City Hub 16 October 2014

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october 16, 2014

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Thandiwe Phoenix heads the local performers at Soulfest this weekend Page 11

Illegal overcrowding continues as housing crisis worsens “It is illegal and dangerous. That’s why we have to do everything in cash.”

The manager went on to explain that his negative experiences with the agency had made him decide to leave Sydney for good.

The supermarket, identified by various media outlets in July, has since changed its name.

The City of Sydney Council is currently undertaking 82 separate investigations into overcrowded accommodation, but is unable to comment on these ongoing investigations.

According to a council spokesperson, council officers cannot enter a premise to inspect it unless they are granted permission by the property owner. If entry is refused, council has to give notice of inspection, allowing the tenant and owner time to remove evidence of wrongdoing.

A manager of one of the Chippendale apartments confirmed, when speaking to an undercover City Hub reporter, that they are told by management to remove beds from the apartments and hide evidence of overcrowding when council officers come to inspect the property.

The City responded to the uncovering of the boarding houses by petitioning the NSW Government for expanded council powers to deal with housing issues.

“The City of Sydney is committed to the safety of our visitors and, for many years, has unsuccessfully lobbied successive State Governments for increased authority to take action about overcrowding and illegal accommodation. But successive State

Governments have failed to respond,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said in July of this year.

A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Planning told City Hub it is investigating this possibility.

“Local councils have extensive and strong powers under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act to take enforcement action.”

“The NSW Government is currently investigating ways to strengthen these

enforcement powers and those of the Land and Environment Court.”

Due to a resident complaint earlier this year, council was able to gain entry to an overcrowded property on Quarry Street in Ultimo that is believed to be managed by the supermarket in question.

Council has evacuated the property.

“The Quarry Street property was evacuated and locked-up,” a City spokesperson said.

Two sets of bunk beds located in an apartment living room in Chippendale.

“Legal proceedings have been undertaken by the City against the property owner in respect to the illegal use of the property. “ A resident of the Chippendale apartment complex told City Hub during the investigation that he felt his living situation was the result of a broader housing affordability problem in Sydney.

“Housing is too expensive in Sydney and this is what happens. This is the payoff for living in Sydney; this is just what you have to put up with if you want to live here on a regular wage.”

The Lord Mayor agreed Sydney is facing an affordability crisis.

“The desirability of property in Sydney has made it, like London and Paris, one of the most expensive property markets in the world,” said the Lord Mayor.

She continued: “An innovative affordable housing levy program established by the City in Green Square has seen more than 100 affordable housing units built. We want the State Government to allow us to extend the levy to other areas in the city – so far our request has been refused.”

The NSW Government said it is taking action on this issue.

“The best way to make housing more affordable is to ensure there is adequate supply to meet the growing demand for new homes,” a Department of Planning spokesperson said.

“More than 52,500 new homes were approved in the 12 months to August the highest since the 12 months to May 2000.

Leichhardt Council pushes for stronger voice on Bays Precinct Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide.

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ABN 48 135 222 169 Group Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Group Manager: Chris Peken Group Editor: Lucia Osborne-Crowley Contributors: Chris Sutton, Jessica Rapana, Nick Richardson, Joe Bourke, Emily Contador-Kelsall, Elliott Brennan & Carmen Cita Arts Editor: Leigh Livingstone Live Music Editors: Chelsea Deeley & Alexandra English Dining Editor: Jackie McMillan Advertising Managers: Toni Martelli, Robert Tuitama & Mike Contos Design: Joanna Grace Cover: Chris Peken - Thandiwe Phoenix Email: question@alternativemediagroup.com Advertising: sales@alternativemediagroup.com Contact: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Web: altmedia.net.au

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BY Elliott Brennan Leichhardt Mayor Rochelle Porteous has promised to push for the full representation of the council and community at the Bays Precinct International Summit which is to be held in Sydney on the 19th and 20th of November.

The Bays Precinct development will be the largest public work undertaken in Sydney since the 2000 Olympic Games.

The development will be designed and enacted by NSW Government agency UrbanGrowth, with the project itself titled Urban Renewal.

An international summit to discuss plans for the development was announced by UrbanGrowth in July of this year.

The findings were initially supposed to be relayed at a community stakeholder event in February 2015, but Cr Porteous insists community stakeholders be present at the actual conference.

The strong words from the Mayor follow a period of uncertainty about who would actually be asked to attend the summit and whether or not the international experts were placed to comment on local needs.

Cr Porteous told City Hub that she has been in contact with UrbanGrowth since taking up the Mayorship last month.

“What I have said, and I’ve said it very clearly, is that I want all the Leichhardt councillors to be invited

to the summit,” Cr Porteous said.

“I also want the precinct chairs and secretaries invited,” she said.

“If they’re interested in having the community properly represented, they can start by inviting these people to the summit.”

UrbanGrowth confirmed with City Hub that invitations had been extended to Leichhardt Council but did not specify whether they were in full accordance with the Mayors’ request.

They were forthcoming in the differences of opinions they are having with local government.

“I think the councils are still testing the waters. The City of Sydney see this as an opportunity, but I think

Leichhardt council are a bit nervous,” said Paul Hourigan, the Project Leader of Urban Renewal.

“I understand that we have to earn their trust, and that takes a long time. People need to understand that we are only facilitating an outcome at this stage, we don’t have one predetermined.”

The Mayor is not the only community figure to express concern about the guest list of the conference.

The spokesperson of the Rozelle residents action group, Mark Wallis, believes the conference can be useful, but he thinks this can only be achieved with a local voice present.

“Whilst international experts are a good way to begin a project, we also

need to factor in local experts who understand the climate and character of Sydney Harbour,” Mr Wallis said.

“However consultation is too often just a statutory requirement – the government is not required to pay any attention to community concerns. If the government decides they’re going to do it, then they have the power to do it,” he said.

Greens MP Jamie Parker criticised the state government for leaving “planning and design in the hands of undemocratic agencies that will exist to extract profit from public land,” he said.

UrbanGrowth insists this is not the case.

“Part of the process is speaking to local councils, tenants, landowners, adjoining owners, community groups, and the likes. We will continue to do that from now until the end of the year.”

Photo: Glebe Society

BY Lucia Osborne-Crowley An undercover investigation by City Hub has revealed that a large ring of illegal boarding houses in Chippendale remains operational despite it being exposed in July of this year.

The illegal operation featured on the front page of The Daily Telegraph, on ABC’s 7.30 Report and in the pages of City Hub, but it appears it has not been shut down despite this extensive media attention.

The boarding houses are managed out of a supermarket in Chippendale.

The “agency”, as it was described to City Hub by a resident, is believed to operate over 100 apartments with between 12 and 18 people housed in each.

In one instance, a two-bedroom unit housing 18 people, including four in the living room, was offered to City Hub for $110 per week.

Each apartment had 3 sets of bunk beds cramming 6 people into tiny bedrooms, with barely any floor space between them. Many apartments had tenants sleeping in living rooms and on balconies. The apartments were filthy and appeared to be housing rats and cockroaches as well as overcrowded tenants.

The agency, operating out of the back room of the supermarket, allegedly hires travellers and residents to manage the apartments. The agency instructs these managers to ensure the apartments are at capacity at all times and ensure rent is paid in cash to the supermarket.

“None of this is legal,” one manager told a City Hub reporter posing as a prospective tenant.

The Bays Precinct

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Government announces political donations reform

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candidates.

The panel, chaired by Kerry Schott, recommended against retrospective laws and full taxpayer funded elections.

Opposition leader John Robertson said the opposition had serious concerns about the Premier’s refusal to apply the laws retrospectively.

“This means Mike Baird and the Liberal Party are giving a get out

of gaol free card to any MP found guilty of breaking the law at the last election,” he said.

He said he was also disappointed with the government’s lack of consultation on the matter - despite having written to the Premier shortly after he took office and offering to work with the government on reforms.

The Premier’s legislation coincides with the Greens’ own bill

on the issue, which was set to be introduced by MP Jamie Parker.

Mr Parker’s bill proposes to increase the requirements on disclosure of political donations, reduce the amount an individual can donate, reduce the overall amount that can be spent on elections and increase criminal sanctions for electoral fraud.

Mr Parker said while the Greens have been campaigning

Photo: jamieparker.org

BY Jessica Rapana Politicians caught evading donations laws or breaking electoral funding rules will face harsher penalties following the Premier’s announcement of new legislation to be put in place for the 2015 state election.

Dodging donations laws will be punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, while penalties for breaking funding laws will be doubled to four years imprisonment and fines up to $44,000.

“This package sends the strongest possible message to all current and prospective political candidates – comply with the law or face up to 10 years in jail,” Mr Baird said.

Other changes included the time frame for prosecutions being extended to 10 years, donations caps reduced, parties compelled to declare any donations before the 2015 election, taxpayer funding for parties based on votes received and cuts to Union spending on campaigns.

The package follows an interim report released last week by an expert panel established by the Premier to advise the government on political donations.

The report recommended real-time disclosure of political donations, increased penalties, compliance and enforcement, and better education for electoral

Greens MP Jamie Parker

for donation reform for years, the recent exposures by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) had brought the issue to the political fore.

“The current state of New South Wales politics, as identified by ICAC, is a miserable corruptionfilled place.”

“It is pretty clear that there are systemic problems here in NSW that need to be fixed.”

Mr Parker said the expert panel report echoed many of the Greens’ concerns.

“A lot of our concerns have been taken up by the committee of inquiry because they’re sensible and they go to the heart of challenging corruption, which is endemic in the state,” he said.

The report failed to address some key issues, including the size of political donations, he said.

Donations are currently capped at $5700 for parties and $2400 for candidates.

“We think the total sum of donations allowed should be made a lot smaller, and we’re supporting as low as $500.”

“We think it should be small enough so as not to influence a political party,” he said.

If the Greens’ bill had been successful, the public would have had absolute transparency about donations, and the amount received would be drastically reduced, Mr Parker said.

Greens MP Jenny Leong said Mr Parker’s bill demonstrated what the Greens believed needed to be done to start cleaning up politics in NSW. “The Greens are the ones with the track record on this – we are the ones that can try and introduce something that will see a genuine influence in shifting away from dodgy and toxic influences in our parliaments,” she said.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich expressed some concerns about the potential consequences any reform would have on independent candidates.

He had met with the expert panel, made submissions and sought to meet with the Premier to go through his specific concerns ahead of any legislation, he said.

“The interim legislation... has not had any public scrutiny and there has been no public consultation with independents whatsoever,” he said.

“So I’d like to see that the Premier, Labour Party and the Greens commit to consulting with independents and minor parties before supporting any legislation which could stack the deck against us.”

Mr Greenwich said he strongly supported the recommendations made by the expert panel.

He also supported what he had seen and discussed of Mr Parker’s bill, he said.

Inner West Light Rail criticised over lack of wheelchair access

comply with the minimum accessibility requirements set out by The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport.

The Inner West Light Rail is not the only public transport in Sydney hindered by accessibility problems.

According to TfNSW’s website, in 2012 only 42.7 per cent of train stations on the Sydney network were ‘Easy Access’ wheelchair accessible stations, a figure that was projected to rise to 52.1 per cent by 2015.

In their Transport for NSW Disability Action Plan 2012 - 2017, TfNSW said: “While not all these [train] stations will be fully compliant with every element of the Transport Standards after completion of works, access that has not previously been available to customers with limited mobility will be provided sooner.”

Mayor Gardiner said Light Railway Stations could not fully function as transport facilities until all commuters have equal access.

“It is imperative to address accessibility issues – or we will have poorer transport services for those in our community who will already be hindered by limited mobility and isolation.”

“It’s a big issue for people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids along with friends and families travelling with them but it also effects all our residents with access needs including older people and parents with prams – who undoubtedly cannot fully use the interchange. This is a missed opportunity.”

TfNSW refuted the complaint.

“Transport for NSW is committed to providing safe, reliable and accessible public transport for customers. Independent wheelchair access is available to all light rail stops along the Inner West network,” a spokesperson said.

“To ensure wheelchair access between light rail vehicles and stops, an access ramp is provided onboard all vehicles and staff are on hand to provide assistance, similar to the Sydney Trains network.”

Photo: Transport for NSW

BY Emily Contador-Kelsall Marrickville Council is taking action against the lack of wheelchair access along the Inner West Light Rail Extension.

This week council wrote to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) expressing “disappointment that the Inner West Light Rail Extension continues to preclude independent access to the vehicles”.

According to council, this concern was passed on to TfNSW various times during the design and construction of the light rail. Marrickville’s Transportation, Planning and Advisory Committee has previously contacted TfNSW over the issue.

The concern is based on the fact that there is no mechanism for wheelchair users to travel from the street to the platform without assistance.

Marrickville Mayor Mark Gardiner said council could only assume that TfNSW does not understand why independent access is needed and why assisted access is the totally wrong approach for this mode of transport.

“Assisted access is impractical for all light rail users regardless of how many have a disability. It is impractical and inefficient for staff and will be more costly and time consuming to operate safely.”

“TfNSW was focused on cost and compliance, and not functional transportation.”

Mayor Gardiner said council understands the situation is about a generous interpretation of the disability standards for transport (the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport), which was drafted prior to 2002 and does not address light rail access requirements.

“TfNSW has taken the position that the lack of access is compliant with the conditions of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), and relevant DDA standards that allow for “assisted access” where the alternative would incur an “unjustifiable hardship” to the provider.”

Providers and operators of public transport must

Inner West Light Rail

news in brief Rally against the chainsaws

BY Chris Sutton A rally was held on Tuesday October 14 to put pressure on the Baird Government to reform urban land clearing laws.

Sydney’s local residents marched outside Parliament House to stop landmark trees being cut down under current legislation.

“There had been many reports of people using the new rules to remove trees to improve their views or facilitate development, not for genuine bushfire risk management,” said Nature Conservation Council’s CEO Kate Smolski.

Despite previous concessions made by the government, little had been done to stop the destruction.

Bushfire prone land was cited as the main reason for removal, but Ms Smolski said that less than 5 percent of trees taken down were for bushfire risk management.

Ms Smolski said it was necessary that the Government see how important the trees are to the people of Sydney, who haven’t had concerns addressed.

“The chainsaws will not stop until the

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government suspends this law and consults genuinely with the community.”

Sydney raises rainbow flag

BY Chris Sutton A rainbow flag has been unveiled in Taylor Square to support Sydney’s gay and lesbian community.

Labor Councillor Linda Scott said she was glad to see it happen following the events of last year, where hundreds of activists chalked a rainbow flag outside town hall.

“I am pleased that we have permanently enshrined this symbol of equality in our City’s landscape.”

The Lord Mayor had twice postponed the proposals despite agreeing that the suggestion was worth investigating, initially in 2005 and again in May 2013.

Cr Scott, who first raised the idea of a giant rainbow flag for a demonstration of support, was proud of the result.

“The campaign to the see the rainbow flag in Taylor Square has ultimately been successful,” Cr Scott said

are already sending applications that don’t respond to a particular job advertisement.

“They are clearly just sending out applications in order to reach the target number.”

Mr Abbott is not calling the abolishment a backflip, referring to the change as a significant refinement and claiming there is work out there for motivated jobseekers.

Mr Albanese said that when in Government Labor put in place strategies to help jobseekers with apprenticeship support programs and youth connections, which were important locally.

“These programs played an important role in the inner west, making it easier for jobseekers to find work and feel supported.”

Despite this alteration, Abbott remains

Photo: Anthony Albanese

BY Chris Sutton The cancellation of a government proposal to force the unemployed to apply for 40 jobs per month is set to relieve pressure on jobseekers and businesses in the inner west.

The plan, initially proposed by Prime Minister Tony Abbott in this year’s federal budget, was set to be enforced next year.

Anthony Albanese, Federal Member of Grayndler, told City Hub that Labor knew the idea wouldn’t work from day one.

“Forcing jobseekers to fill in 40 job applications a month places an unrealistic burden on them and also local businesses,” said Mr Albanese.

“It’s an unfair proposal that won’t help local jobseekers find work.”

The job application proposal, which would have doubled the current application quota of 20, was part of a strategy planned by the Liberal Government to make job searchers look for a position full-time.

Mr Albanese said Labor would have none of it.

“It’s a failed plan from a Liberal Government that doesn’t get the reality of everyday life.”

Penny Holt, Director of Seed Recruitment & Search in Annandale, told City Hub that the results would have been counter-productive.

Ms Holt said jobseekers should be tailoring every application they make to a particular job to meet requirements, rather than sending resumes to jobs that may not be a suitable fit.

“If jobseekers have the opportunity to take the time to make well considered applications, the employer will receive better quality applications and will be in a better position to run a higher quality recruitment process.”

Ms Holt said the proposal would have been frustrating for everyone concerned, as jobseekers

committed to requiring jobseekers to wait six months after becoming unemployed to be eligible for government benefits.

The Human Rights Committee concluded this six month waiting period was a breach of rights, including the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living.

Mr Albanese believes young Australians need support, not punishment, as the struggle to find a job continues.

“Labor will continue to campaign against the sixmonth waiting period for young jobseekers, which is already proven to be in breach of human rights,” said Mr Albanese.

Ms Holt said the Government would be better off increasing quality assistance, networking, research and advertising in support of young people struggling to find a role in the workplace.

“Starving jobseekers of income will only further perpetuate thoughtless and desperate job seeking.”

Anthony Albanese with community members at the Marrickville Electorate Office

Post-it notes removed from Hong Kong House

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aimed to draw people’s attention from all over the world.

These actions were also part of the global solidarity movement – which had received support from Hong Kong nationals living overseas in a number of foreign cities.

“No matter what nationality or race you are, now there is just a group of people fighting for democracy,” Mr Luk said.

He hoped movements, like the one in Sydney, would encourage people fighting in Hong Kong.

Many of his friends had been seriously injured in the protests, he said.

“I wish I could participate because I really want democracy.”

While Mr Luk passionately supported the protests, his Hong Kong-based family did not, he said.

“They do not support democracy, because this is the point of view of older Hong Kong people – ‘just focus on what you are doing’.”

The older generations tended to focus more on a stable society and life rather than social justice, he said.

While some middle-aged Hong Kong people supported the protests wholeheartedly, others – often referred to as “economic animals” – prioritised business and money, he said.

The Hong Kong protests began more than two weeks ago, after university students and activists rallied to oppose Beijing’s decision to rule out a fully democratic Hong Kong election in 2017.

It is now commonly dubbed the “umbrella revolution”, as umbrellas being used for heat protection became shields from tear gas and pepper spray by riot police.

The gatherings blocked several transport routes, causing some schools, businesses and offices to close temporarily.

Last week student leaders agreed to formal talks with government after protest numbers dwindled.

Photo: Facebook

BY Jessica Rapana A display of support for Hong Kong’s prodemocracy protests has been removed from the walls of Sydney’s Hong Kong House.

The display, made up of a series of Post-it notes containing messages of encouragement to protesters, was established on September 29 after a group of Hong Kong Sydney University students rallied more than 500 others at Town Hall Square to march to Hong Kong House.

Marchers signed a petition and wrote Post-it notes, which were then stuck to the brick walls of the building housing the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO).

The Post-it notes, which were written in Chinese and English, contained powerful messages such as “We need democracy in HK”, “We want real democracy now!”, and “Hong Kong people! Never give up!”.

Post-it notes and pens were left at the building for passers-by to write messages from September 30 to October 6. The Post-it notes attracted Hong Kong and Chinese expats as well as empathetic Sydneysiders.

The petition was handed to the HKETO, after receiving about 1200 signatures.

A spokesperson for the HKETO said the organisation respected the freedom of expression by members of the public.

The Post-it notes were taken down by concerned students and members of the public of their own volition on October 6, the spokesperson said.

University of New South Wales student Frank Luk, 21, has been at the helm of these Sydneybased support movements.

Mr Luk, who created the Facebook group Sydney Hong Kong Concern, is originally from Hong Kong but has been living in Australia for two years.

Mr Luk said the march and the Post-it notes

Cartoon: Peter Berner

Abolished budget proposal set to benefit inner west jobseekers

Post-it notes at Hong Kong House in Sydney central supporting pro-democracy in Hong Kong

Labor plans marine park for Sydney Harbour

BY Joe Bourke The State Labor Government has announced plans to build an extensive marine park in Sydney Harbour, should they win the next state election.

The marine park would stretch from Pittwater to Port Hacking and aims to provide protection for the 3000 species living in the Harbour.

Under the current zoning, there are aquatic reserves in place in ten areas in and around Sydney Harbour. Luke Foley, Shadow Minister for the Environment, said the pressures on the Harbour were growing.

“What we’re trying to do is ensure that for the first time there is comprehensive planning from the government in the state in order to balance all of the competing uses and pressures on Sydney Harbour and Sydney’s waterways.”

“The major goal is to protect the stunning diversity of marine life in Sydney.”

Sydney Coastal Council’s Executive Officer Geoff Withycombe has been campaigning on the need for effective marine management for a long time, but said it’s

important to balance the marine area’s many uses.

“We support good marine management, not necessarily in terms of no take provisions, but a well-regulated, welljustified, backed by science and well-enforced marine management approach to Sydney.”

Mr Foley said that the first step for the park to be created is to bring together an advisory committee that includes marine scientists, fishers, conservationists, and the Indigenous community among others in order to create a balanced approach.

“We want balanced zoning arrangements which deliver wins for both conservation and for fishers and recreational users of the waterways as well as those for whom Sydney Harbour is a working harbour.”

Alexia Wellbelove, the Senior Program Manager at Humane International, has pledged the organisations’ support for a marine park.

“We are strongly supportive of a marine park in Sydney.

It’s one of the most biodiverse harbours in the world and we think it deserves protection.”

Local councils join community groups to oppose Millers Point sell-off

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residents are being offered alternative housing ahead of many who have been on the public housing waiting list for years.

“They haven’t said a word about the 57,000 people already on the public housing waiting list,” Mr Gardner said.

“Why isn’t the waiting list being addressed? Here at Millers Point there have been properties that have been vacant for seven years, metres away from homeless people. Why couldn’t they move there?”

Leichhardt Mayor Rochelle Porteous is worried the sell-off will set a dangerous precedent for public housing in NSW. “There is a chronic shortage of public, affordable and supported housing here in Leichhardt and right across Sydney. We need to protect our existing public housing.”

Friends of Millers Point is in the process of planning its inaugural meeting.

“We hope to raise awareness in the media and hopefully discuss ways to best look after the Millers Point residents,” said Ms Smajlov.

Ms Smajlov is concerned about what she sees as a lack of transparency from the government.

“When the previous government sold off public housing it went into salary backpay rather than going back into Housing NSW. We want to know if this money is going into facilities for tenants or if it is going

towards staff and consultation costs.”

Thus far six properties have been sold at Millers Point, making the sale of public housing in the area a $15 million windfall for the NSW Government.

“So far, the pilot sales program has been incredibly successful in delivering much-needed funds to re-invest back into public housing stock across NSW,” said Minister for Family and Community Services, Gabrielle Upton.

“It is estimated that

Photo: Friends of Millers Point

BY Nick Richardson Inner city councils, including Leichhardt and Marrickville, have joined community group Friends of Millers Point in opposing the selling off of public housing by the NSW Liberal Government.

Friends of Millers Point is now made up of MPs, tenants, and public housing advocacy groups.

In April, the NSW Government announced plans to sell off public housing real estate in Millers Point, Dawes Point, and the Rocks, including the famous Sirius Building next to the Harbour Bridge. The move has attracted criticism from around inner Sydney, with many concerned with the government’s handling of the sell-off.

“There is already a 25-year wait list for public housing,” said Lisa Smajlov, spokesperson for the Inner West Tenant Group.

“Removing tenants from the city will push people into the inner west without any thought being put into alleviating the waiting list.”

These concerns are shared by long-time Millers Point resident and spokesperson for the Millers/Dawes Point/Rocks Public Housing Tenants Group, Barney Gardner.

“What they are doing, it borders on criminal,” Mr Gardner said.

“They are bending over backwards - breaking their own rules - to get us to move.”

According to Mr Gardner,

approximately $100 million of public money would be required to restore and maintain the heritage fabric of the entire Millers Point portfolio over the next 15 years.”

But this is little comfort for the residents of Millers Point’s historical community.

“We are losing our history, our heritage and our culture,” said Mr Gardner.

“If the people in power, the Minister, actually sat down with elderly people who have spent their whole lives here breaking into tears I don’t think they could look them in the eyes.”

Friends of Millers Point organised an exhibition in the area

meet the locals

La Boheme Restaurant and Bar

La Boheme is a traditional mid-European restaurant boasting many years of experience providing an authentic experience to diners. Founded in 2007 by two couples from the Czech Republic, the restaurant has recently moved from Balmain

to the Stonemason’s Cottage in Glebe. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner as well as cocktails, beer and wine.

La Boheme Restaurant and Bar, Stonemason’s Cottage, 199 Glebe Point Road, Glebe.

Festival brings the soul to Sydney Creative cross-pollination is a hallmark of the neo-soul movement. Many of the artists featured at Soulfest have collaborated on recording projects in the past but this will be the first time that so many members of the extended neo-soul family have been assembled in one place.

Denison says, “Having such an incredible line-up of neo-soul, jazz and hip-hop legends on one stage is not just an Australian first; it’s a world first. Even the artists are amazed that we have made this happen.”

Sydney-based soulstress Thandiwe Phoenix says, “I was in South Africa when I got the call inviting me to be part of this. It didn’t seem real – it still seems unbelievable that I am going to be performing with so many of the musicians I have listened to and admired for so long.”

She explains, “In Australia, this kind of music is not the predominant genre, it’s not commercial – so, as a musician, the neo-soul path is a difficult route to go down. But there is a demand here for soulful music – and with artists like Hiatus Kaiyote gaining international recognition, people are starting to understand that Australia is about more than just indie rock.”

Inspired by the success of recent tours

by Jill Scott, John Legend and Erykah Badu, Denison claims that the Australian fan base for neo-soul, though decidedly niche, is discerning and dedicated. He estimates that Australia is home to around 100,000 fans of the genre and expects to see 40,000 of those fans at the Soulfest

gigs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.

Denison says, “A lot of music festivals try to please everyone – they try to squeeze a bit of everything into their line-ups, from EDM to hip-hop to rock.

Our concept and genre-specific line-up will not draw a typical festival audience.

Soulfest is all about the music, the culture, and the calibre of the musicians – we are expecting a chilled crowd, real music lovers.”

Alongside the musical feast served up at Soulfest, patrons can also satisfy their appetites for authentic soul food at Eat Street, the central food hub. Hungry Photo: Chris Peken

By Carmen Cita The obvious place to host a celebration of soul food and culture might be the Deep South, the heartland of American blues, jazz, and creole cooking. But the world’s first ever neo-soul festival will take place even further south than New Orleans; it will happen in the Southern Hemisphere, right here in Sydney.

Some of the biggest names of the neo-soul pantheon will head to Sydney this weekend for Soulfest at Victoria Park.

The festival program promises a healthy dose of sweet music – from Angie Stone’s gospel-infused soul, to the silky smooth strains of Maxwell and D’Angelo, to the hip-hop philosophy of Brooklyn’s own Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def. Soulfest promoter John Denison says, “We are bringing together the ultimate bucket list of neo-soul and conscious hip-hop artists for a stand-alone showcase of the genre – it will be a solid nine-hour neo-soul schooling, from A to Z.” He continues, “Neo-soul has been around for 15 or 20 years now; and yet many of the artists who really define the neo-soul sound, like Maxwell and D’Angelo, have never toured Australia.”

Soul icons Maxwell and D’Angelo will be joined at Soulfest by Aloe Blacc, Angie Stone, Anthony Hamilton, Leela James, Musiq Soulchild, and hip-hop legends Common and Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def. The all-star line-up is reinforced with an impressive selection of local talents, including Ngaiire (pronounced Ny-rie), Milan Ring and Thandiwe (pronounced Tan-dee-way) Phoenix.

Thandiwe Phoenix

punters can enjoy a diverse smorgasbord of American, Mexican, Cuban, and Brazilian fare.

Denison says, “There is more to neo-soul than music, there is a whole culture behind the music, and food is an important element of the culture.

“We are bringing in some of the city’s best food trucks and award-winning chefs.

There will be a chilli cook-off too, for a bit of fun. It will be a laidback vibe on Eat Street. You can sample some chilli and tuck into some Southern-style soul food while the DJs spin old-school 45s.”

In a deliberate move away from the organised chaos of huge music festivals, where overlapping performances are scheduled across several stages, Soulfest will simply feature one stage for the headlining artists and a second stage for local artists – performances will alternate between the two stages.

Denison says, “Local artist participation is really important. There is so much local talent in Australia – not just artists who promote the neo-soul genre, but artists who have influenced others. Ngaiire is a great example. She has really set a standard for the Australian music scene – she is doing her own thing.”

While the seminal albums of the neo-soul movement were recorded in the late ‘90s and early noughties, the evolution of the genre is far from finished.

The neo-soul movement has inspired a generation of Australian musicians.

Future-soul frontrunners like Nai Palm of Hiatus Kaiyote and Ngaiire have put their own unique spin on the neo-soul sound, making waves not only at home but also on the international stage. (CC) Oct 18, Victoria Park, Broadway, $139-179, soulfest.com.au

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EAT & DRINK

Charing Cross Hotel As people open the doors into the newly renovated Charing Cross Hotel, you’re likely to hear a sharp intake of breath. The light, coastally inspired interior is a delightful surprise, especially considering the unassuming pub exterior plonked upon a busy fiveway intersection. The wicker chairs of the stylish, baby blue dining room are but one place to relax and explore a drinks list that hits the trifecta. So expect $ - mains less than $15

$$ - mains between $15-$22

EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES North Bondi Fish Last year North Bondi Italian closed its doors and no one could imagine this neck of Bondi Beach ever being the same.That was until North Bondi Fish moved in. Stick to the theme and order the Fish and Chips ($29), or branch out with the Mussels ($25) that include a refreshing Stone & Wood beer. Grilled Prawns ($35) are whoppers but need their own side to balance the salty sea creatures.

Crab Linguine ($30) gets it spot on, the lime and chilli offsetting the sweet crab flavour. End with cocktails – the Beachside Fizz ($16) fancy vodka soda with almond syrup – and a Cheese Platter ($25) to watch the sun go down.

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By Jackie McMillan to smile whatever your tipple - cocktails, wine or on-tap craft brew. A Locals Drop ($17) blending white rum, ruby grapefruit and Campari will help to reduce the rich excesses of Chef Matt Kemp’s Crispy Pigs Head ($14), pressed into fat, crumbed batons and complemented by lovely piccalilli. A relative cheapie - Sant Josep White Garnacha ($36/bottle) is opulent enough to accompany a heroic Roast Pork Neck ($30) with crackling, radicchio, balsamic, honey and pears, without destroying a simple plate of Swordfish ($28) adorned with juicy, wet cucumbers, pink grapefruit and perilla.You’ll find the signature modern British touches – like a Peach, Raspberry and Champagne Trifle ($14) – that Kemp is famous for, sitting alongside area-appropriate seafood, like House Salted Cod Risotto with Poached Egg ($18).

And everything, down to the sides, like compelling Thrice Cooked Fries ($7), show off Kemp’s usual mastery of flavour and technique.

81 Carrington Road, Waverley (02) 9389 3093 charingcrosshotel.com.au British, Pub Bistro,Wine, Cocktails $$$ $$$ - mains between $22-$30

120 Ramsgate Avenue, Bondi Beach (02) 9130 2155 northbondifish.com.au Seafood $$ Vincent Poulet Roti ($35) combines everyone’s favourite - roast chook - with rich bread sauce, chestnuts and sprout leaves. It’s a cool weather smile-maker I enjoy whilst facing a cabinet of cheese in the dining room of this popular restaurant, located in the classic Hughenden boutique hotel. Co-owner Traci Trinder oozes warmth and friendliness, shepherding us into a great 2012 Moreau Naudet Petit Chablis ($79) from the extensive wine list. It compliments delicate Cured Kingfish ($20) with avocado and finger lime on calamari crackers, while still standing up to more decadent choices. End with Chabichou - soft and creamy goats cheese - against green Brasserie Du

$$$$ - mains over $30

Mont Blanc La Verte ($14.50) beer, or tackle tart Baked Passionfruit Custard ($14).

14 Queen Street,Woollahra (02) 8039 1500 vincentfrench.com.au French $$$$ DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS Golden Age Cinema & Bar I’m very taken with this gorgeous bar, complete with electronically controlled curtains that silently glide to reveal a mirrored stage and microphones. The Maple Pecan Old Fashioned ($18) made on smooth Bulleit Bourbon suits the space, but if you’re sleepy-tired and planning a flick, their espresso martini Paramount House ($19), uses beans from Paramount Coffee Project upstairs.

Ribs & Burgers

By Ryan Kennedy Few things can encourage a diner to messy excess more than a prominently featured hand-washing station, and, at Bondi’s Ribs and Burgers, it holds pride of place. It’s a good thing that it does, as it is pretty much impossible to tuck into their trademark Pork Ribs ($29) and not end up covered in stickyDip into (another) interesting Ned Brooks wine list against snacks like Tiger Sharks ($10) - canned anchovies – or Szechuan Popcorn ($5). The 2012 Ngeringa Growers Series Rousanne ($65/bottle) makes an affable companion to movieinspired toasties like The Spielberger ($9.50) – basically your Reuben – to The Big Cheese ($8). They’re small, so you’ll also need a Gelato Messina Sundae ($8)…

Lower Ground, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills (02) 9211 1556 ourgoldenage.com.au Bar, Cocktails, Bar Food $ Devon By Night Chef Zachary Tan has kept dinner at this popular cafe distinctly casual.

He’s dishing up Malaysian-influenced hawker snacks, dressed up with the same premium ingredients that make Chef Jacqui Ektoros’ morning menus so special. So expect to find heady

sweet barbecue sauce. But why stop there? Equally slide-off-the-bone tender, are the enormous Beef Ribs ($27), and herb and lemon marinated Lamb Ribs ($24). As the name suggests, ribs are but one part of the experience. The burgers here come with your choice of protein—beef, chicken, lamb, salmon—and an array of topping options. The Wagyu Burger ($18) is a treat; well charred, sauced, and freshened up with salad. Harmonising perfectly against the rich meats on offer is the Cabbage Salad ($6), piquant with green apples and herbs, and resonant with roasted pine nuts. And of course you can’t have a burger without Ribs and Burgers’ Famous Chips ($4-9), which are everything you could want from a crispy fried potato, or Onion Rings ($5)—and why not wash ‘em down with a Thickshake ($6)? With generous portions and the infrastructure to deal with mess, it is hard to resist channelling your inner Flintstone.

79/61-67 Hall Street, Bondi Beach (02) 9130 4887 ribsandburgers.com.au Burgers, Modern Australia $$-$$$

Manjimup truffle slices adorning Chinese Egg Custard ($29), and fleshy lobster tails slathered with Kewpie mayonnaise inside buttery brioche in an individual Lobster Roll ($15.50). Drink from a concise but cleverly chosen list of alcoholic beverages like the 2012 Mitchelton Marsanne ($17/glass) or Echigo Koshihikari Rice Lager ($12). End with the poor man’s ‘snow egg’ of Coconut Jelly, Guava Sorbet and Freeze Dried Pineapple ($11).

76 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills (02) 9211 8777 devoncafe.com.au Pan-Asian, Café $$$ INNER WEST

Annandale Hotel The new-look Annandale Hotel allows canines in the courtyard

styled like an Aussie back deck.

Even kiddies are welcome, except in the front bar, which retains some of the Annandale’s sticky carpet charm - at least around the edges. A far cry from the crowded, sweaty, live band days, there’s now elbowroom to spare as you quaff a Kosciusko ($6.50) and tuck into a toastie from their interesting list. I tried Fontal ($12) with duck sausage, bacon jam and pickled leek.

Traditional pub goers will appreciate the steaks, schnitzels and two fully customisable roasts. Free Range Chicken ($20) with duck fat gratin, gravy and seasonal greens will silence a monster appetite.

17 Parramatta Road, Annandale (02) 9550 1078 annandalehotel.com Pub Bistro,Wine $$

EAT & DRINK

Bowery Lane

By Alex Harmon With Brooklyn-style dive bars down every second laneway, it’s refreshing to see a bit of New York City class find its way back into Sydney. This Manhattanstyle offering brings together the city’s unique sense of fashion with art deco glamour, leather booths, dapper staff and not a single hot dog on the menu.

ROCKS & CBD El-Phoenician Entering this gleaming glass box it’s immediately apparent it’s a cut above the usual Cleveland Street eateries, shrouded in dusty carpet.

White tablecloths, comfortable leather chairs and a minimal ambient soundtrack are just the beginning.

You’ll also find cocktails and a credible wine list including the 2010 Denis Pommier Chablis ($85/bottle).

I categorise Lebanese restaurants into Homous ($11) or Baba Ganouje ($11), dependent upon which dip they do better. Chickpeas outdo the smoky eggplant, but it’s actually Labne ($9) that wins. A Combination Banquet ($62/head) will deliver all three against a hefty array of salad, seafood, poultry and

By Jackie McMillan Sophistication is paramount, like Yamba Prawn Sliders ($16), zesty and fresh with fennel slaw. Share some Manchego Croquettes ($14) with smoked chilli aioli, the perfect cocktail complement – and trust me, the cocktails here are serious business. Take Bowery Lane’s Pharmaceutical Stimulant ($16), a tonic that is sure to cure any ailment with its cold drip coffee injection. Or the Mexican Gateway Fizz ($16), a twist on the margarita with apricot brandy and bubbles. Of course you can still get your New York Cheeseburger ($20), and it is sublime, cooked medium and oozing with juicy goodness. Go all out and match it with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Shake ($7). If a whole BBQ chicken or lamb shoulder is too ambitious, try the pretty-looking, farm-fresh Globe Artichokes ($25) served with ancient grains, heirloom carrots, beets and goats curd. It might be in the business end of town, but Bowery Lane will have you fashionably bowled over.

Shop 1, Level 4, 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney (02) 9252 8017 bowerylane.com.au American, Cocktails $$

meat, cleverly spread across three waves. The star is the chicken Shish Tawouk ($30).

7 Towns Place, Walsh Bay (02) 9633 1611el-phoenician.com.au Lebanese $$$ Yayoi While the signature steamed rice - Kama Daki Gohan ($8) - takes 25 minutes, the tableside-theatre and resulting pot of fluffy, freshly steamed rice, is worthwhile. This is the first Australian venture of a Japanese chain called Yayoiken. Their speciality is balanced home-style Japanese “teishoku” (meal sets).

While you don’t need an entrée, a pretty plate of Gyu Tataki ($16) – seared waygu with asparagus and ponzu jelly – will keep you entertained. So will discussing

SoCal Led Emmett, the General Manager of SoCal, provides an expert introduction to the liquid aspects of The Golden State.With my lips still tingling from a Chica Chipotle ($17) that teamed chipotle-infused reposado tequila with Mezcal, lime, agave and a chipotle salt rim, Led introduced me to his list. It’s heavy, as you’d hope, in Californian wines.While these

imports don’t land cheaply enough to make the by-the-glass list, they are worth a look.A man after my own heart, Led categorises pinot noir between feminine and “smells like my bedroom after sex”. Bliss Pinot Noir ($60) is one of the former, but for a quaffable red, it is not without roundness and balance. It lends itself to liberal, chilled applications against crisp Sriracha Chicken Quesadillas ($20), as you watch the moon rise in the open-roofed space.Another easy-drinker,The Chard Project Chardonnay ($70), won’t fight with a plump piece of Kingfish ($22), served over charred corn and lardons, with romesco sauce. I realise I’m making food sound like an accessory, but some spots just lend themselves to drinking.Throw in a wonderfully consistent ska soundtrack, and you might be left thinking that someone magically transplanted Sunday arvos at The Norfolk into weeknights in Neutral Bay. 1 Young Street, Neutral Bay (02) 9904 5671 socalsydney.com.au American, Bar, Bar Food $$-$$$

of lemongrass yoghurt foam.

As ethical meats are all from Feather and Bone, it was All Good Things Eatery impossible to pass up Organic As well as delivering a bonzer Goat Backstrap Carpaccio brekky, Kingsgrove’s hippest ($18), presented simply with café is open for dinner, every ponzu, wasabi and lily pads of Thursday to Saturday night. Plan avocado puree. your meal around the sweets Shop 9-11 Mashman Avenue, - the Watermelon Granita Kingsgrove with Feta Ice Cream ($12) (02) 7903 0198 facebook.com/ epitomises Sydney summer. allgoodthingseatery Precede them with small or Modern Greek $$ large share plates of Modern The Union Hotel Greek food, like Loulou ($14), Le Bistro’s menu is a hybrid of crisp tempura battered fetaa traditional pub menu with stuffed zucchini flowers or oven- elements of the Gallagher roasted Queensland Prawns Hotels’ runaway success: Le Pub. ($22). Standout Octopus ($15) The “dogs” I loved at Le Pub has its char-grilled tentacles Balmain have migrated over, with the Pulled Pork Dog ($6) edging artfully entangled with dollops GREATER SYDNEY

the merits of the Premium Sake Selection ($10). Then tuck into a comforting wagyu beef hotpot Wagyu Sukiyaki ($33) - or use the balanced sides as an excuse to dabble in deep-fried Pork Fillet Katsu ($27).

Shop 2, 38-42 Bridge Street, Sydney (02) 9247 8166 yayoi.com.au Japanese $$$ Mordeo Bistro & Bar Nestled beneath five giant table lamps in the ultra-modern Deutsche Bank Place foyer, I find myself smiling. Perhaps it’s bartender Sarah Jane Clare’s Jamon & Char-grilled Pineapple Sazerac ($18) warming my heart with smooth butter-washed cognac, or maybe I just like this spot? Treat it like a bar with a Red Wolf ($15) cocktail combining beer

out the Marinated Chicken Dog ($6). Duck and ‘Slaw Open Steamed Buns ($14/2) have good alcohol absorbing qualities; and flavoursome Pea and Parmesan Croquettes ($15.50) with truffled pecorino, pea puree and mint, aren’t just for vegetarians.Accompany either with Jean Luc Mader Pinot Blanc ($56/bottle) before advancing to Fickle Mistress Central Otago Pinot Noir ($15/glass) with your Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder ($25).You need Union Waffle Chips ($10) too.

271 Pacific Highway, North Sydney (02) 9955 5844 unionhotel.com.au Pub Bistro $$-$$$

Bistro Mint

Stolen Rum flamed at the table then liberally applied to a Rum Baba ($14) is just a taste of things to come, explains Sebastien Lutaud, Restaurant Associates’ General Manager of Culinary Services. He hints that a Stolen Rum bar is a likely addition to this already attractive venue, the idea a nod to the building’s history as a wing of Governor Macquarie’s notorious and aperitif, and Caramelised Lamb Ribs ($12). Treat it like a restaurant, with Octopus Carpaccio ($22) and a cracking white Grenache: 2012 La Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca ($59/bottle). Silky Sautéed Squid Ink Gnocchi ($23) and the 2012 Terra Sancta Estate Pinot Noir ($80/bottle) should see you through until the gurgling fountains become silent pools of reflection.

Shop 1, 126 Philip Street, Sydney (02) 9232 1306 mordeo.com.au Mediterranean, Cocktails $$$ NEWTOWN & ENVIRONS Daisy’s Milkbar The Beach Boys on the speakers, pin-up girls taking orders, a cordial station, jars of sweets and gingham curtains… If this place was any

Rum Hospital. As I lap up the Sydney sunshine and a gloriously dry 2013 Triennes Nans les Pins Rose ($81/bottle) on the colonnaded building’s stately balcony, I muse that there are already plenty of reasons to visit. The kitchen’s updated Coq au Vin ($32) with smoked speck, carrot and Shiraz is definitely one of them. Explore their interesting wine list over a series of small share plates, from House Cured and Smoked Meats ($10) to ‘Sot-l’y-laisse’ ($10) – they’re chicken ‘oysters’ for the linguistically challenged - cooked in burnt butter, shallots and crisp sage. Most wines, including the 2012 Ross Hill ‘Shed No 8’ Pinot Gris ($10/$37/$49) from Orange NSW, are sensibly available by glass, carafe and bottle.

Portions are appropriate to eating three courses, but if you’re not sold on my early recommendation – the airy rum-soaked-baba – do consider the fluffy cloud of Fromage Blanc Mousse ($13) with its hidden rhubarb surprise.

Upstairs, The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney (02) 9232 2293 bistromint.com.au Modern French,Wine $$$$

cuter I’d be sick. This inner west café is the perfect old-fashioned milk bar. Think shakes, Jaffles and sundaes - but with a modern twist.

Greg’s Jaffle ($6) is loaded with bolognaise, while Uccella’s packs pulled pork inside its golden, white bread pocket. Breakfast – like Zucchini and Corn Fritters ($16) - are served all day, alongside great milkshakes like Honeycomb, Malt and Golden Syrup ($5). Kick dessert old school with the Salted Caramel Banana Split ($14), best shared with your sweetheart.

340 Stanmore Road, Petersham (02) 8065 3466 daisysmilkbar.com Breakfast, Café $-$$ Bay Tinh Dining at Bay Tinh is like a trip down memory lane. While I

FOOD NEWS

haven’t been dining here for all of its twenty-eight year history, I have spent many an evening in the (previously putrid pink) space, when it was in the hands of predecessor, Tinh Tran. In the ensuing three decades, Sydney’s Vietnamese offerings have come a long way, so home-style dishes like Dau Hu Don Thit ($18.50) – plump, pork stuffed bean curd swimming in tomato sauce – feel like a look at the origins. Goi Du Du ($18.50), green papaya salad with prawns and roast pork goes down okay with the 2012 The Pawn Cassia Pinot Grigio ($7.50/glass).

318 Victoria Road, Marrickville (02) 9560 8673 baytinhrestaurant.com.au Vietnamese $$

By Jackie McMillan Event season has started, good and proper, and beer is the first order of the day. To kick things off, I headed to Hotel Centennial for dinner (cooked by Justin North) with singer/songwriter Josh Pyke and music industry heavyweight, Mark Pope. The event, part of the yearlong series of Asahi Super Dry Silver Sessions, was more than just a good occasion to quaff the popular Japanese beer. It allowed you to get up close and personal with interesting people, and ask questions about their success, over the intimate setting of a shared dinner. Guests shared platters of charcuterie and whole roasted mulloway with lemon and herbs.You can win tickets to the final Asahi Super Dry Silver Sessions Sydney event on December 3 via the Asahi Facebook.

You should also keep your eyes peeled for news about the Asahi Super Dry Extra Cold Bar pop-up, coming to Sydney very soon!

And I’m sure I’ve already mentioned Sydney Craft Beer Week taking over taps from 18-26 October 2014, and the tenth annual Australian Beer Festival at The Australian Heritage Hotel in The Rocks from 17-19 October 2014. www.facebook.com/asahibeer www.sydneycraftbeerweek.com www.australianheritagehotel.com

Bar Fly

By Viv McGregor

Brooklyn Social

I’m so full; I think this might be how I die… death by fried chicken. Brooklyn Social is both late-night rock’n’roll bar and delightfully sleazy diner, decked out in dark wood, exposed light bulbs, and vintage signage. While the kitchen (open until 1.30am) tries to kill me with deep-fried affection in the form of Mac & Cheese Balls ($6), and Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles ($12), I delve into the New York-inspired cocktail menu (all $17). The light, citrusy, gin-based Simon Was Right is followed by a Spiced Old Fashioned made with cinnamon-infused bourbon, but – surrounded by homely and delicious deep-fried everything – I keep stealing my date’s “quaffable” Brooklyn Lager ($8). I can see myself coming back here for some latenight debauchery (dancing on tables is both permitted and encouraged), but I can also tell, as I watch my date inject our Homemade Cinnamon Doughnut ($6) with caramel syrup in an overly suggestive way, that this is the destination for all future late-night feasts.

Top Floor, 17 Randle Street, Surry Hills (02) 9212 3814 facebook.com/ brooklynsocialsydney

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT photo: Kate Little

Potted Potter

Back by popular demand, Potted Potter condenses all seven Harry Potter books into a hilarious 70-minute show including a live game of Quidditch.The parody production also features all the favourite characters and Hogwarts magic.

Potter star James Percy says, “I grew up with the books and the films, it’s a childhood dream come true. As a young boy who wanted to be an actor it seems like Harry Potter was the best job in the world.” He continues, “Little did I know I would have to wait to be a full gown adult to get the chance to play the part.”

With only two actors being onstage

at all times, the physicality of the show is a challenge, but hilarity prevails.The fast-paced and highenergy production performs 10 minutes of each book.

“It is a very interactive show and the audience are the third actor,” says Percy, “for example, we play a live full game of Quidditch with the audience.”

If you’re an avid Harry Potter fan or want to see what all the fuss is about buy tickets to this uproarious show.

It’s rumoured that even JK Rowling couldn’t get a last minute ticket. (CT) Oct 21-26, Sydney Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $55-85, pottedpotter.com

RHYS DARBY

Pacifica Gods Festival Traditional dance, music and Tonganinspired barbeque cuisine will be on hand to celebrate Pacific Islander culture in Sydney. The Pacifica Gods Festival, Casula Powerhouse’s fifth annual event, is aimed at promoting spirituality and ancestry from the past and present.

Creative director, Leo Tanoi, believes that Pacific Islander culture has been underrepresented in the Sydney community: “We represent certain aspects of traditional and contemporary culture for them. We work with a lot of diverse communities, which are all different cultural identities. We promote their cultures and look at heritage and artworks from the past and present.”

An array of traditional Islander art will be

on display, as well as performances by Opera Australia community choir, Casula Voices, and a Pacific jazz collaboration called Fresh Plantation.

Tanoi says: “We have PhD students from the Conservatory of Music. They’re studying jazz and looking at the influence of traditional music and contemporary music, and we’ve been able to engage with them so that these students are able to mix with people from the Islander community who are cultured in traditional dance – they’re going to make a fusion.”

There is currently a population of around 400,000 Pacific Islanders living in Australia: “It’s something that pacific regions have been doing for millenniums, we’re not trying to convert anyone but

we’re trying to promote a historical look through heritage objects.” (GF) Until Oct 25, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, 1 Powerhouse Rd, Casula, free, casulapowerhouse.com

Emerald City

photo: Brett Boardman

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Internationally celebrated New Zealand comic, Rhys Darby, will entertain audiences at Sydney’s Opera House as part of Just For Laughs.

Darby, who rose to fame as Murray Hewitt on television series Flight of the Conchords, has been doing stand-up for 19 years: “I’m definitely comfortable on the stage, it’s what I’m used to. I started it in 1995 at university with a comedy club.”

He says: “Stand-up is very much in the moment. I really enjoy comedy and the idea of making laughter happen. It’s a concept for me that I feel the most natural doing.”

Darby is known for his high energy on the stage, continuously experimenting with characterisation

a&e

Sydney in the ‘80s was a party. It gave us lycra, MTV, and a raging economy that ended in the recession ‘we had to have’.

It was the ‘greed is good’ decade, with rampant consumerism, materialism and where success was measured in real estate – preferably with a harbour view.

Cut to today and things change – there is much less lycra – and David Williamson’s Emerald City is as relevant as ever.

“Even though it was written 30 years ago, we all believe it’s absolutely relevant to today because we are having the exact same conversations,” says Kelly Paterniti (Home and Away, Packed to the Rafters) who plays Helen, the free-spirited girlfriend of a hack writer. “Unlike the other characters she just wants to go

15 STAGE 16 SCENE 18 SCREEN 19 Sounds

Arts Editor: Leigh Livingstone Music Editor: Jamie Apps For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney

and sound effects: “My comedy is a mixture of funny sketch ideas, which I perform on my own, playing various characters. It also consists of observations I have of life and situations I find myself in.”

The comedian relies on a small notebook to document material: “If it makes me laugh, I’ll write it down.

I put the material together and let people look into a window of my life, and how I see the world.”

He continues: “The Opera House is the most iconic venue I’ve done, so I’m really looking forward to getting there and doing a full show.” (GF) Oct 17, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Pt, $69.90, (02) 9250 777, sydneyoperahouse.com

where the fun is and that’s why she is so alluring. She just doesn’t care, so she lacks the moralistic conundrums that they have,” says Paterniti.

Our most performed playwright, Williamson’s central characters are decent people, wrestling with their worst selves. In his sharply satirical sights are the worst excesses of materialism and compromise that the harbour city can serve up. Dual Helpman winner Mitchell Butel, Lucy Bell (All Saints, Crownies) and the redoubtable Marcus Graham make a stellar cast. In a splash back to the decade, set design is by iconic ‘80s pop artist Ken Done, whose work was so evocative of the time. (GW) Oct 24–Dec 6, SBW Stables, 10 Nimrod St, Kings Cross, $32-49, griffintheatre.com.au

Contributors: Alexis Talbot-Smith, Anita Senaratna, Carmen Cita, Ciaran Tobin, Craig Coventry, Georgia Fullerton, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Jamie Apps, Leann Richards, Marilyn Hetreles, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Melody Teh, Michael Muir, Michelle Porter, Peter Hackney, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Ruth Fogarty, Shauna O’Carroll, Siri Williams

Kill the PM

THEATRE &

PERFORMANCE WICKED Steve Danielsen joins seasoned Wicked stars Jemma Rix (Elphaba) and Lucy Durack (Glinda) as the award-winning musical returns.

Asked what it’s like joining a team who have been performing Wicked for years, Danielsen says Rix and Durack have been very welcoming and working together is “amazing”.

“I love it and I don’t really just have

Harvest

This sprawling comic play follows four generations of a Yorkshire pigfarming family as they fight to protect their livelihood over the course of the 20th Century. Harvest depicts 100 years in the Harrison family and how they have survived throughout the decades.

“There are seven scenes throughout the hundred years going right up to 2005 and there’s seven life-changing milestones in the life of the family and their farm,” says Jeremy Waters, who portrays protagonist William Harrison.

The epic tale written by Richard Bean, the celebrated writer of One Man,Two Guvnors, infuses quirky

humour and a deep understanding of family and human nature.

Although the family faces hardship throughout the years, Harvest reveals the ironic and dry humour of the characters.

“It incorporates comedy largely through the world view of the characters,” says Waters, “You see the working life of this family on the farm but it’s infused with a really nice sense of ridiculousness – some of the situations are pretty crazy.”

The humanity, humour and storytelling have mass appeal to the audience and who doesn’t love an underdog story? (CT) Until Nov 8, New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown, $17-32, newtheatre.org.au

Sip & Savour

Celtic Legends The Celtic Legends tour dances its way to Australia this month.Though the production has travelled all over the world, this is one place they’ve never been – and one they are very much appreciating.

“Getting to sunbathe before a show is a huge novelty for us!” laughs lead dancer Katie Bell, who has been Irish Dancing since the age of four. She’s travelled the world with Celtic Legends, heading everywhere from Azerbaijan to Switzerland and China.

When asked what she thinks is behind the enduring global appreciation of Celtic culture, Bell believes the music plays a major part. Harnessing that, Celtic Legends is quite music oriented, so fans of recent productions such as Celtic Woman should find much to enjoy as well.“It’s a very-fast paced show, everyone on stage loves what they’re doing,” says Bell.

“Riverdance is in its 20th year and ever since then, there’s been a massive interest in it.”

Bell notes that the interest from America and especially Australia has been more recent, and, as a certified Irish dance teacher, she hopes this will get more young people interested in the art. So bring the kids and who knows? Maybe they’ll be Irish dancing their own way around the world someday, too. (SW)

of-interest list. He says if he gets arrested when he returns from South America he intends to blame James. (MMu) Oct 12-26, Old 505 Theatre, 342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, $18-28, venue505.com

Photo: Greg Barrett

With the extremism currently loose, Kill the PM is a provocative title, but director James Dalton says writer Fregmonto Stokes’s aim was to immediately provoke the audience to a pro or con view of extreme action – which the play then explores.

The title is 12 months old and Dalton says it’s frightening to see how much the world has changed in that time. He understands the frustration of people who feel nothing they have tried has changed their circumstances – and lack of education and disempowerment are factors – but feels there are better ways to deal with problems in a civilised society than violence.

‘Freg’ himself is an agitprop performer whose alter-ego,Twiggy Palmcock, provokes in a Sacha Baron Cohen manner; he was onstage at the Liberal Party celebrations on election night and has pursued interviews with Tony Abbott and Clive Palmer.

Because of the nature of the play, this aspect of Freg may be fraught in future but due to his open and whimsical nature, it seems unlikely the playwright is currently on an ASIO person-

photo: Grant Sparkes-Carroll

The Wharf Revue is again ‘Open for Business’, as everyone’s favourite lampoonists return for another edition of their trademark anarchic political satire. Now in its 15th season and with plenty of political cannon fodder courtesy of our elected representatives, they press on undeterred – not even for a bottle of Grange.

“I think that over the last few years the tone in politics has really slumped,” says Douglas Hansell, who replaces Drew Forsyth in the cast. “As a kid growing up I seem to remember things were much more dignified.

There are almost Orwellian things happening now. The upshot for us is that there is so much material to use in the show.”

The Australian public’s love-hate affair with politics makes the Wharf Revue an annual sell-out crowdpleaser. “Satire is a form of comedy that Australians really respond to,” says Hansell, “It is irreverent and fast.

Politicians make their way into our lives on a daily basis through the media so people feel like they know them pretty well. That makes them really accessible as comic material.”

Sketch highlights include the Adventures of Blinky Bill Shorten as well as Clive ‘Coach’ Palmer and the Balance of Power Rangers. “I get to play everyone’s favourite, Christopher Robin Pyne,” says Hansell, “and Jonathan Biggins does a great impromptu address by Paul Keating with a number of ‘catch-your-breath’ jokes only he could pull off.” (GW) Until Oct 18, Glen Street Theatre, Glen St & Blackbutt Rd, Belrose,$30-70, glenstreet.com.au; Oct 22-Dec 20, Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1, Pier 4/5, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $40-63, sydneytheartre.com.au

photo: Bob Seary

The Wharf Revue 2014: Open for Business

Oct 18-19, Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown,$65.50-86.10, enmoretheatre.com.au

to say that either, this show really means a lot to me,” he says.

Despite debuting over a decade ago, Wicked:The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz is still one of the most popular musicals in the world.

With the whole cast working hard to deliver the best performances they can each and every night, Danielsen says that the “incredible sets and costumes” will make it “really hard not to like this show”.

Until Dec 31, Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket, $69-114,

wickedthemusical.com.au SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM Squabbalogic’s latest production takes a look at the man who revolutionised musical theatre with productions such as Sweeney Todd and West Side Story.

Created to celebrate Sondheim’s 80th birthday, this event interweaves video footage of the world-famous lyricist with live performances of his songs, telling the story of his childhood, relationships, his career spanning 50 years, and his songwriting

Sip & Savour is a festival celebrating everything that’s good about specialty beers and ciders – including the music that goes with it – happening at Sydney’s historic Carriageworks as part of Sydney Craft Beer Week.

Melbourne folk-inspired band, Husky, lead the entertainment, hot off sold-out shows around the country and notable for their victory in Triple J’s Unearthed competition as well as their ARIAnominated debut album Forever So. Joining them are local indie-rock outfit Castlecomer who combine elements of folk, pop and rock to create some of the catchiest tunes coming out of the Aussie music scene. Known for their infectious energy on stage, these boys will fit right into the Sip & Savour festival atmosphere.

Twenty-year-old Gordi will also take the stage with her signature brand of folk-pop that exudes maturity beyond her age. Bringing heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies, this young singersongwriter is bound to catch everyone’s attention.

If folk music is not for you, the organisers have you covered with the additions of Lupa J and DJ Kate Munroe. A recent finalist in Unearthed with relationship with composer Hal Prince.

Cast member Monique Salle says that audiences should “expect the unexpected”, as there are some surprises in store for even the most die-hard of Sondheim fans.

She says there’ll be “something for everyone” regardless of whether or not you’re familiar with Sondheim’s work. (AS) Until Oct 18, Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale $42-49, (02) 9351 7940, squabbalogic.com.au

Husky

her layered alt-pop tunes, Lupa J blends classical violin with electronic elements to create songs that are both fresh and yet comfortingly familiar.

Monroe has played every major club in Australia, all while contributing to the ARIA dance charts for the past 15 years, and it’s obvious that both her music knowledge and ability to control a dance floor are unmatched, so expect Sip & Savour to really go off when she hits the stage. (JA) Oct 25-26, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St , Everleigh, $22-78+b.f, sipsavour.com.au

KRYPTONITE It begins when they meet at University – Lian, the shy Chinese exchange student and Dylan, the carefree charismatic Sydneysider. As the years go by their paths cross and lives entwine, drawn closer until the personal and political collide.

“They have such a great love for each other,” says Ursula Mills, who plays Lian, “but life gets in the way.”

Set against a background of political intrigue and the spectre of Tiananmen Square, Kryptonite is an

unconventional love story.

Having writer Sue Smith (Brides of Christ, Mabo) in the rehearsal room is clearly an important part of the chemistry. One of Australia’s most treasured screenwriters, she has only recently turned her hand to theatre. “It’s such an amazing privilege having Sue in the room,” says Mills, “there is so much trust in the writing and direction.” (GW) Until Oct 18, Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1, Pier 4, Hickson Rd,Walsh Bay, $50-99, sydneytheatre.com.au

15

THE NAKED CITY

Ken Thaiday

Duffo’s riotous behaviour!

Ken Thaiday’s intricate and beautiful headdresses are representative of the lifestyle and landscape of the Torres Strait Islander people. They loom magnificently in the cavernous Carriageworks space and entice, surprise and fascinate with their detailed construction.

The pieces serve two purposes, decorative and practical. They are designed to be worn in traditional performances and include pulleys and strings that can be used to enhance the dance interwoven with the display.

Each is a delicately created work of art with special significance. The colours, textures and materials are carefully chosen and fabricated to represent important aspects of Torres Strait Islander culture. For example, one represents a Hammerhead Shark, which has totemic resonance for the Thaiday family.

This is an exhibition which is unique in scope and stylistically intriguing. For the viewer it’s a glimpse into a society which is little known to mainstream Australia. (LR) Until Nov 23, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh, free, carriageworks.com.au

By Coffin Ed, Miss Death & Jay Katz Singer Jeff Duff has long been one of this country’s most enduring and dynamic performers with a career that spans a broad church of musical genres – from glamour punk, through swinging jazz, to contemporary soulful rock. He is also one of the most liked and respected with a warmth and good humour on stage that has captivated thousands of fans.

Hardly the type of person who would start in a riot in a well known Sydney club and transform the venue into instant chaos!

Yet that was the scenario back in 1999 when Jeff, along with his band The Prophets, played one of their many sellout shows at The Basement.

En route to the venue Jeff had picked up on a radio report of an Indigenous lad charged with offensive language for telling a police officer to “fuck off”. The case had been thrown out of court with the judge deeming that the use of the four letter word no longer constituted a criminal offence.

The news item obviously struck a chord with Jeff and during the performance he recalled the incident and mischievously suggested to the audience that they turn to each other and exchange a hearty but non threatening “fuck off”. For a few glorious moments it worked like a charm with the hundreds of punters who packed the room embracing the hilarity and good nature of it all.

Unfortunately a certain section of the crowd, notably some ‘big’ (and obviously humourless) guys standing near the bar, failed to appreciate the absurdity and punches were quickly thrown. The bouncers intervened, a riot ensued, the police were called, the

16

performance cancelled, and the tabloids erupted. Worst of all Jeff incurred the wrath of The Basement management and was promptly banned from the venue for an indefinite period.

Needless to say it wasn’t too long before all was forgiven, Jeff was back at The Basement soon enough and packing out the venue night after night.

In recent years he has experienced renewed popularity with his highly successful run of theatre and club shows playing the music of David Bowie, a cameo in The Great Gatsby, an award-winning video, and festival appearances all over the country.

Remarkably during that time he has found time to record his 26th album, Walking On Eggshells, with ten original songs written by Jeff and producer Steve Bull. He has also finished writing a most entertaining autobiography, tracing his at times controversial career right back to the 1960s, including a memorable stint in London during the ‘80s.

There won’t be a riot but there will certainly be a most entertaining evening when Jeff launches Walking On Eggshells this coming Friday October 17 in the splendour of Marrickville’s Camelot Lounge. Expect a lot more than just your run-of-the-mill CD launch. The night is billed as a “Magical Mystery Show” and for starters Jeff & The Duffmen will perform the entire album live, along with some all-time Duffo classics. The extraordinary magician Mannix will also dazzle the audience with his slight of hand and Esmerelda the incredible singing goldfish will make a cameo appearance.

Together with Jeff’s magic movie show and lots of audience prizes, Jeff promises a launch party to top all others!

Oct 17, Camelot Lounge, 19 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville, $30, jeffduff.com

Photo: Zan Wimberley

Haze

arms towards a central plinth surrounded by the black flags of political Haze, at 4A Centre for parades.

Contemporary Asian A stark white contrast Art, is an exhibition by is Sarah Contos’ 23 Ming three artists who visited Vases for Little Horse Beijing for the gallery’s inaugural studio program (everything that moves with artist Shen Shaomin. breaks). Her plaster vases juxtapose images Their works are of collectable Chinese a testimony to the pottery with the efficacy of the visit. disposable transience Tully Arnot’s light of modern life. sculpture, Cold Beer Cold Women, takes advertising Each artist has produced lighting and transforms it unique contributions that illustrate how their into a sparkling expose. exposure to a different Meanwhile Jensen’s cultural atmosphere Tjhung’s New God/False enhanced and expanded God, focuses on the the creative horizon. (LR) role of contemporary Until Oct 25, 4A Centre art in public space. This installation is dominated for Contemporary Asian Art, 181-187 by two zombie-like Hay St, Sydney, free, mannequins striving for survival, stretching their 4a.com.au

‘Haze’Tully Arnot, Sarah Contos, Jensen Tjhung. 2014 installation view, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art. Courtesy of the artists

Aztecs A wall of carved skulls, which were once part of the Pyrmont incinerator, adorns the entrance of Aztecs, at the Australian Museum. It’s a suitably gothic introduction to a presentation that is not afraid to explore the more gruesome aspects of this lost civilisation.

The visually spectacular display artfully conveys the intricacy of the people’s lives, the complexity of their mythology and the continued influence of the ancient culture on modern Mexico.

A mask made of a human skull and an eerie statue of the god of the underworld, whose dangling liver and curved talons threaten ominously from a niche, are sinister reminders of the importance of human sacrifice in Aztec life.

A replica of the grand temple further illustrates the role of religion in everyday existence.

The combination of interactive technology, ancient relics and contemporary relevance makes this a show that will appeal to a wide demographic. (LR) Until Feb 1,The Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney, $14-24, australianmuseum.net.au

‘Eagle warrior sculpture 1440–69’, photo: Michel Zabe © The Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (INAH)

21st Greek Film Festival Starting in Sydney on October 14, The 21st Greek Film Festival features over 20 films.

Opening with Pantelis Voulgaris’ Little England, his film Brides also has a 10th anniversary screening.

Modern-day Greece has all “the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to” with Common Denominator covering online dating and infidelity; Xenia deals with patriarchy, homosexuality and immigrant rights; Stratos is crime noir – with good men trying to right things in all the wrong ways, and Miss Violence tells of domestic and sexual abuse.

Even the western gets a nod with Standing Aside,

Watching: Antigone returns to her hometown as an ‘outsider’ and attempts to reconnect with old friends; and Bollywood dances its way into the festival with Block 12, featuring undoubtedly catchy song and dance routines.

The new Mrs Clooney wants the Elgin Marbles returned to Greece and that saga is covered by the festival’s closing film, Promakhos.

Included is also a Short Film Festival that has prizes for local and international categories. (MMu) Oct 14-Nov2, Palace Norton St, 99 Norton St, Leichhardt, $15-150 (10 film pass), greekfilmfestival.com.au

Son of a Gun

Nineteen-year-old JR (Brenton Thwaites) is the most unlikely of prisoners. Caring, inquisitive and adept at the game of chess, he captures the attention of his inmates for all the wrong reasons.

In particular, he is noticed by Brendan (Ewan McGregor), a notorious criminal with influence inside and over the prison walls. In exchange for protection, he orchestrates Brendan’s escape and as a reward is welcomed into his world. However, like the moves on a chessboard, JR becomes entangled

A Walk Among the Tombstones At first glance this may seem like a Taken clone in that it stars Liam Neeson and centres around an ex-cop who now hunts down criminals with his “particular set of skills”, however, this is a more cerebral than action-oriented affair.

Set in a rain-soaked, gloomy and grey New York circa 1999, the environment and cinematography help to build the suspense and tension of this serial killer thriller.

Director and writer Scott Frank (Minority Report) chose not to explore the gratuitous path in regards to the murder

Force Majeure

aspect and instead left that largely to the imagination – which is actually more disturbing.

In what could be a breakout performance, Brian ‘Astro’ Bradley, who plays a street kid come psuedo-sidekick named TJ, has some of the most memorable dialogue briefly breaking the tension with quick wit and humour.

Despite following typical crime-thriller cliches, this film overcomes its flaws and could potentially be the start of a new franchise for Neeson. (JA) WWW½

Force Majeure is a long-winded drama, set and shot in a resort in the French Alps during a five-day family holiday. A narrow escape from an avalanche results in an unfortunate instinctive reaction from patriarch Tomas (Johannes Kuhnke).

With great performances by all involved, especially Ebba (Lisa Loven Kongsli), this film builds and maintains an awkward tension throughout.

With lengthy takes and drawn out moments, it succeeds in creating realism. However, it THE JUDGE Robert Downey Jr flexes his acting chops in this outstanding drama with Robert Duvall. It is something to behold - the frustration and tension constantly bubbling beneath the surface is electric.

The Judge is a moving drama guaranteed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats with suspense.

Every role is expertly cast and Duvall is sublime as the stubborn, righteous, crank at the centre of the film.

To find fault with such a gripping narrative is tough but for the sake of balance, a weak subplot or two could have been omitted and it wouldn’t have affected the flow of the film at all. (LL) WWWW

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THE SKELETON TWINS Twins Maggie (Kristin Wiig) and Milo (Bill Hader) become separated as teenagers and end up estranged.

When we meet them they’re thirtysomething and haven’t communicated for a decade. After a suicide attempt, Milo accepts his sister’s invitation to stay with her.

A synopsis might detail the events of this wonderful film but would give you no idea of the emotion, warmth and humanity at the heart of it, not to mention the pain and the sadness, but there’s also a great deal of fun and humour. Ultimately, it’s a positive and life-affirming work, one that will give hope to viewers – and that’s why it must be seen. So well written and so well acted. (MMu) WWWW

THE LITTLE DEATH Josh Lawson makes his directorial debut with this offbeat comedy that explores the sexual relations and fantasies of a group of neighbours and friends. Unashamedly it delves into sexual and social taboos, as behind closed doors ‘normal’ couples discover what lengths they will go to for that fleeting ‘la petite mort’ – the little death.

With an ensemble cast of Australian talent, each character is well rounded and expertly acted. Lawson’s writing displays quick wit and a love for awkward comedy.Without losing the characters to caricature, Lawson unravels hilarious exploits in a genuine manner.

The comedy won’t be to everyone’s taste but with a charmingly authentic

in a game that places him as the pawn.

While aspects of the plot aren’t plausible, Son of Gun is an absorbing and quality thriller.The reason is the approach to characterisation, which doesn’t polarise the characters as inherently bad but rather infuses them with complexities that comprise all human beings.This provides the foundation for the love-hate relationship between Brendan and JR, which then sets the scene for the tense, actionfilled plot that unfolds.

All of this, combined with some dry humour makes this Aussie film an unexpected gem. (MP) WWWW

Before I Go to Sleep

If you can’t remember for yourself, you have to rely on others, and that’s the problem for Christine (Nicole Kidman), who wakes each day remembering nothing of her past due to trauma from an assault. Somehow she must sift truth from lies to regain her life and identity.

Her mainstay is partner Ben (Colin Firth) who seems a sympathetic figure – but is he?

Neuropsychologist Dr Nash (Mark Strong) suggests she keep a video diary and it begins

to jog her memory.

This is a unique style of thriller that keeps viewers on edge from the opening scene, with tension in the smallest of events.

Kidman and Firth team well in material that offers more scope than their first duo on The Railway Man. The performance Kidman puts in rivals her work in The Hours, which gained her an Academy Award for Best Actress – so watch this space. (MMu) WWW½

treads a fine line between tiresome and artistic. An abundance of beautiful cinematography and scenery, although seemingly gratuitous at times, is definitely something worth looking at.

With a score and flow you’ll either love or hate, the technical aspects of the film surpass the plot development.

An intriguing premise that provides food-for-thought as the film progresses, is let down by a somewhat weak and untidy finale. (RBM) WWW treatment it is a subtle reminder that it’s okay to be weird. (ATS) WWW THE INFINITE MAN is a quixotic journey through the mind of a very confused man. It is a tale of obsession and erotic fantasies.

Dean (Josh McConville), a quirky, neurotic pseudo scientist, is obsessed with Lana (Hannah Marshall) but his quest for her love takes an almost incomprehensible turn when he uses time travel to repair the rifts in their relationship.

The sparse setting of this movie is a reflection of its low budget, but works well as a backdrop for the raw revelation of human emotions.

This movie is confusing as a narrative; however, as a metaphor for the utter heart-rending dishevelment caused by

jealousy and abandonment, it is a stunning, humorous and thoughtful success. (LR) WWW½ WE ARE THE BEST! In 1982 two loveable 13-year-old nonconformists, Bobo (Mira Barkhammar) and Klara (Mira Grosin), believe punk is the recipe for life – despite the fact that everyone else says it’s dead.They set out to convert shy Christian girl Hedvig (Liv LeMoyne) and the trio form a punk band whose only song is I Hate Sport – a slim basis for a feature film and at only 102 minutes it seems overly long. It has its moments, but unfortunately not nearly enough.

Those teens, though – they are a life force! We Are the Best! is almost worth it just for them. (MMu) WW

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS is a hilarious mockumentary that revolves around three housemates who just happen to be vampires – there is an outrageously surreal contrast between the normal streets of Wellington, New Zealand, and the very atypical selection of undead.

The film crew follows the lives of Viago (Taika Waititi), Deacon (Jonathan Brugh), and Vladislav (Jemaine Clement), and the comedic timing and performances will have audiences in stitches.

Almost like an inside-out horror production, What We Do in the Shadows has an abundance of comedy with horror relief – an eccentric and imaginative perspective on an oversaturated subject. (RBM) WWWW

Sheppard – Bombs Away Sheppard’s debut album Bombs Away is very uplifting.

Its range of emotions is imbued with hope and possibility, especially Smile, which has particular warmth radiating from it.

Tracks such as Find Someone, with a touch of angst, and Lingering, with a sense of hope despite pain, combine guitar or tambourine and piano with skillful songwriting that pulls up the corners of the mouth.

Sheppard’s mix of undercurrent rock with pure pop is a potent blend to the delighted ear. Deliciously sweet with a hint of sour, it’s very easy to overdo it when listening to this album. (SP) Leonard Cohen – Popular Problems Veteran singer, songwriter, poet and performer, Leonard Cohen, shows no sign of slowing down.

His 13th studio album sees him continue to explore the human condition in his bleak, textured, idiosyncratic fashion.

Love, death, war, religion, the state of the world – all the Cohen touchstones are here. But rather than being weighed down by it all, he’s inspired to keep going no matter what. “You got me singing/ Even though it all looks grim/You got me singing the hallelujah hymn,” he offers on the closing track, in a refrain that fairly sums up the album if not the man himself.

(PH)

One of Australia’s most recognised and decorated names in roots music is set to revive their original moniker and return to the stage as The Beautiful Girls this month.

They embark on a national tour celebrating the release of their first album, Dancehall Days.

After 10 years of touring and producing music with great success to the order of 250,000 record sales,The Beautiful Girls essentially disappeared off the Australian music landscape in the eyes of the general public.This perception, however, was not the case as Matt McHugh explains, “We haven’t really been on hiatus, just the name was.We’ve been playing shows under Matt McHugh and the Seperatista Soundsystem for the last couple of years, but it got to the point that this seemed pointless because it was the same collective of people playing shows exactly the same way as this tour, just under a different name.”

Despite the widespread belief that The Beautiful Girls was a three-piece band, it has in fact always been a Matt McHugh project in regards to producing the music. It was in the live performance that the group would come together.

“Essentially it’s a collective of people that I’m fortunate enough to know and be able to call upon to perform the albums that I’ve written and recorded myself,” says McHugh.

LIVE WIRE

Thieves: After months away from the live scene writing their soon to be released debut album, Mary,Thieves finally return to the stage.They plan to celebrate this milestone with a launch party in Newtown for the first single, A Way To Ease The Pain.

Thu, Oct 16,The Vanguard Richard In Your Mind: True locals of the Sydney music scene mark the release of their fourth LP, Ponderosa, with a free launch show at the Lansdowne Hotel. Created

Dancehall Days is a slight departure from the previously well known sound of The Beautiful Girls in that it moves into more electronic experimental groove.When asked, McHugh says this new direction came into being because “I was able to get rid of the preconceptions and boundaries of what both I and the public considered the band to be, which was very liberating and gave me the ultimate freedom to produce a record more along the lines of what I had always wanted to make.”

The new record no longer features acoustic drums, rather it uses more electronically inspired beats, dancehall-inspired rhythms and heavy baselines, which further reflects the current live performance aspect of The Beautiful Girls.

This new inner awakening and direction for the band is not something fans should be concerned with, as the shows will continue to feature percussion, guitarists, keyboards and a two-piece horn section, along with the more experimental aspects of synths, MPC samplers, analog bass synths and live sonic manipulation with delays and different effects.

“It’s all about getting people up on the dance floor from the first note to the last,” says McHugh. (JA) Oct 17, Metro Theatre, 624 George St, Sydney, $35+b.f, metrotheatre.com.au

Sydney Live Music Guide

over two years, the album is a happy, yet eclectic, and bizarre collection of songs showcasing the bands many different talents and strengths.

Fri, Oct 17,The Lansdowne Hotel Say Anything: For the first time in over two years the quirky punk rockers from Los Angeles return to our shores and are joined by Chris Conley (Saves The Day) on guitar and vocals for their energetic live shows. On support duties will be Melbourne’s own Ceres who

bring an anthemic pop sound with a dark undercurrent.

Sat, Oct 18, Manning Bar Torche: This US band hits Sydney bringing their distinct heavy metal sound that is also irresistibly catchy. Described as one of the most innovative bands in the metal scene today, Torche, combine the stereotypical power-packed guitar riffs of heavy metal with a more melodic mix of hooks and key progressions that makes for perfect songs to rock out to.

Sun, Oct 19, Oxford Art Factory Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def: With a career spanning over 20 years, Mos Def has cemented himself as one of hip-hop’s most iconic names.

Initially coming to prominence during the early ‘90s, then later producing two of VH1’s Top 100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop with Respiration and Definition, before transitioning into acting, Mos Def has garnered awards with every endeavour, making him one of the most historic emcees of our time.

Mon, Oct 20, Enmore Theatre

The Beautiful Girls

Maxine Kauter Band + Kristy Apps and The Shotgun Shirleys: Two of Sydney’s indie darlings come together for a night of beautiful folk music.

Following on from the critically acclaimed Ghost in Love, the Maxine Kauter Band look to continue their success with this EP release.

Kristy Apps and The Shotgun Shirleys by contrast will be launching their debut EP after almost a decade honing the craft of songwriting and performing.

Tue, Oct 21,The Vanguard The Kin: Although billed as a US trio this band consists of brothers Isaac and Thorald Koren, originally from Australia, along with drummer Shakerleg. Recently chosen to support P!nk on her next US tour, The Kin have been making significant waves in the industry and Sydney has the chance to catch them in an intimate environment this week before they blow up. (JA) Wed, Oct 22, Newtown Social Club

FREEWILLASTROLOGY

by Rob Brezsny

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): New York City’s Diamond District is home to over 2,000 businesses that buy and sell jewelry. Throughout the years, many people have lost bits of treasure here. Valuable bits of gold and gems have fallen off broken necklaces, earrings, watches, and other accessories.

Now an enterprising man named Raffi Stepnanian is cashing in.

Using tweezers and a butter knife, he mines for the rich pickings that are packed in the mud of sidewalk cracks and gutters. “The percentage of gold out here on the street is greater than the amount of gold you would find in a mine,” he says. I’d love to see you get inspired by his efforts, Aries. Dig for treasure in unlikely places where no one else would deign to look.

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In 1987, a college freshman named Mike Hayes was having trouble paying for his education at the University of Illinois.

He appealed for help to the famous newspaper columnist Bob Greene, who asked each of his many readers to send Hayes a penny. The response was tidal. Although most of the ensuing donations were small, they added up to over $28,000 -- enough for Hayes to finance his degree. I encourage you to take a comparable approach in the coming weeks, Taurus: Ask for a little from a lot of different sources.

C

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The word “abracadabra” is a spell that stage magicians utter at the climax of their tricks: the catalyst that supposedly makes a rabbit materialize from a hat or an assistant disappear in a puff of smoke. There’s no real sorcery.

It’s an illusion perpetrated by the magician’s hocuspocus. But “abracadabra” has a less well-known history as an incantation used by real magicians to generate authentic wizardry. It can be traced back to Gnostic magi of the second century. They and their successors believed that merely speaking the word aloud evokes a potency not otherwise available. I invite you to experiment with this possibility, Gemini. Say “abracadabra” to boost your confidence and enhance your derring-do. You already have more power than usual to change things that have been resistant to change, and intoning some playfully ferocious “abracadabras” may put your efforts over the top.

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The 17th-century writer Rene Descartes is regarded as the father of modern philosophy and the founder of rationalism.

His famous catchphrase is a centerpiece of the Western intellectual tradition: “I think, therefore I am.” Here’s what I find amusing and alarming about the man: He read almost

nothing besides the Bible and the work of Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas. He said that classic literature was a waste of time. Is that who we want at the heart of our approach to understanding reality? I say no. In accordance with the astrological omens, I authorize you to instead adopt one or both of the following formulas: “I feel, therefore I am” or “I dream, therefore I am.”

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You can’t give what you don’t have. Here’s a corollary: You can sort of half-give what you halfhave, but that may lead to messy complications and turn out to be worse than giving nothing at all.

So here’s what I recommend: Devote yourself to acquiring a full supply of what you want to give. Be motivated by the frustration you feel at not being able to give it yet. Call on your stymied generosity to be the driving force that inspires you to get the missing magic. When you’ve finally got it, give it.

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I suspect that one of your allies or loved ones will get caught in his or her own trap.

The way you respond will be crucial for how the rest of the story plays out. On the one hand, you shouldn’t climb into the trap with them and get tangled up in the snarl. On the other hand, it won’t serve your long-term interests to be cold and unhelpful. So what’s the

best strategy? First, empathize with their pain, but don’t make it your own. Second, tell the blunt truth in the kindest tone possible. Third, offer a circumscribed type of support that won’t compromise your freedom or integrity.

g

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In 1936, Libran author F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote about the “crack-up” he had experienced years earlier. It included this tough realization: “I had been only a mediocre caretaker of most of the things left in my hands, even my talent.” Let’s use this as a seed for your oracle. Have you been a good caretaker of your talent? Have you been a good caretaker for other things you are responsible for? Look within yourself and take inventory. If there’s anything lacking, now is an excellent time to raise your game. If you’re doing pretty well, reward yourself.

h

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): On a late summer day in 1666, scientist Isaac Newton was sitting under an apple tree in his mother’s garden in Lincolnshire, England. An apple fell off a branch and plummeted to the ground. A half-century later, he told his biographer that this incident inspired him to formulate the theory of gravity.

Fast forward to the year 2010.

Astronaut Piers Sellers got on the space shuttle Atlantis carrying a piece of Newton’s apple tree. He took it with him

as he escaped Earth’s gravity on his trip to the International Space Station. By my reading of the astrological omens, now would be an excellent time for you undertake a comparable gesture or ritual, Scorpio. With a flourish, update your relationship with an important point of origin.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Most birds don’t sing unless they are up high: either flying or perched somewhere off the ground. One species that isn’t subject to this limitation is the turnstone, a brightly mottled shorebird. As it strolls around beaches in search of food, it croons a tune that the Cornell Lab of Ornithology calls “a short, rattling chuckle.” In the coming weeks, this creature deserves to be your mascot -- or your power animal, as they say in New Age circles. Why? I doubt that you will be soaring. You won’t be gazing down at the human comedy from a detached location high above the fray.

But I expect you will be wellgrounded and good-humored -- holding your own with poise amidst the rough-and-tumble.

As you ramble, sing freely!

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Let’s discuss that thing you are eyeing and coveting and fantasizing about. My operative theory is that you can enjoy it without actually having it for your own. In fact, I think it will be best if you do enjoy it without possessing it. There’s an odd

magic at play here. If this desired thing becomes a fixed part of your life, it may interfere with you attracting two future experiences that I regard as more essential to your development. My advice is to avoid getting attached to the pretty good X-factor so as to encourage the arrival and full bloom of two stellar X-factors.

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Problems that remain persistently insoluble should always be suspected as questions asked in the wrong way,” said philosopher Alan Watts. You have either recently made a personal discovery proving that this is true, or else you will soon do so. The brain-scrambling, heart-whirling events of recent weeks have blessed you with a host of shiny new questions. They are vibrant replacements for the tired old questions that have kept at least one of your oldest dilemmas locked in place.

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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “There is for everyone some one scene, some one adventure, some one picture that is the image of his secret life,” said Irish poet William Butler Yeats. I invite you to identify that numinous presence, Pisces.

And then I urge you to celebrate and cultivate it. Give special attention to it and pay tribute to it and shower love on it. Why? Because now is an excellent time to recognize how important your secret life is to you -- and to make it come more fully alive than it has ever been.

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