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All-Ages Live Music Venue Catches West End Vibe

With music venues popping up all over inner-city Brisbane, there is seemingly one gap that remains to be filled – the all-ages music scene.

Photo credit: Live From Outer Space/Facebook

Outer Space Artist Run Initiative, an artist-run initiative, is filling that void as it presents Live From Outer Space. The music program is an all-ages live music event specifically tailored to the local West End community.

A special introductory run of Live From Outer Space is happening in January 2018. The events will feature local musicians that are sure to capture the vibe of Westenders.

From February 2018, Outer Space will host the all-ages live music event on the last Friday and Saturday of each month at its warehouse on Montague Road in West End.

Since it is an all-ages music event, Live From Outer Space is drug-free and alcohol-free.

Event Details

Dates:	Last Friday and Saturday of the month starting February 2018
Time:	7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Tickets:	$10
Venue:	1/170 Montague Road, West End

January is extra special as there will be three live music events. This is as Outer Space makes the most of its empty warehouse, which is currently undergoing renovation.

The gallery’s first major exhibition is also still in the works, so it is the perfect time to launch the music program.

January Schedule:

Friday 12 January 2018	Spirit Bunny // Ultra Material // Slumlawwd
Saturday 20 January 2018	Rivermouth // Accomplice Collective // ARIG
Saturday 27 January 2018	The Delicates // Requin // Gooby Jim

Outer Space Expansion

Live From Outer Space is part of Outer Space’s expansion, thanks to ongoing support from the Brisbane City Council. The main focus of the non-for-profit gallery and studio is to educate and engage the community through the arts.

Aside from the all-ages music program, Outer Space is also expanding to include an affordable studio residency program, an annual exhibition and a community space dedicated to alternative education.

Find out more about the Outer Space programs.

West End Seen to Lead Growth in Queensland Property Market in 2018

Queensland’s property market is expected to continue its growth in 2018, with suburbs such as West End and Carina leading the pack.

Brisbane is expected to see price increases in the housing sector this year, after a slowdown towards the end of 2017. The slowdown was apparent across the country, particularly in Sydney.

CoreLogic, a top source of property market data, indicates that prices would grow much faster in 2018 than in the previous year in Brisbane. Growth would be primarily buoyed by improvements in the job generation and continuous migrant influx.

While Brisbane trailed Sydney and Melbourne in recent years in terms of dwelling values, the outlook remains strong for Brisbane. CoreLogic revealed that Brisbane dwelling prices were 46% lower than those in Sydney and 32% than in Melbourne. This price difference gives Brisbane the affordability advantage.

CoreLogic reviews Brisbane’s Housing Market in 2017. (Credit: CoreLogic Australia/YouTube)

Growth Areas

Brisbane suburbs that are predicted to do well in the property market are West End and Carina. West End has always been a favourite in Brisbane’s property sector. This is mainly because of its proximity to the CBD and the Brisbane State High School catchment.

Property buyers may have to get into the action quickly if they are interested in the attractive West End market. That’s because the supply is not as high due to strong demand. Houses typically sell quick, so many people tend to miss out on the opportunity.

Another bright spot in the market is Carina, which has had consistent growth in the last five years but dwindled in 2017. Property experts predict strong investment opportunities in the suburb, thanks to quality schools and sound road infrastructure.

Other areas expected to become more popular among investors are Mount Gravatt East, Kenmore and Cannon Hill.

Rocky Horror Show Comes Back to Brisbane

Hot Patootie, bless my soul! Frank N Furter and the gang are back to bring the world’s favourite rock n’ roll musical to Brisbane.

The global hit Rocky Horror Show is on the road again, this time touring Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne. It will be playing at South Brisbane’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) from 17 January 2018. The show will run for three weeks before it moves to Perth.

Event Details

What:

Rocky Horror Show

When:

17 January 2018 – 11 February 2018

Where:

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)
Corner Melbourne Street and Grey Street, South Brisbane

Book Now

Cult Following

Craig Mclachlan is back to reprise the role of Sweet Transvestite Frank N Furter., while Cameron Daddo will play the role of the Narrator in the classic musical known for its cult following since it first played in 1973. Expect those who have seen it before to see it again for the nth time just to delight in the Rocky experience.

Photo credit: Rocky Horror Show Australia/Facebook

Rocky Horror Show is one big party where it’s normal for the audience to come dressed up like the characters in the show, talk back lines and sing along to the catchy music.

First time to see the show? Rocky Horror Show has written up a thorough guide for virgins. It should be a good guide to… lessen the shock.

Read the Virgin’s Guide to Rocky Horror Show.

About the Musical

The musical comedy follows the adventure of newly engaged Brad and Janet. The prim-and-proper sweethearts run into tyre trouble on their way to visit their old college professor. They seek help at the castle of mad transvestite scientist Dr Frank N Furter, creator of a Frankenstein-like hunk named Rocky, “with blonde hair and a tan.”

Frank N Furter takes the wholesome couple on a naughty, sexy journey they will never forget.

The show mixes science fiction, horror B movie with a lot of sexiness to boot. The best part, of course, is the music that has enamoured audiences for decades. Sing along to classics such as Dammit Janet, Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul and Sweet Transvestite. Then, it’s time to do the pelvic thrust when they start doing The Time Warp again.

Loft West End to Host Free-Entry New Year’s Eve Party

While everybody else is lining up to get in a crowded party to end the year, Loft West End is teaming up with Sofi Spritz to throw a free-entry New Year’s Eve party at its Boundary Street venue in West End.

Aside from being a free event, the NYE Summer Spritz Party has heaps of fun prizes and giveaways in store for party goers. Two of the top DJs in Brisbane will also be there to make sure that everyone will have an amazing New Year’s Eve.

Event Details

What:	NYE Summer Spritz Party
When:	Sunday 31 December 2017 – Monday 1 January 2018 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Where:	Loft West End 100 Boundary Street, West End

Launch Party

The Loft West End event will also be the official launch party of Sofi Spritz as it introduces its new White Peach & Ginger Spritz.

The first 100 people at the party will take home a New Year’s Eve Party pack, which includes Sofi Spritz product, merchandise and other goodies.

Sofi Spritz is also giving away a $500 NYE Food and Beverage Package. Check their Event page to learn how to enter.

The new flavour is all-Australian and all-natural, perfectly blending the white peach and ginger with white wine and a dash of soda water.

Sofi Spritz is known for creating premium quality Australian wine using locally sourced ingredients. Its flavours drew inspiration from Mediterranean heritage, bringing some Italian style to Australia’s relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

Step Back in Time to 19th Century Prison at Dutton Park’s Heritage-Listed Boggo Road Gaol

With kids taking a breather from school, it’s an opportune time to visit jail and learn about the history of what was once the main prison in Queensland.

Boggo Road Gaol on Annerley Road in Dutton Park offers tours that will give visitors a glimpse of the history of Australia’s most notorious prison, which was closed in July 1992.

After its closure, the Number 2 Division remnant of the Number 1 Division of Boggo Road Gaol was added to the Queensland Heritage Register for its significance in Queensland history and cultural heritage.

Photo credit: Queensland Heritage Register

The state prison is deemed important in showing 19th-century penological principles and changes to prisoner accommodation. Boggo Road Gaol is also exemplary of Queensland institutional architecture that needs to be preserved for appreciation of future generations.

History Tour

The History of Boggo Road Gaol Tour is kid friendly and provides a peek into the daily life of inmates, officer’s duties, riots and roof-top protests. Visitors will hear of the dramatic escapes of “Slim” Halliday, dubbed the “Houdini of Boggo Road.”

The history tour happens daily at 11:00 a.m. and can be booked exclusively by any group of more than 10 people.

The 1-hour-and-15-minute long guided tour includes entry to Number 2 Division, visits to the gatehouse, yards and exploration of the F Wing cell block where the rooftop protest happened in 1988. Visitors will also see the original cells and graffiti.

Boggo Road Gaol also provides ghost tours every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. There is also a Prisoner Tour guided by a former prisoner, an Escapes Tour focusing on some of the dramatic escapes from Number 2 Division and an Officer Tour guided by a former officer of the prison.

Book any of the tours by contacting 0411 111 903 or by emailing grouptours@boggoroadgaol.com.

Find out more about the Boggo Road Gaol tours.

Get Directions

Locals Asked to Share Ideas on West End’s Davies Park Upgrade

Brisbane City Council wants locals to have their say regarding future improvements to Davies Park in West End. Residents can send feedback by 1 December 2017.

Davies Park has long been an integral part of West End green space since more than 100 years ago. With the project, planners and designers hope to reinvigorate the park, enhance its attractiveness and explore other recreation possibilities.

The plan is to upgrade portions of the park that are currently being leased. Areas for development include a grassy strip of parkland on Jane Street where there are existing mature trees.

Another portion that will be enhanced is a piece of land along Montague Road. The council and Souths Leagues Club are working together to come up with options to enhance the interaction between the club and the parkland.

Improvements to a shared laneway will also be investigated. Since the laneway is currently being used for community market, the proposals would consider market functionality, aside from pavement and shade.

The fourth area that will be upgraded is the riverside edge parkland. This portion of Davies Park offers scenic views of Brisbane River and is home to a historic gas tower landmark.

Sending Feedback

Residents can send suggestions and comments about Davies Park improvements by filling in the online feedback form.

They can also attend the coming sessions in November 2017 to discuss improvements to Davies Park.

Session 1	West End Markets (Montague Road end), West End	Saturday 11 November 2017 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Session 2	The Colossus Reception Lounge, 71 Jane Street, West End	Thursday 16 November 2017 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Session 3	Kurilpa Hall, 174 Boundary Street, West End	Saturday 18 November 2017 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

In early 2018, the council will incorporate the suggestions and comments from residents to develop draft options. A consultation period will then follow to see what the community thinks of the draft options.

Learn more about the Davies Park improvement project.

For more information, contact the council at 07 3403 8888.

Hundred Types of Gin, Immense Gardens at Upcoming Covent Garden at West End

After closing Lock ‘n’ Load, the bistro’s owners are refurbishing the space to create a modern gin house.

Covent Garden will be serving more than a hundred types of gin to patrons at the former Lock ‘n’ Load location at 142 Boundary Street in West End.

True to its name, Covent Garden will feature a refreshing tropical garden, where guests can relax and enjoy the quenching drinks the bar can offer. The venue will have upper and lower courtyards, a stained-glass skydome and a balcony with a view of Boundary Street.

The multi-level gin joint will offer a wide selection of Australian craft gins, ciders and craft beers on tap. Food at the gin bar is sure to go well with the drinks. The menu would include to-share boards, roast lamb shoulder, smoked salmon and boutique sandwiches.

Adapting to Development

The new gin joint took inspiration from West End, London’s Covent Garden, which used to be a fruit and vegetable market. After massive traffic and development engulfed the area, Covent Garden was transformed to cater to the broader demand. Today, it is a popular shopping and dining destination bursting with history and culture.

The Brisbane Covent Garden can relate to the London story. As high-rise developments flourish around the West End suburb, the owners of the former Lock ‘n’ Load bistro felt that there is a need for a grander change.

The venue is expected to open on 16 November 2017.

Covent Garden will be giving away a double pass to its launch party. Sign up for updates to enter the draw.

Best of Urban Art on the Spotlight at West End Street Art Festival

All the best in urban art and design will be the highlight at this year’s West End Street Art Festival.

Brisbane has a habit of holding a festival for all things that locals love, so it is just fitting that West End is the venue for a festivity putting the spotlight on street art.

The event, which will be on Sunday 22 October 2017, will bring together all the top street artworks by some of the best artists from Brisbane and the rest of Australia.

Since early October, artists have been painting large murals on Boundary Street and Russell Street. They will be celebrated at the end of the festival on 22 October.

Among the artworks to be featured are murals by Drapl, Leans, Treas, David Hougton, Mr Mupz, the Brightsiders, Kate Hallen and many more.

Event Details

What:	West End Street Art Festival
When:	Sunday 22 October 2017 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where:	Russell Street, West End
Tickets:	$10 at the door, $5 pre-sale Pre-sale tickets will go to a raffle to win any of the following prizes: 10 x $50 WESAF shopping vouchers 10 x double passes to New Farm cinema values at $32 each 3 x $100 Archive vouchers 3 x $50 Catchment Brewing Co vouchers Buy Tickets

What to Expect

The festival will be filled with art and design, murals, street food, live music and interactive workshops. There will be live painting sessions that will benefit charitable organisations and three clay workshops by Jade Tree Ceramics.

Digital walking tours will help attendees as they explore the street murals at the festival.

More than 100 market stalls will line up the street to showcase the best handcrafted items and art pieces. Over 30 food stalls will offer delightful eats to art enthusiasts, while special festival brew will be at pubs in the festival zone.

Some of Brisbane’s up and coming musicians will be at the event to provide live entertainment for the festival.

Learn more about West End Street Art Festival.

Ducks Race to Fight Cancer at West End’s Summertime Riverfest

The biggest duck race in Australia is all set and it’s all for a good cause. The ducks are psyched up and ready to battle cancer at this year’s Summertime Riverfest.

Photo credit: Give Cancer the Quack/Facebook

Summertime Riverfest promises to be one quacking day filled with live entertainment, great food and rubber duckies racing over the Brisbane River. The event will be on Saturday 21 October 2017 at Riverside Drive in West End.

The duck race event will benefit cancer research at the PA Research Foundation.

Event Details

What:

Summertime Riverfest

When:

Saturday 21 October 2017
12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.

Where:

Riverside Drive, West End

Get Duck Tickets

Main Race

The main race will be at 4:00 p.m. and will see thousands of rubber ducks sailing into the Brisbane River for a 100-metre race.

Winners of the race will win the following prices:

First prize: A Motor Vehicle Valued at $45,000.
Second prize: $15,000 Travel Voucher.
Third prize: A Stessco 389 Squire Boat with 2 Stroke Suzuki Outboard Valued at $10,000.
Fourth prize: $4,200 Travel Voucher

The miniature ducks will be racing within a barricaded area. Event staff will collect them afterwards so that there are no rubber duckies left wandering around the river.

Quacking Fun Time

Giant ducks will also race at the Celebrity Duck Race, which will feature celebrities racing to the finish of a 50-metre course.

Food at the venue will not disappoint as the Regatta Hotel prepares a one-of-a-kind line up of delectable food at the Regatta Gourmet Street.

Holistic Hospitality also prepared Riverfest hampers for those who wish to do a picnic at the festival. A picnic hamper will include plates, cutlery, napkins as well as picnic blankets, which will be collected after the event. Part of the proceeds will go to Give Cancer the Quack!

Order a picnic hamper here.

Kids can play all day at the St George Gone Quackers Kids Zone. The kids’ zone will have face painting, tea cup rides, jumping castles and the St George Queensland Reds Inflatable Football Field.

It will be a fun-filled festival with entertainment from Network TEN celebrities live on stage. Ollie and Elly from Toasted TV will also be at the event.

Heading entertainment at the Pradella River Stage is the Antipodean Rock ‘n’ Roll Collective (ARC). The group features Kram from Spiderbat, Mark Wilson from Jet, Davey Lane from You Am I, and Darren Middleton from Powderfinger. They will be performing their hits from their respective bands.

Other performers include CKNU, Screamfeeder, Louise Adams, LSPhilosophy, The Hi-Boys and We All Want To.

Ducks Against Cancer

Summertime Riverfest is organised and sponsored by Give Cancer the Quack, which aims to support cancer research at the PA Research Foundation.

Various prizes are up for grabs. Anyone can also make a donation to PA Research Foundation any time.

View the program.

Find out more about Summertime Riverfest.

Event:	Sunset Social
Date:	Fortnightly 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Venue:	Davies Park 120 Jane Street, West End
Cost:	FREE