Category: LIFESTYLE

The Winery Sydney goes gay this Mardi Gras

Updated: 16/11/2022

The Winery on Crown Street, Sydney, right at the epicentre of all things Mardi Gras this year, is turning it on. Think wine, champagne, men in dresses and all the entertainment you need in the lead-up to the climax that is the after party. Have a look at what they’ve done previously to get a taste. Expect to be dazzled by MC personality, James Breko as he hosts Chalk A Rainbow for the community; sing along with the Drag Diva Lip Sync Battles to favourites like Kylie vs Pink and Adele vs Madonna; escape the crowds but not the fun at the exclusive parade viewing party; and recover in style the morning after at their official ‘Recovery Party’ with tasty, alcohol-free cocktails and massages. For more, check The Winery’s website.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Sydney: Bar Totti’s open – and why you should care

by James Banham

Posted: 17/02/2020

The ivy in Sydney has a new housemate: Bar Totti. It’s walk in only, the relative to the Bondi version and front-and-centre in the ivy complex right in the middle of the city, giving visitors all the alcohol-fuelled, foodie haven-ness that’s synonymous with the Merivale movement. It’s fun, high-energy and ready for a party, putting chefs Mike Eggert and Jake Ahrens (Ash St. Cellar, Uccello) behind the pans to serve-up the simple and delicious food Totti’s is renowned for. With a menu built on wood-fired bread, house-made antipasti and snacks, it’s a simple offering to line the stomach before visiting any of the the ivy’s other venues well into the night. The antipasti list is touting about 20 options, like sardines, anchovies, octopus, scallop crudo, prosciutto, ‘nduja, burrata, baked tomino and marinated peppers. Snacks are ‘alla griglia’ (grilled), like king prawns, chili and fennel, halloumi, oregano and lemon, chicken wings, honey and rosemary, and grilled garfish lemon and bay leaf. The drinks? Simple. The desserts? On the menu. The atmosphere? Worth it. For a visit, go to ivy, Shop 4/330 George Street.

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Electric Gardens Festival Sydney: Craig David’s back

by James Banham

Posted: 17/02/2020

Electric Gardens is on. For lovers of quality tunes at a quality spot, Electric Gardens will deliver its biggest and most diverse lineup yet for its 5th anniversary on 22 Feb. Half a decade of cutting-edge producers and world-class DJs will be celebrated in Sydney’s shining Centennial Park. Mint location. Electric Gardens 2020 features a stellar international and local talent spread across four stages. The Electric Gardens 2020 bill is headed up by acclaimed UK artist Craig David, who will be bringing his widely-praised TS5 show Down Under. Combining his skills as a DJ and live performer, TS5 sees David fuse seasoned classics with contemporary anthems for a sprawling party set, drawing upon his extensive background in UK Garage, dance, pop and R&B. David’s high-energy TS5 set has graced the biggest festivals stages across the globe including Glastonbury, Tomorrowland and will now close out Electric Gardens in riveting fashion. Then, we’re looking at the likes of: Smiley Face, Armand Van Helden (one-half of Duck Sauce) DJ EZ, the master selector who has honed his incredible skills on radio airwaves, clubs and festivals for well over two decades. Gorgon City Pan-Pot and the esteemed Alan Fitzpatrick Reinier Zonneveld will flex his skills with a punchy live set. And more. Go to the Electric Gardens website to sort yourself out.

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, MUSIC, SYDNEY

Tags: Electric Gardens, Electric Gardens Sydney, Sydney music, Sydney music festival

You can now drink pink gin without the guilt

by James Banham

Updated: 17/02/2020

Greenall’s Wild Berry Gin is summer and now, you can do it without the guilt of thinking you’re drinking too much sugar. With no added sugar, it’s flavoured gin with a difference. Yes, this is not your regular pink gin. It’s taken inspiration from the romantic English countryside hedgerows, combining plump blackberries and wild Scottish raspberries with Greenall’s Original London Dry Gin. The new batch is a twist on the classic gin experience, as its fruitier flavour has appeal for even the most juniper-averse drinkers. The juicy drop has a silky-smooth opening, that develops into a rich camphor and citrus taste, with an underlying fruity touch. And yeah, that’s all well and good, but what do you do with it? Make your very own Greenall’s wild berry and flora dora cocktail, of course. Ingredients: 40ml Greenall’s Wild Berry Gin 20ml fresh lime juice 10ml raspberry syrup Ginger beer Method: Build all ingredients in a highball glass over ice Stir and serve.

Category: LIFESTYLE

Melbourne: The Prince Public Bar is open again

by James Banham

Posted: 17/02/2020

Late nights, Sunday mornings, bayside debauchery and live music shenanigans are back at the gateway to the southeast: The Prince Public Bar. St Kilda’s legendary local Prince Public Bar is calling first drinks again with the legendary pad flaunting a new look since closing in April to undergo a major overhaul. Remodelled by IF Architecture’s Iva Foschia, a long-time collaborator of the corner locale, the new design pays homage to its Art Deco heritage reimagined through a modern lens. The entire ground floor has been opened up to create light, roomy spaces, with an internal staircase allowing a more free-flowing connection to the hotel lobby and Prince Dining Room. At the heart of the venue is a large oval island bar, reinstated to its original orientation and grandeur. With breakfast-to-lunch at the hands of Chef Dan Cooper’s approachable, seasonal menu, there’s no reason to not check him out at the Prince website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: melbourne bars, Melbourne Prince Bar, Melbourne Public bar, St Kilda bars

London: Freddie Mercury's kimono is coming to the V&A

by James Banham

Posted: 17/02/2020

It was 2018 that saw the release of Bohemian Rhapsody, the movie of band Queen and its larger-than-life lead man, Freddie Mercury. And now in 2020, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is bringing him back again by putting his famed kimono on display as part of a larger exhibition. The major fashion exhibition, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk will open this month on 29 February and bring to the public an array of kimonos, the ultimate symbol of Japan. Why Freddie’s, though? In the mid-1970s he sometimes wore boldly patterned kimono onstage, challenging the norms of gender and sexuality. This personal kimono however is more delicate in its design and overtly feminine, revealing that gender fluidity extended to his private life. For more about the exhibition and to score your tickets, head to the V&A website.

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: freddie mercury, Freddie Mercury kimono, Kimono exhibition, V&A

Sydney Mardi Gras: Fair Day is back and it's gay

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Get your tongues ready for poppin’, fans ready for sashaying and deaths ready for droppin’; Sydney’s Fair Day is back for Mardi Gras. At Victoria Park, as per usual, Fair Day will overtake the green to the tune of over 80,000 LGBTIQ people and their friends. The stage is set to host Jess B, Jamarz On Marz, Jamaica Moana and Hoodzy, electric live sets from Ngaiire, Bec Sandridge, Architects Of Sound and Huntly, show stopping drag performances by Felicia Foxx, plus sets from beloved community DJs Division 4, Danielle Rizk and Victoria Anthony, hosted by Faustina Agolley, so get excited. Bring your dog, bring your gaggle, bring your colour and celebrate inclusivity and diversity. It’s on 16 February from 10am-9pm. See more here.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

There's a new way to drink: the Leakproof water bottle

by James Banham

Posted: 10/02/2020

Summer in the UK might be over, but just because the sun’s hidden for the next bit, doesn’t mean the need to keep on top of your outdoor health has gone away, right? Running around a city like London takes a lot out of you. So hydration’s key. Which is why the likes of Leakproof is a must. Their latest drop, the ION8 Leakproof Water Bottle helps to keep just so, with up to 500ml capacity. It makes for a gym, fitness and outdoor water buddy, and just life in general. Also, with a soft touch frosted exterior, its scratch resistance makes it super practical for exploring and those busy working dads on the go. Open at just the touch of a button, the flip top effortlessly springs open with a single push, meanwhile the added lid lock follows clicking reassuringly into place – 100% leak proof, 100% of the time! Check it – and the whole range – out at the Leakproof website.

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Leakproof ION8 water bottle, Leakproof water bottle, water bottle

Lumas does street art: Haring and Basquiat join what's on offer

by James Banham

Posted: 09/02/2020

Lumas Australia have stepped it up a bit, putting on new additions by established and emerging new artists, amongst them Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose works are being exhibited at the National Gallery Victoria later this year. Why? Well, their decision’s inspired by responses to the urban street culture of the 1980s, Haring and Basquiat are celebrated for the social commentary their artworks provided for their time. And now, LUMAS galleries are known for their edition pieces by Pop Art icons including Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, alongside some of the 20th century’s most classic artworks at a fraction of the cost. Think colour, compositions of movement, energy, excitement and street culture, all combined into the canvases that live on the gallery walls. Oh, not to mention Damien Hirst being added to their portfolio. In his medical and pharmaceutical inspired series “The Cure”, the soft pastel colours and uniform patterns of coloured pills are contrasted against the subject of individual control. Hirsts’ intriguing and colourful art is ambivalent, revolving around a central focal point in his thinking: managing to give death a smile by celebrating life through his art. It’s all worth a look. Head to Lumas in Australia or their website.

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: Basquiat art, Buy art Melbourne, Haring art, Lumas Australia, Lumas Basquiat, Lumas Haring

Love art? LUMAS has the tips to start your own collection

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

From Melbourne to London and Sydney, there’s absolutely no shortage of access to art. Regardless of your flavour and personal preference, what speaks to you and what you simply like the look of, from National Galleries to local activations like Lumas in Australia there’s enough to choose from. In fact, for those of us who’re more inclined to collect than simply to view, there’s a right way to go about it. We spoke to the art legends at Lumas to decipher just how to get it done. 1. Learn what you like With so many different styles of art out there, it’s important to firstly establish what you like and what moves you. Start by visiting art galleries without the intention of buying, to get a sense of your tastes and preferences. 2. Set a budget and start small However enthusiastic you may be about a certain artwork, ensuring that you set and stick to a budget will keep you on track. Typically, first-time buyers will start with something small and build the collection from there. Works on paper, such as the photography and limited edition prints available at LUMAS are a great place to start as these are more affordable than canvas. Limited edition prints are also less risky and smaller editions create rarity. 3. Stay true to your tastes This means acknowledging that you like certain types of art, whether or not you are supposed to or what seems to be a current trend. Trends change, very fast. Your personal tastes will be… Read More

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Art collection, How to start collection, Love art, lumas, Lumas art collection

ARTS & CULTURE

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Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.