Tortuga Studios lies at the beginning of the non-trendy edge of the Inner West, at the very end of King St, where the restaurants and homeware boutiques give way to an industrial zone pocketed with little explosions of culture every block or so. It may look like every other anonymous building on the Prince Highway, but behind Tortuga’s facade is a multi-level maze of studios which a very active, very committed collection of artists call their workplace. Ever wondered where those glorious wheely bin sound systems you see at street parties come from? Yep, Tortuga. And there are dozens more industrious artists and designers whose work you’ll be able to see next time Tortuga opens its doors to the public for its group show Analog. The show will explore the divide between the uniform perfection of digitalisation against the timeless appeal of the clicking clock hands, passing frames of celluloid film and the handmade painted portrait Just as vinyl- and book-lovers are resisting digitalisation, Tortuga is an artist’s community holding on to its own grassroots. This night of art and live music from over thirty local artists is our chance to be part of it. The exhibition continues until July 22. Image by por chamelo.
This month, Three Blue Ducks is expanding on its passion for sustainability, kicking off a welcome initiative that's a win for both the planet and for your wallet. On the last Friday of each month, the group's Bronte outpost is shouting free coffee to anyone who brings in their own reusable cup. This will start tomorrow — Friday, May 25 — and the deal's on offer all day too, from 6.30am until 3pm. If you haven't yet jumped onto the reusable cups train, this is the perfect opportunity. During each of these free coffee Fridays, Three Blue Ducks will be selling its own KeepCups at a discounted rate of $15 a pop, instead of the usual $25. Score yourself a free cuppa and reduce your plastic footprint? There is seriously no losing there.
Dinner and a movie: it's a classic for a reason. Take the magic of a good film on the big screen, add the deliciousness of a tasty meal and you've got a time-honoured, tried-and-tested date night on your hands. Throw in DJs, your doggo, dessert as your main dish and more, and you have more than just an ace dinner and a movie date for you and your significant other — you have a night at American Express Openair Cinemas. Until Wednesday, December 20 at Cadigal Green at Sydney Uni, movie-loving couples can enjoy the kind of outdoor cinema experience you don't get every day, even in a city that loves watching films under the stars. Whether you're both in the festive mood, want to bond over cerebral sci-fi or can't pass up one of the most romantic movies of the last year, there's something on the lineup for every couple. What's more, we've got ten double passes to give away, so you can see a film for free (free frosé in hand) and use that extra cash on some of the tasty eats available at the outdoor cinema. Below, we've selected five of our favourite date night combos from the hefty program. Who says that dinner and a movie is boring? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pdqf4P9MB8 CHASE STARRY DREAMS WITH YOUR DATE AND YOUR DOG It famously didn't win best picture at this year's Oscars, despite Warren Beatty first announcing otherwise. That's okay, though; as well as a few other trophies, La La Land also won plenty of hearts. Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as two dream-chasing lovers trying to make it big in Los Angeles, the visually stunning, emotionally engrossing musical fast became a romantic favourite. And, under the vibrant direction of Whiplash's Damien Chazelle, it also proved perfect date night material. If that's not enough to get you swooning (and, pairing Sydney's starry sky with its Californian counterpart really should be), then add some more love by bringing your pet pupper along. Three isn't a crowd when you're at an outdoor cinema with your favourite person in the world and your number one doggo. And even if you find yourself dateless, your pooch can sub in — because there's no greater love than the unconditional feels you have for your fur baby. Your cute canine can also grab their own pawfect picnic platter and couch, plus some dog doughnuts from Darby's Dog Bakery and Deli. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue80QwXMRHg PAIR SUPERHERO FUN WITH SOME THUMPING BEATS The Thor films have long been the goofy but cool sibling in the now 17-strong Marvel Cinematic Universe. You know the type: offbeat, amusing and always marching to the beat of their own drum. Throw What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople's Taika Waititi into the director's chair for the third flick, and Thor: Ragnarok was always going to be a blast. Gloriously entertaining in 80s-esque space opera-style — not to mention sidesplittingly funny — the return of the hammer-throwing god really doesn't disappoint. Indeed, it's the type of movie that makes you want to celebrate — and how better than at Openair's Friday night sessions? When the working week is done, live DJs will provide a pre-movie soundtrack (expect Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song to feature), and you can also win the best seats in the house. You know, where they'd seat Chris Hemsworth if he went along. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq4m3yAoW8E EAT DESSERT FOR DINNER WHILE SOLVING A MYSTERY Something a little unusual is going on at American Express Openair Cinemas, and only two people can get to the bottom of it. Hercule Poirot is one of them. The monocle-wearing Belgian detective is back for a new big screen adventure in the Kenneth Branagh-directed and -starring Murder on the Orient Express, and he has quite the case to investigate. And while Agatha Christie's famous character pieces together clues on a stranded locomotive in snowy climes — with the likes of Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe and Judi Dench along for the ride — you can solve another mystery. If your sweet treat-loving self would rather skip the whole dinner part of a meal and go straight to dessert, American Express Openair Cinemas and Salt Meats Cheese have the answer. The latter will be serving up cheesecake on a stick in Nutella, sprinkle-covered, vanilla and violet, and fruit-topped New York-style varieties. Which one will you pick? That's yet another puzzle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZOaI_Fn5o4 SEND YOUR TASTE BUDS TO ITALY AND YOUR MIND TO THE FUTURE For the past 35 years, two questions have troubled sci-fi fans: do androids dream of electric sheep? And could a Blade Runner sequel ever live up to the original? With Blade Runner 2049 releasing this year courtesy of Sicario and Arrival director Denis Villeneuve, we can finally answer the latter. Yes, yes it can — with Ryan Gosling joining the replicant-tracking fold, Harrison Ford back doing what he does best and a mind-bending onslaught of astonishing visuals as well. It's a cerebral trip of a film in the best possible way, and while it's sending your brain to futuristic places, your taste buds can head in another direction. That'd be Italy, courtesy of Salt Meats Cheese's signature truffle pecorino pasta. Actually, as you're feasting on cheesy truffle pasta tossed through a wheel of truffle pecorino and finished with a grating of extra truffle pecorino — and after catching a pre-film pizza acrobatics class too — you'll probably feel like you're in heaven. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW9wRNqQ_P8 FEEL GOOD WITH A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC (AND HELP OTHERS AT THE SAME TIME) It's the most wonderful time of the year, which means spreading cheer by singing loudly for all to hear and watching Elf are at the top of everyone's Christmas to-do lists. Whether you've seen the Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel-starring feel-good film a thousand times, or haven't watched it for years, a repeat viewing under the Sydney sky is certain to get you in the seasonal mood. Admit it: there's something kind of hilarious about seeing a grown man galavanting around NYC in an elf costume. And if the scene where Ferrell's character DIY's the whole Christmas corner in the department store leaves you inspired, American Express Openair Cinemas has you set up to have your own crafty session. Head to the crafty corner with your date to get hands-on at a macrame, knitting or other creative masterclasses. Grab some frosés from the bar, and you've got a great kidult date to very kidult film. [competition]650006[/competition] American Express Openair Cinemas runs until Wednesday, December 20 at Sydney Uni's Cadigal Green.
A Paddington pub has today joined a long list of venues, shops, gyms and public transport routes across Sydney that have been linked to positive COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. At a press conference today, Wednesday, September 2, Dr Kerry Chant said that Sydneysiders who visited the downstairs area of the Four in Hand Pub on Sutherland Street for more that two hours between 6.30–10pm on Wednesday, August 26, should immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days. If you visited the pub between those times, but dined only in the upstairs area or for less than two hours, you should monitor for symptoms and get tested if you develop even a sniffle. The announcement comes as the state records 17 new cases in the 24 hours up to 8pm on Tuesday, September 1, with eight of those linked to the CBD cluster, which now includes a total of 49 cases. https://www.facebook.com/NewSouthWalesHealth/photos/a.232420926957256/1386868234845847/?type=3&theater Dr Chant also announced that Sydneysiders who visited Metro Fuel Greystanes, Big Bun in Merrylands, Carslaw Building University of Sydney Camperdown toilets and Stockland Merrylands at various times across Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28 should also monitor for symptoms. The NSW Health continues to update its long list of venues and public transport routes associated with positive COVID-19 cases over at its website. With cases confirmed across a number of suburbs, NSW Health is asking anyone who lives in or has visited the following areas in the past 14 days to get tested if they have any symptoms: Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Ku-ring-gai, Liverpool, Mt Druitt, Parramatta, Randwick, Sutherland, Sydney, Waverley, Willoughby and Woollahra. As has been the advice for months now, those with symptoms — coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath or loss of smell or taste — are encouraged to get tested and self-isolate while awaiting results. You can find out closest testing clinic over here. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Hankering after a dose of wellness, but lacking the time and money to escape to a fancy country retreat? Despair not. Across the weekend of June 16 and 16, a bunch of free winter wellness sessions — including yoga and meditation classes — will be taking place right here in Sydney, at the stunning Wylie's Baths in Coogee. Led by instructors from Yogarama, the event gives you a chance to quieten your mind, relax your body, breathe in fresh salty air and soak up epic ocean views, all without travelling more than a few kilometres and without spending a cent. On Saturday, there'll be morning yoga flow and mindfulness at 7:30am, followed by hatha flow yoga at 9am and meditation and hatha yoga at 10:30am. The next day, arrive at 7:30am for mat pilates, then hatha flow yoga and meditation at 9am. Online registration is essential.
It’s a universal truth that ‘big things’ are generally better than small things. Consider oversized board games, for example, the main attraction at Games Central, the newest reason to visit The Rocks in your downtime. Arena Calcetto helped Sydneysiders recover from Australia’s World Cup defeat and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority know a good thing when they see one. For five weeks, expect bigger crowds than usual at The Rocks Square as a program firmly planted in fun takes over the tourist hub with giant-sized versions of classic games like Snakes and Ladders, ping-pong, Jenga and fail-proof people-pleaser foosball. Games Central is on from noon – 3pm on Tues - Thu from September 2-18 and on Mon - Fri from September 22-26 (school holidays).
It's cherry blossom season and Ultimo's Oh Matcha is getting into the swing of things with $1 sakura soft serves for three hours on Thursday, August 11. From 5–8pm on the day, patrons will be able to pick up a bright-pink mini soft serve made with sakura cherry blossom powder and topped with match powder and edible flowers. While this promotion is only available for three hours, the limited-time flavour will be available from Oh Matcha throughout August in both soft serve and sundae form. The first 100 customers to visit Oh Matcha on Thursday, August 11 will also be given a free dessert voucher, with the store slinging over $1000 worth of vouchers over the course of the day. While you're there, you can also pick yourself up a black sesame or matcha float, a hot matcha latte or choose from a range of cakes. To stay up to date with all of the cherry blossom celebrations, follow Oh Matcha on Instagram.
Throwing axes: yay or nay? Unsurprisingly, hurling hatches is the type of activity that probably has you leaning one way or another. Curious about giving it a go, but haven't gotten around to hitting up Sydney's Maniax in Marrickville? Let Winterfest tempt you in. This one-afternoon-only event is all about coming along and trying — and it'll let you get chucking weapons for cheap. From 12–5pm on Sunday, August 6, Maniax is doing 15-minute sessions for just $15 per person. Already sent a few Maniax blades flying in the past? You can still head on over to score some cheap entertainment for the afternoon. For the uninitiated, Maniax gives you the chance to very safely throw a hunk of sharpened steel attached to a handle, and compete with your partner and/or friends to see who has the most Viking blood coursing through them. Sling those axes, sink a bullseye, then calm down after all the hatchet-lobbing excitement with a drink. To assist with the latter, Winterfest is doing pizza-and-beer deals for two for $30, too.
While the extended sunny days and warm temperatures may seem like a gift, in truth the region is also experiencing one of the most severe droughts on record. Two years on and the drought in rural New South Wales and Greater Sydney shows no sign of slowing — so the NSW Government is taking action and placing the city on enforced water restrictions for the first time in almost decade. They'll come into effect this Saturday, June 1, with the level one restrictions affecting both residents and businesses in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra. Last month recorded one of the lowest April rainfalls in 16 years and Sydney is currently seeing some of the lowest inflows into dams since the 1940s. The immediate future isn't looking too promising, either, with the BOM predicting below-average rainfall and higher temperatures throughout winter. Greater Sydney's dam levels, at time of publication, were sitting at 53.4 percent. While water restrictions are usually automatically triggered when levels dip below 50 percent, the NSW Government has introduced them early to help protect Sydney's water supply from drought conditions. So what does this mean for Sydneysiders day-to-day? At the current restriction level, you can still water your garden and lawn with a watering can — or you can use a trigger nozzle hose, but only before 10am or after 4pm. Use of standard sprinkler systems are a big no-no, though. You can also wash your car and garbage bins, but only with a bucket or trigger nozzle hose. You also can't clean pathways, driveways or other paved areas with a hose. Here's the full list of what you can and can't do at this stage. While fines for not following restrictions range from $220–550, there is a three-month grace period. Fines will commence on September 1. The last time water restrictions were enforced in Sydney was in 2003 (lasting till 2009) during the Millennium Drought. At one point, Sydney's total water supply dropped to a historic low of 33.9%. Level one water restrictions for Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra kick off on Saturday, June 1. To find out more about what you can and can't do, head to the Sydney Water website. To stay up-to-date with the state's dam levels and the ongoing drought, keep an eye on WaterNSW website and Twitter.
Singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov is a bit of an anomaly in the music world. Despite his success in music (he has clocked over 300 million streams on Spotify), Isakov still spends as much time as possible on his land, sewing seeds, growing crops and recording in his home studio. It's a testament to Colorado's beauty — the US state is famous for its vast prairies, rugged mountains and tumbling waterfalls. It's also a musical paradise, with 360 festivals held every year. And we want you to experience all that this state has to offer. So, to celebrate Isakov's upcoming Australian tour, we're giving away a trip to his homeland. For five days, you and a mate will get to explore some incredible scenery, plus see Isakov live in concert at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver. This epic prize, worth a cool $5596, includes return flights to Denver, Colorado, three nights in a loft-style room in lower-downtown hotel The Maven, tickets to Isakov's show and a bunch of other local adventures — all thanks to Visit Denver. Next up, thanks to Colorado Tourism Office, you'll have two days of free exploration around Colorado with a rental car and accommodation in a town of your choice (within two hours' drive of Denver). And if you don't land the main prize, we also have tickets to give away to his concert here in Sydney on Saturday, March 16. Enter with your details below for a chance to win. [competition]708847[/competition] Image: Colorado Josh.
In what might just be one of the hottest collabs to hit Sydney this season, Cafe Kitsuné has taken up residency in Surry Hills, joining forces with a slew of local talent to deliver one very tasty, super stylish pop-up. With previous instalments in Tokyo, Paris and Seoul, the cafe concept from cult French fashion label Maison Kitsuné has finally hit Australia, making its home at Surry Hills cafe Artificer from November 28 to December 21. Australian fashion retailer Incu is co-helming this local iteration: a part cafe, part retail space showcasing the Café Kitsuné collection of tableware, ready-to-wear threads and accessories in Australia for the first time. The drinks list will feature a range of Café Kitsuné classics, including coffee made on the label's own beans, iced yuzu and the signature iced matcha latte. To match, you'll find sweet treats from some Sydney favourites — think, Mango Yuzu Cheese by Black Star Pastry a limited-edition Gelato Messina Green Tea-ramisu and assorted delights from Brickfields Bakery. Cafe Kitsuné x Incu is open from 7am–3pm Tuesday–Friday and 8am–1pm Saturday and Sunday.
The reinvigorated Sydney Festival has completely transformed our city in summer (note the flagpoles which every year proclaim just that) and it’s made Sydney a truly amazing place to be in January. The whole city is turned into a summer wonderland, there's something amazing to do every single night, and people flood the Domain to see sophisticated performances while merrily sipping beer, cider, goon or all three. But mostly what the Sydney Festival does is bring us some truly spectacular performers — Sufjan Stevens, Grizzly Bear, Emmylou Harris, Camera Obscura and this year's headliner, PJ Harvey — whose artistic merit is second only to their ability to entertain. The Sydney Festival now has a total audience of about 1 million, making it the most attended cultural event in Australia. Every year the festival grows and improves, and with the state government recently giving the festival a heap of cash to extend their program, it makes the prospects for this summer's partying very exciting indeed. Take a closer look at what makes our shortlist of must-sees and -dos in the musical, theatrical and artistic sides of Sydney Festival 2012.
It's safe to say Gami Chicken and Beer has secured its status as one of Melbourne's go-to fried chicken joints, slinging its signature, Korean-style chook from 12 locations across the city. Now, it's taking on Sydney, having opened the doors to its first NSW store, within Central Park Mall. And to celebrate its arrival, Gami is giving Sydneysiders a few very good reasons to jump on board, handing out a whopping 1600 pieces of its boneless fried chicken — for free. These fried chicken morsels — RSPCA-approved and rocking Gami's signature blend of 17 herbs and spices — will be up for grabs from noon–12.30pm and again from 5.30–6pm, on both Monday, June 11 and Tuesday, June 12 at the new location. The chain has yet to mention any restrictions, such as one piece per person, so we suggest heading in with an empty stomach. Once you're hooked, you're probably going to want to schedule a return visit pretty quick, to try other Gami favourites like the chicken spare ribs, the vegetarian chicken and the aptly named Potato Heaven, featuring three layers of cheesy potato goodness. Gami's fried chicken giveaway will run from noon–12.30pm and again from 5.30–6pm on both Monday, June 11, and Tuesday, June 12, at its new Central Park Mall location.
Laurie Anderson's vibrant career has seen her successfully transform the troubadour from that of a medieval minstrel into a captivating, artistic mastery. Weaving stories and unearthly music, Anderson is able to transplant powerful emotions into the hearts of her audience, without falling into the trap of sentimentalism. Driven by her peculiar wit, fascinating life experiences and collection of invented instruments, Anderson's work can hardly be contained in a single, retrospective performance. Newcomers to her work can best use this night as an index card and follow its promises back into the rich productions of Anderson's past. Long-term fans will enjoy this event as a milestone — a point of reference for what is to come. If you don't have the opportunity to see many events during the Vivid Festival, Transitory Life should definitely be the one you make. Image by Kevin Kennefick. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rY7uTO_GuDg
If you're feeling especially expensive and swanky this New Year's Eve, then Guillaume may have a suitable option for you and that special someone. This restaurant is run by the esteemed Guillaume Brahimi, who offers Australian cuisine with a twist from our friends in France. On New Year's Eve, canapes and drinks are only the beginning, as guests will then be treated to a seven course degustation menu with wines. Furthermore, located at the Opera House, this restaurant experience will be coupled with an equally memorable view of the fireworks. Make sure you have your finest tuxedo on for this luxurious menu from a real-life masterchef.
Thursday 3 March is a day I won’t easily forget. Rarely labeled a sentimental soul, I am not one for remembering somewhat arbitrary or trivial dates. And while I don’t think that this is about to change, Marc Hundley’s opening at Darren Knight Gallery won’t quickly be filtered out like all the other detritus. Canadian born, but Brooklyn based, Hundley has created a niche aesthetic that is all his own. Though perhaps not as conceptually minded as On Kawara, Hundley has developed a means by which to add permanency to otherwise ephemeral events. His collaboration with Sinisa Mackovic and Robert Milne from the wonderful Rainoff seems furtive and destined. All seem endeavoured to act as saviours of materiality. While Hundley’s works appropriate the aesthetics and mediums of protest paraphernalia, it is worth noting that perhaps the protest is not against a tangible foe, but in an attempt to sustain the utilisation of these methods, in the face of the ubiquitous digital revolution. As always, Rainoff have curated a stylised exhibition, which looks and feels great. Mackovic’s text perfectly contextualises and complements Hundley’s works. And if none of this sounds up your alley, but you love The Smiths, then head along to see new life breathed into the eternal lyrics of Morrisey, Marr and the gang. Image: Installation View, Marc Hundley
Enjoying a glass of wine might come with plenty of medical benefits, but having a tipple isn't typically an exercise-heavy pastime. You sit. You drink. You get up, top up your beverage and repeat. You usually don't walk particularly far, let alone run. Then came the Grapest 5K run, a series of wine-tasting fun runs that kicked off around Australia in 2017. Asking participants to put in the hard yards before getting some boozy rewards, it was such a hit that it's coming back for yet another round in 2019. How does it work? Grapest consists of two sections. First, you sprint, jog or set forth at whatever pace suits you best, making your way through scenic vineyard surroundings. Then, you walk another kilometre — yes, in addition to the first five, or ten if you're feeling extra energetic — while stopping at tasting stations along the way and sampling the good stuff. The latter part, they're calling a "wine waddle". Don't worry, if you're not up to the active stuff and you're simply keen on wandering and sipping, that's an option (although it does defeat the idea of combining fitness with throwing back drinks). The next event at Lake George Winery on Saturday, September at Lake George Winery, which is halfway between Canberra and Goulburn. Updated: September 19, 2019.
There hasn't been much that's great about the past couple of years, but a big shift in the film festival scene is worth celebrating. Every cinephile would like to spend all their time watching movies — and, not only seeing them on their favourite big screens, but hitting up every film fest possible. Alas, sometimes non-cinema reality gets in the way. Thankfully, after hopping online during the pandemic, plenty of film festivals are keeping their digital programs — so if you can't go in-person because you're busy, unwell, live in another part of the country of whatever other reason applies, you can still join in the fun. In 2022, Sydney Underground Film Festival is one such event, with its virtual festival running from Monday, September 12–Sunday, September 25. Sydneysiders can attend the physical fest on the weekend prior first, and everyone can stream along for the virtual fest's two-week run. For those watching at home, SUFF's online program includes queer Canadian drama Compulsus, horror/sci-fi film LandLocked, and an impressive range of documentaries — such as F@k This Job, about Russian TV channel Dozhd and its founder Natasha Sindeeva; Girl Gang, which follows a 14-year-old London influencer; the self-explanatory Nightclubbing: The Birth of Punk Rock in NYC; Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters, about the Hellboy creator; and Circus of the Scars, about sideshow performers. And, SUFF's dedication to the most out-there shorts the fest can compile will also hit screens via the virtual lineup.
Usually, if you'd like to tuck into Butter's fried chicken-heavy menu, you need to wait until the day has really started to kick into gear. First thing in the morning isn't normally the time to indulge your chook, sneakers and champagne urges — or ramen, when that's on the eatery chain's list. That's changing for a brief period, however, all thanks to Butter's new limited-time breakfast menu. It's only available on weekends, and only until Sunday, August 1. If you'd like to try the chain's version of an egg muffin, though, you'll want to make a date with its brekkie lineup ASAP. The Butter breakfast range is available from 9.30am–12pm Saturdays and Sundays, although it's a get-in-quick affair — because only a limited number of dishes will be made at each store each weekend. Well, we say dishes, but there's really just one star of the show: the Egg Thot Muffin. It comes with scrambled egg, kombu-glazed caramelised onions, salted chilli mayo, Japanese barbecue sauce, fried egg, cheese and fine herbs, as stacked between two halves of a sourdough English muffin. You can add to your muffin, and to your order, too. So, make some room for hash browns, bacon, fried chicken thigh, a fried field mushroom and fried halloumi as well. Butter's stores in Surry Hills, Parramatta and Chatswood are all serving up the new brekkie additions, and they'll be doing the brand's regular menu from 11am on weekends also. While Sydney is in lockdown, obviously all orders are takeaway and delivery only. In fact, if you order via Butter's own delivery platform and use the code BUTTERLOVE, you'll get 15 percent off all orders over $40. Butter's weekend breakfast menu is available from 9.30am–12pm each Saturday and Sunday until Sunday, August 1 at Butter Surry Hills, Parramatta and Chatswood. For further details, head to the Butter website.
No longer just the realms of Monica Trapaga residencies and kiddie-aimed pantomimes, Twilight at Taronga — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps the best view of Sydney Harbour as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven they've got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. After all, they got Courtney Barnett to open the series last year — and this summer, they're back with a brand new lineup playing spesh live sets every weekend from Friday, January 27 through Saturday, March 11. Considering it includes the likes of Kurt Vile and Tegan and Sara and then Killing Heidi and george, it's probably their most diverse yet. Yep, this year there's a definite throwback to late '90s/early '00s Australian music, with both Killing Heidi and george playing reunion shows, Jet making an appearance, and The Living End playing a 'stripped back' show with a string quartet. Random. In a complete 180, Kurt Vile will casually grace the stage on March 3, and Canada's Tegan and Sara are sure to draw some hardcore fans. Also taking over the lawns of Taronga Zoo's fully-licensed natural amphitheatre will be the likes of The Rubens, Martha Wainwright, Ball Park Music, The Jungle Giants and Teenage Fanclub. Plus, you can dag it up with ABBA tribute act Bjorn Again, who will be once again returning for two nights due to popular demand after the last two years. The feathered, furred and finned have plenty to choose from this summer. Plus, all proceeds from Twilight at Taronga go back into the zoo's ongoing conservation work with Wildlife Witness to help fight against illegal wildlife trade. Picnic-bringing is encouraged, but there'll also be incredibly delicious hampers available onsite — we tasted them, they're extremely generous and genuinely great. There's a bar on-site, and general nosh available from the canteen. Either way, it's actually the one of the best dates in Sydney — lock those tickets down. TWILIGHT AT TARONGA 2017 LINEUP Friday 27 January – PETER GARRETT & THE ALTER EGOS and KEV CARMODY Saturday 28 January – JO JO ZEP & THE FALCONS and THE SPORTS Friday 3 February – THE RUBENS supported by Bec Sandridge Saturday 4 February – KILLING HEIDI supported by Abbe May Friday 10 February – KASEY CHAMBERS supported by Thelma Plum Saturday 11 February – BALL PARK MUSIC and THE JUNGLE GIANTS Thursday 16 February – JET with special guests Friday 17 February – george supported by Felix Riebl (Cat Empire) and Jack Carty Saturday 18 February – JAMES MORRISON BIG BAND Friday 24 February – BJÖRN AGAIN Saturday 25 February – BJÖRN AGAIN Friday 3 March – KURT VILE (US) supported by Mick Turner Saturday 4 March – THE LIVING END 'TWANGIN' AT TWILIGHT' featuring special guests, supported by Gabriella Cohen Thursday 9 March – TEGAN AND SARA (CAN) with special guests Friday 10 March – TEENAGE FANCLUB (UK) supported by The Goon Sax Saturday 11 March – MARTHA WAINWRIGHT (CAN) supported by Oh Pep! Twilight at Taronga will return to Taronga Zoo from January 27 until March 11. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, October 25 at twilightattaronga.org.au. By Lauren Vadnjal and Shannon Connellan. Image: Maclay Heriot.
Castle Hill's newly opened Fire and Brimstone wants to teach you the tricks of the trade — the 'low and slow' barbecue trade — when it hosts its one-off masterclass this week. The class will be run by the venue's pro-pitmaster Brad Shorten, who will team up with Sydney's award-winning competition team Badass BBQ, and will include how to prepare, cook and taste competition-worthy meats. The one-night smoked meats lesson will take place this Wednesday, October 31 from 6.30pm. For $99 per person, patrons will learn how to create champion slow-cooked beef brisket and pork ribs, then will get to eat them. And, since the venue also doubles as a bourbon bar, the masterclass eats will be paired with fine whiskies and craft beer, all included in the ticket price.
Who says art and science don’t mix? Kinetic Machines & Gadgets is for lovers of arty gadgets to come and play with (or just look at) works-in-progress. It’s being held at Articulate Project Space, which coordinates the Project Space Project, a space that focuses on the conceptual processes that go into art making. It’s not all about the finished product for these guys. The creators of these gadgets and machines for this exhibition include artists Samuel Bruce, Jon Drummond, Kath Fries, Richard Kean and Margaret Roberts. Oh and yourself, if you’ve got some technical know-how. And if the technical is less your thing, come along on Sunday to see what the finished products look like. In-progess sessions will be open Friday to Sunday 11-5, with the finished products are on display Sunday from 3-5. Image: First try by Christine Olsen, Margaret Roberts, James Nguyen and Andrew Burrell.
It's easy to see how companies try and get down with the kids. They sponsor music festivals, hand out free stuff at O-Weeks, and try every form of legitimate mind control and bribery to get us to get out our wallets. None have been more successful at that than Apple. I won't mention that I'm writing this on an Apple laptop. Or that I've just made a move in scrabble on my iPhone. This has got nothing to do with me being a bit of an Apple fan. More that, they're just cool. In the midst of the city is the towering glass church created for those to worship at the feet of Steve Jobs. This is the location of one day of fun- Live at the Apple Store Sydney. Get up early and get in at 8:30am for the first Garageband workshop, taking you through all the budding musician needs to know about the software. Follow that with a lesson in Logic Studio and you'll be ready to rock it with the best of them. Starting from 6pm, the best in local talent is showcased for your pleasure: WIM, Moon Holiday, The Preachers and Jonathan Boulet will crack out their tunes and get George St bouncing. And it's free. So take your apple this day to keep the blues away. https://youtube.com/watch?v=CqvHnGv8004
In addition to making films, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas and The Wolf of Wall Street director Martin Scorsese loves films — and, like most folks who adore movies, he's not afraid to tell people. A few years back, the acclaimed American filmmaker named his scariest flicks of all time, which makes for quite the viewing list. The folks at the Hayden Orpheum obviously agree, because they've turned it into a film festival. From June 27, the Sydney venue is hosting the Martin Scorsese's Scariest Ever Films Festival. It's presented by David Stratton, and also features a retrospective of movies from producer Val Lewton as well. Most weeks until August 25, screening twice on Thursdays (at around 1pm and 7pm) and again on Sundays (with times varying), the beloved cinema will spook you out with a double of retro horror classics. Leading the charge are well-known titles such as The Shining (timed nicely, given sequel Doctor Sleep drops later this year), The Exorcist, and an Alfred Hitchcock double of Psycho and Rear Window. You can also get scared by Scorsese's top frightening flick, aka Robert Wise's 1963 version of The Haunting; Jacques Tourneur's satanic cult effort Night of the Demon, from 1957; and Jack Clayton's 1961 masterpiece The Innocents. Including the Lewton-produced Cat People, The Leopard Man and Isle of the Dead as well, there's 14 films on the full lineup, with full-price tickets costing $19 per double feature.
Apple juice is nice. Delicious, in fact. But sometimes, it tastes better with an edge. Yes, that's what cider is all about — and at Cedar Creek Cider in the foothills of New South Wales' southern highlands, both non-alcoholic drinks and the hard stuff are on the menu. Making cider is actually a relatively new development for this fourth-generation orchard; however owner Nathan Silm is able to draw upon his family's decades of experience making juice. The result: a combination of fresh crushed apples and yeast, with no added water, flavours or colours, and each batch boasting its own specific traits. Cedar Creek Cider sells its eponymous product in four, six and 24 packs via its online store — and you can also pick up some Cedar Creek Orchard Apple Juice while you're there.
The clocks have ticked forward, and we all know what that means: the outdoor cinema season is almost here. Movie lovers in Sydney are spoiled for choice when it comes to openair screens — and from the looks of things that doesn't appear to be changing any time soon. Following on from Moonlight Cinema's announcement of their 2016/17 program, Sunset Cinema is the latest openair picture house to make a return for the summer. Returning to North Sydney Oval, Sunset Cinema kicks off on Thursday, January 19, before running Wednesdays through Saturdays until March 18. The program skews towards more recent films including Captain Fantastic, The Magnificent Seven, Bridget Jones's Baby and The Girl on the Train, although they have squeezed one retro title in there: Dirty Dancing. They've also put together a top-notch food and beverage offering, in order to keep your stomach from grumbling during the film. They'll set up a snack bar and the site will have a fully licensed bar, serving 4 Pines craft beers and MadFish wines. For more information about Sunset Cinema, including the full program, visit sunsetcinema.com.au/northsydney.
It was only a matter of time before Australia's penchant for themed brunches spawned an all-out, fairytale-inspired breakfast feast. And you'll have the chance to partake — and channel your inner Ariel, Mulan or, even, Simba — when a huge (unofficial) Disney-themed bottomless brunch and sing-along party rocks into town for the first time ever. The Magical Brunch will go down on March 16 and 17 in the CBD. Prince, princesses and singing candelabras will sit down to an afternoon high tea feast served "fairytale-style", along with two hours of unlimited sparkling for an extra $15. We're hoping for something similar to Belle's 'Be Our Guest' feast in Beauty and the Beast — Word is there'll be themed entertainment and a Cinderella-worthy dance floor for post-brunch twirling, too. Best dust off the DVD collection and start practising — costumes are definitely encouraged, so you'd best start hunting for your best Elsa gown or Cruella de Vil two-tone wig — tickets to the Sunday brunch have already sold out.
It's in Newtown that you'll find some of Sydney's best locally brewed beer, most irresistible bakery treats and most flavoursome vegetarian sausages. To celebrate the suburb's delectable contributions to the city's foodie scene, the Newtown Good Food Fair is returning for a second year this Sunday, October 11. And this time, it's expanding. Held as part of Good Food Month 2015 and organised by the Newtown Precinct Business Association, the event brings together more than 25 of Newtown's brewers, bakers, growers and chefs. These include Young Henrys, Black Star, Suzy Spoon's Vegetarian Butcher, Bloodwood, Mary's, Osteria de Russo & Russo, Miss Peaches Soul Food Kitchen and The Animal at the Newtown Hotel. For your gustatory convenience, they'll all be gathering in three easy-to-reach spots: the Newtown Square, where the focus will be on food; the Whateley Street Car Park, where it'll be all about bars and food; and The Green Living Centre at Telstra Plaza, which will be dedicated to local produce, sustainability and the launch of the new Newtown Local Food Guide.
Taking up residence at the North Sydney Oval, the 2010 Starlight Cinema kicks off with a preview screening of the hilarious British political satire In the Loop. Then for the next two months the varied program promises something for every cinematic palate with titles including (500) Days of Summer, An Education, the challenging Precious, James Cameron’s epic Avatar and the Pixar perfection that is UP.There’s fun to be had watching Matt Damon lie his way through The Informant! or Meryl Streep cooking up a storm in both Julie & Julia and It’s Complicated. You can walk the hallowed halls of Vogue in The September Issue, the winding streets of Genova or venture into the afterlife with Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones. This season the Starlight Cinema will also host special Bollywood night, a Brazilian Festa, the short film festival FLiCKERFEST as well as a free screening of environmental documentary The Age of Stupid. Cinemagoers can pack a picnic, enjoy a drink in the Chillout Zone, or splurge on Star Class with a VIP area, deck chair and an antipasto snack box. The program is brimming with 45 films, so take your pick and see the stars from the northside. https://youtube.com/watch?v=dQrqMkCuHqA https://youtube.com/watch?v=Q-woBHhOjjo https://youtube.com/watch?v=3qQ1ihiS_-4
Sydneysiders have always liked cheese, but in recent years things have gotten serious. Dedicated fromageries have popped up across our fair city and recently we've enjoyed festivals dedicated to cheese, cheese wheels filled with pasta and bottomless raclette. Our stomachs are working overtime to digest all the lactose — and, honestly, we've never been happier. And the love affair continues with this latest cheesy announcement. France (or more specifically, a Parisian centre for cheese, which is a real thing) is bringing Bon Fromage, a free three-day festival celebrating European cheese, back to Sydney — with double the cheese. The whole thing will be taking over Carriageworks from October 18–20. First and foremost is cheese — the venue will be transformed into a cheese marketplace and wine bar from 10.30am till 6.30pm each day (and 5–7.30pm on Friday night). Organisers will be bringing in over a tonne (that's 1000 kilograms) of cheese for the festival, and it will all be free of charge. Just to recap: free entry and free cheese. But the cheese festival isn't just about eating so much cheese you puke. Masterclasses will be held on how to match cheese with wine, how to tell the difference between varieties and, we assume, the correct way to draw a cheese fondue bath for yourself. There will also be a collection of stalls selling cheese for you to take home and eat later. If you would like to drop some cash on more cheese, you can do that, too. There'll heaps of cheeses available to buy and take home and one-off cheesy desserts from the likes of Koi Dessert Bar, BL Burgers and LoLuk Bistro. While entry is free, you will need to register for a session (5.30–7pm on Friday, or 10.30am–2pm and 2.30-6.30pm on Saturday and Sunday) via the website.
STC's musical adaptation of Muriel's Wedding is like a perfect high school reunion – maximum '80s nostalgia without having to tell any of your old friends you're in HR now. When Muriel Heslop realises that the small town of Porpoise Spit has nothing in store but grim futures, she decides to take off, with only her parents' chequebook, a couple of ABBA albums memorised note for note and a vague sense that the wider world has something that she is hungry for. PJ Hogan, who wrote and directed Muriel's cinematic adventure, has adapted and updated the script for the stage, while Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall have built the music around ABBA's towering back catalogue. There's a real buzz around Muriel. Sure, it's a chance to re-immerse yourself in the unadulterated joy of Muriel's hijinks, but it's also because Muriel hasn't stopped holding the mirror up to our desperate, fame-hungry society since she first hit the screen. As director Simon Phillips points out: "Muriel's governing delusion is becoming a celebrity and becoming famously married. The world has caught up with Muriel." Image: Christine Messinesi.
The Museum of Contemporary Art remains the place to be on the last Friday of the month when MCA ARTBAR takes over the gallery with an adults-only party of art, music, design and performance. Each month is curated by a different artist, making the series an ever-changing yet constant facet in Sydney's after-dark culture scene. This month, the party has been curated by Chris Fox, the artist/architect behind the Interloop installation at Wynyard Station and recipient of the 2018 National Trust Heritage Award for the Most Outstanding Project of the Year. Fox has enlisted the help of interactive performer and producer Daniel Nimmo to turn the MCA gallery spaces into a mini-games carnival, with a heavy dose of nostalgia. Think of it as a trip down memory lane to all of those backyard games you played as a kid — but with music, booze and more impressive surroundings. Program highlights include a three-legged dance-off, an egg-and-spoon rave and a combo sack race/life drawing class. There'll also be a 'Dungeons and Drag Show' hosted by The Bearded Tit, a Pong World cup tournament and something described as 'Flaming Jenga' — sounds dangerous(-ly fun). Plus, some good news if you're still harbouring pent-up frustration from the work week: the night will kick off with a piñata pounding as the opening ceremony. It'll all go down on Friday, October 26 between 7–11pm. Tickets can be pre-purchased for $18–$24 online or at the door for $28. Images: Jacquie Manning (1), Leslie Liu (2, 3, 5) and Bree Corvell Photography (4). Courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
Beneath the thin veil of silliness in Voltaire’s Candide, little escaped his vicious attack: religion, art, politics, theologians, governments, armies and philosophers – especially Leibniz and his theories of the world's inherent order and goodness – were all shredded to pieces with writer's weapons of sharp wit, advanced insight and glorious absurdity. Based on the wild trials and tribulations of a wide-eyed boy named Candide who is indoctrinated in the cult of optimism by his tutor Dr Pangloss, the 100-page novella was an instant bestseller across Europe when it was published anonymously in 1759. Since then the story has been routinely revisited through derivative texts, showing up society’s complacency in the face of evils whenever it is told. Thankfully, Tom Wright’s adaptation stays close to the erratic and unrelentingly OTT plot. True to the original text, the humour is blacker than burnt tar painted in shoe polish at midnight, and the tone dryer than slow roasted chalk left in the Atacama Desert. Painstakingly detailed accounts are given of the characters being brutally pack raped, sold, abused, partially eaten, forced to watch their loved ones be slaughtered en mass, or getting subjected to natural disaster, war, STDs, slavery, and, worst of all, boredom. Sound like a barrel of laughs? Actually, it is. With references to circus clowns, Broadway musical, pantomime, marionette and vaudeville, this is a highly entertaining production, reminding us that Voltaire’s humour is aligned with that of slapstick: laughter in the face misfortune. At its crux is the notion that to live in hope against all evidence is one thing, but to think ‘whatever happens is for the best’ is just irresponsible. The problem with optimists is that if they don’t see what’s wrong with the world they won’t do anything to change it for the better, and with this message Voltaire sowed some important seeds for the French Revolution, which broke out 11 years after his death. The live music sequences are at times a little awkward but the airhostess-derived choreography for the sombre rendering of Black’s Wonderful Life, led by Amanda Bishop, is a memorable highlight. The performances are generally strong, especially from Barry Otto as the dogmatic Pangloss and Frank Woodly as the sanguine Candide; and Anna Tregloan’s carnivalesque set and costumes propose a semi-familiar world where everything is a bit off. Directed by Michael Kantor, Optimism is co-produced with Sydney Festival, Melbourne’s Malthouse and Edinburgh International Festival where it opened the theatre program in 2009, winning a Herald Angel Award for Frank Woodley. The production coincides nicely with Leonard Bernstein’s Candide which is showing for free in The Domain at the end of the month as part of Sydney Festival. Photo by Jeff Busby.
PAN Magazine. Is that in a goat-legged Greek deity/wow that initial bit of Narnia was creepy/The Secret History kind of a way? Or an out of the frying PAN magazine into the fire deal? PAN, as in 'across the spectrum' is probably a better guess, like how a pandemic is different from an epidemic. But then again, looking at those categories, PAN is pandemic in that it's crowdsourced, takes submissions openly, is definitely hot stuff, and this week its second issue is being launched in a den of satyrs. The World Bar has long and commendably dedicated its Wednesday nights to affairs of The Arts in an atmosphere that is soundtracked and as boozy as you need it to be. The launch of PAN's second edition (after a first that sold out two whole entire print runs) is a stand-up addition to this calendar, with people like Penguin Plays Rough's Pip Smith reading out words and people like Kirin J. Callinan playing musical sounds and live drawings, and tigers, and bears, OH MY!
People of North Sydney now have an extra reason to swing by The Greenwood Plaza — and it's a hefty one. After first popping up in the shopping centre in 2014, Burgers By Josh has returned serve up even more meat between two piece of bread. Fans and locals probably won't have to cast their mind back too far to remember kicking back on the Upper Deck and salivating over chef Josh Arthur's creations three short years ago. Since then, he's expanded his repertoire even further, taking inspiration from Aussie personalities. Try getting your mouth around the Angry Anderson (double wagyu, crispy bacon, cheese and special sauce) or the Fat Tony (double wagyu, rocket-smoked Texan BBQ sauce, crispy bacon and potato buns), then washing it down with one of Josh's spiked milkshakes or a craft beer or two. "My first ever pop-up was at Greenwood Plaza, so it's great to set up our new residence in the same place," Josh said. "We will be introducing weekly and daily specials alongside our regular menu to celebrate the opening. I look forward to meeting lots of new and, hopefully, regular faces!" While BBJs is making a comeback, it'll be joined at Greenwood by a newcomer, with Blue 36 Cafe Restaurant making its debut. Headed by school buddies Jin Ko and Thomas Kang, the eatery is bringing you dishes influenced by both Aussie classics and Asian flavours. For brunch, you might tuck into a Vegemite cheese toastie and, for lunch, a super food salad (with quinoa, seeds, nuts, balsamic vinegar, grilled haloumi, lentils, Spanish onion, parsley, lemon dressing). Find Burgers by Josh and Blue 36 in The Atrium, the Greenwood Plaza's revamped food court that's also home to the Italian Street Kitchen, Thr1ve, Swiss Deli, Bun Me and Fogo Brazilia. For more information, visit the shopping centre's website.
A lie that people will tell you about techno is that it’s dead. That the glory of the trancy dance music that sprung out of subgenres in Detroit has been eclipsed by crappier subgenres, and by people who claim that techno is made up of Moby, Fatboy Slim, copious amounts of alcohol and even tunes that rely on LYRICS. Well regardless of how the techno scene is faring in Detroit (according to Eminem, nobody listens to it) it’s far from dead in Sydney. The proof is in the MOTORIK! parties, which combine techno only with things that don’t detract from the beat. These things include secret locations that you have to RSVP to get the address for, and sometimes they include costumes. That’s right, in honour of MOTORIK! #5 falling on Halloween weekend they’re inventing yet another subgenre. But this subgenre isn’t about house, disco or electro — it’s about techno zombies doing the bang gang with techno vampires, moshing with techno werewolves and hardstyling it with techno Vikings. The Finger Prince and special guest Jensen Interceptor will also be there along with Slow Blow, Cosmonaut and The Kat, so you know it’s still all about the music too. RSVP to motorik.motorik@gmail.com for venue details.
This may shock you, but not all people who have Fine Arts qualifications end up as successful practising artists. I know, right? Who'da thought it. When Good Curators Go Bad is an exploration of what happens to the people who get degrees in art and are working in the arts but not as artists. "Was there a point?" the exhibition asks, and "What are you doing now?" and "Hey, wanna be in a show?" Conceived by Michael D'Agostino, who is Studio Co-ordinator at Parramatta Artists' Studios, the show features artists who are known for their careers as arts professionals. Kon Gouriotis is director of visual arts for the Australia Council, for instance, Lisa Havilah is CEO of CarriageWorks, and Bec Dean Michael Rolfe is CEO of Museums & Galleries NSW. These are people who are doing pretty well. But, one must ask, is it ART? What art is comes up in a slightly different way in Jodie Whalen's Sixty Kilograms, a body of work that take the 'body' part of that phrase very seriously. The title comes from a weight that falls into the ideal zone for Whalen as calculated by BMI, and her work investigates and documents regimen and ritualisation as part of an attempt to 'succeed' both in reaching this 'ideal' weight and having her work displayed in an art gallery. It's a performance - including a live performance in the gallery space - but it's also a crossover between art practice and 'real life.'
Strawberry Fields' Tocumwal home has remained quieter than normal of late, after the site was inundated by flood waters last October, forcing the annual music festival to cancel. But it's about to score its glorious comeback, with brand-new one-day fest Good Times heading along to give it a proper workout this autumn. Making its debut on Saturday, March 25, Good Times is set to deliver a hefty lineup of Aussie talent, with acts like Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, garage four-piece Floodlights and blues legend CW Stoneking & His Primitive Horn Orchestra already revealed to be making the trip to Tocumwal. [caption id="attachment_887375" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Hamilton-Coates[/caption] Now, organisers have dropped the full artist lineup, throwing big names like jazz-funk four-piece Surprise Chef, Music Victoria Award-winning songstress Bumpy and dance-floor favourite Wax'o Paradiso (aka Simon TK and Edd Fisher) into the mix. Joining them in this bush oasis on the banks of the Murray River are rising stars Glass Beams (with their signature masks), Yorta Yorta blues act Benny Walker and Alice Springs-based folk artist Charly. And you'll catch even more diversity of sound from the likes of JUMAN, Collingwood Casanovas, PBSFM's Mz Rizk and a stack of others. [caption id="attachment_887378" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Hamilton-Coates[/caption] The family-friendly one-stage festival is set to be capped at just 1000 guests, with camping passes available for those keen on sleeping over, as well as shuttles running to and from Tocumwal's town centre. Alongside the tunes, there'll be offerings like a flame-driven culinary program with eats by Three Blue Ducks' Mark La Brooy, Wild Pie (a new collaboration from Jo Barrett and Louise Daily), and the purveyors of wild game at Discovered Wildfoods. Plus, attendees can also enjoy a strong lineup of natural wines, a series of riverfront hot tubs for unwinding in between sets, and a pop-up lounge for resting and relaxing. And as is the case with Strawberry Fields, you'll be able to cool off with a refreshing dip in the river whenever you like. Best of all, the entirety of Good Times ticket profits will be rolled into the Strawberry Fields Community Grants Fund, going to support local community organisations and non-profits. Berrigan Shire locals have access to half-price tickets. [caption id="attachment_887377" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Hamilton-Coates[/caption] Here's the lineup in full: GOOD TIMES 2023 LINEUP: Benny Walker Bumpy C.W. Stoneking & his Primitive Horn Orchestra Cash Savage & the Last Drinks Charly Claps Collingwood Casanovas Don Glori Floodlights Friday Young Glass Beams JUMAN Kuzco Mz Rizk Surprise Chef Wax'o Paradiso Good Times will take place at the Strawberry Fields site in Tocumwal, NSW, on Saturday, March 25. General admission tickets start from $119, available online. Top image: Duncographic.
It's only the fourth day of 2021, which usually means sweltering weather and blue skies. But summer in Australia is also synonymous with storms, and one is coming Sydney's way — so if you're currently reading this from somewhere dry and cosy, we suggest that you keep it that way for the rest of your Monday afternoon. Sydney isn't just in for any old wet weather, either. In a 'Detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning' released this afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology has advised that "flash flooding and damaging winds" are likely as storms sweep through Richmond, Camden, Penrith and Picton, then hit Parramatta, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Bowral, and then affect Hornsby, Sutherland, Wollongong, Sydney Airport, Sydney Olympic Park, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Cessnock. The wild weather is predicted to impact Parramatta from around 4.20pm, then make its way to the CBD by 4.50pm. BOM will issue another update by 4.55pm. https://twitter.com/BOM_NSW/status/1345952681748291585 Sydneysiders can also expect large hailstones and heavy rainfall, BOM noted on Twitter, as the line of severe storms makes its way across the city. As the storms approach today, the usual common sense tactics obviously apply: secure loose outdoor items and stay inside. NSW State Emergency Services' number is 132 500 if you need its assistance. While the storms are only expected to make their presence known today, wet weather is forecast to hang around until the weekend. There's a 60-percent chance of showers on Tuesday, 70 percent on Wednesday, 50 percent on Thursday and Friday, and 40 percent on Saturday. Stay dry out there. And remember to check Live Traffic, Transport Info and BOM for warnings and updates.
Art plus bar. This almost universal gallery opening deal is a pretty tasty mix already. But the MCA adds extras to this time-honoured tradition with its now SMAC-winning series ARTBAR. They’re evenings of strange and interesting things at play among the art, recurring monthly and curated by a rotating cast of local artists. This month, it's the Primavera artists' turn. Come and see Jacqueline Ball, Jackson Eaton, Heath Franco, Thomas Jeppe, Jess Johnson, Juz Kitson, Kusum Normoyle and curator Robert Cook take on the gallery space. There'll be installations; video works; music performances by Steele Bonus, Roman Wafers, Horse Magyver and Standish Carlyon; and a stairwell soundscape. Not to mention that Primavera Edition also features artists as DJs all night long.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney's cosy whiskey bar Grain is joining forces with Belvedere this Vivid Sydney to transform into a blue, glowing wonderland called Light the Night. Just a minute's walk from Circular Quay, it's the ideal spot to escape the crowds for a warming, top-shelf tipple in front of a fire. Plus, Grain's bartenders have created a bunch of new Vivid-inspired cocktails to serve up during the month-long celebration, including The Ghost of Mary, a transparent twist on the bloody mary made with Belvedere, house-made tomato consommé and frozen cherry tomatoes instead of ice cubes. Meanwhile, the hotel's restaurant Mode Kitchen & Bar will be dishing up a three-course Vivid-inspired menu. Settle in to sample head chef Francesco Mannelli's favourite and most-comforting winter creations. Think wood-baked rounds of Italian cheese and Rangers Valley wagyu cheek. Topping off your feast will be a majestic 'glowing' pavlova and free parking (for Mode guests) from Monday to Thursday between 5:30-10pm. If you're keen to stay over — and lose yourself in the Four Seasons' Sydney Harbour panoramas — then check into one of the luxe harbour view rooms or suites. The hotel is offering a ten percent discount on stays of two nights or longer during Vivid Sydney. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney's Light the Night experience and restaurant and accommodation specials will run for the duration of Vivid Sydney, from May 25 to June 16. For more information and to make a booking, head to the website. Images: Alana Dimou
Objects: The Beehive "In terms of dental prosthetics, printing's been used for a long, long time. That's where it all really developed." says the Beehive's Adam Long. 3D printing — formally known as additive printing — and laser-cutting are the province of the Beehive, a Gladesville outfit that shares space next to an expansive mechanic's garage with the Robots and Dinosaurs (a local hackerspace). Adam is one third of the Beehive, along with Daniel Almagor and Daniel Sutherland. They say they founded the Beehive almost in reaction to design school. "Why make a million things the same, when we can make one million, customised. The other element we wanted to bring to it was sustainability, the complete opposite of everything we were taught at university, essentially." 3D printers can print pretty much anything you can squirt out of a tube or whose powdered form can be melted. In theory, it's sustainable from "cradle-to-cradle" — unwanted printed things can just be melted down and printed again at "equal or higher quality." And you really can print almost anything: steel, paper, cardboard, plastics or even chocolate. The Beehive makes consumer products, like notebooks, and are moving into corporate gifts. When we met them, they had been planning to move into printing designer glasses as well. Getting the plastics in the glasses just right for someone's prescription lenses is usually tricky, but a 3D printer can just melt down a bad prototype and print it out again until it fits right. Their laser-cutter can also come up with surprisingly three dimensional products, either assembling cut pieces like a model kit, or burning through thicker materials to give the illusion of solidity. And laser-cutters can also cut into a surprising number of things. Toast, for example. "We've done bread on there, and engraved a pattern into that." says Daniel Sutherland. "You could've eaten it. I had a bite. It wasn't any good." They mention other places that are doing tattoos with laser-cutters, seaweed for sushi and even burning some designs onto fingernails, engraving away nail polish to make patterns. "You have to line up fingers perfectly, on that." The Beehive makes and engraves a lot of wooden products with theirs, but are comfortable cutting out perspex jewellery as well. For some local artists, this process means they can get an order for a piece jewellery, then print it and post it to their customer. It's like an accelerated form of "just in time" manufacturing. At the moment they're also running an (already successful) Kickstarter campaign to produce a line of customised, sustainable, bamboo notebooks. The Beehive's laser-cutter uses a high-powered laser that runs at 100 watts — the same as many incandescent lightbulbs. A massive laser tube in the back of the machine bounces a beam off a series of mirrors until it reaches nozzle at end, where a lens focuses it down to the size of a pinprick. And all this energy punches right through timber, plastic or paper. Artists wanting to use the laser-cutter send a design off to the Beehive, be it a hand sketch or computer file. Translated in the computer, it becomes series a series of mathematical lines (vectors) that get translated into a machine code, telling the laser where it needs to cut. "Then you pretty much just hit go." says Long. And assuming the first one comes out ok, that's about it. For 3D printing there are two main types of printer; selective laser melting uses a laser to melt tiny layers of powdered plastic or metal into a solid object, and fused deposition modeling uses a moving nozzle, squeezing out plastics melted from long, white loops of plastic string (or chocolate) in an endless sausage, snaking out the layers of the object from bottom to top. They're still tricky to operate. Daniel says the designs at the moment "aren't focusing on usability. They're focusing on resolution." It took us a while to get something decent to come out, says Long. "It took us a while for something decent to come out. I'd say the learning curve was about six months." He adds: "They're about as useable as a PC was in 1981." With this technology you can make locally for the same cost as you could in China. When the machines are doing all the work, it doesn't matter where that machine is. What we're really excited about seeing in the future is that everything gets made local, custom and from sustainable materials." One of the first things they made themselves with their first printer was second 3D printer. This is an ongoing theme with 3D printing, the dream of a printer printed entirely by another printer. The technology isn't there yet to print a whole machine, but you can print a reprap — a hybrid machine with some printed and some made parts. This second printer cost them about $500 to make. In the photo below, the white parts of the machine were printed. Printing circuit boards, though, is still a bit of a dream. Although it keeps on getting closer. "Anyone can join up to a [hackerspace] like this and have access to all this kind of equipment." says Long. "It's like, you know those videos you'd see before DVDs: You wouldn't steal a handbag, you wouldn't steal a car. Well, you know, if you could print one, you might actually steal a car. If you could download a Ferrari and print one at home? Yeah, yeah. I'd probably steal one." < Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
We all remember slide show nights, right? Somewhere in the decades between storytelling around a campfire and Facebook, they reigned supreme as the most effective means of rubbing one's super-thrilling life in the tired faces of one's nearest and dearest. Sadly, in this digital age of instant uploading, generations to come will be robbed of the sheer joy that hours of pixelated projections of naff family holidays and honeymoon play-by-plays can provide in the slightly uncomfortable intimacy of a living room. But here to dust off the cobwebbed tradition is Cross Projections, a reinvention of the good ol' fashioned slide show, with upgraded effects, cinematic tricks and content actually worth donating precious minutes of your life to. In 2001, founder Roslyn Sharp, inspired by slide show nights run by photographer friends in their backyards and living rooms, decided to put on a screening event called F99. Nine years later, F99 has evolved into Cross Projections, a sophisticated multimedia slide show night of still and moving imagery. Dealing with a broad range of themes from eating disorders to cane toads, the screenings will be held over four days and will showcase the personal photographic essays of sixteen esteemed photographers whose approach to their imagery varies from fine art photography to photojournalism. Receiving very little government funding, Cross Projections is run with local community support — an admirable feat considering it’s now in its eighth season. So if you’re interested in a night of social and historical documentary presented by some of the country’s finest professional and emerging photographers, make sure you book in advance for a slide show night like no other. They might even let you bring popcorn.
Plenty of Aussies have found themselves captivated by US TV drama The Handmaid's Tale, and the image of a dystopian society that is — even 30-odd years after the book was published — a little too close to home. And now, you'll have the chance to dive even deeper into that world, as Margaret Atwood, author of the original books that inspired the show, heads Down Under for an exclusive Australian appearance. Taking the stage at the Sydney Opera House in March 2019 in the lead-up to International Women's Day, the acclaimed Canadian writer will speak as part of the UNSW Centre for Ideas 2019 program. Atwood, celebrated for her storytelling prowess, prescient imagination and thought-provoking ideas, will share her insights into how present-day behaviours might be used to foretell any grim futures coming our way — just like those fictional worlds that hit so close to home in the likes of The Handmaid's Tale and Atwood's other works like The Blind Assassin, Alias Grace and, more recently, the MaddAddam Trilogy. The author's set to dish up her thoughts on the key issues of today and the future realities they might herald, from extremist politics, to climate change. It should be an interesting, if not eyebrow-raising, talk — as well as being an obvious advocate for women's rights, Atwood came under fire this year for her controversial take on the #MeToo movement and her reluctance to call The Handmaid's Tale feminist. Maybe she can visit Gliead while she's here.
If you're feeling uninspired by your roster of lunch spots — and you have a desire to get out in the spring air — you can swap your regular desk sandwich for a taco feast this October. Usually reserved for its Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the Neutral Bay's SoCal will bring back its all-you-can-eat taco offer for three weekday lunches, across October 2–4. So best start making room in your stomach now. For $30, you can tuck into as many tacos as your tum can handle. Think varieties like fish with pineapple and coriander salsa; smoked brisket with peanut mole; octopus and chorizo; and mushroom with agave and jalapeno cheese sauce. For drinks, the bar will be slinging margaritas for $12 all afternoon, too. You'll need to book a table between 12–4pm for the deal. So if you work on the lower north shore, we suggest you rally your colleagues and do so ASAP.
Back in the day, punk music was pretty scary. There were crazy piercings, dudes fashioning mohawks with eggs — even the ladies of punk were pretty scary. You may have noticed that punk is experiencing a revival (or new-wave) at the moment, something that Amy Franz and Hayley McKee of Super Wild Horses say they're accidentally a part of. "[It’s] mainly because of the bands that we play with", Franz tells me, but that's not entirely true. The essence of first-wave Punk was defined predominantly by an attitude — that you were in control of your own future and if you wanted anything from it, you'd have to just do it yourself and stick it to 'the man'. Franz and McKee kind of say that. They've just released their first 12-inch, Fifteen which they recorded on an 8-track in one weekend, on their own. It's the eve of their launch tour so you can see just how DIY they are when they're onstage too, playing multiple instruments simultaneously, which Franz says started "because there [is just] two of us. We never really thought about having any extra people in the band." Punk has two pretty, new faces.
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If looks are anything to go by, Cloud Control are a neat, quaint and homely band — but your mum was right when she told you looks can be deceiving. The kids from those mountains of blue are making waves in this city — waves of crowds so large they can't be contained in single venues. Having come from meek (but by no means mild) beginnings as Triple J Unearthed Artists, Cloud Control were catapulted into the high-rotation ranks of album of the week at Triple J, FBi Radio and 3RRR with the release of their debut album Bliss Release, which also earned them a slew of shiny reviews across a myriad of media. The Annandale has snagged them for a Friday night set as they skip through town; it's the venues 10th birthday, and they're celebrating all week with a lineup of the finest Australian bands they can muster. There's also no shortage of talent supporting them with Kyu and We Say Bamboulee joining in on the party fun. If you missed the Sydney launch of Bliss Release at the Oxford Art Factory, it was because they filled that venue to the brim; don't be so blase about pre-booking tickets this time around. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MexDd9q4QdY
Guzman y Gomez has no shortage of Mexican eateries in NSW. It has 43, in fact. But, it's continuing its tasty expansion and opening one more on the lower north shore on Thursday, February 27. And to celebrate, it's offering up $5 burritos and burrito bowls for a whopping seven hours. Taking place in store at the new Chatswood shop, the $5 eats will be available from 12–7pm. So, you can pop by on your lunch break, swing past after work or, throw caution to the wind, and do both. The burritos see a flour tortilla stuffed with rice, beans, pico de gallo, cheese and your choice of meat or veggies — a totally acceptable meal for both lunch and dinner, right? Well, we think so at least. Guzman y Gomez's Victoria Street opening is just a small part of the brand's 2020 expansion plans, which also include its first stores launching in the US. We could be seeing a lot more of it — and its $5 burritos — in the near future. $5 burritos are available from 12–7pm
What do fashion photography, Catholic iconography and dirty rock stars all have in common? Firstly, they’re all full of foxy ladies. But more specifically, they all serve as inspiration for Sydney-based artist and go-go dancer Bridie Connell. Drawing on personal and fictional narratives, visual metaphors and dark humour, Connell investigates an ongoing interest in representations of women and femininity in art and popular culture. She’s also the brains behind Gaffa’s latest group exhibition Hello Dolly, for which she’s amassed a whole bunch of artists (both male and female) to contribute their own visual perspectives to her venture. Along with Connell’s own work Hello Dolly will involve performance artist Liam Benson’s exploration of how our cultural environment influences the conventions of gender roles, Stephen Giblett’s hyperreal oil paintings and Simon Lovelace’s sexy neo-pop art heroines. Along with other excellent local artists including hilarious duo The Motel Sisters, who are “hotter than Twitter and sweeter than a Wendy’s Sherbitt Whip”, they’ll all pay tribute to the personas we create, admire and desire through the use of fashion, costume, make-up and disguise.
