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Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei

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What do you get when you cross one of the most influential figures in contemporary art and culture with one of the leading Chinese contemporary artists of this time?  The biggest contemporary exhibition Melbourne has ever seen!

This December, NGV International will be showcasing the works of Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei for Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei,  before it moves onto The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.

“Developed by the NGV and The Andy Warhol Museum, with the participation of Ai Weiwei, will explore the significant influence of these two exemplary artists on modern art and contemporary life, focussing on the parallels and intersections between the two artists’ practices. Surveying the scope of both artists’ careers, the NGV exhibition will present over 300 works, including major new commissions, immersive installations and a wide representation of painting, sculpture, film, photography, publishing and social media.”

There’ll be over 200 of Warhol’s most celebrated works ( including the famous screens such as Campbell’s Soup, and celebrity portraits, sculpture and installation, and an extensive selection of film, music and publishing; including previously unseen work) plus key works from Ai WeiWei spanning four decades. Finally for the families, NGV Kids will be presenting a large-scale installation  highlighting both artists’ love of cats.

When: 11 December 2015 – 24 April 2015
Where: NGV International
Visit the website here. 

Voices from Afghanistan Exhibition

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The Voices from Afghanistan exhibition will display over 850 objects illustrating the experiences of Australians at war and in peacekeeping operations, from Pre-Federation to the present day, with a particular focus on individual and unit stories of Victorian service and sacrifice.

The  temporary exhibition is located in the  Galleries of Remembrance, a $45 million Victorian Government redevelopment that utilises 1,600 square metres of undercroft space that exists beneath the Shrine of Remembrance and will present the perspectives of participants, of those affected by the war – both in Afghanistan and in Australia – and of eyewitnesses to the conflict.

When: 11 November 2014 – 27 March 2016.

Where: Shrine of Remembrance

Visit the website here. 

Ben and Jerry's Open Air Cinemas

Ben & Jerry’s Open Air Cinemas

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Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinemas are back again this Summer and will be lighting up Brisbane in October and November before travelling to Melbourne in December and Sydney in January and February.

With a jam-packed program full of old classics such as Grease, through to the latest blockbusters (such as Black Mass and The Martian), there’s no better way to spend a balmy summer’s evening.

As always there’ll be tasty food and frosty beverages from the licensed bar, along with live music from  exciting emerging Australian musicians.

When: 29 November – 20 December 2015.

Where: St Kilda

Visit the website here.

To celebrate their return, we have 5 double passes to each of those cities to giveaway. To win, just ‘tell us your fave Ben and Jerry’s flavour and why in 25 words or less’ !

Competition closes 20 November 2015

This competition is now closed.

Visit the full program here. 

We Know Melbourne tip: Head down to the Sunday screenings (aka ‘Sundae Session’) for a dedicated live music event with FREE Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for all!

Terms and conditions here. 

Midsumma Festival

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Melbourne’s annual queer celebration, Midsumma Festival returns this January for another great 2 weeks full of arts and culture spread over 85 different venues. Bringing together a mixed bag of artists and performers, the festival will include events and activities such as visual art, theatre, cabaret, live music, parties and film.

When: 17 Jan 2016 – 7 Feb 2016

Where: various venues across Melbourne and regional Victoria

Visit the website here. 

Victoriana Pleasure Garden

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The Victoriana Pleasure Garden exhibition launches at Tasma Terrace this Friday. The exhibition seex a fusion of nineteenth century high fashion, photography and culture from acclaimed photographer Gerard O’Connor and stylist Marc Wasiak.  Capturing the spirit of the Victoriana garden party and Spring in all its glory, this is one garden party not to be missed.

Don’t miss their pop-up bar this Friday with food, wine, beer and bubbles.

When: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm, October 5 – December 18 2015

Where: Tasma Terrace, 6 Parliament Place, East Melbourne 3002

 

Rivoli Cinemas turns 75

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The Rivoli Cinemas turns 75 years old this month and to celebrate they’re holding a weekly classic film series. Take a step back in time and catch old classics like Casablanca, Vertigo and Shawshank Redemption.

The art-deco cinemas officially opened its doors on October 11, 1940 and was designed by noted cinema architects, H. Vivian Taylor and Sollieaux. Over the years, Rivoli Cinemas has become a landmark in Victoria, possessing a rich heritage with its stunning art deco opulence, showcasing the latest in contemporary and art-house film offerings.

The month-long celebrations will finish with a nostalgia imbued Gala event, including an exclusive screening to the most anticipated film of the year, Carol (2015), starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara!

Visit the website here.

Interview with Chuck Hahn

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Chuck Hahn is a name that any beer lover will recognise. As one of Australia’s highest profile brewers, his products (Hahn Premium and Hahn Ice) are well known and loved by all. We were delighted to spend some time with Chuck Hahn recently at The Swanston Hotel’s Beer Appreciation Evening and managed to ask a few questions about the brewing industry.

You’ve been brewing beer now for over 30 years, can you tell us a standout moment in your brewery years?

I guess the creation of new innovative beers might be the real standout reason for existence.  Even after ten years at Coors and six years brewing beers in Australia and NZ, the real standout moment was when we created Hahn Premium Lager in 1988, and I finally had my name on the bottle of a very fine pilsner style lager.

What do you love about the Melbourne brewer scene?

25 years ago, no choice was available across the Melbourne pubs.  Now many styles of flavoursome lagers and ales are available and most pubs would have at least ten different beers on tap.  The opportunity is there now for the beer connoisseurs to taste and enjoy.

Are there any other local brewers that you love?  

Mountain Goat, with their Hightail Ale, has always been one of my favourites.  Holgate Brewery has also been one of the real pioneers in beer flavour.  Mornington Peninsula brewery have  been brewing some real innovations, along with Bridge Road.

Do you have a favourite place to drink beer in Melbourne?

Of course, I must recommend the newly renovated James Squire Brewhouse at the Portland Hotel, now called The Crafty Squire.

And finally, what would be your last meal on earth and what beer would you pair it with?

Lamb Shanks with garlic mash served with James Squire Nine Tales Amber Ale.

See the photos of the Beer Appreciation Evening with Chuck Hahn here. 

Toko Melbourne

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Toko Melbourne opened last month, bringing some of Sydney’s finest dining to Melbourne. The Japanese Izakaya style restaurant/bar is a sleek, contemporary space situated on Greville Street, in amongst other Japanese eateries,  Aka Tombo and Mizu.

Having been long-term lovers of Toko Sydney, we couldn’t wait to see if the Melbourne location would compare. Toko Melbourne makes it the fourth venture for restaurant founder Matt Yazbek and the freshness of the space and delicious flavours it delivers reflects this. The restaurant features an open kitchen where you can watch the sushi masters at work, a cocktail bar, outdoor drinking area plus the choice of regular table seating or tradition ground level seating on tatami floor mats.

The menu is filled with dishes to share including seafood, skewers on the Robata grill, the fresher flavours of sashimi or tempura dishes. Some of the dishes we tried were the crispy soft-shell crab with wasabi mayonaise; smoked miso king salmon, house pickled ginger; wagyu beef gyoza, white soy mustard, shiso; and the sliced kingfish, yuzu and chives (our favourite dish).  And if you just can’t decide which to choose, there’s always the tasting menu on offer where you can let the chef decide.

A 10/10 experience.

Where: Toko Melbourne, 142 Greville Street, Prahran

When: Tues to Sat 5pm–1am

Visit the website here.

Johnston St Latin American Festival

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Melbourne’s favourite outdoor festival, the Hispanic Fiesta returns to Johnston St this November.  The festival will tranform Johnston St into a Latin American carnival with delicious Latino food stalls, free dance classes, DJ’s and live entertainment all weekend as well as dance showcases by local dance schools and community groups.

Inspired by the commemoration of One Thousand years of the Spanish Language, the annual Hispanic Festival is now in it’s 37th year and is guaranteed to be one colourful party.

Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes.

When: 21 November – 22 November 2015

Where: Johnston St, Fitzroy

Visit the website here. 

Carlton Italian Festa

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Celebrating Italian culture, art, food and heritage, the Carlton Italian Festa will take over Piazza Italia on October 25. Expect live Italian cooking classes, live music and plenty of Italian culinary delights to try.

Spread the word and tell your amici and famiglia.

When: Sunday 25th October 2015 – 11am

Where: Piazza Italia, cnr. Lygon Street & Argyle Square Carlton

Visit the website here.