Now this is a playground for the ages. January's Sydney Festival will see the brand new Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve house one of the largest community events in festival's 40 years. Olivier Grossetête’s The Ephemeral City invites Sydneysiders to use boxes and tape to create a temporary city — one which will be excitedly demolished come Australia Day. This unprecedented project also includes a free Flying Fox zipline, a projection of Shaun Gladwell’s Skateboarders vs Minimalism and a full audio-visual experience at Gallery Hour. The best part? The entire Barangaroo program is absolutely free. Check out more of the best Sydney Festival events under $50 here. Image: Vincent Lucas
You could say that humans and space got fairly chummy in 2012 as they reconnected in many new and exciting ways. It was a fantastic year for NASA. As many new discoveries and advancements were made with the planet Mars, we have extended our view of space and said goodbye to a space legend. Through highs and lows, Earth has become but a dot in our ever-increasing knowledge of the universe, and these moments have significantly increased potential for space exploration in the future. Perhaps the worlds of Futurama, Star Trek, or Total Recall are really not that far away after all. Here are 10 of the most remarkable space moments from BBC News that occurred in 2012. 10. The Supermoon Once a year, a cosmic event occurs in which the full moon appears 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than in other months. 2012's 'Supermoon' occurred in May and produced some truly spectacular photographs. 9. First Triathlon in Space NASA astronaut Sunita Williams became the first person to run, bike, and swim her way through a triathlon - in space. The US commander of the Expedition 33 crew on the space station 386km from Earth completed the Nautica Malibu Triathlon held in California along with her fellow athletes. She completed the course using exercise equipment: a stationary bike, a treadmill, and a strength-training machine specially formulated for weightlessness. 8. 26 New Alien Planets in 11 Solar Systems In January 2012, NASA announced that its Kepler telescope discovered 11 previously unknown solar systems, within which there were 26 alien planets, known as exoplanets. The size of these planets ranges from 1.5 times larger than Earth to even bigger than Jupiter, with their orbital periods ranging from 6 to 143 days and all of them located closer to their stars than Venus. This find almost doubled the quantity of planets discovered by Kepler in its two-year history and reinforces the exponential number of planets, particularly exoplanets, that exist in our universe. 7. The Earth Sings The Earth really gained a voice as NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission managed to capture radio waves emitted by energetic particles of the Van Allen belts in the magnetosphere and rendered them into an audio recording. This 'chorus' apparently sounds similar to a whale's song. 6. Space Shuttle Endeavour's LA Trek Endeavor was the fifth and final spaceworthy shuttle to be used in NASA's space shuttle program. The retired orbiter conducted 25 space missions during its 19-year career from 1992 to 2011. In October, the 155,000 pound Endeavor made its final mission, trekking the 12-mile journey from the Los Angeles International Airport to the Californian Science Centre, avoiding trees, utility poles, and the mass of stunned onlookers. 5. SpaceX Dragon attaches to the ISS The Dragon is a reusable spacecraft developed by SpaceX, a private American space transportation company, that in May became the first commercial spacecraft to be successfully attached to the International Space Station. The Dragon delivered a series of cargo shipments, which brought 20 metric tons of supplies into space. This advancement brings the possibility of private space flight significantly closer to reality. 4. Space Jump Breaking the world record for not only the highest jump from a platform (128,100 feet), the longest distance freefall (119,846 feet), and the maximum vertical velocity (833.9 mph), stuntman Felix Baumgartner also broke the YouTube record for the most concurrent views ever on livestream (8 million viewers). This Austrian daredevil really took record-breaking to new heights. 3. Farthest Ever View into the Universe This view captured by the Hubble Space Telescope depicts thousands of galaxies within the constellation Formax, billion of light years away. The composite image from 10 years of telescopic views shows planets so far away that they don't even exist anymore. The title eXtreme Deep Field feels highly appropriate here. 2. Goodbye to a Space Pioneer and Legend The end of an era arrived when the world bid farewell to Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon in 1969. The world renowned astronaut passed away at 82 after complications from a heart bypass surgery but will forever be remembered for his incredible feat. 1. Curiosity Rover Makes History on Mars The most impressive advancement to occur in the space arena in 2012 was the Curiosity Rover's incredible experiences on the red planet. Since making her landing on August 5 — an event so tense it was deemed 'the seven minutes of terror' — the rover has discovered an ancient streambed where water once flowed, analysed soil, rock and atmospheric samples on the planet, been the first machine to 'check in' on Mars, and snapped an incredible self-portrait that would leave even MySpace users flabbergasted. And her trip has only just begun, with 20 more months to go before her return.
When mid-March rolls around next year, Sydney's Clark Island will play host to a weekend of vino, vino and more vino, all thanks to returning festival Wine Island. But that's just one boozy way that you can spend time on the Sydney Harbour spot come autumn. The second: a three-day celebration of Greek cuisine and culture from the same crew. Meet Greek Island, a weekend-long festival taking place between Friday, March 25–Sunday, March 27 — the very next weekend after Wine Island. The aim is to make this new fest feel like a Mediterranean holiday, something that's clearly been in short supply during the pandemic. In a case of faking it till you make it — to the real Greek islands, that is — the event will line Clark Island with Greek-style tavernas, as well as cocktail bars, a seaside stage and a spa. So, you'll be eating fried calamari, grilled octopus, spanakopita, souvlaki, gyros and loukoumades, then washing it all down with Greek beverages — including frouzo, aka frozen ouzo. And, you'll be dancing to DJs, and getting a hilltop massage. Alpha's Peter Conistis will be on food duty, alongside Kazzi Beach Greek, East 33 (yes, that means oysters), Lambda and Lookoomania — and live cooking demonstrations will also be on the menu. Drinks-wise, Drink Greek is curating the beverage list, which'll include Greek wines and sparkling from Attica, Arcadia and Macedonia; beers from Chios Island and Atalanti; and Greek-themed cocktails such as Santorini Sunsets and Mykonos Mules. DJs Tigerlily and Jolyon Petch will hit the decks, as will Daft Punk tribute act Discovery — the latter of which mightn't fit the Greek theme, but will still set a mood. Skewing far more traditional, live Greek music and dancing will also be on the bill. Parts of the island will be decked out to emulate the country in the spotlight, too, with the promise of Mount Olympus-themed stage area and a Santorini-themed spa. Trips to Greek Island will start with a cocktail on the boat ride over — and, if you're now keen for the kind of Mediterranean getaway you take when you're not really taking a Mediterranean getaway, the event is hosting two sessions per day. So, you can choose between 10am and 4pm tipples. There are three Wine Island ticket packages available, starting with the $99 'premium economy experience', which includes ferry transfers, a drink on your way over, and a branded beach tote and tumbler. Then there's the $199 'business class experience', which adds a Greek Island towel, access to the Corfu-style beach club, a meal voucher, and complimentary ouzo and wine tastings. Or, you can go all out with $3300 private waterfront cabanas for up to ten people. Greek Island hits Clark Island in Sydney Harbour from Friday, March 25–Sunday, March 27, 2022. Tickets go on sale at 12pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 24, with pre-sale from the same time on Monday, November 22. Images: Onecut Studios.
So, you want to save some money. Perhaps you're looking to finally put a deposit down on your first home. Or maybe your ol' clunker of a car is on its last kilometres. Or do you simply want to treat yourself to that pair of Gucci sunnies you know you don't actually need but you can't stop thinking about? Often, while we're in savings mode, we switch to totally denying ourselves the things we love, making ourselves miserable in the process. But the good news is you don't have to give up everything. Save smarter, not harder. And have fun doing it. To help get you started, we've partnered with Great Southern Bank to come up with some easy ways to save without having to live a totally joyless existence. From chopping your weekly food bill to a banking hack that'll have you adding to your savings without even noticing, these tips will keep you on track. BECOME YOUR OWN BARISTA We know, we know. You need your caffeine fix. We're not saying to cut that double-shot oat milk latte altogether, but buying one or two a day adds up really quickly. Keen to crunch some numbers? Let's say your average coffee costs $4 and you buy two every day — that's $2920 spent on java every year. Add that up over five years and it's a whopping $14,600. Instead, invest in a bit of kit to get your coffee hit at home. Proper espresso machines are great, but also pricey. Keep an eye out for a secondhand one and you might be able to score a bargain. Alternatively, get a good percolator and some quality beans. You can score a percolator for as little as $12 (that's three coffees) that'll last for years to come. For beans, you can get your fix from top Aussie coffee roasters. While price varies due to blends, beans and all sorts of things, beans from local roasters will usually cost somewhere between $15–23 for 250 grams (about 35 cups worth). You might even want to throw a milk frother into the mix, then you'll be whipping up deluxe coffee at home in no time. Best of all, you can do it all in your dressing gown. Then, once a week or so, treat yourself to the real deal at that local cafe with the cute barista. You're only human, after all. DITCH THE CROWDED COMMUTE This one is kind of a no-brainer for inner-city dwellers. Why go through the hassle of being packed onto hot and crowded public transport, especially in the age of social distancing? The same goes for driving — nobody wants to waste time (and petrol) sitting in traffic. Even if it means starting half an hour sooner than you would normally, walking to your destination means you're getting exercise and saving money. For longer trips look into getting a bike, scooter or skateboard (again, secondhand bargains are everywhere). If you have to travel quite the distance, electronic bikes are a godsend. Whether you're already in the office or are going back when restrictions further ease, ditching the public transport life even once or twice a week is better for the bank, the environment and your physical and emotional wellbeing. MEAL PREP LIKE A PRO Meal prepping: it sounds tedious at first, but once you get into the swing of it, it's really not that much of a hassle. And, spoiler alert, it can actually be fun — or, at least, it'll give you a sense of achievement on an otherwise unproductive Sunday. If you're a novice, start simple: try roasting a whole chook with veggies. You'll easily get a couple of dinners out of it, and the leftover meat can be used for sandwiches, salads and burrito bowls. Oh, and don't bin the carcass — it'll make a great homemade stock that you can portion out and freeze for later. Don't eat meat? Dust of that slow cooker and make a huge dhal for an easy-yet-nourishing feed. The more prep you do, the better and more inventive you'll get with it. Soon your homemade lunches will easily surpass that underwhelming $18 toastie you ordered on Uber Eats. FOLLOW THE SEASONS Now that you're on the way to becoming a whiz in the kitchen, you'll want to know how to cut down that grocery bill. It's just simple supply and demand, really. Shopping seasonally means that if you're buying something that's readily available the price is lower as there are fewer costs going into acquiring it. We're incredibly fortunate in Australia to have amazing fruit and veg available all year round, but certain things grow in abundance in summer rather than winter and vice versa. So, embrace shopping and cooking seasonally. You'll eat well and expand your repertoire while saving so that it feels almost natural. [caption id="attachment_737580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] SWOP Clothing Exchange, Trent van der Jagt[/caption] GET THRIFTY Thrift shops, Salvos, Vinnies, Depop, Facebook Marketplace — there's no end to the bargains and unique pieces you can find without the hectic price tags. More often than not, op shops are located near other op shops so you can make a day of traversing a few and seeing what you can find. Pro tip: go to affluent suburbs, where you're more likely to uncover some rare gems in top condition. And while you're mindlessly doomscrolling on your phone at night, try browsing on Depop. You'll be surprised and delighted by the great designer pieces you can find from the likes of 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne Studios, Zimmermann and more. EMBRACE THE GREAT OUTDOORS Spring is here, so it's time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. And it'll be lighter on the wallet than a night on the town. Pack a picnic and head to the park for a long-awaited catch-up with your mates. If you're lucky, you'll be able to snag a public barbecue to have a cook-up and embrace the simple pleasures of a DIY outdoor feast. Toss a frisbee or a football, challenge your buds to a game of Finska, and stuff sausages into your pockets so all the dogs come to play with you. Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea. BANK BETTER Knowing where your money is and why you're choosing to put it there is important in terms of goals and improving your overall financial literacy. If you're clamouring to get your first home, choose a bank that maximises your saving potential, such as Great Southern Bank. Great Southern Bank is empowering young Aussies with their banking to get them to their savings goals faster. Whether you're saving for a house deposit or just want to develop better banking habits, Great Southern Bank has a number of smart tools and features to get you there. One is The Boost, where you can set a predetermined amount (between $0.01 and $5) from your everyday transaction account to be automatically transferred to your savings account every time you make a purchase. That means every sambo, short black and schooner is subtly boosting your savings. Once you've got that all set up, you'll want to keep your savings fund from shrinking. For instance, if you get a bit tap happy when you're out having a good time (who doesn't), your bank balance can take quite the hit. This is where having a spending cap on your account can come in handy. Be realistic about how much you'll need depending on the activity. And, here's the tricky part: don't transfer more. You'll thank yourself later. Great Southern Bank is empowering Aussies to get clever with their banking. Whether you want to stick to your savings goals with The Boost or hide your house deposit fund from yourself with The Vault, Great Southern Bank helps you get there. For more information on savings tools and home loan options, head to the Great Southern Bank website. Top image: SWOP Clothing Exchange, Trent van der Jagt
When Steam Mill Lane signed on Belles Hot Chicken, we knew the foodie precinct would have at least a little bit of spice. Now, the laneway is taking that small step to the next level with its inaugural Hot Sauce and Chilli Festival. The three-day spice lover's haven will run from midday on Friday, August 17 through Sunday, August 19, boasting pop-up stalls and live music, plus a requisite chilli-eating contest for good measure. The food stalls will feature one-off specialties from the laneway's residences — think a spicy hot chicken sandwich from Belles, a cajun chicken roll from The Sandwich Shop, chilli pizza and chilli cocktails from Il Bacio, deep fried chilli concoctions from Ricefields, spicy poke from Fishbowl and a spicy matcha latte from Matcha-Ya. Plus, 8Bit will collaborate with Melbourne Hot Sauce for its Streets of Rage festival burger and Marrickville Pork Roll will have a menu dedicated to Sriracha. We wouldn't be surprised if even the biggest chilli fans are burnt out after all that spice.
Cancel your trick-or-treating plans. Spend Halloween at an epic, immersive party overnight in a secret rainforest location instead, with a swimming pool, live performers, DJs and a bunch of otherworldly surprises. Dubbed The Afterlife and curated by Have You Heard (Camp Unknown, The Yacht Social Club), this event will transport you deep into a mysterious rainforest, just over an hour's drive from Sydney. For 24 hours, you'll be immersed in an alternative universe, where bad and good, dark and light, and nightmares and dreams collide. While your soul is wrestling with its opposing inclinations, you'll be kept well entertained with a cracking lineup of Sydney-based DJs, including Bondi House, Simo, Nicc Johnson, vonAudio and Start Cue, as well as an array of circus, burlesque and fire-eating performers. Plus, as you'd know well, if you've previously kept company with Have You Heard, you can expect all manner of weird and wonderful happenings. The first three ticket releases have sold out, but there is a fourth on the boil, which you can avail yourself of right here. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Winstons — the posh bistro inside the Nag's Hotel in Glebe — is launching a brand new dinner series. Over six nights, owner and chef Nelly Robinson, who's also head honcho at NEL Restaurant, will team up with six different chefs to bring you an eight-course feast. The first to dip their toe into the water is Colin Fassnidge. You might know him from the Four in Hand, 4Fourteen or even My Kitchen Rules. The two will take turns presenting dishes. Though we can't spill all the details just yet, we do know that Robinson's caviar-topped prawn charcoal tartlet will be making an appearance — as will Fassnidge's pig ear schnitzel with green sauce. You'll catch Robinson and Fassnidge on Thursday, June 12. Others coming up on the program are Justin North on July 24, Julian Cincotta on August 28, Shaun Christie-David on September 11, Damian Brown and Manu Feildel (dates to be announced) .
UPDATE, July 26, 2020: Charlie's Angels is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. The first line of Charlie's Angels circa 2019, uttered by a glammed-up Kristen Stewart, makes a statement. "I think women can do anything," Stewart's Sabina Wilson tells Australian Jonny (Chris Pang), responding to his smug assertions otherwise. Naturally, Sabina is swiftly forced to prove her point. The film she's in conveys this notion across its duration, too, although not always in the way that it intends. Written and directed by Elizabeth Banks (as well as co-starring the actor-turned-filmmaker), the third iteration of Charlie's Angels embraces the idea that women can do whatever they please — and, more importantly, that women needn't fit any mould. And yet, by emphasising these messages in a movie that's largely generic, there's an emptiness behind the film's empowering words. Sabina's altercation with Jonny is just the action-packed picture's opening punch. A year later, when computer programmer Elena Houghlin (Naomi Scott) seeks the Angels' help, the movie kicks its main narrative into gear. Meeting with Bosley (Djimon Hounsou), Elena explains that she's been working on a revolutionary clean-energy project, but it can be weaponised — and, just as it's about to hit the shelves, her boss (Nat Faxon) is hiding that fact from his boss (Sam Claflin). When, mid-conversation, a tattooed henchman (Jonathan Tucker) starts shooting Elena and Bosley's way, the main Angels swoop in. Soon, Sabina and no-nonsense ex-MI6 agent Jane Kano (Ella Balinska) are protecting Elena, trying to save the world and showing their new friend the wig-wearing, outfit-changing, globe-trotting, go-get-'em-girl spy ropes. Four decades since the initial Charlie's Angels hit the small screen, and nearly 20 years after the first two films brought the concept to cinemas, this feisty espionage franchise sports a few superficial changes. Like Men In Black (albeit far more convincingly), the Angels have gone international in this reboot-slash-revival (it introduces a new team, but exists in the same world as its predecessors). Plus, Bosley is now a rank rather than a specific person. So, Patrick Stewart also plays a Bosley. He's the retiring senior figure, as well as the man who spread the organisation's wings. Banks is a Bosley too, with her character overseeing Sabina, Jane and Elena's mission, singing day drinking's praises and stressing that there's nothing wrong with needing a hug in a time of crisis. That sentiment from Banks also makes a statement — one that's as crucial as KStew's opening words. Charlie's Angels is guilty of including a few easy female stereotypes (a love of cheese and a fondness for big wardrobes, for example); however it also highlights that being formidable and being vulnerable aren't polar opposites. From Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson to Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu and Cameron Diaz, viewers have already seen previous Angels demonstrate different strengths and play dress-up as different kinds of women. Here, they let their multi-faceted personalities shine. Each of the new Angels does this in their own way, and it's a meaningful touch. It's also something that isn't always part of the 'strong female lead' package, with Hollywood frequently struggling to realise that proficient and powerful women aren't one-dimensional. With that in mind, Stewart, Balinska and Scott make a lively crew. While Stewart provides the off-screen star power, the three actors share the on-screen spotlight. Indeed, although Stewart is set up to steal scenes as the goofiest member of the group — playing against her usual type of late (see: Clouds of Sils Maria, Certain Women and Personal Shopper) — her co-stars make as much of a splash. Balinska cracks Jane's stern exterior, but never lets either her tough or open sides seem like a flaw. Scott, already a standout in this year's live-action Aladdin remake, plays the awkward but capable newcomer with charm. Banks often saddles the three leads with stating the obvious and relaying exposition, but they're a trio that audiences won't mind spending time with. And, in resurrecting a decades-old property, that's really the movie's main point. It's an incredibly timely moment to be back in the Charlie's Angels game, as Banks clearly recognises, but her task isn't simple. Sitting in the director's chair for the second time (after Pitch Perfect 2), she's charged with updating the series in-line with today's #MeToo mindset, and also reviving a potential cash cow. Filmmaking is a business, so the second part of the equation was always going to weigh heavier than the first for Sony. Cue action scenes that, though energetic and well-executed, rarely leave an imprint — especially given that nicely choreographed espionage antics are oh-so-common cinema fodder these days. Cue an overall mood that's perky, dips into thoughtful territory, yet still has a noticeable cookie-cutter vibe. And, of course, cue an engaging-enough but inescapably standard movie that's primarily here to whet appetites for more sassy girl-power antics to come. Yep, amidst the many things that women can do, they can star in passable franchise scene-setters as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKeRgPPQcoc
Some of Sydney's film festivals, such as the Sydney Film Festival and the Sydney Underground Film Festival, have run virtually this year. Others, like the Italian Film Festival and the upcoming Monster Fest, have stuck with in-person events. For movie buffs, that means you haven't been lacking in things to watch — and now a brand new film fest is about to hit town to treat you to a feast of sci-fi. The Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival will run across three days, from Thursday, November 19–Saturday, November 21, screening ten features and 41 shorts from 20 countries. To get transported to another world — something we could all use this year — you'll need to head to the Actors Centre Australia in Leichhardt. And you can pick and choose the movies that interest you, or opt for a festival pass and watch your way through every session. Topping the bill are the world premieres of new Australian films Monsters of Man and Strangeville, if you like pictures about military androids and alien abductions in an outback town. Or, you can check out weird and wonderful movies from around the globe, including Italian apocalyptic thriller Darkness, and French titles Fish Love and Anonymous Animals. The list goes on, and The Queen of the Lizards from Spain is on it — because, yes, there seems to be an animal theme in the fest's movie monikers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_d2ovybWRw
Mary, Queen of Scots is a film steeped in two time periods, yet firmly of the times. A historical drama set in the 16th century as two female monarchs battle for supremacy, it's also a movie that could've only been made today. The true tale itself has graced the screen before, but the angle favoured by this interpretation of the story is straight out of the #MeToo era. As much as Mary, Queen of Scots tells of its titular ruler (Saoirse Ronan) and her conflict with her cousin Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie), it also explores the forces pitting them against each other and putting them in their places. When Mary returns to Scotland after a childhood spent in France, she regains her throne and sets her sights on her other birthright. The only legitimate child of King James V, she boasts a claim to England, even if Elizabeth already wears that crown. What follows is a quest for sovereignty by two relatives as different as they are alike. Mary is a teenage Catholic open to love, life and birthing a successor to both kingdoms, while Elizabeth is a Protestant who refuses to marry and isn't expected to bear an heir. But they're each headstrong, intelligent and passionate, and determined to fight for what's theirs regardless of the obstacles in their path. In a movie filled with men unhappy about serving the fairer sex, including Mary's disapproving half-brother (James McArdle), a scare-mongering religious leader (David Tennant) and Elizabeth's duplicitous chief advisor (Guy Pearce), there's no doubting how cruel the world can be to a woman in power. While political manoeuvring and machinations drive Mary, Queen of Scots' plot, confident first-time director Josie Rourke works with screenwriter Beau Willimon (House of Cards) to focus on the bigger picture. Behind both queens stands a line of wolves in sheep's clothing, complying with their rulers to the bare minimum and trying to push their own agendas. If the male posturing and plotting didn't ring so true, it might've felt like a forced, convenient modern revision designed to highlight that women still struggle to be taken seriously, even if their troubles are finally getting more attention. Sadly, men attempting to tear down female leaders hasn't gone out of fashion in the past five centuries. A veteran of the London stage before this, Rourke knows where the strength of the story lies. Although her handsomely mounted picture is based on the biography Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart and clearly favours the Scottish monarch over her cousin, Mary's struggles are deepened by the comparison to Elizabeth. Indeed, through skilled, fluid cross-cutting, the film convincingly closes the gap between two women who only actually share one scene. Their face-to-face, when it comes, is climactic, emotional and memorable (not to mention strikingly staged by Rourke and her team), but Mary, Queen of Scots places them face-to-face from start to finish, in a manner. History branded Mary and Elizabeth competitors; this version of history sees them as kindred spirits. Still, for all of Mary, Queen of Scots' successes, it ultimately mirrors the plight of its protagonists: striving for greatness, and to make an impact, yet often weighed down. It's a fine, meaningful film that could've been stellar, but sometimes makes its minutiae feel routine and elongated. After a while, the letters back and forth, the scheming and strategies, and the fears and the threats all bleed into each other, even for those already familiar with the details. Thankfully, the same can never be said of 2018 Oscar nominees Ronan and Robbie, each worlds apart from their respective acclaimed roles in Lady Bird and I, Tonya. One is plucky and idealistic, the other fierce yet silently fraying, and both are tinged by exhaustion and frustration — not from squaring off against each other, but from simply fighting to exist. Any movie would be lucky to have them, and their equally timely and timeless vision of women holding their own. Mary, Queen of Scots is lucky to have both. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEC-F8cBD9s
Both big air and big bands are on the agenda for Australia's newest festival offering. This August, the global Air + Style Big Air Competition is set to make its southern hemisphere debut, descending on The Domain for three huge days of snow sports, live music, culture and fashion. And it's being headlined by none other than Irish/Scottish alt-rockers Snow Patrol and US artist Flo Rida, each heading to town for their first Aussie shows in over five years. From August 3 to 5, the 34-hectare space on the edge of Sydney's CBD will be sporting a very different look than what locals are used to, featuring a 16-storey snow-covered ramp and multiple music stages. More than 60 of the world's best snowboarders and skiers will land here, to compete as part of the 2018 Air + Style Global Tour. Plus, the event has quite the pedigree — three-time Olympic gold medallist and all-round champion snowboarder Shaun White has been the majority shareholder since 2014. But let's not forget about the equally tempting music component. Previous incarnations of Air + Style in the likes of Beijing, Los Angeles and Austria's Innsbruck have drawn big-name artists such as Flume, Major Lazer, Portugal. The Man and Kendrick Lamar. The Sydney outing promises to follow in their footsteps, with Snow Patrol and Flo Rida just the first of many acts to be announced. Both single day tickets and multi-day passes are available, starting at $150. The Air + Style Big Air Competition comes to The Domain, Sydney from August 3-5. Head to the festival website for tickets and further information.
When spring hits, hospitality giant Merivale is celebrating by running a month-long happy hour offering nearly half-priced beverages at venues across Sydney. Throughout most of September, a heap of Merivale pubs and bars will be taking 49-percent off the price of all drinks for any groups of eight or more who book. This means that you can enjoy a few discounted beers, wines or cocktails with your closest mates in the Vic on the Park's beer garden or on the deck at The Newport. [caption id="attachment_848714" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Vic on the Park[/caption] To activate the deal, just round up seven of your friends and family, and make a booking for the full eight of you between Friday, September 1–Thursday, September 28. You'll then be offered 49-percent off all of any drinks you order in the first hour of your booking. The deal includes all beverages below $350 per item — so everything from Reschs to margaritas is on the table. Other Merivale venues that will be taking part in the promotion include bustling beer garden The Alex, Coogee Pavilion's ground floor bar area, The Royal George, The Royal Bondi, Charlie Parker's, Little Felix, The Dog, Norton's, The Paddington and The Beresford, just to name a few. Check out the full list at the Merivale website.
For eight years, Pilu Kiosk — the café-shack at Freshwater attached to the eponymous double-hatted restaurant — has been a Northern Beaches go-to for coffee and panini. Now, it's closing its doors for a revamp, before reopening in March as Pilu Bar and Kiosk. For you, that'll mean Italian wines, cocktails and just-cooked, Sardinian dishes within view of beautiful Freshwater Beach. "We've been thinking for a while about how cool it'd be for people to come straight off the beach and sit down to Negronis, spritzers, oysters and salumi," says Marilyn Annecchini, who operates Pilu alongside her husband and business partner, Giovanni Pilu. "It's the perfect location and we've been working on it for a couple of years." Pilu Bar and Kiosk will continue to serve the café-style fare for which it's so popular – takeaway included – but will be redesigned to offer a "more extensive menu". Most importantly, the shack will score an onsite kitchen. "In the morning, it'll still be an espresso bar, serving coffee and muffins and the like, but we'll have cooked breakfast options, too," Marilyn says. "For example, we already have egg and pancetta rolls on the menu, but they'll be made to order." At lunch and dinner, you can expect oysters, salumi and traditional Italian dishes with a twist, as well as fresher, fancier panini. Match your choices with Italian wines by the glass, craft beers and creative takes on classic cocktails. Design-wise, the kiosk will keep its beach shack look and feel, with the addition of a copper-topped bar, timber surfaces, greenery and seating along the existent hedge, overlooking the water. There'll be room for about 35 people. What's more, hours will be extended. Pilu Bar and Kiosk will open from 7am seven days a week all year round. During daylight savings time, and between Thursday and Monday outside of daylight savings, it'll stay open till 9pm. Image: Pilu at Freshwater.
Secret Garden Festival might be the most secretive festival to grace the summer scene, and tickets for the next instalment are on sale on Thursday, November 14. As per every previous year, the lineup and location are still a complete secret, so the cash dropped for one of these tickets is a lucky dip that commits you to a whole weekend of booze, bands, friends and fun. Once again, the first day is a theme day. The 2013 festival celebrated the theme of Secret Garcon, where Friday festival goers dressed up in their favourite Cosplay attire. 2014, however, is a whole new ballgame. The Friday celebrations will be Farmers vs Zombies: a band of 'zombies' will be let loose on gardeners, who will be armed only with Nerf weapons (BYO Nerf weapons) and are expected to clear the yard in two hours, when the festival proper kicks off. Badass. The rest of the festival is given over to all manner of entertainment, including bands, artists and various other performers doing various other things. As vague as that sounds, it's mysteriously exciting. The best dang thing about the whole deal is that the entire festival is not for profit. All proceeds from tickets, food and drinks bought at the festival go towards the Sarah Hilt Foundation, which supports victims of meningococcal. So the more you drink, dance and stuff yourself, the more you're helping the community. Tickets start at $120 for one day, or $185 for both. Additional costs are involved for hiring tents, the Friday morning banquet and a bus to and from and the Farmers vs Zombies. Update 18 February: Here's the full lineup for 2014. Ariane - Awesome Tapes from Africa (CAN) - Blank Realm - Cosmo's Midnight Day Ravies - Del - Dusty Fingers - DZ Deathrays - Ernest Ellis – Joyride - Ken Davis Ambassador For The Future - King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Levins - Love Bombs - Mighty Mouse (UK) - Mike Who - Roland Tings - Roof – Shag Shantan Wantan Ichiban - Slowblow & Softwar - Steve Smyth – Sweetie True Vibenation - Tyson Koh & Smokey LaBeef - Wordlife (DJ Set) - Yo Grito's Dance-Off! They join the first announcement acts: Bloods - Client Liaison - D.D Dumbo - Donny Benet & The Donny Benet Show Band Elizabeth Rose - Goldroom (USA - DJ Set) - Lancelot (Live) - Little May – Nantes Olympia – Palms - Papa Vs. Pretty - Richard In Your Mind - The Rubens - Ryan Hemsworth (CAN) - Shining Bird - Straight Arrows – Sures - The Trouble with Templeton - World’s End Press
For most of us, bringing the outdoors inside is interior decorating speak for putting a few plants around your apartment. For artist Doug Wheeler, it has been a life-long ambition. Growing up in Arizona and spending time standing in the US state's vast desert landscape, he conceived of an idea for a group of installations that would mimic that experience — and, almost five decades after he put his plans down on paper, one has finally become a reality. Inside New York's Guggenheim Museum, Wheeler has transformed the gallery into an abstract synthetic dessert. Don't just take our word for it — PSAD Synthetic Desert III is the name of the piece. After moving through a number of chambers that can only be unlocked by staff, visitors walk into a room filled with sound-absorbing foam pyramids as far as the eye can see. A platform sits in the middle, ensuring everyone who enters is surrounded by the eye-catching structure, with lighting and sound design also crafted to make the space as immersive as possible. Indeed, because Synthetic Desert "is best experienced with as few extraneous sounds and distractions as possible," according to the Guggenheim website, only five people can enter the free exhibition at any one time. Visits are limited to either ten or twenty minutes of gazing into the sea of white shapes and ponder space, landscape and whatever else pops into your mind when you're sitting in silence in a room filled with foam spikes. After first turning his vision into sketches back in 1968, and spending much of his career contemplating light and space, Wheeler piece aims to "produce a hermetic environment based on a radical reduction of optical and acoustical sensation" in order to "heighten our understanding of perceptual experience." Anyone that happens to be in New York between now and August 2 is advised to book in advance, with entry free with museum admission, because this unique and beautiful installation is certain to be popular. Via Artnet. Image: David Heald
Cast your eyes on the YouTube diary of Canada Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield and you will never be impressed by the notion of man placing a flag on the moon again. Canada's first commander of the International Space Station has been furiously tweeting and video blogging live from Expedition 35 for the past five months, creating the closest thing the world has seen to the Big Brother diary room in outer space in the process. While the CSA website lists the mission's objectives as "to carry out scientific experiments" and "perform robotic tasks", Renaissance man Hadfield has also managed to produce the astronaut's answer to Cindy Crawford's Buns of Steel and show his tender side in an attempt to find out what happens to tears in space (hint: not the same as what happens in heaven). Most recently, Hadfield has been busy staging a music video of 'Space Oddity' by David Bowie. Turns out Bowie's understanding of outer space is pretty bang on — the clouds look very different up there, Hadfield floats in a most peculiar way and while planet Earth is blue, there's nothing left to do, hence the Soyuz capsule is set to touch down to Earth tomorrow. Via Slate.
ANZAC Day commemorations are set to take shape a little differently this year, thanks to those now very familiar restrictions in place to help curb the spread of COVID-19. With group gatherings off-limits, tradition is taking a bit of a backseat, and the usual parades and dawn services honouring our soldiers have had to be cancelled. But there are still plenty of ways you can show your support for the ANZACs, while sticking to social-distancing directives. From driveway memorials, to ANZAC bickie baking sessions, here are some top ideas for getting involved with ANZAC Day 2020, virtually. [caption id="attachment_665411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance via Flickr[/caption] PAY YOUR RESPECTS WITH A LIVE-STREAMED DAWN SERVICE While ANZAC Day services across the country usually involve hundreds of punters gathered at dawn to pay their respects, social-distancing measures mean things will be drastically downsized this year. But even without the crowds, you'll still be able to tap into that sense of solidarity, as many of Australia's landmark sites take their regular ANZAC commemorative services online. Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance is set to live-stream its Dawn Service for all to watch on Facebook, kicking off at 6am on Saturday, April 25. Meanwhile, the ABC will have all the proceedings from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra streamed live from 5am, across its radio, TV and online channels. Expect to hear The Last Post played at around 6am. If you can't make it to a screen for one of these dawn sessions, RSL NSW is also streaming a closed service at 10am, hosted in Sydney and available to watch live via its Facebook page. And RSL Queensland has created a short ANZAC service of its own — download the audio from the website and tune in whenever suits. The organisers of the annual Coloured Diggers March, Babana Aboriginal Mens Group will also be hosting Zoom gathering at 11am to remember the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who served. 'LIGHT UP THE DAWN' FROM YOUR DRIVEWAY Social gatherings are currently a no-go, but on April 25, Aussies across the country will be bringing the ANZAC spirit to the end of their driveways — or balconies, front porches or living rooms — instead. RSL clubs nationwide are encouraging locals to mark the occasion with an at-home show of respect, inviting us all to 'light up the dawn' from 6am on ANZAC Day. You can pledge your support to the initiative online, then honour the ANZACs from wherever you call home, taking a moment to remember those who've served our country, perhaps while streaming a live service on your device. Many folks will light candles, others will have shrines and wreaths on display, and there's sure to be plenty of red poppies around, all in tribute to our armed services personnel. Share your personal ANZAC service with the tags #StandTo #ANZACspirit and #lightupthedawn [caption id="attachment_768400" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Australian War Memorial via Travis/Flickr[/caption] CREATE YOUR OWN ONLINE TRIBUTE The Australian War Memorial is drumming up some virtual support for our ANZACs by inviting Aussies to create their own online tribute, as part of its new #ForTheFallen initiative. To get involved, simply record a video of yourself reciting the 'Ode if Remembrance', or document your own ANZAC project, then pop it on social media tagged with #ForTheFallen. If you need a little memory boost, the lines to the section of Laurence Binyon's classic poem For the Fallen go like this: "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them." DONATE TO THE ANZAC APPEAL The RSL's long-running ANZAC Appeal will still go ahead this year, though it's had to face a few logistical changes given the current pandemic situation. There won't be any of the usual streetside collections — instead, most of the fundraising efforts will take place online, inviting financial donations to be used to support veterans and their families. You can help provide servicemen past and present with much-needed things like crisis accommodation, emergency financial help, and physical and mental health support, by donating via the website. This year's appeal is running right through the month, up until April 30. GET INVOLVED IN THE WORLD'S BIGGEST MEAT TRAY RAFFLE This ANZAC Day, you can give back to Aussie veterans, support a bunch of local businesses and be in with a shot at winning the ultimate meat tray prize — all at the same time. Kicking off this week across Australia, the inaugural World's Biggest Meat Raffle is out to beat the Guinness World Record for the greatest amount of meat-trays ever won in a single competition. This meaty movement's being headlined, of course, by legendary 'lambassador' Sam Kekovich, and will raise much-needed funds for Swiss 8: a veteran-founded non-profit focused on mental health support. The charity's work is especially important during these uncertain times we're all facing. Organiser The Village Co has joined forces with local butchers all over the country to create the mega prize haul of 10,000 meat trays, which equates to a whopping 2000 kilograms of snags, steaks, burgers and more. The major winner will score a whole year's worth of weekly meat trays, both for themselves and eight lucky mates. Grab your tickets here. JOIN AN ONLINE ANZAC BISCUIT BAKING SESSION There's no doubt the tastiest part of any ANZAC Day commemoration is the bickies. And those oat biscuits are set to get just as big a workout this year as ever before, thanks to all the new-found kitchen skills that have been honed in isolation. If you're keen to spread the ANZAC message via a few homemade baked goods, you can even join others from across Australia and New Zealand for a huge online ANZAC biscuit bake-off. Hitting Zoom at 2pm AEST on April 23, you'll find the Bake Together: ANZAC Biscuits Live baking session hosted by culinary historian and cookbook author Allison Reynolds. You can follow along with Reynolds as she guides you through her method, or simply tune in while using your own go-to recipe. And you'd better have the kettle on standby as there'll be plenty of time for questions and conversation. [caption id="attachment_683489" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cybele Malinowski[/caption] TUNE INTO AN ANZAC DAY CONCERT WITH SOME AUSSIE MUSIC LEGENDS Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, Delta Goodrem and The Wiggles are just some of the artists coming together (virtually) for this year's ANZAC Day concert Music from the Home Front. Screening on channel Nine from 7.30pm, the concert will see 16 music legends from Australia and New Zealand come together to celebrate the two countries, pay respects to those who've served and also thank front-line workers during COVID-19. Also on the lineup: Courtney Barnett, Marlon Williams, Kevin Parker from Tame Impala, Missy Higgins, The Rubens and Vance Joy. Top image: Dee Why RSL
Waverley's Wholegreen Bakery is the only place in Sydney that you can get gluten-free croissants, fruit danishes, eclairs and sausage rolls alongside gluten-free baguettes and loaves of olive and rosemary sourdough. The bakery's goods can be tracked down outside of the eastern suburbs, too — at some cafes, and at Carriageworks Farmers Market and the North Sydney Produce Market — but most gluten-free Sydneysiders make the journey to Waverley to pick up a haul. However, soon they might be able to load up on their lunch break, when Wholegreen opens a second gluten-free cafe in the CBD. The venue — which is due to open on Clarence Street in early March — will, like its Waverley counterpart, be 100 percent gluten-free. This is important because those that suffer from coeliac disease have a sensitive reaction to even a small trace of gluten and, this way, there is no chance for cross-contamination. But, unlike the original cafe, this one will be way bigger with room for 60 diners. While it's all gluten-free, Wholegreen will be catering to all city workers as a place to grab a coffee and something to eat. It'll be baking all of its bread and pastries each morning, meaning that you'll be able to get your hands on one of its golden croissants, pain au chocolats or even a loaf of sourdough to take home. The bakery also does a wide range of cakes and sweets, including lemon tarts, banana bread and frangipane tarts. Plus, there will be some dairy-free, vegan and sugar-free options. It'll also pump out some lunch items worthy of walking a few blocks for, including spinach and feta pasties, sausage rolls, toasties and fresh rolls stuffed with ham and salad. It'll also be licensed, so wines and gluten-free beer will be on the menu if you're eating in. Cherie Lyden, Wholegreen's owner, got into gluten-free when her daughter was diagnosed as coeliac and needed to eliminate gluten from her diet. She quickly found she was "disappointed with what was available on the market" and, in an effort to lift the — sometime dismal — standards of gluten-free products, she started doing what no one else was doing at the time: making actually good gluten-free bread. She's operated the wholesale side of the business for six years now, and the Waverley cafe for four. Both cafes are 100 percent gluten-free, and are currently in the process of getting accreditation from Coeliac Australia. Wholegreen Bakery's new CBD venue is set to open on Clarence Street in early March, 2020, and will be open Monday to Saturday. We'll keep you updated when we know more details.
What is the effect of this country's colonial history on the present day? Performance artist Sarah-Jane Norman uses the body as a canvas to explore this question in Unsettling Suite, part of Performance Space's Matters of Life and Death series of performance and installation. Of mixed Aboriginal and British heritage herself, Norman has a deeply personal involvement with the subject matter. As the title suggests, Unsettling Suite aims to unsettle, drawing the viewer into an otherworldly house whose rooms are illuminated by unnatural light. Each space presents a different installation tackling the legacy of Australia's race relations, and select dates feature a live performance. Steeped in history and emotion, the artwork promises a tight connection to the guiding theme of the Matters of Life and Death program: our fear of death. Also included in Performance Space's Matters of Life and Death program of Aussie and international works is dance piece Performance Anxiety, macabre foodie event The Last Supper, an Eddie Sharp-curated instalment of NightTime, and the Death Knocks Supper Club of impolite dinner table conversation. Read what the artists had to say in our feature 'Seven Positive Ways to Think About Death at Performance Space'.
Charismatic foursome All Our Exes Live in Texas are hitting the road for a national tour throughout March and April, celebrating the release of new single 'Sailboat', from their forthcoming debut album. The group represents the bringing together of four of Sydney's foremost singing and songwriting talents: Elana Stone, Kate Wighton, Hannah Crofts and Georgia Mooney. Since releasing their debut EP back in late 2013, they've been winning over indie-folk crowds with their lush four-part harmonies, haunting melodies and stories of heartbreak and fresh beginnings. The EP scored quite a few spins on triple j's Roots 'n' All. In the meantime, they've been sharing stages with a bunch of well-known acts, including Megan Washington, Tinpan Orange, Mama Kin and Jordie Lane. The Sailboat National Tour covers several major festivals, including Port Fairy, Blue Mountains, the Tasmania International Arts Festival and the National Folk Festival, as well as appearances at the Melbourne Folk Club on March 25, The Basement on April 18 and Black bear Lodge on April 19.
Every music festival has its own distinctive traits and drawcards, no matter who happens to be hitting the stage in any given year. Held on the banks of the Murray River, Strawberry Fields is no different. Fancy escaping into nature to listen to live and electronic acts, wander through art installations and hit up a bush spa? That's all on this fest's bill. Taking place across the weekend of Friday, October 28–Sunday, October 30 in Tocumwal, New South Wales, this year's Strawberry Fields has just unveiled its lineup, and it's full of impressive names. The Pharcyde, Massive Attack founder and DJ Daddy G, Acid Pauli, Moodymann, Barkaa and Jesswar are just some of the talents on the list — and yes, it goes on. Also exciting: being able to soak away your stresses, not that you should have any at a music fest, at the bush spa; the Moroccan Bedouin lounges and tea ceremonies in the festival's Mirage Motel space; and the glamping options, given that you'll want to make a weekend of it. For the fourth event now, Strawberry Fields is also implementing a low-income ticket program, which helps open up the festival to more punters — regardless of income. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis, after providing supporting documentation, and receive 50-percent off the standard entry ticket rate. Also, if you happen to be born on this year's festival dates, you can also register to score a free ticket. Happy birthday to you indeed. Strawberry Fields 2022 will also add two new stages — and if you're wondering what's on the arts, workshops and performances lineup, or what food, drink and market stall options will be available, the fest is taking applications for those now, with details to be announced closer to the fest. STRAWBERRY FIELDS 2022 LINEUP: Acid Pauli Ash Lauryn Barkaa Bumpy CINTA Claire Morgan Daddy G (Massive Attack) DJ set DAVI DJ PGZ DJ Python EFFY Egyptian Lover FLEWNT Gioli & Assia Glass Beams Henry Wu Horse Meat Disco IN2STELLAR Janus Rasmussen Jesswar Julian Belbachir Kamaal Williams Kiasmos (DJ set) La La Mella Dee Merve Millú Mindy Meng Wang Moodymann Moontide Ensemble NO ZU Omar S Paramida Pjenné Roy Blues Roy Rosenfeld Roza Terenzi Sassy J Sebastien Leger Soju Gang SQL & Child Tamikrest The Pharcyde Tijuana Cartel Wayne Snow Strawberry Fields takes place at Tocumwal, New South Wales, from Friday, October 28–Sunday, October 30. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, July 28 — head to the festival website for further details. Images: Duncographic.
¡Viva el cine español! Australia's carnival of Spanish-language cinema is on the verge of adulthood and is celebrating the occasion in style. Commemorating its 17th birthday in 2014, the Spanish Film Festival will once again showcase the best of the Spanish and Latin American film industry, from twisting crime tales to slick ensemble love stories, heart-warming comedies and searing social dramas. This year's festivities will be bookended by two big favourites from Spain's prestigious Goya awards. Opening night features the sixties-set road-trip movie Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed, winner of six statues including Best Picture, Director and Actor. Two-a-half-weeks later, the macabre comic fantasy Witching and Bitching, featuring Best Supporting Actress Terele Pávez, will bring the festival to a close. Other highlights on the 30-film program include The Golden Cage, which won Best Cast at the Cannes Film Festival, and Scorpion in Love, a boxing drama in which Javier Bardem plays a neo-Nazi gang leader. (Not such a heartthrob now, is he ladies?) For the full Spanish Film Festival lineup, visit the festival website Image: Still from Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed. https://youtube.com/watch?v=xAPS2uPFNkY
Picking your favourite Coen brothers-directed movie is like choosing which of your pets you love most. It's tricky, bordering on impossible, and it's a task that no one should willingly take up. Also difficult: selecting which of the filmmaking siblings' flicks to go see on the big screen at Sydney's aptly titled Dude, It's a Coen Brothers Retrospective screening series. All cinephiles should abide with this lengthy season, which is taking place at the Ritz Cinema in Randwick from Thursday, January 14–Friday, June 4. After kicking off with Fargo across January 14–17, a different movie will play each week from Friday, February 5 — and, as far as picking what to watch goes, you're spoiled for choice. On the bill is everything from Raising Arizona and The Big Lebowski to No Country for Old Men and Inside Llewyn Davis. That means you can laugh at Nicolas Cage, crave white russians, watch multiple Oscar-winning flicks, and listen to Oscar Isaac croon folk tunes while taking care of a cat — and work your way through the likes of Blood Simple, Barton Fink, Burn After Reading and Hail, Caesar!, too. And if you haven't ever seen the glorious O Brother, Where Art Thou? on a big screen, that's something we definitely recommend fixing during the 18-title retro season. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuQ8pz-5WLY
Two Good Co, the social enterprise dedicated to supporting vulnerable women by providing pathways out of crisis living, has opened its first cafe and convenience store in philanthropic hub Yirranma Place. Two Good Co first launched in 2015 as a soup kitchen at Kings Cross, before expanding into selling soup products, salads and toiletries to raise funds for its good work. Created in partnership with the Paul Ramsay Foundation, the venue is open 7am–3pm weekdays, serving breakfast and lunch with a strong focus on local artisan and ethically-minded businesses. Brands you'll find within the store include The Bread & Butter Project, Kua Coffee, Mood and T Totaler teas, Blak Cede and Gelato Messina. The cafe will help fund Two Good Co's programs while also employing vulnerable women across the front of house, kitchen and concierge roles. "Training, empowering, and employing vulnerable women is the reason we do what we do," Two Good co-founder Rob Caslick said. "We see our partnership with the Paul Ramsay Foundation as a springboard to showcase this model to other organisations who want their office catering and café service to make a real difference." Alongside the standard breakfast and lunch menus, a special monthly menu curated by culinary friends of Two Good Co is also promised. The organisation has worked with the likes of Kylie Kwong, Maggie Beer, Peter Gilmore and Matt Moran in the past, and is kicking things off with a July menu crafted by Three Blue Ducks chef and co-owner Darren Robertson. Robertson's menu features cauliflower cheese toasties, his renowned chocolate cookies and an Italian sausage, pear, lentil and watercress salad. Expect monthly menus from Belinda Jeffery in August, followed by Matt Moran in September. The organisation has also expanded its catering service for those wanting to host a function while supporting a good cause. The service now offers a variety of options from small breakfasts and grazing boxes to cocktail canapes and large-scale event catering. Two Good Co Cafe is located at 262 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst. It's open 7am–3pm Monday–Friday.
Master German photographer Sven Marquardt will be the subject of dual exhibitions in Sydney and Melbourne this May. Splitting his time between his art and working the door at Berlin's exclusive Berghain nightclub, Marquardt has become an icon both at home and abroad as a result of his striking black and white photographs, captured exclusively using analogue cameras. Now, thanks to the Goethe-Institut, he's on his way to Australia. Marquardt's first stop will be in Melbourne, where he'll introduce Fotografien, a five-week exhibition of his work at The Substation in Newport. After that it's on to Sydney for the launch of Future's Past, a two-and-a-half week show at Ambush Gallery in Chippendale, co-presented by the Head On Photo Festival. Shutterbugs, don't let this one pass you by.
After the turbulent year that has been, summer is finally here and it's time to celebrate. One of the easiest ways to do that is with an epic (socially responsible) house party. House parties are the places where friendships are forged, dancefloors are formed and memories are made, and summer is the primo time to make use of your own house and host your friends for a knees-up. With fun in mind, we've joined forces with Hennessy for this foolproof guide to making sure your party has all the elements needed for success. Stay up to date with the developing COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney's northern beaches and current restrictions at NSW Health. FIRST, ORDER THIS HOUSE PARTY PACK No one likes to socialise when they're hangry, so sorting out food should be your first port of call. That's why Hennessy has partnered with three different restaurants to create a series of collaborative feasts. Each comes with a limited edition bottle of Hennessy, ginger ale and a fun snack pack. In Sydney, fried chicken purveyors Butter will supply you and three friends with chicken wings, corn on the cob, mash and ramen-broth gravy, slaw and rolls for $180. In Melbourne, Japanese hot spot Mr Miyagi will sort you and three mates out with pork belly bao, peking duck nori tacos, fried chicken and spiced tuna tartare crackers for $250. And in Brisbane, party people can get around a feast for ten of spring rolls, chicken karaage bao and spiced chicken wings with gochujang aioli from Mr Mista for $230. Each pack also includes party cups, balloons, a deck of cards and a disposable camera to capture all the good times you'll be having. MAKE SUPER-SIMPLE COCKTAILS FOR WELCOME DRINKS Some of the best cocktails are ones you don't even need a recipe for, and the ginger mule is exactly that. Simply pour 40ml of Hennessy into a highball glass and fill the glass with ice. Top up with around 100ml of ginger ale and garnish with a lime wedge or slices of fresh ginger. Voila! Drinks are sorted. You could also consider batching these cocktails in larger quantities for easy serving. Find this recipe and more on Hennessy's website. [embed]https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1CzIHMGk079iUL3947oYnr[/embed] OPT FOR A READYMADE PLAYLIST Instead of fussing about with aux cords or searching for artists, leave the party soundtrack responsibilities to Hennessy. Yep, the cognac brand also has a surprisingly good selection of packed-out playlists for four different moods. Head to the aptly titled House Party curated by music maestros Cool Accidents. It's filled with party-starting anthems from Hello, DMX, Missy Elliott and N.W.A. Or, try out the Beach Club, Sunset Sessions and Pre-Party Mix playlists, which will have you sorted with progressive mixes of slinky house, hip hop and R&B. [caption id="attachment_786101" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cottonbro[/caption] SET UP SOME PARTY-STARTING GAMES AND ICEBREAKERS Now you've got food, tunes and drinks sorted, it's time to set up some party-starting games and social icebreakers. Putting a little bit of thought into some easy-to-execute games can result in some serious fun. Whip out old-school Twister from the cupboard or try a few rounds of celebrity heads (which you can do with just pieces of paper and pens). Outdoor games are also simple to set-up — borrow a Finska set from a friend or set up some classic backyard cricket. CONSIDER HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE Now you've got all the essentials sorted, it's time to think through the flow of the space and decorations. You don't have to go all-out, but considering how people will move and groove through your house is a worthwhile exercise. Set up a designated dancefloor (the playlist will help out with this) and hire some disco lights or smoke machines. Make sure there's seating areas, too, and not placed in thoroughfares. Your guests will pick up what you're putting down and they'll move about the space as you've intended. Hennessy's House Party Packs are available takeaway now till stocks last. To order from Butter in Sydney, head here. To order from Mr Miyagi, head here. And to order from Mr Mista, head here. Top image: Inga Seliverstova
You did it. You survived another Sydney winter. You made it through the dreary, grey season and we're not even going to judge you for how many nights you spent under a doona, indulging in goodies from the snack aisle and binging Fleabag. And one of the wonderful things about living in this part of the world is poking your head out as spring arrives and jumping on the road for an adventure before the weather gets altogether too hot. With flowers blossoming in Bowral, food markets hitting regional hubs and festival season just around the corner, there's no better time to get out there. Together with MG — in celebration of its new limited-edition MG3S hatchback — we've come up with six activities that will get you out of Sydney and enjoying the spring sunshine in style.
Want yet another excuse to make hay while the sun still shines this spring? The 2019 Everest Carnival is wrapping up in a big way this weekend. Taking place at western Sydney's Rosehill Gardens, Golden Eagle Day will send off the carnival with plenty of buzz. So, head on down this Saturday, November 2 for a day of live gigs, fashion and outdoor fun. First up, make tracks to Golden Palms — a leafy Palm Springs-inspired pop-up bar — where you'll catch DJs Charles Oliver and Ms Steve spinning tunes, plus plenty of champagne and cocktails. You can also kick back to some acoustic tunes or gussy up at the onsite pamper lounge. And, to keep you fuelled and well-soused, there'll be plenty of food trucks and pop-up bars around the course. At the end of the day, you'll be dancing your way through the decades with much-loved travelling dance party Hot Dub Time Machine performing live on the main stage. Then, keep the energy levels high and continue on to the afterparty at Rosehill Bowling Club.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. TOP GUN: MAVERICK As dripping with jingoism, machismo, militarism and sweat as cinema gets — and there really was oh-so-much sweat — 1986's Top Gun was a dream of a recruitment ad. The US Navy's aviation program couldn't have whipped up a stronger enlistment campaign in its wildest fantasies. Even if it had, getting Hollywood's gloss, a star who'd still be box-office catnip four decades later and Kenny Loggins' second-best movie tune (slipping in behind Footloose, of course) probably would've felt like a one-in-a-billion longshot. But all of the above, plus a lurid sheen and homoerotic gaze, didn't make Top Gun a good film. Loggins' 'Danger Zone' remains an earworm of a delight, but the feature it's synonymous with took a highway to the cheesy, cringey, puffed up, perpetually moist and aggressively toxic zone. The one exception: whenever Tony Scott's camera was focused on all that flying, rather than a smirking, reckless and arrogant Tom Cruise as a portrait of 80s bluster and vanity. Gliding into cinemas 36 years after its predecessor, Top Gun: Maverick is still at its best when its jets are soaring. The initial flick had the perfect song to describe exactly what these phenomenally well-executed and -choreographed action scenes feel like to view; yes, they'll take your breath away. Peppered throughout the movie, actually shot in real US Navy aircraft without a trace of digital effects, and as tense and spectacular as filmmaking can be in the feature's climactic sequences, they truly do make it seem as if you're watchin' in slow motion. Thankfully, this time that adrenaline kick is accompanied by a smarter and far more self-aware film, as directed by TRON: Legacy and Oblivion's Joseph Kosinski. Top Gun in the 80s was exactly what Top Gun in the 80s was always going to be — but Top Gun in the 2020s doesn't dare believe that nothing has changed, that Cruise's still-smug Maverick can't evolve, and that the world the movie releases into hasn't either. Early in the film — after Harold Faltermeyer's famous Top Gun anthem plays, text on-screen explains what the titular elite pilot training program is all about, a montage of fighter planes kicks in and then 'Danger Zone' sets an upbeat tone; that is, after the flick begins exactly as the first did — Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell (Cruise, Mission: Impossible — Fallout) is given a dressing-down. Still as rebellious as his call sign makes plain, he's just wantonly disobeyed orders, flown a ridiculously expensive hypersonic test plane when he's not supposed to and caused quite the fallout. "The future is coming and you're not in it," he's told, and Top Gun: Maverick doesn't shy away from that notion. As its opening moments show, along with a touch too many other nostalgia-steeped touches elsewhere this sequel hasn't wholly flown on from the past; however, it actively reckons with it as well. Still hardly the navy's favourite despite his swagger, megawatt smile, gleaming aviators and unfailing self-confidence — well, really despite his need for speed and exceptional dogfighting skills in the air — Maverick is given one last assignment. His destination: Fightertown USA, the California-based Top Gun program he strutted his way through all those years ago. There's an enemy nation with a secret weapons base that needs destroying, and his talents are crucial. But, to his dismay, Maverick is only asked to teach. Given a squad lorded over by the brash Hangman (Glen Powell, Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood), and also including Coyote (Greg Tarzan Davis, Grey's Anatomy), Payback (Jay Ellis, Insecure), Fanboy (Danny Ramirez, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), Phoenix (Monica Barbaro, Stumptown), Bob (Lewis Pullman, Outer Range) and the frosty Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw (Miles Teller, The Offer), he's tasked with training them to fly like he does, navigate a Star Wars-style impossible path that zips speedily at perilously low altitudes and, ideally, still survive the supremely dangerous mission. Read our full review. THE BOB'S BURGERS MOVIE Across its 12-season order to-date, the best episodes of Bob's Burgers have always resembled exactly what they should: a delicious serving of the meat-and-bread combination that shares the hit sitcom's name. There's a knack to a great burg — to a tastebud-thrilling, so-appetising-I-need-more-now example of this extremely accessible culinary art — and it's all about perfecting the absolute basics. No matter what else gets slotted in (and plenty of other ingredients can), every burger's staples should be the stars of the show. Indeed, a top-notch burg needn't be flashy. It definitely mustn't be overcomplicated, either. And, crucially, it should taste as comforting as wrapping your hands around its buns feels. On the small screen since 2011, Bob's Burgers has kept its version of that very recipe close to its animated, irreverent, gleefully offbeat heart. Unsurprisingly, the show's creators whip up the same kind of dish for The Bob's Burgers Movie, too. It's a winning formula, and creator Loren Bouchard knows not to mess with it while taking his beloved characters to the big screen. Co-helming with the series' frequent supervising director Bernard Derriman, and co-writing with long-running producer Nora Smith, he experiments here and there — in filmic form, Bob's Burgers is a tad darker, for instance — but he also knows what keeps his customers a-coming. That'd be the goofy but extremely relatable Belcher clan, their everyday joys and struggles, and the cosy little world that sprawls around their yellow-hued Ocean Avenue burger joint up the road from seaside fairground Wonder Wharf. Bouchard also knows that if you make something well enough time after time — be it a burger or a TV show that's spawned a movie; both fit — it'll be warmly, reliably and welcomingly familiar rather than just another helping of the same old nosh. As always, the action centres on the film's namesake — the diner where patriarch Bob (H Jon Benjamin, Archer) sizzles up punningly named burgs to both make a living and live out his dream. And, as the show has covered frequently, financial woes mean that Bob and his wife Linda (John Roberts, Gravity Falls) have more to worry about than cooking, serving customers, and their kids Tina (Dan Mintz, Veep), Gene (Eugene Mirman, Flight of the Conchords) and Louise (Kristen Schaal, What We Do in the Shadows). Their solution: a burger, of course. But their bank manager isn't munching when they try to use food to grease their pleas for an extension on their loan. That mortgage also involves their restaurant equipment, leaving them out of business if they can't pay up. As their seven-day time limit to stump up the cash ticks by, Bob sweats over the grill and Linda oozes her usual optimism — only for a sinkhole to form literally at their door. As trusty as Bob's Burgers gets, and still refreshingly committed to depicting the daily reality of its working-class characters, that above setup is the movie's buns. Layered inside are tomato, lettuce, cheese, pickle and beetroot, aka the narrative's well-balanced fillings. First comes a murder-mystery ensnaring the Belchers' eccentric landlord Calvin Fischoeder (Kevin Kline, Beauty and the Beast) and his brother Felix (Zach Galifianakis, Ron's Gone Wrong). Springing from there is Louise's determination to solve the crime to save the diner and prove she isn't a baby just because she wears a pink rabbit-eared hat. Then there's Tina's quest to make her crush Jimmy Jr (also voiced by Benjamin) her summer boyfriend; Gene's need to get The Itty Bitty Ditty Committee, the family band, a gig at Wonder Wharf's Octa-Wharfiversary celebrations; and Bob and Linda's attempt to sell burgs at the amusement park using a barbecue on wheels MacGyvered up by number-one customer Teddy (Larry Murphy, The Venture Bros). Read our full review. ABLAZE A documentary that's deeply personal for one of its directors, intensely powerful in surveying Australia's treatment of its First Peoples and crucial in celebrating perhaps the country's first-ever Aboriginal filmmaker, Ablaze makes for astonishing viewing. But while watching, two ideas jostle for attention. Both remain unspoken, yet each is unshakeable. Firstly, if the history of Australia had been different, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta man William 'Bill' Onus would be a household name. If that was the case, not only his work behind the camera, but his activism for Indigenous Aussies at a time when voting and even being included in the census wasn't permitted — plus his devotion to ensuring that white Australians were aware of the nation's colonial violence — would be as well-known as Captain Cook. That said, if history had been better still, Bill wouldn't have needed to fight so vehemently, or at all. Alas, neither of those possibilities came to a fruition. Ablaze can't change the past, but it can and does document it with a hope to influencing how the world sees and appreciates Bill's part in it. Indeed, shining the spotlight on its subject, everything his life stood for, and all that he battled for and against is firmly and proudly the feature's aim. First-time filmmaker Tiriki Onus looks back on his own grandfather, narrating his story as well — and, as aided by co-helmer Alec Morgan (Hunt Angels, Lousy Little Sixpence), the result is a movie brimming with feeling, meaning and importance. While Aussie cinema keeps reckoning with the nation's history regarding race relations, as it should and absolutely must, Ablaze is as potent and essential as everything from Sweet Country, The Nightingale and The Australian Dream to The Furnace, High Ground and The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson. As the last filmic ode to a key Indigenous figure within cinema also did, aka My Name Is Gulpilil, Ablaze has a clear source of inspiration beyond the person at its centre. Appearing on-screen, Tiriki begins with two discoveries that put him on the path to making the movie: finding a suitcase filled with Bill's belongings, which included photographs of Indigenous boys in traditional paint peering at a film camera; and learning that the National Film & Sound Archive was in possession of footage of unknown origin that it believed to be linked to Bill. Accordingly, Ablaze is as much a detective story as it is a tribute, with Tiriki puzzling together the pieces of his grandfather's tale. Structuring the film in such a way is a savvy decision; even viewers coming to Bill with zero prior knowledge will want to sleuth along to solve the feature's multiple mysteries. Connecting the dots starts easily, after Tiriki spies the boys in Bill's photos in the NFSA's nine-minute reel — footage from which it's an enormous treat to see in Ablaze. From there, though, the what and why behind the material takes longer to tease out. So too does exactly why Reg Saunders and Doug Nicholls — the first Aboriginal officer in the Australian Army and the famed Aussie rules footballer-turned-pastor, respectively — appear in Bill's silent footage. Also an opera singer, Tiriki guides Ablaze's viewers through the answers, while delivering a biographical documentary-style exploration of Bill's existence along the way — from being born in 1906 at the Cummeragunja Aboriginal Reserve, on the Murray River in New South Wales, through to his passing in 1968 following the successful 1967 referendum on counting Indigenous Australians as part of the population, for which he spearheaded the campaign. Read our full review. HATCHING If you had only ever watched five horror movies in your life, odds are that one would've covered being careful what you wish for, and another would've focused on not messing with nature. It's equally likely that growing up being hell, motherhood being even more nightmarish and grappling with the terrors of the human body would've popped up as well. These all rank among the genre's favourite concepts, alongside haunted houses, murderous forces, demonic influences and the undead — and, making her feature filmmaking debut with the savvily sinister-meets-satirical blend that is Hatching, Finnish writer/director Hanna Bergholm knows this. She's also innately aware that something unique, distinctive and unnerving can still spring from stitching together well-used notions and now-familiar parts, which, on- and off-screen, is her bold and memorable body-horror, twisted fairy tale and dark coming-of-age thriller in an eggshell. Hatching begins by unpacking a fallacy as fractured as Humpty Dumpty after the nursery-rhyme character's fall — and that still keeps being lapped up anyway. In suburban Finland, among homes so identical that the song 'Little Boxes' instantly pops into your head, 12-year-old gymnast Tinja (debutant Siiri Solalinna), her younger brother Matias (fellow first-timer Oiva Ollila), and their mother (Sophia Heikkilä, Dual) and father Jani Volanen, Dogs Don't Wear Pants) are living their best lives. More than that, as the soft lensing and music that helps open the movie establishes, they're also beaming that picture of pink, white and pastel-hued domestic perfection to the world. Tinja's unnamed mum is a vlogger, and these scenes are being captured for her cloyingly named blog Lovely Everyday Life. Naturally, showing that this family of four's daily existence is anything but enchanting is one of Bergholm's first aims. The initial crack comes from outside, crashing through the window to ruin a posed shot alight with fake smiles and, of course, being filmed with a selfie stick. Soon, broken glass, vases and lamps are strewn throughout a lounge room so immaculately arranged that it looks straight out of a supermarket-shelf home-and-garden magazine — and the crowning glory, the chandelier, has descended from a luminous pièce de résistance to a shattered mess. A garden-variety crow is the culprit, which Tinja carefully captures. She hands it to her mother, thinking that they'll then release it outside. But her mum, placid but seething that anything could disrupt her manufactured picture of bliss, ignores that idea with a cruel snap and instructions to dispose of the animal in the organic waste. Watching the source of her own life snuff out a bird's because it temporarily disturbed the faux, performative idyll is understandably a formative moment for Tinja, and one of several early splinters. The girl is clearly nowhere near as enthused about gymnastics as her mum is about having a star gymnast for a daughter, even before Tinja is forced to train until her palms are torn and bloody. She's also unsettled when she sees her mother kissing handyman Tero (Reino Nordin, Deadwind), then justifies having a "special friend" because he satisfies her in ways Tinja's dutiful dad doesn't. So when Tinja finds the crow's egg in a nest outside, she's quick to take it into her care — both because of and despite her mum. She nurtures it tenderly, placing it inside a teddy bear for safe keeping. She gains her own little universe to dote over. Then the egg keeps growing, and a human-sized chick emerges. Read our full review. INTERCEPTOR Four decades back, Interceptor would've happily sat on a crowded video-store shelf alongside a wealth of other mindless, machismo-fuelled action thrillers. It would've been the epitome of one of the genre's straight-to-VHS flicks, in fact. Don't just call it a throwback, though; instead of testosterone oozing from every actor within sight, except perhaps a token wife worrying at home, this nuclear attack movie from Australian author Matthew Reilly focuses on a woman making waves in a male-dominated world. That's firmly a 2022 move, reflecting today's gender politics. So too is the fact that said protagonist, US Army Captain JJ Collins (Elsa Pataky, Tidelands), has just been reassigned after putting in a sexual harassment complaint against one of her past superiors. Don't go thinking that Interceptor doesn't tick every other box its 80s counterparts did, however. It couldn't lean harder on all of the cliches that've ever been involved with world-in-peril, military-driven movies, and with action fare at its most inane in general. A global success for his airport novels, writer Reilly doesn't just turn screenwriter here — with assistance from Collateral, Tomorrow, When the War Began and Obi-Wan Kenobi's Stuart Beattie — but also jumps behind the lens for the first time. Alas, his directorial instincts prove as flat and by-the-numbers as Interceptor's wanly boilerplate plot, as well as its clunky-as-clunky dialogue. And, that storyline really couldn't be more formulaic. In her new post on a remote platform in the Pacific Ocean, Collins soon finds herself under attack by terrorists led by the grating Alexander Kessel (Luke Bracey, Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan). Her sea-surrounded station is one of two sites, alongside Alaska's Fort Greely, that can intercept a nuclear warhead launch on the US. Naturally, Kessel and his men have already taken out the other one, and have also pilfered nukes from the Russians in their possession. Cue a run-of-the-mill single-setting good-versus-evil face-off — at best — that sees the cartoonishly sinister Kessel try to shoot, blast and fight his way into the platform's control room, while the devoted and dutiful Collins does everything she can to keep him out. Cue monotonous standoffs, frays and arguments that aren't enlivened for a second by the routine cinematography, and certainly not by Interceptor's oh-so-serious tone. It's only when Chris Hemsworth (Men in Black: International) shows up in an extended cameo that's given far too much attention that the film shows even the faintest traces of a sense of humour. That said, winking at and nudging the audience about Pataky's real-life husband is as far as any comedy or self-awareness goes; no, Interceptor isn't so bad and cheesy that it's entertaining, either. At the beginning of her English-language career, before her appearances in four Fast and Furious franchise flicks from Fast & Furious 5 onwards, Pataky featured in Snakes on a Plane. Terrorists on an Army Sea Platform isn't as catchy a title, and aping his star's earlier comedy definitely isn't the vibe that Reilly is going for — but when you're making something this derivative, that level of silliness would've been a better option. No one adds a highlight to their resumes with this bland affair, although Pataky shows that she deserves a better star vehicle. Around her, the Australian-shot film fills out its supporting cast with mostly local faces, including Aaron Glenane (Home and Away), Zoe Carides (Pieces of Her), Colin Friels (Total Control) and Rhys Muldoon (New Gold Mountain), none of whom manage to stand out for the right reasons. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on February 3, February 10, February 17 and February 24; and March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24 and March 31; April 7, April 14, April 21 and April 28; and May 5, May 12 and May 19. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Belfast, Here Out West, Jackass Forever, Benedetta, Drive My Car, Death on the Nile, C'mon C'mon, Flee, Uncharted, Quo Vadis, Aida?, Cyrano, Hive, Studio 666, The Batman, Blind Ambition, Bergman Island, Wash My Soul in the River's Flow, The Souvenir: Part II, Dog, Anonymous Club, X, River, Nowhere Special, RRR, Morbius, The Duke, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Fantastic Beasts and the Secrets of Dumbledore, Ambulance, Memoria, The Lost City, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Happening, The Good Boss, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, The Northman, Ithaka, After Yang, Downton Abbey: A New Era, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, Petite Maman, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Firestarter, Operation Mincemeat, To Chiara, This Much I Know to Be True and The Innocents.
It's the most weird and wonderful time of the year — if you're a cinephile, that is. The annual Sydney Underground Film Festival is back for another round of showing audiences just what seeing movies in a darkened room is all about. Because when you're staring at a screen sans light, you may as well be watching something dark, odd or unusual to match the mood, really. From September 15 to 18, that's exactly what festival directors Katherine Berger and Stefan Popescu will serve up for their tenth edition. You don't reach that milestone without putting together a standout program — so if you're feeling understandably spoiled for choice, we've picked our top ten standouts from the very impressive 2016 lineup. WIENER-DOG Talk about kicking off SUFF 2016 in style. This year's festival all starts with the film Todd Solondz fans have been waiting 21 years to see: a follow-on from his 1995 favourite Welcome to the Dollhouse. None other than Greta Gerwig takes on the role of Dawn Wiener — and yes, a sausage-shaped canine also helps give the feature its name. Expect to also spot Julie Delpy, Danny DeVito and Zosia Mamet across the collection of four stories, and to enjoy Solondz's brand of black comedy while you're doing so. RICHARD LINKLATER — DREAM IS DESTINY You can be excused for hoping that Richard Linklater — Dream is Destiny features Matthew McConaughey, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette and Jack Black walking and talking in a European city, driving around small-town America looking for parties, or captured every year for 12 years. It doesn't. However all three would prove fitting ways for this informative insider documentary to explore the films and impact of the director behind Dazed and Confused, the Before trilogy, Boyhood and Everybody Wants Some!!. DE PALMA If Richard Linklater's films aren't quite your style, then maybe Brian De Palma's vastly dissimilar output is. With a digitally remastered version of his pig's blood-soaked high school horror Carrie also screening at SUFF to celebrate its 40th anniversary, De Palma lets the iconic filmmaker chat through a career that also includes Scarface, The Untouchables, Carlito's Way, Mission:Impossible and Snake Eyes. And if that's not enough, it's also co-directed by Frances Ha and Mistress America's Noah Baumbach. THE LOVE WITCH The Love Witch has been popping up at film festivals around the country for months now, and for good reason, as folks in Brisbane and Melbourne already know. Writing, directing, editing and producing — and taking care of both the production and costume design as well — the multitalented Anna Biller not only pays homage to and subverts '70s sexploitation films (though she definitely does that as well). In addition, she crafts a film that merges and moulds her many influences into a brightly coloured tale of romance and sorcery that's completely her own. I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER If the combination of Where the Wild Things Are's Max Records and Back to the Future's "Great Scott!"-exclaiming Christopher Lloyd doesn't pique your interest in the moody and mysterious I Am Not A Serial Killer, then the film's storyline definitely will. Playing a high school outcast who lives in a mortuary, the former starts trailing his seemingly frail neighbour after a spate of murders rock their small town. Favouring an '80s aesthetic like all the best horror throwbacks at the moment only increases the feature's appeal. ROOM FULL OF SPOONS No prizes for guessing what Room Full of Spoons is all about — or what type of plastic cutlery you should take with you to throw at the screen while you're watching it. After all, it was only a matter of time before someone made a doco about the so-bad-it's-still-actually-terrible cult hit that is The Room. Here, Rick Harper chats to the cast and crew that made the movie the uniquely awful (yet inexplicably enjoyable) piece of cinema that it is, complete with an appearance by the man who started it all, Tommy Wiseau. AAAAAAAAH! When we say that Aaaaaaaah! is mostly dialogue-free, we don't actually mean that it's a silent film. A cast that includes writer-director Steve Oram and The Mighty Boosh's Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt make plenty of noise, though don't expect to hear them utter any discernible words. The fact that their characters behave and communicate like primates — while still appearing human — is part of the feature's satirical comedy. This flick makes an absurdist statement alright, and it'll have you laughing in the process. THE VIRGIN PSYCHICS No one makes films like Sion Sono, the Japanese auteur behind previous SUFF hit Why Don't You Play in Hell? And few people make films as often as Sono, with the filmmaker's output as prolific as it is distinctive. With The Virgin Psychics — which is one of five films he made in 2015 — he really does tell the tale the title suggests, and in his expected out-there style. Yep, teen virgins wake up with special powers, put them to erotic use, and then strange things happen. Just try to resist this film with that description. ANTIBIRTH There's unexpected pregnancies, and then there's the seemingly immaculate conception at the centre of Antibirth. In Danny Perez's anti-family-friendly effort, Orange is the New Black's Natasha Lyonne plays a drug-addled party-lover who not only discovers that she's expecting, but comes to realise that her condition keeps doubling in size each and every day. Thankfully, Chloë Sevigny is on hand as her best buddy — though when alien conspiracy theories start coming up, expect things to get even weirder. THE BLACKOUT EXPERIMENTS If documentaries can explore subjects that some of us can't face in reality — or simply don't really want to — then underground film fests can give the darkest and strangest such efforts a big-screen home. Just don't head along to see The Blackout Experiments if the idea of attending an immersive theatre show in a secret location, and then having your deepest fears — such as being restrained, stripped naked, and physically and verbally abused, just for starters — inflicted upon you falls outside of your comfort zone. The Sydney Underground Film Festival runs from September 15 to 18. To view the full SUFF 2016 program, or to buy tickets, visit suff.com.au.
Pecha Kucha (ペãƒãƒ£ã‚¯ãƒãƒ£) is one of those great onomatopoeic phrases that pepper the Japanese language. It means chit-chat, and is the perfect way to describe a night based around just that. Pecha Kucha sprang from the minds of architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham in 2003 and works on the simple equation that presentations equalling 20 images x 20 seconds means less chance of getting unzari (fed up). Mainly the domain of designers — US-based Architect Magazine declared that nothing has been embraced so wholeheartedly by them since Apple and Moleskines — it has also been used by comedians (Joanna Lumley), Finnish philosophers and basically anyone wanting to avoid death by PowerPoint. Its Sydney branch is gearing up for a pow-wow of hubris and hub-bub this Thursday November 26th at the Red Rattler in Marrickville, with the likes of Damian Hadley (Simpson Design), the soupy suits from Food for Thought, Renew Newcastle’s Maddy Phelan, Thorsten Kulp (Sopp Collective), Keren Moran from design agency Spring in Alaska, jeweller Melinda Young and Penelope Benton who won’t have far to travel from the Red Rattler offices. So go along and paku paku (stuff) yourself on some fast ideas.
The charming suburb of Rozelle has truly found itself in the spotlight recently. The soon-to-open Fabbrica Bread Shop and Totti's third Sydney outpost settling into the area have labelled the burb as an upcoming hotspot. The next exciting addition to the Rozelle culinary scene is Chez Blue, a delightful French bistro on its way to Darling Street. Due to open at the Sackville Hotel in late October, the 90-seat venue hopes to become a beloved neighbourhood staple by offering up a French take on casual dining in the Inner West. And, with ex-Bistro Moncur chef Mark Williamson leading the charge in the kitchen, you can expect top-notch French fare. Expect to find an array of flavourful Parisian dishes, from famed classics to personal favourites from Williamson's repertoire. "We'd love for Chez Blue to become somewhere locals happily dine at a couple of times a week because it's approachable and always delicious," said Williamson. [caption id="attachment_914647" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chez Blue's Head Chef, Mark Williamson (ex-Bistro Moncur)[/caption] Chez Blue's venture into the Inner West comes as part of Solotel's plans to expand into newer but familiar territory. The neighbourhood's newcomer is the hospitality crew's first-ever solo restaurant endeavour, setting up shop at the beloved stalwart The Sackville Hotel. "We want to bring back fond memories of dining on the streets of Paris, with warm service and an authentic French approach to relaxed dining," said Solotel's CEO Elliot Solomon. "Chez Blue is designed to be just as comfortable for a relaxed midweek dinner as a special weekend-long lunch catch-up with friends and family." Currently, the site is undergoing work in preparation for its upcoming launch in late October. Chez Blue is set to open in October at 599 Darling Street, Rozelle.
Waterfront precinct The Streets of Barangaroo is getting into the spring spirit with a new public art installation and a series of limited-time activations and specials popping up this November. Australian muralist and figurative painter Lisa King has transformed The Streets of Barangaroo with a series of art installations which include floral illustrations hanging around the precinct and across the area's main staircase. This is all part of Bloom, a celebration of spring and the return to relative normality following lockdown. Accompanying the public art is a series of events and drink specials you can enjoy at the precinct's bars and restaurants. Head to House Bar, Love Fish, Tequila Daisy or Anason to try each of their special Bloom cocktails that include the gin and Rhubi Mistelle Ruby Reviver and the vodka, Aperol, rose syrup, peach and dusted rose petals Kosem Sultan. Over at Barangaroo House, DJs will be on hand to welcome you back to Sydney's nightlife, while United rooftop bar is running its vegan bottomless brunches and pink-hued Euphoric Wednesdays set menu which features a three-course pink meal, 2 cocktails and bottomless frosé.
If you've conveniently (or genuinely) forgotten about everyone's favourite fake holiday of the year, here's a timely reminder that Valentine's Day is nearly upon us. While V-Day is hardly an occasion that's celebrated far and wide — Instagram seems to have missed that particular memo — we do admit that it's a great excuse to take your favourite human, best friend, partner-in-crime, won't-pick-up-their-socks-off-the-floor SO out for a well-deserved treat. So, if you're wrangling your brain for plans this Valentine's Day, check out the best date ideas from Concrete Playground's writers and editors. We've even included rom-com recommendations to help wrap up the evening afterwards. Call us Cupid. SUZ TUCKER: Editorial Director, favourite rom-com is The Princess Bride I'm not a big one for Valentine's Day, but I am very much into any excuse for good eating and drinking. This year, February 14 falls on a Monday night when a lot of restaurants and bars are typically closed, but you can still find a decent selection of bangers around the city that welcome Monday night guests. My pick would be dinner at The Apollo. You ask for bar seating so you can chill at the big marble bar and hang with the wait staff while making your way through the taramasalata, signature saganaki with honey, and kritharaki pasta. Then top it off with the magnificent Avgolemono pie and a Greek Martini. That, to me, is true love. ELLEN SEAH: National News & Features Editor, favourite rom-com is Notting Hill Valentine's Day is kind of like underseasoned, roasted brussel sprouts at the table: I could take it or leave it. That said, it does work as a great excuse to plan out some quality time with your partner. Considering it falls on the demonish side of the week this year (Monday), I'd recommend skipping the weekday dinner date altogether and planning a weekend getaway instead. Gather ye rosebuds etc etc. After two years of travel deprivation, head out on an easy romantic weekend trip to the south coast, or make it a long weekend for a trip up to Queensland. If you really want to impress, Sydney's Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo boasts views over the harbour and overnight glamping. Or, go all out and book an overnight stay at the northern beaches' luxury floating villa. MELANIE COLWELL: National Branded Content Editor, favourite rom-com is You've Got Mail Pastry is my love language. Croissants, kouign-amanns, tarts — if butter is the main ingredient, I'm sold. So, I will be swapping the traditional date night for a sunrise walk followed by a pastry-forward breakfast picnic. Want to follow my lead? You have several quality options. You could do the Bondi to Bronte coastal trek, then head up to Iggy's for a feta croissant. Or, stroll (or cycle) around Centennial Park before heading to Lode for a LuMi Pithivier pie (trust me, it's worth the extra effort). Or, take a wander through the Royal Botanic Garden to watch the harbour wake up before visiting Flour and Stone for a canele (or two). Whether you're into V-Day or not, you'll be starting the day on a (sugar) high. Bonus: your evening is then free for… other activities. [caption id="attachment_754228" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] NIK ADDAMS: Branded Content Manager, favourite rom-com is While You Were Sleeping Valentine's Day is the worst. I love love, don't get me wrong, but I've always been of the belief that if you need to be told when to celebrate it, you're either not doing right or you're seriously lacking in imagination. I feel the same way about theme parties, for the record. If you really want to surprise your boo this February 14, do something on February 13 instead. Whatever you decide to do, you can rest assured your person will definitely be surprised — and, maybe more importantly, you won't be surrounded by performatively affectionate couples. The question remains though, of what to do on the 14th. It's on a Monday this year which means that your options are somewhat limited (take that, Cupid!), but, this being Sydney, there's still plenty to do. Whether you're with someone or not, why not spend the evening with friends instead? Grab a group serve of fish and chips from Petersham's excellent Fich and take it down to the Glebe parklands for a twilight dinner by the bay. Or, take a stroll along one of the city's many delightful foreshore walks — Curl Curl to Freshwater is always a great shout if you're north of the bridge, while the path between Doll's Point and Sandringham is super pleasant as well. La Niña keeping you indoors? Find a screen, grab some bevs and hate-watch MAFS instead. [caption id="attachment_703447" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] COURTNEY AMMENHAUSER: Branded Content Manager, favourite rom-com is 10 Things I Hate About You Valentine's Day can be a real vomit-inducing time for some. And, depending on where you sit on the romance and relationship scale, you might find yourself cruising around with a sick bag on Feb 14. But, if you do want to show some love to yourself, your mates or your significant other on a whim, my pick is an ocean swim. To start, you'll be literally taking your clothes off so, um, I dunno, but that seems kinda intimate to me. Plus, you can make this activity as romantic as you like by pairing it with a post-swim picnic, a sunset wine by the sea and maybe, just maybe, a Notebook-esque smooch in the rain if La Nina shows up. Hot. Destinations at the top of my loved-up V-Day swim list include Mahon Pool, Parsley Bay and Milk Beach. [caption id="attachment_779832" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] SARAH WARD: Associate Editor, favourite rom-com is Singin' In The Rain Don't let anyone tell you that going to the cinema on Valentine's Day is boring. We've all had those perfect movie dates that genuinely feel like something out of a movie, where you and your other half connect over something glorious on the big screen — or even something so terrible that it's still glorious — and it instantly bonds you. And that kind of experience transcends manufactured occasions like this one if you're watching the right movie with the right person. (Yes, a film critic would say this, but that's because it's true.) Sydney's wonderful Golden Age Cinema and Bar doesn't actually open on Mondays, so it misses February 14 this year, but seeing a movie there — and grabbing a cocktail to go with it — is a great date idea all-year round. The Surry Hills spot is showing swoon-worthy flicks the day before V-Day, however, which includes falling head over heels for Nicolas Cage and Cher in Moonstruck. But even if you opt for something more recent at your local or even for a movie date at home, there's a reason the whole concept is a tried-and-trusted go-to. BEN HANSEN: Staff Writer, favourite rom-com is The Big Sick For me, a trip to the art gallery or museum is the perfect last-minute Valentine's Day activity. If you've got work, treat yourself, take the afternoon off and beeline to your local cultural haven. No booking required, generally free and you get a big dose of awe-inspiring art to get the feels flowing. There's plenty to marvel at in Sydney at the moment. The Art Gallery of NSW's brilliant exhibition The Purple House and its blockbuster Henri Matisse retrospective Matisse: Life and Spirit. The Powerhouse Ultimo's current run of exhibitions that weaves in history, nature and music. And if you want to soak in some fresh air while you're at it, The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Gardens has a huge plant and sculpture exhibition running right now. Once you've had your cultural fix you can keep the date rolling with a glass of wine at a nearby bar. Bitter Phew and Rambling Rascal are walking distance from the AGNSW, while Opera Bar is a stone's throw from The Calyx and The Glebe Hotel's beer garden is calling out for a post-Powerhouse beverage. SARAH TEMPLETON: Associate Editor, favourite rom-com is Crazy Stupid Love I'm not really a huge Valentine's Day person for a myriad of reasons, the main one being that being out and about for dinner and drinks on V-Day is slightly embarrassing in a way I can't quite put my finger on. It gives me the same feeling as being on a nice walk and then having to turn around and head back in the same direction I came from. Why is that always slightly embarrassing? Anyway, I digress. The last few years my boyfriend and I have done the same thing and it's become my favourite V-Day tradition. We find a mountain (read: small hill of some description) and head up it to watch the sunset with a bottle of wine and a pack of filthy fried chicken. A big bucket of KFC Wicked Wings is my personal pick, but you can also support local by getting some gourmet Korean-style fried chicken, some spicy Mexican wings, or whatever your bag is. Take a speaker and play some tunes, drink Shiraz out of plastic cups and enjoy the cute romantic vibes without having to fight for a 7pm booking somewhere.
We've known for a while that all is not perfect in the Cross. It's seen some unforgettable tragedy lately, that perhaps could have been avoided, and most of us would rather face torture than its main drag on a Friday or Saturday night. Of course, everyone's got an opinion on what might help — and for many people who live and work in the area, those opinions don't jibe with the actual proposals by the State Government, announced late on Tuesday after mounting pressure from media and community groups. Aside from the mandatory sentencing provisions, which are generally loathed by legal professionals, the proposals include some harsh licensing changes for the bars and venues that fall within the 'CBD Precinct', a designated zone that stretches east from Darling Harbour to Kings Cross and south from The Rocks to Darlinghurst. Exempting small bars with a maximum capacity of fewer than 60 people, venues in this area will be required to impose lock-outs from 1.30am and to stop serving alcohol at 3am. In addition, across the state, bottle shops will be closing at 10pm, and on-the-spot fines for 'anti-social behaviour' are going up — for disobeying a move-on order, from $200 to $1100. In infrastructure news, free buses will be going from Kings Cross to the city every ten minutes. The buses are mostly uncontroversial. But every other aspect of the proposals is being pored and picked over. Most troubling are the lock-outs, which arguably push even more people out onto already crowded streets, all at once, and the ham-fisted, blanket approach to violence that's only being caused by a small minority. More broadly, the question of how we can create a vibrant, international, all-hours city while also making a safe one seems hard to answer. Since we tend to think of our readers as 'people who like to go out at night and not be tossers', we think this affects you. It affects us. Some of the proposals included have value, and certainly the intention is good. But does it come at too high a cost for the cosmopolitan culture we've all being building in this city? Is it even effective? We thought we'd ask some of our friends who know best — those who run the bars we love, where we retreat for nibbles at 9pm, a nightcap at 1am or a dance at 3am. Here's what a few of them had to say about what the proposals will mean for their businesses and the culture around them. Frankie's and The Baxter Inn Anton Forte co-owns the Shady Pines Saloon, The Baxter Inn and Frankie's Pizza together with business partner Jason Scott. Shady Pines, which opened in 2010, is often thought of as a leader in Sydney's small bar revolution. How do you think your bars would be affected by the proposed legislation changes? The Baxter Inn shouldn't really be affected at all — we close at 1am, so no sweat with this little guy. I don't have much hope for our extended hours getting approved. We're waiting for a response from OLGR [The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing]. I thought it would be neat if we had a little extra time to trade. There are a lot of folk who are keen for a late-night tipple before bed. There are a lot of humans that keep different hours to the social norm — hospitality industry staff, and just regular folk who come to the city to watch theatre/shows. These people might only arrive just in time for our last drinks. t would be swell to give a little extra service to those folk. But alas! If the proposed legislation gets approved it would affect one of our bars, Frankie's Pizza, a ton. We keep our doors open until 4am religiously, and have a super positive clientele enjoying local live music, delicious hand-rolled pizza and icy cold craft beer. The atmosphere is electric! We get all sorts of people coming into the venue — travellers who have just landed, hospitality crew winding down and grabbing a bite to eat after a hard night, and lots of punters who have just seen gigs or shows in the locality. It would be such a bummer to not be able to service these people. It would be a real shame! What about the area as a whole? Obviously, it would be detrimental to the late-night economy of the City of Sydney. Part of what makes Sydney such a fantastic place to live and visit is, its thriving after-midnight scene. Within a five-minute drive you can have such a diverse set of experiences after 2am. A quick drag show on Oxford Street, followed by Peking duck and pinot at Golden Century, a short walk down the road takes you to Good God where you might run into an International Breakbeat DJ, and finish off with a high-end Martini at Palmer & Co. All these things make the city dynamic and interesting! That's what makes a place special: people being creative and putting together products with substance and soul ... So many human beings are connecting after 1.30, and that's what makes for a truly international city — the ability to do all those things listed above, and the facility for people to go out on a whim and attempt to succeed in the concepts they believe in. What, in your experience, would be an effective measure to curb alcohol-related violence? There are some positive measures that this proposed legislation had put foreword, but I don't agree with all of them. I think we should focus on increased police presence, transport and working on 'dangerous venues' instead of placing a blanket ban on the City of Sydney. The Hide and The Flinders Hotel Jason Ryan is the owner of The Flinders Hotel, a classic late-night destination in Darlinghurst. They've just opened The Hide wine bar upstairs, which we love and which was looking like the chill antidote to any rowdier influences in the area. How do you think your bar would be affected by the proposed legislation changes? We have already begun the awful task of reworking rosters and cutting back staff in preparation. The effects on our business will be dramatic ... The Flinders is a safe and well-established late-night venue. We have also just invested large amounts of money into trying to develop The Hide, our new bar upstairs. At the moment we are reliant on the cash flow from late-night business to support and pay for this investment. Now that late-night trade is being severely compromised, it's a real worry as to whether we can sustain cash flow over the next few months whilst developing the rest of the business. This may ultimately jeopardise the future of The Hide. We hope people we still turn out in force at The Flinders for the lock-in! What, in your experience, would be an effective measure to curb alcohol-related violence? Venues and pub owners already do so much to ensure the safety of patrons. I think the government should look at more socially responsible programs. In Denmark they’re really progressive. There’s a national voluntary organisation, called Natteravnene (Night Owls). This is a concept where volunteers work locally across the whole country to increase safety for young people in the public arena. Police are not the answer and neither are lock-outs. It’s an infringement of civil liberty and an impingement on trade. Hinky Dinks Dan Knight is a co-owner of Hinky Dinks with Jeremy Shipley. It's a sweet slice of the '50s just off William Street, and one of our enduring favourite date spots. But just because they close at the wholesome hour of midnight, doesn't mean it's smooth sailing for the future. How do you think the area around Hinky Dinks would be affected by the proposed legislation changes? Undoubtedly it will change the area and the entire city. There are a lot of businesses in the Cross that make their money early in the morning and for them business is going to suffer. You will see a lot of places closing if and when this legislation comes into effect. And the trickle-down effect will eventually see our city lose some of the vibrancy we have all worked so hard to cultivate over the last seven years. Will we see a drop in violence? Probably not. Since neither incident that has inspired this legislation actually happened on a licensed premises, and since both incidents actually happened before midnight, I can’t see how this legislation moves to address an issue that is far more social in its scope than the government is willing to acknowledge. In my opinion forcing entire precincts of drunk people out on the street at taxi change-over and two hours before public transport resumes is more likely to increase alcohol-fuelled violence. What, in your experience, would be an effective measure to curb alcohol-related violence? Perhaps if we stopped glorifying violence in our society people wouldn’t see it as an heroic or powerful act. If I grow up idolising boxers, cage fighters or even thuggish and bullying politicians, then when I am out (with my inhibitions and my self esteem at an all-time low) why wouldn’t I start a fight in order to try and feel better about myself? Beyond that, just running public transport 24 hours a day would also make a huge difference by taking drunk people off the streets and delivering them to their homes. This is something the O'Farrell government could implement immediately, but I doubt it would make them look as tough. Just like the guys throwing the coward punches, this government is more concerned with looking tough than actually being part of the solution. The Old Growler Jack Brown is the owner of Old Growler, just a really great bar in an area with a troubled reputation. The bar closes at midnight so will only be looking at flow-on rather than a direct impact. How do you think your bar would be affected by the proposed legislation changes? For us and our locals we believe it's likely to have a positive affect. If it alters peoples perceptions of the dangerous nature of the Cross then that can only be positive. What about the effect on the local area? Again I think its about perception more than any genuine impact. The proof will be in the pudding but it's unfortunate that an international city like Sydney is forced to introduce such drastic blanket measures. What, in your experience, would be an effective measure to curb alcohol-related violence? It's a very difficult one as many of the serious incidents which were the catalyst for this legislation were actually drug-related; they just happened to be in a high density of alcohol venues. Tougher sentencing for alcohol-fuelled crimes will help but mostly its a cultural issue and thats a generational thing and will take time to alter. Goodgod Jimmy Sing, Adam Lewis and Hana Shimada are owners and operators of Goodgod Small Club. They made their impassioned opposition heard on Faster Louder yesterday. "When we started Goodgod three years ago we wanted to create a late-night environment that was music centric, fun, welcoming and safe. We were inspired to create experiences where people felt entertained, understood and cared for. It’s something that we’ve cultivated week-to-week, hosting thousands of incredible bands, DJs and performers for a community that’s as engaged and passionate as we are. And in doing so, it’s become very clear that Sydney wants to be engaged with something much more than just drinking ... These new measures present a challenge to our ability to nurture this late-night culture. They risk forcing major events away from the planned lockout zone and into nearby precincts, reduce the opportunities available to musicians and music promoters, and wear down the viability of venues that strive to go beyond simply facilitating drinking for drinking’s sake." Read the whole statement over at Faster Louder. Palmer & Co Palmer & Co is a CBD favourite in classic speakeasy style. It's part of the Merivale empire along with the likes of Mr Wong, El Loco, the Beresford and, of course, ivy, so they're all governed by the word of CEO Justin Hemmes in Tuesday's press release: "Justin Hemmes ... strongly welcomes and commends the Premier for these tough measures to combat drug and alcohol fuelled violence. Without doubt, these measures will create a safer environment for all."
If Taylor Square is involved in your daily commute, you’re probably familiar with the work of Reko Rennie. Now part of the urban texture of Darlinghurst, Always has been, always will be is the unmissable Flinders Street mural. Glowing with lurid pink and bright blue, this work showcases Rennie’s trademark use of geometric diamonds and his neon palette. Echoing the traditional markings of the Kamilaroi people, he combines his Indigenous heritage with a street art aesthetic. In association with blackartsprojects, No Sleep Till Dreamtime is Rennie’s latest solo exhibition. Spread across Chalk Horse and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, it continues to interrogate how Aboriginality is framed in an urban context. Unlike the flat colours and neon lettering of his public projects, this exhibition shares a bigger vocabulary of symbols and explores more complex processes of art-making. In addition to his usual repertoire of spray cans and stencils, Rennie’s technique of hand pressing metallic foil onto boards creates an uneven shine. This evidence of application draws attention to the finer details of these works. In some works, the iconic diamond pattern is printed underneath, intensifying the creases and scratches on the surface. In other works, the pattern is overlaid, as if attempting to wrestle down its unruly consistency. Ideas of sovereignty are prevalent throughout Rennie’s practice, often represented by the repetition of a crown, a star and the Aboriginal flag. These symbols reflect on Australia’s original inhabitants, commemorating a forgotten monarchy. Drawn individually, they look like one fluid gesture, almost like a carefully meditated (but modernised) Zen painting. When combined, they are obsessively repeated like a wallpaper pattern, becoming a kind of iconographic cursive. Interestingly, the crown is also a tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat, the poetic pauper turned art world superstar. Rennie’s introduction to graffiti culture was guided by the New York underground of the '70s and '80s, particularly with the coalescing of hip hop, street art and post-punk. In fact, the title of the exhibition takes its cue from the Beastie Boys’ 1986 single 'No Sleep Till Brooklyn'. Rennie’s cross-fading of vivid colours seems to convey a touch of nostalgia for this era. There's also his use of the hard-edged lightning bolt, which hints at a more local AC/DC flavour. Both eye candy and political punch, Rennie's works pull together symbols from his ancestral tribe, hip hop subcultures and street art gods. It's a very autobiographical practice. He seeks to carve out a strong Aboriginal presence in urban environments, moving beyond one-dimensional portraits of Indigenous Australia.
It's a time-travelling romantic dramedy shot in the desert on the cheap, but what The Infinite Man lacks in size it makes up for in brains and heart. In that way, the film is a lot like its protagonist: the jumpy, obsessive, hopelessly romantic Dean (Josh McConville). A scientist of non-specific genius, Dean wants desperately to give his girlfriend, Lana (Hannah Marshall), the perfect anniversary weekend. Instead, his controlling behaviour ends up driving her back to her ex (Alex Dimitriades). Not to worry though. Dean can just casually invent a time machine and give the holiday another go. And another. And another. And another. Supported by the same South Australian funding initiative that helped pay for 52 Tuesdays, The Infinite Man is the rare sort of film that feels invigorated, rather than hamstrung, by its obvious financial constraints. Limited to just three cast members and a single, isolated location — an abandoned desert motel — first-time writer-director Hugh Sullivan has very few crutches to fall back on, and is instead forced to draw on a deep well of creativity to ensure his movie is a success. The Infinite Man is showing at Sydney's Dendy Newtown and Melbourne's Cinema Nova from September 18. Thanks to Infinite Releasing, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our full review of The Infinite Man here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au
Warning: you're highly likely to fall in love with a gift you'll want to give yourself at We Can See. But that's okay — we're sure you deserve it. Located just footsteps from the beach, this light, airy, breezy retail space is a suitably dreamy place to visit. Behind the collection are two close friends who share a passion for well-designed things. Look out for Malibu dresses hand-crocheted in Bali, rafia bags handmade in Madagascar from palm leaves and straw hats handwoven in Venezuela's Guajira Desert. Nearly every object comes with a story, so you can tell your giftee exactly where it came from.
In 1950 a small town in New Mexico changed their name from Hot Springs to the title of a popular radio quiz show, Truth or Consequences. It was an attempt by the people of the town to put their name on the map (so to speak) and win the honour of becoming the town in which the show is broadcast. It’s an incredible story just begging for someone to write a play about it and thankfully someone did. Melbourne playwright Louris van de Geer has produced a script that, despite having no real plot, delivers fascinating and flawed characters. While there's a lack of clear message behind the play, it works brilliantly as a study of human existence and the extent to which people will go in order to be noticed. Hello There is exciting and engaging the whole way through due to flawless performances by all actors as well as a production design that complements the script perfectly. The set features pieces that are self consciously artificial — the houses, the dressing rooms, and the studio are all flexible and visibly fake. Combined with the presence of screens, projections, cameras and studio lighting there's a general sense of being watched in a location that eludes definition. Performances by all four actors (Don Bridges, Susie Dee, Genevieve Giuffre and Aaron Orzech) are impressive. Bridges and Dee bring moments of intensity, endearing honesty and dazzling artificiality whilst Giuffre and Orzech offer a refreshingly honest and high energy partnership. The performers carry the work and their understanding of the humour, as well as the darkness in the script, are a testament to the solid direction by Samara Hersch. The only failure of the play was the slightly underwhelming ending which unfortunately let the show fall a bit flat, despite being otherwise brilliant. Perhaps this is the downfall of a script with no recognisable storyline; there can be no grand eruption, no catharsis, and ultimately no consequence. However, in a work which focuses on the lives of those living for no real purpose other than fame, fortune or at the very least recognition, there can be no consequence — only truth. This show is appearing as part of Next Wave 2014. Check out our top picks of the festival here.
Conventional wisdom is that Fringe is your chance to see something truly, deeply weird that would never get a sniff of the main stage but might remind you of the brilliant range of human endeavour. The show to see, in that case, is Jude the Obscure, in which writer/performer Alice Williams plays Australian comedian Judith Lucy (see uncanny resemblance above), in space, in the the future, doing a catalogue of "little known material" from her oeuvre. Because Judith has been accepted into Mars One, of course. Jude the Obscure is on at PACT, which has curated its own lineup of seven Fringe shows, and, as usual, you can be guaranteed that any show you see there is compelling in its own, offbeat way. Among the picks are Animorphed by Applespiel's Simon Binns, in which he reflects on beloved childhood series Animorphs and whether his favourite character was a racist stereotype, and The Defence, a cerebral-fun look at August Strindberg and misogyny within the rehearsal room. Read the rest of our top ten picks of the Sydney Fringe Festival 2013.
Sydney's permanent ice rinks tend to be pretty far out in the suburbs, so for the most part ice skating is one of those things you did in school holidays or for birthday parties as a kid then forget about when you grow up and move near the city. Luckily, there have been a few pop-up ice skating rinks around inner-city Sydney in the past few years, and the latest is set to open at World Square. It's cheap, too — $10 will get you 45 minutes on the ice. It's open until 9pm so it's a perfect after-work or uni-break activity and easy to combine with dinner or drinks at nearby bars and restaurants, including a Belgian chocolate cafe serving fondues, waffles and hot chocolate to keep you warm post-skate.
Bringing more than a little adventurous spirit to all things cakes and pastries, much-loved bakery Black Star Pastry is up to its usual tricks again for Easter. More evolution than revolution this time around, they're replacing the traditional raisins and currents in hot cross buns with juicy dried blueberries. Combined with the signature spiced dough Black Star Pastry is known and loved for, this sweet and tangy burst brings a whole new element to this treasured holiday treat. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a spread of salted butter, it promises to elevate your Easter experience. Delving a little deeper into what makes this Easter creation extra special, these blueberry hot cross buns are crafted using 100% natural ingredients. Plus, a touch of lemon zest will increase the depth of flavour and create an even more fragrant, irresistible experience that makes this treat one to remember. Yet there's still one more detail that sets this beloved sweet aside from your usual hot cross bun. Each bun is topped with a crunchy biscuit crumb topping made with dairy-free butter, flour and blueberry puree, adding just the right amount of sweetness. Shaped like the traditional cross, the purple flair gives this timeless favourite a modern appeal. "Our new blueberry hot cross bun is all about bringing a fresh twist to an iconic favourite," says Black Star Pastry Executive Chef, Arnaud Vodounou. "The blend of sweet blueberries and our signature spiced dough is sure to surprise and delight our fans. We can't wait to share it with the community and make this Easter even sweeter." Available online and in-store until Monday, April 21, you're welcome to grab a single blueberry hot cross bun or stock up with a box of six or 12, depending on how many you anticipate wolfing down over the long weekend. You should also take note that Black Star Pastry is bringing back their classic frankincense glazed hot cross buns and chocolate hot cross buns for a limited run over Easter. Black Star Pastry's blueberry hot cross bun is available until Monday, April 21 at Sydney CBD, Rosebery, Newtown, Chatswood, Parramatta and Burwood locations. Head to the website for more information.
Other than Christmas Day's requisite feast, no one likes cooking at the end of the year. If you're not so fond of getting in the kitchen on December 25, that's okay, too. So, as 2020 dwindles to a close, takeaway is firmly on the menu. And if you're keen to both support local eateries and keep an eye on your bank balance, Deliveroo has announced a handy special for the festive season. From Monday, December 21–Sunday, December 27, the delivery service is offering Australians free delivery from a sizeable range of local restaurants. In total across the country, more than 130 eateries and restaurants are on the list — including Gelato Messina, Mary's and Royal Stacks. With Sydney's northern beaches area currently experiencing a COVID-19 cluster — and subject to stay-at-home public health orders from 5pm, Saturday, December 19 until midnight on Wednesday — Deliveroo is also kicking things off early in the region. Free delivery is already available in the area, including from I Love Pizza, BenBry Burgers, Banana Blossom, DeVita: Tastes of Napoli, Chat Thai in Manly and Little L in Mona Vale. To ensure that all of the eateries involved aren't missing out on revenue or left out of pocket, Deliveroo is footing the bill for the free delivery — in terms of the delivery fees, that is. Obviously, you'll still need to pay for whatever you'd like to eat; however, you won't have to fork out more on top to get it brought to your door. If you're in Sydney's northern beaches and you're suddenly hungry, or you're in the rest of the country and you're thinking ahead, orders need to be placed via the Deliveroo app. Deliveroo's free delivery is on offer from Saturday, December 19–Sunday, December 27 in Sydney's northern beaches area — and from Monday, December 21–Sunday, December 27 across the rest of the country — via the Deliveroo app.
New Christmas, new spate of fresh festive flicks to add to your seasonal viewing: that's now an annual trend in these streaming platform-saturated times. A creative spin on A Christmas Carol, but as a musical starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, is one such newcomer vying for your eyeballs now that the merriest time of the year is upon us. And, dropping on Stan on Thursday, December 1, Australia's own Christmas Ransom is another. Everyone has their Christmas viewing rituals, whether you watch your way through every Home Alone movie each year (yes, even the recent one), pop on It's a Wonderful Life with the family after a big lunch or prefer saying yippee ki-yay to Die Hard. Until recently, however, it's likely that watching Aussie festive films wasn't high on your list, given this country of ours doesn't have all that much seasonal fare to its name. Back in 2020, streaming service Stan aimed to help change that with A Sunburnt Christmas, a festive caper about a criminal, some kids and end-of-year hijinks — aka Australia's answer to Home Alone and Bad Santa, in a way. In 2022, the platform is now adding Christmas Ransom to the list, starring Miranda Tapsell and Matt Okine. As first announced back in September — and as you can now see in the just-dropped trailer — Christmas Ransom stars Okine (The Other Guy) as every kid's second-favourite person during festive season: the owner of a toy store. Things aren't too merry for his character, however, when his shop is held up by thieves on Christmas Eve. And yes, as the name makes plain, he's held for ransom. These kinds of Christmas movies usually involve children, whether or not they turn them into Macaulay Culkin-level stars — so obviously a couple of kids get caught up in the heist. To save the day, they enlist the help of Tapsell (Top End Wedding), who plays a pregnant security officer. Stan notes that this new on-screen Christmas gift is inspired by Home Alone, Die Hard and Elf. If you've ever seen just one sesaonal flick for even just a few minutes, you will have spotted plenty that's predictable about the setup. Alongside Tapsell and Okine, Christmas Ransom stars Ed Oxenbould (Wildlife), Genevieve Lemon (The Tourist), Bridie McKim (Bump), Evan Stanhope (Thor: Love and Thunder), Tahlia Sturzaker (Ascendant) and Chai Hansen (The Newsreader) — and boasts Adele Vuko (Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am) in the director's chair. Add it to your festive viewing alongside this year's other new Aussie Christmas film, if it also surfaces in time: the upcoming movie based on Paul Christmas classic 'How to Make Gravy'. Otherwise, this newcomer will join the likes of A Sunburnt Christmas; Bush Christmas, both the 1947 and 1983 versions; the animated Around the World with Dot; and recent-ish horror movies Red Christmas and Better Watch Out — the latter also featuring Oxenbould. Check out the trailer for Christmas Ransom below: Christmas Ransom will be available to stream via Stan from Thursday, December 1.
Unrequited love isn't the nicest of feelings, so luckily Alt-J are as crazy about us as we are about them. Or maybe they're just waging bets on how many venues they can sell out in the space of 12 months. Whatever – they're coming back at around the same time as a certain mammoth festival taking place at Belongil Fields, meaning die-hard fans might have a chance to see them twice. The great thing about these guys is that they're incredibly easy to listen to while simultaneously sounding like nothing else you've ever heard before. "Indie rock" is an almost horrifically inadequate tag to attach to the quartet, whose jams are closer to subverted art rock blended up with folk, pop and brains. They're also perfectionists and put on a killer live show. Tickets for Alt-J go on sale Wednesday, 13 March at 9am via Ticketek. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rVeMiVU77wo
Open from morning till night, District Brasserie is bringing a much needed all-day venue to the heart of Sydney's CBD. Acting as both a takeaway coffee shop and sit-down restaurant/bar from breakfast straight on through late-night dinner, the 200-seater opened this week to a warm welcome of city dwellers. Designed by Paul Kelly (BLACK by Ezard, Sokyo), the restaurant pays tribute to the classic brasserie style with aged brass highlights, simple timber tables, dark leather booths and an elegant green marble bar — perfect for post-work knock-offs or cheeky lunchtime tipples. Operating as both District Bakery and District Brasserie, the venue opened in two stages, with the bakery side serving patrons since late June. Its French-inspired takeaway menu features three varieties of tartine, a smoked ham and cheese croissant and a spiced rum canelé, along with all the pastries imaginable and locally produced Single O coffees for good measure. The sit-down offering is run by head chefs Mark Knox (ex-Public Dining) and Robert Ackroyd (ex-Arras) who are turning to local farmers for the freshest produce. For those blessed with more time in the morning, the brasserie breakfast menu features an Ora king salmon with green tahini, quinoa and kelp salt, all topped with a poached egg. For lunch or dinner, think charcoaled meats, along with a seafood medley of steamed hapuka, clams and mussels topped with mushrooms, warrigal greens, lemongrass and ginger volute. As with any good brasserie, charcuterie boards and an extensive selection of wine — 120 labels in total — are available for all day snacking. District Brasserie is now open on the Lower Ground of 2 Chifely Square, Sydney. District Bakery is open Monday through Friday from 6.30am to 4pm and District Brasserie is open Monday to Friday from 7am until late.For more info, visit disctrictbrasserie.com.au.
The organisers of Sydney's newest music and arts night aren't about to let those nightlife laws rain on their parade. Instead, they've chosen a venue deep in the heart of the lockout zone to deliver a weekly serve of accessible, cultural goodness. Kicking off at 5.30pm each Sunday, within the CBD's underground whisky bar 80 Proof, Symposium offers a platform for local artists to both grow and show off their stuff. Each week, the night features four musical acts, taking the stage alongside live painting and visual displays by a local artist. Each set is also recorded live as an EP. The initiative offers Sydneysiders the chance to discover great new local talent, with the likes of Andie Isalie, Huckleberry Hastings and Diplazar featured in the lineup so far. As well as the aural and visual treats — which you can check out for free — you'll find $5 schooners, $9.90 burgers and a weekly changing $12 cocktail. Catch Symposium from 5.30pm each Sunday, at 80 Proof, Downstairs, 561 George Street, Sydney. Images: Sophie-Jaye Hayman
In great news for anyone who'll be in the vicinity of the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie in May, all three sites are dedicating the month to rocky road, as they usually do at this time of year. In 2022, they're bringing back their rocky road fest in person, too; however, for those can't make it along in the flesh — including folks interstate — the at-home version is still running as well. Get ready for a virtual month-long sugar extravaganza dedicated to sweet, nutty, marshmallowy rocky road — and yes, giant boxes filled with 31 different flavours of rocky road are available to order. As in previous years, you have a few options. If you'd like to get the mammoth Ultimate Rocky Road Box delivered to your door, that'll set you back $110. Flavours this year include Golden Gaytime, espresso martini, mint, licorice, black forest, Biscoff, pineapple, pistachio praline and many, many more. Elsewhere on the shop's delivery menu, you'll find pick-and-mix packs and a create-your-own option — where you can choose your favourite types of chocolate, nuts, extra nuts, marshmallows, jellies, extras and toppings. The boxes can be delivered anywhere within Australia for a flat rate of $15.
Dinner and a show: it's a date night classic for a reason. But, sometimes, if it's last-minute or your wallet is feeling a little light, the 'and show' part of the equation can be a bit tricky to arrange. Thankfully, living in Sydney means you have around-the-clock access to one of the best free shows on earth: the beach. Whether it's a warm and sunny day or blisteringly cold, Sydney's beaches make for a great spot to get cosy with your special someone and watch the waves, surfers and sea life as the sun rises or sets. And, if you choose the latter time, you have the bonus of being able to include some takeaway food in the equation, too. So, we've ploughed through DoorDash's extensive list of restaurants, cafes and bars to determine the ideal eats for a cheeky beachside sesh with your date — or best mates.
Darlings, it's time to beat the Monday blues and kick off your week in truly fabulous fashion. Escape on a desert holiday (hip hip hip hip hooray!) with a night of bespoke cocktails and a screening of one of Australia's most iconic films. Thanks to STOLI Vodka, you can see The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, in all its colourful glory when it returns to the big screen this September. The vodka brand has long been a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community, and it's inviting you to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary with cocktails crafted by martini expert Ana Page. Leave your dreary Monday behind and catch a ride on the budget Barbie camper on Monday, September 16, September 23 and September 30 at Golden Age Cinema and Bar. At just $50, including not only a ticket to the screening but also two STOLI Vodka martinis, popcorn and a choc-top, Martini and Movie Mondays is the best bang for your buck you're ever gonna get, sweetheart! Book your tickets to Martini and Movie Mondays at the Golden Age website and find out more about STOLI Vodka on the website.
