Category: LIFESTYLE

Herb and Chilli food festival in Victoria

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The Herb and Chilli Festival is set to mark its 12th annual celebration on March 16 & 17, 2024, promising a weekend filled with sizzling experiences, live music and entertainment. The event will take place at the scenic grounds in Wandin, Yarra Valley, offering an array of sweat-inducing products, competitions, and live cooking demonstrations. A Spice Lover’s Paradise Founded in 2012 by Clive and Di Larkman, owners of Romantic Nursery, this festival serves as a dynamic platform for both indulgence and education, showcasing Australia’s finest herb and chilli products. The couple’s dedication to sharing their passion with others has made this event a must-visit for spice enthusiasts. Clive Larkman expressed, “Our event is about bringing people together who have a love for flavour and spice. It introduces people to the world of herbs and chillies; not just in their food but also in drinks, general health, and the many cultures for which they are basic parts of life.” New Flavors and Experiences The 2024 festival brings a host of new food vendors, enticing festival-goers to explore unfamiliar flavor combinations and venture out of their comfort zones. With close to 100 businesses within the herb and chilli realm participating, attendees can revel in unique offerings and sample the enticing world of spice-infused consumables. Hot Sauce Alley returns this year, expanding from 8 to 11 vendors, each unveiling at least one new hot sauce product in 2024. Additionally, several new stalls will be experimenting with previously unseen flavor combinations for attendees to try and buy. Culinary Delights… Read More

Queer art after hours in Sydney

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Get ready to mark your calendars because on Wednesday, February 28th, the crowd-favorite Queer Art After Hours event is set to make a vibrant return to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This year’s edition promises an exciting lineup that has just been unveiled, and it’s one you won’t want to miss! Renowned as one of the most eagerly anticipated annual events at the Art Gallery, Queer Art After Hours has continually stood out as a highlight among the free offerings of the Mardi Gras festival. It serves as a powerful platform for LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, and storytellers, bringing the community together for a night of celebration that honors diversity, resilience, and creativity within the Queer community. In light of the recent cancellation of Fair Day, this year’s Queer Art After Hours aims to keep the party vibes alive with a spectacular FREE offering. Visitors can look forward to a kaleidoscope of interactive pop-up performances, installations, workshops, and DJ sets, all while embarking on their own unique art adventure exploring the exhibitions and collections on this unforgettable evening. The 2024 lineup is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring a diverse range of experiences. From the thought-provoking video and spoken word installation “Queers as in Crip” to performances delving into butch and leather culture in “Dyke Vignettes,” the stage will come alive with fierce and fabulous drag performances by Miss First Nations queens Nova Gina, Josie Baker, and Shaniqua Empirè. Additionally, visitors can expect a captivating performance inspired by the occasional presence of pigeons in the… Read More

Johnny’s Green Room for Margarita Day

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Melbourne’s iconic rooftop bar, Johnny’s Green Room, has undergone a stunning transformation, capturing the essence of Tuscan-inspired elegance with a fresh new look. To mark this occasion and celebrate World Margarita Day, they are introducing an exclusive lineup of four exquisite margaritas that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your rooftop experience. Indulge in Margarita Delights From Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th February, Johnny’s Green Room will feature an enticing selection of margaritas, each crafted to perfection to suit various flavor preferences. Whether you crave something zesty, spicy, salty, or refreshingly sweet, there’s a margarita tailored to satisfy every palate. The Margaritas: Unwind with Friends and Flavors In addition to these exclusive margaritas, Johnny’s Green Room will continue to offer its delightful array of food and drinks, ensuring that you can pair your margarita experience with delectable options from their regular menu. Why not gather your friends and make a night of it? Pair your chosen margarita with a Margherita pizza and relish an evening of unparalleled enjoyment amidst Melbourne’s vibrant skyline. If you’re looking for the perfect way to partake in World Margarita Day and elevate your ‘Things To Do’ guides this week, consider featuring Johnny’s Green Room and their limited-time margarita extravaganza. It’s an opportunity to embrace the spirit of celebration and savor the artistry of mixology against the backdrop of Melbourne’s captivating cityscape. For further details or imagery, feel free to reach out. Let’s toast to the world’s beloved beverage and the joy of shared experiences! Note: The mentioned information was… Read More

LGBTQ+ frienly Central Coast this Mardi Gras

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After the hustle and bustle of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, whether you’re recovering from a day celebrating on Oxford Street or wanting to reflect on the monthly city madness, a Post-Mardi Gras getaway is one to plan. Without venturing too far from Sydney, the Central Coast has you covered to enjoy a peaceful retreat just 2 hours away. Here’s a list of LGBTQ+ friendly visits on the Central Coast to consider for your next getaway. All Year-Round Pride The Central Coast Pride experience is focused on diversity as the norm, creating safe and inclusive spaces for self-expression which inspire authentic originality and celebrate unique and diverse imaginings. When visiting the Coast, be sure to check out the latest of what is on through Central Coast Pride. Naughty Noodle Fun Haus: This award-winning, not-for-profit arts and entertainment organization promotes acceptance, inclusion, and diversity through creative performances across the Central Coast community. Born in 2018, Naughty Noodle intentionally leverages Arts and Culture to capture and maximize positive community impacts and effects across the key areas of inclusion, health and well-being; cultural development, education, and creativity. Check out the range of activities Naughty Noodle has during your stay to engage art as the change agent for diversity as the norm. They create safe and inclusive spaces for self-expression which inspire authentic originality & celebrate unique and diverse imaginings. Slip Slop Slay What locals ‘Love Central Coast’ for, is it is defined by its interconnected waterways and accessibility to rejuvenate through re-connecting with nature. For surfers, North Shelly Beach… Read More

Moulin Rouge! The Musical in Melbourne

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Can can can they capture the Absinthe fairy magic as the Luhrmann-inspired jukebox musical returns to Melbourne? As the multiple Tony Award-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical makes its grand encore at the majestic Regent Theatre, it’s an experience that transcends mere entertainment. Adapted from Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 2001 film, this theatrical extravaganza has once again captured the hearts of audiences, reigniting the magic of maximal musical nostalgia in a way that only the Moulin Rouge can. The visual spectacle is unparalleled, with Derek McLane’s dazzling scenic design creating an immersive world that spills off the stage and through the fourth wall. The already-majestic Regent Theatre radiates the red light district glow of hand-painted bulbs, transporting the audience back in time to the infamous Parisian club’s heyday with a touch of actual Absinthe fairy magic. Returning stars Alinta Chidzey and Des Flanagan shine even brighter in their roles as the rags-to-riches courtesan Satine and her penniless suitor Christian. Their kilowatt chemistry illuminates the show, bringing to life the 70-plus tunes woven into this jam-packed jukebox musical with remarkable grace. Their vocal prowess, combined with the demanding choreography and magnificent costumes, creates a mesmerizing experience for all in attendance. The intricately stitched orchestration, under the command of Australian musical director Matthew Carey, seamlessly weaves iconic songs into the narrative, adding layers of depth and emotion to the performance. From Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’ paired with Lorde’s ‘Royals’ to Elton John’s ‘Your Song’ and Dolly Parton’s ‘I Will Always Love You’, the musical tapestry… Read More

The Rocks’ Laneway Cinema in Sydney

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The iconic Laneway Cinema at The Rocks has just released its last round of FREE tickets for March, marking your final chance to secure a spot at this unforgettable outdoor cinematic experience before it relaunches in October. Movie Nights under the Stars Every Wednesday night in March, Playfair Street in The Rocks will come alive with the magic of timeless classics screened under the stars. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the nostalgia of blockbuster hits while enjoying the enchanting open-air atmosphere. Movie Schedule: Supporting a Pawsitive Cause In addition to the captivating movie lineup, don’t forget to grab a bag of $2 popcorn knowing that the proceeds will support the RSPCA in their mission to help furry friends in need. Your movie night indulgence will contribute to a meaningful cause, adding an extra layer of warmth to the experience. Culinary Delights Await Why not turn your visit to the Laneway Cinema into a memorable night out? Whether it’s a romantic evening with your significant other or a fun gathering with friends, there are delectable dining options just steps away from the cinema. Indulge in mouthwatering pizzas and pastas at Caminetto, savor delicious tacos at El Camino, or enjoy refreshing drinks at Tap Rooms. These culinary delights are the perfect complement to your movie night under the stars. Don’t Miss Out – Register Now! Seize this final opportunity to secure your seats by registering for free tickets HERE. Hurry, as spots are limited and expected to fill up quickly. Embrace the enchantment of outdoor… Read More

Elixir Festival is on at Sadler’s Wells

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This April, Sadler’s Wells becomes the beating heart of a unique celebration with the return of its much-anticipated Elixir Festival. Over two transformative weeks, the festival will dismantle the preconceptions surrounding dance and age, featuring a blend of performances, workshops, artist talks, and films. With its bold programme, Elixir poses a potent question to the public and the dance community alike: how do we articulate the evolution of our bodies and minds through the art of movement? The festival commences with a triple bill in the esteemed Sadler’s Wells Theatre, including the London premiere of the co-produced common ground[s], a profound duet by Germaine Acogny—often hailed as the ‘mother of contemporary African dance’—and Pina Bausch’s acclaimed associate, Malou Airaudo. This opening act sets the festival’s tone, promising a series of captivating narratives that speak to the essence of our shared human experience. Moreover, the roster features the world premiere of Ben Duke’s whimsically titled a trio for two dancers and a tortoise and concludes with Louise Lecavalier’s Blue, distilling the essence of her acclaimed piece, So Blue, into a striking solo performance. Adjacent to the main stage, the intimate Lilian Baylis Studio will host an exchange of talent and tales between Sadler’s Wells Company of Elders and ZooNation Youth Company. The studio will reverberate with the timeless rhythms of Merce Cunningham’s Story, reflecting the festival’s overarching theme of generational dialogue, while intergenerational duets and intimate explorations into the perspectives on ageing bodies will inject personal narratives into the festival’s artistic discourse. A vibrant contrast to… Read More

Groundhog Day on stage in Melbourne

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“Groundhog Day” at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne is a theatrical tour de force that defies the expected pitfalls of film-to-stage adaptations with aplomb. Touted as ‘Matilda for grown-ups’, this musical delves into its existential premise with both hands, pulling out themes of despair and redemption that resonate profoundly within its audience. The narrative arc of the show, much like its temporal loops, spirals deeper into the psyche, exploring the limits of personal growth amidst a backdrop of absurdity and routine. The ensemble cast, led by the stellar Andy Karl, enlivens the small Pennsylvanian town with performances pitched perfectly between the whimsical and the profound. Karl’s Phil Connors is an anti-hero for the ages, evincing a spectrum of emotion that endears as much as it repels. Elise McCann’s Rita, with her stirring rendition of ‘One Day’, provides a foil to Phil that is both grounding and aspirational, ensuring the production’s emotional beats are both earned and impactful. Genius stagecraft coupled with Tim Minchin’s razor-sharp lyrics elevates the commonplace into a commentary on life’s cyclical nature. Repetition here is not redundant but revelatory, offering the audience new insights with each iteration— a testament to the narrative and thematic depth carved by Danny Rubin’s book. The meticulous play with props and set design, particularly in scenes such as the ‘Hope’ number, exemplifies the ingenuity at work. Ending on notes that evoke both introspection and uproarious applause, “Groundhog Day” is a triumph in storytelling that is unabashedly comedic yet profoundly human. Its success with local audiences and the… Read More

Melbourne Flower and Garden show is back

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Calling all plant enthusiasts and flower admirers! Following record-breaking attendance last year, the highly anticipated Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, proudly presented by Scotts, returns to the world-heritage-listed Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Building this autumn. From Wednesday 20th until Sunday 24th of March, the five-day extravaganza promises a host of new and enchanting horticultural experiences for all. From breathtaking floral exhibitions and enlightening talks by industry experts, to new food and entertainment zones and family-friendly workshops, the southern hemisphere’s largest horticultural event will transform one of Victoria’s most iconic gardens into a botanical paradise. Uniquely set amongst a city backdrop, visitors will be dazzled by a reinvigorated program including internationally acclaimed landscape designers headlining the crowd-favourite Show Garden competition. Hailing from Sweden, newcomers Annika Zetterman and Kajsa Bjorne will bring their global flair alongside Ireland’s Peter Donegan and Japan’s Koji Ninomiya, returning for a shot at Gold. Closer to home, the first Indigenous Show Garden, in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Council, will offer an immersive visitor experience that reflects the rich connection between the land and its custodians. In another Show first, and in partnership with the City of Melbourne, visitors will have the chance to experience Urban Forest – an entertainment precinct located in the Royal Exhibition Building forecourt from 11am until the early evening each day. Festivalgoers and passers-by will be able to explore the sprawling space at no cost, with twice daily workshops and the added enjoyment of DJs and food trucks. Other new program highlights include magnificent aerial floral… Read More

Design legacy of Visnja Brdar at MUMA

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New York-based Creative Director, Visnja Brdar, has emerged as a prominent figure in the global design arena, leaving an indelible mark with her innovative and captivating work. From her humble beginnings as a seventeen-year-old to the most recent artworks, Brdar’s journey encapsulates a narrative of unwavering commitment, creativity, and impact on the world of graphic design. The upcoming exhibition, “Visnja Brdar: Design Exalted,” supported by Monash Art Design and Architecture, is poised to be a transformative event, shining a spotlight on the evolving legacy of this influential Australian female designer within the global design landscape. As the centerpiece of the 2024 Melbourne Design Week, this exhibition holds the promise of unveiling the depth and breadth of Brdar’s enduring values and contributions to the design world. Set to be featured in the annual program of leading Australian design, “Design Exalted” is not only an homage to Brdar’s exceptional body of work but also a celebration of her profound influence on the design community. The exhibition will serve as a testament to the transformative power of design, showcasing Brdar’s evolution from her early days as a budding talent to her current status as a trailblazing force in the industry. Adding to the significance of this milestone event is the release of Brdar’s first book, a publication that stands as a testament to her impact and influence. Co-published by Monash University Museum of Art and Powerhouse Publishing, this book, meticulously designed by Brdar herself, offers a comprehensive exploration of her work within the Australian, international, design, and broader… Read More