Category: SYDNEY

A night of music and dance: West Side Story returns to Sydney Harbour in 2024!

Opera Australia West Side Story HOSH dance

Posted: 18/09/2023

Hold onto your seats, Sydney! Opera Australia (OA) has just announced that the sensational musical West Side Story will be making a triumphant return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in 2024. And that’s not all – OA is thrilled to renew its partnerships with Dr Haruhisa Handa’s International Foundation for Arts and Culture and Destination NSW, ensuring a spectacular season for all to enjoy. If you missed out on the electrifying production of West Side Story when it first hit the stage in 2019, now is your chance to experience this larger-than-life extravaganza. The show received thunderous applause and became the most successful Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production to date, drawing record-breaking crowds and selling over 65,000 tickets. Prepare to be captivated by the monumental stage, vibrant costumes, and an exceptional cast of singers and dancers as they once again grace the iconic Mrs Macquaries Point. With unmatched views of Sydney’s famous skyline and a breathtaking nightly fireworks display, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour offers an unrivaled theatrical experience that will leave you in awe. Directed by the brilliant Francesca Zambello, West Side Story transports the energy and grit of New York City right to Sydney Harbour. The iconic songs and mesmerizing dance numbers will have you on the edge of your seat, bringing the magic of this musical masterpiece to life. And let’s not forget Jerome Robbins’ famed choreography, which will once again set the over-water stage ablaze. Fiona Allan, CEO of Opera Australia, expressed her excitement about the continued… Read More

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

Tags: Best theatre Sydney, hosh, Opera House, sydney guide, sydney theatre, West SIde Story on stage, West Side Story Sydney, what's on sydney

Indulge in irresistible pastries and elevate your home brewing at Will & Co HQ tasting bar

by James Banham

Posted: 06/09/2023

If you’re a pastry lover, look no further than the delightful offerings at Will & Co HQ Tasting Bar. From the famous pastel de nata to mouthwatering almond croissants, these delectable treats are the perfect accompaniment to your cup of perfection. But that’s not all – if you’re looking to elevate your home brewing experience, Will & Co has got you covered. They offer an extensive selection of coffee beans, pods, and grounds right at the Tasting Bar. Whether you prefer a bold espresso or a smooth pour-over, you’ll find the perfect blend to satisfy your coffee cravings. To enhance your brewing setup, Will & Co also stocks a range of top-quality brewing equipment. The Splendid Wren x Will & Co crockery line adds a touch of elegance to your coffee ritual, while select items from Kinto’s slow style coffee line bring simplicity and sophistication to your brewing process. But it doesn’t end there – take your love for Will & Co to the next level with their complete line of merch. Show off your passion for great coffee with pride, and while you’re at it, check out some surf wax from Ninth Wave. This local Bondi business not only provides high-quality products but also contributes 10% of their profits to support mental health organizations. So why wait any longer? Make your way to Will & Co HQ Tasting Bar for a friendly chat and a mighty fine brew. Located at Level 1, Shop 7, 184 Campbell Parade (corner of Beach Road and Gould Street,… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Home brewing, sydney, what's on sydney, Will Co HQ

Affordable lunch spots in Sydney

by THE F

Posted: 01/09/2023

Exploring the food scene in Sydney doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few insider tips, you can enjoy a satisfying lunch without breaking the bank. Here are some deliciously affordable options that you can find in several Sydney neighbourhoods. Sydney is renowned for its vibrant food scene, and this includes a plethora of affordable, scrumptious lunch options. Let’s explore some of these cost-effective culinary delights across the city: Darling Square Streets of Barangaroo Sydney Place South Eveleigh Each of these eateries offers a unique, palate-pleasing experience that won’t break the bank. Hence, no more excuses for skipping lunch!

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

Tags: Affordable lunch spots in Sydney, Best lunch Sydney, Cheap food Sydney, Lunch Sydney, Where to get lunch Sydney

The Sydney Fringe Festival: A Celebration of Independent Arts

Front row the Marvellous Elephant Man adelaide fringe 2023 © IMAGE CONSTRUCTION 242

by James Banham

Posted: 01/09/2023

Sydney is about to burst with colour and creativity as the Sydney Fringe Festival, the city’s largest independent arts festival, gets underway this week. With a staggering array of over 400 events spread across 12 festival hubs, the city will be taken over by a dynamic program until the 30th of September. The festival kicks off with Fringe Ignite on the 2nd of September, featuring an electrifying lineup headlined by the iconic Rogue Traders, along with live performances by The Great West, False London, MUNGMUNG, PEPTALK and DJ Victoria Anthony. Spanning theatre, music, comedy, visual art, film, musical theatre, dance, circus, street festivals, literature and poetry, the Sydney Fringe Festival is set to deliver an unforgettable offering of art and entertainment. The Spiegeltent Festival Garden is set to transform the Entertainment Quarter from the 31st of August to the 1st of October, with its centerpiece being the much-anticipated comedy, The Marvelous Elephant Man the Musical. The Sideshow will activate The Rocks with intimate shows of comedy, theatre, music, and immersive performance. The Sydney Fringe Cabaret Club returns with a program of fabulous cabaret shows, featuring Australian cabaret legend Naomi Eyers’ show GlamourPussy & The Hip Replacements. The festival’s first-ever Dance Hub will be hosted at the Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company from 14 – 16 September, while the Music Hub will transform the basement of the Marrickville Town Hall into a cosy listening haven across the month. The lineup includes Billie McCarthy, Green Mohair Suits, The Versace Boys x Gimme Gimme, Godriguez, and Bower…. Read More

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

Tags: Fringe Festival, sydney, Sydney Fringe, Sydney Fringe Festival, what to do in sydney, What's on in Sydney

What to do in Sydney this summer: Sydney Seadeck is back

by James Banham

Posted: 30/08/2023

Prepare to set sail into the Sydney summer in style with the newly launched SEADECK Saturdays! Starting from the 2nd of September, Sydney’s most distinctive lifestyle vessel, SEADECK, promises to deliver an unparalleled experience, from 1 to 5 PM every Saturday. Picture this: you’re aboard the iconic vessel, soaking in the sparkling harbour views, sipping on finely crafted cocktails, and sampling delicious bites, all crafted by the award-winning culinary team from Elements. Providing the mesmerising soundtrack to your perfect summer afternoon will be Sydney’s renowned artists, Yolanda Be Cool and KLP, joined by a slew of special guests from home and away. Expect sunsoaked house tunes and afternoon delights that perfectly complement the breathtaking harbour surrounds. Relaunched last summer and transformed by the acclaimed architectural design group, AZB Creative, every inch of the three-level SEADECK screams luxury. From the artisanal tiles and opulent fabrics to the custom-designed brass bar and bespoke furniture sourced from around the globe, SEADECK is a Mediterranean-inspired floating paradise. Behind the bar, Australian & NZ Flair Bartender Champion Robbie Stowe will captivate you with his delightful bespoke cocktail menu. Joining the crew this season is the electronic music powerhouse agency, TMRW Music, known for its association with leading music brands and artists including Ministry of Sound Events, PNAU, Grammy-nominated Fisher, and Hot Dub Time Machine. Dave Auld, Managing Partner, can’t hide his excitement, “We are thrilled to be working alongside the legends from TMRW Music Group to bring you SEADECK Saturdays. Being part of the journey that has breathed new life… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Is Seadeck good, seadeck, Seadeck boat, Sydney Seadeck, What to do Sydney summer, Where is Seadeck

Celebrating 20 Years of Community Connection: First Drop Café Opens New Location in Marrickville

by James Banham

Posted: 30/08/2023

In the heart of Marrickville, a delightful mix of tradition and innovation is brewing. First Drop, a community-loved café founded by Michael Savvakis, announces the opening of its second branch on the occasion of its 20th business anniversary. Joined in this endeavour by his brother-in-law Christopher Hing, the duo brings to Marrickville the same warmth, friendliness, and culinary delight that made their first café a staple in the Sydney food scene. First Drop’s journey began in 2003 as a quaint corner café on Baptist & Telopea Street, Redfern. Michael Savvakis’ vision of a local café transformed into a community sanctuary offering classic breakfast and lunchtime favourites. Keeping things simple and excelling at the basics became First Drop’s success mantra. In 2007, Christopher Hing officially joined the business, making First Drop a family affair. His Greek and Chinese heritage brought an enticing fusion of flavours to the menu, enriching the café’s offerings. Now, two decades later, First Drop is ready to infuse the multicultural Marrickville, perfectly aligning with its unique ethos. The secret to First Drop’s success lies in its deep-rooted connections with its customers. Co-founders Chris and Michael’s hands-on approach to service nurtures a familial and communal atmosphere. Their commitment to local suppliers and popular offers like Redfern’s Bottomless brunch have earned First Drop its stellar reputation for quality. The new Marrickville outlet promises exciting options for functions and catering, including a spacious indoor and outdoor patio area. The new menu at Marrickville continues to reflect First Drop’s commitment to simplicity and authenticity. From the… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: best cafes sydney, First Drop, Marrickville cafe, Marrickville cafes, sydney cafes

Discover Sydney’s chicest Sushi Train in the heart of Barangaroo

by Danielle Kirk

Updated: 28/08/2023

If you think you’ve seen one sushi train you’ve seen them all, think again, because Kokumai’s newest branch in Barangaroo is classy, chic and most importantly scrumptious. Like their Circular Quay restaurant, Kokumai brings their token freshness and flair to their Barangaroo joint. Dishes are prepared for the train by the skilled in house team, as well as menu options that are made fresh, often right in front of you. There’s something very calming about watching a sushi master go about his craft while you wind down with a saké (or two) in the monochrome interior. Stand out hot dishes include their most-popular and unexpected best seller corn ribs, and the potato mochi from their izakaya menu. Yes, we did say potato mochi, and it brings the exact texture you know and love from the desert variety to the savoury kind! We did also say izakaya menu, because Kokumai is catering for the after work crowd just like they would in Japan and has special snack menu that all pair perfectly with a cold beer so you can let the worries of the day go. If you’re looking for sushi that’s a little more up market, Kokumai cannot be missed. We tried the Otoro nigiri, which is tuna belly, and it simply melted in our mouths. You can’t fault the presentation on any dishes, including the surprising amount of vegetarian options. You can also do the Omakase experience at their bar and let the chefs select the best sashimis and flavours of the day, while… Read More

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

Tags: barangaroo, japanese food, japanese restaurant, kokumai, sushi

SPON: new wine bar and bottleshop in Sydney

by James Banham

Posted: 26/08/2023

Odd Culture Group, renowned for their innovative approach in the food and beverage industry, has launched its latest venture – SPON. This new wine bar and bottle shop, located on King Street, Newtown, is set to revolutionise the art of wine tasting in the area. With the primary focus on serving an eclectic mix of wild, rare, and exciting wines, ales, and other fascinating beverages, SPON empowers guests with the freedom to curate their own by-the-glass selection. This unique concept is aimed at deconstructing the barriers often associated with discovering, tasting, and enjoying new or rare produce. To commemorate the launch, SPON is offering $6 glasses of Pét-nat, orange, or chilled red wine for the whole of August through September. Alongside, visitors can enjoy half-price corkage and the occasional surprise of exclusive bottles from the cellar. James Thorpe, CEO of Odd Culture Group, said, “SPON is designed to make the unfamiliar familiar, transforming what might be seen as esoteric into easily understood and enjoyed beverages. We hope to enhance the interaction and knowledge sharing with our guests.” Offering a unique rotational open-bottle list of 12 primarily wines, large-format ales, and ciders, SPON encourages a dynamic and exploratory experience for guests. The by-the-glass price is a mere fraction of the takeaway price, making even the rarest of wines accessible to all. Jordan Blackman, Group Beverage Manager, expressed his excitement about the new concept: “This format allows us to open and serve some truly unique and unusual drinks that wouldn’t usually make it onto by-the-glass lists in… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Bottleshops Sydney, spon, Spon Sydney, Sydney alcohol shops

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Unveils Exciting 2024 Season

by James Banham

Posted: 23/08/2023

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra has recently announced its highly anticipated 2024 Season, a diverse and dynamic program of live concert series set to take place at Sydney’s City Recital Hall and Melbourne Recital Hall. The upcoming season promises to captivate audiences with theatrical performances and innovative interpretations of the best of Baroque music. One of the highlights of the 2024 Season is the inclusion of renowned international guest artists who will be making their Australian debut alongside the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. French harpsichordist Justin Taylor, Japanese soprano Yukie Sato, and Italian fortepianist Francesco Corti are among the talented musicians set to grace the stage and add an extra layer of brilliance to the performances. Paul Dyer, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, stating, “Our 2024 season continues the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s bold mission to excite, to honour, to reinvent and to reignite the energy of early music.” He further emphasized the range of musical experiences the audience can expect, from the harmonious voices of a full orchestra to the intimate performances of next-generation soloists. Co-Founder and Managing Director Bruce Applebaum also shared his enthusiasm, inviting both loyal fans and newcomers to join the orchestra on this exciting journey. He encouraged audiences to be ready to be engaged, uplifted, moved, and renewed, suggesting that the 2024 season would challenge preconceptions and reward curiosity. The season kicks off with “Notre-Dame,” a moving tribute to the iconic cathedral’s enduring spirit as a hub of musical innovation. This concert… Read More

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

Tags: brandenburg orchestra, Orchestra, Sydney orchestra

Where to go for grog: Barrelhouse Cellars

by James Banham

Posted: 21/08/2023

Barrelhouse Group, renowned for its creations Hickson House, The Barber Shop, and The Duke of Clarence, takes great pleasure in introducing its latest venture, Barrelhouse Cellars. This exciting new addition to Sydney’s historical district nestles comfortably in its historic paved courtyard, offering a unique experience that includes individual tastings and themed flight offerings of Australian gins and New World whiskies. Leading the operations of Barrelhouse Cellars is industry stalwart Nick Minogue, who plans to highlight craft producers with a strong Australian focus. The Cellars will feature a private wine collection and a specially-curated selection of spirits to pair with their award-winning Hickson Rd. Gins. As Nick states, “Whether you’re a local popping in on a weeknight, or a traveller seeking a memorable, local shopping experience, we’ll find you the perfect drop.” To enhance the home-serving experience of its patrons, Barrelhouse Cellars also offers bottled cocktails from premier local bars, hand-cut ice, cocktail garnishes, and a range of artisanal cheeses, pates, and charcuterie. The team provides careful packaging for nationwide delivery, or same day in Sydney, via their online store at www.barrelhousecellars.com. As co-founders Julian Train and Mikey Enright state, “The Cellars is the next stage of our longer-term vision for The Rocks. We wanted to create an accessible, inviting, local bottle shop; drawing on our hospitality experience to add a few features we couldn’t find elsewhere. The paved tasting courtyard is particularly special. Come down soon to grab a sip and a bottle.”

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

Tags: Barrelhouse Cellars, Best alcohol shops Sydney, Cellars Sydney, Drinks The Rocks Sydney, Sydney wine shop, the rocks sydney

ARTS & CULTURE

breakdance head spin pexels pixabay 159273

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.