FUTURE OR OTHERWISE

Against the Grain

2009-07-14T08:37:00.004+10:00

I am thrilled to say that a long time friend of ours is putting on an exhibition in Brisbane. The man is Alex Gillies, and if you've ever involved yourself in the Brisbane music scene I'm sure you would have seen him out and about, often wearing black, standing tall and distinct, either thrashing his head along to the beat of the beast, or up front taking photos of the action on stage.

Alex is a man of many talents. A musician, a photographer, a wealth of knowledge, a librarian an artists and, might I add, a self made man. If I were you I'd get along to meet the him in the flesh, on the night, he's like a kind of heavy metal Jesus, and fill your vision with the wonder of his wood block printing.

Alex Gillies & Nine Lives Friday, July 17, 2009 at 6:00pm to Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 4:00pm Upstairs 330 Brunswick St Mall (Above Mellino's)
email againstthewoodgrain.wordpress.com

This is a must read... full story here @ Nine Lives...

A lot can happen in one year. Time can just fly unnoticed – that is, until you stop and take stock. That’s what local artist Alex Gillies is doing with his first exhibition of woodblock etchings and prints at Nine Lives Gallery in July 2009. Coming just one year after Alex took up woodblock carving and etching, this exhibition captures 12 months of furious creative energy, hurdles and discoveries in a medium exclusively produced by only a scant few.

A self-confessed latecomer to his creative pursuits, Alex doesn’t have a background in printing, painting or any kind of art form to speak of. “I failed every art class I ever took in school,” Alex says. “My teachers always suggested I do something else with my time. I did try photography for a few weeks in 1993, but my camera was stolen so I gave up arty things altogether.” ... please read the rest here... it's super interesting!

Make sure you see it while you can. Also, any rich men who like me are encouraged to buy works in an attempt to 'woo' me. Lolz.

Charity and Song Comp 4 All

2009-07-11T09:46:00.000+10:00

If you like writing songs and giving to charity, this might be a wonderful occasion to do both!

NOW OPEN! Vanda and Young Songwriting Competition

Open to aspiring and established songwriters, the Vanda Young Songwriting Competition provides an outstanding opportunity for a talented songwriter to make their mark, and support music therapy charity, Nordoff-Robbins. The competition is open to all songwriters – published and unpublished, professional and amateur, local and international – across all genres.

Give your career a boost with this prize pool!

The winner of the 2009 Vanda & Young Song Competition will take home:

• Return business class airfare to US and UK + 5 days accommodation in both countries courtesy of Showtravel (valued at AUD $10,000 incl. GST)

• $20,000 cash courtesy of Albert Music

• Songwriter Mentorship with iconic US songwriter, Paul Williams.

• Producer mentorship at Kensaltown Studios London.

• Production crew for video.

• Les Paul Gibson Guitar courtesy of Gibson Guitars

• Studio time and engineering at Studios 301 in either Sydney, Byron Bay, Stockholm or Cologne

• Live gig to perform the winning song at SONG SUMMIT 2010, Darling Harbour, 19-21 June, 2010.

Enter today!

Entry fee is AUD $50 or USD $40 per song, with all proceeds going to support Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia. Entries close Wednesday 30 September 2009 and winner will be announced Monday 30 November 2009

To enter, go to www.VandaYoungSongComp.com

Ice Cream Cup Cakes

2009-07-08T10:18:00.001+10:00

Sweet fun treat for the whole family and extended family!

Get some ordinary cone cups (the ones with the flat bottom) and fill 3/4 with cupcake or muffin mixture... you could even hide treats in the bottom. Like choc drops, which I have done here! I put mine in a fan forced oven for 15 mins on 190C. Be careful when you move them in & out of the oven as their pretty unstable.

Then ice. Now my icing isn't very good. Suggestions of your favourite icing are very welcomed!

YAY! Now you're crazy, like me.

No, seriously, you won't be crazy, you'll be very popular!

Curvy Girls

2009-07-05T09:10:00.000+10:00

Hi y'all.

Have you got Curvy on the brain? I sure do. Curvy is a collection of art from female, Australian & International, Artist. Have you already got it? What's your favourite page? I would tell you mine but my Mum flogged one day when she came round to visit. She is crazy for Curvy.

If you're a Brisbane resident get along to the launch, which is on Friday July 10. For more details, pls read below.

The sixth issue in the amazing series - CURVY 6 features the world's most exciting female graphic artists, illustrators and designers in one highly collectable, limited edition book. CURVY remains an international favourite amongst lovers of art and supporters of female artists. For the past 6 years the book has featured 100 of the most exciting female graphic designers and illustrators from over 20 countries around the world. In 2009 we've gone even further - featuring 120 artists from 39 countries! CURVY is a must for anyone passionate about graphic art and illustration that wants to be inspired by a new generation of outstanding female creative talent. This exhibition will feature the limited edition CURVY book on sale as well as a small group exhibition of a handful of Brisbane's top female artists curated by the lovely Mel Baxter. Cupcakes and sparkling are sure to make an appearance as well. Artists Featured: Ellen Stapleton Yuki Nakano Millie Fairhall + Eillim clothing Elana Mullaly Caitlin Rigby Emma Bertoldi Courtney Brims Fiona Kennedy-Altoft Beth Willis Mel Stringer Bel Johnstone Mel Baxter
www.wehaveninelives.com www.melbaxter.com Nine Lives Gallery Friday, July 10, 2009 at 6:00pm Upstairs, Mellinos Restaurant. 330 Brunswick St, Brisbane, Australia

Also, just as a side note. Alana & I both got work in the book! If you wanna see us, we're towards the back :D

Cape Goddess

2009-07-03T11:22:00.000+10:00

A little while ago John alerted me to a really sweet message for me on myspace. It was from a fabulous Brisbane girl called Leecee and 'twas an offer to make yours truly a cape! Some wearable art!

We met one rainy night for late Turkish delight & the biggest coffee you've ever seen (seriously it was served in a bowl!) and Leecee pulled out some delicate sketches she made, which were bursting with colour and energy.

The most interesting part for me was that Leecee was not a fashion student, nor designer, just a regular girl who wanted a project, a challenge. She admitted to having very limited sewing skills, though I could tell by her enthusiam that this was not going to be a problem! I was so inspired after our first meeting. It shows a great amount of courage to go out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.

Last week Leecee sent me an email brimming with excitement - yes the cape was complete! My god it's glorious!

A testament that you can do it, if you put your ass into it.

Tonight Annandale Sydney Bands On Film

2009-07-02T10:48:00.003+10:00

If you're a Sydney sider you might be interested in getting along to a photographic exhibition tonight at The Annandale.

Colin Lucus has been snapping pics around The Annandale for a decade now and it's time he offered up a visual feast like this. There are free bands on downstairs and about 30 steller photo's on display upstairs. The Annandale hotel is located opposite Stanmore Macdonalds on Parramatta Road, and will go from around 6.30 till late.

Mainstream Made In China vs. Indie Made With Heart

2009-06-26T09:24:00.003+10:00

Shanalogic.com is an independent online store run out of the states which sells all sorts of cute and practical goodies. Owned and organised by one person with the intentions of offering up an ethical alternative to chain store shopping.

Which is why it's irritating to find out Australian chain store Diva has been outright stealing designs from her artists.

It speaks for itself.

Disgusting!

If you head over to shanalogic customer care you can read all about her policies and passion. But here's a little something I copied off the website...

What is "Indie Shopping" all about? 

Indie Shopping means that you are buying from small independently owned businesses. By purchasing items at our store you're not only buying great stuff, but you're supporting my network of over 100 artists from around the world! They are paid fairly and treated with respect. They handcraft or personally design the products that we sell and run their small businesses independently of large chain stores. We work directly with them and avoid any distributors. We LOVE our artist and hope you do too!

Buying from Diva has always been the opposite of indie shopping but I never thought of it as stealing.

Read more about this from Shana here.

If you get cranky and want to tell someone you could always tell Diva via email contact@diva.net.au

I Used To Skate Once

2009-06-24T10:36:00.003+10:00

I could have re-written this BUT when fasterlouder have made it this good, why bother! Below is a talk up of the I Used To Skate Once exhibition happening tomorrow night at The Zoo, in Brisbane, which I have STOLEN from fasterlouder.com .au

I Used To Skate Once 5 Opening night l Thursday 25th June l 6pm The Zoo l 703 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Wander down Winn St in the Valley (the little one way street next to The Zoo) and you’ll find The Outpost , a retail store with a style that invokes laneway escapades in Melbourne and a unique edge that identifies as a distinctly Brisbane view on local and international culture. From men’s and women’s clothing to books, zines, music and wooden brooches made by John from The Grates *BLUSH, RIGHT?!*, the curatorship of global independent brands and products for the store is annually extended to an art exhibition with a difference.

I Used To Skate Once is a skate art / music event featuring local, interstate and international creative people the hip cats at The Outpost admire. This year, the proceeds from the event will also help Skateistan, Afghanistan’s first skateboarding school that engages youth to promote education, cross cultural engagement, social development and creating opportunities for girls. With over 50 local and international artists showcased and some fine local sounds on offer, this is truly an event not to be missed.

This year’s collective of over 50 local and international artists include: Stefan Marx , French , Jonathan Zawada , Elana Mullaly , Joseph Allen , Trent Whitehead , Mark Drew and many others, as well as live performances from Kirin J Callinan , Secret Birds and Stemford Hiss

The exhibition will continue in-store at The Outpost until the 30th July

I am VERY much looking forward to this!

Free Fun Tonight Music Fashion

2009-06-23T13:51:00.005+10:00

*BLUSH* Forgot to put this up earlier BUT tonight I'm part of a music and fashion discussion being held at the Powerhouse in Brisbane. Every month musicians and people who love music are invited to share in a stimulating discussion about today’s music followed by a live performance. It's going to be lots of fun and is free. So come one, come all :D

Music and Fashion Tue 23 Jun 09 6-8pm The Brisbane Powerhouse’s Turbine Platform

Is music driven by fashion or does fashion drive music? How does style and genre relate to fashion and music?

The panel includes:
· The Grates' singer *Patience Hodgson*

· QUT's Head of Fashion *Suzi Vaughan*

· Musician and QUT academic *Kiley Gaffney*.

The discussion will be followed by a performance by John Dunlop and Meg Shneck who mix live musical performance with complex pre-recorded sequences.

Come along, buy a drink, meet up and be stimulated.

The next Music Stimulants programs include:
In July, Other Film curator and QUT academic Joel Stern compiles an illustrated survey of contemporary and historical audiovisual art. Live sonics with 16mm cinema, analogue slideshows, and audio-video improvisation will accompany the discussion.

August will explore the role of the producer with respected producers, including QUT’s new head of Music and Sound, Grammy award-winning producer and Gong bass player, Mike Howlett. The history of pop music often forgets the role recording producers have had in the making of successful hits. Is the producer effectively a band member? Preconceived delineations of composition, recording, production and performance are challenged with music provided by Stimulation.

Brisbane's Environmental Film Fest.

2009-06-23T10:01:00.003+10:00

I like to blog about things happening in and around Brisbane (god knows we have a lot of time on our hands). So, if you're wanting something to do and are interested in the world around you get along to the Environmental Film Fest which is running Thursday June 25 - Saturday June 27.

A feast of environmental films to shock, inform & inspire action - from one of the most controversial corporations in history, to community resistance in the Andes, to what's at stake with climate change. All enjoyed on the big screen in an intimate setting with delicious food and drinks available, and open discussions surrounding the film themes.

Thursday June 25 - Saturday June 27
All films at Brisbane Activist Centre, 74B Wickham St, Fortitude Valley
Delicious vegetarian food & drinks available from 6:30pm each night of the festival.

Tickets
Per session $10 waged / $6 concession
Entry to all sessions $20/$12
All sessions, all dinners, 1 complementary drink each night $40/28
BOOK NOW! Bookings/enquiries: Ph 3831 2644; 0410 629 088.
Email: brisbane@greenleft.org.au
Fundraiser for Australia's leading progressive paper, Green Left Weekly, and the Socialist Alliance

Full program

Thursday June 25, 6:30 for 7pm
The World According to Monsanto
Maker of Agent Orange through to genetically modified seeds, Monsanto is one of the most controversial corporations in history. Behind a green facade claiming to want to solve world hunger, this empire shows capitalism at it’s most anti-environmental & inhumane.
[France, 109minutes - dinner from 6:30pm, film starts 7pm]

Friday June 26, 6:30 for 7pm
When Clouds Clear
A film delving into one remote community's radical resistance to a proposed copper mine that would destroy their way of life forever. A gripping story of human survival and sacrifice, narrated by the children of the Andeas Mountain town.
[Ecuador, 77 minutes - dinner from 6:30pm, film starts 7pm]

Saturday June 27, 6:30 for 7pm
Earth - the movie
A film which stunningly answers - with over 4,000 days of cinematography - the question of what is at stake with climate change. Heart stoppingly beautiful scenes combined with dramatic facts underline the urgent struggle humanity & the globe face.
[98 minutes - dinner from 6:30pm, film starts 7pm]

Paint Like No One's Watching

Sans Spirit

2009-06-21T10:11:00.003+10:00

I had no idea my local post office employee was in such a cool band! Until now of course! Well, he's in a band called Sans Spirit out of Brisbane if you want to check them out. If you are in a band please organise a show together!

Paint Like No One's Watching...

2009-06-18T13:26:00.003+10:00

Over the past year, the FasterLouder art studio has been stationed backstage at all our favourite musical festivals. They recruited over 60 of the world’s most creative bands to collaborate on over 30 pieces of art.

The ‘Paint Like No One’s Watching’ project was conceived to raise awareness for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, who implement music programs and provide instruments and teachers to disadvantaged and indigenous children and youth in schools and juvenile detention centres across Australia.

To see the works and make a bid, head on over! There's Lykke Li and Darren Hanlon's masterpiece, or Wolf and Cub's effort with Violent Soho and even a supergroup made up of The Music, Polyphonic Spree, The Living End and 5 more artists!

Here's my favourite... Wolf And Cub with Violen Soho.

Those Darlins

2009-06-16T11:37:00.000+10:00

Wooo Hooo one of my favourite acts from this years SXSW have a release in Australia. Those Darlins have a spinner called 'Those Darlins', due out through Virgin/Spunk July 24.

I am super psyched.

Go to their website thosedarlins.com for a free download of their first single 'Wild One'. Here is them playing it live.

Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Hottest 100 Of All Time

2009-06-15T10:22:00.004+10:00

I just received the best invite I think I have ever received! When you make an invite in the future, one can only pray it has the honesty of this one.

Yeeeaaaarrrggh....
'Twas the summer of 1997......the date was the 26th of January.
The cicadas were chirping, the crickets were playing on the TV & as seen below, the teenagers were drinking watermelons injected with vodka, sporting bad haircuts & dubious fashions.

It was also on this day that the very first seeds were planted for Mickz Annual Hottest 100 BBQ.....and lo! What a BBQ it was.
(well, i was told it was good - i actually cant remember b/c being the ever gracious host, i took one for the team & passed out on the couch in the early afternoon, which is probably a good thing b/c the Whitlams took out #1 with "No Aphrodisiac" for f u c k s sake, but the attached evidence below suggests that some merriment was had at some stage)

Aaaaaanyway - 12 years on, with many watermelons and BBQs under our belts, the legend continues, but this time with the HOTTEST 100 OF ALL TIME!

So, it occurred to me that a lot of you now listen to the pitter - patter of tiny feet, or the twitter - twatter of tiny blackberrys, but its time to bring it all back with a momentous celebration to be held on

SUNDAY 12TH JULY 2009

So please, come up and join us (Julie, Mick, Paris, Britney & Shakira) for what is shaping up to be a possible belter.

Some important info:

Address: 123 Simpson St,
Time: 12 midday - ?

(For the gainfully employed & / or quasi-religious - yes its the Sabbath, but if you want to stay the night please let us know and we shall be able to sort out some places to lay your weary head for the night.
The monday morning commute from Woy Woy to the CBD is great fun especially when you're half cut (rest assured that everyone else is on that train.....so you'll be just fine & in good company!)

+1's & kids & dogs are more than welcome, just please let us know if your bringing your doggie so we can lock up our chooks in advance.
Paris has just checked out of rehab after her frightful asse-capade (boom boom) and hopefully she'll continue to be clean, healthy & on the lay for a while longer......

What to bring: contributions to the drink rider & backstage catering area are always more than welcome, & keeping with the "vibe" - if you want to make your HOTTEST DISH OF ALL TIME to bring along, then bring along.
This day is also the official launch of the a new ca$h cow & the putting out to pasture of the old bovine (which will be stuffed into a sausage skin and slow cooked on said BBQ). So there will be plenty of meat tubes. Please let us know if you have any allergies or are vegetarian, so we can inform security.

Voting: there will be a tally board in operation. To vote go to:

http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_alltime/voting/

(& remember comrades.....voting is compulsory in Australia!)

There will be a prize for whomever guesses the #1 song!!

Here's to falling off the wagon in grande style (ie like it was 1997!)
\m/ & love from
Mick, Julie, Paris, Britney & Shakira

%~}

Rally Against Climate Change

2009-06-12T12:03:00.000+10:00

Hey everybody, come join me this weekend in a walk for a better earth.

This Saturday rallies will march through most Australian capitals. The rallies will call for the action we need to ensure a safe climate for future generations – an urgent transition to 100% renewable energy and a strong commitment to tackling climate change when Australia meets with other governments in Copenhagen in December to forge the next Kyoto Protocol.

Together, we can convince the government to wake up and work for a safe, just, and prosperous future for everyone.

Adelaide
Where: Tarndanyangga (Victoria Square)
Time: 11am

Brisbane
Where: Queens Park, Elizabeth/George Streets
Time: 1pm
More info: David 0403 871 082 or Ewan 0401 234 610

Canberra
Where: Garema Place, Civic
Time: 1pm

Hobart
Where: Parliament Lawns, Hobart
Time: 12 noon
More info: Contact Jess on 0428 274 280

Melbourne
Where: State Library, cnr La Trobe and Swanston sts (march to Treasury Gardens)
Time: 1pm
More info: (03) 9639 3660 or info@climateactioncentre.org

Perth
Where: Forrest Place, Perth
Time: 12.30pm

Sydney
Where: Barangaroo, Hickson Road, Millers Point
Time: 10am

Wollongong
Where: Wollongong Mall amphitheatre(cnr Crown and Church sts)
Time: 12 noon
More info: Phone 0425 329 963

Come one, come all :D And remember to wear sunscreen!

Sniffle Co. - Not 2 B Sneezed @

2009-06-10T09:05:00.004+10:00

Hey there,

I'm not sure if you know of John's super sweet side project Sniffle Co.

John Patterson, guitar driver of The Grates, has designed a line of gorgeous wooden brooches and buttons which are available online through sniffleco.com and in select stores. He spends hours perfecting his designs on his computer before sending them off to be manufactured then paints, varnishes, assembles and packages them at home with the help of a friend.

I really admire his get go... but let's face it, I'm in it for the brooches! I think his designs are unique, nerdy and perfect for wearing.

He's about to birth a new batch of designs next week, but I really wanted to make you aware of his enterprise early, and to let you know that he's going to do a giveaway through his mailing list. To join head to sniffleco.com and click on the dog.

Wow, thanks guys! That's about all from me. Happy browsing. Below are some of his current collection.

Woody Allen... get it?

Teeth buttons. Actually, if I really was organised, I should have posted a pic of the shirt I sewed these buttons onto. It looks really good.

Puffer!

Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away...

What a dream boat... I'm gonna marry that pin one day...

This gravestone is such a hit with guys! (er... almost embarrassing story, I love TV On The Radio and gave Tunde one of these badges as an ice breaker just to meet him while on the BDO tour).

Buttons for the music lover...

Awesome, thanks for reading! Pin with pride!

Paddo Phair

2009-06-08T17:55:00.006+10:00

Hi Y'all,

Just wanted to tell you how great the Paddington Fair was on the weekend! The look was casual, and you scored extra points if you came with a dog or a toddler. The sausage sizzle was cheap (and then free at the end of the day. I had a free one and it was delicious. Then I felt like a tight arse for not buying one earlier in the day) and there were punnets of strawberries with cream for only $3.50. Plus the bands of course... of course.

So there was the skate park stage which had cool bands playing from 12 (I heard a highlight were Dirtybird).

Ohhhhh yummy good old fashion ice cream form the Cone Queen. Her logo was soooooo cooooool, the C turned into a tongue & licked an ice cream! After everyone was well and truly stuffed on her cold desserts I saw a hot roller derby babe hanging around her van. I decided to hit on her "Oh cool, did you demonstrate today?", she told me she hadn't. So I went "Ok, cool, so you're just wearing skates for fun. Rad." * lol *controversially she replied "No, I didn't demo with them today, cos they're not very good. I'm from Brisbane City Roller Girls!" - Meow!

Also this horse was found all alone in the park at 6am by dog walkers. Probably stolen by some punks the night before.

I wanted to marry him!

Hey check out this cool thing the kids were doing... it's called Rock Climbing. They thought they were so tough. I sorted them out. I climbed to the top of the tree then dribbled ice cream out of my mouth. I pretended I was King Kong having a fit over how kick arse I was.

Bands... bands! There were tonnes of great bands that played, though, highlights for me were watching Dave McCormack w/ his band The Polaroids and The Horrortones.

What a great day :D So great in fact, John sulked when we told him it was time to go, so we had to bribe him with donuts and beer. OH, look at that poor widdle face! ha ha ha

Paddo Fair
Choc Chip Bacon Cookies (not really related but bloody worth the look).

A Sticky Date

2009-06-07T09:14:00.011+10:00

Cassie is a dear friend of mine who sends me emails, from time to time. If you want to can read her actual stories, visit her at l!mp The Official Website Of RMITs Creative Writing Students.

On 03/06/2009, at 3:29 PM, Crassie wrote:

So.

Monday night was...

ROAST NIGHT!

So I thought I would enhance festivities by cooking this:

However... events unfolded as such:

Dates boiled over.

Astris creaming... LOL

No electric mixer... mmmm

No scales to measure quantities...

Astrid in a helmet.

It'll still work!

No dish, have to use cake tin. Okaaaaay, still might work!?

Come on lil' fella! You can do it!

Okay, so maybe not.

Now for butterscotch...
It's getting there!... .... Fuck.

Le product finale.
Maybe it is mostly a little under cooked, and it was in the oven for an hour. And rose like 10cm... Whatever, I will still serve this fucker.

I died. Like, not in the good way like when I'm eating roast lamb.

How do you feel Astrid?

Sucky. Date. Pudding.

The worst part? I tried REALLY HARD.

From Crapssie.

Related Posts

* email art
* The Last Melbourne Warrior

Screamfeeder, No Through Road, Tony & Kitten Licks.

2009-06-03T23:10:00.003+10:00

Whoa, Adelaide, watch out, Screamfeeder are coming to town and they're playing with No Through Road (my new pet band) and Anthony Of The Future (funny fact: Anthony Of The Future, and myself, have mutual friends but we have never met).

Also if you don't know, Kitten Licks was one of the greatest albums made in the mid nineties AND to have come out of Brisbane. This is a one off tour that should not be missed (I'm even thinking about hitchhiking my way down to the show).

SCREAMFEEDER // NEWS

Next stop on the KITTEN LICKS tour is..  ADELAIDE - Friday June 5th - The Edinburgh Castle Hotel With extra special guests: No Through Road and Anthony of the Future we have a very soft spot in our hearts for Adelaide, we can't wait to come back!

TICKETS ON SALE HERE NOW!

Dave McCormack & The Polaroids at Paddington Fair

PJ's Weekend/Free Album

2009-06-01T21:24:00.006+10:00

Ooooooh what a big weekend I had!

Me at my first guitar lesson...

Made BFFs with a dog...

Watched Red Riders at The Globe in Brisbane...

Tried (for at least 1 whole day) to fix my plumbing (with the help of John)... THIS WAS A BAD IDEA! A plumber's coming tomorrow morning at 7:30am (!!!) and he's $85/hr + gst & parts... yikes!

and learned that Tim Fite has a beautiful ALBUM available for download, 4 FREE, here, it's called 'Change Of Heart' and is gorgeous. Get it and fall in love. An album as a gift, what a guy. He works so hard and is so talented.

Also, you can head to his website home page and/or to shows and music at his myspace.

See y'all soon!

An older Tim Fite blog with a few film clips

FBi Fundraiser Sydney

2009-05-30T10:00:00.004+10:00

The Monday of the June long weekend, Spunk is kick-starting the FBi benefit campaign with an all-ages fundraiser at the Metro...

‘Another Night On Earth’

Monday 8th June, 2009 at Sydney’s Metro Theatre

All Ages

5:00 pm -10:00 pm

With Sarah Blasko, New Buffalo (solo), Jack Ladder, Firekites, Machine Translations, Grand Salvo, Songs, Megastick Fanfare, Bearhug, Sherlocks Daughter, Fergus Brown, Ghoul, Parades, Caitlin Park, The Holy Soul and more to be announced soon!

Tickets $30.00 from www.metrotheatre.com.au and the venue box office

Every ticket purchased receives an ‘Another Night On Earth’ poster and Spunk CD Sampler.

Please spread the word and invite the friends, family and fans you have who might be interested in coming along. The night is being MC'ed by Henry Wagons - whom I've been told "is incredible on stage".

Sounds great!

Surf Video

2009-05-30T09:55:00.001+10:00

It must have been super hard for this guy to surf with his friend filming it on his shoulders. Surf Video

Caitlin Ghosssssssster

2009-05-19T17:36:00.007+10:00

Caitlin Shearer is a bright young thing. One of the most talented illustrators I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Blessed with a heart so warm she melts us like butter!

A Sydney lass born with wide eyes and a thoughtful mind, Caitlin is able to see in the world around her with glorious insight.

So come see the world her way! You're invited to view her works in the flesh at The Wall, Worldbar, Kings Cross, Sydney, for ONE NIGHT ONLY on Wednesday the 27th of may, 2009. Hell, there's even free champagne between 8 and 9 pm.

If you can't make it, check out her ETSY page....

and her flickr

and here's an interview she did with papermag

Happy eyes!

Paddo Fair June 6

2009-05-19T15:32:00.002+10:00

How very cool, Brisbane's Paddington Fair is on again.

MUSIC.ART.SKATE.RIDES.MARKETS.FOOD. FREE ENTRY!

10am to 6pm JUNE 6

On the PARK STAGE…

Dave McCormack & the Polaroids

The Horrortones (Soul Supergroup feat. Dan Condon!)

Halfway

Sabrina Lawrie (of Little Vegas & the Fuzz Parade)

Madeline Paige

The Honey Month

Timothy Carroll

Keep On Dancin’s

Sue Ray

On the SKATE STAGE…

Re:Enactment

The Creatures of Habit

Dirtybird

Plus Skate Comps and Demos, Roller Derby Demo, Circus Workshops, Creative Arts Workshops, Face Painting, Rides, Jumping Castle, Markets, Food Stalls, and heaps more!

Where's it at? Neal Macrossan Park (opp. Suncorp Stadium) Caxton St, Paddington. Parking available at Petrie Tce Primary School.

Radical Recipe: Choc-chip BACON Cookies!

2009-04-25T15:38:00.014+10:00

Chocolate-Chip Bacon Cookies w/ Maple Cinnamon Glaze

I kid you not: this is the type of recipe gods are swapping on Mt Olympus.

Rather than look at it as a tasty baked good with meat added, think of it more like the taste of an Ultimate Breakfast experienced all at once - Cinnamon pancakes with maple syrup, crispy bacon strips, and bitter/sweet chocolate on the side. The end result smells like an American diner, and if anyone claims they don't like it: they're liars.

Ingredients: COOKIES
(please note: this recipe makes about 25 decent-sized cookies. If you want to just test the concept, halve it)

* 3/4 cup Butter, melted
* 2/3 cup Brown Sugar
* 2/3 cup White Sugar
* 1 tsp Almond Extract (at 99c/bottle, it's worth it)
* 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
* 2 Eggs
* 2 1/2 cups Plain Flour
* 1 tsp Baking Soda
* 1/2 tsp Salt
* 1 cup White Chocolate chunks
* 1 cup Dark Chocolate chunks
* 2 cups Bacon (approx. 400g)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the bacon. I used premium cut bacon, sliced into fingers. Fry the bacon, in butter, until it's plenty crispy; think 'American-style'.

Dice the fried bacon and measure out 2 loosely filled cups.

Step 2: Chop and measure chocolate chunks. For maximum impact, chop block chocolate roughly, rather than use pre-packaged chips.

Step 3: Beat together the butter, sugars, flavouring and eggs until creamy.

Step 4: In another bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. Stir into the beaten mixture.
Note: This base is quite crumbly at first, so don't be shy - use your hands to knead the dough!

Step 5: Knead in the 2 cups/ bacon + 2 cups/ chocolate. Distribute as evenly as possible

Step 6: Cover mixture, and set in the fridge for at least an hour. (now make glaze!)

Step 7: Pre-heat the oven to 165 degrees C/ 150 Fan-forced.
Grease two baking trays. Wait until dough softens, then spoon out the mixture and roll into balls roughly 1 1/2" wide. These cookies should be generously sized, and contain pieces from all fillings. Use the back of the spoon to flatten onto tray.

Bake for 10 - 15 mins; until cookies are golden brown. They ultimately still set soft, but try to bake them all the way through.

voila!

MAPLE CINNAMON GLAZE

* 2 cups icing sugar
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1/2 - 1 tsp cinnamon (to taste)
* Maple-flavoured Syrup

Add icing sugar to a bowl, along with cinnamon and vanilla extract. Gradually add maple syrup until a thin icing has formed.
Spoon over cooled cookies, and serve!