Blank Gold Coast issue #36 – August 16

August'16

IVEY LEAGUE issue #036

MUSIC

FOOD

CULTURE

Phil Barlow GC at BIGSOUND The Green Room Klubknight Brooklyn

N3 Tapas Bar Griffith St Larder The Good Wolf The Loose Moose Little Bites

Dion Parker Australian Poetry Slam Shifting Sands The Guest Cat

LIFESTYLE Yoniverse Patagonia Indigenous Education Being Local Adaptive Surfing

MUSIC Nevill Staple Danny Widdicombe Hidden at Tugun Jay Bovino Mullum Music Fest

SUN 07 AUG

Soul Sistas of Matariki

Betty-Anne Monga (Ardijah), Annie Crummer, Ria Hall, Majic Paora, Lee Morunga and Raninikura Waitai-Henare

$55+BF / $65 at the door

MON 22 AUG Australian Tour

Steel Pulse (UK) $50+BF / $60 at the door

SUN 28 AUG

Honey Sliders feat. Tim Rogers + Ben Salter play Rolling Stones’ ‘Sticky Fingers’ $25+BF / $30 at the door

THU 13 OCT

The Wilson Pickers + Abbie Cardwell $20+BF / $25 at the door

FRI 21 OCT

Harry Manx (CANADA) $49+BF / $55 at the door

soundlounge soundlounge.com.au

point

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New location for Gold Coast Folk Festival

will also feature the inaugural Taste The Tweed, featuring local chefs, produce and gastronomic diversity of the Tweed Valley region. The lineup to date includes Kasey Chambers, Tex Perkins, Tim Rogers, John Williamson, Bill Chambers, Wes Carr, Vika & Linda Bull, Harry Hookey, Grizzlee Train, Eagle & The Wolf, Little Georgia, Hussy Hicks, Round Mountain Girls and more. It goes down 1 – 2 October and all the details are at tvcrfest.com.

There’s been no lineup announcement (yet), but Gold Coast Folk Festival have shared date and location for their 2016 event. It’s being moved to Broadbeach – Albert Waterways Community Centre to be exact, and will take place Saturday 8 October. Stay tuned for all the details in upcoming editions.

#036 AUGUST 2016 Editor: Samantha Morris Culture + Lifestyle Editor: Natalie O’Driscoll Design: Chloe Popa

Hitler’s Ice Elation a switch-hop offering

Advertising: Amanda Gorman Music Coordinator: Mella Lahina Money Coordinator: Phillippa Wright Sub editor: Cody McConnell Photographer: Leisen Standen, Lamp Photography Contributors: Trevor Jackson, Erin Bourne, Mella Lahina, Chloe Popa, Emma Whines, Aaron Chapman, Eden Tokatly, Anthony Gebhardt, Dominic Murray, Carmel E Lewis, Jake Wilton, Tiffany Mitchell, Natalie O’Driscoll, Samantha Morris, Anna Itkonen, Pip Andreas, Nae Kurth, Emily Russell, Sarah Loughlin, Terry “Tappa” Teece, Yanina Benevidez, Lizzy Keen, Marj Osborne, Kylie Cobb.

2016 Grant McLennan Fellowship Nominations are now open for the 2016 Grant McLennan Fellowship, founded in 2007 in honour of the late, great Queensland singer-songwriter and The Go-Betweens frontman Grant McLennan. The Fellowship provides an incredible chance for local songwriters to take their careers to a whole new level with a $25,000 bursary for travel to New York, London or Berlin. Applications close 19 September. All the details are at qmusic.com.au.

Femina Australis

Acknowledgement of Country We show our respect and sincerely acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and their elders past, present and emerging.

Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankgc.com.au About us: Blank GC is independently owned and published by Samantha Morris and Chloe Popa. Most of our writers contribute their time probono to boost the cultural scene on the Gold Coast. Founded in 2013 we are the Gold Coast’s independent cultural voice, relying on advertising to keep us in the fray. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor, publishers or the writing team.

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Gold Coast’s most eccentric underground duo will release their controversial debut single Ice Elation this month and play an exclusive run of dates to celebrate.

Comprising Freddy ‘Flyfingaz’ Holler and Carey O’Sullivan of Tijuana Cartel notoriety, Switchkraft’s new track is a mid-tempo, bassheavy EDM offering with a futuristing hiphop feel with the twisted lyrical encryptions of New Zealand born wordsmith Quam. The song explores the somewhat awkward topic of ice addiction and reflects satirically on the story of Adolf Hitler, who unbeknown to most was actually a rampant methamphetamine addict. Switchkraft will launch Ice Elation when they bring you Gold Coast Weird Science at The Avalon, Miami - Saturday 3 September. More at switchkraft.com.

Single launched into Deep Space Cheap Fakes are set to hit the road (and also airspace) for a tour of their yet-to-bereleased single Deep Space. But they best get a hurry on, because the tour starts in a week’s time. The Deep Space single tour will take in Japan, New Zealand and a bunch of Australian dates, including Brisbane’s Woolly Mammoth on 19 August and Gold Coast’s Miami Marketta on Friday 26 August.

They’ll also play Wollombi Music Festival, Caloundra Music Festival and Newstead Roots Festival in September and October.

Steve Kilbey, Radiators at NightQuarter

Maryen Cairns’ new album is a collection of songs about women, some well-known, others largely forgotten, whose stories have a place in Australian history. Among them are Birrung, Kate Kelly, Mary Reibey, Caroline Chisoholm, Oodgeroo Noonuccal and Edith Cowan.

Maryen launches Femina Australis on 30 July at The Arts Centre Gold Coast Basement.

Tickets are $20.

An incredible lineup of Australian talent will help round out the year of live music at NightQuarter when GoldFM Live takes place.

The lineup features Ross Wilson, Wendy Matthews, Glenn Shorrock, Eurogliders, Steve Kilbey, 1927, Rose Tattoo, Radiators and Shannon Noll. GoldFM Live takes place Saturday 3 December and tickets are on sale now. More at nightquarter.com.au.

Tweed Valley Country Roots

Emma Louise’s national tour stops in at Gold Coast

Murwillumbah, right at the base of Mt Warning, will be host to a new familyfriendly music festival for the Tweed Valley.

Running over the long weekend in October, a star-studded lineup has been announced, but the cherry on top is that the event

Multi-instrumentalist and singer/ songwriter Emma Louise will be embarking on a massive headline tour throughout October and November and Gold Coast is included in the schedule. She’s celebrating

her sophomore album Supercry, dubbed an ‘emotionally charged’ offering by Rolling Stone. From songwriting, to painting her own cover art, to designing her own costumes and driving concepts for her videos, Emma has a hand in everything to do with her art. So she’ll be right at home at Miami Marketta, which is where you can catch her on Thursday 20 October. Tickets via oztix.com.au.

Chastity Belts are in You might have seen Courtney Barnett sporting a Chastity Belt singlet in press shots, or on stage at Glastonbury. Don’t google chastity belt – it won’t get you what you’re looking for. Courtney Barnett is not touting a medieval virginityprotection system. Chastity Belt is, in fact, a Seattle rock band consisting of four women who are on their way to Australia for their debut tour. Debut album No Regerts included tracks such as Giant Vagina and Pussy, Weed, Beer.

Their transcendent and charming live shows have taken them on tour to Europe twice, earned them the support slot on one of Courtney Barnett’s multiple US tours and seen them share stages with Wire, Death Cab For Cutie and Protomartyr. Chastity Belt are at elsewhere, 30 September.

Tickets via oztix.com.au.

together in 2015 and Aztec is their first offering, hinting at their diverse influences. It’s a riff-driven alternative rock track that saw the band work with producer Matt Bartlem (Dead Letter Circus). It’s the first song off a soon to be released EP, so be sure to keep your ears peeled. You can listen to Aztec via Soundcloud.

Chelsea Rockwells’ debut Three-piece rockers Chelsea Rockwells have released debut single Aztec. Comprising Jay Vincent (bass / vox), Sean Dalton (drums) and Nathan Mills (guitar), the group came

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IVEY LEAGUE “I don’t know how it works, but it works.”

This is IVEY lead singer Millie Perks’ assessment of her Gold Coast band. While Millie is referring to the song-writing process, she also reveals something far more resonant. As she indicates, IVEY are a paradox, but also incredibly simple.

On the surface, IVEY’s status in the local music scene may seem unlikely, given their youth. Yet their success is not only natural, but entirely expected.

“We do take ourselves seriously, in the aspects of our actual output,” he asserts.

And the output speaks for itself. On rotation on triple j Unearthed, identified in Spotify playlists as newcomers to watch, professional recorded music, their first headlining show, being added to the roster for Shakafest and scoring a finalist berth for Emerging Artist of the Year for the Gold Coast Music Awards

reputation, leading to their recent debut as headliners at elsewhere. But this wasn’t always the case. For Millie in particular, finding the confidence to lead the band was an acquired skill. “[At first] I was like, ‘oh my god there’s people there, I don’t want to sing.’ I’d literally just stand there on stage,” she reflects. “But then as time goes on I kind of realised - and the others told me - that I had to involve the crowd more.”

One overriding factor dictates this: IVEY are both a band and a family. To them, the two aspects are inextricable, with their tight-knit dynamic pervading throughout their music.

And despit making significant progress in their short time together, IVEY know there’s still vast room for improvement.

Given everyone’s busy academic schedules, they realise a methodical approach is necessary, rather than trying to do everything at once.

For Lachie, performing elicits a different sensation. “It’s like excited nerves. And you also don’t want to fuck up,” he says.

IVEY’s familial closeness is apparent long before entering lead guitarist Lachie McGuffie’s home. Vibrant laughter echoes beneath the ajar front door, while the aroma of home-cooked meatballs lingers. Inside, IVEY are nestled on an outdoor couch, glistening with sweat after another “intense” practice session.

“Yeah, we were pretty rushy when we started releasing music, especially the EP last year,” Lachie reflects. “So now, we’re taking our time, and we want to make sure we get things right.”

Primarily, Lachie attributes these advances to playing alongside experienced, established bands and observing their routines.

“We all just have this really strong friendship,” Lachie says.

“Yeah, we’re like a family that plays music,” Millie elaborates.

“We treat each other like brothers and sisters. Sometimes we just hate each other, and then we love each other.”

Drummer Matt McGuffie has a slightly different opinion.

“I got forced into it,” he laughs, before clarifying, “no, I was born into it. It really is a family.”

On a blood level, IVEY are family. Lachie and Matt McGuffie are brothers, two years apart. Further, the siblings have known bassist Dante Martin since he was six. For years, this inseparable core trio played in bands predating IVEY. Then, four years ago, Millie completed the family.

Stemming from this friendship, another factor distinguishes IVEY: music is their priority and also their passion. The two are not mutually exclusive. Simply, IVEY seek to enjoy themselves, and believe that by doing so, everything else will fall into place.

“I guess by the time Millie’s 18, that’s when we want to be popular.”

This continuous growth and re-evaluation is clear in IVEY’s music, making it difficult to pinpoint their genre.

Apparently, Millie prompted this, causing a tonal overhaul that resulted in a mellower sound.

“Because my voice is really soft and weird,” she says.

Lachie clarifies that this doesn’t mean evolution for evolution’s sake, but for the sake of growth and progress.

“We’re like a Pokémon: always evolving,” Matt notes.

“It’s forever changing. Even new songs that Lachie writes sound different to a lot of our other songs,” Millie reiterates.

IVEY say their development is subtly noticeable in their ability to craft a song, laughing as they reflect on earlier, rawer lyrics. These days, while Lachie remains the principle songwriter, writing is a more collaborative process.

“We’re trying to have fun doing it, and if it works out that people like the music we play, then great,” Dante says.

“Lachie sits at home and he’s obviously got the most emotional deepness. He brings [the song] to us, and Dante and I draft it like an English teacher,” Matt explains “Mark it, fix it up, send it back, see what the feedback is.”

This youthful enthusiasm is natural, considering Millie and Matt are still in high school, and Lachie and Dante are midway through university degrees.

“After that, everyone comes in and does their own little touches. Obviously Millie with vocals, and everyone touches up whatever they feel needs it.”

“We’re all kids, we can’t really do much else,” Lachie remarks before emphasising that their relaxed demeanours shouldn’t be mistaken for laziness or apathy.

Refining their song-writing is one thing, but, according to IVEY, performing these songs is a truer measure of success.

Recently, spirited performances have enhanced IVEY’s

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“It’s a massive experience, and I think you just get better as you go,” Dante observes.

“You learn off them and want to step up your game,” he says.

According to Millie, these performance skills also help IVEY to grow their fan-base, leading to familiar faces appearing at gigs.

“I recognise people off Instagram. I mean, it sounds stupid, but there are people that follow us on Instagram and then they come to our gigs and you do recognise them,” she enthuses.

Given this, IVEY are particularly upbeat when discussing their long-term future. There is no hesitation or uncertainty – IVEY know exactly what they want. This is their dream, and they’ve been planning it since childhood.

“Long-term: tours, headline shows, hopefully selling out a few shows, and festivals,” Lachie says.

Broadly, everyone agrees, but they also have a more specific goal in mind.

“Splendour [in the Grass],” Dante asserts.

However, while fame, money, and admiration would be ideal, IVEY’s ambitions are far simpler.

“We just want to have fun and do our thing,” Lachie remarks.

“This is what we like doing. If we could make a living off of it, that would be sweet.”

Dominic Murray

IVEY JOIN DRAPHT, DUNE RATS, SPIT SYNDICATE, THE VANNS, PEACH FUR, WHITE BLANKS AND VON VILLAINS FOR SHAKAFEST AT MIAMI TAVERN ON 27 AUGUST.

what’s on this weekend?

NIGHT MARKETS � MUSIC � EATS � EVENTS

nightquarter.com.au

02 july 8 oct � safia

3 dec � gold fm live

02 july 24 sept � bjorn again

05 august

12 august

19 august

20 august

26 august

MATTY ROGERS

HUNTER & SMOKE

PEACH FUR // LOTUS SHIP

GENA ROSE BRUCE

ALBUM LAUNCH

zefereli

áine tyrrell

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ivey

1800 264 448

ella hooper

casey barnes

1 town centre drive, helensvale

TELLING STORIES: BRIDGET O’SHANNESSY If you were to Google the words young, bubbly, country musician, Irish surname; you will more than likely see the bright, smiling face of Bridget O’Shannessy pop up on your screen. At least that’s how American fashion designer Jeff Garner found her, when he sought her out to play at his shows.

Bridget if there is a story behind He Doesn’t Know.

“I received a random email, out of nowhere,” explains Bridget excitedly.

“Inspiration just comes to me at any time.

I jot down things I see or hear to save away as lyrics. Sitting on the bus, daydreaming, waking from a strange dream at night. Even from a shop sign.”

“Jeff was looking for a young country musician to play during his shows at Eco Fashion week and apparently his friend had seen me play at the Ekka and made the recommendation.”

She continues. “It started with his show in Brisbane, then Sydney, Vancouver and next I am heading to Eco Fashion week in London with him in September.”

“Not a lot of people realise when they light up your day. One day, a guy at school just really made my day so I wrote a song about it.”

Gold Coasters who are looking forward to hearing much more from this adorable young storyteller will be stoked to hear there may be a Gold Coast performance coming up in a few months.

Chloe Popa Image: Kitty Kitty Bang Bang

“I got to wear a dress Taylor Swift had worn at the Sydney show. I almost died!”

Phil Barlow emerged as a solo acoustic musician in 2011 with the release of his EP, Shades of Grey and quickly discovered the power of a band. Enter Phil Barlow and The Wolf - a four piece band, sometimes five, they debuted with their album, Phoenix Rising in late 2012 and toured Australia’s East and South Coast throughout 2013 and 2014.

Of course it’s not all fashion shows and Taylor Swift for this young starlet. At just 16 years old, Bridget works hard to balance her budding music career and complete her final year of school at Brisbane Music Industry College.

Having recently returned from the performance in Vancouver and a stint in Nashville where she was a finalist in a song writing contest, I ask Bridget what it’s like to manage study around touring and performing.

As well as a stand-out performance last year to a 2000-strong Mitchell Creek Rock n Blues Festival audience (their third year at the festival due to popular demand), Phil and his band also played killer sets at this year’s Blues on Broadbeach – again to much acclaim.

“Studying at Brisbane Music Industry College is perfect for me. They combine career stuff with school. In maths we did a project where we created a budget for a world tour, for example.”

“It’s also late start, late finish which means I can sleep in if I need to after a weekend festival. Something that was definitely frowned upon at my previous school!”

Bridget first performed on stage at just nine years old and hasn’t looked back.

“I was very nervous and stood completely still as I sang (Pony by Kasey Chambers), but I loved every moment.”

Bridget’s first official single He Doesn’t Know is set to be released on 10 August, People’s Day at Ekka, where Bridget will be opening the event and performing throughout the 10 day Brisbane Exhibition.

Curious about where one so young draws her song writing inspiration from, I asked 8

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HOWLING IN TO SURFERS: PHIL BARLOW

It’s been a while since we’ve spoken with Phil Barlow but not much has changed.

YOU CAN CATCH BRIDGET O’SHANNESSY LIVE DURING EKKA 4 – 14 AUGUST. HE DOESN’T KNOW WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH ITUNES FROM 10 AUGUST.

Image: Lamp Photography

“The band is in a real nice space at the moment,” he said when I asked what’s been happening. “Enjoying the growing musical language with the space for spontaneous creation. It feels as though crowds are feeling that too and we are loving that connection.”

Some of the crowds of which he speaks are those who flocked to Phil Barlow and the Wolf shows at Blues on Broadbeach. Shows which came with rave reviews (particularly if ladies’ underwear thrown on the stage is anything to go by).

“Saturday night we played at the Liars Bar and it was intense and wild,” he said. “A full house with hungry ears and hearts full of the good stuff.”

“We rehearsed a few times leading up to keep the edges square so we could get loose in all the right places.”

“Sunday at The Envy Hotel was awesome in a different way. Raw, open, welcome home, where did you come from, good people kind of vibe.”

“Once Eric Burdon finished the crowd grew a lot, just in time for our second set with Scotty French. He randomly stepped in on drums as he just so happened to have a kit in the car!”

Scotty French, at it again.

Phil says he’s particularly excited about the show he’s scored at The Avenue on 14 August.

“The new Avenue is set up well for a show,” he said, of the city’s newest live music venue.

“We are now exploring the sax infused fourpiece with Brad Scriven recently joining the band and so we look forward to sharing that with Gold Coast howlers.”

“People can expect true live music, presence, fun, freedom and growth.”

Samantha Morris

PHIL BARLOW AND THE WOLF HIT THE AVENUE IN SURFERS PARADISE ON SUNDAY 14 AUGUST.

KLUBKNIGHT RELEASE SINGLE AND VIDEO FOR UNTITLE8 Klubknight, dark electro duo from the Gold Coast, are going from strength to strength. Following the success of their EP Blackboard, the hardworking Brett and Chris have collaborated with Blank contributor Jake Wilton to create their own PR agency and record label GD FRNDS, and have also found time to record and produce a video for new single, Untitle8.

First of all, excuse me but how do you pronounce Untitle8 and is there any meaning behind this?

It’s pronounced UN-TITLE-EIGHT. The track is called untitle8 because when we start working on a track they're called untitled and most of the track was patched in an FM8 synth. So untitle8 it became.

How does it feel to have completed the video for Untitle8 (which is great btw) and to be able to release your opus single finally?

It feels good to finally have it our there. We’ve actually been sitting on it for a couple of months. It wasn’t ever really a plan to release it this way.

But after we shot the video we thought it should go to media as a single and video.

Klubknight is progressively getting better and better with each new release. What’s in store for the future?

We have a catalogue of tunes we’re working on for another release sometime soon!

You appear to have a solid support network and fan base, how important has this been in your KK journey?

Presented by

Yeah everyone who throws us support is much appreciated. We just love sitting around writing and playing with different synth patches and stuff so for people to actually like what we do is great!

You used to host a rad radio show on Rabbit Radio. Are you still doing this?

Nope. All my time is taken up by Klubknight and GD FRNDS now.

I heard you’ve just been overseas? Was that business or pleasure?

It was pleasure. Two and a half weeks of bliss with minimal communication access. So nice to switch off!

Is it true you will be touring soon?

It is true. The team are working on something as we speak!

&

DISCOVER THE FUTURE OF MUSIC

AUGUST Friday 5 August / 8pm / $10 Entry Baltimore Gun Club + The Post (Melb) + Labjacket + Nila Bonda Saturday 6 August / 8pm / $10 Entry Black Rheno (Syd) + Knights + Valhalla Mist + Handful Of Helmet Friday 12 August / 8pm / $10 Entry Prime Riff "Album Launch" + Oz Rock All Stars + Dogtags

BIGSOUND FESTIVAL

Friday 19 August / 8pm / $10 Entry Deja Vudu "Single Launch" + Stone Witches "EP Launch" + UverseU + Leavings Restaurant + Bar + Gaming Serving tapas until 10pm Courtesy bus available – 5534 2322 www.currumbincreektavern.com.au

TIX ON SALE NOW . SEP 7-9 . BIGSOUND.ORG.AU

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CAFÉ CATALINA BOASTS PREMIUM LOCAL ROSTER It’s hard to imagine anything more Gold Coast than watching colours change over the Broadwater as the sun sets on a Sunday afternoon. And Café Catalina, located in Broadwater Parklands has capitalised on just that, announcing a killer lineup of local musicians to get you off the couch on Sundays.

CULTURAL UNITY A FOCUS FOR CASEY BARNES

YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE YOUTH

Casey Barnes this week announced his addition to independent label Social Family Records as well as the release date for his new album Live As One which touches on the topics of love, unity and equality across culture and gender.

The café is providing a platform for Gold Coast musicians to grow their audience by providing live music every Sunday.

Jason McGregor, Kenny Slide, Jackson James Smith, Nyssa Berger and Jacob Lee all have shows over coming weeks.

'Its been a long time coming, plenty of bloody hard work and a very difficult secret to keep but absolutely thrilled to announce the brand new single and album release today plus the signing with Social Family Records,” Casey told Blank GC.

“I love playing in intimate venues where I can really connect with the audience, share my CDs and directly explain my songs and my song lyrics,” Jacob Lee said.

“Without local cafes and bars supporting local talent, I fear there will be no avenues for artists to grow and experience the industry,” he said.

“Local venues supporting upcoming musicians can make or break a young artist.”

Café Catalina is located in Broadwater Parklands adjacent to the Southport pool and is open seven days from 7.00am. Its Sunday sessions run from 3.00pm.

7 August – Jason McGregor

"I usually leave my home in Mount Tamborine at around 5.00 to 5.30am so I can get to Brisbane at 7.00am to start school at Music Industry College. The day that follows is usually packed with recording, gigs and some normal classes in-between."

14 August – Kenny Slide 21 August – Jackson James Smith 28 August – Jacob Lee 4 September – Kenny Slide

18 September – Jackson James Smith 25 September – Jacob Lee 2 October – Jason McGregor 9 October – Nyssa Berger Image: Jacob Lee (c) Lamp Photography

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Emma Whines sits down to chat with Musician Jared Plant about coping with the struggles of year 12, focusing on the little things in life and, oh, there's also that pesky EP that he's releasing and the five instruments that he's learnt before he's even finished high school, but hey, it's all in a day’s work.

A harmonica, 12 string guitar, six string guitar, trumpet, stomp box and a loop pedal aren't the usual items you'd find in a teenagers suitcase but for 17 year old Jared Plant these are all a part of his usual Monday morning commute.

31 July – Jackson James Smith

11 September Scott Dalton

FIVE INSTRUMENTS AT FIVE AM

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While the talented youth is in the midst of finishing off his high school career, music (thankfully) has never taken a backseat and he's managed to not only learn all the instruments mentioned above but also include most of them in an upcoming EP. "The songs have been a work in the progress for a while now. Some are to groove along too, some are to cry along with and others are to be off the rails, you-have-to-workSplendour-weekend, angry with but they are all, at the end of the day, an expression of myself," say Jared.

With constant comparisons to John Butler, Jared is fully aware of his talent and I mean how could you not when you shift from trumpet to guitar without even thinking about it, but with true Aussie nature, he takes it all in his stride while focusing on the simple things in life and appreciating music as a whole. This makes for minimalistic but jaw dropping gigs that allow you to appreciate live acoustic music like you're hearing it again for the first time.

To find out where Jared is playing next and to keep up with the release of his EP like him on Facebook: Jared Plant Music.

Emma Whines

“I really feel this album is my best to date,” he said.

Most of the tracks on Live as One were co-written and produced by Casey Barnes and Rick Price, with Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzi also adding their touch.

“I couldn't be more thrilled to be signing on with Social Family Records...one of the most exciting labels in the country,” he said.

The first single and title-track from the album Live As One, which was recorded in Nashville, will hit radio on 1 August and will be available for digital download that same day.

We’ve had a sneak peak at the video and it’s a powerful montage of cultural diversity. It also features some wellknown Australian personalities, adding their voice to the powerful message the song conveys.

LIVE AS ONE WILL LAUNCH AT NIGHTQUARTER ON 26 AUGUST. PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE FROM 1 AUGUST.

GREEN ROOM PROJECT Community arts organisation, Expressive Ground has expanded its Green Room program to include a practical series of workshops targeted squarely at artists and musicians navigating the music industry.

Held through August and September, the four-part series focuses on releasing music, booking gigs, touring, event management, music business and music management.

Music Industry Inside Out, an online music hub and community is collaborating on the series. Music Industry Inside Out helps people build sustainable careers in music by assisting them with contemporary skills to achieve their full potential.

Boutique management and mentoring agency, WHO Agencies and accounting and business advisory service, Account Me In are

also conducting a workshop. Collectively, WHO and Account Me In work with artists such as Ella Fence, Aquila Young and The Ruiins.

Josie Cooper, who runs Account Me In and is also one of the volunteers behind Expressive Grounds said those who take part in the series will get to learn and network with the best. But that’s not all.

“They will have the opportunity to work together and use Expressive Ground as a venue to put on and manage their own music event,” Josie said.

The Green Room Experience is now in its fourth year. The program has run an annual battle of the bands competition aimed at high school students and recently facilitated a song writing workshop with the ever-talented Dan Hannaford.

“The talent we have seen so far from artists that have taken part has been amazing,” Josie said.

“We saw a real need to further expand the program by helping to educate and mentor artists and also those that wanted to work with them.”

“We tried to develop this series so that it would be beneficial to all those trying to navigate the music industry and to give them the skills and resources to put on their own show here at Expressive Ground at the completion of the program,” Josie said.

The four-part series runs 10.00am – 12.30pm on Saturday mornings from 20 August – 10 September and costs $25. Expressive

Grounds is located at Tallebudgera.

Registration is essential. Contact expressiveground@gmail.com or phone Josie on 0404 424 921.

20 AUGUST: RELEASING YOUR MUSIC WITH EDDIE JACOBSON 27 AUGUST: BOOKING GIGS AND TOURING 3 SEPTEMBER: EVENT MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING 10 SEPTEMBER: MUSIC MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS

The Green Room

Are You Experienced?

20th Aug - Releasing Your Music Series Music Industry Inside Out & Eddie Jacobson (Evil Eddie, Butterfingers)

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27th Aug - Booking Gigs & Touring Music Industry Inside Out

3rd Sept - Event Planning & Management Music Industry Inside Out

10th Sept - Music Management & Business Who Agencies & Account Me In @Expressive Ground (end of Tallebudgera Dr) Saturdays 10am - 12.30pm - $25

Those that take part in 3 workshops will have the opportunity to put on their own event at Expressive Ground *conditions apply

FREE EVENT BUSTAMENTO MONICA TRAPAGA Hanlon Brothers Chukale Afro Cuban Salsa Ensemble HOT POTATO BAN THE FURBELOWS DEZZIE D AND THE STINGRAYZ THE CIRCUS FIREMEN The Kitty Kats The Ravi Welsh Trio Mzaza Caxton Street Jazz Band Jake Meywes Dave Kemp Group

AUGUST 20-21, 2016

Ph:

www.broadbeachjazz.com 12

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THE HONEYSLIDERS ROCKING THE ROLLING STONES On 28 August, Soundlounge is offering a special opportunity for music lovers. Tim Rogers will perform with Danny Widdicombe’s band, The Honeysliders and Ben Salter. This isn’t going to be just any gig; they’re going to be playing Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers album in its entirety. It’s bound to be an epic night and to get you pumped for it, Danny Widdicombe tells Erin Bourne how it all came about.

The Honeysliders have previously performed Neil Young’s album On The Beach, where did that idea come from?

want to be a Rolling Stones tribute band, it’s more about bringing our favourite albums back to life on stage.

In 2013, we were asked to perform Jimi Hendrix’s album Axis: Bold as Love. We did that as a trio and it’s no easy feat to pull that off respectfully, so were proud of ourselves to say the least and it was more fun than we could have imagined. That’s when we decided that for the next few years at least, we should pick some of our favourite albums and dig deep into them, learning all the subtleties and nuances, the story of the recording process and deliver a live version of those albums that we treasure. 2014 was Neil’s On the Beach, last year we played a sold out show when we did The Band’s classic live album The Last Waltz with 30 special guests including Bernard Fanning, Troy Cassar-Daley, Jeff Lang and many, many more. It was to celebrate the 20th anniversary of me battling and living with leukaemia and it was a night to remember.

Why Sticky Fingers, beyond it being the 45th anniversary of the album?

You’re an accomplished songwriter, why cover another band’s album?

No. I’ve toured with Tim, playing lead guitar in his band The Temperance Union and he knows that I respect him greatly. I asked him if he’d like to fly up and sing these songs and he said yes straight away. He is a gorgeous man.

The only way to learn about music is to study what’s happened in the past. When you delve into other people’s songs you start to have a vague understanding of what makes these great songwriters tick. All four classic albums that we’ve studied over the last few years are by artists who spent a great deal of time themselves learning from their influences. There’d be no Rolling Stones without Muddy Waters or John Lee Hooker.

The same goes for us (on a much smaller scale of course! Ha). It’s not so much that we

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Sticky Fingers has been hugely influential in all of our formative years and it still gives us inspiration. I learnt to play guitar by listening and playing along with guitarist Mick Taylor and this is the first full album with him as a fully fledged member of The Stones. The songs are so bloody good!

Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’, Moonlight Mile… Last night at rehearsal I looked around the room mid song and everyone had a grin from ear to ear. It’s challenging because we want to get it right and we have high expectations, but at the same time it’s incredibly rewarding.

Was it hard to convince Tim Rogers and Ben Salter to come along for the ride?

Ben Salter is like a brother to me. We’re in a band together called The Wilson Pickers.

He’s not only a talented songwriter, he’s one of the best vocalists in the country, no matter which country he happens to be in. He’s been a big supporter of one over the years and I’m rapt that he’s flying up for this too.

What would you like people to get from the show?

My main goal from any show is to create some sort of connection with the audience.

If people feel like they’ve been included in an experience and we’ve shared music together for a few hours and we’ve all forgotten our troubles then we’ve done our job.

Any more ideas for other albums to perform?

I’m about to release a new album with my band The Wilson Pickers so once we’ve performed Sticky Fingers I’ll be concentrating on that.

YOU CAN CATCH THE HONEY SLIDERS AT SONNY’S HOUSE OF BLUES IN BRISBANE. THEY’RE ONE OF THE HOUSE BANDS. AND THE WILSON PICKERS NEW ALBUM YOU CAN’T CATCH FISH FROM A TRAIN IS DUE SOON. THEY’LL BE AT SOUNDLOUNGE ON 13 OCTOBER. THE STICKY FINGERS SHOW IS SUNDAY 28 AUGUST AT 4.00PM. MORE AT SOUNDLOUNGE.COM.AU.

HIDDEN: TUGUN PROHIBITION BAR TURNS ONE On 24 July 2015 a windowless, empty room behind The Groove Cafe on Golden Four Drive in Tugun gave birth to a prohibition style bar known as Hidden. Since then the venue has gone about steadily building a profile among discerning Gold Coasters in the know. And on the occasion of the venue's one year anniversary, Anthony Gebhardt chatted with venue (and Groove Cafe) owner James Park about the journey so far and what the future holds in the world of Hidden.

Hidden is open from Thursday to Sunday from 4.00pm to 11.00pm. Jazz, latin and blues-based live music feature prominently in the Hidden oeuvre, with acts such as Matty Rogers and Steve Lovelight typically playing the room on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

Entertainment is in the blood for Groove Cafe and Hidden owner, opera performer and singing barista James Park. Borne from his love of performance, James saw an opportunity to give something back culturally to the area outside of just another run of the mill bar. And to do something with the hole in the wall that was once a clothes shop sitting behind his cafe.

"I've done 50 singing barista shows in Groove/Hidden in our first year - a three course meal and a couple of hours of singing, with a piano accordion player. We put on two burlesque shows recently, one in May and one in June, which were sold out. They were great events and obviously the style of the place suits burlesque performance really well."

Says James; "Live music and the arts is what I love above all, and the space lent itself ideally to a Prohibition Bar style set up, no windows, down a back alley, that sort of vibe. I felt that it's stylish, boutique nature was something that people on the Gold Coast were looking for. Cultural diversity and the feeling of belonging to a location because of unique venues, is I think what the Gold Coast desperately needs, forever."

I asked James to encapsulate the Hidden experience in a sentence; "You walk into the place and immediately feel the special atmosphere, a one of a kind on the Gold Coast, like something straight out of Melbourne or New York."

Prohibition Bars are a throwback to the hidden drinking spots and 'speakeasies' of the 1920's prohibition era. James embraced the look and feel of these establishments when creating Hidden, from the classic decor to the sharply dressed attire of larger than life barman Tony Curtis. From antique mirrors and fringed lampshades through to tables made from old church doors, the venue oozes its own special charm. Adds James; "A lot of the artwork in there I've done myself, like the piano cut in half. There's bits of it all around the place and some of the keys have turned up in the artwork itself."

I ask James about what other sort of entertainment Hidden put on.

Tugun is still somewhat of a sleepy enclave, but James is keen to be in it for the long haul and establish Hidden as an iconic southern Gold Coast locale with a difference.

"This is a standalone venue that needed an angle that would draw people to a location like Tugun, where you can shoot a gun down the street at 7.00pm at night and not hit anyone!

And we don't have any street frontage, people actually have to come and seek us out. So in order to succeed it needed to have a unique style and character of its own."

With the venue recently celebrating its one year anniversary on 24 July it seems that James is onto something. And over the coming 12 months, as well as continuing with the singing barista, burlesque and live music events, James is also keen to diversify into the realms of comedy and poetry nights.

And backing up its magical ambience and quality entertainment, Hidden also delivers culinary delights such as scrumptious tapas, courtesy of Spanish chef Antonio Martinez, an extensive range of wines and cocktails and a killer craft beer range. So if you've yet to experience the thrill and delights on offer when you step through the old doors and enter the bygone world of Hidden, be sure to schedule in a visit soon!

Anthony Gebhardt

TUGUN’S HIDDEN TREASURE great tapas, cocktails & live entertainment Thursday - Sunday from 4pm 455 Golden Four Drive Tugan (behind Groove Cafe) /hiddenatgroove

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THE BOOK OF BYRON Image: Lamp Photography

SHEPPARD MEMBER HERDING IN THE REVIEWS

Byron’s fifth studio album Revelations conjures a light vs. dark / good vs. evil mood with clever and sometimes dark lyrics.

Byron describes writing the album as a cleansing process.

He’s spent four years touring the world as a key songwriter and guitarist in Australia’s favourite ARIA-winning indie pop act Sheppard, but behind the scenes, Jay Bovino has become more than just one of the world’s most sought-after musical collaborators. Blank GC’s Eden Tokatly caught up with him to discuss the new global smash of his own, Get You Alone.

“I was wrestling with some issues at the time of writing. Life of a rock and roller, drinking too much.”

Jay co-wrote Geronimo which went #1 in over 20 countries across the world.

“I’m not very good at spilling my guts on a one-on-one basis, but I guess I wrote myself out of a corner through my lyrics.”

“I still don’t think I’ve comprehended that and it hasn't really sunk in. We’ve had the last six months off and I guess we’ve started to think about what we've done in the last five years.

It’s been a whirlwind of a journey.”

For someone who has never bought into religion, Byron Short certainly has a prophetic way with words. After telling me that he reads a lot of science journals and would like to die on Mars, the vibe of his up-coming album seemed to be a little contradictory to the self-professed space nut sitting across from me.

Citing musical influences throughout his life like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and BB King, Revelations can be described as a rock album with a blues and soul undertone.

“Lyrically it’s pretty full on, but there are also some tongue in cheek lines.”

“One of the songs on the album, Pills, speaks for itself. There is a lot of fun in that song. We actually shook two pill bottles as one of the background sounds.”

“I like to get a little weird in the studio and use sounds that other people may not.”

And about that studio? He has built his own of course.

Named Endurance after a turn of the century ship, Byron built the studio with his ship-builder father.

Jay talks about his concerns to repeat the success; “I think we were feeling the pressures at the start of the year when we started writing this album, naturally. Just subconsciously it was sort of always there anytime we’d write a song, but once we had gotten into the studio and just wrote a whole bunch that feeling started to dissipate.”

Two Brisbane siblings, Amy and George Sheppard, began collaborating on tunes together in 2009. Today, Sheppard are a six piece indie-pop band who encountered phenomenal success last year, “There are 3 songwriters in the group, myself George and Amy and it’s pretty collaborative, one of us might start a song and pitch it to the other two and it’ll all be from there.”

“The studio looks like a ship, it has a big steering wheel and portholes, a lot of maritime memorabilia and a library. It’s kind of like a nerdy man cave.”

Jay’s solo material sees him in the production driver’s seat for the first time, mixing EDM and pop to create a sound equally at home on the dance floor and the airwaves.

Byron is a DIY man; writing, performing, recording, producing, funding and releasing his own music. It seems that his self-built studio ship is just the space that he needs to nurture his musical journey.

“I’ve always been interested in exploring different genres and I guess electronic music being the future of music. It’s always been something I wanted to explore and I think there is just no boundaries really.”

Byron Short and The Sunset Junkies is Byron Short (guitar / vox), Jeremy Klysz (bass), Richie Thayil (keys) and Jake Cody Tracey (Drummer).

Get You Alone features a stunning vocal performance from Sunshine Coast’s Sahara Beck, who's performed at countless festivals including Bluesfest, Queenscliff and BIGSOUND.

Chloe Popa

PRE-ORDER REVELATIONS NOW, THROUGH ITUNES AND THE LAUNCH TOUR INCLUDES SHOWS AT BURLEIGH UNDERGROUND DRUMMERS ON 19 AUGUST AND THE RAILS IN BYRON ON 20 AUGUST. 18

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“I saw her play live a couple of days after writing the song and knew immediately that she’d be perfect for the track, from the moment she got in the studio and played down the vocals, it was just perfect,” he said.

GET YOU ALONE IS OUT NOW. EDEN’S FULL INTERVIEW WITH JAY IS AT BLANKGC.COM.AU.

MULLUM DROPS FIRST LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT The streets and venues of Mullumbimby will once again come alive when Mullum Music Festival rolls into town from 17 – 20 November. And leading the lineup announcement is steel guitar wielding goddess Eilen Jewell (USA). She’ll ride her Half-broke Horse into town alongside dirty blues duo The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer (Canada). West African percussionist Epizo Bangoura is also on the bill.

On the homefront, Tash Sultana, Gareth Liddiard, Henry Wagons and The Only Children and Gold Coaster Bobby Alu with his band The Palm Royale get a guernsey too.

All in all, 80 artists will perform over four days across 12 venues.

The full lineup to date is: Eilen Jewell (USA), The Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer (CAN), Julien Baker (USA), Henry Wagons & The Only Children, Olympia, Gareth Liddiard, Matt Andersen (CAN), Tash Sultana, Suzannah Espie, William Crighton, Lior, Epizo Bangoura (West Africa), The Meltdown, Bobby Alu and the Palm Royale, Sahara Beck, Hat Fitz & Cara and Jordie Lane with more to be announced in coming months.

MULLUM MUSIC FESTIVAL RUNS 17 – 20 NOVEMBER AND TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT MULLUMMUSICFESTIVAL.COM.

SYNAESTHESIA WITH VEOPLE’S JAY JERMYN Coolangatta musician and artist Jay Jermyn was just telling me about his travels through Albania. Now he’s telling me that he sees the colour purple when listening to Led Zeppelin.

BROOKLYN BOUND FOR CREAMFIELDS Broadbeach-based DJ Brooklyn is no stranger to packed out audiences, with clubbers flocking to her high energy sets. Having been headhunted by the organisers in the UK to play at the world’s biggest electronic music festival Creamfields in August, international success can’t be far behind for this Biloela-born beauty. Mella Bunker shot the stylish spinner a few questions.

What do you love most about living on the GC? I love the lifestyle, it’s like we get the best of both world with an awesome city nightlife and chilled beach life. We are so blessed with such good weather here too, after travelling from places like Melbourne I appreciate the warmth.

Tell us about the biggest gig you’ve ever played?

My biggest as in number of people would have to the show I played on New Year’s Day at Eatons Hill in Brisbane. They had almost 6,000 people attend. I must admit I was a little nervous for that one but was the most amazing show.

What are your thoughts on the GC music scene?

I am only really familiar with the dance music scene here which is growing. We have so much talent, from resident DJs to touring DJ's and producers. It’s a great place to kick start a music career.

What's the biggest challenge for up-andcoming Australian artists?

These days it seems like everyone is or wants to be a DJ, the challenge is to stand out above the rest. You need a point of difference. I see too many young DJs trying to be like other big artists when they should just be themselves, because by being themselves they are offering something no one else can.

If you could take five artists on a road trip around Australia, who would you choose?

I'd take some of my fellow Aussie DJ friends like Some Blonde, who I have done a lot of shows with and for female company, Mashd N Kutcher and Press Play because they are the funniest guys and will keep me entertained then I'd take Calvin Harris who I have had a crush on forever (haha) and The Chainsmokers because I'm a big fan of their work at the moment.

The most under-rated musician right now?

I’ve had a few shows with this young 17-year-old called Tyron Hapi, he is just starting out and has released some weapon tunes, so I think give it a year and he will be massive.

If you could give one piece of advice to a large group of people, what would it be?

Being so present on social media I would like to say something about online bullying, it has become a real problem in today’s society. I would try make people understand the effect it has on someone, you don't know what someone may already be going through.

What’s your most vivid musical memory?

I have so many amazing moments it’s hard to just pick one, a common one I have is when I'm playing a show and just for a minute I stop and look around and see the crowd looking at me with their hands up, to have so many people come together and be in that moment with you is what I live for.

AS WELL AS CREAMFIELDS, BROOKLYN PLAYS IT’S THE SHIP IN NOVEMBER – THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST EDM CRUISE FESTIVAL AND ASIA’S LARGEST.

“Weird because Prince is always associated with the colour purple,” Jay laughs.

For Jay, a practitioner of all things artistic, I suppose discussing synaesthesia is commonplace. It’s insightful talk for a 25-year-old.

Seven years ago Jay unwrapped his first guitar and began travelling the fret board to this point; his band, Veople is on rotation on Triple J Unearthed, amassing an international following and more importantly, creating an experience-focused, cultural platform for other artists … and they’ve never even played a gig.

“How did Veople start?” I ask. Jay throws his head back with a laugh and says, “Ah! Good story.” It was a self-imposed challenge with fellow musician, Matt Powell. “Let’s write and record a song in one day!”

A day and a half later Veople was formed and the product of that session had been uploaded to Jay’s SoundCloud account to show his friends.

“After uploading Riviera, it ended up on Hillydilly. Then I got an email from Danger Village Music Publishing in L.A. asking if we were represented. All within three days,” Jay says. “It just went nuts.”

Although having built his portfolio website, Jay admits to lacking basic PR skills, “We’re still pretty bad. We’re not even on Spotify yet.”

But this insipidity towards the battlefront of social media and self-promotion is what makes Veople.

More interested in promoting a cultural awareness through experiential platforms, Veople direct their energy to the feeling. Opposed to the saturated industry’s writing for the sake of writing attitude, Veople only write when they need to. “The music is the priority, that’s why we do it. Once we finish a song, that’s it. We appreciate it. It allows us to wholly enjoy the experience.”

This experience is conveyed through such tunes as Riviera, Glass, and Canopy, a message well received by national and international audiences

including community radio in Poland and Yorkshire, England.

As for the Gold Coast, you could say Veople epitomises a growing cultural scene. But for Jay, it started in Albania. Venturing to less-travelled countries exposed him to new cultures and new realisations.

“I came back and realised that art cultures weren’t always there – they were started.

We can’t wait for it to happen on the Coast.

Otherwise people will just keep going back to Berlin and New York.”

And Brisbane. Hundreds of the Coast’s starving artists merge onto the M1 come weekend to immerse themselves in the established Brisbane scene. Jay believes the Coast will evolve if people continue to support each other, a poignant undertone of his abstract multimedia graphics and paintings.

“If someone’s putting something on, people need to tell their friends and go. There won’t be any doubt in putting these events on if we support each other.”

It’s about appreciating art as a whole without defining its subcategories.

“Veople is about finding your place among the life-force,” Jay claims. Veople’s music illustrates this search. Track to track, Veople always opt for different sounds which reinforces their ethos, their ever-changing personality.

This personal locomotion is reflected in Jay’s artwork, too. The paint traces the blank canvas, flowing into colour to represent the journeys we take. “We start as one person.

From adolescence to adulthood, we’re slowly changing and maybe we get left behind or become someone completely different. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing.”

“But how do you have time for both your art and music?” I ask.

“They’re one and the same.”

Aaron Chapman

SEE MORE OF JAY’S WORK AT JAYJERMYN.COM. VEOPLE PLAY NIGHTQUARTER, 2 SEPTEMBER.

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album reviews

MICK HARVEY

THE AVALANCHES

Delirium Tremens

Wildflower

Mick Harvey has spent a generous portion of his musical career playing able musical foil to artists of the calibre of Nick Cave and PJ Harvey. His solo output has often revolved around masterful reinventions of the works of others, and this 12 song-suite is the third time he has re-imagined the extensive song-book of one of France's most revered musicians, the salaciously prodigious Serge Gainsbourg.

The line - from Zap! - so feverishly compact with nostalgia that it aptly sums up the Avalanches’ Wildflower so perfectly.

We’re nothing but lucky to be getting this new album from the Avalanches - something the world had, before now, lost all hope for.

With an exquisite sense of arrangement Harvey has previously tackled many of Gainsbourg's more well known numbers on the mid 90's albums Intoxicated Man and Pink Elephants. So with no Harley Davidson and Initials B.B to fall back on, some 19 years later Harvey has applied his interpretive powers to some of Serge's more experimental, adventurous and orchestral numbers. And with 17 studio albums to his name across his 30 plus years as a musical chameleon, Gainsbourg's prodigious musical output and restless creativity ensures Harvey has plenty of quality source material to choose from. And as with the previous two volumes, it's fantastic to take in the English translations of Gainsbourg's witty and often subversive lyrics.

Delirium Tremens (words used to describe the after-effects of alcohol withdrawal) has a night and day element to it, with the first part of the record delivering a swag of musically diverse selections and the back half giving rise to the more traditional fare. So out of the blocks we get an immediate dose of oddity in the form of The Man With The Cabbage Head, a mid 70's acid-prog belter with Harvey intoning the song's surreal lyrics in story telling mode to brilliant effect.

Deadly Tedium is a jazzy, piano driven shuffle while Coffee Colour is a playful homage to start me up beverages. The album's most left field moment comes in the form of SS C'est Bon, a Teutonic slice of operatic industrial pomp which featured on Serge's 1975 Nazi parody oddity Rock Around The Bunker.

Don't Say A Thing commences with an edgy monologue before morphing after 40 seconds into a gorgeous, orchestral pop number.

The dreamy, off kilter vocal interplay between Harvey and fellow Australian Xanthe Waite is truly swoon-worthy. Their playfully narcotic dynamic is also a delightful feature of More and More, Less and Less, as the duo's confessional tones dance mystery around each other while being serenaded by a stately, string laden ensemble.

And final track Decadence is a sombre, dreamlike piece that gradually melts away on an ethereal keyboard wash, bringing down the curtain on a masterful re-awakening of further glorious swathes of Gainsbourg's bottomless treasure chest. Let's hope we don't have to wait another 19 years for the next installment of Harvey's kaleidoscopic and heartfelt treatments.

Anthony Gebhardt

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SAMPLE ANSWER Good Boy EP

Nothing the Avalanches could have created after their critically acclaimed 2000 debut record, Since I Left You, would live up to expectations. I think the world buried their expectations soon after reading every “Albums We’re Still Expecting This Year” list. Since I Left You was a reflection against where music was headed at the time. An album so bizarrely fluid in its tactical and intelligent approach to sample fusion that it seemed so difficult to denote when one song ended and another began.

Wildflower is as much of a comment on 16 years worth of musical culture as it is a measured and altruistic development for this Australian group. The Avalanches operate in patchwork syndication with their music. Samples, carefully sliced and diced from their source material, piece together the bulk of the Avalanches’ song writing. At times, these fragments of music appear so out of context from their original foundation that it sometimes can feel unnerving and unsettling.

However nostalgia is Wildflower’s biggest selling point. The samples used, much like on their debut effort, have a realistically warming element to their fidelity. At times, the scratches from a record find their way into the mix and you can’t help but appreciate the Avalanches’ virtuosic construction process.

If I Was a Folkstar, which features Toro Y Moi, is a bouncy disco jam loaded with weary optimism. While The Wozard of Iz could be ripped from a ‘40s b-grade horror with rapper Danny Brown as the lead actor. The Noisy Eater, on the other hand, is a return to the Avalanches’ signature collage, hotpot approach to song writing much like their famed, Frontier Psychiatrist. Comically child-like while evoking feelings of the Gorillaz’s Superfast Jellyfish as Biz Markie helps make this one the Avalanches’ most bizarrely wicked tracks.

The Avalanches create music that’s so very unique; welcoming, ambiguous, warming. With Wildflower, the three-piece never wanted to outshine what their debut record has come to achieve, they simply wanted extend on it. A feat so difficult, especially considering their 16 year struggle, is has put hundreds of bands out of commission in the past.

Jake Wilton

It’s not often you hear the first lines of song by an artist and you know you’ve heard a new musical stylist. Kind of like hearing genre movers; PJ Harvey, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson et al, lone songwriters singing their individualism to the masses. This new kid on the block is Sample Answer, real name Maurice O’Connor, a twentythree-year-old Dubliner now Londoner who first performed to audiences in high school by channelling Marc Bolan and Prince wearing glam rock threads.

Sample Answer’s title track Good Boy greets us with O’Connor’s unique vibrato vocals, a mix of Nick Cave without the angst and Paolo Nutini without the cute narrative. The intensity of his voice keeps us wanting more - that also goes for the lilting melodic acoustic guitar and tambourine smacks giving an appreciative nod to a live, not overly produced sound. Track two, Collision, shares the same eerie electronica guitar sound as melancholic popsters Coldplay, but don’t let that put you off.

Proud the hidden rap number within the EP took time to grow on me but wins again on acoustic guitar prowess. The true polyester number - Textile Baby, was produced and recorded by Lestyn Polson who has worked with David Bowie and you can hear those original late great Bowie/Eno synth ideas borrowed on this track. Hold Onto Me is the anthemic number, bringing it home with a trumpet solo a blitzing brass section and backing vocals.

Sample Answer’s Good Boy EP June release was picked up and played on Triple J. O’Connor’s raw enthusiasm shone when on a recent Facebook post clearly chuffed says; “Good Boy got on Triple J! An awesome radio station in Australia...The opposite side of the world! That's amazin.” Good Boy and Collision plus some new recordings could be the sounds of this Australian summer, and if anything like this EP sampler will no doubt be amazing.

Tiffany Mitchell

BIGSOUND: GOLD COAST SHOWCASE ARTISTS ANNOUNCED Three of the Gold Coast’s most promising music artists will strut their stuff in front of an international audience when BIGSOUND takes place in Brisbane next month.

BIGSOUND is the biggest music showcase in the southern hemisphere, attracting more than 1000 movers and shakers from Australia and abroad. As well as a packed three-day conference program, the event includes two big nights of music across Fortitude Valley venues, featuring more than 120 live acts.

HARTS

SIGUR ROS

Almost exactly one year ago I wrote a gig review about young Melbourne muso Harts. Darren Harts, multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer, had just begun to climb the slippery rock n roll ladder. Man, he was flying up the thing. He has constantly been compared to two giants of the biz, Hendrix and Prince. For those who have been living under a rock, well good for you, nice to hibernate sometimes, but a while back Prince heard some demos of Harts and was so impressed, he flew him to the States to jam in his Paisley Park studios. Yep. That happened.

Prince had been quoted as saying "He reminds me of how I was at that age". Woah.

The ethereal, Icelandic Sigur Ros have released their first new material in three years in the form of new single Ovedur. The track straddles a woozy line between their more glacial, ambient earlier work and the darker electronic sounds of 2013 album Kveikur.

This year, Aquila Young, Lane Harry x Ike Campbell and Tesla Coils will be part of the program for a lunchtime showcase which takes place Thursday 8 September.

Already a staple of their live show, across its six plus minutes Ovedur unwinds with windswept grace. It's meandering, dark lullaby-like state ever gradually being imposed upon by vaguely unsettling slabs of woozy, heavily treated, slo-mo electro. Like Kid A and Richard D James doing their darnedest to gatecrash the gathering. Meanwhile vocal interpreter Jonsi (it would be a bit of a stretch to call him a front man) emotes the track in his trademark Hopelandic, supposedly a made up version of his native tongue.

Aquila Young is fearless and fearsome, possessing an unwavering charm and artfully provoking the senses. She’s quickly established a local following by captivating Gold Coast audiences with her dynamic energy and alluring presence and she’s shared stages with Bob Evans, MT Warning and TSUN as well as scoring gigs at Bleach* Festival, GLOW Festival and Live at Bond.

She was also a finalist in Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2016 Gold Coast Music Awards.

Power (single)

Ovedur (single)

Harts' new single is titled Power, and it is funkee to the max. Shades of Funkadelic, Stevie Wonder and of course the purple Prince.

That ripping, reverb guitar and pumping bass would have Jimi and Prince rocking the hell out in the Cloudland Ballroom above or the fiery moshpits of Hell's Basement. One hell of a jam be going down from whence thou went. Oh. Foxy Lady.

With off kilter, darkly surreal undertones, Ovedur is the soundtrack to a David Lynch dream sequence yet to be shot. Although Swedish director Jonas Akerlund makes a fair fist of it with his compatibly unsettling film clip. It will be interesting to see where they go from here...

Anthony Gebhardt

Power is soulful and sassy. Smooth grooves and funky-as beats. Soaring and triumphant.

"Maybe we can love one another Oh love is powerful. Oh power to us all Power to the powerless, believe yourself Power to the loved ones who treat us well Power to us all".

And that final crashing note. Boom. Fight the power? Feel the power.

Harts is bringing his funky arse to Splendour in The Grass and also playing the PreSplendour Party at the Great Northern alongside Avalanches, Methyl Ethyl and The Kills. Yeah I'd kill to be there.

Carmel E Lewis

LAVA NOVA

Darkcloud (single)

A smooth and magnificent ride; Darkcloud is the latest single from Gold Coast duo Lava Nova. This new single is a sensual wavelike track featuring cinematic sonics and the perfect combination of live tracking versus electronics. It’s not often you feel so enraptured by electronic music that you have to listen to it over and over and still find yourself discovering layers of lush vocals, instrumentals and intervals that feel brand new each time. Akin to James Blake production, with gentle guitar riffs pleasantly folding away in the background and enough dynamism and Flume-like influences to keep you captivated and wanting more, this is a duo to watch out for. Their first EP mixtape 1:1 is out now and available online and their next EP will be available in the next few months.

Lane-Harry x Ike Campbell are here to change the perception of rap in Australia, fusing grand scale production, lush melodies and captivating lyrics. These two twenty one year olds are the frontier of the reimagined Australian hip-hop sound. The pair has been publicly supported by 360, the biggest artist in Australian hip-hop and as well as sharing his stage, have performed alongside Tech N9ne, Allday, Remi, David Dallas, Tkay Maidza, Seth Sentry and REMI. They also won song of the year at the 2015 Gold Coast Music Awards for Anarchy.

Tesla Cøils may be currently unknown to Gold Coasters, but take it from me, they won’t be for long. Armed with analog synthesizers, wood, metal and copper, the two-piece comprising Jed Wølters and Chris Dennis drive industrial force and resonance into recorded and live frenzies.

For intergalactic music lovers seeking an unhinged yet catchy dose of retro-future electro-pop with lashings of dark electronica, this is a wonderful thing.

Pictured: Aquila Young

Pictured: Tesla Coils (c) Dan Maynard Photography Pictured: Lane Harry x Ike Campbell

The BIGSOUND showcase is happening thanks to the support of City of Gold Coast and their premier sponsorship of the Gold Coast Music Awards.

Samantha Morris

Yanina Benavidez www.blankgc.com.au

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NEVILLE STAPLE: RUDE BOY The original Rude Boy Neville Staple returns to Australia for a series of dates, playing the Miami Shark Bar on 5 August. The former vocalist for The Specials, Fun Boy Three and most recently the Neville Staple Band still calls it as he sees it and often with the wink of an eye, as Trevor Jackson discovered.

The breakthrough hit for The Specials was Gangsters on which you say at the start of the track “Bernie Rhodes knows don’t argue”. Bernie was The Clash’s manager, but also The Specials’ manager for a while. I’ve always wanted to ask you this – was that line in reference to a particular incident or did you just like making life difficult for him at the time?

Nah, nothing specific. You just couldn’t argue with him. If he said “go to France”, you had to get in the van and go to France, there was no way around it. He was quite strict as a manager.

Did he need to be a strict manager with The Specials?

Not with us, no. We were pretty easy to get along with, but for The Clash, yeah I think he needed to be strict.

Elvis Costello produced The Specials’ debut album, how much of an influence did he have on the band’s sound?

Jerry (Dammers) was with Elvis the whole time during the recording of that album, so it was really just a case of Elvis interpreting what Jerry wanted. It was Jerry’s band, he started it, he wrote most of the songs, he had the whole concept of what he wanted, what the band was about and what the songs were about… political issues. All that type of stuff was Jerry’s idea.

Yeah, you know because I was living it. It was all around us – factories and businesses were closing down and I knew guys who were losing their jobs in the mines and car factories. It was the time of Margaret “Faffer” – that’s the polite version of what we used to call her – she made everything so much worse than it needed to be – it was a nightmare. It wasn’t just the factories and places where people worked that were closing down, it was the places where they used to hang out too, like the clubs. Everything was closing down and nobody had any money. That’s why we sang: “This place is coming like a ghost town, no job to be found, can’t go on no more, people getting angry”.

With black and white members of the band racial harmony was a vital component to the identity of the Specials. The band formed in the 1970’s during a period of extreme economic hardship, along with class and racial discrimination. Given the current conservative climate and the rise of protests to the refugee crisis not only in Britain but many other parts of the world now, do you see parallels between late 70’s Britain and the social landscape in 2016?

Yes, because racist elements like the National Front are gaining momentum again. It was underground in Britain for quite a while, but now it’s rising up again. It’s hard to say why it’s happening again now, it’s always been there, but it has become a very open campaign now.

Does that make ska just as relevant now as it was then?

Definitely, because now when I play live everyone wants to hear those political songs. Not just the older fans, but their kids too because that’s the music they grew up listening to and they identify with that music and what it represents just as their parents do. Of course it’s their parents who have explained to them what these songs are about.

The Specials were at the forefront of what was effectively the second wave of ska after it had originated in Jamaica.

In the early 90’s you formed the Special Beat with Ranking Roger and relocated to the US where the third wave of ska was just taking off. Why do you think ska took so long to catch on in the US? Well you know America is a funny place. The concept of black and white working together as a musical art form at the time when ska was taking off in Britain was foreign to them. It just took longer for them to catch on to the idea of racially integrated band members and music styles.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW BY TREVOR JACKSON AT BLANKGC. COM.AU. AND TREVOR’S OTHER AWESOME MUSIC WRITING IS AT SOUNDDISTRACTIONS.COM.

Jerry was a trained musician, but you came from a more colourful background. You were from the street and in fact started out as a roadie for the band. How did you and Jerry get on?

I got on very well with Jerry, even though he went to college and I learnt all I knew from the street. Of course I didn’t live literally on the street, but it was a tough background. Even though we came from very different upbringings I think he saw the rough and ready element in me and that I would fit in with the band. He needed different elements in the band – that’s why he got Terry (Hall) because he was a bit punkish, Brad (John Bradbury) was a northern soul drummer, Lynval (Golding) came from a reggae background – we were all just different aspects of the band and it gelled. I loved it. It got me off the street and even though I was doing crazy things on stage like jumping off the speakers it kept me on the straight and narrow.

Ghost Town, a song that dealt with urban decay, unemployment and violence climbed to the top of the UK charts at a time when riots were breaking out across England under Margaret Thatcher’s government.

Unfortunately The Specials were also imploding at that time to the point where it became the swan song for the original line up of the band. At the height of its success, did you have time to reflect on the prescience of the song?

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Image: Vic May Photography

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE LOCAL

Bengali (spoken in West Bangal and Bangladesh) tying the early knots of their friendship.

listen to anything bad anybody says about you [as a Muslim]. Just ignore them.’ I was so touched by that.”

Hasina is currently completing her Masters of Professional Accounting, while Diti is roughly mid-way through a PhD in cultural and urban studies. For now, the Gold Coast is home.

Both Diti and Hasina have noticed Australia’s tendency towards soft racism – racism delivered so subliminally that it’s almost impossible to detect. For Diti, it has emerged in the form of “naturalised humour”.

Before being accepted to Griffith University Gold Coast, Hasina and Diti had no knowledge of the city’s famously diverse appeal to ocean lovers, property developers, grassroots artists, backpackers, suntan junkies and partygoers.

“Friends often make jokes about my Indian culture, which can be funny but still feels horrible,” Diti says. Other examples include the abbreviation of Indian names to sound like Indian meals, and people assuming she can’t speak English.

Growing up in liberal and festive Kolkata, Diti took to partying as hard as her fellow students, but was soon troubled by the sexualised clubbing culture.

Hasina first struggled finding a job because employers “didn’t want to hire me if I was covered [with hijab and abaya]. It was frustrating but I’m not desperate enough to stop wearing my abaya for the sake of work.”

“Soon after I started the heavy partying I began to experience body image issues and struggled with the expectations around women and how they should look and behave,” Diti recalls.

What is the international student experience on the Gold Coast? Lizzy Keen explores how two women – a Bangladeshi Muslim and an Indian academic – found their place in the Sunshine State.

Outside the window of a sunburnt fibro share-house in Mermaid Beach, the postsummer warmth lingers well into June. The beach two blocks away is still sprinkled with bikinis and board shorts.

Inside one of the share-house bedrooms, Hasina* is dressed head-to-toe in black; a hijab hugs her forehead and jaw, an abaya drapes to the timber floorboards.

Before arriving on the Gold Coast in 2012 from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Bangladeshi-born Hasina had never heard of Australia, let alone been to a Western country.

Nor had she travelled anywhere alone, in accordance with the Sharia legal system in Saudi Arabia whereby women are expected to go outside in a group or accompanied by a male guardian.

“It’s an issue if a single woman goes out by herself,” Hasina explains.

“It is preferred that she is accompanied by a man for her protection. Men often stare at women if they’re alone, or if it’s crowded, some might find ways to touch her.”

But even after 9/11, when Muslims started to come under harsher, unchecked media scrutiny, she says she wasn’t scared about coming to a country where Muslims constitute a minority.

“After 9/11 there was a lot of attention on Muslims and I was wearing this,” she gestures

to the abaya, sending her fuchsia bracelets into a shimmy.

“But I wasn’t scared to come, despite what was going on. I wanted to move out of Saudi, I wanted something different for myself.”

For Hasina’s friend and former housemate Diti, who sits opposite in jeans and a printed T-shirt, Australia circa 2013 posed a greater apparent risk for an Indian student.

Back home in Kolkata, in India’s east, Diti’s family were still expressing concerns for her safety following a series of racial attacks against Indian students that took place in Sydney and Melbourne in 2009 and 2010.

“At that time, the news in India was very specific about Indian students being beaten up in CBDs and on the streets. I had this fear that when I came I would be victimised,” Diti says.

At the time, many Indian students returned home in wake of the attacks, while Bollywood implemented a boycott of Australia. Googling ‘Indian students Australia’ and ‘Is Australia safe for Indians’ finds its way into related searches.

“I don’t want to categorise, but I felt like I had to be skinny to be accepted.” Since receiving a scholarship for her PhD, clubbing has taken the backseat to her studies.

Diti admits, however, that the biggest ‘image’ shock she encountered was “people wearing thongs everywhere, even to class! It put me on edge!”

Religion was an important part of Hasina’s settling in to the Gold Coast, where Muslims represent just 0.8 per cent of the population.

Does she find it difficult to express her religious identity in a city known for its liberal lifestyle?

“Religious practice in my culture isn’t hard, because women don’t have to attend the mosque to pray like men do,” Hasina explains. “I used to go to the mosque in Labrador, but praying at home is easy for me.”

“Religion has strongly shaped who I am and one day I would like to become more devoted, to follow all parts of the religion.”

The very few criticisms that non-Muslim Australians have had of Hasina have been shouted from a car travelling past her on her way home from the shops – a phenomenon that media presenter Waleed Aly calls ‘goonish racism’.

“They would shout things like, ‘Get out of our country’ and keep driving. The first time I just stood there and thought, ‘What just happened?’”

“My family was seriously asking if I was going to be stabbed. When I eventually arrived in student accommodation I didn’t leave my room, worrying I’d be attacked.”

Hasina laughs it off, especially when she remembers the moments in which the city’s true spirit of acceptance shone through in a period of global angst towards Muslims after the November 2015 Paris bombings.

But it was here at a student accommodation complex in Labrador that Diti and Hasina became roommates, with their shared

“Days after the bombings I was waiting for my bus when three women walking their dogs approached me and said, ‘Don’t you

Outside the sun is beaming into the p.m., signalling lunchtime for the girls, who are planning to eat at Pacific Fair. Diti mentions that one of the things the Gold Coast offers that Kolkata doesn’t is safety from prying eyes in public.

“On my first day at Griffith [University] I couldn’t believe I could just wear whatever I wanted! I didn’t have to worry about being hissed or stared at. In India, men often feel they are entitled to look at women,” Diti explains.

For Hasina, the Gold Coast offered liberation from Riyadh’s omnipresent gossip networks.

“In my culture, everyone knows everyone, there are connections everywhere. If you make one move, your parents will know about it,” Hasina says.

Before they ready themselves to leave, my final question makes them pause. Hasina answers first.

“For me, being local means being treated the same as everybody else. It means giving us, as internationals, the acknowledgement and space and value as human beings who have come here for a better life,” Hasina says.

Diti fortifies her friend’s answer with her own.

“The sense of belonging is a beautiful thing and when you don’t have it, you’re striving for it. It doesn’t take much to make us feel like one of you; just a few nice words, a touch of humanity without any labels,” Diti says.

“Every time I get that, I feel like a local.” *Not her real name Lizzy Keen

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THURSDAY 28 JULY Zookeepers | Southport Sharks Col Atkinson Trio | Spaghetti and Jazz Cover Shot Jam Sessions + Open Mic | Commercial Hotel, Nerang

GOLD COAST GIG GUIDE

FRIDAY 29 JULY Isabel | Hard Rock Cafe Mason Rack Band | Southport Sharks Josh Lee Hamilton | Burleigh Brewing Co. Set Mo | elsewhere

SATURDAY 6 AUGUST

WEDNESDAY 10 AUGUST

Victoriana Gaye Band (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack, Fingal

The James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace

Aine Tyrrell (3.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Deck

Black Rheno + Knights + Valhalla Mist + Handful Of Helmet | Currumbin Creek Tavern

THURSDAY 11 AUGUST

Don Bronson + Guests (2.00pm) | Little Mermaid

Dubmarine + The 4’20 Sound + Chiggz | The Nimbin Bush Theatre

Cover Shot Jam Sessions + Open Mic | Commercial Hotel, Nerang

Benny D Williams (2.00pm) | House of Brews

Phil + Tilley (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin

Zookeepers | Southport Sharks

Peter Parker (5.30pm) | Spaghetti and Jazz

Jacob Lee (2.00pm) | The Boatshed, Currumbin

FRIDAY 12 AUGUST

Sonic Bliss (10.00am) + Liquid Amber (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin

Killer Queen Experience | RSL Southport

James Reyne + Mark Seymour | Twin Towns

Hashtag Duo | Dolphins Harbourside Hotel

Prime Riff Album Launch + Oz Rock All Stars + Dogtags | Currumbin Creek Tavern | Tix $10

Unplugged Jam Session (1.00pm) | Burleigh Waters Tavern The Ninth Chapter (4.00pm) | Hotel Brunswick

Totum | Hotel Brunswick

Mardi Wilson (2.00pm) | The Boatshed, Currumbin

Sean Fitzgerald (5.00pm) | Sanctuary Cove Markets

Jackson Smith | Café Catalina

The Weather Man | Miami Marketta

Taylor | The Cambus Wallace

Dance On | Southport Sharks

Ken Kunin & the Crooked Sky + Pirates of the Tempest + The Jake Fox Band + Tommy Sheehan | Currumbin Creek Tavern | Tix $10 Akova | Mandala Organic Arts Café

MONDAY 1 AUGUST Lloyd Saniels | Southport Sharks

TUESDAY 2 AUGUST

SUNDAY 7 AUGUST

Aaron West + Josh Lovegrove | NightQuarter

Matthew Armitage & Guests | The Cambus Wallace

Emily Wurramurra | Milk Factory (Brisbane)

WEDNESDAY 3 AUGUST SATURDAY 30 JULY Luke Morris (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack, Fingal Jive Cats | Southport Sharks South Wall | Hotel Brunswick Maryen Cairns | The Basement (Album launch) | Tix $20/$18 Benny D Williams (2.00pm) | The Boatshed Adam Harpaz | Mandala Organic Arts Café Jo Miguel | Spaghetti and Jazz

The James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace

THURSDAY 4 AUGUST CC The Cat | The Dust Temple Cover Shot Jam Sessions + Open Mic | Commercial Hotel, Nerang Zookeepers | Southport Sharks Mutual Friends DJs with Kinloch Cleaver + Six Shooter | elsewhere

River City Aces | NightQuarter

FRIDAY 5 AUGUST

Minus One (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin

Baltimore Gun Club + The Post + Labjacket + Nila Bonda | Currumbin Creek Tavern

Mardi Wilson (2.00pm) | The Boatshed, Currumbin Andrea Kirwin Band | Miami Marketta

Neville Staple (ex The Specials) | Miami Shark Bar Wongo (Sweat it Out) | elsewhere BB Factory | Burleigh Brewing Co

SUNDAY 31 JULY Brock Ashby (1.00pm) | Southport Sharks Barefoot Friday | Burleigh Brewing Co.

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Zambabem + Rockabelly Road | NightQuarter

Encore | Spaghetti and Jazz

Bearfoot | Miami Marketta

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Kenny Slide | Quiksilver Boardriders

Solent Green | Hard Rock Café The Lyrical | Miami Marketta Rolling Stones Experience | Southport Sharks Zeferelli + Matty Rogers | NightQuarter

Benny D Williams (12.00pm) | N3 Tapas Bar, Marina Mirage Sonic Bliss (10.00am) + Amrita (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin Felicity Lawless (2.00pm) | The Boatshed, Currumbin

Birthday XIII: elsewhere’s 13th birthday with resident DJs | elsewhere Marie Wilson | Hard Rock Café Wandering Eyes | Miami Marketta Kenny Slide | Burleigh Brewing Co AKoVA | Mandala Organic Arts Café Aine Tyrell + Hunter and Smoke + Josh Lovegrove | NightQuarter

SATURDAY 13 AUGUST Jason McGregor (from 8.00am) | Helensvale Farmers' Markets Acca/Dacca (tribute show) | RSL Southport

Unplugged Jam Session (1.00pm) | Burleigh Waters Tavern

Birthday XIII: elsewhere’s 13th birthday with resident DJs | elsewhere

Shag Rock Acoustic (3.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Southerly Change (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack, Fingal

Soul Sistas of Matariki + Beau Monga | Soundlounge

Jacob Lee (2.00pm) | The Boatshed, Currumbin

Jason McGregor | Café Catalina

Zambabem | Miami Marketta

Benny D Williams (12.00pm) | N3 Tapas Bar

Benny D Williams | Beaches on Kirra

Joshy Dredz | The Cambus Wallace

Sovereign + Shandi & Shanice + The Titanics | NightQuarter

Hayley Grace (1.00pm) | Southport Sharks Phil & Tilley | Burleigh Brewing Co

MONDAY 8 AUGUST Lloyd Saniels | Southport Sharks

TUESDAY 9 AUGUST Matthew Armitage & Guests | The Cambus Wallace

Mental as Anything | Parkwood Tavern

SUNDAY 14 AUGUST Jason McGregor (2.00 - 6.00pm) | New York, New York Jules Hayes (2.00pm) | The Boatshed, Currumbin Unplugged Jam Session (1.00pm) | Burleigh Waters Tavern Ella Fence (3.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

DISCOVER GOLD COAST'S BEST NEW MUSIC

Sonic Bliss (10.00am) + Cruise Brothers (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin Kenny Slide | Café Catalina Benny D Williams (4.00pm) | JFK Restaurant Taylor | The Cambus Wallace

SATURDAY 20 – SUNDAY 21 AUGUST Broadbeach Jazz Weekend: Bustamento + Monica Trapaga + Hanlon Brothers + Hot Potato Band + Dezzie D and the Stingrayz + more.

Tyler Vivian (1.00pm) | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 20 AUGUST

Nick Cunningham | Burleigh Brewing Co

Rachael Beck in Concert | Tyalgum Hall

Phil Barlow & The Wolf | The Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Chris Flaskas (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack, Fingal Acca/Dacca | RSL Southport

TUESDAY 23 AUGUST Matthew Armitage & Guests | The Cambus Wallace

Leanne Tennant (3.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

The James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace

Sonic Bliss (10.00am) + Monkey & The Fish (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin

THURSDAY 25 AUGUST Cover Shot Jam Sessions + Open Mic | Commercial Hotel, Nerang Zookeepers | Southport Sharks

Lloyd Saniels | Southport Sharks

Beetle Juice (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin

FRIDAY 26 AUGUST

TUESDAY 16 AUGUST

Round Mountain Girls | The Basement

The McClymonts | Twin Towns, Tweed Heads

Matthew Armitage & Guests | The Cambus Wallace

Benny D Williams | Merrimac Tavern

Band From The Club | Hard Rock Café

Playing Vegas (covers | Southport Sharks

Cheap Fakes | Miami Marketta

The James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace

THURSDAY 18 AUGUST Benny D Williams | The Dust Temple Cover Shot Jam Sessions + Open Mic | Commercial Hotel, Nerang Zookeepers | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 19 AUGUST Deja Vudu Single Launch + Stone Witches EP Launch + UverseU + Leavings | Currumbin Creek Tavern

SUNDAY 21 AUGUST Dave Dobbyn | Miami Marketta Zeek Power (2.00pm) | The Boatshed, Currumbin Unplugged Jam Session (1.00pm) | Burleigh Waters Tavern Dave Dobbyn (Ticketed) | Miami Marketta Phil Smith (3.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Sonic Bliss (10.00am) + Dinkum Bohos (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin

Free the Genie + Tesla Coils + David Schwepps + Buff Girls | elsewhere

Jackson Smith | Café Catalina

Phil Barlow | Hard Rock Café

Benny D Williams (2.30pm) | The Avenue

Karl S Williams | Miami Marketta Benny D Williams | Kingscliff Beach Hotel Byron Short | Burleigh Underground Drummers Creedence the John Fogerty Tribute | Southport Sharks IVEY + Peach Fur + Lotus Ship | NightQuarter Nick Cunningham | Burleigh Brewing Co

Benny D Williams (10.30am) | Genki Café

Caiti Baker | The Cambus Wallace Jason McGregor (1.00pm) | Southport Sharks Brad Butcher | Burleigh Brewing Co

Jacob Lee | Café Catalina Daniel Stoneman (1.00pm) | Southport Sharks Cycho Buffalo Wings | Burleigh Brewing Co

Prom Night Carnival | elsewhere

AKoVA | Miami Marketta

Ella Hooper + Gena Rose Bruce + Asha Jeffries | NightQuarter

Unplugged Jam Session (1.00pm) | Burleigh Waters Tavern

WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST

MONDAY 15 AUGUST

WEDNESDAY 17 AUGUST

Zeek Power (2.00pm) | The Boatshed, Currumbin

MONDAY 29 AUGUST

Benny D Williams | Beaches on Kirra AKoVA | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay BB Factory | Southport Sharks

Lloyd Saniels | Southport Sharks

TUESDAY 30 AUGUST Matthew Armitage & Guests | The Cambus Wallace

WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST The James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace

Jensen Interceptor | elsewhere Casey Barnes Album Launch | NightQuarter Phil & Tilley | Burleigh Brewing Co The Amy Winehouse Show: Back to Black | Lonestar Tavern

SATURDAY 27 AUGUST Shakafest: Drapht + Dune Rats + Spit Syndicate + The Vanns + Von Vilains + IVEY + White Blanks + Peach Fur | Miami Tavern Phil + Trudie Edgeley (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack, Fingal Jules Hayes (2.00pm) | The Boatshed, Currumbin Mescalito Blues | Miami Marketta Bianca & Jack (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin Benny D Williams | Poinciana Café, Nimbin

* Catch these SEED artists playing at a venue near you

SUNDAY 28 AUGUST MONDAY 22 AUGUST Steel Pulse (UK) - rescheduled show from 11.02.16. Original tickets valid | Soundlounge Marco | Southport Sharks

Jason McGregor (2.00 - 6.00pm) | New York, New York The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers live, featuring Honey Sliders, Tim Rogers and Ben Salter | Soundlounge Currumbin

WWW.SEEDSERIES.BANDCAMP.COM

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25

Lifestyle HOMEWARD BOUND: WOMEN IN SCIENCE UNITE FOR CHANGE

BOND HELPING RECONCILE INDIGENOUS EDUCATION OUTCOMES New figures released by Bond University shows the institution has a 96 per cent Indigenous student retention rate for undergraduates, well above the national average of 71 per cent and the national non-Indigenous student retention rate of 80.8 per cent.

Since 2012, Bond has invested more than $4.18 million in scholarships, bursaries, support services and outreach programs for Indigenous students, leading to a 79 per cent growth in Indigenous student numbers. Earlier this month, its unique ‘Yarning Up’ initiative won the prestigious 2016 Premier’s Reconciliation Award.

Pictured: Jess Melbourne-Thomas Homeward Bound is a 10-year outreach initiative to build a coalition of 1000 women in science, focusing on the leadership and planning required to recognise the planet and what is means to care for it.

Leadership expert Fabian Dattner and Dr Jess MelbourneThomas of the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre will lead 78 female leaders in science from around the world on a 20 day Artic expedition. This will not only be the world’s first state-of-the-art leadership and strategic programme for women in science, but will provide the kickoff point for the long term collaboration initiative which seeks to significantly elevate women in scientific leadership roles.

The programme directors hope to see 1000 women in science undergo the same training over the next 10 years. Participants will have 18 days of education on state of the art leadership, strategic skills and global climate, biological and earth system science.

Throughout 2016, participants have been working on 12 separate yet related projects, the results and conclusions of which will be brought to action levels during the expedition, ready for all of the leaders to take back to their respective countries for implementation. The major aims of Homeward Bound are to elevate each participant’s leadership capabilities, to refine their skills to design and execute strategy, and devise plans for future collaborations as women working towards a sustainable future.

Homeward Bound organiser Fabian Dattner says, “This project was the result of a real dream – one night ‐ that changed my life and the lives of literally dozens of women. The entire learning focus will be framed by the Antarctic experience. Everything we do, everything we see, all the places we land, the people we meet, the animals we watch, all the discussions between us, the vision and values we focus on, the leadership and strategic content presented; this is all about our role in a sustainable world”.

“Women are the backbone of the not‐for‐profit, disability and education sectors, they are emerging in all universities as significant percentages of graduates, they take up significant percentages or our workforce and they provide the most unpaid community work. They do most of the work in our homes, are more trustworthy with money and they excel at all but four of 16 well researched leadership capabilities. And they are in a profound minority in executive decision making roles which shape our future”.

The first trip runs from 2 to 21 December.

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Catherine O'Sullivan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Pathways and Partnerships at Bond University, said improving access to higher education was the first step towards closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

"The link between completing high school and long-term career success is tertiary education, which is why Bond University is committed to creating specialised university pathways for Indigenous students," she said.

"All Australians deserve equal access to higher education to transform their lives and their futures, providing the opportunity to become role models for their fellow peers and communities.

"Bond University has awarded 59 scholarships to Indigenous students in the last five years, however we do more than simply provide places in our programs - we combine financial assistance with a personalised teaching approach, cultural support through the Nyombil Centre and mentoring programs such as AIME to assist the next generation of Indigenous leaders towards success.

"Our Indigenous undergraduate student retention rate of 96 per cent is proof that our approach is working.”

Bond University is also seeing an increasing number of Indigenous students pursuing higher levels of education,

with three students from the latest cohort of Bond University graduates alone opting to commence Masters or PhD studies this semester.

Among them is Dani Larkin, who has just completed a Master of Law focusing on corporate and commercial law, and will now embark on PhD studies examining the role of law and policy in Indigenous cultural identity and political participation.

Ms Larkin grew up on an Aboriginal mission outside Grafton and has worked in a legal capacity for a number of government agencies including the Australian Federal Police, Department of Public Prosecutions ACT, Australian Taxation Office and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service.

"My PhD research will look at Australia's colonial history and the effect it has had upon the deprivation of Indigenous human rights, and use that as a backdrop to analyse contemporary society and how we can increase Indigenous interaction with the political system," she said.

"In order for Indigenous people to fully exercise their citizenship rights in a political sense, there needs to be more active participation with the political system, so my research will look at ways we can increase Indigenous voting and also increase the number of Indigenous political candidates in Parliament.

"My pop was an Aboriginal elder who instilled in me the importance of embracing my cultural heritage, and my great grandfather was an influential Indigenous activist who was one of the founders of National Sorry Day. "There is an enormous amount of influence throughout my family history, and I feel as if I am the next generation exploring these opportunities for change and stepping into that advocacy space."

Pictured below: Dani Larkin at Bond University

Lifestyle

What inspired you to take your education and experience across Australia?

We first started offering the workshops in our home town of Mullumbimby, near Byron Bay. There’s a big alternative community there so people are really open for this kind of work. Suddenly all our workshops were selling out and people from all over Australia were writing to us asking if we’d bring the workshops there. That’s when the Yoniverse Tour was born. We love going on tour as vagina specialists… it’s an amazing adventure, and people keep telling us how important this work is! So far we’ve been to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and we’re going to Perth next. We have plans for New Zealand in 2017.

At the end of each Yoniverse workshop we invite people to share their experience of the day. Often they say things like “I wish I discovered this 20 years ago!” or “I can’t believe this was possible all along and I had no idea!” or “Why don’t they teach us this in school?”

Elise and I have both worked with women extensively over the last few years, and we’re both passionate about supporting women to discover what’s possible, however doing this work for men is new for us, and deeply rewarding.

Most men learn about sex from porn – which, as we all know, is nothing like reality! They are usually blown away at the end of the day and excited to take their newfound inspiration home to their partners to continue discovering the mysteries of the Yoniverse. This makes us all warm and fuzzy inside… we are in awe that we get to do this for work!

YONIVERSE AND A GUIDED TOUR OF THE VAGINA Bonnie Bliss and Elise Savaresse are two phenomenal women transforming the way both men and women see and experience sexuality. Elise’s sensual French accent sure makes it easy to drop straight into the teachings without hesitation, forgetting all you have been told and letting go of societal taboos around sex. Their countless years studying, practicing and working with various modalities of tantra, somatic sexology, conscious sexuality, massage and empowerment has led them down a path that has never been walked before, opening the doors to a new level of intimacy within their practice not only for themselves but for hundreds of men and women across Australia and soon to be the world, allowing them to create their very own modalities in health and sensuality.

If you have ever been curious about anatomy, the functions of our reproductive and sexual organs, where orgasm begin, how to rid yourself of shame associated with these things, understanding intimacy and your creative potentials or want to get to know your body on a deeper level then this workshop has been designed especially for you. No two people will walk away with the same experience as each of us has our own personal background in self acceptance, intimacy and relationships and as the day progresses you come to know yourself on a level which most adults never have the chance of experiencing. Bonnie Bliss answered some questions from Yanina Benavidez.

When did you first begin the Yoniverse journey? What education/experiences lead you here?

I’ve been immersed in Yoni world for about 5 years now, mostly working with women in private sessions and women’s Tantra groups. I first discovered Yoni Massage when I moved to Denmark in 2012 and had an incredibly profound experience receiving my first Yoni Massage. That’s when I knew that I wanted all women to know about this! I studied all kinds of different courses and trainings and went deeper and deeper into this whole new world, experiencing things I never even knew were possible.

The Yoniverse workshop series was born when Elise came to me with the idea. We were both full of enthusiasm and inspiration to create these amazing whole day experiences

for people to learn about the mysteries of the vagina. Our first workshop for men sold out in 48 hours flat! We knew we were onto something special. The workshops are a great way for us to reach more people with this message – we only have so much time for private sessions these days – we are both booked out months in advance!

What is your first memory of sex?

I had my first orgasm on a bicycle, riding down a dirt road on the farm I grew up on. I became obsessed with clitoral orgasms – even using an electric toothbrush as a teenager to have these explosive orgasms that felt good for a few seconds, but weren’t really deeply satisfying. Little did I know what I’d be doing 15 years later! Now I know that women can have SO MANY different kinds of orgasms.

What are some simple tips for people to connect to their own sexuality?

Take it slow – get really curious about your body and what’s possible. Let go of the goal of orgasm and just explore.

When you notice yourself going into patterns of tension or contraction, pause, take a deep breath and relax! For women the most powerful practice I recommend is learning how to give yourself a Yoni Massage – we teach this in the workshop.

TO READ THE FULL STORY, VISIT BLANKGC.COM.AU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IMPACT THIS WORK IS HAVING OR TO BOOK YOURSELF IN FOR A PRIVATE SESSION OR ATTEND ONE OF THEIR FAST SELLING WORKSHOPS VISIT ELISESAVARESSE.COM. BONNIE AND ELISE’S NEXT WORKSHOP SERIES BEGINS IN OCTOBER IN BYRON BAY.

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Lifestyle

ADAPTIVE SURFING TITLES INSPIRE AT CABARITA Last month the first ever Australian Adaptive Surfing Titles were held at Back Beach Cabarita, and it was an inspirational and well attended event. The surfers in the event did not want the title of disabled but rather adaptive, for like all surfers who may have to adapt to their age, fitness, or ability, these guys and girls have adapted to their disability and they rip!

SITTING IS A DISEASE PART 4 So by now you get the idea that sitting is bad for you in many ways. This is the final piece in the series and I have thrown three moves into the article.

The first is a simple spinal twist that many people do by instinct anyway. It feels great and the best part is it helps keep your spine healthy! Your spine is designed to move forward, backward, sideways and to twist / rotate. Ask most Osteopaths and Chiropractors and they will tell you that you are only as young as your spine is flexible. A healthy spine is one of the keys to optimal health and vitality.

Remember the goal of the twist is to move the ribs and torso in the opposite direction to the hips. Keeping your hips still on the chair reach the right arm around behind you and grab hold of the back of the chair wherever you can reach. Take the left hand onto the right knee and twist, look over your right shoulder to deepen the twist and make sure you sit up straight as you twist. Hold for 1-1.5minutes then twist to the left.

Sitting on a chair at a desk means we are sitting in just one plane of motion, and it's the same plane of motion as when we walk, drive, etc. This means the hips get very tight and our range of motion decreases. This affects our hamstrings and lower back, which as we've discussed affects everything else.

Never underestimate the impact of the fascial connections in the body.

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The finalists are off to the second ever World Adaptive Surfing Titles in the US, and none could be more stoked than my old mate since childhood, Dale Taylor, who won his division and is Australian Champion in his division, AS1. He’s a thalidomide baby, whose right leg is five inches shorter than his left, is bent and half-footed thanks to the drug’s effects in his mother’s womb. In two foot waves at Cabarita’s back beach, he won an Australian title.

The next pose is a basic hip opener you can do at the desk. Bring the ankle of the right leg above the left knee, leaving the left foot on the ground. Lean forward over the right shin and use your hand or elbow to press the right knee towards the floor as you do. Keep the right ankle flexed to look after your knee.

If you are wearing a skirt face the desk and stay close to the desk (I have tried this and it's possible in most office attire!)

Now we move to one of my favourite stretches to do when I have been stuffed in behind a computer, or in a car, all day. This one is for the neck and upper shoulders and does feel fantastic! The idea is to try to remove that bunching, tensing and upward lift of the shoulders. Often we don't even realise how much we are tensing here until we do this and release.

The key is to drop the opposite shoulder away from the ear, the hand on the head is just resting there! No need to yank, let your shoulders do the little bit of work here.

Enjoy these little exercises and try to do them every hour while at your desk. Let me know if you feel any better.

Erin Bourne

PLEASE CONTACT ESSENCE OF LIVING OR ERIN THROUGH ALOKA.COM.AU TO BOOK YOUR SPOT.

It’s not something Dale expected. He went in the event to support it and not in his wildest dreams did he think he would be Australian Champion. In fact he hasn’t surfed in a contest for 25 years, when he was in Broadbeach Boardriders where he tied for first place in the club championship, but came third in a countback. In Dale’s division, the AS1, he shared the final with Jake Matthews (missing lower right leg), Jade “Red” Wheatley (both lower legs), and Mark Bell (spinal complications of the lower body).

Surfing is where Dale and his fellow surfers feel at home, and on the beach after his win he was rapt.

“I owe surfing so much. All my life, it’s given me an identity and I never had to worry about where I would fit in. I can't explain the relationship I have with the ocean, but to get up every morning before dawn for 43 years to surf, it's got to be something special.”

Dale said he was inspired by his fellow competitors in other divisions, “For me, all I do is put on my boardies and go surfing, but what some of these guys do to get out in the water is amazing and inspirational.”

Current World Adaptive Champion Mark “Mono” Stewart is someone who, like Dale, has been competitive against ablebodied surfers. Mono lost his leg to cancer as a 16 year old and ended up taking up kneeboarding. Mono is one of the better kneeboarders I have ever seen. He makes his way to the surf with his board and crutches.

He also won his division at Cabarita, and will also be off to the World Titles.

Stewart also has surfing to help him through life, and is also one of the best surfboard airbrush and spray artists in the country.

“When I was 16 I had bone cancer. The prognosis wasn't good. They told my parents 'don't look too far into the future', but I'm glad they didn't tell me. Here we are all these years later, still alive and kickin', surfin', and lovin' life.”

Like I said, these guys are out there, and they are disabled, but they just adapt to what they have to deal with. Pretty dam awesome I reckon.

Terry “Tappa” Teece

THE FESTIVAL’S FUNNIEST IN ONE HILARIOUS NIGHT!

Lifestyle

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Lifestyle

SURFING LEGENDS TURN OUT FOR PATAGONIA It’s not often an event can bring together the likes of Wayne Lynch, Jack McCoy, Dick Van Straalen, Peter Harris and Dick Hoole under one roof. Such is the respect for the newly refurbished Patagonia store in Burleigh that the surf industry legends didn’t hesitate to attend its launch on a blustery winter Friday night.

Patagonia is a highly respected, socially responsible, outdoor clothing and equipment company. While catering to a wide variety of sports, the Burleigh store maintains a strong emphasis on surf culture. Short board pioneer Wayne Lynch is an ambassador, as is Northern NSW’s Dan Ross. Blank GC’s Pip Andreas and Erin Bourne were stoked to hang out with the elite bunch of gnarly dudes on the night.

Even though the legendary surf film-maker Jack McCoy recoiled in disbelief at Pip taking a photo of him and fellow legend, board shaper Dick Van Straalen, with just her iPhone!

Journalists indeed.

PIP ANDREAS CAUGHT UP WITH GENERAL MANAGER AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, DANE O’SHANASSY ON THE NIGHT. Is this refurbishment part of a rebranding of all Patagonia stores in Australia and New Zealand?

No, just Burleigh. We decided to open a store in Burleigh Heads a number of years ago because it’s a historical part of surfing and Patagonia has a strong surf arm of the business. Unlike the southern part of the Gold Coast which is certainly more commercial, we felt this is the place to have a more community minded store.

When you say “community minded”, what do you mean?

We will be holding events like movie nights and book launches here, but we’re also interested in supporting local grass roots environmental groups. Everywhere that Patagonia has a store, we seek out small local groups that are trying to make a difference to the environment in their area. Patagonia has a local grant making operation as well. Globally we give 1% of annual revenue to grass roots environmental causes. Last year in Australia we gave about $65,000 in grants and this year we are looking to push that up to about $100,000.

Which local Gold Coast organisations are you supporting?

We are still trying to find that out. Part of the call out tonight is because we a really interested to let people know about our support, and to come into the store and let us know what they are doing. One group we have supported in the past is Boomerang Bags. One of our old staff members Jordan has been a tour de force in that operation.

We’re looking for individuals where having three or four thousand dollars can make a huge difference, rather than writing a cheque for the big end of town. The Gold Coast is a tricky place to find these people. It’s almost like a real city!

Yes, it’s a real city!

So, it’s about finding out about who cares about protecting the Burleigh Headland, who cares about keeping rubbish off the beaches, here, not just nationally. We support the Surfrider Foundation, but we also want to show customers here that we care about the place where we do local business.

How is Patagonia caring for the environment in the production of its clothes? I know you use Tencel for example.

We do. We also use organic cottons and recycled polyester. It comes back to Patagonia’s mission, make the best products, products that people need, cause no unnecessary harm to the planet in every aspect of the business, and implement solutions to the environmental crisis in the way we do business.

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What about your supply chain? Where do you get your stuff made?

All around the world: Asia, Central America, North America.

We see our suppliers as partners and have a huge commitment to transparency. Log onto our website, navigate to The Footprint Chronicles and you’ll see a map that shows every factory, mill and farm that we source our goods from. We’re trying to hold ourselves to a standard of accountability, and have a sustainable yet profitable business.

Is this part of the Conscious Capitalism philosophy?

Conscious Capitalism is a relevant philosophy in the way we do business, but I wouldn’t say that is the core tenet to Patagonia’s focus.

We have a particular focus on grass roots environmentalism as where we want to make a difference. But we have participated in the Conscious Capitalism summits in the past.

Patagonia encourages people to buy one jacket and keep it for years. How does that work as a business model?

I think this phenomena of throw away product is fairly recent. In our parents or grandparents generation, people designed things to last. This concept of planned obsolescence and make it as cheap as you can is kind of recent. I think people understand it’s not a sustainable way of living. There’s an economic factor as well. If you only have to buy one of something instead of 10, then you’ll buy something that lasts.

We found that encouraging people to buy one jacket creates engagement with our customers. We let people know that when the jacket is at the end of its life, it will be recycled responsibly.

So people can bring their old Patagonia clothes back to this store.

What do you do with the old clothes?

We have a global supply chain of recyclers, in particular we use Tienjin in Japan which recycles polyester. They can then, manufacture new Patagonia products from that. We don’t have that in every single circumstance in Australia. Often we take the zippers or buttons off and use them in new products. It’s a journey. We haven’t figured out everything yet.

We’ve had some criticism about the toxic DWR coating we put on jackets to waterproof them. People have asked why we don’t use beeswax. Through our research, we found that DWR coatings were really durable so we could make our jackets last 8 to 10 years versus a beeswax jacket that would last 1 to 2 years.

We’re a company that acknowledges we’re on a journey, We haven’t got all the answers, we’re not perfect, but we try to evaluate every decision we make.

ERIN BOURNE SPOKE WITH DAN ROSS ABOUT THE PATAGONIA CULTURE AND BEING AN AMBASSADOR.

there is also initiative within that travel. Like the Bali trip we were working with the group Project Clean Uluwatu. Finding out what they are doing and what the challenges. So we understand more the places we go, what the challenges are and how a company like Patagonia can help.

What is the basis for the ambassador role?

Been through the surfing professional side of things. It’s different to a sponsorship, this is a family based kind of deal, giving feedback on the products. Basically they say ‘take this and go surf in super cold water tell us if it’s good.’ It is product testing and within that it’s all about the stories that come out of that, and the trips with other ambassadors.

What trips do you do?

Patagonia organise the trips, I guess little missions around things they want to be tested. I was recently in Uluwatu in Bali with Gerry Lopez for a 7 day yoga retreat there and brought all his knowledge around that. And surfing and catching up with other ambassadors.

Sharing those events and moments, hanging out.

Do you have trips with ambassadors for other sports or just with surfers?

No, they do cross-pollinate a little bit. A lot of the snow ambassadors also surf and even the kite surfers. I was a couple of years in Fiji with Rio …….. and the wind came upLearn more about how they work there equipment, the challenges they face and how each other interact with the ocean. We get together and plan the next mission around finding good waves and fun but

And how can the individual help?

Exactly, even more so. On a level of educating, and the things each person can do which comes down to daily choices. I’m actually working on a project ‘One for Life’ based around reducing the amount of single use plastic ending up in the ocean. We’re building a cool re-useable glass water bottle that we want to use as a push for this project. We will use surfing as a platform to promote and talking platform to try to reduce the amount of waste in our playground. Within those little projects we link in with similarly aligned organisations and people. As you start searching for it you realise there are a lot of crew out there doing things to help.

Even more so to that point, I got approached by two 11 year old kids in America, they had heard about ‘One for Life’ project and were inspired and started ‘Your own bottle is better’. I actually had a Skype call with them to discuss the challenges we were facing and what they wanted to do with theirs. That for me is some really powerful stuff, that the younger generation want to do something.

For me it’s a process of continually learning through the people I already know within Patagonia and the extended family from that.

So with this push for all things sustainable and environmentally friendly, how does Patagonia achieve this?

Lifestyle

They have a few programs like the Common Threads program or the Worn Wear campaign. I thought this was really cool, they encourage the stories that go with the articles of clothing that have been really well worn and passed around through generations.

There are a number of recycle projects. The one thing as a surf ambassador we’re really excited about is the Yulex, plant based bio rubber for wetsuits.

You’ve been wearing the new Yulex wetsuits?

They’re awesome, better than Neoprene I believe. Having said that though you almost can’t really tell the transition in them.

The thing that I’ve noticed the smell and the feel of the suit after a while, it’s hard to explain without cliché but it’s more the smell.

There is no chemical type smell, you definitely notice it. It’s been an exciting project to work with them on, testing the durability and give feedback on performance. There is no compromise on performance, it’s a big step in the wetsuit industry. Even better they’ve opened it up to everyone. To put it out there and say ‘we’re doing this, if you like it jump on board as well’.

I believe they are working on offering it to other companies, they’ve done all the research and developed this product and if everyone followed suit it would make a bigger impact. This particular project really stays true to the ethos of Patagonia, where it’s not about the profit so much as about making a positive difference in the world.

THE RETRO VAMPT EXPERIENCE From the moment you walk through the gate at Dracula’s you are transported into a spooky immersive theatre performance. Met at the door by ghosts and ghouls, you are then taken inside the Transylvanian castle in groups to begin the evening. I won't give away the surprises, but since the renovation there have been some new additions, so prepare for a fright or two before you reach your table!

Once inside we flashed our VIP tickets for entrance into the downstairs bar area for our glass of complimentary bubbly and some Halloween worthy canapés! After a chicken eyeball or two we jumped on the ghost train. Top tip: once on the train, hold tight on to those drinks, and prepare for a scare! Our vampire waitress for the evening met at us at our table, took our order, and before we knew it our starters and mysterious vampire cocktails had been delivered. The vampire rock band played some retro hits while we ate, which set the tone nicely for the rest of the 70’s themed show.

The main course arrived before the show started, and we were just finishing off our desert when it began. All

three courses were fantastic; a lot of thought goes into the menu. It has the Dracula’s flare throughout, even down to the desert, a chocolate vampire coffin filled with ice cream!

The show itself was fantastic! If you came expecting the Gold Coast’s answer to the Moulin Rouge, you might be disappointed. But what Dracula’s does do, they do very well! Their newest show, Retro Vampt is a 70’s themed Variety Show, with a fabulous mix of burlesque, acrobatics, stand up comedy and well known cover songs, all with a light hearted vampire twist!

Sarah Loughlin To see more from Sarah visit itsonlyaplanerideaway.com

THE NEW SHOW RETRO VAMPT IS ON NOW AND CAN BE BOOKED ONLINE AT DRACULAS.COM.AU. www.blankgc.com.au

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TROPICAL SUNDAYS

LITTLE BITES

CHILLED TROPICAL BEATS, FRESH COCKTAILS & TAPAS THE PERFECT SUNDAY ESCAPE. TROPICAL SUNDAYS AT CHAPTER & VERSE FROM 2PM EVERY SUNDAY

HIGH TEA AT TWIN TOWNS Breezes Bar & Lounge has introduced High Tea from Friday to Sunday afternoons. High tea is served in Breezes accompanied by your choice of traditional teas, Moet champagne or espresso coffee. Indulge in delicate ribbon sandwiches, freshly baked warm scones with conserves and cream, luscious petit fours, macarons and tartlets, with some exquisitely delectable surprises interwoven into the stunning array. There are several High Tea options available starting at $35 pp. Bookings are essential. Adults only. Dress code applies. To book High Tea at Twin Towns call 1800 014 014 or visit twintowns.com.au for further information.

JUPITERS’ KIYOMI LEAVES CHEF’S HAT ON

#CHAPTERANDVERSE S U R F E R S PA R A D I S E M A R R I OT T R E S O R T & S PA 1 5 8 F E R N Y AV E , S U R F E R S PA R A D I S E 5592 9800

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Jupiters Gold Coast’s famed cutting-edge Japanese restaurant Kiyomi continues to go from strength to strength, retaining its prestigious chef ’s hat at the 2017 Brisbane Times Good Food Guide Awards.

Opened as part of the first stage of Jupiters $345 million transformation, Kiyomi serves a modern yet distinctly Japanese menu and celebrates the experience of shared dining with an ‘Izakaya-style’ menu and a beverage menu which includes a wide variety of Japanese tap and bottled beers, sake, shochu cocktails and Japanese whiskies. Kiyomi is located on the lobby level of Jupiters Hotel & Casino and is open from 5.30pm, Monday – Saturday. To make a booking at the restaurant, please call: (07) 5592 8100.

TWIN TOWNS ‘GOLDEN CHEF’ STORMS INTO CULINARY FINAL Recently Twin Towns shared the news that Banquet Chef George Jefferies had won a gold medal at the first Australian Culinary Challenge Regional Competition at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The golden boy has done it again; recently out-cooking some of the region’s best young chefs to cement his place in the finals of Australia’s longest running culinary competition, the Nestle Golden Chef ’s Hat Awards. George competed alongside his team mate, Teri Jorgensen from Tweed Heads Bowls Club, and both have secured themselves a trip to Melbourne in September to represent Queensland South in the national final of the award, cooking-off live in front of show attendees in purpose built kitchens at Fine Food Australia. Follow George and Teri’s progress at facebook.com/goldenchefs

INTERCONTINETAL SANCTUARY COVE APPOINTS ANDREAS IMRE EXECUTIVE CHEF Renowned as innovators in the food and beverage arena, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort has strengthened its culinary position announcing the appointment of Mr. Andreas Imre as Executive Chef, commencing 25 July. Andreas brings with him an extensive career in luxury hotel kitchens, most recently at Sofitel Brisbane Central as Executive Sous Chef and with deluxe hotels in his native Germany, the US and the UK.

THE LOOSE MOOSE TAP & GRILLHOUSE 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Step inside The Loose Moose and you feel like it’s been there forever. Or maybe it just should have been!

There’s an ‘old but new’ feel to the joint – a heady mix of Romania’s steampunk Enigma Bar and a Canadian taphouse that belongs in both the Old and New World, its detail meticulously aged with care. It’s as though the bar has landed – Plonk! Straight out of the pre-prohibition era onto the most vital street corner in Broadbeach. This little gem is tucked away, just around the corner, at the meeting point of two eat streets. Journey complete. Here I am!

Sophisticated in its casualness, nothing looks staged. There is no ‘wannabe’ establishment, no pretence. There’s even an agelessness; a sense of cross-generational appeal.

Loose Moose’s location, slightly hidden from the street, only adds to its sense of mystery. Inside, though, it’s immediately clear that there’s nothing accidental about this establishment.

Opened by the clever team from Koi (owner Patrik Gennari with Head Chef Michael Dragosevic and GM Shannon Dean as partners), there’s every indicator of clear purpose: a top shelf drinks list and smart trending food, clipped efficient service and great live music. Action-packed, this venue has been a hit since the doors opened. Crazy good!

Revved by the sounds of Downtown Secret Society playing in one corner, we settle in, completely relaxed as we peruse the day’s menus.

Following Melbourne’s trend to sweeter breakfasts, The Loose Moose follows suit, not just with healthy options such as Granola, Seasonal fruit salad or the Pitaya Bowl (all loaded with ‘buzz’ culinary terms - house made, activated buckwheat, coconut and soaked chia), but also in far more decadent dishes such as Red velvet pancakes sandwiched around mascarpone, Waffle sandwich or French toast with vanilla mascarpone and dulce de leche (caramel sauce) finished with toasted pecan and maple syrup. All we’re missing is the hat of Persian fairy floss!

For all their indulgence, breakfasts are keenly priced. Even The Loose Moose Feast, which promises a huge ‘morning after’ tummy-filling plateful of bacon, eggs, bockwurst, mushies and caramelised apple potato rosti with sourdough comes in at only $19. Huge!

The Lunch/Dinner menu is no less decadent. A trumped up street menu of Dawgs, Buffalo wings, Burgers, Salads, Grill and Smoker items, it’s a sheep in wolves’ clothing; a case of ‘give them what they want but make it better for

them’. All dishes are made from top ingredients: local king prawns, organic milk or sourdough buns, house made gravy and sauces, and grass fed, hormone-free free range Black Angus beef, provenance included! While appearing to be mainstream, the menu will entice foodies to let down the barriers, its flavours bashing at the door. From Hush Puppies (zucchini donuts with chilli lime jam, whipped lemon scented goats’ curd and sweet paprika) to Chargrilled slowbraised lamb ribs in sticky sauce with chimichurri, there’s plenty of options to share as snacks, meals or dessert.

And then there are the drinks…

Although branded as Prohibition, to us the establishment is truer to the Pre-Prohibition era, with its Victorian/ steampunk theming; a time when little was off limits. PreProhibition was the golden age of cocktails and saloons, a time sporting great skills in mixology, much of which was lost during Prohibition, when cheap spirits were common and the habit of ‘downing’ drinks (in case of a raid) carried over into Post-Prohibition.

The Loose Moose’s drinks list grabs our attention with its expansive spread of quality choices: fourteen pages covering 130 whiskies of the world (Scotland, USA, Japan, Canada, Ireland and Australia), fifteen beers on tap, a range of other spirits, cocktails including shared delight like the Grizzly Bear Picnic and Motörhead, which sound like so much fun to share!

Diets be gone! Prohibition has no meaning when it comes to The Loose Moose’s food menus. They’re past the age of right wing food holiness and judgmental condescension; even relatively ‘-ism’ free. While there’s a free sprinkling of dishes marked as gluten-free, for most other food preferences it’s a case of ‘inform your waiter’.

If anything, The Loose Moose Tap & Grillhouse shows off a ‘free-ranging’ street-savvy menu; politically correct modern American-influenced nosh and free-flowing top notch grog grazing at will in the forest of decadence. ‘Come in and enjoy yourself,’ it demands, ‘no matter what sustenance you desire.’

Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on Good Food Gold Coast foodgoldcoast.com.au

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GRIFFITH STREET LARDER 85 Griffith St, Coolangatta

Sometimes a new owner can bring a breath of fresh air into a place. That’s the feeling we get with Griffith Street Larder.

Early in 2016, Kylie and Dennis Bastos settled on the Gold Coast leaving Melbourne’s cold winters behind. Their purchase of the already successful Larder, formerly owned by the crew from Blackboard Coffee, has brought a renewed sense of enthusiasm to the casual sidewalk café located on the ground floor of The Strand, Coolangatta.

Having successfully operated a suburban café in trendy Collingwood for ten years, the couple have brought with them tried and true recipes for success: a ‘hands-on’ approach to running a café and a willingness to meet the market in menu items and price and, most of all, a warm welcome to everyone who enters the café.

Kylie recounts the lessons she learned working for Jacques Reymond years ago: “He taught me to pay attention to every detail. That’s why he’s been so successful.” It’s a principle she carries to this day: insisting on quality local produce, making as much as possible in house, and maintaining a sunny disposition.

“It’s much friendlier here than Melbourne,” Kylie says, beaming as she talks. “It’s more relaxed, with less stress more ‘real’.”

Retaining the café’s hallmark Blackboard Coffee Roasters brew has kept the locals happy. So have the seven-daya-week opening hours as well as the practice of giving complimentary still or sparkling water. Larder is also a licensed premises.

Bringing Chef Greg O’Leary on board (ex-Lester & Earl and Little Beans), the team has made some important changes to the menu, especially in the ‘All-Day Breakfast’ section, broadening it and adding new items. While the Smashed Avo and Hash Bene are still there, locals appreciate the increased range of mainstream breakfasts, from Bircher Meusli to the Hearty Breakfast Bowl. The much-loved combination of pork and apple sauce gets a modern twist in the Apple Pie French Toast, and Green Eggs on Toast (scrambled eggs with fresh kale) is served with salmon or crispy bacon (not ham)! Of course many menu items and coffee are available to take away.

‘Lunch Anytime’ features Larder bowls (my fave), rolls or burgers with a side of chips. The Southern Fried Chicken Burger comes on a light (perhaps too soft?) brioche bun with crunchy house cut chips on the side; a great meal to take away as well.

N3 TAPAS BAR Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

I decide on a Smoked Salmon Bowl served with peas, avocado and kale pesto offset by the crunchy richness of fried capers. It’s a complete mouthful – everything you’d want in a lunch. Similar, in fact, to my favourite dish, the Crispy Zucchini Bowl with feta, peas, chilli, mint and garlic yoghurt, which Kylie has hung onto even though it’s one of the least popular dishes! (She’s got taste! It’s a ‘must try’ dish.)

“Queenslanders are embracing fresh, clean and healthy food.

They’re also looking for and enjoying new concepts in food, which is great. But besides being healthy, people want to mix up what they eat,” Kylie tells us. “A lot of goodness and some naughty treats as well.”

Some things don’t change, though! By far the most popular items on the menu (still) are the cronuts and syringe donuts, their centres oozing rich warm caramel. Look beyond them, Gold Coast, as they’re not the only sweet treats worth considering! Pastry Chef Julieta Orrego whips up a mean Sticky Date cake with butterscotch sauce; a rich buttery treat, which is heaven by the forkful – perfect for a winter treat. In the cabinet are more sweets, some gluten-free, all made by Julieta in house.

With surprisingly few mainstream café-style venues in Coolangatta, it’s great to see Larder thriving, going full steam ahead with new vigour. The energy’s summed up nicely by a customer who thanks Kylie as she pays for her meal: “Thank you so much! It’s so lovely to come into a place where people are so cheerful.”

We couldn’t have said it better!

Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on Good Food Gold Coast foodgoldcoast.com.au

There are many ways to choose where you want to dine: food, vibe, service, location. For us, location is the most negotiable, and food the least so. If the food is ordinary (or worse), nothing else can make up. Smash food, service and atmosphere off the charts and you’re on a winner.

N3 Tapas Bar overlooking Seaworld Drive at the front of Marina Mirage, which originally opened in time to bring in the 2016 New Year, has relaunched with a sexy new fitout and gorgeous street art by Jamie Cutrupi, (who also painted Hideaway) to match the exquisite food of Chef de Cuisine Geoff Hart.

Follow that chef! One of our up and coming, extremely talented young Gold Coast chefs, Geoff has worked at a number of award-winning restaurants including Hank, crowned with one Chef Hat by the AGFG. His cuisine is exceptional and at N3 he’s back serving tapas, given the liberty to be creative in the kitchen by owner/manager Jamie.

The menu, divided into Lunch, Tapas from the Paddock, Ocean or Garden, Charcuterie, Large plates to share and ‘To Indulge’ invites us on a culinary world journey: gorgeously presented Scallops with black pudding and cauli puree, Ham hock terrine with truffle mayo and wild mushrooms, Sticky Lamb ribs with smoked salt and salsa verde or the even heartier 48-hour slow-cooked Wagyu brisket with onion rings and hand-cut chips, available for lunch or as a larger plate to share. It doesn’t matter what you choose; it’s all delicious! One of the tapas on opening night was even topped by gold leaf. Stunning!

Too difficult to choose? Then why not go with the ‘Feed Me’ option: Chef Geoff ’s selection of seven courses - five tapas, one main and dessert for $52 per head.

Lunch, tapas or larger share plates, all with ‘Gluten-free friendly’ clearly marked; there’s lots to please, well-priced smart cocktails and some really interesting wines to check out. With exceptional food, a funky vibe and friendly attentive service, all we need to do is to take a few friends…

Are you free?

Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on Good Food Gold Coast foodgoldcoast.com.au

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www.blankgc.com.au

THE GOOD WOLF

Miami Village Shopping Centre, 110 Mountainview Ave., Miami

“An old man tells his grandson one evening that there is a battle raging inside him, inside all of us. A terrible battle between two wolves…

The child asks, ‘Who will win?’

The grandfather answers simply, ‘The one you feed.’”

- Unknown source (as quoted in ‘Two Wolves’ by Tristan Bancks) We’ve long been enthralled by the dichotomy of Gold Coast diners. On the one hand there are tribes of ‘transformational’ fitness-craving gym goers who thrive on healthy gluten and dairy-free protein-rich foods. On the other we have the big chain devotees who’re addicted to burgers and fries, fried chicken, ice cream and waffles (sometimes all in one dish).

But is it really that simple? Do we live in two extremes?

We don’t think so!

“Oh, the burgers!” my friend exclaims as she glances over the menu on a girl date out. Frankly, I’m rather surprised. “Oh, I eat really healthy at home and save up my ‘junk’ quota for when I eat out. Then I want to splurge,” she drools.

I think there’s a bit of that in all of us. Many of us are food ‘swingers’, dabbling between extremes when the urge arises, not just on so-called ‘cheat days’.

If there’s one café which encapsulates the way Gold Coast diners approach food, it’s The Good Wolf. Husband and wife chefs Craig and Helen Pope have split their café’s menu into two: The GOOD Wolf menu (full of healthy dishes with vegan, vegetarian, raw and paleo options) and the BAD Wolf menu (overflowing with sweet treats, delicious snacks, mouth-watering burgers and more). It’s a concept that Gold Coast diners have identified with, voting the café Best Takeaway on the Gold Coast in 2015 and #3 Burger on the Coast in 2016 (Gold Coast Bulletin).

It’s hardly surprising that the couple’s culinary talent has been recognised. We’d enjoyed Craig’s work before at Mermaids, Black Angus Grill and Raw Kitchen & Espresso, before he became ‘personal chef to the elite’, employed by Riviera. Now with Helen taking over front of house, Craig’s in the kitchen again with Helen as ‘the boss’ (his words not mine)! Keen to use fresh local produce, the couple have chosen Journeyman Coffee as their brew, from a small batch roaster down the road at Miami. It’s a strong coffee drinker’s blend, so keep to one shot if you want to maintain the smooth edge.

Helen sends out a taster plate of starters, a meal in themselves: Sweet potato wedges with aioli (the best we’ve tasted – thick, crunchy and salty), yummy Buffalo fries tossed with parmesan, hot wing sauce and blue cheese dip, and Jalapeno poppers – fried crumbed jalapenos stuffed with chipotle tabasco, cream cheese and bacon. ‘Bad’ has never tasted so good!

For mains, we decide to hang both ways. The Main Squeeze hesitates a moment considering Craig’s famous double cheeseburger with two whopping 100g patties, but restraint prevails, and he orders the Southern Fried Chicken Burger.

It contains the ‘unholy trinity’ – bacon, cheese and chicken (is there a better combination?) teamed with chipotle aioli and smoky BBQ sauce to spice it up ($14.90).

‘Miss Good Girl’ (yes, that’s me) looks at the Good Wolf menu. It makes me feel better. (I need to think small. Maybe it will bring good luck!) That side of the board teems with salads, bowls featuring brown rice, tofu, felafel – vegan, vegetarian, raw and paleo...

My vegetarian years behind me, memories of North Queensland’s Barra Burgers come flooding back when I spy the Fish Taco. The description reads: Grilled NZ Hoki, lettuce, pineapple salsa, aioli dressing and zingy lime wrapped up in a fresh taco. Two tacos, as it turns out, and large ones at that! Two meals for me! It’s then that it hits: this is a real ‘bang for your buck’ café, giving diners what they want: great food, value for money.

Helen tells us, “There’s been a dramatic increase in ‘Good Wolf ’ diners over the past year or so, with more customers choosing healthy options from the menu, but the battle’s still not evenly balanced. Girls often come in groups. They don’t want to break the budget, but they can feel super-healthy ordering from the Good Wolf menu. Then there are your regulars who come in and order $9.90 fish and chips. We have a really broad base of clientele, with close to half being regular locals.”

Craig uses New Zealand Hoki as his fish of choice. With all meals priced under $15, it’s a fish which goes well grilled, crumbed or battered, while meeting the necessary price point. But there’s lots of room to give dishes his own twist, he says, with daily specials such as House-made pastrami on brioche with pickles, fried egg, aioli and Dijon mustard.

(One walks out the door as we speak.)

While just under half of The Good Wolf ’s clientele are from surrounding suburbs, the goal for this couple is to ‘pull people up the hill’ to experience their mouth-watering fare.

Not only is the price point keen for this suburban café, but they’ve also established their point of difference.

We’re not asking which side you bat for, good or bad wolf.

Phone in your order and do a takeaway or trundle up the hill, bottle in hand. There’s a little suburban treasure at the top: The Good Wolf.

Note: Liquor license pending. Marj dined as a guest of The Good Wolf.

Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on Good Food Gold Coast foodgoldcoast.com.au www.blankgc.com.au

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Arts & Culture

AUSTRALIAN POETRY SLAMS INTO THE GOLD COAST Wild has been a regular since moving up from regional NSW. His works are smart, alluring, thought provoking and always humorously bent, in the best possible way!

Fatz, the magic Fatz, you have to see him to believe him! Bob Strum and his Sister Sue are both beautiful prose writers in the most eloquent of traditions. Caresse Cranwell has been delivering powerful political and philosophical words since the Tugun days.

Caresse last year went on to represent the Gold Coast at the Australian Poetry Slam regional finals in Brisbane. She is a lover of nature, people and the rights of all living things. Rachael Dawson has been with us since the Tugun days also. She is an amazing, darkly humorous writer and storyteller. Josh Holms from Bigger than Poetry read his first ever poem in public at our Alternator Poetry Jam a few years back. He has gone on to do amazing things for poetry on the Gold Coast.

We have also hosted some amazing, internationally renowned feature poets such as Luka Lesson, Manal Younus, C.R Avery (Canada) Anthony Lawrence and the Late, Great, Daevid Allen.

Why do you think original poetry is an important addition to the cultural life of the city?

Poetry reflects what is going on politically, socially and economically in a culture and gives a voice to the people. It invests in the culture of the city by telling the stories of the people by the people. Through poetry we can define and drive our own cultural development. It is different to the top down development of culture, which often runs the risk of not hearing all the stories or silencing voices. I believe that the best cultural development comes from the underground, like a rhizome, creating beauty, that when spring arrives, raises it up.

Culture is about having a future. We need to create that. We don’t need to be told the story that we are culture-less, this is so often heard on the Coast and it is untrue. We are just in the springtime of our cultural story, it is developing underground, ready come up and bloom.

Natalie O'Driscoll

Can you tell us a bit about the Australian Poetry Slam?

The Gold Coast has seen a rise in poetry nights of late, with events at various venues providing a stage and crowd for budding poets and fans of the spoken word. With the Australian Poetry Slam again heading to the Gold Coast’s own Dust Temple in August, we thought we’d have chat with co-owner Isla Wilson to see what it’s all about.

The Dust Temple has a bit of a history with poetry nights…

Dust Temple opened its doors in May of 2013. Before that time John and I had operated IRAcoffee, a small arts cafe in Tugun. This is where we started the poetry nights. The Sandpanther Slam was initiated by Louise "the poet” Moriarty who was our first ever resident poet in 2011.

It was a small underground movement, attracting local hip-hop and spoken word artists. Being new to the coast it helped us to get a better understanding of the area and discover an amazing depth of talent.

Through our poetry nights we not only meet storytellers and wordsmiths, but also local musical poets like Felicity Lawless and Kate Leopold.

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When we opened Dust Temple we continued the monthly tradition with Alternator Poetry Jam and have opened the scene up to a wider audience. Carla Versitano has stepped into the MC/ host role and she brings such a fantastic energy to the evening. There is a sense of powerful connectivity, respect and support between the artists and the audience at our poetry events. We are wanting to develop it more and have a lot of ideas that we are consolidating for a bright poetic future!

Who are some of your regular poets?

We now have a strong and regular rhyme of poets. Audiences regularly comment on the high quality and amazing range of artists who perform at our nights. Benjamin

The Australian Poetry Slam has been running for over 10 years. It is the largest spoken word programme in the Southern Hemisphere. It has unearthed some amazing national talent and enhanced the career opportunities of previous winners. Luka Lesson, Omar Musa, Jesse John Brand, CJ Bowerbird to name a few. The exciting National Prize is an all expenses paid tour to China's Bookworm International Literary Festival and the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival in Bali. It's a trip worth about $11,000. State winners around the country will receive a variety of prizes. They will also be invited to compete in the National Finals in Sydney.

As well as the local slammers on the night Dust Temple is honoured to host Queensland Poetry Festivals International Spoken Word artist Grace Taylor from New Zealand. Grace Taylor, 32 years old, is of English, Samoan and Japanese descent.

Grace is a poet and performer who has been writing, performing, teaching and producing for the last eight years. She has been a key spearhead in the development and growth of the spoken word poetry movement in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

DUST TEMPLE HOSTS THE GOLD COAST HEAT OF THE AUSTRALIAN POETRY SLAM ON THE 24TH AUGUST, IN CONJUNCTION WITH APS AND THE QUEENSLAND POETRY FESTIVAL. THE TOP TWO SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS, AS DECIDED BY 5 JUDGES PICKED RANDOMLY FROM THE AUDIENCE, GO ON TO COMPETE AT THE STATE FINALS IN BRISBANE ON 28TH AUGUST AT THE JUDITH WRIGHT CENTRE.

THE 27 CLUB INSPIRES GOLD COAST ARTISTS The 27 club. Usually spoken of with reverence, awe. A group of popular musicians who all died at the age of 27, it includes such musical legends as Brian Jones, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse.

What we tend to forget when we are speaking of this group is that they were all individual humans who were suffering from some form of mental distress. In reality there is nothing glamorous about drug overdose, depression, suicide.

SOUTHERN GOLD COAST PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION TAKES OFF WITH SCOOT Connecting Southern Gold Coast (CSGC) is calling all local photographers to get snapping around the region and enter the inaugural Scoot Southern Gold Coast Photography Competition for the chance to win.

Running now until Saturday 27 August, 2016, photographers of any level can submit their best photos of the Southern Gold Coast, from Currumbin, out to the Currumbin Valley and south to Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay, with a grand prize up for grabs of 2 x return tickets to Singapore flying Scoot, plus $500 spending money from the Tugun Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank.

A maximum of three photos can be submitted per person, with the prize to be awarded to the most outstanding shot that showcases the unique characteristics of the region.

“The Southern Gold Coast is a photographer’s paradise, with such a diverse region featuring a variety of landscapes, wildlife, coastal scenes and hinterland,” said CSGC CEO, Peter Doggett.

“We have several iconic images that currently showcase our region on a citywide scale, but we’re now looking to the local community to tell, and show, us what the Southern Gold Coast means to them.”

There is no requirement to be a professional photographer to enter, however all submissions will be judged by a local panel on the creative merit of the image.

INDIVIDUALS CAN SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES ONLINE BY FOLLOWING THE LINKS AT SOUTHERNGOLDCOAST.COM.AU/SCOOTSOUTHERN-GOLD-COAST-PHOTOGRAPHYCOMPETITION

In a case of art inspiring life and life inspiring art, local artist Anthony Pieters has collaborated with Gold Coast dancers Dream Crew to create 27, a harsh look at how men deal with mental illness.

“I believe as men, we still find it very difficult to talk about our feelings because we have been socialised to believe it emasculating,” says Anthony.

“But when emotions are bottled up, they can come out [in] various ways that are unhealthy, and substance abuse is one of those outlets for a lot of young men.”

Through live art, dance, multimedia and music, the group will be telling the story of a young man who is dealing with mental illness and substance abuse, and the final scene will reveal if he too will join the 27 club.

The purpose of this show is to bring awareness to these issues and support Livin, a not-for-profit organisation that was founded to wipe out the stigma on mental illness and raise awareness for suicide prevention.

Anyone who is suicidal may receive immediate help by logging onto Suicide.org or by calling 1-800-SUICIDE. Suicide is preventable, and if you are feeling suicidal, you must get help. So please visit Suicide.org or call 1-800-SUICIDE immediately.

THE SHOW WILL BE HELD AT THE ROBINA COMMUNITY CENTRE ON 13 AUGUST AND STARTS AT 7PM. TICKETS ON THE DOOR.

SHIFTING SANDS: INDIGENOUS STORIES THROUGH ART Pictured: Art by Jai Darby Walker Shifting Sands - South Stradbroke Island Indigenous Artist Camp 2016 took place in April, offering a week-long, intensive immersion for Indigenous artists to explore their practice in a supported environment.

The program was developed by City of Gold Coast in partnership with The Arts Centre Gold Coast and the artists selected worked with and were mentored by internationally acclaimed artist, Brian Robinson.

Some of the resulting works will be showcased in an exhibition that runs until 18 September.

Gold Coast City Gallery Director Tracy Cooper-Lavery said the collaborative project provides opportunities for emerging artists to engage with eachother, gain experience, be mentored and spend time purely working on their art.

“Connection, support, enthusiasm and friendships are the meaningful qualities revealed in the work created,” Tracy said.

Lisa Sorbie Martin is one of this year’s exhibiting artists.

“There is something special about coming here,” she said of the camp. “Your soul, your spirit gets invigorated.”

“Experiencing the artist camp will catapult you into areas you might not have thought of – some doors close, but some open wide,” Lisa said.

The South Stradbroke Island Indigenous Artist Camp aims to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists wanting to take the next step in their artistic practice.

Lisa has advice for artists in that position.

“If you’ve got stories and songs from your country, paint that,” she said. “But allow yourself to create in your own style and expression too.”

“We are so blessed to have the richness of our heritage as our foundation and as artisans, we can weave our life into the art we create.”

Shifting Sands – South Stradbroke Island Indigenous Artist Camp exhibition runs at Gold Coast City Gallery from 30 July – 18 September and entry is free.

Featured artists include Claire Agale, Glenn Barry, Glennys Briggs, Sylvester Cook, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, John Graham, Libby Harward, Anthony Johnson, Lisa Sorbie Martin, Neville Torrisheba, Anthony Walker and Jai Darby Walker.

Samantha Morris

SHIFTING SANDS EXHIBITION RUNS 30 JULY – 18 SEPTEMBER www.blankgc.com.au

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SATURDAY 30 JULY Varsity Winterfest Symphony By The Lake & Lake Fire 5.30pm - 8.00pm Lakeside, Varsity Central

FRIDAY 5 & SATURDAY 6 AUGUST TAFE Gold Coast Ashmore Trade Training Centre Open Day Corner of Heeb St and Benowa Rd , Ashmore

SUNDAY 14 AUGUST Zoo Run From 6.00am Sea World , Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

COMEDY FOOD & DRINK MARKETS FILM ART THEATRE MUSIC

26, 27 & 28 August Gold Coast Show Gold Coast Turf Club and Showgrounds, Racecourse Drive, Bundall

Illustrations by Amanda Gorman

SUNDAY 31 JULY Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase The Arts Centre Gold Coast, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

SUNDAY 7 & 21 AUGUST THE VILLAGE MARKETS 8.30am - 1.00pm Burleigh Heads State School

WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST Australian Poetry Slam 7.00pm The Dust Temple, 54 Currumbin Crk Rd, Currumbin Waters

SATURDAY 20 AUGUST Retro Rods & Rockabilly 3.00pm – 8.00 pm Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, Mudgeeraba Rd, Mudgeeraba

FRIDAY 5 AUGUST ‘A Journey to The Land Of Colours’ Faramaz Mokhtarpour exhibition 6.30pm - 9.00pm One Arts,Corner Verona St and Via Roma, Isle of Capripri

SATURDAY 13 AUGUST Stoke Skate Festival 8.30am - 1.00pm Varsity Skate Park, 1 Cassia Drive, Varsity Lakes

THURSDAY 25 AUGUST Surfers Paradise Golf Club Comedy Night Peter Berner, Michael Connell, Hosted by Kat Davidson 7.30pm Surfers Paradise Golf Club, 1 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters

SATURDAY 27 AUGUST Nourish and Nature Day Retreat in Springbrook Mountain 8.30 - 3.00pm Springbrook Community Hall,

Proud presenting partner of the

Gold Coast

Music Awards

YOU’RE INVITED

Ashmore Trade Training Centre OPEN DAY

SUNDAY ROASTS

Explore our newly renovated trades facilities and get first-hand experience trying a range of trades including: Automotive | Bricklaying | Cabinet-Making | Carpentry | Electrical Engineering | Horticulture | Marine | Painting | Plumbing | Tiling & Plastering Also check out our First-Aid, Hospitality and Hairdressing* exhibits.

Join us for a day full of fun and prizes.

Sea FM will be broadcasting live on Saturday between 10.00am –1.00pm.

› Friday 5 August – 9.00am to 2.30pm › Saturday 6 August – 10.00am to 2.00pm › Corner Heeb St and Benowa Rd, Ashmore

Enjoy a warm winter feast at Bazaar with weekly rotating roasts including rotisserie suckling pig, wood-oven roasted lamb, standing rib roast, plus the full interactive marketplace experience.

Sunday Long Lunch with rotating roasts May – September from 12pm – 3pm Only $59 per person Perfect for group celebrations.

Ask about our Complimentary bottle of Perrier-Jouët Champagne to enjoy.

Call 07 5584 1200 or book online at qtgoldcoast.com.au

*Hairdressing is Friday only

P: 5581 8300 | TAFEGOLDCOAST.EDU.AU RTO: 0083

7 Staghorn Avenue Surfers Paradise

SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA BECKY ALBERTALLI “It’s a weirdly subtle conversation. I almost don’t notice I’m being blackmailed.”

Thus begins Becky Albertalli’s young adult debut, SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA: with teenage blackmail.

When Simon Spier, a 16 year old Oreo-inhaling theatre nerd, forgets to log out on a school computer, his personal emails are discovered by classmate and general-mess-of-a-human, Martin Addison. Martin learns several secrets: Simon is gay, he’s been communing with another gay teen who calls himself ‘Blue’, and Simon’s been using a handle to disguise his identity as well. Martin casually suggests Simon could help him get closer to new girl Abby—whom Simon has befriended—lest Simon’s secrets somehow… float through the school. (Floating secrets. A serious problem.)

Simon fears Martin’s next move and the impact on himself and Blue. Simon isn’t out yet, and neither is Blue, and Blue, unbeknownst to Martin, is actually a student at their school—but who? Simon’s best mate Nick? Or the softly spoken Cal? Or, dear God, Martin? Or just someone else?

Martin keeps hounding and confusing Simon, while Blue’s emails grow intimate, and Simon falls hard. He decides he has to meet Blue. Then everything turns terrible.

Albertalli’s greatest achievement here is her crafty plotting set to a near-flawless pace. Judicious placement of clues have us suspecting Blue is, approximately—everyone. The ending will delight and leave you feeling shuddery for days (so I’ve heard. I wouldn’t know. Bring Oreos.)

Simon is a wise-cracking, easy-going narrator with a disarmingly real teenage voice. (“I mean, I can’t even.”) In the wrong hands, he could easily tire and irritate, but Albertalli—a clinical psychologist who has spent years working with teenagers—refuses to budge, and we’re rewarded with an unapologetic teenage boy who just is. By contrast, Martin’s character is less consistent, which makes him a harder read, but his ambiguity keeps the mystery thrumming.

Simon’s parents are ‘fun’—woe be the teenagers whose parents expect not so much attendance at family barbeques or Sunday school, but high-level commitment to watching and discussing reality shows. While the family scenes are the only sluggish points in the plot, family bonding time has never looked so good—or horrific. Depending on how you feel about rose-giving and hot tubs.

In the wake of Orlando, this award-winning book is a much needed missive: defiantly funny and shiny, and brimming with love.

Nae Kurth

THE NATURAL WAY OF THINGS CHARLOTTE WOODS The Stella Prize is awarded to fiction and non-fiction books written by Australian women and can be a bitter pill to swallow when the prize is given to a book about overt oppression of women. Charlotte Wood's novel, The Natural Way of Things is the 2016 winner, and the irony of the title of a book depicting the enslavement and degradation of the women featured is a depressing reminder of the prevalence of misogyny in modern day Australia.

While the setting of The Natural Way of Things is a remote run-down old farm in rural Australia, the book has a futuristic, Orwellian sentiment. A group of young women have been drugged and herded here for the crimes of either speaking out against abuse, or for possessing free spirits that intimidate and threaten male dominance. Worse still, this organised imprisonment of wilful females appears to have corporate and institutional backing. All the young women except the high spirited Yolanda, have been tricked into agreeing to their enslavement, all apparently at the hands of men they trust. They awake from a drug induced haze to find themselves at the primitive, spartan farm surrounded by an electrical fence so they can never escape. They are at the mercy of their brutal supervisors Boncer and Teddy, and the mentally unstable Nancy, all the while forced to wear Dickensian uniforms, eat packaged food from a finite store, and build a road in expectation of the arrival of the elusive 'Hardings'.

THE GUEST CAT TAKASHI HIRADIE Written by Japanese poet, Takashi Hiradie, The Guest Cat is a work of simple beauty.

Rumoured to be at least partly autobiographical, the story is about a husband and wife approaching middle age, and feeling the gentle pull of time. It is the summer of 1986 and they rent a small cottage at the bottom of a large house and garden. Next to their house is a path they nickname Lightning Alley and from their neighbour’s yard, a very old Zelkova tree extends its branches to a corner of their new cottage.

In this peaceful home the couple meet Chibi, the neighbour’s cat, and a guest in their lives. As they watch Chibi, play with her, and feed her, they experience a renewal in the wonder and joys of life. For the narrator’s wife, Chibi is a friend, someone who truly understands her and just happened to take the form of a cat. But for the narrator, Chibi is an independent free spirit, a special gift bestowed on them by fate.

'Hardings' never arrive and the story evolves into how the dysfunctional community of slaves organises itself in order to survive. The story is also about the unlikely friendship of the two strongest characters in the group, Yolanda and Verla, and their roles in the survival of the group of miscreants, as well as their own plotting to gain freedom.

As Chibi’s visits become more frequent, the couple begin to question the true ownership of their beloved guest. Is Chibi visiting, or returning home to them each day? What is Chibi like with her owners? Does Chibi reserve a unique part of her personality just for the quiet couple in the cottage on the other side of Lightning Alley?

The Natural Way of Things is a difficult book for any woman to read. To realise the story may not be so far-fetched in modern day Australia is frightening. On the other hand, it is an interesting analogy of how hierarchy forms in a group even when brutal oppressors are present.

Death is a recurrent theme in the story, as friends and neighbours grow old and pass, causing the couple to reflect on their own mortality. Even though they experience death and change, the world appears brighter with their Chibi.

Pip Andreas

CHARLOTTE WOODS WILL BE APPEARING AT THE BYRON BAY WRITER'S FESTIVAL, AUGUST 5 TO 7.

Written with soft lyrical beauty interspersed with philosophical pondering, The Guest Cat is about finding little joys when life can seem like a series of random events leading to a sudden end. It’s about finding simple pleasures, like playing a game of ball, in the garden, with a strange cat.

Emily Russell www.blankgc.com.au

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Arts & Culture

MARKING TIME Gold Coast City Gallery has announced the winner of this year’s Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography award and the coveted prize has gone to Justine Varga. Marking Time is a chromogenic, hand printed, cameraless photograph that sits at the edge of forgetfulness. Or so it has been described. This piece questions our traditional notion of photography as a piece of film that has been drawn on and handled rather than the image captured in a more ‘traditional’ manner. It is a conclusion of marks, actions and moments that effortlessly seem to slip into the next. The drawn layers manifest the act of remembering as a kind of magic writing pad.

This year’s exhibition was judged by professor Susan Best, Program Convenor of Fine Art and Art Theory at Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art. “The finalists in this year’s Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award show the remarkable range of visual and technological possibilities in contemporary photography: everything from daguerreotype to digital, as well as tintype, photogram and classic black and white. You really need to see them in the flesh to appreciate this diversity.

From this strong field, I’ve picked Marking Time by Justine Varga as the winner of the 2016 Award. This exquisite photogram is

conceptually and visually abstract and yet at the same time richly suggestive of materiality, touch and texture. Congratulations to all of the finalists and especially to Justine for her winning entry," Ms Best commented.

Justine Varga is no stranger to this Award.

Last year her piece 6 months, 2 weeks (2013) was amongst the finalists and in 2013 the prize was jointly awarded to Liam Benson and Ms Varga.

Ms Varga is an established and accomplished artist. She creates photographic works that bring together a strip of film and the world that comes to be inscribed on it. She uses analogue techniques, with or without a camera, to capture instantaneous moments or distill lengthy durational periods. She has been fascinated by photography her whole life and already in her teenage years found the dark room at school to be a certain kind of refuge. She has described photography as “a space where I can be alone in my thoughts, observe and record.”

The analogue processes plays an important part in her work. It has drawn her focus and concentration to the surface of film. It has also emphasised that fundamental difference between analogue and digital and has led to her exploiting its materiality within works.

Cameraless photograph wins the 2016 Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award This exploration and fascination becomes more than obvious in Marking Time.

Ms Varga graduated from the National Art School in 2007 in Sydney and her career has been widely recognised. Her works have been included in major photography exhibitions both in Australia and internationally and acquired for the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Artbank, as well as for private collections in Australia, New Zealand, China and France.

Gold Coast City Gallery Director Tracy Cooper-Lavery agreed that over the years the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography award has become a significant and anticipated annual event for the Gallery.

“Once again the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award considers the best in contemporary photography and represents an extraordinarily diverse range of artworks that push the photographic medium,” said Ms Cooper-Lavery.

The 2016 Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award exhibition be on display at Gold Coast City Gallery from 25 June until 21 August.

Anna Itkonen

THE 2016 JOSEPHINE ULRICK AND WIN SCHUBERT PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD EXHIBITION BE ON DISPLAY AT GOLD COAST CITY GALLERY FROM 25 JUNE UNTIL 21 AUGUST.

WEAVING WINTER MAGIC IN MUDGEERABA A ball of yarn can bring so much joy. That’s exactly what happened in Mudgeeraba last month. Only it was more than just one ball of yarn.

The Village Green became all the more cheerful when Gold Coast & Hinterland Spinners and Weavers took it upon themselves to liven up the trees, the woodhopper statue and the stage and poles in front of Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall.

And it all coincided with the d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards.

“What fun we had, everyone was curious to what was happening and all the passing motorists gave friendly toots,” the group said.

The spinners and weavers took on the project, partly to engage younger members.

Word on the street is that the community response to the Village Square being yarn bombed was so positive, that next year’s d’Arcy Doyle Art Festival will be the focus of their efforts again. Only with even more opportunities for people to participate.

They’re planning to run yarn bombing workshops for schools and the community.

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Meanwhile, the trees will keep their woolen layers until the end of winter, so you still have time to check out Mudgeeraba’s efforts.

Samantha Morris

HOOPERS ON DECK FOR SWELL “It’s going to be two giant deck chairs,” Derek Hooper said simply, about the installation he and his wife Katie will have at SWELL Sculpture Festival this year.

“We’ve been down there for the last five or six years, we kind of know the style that SWELL goes for. It’s fun and the festival is on the beach, and we get to use that space.”

“Typical timber and canvas.”

“Honestly, we didn’t really think we’d get selected – not because of the strength of our idea – but because we’re not really well known. It’s a big deal, SWELL, not just a bunch of hippies running an art festival.”

It’s the couple’s first time in SWELL, but Derek says they have always dreamed up crazy ideas and this one stuck while sailing around New Zealand.

“We were just in a bay and there was an over-sized deck-chair… nothing as big as what we’re doing… and we thought, that looks really cool, and so we had this kind of creative day, just thinking about it and then we came back and thought it’d be awesome to put it into SWELL.”

The two deck chairs are designed to minimize warping in the sun and the longest pieces are 6 metres and weigh 60kg each.

The chair fabric is high quality marine-grade canvas.

Building isn’t something completely new to Derek who has worked as a civil engineer for

15 years and also as a house-builder over his university summers.

“Dad’s a boat-builder,” he said. “All my life, I’ve grown up with dad building boats and done a lot of work around our house and other people’s homes doing things like building decks.”

And Katie’s also very much the artistic and creative force. One of the founding writers for Blank GC, she also studied millinery in London and worked with one of the top milliners in the UK. “She’s created a few really awesome hats,” Derek said. “Which is quite structural in its own way.”

“For both of us, we really enjoy art that is also functional,” Derek said. “Hats are functional, and so are chairs.”

GET THE LATEST FROM DEREK AND KATIE AT DERTIART. COM OR CHECK OUT THEIR INSTALLATION AT SWELL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL, WHICH RUNS 9 – 18 SEPTEMBER, 2016 ON CURRUMBIN BEACH.

THE ARTS CENTRE GOLD COAST PRESENTS

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I WAS HERE: DION PARKER’S SOLO DEBUT It’s been two year’s since we last spoke to Dion Parker about his art. Actually, that’s not true, we speak about Dion’s art all the time. But it’s been two years since we’ve written about him in any formal sense. And given he’s ramping up for his first ever solo exhibition, we thought it was time to do just that.

Dion has a close association with Blank. We worked with SWELL Sculpture Festival to engage him to create the trophies for the Gold Coast Music Awards in 2015 and 2016, but that’s not all he’s been up to in the past two years.

“Last year my piece in SWELL got invited to Woodford Folk Festival,” he said. “So we got to spend a week up there.”

“For a while last year I thought about giving up on art,” he said.

“Not bothering, not trying to put my work up there anymore. I guess I was retty depressed for a while, and I just thought fuck it, I’ll just go and work five days a week.”

“But once I got my head together I realised I can’t just give it up.”

“I’m glad I got my focus back. I’ve put my head down and have been working pretty hard on it lately.”

Dion’s exhibition, titled I Was Here explores two themes. There’s the Lego series and the dog series.

“I was stoked. I just never would have imagined.”

“I met Bill (Hauritz) and Anne-Marie at SWELL and they invited me up and asked if I’d like to take my piece and I jumped at the chance.”

It isn’t just Woodford Folk Festival who think highly of Dion’s work. He collaborated with Gold Coast Graphic Design to create the Buskers By The Creek Posters for 2015, he designed socks for a skate company and t-shirts for another local clothing company. Plus he created the aforementioned trophies for the Gold Coast Music Awards as well as a limited edition run of pins and specially-designed backing cards. He also recently created a live piece of art at the launch of Benny D William’s album Digital Caveman. More on that later.

One thing is for sure. Dion is humble. While he talks about his work, he sounds a little surprised that other people like it.

And he says he’s worked through a bit of personal stuff to get to the point where he’s ready to hold his own solo exhibition.

“I like to keep my work quite simple and between the artwork and the title, it’s usually fairly clear what my intention is,” Dion told Blank GC. “I also like hearing what people get from my artwork – it’s so subjective and everything is open to interpretation and what I’m trying to say might be totally different to what people get.”

“Not all art has to be abstract and have hidden meanings and be hard to figure out.”

For the Lego series, Dion has ten digital paintings that explore different themes with meaning to his own life. A recent trip to Mexico being one.

“When we were in Mexico an hour down the road some cartel dealers got shot by police, so they were reacting to that,” he said. “They evacuated hotels and were setting hotels on fire and stopping buses on the highway and getting everyone off and setting fire to buses and they blew up banks.”

“They didn’t hurt any people but they destroyed a lot of property,” he said. “It was the closest I’ve come to that kind of level violence – a bit of an experience.”

DION’S SOLO EXHIBITION I WAS HERE OPENS AT DUST TEMPLE ON SATURDAY 27 AUGUST FROM 6.00PM AND RUNS UNTIL 22 SEPTEMBER. SWELL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL RUNS 9 – 18 SEPTEMBER.

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www.blankgc.com.au

“Then I’ve done the dog series. I really enjoy working with the dogs - so many of their characteristics can be transferred over to us as humans.”

One of Dion’s dog will also appear in SWELL Sculpture Festival. Also titled I Was Here he says it’s just a simple, large red dog with its leg cocked.

“It explores the idea of leaving your mark on this world,” Dion said. “I tried to break this idea down to what I see as the simplest form – which is a dog leaving his scent for the next dog to come along and smell it, saying “I was here.”

“I think as people we all want to leave our mark on this world one way or another and hopefully we’re doing it for good reasons… to leave a positive mark and to help others, not doing it out of ego or greed or anything like that.”

“There’s a lot of people doing big things in this world that aren’t exactly beneficial to anyone but them,” Dion said.

SWELL Sculpture Festival runs during Dion’s exhibition dates and he says that’s no coincidence.

“It all sort of ties in together. My piece from SWELL - the theme also runs through my exhibition at the Dust Temple and even the cover that I’ve done (for Blank) has a lot of similar elements,” he said.

Dion said Dust Temple was always going to be his first choice as venue for his solo exhibition.

“I love it there,” he said. “It’s like the lawyer Dennis Denuto famously once said in The Castle, ‘it’s just the vibe of it.’

“Seriously, it’s a wonderful place that inspires creativity and individuality. There’s a great community involved with the place and if you haven’t been there recently you should go and see what they’ve done.”

“I also wanted my first solo show to be at home before I explore opportunities further afield,” Dion said.

ABOUT DION’S COVER IMAGE This month’s lifestyle cover was created by Dion Parker on an ipad using a digital drawing program.

“It’s kind of like a self portrait,” he said, of its contents. “A celebration of lots of the art that I have made.

“There’s a lot of little details and things in there that have special meaning to me and I also let my son Brendan do one of his symbols in there.”

“The Gold Coast Music Awards trophy dude is in there. My alter ego The Adventures of Bear is in there. There’s a couple of things that represent my partner Rebecca (Cunningham). And a few other bits and pieces I’ve made.”

“Oh, and there’s John Wilson’s missing thong.”

What? John Wilson is co-owner of the Dust Temple and an artist himself.

“Yeah, more often than not, you’ll catch him wearing one thong. He rocked up at a BBQ at my place one day with one thong on and a carton of beer in one arm.”

Dion will print and frame the image and it will be for sale in his exhibition, titled I Was Here which runs 27 August – 23 September at Dust Temple, Currumbin.

This event is part of our Indigenous Program, proudly presented by Bond University.

BOOK NOW

Pictured: Dion Parker's sculpture The Breach at SWELL Sculpture Festival (c) Daniel Michaud

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Gold Coast Muso’s Jam 4 August – Wallaby Hotel, Railway Street, Mudgeeraba (8pm-11.30pm) f: Gold Coast Muso’s Jam Captain Wow 7 August – Advancetown Hotel, Nerang Murwillimbah Road, Advancetown (12.30pm-4.30pm) f: Advancetownhotel

Twilight Fair Clover Hill State School with Fireworks A&I HALL BANGALOW Spectacular 19 August $100 CONCERT & – Clover Hill Drive, LONG TABLE FEAST (3pm-7.30pm) Mudgeeraba

BY NADINE ABENSUR cloverhillss.eq.edu.au

Villa ge to the

Hinterland

MOZART IN MUDGEERABA

MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS

$35 CONCERT ONLY

Retro Rods & Rockabilly 20 August – Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, Mudgeeraba Road, Mudgeeraba (3pm-8pm) goldcoastcarshow.com.au Gold Coast Car Show 21 August – Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, Mudgeeraba Road, Mudgeeraba (7am-3pm) goldcoastcarshow.com.au Mozart in Mudgeeraba 21 August – Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall, Railways Street, Mudgeeraba (3pm -7pm ) trybooking.com

3PM - 8PM ADMISSION $10 (KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE)

RETRO, RODS & ROCKABILLY HOT RODS, RETRO CARS & CARAVANS

Saturday Show Car Entry $10 Incl. Passengers

BOOK A TRADE SITE ONLINE goldcoastcarshow.com.au/register/trade-site

Gaynor Morgan

Mudgeeraba Fruit and Vegie Market (certified organic) Friday & Saturday Weekly – Mudgeeraba Market Shopping Centre, Mudgeeraba (8am-2pm)

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S PHIE BS! TRO GRA R FO UP

With chamber choir Vox Caldera, directed by Nicholas Routley baroque ensemble Alchemy and Hamsa Arnold on harpsichord Also featuring

Swamp Stompers 28 August – Advancetown Hotel, Nerang Murwillimbah Road, Advancetown (12.30pm-4.30pm) f: Advancetownhotel Mudgeeraba Sunset Markets Friday Weekly - Mudgeeraba Show Grounds (4pm-8pm) f: Mudgeeraba Sunset Markets

BOOK A TRADE SITE NOW!

Louise King 3PM SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2016 MUDGEERABA MEMORIAL HALL, 62 Railway Street TICKETS $25, $20 CONCESSION at www.trybooking.com/MFNZ or at the door (limited) Raising funds for the William Duncan State School Music Excellence Program

7AM - 3PM ADMISSION $15 (KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE) SHOW CARS, TRUCKS & BIKES Sunday Show Car Entry $15 Incl. Passengers www.goldcoastcarshow.com.au goldcoastcarshow@gmail.com 0439 170 882 or 0498 054 140

point

blank Conceptual photographic art on show at dBar A unique Photography exhibition will open at dBar Gallery, 29 July featuring the photographic work of Currumbin artist Kellie North. Kellie will show off her highly emotive and sublimely feminine photo art in her first ever solo sxhibition. Kellie’s images have been published in prominent industry magazines and she’s been hailed as a talent to watch amongst her peers.

The exhibition runs through August and dBar Gallery is located upstairs at Café dBar, 275 Boundary Road, Coolangatta.

drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, charismatic cabaret and indescribable contemporary performance all packed into ten minute slots. The full festival program can be found on the Short+Sweet website. Tickets via theartscentregc.com.au.

Fashion with a Conscience

Museum hosts past and future Banana Festival Queens As part of their orientation program, entrants in this year’s Banana Festival Queen competition paid a visit last Sunday to Tweed Regional Museum Murwillumbah, which is hosting a new Banana Festival display. This year's Banana Festival will feature events from 19 - 27 August, while the Museum display will continue until the end of October.

Not only do Salvos Stores divert 15,000 tonnes of clothing and household goods from landfill every year, they’re also on board to support National Op Shop Week with the launch of Fashion with a Conscience. Salvos will launch their Gold Coast campaign on Monday 22 August at Salvos Store Nerang from 9.00am. A Salvos Capsule Wardrobe display will inspire savvy shoppers and customers can purchase an entire wardrobe of stylish outfits for less than $250. Yes, the entire wardrobe. Stores in Queensland and NSW will also be offering 50% off all pre-loved items during National Op Shop Week, which runs 21 – 27 August.

Mozart in Mudgeeraba Watercolours by Douglas Annand at Tweed Regional Gallery The life and work of one of Toowoomba's foremost designers and artists, Douglas Annand (1903-1976), is being celebrated in an exhibition at the Tweed Regional Gallery, on display from 15 July to 11 September 2016.

Aptly titled A Creative Spirit - Douglas Annand Watercolours, the exhibition is the most extensive survey of watercolours by the artist.

TAFE Gold Coast’s Trade Training Centre Open Day TAFE Queensland Gold Coast will open the doors to their Trade Training Centre at Ashmore on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 August.

Visitors can try their hand at a wide range of trade activities including automotive, electrical, plumbing, marine, horticulture, engineering, carpentry, cabinet making, painting, bricklaying, tiling and plastering. The Open Day will be held at the Ashmore Trades Training Centre, 179 Heeb Street, Ashmore starting at 9am to 2:30pm Friday and 10am – 2pm Saturday.

A special evening of classical music will take place at Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall this month to raise funds for the William Duncan School Music Excellence Program. Mozart in Mudgeeraba will feature Gaynor Morgan with the chamber choir Vox Caldera directed by Nicholas Routley as well as baroque ensemble Alchemy with harpsichordist Hamsa Arnold and cellist Louise King. The event takes place Sunday 24 August from 3.00pm. Tickets $25 via trybooking.com/mfnz or on the door

My Radio Heart beats again Superheroes, electronica, comic books, gaming and punk rock, My Radio Heart is a love letter to the digital age. Inspired by X-Men, video games and our obsession with the online world, My Radio Heart combines contemporary pop with large-scale digital projection to tell stories of love, loss and wanting to connect. Radio Heart is on Saturday 20 August, 6.00 pm at NORPA at Lismore City Hall. More at norpa. org.au or 1300 066 772.

SWELL Set to Return The ever growing SWELL Sculpture Festival is set to hit the shores of Currumbin again this year in September, with a full program including not just the exhibition itself but also a range of events, pop up artist talks, twilight sculpture walks, the SWELL Sounds stage and more.

Those interested in volunteering at the festival, which runs from 9 – 18 September can visit swellsculpture.com.au.

Diverse Entertainment at the 2016 Short + Sweet Festival Snap up bite sized theatre and cabaret at the 2016 Short+Sweet Festival as it returns to the Gold Coast from 4 - 13 August. The 2016 festival offers titillating burlesque, daring

Full stoke at Winterfest The most excellent crew from Stoke Skateboarding will be teaching an all-ages beginners’ session and hosting a Groms Go-Off as part of Varsity Winterfest. It’s a free event, taking place from 8.30am on Saturday 13 August and includes races, time trials and games for kids aged 12 and under. It all happens at 1 Cassia Drive, Varsity Lakes and times and registration details are available from jim@stokeskate.com.

Issue #36 AUGUST 2016