Archibald Prize finalist Mirra Whale is set to showcase her latest works in a solo exhibition titled “Quiet and Still” at the Mitchell Fine Art in Fortitude Valley.
Running from September 3-28, the exhibition explores the nuances of still life painting, presenting everyday objects from unique perspectives.
Whale, a Sydney-based artist, drew inspiration for this collection during a 2023 residency at the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre. The works reflect on the “quiet beauty” inherent in still life painting, examining the interplay of shape, colour, and form.
‘Pears & Wishes’ (Photo supplied)
“There is a quiet beauty that is entangled within the act of ‘still life ‘painting. Meticulously scanning the many perfections and imperfections that make each object unique and beautiful,” said Whale.
Mirra Whale has been a finalist in several art prizes including the Archibald Prize, Mosman Art Prize, Salon Des Refuses, Portia Geach Portrait Prize and the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize.
Her educational journey in art spans nearly a decade, beginning with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Printmaking from the National Art School in 2003. She later diversified her skills with a Diploma in Graphic Design and Communication in 2010. The following year, she pursued studies at Julian Ashton College, culminating in an Honours degree from the National Art School in 2012.
While the exhibition runs from 3 – 28 September, an opening event will be held on 7 September at 2:00 p.m., which will be attended by Whale. It’s a free event, with no RSVP required.
Mitchell Fine Art, located at 86 Arthur St in Fortitude Valley, offers free onsite parking and is open Monday through Saturday (10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays). To enquire on any artworks phone 07 3254 2297 or email admin@mitchellfineartgallery.com. Sign up to the gallery’s mailing list to receive information on exhibitions and events.
Seasonal Fruit gears up for its Spring Edition on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Felons Barrel Hall, Howard Smith Wharves, promising an evening of vibrant Australian indie music to usher in the new season.
Organized by Felons Brewing Co. and Jet Black Cat Music, the festival will showcase a diverse lineup of up-and-coming and established Australian acts. The Spring Edition features performances by Gut Health, Clamm, Parsnip, Radium Dolls, and Gimmy, representing a mix of indie, rock, punk, and psychedelic genres.
Gates open at 6 PM, with live music kicking off at 7:20 PM. The carefully curated schedule will see each act take the stage for hour-long sets, culminating in a headline performance by Gut Health at 11:20 PM.
First-release tickets are sold out, with general admission currently available at $36.50. Organizers advise that the event is strictly for those 18 years and over.
In a nod to the festival’s name, Seasonal Fruit, organizers promise to deliver the “freshest produce” in Australian music, showcasing emerging talent alongside more established acts right in Felons Barrel Hall.
Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley nightlife scene has a dazzling new addition: Enigma, a nightclub that transports patrons to a world of glamour and excitement before they enter.
The club, which opened in early August 2024, features a mesmerising LED walkway that illuminates the entrance and stairs, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
Enigma’s creators drew inspiration from iconic party destinations like Ibiza, Miami, and Las Vegas, aiming to provide an escape for those seeking a break from the ordinary. Cade Hopman of Hallmark Hospitality Group, the company behind Enigma, emphasised the club’s focus on creating a unique experience.
The $9.3-million fit-out at the Brunswick Street venue is a testament to this commitment, offering a visually stunning environment that complements the pulsating beats. It joins Hallmark Hospitality Group’s impressive roster of venues in Brisbane, including Maggie May, Lefty’s Music Hall, The Lord Alfred, and Hey Chica!
The club’s resident DJs, including Tasha Lee, Curdin, SF Fudge, Sophie Bridges, Nestor Vargas, and Apolloco, curate an eclectic mix of music to keep the energy high on the dance floor and in the VIP booths surrounding the DJ.
Enigma’s drink menu features a blend of classic cocktails and signature creations. Alongside favourites like margaritas, Long Island iced teas, Aperol spritzes, and espresso martinis, the club offers its namesake cocktail, The Enigma, a vibrant mix of vodka, white rum, gin, blue curacao, raspberry, and Red Bull.
With its captivating atmosphere, world-class DJs, and enticing drinks, this place is poised to become a destination for Brisbane’s nightlife enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary experience.
The closure occurred on 25 August 2024, just days before the planned opening of The Star Brisbane casino at the new Queen’s Wharf precinct. About 70 staff members had been with the Treasury Casino since its opening in April 1995, witnessing the venue’s evolution within its iconic heritage buildings.
Long-Serving Staff Reflect
Simone Gulliver, who rose from guest services attendant to Gaming Events marketing manager for Queensland, expressed mixed emotions about the closure. She highlighted the casino’s significant role in her life, including hosting her wedding, which was the first to be held at the venue.
Gulliver praised the graceful heritage building, noting that while the interior had changed over the years, the exterior remained largely untouched. She will continue her career at the new The Star Brisbane casino.
The Star Brisbane, part of the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development, opens 29 August 2024. The riverside complex will include a main gaming floor, Star Grand Hotel, event centre, Sky Deck public viewing platform, bars and restaurants, and a pedestrian bridge and bikeway. The new casino aims to offer a more integrated and modern experience, with high-tech facilities and views of the Brisbane River.
The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation approved the closure of Treasury Brisbane Casino under the Casino Control Act 1982. This move is part of the final preparations for the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane opening.
The Queen’s Wharf project is a joint venture, with Star Entertainment Group owning 50%, and Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium each holding 25% stakes.
While Chow Tai Fook recently received clearance to retain its interest in the project, Star Entertainment Group continues to face regulatory scrutiny in New South Wales regarding its Sydney casino operations.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The closure of the Treasury Casino signifies a major change in Brisbane’s entertainment scene. For locals, the venue was more than just a gambling establishment; it was a landmark that contributed to the city’s nightlife and tourism appeal. The transition to The Star Brisbane promises increased job opportunities and economic growth.
Local businesses in the CBD anticipate changes in foot traffic and customer patterns with the casino’s relocation. While some express concern about the potential loss of business, others see opportunities in redeveloping the Treasury building and surrounding areas.
City planners and tourism officials are optimistic about the Queen’s Wharf development’s potential to attract more visitors to Brisbane. The new integrated resort will enhance the city’s reputation as a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists, potentially boosting the local economy and creating a ripple effect of development across the city centre.
Brisbane’s King George Square will be filled with a sea of daffodils and generous Queenslanders volunteering their time to raise support for cancer awareness. Daffodils have become a yellow beacon of hope in the fight against cancer because no matter how hard the winter has been, they are always the first flowers to bloom in spring.
Daffodil Day sees the community rallying in one of Brisbane’s central locations. Volunteers and visitors fill the square throughout the day. The event features over 15,000 daffodils, symbolising hope and support for those affected by cancer.
Each daffodil sold contributes directly to the lifesaving work of Cancer Council Queensland, emphasizing the community’s role in supporting this cause.
Photo Credit: DaffodilDay.com.au
Bradley Cameron, Head of Growth and Impact at Cancer Council Queensland, highlighted the critical need for community involvement.
“Our research shows that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Events like today are crucial in funding our research and services, ensuring that no Queenslander faces cancer alone,” Mr Cameron said.
Personal Stories of Hope
The impact of the Cancer Council’s work is personified by Kodi Brown, a local resident who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2018. Brown’s story of resilience and the support she received through the Cancer Council’s helpline is a focal point of Daffodil Day, reminding attendees of the personal lives touched by their contributions.
“I’m a positive person, but it’s hard. The support I received from Cancer Council Queensland really helped me maintain my optimism through my treatment,” Ms Brown shares with attendees, underscoring the significance of community support.
Ongoing Support and Awareness
The event also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for funding and awareness. With activities planned throughout the day, organisers encourage attendees to participate in various ways, whether through purchasing flowers, donating directly, or volunteering their time in the future.
For those unable to attend, donations are still welcomed through the Daffodil Day website, where Queenslanders could contribute to the ongoing fight against cancer from anywhere in the state.
Fortitude Valley will once again become the epicentre of Australia’s music scene as it prepares to host BIGSOUND 2024, the southern hemisphere’s largest celebration of new music and industry conference.
The annual event, now in its third year, will run from 3 to 6 September 2024. BIGSOUND 2024 will showcase over 150 emerging artists across 18 venues in the city’s vibrant live music precinct.
BIGSOUND has announced over 80 performers, with more acts to be revealed in the coming months:
1. Keli Holiday 2. Y.O.G.A. 3. Alex the Astronaut 4. Gretta Ray 5. dust 6. Dear Seattle 7. Sly Withers 8. Stand Atlantic 9. Miiesha 10. Alayna 11. Dear Sunday 12. Tiffi 13. Armlock 14. Bean Magazine 15. Georgia Lines 16. Hannah Brewer 17. Same Blood (J-MILLA x Yung Milla) 18. Stella Bridie 19. Towns 20. AKA Lui 21. Alienist 22. Austin Mackay 23. Belle Haven 24. breathe 25. Cap Carter 26. Charlie Pittman 27. Charlotte Le Lievre 28. Cooper Smith 29. DARTZ 30. Dick Move
31. DoloRRes 32. Erik Sanders 33. Flow Kobra 34. Fool Nelson 35. FRIDAY 36. Front Row 37. Garage Sale 38. Georgia Mooney 39. Hellcat Speedracer 40. Homegrown Trio 41. Hudson Rose 42. ISHAN 43. Jerome Blazé 44. Juice Webster 45. Julian Munyard 46. JUNO 47. Kiwat Kennell 48. Lotte Gallagher 49. LUPO.THEBOY 50. Maanyung 51. Mac The Knife 52. MARVELL 53. Matahara 54. Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields 55. Mau Power 56. Medhanit 57. MUDRAT 58. NO CIGAR 59. Noah Dillon 60. Paige
61. Park RD 62. PEPTALK 63. Playlunch 64. Prink 65. R.em.edy 66. Ray Dimakarri Dixon 67. Reiki Ruawai 68. Rowena Wise 69. SAME PAINS 70. Sesame Girl 71. Sex Mask 72. Sonic Reducer 73. Squid the Kid 74. Stocker 75. sunbleached 76. The Belair Lip Bombs 77. The Velvet Club 78. This New Light 79. total tommy 80. Vetta Borne 81. Vinnie Brigante 82. Wade Forster
Conference Highlights
This year’s conference will feature over 25 industry leaders sharing their expertise on pressing issues facing the music sector. Notable speakers include Lutz Leichsenring from VibeLab, Lyndsey Havens from Billboard, and Josh Simons from Vinyl Group and Vampr.
Panel discussions will cover topics such as youth engagement with Australian music, creating sustainable music ecosystems, and the global perception of Australian music. The conference aims to foster innovative conversations and creative breakthroughs in response to ongoing industry disruptions.
One particularly intriguing panel, titled “Aged out: what does Australian music mean to youth?”, will explore how young people discover and engage with music in an increasingly digital world. Another panel, “Who gives a fuck about Australian music?”, promises to critically examine the growing positive global perception of Australian music while also exploring the veracity of local engagement.
Artist Showcase
BIGSOUND’s music festival component will feature a diverse range of up-and-coming talent. The second wave of artists includes Miiesha, an Anangu/Torres Strait Islander performer known for her powerful voice, and Alayna, an Aotearoa singer-songwriter who has collaborated with Finneas Eilish.
Other notable additions to the lineup include Dear Sunday, Tiffi, Armlock, and Bean Magazine. These artists represent a mix of genres and styles from across Australia and New Zealand. The festival provides a platform for these emerging artists to showcase their talents to industry professionals and music fans alike.
BIGSOUND’s Music Programmers, Casey O’Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne, have carefully selected the performing artists from over 1,200 applications, ensuring a high-quality and diverse lineup. This meticulous curation process means that attendees have the opportunity to discover their next favourite band among the showcasing acts.
Bigsound 2023 Photo Credit: Bigsound/Facebook
Ticket Information
BIGSOUND 2024 offers various ticket options to cater to different attendees. Single-night music festival tickets are available, with discounts for those under 25. Three-night wristbands are also on offer, providing access to all performances across the weekend.
For industry professionals, all-access delegate passes are available through the BIGSOUND website. These passes grant entry to both the conference sessions and the music festival showcases, allowing for a comprehensive BIGSOUND experience.
Since its launch in 2002 by industry development organisation QMusic, BIGSOUND has played a crucial role in launching the careers of many successful Australian artists. Past performers who have gone on to achieve significant success include Flume, Rufus du Sol, Gang of Youths, and Tones and I.
The event continues to attract over 1,700 conference delegates and an aggregate showcase attendance of over 16,000, cementing its position as a key player in the Australian music industry calendar.
Bigsound 2023 Photo Credit: Bigsound/Facebook
Community Impact
BIGSOUND’s presence in Fortitude Valley has a significant impact on the local community. The influx of visitors during the event provides a boost to local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and accommodation sectors. Moreover, the festival shines a spotlight on Brisbane’s thriving music scene, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a cultural hub.
The event also plays a crucial role in fostering connections within the music industry. It provides a unique opportunity for emerging artists to network with industry professionals, potentially leading to career-changing opportunities.
Brisbane foodies, get ready to say “oui” to a delightful new dining experience! Pompette at The Terrace is set to add a generous splash of French charm to The Star Brisbane in Queen’s Wharf.
This exciting new venture promises to be the perfect spot for everything from leisurely lunches to romantic evening rendezvous.As the Queen’s Wharf precinct prepares to roll out the red carpet in late August, Pompette is poised to be a jewel in the crown of this riverside culinary paradise.
Owned by the ever-innovative Tassis Group, this French-inspired restaurant and champagne bar is sure to tickle the fancy of locals and visitors alike.
A Room with a View
Perched on level four of The Star Brisbane, Pompette boasts a location that’s nothing short of magnifique. Nestled at the end of the Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge, the restaurant offers diners a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Imagine sipping on a glass of bubbly while drinking in the stunning vistas of the Brisbane River and South Bank Parklands. It’s almost like being whisked away to Paris, but with a distinctly Brisbane twist!
The talented folks at Clui Design have worked their magic once again, crafting an interior that captures the essence of a Parisian bistro with a modern Australian flair. The space is a delightful blend of chic and welcoming, featuring a stylish main dining floor, a dedicated champagne and oyster bar, and a leafy alfresco area perfect for those balmy Brisbane evenings.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, three private dining rooms offer the perfect setting for special occasions or discreet business meetings.
From Paris with Love (and a Modern Twist)
Head Chef Jean-Luc Morcellet, a culinary virtuoso with a passport full of international experience, is at the helm of Pompette’s kitchen. Chef Morcellet is trying to redefine French cuisine for the Brisbane palate, promising a menu that pays homage to tradition while embracing innovation.
Gone are the days when French dining was synonymous with stuffy formality and intimidating menus. Pompette aims to break down these barriers, offering an all-day dining experience that’s as approachable as delicious. Fancy a plate of escargot but wanted to know which fork to use? Fear not! Pompette’s friendly staff are there to guide you through the experience with a smile.
The menu reads like a love letter to French cuisine, featuring modern interpretations of classics like steak au poivre. And let’s not forget the stars of the show – champagne and oysters. Whether you’re a seasoned francophile or a curious newcomer, there’s something to tempt every palate.
Pompette marks another feather in the cap of the Tassis Group, joining the ranks as their fourth venue launch in 2024. Michael Tassis, the group’s owner and a second-generation restaurateur, is excited about this new venture.
“With Brisbane dining evolving, The Star Brisbane presented the perfect opportunity to experiment with a fun and fresh venue concept,” he enthuses. “We’re so excited to expand on our offerings and bring a slice of France to Brisbane.”
Daniel Finch, Chief Executive Officer of The Star Brisbane, is equally thrilled about Pompette’s arrival.
“The Tassis Group has gone from strength to strength in recent years, bringing an array of incredible dining options to Brisbane and contributing to the growth and reputation of our city,” he says.
Save the Date
While we’re all eager to don our berets and practice our “bon appétit”, we’ll have to wait just a little longer. Pompette is set to open its doors in September, shortly after the Queen’s Wharf precinct’s initial launch. It will be in good company, joining a stellar lineup of dining experiences at The Star Brisbane including the cutting-edge Japanese restaurant Sokyo, Luke Nguyen’s street food favourite Fat Noodle, and the authentic Italian family dining spot Cucina Regina.
Throughout Homelessness Week, more than 700 cafes across Australia have united to support the CafeSmart campaign, working together with local businesses like Brisbane distribution business Brewing Brands and its homegrown tea brand Origin Tea and the day-time, drop-in centre 3rd Space in Fortitude Valley to help generate support for the homeless.
Origin Tea has joined forces with local cafes to support those without homes by encouraging patrons to “pay forward” a hot cup of tea. The campaign, now in its 14th year, has been instrumental in fundraising by donating proceeds from sales to organisations such as the 3rd Space drop-in centre in Fortitude Valley.
This initiative is part of the broader CafeSmart campaign, which taps into Australians’ love for their local coffee shops to address homelessness locally.
3rd Space CEO Lesley Leece and Origin Tea co-founder Lawrence Seaton Photo Credit: Supplied
Impact and Support in Fortitude Valley
The 3rd Space centre has become a crucial hub for those experiencing and at risk of homelessness, offering essential services like cafe-style meals, healthcare, and support.
Over the past year, the centre has seen an alarming increase in demand. After 3rd Space averaged 1,271 meals per month in 2023, it’s nearly tripled to 3,024 per month this year.
The centre notes that homelessness in the area is on the rise, with significant increases in the number of families, nurses, and construction workers struggling to make ends meet.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Businesses Making a Difference
Chris Seaton, CEO of Brewing Brands and Origin Tea, expressed his commitment to the cause,
“Homelessness is a significant issue in south-east Queensland, and as part of our community, we are doing everything we can to support our neighbours during these tough times.”
Liz Bayrak, Community Campaign and Events Coordinator at StreetSmart Australia, also highlighted the importance of such campaigns:
“With the number of people living below the poverty line remaining high, community support is more crucial than ever. We are thrilled to have Brewing Brands and Origin Tea join us for CafeSmart this year, helping us respond to homelessness.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
In addition to financial contributions, the campaign encourages the community to engage directly with the issue. Local cafes are places where discussions about these social issues can occur, providing a platform for raising awareness and fostering a sense of community solidarity.
Many cafe owners have expressed their dedication to the cause, noting that participating in CafeSmart gives them a practical way to contribute to meaningful change within their local areas.
Photo Credit: Supplied
This year’s CafeSmart campaign not only raises funds but also helps unite the community to support a common goal: to combat the increasing challenges of homelessness and economic hardship faced by many in Brisbane and beyond.
The CafeSmart campaign runs from August 10-16, coinciding with Homelessness Week, and aims to unite the community and local businesses in a concerted effort to tackle homelessness amid an ongoing cost of living crisis.
Initially slated for completion by March, the pontoons, designed to service North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Bay, are not expected to be operational until at least June next year. This setback means the pontoons will miss the highly anticipated opening of Queen’s Wharf this month.
Adding to the delays, a new $2.2 million pontoon and jetty at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island is also behind schedule, casting doubt on its readiness for the September school holidays. This marks a five-year wait for replacing the island’s ageing jetty.
Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map
Under questioning during last week’s budget estimates, Tourism Innovation and Sport Director-General Andrew Hopper attributed the Brisbane pontoon delays to design changes and bureaucratic hurdles. The project, funded with a $5.5 million tourism grant, will eventually accommodate commercial tour operators and the public.
Commercial operators like River to Bay already use a temporary pontoon at Howard Smith Wharves, but due to high landing fees imposed by Redland City Council, the latter has reduced services. The company’s river-to-bay brewery tours, launched in February, have faced challenges.
The new Dunwich jetty will be a docking point for Brisbane-bound boats and a fishing pier. Its cost has ballooned from an initial estimate of $750,000 to $2.2 million.
Howard Smith Wharves chief executive Luke Fraser envisions the pontoons as a critical component of the precinct’s transformation into a world-class tourism hub. However, local operator John Groom, who launched a similar river-to-bay venture in 2018, expressed concerns about the potential for unfair advantage for larger operators through government funding. Groom highlighted the lack of support for smaller businesses in the sector.
The delays and questions surrounding the pontoon projects have introduced uncertainty to the future of Fortitude Valley’s waterfront ambitions.
Celebrating 50 years of musical innovation, the Fortitude Valley Music Hall will host the iconic “Tubular Bells” live in concert, featuring an arrangement by Mike Oldfield’s collaborator, Robin A Smith.
The Fortitude Valley Music Hall show on 11 August 2024 begins at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening, followed by the concert starting at 8:00 p.m. The program will include a complete performance of “Tubular Bells” and other beloved Oldfield pieces like “Moonlight Shadow” and “To France.”
While Mike Oldfield will not be performing, the concert under Robin A Smith’s direction promises a faithful and vibrant rendition of the original compositions.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A Musical Phenomenon Unfolds
At 19, Mike Oldfield embarked on a groundbreaking project that would become “Tubular Bells.” This album, composed over many painstaking sessions, saw Oldfield playing most of the instruments himself. Here’s an in-depth look at this remarkable legacy:
Unexpected Hit: The album’s unconventional structure, featuring extended instrumental compositions rather than standard songs, initially seemed risky. However, it unexpectedly soared to success, partly propelled by its memorable inclusion in the soundtrack of the horror film “The Exorcist.” This exposure not only catapulted Oldfield into the spotlight but also cemented the album’s place in popular culture.
Virgin Records’ First Release: “Tubular Bells” is the first album released by Virgin Records. Richard Branson, then a burgeoning entrepreneur, took a chance on Oldfield’s unique musical vision. The album’s phenomenal success was crucial in establishing Virgin Records as a significant player in the music industry, helping to set the stage for the label to sign other major artists and become a global brand.
Recording Challenges: The creation of “Tubular Bells” was fraught with technical challenges. Oldfield often grappled with outdated recording equipment, including an old tape machine frequently requiring maintenance. Despite these obstacles, he produced a piece of music that was both innovative and technically sophisticated, showcasing his determination and creative resolve.
No Lyrics: Diverging from the norm of popular music, “Tubular Bells” is primarily an instrumental album. It features a unique segment in Part One where the various instruments are humorously introduced by a “Master of Ceremonies,” a role performed by the album’s producer, Tom Newman. This creative approach highlighted the range of instruments used and added a theatrical element to the album.
Innovative Techniques: During the recording, Oldfield employed several pioneering techniques that would later become staples in music production. Notably, he recorded multiple layers of a single guitar part to create a rich, orchestral sound. This method of layering, now commonplace, was revolutionary at the time and contributed significantly to the album’s unique sound texture.
Lengthy Creation Process: The entire album took about a year to complete, a lengthy process that involved Oldfield playing over 20 different instruments. This feat was particularly impressive given the limited technology available at the time and highlighted Oldfield’s exceptional musical versatility and dedication.
Follow-Up Albums: The success and enduring appeal of “Tubular Bells” inspired Oldfield to release several follow-up albums, including “Tubular Bells II” and “Tubular Bells III”. Each of these albums continued to explore and expand upon the original themes and sounds, while also integrating new musical influences and technologies.
Live Performance Challenges: Due to its complexity and the sheer number of instruments involved, reproducing “Tubular Bells” in a live setting presented significant challenges. Oldfield often required the support of a large group of musicians to perform the album accurately, which reflected the ambitious and intricate nature of his composition.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Enduring Impact
The concert is expected to draw both those who have followed Oldfield’s career and new listeners intrigued by the album’s historical significance. The intricate music arrangement, requiring numerous instruments, mirrors the original challenges Oldfield faced, where he enlisted additional musicians for live performances to fully realise the complex compositions.
Tickets for this landmark musical event are highly anticipated, with fans encouraged to purchase early to secure a place in celebrating one of the most iconic albums in music history at Fortitude Valley Music Hall.
