academy Award nominations. It's the second year in a row that a comic book film has featured among the most prolific nominees, after Black Panther earned seven nods in 2019. As well as being the most-nominated movie in 2020 with 11 nominations, Joker is now the most-nominated superhero flick of all time — with the Joaquin Phoenix-starring movie beating the eight received by The Dark Knight, including Heath Ledger's posthumous Best Supporting Actor statuette for playing the same character. Remember when, back in 2018, the Oscars wanted to introduce a new Academy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film? When that was announced, the backlash was fast and furious, causing it to be scrapped — and if Joker's prominence this year and Black Panther's last year prove anything, it's that such a category really isn't needed. Plenty of other popular films sit alongside Joker in the 2020 nominations, with The Irishman, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and 1917 each nabbing ten apiece, and Little Women, Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit earning six each. Also ratcheting up a half-dozen: the best movie of 2019, aka Bong Joon-ho's Parasite. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film, Film Editing and Production Design, Parasite's big showing is historic — amazingly, it's the first South Korean movie to ever earn a nomination in the Oscars' 92-year history, including in the foreign-language category. Alas, while the film's recognition might seem like an important step forward, much of this year's major categories show little in the way of diversity among their nominees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AST2-4db4ic When the winners are announced on Monday, February 10, Australian and New Zealand time, no female filmmaker will be crowned the year's best director thanks to the field's all-male nominees. As Issa Rae noted as she read the nominations alongside John Cho, "congratulations to all those men". Greta Gerwig's Little Women apparently directed itself, for example, although the actor-turned-filmmaker did receive a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay. And, when the acting prizes are handed out, it's highly likely that they'll be given to a white performer. While the nominees don't quite repeat the #OscarsSoWhite controversy of four years ago, when no people of colour were recognised, only two earned nods this year: Antonio Banderas for his sublime performance in Pain and Glory, and Cynthia Erivo for biopic Harriet. Fancied contenders such as Hustlers' Jennifer Lopez, The Farewell's Golden Globe-winner Awkwafina, Us' Lupita Nyong'o and Dolemite Is My Name's Eddie Murphy were all shut out — as was The Farewell in general. Plus, while there was plenty of love of Parasite, that didn't extend to any of the movie's actors. Of course, the Oscars always serve up snubs and surprises. Another big shock: Adam Sandler missing out on a Best Actor nomination for fantastic thriller Uncut Gems. Sandler and the Academy Awards mightn't seem like obvious bedfellows, but the actor is in career-best form as a diamond jeweller and compulsive gambler. On the local front, Aussie Margot Robbie scored a nod for Best Supporting Actress for Bombshell, playing a reporter caught up in the sexual harassment scandals at Fox News, while New Zealander Taika Waititi received a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination for Jojo Rabbit. The 92nd Academy Awards will take place on Monday, February 10, Australian time. Here's the full list of nominations: OSCAR NOMINEES 2020 BEST MOTION PICTURE The Irishman Ford v Ferrari Jojo Rabbit Joker Little Women Marriage Story 1917 Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Parasite BEST DIRECTOR Martin Scorsese, The Irishman Bong Joon Ho, Parasite Sam Mendes, 1917 Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Todd Phillips, Joker PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Scarlett Johansson, Marriage Story Saoirse Ronan, Little Women Charlize Theron, Bombshell Renee Zellweger, Judy Cynthia Erivo, Harriet PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Adam Driver, Marriage Story Leonardo DiCaprio, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Joaquin Phoenix, Joker Jonathan Pryce, The Two Popes Antonio Banderas, Pain and Glory PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Laura Dern, Marriage Story Scarlett Johansson, Jojo Rabbit Margot Robbie, Bombshell Kathy Bates, Richard Jewell Florence Pugh, Little Women PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Tom Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood Anthony Hopkins, The Two Popes Al Pacino, The Irishman Joe Pesci, The Irishman Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY 1917 Marriage Story Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Parasite Knives Out BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY Jojo Rabbit Joker Little Women The Irishman The Two Popes BEST ORIGINAL SCORE Joker Little Women Marriage Story 1917 Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker BEST ORIGINAL SONG I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away, Toy Story 4 (I'm Gonna) Love Me Again, Rocketman I'm Standing With You, Breakthrough Into the Unknown, Frozen 2 Stand Up, Harriet BEST FILM EDITING Ford v Ferrari The Irishman Jojo Rabbit Joker Parasite BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM Corpus Christi (Poland) Honeyland (North Macedonia) Les Miserables (France) Pain and Glory (Spain) Parasite (South Korea) BEST ANIMATED FEATURE How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World I Lost My Body Klaus Missing Link Toy Story 4 BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE American Factory The Cave The Edge of Democracy For Sama Honeyland BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY The Irishman Joker The Lighthouse 1917 Once Upon a Time in Hollywood BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN The Irishman Jojo Rabbit 1917 Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Parasite BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Avengers: Endgame The Irishman The Lion King 1917 Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker BEST COSTUME DESIGN The Irishman Jojo Rabbit Joker Little Women Once Upon a Time in Hollywood BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING Bombshell Joker Judy Maleficent: Mistress of Evil 1917 BEST SOUND MIXING Ad Astra Ford v Ferrari Joker 1917 Once Upon a Time in Hollywood BEST SOUND EDITING Ford v Ferrari Joker 1917 Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT In the Absence Learning to Skateboard In A Warzone Life Overtakes Me St Louis Superman Walk Run Cha-Cha BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM Dcera (Daughter) Hair Love Kitbull Memorable Sister BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM Brotherhood Nefta Football Club The Neigbour's Window Saria A Sister
It's the season that originally wasn't going to happen, telling the story that's still ongoing IRL, wrapping up a seven-year run for a star-studded regal drama that's proven a royal hit. On Thursday, December 14, The Crown will come to an end with the final six episodes in its sixth and last go-around. The focus in the just-dropped trailer for this big wave goodbye: the changing attitudes towards the British monarchy and what Queen Elizabeth II (Imelda Staunton, Downton Abbey: A New Era) sacrificed when she became a sovereign. The Peter Morgan (The Queen)-created show's farewell began in mid-November, with the release of the first four episodes of season six. Accordingly, this final run also began by paying plenty of attention to the relationship between Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) and Dodi Fayed (Khalid Abdalla, Moon Knight), including the tragic events of their trip to Paris. Now, the remainder of the season keeps exploring the aftermath to take the award-winning series to its conclusion. On the way: Prince William (Ed McVey) going back to Eton, then attending St Andrew's University and forming a crush on Kate Middleton (Meg Bellamy). The Crown's last hurrah will also include Princess Margaret's (Lesley Manville, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris) stroke and lifestyle changes, and the Queen entering her ninth decade, as well as what that means for Prince Charles (Dominic West, The Pursuit of Love). Stepping into William and Kate's shoes, McVey and Bellamy are both screen debutants playing a couple whose tale has never been away from the headlines — and digging into the part of this narrative that even those with zero interest in the royal family know from such incessant coverage. Season six's cast also includes Luther Ford (short Dream Between) as Prince Harry, Olivia Williams (The Father) as Camilla Parker Bowles, Jonathan Pryce (Slow Horses) as Prince Philip, Claudia Harrison (Delicious) as Princess Anne and Bertie Carvel (Dagliesh) as Tony Blair. When The Crown began, it kicked off with Queen Elizabeth II's life from her marriage to Prince Philip back in 1947. The first season made its way to the mid-50s, the second season leapt into the 60s, and season three spanned all the way up to the late 70s. In season four, the royal family hit the 80s, while season five hopped to the 90s. News around the show's fifth and sixth seasons has changed a few times over the past few years. At the beginning of 2020, Netflix announced that it would end the royal drama after its fifth season. Then, the streaming platform had a change of heart, revealing it would continue the series for a sixth season after all. Check out the trailer for the second part of The Crown season six below: The second part of The Crown's sixth season will hit Netflix on Thursday, December 14. Images: Daniel Escale, Netflix / Leftbank.
As beer and food geeks we can't imagine a much more exciting pairing than Restaurant Hubert and Garage Project. And they're teaming up for one beer-themed French-Mexican feast this Sydney Beer Week. With the boundary pushing brewers from across the ditch confirming two, of four, new brews already — the 2018 release of La Calavera Catrina, a watermelon, habanero and maize lager, as well Day of the Dead, a chipotle chilli black lager — things are already looking pretty promising. Add a French-Mexican feast by Hubert chefs Dan Pepperell and James McDonald and live music from mariachi/flamenco/rock/metal band Kallida all taking place in Hubert's underground Theatre Royale, and it's a celebration you won't want to miss. The $130 ticket includes canapes, a buffet dinner and four matching beers for Garage Project. Image: Daniel Boud.
In every generation, a slayer is born — and a new show about them, apparently. It's the reboot that was always bound to happen, with Buffy the Vampire Slayer set to head back to television. Wannabe vampire vanquishers, get your stakes ready. Twenty-one years after the last TV version first aired, the new take will both follow in its footsteps and add something fresh to the concept — think fighting bloodsuckers and demons, of course, plus using Buffy's supernatural calling as a metaphor for broader societal issues, but in contemporary times and with a diverse cast. While the show is still in writing stage, the role of Buffy herself is being written for a black actress according to The Hollywood Reporter. Writer Monica Owusu-Breen has been charged with the task of penning the reboot, with assistance from original writer Joss Whedon — who'll also serve as an executive producer. It's a reunion for the two, after they worked together on Marvel TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Owusu-Breen also has credits on everything from Charmed and Alias to Lost and Fringe on her resume. As for which members of the Scooby gang will be back, which vamps will make a reappearance, if it'll be set on Sunnydale's hellmouth, if a stuffy English librarian will be involved and whether there'll be a musical episode, it's still very early days — while the project is moving ahead, it doesn't yet have a TV network or streaming platform attached. And, if you're thinking that Buffy doesn't really need rebooting, remember that Whedon's Sarah Michelle Gellar-starring seven-season series originally remade the 1992 movie of the same name. Via The Hollywood Reporter.
For years, French wine has carried a reputation that's both revered and, let's be honest, a little intimidating. Grand Cru? Appellation d'Origine Protégée? It can all feel like a secret language. But beyond the codes and classifications lies a truth worth rediscovering: French wine is less about labels and more about land. And today, a new generation of producers is making that land speak louder — with clarity, purpose and a surprising accessibility that's finally reaching Australian tables. Read on for our guide to French wines, their Aussie lookalikes and what you should be drinking them with. The Loire: Fresh, Crisp and Perfect With Seafood Sauvignon blanc drinkers used to wines from the Adelaide Hills or Marlborough will find familiarity — and perhaps surprise — in the Loire's restrained, mineral expressions. Stretching from the Atlantic coast to the heart of central France, the Loire Valley produces some of the most food-friendly wines. It's one of the country's most diverse and dynamic regions, and one that pairs beautifully with Australia's seasonal, produce-driven cuisine. Sancerre, Reuilly and Pouilly-Fumé offer crisp, flinty sauvignon blancs that elevate seafood, fresh cheeses and vegetables with vibrant acidity. Ordering oysters at a restaurant? Skip the sparkling and go for a Loire sauvignon instead — it'll slice through the brininess with razor-sharp freshness. Quincy adds a floral, zesty touch, ideal with grilled fish or salads. For reds, cabernet franc brings a lighter touch: bright-fruited, low in tannin and full of charm. Pair it with charcuterie, grilled vegetables or a Sunday roast chicken. [caption id="attachment_1018160" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Burgundy: Precision Rooted in Exceptional Terroir Pinot noir lovers from Tasmania or the Mornington Peninsula will feel at home, but Burgundy adds a savoury depth that's worth exploring. If Bordeaux built its prestige on boldness, Burgundy built its legacy on nuance. Here, pinot noir and chardonnay are the stars — two grapes Australians already know well, but in Burgundy they show another side. Pinot noir here is savoury, earth-driven and age-worthy. If you love Tasmanian pinot, you'll recognise the elegance but with less fruit and more mushroom, spice and forest floor. It's perfect with duck breast, mushroom risotto or soft cheeses such as brie. Chardonnay shifts depending on its village — from steely and mineral in Chablis (picture it with freshly shucked prawns and grilled fish) to rich and nutty in Meursault (ideal with lobster, roast chicken or creamy pasta). [caption id="attachment_688735" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] The Rhône Valley: Warmth, Spice and Balance Fans of Barossa shiraz or GSM blends from McLaren Vale will find Rhône reds comfortingly familiar — but with lifted aromatics and distinctly European restraint. Stretching from Lyon to Avignon, the Rhône produces wines that feel instantly relatable to Australian palates: bold yet balanced, sun-drenched but structured. In the south, grenache-led blends like Châteauneuf-du-Pape offer layers of fruit, spice and silky tannins — perfect with chargrilled lamb or slow-cooked vegetables. In the north, syrah reigns supreme: savoury, peppery and elegant. If you love Barossa shiraz, it will feel like its leaner, spicier cousin. Pair it with beef fillet, venison, roast duck or smoky eggplant dishes. Champagne: Beyond the Big Names Champagne might be the classic aperitif, but in France, it's also a food wine. A glass of brut with oysters or tempura? Perfect. A bottle of rosé champagne alongside salmon, duck or a summer berry dessert? Even better. Vintage champagne, made only in exceptional years, pairs beautifully with richer dishes like lobster, scallops or truffle risotto. Extra brut — bone-dry and precise — cuts through fried chicken or chargrilled seafood with ease. For Australians, the closest comparison is Tasmania's boutique sparkling scene, where grower champagnes offer freshness and complexity without the flash. If you normally reach for prosecco or Tassie fizz, try champagne in its many forms — brut for starters, rosé with mains or vintage for something special. The renewed interest in French wine isn't about prestige — it's about connection. Just as Australians have embraced minimal-intervention wines from regions like the Adelaide Hills or Margaret River, they're now discovering that many French producers follow a similar ethos. While big names still dominate shelves, smaller importers are fuelling the renaissance. One such importer is Aptent Gourmet, a Sydney-based team whose portfolio spans the Loire, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhône — all chosen for their focus on small-scale, sustainable farming and wines that reflect people as much as place. Ready to trial a French drop at your next dinner? Explore our favourite French restaurants in Melbourne and French restaurants in Sydney. Images: Supplied
Across most of Australia, no one expects to feel particularly warm in June. Even in Brisbane, the temperature always starts to dip before midyear hits. But, just days into winter 2021, the frostiest part of the calendar is making sure that Aussies along the east coast definitely feel the cold — so rugging up is recommended for the next week. The country's southeast is expected to be especially chilly, as you might have already started to realise if you're located in Sydney or Melbourne. The Bureau of Meteorology advises that icy air has been heading up from the Southern Ocean, and it's bringing rain, wind and snow with it. In New South Wales, that means cold, wet and windy conditions for most of the state from Tuesday, June 8, plus snow in sections of the northern and central Tablelands — and alpine areas — on Wednesday, June 9 and Thursday, June 10. In Melbourne, don't expect temperatures higher than 13 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday, or above 16 degrees until Sunday, June 13. https://twitter.com/BOM_au/status/1401658919659917317 Discussing the colder conditions on Sunday, June 6, BOM meteorologist Sarah Scully said that "there is a very strong cold front that's forecast to move across southeastern Australia across Monday and Tuesday" — and "on and beyond that cold front, we're forecasting widespread showers, small hail and isolated thunderstorms." The cold front is expected to move east through NSW and Victoria on Monday and Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, snow is expected to drop to low levels "through parts of Tasmania, Victoria and alpine areas of NSW." From Tuesday night onwards, a complex low pressure area is forecast to develop over the southern part of NSW, then move off the east coast and intensify — bringing a band of rain across the eastern seaboard. That's anticipated to stretch right up from Tasmania to southeast Queensland. "It's a very cold pool of air, so there's the potential for small hail and thunderstorms as well, and showers, and also snow down to low levels," said Scully. https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/1401701952052994054 So, Sydneysiders, get ready for minimums as low as eight degrees, showers from late Tuesday until Friday, June 11, and a maximum of 15 degrees on Thursday, June 10. In Melbourne, as well as the low top temps mentioned above, the minimum will hit six degrees on Wednesday, and showers are forecast from Tuesday–Thursday. Damaging winds are also expected in southern and alpine regions. Brisbane has been feeling chillier than usual for a few days, thanks to a cool change that was forecast last week. Back when winter started, BOM noted that there was "an outside chance" that the Granite Belt could get snow this week — but Brisbane is in for eight-degree minimums regardless from Thursday–Sunday, and a maximum of just 18 degrees on Thursday as well. https://twitter.com/BOM_Qld/status/1399558171740442627 Of course, while these are BOM's forecasts as issued up until today, Monday, June 7, conditions may change — so keep an eye on the Bureau's website for the most up-to-date information. For latest weather forecasts, head to the Bureau of Meteorology website.
While Messina's main jam is crafting supremely scoffable varieties of gelato, the brand's love of food extends far beyond the freezer, as proven through a series of pop-ups it's dubbed Messina Eats. Every couple of months, the cult gelateria teams up with a savoury-focused culinary hero and throws a big ol' food party in the carpark at its Rosebery headquarters. On January 31 and February 1, it's teaming up with Melbourne's Wonderbao to create a special Chinese New Year menu as dreamy as the soft, doughy pillows themselves. . Along with traditional pork buns, the team will also be steaming its cult gua bao stuffed with pork belly, fried chicken and silken tofu. And it's bringing a brand new product to the party, too: a lobster bao-guette. As you can guess, it's a cross between a bao and a lobster roll, and it looks damn tasty. There'll also be sides — including spicy fries — and a lychee soda and dulce de leche and early grey milk tea to drink. And for dessert? Messina's famous mango pancakes, stuffed with mango sorbet and whipped cream. The whole thing will go down over Friday and Saturday in the carpark at Messina's Rosebery HQ. They'll be open from noon for lunch and dinner until sold out.
According to this year's star-studded chick flicks, real women want easy-to-use beauty products. They also want films where women state this obvious fact, apparently. First I Feel Pretty made that claim, and now Second Act does the same, because these things typically come in pairs. The similarities don't end there, with both movies championing the idea that it's what's inside that counts. Sadly, neither picture knows how to properly live up to that notion — and while Second Act has more heart than its near-insufferable predecessor, it also sports a vast gap between its good intentions and its muddled reality. Jennifer Lopez plays everywoman Maya, a Queens native with 15 years experience at a Costco-like discount department store, but lacking in professional confidence. She lacks a college degree as well, which precludes her from the big promotion she's been working towards. Maya's support network helps commiserate — and celebrate her birthday — but it's the teenage son (Dalton Harrod) of her best friend and co-worker Joan (Leah Remini) that makes a difference. Thanks to his computer wizardry, Maya suddenly has a fake online life complete with the credentials, backstory and social media profile to get a high-flying Manhattan job. And when she's swiftly headhunted by a prestigious cosmetics company, she goes along with it. Armed with street smarts and real-world experience, this fish-out-of-water is soon tasked with making an organic skincare line for her new employer — while pitted against cut-throat colleague Zoe (Vanessa Hudgens), who also happens to be the boss' (Treat Williams) daughter. Cue a quest to prove that Maya has what it takes, although she only has the chance to do so because she lied to conform. No amount of comic competition, well-meaning sentiment or lightly insightful commentary about class can lessen that divide, as the movie tells viewers to be themselves, but only after they've pretended to be someone else to get their foot in the door. Given that the organic skincare subplot involves calling out substandard products that falsely claim to fit the label, surely director Peter Segal (Grudge Match) and writers Justin Zackham (One Chance) and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas (also one of Second Act's producers) should've noticed that their film suffers from the very same flaw. Perhaps the filmmakers were just distracted by (or trying to distract viewers with) Second Act's various moving parts. Splitting its time between Maya's professional and personal struggles, the movie explores why she gets frosty whenever her boyfriend (Milo Ventimiglia) mentions having children — and while to say more is to spoil Second Act's, well, second act, motherhood remains a prominent theme, as does Maya's attempts to balance her new and old lives. Set at the end of the year for no apparent reason, this is also a Christmas film. Thanks to the hijinks of Maya's devoted employees (Charlyne Yi and Alan Aisenberg), it's a broad workplace comedy as well. But, more than anything else, it's a case of throwing together every formulaic element possible and simply hoping that the combination works. What does work is Lopez, firmly in Maid in Manhattan mode and showing why she's often a warm presence even in lukewarm (at best) films. Most of Second Act feels contrived, misguided, forced and superficial, but that doesn't apply to the movie's star, or to Hudgens when she's given a bit more to do. Still, neither actor can completely overcome the material. Second Act's jumbled core never fades, which only reinforces its central message in an unintended fashion. What's inside this flick is bland, routine, and happy offering up feel-good statements in a slight and easy way. And as the movie keeps telling viewers, it's what's inside that truly matters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJKoJXIcdv0
They call it Tina — The Tina Turner Musical, oh Tina — The Tina Turner Musical — and it's finally coming to Australia. After premiering in London back in 2018, this stage ode to the music icon that's had Aussies dancing to 'Nutbush City Limits' for decades is making its way Down Under, locking in its first local stint in Sydney from May 2023. No, it isn't taking to the stage in a church house, gin house, school house or outhouse — or on highway number 19, either. But Tina — The Tina Turner Musical will obviously have Theatre Royal Sydney enjoying Turner's greatest hits in one massive show. The list of musical numbers includes 'Nutbush City Limits', naturally, as well as everything from 'River Deep, Mountain High' and 'Proud Mary' through to 'Private Dancer' and 'What's Love Got to Do with It?'. Tina — The Tina Turner Musical will open on Thursday, May 4, 2023, heading our way after also playing Hamburg, on Broadway, and in Utrecht and Madrid — and touring North America in 2022. Penned by Tony Award-nominee and Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall, plus Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, and directed by fellow Tony-nominee Phyllida Lloyd, Tina — The Tina Turner Musical clearly has quite the story to tell. The show steps through Turner's life and fame, including growing up in Nutbush, Tennessee, the hard work that led to her career, all of those aforementioned hits, her 12 Grammy Awards, her volatile time with Ike Turner and her huge solo success. If you're a fan, Turner herself summed it up — yes, it's simply the best. Images: Daniel Boud.
One of the most poorly kept secrets of the year has finally been confirmed: The Cure, patron saints of bedroom dancing and boys in eyeliner, are officially coming to Sydney as part of the Vivid Live lineup. The legendary new-wave '80s band will be playing two shows, entitled 'Reflections,' at the Sydney Opera House on May 31 and June 1. The shows will see the band play three of their most influential albums in their entirety: Three Imaginary Boys, Seventeen Seconds and Faith. Get out your black trench coats and tease up your hair, The Cure are a-coming. Around for more than thirty years, The Cure have had over a dozen line-ups, but it's their earlier albums which have become their most definitive, with their dark and melancholy melodies treasured by generations of goths and boys who don't, but might, cry. In an almost-original lineup, front man Robert Smith will be accompanied by Simon Gallup and Jason Cooper for the performance of Three Imaginary Boys, while the original drummer Lol Tollhurst will come on stage for the performance of Seventeen Seconds and Faith. Rumours that the band were due to appear at Vivid began last week, but it was only when Stephen Pavlovic, 2011's festival curator, rocked up to FBi Radio and played a Cure track, and then proceeded to neither confirm nor deny the possible appearance of The Cure, that the rumours entered into the realm of the bleeding obvious. https://youtube.com/watch?v=xik-y0xlpZ0
Winter is coming and like Game of Thrones' Nights Watch, Sydney's cultural scene is doing all it can to avoid its inhabitants being consumed by the cold. Vivid has come and gone in a flash of (many mesmeric) lights and now the city is welcoming the newest addition to its chill-fighting arsenal — the Light My Fire Festival. The ivy-sponsored season will run until August 31 and the highlight will be the evening of July 10, when Palings Kitchen & Bar will showcase the culinary magnificence of a host of ivy's best food and drink establishments. Guests can delight in gastronomic treats from Felix, Uccello, Ash St Cellar as well as Palings itself before washing it all down with a mulled wine, cider, cocktail or expert-selected red or white. If that wasn't tempting enough, you can even meet your favourite ivy chefs and tell them how delicious your feast was. The Light My Fire Festival also features a range of other events, including the wine-fuelled Around the World with Eighty Reds, as well as a host of restaurant deals to keep your taste buds warm.
Last November Jim Finn, of Art vs Science fame, launched his solo project Vydamo with the single 'Gonna Make It', a user-friendly, catchy little anthem of a hit that almost fooled me into thinking the New Radicals had finally followed up their '90s one-hit wonder 'Get What You Give'. But this is real music that is real fun or, as Richard Kingsmill of triple j puts it, this guy (and this music) is "extremely likeable". Vydamo will kick off his first tour this Friday, April 19, when he plays to Sydneysiders at OAF before heading south for a Saturday at the Toff in Melbourne. Next weekend Brisbane will get their taste of Jim Finn solo and live at Alhambra on April 27. Art vs. Science first got our attention in 2008 with the call-and-response dance number 'Flippers'. The dynamic little three-piece have been on the up ever since, and with their most comprehensive tour of the States coming up in June, it could well be worth your while to catch their frontman doing his thing before it starts costing you $200 a pop. We have three double passes to Vydamo gigs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to give away. 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. https://youtube.com/watch?v=weZwxAv9j4I
Buckle up, Sydneysiders, because the circus is rolling back into town with a full schedule of performances, workshops, and all sorts of other circus-y delights. Join other circus fans for the opening night of the iconic Circus City in Parramatta's Prince Alfred Square for a night of free live music and performances, including the first Highly Sprung show. This innovative performance sees the Legs on the Wall team leaping around a multi-level trampoline for some sky-high storytelling. After the show, clamber on up to the trampoline to join a free audience bounce-offs, where you can try your hand (or, leg) at a bit of leaping and bounding yourself. Hooked? You can sign up for their free trampolining workshop, which is open to all ages and skill levels. Parramatta's Prince Alfred Square, January 11 (opening) and Highly Sprung Show, January 12-21. Closed Mondays.
Skip the airfare but enjoy the party: that's the wallet-friendly outcome when Don't Let Daddy Know makes its Australian debut this summer. First held in Ibiza in 2012, the dance music festival has spread to 20 countries around the world since, including events in the UK, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, India, Belgium and The Netherlands. Now, it has just announced its first trip Down Under. Next stops: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. DLDK will hit Australia's east coast in January 2024, on a three-stop tour over one big weekend. The tunes will start at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday, January 12, then take over Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, January 13, before hitting up Eatons Hill Outdoors on Sunday, January 14. While getting everyone feeling like they're on an island in the Mediterranean Sea isn't an easy task, DLDK will be letting its tunes take care of the vibe. Enter a lineup featuring AFROJACK, Timmy Trumpet, MORTEN and Sub Zero Project, as well as RESTRICTED, Dimatik and Bobby Neon. So, that means dancing to 'Take Over Control', 'Freaks', 'Domestic', 'Darkest Hour' and more, at a festival that's dedicated to pairing well-known dance music names with up and comers. Australia keeps welcoming local stints for well-known overseas fests and parties, after This Never Happened Presents made its first Aussie visit this winter, and also Palm Tree Music Festival in autumn. DON'T LET DADDY KNOW 2024 AUSTRALIAN DATES: Friday, January 12 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Saturday, January 13 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Sunday, January 14 — Eatons Hill Outdoors, Brisbane DON'T LET DADDY KNOW 2024 AUSTRALIAN LINEUP: AFROJACK Timmy Trumpet MORTEN Sub Zero Project RESTRICTED Bobby Neon Dimatik Don't Let Daddy Know will tour Australia in January 2024. Ticket pre sales start from 12pm local time on Wednesday, October 11, with general sales from 12pm local time on Tuesday, October 17 — head to the festival's website for further details.
It's already Australia's largest shopping centre by a long shot, and yet Melbourne's Chadstone continues to grow, unveiling plans to incorporate a $130 million luxury hotel. Vicinity Centres, the property group behind the monster retail destination, has announced that work will begin on the MGallery by Sofitel hotel within a matter of months. Once completed, the site will be managed by the country's biggest hotel operator, Accor Hotels. It's no small project either, with the 13-storey hotel set to feature 250 rooms, a 400-capacity ballroom, two restaurants and a bar. With acclaimed Melbourne architects Bates Smart heading up the design, the aim is for this to be Australia's first five-star Green Star-rated hotel. Located close to Chadstone on the Princes Highway, the development will also boast views of the city skyline, and across to the Dandenong Ranges and Port Phillip Bay. According to Vicinity Centres' Executive General Manager of Development Carolyn Viney, the hotel will reap the benefits of Chadstone's annual 23 million visitor count, which is thought to include a huge 350,000 international tourists. "Importantly, the hotel will create new jobs and drive local tourism, further contributing to the economic and social viability of a new CBD hub for the Chadstone-Monash corridor," Viney said. MGallery by Sofitel is expected to open in Chadstone in late 2019.
Matt Ravier is director of the Festivalists, who run Jurassic Lounge and are about to release their first Sydney Film Festival Hub into the arms of an eager Sydney Film Festival public. With a talent for getting grown-ups to go to edifying places and start playing, we thought Matt needed an interviewer who also leads adults to learning on a regular basis. Luckily, adult educator Imogen Ross agreed to quiz this current maestro of public engagement on our behalf. How did you come up with Jurassic Lounge? There's two philosophies that underpin everything we do at the Festivalists. The first one is access. We want to make our events as accessible to as many as possible, especially people who are not currently engaged with whatever we're bringing forward. That's the motive behind the Access All Areas Film Festival, for example. Seniors' film festival is the same thing. Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the Australian population, but yet a lot of the feedback we get from them is "cinemas are not designed for us". What would a festival look like that was designed for an audience over sixty? I have a lot of overweight people in my life. A film festival for people who can't fit into ordinary chairs..? ..is a really interesting idea. Because many people can't fit into cinema chairs, and they don't go out. And they don't. And that's a real loss. I always feel like it's a personal tragedy when someone misses out on film, on cinema. Especially the kind of film that I'm interested in defending. Jurassic Lounge is not film focused. Film is a part of it, but it's only of a much wider myriad of events and performances, and sounds, and experiences that are created in the museum. And I find it fascinating that you've jumped off the screen into very much a 3D world. And that leads me to that second idea that underpins what we do, which is play. Film festivals can be sometimes intimidating, or they can be a challenge in terms of audience development. For example, our Canadian film festival. There is not a huge in-built audience for Canadian cinema in Australia. So, we were faced with a challenge: how do we introduce people to Canadian cinema? We decided that it was going to be a festival like Canadians. Who are inclusive, and playful, and welcoming, and friendly. So, we started adding a lot of things to our screenings. Like parties, like performances, like live music. This play element is always the idea that a festival should be festive. And it should be film, but it's more than film. If you just want to see a film, these days you can: you don't need a festival to do that. To bring back a communal experience — and to make it vital and festive experience — we started adding live elements, expert talks, performance. We're always looking for ways to make the experience a little more rich. That playfulness was always a part of what we do. Jurassic Lounge was really a natural extension. It's really interesting. What you're describing there are the principles that underlie andragogy. Which is the new current way of approaching the way adults learn. There's the thought that children are empty vessels waiting to be filled. It's the underlying principle of our schooling system. Whereas it's acknowledged that adults are not empty vessels. They come into the room full of experience. With lots of things already. Then your festivals are not just about watching and hearing a movie, but experiencing it in lots of different ways. And I'm thinking that this is exactly the way that adults are being taught new skills. It respects... ...what they they already know. What they bring to the table. More and more people, especially 18 to 35s I would imagine, are used to being able to talk back. Anywhere online, it's a two-way conversation. They're not just passive spectators. That experience — whether it's in a museum or a film festival — of just going, being shown something, having no say in how that is interpreted during the event, and then leaving: I think that's dead, or it's dying. And part of what Jurassic Lounge does is feed back the comments into the programming in real time. Whether it's through the Twitterfall, or whether it's through photos that they take that are immediately looped back into the programming. So the audience is constantly programming along with us. Can you give me an example? It can be really prosaic. For example, we will collect data on Twitter during the night about people's reaction to food and drink. And they might complain about certain waiting times. Because there's several bars in the museum. And they might say "They queue is terrible. I can't believe it." So we will immediately put more people from the bar at that particular location. Or encourage people, through talking to them on social media, to try the bar on the third floor. It's like giving the entire audience a walkie-talkie. Pretty much. I mean, some things you have to tune out. But we try to learn as much as we can from that. And then, it's also opening a channel with the museum. Which is a whole other idea. When we've surveyed audiences a lot of the feedback we've been getting is like "Wow. The museum is actually really interesting." It's always been at their doorstep, but yet it took something like that to make it okay for them to go back inside. I think it's brilliant that the museum has actively sought this collaboration and allowed it to happen. And they have a very progressive attitude to programming Jurassic Lounge. So they are not looking to vet absolutely every detail about it in advance. They're much more about saying yes, and then finding a way to make it happen. It's really that same attitude that we have. Which is that we experiment and correct our course as we go along. In a way, the whole thing occurs like a jazz improvisation. Yeah. That's a good analogy, actually. We make sure that all the tools are there for it to happen, but it only takes place once the audience is a part of it. A performance/education mash-up. Where a little bit of everything goes in the mix. And you don't know what it's going to taste like. Exactly. And we're constantly surprised by what happens. In a good way. Interview conducted by Imogen Ross.
Few dining experiences compare to a traditional omakase, where highly trained Japanese chefs decide what to serve diners and make their food right in front of them. It's a gastronomical performance like no other. And Chef Kimura, one of the best omakase chefs in the world, has left his Tokyo restaurant (which has received two Michelin stars five years in a row) to bring his particular take on the experience — specifically, jukusei-sushi (aged sushi) — to Australia. This November, the hospo heavyweight — and third-generation sushi chef — will be taking over the kitchens at Sydney's 20-seat Sushi E (on Saturday, November 5) and Byron Bay hot spot Raes on Wategos (on Tuesday, November 8 and Wednesday, November 9). What's needed to attain the skill of jukusei-sushi? Enough patience, determination and intuition to put most to shame. More complex than simply knowing how long to age each fish for — 12 days for mehikari, for example — it's learning what to do with each species' unique traits. Few can do what Chef Kimura does, as well as he does it. Getting a table at his restaurant in Japan is renowned for being almost impossible, so you'll want to nab a seat at one of these dining experiences, stat. Tickets are going for $300 at Sushi E and $325 in Byron Bay. Chef Kimura will take up residence at Sushi E on Saturday, November 5, across five sittings. Further north, he will be hitting the kitchen at Raes on Wategos for four sittings across Tuesday, November 8 and Wednesday, November 9.
They're no Virgin Oceanic submarine, but the the new U-Boat Worx - the 'personal submarines for yacht and tourism' - might just have to suffice for those ordinary folk among us who are desirous of exploring the depths of the ocean but who suffer the misfortune of not being Richard Branson. That being said, however, by 'ordinary folk' it is of course meant those with a spare $100,000 odd to spend on this underwater charter. There are two U-Boats available - the C-Questers and the C-Explorers - both offering a 360 degree view of the deep through fully acrylic hubs, and a minimum 100m depth (the C-Explorers range from 100m-1000m in depth, whereas the C-Questers stay above the 100m mark). The C-Explorer family is geared more towards professional pursuits, whereas the C-Quester subs provide their leisurely-minded passengers with 8 hours of air conditioned glee in the sea. For your $100,000, U-Boat Worx will transport the sub from their base in Norway to anywhere in the world, and bring with it support staff, insurance and parts. It's costly, but then again, Water Walking Balls are child's play. U-Boat Worx is the real, submerged deal.
After being in voluntary administration for ten weeks, one of Australia's largest contemporary multi-arts centres Carriageworks has finally, officially, been saved. The precinct has secured its independent future with a new long-term lease thanks to a multimillion-dollar lifeline from a group of philanthropists and five years of funding from the NSW Government — and is on the road to recovery. Carriageworks owed more than $2 million to over 140 creditors, but KPMG administrators pushed for creditors to agree to a deed of company arrangement over liquidating the establishment. Assuring the venue a 20-year lease, the deal reaffirms the creative hub as an essential part of Sydney's cultural fabric. In a statement, Carriageworks CEO Blair French expressed thanks to "everyone who has lent support over recent weeks", highlighting "the wonderful philanthropists who have made extremely generous financial pledges to secure our future." The deal is a relief for the entertaining companies that call Carriageworks home and the hundreds of other large-scale events, shows and exhibitions that have been held at the venue over the years. The centre's recovery will likely also see the return of the much-adored Carriageworks Farmers Market in August. https://www.instagram.com/p/CC7pL9qBRLO/ Carriageworks Chair Cass O'Connor confirmed that the space has secured the longest lease in its history, with a history of operating on a month-by-month agreement. O'Connor commended the team for negotiating a newly revised business model that was "better able to cope" with the challenges presented by COVID-19. It remains to be seen what the new business model will look like, or when the venue will reopen, but the announcement comes as a positive piece of news for the arts industry, which has struggled in the wake of the pandemic. The administrators will now hand back the company to its directors within the next week, with operations hoping to resume in coming months. In a nod to Carriageworks' history, French stated: "over 100 years ago this industrial place was born out of resilience and innovation. Through sheer grit, determination and collaboration, we are still here with a promising, independent future. We can't wait to welcome back the community". And for many Sydneysiders, we can't wait to go back Carriageworks is hoping to relaunch evens, including the Farmers Markets, over the coming months. We'll let you know when more information is announced. Top image: Jacquie Manning
This post is sponsored by our partners, Sydney Festival. Whether you want to throw shapes to beats more therapeutic than a life coach, hear operatic songs about death influenced by Jefferson Airplane, or celebrate the fact that triple j is ageing like a fine wine, Sydney Festival has the goods. Between January 8 and 26, you’ll be able to find music in places only SydFest time would allow: prison exercise yards, Hyde Park-turned-fairyland, the grounds of St Johns College and, of course, the Famous Spiegeltent. We're aware that being overwhelmed with choice can make decision-making tough. Even James Baldwin wrote, "Too much freedom is unbearable." Extreme. But we also know that quite a few of Sydney Festival's gigs are likely to sell out well before Santa's planned his final route. So, we've done you a favour and picked out the ten shows that you should nab a ticket to, pronto. ATOMIC BOMB! THE MUSIC OF WILLIAM ONYEABOR William Onyeabor is perhaps the most mysterious man ever to have fused Afro-funk with space-age jams. After powering through the creation of eight albums over just as many years, he suddenly decided to stop talking — about himself or his music. However, it's a well-known fact that it takes an awful lot to 'stop the funk'. So, in what's certain to be one of the hands-down most epic musical events of Sydney Festival, an 18-strong band made up of artists from all over the world are getting together to jam through Atomic Bomb! The Music of William Onyeabor at the Enmore Theatre. Led by Sinkane, Money Mark, Luke Jenner (The Rapture), Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip) and Pat Mahoney (LCD Soundsystem), the performance will feature special guests in the form of Gotye and the legendary Mahotella Queens. 16 and 17 January, 8pm at Enmore Theatre. Tickets $85/77. CORNELIUS PRESENTS SALYU X SALYU All the way from Japan, this collaboration between noise pop guru Cornelius and enigmatic J-pop vocalist Salyu will make its Australian premiere at Sydney Festival. They're a potent match; while Cornelius has the beats finesse to keep any crowd on its feet until the wee hours, Salyu has the vocal skill and dynamic to keep him on his toes. She is, after all, the artist responsible for the haunting 'Kaifuku Suru Kizu', from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. Expect plenty of surprises. 23 January, 5.15pm at The Aurora, Hyde Park. Tickets $49. SEU JORGE There's not many a cover artist can teach David Bowie about music. But when the art-glam-rock king heard Seu Jorge perform his hits acoustically, in Portuguese, for The Life Aquatic, he said he heard a whole "new level of beauty". That's certainly no easily-earned praise. Jorge, who cut his deep yet irresistibly tender voice in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will make his debut Australian performance at Sydney Festival. He’ll be playing an array of his famous, unique interpretations, as well as a bunch of originals, accompanied by a delicious mix of Latin and Caribbean beats, in both live and electronic form. 10 January, 8pm in The Domain (free) and 11 January, 8pm at The Star Event Centre. Tickets $45-89. ANNA VON HAUSSWOLFF There are two reasons why this concert has made our list. First up, it involves the Town Hall's grand organ. That thing, which was the biggest organ on the planet when it was installed in 1890, can make 'Chopsticks' sound like Beethoven. Secondly, Anna von Hausswolff won’t be performing 'Chopsticks'; she’ll be playing and singing her dark, dramatic meditations on life and death. Genre-wise, they're tough to categorise, combining the influences of opera, film scores, black metal, the Cocteau Twins, Jefferson Airplane and her famous, avant-garde composing dad, Carl Michael Von Hausswolff. Plus she'll be supported by New Zealand's Aldous Harding, a 60s-influenced folk artist who dazzled Australian audiences earlier this year. 11 January, 8pm at Town Hall. Tickets $44-49. BEN FROST AND TIM HECKER For Australian and Canadian artists, it's difficult to escape the influence of isolation — along with the sense of natural abundance that comes from being part of a tiny population inhabiting a massive land area. Both Ben Frost, who was born here but now lives in Reykjavík, and Canadian Tim Hecker, whose calls Montreal home, create electronic music of epic proportions and striking contrasts. Where Frost combines classical minimalism with punk and metal, Hecker explores the crossroads of dissonance, melody and noise. Their getting together may well produce earthquakes. 11 January, 9.30pm at Joan Sutherland Theatre, Opera House. Tickets $49-$69. KAROL CONKA If there's one show at Sydney Festival that's going to boost your positive vibes and make dancing down the street irresistible for weeks afterward, it's Karol Conka's. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, she explained, "I situate myself in a position where I sing about joy; my protest is against sadness." Born in Brazil, Conka is one of the country's few female rappers to have risen out the underground, and her mixing of hip hop with Afro grooves promises to do more for your positive thinking than a sesh with Tony Robbins. 9 January, 11.45pm at The Aurora, Hyde Park. Tickets $30. DAN DEACON If you’re heading to Dan Deacon’s show, don’t forget your smartphone, whatever you do. Because it's your key to becoming an actual, live part of his gig. Before rocking up, audience members are asked to download an app, which will enable them to play an active role in his spectacular, synchronised sound and light extravaganza. Deacon, who hails from Baltimore, will be in rare solo form and is set to deliver one of his wildest, most chaotic and most fun performances yet. Last time Deacon visited our fair city for SydFest, there were dance races through the Hyde Park Barracks and the entire audience had to run through each other's raised-arm tunnels, one pair after the other. Expect everything. 22 January, 11.45pm at The Aurora, Hyde Park. Tickets $39. BEAT THE DRUM: CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF TRIPLE J It’s hard to believe that triple j was born in the same year that Gough Whitlam copped the old heave-ho as PM. The beloved radio station began its life as 2JJ back in 1975, with a broadcast that served the Sydney metropolitan area only. Four decades on, it's become the nation's chief music tastemaker, and (thankfully) hasn't wavered from its commitment to homegrown tunes. At Sydney Festival, triple j will celebrate its 40th birthday with a gargantuan, seven-hour long shindig, featuring performances from friends new and old, including Vance Joy, The Presets, Ball Park Music, The Preatures, Hilltop Hoods, Tkay Maidza, You Am I, The Cat Empire, Courtney Barnett, Remi, Nina Las Vegas, KLP, Adalita and more. If you're a never-fail triple j listener, you won't want to hear about this one from Matt and Alex the next day — get there. 16 January, 4pm at The Domain. Tickets $86. BODY/HEAD Drummers, who needs 'em? Sonic Youth co-founder Kim Gordon and genre-obliterating guitarist Bill Nace get together for an avant-noise session — that's absolutely percussion free. And mostly improvised. By confining themselves to two guitars and Gordon's vocals, the pair push themselves to the outer limits of minimalism. Pitchfork reviewer Marc Masters described their "dedication to a specific point of view" as "intoxicating". To add to this addictive effect, the live show is backdropped with mesmerising visuals. 22 January, 5.15pm at The Aurora, Hyde Park North. Tickets $49. SO FRENCHY SO CHIC IN THE PARK Prancing through fields laced with the charm of provincial France? Casual Saturdaying during SydFest time. So Frenchy So Chic in the Park is waltzing back to St John's College, an entire afternoon of French-inspired niceties — think gourmet picnic hampers, tortes and terrines, offensively good wine, quaint puppet shows, furious outdoor chess, casual bongo drum lessons — So Frenchy hinges around a solid lineup of some of France's best: Emile Simon, The Dø, La Femme and Francois and Atlas Mountains will crank out live sets on the lawn this year. Formidable. Don your best floral-headband-and-sundress-combo and gear up for un merveilleux après-midi. January 17, 2.30pm at St John's College, University of Sydney. Tickets $89. By the Concrete Playground team.
Frances Ha is like a Woody Allen comedy, with Greta Gerwig as Woody Allen. She wrote this script together with director (and love friend) Noah Baumbach (Greenberg). Even if you really, really can't stand films/TV/books about self-involved, twenty-something-year-old white people trying to figure their lives out, this one is poised to charm. Larger than life, socially awkward and totally "undatable", Frances Halladay is one of the most loveable characters you'll meet this year. Her 28th year ends up being a difficult one, as her best friend Sophie (Mickey Sumner) drifts away and she misses out on a position at the dance company she's been training with, but she remains the optimist. Filmed in dreamy black-and-white and also starring Girls' Adam Driver, Frances Ha is full of a scruffy joy that will have you dancing to Bowie's 'Modern Love' for days and days. Frances Ha is in cinemas on August 15 and thanks to Transmission Films, we have ten double passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to our newsletter (if you haven't already), then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
"Home means different things to different people. But to everyone in this book, Home means Redfern." That's the premise of a new book, Home: Mapping the Stories of Redfern — the product of a community writing project about the Redfern area, run by the Sydney Story Factory throughout 2013 and 2014. The Sydney Story Factory, a not-for-profit creative writing centre for young people modelled on Dave Eggers' NY project 826 Valencia, asked Redfern residents — young and old, long-time locals and newcomers — to contribute. The result is a compilation of stories of love and loss, kindness and sadness, visits to the playground and abandoned pianos given one last lease of life as an accomplished musician happens to pass by and pick out a tune. It's not a history of the place or a document of Redfern in the present moment. It's a "patchwork memoir", a giving-back to the community who gave them their stories. Get your own copy of Home at the Sydney Story Factory's Martian Embassy at 176 Redfern Street, Redfern, or online. Thanks to the Sydney Story Factory, we have five copies of Home: Mapping the Stories of Redfern to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter and email us with your name and address.
Your flights are booked, your bags are packed and your holiday excitement/anxiety has begun. And the last thing you want to be doing is dropping a stack of spending money on getting to the airport, either in a cab or — for those lucky enough to have an airport rail link this century — on the train. So, you'll be happy to know that, on Friday, July 26, ride share service Ola is offering its customers a pretty sweet deal. It isn't just reducing the price of trips to major Australian airports, as it has done before. This time, it's making the journey for free, up to a total value of $30 per ride. Customers in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and the Gold Coast can score the budget-friendly trip all day, as long as you're one of the first 1000 rides booked using the Ola app. If your journey clocks in at over $30, the extra distance will be charged at the usual price. You'll be given an estimate of your fare when you book, and tolls will also be at an extra cost. Depending on how far away from the airport you live, the $30 deal mightn't get you all the way there; however it will still save some precious cash from your travel budget — or let you use those funds for something more fun than transport. It's worth noting that the offer only applies to journeys to the airport, so don't count on it after you disembark at the other end. To take advantage of the special, you'll need to sign up to Ola and download the app, and use the code OLAVFF. And if you're wondering why Ola is feeling so generous, that's because it has just teamed up with Velocity Frequent Flyer. If you're a member of the latter, you can now earn points on every Ola ride — one point for each $1 spent on everyday rides, and two points for every $1 you fork out on rides to and from the airport. Ola's airport offer is valid for the first 1000 rides booked on Friday, July 26.
Another of your childhood favourites is making the leap from movie to stage musical — this time, the Robin Williams-starring Mrs Doubtfire. The theatre production will once again follow the plight of a divorced dad and struggling actor who's desperate to see his kids, and so dresses up as a kindly English nanny in order to spend time with them. Originally based on Anne Fine's best-selling novel Alias Madame Doubtfire, the 1993 film won two Golden Globes — for best musical or comedy, and for best actor in a musical or comedy for Williams — as well as an Oscar for best makeup. Just when the stage musical version will be giving audiences hot flashes yet to be announced, the creative team of director Jerry Zaks, and writers John O'Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick (book) plus Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick (music and lyrics) will take on the task of bringing the beloved flick to Broadway. Between them, they boast an impressive history. Zaks has won four Tonys, including for the 1992 revival of Guys and Dolls, and also has Little Shop of Horrors, Le Cage aux Folles, A Bronx Tale, Sister Act and Hello, Dolly! on his resume. As for the writing team, they're behind nine-time Tony nominee Something Rotten!. If the project sounds familiar, that's because it was originally mooted back in 2015, but with different folks behind the scenes. This time, however, the musical seems set to forge ahead — unlike the film sequel that was planned in the early 00s, but didn't ever come to fruition. And no, Arrested Development's homage (aka Tobias Funke's Mrs Featherbottom) doesn't really count. If it wasn't evident before this news, then it is now — the combination of nostalgically remembering enjoyable flicks from years gone by and adding songs to the mix seems to be a licence to print money. In recent years, everything from Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bring It On and Mean Girls has made the leap to the stage, plus The Bodyguard, Amelie, Waitress, Muriel's Wedding and Moulin Rouge!. A stage version of The Devil Wears Prada is also in the works, as well as Empire Records. Via Entertainment Weekly / Playbill.
While seeing fruit mince pies in your local shopping centre in October feels downright disturbing, there's one Christmas treat that no one ever minds arriving early: Four Pillars annual Christmas Gin. The third iteration of the Healesville distillery's seasonal sip is coming in strong, set to hit shelves next Saturday, November 3. It's the delicious result of a yearly tradition that sees a bunch of Christmas puddings — handmade with the owner's family recipe — distilled with various festive botanicals to create a sought-after tipple that pretty much screams December 25. The flavours of an Aussie Christmas are captured in notes of cinnamon, star anise, juniper, coriander and angelica. The Christmas gin is then blended with some earlier gin that's been carefully ageing in old muscat barrels. It's all finished with a hit of Rutherglen muscat and some of Four Pillars' own matured muscat for a bit of added richness and complexity. Each year, a new unique label is chosen to wrap up this Christmas creation, setting out to evoke that same festive spirit. 2018's bottle design is the work of Stephen Baker, the Melbourne artist responsible for the mural outside Fitzroy Pool and one of the Art Trams currently rattling around the city. The bottle is decorated with his bold geometric shapes and bright hues of bathers by the pool, and pretty much nails the feel of a hot and summery Aussie Christmas. The distillers recommend you drink it in a Christmassy G&T with grapefruit sherbet and star anise, or a cobbler with lemon, muscat and a bit of sugar. Or you can just splash a bit of it on your Christmas pudding — Four Pillars is selling its own four-serve puds for $25 alongside the gin. If you want to nab a bottle, have your fingers poised over the 'buy' button when they go on sale online on November 3. Alternatively, you can stop by the distillery's CBD pop-up on level six of Myer, or Four Pillars HQ in Healesville. Bottles are $100 a pop and you can get it shipped in a copper gift box (with a stirring spoon) for an extra $15. Four Pillars Christmas Gin is available from November 3, in selected retail stores and online. But you'd best be quick — there's only a limited amount of bottles.
With the Beauty and the Beast musical on its way to Australia, a major exhibition focusing on fairy tales as well, and the live-action version of The Little Mermaid set to swim into cinemas, 2023 is shaping up to be a big year for enchanting stories. Here's something else to add to that list: MIDNIGHT — The Fairytale Begins..., a new Australian musical that's been in development for six years and will make its debut in Melbourne come winter. The onstage romantic comedy actually takes its cues from a well-known favourite, and one that's been doing the rounds of Aussie theatres in 2022, with Cinderella its inspiration. But MIDNIGHT — The Fairytale Begins... doesn't just tell the familiar narrative the same way as everyone already knows, instead giving it an update. In a production that'll feature Australian musical theatre stars Lucy Durack (Wicked, Legally Blonde, Shrek), Verity Hunt-Ballard (Mary Poppins, Sweet Charity), Thomas McGuane (Frozen, Jersey Boys), Matt Lee (Mary Poppins, Frozen) and Kristie Nguy, MIDNIGHT — The Fairytale Begins...'s heroine Ella doesn't want a prince to sweep her off her feet, even an apparent Prince Charming. But the latter is besotted, and the clock is ticking — with plenty needing to click before the stroke of midnight. The aim: "to create a fully formed, funny, complex heroine for a new generation, and to create the definitive musical version of this magical, evergreen tale", explains co-director Dean Murphy (Charlie & Boots, The Divorce). "The Cinderella story has been retold for hundreds of years with the most widely known version being written in 1950 and reflecting the sensibilities of that era. So, a number of our team with young children felt it was time the world of Cinderella was freshly revisited to explore how this intriguing girl became an icon, but told through a new, empowering story that sees this force-of-nature fight for great change whilst still embracing the love, support and magic from those around her," he continued. "Whilst we still have some of the beloved fairytale characters, there are many new surprises that we know will delight audiences," said producer Spencer McLaren (Dive Club, Puffs the Play, Mother & Son). "MIDNIGHT has many Broadway-style showstoppers that people will be singing for years to come and a world-class cast including Lucy Durack as Ms Madrina, Verity Hunt-Ballard as Madame Bellington, Thomas McGuane as the Prince and Matt Lee as his trusted aide Andre. The coveted role of Ella is still being cast with a nation-wide search underway," he added. Originally slated to premiere in 2020 before the pandemic hit, the new musical will debut at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre from June 2023, and boasts music and lyrics by John Foreman (Aussie Pops Orchestra, Carols By Candlelight) and Anthony Costanzo (Life's A Circus, Cross Roads) — plus an additional song by Kate Miller-Heidke (Muriel's Wedding). Billed as an all-ages affair, it hails from Murphy and co-writer/director Pip Mushin (Resident: Book of Mormon, Fiddler on the Roof), and features choreography by Kelly Aykers (So You Think You Can Dance, The Wizard of Oz, Barnum) — with McLaren, Murphy and Craig Donnell (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Grease — The Musical, The Sound of Music) producing. Exact Melbourne season dates haven't yet been revealed, but tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, November 11. Whether MIDNIGHT — The Fairytale Begins... will head to other Australian cities after its premiere run also hasn't been announced, but that gives fairy tale, musical, theatre and rom-com fans elsewhere something to wish for to their fairy godmother. MIDNIGHT — The Fairytale Begins... will premiere in June 2023 at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre. For more information, or to join the waitlist for tickets before they go on sale at 9am on Friday, November 11, head to the production's website. Images: Wayne Taylor.
Chocolates and flowers may be Valentine's Day staples, but they're also among the easiest gifts you can give your special someone. Booking a getaway doesn't require too much additional effort; however, it's certainly more exciting — and it doesn't have to fall on February 14. No one has been travelling far to take a romantic vacation over the past year, so you and your significant other have probably spent the majority of 2020 in your own state — and much of 2021 so far, too — thanks to interstate border restrictions. But if you're keen to take your date somewhere other than your own backyard, Virgin Australia is selling flight deals for couples. They're available to multiple destinations around the country, with the cheap flights starting at $69 each for a one-way ticket. Hang on, Virgin? Yes. The same airline that, less than 12 months ago, entered voluntary administration. It has since been sold to US private investment firm Bain Capital, launched a comeback sale in early July and its voluntary administration officially ended on Tuesday, November 17. Virgin's current Say 'I Do' to Valentine's Day sale runs until midnight AEST on Monday, February 17 — or until sold out. In the sale, you'll find cheap flights on a number of routes to destinations across the country, with travel dates spanning May and June this year. If you've been waiting to book your first getaway of 2021, now might be the time. The discounted economy flights include seat selection and checked baggage. Some of the routes on offer include Sydney to the Gold Coast, Byron Bay or Coffs Harbour; Melbourne to Launceston or Hobart; Adelaide to Melbourne; and Brisbane to the Whitsundays. [caption id="attachment_785976" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Whitehaven Beach in The Whitsundays[/caption] As we are still in the middle of a pandemic, flying is little different to normal. Virgin has introduced a range of safety measures, including hand sanitisation stations, contactless check-in and face masks provided to all passengers. Wearing masks on flights became mandatory in Australia in January. Virgin is also waiving change fees and allowing unlimited booking changes for reservations made before April 30, 2021 for travel before January 31, 2022. Virgin's Say 'I Do' to Valentine's Day sale runs until midnight AEST on Monday, February 17 — or until sold out. Find out more about current interstate border restrictions over here.
It's been a long time between drinks for music festivals in NSW. Across the ditch, New Zealand has been hosting major music events for months and even up north in Brisbane smaller-scale music festivals have been back on the cards. But, if you're a Sydneysider, footage from NZ's Rhythm and Vines festival may seem like a parallel universe at this point. These scenes may not be so alien to NSW for much longer, however, with Wollongong's annual two-day music festival Yours and Owls becoming the state's second major festival to be granted the go-ahead from the NSW Government. Yours and Owls announced on Thursday, March 4 that its COVID-19 safety plan had been approved by the NSW Government and Health Minister, which would allow the event to take place across Saturday, April 17 and Sunday, April 18. The news comes three weeks after Byron Bay's Bluesfest was given a provisional green light to go ahead over the Easter long weekend. While the Bluesfest announcement came with an outline of the COVID-safe plan, Yours and Owls is keeping things more vague, announcing: "to ensure we have every angle covered and our eggs spread across multiple baskets, we have developed plans for a number of different format options, to ensure we are in the best possible position to run the event within whatever parameters are in place come our event date." The event is currently scheduled for its usual home at Stuart Park, located just behind the North Wollongong foreshore; however, this is subject to change depending on what format the festival takes. The festival will be headlined by a collection of beloved locals including PNAU, DMA's, Tones and I and What So Not, as well as TikTok sensation Benee who will be making the trip over from New Zealand. Benee, DMA's and Tones and I's performances will serve as somewhat of bookends to the state's festival drought, after all three performed at one of NSW's last pre-pandemic festivals, Laneway 2020. A range of rising stars, industry mainstays and local Wollongong talent fill out the 50-plus artists performing across the two days. Alongside the announcement, Yours and Owls has released a handful of tickets to the previously sold out event. You can find them via Moshtix, but be fast as they're unlikely to last long. [caption id="attachment_789706" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Benee[/caption] Yours and Owls has been given a provisional green light to host its 2021 festival on Saturday, April 17 and Sunday, April 18.
Home ownership. It’s the great Australian dream. And the American dream. And probably a dream for quite a few other nationalities too. But with house prices almost constantly on the rise, the dream can seem unattainable. So how about a home that costs just $200? That’s what this ‘Gypsy Junker’ cost, built from abandoned shipping pallets and recycled materials by Derek Diedricksen, a micro-house enthusiast in Massachusetts. The aim was to design and build a shelter for homeless people, for as little as possible. With only 24 square feet of space, estate agents would no doubt dub it ‘extremely cosy’. While the ‘Gypsy Junker’ was built by a hobbyist to prove the concept, smaller and more affordable housing is a goal for architects too. Revelations Architects in Wisconsin have focused on the fundamental uses of a home – eating, bathing, sleeping and communal fellowship – and worked out they could squeeze it all in to a footprint of just 340 square feet. Named the E.D.G.E (Experimental Dwelling for a Greener Environment), the building is pre-fabricated to simplify construction, and the reconfigurable interior is designed to optimise the use of space. The architects are already working on the next version, and hope to see it put to use as a holiday retreat or full time residence. If you’re thinking: “Tiny houses are fine in America, but we don’t need that here,” think again. There are already plans for a micro-house in Sydney, where a judge wants to build a four story house on a 2.7 metre wide block of land. Down-sized dwellings might be the way of the future for all of us. [Via Neatorama and PSFK]
Supposedly nothing in life is free, but even in a city where a sandwich will rarely get you change from a tenner it’s possible to stumble upon great things you don’t have to hand over cash for. And if it’s sonic freebies you’re after then read on, because we’ve done the stumbling for you. Here is Concrete Playground's guide to the best places in Sydney to hear great music for zero moolah. FREDA'S Chippendale’s coolest 100-year-old warehouse has had a slick facelift, meaning it not only looks awesome but sounds great too. Their Strange Fruit Sunday session sees a lineup of resident DJs including Silky Doyle, Smart Casual and Smokey LaBeef spinning their favourite records from 6(ish). Plus, there’s always a tasty $10 cocktail that goes down just as smoothly. THE ABERCROMBIE Go for the deep fried Gaytime, stay for the juicy tunes. The Abercrombie’s own Strange Fruit showcase kicks off on Saturday nights from 9pm, aiming to showcase the country’s top DJs and to keep you dancing until the sun rises — which should burn off about half the calories in a Double Cheeseburger and Rave Juice. BUCKLER'S CANTEEN This swashbuckling Bondi canteen might be decked out like a pirates’ tavern, but the soundtrack borrows from as many places as the menu. Musical good times and acoustic delights come courtesy of residents and special guests from 8pm on Thursday, and on Sundays you can fill up on $5 bangers and mash while checking out live bands. GOODGOD The Danceteria has a smoke machine, but the front bar is free, delicious and lets you dance until 5am. If you tire of standing up there are usually seats spare for you enjoy a rest and a hotdog on a Saturday night, which is almost unheard of in places not nearly this cool, and a Havana-style DJ booth surrounded by Flintstones-style eating booths means this place looks as mad as it sounds. UPSTAIRS BERESFORD Decadent décor and fancy technology are the hallmarks of this newish live music venue, inspired by some of New York’s finest. Unfortunately the response from big international acts wasn’t quite as strong as Justin Hemmes hoped, but it now thrives as a hotbed for local talent — minus the sticky countertops and shifty patrons that come with many other no-cover venues. THE SANDRINGHAM HOTEL At the other end of the spectrum is King Street mainstay The Sando. The only thing glittery you’ll find here comes out of a pokie machine, but its scruffiness is precisely what makes this place so appealing. Their Sunday Session is a few decibels louder than those without hearing aids might care for on the day of rest, but if you like your alt country loud then kicking back here with a Sando Ale or five might just be the perfect way to end the weekend. BEACH ROAD HOTEL The Beachy is as good for seeing free live music as it is for causing people to go to work on Monday morning with sandy hair and excruciating hangovers. Bands to have graced the upstairs lounge in recent weeks include The Laurels, Wolf & Cub, Deep Sea Arcade and other acts that would normally charge at least the price of two beers, making it way easy to justify buying those beers. SCHWARTZ BREWERY HOTEL Beer is also the keyword at the old Macquarie Hotel, fondly dubbed The Mac, which has been pumping out quality craft beer along with free live tunes for over six years. Its name now sounds more fancy — and upstairs folk/acoustic venue The Raval has sadly closed its doors — but in the front room you can still listen to wailing harmonicas, murky swamp rock and New Orleans brass for free while tucking into a pasta from the adjoining Alice’s Thai. GALLERY BAR With the demise of The Raval sprung up the weekly night of nu-folk/alt-country/melodramatic pop. Wednesday's Folk Club has now moved on from art deco charmer Hotel Hollywood to Gallery Bar at Oxford Art Factory, and though the fit-out is slightly more modern the community vibe and the entrance fee both remain unchanged. THE GREEN ROOM LOUNGE In theory The Green Room should be a great bar on any night of the week. It’s got reupholstered furniture (here orange and brown ‘70s sofas), plastic pot plants and retro cocktails to match. Unfortunately the stretch of road beyond Enmore Theatre doesn’t see much foot traffic, but this also means that on the otherwise-manic drinking nights between Thursday and Saturday you can stop by for not only a seat but some excellent gypsy-jazz and sleazy ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll.
Ippudo's flagship store (Westfield CBD), is giving away 300 bowls of ramen on Tuesday, December 13 to celebrate its ten-year anniversary. That's oodles of noodles. The first 300 customers to Ippudo Westfield can choose from the signature shiromaru, akamaru or karaka-men ramen for free. For first-timers, the shiromaru — Hakata-style ramen with juicy pork loin, crunchy bean sprouts and silky black mushrooms — is the speciality that put Ippudo at the top of the ramen trade. If you like your ramen creamier, opt for the karaka-men and you'll be served a bowl of tonkotsu broth with Ippudo's secret dashi, spicy minced pork miso and pork belly. These bowls of brothy goodness have been on our list of the best ramen in Sydney for quite some time — so this is the perfect excuse to give them a try if you haven't already. But don't worry if you're not one of the first 300 customers. For the rest of the day, they'll be offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal for all ramen on the menu. But keep in mind that both deals (the free ramen and the two-for-one ramen) are specifically dine-in only. That means no dining at the desk back in the office. Head to Ippudo in Westfield Shopping Centre from 11:30am to get some free ramen. Check out their Instagram page for more info. Images: Leigh Griffiths
