For a lot of us, it's been many months since we've seen a live gig in an actual theatre. Thankfully, there are still a few venues offering a top-quality gig experience that you can tune into comfortably from your couch. We're not talking shaky hand-held iPhone footage either, but rather full-blown performances with stellar sound, lighting and staging. Keen to catch one this weekend? You're in luck, because Parramatta's Riverside Theatres will see emerging Aussie artist Odette take the stage on Sunday, September 6 as part of its Riverside Theatres Digital series. The British-born singer grew up in Sydney's inner west and is known for her soulful pop and inimitable style. Her music has been on rotation on the likes of Triple J and Triple J Unearthed, including her hit song 'Take It To The Heart'. The 23-year-old already has an album under her belt, To A Stranger, as well as a handful of singles. Her intimate one-hour set kicks off at 7pm and can be streamed via YouTube. To access, you can buy choose-what-you-pay tickets (from $18) via Riverside's website. All proceeds will go towards supporting the artist, as well as Riverside Theatres and its staff, so you can support Sydney's struggling arts scene. Odette: Live at Riverside will run from 7–8pm on Sunday, September 6. Nab your tickets here.
Heading to the snow anytime soon? For yet another year, Thredbo's après ski shenanigans are bringing a stack of live gigs to the village every single night of the week. Once you've done your dash on the slopes, slip off your skis, grab yourself a cocktail and kick back (or get up and dance). On Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10, G.H. Mumm will take over the Thredbo Alpine Hotel with its massive, weekend-long event Red Sash Sets. We're talking confetti canons, lots of red lights and bucketloads of champagne — soundtracked by Aussie DJ duo Mashd N Kutchr on Friday evening and Hot Dub Time Machine on Saturday. The following Saturday (August 17), Corona will grab the reins, with its Sunset Sessions, starring Set Mo. Come Saturday, August 24, the entire Village Square will transform into an epic live concert venue, courtesy of Heineken. On the program are Client Liaison, KLP, Kayex and Michelle Owen. Then, in the first week of September (4–8), Rainbow Mountain: A Heaps Gay Ski Week will usher in spring with five days of DJ-fuelled parties, drag queen performances, long lunches and races. Last, but not least, it'll be Canadian Club's turn on Saturday, September 14. Expect a vintage-style soiree involving retro sweaters, roaring fires and the Alpine Hotel's bubbling hot tub. Hosting will be Hugo Gruzman (Flight Facilities) and Tom Tilley (Triple J/Client Liaison), with complimentary sets by Falcona DJs and Happiness is Wealth, which is a live performance that blurs the lines between audio and art. Lock in your dates for a ski trip with gigs galore. For the full music lineup, head here. If you're looking for an even more jam-packed escape to the snow, check out Thredbo's events calendar here.
A lantern parade led by a moon goddess, a dancing lion, k-pop stars and a cornucopia of international food stalls are all planned for Cabramatta's 2019 Moon Festival. The traditional event, which has been celebrated across South East Asian communities for thousands of years, marks the spring equinox — one of two days in the year when day and night are of equal length — and the coming of harvest season. Head to Cabramatta from 9am on Sunday, September 8, to join the free festivities, where you'll be in the company of more than 90,000 revellers. In between feasting to your heart's content from eateries across the suburb — and a pop-up version of the hawker-style food precinct District 8 — look out for live music, dancers, theatre and a performance by Andy Trieu (from SBS PopAsia) and k-pop idol Kevin Kim of boy group ZE:A. There'll also be a bunch of fun, food-related happenings, including a prawn peeling challenge and a moon cake-eating championship. Moon cakes are round pastries filled with lotus seeds, red beans, orange peel and a yellow "yolk" that represents the moon. You can expect frivolities to finish up around 8pm, with an epic fireworks display.
When a film casts a universally adored actor as an unlucky-in-love character, it sends the world a message: that romance's joys and heartbreaks spare no one. When a movie tasks its protagonist with grappling with technology, it makes another statement: that the advancements meant to makes our lives easier can, and often do, have the exact opposite effect. Not just tried-and-tested, but commonplace, these cinematic choices have become cliches. The truisms they represent are already well-known and well-worn, too. And yet reminders don't go astray when they're not only clever and compelling, but baked into a catfishing thriller as twisty, perceptive and engaging as Who You Think I Am, which turns subverting expectations into its very mission. Nothing is what it seems in this French standout. As the picture's moniker makes plain, that includes its protagonist, as played by Juliette Binoche. Starring in a film that initially appears a kindred spirit to last year's rom-com Let the Sunshine In, the acclaimed talent again steps into the shoes of an unhappily single 50-something who's newly navigating the dating pool. Where Claire Denis' rom-com poignantly revelled in the ebbs and flows of being unattached later in life, filmmaker Safy Nebbou uses the scenario as a springboard to examine the contradictions of today's always-online, always-connected society. Finding a partner, whether for now or forever, may be as straightforward as swiping across a screen these days, but it's also burdened with complications and deceptions. There's a glimmer of defiance twinkling in Binoche's eyes when her character, university academic Claire, takes her love life in a drastic direction after her divorce. Adjusting to the new status quo, she still wants to be desired. So, if her ex can run off with someone much younger, then she can have flings with men half her age. When her latest squeeze starts fading out of her life, she also takes up cyberstalking. To discover why Ludo (Guillaume Gouix) has called time on their dalliance without any real explanation, Claire becomes Clara, a fresh-faced fashion intern aged just 24. Soon, the professor isn't just trawling through social media looking for answers about her latest breakup — under her new persona, she's cosying up to Ludo's friend and assistant Alex (François Civil). The ordinary act of clicking "like" on Facebook sparks a thread of direct messages, then texts, then hot-and-heavy phone calls, with Clara and Alex's online affair getting serious quickly. Adapted by Nebbou and co-screenwriter Julie Peyr from Camille Laurens' novel, Who You Think I Am isn't content to just inch towards the expected revelation one keystroke at a time. Nor is it happy to merely probe the unfair importance placed on appearances in the online dating realm, or the ageist tendency to erase women over a certain age. All of the above play a part in this icily, meticulously shot flick, but its insistence on never fitting neatly into any category extends to a narrative that keeps branching off in different directions. Framed by chats between Claire and her therapist (Nicole Garcia), as obsessed with duality as any Hitchcock classic, and also purposefully referencing the notoriously slippery and seductive Dangerous Liaisons, the end result is snaky thriller, a contemplative drama and even a thorny romance. Or, much like Claire, it's a movie with more than one identity. Continuing an exceptional recent run that also includes witty literary comedy Non-Fiction and the stellar, space-set High Life, it goes without saying that Binoche is the glue holding Who You Think I Am together. The film is impressively scripted, structured, shot and styled, and would retain these facets even with a different lead — however the right performer can always elevate a great picture to a higher level. While investing in the story's twists and turns is crucial, and something that Nebbou achieves with aplomb, believing in Claire is even more vital. Whether agonising over the right wording for her next message, itching for the phone that becomes her portal to another world, or confidently embracing not just her online charade, but the chance to rewrite her own tale, Binoche ensures that audiences are with her lonely, yearning character every step of the way. A catfishing movie that makes you empathise with the perpetrator? That's just one of the delights of this sharp, smart and savvily layered surprise package. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShwXIOszzIM
We're the first to admit that all of these national [insert trendy food item here] days are getting out of hand. But one day we're happy to support is World Tequila Day — mainly because Tio's Cervecería is pouring two-hours' worth of free tequila tastings on the day. Head in on Sunday, July 28 from 3–5pm and enjoy all the tequila you can handle. As the tasting session is free, we recommend heading there early to secure a spot at the bar. As well as trying tasty sips from some of the world's best artisanal and independent makers, you'll also have the chance to chat to some of Australia's top tequila experts. The merriment continues all night, when chef Rosa Cienfuegos (whose Marrickville Market stall and new Dulwich Hill store create quite the queue) will be in the kitchen dishing up authentic Mexican tacos and tamales. Cheap brews by Marrickville's (and soon to be Petersham's) Batch Brewing Company will be on-hand, too — for when you need a break from the agave-fuelled fun. Images: Letícia Almeida
It might take a little convincing to get inner-city locals over the bridge. But, you'll thank us once you've paid a visit to Kirribilli's Art, Design and Fashion Market. This design-focused offering comes to Kirribilli's historic markets (established in 1976) on the second Sunday of each month. Venture under Milsons Point Station to the Burton Street tunnel and discover artisan homewares, art, vintage decor and racks of curated fashion. Whether you're looking to refresh your wardrobe or searching for that memorable one-off gift, you're bound to stumble upon the perfect find among these stalls. Once you've worked up an appetite, head for the food court area which is packed with everything from roast pork rolls to quesadillas and much more.
With its latest film festival, Dendy Newtown isn't reaching for the stars — instead, it's happy with making it to the moon. Celebrating 50 years since the lunar landing, as everywhere in town seems to be, the cinema chain is screening a heap of flicks about the Earth's only natural satellite. Love in-depth documentaries? Twisty sci-fi? Feel-good dramas? They're all on the lineup. The newest movie on the bill is Apollo 11, aka the latest doco to ponder the enormous feat of sending humanity where it had never gone before. Naturally, it's worth seeing on a big screen. Other highlights include Duncan Jones' Moon, starring Sam Rockwell as a man working at a lunar base; Aussie comedy The Dish, about the Parkes Radio Telescope's role in broadcasting the huge event; and Ryan Gosling-starring Neil Armstrong biopic First Man. You can also explore the impact that three women had on the mission thanks to Hidden Figures, and relive Apollo 13's struggles in the Tom Hanks film of the same name. Thanks to documentaries Moonscape, Moonwalk One, The Other Side of the Moon and Armstrong, the list goes on, with the Moon Film Festival running from Tuesday, July 16 to Wednesday, July 24. Times and dates for each individual flick vary, so start planning if you're keen on looking up while looking at a cinema screen.
UPDATE, February 1, 2021: Hail Satan? is available to stream via DocPlay, Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies and Amazon Video. Between Australia's last election, the ongoing mess over Brexit and the trashfire that is the American political landscape, conflict thrives in today's society. Perhaps satanism is the answer? Such a solution is guaranteed to polarise, especially at a time when right-wing Aussie factions are trying to excuse homophobia as an expression of religious beliefs, and when conservative US groups are using their faith as a reason to eradicate women's reproductive rights. But, as the thoroughly engaging and informative documentary Hail Satan? explains, challenging and tearing down outdated attitudes like these is The Satanic Temple's main aim. Partial to a title with punctuation, as her 2016 doco Nuts! demonstrated, filmmaker Penny Lane astutely places a question mark at the end of Hail Satan?. By the conclusion of her latest seemingly gimmick-driven movie, you can be forgiven for wondering if you actually agree with the two-word phrase — or, at least, with the people seen uttering it. Lane takes her attention-grabbing subject, sheds the demonic stereotypes and cartoonish uproar, and examines the reality of worshipping at The Satanic Temple's altar. Founded in 2013 as a headline-seeking means of calling out the legislated introduction of Christian prayer in Florida schools, the Salem-headquartered organisation agitates for true religious freedom, and takes its social activism seriously. Sure, members sometimes wear goat horns and don fetish outfits, and plenty call themselves heavy metal fans, however it's the quest to keep all churches away from matters of state that really lights their fires. Lane is never seen on-screen, but her jauntily spliced-together film shares the wry smile that must've been plastered across her face as she was making it — the grin of someone aware that she's not only unpacking a fantastic, thought-provoking area, but a topical and provocative one that makes a meaty statement about the modern world. Seen in talking-head interviews and on-the-ground footage, The Satanic Temple's co-founder and spokesman Lucien Greaves sports the same look and certainty about his cause, with an extra glint of mischief. Given his organisation's many stunts, his expression is understandable. "Performing a "pink mass" designed to turn the dead mother of Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps into a lesbian — a response to the hate-mongering church's plans to picket the funerals of Boston marathon bombing victims — is just one of the Temple's high-profile exploits. The After School Satan project, an alternative to Christian-based class activities, is another. And then there's the passionate fight to counter statues of the Ten Commandments placed outside of government buildings by applying to erect satanic monuments next to them. While there's no doubting where Hail Satan?'s sympathies reside (even with its purposeful question mark), the film builds its case in a clever and witty manner. Simply showing what The Satanic Temple stands for, and insightfully exploring how it uses Satan as a subversive symbol against government-mandated theology, conveys much of the documentary's point. It doesn't escape attention that the group's outreach and protest actions, and crusade against religious doctrine triumphing over justice and intelligence would receive emphatic support if they were performed by a less divisive body. Or, that they'd likely be championed for their pursuit of equality and freedom on all grounds, too. Of course, that's one of the movie's incisive messages. If the road to hell is indeed paved with good intentions, these occultists heartily embrace both parts of that phrase. Life battling injustice with brimstone isn't all a bed of roses, which Hail Satan? doesn't overlook. As The Satanic Temple has expanded, reaching 50,000 members worldwide in its first three years, controversy and squabbles have followed. Displaying the playful tone that makes the film such an enjoyable watch, the doco doesn't avoid its counterpart's own internal turmoil either — rightfully contending that the Catholic Church's continuing and widespread sexual abuse scandal eclipses any troubles linked with contemporary satanism. That's the type of faith-based corruption and hypocrisy this anti-Christ outfit is attempting to combat. If you like that satanist brand of activism, rebellion, openness and inclusion, then Hail Satan? will sweep you over with the right kind of satanic panic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amB2Ol6wihg
You might not expect cocktails to feature in a health kick. But, head to the inaugural St-Germain x La Maison Wellness Weekend, and you'll discover that you can have your liqueur — and drink it, too. Taking over the Paramount Recreation Club in Surry Hills, on September 14–15, this event is all about 'healthy hedonism'. Indulge, sure, but look after yourself, too. In a two-hour session, you'll take part in a yoga and meditation class. Then, after finding your zen, you'll be feasting on brunch and snacks — and St-Germain spritzes, all included in the ticket price. St-Germain, the 100 percent natural French elderflower liqueur, so you can expect your spritzes to be even more refreshing than usual. Plus, it's low in alcohol. Your host for this retreat will be La Maison Wellness's Camille Vidal, a London-based yoga and meditation teacher, who's spent the past fifteen years in the hospitality industry. She's written two cocktail books — How to Drink French Fluently and How to Spritz French Fluently — in collaboration with alcohol magazine, Punch. Now, she's also launching a La Maison Youtube channel full of recipes for 'mindful' cocktails. At this event, Vidal will be talking about the importance of balance and mindfulness. Sessions will take place on Saturday, September 14, from 12.30–2.30pm and 3.30–5.30pm and on Sunday, September 15, from 11.30am–1.30pm and 2.30–4.30pm. Tickets cost $33.43 per person and include a bunch of pressies to take home, including a sports bag, sports towel, two St-Germain glasses, a 50ml bottle of St-Germain and a cocktail recipe card. To book your spot in for the inaugural Wellness Weekend, head here.
Leichhardt small bar Golden Gully continues to come up with some top-notch collabs for its monthly locals feast. Over the past few months, there have been breakfast for dinner, sour beers and street food and P&V Merchants' natural wines and fermented food pairings. Now, tacos and tinnies are getting The Gully treatment — and, this time, the bar has teamed up with Taco King's Toby Wilson (The George Hotel, Bad Hombres, Ghostboy Cantina) for the vegan eats. On the menu, you can expect to start with shiitake ceviche tostadas and jerusalem artichoke tacos with peanut mole, chiltepin hot peppers and fried raisins. These will be followed by cauliflower tacos topped with cashew cream and seaweed, and coconut pandan arroz con leche (Spanish rice pudding) for dessert. Behind the bar, they'll be slinging tinnies from local brewers Akasha Brewing Company, Hawkes Brewing Co. and Young Henrys. The food and booze will cost you a reasonable $50 all up, and previous months have sold out, so snag your tickets before it's too late. Tacos and Tins has bookings available from 6.30–9.30pm. Images: Taco King by Kimberley Low and Golden Gully by Trent van der Jagt
This winter, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art is bringing together five artists to explore both our fascination and relationship with technology, but also the concerns of a world depended on this uncontrollable — and all-seeing — force. In The Invisible Hand, artists Simon Denny, Exonemo, Sunwoo Hoon, Mijoon Pak and Baden Pailthorpe will pose questions and alternative concepts to our current digital landscape. With artists from Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Japan, they will explore what this interconnectedness, reliability and data collection could mean for the East Asia region. The curators and gallery have put together a series of public programs that aim to challenge and expand on these ideas, including one of the gallery's congee breakfast gallery walkthroughs, which will take place on Saturday, July 20.
How nice it would be to sip tequila on the coast of Mexico instead of braving winter. But, unless you have a trip booked in the next three weeks, you're going to have to see it out in Sydney. Luckily, our city also has stunning beaches — and some top-notch Mexican eateries, too. One of them is Avalon's Alma, perched just metres from the beach. So, if you're wishing to ward away your winter blues by sipping on tequila and tucking into a Mexican feast, here's a pretty good spot to do so. To celebrate World Tequila Day (mark your calendars for July 24), the northern beaches restaurant has teamed up with award-winning tequila makers Herradura to create a menu inspired by the drink. Available from July 24 until August 24, the menu will feature Alma's usual menu with plenty of Mexican flair, but with the added bonus of tequila and daily cocktail specials. Think the likes of agave-glazed haloumi, ceviche, tacos galore or, if you're feeling daring, the chilli lime crickets (yes, crickets). Drinkswise, you can expect a refreshing Aperol and Herradura tequila concoction with guava, lime, sugar and kombucha and even one with pork belly-washed reposado tequila, tomato extract, lemon and jalapeño 'mist'. There'll also be a ticketed five-course dinner on Thursday, August 8. For $65, you'll get to tuck into tostadas layered with habanero salsa, chunky duck confit tacos, and grilled spatchcock with creamy oaxacan black mole sauce. This will all be topped off with paired tastes of Herradura tequila throughout. It's a surefire way to curb your wanderlust in no time. Alma's Herradura-inspired menu will be on offer from July 24 through August 24. To reserve a table, head here. The five-course feast paired with Herradura tequilas will occur from 7pm, Thursday, August 8 and can be booked here.
After one of the hottest summers on record, the thought of throwing on a suit is just becoming bearable. And, in perfect timing, menswear label M.J. Bale has announced a huge autumn warehouse sale. Running from Thursday, April 4 to Sunday, April 7 at Paddington Town Hall, the sale will get you sorted for the season ahead (and maybe a few after that, too). Since Matt Jensen founded the quality menswear brand in 2009, it's since become a staple in many the Aussie male's wardrobe. From quality office attire to special occasion wear, the label prioritises maintaining a close supply chain between Australian wool growers, Italian weavers and Japanese tailors, so you're guaranteed to find clothing that is stylish, breathable and top quality. Along with suit wear, the brand also offers laidback linen, knitwear, cotton and lightweight flannel styles, plus a great selection of accessories. And you'll be able to score some of it for up to 70 percent across the four-day sale. Plus, we've heard there may also be some heavily discounted pieces from Australian-born womenswear label Ellery on offer there, too. The M.J. Bale warehouse sale will be running from 8am–8pm on Thursday, 9am–7pm on Friday, 9am–5pm on Saturday and 8am–5pm on Sunday. For more info, head here.
These days, loads of places do raclette — Loluk and Handpicked Wines are just a couple that spring to mind. But you know who did it first? Bistro Papillon. And now the Clarence Street restaurant is bringing back its famed Soiree Raclette series — on the first and third Monday of each month, the charming French restaurant will dish up a fromage-filled feast of your cheesiest of cheese dreams. For $55 per person, the two-course dinner kicks off with one of Bistro Papillon's signature French-style entrees, like garlic and parsley baked snails or a chicken liver pâté. That's followed by the main event: a traditional dish of golden, oozy raclette. The cheese is scraped hot from the wheel straight onto your plate to complement an assortment of smoked and cured meats, potatoes and slices of crunchy baguette. Throw in a glass or two from the restaurant's all-French wine list and your week will be off to a very solid start. Book a table in advance on the website. Soiree Raclette dinners are available at 6pm or 8pm.
Haymarket's 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art is throwing an all-night electronica party this month in the form of its second annual Club 4A. It'll take over Chinatown's Dynasty Karaoke on Saturday, May 25 from 7pm–3am. The party has been curated by Sydney artists Mathew Spisbah and Rainbow Chan, and features a lineup of musical guests alongside audiovisual artists. The headline act is Berlin-based electronic musician Rui Ho, who hails from Shanghai and is making her Australian debut. Rui Ho's music fuses traditional Chinese and modern club influences. Rainbow Chan will also take the stage in collaboration with Sydney electronic composer Marcus Whale, and artists Del Lumanta and Milkffish will team up, too — their set will include live electronic improvisations using ambient sounds and Milkffish's signature Filipino folkloric instruments. More Filipino influence will be found in producer Yumgod's performance, which will include his signature deconstructed hip hop footwork. On the visual art side of things, Hong Kong artist Harry Chan has created new LED works for the event. And video artists Kynan Tan and Craig Stubbs-Race will present animated pieces throughout the night. Tickets are set at a very reasonable $20 and first release is already sold out, so nab 'em while you still can. Club 4A will run from 7pm–3am.
Last time that Kenneth Branagh took on a cultural icon, he stepped into Hercule Poirot's shoes, starring in and directing a new adaptation of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express. He'll return to the character in next year's Death on the Nile, continuing a filmmaking career with a noticeable theme: bringing famous figures and stories to the screen. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Mozart's opera The Magic Flute, Marvel's initial Thor flick and fairy tale Cinderella all appear on his resume, however one particular chap has always retained pride of place. Thirty years ago, Branagh jumped behind the camera for the first time for a cinematic version of William Shakespeare's Henry V. In the decades since, he's directed and acted in Much Ado About Nothing, Love's Labour's Lost and As You Like It, too. So it was only a matter of time until he did the obvious, turning his attention to a Shakespeare biopic. Shakespeare in Love, this isn't. Shakespeare in Retirement would've worked as a title, though. With Branagh both starring and helming as he usually does, All Is True's take on the Bard sees him back in Stratford-upon-Avon, where his family has always lived while he's been triumphing in London. It took a fire to bring him home, with his beloved Globe Theatre burning down in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII. Devastated, old Will has pledged never to work again, vowing to spend time with his wife Anne Hathaway (Judi Dench) and adult daughters Susanna (Lydia Wilson) and Judith (Kathryn Wilder) instead. Alas, absence hasn't exactly made the heart grow fonder. As Shakespeare switches from penning flowery prose to trying to make a garden blossom, drama still keeps finding him. Grief rears its head, over the son he lost years ago, while Anne's stoic sadness at being left to take care of the household also bubbles to the fore. So does Judith's simmering anger at being constantly overlooked due to her gender, as well as Susanna's gossiped-about troubles with her fiercely Puritan husband (Hadley Fraser). If being a genius isn't easy, living in the shadow of one is a much tougher feat. Still, in a reflective screenplay written by Ben Elton, it's Shakespeare's struggle to not only adjust to an ordinary life, but to weigh up his flaws and failings over the course of his life, that drives the film. In a movie filled with allusions to its subject's work, All Is True takes its name from the alternative moniker for Henry VIII, which would prove Shakespeare's last play. Elton's script is definitely fictionalised — although perhaps less than his recent British sitcom, Upstart Crow — and yet the eponymous phrase remains apt. At the heart of the handsomely shot feature sits an important notion that applies not only to the Bard, but to art in general: whatever unfurls on the page or stage speaks to something within its creator. Just as Shakespeare clearly resonates with both Branagh and Elton, the great playwright's acclaimed words were borne of his own emotions. Sure, All Is True includes one of those typically grating moments where a character utters its title in dialogue (no prizes for guessing who does the honours), however in painting a portrait of the Bard as a conflicted, haunted man, it conveys both the inner source and hefty toll of his output. In the acting stakes, Branagh makes for a melancholic later-in-life Shakespeare, repeatedly digging his hands into the earth as he grapples with being brought back to normality. Leading quietly, sensitively but commandingly even under a pronounced prosthetic nose, he's matched by the steely Wilder, a great stint of comic sneering by Alex Macqueen as one of the Bard's naysayers, and a witty appearance by Ian McKellen as the writer's long-term patron, the Earl of Southampton. And yet, while buoyed by strong performances and making good on its premise, the film always plays like a minor ode rather than a major work. Walking in the footsteps of greatness is a difficult task, as the movie makes plain, although Branagh has been trying for decades. With All Is True, he shows why — and demonstrates that passion, intelligence and enthusiasm can go a considerable way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I5cKmiONDI
An illuminated outdoor art gallery is taking over the Randwick Environment Park this weekend as the Nox Night Sculpture Walk returns from Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12. And it's not just art, either, expect live music, film, food trucks, an Archie Rose bar and a pinball arcade to boot. Artists from UNSW Art & Design are responsible for the art gallery, with the 1.5-kilometre loop open from 6–8pm each day. The entire gallery is lit by renewable energy sources, too. Alongside the art is a night cinema, brought to you by the UNSW School of Arts and Media, which will screen student-made short films and animations throughout the night — all based on themes of ecology and sustainability. For eats, there'll be food trucks aplenty serving from 5–9pm. Choose from the likes of El Taco Loco, Hut Dogs Catering, Agape Organic and Lambda Souvla Grill. And, never missing a beat, Gelato Messina will be there for your dessert needs. Don't miss this year's pop-up bar, where Archie Rose will be mixing and shaking its gin, vodka and whisky concoctions. If that's not enough, performances by local acts will also take the stage, including DJs Levins and Charlie Villas to Hot Potato and Danielle Lamb. And there's even an illuminated outdoor pin ball arcade for good measure. Entry and all its accompaniments are free, just bring some cash for the food and bevvys. Nox Night Sculpture Walk is open from 6–8pm each night, with films and food trucks running between 5–9pm.
If you've been saving your money the last couple months and are wondering where to spend it, head down to the Makers and Shakers Market on Saturday, April 13. Making its return to Sydney, it'll feature more than 50 high-quality stalls, so you'll definitely find something you like. The market provides an open platform for local makers to sell their handmade wares, gourmet foods and lifestyle products. Start your shopping at 10am with a kombucha from Mailer McGuire then wander to Clay Canoe for stunning ceramics and to Cardigan Threads for chunky, colourful jewellery. Finish up with a visit to You Are Brave to add some new textiles to your home — and that's just a taste of the goodies on offer. While you're wandering the stalls, tackle your post-shop hunger with some toasted sandwiches from Mister Toast, doughnuts from Nutie and Donut Papi, plus many more delicious foods. The market will run from 10am–3pm, tickets are $2 and kids under 12 are free. Image: Alana Dimou.
When Sydney's first Harry Potter-themed boozy brunches were announced early last year, the city couldn't say 'accio butterbeer' fast enough, with the two sessions booking out quickly. So the return of the Wizard's Brunch is sure to be enthusiastically received — especially as it's set to be held on the spookiest of days: October 31. This Halloween feast is set to recreate the Great Hall with floating pumpkins, fortune tellers and and fire performers. Fingers crossed for butterbeer, pumpkin pasties, cauldron cakes and maybe even a treacle tart. And hopefully no trolls in the dungeon. There will be two sessions: a family-friendly brunch and an adults-only dinner. But aside from the time and date, details are scarce. The particulars such as the venue and how many galleons you'll have to spend haven't been revealed as yet, though keen muggles can sign up to The Wizard's Brunch email list for more information. To give you an idea, though, last year's events were held at MacLaurin Hall at Sydney Uni and tickets cost around $200 for food and booze.
The National 2019 is nearly upon us, and among its massive three-gallery exhibition is one just for solo movie-goers. Lick Lick Blink is a ten-minute cinema experience created by Tasmanian artist Willoh S. Weiland — and it's limited to one person viewing at a time. The striking new work combines film, performance and breast-shaped Gelato Messina. Weiland's work is inspired by the #MeToo movement and examines how female images are consumed in film. Expect the screen to be solely occupied by women — a rarity in mainstream cinema. To take this experience to a more immersive level, Weiland has teamed up with the cult gelateria. The brand has created a range of breast-shaped, nipple-topped, milk-flavoured ice cream cones for participants to eat while figuratively devouring the female images on screen. The chocolate coating comes in a variety of shades, which is a reflection of the female diversity that is all too often absent in film. Weiland's work is in good company within the overarching exhibition, with many of this year's artists also focusing on gender issues. Lick Lick Blink will premiere on March 29 for The National 2019 opening weekend and run at various scheduled times through June 23. The screening is free, but booking is required in-person on the day at the MCA information desk (level one). For the full performance schedule, head online. Images: Daniel Boud
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Vivid this year. Fighting through the crowds is one option — but a far superior one is to soak up the epic views, while sipping premium wines, at the Grant Burge Wines pop-up cellar door. Chief winemaker Craig Stansborough will travel all the way from the Barossa Valley to host a series of wine tastings throughout the festival, backdropped by incredible views of Sydney Harbour, at The Squire's Landing. Your evening will begin with a glass of sparkling wine and canapes on arrival, before getting stuck into a flight featuring premium vino from Grant Burges' most coveted ranges. Stansborough will guide you through each delicious drop, giving you a little slice of a wine country cellar door experience in the city. If there's anything you want to know about winemaking, the Barossa Valley or Grant Burge, ask away. If not, stick to sipping slowly and getting lost in some extraordinary views. Consider staying afterwards for a Vivid-inspired dinner at The Squire's Landing and practise matching your meal with some Grant Burge wines from the menu — you'll be an expert, after all. The Grant Burge Wines Vivid Masterclasses cost $50 per person. There'll be two sessions a night, 5–7pm and 7.30–9.30pm, across May 25–26 and May 31–June 2. To book into a session, head this way.
The Winery is known for adding exciting twists to the classic bottomless brunch. Lush greenery set against exposed brick walls, a healthy mix of indoor and outdoor space and no shortage of plush couches, the Surry Hills venue is giving you and your mates another reason to show up (and booze up) on a Saturday afternoon. Starting Saturday, April 27, The Winery is introducing a monthly disco-themed brunch. For $59 per person, you and your crew can enjoy a two-course brunch with two hours of bottomless 70s-themed cocktails and entertainment from Sydney Drag Royalty. While you eat, the divas will perform hits from the likes of Donna Summer, The Pointer Sisters and ABBA — and once you're finished, the dance floor will open for those of you who can't resist the urge to join in when 'Dancing Queen' comes on. The six-item menu is a quirky affair with savoury treats like the Groovin' to the Moovin' (french toast with fried chicken and maple hot sauce) and Pimpin' Platforms (Belgian waffle with smoked salmon and hazelnut slaw). Meanwhile, those with a sweet tooth can try the Can You Dig It — caramelised banana and crème caramel with marmalade ice cream. After groovin' your way through this brunch, you'll probably be searching for more musically styled meals. If so, check out Untied's Brunch with Soul. Each Saturday, the Barangaroo rooftop spot hosts a hearty brunch complete with a roaming gospel choir. Can we get a 'hell yeah'? The Winery Disco Brunch will run monthly from Saturday, April 27. To make a booking, head this way.
The 90s were great. That shouldn't be a controversial opinion. Whether you lived through them or have spent the last couple of decades wishing you did — aka binging on 90s pop culture — this shindig at the Oxford Art Factory will indulge your retro urges. Drinks, tunes, fashion — expect all of the above at the No Scrubs: 90s and Early 00s party from 10pm on Friday, May 3. Of course, it's up to you to make sure the clothing side of thing is covered, and to get into the spirit of the season. If you want to use Mariah Carey as a style icon, it'd be fitting. Expect to unleash your inner Spice Girl and Backstreet Boy too. TLC, Destiny's Child, Savage Garden, Usher, Blink-182, No Doubt — we'd keep listing artists, but you all know what you're getting yourselves into. Entry costs $20, with the fun running through until 3am.
This month, galleries and creative spaces across Sydney will throw open their doors for a massive celebration of contemporary art and artists for Art Month Sydney's milestone tenth anniversary. As part of this year's jam-packed lineup, Art Month Sydney is hosting a series of after-work tours of the city's most prolific art precincts. And on Thursday, March 28, the final precinct tour will take place in and around the streets of Redfern and Chippendale. It's set to be a great finale — following similar tours around Paddington and Woollahra and East Sydney — with artist-run initiatives, cultural centres, leading commercial galleries and universities all getting involved. To take part, simply explore the Art Month Sydney map here, pop on some comfy shoes and start your tour at 6pm. You'll get to visit 107 Projects, Duckrabbit Gallery & Studios, Pine Street Creative Arts Centre, The Japan Foundation, UTS Gallery, Galerie pompom and more on this after-hours gallery hop. The tour finishes at The Lansdowne Hotel, where a party will be kicking off at 8pm. The lineup of DJs and live performers is yet to be announced — but we've been promised 'weird pop and downer ballads with silver linings'. Sign us up. For more information on the Art at Night: Chippendale and Redfern, or to check out the full Art Month Sydney program, head this way. Image: courtesy of Art Month Sydney.
How does a film festival celebrate a big milestone? By doing what it always does best. For the Iranian Film Festival, which hosts its tenth event in 2021, that means showcasing all of the latest and greatest movies from the Middle Eastern country. From winners at notable international fests such as Sundance and Venice, to the nation's 2021 Oscars submission, this year's lineup doesn't skimp on highlights. When the event hits Dendy Newtown between Thursday, June 10–Wednesday, June 16, IFF will kick off with Titi, Ida Panahandeh's film about an ailing physicist who's working on a theory about black holes and the end of the world. From there, cinephiles can expect to dive into flicks about a brick-manufacturing factory and its ancient methods, (The Wasteland) as well as music-fuelled road movies (Bandar Band). A certain standout, Yalda: A Night of Forgiveness topped the World Cinema Dramatic category at Sundance 2020, and spins a powerful story about a woman seeking atonement on television after being sentenced to death. Or, there's also Sun Children, the Oscar-shortlisted effort that follows a 12-year-old and his pals as they try to support their families. In total, 17 films will play during the festival — which should give you ample opportunity to leave your couch behind for the big screen for more than a few sessions. That said, there'll also be an online component after the in-cinema fest, running from Sunday, June 20–Wednesday, June 30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDSk_08MvBQ
Everyone has one: a Disney film that's so intertwined with their childhood, even thinking about it makes you feel like you're six years old again. Perhaps you've always said "no worries" to The Lion King. Maybe you've never had a friend like Aladdin. Or, you could've learned that it's better down where it's wetter thanks to The Little Mermaid. Whether one of the aforementioned flicks is your favourite Mouse House movie — or even if you prefer Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty or Peter Pan — you'll find plenty to get nostalgic over at Dendy Newtown's next festival. Yes, with a name like Disney Classics Festival, it's pretty self-explanatory. Also on the bill: The Jungle Book, Lady and the Tramp, The Emperor's New Groove, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. While some of these movies have been remade in live-action or using photorealistic CGI in recent years, this fest — which runs from Saturday, June 26–Sunday, July 11 — is all about the original animated flicks. And, like all of Dendy Coorparoo's festivals, different movies screen on different dates — and multiple times — so checking out the session listing is the best way to schedule your viewing.
Treating yo'self hasn't been the easiest thing to do over the past year or so — but for one week, Salt Meats Cheese is serving up a rather tasty menu that'll do the trick. That'd be its Truffle Week lineup, with truffles popping up in all kinds of dishes. Yes, that includes truffle cocktails. From Monday, June 21–Sunday, June 27, SMC will be adding truffles to pizza, polenta, gnocchi and pappardelle — so that's four of Italian staples covered. It'll also be whipping up baked truffle brie and deep-fried bocconcini with truffles, if you feel like getting extra cheesy with your truffles. And, still on that topic, you can add a jug of truffle cream cheese to any dish you like as well. You'll need something to wash it all down with, so truffle margaritas are also on offer. They'll be garnished with freshly shaved truffle, and also feature a truffle salted rim. Or, you could opt for a truffle sour, which even includes truffle oil. Truffle Week is taking place at all SMC venues during its seven-day period. And if you're wondering why the Italian chain has suddenly gone truffle crazy, it's to celebrate the Australian truffle season — which is as good a reason as any.
If things in Sydney were different right now, celebrating Bastille Day would be as easy as walking into a heap of restaurants and taking advantage of their menus. But, with the city in lockdown, that clearly isn't the case. Cue the Bentley Group's at-home range, which is marking the occasion from the date itself — Wednesday, July 14, of course — right through until Sunday, July 18. The main option: Monopole's French-themed menu, which costs $140 and serves two. You'll tuck into potato and leek soup, ocean trout rillette with a baguette, confit duck cassoulet and a layered chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. There's a $110 vegan version, too, and you can order them both to pick up. Feel like trying something different? Yellow is making licorice bread. The restaurant is known for it, and it's only making limited numbers, with servings available to pick up from Ria Pizza + Wine between 10am–5pm on Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18 . And if you're wondering what licorice bread is, it is indeed made with licorice. And, while it isn't a Bastille Day special, you'll either want to try it immediately or you definitely won't.
Newtown's newest Italian spot Casa Mia Osteria is doing things a little differently. The King Street spot's pizzas come on fluffy-yet-crunchy Roman-style bases. Known as pinsa, these flatbread-esque creations are a contemporary take on an ancient style of making pizza. Come Wednesday nights, the new inner west spot runs pinsa night where all pizzas on the Casa Mia menu can be paired with a glass of wine for just $20. If you're looking for an affordable and unique midweek meal, Casa Mia has you covered. While you're there you can pick up a bottle of red to accompany your dinner from the restaurant's refined hand-picked selection of Italian and Australian wines. If you want to get your hands on one, topped with four cheese and pear, mortadella and pistachios, or prosciutto and gorgonzola, you can find them on south King Street right by Sydney Park. Casa Mia is open for takeaway, or free delivery to inner west locals on order over $100. Images: Kitti Gould
UPDATE Thursday, June 24: Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney, Winter in the Domain has been postponed. Heaps Gay's 8th Birthday Carnival will now take place on Saturday, July 17. You can stay up to date with the developing COVID-19 situation in Sydney, as well as current restrictions, at NSW Health. A new winter-themed concert series featuring a family-friendly winter park and a jam-packed lineup of Australian talent is coming to Sydney's CBD this June. Following the tumultuous, yet successful run of Summer in the Domain this March, the Royal Botanical Gardens and The Domain are collaborating for another run of performances set among the CBD skyline titled Winter in the Domain. As part of the three-week run of gigs, Sydney's beloved LGBTQIA+ party collective Heaps Gay is celebrating its eighth birthday with a blockbuster night of performances. Heading up the lineup for the Heaps Gay party are performances from dance-pop group Haiku Hands, pop sensation Banoffee, Western Sydney R'n'B hitmaker A.Girl and Touch Sensitive collaborators The Goods. Across the rest of the 30+ strong lineup are performances from the likes of Millie Sykes, Felicia Foxx, Madam3Empress, Lauren and Heaps Gay's own DJs. Manning the hosting duties for the night will be Ru Paul's Drag Race Down Under's Karen from Finance as well as Sharon Manhattan, while Nana Miss Koori will perform a Welcome to Country to begin the event. Alongside the music and performances, a wondrous Winterpark will be set up in The Domain. The park will include an ice skating rink alongside family-friendly carnival rides, food and drink stalls and heated outdoor spots. The music will run from 5–10pm, with the drinks and rides continuing until 11pm. Top Image: Heaps Gay Qweens Ball 2018
Thanks to you-know-what, The Metro Theatre hasn't hosted any live music events since early 2020. You could say a grand reopening is well overdue — and, thankfully, one is finally here. For Sydney Solstice, The Metro is throwing a heap of tune-filled nights, including a seven-day weekend event and an epic celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. The latter, dubbed Mardi Gras Pride Weekender, is a series of performances championing queer-identifying artists. At Express Yourself — Queer Discovery (June 18), you can see the likes of singer-songwriter Alex the Astronaut, rapper BVT and emerging electro star Nik Navy, as well as Faustina Agolley who'll be hosting the shindig. Then, on Saturday, June 19, cut some serious shapes at Spin-Off — a competition in search of up-and-coming LGBTQIA+ DJs — or catch fabulous drag queens at My Drag Story. [caption id="attachment_814137" align="alignnone" width="1367"] Destination NSW[/caption] Top image: Destination NSW
The team at Sydney Harbour Kayaks is running a special series of after-dark kayaking tours ($155) for Sydney Solstice. Your tour of the harbour will paddle off at sunset — perfect for a pic or two — then, as the stars come out, you'll cruise past naval warships and the impressive 1874-built James Craig ship. You'll take in the sights of Glebe Island Bridge and the Anzac Bridge, before stopping for snacks and drinks. The tour starts and ends at Darling Harbour, which means you can pop over to the ice rink or food market at Darling Harbour Winter Festival when you're done. Two birds, one stone.
Talented pooches have been barking their way to big screen stardom since the birth of the medium, and Cannes Film Festival even gives out awards for ace pupper performances. In Australia for a few years now, we also celebrate the intersection of canines and cinema — via our very own dog-themed movie showcase. At the Top Dog Film Festival, doggos and puppers cement their status as humanity's favourite film stars in a touring program of pooch-centric shorts. For more than two hours, dogs will leap across screens in a curated selection of heartwarming flicks about humanity's best friend. Over the last few years, the lineup has included films about dog-powered sports, dogs in space, dogs hiking through the desert, senior dogs and more. The festival hits Sydney's Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace on Sunday, August 1 and Ritz Cinemas in Randwick on Sunday, August 15 as part of its 2021 run, and rushing after tickets the way your best four-legged friend rushes after a frisbee is recommended. Given how much we all love watching dog videos online, not to mention attending pupper-centric shindigs in general, this event is certain to be popular. You'd be barking mad to miss it, obviously.
This July, where there's smoke in Parramatta, you can bet there's fire. Acclaimed ensemble Casus Circus is on its way to Riverside Theatres with Chasing Smoke, a show that blends the spark and flare of bombastic circus with the slow-burning beauty and nuance of 65 000-plus years of First Nations storytelling. Directed by Samoan Australian Natano Fa'anana and performed by Australia's only all-First Nations circus ensemble, this award-winning show takes a completely unique approach to documenting Indigenous experience and history. It is both a celebration of survival and culture and a lament for what has been lost and is still under threat. And, its limited season will run from July 16–17 only. Too often we consider circus as a medium powered purely by spectacle — the swallowing of fire and the juggling of buzzing chainsaws. But Chasing Smoke is an altogether more stunning feat. It manages to balance the sheer delight of contemporary circus spectacle with the weight of a sustained and often painful, but ultimately powerful narrative. You've never been under a Big Top like this. Chasing Smoke is happening at Riverside Theatre from July 16–17. For more information and to book, visit the website.
Since opening on New Year's Eve 2020/21, Cafe Freda's has become the bustling restaurant, neighbourhood bar and creative space Sydneysiders hoped it would be following the closure of its beloved predecessor. Five days a week, the Taylor's Square venue serves up selections from its ever-changing menu and hosts local musicians, artists and DJs. However, this Sunday, June 20, something special is going down with the next iteration of Cafe Freda's Sunday chef pop-ups — and it's all for a good cause. This installment of the series is a collaboration with Sydney-based Syrian food caterer Racha's Syrian Kitchen and Welcome Merchant, an organisation that works with refugee and asylum seeker entrepreneurs to support their businesses in Australia. The pop-up will help support Racha's Syrian Kitchen and raise money for Welcome Merchant, so you can order a range of a la carte goodies or splurge on the set menu ($65) guilt-free. Those that elect for the set menu will start with kishqeh, fatoush salad and kebet selek made with finely ground potato, sauteed swiss chard, onion, garlic, pomegranate and walnuts. The two choices when it comes to the main meal are a chicken shwarma plate and fattet magdous, an eggplant and fried pita bread dish, which will be followed sha'ebeyat made with handmade filo pastry filled with thick fresh cream or walnut. Above Cafe Freda's at the Abstract Thoughts gallery, Welcome Merchant will also be presenting a group exhibition titled Finding Self from 2pm–6pm. Four artists, Emmanuel Asante, Nadia Obeid, Najla Sbei and Raneen Shamon, will present works exploring the construction and deconstruction of cultural identity. Dylan Berg will be on hand for the exhibition, playing tunes from African and Middle Eastern regions. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
When you think of the Hunter Valley, you probably picture wineries. But, if you look beyond the vineyards, you'll find there's a whole lot more to the region than grapes. To celebrate its 75th anniversary, The National Trust (NSW) is hosting a bunch of free open days at its properties across New South Wales. On Saturday, May 29, you can immerse yourself in the Hunter region's history at three of the National Trust's properties in Beyond the Grapes: Discover the Hunter. Head to the historic Tomago House from 10am–4pm to take yourself on a self-guided tour of the property as well as enjoy lawn games and tunes in the garden. Between 10am–1pm, you can also catch the Maitland Repertory Theatre perform a live reading of the play Voices from Tomago. Later in the afternoon, explore Maitland on a historic walking tour from 2pm–3pm followed by an afternoon tea (with sparkling, no less) in the garden at Grossman and Brough House — tickets are $25 and include both the tour and the tea. Miss Porter's House, located in Newcastle West, will be open, too, so you can step back in time to the early 1900s and learn about the life and home of the Porter family. Plus the popular walking tour, A Walk with the Porters, will be happening but with limited capacity. Tickets are $15 and include light refreshments. Beyond the Grapes: Discover the Hunter will run from 10am–4pm on Saturday, May 29. Entry the historic sites is free but bookings to the walking tours are essential. Head to Eventbrite to reserve your tickets at each property: Tomago House Grossman and Brough House Miss Porter's House To find out more about the full program, head over here.
Keen to ring in the Year of the Ox with a barrel of laughs? Then make tracks to Chatswood to catch its two-show comedy fest at The Concourse. Not only will it leave you in stitches, but also shine a big ol' spotlight on diversity in Aussie comedy, with a stellar lineup of Asian Australian performers. Taking over the Concert Hall stage on Saturday, February 27, the festival is being hosted by Chinese Australian comedian and writer Jennifer Wong and will include live performances by Sydney-based band Dragonfruit (Yvonne C Lam and Colin Ho). The 6pm show features the likes of ABC TV heavyweights Nina Oyama (Utopia) and Lawrence Leung (Lawrence Leung's Choose Your Own Adventure), plus Sri Lankan-born comedian Suren Jayemanne, Sydney Fringe Festival performer Harry Jun and Fillow Talk from improv duo Happy Feraren and Jeff Mesina. At the 9pm gig, expect the Lunar New Year laughs to continue with performances by comedian and actor Michael Hing (Where Are You Really From? and The Other Guy), all-round talented human Diana Nguyen, TV star and comedian Alex Lee (SBS The Feed), up-and-coming stand-up star Lizzy Hoo (SBS Voices) and Fillow Talk again. [caption id="attachment_800424" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Diana Nguyen[/caption] Pre- or post-show, you can really lean into the Lunar New Year celebrations by hitting up the Chatswood Year of the Ox Festival, which has both an epic food trail and a decadent dessert trail. Then, after you've had a full-blown feast, check out the luminous ox sculpture at Prosperity House. Lunar New Year Comedy Festival's shows run from 6–7.15pm and from 9–10.15pm on February 27. To nab tickets, head here. Top image: Fillow Talk
The Hunter Valley's music and wine festival Grapevine Gathering is gearing up to return to the vineyards of Pokolbin's Roche Estate in 2021 after taking 2020 off for obvious reasons. The festival pairs the very best drops with a vibrant music lineup full of local talent. Canberra party-starters Peking Duk and Brisbane indie-rock group The Jungle Giants are two of the bigger acts heading up the lineup. They'll be joined on the winery stage by Vera Blue, The Veronicas, San Cisco, CC:Disco!, King Stingray and Rest for the Wicked. It's going to be a big day of tunes, folks. Aussie sketch comedians and Instagram celebrities The Inspired Unemployed are taking on hosting tunes to keep you entertained between acts. In addition to the tunes, punters will have access to an array of first-rate food options and a heap of wines, of course. To help make commuting to-and-from Pokolbin a little easier, the festival has organised return buses from Sydney, Newcastle, Gosford, Maitland and Cessnock. You'll just need to add a (slightly pricey) bus pass to your ticket. Pre-sale tickets drop at 6pm on Wednesday, February 24 (you can sign-up for those here) with general tickets going on sale at midday on Thursday, February 25.
Yellamundie Festival is a biennial celebration of First Nations peoples' storytelling. In the past, it has focused primarily on playwriting, however, for its fifth edition, the festival is expanding to include dance and music for the first time. Presented by Moogahlin Performing Arts in collaboration with Carriageworks and Sydney Festival, this year's program features four cutting-edge First Nations performances as well as two live-panel discussions. Two virtual performances originally set to be part of the lineup will also take place later in the year, as the interstate artists couldn't make it due to current border restrictions. On Friday, January 22, you'll be able to see brand-new works from some of the country's most exciting upcoming talents for just $15. Dalara Williams of Black Comedy will present a play about a man seeking solitude at his favourite lookout and Shana O'Brien will examine the emotional connection to ancestry through choreography in her performance Waterholes. On Saturday, January 23, Troy Russell will explore love and loss as seen through the eyes of a couple, while Mark Ross and Brad Steadman will present a multi-disciplinary work that tells stories from the land and the river using traditional language, music and animation. Two live-panel discussions will take place on Saturday. One showcasing the voices of this year's festival, while the second is the free Yawarra (Dramaturgy) International First Nations Panel featuring renowned voices of First Nations theatre practitioners from Australia, Aotearoa and Turtle Island. All the performances and panels will take place at Carriageworks and are available to live stream from your home via Syd Fest At Home. Images: Yellamundie Festival by Rachel Main and Jamie James
Chocolate and Valentine's Day have long gone hand-in-hand, but two Sydney eateries are upping the seasonal sweet treat ante in 2021. For two weeks between Sunday, February 14–Sunday, February 28, the Guylian Cafes in Circular Quay and The Rocks are hosting decadent high teas that'll have chocoholic couples thinking they're in heaven — and it's super affordable, too. For $50, you and your chosen chocolate-loving date can work your way through a menu that features Guylian's chocolate seashells, Belgian waffle bites and fruit to dunk in chocolate dipping sauce, and a changing array of other chocolate desserts. So, you could also be tucking into cherry ripe tarts, chocolate doughnuts topped with caramel chocolate mousse and chocolate brownie biscuits with a caramelised hazelnut chocolate glaze. There are also gluten-free and allergy-free options as well. Drinks-wise, you can choose to wash all that chocolate down with a bellini, mimosa, sparkling wine, tea or coffee on arrival. And if you'd like to turn the occasion into a double date, a session for four costs $100.
Dumplings are great, and they go extremely well with bottomless drinks. But have you ever eaten non-stop bowls of them not only as you're sipping away, but while surrounded by koalas on a rooftop at sunset — or while peering down at a 365-kilogram crocodile? No? Well, that's exactly what you can do at Wild Life Sydney's Koala Rooftop and Upper Croc Deck when the venue teams up with dumpling experts New Shanghai for a series of all-you-can-eat feasts. Coinciding with Lunar New Year, the dumpling and drinks sessions run from 5.30–8pm from February 11–13 and from 6–8pm on February 18–20. Tickets will set you back $80, which includes 30 minutes of endless dumplings and bottomless drinks, plus after-hours access to the zoo. Dumplings will include the likes of pork wontons, chicken and celery parcels, xiao long bao and vego numbers, plus spring rolls and rice noodles, while the drinks range includes sparkling, red and white wine, beers, soft drink and juice. Just where you'll sit, eat and drink is up to you — so you'll need to choose between the Koala Rooftop or Upper Croc Deck. It's recommended that you allow between 45–6pm minutes before your booked time slot to take your self-guided tour beforehand — but you can also hang around after your eating marathon until the zoo closes at 9pm.
El Camino Cantina is known for its colourful interiors, cheap Tuesday tacos and giant margaritas, including at its venues all around Sydney. Those oversized drinks are a huge drawcard, and they're on offer every day — but every now and then, the lively Tex Mex chain throws in a few specials. Sydneysiders, it's that time again. Until Monday, March 13, El Camino's local outposts are celebrating those easy-to-down slushie margs with a month-long ode to the frozen cocktail. In the spotlight: ten of the chain's favourite special flavours, including varieties like Skittle, marshmallow, fruit tingle, sour apple and 'rita colada. The lineup also includes classics like mango, strawberry and lychee — and a watermelon and chilli number as well. The Rocks' venue is serving all ten for the entire month, with El Camino's other locations at Entertainment Quarter, Miranda and Manly rotating through them. Drop by any site on National Margarita Day, which falls on Wednesday, February 22, and there'll also be a limited-edition one-day-only 'rita: a mango and gold Grand Marnier float version made with aged Patrón Anejo tequila, gold leaf and dry ice.
UPDATE, January 31, 2023: Skinamarink streams via Shudder from Thursday, February 2. Age may instil nocturnal bravery in most of us, stopping the flinching and wincing at things that routinely go bump, thump and jump in the night in our ordinary homes, but the childhood feeling of lying awake in the dark with shadows, shapes and strange sounds haunting an eerie void never seeps from memory. Close your eyes, cast your mind back, and the unsettling and uncertain sensation can easily spring again — that's how engrained it is. Or, with your peepers wide open, you could just watch new micro-budget Canadian horror movie Skinamarink. First-time feature filmmaker Kyle Edward Ball has even made this breakout hit, which cost just $15,000 to produce, in the house he grew up in. His characters: two kids, four-year-old Kevin (debutant Lucas Paul) and six-year-old Kaylee (fellow newcomer Dali Rose Tetreault), who wake up deep into the evening. The emotion he's trading in: pure primal dread, because to view this digitally shot but immensely grainy-looking flick is to be plunged back to a time when nightmares lingered the instant that the light switched off. Skinamarink does indeed jump backwards, meeting Kevin and Kaylee in 1995 when they can't find their dad (Ross Paul, Moby Dick) or mum (Jaime Hill, Give and Take) after waking. But, befitting a movie that's an immersive collage of distressing and disquieting images and noises from the get-go, it also pulsates with an air of being trapped in time. It takes its name from a nonsense nursery-rhyme song from 1910, then includes cartoons from the 1930s on Kevin and Kaylee's television to brighten up the night's relentless darkness. In its exacting, hissing sound design especially, it brings David Lynch's 1977 debut Eraserhead to mind. And the influence of 1999's The Blair Witch Project and the 2007-born Paranormal Activity franchise is just as evident, although Skinamarink is far more ambient, experimental and experiential. Ball has evolved from crafting YouTube shorts inspired by online commenters' worst dreams to this: his own creepypasta. Driven more by mood than story — sleepwalking more than driven, perhaps — Skinamarink sees its two pint-sized protagonists react to their parents' absence by embracing a childhood staple: camping out in front of the TV, where those animated shows play, with cereal, blankets and toys to help comfort them. It isn't Saturday morning, though, and they can hear odd noises echoing from the floor above. Also, those cartoons seem to be looping. Plus, this unnerving spin on Home Alone also involves doors and windows vanishing in glitches, then the toilet disappearing. Household items, such as chairs, dolls and video tapes, suddenly become attached to the ceiling and walls as well. And, amid the ASMR-style whispering that the film's central siblings utter at each other, there's a disconcerting voice attempting to get Kaylee to venture upstairs into her parents' bedroom — and to do the one thing that kids know they shouldn't at night, aka look under the bed. Has something horrific happened, leaving Skinamarink's two tots on their lonesome? Is this a case of parental neglect, abandonment or abuse? Has divorce disrupted the family unit ("I don't want to talk about mom," Kaylee says at one point), and this is the fraught and fractured aftermath? Or, are supernatural forces — demonic even — at work? Is it just panic, but in that innocent-minded way where everything seems scarier and more catastrophic in a young brain and heart that trusts in its guardians as a main source of comfort, safety and protection? And why is there no end to the agitated night, and to the accompanying atmosphere of fright? Writing plus directing, and leaning on first-time cinematographer Jamie McRae heavily, Ball lets all these questions and thoughts flow through his disorientated audience's heads. As Skinamarink sparks queries but gleefully eschews clearcut answers, saying that it sees Kevin and Kaylee isn't quite accurate. The slow-cinema effort does indeed focus on two kids alone at night when weird things occur, but that narrative summary can't cut to the movie's heart without being paired with a description of how the picture tells its tale. An exercise in precise framing and just-as-meticulous editing, it flits between patient glimpses around the potentially haunted house, all at angles as off-kilter as the events being captured. The feature peers ahead from low to the ground, mimicking a preschooler sitting — or stares upwards, spotting what someone with their eyes trained at the ceiling while they can't sleep might. It cycles between shots frequently, with little in the way of logic. And, in these barely lit snippets, faces are non-existent. Rather, legs and backs place people in sight, any glance someone's way feeling stolen, surreptitious and another signal that all isn't right. Even in its most blatant examples, and even exploring existential themes applicable to us all as the whole genre repeatedly does, horror flicks have always been a Rorschach test. What upsets one person when it's splashed across a screen mightn't raise a goosebump in another — but Skinamarink takes that concept a step further, building it into the entire process of watching its artificially grained-up imagery. Plenty that lurks in this always-flickering film is dim, fuzzy and hardly distinguishable. Scattered Lego blocks, a toddler's chatter telephone, corners of walls and ceilings, narrow hallways, fragments on the TV screen: they're among the movie's most distinctive visuals. What else one makes out in the coloured static is often up to them, although Ball does deploy some shots as jump scares. He uses the same approach to audio as well, with parts of the sparse dialogue indecipherable and almost inaudible, and not all of it earning on-screen subtitles. Most viewers of Skinamarink likely won't be watching it in their own childhood homes, but Ball wants to transport his audience there anyway: flailing around in the dark, hazily unsure of what's happening or why, stress stretched far further than one would like, and firmly anxious and alarmed. His film smartly understands how our imaginations can conjure up our biggest fears from nothing but the unknown, and gets ample mileage out of putting that idea into practice. And, when it can be seen in dark houses, it'd make a spectacular double with fellow recent horror flick We're All Going to the World's Fair. Both get creepy in everyday abodes, reflect upon screens, know the inescapable power of perturbing images, couldn't exist without online horror and feel like festering collective nightmares — insidiously and unshakeably so.
If your idea of a perfect summer involves drinking spritzes, spritzes and more spritzes, then you've probably spent many a sunny day sipping every variety imaginable. And, you might just think you've tried them all — but Fratelli Fresh wants to put that idea to the test. In the lead up to Christmas, starting on Wednesday, December 2, the chain is celebrating 25 Flavours of Spritzmas. Unsurprisingly, that involves pouring 25 different flavours of spritzes both by the glass ($14) and the jug ($29). They'll all be available at Fratelli Fresh's Crows Nest, Darling Harbour, Entertainment Quarter, Manly, Miranda and Westfield Sydney stores, so you'll have multiple options in several different ways. Choose between mandarin and thyme, green apple, peach and rosemary, and lychee. Obviously, they're just some of the varieties available. You can also gather the gang, settle in for a couple of hours and enjoy the three-course Fratelli Fresh Fiesta for $79. It pairs a two-hour drinks package featuring Aperol spritz, espresso martini, house wine and craft beers with an antipasti board, a pizza, a choice of two pastas, salad, and two scoops of house-made gelato. Images: Michael Gribbin.
When it comes to eating your way through a few scoops of ice cream, no one really needs an excuse. But when there's free ice cream on offer, well, that's obviously as good a reason as you're ever going to get. And it just so happens that Ben & Jerry's is serving up exactly that across Australia until Sunday, November 15 — including at its own stores in Blacktown, Chatswood and Manly, plus at Hoyts venues in Blacktown, Broadway, Penrith and Wetherill Park. We hope you like your ice cream stuffed with dough — cookie dough, that is — because that's what's on the menu. To celebrate 30 years since it first started mixing cookie dough into its desserts, Ben & Jerrys is whipping up 35,000 free scoops from its dough-filled range. Yes, you'll have to choose between the old favourite that is chocolate chip cookie dough, the caramel and peanut butter-heavy 'The Tonight Dough' and the 'Totally Baked' flavour with bits of brownies, too. Or, you can opt for 'Boots on the Moooo'n', with toffee and sugar cookie dough; 'Peanut Butter Half Baked', which is clearly self-explanatory; and a non-dairy version of choc-chip cookie dough. To score your free ice cream, you'll need to register online first. You'll also need to select a times and a location — and then you can get licking.
Following months (and months) of lockdown, the Immigration Museum is finally able to exhibit the work of South Sudanese-born, Melbourne-based artist Atong Atem. Running through January 31, 2021, Atong Atem: To be real showcases the photographer's work as part of the Photo 2021 International Festival of Photography. Revealing a new series of large-scale photographic works, Atem captures moments that verge on the surreal and hyper-real. The artist uses bright tones and textural outfits to explore themes of mythology and fantasy — as well as examine her own identity and sense of belonging in contemporary Australian life. While entry is free, booking ahead is a must. Head here to grab your ticket. Top image: Bigoa with Fan (2020) by Atong Atem
Dust off your fake blood, vampire fangs and glitter, and get your spookiest costume ready as Melbourne party collective Poof Doof returns with its annual Halloween extravaganza. Taking place at Ivy, this year's Halloqween Bloody Banquet will be going down a little different from other years due to social-distancing guidelines, but just because this year will be a seated affair doesn't mean it's going to be any less bright, bloody and fun-filled. Enjoy dinner and a show with a side of performances from devilish drag stars, singers, performers, and DJs including Kitty Glitter, Charlie Villas and Danni Issues. Food for the night will be provided by Totti's with the menu including the Trick or Truffle mushroom lasagne, Hellfire smoked and roasted chicken, and Phantasmic pear and rocket salad. Each guest will also receive a Grim Reaper's Goody Bag and creepy Absolut cocktail on arrival. If you were worried you were going to be stuck at home for Halloween this year, showing off your new skeleton leotard to your roommates, the Halloqween Bloody Banquet will allow you to flaunt it for the world to see. You'll be the star of the show with a costume extravaganza and red carpet arrival. It's the perfect opportunity to put all the arts and crafts skills you learnt in lockdown to good use. Tables of four, six or eight are available, with first release tickets sold out and second and final release tickets close behind. Tables are available from $169 per person which includes a two-course meal, drinks package, and all the fun and excitement of the night.
Bondi's Icebergs is usually known for its stunning beach views and breezy blue and white palette, but, this Halloween, it'll transform into a haunting scene from a Stanley Kubrick film for a decadent and slightly spooky dinner. Taking place on Saturday, October 31, the extravagant evening will include a seven-course meal, theatrical cocktails and an intimate performance by Sneaky Sound System. And it comes with a fairly extravagant price tag, too: $400 a head. If you've got that kind of money to drop on a fun night out — we're not currently spending any cash on overseas jaunts, after all — read on. At the dinner, you'll eat your way through the likes of coral trout tartare with green ants, David Blackmore wagyu bresaola with pig's blood crackers, squid ink spaghetti, suckling pig and truffle salad all created by Head Chef Alex Prichard. You certainly won't be leaving hungry — or thirsty for that matter. While the ticket price doesn't include drinks, a range of horror film-inspired cocktails will be on offer. Sip on a chilli-spiked watermelon drink that's served on fire, a blood red cocktail inspired by that hallway scene from The Shining and a black gin fizz. The dress code is black tie, but, as it's Halloween, a little fake blood and fangs wouldn't go astray. Bookings are essential and can be made over here. [caption id="attachment_786694" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption]
The Rocks' Blak Markets are back for NAIDOC Week 2020, bringing together artwork, jewellery, textiles and food from Australia's Indigenous communities. The markets will once again take place on Gadigal land — setting up shop on the Tallawoladah Lawn in front of the MCA for two days from Friday, November 14 through Saturday, November 15 (10am–5pm daily). Throughout the weekend, more than 20 stalls will sell goods made exclusively by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and makers. Apart from art and jewellery, they'll also sell gifts, homewares and Indigenous food and drinks. In between wandering the stalls, try some bush tucker from Indigigrow, check out one of the cooking demonstrations or join in on a craft and weaving workshop. Performances of traditional Indigenous dance and song are also on the docket. Blak Markets in The Rocks will run from 10am–5pm.
We're going to go ahead and call it: one of the best parts of spending summer in Sydney is going to one of our many pop-up bars. Among the latest to launch is Aria and Ruinart's Summer Wine Bar — a collaboration between the harbourside fine diner and the world's first champagne house, founded a whopping 291 years ago. From December 3 to February 13, each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aria's Wharf Room and Terrace will be transformed into a 1950s French-vibe pop-up — think warm-hued velvet, wood tones and al fresco-style seating. To drink, expect flutes and magnums of Ruinart champagne, plus martinis and whisky highballs aplenty. On the a la carte snack menu, created by Executive Chef Joel Bickford, you'll find oysters, abalone XO toast with black sesame and crab sandwiches, as well as a selection of cheese and charcuterie. Capacity is limited to just 20 people, so bookings are encouraged. There are seatings available at 5.30pm, 7pm and 8pm; however, walk-ins are also welcome. Aria x Ruinart Summer Wine Bar is on every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from December 3 to January 30. To book, head here. Images: Steven Woodburn
