Category: SYDNEY

Best ways to celebrate VIVID Sydney in The Rocks

Posted: 01/06/2022

Vivid Sydney is on! From 28 May to 18 June, the city comes to light in celebration of the artistry, culture and propensity to celebrate that is the city of Sydney. If you missed our best date night suggestions for the public event period, then scroll down for some more ways to celebrate that are less date-y and more let’s go out and have fun. For food, head to… 6HEAD will deliver an ultimate sensory experience through theatrical gastronomy, where you will have all five senses stimulated as they embark on a culinary journey designed to fascinate. The Rocks Markets will be hosting evenings of tasty treats throughout Vivid Sydney to keep you fuelled up, from pizza and gozleme to gelato, dumplings, crepes, BBQ and more. Throughout the lit-up stalls, visitors can also explore handmade jewellery, fabrics and gifts. And as a bonus, there’ll also be live music! Sights, eats and tunes? Sorted. Tayim’s outdoor alfresco dining courtyard, complete with glowing decorations, for the perfect opportunity to stop and fill up during their Vivid Sydney journey with falafels and fresh lamb skewers with a side of delicious cocktails and wine. Creperie Suzette, who will be serving up rainbow bagels and glitter coffees throughout the festival. Afterwards, stop by The Tea Cosy, who is transforming their courtyard on Atherden Street into a glow-themed garden, with neon lighting, glowing furniture and special menu items from Thursday to Sunday. For drinks, head to… Blu Bar on 36 has carefully curated a special Vivid Sydney Menu which is available… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Sydney Vivid guide, vivid sydney, Vivid Sydney what's on, What to do Sydney Vivid

Drink gin at Bombay Sapphire’s ‘House of Bombay’ bar at VIVID Sydney

by James Banham

Posted: 21/05/2022

Darling Quarter is about to become the home of gin this VIVID Sydney and if ever there was a time to be curious, it’s now. Head to the House of Bombay. Located in Tumblong Park, Darling Quarter; a new Vivid Sydney location in Darling Harbour, guests of House of Bombay will experience an exhilarating fusion of creativity, innovation, technology and delicious cocktails. With the ability to host over 500 people, this limited-time-only bar is the perfect meeting place along this year’s Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Think views, colours, flavours and a hell of a lot of excitement for 23 nights, from Friday 27 May to Saturday 18 June, with more than 200+ events celebrating the essence of Sydney’s soul including its diversity, beauty, resilience, First Nations culture, and vibrant creative community. For more of what’s on and how to get involved, head to the House of Bombay website

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Bombay, gin, vivid sydney

Get excited for the new Lotus Dumpling Bar at Summer Hill

by Emi Berry

Posted: 20/05/2022

Sydney’s inner west has a new venue opening on 25 May 2022 and this one is worth getting excited about. The Lotus Dining Group – which already runs six restaurants across Sydney including Lotus Barangaroo and Lotus Galeries – is opening their latest venue in Lackey Street, Summer Hill. Despite being the new kid on the block, it feels like the new venue is among old friends. Located in the heart of Summer Hill, just across the road from the village square – otherwise known as The Piazza, which comes alive in the evenings with live music where locals can be seen dancing – the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. With the impressive menu designed by Lotus Dumpling Bar at Summer Hill head chef Chris Tsao and Lotus Dining Group’s head chef, Steve Wu, guests are guaranteed to enjoy an extensive range of flavour-packed dumplings and share plates, such as Hot and Numbing Chicken Ribs, XO Scallop with Chinese Dipping Donut and Crispy Prawn Dumplings. Other notable dishes include Mix Mushroom & Endive Salad with Citrus Dressing, Five Spice Tofu and Black Fungus Dumplings, Pork Xiao Long Bao, Wok Fried Prawns with Thai Sweet Basil and Chilli and Steamed Broccolini with Sugar Snap Bean and Kale. “We’re excited to bring our dumpling bar offering to Summer Hill,” says Wu. “Over the lastfew years, we’ve seen a big shift in diners choosing to stay local so we wanted to share ourWalsh Bay concept with a brand new neighbourhood within Sydney. The new menu haseverything people will… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Chinese food Sydney, Chinese restaurants Sydney, lotus dining, lotus dumpling bar

Vivid light festival returns to the Sydney Harbour Bridge

by James Banham

Posted: 10/05/2022

The annual Vivid light festival is coming back to Sydney 27 May to 18 June and the world renowned Sydney Opera House is getting in on the action. Running from Thursday to Monday throughout the festival period, the first Vivid Climb will go each afternoon and anyone walking will reach the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in time to witness Sydney’s soul come alive with a dazzling display of colour. And this year, in a BridgeClimb first, Vivid Climb groups will also be greeted with light installations throughout their pre-climb journey and will get to top off their night with a complimentary post-climb gin and tonic in the pop-up Hendrick’s Gin Unusual Celebration Bar. If you’re fancying a climb, then you’re looking at two options to see the lights this year… Vivid Photographer Tour + Masterclass: a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the South-East Pylon’s Gundeck (not usually open to the public) with a short masterclass on night time shooting followed by a Vivid photography session with Glenn McKimmin. Pylon & Picasso: an art class, hosted by Pinot & Picasso, atop the beloved Sydney Harbour Bridge’s South-East Pylon, starting with a guided tour of the BridgeClimb Pylon Lookout & Museum before the art class commences from the lookout level. For more and to make a booking, head to the Bridge Climb Sydney website

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: BridgeClimb, sydney, Vivid light festival, Vivid light festival returns to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, vivid sydney

Enjoy modern European cuisine with Dining in the Dark Sydney

by James Banham

Updated: 10/05/2022

The room’s dark, you’re wearing a blindfold and you can eat everything. Might sounds like it’s a scene from a strange erotica novel, but it’s really just the experience that awaits you at Sydney’s Dine in the Dark event this May. Located at at Beast & Co, 425 Bourke St, Surry Hills, the event will take you through a hosted gastronomic experience through the heart of continental Europe. Why? Well, studies have shown that 80% of people eat with their eyes, so by eliminating sight, guests will enjoy an elevated dining experience, focusing on taste, smell and touch. So the theory goes. Tickets are available here for $110 per person for 6pm and 8:30pm sittings, each of which are approximately 90 minutes

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Dine in the dark Sydney, Enjoy modern European cuisine with Dine in the Dark Sydney, sydney food, where to eat sydney

Pyrmont Festival Sydney is back for its 10th anniversary

by James Banham

Posted: 09/05/2022

The annual Pyrmont Festival is back in Sydney this May.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Pyrmont Festival, sydney food, sydney food guide

All about StickyBeak: the new festival celebrating Sydney

by James Banham

Posted: 23/04/2022

Archie Rose make some top-notch spirits in Sydney and have since hiot the fast track on their global popularity. This year in 2022, renowned drinks writer and presenter Mike Bennie along with the distillery are bringing the best of Sydney hospitality together for StickyBeak, an inaugural two-day festival of incredible drinks, top-notch food, DJs and curated masterclasses. Made possible by the City of Sydney’s scheme awarding grants to those with a vision to help bring the city back to life, Archie Rose has curated the festival to celebrate Sydney’s rich hospitality industry from Friday 29 and Saturday 30 April, from 5pm – 10pm at Hyde Park Barracks. Local favourites on the line-up include Newtown’s much loved Bloodwood, pasta masters Fabricca, sausage kings and queens LP’s Quality Meats, our friends at Gelato Messina, Morgan Mcglone’s newest venture SUNDAY and newcomers FIREPOP who will be butchering Blackmore wagyu onsite for charcoal-grilled skewers. And that’s just a taste. For more and to sort yourself out with tickets, head to the StickyBeak website

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Food in Sydney, StickyBeak, sydney food

Sydney Mardi Gras in April: keep the festivities going with 3 more events

by James Banham

Updated: 23/03/2022

The parade grounds might have settled down and the biodegradable glitter may have been washed away, but you’d best believe the queer energy that’s born every year from Mardi Gras lives on! With a few more wrap-up events still to go, that celebrate LGBTIQA+ freedom and equality in all its colours, the time’s come to turn to the ticket counters and get outfit planning for how you’ll see-out yet another successful Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Here’s what’s on… KAFTANA POOL PARTY Saturday 2 April 2022, 12-8pm. ivy PoolSteam your muumuus and dust off your chunky costume jewelry, Kaftana Partyis back. The iconic ivy Pool will be transformed into the ultimate retro daydream for this poolside afternoon of extravagant fabulousness. Sit back, sip on a Pink Lady, and celebrate with a camp smorgasbord of DJs including Queen Shirene, Kate Monroe, KILIMI and Division 4. As well as special performances from the likes of Drag legend Joyce Maynge, Burlesque wonder Mama Medusa and genderf*ck drag artist Peach Fuzz. Tickets: Second release $60More info: www.mardigras.org.au/events/kaftana-pool-party SISSY BALL Sunday 3 April 2022, 6-11pm. Sydney Town HallJoin the fierce icons and rising stars of the Australian ballroom scene and soak in the essence of queer culture, art and expression at Sissy Ball. This glam throw down is upping the ante, making its grand debut at the opulent Sydney Town Hall – a venue truly fit for all kweens! Curated by House of Slé godmother Kilia Pahulu;style, precision and a whole lot of sass will collide on the runway as contestants battle it out in a number of categories including… Read More

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Gay pool party Sydney, gay sydney, Ivy Pool Party, mardi gras, Mardi Gras parties, Sydney gay guide, Sydney Mardi Gras in April keep the festivities going with 3 more events, Sydney pool party

Good cafes in Double Bay, Sydney – Industry Beans is open

by James Banham

Posted: 16/03/2022

This March, Industry Beans – a new cafe in Double Bay, right near Double Bay’s new Woolworth’s Metro – is open! Supplying the community with caffeine either in or out of the supermarket and other locals with the knowledge, the opening marks the beginning of an exciting partnership between Industry Beans and Woolworths Metro. View this post on Instagram A post shared by INDUSTRY BEANS (@industrybeans) With the signature Industry Beans Modbar set up, the outfit will echo the design note held in their existing venues in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. This brand-new Double Bay venue offers premium, fast, consistent takeaway service for espresso and filter coffee. With the Industry Beans signature Modbar set up, the outfit within Woolworths Metro echoes the design notes of their existing venues in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For more and to plan your next weekend visit, head to the Industry Beans website View this post on Instagram A post shared by INDUSTRY BEANS (@industrybeans)

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Double Bay cafes, Good cafes Double Bay, Good cafes in Double Bay Sydney Industry Beans is open, Good cafes Sydney, sydney coffee

VIVID Sydney 2022 – what to expect

by James Banham

Updated: 18/03/2022

After the darkness of the past few years, VIVID, the festival of light, is back with a bang this 2022 in Sydney. From Friday 27 May to Saturday 18 June, there’ll be more than 200 events celebrating the essence of Sydney’s soul including its diversity, beauty, resilience, First Nations culture and vibrant creative community. Staged over 23 nights, the festival will deliver mesmerising art displays, 3D light projections, uplifting live music performances and deep-dive discussions from the world’s brightest minds. Plus, in a festival first, the renowned Light Walk will stretch continuously for 8km, linking the Sydney Opera House to Central Station, with more than 200 LED sculptural birds guiding the way as part of the Future Natives installation. Here are some favourites to look forward to: THE VIVID SYDNEY DINNER Great food, talks, music, wine and light collide at the very first Vivid Sydney Dinner – a celebration of all things Sydney. Join host Justine Clarke at Merivale’s Ivy Ballroom, which will be completely transformed into an effervescent feast for the senses on Saturday 4 June, featuring “love letters to Sydney” from renowned artist Ken Done and journalist/author Julia Baird. VIVID LIGHT Visitors will connect with powerful stories of Sydney’s soul after dark, as more than 50 light installations and projection artworks designed to explore and define the city’s character come to life. VIVID IDEAS Vivid Ideas brings together the world’s brightest minds and fearless global storytellers, exploring the forces that shape not only Sydney’s unique society, but all great cities around the world. With more than 85 intriguing talks and workshops on offer, Vivid Ideas… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

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.