In 1857, on a grassy knoll amongst Brisbane City's Botanic Gardens, the first professional band concert was played to a crowd of eager Brisbane music lovers. In 2013, this special event will be commemorated with a recreation at Brass on the Grass. more
It’s often the case that the ending of a film or play will please some members of the audience, but leave others wanting. If you are the type who likes an ending open to interpretation, then you may be intrigued by the production of Red. more
Much like religion and politics, erotica is rather still a taboo subject to discuss, especially amongst a bunch of strangers. Despite this fact, erotica remains one of the most popular subjects explored in art. From amongst the debris of Pompeii to modern photography tomes dedicated to the theme, erotica remains an area of intrigue for creatives all around the globe. more
While we commonly perceive instruments as being constructed from the best materials, such as brass and polished timbers, the truth is that anything that makes a sound could be considered a musical apparatus. By simply tapping a glass with a spoon and clashing saucepan lids together, you can create an instant orchestra. more
From the feeling of anonymity that imbues many with a sense of freedom to the array of cultural intricacies lingering on each street corner, the world’s largest cities have long served as a source of inspiration for musicians. more
Held between April and October in 1988, World Expo 88 transformed Brisbane with a hype of cultural activity. This weekend, Brisbane punters can relive the magic as South Bank celebrates the 25th anniversary of this momentous event. Performances from Mental as Anything, Pseudo Echo and Retromatric will keep you entertained, while a marching band, human statues, stilt walkers and flowerpot men will pay tribute to the beloved roving performers of the original fair. Head to the Cultural Forecourt at South Bank this Sunday April 28 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. more
While it’s an artist’s work that makes them famous, it’s often where they find their inspiration that’s truly curious. SPACE is an exhibition held in conjunction with UR.{BNE} Festival, which helps to provide insight into the minds of local creatives. A collection of works from various Brisbane artists (mostly who are up-and-coming) showcases the creative spaces of Brisbane, revealing the city’s multi-faceted nature. The exhibition helps to bid goodbye to negative stereotypes of Brisbane’s banality and instead highlight its inspiring nooks and crannies, all around the city. The artists included in SPACE range quite drastically in the types of mediums they work with, with pieces included from the likes of Thom Stuart, Maximillian Strewe, Sophie Richards and Nancy Zine. SPACE will be held at Bleeding Heart Gallery from April 26 to May 2. more
Dance Week 2013 is a celebration of the art form intended for all – no matter if you are a trained professional or just an avid fan of Dirty Dancing. The event, held at Judith Wright Centre, is a foray into Brisbane’s dancing scene and its talents. A number of special events are to be held throughout seven days, involving all ages and dance styles. Included in the events line-up is Dance. Indie Dance., a showcase of independent contemporary movement, which brings together a collection of underground dancing talents. Similarly there will also be Big Dance Night Out – a smorgasbord of different dancing styles all on the one stage, including glimpses into hip-hop, street, tap and bollywood. Finally, Stay Up Later will also be presented – the piece is a school spectacular that brings together a handful of local dance schools for the night. Dance Week 2013 will be held from April… more
Celebrating its 13th year in the business, Splendour in the Grass moves to its new permanent home at North Byron Parklands this year. Green meadows and delicate flowers will add to the musical nirvana of this year’s festival, which will run Friday July 26 to Sunday July 28. Tickets go on sale next Thursday May 2 at 9:00 am sharp, with three-day and single-day passes up for grabs. more
Horror stories of monsters have been scaring us silly for centuries, in all manner of mediums. While being told by the flicker of the campfire is the most traditional way to share frightening folklore, the modern world has made the cinematic version a much more common alternative. The horror genre of film has since become one of the most beloved, helping to transform frightening stories from book to big screen for millions around the world to enjoy. more
Of all of Brisbane's suburbs, West End is perhaps one of the most dedicated hubs of creativity. The artistic community of the riverside neighbourhood continues to thrive, forming exciting new cultural events with the turn of each year. One of West End's most successful forays into the creative avenue of film may be the West End Film Festival, which returns to the district this weekend. more
The inspirational quote from former British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli that 'man is only great when he acts from passion' is a powerful mantra, which has been channelled in the latest theatrical production to hit La Boite Theatre. more
Whether you personally plan on careering the highest peaks on the globe, or just enjoy watching others do it, a world of mountaineering awaits at BANFF Mountain Film Festival. The movie event for adrenaline junkies and extreme-sports fans alike will hurtle into the riverside cinemas of Brisbane Powerhouse this weekend. more
Many people relate discussions of immortality (and its partner mortality) to the depth of stories from Ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Even today, discussing life and death seems hardly a subject to bring up in casual conversation, but it is a theme that has become the inspiration behind The Hold Artspace’s new exhibition. Mortal, Immortal is a collection of artworks that reflect on a personal understanding of what mortality means. Six different visual artists have included their works in the collection, including those by Ali Bezer, Mitchell Donaldson, Emma Leslie, Jess Quinn, Genevieve Reynolds and Jared Worthington. You’ll see themes of paranoia, youth, destruction and potential surface within a number of the works. Mortal, Immortal will be held at the West End artspace from April 17–30. Image credit Mitchell Donaldson / Nevermind 2013 / Image courtesy: Mitchell… more
The next offering from Matt Rabbidge’s gallery project Mild Manners is set to open this Thursday April 18, running until May 20. The first exhibition in a series of six to be held in the k.O.M.A gallery space above ksubi on James Street, k.O.M.A. Project will include the works of Andrew Gordon, Ben Havenaar, Hamishi, James Ettleson, Jedda-Daisy Culley, Mark Alsweiler and Mike Bennett. Melding art and media, a small publication will also be available, put together by Small House Books for the five solo exhibitions to follow throughout the year. Image via Mike Bennett. more
As the final hours of The 7th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT7) approach this weekend, a special (and free) Up Late event will be held at GOMA on Friday April 12 to celebrate. more
The somewhat taboo topic of mental illness recently gained some much-needed attention in the heavily awarded film Silver Linings Playbook and now, a little closer to home, the subject is again being addressed in the production Next to Normal. more
Bob Evans is just one of the many colourful threads that makes up the intricate quilt of Australian music. The former Jebediah frontman has long held a successful solo career as an acoustic singer-songwriter and will be returning to play his latest batch of tunes to Brisbane fans this weekend. more
Rather like a family of gypsies, the members of Australian band The Drones seem to have adopted nomadic tendencies in their years together. The five piece consists largely of Perth locals, who now reside in Melbourne and continue to travel the country (and world) playing the band's alternative rock melodies. more
Flicking through a photo album is much like taking a stroll down memory lane, with each individual image marking a different memory and moment in time. It's this reason that photography is so important to history – revealing not only regretful hairdos and questionable outfit combinations, but also how far things have come. more
