You don't need to be Fred Astaire to get into the dance thing. It's not about getting it right and it's not about being Beyoncé. It's just about having fun. No Lights No Lycra offers the chance to let loose with a wild night of the dancing, and zero chance of having to wonder how you look while you throw shapes. No Lights No Lycra is a light-free dance class started in Melbourne and became a hit around the world even before spawning its NSW incarnation. The no-holds-barred dance sesh now has five locations where you can dance it out around Sydney. Dance novice, dance master or even dance averse — with the lights down, everyone gets to thrash along here as a dance equal. Find the dance party on Mondays in Bondi at the Seagull Room (Bondi Pavilion) and at the Cronulla Central Main Hall, on Tuesdays at the Manly Community Centre and on Thursdays at St Stephens Church Hall in Newtown and in Parramatta at Studio 404.
It's the most obvious Game of Thrones line to quote. It's also been uttered more times than anyone can count over the past 11 years. When it comes to the arrival of the show's keenly anticipated new prequel series House of the Dragon, it rings oh so true if you live Down Under, too. Yes, winter is coming, as it does every year. In 2022, however, before the frosty season ends in Australia and New Zealand, this House Targaryen-focused new series is coming as well. Fans already knew that House of the Dragon would hit HBO at some point this year, but now the US network has dropped an exact date: Sunday, August 21 in the US, which is Monday, August 22 Down Under. Obviously, the show will hit locally at the same time, on Foxtel and Binge in Australia and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand — it's one of the biggest series of the year, after all. When that date rolls around, expect to spend more time with flame-breathing scaly creatures and the family that adores them. If you thought the Targaryens were chaotic already, delving into their history — and their love of using dragons to wage wars and claim power — is certain to cement that idea. We all know what happened to the last surviving members of the family in GoT, including Daenerys and her boyfriend/nephew Jon Snow; however, House of the Dragon, like Fire & Blood — the George RR Martin book that it's based on — jumps back 300 years earlier. Cast- and character-wise, House of the Dragon stars Emma D'Arcy (Misbehaviour) as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the first-born child of King Viserys; Matt Smith (His House) as Prince Daemon Targaryen, the King's brother; Rhys Ifans (Official Secrets) as Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King; Olivia Cooke (Pixie) as Alicent Hightower, Otto's daughter; and Steve Toussaint (It's a Sin) as Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka 'The Sea Snake', a nautical adventurer from a Valyrian bloodline as old as House Targaryen. These Westerosi folk will all grace a tale that harks back to Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of the Seven Kingdoms — which is what started the hefty 738-page first volume in Fire & Blood's planned two-book series — and then works through the family's history from there. Aegon I created the Iron Throne, hence the returning favourite's prominence. And you don't have to be the Three-Eyed Raven to know that this tale involves plenty of GoT's staples: fighting, battles for supremacy and bloodshed. Also set to pop up on-camera: Paddy Considine (The Third Day) as King Viserys, Eve Best (Nurse Jackie) as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon and Sonoya Mizuno (Devs) as Mysaria, Prince Daemon's paramour. Behind the scenes, Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan Condal are acting as the series' showrunners. Sapochnik has a hefty GoT history, winning an Emmy and a Directors Guild Award for directing 'Battle of The Bastards', helming season eight's 'The Long Night', and doing the same on four other episodes. As for Condal, he co-created and oversaw recent sci-fi series Colony, and co-wrote the screenplay for the 2018 film Rampage. House of the Dragon's arrival has been a long time coming. Game of Thrones finished three years ago, and given how successful it proved for HBO — even after its eighth and final season caused plenty of uproar — the on-screen world inspired by Martin's books was never going to simply disappear. Indeed, before GoT even finished, there was chatter about what would come next. So, the network first announced that it was considering five different prequel ideas. It then green-lit one to pilot stage, scrapped it and later decided upon House of the Dragon. Next, it opted to give novella series Tales of Dunk and Egg the TV treatment, too, and to work on an animated GoT show. And, it's been reported that another three prequels are also under consideration. Now, after all that, House of the Dragon's ten-episode first season creeps closer and closer. Mark your diaries this instant — you've got a dance with dragons come August. Check out the first teaser trailer for House of the Dragon below: House of the Dragon will start airing on Monday, August 22 Down Under via Foxtel and Binge in Australia and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand. Images: Ollie Upton/HBO.
Get ready to embark on a captivating journey come Saturday, July 8. Burramatta NAIDOC Day is helping us embrace, honour, and celebrate Australia's many rich and vibrant First Nations cultures. The theme for this year's event is 'For Our Elders', paying tribute to the vital role that Elders play within Indigenous and Australian communities. Expect captivating storytelling, and a celebration of both traditional and contemporary Indigenous cultures. So get friends and family together to immerse yourselves in an array of captivating performances – including live music sets featuring artists like Dean Brady, Stiff Gins and Akala Newman. Look out for the dance showcases by Jannawi Dance Clan and Muggera Cultural Enterprise. If you are looking to get a little more involved, you can get hands-on with some traditional arts and crafts. Or browse the market stalls for something special to bring home. Burramatta NAIDOC Day is an occasion not to miss. Come together as a community for an opportunity to connect, celebrate and learn. Burramatta NAIDOC Day is running on Saturday, July 8 from 10am to 4pm. For more information, visit the website.
As Australia sweltered through its hottest month on record in January, one of Sydney's chilliest spots weathered a different kind of ordeal. After the Macquarie Ice Rink was initially being slated for demolition to make way for multimillion-dollar upgrades to the Macquarie Centre, plans were put on hold after community backlash — and now the shopping centre's owner, AMP Capital, has committed to retaining an ice rink as part of the revamp. In a statement, the company revealed that "any future redevelopment of Macquarie Centre will include a solution for an Olympic-sized rink", noting enormous local support for the existing facility. While the announcement doesn't specifically outline the future of the current rink, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that an interim heritage order has been issued for the beloved spot, so any changes to the site would require New South Wales government approval. Macquarie Ice Rink has been the training ground for Olympians and a cool escape from the summer heat for many little (and big) Sydneysiders since 1980. As part of AMP Capital's original plans, the facility was set to be torn down in January 2020. According to News Corp, the shopping centre's $195 million redevelopment would include improved links from the shopping centre to the train station and bus interchange as well as a public plaza, which would impact the space where the ice rink is currently located. After first revealing the rink's demolition in a press release last month — which revealed its lease would finish at the end of January next year — the ice rink's owners have welcomed AMP Capital's announcement, but note that the next steps haven't been finalised yet. "We welcome AMP Capital's decision to retain an Olympic Ice Rink at the Macquarie Centre," said Dr Frank Gregg in a statement, "but there is still a lot to work through". https://www.facebook.com/macquarieicerink/posts/2538389882844724?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCeBHnhRrTn-FNCtQRtV4NfvgsFdKMGpNJNlKBXaIjl_kk2tMYUBBE7eTe5jTL8QDcN93erdIGY4lbOmRDHQ-G2wKMzMzhr5er7VA35YFCWWDnXHtASsEeyLvjjEyCBgcsEZrNVRn7OlcQ3JHgQpMHJQ3uDYsOf4eWVnRuqj4lZ9ssPnVsPb3HJqkROMI4r2RAdsEMeiV_hLvMHr-oL-8umyXI0xVS9qwY4178RAJf0PfbVkvdVLNDIqQtVWIjAagXakuWtW0bqsKzauUxepD0LZVMAtNTl4F3GxPNAOluFAtj-3MF6z3CnQTCgsj5VT-nXVAJOaYs-iczltm7Rdg&__tn__=-R The initial news of Macquarie Ice Rink's demolition was a case of particularly bad timing, with the ice rink given a considerable upgrade just last year. "We recently spent millions of dollars refurbishing the ice rink and laying new ice for the athletes and the public," Dr Gregg originally revealed. In a further statement, he explained that "there is no way I would have spent $3.5 million dollars upgrading the rink if I expected it to close on January 31, 2020". While the situation continues to play out, you can visit Macquarie Ice Rink at various times throughout the week and all-day on Sunday, as well as for disco sessions on Friday nights. Image: Macquarie Ice Rink.
I discovered The Church when I was fourteen, the year me and a friend undertook the task of becoming experts in every band featured on the Donnie Darko soundtrack. I also wore a lot of black that year, and spent most of my time in my bedroom. So despite the fact that The Church are one of Australia's most acclaimed bands, and were making music a decade before I was born, my associations with them have always been distinctly infused with the intensity of being fourteen. The Church got together in Sydney in 1980, and with their complex melodies and surreal, poetic lyrics, have since gone on to become one of Australia's most successful bands, recognised as such when they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame last year. Their show at The Sydney Opera House this April celebrates their thirtieth anniversary, and sees them performing songs from their back catalogue with symphonic accompaniment from the George Ellis Orchestra. Unquestionably one of the best bands Australia has produced, this event will see the beauty of their music unravel in the surroundings of Australia's most iconic performance space. The night will also see conductor George Ellis, who has previously worked with Lou Reed and Augie March, elevate songs which have graced headphones and bedroom landscapes for decades to their full orchestral splendour. https://youtube.com/watch?v=LSNGejPlTAo
The Mudgee Classic is part of The Classics, a national series of cycling events that take the best parts of the celebrated hobby and scaling it up to a level that makes it a bit above your standard Sunday morning ride. Set amongst the beautiful regional wine country of Mudgee, 268 kilometres north of Sydney, this yearly iteration is one weekend only and split into five different courses to cater to all experience levels. On Saturday, May 4, those looking for a cycling ride equivalent to 'the scenic route' will take to the Dirty Mudgee gravel ride, a 55-kilometre loop trail of rough-yet-scenic trails and smooth rural lanes and country roads across 700 metres of elevation. Then on Sunday, May 5, riders can challenge themselves across the Social Classic (35 kilometres), Roulers Classic (65 kilometres), Challenge Classic (120 kilometres) or Maxi Classic (170 kilometres). These four courses cater to all levels, and offer a variety of difficulty and scenic value to make sure you've got some pretty pictures for your pedalling. Images: Destination NSW
Because you're reading this, we know you're not someone who received a pet for Christmas, only to decide it wasn't for you. We know you're one of the good folks. You're probably wishing that you did receive a loveable animal as a gift, even if you already have one — or several — that you adore. We understand your yearning, and so does the RSPCA. And, to find permanent homes for the many cats surrendered into its care from all over the state, it's lowering the adoption fee for adult cats to just $49 this weekend. The weekend-long initiative is called Catchella — like a festival for friendly, furry cats — and will run from Friday, April 12 until Sunday, April 14. Although you can't put a price on the happiness a new purring, slightly standoffish, pet will bring, it's hoped that the low adoption fee will encourage people who have been thinking about adding a cat to their fam (and have considered it thoroughly) to make the commitment this week. While this festival won't feature any music stars, it will feature some absolutely adorable, and adorably named, cats. You could adopt Smoke T Woe, Biffo or Lola — or any of this long list of cats that need a home. And the poster itself is pretty damn cute: Catchella will run at all shelters across NSW. The adoption fees — which usually range from $20–600 — help cover some of the costs of vaccines, training and microchipping for the animals. There's more to pet adoption than overdosing on cuteness, of course, with making the commitment to care for an animal is serious business. For further information, read RSPCA's FAQs and head to a shelter this weekend. Catchella, and $49 adoption fees for adult cats, will run at all RSPCA NSW shelters from April 12–14. Image: Smoke T Woe.
If someone was to ask you to imagine a dinosaur, and to picture one type only, it's likely that the Tyrannosaurus rex would come to mind. The towering ancient creature is just that fascinating to kids and adults alike, and not solely because it's rarely far from screens. Head to any museum with a T. rex fossil on display and you'll be surrounded by crowds, whether or not they've seen King Kong, a Jurassic Park movie or Night at the Museum. Head to Melbourne Museum from Friday, June 28–Sunday, October 20, 2024 in particular and expect to have plenty of company, then. Thanks to the Victoria the T. rex exhibition, that's when the fossil of Tyrannosaurus rex Victoria will make its Australian debut in the state with the absolute best name for the occasion. The specimen dates back 66 million years, and is one of the world's largest and most complete T. rex skeletons. Showing exclusively at Melbourne Museum, it's also marks the first time that a real T. rex has ever been on display in Victoria. How big is big? Found in South Dakota in 2013, Victoria is comprised of 199 bones, including a skull that weighs 139 kilograms. The fossil reaches 12 metres in length and 3.6 metres in height. And, because the skull is so heavy, it has to be displayed separately as it can't be mounted upon Victoria's body. Victoria the T. rex will also feature interactive elements, such as multi-sensory installations that'll let you experience how the Tyrannosaurus rex saw and smelled, plus dioramas and a section where you can make your own customised 3D T. rex. Welcome to... the cretaceous period, then. The informative side of the showcase will step through recent palaeontological findings, so that you'll get an idea of what Victoria's life was like all that time ago — and also find out what brought about her end. If that's not enough dino action to make you feel like David Attenborough — or his brother Richard in Jurassic Park and The Lost World — Victoria the T. rex will display alongside Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs, which has been open at Melbourne Museum since 2022. The latter permanently features Horridus, the world's most complete Triceratops fossil, and entry to both exhibitions is included in one ticket. At IMAX Melbourne, 45-minute documentary T.REX 3D will also be showing — complete with footage of Horridus — from Friday, June 21. Images: Neon Global.
There's nothing better than receiving a "guys, you've gotta see this!" message in your crew's group chat. Have they found elusive cheap return tickets to Tokyo? Did they finally pop the big question? Is there a new puppy about to join their family? Big life milestones aside, heading off on a trip with your mates is the next most special thing. It's a chance to switch off, escape the big smoke and explore our beautiful backyard. And the cooler months are the time when we all need a break from the daily grind with a long weekend or a well-earned week away. If you've done the cosy cabin retreat to death, why not shake things up with a bit of adventure this winter? Hit the slopes, strap on your helmet and gear up for a chance to try something new, from thrilling aerial adventures over World Heritage sites to snowy escapes filled with snowshoeing and fondue-ing. Partnering with Hugo Boss, we've whittled down the endless list of Aussie adventures to just five that will leave you feeling amped up and ready to take on the world — much like its newest fragrance, BOSS BOTTLED Infinite. Go on, give these pulse-racing sports a go and you'll get a new perspective on the stunning land of Oz. [caption id="attachment_720491" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] CAPE TRIBULATION HELICOPTER AND LAND ADVENTURE TOUR It's not every day you get to knock not one but two UNESCO World Heritage-listed areas off your bucket list. But then again, this ain't your average adventure tour. You'll spend a jam-packed day exploring the best of tropical north Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. The tour kicks off with a two-hour scenic helicopter flight over world-class reefs and cascading waterfalls before touching down in the oldest living rainforest in the world. Then, the choice is yours: spend your afternoon on horseback as you weave through the Daintree to the ocean's edge, or head straight for the treetops with a zipline experience. Head to Red Balloon to book. [caption id="attachment_720598" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luke Tscharke.[/caption] CRADLE MOUNTAIN HUT WALK: WINTER OVERLAND TRACK It takes guts (and possibly a swig of gin) to sign up for a multi-day trek through the icy terrain of Tasmania's Cradle Mountain in the dead of winter. There's no wifi out here, friends. Just ancient landscapes, frozen lakes and long nights enhanced by a glass or two of Tasmanian wine. The eight-day Cradle Mountain Huts Walk winter overland track is one of the most challenging routes that the Tasmanian Walking Company offer, but it comes with plenty of rewards. Climb the peaks of Cradle Mountain, explore Lake Will and finish at Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest natural lake. [caption id="attachment_720745" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Skydive Noosa.[/caption] SKYDIVE NOOSA Jumping out of a plane at 15,000 feet is one way to get the blood pumping in the morning. But when you're freefalling over the sparkling Sunshine Coast, the terrifying drop can't be that bad, right? Strap in for an adrenaline junkie's dream with Skydive Noosa. The experience sees you spend 60 seconds in freefall — a minute the company describes as "life-changing" — before your instructor opens the parachute and you gently cruise your way to solid ground while soaking in the views. [caption id="attachment_720600" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kane Naaraat and Pinkbike.com.[/caption] BLUE DERBY MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING TRAILS The historic town of Derby in Tasmania's north-east hasn't always been known for its 125 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails. It was tin mining that first put Derby on the map before the tragic bursting of Briseis Dam ended that. The town has been revitalised since the opening of the first section of the Blue Derby Trail Network in 2015. Today it boasts trails to suit every experience level, meaning it has something for you and all of your crew. HOTHAM SHOWSHOE TO FONDUE If exploring Australia's mountains and sleeping under the stars are on your to-do list, this is the tour to make it happen. Say hello to Alpine Nature Experience's Snowshoe to Fondue trip, an unforgettable overnight adventure set on the outskirts of Victoria's Alpine National Park. You'll snowshoe your way to your tipi-style eco-village accommodation before spending a night sipping hot glühwein, dipping your way through gooey French cheese fondue and soaking in the warmth of the outdoor campfire. When the sun comes up, the crew will make sure you leave fed and watered with a hearty warm breakfast. Hitting that work-life balance is hard. But shutting your laptop, splashing on some new BOSS BOTTLED Infinite and getting out in nature will help you seize the day and live your best life. Top image: Snowshoe to Fondue Experience.
The next stage of The Streets of Barangaroo has been revealed, and it's definitely the most delicious part yet. Opening today is the anticipated Wulugul Pop-Up: a collection of the country's most hyped food and drink venues along the Barangaroo waterfront. If you like fried chicken, gin cocktails and dancing in the rain, you will be very happy here. Five vendors from both Sydney and wider Australia have been chosen to christen the space. Melbourne's Belles Hot Chicken was announced as a resident earlier this month, as were roti masters Mamak, RivaReno Gelato and Darlinghurst's Edition Coffee Rosters. Gin and It — a gin bar from the guys at The Barber Shop — is the latest announcement; they'll be pre-bottling their gin cocktails daily for quick and easy consumption at the waterfront space. The pop-up currently sticks out as a bit of a rose amongst the thorns, hidden on the other side of the construction site that is the new, in-progress harbourside precinct, dubbed The Streets of Barangaroo. It's been designed by Melbourne's Foolscap Studio, and makes use of many a recycled cardboard tube and native plant. The space has the capacity for almost 500 people, and it's all undercover with plenty of seating. Dancing in the rain is still entirely feasible though. The pop-up is sticking around for a while, pencilled in for nine months while other vendors — such as Matt Moran's three-level salad bowl-shaped restaurant and the much-anticipated Noma Australia pop-up — set up shop and the surrounding tenants move in. By late 2016, there's expected to be 80 permanent dining and retail outlets in the precinct. Until then though, the Wulugul Pop-Up will have a lot going on, with talks and discussions, food festivals and live music planned for the coming months. By all accounts, it looks like it will be a good place to be — especially when the sun sets over Pyrmont and bathes everything in a golden glow. Yeah, we recommend getting there when that happens. The Wulugul Pop-Up opens today at Wulugul Walk in The Streets of Barangaroo precinct. It will be open 11am - 11pm, seven days a week. For more information, visit thestreetsofbarangaroo.com.au
Each year as the end of January rolls around, there's one important decision that must be made: Where are you going to listen to the Hottest 100? Whether you get fully wrapped up in the countdown or you're just tuning in to complain about how it was better back when you were 18, the annual day-long journey of the year's democratically-anointed best songs always ends up providing a great backdrop to whatever you're up to. While backyard cricket and poolside beers are often the go-to accompaniment for the day's tunes, one Sydney venue is suggesting a different setting — The Taphouse's bright and bustling rooftop bar. Formerly a more serious watering hole dedicated to craft beers and Sunday roasts, The Taphouse reopened in 2023 under the guidance of Applejack Hospitality (RAFI, Forrester's, The Butler) with a fresh fit-out and nostalgic menu that takes inspiration from classic suburban Chinese restaurants. As part of the rejuvenation, the rooftop bar was also given a facelift, returning as a breezy hangout spot. And that's where The Taphouse will be hosting its Hottest 100 party on Saturday, January 27. Snag a spot up above the streets of Darlinghurst and enjoy a roster of moreish share plates and refreshing bevs as Triple J rolls through the hits of 2023. You can pair countdown entries from Kylie Minogue, Royel Otis, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo with salt and pepper oyster mushrooms, roast duck plates, wok-fried mud crab and barbecue pork buns. Craft beer enthusiasts will be pleased that despite its new owners, The Taphouse still has a hefty roster of brews on offer, including Mountain Culture Status Quo, Grifter Serpents Kiss, Hawke's Patio Ale and long necks of Tsingtao. There will also be frosé and frozen gin coladas available on the daily, alongside the venue's usual roster of wines and cocktails. Even better, $1 for every cocktail purchased on the day will be donated to Headspace — so you can feel good about ordering a Szechuan margarita or miso old fashioned. Top image: Steven Woodburn
Tackling the subject of mental illness on screen is tough, especially if your chosen genre is romantic comedy. Tread too carefully and you risk trivialising the subject, lay it on too thick and you might end up with an over-drawn caricature â€" either way potentially offensive and inaccurate.Fortunately writer/director Max Mayer negotiates this fine line with some finesse. Adam is an atypical rom-com whose leading lad (Hugh Dancy) suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, impairing his ability to empathise and understand human relations. Adam’s insular existence is dismantled when sweet-natured Beth (Rose Byrne) moves into his building, and after a few awkward exchanges their undeniable chemistry presents the pair with the challenge of navigating a relationship.What is ultimately endearing about this film is that it refuses the fairy-floss predictability of its genre in favor of a more grounded approach. This is due in part to Dancy’s layered portrayal of Adam as a complex blend of infant, genius and troubled young man. Peddling neither high drama nor cheap laughs, Adam is an understated and simply told tale plumped by solid performances.https://youtube.com/watch?v=wnoNQa_qUm4
Supplement your afternoon swim with a dose of the world's best short films when the 25th Flickerfest International Short Film Festival comes to Bondi Beach between January 8 to 17. Celebrating 25 years of insanely good short films, the 2016 program features 116 shorts officially selected in competition, chosen from over 2400 entries received in the Australian, international, documentary and GreenFlicks programs. Flickerfest is the only competitive short film festival in Australia to be both Academy®Accredited and BAFTA-recognised, so expect these films to be top tier. With 20 world premieres and 60 Australian premieres, this is where you'll see the next wave of film talent (and score mad bragging rights when they get all famous). Some sizeable Academy®Accredited prizes are up for grabs, including the Flickerfest Award For Best International Film, the Yoram Gross Award For Best Animation and Virgin Australia Award For Best Australian Film. Plus, this year’s official Australian Competition features 21 female directors (slam dunk, Flickerfest) — the festival's had a strong push over many years to encourage and support female filmmakers. Alongside the Academy®Accredited competitions, there's also a smorgasbord of shorts screening across Flickerfest's specialty programs including Short Laughs (comedy), Love Bites (relationships shorts), Flickerkids (shorts for Shorties), Windows on Europe, a special Flickerfest 25 years retrospective and Flickerup, the national schools competition. After spending ten days in Bondi, Flickerfest will hit the road for a 50-date national tour, stopping at no less than fifty destinations between January and May 2016. By Jasmine Crittenden and Shannon Connellan.
Looking for a rainy day activity? Here are five. Five of the most electric and immersive exhibitions to hit Aussie shores, and they're all happening this winter. From 100 artworks by Picasso to a showcase of MoMa works — featuring Dalí, Andy Warhol and more — and a field of 3000 flowers to an electric ode to the radical artists of post-war Germany, it's all happening down under. The only catch is that they're spread across the country, so keep an eye on cheap flights or plan an epic road trip and hit them all up. It'll cost you much less than flights to Europe, but will still transport you to an alternative world — whether that's New York, post-war Germany, a fictional flower-filled land or Alice's Wonderland.
One of the most interesting fixtures on the increasingly crowded calendar of Sydney film festivals, Possible Worlds presents the best of Canadian cinema, and for the first time this year, the program has been expanded to also include some gems of American independent film. Run by Sydney non-profit company The Festivalists, who are also behind a series of film-related events including the excellent short film night Kino and Jurassic Lounge, this year's program is a strong and diverse selection. The lineup includes Greta Gerwig/Noah Baumbach comedy Frances Ha and Sarah Polley's constantly acclaimed documentary Stories We Tell. Read on for our picks of the five films to see at Possible Worlds.
You don't need to be Charlie Sheen to think that you could do a bit better than the occasional TV producer. You also don't need to have a painful-to-watch, public breakdown to get the point across. When you sit in front of the box thinking "I could do a better family cop-cum-dance show than this", there's been a place for you to put your money where your mouth is. The Optus One80 Project has been taking 180-second short entries in a competition of 'pitches' to win a fully-produced pilot to screen on MTV. Sunday March 20, they'll be showing the finalists in Prince Albert Park, before announcing the winner at a festival featuring a shortlist of the ten best pitches. Phone companies' efforts to engage the community aren't always this successful. While you can judge for yourself how well the festival supports the local talent, the talent is definitely there. This year's entries have themes touching on family, crime and desolation. Pitches feature prohibition, gold-digging, the apocolypse and the criminal proceeds of acting. As well as the films, the Festival will put on a musical line-up, featuring a DJ set from Mark Ronson and perfomances from locals Bag Raiders and Softwar. Original image by Daquella manera.
After three years, Sydney Design Week — the flagship design program conceptualised by the Powerhouse — is back with a plethora of experiences for art and design lovers across the country. And, for the first time ever, all events are IRL. Scheduled to run from Thursday, September 15 to Thursday, September 22, the event will take over a wide range of venues, including the Ace Hotel, Powerhouse Ultimo and Western Sydney University. Themed 'Making Now', the festival has curated a lineup of seasoned designers and makers, who have all worked to redefine the design scene. Revealing the amount of cross-pollination that happens in creative industries, expect to go deep on an array of topics at panels, workshops and exhibits. The offering in its entirety is worth your keen attention but, together with the Powerhouse, we caught up with four industry insiders to get the low down on four stand-out events to get yourself to this week. DESIGNER MAKERS with Elliat Rich Designer Makers, the session hosted by interiors, architecture and design journalist Karen McCartney, invites a panel of creative experts to touch upon the evolution of design (which has been incredible). Alice Springs-based product, furniture and exhibition designer Elliat Rich is one such expert. "It's an interesting time to be a designer", she comments. "The increased interest in process and some dissolving of the modernist aesthetic means that experimentation — and risk — has an accepted value." "Not being dedicated to one material or process means I can 'designer-make' things without knowing how they'll end up," Rich explains. It's true that multidisciplinary creatives are reimagining the concept of art. Joining Rich in this session are interior designer David Flack of Flack Studio, Powerhouse Creative Industries resident Nell, and sculptor Sanné Mestrom, offering avid art and design lovers insight into pre- and post-industrial creativity and the individual creative practice of each panelist. Rich also has Tones of Shimmer — a collection of lights which exemplifies the above sentiment — on show at both Powerhouse and Eddy Multi Space. Of the installation, she says: "I hope people take away the intention to find more time to offer attention to the remarkable shimmering that they might not have realised they're a part of." Designer Makers is on at Ace Hotel on Friday, September 16 at 3pm. Head to the website to join the waitlist. MADE IN WESTERN SYDNEY with Dr Katrina Sandbach Inspired by designer and academic Dr Katrina Sandbach's project Creative West — an initiative that maps creative practice and cultural production in Western Sydney — Made in Western Sydney presents a conversation with ground-breaking designers from a span of fields. With perspectives offered from photography, video, new media, urban art and fashion design, and a considered focus on different backgrounds and cultures, this event has made a mission of celebrating collaboration and the varied influences that go into artistic works. "You'll hear about some of [the panellists'] recent projects, how being in Western Sydney impacts their practice and what's on the horizon for creatives in the West," Dr Sandbach shares with Concrete Playground. "Creatives in Western Sydney aren't new or emerging: we have a history of ingenuity that many people outside of the area aren't aware of. I hope that people walk away inspired and curious to find out more." Artist Hayley Pigram, multi-disciplinary designer Ginan Tabbouch, photographer Liza Moscatelli, creative director Luke Beeton, and art director Matt Wilson are the talented creatives on the bill and Dr Sandbach herself will be hosting. Made in Western Sydney is on at the Western Sydney University Hub on Saturday, September 17 at 4.15pm. Head to the website to grab your tickets. MAKING PAPER PLANES CHAIRS with Sarah Langley Calling all design enthusiasts (though, that's probably why you're here)! Making Paper Planes Chairs is the hands-on workshop giving you the opportunity to put your skills to the test. Presented by Mobilia, in collaboration with famed furniture company Moroso and textile design studio Kvadrat Maharam, the 90-minute experience will have attendees creating their own mini iteration of Moroso's gravity-defying 'Paper Planes' armchair maquette. The design was originally created by Nipa Doshi (pictured in the top article image) and Jonathan Levien of London-based studio Dosi Levien, using fabrics from Kvadrat Maharam. "We thought it would be fitting to host a series of workshops that allowed design enthusiasts to engage with a Doshi Levien masterpiece," shares Sarah Langley, marketing manager at Mobilia. "Moroso and Kvadrat [Maharam] have run similar workshops with leading design identities globally, so it's exciting to be bringing the concept to Australia." The workshop will be graced by a panel of judges — Nipa Doshi, Mobilia's Salvatore Fazzari, Sydney Design Week creative director Stephen Todd and Powerhouse's senior curator of design and architecture Keinton Butler. The all-star cast will decide among themselves on a winning chair, with the attending maker receiving an original Paper Planes Chair (worth $7000). There's a session especially for teens, too. Making Paper Planes Chairs is on at the Powerhouse Museum on Saturday, September 17 (12pm and 2.30pm sessions), and Sunday, September 18 at 10am (for ages 12–17). Head to the website to grab your $10 ticket. MAKING THEATRE with Dr Susanne Thurow UNSW is taking the idea of interactive design to the next level with its 360° three-dimensional cinema AVIE in Kensington. The main draw card? It allows users (like Sydney Theatre Company) to visualise sets at a completely immersive, cinematic scale. And Making Theatre is the Sydney Design Week session that gives you a look inside. "Visitors will be able to step into a stunningly meticulous virtual reconstruction of Sydney Theatre Company's new Wharf Complex," explains Dr Susanne Thurow, deputy director at the iCinema Centre. "They'll experience its modular architecture from intimate and surprising angles as they witness a production design evolving before their very eyes." This new platform is born from the idea of leveraging the progress seen in interactive systems and immersive aesthetics, specifically for the performing arts and design fields. Award-winning production designer Michael Scott-Mitchell will be hosting the workshop, which offers the chance to adjust your designed space's parameters (like size, texture and colour) in real time — "everything from initial experimentation blocking of space to the refined-textured final space," according to Dr Thurow. Scott-Mitchell will also walk guests through his creative process and "explain how he draws on new technologies to bring together the many elements flowing into his sophisticated multi-layered works," Dr Thurow tells Concrete Playground. Making Theatre is on at the iCinema Centre from 10am–1.45pm on Thursday, September 15 and Friday, September 16. Head to the website to grab your $10 ticket. Sydney Design Week is on across Sydney venues from Thursday, September 15 to Thursday, September 22. Head to the website for more info and the full lineup.
If you were still looking for something to show you summer had officially hit us, look no further. On Sunday, with the help of Steve Aoki and co., Durex treated 400 lucky Facebookers to a seafood dinner, a free cruise around Sydney Harbour, and a series of DJ sets that showed all on board that boats too are more than capable of hitting turbulence. Boarding at 5pm in Darling Harbour, though everyone’s spot had been secured, there was a rush to secure first spot on top deck and whispers were circulating about where Mr. Aoki would be hiding. Once the You+1 boat had hit the water it was Flight Facilities who got everyone’s attention with their single, 'Foreign Language', as well hit tune 'Crave You' and an appropriately timed cover of 'Love Is In The Air'. Electro four piece Rudimental followed and the scene change from chilled out swaying with your new found Durex friend to crazed jumping to thumping bass. This set the scene for Steve Aoki to show why he is the highest grossing dance artist in North America. With a light show to match, it was all hands on bottom deck as he set alight the boat as it came in to dock outside Cargo Bar where crew and all would journey for the after party. With the Durex staff handing out condoms upon exit, it was clear the night had been set up for a rowdy but safe one. View the full gallery here.
Tina Fey hasn't starred in, created or executive produced a bad sitcom yet — and when the first season of Girls5eva dropped back in May, it continued that trend. In its own way, it's another workplace comedy like 30 Rock and Great News. And, albeit in a completely different manner to Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, it also follows a group of women trying to navigate new lives years after they were thrust together under extreme circumstances. The setup: more than two decades after they split up, the four remaining members of a late 90s girl group decide that it's time to get the bad back together. Now in their forties, they're all at different points in their lives, but rekindling their dreams is too enticing to ignore. Sara Bareilles (Broadway's Waitress), Busy Philipps (I Feel Pretty), Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton) and the great Paula Pell (AP Bio) play Girls5eva's reunited members, Fey pops up as a fantasy version of Dolly Parton, and the comedic takes on 90s pop tunes are all both 100-percent spot on and so ridiculously catchy that they'll get lodged in your head for weeks. Also pitch-perfect: everything about this immensely funny take on stardom, fame and the way that women beyond their twenties are treated. In great news for everyone who has already streamed their way through the show's eight-episode first season and instantly found themselves wanting more — and for anyone who is yet to go through that process, too — Girls5eva has just been renewed for a second season. So, expect more earworm songs and jokes about the entertainment industry, although exactly when the next season will drop hasn't yet been revealed. Like its first season, Girls5eva's next batch of episodes will stream in Australia via Stan whenever they do release. For now, you can check out the trailer for the show's first season below: Exactly when the second season of Girls5eva will drop hasn't been announced, but the show's first season is available to stream now via Stan.
Next time you crack open a can of BrewDog's Punk IPA, you might find yourself motivated to welcome a new four-legged addition into your family. Teaming up with Animal Welfare League Queensland, the Scottish brewery has brought its Street Dog initiative to Australia — profiling adorable dogs that are currently available for adoption across its cans. If you're the type of person that pats every pooch you see, and takes a daily walk past the local dog park just so you can get a glimpse of those adorable canines and their little faces, then you're also the kind of person who'd love to see pictures of puppers while you're sinking a brew. The photos adorn select Punk IPA packs, which have been badged 'Street Dog'. And yes, if you fall in love with the little fluffball staring back at you from the can, you can give it a home. By picking up a few Street Dog brews — which are on offer in eight- and 16-packs — you'll also be helping doggos in need another way. BrewDog is also donating all of the profits from sales of the beer to Animal Welfare League Queensland. And, although it's brewed at the company's Australian base in Brisbane, it's only making the beer available via its new online store, so everyone nationwide can stare at these canine cuties over their next cold one. Street Dog actually started in the UK earlier this year, as inspired by comedian Ricky Gervais. The comedian tweeted about his genuine fondness for Punk IPA, while also noting that businesses in general were better off giving their money to charities than paying for celebrity endorsements — and, taking his words to heart, BrewDog decided to start supporting homeless dogs, a cause that Gervais has been vocal about. Cue BrewDog cans covered with photos of dogs, which, when they launched in Britain, helped all of the pups featured on the tinnies to find homes. If you're wondering about the timing of bringing the Street Dog initiative to Australia, it's designed to help give the profiled pooches a permanent home before Christmas hits. The 375-millilitre cans will be available to purchase online until sold out. BrewDog's Street Dog limited-edition version of its Punk IPA beer is available to buy as an eight-pack for $40 and a 16-pack for $70.
Your local takeaway spot might be convenient when you've been stuck at work all day, but it's far from kind on the environment — or your wallet, for that matter. With the right know-how, you can spice up your midweek meals without too much hassle. We've partnered with Glad and its Glad to be Green range to bring you six simple, eco-conscious dinner ideas that'll not only keep more cash in your bank account, but also see fewer takeaway containers ending up in landfill. Roll up those sleeves and get ready to whip up feasts every night of the week. ADD MEAT-FREE MONDAYS TO THE DIARY After an indulgent weekend, you'll want to put your best foot forward when the new week comes. Regardless of whether you're consciously looking to go full vegan, starting the week off a plant-based dinner means you're cutting back on one of climate change's biggest contributors: the meat industry. If you're someone who likes numbers, according to this study beef has a carbon dioxide equivalent of 59.6 kilograms. To compare, tofu has an equivalent of three kilograms. These days, about 12.1 percent of Aussies eat a fully or mostly vegetarian diet. Don't know where to start? Treat yourself to a couple of cookbooks. Some go-tos include Hetty McKinnon's To Asia, With Love and Neighbourhood; Smith & Daughters' Shannon Martinez's cookbook Vegan with Bite; and, of course, Ottolenghi's newest title Flavour (or any from his Plenty series). Once you've cooked up your veg-packed feast, simply cover any leftovers with Glad to be Green cling wrap — made from 50 percent sugarcane and with a smaller carbon footprint — and consider tomorrow's lunch sorted. HAVE POTLUCK DINNERS WITH MATES Next time you're having mates round, organise a potluck dinner rather than hitting up the local pizza shop for a mediocre slice (and subsequent greasy box that can't be recycled). First up, it's a gamble as to what everyone will bring and, therefore, you'll be tucking into all sorts of delicious dishes. Plus, it's likely to save everyone some cash and your friends get to flex their kitchen skills. With everyone bringing a plate — and some quality stories — to share, this is a great way to add some more home-style cooking and community to your life, too. And, there'll be a lot of food going around the table, which means no one will go hungry. SLOW ROAST AS YOU WFH Many of us have come to know the pros and cons of WFH life. But one undeniable benefit of working from your home office (or couch) is that you can slink away from the computer to prepare a glorious dinner. Whether you're cooking for your partner who has to go into the office or prepping a feast for your friends, slow roasting is super easy — when you actually have the time to do it. So, as time is on your side when you're commute-less, you can try out new roast dinners each week. Whether you prefer sticky pork, rosemary-covered lamb shoulder or bourbon- and honey-glazed brisket, these slow-roasted meats are heartwarming meals for when the cold weather hits. Just be sure to layer your roasting pan with Glad to be Green compostable baking paper to cut down on the messy cleanup. It's certified home compostable, and it even breaks down in a worm farm. KEEP THINGS SIMPLE WITH ONE-POT WONDERS Replace the convenience of takeaway with an even more practical one-pot dinner. Although your meal might not get delivered straight to your door, there's not much cleaning involved when you throw all the ingredients into the same cauldron. Which, let's be honest, is a big reason why we often turn to delivery apps in the first place. From quick 'n' easy stir-fries and soups to veggie laksas and casseroles, there are plenty of one-pot wonders out there. Plus, you can put any leftovers in Glad's new plant-based resealable sandwich bags, which are made with 50 percent sugarcane (a renewable resource). These bags are also freezer safe, so you can store leftovers for longer, ensuring you have a quick, fuss-free dinner for the next time cooking from scratch is too much of a chore. MAKE A HOUSEMATE ROSTER Coming up with homecooked dinner ideas doesn't have to be harder than picking something on Uber Eats. But, sometimes inspiration is lacking after a day at your nine-to-five, we get it. If you live with others, why not come up with a roster? That way, it's easy to plan for, everyone gets a night off the pots and pans, and you don't have to cook those sad dinner-for-one meals. After all, food is better when shared, right? To make your new schedule a success, it's a good idea to liven up each night of the week with some broad themes, too. It'll also help ensure no one is stuck for ideas. Of course, you'll want to take into account your housemates' culinary and dietary preferences to avoid encountering any awkward dinner conversations. COME TO LOVE LEFTOVERS Leftovers are a godsend when you've got an itch for cheeky takeaways. Instead of having to dip into your savings (and even possibly impact your chances of a future homeloan), you can swing open your fridge or freezer and pull out a tasty creation cooked by yours truly. Not to mention, you're doing your bit for the planet, too. In fact, you can store your leftovers in Glad's plant-based snack and sandwich size resealable bags if you want to divvy them up into perfect portions. So, when you CBF to cook next week, you've already got yourself covered. Go green and visit the Glad website for more tips and tricks.
Art + Soul is an exhibition with a voice. Coinciding with a soon to be aired 3-part documentary series on the ABC that explores indigenous Australian art and culture, this showcase of over 100 works and objects is more than just paintings on a wall. Both the exhibition and documentary use three major themes — 'home and away', 'dreams and nightmares' and 'bitter sweet' — to explore the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders, with contemporary artistic expression. Featuring 40 artists including Destiny Deacon, Richard Bell, Mervyn Bishop, Tommy McRae, Ricky Maynard, Ginger Riley Munduwalawala, Judy Watson, Brenda L Croft, Emily Kam Ngwarray, John Mawurndjul, Naata Nungurrayi and Rusty Peters, Art + Soul aims to honour the past with a keen eye on the future. In the words of Hettie Perkins: "my father once said 'we know we cannot live in the past, but the past lives in us'". https://youtube.com/watch?v=Nrp0Cy0ooVM
This spring, Toko is serving up something extra special. The luxe underground restaurant, one of Sydney's leading Japanese dining and omakase spots, is adding a twist to its culinary offerings with a limited-edition Haku Vodka Tasting Menu inspired by the premium spirit. Running from Tuesday, October 8 to Saturday, November 2, diners can enjoy a carefully curated selection of dishes made with the smooth, premium Haku Vodka, a craft spirit from the House of Suntory, for only $115 per person. Where's This Special Offer Available? The limited-edition tasting menu is being served at Toko, a sleek subterranean restaurant mere footsteps from Wynyard Station and the Light Rail on George Street. Since relocating from Surry Hills, Toko has continued to impress with its refined ambience and meticulously crafted Japanese fare. Whether you're after a cosy dinner or a late-night indulgence (the kitchen stays open past 10pm), this is the perfect venue for an unforgettable evening. In addition to the tasting menu and specials, Toko is also hosting a one-night-only exclusive omakase evening for up to ten guests. The evening will include Haku Vodka-infused dishes and a bespoke Haku Vodka martini on arrival — find out more about this omakase evening here. What's on the Menu? For $115 per person, Toko's tasting menu includes its omakase offering plus a curated selection of dishes crafted with Haku Vodka. These dishes include freshly shucked Pacific oysters from Tasmania dressed with a house-made tozasu sauce imbued with Haku Vodka, crispy zucchini flowers tempura stuffed with whipped tofu and feta served with dashi made with the Japanese craft spirit. In addition to the limited-edition tasting menu, Toko will offer a series of Haku Vodka-infused specials — available for all lunch and dinner services. Guests can choose a lush lobster roll featuring flame-grilled lobster, Haku Vodka miso chilli butter on a brioche bun and topped with caviar. Alternatively, guests can opt for a Sturia Oscietra caviar bump paired with a shot of Haku Vodka. What's the Special Martini? It wouldn't be a Haku Vodka-inspired menu without an elevated cocktail. The signature serve for Haku Vodka is a martini. As part of this brand collaboration, Toko has crafted a bespoke martini that is available to purchase on both the tasting menu and the specials menu. Dubbed the Superstar Martini, it's a blend of Haku Vodka (of course), apple juice, lime juice, sugar syrup and white chocolate syrup. The resulting martini is a softly sweet, fruit-forward concoction that pairs perfectly with the delicate seafood dishes on both menus. The saltiness of the caviar and the richness of the lobster roll provide a delicious contrast to the fruity martini, but the more delicate sushi courses are not overpowered by the drink's subtle sweetness. What's Haku Vodka? Haku Vodka is a premium Japanese craft spirit from the House of Suntory made entirely from 100 percent Japanese white rice. Named 'Haku', which translates to 'white' and 'brilliant' in Japanese, this vodka exemplifies the artistry involved in creating a clear, clean-tasting spirit. It is meticulously distilled and filtered through bamboo charcoal to achieve unparalleled smoothness. Known for its clean, subtle taste and slightly sweet finish, Haku Vodka provides an ideal foundation for Toko's team to explore a symphony of flavours, textures, and aromas in its dishes. How to Nab a Spot? The Haku Vodka Tasting Menu will be available during all lunch and dinner services, including Fridays and Saturdays, from October 8 to November 2. Bookings are highly recommended to secure your place. You must make a reservation on the website. The Toko x Haku Vodka set menu is available from October 8 until November 2. Make your reservation on the website. Haku Vodka's signature serve is the Haku martini — a drink that showcases the craftsmanship, nuanced flavour and exceptional quality of the premium Japanese liquid. To learn more, head to the House of Suntory website. Image Credit: Jude Cohen
When the end of the week rolls around it's always worth a tiny celebration — heck even if there are 52 of them, you made it through another one! It's easy to fall back on going to the pub around the corner, or the closest bar to your office, but isn't it about time you did something a little different, and even a bit special? We've done the leg work for you and found seven great bars that will shake you a sublime cocktail, and add in something a little special — be it a rooftop, a tasty pop-up, great DJs, Instagram-worthy interiors or stunning views (or all of the above). Round up your mates and pick one of these from a hat — we can guarantee they will take your Friday night drinks to another level of decadence, deliciousness and double taps. Whether you've hit your targets at work, or been kicking goals at the gym, you deserve to treat yourself for the small wins and milestones. The world's finest French vodka, Grey Goose, celebrates its versatility and commitment to quality ingredients as it allows bartenders to create incredible cocktails that upgrade any summer occasion — starting with those Friday night drinks. Here's where we think you should go — and what you should order as your first, premium cocktail of the night.
Sydneysiders can get a closeup look at the world's largest animals this summer at the Australian Museum. Its latest exhibition, Whales | Tohorā, lets you walk through a life-sized heart of the blue whale, explore the 18-metre skeleton of a bull sperm whale and examine other whale bones — the most extensive collection of whale skeletons ever displayed, apparently — be serenaded by whale song and watch live ocean footage — all created using the latest research on whales. The interactive exhibition was created by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and will be on display until April 28, open from 9.30am–5pm daily. The installation specifically honours the whale's cultural and historical significance within the South Pacific Islander communities, with stories and traditions of the Māori People highlighted throughout the exhibition. Image: Humpback whales by Jeremy Cresswell.
Nothing gets the party started quite like tequila. And, if anyone knows how to throw a fiesta, it's the agave experts at Sydney's Méjico — Australia's biggest tequila bar, with over 250 different varieties. With World Tequila Day (July 24) just around the corner, you can expect the Sydney bar to be extra festive this July. Partnering up with tequila maker Olmeca Altos Tequila, Mejico will be celebrating the day by giving away 50 of its signature margaritas mixed with Altos Tequila on Wednesday, July 24. In a month-long extravaganza throughout July, there'll also be weekly Altos tequila cocktail specials and a set menu of Yucatán fare, which can be matched with flights of tequila. To celebrate, we're giving you the chance to win an exclusive masterclass for you and nine mates with Altos ambassador Alice Newport. Giving you the lowdown on all things agave, Newport will teach you about tequila's origins, guide you through an Altos tequila tasting and help you make your own tequila-based concoctions. You'll also receive a cocktail on arrival, plus some Méjico canapes to keep you fuelled. [competition]727141[/competition]
Pop-up bars are no stranger to Sydney's streets — and neither is Trash Tiki. Operating waste-free, endeavouring to draw attention to over-consumption and single-use ingredients in the craft cocktail industry today, and travelling the world showing customers and bar owners how to do it too, it's the brainchild of UK bartenders Kelsey Ramage and Iain Griffiths. And, the pop-up is coming back with its eco-conscious message. Once again, Trash Tiki aims to be a launchpad for a conversation on waste as it continues its global tour, with Europe, Asia, South America and the US among its previous destinations. Returning to Sydney after a stint serving up drinks last December, this time more than just beverages are on the menu. In fact, it comes with dinner. In celebration of World Bartender Day, the duo will settle in at the Four in Hand Hotel on February 28 and host a four-course meal that comes complete with four anti-waste cocktails. The drinks selection will be created using a combination of fresh local ingredients and things from the kitchen or bar that'd otherwise end up in the bin, including a special one-off Wild Card concoction that uses waste items from the dinner itself. Also on the menu: the Black & Tan Sour, which features Jim Beam Black Label, honey cream, lemon juice and stock, wattle seed syrup, whey, lemon husks and egg yolks. Image: Steven Woodburn.
While we love watching our mates' attempt to grow facial hair (with varying degrees of success) for Movember every year, we especially love that's it's for a good cause: raising funds for mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. And if your inability to grow a mo has stopped you from getting involved yourself, we've got news for you. Move for Movember is a Movember challenge, supported by major partner Lululemon, and there's still time to get involved. Move encourages participants to cover 60 kilometres across the course of a month by either walking or running. That distance was chosen to represent the 60 men that are lost to suicide every single hour across the world. Let's not beat around the bush(-y moustache) — 60 kilometres is some ground to cover in a month. So, if bushwalks bore you or you don't have the time (or the inclination) to smash out a few multi-day hikes, we've come up with a list of more creative ways to hit you that step count goal this month. And it's super easy to get started. Just register to Move via the Movember website or download the app, start collecting donations from your friends and family, pop your comfiest pair of shoes on and get moving. Oh, and make sure you have a smartwatch or your phone on you to make sure every step is counted. [caption id="attachment_781135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wildflower Brewing, Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] DO A BREWERY CRAWL The glorious spring weather already makes a brewery crawl an excellent way to spend a Saturday, but when the crawl counts towards your monthly goal? Even better. The obvious location for your beer hop is the inner west, which boasts over a dozen craft breweries (including six in Marrickville alone). To get you started, we've mapped out a route of some of our favourites, which will total six kilometres of stomping. Just remember the two golden rules. First: pace yourself. This is a marathon, not a sprint. You want to get to the end so those kilometres count towards your goal. And second: despite what your mates at uni used to chant, eating is not cheating. And with the plethora of excellent food trucks and pop-up food stalls that frequent these breweries, you're not going to want to skip a feed anyway. PLAY A FEW ROUNDS OF GOLF Some may say golf is a good walk spoiled. But if what you're looking for is a way to break up the monotony of a long walk with short bursts of action and some friendly banter with your mates, then a session on the green is the answer. Across a standard 18-hole course, players will walk an average of nine kilometres, which is a pretty sizeable chunk of your target — and you could clock up even more if your ability to stay on the fairway is, ahem, lacking. Encourage your friends to walk the course with you and donate the money they would've spent on cart hire to your Movember Move challenge instead. And don't worry if you don't know anyone with a club membership. Sydney has plenty of public courses that you can access, stretching from Long Reef in Collaroy to The Coast in Little Bay, both of which offer epic coastal views that'll take the sting out of your last double bogey. [caption id="attachment_788212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] TURN WORKING INTO WALKING Have a desk job? You probably already spend way too much time sitting down. And, if you're still working from home, it's even more likely since all the incidental walking you'd normally do throughout the day — commuting, popping out for lunch and heading to meetings — isn't happening as much. Whatever your situation, it can't hurt to inject a little more movement into your working day, so use this month's goal as an excuse. This could mean forgoing public transport and running to the office for the month. We suggest using the app Runhunters, founded by running coach and Lululemon ambassador Matty Abel, to explore suitable run routes, so you're not covering the same ground every day. Another popular option is to implement walking meetings if the conversation doesn't require a laptop, or it could be a simple as standing up and pacing around the room every time you take a phone call. [caption id="attachment_518293" align="alignnone" width="1150"] Skyzone[/caption] FILL YOUR WEEKENDS WITH KIDULTING ACTIVITIES It's not hard to see why kidulting activities have seen such a surge in popularity recently. These days, the line between work and personal life is more blurred than ever, so switching off for an hour, forgetting all responsibilities and just playing like you did as a kid feels like a huge treat — almost as big as the double scoop ice cream your nan would buy you on the sly. Treat your inner child to a trip to Sky Zone in Alexandria, which has more than 100 interconnected trampolines to bounce, flip and tumble between. You can also work up a sweat next door at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq chasing your frenemies around in a game of laser tag, or, if you're looking for a kidult activity you can do on a more regular basis, check out False Grip. The studio on the northern beaches specialises in adult gymnastic classes, so you can pick your childhood hobby up again (or finally get to try it if you didn't as a kid). With the help of the experienced coaches, including Lululemon ambassador Tori Hand, you'll learn to tumble, do a handstand and even use the rings. You'll be having so much unbridled fun, you won't even notice how quickly those kilometres are ticking over. [caption id="attachment_786433" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Q Station Sculpture by Tania McMurty[/caption] COUNT YOUR STEPS WHILE DOING YOUR CULTURAL CHORES The arts community really came through for us during lockdown with virtual gallery tours and events, as well as releasing archival material. But there's nothing quite like experiencing art IRL, so now that Sydney's art institutions have opened their doors again, you have a lot of catching up to do. It may not get your heart rate up (unless you're really moved by one of the artworks), but we think it's totally acceptable for wandering around an art gallery to count towards your goal. This month, you can explore an outdoor exhibition by the harbour of artworks that were not selected for Sculpture by the Sea, admire the works of Van Gogh at Moore Park's multi-sensory experience, come face-to-face with famous Australians at AGNSW's Archibald Prize exhibition and visit a living exhibition of over 20,000 plants at the Royal Botanic Garden. There's still time to sign up to Move for Movember, and change the face of men's health. To learn more or register to complete 60 kilometres, visit the website. Top image: Skyzone
To help Sydneysiders keep cool this summer, the team at Gin Lane has blended boozy, grown-up flavours with a tidy hit of nostalgia for its new line of cocktail-inspired 'soft serves'. Teaming up with Australia's own soft serve and gelato expert David Lopresti of Aussie frozen treats specialist Florentia, Gin Lane founder and bartender Grant Collins has created three new treats guaranteed to get a serious workout during the warmer months. On the lineup, you'll find a riff on the Knickerbocker Glory made with a gin, tonic and lemon aspen soft serve, gin-macerated fruit and wafers; the citrusy Gin Fizz with cider, candied apple and popping candy; and the Rosella Sling, which combines rosella purée, mint, candied orange and hundreds and thousands. All of the frozen newcomers will be on rotation at the Chippendale gin bar over summer, all crafted on cold-pressed juices with fun garnishes and hefty infusions of alcohol. Alongside the frozen treats are some limited-edition cocktails, too. These include a refreshing watermelon G&T and an extravagant concoction called Up with rose petal syrup, gin, cold-pressed lemon oil, chartreuse and tonic served in a bucket with a scented helium balloon. It'll set you back $38, but it's made to be shared between two. Gin Lane's Soft Serve Bar is located at 16A Kensington Street, Chippendale and will open throughout summer from Monday–Wednesday 4–6pm and Thursday–Saturday 2–5pm. The soft serves are available in cups ($9) or in classic waffle cones ($12).
Okay, everyone, get out your Laura Marling Cliche Bingo cards: Precocious! Songstress! Wise beyond her years! Waiflike! Preternatural! Used to date that Mumford guy! Ethereal! Joni Mitchell! Stripped-back! Wise beyond her years again for good measure! Now we've got all that rubbish out of the way, we can write about Marling as the serious, wonderful, once-in-a-generation songwriter and performer she is. Her new album, Once I Was An Eagle (yes, it's a Bill Callahan shout-out) is, like both its predecessors, already being chiselled onto Best of 2013 lists everywhere. It is indeed wise, but it's also guileless and sweet and true and the best possible kind of gut-punching. She's performing in Sydney on July 22, 23 and 24 as part of the Heavenly Sounds series, at St Stephen's Uniting Church on Macquarie Street, and there are still a handful of tickets available for the third show. If, for some reason, you haven't copped tickets, please allow this video — and her voice, with its clean-sheets clarity and woody warmth — to convince you.
Just months after one Melbourne proposal claimed to be constructing the country's tallest building, another towering skyscraper has popped up to snatch its lofty crown. The latest super-tall contender is the $2 billion Green Spine, with UN Studio and Cox Architecture emerging victorious in the international competition to design the new addition to Southbank, all for developer Beulah International. Winning out over five other shortlisted proposals, the 356.2-metre-high Green Spine is actually two cantilevered towers that sport a noticeable twist — that is, the structures both physically twist in their geometric design. Terracing and glass also feature prominently, as does greenery. Indeed, as well as plant-filled public spaces along the ground and stepped lower levels, the building will include a 'future botanic garden' at its peak, which will basically be a garden in the sky that's accessible to everyone. Before you start looking up, however, The Age reports that a building application hasn't yet been submitted for the mixed-use development, which plans to feature apartments, offices, a hotel, retail spaces, an entertainment centre, restaurants, bars, a BMW showroom, a school and even a cinema. If it does come to fruition, Green Spine could possibly eclipse the previously announced Magic, also in Melbourne, which will span between 330 and 362 metres. The city's current tallest building is the 297.3-metre tall Eureka Tower, however the 319-metre Australia 108 residential tower at Southbank is in progress, and the 323-metre-tall One Queensbridge tower is also slated for the Crown precinct. Around the rest of the country, the Gold Coast's Q1 presently reaches 332.5 metres, with the new 328m Orion Towers in Surfers Paradise in development.
Louis Vuitton's stamp of luxury (that popular LV) and Supreme's iconic red and white boxed logo are joining forced for their first collaborated pop-up shop — and they've picked Sydney to launch. From Friday, June 30 until Friday, July 13, the Bondi beach pop-up will feature coveted LV-stamped apparel paired with the Supreme logo accessories as seen in the men's autumn/winter 2017 line, which was announced at Paris Men's Fashion Week in January. Count yourself lucky, Sydney, this pop-up shop request was denied in New York City. The pop-up will stock the duo's new collaborative baseball caps, t-shirts and backpacks. And if you're feeling bold, the collection also features denim baseball jerseys, leather jackets, cross-body bags and much more. The store will also offer exclusive pop-up shop pieces that you'll have to check out for yourself. While the two brands were established 140 years apart, their collision of high fashion and New York City streetwear is a world-first — and a huge coup for Australia. The pop-up store will be open Monday to Sunday 10am–6pm, and Thursday 10am–7pm.
There's a universal expectation that docos are meant to run the gamut from confronting all the way to absolutely horrifying. In its 97 minutes of screen time, The Family manages to traverse the whole scale, leaving you absolutely chilled to the bone. Rosie Jones's poetic documentary is about one of Australia's most notorious cults, known as 'The Family'. It operated in and around Melbourne from the mid 1960s, under the leadership of a bizarre woman whose look appears to have been modeled on Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove. Anne Hamilton-Byrne drew power and money to herself, wielding her impressive charisma, emotional manipulation, and yoga to amass new followers. Before long they were snatching babies directly from hospital wards and were administering LSD to adults and children in order to convince them that Anne was their God. Dramatic panning drone shots of Lake Eildon, eerie piano music, and old footage of children in matching outfits running through the woods creates a very True Detective aesthetic that matches the horror of the events. The film churns your guts, growing more and more tense as events unfold, leaving you shaken when it finally ends. But where the documentary differentiates itself is with the surfeit of interviews with survivors. Many of the children who grew up at the cult's residence at Lake Eildon (a two-hour drive from Melbourne) are adults now, with children of their own, and they each speak candidly and emotionally about the toll their childhood had on them and how they now relate to their new families. The story of the cult itself is fascinating and grotesque, but the humanity and candour of the victims is absolutely redeeming. Jones doesn't always succeed in translating a messy chain of events and conflicting accounts into a digestible, linear format. At times it can feel as though the film circles back on the same events – although even then, the story is so consuming that you'll be willing to forgive the repetition. Moreover, unlike many documentaries, The Family hits close to home, with the familiar sites and sounds of country Australia compounding the sense of unease. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_KeVkZ_JhM
It's easy for Sydneysiders to forget how lucky we are to be surrounded by water. For a good reminder, hop on the ferry to Manly, grab a board from Manly Kayak Centre ($25 per hour), and spend the morning paddling around the gorgeous waters of the North Harbour. While you could easily idle around the moored yachts, we recommend heading to Store Beach, a secluded little delight that's only accessible by water. Once you've worked up a hearty appetite, head to one of Manly's many cafes for a leisurely Sunday brunch. We're especially big fans of The Boathouse, where, despite the gorgeous decor, it's totally acceptable to show up with your hair still dripping seawater.
Start your weekend right with a morning yoga class at LoveSweats. This for-purpose business uses yoga to tackle social issues like homelessness and poverty, so you can get your stretch on for a really good cause. Plus, at just $15 per session, these yoga classes are a total steal. Afterwards, stroll over to the Carriageworks Farmers Market to treat yourself to some luscious homemade crumpets. These fresh-out-the-oven babies are served with Pepe Saya butter and Carriageworks' own honey and are so delicious you'll be hard-pressed to stop at just one. Image: Mark Bond Photography.
Held in the grounds of Glebe Public School every Saturday from 10am–4pm, pick up some homemade jewellery from local artists or vintage wares whilst munching on fresh produce and listening to live music.
You've, no doubt, already visited your favourite Sydney spot for a drink or meal since the city's COVID-19 restrictions eased. And, after months of baking bread and getting cocktails delivered to our doors, we don't blame you. It's nice to be able to catch up with mates over a pint or a feed that's outside of our own four walls. But, if all that cooking during iso turned into a passion, why not continue experimenting in your kitchen — and support local hospitality venues at the same time? Thanks to new online recipe journal initiative Cartilage you now can. It's no secret the hospo industry was hit hard when COVID-19 came to town, with Aussie website I Lost My Hospo Shift recording over $2 million in lost wages this week alone. Now that many restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes have reopened, life is slowly starting to go back to normal — but Sydney's dining scene is still a far cry from what it was pre-pandemic. On top of the current capacity limits and some venues experiencing no shows, many are still recovering from months of damage. So, three local legends — restaurant critic and former chef David Matthews, illustrator behind Good Food Crap Drawing Anna Vu and waiter-turned-animator James Lark — created Cartilage, which not only gives you the recipes for some of the city's most-loved dishes and drinks, but also gives back financially to venues, too. It's a win-win. [caption id="attachment_773109" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Golden Century's fried rice[/caption] "With all three of us having been so close to restaurants, we know that, often, if you have a bad few weeks that could mean the end of your business," Matthews told Concrete Playground. "So, we saw Cartilage as a way to support all the places we love." Each online recipe journal comes with three full recipes (and a small bonus one) from a local restaurant, bar or cafe, as well as annotations, illustrations, sketches and scribbles. They cost $15 each, with a tenner from every purchase going directly back to the venue. You'll find recipe collections from go-to Sydney eateries such as Mary's, Golden Century, Lankan Filling Station, Saint Peter, Ho Jiak, The Old Fitz and Pioik Bakery, plus bars including Tio's and Earl's Juke Joint. To see them all, head on over to the Cartilage website, where the journals are available to download immediately. The recipes focus on the venues' signature dishes and drinks, so expect to be recreating the likes of Mary's famed burger, fried chicken and mash 'n' gravy; Golden Century's Yang Chow fried rice, Mongolian lamb and salt and pepper squid; Saint Peter's fish and chips, sardine pissaladière and custard tart; and Tio's classic margarita, guac and popcorn chilli spice. [caption id="attachment_773108" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tio's guac [/caption] At the moment, Cartilage features 18 hospo heavyweights across six Sydney suburbs — Newtown, Haymarket, Surry Hills, East Sydney, Paddington and Pyrmont — with hopes for more suburbs and cities in the not-too-distant future. "Haymarket was one of the suburbs we really wanted to have, because Chinatown and Haymarket really suffered in the early days of COVID," says Matthews. "To support places like Boon Cafe and Ho Jiak, which had just opened a new restaurant and then had to shut their doors, and the guys at Golden Century, who have been going for 30 years and had such a drop off — those places were the priority for us." A modern take on the recipe cards of yesteryear, Cartilage's journals are designed to be simple and straightforward to use. Plus, each recipe has been selected with home-style cooking in mind, so even if you're a bit of a novice in the kitchen, you should be able to whip something up without too much hassle. "We didn't want it to be super fancy. We want people to be able to cook it at home," says Matthews. "I think everybody involved saw it as something fun that they could do, which was the tone we're going for. We didn't want it to be too serious — there's enough very serious things going on right now." Cartilage recipe journals cost $15 and are available to download from the website.
Still on a high from watching Ash Barty become an Australian Open champion in January? Us too. Thankfully, there'll be plenty of exciting tennis happening in Sydney in March when Australia's bid for the Davis Cup kicks off at Sydney Olympic Park. On Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 the Aussie team takes on Hungary at Ken Rosewall Arena. Head down to see the country's best athletes including Australia's top-ranked male player, Alex de Minaur, who'll be leading the charge alongside recent Australian Open doubles champion Thanasi Kokkinakis, Alexei Popyrin and doubles specialists John Peers and Luke Saville. Keen to head along? Tickets are on sale now and are $29 per person, with kids under 14 able to attend for free. So, round up your crew and get ready to cheer on Australia as they try to advance to the Davis Cup finals. Australia takes on Hungary to qualify for the Davis Cup Finals on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 at Ken Rosewall Arena at Sydney Olympic Park. For more information and to nab tickets, visit the website.
An exciting selection of newly acquired works by contemporary Australian artists will go on display this summer at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. From mid-December until the final week of February, you'll be able to see a collection of artworks by 28 local and international artists across mediums ranging from painting to photography to installation. Curated by the MCA's Anna Davis and Megan Robson, New Acquisitions in Context 2013 celebrates the diversity of artistic practice, introducing gallery patrons to new works and allowing them to revisit some old favourites. A major theme is exploration of landscape in a variety of forms, be it real or imagined, suburban or sacred, and its manifestation within cultural and historical contexts. Highlights include Imants Tillers’ 2011 work Tabula Rasa (for my father), Hayden Fowler’s New World Order (2013), Judith Wright’s Relative Conversations (2006), Khadim Ali’s The Haunted Lotus (2011-12) and Tracey Moffatt’s 2008 piece First Jobs (pictured).
Jose James blends sexy jazz with drum 'n' bass. But stay with us — this isn't Skrillex with a saxophone. It's more like Gil Scott-Heron with turntables and a time machine. James makes jazz for the electronic and hip-hop generation, fusing '70s jazz soul with modern influences, new technology and his own smooth vocals. Last year James made a fleeting visit to Australia to play Melbourne International Jazz Festival and Sydney's Future Now show, and this month he's returning to command the dumpling-scented and beer-stained Standard. It's a fitting venue for the musician to present his brand new album No Beginning No End, an album which has really allowed James to dust off the remains of the jazz singer tag and show him for the genre-blending spearhead that he is. If you like your jazz dirty and your DnB barely recognisable, expect only good things. https://youtube.com/watch?v=5Gz2kqOupCI
Surfing and gig-going have always been two of Australia's best-loved pastimes, and in 2018 we scored a festival celebrating the best of both worlds. After returning this year, it's back for its third round of autumnal beachside festivals. Returning from February–April 2020, The Drop festival will cruise around the country as it once again follows the Aussie leg of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour — and it's bringing a banging little lineup of musical gold along for the ride. Surfing the festival wave are dance music legends The Presets, Aussie indie-rock chart-toppers Boy & Bear and Brisbane's Ball Park Music, along with other local acts Allday, DZ Deathrays, Kita Alexander and Graace. Held on the first weekend of each area's surfing event, The Drop is set to grace some of the Australia's most iconic surf spots, each outing featuring a locally focused offering of food, drink and culture, to match the tunes. As well as heading to the official WSL events in Torquay, Margaret River and Coolangatta as it has since 2018 — and forming part of WSL Qualifying Series events Surfest Newcastle and Vissla Sydney Surf Pro in Manly, as it did in 2019 — the fest will also hit Noosa as part of the WSL Noosa Longboard Open. [caption id="attachment_753214" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] THE DROP FESTIVAL 2020 LINEUP The Presets Boy & Bear Ball Park Music Allday DZ Deathrays Kita Alexander Graace THE DROP FESTIVAL 2020 DATES Noosa, Qld — Dolphins Rugby Club, Sunshine Beach, Saturday, February 29 Newcastle, NSW — Empire Park, Saturday, March 7 Manly, NSW — Keirle Park, Saturday, March 14 Coolangatta, Qld — Queen Elizabeth Park, Saturday, March 28 Torquay, Vic — Torquay Common, Saturday, April 11 Margaret River, WA — Barnard Park, Busselton, Saturday, April 25 The Drop tickets go on sale from 6pm AEDT on Wednesday, December 4, with pre-sales available from 6pm, Tuesday, December 3 for folks who register in advance (prior to 6pm, Monday, December 2). For more info, visit thedropfestival.com.au. Images: Walk Wild Studio/ Miranda Stokkel / Ian Laidlaw.
The words bubble and Bondi partnered up years ago and now enjoy word association royalty status, a factor that the local haunt (and aptly named) Neighbourhood is taking full advantage of with its lounge room feel. A few blocks back from the beach and almost worth its own Bondi Hipsters meme, this place was packed last Sunday. Ah, well it was — until you hit the back. Think cafe-esque frontage, a cocktail bar that looks decked out with pieces from a shipwreck, and that garage your dad turned into a den. As much I honestly enjoyed being away from the hordes in the front section, you do feel a little forgotten by the waitstaff (I overheard one customer ask the owner if there was table service), and the sparse decor reads: we spent the budget on the front. The menu is a marriage of Sydney's two favourites fusions — Americano and Asian — so it kind of ticks all boxes. Or it comes off as confused. It's a little hard to orientate a meal with words like ponzu and tempeh flying around alongside mac and cheese ($12), a whole load of jaffles and no staff guidance. Maybe we aren't ready for fusion fusion dinners? So we opted for a few snacks and saved all our attention for the cocktail list. Scofflaw ($17) has a way of catching my eye during a menu skim, so the barman poured some Bulleit Rye, bianco vermouth, lemon juice and real pomegranate grenadine into his tins and we were away. Generally this list is geared towards simple twists — often involving something sweet and American— on lesser-known classics, such as the cutely named Poste-Haste ($17): a riff on the Airmail using smoked honey or an old-fashioned pimped out with buttered popcorn and salted caramel ($17). The smokey wallop of spice in the Neighbourhood Bloody Mary impressed across the board, but next time I will definitely be taking the suggested mescal option (as a substitute to vodka) just to stand up to that flavour hit. Next up: snacks. Okay, I will admit it: The BBQ wings were delicious, with a sticky sauce of beef stock, Coca-Cola, maple syrup and secret herb selection — this is the kind of dude food I can get behind. It's a shame the Big Momma's Southern Style Coleslaw ($8) didn't come out at the same time, though. We ended up with a generous serving of slaw and not a whole lot to do with it. Alternatively, the Eddie's BBQ Margarita ($17) practically drunk itself; shaken with fresh lime agave syrup and grilled pineapple and well balanced with a habanero salt rim over ice. But if you're not a fan of hot, you should probably heed their disclaimer: "That means spicy!" We wrapped up the night with an old rye classic, the Rattlesnake ($18) and kicked off to sample more of Bondi. This is definitely not a bad spot. Sure, the service is casual and almost naive, but that ultimately makes sense within the space and there is little doubt that Neighbourhood will be absolutely pumping this summer. So next time your throat is dry and sunstroke has you seeking shelter, grab a Neighbourhood Bloody Mary on Curlewis Street.
If you've ever needed your texts in physical form, designer Joe Doucet has created a nifty little mobile printer that produces your text message conversations on paper. The 'Blackbox SMS Printer' simply connects to your phone through a cable to produce two identical records of any conversation, no matter how long, using a "standard, non-carbon receipt printing system." Importantly, the designer states that this printer is appropriate "whether the communique is of a loving or legal nature." So if you're keen on treasuring some heartwarming messages from your lover, and also scared of the inevitable cracking of your iPhone screen making them illegible, the Blackbox will be right up your alley. Furthermore, it's only a matter of time before these little text message scripts become evidence of communication between dodgy drug dealers in high profile court cases. [via PSFK]
Under stark lighting and to the beat of a throbbing soundtrack, a dancer and a bodybuilder come together in an unlikely pas de deux that tests the boundaries of physical endurance. This is MAXIMUM, the aptly named piece by Australian choreographer and dancer Natalie Abbott, recently returned from the Festival d’Avignon in France to showcase her performance in Sydney as part of Score season by Performance Space. The unique dance work developed when Abbott began collaborating with bodybuilder Donny Henderson-Smith. "I originally wanted to be lifted off the ground for a 45-minute show and thought it would be a strong contrast to work with a bodybuilder," explains Abbott. "When I began to work with Donny, though, I realised how much more information and personality he could bring to the work. We still include a pretty long and devastating lift; however, the piece is really more about us working together to find unity and a common language for performance. Given such an unexpected collaboration, the differences between dancing and bodybuilding are hard to ignore. Initially, MAXIMUM appears to be a performance of contrasts: light and heavy, small and large, grace and grunt. Despite this, the two performers find a unique harmony through mental focus and physical strength. The challenging choreography tests dancer and bodybuilder equally, and the whole idea of what happens to the human body at physical extremes is what fascinates Abbott. "My training as a dancer was quite intense and I really had to push my body to get through that," she says. "I know that the training is probably even more intense for a bodybuilder and this is why I was interested in exploring the relationship between both practices. Both forms are so intense and focused, yet yield such dissimilar results. I was super interested in exploring the dynamics of placing both bodies next to each other. The connotations of a massive male next to a smaller female, the traditional context of a man partnering a woman and what these images automatically imply for a viewer. My vision was then to override these assumptions and reveal us as humans, rather than performers, a bodybuilder and a dancer." You’d expect the performers to have endured intense physical training to prepare for such a gruelling performance. Not so, says Abbott, who points out “we need to be challenged during the [show]”, and so while the two prepared by tuning their bodies into sync, they avoided additional fitness training. That means the exhaustion we see on stage is real; the charade of a performance is stripped away to reveal the humans behind the choreography, lending the show its raw physicality that has both challenged and captivated audiences. ("Beautifully achieved, exhilarating work," wrote ABC Arts after the premiere at Next Wave.) Maximum plays as part of Performance Space's Score season of works driven by dance, movement, music and noise. Abbott is particularly “curious and excited” to see One Thing Follows Another... by Gail Priest and Jane McKernan, a performance inspired by the 1960s avant-garde that plays on ideas of independence and collaboration between music and dance. Other highlights include the genre-defying fusion piece Keep Everything by critically acclaimed dance company Chunky Move, as well as Psychic Synth, a digital work by Pia Van Gelder that will read your mind. Score is on from August 1 to September 7 at Carriageworks. See MAXIMUM from August 27-30. Single tickets are $25 adult/$15 concession, or you go all out and buy a season pass for $130. See the website for details.
No matter how much the term 'post rock' may still continue to irk, Tortoise are the influential people to blame for forcing some underpaid music journo to unleash it onto the post-Krautrock-progressive-experimental-instrumental world all those years ago. A band comprised over time of members of Slint, Sea & Cake, The For Carnation and many more (let's no-one mention Zwan), Tortoise remains one slow, amazing beast. Formed in 1990, they rose rhythmically to the forefront of the Chicago/Thrill Jockey scene, releasing only six full-length albums over the last twenty years, but each one a gem. Cycling through different interests and moods, Tortoise have explored jazz and electronica and, moving away from their noticeably non-vocal music, released a covers record in 2006 with Bonnie Prince Billy. Their twists and turns have won heapings of critical praise and a rabid (more mature nod-along than Bieber fever) fanbase. Tortoise curated an early All Tomorrow's Parties festival and are scheduled to play the New York version later this year by way of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. In the meantime, they play one show in Sydney, touted to be a truly special occasion. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6zRJftR_508
We made it through 2020. We're in the throes of a new year, with two months of summer still ahead of us. The holidays are done and dusted, and as we get back into the swing of work it can be easy to get swept up in all the chaos and miss out on the good stuff — like outdoor cinemas, gigs, award-winning musicals and G&T pop-ups. It's time to make the most of the summertime events you probably meant to check out in 2020 but didn't. New year, new you. And that means getting outside and embracing the best of Sydney life. Here are seven things to do this summer and autumn to help lift your mood. Get out there and enjoy it.
Summer is fast approaching, and for many this means a total review of your wardrobe. Trenchcoats and scarves are being boxed in your garage, whilst singlets and sunnies are making a comeback as the days grow hotter and longer. Here we've compiled a list of stores around Sydney that will help you look the part in the coming months. From high-end pieces to straight streetwear, there's bound to be at least one store that caters to your tastes. TOPS 7Camicie With over 300 stores in 30 countries, Italian business 7Camicie has only recently found its way to Sydney. Housed in a modest store in Paddington, their button-up shirts are not for the faint-hearted. The designs feature vibrant colours and loud designs, which are often contrasted with more subtle cuffs and collars. Other shirts also have multiple collars, patterned inner lining and an abundance of buttons, which make them a little less formal. You might be surprised that each shirt has so many different intricacies. Wear one of these and you’re guaranteed to turn heads. Address: 446 Oxford St, Paddington Phone: (02) 9331 0088 Visit website Incu Incu has long been hipster heaven in Australia, and their diverse range of niche brands has made the store a staple with the cultured demographic. Of particular note is growing Australian brand Vanishing Elephant, whose checked and vintage print shirts are great for this summer. Their pocket tees and singlets will also be suitable for a day outing, coming in a handful of brighter colours. More conventional shirts from A.P.C and Oliver Spencer can also be found at Incu. Throw one of these on before you hop on your fixie bike. Address: Shop 19-20, 500 George St, Sydney (The Galeries) and 256 Oxford Street, Paddington Phone: (02) 9283 7622 and (02) 9331 6070 Visit website Bassike It’s always essential that you stock up on a handful of plains for summer. This is exactly what you'll find at Bassike - nothing outrageous, but some high-quality, dependable tees and singlets that are easy to piece together an outfit with. When it’s not blank, simple stripes and patterns are on offer. However, the unorthodox cuts and details add some subtle spark to these basics. These pieces of clothing may not seem like the most exciting things to spend your money on, but it’s often the case that less is more. Plus, it’s unlikely that anything you pick up here will be going out of fashion soon. Address: 26 Glenmore Rd, Paddington, 11 Macmilan Court, Avalon and 803 Military Road, Mosman Phone: (02) 9360 3606 Visit website BOTTOMS Above The Clouds Above the Clouds is relatively new on the Sydney streetwear scene, but the wonderfully modern boutique has already made a huge name for itself. The store is named after a Gangstarr song, so you know it’s going to be good. Above the Clouds stocks boardshorts from Sydney-based brand Venroy. With clean, bold designs and an above-the-knee cut, these comfy casuals are a slick addition to any wardrobe. Above the Clouds also sold A.T.G. leopard print boardshorts last summer, and this season features some other pieces which are just as daring. Keep an eye out for some exciting Above the Clouds collaborations in the near future. Address: Shop 2, 256 Crown St, Darlinghurst Phone: (02) 9356 4404 Visit website Alfie's Alfie's is a great store if you're looking for something snazzy without being overdressed. Located just a short drive from the CBD, they stock classic brands such as Lacoste and Fred Perry, but some smaller companies too. Among these is Melbourne-based Mr. Simple, who have an excellent range of chino shorts at a modest price. They're avaliable in everything from royal blue to mustard, and easy to either dress up or dress down. Their long chinos come in a slim fit, and look great when pinrolled for the subtle ankle-flashing that's proven popular. Address: 264 Darling St, Balmain Phone: (02) 9555 5222 Visit website Topshop/Topman Okay, so Topshop hasn’t actually opened yet, but the UK giant has secured a prime location in the CBD and is set to open before Christmas. Whilst it is better known for catering to females, male counterpart Topman offers plenty of options for guys seeking to keep it smart. A quick browse on their online store reveals chino shorts, twill shorts and dress shorts in an assortment of styles. Coloured denim is also available for the braver fashionistas who want to match the summer weather with an equally bright pair of slacks. Here’s hoping that the online range will be replicated in Sydney, and at a reasonable price. Address: Former Gowings Building, Corner Market and George Streets, Sydney (Opening Christmas 2011). FOOTWEAR Footage Footage used to deal heavily with Nike Air Max and runners, but the store has primarily focused on the higher end of streetwear in recent years. Here you’ll find a nice collection of the classics from Vans, Sperry and Converse, plus some cuts you’ll have trouble finding anywhere else. Lace these up and throw on some Mr. Simple chino shorts for a crisp look that’s hard to fault. Every once in awhile Footage will still stock a pair of Nikes to please all the street veterans and homies out there. You might come for the shoes, but don’t be surprised if you leave with a whole outfit. Address: 13C Burton St, Darlinghurst Phone: (02) 9332 1337 Visit website Spring Court Spring Court offers some suave options for those seeking footwear with particular craftsmanship and quality. Having started in 1936, this vintage French manufacturer has been making shoes longer than most people have been alive. Mid-cut canvas sneakers offer a nice casual alternative to mainstream brands, and are apparently made of Egyptian cotton. Fancy. Leather and suede products from Schmoove will add plenty of class to your outfit, and are available in tan and lighter shades for a summer feel. Roll up those skinny jeans even further, as these European shoes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Address: 113A Commonwealth St, Surry Hills Phone: (02) 9281 6687 Visit website Espionage/Sneakerology Espionage has been a cornerstone of the Sydney sneaker scene for years, and not without good reason. Their collection of Nikes reigns supreme in this city, and you’ll find yourself at least one pair of runners that are too nice to ever run in. It also hosts a collection of Adidas, Puma and Reebok items, which will undoubtedly please the older generation of sneakerheads. Colourful and extra-wide shoelaces are also available for those replicating that retro b-boy look. The epic window display at their newest store, Sneakerology, will brighten up your shopping experience. Cop a pair of kicks and buy a subtly matching cap for a sneaky colour code. Espionage Address: Shop 2, 22-26 Goulburn St, Sydney Espionage Phone: (02) 9264 9704 Visit website Sneakerology Address: Level 1, Shop 1020, 188 Pitt St, Sydney (Westfield) Sneakerology Phone: (02) 8072 8889 Visit website ACCESSORIES Capsule Capsule carries a load of accessories, from belts to snapbacks and even a few surprises. This includes Navajo print socks, which should be worn with shorts and pulled all the way up for that grandpa swagger. If you want to keep trendy but don’t have the dough, sunglasses from Vans go for just under $20. Capsule also stocks watches from O’Clock, which have silicone bands that stretch and slip onto the wrist like bangles. These are super cheap and extra bands can be bought individually of the watch face. This makes them a convenient choice when you want to switch colours depending on your mood and outfit. Address: Shop 1001B, Level 1, 188 Pitt St, Sydney (Westfield) Phone: (02) 8246 9124 Visit website Tuchuzy Nothing screams summer in Sydney more than Bondi, and cult boutique Tuchuzy is synonymous with the suburb’s fashion circuit. Tucked away just minutes from the world famous beach, Tuchuzy now has a store just for men. Wewood offers wooden watches in a range of earthy shades, and the company plants one tree for every watch sold. Look savvy and be an environmental superhero at the same time. Long cross necklaces from Stolen Girlfriends Club work perfectly when draped over basic tees, and their studded gold rings are suitable for those seeking bling with a little more edge. Aviators and wayfarers from Oliver Peoples are a fresh take on these classic styles. Address: 90 Gould St, Bondi Beach Phone: (02) 9365 5371 Visit website Halfsleeve Halfsleeve has an impressive range of headwear that offers a piece for everyone to enjoy. Caps from streetwear favourites Mishka and Only NY are a regular feature, whilst vintage NBA snapbacks also pop up every once in awhile. Three new Halfsleeve snapbacks will also drop in November to accompany their own line of baseball and pocket tees. For something a little more understated, five-panel and camp caps from Coal and New York Hat Co. use simple designs with a tight, snug fit. Also available is a collection of 9five and Waiting for the Sun sunglasses in plastic and wooden frames, which are fashionable and easy on the wallet. Address: Shop 3, 133 Goulburn St, Surry Hills Phone: (02) 8021 0869 Visit website
When March arrives, the Murray River transforms into a wonderland of reds, oranges and golds. It's the ideal season to visit. While outdoorsy types can walk, cycle and paddle, wine aficionados can linger over autumnal releases, with rolling vineyards and river sunsets as their backdrop. Here are five dreamy ways to enjoy the Murray's changing colours, from drifting down the river on a houseboat to cycling along share paths scattered with sculptures and cantering on horseback through red river gum forests. SLEEPOVER ON A HOUSEBOAT To completely immerse yourself in the river – from dawn till dusk – stay on a houseboat. All you have to do is sit back, relax and watch the day roll by (unless, of course, you're captain). Or, you can get as adventurous as you like, mooring at riverside villages, stopping by wineries for tastings, embarking on kayaking escapades, jumping in the water for dips and trying your hand at fishing. Most vessels come with a variety of spaces, including sunny decks, glass-walled lounge rooms and outdoor spas. If you've cash to splash, go for a luxury model, such as Magic Murray Houseboats' Magic or Murray River Houseboats' Decadence, which each feature four queen or king bedrooms, luxurious linen, TVs galore, a spa and sun deck. Meanwhile, Mildura Houseboats' fleet ranges from back-to-basics to total extravagance, so there are options for any budget. Stacks more boats are listed on the Wander Victoria website. JUMP ON A BICYCLE It's possible to ride the entire length of the Murray, from its source on the slopes of Mount Kosciuszko to its mouth in Coorong, about 75 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. However, if you don't have weeks to spare (and Amazonian legs), then there are plenty of shorter cycle paths to explore. In Echuca, the Food and Wine Trail takes in numerous cellar doors and local producers, including Morrisons Winery and Cape Horn Vineyard, which both afford expansive views of the river. If you're heading to Albury, conquer the Wagirra Trail, a six-kilometre roll dotted with river-inspired sculptures created by local Indigenous artists. And in Mildura, you'll find several options, including the 12.5-kilometre Riverfront Highlights route, which passes Mildura Arts Centre, Old Mildura Homestead and Ornamental Lakes. PADDLE A CANOE, KAYAK OR STAND-UP BOARD Another way to see autumn from the water – apart from hiring a houseboat – is by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. For red river gums, koalas and cockatoos, make tracks to Barmah National Park, where there are four paddling trails, between 2.7 and 17.4 kilometres long. Nearby lies Murray Valley National Park, home to the Edward River, a tranquil tributary of the Murray sprinkled with picnic areas and swimming spots. You'll find hire facilities in many riverside towns, including Echuca (Echuca SUP and Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire), Cohuna (Murray River Adventours) and Albury-Wodonga (Canoe the Murray). If you're not confident paddling on your own or would like someone else to take care of the organising, book an adventure with Southern Side Eco Tourism, who'll take you to remote terrain and put you up in a bell tent, or River Country Adventours, whose canoe safaris run on the Goulburn River. HORSE RIDING THROUGH RED RIVER GUM FOREST If reading Black Beauty changed your life forever, then make your equine dreams come true at Billabong Ranch. This 390-acre property just ten minutes' drive from Echuca is an adventure park, where you can jump on a horse's back and canter alongside rivers and through red river gum forest. There are four journeys to choose from: a one-hour bush and creek ride, a two-hour journey beside Goulburn River, a three-hour escapade taking in the Goulburn and the Murray, and a winery ride, which carries you to a local cellar door. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, then the latter can be turned into an overnighter, with extra activities, such as a longer ride to a local pub, a mini cattle muster, a cruise on a paddle steamer and a tour of the Great Aussie Beer Shed. GO WINE TASTING What better way to admire dazzling autumn leaves than with a glass of wine in hand? There are several places to sip and sample along the Murray. If you're Mildura-bound, then begin your explorations at the Sunraysia Cellar Door, where more than 250 wines await your review. Just 15 minutes' drive away in Trentham Cliffs is Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery and restaurant on the banks of the Murray. It's one of many waterfront wineries along the river. Drive southeast for two hours to reach Piangil, where you'll find Andrew Peace's cellar door, then another two-and-a-half to Echuca Moama, home to Cape Horn Vineyard and Morrisons Winery. While you're in the area, get off the beaten track with a trip along the Backroads Trail, stopping at The Old School to try some small-batch meads and Restdown for organic drops. For more ideas on how to spend your autumn getaway in the Murray River region and across the state, check out the Wander Victoria website.
Mecca, aka the Melbourne-born beauty and cosmetics chain that has won fans the country over since it launched in the 90s, has been opening stores around Australia for the last 20 years. And it's currently hosting a huge online sale with 50 percent off a heap of products. That's good news for everyone, including your bank balance. If you haven't jumped on the Mecca bandwagon yet, then prepare to nab all those prestigious international brands you can't get elsewhere — as well as its own line of products. It's a makeup mecca, and more than a 100 different products are currently on sale. You can nab half-price Urban Decay highlighter, Nars eyeshadow, Too Faced concealer and Bare Minerals products — just to name a few of the items on sale. If this is the excuse you needed to boost your makeup bag, the sale runs online — on both Mecca Australia and Mecca NZ websites — from 7am on Tuesday, June 30 until 6.59am on Tuesday, July 14 (or till stocks last).
Toby Schmitz — actor, playwright, director, darling of Australian theatre scene — is taking a break from his life in South Africa playing pirates to take the helm (ha ha) of the Sydney Independent Theatre Company and Red Line Productions' production of Irish play Howie the Rookie by Mark O'Rowe (writer of Terminus). The play is a sometimes hilarious, often grotesque tale of the bizarre feud of honour between two friends/enemies, set in a Dublin of nightmares. The Howie Lee and The Rookie Lee get themselves into some absurdly amusing situations — from the scabies-infested mattress that starts it all off to the murder of a prominent and terrifying gangland figure's pet fish. And, to transport you all but literally and physically to the streets of the Irish capital, The Old Fitzroy Theatre will be serving Irish beer and Irish whiskey and playing host to a string of bands who all hail from the land of leprechauns, stodgy food — and did we mention whiskey?
