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MICF Review: Daniel Connell “Bit of Shush”

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Daniel Connell’s ‘Bit of Shush’ reaches out to all those who could use a bit more quiet in their lives. Whether you are seeking a break from hoons tearing up the streets, friends foisting foreign gourmet food on you or an increasing tide of political correctness Connell has you covered.

Using some good ol’ Aussie self deprecating humour and delightful nostalgia he tackles some serious issues, like his Elon Musk induced existential crisis and Australian attitudes to refugees. If you’re a fan of TLC references and childhood favourite Allen’s Killer Pythons then this is the show for you (maybe not your kids though, it gets a bit bawdy!).

A Bit of Shush is a great example of dry observational humour, with ‘No Scrubs’ allowed.

4 1/2 stars
Reviewed and written by our guest writer –  Caitlin Carter
Where: Melbourne Town Hall, Backstage Room, 100 Swanston Street
When: 8:15 or 7:15pm, selected nights until 22 April.
For more information and tickets check out the MICF website.

GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest 2018

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Tasmanian jam, toasted marshmallows, rhubarb, Skittles, ice cream, dates, yuzu, gin, Bertie Beetles and even snails, crickets and oysters.

These are just some of the more unusual ingredients you’ll find amongst the many unique ‘Festival Beers & Ciders’ to be served for the first time at the 2018 edition of GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest presented by Dan Murphy’s, along with more than 500 of the very best craft beers and ciders from around Australia and New Zealand.

Renowned as one of the world’s leading beer festivals, GABS (otherwise known as the Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular) brings together the best breweries from Australia and New Zealand for a non-stop celebration of craft beer and cider.

Craig Williams, GABS Event Director, describes the festival as the perfect launching point for those keen to try something new in a fun and exciting way. “For us, GABS is about sharing our love of craft beer and cider with as many people as possible through an unforgettable experience. Great beer is about skill, passion, creativity and most of all, fun. GABS brings all that to life, whether you’re just starting out on your beer journey, or the most fervent fan”.

At the heart of GABS are the Festival Beers & Ciders. When the event began at The Local Taphouse in Melbourne in 2011, it was built around the idea of inviting the best breweries around the country to brew a new beer, all to be released on the same day at the same event. That year, 22 breweries took part. This year, over 160 unique beers and ciders have been brewed especially for the event by breweries and cideries from Australia, New Zealand and around the world.

“For the brewers, it’s a chance to showcase the quality, creativity and diversity of styles inherent to craft beer and cider,” says Williams. “And for beer lovers… well, it’s kind of like Christmas really!” While the more exotic ingredients often get the attention, attendees will also find examples of many different beer styles, as brewers look to expand people’s tastes beyond popular hop-driven Pale Ales.

Many of those brewers will also be exhibiting at GABS as part of the Dan Murphy’s Marketplace, offering attendees the opportunity to chat with the team behind some of their favourite beers and ciders. Some of the city’s best street food vendors will be dishing out tasty treats, including Bluebonnet BBQ, Biggie Smalls and 8Bit Burgers in Melbourne; Happy As Larry Pizza, Chur Burger and Dirty Bird in Sydney.

New in 2018, punters will be able to ‘strut their putts’ at the Holey Moley Golf Club and Colonial Caddyshack, and sample from three new ‘washed rind’ cheeses (washed in beer, whisky and wine) from the Milawa Cheese & Prosecco Bar. Reflecting the increasing crossover between craft beer and spirits, two of Victoria’s best distillers – Starward and Four Pillars – will be serving up barrel aged whisky, gin and cocktails in Melbourne; while in Sydney and Auckland, Irish distiller Jameson will be highlighting its Caskmates program, where whisky is aged in beer-seasoned barrels.

Commenting on the new features, Williams stated “We like to think of GABS as much more than a beer festival; it’s an experience. And every year, we like to raise the bar on what that experience can be. It’s about looking at the world around craft beer and bringing that to life in a fun way, whether that’s through Holey Moley’s hugely popular mini-golf bars; Milawa cheeses washed with beer, wine and whisky; or a boilermaker pairing whisky and beer.”

Education is also a core focus of the festival. At the Ariston Food & Drink Experience, attendees are taken on a gastronomic journey of food, beer and cider pairings. And the Brick Lane Craft College panel discussions and masterclasses offer beer enthusiasts an opportunity to hear from some of the best in the business. New this year is the My Dan Murphy’s Discovery Deck, where guests are invited to ‘find their perfect beer match’ through guided tastings of some of the best examples of various beer styles.

The hugely popular Yenda Wheel of Beer (an 18 metre indoor Ferris wheel) will be back in both Melbourne and Sydney, and along with Brewmanity, who’ll be giving punters the opportunity to ‘dunk-a-brewer’, all funds from these initiatives will support the fight against MND (motor neurone disease).

The good times vibe will come courtesy of Little Creatures LIVE; with acrobats, circus performers and the ever popular ‘GABS house band’ The Ale Capones wowing audiences. Finally, the GABS Silent Disco makes a triumphant return to bring each session home.

GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest presented by Dan Murphy’s is proudly supported by Ariston, Little Creatures, The Local Taphouse, Yenda and Kegstar.

When: Friday 18 and Sunday 20 May 2018
Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, Melbourne
Purchase your tickets: Here 

Melbourne Russian Festival 2018

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Do-bro po-zha-lo-vat’ or Welcome to the inaugural Melbourne Russian Festival, a celebration of all the richness and diversity of the Russian culture. On 21 April, one of the most iconic places of Melbourne – Tom’s block (Kings Domain), will be turned into a traditional Russian village for a sensational day of delicious food, stunning performances, unique masterclasses concluded with an open-air Russian moonlight cinema. The event not to be missed!

Things to do:

Live performance

The festival comes to life at 10 am when the performances kick off on the central stage. The stage will be filled with cheerful music and stunning performances that will make you want to dance. So, don’t be shy, you are welcome to join the dancers and learn some traditional steps.

Masterclasses
To heighten your experience and plunge right into the heart of the Russian culture, we encourage you to take part in one of our amazing masterclasses, featuring some of the well-known traditional folk crafts, many of which are centuries old and cannot be found elsewhere. They include:

  • Khokhloma – a traditional Russian wood painting style, known for its vivid flower patterns, red and gold colours over a black background.
  • The art of pottery – if you don’t mind getting your hand dirty, this masterclass is right for you. Discover the Russian pottery technique and witness the creation of a pot from start to finish.
  • “Lapti” braiding – one of the oldest handicrafts in Russia. Lapti are the traditional shoes worn by the Russian peasants, made of bast – a part of the tree bark. They are woven and fitted to the shape of a foot. Lapti became an obsolete footwear in the beginning of the 20th century but take a prominent place in the Russian folklore.
  • And much more: flower arrangements, traditional sewing, etc.

Beer Garden and Food stalls
We invite everyone to get together, have a glass of beer and enjoy authentic delicacies. Russian cuisine has its own unique character thanks to the vast and multi-ethnic expanse of Russia. Take your time and be ready for a delicious journey through the Russian food heritage.

Art and Craft fair
Visit our Art and Craft section to have a look and buy some of the iconic souvenirs, including famous Russian wooden doll known as Matreshka, or hand-made Russian jewellery.

Children’s Village
Our Children Village will offer lots of fun activities for kids of all ages, including animal farm, face painting, games and entertainments. Come along and bring your kids for unforgettable experience.

Russian moonlight cinema
And finally, the Festival will be concluded with the Russian moonlight cinema, screening some of the most iconic Russian movies. Not to missed!

When: 21 April 2018, 10am ~ 10pm
Where: Tom’s Block, Kings Domain, Linlithgow Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004
More info: Here 

MICF Review: Cameron James “Chilled Out/Fired Up”

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We all have those little voices in our heads, those ones that tell you what to do, Cameron James calls his “chilled out” and “fired up” and his new show takes his audience on a little journey through adult life and listening to these voices.

Covering a lot of ground effortlessly, with anecdotes, observational and self deprecating humour including being in 30s and witnessing that loosest of loose friend who appears to become the most adulting adult that you know almost overnight (we’ve all been there, right?), observations of men on the dance floor and what it could possibly mean for their ability to dance between the sheets, being part of the last generation where the wooden spoon was an acceptable form of punishment, having that one high school friend that you can’t bear to delete from facebook because every post offers huge potential for trolling, zoology and panda porn, alpha and beta male roles within the friendship group and his budding friendship with a chilled out heart surgeon with life advice for us all.   

Language warning, chill out but James drops a couple of “c bombs” and if he weren’t so comfortable with the word, might see like a grab at the shock factor but they fall from his lips much more easily than his attempt at the word “booty”.

James is comfortable and confident on stage, a fantastic story teller (almost too good, enabling the audience to conjure imagery of the result of a night of 15 espresso martinis whilst snorkelling in Bali), that makes the hour slip away so quickly.  If you recognise his face from somewhere, check your Comedy Central and ABC’s Comedy Next Gen views and what this space, as we have no doubt that he’ll be popping up on your television more often.

Head along to see Cameron James at the Greek Centre for the hilarity that is “Chilled Out/Fired Up”.

4 1/2 stars
Reviewed and written by our guest writer –  Shannon Murphy
Where: The Greek Centre, Zeus, 168 Lonsdale Street
When: 6 or 7pm, selected nights until 22 April.
For more information and tickets check out the MICF website.

2018 Dog Lovers Show

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Founder and CEO, Jason Humphris said “The 6th Dog Lovers Show will present the most exciting line-up of K9-inspired entertainment, education and information ever seen in the events history and of course around 600 of the most beautiful and talented dogs you could ever hope to meet and connect with – it’s one of the best days out in Melbourne and heaven for dog lovers’.

The theme of the 2018 Show will be ‘Dog Sports’ and feature the inaugural COMMON WOOF GAMES presented by Farmer Dave Graham and his band of canine superstars. Boasting Track & Field and Ball-sport events in the Royal Canin Arena, alongside the outdoor aquatic program in the Black Hawk DockDogs® pool, brings the pinnacle of Australia’s sporting dogs together in spectacular competition. Dr Katrina Warren & the Wonderdogs will also be presenting the Opening Ceremony to kick off 3 days of dog sports!

The dogs competing in the COMMON WOOF GAMES will represent four countries in an awe-inspiring, adrenalin-fuelled medley of events including Dog Socca, Weight Pull, Dog Vault, Dog Basketball, Mini-Dog Hurdles, Javelin Dodge and Barrel Racing. A taste of the country (and over a dozen sheep!) will also be coming to the heart of the city for the inaugural Sheep Dog Speed Trial competition that will see some of Australia’s most talented herding dogs compete for the Gold, Silver and Bronze medal.

Crowd-favourite Black Hawk DockDogs® will again deliver another splash-tastic, high-energy aquatic show by Australia’s most talented dogs who will be attempting some of the longest leaps, highest jumps and fastest water retrievals ever witnessed. It’s the fastest growing dog sport in the world where dogs of all breeds propel themselves into a massive 100,000 litre swimming pool and the all new Dueling Dogs Wave competition is an absolute must-see.

The new Pet Circle Stage will host an array of informative educational talks, including Dr Katrina Warren & Kelly Gill presenting ‘Easy Tricks you can teach your Dog at home’ and ‘How to give your Dog a happy and enriched life’ followed by a meet & greet with The Wonderdogs. TV star Andrew Morley brings an all new interactive talk to the show with his ‘Guide to Dog Adoption’. Dr Kimberley Chainey & Dr Elise Barry from the Pet Circle veterinary team will be ‘Sniffing out the truth – debunking common Dog myths’ and Australia’s leading TV, Film & Theatre animal trainer Luke Hura will provide ‘rare insights into how famous Dogs are trained’. You’ll even get the chance to meet ‘Toto’ from The Wizard of Oz Musical currently touring Australia! And if that’s not enough, leading animal behaviourist Dr Kate Mornement from Pets Behaving Badly will help address ‘causes and solutions for many of those very common dog behaviour problems’.

With the rise of famous pooches across social media, the 2018 Show sees the return of the incredibly popular Insta-Pooch Zone where visitors get the opportunity to meet, cuddle and catch a glimpse of the country’s most famous canine Instagram stars. Watch and adore these hairy stars walk the red carpet, take part in media interviews and interact with their adoring fans before taking their rightful place on giant thrones for selfies and cuddles.

Continuing its commitment to raising awareness about adoption and helping to find loving, well suited homes for dogs in need, the Show will again feature the important Dog Adoption Zone. A stage has been added this year where visitors can hear talks from local shelters, meet dozens of dogs looking for a furever home and hear beautiful stories from humans who have rescued their pooch. Since 2013, the Dog Adoption Zone has helped to find homes for 2,000+ pooches in need from around Australia and event organiser Event Management International, is confident that doubling the size of this zone in 2018, with over 50 shelters taking part, will deliver record numbers of dog adoptions.

With over 120 breeds on show throughout the event, including over 50 DOGS Victoria Breed Clubs exhibiting in the Breed Showcase, it is the best opportunity this year to meet and learn more about a wide array of beautiful dogs and to find your pawfect match pooch.

Representatives from DOGS Victoria will also be on hand to ensure visitors can gather trusted, reliable information on hundreds of breeds at the show with a new Ask-A-Breeder Stage where Clubs will present talks on around 20 different dog breeds outlining their unique characteristics and what it’s really like to live with each breed.

Always in high demand, the Pat-A-Pooch and Bow Wow Meow’s ‘Pawfect Match’ Zones provide visitors with an opportunity to meet, connect and learn more about some of Australia’s most beloved dogs of all shapes and sizes. Does it get any better than hanging out in large beanbags and cuddling some of the most beautiful and talented pooches in Australia?

With hundreds of exhibitors and new product launches, the Dog Lovers Show is now one of the largest annual showcase of dog products, services and technology in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s the industry-equivalent of the largest shopping centre for dog owners and a great opportunity to spoil our much-loved fur-kids with huge discounts, free samples and exclusive show specials across a range of leading dog products and services.

It’s also a great place to gather free vet and training advice plus kids can have their face-painted with their favourite dog breed, post snaps in the funny photo wall and get lucky with the doggy-door-prize competition! You can also fuel-up with some of Melbourne’s most popular food trucks rolling into the event including Jimmy Grants, Custom Brew Coffee, Sliders on Tyres, Miso Fresh, Wrap Roll it and Twisted Fisherman!

The Dog Lovers Show is the ultimate day out for canine lovers of all ages and provides dog devotees with the opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the companionship, unconditional love and joy that our furry friends bring to our lives every day.

When: Friday 4 – Sunday 6 May 2018. 9:30am – 5pm daily
Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, Melbourne
Purchase your tickets: Here 

MICF Review: G’Day Comrade

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G’Day Comrade answers that age-old(?) question.. ‘what do you get when a Russian bride, a nerdy scientist and a failed rock star walk into a bar?’ The result, a fun evening of Russian stereotype puns, Dostoyevsky references, random dancing and the stand up talent of three Russian comedians with some pretty impressive street cred.

Comedians Kaychu Symon, Gosha Bodryi, Gleb Tugushev and special guest Kirill Sietlov all bring their own unique style of observational humour to Comedy Festival goers, applying a quirky, adorably confused Russian perspective to classic Australianisms, and the legal limit of only two Vladimir Putin based jokes.

Aside from a couple of jokes that went a little beyond dark humour, the crowd loved this sweetly hilarious show, which offered a nice balance of performance, and audience interaction.

On its debut season, G’day Comrade is not a perfectly polished or sophisticated comedy show, but it’s a must-see for those who love simple, self-deprecating humour – with enough sweet warmth to thaw an icy Russian heart on a bitter winters day. Tickets start from just $10 – so it’s an awesome, low-cost way to support up and coming artists who offer a unique foreign perspective on Australian life.

3 ½ stars.

Reviewed and written by our guest writer –  Kerstyn Dance
Where: The Imperial Hotel, 2 Bourke Street | The Vault Theatre, 522 Flinders Street, CBD
When: Various times, until 1 April
For more information and tickets check out the MICF website.

 

A fashion exhibition in four parts

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The historic Como House will soon transform into a fashion gallery, showcasing a history of style and design, with the opening of the professionally curated ‘Como Fashion Quarter’ exhibition.

The immersive exhibition, commissioned by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), brings to life the National Trust’s Costume Collection – a unique assortment of everyday clothing and elite fashion spanning the history of European settlement in Victoria.

Four prominent Melbourne-based artists, with a distinctive flair and area of expertise, will each design a quarter of Como House for the exhibition, using striking visual interpretations that fuse the past with the present.

Marc Wasiak is one of Melbourne’s best art directors and fashion stylists, with a remarkable career which has continued to flourish for over 20 years. He boasts extensive experience in high fashion editorial and has worked with some of Australia’s top fashion houses.

Marc said he was thrilled to be working with the National Trust to reimagine its collection in a contemporary setting.

Stuart Walford is a freelance fashion stylist who is fast becoming a household name for his work across editorial, advertising, runway and exhibition platforms over the last eight years. Stuart’s impressive client list includes work with brands such as Disney, Revlon, Amazon, Visa, Victorian Racing Club, as well as some of Australia’s most esteemed fashion publications.

Stuart said his quarter of the exhibition will spotlight the emotional attachment that individuals have towards fashion and the memories they provoke.

Kiri-Una Brito Meumann is a Melbourne-based multidisciplinary artist. Her work often draws inspiration from popular culture and ideas surrounding the female. Australian Vogue describes her as “an influencer who merges luxury fashion with high art aesthetics”.

Thalea Michos-Vellis has been working as a stylist for the last five years focussing mainly on editorials. She enjoys featuring a mix of high end designer garments fresh from the runway, archival pieces and work from emerging local designers.

When: 10am ~ 4pm, from April 6 ~ July 1 2018.
Where: Como House and Gardens – Corner Williams Rd & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra 3141 VIC
Ticket: $15.00 (10% discount offered to existing members of National Trust of Australia (Victoria).)
More info: check their website 

Cluster Truck takes over the Gaso Kitchen

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The Gasometer Hotel – Collingwood’s stalwart local known for its ever amazing line-up of live music – is partnering up with Melbourne’s food truck wranglers  Cluster Truck to bring you a gastronomical treat. Starting on  Wednesday 4th April and over the next 6 months, some of Melbourne’s best food truckers will be taking up residency in the Gaso kitchen and serving up their much loved fare to hungry punters.

On the line-up
● April – Senor BBQ
● May – Lil’ Nom Noms
● June – Meat Me Here
● July – Dr Sous
● August – Twisted Fisherman
● September – Pearl of the Quarter

“We’re shaking things up and giving the people what they asked for. We’re always dishing up fresh tunes for your ear holes, now we’ve got fresh flavours for your mouth holes.” – Clint Fisher, The Gasometer Hotel

“Summer’s over buddies, but your taste buds don’t have to go without your favourite festival hunger busters. Grab a stool, a beer and enjoy the deliciouness from the comfort of the Gaso. You are welcome! – Zowie Minchin, Head Wrangler, Cluster Truck

When: 4 April till September 2018
Where: The Gasometer Hotel, 484 Smith St. Collingwood, Victoria, Australia
More info: check out Cluster Truck’s Facebook

Vic Market’s 140-year celebrations

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The 140 Years Street Party on Sunday 29 April 2018 will be a highlight of the year-round celebrations. From 10am–4pm, Melburnians can celebrate everything they love about the Vic Market with a buzzing line-up of food vendors, free kid’s activities and live entertainment.

The Vic Market’s Queen Street will come alive with popular children’s entertainment act, The Mik Maks performing on the main stage with ‘Drums the Panda’. Fun will continue for the whole family with a silent disco, flamenco dance performances, stilt walkers, mime characters, face painters, balloon artists and a magician roving the market.

Street party-goers will be able to indulge in some of the best street food Melbourne has to offer with both Day and Night Market traders getting in on the birthday celebrations. Participating food vendors include:

  • Drums Café: authentic, gluten-free curries from India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia;
  • Taki’s Balls: hot Greek doughnut balls with your choice of topping: Nutella, salted caramel, cinnamon, or all of the above!
  • George the Fishmonger: fresh market seafood from a Vic Market legend!
  • Gozleme Turkish Café: yummy gozleme made right in front of you.

The Vic Market is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere. The market showcases Melbourne’s diverse and vibrant food community and is home to many treasured family shopping rituals. With more than 1.4 million local and international visitors annually, the Vic Market is a cultural hub of Melbourne and a must-see attraction.

When: 10am ~ 4pm, 29 April 2018
Where: Queen Victoria Market
More info: check their website 

Great Eats served with Beats

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The Glen will launch its new food gallery and the second stage of the shopping centre’s $460 million redevelopment with a three-week music event, commencing Wednesday 28 March on the new precinct’s first day of trade.

Eats & Beats will see a program of acoustic soloists, singer-songwriters and instrumentalists visit The Glen, set up in the new 850+ seat food gallery and bring visitors the ultimate in laid-back lunchtime tunes and easy listening evenings. From classics to current hits and instrumental melodies, Eats & Beats will feature a number of Melbourne’s best local performers at The Glen for a limited time.

Opening the Eats & Beats program will be musician Andrew Lim, who (like global superstar Ed Sheeran) can loop his own vocals, harmonies, and even his guitar live to captivate an audience and create a ‘band’ vibe. Regularly occupying the stage at the St Kilda Branch and Union hotel on Chapel Street, Lim will appear multiple times throughout the program.

Also, part of Eats & Beats will be singer, musician and performer Sam Ludeman who first received national attention after he was selected by Seal to become a finalist on Nine Network’s The Voice. Since, Ludeman has graced Australia’s stages in leading roles in Grease The Musical, the Australian premiere of High School Musical and performed internationally.

The third addition to the line-up will be Australian recording artist, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumental musician and professional actor, Timmy Knowles. Having performed for the past 12 years throughout Europe and Australia, Knowles is probably best known in music circles from the 2016 season of The X Factor where he made the top 10 and performed in the live finals, mentored by Guy Sebastian.

Hitting The Glen’s food gallery alongside the music program will be headline food talent including: HuxtaGO, Huxtaburger’s new food concept; Chinta Ria Soul, renowned for its modern, hawker style Malaysian cuisine; Capricho, whose South American chicken ranges from fiery and adventurous to smokey and aromatic; Japanesefusion and wagyu rice bowl specialist, Omi Wagyu; and Bun with authentic Vietnamese Pho, Baos and Bahn Mi.

The Glen’s new food gallery will comprise 16 casual dining restaurants and eateries, many which have not been previously available within the area, and floor to ceiling windows with views towards the Dandenongs and Yarra Valley.

Other special opening festivities include a Coldstream Cider Bar where customers can enjoy a complimentary cider or beer courtesy of The Glen whilst they relax and take in the view.

Eats & Beats Schedule –
28 March, 11am – 2pm Andy Lim
29 March, 11am – 2pm Andy Lim
29 March, 5pm – 7pm Sam Ludeman
31 March, 11am – 2pm Sam Ludeman
1 April, 11am – 2pm Sam Ludeman
5 April, 5pm – 7pm Andy Lim
6 April, 5pm – 7pm Timmy Knowles
12 April, 5pm – 7pm Timmy Knowles
13 April, 5pm – 7pm Timmy Knowles

When: 28 March ~ 13 April 2018
Where: Food Gallery, Ground Level, The Glen Shopping Centre, 235 Springvale Road
Ticket: Free
More info: check their website