Georges Bataille, French writer, librarian and the 'metaphysician of evil' once wrote, "pleasure only starts once the worm has gotten into the fruit". But couldn't we safely say, with all the porny flotsam and jetsam floating around online, that all the worms in all the fruit have already been seen, grazed over, or digested? Not so according Brenda May Gallery, whose current exhibition Lust brings together a parcel of artists all focusing on the inner-catacoumbs of desire, sexuality, taboo, libidinous longing and any other synonyms you can think of. Featuring: Crispin Akerman, Julie Bartholomew, Bernice Davies, Leah Emery, Todd Fuller, Dan Gladden, James Guppy, Klaus Gutowski, Garth Knight, Daniel Linnet, Julian Meagher, Sarah O'Sullivan, Morgan Shimeld, Jane Siddall and Terry Stringer.
This month, Three Blue Ducks is expanding on its passion for sustainability, kicking off a welcome initiative that's a win for both the planet and for your wallet. On the last Friday of each month, the group's Bronte outpost is shouting free coffee to anyone who brings in their own reusable cup. This will start tomorrow — Friday, May 25 — and the deal's on offer all day too, from 6.30am until 3pm. If you haven't yet jumped onto the reusable cups train, this is the perfect opportunity. During each of these free coffee Fridays, Three Blue Ducks will be selling its own KeepCups at a discounted rate of $15 a pop, instead of the usual $25. Score yourself a free cuppa and reduce your plastic footprint? There is seriously no losing there. Free Cup Fridays will take place on the last Friday of every month between 6.30am and 3pm at Three Blue Ducks Bronte at 143 Macpherson Street, Bronte. Image: Nikki To.
Actors are sometimes accused of narcissism, attention-seeking behaviour and daftness. The Lunch Hour by Chris Aronsten at Darlinghurst Theatre, directed by Kate Gaul, is not helping. The play is a self-referential, singing, dancing farce about actors employed at a theatre box office, where they surreptitiously work on grant applications and project ideas whilst being hounded by their ineffectual washed-up boss, Martin, a playwright. Theatre about theatre can be plagued by in-jokes and narrowness, but it doesn't have to be a sentence to irrelevance. The Sydney Theatre Company's The Histrionic was about theatre as well as (among other things) the xenophobia of Austria and, by extension, Australia. The Lunch Hour, by comparison, is theatre about only theatre. It reveals some extreme narcissism on the part of Aronsten and a poor programming decision by Darlinghurst Theatre. What seems to have been intended as a cathartic group hug for struggling artists is more like an embarrassing 'overshare', to use an ugly word. These details of actors' lives are neither interesting nor dramatic. Often when plot is missing there are at least some remarkable relationships to hone in on, which in this case are also not forthcoming. Some of the cast have moments of triumph over the text. For example, Branden Christine playing a grouchy Fran has some smooth dance moves and very funny rapping. Similarly, Briallen Clarke playing a dopey Felicity and Bali Padda playing the cleaner, Ali, were comic standouts. The problem with this play is not so much its tiny scope but its complete lack of breadth. David Williamson and Joanna Murray-Smith may be prime examples of Australian parochialism, but they at least attempt to tell relevant stories, after a fashion. The Lunch Hour is not only provincial; it is also about absolutely nothing. Thankfully, this sort of infantile storytelling is an exception to Sydney's otherwise stimulating theatre community.
In 2022, the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade won't march down Oxford Street, with the pandemic altering the event's plans for the second year in a row. After the 2021 parade took over the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) as part of a significant COVID-safe change, organisers have announced that it'll be making the same move again next year. "Our priority with planning for next year's parade was ensuring we can once again deliver a safe event," said Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger. "There's still uncertainty of what March is going to look like for us. Mardi Gras can't guarantee that in the next few months things will be back to normal and we can safely have hundreds of thousands spectators on the streets." "The parade is too important to the community to risk having to cancel. So right now, when decisions need to be made, the SCG is the best option for us to guarantee that we can come together to keep the spirit of Mardi Gras' history of protest and celebration shining bright in 2022," Kruger continued. "What we do know is that we can stage an incredible and safe parade in the SCG." The move means that Mardi Gras organisers can adjust to whatever restrictions will be in place come Saturday, March 5, 2022 — scaling up or down depending on the permitted crowd capacity. At present, exactly how many people will be able to attend the parade hasn't been announced, but it'll be in the thousands. For those who can't make it along in person, the entire event will also be broadcast live. Just like this year, Mardi Gras' famed signature festivities will be a ticketed affair — so prepare to sit down, watch a pageant of costumes, puppetry and props, and just generally celebrate queer art and culture once again. Tickets go on sale on Monday, November 15; however, there'll also be a hardship ballot opening on the same date. It'll provide 3000 free parade tickets to those who can't afford a ticket to the parade due to experiencing financial strain. The entire Mardi Gras Festival will run from Friday, February 18–Sunday, March 6, celebrating the theme 'United We Shine' — which is "a call to stand united against the inequalities LGBTQI+ people continue to face, and empowers us with the strength that our history shows: that we have the power to create a more equitable society," Kruger explains. Mardi Gras is working towards taking to the streets as normal again in 2023, which'll mark the parade's 45th anniversary. And, that planned return to Oxford Street will also fall under Sydney World Pride, with the World Pride festival being held in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time ever. The 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, March 5, with tickets on sale from Monday, November 15. For more information, head to the Mardi Gras website. Top images: Anna Kucera.
Following a tumultuous couple of years for the team behind the beloved Wollongong music festival Yours and Owls, the live music crew is bringing the party to Berry over 2023's Easter long weekend with a brand-new festival titled Lazy Mountain. The one-day all-ages affair will be popping up at the Berry Showground on Saturday, April 8, with a stacked lineup of Australian favourites. Topping the list of acts is acclaimed Sydney band Gang of Youths, fresh off their run of arena shows and self-curated festivals. The rockstars will bring their catalogue of hits and new album Angel in Realtime to the showgrounds alongside an indie rock-heavy program. Joining Gang of Youths will be Tash Sultana, Middle Kids, Slowly Slowly, Tyne-James Organ, Merci, Mercy and Aodhan. Living up to its lazy name, the music festival is designed for those sick of running around expansive festival grounds trying to catch their favourite acts between frustrating set time clashes. All seven acts will appear back-to-back on the one stage, meaning that you won't miss your favourite Middle Kids song because you're at Tash Sultana's set. [caption id="attachment_886069" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Middle Kids, Ellen Virgona[/caption] Another enticing element of the new addition to New South Wales' collection of festivals is the location, set in the stunning surrounds of Berry on the NSW South Coast. Located two hours south of Sydney, the festival is a perfect excuse for a regional getaway across the long weekend. The drawcards don't stop there, though. You can expect top-notch tipples and moreish snacks to enjoy between sets as well, with the team behind the South Coast Food and Wine Festival in charge of Lazy Mountain's food and drink lineup. The full culinary and arts program will be coming over the next few weeks. While the event is all ages, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Camping and glamping are available to book through the festival at the Riverside Campgrounds, or you can book a local hotel or Airbnb — including the Palm Springs-inspired Berry View Hotel. [caption id="attachment_886076" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Slowly Slowly, Marcus Coblyn[/caption] LAZY MOUNTAIN MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL 2023 LINEUP: Gang OOFf Youths Tash Sultana Middle Kids Slowly Slowly Tyne James Organ Merci, Mercy Aodhan Lazy Mountain's inaugural festival will take place at Berry Showgrounds on Saturday, April 8. The event's pre-sale goes live at 8am on Monday, January 30 — with general sales from at 8am on Tuesday, January 31.
Sydney fine-diner nel doesn't do anything by halves. When it shows its love for Disney, Moulin Rouge!, Australian native ingredients or KFC on its plates, Nelly Robinson's restaurant goes all in with decadent multi-course degustations. The same applies to Christmas, with the eatery's festive end-of-year spreads a seasonal culinary highlight. But who wants to get jolly just once a year? Not most of us, and not this Wentworth Avenue spot. In 2023, nel is jumping on the Christmas in July trend with feasts every Sunday. Of course, nel's take on anything it sets its ingredients to is never like anyone else's. So, your winter lunches can now include a nel roast with all the trimmings, plus Christmas pudding and winter bombs — and, before all of that, five snacks and a bread course. This is a five-time-only affair for this year, because there are five Sundays this July, with the festive offering kicking off on Sunday, July 2. You'll pay $95 for your taste of merriment, and you'll also need your wallet for any beverages on top. Bookings are essential. Christmas jumpers are optional (but you know that you want to wear one anyway).
The crew at Frankie's wants you to kick off your week with a heavy dose of after work rock 'n' roll with the help of the bar's raucous house band. Each Monday, the Frankie's World Famous House Band takes to the stage to perform a mix of classic rock and heavy metal covers. Entry is free and if you head over straight from work, happy hour is on from 4pm-6pm. Live music kicks off at 9pm with the house band performing two sets, joined by a revolving roster of guest singers and musicians each week. While you're soaking in the music, you can enjoy a selection from Frankie's new pizza menu, which has been created with the help of Restaurant Hubert and Bistrot 916 chef Dan Pepperell. Grab yourself a slice of zucchini pizza with lemon, chilli, garlic, stracciatella and mint; the Texas, which combines two different cheeses, roasted corn, red onion, jalapeños; or the Bismark with truffle salami and egg yolk. Images: Katje Ford
Whether you've actually feasted at a bountiful Thanksgiving table surrounded by your friends, or the experience exclusively lives in holiday-themed American rom coms, we're all familiar with the setting: warm lighting, roast turkey at centre of table, overflowing bowls of accompanying dishes. It's a feast that the team at NOLA Smokehouse and Bar know well — and are offering for the first time this year in its luxe Barangaroo digs. On Thursday, November 24, the New Orleans-inspired venue is hosting an exclusive Thanksgiving Feast. Holding the spotlight to all the Americana classics, there will be mac 'n' cheese, devilled eggs and charred corn, as well as pillow-soft potato bread and Brussels sprouts topped with maple bacon. The main attraction? A barbecued turkey, Creole style, that's been smoked in-house. The feast is $130 per person, and you'll have to find room for both a slice of pumpkin pie and bite of choc-chip snickerdoodle. You'll also have your pick from the spot's vast whiskey bar and drinks list, as well as the option to sip two cocktails that are pouring for November only: the Southern Belle Spritz (a fizzy flute that's an optimal way to start your Thanksgiving celebration) and the Banana Ballroom (a dark, sweet sip that's a stand-out finisher). Can't make it on the 24th? Head in any time throughout November to taste the bespoke cocktails and pumpkin pie. Book in to the Thanksgiving Feast at NOLA Smokehouse and Bar on Thursday, November 24, via the website.
Three Darlinghurst venues are coming together to celebrate everyone's favourite tequila- and mezcal-based cocktail: the margarita. The inaugural Darlinghurst Margarita Festival will be taking over Stanley Street venues La Farmacia, Wings + Tins and Mrs Palmer Sandwich on Sunday, February 19. The team behind the festival has curated an epic 12-hour day of margarita-related activities, starting with a complimentary marg on arrival — so from the jump you'll already be in the green from the $15 ticket price. From there, the lineup of activities will span workshops, entertainment, tastings and special menu items. Master the art of the perfect tequila-to-lime ratio at the margarita-making class, catch performances from a live mariachi band and DJ sets throughout the day, challenge your palate at the tequila and mezcal tasting stands, and snack your way through Mexican street food-style al pastor, beef brisket and pork belly tacos. If all of this wasn't enough, the festival has promised there's more to be announced soon. You can find out all the details and buy your tickets to the first ever Darlinghurst Margarita Festival at the La Farmacia website.
Butter Ramen Club is back with an incredibly stacked lineup. Officially relaunching for a 2024 season when May arrived, the beloved event slings inventive versions of the eatery's famed ramen, as created by top culinary talent. The annual tradition returns for its eighth consecutive run, which began to receive significant popularity back in 2021 and now is one of Butter's biggest drawcards. The menu returns just in time for winter, starring hearty bowls of ramen goodness by guest chefs across a six-month-long program. Plus, Butter's Executive Chef Julian Cincotta is officially resurrecting the Butter fried chicken ramen. [caption id="attachment_953533" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @yungnat[/caption] Kicking off the epic program is an aromatic tonkotsu ramen with thick noodles, courtesy of Applejack Group's Patrick Friesen (ex-Bopp & Tone, June's Shoppe, Hester's, The Butler, SoCal, Forrester's; currently RAFI and Taphouse Sydney). The dish will be topped by RAFI's popular yellowfin tuna paired with chilli oil, toasted nori, tomato and sesame, and is available for $28 from Wednesday, May 1–Tuesday, May 28. To pair, the special will also star a boozy iced maple green tea spiked Chivas Regal and containing aloe jelly for $14, which is available in a combo deal with the ramen for $40. Next up is a truly special one, and a dish that's close to Cincotta's heart. Honouring the loss of his dear friend Kerby Craig (Ume Burger), the Ume-inspired ramen is making a return to pay homage to the hospo great. The bowl will star a tori miso ramen with Butter's chicken broth base, corn, black onion and nori, and is available from Wednesday, May 29–Monday, June 24. The third dish on the program is Cincotta's own brainchild, the world-famous fried chicken ramen, which will be available from Tuesday, June 25–Monday, July 29. [caption id="attachment_808127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] W Sean Alcantra[/caption] As for the rest of the lineup, details have yet to be released about the dishes that'll be on offer, but Luke Powell (ex-Bella Brutta, LP's Quality Meats) will be hitting up Butter with his creation from Tuesday, July 30–Monday, August 26, Nick Smith (Rising Sun Workshop) will sling bowls from Tuesday, August 27–Monday, September 23 and Matt Lindsey (Ester/Poly) will take over the menu for the final run from Tuesday, September 24–Monday, October 21. You'll want to get in quick — the event runs on a first-in, first-serve basis with a limited amount of bowls dished up daily. All of these limited-edition creations are only available in-store, so you'll need to head into the Surry Hills venue to get your hands on one — or more. [caption id="attachment_953532" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption] Butter Ramen Club 2024 runs at Butter, 6 Hunt Street, Surry Hills, until Monday, October 21. Head to the Butter Ramen Club's page for further details. Top image: W Sean Alcantra.
If all you wanted for an early Christmas gift this year was for the Matildas to put on a spectacular show at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Australia's national women's soccer team didn't disappoint. If all you're now hoping for this actual festive season is to hear three of the squad's stars chat about their experiences — and their careers in general, as well as what's brought them to this point — then the first-ever Open Air Live event is going to deliver there, too. Taking place at 7pm on Thursday, December 21 at Sydney's Commbank Stadium, Open Air Live will feature Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, forward Caitlin Foord and defender Alanna Kennedy, who'll be back in Australia to get talking. All three impressed on the pitch in July and August, and cemented their place as Aussie sporting heroes, even if the semi-final loss to England meant that the Matildas didn't end up with the ultimate prize. On offer as well: a live masterclass where Arnold, Foord and Kennedy will show off their skills; and a match-day vibe thanks to four stages and ample use of the stadium screens. There's obviously plenty for the three Matildas players to discuss. Their Women's World Cup efforts enraptured the entire nation, including breaking viewing records to become the most-watched program on Aussie TV since 2001 when current records began, and likely ever. They had Nikki Webster sing to them in Brisbane afterwards, and are getting a team statue in the Queensland capital. And, of course, the campaign was the result of years of hard work both as a squad and on the individual level to get the Tillies to this point. Arnold, Foord and Kennedy will be back in Australia for the event from the UK, where all the trio play in the Women's Super League. Arnold is West Ham United's captain, while Foord plays for Arsenal and Kennedy for Manchester City. Top image: Tiff Williams.
They've dished out french fries inside toasted sandwiches at Bondi's Neighbourhood. They've shaken up all your late night tipples and Royales with cheese at Darlinghurst's Henrietta Supper Club. Now Simon McGoram, Eddie de Souza, Keith Hodgson and Joshua Evans (or the newly established Idle Group) are about to open two new Sydney spots; Newtown bar Raven's Eye and Chippendale pub New Britannia. First cab off the rank is Raven's Eye, set to open next week and named after the 1997 Al Pacino/Johnny Depp film Donnie Brasco. The team told Australian Bartender the bar will try to steer clear of mafia references and instead channel a mid-20th century American-Italian theme. Set to open on June 4 at 127 King Street, Newtown, Raven's Eye will truly test the Bondi/Darlinghurst lads in inner west waters. Next up, the team touch base with the monarchy to open their very first pub: New Britannia. The lads have found themselves a particularly old, heritage-listed Chippendale pub, built in 1879 by none other than William Chippendale. Obviously this one took a little more negotiation to lock down, as de Souza told AB the whole thing took a year to work around heritage requirements, pick out interior design schemes, the lot. There'll be plenty of craft beer on tap and in the fridge, there are whispers of slushies and the existing pizza facilities inside the pub will be revamped and renamed Fast Eddie’s Pizza & Liquor. Find Raven's Eye at 127 King Street Newtown from Thursday, June 4. Then in July, find New Britannia at 103 Cleveland Street, Chippendale. Via Australian Bartender.
Remember the days when Sunday roasts at the folks' house were made sweeter due to Sunday night movies? When an 8.30pm screening of Jerry Maguire or Batman Returns or some cheeseball rom-com provided a nostalgic sense of home? Belvoir St Theatre, for one, have been craving that type of Sunday night community, and so they've gone about restoring it. And in typical Belvoir style, it's being delivered to us in the edgiest way possible. Introducing B Street, a series of Sunday night performances Belvoir have tagged "a soapie". Penned by acclaimed Aussie actor/writers Charlie Garber and Rita Kalnejais, as well as Belvoir's writer-in-residence, Tommy Murphy, the six 'episodes' will feature ongoing characters and continuing plot lines to ensure that us theatregoers can pick up from where a performance has left off the week prior. Expect all your typical soap-like elements: love, paternal cover-ups and even an academic who "arrives puffed", according to Belvoir's teaser synopsis. Sounds like a scream to us. The shows will start at around 8pm every week.
If paying $500 to live like a sardine just ain't your thang (we feel you), try out The Vanguard this New Year's. Because the resident movie buffs are chucking an Animal House-themed do, togas and all. To keep us and our garlands entertained, The Vanguard have curated an all-star soul band that includes Mojo Juju, Jeremy Davidson of The Snowdroppers and three of the guys from Gay Paris. Image via University of Wisconsin Archives. See more events in our guide to NYE and NYD in Sydney.
If views are what you're after when seeing out another year, then The Glenmore is the place to be on New Year's Eve. The Rocks' famed rooftop bar looks over Sydney Harbour, with uninterrupted views of the Opera House and a prime position next to the Harbour Bridge. So, here, you can expect fireworks and good times aplenty when the end of 2019 turns into 2020. What's better than partying on a harbourside rooftop on the night before New Year's Day? Doing it without having to pay a dime, that's what. To help you ring in the new year right, we're giving away four tickets (worth $385 a pop) to The Glenmore's NYE Party. You and three mates will be ushering in 2020 while kicking back on the rooftop and wandering around the cocktail lounge. Your ticket includes a four-hour deluxe beverages package, which includes select wine, beer and spirits. The evening is sponsored by Stella Artois, Cîroc and Mumm, so expect plenty of vodka sodas, top-notch beers and celebratory glasses of Mumm at midnight. In between sipping, you'll be feasting on top-quality canapés, plus there'll be a gourmet buffet on arrival should you need to line the stomach early. And, of course, it's New Year's Eve, so there'll be live tunes playing all night long, with Emily of One Stop DJs kicking things off, followed by the dreamy (and dance-worthy) harmonies of Thousand Rivers. If you're keen to treat your best mates to a decadent New Year's Eve party — which obviously you are — enter your details below to be in the running. [competition]740052[/competition]
This is opera, but not as you know it. For a start, it's The Nose, the first opera written by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, who, at the time — 1928 — was just 20. Its basis is a surreal, satirical short story by fellow Russian Nikolai Gogol about Platon Kovalev, a civil servant who wakes up one morning in his St Petersburg home without his nose. He sets off to find it, only to discover it's become a character in its own right: a mischief-maker of superior social status. Along the way, Kovalev begs for help in a cathedral, police station and newspaper office, but encounters only callousness. Shostakovich fuels the protagonist's pursuit with a wild, chaotic score of changing time signatures, clashing harmonies and destabilising shifts in direction, influenced by folk, jazz and Gregorian chants. He co-wrote the libretto with Georgy Ionin, Alexander Preis and Yevgeny Zamyatin. Secondly, it's in the hands of Aussie expat Barrie Kosky, current director of Komische Oper Berlin. Now, there are many ways to interpret the satire: is it a comment on society's obsession with appearances? A critique of classism and snobbery? Does Kovalev suffer a castration complex? However, rather than choosing a single perspective, Kosky plunges Kovalev (Martin Winkler) into a dystopian world, in which the loss of his nose turns all order upside down. As he lurches from one institution to another, repeatedly met by indifference or outright scorn, his nose appears in various manifestations — here as a menacing shadow, there as a line of cheeky tap dancers. The singing, dancing, jeering crowd is a nightmarish maelstrom of corrupt police officers, worn-out journos and bearded cabaret dancers. Fart jokes, slapstick and disruptions of the fourth wall (at one point, an actor planted in the crowd calls out, "This isn't the Rooty Hill RSL, it's the Sydney Opera House!") interweave with rare moments of pathos, including a moving scene in which the clownish Kovalev sobs alone in bed, hidden beneath the sheets. It's fun and irreverent, but loud, brash, shocking, confronting and, at times, overwhelming. The production, which features a new English translation of the libretto by David Pountney, is a collaboration between Sydney Opera House and the Royal Opera House, London. Image: Prudence Upton.
There are a million ways to meet someone in 2023. The options range across physical and digital, making it easier than ever to find the right someone. One of the fastest ways to find the right person is the classic choice of speed dating. It's a great way to speed up the process if you want to cut out the endless swiping and waiting for a match. That's what Cheeky Events Australia is here for with its weekly speed dating series. Running in Sydney and Melbourne and about to launch in Brisbane, the events cater to anyone aged 25-35, 30-45 or 35-49 — Cheeky Events Australia aims to open it up to more age groups and cater to LGBTQIA+ customers in 2024. [caption id="attachment_922332" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] millann via iStock[/caption] How does it work? Simply book your spot for one of the many regular events via Eventbrite or the Cheeky Events Australia app (and use code PLAYGROUND15 to get 15% off ). Once you arrive, your hosts (who are also former speed dating guests) will greet you and supply you with a complimentary beverage to enjoy while mingling with fellow daters before the action begins. Women will stay seated while the men rotate around, with a brief mingling break at the halfway point of the night. Once the time is up, participants will open the app to input their likes, and matches will be finalised via the app later that night. Any matches will be able to find each other's contact details in the app. The odds are in your favour — on average, everyone has one or two matches per night, with many finding a long-term partner by their third event. Keep an eye out for more than just the weekly series — there could be themed boat parties on your dating horizon. To get started with Cheeky Events Australia, follow them on Instagram, download the app or find the next event on Eventbrite. For more information, visit the website.
At almost three hours long, Peter Jackson's The Hobbit is the perfect film for those who find the cracking pace of the Boxing Day test a little too hectic. Taking place some 60 years before the events of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it chronicles the adventures of the young hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who's recruited by the wizard Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellan) to help a gang of rowdy dwarves reclaim their mountain home. The whole film has a much lighter feel to it than the trilogy, with the first 45 minutes in particular veering awfully close to 'kids movie', and no matter how stunning the visuals (they really are breathtaking), it's difficult to escape the sense that we've all 'been here, done that' before. On the plus side, there is a pleasant familiarity to the Shire, and as we walk back through Bilbo’s house alongside Gandalf, it does feel a touch like revisiting old friends whom we've dearly missed. One notable distinction to the 'samey' vibe of The Hobbit, however, is the way it was filmed. There are, in fact, three different viewing options available to audiences: normal 2D, 3D or HFR 3D (High Frame Rate), and it's that last one that's garnering all the attention, both good and bad. At 48 frames per second, HFR is twice the rate of conventional cinema, making the on-screen action extraordinarily smooth and adding remarkable definition to every detail, especially in 3D. The technique delivers an incredibly immersive experience within the world of Middle Earth, particularly in the more elaborate kingdoms and set pieces like the dwarf realm and the trolls' cave. However, and that's a BIG 'however', HFR is far from perfect. More specifically, it's terrible. Somehow with the exception of the vistas mentioned above, every other aspect of the film is severely let down by the enhanced clarity of the device. The lighting looks amateurish, the action almost appears sped up, the make-up and costumes look like make-up and costumes, and — overall — the whole piece more closely resembles a behind-the-scenes DVD extra rather than 'the most anticipated movie event of 2012'. Take nothing away from Jackson for pushing new boundaries and offering some of the most stunning 3D footage ever seen, but it's an experiment best left unrepeated. Jackson's also been criticised for his decision to split the story into three parts; a seemingly commercial extravagance that may test the patience of even the most die-hard fans. That said, Tolkien's (and Jackson's) ability to enrapture one's imagination and tell compelling human tales in a most-inhuman world cannot be overstated, and coupled with the sumptuous cinematography and cutting-edge special effects, The Hobbit remains a worthwhile Boxing Day treat despite its shortcomings.
Hop to it — you've got another must-do activity to add to your school holiday plans. This mobile inflatable obstacle course is popping up inside the Entertainment Quarter for a week during the school holidays, and it's here so both you and the family can enjoy the break you truly deserve. Head over to the EQ's Showring with the family from 10am – 4pm starting Saturday, September 28, and you'll be met with a wide-spanning 280 metres of inflatable fun dubbed Monster Jump. You'll be able to venture your way through over 30 types of family-friendly obstacles where you'll tackle climbing walls and slides, jump over hurdles, and also duck in, under and around inflated barriers. Plus, the fun isn't limited to kids. If spectating is too far from the action, you can channel your inner kidult and take on the course yourself. This run of the course features a brand-new inflatable addition that's sure to get your blood pumping: Monster Sports Jam. Here, you'll be doing more than running, jumping, and climbing. This installation features basketball, a jousting station, a wrecking ball and much more. While tickets will be available at the gate upon arrival, pre-booking your spot online via the Monster Jump website is recommended to ensure you don't miss out. Each ticket guarantees that you'll be working your way through the course for two-hour-long slots. This monster-themed course will be available until Sunday, October 6, so you'll have plenty of time to secure a session — or multiple if the crew is keen. Monster Jump Sydney is open from September 28 until October 6. It is open from 10am until 4pm except on October 6, when it will close at 2pm. Additional information and tickets are available now via the website.
Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema is coming back to Bondi this January for another summer of entertainment, bringing live music by day, cinema by night, and plenty of ice cream in between. The cinema is a mini music festival in its own right, with performances from some of Australia’s newest and best-loved bands, artists and local DJs. Past performers have included Cat Empire, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Amy Meredith, Bertie Blackman, and Kate Miller-Heidke. When the sun goes down, the gigantic 12x6m screen goes up. Cult classics, award-winners, new releases and premieres comprise the line-up, bringing something for everyone. Moviegoers can enjoy lawn chairs, beanbags, and blankets to stay cozy, and charge their mobiles at the Virgin Mobile charging stations. To beat the heat, Ben & Jerry’s will be scooping out free ice cream for every 'Sundae Session'. Local gourmet food vendors and a full bar will also be on site. So if you fancy music, movies and some Mint Chocolate Chunk, hit up Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema for some summer fun. Film screenings and DJ sets run from Tuesday to Sunday and live music performances on Saturdays and Sundays. See the Openair Cinema website for the latest programming updates.
Brookvale in the Northern Beaches was once best known as an industrial hub, with more warehouses and workshops than hospitality venues. In recent years, however, the suburb has attracted an influx of creatives and makers — and, in particular, it has emerged as a dynamic Sydney destination for craft beer and indie distilleries. Celebrating this bounty of beverages: the first-ever Taste of Brookie Festival. This weekend-long party is packed with savoury bites, craft brews and speciality spirits, showcasing the area's ascent as one of the Harbour City's most up-and-coming hospo spots. From Friday, May 24–Sunday, May 26, local cellar doors are swinging wide open — including at Freshwater Brewing Co, 4 Pines, Bucketty's, Dad & Dave's, 7th Day Brewery, Nomad Brewing Co and Broken Bay Brewing, as well as at Manly Spirits Co, Seadrift Distillery and Goodradigbee Distillers. Taste of Brookie isn't just about great drinks — it's also about community. Expect live music sets and DJs spinning back to back bangers, as well as special menus, street eats, and a range of fun activities from cocktail masterclasses and petting zoos to car boot sales and even a chicken nugget festival. Other highlights include a roller rink and bobbing for apples at Manly Spirits Co, a bottomless brunch at Freshwater Brewing to celebrate the launch of its new craft ale Send It, lobster rolls with no-to-low alcohol cocktails at Seadrift, and chocolate and whiskey pairings alongside cheese and wine tastings at Goodradigbee Distillers. With events and pop-ups taking over the entire footprint of Brookvale's former industrial estate, there's something for everyone, including the kids and your four-legged friends. Entry to all venues is free (although many events and activities have a charge), and visitors can access an interactive digital passport to guide their journey and make the most of the weekend's stacked lineup.
With a wardrobe consisting mainly of cute little dresses, ballet flats and tailored cropped jackets, I always look really out of place at punk and hardcore shows. I love going to them, but often catch people eyeing me off with “what is she doing here†looks. But as unsuited to my surrounds as I may appear, I love watching people thrash, shred, sweat, and scream music that is hard and fast and loud. The Flip Out Festival collects all the best new Australian talent and some gems from overseas and throws them together for a day-long music festival at the Manning Bar in Sydney University, complete with BBQ (vegan-friendly), record fair, and merch market. Get there early and grab one of the free Flip Out 2009 CDs with rare and/or unreleased material from every band playing.Featuring AMP winners EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING, PINK REASON (USA), GOODNIGHT LOVING (USA), JAMES ARTHUR’S MANHUNT (USA), OOGA BOOGAS, NAKED ON THE VAGUE, THE STABS, SUPER WILD HORSES, ROYAL HEADACHE, ZOND and more.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Sydney is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to celebrate the landmark 40th anniversary of their iconic small cars, and in turn, help you celebrate the little things that bring that sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Sydney. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week, chuckle over some live comedy for only $10, seek out authentic Vietnamese food in Cabramatta and practice sun salutations on a farm. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the next few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
Extinction isn’t permanent, apparently. Sydney’s Night at the Museum-like party, Jurassic Lounge is being resurrected for a one-off after-hours event to celebrate Halloween. Returning to the Australian Museum for one night only, following their last Halloween Dia de los Muertos event and highly successful Mardi Gras party, The Festivalists’ beloved after-hours event will once again take over the entire museum on Friday, October 30. Creating a playground for grown-ups in the hallowed museum halls, Jurassic Lounge’s Halloween edition plans to transform the Australian Museum into the freaky, freaky establishment we always knew it could be. The one-night-only resurrection of Jurassic Lounge is most excellent news from The Festivalists, the Sydney-based, non-profit company who just took over Madame Tussauds again with their after-hours night, Hijinks. On Halloween night, there'll be plenty of creepy critters scuttling around the Australian Museum, with live taxidermy (oh god), big old bats at the specimen table, live reptiles, and Creepy Crawlies micro-talks by Australian Museum scientists. Between beers, avoid zombies in the Surviving Australia gallery, curse your enemies at the Misfortune Cookie crafts table, DIY gashes and wounds with The Makeup Wardrobe, watch comedians recreate cult horror films from memory, then learn how to actually do the Monster Mash with Diesel Darling's giant dance lesson. Of course, the ever-popular Jurassic Lounge staple Silent Disco will be there for all your scarily quiet shuffling. But in true Festivalists style, there’s sure to be plenty of happenings and Easter Eggs planned for the night. Just be careful if you're thinking of unlocking the secret Trick or Treat room. Be warned.
The year of the tiger is almost upon us (goodbye year of the ox, go sleep it off), and the festivities are starting to pick up. And what's the best way to partake in the celebration? We've got it right here — and it'll make you happier than a hungry big cat. From Monday, January 24, dumpling master Din Tai Fung is offering new limited edition chocolate and biscoff tiger buns and, like the chain's usual annual Lunar New Year special, they're ridiculously cute. They're buns with little tiger faces — how could they be anything other than adorable?. Din Tai Fung is famous for its dumplings, and is known to release eye-catching novelty varieties for special occasions (check out these adorable little monkey buns from 2016, pig bao from 2019 and masked ox buns from last year). The new tiger buns are stuffed with a sweet filling of molten chocolate, which oozes out when you squeeze them, and the cookie crumb spread that is biscoff. The tiger buns are available for $8.80 for two at Din Tai Fung restaurants and food court outlets in Sydney, so you'll want to hit up its World Square, Westfield Chatswood, Westfield Miranda, Westfield Sydney, Broadway Shopping Centre, Gateway Sydney, The Star, Greenwood Plaza, Martin Place and Marrickville venues. In Melbourne, you have one spot to head to, with the buns on offer at Emporium Melbourne. They're also available for delivery both separately (for $12 for three) and in the chain's big frozen Lunar New Year hampers (for $108) — also from Monday, January 24. The only problem we can foresee with the cute Din Tai Fung dish? Eating those sweet little tiger faces may be hard… but we're sure you'll manage it. Chocolate and biscoff tiger buns are available from Din Tai Fung's stores in Sydney and Melbourne, and also via delivery, from Monday, January 24. Head to the chain's website for further details or to order.
You should cut down on your porklife and get to the Sydney Opera House this summer, Damon Albarn is coming to Sydney. Celebrating the recent release of his critically-acclaimed first solo venture Everyday Roots, the legendary Blur frontman will bring early Christmas presents to Sydneysiders with an intimate performance on Monday, December 15. Alongside his Blur/Gorillaz escapades, the 46-year-old has casually worked with Everyone Ever — including the late Bobby Womack, buds Brian Eno, Natasha Khan (Bat For Lashes), Paul Simonon (The Clash), master drummer Tony Allen, Snoop Dogg and Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers). For his Sydney show he'll be joined onstage with his shiny new live crew, The Heavy Seas, plus a cheeky string quartet and onstage choir. Epic. "Damon Albarn is one of the great figures in modern music and we're incredibly proud to present his debut solo performance in Australia," said Ben Marshall, head of contemporary music at Sydney Opera House. "His restless inventiveness, inquisitiveness and taste across all his projects have been an inspiration to me and this will be an amazing summer evening in the Opera House Concert Hall." While the setlist will undoubtedly focus on Albarn's solo material, fingers are crossed for a Boys and Girls Easter Egg or two. Albarn's Melbourne show will be announced soon. Damon Albarn will play Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall at 8pm, Monday 15 December. Tickets on sale to the general public Friday, July 11 at 9am via SOH. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ODG3VRkncBc
There are moments in our everyday lives when we're jolted out of our heads and into our bodies — when we stop on our commute home to watch the sunset, or as we feel the cool wind change when we're exercising in the park. And it can feel good to appreciate living in the moment when our lives are often filled with things to do, see and achieve. What feels even better is when those worlds collide, like when you're listening to live music outdoors with one of the most beautiful views in Sydney as a backdrop, or focusing your attention on your newfound hobby only to see your neighbourhood in a whole new light. With a little help from our friends at Sunglass Hut, we've put together six events that'll help you live in the moment this summer.
Hankering for a schnitty? Here's where you can score a free one. Chargrill Charlie's is landing in the heart of the Inner West, and to celebrate, its brand-new Marrickville location will be slinging freebies. This Saturday, July 13th, you'll want to be one of the first 700 to head to the outpost on Victoria Road between 12 and 1pm — the locale will be giving away 700 free chicken schnitzel rolls, and it'll operate on a first-come-first-served basis. If you do miss out on the freebies, there'll still be plenty on offer, most notably its flame-grilled chook, crisp fries coated in Chargrill Charlie's house-recipe chicken salt — which you can also purchase for your own kitchen — and one of the three of sauces on offer, a must-try combo. Or, opt for one of its coveted burgers for the full experience. There is also a wide-spanning menu of sides, from mac and cheese to pad thai, sweet treats and a rotating salad bar, so you'll be spoilt for choice each time you visit the spot. And the festivities don't stop there — to celebrate its opening, the new outpost will also be throwing a party kicking off with live music and face painting stalls from 10.30am. Plus, you'll even have the chance to score some newly-launched merch from Charlie himself. Winner winner.
Five days, more than 100 features, documentaries and shorts, and all of the weird and wonderful cinema delights a movie buff could ask for. Add them together, and that's the 2017 Sydney Underground Film Festival in a twisted nutshell. Celebrating its 11th year from September 14 to 17, this alternative film fest knows how to venture beyond the mainstream. It's the perfect follow-up to Sydney Film Festival. Take this year's opening and closing efforts, for example. When SUFF kicks off, it'll be with a treasure trove of unearthed VHS finds that you literally won't see anywhere else — and to close things off, it'll bring a flick that sparked walkouts at Sundance to its long-term home at Marrickville's Factory Theatre. The former comes courtesy of the Australian debut of the live comedy and commentary-filled Found Footage Festival, while the latter is the post-apocalyptic, stomach-churning, Hannibal Buress and Tim Heidecker-starring Kuso, and they're set to provide quite the festival bookends. In between, SUFF will venture from the mind-bending cult thrills of The Endless — a destined-to-be cult movie about a cult — to one-take Aussie effort Watch the Sunset and the maternal mayhem of Prevenge, where being pregnant brings murderous messages from the unborn. Michael Cera pops up in Lemon and Nick Offerman in Infinity Baby, two American indies demonstrating humanity's social deficiencies in very different ways. Slasher satire Tragedy Girls, ultra-violent Japanese cyberpunk comedy Meatball Machine Kodoko and a tribute screening of George A. Romero's The Crazies help up the horror quota. From the documentary slate, the festival goes heavy on music thanks to factual explorations of L7, The Melvins, ambient house pioneers The Orb, British DIY duo Sleaford Mods and the family members of late American extreme punk musician GG Allins, and also gives cinephiles an extra thrill via Dawson City: Frozen Time, which journeys through a once-lost nitrate film collection. Real-life exorcisms in Liberami also prove a highlight, as does docu-fiction consumerism takedown Drib and the search for a fake rock in Where is Rocky II? If that's not enough, SUFF will also host a soiree dedicated to 16mm cinema, the return of the breakfast cereal cartoon party (and a new late-night session as well). The 2017 Sydney Underground Film Festival runs from September 14 to 17 at The Factory Theatre, Marrickville. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the festival website.
Darlinghurst's Forbes and Burton is under fire after the cafe's owner denied a Brazilian-born Australian man a barista job, telling him his customers wouldn't want their "coffee made by black people," according to the Daily Mail. Yep, WHAT. Although Nilson Dos Santos is an Australian citizen and has worked as a barista in Australia for nine years, the owner (who would only give the Daily Mail his name as 'Steven'), told the 39-year-old he "only wanted locals" for the job. A recent migrant from Shanghai, Steven is taking some furious heat for his hypocritical and outrageously racist actions. "There are a lot of white customers at the cafe and I think the clients here want local people, not African people," Steven said after this weekend's events. "We need to offer good service at this cafe and I think the coffee culture is more about white people." He keeps going. "I prefer the barista to be local, not from Italy or other countries ... In some people's opinions African people can’t make good coffee." Dos Santos saw the ad on Gumtree and rang Steven on Saturday, telling the owner he was from Brazil on the phone. When Dos Santos arrived at the cafe the next day for his interview, Steven pulled an incredibly racist (and geographically ignorant) switch. "When I came to the cafe for the interview today, he looked at me and looked surprised. He didn’t like what he saw," Dos Santos said. "We sat down and he said, 'But you’re black?' I said yes and he told me, 'But my customers are white. I don’t think they’d like to have their coffee made by black people. That’s not part of the coffee culture. You’re African.' I said to him, 'I’m sorry.' But he said I was not able to do the job because I am black." Dos Santos kept a cool head for someone who's just been point-blank discriminated against. "I thought to myself, what do I do? I wanted to punch him but I thought that if I reacted badly, that wouldn’t be the right thing either. But I thought that if I just left and closed the door, he’ll do that over and over again to everybody else that comes. So I felt I had to do something, to show him that he needs to learn his lessons and that's not the way to treat people." According to DM, Dos Santos stood up and addressed the Darlinghurst cafe, informing customers why he'd missed out on the job and asked if they'd have any problem having a coffee made by a black man. In a moment of pure high-fivery, many customers ditched the cafe in a walk-out, a bunch hit up Facebook and a staff member quit right then and there. Forbes and Burton are truly taking a hit on Facebook, with reams of angry posters shaking fists at owner Steven and calling for a boycott (although some are being outright racist in return about Steven's Chinese heritage, not cool): "I have never experienced anything like that in Australia," Dos Santos said. "I love it here, I am free here, that’s why I chose to stay. I’ve always felt welcomed and accepted. For me, it was never a problem that I am black until today." According to the Daily Mail, Steven needs to run Forbes and Burton for two years to nab his Australian visa. Good luck with that. Via Daily Mail.
There's nothing quite like a true story, whether it's a wild, chaotic, so-strange-it-can-only-be-true kind of tale or an informative, eye-opening yarn. That's Antenna Documentary Film Festival's cinematic bread and butter, with the Sydney-based event rolling out a new lineup of factual flicks for ten fests now — and it's celebrating hitting that big milestone with an impressive 2022 program. When the festival returns from Wednesday, February 2–Sunday, February 13 — hitting up Dendy Newtown, Palace Chauvel, Palace Verona, MCA Australia and Powerhouse Museum — it'll do so with a lineup of 50 features and shorts, as well as a day-long industry chat about the medium. The big highlight is all those feature-length docos, of course, including the 13 movies in the fest's official competition. Among the titles competing for the event's $10,000 prize, Charm Circle serves up a portrait of eccentric New York family navigating and has been likened to Grey Gardens — and also opens the festival. In terms of other competition standouts, it's joined by homegrown effort The Lake of Scars, which heads to regional Victoria; Courage, which explores the protests against the 2020 Belarus presidential election; and The Bubble, which ventures to a Florida retirement home with 155,000 retirees, 54 golf courses and 70 swimming pools. Or, elsewhere throughout the program, Jagged dives into Alanis Morissette's career; The Real Charlie Chaplin uses audio recordings, reconstructions and personal archival materials to traces Charlie Chaplin's Hollywood stardom; Sisters with Transistors celebrates pioneering women in the electronic music scene; and The Most Beautiful Boy in the World unfurls the story of Death in Venice actor Björn Andrésen, who earned that nickname as a the 15 year old. Yes, it's a great year for docos about the entertainment industry. Plus, you can see Sundance award-winner All Light, Everywhere, which examines the shared histories of cameras, weapons, policing and justice; The Gig Is Up, which ponders the gig economy; and the Cannes-awarded A Night of Knowing Nothing, which contemplates university student life in India.
South Eveleigh has seen a real resurgence in recent years, transforming into a hub for innovative companies and boasting an array of exciting eateries by hospo heavyweights. Now, the inner west suburb is getting its own block party this October. There's a jam-packed lineup of cultural, community, art and music events across Locomotive Street, The Eveleigh and Village Square on Thursday, October 5 and Friday, October 6. Art installations will take over Locomotive Street, while outdoor licensed seating and a DJ stage will pop up at the Locomotive Stage. Party-goers can get a drink and listen to sets by DJs such as Adi Toohey, Andras, Noise In My Head and Yemi Sul from 4–10pm. The Eveleigh will become the musical heart of the festival with performances by Donny Benet, Ngaiire, A. Girl, Reyanna Maria, Soju Gang and Eddy Diamond taking place alongside an all-ages pilates class by XTEND and a kids' rave. Family-friendly fun will take over Village Square — families can learn about Indigenous Australian cultures at the Weaving and Cultural Conversation workshop with Nadeena Dixon, watch performances by Deep Sea Astronauts, try their hand at 80s aerobics at Village Square Retrosweat, meet Sydney Swans AFLW player Aliesha Newman or take part in a kids' boxing session hosted by Tribal Warrior. There'll also be a community mural project — conveniently located at Anita Gelato — and Potting Shed sessions at the Rooftop Garden. Culinary offerings include a curated menu by Iceberg's Dining Room and Bar Head Chef Alex Prichard at Re- and a set menu dining experience at Lucky Kwong. The street party will take place from 2–11pm on Thursday, October 5 and Friday, October 6. Entry is free, but certain events are ticketed. Find out more at the South Eveleigh website.
Since we last heard from Jonathan Boulet, he's shaved off his beard, parted ways with Modular Recordings and swapped his electronica-dashed folk for rock. The Sydneysider also spent a year living in Berlin, where he recorded new studio album Gubba, released on July 18. "The new music will be described as post-pop, punk rock, chocolate-chip sludge, crust pop, rock pop, pop cock and cock stop in the rock blot bop," he explains in the promo video, "but it is neither of those things. For our children's sake, we shall henceforth categorise this music as rock." Gubba is Boulet's third release, following 2009's self-titled debut and 2012's We Keep the Beat, Found the Sound, See the Need, Start the Heart. For those familiar with his bass contributions to power violence band Snakeface, the album's driving guitars and distorted vocals might not come as too much of a surprise, but they're certainly a dramatic deviation from previous solo work. "I've always been a fan of trying to surprise people or get a reaction out of them," Boulet told the SMH. "I don't feel that my musical ventures are unpredictable, but there are lots of roads you can take and sometimes it's easier to take one road over another and sometimes you're presented with a new road you haven't had access to, and that's definitely more inviting." In August, he'll be hitting Melbourne's Northcote Social Club on Friday 15, Adelaide's Pirie and Co. on Saturday 16, Sydney's Goodgod Small Club on Thursday 21 and Brisbane's Black Bear Lodge on Thursday 28. https://youtube.com/watch?v=FOcziciUnr0
Both Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement will be present when Flight of the Conchords make a long-awaited, eagerly anticipated return to television — as part of a one-off live special filmed during the duo's recent sold-out tour. Announced earlier in 2018, Flight of the Conchords: Live at the London Apollo now not only has a US airdate but also an Australian one. The special will screen on HBO in America on Saturday, October 6, and on The Comedy Channel in Australia on Tuesday, October 9 at 8.30pm. As the name really does makes plain, it was recorded in the UK, where Flight of Conchords took their show on the road in March and then returned in late June and early July, following a forced break after McKenzie broke his hand. Yes, it'll be business time, Bowie will be in space and no one will have hurt feelings. Fans can expect to hear the classic tracks that everyone has had stuck in their heads since the folk parody pair's TV series aired between 2007 and 2009, of course, as well as a few new songs. It's also a case of Conchords almost coming full circle, with nabbing a spot on HBO's One Night Stand in the mid-00s one of their big breaks. Foxtel Now subscribers can stream the special live when it airs, but whether it'll be available on demand afterwards has yet to be revealed. In the interim, check out the trailer, as well as the initial HBO date announcement video featuring McKenzie and Clement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLZQfnFyelTBOQ15kmHSgEbdjzLMWzZpL7&v=xz_-9PlcouE
Focusing a bunch of contemporary Australian and New Zealand artists and designers into one space, Sterling, the Gaffa Gallery retail store, offers unique jewellery pieces and objets d'art as well as giving you a bit of insight into how they were made. Each piece is handcrafted and gives your loved one a chance to wear a little piece of art everyday. Or, if you're more interested in giving experiences rather than objects, why not invest in a seven-week jewellery-making course for that special someone? Pop next door and you'll find Kakawa, the mouth-watering chocolate boutique, for chocolate Christmas decorations. Can't lose.
Frontmen rarely come as charismatic as Henry Wagons. A storytelling character and a half, the Melburnian native has returned from the dark desert highways of the US to reunite with his band and bring Wagons' shiny new album to the townspeople. Seeing music as a joyous occasion rather than a moment to wallow in your sorrows, Wagons' shows are downright shindiggerous in their approach. "'Music is a public activity — the very birth of music was designed to be joined in on,'' Wagons told SMH. ''The first music was played at celebrations. The insular emo songwriter in the bedroom is this recent offshoot of what music is at its core. Music for me is for other people. I write it alone, but with the idea of playing it for other people.'' Wagons have just released their latest single, 'Beer Barrel Bar', taken from brand new, sixth studio album Acid Rain and Sugar Cane and nabbing a four-star rating from Rolling Stone. With Mick Harvey (The Birthday Party/Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds) behind the mixing desk and Wagons himself bringing his US-inspired country stomping style to the plate, Acid Rain and Sugar Cane has quite the Nashville twang to it. Best enjoyed with a whiskey in hand and a soulmate far away, the LP is a natural evolution of Wagons' indie country blues into an Ameristralian tavern hootenanny. WAGONS AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES: Thurs May 22 – Pirie & Co Social Club, Adelaide Fri May 23 - Fly By Night, Fremantle Sat May 31 - Republic Bar, Hobart Fri June 6 - Barwon Club, Geelong Sat June 7 - The HiFi, Melbourne Sun June 8 - Karova Lounge, Ballarat Thurs June 12 - The Abbey, Canberra Fri June 13 – Rad (Yours & Owls), Wollongong Sat June 14 - Factory Theatre, Sydney Sun June 15 - Lizottes, Newcastle Fri June 20 - The Zoo, Brisbane Sat June 21 - Railway Hotel, Darwin Thanks to Spunk Records, we have three double passes to give away to Wagon's Acid Rain and Sugar Cane tour — one double pass each for the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane shows. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=WXoiX2bFPDY
Moore Park's outdoor bed cinema has found a pretty good reason to dance Michael Jackson-'Thriller'-style and screen a horror film: Halloween. Mov'In Bed is holding a giant sunset zombie DJ party before screening the suitably terrifying The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. So dust off your Florsheims and start practising your best monster moves. And we suggest purchasing a ticket fairly soon as they're expected to sell out. After the dance, you'll head back to your bed and cower in fear at the 2003 remake of the horror masterpiece. Luckily the beds are fairly roomy, so you can cling on to one or two friends for comfort. Like other Mov'In Bed screenings, you'll also be able to purchase food and drink — and it'll be delivered straight to the comfort of your bed (meals enjoyed in bed don't need to be restricted to breakfast). So, during the more terrifying scenes, you can hide behind a spicy salami pizza from Fratelli Fresh, a cheese and bacon burger from Burger Project or a schnitzel from Bavarian Bier Cafe. If you're not a movie-in-bed type of person, or you need to save some cash, there is the option to sit on the grass (in the 'graveyard') for free — BYO blanket. But you'll still need to reserve a spot through the website as it's limited to 300 people.
Dead Ringer has earned its place as one of Surry Hills' most legit cocktail bars, which is no surprise as it comes from the team behind one of our other favourite bars, Bulletin Place. Now, the restaurant and bar is taking their crown to the next level with a New York City-style bottomless weekend brunch. In a knowing nod to the New York brunch tradition, they're offering bottomless (yep, bottomless) mimosas for the full duration of your two-hour seating at $20 per person. As to be expected, they're not offering up a cheap mixture of orange juice and sparkling — instead, they'll be serving up cold-pressed orange juice with King Valley Prosecco and dashes of the bartender's special 'seasoning'. Apart from these classed-up mimosas, the brunch drinks menu will also include some of the best hangover-curing cocktails known to man; the requisite bloody mary is taken up a notch with a secret umami mix and their coffee cocktail, called the Mandatory, combines cold drip, bourbon, vanilla and cardamom. The a la carte brunch menu itself isn't very brunchy, in the usual sense of the word — but, then again, it doesn't necessarily have to be. The decision to steer away from usual brunch fare was evidently a conscious one, as the Dead Ringer team feels that avo smash and other typical Aussie breakfast items are already well covered by the neighbourhood's countless cafes. Instead, the brunch menu is broken into entrees, mains, sides and desserts. The kitchen hasn't gone light-on just because it's midday, with dishes like duck rillettes ($18), roasted lamb ribs ($22) and king prawns ($25) on offer. If you're looking to stay true to your breakfast sensibilities, go for the ricotta and tomato tart ($20) or the omelette with a generous serving of morcilla ($19). They have cold drip on-hand if you're in need of caffeine, or you can order an espresso to be delivered from one of the nearby cafes. Brunch will be offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm, with both reservations and walk-ins welcome. If you're still looking for an Easter brunch that will make the family bearable, they'll be open on Sunday, April 16 as well. Dead Ringer is the latest late-night establishment to open for brunch — Acme launched a Saturday brunch in February — and is set to become your new go-to for a boozy Sunday morning. Dead Ringer will be open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am–3pm starting from this Saturday, April 1. For more info, visit deadringer.com.
As part of this years Sydney Design festival, see and hear "a panel of self-confessed tactility-freaks" talk about their taste for small-press publishing and creating books with the best design and production values and materials. The session emphasises the value of using all the senses in reading books as well as making them, and there will be a little library of examples to play with. The enthusiasts and the reading material are from Monster Children, Blood and Thunder publishing, Rainoff Books, The Red Room and Boccalatte, and to complete the evening, a glass of wine and a tasting plate will be provided by Berta. Aren't we clever for sniffing this one out?
The northern New South Wales culinary showcase that is Tastings on Hastings returns to Port Macquarie this year for its 15th year, from October 27 through October 29. With a new event precinct in the works, the foodie festival showcases regional farmers, artisans, food producers, wine growers, brewers, restaurants and cafes across Woolgoolga, Armidale, Nelsons Bay and, of course, the festival's own backyard. Last year's event hosted 115 exhibitors and over 20,000 visitors, with regional producers showing goods like avocados, strawberries and macadamia nuts, as well as meats including free-range eggs, chicken, duck and pork. The area's vineyards and breweries also play a role, with North Coast Wine Growers joining craft brew teams from Wicked Elf Beer and Moorebeer Brewing Co. to bring some bevvos to the day.
This post is sponsored by our partners, the Aroma Festival. For the 17th year in a row, the Aroma Festival will take over The Rocks on Sunday, July 27. Yep, it’s the one day on the Sydney calendar when you can give in to your caffeine addiction without feeling one bean of guilt. In fact, you can think of it as your responsibility to sample as many single origins, blends and house specials as you possibly can. Between 10am and 5pm, the area will become one enormous coffee-fuelled playground, alive with grinding, whirring, frothing, pouring, filling and sipping. More than 60 stallholders with an emphasis on organic, handmade and Fairtrade goods will converge on First Fleet Park, while at Campbell Cove there’ll be a gathering of Sydney’s favourite food trucks, including Agape Organic, Tsuru and Cantina Mobil. Plus, there’ll be an array of pop-up bars and cafes, artworks and competitions. Highlights include an epic coffee cup sculpture to which you’ll be able to contribute, a bean-to-cup exhibition showing you exactly what your coffee goes through to make it as far as your mouth, and a latte art smackdown judged by pros from the Australasian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA). Meanwhile, a seriously impressive live soundtrack will keep your buzzing brain stimulated from the outside, featuring oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros, powerful bluesman Frank Sultana, hot young songwriter Laura Zarb, Cope Street Parade, Damian Wright, Caitlin Park, Marlin Williams, Leah Flanagan, The Slowdowns, Ollie Brown and All Our Exes Live in Texas. Even better, this one day of coffee immersion is but the crema on top of a rich month of activities. Check out workshops in cupping and latte art, grab an indulgent 'high coffee' at Baroque Bistro or vote for your most adored brew in the Aroma Cup competition and go in the draw to win $3,000 worth of prizes. For the full schedule, see the Aroma website.
OMFG! The line up of the original The Underground Lovers has reunited for Homebake but are playing a special show at the Annandale! Dust off Underground Lovers, Leaves Me Blind, Rushall Station, or whichever of their records you call your favourite and remind yourself of how wonderful this seminal and horribly underrated band is, then go to the show and celebrate with the rest of the Australian underground!
I first visited the AIDS Trust Sydney Food & Wine Fair in 1993, and not even the embarrassment of running into my English teacher and her girlfriend (at that age, the thought of teachers having personal lives was incomprehensible) could dampen the hungry spirits of my mother and I. Having endured the parent/teacher worlds colliding, we sampled our way up and down the city street, wearing both our red ribbons and appetites on our sleeves. Now in its nineteenth year, the food & wine fair is held in the more fitting locale of Hyde Park, where one can roam free and eat as far as the eye can see. Sample the delicacies of local favourites such as Cafe Sydney, Longrain, Icebergs and Sailors Thai or the local produce and baked goods of Batlow Apples and Bourke Street Bakery. Retire with your spoils over at the the main stage where performers will be treading the boards for your stomach's pleasure.Not only is it the very final event of this year's Sydney International Food Festival, but it's all in aid of the AIDS Trust of Australia. Entry to the park is free, but proceeds from all sales made go to the Trust and their work in HIV prevention, support, care and research. So no need to feel guilty about your fourth helping. Or your fifth.
The silver-screen experience is always worth celebrating. A darkened haven dedicated to watching movie magic? Films projected big enough to span entire walls? Ideally no phones or other distractions? No matter how many times you've seen a flick in a picture palace, it's pure bliss. And, like everything, there's a day to mark it: National Cinema Day. In 2024, make that two days at Reading Cinemas, with the chain expanding the celebrations across an entire weekend. Of course, every single day is a great day to hit up your favourite theatre, but Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1 come with a bonus at Reading sites across Australia: $5 tickets. That's all you'll pay for a standard session all day for two days only. Fancy a premium, Titan Luxe or Titan XC movie instead? That'll only set you back $10. Keen for the chain's Gold Lounge theatres instead? That's $15. Reading operates six cinemas across New South Wales, including Rhodes, Auburn and Rouse Hill, if you're wondering where to go to see a cheap flick. And your viewing options? They vary per cinema, but include Deadpool & Wolverine, It Ends with Us, Alien: Romulus and Blink Twice. Two caveats: the deals aren't available for event screenings, and there's still a booking fee if you're getting your tickets online. f
They started as an opening act for the Beastie Boys. They've been fighting the power for almost four decades. They're no strangers to big hats and giant clocks, or for fighting for a worthy cause. They've been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2013. They'll forever come to mind whenever Def Jam and Long Island come up. They're Public Enemy, of course, and they're about to get Australia believing the hype when they bring the noise — and their latest tour — Down Under in October 2024. Chuck D, Flavor Flav and company are playing Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday, October 9. Audiences, you're gonna get yours when the icons take to the stage to play through 37 years of tunes that began with 1987 singles 'Public Enemy No 1' and, yes, 'You're Gonna Get Yours', all from their debut studio album Yo! Bum Rush the Show. Expect tracks from 1988's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and 1990's Fear of a Black Planet — two of the most-influential records of the period, and home to 'Bring the Noise', 'Don't Believe the Hype', 'Rebel Without a Pause', '911 Is a Joke' and 'Fight the Power' — as well, through to songs from 2020's What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?, their most-recent album. For company, Public Enemy have AB Original in support, pairing one classic duo with another in Briggs and Trials — and matching the US group's commitment to social rights activism with an Australian act just as devoted to standing up against injustice. Public Enemy last played in Australia a decade ago, on a 2014 tour that included Golden Plains, plus gigs in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Launceston.
UPDATE, Friday, June 21, 2024: May December is available to stream via Binge, Prime Video, YouTube Movies and iTunes. A line about not having enough hot dogs might be one of its first, but May December is a movie of mirrors and butterflies. In the literal sense, director Todd Haynes wastes few chances to put either in his frames. The Velvet Goldmine, Carol and Dark Waters filmmaker doesn't shy away from symbolism, knowing two truths that stare back at his audience from his latest masterpiece: that what we see when we peer at ourselves in a looking glass isn't what the rest of the world observes, and that life's journey is always one of transformation. Inspired by the real-life Mary Kay Letourneau scandal, May December probes both of these facts as intently as anyone scrutinising their own reflection. Haynes asks viewers to do the same. Unpacking appearance and perception, and also their construction and performance, gazes from this potently thorny — and downright potent — film. That not all metamorphoses end with a beautiful flutter flickers through just as strongly. May December's basis springs from events that received ample press attention in the 90s: schoolteacher Letourneau's sexual relationship with her sixth-grade student Vili Fualaau. She was 34, he was 12. First-time screenwriter Samy Burch changes names and details in her Oscar-nominated script — for Best Original Screenplay, which is somehow the film's only nod by the Academy — but there's no doubting that it takes its cues from this case of grooming, which saw Letourneau arrested, give birth to the couple's two daughters in prison, then the pair eventually marry. 2000 TV movie All-American Girl: The Mary Kay Letourneau Story used the recreation route; however, that was never going to be a Haynes-helmed feature's approach. The comic mention of hot dogs isn't indicative of May December's overall vibe, either: this a savvily piercing film that sees the agonising impact upon the situation's victim, the story its perpetrator has spun around herself, and the relentless, ravenous way that people's lives and tragedies are consumed by the media and public. While Oscar nods mightn't have come of it, May December is also an acting masterclass by two thespians who already have one such shiny trophy on their mantles each, plus a performer who turns in a stunner of a portrayal that's his best yet. With Haynes behind the camera, this is no surprise: watching the talent before his lens, even when they're Barbie dolls in Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (the genuinely plastic rather than Margot Robbie kind), means bathing in pure emotion. In her fifth film for the director after Safe, Far From Heaven, I'm Not There and Wonderstruck, Julianne Moore (Sharper) perfects the clash of control and insecurity within Gracie Atherton-Yoo, the movie's Letourneau substitute. It's a magnificent effort from someone who is never anything less than that — and Natalie Portman (Thor: Love and Thunder), who plays a part so sharp that it cuts as Elizabeth Berry, an actor preparing to play Gracie in a new picture, is every bit her equal. With Charles Melton (Riverdale) as Gracie's husband Joe Yoo, there's a case of art imitating life, in a way. His character spends Elizabeth's visit and his entire time with Gracie coming second, and he's behind his co-stars in terms of fame, but it's Joe's plight that's the core of May December and also Melton's performance that hauntingly lingers. This film begins with faeces as well, which isn't emblematic of what's to come, either, but still an important inclusion. A package of it sits on the Yoo family's doorstep when Elizabeth arrives to meet them for the first time — and Gracie makes it clear that this has happened before. May December sets its narrative 23 years after Gracie and Joe were initially caught together. They were colleagues at a pet store aged 36 and 13, respectively. They now have three kids, one (Piper Curda, The Flash) at college and twins (debutant Gabriel Chung and Somewhere in Queens' Elizabeth Yu) graduating high school, and have built a life after Gracie's prison sentence. Still residing in Savannah, Georgia, as they always have, she baked cakes and he's most passionate about raising monarch butterflies. There's a wariness over Elizabeth's project among the Yoos, but reassurance that this will be a sensitive take is also part of her time with her latest subject and her spouse. Make no mistake, because Haynes and Burch don't: for the role that she's hoping will elevate her beyond the TV series that she's best-known for, Elizabeth sees Gracie and Joe as mere source material. She interviews others, such as Gracie's first husband (DW Moffett, Monarch) and her eldest son from that marriage (Cory Michael Smith, Incomplete), each conversation saying as much about the actor as the woman she's set to bring to the screen. As rigorously rendered by Portman, she also becomes enamoured with the scenario that she's unfurling. A moment where Elizabeth loses herself explaining sex scenes to school kids — and the conflict between portraying pleasure and pretending not to actually feel pleasure — is savagely revealing. As Killers of the Flower Moon also does, this deeply astute movie has much to say about how circumstances like Joe's become sensationalised news and entertainment fodder, what that betrays about society and why people lap it up; add reflecting on its own existence and purpose to May December's many profoundly intelligent layers. When mirrors appear, they're frequently used around Gracie and Elizabeth. Of course, the latter is being a mirror herself. Cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt — Kelly Reichardt's regular collaborator; see: Showing Up, First Cow, Certain Women, Night Moves and Meek's Cutoff — visually recalls Ingmar Bergman's 1966 psychological drama Persona, as the movie in general does, as the lines between its two women start to blur. May December is partly a movie about what Gracie and Elizabeth spy when they're studying what's in front of them, and how divorced from reality both are. Gracie embraces a carefully erected fantasy where there's nothing more than love to her relationship with Joe, regardless of her domination over their household and repeated dissolving into tears in their bedroom. Elizabeth only takes in how she can become Gracie to her own advantage. Although Haynes and Blauvelt ensure that Moore and Portman are everywhere, neither of their characters will or can confront themselves or their manipulations. Finally challenging everything that's been his daily existence since he was a child, and the role that he's been inhabiting whether he truly wanted to or not — or was capable of making that decision at such a young age — is the shy Joe. The only word that fits: devastation. May December knows this before Joe accepts it, which campy lines about frankfurters on bread accompanied by dramatic music — the film adapts and reorchestrates the score from 1971 Palme d'Or-winner The Go-Between, in fact — oh-so-cannily play into. With its rich and meticulous visuals, tonal seesawing that can court laughs and welcome melodrama, and evocatively grand music, Haynes' feature isn't being erratic. It's crafted with shrewd understanding that discomfort is the only way to respond to what it's depicting, and that there's no one mood that suits. So, Haynes plunges May December and its audience into the full emotional spectrum. Consider the film a cocoon where transformation takes place, to soaring results.
Forget ballet, hip-hop, contemporary and swing – there are only two real types of dancing: professional and amateur. Think back to all of those times in the club, pub or, on occasion, the work place when someone whips out their best, idiot savant moves. Whether or not it's stylistically good or in time is irrelevant; you're either too drunk anyway, or about to puke from giggling so much. Australian dance company, Lucy Guerin Inc, taps that primal urge to groove in their new piece, Untrained, which pits two highly skilled dancers against two blokes who are anything but Mr Astaire. All four performers carry out the same movements, from the abstract through to the mundane, and do their best to show that sometimes a sloppy box step can be as entertaining as an angelic pirouette.
Prolific interviewer, storyteller and possibly the most curious man in the world Brandon Stanton will make his first-ever appearance in Sydney in February. Stanton is the creator of the Humans of New York phenomenon and he'll appear at Sydney Opera House to reveal behind-the-scenes stories of his work. You'll hear about how he started out with virtually no journalistic or camera expertise, how he produces compelling stories by talking to strangers and he'll share a number of enlightening and unusual moments in his career. Humans of New York began after Stanton lost his job and decided to dedicate time to sharing the stories of others. Since these humble beginnings in 2010, he's released a book, travelled the world, raised millions for people in need and even found time to interview Barack Obama. To date, the project has gained over 20 million followers on social media. Stanton will enter the city with a bang, with just one session planned at the Opera House. But who knows, maybe you'll run into him on the streets of Sydney?
Tucked away in a picturesque and seemingly peaceful corner of Woolloomooloo is an experimental energy waiting to be unleashed at Artspace, with two equally brilliant but new exhibitions.TRACE Collective hail from Cardiff, and are as self-reflexive as they come. They approach art as a performative process, reusing and re-examining the records and detrius of the creative process, which is then regurgitated in a new form. This particular exhibition explores departure, arrival and colonialism in Old and New South Wales.Deborah Petrovich also approaches art as performance and in this video installation, the audience is the focus of the work. Petrovich walks in the footsteps of Artaud, and shares his determination to shatter illusions, but transposes this from theatre into new media. Be ready to leave all expectations and assumptions at the door.Image: Debra Petrovitch, Solace in Black Sun, 2009, video still
Known for an avant-garde aesthetic and tailored, yet feminine silhouettes, local label Ellery has rocketed to the forefront of the Australian fashion scene. Seen on the likes of Madonna, Dita Von Teese, Nicole Ritchie, Jodhi Meares and Jennifer Hawkins, you can expect a price tag to match the brand's long-held celebrity status. Lucky for us mere mortals, Ellery is launching a sample sale this weekend. Don't blow a week's pay on that favourite piece — pick it up for a fraction of the price, and then browse the other previous season and limited edition offerings, all available at not-to-be-missed prices. Find the Ellery sale at District 01, 7 Randle Lane Surry Hills, Friday 19 8am-8pm, Saturday 20 10am-6pm, Sunday 21 10am-4pm.
